#my opinion on Stevie has actually gone back and forth many times over the years

[ladycynthiana]

Im just... really tired of people hating on Stevie. I feel like most of it isn't even constructive criticism it's just negativity. And if rhett and link joke with or rib her at all, everyone on tumblr feels vindicated - like rhett and link don't like her either, which seems ridiculous to me. Do you feel like the mythical beast community on tumblr has become more negative? Maybe I'm projecting real life onto tumblr, lol.

I think she has just gotten under the skin of a few very vocal people, and like follows like, so people who agree with them magnify whatever issue they're having with her.

Personally, I'm fine with her and always open to hear genuine criticism if someone in the spotlight has said or done something wrong, but as far as I can tell, this is just a personality clash issue as she gets increasing screen (or whatever the audio equivalent is) time. Some people just don't vibe with certain other people. I know there have been a few crew members who have made me feel icky for no actual reason in the past, so I don't wholly blame people who are bothered by her. I would hope they can just keep their opinions to their own space, where they can be unfollowed if necessary.

If I were you, I would just unfollow people who you feel are negative to the point it's bothering you, and try to ignore it as best you can. Negativity feeds off of reaction.

I think the world in general has become more negative, anon, and the best we can do is just not add to it and add positivity where we can. Hope you have a nice day, wherever you are, and don't let it get to you too much!

[stevie-steven-stevington]

wake up and smell the coffee

@badthingshappenbingo

Fandom: MCU Prompt: Dissociation Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark Warnings: Dissociation and mild panic attack Word count: 3.3k

Generally speaking, Avengers meetings are not boring.

It's kind of hard for meetings to be boring when everyone on the team is constantly clashing, constantly butting heads on any and every issue. The arguing is annoying, to say the least, but Tony is beyond used to it at this point. He's come to expect it.

This time is no different. They haven't gotten to the yelling yet -  he's sure they will eventually - but they've been going back and forth for the past half hour and nobody has been willing to compromise.

Oddly enough, the de facto leader - Captain Freedom himself - has been silent.

Tony doesn't notice at first. There's so many voices in the room that the lack of one doesn't register very easily. But there's only so much senseless squabbling he can take, and Rogers generally drags the team down from the ledge.

"Hey, Cap," Tony says, and all eyes turn to him. "You usually have an opinion - a wrong opinion, but an opinion nonetheless. What's your take?"

Steve doesn't turn his head. Doesn't respond. Doesn't even blink.

Huh. Okay.

Across the room, Sam Wilson leans forward, elbows resting on the table, and says, "Steve? You alright?"

Still nothing.

Holy shit. Holy fucking shit. This just in - Steve Rogers, the Steve Rogers, has issues just like the rest of them.

Because Tony knows what this is. Even if the other don't recognize it right off the bat, Tony does. He's been in Steve's place more than enough times to know when someone is dissociating and Rogers has clearly lost it. The only question is just how far gone he is.

Judging by his complete and utter lack of reaction when Natasha waves a hand in front of his face, he's pretty far gone.

Well. Tony can handle this one.

Not to brag, but this is his area of expertise.

"Guys, guys, hey." Tony looks between Sam and Nat, because he knows that they trust him as an Avenger but that doesn't mean they trust him with Steve. He's just glad Barnes is out on mission right now so he doesn't have to deal with his overprotectiveness too. "I can handle this one - been there, done that, got the t-shirt, y'know?"

Nat nods pensively. Sam just squints at him.

Tony rolls his eyes and tries his best not to look too gleeful (Captain Perfect has a flaw! A flaw! And not only that, it's a mutual flaw!) as he moves to Steve's chair.

It's entirely possible that the method he knows won't actually work. The two of them manage to be incompatible on pretty much everything else, so it's entirely possible that what works for Tony won't bring Steve any closer to Earth. But nobody else has stepped up to the plate yet, and Tony's default philosophy is, in fact, what would Rhodey do?

Rhodey's the one who usually talks people (Tony, sometimes Barnes, occasionally Bruce) down from these sorts of things, but he's busy being an Air Force Colonel so it's Tony's turn now.

Tony kneels down next to Steve's chair. "Alright, Stevie. How d'you feel about joining us back in good old reality?"

Steve's gaze stays locked on a random spot on the wall. He's tense, practically rigid, and Tony wonders if it's this disturbing when he dissociates.

No touching until given permission. No loud noises. No panicking. No added stress.

"Everyone, get out," Tony says, careful to keep his voice low. There's a noise of protest and he shoots a glare at Sam. "The more people are around, the more stressful it'll be for him. I've got this, alright? Go away. Quietly."

A long moment passes in which no one moves. Some of them are clearly reluctant to leave him alone with Steve, while others just keep looking between him and Sam like they're watching a tennis match.

Natasha puts a hand on Sam's shoulder. An entire conversation seems to pass between them in the space of five seconds, despite not a word being spoken; after, Sam gives a begrudging nod, throws one more look to Tony that says fuck this up and we're going to have a problem, and walks out with Nat at his side. Everyone else shuffles out after them.

He's sure they'll all be standing right outside the door, but he'll take it.

"FRIDAY, dim the lights by 40%." Not enough to plunge them into darkness, but enough to ensure it’s not accosting Steve's senses. "Okay. Alright. Steve, buddy, you're dissociating. I know you're not really processing anything right now, but we're gonna fix that, yeah?"

In most cases, Tony is way too out of it to catch the specifics of what Rhodey says until he's already come halfway back down, but he knows the gist.

Narrate everything. Tell them who they are, where they are, what's going on, and anything else you can think of. Give them simple statements, basic facts to latch onto. Assure them that they're safe and that you want them to come back.

Once they've regained partial awareness, walk them through a coping exercise. Engage their senses, engage their brains. Make them interact with not only you, but also their surroundings. Repeat as many times as necessary for them to find their way back to reality.

"Your name is Steve Rogers," Tony starts, entirely more gentle than he thinks he's ever spoken to Steve. The next logical step is his age -  a quick calculation tells him that Steve, at this point, is exactly 102 years old, if they're including the time he spent in the ice, and...Jesus fucking Christ, that doesn't exactly seem like the thing to bring up. Instead, he says, "It's Tuesday, October 6th, 2020. You're Captain America. You're an Avenger."

He could be imagining it, but Steve's eyes do seem to deglaze, just a little.

Steve's story is a fucking minefield, though. Especially when he's not even sure what triggered this episode, if anything, so he doesn't know what pieces of information would end up making it worse instead of better. And if he makes it worse, Sam will come for his kneecaps.

"You're at the Avengers tower, in the conference room. You're sitting in a chair. I'm - Tony Stark is talking to you." Steve's fingers curl on top of the table. Progress. "I'm gonna keep talking to you until you can understand what's going on. You're safe. It's just the two of us in here. I'm not going to hurt you; I won't even touch you unless you say it's okay. I need you to come back to me, though, if you don't terribly mind."

Would cracking jokes make things more real for Steve or would that be in bad taste?

Bad taste, he decides. "We miss you back in reality, man. We were trying to come up with a plan for our next mission and we could really use your input. I know it's a lot, but you'll be alright. I'll be right here, Steve. You're okay."

Steve blinks quickly, the haze that had settled over his face clearing just enough to confirm that Steve is, in fact, still in there. Tony watches him glance around, gradually beginning to recognize his surroundings.

Eventually, his head turns to Tony, eyes darting over his face. His brow furrows as if he's not quite sure who he's looking at. Voice strangely hoarse, he says, "Tony?"

Tony gives him a bright smile. "Yep, you got it. How ya feeling?"

"I...huh?"

"Yeah, alright." Never in his life did Tony think he'd see Captain Eloquence so incoherent. "I'm gonna need you to do something for me, Cap. I need you to look around and give me five things you can see, okay? Can you do that for me?”

Steve is practically swaying in his chair, but he does as told. “Uh...the - the table. You. The chairs.”

He talks slowly, like the words are being dragged out of him. There’s pauses between phrases, between words, almost between syllables. It’s hard to watch, especially as someone who’s had to do this exact exercise God knows how many times.

Jesus. Tony’s been putting Captain America on a pedestal for so long that he forgot there’s a man underneath the ridiculous costume. Underneath the star-spangled facade.

He can’t forget anymore, because this - this right here is so irrevocably, irrefutably human.

"The glass," Steve continues, making a vague, half-assed gesture toward the glass of water in front of him. "The water...thing."

In any other context, Tony would snort at that. As is, the new official Avengers term for a water pitcher is water thing. Patent pending.

"Good, that's great, Steve." His knee is starting to hurt from kneeling. He ignores it. "Now, four things you can touch, yeah?"

"The table," Steve says again, after a moment. His left hand pats around while his right comes to rest on his thigh. "My, uh, my jeans."

The hand that's roaming around finds the front of Tony's AC/DC t-shirt and clutches tightly. Tony stiffens - he always does when anyone who isn't Rhodey, Pepper, or Peter touches him without warning - but he lets Steve have this. “Your shirt.”

Steve releases his shirt and then immediately drops his hand right on top of Tony’s head. It takes everything he has not to flinch, breath hitching and both hands curling automatically into fists. He thinks Steve speaks, giving the last thing on his list as your hair, but he’s a little preoccupied.

The hand leaves his hair, but the instinctual fear lingers.

Fuck. Fuck, he can’t do this right now. He can’t panic right now. Steve needs him to be here, fully here, and to be calm and collected and not having a fucking anxiety attack because someone touched him.

His fingernails dig into his palms as he inhales (one, two, three, four), holds (one, two, three, four, five, six, seven), and exhales (one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight). Repeats. Then repeats again. All the while, he can hear Rhodey’s voice in his head, coaching him through it.

He’s okay. Nobody’s trying to hurt him. He’s safe.

“Three things you can hear,” he tells Steve, once his breathing has evened out. He’s gotten good at this, the whole fending off a panic attack thing. “You’re doing really well, Steve, just a couple more, alright? Three things, go.”

Steve’s fingers tap, absently, against his knee. “Your voice. It’s...annoying.”

Tony barks a surprised laugh. Steve’s tone is still bordering on blank, but a hint of a smile crosses his face, making it clear that he’s just teasing, even when he’s barely coherent.

“My breathing,” Steve says. “And, uh - there’s a...bird. Outside.”

So there is. We’re getting there, Tony thinks. He’s not sure if he’s surprised that this is working or not.

“Fantastic. Now, two things you can smell.”

Steve’s breathing is starting to quicken. Typical, really, that they’d both end up on the edge of a panic attack within two minutes of each other. Dissociation and anxiety attacks really do go hand-in-hand, he supposes. He makes no move to touch Steve, still, just places his hand on the table, palm up, and leaves it there.

As hoped, Steve slips his fingers into Tony’s and squeezes and holy fucking shit, that hurts, does Steve not realize that he needs that hand? Tony can’t stop himself from wincing this time, but Steve doesn’t seem to notice anyway, blissfully unaware that he’s cutting off Tony’s circulation.

Which is fine. Totally fine. Tony’s had worse, after all. And it appears to be helping Steve, so there’s that.

But God, Steve is strong.

(It’d be kind of hot if it was...literally anyone else. Steve is attractive, conventionally speaking, but it’s still a hard pass.) “I can smell coffee.”

Full sentences now, huh? Sure, it was only four words, but at least those four words didn’t have choppy pauses between them.

“Last but not least, Cap - one thing you can taste.”

The answer comes in short order this time, weirdly enough - this part is always the one that takes Tony the longest. “Mint.”

Makes sense. Steve drinks mint tea constantly. At meals, at meetings, at random intervals throughout the day. Tony’s gotten so used to the smell of mint in the compound kitchen that he doesn’t even notice it anymore; he’d thought it was annoying until he realized that Steve uses mint tea the same way Tony uses stress balls.

Steve’s grip on Tony’s hand loosens, ever so slightly. He looks...clearer. Sharper. Solid.

He looks, finally, like Steve Rogers.

Tony taps his thumb against Steve’s knuckle and asks, “You with me?”

“Yeah, I’m with you.” He runs his free hand through his hair, then wraps his arm around his torso. “Uh - thanks, Tony. Did I…hold up the meeting?” “Yes.” He sees no point in lying. “But it’s no big deal. We can figure out how to save the world later.”

Steve hums vaguely, but otherwise doesn’t respond.

Tony’s knee is still aching. He lets go of Steve, trying his best to be discreet as he shakes out his hand, then stands and moves to hop up onto the table. Kicks his feet against the carpet and says, “You wanna tell me what happened?”

“No,” Steve says bluntly.

Damn, okay. Not what he was expecting, but...also not surprising when he thinks about it. This is Steve he’s talking to, after all.

On the list of who’s most to least likely to talk about their problems, Steve is pretty low. Below Peter, but above Natasha, Tony thinks.

In all honesty, it’s hard to get anything out of anyone on the team. Whether it’s trust issues or secret agency or just an unwillingness to ask for help, most members of the Avengers have a shit-ton of unresolved issues. Including himself, but at least he’s working on it.

Steve, on the other hand, seems to have no interest in dealing with his shit.

It’s not Tony’s problem. Not on a personal level, at least. He’s not Steve’s therapist. All things considered, he’s barely even Steve’s friend.

But Tony knows firsthand how bad things can get when nobody’s forcing you to talk about your problems (the memories of his birthday party are blurry, but he distinctly recalls shooting watermelons out of the air with his repulsor), so with his infamous birthday party in mind, Tony says, "That's cool. If you don't wanna talk, then fine."

Steve narrows his eyes. "There's a 'but' coming, isn't there?"

"But. In my experience, not talking never works. I've tried it. It sucks. I get it if you don't want to talk to me, but you should talk to someone, if you aren't already. Sam or Nat, maybe. Or a therapist."

"I don't need a shrink, Tony."

Tony holds up his hands, placatingly. “It’s your choice. Just - it’s not the 1940s anymore, Steve. Going to therapy doesn’t make you weak. If you need help, it’s okay to ask for it.” It took a long time for him to realize this. He’s been in therapy off-and-on for seven years now, and he probably should’ve started years before that. But he knew that, with how public his life is, as soon as he stepped foot into the office, everyone and their mother would know that Tony Edward Stark was seeing a therapist.

Eventually, though, the need outweighed his worry about his image.

He half expects Steve to brush him off. After all, Tony brushed off Pepper, Rhodey, and Happy’s first few vague mentions of therapy. And then their next few pointed mentions of it. It wasn’t until the anxiety attacks started that he even considered it, and then it was still months after that before he actually went to his first session.

Steve doesn’t brush him off. Not really, anyway. Slowly, he asks, “Does it work for you? Has it helped?”

“Yes.” Tony leans forward, elbows on his knees. “I go once a week, my therapist is brilliant. She could probably recommend someone for you, if you want.”

“Right…” Steve’s mouth presses into a thin line. “I - look, Tony, I’m not really a therapy kind of guy. I’m glad that it works for you, but I don’t think the whole ‘talking about it’ thing is for me.”

Ah. So he is being brushed off.

Still not surprising. Though when you’ve seen aliens come out of a portal in the sky, accidentally created a robot intent on destroying the human race, and watched your pseudo-son crumble to dust in your arms, nothing is really surprising anymore.

“What set this off?” Tony asks.

“Huh?”

“The dissociation, I mean.”

Steve gives him a blank look. Jesus fucking Christ.

“The - this - the thing that literally just happened. When you were physically here but your brain checked out? That’s called dissociation. And judging by how unconcerned you are about it, I’d say it’s not the first time it’s happened.”

“Oh, that,” Steve says, like the self-satisfied bastard he is. “It’s just zoning out, it’s not a big deal.”

Is he fucking serious? He can’t be fucking serious.

“You can’t be fucking serious,” Tony says.

Steve just tilts his head and blinks up at him. Tony can't tell if the nonchalance is an act or if he's actually being serious. "Why...not? It's really not a big deal, it happens all the time."

He's going to have an aneurysm. That's it, he's calling it. This isn't real.

He knows Steve. He knows this goddamn nerd has done his research. He knows that Steve knows exactly what he's talking about.

Steve has to know this isn't normal. He has to.

"You do know," Tony says, "that that statement is not helping your case, right? It's not just zoning out, and it's sure as hell shouldn't happen 'all the time'. I should know, it's one of the many things I'm working on in therapy."

"The fact that it's a problem for you doesn't mean it's a problem for me." Steve sighs, running a hand through his hair. Tony is so close to choking him. "It's just stress. Being the leader of the Avengers is stressful."

Just because he can, Tony says, "Mm, I wouldn't say you're the leader, per se."

Steve snorts and rolls his eyes. "That's not even the point, Tony."

He's aware. The point is that Steve is totally, completely, 100% fine and does not need help of any kind. Which is the biggest load of bullshit Tony's ever heard. He wonders if Steve has said this to anyone else and actually had them believe it. There’s no way in hell Sam “I run a PTSD support” Wilson would’ve bought it.

Dissociating as a reaction to stress is neither normal nor healthy. It's exactly the kind of thing that people are supposed to get help for.

Clearly, Steve doesn't want to hear it. At least not from Tony.

Fine. But Tony will definitely be keeping a closer eye on him - he's seen too many people spiral into nervous breakdowns (including himself, more than once) to ignore Steve's blatant mental instability, even if Steve himself is content to ignore it.

Hm. Maybe he should talk to Sam. Compare notes.

"Tony." Steve flicks Tony's knee. Tony's left eye twitches. "Don't worry about me. I'm alright. And if I ever think I'm not, I'll ask for help, okay?"

No, you won't, Tony thinks. Because he's Steve Rogers and, in Tony's experience, Steve Rogers is never one to ask for help.

"Okay," Tony agrees. "I'm here if you ever need to talk."

And he leaves it at that, because he knows that pushing further won't do anything. Because he'll be here when Steve finally reaches his breaking point.

Maybe (hopefully), Steve will see himself spiraling before he actually crashes. But the likelihood of this, apparently, is pretty slim.

So when Steve inevitably falls apart, Tony will be there, right alongside the rest of the team, to pick up the pieces.

"You can call the others back in now. And, uh - thanks, Tony. Really."

Tony says, "No problem," and gets up to go find the team.

All the while, he's thinking, Don't thank me yet.

The hard part hasn't even started.

[marveldcmistress]

Kings and Queens Pt. 1

Summary: Reader is the daughter of Tony Stark, 2nd biggest mob boss in New York, and first in Malibu, California. When he wants to strike a deal with fellow mob boss Steve Rogers, Steve comes with terms. Rogers will do business with Stark, if he would allow him to date his daughter. A/N: I've been reading a lot of mob!Au's, and thought I should try one. I'm going to be honest and say I'm a slut for a mob boss Steve Rogers. ********************************************************************************************** Tony Stark sat at his desk, looking over the many books from his many clubs. Everything looked to be going well, for now. He was making enough to cover your student loans, which you didn't know he was helping pay off. You would've yelled at him if you did. You were so determined to do everything on your own. Had been since you could walk. It warmed his heart, knowing you could take care of yourself when he was gone. A knock on his office door made him look up from the papers on his desk. "Who is it?" he yells. "Rhodey.m Steve Rogers is here to see you." a man says through the door "Come in." James Rhodes, Tony's right hand man, walks through the door, followed by the Brooklyn King himself. Steve Rogers was the most powerful mob boss in New York, followed by Tony. "Steve! Welcome! I hope my people were hospitable towards you. You are a very important ally, you know. Must be treated as such." Tony says, reaching out his hand. "Of course. I've always had welcome feel when we meet, Tony. How is Pepper?" he asks, shaking Tony's hand, then taking a seat. "Wonderful, as always. When I told her we were meeting, she insisted I ask you for dinner some time this week. And you know you can't tell her no." Tony chuckles. "Of course I can't. Tell her to let me know when to come over. I miss her cooking." Steve smiled. "I also heard your daughter is back from her residency in Seattle. (Grey's anatomy reference guys.) What's it like having her home?" he asks. "Relieving. I feel better having her home, where I can keep her safe." Tony sighs. "Two years was too long to not have her under my roof. I don't know how I'm going to handle it when she finds an apartment." He rubs a hand down his face. Steve just chuckles. "You'll be okay." Tony looks up. "You want a drink?" he asks, standing to move to his cabinets to get the alcohol. "What do you got?" "Scotch, bourbon, whiskey." Tony says, back to Steve. "Scotch, please. Now, about this plan of yours. I've had my men speak with yours, my accountant taking a look at your books. You're not doing too hot. But because you've helped me in the past, I'm willing to accept this deal. Though I do have some conditions. We split, 60-40, on your gun manufacturing. You supply us with the merchandise, and we'll get it out onto the streets for you. We get the 40% profit until you make enough and then it goes 50-50. It'll take awhile, but your books will start looking better, at least for your street numbers." Steve sips the drink Tony handed him, blue eyes going back and forth between Tony and Rhodes. "Sounds fair enough. When will you need the first shipment?" Tony asks, taking a seat at his desk, Scotch in his own hands. "There's one more condition." Steve says. Tony lifts a brow. "Oh? And what might that be?" "I want to meet your daughter, Y/N. I've seen her around. She picked my interest when she was working for you during college. Arrange a meeting for us, and you can send the first shipment of 50 samples in 2 weeks. We'll test out what we like, then give you an order of the ones we want. But, no date, no deal." Tony surveyed him for a moment, brown eyes looking into blue. "Fine. Her birthday is coming up. I will send you the details of when and where the party will be. Expect your first shipment of samples in 2 weeks or less. I'll have someone tell you when it's in and where we can make the exchange." "Perfect. What would she like for a present? It'd be rude to show up empty handed." Steve said. Gone was the businessman. For the first time ever, Tony saw Steve nervous. "I'm getting her a car. Maybe diamonds? Rubies to go with her skin tone and fiery temper. Sapphires. It's all up to you, Rogers. Speaking of, she should be getting off work soon. I am having dinner with her and her mother. I'll have my men show you out." Tony said, waving to Rhodey.  "It was a pleasure doing business with you, Steve." "Likewise. I'll wait for word on the party details and when we will get our shipment." And with that, he walked out of the office. Rhodey closed the door behind him. "What is wrong with you? Using your daughter as a pawn in a business deal. You know how Rogers is with women!" Tony just looked up at him, brow raised. "That's a bluff. He uses that to keep his reputation as the biggest and meanest mob boss. He's actually the most respectful man when it comes to a woman he commits to. He showed Pepper the utmost respect when we took him in after his dad died. And you know Pepper. She's the most kind hearted woman. That's why I married her. She offered him if he needed anything, that we'll be there."   "Do you think he'd hurt her?" Rhodey asked. When you were born, Tony had made him the legal guardian if anything should happen to him and Pepper. He had loved you like his own, and refused to see you harmed. "Do you remember when she was first in college, and didn't want me to pay for anything, but took the waitress job I offered her at the bar? He would come in every shift, sit in her section, and order the same thing every day. When I noticed, I warned him to stay away. He was 6 years older than her, and I wanted her to focus on school, and not be caught up in what we do. And he listened. But I guess he's still infatuated. Besides, all he said was a date. Just a chance. He's not going to cut off the deal if she doesn't like him." ************************************************************************************************* Steve Rogers was by no means a solitary man. He loved interacting with people, showing them that they were not to fear him. If they stayed on his good side. But his favorite place to go was to his right hand man's house. He and Bucky grew up together, their father's being partners. Until Steve's dad had become power hungry, stealing away his partner's half of the gang and had him killed. Steve vowed Bucky would not suffer the same fate, not allowing Bucky to have any share in the running of the business, though he was an advisor. Bucky embraced this with a whole heart, wanting no part in becoming a boss, being content in just working for his best friend. Steve pulled his car into the driveway of Bucky and his wife, Isobel's, home. He was happy for them. Isobel knew exactly what Bucky and Steve did, Bucky making the vow to keep nothing from his wife, unless he had to for her safety. Isobel must have heard him pull in, because before he could get to the door, it flew open and out ran the brunette woman, wrapping him in a hug. "Hello to you too, Isobel." he chuckled, hugging her back. "It's been a month since you've come over for dinner. You, mister, are neglecting your poor sister-in-law. I am personally hurt." she said, pulling back, punching him lightly in the arm. He chuckled again, ruffling her long, dark hair. "Upsetting my wife again, punk?" Bucky says from the porch, arms crossed and leaning on the porch rail. It was obvious to that he was head over heels for his wife. It shined in his eyes. "Of course not. She's the one giving me a hard time. She doesn't understand I get busy." Steve says, nudging her with his side. She just rolled her eyes, all three making their way up to the house. Bucky helped his wife with the food while Steve set the table. Once they sat down and started eating, the conversation flowed easily. "So, Stevie, how did Stark react to your condition of your deal? Will he let you see his daughter, the beautiful waitress who worked through college to become a surgeon?" Isobel asked. Steve had told her all about you from the moment he laid eyes on you to his idea of asking Tony to arrange a meeting. "I'm going to her birthday part in a week. I don't know what to get her, though. I was gonna ask, if you would help? I could use a female's opinion on this." he asked, looking at her with pleading, hopeful, puppy dog eyes. "Of course. Are you excited?" she says. "I'm nervous. I've wanted to meet this woman for years. What if I fuck up? Can't speak?" he says. Gone is the suave, confident mob boss. "You'll be fine. You're a good looking man, she'll like you." she pats his hand. "Babe, did I tell you about my friend Y/N/N from work? She had three surgeries to perform in a row. 18 hours with no rest. How she's still healthy from lack of food and sleep is beyond me. She's got 2 days off, though, and told me she's having a big dinner with her dad tonight." Isobel keeps talking about her friend from work. Bucky, being the gentleman and good husband he is, paid attention to his wife, despite being bored with her work gossip. He wanted to speak with Steve about the deal with Tony Stark. Once dinner was over, the dishes washed, and Isobel doing paperwork upstairs in their bedroom, Bucky brought Steve to the living room, sipping on whiskey. "So what did Stark really say?" Bucky asked. "Exactly how I told you. He had to think about it for a second, of course, it's his only daughter. But he knows the man behind the reputation. He knows I won't hurt her. I'm just scared she's going to run before I even get a chance." Steve said, sighing. "I was born into this life. I couldn't get out if I even tried. But it doesn't mean I can't have a good life outside of crime. With her." Bucky just watched his best friend. His dad always said, "A man in love can see it in another." Bucky has watched his best friend pine and fall for this girl for 6 years. Steve knew everything there was to know about her, mostly. But he just wanted the chance. "And he told you to come to the birthday party? With a gift?" "I want to bring a gift. My ma taught me better than to show up empty handed. I just don't know what to get. She's having dinner with Tony right now, so I can't just call him and ask." Steve rubbed a hand down his face. "You're scared she's going to be afraid of you because you're a mob boss. Like she doesn't know what Tony does. She has to have some clue as to why her dad is so wealthy. Not as wealthy as you, but a close second. You don't want her to know?" Buck says, eyes scanning Steve's face. "That's exactly why. I don't want her to reject the idea of giving me a chance because she believes the reputation. I've been so into this woman for so long that I just want it to be right." "It will. Just woo her. And then make her fall for you. But don’t fuck up the deal with Tony.”

*******************************************************************************************

@nothingbutimagines @waywardimpalawriter @aquabrie

[squaredcirclesirens]

PREDICTIONS: WrestleMania 34

Today is the day!nIt’s WrestleMania! With the most women’s matches on the card in WrestleMania history, this is sure to be a can’t miss spectacle! So who does the squared circle siren staff think will win at WrestleMania? Let’s find out!

WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal

  SCOTT: Predicting a winner is going to be fairly tough since we don’t know the full list of women that will participate. The men’s battle royal has had a few as 20 men so I would presume we will have at least 20. There have been 14 women announced, so I anticipate some women from NXT. I think the majority of the story within the match will revolve around the conflict between Sasha Banks & Bayley. This is a storyline has been evolving for several months and I think it will continue to work toward complete implosion. I would love to see the return of Alicia Fox from injury knowing that she is in NOLA, but I’m not sure if she has been cleared to compete. One of the highlights of this match will be Beth Phoenix as a guest commentator. Given the state of both main brand divisions, my prediction is that someone from NXT wins. Hopefully, that will provide an injection of new life into one of the main brands post-Wrestlemania. PREDICTION: Ember Moon

CASEY: I’ve gone back and forth on who I thought should win this. I originally thought Becky Lynch should win this, having been in my opinion the top face of the SmackDown Live women’s division, however, with her performances since her call up I’m going to go with Ruby Riott. She has been nothing short of amazing since her call up to the main roster and I think the numbers came with the Riott Squad could play into things during this battle royal. PREDICTION: Ruby Riott

DENNIS: Well, there’s been just about everything now. And although I am more curious to see whether or not we will have a second elimination chamber match or a second Hell in a Cell. Or are we just focused on having the first and calling it a day? But here we are. A battle royal of everyone, and who knows what this could look like. I think WWE has put some weight on this battle royal with the under matches of Ruby and Becky. Nattie randomly beating Charlotte. Sasha and Baylee. Absolution. Mickie James. You could honestly make an argument for any of them winning. Which is why I think none of them will. I think there aren’t enough people to call this a battle royal, so I’m expecting some NXT Callups. And who better than the woman who just lost her NXT women’s championship (if my prediction is correct) to put herself on the main roster. I think it’s the only standout that makes sense at face value. And although I’ll continue to hold out for my Sasha Heel Turn at Mania, I think Ember Moon wins the battle royal PREDICTION: Ember Moon

RYAN: I feel like the winner will be someone that we don’t expect. For me, that would be Alicia Fox. Someone of her stature and longevity could use this win. Plus, she’s a veteran. But realistically, I could see Becky pulling through as well. PREDICTION: Alicia Fox

JAY: I just have a feeling Becky Lynch. Shes a hard worker and a trophy like this will give her more prestige. Who knows, will someone from NXT show up and steal the show? PREDICTION: Becky Lynch

  RAW Women’s Championship | Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Nia Jax

DENNIS: Sigh. This match is really hard for me to comment on because I’m a HUGE Alexa Bliss fan and I’ve become a big Nia Jax fan, but in the midst of WrestleMania week, I am just not as excited about this match as I thought I would be. I like the idea of a Nia Jax face turn and I think that could do great things for her, and the roster overall. Alexa Bliss is magic as champion, and her promos regularly deliver. But I really wish Mickie was left out of this one. I wish it was just Alexa using Nia and Nia finally catching on and shutting down Alexa and Alexa always running leading to this match. But meh, here we are. I think for me, there just hasn’t been enough here for Nia Jax to take the championship. Which is my official prediction, Nia Jax does not walk out of Wrestlemania Raw Women’s Champion. Whether that means Alexa wins somehow or Carmella cashes in here. Whatever. I don’t think Nia wins it here. So my official words are Alexa Wins, but I won’t be surprised if Carmella cashes in or this ends in a dirty finish. PREDICTION: Alexa Bliss

RYAN: This one continuously has me second guessing myself. As much as I would love for Nia Jax to finally win the RAW Women’s Championship, I’m not too sure it will happen. On one hand, I could see Nia destroy Alexa, get over as a face, and WWE could have Nia stand tall against the bully. However, Alexa is incredibly over (as is Nia). So if WWE wants a heel to run a division as champion, Alexa is their go-to girl. Her beating Nia would put her over even more as a heel. But all in all, I see Nia getting her big moment.PREDICTION: Nia Jax

SCOTT: This is the one that I’m completely unsure of how it will end. I have loved Alexa as a Champion since day 1 of her Smackdown Live reign. She is probably the best woman on the roster with a mic and she makes matches really fun to watch. Nia’s booking, on the other hand, has been all over the place. She is pushed for a few weeks then forgotten about. Alexa is going to have an uphill battle if she is going to keep the belt. The way she and Mickie have treated Nia recently has enraged the beast that Nia contains. Titles have evaded Nia, both in NXT and on the main roster. This weekend, however, may be the time that changes. PREDICTION: Nia Jax

JAY: With the way the storyline is going I am hoping for a Nia Jax victory. Body shaming, something WWE says they are against, it would surprise me for the bully to win at Wrestlemania. WWE creative has made an interesting story the last month or so and believe Nia can be a strong force on Raw. But, don’t ever count out Alexa Bliss with Mickie by her side. PREDICTION: Nia Jax

CASEY: Since being called up Alexa Bliss has only been without a title for 45 days. Isn’t that crazy? Alexa has been a great champion but with the way this storyline has been going, I just can’t see her retaining here. Nia has turned babyface and has the crowd behind her. She hasn’t gotten her hands on Alexa and I think she’ll get her big moment at WrestleMania this year and win the title. PREDICTION: Nia Jax

SmackDown Women’s Championship | Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Asuka

RYAN: Asuka’s streak is going incredibly strong, and I don’t see it ending now. She’ll defeat Charlotte, win the belt, and move to SmackDown. The only other possibility I see is Asuka winning by DQ via Carmella and having her cashing in on Charlotte. You never know with WrestleMania. PREDICTION: Asuka

CASEY: I’m sure everyone will predict Asuka to win. How could you not with her streak and her winning the rumble? However, I don’t think she’ll lose technically. What I think will happen is Carmella will attack Asuka with the Money in The Bank briefcase, giving Asuka the DQ victory before focusing on Charlotte and winning the belt from her. I think Carmella will make the most and steal the WrestleMania moment from Charlotte and Asuka. PREDICTION: Carmella

SCOTT: I think this match will be the best women’s match WWE shows this weekend. Askua is one of the best women that WWE employs and has yet to find anyone that can beat her in the ring. She has the record for longest reigning NXT Women’s Champion as well as being the winner of the first Women’s Royal Rumble in January. She challenges the genetically superior Charlotte. Charlotte has held a title 7 times for over 800 days. While she may not have the winning streak of Asuka, she definitely has an impressive resume. Charlotte has had incredible matches with many of the women on the WWE roster and this match will be no different. These women will take each other to the limit. But in the end, I believe the streak will remain intact. PREDICTION: Asuka

DENNIS: This is hands down the match I’m most excited for in the sense of this will simply be a good match. We’ve been waiting for Charlotte vs. Asuka and it’s finally happening, even if the build is meh and if it weren’t for the fact Asuka was undefeated and Charlotte was a champ this match wouldn’t matter. Anyway, I’ve learned from past write ups to never bet against Asuka, so for the sake of predicting correctly, I’m taking Asuka. But I’m praying I’m wrong and Charlotte is the one to dethrone Asuka. But I doubt it will happen and we will see Asuka vs Ronda next year. PREDICTION: Asuka

JAY: If you are going to win, win it with Flair. I know its a long shot but we’ve seen other streaks broken at Wrestlemania (must I say more?)   Now, do I think Flair is going to win, no, but I would like to see her victorious. Asuka is still a force to be reckoned with so putting her ahead makes sense.  Woooo! PREDICTION: Charlotte Flair

Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle vs. Stephanie McMahon & Triple H

CASEY: I mean, you’d have to be Stevie Wonder if you don’t know who is winning this. No way Ronda loses her first match with WWE. PREDICTION: Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle

DENNIS: I feel I am about to be in the major minority here. But I actually haven’t minded this build. Is it a little cheesy? Sure. Does Ronda need to build more into her character? Yes. But overall, I’m still excited to see Ronda wrestle. I mentioned this on the soundoff, and it might not be for much as I still expect a Cena/Nikki Miz/Maryse Match. Nonetheless, I think this one is a toss-up. I don’t see Ronda taking the fall. I think for me there isn’t a sense to having Ronda lose. Therefore, I’m picking Stephanie and Triple H. Because the WWE needs a swing moment here and that’s probably it. PREDICTION: Stephanie McMahon & Triple H

SCOTT: Of all of the WWE matches this weekend, this is the match that I’m most unsure of how it will go.  Stephanie McMahon was never a great wrestler.  She has had some good matches with women that are able to help carry the moves.  With this being Ronda’s first professional wrestling match, the jury is still out on how she can perform in the ring.   Her draw is unmistakable and I’m sure she will definitely get some rough shots in on Stephanie.  However, I anticipate this match will feature Triple H and Kurt much more.  In the end, the pair of Olympians will surely stand tall.  I can’t see Ronda being brought in with such fanfare to lose to a woman who has maybe a couple dozen matches in her entire career, with her last being in 2014. PREDICTION: Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle

RYAN: This is a no-brainer for me, and for most people I assume. Ronda Rousey is going to win her debut at WrestleMania. Most likely with her getting Stephanie to tap out. PREDICTION: Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle

  Who do you think will win on the grandest stage of them all? Let us know in the comments or tweet us!

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