#mobster bucky barnes au
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eviesaurusrex Ā· 3 months ago
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į“„Źœį“źœ±į“‡É“ į“”ÉŖźœ±į“‡ŹŸŹ | Ź™. Ź™į“€Ź€É“į“‡źœ±
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Mobster!Bucky Barnes x Reader
summary: 5 incidents in which Bucky gets proven how lucky he is to have found you.
word count: 6.7k
warnings: MDNI, fluff, mobster typical themes, illusions to violence, more fluff, cursing, talks of marriage, starting a family etc., pregnancy, phantom pain, allusions to smutty time, slight dirty talk, my Google Translator skills for all things Russian, children, not perfetly proof-read
authorā€™s note: Am I in my mobster era now? (Please don't try to strangle me when I butchered the Russian parts. I had only Google Translator as my trusty helper ;_; Dividers are made by @enchanthings-a and @strangergraphics!
Russian translations:
Š¼Š°Š»Ń‹ŃˆŠŗŠ° (malyshka)ā€”baby
Š¼ŠøŠ»Š°Ń (milaya)ā€”darling
ā€œEvery day I wake up next to you, I pray to the gods and thank them for the love you give me. Every day I spend with you is more than I deserve. Every day I call myself lucky that you love me back, my dear. I love you more than anything in the world, more than the world, more than life itself. You are my everything. Thank you for making me the happiest man on this planet.ā€
ā€œShould I stop telling you how good you feel around me? How good you take me? How perfect you look, all filled up with my cock and already pregnant with my baby?ā€
ŠŸŃ€ŠøŠ²ŠµŃ‚, ŠæŠ°ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŠŗŠ° (Privet, papochka)ā€”Hello daddy
ŠŸŃ€ŠøŠ²ŠµŃ‚, сŠ¾Š»Š½Ń‹ŃˆŠŗŠ¾ (Privet, solnyshko)ā€”Hello sunshine
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The first incident that proved him to have chosen wisely when following his heart for the first time in his life was when James Buchanan Barnesā€”fearsome crime lord, bratva leader, king of New York Cityā€™s underworldā€”found himself in the aftermath of a crossfire after a deal gone south. His doctor had just arrived to check out the gunshot wounds littering his arm and shoulder, and in his opinion, everyone made too much of a fuss about it.
He was fine. He made it out with barely any scratches.
ā€œNine gunshots, only one bullet I have to remove. This is a new record, Mr. Barnes.ā€
ā€¦ a few scratches; he had to give him that.
On the other hand, his entire left arm had been reduced to nothing but a pile of scrap metal, so perhaps Bucky had been hit rather badly if he took that into account. He wouldnā€™t because he had to be okay, invincible even. The world he was born into was a cruel one that reprimanded oneā€™s weakness with downfall and despair, and he had to uphold the legacy that had been bestowed upon him the moment his father took his last dying breath in the same car crash that had taken his arm. He had people to protectā€”his associates, partners, workers, everyone that he considered friends or even family.
Topped by only one person, one woman, who sat above them all on a throne he had created for her right next to his. Not beneath him, not a step belowā€”right fucking next to him.
Speaking of whichā€¦ The commotion outside their bedroom sounded a lot like the whirlwind he deemed to be the love of his existence, and cursing above his breath, his eyes moved a second from the slightly opened door toward the doctor holding the single bullet between a pair of forceps.
ā€œDonā€™t you dare step in my way.ā€
Her voice rushed like opium through his veins, making the mobster forget about the burning pain of holes inside his body.
ā€œI canā€™t let you in there. Not now. The doctor is with him, you donā€™t want to see that,ā€ Steveā€™s voice echoed through the hallway, probably stacked with high-towering security men. Just as high-towering as the blond was, and still, his girl did not show fear. No, not her. Never her.
A scoff was heard, and the physician beside him chuckled under his breath as he started to clean the wounds meticulously. Even Bucky showed a rare hint of emotion around other people than her when a grin parted his lips for a moment. ā€œYouā€™re his second. He is his doctor. I am his girlfriend. Think again if you want to continue standing in my way, Steve. Iā€™m not above using brute force to get to him.ā€
Hearing that from a woman stopping not even close to all their eye levels would be laughable with any other person, but her? Everyone knew she would move heaven and hell in order to get wherever he was. He had learned this the hard way and would never dare leave her behind again, not when she demanded to tag along.
She really is a wonder.
Bucky wasnā€™t sure if he had spoken those words out loud, his mind starting to struggle with the blood loss and pain seeping deeper than necessary into him.
Shuffling before the door made the brunet open his eyes again. ā€œFucking hell, womanā€¦ā€ The hardwood door opened, and he could see the woman ruling his world without even starting to grasp the extent of her power over him, turning toward his second in command. ā€œI hope you donā€™t kiss your mother with that mouth, Rogers,ā€ she spoke sweetly before she finally turned, her eyes immediately finding him on their shared bed.
Worry creased her forehead, brows deeply furrowed, eyes jumping from his shoulder to his injured arm, then right to the one missing. Without another heartbeat, she rushed through the grand but still cozy room, showcasing her taste because Bucky had let her redecorate this entire fucking house as soon as she had agreed to move in with himā€”after much persuasion on his part. He wouldnā€™t have given a fuck if she wouldā€™ve decided to paint every single wall a screaming yellow if it wouldā€™ve made her happy.
ā€œHey, Š¼ŠøŠ»Š°Ń.ā€ His raspy voice from all the shouting broke a bit at the signature endearment for her, and he wished to reach a hand out to her, but the lack of his arm was jarringly apparent. So all he could do was watch her carefully settling down onto her side of the bed, scooting over the mattress, a warm, soft hand cupping his cheek while the pad of her thumb started to caress his cheekbone. ā€œHey, love,ā€ she returned the greeting with a smile, worried gaze flicking to Dr. Strange. ā€œHow bad is it? And donā€™t you dare try to sugarcoat me like Sam bloody tried on our way here. I do possess eyes, you see that, right?ā€
Dr. Strange nodded while preparing the stitching material. ā€œI have removed one bullet from his shoulder. Nine shots in total. Iā€™ve cleaned them and will stitch them as soon as the anesthetic takes effect.ā€ Bucky could see her nodding at the doctorā€™s explanation and tried to nuzzle closer into the palm of her hand. ā€œMilaya?ā€ She finally looked down on him. ā€œIā€™m okay, ā€˜promise. They busted mā€™arm, though.ā€
His words turned slurred, slowly but steadily, and he focused on her soft smile that was always entirely reserved for him and baby kittens. He could live with that sort of competition.
ā€œWe will talk later, but I promise Iā€™ll take a look at your arm, and in case there isnā€™t anything left to save, Iā€™ll make you a new one, James.ā€ She pressed a gentle, loving kiss to his sweat-covered forehead. ā€œNow relax, my love. Iā€™ll be here when you wake up.ā€ Her voice echoed in his ears when the drugs finally kicked in, clinging to the sound of her.
Yes, he had been smart enough to ignore his stupid rule of not letting anyone get closer than necessary. She proved him right every damn time.
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The second incident that proved him to have chosen wisely when following his heart for the first time in his life was on a regular day in December. Snow fell softly outside the grand brownstone they had chosen to spend the holidays at rather than the house outside the city. His girl had wanted to finally spend Christmas in the buzzing city again, and he had ordered their things packed and moved within a blink of an eye.
Now, everyone enjoyed their little piece of heaven surrounded by their families. Yelena and Natasha had returned to Russia for the holidays, Steve spent time with his own wife, while Sam had decided to go south to see his parents and check in with a few associates while he was already there.
Meanwhile, the feared bratva mobster, leader of the darkest pits of New Yorkā€™s underworld, watched his girlfriend-soon-to-be-fiancĆ©e add a few more pieces they had picked up at Tiffanyā€™s today to their Christmas tree, humming to the soft tunes of an old record wafting through the living room. His blue eyes, usually so menacing and threatening, rested with a loving expression on the woman he had sworn to protect with his life, one arm thrown over the back of the comfy couch he had spent a fortune onā€”but his queen fell in love with it at first sight and couldnā€™t find anything better suiting. Not that she had to. The shining black Centurion Card had been pulled out of the inside pocket of his black suit jacket the second Bucky had seen that look on her face.
He would buy her anything in this world, spoiling her rotten until sheā€™d drown in pretty things.
ā€œI think we need more lights,ā€ she stated in a mumble, almost to herself, before turning toward him. ā€œDonā€™t we? We need more lights, yes.ā€ And so it was decided, and he smiled at her turning back when she started to roam through the red holiday box to find the last remaining string of colorful fairy lights. ā€œNo, wait.ā€ Lifting a dark brow, the man watched her reach for the small package he had eyed since theyā€™ve returned instead, all wrapped prettily and neatly.
Scooting across the soft carpet toward where he sat, his girl smiled up at him, holding the small present out to him before folding her hands over his muscular thigh, waiting patiently. ā€œItā€™s not your Christmas present, but I saw it andā€¦ and I needed to do this. To have something for our tree.ā€
Their first real tree as a couple. The past three years, they had been too busy during the holiday season, barely being at home, not to mention the little time they wouldā€™ve had to go out, find a tree, and decorate it, so it would be appreciated as it deserved. This year, however, Bucky craved the comforts of their home, and he wanted to start collecting memories like this.
He bent over to her, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead, hand cupping her cheek tenderly, the little gift almost vanishing in the vastness of his hands. ā€œThank you, Š¼Š¾Ń Š¼ŠøŠ»Š°Ń.ā€ How in all the hells had he become so lucky in finding this woman who now grinned up at him with unabashed happiness? ā€œOpen it! Open it already!ā€ And he obliged, feeling giddy himself as she almost bounced on her knees, unwrapping the small box and opening the lid to reveal a perfectly crafted snowflake ornament, a picture of them together in Central Park during the worst snowstorm the city had witnessed in over a decade placed inside the clear crystal. Their smiling faces, almost hidden behind scarves and beanies, angled to one another, her lips pressing a snow-filled kiss to the corner of his smiling lips.
It was perfect.
She was perfect.
Gods be damned, but in that moment, when his eyes found hers again, he felt the overwhelming urge to drop down on his knees and ask for a lifetime together. But he wouldnā€™t. He had it all planned out, and he used to stick to his plans. He was patient beyond compare, but not when it involved this woman before him. So instead of caving to this sensation, Bucky carefully placed the crystal snowflake onto the coffee table in front of him and pulled his girl up into his lap in one smooth motion, wrapping her in his strong arms, fingersā€”both flesh and metalā€”tangling in soft strands of hair or gripping the soft black fabric of the hoodie she wore which once belonged to him.
ā€œŠšŠ°Š¶Š“ыŠ¹ Š“ŠµŠ½ŃŒ я ŠæрŠ¾ŃŃ‹ŠæŠ°ŃŽŃŃŒ ряŠ“Š¾Š¼ с тŠ¾Š±Š¾Š¹, Š¼Š¾Š»ŃŽŃŃŒ Š±Š¾Š³Š°Š¼ Šø Š±Š»Š°Š³Š¾Š“Š°Ń€ŃŽ Šøх Š·Š° Š»ŃŽŠ±Š¾Š²ŃŒ, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€ŃƒŃŽ ты Š¼Š½Šµ Š“Š°Ń€Šøшь. ŠšŠ°Š¶Š“ыŠ¹ Š“ŠµŠ½ŃŒ, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€Ń‹Š¹ я ŠæрŠ¾Š²Š¾Š¶Ńƒ с тŠ¾Š±Š¾Š¹, Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŃˆŠµ, чŠµŠ¼ я Š·Š°ŃŠ»ŃƒŠ¶ŠøŠ²Š°ŃŽ. ŠšŠ°Š¶Š“ыŠ¹ Š“ŠµŠ½ŃŒ я Š½Š°Š·Ń‹Š²Š°ŃŽ сŠµŠ±Ń счŠ°ŃŃ‚Š»ŠøŠ²Ń‡ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š¼, чтŠ¾ ты Š»ŃŽŠ±Šøшь Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń Š² Š¾Ń‚Š²ŠµŃ‚, Š¼Š¾Ń Š“Š¾Ń€Š¾Š³Š°Ń. ŠÆ Š»ŃŽŠ±Š»ŃŽ тŠµŠ±Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŃˆŠµ Š²ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ Š½Š° сŠ²ŠµŃ‚Šµ, Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŃˆŠµ Š¼ŠøрŠ°, Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŃˆŠµ сŠ°Š¼Š¾Š¹ Š¶ŠøŠ·Š½Šø. Š¢Ń‹ ā€” Š¼Š¾Šµ Š²ŃŠµ. Š”ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠ±Š¾, чтŠ¾ сŠ“ŠµŠ»Š°Š» Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń сŠ°Š¼Ń‹Š¼ счŠ°ŃŃ‚Š»ŠøŠ²Ń‹Š¼ чŠµŠ»Š¾Š²ŠµŠŗŠ¾Š¼ Š½Š° этŠ¾Š¹ ŠæŠ»Š°Š½ŠµŃ‚Šµ, Š¼Š°Š»Ń‹ŃˆŠŗŠ°,ā€ Bucky rasped in Russian with his forehead pressed to hers and eyes intimately locked, watching the shy smile he loved so dearly spreading on her lips and making her eyes twinkle.
ā€œI donā€™t know if you have insulted me just now, proclaimed your undying love for humble me, or started the dirty talk earlier than usual, but either way, I donā€™t mind.ā€ Her fingers wrapped around his chin to pull his face closer to hers, lips touching when she added in a breathless whisper, ā€œIt sounded hot, so keep talking dirty to me, love.ā€
Giggling, his girl accepted the tender kisses of chapped lips to her cheeks, her nose, her forehead, her lips. He felt the uncomfortable pull on his skin again when Bucky smiled at her, his split lip still not entirely healed after a punch he couldnā€™t dodge in time. Under her care, it will have vanished until next week when the photographer planned to take a few pictures for their first Christmas postcards.
Bucky still struggled to grasp how his life had turned in that particular manner. He never thought heā€™d be one for domesticity and familiar bliss, but with her?
He was all in.
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The third incident that proved him to have chosen wisely when following his heart for the first time in his life was when James Buchanan Barnes, invincible mob boss, returned home in the dead of night in a frantic temper, his entourage strolling behind him, accepting his orders with grave faces and solemn nods.
ā€œDonā€™t let him out of your fucking sight. Track him as soon as he leaves his godforsaken home, track him inside his own walls, hell, track when he takes a piss. I donā€™t fucking care!ā€ His booming voice echoed through the foyer, and with another deep growl, he handed his weapons to Sam; two remained in the holster, hugging his broad shoulders. He wouldnā€™t take them off, not until the threat was decimated under his foot. ā€œWeā€™ll do a 24/7 surveillance on him, boss. He wonā€™t come near her,ā€ Steve promised, knowing damn well what would happen to all of their heads if they couldnā€™t protect her.
Bucky bared his teeth in disgust. ā€œYou better not fuck this up, Steve.ā€ This would be his first and only warning, and the blond knew that, so he nodded and retreated into his office, knowing damn well that sleep would be nothing but a pleasant memory for a whileā€”he wouldnā€™t be alone, though. Everyone knew how their boss got when his queen was threatened by others. Those threats had already started to grow in numbers as soon as the underworld learned of their engagement, and outsiders trying everything to get in and on good graces with certain families smelled a quick victory.
How wrong they were in those foolish assumptions.
Sam watched his boss almost anxiously while he desperately tried to cool off, fists pressed against the pretty surface of a pretty sideboard she had most definitely chosen.
ā€œI will kill him. Iā€™ll kill them all if I have to.ā€
At Buckyā€™s deep rumble, Sam could only hum in agreement. He would be right at his back, killing all who wanted to harm anyone he cared for, especially those inside this building.
ā€œI could reach out to our associates in Louisiana, get some more backup and gunpower. Thereā€™s this kid whoā€™s a marvel with tech. Maybe he can come up with a discreet solution for the in-house surveillance,ā€ Sam suggested, knowing damn well how excited Parker would be when he finally allowed him to tag along, currently bored out of his brilliant mind at college. Bucky looked up and over his shoulder, icy blue eyes resting on one of his best menā€”and friend. But the creaking above their heads let him pause in his answer, and both men stared up the stairs, knowing who eavesdropped at the railing.
Bucky sighed deeply. ā€œWe need to work on your stealth skills, Š¼Š°Š»Ń‹ŃˆŠŗŠ°,ā€ he spoke up and waited for her steps to pick up and for her to shuffle down the stairs. She did in a pair of cozy yoga pants, a large hoodie hanging on her formā€”the one he had worn before changing into his suit this morningā€”and fluffy socks with reindeer and candy canes printed all over them, her hair wrapped in a messy bun on the top of her head, strands framing her face. In her arms throned a king amongst pets, and white fur littered the soft fabric of his hoodie where she held Alpine close to her chest.
His heart ached at the sight of her in the best possible way.
Her eyes wide with worryā€”not for herself, but for him and all his menā€”jumped between Sam and himself as she reached the second to last step and waited there.
ā€œI didnā€™t mean to, butā€¦ I heard voices and thought youā€™d come home, but then I heard everyone talking and it was kind of too late to go back to bed anyway, so I figured I couldā€¦ learn a bit.ā€ Bucky started softly shaking his head, his outgrowing hair tickling his cheeks. ā€œYou meant eavesdropping, Š¼Š°Š»Ń‹ŃˆŠŗŠ°. Thatā€™s the word youā€™re looking for here,ā€ he deadpanned, and one corner of his mouth slightly lifted at the sound of her quiet laugh, her fingers comfortingly petting the white fluff ball currently purring at the attention and headbutting her hand for more.
With another sigh, he stepped up to the stairs, raising his gaze to his all-ruling queen, and he felt the tension in his shoulders slightly disappear when her hand came up to his neck and rested there comfortingly, fingers playing with the soft strands of his dark hair. ā€œIā€™ll be alright, James,ā€ she whispered, and he wasnā€™t sure how she could say that with such certainty when not even he felt so sure. ā€œWeā€™ll be alright, I just know it. Nothing and no one will keep me from you, from becoming your wife and living a very happy life with the man I love more than anything in this world, giving him the cutest fur babies and children the world has ever seen.ā€ Bucky sucked in a breath, and after gently putting down Alpine, he pulled his soon-to-be wife in a bone-crushing hug, wrapping her legs around his hips with ease. ā€œWe will live until we turn old and grey and can look back at all the memories we made along the way, annoying our children and grandkids with endless, embarrassing stories,ā€ she continued to whisper against the soft, tattooed skin of his neck and yes, he could see all that and more, too.
It was easy with her to picture this picture-perfect lifeā€”and he would do anything to make it a reality. He wouldnā€™t stop at murder and anarchy, not when it came to her.
So when he slightly turned to Sam with his woman in his arms, ready to put her back to bed, he only needed to mouth the words, and it was done.
Do it.
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The fourth incident that proved him to have chosen wisely when following his heart for the first time in his life was during one of those forsaken nights.
He woke with a startle and a groan escaping him involuntarily, the dark bedroom embracing him, a soft, warm body tucked into the expanse of his back, slow breathing fanning across his heated skin. His hand shot up with another groan leaving him, cupping the stump where once had been an arm, feeling the same agonizing pain he had felt in that car all those years ago, almost bleeding to death after a rivaling family had tried to kill them all off.
Unfortunately, he had survivedā€”and the revenge had been brutal the moment he had recovered enough to go on a killing spree.
Trying to breathe through the crashing sensations, Bucky tried to move as quietly and carefully as possible, not wanting to wake the woman sleeping peacefully beside him because she needed all the rest she could humanely get. But the pain was blinding, the feeling of warm blood flowing down his skin so real, he couldā€™ve sworn there was still an arm to lose, and his fucking legs were still tangled in the damn blanket!
With a frustrated huff, the mobster tried to just roll out of bed in a desperate attempt, not minding falling face-first to the floor, but the blanket didnā€™t budge, and suddenly, an arm snaked across his waist, and a warm hand rested on his muscular abdomen.
ā€œDā€™not goā€¦ā€
The sleepy mumble pierced through the agony, and usually, Bucky always obliged to his wifeā€™s every demand, but not now. Not this time. He couldnā€™t. He wouldnā€™t crumble in front of her. She needed him to be strong and capable. He had to protect her and the little plum. He couldnā€™t show weakness, not even in the comforts of their own home. Word would get out, the pit of New York City would smell blood, they would come and kill her in front of his very eyes, make him watch when the life would vanish from her breathtaking eyes, taunting him, before they would end his life as well, releasing him into the bliss of afterlife where he would search for her, andā€”ā€¦.
ā€œBucky? Whatā€™s wrong?ā€
Her voice, now sounding more awake and aware, startled and pulled him out of his spiraling thoughts, and he could feel the mattress dip and move when she sat up and scooted closer to him. ā€œHeyā€¦ā€ A soothing hand started to rub over his back. ā€œTalk to me, love. Cā€™mon, handsome, I can only help when I know whatā€™s bothering you to such an unholy hour.ā€ Her teasing made him almost smileā€”almost. But the pain returned in full force, and his hand gripped his shoulder even tighter.
ā€œPhantom pain. Itā€™s nothing I canā€™t handle, malyshka. Go back to sleep, you need it,ā€ he rumbled quietly, his legs finally escaping the trap that was their blanket, and the man sat up, feet hitting the floor. He attempted to get up in order to leave her to the quietness of their room, but his wife had nothing the like on her mind. She held him back and scooted off the bed. ā€œStay. Iā€™ll be right back.ā€ Blinking into the dim light of her bedside table, he reached for her and tried to get up. ā€œIā€™m fine, sweetheart. Go back toā€”ā€
She shushed him gently and pressed a finger to his lips. ā€œI said Stay. I mean it.ā€ With that, his woman granted him a serious glance before she patted into the adjacent bathroom, one hand cradling her already quite prominent bump, and all Bucky could hear was rummaging sounds in their cabinets and a quiet mumbling.
ā€œYour papa is a handful sometimes, little one. Prepare yourself because I need you in my corner, okay? Okay.ā€
Smiling through the irritating pain, the mobster waited for her to return and watched her closely when she finally left the bathroom and patted back to their bed, a bottle of lotion in her hand. ā€œYou think you need the mirror, love?ā€ Bucky glanced at the full-length mirror in their walk-in closet shrouded in darkness and decided with a soft shake of his head. ā€œMaybe later if itā€™s not getting any better,ā€ he mumbled in defeat, accepting the loving kisses pressed to his right temple and lips. ā€œJust let me know, yeah?ā€ He nodded at her request, and blue eyes watched her like a hawk when she settled right next to him, on the side of his missing arm, a squirt of lotion already between her soft hands warming it up.
ā€œI told you to wake me up if itā€™s happening again,ā€ his wife scolded him quietly, her incredible hands massaging the hurting stump of his shoulder. At first, it hurt like hell, but the more she kneaded and caressed, the more bearable it got. ā€œYou need your rest, milaya,ā€ he returned with a lingering glance down her form, eyes equally heavy with worry and love when they settled on the little bump he had grown to love so dearly, it almost hurt.
Bucky felt her eyes on him in return and opened his arm when she stopped what she was doing to climb into his inviting lap, straddling him comfortably. Taking his hand into hers, she pushed the warm skin of her husband under his shirt she wore to sleep and placed his palm right on top of the soft curve before continuing.
ā€œNot more than you need it, too. Youā€™re running the mob empire, not me.ā€ Her voice reminded him softly, and he let his forehead fall onto her shoulder, eyes closed, thumb caressing the warm skin of her bump, hoping, praying, he would feel something, anything. But according to all the books he had read so far, it would take a few more weeks until he could feel the slight movements their child did inside his wife. ā€œAnd youā€™re growing a whole fucking human,ā€ Bucky returned and got shushed again. ā€œWatch your language, Barnes. I donā€™t want their first word to be anything obscene.ā€
But she couldnā€™t fool him. He heard her smile in the scolding.
A comfortable silence settled between them, then, reminding Bucky yet again why he had felt so good around her the second she had walked into that room in the hospital, only raising a brow at the sight of six buffed men clad in black suits, armed with more guns than one human could possibly need, and him sitting in the middle of it allā€”disheveled, still hurting, ice cold. She had smiled, wearing those ridiculous blue scrubs, and he had spotted a splash of blood on her light grey sneakers when she had come closer, pointing it out in almost something resembling disgust. Still, she only had rolled her pretty eyes at the pitiful attempt of an insult.
She hadnā€™t given a single fuck about those intimidating menā€”including himā€”all towering multiple heads above her, tattooed, guns always visible, the rough Russian language floating through the room occasionally. And he had respected her for that, even though he didnā€™t bother to be nice at first. In hindsight, Bucky wouldā€™ve earned a beating from his mother if she had been still alive. She had raised him better than treating a beautiful, kind, intelligent, and compassionate woman like he had initially treated her. But after a while, Bucky had felt how she had snaked her way into his thoughts, catching himself repeatedly thinking about her over the course of his day, starting to anticipate the next appointment to get his prosthetic measured, built, and adjusted, always looking forward to seeing her face.
She hadnā€™t given a flying fuck either when he finally revealed who he was and what he did, only cocking her head to the side in question and asking him, ā€œWill you or one of your guys kill me after our time is over?ā€ And when he had shook his head, denying those thoughts, she had smiled brightly, before turning back to the prosthetic arm she had crafted for him. ā€œThen we donā€™t have a problem. Everyone has to earn their money somehow, James.ā€ That was also the first time anyone had called him by that name since his parents had died, and he had fallen for her right then and there, ready to kneel at her feet and surer as hell that he would make her his queen.
ā€œDonā€™t count on that, malyshka. Everyone around here is using filthy language, and do I need to remind you of certainā€¦ situations where the little plum currently has to listen in? Or do you want me to stop? ŠœŠ½Šµ ŠæŠµŃ€ŠµŃŃ‚Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Š³Š¾Š²Š¾Ń€Šøть тŠµŠ±Šµ, ŠŗŠ°Šŗ хŠ¾Ń€Š¾ŃˆŠ¾ ты сŠµŠ±Ń чуŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²ŃƒŠµŃˆŃŒ ряŠ“Š¾Š¼ сŠ¾ Š¼Š½Š¾Š¹? ŠšŠ°Šŗ хŠ¾Ń€Š¾ŃˆŠ¾ ты Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠæрŠøŠ½ŠøŠ¼Š°ŠµŃˆŃŒ? ŠšŠ°Šŗ ŠøŠ“ŠµŠ°Š»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ ты Š²Ń‹Š³Š»ŃŠ“Šøшь, Š²ŃŃ Š·Š°ŠæŠ¾Š»Š½ŠµŠ½Š½Š°Ń Š¼Š¾ŠøŠ¼ чŠ»ŠµŠ½Š¾Š¼ Šø уŠ¶Šµ Š±ŠµŃ€ŠµŠ¼ŠµŠ½Š½Š°Ń Š¼Š¾ŠøŠ¼ рŠµŠ±ŠµŠ½ŠŗŠ¾Š¼?ā€ He felt the pain slowly but steadily subside under her knowing and well-versed hands, feeling them stop in their magic as the huskily whispered Russian words flowed effortlessly over his lips, feeling her squirm in his lap.
Leaning slightly back in order to have a better look at his face, his wife bit her lower lip, making now the feared bratva leader squirm underneath her, his hand protectively pressed into her lower back, not daring to let her fall off of him. ā€œYou are a very evil man, James Barnes,ā€ she hummed with almost a purring edge to her voice, making him grin as cocky as possible. ā€œYou married the worst of the bunch, malyshkaā€”and you like it. You canā€™t hide it, not from me, never from me. Not when Iā€™m balls-deep it that deliciously tightā€¦ā€”ā€ Her lips pressing against his made him moan deep in his throat and stop taking altogether. Forgotten was the pain of the past. It still bothered him, somewhere in the back of his mind, but her scent, her taste, the feeling of his wife against him made him forget about it.
The past was the past, and now, only the present and the future held importance to him.
Lifting her with one arm with ease, the mobster carefully moved her to the middle of their bed, hovering above her and watching her pretty face with a loving gaze. ā€œYouā€™re my everything,ā€ he dared to whisper. ā€œYou both are.ā€ He felt her hands cupping his face tenderly as if he wasnā€™t the killer everyone feared across the East Coast as if he was something precious even though he was broken beyond repair. ā€œAnd you are ours, Bucky.ā€ She kissed his cheeks, the tip of his nose, his lips, and his left shoulder without disgust, without apprehension, but with deeply felt love.
As if he was perfect the way he was.
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The fifth incident that proved him to have chosen wisely when following his heart for the first time in his life was after a business trip to Sicily that had taken too long for his liking, even though the business was good and the newly knitted connections invaluable. But it had made him leave his family for far too long than humanly tolerable, not even the many FaceTime calls had eased the sting in his heart.
ā€œMake sure Enzo receives the gift for his wife and put a little something for him inside as well. Perhaps the Yamazaki Single Malt?ā€ The 55-year-old whisky sure would make a fine gift for the young leader of the Sicilian Mafia, remembering an evening here and there when both men had shared a glass of scotch.
Steve walked beside him as they left the car and made their way over the sidewalk and behind the gate of the old brownstone in the best area in New York City. The cherry trees along the road were in full bloom, and the spring breeze was pleasant enough that the Barnes considered taking them all out for a day in Central Park. Work could wait after two weeks away from them. ā€œSure thing, Buck. Iā€™ll call Stark to get a bottle,ā€ the blond nodded and opened the door for his boss after walking up the stairs before entering the family home as well, happy sounds wafting through the air already.
Bucky visibly relaxed when he heard his family without a phone between them and handed Steve the concealed guns. They had made a rule for the house, and everyone obliged happily because everyone had been wrapped around their little fingers since the day they were born.
And no one would dare to go against Mrs. Barnes.
ā€œI donā€™t want to be disturbed for the next couple of weeks, so handle everything and only bother me with situations that need my explicit attention,ā€ was the last order the mobster could get out before the sound of small feet erupted from the living room and barreling toward the foyer.
ā€œPapa!ā€
ā€œDada! No, waits for meeee! Annie, pwease! Mommyyyy!ā€
Bucky laughed as his eldest rounded the corner in full sprint, her little legs carrying her as fast they could, and the tall brunet crouched down to catch her little body. The little girl, resembling so much his wife, looked at his face with bright eyes, hands pressing against his cheeks and squishing them with an adorable chuckle.
ā€œŠŸŃ€ŠøŠ²ŠµŃ‚, ŠæŠ°ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŠŗŠ°,ā€ she greeted him shyly, stumbling over her sounds and pronunciations, but Bucky kissed her little cheeks with such enthusiasm that her insecurities vanished in an instant. ā€œŠŸŃ€ŠøŠ²ŠµŃ‚, сŠ¾Š»Š½Ń‹ŃˆŠŗŠ¾,ā€ the father returned with a kiss to her forehead and watched the questioning expression morphing onto his daughterā€™s face. Her tongue poked out between her lips, eyes wandering to the ceiling, brows drawn together in concentrationā€”just like his wife. But then, she looked at him again, leaning closer as if she wanted to conspire with him. ā€œWhat does that mean, papa? Yelena didnā€™t teach me that word yet,ā€ she whispered, and Bucky laughed again, feeling almost crushed by the happiness he felt at that moment. ā€œIt means sunshine, my sunshine.ā€ It made her smile as brightly as the sun outside the windows before she waved at Steve. ā€œHi, Uncle Stevie. You can go now. Papa is mine; you can have him back inā€¦ a long time.ā€
Nodding to underline her case, the almost six-year-old looked expectantly at his second in command, and Bucky turned with her still in his arms, looking just as expectantly as her. ā€œYou heard the little lady, Steve. Off you go,ā€ he teased, and the blond shook his head with a smile, bowing before them. ā€œAs you wish, Princess Anastasia.ā€ The girl huffed and showed the blond giant her tongue. ā€œItā€™s Anya, Uncle Stevie! You always forget!ā€ Chuckling, Steve took her hand and shook it apologetically. ā€œYou are right; my apologies, princess. Enjoy your time with your father.ā€
And with that, he left for his office, leaving the two in the foyer when they heard another set of steps.
ā€œAnya, next time, wait for your brother, please,ā€ Mrs. Barnes scolded the little girl gently, a smile on her lips and the little boy on her arm. His son nodded, holding his stuffed bunny at its long ears. ā€œYesh, waits for me, Annie! Dada!ā€ More excitement echoed through the home as the small boy started to wiggle in her arms, and Bucky rushed over to her, catching Elijah before he could plop out of her embrace. ā€œCareful, little troublemaker,ā€ he laughed and held him with his other arm, hearing Anya scoff quietly. He threw his wife a questioning look, and in return, she only rolled her eyes at their children, softly shaking her head and taking Anya to her.
ā€œThey had aā€¦ falling out earlier.ā€ Anya scoffed again as if her mother understated the entire ordeal, wanting to be put back on her feet, and hugged her motherā€™s hips closely. Elijah leaned his head against Buckyā€™s shoulder, bunny pressed tightly into his chest, watching his sister. ā€œHe ruined my homework! Miss Pepper said sheā€™s suuuuuper excited for my solar system model, and then, papa, Eli just banged his stupid bunny on it!ā€ Angry tears gathered in her eyes, almost rolling down her pretty face. His youngest looked positively undisturbed as he watched his sister unraveling over her homework, and Bucky sighed.
ā€œBunny sā€™not shtupid. Annieā€™s plant-ā€¦ plants-ā€¦ planets! Annieā€™s planets looks ugly, dada. Not pretty like mommy,ā€ Elijah stated with confidence, making the tears finally spill over Anyaā€™s cheeks. ā€œI hate you! Youā€™re not my little brother anymore!ā€ And with that, the little girl pulled away from the soothing hands of her mother, almost tumbling over the stairs as she ran upstairs, a loud bang echoing through the house when she closed her door with force.
Another sigh escaped Bucky and his wife alike, both parents looking down at their little boy who started to chew on his bunnyā€™s ear. ā€œHoney, that wasnā€™t very nice to say,ā€ she reprimanded her son and took him from Bucky when he stretched his little chubby arms toward his mother, keeping a hand on his little back. ā€œAnnie is sads?ā€ She nodded and kissed the dark mob of hair her son had inherited from his father, just like the blue of his eyes. ā€œSheā€™s upset, baby, yes. We will give her a moment to calm down before weā€™re going upstairs to apologize, yes?ā€
Elijah nodded with tears in his eyes, and the father couldnā€™t hold back, so he gently cupped his youngest head and pressed a lingering kiss onto the wild dark curls. ā€œCan me and bunny asks Miss Melina fors cookies?ā€ Smiling, she pressed a kiss to his cheek before putting him onto his small feet. ā€œBut only one, baby!ā€ He was already on his way, chanting for cookies.
In an instant, Bucky pulled his wife into his arms, capturing her lips with his, a rumbling moan escaping him at the taste and feel of her. ā€œTwo fucking weeks are too long, malyshka,ā€ he stated with another lingering kiss, fingers tangled in her hair. ā€œTell me about it. Try to manage two kids who switch between being the bestes of friends and each otherā€™s enemy number one multiple times a day.ā€ Taking her in more closely, Bucky could see the dark circles under her eyes and the tight muscles around her lips. His thumb swept across the dark circles, and his lips followed to kiss them better. ā€œIā€™m so sorry, milaya,ā€ he murmured with another kiss to her forehead and felt her hand hitting him against the back of his head. ā€œDonā€™t be ridiculous. You had to be there, and we had to stay here with school for Anya and Eliā€™s first day at kindergarten. We managed. I wouldnā€™t mind if you take over bedtime duty for a while, though.ā€
Bucky grinned happily at the prospect of spending time with his kids, feeling the love only a father could feel coursing through his body. ā€œOf course, love. Weā€™ll get you something nice on our stroll over Fifth and let the kids play in Central Park while you enjoy a book, alright? Iā€™ll pick up a few new bedtime stories as well, so you will not even be remotely needed and can enjoy bath after bath. Would that make my wife happy?ā€ Sighing, she leaned heavily against him, gathering strength through his strong body supporting the weight resting on her shoulders during the worst and most exhausting daysā€”which they have had many in the past two weeks. ā€œSounds lovely. But donā€™t you dare spend a fortune on me again!ā€ Her warning was unnecessary because Bucky would spend a fortune on his wonderful wife, and she knew that as well. ā€œPlease,ā€ he chuckled and pressed another heated kiss to her lips, his fingers cupping her chin tenderly. ā€œIā€™ll buy whatever you want, milaya. Perhaps we could even get something for us.ā€
He loved his wife in pretty clothes, but he loved her especially dearly in pretty lingerie he had no qualm of ripping off her gorgeous body the second sheā€™d appear before him, reducing the masterfully crafted pieces to lacy shreds on their bedroom floor. The first time he did that, he hadnā€™t gotten the opportunity to pull her to bed, receiving a scolding he had gotten the last time, probably as a boy. She had been royally pissed at his antics, mourning the pretty set she had bought for their first night together. The next day, she received a delivery of all the pieces she had eyed at the shops and saved online, making her closet filled with more lingerie than a regular woman would need in her entire life.
Only that she wasnā€™t a regular woman with a regular man. He could buy her anything and in any quantity possible, so he wasnā€™t one to hold back when the urge to see this goddess of a woman naked made him growl and impatientā€”and even a tad jealous of the fabric touching her skin instead of his hands and lips.
ā€œYou are the worst of the bunch, Barnes. Seriously.ā€ Exasperated, she looked up at him, her cheeks warming under his touch, and Bucky nodded with a serious expression. ā€œI am insatiable when it comes to you, malyshka. And you thrive on the power you have over me.ā€ Eye-rolling, she shook her head again, winding out of his arms and smacking his ass with a teasing smile. ā€œStop being a seventeen year old horndog and move your sexy backside up to your daughter. Sheā€™ll listen to you more than me after two weeks filled with my constant presence. Iā€™ll see what I can save from her project, and stopping Elijah from munching on too many cookiesā€¦ā€
The last part was barely a mumble, already distracted by whatever thought wandered through her beautiful mind, and Bucky watched her retreating back with a smile before shrugging out of his suit jacket. Throwing it over the stair railing, he made his way to his eldestā€™s room, softly knocking at the door littered with pictures and posters of her favorite animals and charactersā€”he could even see the remnants of a glitter penā€”and knew how lucky he could count himself when he was allowed to enter his sunshineā€™s room.
He had the perfect wife, two healthy, wonderful children, and had found happiness despite the way his life had taken.
He had indeed chosen wisely.
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author's note: Tysm for reading my silly little writing. As usual: likes, reblogs, and comments are so much appreciated! I love to read your thoughts <3
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holylulusworld Ā· 21 days ago
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Collateral Damage (1)
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Summary: He only wanted some coffee.
Pairing: Mobster!Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader
Warnings: secret admirer, kinda love-struck Bucky, shooting, violence, blood, getting shot
Collateral Damage masterlist
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Bucky hates it when things go wrong. He just hates it. Especially when he didnā€™t expect things to go awry.
On any other day, heā€™d expect things to turn out for the worst. Just not today. Today, of all days, shit had to hit the fan.
All he wanted was a coffee at his favorite cafƩ and a slice of the pie the owner bakes every Friday.
If heā€™s honest, Bucky would admit that he comes to the little bakery every Friday afternoon to see the woman he spotted some months ago.
Sheā€™s there every Friday after work to order tea, chamomile, and a cupcake. Sometimes sheā€™s adventurous and takes a cinnamon roll.
Bucky chuckled when he heard her talk to the barista, telling her she wanted to be wild that day. He couldnā€™t help but smile at her innocent guilty pleasure. She was so unlike the people in his life. Sweet and kind.
Today, he wanted to talk to her. Today, he planned on introducing himself to the sweet woman stealing his heart bit by bit over the last few months.
Fate had different plans...
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One hour earlier.
Bucky is in a good mood. No, heā€™s having one of the best days of his life. Business is good. Heā€™s on top of the food chain, and he will finally talk to the woman heā€™s going to make his queen one day. ā€“ One step after another.
He opens the door to the little cafƩ he found when he was aimlessly roaming the streets of New York. Bucky only wanted to blow off some steam and sort his thoughts but ended up at the little cafƩ with coffee and pie. Finding so much more.
Bucky smiles as the little bell above the door rings. It feels like coming home every time he enters this place.
The owner greets him whenever Bucky is around, and the barista knows his favorite order. A risk, Buckyā€™s best friend Steve would say. Escapism from his life, Bucky would say.
Sheā€™s already there, engrossed in yet another book. This time, itā€™s a dark romance novel about a mafia boss and a shy librarian. Bucky knows because he googled the name to find out as much as possible about the books she loves to read.
ā€œHello,ā€ the owner waves at Bucky, smiling as she passes him by. ā€œFrankie will get you the usual.ā€
ā€œThank you,ā€ Bucky nods before looking for a table closer to her. Itā€™s the first time heā€™ll sit close to her, not at his favorite table, to watch her from afar.
ā€œAll for our favorite regular,ā€ she says, walking away to check on the pies in the back of the cafĆ©.
Bucky smiles. A soft smile, a genuine one. This place holds magic he canā€™t explain. Itā€™s the calm in his life. Haven. An escape.
ā€œCoffee and cherry pie coming your way,ā€ the waitress says, balancing a tray in one hand.
Bucky frowns. Heā€™s not a fan of changes. The new face walking toward his table, chirping and smiling as she struggles to not drop the tray, brings tension back into these fleeting, peaceful moments he spent at the cafĆ©.
His instinct kicks in seconds before the waitress drops the tray to point her gun at him. Bucky takes her out with one precise shot, a bullet to her forehead.
People start to scream, and chaos breaks out. Most of the customers ran out of the cafƩ, along with the owner.
ā€œI wonā€™t miss,ā€ the barista he chatted with so many times says. They jump over the counter, gun aimed at Bucky. ā€œYour time has come.ā€
Bucky huffs. Heā€™s about to shoot his attacker when a book hits the baristaā€™s head. Itā€™s almost hilarious. If not for the gun pointing in his direction, Bucky would laugh.
ā€œBitch,ā€ the barista turns their attention toward you, their attacker. You gasp and drop to the ground, crawling under the table as they shoot in your direction.
Bucky reacts in a split second. He tackles the barista to the ground, taking them out with one hard punch to the chin. ā€œBastard, Iā€™ll get to you later.ā€
He gets back up to look for her, his savior, and the sweet woman who enchanted him. Bucky gasps, watching you hunch over, blood soaking your pretty sundress.
ā€œDoll, no,ā€ he crouches beside you to cradle you in his arms. Bucky presses his hand to the wound on your arm, sighing because itā€™s not a deadly wound. ā€œIā€™m so sorry. This shouldnā€™t have happened.ā€
ā€œI,ā€ you carefully touch his hand. ā€œThat wasnā€™t how I expected to finally get to know your name ā€¦ā€
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artficlly Ā· 9 months ago
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smog & spirits: spirit-raiser (mini-series)
Gangster/Peaky Blinders Inspired Fantasy AU
gangsterboss!bucky x witch!reader Bucky Barnes, the leader of Sootstone's Smog Boys, needs a favour. A nasty curse has been cast on him, and you are the witch he has chosen to help him break it.
Warnings: 18+ content minors dni, smut, fem reader, begging, orgasm denial, fingering, p in v, no aftercare, sex magic, blood magic, potion for arousal, curses and hexes, witchcraft, possession, mediums, if you squint theres some plot, smoking, mention of death/violence/torture, mention of police brutality, vaguely british setting??, no use of y/n, lmk if i've missed anything
Word Count: 8k
A/N: hey. don't ask. this idea came to me a few days ago and i wrote it all out in like two sessions at 2am. i want to write more for this, i have so many ideas for some more one-shot style interactions. this just got so long so quickly so i had to cut some stuff. sorry for any typos - not proof read and edited while half asleep lol.
main masterlist | series masterlist
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You did not remember leaving your door unlocked.Ā 
The fog that settled over the smokey, portside district of Sootstone was suffocating. Despite it being only midday, the entire neighbourhood was cast into a muggy gloom. The sun could not break through the thick smog that comfortably nestled itself along the windy streets of The Warrens. The stench of smoke and fish hung heavy in the air, with sweaty dockworkers and dirty children darting between alleys. In your short journey to and from the small Sunday market, you had nearly been bowled over thrice by oblivious residents.Ā 
The Warrens, or Sootstone Port, as it was formally known, was not a pleasant place. Home to the working class and the rotted underbelly of the city of Blackstone. The high society chatters liked to forget such a place existed, as it was simply not a charming place to think about. Most worked the ports, ferrying in the sea trade. Others worked in the Smokestack district, manufacturing metal in factories that pumped ash and soot into the air. There were also the select few who turned to other trades, such as pubs, hotels, brothels, or even those who were forced into a life of joblessness on the streets.Ā 
The Warrens werenā€™t so imaginatively named. It was a clever joke among high-society gossipers that the poor fucked like rabbits and lived in their elaborate winding burrows, from which they rarely emerged for air. The people of Sootstone had accepted the insult, finding the whole metaphor rather hilarious. That was because the Warreners could take a joke, unlike the condescending crowd of high society. It could also be argued that the residents of The Warrens could not come up with a better metaphor, as most were not educated in any sense.Ā 
Perhaps the mixture of smog and that lack of an education had finally made it to your head. You were left standing, perplexed, as your front door swung open without so much of a nudge. The lock was normally a sticky one, leaving you to jiggle the knob and slam your shoulder against the frame until it came unstuck. Never in your two years of living in the tiny flat had you ever witnessed such a sight.Ā 
You wouldā€™ve thought it a miracle if it werenā€™t for the implications.Ā 
It was true that The Warrens were notorious for crimes. Theft, assault, and murder. Even if coppers paraded the streets, they werenā€™t truly there to stop criminals. No, they were more interested in beating any poor innocents that got in their way. It was better to find protection from vigilante gangs who roamed Sootstoneā€™s streets, scrapping like stray dogs over territories. As much as those uninvolved in such business were afraid of them, they also respected them. Their deeds werenā€™t always motivated by blood and destruction; the gangs stood to protect their communities as no one else would.Ā 
Even if you and your surrounding neighbours were under the protection of Barnesā€™ Smog Boys, it was definitely still alarming to see a group of them gathered in your small kitchen.Ā 
ā€œLookie who's home.ā€ One of the men cooed at the sight of you. He stood closest to the door, one hand tucked in his jacket pocket while the other fiddled with a toothpick that hung from his lips. His blond hair was slicked back, tucked under a flatcap. Steve Rogers. The Smog Boys right hand man. Next to him was Sam Wilson, his stocky form leaning against your rickety cupboards. His gaze was fixed on a silver pocket watch he had tightly secured in his left palm, a short chain draping across his vest. He glanced up at Steveā€™s words, a wicked smirk crossing his lips at the sight of you.Ā 
ā€œSunday market?ā€ Sam queried, and you drew your woven basket closer. There was an unsettling sneer in his voice.Ā 
The Smog Boys were one of seven gangs that roamed the underbelly of Blackstone. Their territories lay in the fog of Sootstone Port and the smokey streets of the Smokestack district and The Warrens. You could commonly see them stalking the streets, dressed in all black with their flatcaps and slicked back hair. They moved through the smog like ghosts, navigating the twisting streets with an unnatural ease. Some called them ghouls; others called them saviours from the fog.Ā 
The final man, the worst of them all, was Bucky Barnes. He sat across from you, half obscured by your small dining table. He had laid a box of cigarettes and matches on the marked wood. One was smoking between his lips, his head angled down and cocked to one side, as he assessed you with a look of boredom. There was a terrifying edge of calculation in his gaze as he evaluated you. He was just as large as the other two men, with muscles poorly hidden beneath his black, tailored suit. His hair, similarly to Steve's, was slicked back, and the sides buzzed. A 5ā€™oclock shadow ghosted his jawline, but overall, his appearance was unsettlingly neat.Ā 
Not a speck of ash or soot. As if he had just appeared within your flat, blinking into existence rather than having walked The Warrens like any other mere mortal.Ā 
You had never seen the man in person. No. If the Smog Boys were ghosts, Bucky certainly lived up to the name. He was an enigma, a haunting story whispered between children. He had clawed his way up to a position of power from the gutters of The Warrens, bloodshed and all. He was a notorious skirt-chaser, his handsome appearance and strong build drawing in women from all classes. Looking at him now, despite the terror congealing in your blood, you could understand the appeal.Ā 
ā€œWhyā€™re you here?ā€ You ask hesitantly. Unlike the gangsters before you, you were not pristine by any means. Falling ash had coated your shoulders, staining the tartan fabric of the mantle draped over your shoulders. Your hair was swept up under a head scarf, which was also covered in a layer of soot and dust from the smokestacks. Even your worn leather boots were not safe; mud and filth caked onto the heels and sides. The streets of The Warren had never known any type of cleanliness.Ā 
ā€œCome to introduce ourselves. Donā€™t think weā€™ve ever met before, ā€˜least I think I wouldā€™ave remembered a pretty face like yours.ā€ Steve speaks up, a gleam in his eye. His tone is playful yet somehow cruel. The chuckle he and Sam share rattles you. The two of them were also said to try their luck with the women who crowded around, searching for the thrill of a gangster lover.
ā€œYou mightā€™ave mistaken me for someone elseā€¦ Iā€™ve lived here two years now.ā€ You speak with a continued caution. With precise movements, as to not brush either of the hulking men crowding the kitchen entrance, you place your basket on a nearby surface. Even the cloth that you have thrown over the items is coated in a layer of ash.Ā 
ā€œWe know.ā€ Sam says, twisting his body. He lifts up the cloth, inspecting the food beneath. You know it is nothing excitingā€”some bread, fish, and vegetables. As well as a handful of sweets you gave to the children of your neighbour. You keep your mouth shut as Sam dips into the white and red striped paper bag and pops one of the sweets into his mouth with a satisfied hum.Ā 
Steve pushes himself off the wall, his jacket brushing against you. He was far taller than you, tall enough that he had to crane his neck down in order to whisper in your ear. ā€œA lilā€™ birdy told us youā€™re a spirit-raiser.ā€Ā 
ā€œIā€”No.ā€ You stumble over your words, eyes darting between the three men. Bucky is still silent, still like a cat hunting a mouse. The gaze he assessed you with was one of a predator, taking a slow drag from his cigarette. He doesnā€™t crack a smile as the two men beside you laugh between themselves.Ā 
To fend off some anxious energy, you make quick work of unknotting your headscarf. Ash and dust flutter to the ground as you shake out the fabric, a frown etched across your features. You could not help but let your mind wonder to the stories you had heard growing up. You were a lifelong resident of The Warrens, only moving to live on your own after sickness claimed your mother. You father had passed long before that, lost to drink.Ā 
ā€œWhat do you call yourself then? Hm?ā€ Steve asks, breath hot against your cheek. You flinch as he pulls a fleck of ash from your hair. In the stories, they would speak of men with their tongues cut out. Bodies that were filled with bricks, then stitched back up and sunk to the bottom of the Sootstone Port. Men were found hanged from street lights, severely beaten, with sections of skin along their thighs and chest peeled off with a blade. And those were only the bodies coppers found.Ā 
ā€œI prefer witch.ā€ You correct, brows furrowing. Your head turns to look at the gangster, wary of how close his fingers lingered. Teeth bared in a grin, he blows a soft breath across your hair, the last of the ash unsettled as it floats away. You can smell tobacco on his breathā€”a familiar scent to you.
ā€œI need a favour.ā€ Bucky finally speaks up, his voice low. Your gaze snaps to meet his.Ā 
You blink. ā€œA favour?ā€
You jump as Bucky finally moves, his foot jerking as he kicks the seat opposite him. The chair scrapes across the hardwood floors, stopping centimetres before your boots.Ā 
ā€œSit.ā€ He commands.Ā 
Samā€™s hand finds the back of your neck, a soft push guiding you in the direction of the free space. You obey, your knee bouncing as you take a seat. You sit near the edge of the chair, leaving some distance between yourself and the table. As if sensing your desire to bolt, Steve sweeps up behind you, pushing the chair in until you are fully tucked in. Then, with mocking laughter, Sam and Steve take a seat on either side of you.Ā 
ā€œNo one told me there was any issue about magicā€”ā€ You begin. Steve snickers beside you, returning to fiddling with the toothpick still poking from his mouth.Ā 
ā€œA favour.ā€ Bucky repeats, exhaling smoke from his nose. Sam leans back in his seat, legs spread so widely that his knee touches yours. You shrink back as far as possible. ā€œIā€™m no copper. I donā€™t care what you practitioners get up to.ā€
You find yourself blinking in surprise once more. Magic was a subject that divided many, mostly due to itā€™s misunderstood nature. High society treated magic as another lavish hobby or skill, with some even going to private schools to turn their gifts into professions with the right licences. Of course, the people of the lower-class were banned from performing such tricks unless they were in possession of the right permits. Due to the nature of the slums being, well, impoverished, unlicensed magic ran rampant through the streets. It wasnā€™t uncommon knowledge that an entire blackmarket of forbidden arts ran in the backalleys and warehouses of The Warren. Places where those needing particular services could find them for a much more convenient price than in the higherclass areas of Blackstone.Ā 
You had kept your services rather secretive, never using your real identity with clients. It was a precaution to not have coppers knocking down your door in the middle of the night. It seemed, despite your best efforts, that nothing flew past Bucky Barnes. But then again, nothing seemed to fly past the gangster. He knew of every black market and every whisper of illegal activity in the slums. It would be foolish to believe he was unaware of you; however, why did he specifically sort you out? Now that was a mystery.Ā 
ā€œI donā€™t understandā€”ā€ You choke out, head whipping back and forth as you look between the men.Ā 
Bucky sighs loudly in annoyance, loud enough that you flinch back. He puts out the remains of his cigarette on your dining table, the smouldering dip leaving a black, circular mark on the wood. He digs into one of the pockets of his vest, revealing a large pendant necklace. The chain is silver, with an oval shaped jewel hanging from the centre. The silver that encrusts it in place is swirled, ensuring there are no gaps for it to escape. Sam and Steve fall quiet, any feeling of twisted amusement dropping from the room. Bucky slides the necklace across the table.
You recoil. This time not out of fear, but rather from the aura the necklace exudes.Ā 
Goosebumps rise across your skin, and bile rises in your throat. There was a wickedness in the air, as if all the light and sweetness in the world were sucked into an empty, yawning void. The world feels still, as if even the ash outside has failed to fall. The room is cast into a sickening silence, a silence so strong that even the surrounding world refuses to push through. You can no longer hear the people walking through the winding streets of The Warren, not the clang of metal from the smokestacks or the cry of the dockworkers.Ā 
Rot.Ā 
It is the only word that comes to your mind. It is as if the jewel itself is rotten, potent, and putrid. An invisible smell so strong you nearly gag. Your skin crawls the longer you stare, as if you rot along with itā€”bugs squirming beneath your flesh, the taste of dirt in your mouth.Ā Ā 
ā€œWhatā€™s this?ā€ You asked, your voice strained. You know the blood has drained from your face. Bucky looks at you with curiosity.Ā 
ā€œYou tell me.ā€
You look down at the necklace. Dread rises once more, and the chill of soil settles across your shoulders. You twist your head and your neck, feeling uncomfortable and strained the longer you gaze upon the necklace.Ā 
There was something terribly, terribly wrong about it.Ā 
ā€œThereā€™s aā€¦ a sicknessā€¦ a rotā€”a curse.ā€ You stumble over your words, your entire body squirming against your will. The feeling of dread swims through you; the sensation that you need to get as far away as possible reverberates down your spine.Ā 
ā€œBecca was right.ā€ Steve sings somewhere besides you, but you barely register his words.Ā 
ā€œWhereā€™d you find this?ā€ You ask. The room is tighter than usual, with the rickety, peeling cabinets closing in around you. The oven screeches on its iron legs, the yellowed wallpaper crushing closer and closer. Your head falls into your hands, elbows propped onto the table. You let out a shuddering breath, trying to rid yourself of the sickly feeling. You rub your fingers up your face, pinching the bridge of your nose, then massaging your forehead
ā€œIt was given to me. As a gift.ā€ As he speaks, you reluctantly open your eyes once more. The room has returned to as you remember, your vision less dizzying as you take in a deep gulp of air, your heart thundering in your ears. You must make a face, because it prompts him to speak once more.Ā 
ā€œMy sister has a sensitivity. She is convincedā€”ā€
ā€œThereā€™s a spirit attached to that jewel.ā€ You interrupt before thinking. Your knees bounce beneath the table, your feet shaking. Your entire being screams that you need to get away from the object. You do not care for politeness or fear of these men, as the horror in your heart you felt gazing upon the necklace greatly outweighed any potential anxieties of the future.
ā€œYes.ā€ His voice matches his composureā€”cool and collected. Wholly unaffected by the horrific aura cast by the necklace. Bucky and his men were not magically inclined. They were completely oblivious to the calamity that sat before them.Ā 
ā€œThe spirits're attached to you, too.ā€ You pause, the feeling of bile rising in your throat once more. ā€œYou need to get it lifted.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s where the favour comes in, doll.ā€
ā€œI donā€™tā€¦?ā€ You nearly doubled over. ā€œPlease get rid of it. I canā€™tā€”ā€
Barnes leans forward, slowly dragging the necklace over the wood. He slowly deposits it into his breast pocket, watching with curiosity as you sag in relief. You would need to burn this table after they left. You could still sense the rot engrained in the pores of the wood.Ā 
ā€œI need to speak with the spirit attached.ā€
Your forearms lay flat on the table, and you rest your head against them as you try to remember how to breathe. A wave of exhaustion rolls over you. Was this how they tortured their victims? Wore them down into pathetic, panting messes? Were you about to become another body at the bottom of the Sootstone port? You mumble into the fabric. ā€œI canā€™t raise a spirit without a name.ā€
ā€œI know her name.ā€
You pause, lifting your head slowly. ā€œYou want to ask her how to break it? You may know her, but spiritsā€™re tricksters they wonā€™t always give ya the correct informationā€”ā€
ā€œI know how to deal with her.ā€
You arch a brow, unsure.
ā€œSheā€™s a scorned lover.ā€ Sam whispers beside you. You jump, having forgotten the two other men sitting besides you. Bucky scowls at his wordsā€”the most emotion he has shown in the entire time.Ā 
ā€œEveryone knows you donā€™t ā€˜ave a witch for a moll unless youā€™re gonna marry her.ā€ Steve butts in, and the two men share a chuckle.Ā 
ā€œShut your mugs. The both of ya.ā€ Bucky snarls, and they both fall silent, although you canā€™t help but notice their bemused smiles. After a brief, tense silence, the gangster settles back into his seat, tipping his chin upward in a nod. ā€œMorwenna Blackthorn.ā€
You hesitate, glancing between the three men. They watch you expectantly, relaxing back into their respective seats. Given their status and reputation, you had to presume they were familiar with the workings of underground magic. Licenced practitioners would have clients sign lengthy documents for protection in the event of a spell or session backfiring. The Warrens did not have such luxuriesā€”if you made a mistake, no one could protect you or them from the consequences.Ā 
You inhale sharply, placing your hands palms down on the table. The wood hums beneath your touch, the invisible vapours of the curse tickling your flesh. With a roll of your shoulders, you exhale slowly, allowing your body to relax.Ā 
Ink drips across your vision, swirling darkness millimetres before your eyes. You stare hard into the invisible void, searching blindly through the tendrils of smoke. Morwenna Blackthorn. Morwenna Blackthorn. Morwenna Blackthorn. Your mind hums. Through the dark fog, you can make out figuresā€”flickers of candle flames casting large, distorted shadows. Morwenna Blackthorn. Bones crunch beneath your feet, yet at the same time, you float. Morwenna Blackthorn. Your hands burn into the table, the rotting sensation tangling through your digits, pulling you deeper.Ā 
Morwenna Blackthorn
You can see a thin line of thread hanging through the void.Ā 
Morwenna Blackthorn.
It is red; a series of knots tugged tightly intermittently.Ā 
Morwenna Blackthorn.
Your fingers grasp the fibres gently, your nail hooking around one of the tiny knots.Ā 
You tug.
Morwenna Blackthorn.
A violent, ragged gasp leaves you. It claws up your throat, ripping at the flesh. Your entire body tenses, your spine straightening as your head snaps back. For a moment, you are suspended. You can feel her with you, her ghostly fingers stroking tenderly across your skin. She smooths over the back of your hands, slowly and gradually winding her way up your arms. She clutches your shoulders, her bones digging into your flesh.
Then, with violence strong enough that you fear she has folded your spine in half, she pushes down.Ā 
Your body instantly relaxes, head lulling downward. Your eyes roll into the back of your head, and despite the appearance being a milky white, you can see perfectly clearly. Morwenna has settled herself deep within your bones, controlling your movements like a puppeteer. You are conscious enough to understand what is happening, but you are not in control of your actions or speech.
Your mouth spread into a wide, sly smile. ā€œBucky, my love.ā€
ā€œMor.ā€ The gangster greets, although he does not seem entirely pleased. You pout, leaning your elbows onto the table.Ā 
ā€œNot happy to see me?ā€ You coo. Somewhere beside you, Steve shifts in his seat uncomfortably. It is the most off put youā€™ve ever seen the man so far. He winces as your head swings around, a wicked grin gracing your lips. ā€œOh, Stevie and Sam. Didnā€™t see you two here.ā€
ā€œMor.ā€ The two men grumble in unison, scowling.Ā 
ā€œAwh. Why so glum, boys?ā€ You whine, your chair scraping against the floor as you stand. Your movements are fluid and graceful, entirely not your own. Your hands stroke across the back of the chair, then swooshes up to meet your chest.Ā 
You lean forward, tutting as you inspect your reflection in the glass of a nearby cupboard. ā€œTrust you to find a pretty one in The Warrens.ā€Ā 
Your hands move to unpin your mantle, a cloud of ash lingering in the air as you drop it to the floor. You sigh in relief, your fingers unbuttoning the top of your shirt, revealing the curve of your breasts. Your hands smooth down your waist to your hips; your full figure is now displayed.Ā 
ā€œYou missed me that much, my love? That you had to find a pretty vessel for me so you could get your cock wet, hm?ā€ You hum, sashying towards the table once more.Ā 
ā€œThatā€™s not why youā€™re here.ā€ Bucky replies. He seems frozen in place. The horror of familiarity. Recognising the mannerisms of someone he once knew in a complete stranger.Ā 
You ignore his words, unpinning your hair. Thick locks unroll, cascading down your shoulders and back. You let out an exaggerated, satisfied sigh, rolling your neck. The strands frame your face, and the rich colour brings colour to your cheeks.Ā 
ā€œMorwenna.ā€ Bucky snaps. Your brows furrow as you look over to him, pouting once more. ā€œYou put a curse. On the necklace.ā€
Your mind momentarily blanks, as if Morwenna were trying to recall what he said. Spirits often grew confused trying to recall memories, especially ones that brought them anguish. A cog seems to turn as you flash the gangster another beaming smile.Ā 
ā€œThe necklaceā€¦ oh. Did you like it? My parting gift to you? Before you fucked me over you piece ofā€”ā€ Your voice, once sweet and soft, deepens to a guttural growl. Your body shakes, and words cut off as you cough and hack. Your hand raises to your mouth, warm fluid leaking from your lips. You let in a shuddering breath, rubbing your fingers and palms down your chin. Blood smears across your skin.Ā 
ā€œYou shot me, my love.ā€ You gasp, your brows furrowing as your head tilts. ā€œYou shot me.ā€
ā€œYou betrayed us, remember? You were a ratā€”ā€ Steve jumps in, but is quickly cut off.Ā 
ā€œSteve.ā€ Bucky warns.
Your hands find your stomach, doubling over as you sob. There is no wound, no blood. Still, your hands dig at the fabric while ragged, pathetic cries leave your blood stained lips.Ā 
ā€œHow do I break the curse?ā€
You shuddering sobs stop, a dreadful silence falling over the tiny kitchen. A guttural laugh erupts from you, saliva mixed with blood dripping from your lips to the floor. ā€œThe curse. The curse? I should have knownā€¦ I should have knownā€¦ā€
Your body jerks upward, movements stiff, and jerks like a marionette doll. Samā€™s face contorts into one of fear, while Steve looks horrified. You jerk forward, nearly tripping over the chair as you plunge towards the table. Your stomach smacks hard against the wood, a winded wheeze escaping your lungs as you drag yourself forward by your nails.Ā 
ā€œDonā€™t you love me? Donā€™t you want me?ā€ You cry, your head beginning to twist, the angle so unnatural that it strains your neck.Ā 
ā€œHow do I break it?ā€ Bucky repeats, voice firm. He hasnā€™t so much as flinched, a wall of steel as you crawl towards him.Ā 
ā€œIt was born in chaos, so it must be undone in chaos. I will find you. I will tear you limb from limb. I will make you rot from the inside out; maggots will grow within you; and mould will bloom in your soul. Everything will crumble to dust beneath your touch. I will ruin you until you bā€“bā€”beā€”ā€
Your body slides back, and for the first time in the entire session, you grab the reins. You search blindly for the knotted thread, tugging hard. Your body steps back from the table, muscles spasming and tense as your body locks in place.Ā 
You tug harder, and darkness swims across your vision. Candles flicker and dance in the distance, the sun rising and falling as your body twists up and down. The smell of rot slowly subsides, threads slipping from your fingers. The scent of copper and ash is on your tongue, and your head is pounding.Ā 
A dramatic sigh leaves you as your body slumps. You find yourself standing before the table, three sets of eyes burning into you as your own eyes roll back into place. Sam and Steve look equally disturbed as they are horrified, the blondā€™s mouth agape in shock.Ā 
ā€œThe fuck was that?ā€ Sam barks.
ā€œI ainā€™t never seen a spirit session like that before, Buckā€”ā€ Steve begins.
ā€œShut it.ā€ Bucky barks, rising to his feet.Ā 
There is a sickly feeling in your chest, a radiating pain across your ribcage. You barely register the gangster walking up to you, gripping your chin between his index and thumb.Ā 
ā€œYou pulled yourself out early.ā€ Bucky sneers. ā€œWhy?ā€
ā€œBuckā€”ā€ Steve calls again. With a growl, Bucky releases you, twisting around to snarl at Steve.Ā 
ā€œI thought you told me she was the best in the Warrens?ā€
ā€œShe is. Didā€™ya not see that shit?ā€
ā€œShe didnā€™t get me an answerā€”ā€
ā€œChaos magic.ā€ You finally speak up, your voice raspy. The gangsters pause, slowly turning to face you. ā€œShe told you. Itā€™s chaos magic. Whatā€™s born in chaos must be undone in chaos.ā€
Your hand raises to your face, your fingertips touching your upperlip as warm blood flows from your nose. You raise your hand into the light, inspecting the crimson liquid. Your eyes cut over to Bucky's, and he frowns.Ā 
ā€œChaos magic?ā€ He questions.Ā 
ā€œSex magic.ā€ You state, fighting the heat growing across your cheeks. Without much of a care or a flinch, you navigate your way past the group. Your shirt brushes against Buckyā€™s jacket, the rotting feeling momentarily settling in your stomach as the fabric brushes his breastpocket. You pause in front of your sink, knuckles white as you grip the lip. Blood continues to stream steadily from your nose, dripping into the basin.Ā 
ā€œYou focus your thoughts on one thing; you get pulled into a trance. Take the energy, the chaos, and you focus it. At the peak, picture what youā€™re manifestinā€™. The chaos that youā€™ve built through the act is released at the moment of orgasm.ā€ You explain, your gaze solidly locked onto the blood that swirls down your drain.Ā 
ā€œSex magic.ā€ Bucky hums in thought.
Steve spoke up from beside him with a snicker. ā€œHow poetic.ā€
ā€”
You hated how your hands shook. If Bucky had noticed, he hadnā€™t brought it up. He was coolly inspecting your tiny bedroom, hands tucked into his pockets. The room had an eclectic taste, with walls covered in shelving. You collected books, objects, trinkets, or other things that helped your work. Drying herbs hung from your curtain railings, your desk cluttered with papers you had hastily scribbled notes upon.Ā 
You ground your palm harder into the pestle, gritting your teeth as you worked the herbs inside into a fine paste. Your bed, stripped bare, had been pushed to the side of the room. It usually sat near the centre, atop a fraying rug. The rug had also been removed, rolled up, and placed somewhere in your stairway. The old wood beneath had been painted by your hand, with intricate runes, symbols, and swirls making up the general shape of a circle. You had already lined it with black salt, candles burning at each cardinal direction. At the centre of the circle, you had laid your bedding and pillows for comfort.Ā 
Bucky had sent Steve and Sam away, the two men snickering like a pair of school boys. You all knew what was about to unfold; it was just a question of why you had allowed yourself to become tangled up in such a situation. You had done similar rituals for clients before, yes, but none of those clients had been the boss of the Smog Boys. None of them had been Bucky Barnes.Ā 
You eyed him as he paused in front of the carved circle, mindlessly playing with the jewelled necklace that hung from his grip. The awful, dreadful, rotting sensation was dulled; youā€™d nearly begged the gangster to let you cleanse the object. It was a temporary relief that would wear down in a few hours, but at least you could complete your work without gagging at the feeling of it. You hurriedly poured the thick paste from the herbs into a pot, which boiled in your fireplace. It only took a couple of stirs for the potion to settle. You could feel Buckyā€™s eyes assessing your every movement as you poured the steaming liquid into two cups, briefly swirling each to ensure the consistency was correct.Ā 
ā€œRemind me what this is.ā€ The gangster asked, closing the distance between you. His nose wrinkled in distaste at the scent.Ā 
ā€œA potion to help with the ritual. Some find itā€¦hard to perform.ā€ You say, wincing as you realise what you implied. Bucky raises a brow as you fumble over your words. ā€œIt heightens arousal and pleasure.ā€
ā€œI wonā€™t find it hard to perform.ā€ He replies curtly.Ā 
ā€œI know. I wasnā€™t saying thatā€”I justā€¦ from experienceā€¦ā€ You stumble again. If only you could punch yourself in the face for this idiocy.Ā 
ā€œRelax, doll.ā€ He hums, his hand finding your shoulder. You exhale sharply, lips pressed together, as your shoulders drop in response. ā€œI can find someone else if you donā€™t want this.ā€
As much as you hated yourself for admitting it, you did want this. Maybe it was a sick curiosity, wondering if this dangerous yet handsome man could perform as well as you imagined, as well as it was rumoured. You swallow, your mouth feeling dry. ā€œNo. I want this.ā€
ā€œGood.ā€ His hand brushes a loose strand of hair from your face, and his head dips to look at you better. ā€œHonestly, I could fuck you with or without the potion, doll.ā€
There is a knowing smirk spreading across his face as your mind blanks. Fucking rake. You consider if the fumes from the potion have already leaked their effects onto you both. You can feel a warmth growing between your legs.Ā 
ā€œItā€™s my job.ā€ You mutter, stepping away. Although youā€™re unsure if the reassurance is for yourself or for him. His chuckle follows you as you sweep across the room, returning to your small desk. ā€œDo you want me to explain the ritual in detail or just give you the gist of it?ā€
ā€œSpare the details; just run me through what I need to do.ā€ He responds. He has closed the distance between the both of you again, peering over your shoulder as you fumble through your things.Ā 
ā€œWell, itā€™s pretty simple.ā€ You sigh, turning around. Your chests are nearly pressed together as you spin. You back up as far as possible, your hands moving behind your back as you grip the edge of the desk to steady yourself. "Weā€™ll have to draw some blood with a blade and put it on the necklace to link it to our energies. Itā€™s sigil magic, nothing youā€™ll have to worry about. We take the potionsā€¦ā€
You fade off with a shrug. Bucky smirks once more, his chin lifting in amusement, but his gaze remains solidly locked onto you. His hands go to his pockets, and his wide chest blocks your movements. You clear your throat. ā€œThe ending is more what youā€™ll need to focus on. When you reachā€¦ climaxā€¦ you must focus all your energy on the necklace and nothing else. I will be there to guide and remind you, but you canā€™t let your thoughts stray.ā€
ā€œWhat about you? What will you have to think of?ā€ He questions, his voice low. His adams apple bobs as he swallows slowly, his tongue running across his bottom lip in thought. Intriguing question. No one had asked you that before.Ā 
ā€œDoesnā€™t matter. Youā€™re the only one who needs to orgasm.ā€
ā€œWhy?ā€
ā€œThe curse is linked to you. Only you can break it, with my assistance, of course. I am just here to help guide you and lend you my energy. I am just a conduit for the magic, to focus it.ā€ You explain. Thinking it was best to get it over and done with, you finally pluck up the courage to push past him.Ā 
Your athame was already in place; the candles were lit, salt laid, and sigil memorised. There was only one thing left to doā€”the act. You crouch down by the fireplace, retrieving the two cups. Bucky gives you an incredulous look.Ā 
ā€œIt tastes better than it smells.ā€ You reassure him, handing him the saucer. He inspects the liquid once more, wincing, then shrugging in surprise as he finally downs the lot. You watch with a scrutinising gaze as he places the cup down, rolling his shoulders.Ā 
The potion would take all of five seconds to take affect. It didnā€™t alter the brain or take away authority; rather, it heightened already present feelings of arousal or pleasure. The user would experience a rather euphoric sensation. Dodgy brothels often microdosed their clients with such herbs to heighten the experience. Also to hook in a new, loyal customer. Used sparingly, the herbs were fine, but they were highly addictive.Ā 
And illegal. Most of your work fell into that category.
Within moments, you could see Buckyā€™s pupils dilate, his jaw and shoulders relaxing, and his nostrils flaring as he exhaled slowly. His voice was strained as he spoke up, his tone gravelly and low as he cleared his throat in surprise. ā€œFuck. That does feel good, doesnā€™t it?ā€
You smile shyly into your own cup and swallow down the liquid. You were familiar with the taste and itā€™s effects. It was surprisingly sweet, with a vanilla, nutty aftertaste. As soon as it hit your stomach, you could already feel the warmth growing in your coreā€”a delightful tingling sensation spreading up your spine and skull.Ā 
You were quick to place your cup down and cross the room to retrieve the athame. You had to pin point your actions very directly so as not to get distracted by the hulking man looming in your room. The potion was definitely potent, because any fear or anxiety had left you. Your body begged for him to come closer, to touch you, to kiss you. Not yet. Soon.Ā 
ā€œCome here.ā€ You murmur, drawing the blade from itā€™s sheath. Bucky obeys, wordlessly stalking towards you and presenting you with his palm. You look up at him through your lashes, gently taking his hand into yours. Your skin sings at the content, a rush of goosebumps raising across your skin. ā€œWe donā€™t need much blood.ā€
The gangster is still as you drag the blade in a short cut along the heel of his palm. You push into the mound, coaxing out droplets of blood to blister to the surface. ā€œThe necklace.ā€
He lets out a low, agreeable grunt as he hands it to you. The potion has helped you ignore any bad energy attached to the object. Your skin simmers as you brush your finger tips along the cut, gathering Buckyā€™s blood. You take the jewel, smearing the blood across the slippery surface into one half of a symbol. Bucky watches expectantly as you hastily repeat the process with your own hand, smearing your blood to complete the symbol.Ā 
ā€œYou need to wear it.ā€ You hum and guide the chain over his head. You know you should find a bandage or some kind of healing salve for your hands, but your attention is pulled away as Bucky grasps your hand. An involuntary whimper leaves your throat as he raises your palm to his lips, his tongue peaking out as he runs it across the open wound. The potion had definitely taken effect. Holy fuck, your back arches as pleasure shoots down your arm, blooming at the base of your skull.Ā 
His lips kiss along the cut, sucking and licking. Your mind swims from the sensationā€”ideas of where else he could be putting his mouth to use. You pull your palm away, dragging it across his cheek as you cup his face. A crimson streak is smeared along his skin, and his lips are glossy from saliva and stained with your blood. The two of you clash in desperation, a rumbling groan being pulled from the gangster as his lips engulf yours.Ā 
You can taste copper on his tongue, his hands finding your waist as he pulls you flush against his body. The two of you move in a frantic rhythm, scarcely making room to breathe. You guide him clumsily to the painted circle, the two of you falling to your knees in unison. Blindly, you find his clothing, helping him tug off the jacket and then unbutton his vest.Ā 
His hands slip under your blouse, caressing the skin beneath. His fingers roam to your brassiere, your nipples hardening as he brushes them through the sleek fabric. You mewl into his mouth, squirming under his touch as the pulse between your legs quickens. His large palm comes to rest below your breasts, his thumb sitting on your sternum as he yanks you backwards onto his lap.Ā 
Your lips break, and you gasp for air as the gangster continues his assault down your neck to the exposed skin of your collarbone. His stubble tickles across your neck, and he gathers your skirts, fingers gliding past your stockings to your exposed inner thigh.Ā 
Your head tips backwards to rest on his shoulder, and loud, satisfied sighs leave you. The sensation is near blinding, your body alight with pleasure. Had you accidentally made a stronger dose in your nervousness? You had never yearned in such a way beforeā€”
ā€œWhatā€™re you doing?ā€ You query with a gasp as his fingers slip beneath your loose tap pants.Ā 
Your question is answered as he strokes a fingertip through your wet folds.Ā 
ā€œYouā€™re so wet.ā€ He hums against your skin, voice strained. You can already feel his erection pressing into you. His grip on you remains firm, your back flush against his chest as he dips two of his fingers into you. Ecstasy fizzles across your skin, nails digging into his skin where you grip his arm.Ā 
ā€œWhatā€™re youā€” Iā€™m supposed to make youā€”ah!ā€ You whine, your breath coming fast as you lean harder into him. Your hips rock greedily, pushing your pelvis in time with his pumping fingers so the heel of his palm grinds against your clit.Ā 
ā€œShh, doll. Relax.ā€ He whispers, his tongue licking up the shell of your ear. Your eyes squeeze shut, and your body is locked in place by his grip. His pace increases, and the panting in your ear grows as his two digits glide in and out of your tight cunt.Ā 
ā€œDo you like that?ā€ He groans in your ear. Your grinding hips are now giving friction to his cock, which twitches against your backside through his pants. You whimper in response, a short sob bubbling from your mouth as you clench around him.Ā 
Your head lifts, eyes widening as you look down. You canā€™t see much due to your skirts, but you can feel the knot tightening within your belly. Your hips move more desperately, needy, pathetic moans escaping you as his pace remains steady.Ā 
ā€œPleaseā€”ā€ You beg, squirming as the gangster chuckles.Ā 
ā€œYou do like this, huh? Even if you acted like a little innocent virgin earlier.ā€ He growls. The vibration is enough to set you over the edge, a loud cry leaving you as you clench hard around his fingers, body spasming. Bucky continues to steadily pump you through your orgasm. ā€œGood girl.ā€
A continued arousal stirs in your belly at his praise. Your body slumps against him, panting and exhausted.Ā 
ā€œSuch a good girl.ā€ He hums again, his digits slipping out of you. You can feel the sloppy mess between your thighs, and as Bucky pulls his hand into the light, you can see the wet drenching his fingers. ā€œI think I like this version of you. The one who makes pretty little noises while I fuck her brains out, hm?ā€
Youā€™re left speechless as the gangster lifts his fingers to his lips, sucking them clean with a devilish smirk.Ā 
ā€œWell, time to get this ritual over with then, donā€™t you think?ā€ He says. Youā€™re too exhausted and drunk on desire to bother replying. You allow him to guide you down, so your head is placed side-ways on one of the pillows. He guides your hips up, your legs slightly spread, and pushes your skirts to your hips.Ā 
ā€œYouā€™ll have to tell me when youā€™re close, so I can guide you.ā€ You finally muster up the strength to say. The gangster pulls your tap pants down, exposing your cunt fully.Ā 
ā€œSure thing, doll.ā€ He says in response. You hear the sound of fabric rustling as he pulls out his cock.Ā 
Without much warning, he pushes into you, your arousal making it easy for his member to slide in and out of you. A growl burns in the back of his throat while you wordlessly make a fist around the sheets and blankets beneath you.Ā 
ā€œFuck. Youā€™re so tight.ā€ Bucky groans, his voice strained. ā€œAnd to think youā€™ve been hidinā€™ out in The Warrens all this time.ā€
He sinks deeper into you, pulling small whimpers and moans from you as he finds a steady, pleasurable rhythm. His hand slides up your clothed back, pushing you harder into the pillow with a grunt. His other hand finds your hips, his grip bruising as he guides you.Ā 
You bite down into the pillow, your pleasured sobs muffled by the feathers.Ā 
ā€œYou squeezed so tightly around my fingers; I canā€™t wait to see how youā€™ll feel when you come around my cock.ā€ Bucky grunted as he ploughed into you. His hand fists around your loose hair, fingers tangling through the locks as he tugs. Tears are beginning to prickle in your eyes, and your legs are wobbling from the sensation.Ā 
ā€œPleaseā€”ā€ you gasp out.Ā 
ā€œPlease, what?ā€ The gangster asks, tugging harder. The hand on your hip is squeezing tighter as he holds you in place.Ā 
ā€œPleaseā€”I need toā€”ā€
ā€œNo.ā€ He growls, tugging you upward. You fall backwards into his lap once more, his cock still inside you but somehow deeper from the angle he holds you. ā€œYou need to finish the ritual, remember? I canā€™t have you guide me if youā€™re too fucked out to talk.ā€
Another sob leaves you, but you wordlessly nod. You hold onto the burning sensation in your gut, the waves of satisfaction so immense that your limbs tremble. Bucky continues to fuck up into you, his cock steadily driving into you as his free hand comes to lazily swirl your swollen clit.Ā 
You try to remember words, instructions, anything. You feel too high to even breathe. All you can do is focus on the sensation of the necklace rubbing against your back and the friction burning against your skin.Ā 
ā€œFocus on the necklace. How it feels around your neck.ā€ You squeak out, your eyes squeezed shut, as you try to ground yourself. ā€œFocus on the feeling of the chain, the weight of the jewel. Think of your blood, how a piece of you is painted onto it.ā€
There is a moment of silence between the two of you, only the slapping of skin and the rasping of breath.Ā 
ā€œAre you focused on it?ā€ You ask.
ā€œYes.ā€ The gangster cuts back. His strokes were beginning to grow sloppy.Ā 
ā€œFocus.ā€ You whisper, though a breathy moan leaves you. ā€œFeel your energy flow; feel your blood seep into the stone. Picture how it will shatter beneath your power.ā€
His hips jerk beneath you, his finger on your clit swirling faster. Your breath comes in sharp stutters, your back arching as you find no way to escape the rising sensation. His back is rock solid behind you, his hands keeping you in place as you begin to spiral. Your pussy tightens around him as you begin to screamā€”
ā€œPlease, Bucky. Please!ā€
Something snaps between the both of you, his hips jerking wildly as he spills into you. He moans into your ear at a deafening level, his fingers digging into your thighs. You double over in pleasure, your vision briefly going black as you cry out. Sparks dance across your skin, your body momentarily alight as the power of magic flows through you. You can feel the rush as your energy meets Buckyā€™s entangling with one another in a fierce battle. For a second, you feel intoxicated, colours bursting across your sight as the rush of magic rests in your chest, and then, just as quickly as it arrived, it cascades out of you.
Behind you, the sound of shattering can be heard above the moans.Ā Ā 
Panting, Bucky releases you. You slump to the floor, off his lap. His cum drips from your pussy, thighs wet as sticky as you close your eyes, desperately trying to catch your breath. You roll onto your back, pressing your thighs together. Through heavy-lidded eyes, you look down at Bucky. He sits kneeling, dishevelled. His hair is ruffled, blood is still smeared along his cheek, and his shirt is untucked and creased.Ā 
At some point, he has tucked his cock away, suspenders hanging loosely by his hips. His gaze is not on you; rather, it is solely focused on the necklace in his palm. You go to lift your head, but you find yourself too weak and exhausted to bother. A mixture of being too fucked out to care and the lack of energy from acting as a conduit for the ritual.Ā 
ā€œDid it work?ā€ You ask the gangster, and his eyes finally pull up to look at you. His gaze wanders over your face, examining your swollen lips, the blush across your cheeks, and the areas where exposed skin remains. He cracks a grin, lifting his hand. The necklace dangles from his fingers, the large, blue jewel now gifted with a large crack down the centre.Ā 
You let out a sigh of relief, letting your head fall back as you stared up at the ceiling. Your eyes flicker closed, a sleepy warmth prickling across your scalp.Ā 
ā€œDoll?ā€
Your eyes snap open with a jolt.Ā 
ā€œItā€™s all done? The curse is gone?ā€ The gangster questions. You weakly nod in reply.
ā€œHer spirit and whatever curse she held have been released.ā€ You affirm, voice sleepy, relaxing back into the pillows and blankets. ā€œApologies. This type of spell drains me.ā€
Bucky chuckles. You were just glad you had enough sense near the end to actually guide him. The gangster appeared to be attempting to prove something with the orgasms he extracted from you. In the state you were in, you had little reason to complain.Ā 
When you opened your eyes again, he was across the room, vest on and jacket slung over his arm.
ā€œIā€™ll leave your payment downstairs.ā€ He says, only pausing to look down at you, still curled up on the floor. You blink up at him sleepily. ā€œThanks for your help, spirit-raiser.ā€
You canā€™t find the energy to correct him.
PONY CLUB (PART 2)
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world-of-aus Ā· 1 year ago
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Hi, Hello and Welcome To Todayā€™s Gym Thought..
Featuring Mob!Bucky
Ā 
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He has you against a wall in the darkest corner of his club,Ā your leg hiked high around his waist, the slit of your dress allowing him easy access to your smooth skin. Ā 
ā€œThis mouth of yours almost cost us our shipment, doesnā€™t know when to quit,ā€ he growls lips slotting over yours in a bruising kiss, you return his fervor arms curling around his shoulders, fingers finding their way into his hair.Ā 
The laugh he draws from you is airy, ā€œyou were letting them walk over you, if I hadnā€™t stepped in we would have lost them for sure,ā€ you breathe into his lips. ā€œThe only good thing that comes out of your mouth is when itā€™s buried between my thighs.ā€Ā 
He presses you harder into the wall, hand finding your neck,Ā he wants to break you.Ā ā€œIā€™m your dadā€™s business partner sweetheart, not yours.ā€Ā 
You reciprocate, tugging his hair at the same time you push your hips into his, a delicious groan bubbling from the man's chest, he tightens his hold around your throat, ā€œand yet daddy didnā€™t trust you enough to come meet them alone, sent me right along to make sure you didnā€™t fail.ā€Ā 
ā€œShut the fuck up,ā€ he growls his body pressing into yours.Ā 
The hands that were curled in his hair find their way to the fronts of his slacks, the air is electric around the two of you as you pop the button, fingers pulling down the zipper achingly slow.Ā 
Ā ā€œMake me.ā€ Ā 
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cynic-spirit Ā· 6 months ago
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The Partner
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Steve and Bucky were meeting with a new partner, another mobster named Ivanov. They had just finished negotiations, and the atmosphere had shifted from tense business discussions to more relaxed, casual conversation. Ivanov leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk on his face as he sipped his drink.
Just then, Yn entered the room. As always, she walked straight to Bucky, her presence commanding immediate attention. Without hesitation, she greeted him with a kiss, her lips brushing his with a tenderness that momentarily softened his usual stern expression.
Ivanov, watching the exchange with a curious gleam in his eye, leaned forward and made a comment, his tone dripping with amusement. "You know, she doesn't realize how powerful I am. A woman like that should know her place."
The room went silent, the casual conversation halting abruptly. The easy-going atmosphere evaporated, replaced by a palpable tension. Bucky's jaw tightened, and his eyes flashed with anger, but before he could respond, Yn's demeanor changed.
Bucky recognized the shift immediately. Her posture straightened, and her gaze sharpened. What he referred to as her "formidable" side had emerged.
Yn took a seat comfortably, her movements measured and deliberate. She crossed her legs, her calm and composed exterior belying the intensity that lay beneath. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her to speak.
"Mr. Ivanov, I might not know much about power in the way you understand it, but I can tell a good story. Something from history that I find fascinating."
The room, already tense, grew even quieter. Everyone listened intently as Yn spoke.
"Let me tell you about Cesare Borgia, a man consumed by his quest for power. In the early 1500s, Cesare used his father, Pope Alexander VIā€™s influence to dominate Italy through cunning and brutality. He manipulated and eliminated rivals, consolidating his power without restraint."
Ivanov 's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing as he listened.
"However," Yn continued, "his obsession with power led to his downfall. When his father died, Cesare lost his key ally. The new pope opposed him, and his enemies rose against him. Stripped of his power, he was captured and died in obscurity."
Bucky watched Yn with a mix of admiration and awe. Her calm, measured tone and the intensity in her eyes made it clear she was not to be underestimated.
"Cesare's relentless pursuit of dominance blinded him to the need for stability and alliances," Yn said, her gaze unwavering. "In our own lives, we must use power responsibly, understanding that true strength lies in restraint and respect for others. By treating those around us with kindness and empathy, we can avoid the pitfalls of unchecked ambition."
Ivanov was speechless, his earlier bravado completely gone. The rest of the room was equally silent, everyone taken aback by Yn's unexpected but poignant lesson.
Bucky felt a surge of pride and a touch of amusement. He knew she had left a significant impression. He glanced around the room, seeing the stunned expressions on his associates' faces.
Yn removed her glasses with a measured, deliberate motion, placing them on the table. This simple act made the others exchange knowing glances, recognizing the shift in her demeanor.
"Power does not corrupt men," she added, her voice firm. "But only fools who keep displaying it, thus reducing the command it has."
The room seemed to shrink around Ivanov, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat, suddenly unable to maintain eye contact with Yn. Her words had cut through his bravado, leaving him exposed.
The silence was thick with tension, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Yn's gaze never wavered, her presence commanding and authoritative.
Bucky could see the discomfort in Ivanov 's eyes, a stark contrast to the confidence he had shown earlier. It was clear that Yn had not only made her point but had done so in a way that left no room for argument.
The others, still processing what had just happened, felt a mixture of admiration and respect for Yn. Bucky's heart swelled with pride, knowing that she had, once again, shown her formidable intellect and strength.
Finally, Ivanov mumbled, "I see your point," though his voice lacked its earlier conviction. Yn simply nodded, her message delivered with precision and impact.
Yn's gaze remained steady, her voice smooth yet sharp. "I know you do. You seem like an intelligent man, not falling into the same trenches as Cesare Borgia did."
She took a moment to let her words sink in before continuing, "It was, however, nice to meet you."
With that, Yn walked calmly to the bar, where she poured herself a glass of water. Her demeanor was poised and composed, a stark contrast to the charged atmosphere in the room. The others remained silent, clearly taken aback by the gravity of her words and the ease with which she had dismantled Ivanov ā€™s bravado.
As she sipped her water, the room was filled with a palpable respect for Ynā€™s ability to handle the situation with such grace and authority. Bucky watched her with a mixture of admiration and deep affection, knowing that her strength and intellect were unmatched.
"Well said, doll," he thought to himself. "You certainly know how to make an impact."
Ivanov glanced at Bucky with a smirk and asked, ā€œSo sheā€™s your girl?ā€
Buckyā€™s chest swelled with pride as he replied, ā€œNo, Ivanov , actually I am her man.ā€
The room erupted in light-hearted chuckles, the tension from earlier melting away. Buckyā€™s statement, delivered with genuine affection, softened the atmosphere and highlighted the deep respect he had for Yn. The others, amused and supportive, shared knowing smiles, appreciating the bond between Bucky and Yn
As Ivanov exited the room, the door closing behind him, Bucky could no longer contain the swell of pride and admiration he felt for Yn. Without a second thought, he pulled her close and sealed his feelings with a passionate kiss.
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chloe-skywalker Ā· 2 months ago
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Love Beyond Limits Series Masterlist
Main Masterlist
By @chloe-skywalker
Summary: After a lot of broken promises Y/n decides to get out of and leave Charming and California for that matter. Needing some space and time to heal her heart she heads to New York to stay with some friends. New York might just be her new home. While there she finds an unexpected romance that just feels like its meant to be, with a man in a very similar world as the one she grew up in. New friends that feel like family. Sure there's some ups and downs, shoot outs, break ins, a fast moving relationship, rival Mobā€™s and a kidnapping. But theyā€™ll navigate it together.
Characters
Chapters :
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9
Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12
Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15
Chapter 16 Chapter 17 more coming...
(All chapters shown above are done and in my queue, & currently writing more)
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Another gem from my saved folder. No idea on the song but it just works.
Mobster Bucky au vibes
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sjsmith56 Ā· 10 months ago
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The Rules
Summary: One shot AU. A mobsterā€™s daughter meets the love of her life but The Rules get in the way of it developing into something more.
Length: 6.5 K
Characters: James ā€œBuckyā€ Barnes (at age 21, then 25), OFC (named), OFCā€™s parents (named), Brock Rumlow, John Walker, Loki Laufeyson.
Warnings: some cursing, rude behaviour and reference to mob life. Otherwise fluffy.
Author notes: This is my first attempt at writing a mob-themed story. Bucky is actually a sweetheart.
怰ļø 怰ļø 怰ļø
The first time Tia fell in love was when she was almost 18.Ā  His name was James, 21, and he was one of newest men on her father's staff.Ā  The first time Tia fell out of love was two weeks later when she saw James kissing a woman staff member and allowing himself to be pulled into her room at the mansion where they all lived.Ā  This is their story.
Almost Eighteen
There were rules growing up in the house of a mob boss, particularly the man known as the Boss of Brooklyn, Jerome Brancato.Ā  Rule #1, If the door to his office was open, anyone could come in.Ā  If the door was closed, everyone had to stay out.Ā  Rule #2, Daughters of the boss were off-limits.Ā  Period.Ā  No exceptions, unless the boss approved of the relationship which sometimes happened if he was approached correctly and with respect.Ā  Rule #3, No meant no.Ā  Other rules came up but the big three were supposed to be obeyed by everyone, staff and family.
Tia, seeing the door to her father's office was open approached it, hearing him speaking with another man.Ā  The man, who said a lot of "Yes sirs" and "No sirs" seemed to be interviewing for a position with her father's "business," a business he took over from his father, and his father before him.Ā  But Tia's father, Jerome, had no sons to leave the business to and daughters weren't supposed to be in that position, at least not in his narrow world view.
She pushed the door open, catching the attention of her father and the man, who rose to his feet and turned towards her.Ā  He was tall, with short dark hair, and handsome, with eyes as blue as the sky.Ā  Tearing her eyes away from him she looked at her father.
"I'm sorry, but your door was open," she said.Ā  "I can come back."
"It was open," agreed her father.Ā  "Tia, this is James Barnes.Ā  He's here to join the security team.Ā  Barnes, this is my youngest daughter, Tia.Ā  She just graduated from high school."
He offered his hand, his white dress shirt peaking out from under his dark suit's sleeve.
"Pleasure," he said, in a voice that made a warmth pool deep inside her, his even white teeth showing in the smile he gave her.
Her voice squeaked a little when she answered.Ā  "Thank you."Ā 
Inside she groaned.Ā  What kind of response was that?Ā  James grinned a little.
"You're welcome."
"Why don't you give us half an hour to finish up," suggested her father.Ā  "I still have to make James aware of the rules."
She smiled at her father but inside she felt her stomach drop.Ā  The rules.Ā  The fucking rules.Ā  Rule #2, she was off-limits.Ā  Apologetically, she returned to the door, risking one more look at the man she had just fallen in love with, then closed it and ran upstairs to her room to fall face first into her bed and cry over the rules.
It was a week before she saw James again.Ā  James, Jimmy, Jamie, Jim ... all the variations of his name were written out on paper by her, as she signed her name with his.Ā  Mr. and Mrs. James Barnes.Ā  Jim and Tia Barnes.Ā  Then she tore the pages up into tiny pieces and flushed them down the toilet because if there was one thing her already married older sisters warned her about was to not leave any trace of having a crush on any of their father's "staff," for that could cause all sorts of problems, not just for her but also for him.Ā  In their father's line of work, that could result in serious issues for the male staff member but could also see her summarily married off to some business associate, which she didn't want.Ā  Not at 17 years, 10 months and 2 weeks of age.Ā  Besides, she was going off to college in a few months and the last thing she needed was a chaperone to make sure that Portia Isabel Brancato, nicknamed Tia, behaved herself.Ā  So, she kept her face and attitude as neutral as possible, and tried to make it seem like she wasn't looking for James on the estate.Ā  Which ended up being easy when she found out quickly that he was sent out to one of the satellite "offices," a warehouse at the docks to learn that aspect of the work.Ā 
Resigned to not seeing him again for the foreseeable future, Tia came downstairs the one day to be driven to the salon for her usual mani / pedi appointment, only to see James waiting at the bottom of the stairs.Ā  As she came down, he looked up and his smile lit her up inside once more.
"Good morning," he said, cheerily.Ā  "I've been instructed to drive you to the Bronze Goddess salon.Ā  Are you all ready?"
"I am, thank you," she replied politely, reaching the bottom step and looking up at him.Ā  God, how could anyone be so good looking?Ā  "Could we stop at a Starbucks for something?"
"I'm yours to command," he replied, then opened the front door for her, while somehow reaching the armoured Audi sedan first.
After making sure her seatbelt was in place, James closed the door and got behind the steering wheel.Ā  Tia could see the coiled wire of the earpiece reaching down into his suit collar.Ā  He checked in with his supervisor, likely Clint, then smoothly pulled out from the driveway towards the gate to the estate.
"I haven't seen you for a while," said Tia, tentatively.
"No, I've been elsewhere," he replied, pausing at the road and looking both ways before turning left, following the map on his dash display.
Five minutes later he pulled into the line at Starbucks, then looked at Tia in the rearview mirror.
"A white chocolate mocha Frappuccino, please," said Tia, handing him a Starbucks card.Ā  "Get something for yourself while you're waiting for me."
"Thank you, I will," he said.Ā 
He ordered a CaffĆ© Americano, then offered them the card when they handed him the cups.Ā  Turning around he smiled as he gave her the Frappuccino, then the card.Ā  Ten minutes later he pulled up at the salon, then got out to open her door.
"I'm going to park then I'll be inside," he said.Ā  "Your father was very specific that someone be in view of you at all times."
"Is there trouble?" she asked, as it wasn't a usual thing for a salon visit.
"Nothing I can't handle," he said, giving her that lop-sided smile again.Ā  "You let me do the worrying."
He came inside, carrying his coffee, walking in like he belonged, and settled himself on an empty chair near the pedicure station, but in a position where he could see the front door.Ā  He picked up one of the gossip magazines and flipped slowly through it.Ā  Every person who walked into the salon underwent his scrutiny.Ā  Everyone who came close to Tia, received even more attention.Ā  When she was finished, he waited behind her while she paid, then took her gently by the elbow, leading her to where the car was parked, seemingly staying acutely aware of their environment.Ā  On the drive back home, he looked at her several times in the rearview mirror.
"You planning to go to college?" he asked.
"Yeah, I've been accepted to Stanford, UCLA and Arizona State.Ā  I wanted to apply to something in the east, but Dad thought it was safer for me to be further away."
She didn't add the qualifier "from his business interests."Ā  There was kind of an unwritten rule that daughters were off-limits to action from his competitors but being on the other side of the country made that easier to follow.
"Did you go to college?"
He shook his head.Ā  "I joined the army right out of high school.Ā  Did one tour and realized I wasn't cut out for it.Ā  My dad knew your dad from some construction work he did for him and put in a word for me."
The gate opened and James drove up the circular driveway to the front of the house.Ā  Then he opened the door and offered Tia his hand to get out of the back.Ā  At that moment, her father came out and called to her.Ā  She smiled at James, then hurried to her father.Ā  That was the last she saw of him until the next week when she went out to the opera with her father and mother.Ā  Clint and Thor drove them.Ā  After they entered the house, Tia started up the stairs to the bedrooms.Ā  Hearing a sound, she looked up towards the third floor, where the staff bedrooms were and saw James kissing Sharon, her mother's social secretary.Ā  Then Sharon pulled him into her bedroom, and the door closed behind them, the sound of the latch coinciding with the feeling of Tia's heart breaking.Ā  Her mother, Liliana, who had also seen it, patted her daughter on the back.
"He asked for permission to take you out but your father said no, that you were too young," she offered.Ā  "He told James to keep his attention elsewhere.Ā  I'm sorry."
Rule #2 and 3, a double whammy.Ā  With a sigh, Tia went to her bedroom and cried for an hour.Ā  It would be four years before she saw James again.
怰ļø 怰ļø 怰ļø
Almost Twenty-Two
Rule #4, If your father arranged your marriage the correct response was "Yes sir, thank you sir, for finding me a good husband," even if the last part wasn't always true.
There were several gatherings at the Brancato estate that May, after Tia graduated from college.Ā  Several different families who were in the same type of business as her father were invited to attend.Ā  More specifically, if the families had an unmarried son, anywhere between the ages of 21 and 40, they were invited.Ā  Gradually, over the month, the list of prospects was whittled down, until her parents hosted a dinner with the final four.Ā Ā 
Tia was officially on the market, being dangled like a carrot in order to accomplish any one of the following objectives:Ā  settle a feud with a rival family, cement a business relationship between two families, provide a son-in-law able to take over the business from her father (because a woman couldn't do the job), satisfy a desire for grandchildren, specifically grandsons, just because that's what was expected of the daughters of a mob boss without a male heir, or a combination of several or all of the above.Ā  What Tia wanted in a husband was supposedly considered but its importance was so far down that she knew the decision was likely already made before the dinner even started.
Did it rankle Tia?Ā  Yes, but she had grown up as the privileged child of a wealthy and influential man.Ā  Now was the time where she had to satisfy the needs of his business empire, more than the needs of her heart.Ā  There was always a possibility that whoever won the "lottery" and satisfied her father's demands prior to approving the engagement would be a decent guy, one that she could grow to respect, if not love with all of her heart.Ā  Her two sisters had done alright.Ā  There was no reason to expect that she would end up with a creep, or someone who took the concept of marriage at its most basic, regarding her as property.Ā  Then she met the final prospects.
Prospect #1 (not arranged in order of preference) ā€“ Brock Rumlow, an almost 40 something, twice-divorced, son of a boorish man who ran the docks.Ā  Swarthy in appearance, with atrocious manners, and an almost permanent sneer.Ā  No thank you.Ā  Prospect #2 ā€“ John Walker, corrupt lawyer.Ā  Certainly, he was handsome enough, if you liked that blonde, all-American quarterback look.Ā  Smug, arrogant, and totally unaware that he rubbed people the wrong way.Ā  Nope.Ā  Prospect #3 ā€“ Loki Laufeyson.Ā  Charming on the surface and although attractive in a European kind of way, Tia wasn't sure that he wasn't bisexual which could mean he wouldn't be demanding on her.Ā  Certainly, he seemed to watch attractive men as much as he watched attractive women.Ā  A supposed financial wizard, she got the feeling that her father would have to settle a significant amount on him to generate an engagement offer.Ā  Prospect #4 ā€“ She blinked her eyes twice when she saw James enter with his father, George.Ā  He was a prospective husband?Ā  Yes, he had been at the other gatherings, but she assumed he was there as security.Ā  He was staff and there hadn't been a marriage between a daughter and a staff member since... well, years.Ā  Plus, he had broken her heart when she was 17 by going to bed with Sharon, the social secretary.Ā  She left the job while Tia was in college, her replacement, an older woman who wore sensible shoes.
Dinner was called and Tia's father offered her his arm, escorting her to the table, where she sat to his left, while her mother sat to his right.Ā  The prospects fathers were placed next, two on each side of the table, then their sons furthest away so that Jerome Brancato could observe them from a distance and see how they responded being grouped together.Ā  At the foot of the table was her grandmother, the family matriarch, Maria Brancato.Ā  She would be assessing the prospects up close, engaging them directly.
Right away the fathers, except for George Barnes, talked over each other about their sons, extolling their strengths, although only one of them said anything about how their progeny would be good for Tia.Ā  That was George, when he did speak, who brought up the fact that James had several sisters and had always looked upon himself as their unofficial bodyguard, even though he was younger than them.
"No one even stepped up to the door to take one of my daughters out unless Bucky (he had a nickname?) approved of them first," said George.Ā  "He kept the boys in line and made sure they were respectful of the girls and their mother; God rest her soul."
Tia's mother smiled.Ā  "Winnie was a good woman.Ā  She would be proud of the man James became."
Jerome gave Liliana a look, that saw her smile at her daughter, then keep eating.Ā 
"Well, Brock would have done the same," said his father.Ā  "Anyone who stepped out of line would see the business end of his fist.Ā  He doesn't put up with any opposition from anyone."
That raised her father's eyebrows a little as he rarely used physical force against any of his men, and often welcomed an opposing view if it was presented properly, with respect.Ā  Brock's father just kept rambling on about how no one intimidated his son.Ā  Then John Walker, Sr. cleared his throat and told a story of how his son completed a complex business deal by finding dirt on one of the principals.Ā  After setting up a honey pot situation, he managed to present the man with compromising pictures in order to sway him to their terms.Ā 
"Made his client an extra $10 million."Ā  He chewed with his mouth open.Ā  "That alone was enough for his boss to offer him a partnership in the law firm.Ā  Jumped right over several others who had been there longer.Ā  Johnny will do what is needed to increase profits and productivity."
Her father said nothing, but Tia could tell he didn't like hearing the other man brag about it.Ā  Yes, there were times when he employed similar tactics in dealing with certain people, but he kept his involvement in it to a minimum, as it was tempting fate to have the acts traceable back to him.Ā  That was just asking for trouble and a careful leader kept things looking legal.Ā 
At that moment, Tia noticed her mother looking down at the other end of the table, where her grandmother was.Ā  There was a look between the two women that seemed to be sending an invisible message between them.Ā  She just wished she knew what that look meant.
"Well, Loki has certainly done his share of cooking the books to improve profits and productivity," said Mr. Odinson, his stepfather.Ā  "The magic he can perform on the balance sheet would make your head swim.Ā  Every investigation against him has turned up nothing that can be pinned on him.Ā  Takes a genius to do that."
"Hmmm," was all her father said to that.
"One of these days his luck will run out," she thought, wondering if her father was thinking the same thing.
The rest of the meal progressed in a similar manner until dessert was served.Ā  Then Jerome finished his cake and coffee before he stood up, prompting the fathers then their sons to do the same.
"Gentlemen, let's go for brandy and cigars out by the pool, while my mother, wife and daughter confer," he stated.Ā 
All of them pulled away, then James offered his hand to Tia's grandmother.
"I have enjoyed our talk this evening, Mrs. Brancato," he said, warmly.Ā  "You've given me much to think about."
She smiled at him, then looked at her daughter, knowingly.Ā  George Barnes saw the look then faced Liliana, offering his hand to her.
"My compliments to your cook.Ā  That was a very enjoyable meal."
The three of them were left alone as the men filed out, and the two older women both looked at Tia.
"If it was us choosing, it would be James," said her mother, "but your father has other considerations, and his word is binding.Ā  You will be able to go on a date with each of them in turn then provide your opinion to your father but I'm guessing he already made his mind up."
An hour later the evening was over, and they said good night to everyone.Ā  James left with his father, being assigned to work in the warehouses that week.Ā  He was staying at his parent's house during that time.Ā 
怰ļø 怰ļø 怰ļø
The Dates
Rule #5, No sex on the first date.Ā  Once an engagement was announced the couple could go at it but until that moment, any prospective husband of the boss's daughter who presumed to touch her in an intimate manner would deserve what happened to him later.
Two days later Loki Laufeyson arrived to take Tia to dinner.Ā  He pulled up driving a Maserati, wearing an expensive silk suit.Ā  He was polite, solicitous, and the perfect gentleman.Ā  The restaurant was perfect also, a two-star Michelin restaurant, whose portions were so precious that Tia almost asked if they could stop at a drive thru for some burgers.Ā  During the meal an older blond man stopped by the table to say hello, looking at Tia nervously.
"Mobius, this is Tia," said Loki.Ā  "She's ... um ... my date."
"Oh."Ā  The other man smiled slightly.Ā  "Pleasure to meet you."Ā  He looked back at Loki.Ā  "I missed you at the club on Friday night."
"Yes, there was a dinner party at Tia's parent's house.Ā  I was obligated to be there."
Both men looked very uncomfortable, so Tia did something kind to both of them and excused herself to go to the ladies' room.Ā  Loki stood up as she left.Ā  When she looked back, she could see both men speaking in whispers to each other and sighed.Ā  Definitely bisexual with a preference for men.Ā  Scratch Loki, which was too bad because he seemed quite nice.Ā  In fact, later, after she returned to the table, he announced that he would be withdrawing his courtship of her but wished her the best.Ā  They parted with a handshake.
Date #2 happened two days later when John Walker picked her up, driving a Mercedes SUV.Ā  His suit, also silk, didn't look as good on him as Loki's did.Ā  She attributed it to the fact that Walker was not used to working in a jacket.Ā  It always seemed to ride up and crowd his neck.Ā  They went to a restaurant, a steak house type, where he ordered a larger cut for him with all the trimmings and for her, a small cut, with a salad and minimal dressing.
"I'm sure you're always watching your weight," he said, eyeing her body.Ā  "You seem to keep quite trim, and I wouldn't want you to think I don't support that."
As she guessed, he played football in college, at the quarterback position, and proceeded to regale her with his exploits on the field.Ā  He didn't ask one question about her.Ā  When he kissed her goodnight, he attempted to give her tongue, but she successfully pulled away, waggling her finger at him, as if he should know better.Ā  Since a servant was already on the step, he took it with a smile, but she saw a darkness in his eyes that bothered her.
Date #3 was with James.Ā  He picked her up in a 1994 Mustang GT, wearing a sports coat over an open necked blue shirt and jeans.Ā  Somehow, he had told her mother his plans, so Tia also wore jeans and brought a sweater.Ā  They talked as he drove to Coney Island.Ā 
"This is your car?" she asked.
"Yup, restored her myself," he said.Ā  "Found her up on some blocks in an abandoned lot.Ā  No tires, stripped of parts but the body was good, and it kept me out of trouble when I was in high school and after the army.Ā  It was time spent with my dad.Ā  I've been offered good money for her, but I like driving her.Ā  Sorry, to talk about her as if she's real but I know every inch of her."
"I like her, too," smiled Tia.Ā  "Does she have a name?"
"Yes, but I can't tell you."Ā  He blushed.Ā  "It would kind of be inappropriate for our first date."
They drove a bit further then Tia looked at him again.
"Can I ask you something personal?"
"Go ahead, I have no secrets," he answered.
"My mother told me when I was 17 that you asked for permission to take me out, but my father said no."Ā  She looked out her window.Ā  "I saw you a week later kissing Sharon, then going into her bedroom."
He nodded his head, his mouth set in a grim line.Ā  "Yeah.Ā  Your father told me that you were too young and to set my sights lower.Ā  She flirted with me, and we did kiss.Ā  I didn't stay.Ā  She wanted more from me that night than I was prepared to give.Ā  I'm no saint and I have been with several women since then, but nothing serious."Ā  He took a deep breath.Ā  "I always liked you more.Ā  It's why I asked to be considered as a suitor.Ā  This time, your father agreed to let me have a chance."
"Oh." Tia swallowed and took a deep breath, trying to calm the pounding of her heart.Ā  "What are your chances?"
He smiled a little sadly.Ā  "Not as good as the other three," he admitted.Ā  "My father is a construction foreman who did some work for your father, and they got along well, considering each other a friend.Ā  But he's not well off like the other fathers, nor is he in any position of influence.Ā  My only assets are my loyalty to your father, I'm a hard worker and like to think I do the job without letting my emotions get the better of me.Ā  Most of all, I pledged to be faithful to you always and to treat you with kindness and respect.Ā  I have sisters and expected the same from the men they all married."
Tia watched the beams of the streetlights come through the windows alternating between illuminating his face and leaving it in darkness.Ā  His strong facial features had matured in the few years since she went away to college, as had his physique.Ā  There was also a depth to him that the others didn't have.Ā  The fact that he didn't talk much about himself impressed her.Ā  This was a man looking for a serious relationship, not a business deal sealed with the acquisition of a wife.Ā 
The date was fun as they went on the rides, ate hot dogs and drank beer.Ā  He won her a large stuffed giraffe at the shooting gallery, christening it together as Walter.Ā  When they walked back to where the car was parked and deposited Walter in the back seat, James looked at her in the dimly lit area.Ā  Gently, he took one of her hands in his, then raised it to his lips, kissing the knuckles then turning it to kiss her wrist.
"I expect someone to be watching when I drop you off so if you don't mind a kiss here."
He didn't finish what he was saying as Tia raised herself up to kiss him, wrapping her arms around his neck.Ā  He enclosed her in his arms, and she felt the firmness of his body pressed against hers.Ā  His soft lips were perfect, applying just the right amount of pressure against hers, then she opened hers to allow their tongues to mingle.Ā  It was every bit as good as she imagined when she was 17, going on 18.Ā  When they finally pulled apart, he looked at her in a way that no man had ever looked at her before.Ā 
"You don't know how long I've wanted to kiss you," he murmured, his eyes taking in every part of her face.Ā  "You don't remember the first time we saw each other, do you?"
"I thought it was in my dad's office."
He shook his head, smiling.Ā  "My dad built your pool house.Ā  I was 16 and worked as a helper on the site.Ā  You were still a girl, just turned 13 but I thought that you would be beautiful when you grew up a little.Ā  I knew then that I didn't really want to look at anyone else.Ā  Sounds a little creepy but I was willing to wait until we were both ready."
"It's not creepy," said Tia.Ā  "We were both kids.Ā  I'm glad you waited."Ā  She looked down for a moment.Ā  "Are you sure this is the life you want?Ā  I know what my father is and the things that you've likely already done for him."
"I went into a combat zone when I was 18 so I have killed before," he said.Ā  "So far, your dad has kept me out of that part of it.Ā  I think he's looking to scale back that side of his business, be more legitimate.Ā  If it means that you and I can be together, it will be worth it."
"Okay.Ā  One more question.Ā  Your nickname is Bucky?"
He laughed, giving her that lop-sided smile.Ā  "Yeah, it's from my middle name, Buchanan.Ā  That was my mother's surname."Ā  He shrugged.Ā  "James sounds more grownup and mature.Ā  You can call me anything you want."
"Just the best date I've ever had," she smiled back.
They kissed again, then James opened the passenger door for her and drove her back to the estate.Ā  Before they got out, he gave her his cell phone number, entered it as Jane so her father wouldn't know it was his, then told her to call him anytime if she needed help.Ā  In front of the mansion, he was aware they were being watched so he gave Tia a respectful hug, handed Walter to her, then waited as she entered the house, before getting back into his car and driving to his father's house.Ā  Although he hoped it would be enough for her father to choose him, he knew his chances weren't good.
The final date, with Brock Rumlow, was everything that Tia feared.Ā  He showed up in a heavily customized truck that Tia needed a ladder to enter.Ā  Although dressed in a suit he didn't wear a tie until forced to at the restaurant he took her to, after verbally haranguing the maĆ®tre dā€™ for the indignity of his money not being good enough for the place.Ā  His table manners were as atrocious as his regular manners, talking while chewing, burping at the table, and referring to his bathroom habits in crude terms.Ā  Excusing herself to the ladies' room, Tia texted James.
Tia: Help! I'm stuck with a Cro-Magnon man who's unbearable.
Jane: Brock?Ā  Yeah, he's a bit full of himself, isn't he?Ā  Do you need rescuing?
Tia: Possibly.Ā  I'll keep you posted.
She returned to the table where Brock was sprawled in his chair.Ā  Tia's plate was gone as was his.Ā 
"Good, you're back," he said.Ā  "I've paid the bill.Ā  Let's go to a club."
"I wasn't finished."Ā  He looked up at her surprised.
"Oh, I assumed you went to the bathroom to uh ... you know, bring it all up.Ā  That's what you chicks do to keep slim, right?Ā  My exes did that all the time."
She would have answered but he stood up and headed for the door, turning around to wait impatiently for her.Ā  With a sigh, she joined him, waiting as he tossed the valet his token.Ā  The truck appeared and he didn't help her in, although the valet did, giving her a sympathetic eye roll.Ā  The club, with a pounding bass that bled out onto the street was full of friends of his, whose method of communication seemed to be either a jut of their chin or a pound hug.Ā  He requested bottle service in the VIP area, then flopped down on the couch, pulling her down with him, and draping his arm over her shoulder.Ā  Sitting there like the king of his own kingdom, Tia had a vision of her life with Brock Rumlow and decided to end the date there.Ā  Of course, he didn't want to and kept trying to keep her sitting on the couch with him.Ā  Finally, she convinced him that she needed to throw up and he let her go.Ā  Exiting out of an emergency door she went to the nearest coffee shop that was open and called James, who told her to stay there and wait for him.Ā  He arrived twenty minutes later, entering the coffee shop with a worried look on his face.Ā  As they hugged, he stroked her hair and vowed that no matter what, Brock Rumlow wouldn't do this to Tia ever again.
At the mansion, when he pulled up, Brock was there, waiting angrily for Tia, as was her father and mother.Ā  He went to open the door for Tia, then growled when he found it locked.Ā  James came out of the driver's side door and placed himself in front of Brock, staring at him in a way that showed he had absolutely no fear of him.
"Move," said the jilted date.
"No, move yourself," replied James.Ā  "She called me to get her out of a bad date and I obliged.Ā  Now, I'm going to finish the job and make sure she gets inside the house safely."
"Are you saying I abused her?"
"I'm saying you wouldn't let her leave until she thought she was going to be sick.Ā  She told me you acted like a pig the entire time."
"She's lying.Ā  The little bitch is lying."
Jerome pulled Brock away at that moment.Ā  "What did you call my daughter?"
Liliana slapped Brock in the face.Ā  "How dare you.Ā  Jerome, if you even consider him suitable for Tia, I'll leave you.Ā  I swear, I will divorce your ass and take everything you own.Ā  It's all in my name anyway."
"No one's divorcing anyone," said Jerome, then he looked at Brock.Ā  "You have 10 seconds to get your ass in your monstrosity of a truck and get the hell off our property.Ā  You tell your father that if he even tries to retaliate it will be war between us.Ā  Now get."
Rule #6, Even a mob boss with only daughters does not take kindly to his daughters being referred to as bitches.Ā  Especially by a twice-divorced asshole like Brock Rumlow.
怰ļøć€°ļøć€°ļø
The Wedding, six months later
Rule #7, When marrying into the mob, let her family have their way.Ā  It's easier and lulls them into thinking you'll be a pushover.Ā 
This was it.Ā  Her father made the decision and now Tia had to live with it.Ā  She looked at herself in the mirror as her mother fastened the veil to her head.Ā  A knock on the door was opened by her oldest sister, acting as matron of honour.Ā  Her father walked in; his bow tie undone.
"Lil, can you fix this?" he asked.Ā  Then he stopped, seeing Tia's reflection in the mirror.Ā  "All my girls looked so beautiful on their wedding day."
"Men always have trouble with a bow tie," she smiled, turning towards him.Ā  "Come to the window so I have better light."
While her mother did her father's tie, Tia's phone, deep inside the pocket of her wedding dress (that she insisted on having) vibrated and she went to the bathroom to answer it, telling everyone she needed some water.
Jane:Ā  You sure you're going to do this?
Tia:Ā  Yes, it's what my dad wants.Ā  I'm a good mob daughter, you know.
Jane:Ā  Yeah, now you'll be a good mob wife.
Tia:Ā  If you mean pregnant on the wedding night, chances are good.
Jane:Ā  LOL.Ā  I hope you'll be happy.
Tia:Ā  Thanks to you, I know I will be.Ā  You'll be there, right?
Jane:Ā  Wouldn't miss it.Ā  I'll always have your back.
She smiled at that and put the phone away, then poured herself some water.Ā  When she came out, her dad's tie was perfect, and her mother was standing there with the bouquet of flowers.Ā  Grandma Maria beamed at her.Ā  The wedding planner fussed over her while the photographer took some photos of them all, including her six bridesmaids, well matrons as most of them were married.Ā  On the limousine over she thought of all her worries about the man her father would finally approve of.Ā  It was easier after Loki willingly took himself out of contention, then Brock showed himself to be a total asshole in front of her parents.Ā  She could live with the man who was chosen and make it work.
At the church, there were all sorts of photographers, some of them likely FBI plants as her father was still a person of interest, as were many of the guests.Ā  But he did promise Tia that he intended to bow out of that type of work and build up the legitimate areas, without even using laundered money.Ā  After all, he wanted his youngest daughter to be happy.Ā 
The walk up the steps of the church was interrupted by calls of the photographers to pose but she only slowed down, anxious to get this part of her life over with and begin her life as a wife, then mother.Ā  At the top of the stone steps, she looked back towards the street and saw James' Mustang, smiling that it was there.Ā  She stepped inside and the wedding planner took over, positioning the flower girls (a niece from each side), then the bridesmaids / matrons, a combination of one girlfriend, her sisters and his sisters, sending them down the aisle.Ā  One of her brothers-in-law escorted her mother to her pew.Ā  She had wanted them both to walk her down the aisle, but her father put his foot down; traditionally only the father could give the bride away.Ā  Then everyone stood up and she knew her moment had come.Ā 
Her groom came out from the vestry, but she couldn't see him over the number of people who blocked her view.Ā  Then Tia took her father's arm and began the walk towards the altar.Ā  It wasn't until she was three quarters of the way down that she finally saw James, in his black tuxedo, white shirt, and black tie, with a boutonniĆØre in his lapel.Ā  He gazed at her with glassy eyes, then offered his hand to her when she was close.Ā  Her father kissed her cheek, then kissed James' before lightly slapping him on the cheek to get his attention.
"You do right by her," he murmured.
"Yes sir, that's my plan."
Finally, it was just them, in front of the priest, and he began the service asking if there was anyone who objected to this couple marrying.Ā  You could have heard a pin drop in the silence, then he smiled at them and began the service.
Rule #8, No excessive tongue in a Catholic wedding ceremony.Ā  It's not classy and even though the people in the church for a mob wedding might be considered criminals they aren't animals.
The kiss before they walked down the aisle as husband and wife was just as good as the kiss at Coney Island.Ā  They could both hear the sighs of delight from the women who were present thrilled at the absolutely perfect husband that Tia Brancato, now Tia Barnes had.Ā  When they exited the church, having rice thrown at them, because that was traditional, James opened the front door of his 1994 Mustang GT and tucked Tia's dress into the front seat around her legs.Ā  Then he went around to the driver's side, got in, and started it up, revving it a few times before he peeled away, with the sounds of tin cans rattling behind him.Ā  On the back window the Just Married that was drawn on with washable paint soon faded away from view.Ā  The limousine driver opened the door for the parents and the bridal party.Ā  They would meet James and Tia at Prospect Park for the photos.Ā 
In the Mustang, Tia looked at her handsome husband, James.
"You came," she said.Ā  "You brought Portia."Ā  She gestured to the car.
"I promised," he replied.Ā  "Said I would always have your back."Ā  He drove for another minute.Ā  "Did you mean it, about getting pregnant?"
"I'm off the pill and I might be ovulating," she said.Ā  "If it happens, it happens.Ā  I'll be happy either way."
"Are you okay that we're waiting until tonight?"Ā 
He glanced at her.Ā  It was something he suggested once her father announced that James could propose to Tia.
"If it's anything like our first kiss I won't be disappointed."Ā  She placed her hand on his.Ā  "Besides, there's always Rules #9 and 10."Ā  He laughed, having been briefed on the other rules already, especially the ones that were her rules.Ā  "Rule #9, No matter what, we'll make it work."
"And Rule #10?"
"Whatever will be will be.Ā  You knew when you first saw me when I was a kid that you liked me.Ā  I knew when I first saw you in my dad's office that I wanted you.Ā  It was meant to be."
"I love the Rules."Ā  He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the knuckle.Ā  "I love you."
That evening, their first dance was to Que Sera Sera, otherwise known as Whatever Will Be, Will Be.Ā  It always was Tia's favourite rule.
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sebastianstansqueen Ā· 1 year ago
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Lost In The Shadows: Part Ten
A/N:Ā I'm gonna try and be more frequent, start giving me Ideas for what type of series you want to see next, iā€™m curious and finished writing this one so lets see if I can start getting parts out more frequently, If you want to beĀ Tagged, either send an ask or comment on this or click on Taglist open.
Wordcount:Ā 1,390
Warnings: angst, and hospital stuff, if I forgot anything let me know please!
MasterlistĀ //Ā Series MasterlistĀ //Ā Taglist open//Ā 
Tags:Ā @cherryblossomsky- -Ā @babylooneytoonzĀ -Ā @wonderlandfandomkingdomĀ -Ā @miraclesofloveĀ -Ā @amelia-song-pondĀ -Ā @leyannrae-Ā @avengerlexĀ -Ā @pineprincessĀ -Ā @nik2writeĀ -Ā @dorothea-hwldrĀ -Ā @rosie-posie08Ā -Ā @scxrletrecsmarvelĀ -Ā @sebsgirl71479-Ā @missvelvetsstuffĀ -Ā @hadesownhellĀ -Ā @casa-boiardiĀ -Ā @winterslove1917-Ā @hallecarey1Ā -Ā @ash-crazeĀ -Ā @barnesxstanĀ -Ā @unaxvĀ -Ā @bethexo07Ā -Ā @itsmytimetoodreamĀ -Ā @sebastians-loveĀ - @stoneyggirl2
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Natasha took a taxi to the hospital as soon as her shift at inferno ended, she found out by a call from Andy, who she found in the waiting room on the floor Y/n was on. ā€œWhat the hell happened?ā€ She asked with concern as she stormed up to him.Ā 
It almost irritated Natasha how put together he was, in this worrying moment. ā€œIt was a bomb. Thatā€™s all we know so far.ā€
ā€œAnd where is James?ā€ All she had was questions, and Natasha didnā€™t want to consider how hurt Y/n was at the moment.
ā€œHe was in the car with her.ā€ Andy looked down, concerned for both of them, with what Y/n had been going on about since coming back from Malibu heā€™d begun liking Bucky for her, seeing how happy he made her now.Ā Ā 
ā€œAre they okay?ā€ Natasha asked with a weak strangled voice.Ā 
ā€œI donā€™t know.ā€ Andy sighed.Ā 
When Y/nā€™s eyes opened she could barely keep them that way because of the bright fluorescents, she groaned out of discomfort due to everything hurting. ā€œThank God!ā€ Natasha hugged her aching body.
ā€œGet off of me.ā€ Y/n says. ā€œPlease.ā€Ā 
ā€œIā€™m sorry if I thought you were dead.ā€ Natasha rolled her eyes with a smirk.Ā 
Y/n sighed, shaking her head, then her eyes widened. ā€œWhereā€™s Bucky?ā€
ā€œHeā€™s in the room next door.ā€ She explained shortly.
Y/n felt relieved that he was at least at the hospital as well. ā€œIs he okay?ā€ She leaned up causing her to groan slightly.Ā 
ā€œAre you okay?ā€ Y/n gave Natasha a look after she asked, clearly more interested in if her husband was alright. ā€œHeā€™s fine. Now what about you?ā€Ā 
ā€œIā€™m fine, clearly, Iā€™m awake at least. Is he awake?ā€ She asked with wide eyes looking at the red head.Ā 
Natasha frowned at Y/nā€™s lack of concern for herself, and that this was the answer was possibly gonna upset Y/n. ā€œNot yet, but he is stable, from his surgery considering what happened.ā€Ā 
Y/nā€™s concern now shot through the roof. ā€œWhat happened? I need to see him now, if something is wrong.ā€ She began to try and force herself up out of the bed, trying to take the heart monitor thing off, and getting ready to try and do the same thing with the IV.Ā 
ā€œY/n, that's not a great idea.ā€ Natasha pushed her lightly so she laid against the pillow again, Y/n arched a brow at that. ā€œYouā€™ve been in bed for a week, unmoving, your legs are probably going to be weak, donā€™t rush anything.ā€Ā 
Y/n looked at Natasha with annoyance. ā€œNat, Iā€™m fine, I want to see him, whatā€™s wrong, what happened?ā€ Nat stays silent, as Y/n in her head slowly pieces together what is going on. ā€œWhy donā€™t you want me to see him?ā€ She squints.Ā 
ā€œI want you to heal, I never said I didnā€™t want you to see him.ā€ Natasha could see Y/nā€™s anger growing, and even though Natasha could be considered one of her closest friends she, like everyone else in New York, didnā€™t want to be the one on the receiving end ofĀ  it.Ā 
Y/n nodded. ā€œSure. Iā€™m asking this one more time Nat, as a fair warning, why donā€™t you want me to go see my husband?ā€Ā 
Natasha only had one answer for this. ā€œBecause it might give you a stress ulcer if you do. Or youā€™ll work yourself till you do, because that's what you do for comfort.ā€ Natasha rushed all of this out, along with the bit of rambling. Y/n began getting up again, she wasnā€™t going to take ā€˜noā€™ for an answer.Ā  She stood and began, well barely walking, she was mad that one of Natashaā€™s excuses were real, her legs were feeling numb. ā€œDo you want me to get you a wheelchair?ā€Ā 
ā€œIā€™m gonna walk in that room, no one will be taking me in there.ā€ Y/n said with her normal defiance, making Natasha roll her eyes. ā€œSo will you help me walk to the door?ā€ She whined. Natasha smiled, moving to help her walk to Buckyā€™s room door.
Y/n was still being supported while walking by Natasha as they walked into the room. Steve along with Buckyā€™s family sat in the room, Y/n quickly acted as if she hadnā€™t been using her friend as a crutch a moment ago. ā€œWhat happened? Is he okay?ā€ She asked them since Natasha seemed to be answer less.Ā 
ā€œY/n, calm down, heā€™s stable.ā€ Steve said, as he came up to her.
ā€œI already know that, I know heā€™s stable and fine, but what else happened that everyone seems to be trying to cover up for me, I just want to make sure he is okay!ā€ Y/n snapped at everyone in that moment, she didnā€™t want to hear what she already knew.
ā€œY/n.ā€ Her eyes shift to Winifred, Y/nā€™s look softening slightly. ā€œI want to talk to Y/n alone.ā€ She tells everyone else, soon they all shuffle out of the room.
ā€œWhatā€™s wrong?ā€ Y/n asked softly, moving slowly towards a chair in hopes that her legs wouldnā€™t give out in the few steps.Ā 
ā€œI understand you donā€™t want to have this sugar coated, but itā€™s gonna be a lot to take in.ā€Ā  Winnifred gently warned, all of this was freaking her out even more, from where she currently sat, Bucky looked fine, other than his usual stubble growing out a bit more, he still looked the same. ā€œDo you remember what happened?ā€ Y/n shook her head, all she remembered was the argument. ā€œSomeone put a bomb in the trunk of the car, it went off, and it destroyed the car. Luckily you and James were alright, but a part of the scrap metal sliced mostly through his arm, so doctors had to make a choice.ā€Ā 
Y/n sat there only thinking of what Bucky was gonna do when he woke up, the car heā€™d put so much work into was now scrap metal, and said the car also was the reason his arm was amputated. ā€œIs there anything else?ā€Ā 
Winnifred shook her head. ā€œWeā€™ll find out when he wakes up.ā€
Y/n had been released from the hospital two days after waking up, all she wanted to do was stay there with Bucky. Andy had been taking care of business while sheā€™s been gone, and continued to do so, for the past two weeks, while she waited with concern, everyone who knew her personally saw this very uncharacteristic thing for her to be doing. The door to Buckyā€™s room opened behind where she was sitting, she turned around to see who was coming in, and it was Andy. ā€œHmm?ā€ She hummed as if to ask why he was there.Ā 
ā€œWe, Natasha, George and a few others, think itā€™s best if for a little bit you and James goā€¦somewhere, after he wakes up, I was waiting for him to wake up to tell you, but I think itā€™s best if you head to the airport after he is released.ā€ He explained all of this to Y/n.Ā 
ā€œWhy should we leave? There isnā€™t a reason to.ā€ She shook her head at him.Ā 
Andy sighed. ā€œBecause, you know, whoever put that bomb in the car wasnā€™t trying to kill James, and you know that, they were actually after you, that would make this the first attack on the head of a family in almost what fourty years. If someone is after you, you need to get out of the states for a bit, you know Iā€™ll call you when I think things are better.ā€
ā€œI didnā€™t agree to it.ā€ Y/n stopped him.
ā€œY/n, you have to see where we are coming from, we what you two safe for a bit, I know you can handle a shoot out and other things but this isnā€™t like what you have seen already, let me handle it from here, Iā€™ll keep you updated, Iā€™ll send you anything youā€™ll need to know and if it affects the business, for now do what Iā€™mĀ  telling you.ā€ Andy made sure to show her that he was serious himself.Ā 
ā€œWeā€™ll talk more about this another time.ā€ She told him, Andy nodded before he left the room.
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beah388love Ā· 2 years ago
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Silent Treatment
18+ Minors DNI!!!
Full Masterrlist Marvel Masterlist
Pairing:Mob!bucky x Fem!reader
Summary: You give Bucky the Silent Treatmentā€¦
Warnings: Shouting,yelling,insults,readers gets called name,Swearing,bad language,reader not eating for days!!!
(Please tell me if I missed any!!!)
You never usually get this mad at James but today he really pissed you off.
You had went out without telling Bucky or any of his men and he was furious at you.
ā€œYou canā€™t just get up and go with all the creeps out there!ā€ Bucky yelled at you.
ā€œJust because I donā€™t hurt you doesnā€™t mean everyone else wonā€™t either!ā€ Bucky shouted at you and you didnā€™t do anything but stand there and take it.
ā€œGod! Your so stupidā€ he spat
ā€œYour like a child! How can you be so selfishā€ he yelled at you and that was your breaking point. You hated being called selfish after your past of being called selfish all the time and the worst thing for you was he knew that.
You felt the tears well up into your eyes and you began to cry but he was too frustrated to notice.
You wiped your tears and left the room silently as you walked down the hallway all his men looked at you but you ignored their stares.
ā€œI can not belie-ā€œ Bucky was about to insult you again but got cut off by you not being there.
ā€œY/N?ā€ He said and then left his office to find you.
ā€œWhere did she go?ā€ Bucky asked Sam and Sam looked at him with a frown.
ā€œMan I think you should calm down before you follow herā€ Sam said and bucky looked at him angrily before calming down a bit.
ā€œShe only went to a cafe with her friendsā€ Sam said and bucky rolled his eyes.
ā€œShe doesnā€™t understand itā€™s dangerousā€ bucky explained and Sam nodded.
ā€œI just think you should give her some time to I donā€™t know..calm down tooā€ Sam said and bucky agreed.
It was the next day and you and Bucky hadnā€™t even seen each other. You was so pissed off because you knew he knew how much that word affected you.
You didnā€™t leave your room at all. You didnā€™t eat,drink,watch anything. You just say there on your bed and slept at night. You did absolutely nothing just sat there with your thoughts all day.
Until there was a knock on your door.
ā€œDoll? Can I come in?ā€ Bucky asked through the door and you didnā€™t answer.
ā€œDoll?ā€ Bucky asked again and again didnā€™t get an answer.
ā€œIā€™m coming inā€ he said and opened the door expecting to see you asleep but no, you was sat on your bed facing the wall not paying any attention to him at all.
ā€œDoll?ā€ Bucky said as he sat down next to you but you didnā€™t move an inch.
ā€œI didnā€™t mean to shout at youā€ he said as he went to touch you but you moved away.
ā€œDoll..youā€™ve got to understand why Iā€™m madā€ Bucky said but got no answer.
ā€œSay somethingā€ Bucky said but no answer again and he was getting worried at how bad he mustā€™ve annoyed you so he left.
The next day.
Bucky was repeating the scene that had happened again and again in his head to figure out what he had done besides yell at you because you was never usually this mad at him yelling at you until..
ā€œYour such a child!How can you be so selfish?ā€ He repeated in his head realising what he had said.
ā€œFuck..Fuckā€¦Fuck!ā€ Bucky angrily slapped his face with his hand.
ā€œYou alright boss?ā€ Peter said opening the door.
ā€œNo! Iā€™m not now move!ā€ Bucky said as he quickly went to the spare bedroom you had been sleeping in recently.
He whacked open the door causing you to jump, and he quickly hugged you tightly.
ā€œIā€™m so so so sorry dollā€ Bucky muttered into your neck as he gently placed kisses on it.
But again you still didnā€™t answer him.
ā€œPlease baby, doll, please say something..even shout at me I donā€™t care just say something pleaseā€ Bucky pleaded to you and you huffed.
ā€œI dont like youā€ you muttered and he frowned knowing how much he messed up.
ā€œI know, Iā€™m sorry dollā€ he said hugging you even tighter. ā€œI know how much you hate being called that and I- It was in the heat of the moment and I- I know thatā€™s not an excuse but I- I just- Iā€™m sorryā€ he said softly looking into your eyes.
And thatā€™s when you half smiled.
ā€œI forgive you but you have to get me McDonaldā€™s now like right nowā€ you said and he chuckled.
And then Bucky began thinking about how he hadnā€™t seen you come out your room at all. So what did you eat?
ā€œWhen was the last time you ate?ā€ He asked you scared for your answer.
ā€œTwo days agoā€ you muttered and his jaw dropped.
ā€œCome on, weā€™re going nowā€ Bucky said and you was confused.
ā€œWhere to?ā€ You asked him and mais he dragged you to his car.
ā€œMcDonaldā€™sā€ Bucky said and you smiled and smiled even more at his worry for you.
ā€œI love you Jimmyā€ you said and he couldnā€™t help but smile and blush a bit.
ā€œI love you even more dollā€ he said back
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spideyyboiirecs Ā· 2 years ago
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Bucky Barnes Reblogs
A masterlist of my fav Bucky Barnes FicsĀ 
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SERIES
A Maidens Tale 18+ @world-of-aus
pairing: Mob!Bucky x Dolores, Mob!Bucky x Maid!ReaderĀ 
The Truth Will Set You Free @angstysebfan
pairing:Ā Bucky x Female Reader, Thor x Reader
Bad Decisions 18+ @syntheticavenger
pairing:Ā Mob Boss Bucky Barnes x Right Hand Female Reader
Monster In Law 18+ @holylulusworld
pairing:Ā CEO!Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader
Chubby Bee 18+ @holylulusworld
pairing: Mobster!Bucky Barnes xĀ Plus-size!ReaderĀ 
The Annoying Guy @holylulusworld
pairing:Ā OFC x fem!Reader, Biker!Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader
Every Other Day 18+ @holylulusworld
pairing:Ā Mobster!Bucky x Teacher!Reader
Mr Grumpy and His Ex-mate @holylulusworld
pairing: Alpha!Bucky x Omega!ReaderĀ 
Rebound 18+ @holylulusworld
pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!ReaderĀ 
Unwilling Bride @holylulusworldā€‹
pairing: Mobster!Bucky Barneyā€™s x fem!ReaderĀ 
Howlinā€™ For You @invisibleanonymousmonsters
pairing: Biker!Bucky x Fem!Reader
Her soft animal 18+ @kinanabinks
paring: Dark Bucky x Reader
The Penthouse 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing: Multiple Characters x Reader
Two Thousand, Five Hundred and sixty nine 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing: frat!bucky x best friend!reader
Relax 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing: Nerd!Frat!Bucky x Reader
Best Friend 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing: Mob!Bucky x Best Friend!Reader
ONESHOTS
As In The Mother, So Is Her Daughter @suitk0via
pairing: Dad!Bucky x Reader
His Little Play Thing 18+ @bucky-barnes-diaries
pairing: Stepdad!Bucky Barnes x Stepdaughter!Reader
It All Belongs To You 18+ @angrythingstarlight
pairing: Beefy Biker Bucky x ReaderĀ 
Rescuing Alpine @angrythingstarlight
pairing: Bucky x Reader. AlpineĀ 
Top Of His List @angrythingstarlight
pairing: Mafia Bucky x ReaderĀ 
Donā€™t Make Me Wait 18+ @angrythingstarlight
pairing:Ā 
Thin Ice 18+ @angrythingstarlight
pairing:Ā 
Say The Word and Itā€™s Yours 18+ @angrythingstarlightā€‹
pairing: Mafia!Bucky x ReaderĀ 
Cruel 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing:Ā Mob!Bucky x Best friend!Reader
How You Love Me 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing:Ā Mob!Bucky x Best friend!Reader
Something Blue 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing:Ā Mob!Bucky x Best friend!Reader
Separation Anxiety 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing: Semi-dark!fratbucky x best friend!reader
Clingy As Fuck 18+ @kinanabinksĀ 
pairing: Mob!Bucky x Best friend!ReaderĀ 
Constant 18+ @kinanabinksĀ 
pairing:Ā Mob!Bucky x Best friend!Reader
His Girls 18+ @kinanabinksĀ 
paring: Nat x Reader x BuckyĀ 
The Sound Of Love 18+ @kinanabinksĀ 
pairing: Bucky x Partly Deaf!Avenger!Reader
Tug Of War 18+ @kinanabinksĀ 
pairing: Mob!Bucky x Best Friend!Reader, Ex!Pietro x ReaderĀ 
The Only One @kinanabinksĀ 
pairing: Ex!Bucky x ReaderĀ 
Obedient 18+ @holylulusworld
Pairing: Alpha!Mobster!Bucky x Omega!ReaderĀ 
Two Souls @holylulusworld
pairing: Alpha!Bucky Barnes x Omega!Reader;Alpha!Winter Soldier x Omega!Reader
Stumble @holylulusworldā€‹
pairing: Bucky Barnes x ReaderĀ 
I Have A Feeling This Was A Trap 18+ @scarletsoldatā€‹
pairing: Beefy!dom!Bucky x Shy!sub!Reader x Roommate!dom!WandaĀ 
Mr Grumpy Man 18+ @idy-ll-iqueā€‹
pairing: Mob Boss!Bucky x F!Reader
STUCKY:Ā 
BackStage Pass 18+ @luxeavengerā€‹
pairing: Bucky Barnes x Steve Rogers x Female!ReaderĀ 
Their Surrogate 18+ @gotnofucks
pairings: Dark!Steve x Reader, Dark!Bucky x Reader
Theirs To Keep 18+ @holylulusworld
pairing: Mobster!Bucky x Reader x Mobster!Steve
Your Doll 18+ @kaiparker-avengerssmut
pairing: steve rogers x bucky barnes x f!stark!reader
Method Acting 18+ @kinanabinks
pairing: frat!steve x reader x frat!bucky
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holylulusworld Ā· 4 months ago
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Bucky & Ducky (2) - Warming up
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Summary: Bucky Barnes. Ruthless mafia boss. Soft only for his wife andā€¦well, Ducky.
Pairing: Mobster!Bucky Barnes x Wife!Reader
Side pairing: Mobster!Bucky Barnes x Ducky the duck
Warnings: mafia business, fluff, unusual friendship
A/N: Thanks to @buck-star for the idea and brainstorming with me. I did itā€¦šŸ˜…
Bucky & Ducky Masterlist
Catch up here: Part 1
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ā€œCan you believe that punk dared to threaten my business, Ducky?ā€ Bucky walked out of the bathroom to get ready to join you for dinner. After taking a relaxed bath, he hastily got out of the tub. He considered leaving Ducky alone in the tub but decided against it.
Only to make sure the duckling wonā€™t poop into the tub or drown, he told himself.
He put the duckling on a fluffy towel and watched it clumsily wiggle on top of the towel, trying to escape while he got dressed. Bucky chuckled when the duckling started to tug at the towel angrily.
ā€œNo escaping, punk,ā€ he said, and stepped toward the bed to look down at the tiny and vulnerable duckling. ā€œYou didnā€™t have an easy life, huh? They wanted to get rid of you because you were the weakest.ā€
Somehow, Bucky felt sorry for the duckling. No one gave Ducky a chance until now.
ā€œYou got lucky, punk. Y/N loves to save hopeless cases. She took me home too, one night, after someone stabbed me behind her bakery.ā€
Ducky lifted its head to look up at the tall mobster. It seems as if the little creature was listening to Buckyā€™s story. ā€œIt was only a scratch, but she turned full nurse, and that was when I fell in love with her. Y/N is too good for me and so sweet. So, if you want to stay here, you better not break her heart.ā€
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ā€œBuck? Baby?ā€ You called from downstairs. ā€œBaby, did you fall asleep in the bathtub? Do you want to eat in bed?ā€
ā€œWe are coming, doll,ā€ Bucky immediately answered. You heard his footsteps get closer and hurriedly walked inside the dining room to check on the food.
ā€œIn here,ā€ you called for your husband. He allowed you to keep the duckling so you would pay him back with a romantic candlelight dinner. ā€œI got a surprise for you.ā€
ā€œUhā€”me too,ā€ Bucky walked inside the dining room, Ducky in his arms. He put one of the fuzzy socks you bought for him around the ducklingā€™s small body to keep Ducky warm. ā€œI think he doesnā€™t want to be alone.ā€
ā€œHe?ā€ You pressed one hand to your mouth to stop yourself from giggling. ā€œOh, the duckling.ā€ Nodding, you pointed at the food. ā€œMaybe we should find a box for him orā€¦ā€
ā€œNo, no. I think he should sit with me. We donā€™t want him to believe we will abandon him too,ā€ Bucky hastily said. He stepped closer to softly kiss your cheek. ā€œThe food looks good, baby doll. Thank you.ā€
You were stunned by his words. Bucky Barnes wanted to have dinner with a duckling by his side. ā€œNo, thank you, Bucky.ā€ You return the kiss, giggling as he purrs your name. ā€œYouā€™re the best.ā€
Bucky smiled. He loves hearing you think highly of him. Not because it strokes his ego. No. It simply tells him that heā€™s not the bad guy he believes he is.
ā€œLetā€™s eat,ā€ you pointed at the food. ā€œWe donā€™t want the food to get cold.ā€
As you sat down, you watched Bucky claim his favorite seat. The one right next to yours. He carefully placed Ducky on the table. Bucky wrinkled his forehead as the duckling threatened to tip sideways.
ā€œPunk, be careful,ā€ he shrugged his jacket off to make a bed for Ducky out of the expensive fabric. Bucky carefully put the duckling in the middle, humming as Ducky quacked loudly. ā€œDid you drink shampoo or something?ā€ Your husband grinned. ā€œI bet you tried my whiskey.ā€
You giggled at their interaction. ā€œIt seems you already became friends.ā€
ā€œHeā€™s cool, for a helpless duckling,ā€ Bucky said and dug his fork into the food. ā€œI guess we can keep him. Just to make sure he doesnā€™t end in a pan.ā€
ā€œBucky!ā€ You scolded your husband. ā€œDonā€™t say things like that in front of him. Heā€™s a baby!ā€
ā€œDucky is a ruthless mobster,ā€ Bucky retorted. He glanced at the duckling while chewing on the first bite of the food. ā€œHe only needs a chance.ā€
You smiled softly as Bucky talked to the duckling. ā€œHmmā€¦we should get you something warm to wear. Maybe shoes too. Your feet will hurt if you waddle around barefoot all day.ā€
ā€œDucky got feathers. I donā€™t think he needs more, Bucky.ā€
Bucky nodded but glanced at the duckling. ā€œNo, I think he needs clothes. We donā€™t want him to freeze, right?ā€
ā€œRight,ā€ you giggled as the duckling wiggled on top of Buckyā€™s jacket. It seemed like Ducky tried to get closer to your husband. It made a fuss, quaking loudly, until Bucky carefully grabbed him and placed him on his lap.
ā€œThere you go, Ducky,ā€ Bucky softly cooed to not scare the tiny duckling. ā€œIā€™m going to take good care of you.ā€
Part 3
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Tags in reblog.
485 notes Ā· View notes
artficlly Ā· 1 month ago
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smog & spirits: lucky's choppery (series)
Marvel 1920s Gangster/Peaky Blinders Inspired Fantasy AU
gangsterboss!bucky x witch!reader
Bucky Barnes, the leader of Sootstone's Smog Boys, needs a favour. A nasty curse has been cast on him, and he needs a witch to help him break it.
Warnings: 18+ content minors dni, fem reader, vague smut, implied blowjob, mention of abortion (not to reader), mad scientist tony stark, laboratory, mentions of gambling, alcohol, smoking, vague mentions of physical violence, angst, some fluff (?), criminals & crime, 1920s street gangs, witchcraft, vaguely british setting??, no use of y/n, lmk if i've missed anything
Word Count: 5.1k
A/N:Ā wowee, i wrote this so fast (i already had the dialogue and some writing ready for like 80% of this chapter, so it was pretty easy to fill in the rest). hoping to at least get one more chapter out but no promises, beginning to feel a bit burnt out and my birthday is on sunday yippe. sorry for any typos - not proof read.
taglist: @nash-dara @sebastians-love @calwitch permanent taglist: @globetrotter28
main masterlist | series masterlist
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The crowded sea of workers flooding out of the factories for the evening parted like a tide before Bucky, his strides purposeful, shoulders squared. The setting sun cast the Smokestack District in a haze of burning amber and ashen grey, the air thick with soot and the sharp tang of metal. Even here, in the industrial veins of Sootstone, men instinctively stepped aside lest they be trampled underfoot.
This Stark friend of his was apparently buried deep within the district, tucked away in whatever workshop or lair he called home. Even if their fathers had once been in business together, Stark seemed to have chosen a different path that didnā€™t dance as closely with the violence that pulsed beneath the cityā€™s surface. You had no doubt that his work, whatever it was, still dipped into the murky waters of illegality. The Smog Boys and their associates rarely kept company with anyone clean.
You let your mind wander, dissecting the possibilities, if only to drown out the roar in your thoughts. For once, Bucky Barnes and his uninvited quests were a welcome distraction.
But no matter how much you tried to shove it aside, Beccaā€™s revelation clung to you like a thorn buried deep beneath your skin. Her words would haunt you long into the night. You knew they would. Youā€™d toss and turn, picking them apart, unravelling them until they unravelled you.
Your fatherā€”the man who had half-heartedly raised you, the man who had buried himself in drink and violence, the man who had driven your mother into an early graveā€”was not your father. Not the man you had thought him to be at all.
The realisation felt like a gaping wound in your chest. The years you had wasted on him, the countless excuses, the hesitant forgiveness. It was all for nothing. You had bent yourself backwards trying to make sense of him, trying to make peace with how he had broken you repeatedly. And yet, he was just another name to add to an already endless list of cruel men.
And your motherā€”gods, your mother. You had resented her for the life she had chosen, for trapping you in the Warrens, for binding you to poverty and suffering. You had never understood why she stayed, why she had chosen him, why she hadnā€™t run far from Blackstone and disappeared into the countryside. But now, it all slotted into place like the final piece of a puzzle you hadnā€™t realised was incomplete.
A sickness curled in your gut. You had hated her.
Your lip was raw from how hard you had been chewing it, and you forced yourself to focus on the roll of Buckyā€™s shoulders as he marched ahead, unphased, a cigarette hanging from his lips. You hated yourself for ever blaming your mother when she had endured atrocities. She had shown remarkable strength in escaping, in carving out a life of her own in the shadows of Sootstone. She had run from that wretched place, hidden in plain sight. Marrying your fatherā€¦it must have been a last resort. Perhaps the only man who would take in a woman in her condition.
And she had never told you. Neither of them had. Did your fatherā€”no, the man you had believed to be your fatherā€”even know the truth? He had never spoken of the Church of Light beyond vague, half-drunken warnings, letting the weight of it gather dust in your memories. A ghost of something unspoken.
But you had never forgotten.
There was a plan forming in your mindā€”a quiet, insidious thing. A plan to destroy the Church of Light, to repay them for the cruelties they had stained your bloodline with. That day with Michaelā€”gods, Michaelā€” it had given you confidence, perhaps even delusion. You had power. Power strong enough to tear them apart, to bring them to their knees. But beyond any misplaced ideas of grandeur, you knew a truth. You couldnā€™t act alone. Not in such an obvious way. The Church was vastā€”multiple temples, hundreds of members. A massacre would not go unnoticed, and the coppers wouldnā€™t hesitate to drag you to the gallows. It had been a miracle you had escaped them as a teenager.
And every power, every body in this realm, had limits.Ā 
Youā€™d never had the full opportunity to explore the depths of this cursed power youā€™d been gifted, this death that clung to your very being. You couldnā€™t know if you had what it took to destroy them all in one fell swoop without destroying yourself in the process.
Your gaze flickered back to Bucky. His expression was guarded, jaw tight, eyes locked ahead as smoke curled from the cigarette between his lips. Even now, with his muscles still taut from anger, he exuded a dangerous calm. A readiness to act, to strike.
You could use him.
You could use him, use the Smog Boys to rip the Church of Light apart. If it became a gang war, the coppers wouldnā€™t so much as bat an eye. Theyā€™d let the criminals handle their own if Bucky's name was attached.
And you would be protectedā€”so long as you could keep his attention.
The thought twisted something deep inside you. Was it wrong to think this way?
Then againā€¦ had he not used you, too? Had he not sought you out for your power, for what you could do for him? Yes, he had paid you, but at what cost? There was no permanency in this. You were just another indulgence, another fleeting pleasure. He had told you himselfā€”he didnā€™t think himself a man capable of love.
Maybe you could have loved him. But him loving you?
It would be foolish to think so. Foolish to believe he could care for you beyond lust, beyond the pull of your body against his.
Your thoughts twisted in on themselves, tangling like a mess of threads in your mind, squeezing, choking, refusing to come undone.
The streets of the Smokestack District grew narrower as you followed Bucky deeper into its labyrinthine alleys, the industrial skyline choking out what little remained of the evening light. Buildings leaned into one another like drunks in an embrace, their brick faces blackened with soot, their windows murky with grime. The air stank of coal smoke, damp rot, and something metallicā€”oil, or maybe blood.
At the end of a particularly filthy lane, past a crumbling row of tenements, you finally stopped in front of what appeared to be an unassuming butcherā€™s shop. A weathered wooden sign, its red paint peeling, hung above the entrance: Luckyā€™s Choppery. The display window was lined with thick cuts of beef and strings of sausages, though the glass was so smeared with grease it barely reflected the gaslights flickering in the street.
You eyed the butcherā€™s block just inside, where a cleaver had been buried deep into a slab of meat, its blade glinting under the weak glow of an overhead lamp. The floor, lined with well-worn tiles, bore the dark stains of years of blood and brine.Ā 
Bucky shoved open the door without hesitation, the bell overhead giving a feeble jingle. A lanky kid behind the counterā€”maybe eighteen at mostā€”jerked up from where heā€™d been counting money, his dark eyes widening.
You glanced around, taking in the place. ā€œYour friend Starkā€¦ is a butcher?ā€
Bucky huffed, crunching his cigarette beneath his boot. ā€œItā€™s a front, doll.ā€
ā€œGood to knowā€¦ā€ You exhaled slowly, shifting your weight as the kid behind the counter fumbled with the till.
Bucky stepped forward, tapping the counter with two fingers. ā€œParker. Here to see Stark.ā€
The boyā€”Parkerā€”flinched, his expression tightening. ā€œStarkā€”youā€™re supposed to say Luckyā€”ā€
Buckyā€™s brow creased. ā€œWho the fuck is Lucky?ā€
ā€œItā€™s the codewordā€”ā€ Parker sucked in a sharp breath, pressing his lips together like he was already regretting this conversation. ā€œMr. Stark is busy, Iā€™m afraid Mr. Barnesā€¦ā€
Bucky gave him a flat look. ā€œKid, Iā€™m sure he is. But do you think heā€™s gonna be pleased if he finds out you turned me away?ā€
Parker swallowed hard. His shoulders sagged, and with a sigh, he jerked his head toward the back. ā€œAlrightā€¦ come on through.ā€
You followed Parker behind the counter and through a heavy wooden door into the backroom. The temperature dropped immediately. The air was thick with the lingering scent of salt and raw flesh. Rows of bloodless animal carcasses hung from iron hooks, swaying slightly from the draft that slithered through the room. You stepped carefully as Parker led you toward a door set into the far wall. The door's surface was scratched and worn, but the metal handle was polished from years of use.
Parker pushed it open, ushering you both in. You winced as you were blinded by the buzz of lightbulbs hanging overhead, illuminating the space.Ā 
A laboratory.Ā 
It was a chaotic masterpiece of metal and magic, stitched together in an unholy fusion of science and the occult. Copper pipes ran along the walls like veins, some hissing with steam, others crackling faintly with unnatural energy. The exposed brick was scrawled over with chalked equations, half-translated runes wedged between calculations that looked like they belonged to some deranged engineerā€™s fever dream.
Workbenches sagged under the weight of strange devicesā€”bronzed contraptions with whirring gears, delicate instruments of glass and silver, and something that looked suspiciously like a heart pulsing inside a vat of thick, viscous liquid. Along the far wall, a large metal figure loomed, wires and arcane sigils wrapping around it in a spidery embrace. A dull red glow pulsed from within.
And at the centre of it all, hunched over a mess of gears and copper wiring, was the man himself.
Stark.
He looked like he hadnā€™t slept in days. His dark hair was a mess of careless waves, tousled as if heā€™d run his fingers through it a hundred times while deep in thought. A faint shadow of stubble darkened his sharp jaw. His sleeves were rolled up past his elbows, exposing forearms slathered with grease and soot. His vest, once fine, was smudged with oil and singed at the edges, and his half-buttoned shirt carried the distinct stains of burnt metal and something vaguely alchemical.
Perched on his nose was a pair of brass-framed goggles, their lenses thick and dusted with soot, the left one cracked down the middle. A tiny, flickering spark of blue danced across the metal frame as if whatever enchantment heā€™d woven into them was barely holding together. He had the look of a man who was equal parts genius and disaster, the kind of bastard who could build something to change the world but would probably set his own lab on fire in the process.
And, of course, he didnā€™t even look up as the door swung open.
ā€œWho's this? A present for me?ā€ His voice was rough. He finally glanced up, gaze narrowing as he studied you. ā€œI see magic about herā€”ā€
ā€œShe ainā€™t for one of your experiments, Tony,ā€ Bucky interrupted, stepping between you and the mad scientist. ā€œSheā€™s with me.ā€
ā€œHuh.ā€ Stark exhaled, leaning back against his worktable with an air of disappointment. ā€œShame. And touchy, tooā€¦ I take it this is your infamous spirit-raiser?ā€
ā€œWhat?ā€ you muttered, stiffening.
ā€œHe experiments with magic and technology,ā€ Bucky explained dryly. ā€œThinks he canā€¦ power metal with magic.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s possible?ā€ you asked before you could stop yourself.
Starkā€™s expression turned downright wolfish. ā€œOh, itā€™s possible. Just needs the right conduit.ā€ He stepped forward, his fingers twitching like he was already picturing carving something out of you to power one of his creations. ā€œI meanā€¦ if I could just experiment with a drop of your magic, it doesnā€™t hurt, I promiseā€¦ just a prick, bit of bleeding, long-term possibilities can include sudden death buuutā€”ā€
Your expression melted into something of horror.
ā€œOi, thatā€™s not why weā€™re ā€˜ere, Tony,ā€ Bucky cut in sharply. ā€œIā€™m hostinā€™ a party. Youā€™re invited.ā€
With a flick of his wrist, he produced a pristine envelope from inside his suit jacket, the deep red wax seal still unbroken. The contrast was almost comicalā€”elegant, refined, and utterly out of place. You doubted Bucky had penned the invitations himself; the script was too precise and delicate. No, heā€™d likely had some poor girl painstakingly scrawl each one by hand while he barked orders from the corner of a smoky room.
Buckyā€™s expression remained flat, but his tone had an unmistakable edge when he added, ā€œPreferably, youā€™ll keep your hands off my bird while youā€™re at it.ā€
You had to fight the urge to snap your head toward him in shock. His bird? Had one week tangled in your sheets left that much of a mark on him? The man hadnā€™t even taken you on a proper dateā€”unless you counted brutalising a handful of Iron Rats as a romantic outing.
Stark paused, his keen gaze flicking between the two of you like he was dissecting a particularly interesting experiment. The glint in his eye was pure mischief. ā€œYour bird, aye? Didnā€™t realise things were soā€¦ serious.ā€
Bucky scowled, jaw tightening. ā€œShut ya fuckinā€™ gob and take the invitation.ā€ He flicked the pristine envelope onto Starkā€™s cluttered workbench, where it landed atop a mess of copper wiring, scattered blueprints, and a wrench smeared with something that definitely wasnā€™t just grease.
Stark picked it up, popping open the seal with ease. ā€œAlright, alright.ā€ His expression shifted slightly as he skimmed the contents. ā€œThis ainā€™t got anything to do with that Smokinā€™ Jacks business?ā€
Bucky smirked. ā€œSomethinā€™ like that.ā€
Even with the vague way they spoke, you had heard rumours.
The Smokinā€™ Jacks were a gang of gamblersā€”slick bastards who ran their operations like clockwork, their fortunes made not through brute force but by sleight of hand. They had gambling dens throughout Blackstone, and their debts were written in blood.
The Smog Boys and the Smokinā€™ Jacks had long held a hesitant truceā€”so long as the Jacks didnā€™t turn their tricks on the poor bastards in the Warrens, there was no need for bloodshed. Their scams and schemes were reserved for the rich and reckless of the Flower District, the men who never knew the weight of a real loss.
But lately, there had been whispers. The Jacks werenā€™t keeping their word. Their debt collectors had started crossing into Smog Boy territory, leaning on the desperate and the weak, pressing them for coin they didnā€™t have.
Bucky didnā€™t take kindly to broken deals.
Stark folded the invitation with an almost exaggerated neatness, tucking it into the inner pocket of his grease-streaked waistcoat. His eyes gleamed, sharp and knowing, the kind of look that suggested he saw a game unfolding that only he knew the rules to.
ā€œGuess Iā€™ll be there, then.ā€
Bucky gave a short nod as if he had expected no less. He reached into his coat pocket, retrieving his cigarette case with a flick of his wrist. But before he could light one, you stepped forward, words spilling from your lips before you could stop them.
ā€œYou just wrapped up that business with the Iron Rats, and now youā€™re goinā€™ after the Smokinā€™ Jacks? Can you be any more recklessā€”ā€
Bucky turned his head toward you, exhaling slowly through his nose, cigarette forgotten. ā€œDonā€™t make me remind you whose fault that Iron Rats business was.ā€
Your jaw clenched. ā€œYouā€™re the one who escalated itā€”ā€
ā€œYeah, well, you sure were into it, werenā€™t you?ā€ His voice dropped, low and taunting, a smirk curling at the corner of his mouth. ā€œSure fucked me afterwards like you didā€”ā€
Heat shot up your spine, equal parts fury and disbelief, and before you even realised what you were doing, your hand was fisted in the sleeve of his coat, yanking him toward you. He barely moved, only grinning down at you with that infuriating glint in his eye, like he was daring you to do something about it.
Behind you, Stark let out a low whistle, then a chuckle, clearly enjoying the show. ā€œWell, well. You two are a real pair, arenā€™t ya?ā€ He leaned back against his workbench, arms crossed, amusement dancing across his features.Ā 
Bucky rolled his eyes and wrenched his arm free, though not before squeezing your wrist brieflyā€”just enough to remind you who was stronger. ā€œWeā€™re leavinā€™,ā€ he muttered, turning toward the door.
ā€œTry not to start a war before the party, Barnes,ā€ Stark called after him. ā€œBut if you doā€”ā€ he grinned, ā€œā€”make sure I get front-row seats.ā€
You cast one last glance at the chaos of the lab, the scattered notes, and the eerie hum of machinery before following Bucky out. You didnā€™t need Stark to tell you that. A war was already brewing.
ā€”
Your front door creaked as you pushed it open, the familiar scent of candle wax and herbs greeting you as you stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the only real light coming from the amber glow of the streetlamps outside, their hazy beams spilling through the lace curtains. You shrugged off your coat, glancing over your shoulder as Bucky followed you in.
Only, he didnā€™t move the way he usually did.
Gone was the effortless swagger, the quiet, calculated control he carried himself with. Instead, he lingered near the door as if he wasnā€™t sure whether to stay or turn and leave. The sight unsettled you more than you cared to admit.
ā€œYou stayinā€™ the night?ā€ You asked, tone casual despite the tension between you. ā€œOr are you gonna go over to keep an eye on Becca?ā€
Bucky exhaled, rubbing at his jaw before answering. ā€œNo. Iā€™ll have Nat watch over Becca. Think Iā€™m the last person she wants to see right about now.ā€
There was something distant in his voice. You had noticed a shift in him during your quiet walk back from Starkā€™s lab. You turned, leaning against the edge of the table as you studied him. His shoulders were taut beneath his coat as if he were bracing for something.
ā€œAre you angry with her?ā€ you asked carefully. ā€œFor what she said to me?ā€
His lips pressed into a firm line. He took a moment before answering. ā€œCanā€™t say Iā€™m not a bit upset, doll.ā€
You sighed. ā€œI wouldnā€™t take it out on her. She was just tryinā€™ to protect you.ā€
His head tilted slightly, expression unreadable. ā€œI can make my own choices.ā€
ā€œBuckyā€¦ I justā€”ā€ You began but you cut yourself off as the gangster finally spoke.
ā€œIā€™mā€¦ā€ He hesitated.
You blinked. That alone was enough to unnerve you.
You had never seen Bucky hesitate, not like this. He always had something to sayā€”sharp, sure, commanding. But now, something unfamiliar wove itself into his voice. Vulnerability.
ā€œā€¦Grateful.ā€
The word came quietly like he almost couldnā€™t bring himself to say it, and when you looked at him, really looked at him, you saw itā€”the slight furrow of his brow, the way his hands flexed as though he didnā€™t know what to do with them.
ā€œFor what you did for Becca today,ā€ he finished.
You swallowed hard.
ā€œWell,ā€ you sigh, ā€œI couldnā€™t have just left her thereā€”ā€
ā€œIā€™m serious.ā€
His voice was firm now, but there was a softness beneath it. He shifted his weight slightly, jaw working as he forced himself to continue. ā€œI know she is cruel, but she is my blood. My responsibility.ā€
You let his words sink in, picking them apart in your head.
ā€œI donā€™t think sheā€™s cruel,ā€ you murmured. ā€œI think sheā€™s a woman whoā€™s built her walls so high to protect herself. Now she canā€™t tell a friend from a threat.ā€
Bucky huffed a quiet breath, barely a sound at all.
ā€œI can tell you why sheā€™s like that,ā€ he said. ā€œAnd Iā€™m afraid Iā€™m on that list.ā€
Your brows pulled together. ā€œI wouldnā€™t blame yourselfā€”ā€
ā€œSometimes I worry, doll.ā€
Something in his voiceā€¦ a weight settled in your ribcage. It was lower now, rougher like the words were being dragged from some part of him he never let anyone see. His fingers twitched at his side, clenching once before flexing open again. His jaw went tight, and when he finally spoke again, the words came slowly, carefully.
ā€œI worry that I am becoming my father.ā€
Silence stretched between you. You didnā€™t think. You just reached out, fingers brushing over his hand, grounding him, offering somethingā€”anythingā€”before he could retreat behind the walls you could already see rising.
But it was too late.
His body went rigid, tension snapping through him like a wire pulled too tight. His hand twitched under yours as if instinct told him to grip, to hold on, but thenā€¦He pulled away. The moment his expression hardened, you knew. Whatever softness had been there was gone in an instant, buried beneath cold calculation and the armour he had worn for so long. ā€œI should go,ā€ he muttered, voice clipped.
ā€œBuckyā€”ā€
But he was already turning, already stepping away.
The door swung open, and before you could say another word, he was gone, the night swallowing him whole.
You stood there for a long moment, staring at the empty space where he had been, his presence lingering like a ghost you couldnā€™t quite banish.Ā 
ā€”
Three days later, you made theā€”likely foolishā€”decision to deliver a care package to Becca. You knew youā€™d probably receive a tongue-lashing for it, but a small, wicked part of you wanted to be the better person. You had sourced some gin from the Flower Districts, strong, quality stuff that the upper-class women drank. A classier alternative to the harsh whiskey that the Smog Boys brewed and likely already lined Beccaā€™s shelves.
The alley was dark and damp, the scent of piss and rotting wood lingering in the narrow space. Your breath curled in the cold air as you hesitated in front of her door, fingers tightening around the woven basket in your hands.
Maybe your presence wasnā€™t the best idea, given what she was recovering from. Perhaps it was best to leave the package and disappear into the night unseen. The message would be there, but youā€™d be spared the inevitable onslaught of curses she would toss your way. You imagined whore would be right at the top.
With a quiet huff, you bent to place the basket on the doorstep. Inside, nestled together, was the bottle of gin, a fresh loaf of bread, butter, and some cold-cut meats you had hunted down at the Sunday market. You knew Bucky and Nat were caring for her, but you wanted to be sure.
The door creaked open just as you straightened up.
Bucky.
He stepped out, locking up behind him, keys dangling from his fingers with an idle sort of ease. He was dressed in his usual suitā€”dark, well-fitted, with the coat buttoned up against the cold. The brass glint of his pocket watch chain caught the dim light as he turned to you.
For a moment, you thought you saw something flicker across his face. Surprise, maybe. Or recognition. But it passed too quickly to catch.
ā€œYou just canā€™t help yourself, huh?ā€ His voice was low, edged with something you couldnā€™t quite place.
Your mouth opened before your mind could catch up, fumbling for an excuse. I was just making sure sheā€™s alright. I was worried. I care. But instead, you settled for, ā€œSorry, I was justā€¦ ah. Care package. For Becca. Thought sheā€™d need it.ā€
Maybe it wasnā€™t best to admit to your convoluted, backward scheme of making the woman feel bad through kindness.Ā 
His gaze dropped to the basket at your feet, scanning its contents with a slow, deliberate look before exhaling through his nose. Without a word, he bent and picked it up, turning it slightly in his hands.
ā€œSheā€™s out with that Brackett kid,ā€ he muttered, shifting the basket to his other hand.
You hesitated. ā€œThatā€™sā€¦ good?ā€
Bucky arched a brow as he pulled out the bottle of gin, tilting it slightly to read the label.
ā€œStill gonna kill him,ā€ he said flatly, setting the bottle back down.
You bit back a smirk. ā€œOf course you are.ā€
He didnā€™t smile, but something about his posture loosenedā€”just a fraction. The last time you had seen him, he had stormed out of your flat. You couldnā€™t tell if he was still feeling stand-offish, or if the sharpness in his tone was just habit. The keys clinked softly as he turned them over in his palm, watching you with that same brooding expression.
He placed the basket on the hallway table, pulling shut the door and locking it with practised ease.Ā 
ā€œDidnā€™t think Iā€™d see you again so soon,ā€ he murmured, voice measured, almost lazy. But there was something deliberate in it, like he was waiting to see how youā€™d respond.
You hesitated, shifting on your heels. ā€œDidnā€™t think youā€™d want to.ā€
Something flickered in his gaze, just for a second, before he looked away.
ā€œYeah, well,ā€ he said, slipping the keys into his pocket. ā€œYou keep showing up, donā€™t you?ā€
You exhaled a short laugh, though your pulse was a little unsteady. ā€œGuess I do.ā€
Bucky made a noise in his throat, something between amusement and resignation. Then, with a tilt of his head toward the street, he stepped past you.
ā€œWalk with me,ā€ he said, not looking back.
It wasnā€™t a question. And, despite yourself, you followed.
The night air bit at your skin as you fell into step beside him. The streets of the Warrens were quieter in this part of town, though the distant hum of nightlife still clung to the airā€”rowdy laughter spilling from taverns, the occasional shout of a drunk stumbling home.
Buckyā€™s flat was deeper in the district, past the noisier streets, tucked above an old tailorā€™s shop. He didnā€™t say a word as he led you up the narrow stairwell, the scent of dust and mothballs lingering in the close space. At the top, he flicked the key between his fingers before unlocking the door, pushing it open without much ceremony.
Inside, it wasā€¦ surprisingly nice. Not lavish like Beccaā€™s, but well-keptā€”orderly. The furnishings were simple: a sturdy wooden table, a leather armchair that looked well-worn but hardly used, a small bar cart against the wall with only a handful of bottles. Unlike Beccaā€™s place, which was decorated with velvet drapes, gilded mirrors, and delicate trinkets, Buckyā€™s was bare. Functional. You got the sense that he didnā€™t spend much time here.
He didnā€™t look at you as he shrugged off his coat, draping it over the chair. Instead, he reached for the bar cart, grabbing a bottle and two glasses. ā€œDrink?ā€
ā€œSure.ā€
He poured the amber liquid out and slid one of the glasses toward you across the wooden table, his own drink resting loosely in his grip. You hesitated for only a second before taking the offered glass, the cool weight of it grounding you. The scent was rich and smoky, promising a slow, lingering burn.
Silence stretched between you for a long moment, the soft clink of glass against wood filling the space. Finally, you exhaled, rolling the whiskey between your fingers before speaking. ā€œAre we going to talk about it?ā€
Bucky lifted a brow. ā€œAbout what?ā€
ā€œYou storming out of my flat the other day?ā€ You sighed, leaning back against the edge of the table. ā€œLook, I didnā€™t expect a thank you if thatā€™s whatā€™s got you all wound up.ā€
His gaze flickered to yours, sharp and searching, something unreadable in the depths of his blue eyes. His tongue darted out, wetting his lips. ā€œIā€™m not wound up.ā€
You scoffed. ā€œYouā€™re impossible.ā€
That pulled a smirk from himā€”slow, teasing. ā€œDid you want me to stay?ā€ There was a beat of pause before he huffed a quiet laugh, swirling the whiskey in his glass. When he finally looked at you again, amusement curled at the edges of his lips. ā€œDid you miss me?ā€ he drawled.Ā 
ā€œMaybe.ā€
Buckyā€™s smirk deepened, but there was something else beneath itā€”something you couldnā€™t quite name. His gaze flickered over your face, searching, considering.
ā€œCareful, doll,ā€ he murmured, tilting his glass toward you in a slow, deliberate toast. ā€œThat almost sounds like an invitation.ā€
He watched you as you lifted the glass to your lips. The first sip hit hard, burning its way down your throat and curling warm in your stomach. You coughed, barely suppressing a wince as the heat spread through your chest. Bucky smirked, tilting his own glass to his lips with far more ease.
ā€œShit, is this Smog Boys stuff?ā€ You rasped, blinking away the sting.
ā€œOff the market, yeah.ā€ He hummed, stretching back as he pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and sank into it with a sigh. ā€œSome of it, we brew strong. Just for us boys.ā€
Your gaze flickered to his hands, the way his fingers idly traced the rim of his glass. He had settled into his seat with the ease, legs spread wide, confidence dripping from every lazy shift of his body. The sight of him like that, whiskey warming his blood, watching you with quiet interestā€”it sent a pulse of heat low in your stomach.
You tipped back the rest of your drink, hissing at the burn, then shrugged off your coat. The heavy fabric slipped from your shoulders and crumpled to the floor between his feet. Buckyā€™s gaze sharpened. You lowered yourself onto the discarded coat, knees pressing into the worn wood through the fabric, your hands smoothing up the inside of his thighs.
His body reacted before his words did. His legs spread a little wider, welcoming you in, his breath hitching just slightly. You nuzzled against the rough fabric of his trousers, blinking up at him through your lashes.
ā€œWhatā€™re youā€¦ā€ He trailed off as your nails ghosted over the buckle of his belt.
His hand caught your wrist, and you smirked at him, tilting your head. ā€œI wanna taste you.ā€
A muscle in his jaw twitched, his fingers tightening on your skin for just a moment. Then, with a quiet curse under his breath, he tossed back the rest of his drink and set the empty glass down with a heavy clink.
ā€œShit, doll,ā€ he muttered, his voice rougher now, lower, as his free hand went to his belt. ā€œYouā€™re gonna be the death of me.ā€
From where you knelt, you could see the way his breath had quickened, the subtle tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers hesitatedā€”just for a fraction of a secondā€”before undoing his belt.
Your pulse thrummed in anticipation, thighs squeezing together beneath your skirts. Bucky exhaled sharply as you leaned in, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss against the fabric covering his length. His head tipped back, a quiet groan slipping from his lips, one hand smoothing through your hair.
He was always so controlled, always so composedā€”but now, beneath your touch, you could feel him unravel. And gods, you wanted to watch him fall apart.
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imnotagaslighter Ā· 1 year ago
Text
Chapter One: Sly as a Snake
Word Count: 2.9K
Warnings: Tread carefully this will be a dark!fic Please DNI if you're not 18 or older
Blood, Graphic, Minor Character Deaths, Age Gap, Lloyd Hansen being creepy, Hints of Grooming (?)
I was going to do a cute little preview but I just thought why not just post a whole chapter as a preview!! I hope you guys enjoy ;).
It didnā€™t take long for the gala-themed party to be halted but thatā€™s because who wouldnā€™t want to? A party that held all of the families under one luxurious, (and in your opinion very flamboyant) mansion. It wasnā€™t until a very loud breach from the main entrance took your attention away from the attendees in front of you.
You and maybe the rest of the families at the party stood in confusion and shock as men in tactical gear rushed through the main banquet hall firing automatic weapons into the air and at random important heads of different gang families. Thatā€™s when screams and weapons began to go toe to toe on who could be the loudest. It didnā€™t make it any better that you had lost your brother and parents within the crowds that were moving in different directions trying to dodge the bullets.
Your heart was slightly racing as you felt yourself being pushed by the various people trying to run out of the hall and hopefully find an exit, but your mind had other ideas. Moving towards the wall youā€™d slip into a room before closing the door behind yourself and slouching down onto the opposite wall of the door. Your hands were shaking as you tried to regain your composure, it didnā€™t make it any better that you were wearing a floor-length dress accompanied by heels that were not ideal for running.
Another round of shots rang out into the air before holes started to appear on the wall and youā€™d quickly roll onto the stomach hoping none of the shots were aimed toward the floor. Knowing youā€™d have to think (and move) quickly you began to untie the laced-up heels and kick them off before looking around, you were in the preparation kitchen so it wouldnā€™t be hard to find something to cut the dress. Your right hand instinctively reached up to your inner right thigh to find your gun still holstered there and you pulled it out. Sliding the mag out of the barrel you saw the clip was full and of course, you didnā€™t bring an extra clip because you just wouldnā€™t think someone would have it out for the families so bad to the point where theyā€™d target all of the families under one roof. Which you couldnā€™t help to admit was smart but very ballsy and you couldnā€™t help to figure out who was the mind behind all of this terror.
Finding a chefā€™s knife you held it just above the knee of your dress and youā€™d hesitate, hating the fact that youā€™d have to ruin such a beautiful (and rather expensive) dress but you had to get out and find your parents. Youā€™d attempt to cut through the fabric and it was louder than usual meaning outside was quiet and youā€™d stop quickly to listen.
ā€œI heard something in the kitchen. You three go in there and see what it isā€ You heard an oddly familiar voice before you looked around for a place to exit and the only thing you could think of was the dumbwaiter on the other side of the room. You knew you couldnā€™t make it over there in time so youā€™d finish ripping the dress apart grab the knife and scurry across the floor toward an empty shelf and youā€™d bring your knees to your chest and turn the safety to your gun off.
Three men in tactical gear breached through the door and looked around slowly as they proceeded further into the room picked up the fabric of the dress and saw the heels.
ā€œBoss, someone was in here and ditched their clothes.ā€ One of them yelled back before looking around the room. You were praying that they couldnā€™t see your legs but you knew sooner or later you would have to make a move.
ā€˜Well, Fucking find the naked bitch before I have to come in there and do the job myself!ā€™ You heard the ever-familiar voice shout back.
ā€œCome on, she couldnā€™t have gotten far in here, thereā€™s no exit.ā€ One of the soldiers said as he turned around and closed the door to check if there was a body behind them. You knew if you used your gun it would draw more attention to yourself and you didnā€™t have enough bullets to fight the whole army that was outside of the kitchen so you knew whatever move youā€™d make would have to be with the knife that was thankfully still in your hand.
Moving from out of the shelf youā€™d tiptoe over to the guard that was near the door and youā€™d slam the knife down into his neck and cover his mouth so he wouldnā€™t make noise to alert the other two in the kitchen with you, you were lucky the industrial and professional kitchen was set up in aisles so they couldnā€™t see your body unless they walked around.Ā 
The soldier struggled, voice gurgling under your hand as you strained to move the man to his knees so that when he toppled over it wouldnā€™t be as hard, and he finally gave out, his body went limp as you pulled the knife out, blood squirting on your face before moving to the other two. As long as you could get to them before they circled back to the door it would be okay in a sense.
Your feet move behind each other in a cat-like motion and you see the second assailant checking under shelves and the third one is moving pots and pans around making enough noise for you to make your play. You take that opportunity to run up to him and proceed to shank him around 7 times, groans leaving his mouth before he falls back blood pooling around him and soaking your feet. Youā€™d feel the cold wet sensation and would mentally roll your eyes at the situation before throwing your knife at the last personā€™s head and heā€™d topple over. Hearing the kitchen still, youā€™d hear the conversation going on outside between the familiar voice and youā€™d move over to the door and listen in.
ā€˜Jesus fucking Christ! Whatā€™s taking these doofuses so long to find the whore?ā€™ The man would ask impatiently as youā€™d hear the chamber of the unknown personā€™s gun slide back and youā€™d move towards one of the ARs the dead person had and youā€™d take the mags that came with it and move into the bellhopper. You slid the door up, slipping into the tight box and your arm reached out to hit the up button, and almost as soon as you closed the sliding door for the bell hopper you heard the door to the kitchen being kicked open.
ā€˜What the fuck?! You know what?ā€™ The person would chuckle ever so slightly before you heard his echoing footsteps approach the bell hopper which made you nervous because if it was still moving by the time he opened the door heā€™d know you were in there.
ā€˜I gotcha you little bitchā€™
-
2 Months Prior
ā€˜You know it wouldnā€™t be all that bad if you would just put your pride aside and just go on the date Your twin brother would say as your hazel eyes glared across the longer dinner table where youā€™d be eating breakfast.
There wasnā€™t much to this schedule it was something new where your mother would accompany you and your brother at breakfast. She sat near the head silently chuckling at the banter the two of you always managed to find yourselves in while she was eating a crepe with a bowl of fresh fruit from her garden.
ā€˜Yā€™know what, Kaleb? If you want me to meet this man so bad..ā€™ You had emphasized before grabbing your napkin and placing it in your lap. ā€˜How about you take my place and go on the date with himā€™ Youā€™d offer the new opportunity and Kaleb looked at you with a rather contorted face before your motherā€™s laugh was a little more noticeable and Kalebā€™s head snapped in her direction before you continued with your pancakes.
ā€˜Oh so the first time in ages that our mother comes down here and one of the first things she does is patronize me because Iā€™m trying to help my sister secure a husband since sheā€™d freshly out of finishing schoolā€™ Kaleb would say before youā€™d shake your head in protest.
ā€˜Kaleb, I simply donā€™t want a husband for now, and until father says anything about it I donā€™t think it is necessary as of now.ā€™
ā€˜But, Y/N you have men from families all over practically throwing their sons at your feet every gala we attend. Donā€™t you think youā€™re being a little pretentious?ā€™ Kaleb would ask as you gave him a deadpan look. We sat in a very lavish dining room of a 10-bedroom mansion near the oceanside, our father was the head of a great mob family and he thought you were only being a little pretentious was a stretch.
ā€˜Look at how we were raised, Kaleb then ask yourself why Iā€™m being a little pretentiousā€™Ā 
A soft clearing of a throat had brought your attention to the entrance of the doorway and youā€™d see your father, donning something other than a suit. He was wearing grey slacks and a white button-down.
ā€˜Isnā€™t it nice to see my family down here eating together?ā€™ your father would ask before reaching down to kiss your forehead and walking around to grab Kalebā€™s shoulders.
ā€˜I suppose it is Dad, which means you have something you need to tell us.ā€™ Youā€™d say eyeing the man and he could only chuckle.
ā€˜Well you are my daughter and thereā€™s no denying that, but nothing too much out of the ordinary. The Solos will be accompanying us to dinner this evening though. Jacoby and I have some business to discuss so I trust you three will be more than entertaining to our guestsā€™ Your father, Issac Beckett would say and you would purse your lips together acknowledging that that was the conversation he was meaning to have. It was rare that your family held company though but it was understandable as to why.
Within the past 4 months, youā€™ve attended 7 funerals, each one of them had Beckett as their last name, you werenā€™t sure if the family was being targeted by an outsider but whoever it was was indeed trying to get within the immediate family. It hasnā€™t been easy for them though because your fatherā€™s long-time friend and right-hand man, Lysander Reed, and Luitenant Lloyd Hansen have kept the mansion and its grounds secure. Of course, with someone like Issac Beckett, there would be a lot of enemies made and thatā€™s why he has allies like the Solo family. They still werenā€™t able to pinpoint a motive or who could be the mastermind behind all of these family murders but since the third one, your father had pulled you from your etiquette academy to ensure your safety and made sure all of the immediate family was under one roof which you guessed wasnā€™t so bad.
Your mother, Ceanna (pronounced Sienna) was more than ecstatic to see her children under one roof again. Your brother, Kaleb had left off to finish his studies to one day prepare to take over the reigns of the familyā€™s name. But you, you were a different case, a special case.
Youā€™ve protested for years to be more than someoneā€™s wife and bearer of fruitful children. To be more than someoneā€™s arm candy and despite your parentā€™s disapproval you were enrolled into multiple academies to broaden your skillset, being taught by Lysander how to fight, handle a gun, and be able to hold yourself to those bigger than you, and you proved them to be more than proficient - A prodigy Lloyd would say as heā€™d spar with you on occasion. Once you felt you were proficient enough your father enrolled you in finishing school where you learned etiquette and social cues to enter society as a woman fit to be a loving wife and also as sly and deadly as a snake.
Your hair was pulled back into a low ponytail as you looked down at your plate and continued to eat your breakfast, pancakes, and eggs which were growing soggy from the amount of syrup you piled onto the plate.Ā 
ā€˜The Solos are the ones with the son, right my love?ā€™ Your mother, Ceanna would ask as your father nodded and moved over towards his wife, planting a kiss on his cheek before sitting down at the head of the table.
ā€˜Yes, Napoleon is their only son. A little older but that still shouldnā€™t be a problem for our children, right?ā€™Ā 
ā€˜Leon? I havenā€™t seen him since we were both in school. Donā€™t worry Iā€™m sure we can catch up.ā€™
ā€˜As long as you donā€™t auction me off as a wife to himā€™ Youā€™d mutter while eating your food and your dad would belt out a laugh while Lysander would make his way into the room saying his greetings to everyone. Lysander had been there long before you and Kaleb were born so on occasion if you didnā€™t refer to him as Lys, uncle was for mere private times behind the walls of their home which Lysander didnā€™t mind coming from the twins, he was there for everything and within Issacā€™s will if anything were to happen to him and Ceanna while the twins were under 25 Lysander would be their ward and be the right hand for Kaleb.
ā€˜Iā€™m sure Napoleon wouldnā€™t meet your fatherā€™s expectations for your husband anyways, Y/Nā€™ Lysander would say before you made a small victory cheer in your head. You hadnā€™t heard much about this Napoleon character but thatā€™s because your father tends to leave you and your mother out of mob business and she doesnā€™t mind, but you? Oh, you made it a problem that you were left out of meetings, wanting to know the ins and the outs of the business and how to run it. Your father always says that this path holds no position for a woman, very misogynistic but you werenā€™t sure on why he would always make that statement.
ā€˜The boy is far too into his bachelor lifestyle to settle down now, especially when thereā€™s no sign of Caspian kicking the bucket over any time soon.ā€™ Your dad would say before Lysander leaned over to whisper something in your dadā€™s ear and heā€™d nod.
ā€˜Change of plans, theyā€™ll be coming over for a late lunch and dinner, Y/N I trust you wonā€™t be wearing that?ā€™ Your dad would ask referring to your current pajamas which were an oversized plain black shirt and black and grey flannel shorts.
ā€˜Jesus Dad, I just woke up.ā€™ Youā€™d say defensively before stabbing your fork in the remainder of the pancakes shoving it in your mouth and standing up from the table.
ā€˜Since itā€™s that much of a problem I will go shower and put on clothes.ā€™
ā€˜Appropriate clothes, Y/N. We will be having guestsā€™ Your Dad responded not looking up from the newspaper that was now in his hand. Your eyes narrowed before you took the glass of orange juice with you and turned on your heels to head out of the dining room.
ā€˜Can I invite Elise and Arabelle?ā€™ Youā€™d ask quickly turning around and your dad matched your narrow eyes but yours instantly turned into pleading eyes.
ā€˜Dad! Kaleb and Napoleon will be in each other's faces the whole time! Iā€™ll make sure theyā€™ll leave before dinner. I promiseā€™ You pleaded before your father looked down at the gold watch before looking over to Lysander.
ā€˜Y/N does have a point, Issac. Lloyd is still on the grounds as well.ā€™ Lysander would say attempting to help your case while sending a wink your way and with a long sigh coming from your father heā€™d place the newspaper down.
ā€˜See to it that the pool is prepared for the girls and the pool house. Have the chef prepare lunch for them as well.ā€™ Your father reluctantly said before you started cheesing and heading over towards your old man and kissed him on his cheek as well as Lysanderā€™s and you scurried away before he had the chance to change his mind.
Pulling your phone out from your waistband youā€™d open up the group chat that had you, Elise, and Arabelle in it before sending a single pool emoji with a question mark.
Elise: Uh, Duh!
Arabelle: Weā€™ll be there in 30!
Successfully making plans to occupy yourself youā€™d scurry to the stairs running past Lloyd and heā€™d eye you.
ā€˜Why are you running like you've seen a ghost princess?ā€™ Lloyd would say while shooing the other guards away and youā€™d turn at the first step to face him. It wasnā€™t a bad age gap between you two, maybe 10 or 12 years? His profession aged him more than he was. The mid-30s werenā€™t bad for him.
ā€˜Dad let me invite the girls over so Iā€™m trying to get ready before he changes his mindā€™Ā 
ā€˜He must be in a good mood, well I wonā€™t hold you up. You look gorgeous this morning by the way.ā€™ Heā€™d say but it went over your head, ever since heā€™d started working for your dad around 4 years ago heā€™d always been the one to compliment you. It was nothing out of the ordinary. Giving him a small smile youā€™d hand him your almost finished glass of orange juice.
ā€˜Thanks Lloyd! Do you mind putting that in the sink please?ā€™ Youā€™d asked before racing up the steps on your hands and knees
ā€˜Anything for you princess.ā€™ Lloyd would whisper low enough only for him to hear before finishing off the orange juice and licking his bottom lip before heading to the kitchen.
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cynic-spirit Ā· 6 months ago
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Russian
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In the opulent setting of the club, Bucky Barnes lounged casually with a confident air. The velvet-lined booths and golden accents created an atmosphere of luxury, and the soft hum of music mixed with the low chatter of the crowd. Bucky, a towering figure with a brooding presence, was seated beside Yn, his gaze fixed on her with an intense admiration.
Steve Sam, Buckyā€™s close friend, leaned in slightly, engaging in conversation while Bucky couldnā€™t tear his eyes away from Yn. With her glasses perched delicately on her nose and her crimson lips slightly parted, Yn looked effortlessly captivating.
Bucky leaned closer to Steve, speaking in a hushed tone, his words coated in Russian, ā€œŠžŠ½Š° тŠ°ŠŗŠ°Ń сŠµŠŗсуŠ°Š»ŃŒŠ½Š°Ń с этŠøŠ¼Šø Š¾Ń‡ŠŗŠ°Š¼Šø Šø ŠŗрŠ°ŃŠ½Ń‹Š¼Šø Š³ŃƒŠ±Š°Š¼Šø.ā€ ("She is so sexy with those glasses and red lips.")
Yn, who was adept in several languages, overheard him. A knowing smile touched her lips as she turned her head slightly towards Bucky. With a tone both cool and playful, she responded in Russian, ā€œŠ­Ń‚Š¾ ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŠµŠ¼Ńƒ ты Š³Š¾Š²Š¾Ń€Šøшь Š½Š° руссŠŗŠ¾Š¼, Š° Š½Šµ Š½Š° Š°Š½Š³Š»ŠøŠ¹ŃŠŗŠ¾Š¼?ā€ ( "Is that why you are speaking in Russian instead of English?")
Buckyā€™s eyes widened in astonishment, the color draining from his face as the realization hit him. His initial shock quickly gave way to a mix of surprise and fascination. He glanced between Yn and Steve, trying to reconcile the fact that Yn had understood him so effortlessly.
Steve, who had been oblivious to the exchange, looked between them, sensing the sudden shift in the conversation. ā€œWait, you understand Russian?ā€ he asked Yn, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
Yn nodded, her expression both amused and composed. ā€œYes, I do. It seems like Bucky didnā€™t want me to understand his compliments,ā€ she said, her gaze flickering back to Bucky, who was now visibly flustered and visibly intrigued.
Bucky, still recovering from his surprise, couldnā€™t hide his admiration. His voice, now tinged with a more personal tone, was softer as he said, ā€œI guess I underestimated you. I didnā€™t know you were fluent in Russian.ā€
Ynā€™s smile widened slightly, and she shrugged nonchalantly. ā€œThere are a few things you donā€™t know about me.ā€
Buckyā€™s heart raced, not only because of the unexpected revelation but also because of the undeniable love he felt towards Yn. His thoughts swirled with the realization that she was far more complex and intriguing than he had initially thought. The encounter left him deeply captivated and determined to get to know her better, even if it meant navigating the intricacies of her multi-linguistic prowess, still reeling from the surprise of Yn understanding Russian, leaned in closer, his voice filled with earnest emotion. In Russian, he said, ā€œŠšŠ°Š¶Š“ыŠ¹ Š¼Š¾Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń‚, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€Ń‹Š¹ я ŠæрŠ¾Š²Š¾Š¶Ńƒ с тŠ¾Š±Š¾Š¹, я Š²Š»ŃŽŠ±Š»ŃŃŽŃŃŒ Š² тŠµŠ±Ń Š²ŃŠµ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŃˆŠµ.ā€ (Translation: "Every moment I spend with you, I fall more in love with you.")
Ynā€™s eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and calm resolve. Without missing a beat, she replied in Russian, ā€œŠ¢Ń‹ тŠ¾Š¶Šµ сŠŗŠ¾Ń€Š¾ ŠøŠ· этŠ¾Š³Š¾ Š²Ń‹Ń€Š°ŃŃ‚ŠµŃˆŃŒ.ā€ (Translation: "Youā€™ll might fall out of it soon too.")
Buckyā€™s expression softened, his admiration for Yn deepening as he absorbed her quick wit and intelligence. Her confident response only heightened his feelings for her. He was struck not only by her beauty but also by her sharp mind, which made him even more captivated.
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chloe-skywalker Ā· 1 month ago
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Love Beyond Limits - Chapter 2
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Wanda Maximoff x Friend!Fem!Reader
Pietro Maximoff x Friend!Fem!Reader
Aunt May x Friend!Fem!Reader (Like Family)
Peter Parker x Friend!Fem!Reader (Like Family)
Warnings: SOA, Mob AU
(Not really any warnings for this chapter, those are just for the over all theme)
Word Count: 1,449
Summary: After settling in for a couple days now Y/n has some other people close to her that she'd like to inform of her arrival and move to New York.
Authors Note: So here is where you meet the idea of Mob bosses getting inturduced to Y/n, and we meet Aunt May and Peter! Next chapter she meets Bucky! Check out the series masterlist for all the chapters.
Main Masterlist
Series Masterlist
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ā€œSo whatā€™s your planā€™s for the day?ā€ Wanda asked, wondering what her friend would be doing for the day since the last couple days her and Pietro had just been helping Y/n settle into New York and into their guest bedroom.
Y/n had been in New York for 2 days now, just enjoying catching up with the Maximoffā€™s. But now that she was settled in a bit it was time to get some things done.
ā€œI have a meet up with a friend for a job possibility but I'm in no hurry. I have a lot of money put aside. Freelance writing is a great money maker.ā€ Y/n explained pulling on her boots.
ā€œWell just be careful.ā€ Wanda told her, concern in her voice.
ā€œYeah princessa, we have huge players out here on the East Coast.ā€ Pietro added leaning down to say it near her ear humorously as he passed the couch Y/n was sitting on.
ā€œYou have multiple different Mobā€™s out here right?ā€ Y/n asked, she had an idea having heard stories. Besides, Y/n having grown up with her father and eventually brother in the Sons of Anarchy she had already done some research into what to expect where she was deciding to put down some new roots.
ā€œYes and weā€™re lucky enough to be in one of the good oneā€™s territories.ā€ Wanda nodded with a heavy breath. They were lucky to be in a good territory when it comes to the Mobā€™s that ran the underground of the city. There were others not so lucky, their area was run by the mobster that went by the name White Wolf. No one truly knew his identity; heā€™s good at what he does. At least he protected the citizens that lived in his part of the city.
Y/n raised a brow in curiosity. ā€œThey care about the people in their kingdom, so to speak?ā€
ā€œExactly. But still wouldnā€™t test them.ā€ Wanda did not want to particularly find out what happens when you get on the wrong side of a mob boss.
ā€œI donā€™t plan on ruffling anyoneā€™s feathers.ā€ Y/n shrugged, she had dealt with similar people before back home. With her dad and brother in the Sonā€™s, sheā€™s had her fair run-ins with powerful criminal men. She could pick up on that energy and spot one a mile away.
ā€œHey, you know May and Peter would probably love to know you're in the city.ā€ Wanda added changing the subject to something lighter.
ā€œI just might have to stop by there.ā€ Y/n smiled thinking back to the last time she had seen Aunt May and Peter. Aunt May wasnā€™t Y/nā€™s Aunt but it just kinda stuck hearing Peter say it all the time. Plus she did try to give Y/n advice and care for her like a mother or Aunt would.
After that Y/n headed out and to meet up with her one friend who had ended up filling the spot but would keep a look out for her if she wanted. So after meeting up with an old friend Y/n decided to stop by Mayā€™s pizzeria/restaurant. They werenā€™t open for business yet but the door was unlocked so Y/n decided to enter.
ā€œWeā€™re not open yet.ā€ May called out hearing the bell ring above the door. Why Peter alwayā€™s forgot to lock it sheā€™d never know.
ā€œI heard this is one of the best pizza joints in the city.ā€ Y/n spoke up watching Mayā€™s back, wanting to see her reaction to hearing her voice. And just like that Y/n got to see the reaction she was expecting, Mayā€™s back straightened and tensed up.
May whipped around in shock but with a huge smile on her face upon seeing Y/n standing there. ā€œOh sweetheart. Get over here!ā€
ā€œHey May. good to see you.ā€ Y/n smiled as she walked up to the older woman and hugged her.
ā€œItā€™s great to see you to honey. Are you visiting? How long?ā€ May asked as she hugged the young woman back.
ā€œActually I moved here, so Iā€™ll be around for the foreseeable future.ā€ Y/n pulled back and shrugged knowingly watching Mayā€™s eyes widen upon hearing her statement.
ā€œPeter will be so excited, and I will love being able to see you around more often.ā€ May told her excitedly. May never thought Y/n would leave California. Sure sheā€™d leave Charming but not the state all together.
ā€œItā€™ll be nice to see you two as well. Where is Peter?ā€ Y/n looked around for the boy, she viewed Peter as a little brother.
ā€œInternship. Heā€™ll be back soon. So, come sit and tell Aunt May all about why you moved all the way across the country.ā€ May grabbed her hand and walked her over to a booth and the two sat down facing each other.
ā€œWhat else could it be? Heartbreak.ā€ Y/n looked down after swallowing hard.
ā€œOh sweetheart. Well, Iā€™m proud of you. You felt you needed out so you left.ā€ May knew exactly what Y/nā€™s words meant, it wasnā€™t a secret how her relationship with a certain blonde Teller was less than perfect. But May was happy she got herself out. She always knew Y/n was a very strong woman.
ā€œYou're not the only one whoā€™s said that.ā€ Y/n let out an airy amused laugh lifting her sight from the table in front of her.
ā€œBecause Y/n not everyone has the strength to leave behind what they love, even if itā€™s hurt them.ā€ May reached across the table, taking a hold of her hands, and giving a squeeze. She knew all about Y/nā€™s weird relationship with Jax and how Y/n felt about things, and she was proud of her for taking control and getting what she wantā€™s and taking hold of her life and doing the best thing for her. Leaving.
ā€œThankā€™s May.ā€ Y/n smiled appreciatively at her.
ā€œSo do you have a place to stay? A job?ā€ May hoped she wasnā€™t staying in a motel or her car.
ā€œIā€™m staying with Wanda and Pietro for now.ā€ Y/n told her knowing she was worrying about her.
ā€œAnd job?ā€ May raised a brow.
ā€œLooking for one. But Iā€™m not in a rush.ā€ She shrugged.
ā€œWell you're always welcome to a job here.ā€ May told her.
ā€œMay-ā€ Y/n tried to say but got cut off.
ā€œI could always use an extra pair of hands. . . Why donā€™t you make some new advertisement stuff up for me to start with, okay?ā€ May insisted.
ā€œOkay.ā€ Y/n gave in knowing there was no way out of it.
ā€œAunt May. Iā€™m back!ā€ Peter called out as he entered the restaurant.
ā€œOver here Peter.ā€ May waved him over as he glanced up just as he did, Y/n turned so their eyes met.
ā€œHey Peter.ā€ Y/n smiled, sending him a little wave.
ā€œOh my- Y/n! What are you doing here?! This is so awesome! Oh how long are you here for? We have to have a Star Wars marathon while you're here? When did you get here? Thereā€™s so many places you got to see.ā€ Peter rushed over engulfing the girl in a tight hug, so tight Y/n thought to herself he must be working out in his free time. Peter had so many questions hoping theyā€™d have enough time to hang out and do all he planned before sheā€™d leave. Y/n was like the older sister he never had.
ā€œPeter. We have all the time we need and more okay?ā€ Y/n laughed watching the young man amused.
ā€œWhat do you mean?ā€ Peter furrowed his brow in confusion pulling back from the hug.
ā€œNew Yorkā€™s my new home. Specifically brooklyn but that's close enough for you. Right?ā€ Y/n smiled at the adorable dork of a kid. Well Y/n guessed young man now.
ā€œThat's gotta be an adjustment.ā€ Peterā€™s face went from confusion to shock so fast it couldā€™ve given someone whiplash.Ā 
ā€œYeah.ā€ Y/n let out an exhausted breath she didnā€™t know she had been holding.
ā€œPizza?ā€ Peter asked, it was a mood lifter for him, maybe it would lighten Y/nā€™s or at least ease it.
ā€œPizza. But, letā€™s make it.ā€ Y/n smiled getting up out of the booth and wrapping her arm around his shoulders. Hell he was even an inch or two taller than her now. It really had been a long time since sheā€™d last seen him.
ā€œIs there any other way?ā€ May said as they all headed to the restaurant's kitchen to make themselves some delicious pizza.
Series Masterlist
Taglist: @padawancat97 @maryvibess @gruffle1 @starkleila @bonnyclydecat @bruher @vicmc624
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