Tumgik
k9authorwolf · 1 month
Text
Lucid Dreams- Bucky Barnes x Autistic!Enchanced!Reader (Part 02)
Tumblr media
Part 01
Bucky sat on the stairs of his apartment building waiting for Sam. He had spent the whole night formulating an apology to his friend. It was more difficult than expected, especially since his brain kept going back to the memory of the dream he had.
Floating free through space, able to manipulate the heavens, being free from his nightmares and struggles. And that girl he saw. She was so beautiful. His heart fluttered like a lovesick schoolboy, he hadn’t felt like this in years. It felt nice. He wondered if he would see her again tonight?
“Thought you wanted to be left alone?” Sam spoke up, snapping Bucky from his thoughts.. He took a breath, Sam did try his patience but he was the only friend he had left. “Sam listen, I know what I said and, I’m sorry. I hadn’t had any sleep in weeks and I was frustrated. I know you wanted to help and in all honesty, you're more helpful than that fucking therapist.” Bucky expected Sam to say it wasn’t enough and walk off. But instead the new Cap patted his shoulder and smiled, “S’alright man, I know it can be tough. Had the same problems myself.” Bucky smiled, relieved he didn’t screw up. “Hey I’m supposed to meet Torres at a diner a couple blocks from here, wanna come?” Sam asked. Bucky nodded, “Yeah, sure.” The two walked and talked the whole way, when they passed a small coffee shop Bucky didn’t notice the pair of (y/e/c) staring at him through the window.
Tumblr media
Image not mine
“He looks so much happier now.” She said quietly. The music playing through her earbuds shut out the overwhelming noise of people and espresso makers.”(Y/n)! Get those coffee beans roasted!” Her boss yelled. Thank god for the earbuds. “Don’t worry sir, I already roasted them. I’m just refilling the jars.” Her boss looked at her in surprise, “Oh. Well, good.” He left, leaving her to revel in her work. (Y/n) did most of the hard work at the little coffee shop called, “Zen Brew.” She mostly cleaned, refilled, and roasted. Sometimes she’d have to man the counter when her space-brained coworker came up with some lame excuse not to come into work. She liked the repetitiveness of her job. Course the noise was the only problem, if it hadn’t been for her earbuds or the wax earplugs she kept in her pocket she probably wouldn’t have been able to get the job. But she’d never tell anyone that, no they wouldn’t understand. Most people didn’t understand her love for simplicity. It was their loss.
She saw Bucky everyday, he’d walk past the coffee shop everyday at 10:38 in the morning. Like clockwork. But he always looked so sad, like a lost puppy. She could always tell when someone suffered from nightmares, it was a part of her….gift. And Bucky was suffering more than she’d ever seen. She wanted to help him. (Y/n) purposely bumped into him the other day so that she could leave her essence on him and bring him into the dream realm. And his dream was magnificent, she had seen the dreams of many people before. But Bucky’s was boundless. It was what she loved about her gift, to see the true potential and inner most desires of those she helped. It was rare for (Y/n) to help someone more than once and yet she wanted to with Bucky. Tonight she’d see him again.
“Wait wait! Let me see if I got this. Some chick on the street touches you once and you have this wild crazy ass dream and she’s there IN the dream?” Sam asked. Bucky had told him everything about that night. With all that they’ve faced in the past this wasn’t the strangest or weirdest for that matter. However Bucky did want an outsiders opinion. “No offense Buck, that's pretty freaky.” Sam stated. Indeed it was, Bucky wondered if she was enhanced like Wanda. If only she was here. “I know but it was like she was in control, like a Goddess or something.” Maybe Thor would have an idea. “Think she might be a threat?” Sam asked but Bucky shook his head at the idea. “No, I don't think so. It was like she gave me that dream, like she wanted to help?” Bucky’s heartbeast increased as he remembered her sweet smile, the glow of emotion in her bright eyes, her soft angelic voice. Sam noticed his far off look and smirked, “Got a thing for her lover boy?” Torres snorted a laugh as did Sam. Bucky rolled his eyes at their immaturity. What he didn’t tell them was that he was hoping to see her again that night.
And he couldn’t wait.
That night, for the first time in a long time he was excited to sleep. He hoped to be swept back into that endless horizon, free floating amongst the stars and heavens. And to see her again. He laid down and waited for sleep to embrace him. But it couldn’t happen soon enough, he was too excited like a kid laying awake for Christmas morning.
Then, he suddenly felt something warm against his chest. Bucky looked down and saw that same handprint from before, glowing a heavenly deep blue. His eyes felt heavy, tired. Like something had flipped a switch in his brain. It was strange, he felt as if something or someone was holding him. Warm and safe, she was calling him. And he didn’t want to keep her waiting.
    Opening his eyes he saw stars. He was weightless. He was back. Bucky looked around to find her again. He heard no music. With his thoughts he moved through the darkness keeping an eye out for her. He didn’t have to look for too long.
A cute sounding laugh reached his ears. He looked and saw her staring at him with a smile. He felt all giddy inside as he moved towards her.
“You!”
“Me.”
He slowed to stop in front of her. “I was hoping to see you again.” He said. She tilted her head, “Really?” Those eyes, god those eyes. The softness, the emotion behind them made him forget how to speak. “I-I wanted t-to thank you for the other night. For bringing me here.” But then she let out the most adorable giggle he ever heard. “Bucky, you made this all yourself. All I did was connect you to the dream realm.”
“Dream realm?” Sounded like something out of a fairytale or a wild fantasy movie.
“Yes, it is a realm not bound by time and space. A realm where the fabric of reality twists and bends. You are having what’s known as a lucid dream. You know you’re dreaming and you have full control.”
He was shocked. This was all his doing? He made this? “I created this?” He asked. She nodded, “That’s right. In the Dream Realm you can create anything, do anything. Go wherever or whenever you want. Give it a try, just think of a place you want to go and the Dream Realm will reform to be whatever you wish.” When she finished speaking Bucky only stared blankly at her. She thought she went too far, “Sorry I didn’t mean to ramble like that.” She wrung her hands together out of habit when she was nervous. She usually kept a lid on her rambling but when she was happy, she couldn’t help it.
Bucky however, only smiled. Seeing her eyes light up like that and that cute blush on her cheeks. His heart was one step away from flying off. “Sounds like you know this place like the back of your hand. Like a Goddess of Dreams.” Her blush deepend with a nervous smile. “I'm  n-no goddess.” She stuttered. “Could’ve fooled me.” Bucky charmed. She gave him a sweet soft smile.
“I-I’m (Y/n)”
(Y/n). Such a beautiful name, Bucky thought. “James. But everyone calls me Bucky.” They stared at each other for a moment before he thought to try what she recommended, “So all I have to do is think where I want to be and it’ll happen?”
“Do you have anywhere special in mind?”
He did. A place he wanted to see again someday. He closed his eyes and thought deeply. A faint breeze blew across his face and he felt himself slowly lowered to the ground onto warm grass. When he opened his eyes, Bucky was greeted by the peaceful sight of a Wakandan sunset. A sight he hadn’t seen since his recovery from HYDRA’s brainwashing. The African landscape was as beautiful as he remembered it. And yet with (Y/n) next to him, it didn’t hold a candle to her.
Tumblr media
“Absolutely beautiful.” She whispered as she looked over the horizon to the low sun.
They both stood and watched the landscape for who knows how long until she broke the silence. “Bucky, it’s time.” She could feel the morning approach. Bucky wanted more time with her so he jumped into the deep end. “Can I see you again tomorrow night?” He was afraid she’d say no. Instead she smiled, “You may.” She reached out and cupped his cheek. His eyes closed at the contact. She kissed his forehead and once again whispered,
“Time to wake up.”
He felt that warm and bright light envelope him again, sending him back to the real world.
The morning rays greeted him. He lay in that nest of blankets smiling with joy that he’d see her again.
Bucky Barnes was in love.
21 notes · View notes
k9authorwolf · 1 month
Text
Lucid Dreams- Bucky Barnes x Autistic!Enchanced!Reader (Part 01)
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Summary: The cradle of sleep continuously eludes Bucky. Nightmares tormented him every night. But a chance encounter with an unknown woman draws him into the dream realm. Granting him the peace he so desired. But he longs to see her again. His dreamgirl.
Disclaimer: The reader's autistic traits are based on my own. Every autistic person is different with their own different traits. So please do not assume every autistic person is like this.
Inspiration: Lucid Dream by Owl City
Bucky jolted awake from another nightmare. Covered head to toe in sweat, his heart rate extremely high. He was in his apartment, on the floor in the living room with a bunch of blankets and his pillow. The TV on low playing some crappy old sitcom from two decades ago was the only light in the room. Bucky groaned in frustration as his hands went to his short hair. He hadn’t had any decent sleep in weeks. Nothing but nightmares.
He was so tired.
The lack of sleep was affecting him during the day, shuffling through the streets as if he were undead. Fueled by reflex and muscle memory. How much longer was this going to go on?
“How have you been sleeping?” Dr. Raynor asked. But Bucky didn’t answer, he didn’t want to. He just kept staring blankly out the window, his vision doubled occasionally with exhaustion. In the corner of his eye he saw Raynor grab the notebook with frustration. His anger spiked, “Like shit okay! I’ve been sleeping like shit! Happy now?!” He exclaimed. The pen stilled in the therapist’s hand as she eyed him. “Have you been doing those sleep exercises I recommended?” Bucky rolled his eyes. “Yes, every single one. And not one of them made a damn bit of difference!” All these “new age” methods were ludicrous in his opinion. Scented candles, meditation, listening to some ancient sounding new age music. It was too weird for his taste. A glass of smoked whiskey and a good book was enough for him, more realistic.
Bucky sat through the rest of the session harboring anger. His frustration over the lack of sleep he was getting was pissing him off more everyday. Everynight he’d stay up as long as possible. He'd eventually pass out but he’d be up in less than four hours from a nightmare.
Walking back to his apartment the sounds of the city had become droned and melded, in his exhausted hazed mind it was like the world was fading away. He passed the little coffee shop on his route, it showed up a few months ago. Seemed to be fairly popular with the young crowd. Whatever. He just wanted to go home.
“OOF!”
Someone bumped into him. “Sorry!” They left before he could see their face. He couldn’t really see clearly through the haze in his eyes. He looked at where he felt the person’s hand touch him, on his sternum. He felt a warmth coming from it as if the hand was still there. He grasped the end of the hoodie and pulled it towards his nose, he sniffed. Coffee. The smell of freshly ground coffee beans wafted into his nose. The roasted smell made his mouth water. Fresh coffee. Maybe he’d brew up a pot when he got home.
Finally his apartment was in sight, and so was someone. Sam. The new Captain America sat on the steps of his building. Clearly waiting for him. On approach Sam stood up, “Raynor called me.” He said. Bucky rolled his eyes in annoyance, “What are you my nanny now?” Bucky snapped, fishing out his keys. “She told me about your sleep problems. I just wanna help man.” He was so sick of this. People thinking they can just walk into his life and without indirectly telling him he’s a wreck, a psychological tire fire, a monster who must obey like an obedient dog! “She knows nothing about me!” Bucky was getting more and more angry. “Buck, we're just trying to help.” Sam placed his hand on Bucky’s shoulder. But the former Winter Soldier shoved it off as if he had been burned. “SHUT UP!” He yelled. He turned to Sam, “You wanna help Sam? Then leave me alone! You have no idea how all this is for me! Everything I’ve done! And until you do, LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!” He yelled with all the anger that had been pent up inside.
He turned and entered the building, leaving Sam behind. Once inside everything hit him.
Why did he do that? Sam was just trying to help, like the good friend he is. And Bucky lashed out. He pushed his friend away. His only friend left. Bucky leaned his head back on the door as his face began to tremble and hot tears pooled in his eyes. He banged his head on the door in an attempt to punish himself. He slid down to the floor as sobs began to emerge from his throat. He was all alone. That’s what he does, he pushes and alienates all those close to him. Afterall it was his fault Steve left. Bucky berated himself thinking Steve abandoned him because he had enough. Bucky’s sobs echoed in his apartment. He was so tired. Why couldn’t he sleep? He just wanted to sleep.
Later that night, Bucky’s eyes were red and swollen from sobbing out his frustrations. He wished the world would just swallow him up forever. It was past midnight now, the smoked whiskey he poured two hours ago was almost finished. The astronomy book in his hand was half done. Since being freed, astronomy had become his favorite thing to catch up on. He could recall memories from his childhood where it’d be late at night, his parents and sisters would be tucked in and asleep while he snuck up to the roof to find all the constellations he could see. And get lost in thoughts over what may be beyond that sky and those stars. Now with all the satellites and space stations he was more enthralled than ever.
He yawned, he couldn’t see straight anymore. He wanted to sleep but he knew what would happen in a few hours. He needs to sleep. He stripped down to his boxers, his dog tags dangling against his bare chest. He looked at the spot where he had been touched earlier that day. It felt hot but not in a painful way, there were no marks or anything but he felt the heat seep deep inside him. Maybe he was hallucinating.
He laid down in his pile of blankets on the floor, the TV was on low. His head resting on the pillow. He took deep breaths trying to relax his mind and think of anything other than the impending nightmares he’d face later.
What would it be like to float through outer space? He wondered. Where nothing mattered. The problems he faced everyday would just melt away. Just him and the endless horizon of stars.
He slipped into sleep.
Weightless, Free, Peace, and warmth. That’s what Bucky felt, he’d never felt this before.
I am a light sleeper
But I am a heavy dreamer
He opened his eyes. And to his wonderment saw an endless sky of stars and colorful nebula clouds. He was floating in outer space. Yet he could breathe and there was no lethal cold. It was warm. Like being wrapped in a soft blanket or embraced by someone. This had to be a dream. It felt so amazing, sure he was just floating but it felt so free, so peaceful. He wanted to touch the nebula clouds, he reached his hand out unsure how to move himself forward. But with the thought of moving forward he slowly floated towards the cloud.
My imagination gives me wings
And I can go anywhere
His hand went through the cloud and it moved with his hand. Following his every movement as if he was controlling it. In a spur of childlike wonder he quickly flicked his hand and the cloud followed. Dazzling wisps of bright colors and starlight followed his hand creating an ethereal dance of light and wonder. Bucky’s heart soared with warmth and happiness. He wanted to see more. With a quick thought he floated up.
And when I wander away, to some other place
I'm suddenly there, way up in the air
Where passenger trains catch fire and fill the sky with flames
And that black rabbit of death
Wakes up in a breath, of beautiful dreams
My heartache it seems, so terribly vain
Where fire and diamonds fall like rain 
He reached out to grab a star. In his hand it was small yet bright. Like a firefly. He held it with care. It was like he could do anything. Go wherever he wanted. Nothing could tear him away from this feeling. His self hating thoughts, his tainted mind. It seemed so far away like no harm could come to him here. Here in this realm of dreams he felt safe.
Do you believe in endless miracles?
Do you believe in the impossible?
Do you believe sleep is a time machine?
Do you believe in curiosity?
Do you believe in what you cannot see?
Do you believe life is a Lucid Dream?
He suddenly heard music. It was getting closer. Was there someone else here? He looked and saw in a burst of ethereal color, a woman. Running on a stream of white starlight that grew to catch her steps. Nebula clouds and stars followed her as if she were guiding them. Her (y/h/c) air flowed behind her like a curtain as she ran. Dressed in a black tank top and underwear of the same color, she was happy as she ran on the stream of starlight. Earbuds were tucked into her ears with their cords disappearing into nothing. Bucky could hear the music from them. As clear as day. The woman turned her head to look at him, she smiled brightly as if she had been looking for him. Her (y/e/c) eyes, brighter than the stars that followed her, gazed at him. Beckoning him. She was so beautiful. Like a Goddess of Dreams. With a quick flick of her hands she sent another stream of starlight his way. It flowed under his feet pulling him forward to follow the woman. Nearly losing his balance he gradually moved his legs to run on the stream. 
This was amazing! He was running on starlight! He looked at the woman again, her smile was bigger and brighter. She raised her arms high as she looked at him cheering him on. He ran with her on the stream of starlight exchanging glances. She pointed ahead of them, the underside of a swirling galaxy. She sprinted ahead of him and breached the galaxy in a burst of stars and colored dust. Like a mermaid surfacing. He wanted to do it too. He sprinted. Breach. Breach. BREACH! 
Well that's how you study the stars
That's how you study the stars
And that's how you know 'em by heart
Life is a Lucid Dream
He pushed through the galaxy floating up and up with the stars following him. The brightness in his chest radiated. He never felt so free. So happy. So content. He breathed deeply in peace as he floated. He opened his eyes and stared at the swirling galaxy before him. He wanted to stay forever. His dog tags floated before him. Above him he saw the woman again, delicately drifting towards him with a soft warm smile that made his heart flutter. She reached out and cupped his cheeks with such tenderness his eyes drifted shut at the warmth. “Time to wake up.” Her voice echoed with such grace and softness it made the angel's of old sound tone deaf. And with a soft kiss to his forehead he was enveloped in a warm bright light.
I am a light sleeper
But I am a heavy dreamer
When Bucky opened his eyes again, he heard the sounds of the city. He stared at the ceiling. He was back in the real world. He smiled at the memory of his dream. 
Tumblr media
He sat up, he felt well rested. Looking at his watch, it was past 6 in the evening. He had been asleep for sixteen hours. With no nightmares. He felt amazing. His mood shifted when in the corner of his eyes he saw a glowing blue light over his sternum. Ethereal blue light in the shape of a delicate handprint lay on his chest, the fingers ending at his sternum. Radiating a soft warmth. It faded slowly into him. He felt a wave calm wash over him as he thought about the woman in his dream. Did she do this? Did she give him that dream?
He needed to find her.
He had to see her again.
30 notes · View notes