#to win in this world. the only way to stay alive) versus keeping sam as an innocent and his moral compass and his singular precious thing

[mrsalwayswrite]

Touch My Hands and Heal Me (BuckyxOFC & StevexOFC)

So just a fun one shot to help me get over some writer’s block. I’ve had this idea in mind for awhile so I’m excited to finally get it out. 

Warnings: Some swearing, violence. 

Words: 6k

Touch My Hands and Heal Me

This was the last place Steve wanted to be on a Thursday night. Nothing against the bar itself but it had been a hellish week and all he wanted to do was relax in his suite in the Tower and pretend for 5 minutes that he was an average guy.

 Which is probably why Sam dragged his ass to this bar. 

And of course, Bucky tagged along even though he was just as exhausted. Either from a self-induced guilt trip or his belief in Steve's inability to stay out of trouble, Bucky grumbled but tucked his head down and followed silently. Jerk. 

 Sam led them down the streets of NYC to a little hole in the wall sports bar an air force friend recommended. 

 It always amazed Steve how easily people failed to notice him without the suit and shield. Walking down the sidewalk with a vintage Brooklyn Dodgers baseball cap on and a brown leather jacket over jeans, no one looked at him twice. Or Bucky in a black hoodie. Or Sam in a gray Nike long sleeve and ball cap. It was nice that there was somewhat a sense of esoteric, that only on the rare occasion was he swarmed now, or perhaps people were used to him. What it truly made him realize was that most people only really saw and cared about Captain America and not Steve Rogers.  No one cared about the little guy from Brooklyn anymore. All they wanted was the glorified icon of patriotism. 

 He pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment, willing the tension in his head and muscles to leave. Tony and him had a long meeting with Senator Thaddeus Ross today and when it finally concluded, he fled to the gym to make use of the weight bags. He probably would be receiving a bill from Tony because of all the busted bags he left behind. The man was a genius, you would think he would have reinforced them long ago. 

 Apparently he needed a drink- according to Sam. 

 He was pleasantly surprised when he walked through the door of the bar -The Old Guys Tavern-  and found it calm. It was a smaller establishment, nestled between a BBQ restaurant and a sporting goods store on a back road. It was a sports bar with several TVs showing different games playing, framed pictures all over the walls of different famous athletes, a few framed mirrors, a jukebox in the back corner near 2 pool tables. A long bar took up half of one wall, across from it several booths and a few scattered tables near the pool tables. It was simple and felt reminiscent of how bars used to be. The lights were dim but instead of feeling like a club -no matter what Natasha said he was NOT doing that again- it gave an illusion of privacy. 

 He quickly noticed that among the 23 people already there, most were male and either middle aged or elderly, with the leaning towards those with gray hair. 

 "I thought you two would feel at home here amongst your age group." Sam quipped, scanning the bar with a smile on his face. 

 "Does that mean we need to find a kindergarten for you?" Bucky retorted. 

 Steve just shook his head as Sam laughed.

 They settled into an open leather booth, a Minnesota Vikings versus Green Bay Packers football game played on the TV across from them. 

 "You dragged our asses out here, you got first round."

 Sam narrowed his eyes at Bucky. "A'ight man, I see how it is. I try to help you have a social life and this is the thanks I get. See if I bring you out again, cyborg."

 Steve watched Sam walk up to the bar before turning to his oldest friend, seated across from him. The dark rings under his eyes only confirming how the week had affected him too. 

 "I'm fine, Steve."

 "Your face says otherwise."

 The corners of Bucky's lips turned up for a moment. "I'll be fine. It's just…" He sighed heavily, running a hand through his long, dark hair. 

 "A reminder that we're in the wrong century?"

 "Yeah...we shouldn't be here."

 "I know, Buck. I know."

 3 days ago they had attended Dum-Dum Dugan's funeral and it hit them both hard. He had been the last Howling Commando alive besides Steve and Bucky and it felt like a knife in the heart. They did not just lose a friend. It felt like the closing of a book. Another reminder of something they used to be a part of, something that they knew, was gone. Yet here they were, drowning in the murky waters of the 21st Century. 

 "Alright boys, here it is." Sam slid a glass bottle of Heineken to both of them while slipping next to Steve in the booth with his own. "You guys made plans for next week yet?"

 "Clint said we could visit the farm. Natasha and Wanda will go, I'm certain." Steve said, idly rubbing the label as the condensation dampened his finger. 

 "Vision will go if Wanda goes." Bucky snorted, taking a sip of his beer. 

 "You sure it's alright if I leave? I can tell my family that something has come up. Can't promise they won't show up at the Tower with enough food to feed an army though." Sam smirked.

 "No, you deserve to go see your family." Steve said, hoping to hide the pain in his voice. "Buck and I will figure out something." He hoped. 

 Next week was Thanksgiving, the first one Steve and Bucky would be together for since 1944. The one last year, Bucky had been in Wakanda, still working to get the trigger words out of his head. Thankfully Princess Shuri figured it out. Which reminded Steve to contact T'Challa soon to get an update -from his viewpoint- of the revisions of the Accords. Steve did not trust Senator Ross' update from earlier. That man had an agenda and clearly resented the need to keep the Avengers updated. 

 "I'll make sure to bring some of my mom's pumpkin pies back for you guys. Soon as I tell her the great Captain America ate the whole one last year, she will lose her mind."

 Steve blushed and rubbed the back of his neck at the reminder.  "I didn't realize it was to share. I thought Pepper bought it for the kitchen."

 "Hey! Don't compare my momma's home-made, award-winning pumpkin pie to some cheap-ass, store-bought kind! I should kick your ass for that insult."

 "Oh, I want to see that." Bucky deadpanned, keeping his eyes on the TV across from them. 

 Steve changed the subject before the bickering started. He knew it was mostly in good humor but sometimes it grated on his nerves. "Parker stopped by this morning to try out the new suit Tony made him."

 "You still seriously considering using him on the field? He's a kid." Sam questioned. 

 "He took out both you and Buck at the airport."

 "Alright, touché, but still. A damn kid."

 "I told Tony if he keeps his grades up and practices hard with us, I won't fight it." Steve smirked. "But if he gets hurt, Tony has to deal with Aunt May."

 That made them all chuckle. Once when Peter practiced with them, he had landed wrong and twisted his ankle. From what they heard, you would have thought Peter had lost a limb with how Aunt May berated Tony and fussed over her nephew. It had become a running joke amongst the team. 

 An hour passed, Steve and Bucky both having to take their turn buying the beers, as they chatted or just watched the games on the TVs. Everything had been going so well, which should have been a flashing beacon that something was going to happen. If this week had been any indication. 

 One of the guys who had been playing pool with a few others started their way. He was in his forties, slightly overweight, in business attire, looking like he got off work at an office and came out to grab a beer with friends.  Steve had noticed him several times over the past hour glancing their way but paid no mind. No one else had approached them or even acknowledged them. Most likely someone trying to figure out how he recognized their faces. 

 He approached the table and stared at each of them before a toothy, crooked grin appeared. Looking back over his shoulder, he called over to his friends. "It is those goddamn Avenger shits. I knew it. Coming in here like they own the place."

 "Hey, back off, man." Sam tried to keep his cool but Steve could see that the guy had gotten under his skin. "We are just here for a beer, minding our own business."

 "You know, I bet all those stunts you pull, the "world-saving" and shit, it's all fake. You pretend, keep the masses happy and feeling protected while you just live like kings off government money. Yeah…I know the truth."

 Before any of them could respond to the guy, about how very wrong he was, a new voice from the bar spoke up. 

 "Chuck, quit trying to start a fight. They could kick your ass without breaking a sweat."

 The guy -apparently Chuck- glared over his shoulder at the speaker. "Shut up. No one asked you to get involved."

 A woman probably mid twenties slid down off the bar stool she was sitting on and stalked their way. Steve can't help but watch her, feeling as if a hurricane was approaching.  Her honey blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail, her hazel eyes stared defiantly at Chuck. She wore a loose white t-shirt with some kind of symbol on the front and black leggings that highlighted all her curves and showed off her long legs. Combat boots and a dark leather jacket completed the look. 

 "Just cause you're still pissed doesn't mean you gotta start shit. Now, leave them alone, you're bothering them."

 "We will leave. We didn't come here to start trouble." Steve injected, glancing between the man and woman standing at the end of the table. 

 She turned slightly to pin him with a pointed look that had him regretting his words and shutting his mouth.  She turned back to the guy -Chuck- and they glared at each other for several long, awkward, tense moments before he huffed and took a step back. 

 "Bitch," he muttered but glared at her still, "probably going to let them all fuck you like the whore you are."

 As soon as the last word spewed out of his mouth, she hit him with a right hook that left him half sprawled on the table beside them. 

 "Dee, no fighting. God, girl, get out of here!" The bartender called over, clearly exasperated as he ran his hand through his white hair. 

 "Sorry, Ray." She shrugged unapologetically. Flexing the fingers on her right hand, she turned back to Steve, Bucky and Sam. "Have a good night, boys." 

 Steve watched her walk out of the bar. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see Chuck get up, spitting blood on the floor, with the help of one of his friends. He looked like he wanted to say something but his friend quickly dragged him back to the pool tables. 

 Perfect. Steve was not in the mood for a fight. 

 "Think she's ok?" Bucky was staring at her retreating form also, even when she disappeared from view. He turned back slowly to meet their confused looks. "That hit...might have broken something."

 They sat in silence for a second before sliding out of the booth and heading out.

 The air had a winter's bite to it but not yet unbearable. Although it took a lot for Steve to feel really cold now. Those rare moments always brought up painful memories of icy waters and darkness. Something he prefered not to think about. 

 They managed to glimpse her before she turned down another street. Simultaneously they started to jog to catch up. Thankfully not too many people on the sidewalk stopped to stare at three huge guys casually jogging at 10pm at night in jeans. 

 "Hey yo! Dee!" Sam called out as they turned down the street.

 She stopped, slowly turning around to watch them approach with a single eyebrow raised. "You boys lost?"

 "Naw, we wanted to see if you're alright. That was quite a punch."

 Thank God for Sam's ability to always talk. Steve never thought he would be glad for that one day but right now he was. Staring at her, he felt tongue-tied.  

 She smiled, holding her hand up and wiggling her fingers. "I'm fine. Not a big deal."

 Steve could not help but notice her nails were painted a shimmery dark blue. 

 "Why did you do it?" They all looked at Bucky with his hands in his pockets as he spoke. "I mean, you didn't have to stand up for us. Hell, he has to weigh twice what you do. So...how come you got involved?"

 "I don't like bullies."

 "Ah shit, she's the female version of you, Steve." Bucky bemoaned, dragging a hand down his face.

 She giggled, the sound rich and feminine, and Steve could not help but smile in response. 

 "I'll take that as a compliment, Sergeant Barnes." 

 "Call me Bucky, please."

 "Ok, Bucky."

 "I guess you already know Steve and I." Sam said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Your name Dee?"

 She seemed to hesitate for a second, looking back over her shoulder. "Lydia."

 "Nice to meet you, Lydia. Thanks for helping out back there."

 "Oh believe me, it was my pleasure. I've been wanting to hit him for a while. I doubt Ray will let me back though."

 "Cause you hit a rude customer? I'd think you're doing him a favor." Sam snorted.

 "Ah no, I may have hit Chuck's cousin last week...broke his nose."

 The three stared at her in varying degrees of amusement and shock.

 "What? He was bad mouthing the New England Patriots. Tom Brady is my boy."

 "Shit, doll, you're something else." Bucky laughed. 

 "Thank you. Now it's lovely to meet you all but I need to go. Tootles."

 "Wait!" Steve was not sure why he stopped her except that some part of him was not ready to lose her yet. He took a step closer. "Where are you headed?"

 She raised an eyebrow, clearly wondering what he was getting at. "Home."

 "Let us walk you. It's the least we can do."

 "It's not that far, I promise. I'm sure you superheroes have better things to do. I'll be fine."

 "Come on, Lydia, we got you kicked out. Let us make sure you get home safe, yeah?" Sam joined the petition. 

 She chewed her bottom lip, eyes scanning between the three of them before letting out a sigh. "If it makes you feel better."

 ----------

 When Bucky went to the bar with Steve and Sam, his expectations were to keep an eye on Steve, taunt Sam and just pretend that he had actually slept the past five days instead of pacing or staring at a wall all night. 

 Watching a beautiful dame punch a guy to defend them… this night got a whole lot more interesting. 

 The four of them walked down the sidewalk together, Steve and Bucky behind Sam and her...Lydia.

 "So, you know who we are and what we do," Sam said casually, "tell us about you."

 "Well I get into fights at bars and I watch football. I'm not that interesting."

 Bucky could not help but snort. A shared glance with Steve confirmed his own amusement.  

 "Alright. Who taught you to fight? You got a mean swing that clearly shows some training." Sam continued. 

 "My brother." She shrugged. "What were you guys doing out? I would think you'd have booze at the Tower or be more likely to go to a high-class, expensive bar instead of Ray's little place."

 "Naw, we just wanted somewhere quiet and out of the way. Besides, if we break out any booze, Tony always somehow senses it and magically appears."

 She laughed, and Bucky felt his heart lighten at the sound. 

 "Maybe we were hoping to meet someone as beautiful as you, doll." Bucky was not sure where the words came from, but for a moment he felt like the Bucky from the 40s who knew how to charm and flirt.  A forgotten piece of him buried beneath the decades of trauma endured under HYDRA'S thumb. 

 She spun around to look at him, still walking backwards with a smirk and teasing glint in her eyes. "I'm far from beautiful but I'm more than happy to pretend for you."

 He chuckled, he could feel Steve's curious eyes on him but he paid no mind. It felt good to remember this piece of him, to remind himself he was more than a damaged person, even for only a minute. "Dollface, you just gave the best right hook I've ever seen a dame throw. I'm certain that is the sexiest thing I've seen in a long time."

 Laughing, she paused momentarily to slide to his side and kiss his cheek. Her arm slipped through his and they continued walking like nothing had happened. 

 Except something had happened. 

 With her touch, it felt like all his senses tripled in intensity. Her kiss...such an innocent kiss yet it set his blood on fire and brought out a warmth in his bones that even HYDRA could not freeze out. 

 "You go around kissing strangers often?"

 She winked at Steve. "Only the cute ones."

 "She called you cute, man!" Sam laughed. 

 Bucky pretended to scoff. "Cute...I'm not cute. Take that back." He nudged her with his elbow, thankful she was on his right side. 

 "Would you prefer devilishly handsome?"

 "Hey, if the shoe fits…" Bucky shrugged, trying to keep a straight face. Steve's chuckling almost broke it. His blue eyes met her hazel and he realized he was glad they had met. She was beautiful in a girl-next-door kind of way- Cupid's bow lips, button nose, soft features. She was tall for most women, about 5' 10" even in just combat boots. Yet it was the energy around and within her that made her stand out. She felt like joy...she radiated life...there was a sparkle in her eyes that had not been tainted by the evils of this world yet. 

 "Pain in the ass also fits." Steve muttered, walking on Lydia's other side. 

 "Punk."

 "Jerk."

 She slipped her other arm through Steve's.  "I'm pretty sure 'trouble' is the best description."

 "Now that I can attest to." Sam said, leading the group. 

 They walked another block in the same formation. Lydia between Steve and himself, her arms looped through theirs. They chatted, flirted and teased easily, like they had known each other their whole lives. It was odd but Bucky was not complaining. It felt good. He found himself hoping this was not the last time they would see her. The warmth infusing itself into him from her touch was addictive. Her laughter and smiles made the darkness in his mind slowly fade. If the shared looks between him and Steve just over her head meant anything, he knew Steve felt the same way. 

 "My apartment is just down the street. You don't have to walk me to the door."

 "Trying to get rid of us?" Steve asked.

 She just laughed and shook her head. "When did I become so lucky to have three such handsome gentlemen to escort me home?"

 "When you slugged a guy to defend us." Bucky caught her eye and winked. "You're stuck with us now."

 "I'm not complaining." 

 One moment they all are laughing and talking like the best of friends. In the next moment, everything changed.

 A shot rang out.

 Bucky could feel the bullet whizz between his and Lydia's head. 

 Shit. 

 In a split second all three guys went into defense mode. Steve grabbed Lydia, shielding her with his body as he pushed her against a brick wall in a side alley. Immediately, Bucky and Sam flanked him on either side. Without a word, Bucky pulled out a pistol for both Steve and Sam, handing them over, then retrieved one for himself. He knew after this, Steve would criticize the amount of weapons on him for just a run to the bar. Bucky did not plan on sharing about the amount of knives on him additionally. He did not want to worry Steve that much. The less he knew in this case, the better. 

 His eyes scanned the nearby rooftops. The trajectory of the bullet showed the shooter was somewhere above them. At least that narrowed his search. Somewhat. On the other hand, he doubted they acted alone. Why give away their position? Did the shooter just have terrible aim? Were their others? Why the hell did this have to happen now?

 His breathing slowed, senses on high alert, eyes trained for any movement. He waited, listening intently for any sign of back-up. Quickly peeking around the corner, he noticed the side road they were on was deserted. It consisted of several closed stores on the side they had been walking on and across the street was apartment complexes. Logically there should have been someone walking around at this time. It was NYC, there was always someone awake. His eagle-eyes scanned around them, searching desperately for wherever that bullet originated from. Or for the others bound to be laying in wait somewhere around here. 

 He hated being shot at. 

 "Sniper, my ten o'clock. Apartment building, top floor, third window in." He reported, glancing behind him at the others after another peek around the side. 

 Sam faced the opposite way, keeping an eye on the other side of the alley, but nodded at Bucky's report. 

 Steve hovered over Lydia, who was crouched on the dirty ground. His eyes swept over the area and the switch from casual Steve Rogers to righteous Captain America was evident. Most likely wishing he had his shield. 

 "HYDRA?"

 "Not sure." Bucky replied, grip tightening on his pistol. Of course when they were having a great time, those bastards would show up. Damn it.  "You alright, doll?"

 "Yea...yeah." She stuttered out, still crouched underneath Steve. Her eyes were wide but clear, breathing fast but manageable. His opinion of her increased. Although she seemed frightened, she was not panicking. A reaction most common in civilians being shot at for the first time. 

 Steve spoke to Bucky. "Think you can get him?"

 "Not here."

 "Go. We got your back."

 Before he moved, a hand gripped his hoodie, surprising him. Following the hand that was holding him in place, he met her eyes. 

 "Be safe." She murmured, hazel eyes meeting his stormy blue in earnest. 

 "Just for you." With a wink, he slipped out the alley, keeping to the shadows and moved silently as a ghost. 

 It did not take long for him to get into position. He only wished he had his sniper rifle.  Climbing some rickety, metal stairs attached to the back of a store, he swiftly placed himself across from the sniper on a rooftop. If he had more time, he would have preferred to go into the apartment and silently kill the sniper, but for some odd reason he felt like he was working against the clock. 

 Breath in. 

Breath out. 

Breath in. 

Breath out. 

Breathe in.

Bang. 

 Holding the smoking pistol in the direction of the apartment, he waited. There did not seem to be any further movement.  He wondered if he should go investigate, just to confirm. God, if this was HYDRA, he did not want to leave any civilians without protection. With the gunshots fired, he figured someone would have called the cops by now. Hopefully they would be useful with the civilians.  

 Racing back across the rooftop, he flew down the stairs ready to confirm the sniper's death. It was then a new sound drifted to him…and he bolted towards it. Heart racing within his chest. 

 Please no. He begged silently. 

 He turned the corner to see where the fight really was. The sniper had only been a diversion. Something to force them into the intended alley.

 They had played right into the enemy's hand. 

 Twelve guys in all black, faces covered, made the crowded alley even smaller. One was on the ground lying still, a pool of blood growing beneath his chest. Three were cornering Sam, taking turns attacking him with batons. Six were actively fighting Steve, trying to take him down using tasers, yet they were never able to subdue him fully.  Two had Lydia between them, both gripping one of her arms each as she struggled and thrashed to escape looking like a wildcat.

 Please no. 

 Bucky threw himself into the fight, fear and rage pouring into his blood to fuel him. He tackled one of the men cornering Sam, a knife slipping in between the man's helmet and Kevlar, blood spurting from his neck. Bucky rolled off him, and in two strides jabbed a knife into the back of the knees of one of Steve's attackers. The man dropped, howling and unable to stand. Another swipe and kick brought another man under his knife, blood oozing where a kidney was. 

 "Lydia!" Steve cried, throwing one of his attackers against the brick wall behind him. 

 The two men were trying to manhandle her into a doorway but her twisting, kicking and flailing made it difficult. 

 Bucky threw his bloodied knife into the thigh of one of them. The man stumbled, almost dropping Lydia, who cried out at the harsh treatment. Before the other man could raise his own pistol, Bucky grabbed it with his metal hand and crushed the end. Pure rage filled him at the thought of them trying to take her. He punched the man, now holding the useless gun, in the side of the head with his metal arm. The man dropped like a rock. The pistol bounced on the ground when it fell from his hand. 

 In a fluid motion, Bucky yanked the knife out of the other man's thigh and kicked him in the head. The man's head rocked back further than humanly possible with a cracking sound. 

 Silence hung over the alley after Steve and Sam knocked out or killed their attackers. Bucky stood there for a long moment, surveying the carnage around him, and trying to steady his breathing. His hands shook slightly. Blood was splattered on his black hoodie and jeans. It had been so easy -too easy- to take the lives of those men. Even though he did it to protect Steve, Sam and Lydia...his hands never felt clean. Would he ever be clean? Would he always be a monster?

 "Bucky?"

 His rage evaporated at the soft whimper of his name.

 "It's ok, doll. I got you." He pulled her into his arms, away from the bodies of the men who tried to take her. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her face buried in his chest while his own arms held her close. She trembled but if it was from fear or fading adrenaline, he was unsure. Murmuring soothing words to her, he ran a hand up and down her back in comfort. 

 Why did this have to happen tonight?

 He glanced back over to see the spread of bodies on the ground, all wearing black clothing that looked vaguely military. Nothing like what HYDRA usually wore. Sam was on the phone, probably calling the fellow Avengers for clean up and to scout the area. Steve was stepping over the downed men, coming to his side. 

 "Are you hurt?"

 Bucky shook his head, his eyes scanning over his best friend. "You good?"

 "Yeah, she ok?"

 Lydia turned her head, reaching an hand out to place on his forearm. "I'm fine...thank you."

 Steve patted her hand on his arm but did not remove it. He glanced around once more before meeting Bucky's eyes. "This doesn't...these men don't seem like HYDRA."

 "I noticed. Wrong weapons and fighting tactics. More like mercenaries."

 "Mmmm." He rubbed the back of his neck before looking at Lydia, still in Bucky's arms. "They seemed pretty intent on taking you. Any reason why?"

 That question had itched at Bucky too. HYDRA would be more interested in taking himself and Steve. She had been the focus of this attack. He shuddered to think what would have happened if they let her walk home alone. 

 "No...no...I don't recognize them."

 "It was a long shot. Well I think you should stay with…" suddenly Steve's eyes widened and he recoiled. A second later, blood soaked his white t-shirt in the middle of his chest. 

 Then the sound of a muffled shot rang out in the alley. 

 Bucky glanced over to see one of the downed men Steve had been fighting, on his knees, pistol extended. He staggered to his feet and took off back on the side road. 

 "Sam!" Bucky cried, pointing to the escaping man. 

 The Falcon did not hesitate. He raced after the man, a snarl on his face, eyes determined. 

 Turning back to his best friend, disbelief clouded his mind as he saw all the blood soaking Steve's shirt. 

 No. 

 No.

 NO! 

 Steve placed a hand on his chest, a dazed look on his face as he pulled it back and watched the blood drip off his skin. Ever so slowly, he dropped to his knees, still staring at his hand. 

 "No, no, no! Damn it, Steve! NO!" Bucky moved to his side, practically ripping the leather jacket off Steve's shoulders and tearing the t-shirt in two to see how extensive the injury was. The bullet had entered Steve's upper back, almost hitting his spine and exited the middle of his chest, leaving a gaping hole. Blood poured out, leaving trails of red on Steve’s torso. 

 "Sorry, Buck."

 "No, no. Don't you start that shit. You'll be fine. Damn super soldier shit is good for something." He tried to staunch the blood flow with Steve's ripped shirt but the training in the back of his mind told him it was useless. His lungs would be filling with blood now. It would take a miracle to save him. Yet Bucky did not stop his first aid. He refused to let his best friend die. He couldn't...he could not live without Steve. They had only just found each other again. He couldn't...God, please no, not Steve...he had to live. Bucky was not ready to be alone again.

 Lydia slipped to Steve's other side. Gently she took his bloody hand and clasped it between her own. Tears coated her cheeks as she watched. 

 "Buck…"

 "No, stop talking. Everyone is on their way. Sam called them. It'll be fine."

 "I need you to…"

 "Nope, don't even start trying that speech."

 Steve rolled his eyes, blood beginning to taint his lips. "Jerk."

 "Punk."

 "Steve, look at me." Lydia stated. Both soldiers watched her, her commanding tone unable to ignore. "You're going to be alright but you'll still need to rest for a while, ok?" She glanced over at Bucky, a fire burning in her eyes. "Hold him steady."

 What?

 He did not have time to question her before the strangest thing happened.  

 Lydia leaned forward and pressed her lips to Steve's bloodied ones. One of her hands cradled the back of his head, as her kiss deepened. Even on the brink of death, Steve had no problem reciprocating. His bloodied hand cupped her cheek, leaving behind a stain on her skin. Their lips moved as if they had done this before...no hesitation...no awkward fumbling… What started off as a soft caress was turning into something more heated. 

 Bucky momentarily felt like a voyeur and was beyond confused. Steve should be saving his breath, not exerting himself. Damn that looked like a great kiss though. 

 The kiss lasted only five seconds and when they separated, both were breathing heavy like it had been far longer. Her lips were tainted red now, but her eyes shone brighter like starlight caught in her irises. 

 She looked at Bucky, tears streaming down her cheeks unashamedly. "Take care of him." Quickly she leaned over Steve, grabbing a handful of Bucky’s  hoodie, and gave him a hard kiss on the lips before standing up and dashing away. 

 "What….LYDIA!" Bucky yelled after her, watching her run down the alley and turn onto another street. Part of him wanted to chase after her and demand answers but a cough from Steve diverted his attention. 

 "Hey, it's ok. They will…."

 "Look." Steve interrupted, motioning at Bucky's hand. 

 He glanced down to see scraped knuckles, probably from when he tackled one of the men. Not a big deal. The serum would heal them within a day. Yet they were healing...immediately...right before his eyes. Within seconds, they looked completely normal, only Steve's blood marred them. 

 What?

 Immediately, Bucky pulled the torn shirt from Steve's chest, gaze locked onto the exit wound that would surely kill his best friend. A gush of blood should have resulted from the compact being removed from the wound, blood allowed to flow freely once again. Yet nothing happened. Dried blood caked his chest turning a dark red but there was nothing bright red...nothing fresh. 

 "Holy shit."

 In the next moment, Bucky felt as if the world tilted off its axis. 

 The wound slowly began to heal. Muscle and skin grew and reattached. The once graying complexion that Steve wore was returning to a healthy pink. His breathing deepened, not short, rapid breaths of dying lungs. Steve's blue eyes stared at Bucky, mouth gaping open. Curious and a bit frantic, Bucky peeled the shirt off Steve's back to see the entry wound. Both holes, once profusely bleeding and killing his best friend now looked like they were weeks healed. Some redness around the sites and fresh skin sealing the holes but still tender. 

 WHAT?!?!

 "Steve…." He did not know what else to say. His oldest friend, his best friend, his brother...he was dying...and Bucky could not save him. It was his worst nightmare come to pass. The very thing he dreaded most. Now though…

 Steve stared back at him wide-eyed before turning his head to look down the alley where Lydia fled. "She healed me….she saved…" He looked back at Bucky. "Who is she?"

 "I'm not sure…"

 "We need to find her."

 Steve started to get up but Bucky pushed him back down. "You were just shot, punk. She said to rest."

 "We can't let her get away! What if more of these mercenaries find her?!"

 "We'll look for her. Wait till the others get here. I'll go with Sam." Bucky held Steve's gaze until he relented, slumping back onto the unforgiving, concrete ground.

 The sounds of the city enveloped the quiet of the alley- car horns, sirens blaring, someone singing loudly the next street over. The two sat there, waiting and thinking. Both of their minds struggling to fully comprehend what just happened but desperate to chase after her.  

 "You just want another kiss, huh?"

 Steve chuckled, rubbing a hand over his chest and wincing. "That was some kiss. It felt like electricity going through my veins."

 Bucky thought of his own quick peck and how it felt like a shock hitting him. "Yeah. That's some dame."

 "Find her, Buck. I don't…" He sighed.. "It felt...no, she felt right."

 All Bucky could do was nod. He prayed she stayed safe until they could find her. Something in his gut told him they needed her. He looked down the alley once more, wondering where she went and who she really was. 

[writerfangirlbooks]

Alive Again

Gabriel x Reader

Prompt: Imagine finding out Gabriel is still alive and keeping it a secret from the Winchesters until one day it slips when you are chilling out with the boys at the bunker.

This is a two parter from my collection on Wattpad that I mixed together here!

Word Count: 2200ish

Credit to gif owner!

"Movie night?" You suggested. There were plenty of popcorn packets in a large cabinet. You were still getting used to the Bunker, but one night when you could not find a hunt, decided it was a good time for a night-in with the guys.

"Sure. As long as I get to pick." Dean yawned, his flannel shirt unveiling the lower part of his stomach as he stretched. He noticed you were flicking through DVDs, though most of them were fairly old. He continued into the kitchen and grabbed a beer.

"Um, no." Sam and you answered in unison. Sam was sitting in the chair next to the couch you lounged on, reading. His coffee was still steaming, but the horrifying thought of allowing Dean to pick the movie was enough to grab his attention. For once, he appeared fairly relaxed, in a fitted grey shirt and sweatpants.

Dean sat on the other half of your red-dust colored couch with a frown. "Why not?"

Sam and you made eye contact, both with raised eyebrows. You knew you were both thinking the same thoughts. It reminded you of someone else that you knew, but would only choose a movie like... that, just to tease you and either put you in a mood or end up changing it to a comedy. You actually have not seen this person in a few weeks, but didn't worry too much despite knowing he was on the run. It was crazy to fall in love with an angel, heartbreaking when he died... but he didn't stay away long, as who could keep the great angel Gabriel down? And now you're hiding the secret that he's alive, even from your own friends.

You cleared your throat, trying to distract your thoughts away. "Like it isn't obvious, Dean. Let's think of something actually... good. Horror, maybe? Or a documentary..."

"I think we have enough horror. Maybe we should just skip the movie and call Castiel to see if he can help us with our main problem at the moment." Dean suggested.

"We're taking a night off, Dean. No hunts, no cases, nothing. We don't have to watch horror. It was just a suggestion," you responded.

You realized you might have spent too much time thinking about Gabriel, even if it was just for a few moments. Sometimes your thoughts come off as prayers to him, and if he's busy, you don't want to distract him. It made you miss him even more, so you tried to focus on the whole out of sight - out of mind, kind of thing.

Sam remained silent, now flipping through a magazine. You sighed. "Well, if we're going to watch one of your favorite movies, then I'm going to need a drink."

Three drinks and a movie later, you closed your eyes slowly before reopening them. You were a little passed buzzed and your toes were tingling by the end of the movie. Sam had continued to read his magazine and jotted a few notes down before setting his stuff down and actually paying attention. The movie was more romantic than you expected it to be, was obviously intimate, and a fair amount of action. Dean nearly seemed bored throughout, but you guessed that was just a trained reaction.

A conversation began to pick up between the brothers and you went to switch from your daytime chilling in the house clothes to more appropriate sleep wear. You sat down for a few minutes to write a letter to Gabriel. Every once and a while, he would send you an address, and leas often, an always different phone number. The first few times you visited, he was only there once. The timing didn't always add up, but it was okay for the most part, as long as you always had a way to communicate. It seemed like he would stay in one place for at least a few days because he would respond to your letters, which you had to carefully intercept as the bunker does not have a mailing address. You took a deep breath and began.

Hey lover,

In response to your last letter, I will start with no, I have not watched any new episodes of our show since the last time we were together.

You know I don't mind us hanging out inside, but I have missed going out in public with you. Just the simple things, like holding hands or going out for coffee.

Things have slowed down a bit at the Bunker. The boys have been spending time with Castiel. I think they're worried, since they have lost Balthazar... and you.

You paused to clear your thoughts and went to the restroom, leaving your door open and lights on. When you returned, the letter was no longer on your desk. Okay. That's strange. Maybe you put it in the drawer. Nope. You scanned the room, searching to see if anything else appeared misplaced. Other than the missing letter, your room appeared to be in order. Even the hidden box of letters received from Gabriel were in its place. You said a quick prayer to calm your nerves, hoping he was nearby.

You did your best to act as if nothing was wrong when you walked back into the main living room, but the guys' faces exposed the truth. They were sitting next to each other. Dean's arms were crossed. Sam's leg was tapping anxiously and his eyes were stuck on a sheet of paper that laid on the coffee table. Your letter. Dean jaw was clenched and you didn't like the look on his face when his eyes met yours, stopping you in your tracks.

"Y/N, why were you writing a letter to Gabriel?" He asked, his voice too calm.

"Why were you in my room?" Answering a question with a question is always a good idea and most certainly will end wonderfully.

Dean ran a hand through his hair. "We wanted to know if you were changing because you wanted to go to sleep or if you wanted to watch another movie. Y/N, why were you writing a letter to Gabriel?"

Man, you really hated lying to them. "Is that such a bad thing? You know he was my boyfriend-" You tried to find a good excuse. You could see Gabriel talking to you, holding you the first time you reconnected after what was meant to be his death. It's not good for them to know, cupcake. It'll only complicate things and things are already complicated.

"No." Sam cut you off, finally meeting your eyes, and standing up. "This is writing present tense to a dead angel. To Gabriel. The trickster. He betrayed us, Y/N. And I know you loved him, but this letter makes it seem like you're hiding things from us."

You could easily lie and act as if everything was as fine as it could be, that you were just writing letters to your dead boyfriend. You knew you would be able to convince the untrusting brothers, but you did not want to. They were your friends and the three of you shared so much. Frankly, you had met them because of Gabriel. You were both on search of what you believed to be the Trickster, ran into each other on the job, and worked your way into being friends and hunting buddies. But you had also fallen in love with a hidden archangel that you would do anything for. The scales were weighed and you opened your mouth to speak as the faintest creak from the kitchen gathered your attention.

“Don't shoot, it's only me." A sweet voice sang out. He was shorter than the brothers and it was a nice change. His green eyes were mesmerizing, as you felt it had been an eternity since you had gazed into them. He winked at you as he stepped out of the shadows. Dean shot out of his seat, grabbing the knife that lay on the ground next to the couch. Sam stared in shock.

It was Gabriel.

-

Don't shoot, it's only me." Gabriel winked and moved closer, cautiously with his hands raised.

"Gabriel..." Sam's voice trailed up, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

"What the hell, man? Where have you been?" Dean yelled, his jaw clenched angrily. He noticed Gabriel's eyes flicker from the gun and back, so he set it down on the coffee table. He sighed. You stood silently, flicking your y/e/c eyes between the brothers and the angel, uncertain on how this scene will play out.

"I've been a bit preoccupied in the underground scene, trying to avoid being spotted, and all that jazz. After my death-by-brother, I realized it was not safe to be around my siblings, or those from other religions. You two were such a large part of the upcoming war at the time and I couldn't risk it anymore..." Gabriel trailed off, lost in thought. His death scene was something the two of you had discussed after the thought, leaving everyone shock and distraught to be genuine.

"Risk what, Gabriel? Your life? You know with how many times that Sam and I have died combined you should know by now that death doesn't always stick. You just left us!" Dean shouted, clearly setting into a defense mechanism of arguing and putting up walls.

You saw Gabriel falter, torn. You wished you could know what was running through his mind at this moment, between longing for safety versus a family. But maybe you didn't. He just saved you from being torn a new one by the brothers and exposed himself. You wanted to comfort him, take his hand and tell him it would be okay. You supposed that's what love was, knowing the other person was suffering and something understanding there was nothing you could do for them except be there. Sometimes that really sucked, but it was how life was meant to be. Although you knew one day you would die and Gabriel would continue to live, but you wouldn't trade your relationship for the world.

"It was better for me to be away. I was no help. I didn't intend to fake my death that night, but I realized I could not find my brother. In the end, no one would win. So I applaud the tribulations you faced." He took a deep breath and you felt yourself step closer into the room. "I'm sorry. I should have done things differently, but I didn't."

You watched Gabriel completely open himself to the Winchester brothers. You were angry for a while after his death, even once it was shown to you he was well and alive, and it took time to heal and get over his lies and the pain he caused. But he bared his soul to you more than once, and after time, you forgave him. You hoped the boys could do the same.

"What, you expect to waltz back in here and all is forgiven? That's not how that works. The second Y/N is under heat for you - you're here. What's really going on?" Dean's voice was louder, his arms crossed. Sam still hasn't said anything.

You stepped forwards, pleadingly. "Dean, please don't be too mad. I know I hid this from the both of you and I'm sorry. You knew my feelings before what happened and when I discovered Gabe was still alive, he asked me to keep it secret, and I did."

Sam saw your nerves and though he seemed to be unsure of his own emotions at the moment, spoke up. "I get it, Y/N. I'm not thrilled about it, but I get it. But Gabriel, you died. We trusted you and got thrown into this whole mess of a whirlwind between Lucifer and Gabriel and things have only been getting worse for years."

Gabriel repositioned his feet. "I know. And I'm sorry. Sam, I am. To all of you, but I would not fight my brothers. This was a battle I could not get in the mix of. I hope you'll forgive me one day."

Dean still appeared angry, but his eyes softened when they looked at you. He could see the anxiety building up, how torn you must have been. He sighed. "Maybe, one day. But not right now. I'm going to go out for a drink. Sam?"

Man, did movie night get intense.

[racingtoaredlight]

The degenerate’s guide to 2017 college football TV watch ‘em ups: week 11

It’s the moooost wonderful time of the year...

I actually have some shred of hope in my heart for the world. I express that by trotting out Pen & Pixel’s greatest accomplishment (among a plethora of seeming high water marks.) I’ve also got a nervous energy that sports shouldn’t inspire in a person unless they’re directly involved. Maybe I’ve got CTE and this is how it’s manifesting?

I am to understand that some people don’t even think Miami-Notre Dame is the game of the week but those people are crazy. Two Big XII teams meeting to set up some rematch or other in motion for the Big XII title game in a couple of weeks is no sort of draw to anybody outside of fans of those two teams. We as a nation require pageantry and flair with a nice note of tradition.

This is bigger in my mind than it needs to be. You all can relax and watch the rest of this lineup, it’s bangers from start to finish really, but I will be impatient and unlikable all day. More unpleasant than usual, probably. But this picture of the late, great Cortez Kennedy celebrating will give me strength:

You should know the drill on the information below. The times and broadcast networks ripped from FBSchedules. The betting info pilfered from Vegas Insider. The insults to my intelligence and my effort, then, will once again come from you the dedicated readers.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017

Matchup                                                                   Time (ET)              TV

Arkansas at (24) LSU                                               Noon                   ESPN

That #24 next to LSU seems crazy but I would probably take them over pretty much all of the 104 teams ranked below them. Guice versus Arkansas could be a real problem if Eddie O lets it be one. I wonder what the o/u is on his yards in this game? 79 against Alabama has to translate to about 400 against Arkansas.

Duke at Army                                                            Noon                  CBSSN

It is a cruel thing to ask somebody on the Navy side of the divide to root for Army football but we must all stand as one to defeat the Blue Evils.

Florida at South Carolina                                        Noon                   CBS

It is not at all surprising that one of these teams is playing for an interim head coach but I would have never guessed in July that it would be Florida. On the one hand Sakerlina -6 against anybody seems high but UF just got blown out by Missouri.

Indiana at Illinois                                                      Noon                   BTN

It seems sort of unfair that other coaches get fired and Lovie Smith doesn’t.

(12) Michigan State at (13) Ohio State                   Noon                  FOX

I know it seems stupid to make a team that just got beat the fuck down by Iowa last week a 17-point favorite this week but I also kind of feel like that’s being generous to Michigan State. I’ll be cheering Sparty on but I’ve got a bad feeling about this for the green and white.

(23) NC State at Boston College                             Noon   ABC/ESPN2 (RM)

Steve Addazio has made a lot of money in his life to be an offensive guru of sorts and it seems like he only figured out how to coach offense on October 14th of this year. I still don’t know what to make of this renaissance but here’s a game featuring two of the top EDGE prospects for 2018. I got no more.

Nebraska at Minnesota                                            Noon                  FS1

If it’s on the schedule I guess you should probably go ahead and play it.

(15) Oklahoma State at (21) Iowa State                   Noon  ABC/ESPN2 (RM)

I’ve been waiting for Iowa State to turn back into a pumpkin but I also kind of hate Oklahoma State. I don’t hate Iowa State I just don’t trust them to keep winning. O/U of 61 seems sort of low to me.

Rutgers at (14) Penn State                                       Noon                BTN

Oh, great, Saquon Barkley gets to boost his profile again. If he gets enough carries he could reasonably move back into the top 20 rushers in the country but, let’s be honest here, his Heisman candidacy is based on him making one single flash play per game so it doesn’t even really matter if he rushes 20 times for 89 yards and a touchdown if the touchdown is a 77-yard draw play with a couple of jukes.

Texas Tech vs. Baylor (in Arlington)                          Noon                FSN

I was legitimately sad to see Baylor win 38-3 last week and not because I have any fond feelings for Kansas. If anything I kind of like the running joke of Kansas football over the past few years. But seeing Baylor do well is sickening.

UConn at (18) UCF                                                     Noon              ESPNU

I keep expecting UCF to fuck up one of these weeks. I don’t think UConn is the team to make it happen but I also don’t know about trusting UCF’s talent level.

UL Lafayette at University of Mississippi               Noon               SECN

ULL is a 20-point underdog and they’re terrible but I don’t know if they’re 20-point underdog to Mississippi terrible.

(17) Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech                           Noon              ACCN

I’m sort of pissed off at Georgia Tech for losing last week. At least for throwing 22 passes and losing. WTF is Georgia Tech doing throwing 22 passes against a team that’s not historically atrocious against the pass?

Middle Tennessee at Charlotte                                2:00 pm          ESPN3

I don’t know what’s up with my guy Richie James. I keep waiting for him to break back out and he keeps not doing it. Charlotte is a pretty good place to do it, I guess?

Wake Forest at Syracuse                                           3:00 pm           RSN

There’s a lot of effort to go around between these two terrible teams. I don’t enjoy the way either one of them plays but I respect how much they both seem to enjoy playing even though they suck.

Florida Atlantic at LA Tech                                         3:30 pm        Stadium

Point Shavin’ Kiffykins is open for business! Louisiana Tech has not been good or consistent this year so I’ve got a good feeling about FAU beating them by a touchdown or more but I also feel like Kiffin is making extra money by betting on his team. No way to know which way he bet this week.

Florida State at (4) Clemson                                      3:30 pm          ESPN

The oddity that is Florida State’s season would be made perfect by springing a huge upset here. Vegas expects something to the effect of Clemson 32-FSU 15 but I have this weird idea that Florida State can hang with them. I get that the Seminoles offense is bad but I’m not 100% that Clemson’s is very much better. The O/U is only 46 so there’s not a lot of wiggle room there. Even so I’d guess take the under and the Seminoles and wait for Cam Akers to make something out of nothing.

(1) Georgia at (10) Auburn                                          3:30 pm           CBS

Here’s the other upset waiting to happen. Actually, let me amend that. I don’t think FSU can actually win just keep things close. I think Auburn can actually win. Georgia has a fantastic defense and one of the most elemental offenses in the country. They have a near limitless supply of great running backs but everything else is sort of suspect. Auburn is on a similar talent level but with a more varied offensive scheme and they’re playing at home. So look for Kerryon to key an ultimately meaningless (from AU’s perspective) surprise victory for the Barners.

(20) Iowa at (8) Wisconsin                                           3:30 pm           ABC

Iowa is the toast of the college football world this week after their bizarre 55-24 win against Ohio State last week. Can they do it again? No. I’m with Vegas in thinking Wisconsin rolls.

Michigan at Maryland                                                  3:30 pm           BTN

If Michigan starts losing shit games like this then you can worry about Jim Harbaugh but I stand by my assessment that he’s going to have the Wolverines on the same level as Ohio State by 2019.

SMU at Navy                                                                  3:30 pm         CBSSN

SMU still has a shot at taking the AAC West if Memphis falters but Navy is just playing spoiler at this point. I don’t know how much that affects Navy’s execution but if SMU plays tight in this one they’ll get run over.

Southern Miss at Rice                                                 3:30 pm        Stadium

This is a weirdly appealing uniform matchup for me. I downloaded the Stadium app but I think you need a facebook account to use it so it’s just sitting there on my phone looking like Postmates, which I also don’t use.

Virginia at Louisville                                                     3:30 pm         ESPNU

Louisville is a double digit favorite against a team with a better record and more to play for and, truth be told, more high end talent on the roster. There is something that bookmakers like about this matchup that I do not understand.

West Virginia at Kansas State                                      3:30 pm         ESPN2

This game is basically a pick ‘em and if K State wins these teams will be have identical records. It’s not the worst Big XII matchup ever but KSU has been pretty dull for watchin’ ‘em up purposes this year.

Georgia State at Texas State                                      4:00 pm  CW35/ESPN3

The audience for this game on TV has to be 400 people total. Texas State is a garbage heap right now so this GSU (the good one!) should stay alive in the Sun Belt race. That 6.5-point line seems low to me even though it’s gone up 2 points over the course of the week.

Kentucky at Vanderbilt                                                  4:00 pm        SECN

In a weird twist this isn’t even close to the worst matchup in the SEC this year. It’s on the better-than-average side of things at that.

Maine vs. UMass (Fenway Park)                              4:00 pm  11 Sports/NESN

The battle for the soul of New England college footbaal! UMass has that one TE that’s really good so I guess they’ll win. I don’t really hate the football games in baseball stadiums thing because at least it’s visually different than other games but I don’t really get why they do these things.

San Jose State at Nevada                                             4:00 pm       ESPN3

If you watch this because you bet on it then you, my friend, are exactly who these posts are made for.

(11) USC at Colorado                                                      4:00 pm        FOX

The trick to beating USC is to hold onto at least 3 of the average 6 interceptable passes that Sam Darnold throws in an average game. Colorado could honestly do that and still lose because their offense stinks but 3 or more interceptions is definitely on the table for the Buffs.

Troy at Coastal Carolina                                                 4:30 pm       ESPN3

As a premier online tout you will have to subscribe to my insider tips to get my full thoughts on this game but let’s just say that a 17-point road favorite seems undervalued if anything.

Arkansas State at South Alabama                                 5:00 pm       ESPN3

Again with the online super touting: I didn’t even look at the line and I’m taking USA to beat the spread.

UTEP at North Texas                                                       5:00 pm        ESPN3

UNT is bowl eligible already now they’re playing for the CUSA crown. FAU and FIU are the main contenders in the East but the 096ers are in the driver’s seat the West crown.

(19) Washington State at Utah                                       5:30 pm     Pac-12N

Washington State got a bad draw in closing the season here and @ UDub for their final two games but they should be able to handle Utah right now. The annual Utah sprint to the finish is not happening this year.

Kansas at Texas                                                              6:00 pm     LHN/JTV

Last year KU got Charlie Strong fired and this year they can, maybe, get their own coach fired if they’re lucky.

WKU at Marshall                                                           6:30 pm beIN SPORTS

Honestly CUSA is serving up some decent action this week if you find yourself feeling sort of off Broadway.

(2) Alabama at (16) Mississippi State                            7:00 pm      ESPN

Alabama seems like the worst team to gamble on for my dollars. There’s no doubt in my mind they’ll beat the stuffing out of Miss State but they might lame things up on the way to a 21-9 kind of game.

New Mexico at Texas A&M                                             7:00 pm     ESPNU

New Mexico is really bad but I’m not offering any gambling advice for this one.

Old Dominion at FIU                                                        7:00 pm   CUSA.TV

Here’s a line I have strong feelings for. FIU should beat ODU by at least 30 but for whatever reason the spread is under 10 points. Do oddsmakers not see FIU’s record so far in 2017.

Purdue at (25) Northwestern                                         7:00 pm     ESPN2

I don’t like this Northwestern being ranked schtick. Boiler Up!

Tulane at East Carolina                                                   7:00 pm    CBSSN

The 7 o’clock kicks are not particularly great and this is one of them.

UAB at UTSA                                                                      7:00 pm   KCWX-TV

If you pronounce this game aas WAB at Utsaaa it becomes more fun but you also have to have a local channel to watch.

Tennessee at Missouri                                                    7:30 pm      SECN

Everybody knows generally about the reasons to hate Penn State and Baylor football but I think it’s unfair to Tennessee that they aren’t more widely known as a poisonous house of horrible antics and criminal bullshit.

(3) Notre Dame at (7) Miami, FL                                       8:00 pm      ABC

I’m trying to get an honest gauge free of emotions on this game and have been for about a week. I think the perception of Miami around the country is a scrappy team getting it done with smoke and mirrors but I think it’s more accurate to say that QB is often their least valuable player on the field and that they are outrageously stacked in their receiving corps and along the defensive line. Notre Dame should be able to run on Miami in spite of the front four because the second level has been messy for the Hurricanes. Front four and back four are fine but the three guys in the middle sometimes look like herding cats. Notre Dame’s offensive line is great and their running game has been crazy but they’re pass offense is suspect and they do give up explosive plays on defense. Miami makes a lot of big plays on offense. This is a lot closer than a lot of people realize and I won’t exactly be surprised if Miami bum rushes the Irish in the early going.

(6) TCU at (5) Oklahoma                                                    8:00 pm      FOX

Does it undercut the moment for this game that there’s a really strong chance that these same two teams play each other in the inaugural Big XII Title Game? I’m always rooting for the worst outcome for this shit conference and I think that’s a TCU win.

Arizona State at UCLA                                                       9:30 pm    Pac-12N

Josh Rosen has apparently passed the concussion protocol so this might end up being a down-to-the-wire game slightly favoring UCLA but this game is really all about the weirdly bad ways that both head coaches are sabotaging the talent on their respective rosters.

Oregon State at Arizona                                                   10:15 pm    ESPN2

If you like Khalil Tate and want to see some highlights have I got the game for you! If Tate doesn’t break off at least 200-yards of rushing he will be one

Wyoming at Air Force                                                        10:15 pm    ESPNU

The Josh Allen Experience continues on down the road. This is the kind of game where, historically, he’s been very bad but he’s playing for his football life to get better now as opposed to after next season. 

Boise State at Colorado State                                          10:30 pm   CBSSN

CSU’s chances at winning the MWC are more or less dead but they should be at their peak level going against Boise this week.

Fresno State at Hawaii                    11:00 pm  KSEE-24/Spectrum PPV/MWN

That’s the longest string of channel listings in Watch ‘Em Ups history. And not a single one of those networks reaches a single home in America. As it should be for a game between these two programs.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});