#naftk

[thebuckybarnesvault]

Not a Fairy Tale Kiss Catch-up

I've been a bit busy the last many updates (edit: way more than I realized) of NAFTK by @azriona so I was reading them in the small moments between life so here are my chapter-by-chapter thoughts starting after Team Dinner (which is the last thing I remember commenting on and I can't find evidence otherwise) through chapter 47. (Note: I tried to keep this to the thoughts I had at the time I originally read each chapter so if there are comments that seem like I should know the answer to/how that went by now, that's why.)

Chapter 38

I entirely forgot that no one other than Bucky and the Reader knew about Project Springboard that being said I feel like Steve is being kind of hard on Bucky here (Reader too kinda, but mostly Bucky). The pair did everything he could to protect themselves and my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) was that he wasn't even thinking about Springboard when the pollen incident was going on. I really appreciate that everyone else very much has her back about staying in the field until she's either ready to or required to leave. Natasha saying "You can have this kid in the field, as far as I'm concnerned." was simultaneously hilarious and terrifying. Tony continuing to do his best to be supportive warms my heart and I'm really looking forward to how he progresses.

Chapter 39

OMG THEY'RE FINALLY TALKING!! COMMUNICATING!!!! YESSSSS!!!! I'm especially glad she's getting a moment to explain her nightmare - that little bit of miscommunication has been very frustrating for me as a reader (in a good way). I also loved hearing her voice her other fears (even the silly one about the kid being a New Yorker/liking the Yankees) - it's a really nice look into her character and interesting to read as someone who wants to be a mom one day.

Jarvis' Locked Door Protocol (with stats) is hilarious, and I am here for it, please use it again in future. It was further made funny by the Readers taking advantage of Jarvis to make her point about being kidnapped and possibly grounding the whole team to make a point. What stat(s) does the amazing end of this chapter contribute to for the LDP?

Also, protective Bucky is Best Bucky "And I sure as hell wouldn't be rational if they got their hands on either of you" I swooned a little bit on the inside when I read that.

Chapter 40

Jarvis is a little shit, definitely programmed by Tony Stark

The "I don't want to just be friends" speech he made had to be one of the most romantic things I've read up to this point.

She felt the baby!!! *happy sobs*

Chapter 41

Brings a whole new meaning to the term 'pillow talk', but the fact Bucky has been thinking about their relationship (even if he near refused to talk about it previously ) AND thought about it in the context of the time he's living in and what Reader would want is amazing and I love this bit of his character (partially because it's not one I've seen much if at all in accidental pregnancy fics with Bucky as the dad). What makes this extra interesting is seeing the Reader process in real time what she wants for their relationship since she's held so tightly to the promise that she and Bucky originally had with each other to just stay friends. The dichotomy is fabulous, and I love it.

Also, Bucky's faith in the Reader and her ability to be her no matter what is very heartwarming and him using her own words against her is absolutely not cheating.

Chapter 42

Them taking bets on who'll figure it out first (as if all of them hadn't already, which they did) is so cute but also Bucky would be walking into that dinner with absolutely no shame even if it was in his mission clothes. And Romantic Bucky? Hell yes please!

Steve just appearing out of seemingly nowhere gave me life this chapter, it got a legitimate giggle out of me and Bucky getting the shovel talk from his own bestie was hysterical. That being said, one of these days I NEED to know what Steve said to Bucky (please?).

Sam setting Steve right about things he missed while in the ice is cannon for me in all timelines and I appreciate seeing it here, even if it's more from a historical context perspective since it seems like Steve was never going to permanently keep her from field work.

Bucky: *Admits he wants to propose again later*

Bucky, immediately after: Welp time for Team Dinner can't miss it! Bye!

Chapter 43

“What’s the difference between canoodling and making out?” you ask Bucky one day. “The expression on Steve’s face when he finds out we’ve been doing either, mostly,” says Bucky.

This is cute and so funny but I do wonder the difference between the expressions. Is canoodling a little blush while canoodling has a greater undercurrent of "get a room" discomfort or?

Clint being loud as he comes into rooms/around blind feels very Dad Behavior Coded and I am Here For It.

I'm enjoying Tony's response and, honestly, I think he's handling the sort-of-officialization of Reader's & Bucky's relationship really well for him.

I think the characterization things I appreciate the most about this chapter are 1) that you didn't give Bucky the spartan barely adorned room he has in most fics. The fact he has so many books that he has to clear them from his bed to sleep (relatable) and that he has art and posters on his walls is amazing and I love that for him. And 2) that he's open and willing to share his past with the Reader, granted, they are in a well-established relationship by this point but that's still not something I see as often as I think we should (also parts of it made me tear up how dare you).

I'm glad to see Arnie get some love and am excited to see what you do with him.

Chapter 44

The Old Man Bucky jokes just keep getting better and better. Thank you.

This chapter made me crave tacos. (I ended up making burritos the evening this came out, actually).

The laptop proximity alarm didn't bother me until you then said "Because the plan to keep you close to the front lines, but not immediately on them, has worked like a charm. You’re close enough to be helpful, and being on-site means you aren’t flailing to keep up like you are when you’re on the comms. And no one’s caught on yet. Well. Once, but everyone agrees that was just bad luck and you tranqued the goon almost immediately so all’s well that ends well, right?" what when my own personal "Oh shit" alarm started going off. I was (rightfully so) anxious for the rest of the chapter.

"Uh-oh" There it is. Queue the most anxious several minutes of my life, made worse by the conversation the AIM goon has on the phone (sus), with the added anxiety of wondering how Bucky feels after he solves the problem.

Chapter 45

Bucky comforting the Reader while he also "glares at anyone who doesn't come bearing tacos" is amazing, thank you for that visual.

Considering what she's done to stay on the team/in the field, the Reader's ability to bite the bullet and own up to the fact she knows that AIM was after her (meaning she's likely going to be out of the field from here out) is amazing and I love her more for it. Especially since in the midst of it, Nat is like okay problem identified (the not blinking morse code/trying not to cry/fear response bit) we'll train on that and her commitment to keeping Reader in the field/keeping her ready for when she does come back makes me SO HAPPY!

Bonus kudos to making good on that buried lead from the AIM goon's phone call last chapter - that shit gave me chills, both times.

Changing of the Guard (ficlet)

I'm not sure if this is the Tony-centric one-shot you mentioned in late December but it still Blew Me AWAY!

I enjoyed Tony's points for/against "Barnes" that he has going on in his head like a little pros and cons list.

"There’s no tech in the world that can keep either of them safe from themselves." Why must you hurt me like this?

I know that it's literally the title of the ficlet but the fact Tony has grown (both outwardly and in the background) enough that he manages to go from 'I'm off to be her shoulder to cry on and help pick her up to' being able to be 'Bucky's got this for now' is amazing (even if he does listen in on most if not all of their conversation).

Also (jumping to the end a bit here)- Bucky somehow having the presence of mind to go 'Tony's probably losing his shit right now' and offering to take her over to the lab to see him, acknowledging BOTH that it would make Tony feel better AND might help get Reader into a better headspace is 100%, *chef's kiss*, perfection.

Tony and Bucky's relationship (what it is and could be) fascinates me in any iteration but the way you write it is so nuanced that it's one of the few versions where it feels right, striking that balanced begrudging acceptance that could one day be better that I think they could have had in (MCU) cannon given enough time (and good writing).

On that note Bucky trying to keep it together for the Reader followed up by "I. Would. Have. Found. You. " & "There's no where I wouldn't go - no one I wouldn't become - to keep you safe" broke my heart and stitched it back together again.

Chapter 46

Your chapters that start with nightmares/dreams are the most ominous but for this one in particular - are some of those flashes (particularly the ones that seem to be from childhood) memories? And if so, are they to some extent suffering from what Wanda did all those chapters back? (No, I haven't forgotten about Wanda I'm living in mild suspense/fear of her return.)

The Indian food may not sound good to her but it sounds great to me....

The paparazzi are evil in all universes.

"...being too stubborn to know when to quit is why you’re in this Tower in the first place" This is so accurate to almost everyone on the team that it HURTS.

Tony knowing the Reader well enough to be able to cut through the red-tape that is her thought process(es) and coming with solutions and suggestions with the level of finesse Tony does is the kind of trait I like to see in a mentor-mentee relationship (too many go the battering ram or throw-them-in-the-deep-end routes tbh, in all genres). Plus OMG Tony's actually quantified his level of forgiveness that is SO Tony, I love it; and only seething for the rest of the decade? Progress if I ever saw it.

Soft sleepy Bucky is adorable but these two's conversation about how to handle announcing that their having a baby together especially since the Reader is still navigating their feelings for Bucky is a really nice touch. I'm looking forward to see how confirming the relationship goes for both Reader and Bucky.

P.S. Is it silly that I kinda want Chad & Jessica's backstory/lore?

Chapter 47

THE BANTER oh how I love good banter

Using "I'm on medical leave" against him immediately followed by "Resting Murder Face"? Gold

“Yeah, she and Laura are chatting daily, ... And they both think you should stay on topic.” GET 'EM CLINT!!!

The "chatter" during missions, CAP getting "chattered"? XD

Clint trying to give Bucky advice about talking to a pregnant lady gives me life.

Tumblr is cannon in this fic omg yessssss.

Bucky unable to find the market since 1943? Yeah, I don't believe that 😂 - what I would believe is by the time he may have been interested in said market he already had someone in mind.

Sam pointing out that Reader hasn't quit the Avengers, just changed to a non-field roll for the time being directly to the press is another nice touch, as was the excess of presents going to charity (although I too would want to keep one or two of the one-armed onesies).

The end of this chapter makes me irrationally angry like I know (and so did Reader) that it's just people being shitty because of who she is but come on there are military women that get pregnant/have babies while in the military, and I'd be willing to bet they're not always able to be 100% clear of danger and I don't (usually) hear people shit-talking them (I've no doubt they exist I'm just fortunate enough to not have them (dis)grace my screen/life).

Azriona if you've gotten this far:

1. I hope you've enjoyed my thoughts/ramblings

and

2. Why would you do this (read said extended ramblings) to yourself?

[azriona]

happy to announce that the editing is done. mostly.

except it's kind of in three pieces and now i have to bundle children into the car and i don't have time to review or figure out where it's going to go into the main doc and it's probably riddled with inconsistencies because most of the editing time was filled with finding pictures of poseidon for the 9yo and helping the 15yo cook mac & cheese and explaining to the dog that she is a very good girl despite barking at leaves and reminding the 9yo that he does in fact know how to get his own water and reminding the 15yo that one bath a day is sufficient if one remembers to wear deodorant and feeding the dog and agreeing with the 9yo that yes it looks like it will snow and rejoicing with the 15yo that he figured out the next stage of call of duty and yes the dog is still a very good girl and how i manage to finish anything on a weekend is really a miracle honestly.

editing would be a lot easier if the children would stop interrupting me to say they are hungry. when they are literally sitting in the kitchen. surrounded by food. which they can get themselves. because it does not require cooking and is at eye level.

[azriona]

A NAFTK Ficlet: Team Dinner

A one-shot from the Not a Fairy Tale Kiss 'verse. Gen, 5.3k words, takes place prior to the main story and can probably be read as a stand-alone.

Summary:

You have been low-key planning this moment for the last three months, and it’s finally here. You are finally in charge of cooking Team Dinner for the rest of the Avengers.

If only Bucky Barnes will stay out of the kitchen.

“Last order of business,” says Steve, and you have never been more grateful for a set of words in your life, because you’ve been dying for a pee for the last ten minutes. Except Steve turns to you. “Next Team Dinner is yours.” You sit up a bit straighter. “Uh, what?” “Dinner,” repeats Steve, whose gaze turns into that steely, determined Captain America look that you’ve long since realized means someone’s about to start regretting Life Decisions. Natasha and Clint are likely smirking on the other side of the conference table, but you can’t check because per usual, Steve’s Cap-face is pulling you in as surely as a tractor beam. “For the team. We’ll undoubtedly be pulled back out before you’re cleared for active duty again so this is a good time for you to take your turn. Doesn’t matter if it’s a five-course meal or cold cereal, you’re cooking.” “How do you cook cold cereal?” you ask, and someone snorts nearby. You think it’s probably Bucky. “For the record,” offers Clint. “I like beef wellington.” “Sushi,” says Natasha. “Hand-rolled to order.” “Nah, you guys are thinking too complicated,” says Sam. “I want ribs. Slow-cooked, maybe smoked. Homemade barbecue sauce.” In a few more months, you might be brave enough to call them assholes; for now, you just set your chin on your fist. “Maybe I will give you guys cereal. The cheap supermarket-brand stuff.” “And we’ll be happy to eat it,” says Steve.

Read the rest (and get super hungry) on AO3.

[azriona]

A NAFTK Bonus Ficlet: Changing of the Guard

Bucky/Reader (OFC), Tony/Steve also referenced. 2k. Will not make a lick of sense if you haven't read Chapter 45 of NAFTK, though; this is totally not a stand-alone one-shot, sorry!

Summary: Tony will never admit to worrying about her, even though everyone knows he does. He'll never admit that someone else might be worrying, too.

“But she’s okay?” repeats Tony, holding his phone to his ear like a lifeline. He’s not pacing in his lab, of course he’s not, he doesn’t pace, no matter what Rhodey claims. “She’s not hurt, you said that, right? She’s not hurt?” “Physically? Sprained wrist, couple of scrapes, that’s it. Mentally?” Steve pauses; Tony imagines him standing, maybe pretending like he isn’t looking to wherever she is. “I think she’s in shock.” “Of course she’s in shock,” snaps Tony. “Full Metal Armageddon shot a man in cold blood right next to her and doused her in blood and brain matter.” Steve’s quiet for a long moment. Tony pictures him, worrying at his lower lip, trying to find the words. He almost wants to take the ones he’s said back. Except… Barnes did kill the guy, which is the only reason she’s on the Quinjet and not in some AIM bunker, being tortured or worse. Tony doesn’t want to like Barnes. But fuck him if sometimes Barnes doesn’t make his very rational dislike of the guy difficult at times.

Read the rest (and a little bit of Bucky/You time too) on AO3.

[azriona]

So I don't have a prompt for tomorrow's Hanukkah Drabble, but I do have a couple of one-shots from NAFTK I could post instead. And I thought I might post a poll to see which I should post first: the one that focuses on D's relationship with Tony, or the one that focuses on her early relationship with Bucky.

Except I also know what the answer's likely to be, and that's the second one,

Anyway, yeah. There'll be a NAFTK one-shot tomorrow, once I figure out which one I want to post first.

[azriona]

At this rate I am going to have so. many. fics for Finish Your Fics Februrary that Imma gonna need February to be at least twice as long as it currently is.

(1-Finish edits on NAFTK's last arc. 2-Hostage to the Winter Soldier. 3-Peggy Carter's Terrible Day. 4-the Stucky/Reader one. 5-Long-haired Clint. 6-Winterhawk soulmate fic. 7-Tony & D one-shot. 8-the sequel-sequel to NAFTK. And I'm probably forgetting a few.)

It would help if school would accept that ice exists, start on time, and I could have that two hours back in my day. BUT NO, my neighbors persist in not shoveling their sidewalks. Sigh.

[azriona]

10 and 23 please!

I see what you're doing there, Paula. I'M ONTO YOU. 😘

10. What fic was the most satisfying to finish writing?

&

23. If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year?

Fine. Fine. I think the most satisfying writing moment this year wasn't just a single moment, because it was a string of them while I was writing NAFTK. I think most writers, when they write long enough, have a story that just pours out of them, no idea where it came from, and that was NAFTK for me. I've had it happen before, but it's usually a much shorter fic, or over a shorter period of time. (Katsudon was like that. So was 3:07 a.m.)

But NAFTK's first draft was much, much longer (100k or so) and written over three weeks, and I... don't remember ever doing anything like that before. Not even during Nano, back in the day. Plus it was the first full story I'd written, beginning to end, since my writer's block hit.

(I should add, if you're wondering: it might have been written in three weeks... but then I spent the next six months editing and re-editing and rewriting it, adding chapters and rearranging scenes and that whole Cleveland mission went through something like four versions, so. Yeah. What you see is NOT necessarily what I wrote initially.)

Writing NAFTK was incredibly satisfying, because it felt amazing to be writing again, it felt amazing to have it all come out so easily, it felt amazing to get to write a female character who kicks ass and takes names (despite not having one of her own) and to do it in the MCU, which has historically treated its female characters (particularly those who are moms) like crap... that was particularly satisfying. It was just fun.

(But the most satisfying to finish was the sequel, which no one's gonna see for ages, so. Much less satisfying an answer for you, I know.)

Ask Me an End of Year Writing Review Question

[azriona]

Finish Your Fics Update

I mean, really, how are we defining "finish" anyway? I have finished the synopsis for the Marvel Rivals Winterhawk Apolocalyptic Odyssey fic (though I thoroughly admit that the last scene is a little... loose in details). So all the highlights are written down and I can come back to it later and hopefully churn it out after I've gotten my hands on a copy of the actual Odyssey, which is proving to be difficult as there's a five week wait list for the newest translation at the library. Which is both awesome and hysterical, for a three-thousand-year-old poem.

I think the next one is going to be either "finish the next in a series" or "finish the next chapter", because the sequels to NAFTK are calling to me again...

[azriona]

Okay, I just realized that the post about flames in fanfic comments (which I'd queued! this! morning!) posted immediately after I posted the chapter announcement/link to NAFTK just now, and the fact that one followed the other is making me do nervous little laughs like that one gif I can't find right now. Oops? Maybe?

[azriona]

Snow day called for tomorrow, too. Makes sense, the snow plow hasn't gone down our street once today (and one did one pass on the main neighborhood street). Plus it's started snowing again (though not very much). No way is a school bus getting through here easily.

I should still be able to get the next chapter of NAFTK up, but no guarantee what time.

[azriona]

I think I'm going to post a ficlet tomorrow. Kind of testing the waters, so to speak.

[azriona]

Finish your Fics February update

Whoot, another square done! I wasn't sure how to categorize this one, but it's true enough that this particular one-shot for NAFTK has been driving me a bit batty recently. I've been working on it on and off for the last two months, and I think I'm finally happy with where it landed. (It kept trying to be bigger than it is, but what was coming out is probably better suited for another part of the story altogether).

And I really needed it done; I want to post it before NAFTK wraps up. I think it should be ready to go when I'm ready to post it now.

Hmm. I think next on the list is either going to be the Stucky fic, or the Winter Soldier fic. They're both really, really close, I just have to get off my butt and write it. (Well. On my butt, since I sit when I write. You know what I mean.)

[verytyrantcat]

Tuesdays are NAFTK days!!!!!

Not a Fairy Tale Kiss, Chapter 42

Pairing: Bucky Barnes/Avenger!OFC (2nd person POV)

This Chapter word count: 3.1k ~ Total Story count: 149k ~ This chapter is rated Mature. Chapters are posted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Sundays.

Summary: When you and Bucky are both accidentally hit with sex pollen while on a mission, you're determined to keep your relationship status at friendship, even if you’d like it to be more. Even if you think he feels the same. Even if you accidentally end up pregnant. Even if it kills you.

(Spoiler Alert: it might actually kill you. Good luck with that.)

Trigger warnings include discussion of abortion, failed pregnancies, deaths of both mom & baby--not the MC! Full warnings on AO3. Happy ending is guaranteed, despite warnings. Please see AO3 for full A/N and tags.

Chapter Summary: In which there are decisions and plans (and kissing, oh my).

Bucky’s voice is a growl. “What are you doin’, darlin’?” “Not wasting any more time, tell you that!” you gasp, almost getting the jacket off his shoulders. There’s a soft chime, and a clearing of a digital throat. “Apologies for the interruption,” says Jarvis, “but Team Dinner will begin in ten minutes.” Bucky sighs and rests his forehead on yours. “Maybe it was a waste of time, but I can’t regret it, because every minute was with you.” “Dammit,” you mumble into his breath. “Every stupid story about you being romantic as all hell is a hundred percent true. Do you get how annoying that is?” He laughs softly. “I’ve heard.” You punch him again, lightly. “I better win that bet.” “Then we better go to dinner,” says Bucky, dropping one last kiss on your lips before he pulls away to open the door to the hall. “Hello,” says Steve Rogers, on the other side of the doorway. Bucky immediately slams the door closed again.

GDI, Steve! Go see what the hell he wants now on AO3.

[verytyrantcat]

Sundays mean a NAFTK updates!🥰

Not a Fairy Tale Kiss, Chapter 36

Pairing: Bucky Barnes/Avenger!OFC (2nd person POV)

This Chapter word count: 2.1k ~ Total Story count: 142k ~ This chapter is rated Mature. Chapters posted Tuesdays, Thursdays, and most Sundays.

Summary: When you and Bucky are both accidentally hit with sex pollen while on a mission, you're determined to keep your relationship status at friendship, even if you’d like it to be more. Even if you think he feels the same. Even if you accidentally end up pregnant. Even if it kills you.

(Spoiler Alert: it might actually kill you. Good luck with that.)

Trigger warnings include discussion of abortion, failed pregnancies, deaths of both mom & baby--not the MC! Full warnings on AO3. Happy ending is guaranteed, despite warnings. Please see AO3 for full A/N and tags.

Chapter Summary: In which you have your say. Hopefully, they're listening.

“If the witch knows you're pregnant, HYDRA knows,” Steve says, all gentle and kind about it. “And if HYDRA knows, they’re gonna use that. Any scenario that puts you or the baby in danger is too great a chance to take. I can’t in good conscience risk either of your lives.” “I can’t go on medical leave yet, Steve. It’s too soon!” “You’re four months along, how much longer do you think you can be out there without people actually noticing?” “I don’t know, a month? Maybe two with the new uniform? Capes are nice!” “That’s not how capes work!” “I won’t let you kick me off the team yet!” you yell. “I’m not kicking you off the team!” Steve yells back. “Yes you are!”

Read the rest on AO3.