#but natasha and clint are the only ones that strike me as just as nosy as tony

[aurumacadicus]

Tony strikes me as the kind of person who, upon hearing neighbors fighting, would open the window and listen.

So what I’m saying is Tony moves into a nice brownstone, keeps to himself, notices his neighbors seem very close but is too awkward to insert himself into the conversations to make friends (normally people come up to him, so he has no idea how to really... start conversations). He’ll wave and they’ll wave back, and someone left cookies on his doorstep after he moved in, but mostly, he keeps to himself and they keep to themselves.

Then one day the couple across the street starts arguing while Tony goes to get the mail. He hovers by his mailbox, keeping his ears open. It sounds like the wife is angry about school but her tipping point is her husband not putting his laundry in the hamper. Tony looks through his mail but doesn’t actually read any of it because now the husband is complaining about crock pot meals every night.

“What are you doing?” someone asks flatly, and Tony jumps, turning to find one of his scarier neighbors frowning at him, arms crossed over her chest. The blond guy next to her has a dog on a leash. The dog only has three legs and one eyeball.

“...I’m nosy,” Tony says after a moment, lifting his head to blink at her.

“Great, trade places with me so I can face my good ear at their house,” the blond guy says, and Tony obediently swivels, stunned.

“Did he say anything about the crock pot?” the lady asks seriously. “I hope she breaks it over that asshole’s head.”

And it turns out Tony’s nextdoor neighbors are just as nosy as he is. They’re Natasha and Clint. The dog’s name is Lucky. Sometimes Clint takes Lucky on walks just to hear what’s going on around the neighborhood. It’s great.

The couple divorces and put their house on the market. The ex-wife gives Tony her crock pot and all her recipes for it as thanks for putting her in touch with a good lawyer and Tony has no idea what her ex-husband is complaining about because everything is delicious. A couple of Clint and Natasha’s friends snap the house up.

They argue a lot.

“You know, it’s really obvious that you’re being nosy when you just grab a cup of coffee and open your window,” Natasha says, frowning at him judgmentally.

“If they cared they’d shut up and go back inside,” Tony replies, nonplussed, and hands her another cup of coffee.

Then one day he gets more than he bargained for when one of the guys shouts, “YOU CAN ASK HIM OUT AFTER I ASK HIM OUT THEN YOU FUCKIN’ ASSHOLE,” and starts charging across the street. The only reason he doesn’t leap directly through Tony’s open window and into his house is because the other guy tackles him at the sidewalk.

Clint comes out of his house, walks over to Tony’s, and comes inside so he can close and lock the window. “Play hard to get. They’re annoying when they’re smug,” is all he says, and then he leaves again.

Tony blinks, stunned, and takes a loud sip of his coffee.

#ideas #avengers shenanigans #the other avengers make appearances obviously #but natasha and clint are the only ones that strike me as just as nosy as tony

[rubythecrimsonwriter]

this is the randomest ass question about post-flipping legacies which we havent even gotten to but do you ever see jason headed up to nyc for a visit? along with damian or just all the batkids? ive savored the brief avengers cameos a lot hehe

I have. Uh. Three works that are VERY vaguely plotted out for when Flipping Legacies is finished. One is a prequel focused on pre-SHIELD Clint and the few days between the Greysons' deaths and Dick's adoption. It's a good thing that they're both high energy and filled with rage.

One is a prequel one shot centering around Natasha that is absolutely meant to make everyone--including me--start crying.

And the last is the only sequel, centered around Natasha and Clint as a pair this time (not, like, romantically? But definitely you-and-I-have-no-concept-of-personal-space-with-each-other), with Jason as the Holder Of The Braincell this time. Natasha finds out that Coulson is alive and oh boy she is PISSED. Jason will spend a few days running around with Strike Team Delta in New York, which will also feature Shenanigans Had. ("What do you mean, you don't carry a gas mask with you?") For that one im going to have to rewatch Agents of SHIELD and kind of guess where the story would insert itself so that's like. Several years in the future. The likelihood that a stray Captain America wanders through is pretty high. I'm pretty sure Tony is getting sat on by Pepper so that he doesn't injure himself and tear something post-arc-reactor-removal. But he's loud about it. Very loud.

I could also see Jason just dropping in very casually to say hi with Kori and Roy in tow while he's vibing with the Outlaws. That could be a very tense hello the first time. Prior first encounters involved probably about 35 Billion (note the Capital B) dollars in destruction and also a nuke. Tony and JARVIS would both probably be insanely twitchy until they realized this is Natasha's kid, uh, project and his friends.

As for Damian or the rest of the batkids? Honestly coming up blank. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Tim probably would go visit just because he's a nosy parker, but the rest of them are pretty enthusiastic about staying in Gotham, and fighting with Bruce about the Avengers and their. Ahem. Enthusiasm in killing the problem deader than Jason. Is not worth it.

It's kind of funny, imagining a world with both the Justice League and the Avengers. You have the Last Line of Defense, the Justice League, who are, on the whole, remarkable people who have done remarkable things. Are good, upstanding people. Are people who have made mistakes and publicly apologized for them.

And then there are the Avengers, for when shit is so fucked no one cares that two assassins, a billionaire with too many brains, an alien god who tried his hand at starting wars with literally everyone ever, the guy who Broke Harlem, and Captain Fucking America, are the ones who are either going to save the day in inglorious fashion or avenge it with a well placed Molotov cocktail.

#flipping legacies #marvel #dc #asks answered #you asked a simple question and you got a small novella and i am not apologizing

[themculibrary]

Clint And Phil (Shieldhusbands) Masterlist 3

Links Last Checked: December 15th, 2023

part one, part two

5 Times Clint Refused to Join SHIELD and 1 Time He Agreed (ao3) - Westgate (Harkpad) M, 7k

Summary: Clint has his reasons for avoiding Agencies with a capital A. Phil just knows he'll make a great Agent. Phil's a persistent guy. He's also a friendly, good-looking, and funny guy. Clint is screwed.

Add Fletching for Stability (ao3) - sam_gamgee E, 31k

Summary: While biding his time waiting for Coulson to come home, Clint is surprised to find himself striking up a closer relationship with Steve. Much to Steve's surprise, neither of them have plans for letting him go.

A Gram of Gold (ao3) - aftersoon (notboldly) T, 11k

Summary: Pretending he was in love with his husband was easy. Pretending he wasn't in love with Clint was somewhat harder, however.

A May-September Romance (ao3) - Not_You E, 17k

Summary: In a world where Alphas and Omegas imprint on each other, Phil has never had it happen with anyone and has settled down into teaching high school and just dealing with things. And then one of his students imprints on him.

cherry red as sweet as sin (ao3) - soniclipstick (veriscence) E, 3k

Summary: Clint is the sexiest thing on the planet, Phil's always known that. But the reality of a Clint with kohl-rimmed eyes and cherry red lips slams into the pleasure centres of Phil's brain like a freight car so hard it takes him a full twenty seconds to recover.

It's not surprising how quickly the fleeting fancy of Clint and skin and heat becomes reality after that.

Cover Story (ao3) - lilsmartass T, 10k

Summary: Clint meets Coulson's family for the first time. Written for a couple of prompts on the kinkmeme.

Half a Minute and Thirty Seconds (ao3) - mrasaki T, 18k

Summary: He's not hiding, he's on vacation. (and adopted by a dog.)

Make your Mark on Me (ao3) - Jo (jmathieson) E, 12k

Summary: An op goes wrong, a blizzard blows in, Clint goes into heat, and Phil has a decision to make.

Mama Coulson Knows Best (ao3) - BeneficialAddiction T, 60k

Summary: Agent Phil Coulson has always been entirely honest with his parents about his work. He hasn’t necessarily gone into detail, but they know enough. The one thing he will wax poetic about is his asset Clint Barton, the sniper known as Hawkeye. When a mission gone wrong affords Clint a look into the mysterious hidden life of his favorite handler, Mama Coulson gets a look of her own at the man who's so obviously captured her son's heart.

She for one couldn’t be happier - but these two boys need all the help they can get.

After all, Mama Coulson knows best.

My Sugar Daddy's Got a Mean Swing (ao3) - CharlieBradbury M, 34k

Summary: Clint's hopelessly broke, couch surfing, and very close to being kicked out of college. Phil's tired of his nosy coworkers and their endless jabs about being a bachelor at his age.

When friends coerce the two of them onto a dating website that hooks up sugar daddies and babies, neither expects what they get. It'll probably end horribly, right?

Package Deal (ao3) - Ralkana T, 12k

Summary: Clint's new neighbor Phil is gorgeous, Phil's little girl Ella is adorable, and Clint finds himself completely drawn in by the combination.

rage against the dying light (ao3) - RedHeadedWoman E, 24k

Summary: "You have spent the last three years believing that your partner, your handler, was dead. This should make everything just that little bit sweeter. I have a new plan. It’s time we made a little film for the Avengers and Agent Coulson."

Clint Barton, Hawkeye, Avenger, former SHIELD agent, has been kidnapped. Again. For the hundredth futzing time. (Why is it never Natasha?)

But this is different. Clint's kidnapper only wants information on a long dead man. Phil Coulson. The same one who died three years ago. Clint would be more worried about possible torture if he could think straight.

(If Phil is alive, Clint's gonna kill him.)

Recurve (ao3) - Westgate (Harkpad) M, 26k

Summary: When the FBI comes to Clint for help finding Barney Barton, who has been an FBI agent for 10 years and has mysteriously disappeared, the past Clint has tried to escape invades his life. Phil & Natasha are there to help him through in their own ways, but when Barney's disappearance turns into something much bigger, Phil is sure Clint won't emerge unscathed. When Trickshot appears, Clint knows he won't escape unscathed. Rated Mature for one scene only. Discussion of past abuse. Pre-Avengers but after Phil and Clint begin an intimate relationship.

Second Time Around (ao3) - BeneficialAddiction T, 74k

Summary: Upon learning that Phil Coulson is still alive, something breaks in Clint, maybe permanently. Leaving behind his team, his home, and his identity as Hawkeye, he falls back on an old name, living separately from the Avengers until SHIELD demands they begin looking for someone to take the missing archer's place and their sights turn to the rogue assassin Ronin.

What are the chances of being recruited by a shady government division of superheroes twice?

The Coulson Uncertainty Principle (ao3) - hetrez M, 18k

Summary: Seventy-two hours in the life of Phil Coulson. Road trips, fist fights, secret rooms, medical tape, teamwork, kissing, and the healing of Phil's broken heart.

Washed Ashore (ao3) - Kathar M, 286k

Summary: Phil Coulson has been the Keeper of North Bar, and about half hermit, for fifteen years by the time he finds the wounded man lying on the beach in the wake of a storm. (Actually-- it was the dog that found him; blame the dog.)

Clint Barton has been a circus act, a mercenary, a spy, and a superhero-- now he’s a wanted man, and a half-drowned one to boot.

When they start trying to clear Clint's name, events spiral out of control in ways they can't imagine. Their lives will never be the same -- and neither will the Avengers, SHIELD, and the entirety of Long Beach Island, NJ.

#themculibrary #mcu #marvel #clint barton #phil coulson #shieldhusbands #shieldhusbands masterlist #masterlists #m/m

[the-omni-princess]

All Yours

Author: @the-omni-princess​

Summary: It’s simple really. You have a secret, and there’s an infamous Stark party. What could go wrong?

Prompt: Hyacinth – Jealousy / constancy of love, fertility

Word Count: 1.7K

Pairing: Bucky x Avenger!reader

Warnings: fluff, alcohol, surprises

A/N:

Slowly making my way through all my writing challenges lol

This is for @writingsoftheloser​ ’s  #vi1.5kmeaningschallenge !!!!

-

[My Masterlist]

----

Dressed to the nines, dripping in jewels, and with a dress with way too many slits in it to still be considered a dress, you felt a bit self-conscious while walking into the Stark Party alone. Your hair was braided back, with small white chrysanthemum flowers tucked into the weaved hair. The slits in the dress showed off your glowing skin, and if you turned too fast, someone could catch a glimpse of the navy colored lace corset and panties you were wearing underneath – a gift from Natasha, she deemed this lace pair as the ‘dick me down lingerie’ – yet despite all this, you pushed past the burning edges of self-doubt creeping in, in favor of tilting your chin up higher and walking with confidence.

What was this party celebrating again? Honestly, you couldn’t be sure. All you knew was that most of the team was off-site for the past month, holed up in the Amazonian Jungle, with absolutely no contact, and that this party was made too far in advance to cancel. Both you and Natasha had stayed behind since the mission required more brute force, and well because Natasha had a broken wrist.

Despite the wrist brace, Natasha still looked stunning in a tightfitting red dress. You both sipped on your martinis, bored after having smiled and waved to every dignitary in the room. The mission was supposed to be over a week ago, which had you antsy and fitted with nervous. Ever the spy, Natasha noticed. “Babe, calm down. They’ll be absolutely fine.”

Finishing up your virgin martini and setting the glass down on the bar, you nodded. “I know, I’m just worried. You know how these missions go, a few bullet wounds aren’t enough to make them go home, especially Bucky and Steve.”

She shrugged, “Bucky will be absolutely fine with Steve watching over him-“

“Oh, we both know Steve’s more likely to be shot.”

“Not helping, y/n/n,” The redhead rolled her eyes, finishing up her own drink before waving down the bartender. “Either way, forget boys, how’s the new kitten doing?”

“Alpine? Oh, that cutie’s fine. Always nosy, pushing stuff off counters, but other than that she’s a little angel. Clearly, I’m not her favorite parent, but she has to live with me so,” you shrugged.

Natasha smirked, taking in your fruity cocktail as she started sipping her own. “Is that the new drink Wanda was going on about?”

Knowingly, you took a sip, letting the cherry and mango flavors sit on your tongue. “Yeah, but get your own,” you glared at her. She grinned wickedly, and you realized your plan was slowly going down the drain. “Nat, don’t even think about it,” you warned.

The former assassin was much too quick for you, grabbing your drink and taking a sip before you could protest. Her face soured, before giving you the drink back. “Flavor’s not bad, but a virgin cocktail? Who are you and what have you done to my favorite techie?”

You couldn’t hold back your giggles as you finished your drink. “I’m cutting back on alcohol.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll believe that’s the reason,” she gave you a look, making your guts flip. She couldn’t possibly have known, hell, you made this plan only a few weeks ago. Nat was too smart for your own good.

As you thought of a coverup, a voice interrupted your conversation. “Excuse me, Bartender? Whiskey on the rocks for me, and two cocktails for the ladies.” A man had appeared beside you, Natasha on the opposite side of you, looking just as repulsed as you.

“No thanks,” you pushed the new cocktail to Nat. “I’m tapped out.” You gave the man your best ‘please leave me alone I’m only being polite, but I’ll punch you’ face. Nat wisely didn’t mention your lack of interest in the free drink, something you would usually partake in.

“Come on, loosen up a bit. It’s only a drink,” the man said, most likely thinking that was a good way to ‘charm’ you. Ha, not likely.

“And I declined,” you snarled, quickly losing patience.

“I’m only trying to be nice-“ The man tried to reach for your wrist

“And the lady said no. Get lost,” a new voice appeared, a metal hand latching onto the arm that tried to grab you. He shoved the man away, rather roughly, but you truly did not mind that at all. Bucky placed himself between you and the man, a scowl on his face as the man walked off grumbling, his metaphoric tail between his legs.

“You’re home early,” you tried, nonchalantly, Nat rolling her eyes beside you. “And I had that.”

“Just got back,” Bucky turned towards you, softening as he took in what you were wearing. He himself was in a leather jacket and black jeans, a small cut on his forehead, but other than that he looked perfectly fine. “Couldn’t wait to see ya, baby,” he grinned, hands coming to rest on your hips as he pulled you closer. The petname made your spine tingle, but the fact was he couldn’t possibly have known either, so you stayed silent. Out of the corner of your eyes you noticed Natasha most definitely giving you a look. Well, that took longer than you thought it would. “And I get here, only to have my best girl being hit on by some rookie agent.” His tone made you look back up at him, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“Was someone jealous?” you teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Maybe a little,” he conceded, shooting you a goofy smile. “Can’t help it. I missed you,” he tilted your head up, smiling as he captured your lips in his. Soft, and gentle, with an underlining power and authority and dominance. God, you missed him more than you care to admit, but that might just be the hormones talking.

You gently pulled away, “I missed you too.”

He tugged on your hands, leading you to the dance floor, drink and Natasha forgotten. You made a mental note to apologize to her in the morning. Bucky pulled you closer, gently swinging the two of you back and forth to the music.

Quiet, at peace. It took a few songs before you were ready to break the magic. By then, the only people remaining were the rest of your found family. Tony, Steve, Bruce, and Clint were all on the sofas, nursing drinks while making jokes about the mission, which must have gone well. Natasha and Wanda were standing by the bar, giving you little funny looks. Oh, they most definitely figured you out. Sam was beside Maria, flirting, and currently striking out, even though Maria had already agreed to a date next week with him. Thor and Vision were both in towards the kitchen, figuring out the new appliance you had installed while they were gone. It felt warm and fuzzy. Like everything right had finally happened in your life.

Home. It felt like home.

“Bucky,” you murmured, gently pulling your head up to look at him.

“Yes, Fiancé mine?” He grumbled, softly pulling you back against him, making you giggle.

“I have some news I wanted to share with you and the team.” That most certainly got his attention.

He raised an eyebrow, pulling away from you. “Should I be concerned?”

You shrugged, “Probably,” you admitted with a teasing smile.

He chuckled, “Well let’s tell them.”

You shook your head, “This is me telling you as well, go sit, I’ll be right back.” You pulled away, rushing back to your room to grab what you needed.

When you got back, the entire team was surrounding the sofas and chairs in the main living area, Bucky sitting beside Steve with a space on his other side for you. You stood in front of them and took a deep breath. “So… Did anyone notice the new flowers in the kitchen?” you started.

Multiple heads turned to glance at them. “Blue and Pink Hyacinths?” Wanda supplied, knowing your small obsession with flowers.

“Yep. Does anyone know what they mean?” Another game of yours. Even the white chrysanthemums in your hair had the meaning of loyal love and truth. Every flower had a meaning, and you loved using them for your own games.

“Oh! I know!” Steve looked excited, he usually couldn’t remember which flowers meant what, but always admired the ones you planted in your garden upstairs, usually helping you if Bucky was on a mission. “They mean jealousy or constancy of love!” He grinned, making you smile.

“Yep! But there’s one more meaning.” You whispered, handing Bucky the small envelope that had been burning a hole in your hands since you picked it up.

He gave you a confused look but opened it, nonetheless, completely trusting in you. “What’s this?” He murmured, looking at the small grainy photo.

“It also means fertility,” you supplied, waiting for who would connect it first.

It was clear by the high pitch in her voice, Natasha put all the clues together first. “You’re pregnant! That’s why you weren’t drinking alcohol!” You simply nodded, gauging Bucky’s reaction.

His eyes widened, eyes shooting from you to the picture and back and back again. “We-… we’re having a kid?” He mumbled, slightly confused and waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Yeah-“ your voice cracked, and his eyes locked onto yours at the sound, taking in both of your teary-eyed looks. “We’re having a kid, Bucky,” you finished.

He leaped forward, dropping the photo as he pulled you into a tight hug, laughing as the two of you cried and smiled. “We’re having a kid!” He couldn’t stop the goofy smile that lit up his features as you clung to each other. The rest of the team offered congratulations, smiling as Tony making sex jokes much to Steve’s annoyance. Bucky ignored him, holding you closer, smiling as you kissed and stayed attached to him. “I’m going to be a dad…” he murmured.

You smiled, nodding, “The best dad in the world,” you ran your hand through his shorter hair, burying yourself in his arms. “We’re going to start our own family.”

Home. Family. That’s where you were.

---

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#Bucky Barnes #vi1.5kmeaningschallenge #bucky #bucky barnes x reader #bucky x reader #james buchanan barnes x reader #james buchanan barnes #bucky x avenger!reader #My writing

[gripefroot]

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Busy tying his hair back into a bun, Bucky wanders out the men’s locker room towards the empty gym. Only half-formed thoughts of lifting weights or whatever is on his mind, with distant hopes of having pizza sometime that day. Suddenly his hair stands on end, as two familiar voices reach his ears from somewhere to the left. The women’s room. 

“I dunno, Nat,” you’re saying. “I’d have to think about it. You first.”

“Okay,” Natasha’s voice replies. “Here goes: date Steve, marry Stark, fire Clint.”

The musical sound of your laughter stalls Bucky in his tracks. Backing up against the wall, he tilts his head with interest to listen in better. His heartbeat is suddenly very fast. 

“Poor Clint,” you chortle.  

“Missions stress him out. I’m doing him a favor,” Natasha says. “Steve would be such a gentleman to date, you know? But Tony - I gotta go for the money.” 

“Yeah, that makes sense,” you reply, and Bucky squints, a bit confused at what he’s hearing. “But so many problems come with money, you now?” you continue. “I’d marry...Steve.” 

“Steve?” Bucky mouths to himself as Natasha laughs.  

“You’re onto something with the gentleman thing,” you explain to Nat. “I’d definitely want that everyday, if you know what I mean.” 

“Very fair,” Natasha agrees.  

“And you’re right about Clint - I’d fire him. At the very least we wouldn’t have to listen to his running commentary on missions anymore. Though come to think of it, I’d probably miss it…” You break off into a laugh, and Bucky snorts to himself.  

“Then who would you date?” Natasha prompts.  

“Hmm. Probably Bucky.” 

“Bucky?” Nat asks, her voice laced with surprise. Bucky rolls his eyes. It can’t be that surprising. 

“He looks like a good kisser,” you say, and your voice is drawing near. Shoot. Bucky steps back into the men’s room, and just in time - the sound of two pairs of sneakers on the gym floor reach his ears.  

“I can see that,” Natasha’s voice is swallowed by the large space of the room, and Bucky strains his ears. “You know, if we add the category ‘kill’ on there, I’d probably choose Barnes - put him out of his misery.” 

“Oh, please,” you say lightly, as Bucky gapes in indignantly. “He’s not that miserable. He just hides it.” 

“Uh huh. Who would you kill?” 

A pause. Then, “Stark. Then you can share your widow’s fortune with me.” 

Yours and Natasha’s joined laughter fills the gym. Bucky swallows his, and as the voices move further away, he jaunts from the men’s locker room as if he hadn’t just been eavesdropping. Immediately his eyes flicker to you, where you’re tightening the laces of your shoes by a treadmill. With Natasha’s back turned, you meet his gaze across the gym. Smirking. Of course you are. 

You’d only date him? And you’d rather marry Steve?  

Bucky lifts a brow, just to show you that he had, in fact, heard every word of your conversation with Nat, as he wanders over to the weight-lifting equipment to warm up. He can’t get the image of your workout clothes out of his mind, though.  

The chit-chat you and Natasha keep up while jogging is much less exciting - SHIELD paperwork. Bucky zones out as he starts his workout, only glancing over at you...rarely. Well, maybe a little more often that ‘rarely’. But not often. Well, not too often.  

Only a half hour later Natasha moves on to the weight rack, and Bucky watches as you turn off your treadmill. He immediately racks the bar he was using, and jumps to his feet. You aren’t blind to him - it almost forgives your choosing Steve over him. With a brow quirked, you pause at the treadmill to slug some water out of your water bottle as Bucky saunters over. 

“Hey, Agent,”  he says with a smile. “Wanna spar?” 

Your lips curl upwards. “Wanna lose?” you shoot back.  

“Ha, ha. Just because it happened once doesn’t mean you’re gonna get lucky again.” 

“Sure, Barnes. Sure.” Whether you’re expressing disbelief that you won’t beat him again, or that you’re agreeing to spar with him - Bucky isn’t sure. But with a shrug you head for the open mats, and he hurries behind. Trying not to watch as you roll your shoulders to warm up the muscles.  

He takes a stance across from you. You brace yourself, meeting his eyes boldly. Bucky grins. You grin back. A moment of sparking electricity - it’s for the best that Natasha is otherwise occupied. He makes a jab for your left arm, and you dodge.  

A few more missed punches, and Bucky winces at a kick to the back of his knee. But he doesn’t fall, and next time you’re in his eyesight, he says in a low mutter, 

“You really shouldn’t have conversations like that where just anyone can hear.” 

A breathless giggle from you - and he ducks as you make a strike for his head. “Well, I probably should be playing with fire either, and yet - here I am.”  

Bucky likes that spark in your eyes. He hooks a leg behind yours, but not pulling to drag you down - instead he holds it there as you try to catch your breath, studying him curiously. Then you twist around, and out of his trap. Your movements are so graceful - it’s like watching a dance. Which accounts for Bucky’s distraction. And why you’d won last time.  

“Didn’t you like how well thought out my answers were?” you ask next, ducking under a punch.  

“No,” he says shortly.  

“Aw, why not?” you tease. “Steve seems like such a good choice.” 

“Steve snores,” Bucky informs you. “Think again.” 

You laugh, and he’s forced to roll to the side to miss one of your knees coming down on his gut. You land hard on the mat.  

“If I’d said you, I would’ve had to give Nat a reason,” you explain, rising back to your feet. “Couldn’t have said it’s because I enjoy your body so much.” 

Bucky chuckles. “Sure you could’ve. It’s an excellent point.” He tries to swipe a leg beneath you, but you jump to avoid it and he narrows his eyes. He’s growing a bit hot - not just sweaty - as he pushes some loose hair from his face.  

“Why? Who would you chose?” you challenge him. “Me, Nat, Pepper, Sharon - take your pick. Date, marry, fire.” 

“Easy.” Bucky rolls to his feet, and your fist connects with his ribs. He winces. “You, you, and - Nat. She gets nosy sometimes.” 

“Aww, Buck,” you coo, your hand suddenly very soft on his shoulder. “You’re too sweet.” Then you push down hard, and he falls on his knees. Weak. He’s so used to going where you urge him, it’s not easy to get into the mindset of sparring. Good thing Sam isn't there. 

“Is it because I’m sexy?” your purring voice tickles his ear, and without warning your knee is in his back, forcing him to the mat entirely. Bucky’s face is squished onto the plastic, and he flails helplessly. But you’re stronger than you look. 

“Yeah,” he mumbles, half-sighing. He should’ve known he’d lose. 

“Is it because I love ya so good?” you whisper. 

“Hnngh...yeah. Yeah, it is.” His heart beat is out of control. Even though Bucky’s pretty sure he’s not tired. Your huffing laugh is soft in his ear, and his skin prickles pleasantly. 

“Thanks for letting me win,” you say, louder now as the pressure on his back is released. “Best two out of three?” 

Bucky rolls over with a groan, blinking at the bright lights above. Partially obstructed by you, hands on your waist as you smile smugly down at him.  “I think I’m humiliated enough today,” he says, giving you a beady stare. “I’ve gotta hit the showers before I get too hot and bothered.” 

Your smile broadens. “Sure. Take all the time you need.” And you turn to saunter away. Bucky keeps an eye on your retreating form as you disappear into the locker room. Damn.  

He lays there a moment more, trying to get a grip on himself (and the situation in his shorts.) Then he climbs to his feet, a little disappointed as Natasha wanders off to the locker room, too. And he’d half-considered sneaking into the women’s room… 

Running his fingers through his hair, Bucky departs the gym. His memory is favoring him with some delicious images of you from the sparring match. Skin glowing, hair shining, and your smile - he loves your smile best of all. And your laugh.  

The locker room is quiet. Mostly. He grabs a towel to take to the showers, and coming ‘round the bend - stops in his tracks.  

Leaning against the tile wall in the last shower stall, your eyes lift to meet his, glittering with smugness as Bucky stares.  

“This is the men’s locker room,” he deadpans.  

“Good,” you say, just as plainly as he starts to tug his sweaty shirt over his head. “I’m looking for one.” Tossing his shirt to the side, Bucky watches your eyes travel downwards. Hunger sparks there - and in his shorts, too. Again. Your fingers hover over where you’d been typing on your phone.  

“This is a bit public, don’t you think?” Bucky asks, quirking a brow. 

You shrug. “I have my ways.” 

“Which are?” 

“Promise not to tell?”  

“Sure, babe.” 

Your smile is feral. “I can reroute Stark's security cams from my phone.” 

Bucky chortles. “Does Stark know that?” 

“Nope. You gonna get in or not?” You lift your brows in challenge, and what the hell - Bucky yanks off his shorts to toss away. Into the shower, latching the shoulder-high door behind him, and twisting the water knob on. You step aside to avoid the spray, back to the door as you set your phone on the tile ledge.  

“You gonna stand there and watch?” he asks, askance. You don’t move. Arms crossed, and looking so damned pleased. It’s a good look.  

“I like a good show,” you say. Your eyes flicker over him again. A little banter with you always has its effects on Bucky - trying to keep himself from blushing, he grabs some soap and starts to work it over his chest. Keeping very intense eye contact with you. Your tongue darts out, wetting your lips.  

“You know,” Bucky says lazily. “If our roles were reversed, I’d think this a pretty cruel torture. Just watching.”  

“Who says I’m here to just watch?” you purr. Loosening your arms, you trail your fingers down Bucky’s soapy chest - and causing his muscles to clench in response. Then you’re crouching, and Bucky sucks in a breath as his eyes roll back in his head.  

“Anyone can walk in,” he barely manages to say, his voice suddenly very hoarse.  

“Mmph. Don’t stop washing yourself, Barnes. If you take too long, someone could get suspicious.”  

Forcing himself to peek an eye open, Bucky’s heart gives a little leap to see your smile. He can’t resist your smile - all the mischief and affection that shines from your face. There’s a bit of soap on your nose. It’s adorable. Then your lips are on his skin, and he groans.  

Soap. Wash himself. He can’t. Bucky’s metal fingers find the ledge of the tile walls, clenching and cracking a tile or two with a shuddering snap. His opposite elbow jerks as he balls his hand into a fist, knocking the shower knob. The water is suddenly burning on his back, but he barely notices and cares even less. He can feel steam clinging to his skin that isn’t in the flow of water, and he struggles to swallow.  

“Hope you're not getting wet,” Bucky rasps.  

“Mmph. Do you really?” There’s more than a hint of teasing in your voice, and he peeks open an eye again - eyes sparkling, you give a little, vibrating laugh that makes his toes curl with pleasure.  

“I meant from the shower,” he clarifies.

“Nah, you’re blocking most of it.” 

Good. Why is it good, again? Bucky can scarcely think. But when the door from the hallway squeaks open, he nearly jolts out of skin - you don’t pause, which makes his blood rush white-hot, and he hears a familiar tread.

Steve. Shoot. Steve. Anyone else you’d be hidden from, but the super-hearing thing? Steve will be able to hear your heartbeat and breathing. Impulsively and more than a little wildly, Bucky finds the soap again, yanking it across his skin as he starts to half-shriek, half-sing at the top of his lungs,  

No one to talk with

All by myself

No one to walk with

But I'm happy

On the shelf

Ain't misbehavin'...

“Hey, Buck,” Steve’s head appears over the rim of the showers as he tugs off a sweatshirt.  

“Huh - hi,” Bucky says loudly, sloshing extra water around. Maybe it’ll distract Steve. He doesn’t dare look at you - even though he very much wants to.  

“Finished already?” Steve asks. Bucky blinks - oh, no, Steve couldn’t have meant that.  

“Yuh - yeah.” And he hums some more, off-key. Steve winces.  

“Well. See you at lunch.” 

“Er, yeah. See ya. Have a good workout,” Bucky half-shouts, and Steve walks away towards the door to the gym. Bucky keeps up his wailing singing, until the door is shut. Then he lets out a long breath, pinching his brows as he glares down at you.  

“I'm gonna pay you back for that,” he says roughly.  

Your eyes glint. “I hope you do.” 

Bucky catches his breath, and no longer caring, reaching down to pull you back up, crashing his lips to yours as soon as humanly possible. The taste of your salty sweetness is enough to drive him completely bonkers. A little whimper forms in your throat as your fingers tangle in his wet hair. 

“Well,” you say, pulling away as you clear your throat. Still smiling. “I need to change out of these - um, dirty clothes. See you tonight?” 

“After that?” Bucky lifts a brow. “You’ll be lucky if I don’t accost you in your locker room.” 

“Natasha’s still there,” you inform him, running your hands up and down his arms. “She takes forever.” 

Groaning, Bucky makes a nip for your lips again, and you giggle. With a last, lingering kiss, you back out of the shower with a wink and turn to stride away. Bucky can’t help admiring your every movement, licking his lips.  

He’s in slightly better condition when he leaves the locker room some five minutes later; mostly dry and wearing clean clothes. A trample up to the common areas of upper Avengers Tower, Bucky is disappointed that you aren’t around - until he arrives at the kitchen looking for a snack, that is.  

A perfectly innocent smile curling those lips. He doesn’t even see Natasha, until she speaks.  

“Stark’s planning a party tonight for something or another, so don’t eat too much,” Nat advises.  

A party. Bucky groans, pulling open the refrigerator. That’s going to delay when he’ll be able to sneak away to your place… 

“I got you an iced coffee from downstairs,” you interrupt, and he closes the door, a little baffled. You’re holding out a cup to him, yours in your opposite hand. At his pause, you add with a smile, “No milk, extra shot of espresso. Just the way you like it.” 

“Good memory,” he says lightly, wishing Natasha about four thousand miles away.  

But it’s not to be. His gaze lingering on your face a moment more, Bucky turns away to leave you and Nat to your conversation. 

~ 

Two days later, Bucky is bouncing down the steps from his bedroom to the common area. He’s feel really good - a snatched makeout that morning in the kitchen before Clint had showed up does that to him - he’s thinking of you. Wondering where you are. Which is quickly answered, as he stalls at the sound of voices from the open door to Natasha’s bedroom.  

You. And Nat. Again.  

Bucky doesn’t move, tilting his head to listen.  

“You know, I was giving it some thought,” you say casual-like, and Bucky’s heart gives a little leap. “I wouldn’t want to marry Steve. He has way too much angst in his life.” 

Natasha laughs. “Fair. Who then?” 

“Well, I think I’d date Sam. He’d be a lot of fun, you know?” 

“Definitely. You’d marry Barnes, then? Because he has plenty of angst, too.” 

“True,” you sigh, as Bucky huffs to himself. “But those lips - I really just think he’d be such a good kisser. There are worse things to live with than great kissing.” 

A snort from Natasha. “His metal hand is cold.” 

“Could be fun.” 

“Wow, 28. Wow.” 

With a smirk on his face and a jaunt in his step, Bucky whistles to himself and continues on.