#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]

i’m confused…is not a fairy tale kiss an oc fic or a reader insert; it looks a lot like the latter so i was asking because sometimes they get cross-tagged

Hi! Thanks for asking. I get that cross-tagging can be an issue, and I agree that “tagging for reach” is inappropriate in any circumstance. For what it’s worth, I believe I’m tagging appropriately with both. Please give me a moment to explain why.

As I say in the opening notes to NAFTK, the story is Bucky/OFC, told in second person. However, I stand by tagging it as Bucky/Reader, because generally speaking, Readers are original characters. And that’s largely because it’s almost impossible to write a believable, 100% neutral character who has no personality traits, no backstory, no history. You can’t do it, not and also write an interesting story. Doubly so when you’re meant to be writing a romance. As someone in a Discord server I’m in said recently, you need chemistry for a romance, not a blank slate.

Pick a  x Reader story out there. Somewhere in the story, there’s going to be some kind of information given or assumed about the Reader. Are they old? Are they young? Are they the daughter of a mob boss? Or do they run their own business? Are they a super-powered fellow Avenger, or the daughter of a Hydra agent? Do they have kids? Do they speak multiple languages? Are they an omega to someone’s alpha?

None of us are those things. (Well. Maybe we have kids or run our own businesses or are multilingual, but I’m guessing it’s a no for the rest.) The Reader character might not be described physically, she might not be given a name, but she’s still a character who isn’t exactly us, and we as readers are being asked to believe we’re her.

That’s how I’ve written NAFTK. The Reader character is never named. I don’t describe her complexion or her ethnicity. Heck, I don’t even really talk about her religious background. She has a backstory, sure—any Reader character who is also an Avenger does. I’m hardly the first to do this. Look at the Choose Your Own Adventure books—those also assumed the Reader had a specific backstory, family life, history. Even if they never specified their gender, name, or description.

You can read and pretend you're the Reader character. Or not. I don’t think it matters, not for the story or the way I’ve told it. If you can pretend you’re the daughter of a mob boss, or heir to the HYDRA empire, or an omega waiting to be claimed by your Winter Soldier alpha, then I don’t think I’m asking much more.

I’m asking you to take on the mantle of this character. I am not saying, she is you: I am saying, you are her.

I understand this is probably a longer answer than you anticipated. I understand that I’m probably going to piss off a lot of people with it. (Readers and writers included.)

There are x Reader stories out there where the Reader character is completely 100% neutral and yet still compelling. I’m just saying, they’re really damn difficult to do. Heck, I’ve written almost 300k for NAFTK and its accompanying stories, not all of which are posted. Without naming my main character! And that was hard enough! Doing it with a completely blank slate? I can’t even imagine. Hats off, definitely, those authors have ALL my respect.

I hope that answers your question. And I hope if you decide to read, that you enjoy the story I wrote.

[thebuckybarnesvault]

Not a Fairy Tale Kiss Catch-Up 2 (Electric Boogaloo)

Ten Thirteen Chapters & A Ficlet Later

Again - life is life, I have thoughts, and now is when I have time to put them down (as close to as they would have been when I originally read it as I can). @azriona enjoy the novel.

Chapter 48

The continued Rickrolling of Doom is much appreciated, but how exactly does D do it? Does she have a Doombot fly back and blast it? Is it like a computer virus?

Bucky trying to keep D going while not pushing too hard is so sweet but also, dangling meeting Arnie in front of her is a bit cheat-y. XD Not Steve throwing Bucky under the bus asking why D hasn't met Arnie yet and still getting nothing in return. Arnie is giving Bucky and D the "meet the family" treatment/vibes that we sadly wouldn't get otherwise and it is one of the most bittersweet things I've ever read and the fact this man is a hoot-and-a-half to boot is life-giving. Reading the back-and-forth of Bucky and Steve trying to one-up each other on embarrassing stories absolutely made my day. (How did Bucky use a pack of gum to get the chemistry teacher fired?)

Chapter 49

"Arnie accepts you and Bucky being together as such a given, you’re not sure he’s ever seen you in any other light." This almost made me cry! It's so sweet and it just builds on those moments from Ch 48 when Arnie is calling D "Bucky's best girl" and "Bubbeleh" because D has been in Arnie's heart before he even met her because of how Bucky talks about her and it's just the SWEETEST thing ever!! 😭😭😭 AND THEN YOU HIT ME WITH:

"Mostly, you sit back and watch the three of them, laughing and joking and talking about the times they’d shared as kids. Steve’s memory is the sharpest; but for him, those years are barely a decade in the past, what with 70 years spent in the ice.

Whereas Arnie lived a full life, every one of those 101 years tucked away in that head of his, and between cryofreeze and memory wipes, Bucky’s memory will probably always be full of spots and gaps and fuzzy edges."

How could you DO THAT TO MEEEEE?!?!? 😭😭😭😭😭 Are we going to ever find out what Arnie said to Bucky??? (I understand if not, just curious). Bucky and D need to take Arnie to India if he'll let them/his health allows.

"Who’s right in the head, I ask you?" - PREACH ARNIE XD

When I first read this chapter I had the thought that if Arnie dies I was going to have a Liam-Neeson-from-Taken moment, I have since cooled down and will merely be inconsolable.

Chapter 50

As a millennial (albeit a younger one) I feel like playing What’s New Pussycat on repeat as a prank is a VERY millennial prank. Bucky quietly missing D on missions and having Jarvis give an update when he returns is so sweet but I gotta ask, why not just text D when the jet lands to check-in with her directly? That being said, I’m glad she seems to be setting in to fully remote work as well as can be expected.

“Most of the time, the bases are intact, empty shells with nothing but dust bunnies and scorch marks, because someone’s been there first. Most of the files are corrupted, or incomplete, or just plain gone. Once, there’s a weird crackle of energy in the air that gives everyone pause.” I see your ominous foreshadowing and I appreciate it but simultaneously glare at it.

Clint is going to flip when they find out they switched his coffee, but I don’t know how I feel about them adding the Nefidipine to the vitamins without telling D (I’m guessing they didn’t tell her based on her reaction, if they did and I misunderstood lmk.) Maybe it’s double standard, and idk why I feel this way, but them secretly switching her to decaf (seemingly) without telling doesn’t really bother me as much (I mean it’s low-key rude but also, as I understand it, you’re not supposed to have caffeine while pregnant.) 

Chapter 51

The idea of Steve or Bucky forcing D to listen to an old radio play sounds amazing. But what would they choose, the only two I remember from history class are War of the Worlds by Orson Wells and Buck Rodgers (both of which I think Bucky could have liked) but if you had something else in mind, I’d love to know what it is. 

D says she thinks she’s going to miss being the Woman in the Chair once she’s back in the field after baby, is it possible that after baby she might split time just because she enjoys that role?

Why did you have to take 5+ years off Tony’s life like that? So mean. 

Wanda and Pietro being quietly helpful while also being absolute menaces (in a not funny way, unfortunately) works for them and is something I didn’t know I wanted (although I wish it didn’t involve such terrifying visions from Wanda).

Chapter 52

Oof one of those chapters that really hits emotionally.

Bucky checking in without being overbearing was adorable and sweet but almost immediately following that up with Tony being unable to look at D was heartbreaking. 

The casualness of Tony’s entrance was already a red flag; the shoe really dropped though when he asked what Wanda showed D in Cleveland. It also makes me wonder what/how exactly he saw her dying. “Nope, the adults are talking right now,” OUCH that one hurt. …and when your parents died, he let you cry all over his shirt and never said a word.” This one hurt worse but it also makes almost too much sense (giving her something I don't think he really had when his parents died). I also think all this together, though, speaks a lot to how much Tony cares about D and how much it hurts him that she, as far as he is concerned, is lying to him. 

Your ability to write this scene overall I just have…no words for how amazing it is especially in its coherency/follow-ability. Regularly when I’m reading arguments in fiction (both fan and conventional) I struggle to follow the arguments when more than two people are involved (and sometimes even then) but in this one it is very clear who is saying what and it makes the scene hit that much harder. 

RIP Bucky at the end there though, he’s both calmer and more brave than I would be in this kind of situation tbh. 

Also are we allowed to know what/where Natasha’s “place” is because while I can 100% believe there’s a place in the tower, she goes to get away she also gives me the vibes of someone who might just go out and be/exist in public (like taking a walk or people watching on a bench).

Chapter 53

Watching Bucky explain Project Springboard to Tony had to be like watching a train-wreck in slow motion for D (it kinda was for me, I was wound tight the whole time) but the aftermath went a bit better than I was anticipating but I also put that down to Bucky assuring Tony that the current situation is in no way his fault.

 “You pissed me off, kiddo. And I’m still pissed, and I’ll probably still be pissed for a while. I don’t let shit like that go easy, you know that. But that doesn’t mean I have to be an asshole to you about it.”

He glances at your now-empty desk. “Maybe for the tech, though.”  I’M NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING!!!! Having D tell Tony what her Wanda-induced dream was after this was twisting the knife by the way so, thanks for that.  

I continue to enjoy seeing the dynamics between Tony, D, and Bucky grow – honestly I think if this revelation had happened at any earlier time in the story Tony would have thrown hands but the fact he listened and kept cool once Barnes took full responsibility – amazing. The fact that D is still nervous the entire time is sad but I understand why and seeing Tony respond to that in a way that explicitly communicated that he was both upset while not taking it out on either D or Bucky – even better (chef’s kiss).

Also setting up the twins as sympathetic characters while keeping them as antagonists by them turning over files in the middle of a battle they then retreat from is excellent.

Chapter 54

I feel so bad for Bucky not being able to feel the baby (yet), I remember that being one of the most exiting parts of my mom being pregnant with my siblings.

A pillow cuddle-blocking Bucky is hilarious, thank you for that mental image.

My heart could have burst during the ultrasound scene Bucky’s so enamored with both D & the baby and it is just the SWEETEST!!!! Why does Bucky want the gender to be a surprise? Is it because it would have been that way “in his day” or are you going to give me another reason that will make me sad?  “I think she has my mom’s nose,” MADAME I AM BAWLING!!!! 😭😭😭😭

All those good appointment feelings dashed by the press, poor D. Bucky offering to be a menace from the sidelines creates another wonderful mental image.  “People used to be afraid of me,”  😂 Angela is a real one though

Chapter 55

The sass in D’s inner monologue was on fire this chapter it was also really nice to get more of her backstory – her being insatiably curious to the point of “taking the entire house apart trying to figure out how it worked.” is equally adorable and terrifying.

 I would love to know more one day about the “fascinating people” D met in college (incriminating and Fury said no? color me interested). You, also, keep dropping hints about D causing/being heavily involved in the Latverian Invasion, are we going to get more on that in this final arc?

I can see the interviewer near-salivating when she almost catches D saying she loves Bucky but D catches herself – that woman knows EXACTLY what D was going to say and was just being polite. Also, this being the moment D clues into being in love with Bucky was great because she couldn’t immediately escape it and had to sit with that fact and internalize it for a second (which she needed).

Chapter 56

I would like you to know that I’m imagining something between Padme Amidala’s lakeside dress and her light-blue nightgown for the dress, the way you describe the flowy-ness of the garments gives those vibes. Bucky’s reaction to the dress though? Swoon-worthy. Sam interrupting their moment? Rude.

““Then you’ll just have to get me pregnant again so I can wear them,” you say, exasperated, throwing your hands in the air.” (😲😳) How to short-circuit Bucky in 5 seconds or less. Jarvis offering the Locked Door Protocol was the icing on the cake in this scene.

Chapter 57

“’Sergeant Barnes what are you wearing?’ ‘Clothes’” I almost died laughing at this. 🤣

“I was supposed to be sitting with Mr. Wilson, but I traded to sit here because I wanted the chance to talk to you!” Red Flag, I’d be texting Pepper (or whoever is the coordinator of the event). Also, asking for a sponsorship is the opposite of what is supposed to be going on here lady get it together. Her being condescending to the “Fed is best” concept makes me want to punch this woman omg. “It’s good to have multiple adults the baby can trust - ” Lady this kid is probably going to live (at least at 1st) in Avengers Tower they’re going to be surrounded by trustworthy adults (nothing against the nanny idea but to imply that the Avengers aren’t trustworthy is just obtuse).  OMG SHE DOUBLED DOWN! “checkered history”????  I hate this woman so much. Watching her get ripped a new one by the entire table after that comment was VERY satisfying, made even better by them pretending Bucky was about to come join them on the war path.

What are the odds Tony and/or Pepper (or Hawkeye) have been secretly prepping nursery stuff so D can start on that when she’s ready?

Chapter 58

What I wouldn’t give to see the dance D did with Nat (and everyone’s reactions to it).

XD Clint found out about the caffeine! He’s so betrayed.

How much did Bucky bribe or intimidate the DJ at the afterparty to play the slow song (or was the DJ JARVIS who is The Best)? Their baby conversation is the cutest and thank you for answering my nursery question without me even asking 😂. Also the mental image of Steve and Bucky trying to build a crib together is hilarious because it’s either going to be the easiest thing on the planet for them or it’s going to be like building your average piece of IKEA furniture. 

HE FELT THE BABY!!!! Such a sweet and happy moment! 🥰🥰

Aannnd then you kill the vibe. Why did you have to do that. Could you have not have just made the last line in this chapter the first one in the next?? Whyyyyyyyy??????

Arms and the Iron Lady

YASSS THE FICLET I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!

It’s really cool to see this early stage of this relationship and that even in this early stage that Tony cares enough to warn her away from someone he dislikes, while at the same time D knows Tony well enough that she understands his manner of telling her is significant. 

Me calculating a 540° turn, okay so that’s a turn and a half, got it. I too would be dizzy with all the things D has going on (legal proceedings on one coast and real-estate on the other? Oof).

It feels like early in their relationship that Tony giving her so much so fast is his way of trying to keep her busy so she won’t fall into despair after the loss of her parents (like I think he did when he lost his (I can’t remember at the moment)). At the same time I’m pretty sure he’s excited to have someone that’s not only intellectually on his level but is also in the same realm(s) of interests. Buying earplugs with the expense account is hilariously funny (and a bit passive aggressive). 

Also getting to see her get trained by everyone is interesting (I’d say fun but Sam’s is very much less than fun):

What form of bullet wound treatment did she learn? I'm curious because I had to learn wound packing once upon a time and I hope I never have to use that ever (especially if the person is awake). Never had to do anything with a trach tube though and from what little I’ve heard I’m glad I haven’t.

Thor is not the who I’d expect D to have the driving course with but that mental image is priceless.

The give and take in her relationship with Steve is really nice. 

The dichotomy between Clint and Nat’s training strategies (explaining everything mostly up front vs the deep end strategy) is interesting considering how they often balance each other out. 

“It comes off?!?” Bucky absolutely heard that, he’s just pretending otherwise. 

Bucky is being a show-off and I can’t tell if it’s him trying to size up D’s reaction to him or impress her…maybe both? 

“Looking for a challenge, doll?” Yeah he was definitely trying to impress her.

"Natasha snaps something in Russian, and Bucky responds with amusement.." Was she telling him not to flirt? Please tell me she was XD

Her excitement about maybe being able to work on Bucky’s arm just because it’s a cool piece of technology is so sweet and endearing. It's also very funny that her thinking about it that is part of what allows him to sneak up on her.

Another thing to appreciate about how you write their relationship: it grows, we get to see this pretty well in the series but this - the literal start of their relationship where they're merely co-workers and Bucky is trying to help her out as such, ugh I love it. (Love/attraction/infatuation at first sight can be fun but watching a relationship start and grow over time holds a very special place in my heart.)

The next interaction with Tony really makes me appreciate his character growth even more like going from can't stand the near thought near each other to tolerating that they're together is such amazing progress to see. (Granted part of the anger in this scene is explicitly due to the fact he doesn't get to tinker with "the best piece of tech in the entire building" but still.)

TONY WAS ALREADY MAKING HER A SUIT!!! Also, I want that holographic try-it-on tech in real life yesterday it would make life SO NICE! While it is very sweet he made her and Iron Lady suit that's also a really unfortunate way to find out she's claustrophobic (has she always been or is that more backstory trauma?).

Tony trying to comfort D while also being incredibly awkward about it is so sweet but also the more you say about what got D noticed by the Avengers the more I want to know.

“Of course I want to be here. Are you crazy? This is like… a dream come true. But… I can’t go out and save the world, Tony, I couldn’t even save my parents.”

“Neither could I,” Okay, right in the feels, ooowwwww.

Jarvis coming in clutch to help D (and low-key communicate where Tony can't quite yet).

Ugh I love this ficlet soooo much, it is my favorite of them all.

(I was actually in the middle of writing this post when Ch 59 posted so I said fuck it and decided to wait until both 59 & 60 posted to post this and then it didn't even matter because it still took me forever to catch up on my comments.)

Chapter 59

Did you post what body pillow D was given and I missed it because I would love to know what it is that has now frustrated TWO Avengers. Also 2:23 in the AM? That wake up time is evil (I know it's the Avengers alarm, that doesn't make it any better).

"There is a distress beacon coming from Latveria" - SUS!

I agree with D this is a trap.

Steve not realizing Yelena is flirting with him is hilarious.

"Have fun storming the castle." - I understood that reference.

“Cap,” you say, not even the least bit steady. “Um. I found the source. And it’s not in Latveria....It’s in the Tower.” - Shit

"The entire Tower shakes as the lights go out and plunge everything into the dark." - FUCK

Chapter 60

D is handling this a million times better than I could even imagine myself doing.

Hulk's first instinct being to get to and protect D and get her out is amazing and sweet and I need more of this side of Hulk. This is not diminished (to me) even if Bucky "ordered" him to do it because I've always gotten the impression that if someone gave Hulk an order he didn't agree with, he wouldn't do it. (It also also gives me hope Bucky is ok.)

Wanda has re-entered the chat. I wish it wasn't now and that she was on D's side but I still have hope that we will get there.

“You get to explain the mess to Tony,” you tell him, which just makes him grin even wider. (insert laughing emoji)

Who the fuck managed to break into any server room belonging to Tony Stark unnoticed????

While I'm not shocked this is HYDRA, I really wish it wasn't. Bucky and Tony are going to go extra ballistic.

The last 15 chapters of this fic are going to stress out my heart, I can feel it now.

[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]

Not a Fairy Tale Kiss, Chapter 70

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

This Chapter word count: 2.2k ~ Total Story count: 157k ~ Chapters will be posted every Tuesday and Friday until the story is complete.

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 someone is lost, someone is found, and someone is saved.

Scott turns to Wanda. “Can you reverse what you did to Barnes?” “I don’t know,” says Wanda, slowly, as if she’s not sure of the answer. “I’m not sure what I did, and they haven’t let me see him again since.” “And the kid knows the way out?” “I can get her out,” says Pietro quickly. “And the doctor, too.” “Good.” Scott turns to you. “The team’s on their way. But so’s Strucker. There was a message that went out when we came in. I saw it on the servers when I set the wi-fi transmitters.” Your fingers grip the rough edges of the mattress. “And Bucky…?” Scott swallows. “I don’t think he’s Bucky right now.” Your blood goes cold. “That’s… that’s impossible. Shuri removed the conditioning. The words aren’t supposed to work on him anymore.” Scott holds something out to you. A broken grey chain, with two scraps of metal hanging from it. Bucky’s dog tags.

Oh dear. Find out who is lost, and found, and saved on AO3.

Don't want to read on AO3? Don't worry, I gotcha. Or I will.

Once I'm done posting NAFTK on AO3, I will start cross-posting the chapters here. I'd do it now but trying to track that many chapters will make my head explode. Simultaneous cross-posting of future x Reader and NAFTK stories will be the rule. Let me know if you have questions or concerns; my main goal is to make reading easy, accessible, and not spam the tag. Chapters will use the tag #not a fairy tale kiss verse.

Thanks!

[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]

Not a Fairy Tale Kiss, Chapter 69

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

This Chapter word count: 2k ~ Total Story count: 157k ~ This chapter is rated Mature. Chapters will be posted every Tuesday and Friday until the story is complete.

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 meet the witch and her brother face-to-face.

Wanda bites out her words. “I’m not helping you.” She lifts her hands, and the red sparks dance between her fingers. Just looking at them makes your stomach twist uncomfortably. You can’t pull your eyes away from them. “Your baby didn’t ask for this,” hisses Wanda. “And neither did the Soldier.” The breath catches in your throat. “What do you know about what Bucky would want?” “I know he never wanted you here,” she says. Electric fire jumps between her fingers, beautiful and dangerous. “And I know the last person he thought about was you.” The last person. Was. You heart lodges in your throat. It’s not too late. It can’t be too late.

Is it too late? Has the Author been lying about a happy ending this entire time? Or is there a reason she chose that particular gif? Find out what Wanda means on AO3.

Don't want to read on AO3? Don't worry, I gotcha. Or I will.

Once I'm done posting NAFTK on AO3, I will start cross-posting the chapters here. I'd do it now but trying to track that many chapters will make my head explode. Simultaneous cross-posting of future x Reader and NAFTK stories will be the rule. Let me know if you have questions or concerns; my main goal is to make reading easy, accessible, and not spam the tag. Chapters will use the tag #not a fairy tale kiss verse.

Thanks!

[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]

Arms and the Iron Lady (a NAFTK ficlet)

Tony Stark & OFC (2nd person POV); pre-Bucky/OFC, 7k words, Rated Gen, trigger warnings for PTSD, claustrophobia, panic attacks. Set in the Not a Fairy Tale Kiss 'verse but not necessary to read that to enjoy this origin prequel.

Summary: It’s been five weeks since you moved into the Tower, and you’re still trying to figure out how—let alone if—you belong there.

Read the whole thing on AO3... or start reading it here:

******

Tony waits until you’re deep in your current project (which is only partially based on the tech Doom wanted at MIT, you are way beyond that ridiculous idea and have moved on to one far more ridiculous, with Tony’s full approval).

“Stay away from Barnes, okay?”

His tone is only casual if you don’t know Tony Stark. Which you don’t, not really, even if it feels like you do. You’re still learning what makes Tony Stark™ different from the guy who is frequently up so late that he’s talking to you at 2am when you’re not even there.

But you have figured out this much. When Tony waits until you’re distracted and he’s elbows-deep in his own project, every non-sequitur out of his mouth is something he’s been mulling over for hours already and has finally decided fuck it say it anyway, better out than in.

Which means stay away from Barnes is something important. Something necessary.

Something you shouldn’t ignore.

“Okay,” you say, like it’s not a big deal that he wants you to stay away from Bucky Barnes. You’re not entirely sure why Tony would care one way or the other. You only saw Bucky Barnes the first time that morning anyway; neither of you said anything to each other and you haven’t even been formally (or informally) introduced.

“Okay,” says Tony, as if the matter has been discussed in full and settled, right there.

Neither of you talk about Barnes again that day.

*

Five weeks. It’s been five weeks since you moved into the Tower with a backpack and a cardboard box of charred belongings from the house where you grew up. And in that five weeks, every aspect of your life has changed, so completely and thoroughly that sometimes, it feels like you’ve gone past 180 and 360 and done a full 540 degree turnaround.

Sometimes, it feels like you’re still spinning. Especially when Jen Walters calls with an update about the legal proceedings in San Diego, or when you meet the real estate agent in Pepper’s office to sign the documents that officially sell the property where your childhood home doesn’t exist anymore.

 You’ve barely stopped moving. There’s too much to do, too much to learn, too much to prove.

It’s kind of a blessing, honestly. The more time you spend moving, the less time you think about the cardboard box, or the cemetery outside Boston, or the various issues for why you can’t actually sell the remains of your childhood home just yet. The less time you think about the deposition you had with Jen Walters on one side and Maria Hill on the other, the things you said under oath and the things you weren’t allowed to say but probably should have.

You’ve got first-aid and basic CPR training, but you go with Sam to a more advanced field-medicine course that teaches you how to actually staunch a bullet wound and how to insert a trach tube. You’re so squeamish about the trach tube that Sam has to remind you to keep your eyes open. It doesn’t help. He teases you about it for the rest of the trip.

You’ve had your driver’s license since you were sixteen but you go down to Virginia with Thor to take a specialized driving course that teaches you how to ram a barricade and drive backwards safely at fifty miles an hour. You and Thor have entirely too much fun and are threatened with never being allowed to return. Worth it.

Steve finds out you speak French and it takes two minutes to realize the conversation practice is more for him than it is for you. Sparring in the gym, on the other hand, is all for you, because Steve never breaks a sweat. Every time you get back up, he grins at you, and that’s worth the bruises.

Clint hands you a bow and arrow, laughs for ten minutes when you can’t even get the arrow halfway down the range, yelps when you kick his chair over with him on it, races to catch up to you before you get to the elevators, then shows you every single weapon in the firing range, carefully and clearly explaining the differences between each one of them, their strengths and weaknesses, when you’d want one over the other, and lets you try them all. He doesn’t laugh again, you don’t kick his chair over again, and after a full week of this, you actually manage to hit one of the targets. He’s not impressed and doesn’t even bother to fake it, but he doesn’t let up on the corrections to your stance, either.

Natasha takes you on a few planned ops, easy missions with little opposition and medium-stakes goals. She throws you in the deep end, clearly expecting you to swim, and pulls you out when you flounder, just to throw you in for a second go. You see her smile on the way home after every trip, though. Even if she doesn’t think you catch the way her mouth turns up.

They’re setting the stage for larger things, and you know perfectly well they’re testing you.

And then there’s Tony.

One day he snaps at you for being two minutes late (or at least, two minutes later than he expected you). The next he greets you with a cheerful shout and drags you to whatever project is on the table at the moment. He pulls you into conversations both theoretical and physical, puts you in charge of Legionnaire maintenance and tricks you into helping with both Avengers and Stark Industries projects.

He hazes you with Ozzy Osborne, makes you reorganize the tool storage three times, uses you as a glorified rubber duck to work out problems with his suit, ignores you or listens to you depending on his mood, and yells when you accidentally weld his chair to the floor because you had no idea how to use the damn thing (and he hadn’t actually explained it, either).

He also tasks you with convincing Clint that boomerang arrowheads are a terrible idea (you fail, but it’s a fun thought experiment), lets you do the calculations on recalibrating Steve’s shield (and trusts that you’ve done them correctly, which completely freaks you out), and halfway through the second week, demands to see how exactly you broke into the Latverian Defense Ministry, before helping you Rickroll Doom. Again.

He sulks when Steve starts including you on missions. He sulks harder when you offer to stay behind and let him go instead. He debriefs you a second time after the official debrief, nitpicks every decision you made in the field, and helps you brainstorm and workshop alternate solutions and workarounds until you don’t think there is a single situation you aren’t prepared to face.

And then he gives you your own purchasing code and tells you to break the Doombot encryption or he’ll fire you.

You believe him. For about thirty seconds, until you see Colonel Rhodes in the corner facepalm with a groan.

“You can’t fire me,” you say, though you’re not entirely sure he can’t. “I think Maria Hill is the only person who can fire me. And maybe Steve.”

Tony snorts, like he couldn’t fire them, too, if he wanted.

“That code works for clothes, too, kiddo,” he adds.

“Clothes?” you echo, glancing down at your shirt.

“We’re superheroes, not cartoon characters!” Tony yells from his welding corner. “Get a different color shirt already!”

And then he starts welding, and cranks up Ozzy, and you buy earplugs with the expense account, and clothes with your first paycheck.

*

The third time you see Bucky Barnes is a few days after Tony’s advice (order?) not to talk to him, bright and early in the shooting range, and he’s missing an arm.

Interesting. Find out what happened to Bucky's arm (and what Tony says about it) 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]

WIP Wednesday

Written just now, and it's making me entirely giggly.

(Yeah, I'm writing a follow-on from the interview chapter of NAFTK. No revelations, but I don't think anyone will mind.)

Under a cut because it's a wee bit spicy.

“Bucky,” you whisper, your heart and stomach a wild, fluttering thing. “We’re in the range.” “I know. Did you lock the door?” “No….” “Jarvis—” Bucky sucks against the skin on your shoulder just as there’s a loud clack from the doors on the far side of the room. “The door is locked, Sergeant. I have also marked the range as temporarily closed and turned off visual monitoring for the next hour.” “Oh my god,” you groan, laughing, and let out a shriek when Bucky picks you up, hoisting your legs apart as he sits you on the table. “New protocol?” asks Bucky, as he busily works his hand up your thigh under the skirt. “Not mine!” Jarvis, of course, chimes in. “It’s a modification of a similar protocol Mr. Stark created for use in the labs whenever he is visited by—” You and Bucky shout together, “Security blackout in the range, Jarvis!” “Acknowledged,” says Jarvis, sounding very smug.

[azriona]

Apologies to those waiting for the next chapter of NAFTK; I'm trying to use a skin for this particular chapter and as it's my first time with a skin, it's not looking quite like I expected. If I can't get it to work after the kids go to bed, I'll post like normal tomorrow. Sorry for the delay!

[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]

There are other fics on my list, but these are the ones that are furthest along and therefore need the most immediate attention.

(Peggy Carter's Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day is not on this list because it is FINISHED. Mostly.)

(NAFTK's sequel is not on this list because I'm steadfastly ignoring it at the moment; it knows what it did.)

[azriona]

OMG. so the last chapter promo post of NAFTK has been flagged for mature content.

There's... nothing really that mature going on in the post itself. And then it occurred to me.

It's Chapter 69.

HOW MUCH YOU WANNA BET.

(Like, I couldn't even find a gif of the two of them saying the next line. The most Tumblr gif that could ever be, and it's not in the database. Oh Tumblr.)