#trying to point out roger's voice in different ways

[mrs-barnes-rogers-writes]

The Future

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader x Bucky Barnes (a hint of Stucky x reader)

Summary: Follow on from The Dream and The Return. 513 got home. 616 completed her mission but what about our reader? And why is it their children?

Warnings: Multiverse travel (if that's a warning???), fertility issues, magic.

Trope: Friends to lovers, idiots in love, brooding and not sharing how they really feel.

"They'll be another threat. Bigger than Thanos, bigger than anything any of us have faced."

"But it won't be us that faces it will it?" Wanda asked knowingly.

"Who then?" Steve asked.

"Our children."

"Hang on, so you're saying it's our kids?" Asked Steve.

"It looks that way." Tony said pouring himself another drink.

"You're saying OUR children, some of us here can't do that." Bruce replied, as him and Nat reached for each other.

"Do you mean all of us?" Wanda asked, her voice inquisitive. Neither Stark or Strange answered. You watched as Vision squeezed her shoulder softly, as she looked up at him full of hope. Nat and Bruce were tearful. Sam frowned and ran his hand down his face. You glanced at Steve and Bucky to find their jaws set hard.

"Well?" You asked. Stephen and Tony exchanged a look but said nothing, Tony took poured another drink. At that point the calm Y/N disappeared and the one hostiles met on the battlefield made an appearance. You stormed over to Tony grabbed his drink from his hand and smashed it against the wall. You swiped the top of the drinks cabinet, sending the bottles and glasses that sat on top of it to the floor. The cabinet itself soon following it. You turned to Tony who held his hands up in surrender, Stephen Strange on the other hand, had other ideas and opened a portal straight back to Bleecker Street.

"That's my cue to leave."

You acted quickly and used your powers to push the energy from the portal into Strange, closing it and sending him across the kitchen. He landed in a heap.

"I didn't know you could do that." He muttered.

"There's a lot you don't know about me Strange." You replied as you strode over. "And just like the big guy, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

You were about to pick him up again when Wanda appeared at your side. She squeezed your hand and gave you a knowing smirk. She raised her hands and started to use her powers as you mimicked her actions. Her red mist began to mix with your blue energy and you slowly sent it towards Stephen, like a snake seeking out his prey. The colour seemed to drain from his face and he held his hands up.

"No more riddles Doctor." Wanda told him, her accent thick. "You know of our future, of what will happen to our children. That doesn't seem fair. Talk or we'll make you."

"And if they don't, I will." Came Natasha's voice as she appeared at your other side. "And it'll hurt just as much, just in a different way."

"You know some people would call this bullying." Tony quipped.

"Man, shut the hell up and drink some coffee." Sam replied.

"Fine, but this on you. If the TVA turn up again...." Strange told you.

"If the TVA turn up again I'll speak to them myself. I have plenty to say about them making Y/N think I'd sleep with Sharon." Steve answered, as he moved around you to pull Stephen to his feet. He pulled him up but gripped him harshly and whispered through gritted teeth. "Don't think I'm gonna let you leave here without fully explaining what's happening to our kids. You lie so much as once and I'll let those three at you, got it?"

Stephen nodded.

"Perhaps we should go down to a meeting room." Vision suggested.

"No." Steve ordered. "We'll do it here, less chance of anyone trying to slip away."

"I didn't try to leave." Tony pointed out.

"No but you're a drunk again. Well done." Nat quipped knocking him into the couch.

"I'll make coffees." Sam said.

A few minutes later you were all sitting on the couch, steaming coffees on the table that the large u-shaped sectional surrounded. Bucky had thrown a blanket over your legs and placed his hand in yours. Steve, who sat forward at your other side, spoke first.

"Let's try this again. I want the full story. No riddles, no half-assed tales."

"Maybe they should recap first, make sure it's the truth." Bucky added, squeezing your hand.

"What Tony said is true. I did connect Y/N consciousness to that of 513 and 616. To her it would seem like a dream within a dream. There was a slight side issue in that the two of you were also connected."

"How did that even happen?" Asked Bruce.

"The three of them share a deep connection, something that they haven't explored yet, but it is there, deep routed in their conscious and subconscious state."

Steve glanced back at you and Bucky. The latter looked straight back at him, and then down at your hands entwined, the spot were your eyes were fixed to. You let out a shuddered breath and looked up at Stephen.

"So 513 finds her way back?"

"Hopefully, yes."

"She was missing in action. 616, the team she was with didn't think 513 was there, why?"

"The snippets of the universe they saw, well, you weren't there. They didn't see you."

"But I told them to stop, well, 616 she told them to stop. Why? What were they doing?"

"They were looking at other options."

"Other options?" Steve asked.

"The TVA, well, their agent made mistakes and 513 Y/N shouldn't have been missing as long as she had. It caused a branch and the team was slowly starting to fall apart, and their universe wouldn't have been far behind. Their version of Tony and I discovered the multiverse, and saw that you aren't together here, and in 616, so they thought they'd fill the gap with another version of you."

"They were going to take her?" Steve asks. Stephen nodded.

"The TVA were tracking what was going on as they tried to get a handle on what their Agent had done. They thought the best thing to do was to tell us and 616, sending the other you in."

"Why her and not me?" You asked.

"They have a better working relationship with Hank Pym."

Tony scoffed. The team nodded in understanding.

"Well, that explains it." Steve answered sarcastically, before running his hand down his face and sitting back further on the couch.

"But why didn't they just go themselves? Why didn't the TVA just go there and tell them off themselves." You asked. Stephen didn't answer immediately.

"They already did, didn't they." Wanda replied. "But you are the same in every universe, you don't listen."

"So they sent our girl because it'd shake 'em?" Sam asked.

"Well if someone's missing in action, presumed dead and they suddenly show up, or you think they do, it's gonna leave anyone rattled." Nat added.

"So, 513 finds her way back or they find her. What about 616?" You asked.

"Their branch seems to have been snipped." Strange responded.

"So, she told them then? How she felt? After Steve, well me there, had told her too." Steve asked.

"I can't say exactly, but on the device they gave us, everything seems to be on track."

"Device?" Steve asked. Bucky huffed.

"You're still keeping things from us." He mumbled.

You stood abruptly and wandered over to one of the windows. Bucky went to follow but Steve but out his arm to stop him.

"Give her a second."

"Why us?" You asked. "Why me? Why's it so damn important?"

"Have I not been clear?" Stephen replied.

"Not particularly." Nat pointed out, as she sipped at her coffee.

"You're saying it's me, but why me? Why not Sharon or another agent or someone else enhanced even? Why me? I don't see why I'm so important, because I'm not. Not in the grand scheme of things."

Steve and Bucky both went to interject but were stopped by Tony's quiet words.

"You went for the head."

"What? What do you mean?" Steve asked.

"Thanos." Vision replied. "That's the second time you've mentioned them going for the head."

"It was Y/N that shouted it right?" Sam asked. "I remember hearing it on the comms."

"And those that didn't?" Bucky asked.

"Their universes take a different path, some which they may never recover from." Stephen told you.

"Y/N." Wanda said softly. "How did you know to take his head?"

"Something about the energy from the gauntlet. He had the Time Stone. If we didn't stop him he could just try over and over again. If we took his arm he could use the other or get one of his minions to do it. It was best to just kill the bastard." You paused momentarily. "When I see energy, when I feel it, I can tell who's good or bad. What's dark and what's light. That day, the day of the battle in Wakanda, I only knew Natasha, but I could see how you cared for one another, how fierce and determined you all were, how much you loved each other. With him it was nothing but darkness, nothing but anger and hatred for everything and everyone. Each one of us carries something dark, whether we want to admit it or not, but he was nothing but pure evil. The Mad Titan is too kind a title, even the devil himself doesn't have a space for someone like that. It was better that we killed him." You paused briefly again. "Why us? Why do we get to know all this? Why not tell the other universes? Why our children?"

"There is something in every universe that makes us different." Vision told you all. "But there are also elements that make us the same. From what Stephen and Tony are saying, the relationships are the common and connecting factor. Our behaviours differ, our actions, or the other versions of us. It's why some didn't fair well against Thanos and we did. It's not just OUR children is it?"

Stephen shook his head.

"It's our children in every universe. The relationships are important in this because of the children born from them. The TVA's visit proves that. We have to be together in every universe, because there are multiple to protect. Multiple universes. Multiple options." Vision continued.

"Multiple teams." Steve said quietly.

"And the best to lead them is the strongest in the multiverse." Stephen said.

"And that's us, well our kids, why? Because we beat Thanos?" Steve asked.

"Because we'll prepare them. That's it isn't it? It's not just Thanos. You're telling us to prep them, because in the dream the others didn't know. The other me was just telling them to stop messing around with the multiverse." You said.

"I don't want my kids turning into killing machines. I don't want them going through what I did." Bucky told you.

"Well, we have no choice." Tony said.

"I don't want them turning into that!!" Bucky snapped.

"Bucky. This is much more real for Tony then it is for any of us right now." You told him.

"What do you mean?" Steve asked. Still at the window, you glanced back at Tony, who turned to return your gaze.

"You know?"

"I do."

"Who else?"

"I do." Wanda added.

"So do I." Nat added. "And it wasn't from Pepper before you go complaining Stark. These two can tell with their powers. I held her hair back last week when she threw up."

"Pepper's pregnant?" Bruce asked.

Tony nodded.

"Then the process has begun." Stephen said.

"This isn't a war plan Strange! It's not a strategy!! This is our lives! Our children's lives. So what? We pump out a dozen kids between us and send them into battle in twenty or thirty years? Where are we in this? What the fuck are we doing? Making them lunch? Cutting up oranges for half time? Throwing out water bottles?" You snapped.

"It's unlikely in this line of work that any kids, that any of us had, however we have them, wouldn't just walk around untrained though right?" Bruce pointed out.

"How so?" Steve asked.

"Well, I know for a fact that if Nat and I were somehow to have them, or if she was godparent to any of your kids, she'd be training them in self defence, and Bucky I know you don't like the idea of this but you'd do the same. If they've got powers, they have the girls. They want to fly with robot wings? Uncle Sam. Make an iron suit? Uncle Tony." Bruce continued.

"But where are we in all of this? I couldn't just let them go like that." You started to rant. "What, we just standby and watch them go and fight? Where are we? What are we doing in all this? Sure we'll be older but...."

"Y/N." Wanda interrupted, sensing you were starting to spiral, she stood and took a step towards you. The two of you had spoken about the chance of children. If it would be possible for her and Vision. How your children would be changed by your enhancements. How deep your feelings for Steve and Bucky run. If any of you would get a happy ending. She took another step but stopped abruptly and swayed. She grabbed at her head and let out a gasp, dropping to her knees. Vision was at her side in an instant. You and Nat moved towards her. She gasped again and grabbed for your hand.

A vision flashed before your eyes. Whatever Wanda could see, you could now see it too. You'd practiced combining your powers before but nothing like this.

Whatever you were seeing and wherever you were, it was dark. Like you were standing in the middle of a galaxy with very few stars. You were stood in front of a row of portals, similar to those Strange and Wong could create but also somehow different. On the other side of the portals were lines and lines of troops. Steve stood talking to them pointing at the portals and giving orders. Catching sight of their uniforms you see they are mix of international Special Forces. They nod in understanding and stand weapons drawn, ready for a fight. Steve turns towards you and steps through the portal. He's older, and his hair is scattered with grey. His beard has returned and also shows his signs of aging, along with the lines around his eyes that still sparkle blue. You turn and look for Bucky but instead spot Wanda a few metres away. She's talking to someone.

A young man, no more than his mid-twenties, with dark hair and Wanda's eyes. Wanda's cupping his face with her hands and he hugs her tightly.

"This is our fight Mom, you have to let us do this."

She speaks to him in Sokovian, telling him to remember everything he's learnt and to come back to her. There are other people milling around some you recognise as your friends and found family, and some you don't, but they somehow feel familiar. Bruce is talking to someone who's a younger and smaller version of the green side of him. Nat's talking to two women, one blonde and one brunette. They are not as young as the others but they are younger than you, and it feels oddly like you know them. Sam is talking to a young woman with his smile. There's a woman in a suit that's a more updated version of Tony's. She's hundred percent his daughter, but there's no sign of Tony.

When Steve reaches you he slips an arm around your waist and kisses you head as you lean into him.

"Buck still prepping the kids?"

You follow his line of sight and look over your shoulder and further into the darkness and see Bucky. His hair is longer again and flicked with grey, as is his beard. You watch as he talks firmly to the group in front of him. They nod in return. They're a mix of four young men and a young woman. They look close in age and two of the boys and the girl looking like a combination of you and Steve, with the remaining very much you and Bucky. They look towards you then and one who you'd guess is the oldest, and the image of a younger Steve Rogers looks right at you.

"Stay there ma, and listen to the old man." He says nodding at Steve.

Steve scoffs and mutters something to you about kicking his ass. There's an explosion in the distance and those near you rush to take their positions. Bucky and Steve usher you to cover the portals as you look back at your children and the children of your friends as they run towards the fight. Some run and some fly, and you feel the pull of anxiety in your chest. You catch sight of the other versions of yourself, the others and their children as they take their positions.

Once in position Steve's voice rings out.

"Hold the line!!!"

You look up and see who you now know as Wanda's son, looking back at you he nods and mouths.

"You hold the line."

Then you hear your son's voice.

"Avengers!!!"

At that moment you're thrown backwards out of the vision and back to the others, where you find you and Wanda are still holding hands, heaped together on the floor.

"What the hell happened?" Steve asks, his arms around you.

"My son." Wanda replied, voice wrecked with emotion. Vision held her tightly.

"Sweetheart?" "Doll?" Steve and Bucky said simultaneously.

"We hold the line." You said in a whisper, that only Bucky and Steve could hear.

"What did she say?" Nat asked, concerned by what she'd just witnessed.

Steve pulled you into his lap, as you and Wanda finally released hands. Bucky moved quickly, grabbing the blanket you'd left on the couch and wrapping you in it.

"We hold the line, that's what we do, we hold the line."

Fancy a cuppa? My Ko-Fi.

[traveler-at-heart]

Lessons of Love

Summary: So, Nerd!Natasha and Fem!R, their first date and everything fluffy. I just have a lot of thoughts about them and maybe this will be a series (and it will eventually contain G!P Natasha so if that's not your thing, you've been warned). Nerd!Natasha x Fem!Rogers Reader

Don’t count the days, make the days count.

Natasha’s father had told her that as if it was ancient wisdom and not a fortune cookie message.

It was also easier to say it when you didn’t have to attend high school. There were days when she couldn’t cope with it, like when the football team was agitated before a match, or there was some drama around the most popular people in school.

Those times were a stark reminder that Natasha had no one to talk to, a confidant to mock the jocks or a friend to share the gossip with.

Genius comes with a cost.

That one was her mom’s way of comforting Natasha.

She was the smartest person in school, miles above her peers. What she didn’t have in social intelligence, she more than made up with a sharp, quick and brilliant mind.

But as she entered the chem lab, and took a seat at the last table where she was always alone, Natasha wished that things could be different.

If only for a day.

“Morning, everyone” professor Fury greeted as people went to their seats. “You might have heard about an explosion during class” the few giggles that were heard were quickly silenced by Fury’s glare. “So, to keep this from happening again, we’ll switch the teams for the rest of the semester”

Natasha’s heart raced. What if people could choose and then she’d end up front of the class, everyone staring because no one picked her?

“So, alphabetically” Fury read the list, Natasha going over the name that was before hers…

Rogers.

She looked at you, sitting next to Wanda on one of the first tables. You waved at the twins when their names were called, laughing at Wanda’s annoyed stare. Being paired with her brother meant she’d do most of the work while he fooled around.

“Rogers and Romanoff”

Natasha saw you gathering your things and looking around. When you found her, a smile broke out and you walked to join her in the back of the room.

How does one greet the most popular girl in school? Head of cheerleaders, little sister of legendary quarterback Steve Rogers, not to mention the most beautiful girl in all of Shield High.

Not that Natasha was paying attention.

“Hey, Natty” you greeted, sitting next to her and looking around. “Wow, you can really see everything from here”

“I-I guess”

Natasha wanted to crawl under the table and hide. What was she supposed to talk about?

“Guess it’s my lucky day” you said, unable to deal with the silence. Natasha had a hard time understanding if you were being sarcastic. “I mean, you’re the capitan of the Science Club. So, that makes you the best partner anyone could hope for in Chemistry”

Natasha didn’t have time to answer, as Fury finally started with the lesson. Once he gave you all the instructions and wrote some exercises on the board, everyone went silent. Of course, Natasha was done in half the time.

“Show off” you teased and felt your heart beating faster when Natasha actually laughed.

“Want help?” she offered and you went over your notes, nodding.

“I think I got most of them except… this one?” you pointed with your pencil. Natasha leaned, reading again and pulling her chair closer to yours.

“You see, when you choose a coefficient, try to select one as low as possible”

“And that would affect all of the atoms in the molecule” you said and Natasha nodded. “Ok, I think I got it”

But the redhead kept staring as you began to write again, and you poked her side.

“Stop it, Romanoff”

You went back to work, missing the way Natasha blushed at the physical contact.

“Good. Now, I want you to get to know each other even better, so you’ll do a project for next class. Do not sass me, youths” Fury raised his voice as everyone began to protest.

“We’ve known each other our whole lives, can we skip this one?” Pietro said while pointing to his sister, and everyone laughed.

“No” Fury said, turning to write on the board again. “Do some research on why it’s important to balance chemical equations and what other parts of chemistry rely on this skill. Bonus points for concrete examples where it helped advance important research on other fields”

He dismissed the class, and everyone began to pack their bags to move to the next session.

“So… uh… how do you wanna do this? Wanna meet somewhere?” Natasha said, unfamiliar with team projects. Teachers would let her work alone, because pairing her with someone meant she’d do all the work and split the credit.

“Yeah, not my place though. The boys have their weekly pool game after football practice and they can get so loud” you rolled your eyes, walking out of the classroom next to the girl.

Natasha’s stomach turned at the idea of being anywhere near the school jocks.

“So, the school library?” you offered, giving her a way out in case her house was off limits.

“I think my mom has more books about it than the library”

Damn it, where did that come from? She couldn’t handle a class with you and now she was suggesting her place? Where would you even work? And Melina would make some embarrassing remark, or Alexei would ask a million questions and say something silly…

“Yeah, cool. I’ll stop by after cheerleading practice”

“Let me give you the address”

“Natty, I know where you live” you chuckled, surprised that she seemed surprised. “Remember your birthday party? I was there”

“That was like seven years ago”

“Yeah, so? I remember” you smiled. “Gotta run, see you later”

Natasha stared as you walked to History class. You turned around one last time, smiling shyly and waving at her.

Natasha waved back, her cheeks turning red at being caught staring.

Crap, she wasn’t going to survive this assignment.

—

You went up the steps, fixing your hair before ringing the doorbell.

God, how were you going to manage this afternoon with Natasha? You were barely able to keep it together during class.

You were still torn on how to manage your fight or flight response when the door opened.

“Y/N!” Natasha’s sister practically shouted your name.

“Hey, Yelena. I’m here to…”

“You know my name” the girl said.

“Well, yeah, you’re Nat’s sister”

Speak of the devil.

“Yelena!” Natasha went down the stairs in record time.

“What?” Yelena said, talking back as soon as Natasha switched to Russian. They went back and forth for a while, and you stood outside, wondering if you’d ever manage to get in.

“Sorry about that” Nat finally turned to you, Yelena leaving the room in a rush.

“No worries. I couldn’t understand you. Literally”

“My room’s this way” Natasha said, scratching the back of her neck.

A second later, she regretted letting you go up the stairs first. Your skirt moved with each step you took, toned legs in full display. Natasha had to pray she wouldn’t trip on the way up.

“Which door?” you turned to look at her, her ears red. You bit your lip, trying not to think how adorable she looked all flustered.

“The one on the right” she pointed and you nodded, waiting for her to tell you it was ok to open it.

“Wow” you said, looking around at the shelves full of books and scale models of different machines.

“You can take the chair if you want” Natasha offered her desk, and you were so busy reading the titles of the books you almost didn’t hear her.

“Oh, that’s ok. I can sit on the bed” you said, placing your backpack in the corner. You pulled out your laptop and opened a new tab. “I was thinking we can get all the info we need, and then decide how to organize it. I’ll write a draft and you can review it”

It was Natasha’s turn to be distracted, appreciating the way you leaned against her headboard, stretching your arms above your head.

“I-I got some books from my mom’s study.  Let me find the right one…” she sat on the floor and you laid on your stomach, your heads at the same height as you looked over her shoulder.

Natasha began reading and taking notes, while you reviewed some articles on your laptop.

“Ready”

“Ok” you said, changing to sit next to her on the floor. Natasha felt your shoulder against her arm, and your sweet parfume invaded her senses.

You always smelled good. And looked so pretty. It was hard to focus but she managed just enough to dictate some of the things she’d found useful.

“You don’t have to write this down, but let me know if you think any of it is interesting for the paper” she said, and you really wanted to pay attention, but your eyes kept drifting to her lips. “Y/N?”

“Huh?”

“Sorry, I’m boring you” Natasha said, closing the book and looking dejected. She was about to put it away when you reached for her hand, sitting up.

“Now hold on. You weren’t boring me”

“It’s ok”

“Nat, look at me” you asked. The redhead seemed to forget you had moved closer when you reached for her hand, and when she turned to look at you, you were inches apart.

“I…”

Was she looking at your lips? Were you leaning forward? Did she want this?

You didn’t have time to find out, as the door to Natasha’s room opened and you jumped back.

“Oh! Yelena was telling the truth”

“Hi, Mrs. Romanoff” you greeted, hoping she didn’t notice your cheeks turning pink.

“Y/N, it’s so good to see you. Why are you sitting on the floor? Natalia, where are your manners?”

“Mom”

“No, that’s ok. I prefer the floor. Your hydrengias are looking spectacular, by the way” you tried to change the subject.

“Thanks to you! You were right about the change of place. Oh, I should have sent you a plate of cookies, you helped me with it and I didn’t even thank you”

“That’s ok, Mrs. Romanoff”

“Well if you want to stay for dinner, you’re more than welcomed” Melina turned to her daughter, with a more serious demeanor. “And you, remember to put those books right where they belong. I have a very particular system”

“Yes, Ma’am” 

“So…”

“I…”

You both spoke at the same time. 

“Sorry” you tried to breathe, putting a strand of hair behind your ear. “You were saying?”

“I didn’t know you spoke to my mom about flowers?”

“Oh, that” you blushed and Natasha bit her lip, drinking in every word you said. “Yeah, Mom and I ran into her at the farmer’s market. They were talking about plants and we gave her some tips. That’s how we spend quality time, working on the garden”

Natasha nodded, but you still stared at her.

“Can I ask you something?” you said, looking at her lips. Natasha swallowed and nodded. “I… uh… why was Yelena acting weird when she saw me?”

That’s not what you meant to ask, but you had lost your courage.

“Oh…” the redhead looked disappointed. Or were you imagining things? “She’s obsessed with joining the cheerleading squad, and you being the President…”

“I’m not, anymore” you blurted out, surprising even yourself. “I mean, I’m still on the team… but I thought Pepper would do a better job” 

“But they won the Nationals last year because of you” Natasha protested, and you were taken aback by her sudden rage. “There’s no one better than you”

“That’s really sweet, Nat” you placed your hand on hers. “But it’s for the best. Trust me. I’ll have more time to focus on the school paper or… I don’t know, dating?”

“I guess you could do that…” Natasha said, looking at your hands. For the second time in the day, your eyes found hers and then traveled to those beautiful lips.

“Y/N!” 

Bucky shouted from the door. Damn it.

“My ride’s here” you said, disappointed. Natasha nodded, standing up and offering her hand to help you up. You took it, surprised at her strength. 

A gasp left your lips when you were face to face, inches away from her lips. All you had to do was step forward and stand on your toes…

“Y/N/N” Bucky insisted and you had to control the urge to tell him to go to hell.

“Sorry. I have enough notes to write something. Can I text you once it’s done?”

“Sure, let me give you my number”

“I already have it…” you blurted out, trying to hide your face.

“How?”

Now, this time you were grateful for Bucky’s insistence. 

“Coming, Buck! See you later?” 

“Yeah. I’ll walk you out” 

You nodded, allowing Natasha to lead you to the front door. Her father, coach Romanoff, was chatting with Bucky at the door.

“Good practice today” Alexei said and Bucky nodded.

“Thanks, coach” he then turned to you, offering his hand to get your bag. “Ready to go, doll?”

“Yeah. Thanks for having me, Nat. Say bye to your mom and Yelena for me?” 

“Sure”

An uncomfortable feeling took over Natasha as you walked next to Bucky, watching him take your bag and carry it for you. You laughed at something he said while he opened the car door for you and then drove away.

“They make a cute couple, don’t they?” Alexei said, but Natasha shrugged her shoulders and went back to her room, almost knocking Melina over on the way up the stairs. “Did I say something wrong?”

—

Natasha felt weird doing it, but she couldn’t help herself. 

She only opened an Instagram account to watch cool science videos. But she knew your username because Yelena followed you and now, she was acting like a creep, looking at your profile.

In search of what? She wasn’t sure. Maybe proof that you were dating Barnes.

“Hey” Yelena walked into her room and Natasha dropped her phone. “Ew, were you watching porn?”

“What? No! What do you want?” Natasha said, the blush in her cheeks only making her seem guilty.

“Well, just wanted to ask you if Y/N mentioned anything about this year’s tryouts?”

“No, we didn’t really talk about… that”

Natasha didn’t mention the conversation you had about stepping down as president. She had a feeling that was private.

“Ok, go back to watching porn” Yelena said, closing the door before Natasha could throw a pillow her way.

Then, her phone pinged and Natasha looked at it as if it was a cursed object. 

Unknown number: Hey, Nat. I have a draft ready. Lmk if I can send it to you

Natasha: Hi. Sure thing, I’m not doing anything

Damn it, way to be a loser, Natasha. 

She didn’t even wait a few minutes to reply.

Y/N: Ok, should be on your email now.

Natasha: Thnx, reading now.

Y/N: Gotta get ready for dinner. It was nice seeing you today.

Y/N: Outside of school, I mean.

Y/N: So… yeah. Anyway. I’m being weird, haha. Talk soon. 

Y/N: XO

Natasha’s heartbeat sped up with every new text. She caught herself reading them over and over again.

She didn’t have time to worry about what to reply, because her mother came knocking.

“Dinner’s ready. You can take your time… Yelena told me you were busy.”

“Oh, my GOD!” Natasha jumped out of bed, opening the door. “I am not… watching porn!”

“She said you were stalking Y/N’s instagram” Melina said, turning to find her youngest daughter holding a laugh.

“сука” Natasha screamed, running after her.

“Papa, help!” Yelena screeched, going down the stairs. 

“Language! And no running inside the house!” 

Melina sighed. With the way Natasha was looking at you today, she had a feeling that parenting was going to be even more complicated now.

--

Throughout the week, you never left Natasha’s mind. It was a strange feeling. She’d never dwelled on social interactions that much, thinking it wasn’t worth her time. 

But still, when Friday came, she was excited because you shared English class as well. 

And there you were, leaning against the door, speaking to Barnes. Again. Natasha sighed, trying to ignore the heavy feeling in her stomach at the way you laughed with him, smacking his arm playfully.

As usual, the redhead kept her head down and went to the last table of the classroom, where she could be left alone. Only, you walked straight to her as soon as Professor Harkness started the lesson.

“Hey” you greeted, sitting next to Natasha. 

“H-hi”

“Sorry, do you want me to find another place to sit?” you said, looking around the room. 

“No!” Natasha practically shouted, making you flinch. “I’m sorry. No, you can sit here”

You nodded, occupying the chair next to hers. It was going to be a slow day, as Ms. Harkness set up the projector to show a documentary about Patricia Highsmith. 

“You have to write a report about this so pay attention” the professor said, taking a seat to start the film.

While the documentary played, your mind kept drifting back to Natasha, sitting a few inches away from you. Truth be told, you had always found her to be beautiful, intriguing… but after spending an afternoon with her, those moments when you touched hands or locked eyes, kept replaying in your head. 

Instead of taking notes, you decided to execute a plan that was saved for the next Chemistry lesson. Drawing on a sheet of paper, you created a game of hangman, double checking the number of letters for each of the three words. 

Without looking at Natasha, you pushed the sheet her way. She looked at it for a second too long, and then at you. You were beginning to regret the whole thing, and then she underlined the letter T. You smiled, writing on the designated place.

Natasha took her time analyzing the sheet, but by the time the lesson was over, she had guessed some of the letters.

_o_i_   o_   _ _ tur _ _ y ?

The bell rang, and as the lights were turned back on, you looked at her, smiling nervously. 

“So… want me to tell you what it says? Or, you can take the sheet and text me if you figure it out?” 

God, you sounded so desperate. No wonder Natasha looked at you as if you had grown a second head. 

“I’ll take it” she smiled, placing it between her notebook and walking out.

“Actually, Nat…” you went after her. Why not just ask straight away and see what happened?

“Yes?” she said, turning to look at you. Truth be told, she was anxious to get out. Your proximity had distracted her during the entire class. And it only got worse when you slid that sheet her way, and she saw the way you were biting your lip nervously.

She had to force herself to look away from your lips. 

“I was thinking, if you’re not too busy…”

“Go on a date with me”

You were both taken aback by the interruption. The words were stolen right out of your mouth by a junior student, Peter Parker. He was staring at Natasha excitedly. 

“Never mind” you grumbled, rolling your eyes and walking away. 

Natasha flashed an angry glare at Peter, but you were walking down the hallway at record speed.

“What is wrong with you?” Natasha said. Peter was a year younger, but knew the redhead from science club. 

“Sorry, it’s just that I… those were the words that came out of my mouth to ask MJ out. MJ! And she said yes!”

“Yeah, start with that next time” 

Natasha spotted you across the hall, talking to Thor. Of course. 

“I have to go” Natasha pushed the boy aside.

She was so distracted, she never noticed where she was going until she opened the door to the computer room, where Barnes was making out with another senior, Sharon Carter. 

“Knock, damn it” Barnes said, but Sharon smacked his arm, looking stern.

“Don’t be a dick, James”

Natasha wanted to call Barnes a lot more than a dick, because who on their right mind would cheat on you? She stared at him a second longer, too angry to even speak, and then turned around, shutting the door behind her. 

You deserved so much better than Barnes. 

—

Y/N: Were you able to figure it out?

Natasha kept staring at her phone. She hadn’t replied to your message since yesterday and the longer she waited, the worse she felt.

Should she tell you about Barnes? Would you believe her? Or would you call her the worst name in the book and refuse to be in the same class as her? 

The girl was pacing around in her room, but of course Yelena chose that moment to play her music at full volume. Natasha let out an exasperated sigh, going to her sister’s room.

“Turn it down!” she yelled from outside, knocking several times to get Yelena’s attention. “Yelena? Your music is too damn…” let the record show she had tried to knock. Natasha walked into Yelena’s room without permission, ready to get into a screaming match with her sister. What she didn’t expect was to see you sitting on her bed, while Yelena showed you different things on her closet.

“I told you it was very loud, Yel” you said, smiling at the girl and then at Natasha, who took a step forward to shut the music down. “Hey, sorry about the noise”

“I don’t recall giving you permission to come in, sestra” Yelena said, examining a t-shirt and her favorite vest. She turned to you. “What about this?” 

“Yeah, that’s better. And hair braided, don’t forget that. Pepper and all the other girls love braids. I think the ones Natasha wears sometimes are really… uh, pretty”

You didn’t mean to sound like a creep, but of course you had noticed Natasha’s fiery hair braided from time to time. 

“So, since you’re standing there and made me turn off my music” Yelena turned to her sister, showing the outfit. “What do you think? Tryouts are on Monday and Y/N is helping me pick an outfit”

“That one’s nice” Natasha nodded, trying to avoid your stare. She thought she had today and tomorrow to figure out what to do over Barnes. But what if you came to talk to her and she just blurted the whole thing out?

So, she excused herself and thought it would be better to hide in her room. Peace didn’t last long, though.

“Knock!” Natasha grumbled when her sister got in. 

“Hey, you didn’t knock either just now. I wanted to ask if you got the tickets for the movie”

“Yes, of course I did”

“Good. I can’t go with you, so you should take Y/N”

“Wait, what?” Natasha hissed, trying to not lose it at Yelena’s ridiculous antics. “You can’t just cancel like that and she probably doesn’t even want to…”

“Ask her” 

“What?”

“Ask her. Or if you’re too afraid, I can do it for you. But honestly, Natalia. Just do it. You’re both driving me crazy”

Natasha didn’t know what Yelena meant by that, so she just rolled her eyes and sighed.

“I’ll ask her, I don’t want it to seem like my little sister has to arrange my outings”

“Fine. I’m getting some water, you should do it now. Don’t pass out” Yelena winked, knowing her sister could barely handle social interactions.

 Natasha felt her heartbeat strong in her chest, but didn’t wait too long before going back to Yelena’s room. She knew her sister meant it and would absolutely ask you out on Nat’s behalf.

“Hey, Y/N” she walked into the room, door ajar.

“Hey. What’s up? Want to try on outfits with us?” you joked. In spite of her nerves, Natasha smiled.

“I wanted to ask if you wanna go to the movies”

“Really?” you smiled. “What time?”

“It starts in an hour so… we can leave in thirty minutes if it works for you”

“Yeah. Awesome”

You didn’t think about asking which movie or anything else really. The fact Natasha had asked you was all you cared about. The redhead left the room once her sister came back, trying to hide her anxiety. Yelena gave her a knowing look, and kept chatting with you but wasn’t surprised to find you smiling out of nowhere, distracted and constantly checking your watch.

Once it was time to go, Natasha waited downstairs to drive you both to the movies. The ride there was quiet at first, until you reached out for the radio.

“Very cool” you praised when OK Go came on. “Their best music video is for I won’t let you down”

“What? No way! This too shall pass. That Rube Goldberg machine was insane”

“But what about all the extras and the umbrellas? Imagine the coordination it took. I tried to talk the girls into doing it for Nationals but they said I was insane”

Natasha laughed at that, humming along to the song, feeling more relaxed. You also smiled, and enjoyed watching her drive. She looked hot as she held the wheel. 

As you were arriving to the theater, you mentioned Barnes and how he always forgot to get the tickets and once again, Natasha’s anxiety came back. 

She was quiet as she parked and you both exited the car. 

“Wait. I’m sorry. I can’t do this” 

“Do what? What’s wrong?” you looked at her, searching her eyes. 

“Please don’t hate me” she pleaded.

“Natty, I could never” you shook your head, the term of endearment almost leaving Nat out of breath. 

“I saw… Barnes and Sharon Carter kissing in the computer room. I’m sorry”

“Ew. Yeah, they tend to do that anywhere they can. I’m the one who’s sorry you had to see it” you laughed, but the sound died down when Natasha looked at you as if you had grown a second head.

“Aren’t you dating Barnes?” she said, trying to understand everything.

“What? Gross. He’s like my other brother. Slightly less annoying than Steve, that’s for sure” 

“You’re serious?” Natasha said, feeling as if a giant weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

“I’m very serious and very much single… waiting for a pretty girl to come sweep me off my feet” you said, smiling as Natasha blushed. You took her hand, going inside the theater. “Come on, the movie is starting soon”

You waited in line for the candy store, her hand still in yours. Once it was time to get your stuff, you stood behind her, looking over her shoulder by standing on your toes. Natasha blushed at the contact, your chin resting against her shoulder while you asked the clerk for some chocolate.

“Let me” Natasha said, paying before you could give the man money. 

“Chivalry isn’t dead” you said, enjoying how much she was blushing. You smiled, helping her with the soda and finally going inside the room. 

“So, what are we watching?”

“It’s this new zombie movie, like found footage”

“Oh, cool” you muttered, feeling the palms of your hands get sweaty. 

“Sorry, I didn’t even ask if you were ok with that”

“No, it’s fine. I’m just a bit of a chicken” you laughed, settling in your seat. You hoped Natasha didn’t think you were lame and as the movie started, you really did try to be brave. And then a zombie came jumping through a window and you hid your face behind your hands. 

“Hey, it’s ok” Natasha took your hand. “We can leave if you want to” 

“No, I’m fine” you said, forgetting about the movie as soon as her hand let go of yours, arm going around your shoulders to comfort you. 

No way were you leaving now.

You leaned against her chest, hiding when something scary was about to happen. Natasha held you close, her hand going up and down your back in a soothing manner. 

Who knew all it took was some scary zombies to get close to her…

The movie didn’t last as long as you’d have liked, but still, you were happy when she kept holding on to your hand as you left the cinema.

“That was fun” you commented and Natasha let out a laugh. “What?”

“You were hiding half the movie”

“Maybe I liked that part the most” you challenged, pleased when she blushed again. “But next time, we’re watching a rom com or a sci-fi movie.”

“I’d like that” Natasha said and you were looking at her lips when your phone rang. “Want a ride home?”

“I couldn’t possibly ask you to”

“It’s not a problem. Come on” she walked next to you, opening the car door. 

“What else do you listen to?” you played with the radio, going from A-Punk, to Keane and Travis. “Really good taste”

“What about you?”

“Anything really. I have like 45 playlists that are completely random. I could send you one if you’d like” 

“Yeah, I’d like that” Natasha nodded. You smiled, enjoying the view (and by view you meant Natasha, her fingers tapping against the wheel) for the rest of the ride. 

Once you got home, she opened the car door for you again. You didn’t move from your spot next to her, enjoying the proximity.

“Nat?”

“Yes?”

“I like you” you said without a warning, and it was hard to tell who was more embarrassed, you or Nat. “I’m sorry for being so forward but I think I needed you to know. I’m thinking about kissing you and holding your hand and…”

For the first time in her life, Natasha did something without thinking. She pulled you by the waist, connecting her lips to yours. You groaned in surprise, but sighed against her mouth a second later. Your hands went up her neck, to keep her close to you as you moved your lips against hers.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself”

“Never apologize for doing that” you smiled, leaning your forehead against her shoulder. Natasha smiled, kissing your temple. “Are you good to drive?”

“Yeah” she nodded.

“Ok. I don’t want you to do it if you’re distracted or something. It could be dangerous, you know?” you rambled and Natasha saw genuine concern behind your words.

“I’ll text you when I’m home, how about that?”

“Yes, please” you sighed with relief. “Be careful. And thank you for today” without being able to help yourself, you stood on your toes and pecked her lips one more time.

Natasha got in the car, smiling as she drove back home. True to her promise, she texted you as soon as she arrived. 

She was expecting Yelena to greet her with a million questions, but the girl was back in her room, still listening to music.

Going back to her own room, she found the game of hangman you had done for her, now complete with Yelena’s handwriting.

Natasha was really clueless.

Movie on Saturday?

This whole time, you were asking her out. Natasha took a picture of the paper and sent it to her sister.

Nat: You went through my stuff.

Sestra: Ur welcome.

Natasha would never hear the end of it. Her phone pinged again.

Y/N: Glad you’re home safe. 

Y/N: Still thinking about that kiss.

Y/N: So… yeah. When’s our second date?

Coming to think of it, she was happy to pay that price. 

[citrinae]

you have trouble sleeping.

contents; hurt/comfort, implied trauma, anxiety. i’ve been feeling a little off these days so here’s a band-aid to read at 3 am.

ft. the monster trio | masterlist

⋆ ˚｡༄ luffy

during one of his nightly trips to the kitchen, luffy sort of expected to see some additional measures applied to keep him from the fridge, all locked up and forbidden, but what he didn’t anticipate was to find you on the way there, slumped on the floor and with your back pressed against the railing. it was long past midnight. he also knew it hadn’t been long since your last turn at the crow’s nest. 

“i switched with nami,” you explained to him as soon as he took the spot next to you. 

“why?” he pressed on, wide, widening eyes tracing the contours of your face. “is she sick?”

you told him that no, she’s fine, i just didn’t feel like going to bed today. 

“are you sick?” he tried again. 

a couple of beats later, you shook your head, hinted at a smile. luffy was your ear, just as much as you were his, but he was your captain too, and the last thing you’d want was to burden him with thoughts which were likely to crawl away with the sunrise. 

“i’m good,” your cheekbones ached under the heaviness of your eyes. “a little restless, maybe.”

the ship creaked and hummed through these seas you recognised too well. you stared at the sails, pulling at the ropes to keep the ship on its path, hopelessly trying to find the straw hat jolly roger, or at least its shadow, something, in the dark. knowing where you were headed would have you going back and forth the deck like a caged beast, vicious and unrested, but reminding yourself that this time would be different, you were different, at least permitted some air into your lungs. 

then your focus fell to the front of your shoes, and you saw it, a head wearing a straw hat outstretched across the floor. luffy’s hand was warm when he placed it on top of yours. 

“it’s alright,” he said, his voice soft and throaty. “you don’t have to tell me anything. you’re our friend, we’ll be there for you no matter what.” 

it wasn’t like you hadn’t been aware of that before. luffy had made a persistent point out of it ever since the first time you stepped aboard his ship, and he’d kept on saying it, we’ll be there, i’ll be there, with the voice of both a friend and a lover. what you felt thankful for instead was the way he always chose the right moments to say it. a minute passed, and you found yourself dropping into luffy’s lap, arms curling themselves around his waist in a most heartfelt hug. “thank you,” you whispered. it didn’t take long for him to pull you tighter against him, resting his chin upon your head. 

“no need,” luffy said, and he meant it. “now, how are your lockpicking skills?”

hearing this you could only raise a brow. “‘i’m going back to sleep’, is what you meant to say.” what you’d have wanted him to say, had the smile on his face not widened any further. 

“not tonight i’m not,” kissing your head. “and we’re gonna need some meat if we want to maintain our energy for tomorrow.”

⋆ ˚｡༄ zoro

you made it a habit to watch your boyfriend train. for minutes, and then hours, you would sit quietly as beads of sweat rolled off his biceps, muscles tanned and mapped with the vicious throb of his veins as weights were added on. he only realised something was wrong when, one time he felt like pushing his routine a little past the usual hour, you refused to move from your spot, despite the dark circles forming under your eyes and the yawns leaving you each time you opened your mouth. 

when he asked the first question, you tried deflecting it with something clever like the fact that the hotness in the room was your caffeine shot. 

“you’re lying,” he said, tilting his head to the side. the towel thrown around his neck was wet and discoloured. “go to bed.” 

you pretended you hadn’t heard him. 

he asked a second question, “what’s the deal, then?” crossing his arms. “can’t fall asleep by yourself or something?” 

you said nothing. the dimple dug at the corner of his mouth collapsed. 

“oh,” he said after a pause. 

you shrugged, faintly, “it’s just harder that way.”

it was embarrassing to say it out loud. you knew one should never back away from voicing their feelings, and yet, these words felt like downing a pack of spikes on some really bad-tasting pills. 

“alright,” he spoke with so much determination, his voice was thick. soon you noticed zoro’s hands were no longer preoccupied with his towel, nor the metal he’d been staining with sweat about moments ago, but with you, flat and hot around your thighs as he hurled you over his shoulder. “guess it’s time for both to crawl in.” 

the world started moving by itself as zoro carried you up the stairs, and the palms of your hands were chilly, even more so when the strain behind your eyes took to something like guilt.

“sorry,” you said. “didn’t mean to take you from your training.”

yet before the silence would begin to worry you, zoro’s voice scraped the air once again. “nah,” his hand tightened around your waist. “like my master said, ‘the skill of a true swordsman also lies in knowing when to stop’.”

⋆ ˚｡༄ sanji

some nights, sleep caught you the moment your head sunk into the pillow. and there were other nights, like this one, when nothing seemed to do the work for you, swamped in thoughts of all shapes and colours. deeper they dragged you, no matter how much you tossed and turned, or how hard you tried to focus on the nothingness behind your lids. then a meaner one pulled you even further down, quickening the pace of your heartbeat. you turned back to the side, dragging your knees to your chest, but just as you did, a kiss felt its way to your shoulder. 

“dearest,” sanji’s voice was a drowsy breath against your neck. “is everything all right?” 

with this he wrapped his arms around you, thumb moving across your skin, and you gladly accepted it, the care, the affection, enclosing the space between your restless body and the warmth of his chest. 

“got some trouble falling asleep, is all,” you assured him, at which he hummed, still caught somewhere between life and sleep—that one place you currently felt banished from. 

“are you thinking about them, mon coeur?” the movement of sanji’s hand on your skin was unhurried, pleasant. 

you kept your eyes closed. “lately it’s like i can’t think of anything else,” and you weren’t lying this time around.

normally confessions like this one would have rendered your boyfriend a mopey trainwreck, “what have i done to anger you so, oh dear lord, for i have been denied residence in my lover’s heart.” 

this time was different, in subtle ways you couldn’t really place. 

his nose ran a touch across your neck and to your jaw. “let me bring you some tea,” he said eventually. “red tea is best for keeping the bad thoughts at bay.” 

and usually the first thought coming to your head after this would have escaped you as less demanding and more like a thing of habit, “please don’t trouble yourself for me.” but tonight you were different too, face cold and hands shaky and exhaustion setting a feverish fog inside your head. 

you pressed your cheek against him. “no,” you said. “don’t leave me alone.” 

sanji settled a leg over your hip, held you tighter. “no leaving then,” a peck on your temple. “and you can fall asleep thinking about the breakfast i’ll be making tomorrow morning.”

[pomegranatelifethis]

What does it matter?

Stark Tower was as lively as ever. My father—Tony Stark—was locked away in his lab, creating who knows what. Pepper was busy handling business, and the Avengers were out saving the world.

And me?

I was the most invisible member of the team. Sure, my last name was Stark, but to my father, it was as if I didn’t exist. Since I was little, I had been raised by nannies. On my birthdays, Tony was always too busy. Sometimes, he even forgot Christmas. To him, I was just a biological fact, nothing more.

Today was no different. Wandering around the tower, I found myself in the training room. I was trying to practice on the punching bag, but my movements were sloppy and uncoordinated. Just as I threw another weak punch, I lost my balance and stumbled forward.

“Not bad, but you need to bend your knees more,” a familiar voice said.

I turned to see Steve Rogers watching me with a small smile.

I shrugged. “What’s the point? It’s not like anyone notices anyway.”

Steve frowned. “What do you mean no one notices?”

“My dad,” I muttered. “To him, I don’t exist. It doesn’t matter if I prove myself—he still won’t care.”

Steve studied me in silence before pulling up a chair and sitting down. “You know, I used to feel the same way. Back in the war, I thought I had to prove myself. But I learned that it’s not about how others see you—it’s about how you see yourself.”

Before I could respond, another voice interrupted.

“Hey, is Steve giving you one of his boring life lessons?” Sam Wilson—Falcon—grinned as he leaned against the doorway.

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not that bad.”

“Good,” Sam said, walking over. “Then why don’t you train with us? Want to learn some real combat skills?”

A spark of hope ignited in me. “Seriously?”

Steve nodded. “Of course. You’re part of the team.”

Part of the team? My dad had never said that. But if Steve and Sam did… maybe I wasn’t so alone after all.

From that day on, the Avengers became my family. Steve taught me how to fight, Natasha gave me spy tips, and Bruce helped me with my studies. And Clint? He was always there, supporting me like a real father would.

The only one missing was Tony.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Frisky Friday thot?

You've caught the attention of not one gorgeous blonde, but two at one of Stark's parties. Each charming in their own way, they make room for you to sit between them and offer you a drink. One drink won't hurt.

Right?

Just a Drop

“You are such a buzzkill," Mandy snaps as she untangles the thin strap of her bag. "I'm tryna do something here and you keep whining that you're all alone--" 

You reel at your friend's harshness. She asked you to come. She even said she needed the moral support. After all, how could she go alone to one of Stark's infamous parties. She's so nervous, don't you know? 

"Sorry, but I don't know anyone but you--" 

"It's a party. Get out there," she retorts and pulls out her mirror compact. She checks her lips and flicks her lashes. "Now, if I keep Tony waiting, he's going to find someone else. So go. Plenty of people to mingle with." 

You sniff back your reticence and the sting of her tone. You nod and she spins on her heel and stomps back through the door. You contemplate leaving. Would she notice? Well, if she realises you ditched her, you would have zero friend in the city. 

You look down at yourself. You even let her dress you. The sweater is blush pink with sequins on it, but she was frustrated that it was so baggy. She paired it with a skirt even though it’s cold. She couldn’t lend you any of her clothes because they wouldn’t fit. The one thing she did give you from your wardrobe were the shoes. Heeled booties that make you teeter. 

You make yourself go back into the room. The voices hit you like a sonic wave. Everyone is so cheery and excited to see each other. It’s crowded and chaotic and you have no place there. It’s no different than you’ve felt your whole time in the city. Lost and alone. 

You set to wandering around. You’ll pace away the time until Mandy releases you from this purgatory. You shrink away from the woman you know to be Natasha Romanov. You tried to say hi but she looked at you as if she would swat you away like a gnat. Then there’s the men she’s with; they’re hulking, mean looking figures. 

You fold your arms and try to will yourself into invisibility. Certainly, given a number of your company, that can’t be entirely impossible. You pass behind the couch and something knocks against your elbow as you walk along the leather. 

You recoil and turn to rub your elbow as you watch the man touch his blond hair. Oh no. As he leaned back, you must have bopped him. You cradle your arm and cringe. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” you say as his blue eyes find you. It’s Thor. The god of thunder. He was one that Mandy was sure to point out; a backup plan, she proclaimed. “I didn’t see you.’ 

“Not to worry, lady. My own fault. I was being rowdy and did not think before I threw myself back,” he drops his hands. “I should be honoured to be battered by a woman so enchanting.” 

You blink. You’re not sure if he’s mocking you. Sometimes Mandy’s compliments turn out not to be. The man beside him glances back too. Oh, Steve Rogers. 

“Hey, you seem lonely,” he says, “who’d you come with?” 

“Oh, uh,” you look around. You don’t see Mandy. “A friend.” 

“A friend?” He echoes. 

“Yeah, but I don’t know where they went...” you trail off. 

“How improper of us, Rogers,” Thor reaches over to muss Steve’s hair before he stands. He turns and faces you over the couch, “my lady, I present to you Steve Rogers of Brookland.” 

“Brooklyn--” Steve corrects. 

“And it is I, Prince Thor of Asgard,” he touches his own chest as he booms, “would you do us the honour of joining us for a drink?” 

“Oh, a drink?” You squeak in surprise. “I hate to impose--” 

“Impose? We could use the company,” he assures you and waves you around. “Rogers, make room, you lump.” 

“Lump?” Steve mutters, though there’s a lilt of humour in his voice. 

You hesitate, swaying, then come around the long leather sofa. You don’t want to be rude. Especially to them. And it’s exactly what Mandy told you to do; mingle. 

Steve stands as you approach and gestures you down to the cushion between them. Thor remains on his feet as the other man sits with you. You peek over at the captain then up at the prince. 

“I’ll fetch us a round,” Thor declares. “I shall be fleet.” 

He turns and struts off. You stare after him and twiddle your fingers nervously. Your eyes skitter around. What do you say? 

“Not a big fan myself but Tony loves these things,” Steve says.  

“Oh, yeah, I’ve never... I don’t go to many parties.” 

“Well, you’re not missing out on much. I always end up dragging out the punchiest moron in the room. Unfortunately, that’s often my buddy.” He points and you follow it to the dark-haired man with Natasha; Bucky Barnes. 

“Oh, right,” you murmur. “That’s... too bad.” 

“He doesn’t even have a good excuse. They don’t serve anything he can get drunk on,” he snorts. 

Thor returns, giving you a start. He sets down three glasses on the low glass table across from you. “My lady,” he says and turns to sit, his weight shifting the couch. “The bar man says it is something fizzy. I can’t be certain,” he explains. “Rogers,” he turns to look at his cohort, “I’ve brought some of my home brew...” 

“Of course you did,” Steve scoffs. 

Thor reaches under his jacket and slips out a small flask. It’s gold and round, with elaborate patterning in it. He twists the cap and you feel a tug on your sweater.  

“I like this, it’s pretty,” Steve says. 

“Oh, uh, thanks.” 

“Yes, very becoming,” Thor adds as he pours into one glass, “and for you, Rogers.” He trickles more into another.  

You turn and look at the clear, bubbly drinks. Thor tucks away the flask and grabs two. He hands one to you. Rogers reaches for the third. 

“Thank you,” you accept the cold glass. 

“Skol,” Thor raises his glass. 

“Cheers,” Steve mirrors him. 

You look between them, feeling smaller as you feel their body heat brewing. You just lift your glass higher to let them clink it. You follow their lead, drinking when they do, though you nearly cough it back up. 

“Oh, bubbly,” you cover your mouth. Strong, you think. You don’t have the highest tolerance. 

“How long have you been in New York?” Steve asks, catching you off guard.  

“Oh, just about...” you tally in your head, “one year now.” 

“Wow, newbie,” he comments. You take another drink, just for something to do. 

“As am I,” Thor adds. “I do miss home but I like your planet too.” 

You nod and sip again. 

“Have you been to this place, Central Park?” Thor asks. “I was lost for a whole day.” 

“Imagine that, a whole god, lost,” Steve laughs. 

“Eh, I was off duty,” Thor argues. 

They banter back and forth and you’re all too happy to fade into the leather. You slurp tentatively. Mandy is still elusive. You suppose she managed to snare her game but what about you? 

As your eyes flit around the room, it seems to rock. You lurch forward in a sudden bout of dizziness and lean forward to put the glass down. You miss the table but the glass is caught from underneath. Thor takes it and puts it on the table. The ice hits the glass. You drank it all without realising. 

“Thirsty,” he remarks as you slouch forward. He pushes you back and Steve help eases you against the cushion, “are you feeling it?” 

“How much did you put in hers?” Steve hisses. 

“Just a drop,” Thor assures, “never worry, Rogers, I know as I am doing.” He pets your forehead as your head falls back under its own weight. You blink at the ceiling as your body slackens. “My lady, never fret. We are heroes, we will take good care of you.” 

[sptha]

"I'm here, I am always going to be here."

Wanda Maximoff x reader

summary : Wanda, the new recruit found comfort in you which went to far one night and you ended up naked in her bed. but you had no regrets.

Her vision went blurry as the last of the grenades had been thrown, her hearing was just loud ringing and everything was in slow motion. Wanda's legs was cut and her hands were covered in dirty from the ground, She was just trying to get somewhere safe but nothing would protect her from the explosions.

You ran around the battlefield trying to find the young girl, Wanda Maximoff was only 18 so she was still very young, you had been trying to protect Wanda from everything that had been happening but she got dragged in because her brother.

at first the girl was against you, she tried using her powers to manipulate you but it didn't work and just ended up mind manipulating clint who was beside you. But the more you followed her and looked into her, you noticed that she was just a scared teenager looking for a safe space.

You welcomed her into the team - which took some convincing - and she was more than welcome to join, the others stood clear of her so you were the only one who actually took notice of her as a human being. the rest just dismissing her as a hydra weapon waiting to explode. Which you yelled at them for because that is exactly what you was at one point, and how Tony helped group of terrorists by giving them bombs, and how Natasha was from the red room which was a place they mind controlled people - which was a low blow because it wasn't her choice.

You got close to Wanda, she opened up to you about her childhood and how she slept in shelters to keep safe and how her brother stole food just so they could eat. She also explained how she waited 3 days to die from a bomb that said 'stark' which broke your heart in many different ways. Wanda was just an innocent girl mixed in with the wrong people, once you got to know her she was an amazing girl. Funny, smart, her personality was amazing, she was also very beautiful which made you have a small crush on her but you didn't do anything about it since you were almost 27 and she was only 18.

You found the girl trembling on the rubble of the battle field, You gently touched her back and her eyes were red along with her fingers glowing a bright red, She was scared. "Wanda?" You asked, she looked at you and kept looking around as if she was waiting to be saved still. "Hey I'm going to get you to a safer spot, okay?" She didn't respond, just kept looking around.

You picked her up and moved her into a small building that was only a few meters behind you, you placed her on the floor and cupped her face, "Y/n?" her voice was small and tired, You answered with a 'yes' but before she could talk more the girls eyes shut and her body went limb.

"Wanda? hey no no." You hurried to check her breathing and she was still breathing, she must have just passed out which was not that bad. at least she wasn't in pain. You protected her vulnerable body from all the robots who tried to harm her, Ultron was trying to kill us and that's why the explosions were happening.

You were surrounded but didn't give up, Instead it only made you fight more. You were probably not going to survive but for her, that was okay. You were ready to die for the young girl. You shot most of them but when your gun ran out of bullets you were trapped, the only thing you had was your fists and it wasn't good enough. Luckily Steve saw and his shield was thrown in your direction, You grabbed it and swung it hard against their necks making their heads fly off and oil to spill everywhere. "Thanks rogers." You threw his shield back and he nodded.

"Get her to the ship, her brother is waiting." He said, You nodded, "Here take this." He passed back his shield and you had never felt so honoured before, you had captain Americas shield.

You made it back to the ship where Pietro and Natasha were sat, waiting for something, "What happened?" He asked as he ran over to his sister that you placed on the seats on the ship, you sat down and moved her head onto your lap.

"Explosion I think, I don't really know." You sat there with the shield on your arm, you were tired and defeated because you couldn't keep her safe.

Nat looked up and saw the robots coming towards the ship, "oh shit." There were hundreds of them, You quickly started to swing at them. Natasha and Pietro helped you as well, Piet was speeding around and just ripping their heads off while Nat shot them in the chest and they 'bled' out - oiled out (get it) - once they all started to go away Natasha got an order of flying the ship away so they could blow up sakovia with all the robots on and Ultron.

She took the order but waited for Steve and clint to get onto the ship, along with Bruce who found his own plane because he pulled a robot out of one and stole it basically.

you got back to the compound and went with Wanda to medical, You stuck by her side for hours and even all night to wait for her to wake up. You only slept for an hour but woke up because Wanda's heart rate rose by 1 beat.

Natasha visited you in the morning and gave you some food, Just a simple granola bar, "Thanks." You told her, She watched you and studied how your eyes never left the girls face.

"Y/n." You hummed, "Your a good person." That was the last thing she said before squeezing your shoulder and leaving the room, more time passed and only Pietro had visited a few times because he had school and missions.

It was around 7pm and you were still waiting, you took your eyes off her for a few seconds to change the channel on the small tv in the corner of the room. "Tony can pay billions for a big building and his suits but can't get a good TV or Netflix" you mumbled to yourself as you flicked through until you found a 90's show that you saw Wanda watching once.

Wanda loves old shows, You caught her watching one at midnight because you had a nightmare and she was still awake. You sat with her and spoke to her about your nightmare, and in that moment with her head on your shoulder you had forgotten what your nightmare was even about. All you could think about was her.

"Y/n?" A raspy voice said, her hand squeezed yours and your head quickly turned in the direction of the girl. You perked up when you saw she was awake, She was looking at you and a smile was left on her face.

You brought her hand to your lips and left a small kiss, "Your awake, I'm so glad your not hurt." She smiled and you slapped her arm playfully, "You scared me."

She giggled but it quickly died down after a few seconds, "I'm sorry."

You frowned, "For what?"

"For the mess I made, I should have never gone to Ultron." You shook your head, it wasn't her fault, none of it was her fault.

You squeezed her hand slightly and looked at her, "None of this was your fault, none of it. Ultron was an out of control being, either way he wanted to kill us. It's not your fault Wanda." You reassured her, she nodded before tapping the space beside her.

You laid next to her as she moved to make space for you, her head was resting on your chest as she fell asleep again. You soon fell asleep as well because you were exhausted. a few hours later when Natasha was going to check in on you, she found you and Wanda cuddling asleep and she just smiled before leaving.

A few days passed and Wanda got better, there was nothing seriously wrong with her it was just the explosion which made her body shut down. It was midnight again and you were going to the kitchen for your annual calm down after a nightmare, but today you didn't have a nightmare you just woke up and wanted a drink.

As you walked back down the hall to you room, you heard noises coming from Wanda's room, You knocked, "Wanda?" She didn't answer so you opened her door to find her asleep, she was mumbling something in her sleep. You didn't want to pry but you were worried, You walked further in and saw her forehead was face and neck was sweaty. She was having a nightmare. "Wans?" You spoke in a soft voice in case she woke up in a panic, you didn't want to scare her.

You placed your hand in her hand and she opened her eyes, she sat up in an instant and her breathing was uneven and heavy, "you okay?" You asked, she looked at you and calmed down.

"It happened again, the same nightmare about my parents, about Pietro dying.. about you dying." her voice broke as she said the last part, You cupped her cheek and found her eyes.

"Wanda, I'm here, I am always going to be here." You told her, she nodded and you let go of her hand to pick up your drink you sat down and offered her it. it was cold water so it would help. "Here, drink this and try to sleep again."

You wiped her forehead with the sleave of your shirt and left a small kiss on her head before standing up and going to walk out, her eyes followed you and her hand grabbed yours, "Stay.. Please." You nodded and stayed with her, She slept in your arms and you slept in hers.

A lot of nights ended up with her in your arms and you didn't mind one bit, you didn't mind being her comfort person but it did leave you wondering if she felt the same about you. You were in love with her but you didn't know if she felt the same.

Natasha had caught you staring at Wanda throughout the night, It was Tony's celebration party for the battle you won. You was leaning on the bar with a beer in your hand, Wanda was talking to vision who she looked uncomfortable so you took one last swing at your drink before walking over to them.

"Vision I don't want to dance." she told him, He insisted it again so you smiled at vision.

He rolled his eyes, "Mind if I steal her?"

"I do mind." He gritted his teeth, you frowned at his sudden urge of aggression towards you.

Wanda's hands hooked around your arm and vision saw this, "I suggest you walk away vision." Steve said behind him, the robot gave up and walked away towards the bar.

Wanda smiled at you and you returned the smile, "Do you want to dance?" She asked, you nodded and led her to the dance floor.

The rest of the night was a blur, the many shots became to much for your brain and the next morning you woke up with a massive headache and a heavy feeling on your chest. You didn't want to wake up so you just stayed laying down with your eyes shut, There was a vanilla in the air which reminded you of Wanda.

You shot up and saw the girls head on your chest, "oh shit." You whispered to yourself, You checked your body and you were naked. Both of you were naked, You stared to long at her body so you mentally slapped yourself.

She began to stir, and she noticed your worried face, "What?" She asked, not bothered by the fact her leg was and her head was on your naked chest.

You gestured between you and her, "What happened?" You asked, she giggled.

"You don't remember?"

then it hit me like a ton of bricks, the dancing, the drinks, the truth or dare games, the way you admitted everything and ended up running to her room and that led to you waking up here. "Oh my god, I was so drunk."

She looked worried now, "Did you mean it?" She asked, you cupped her cheek with your hand and nodded.

You left a soft kiss on her lips, "I meant every word."

silence fell on the both of you and then she sat up so her body was on full display for you, "round 2?"

"Yes please."

[catfishkisser]

Lord of the Flies Prompt List (Mild TW mentioned/implied topics)

-What if the island wasn’t tropical

-What if the boys (aged up) were actually in the military on their way to war when they crashed

-The beast was actually real

-When the boys are eventually rescued, they don’t return to England. Instead, they are sent to America as war continues

-(my friend gave me this one) When the officer lands, he does not speak English

-A natural disaster hits the island

-The boys, rather than pigs, turn to the water for food

-Simon isn’t the one that dies that night

-What if the boys got rescued before anyone (but poor mulberry boy) died?

-Disease strikes the boys

-Jack was always the chief

-It wasn’t Roger that killed Piggy

-Modern AU

-Simon isn’t the only one the Lord of the Flies ‘talks’ to

-Cannibalism.

-One of the boys, thanks to the impromptu landing, is left with an injury that will stick with them for years

-What if there were predators on the island?

-Simon can see the future (because he’s not beating the prophet allegations with this one boys)

-The plane doesn’t end up crashing into the water, it very much stays on the island (dead pilot time)

-British boys weren’t the only ones there

-Character(s) break the fourth wall but are really bad at doing it

-Ralph’s kind of experience on a farm helps to start a little garden

-all the boys were the same age

-The officer doesn’t believe Jack was trying to kill Ralph

-Explore Roger’s state of mind throughout the book

-This wasn’t Simon’s first seizure and it’s definitely not the last

-They find the body of Unnamed Mulberry Boy rest in peace(s)

-They get fallout from nuclear warfare

-An enemy captain finds the island first

-The parachuter was still alive when he landed

-Messages in bottles

-Phobias

-Surprising or not, Jack does NOT want to go home.

-Famine

-Debris from the war washes up

-The biguns contemplate what awaits them after their hypothetical rescue

-This happens during the first world war

-Ralph goes into foster care after being rescued

-A lot less boys survive the island. Explain.

-The Painted Faces Possess. There Is Much More To Fear Than The ‘Beast’.

-The boys never get fire

-Alternatively, the boys become much more civilized under Piggy’s ruling

-Ralph and Jack enter a partnership. Ralph is the level-headed and rational thinker, Jack has the voice and quick thinking. Jalph shippers go wild

-Describe the conversation between Jack and Simon’s guardian and Roger and Piggy’s Auntie.

-Ralph’s father does actually search for them.

-There are snakes

-What is the littluns point of view for through this?

-How do Sam and Eric feel during the rescue and/or hunt?

-Simon comes across the remains of the piglets (the lord of the flies babies)

-Disease does not affect the boys, but the island’s flora

-Disease does not affect the boys, but the island’s fauna

-Acid rain

-Prehistoric remains are found

-Ralph starts enforcing his rules with violence

-The island changes them in more ways than one

-It’s a different animal they are hunting

-Piggy has an asthma attack

-The biguns go through Uncomfortable Island Puberty TM

-Jack’s tribe leans more into cultic behavior. Now, they worship and sacrifice to the Beast

-Simon successfully tells them the truth of the ‘Beast’

-Out of every boy on the island, Jack feels the most guilt in the aftermath. Especially when Ralph is found drowned in a cow trough.

-The littluns start their own tribe

Added 4/22/25:

-Explore the fate of Piggy’s parents

-What was (any of) the boys life like before the island?

-In a dire attempt to keep the boys in order, Ralph turns to religion

-The boys aren’t going to wait for rescue to get off the island

-They weren’t the first humans to wash up on that island

-There are caves beneath the island, going down miles and centuries

-Jack never meant for things to go so far. But now, with the weight of his own deeds, he can’t stop.

-The littluns are the only mature ones

4/23/25: some fantasy prompts to explore more supernatural themes

-Mermaid AU

-Fantasy creatures inhabit the island

-Do something magical with the conch I guess

-The boys get animal mutations

-the war was a government cover up for an active alien invasion the boys experience first hand.

(sorry these seem really vague or bland I’ll fix and update more as I go)

If you do use any plz don’t credit I don’t own ideas but plz plz PLEASE tell me if you do end up posting anywhere so I can read it

[judesmoonbeauty]

Chaotic Night: William Rex

☾ CW: Gore, Blood - Just a smidge. ☾ MDNI: Brief, heavily suggestive theme. This is a fan translation. 100% accuracy is not guaranteed. Cybird owns everything. Thank you so much for your support, and I hope that you enjoy the story! ☾.

— Rained poured into the empty room.

A deep crimson rain, deeper than any ruby.

Amidst this, he walked while humming a tune along with the screams of anger and pain.

He laughs, not minding that the raindrops are sullying this body,

It’s so beautiful, it’s otherworldly…….

As if by some mysterious magnetism, I can’t take my eyes off him.

(Ahh……)

(…..How beautiful.)

— A few hours before.

The appearances of the cursed changed due to the “Queen of the Night” extract being mixed in because of Roger.

(Everyone looks different. Will is -)

William: Kate, is there anything wrong with your body?

Kate: Nope, I’m fine. But…Will, your head….!

Will had horns springing from his head. The curved horns that grew skyward were a gorgeous jet-black color.

William: …..It seems I took on this appearance thanks to the Queen of the Night extract.

Kate: Do you feel any pain in your body…?

William: I don’t feel any pain….but, I’m not pleased that I can’t lay my head in your lap.

Kate: I’m sorry. If I had been more alert, I could’ve prevented the contamination…

William: …No, you don’t need to apologize.

William: I was aware that Roger purposely placed the bottle on the table.

Kate: What?

(If that’s the case, why did Will just take the medicine….)

Kate: Will, you took the medicine because you trust Roger, right?

William: Indeed. …..Roger is a man who views us as prime test subjects.

William: Most likely, the Queen of the Night extract’s safety was tested on one person beforehand.

William: It’s been proven safe, and Roger’s cursed research is progressing,

William: There’s no reason not to cooperate. Wouldn’t you agree?

(William knew all of this, and still consumed the contents….)

(….There was no need for me to worry, or fret.)

Will accepted everything knowingly, and while I was relieved, at the same time a stain spread across my heart.

But, before I could realize what that stain was, Will smiled with a suggestion.

William: Just as our appearance has changed, so the strength of our curses have increased,

William: Don’t you think it’s a good night for condemnation?

Hearing that a criminal group who commits heinous deeds was holding a costume party on Halloween night,

William wore his horns, and I wore a simple costume.

—With that, the evil king’s condemnation began.

William: Those who’ve committed murder, must end their lives the same way.

Will’s cursed power and sins have amplified due to ingesting the extract for the Queen of the Night,

It became possible for him to exercise his ability on any who heard his voice, without looking in their eyes.

Will brings about death after death, as I walk along the hall with him.

William: Cut off the head of the subordinate you committed a crime with.

William: Shoot the vital points of the comrades you don’t like.

Chaotic, whimsical death sentences.

It’s likely that limiting the targets and killing them off slowly, is to instill terror and despair.

— And then, gleaming silver blades cut off chunks of flesh, and bullets pierce bodies from all angles.

Each time, dark red petals spray out, and rain down incessantly.

William: ~♪

As voices of pain and anger echo….William happily hums a tune.

However, the people realized this was something unusual, and started attacking us as we mixed in.

William: Those who try to harm us, should switch targets to their own companions.

With those words, the murderous intent aimed at us shifted to other people.

(Oh……)

(…..How beautiful.)

The fear I felt in my heart when I first saw these deeds, was no longer there.

I thought he was beautiful as he laughed while covered in blood.

William: I’m growing bored with these same deaths. It’s about time to end this.

William: Those who lament their own powerlessness in the face of my power….slice your throat.

As soon as the remainder heard Will’s voice, they picked up their weapons and held them against their necks.

The cruel act of the Queen of Hearts, is to decapitate them,

It will likely make headlines, and will be something to be feared by criminals.

However, they weren’t the only ones to respond to his voice —

(Huh……?)

—My hand moved involuntarily and grabbed the cold, gold knife I had hidden in my clothes.

Kate: …..

I comfortably held the knife to my throat, with my own hand.

I tried to ask Will for help, but my voice wouldn’t sound.

(This can’t be….! What should I do…like this…..)

Even as my hand shook at the fear of my impending death,

Perhaps, because of the power the curse had over my body, I didn’t drop the knife.

The blade of the knife glowed as it slowly tried to dig into my skin.

Just as I was on the verge —

William: ….I did not give you that knife to harm yourself with. Kate,

William grabbed my arm, stopping the knife from advancing.

Kate: W-ill……I…..

William: ….When I gave the order, I said, “Those who lament their own powerlessness in the face of my power.”

William: Do you feel powerless?

When I was asked that question, I remembered what happened at the castle before arriving at the venue.

[Flashback Begins]

William: It’s been proven safe, and Roger’s cursed research is progressing,

William: There’s no reason not to cooperate. Wouldn’t you agree?

(William knew all of this, and still consumed the contents….)

(….There was no need for me to worry, or fret.)

[Flashback Ends]

At that time, the identity of the stain that dropped into my heart, was a sense of powerlessness.

Kate: William, you can perceive everything, and your ability is heightened, you’re flawless……

Kate: I started thinking that maybe I didn’t need to worry….or try to protect you.

This led to my sense of powerlessness, which led to my listening to Will’s order.

William: Kate. I am a human being.

William: ….Since I am dressed like this today, perhaps that doesn’t go without saying.

As if to loosen up my stiffened heart, Will points to his horns saying this jokingly.

William: Since we’re human, there are good times, and there are bad times.

William: I just so happened to be in a good mood today, I don’t know what tomorrow brings.

William: In these uncertain days...do you really think that I don't need you from now on?

Kate: That’s….

Kate: …I don’t think that.

Kate: I want to say that there will be days that I can be your strength, Will……

The same time I said that, my grip loosened on the knife and it fell on the spot.

Perhaps, because my sense of powerlessness vanished, the effectiveness of the order ceased.

Will picks up the fallen knife and puts it back in my hand.

William: …I think so too.

William: I, need you. Kate, my beautiful and brave knight.

At the words of my loved one, the stain in my heart disappeared.

Then we kissed like we were drawn to each other.

Kate: Will….., no, more…..!

After completing our mission and returning to our room, Will immediately embraced me.

Like my body was saying what it needed, I was repeatedly pushed to the highest heights, until I let out whimpers.

William: …Really? If that’s the case, I’ll stop going so deep.

Will moved his hips to gently thrust into my shallow area, the stimulation was weaker, and it was frustrating.

Kate: Don’t, be mean…..

William: Wasn’t it “no more”.

Kate: ~~, It’s not no more.

Even though Will knows everything, he still wants me to say it though it’s embarrassing.

At that moment, I suddenly realized.

(Before on the mission, I almost died by Will’s order…..)

(Will would never do anything to put me in danger)

(Also, Will notices things my own heart isn’t aware of….)

(Maybe that order was meant to draw out my weakness, and resolve it)

William: …It seems like you’re thinking of something other than no more.

Kate: It’s about you, Will.

William: Hm? Then, I’ll listen, Kate.

William: To everything you think and feel…..

[Event Master List] Dividers: @.saradika-graphics/@.natimiles

Tags: @sh0jun @theimaginativelyreticent @sapphire-323 @letter-from-afar @nateko Please comment below if you wish to be included in translations!

This is only my second William translation....it's a learning curve, but I hope I didn't do too bad. They are mad about each other!

[callalillywrites]

Made up fic title: Pocket Flowers

Based on this ask meme.

It took me a bit to figure out how I wanted this to go, but I knew instantly who it belonged to. It's this guy ⬇️ and it's a little bit angsty but there's some sweetness mixed in.

Pocket Flowers

Steve's been a true gentleman since he was the littlest of little guys. His mama made sure of that.

Since he could remember, he'd pluck out the scraggliest and scrawniest flowers he'd find between the cracks in the sidewalk during whatever adventure he'd find that day. Those flowers would go into his pocket until it was time to go home, then he'd present them to his tired but sweet mama. He knew, even then, how much and how hard she worked to provide all she could for him. The flowers were the least he could do.

The tradition continues well into his young adult years, including those where she's secluded at the hospital when she contracts TB and must remain confined. He finds a way to get them to her each day, just so she might smile once that day.

Even after she dies and before he's recruited into the army, he would visit her grave on a regular basis to give her whatever flowers he's tucked into his pocket. Just for her. Just as he always has.

After the serum and everything with the army, his attention shifts to Peggy, but it's not a tradition he actually starts with her. It's not that he doesn't want to, but she doesn't seem the type to appreciate the simple gesture.

So it kinda just stops for a while.

He goes into the ice and comes out to a changed world. It's a world that he's trying to navigating to the best of his ability. Sure, he's making friends and making smaller connections where he can, but it's really not the same as it was before. It never can be again. Not truly.

During one of his trips through the city after spending some time at the Retreat, he finds himself a little listless and restless, seeking some type of connection he can call his own again.

He's traveling down one of the many streets he used to frequent during his younger days in Brooklyn when he comes across a small flower shop. It's the flyers taped to the windows that draw him in first. Each one promises the prettiest pocket flower designs he's ever seen. They almost look like someone painted them with the minutest details shown so clearly.

It's not even really a clear thought that has him stepping inside, his curiosity piquing.

Your sweet voice is a close second as its sweet melody calls out to him from deeper in the shop. He follows it until he comes upon you where you're working at the little table you've set up for yourself and all your designs. Several arrangements, big and small, surround you, but it's your sweet smile that has him closing the distance between you.

You share some small talk before you ask him what he's looking for.

When he flounders a bit but eventually points at one of your flyers, your smile turns into a pleased grin. You even go so far to hold out the one you'd been working on. Stepping away from your work area, you approach him and nod towards the breast pocket of his leather jacket.

His cheeks are bright pink even as he can't help staring at your hands. They're beautiful as they work, placing the small bouquet just so in his pocket. The soft fragrance of the flowers had him taking a deep inhale as old, bittersweet memories slammed into him.

Yet, even as they made their presence known, they mixed with the present. They brought with them a bit of hope that maybe not everything was different. Maybe he could find his footing again. Maybe, just maybe, he might find love in this new world and find it someone as sweet as you.

*****

Okay, this one went a bit longer than I thought it would, but I do hope you enjoy it. I did try to make this one more of a generic reader, but I'm not sure how well I succeeded. I'm a little out of practice. But, I had a lot of fun writing this one out. Thank you for sending me the title. 💖

Steve Rogers Masterlist | Main Masterlist

[blingblong55]

Mistake -141

Based on a request:

I've got a request for you! I got lost in my thoughts and thought of a prompt so sorry if it's a bit jumbled lol So it's like a wrong place wrong time kind of thing where the reader is mistaken for an enemy, and taken to the base. Maybe interrogated a bit before the 141 are told they have the actaul enemy on they way to them and they're like 'then who tf is this....oh shit....'

GN!Reader, angst, civilian!reader, mentions of torture.

141, one of the best military groups the British military has. As always, they have a target to chase after, this time it's in a small town. Their informant let them know it would be a person dressed in a completely different attire than they were used to. You happened to be walking back from your boring job when you passed their location.

"Bravo 0-6, we have eyes on the target," Gaz said over the radio. "Roger that," Price responded, Within seconds you felt as if someone was chasing you. And having that you watched a crime documentary the night before, you quickly thought of a way out. You walked normally but stayed in well-lit areas. The men thought you were just trying to play along with your facade. "Don't let 'em get away," Soap said from his location, his snipe pointed at you. You grabbed your pocket knife and held it in your hand. You walked faster towards a more public road. "Quick, Ghost!" Price ordered. You heard footsteps getting closer and closer.

You ran away, not daring to look back once. You took many detours until you were close to a nearby church, Church service had started but before you could even reach it, Ghost tackled you. "Don't hurt me!" you told him, your hands held high. He took your knife away and pointed his gun at your head, "Why the hell were you running?" You tried to stay calm but two other men approached you, Gaz and Price with their own guns pointed at you. "Soap, you got visual?" Price asked over the radio. "Yes, Sir" was the response, a red dot on your chest. You panicked.

"No please, you are mistaken." your desperate voice pleaded. "That's what they all say." Price growls and Gaz and Ghost drag you back to their temporary base. The entire way there, you cried and begged to be let go. "You have the wrong person, please I'm innocent!" you cried. Soap aggressively cupped your face, "Yer shut the fuck up, ye hear me?"

At base, they threw you to a mattress in an empty room. Wrists tied to the other, ankles tied as well. Your teary face looking at them. Your body is littered with lacerations. Limbs are weak but they wouldn't stop hitting you. You cry, "Please...I beg of you...please stop this" You receive another punch to the abdomen. "Don't you understand we will keep this up, you fucking killer." Gaz held a knife to you. Over the radio, the Delta team came on. "Bravo six, this is Delta 0-5, how copy?"

"This is Bravo six," Price said, his eyes piercing yours. "We found 'em, and are on our way back to base." Ghost gave Price a questioning look. Both men stepped outside of the room, leaving the two sergeants with you. "What do you mean you have the person with you, Delta Five?"

"All features you told us to look for, this person has it and they have admitted to being the subject."

"Fuckin' 'ell." Ghost murmured and rushed inside. "Sergeants, step away." He commanded. "Ghost they are talking now."

"Step away from the civilian, Soap," he advises and approaches you with caution. He kneels in front of you and unties you, "Are you alright?" He asks you with a soft tone. You were too weak to move, all you could do was stare. Whimpers of pain filled the room once Price walked back in and took a look at the injuries they had caused. "C'mon, we have to rush them to the medics." Your vision blurred. In all his years of being a soldier, Price had a day he regretted the most. And that was today, hurting an innocent, treating them as if they were the scum of the Earth. What fucked him up the most? The fact you died on the bed of the medical tent. Your body is weak, blood on the floor and how you died innocent and young, a poor civilian taken hostage, begging to be let out and no one heard.

That day, Task Force 141 lost another piece of their sanity, another stitch with emotions and another shattered glass to the oath they took to protect civilians. Ghost added you to his book of names, the list of all those he lost to war, by his hands, or by the cruelty his job brought. Another soul that Gaz ripped away because of orders, ones he always followed without question. Soap, the one who had the most blood on his hands, now regretted not listening to his instincts.

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday - Introductions

A/N: Entirely written on my phone. Apologies for errors!

A/N2: This chapter is mainly an introduction to the setting and the majority of the characters. It'll be different readers for each character (give or take).

Ok, first day, very important to not make an idiot of yourself. That's been your internal mantra for the entire commute. You've been really hoping it'll help you out today.

You've gotten a ticket to take to IT for your new work laptop but you got lost trying to find your way there. You look around at the signs, trying to figure it out when someone gently coughs to get your attention. Turning you see a tall, lean man with short blondish brown hair and light blue eyes.

"Do you need some help?" His accent and soft tone help soothe your nerves.

"Um..." you hesitate. "I'm, I'm trying to find the IT department?"

His eyes widen as he smiles, "you must be the new hire." You nod and he holds out his hand, "I'm Jonathan, manager of the IT department. I'll show you the way."

He talks as he guides you to the one section of the building you hadn't been to yet.

"Here is our own little corner of the world," Jonathan gestures around the open area. "For a new employee you're going to want to talk to Jake." He points to a young man with spiky hair, glasses and a goatee who's talking on the phone.

"Ain't gonna happen for a while." A large bear of a man with a beard and a bald top, wearing a Lynyrd Skinner shirt steps towards you. "He's helping that little old lady on the third floor that never remembers her password."

"Ah, yes," Jonathan winces. "She is quite the talker." He looks to you and introduces the second man as Syverson. "We both run the department but Sy is better at managing the employees while I'm better at convincing the higher ups to give us a better budget."

"One of th' smoothest talkers I've ever worked with," Sy grins. "As far as your laptop, you wait right here an' I'll go get from Walter. He's our main hardware guy. Then we'll get...hmmm." He looks around as he ponders.

"Johnny is currently mid battle with that hacker he keeps toying with," Jonathan muses. "How is Ransom's mood today?"

Sy snorts, "same as always. Definitely don't wanna scare the lady away." He snaps his fingers, "Rogers!"

A head pops out of a cubicle, "you call?"

"Got a new employee," Sy explains. "Gonna need you to help her get her laptop setup." Sy turns and heads to where you're guessing Walter is with the hardware you'll need.

You turn back to where Steve was situated and almost jump at seeing him so close. He's huge but you didn't hear him at all! The big and tall blonde man's eyes are shining with enthusiasm.

He holds out his hand and you introduce yourself. "It's nice to meet you. Not a lot of new people around here lately. I work with the designs for our internal programs. Me and Bucky," he gestures back to his cubicle, "work together on the UX and accessibility stuff for the external website."

"That's impressive," you nod, practically hypnotized by his eyes. And his muscles, if you're being honest with yourself.

Sy returns and hands Steve the laptop. "Follow me," Steve smiles as he turns. You try your best to fight the urge to ogle his ass. It's your first day and you don't want to already make a fool of yourself! No matter how handsome these guys are.

Steve takes you through the setup. He's incredibly patient and kind. Plus his voice could keep your attention forever. He's going through some of the standard company security stuff when there's a knock. You both turn and you see a burly man with a beanie and a beard so full you almost miss the lip piercing.

"Hey, Curtis. What's up?"

"Bucky's out getting another coffee," Curtis starts. "Need you to tell him I've got the code worked out for the next update and need him to check the legacy compatibility."

"Sure thing," Steve nods and Curtis heads back to whenever he'd been.

"Don't you have an internal communications thing for this?" You're surprised that someone has to intervene in the communication.

Steve chuckles as he pulls out his phone. "Bucky never responds to work stuff while he's out, even just to a cafe. But there's a time crunch on this and I'm the only person he'll actually check his phone for."

"Oh," is all you can say.

Steve finishes his text and gets back to your training. When you're done you thank him for everything and he blushes a little.

"If you want I can help you with the physical setup at your desk?" He almost looks like he's pleading for you to say yes.

"It won't be a problem? I don't want to get you in trouble."

"Not at all," he assures. "Besides, I don't want to be here for the upcoming Bucky and Curtis debate."

You giggle nervously, "ok. And thank you!"

Tagging @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @late-to-the-party-81; @lokislady82 ; @ronearoundblindly

Also tagging @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory to test if this post is working!

Please let me know if you'd like to be tagged.

[deadtired-highkeyenergetic]

Opposite Sides of the Battlefield

Thank you to @cucumbersouffle for the beautiful angsty art that inspired this fic. Hope you enjoy! (And yes when ideas appear I would like to once again collab with you, if you want to)

Summary: Bucky meets Steve again, this time on the opposite side of the battlefield.

It's all so easy to him. The motions are all the same — inhale, aim, exhale, fire, and his bullets hit their mark. The only difference is that there's an eldritch god in his brain instead of Hydra, and that he's fighting for something he believes in.

His mission this time around is to escort the statue of Bast to its destination and with him are Spiderman, Luna, Mantis, Magneto and the king of Wakanda himself — T'Challa, the Black Panther. The enemy is unknown as of yet, but Bucky is always prepared. He checks Roterstern over, making sure everything works smoothly and bushes a finger over the trigger. The eldritch monster whispers in his mind again, distorted voices hissing something he can't quite make out and he shakes his head, trying to get rid of it.

"Are you feeling alright?" Mantis asks, concerned.

"I'm fine. Focus on the mission." He pushes the voices aside, running through the motions once more. He is one with his weapons, they are but an extension of his body and he's the one in control. He notices Mantis' antennas droop when he looks away but brushes it off. He doesn't need to form connections here, not when his team changes with each mission. He's a soldier, friends are unnecessary.

Spiderman pats Mantis on the back, offering some comforting words that Bucky can't be bothered to listen into. The annoying high-pitched voice of the being called Galacta begins to countdown and Magneto moves to the front. T'Challa stands by the side door after receiving Luna's snowflake and he hangs just behind Magneto, exhaling deeply.

When the door opens, his team spills out of the room and his mind slips back into soldier mode. There is only the mission to complete, and anyone who gets in his way will be removed. He hears T'Challa disappear into the corridor to the right, ready to dive into the enemy's backline and Spiderman swings off to the left to do the exact same thing. Mantis follows T'Challa while Luna follows him and Magneto.

"They have two tanks, Venom and someone I couldn't quite make out." Spiderman's voice comes over his earpiece.

"Noted. I'll keep an eye out." He spies Venom swinging off in the distance and pings the team immediately, keeping an eye on Luna. Knowing Venom, his target is probably her and he needs to keep her alive. Magneto pushes up to the point they need to capture and all hell breaks loose.

Venom dives just behind him and he spins around, unloading his magazine into the black goo as Luna runs towards him, narrowly avoiding a black tentacle. Venom lets out a roar when he launches his tainted voltage, lashing out with more black tentacles that stick to him but Luna quickly heals him back up.

Bucky lets out a grunt of thanks and pulls the mass of black goo towards him before it can escape, unloading more bullets into where he assumes is it's head and slams his metal fist into the slimy mess, grimacing behind his mask when he hears the squelch. He will need to get his arm cleaned after this fight, who knows if anything got inside it and also he really wants to scrub that black goo off him as soon as possible. Venom screeches, scrambling to get away as it regenerates but Bucky hunts him mercilessly, aided by Magneto who has dropped back a little to help and finally lands the hit needed to dispose of the enemy.

"One tank down. Locating the other." He leaves Magneto and Mantis who has rejoined them to capture the point, scouting a little ahead to see if he can spot where the enemy has regrouped. Luna remains behind to heal up T'Challa and Spiderman is hanging out somewhere high above the battlefield, waiting for an opportunity.

"Roger that!" Spiderman chirps, way too enthusiastically for Bucky's taste. The kid is brave for fighting in such a huge war, but a part of him believes that someone like him shouldn't be doing that in the first place. It's a war, not some alley brawl, and consequences are dire. Still, if the kid chose to fight for his universe, then he'll respect that decision. Maybe keep an eye out for the kid whenever he can.

He really is getting soft, isn't he.

He pauses in his tracks, the battlefield is way too silent. This isn't good. He glances up at the sky, half expecting a portal to open up right above the point but there's nothing. Not even after he's stared at the sky for a good few seconds. That's weird. He looks back at the corridor in front of him, mind racing as he tries to predict what the enemy team is up to when suddenly a figure that definitely does not belong to his team appears in the corner of his vision.

Shit.

He whips his head around, Roterstern held at the ready and fires but his bullets bounce off a familiar item, falling to the ground with a 'ping'. His eyes widen when he realises who he's up against, feet rooted to the ground.

Of all people to be up against. It had to be him. He knew, he knew there was always a possibility, the fact that that man would sometimes be on his team meant he could be on the enemy team too. This wasn't the first time he'd gone up against that man, but this was the first time he was all alone with no one to help him.

"I'm sorry, Buck."

His lover — no, an alternate version of his lover stands in front of him, shield held up. His breath catches in his throat and he feels his chest tighten. It never gets easier. Each and every time he faces Steve as an enemy, he struggles to pull the trigger, memories flooding his mind. He can't ever do it properly, the soldier disappears whenever he sees Steve and he feels like a kid in Brooklyn all over again.

Sometimes the enemy Steve can't bring himself to attack either, and they stand there, facing each other until the sound of battle calls them back. When they rejoin the fight, they try to avoid each other, barely making eye contact. None of their teammates ever question it, everyone has their own inner demons and have learnt never to ask about each other's.

His hand trembles, his mind screams but the rest of his body refuse to cooperate. He can see it, the red, blue and white shield inching closer, its edge pressing against his neck, the coolness of the metal. Every instinct howls at him to move, to run, to defend himself but he can't. He just can't.

He can't bring himself to hurt the man he loves again.

"Steve…?" The word almost comes out as a whimper. He can feel the pressure on his throat, it's digging into his flesh and he's starting to find it difficult to swallow. His metal fingers dig into the wall behind him, chest heaving but this Steve doesn't stop. The shield continues pushing into his throat, splitting his skin to reveal the blood that flows beneath and Bucky finds himself panicking harder. He has to run, get out somehow or he's going to die. He knows he will come back to life some seconds later but death still hurts, and his team needs him.

His chest hurts, his breathing heavy behind his mask and tears prick the corners of his eyes. This is not his Steve, he's not hurting the one who means the world to him, but his body still refuses to cooperate with him. His body still refuses to move, to fight back, even on the cusp of death and he can't believe the last thing he'll see is Steve's empty blue eyes.

Steve's eyes are empty.

His mouth opens, but no words come out. Is this it? Is he going to fold like this? Is this how his first death this mission will go?

"Bucky!" A red figure swings into the corridor, landing a right hook on Steve's face which sends the super soldier stumbling backwards. He gasps, the pressure finally lifted from his throat, and coughs. Mantis approaches him, a worried expression on her face and heals him before pulling him out of the corridor, Spiderman swinging behind them.

"We have to retreat!" Mantis calls out. "Pushing the statue takes priority now!"

"Right," he gasps. "The statue."

He can't shake the glassy look in Steve's gentle blue eyes that always flickered with passion and gentleness. It's haunting, and his heart aches every time he thinks about it. What happened that pushed his one and only to the brink? He looks back at the corridor as they run, feeling his heart plummet and forces himself to look forward. He wants to save that Steve, to catch him before he falls but he has a mission that comes first.

That Steve isn't his Steve, they're different people. His mind knows that but his heart still sees them as the same person. He focuses on taking steps forward, towards the statue and grits his teeth. Without Mantis and Spiderman's timely intervention, he would've been dead. He cannot afford to repeat that mistake again, not if he is to successfully complete this mission.

I'm sorry, Steve.

He has to become the Winter Soldier. For the sake of the mission. There can be no distractions.

He cannot save this Steve.

[spidermanifested]

speaking of transfem interpretations for characters presented as men in the source material. one such case i have been stewing in my mind for a while is black sails charles vane

which i realize (hence the big post about it) would probably not be most peoples first assumption because vane is very stereotypically masculine on first blush. youve got the whole rugged individualist sigma male thing going on, the growly voice the immaculately shaped stubble, etc. but: as the show goes on we get more insight into WHY he presents himself that way and it becomes more and more clear that there are two (well, three but we'll get there) major reasons for this

1) his father figures' enduring influence (the conflicting desires to both appease and outdo them, to different levels for each, but both sides of which can only be achieved by performing masculinity The Best),

and 2) the practical need, as a pirate, to be respected and feared by the men following him,

both of which can be boiled down to "we live in a society". and on their own i would just take these parts of his character as an exploration of how gender roles are socially mandated and reinforced, but, unusually for this type of character, he seems very matter-of-fact and self-aware about the reasons hes Doing Masculinity. this is one of his parallels with flint, whos also consciously spinning his motivations through a narrative of cishet machismo to achieve respectability under patriarchy.

obviously to some degree vane IS shown to have internalized the bioessentialist 18th century england view of gender roles ("i can understand a womans desire for domesticity", etc) (and even still! you CAN understand it? interesting wording!). but he doesnt express things like this remotely as often as, say, jack, who repeatedly goes full throttle Boomer Wifejokes Mode when he feels undermined or slighted by a woman, even one he cares about. in contrast vane is quick to empathize with and relate to and even (especially!) project onto the women in his life. he strikes up a weird rapport with abigail; max, a total stranger to him, gets past his selfish crew-appeasing decision to keep her prisoner by appealing to their similarities. its not just that hes attracted to women (though he obviously very much is), he views them as people who are Similar To Him. maybe more similar than men?

the biggest example is his whole relationship with eleanor. hes CONSTANTLY pointing out how alike they are, how much they hate being oppressed by fathers, aka by men. arent you tired of being tied down by gendered expectations? dont you just want to go apeshit? hes constantly trying to pull her out of this box society has built around her but also hyperaware of and seemingly resigned to his OWN box. he identifies with and lives vicariously through her rebellion. shes his strongest and most genuine emotional connection, and not in a woodes rogers "grieving my beloved unlawfully-wedded wife. what do you mean she was a real person who didnt just sit in the corner and knit silently" way, but like, For Real. even if they were ultimately so incredibly bad for each other.

which brings us to the third secret reason he performs masculinity so hard. that connection, his bonds with women (like flint and the Witch Puppetmaster Rumors about miranda) is repeatedly shown to be considered by the men around him to be a weakness– one that might need forcibly correcting if he ever falters from peak masculinity even a little. hes only allowed to continue to explore that side of himself via the narrow avenues of male heterosexuality and social dominance– his actual relationship with eleanor is very equal, he has no desire to dominate her, or... anyone, really? hes super big on just letting his crew do what they want (to the extent where this winds up causing severe issues). but his ability to lead men requires that he put on the show. and even still, he never seems willing to sacrifice the part of his life with eleanor in it no matter how much pressure is exerted on him from men above or below him in the pecking order. SHE is always the one who winds up abandoning him for HER goals.

shes ultimately too caught up on the lie of finally achieving respectability. and, vane is too, just from a different facet of society. his character arc is about confronting that desire, reckoning with it, and discarding it, choosing to follow flint instead of blackbeard.

(meanwhile we have eleanor falling back on the patriarchys narrative in order to dehumanize him before his execution, even though she ALSO grew up without a mothers love. theyre the same, but through her privilege and adjacency to even more privileged men, shes been given all the tools she needs to deny it– at the cost of boxing herself further into her own role. a cost she chooses to pay every time, no matter how much she claims to hate it.)

theres just...... a whole lot of really good commentary about gender in this show. other characters have their own ways of exploring it but normally their sense of displacement within the gender binary is via the lens of queer sexuality, whereas vane is judged mainly for having a relationship to womanhood that goes BEYOND sexual attraction. and i think that while this part of the narrative stands strong on its own without it, a transfem reading would add some fun new layers and make a lot of sense. and i would love to know if anyone else has had the thought that hrt could have. well maybe not saved her. but definitely Helped

my final miscellaneous piece of analysis, is that aside from that one clothes-on nut-and-bolt between miranda and the pastor, which lasted ~5 seconds so it doesnt count. the only mutually passionate sex scenes shown happening on screen, either(?) involve two women, or a woman and charles vane. & like im just saying. for consistencys sake. we could just resolve that one outlier real quick

[brunchable]

The Stakeout: Day 3 || Steve Rogers x Agent!FReader.

Day One | Two | Four Words: 4.2K Themes/Warnings: Unspoken feelings towards each other. Growing tension. Sexual Attraction. Eventual Smut. Being stuck with each other. Summary: You came too close from being compromised by the enemy target and the first idea you could think of was to K-I-S-S Steve. A/N: Ayo . . . We getting close lmfao.

Tags: @lafrone @moviegurl2002 @haruvalentine4321 @blankmoniker

You slept really well. Last night's sleep was different from the cold, restless nights you’ve been enduring—it’s a comforting warmth, the kind that makes you want to stay curled up in bed for just a little longer.

Your eyes flutter open, and it takes you a moment to realize that you’re still cuddling against Steve. At some point during the night, you must have shifted closer, because your head is now resting on his chest, your arm draped across his stomach. His arm is around you, holding you close, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Hm, this is nice.

For a few heartbeats, you just lie there, your mind still groggy from sleep, trying to process the situation. You can feel the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath you, the warmth of his body seeping into yours. It’s nice. Comforting. But as the haze of sleep begins to lift, the realization of just how close you are—how tangled up you’ve become—hits you like a bucket of cold water.

Your eyes snap open fully, and you quickly lift your head, your heart skipping a beat as you realize just how intimately you’re pressed against him. Steve’s eyes flutter open at the sudden movement, for a split second, the two of you just stare at each other, wide-eyed and too stunned to move.

Then, in an unspoken agreement, you both scramble to disentangle yourselves, practically leaping out of bed in your haste to put some distance between you.

“Uh, morning,” Steve mumbles, his voice hoarse from sleep, running a hand through his cow-licked hair. He’s clearly flustered, his cheeks tinged with a faint pink that you’ve never seen before.

“Morning,” you reply, your voice a little too high-pitched as you quickly busy yourself with anything that will distract you from the awkwardness of the situation. 

You smooth down your pajamas, tugging at the hem of your tank, anything to avoid looking at him. The silence that follows is deafening. Out of the corner of your eye, you see him moving around the small apartment, his movements a little too purposeful, as if he’s trying just as hard as you are to pretend that nothing unusual happened. He grabs his coffee mug, but his hands are a bit too shaky, and he nearly spills it as he pours himself a cup.

You decide to follow his lead, grabbing your own mug and pouring yourself some coffee. The routine of it, the familiar motions, help to steady your nerves, but you can still feel the aftershocks of that moment in bed, the way your heart refuses to calm down.

“So,” Steve begins awkwardly, clearing his throat as he finally glances in your direction, though he quickly looks away. “We should probably check in with Fury?” 

You latch onto the change in subject with relief, eager to focus on something—anything—other than the fact that you woke up in his arms. 

“Yeah,” you reply, trying to keep your voice steady. “He probably needs to know the report for yesterday.”

Steve nods, still avoiding your gaze as he takes a sip of his coffee. “Yeah, that’s… that’s what I was thinking too.”

There’s a brief, awkward silence where you both just stand there, holding your mugs like they’re shields against the morning’s awkwardness.

“So, um…” You gesture vaguely with your mug, trying to find something to say that isn’t related to the fact that you woke up in his arms. “I’ll… get dressed?”

“Right, yeah,” Steve says quickly, nodding a little too enthusiastically. “Good idea. I’ll, uh… I’ll do that too. I mean, not with you. Separately. I’ll get dressed separately. In another room. You know what, I'll just turn around.”

You can’t help but laugh at how flustered he sounds. “Steve—”

But he’s already turning his back to you, his posture stiff with awkwardness. “No, no, I’ll just… I’ll give you some privacy.”

You roll your eyes playfully as you reach for your clothes. “You’re a real gentleman, Rogers. Not even gonna sneak a peek?”

Steve nearly chokes on his coffee, his face turning a deeper shade of pink. “I—uh—no! Of course not!”

“Relax, I’m just messing with you. You can turn back around once I’m dressed.” You grin, enjoying how easy it is to fluster him.

“Right, yeah. I’ll just… stare at the wall,” he mutters, clearly trying to regain his composure.

As you change into your clothes, you can’t help but chuckle to yourself at the absurdity of the situation. Here you are, two highly trained professionals, acting like awkward teenagers. It’s almost endearing.

Finally, you finish getting dressed and clear your throat. “Okay, you can turn around now.”

Steve turns back around, looking relieved that the ordeal is over. “Great. I’ll, uh… get ready too.”

You nod, giving him a little more space as he quickly grabs his clothes and starts to change. This time, you’re the one turning away, focusing intently on your coffee as you try not to think about how nice it would be to wake up like that every day.

“So,” Steve says again as he pulls on his shirt, “about checking in with Fury…”

“Yeah, we’ll do that after we… you know, finish getting ready,” you reply, trying to sound casual.

“Right,” he agrees, but then hesitates. “And, uh… about this morning… I just want to say…”

You brace yourself, expecting another round of awkward apologies, but instead, he surprises you.

“It was nice,” he says softly, his voice sincere. “Waking up like that. I mean, not that I—well, you know what I mean.”

You’re caught off guard by his honesty, and for a moment, you don’t know how to respond. But then you smile, feeling a warmth spread through you that has nothing to do with the coffee.

“Yeah, it was,” you mumble, your tone softening. “It was… nice.”

× × × ×

After a quick meal, you found yourselves back at your posts, watching the building across the street with the same careful attention you’d maintained the past few days. The day was quiet, the hours dragging by with little to show for it, and you were starting to think that today would be just as uneventful as the days before.

But then, just after lunch, something changed.You spotted movement in one of the windows of the building you were surveilling. It was subtle, just a shadow passing by, but it was enough to put you both on high alert.

“Did you see that?” you whispered, leaning slightly closer to Steve as you strained to get a better look.

“Yeah,” he replied, his voice low, tense. “Something's about to happen.”

The two of you watched in silence as the door of the building opened, and a man stepped out. He looked around suspiciously, clearly on edge, and you felt your heart rate pick up. This could be it—the moment you’d been waiting for.

But as the man lingered in the doorway, his gaze sweeping the street, you realized something: he was waiting for something—or someone. You exchanged a quick glance with Steve, your stomach twisting with unease. If he saw you, if he realized you were watching, the entire mission could be compromised.

“We need to stay low,” Steve muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. “If he sees us—”

But it was too late. As if sensing your presence, the man’s eyes suddenly snapped to the window where you and Steve were hiding. His gaze zeroed in on you, his expression darkening with suspicion. Your heart stopped, your breath caught in your throat as you locked eyes with him, knowing that you had only seconds to act.

“Kiss me.” You blurted out.

“What?” Steve almost snapped his neck turning his attention towards you.

Panic surged through you, and without thinking, you reached out, grabbing Steve’s shirt and pulling him close. His eyes widened in surprise, but he didn’t resist. You had to do something—anything—to divert the man’s attention before he realized what you were really doing.

Acting purely on instinct, you tugged Steve down toward you, pressing your lips to his in a sudden, desperate kiss.

The world seemed to tilt on its axis as your lips met his. The tension, the panic, everything melted away, leaving only the heat of the kiss, the way Steve’s body pressed against yours, the way his hand instinctively cupped the back of your head, pulling you closer.

The kiss was meant to be a cover, a way to make the man think you were just a couple stealing a private moment. But it quickly escalated to something deeper.

Steve’s initial shock gave way to a response that sent a shiver down your spine. His lips moved against yours with a fervor that took your breath away, his other arm slipping around your waist to pull you flush against him.

For a moment, you forgot where you were, why you were doing this. All you could think about was the way Steve was kissing you, the way he was holding you, like he never wanted to let go.

Reality crashed back in. You forced yourself to pull back, your breath coming in short, shaky gasps as you broke the kiss. Steve’s eyes were dark, intense, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he stared at you.

But there was no time to dwell on it. You quickly glanced over Steve’s shoulder, your heart pounding as you checked to see if the man was still watching.

He was.

The man’s eyes were locked on the two of you, his expression still suspicious, but now there was something else in his gaze—something calculating. You could see him weighing his options, trying to decide if what he saw was genuine or a ruse.

“We have to sell it,” you whispered urgently, your voice trembling slightly.

Steve’s eyes flicked to the window, understanding immediately. Without hesitation, his hand buried itself in your hair and tilted your head back, taking your lips, his tongue slid silkily within the warmth of yours. 

Your hands find themselves on the back of his neck, and a moan vibrates low in your throat as his tongue invades your mouth, his taste unfamiliar and darkly seductive at the same time. This kiss was slower, more deliberate, really trying to convince the man watching that this was real—that you were just a couple, too wrapped up in each other to notice anything else.

You tried not to get in too deep, but it was nearly impossible when Steve was kissing you like this. He groans, his hand slid to the small of your back, pulling you even closer. A soft gasp escaped you and Steve used the opportunity to deepen his kiss. You feel the growing tension in his powerful body. His breathing speeds up, and his kiss turns hard, devouring, making your body throb in response. Your hips began to grind on his still covered cock, instinctively, while pressing himself against you, gripping your hip.

You risked another glance out of the corner of your eye. You tried to turn your head, but Steve claimed your mouth again. You couldn’t prevent the low moan of pleasure that escaped you as he continued to escalate. Your body begins to pulse in anticipation, your nipples tightening under the fabric of your shirt. 

The man was still there, but his suspicion seemed to be wavering. He hesitated, his gaze narrowing as he watched you both, but then he shook his head slightly, as if dismissing the idea that you were anything other than what you appeared to be. He turned and walked away, disappearing back into the building.

× × × × 

STEVE’S POV

Shit.

Her touch is strangely innocent and uncertain. I can taste her, feel her, and the urge to fuck her is so strong I shudder with it. I know I should stop, push her away, but I can’t. Her kiss is the sweetest thing I’ve ever felt. When I think I can’t bear much more, her hot little mouth moves to my jaw and then trails down my neck, kissing and nibbling with the same torturous gentleness. Her hands release my face and slide down my body, her fingers closing around the bottom edge of my shirt.

She begins to lift my shirt, and I groan as her knuckles brush against my naked sides, her touch leaving my skin burning in its wake. 

“Y/N . . .” I suck in my breath as she scoots down and kneels between my spread legs, her face at the level of my navel. “Y/N, you need to stop teasing me.” 

She ignores my directive, keeping my shirt bunched up. 

“Who’s teasing?” she whispers, looking up at me. And before I can respond, she leans in and places a warm, damp kiss on my stomach. 

Fuck. 

My entire body jerks, my balls tightening on a savage surge of lust. The sight of her kneeling there pushes my buttons in all the wrong ways, calling to my darkest desires. My hands knot into fists, and I take short, deep breaths, reminding myself that we're working right now. We need to be on high alert.

Except she’s licking my stomach now. Fucking licking it. Tracing each muscle indentation with her tongue, like she’s trying to imprint it on her memory. 

“Y/N.” My voice is hoarse. “That’s enough. He's gone.” 

She pulls back, looking up at me through those long, thick lashes of hers, “Are you sure?” she murmurs, still not letting go of my shirt. “Because I think I want more.” 

And leaning in again, she scrapes her teeth over my lower abs, then sucks on the spot, her mouth hot and wet on my bare skin. Skin that’s right next to the throbbing cock still confined in my pants. 

I see Y/N smile deepen as her eyes flick to the bulge in my jeans. The little witch knows exactly what she’s doing to me, what kind of effect she’s having on my body.

Fucking hell.

“Y/N . . .” I can barely form the words, my fingers digging into the window sill in an effort not to grab her. She release my shirt and fiddles with my belt buckle instead—

Bee-Beep. Bee-Beep

The beeping of the satellite phone was like a force that drove me back to reality, shattering the charged atmosphere that had wrapped around us. My mind was still clouded with the intense desire Y/N had stirred in me, but I forced myself to focus, to shove it all aside. I nearly tripped over my own feet as I scrambled for the phone, my heart hammering in my chest.

I clicked the button, bringing the phone to my ear, my breath still coming too fast. “Hello… Fury, yes,” I managed, my voice rough with the remnants of lust that hadn’t fully faded. 

As I spoke, I shot a glance at Y/N, who had moved to lean against the window, her arms crossed and her gaze avoiding mine. The tension between us was still thick, lingering in the air, but it was cut by the sharp edge of Fury’s voice on the other end of the line.

Fury didn’t waste any time. “Rogers, we’ve got a situation. A high-priority operative is heading your way. I’m sending you the details now. Be prepared to change your plans at a moment’s notice.”

Fury’s tone was sharp, no room for error. “And Rogers… don’t let your guard down. This guy is dangerous. Expect the unexpected.”

“Yes, sir,” I said, the line going dead a second later. I lowered the phone, my mind racing to process everything at once. The surge of desire, the need for control, the impending threat—everything was clashing inside me. I turned back to Y/N, who was still watching me, with an unreadable expression.

× × × ×

Your POV

Steve hastily ran towards the phone, almost tripping over his feet as he tried to reach for it just in time. He clicks the button and picks up, “Hello. . . Fury, yes.” Steve gives you a stern glance as you stood up and leaned on the window with your arms now crossed

“Yes, sir.” Steve replied to the phone firmly before hanging up the phone. Steve sighed and tossed the phone on the table. 

The silence that followed was painful, punctuated only by the sound of Steve’s pacing as he moved back and forth across the small room. The shift in his demeanor was jarring—gone was the man who had been just moments away from losing control with you, replaced by the disciplined soldier, all focus and intense. It was like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over the both of you, extinguishing the heat of the moment.

Your arms crossed tighter over your chest as you leaned against the window, your mind racing with regret and confusion. What the hell was I thinking? The question echoed in your mind, over and over again, with no clear answer. 

The desire that had driven you to push him that far, to test the boundaries of your partnership, now seemed reckless, foolish even. You could barely stand to look at Steve, not with the way he was pacing, his mind clearly focused on the mission and nothing else.

He stopped suddenly, his hand still on his hip, and let out a long sigh. He turned to you, the sternness was still there, and you braced yourself for whatever he was going to say.

“Y/N,” he started, his voice low but firm, “we need to talk about what just happened.”

You bit your lip, not sure if you were ready for this conversation, but knowing you couldn’t avoid it. 

“I know,” you replied, your voice quieter than you intended. “I… I’m sorry, Steve. That was out of line. I don’t know what came over me.”

Steve shook his head, stepping closer, his eyes locking onto yours. “Don’t apologize. I’m just as responsible for what happened. But I need to be clear about something—this mission, our focus, it can’t be compromised. Not by anything, even… this.”

“I know. You’re right. I lost sight of that for a moment, but it won’t happen again.” You nodded, your throat tight as you struggled to find the right words. 

He studied you for a long moment, his expression softening just slightly, as if he could see the turmoil you were feeling. “We’re both under a lot of pressure, and things like this… they happen. We can’t afford any distractions alright?”

“I understand,” you said, meeting his gaze head-on. “I’ll stay focused. I won’t let this interfere with the mission.”

He took a deep breath, as if steadying himself. “Once this is over, we’ll figure out what to do about… us. But for now, we have to push it aside.”

“Okay,” you agreed, though the words felt heavy on your tongue. “We’ll deal with it later.”

He gave you a small, tight-lipped smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Right. Now, let’s get back to work.”

The room fell into silence again, but this time it was different. The weight of what had happened, and what had almost happened, lingered in the air between you. 

As Steve turned back to the table, gathering his gear, you couldn’t help but glance at him out of the corner of your eye. You wanted to reach out, to say something, anything that might ease the tension between you, but the words wouldn’t come.

So instead, you followed his lead, forcing yourself to focus on the task at hand. The mission was all that mattered now. Everything else would have to wait. But deep down, you knew that once this was all over, there would be no going back to the way things were. The line had been crossed, and nothing would ever be the same.

× × × ×

The night dragged on, the silence between you and Steve almost as heavy as the darkness that filled the room. After Fury’s call, you both took up positions by the window, watching the building next door with unwavering focus. But as the hours ticked by with no sign of movement, the tension began to ease, replaced by a bone-deep weariness.

It was now 3 a.m., and nothing had happened. Not even the slightest flicker of light or shadow from the target’s location. The adrenaline that had kept you alert earlier in the night had long since faded, leaving you fighting to keep your eyes open. You shifted slightly, trying to push away the fatigue that was pulling you under, but it was no use. You tried to stay alert, tried to keep your eyes open and your focus on the mission, but your body had other plans. You found yourself nodding off, your head dipping lower each time, only to snap back up as you jolted awake, determined not to let sleep overtake you.

But the battle was futile. Each time your eyes closed, they stayed shut a little longer. The room around you blurred into shadows, and before you knew it, your head rested against the back of the chair, and you were drifting off completely.

STEVE'S POV

I watched as Y/N finally gave in to sleep, her head resting against the back of the chair, her breathing becoming slow and even. She’d fought so hard to stay awake, to keep watch alongside me, but it was clear she couldn’t hold out any longer. The day had taken its toll on both of us, but I couldn’t help feeling a surge of protectiveness as I watched her sleep.

I knew she couldn’t stay like this—curled up in an uncomfortable chair, vulnerable to the aches and stiffness that would come when she woke. She needed proper rest, especially with what might lie ahead. Quietly, I stood from my own chair, moving toward her with careful, measured steps.

As I reached her, I hesitated for just a moment, taking in the sight of her peaceful face. Then, gently, I slipped one arm under her knees and the other around her back, lifting her with ease. She stirred slightly as I cradled her against my chest, but she didn’t wake. The trust she had in me, even unconsciously, made something tighten in my chest, but I pushed the feeling aside. There would be time to sort through all of that later.

I reached the bed and slowly lowered her onto it, my movements gentle, careful not to wake her. As I laid her down, she instinctively curled into the blanket, her hand clutching the edge as she settled into the softness. But before I could step back, something held me there, something that made it impossible to look away.

For a long moment, I just stood there, staring down at her. She looked so peaceful, so vulnerable, the usual tension and guardedness gone from her features. The way her lashes rested softly against her cheeks, the slight parting of her lips as she breathed, the delicate curve of her neck—it all captivated me in a way I couldn’t quite explain.

And then, without thinking, I reached out, my fingers brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face. The touch was light, barely there, but it sent a shiver down my spine. My hand lingered, hovering just above her skin, as if part of me was afraid to break the spell of the moment.

God, she was beautiful. Not just in the way she looked, but in everything she was—strong, determined, fiercely loyal. She had this fire inside her that drew me in, made it impossible for me to stay away, even when I knew I should. And now, seeing her like this, so calm and serene, it hit me just how deeply I cared for her.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the emotions I’d been trying to suppress rising to the surface. The urge to lean down, to press a soft kiss to her forehead, to her lips, was almost overwhelming. But I held back, knowing that this wasn’t the time. It wasn’t fair to her, to us, to act on these feelings when so much was at stake.

But standing there, looking down at her, it was impossible not to imagine a different world—one where we weren’t in the middle of a mission, where the dangers weren’t so immediate, where we could be together without fear or hesitation. A world where I could tell her everything that was in my heart, where I could love her the way she deserved to be loved.

The intensity of those thoughts made my breath catch, and I had to force myself to step back, to break the connection. But before I did, I let my fingers trace lightly across her temple, down to her jaw, memorizing the feel of her skin beneath my touch.

“Y/N…” I whispered, so softly that the words barely escaped my lips. But the sound, the feeling, hung in the air between us, charged with all the things I couldn’t say out loud.

She stirred slightly in her sleep, a small sigh escaping her lips, and I froze, watching her settle back into peaceful slumber. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth, and I couldn’t help but feel a swell of affection.

Finally, I forced myself to turn away, every step back to the window feeling heavier than the last. I took my seat, resuming my watch, but my mind was far from clear. The image of her sleeping face, the way she looked so content and beautiful, was burned into my mind.

I was in love with her—completely, irrevocably—and there was no going back from that.

[sarahowritesostucky]

📖"Temporary Custody"

Rating: Explicit

Pairing: Steve x ofc x Bucky; Steve x Bucky

Word Count: 4042

Tags: Dom/sub, bdsm au, dom Bucky, sub reader, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, gay sex'n'stuff, straight sex'n'stuff, Steve being a literal Golden Retriever, mental health issues, dub-con, forced submission, referenced childhood abuse and resultant mental health issues, bakery au, m/f/m, gentle domination, total power exchange

Summary: The stigma and shame of being a submissive has kept Mary unfulfilled and in the closet her whole life, until an inciting incident leads to Bucky and Steve taking her in and giving her everything she was always too afraid to ask for.

Trigger warnings: This story contains themes of eating disordered behavior, body image issues, childhood abuse, self-harm, and alcohol abuse.

Wait! I haven't read an earlier chapter of this fic! Story Masterpost

5. Jiggly Soufflé Cake

Steve

“I should be in there,” Bucky says again, making Steve roll his eyes.

They’re sitting next to each other, out in the waiting room at the Center. It’s been over an hour, but Steve remembers how the intake worker had told them that Mary’s evaluation wouldn’t be short. Already, he’s read through half the crappy magazine selection. He lets the edge of an outdated issue of Dominant Monthly flop down to his lap. “Babe …”

“It’s taking too long. What if they’re harassing her or—”

“You know that’s not true. The people here are good. You’re just trying to control everything,” he reminds Bucky.

“If I was in there I could—”

“Get in the way. She needs to feel like she can express herself.”

“What if she’s not honest? What if Linda’s not asking her the right—”

“Buck, stop,” Steve says, injecting some command into his voice. Bucky might be the Dom, but Steve can put his foot down with his husband when needed. “The therapist knows what she’s doing. All the people here do. This is what they do.”

They’re at the Center for Designated Peoples, the place where people like Bucky go for … well, anything related to their dominance or submission needs. That’s all Steve really knows. He knows that Bucky has been in and out of CDPs since he was a kid. “It took almost a week to get her this appointment, alright? You want to mess that up?”

Bucky grumbles. “No.”

“Good. Cause they don’t need you in there, interfering in her assessment. So sit tight.”

Bucky shuts up after that, satisfying Steve that he’s made his point.

“Well, what do you think?” Bucky eventually says, when another ten minutes have passed and the door to the therapist’s office is still closed. “Of her?”

Steve glances over. “You mean in general?”

“Sure. Whatever.”

Steve can tell when Bucky’s being defensive. “You like her,” he says. “And not just cause of her lemon tarts.” He’d seen him looking at weighted blankets on Amazon, yesterday. “Admit it,” he prods, nudging Bucky’s shoe with his. “You can tell me how you feel. Why d’you need me to qualify it for you, first?

“Because I’m married to you, not her,” Bucky snaps. “Jesus, Rogers. Never met a man with less self-preservation instincts than you.”

“Mmhm. Aand?”

“... Okay I’m drawn to her,” Bucky says. “But I can’t tell how much of that is instinct and how much is normal people stuff.”

“‘Normal people stuff’,” Steve echoes, amused.

“I want to know what you think of her.” Bucky kicks his shoe back. “Tell me.”

“I like her too,” Steve concedes. “It’s not just you.” He can see as Bucky’s shoulders relaxing a little bit, knows that his opinion matters to his husband. “She’s different. Plain, but …” Steve searches for the right word. ‘Cute’ doesn’t seem right. She’s too prickly for that and too old besides. She’s a woman, not a girl, and he’s not just trying to describe her physical appearance. “I don’t know,” he says. “Editorial?”

“Editorial?” Bucky scowls. “What the fuck does that mean?”

“I dunno, just, not off the rack. Different.” Bucky snatches the magazine out of his lap and chucks it back to the coffee table. Steve rolls his eyes. “Wish she wasn’t so defensive, though. And I wish we could’ve met her … you know, like on a date or at the gym or something.”

Bucky snorts. “Yeah.”

“She grows on you,” Steve decides. Like an angry, stray cat. That’s dirty and scraggy a little.

“She’s pretty,” Bucky offers, but the words fall flat. They can both see that she’s attractive, that isn’t news. Bucky and Steve are attractive people themselves. They aren’t hurting for opportunities to be with attractive women (or men), if they want to. And it’s been a while since they invited another person into their bed. But …

“I haven’t been with a woman since my twenties,” Steve mumbles, thinking about it. He glances at Bucky. “You have.”

They both know Bucky was dating women casually when he met Steve, years ago. “Yeah,” he says simply.

“You ever miss ‘em? Women?” Steve kind of does sometimes. He likes how soft they are; the contrast. It had taken him a couple of dates and a few glasses of wine, back when they’d first gotten together, to admit to Bucky that he was bi. Steve had told him that, and then Bucky had disclosed his designation status. “We used to talk about the whole poly thing a lot more.”

“Hm, yeah I guess.” Bucky shrugs and reaches to take his hand. Steve gives it a squeeze. “I dunno babe. Kind of hard to think about anybody else when I’ve got you around.” He gives him a lecherous look that makes Steve glad they’re the only ones in the waiting room. “Your hot body’s been enough to keep my attention.” His eyes drag up and down Steve, mentally undressing him.

Steve feels heat creep up his neck and he chuckles, pushing Bucky’s hand away. “Stoppit. Jerk. I’m a person.”

“Punk,” Buck smirks. “You like it.”

“Shuddup. Not here. God, you’re such a creep.” They’re both grinning—probably like complete, horny letches—when the door to the therapist’s office opens.

The professionally dressed woman offers them a friendly smile. “Bucky, Steve.”

“Hey Linda,” Bucky greets.

“How’d it go, Doctor?” Steve asks, not on as informal terms with the CDP staff as his husband is. “Is she …”

“Mary is fine. Would you like to come in and talk with us?”

Bucky is immediately standing from his chair. “Yep.”

Steve has to refrain from rolling his eyes. He grabs Bucky’s wrist. “Hang on now, Buck. Maybe she doesn’t want us in there. We should try and give her choices where we can.”

Doctor Linda surprises him by saying, “Actually, Mary says she’s fine with discussing this all together.”

Bucky shoots him a smug look and tugs his wrist back. “See?”

This time Steve does roll his eyes, but he nods at Linda and gets up to follow her back into the office.

Bucky

Bucky can recall very clearly the first time he’d been told he had a mental illness. He’d been ten, had been sent to the school shrink for misbehavior. He remembers how his mom had come in, harried about being called off from work when her kid wasn’t even sick. Bucky had felt bad about that, had felt like he’d done something wrong (well, he had scrubbed Trixie Wallace’s face into a mud puddle at recess).

But still, even at ten years old he’d been smart enough to know that this meeting with his mom and the counselor was more serious than another simple admonition or in-school suspension.

Long story short, His mom wound up reacting with something like embarrassment, and Bucky had wound up internalizing that for a long time, feeling like his “condition��� was something to be kept private and not discussed.

Now, he sits in Linda’s office and makes sure to exude an air of calm and acceptance. He doesn’t want Mary to be embarrassed about this like he was. It helps that times have changed a bit since Bucky was a kid, and he knows this particular Center very well. They do good work with the designated community. Bucky knows that no one here is going to announce to Mary that she’s a deviant.

Mary’s sitting in her own chair, separate from where Bucky and Steve share the couch. Even though Bucky’s instinct is to tell her to come sit with them, he holds back. He knows that the seating arrangement is likely purposeful on Linda’s part. He tries to remember Steve’s words about giving Mary choices where they can. Domination may be what she needs, but too much of a good thing, administered too fast, can still be harmful.

“High needs,” Steve is saying, echoing what Linda’s just told them. “... So, she’s like Bucky, but submissive?”

“Yes,” Linda confirms. “We did the assessment twice, and both times Mary tested at the far end of the spectrum.”

“Fantastic,” Mary mutters.

“We’ve been discussing what this might mean for her care plan, going forward. Mary has several other issues that I believe tie into her unfulfilled needs as a submissive.”

“I don’t understand how it went undiagnosed for so long,” Bucky says, feeling vaguely upset about it. “Doc?”

She shrugs. “Mary’s from a part of the country where mental health awareness isn’t so advanced. They didn’t test in the public school system where she grew up.” Mary makes a quiet noise of discontent and Linda adds, “So we’ve been talking about the physiology of it, the role of neurotransmitters and how important it is for her to be dropped regularly. And we’ve discussed what that might look like, different options she has.”

“Options?”

Here, Linda hesitates. “Well … Mary has expressed an interest in taking advantage of the Center’s social programs.”

“No,” Bucky says right away. “Absolutely not.”

“She said you do it,” Mary counters, and when Bucky looks over he finds her glaring at him. “Apparently, I don’t need you after all. I can just come here and hook up with any old body.”

“I’m your legal guardian right now,” Bucky reminds her. “And the clubs are for people who know what they’re doing. It’s too unstructured for you. You need more stability than that.”

Mary scoffs and crosses her arms, but Dr. Linda is already nodding in agreement. “I think Bucky’s right, Mary,” she says gently. “A reliable, dominant partner and regular drops in a safe space are what you need right now.”

“Why can’t you just write me a prescription or something?” Mary complains. “You said it was a brain chemistry thing, so why not?”

Linda looks uncomfortable as she explains, “Medication is usually only considered as a last ditch treatment option … and with your substance use disorder and other issues I'd rather not —”

“I am not an alcoholic!”

“No meds,” Bucky says, hating that idea. “Come on, Mary. You don’t want to be drugged up, do you?”

She glares at him. “You just want to control me.”

He fights very, very hard not to roll his eyes. “Yeah,” he quips. “That’s kind of the whole point.”

Mary groans and slumps back into the cushions of her chair, looking put out. “This sucks.”

“It’s manageable,” Linda reminds gently.

"I don't want to be this way," she mumbles. "'High needs'. It's embarrassing."

“It's no different than needing air, or food or sleep,” Steve supplies. “You guys just have this extra thing.”

Mary makes a face, probably at being lumped into the ‘you guys’ category with Bucky. “So, what’s the plan then?” she asks mulishly, crossing her arms. “We go back to your place and you break out the whips and chains?”

Bucky barks out a laugh before he can stop himself. “Oh, honey. I promise there aren’t any chains.” He winks at her. “I prefer leather.”

Mary

After the therapist, it gets a little easier to be around Steve and Bucky. Mary’s still quick to anger, thinking about the situation that she's managed to get herself into, but there are some ameliorating factors to the situation.

Having an official diagnosis—no matter how much she doesn’t want this diagnosis—is at least a starting point. Mary doesn’t have to keep exhausting herself, arguing with Bucky that she’s not a sub. She is. That’s that.

And when he takes it upon himself to speak with Mary’s boss about her situation (effectively getting him to unfire her for the multiple days of work she’s missed) some more of Mary’s contempt for Bucky slips away.

“Thank you,” she says quietly once they leave the café, her next shift already scheduled for that upcoming Monday. “ I … this job, it means a lot to me.”

“I know.” Bucky says simply, though Mary can see the self-satisfaction in his posture. He takes her hand as they walk together down the sidewalk, and to Mary it feels like some sort of test, like he’s waiting for her to pull away.

So she forces herself to curl her fingers around his and keep holding his hand.

Again, she can practically feel the reaction coming off of him. He’s pleased with her. Mary’s cheeks flush from the domineering squeeze he gives her hand from time to time as they walk, and she’s grateful that she can blame it on the day’s chilly air.

Doctor Linda had explained everything, of course, when Mary went in for the assessment. The testing hadn’t been what she was expecting, hadn’t been embarrassing or invasive. And, perhaps most disappointing of all, it hadn’t been predictable. Mary hadn’t felt like she knew which way to fake her responses, to get the test to declare her mentally fit. So she’d answered honestly. 

And where had that gotten her? Lumped into the same group of deviants as James Bucky Barnes. “High needs”—God it sounds awful.

“It’s not necessarily sexual,” Linda tells her at her second appointment. “Or, well … it doesn’t have to be, at least. There are ways around it, if you really need an asexual dynamic.”

Mary nods along, but inside she thinks about the last time Bucky scolded her or praised her or held her hand on the sidewalk. She thinks about when he’d put his hand on her throat and applied pressure. Thinking about those things doesn’t make her feel asexual at all.

The first time Bucky doms her in a coordinated manner, she’s actually unaware of what he’s doing at first. It’s one of Mary’s  three days off and she’s terribly bored, researching how to make grapefruit soda caviar and wondering if there’s a gym nearby that she could join. She hasn’t exercised in weeks, and honestly, if there’s even the slightest chance that she’s going to wind up being naked in front of Bucky or Steve (or, oh god, both of them), then she really feels like she needs to work out.

Scratching fingernails over the skin of her lower stomach, she googles nearby gyms, finds one that looks decent, and tells Steve that she’s headed out to go join. She’s tying one sneaker when Steve objects.

“Oh but wait,” he says. “Um, Bucky’s going to be home soon. And I think he uh, I think he had plans. … For us.”

Mary raises an eyebrow. She likes Steve—thinks he’s kind of a big, beefy sweetheart, actually—but sometimes his devotion to Bucky and what Bucky wants is annoying. “Fine, you stay here and tell him where I went. I’ve got to get out of this apartment.” And out from under you and your bossy husband’s constant supervision. “Got to … I dunno, burn off some steam.”

Bucky’s timing is impeccable. He comes through the door just as she’s bending over to lace up her other sneaker. His arms are full of plastic grocery bags, which he dumps onto the kitchen counter with fanfare. "Honey, I'm home."

“What happened to using the reusable bags?” Steve drawls, earning an eye roll from Bucky.

“Forgot 'em.”

“Mmhm.”

“Shut up.” Bucky’s grinning at his husband, until he catches sight of Mary crouched in her gym clothes. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asks her.

“None of your business,” she snips, standing back up and heading for the front door.

“Stop right there, Princess.”

Oh. Well that’s a new one. Mary turns back around with what she’s sure is an incredulous look. “‘Princess’?”

Bucky smiles warmly and drags her over to inspect the groceries that are in the bags. She’s quick to catalog: eggs, butter, flour, sugar, milk. “What?” she asks, looking up at him. “You think I’m going to cook for you?”

“Oh I know you’re going to cook for me,” he says calmly, taking dry goods out of one of the bags and arranging them in the pantry. “Bake, in fact.”

Mary might stare a little, maybe with her lips parted. She feels equal parts annoyed and intrigued by his audacity. Something vaguely squirmy and warm stirs in her. She's planning on throwing some haughty quip back at him, maybe casually threatening poisoning, but somehow what comes out of her mouth is a subservient, “Well … what do you want me to make?”

He turns back around with bright eyes. “Oh, I’m sure you can come up with something,” he practically purrs. He gets right up in her space and says, “Something … delectable.”

Mary has to avert her gaze and turn away. She says a quick prayer that he hadn’t been close enough to hear the little hitch in her breath, then tries to focus her attention on cataloging the ingredients the jerk has brought her. Eggs, butter, flour, sugar, milk …

Hadn’t she … hadn’t she been going out somewhere? Oh yeah, right. The gym.

She squeaks when Bucky claps a cheerful hand on her shoulder and gives her a squeeze. “Good girl,” he simpers, then walks over to the couch and flops down next to Steve, giving him a kiss hello. They proceed to chat with each other and chat about their days like Mary isn’t standing less than twenty feet away in the kitchen.

She suddenly feels like some 1950’s housewife. … One with damp panties, now that Bucky’s called her that right in her ear. Christ. Had Steve heard? She glances back over to them, but they’re not looking her way. Mary flushes and looks back down at the countertop. Eggs, butter, flour, sugar, milk. She tries to think if she has everything she might need for soufflé cakes.

“How can something so plain be so good?” Steve wonders at the dinner table, where he’s squinting closely at his third helping of dessert like he can glean answers from it. “And what is it?”

“Satisfying,” Bucky says sagely. “That’s the secret.”

“The secret is buttermilk. And it’s cake, Steve. Just eat it.”

“How’re those dishes coming, Doll?” Bucky calls back, shooting her a sly look from over his shoulder. Mary resists the urge to stick her tongue out at him and dunks her hands back into the soapy sink water. 

Steve pokes the jiggly cake with his fork. “What are yooou?” 

By the time they’re finished with dinner and dessert (and dishes), she’s figured it out. All the pet names, the casual touches and the confident demands? Bucky’s trying to dominate her. She thinks about calling him out on it, but promptly forgets to do that when they go into the living room to watch a movie and Bucky firmly suggests that she make herself comfortable on the floor instead of the couch. At his and Steve’s feet.

Forget about damp panties, she just hopes it doesn’t start to show through her leggings.

Asexual dynamic her ass.

Mary had only held onto the illusion that the guys were gay gay for about two whole days, before it became very apparent that they actually like women, too. Steve’s comments alone about Daenerys while watching Game of Thrones are enough to broadcast that he swings both ways.

So that takes it from regrettable to just plain insulting when, as time goes by, Bucky doesn’t initiate anything sexual with her. He keeps doing his whole Dom thing, aided and abetted by Steve, and almost always in ways that take Mary off guard. He’s never mean, never does any of the intimidating things she’d imagined a dom would do to a submissive. 

And Mary won’t admit it, but she’s starting to look forward to when Bucky gets home from work at the end of the day. She spends more time than she’ll ever admit planning out something new to make for dessert, all the while anticipating the beginning of Bucky’s early evening commands and how they elicit those first tendrils of effervescent, pink fizz giddiness. 

It’s the later commands—the ones that come after dinner and during tv time, that tend to bring on the warm, sunken bathwater feelings. Marys pretty sure that Steve is a bit of a voyeur, because he seems fascinated by it all, watching every night as Bucky bosses her around, sometimes even joining in his own small ways, by petting her hair or telling her she’s sweet, or something like that.

Every evening, they play this strange game. And every evening Bucky and Steve each give her a kiss on the cheek and send her dazed little self off to bed, the two of them retiring to their own room. In the beginning, being left alone to go to bed is nice. She ignores the arousal between her legs in favor of floating in her syrupy sea of sweet feelings. Going to bed in subspace gives her the most solid sleep she’s ever had in her life. But after another week of it, and then another, the arousal starts to linger a little more at bedtime. She starts to fantasize about what it would be like to keep things going, to take Steve’s hand at the end of the night and let him guide her into his and Bucky’s bedroom, rather than her own; be held between their two big bodies while they whisper more sweet things to her and touch her in new places …

Maybe Steve and Bucky really do just want this to be platonic, she thinks, as another week of the same goes by and her dreams are getting dirtier by the minute. She’d surreptitiously stuffed her vibrator into a bag when they’d gone back to her apartment to retrieve her belongings, but she’s been too afraid to use it when Steve and Bucky are right across the hallway in their room, mortified to think that they might hear the buzzing and know what she’s doing.

Best not to add fuel to the fire, she thinks, when she ignores how increasingly horny she’s becoming and forces herself to lie still and count sheep and not fantasize about the two insanely hot, not-gay-gay men in the next room. They’re still a happily married couple, she tells herself. They’ve got no interest in her as of yet, and she’ll just be making herself into a homewrecker if she pushes for more.

… Or maybe they’re just not attracted to her that way, she eventually starts to think. Steve and Bucky are both in amazing shape, and they’re very good looking. They probably see her as like … maybe a solid five—with makeup and a blowout. 

She gets a little down in the dumps about it, realizing that all the heavy drinking and crap diet of this past year and a half has taken its toll on her, and she’s just not physically their type. She convinces Bucky to start adding salmon to the grocery list, she researches the pros and cons of lip filler, and starts whitening her teeth with one of those nasty little gel kits.

She stands in front of her bathroom mirror each night and scrutinizes her naked body, dragging her nails absentmindedly against the skin of her lower stomach and cataloging everything that’s not as good as it could be. She considers the scars on her hip that have no new slices added to the roster, wonders if Bucky ever wound up telling Steve about how … how awful they are …

“Night, Mary!” Steve chirps from across the hall, making her inhale and flinch in surprise.

“N-night!” she calls back through the wall, feeling the pleasant effects of that night’s drop fading away faster than she’d like.

Maybe she should just be happy that she’s getting at least this much attention from them, that things have improved a little and she at least isn’t drinking herself into a stupor each night anymore. That’s a positive, even if she is still left pining after them like a fool every night. Steve and Bucky are okay guys, but they probably just don’t want anything more than this from her. They’re helping her because she shares this mental illness with Bucky, and that’s super nice of them, but it doesn’t mean they have to be attracted to her, too. Mary’s not entitled to anything.

She joins a 24 hour gym and takes to binge exercising in the middle of the night to push away the uncertainty.

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The Tower - Merchandise

The Tower - Merchandise

Series Masterlist

Pairing:  Avengers x OFC, Bruce Banner x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff x Tony Stark x Thor x Sam Wilson x OFC (Elly Cooper)

Word Count: 1394

Warnings:  none

Synopsis:  The kids have a lot of Avengers merchandise but there is one member of the family that's not represented.

Author’s Note: Requested by @thealfxmountains on Tumblr. You can send in your requests too.

Merchandise

Takes place between Unexpected and The Queen of Asgard.

Tony was the first one to buy any Avengers merchandise for the children.  He was always a fan of having Iron Man things around.  Framed Iron Man posters decorated both his lab and our home.  The day I’d found little Avengers onesies while out shopping with him had definitely stoked the fire when it came to dressing them in branding - specifically Iron Man branding.

So before the babies were even born, they had several Iron Man outfits, mobiles, and a couple of stuffed toys.

To balance it out, the others would all buy things for them too.  Some were keener on the concept than others but there was always Avengers merchandise around.  It was quite fun pointing out who each person was to the kids.  Thor loved that there were toys of him he could give the kids.  It made him feel less anxious about leaving and having them forget him.  There was always a plush toy of him they could cuddle in bed when they missed him.  Sam was quite into them too, and liked to get Falcon toys over clothing.  Clint loved Hawkeye merchandise that didn’t just feature his face, so the babies ended up with so many t-shirts with purple targets and chevrons on them.  Natasha had no strong feelings either way except that there should be products featuring everyone, so she’d make sure to try and balance it out by buying things representing all of the family.  Everyone else was different levels of neutral to uncomfortable with it, but even Bruce who found it embarrassing that there were even Bruce Banner toys in the first place, didn’t voice their concerns around the kids.

By the time Riley and Pietro were four they had a good collection of Avengers merchandise, mostly clothing, but also plush toys, Lego, and a full set of action figures that included both Hulk and Bruce.

The action figures became a firm favorite at that age.  The great thing about having Avengers as parents is the toys depicting them are equally at home playing fighting games as they were in the doll house playing family.

It was a delight seeing them play with them, whether it be taking them out to their slide and dropping them off the top or tucking them into bed in their doll house.  So many children play family with their toys.  Our kids got to play them with toys of their actual family.

Tony and I were playing with the kids when one very glaring issue was pointed out.

“Oh, Cap, give me so many kissies,” Tony said in a slightly high-pitched voice.  He pressed the heads of the Captain America toy and the Iron Man toy together and made kissing sounds.

“No, Daddy!” the twins yelled, and Riley pushed her hands between the two toys.  “No kissies,” she said.

Tony laughed. “What?!” he said, pretending to be surprised by the children’s reaction to making the toys kiss.  “But I love kissies.”  He leaned over and pepper wet kisses to my neck and cheek, making me squeal in surprise.  “See.  Kissy, kiss.”

“Too many kisses!” Riley squealed and pushed us apart again.

I lost it laughing and picked up Riley, kissing her face.  “Mommy!” she squealed.

“Daddy,” Pietro asked, in a soft little voice.

“Yeah, buddy?” Tony asked, picking him up and putting him into his lap.

“How come dares no mommy doll?” he asked.  “Dares all… the daddies.  Daddy Tony, daddy Bwuce, daddy Steeb, Daddy For, daddy…”

“Oh yeah, all of them.  And Mama, and Daj,” Tony agreed.

“Yeah!” Pietro said.  “But no Mommy!”

Tony clicked his tongue.  “That is an oversight,” he agreed.

“You could pretend that Barbie is mommy,” I suggested.

“No, Mommy!” Pietro laughed.  “You are Ewwy, not Barbie.”

Riley climbed off my lap and went to get one of the barbies.  She was completely naked and her hair was all over the place. “Barbie is too big.  See?” she said, holding her up beside the Iron Man figure.  When held side-by-side the Iron Man’s head was only at Barbie’s boobs.

“He’s not mad about that,” Tony joked.

I laughed and elbowed him.  “Behave yourself,” I scolded.  I reached over and ruffled Pietro’s hair.  “I’m not an Avenger, Piet,” I said.  “The others have toys because they’re all Avengers.”

“Only ‘vengers have toys?” he asked.

“That’s right,” I said. “Just the Avengers.”

“So Barbie is a ‘venger?” he asked.

Tony burst out laughing.  “She should be.”

“No,” I said to Pietro.  “There are toys of other things, but people want toys of the Avengers.  They don’t want toys of your mommy.”

“I want a toy of my mommy,” Pietro said, sticking his bottom lip out.

“Oh, no, Piet,” I said, giggling.  I squished his cheeks, leaned in, and kissed over his face.

Tony clicked his tongue, his foot tapping against his calf.  “You know what, Piet?  I’ll look into it.  Okay, kiddo?”

Pietro hugged him.  “Fank you, Daddy,” he said.

I all but forgot about that conversation not long after it happened.  The kids sometimes had funny ideas but they were little and didn’t usually hold onto them for long.  They certainly didn’t mention getting a mommy doll again.

A few months later, everyone was coming in for dinner when Tony came up with a package.  “Hey kiddos,” he came.  “Did your daddy Tony come through for you, or what?”

The twins looked up at him in unison. “Pwesent?”

“You spoiling them again, Tony?” Sam asked.

“We noticed a huge discrepancy a few months back while playing with the toys,” Tony said.  “I just made sure to rectify it.”

“Tony!  You didn’t!” I gasped.

He grinned at me.  “Oh, I sure did.”   He handed me the box with a flourish.  He’d already opened it so I pulled back the flaps and pulled out a square foam block.  Nestled inside was a little action figure, made in the same style as all the Avengers ones the kids owned.  The same size. The same points of articulation.  The same molded hair.  But this one had my wavy brunette hair and blue eyes, and it was wearing a Black Sabbath T-shirt and a skirt with a galaxy print.

My heart fluttered.  “Oh my god, Tony.  She’s wearing what I was wearing when I met you,” I said.  I honestly couldn’t believe he even remembered that.  It had only stuck in my head because of how woefully undressed I’d been for the Michelin Star restaurant he’d taken me to.

“Oh really?  I wonder how that happened?” he asked.  “I asked for an Iron Man T-shirt and red and gold booty shorts.”

I got up and sat in his lap, wrapping my arms around him and nuzzling his jaw.  “This is honestly one of the most romantic things you’ve ever done, and it is going to come back to you tenfold,” I whispered.

He patted my hip.  “Well, I do like the sound of that.”  He kissed my cheek and I hugged him a little tighter.  “But it’s not for you, dear.  That belongs to Riley and Pietro.”

I laughed and got off him, going over to the twins in their high chairs.

“What is it?” Steve asked as I showed the kids.

“The kids were wondering why there were toys of all their parents except for Elly.  So I commissioned Hasbro to make one of her,” Tony explained.

“Holy shit,” Sam said.  “That’s wild.  Nice work, Tony.”

Riley walked the toy across her tray to Pietro.  “Pied! Inside voices!” she said, pretending to make the toy talk.

Pietro started giggling. “Kay, mommy,” he whispered.

“Wow, she’s just like you,” Clint joked.  “What else does mommy say, Riley?”

“Ummm… she say,” she thought for a moment then held the doll out and rocked it back and forth.  “Wets go, beans.  Den we say, Mommy, we not beans - we’re kids!”

We all laughed.  “That is what happens,” Clint said.

“Can I see, Riley?” Wanda asked.

Riley held it up for the doll to show Wanda.  Wanda leaned in and took a close look.  “Wow, they did a good job.  That’s definitely you, Elly.” 

“Well, what do you think, kids?  Do you like her?” Tony asked.

Riley hugged the toy to her body.  “I wuv mommy!” she shouted.

Everyone laughed and Steve put his arm around my shoulders.  “We all love mommy too,” he said.

~ END ~