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osoro-sh1ronagebyokken · 3 months ago

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Seong Hansoo/Hansu x Former Delinquent Reader!

For more chapters; read at ao3 right now! At this link.

Chapter 1

“...Have I been here before..?”

The fluorescent lights lit above the large room, Osoro pictured it to be plain and boring, with white walls with wall mats for not breaking your neck or head when hitting the floor, and light blue, light pink, and yellow mats on the ground. Perfect for a boring dojo that Osoro stumbled across. There was a certain warmth in the room, of course, it was not only the window that was casting light inside the room using the bright, warm, and unbearable sunlight that filtered across the room, giving light to the shadowed, dim Taekwondo Dojo.

Osoro's eyes lingered around the dojo, a little curious for a while although she was about to leave the Dojo till a certain voice stopped her tracks and made her turn around to look at the looming figure. "Oi, who are you?"

She saw a man looming over her, he had to look down since she was a little small despite being 5 '4, she's still too small for him and she had to do the same but except she had to tilt her head up. She saw a man no—a boy, a boy with brown hair, his physical fitness is muscular although his fit isn't being covered thanks to the taekwondo uniform and the black belt around his waist.

Osoro contemplates for a second, trying to think of who this man was till a light bulb in her head appeared (imaginatively) as she came into realisation that his man was the so called; “Taekwondo Legend” or the “Korean Legendary Taekwondo Master” in the news that appeared in her television a few weeks ago. The one that uses Kyokushin Karate (9th dan) and Taekwondo (ITF & WTF).

She looked at the figure before her, they were the only ones inside the Dojo so there’s no way their fight might get interrupted. Seong Hansu.. Osoro thought, but she just stood tall even in front of the legend. “..I don't know, call me whoever you like. Taekwondo Legend.” She said—perhaps a little too rudely.

There was something nostalgic towards this man, and the aura he emitted that made Osoro talk to him more.

Hansu chuckled at Osoro’s response. “Oh, so you already know me?” He said, raising an eyebrow while gawking at Osoro’s tough, stuck-up demeanour. “Of course I do,” Osoro gestures both her hands towards both her sides, looking at Hansu with a stern look.

Hansu looked amused with her mannerism. He found it rather funny and entertaining rather than annoying and rude, despite her tough and tough facade being present. It seemed familiar in some way but he ignored the thought and said with a small chuckle. “So what is your name, princess? You know mine after all”

“As if i’ll tell you,” Osoro said and Hansu chuckled at her stubbornness rather adorable and chuckled at it. He smirked and said. “Oh,” Hansu said, in a teasing manner, “And why is that? Are you afraid I'm gonna make fun of it?”

Osoro said the next sentence bluntly. “No, you're too ugly for it.” Hansu barked a little laugh about being called ugly- but without any warning. Osoro raised her hand and karate-chopped his head lightly, and he pretended to be hurt by her attack. “Owie,” He said in a taunting manner. “You're far too young to be this feisty. What are you? Eleven years old?” Hansu said, and Osoro corrected him. “Actually, I'm fourteen.”

Hansu raised an eyebrow, not expecting someone to be that short in height. He thought that she looked young but not that young—and rude. “Just fourteen, huh. I didn't think you'd be this young yet still this rude.” Hansu pretended to pout, but he chuckled and ruffled Osoro’s black hair.

Osoro tied her hair into a low ponytail using a white hair tie, a strand from her hair reaching towards her nose. She tied it if they were gonna fight–

“Hmph!” Osoro said, motioning her hand and shoving a small box full of green tea packets. A little flushed, yet she maintained her composure. Hansu looked at the green then to Osoro. He was about to speak but his already agape mouth was interrupted by Osoro’s reasoning.

“D...don't get the wrong idea! I didn't make it for you! I just… This was for my mom! And I bought too much this morning. So, you can have the extras!” Hansu arched an eyebrow at this statement. Laughing a little as he playfully rolled his eyes. He felt a little suspicious at this sudden gift. He felt a little suspicious. “So your mother wanted green tea huh? And you buy this much?” He sneered, teasing Osoro a little.

“Yes! I’m giving it to you! Childish Taekwondo Player.” Osoro huffs, looking at Hansu with her narrowed, defiant eyes. “Now take it before I take it back.” Hansu lazily smirked at this so-called ‘threat’. “Childish huh? Look who's talking. You're far too young to be calling adults childish.” Osoro glared at him. “I know my words.�� She said, sharply.

“Is that so? Now I'm interested. Come on, do you have anything else to tease me with?” Taunting playfully, Hansu really didn’t expect what she was going to say next. “Yeah, imagine wearing your Taekwondo uniform outside.. Embarrassing..” She said, in a sarcastic and taunting manner. “If it's about honour and pride, just tell them you love taekwondo. No need to be freaky with it.” Osoro said, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms, turning her upper body to the side but her head was also tilted to look at him.

Hansu let out a small scoff at her small tease. He crossed his arms, finding her statement amusing. “First of all, I wear my taekwondo uniform all the time. Second of all, what's wrong with it?” He replied, with a hint of playfulness in his voice.

“It's weird..” Osoro said, her voice decreasing a little yet filled with a hint of jokingness that she failed to hide. “Imagine a soldier alone in the streets acting gay and stuff, weird. And- is it really a symbol of honour..? Or a symbol of laziness to change?" Hansu tried his best to hold in his laughter after hearing what Osoro said. He found it incredibly entertaining how a kid this age could be so rude.

“Symbol of laziness?” He repeated. “You know that I'm considered a national Taekwondo Representative of South Korea right? Wearing this uniform is a symbol of my pride and honour as a great taekwondo practitioner.” He said proudly, but Osoro still said; “Yeah.. great freaky practitioner..”

This made Hansu laugh slightly after she called him freaky practitioner. He decided to tease Osoro more. "Freaky practitioner? You little brat, what about you? Do you do any sports?"

But he wasn’t expecting something like.. A kick on the wall, just beside his left hip. He didn’t even realise how strong this kid is to almost break the Dojo’s wall. "..Wanna know?" She said, in a low tone while smiling blankly, her eyes didn’t curve like a crescent when she smiles but there's a certain menacing feeling to it. “How I can knock you out, freaky practitioner?” She tilted her body towards him while she said that. She unhooks both her arms, to her sides. Leaning closely as he looks back nonchalantly.

"Knock me out? Brat, I've taken down people much bigger than you.” He proudly said as Osoro just looked at him blankly, and while he's distracted— “You couldn't knock me out even if you wanted-" A knife hand strike—a karate-chop was delivered on his head with some of Osoros’ strength on it.

He was immediately thrown off guard by that sudden attack towards his head. Her strength can hurt him. She felt a little bad but she just placed both her hands on her sides, leaning back her body looking confident.

He winces slightly from the contact, taking a step back. He gently pulled his hands towards his head, and he looked at Osoro with slight shock. “Damn Brat, I didn't think you could actually hurt me with that karate chop” He pretended to be annoyed, but he wanted to know who this helluva of a kid is. His voice is laced with slight hoarseness—and in pain.

Osoro didn’t miss a single beat of his face and decided to— “J-just call me Osoro!” She said, sharply and impatiently. She pushed his head down so he’d sit on the floor, and he winced once more since she held his head where she karate-chopped him.

He huffed slightly in frustration but reluctantly sat on the floor. He crossed his arms and looked at Osoro with furrowed eyebrows, his tone holding a hint of annoyance. "Brat. That hurt more than I thought it would"

He looked childish, and acted childish. Is this really a champion–? Osoro thought, wanting to karate-chop him again but that would only be worse so she— “H-here,” She said, handing him headache medicine that was made of natural ingredients, but disguised as a local medicine brand. “I-it's not that I'm giving you this or anything! Just don't get used to it!”

Hansu examined the bottle before taking it. Before he’d pop the bottle’s cap open, he asked while he poured out one pill to take. "Thank you. Wait.. Where did you get this anyway?" He asked.

“Where else, dummy?” She said, “In my pocket!” She uttered in a deadpanned tone, pointing at her all black outfit, pointing towards her punky leather jacket with a white blouse popping up, a red tie inside. Her short black skirt, and white above the knee length skirt.

Hansu raised an eyebrow when she responded with a deadpan tone. He was still a bit in pain so he didn't feel like arguing with Osoro. "Alright then." He said before putting the pill in his mouth and swallowing it. He sighed as he placed the bottle down beside him, holding his temple in pain.

“Stop acting like it hurts, I didn't even put much strength to it.” Osoro said, sarcastically and Hansu chuckled slightly. “You might not have put that much strength to it but it still hurts regardless. It stings like hell.” Hansu said, his tone still holding a hint of pain but he tried his best to hide it.

“Who's the child now?” She said, emitting a soft sigh—wanting to continue the conversation a little longer. Hansu winced slightly before grinning a little. He looked at Osoro with a slightly cocky expression, still rubbing his temple. “Still you, kid. You're the one who decided to karate chop my head for no reason.”

“Yeah, I did it for no reason. And I would do it again.” She said, playfully but she’ll actually do it. 100 percent not clickbait—

Hansu let out a soft scoff and chuckled. He smirked once more before responding, his tone still playful and mocking. “You really are a feisty kid. But I will make sure you won't karate chop me next time.”

“Yeah, I will choke you the next time I see you.” Osoro said, gesturing her hands on her hips. To be fair, Hansu was quite surprised that Osoro said that she’ll choose to choke him the next time she sees him. He raised an eyebrow in slight shock. “Wow, you're seriously planning on choking me the next time you see me? Crazy much?”

“Dumbass much? Of course I won't, I rather stay in the shadows than be hunted by your crazy fangirls.” Osoro said, disbelieving this man is a legend at both Taekwondo and Kyokushin Karate in martial arts.

Hansu let out a sigh and couldn't help but laugh at her response. He smirked and gave Osoro a knowing look. “Crazy fangirls huh? Those fangirls might hunt you down once they find out you're the one that decided to karate chop my head.” He teases.

“I'll make sure to wash my hands with bleach, I just touched your crusty head. Ew.” She said in a slightly defensive manner, yet still playful and Hansu rolled his eyes and chuckled when Osoro said that. He gave her an annoyed look, although he was clearly enjoying himself with her teasing. “Crusty head? My head ain't crusty. It's smooth and flawless.” He said jokingly.

She eyed his hair, it looked hella messy but still a cutie. "Really? I don't think so, but let's karate-chop it again for measurements." She said and Hansu couldn’t help but smile at her snarky comeback. He let out a soft scoff before speaking, his tone still playful. “Oh, so you want to karate chop my head again? Go on then, have a go at it.” He responded. He was amused by her attitude and he was willing to take another karate chop if it would make her feel satisfied.

“I will d'arce choke you instead, dealing with karate-chopping your head is a hassle.” She said, pointing a finger at him while also being sharp and snarky. Hansu raised an eyebrow, surprised that Osoro suddenly decided to change from karate-chopping to a d'arce choke. He smirked and chuckled, his tone slightly amused but also intrigued

“A d'arce choke huh? If you think you can even pull that off, go ahead and try.” He said. “I'd rather go bathe in bleach, or go bathe in bleach after I touch you.” Hansu let out a soft scoff and laughed a little at her response. He looked at her for a moment before speaking, his tone slightly playful.

"Bathe in bleach huh? You really are a rude much.” He said. “But I'd rather you not bathe in bleach, or touch me. I'll take the karate chop any day" He smiled, yet it looked so sweet and.. Immersive at the same time for Osoro.

“Oh really?” Then another knife-hand strike delivered to his head, this time it was faster and harder.

"You said you'd take the karate-chop any day." Osoro also decided to sit on the floor in front of Hansu. Hansu winced slightly as he rubbed his temple, he then gave Osoro an annoyed look but he still had a hint of playfulness in his tone. "Yeah, I did say that. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna take it without complaining about the pain" He said with a sarcastic smirk.

Read more of the chapter now at archive of our own!

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/59738917/chapters/152374465

#writerscommunity #writing #creative writing #literature #ao3 writer #writer stuff #writers #ao3feed #writers on tumblr #x reader #Seong Hansu #Seong Hansoo #This guy is majestic as hell #love him sm #i made this a while ago #ao3 link #ao3 fanfic #manager kim

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buckyismybicycle · 3 years ago

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[PART 8] TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE (DAD!BUCKY X TEACHER!READER)

Title: teach me how to love AO3 Pairing: Bucky x Reader (teacher) Rating: Teen for now (*this will get bumped up NEXT CHAPTER) Tags/Warnings: godfather!Bucky, canon-typical violence/death of character, fluff, slight angst, learning disability, almost a spy AU & some amazing friendships, PTSD, nightmares, mentions of anxiety Summary: Natasha leaves behind her precious daughter, Yelena, and with her dying breath asks Bucky to look after her. You happen to have Yelena in your class this school year.

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | [series masterlist] | [overall masterlist]

Author’s Note: Hang in there folks - you know what's coming next chapter!!! As always, I appreciate you all for reading, and for reblogging to help spread the word. It means so much to me! 🥰

But Laura’s right, screw what he thinks he’s supposed to do. He wants to see you — he just has to hope you want to see him too.

“Soooooo?” Laura asks, before she even gets the door opened up all the way.

Before Bucky can even say anything, Clint pops around the corner holding hands with Yelena.

“Papa!”

“How’d it go?” Clint asks as the child squirms in his arms and gets put down.

“It was obviously a big hit, look at his smile!” Laura exclaims.

“Is that what that is on his face?” Clint jokes.

“I’m going to ignore you now,” Bucky says with a glare before picking Yelena up and giving her a Kunik until she giggles and buries her face in his neck for a proper hug.

“Did you have fun with Ms. Teacher, papa?”

“I sure did, pumpkin.”

“Stay for lunch,” Laura commands as she tugs on his arm towards the kitchen, where she’d already set up an extra plate.

“This is just so you can interrogate me, isn’t it?” He asks, and the smug look on her face is answer enough. Clint looks all too delighted.

“So, the bar?” Laura prompts as the salad makes its way around the ‘grown-up table’.

The girls had insisted on sandwiches, cut up into teensy triangles for their tea party in the next room, and the boys were more than happy to play along because sandwiches.

“Was actually a great spot, it wasn’t too packed but busy enough. Kind of lost track of time, ended up staying for hours.”

“It sounds like you talked quite a bit!” Laura exclaims, obviously happy for this development. “That’s great, Bucky.”

“She’s just easy to talk to. Real easy. She, um, asked me about my arm.”

Clint and Laura both freeze for a second, looking at him to expand.

“Not — not my arm, she asked me about the gloves. Then I told her. About the arm.”

They look at each other and Laura puts a hand over his. “That’s a really big step, Bucky. I’m sure she must know that too.”

“The whole story?” Clint asks.

Bucky nods once. “Whole story.”

Clint lets out a low whistle. “That’s a big deal.”

“She makes me feel like it’s not? In a good way, I mean. She didn’t stare or ask to look at it. Just… held my hand, like that was normal.”

“It is normal,” Laura emphasizes, while Clint nods along. They’d had a lot of talks about Bucky’s relationship with his prosthetic and the complicated history.

They catch up on a few other things, and end up talking about Chrstmas dinner.

“You should bring her,” Clint offers.

“Slow down,” Bucky says nervously. “I haven’t even secured a second date yet.”

“Well, what are you waiting for!” Laura scolds.

“Uh.” He doesn’t really know how to explain the equal parts of fear and anxiousness he feels when he thinks about spending another day with you.

“Please don’t tell us you’re going to wait,” Laura follows up with an arched eyebrow.

“I — no? Yes?” Bucky flounders. He’s shot someone with less hesitation than this, but something about you makes his head spin.

“Why, so she can come up with reasons to leave your grumpy ass?” Clint asks, rolling his eyes.

“Clint!” Laura berates before turning back to Bucky. “Itf you want a second date, ask her! What if the poor girl is waiting and thinking you didn’t have a good time just because you’re worrying about some outdated philosophy about dating.”

“She said she wanted to take it slow,” he admits. “What if she didn’t have a good time?”

It’s too easy for him to flip back and forth between selfishly wanting you while also thinking you deserve better.

“Oh come on, none of that,” Clint tells him, kicking him under the table.

“Let her choose,” Laura suggests. “If you message her and she doesn’t respond, that’s on her, but if she said she wanted to go slow, she can set the pace. That’s what’s important, right?”

Look, he’s been out of the game a while, alright? He’s never had to ask for a second date. He’s never been on a second date, not since college.

It’s a momentous feat that you didn’t even ask Bucky for details before saying yes. Honestly, it didn’t matter. You had such a good time, and felt over the moon when you saw his name on your phone that you couldn’t care less what he wanted to do. Hopefully it wasn’t anything fancy as you had enjoyed the lowkey date last time and i seemed Bucky did too.

♡

When Tuesday comes around, you’re relieved to see Bucky in a pair of jeans. Yelena greets him, and you quickly clean up the last few paint brushes so they can dry overnight. Bucky asks Yelena about her day and waits patiently as she tells him everything. You feel a flicker of pride when she says she has fun — nothing makes you feel more successful as a teacher.

“Okay, I’m ready!” You say as you finally gather your things. “Do I look alright?”

“You look perfect,” he chuckles at you before reaching up to your cheek and wiping a fleck of spray paint. “You’ve never been to Wanda’s Woofles, have you?”

“Wanda’s what?”

“Perfect.” He grins, not really answering you.

It doesn’t matter, of course, you’d follow him anywhere. He drives a good twenty minutes away, and you keep up a steady conversation with both Bucky and Yelena, wondering how it's gotten to be so natural already.

Wanda’s Woofles, as it turns out, is a family-owned ice cream and waffles shop and the outside is brightly painted. What sticks out the most is the shop’s logo, a very happy-looking Jack Russell Terrier with shaggy white and light brown hair. You’re in awe as you walk in the shop as you take in the jukebox, red leather stools by the counter and benches in the booths.

“I love this retro look!” You proclaim excitedly, looking at the posters along the canary yellow and cherry red walls.

“Thank you,” a female voice says and you spin around to where a young woman is smiling behind the counter with long, straight, auburn hair.

Bucky introduces the two of you. “This is Wanda. She owns this shop with her brother.”

“Nice to meet you,” she extends a hand over the counter, the slightest accent in her voice a beautiful lilt.

“Lovely to meet you too,” you say. You notice there are a few patrons, the music is playing at a soft volume, and Wanda turns her attention downward.

“Hi Yelena!”

“Hi Ms. Wanda! Do you have your strawberry stuff today?”

“I sure do. Why don’t you pick a table for everyone and I’ll bring over some menus?”

“Okay!” The little girl hollers confidently, leading them further into the shop.

You see buckets of ice cream all lined up, with flavours you’ve never tried, and the back counter is full of different candies, sprinkles, and other toppings all while the heavenly smell of fresh waffles fill your nose. Your excitement hasn’t worn off even after you’ve sat down. “Bucky, I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place!”

He smiles, relieved that you seem to be on board with his surprise.

“It’s relatively new,” he tells you. “Wanda and her family moved here from Sokovia, during the war. Her twin brother helps run the place too, but I think it’s Wanda’s precious baby.”

“She does really seem to love this place,” you note, admiring Wanda’s big smile and bright eyes. She looked happy.

“The dog in their logo is the family dog, Sparky. They found him on the street.” He nods to a nearby painting of the same dog, but in between two identical boys with bob cuts.

‘Woofles’ you think delightedly to yourself, admiring how adorable it is. You wonder how often he comes here to know so much about this place already. As Wanda brought over the menus, she even sat beside you as Bucky and Yelena were across from you.

“Good to see a new face around here,” Wanda says to you before leaning across the table and stage-whispers to Yelena. “Yelena, should I put an extra cherry on your strawberry sundae?”

“Uh-huh!” Yelena beams as she claps her hands. Wanda winks easily at the girl.

“How is everything?” She asks Bucky.

“Can’t complain,” he shrugs. “How are the boys?”

“Tommy wants to join the track team, which is great, but I am a bit concerned about Billy. He hasn’t quite seemed to have found any interests yet at school.”

“You happen to be in the presence of a school teacher down at South Hamden Institute,” Bucky tells her, nodding to you.

“Oh! What grade do you teach? My boys are in South Westview, fourth grade,” she turns to you.

“I have a mixed class, grade one and grade two, but I used to assist at Winchester High for grade nine,” you say. “I’ve never had kids in between but I’m sure Billy will find something, they always do, it’s just a matter of exploring everything.”

“I think so too.” She gets a downcast look for a moment before smiling at you again. “My husband is overseas right now. He works for the government, you see, so he’s away for long stretches sometimes. I think Billy just misses his father, that’s all. I know it happens, but you just wish you didn’t have to see your kid anything but happy, you know?”

“Of course,” you agree hastily. “That’s totally understandable. Maybe you could suggest a few things you think he’d like, and help with putting together a surprise or something, to present to your husband when he comes home. It might excite him enough to want to find something.”

“That’s an excellent idea!” She exclaims with her signature wide smile. “Thank you, darling, that’s perfect. Now come, tell me what you want, I’ll even give you an extra cherry too.”

“That’s how you know Ms. Wanda thinks you’re special, Miss,” Yelena tells you. Bucky bites his lip but you can tell he’s very amused by all of this.

You order a double scoop banana split — one flavour you’ve always loved, and one flavour you’ve never tried. It seemed like a good balance, and true to her word, Wanda did put an extra cherry for you. Yelena gets a strawberry sundae in a waffle with two cherries and Bucky gets a mint chocolate chip milkshake, so you get to tease him for being an old soul.

“It’s a classic,” he makes sure to emphasize, but he doesn’t deny your teasing.

“I know,” you agree, before stealing a sip for yourself. You share your banana split to make up for it, and by the time the three of you are done, you’re all full and lethargic when you say goodbye to Wanda.

“That was the best ice cream I’ve ever had,” you tell Bucky as you make your way down the street to a nearby park.

Bucky had already warned you that Yelena’s sugar highs are a nightmare and he always lets her burn off energy at the playground first. You definitely didn’t turn down a chance to spend more time with them.

It’s not too busy, with a handful of kids ranging from toddlers to early teens running around on the jungle gyms and swings. Yelena bounces excitedly and begs Bucky to take her shoes off faster so she can go barefoot in the sand like most of the other kids.

“My god, I wish I had her energy,” you complain. “I’m so full I could go for a nap.”

Bucky huffs a laugh as you take a seat on the bench, but he casually drapes one arm behind you as an open invitation. One you do not decline. You tuck your legs up to your other side and lean into Bucky’s side.

“Thank you, Bucky, this was perfect,” you say softly as you rest your head on his shoulder. His cologne is faint but enticing, every part of your body where you’re touching is warm even in the early evening.

“I’m glad you had a good time.” His breath skims the top of your head, your hair fluttering ever so slightly. “Maybe I should have taken you to dinner first, hm?”

“But then I wouldn’t have been able to finish my delicious ice cream,” you point out. You like that you can feel the vibration of his chuckle against your body.

“Maybe —” he coughs a little awkwardly. “Maybe next time?”

You don’t know how he could possibly be so shy and hesitant when you were clearly interested in him! Maybe you’d have to do a better job showing it. He deserved to know how special he really was.

“I would love that,” you announce as cheerfully as possible.

You glance to where Bucky has been looking, at Yelena in the sandbox with a few kids building a castle (or a dog, it’s hard to tell). Her back is to them so you lean your head back and kiss Bucky where you’re able to reach — along his jaw. His stubble tickles your lips but you smile into his skin before he shifts and tips your face toward him, his fingers curled under your chin, and kisses you properly. That rushing feeling comes back to you as you curl in closer to him and almost forget where you are.

When you both pull back, Bucky gets his eyes back on Yelena, but his arm wraps a little tighter around you. You don’t know how long you stay, but Yelena is tuckered out by the time she declares she’s ready to go home.

“Did you like Ms. Wanda’s ice cream?” She asks you.

“I loved it. I’m so happy that you showed me!”

“Me too! It’s the bestest,” Yelena nods in affirmation.

You ask her if she had fun in the park and by the time she’s done recounting all her activities, she’s snoring in the backseat.

“I had an amazing time,” you whisper so as to not wake the little girl up.

“Enough to see me again?”

“Definitely,” you grin. “Text me when you get home,” you say as you get out of the car, making Bucky promise. You linger in the lobby, staring at the handsome man in his Camaro who’s waiting for you to get inside safely, wondering how you’d gotten so lucky.

♡

“Come on, pumpkin, time for bed,” he tries to gently stir the little girl awake.

“We’re home already?” she blinks tiredly. “I didn’t say bye to Ms. Teacher!” She looks distraught, but quickly recovers when Bucky says they can send her a goodnight video.

“That way she can see you say goodnight all the time, okay?”

“Can I draw her a picture first?”

“You get five minutes, okay? It’s time for bed already.”

“Yay! You know, papa, I think Miss really likes you! She smiled lots today.”

If he gets distracted and lets Yelena stay up an extra ten minutes, well, nobody has to know.

♡

You and Bucky text constantly after that — good mornings and reminders, quick messages throughout the day. The video, of course, had the benefit of being saved instantly.

Yelena had drawn you the moon and a few stars for the video, but the pair of matching, bright smiles had made you rewatch the video quite a few times.

Sometimes, Bucky calls you after Yelena’s in bed and you’ve just settled into your couch with a cup of tea. You’d think that talking everyday would make it so there wasn’t anything left to say but it turns out that you were always learning more about each other.

Soon enough, Friday rolls around and while you and add Bucky hadn’t explicitly made plans to see each other over the weekend, you knew that you were both free. You’re just about to message him when the three dots appear on your screen and you wonder what Bucky was going to say. They seem to go on forever, yet when he finally sends you the message, it’s clear that he had deleted his message quite a few times.

And so, you find yourself in a beautiful, fairy-lit dance hall, with rich oak wood and high ceilings.

“This place is beautiful,” you comment as you look around. People are relaxed, smiling as they chat and enjoy their drinks and food, the majority of them dressed for the occasion like yourself and Bucky.

“It’s got a certain charm, doesn't it?”

“Do you come here often?”

“No, not quite. Hadn’t found the right partner,” Bucky says with a small smile at you. “I bring Yelena for line dancing on Tuesdays sometimes, though.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” you reply nervously. “Outside of weddings and clubs, I haven’t really danced, and something tells me that’s not the type of dancing we’re doing tonight.”

“I promise I won’t lead you astray,” he expresses easily, with all the confidence in the world.

It does settle the fluttering in your stomach, somewhat, but you’re still anxious about embarrassing yourself. You let yourself be led to a table on the side, where Bucky turns up the charm by pulling out your chair and you can’t help but giggle as you curtsy before sitting. There was something so romantic about the atmosphere with the gentle lanterns and soft music.

Many of the women had their hair curled, old-fashioned, with bright red lipstick and pearls adorning their ears and necks. The men were all dressed to the nines in their dress shirts and ties, but none could compare to Bucky. His light blue dress shirt is tucked into his trousers, his hair looking soft and tucked behind his ears. To top it off, he’d even worn suspenders. He looked good. Very good.

You order drinks first, and Bucky watches as you relax throughout the conversation. He pointedly doesn’t look at the dancers who have already made their way to the dance floor, keeping his eyes on you instead so you didn’t feel like he was rushing you.

“Okay, I think… I think I’m ready to try,” you finally say, even though you weren’t feeling it. Bucky takes your hand across the table.

“Only if you’re sure.”

“I’ll try.” You inhale deeply to muster up all the courage you can.

Bucky leads you just a few feet from your table so you aren't quite with the rest of the group and holds your hand in his leathered one, placing the other gently on your back just beneath your shoulder blade. You lay your hand on his shoulder, after watching everyone else for some time.

“Okay?” He asks, you look up into his radiant eyes, the golden lights illuminating every speckle and can’t help but smile.

You may be nervous, but in his arms, you felt safe, so you nod.

“Just follow my lead, sweetheart,” he murmurs into your ear before he steps back so you can watch his feet.

His steps are slow and exaggerated as he whispers directions in your ear. He never rushes you, waiting for each of your steps before taking his next. To your surprise, there are only four steps that he repeats, stringing them together. Even you can feel yourself falling into his rhythm soon.

He then pulls you closer to him, and you’re more than happy to lean in. For your benefit, he counts softly under his breath, his hand steady on your back to guide you. It gets easier and easier, and before you know it, you’ve melted into his arms, moving fairly fluidly with him. Your bodies are flushed together and each breath brings in the cool, woodsy scent of his cologne and you don’t even realize that you’d drifted into the centre with the rest of the crowd, which had grown since you’d joined. Before you could panic, Bucky gives your hand a squeeze.

“Just focus on me, darling,” his honey sweet voice tells you. And really, there couldn’t have been an easier task.

Bucky, with his shining sapphire eyes and solid, grounding presence, his rumbling chuckles and fluid grace. This you know for a fact: you could be in a room of thousands and thousands, but none would hold your attention except Bucky.

You dance and dance, longer than you ever anticipated but you were having fun! Bucky even spins you and as your dress twirls around your knees, he always pulls you back into him. Your hair falls out from its bun atop your head, and you shake it loose, not bothering to fix it.

By the end, you’re both warm and flushed, but floating on clouds. In a final move, he dips you, and you go without worry. He plants a quick kiss on your lips before he hauls you up into a joyous hug and you laugh freely.

“Bucky, I didn’t — I can’t believe I just did that!” You couldn’t stop the bubble of glee in your chest as you two made it back to your table on tired legs.

“You’re a natural/”

“No, oh my god, no. I had the best teacher,” you wink.

He can’t help but smile widely at you. “Naw, I think I’m lookin’ at the best,” he fires back.

The feeling still hasn’t worn off when you finally make it back to Bucky’s Camaro. If anything, the happiness builds and builds as he cruises along with the windows down and your hair whips around your face. Bucky does his best to keep his eyes on the road, but it’s nearly impossible with the way you look beside him right now — free and cheerful. With him.

“Bucky?” Your voice is quiet, but musical, matching the smile that’s causing your face to ache. As he carefully pulls in and parks in front of your building, he’s finally able to turn to you.

“Hmm?”

“Thank you for today, it was… I felt so alive.” You said it so earnestly it almost hurt him to hear. “I never thought it would be so freeing, it felt like we were flying, Bucky. It felt… magical.”

“You were stunning,” he announces. “Couldn’t keep my eyes off you.”

You lean over the console to kiss him, slow and passionately, shivering when the leather of his glove runs along your cheek as he cups your face.

“Would you want to, um, come up for a bit?” You ask timidly. Bucky’s eyes are piercing as he searches your face for any sign of hesitancy.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure” you agree with a nod, before you both exit the car and you lead him into the building.

NEXT CHAPTER | Series Masterpost by Chapter | [overall masterlist]

🙏Thank you as always for getting to this point! If you’ve enjoyed this so far, please consider reblogging to help me share & feedback is so, so verymuch appreciated!

#BUCKY BARNES #BUCKY BARNES IMAGINE #BUCKY BARNES FANFICTION #BUCKY BARNES X READER #BUCKY BARNES FLUFF #BUCKY BARNES X FEMALE READER #DAD!BUCKY #BUCKY BARNES AU #BUCKY BARNES FANFIC #FANFICTION #TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE #MY WORKS #BUCKY X YOU #READER INSERT #MARVEL FANFICITON #SWEET BUCKY BARNES

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myallywynn · 5 years ago

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Seafarers – We Need You, We Hear You, We Support You!

Image: Mission to Seafarers

Imagine leaving your loved ones, boarding a ship (for what you thought was a specified time) and now, not knowing when you will be able to return.

This is the plight of thousands of seafarers the world over, who are working on ships so that you can get everything you need – food, medicines, supplies, provisions, etc.

Everything you see around you has (in all probability), at some point, traversed by sea and made its way to you.

The invisible workforce that makes your life comfortable and convenient are the more than 1.6 million seafarers around the world operating to keep the supply lines moving and alive.

Today on Labour Day, we pay tribute to these brave souls, the backbone of the maritime industry.

These men and women sail on different types of ships for a stipulated amount of time through contractual agreements (that can range from 3 to 11 months) with companies. However, at present, many of them have completed their contracts but aren’t able to get home due to port closures, unavailability of flights, restricted crew changes, and a host of other obstacles.

Seafarers who are onboard vessels are unable to sign off at the end of their contracts and new crew cannot sign-on.

Travel restrictions globally have made it next to impossible for the crew to board a vessel or leave a vessel. Many seafarers are going through financial crises as they are unable to resume work. Besides all this, there is a concern for the mental health of seafarers in these difficult days.

Seafarers are at the heart of global supply chains. Currently, even while air traffic has been stopped in many places, goods continue to move by sea.

Several seafarers have been stuck onboard above and beyond their normal working periods. This is amounting to physical exhaustion, mental stress and anxiety. There are several stories of seafarers having missed important life events – marriages, the birth of children, death of loved ones, etc.

Seafarers provide a vital service in these difficult and unprecedented times. Due to the spurt in COVID-19 cases, they are worried about their families and want to return home. It is not just the seafarers, but also, the families back home that are worried about their loved ones onboard the ship.

Imagine being trapped in your office with no way to get home after putting in overtime, being exhausted and longing to be reunited with your family – how would you feel?

Estimates suggest that every month, 100,000 seafarers finish their contracts and would normally be flown home – but the coronavirus has had a huge negative impact on this repatriation process.

Additionally, it has been reported that in some parts of the world, suppliers have been prevented from boarding ships to give masks, overalls and other personal protective equipment to crews.

Ports in some parts of the world have also refused to allow some ships to enter because they had previously docked in areas affected by COVID-19, preventing vessels from obtaining essential supplies.

To this effect, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder, has asked governments “to ensure that, in these challenging times, seafarers are adequately protected from the COVID-19 pandemic, have access to medical care, and can travel to and from their ships, as necessary, in order to continue to play their crucial role”.

There is a call for the world to recognise seafarers as “key workers”.

A statement from the IMO SG to seafarers dated 20th April 2020, said, “I have written to all our Member States, urging them to recognize all seafarers as “key workers”, remove any barriers to your documentation and lift national travel restrictions so that you can get home on conclusion of your contracts, and rejoin your families. And members of my team here at IMO have been working round the clock to help bring individual cases to a speedy resolution.”

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and its global network of national member associations and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and its 215 seafarers’ unions are calling on seafarers across the world to sound their ships’ horns when in port at 12.00 local time on International Workers’ Day on 1 May 2020, a day that is recognised in many countries around the world, to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution made by workers across the world.

You can click on the button to sound the horn if you wish..

https://shippingandfreightresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ship-horn.wav

ITF and ICS are encouraging this gesture of solidarity to recognise the over 1.6 million seafarers across the world, the unsung heroes of global trade, who are keeping countries supplied with food, fuel and important supplies such as vital medical equipment not only through the Covid-19 pandemic but every day.

Guy Platten, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping said “Our seafarers are the unsung heroes of global trade and we must not forget the contribution that they are making every day to keep our countries supplied with the goods that we need. The sounding of a ships’ horn in ports on the day that the world recognises the contribution of workers is an ideal way to remind us all of their sacrifice. They are all Heroes at Sea.”

Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) said “The ITF welcomes this initiative and call on seafarers to sound their ships’ horns in a global expression of solidarity, but importantly to also ensure that the spotlight remains on how critical seafarers are to ensure that essential goods continue to be transported around the world during this crisis. Governments should see this as a call to action to facilitate crew changes and the free movement of seafarers so that they can continue to keep supply chains moving in these unprecedented times.”

However, until this is done and sorted out in totality, in this time of uncertainty, what can we do?

Image: Mission to Seafarers

We reached out to ISWAN, Mission Seafarers India Association (Mission to Seafarers – India Chapter) and Sailors Society for their inputs on what efforts are being carried out and how can the community support these unsung heroes.

Chirag Bahri, Director of Regions, ISWAN, says, “The seafarers are going through various challenges during the present time. They have to extend their contracts, are stressed due to the inability to support their loved ones at home, expensive communication onboard etc.

The mental well-being of Seafarers is impacted and they need to continue to follow advisories of their companies, Government etc. ISWAN is providing support to Seafarers who are stranded in their country or overseas with limited financial grants to look after their ongoing essential needs and shall continue to highlight their issues with relevant stakeholders across the world.

SeafarerHelp helpline is available for Seafarers and their families free of cost, 24×7, who can provide emotional support or try to assist with any other support as required.”

The SeafarerHelp helpline is direct dial +44 20 7323 2737 and email [email protected]

The Mission to Seafarers started it’s India Chapter last year and the aim is to reach out to seafarers visiting Indian Ports to provide welfare services, assist families of seafarers going through difficult times and provide advocacy support to seafarers.

Presently, MtS India offers the following services to seafarers – Ship-visiting, Flying Angel Centres (Mariner’s Centre, JNPT), Justice and welfare services, Communication, Counselling, Free Transport for Seafarers, Emergency Support, Post-trauma care, High-level advocacy and Spiritual Support.

Rev. Nitin Dethe of the Mission to Seafarers states, “The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) is standing with the seafarers to help them through this difficult phase of COVID-19. MtS port chaplains are unable to visit vessels in most ports across countries due to severe government restrictions.

It is now much more difficult to provide the kind of practical, pastoral and welfare intervention seafarers normally expect from us – and this at a time when mental health and well-being is more of an issue than ever. To that end, MtS has launched a major focus on “digital chaplaincy”.

We are supporting chaplains in maintaining digital and social media contact with their seafarer networks.

More than that, and in collaboration with ecumenical partners, we have launched a “Chat to a Chaplain” service. This is a major digital facility allowing 25 chaplains at any one time to connect with seafarers who may want to talk or seek support and advice.

Our ‘Chat to a Chaplain’ helpline will work collaboratively with the ISWAN seafarer helpline and the icall centre, supported by Synergy.”

Seafarers can contact MtS on [email protected] or [email protected]. Rev. Nitin can be reached at +91 9702632497 (WhatsApp) or +91 9867211470.

Image: Mission to Seafarers

Capt. V.M. Joy, Community Development Manager, Sailors Society, said, “I am receiving several calls from the seafarers as well as the family members. Some of the seafarers are keen to know if they can sign off in Indian ports. I have told them that the government has issued the necessary notification with regard to crew change and they will be able to sign off in Indian ports. I have asked them to get in touch with us if they are facing any problems.

Recently in Chennai port one of the seafarers faced difficulties in signing off. The matter was taken up with the shipping company, DG Shipping, and port authorities and within a few hours the issue was sorted out and he was able to get down from the ship. As an organization and as a community we have a responsibility to support the seafarers and the families at this critical hour.

It is our duty to help keep the seafarer’s morale high. The Sailors Society’s Crisis Response Network (CRN) is a 24-hour support service for seafarers and their families in crisis. The CRN takes confidentiality very seriously and does not share personal information without consent.

We provide a wide range of confidential free services, including trauma care, emotional, and mental health support as well as humanitarian assistance. Each case is treated on an individual basis, and we discuss with survivors of trauma the best course of action.

CRN takes confidentiality seriously and does not share any personal information without prior consent. If seafarers feel the need for our services or you know someone who does, please, contact us.”

Seafarers/families can chat with Sailors Society by logging onto www.wellnessatsea.org/covid-19 or call +1-938-222-8181. Capt. Joy can be reached (by Indian seafarers) on +91 7358702482.

It is clear to see that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact on both global shipping which moves 90% of world trade, and the working conditions of the nearly two million seafarers.

The message to seafarers is “You are not alone. You are not forgotten”, IMO SG, Mr. Kitack Lim. There are efforts to bring you home safely and reunite you with your families. “We are listening. We hear you.”, he adds.

There are small things that all of us can do to support our seafarers – if there is a family you know that has a seafarer out at sea, reach out to them, to your seafarer friends, thank them for what they do and reassure them that their families back home will be taken care of.

Additionally, you can donate to below organisation who are assisting in the repatriation of seafarers and providing financial assistance to families in need.

ISWAN (https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/charity?charityId=1008299&stop_mobi=yes),

Mission to Seafarers (https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/donate) or

Sailors Society (https://www.sailors-society.org/give)

If you have any feedback/comments/suggestions, comment below or reach out to the author.

About the Author

Priyanka is an expert in content architecture, marketing, PR & communications.

She has been Managing Editor for a leading global maritime publication, is a Director on the Board of Mission Seafarers India Association, a passionate advocate for seafarer issues and a champion for gender diversity.

She is a technology enthusiast and enjoys working with companies to elevate their brand presence and widen their reach.

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