#joaquin torres angst

[browneyedluvr]

JOAQUÍN TORRES

oneshots

love birds. by websterss

gazes by joaquinwhorres

senses by petertingle-yipyip

from shadows to sunshine by wondergotham

soft hearted by fireinmoonshot

strawberry danishes by fireinmoonshot

5 year difference by websterss

endlessly falling by donottouchredbutton

in a heartbeat by donottouchredbutton

his secret by writingdumpster

back to you by mischiefmanaged71

hope ur ok by mischiefmanaged71

jealous!joaquin by halliejaade

about love by fireinmoonshot

detour by blackbat05

blurbs

friends to lovers by sunsburns

grumpy x sunshine by almadelsur

headcanons

high school sweetheart by writermai05

series

edelweiss by halliejaade

[happypopcornprincess]

Chapter 2 || Illicit Affairs

Pairings - Joaquin Torres X fem!Reader

Premise - Actions are questioned, and emotions clash admits the arrival of the mission.

Word Count - 4.5K

Warnings: SMUT, Language, Angst, Mentions of blood, DV, Abuse

Series Masterlist

Two Days later

“How are you doing y/n?” Bucky spoke up as you entered the briefing room.

You smiled at him as you took your seat in the room, “I’m doing great, how are you?” you take out your essentials and set up your things for the briefing.

“Been a while since you showed up in casuals,” he pointed to the loose white t-shirt and sweats you were wearing.

Oh shit.

You look down at your… well, Joaquin’s clothes, “I was working in the lab last night.” you let out a nervous laugh.

“Nice cologne,” Bucky smirks.

Wait… does he know something?

You narrowed your eyes at him when he looked away. You haven’t told anybody about the… arrangement with Joaquin. But then, he has been your neighbor for as long as you can remember.

Before you could brainstorm further, Sam entered, as well as other members of the team. Shang-Chi, Kate, and surprisingly, Kamala. She waved at you excitedly, and you returned the same. You were not expecting the newest, and the youngest member of your team here. Sam was trying to include her around the campus, let her see how things go around. As Kamala was still figuring out her powers, it will be a while when she will be on a real mission on ground. She had weaseled her way to you, automatically making you her ‘mentor’.

Sam begins, “Good morning team, hope you all are well rested and hydrated, because this may take a while.” Laughs erupted, and eventually settled down as Sam took on the projector.

Pictures you have seen countless times on TV appeared on it, “All thanks to y/n and Kate's months long investigations, We have discovered that after New Year’s Eve… oh, there you are.”

The door opened with a creek, heads turned, and in came Joaquin.

Freshly shaved, hair still wet from the shower, haphazardly put together in a casual outfit, standing in the doorway out of breath and wide eyed looking around the room.

You very well knew why he was late, and avoided his eyes pretending to write in your planner.

��Take a seat Torres.” Sam spoke, and you heard hurried footsteps carrying him right to the seat in front of you.

“Sorry guys…” he apologized as he slid into his seat.

His scent invaded your senses, some dollar store product he uses everyday mixed with a scent so… Joaquin. You couldn’t resist but look up.

His eyes were already on you.

You lock his gaze for a second, Sam’s voice just a murmur in the background as the memories of last night danced in your mind. The loose t-shirt you were wearing felt hot to be in.

You quickly look at the projector, choosing to focus on the mission you will be leaving for soon, because you knew if you looked in his eyes for a second more… you would be in a lot of trouble.

The briefing didn’t last too long; Kingpin, to nobody’s surprise, escaped death on Christmas. All this while you were searching for him in the mainland, he was in mexico… planning something meticulous.

The mission was pretty straightforward; move in with two teams surrounding him from both sides of his hideout, and bring him back to the states alive to face trial.

“We move in 48 hours; there will be two teams; one moving Point A, the outskirts of the hideout, and another moving Point B, led by bucky. Get your gears up. Good luck.”

Sam got out first with Bucky on his heels, talking in hushed tones about the upcoming mission.

You took your time gathering up your things all while having small talk with Kamala. She was new, and you had a thing for guiding the new ones around. She excitedly told you about her latest mission with Maria and Carol in outer space, and you had to ask, “So, you met goose?”

Her eyes blew wide, “Oh my god, yes! He freaked me out a bit at first, but now I always hug him anytime we meet and Mr. Fury looks at me like I raided his house.”

You laughed as you got out of the room with her, but before you could say anything, Joaquin materialized before you, like a particularly handsome, slightly stressed genie.

“Hello y/n.” he smiles.

“Hey Joaquin.” You smile back.

“Hey Joaquin.” Kamala waves at him.

“Hey Kamala.” Joaquin's eyes flickered between you and Kamala, a silent plea for rescue in their depths.

“y/n, I just wanted to talk to you about the thing I told you the other day.” He asks you.

“What thing?” you play dumb.

“Yeah, what thing?” Kamala intervenes.

Joaquin looks like he is about to pass out, “You know, the thing.” He repeated, a forced smile appearing on his face.

“I'm afraid I don't follow,” you replied, enjoying his discomfort. 

“Just come with me, I need to have a chat.” He practically begs, almost whining.

Kamala chirps up, “can I come with you guys?” blissfully unaware of what was happening.

You look at his face, his pupils blown wide, the outline of his dog tags visible underneath his white shirt, and the way his body was angled towards yours, his self-control clearly stretched thin.

You took pity on his plight, “It’s about the Flag smashers Kamala,” you turned towards Kamala, “I’ll meet you in the common room in an hour.”

“Two hours.” Joaquin ads.

“Okay.” Kamala smiled, blissfully unaware of the situation between you and Joaquin.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Joaquin grabbed your arm, not roughly, but with the urgency of a man trying to defuse a bomb, and dragged you towards the living quarters, pulling you close as if to avoid drawing attention.

As soon as you enter his room, he slams the door shut, and you against it.

“You are in a lot of trouble.” He breaths out, his lips inches away from yours.

His hands grab your shoulders, pressing you tight on the door, his frame caging your body. You jut your chin towards him, looking him right in his pretty brown eyes. “It wasn't my fault you tied yourself to the bed.”

He presses his chest to yours, “It was your fault to leave me there this morning. Took me 20 minutes to get out of them.”

His body heat against yours made your head spin. “What about it then?” your breath quickened.

“You’ll find out.” He practically manhandles you, pushing you on his bed. You do quick work on your t-shirt, his t-shirt, while looking around the bed, still unmade from your activities last night.

He takes off his shirt, and then it’s a blur of clothes being thrown around and your bodies fighting to be on top.

“Easy tiger,” you breathed out as he bit your neck.

“Can’t wait to taste you…” he moaned as he slowly sucked on your skin.

You grab a fistful of his hair, “I think you’re a bit pussy drunk, lieutenant.”

“Ay carino,” he chuckled, closing his eyes, “don’t act like you don’t want me to have my way with you right now.”

“Mmm hmm,” you bite your lip, your legs clenching his waist just by the thought of how you had him handcuffed to the bed, how he withered and moaned beneath your touch all night.

Until you hear a click, and feel cool metal on your wrists.

You look above you, breathless, and see your hands bound together with cuffs on the metal frame of his bed.

“Oh please,” you grumble, your heartbeat doing a summersault inside your chest imagining what’s about to happen next.

Joaquin’s face hovered over yours, his face flushed, “you brought this upon yourself carino,” he breathed out, blowing raspberries on your chest as you laughed, “is this okay?” his big brown eyes find yours, his eyebrows raised in concern. “Yep.” you smile, pecking his lips, “now get to work.” you grind yourself on his already hard cock, which results in him crashing his lips on yours.

----------

And that's the thing about illicit affairs And clandestine meetings and stolen stares They show their truth one single time But they lie, and they lie, and they lie A million little times

Warm hands running down your waist, he drew feather light circles on your skin. Facing him, you laid your head on the pillow next to him. The floor to ceiling length windows in his room showed the sky outside turning pink from the setting sun. 

“What about this?” you trace a scar on his collarbone that’s barely visible. Judging from how it has mended, it looked years old.

He smiles, his hands going up, the skin above your ribs, “Biking accident.”

“Biking?” you raised your eyebrows in shock.

He rolls his eyes, “I used to race with my friends after school. Had to be rushed to the ER after falling down a canal. Got grounded for a month.”

There was something about him looking at peace, smiling, and telling you stories about his past that made a smile etched on your face on its own, imagining him as a kid running around the streets of his small town. 

He runs his fingers through the stray strands of your hair. “You must have done something like that with your friends back then. You can tell me, you know”

Your smile fades thinking about the past, the last five years of how you were all alone while your friends and family were…

Sensing that you don’t want to talk about it, he gently closed his fingers around your wrists. He brings them up to his lips and kisses them. Your eyes travel to the red marks on your hands, and then to his eyes.

Those big brown eyes, looking right at you with a level of intensity that made your heart race. It had happened a lot recently, you had seen this before; it increased every time you fell on his bed.

He was your… friend? Lover? You had agreed to not pull any labels between you. But the line between having casual sex to being friends to expecting more has been blurring a lot recently. At Least for you.

You sat upright, gathering the sheets to cover yourself. Joaquin opens his mouth to say something but you blurt out, “Kamala must be waiting for me. Better get to her before she asks around for me.”

Take the words for what they areA dwindling, mercurial highA drug that only workedThe first few hundred times

You throw in a forceful smile, and pretend not to see the hurt that flashed on Joaquin’s face as you dressed up.

“How about dinner tonight?” he asks you, “I can come over…”

“I’m going to Peter’s place.” you cut him off. Looking at him you see him sitting up, leaning back on the headboard. You threw a forceful smile, “It’s been a while since I met aunt may, and I miss her food so,” you huff out, doing quick work on your clothes that you had worn the day before.

You gathered your things and opened the door, getting a last look at him as he sat on the bed, speechless, his eyes begging you to explain your sudden reaction.

And you know damn well For you, I would ruin myself A million little times

“Take care Joaquin.” You manage to speak up, before leaving his room.

His fault. The voice inside your head took the reins. He should have known this was only physical the minute it started.

It's his fault he caught feelings.

What you missed, was another, faint sound somewhere on the back of your head;

Maybe it’s mine too.

You were pulled out of your thoughts as your phone rang, it was Bucky.

“Congratulations kiddo.” he laughed through the call.

“What?” you asked, bewildered.

“Your first mission on the field. You're coming with us to mexico.”

—/—/—

Your apartment felt too small, each step a frantic attempt to outrun the rising panic. You were shaking, a tremor that started deep inside and radiated outwards. That phone call...it had sent you reeling, a need to escape, to be here, in your own space, overwhelming. 

Why am I getting nervous? The thought raced through your mind, a desperate plea for logic. Months of training. Years of martial arts. I'm ready. But the words felt hollow, a flimsy shield against the tidal wave of anxiety.

A faint voice echoed in your head, a cruel, familiar sound: You useless little shit! Can you do anything on your own without me nagging you for it?

The floor seemed to tilt, your knees buckling beneath you. Your chest tightened, a burning sensation that spread like wildfire, choking the air from your lungs. The room spun, the walls closing in. You gasped, a desperate attempt to draw a breath, but your lungs refused to cooperate.

Memories, unwanted and vivid, flashed before your eyes, a relentless slideshow of the past. You were trapped, a helpless spectator forced to relive every agonizing moment. The world narrowed, the present fading into the overwhelming weight of the past. 

You couldn't stop it; you couldn't escape.

"Cigarette in hand, your father stood mere feet away as your mother struck you, the wooden stick raised for another blow.

“How many was it?” she screamed, her voice a jolt to your already terrified nerves.

“Fi- five…” you managed between sobs.

“Five more,” your father stated in a chilling tone, dragging on his cigarette.

Your wails intensified, tears streaming down your face, but your mother continued, dropping the stick and resorting to her hands.

“How could you break all those glasses while washing, Y/N!” she slapped you again. “You’re seven! When I was your age, I could handle the entire kitchen on my own, and you can’t even wash dishes!”

Amidst your sobs and your mother’s shouts, you heard the front door open and hurried footsteps on the hardwood floor rushing into the kitchen.

“Ma!” your brother, Colton, ran in, throwing his baseball glove to the floor. He positioned himself between you and your mother. “Please, stop.”

“Colton, get away now, or you’ll get a beating from my hands!” she screamed, startling you. Your hands burned, your back ached, and your legs trembled from the pain.

“Ma, I’ll help with the dishes, okay? Just let her go this time,” he pleaded. Then, your father grabbed him by the arm and shook him.

“Listen here, boy,” he growled, “you ain’t doing no dishes in this house, alright? Let your ma handle her, and get out before I get my belt.”

You still don’t know what possessed you, but you ran. You fled the kitchen, the house, your bare feet carrying you at full speed across the front yard and into the vast fields of your family farm.

Your mother screamed for you to stop, Colton close behind, but you didn’t dare look back. You ran.

Ten-year-old Colton found you hours later, passed out in the fields, dehydrated and sunburned. You spent weeks in the hospital, enduring IVs while your parents belittled you for wasting their hard-earned money on a useless kid like you.

Because you overreacted to their discipline.

“Y/N!”

You gasped, jerking awake at the sound of your name. A cough, building in your throat, finally escaped, and Joaquin rubbed your back as you clung to his hand, your grip desperate. You were on the floor, disoriented, sweat slicking your body, and delirious.

“It’s alright,” Joaquin murmured, pulling you into a hug. You realized you were shivering, and you held onto him tighter, his warmth enveloping you.

“I- I don’t know- how-” you gasped, trying to make sense of what had just happened, but a sob escaped, and you began to cry. You cried for reasons unknown to you at that moment, your chest heaving, your breath erratic.

Joaquin said nothing, simply holding you closer. He rubbed your back, brushed your hair away from your face, and wiped your tears, offering silent comfort.

After what felt like hours of sobbing in Joaquin's arms, you finally calmed down. Silence settled in your apartment as your breathing returned to normal and the shaking subsided.

Joaquin didn’t release you.

“Joaquin…” you whispered, turning to him. He gently loosened his hold, his hands still resting on your arms. When you looked at him, your chest tightened with a surge of emotion.

His eyebrows were furrowed in worry, his eyes filled with concern. “Y/N…”

“I don’t know,” you said, with genuine confusion in your voice. “I was… walking, and then I was on the floor, and you…”

“Okay, okay…” he rubbed your arms reassuringly. “Let’s get you up.”

“I haven’t packed… and…”

He cut you off. “It’s fine, it’s fine, we’ll take care of that later.” He looped an arm around your back and another under your knees, lifting you as if you weighed nothing.

“Joaquin, I-” you protested, but he simply hugged you closer as he carried you to your bedroom.

He laid you on the bed, quickly clearing away the scattered items, and pulled the covers over you. You curled into yourself, watching as he removed his shoes and jacket and lay down beside you.

You could only look at him as he settled in, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. He hadn’t asked any questions, hadn’t questioned the situation, and he refused to leave. His calmness scared you; anyone else would have left you alone.

“I’m sorry,” you blurted out, unable to stop yourself.

He turned his head to look at you, his gentle gaze soothing you. “Don’t say sorry.”

“I don’t know what happened to me,” you said, your throat tightening at the memory of your panic.

“Hey,” he turned fully towards you, keeping a respectful distance. “Go to sleep, okay? We'l in the morning.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind your ear, cupping your face.

You nodded, exhaling, and gathered the courage to ask, “Can you-” you swallowed, “Can you stay?”

A gentle smile spread across his face. “Of course. Where else would I go?”

He lifted your head to rest it on his shoulder, his familiar scent enveloping you. Your tired eyes began to close, and you buried your face in his neck, his warmth making you even sleepier. You hugged him closer, intertwining your legs with his.

That night, sleep came easier than ever."

—/—/—

You open your eyes, tired and swollen, sunlight hitting your face. You scrunch your eyebrows as you wake up, expecting to find your bedroom with clothes lying everywhere.

Instead, you see a neat pile of all your clothes on the end of the bed, and another pile near the dresser.

Joaquin

You hurriedly went out to the kitchen, and there he was, fussing over a sizzling pan of waffles.

His eyes met yours, the sunlight streaming through the windows highlighting his form. He was fresh out of the shower, damp hair sticking up in disarray, wearing a gym shirt he’d left at your place and a pair of well-worn sweats.

“Hi.” you manage to speak.

“Hey.” he breathed out.

You stood there, unable to decide what to say next, and after what seemed like forever, he looked down at the pan for waffles, flipping them, as you made your way into the kitchen.

“Can you get the honey for me please?” he asked.

Upon his request you turned to look at the cupboards, trying to remember where you kept the honey. Your kitchen was just yours in name, it belonged to Joaquin and Shang Chi. 

As you turned back to confess your failure, you found him inches away, his hand reaching for the cabinet above your head, his gaze locked on yours.

His eyes flickered down to your lips and then to your eyes, and you blinked to see if this was real.

“We’re friends, yeah?” you asked, your voice raw with a sincerity you hadn’t intended.

“Friends,” he replied, his gaze returning to your lips.

“Just friends?” you pressed, the memory of last night’s intimacy, the way he held you, replaying in your mind.

“Yeah, just friends,” he huffed, stepping back, the honey bottle now in his hand. You stood frozen, unsure of what to do next.

He turned off the stove, grabbed his jacket from the couch, and headed for the door. “Joaquin…” you called after him, your voice barely a whisper.

“See you at the compound,” he said, slamming the door and leaving without a backward glance.

—/—/—

“Dude! Could you stop!” Kate jumped on the couch to reach Peter, who was sitting upside down on the ceiling, holding her book.

“That's an unfair advantage!” Kamala spoke up, unimpressed, scrolling through her phone sitting next to you and eating chips.

The young avengers were perched around the common room relaxing before facing God knows what awaited them in Mexico. You were busy studying the profile of Maya Lopez, who also disappeared the day Kingpin did. 

“Joaquin! A little help?” Kate shouts in his direction.

He was busy playing video games with Shang Chi, focused solely on the screen in front of him.

“I’m busy Kate.” He shouts, aggressively pressing the buttons on his console.

“Y/n!” Kate’s whines, “tell him to help!”

You closed your laptop to give an annoyed look to Kate, and stopped once you traced Joaquin already looking at you.

You haven’t talked since arriving at the compound, and now every time you look at his big brown eyes… This morning’s conversation makes a question linger in your mind; were you truly just friends?

It’s nothing, it’s nothing, it’s nothing…

“Hell yeah!” Shang-Chi screamed, raising his arms in victory as he won the game while Joaquin was distracted. Laughter sounded all around; you almost missed the ring of your phone.

You picked it up, without looking at who was calling.

“Hello?” 

His voice made you freeze. It was jarring trying to be accustomed to listening to him after so long. Anytime you heard his voice through the phone it shocked you, as you had made peace with yourself over the fact that you would never hear his voice again. 

Without a word you stood up from your place and went to the hallway, all while he spoke through the phone.

“What?” you exclaimed, trying to keep calm.

“Great way of greeting your older brother y/n.” His playful voice traveled through the call, and you could imagine his soft smile while he said that, always there to calm you through anything.

You sighed, “I’m older now, am I not?”

Connor was twenty and you were eighteen.

And now, you are twenty-three, a ghost of the girl you used to be.

Connor was still twenty.

Your family returning after the blip caused more damage to your life than when they vanished. Your brother and parents stayed the same. Meeting them after they returned turned your life upside down for the second time in five years.

“Mom misses you. Dad too.” He says, sadness laced in his voice.

“Didn’t seem like they missed me much the last time I was there.” You leaned on the wall behind, taking a deep breath as you recalled what had happened mere months ago.

“I know you’re hurting bug-“

“Don’t call me that.” You cut him off, hearing your childhood nickname after so long, “weren’t you going back to Georgetown?”

“I am… just… wanted to meet you before I do.” He says, “I’ll make dinner. Just the four of us.”

“I don’t want to have dinner with mom and dad. Is this their idea? forcing you to call me home and scream at me?” you say, the memories of your family’s last meeting haunting you.

The living room air crackled with a rage you knew too well. 

"The hell you mean you won't come back home?" your father bellowed, his southern drawl sharpening with each word, a familiar sign of his disappointment. He watched you, a rigid figure, as you hauled your luggage towards the door.

"Is there anything to come back to?" you asked, your voice flat, the question hanging in the charged atmosphere. Your gaze, heavy with weariness, met his.

The sting of your mother’s slap registered before the sound, a sharp, brutal end to the argument. 

"Ma! Don't!" Connor’s voice, raw with alarm, pierced the silence. 

You turned, your eyes locking with your mother's, the same eyes reflected back at you in the mirror every morning, now twisted with a venomous anger. "Get out of my house," she hissed, her voice a low, guttural threat. "You ain't no daughter of mine."

A coldness settled over you, "You should check the registry before you say that, Ma," you retorted, the words laced with a bitter edge. You turned on your heel, heading for the rented pickup, refusing to witness their reactions.

The engine roared to life against the silence of the driveway. You slammed the accelerator.

"Bug! Wait!" your brother's desperate cry echoed against the hum of the engine, but you didn't slow down. The road blurred through the tears streaming down your face, the pain a burning ache in your chest, your family farm a blur around you.

You cried harder as you saw him, a small, desperate figure running after the truck, calling you by the name only he used, a name that now felt like a cruel mockery of a bond you could never go back to.

“It was my idea.” Your brother sighed, he sounded tired, “I miss you.”

“I’m leaving tomorrow for a mission. I can’t” you state, waiting for a response. All you got was silence on the other end.

“Okay… Stay safe y/n.” he finally says with sadness laced in his tone

“You too.” You say, your thumb hovering over the end call button. Your throat tightened to say you’d meet him when you’re back.

But he cut the call.

You looked at the empty screen of your phone when it turned black, at the face that resembled so much to your brother. You were inseparable since forever, no fight you had ever lasted this long.

This was the only way you could move on. The only way you both could move on.

You sniffled away the tears and walked to the hanger, just to do a final check of everything before leaving tomorrow.

Too caught up in your head, you missed the sound of footsteps that had followed you there.

--------

It was D-Day.

People around you were running wild. Checking equipment, weapons, and the old unused Quinjet that was the only thing big enough to fit everyone.

“You good?” Bucky’s voice forced you to tear your eyes away from Joaquin talking with Sam.

“Yeah, all good.” You reply too quickly for his liking, trying to look busy with your laptop doing a final check.

"You know," Bucky said in a hushed voice, leaning towards you, "I thought you'd be more into bad boys. Never thought of you with the goody-two-shoes lieutenant."

Your head whipped around so fast, you feared you’d given yourself whiplash. With wide eyes and a racing heart, you fumbled for words, "What—I—Bucky, no, we're friends—there's—"

"I live right across you, Y/N," he interrupted, pointing at you with a knowing smirk. "I've seen him sneak in and out of yours at all hours for you two to be 'just friends.'" to your horror, he did finger quotes at ‘just friends’.

You groan, looking at the skies above.

“Who else knows?” you grit through your teeth.

“Just me for now… but others have suspected.” he had the audacity to giggle after he said that.

You debate if this was too late to drown yourself in the nearby pool.

He claps a hand on your shoulder, “hey, I’m glad. It’s good you found someone in your life.”

“When will you find Sam in your bed?” you tease him, a desperate attempt to change the topic.

It worked because he turned red and walked away, “You are a menace.”

“Why thank you.” You shout back.

To Be Continued...

Series Masterlist

A/N - Thank you everyone for sticking with me till the end of this fic! if you liked it please let me know through the asks and the comments. Next Chapter will be up soon... Love y'all, Take Care!

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[tom-whore-dleston]

the three of them

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x f. reader, Joaquin Torres x f. reader, Sam Wilson x f. reader

This fic contains: angst, multiple situationships, implied poly!reader, long distance, implied infidelity, poetry format

Notes: This is my submission for this week's @flashfictionfridayofficial theme: Great Expectations. The dating life is currently all over the place and I just wanted to dump all my feelings towards the relationships I have in a poetic way.

“What do you want?” They ask.

Isn’t it obvious?

You want Bucky.

But you also want Joaquin. 

And then there’s also Sam.

In a perfect world, you would have all three of them. 

Maybe even more if you wanted to.

Your heart is big enough to love them all the same.

Bucky feels a strong connection with you, yet he has Natasha.

It’s so confusing to both you and Bucky.

But Bucky makes you feel oh so good.

More than any other man has in your life.

Joaquin also wants you, but the distance between you both is greater than the yearning you have for one another.

Joaquin admires your artistic abilities and your passions.

He sees himself in you, hence why he loves you the way he does.

Someone said they see why you and Joaquin click.

Because you and Joaquin don’t take life so seriously.

You both know how to have fun and be silly.

You met Sam amongst the storm that is Bucky and Joaquin.

He is a safe haven for you. 

But this safe haven will be shipped off to the other side of the world before you know it. 

You have all this love in your heart that you’re ready to give.

But is now the right time?

Perhaps, there is another man, maybe woman, that is Bucky, Joaquin, and Sam combined.

They could be out there in this world.

It’s up to you if you want to explore that possibility.

But you’re not ready to let go of Bucky, Joaquin or Sam yet. 

You suppose that’s okay.

Until those dreams manifest into nightmares.

What do you want?

Who will you choose?

In the end, you must choose yourself, no matter what or who you want.

Navigation | Fanfic Masterlist | Bucky Barnes Masterlist | Joaquin Torres Masterlist | Sam Wilson Masterlist

[backtothefanfiction]

Hiii!! I was wondering if you can write a joaquin torres x reader enemies to lovers? Thank uu

Under Your Skin | Joaquin Torres x Reader

Summary: an afternoon of training takes a turn for the infuriating when you are partnered with Joaquin… but maybe he’s not as bad as you think

Warnings: fighting, angst, nakedness (no smut), kissing

Word Count: don’t know, a couple thousand, I wrote this in app

A/N: this turned into something. Hope people enjoy.

“Kahn you’re with Bishop. Chavez, Williams. Y/L/N, Torres!”

“Uh no! Not happening!” you called out indignantly, refusing to even look at the man Sam had partnered you with for these drills.

“Why? What the problem Y/N worried I’ll beat you?” Joaquin jibed.

“No,” you turned your head to look at him disdainfully as the others left the three of you and began to spar with one another. “I’m worried I’ll kill you?” you gritted.

“Don’t worry,” he grinned playfully, “I won’t let you.” You rolled your eyes as his words worked to irritate you more.

Joaquin was always so peppy and he ALWAYS had something to say and you were so over it.

“Oh I’m gonna try,” you said stepping forward, your fingers curled up into fists ready to lunge just as Sam stepped between you two.

“Alright. ENOUGH!” he stressed and you reluctantly backed down. “Now you’re supposed to be a team. So act like one. You think me and Bucky used to get along?” he asked the two of you, but neither of you would look at him or each other, let alone answer. “NO!” he stressed again. “But did we try to work together because we were on the same team?” There was another painful pause as he waited for either of you to answer. “Yes!” he said, finally answering the question himself. “Now whether you like it or not, you’re teammates, so you better start finding a way to work together. Or else it could be everybody else’s ass that’s on the line,” he affirmed, before he walked away, encouraging you both to work this out between you like adults.

Joaquin folded his arms and swayed back and forth as he watched Sam leave you to it. “Soooo, are we doing this or?”

You let out a deep sigh as you rolled your eyes yet again at your situation, slowly resigning yourself to it, before you stepped forward, reaching for his arm. You seized the opportunity, using his brief moment of unpreparedness to flip him over your shoulder and onto his back.

He let out a grunt as he went down onto the mat with a loud thud, a quick look of confusion washing over his face as he reoriented himself. “Okay, if that’s how it’s gonna be.” he grunted before reaching out for your arm, his ankles tucking behind yours to pull you down to the floor with him before he rolled himself over you to pin you in place.

You sneered as you adjusted your other arm to reach for his wrist, forcing it out the way to alleviate the pressure on your chest and give you enough wiggle room to fight back. You brought your legs up crossing them over his chest, his arms tucked in tight to disarm him and rolled you both so you were back on top and sitting on his chest.

“Ready to submit pretty boy.” you asked him as you used your whole body weight to push him back down into the training mat.

“Nope,” he grunted, “but it’s nice to know you think I’m pretty.” he said, flashing you his signature pearly white grin.

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Don’t need to.” he grunted again before he bucked his whole body and you had to do a forward roll over his head so you didn’t smash your face into the floor as the two of you became disconnected.

You both quickly got back to your feet, your chests heaving with the exertion of the tussle. As you took him in, all golden muscles and shiny teeth, you really wanted to smack the smug look off of his face.

“Come on then, Firecracker, that all you got,” he taunted.

“Don’t call me that!” you gritted at him through your teeth before you charged at him. You took a run and jump in order to get some leverage, climbing up his body before swinging your whole weight around the back of his neck and down, forcing him into a roll again, his back slamming down onto the mat as he was laid out. You quickly rolled off of him, reaching for his arm before manipulating him onto his front and pulling his arm up behind him as you pinned his chest to the ground.

“Uhhhgg, seriously,” he grunted into the mat, “what did I do to make you hate me so much.” You didn’t have an answer for him.

Technically Joaquin had never really done anything it was just his energy that tended to rub you up the wrong way. If you were a black cat, he was a golden retriever. He was high energy and happy and in everybody else’s business. You would rather stay in your own energy and keep to yourself and absolutely left alone. He found a way to make a joke out of everything. It never felt like he took anything serious and you always felt like the butt of his jokes. The easy prey. Little nicknames or backwards references to the others about your moody demeanour. And that was all before you added his suck up mentality with Wilson. ‘Mr all oooh I’m the new Falcon. I’m best buds with Captain America.’ Barf.

“No? Not got answer for that?” he grumbled into the mat as you pushed his face further into it, willing him to actually stay quiet for once. But it was no use. “Fine.” he mumbled before he once again rolled his body to buck you off. You both rolled, once- twice- until he had you well and truly pinned to the floor. He was sat so high up on your chest you could neither move your arms or legs. You were completely at his mercy.

“See here’s the thing,” he continued while he had you trapped. His captive audience. “I don’t think you hate me at all. I think, you secretly like me and I’m so far away from everything you expect to like, so you do everything you can to put me down or push me away. It’s easier to pretend you hate me, than to admit to everyone else that I’m under your skin,” he taunted as your wriggled beneath him, trying desperately to get free, but failing miserably.

“You wish. No wonder they made you the Falcon with that bird brain of yours.” you taunted back.

“Go on, keep being mean to me. See what happens.”

“Uhhhgg get off me,” you groaned, his weight pushing into your chest. There were rules about not using your abilities in combat training to make it fair on the opponents who didn’t have abilities, but you were almost at the end of your tether and you weren’t above burning his arrogant ass.

You knew he could feel your skin beginning to heat up beneath his thighs as a warning, but still he didn’t relent.

“Oh come on now. Just admit it. I’m under your skin.” he retorted.

You groaned and struggled again to be free as his thighs began to squeeze the tops of your arms harder.

“Admit it!”

“FINE!” you finally shouted at him. “YOU’RE UNDER MY SKIN! Are you happy now! Now get the fuck off me!”

As you both got up off the floor, you finally noticed all eyes had been on your little scrap. It was the final straw. You felt like something under a fucking microscope. “You know what,” you huffed brushing yourself off. “Fuck this.” you muttered before walk out the training room, wanting to go on a run around the grounds on your own to clear your head.

Who the fuck did he think he was anyway? You had been working with the Avengers longer than all of them. You were friends with Captain America long before Sam took up the mantle. You trained with Natasha. They had never even met her.

Your lungs began to burn as you headed towards the trees, your legs and arms pumping harder, your focus determined as you followed the trail you always ran. The leaves and twigs crunched under your feet with every thundering step you took, but the further you went, the better you felt. You had always worked better alone. There was no one else to second guess you or undermine your decisions or get in your way. No one to talk your ears off and distract you from your mission. No one you felt you had to keep an eye on. You only needed to worry about yourself getting in and out.

You did three laps of the campus before you finally called it a day, figuring it would have been long enough for everyone to have finished their sessions and cleared out so you could hit the showers in peace.

As you made your way through the training gym and back to the locker room, all seemed quiet and you breathed a sigh of relief. Left all alone you wasted no time in stripping off. You grabbed yourself a fresh towel and headed towards the showers in the back. Completely empty, just how you liked it. No chatting. No team bonding. Just you and the calming sounds of the running water.

You always ran hot due to your powers and having a nice cool shower was the best way to regulate you and refresh. You knew that fire that ran through your veins often escalated things for you. Knew it made you a little more hot headed than most. Sure you knew you had made a bit of a scene back there, but that’s just who you were and Joaquin knew that. Which is why he found it so easy to push your buttons.

“Just admit it, you’re just jealous of me.” his voice came out of nowhere, scaring the shit out of you. You quickly pulled part of the shower curtain back to see him stood just outside your cubicle with his back to the wall.

“What the? Where the fuck did you come from?” You spat at him, then a realisation popped into your head. “Were you spying on me? Just waiting for me to walk in here so you could see me naked?!”

“Shit! No- that’s-“ he began to mumble, his eyes growing wide as he realised how this suddenly all looked. “I didn’t mean- but yes I did- but.”

You raised your eyebrows at him incredulously. “Oh my god! You have got to be kidding me.”

“I just. I wanted us to talk. To work this out.” he said.

“So you thought you’d wait until I was naked in the shower to do it!”

“I’m sorry, I just. Sam is right,” he tried to defend himself. “We are on the same team and we need to be able to work together.”

“Oh my god! You’re such a kiss ass Joaquin!”

“Yeah! And you’re a stubborn fucking princess who doesn’t know when to quit the bullshit!” he snapped.

You took a step back. You were stunned silent by his uncharacteristic outburst.

“I’m not taking it back.” he said doubling down.

“I didn’t ask you to.” you snapped back.

There was a pause before he said, “Well what do we do now.”

You thought a moment. This was all getting so out of hand again. Gods, you just wanted to have a moment and cool off, instead you felt hotter than ever. You were so infuriated by him. What made him think this was a clever idea?

“Strip off.” You finally said an idea of your own coming to mind.

“What?” he asked stunned.

“You heard me Torres, strip off. You’ve seen me naked, only fair I get a glance back.”

He paused as he thought a moment, trying to work out if you were serious or trying to psych him out and scare him off. And to be fair, you weren’t sure if you were either. You’d seen him in his gym wear. Felt his muscles when he was fighting. You had a fairly good idea what he was packing under his clothes- but did you really want to pull on this string and have the full package burnt into the recesses of your mind.

“Fine.” he eventually relented, his fingers immediately reaching for the hem of his shirt before either of you could back down. He figured, worst comes to worst, hopefully this would be a good trust/bonding exercise. “But-“ he continued as he began to reach for the waistband of his shorts, “I do this, you have to pull the curtain back so I can look properly too. Deal?” he said, reaching out for one of your hands still clutching desperately to the wet shower curtain.

You paused to rethink this through as you stared at his outstretched hand. It was clear from the look in his eyes he was deadly serious and up for this exchange and you could feel that stubbornness prickling at the back of your neck. You knew you would never be able to live with yourself if you let him psych you out and get the upper hand now. Before you knew it, you were reaching out to shake his hand.

“Alright then,” he relented. His right hand moved back to join his left around his waistband and he dropped his shorts just as you let go of the shower curtain.

Oh shit, you thought to yourself as you finally took him in in all his naked glory. He was gorgeous. Toned all the way from the tops of his shoulders, all the way down to the backs of his calves. As your eyes trailed back up his body and met his, you saw the same look of trepidation reflected back at you. What had you both done? You didn’t know what to do now. You were so in over your head with this guy. But one thing was for sure, you couldn’t deny anymore he was well and truly under your skin in more ways than you’d have originally liked to admit.

He tentatively took a step forward, kicking his feet out of his sliders and discarded shorts. “Woah, what are you doing?” You defensively asked, immediately taking a step further back into the shower.

“Sorry-“ he said quickly coming to a stop. “I just thought. The way you were looking at me. I just-“

“You just what?” you said hesitantly, but although you were still on your guard, your body relaxed to match his cool and calm demeanour.

“I just thought that you wanted… never mind,” he said taking a step back. But as he began to step away from you again, you found yourself stepping forward to chase him. Stop him.

“No,” you said softly, needing to hear what he had to say. “Tell me.”

“I just thought,” he said, rubbing his hand through his hair, “I thought for second you finally wanted me back.”

“What?!” you said stunned. Wanted him back?

“Everything I said earlier…” he said, struggling to meet your eyes and you self consciously began to move your arms of your body to try and cover your modesty a little more while you had this, now, seemingly more serious conversation. He sighed, “Look I was projecting my feelings onto you and I’m sorry, okay? Truth is, you’re the one under my skin. I look for you when I enter every room. I live to see those rare moments when you actually smile. I fucking love it when you toss me around like I’m fucking nothing. Do you know how impressive that is?” he confessed with a half toothy smile.

“I’m the one who’s fucking jealous. You’ve worked with so many of the greats, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton- Rogers, even. I just, I wanted you to at least think I was on your level. I’m sorry if that came off in the wrong way. I never meant to make you hate me.”

“I don’t hate you,” you quickly corrected him. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I think you’ve got way too much energy and pep for a guy who’s been in the service and seen way too much shit. I think you crack way too many jokes at inappropriate times. And your fangirling…” you let your words trail off as you pulled a face to let him know how awkward you found that at times, but you quickly softened your features again. “But I don’t hate you Joaquin.” You reaffirmed.

“But you don’t like me like that.” he quickly surmised and your bristled. It was subconscious and caught you off guard, your body naturally reacting to the statement before your mind had even processed what it would mean. You had never even allowed yourself to ask the question before. He may have been projecting when he said what he had said before, but you realised he had also been right. And then it hit you. All this time you had been having a crush on him, you just hadn’t realised that that was what you were feeling.

He hesitated as he watched you silently process those thoughts. His eyes watching every move of your face and body with precision. Slowly he stepped forward again to test the waters and this time you didn’t step back.

“Tell me to stop if you don’t want me to do this.” he said, but you didn’t tell him to stop.

His hand lifted to reach out to softly cup your cheek. Your eyes searched his, trying to work out if this was really happening. You took a single steadying step back into the shower but you still didn’t tell him to stop and before you knew it, you were both stood under the cooling spray, but neither one of you pulled away.

“Joaquin,” you quietly breathed into his ever nearing lips.

“I know,” is all he said, before his mouth was finally on yours.

It was everything you never knew you needed. His fingers moving from your cheek to behind your head to pull you in closer to him and your hands reached out and instantly melted against his chest. His kiss was both gentle and hungry. Sweet but desperate and everything you had ever wanted. You sighed into him as he deepened the kiss and before you knew it, neither one of you knew why you had been fighting in the first place anymore.

You broke the kiss to take a deep steadying breath and meet his gaze before you could allow yourself to get too lost in it.

“Was that okay?” he quickly asked for reassurance.

“Yes,” you softly replied as you nodded your head.

“Can I do it again?” he asked.

“Yes,” you replied once more and as he connected his lips to yours once again, you realised Joaquin Torres was definitely, most well and truly, under your skin.

[lavenderandirises]

I just saw Captain America: Brave New World so spoilers!!!

When Joaquin went down because of the missile do you think Sam had flashbacks to Riley? because i do

[tllgrrl]

Electric Dreams by @a-hopeful-romantic-blog (Abraxas on AO3)

James “Bucky” Barnes & Sam Wilson, Sam Wilson & Sarah Wilson, James”Bucky” Barnes & Sam Wilson & Sarah Wilson, James “Bucky” Barnes/Sarah Wilson

* * * * * * * * * *

Summary: Once, just one time, Sam would like it if they caught a break. What they actually get is this:

Bucky looking for his humanity.

Sam looking for Bucky all over again.

It both is and isn't what you think.

* * * * * * * * * *

The flickering lights pick out highlights in brilliant white and electric shades of blue, poking into the shadowy recesses, catching against the dull metallic walls and bouncing off the two-way mirror behind them. Glinting off the wires connecting the electrode pads to whatever monitors whirr quietly at the far side of the room.

It was the electrodes out of the whole set up that had, understandably, made Bucky go tense and quiet, etching lines deeper around his eyes and the set of his mouth was hard and flat. He had submitted to them being placed on his temples, watched as the wires had been strung across to the bank of switches and blinking lights, a high tight unhappiness inscribing itself across the lines of his shoulders.

‘You’re supposed to be watching the screen,’ Bucky says, low and gruff, somehow knowing without looking that Sam is, again, glancing across at him.

Sam huffs out a half-breath, settles back into his chair which, damn, is pretty comfortable. Not quite La-Z-boy comfortable, but getting there. He switches his attention back to the screen set up in front of him and the avatar figure making its way through a series of challenges and scenarios, running, fighting, strategising - just like being on a mission only without the side-effects of being punched, stabbed, shot, thrown out of something or off something-

Sam throws a grin at Bucky this time. ‘See? This isn’t so bad. Just like playing a video game. Hell, get a few beers and some pizza and this is a pretty decent way to spend an evening.’

Bucky breathes, even, like he has been all along but it’s a little too even, too regular, like this is something he is actively working on. ‘I don’t play video games, Sam.’

Continued on AO3

* * * * * * * * * *

Come get hooked on a new series by the writer who brought you, among other things , the delightful The Falcon and The Winter Soldier/Brooklyn Nine-Nine crossover, New York State of Mind.

Click, read the tags and Additional Character, fasten your seat belts, maybe grab a hanky (I use hankies. What!?), settle in and get ready for this in-progress, updated twice a week ride.

[wondergotham]

From Shadows to Sunshine

Request: “Joaquin x reader idea if you’re interested 🫣: he and the reader are friends who sort of playfully flirt with each other but neither of them thinks the other would actually want to a real relationship (silly dummies 🥺) until Joaquin wakes up in the hospital post-Indian Ocean to find the reader in the guest chair like clearly disheveled and sleep deprived because they’ve been so worried about him and have refused to leave his side”

+

“Hii! I’d like to request were joaquin had a pretty bad argument with the reader then make up to her (angst/fluff)”

Pairing: Joaquin Torres x Reader

Warning: Mentions of death

GIF Creds: @ ex0rin

“Joaquin stand down! Sam’s got it, let’s GO!” You yelled as you flew through the sky next to Sam.

If there was one thing the many years of being an Avenger taught you it was to never question an order or it could jeopardize the mission.

But Joaquin clearly didn’t know this.

You contemplated telling him before the three of you left but since he was a Lieutenant you thought he knew this already.

Clearly you were wrong.

“BACK OFF” Sam ordered.

“I GOT IT.”

Joaquin shot the missile.

The explosion was too close, he was hit. You saw the flames erupt into the air and the force violently threw him back. His body rapidly descended towards the ocean at an alarming rate.

“JOAQUIN” Sam yelled.

“NOOO” You screamed.

You snapped out of the trance you were in, now was not the time to be emotional. You and Sam needed to finish this and save the others.

“I’ve got him Sam you go save the last pilot.” You stated as you rapidly flew down towards Joaquin.

You managed to catch him moments before he hit the water and flew him back to the ship quickly.

Medical personnel were waiting for you both already. You placed Joaquin’s body on the stretcher and followed closely behind them.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

A couple of days passed. Joaquin still hadn’t woken up. You were always at the hospital, waiting.

The only times you left were to go to the bathroom, take a shower or get something to eat. Other than that you were glued to his side.

Maybe Sam was right? Maybe it was time for you to confess your feelings.

But you still were hesitant. What if it was too good to be true.

Your heart aches as you notice the burns on the right side of Joaquin’s neck. But even with them he still looked handsome as ever.

“Have you seen the way he looks at you? That boy likes you Y/n just as much as you like him, maybe even more.” You recalled Sam telling you a few days ago.

You remembered the conversation you had with Joaquin prior to the mission. It was playful and flirty like the other million interactions you had before.

After changing into your suit you stepped out adding some weapons on your belt. As you adjusted the holster on your thigh you looked up to see Joaquin staring at you.

You giggled as he looked away, “Can I help you Lieutenant?”

“Sorry, it’s-you just…you look amazing. You’re gonna make it really difficult for me to focus on this mission.”

You blushed, “Well that makes two of us pretty boy. Green is definitely your color.”

He was about to say something until Sam walked in but you just smirked.

When Joaquin woke up it took a moment for his eyes to adjust to his surroundings. Thankfully there were no bright lights just the warm sun peeking through the window.

“Where am I?” He murmured. His voice hoarse.

He looked down noticing the hospital gown and a pulse monitor on his finger.

Shit, he thought.

What took him most by surprise was when he turned and saw you sleeping in the chair beside him. You had small dark circles under your eyes. Clearly an indication of the lack of rest the situation gave you.

You were asleep with a blanket on your legs covering your matching set. Even in a hospital you dressed great. Your hair spilled over your shoulders, bathed in the gentle sunlight.

You looked so beautiful.

He smiled to himself knowing you cared about him, that you were by his side just waiting for him to wake up.

A wave of warmth washed over him as he remembered the accident that landed him here. He knew he was gonna hear it from you. He could already see the scold and lecture you were going to give him.

But you were still cute when you were upset.

He shifted slightly, careful not to wake you, and took a deep breath. The sight of your peaceful face brought a smile to his lips.

Despite the sterile scent of antiseptic, the room felt like a sanctuary.

Just then, you stirred before slowly opening your eyes. You blinked at Joaquin, momentarily disoriented.

“Joaquin?” You whispered, a sleepy smile breaking across your face.

He chuckled, “Hey sleeping beauty.”

“How long have you been awake?”

“Just a couple of minutes. I couldn’t bring myself to wake you up. I had a gorgeous view in front of me.”

Even when he was injured he still managed to be a flirt.

You shook your head trying to hide your blush, “Your charms won’t work on me right now mister. You’re in trouble. What were you thinking?! When Sam gives us an order we listen to it the first time. You scared the shit out of us. Your heart stopped on that operating table Joaquin. You died!”

He noticed the soft crack in your voice and the tears you were trying to keep at bay. He hated the fact that he had hurt you.

“And do you know what would’ve happened if the doctors hadn’t been able to revive you? Sam would’ve blamed himself and I-I don’t think I could’ve lived with myself knowing that happened.”

Joaquin sighed, “Y/n it’s nobody’s fault but my own. I just wanted to be like Sam. I’ve looked up to him for years. And you too, seeing someone my age fighting with the Avengers for years made me believe I could also do it. I just wanted to prove myself.”

“Baby steps Joaquin. Nothing is given it’s earned. And you earn these things by listening to your team. It’s gonna take time and I know you’re impatient but trust me it’s worth it in the end. You’ve already proven yourself why you do think Sam let you come on these missions? And gave you the wings? He trusts you but you’ve gotta show him he made the right decision, okay?”

Joaquin thought about your words for a moment before nodding, “Yes ma’am. I won’t argue with you on that.”

“Ugh you’re a pain in the ass Torres. What am I going to do with you?” You shake your head slightly laughing.

“Well if I recall you did promise me a date after the mission.” He raised his eyebrows like a little kid. A small but cute smirk spread across his lips.

“I did say that but I meant if the mission went well….clearly it didn’t.” You gestured to the hospital bed.

Joaquin chuckled, “Y/n you’re killing me here. Come on preciosa. Look I don’t want to force you but I really like you. I would love to get to know you better and spend time with you other than when we’re on missions or training.”

This man was perfect. You couldn’t believe guys like him existed.

“Joaquin I really like you too. I was just messing with you, I would love to go on the date with you. But-once you’re better, the baby Falcon needs to heal.” You ran your hand through his hair causing him to smile.

“With you by my side that’s gonna be easy.” He lifted your hand and placed a soft kiss on it. “I can’t believe you stayed.”

“Of course I did.” You said softly, squeezing his hand. “I was worried about you.”

“I’m sorry. I’m going to make it up to you I promise. It’s gonna be the best date you’ve ever had.”

“Ooh I have no doubt about that. But for now focus on getting better, okay? I’ll be right with you.” Joaquin nodded with a smile on his face.

A soft knock came from the door. You both looked up, it was Sam.

“That’s my cue. If you thought my lecture was bad just wait for his.” You smirked.

“What happened to you being right by my side?” He huffed like a little kid pouting.

You chuckled, “Hey protégé’ conversations aren’t included. But don’t worry Sam’s understanding you’ll be okay. I’ll be right outside.”

You leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. As you pulled away Joaquin held your wrist softly.

“Hmm wait I think I need one more doctor, I can feel it healing already.” He teased.

You giggled before leaning down and kissing his cheek again but you let your lips linger a while longer.

“Okay wrap it up lovebirds I gotta talk to this one. But I’m sure you already lectured him didn’t you Y/n?” Sam grinned.

“You know me so well Sam.” You saluted as you walked out of the room causing both men to chuckle.

[nathanbatemanfucker]

Vuelve a Mí Pt. II

summary: you and joaquin try to reconnect-- it doesn't exactly go as joaquin had hoped, but he hasn't given up just yet.

pairing: joaquin torres x f!reader

wc: 1,727

gif credit: @gaybuckybarnesss

contents: 18+/minors dni, pining, longing, angst, dishonesty (from sma & it his heart is in the best place), KISSING

an: okay we're at it with a part two. i was on the phone with my sister while finishing this and she's convinced me to give yall at least FOUR parts so everyone say thank you j! pls don't ask to be on my taglist if you aren't 18+/have that in your bio <3

vuelve a mí masterlist

You should’ve known better truly. And even though you hadn’t, part of you thinks you should’ve said no. But, when Sam calls begging for your help, insisting that you’re the only person that can get Joaquin to take his meds, you want to help. 

Or so you’d thought. 

When you make it to Joaquin’s place, it’s a little strange. The last time you’d been to his place was because it was your place. And it wasn’t as nice and polished— you didn’t have a doorman when you lived together. Nevertheless, you sign in and head up to his floor in the elevator.

You’ll get in and get out. Implore him to stop being a brat and take his meds and then get out. The entire drive had been nothing but you hyping yourself up. 

How were you supposed to look him in the eye after everything he’d said the last time you saw him? After you’d ignored his desperate pleas for you and answered none of his calls since.

It isn’t lost on you how unfair it is for you to show up now— especially for Sam. But you wanted Joaquin to get better…you needed him to. He had figured out a way to live life in a world without you in it, but you’re sure you couldn’t do the same. 

Sam swings the door open before you can knock, his expression a mix of exasperation and relief.

“Thank god you’re here, he’s being a little shit,” He grabs you by your shoulders, rubbing them affectionately. You’re about to tell him it’s no problem when he quickly switches your places, leaving you in Joaquin’s apartment and him in the hallway.

“I’ll be back!” He assures you before slamming the door in your face.

That’s when you realize—you’ve been set up. Joaquin is fine, probably training again. It’s been over a month since you last saw him in the hospital.

You’re afraid to turn around and see what’s waiting for you. Instead, stupidly you close your eyes, willing this to go away. You’re not ready to talk through this with him. You weren’t ready in the hospital and you aren’t ready now. When you’re lost to the deep spiral of your thoughts, you wonder if you’ll ever be ready. Somehow, either answer to that question makes your heart race. 

“Not excited to see me, I guess?” Joaquin asks wryly.

“You set me up.”

“How else was I gonna get you to talk to me? You won’t answer my calls, which is very rude if you didn’t know.”

Your belly fills with that dreadful guilt and you rest your head against the door, “Joaquin…”

“For once I don’t have any expectations, cross my heart and hope to die. I just wanted to see you. And some part of you…wanted to see me too,” He adds, his voice uncharacteristically shy.

“It’s never been about me wanting to see you. I always want to see you I just—

“Won’t?” He supplies.

“Can’t,” You correct. “I can't, it's too painful.”

“More painful than this? Because I think we both agree���this fucking sucks.”

You aren’t sure why, but what he says gets you to turn around. There before you on his coffee table is an unfinished puzzle— one you thought had been thrown away along with the rest of you. The gesture nearly winds you, tears pooling in your eyes.

“Quino, what kind of life could I possibly give you when I don’t know who I am anymore?”

“You say that like I don’t know you. But I do. I always have,” He simply gazes at you, studying you for a moment before his lips curve into a small smile. 

"You probably don't remember this, but there was this little boy at the park once— he must've been five, maybe six. We were reading on this bench, you were so comfortable with your head in my lap, feet propped up. But the boy, he was struggling to fly this ridiculous, tangled-up kite. His dad kept trying to help, but the poor kid was just about ready to give up. And then…you put your book down."

You tilt your head. "I don't remember that."

"I do. Because I remember you. I could never forget, even if I tried, baby. You walked over to that kid, knelt down next to him, and helped him untangle the strings. You showed him everything; how to hold it, when to run, how to wait for the wind. And when that kite finally lifted off the ground, I swear l've never seen a kid so happy. You just stood there, watching him, smiling like it was the easiest thing in the world to make a stranger's day better."

You exhale, shaking your head. "That doesn't even sound like me anymore."

“That's the thing, querida," he says softly, closing the gap between you so that he can grasp your hand. "It is you. No matter how much you feel like you've lost yourself, I promise you're still that person. The one who stops, who helps, who makes the world.”

You gaze down at your hands, sucked into the warmth of his skin against yours. Still you ask, “That was a long time ago. What if that’s not who I am anymore?”

“You didn’t have to show up to the hospital to make sure I was okay. Or come here to make sure I took my meds. Brillas como la luz, entiendes?”

“I…I don’t know, Quino. We can’t just go back to how things were, we’d be lying to ourselves. I mean, you’ve changed too.”

“People change. They still love each other— I still love you.”

Your eyes go wide at his candor. After all you’ve put him through, all the rejection, he was still brave enough to tell you he loved you. You swallow thickly, throat dry. You aren’t sure what to say, because if you open your mouth, the weight of it all—of him, of this—might crush you.

Joaquin takes in your overwhelmed expression and immediately pulls back, though he doesn’t deny his previous words. “Too fast? Yeah, too fast. Look just…help me do this puzzle? I’ve waited years to finish it with you. Please?”

That’s something you could say yes to, isn’t it?

“Sure, yeah. Let’s do it,” You agree, giving him a small smile.

The sight of your happiness makes his heart soar. 

Once the two of you are sat beside each other at the coffee table, Joaquin dives right in. You stay put, simply watching him and after a few minutes he notices your lack of participation.

Gently, he nudges a piece of the puzzle closer to you. “C’mon, you still got it,” He encourages.

It’s enough for you to try, really try and soon the two of you fall into a groove, in your respective corners of the puzzle but always looking out for one another. Always ready to aid if the other is stumped in finding the next piece or where one fits. After working diligently, your corners start to bleed into each other and your fingers brush as you reach for the same piece.

“Oh—sorry— um—“ You stutter softly, unable to move your hand. You feel made of cement and thought you’re frozen on the outside, your mind is moving a mile a minute. 

Move your hand. Move your hand first or break the silence or something. Do something—anything—other than sit here, drowning in the weight of his gaze.

Before you can do any of those things, Joaquin is leaning in, his mouth just barely ghosting yours. Familiarity takes over to your surprise, and you press forward, kissing him back. 

That confirmation, your unexpected desire for him makes his belly warm. He kisses you more firmly, raising a hand to cup your chin and hold you in place. His mouth is soft— so so painstakingly soft— and for several moments all you can do is give into him— succumbing to his skillful kiss that makes your brain feel melty.

His hand starts to move, thumb tracing the shape of your jaw before his gentle grip lowers to your neck. You shiver against him, moaning which grants him the access to taste you. It’s the sensual brush of his tongue against yours that brings you back to reality. 

You jerk back against the couch, eyes down as you wipe your mouth. “Quino,” You murmur breathlessly, unsure of what more to say. Your mouth feels like it’s on fire, the place where he touched you searing with heat. 

“I’m sorry, it just sort of— you looked at me like that. No pude evitarlo, preciosa. No con lo hermosa que eres,” He murmurs, hand reflexively raising to cup your cheek.

You flinch away, nervous about what will happen if he touches you like that again. “Joaquin this is all just…it’s too much. I need time to think, to clear my head. 

“It’s not a no.”

“It’s not a yes either,” You remind him gently.

“I know. But I’ll take it for now. Can I walk you out?” He asks hopefully, rising to his feet as you do.

“Just to the door…I need space, Quino.”

“Sure, hermosa. Whatever you say.”

Once you’re standing in the hallway, feeling a little more separated from him you turn around, meeting his intense gaze. “Thank you for tonight. You’re being so kind and patient with me, and I know it’s difficult but you’re doing it anyway.”

His eyes soften, gooey and warm as he looks at you. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I— I’ll call you, okay?”

“Alright,” He agrees.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, querida.”

Joaquin waits until the elevator doors close to shut his own door. He leans against the sturdy wood, a slow smile spreading across his face as he thinks about what just transpired. He got to spend time with you, to touch you and taste you for the first time in 7 years. This is the closest he’s ever been to getting you back and he’ll take it, even if it uses every drop of patience in his body. 

He fishes his phone out of his pocket and dials Sam.

“Well?” Sam asks, skipping pleasantries.

The goofy grin on Joaquin’s face has his cheeks aching. “I think…I think it might’ve worked.”

Sam can hear the smile in his voice and wants every detail.  “I’m on my way.”

> pt. III

must be 18+ to be added to the joaquin taglist! <3

joaquin taglist: @magikdarkholme, @plan3t-plut0, @mewmew222, @linnygirl09, @ezhz444, @karmaswitch, @badbishsblog, @moonymeloncholymoney, @glader13, @how2besalty

[imamotherfuckingstar-lord]

time

bucky barnes x reader, angst/fluff

His gaze consistently glared over to where you sat, but you ignored it. Cheeks didn't even warm to the thought of Bucky Barnes practically eye fucking you. He had plenty of time to make a move, but a person could only wait so long. Now, now you felt like being mean.

Truthfully, there was a spiteful, dramatic part of you that loved to show its face. God knows how much self loathing and torture Bucky loved, so why not give him what he wanted?

You were such a people pleaser.

Leaning further into the expensive couch of the lounge, you waved a hand to the waitress - she promptly walked over and you ordered three shots of tequila, tipping her with a hundred dollar bill. You could practically feel Bucky's eye roll but you ignored him and leaned over to Natasha. She sat close to you and she spoke

His gaze consistently glared over to where you sat, but you ignored it. Cheeks didn't even warm to the thought of Bucky Barnes practically eye fucking you. He had plenty of time to make a move, but a person could only wait so long. Now, now you feel like being mean.

Truthfully, there was a spiteful, dramatic part of you that loved to show its face. God knows how much self loathing and torture Bucky loved, so why not give him what he wanted?

You were such a people pleaser.

Leaning further into the expensive couch of the lounge, you waved a hand to the waitress - she promptly walked over and you ordered three shots of tequila, tipping her with a hundred dollar bill. You could practically feel Bucky's eye roll but you ignored him and leaned over to Joaquin. He was sitting next to you, nursing a cold beer. It had been a long rough week, Sam had needed Bucky and your help with a mission he was running with Torres. It had been sort of fun at first, but eventually it turned into Bucky and you picking at each other.

It was sexual tension, according to Sam but what did he know? You had given Bucky so many chances but it was becoming perfectly clear he had no interest in you. 

Which was fine, really, it was fine. 

You spoke to Joaquin in Spanish and the two of you engaged in a conversation about his plans for when you’d all get to the States. Being the intelligent man he was , he caught on and laughed. 

“He’s going to kill me, you know that, right?”

“It’s fine, I don’t think he speaks Spanish,” you assured him, pausing for a moment. Making a face, you started to laugh. “Shit, I actually can’t remember if he does.”

Joaquin shook his head just as the waitress arrived with your shots and his eyes seemed to brighten. Thanking the woman, you told Joaquin to take one for himself, double fisting the other two. He whistled but clinked his glass against yours and the two of you took the shots. The alcohol felt warm and your blood boiled, and without really thinking, you finally turned to acknowledge Bucky.

His eyes sat cold and you glared back at him. “Someone should really kick your ass.”

Sam, who had been seated next to Bucky, sighed but said nothing. Bucky’s jaw clenched and he leaned forward, smirking. “Plenty of people tried, want a turn?”

The two glasses in your hands started to warm, your fingers started to tingle but Joaquin quickly took them from you. He watched with apprehension, whispering for you to calm down - this made Bucky laugh. 

“Always a hot head….”

“It’s better than being a little bitch.”

Sam had enough, standing up. “Yeah, I’m not doing this shit tonight - let’s go, Torres.”

Joaquin got up from his seat, taking all glasses with him; he wasn’t going to chance another bill from the fire marshall.  The pair left, the lounge filled with subtle music and no one else seemed to notice the tension brewing in the corner of where you sat. Bucky continued to stare at you, a well trained son of a bitch - not  even a single blink or flutter of his eye lids. He waited and you grew angrier, it had become worse. Every time you were near Bucky, it seemed to ignite the flame and you weren’t sure why.  

That was a lie.

“Why are you so angry?”

Bucky’s question was soft hearted and it caught you off guard. Suddenly, you felt vulnerable and that was the worst feeling in the world. With your anger, it was easy to navigate, to push it all onto Bucky but the truth is always the hardest to understand.  You wondered if he could see right through you. How scary.

“I don’t like to be played with and that’s all you do to me.”

He was taken aback, began to shake his head in protest but you continued. Veins icy and words sharp. “You treat me like one of your little bitches. You flirt with me, look at me with this fucking look. Then you act like nothing ever happened.”

Bucky was rendered speechless and you laughed. “....see, now you’re going to act like the wounded fucking animal. God, pathetic.”

Standing up, you reached for the bag and looked down at Bucky. “I have cared about you for a long fucking time and I have been a fucking saint about it. Even when Steve was still here, he always told me to give you time. That you needed time and I have done that but you continue to play with me. I won’t do this shit anymore.”

His eyes were remorseful, it made you feel sad. “Just….no more flirting or texting late at night because you had a fucking nightmare. I want to be there for you, but it’s too hard because I…”

Stopping yourself from even saying those forbidden words because once they were out, there was no taking them back. It would severely change the dynamic of the team and you weren;t going to do that to Sam. Sure, this was kinda crazy but this moment can be moved on from. Bucky will stop the flirting and playing, the two of you will just be friends and occasional teammates. 

That’s what’s for the best. 

So busy with your thoughts and trying to rationalize, you hadn’t noticed Bucky standing up nor the words he spoke until his hand grabbed a hold of yours. His touch broke your thought-filled trance. Your eyes focused on his handsome face, searching for some sort of understanding.

“I love you.”

What?”

Your heart raced, warmth swept across your chest and he smiled, apologizing for confusing you. “I didn’t think I was hurting you, I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. I never meant to make you feel like that. You have to know that. I worked too goddamn hard to get here and I can’t lose you.”

He moved closer to you; hands now on your waist. Eyes studied your face extensively, looking for any sort of clue. “ I tried to control it, I was okay with us just being friends but I couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry I made you feel like that.”

“I LOVE YOU.”

Bucky stood stunned and then you laughed. “Okay we can’t keep doing that. Let’s start over…”

He grinned, nodding as he moved his hands to your face; he looked so lovely in the lowlights of the lounge room.  A smile perked from your lips as his head inched closer to yours, then he whispered that he loved you and you whispered it back. As the room seemed to blur, his lips touched yours and maybe Steve was right….

Sometimes all you needed was time.

[happypopcornprincess]

Chapter 1 || I Can See You

Pairings - Joaquin Torres X fem!Reader

Premise - At a glamorous gala, Y/N's life intertwines with Joaquin's. A pact ensues, while a dangerous mission looms.

Word Count - 4.5K

Warnings: SMUT, Angst, Mentions of blood, domestic violence

a/n - This story is based between the events of Endgame and Brave New World. In this AU, Tony Stark survived and the New characters of the MCU are on the way to be the new recruits of the Avengers. Hope you guys like this <3

Series Masterlist

Avengers Compound, Post Endgame

If it wasn’t for Pepper to quite literally threaten you to attend her Annual Charity Gala, you wouldn’t even be here. The atmosphere around you was straight out of some high society drama. The grey walls of the newly reconstructed avengers compound were covered in silver tones, a huge silver chandelier hanging in the middle of the hall, there was laughter in the air, and everyone was dressed to the nines. 

Just how a party was supposed to be… when the host was the one and only Pepper Potts. Tony was there too, even though his hand was still recovering from the snap, but he was cheery and loud as always.

You sipped your champagne in silence, standing far away from the dance floor. 

You were chosen by Sam from MIT to help the Avengers. You had trained with the new recruits, Kate, Peter… They were good kids. Training with them was… well, it was something. Sam was great, and helped you all adjust. Honestly, the Avengers? They were intimidating. superhuman intimidating. But you had your strengths. Sharpshooting was always your thing. And you threw yourself into the training, every single bit of it. They told you it was for intel missions, to keep you out of direct harm's way. But that wasn't enough. You wanted more. Because you were not aiming for 'safe.' 

You were aiming to be an Avenger.

Your job was to figure out how Kingpin just vanished into thin air after Christmas. The task has taken over your daily routine after you met Kate Bishop. It’s been months of interviewing eyewitnesses, going on the streets undercover, nights of no sleep with a shit ton of coffee, and just when you think you’re about to solve it… you meet a dead end.

“Trying to hide behind the curtains again are we y/n?” Bucky’s voice made you look to your right, and there he was. Standing next to you wearing a sharp three-piece black suit, his hair slicked back.

You finally understood what Steve meant when he would say girls back then would throw themselves at Bucky.

He turned to you in disgust, “Are you checking me out?”

“You wish, asshole.” You mutter in your glass.

You and Bucky had developed an unlikely friendship after the blip bought him back. He was pardoned, and moved into a quaint apartment complex deep in the city, unknown to the fact that you lived right next to his place.

On a stormy night after the nightmares won’t let you both sleep, sharing one bottle of whiskey between you was all it took for you to spill your life to him. You have turned into each other’s best friends and occasional love life advisor, although it was kind of a package deal.

Which is why you knew the reason he was so dressed up for the first time since you met.

“You see Sam anywhere?” he asks you nonchalantly.

You give him a sly smirk, “Why? Can’t wait to shove your tongue down his throat?”

Bucky gives you a sideward glance, and goes back to looking at the crowd.

He was still figuring out his feelings towards both men and women, especially towards one man.

Returning from the Flag Smashers situation, he would not shut up how ‘annoying’ and ‘frustratingly righteous’ Sam Wilson is, how his smirk makes him want to ‘strangle’ him.

You asked him one evening if he was having a ‘full-on-bi-panic’ and he threw a pillow at your face.

“y/n! there you are!” Sam bellows as he walks towards the two of you, wearing a crisp grey suit over a white button up, looking as dapper as always.

“Sam!” you laugh, giving him a tight hug. He was your mentor, someone you looked up to. And hopefully your bestie’s future boyfriend.

“You look absolutely gorgeous!” he threw you one of his classic smiles as he retreated.

You look down to the pastel pink knee length dress you were wearing.

Hustling the life of an avenger straight out of MIT, it was the only dress you owned. And after paying for it out of your own pocket you realize fancy dresses cost a hand and a leg, and you refuse to part from it.

“Thank you Sam I-” you were about to thank him but stopped once you noticed him absolutely gawking at Bucky.

“Hey Bucky.” He smiled.

“Hey Sam.” Bucky gave him a nod.

You almost roll your eyes at the exchange, wondering when they will move on from the weird talking phase.

“Hello.”

An angelic voice interrupted your train of thoughts. Looking away your eyes meet a pair of the warmest brown eyes. He was standing behind Sam. A tall, tan-skinned man, wearing a crisp black suit stood in front of you. His curls fell on his forehead, and his smile was intoxicating.

He looked like a high surf tide; calling out for you to test the waters.

You extend your right hand, smiling at him. “Hey, I’m y/n”

He held it with his right, it made your heart race when he brought your hand up to his lips and kissed your knuckles, his hands warm and his lips soft, sending a jolt through your body.

Oh, he’s mischief alright!

You were left speechless when he straightened, a smirk thrown out your way as Sam spoke up, “This is the guy I told y’all about! Lt. Joaquin Torres.” He slapped a hand on Joaquin’s back, smiling with pride.

“And this is y/n y/l/n, fresh transfer from MIT. She’s our tech genius, and a walking journal on film recommendations.”

Laughter followed as your eyes couldn’t help but stay trained on Joaquin. Thinking back on the time when Sam told the team about the new Falcon joining them after a while, you somehow manage to speak up at that moment, “Welcome to the circus.” You take a deliberately long sip of your float, never breaking eye contact.

He gulped nervously, eyes wide, clearly startled by you flirting. 

“You haven’t had a drink yet Lieutenant? Let’s get you something.” you smile involuntarily.

He stands back for you to lead the way, “Sure. And it’s just Joaquin, please.” he laughs just after, his honey laced voice paired with your tad bit hazy mind doing wonders to your imagination.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/--/-

They keep watchful eyes on us So it's best that we move fast and keep quiet You won't believe half the things I see inside my head Wait 'til you see half the things that haven’t happened yet

“Wait a minute…” you smiled, “you cannot possibly think Love Actually is better than The Holiday?”

“It’s the perfect rom com!” Joaquin laughs, “it covered basically every rom com trope under the sun.”

“But, listen to me, but…” you say, your slightly tipsy self leaning on the wall behind you, as Joaquin stood in front of you, holding his own glass of whiskey, “Quantity never matters in front of quality. All characters in The Holiday are well written with meaningful backgrounds and great character redemption arcs. And it’s got Jude Law.”

Joaquin raises his hands, “Jude Law.”

“Jude Law.” you laugh, at how he was mocking a defeated pose.

“When Sam told me I can’t lose a movie debate with you, I couldn’t believe him.”

You try to curtsey, “thank you.”

“Wanna get out of here?” Joaquin blurted out abruptly.

It took you a while to gain your consciousness, and a laugh left your lips at what he just said. You saw his eyes traveling to your lips, and how his breath fastened as you took a deliberately long sip of your drink.

You smirked, “sure.”

—/—/—

You find yourself sneaking through the backdoor and upstairs towards the living quarters of the Avengers compound as you drag Joaquin by his coat as you slip into an unassigned room. The furniture was still uncovered, but there was a couch in a corner right next to the opened windows where moonlight pooled in.

Perfect.

The alcohol surging through your system gives you newfound courage, and seconds later Joaquin was being thrown on the couch by you. His pupils dilated, his gaze trained on you and his scent lingering in the air, you straddled him without hesitation.

 “Are you good?” His breathy voice went straight to your core, and without a word you crashed your lips on his.

He’s gonna be the death of me.

The taste of expensive champagne hit your mouth, Joaquin’s tongue slipping in your mouth sliding in with fervor. Your gasp is swallowed by his lips, his hands travelling south towards the zipper of your dress.

Your hands fumble with his coat, taking it off of him and raising his shirt just enough to slide your hands underneath. Warm, toned muscles met your hands, and the way he sucked your lips made you forget everything. You couldn’t breathe, but couldn’t move away from him either, entirely lost in taking him in.

Joaquin jerked back all of a sudden, making you whine.

“Wait, wait…” He breathed out, his breath cooling your skin.

“Just kiss me.” You exhaled, grabbing his tie to pull him in, but he leaned back.

Joaquin gently held your wrists, “y/n… hey, look at me,” he breathlessly said, “look at me for a second.”

You do, at his messy hair, puffy lips, and blown out pupils.

He holds out his hand, “how many fingers am I holding up.”

You scrunch your brows in confusion, eyes drifting to his fingers in front of your face. You get the tunnel vision every time you’ve had a bit too much whiskey, you see double.

Concentrating hard on your answer, you slur out, “four?”

Joaquin closes his eyes, looking up and huffing out a breath, “you’re very drunk.” You feel his hands on your waist, and he carefully sits you down on the couch next to him.

You whine at the loss of his touch as he gets up from the couch. He returns a minute later with a bottle of water, sitting next to you and making you drink the entire thing.

“Can we go back to the part where you kiss me until I forget my name?” you breathe out.

Joaquin laughs out, settling down next to you and leaning back on the couch. You straighten your dress, and sit with your shoulders touching. You steal a glance his way.

His coat was gone, his tie hung loose on his neck, his white button shirt straining on his arms…

Someone works out…

The faint moonlight hitting from behind him made the outline of the veins on his neck visible.

I want to lick it...

You scrunch your eyes as soon as you hear that inside your head.

Wow, he’s right, I am drunk.

“As much as I’d like to do that,” he looks your way, “I can’t. You’re very drunk.”

A smile itches on your face, and you ask, “so what should we do then?”

“Talk?” he suggests, turning to you, resting his head on the backrest and looking you right in your eyes. “I know nothing about you. You know nothing about me. Let’s talk.”

You laugh out loud, “okay,” the smile refusing to leave your face, “what do you want to know?”

“Anything.” he says with a warm smile on his face.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

You wake up in an unfamiliar room and a blinding headache, on a mattress too soft for your liking, the sunlight hitting your face with full force.

Grunting, you sit up, rubbing your forehead.

Something slips off your body, and you look down and find someone has covered you with a black suit coat while you slept.

The man with the warm eyes and gentle touch.

You laugh, rubbing your head at the absurdity of the situation.

You wear it over your dress and walk out of the room, after last night’s party everybody would be sleeping in. You can sneak out unnoticed.

You swiftly call an uber, and shove your hands inside the pockets of Joaquin’s coat.

The feel of rough paper makes you stop in your tracks, you take it out of the pocket to see a torn piece of labeling paper inside, a note greeting you.

9546-555-6783 See you soon, I guess? (Take care of my coat till then? It’s my favorite suit.) -         Joaquin

-/-/-/-/-/-

You brush past me in the hallway And you don't think I, I, I can see ya, do ya? I’ve been watchin' you for ages And I spend my time tryin' not to feel it

Joaquin joined the team a week later. He chose to stay on the compound, and soon blended in with the new avengers. Peter and Kate grew especially fond of him. When Shang-Chi joined the ranks, he, too, was welcomed into your close-knit circle.

You spared during training, made breakfast together, had constant debates on cinema and stories. He loved the classics, and you had a nick for science fiction. You should have cancelled out each other, but your differences only made your bond stronger. The differences weren't a barrier; they were a bridge. You shared tech skills learned during your time at  MIT, revealing the details of coding and circuits. In return, he shared practical knowledge from his air force background; survival techniques and tactical strategies.

Your apartment, though smaller than the compound's common areas, became the gathering spot for your group. Lazy weekends of your teams were spent at your place, you'd watch old movies, host game nights, and then collapse on any available surface.

Peter had a habit of entering your apartment through your window, and Kate never got used to it. Takeout was a foreign concept with your friends. Instead, Shang-Chi and Joaquin would take over the kitchen, making a mouth watering combination of asian food and mexican food, that could best possibly win them masterchef if they ever could.

These people, this band of young individuals navigating life… they became your chosen family. They were your support system, your confidantes, your partners in crime.

No one seemed to notice the stolen glances, the lingering touches, the quiet conversations that stretched late into the night. Or perhaps they did notice, and simply didn't care. 

-/-/-/-/-/-

But what would you do if I went to touch you now? What would you do if they never found us out? What would you do if we never made a sound?

Clouds grumbled above, as angry raindrops splattered on your apartment window. You were sitting on your couch with three devices settled in front of you: a laptop and two tablets running algorithms and analytics for locating kingpin. Kate had gathered intel that he still had someone in the states giving him updates and keeping him safe. But where?

That was a question you were determined to get answers to. Which is why you had made it your mission to get to the base of this.

Amidst the thunderous rain outside, you hear a knock on the door, and from the corner of your eye you witness Joaquin enter, carrying takeout containers.

“You’ll have to use the fork for the noodles, I just ran out of chopsticks!” you shout, without even looking at his direction.

“Y/n” Joaquin huffed out in frustration, “please tell me you didn’t ‘sense’ Thai food from me.”

“I did.” you laugh, looking at the bewildered Joaquin standing in your kitchen. He had jeans and a sleeveless gym shirt on. Involuntarily your eyes went to his toned arms, and you did a quick diversion of your thoughts to the TV.

”I come bearing sustenance. Chow Mein and Thai green curry, extra spicy, just how you like it.” he says, followed by the scrunching of the takeout container.

You sit up straighter with a smile itching on your lips, your favorite food just when you were low on inspiration. “You're a lifesaver, these logistics are killing me.”

Joaquin sets the containers on the coffee table. He sits next to you, close enough that your thighs brush. He huffs out, “Tell me about it. Sam's been drilling us on contingency plans all day. I swear, he's got a backup plan for the backup plan.”

You laugh, “That's Sam for you. Always prepared.”

You open the containers, the aroma of the curry filling the room, and digging into the food in comfortable silence for a few minutes.

“You got something on your…” Joaquin speaks, and you look at him with a particularly big bite in your mouth. 

“Hmm?” you mutter.”

He reaches out and gently wipes a bit of sauce from the corner of your mouth. The gesture is intimate, lingering a moment too long. If you don’t count your sparring training, this was the closest you had been since ‘that’ night at the charity gala. Your hands grab his arm on their own.

It feels… good. Too good. It's been so long since anyone touched you like this. Desired you. Like you mattered. Like you weren't just… a disappointment. You… you want this. You want him. 

But what if you mess it up? What if you push him away, like you did with… 

Your heart almost leapt out of your chest as he gently cupped your face in his hands, your gaze locked on his warm brown eyes. He leaned in towards your lips, a silent question in his expression. You paused, a flicker of hesitation crossing your face, and gently pulled back.

He too leaned back, respecting your space. The tension remained, but now it carried a hint of gentle inquiry.

Looking down, you fidgeted with your hands, "It's not that I don't… I just… we need to be sure about this." You huffed out in frustration, trying to articulate your tangled thoughts.

"I want you," he stated, his voice low and sincere. You looked up at him instantly, his pupils dilated, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths. "I want you in ways you can't imagine, y/n. And I will walk out of here right now if you don't want this. We can forget this ever happened."

Thunder roared in the skies above, and lightning illuminated his face through the window as he paused, his expression open and honest. "But," he gulped, his eyes searching yours, "if you do want this… then…"

He left the rest unsaid, giving you the space to make your own choice.

Your internal conflict finally tipped towards action.

Oh, fuck this… 

His words were lost as soon as you crashed your lips on his.

—/—/—

You stumbled into your room, Joaquin’s lips didn’t leave yours as he threw the two of you on the bed. Pulling you under him, his hands were everywhere. Your mind could only catch up with a few, as it was too busy taking in all of him.

Joaquin made you feel like your entire body was on fire. Your hands flew straight to his hair, a moan leaving his lips. You did quick work on his clothes, leaving him in his boxers as he got busy removing yours.

No words were exchanged as he moved low, kissing and sucking your skin in all the places that made your vision hazy. You could only whine and gasp as he grabbed your legs and rested them on his shoulders.

And then he stopped.

You look down to see a mischievous grin plastered on his face, his pupils blown wide.

“Joaquin…” you breathe out, “stop teasing me.”

His eyes darken as he let out a low murmur against your skin and without warning dived in, a loud moan leaving your lips as pleasure rushed through your body.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-

And I could see you being my addiction You can see me as a secret mission

“So… what is this?” you ask, lying next to him covered in sweat, panting. You rolled away next to him, completely exhausted from your acts that lasted three blissful hours.

“You’re asking this now?” he mutters, eyes fixed at the ceiling. “I’m pretty sure fraternizing between teammates is not allowed here.” He groans.

You close your eyes, trying to think about if that rule existed among the Avengers. As far as you knew nobody was involved with each other here. “We can be friends.” You suggest.

“What!” you feel the mattress shift and open your eyes to him leaning over you.

 “No, just… think about it.” You shift to lean on the headboard, gathering the sheets to cover your chest, “you’re new to the team.”

Joaquin takes a pillow to cover himself and sits cross-legged in front of you, “okay.”

You stop for a second, staring at his abs.

Y/n stop it! Focus!

“We can’t just go ahead and announce that we’re sleeping together, or dating. They will never let us live this down. Especially Bucky. And Kate. Maybe Sam…” You state, matter of factly.

“Wait, wait! Stop!” he gestures, eyebrows scrunched, “You want to date me?”

“No! I don’t like you like that!” almost scream out, “do you wanna date me?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Then I don’t see a problem with… this!” You throw out your hands.

“What is this exactly?” Joaquin pointed between you two.

You groan, “ugh, you’re as thick as it gets!” You adjust the sheets around your body to free your hands, “what did you think of me the first time you saw me?”

“At the gala? Huh…” he thinks, “That you have the prettiest smile.” he shocks you with the last part, but then he adds on, “also you looked hot in that pink dress.”

There we go.

“Well, I thought you had a great voice, and your eyes were really pretty.” You truthfully admit, “also you looked like trouble… and I have a thing for bad boys.”

“I’m twenty-five.”

“Whatever.”

“You swear you don’t want anything other than sex with me?” he asks you.

You nod, “Yeah. You?”

“I don’t.”

“Okay.”

“Okay!”

Joaquin gets up from his place, picking up his boxers and putting them on, “So just to be clear… we’re friends.”

“Yep!” you catch your sweatshirt that he throws your way.

He puts on his shirt next, “With benefits.”

“Absolutely.” You say, debating whether you should get up the bed or not, exhaustion rolling over your senses.

“And you promise you won’t fall in love with me.” He points to you.

“Oh please, if anything you’ll be falling first.” You say through a yawn.

Joaquin laughs putting on his pants, “well, I’m gonna go get something to eat. You want something?”

“Do you mind if I take a nap? I’m tired.” You grimace.

He smiles at you, “Go ahead.”

You fall back on the bed, as you hear his footsteps going away… the sweet embrace of sleep following you next.

—/—/—

Few weeks later

Your place or mine?

Your screen lit up with the message from Joaquin. You smirked

Yours? In an hour? You press send, and let out a laugh as you see the blue tick instantly.

Done.

Before you could ask him the reason he got so worked up, you hear F.R.I.D.A.Y’s automated voice - Scan. Complete.

A low hum filled the operations center as you meticulously analyzed the fragmented data streams scanned by F.R.I.D.A.Y. Dozens of photographs presented infront of you but your eyes instantly locked in on one in particular. Your focus narrowed on a grainy image emerging from the static. 

Broad shoulders, crisply pressed suit, gold rings on the fingers… could it be…

“Y/n!” Kate and Peter shout in unison as you slapped a stack of files on the kitchen table. Sam, Bucky, Shang Chi, Joaquin, all who were just about to eat, whipped their heads towards the commotion.

“I think I've found him,” you announced, pointing to the figure.

Sam and Bucky shared a look, and rushed towards you as you opened up a holographic display on your tab. Joaquin and you share a look, he was amused, a small smile on his face letting you know he was excited for what you found out, you smirked and quickly look away trying to focus on the scene infront of you.

“All this time I was searching for him here… but…” Cross-referencing facial recognition, thermal readings, and satellite data, you enlarged a section of the display, revealing a stark desert landscape. “The terrain, the temperature… it all points to one place... Mexico.”

A collective sense of surprise filled the room. 

'Mexico?' Peter questioned, 'What's he doing down there?' 

You zoomed in on a satellite image, enhanced thermal readings revealing a network of hidden structures. 'I don’t know, but he's planning something,' you stated, a sense of urgency creeping into your voice. 'Something big.' The implications hung heavy in the air. 

“This changes everything.” You nodded, your gaze fixed on the display. 'We need to move fast.”

To Be Continued...

A/N - Thank you everyone for sticking with me till the end of this fic! if you liked it please let me know through the asks and the comments. Next Chapter will be up soon... Love y'all, Take Care!

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[tom-whore-dleston]

Alma Bella

Pairing: Joaquin Torres x f. reader

Word Count: 1.3k

This fic contains: angst, fluff, implied smut, hurt/comfort, massages, crying, reader has low self esteem, Joaquin is a loving bf, unbeta’ed writing

Summary: Joaquin helps cheer you up after getting laid off.

Notes: This piece is for @the-slumberparty's Eight Types of Love challenge. In addition, this is a late request from the Spotify Wrapped 2023 challenge.

prompt: Philautia (love of the self) - Spa Day

request: Hello ❤️ For your event, can I choose <Beautiful Soul> by Jesse McCartney and Joaquin Torres? I was thinking a hurt/comfort/fluff fic? I don’t want to add too many ideas but if I can add, Soldier Joaquin x Teacher Reader? Thank you!!! - @blackbat05

You poked at the rice on your plate, watching the way each grain smashed under your spoon. If you weren’t careful, you could have snapped at any moment, aggressively smashing the salmon you spent the last hour preparing for your partner and then throwing it on the ground. So, you settled for meticulously squishing each item on your plate, until Joaquin’s voice pulled you out of your trance.

“Amor, is everything alright?”

When you finally glanced into his loving brown eyes, you sighed loudly, fighting back the tears burning your own eyes. You had been anxious to the point of throwing up over sharing the news to Joaquin. He had been working so hard for both of you, and you didn’t want to let him down. The logical side of you knew he would never be disappointed in you, yet the fear of any conflict with the man you loved scared you to your core. Yet, you needed to tell him before you were consumed by it.

“I’m so sorry, Joaquin,” you mumbled, staring back down at your barely eaten dinner.

“What? Why?”

“I got laid off,” you finally revealed. Your heart sank to your stomach as the words left your mouth, and you already felt the bile traveling to the back of your throat. “I should have seen it coming with the way the economy is now. Plus, schools are more focused on STEM classes than fine arts. You sipped on your glass of water before continuing. “I really thought I could make a difference with art. I thought I could inspire kids to create with their hands and get messy, but…forget it. My family was right about me becoming an artist. I’d never make it so I should be an art teacher for more stability. Well, look where that got me.” 

The tears that brewed in your eyes disappeared. Your heart was breaking into atomic pieces yet you couldn’t allow yourself to cry. What was the point of crying if the only thing to grieve was your hope of making a difference?

Joaquin stood from his chair and joined you on the opposite side of the dining table. He knelt down to hug you tightly against him. The moment he started rubbing your back and kissed the crown of your head, the water works began flooding over his white shirt. Your lover hushed you, but still allowed you to sob into his shoulder. 

“I am hurting with you, amor. But everything you said about yourself is not true. You can make a difference with your art. Maybe this just wasn’t the right time or moment to do that.”

You pulled away to meet his eyes again. They were still beautiful and brown, even behind your watery gaze.

“When will be the right time?” You sniffled, wiping the tears away with the back of your hands.

Joaquin looked down at the ground solemnly. “I wish I knew the answer to that. But I promise it’ll come. You just gotta light that passion again, amor.” A strong hand grabbed yours tenderly. “I know you still have fight in you. Even if you feel discouraged.” 

You pulled Joaquin into another hug warm enough to light that fire inside you. He always knew how to comfort you. You didn’t deserve this, especially after the way you talked so poorly of yourself. But, it was what you needed to crawl out of your hopeless state.

“I think I know another way to cheer you up,” Joaquin said, sweeping the hair out of your face.

“Please tell me we are getting massages!”

Joaquin’s eyes widened, a smile painting his face. “How do you manage to guess what I’m thinking so easily?”

You bit your lip. “Because you and I are connected by the soul.”

He stared down at your lips, releasing a faint chuckle before kissing your lips.

The next day, Joaquin drove you to the massage parlor in your town, holding your hand while he sang ballads of his affection to you. At each stop light, he would lift your hand to his lips before lightly pecking them before driving away. By the time you arrived at your destination, Joaquin spoke with the receptionist, reserving your massage time and paying the service. Before you could protest, he reminded you that this day was for you and you shouldn’t have to do so much as lift a finger. Normally, you would attempt to fight him back, but for now, you agreed to let him treat you.

The next 90 minutes were the most blissful ones you have experienced in a long while. The woman massaging you may have been way past 60 years old, but her hands were strong enough to knead out the weight you carried since getting laid off. Yet, her touch was still soft and gentle, a kind reminder that even amongst the roughness, you deserve sensitivity and love.

You peered over to Joaquin, who laid with his cheek on the table, facing you. He grinned with his eyelids half open as his taut muscles turned to putty. 

“How are you, mi amor?” 

As the little old woman squeezed a pressure point on your calf, you winced in pain and pleasure. Joaquin laughed at your response, sticking his head back down the cushioned hole of the table, succumbing to the classical music and warmth of the massager’s hands.

Once your massage was over, you and Joaquin moaned in elation, but still yearned for more of the comforting yet aggressive touch of the massagers. You both laid in silence, battling the urge to fall asleep on the tables. After what felt like eternity, you finally stood from the table, moving sluggishly to dress yourself. Joaquin sensed your movement, turning to admire your naked form. 

“Hey, you,” your boyfriend murmured in a seductive tone.

“Hey, to you, too.” You snickered, rolling your eyes when Joaquin just stared at you in awe. He rolled onto his side as you slid your underwear back on.

“Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?” He licked his lips as you bent over to pick up your sundress. A smirk was plastered on his face, and you already predicted where this would lead you. You decided to play dumb to test your hypothesis.

“I should say the same about you, handsome.” Your eyebrows suggested towards his semi hard length pointing in your direction. Then, you met him with sincerity and affection. “Thank you for this, amor. It really means a lot that you are taking this whole day to make me feel better after yesterday.”

“Anything for the woman I love. Don’t ever forget that you deserve the best and more.” You nodded before pressing your lips to his. Then, Joaquin added, “I take it that the massage helped relieve some of your stress?” 

“Oh, you have no idea, baby.”

“I think I do have an idea actually.” You faced him, fully dressed, as he finally managed to hop off the table. Your eyes steered away from his bare figure, warmth flooding your cheeks and chest. “Your pretty moans told me all I needed to know about how good you were feeling.”

You gulped, that sly smirk never leaving his face. “I felt really good, too. The thing is, I think they missed a spot. You and I both know you’re the only one to give me a real happy ending. Ain’t that right, amor?” By then, you choked on a gasp that almost came out as a whimper. 

“Joaquin, we can’t fuck here.”

“I know, I know.” He paused while putting on his jeans. “How about this? I drive us home, we get undressed again and I help you relax a little more and you help me get a happy ending.” 

You pretended to consider his proposition with your bottom lip tucked between your teeth. The day had just begun for you two and you were already looking forward to more of whatever special treatment he had in store for you.

“Well, you did want to treat me the whole day so let’s not waste anymore time.”

Navigation | Fanfic Masterlist | Joaquin Torres Masterlist

header credit: @saradika | divider credit: @firefly-in-darkness

[backtothefanfiction]

Joaquin Torres x Stark!Reader | Grumpy x Sunshine

Summary: Joaquin and Sam take a trip to the Stark cabin to get something fixed on Joaquin’s suit.

Warnings: fluff, grief, angst, banter

Word Count: 2.6k+

A/N: Okay so I this is based on an ask that came through my inbox. I did make a couple adjustments, but over all the bones are the same. Hope people enjoy!

Joaquin always felt awkward when Sam dragged him out to the Stark cabin for a fix on their suits. Although he had never met Tony Stark himself, the Avenger was someone everyone knew and his loss was still felt all around the world. But the Stark cabin always felt like the nucleus of that grief. More importantly, the shed out back.

"I'm gonna head in and say hey to Pepper," Sam said as they made their way side by side down the path through the woods that lead to the old hunting cabin that had been turned into the Stark's main home during the blip.

"Okay, well I'm gonna- head-" Joaquin's voice trailed off as Sam made a left and began to head up the stairs to the front door, suddenly leaving him on his own, "to- the- uh shed I guess," he muttered to himself much quieter, looking between the cabin and the shed where he knew you would be.

He hesitated at the door to the shed. He knew you'd be in there, you practically lived in there since your Dad died. He knew it was bad for you to isolate yourself the way you did, throwing yourself into continuing his work as a way to manage your grief, but he also felt like he was invading your sanctuary whenever he stopped by.

"YO, FEATHERS! YOU GONNA STAND OUT THERE ALL DAY OR YOU GONNA COME IN!" Your voice called out to him and he took that as his queue to enter.

"How did you know I was out there?" he asked as he strutted in, his eyes scanning the space as he sought you out amongst the converted lab you and your Dad had built together during the blip. The two of you hadn't been too close before then, your Mom wanting you to keep your distance from the man she had accidentally conceived a child with during a drunken one night stand in her 20s, but when she became a victim of Thanos and the blip, you had no choice but to seek refuge with him.

"Cameras," you said, lifting a tablet in the air that showed a video feed of the front door and Joaquin used it as a marker to find you amongst the mess.

"You know I don't have feathers right?" he said as he approached the bench where you were huddled over a piece of tech, a soldering iron in hand as you fused different components together.

"And you two could literally go to anyone else at Stark Industries to fix your suites and yet, here you are." you said sarcastically as you finally met his eyes.

Joaquin took one look at the dark circles under your eyes and his heart ached. He hated to see you like this. He had developed a crush on you the first time he had met you. It was a couple years ago now. He had been brought in with Sam and Bucky for the debrief with Colonel Rhodes after the incident with the flag smashers. You had stopped by to have dinner with your Father's old best friend, turning up in a red floral sun dress and denim jacket and he had instantly fallen in love- not that he'd ever had the balls to tell you.

“You haven’t been sleeping.” Joaquin stated, his voice soft, but you hated the tone of pity that accompanied it. It was coming up to the anniversary of your Father's death and your dreams had been plagued with flash backs to the battle where you had watched him lose his life.

“Well thanks Captain Obvious.” you snapped at him resentfully.

As long as he'd known you, Joaquin knew your usual jaded demeanour and hostility was due to your inability to deal with your grief over your Dad, but he also knew this extra spiciness to your tone was due to the aforementioned lack of sleep. “You know I was never actually a captain.” he said, trying to lighten the mood, but it didn't help.

“Okay, then Lieutenant Obvious. Better?” You sassed as you forcefully turned him around to get to the access panel on the back of the wings.

“Remind me again why you’ve got to do this with the suit on me.”

“It’s so you can fly away the second I’m done and stop- annoying-me,” you grunted as you popped the panel. “Uuuhgg, this is a mess. Who the hell has been fiddling with this thing?” you asked, taking in the hazard of wires and switch boards inside.

“The US governement.” Joaquin laughed.

“That sounds about right," you gritted as you took your soldering iron from before and began adjusting and readjusting wires.

As you worked, Joaquin took a moment to look around the room again. There were empty cups, mugs and plates discarded in different places as you had refuelled on the go. The sofa in the corner had a blanket haphazardly draped across it, implying that when you had been sleeping, it had been in here and not in the house with Pepper and your half sister Morgan. It broke his heart.

"Y/N-" he said your name tentatively, wanting to broach the subject and help, but also not wanting you to completely shut down and shut him out and hate him forever.

"Don't." you said, reading his mind without having to look directly at his face as you focused on your current job. "There," you sighed, "try that." you said as you closed the panel again and sat back.

Joaquin turned around, shifting in his suit, his arms lifting as he prepared to let loose the wings at his back. "NOT IN HERE MORON!" you quickly said, fear rippling through you at the thought of the nano tech wings unfolding at his back and smashing into the machinery set up around the two of you. "Take it outside."

"Uh, yeah. Right." Joaquin stuttered nervously as he realised his mistake.

You reluctantly followed him outside for his test flight and was met with the sight of your younger sister running down the steps of the cabin and over to you both. "JOAQUIN!" the young girl beamed, taking him in. She for sure had a little school girl crush on him. And to be fair, you couldn’t blame her, he was good looking, you just weren’t interested in anything right now.

"Hey Kiddo!" he said, embracing her as she ran into his arms to greet him with a hug. "Your sister's just fixed my wing up. Wanna see?"

"Yeah! Of course!" she beamed and the way she smiled made you see all of the same awe and wonder in her eyes as your Father used to have. The look sent a new wave of grief to hit you and you had to turn away from her for a moment to compose yourself. It was so quick you had hoped neither of them had noticed, but when you looked back to Joaquin, it was clear to you he had.

"Well, go on then. Get this over with so I can go back to work." you said, folding your arms across your chest as you encouraged him to let his wings free.

His eyes seemed to linger on you for a moment, trying to find a way to penetrate your armour before he finally conceded. There was a click and a rippling schwing of metal as his wings unfurled seamlessly at his back, shorter at first, but then he pressed another button in the gloves of his suit and the nanobots shifted and extended the wings down to make them larger.

"Oooooooh," Morgan cooed in wonder as she took them in.

"Come on then feathers, you gonna fly or what?" you encouraged him. He sighed in your direction, but ultimately activated his helmet and thrusters and dramatically blasted off from the floor at such a force you and Morgan had to steady yourselves as you were hit with a blast of air.

You both watched from the ground as he began to do a sweep around the property, Morgan running down to the lakes edge to watch him closer as he dipped down to run a finger through the water as he glided above it. You stood there for another minute, watching to make sure there weren't any more problems, but when he started to show off, doing barrel rolls through the air to impress Morgan, you knew it was your cue to return to your work.

“You know, you should be a lot nicer to him,” Pepper’s voice startled you. You hadn’t noticed her when you first came in, but at the sound of her voice, you quickly found her collecting up some of your plates and mugs, ready to take them back into the cabin.

You didn’t respond to her, your body turning back to your work as you pretended like she wasn’t there. You didn’t want the lecture right now. Although she had married your Father and had technically become your step mom, not to mention she was your half sister’s actual mother, Pepper had always felt more like an Aunt to you. She had all the same maternal energy and instincts towards you, but she was more approachable like a friend.

“You know, I invited them to stay for dinner,” she said as she came up beside you. “We’re having cheeseburgers, in honour of your Dad.” she continued, trying to get any sort of reaction out of you, but you weren’t biting. “You know,” she said, after another pause, deciding to change tac, “I think he likes you.”

“What makes you say that?” you said instinctively and you instantly kicked yourself for responding, but you could feel the swell of pride coming off Pepper as she realised she had gotten you to break.

“Because I’ve seen the way he looks at you,” she said wistfully, her eyes looking out the open doorway towards the sounds of her daughter’s giggles as she played with Joaquin. “And no matter how mean you are to him, he keeps coming back.”

“Is that what happened with you and my Dad?” You asked, fishing for information about the origins of their relationship.

“Not quite. Me and your Dad were… a little more complicated. Your dad was always a lone wolf, but he,” she said, her gaze moving to the man outside again, “he’s more of a golden retriever. He may be a bit goofy and over enthusiastic at times,” she said, before turning her attention back to you, “but he’s loyal. And he knows how to have fun,” she stressed as she nudged your shoulder. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the way you needed to take a break from your Father’s legacy and just learn to let loose again.

You went back to giving her the silent treatment as she shifted the cups and plates in her hands again and went to leave. But as she reached the door, the small voice in the back of your head (you often liked to think was actually your Father living rent free in your brain), told you she was right.

“Pepper!” you called out to stop her. “Thanks.” you said, giving her the first smile that had graced your face all week. She didn’t say anything more back, just gave you an equally fond smile of acknowledgment. After all, Pepper Potts knew she had already said everything she needed to, to finally get you back out of the shed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Nearly two hours later, you finally made your way up to the cabin for dinner. The sound of laughter and the sizzling sounds and smell of the burgers was almost overwhelming after spending a week alone out in the shed, but you quickly shook it off. Both Sam and Joaquin turned their heads at the sound of the door, but quickly became distracted again by your sister. She was stood in the middle of the living room giving a rather animated account to them of an incident that had happened to her at school. You couldn’t help but smile at the way she captivated them as you snuck through the house to the kitchen.

“Can I help with anything?” you quietly asked.

Pepper turned and gave you a smile. You watched as her eyes scanned you. You had changed since she had left you and even taken the time to run a brush through your hair. You could tell there was something hidden in her gaze, knew she was eager to tease you over it, but she quickly dropped it, not wanting to scare you off after finally being able to coax you back in.

“I’m almost done,” she said, “the burgers will just be another minute or two. Why don’t you lay up the table, ready for everyone.”

You didn’t give her a verbal response, instead headed straight to the draw to retrieve the cutlery and placemats. “Let me help you with that.” Joaquin’s voice came from behind you. You turned your head with a start. You hadn’t even heard him follow you in.

“Uh, thanks,” you said quietly as he took the handful of cutlery from you and followed you to the dining table.

You were both silent as you began to put down the placemats, Joaquin following close behind you and laying down the cutlery. When you had finished that, he followed you back to the kitchen to help carry in the salad and condiments, which you laid out in the middle of the table so people could help themselves.

“I’m sorry- uh I mean, earlier, this afternoon. Thank you for uh,” Your voice froze. Gosh this was awful. You desperately wanted to bridge the gap you had placed between the two of you, but you didn’t know how. “I’m sorry I was a dick!” you finally blurted out.

He let out a little snicker at your outburst, but quickly schooled his features, knowing you were trying to have a serious conversation. “It’s okay, don’t worry about it.”

“I know, it just… I know I can be a bit…”

“Hostile?” He said, filling in the word you were struggling with.

“Yeah. Hostile.” you repeated.

“It’s okay. I know you don’t mean it. It’s not easy losing a parent. It’s not easy losing anyone.” he corrected himself. “Grief makes us do odd things sometimes. Just know that you’re not alone. Okay?”

“Okay.” your repeated.

“I’m here for you. Come rain or shine. Night or day. You don’t have to do this on your own.”

“I know,” you sighed, your head hanging, almost in shame. “I’ve just… never really been that good at asking for…”

“Help?”

“Yeah,” you sighed.

“Look,” he said, and you watched at he reached into his back pocket for his wallet and pulled out a bit of paper with his number on it. You hated to think how long he’d had it sat in there just waiting for the right moment to give it to you. “This is my number. Call me whenever.”

You took it from him and couldn’t help the small smile that danced on your lips as your fingers played with the piece of paper you had been handed. “Even in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep?” you asked him, both earnestly, but with a hint of suggestiveness you hoped he’d pick up on.

He was silent a moment as he analysed you. Wanting to check and make sure you had meant to imply what you had. When he realised you had, he hung his head in an attempt to hide the blush in his cheeks and the shit eating grin that adorned his face. “Yeah,” he sighed, finally looking back up across the table at you, an entirely new kind of tension between you now, “especially then,” he said and you knew that was one offer of help you were never going to turn down.

[astraljedi]

With you, I serve

With you, I fall down - Joaquin Torres

This wasn't requested and I haven't written in a while for Tumblr, but I suddenly had the itch to write this after watching Captain America yesterday. I've loved this man since forever and its a shame that I started so late to write for him! Warnings: Contains spoilers from Captain America: Brave New World, angst, mention of war & combat trauma, severe injuries (burns, surgery)

Pairing: Joaquin Torres x Female OC

Word Count: 2,931

Song: epiphany by Taylor Swift

A/N: For every Joaquin fic I write, I’ll be using my OC. It makes writing easier for me when I can create a character with a backstory. I don't include any detailed descriptions of the OC, other than that she's female.

Unknown Location, Military Base – 08:45

“I want to make this clear: everyone in this room is considered the top of your class as pilots. Your classmates are not your enemy—ego is your enemy,” I begin, scanning the faces of the pilots seated before me. “We are all here for one reason: to protect those who need protecting. We might butt heads during flight practice, but get this through your skulls. We defend the helpless, and we all make it back alive.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the class chants, posture rigidly straight. I stand at the front of the room, just beside the podium I refuse to use. With a nod, I dismiss them to retrieve their flight gear and prepare their planes for their first flight evaluation.

As I gather my belongings to do the same, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I glance at the screen—unknown caller ID.

“Captain, a word.”

I turn to see Colonel Matthews stepping into the classroom. I’ve been under his wing since I started my career and he was still a lieutenant. I enlisted after my mother passed during deployment, and he gave me the support and time to grieve. But he also made sure I knew I was more than my mother’s legendary career. I built my own, becoming a pilot and now a flight instructor.

“Colonel, of course.” I set my phone atop my files and face him.

“What do you think of the class? I need your honest opinion.” His brows are nearly stuck together, and he shifts on his feet, the stress written all over his face.

“Well, on paper, they look good, but I haven’t started their evaluations yet,” I admit. This assignment was suddenly dropped on me, so I only had a few hours to go over their files last night. I barely slept, and during my morning FaceTime with my boyfriend, he didn’t hesitate to scold me for it. As if he has any room to talk when he can knock out the second his head hits the pillow, while I need a full ritual just to get a decent six hours. “I’ll have a solid opinion after their flight practice.”

“Good. With what happened at the White House, Celestial Island, and whatever the hell decides to show up next, we need the best.”

When half the world disappeared, we adjusted and survived. But when suddenly everyone came back, it was chaos. And things just keep happening. Now we live in a new fear—what if the Blip wasn’t the worst? What if something bigger is out there?

“We do.” I nod. “And I know I can push these pilots to their full potential.”

“Oh, I know. That’s why you’re here.” He smiles, patting my shoulder. “Your mother would be proud of you.”

I force a smile, ignoring the faint ache in my chest. “Thank you.”

He glances at my still-vibrating phone and raises a brow. “Looks like someone really wants to talk to you.”

I hesitate, then pick it up. “Excuse me, Colonel. This might be an emergency.”

With a small nod from him, I step into the hallway and answer. “Hello?”

“How’s my gorgeous girl?”

My body melts against the wall as my shoulders loosen, the stress of the morning fading instantly.

“Better now that I’m talking to you.” My cheeks burn. It’s just a phone call, and yet he flusters me so easily. “Why are you calling from an unknown number? Is everything okay?”

“Not really—but we’re okay,” Joaquin sighs. “Listen, I’m going off the grid with Sam. I don’t know when I’ll be able to call or when I’ll be back. That’s all I can say for now.”

I sigh. I really miss him. It’s been weeks since I last saw him. We didn’t even get a proper date night. Instead, we ended up tearing down a wall in the house and pulling out carpet so filthy I don’t even want to guess when it was last cleaned.

“Don’t worry, yo entiendo.” That’s the thing about this job—you never know when you’ll be pulled into a mission or how long you’ll be gone.

“Please try not to worry too much,” he says gently, as if he can already sense my anxiety kicking in. “I’ll call when things clear up.”

I’m proud of him. I really am. But that damn Falcon suit still terrifies me. Some nights, I have to drag him away from working on it and into bed with me. Usually, that’s not an issue, but he’s too damn excited about having his own suit.

“Yo siempre me voy a preocupar por ti, Torres.” I push away the image of him falling from the sky, replacing it with something softer—his smile. The one I catch in the rare quiet of the morning when our schedules align. The one that greeted me at the airport after my deployment. The one he wore when he finally asked me out.

“I have to go,” he says, voice quieter now. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” My throat tightens. “Try to be careful. Please.”

“I’ll try.”

The Following Day, 22:00

“Today wasn’t terrible,” the exhausted group of pilots sighs. Some throw themselves onto the sofa, while others collapse onto the floor.

I could’ve gone easy on them—it’s only their second day with me. But that’s not my style. They’re decent pilots, and with a few tweaks, they’ll graduate as the best.

“Captain Estrada.”

I turn as Captain Sofia Ramos, my best friend, rushes into the common room, her face tight with urgency. “You need to see this.”

My gut clenches. I already know. Even before she grabs the remote and turns on the small TV mounted on the wall, I know.

Joaquin.

The broadcast cuts to footage from Celestial Island, the contested territory between America and Japan. My eyes lock onto the screen, and suddenly, no one else in the room exists. Just me and that damn TV light.

No. No, no, no.

I silently beg any god who will listen as I watch the Falcon in the background, disarming missiles—missiles fired from American fighter pilots.

“Everyone, clear out,” Ramos orders.

The pilots groan but comply, irritated that they’re being kicked out when Captain America is on-screen. They don’t get it. They don’t see what I see.

While everyone else watches Sam, my eyes are locked on the blurry figure in the background, engaging with the other pilots.

“What are they doing?” My voice is barely above a whisper, desperate. Every time Joaquin moves, nausea churns in my stomach.

“All I know is that our guys fired first,” Ramos says, her tone clipped. “It looks like Cap and Falcon are trying to stop them.”

I hear her, but I don’t respond. I can’t. My entire focus is glued to the screen. Paperwork be damned—I have to be here.

Sofia kneels beside me, wrapping a steadying arm around my shoulders. I always worry when Joaquin’s on a mission, not knowing where he is or who he’s fighting. But this—this is my worst nightmare. A front-row seat to him in combat, in the Falcon suit he spent countless hours perfecting. And I can’t do a damn thing.

“What are you doing?” My breath catches as the camera pans to Sam, with Joaquin in the background, flying straight toward two missiles.

“Shoot them down,” I beg the screen, as if he can hear me.

One missile explodes harmlessly in the distance.

The second—

Joaquin flies straight into it as it detonates.

The camera jerks away, refocusing on Sam.

“No—get him back! Move the camera!” I cry, scrambling to my feet, legs unsteady beneath me. “Did you see him fall? Please, tell me you saw him.”

I turn to Sofia, cheeks wet with tears, pleading for an answer neither of us has.

“If he fell, rescue will get to him,” she says firmly, pulling me into her, holding me tight as my body shakes from sobbing. “You and I know how it feels to be on that side. They have only the best there. He will make it home.”

I cling to her words, but fear sinks its claws deep into my chest.

“If I have to pull rank, I will get you on the next flight when he gets back,” she promises.

I nod weakly against her shoulder, unable to say anything past the lump in my throat.

Washington, DC - 14:34

In the end, Sofia didn’t have to pull rank. Colonel Matthews himself got me on a plane and straight to the hospital.

But now, standing outside, I can’t get in.

“Ma’am, I can’t let you in there. Only authorized personnel are allowed.”

I’ve been arguing with this officer for more than ten minutes, but he won’t budge. He won’t even listen.

“I’m his wife! I need to see him,” I shout, my voice cracking. Desperation claws at my throat, but the words don’t seem to reach him.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. You haven’t been cleared to enter the building.”

My hands shake as I pull out my military credentials and shove them toward him. “I work for the Air Force. Isn’t that clearance enough for you?”

His expression doesn’t waver. “I’m sorry, but no.”

I exhale sharply. Behind me, the press stirs, their voices rising, cameras flashing like lightning in a storm. But I can’t be bothered to care.

“You don’t understand—no one will tell me anything. I need to know if he’s okay.” My voice breaks, the hours of agony finally taking their toll. The waiting, the silence, the unanswered calls—it’s been unbearable. Joaquin could be—

No. I can’t let my mind go there.

“Vanessa?”

The familiar voice makes my head snap up.

Sam.

I could’ve kissed his feet right then and there.

“Sam! I need to see him, please.”

He looks like hell. His face is bruised, exhaustion etched deep into his features. His eyes, heavy with worry, probably mirror my own.

Sam doesn’t hesitate. “Officer, thank you for doing your job, but she’s with me.” He reaches for my hand, pulling me gently to his side.

The officer stiffens. “Of course, Captain. I apologize.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Sam shakes his hand before leading me inside.

I pick at my nail beds as a nurse guides us toward a gallery room.

“Are you sure you want to see him like this?” Sam asks, his voice low.

I nod. If I try to speak, I’ll break.

He hesitates. “He’s on the table now. He has burns, and it’s not pretty, sweetheart.”

“I’ve been at war too, Sam,” I say carefully.

Sam exhales, then pushes the door open. I step inside first, my pulse thundering in my ears.

I’ve spent years in the force. I’ve seen injuries—horrific, fatal ones. I’ve suffered them myself.

But nothing—nothing—could have prepared me for this.

Joaquin lies on the operating table, his body covered in burns, his skin raw and blistered. Doctors and nurses move around him in a blur, their voices overlapping as they work tirelessly.

My knees buckle.

Sam catches me before I hit the floor.

“It’s one thing being kept in the dark when he’s away,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the hum of machines. “But watching it happen on TV was a living nightmare.” My throat tightens. “I can’t take my eyes off him now. I’m scared that if I blink, he’ll be gone.”

Sam is quiet for a long moment. Then, barely above a whisper, he says, “I’m sorry.” His hands are deep in his pockets, his shoulders tense. “I tried. But I failed the kid.”

I shake my head immediately. “Don’t you dare, Sam Wilson.” My voice steadies, sharp with conviction. “This isn’t your fault. I don’t blame you, and neither will he.”

His jaw clenches. “I could’ve done more.”

“You carry the weight of the world, Sam. We do the best we can out there—we try to save everyone. But sometimes, we can’t.” I reach for his arm, squeezing gently. “You saved the day. You both did. And I’m grateful you made it back home.”

He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “You would’ve beaten my ass if I didn’t bring him back in one piece.”

A small, watery smile tugs at my lips. “If the both of you had died out there, I would’ve brought you back just to kill you myself.”

He huffs a quiet laugh, and I nudge his arm playfully, the moment of levity breaking through the weight in the room.

But when I look back at Joaquin, the lump in my throat returns.

“You two are important to me,” I say softly. “Don’t ever forget that.”

And as I watch the machines breathe for Joaquin, I silently pray he heard me too.

A Few Days Later - 13:11

“Surgery went well. There were some complications, but thankfully, he’s stable now,” I say into the phone, my voice still laced with exhaustion.

“I’m glad, honey.” Sofia’s voice is a balm on the other end. “You had me scared for a second there.”

“Thank you. If it wasn’t for you, I would’ve completely broken down in front of everyone.” I exhale, pressing my fingers to my temple. The memory of that moment—when the weight of everything nearly crushed me—is still fresh. If Sofia hadn’t cleared the room before I shattered entirely, I don’t know what I would’ve done. “Honestly? I blacked out. I don’t even remember getting on the plane. It wasn’t until Sam was walking me toward the hospital that my brain seemed to wake up.”

“Has he woken up yet?”

“No. They put him in an induced coma to help his body heal, but he’s been stirring more lately. It won’t be long now.” My voice softens. Joaquin was there for me when my body endured its own battles—now it’s my turn to return the favor. For now, Sofia and Colonel Matthews will oversee my squadron’s training while I stay behind to help Joaquin recover.

“I have to go, but keep me in the loop, babes.” We exchange quick goodbyes before she hangs up, off to oversee flight maneuvers for the team.

I tug at the sleeves of Joaquin’s favorite football hoodie—the one I’ve been practically living in since the moment I stepped into the hospital. His scent lingers in the fabric, the only comfort I’ve had in days. The only time I’ve left his side has been when Isaiah or Sam dragged me away to eat or take a quick shower.

Even now, my stomach twists in knots. Sam brought me food, a thoughtful gesture, but I can barely stomach more than a few bites of fries before nausea wins again. I wrap the leftovers back into the paper bag and sit on the bench in the hospital’s courtyard, letting the late afternoon breeze wash over me. Sam had forced me outside, insisting I needed fresh air that wasn’t recycled through hospital vents.

Eventually, I make my way back inside, my steps heavy with exhaustion. The press has finally cleared out, leaving the entrance eerily quiet. I offer the nurses a small, tired smile as I head toward Joaquin’s room, already dreading another night on that stiff hospital sofa—the damn thing might as well be made of cardboard.

I reach for the door handle but freeze.

A sound echoes from inside.

Laughter.

My pulse spikes.

I push the door open, my breath catching at the sight before me.

Joaquin. Awake.

He and Sam are laughing about something, the warm, familiar sound hitting me like a punch to the chest.

“Hi, gorgeous,” Joaquin says, his voice rough, tired—alive.

Just like that, the tears I’ve been holding back finally spill over.

His face has more color now, the rawness of his injuries still evident but softened by the warmth of his smile—the same smile I fell in love with all those years ago.

It’s only been a few days. But it feels like a lifetime.

“Come here,” he murmurs, opening his arms.

I don’t hesitate. I slip onto the bed carefully, resting my head against his chest, listening to the steady, reassuring beat of his heart. For the first time in days, the world outside disappears. Neither of us notices when Sam quietly slips out of the room giving us some privacy.

His arms wrap around me, firm despite the exhaustion in his body. A quiet groan slips from him at the movement, and I start to pull back, worried, but he tightens his hold—well, as much as he can.

“Don’t you dare, wife,” Joaquin teases, his thumb brushing my shoulder.

I let out a soft laugh, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “I needed a way to get in and stay here with you.”

“I love the sound of you being my wife, but for now, let’s focus on that fixer-upper you begged me to leave an offer on.”

I roll my eyes. “Begged? Please. I barely had to convince you.”

He chuckles. “The second you mentioned an outdoor kitchen and a barbecue pit, I was done for.”

I grin. “Don’t worry. I’m in no rush.” Because right now, I have everything I need—him, here, safe.

“Mrs. Vanessa Torres has a nice ring to it,” he muses.

I tilt my head, smirking. “Mrs. Vanessa Torres-Estrada sounds even better.”

His lips curl into a slow smile. “You got yourself a deal.”

He lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my empty ring finger before pulling me in for the first real kiss we’ve shared in weeks.

And for the first time in days, I finally breathe.

[fragileopp]

joaquin torres x reader requests open!

my only rules are no smut or graphic topics/extreme angst. thanks!

[donottouchredbutton]

Endlessly Falling

joaquin torres x sunshine!reader/ofc

3k words

she was falling, and there was only one person she trusted to catch her.

set in the same universe as this fic

warnings: angst, fear, canon-typical violence but i think it's pretty vague, reader/ofc has a fear of heights, idk let me know if i'm missing anything

note: idk if this is any good, i wrote it in like four hours unedited while i was trying to distract myself from burnout from work. feedback is always welcome :) also let me know if you notice anything familiar about sunshine's backstory... idk maybe there's something there, maybe there's not. let me know what you think!

She was running for her life. Again. She was really getting tired of this shit. 

She remembered a few weeks ago when the worst thing she had to worry about was getting her essays turned in on time, emailing her professors, and working on her thesis, back when she was just a grad student. Since meeting Joaquin, she found herself in trouble a lot more than she ever expected to be. 

That wasn’t to say this was the first time she’s ever had to run for her life, or that meeting Joaquin was the start of her getting into trouble. Or that meeting Joaquin was her first time helping a superhero. No, she had plenty of experience with this sort of thing. She remembered when she was a teenager the few (multiple) times when her dad’s work followed him home (literally) and having to hide or having to flee her own home just so he could take care of it. Terrifying as it was, she had learned to be good at finding the best hiding spots on the fly. And she still remembered when she was nineteen being trapped in a cage with a monster (who, to be fair, was her dad, but we won’t go into the specifics this time), with the intention of being mauled to death alongside a woman she barely knew. And just a year later, having to travel halfway across the world to help a superhero with identity issues to stop a cult and rescue her dad from said cult (her dad had a bad habit of getting himself into trouble, but he would always tell her that her uncle was even worse). 

Yeah. This wasn’t her first rodeo. And she was positive it wouldn’t be her last, either. 

But she sure as hell didn’t miss having to do this. 

Sam and Joaquin had both understood and agreed initially that they needed her help if they were going to stop this underground terrorist group. Bucky had been on the fence about it at first, thinking her too nice and innocent to get involved, but once she had proved herself in a fight the first time he had realized he had jumped the gun on judging her. She was a formidable opponent while still being able to maintain her happy nature and her positive, love-for-life attitude. 

Which was why she found herself in this position for the first time in years. She hadn’t meant to cause a distraction, she had just been sent by the men on a reconnaissance mission to one of their underground meetings while the three of them tried to take out their base of operations nearby. Even to her, the meeting was much bigger than she had been expecting, and the sound of the men updating her on their progress through her earpiece was only confirmation: they were a much bigger threat than they had initially believed. She had been listening to one of the leaders of the group as he slowly but surely began riling everyone up, his voice raising as he spoke to them about forcing order to the world and subjecting the people who had no care for them. He was nearly shouting at that point, and it was honestly beginning to frighten her. She was so ensnared by his words that the sound of Sam yelling through the earpiece completely threw her off her guard. 

“GET DOWN! IT’S A TRAP!”

The sound of gunshots on the other end of her earpiece caused her to gasp in fear, which caused her to slap her hand over her mouth in dread. She was scared for her friends, but she was also terrified at the sudden silence that happened in the room next to her after she did so. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as what was surely only a few seconds felt like years as she awaited what would happen. She didn’t dare breathe as she waited, her back pressed against the wall to make herself as small as possible. 

“Someone’s here with us. Take care of it.”

The leader’s words were just loud enough for her to hear, but it was more than enough to set her off at a sprint to get out of there. 

She had been running for what had felt like forever when she finally thought to check in with the others to make sure they were okay, and to find out what the hell happened. 

“What the hell happened?” she shouted through the earpiece. 

“They knew we were coming! It was a setup!” Sam shouted back. He and Bucky were fighting off terrorists left and right as they themselves tried to get out of the base. Their initial plan had been to find the leaders at the base and to either a) reason with them and get them to come willingly (Sam’s idea) or b) stop them by any means necessary (Bucky’s idea), but the three men had been met with nearly an entire army once they got there like they knew they were coming. The place had been booby trapped of all things, tipping the group off so that they opened fire seconds later. They all knew that if they were in trouble, she would be too. “Get outta there, now!”

“I’m trying!”

And she was. Unfortunately for her, the place was a maze, and with about ten angry men chasing after her, it was hard for her to focus on where all of the hallways led to rather than just trying to get away from them. Her fear was making it hard to think, and luckily it was making it hard to think about the fear itself. She just needed to get away. 

The sound of Joaquin’s voice in her ear immediately began to uncloud her mind. “Find a way to go up! Stairs, ladder, window, anything! I’ll come find you!”

She wasn’t able to think about how he would be able to do so, but she listened to him anyway. She trusted him enough to believe he was telling the truth. 

Truthfully, Joaquin didn’t know if he was. He had split from Sam and Bucky once they had opened fire, Sam telling him to fly out of there to find their superior and tell them all they had learned about the group. He often thought about what it would be like to jump out as Falcon, but he wasn’t exactly able to reflect on those expectations when he was in the middle of a life or death situation. He thought once he did so that he was in the clear, but there had been a couple of helicopters right outside waiting for him. So, they had air support. Of fucking course they did. 

Joaquin was sure that their superior would get an earful from Sam once they were finally on the clear (if they ever got to that point). He was doing his best to take out the people shooting at him from the helicopters, making sure they stayed focused on him so they wouldn’t start shooting elsewhere, but the entire time his focus was elsewhere. He couldn’t keep his mind off of her, and he was riddled with guilt. 

Joaquin was the one who had fought so hard to convince Sam and Bucky that she could help them on this mission. While they had both known she could handle herself, they were hesitant to let her go into the field with them, especially on a mission like this. She would have to get about as close as she physically could to this terrorist group without them finding out she was there, and they weren’t willing to risk her getting hurt or worse if something went wrong. It was the last thing Joaquin ever wanted, but he saw how hard she fought to convince them. He saw her conviction and determination, and more than anything, he saw that she truly cared. She just wanted to help, and Joaquin knew that. She was running for her life right now because he was the one to convince them to let her help. 

She was in danger because of him. 

He was right about her needing to find a way up. She had found a door that led her to a staircase all the way up to the roof. She took a quick glance over her shoulder to see how close the men were, finding them far away enough for her to be able to lock the door behind her. If she wasn’t running for her life, she would’ve thought about how it definitely seemed like a safety issue for the door to even have a lock, but she was more concerned about buying herself at least a minute or two to get to the top. She didn’t look back again after she locked the door and began to race up the stairs, not until she heard the sound of a gunshot blowing the door open. The information that they did have guns with them scared her more than she thought it would. They liked the chase, and they didn’t want the end to be quick if they did catch her. The thought made her blood run cold, and a new wave of adrenaline filled her as she continued to run. 

Once she reached the roof, once again locking the door behind her to buy herself some time, she looked out to try to find Joaquin anywhere nearby, but he was nowhere to be found. She braced herself as she looked over the edge of the building she was on, and the realization of just how far up she was was quick to set in. She hadn’t realized how long the staircase was nor how far up she had run, but the sight of the city what looked like miles beneath her caused her heart to beat faster for a completely different reason. She could handle most things—monsters, cults, running for her life. Heights weren’t one of those things. 

“Joaquin,” she said. She tried to steady the tremble in her voice, trying to control her breathing. 

“I’m on my way!” he shouted back, trying to dodge the helicopter that was currently shooting at him. He was not on his way, but he needed to be soon if he wanted any chance of getting to her in time. 

The sound of the men chasing her banging on the door to the roof made her jolt, dread filling her veins like venom. They were throwing themselves against the door to get it open. Unsuccessfully, sure, but the knowledge that they had the means to get the door open with their weapons made her believe that this was just a sadistic scare tactic. The thought made her sick. 

“Joaquin,” she warned. She was unable to hide the fear she felt from her voice. Even she could hear her voice shake. 

So could Joaquin, and he knew they were both running out of time. Taking out the pilot in the final helicopter, he set the thrusters of his wings to full power before jetting off to where she was. 

“I’m on my way!” he shouted once again, but he knew that he wouldn’t be there in enough time. Thinking fast, he added, “You’re gonna have to jump!”

Her stomach dropped at the thought. “I can’t,” she whispered. But she knew she was running out of options. The men chasing her would get tired of playing with her, and in seconds they would be out there with her. She’d have nowhere else to go. Her hands were already shaking as the reality of what she had to do was setting in. 

And she was right. The sound of the door to the roof being blown open made her jump, and the sight of the men closing in on her filled her with a fear she hadn’t felt in a long time. 

“JOAQUIN!”

“JUMP!”

She didn’t think. She ran to the edge of the building and jumped, right before they could grab her. 

She’s fallen before. She’s fallen out of tall trees when she was little, her dad constantly scolding her for climbing trees when she knew she might fall, but that’s why she always did it—to get better at climbing without falling. She’s jumped off of high platforms, trying to get down from where she was to try to help someone who needed it. She’s been thrown off of the side of a building before, but even then that was done when she was unconscious. This was something different. Being in free fall for so long, that sinking feeling in her gut never leaving but slowly getting worse as she seemed to fall closer to the ground in slow motion. The air whipped at her as if punishing her for jumping, her fear only growing as it felt like she would be endlessly falling. 

She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think to breathe. She couldn’t think, her mind somewhere up in the clouds that she seemed to remember falling through when she jumped. Her eyes were dripping with tears she couldn’t stop as the cool air burned them as she went. Another punishment, she thought. The air was thin, too, choking her up even more. She couldn’t find her voice, though if she did, she wouldn’t have been able to think about calling for Joaquin again. She couldn’t think about whether he would catch her in time. She just had to continue falling. 

Joaquin’s heart raced as he did, his sights set on her as he flew to catch her. He could hear the fear in her voice when she said she couldn’t jump, it had been clear as day to him that she was afraid to. He hadn’t wanted to make her do it, but he knew she had to. And he knew he would rather die than let her hit the ground. He wouldn’t let her get hurt again. He would make sure of it. 

When he was finally close enough, his arms reaching for her, Joaquin felt time stop. He couldn’t think. The only thing he could focus on as he reached for her was her eyes. Those eyes he had seen could hold such light and happiness as he had come to know her, those same eyes that were squeezed shut from fear and wet with tears he knew she couldn’t stop. Once he was close enough, he wrapped his arms around her tightly, never daring to let go. 

Once she felt him surrounding her, she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, aware enough to not choke him but clutching onto him like her life depended on it, because it did. There was nothing that would get her to let go. And now that he was holding her, she could finally feel herself breathe again. 

They were both silent as he flew them away from the building, away from all of the bad men who wished them harm, away from where she felt for a moment she was falling to her death. The pit in her stomach from falling was gone, replaced with something else she couldn’t place. She still felt sick feeling her insides shaken so much, but it wasn’t just that. She felt a pull inside her, not in her stomach but maybe in her chest. She couldn’t know for sure, still barely able to think or process what was going on. The only thing she knew for sure at that moment was that she felt well and truly safe wrapped up in Joaquin’s arms. 

Joaquin finally landed them on the roof of another building, much much shorter than the one she had jumped from and miles away. With the way she was clutching onto his back, he knew she could use a moment to stand on her own two legs and catch her breath. Once his feet touched the ground, he slowly eased her down as well, taking care to handle her gently for fear of causing her any more grief. His arms didn’t leave her even as she got her footing, nor did they when she leaned heavily against him once she was standing. She was still gripping him for dear life, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. He was sure he was holding her in a similar way. 

“Are you okay?” he asked after a few minutes. He always made sure that she was, and if she wasn’t, he always did what he could to help. 

“…Yeah,” she answered slowly, barely audible if it weren’t for her mouth being so close to his ear. “Just… need a minute.” 

Joaquin knew that they didn’t have a minute. He should’ve already been with his superior by now, finishing up with the debrief as they waited for Sam and Bucky to return as well. But he wasn’t concerned with any of that right now. The only thing he cared about was the woman in his arms, shaking like a leaf as she tried to calm down. For her, he would make the time. 

He readjusted his arms around her so that he was hugging her instead, one arm around her waist while the other came up to her shoulders, his hand holding her head against him and stroking her hair. He tried to steady his breathing in a way that she could follow, willing his own heart rate to slow down as he tried to help her calm down. 

She wasn’t the only one who had felt like they were endlessly falling. The only difference was, his had been slow and steady, hardly noticing it was happening until it hit him all at once. And he knew he would fall again and again if it meant getting to hold her like this. 

[goosewriting]

⭐ Masterlist: Marvel / MCU

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this list will contain 18+ fics. i don’t write anything sexually explicit but i’ll write about more mature themes. read at your own discretion.

• last updated: feb 27, 2025

🌸 : fluff 🍑 : steam and fluff ⚡️ : angst 🥀 : angst & comfort

🍏 Joaquín Torres (# joaquin torres x reader)

🥀 the aftermath: reader visits Joaquín at the hospital as he wakes up from surgery

🌸 no bribe needed: after getting saved by Joaquín, reader decides to ask him out for coffee

🍑 (not) doctor's orders: Joaquín and reader tend to each other’s wounds after a mission

🌸 sick!reader headcanons

🌸 sketch: Joaquín discovers that reader’s sketchbook features a lot of drawings of himself

🌸 enamorado: Joaquín’s drunken love confession