#he once said he was ‘raised in a barn’ but that was probably a joke in context

[notafunkiller]

love me like you paid me - co-written with @marvelouslizzie​

Summary: You accompany businessman Bucky Barnes to all the events he has to attend, and you find yourself wishing he wasn’t paying you to be his date.

Pairing: businessman!Bucky Barnes x female reader

Warnings: 18+, age gap (the reader is 24, Bucky is 34), teasing, dirty talk, pet names, daddy kink, fingering, nipples play, oral sex, clit play, no condom (but they are both clean and the reader is on birth control), cursing, no mention of y/n 

Word Count: 11K

Bucky Barnes masterlist

A/N: @marvelouslizzie and I had a great time writing this story, and we really hope you will, too, while reading it.

Please, do not repost or translate without my permission!

> I think I'll be late for a couple of minutes, I am very sorry. You can go inside, you just need to say your name.

You look at the text he sent you once again, to make sure you didn’t miss any details. The thought of going inside alone spikes up your anxiety even though you never met him before. Everything looks so fancy, and you are already feeling out of place.

So you decide to wait. It's better for appearances, anyway. You didn't properly establish the context of you being his plus-one before, and you don't want to make mistakes.

And it doesn't even take a long time. He arrives just five or six minutes later. You watch him get out of the car and look around before your eyes finally meet for the first time.

"I am so, so sorry for being late. But why are you standing here?" He says awkwardly looking at you from head to toe twice as he starts arranging his suit jacket.

“I thought it would be better if we go inside together. It wouldn't look too convincing if we came separately.”

He nods. "Smart. I'm sorry, I'm..." He pauses, unsure, and extends his hand. "You're very beautiful, thank you. I'm Bucky."

You offer him a smile while extending your hand and giving him your name. “Thank you. You’re looking very dapper yourself.”

He snorts. "Not thanks to me."

“Huh?” You raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"I meant my stylist." He explains, freeing your hand.

“Oh.” You feel awkward. You didn’t even think about that. “Yeah, but you are carrying it well.”

You see his cheeks getting red. "Thank you. Shall we go inside?"

“Yeah, of course.” You offer him your arm.

"I think I should be doing that." He does the same thing.

You feel so embarrassed for a second but take his arm anyway. “Sorry. I’m just nervous.”

“Don't be sorry." He gives the man at the entrance a smile before saying your names, and in no time, you are led to your table.

You take a look around, trying to be as subtle as possible. It’s even fancier than it seemed when you were waiting for him outside and people seem to know one another as they greet and talk to each other. You feel a faint pain in your stomach.

"You know… in case someone asks you, my three favorite things are eating my family and not using commas."

“What?” You feel so lost.

"My three favorite things are eating my family and not using commas." He repeats this expired joke he read online at some point. "You know, eating my family and eating, my family."

You suddenly snort, not expecting him to make a joke like this.

"I guess you can smile, and what a beautiful smile you have." He pauses and scrunches his nose as soon as he finishes the phrase. "I don't mean to be you know... I am not trying to...."

“You are not trying to what?” You’re still smiling because of his dad joke, totally unaware of why he’s trying to explain himself.

"To make you uncomfortable or something. I just wanted to help you feel better. I am surprised, though. Usually, models feel a little less nervous."

“Model?” You repeat, visibly confused. “I’m… I’m not a model.” Did they tell him you were a model?

"Oh, it explains the height." He lets out a deep breath.

“The height?” You can’t believe he actually said that. Like your height isn’t good enough for his standards. Probably, you aren’t good enough for his standard since you aren’t a model.

"Oh god, no." He groans. "That sounded terrible. I meant, models usually are very tall and look... different. I told them I don't want a model, but my team didn't quite listen. That’s why I said that."

“So you aren’t the one who specifically wanted a model?”

"God, no." He shakes his head. "I actually chose you." He scrunches his nose again. "That sounds even more terrible."

“I know you chose me. How do you think they found a photo of me to send you?”

Bucky snorts. "I should shut up."

“No, no. I mean…” You lower your voice a little to make sure no one hears you. “I was aware of what this is when I said yes. It’s fine.”

"I am making a fool out of myself, I am sorry."

“No, you are not. It’s actually helping me to relax because I was really worried about…” You stop yourself right before saying something stupid.

"Did I seem intimidating?"

“Yeah.” You quickly accept it because his choice of words is much nicer than what you were originally thinking. You expected him to be a pretentious asshole. Instead, he seems like he’s just as nervous as you are.

He smiles. "What would you like to drink?"

“White wine is fine.” It seems like a safe choice.

"I love wine." He smiles. "And to be honest, it’s the only thing I drink at those events. Oh, and champagne, of course."

“That also works, but I can’t have too much.”

"Want to order food before?"

“No, not because of that. I have an early work meeting tomorrow.”

"Oh, we can leave earlier." He immediately offers. "I don't stick much around usually, anyway."

“That’s not necessary, we can stay as much as you want. I’m already prepared for my meeting. I just don’t want to seem unprofessional tomorrow by looking like I have a huge hangover. I kinda need it to go well.”

"What do you do if you're not a model?" He asks with a smile, genuinely curious to find out more information.

“I am running my own bakery.”

"That sounds so awesome. Family business?"

“No. I actually started it pretty recently. Still learning how to manage a business and get clients.” You suddenly stop, feeling self-conscious. “Sorry. That must sound really silly to you.”

"Silly?" He tries to tuck back a few strands of his hair as he looks at you. "I want to know more. If you want to share of course. Maybe I can even help. I know how hard it can be, especially when you don't have experience. Do you have a partner?"

“No.” You can’t help but smile because he seems genuinely interested. “I’m doing it by myself. Or rather trying.”

"Wow, that must be exhausting and challenging. Do you have employers? How new..." he stops mid-sentence when the waiter comes. "Can you bring us some white wine, please?"

"What kind?"

You watch him as he casually orders a specific brand, then his eyes meet yours again. You realize he’s actually waiting for your answer. “I have one person that works with me.”

"Paying a salary must be hard."

“Yeah, money is kinda tight.” That’s the whole reason you accepted being his date tonight: you want to be able to pay Nicole’s salary, but you don’t say that.

"I'm sorry." He sighs. "Maybe I can help, though." He thinks about a donation or something, but he doesn't even know you or your business.

“You already are. Don’t worry about it.”

The waiter returns with the wine, asking you if you want to taste it, but Bucky gives him a polite smile after looking at you. "Thank you, but no need."

The man nods and starts pouring slowly.

When you taste the wine, you understand why he specifically asked for this one. It leaves a really gentle after-taste on your tongue.

"Do you like it?" He asks nervously as he takes a sip himself.

“Very much. Probably the best wine I have ever tasted.”

"I am so glad to hear that. But did you eat anything before coming here?”

“Ihm… No.”

"Then we should order. Excuse me," he calls the waiter again with a hand gesture.

While he is ordering food, you find the perfect moment to stare at him. He’s speaking in a way that shows he belongs here. He is kind yet commanding. You focus on his face and watch a strand fall on his forehead. He doesn’t pay any attention to it, just gently pushing it back, but you find yourself taking a deeper breath. His lips are full, his smile is gentle and his eyes are curious. That’s when you notice he is actually talking to you.

"Do you have preferences?"

You shake your head. You have no idea what preference he is talking about, but even if you did you are sure you would have no idea what to order in a place like this.

"Do you trust me with this?" 

“Yeah.” You quickly answer to cover the fact that you weren’t paying attention to his food choices. “Just no sea food, please.”

"Of course." He nods and turns his attention to the waiter again. "The same for her, please. Also a bottle of water."

*

It's already pretty late, and it's clear neither of you has much energy left, but you can't interrupt this conversation. You are trying to listen so you can be prepared if they ask you something.

"I agree, the market doesn't look good, but let's see if something changes once they apply the new policies," he says looking at both of you for a couple of seconds. "It's hard for new businesses, unfortunately."

You take a deep breath, knowing what he says is true and how it affects you. Still, you don’t comment on anything, just watching them.

Bucky leans in, laughing politely when the man cracks a bad joke, and you notice how a few  hair strands fall on the side of his face and forehead.

Before your mind can register what you are doing, you find yourself leaning towards him and pushing the hair back. Then you notice what you’ve just done and freeze. Your hand lingers on his hair.

He freezes too, mid-sentence, and looks at your hand, his neck getting so red in just a few seconds.

"Oh, look at that. Your girlfriend is taking good care of you." The man in front of you teases. 

“I’m sorry.” You try to retreat your hands as gracefully as possible so it won’t look suspicious. His hair is back in its place.

"Don't apologize." Bucky smiles, taking your hand into his. "She's always shy in public."

“I forgot for a second we are in public.” That’s not a lie. You really forgot your surroundings and how you were supposed to behave.

"What a beautiful girlfriend you have, Barnes."

You can feel your cheeks burning because of his words. You are not his girlfriend obviously, but will he point that out?

"She's also incredibly smart. You know, she started her own bakery a few months ago in this crazy market."

“Really?”

"Yes, with no help either. I'm really proud of her."

Did he just say he’s proud of you? Jesus christ…

“That doesn’t surprise me at all. You know why?” He’s directly asking you that question, and you just shake your head as in no. “Because he started his own company, probably around your age, too.”

"Michael..."

That you didn’t know. You had no idea how he got this rich, and hearing that makes you feel more hopeful.

“I’m just saying.” The man continues. “I can see why you like her. And she’s pretty lucky because she can get the best investment advice or tips on how to run a successful business from you.”

"Oh, trust me, I am luckier." He gives you the warmest smile you've ever received.

You have no idea what to say or do. Should you act like his girlfriend? Should you just smile and nod? That would be rude, wouldn’t it? You should return the compliment. You would definitely do that if he was your boyfriend. 

“Oh, I know how lucky I am,” you say with a smile.

Bucky takes a quick look at his watch. "Alright, I think we need to go. Tomorrow is a long work day. Hope you don't mind." He shakes Michael's hand.

"It was nice to see you."

You are glad it’s finally time to leave. You were getting worried about how much longer you would have to stay here. Not because of him. Bucky seems like a perfectly nice guy, but this fancy place makes you uncomfortable. You gently smile while shaking Michael’s hand and take Bucky’s arm.

"Have a good evening. It was nice to meet you."

“It was nice meeting you too, Michael.”

"I'm sorry for that. Took too long," Bucky whispers in your ear.

“The event isn’t even over yet. We are leaving early.” He shouldn’t have to say sorry for something you agreed to do.

"Is it okay if we drive you home?" He gestures to his driver who's pulling in. You didn't even realize when he texted him.

“You don’t have to, I can take a cab.”

"At this hour?" He puffs. "Not in a thousand years. My driver can drop you off." Bucky offers instantly. It's clear he won't let this go.

“Only if it won’t be a bother…”

"Of course not." He gestures to his driver. "I want you to drop the lady off and make sure she gets inside safely, please. I'll take a cab."

“What?” You didn’t expect him to take a cab. “No, I can’t accept that.”

"Please. Also thank you for tonight, I am really grateful and I enjoyed having you here."

“Bucky…” You stop for a second, feeling hesitation over using his name. “Can I call you Bucky?”

"Of course."

“Bucky, thank you for tonight. I enjoyed it more than I expected. You are a gentleman, but I can’t take your car. I thought you meant dropping me at my place on your way home.”

"I thought..." he pauses. "You felt uncomfortable around me and that's why you refused the ride."

“No. Why would I feel uncomfortable around you?”

He smiles shyly and opens the door for you. "Alright, then let's go."

You really don’t know why he thought that and it bothers you. While you take your seat, you decide to apologize for what happened in there. Maybe that’s why he felt uneasy.

He looks absolutely confused when you actually say the words. "What?"

“I am just really sorry about what I did back there. I don’t know what came over me.”

"What did you do?”

“You know… Making you uncomfortable by fixing your hair.”

Bucky can't help but giggle softly. "Why would you apologize for that? That was very thoughtful, thanks."

His giggle catches you off guard. “I thought… I crossed a boundary.”

"No, not at all. Sorry for the boring conversations."

“It wasn’t that boring. I actually learned a couple of things.”

Bucky smiles. "Did you? Not surprised, you're a businesswoman after all."

“I try to be.” You smile back even though you are feeling kinda sad that your time with him is about to end.

"I think you have a big potential. You control your emotions very well. You are smart and know how to enjoy good wine." He gives you a playful but innocent wink as he says the last part.

“And now I know you, so I can ask for business advice.” You repeat Michael’s words very poorly.

Bucky nods. "Of course. And you know maybe I can help... with a donation."

“A donation?” You really didn’t mean to sound that offended, but you are.

He frowns. "Yeah, I really think you got potential in business and it's hard when no one helps you."

Talking about money always bothers you. Getting paid for going out with someone already feels wrong enough, but the way he walks about it makes you feel worse. 

“Can we…. not… talk about this?” Your discomfort is much more clear in your voice than you realize.

"I-Of course, sorry if I bothered you," he immediately says apologetically.

“Talking about money like this bothers me and… just to be clear, I don’t want any help.”

"I understand. I wasn't trying to intrude."

You offer him a smile, but it doesn’t reach your eyes.

"I'm really so-"

"Is this the right address?" The driver interrupts Bucky all of a sudden.

“Yeah, it is.” Your answer comes instantly.

"Perfect."

“Thank you…” You stop for a minute realizing you don’t know his name. “I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name before.”

"Noah."

“Thank you, Noah.” Then you turn to Bucky. “And thank you for tonight, Bucky.”

"Thank you." You give him one more smile before opening the door. "Wait."

“What?”

"Are you free on 18?"

“I… think so. Why?”

"I have a proposal for you."

*

As the 18th comes closer, you get more worried about what to wear. You used your fanciest dress at that event and now your options are pretty limited. You search your closet and try to think of a friend who would let you borrow a dress. That’s when you finally see that simple black dress. That might work. When you put it on, your feelings are conflicted, though. It looks good on you, but it doesn’t seem good enough. You are not completely sure about how fancy this event is. Maybe… maybe you can ask him. 

< Hey. Sorry to bother you but how fancy is this event?

> Hey, no bother. Like the one we attended.

> Why?

< I’m not sure about my dress. Is it okay if I show it to you? I don’t wanna be underdressed.

> I am sure that's impossible but of course.

You send a mirror selfie, showing your dress.

>You look very beautiful.

>The dress is absolutely amazing too, but it's a black-tie event. Would you consider me disrespectful if I sent my stylist to you?

< Thank you. 

< No, of course not. I need help. I would appreciate it.

> Gonna send Lila a message and then I'll give her your number if that's okay.

< That’s perfectly okay. Thank you and again sorry to bother you with something like this.

> You don't bother me.

> I mean it.

< I know you are busy. That’s what I meant.

> Well, I am sure you are very busy yourself.

> How is the bakery and how was the meeting?

< I’m done working for the day. So I get to worry about the dress I’m gonna wear.

< The meeting went well but I didn’t hear anything from them yet.

> I hope it was a full day.

> I mean with many clients.

> And I hope they will give you a call.

< It was a tiring day. How was yours?

> Tiring, but productive, thank you for asking.

> Lila will call you in two minutes. She's a nice person. She manages to make me look decent every time.

< You look more than decent and I don’t think it’s all her doing.

5 minutes later

< Talked to Lila. We go shopping tomorrow. Thanks again for the help.

> Don't thank me for that. My pleasure. Have a good evening.

< You too.

The next day, you meet Lila and go shopping together like you agreed. She seems like a fun person and definitely understands your style. Her suggestions are great. but the only problem is the cost When you notice the price tags, you want to leave, but she assures you that it is all taken care of. That’s when you realize Bucky Barnes is paying for this shopping trip. You feel dumb for not thinking about this while talking to him. That’s why he was guarded when he offered help. That usually restlessness creeps up on you because you don’t want his help like this, but Lila convinces you that he is the reason you need new dresses anyway. And it is true. He is dressing you so you look the part. That eases your anxiety and finally, you are able to enjoy your dress hunt. When you come back home, you are completely exhausted but ready for any event he might want to take you. 

*

> Hi

> How are you?

< I’m good, getting ready. How are you?

> I am good too.

> I was wondering if you mind me picking you up...

< You wanna pick me up?

> Yes. I might need your address again, though.

< Noah doesn’t remember?

< I am picking you up.

Oh.

> You should say no if you don't want that.

< No, why wouldn’t I? I just didn’t think you would come without your driver for some reason.

> Do you want me to come with Noah?

> I can.

< I don’t need someone extra to feel comfortable around you, Bucky. 

< It’s up to you. Whatever you wanna do, I will be fine with it.

> Perfect 🙂

> 7:30 or 8? We should totally skip half an hour.

> So boring

< That emoji makes me feel like I did something wrong and you are being kind.

< Both are fine by me.

> See you at 8 then 😁

> Since you hate the other emoji

< Oh this one is much better.

< See you at 8. Leave your overthinking hat at home.

You quickly send him your address.

> Thank you

*

The evening comes even quicker than you expected. He picks you up alone and you have a great conversation on your way to the event. He gives you some pointers about it and the people you will most likely have to talk to and warns you that it’s gonna be boring. And he is right. It is even more boring than the first one. A lot of speeches and conversations with people you don’t know. You try to stay composed and play your part, trying to hide the fact that you are bored as fuck. Bucky comes to your rescue with a fun game. He makes funny comments and on-point jokes before and/or after you talk to someone. His observation skills are extraordinary. He notices stuff that you wouldn’t normally remark. Like a missing wedding ring, so he knows not the mention their spouse during their conversation. He whispers into your ear and makes you laugh the whole night. Hearing his voice that close, and feeling his breath on your neck drives you crazy. Does he know the effect he has on you? Is he doing it on purpose or is he just trying to pass the time as pleasantly as possible? You don’t know. Just like the first event, you leave a little bit early. He drives you back home, offers you a warm smile, and mentions when the next event will take place. You just nod in agreement, already looking forward to it.

*

> Friends or The Office?

> Also hi

< The Office. Love how intentionally awkward it is.

< Hiii back.

> How are you?

> Let me guess who you like the most

> Is he tall?

< Yeah genius, it’s Jim.

< I’m good, how are you?

> I knew you have taste.

> I am good. Now even better.

< Why better?

< Also who else could I like? He’s the only sane person in that office.

> Because I talk to you.

> So true.

He’s feeling better because he’s talking to you. God, that makes your blood rush.

< I like talking to you, too.

< Okay I have a question. What do you think of Karen?

> Karen? Don't make me be a hater while texting.

> It would never end.

> You?

< You know the word hater? I’m impressed.

< I don’t like her either. She tried too hard to make things work.

> I am 34, not 304!

> I feel offended

< It’s so easy to tease you.

> She is boring and annoying. More annoying than that douchebag.

< You mean Roy?

> Yeah

> That punching scene though

< God, that guy is a walking red flag. 

< Pam was truly blind.

> She was. Sad...

< Favorite season?

> Hard.

> Very hard.

> Maybe 4.

> Yours?

< Either 4 or 6.

> Tastee

< You are starting to sound like me 

> Well, I am older, so it's the other way around

< Sure old man. Whatever you say 

> Old but handsome, to quote you

< I can’t be held responsible for the things I say when I’m tipsy.

> Excusess

< Shh you are exposing me too much

As time passes, your conversations become friendlier. You don’t feel like this is something you have to do just to keep your business going. It feels like you two enjoy each other’s company. It feels like flirting. Yet you are not sure if that’s how he feels about all this, too. 

> Hi. Are you home?

< Yeah?

> in a few minutes you might have a delivery

< A delivery? 

< Bucky what did you buy this time?

> I can sense a tone

< Can you?

> A bratty tone.

> You'll see when it comes.

Just a few minutes later you open the door and see a huge bouquet of flowers.

< Jesus Bucky!

< These are so pretty!

< Thank youu.

> No complaining, huh?

> Glad you like them.

> I can complain if that’s what you want.

> I want you to be good and put them in a vase.

< They are already in a vase, sir.

You send a photo of the flowers in your prettiest vase.

> Great.

< I can’t stop smelling them.

> Noted

< I’ve got something to show you. Well two things because I can’t decide.

> Waiting

You send two mirror selfies in two different dresses. The first one is a black dress with a high slit on the right side. The other one is a simple pastel pink dress but the cleavage is on display a little.

< Which one should I wear for the next event?

> You think I am the right person to choose?

< I am your date, aren’t I?

> They both look great.

> Depends on what you want.

< That’s what I think too!

< And that’s why I can’t decide.

< Please help me out.

> Pink?

< Pink it is.

< Thank you.

*

What you didn't expect from this arrangement is how your attachment grows more and more every time you see Bucky. He makes it hard not to miss him with his smile and his jokes, the way he tries to integrate you and always asks how you feel. Truth be told, you're not even professional anymore and you catch yourself wanting to make a move on him every time he compliments you. But you can't, so you're forced to wait for him to do it. And you really hope he will.

*

You probably put too much faith in a rich person because when you see your notification from the banking app, you have to refrain from making a scene. You check twice just to be sure. For some reason, you are paid double the amount for this date and it’s not because he missed any previous payments. No, he just decided to pay you more the moment you started to grow closer.

When you look at him, he immediately catches something's wrong and leans in to whisper. 

"What happened?"

“I don’t wanna talk about it right now.” Because you know if you do, your whole act will be exposed.

Bucky nods and looks at the rest of the table. "We're gonna head back home now. It was really nice to see you."

His reaction surprises you. You have the whole night ahead of us and he already paid you double. Why does he want to leave already?

"Of course. Have a good evening!"

“Oh, are you really leaving this early?” Someone else asks.

"Yes. We have plans for tomorrow pretty early in the morning."

“Ah! Too bad. Still, it was nice seeing you two.”

You both nod before you make your way to the door. You absently watch him asking for both of your coats and holding the door for you.

The way he’s acting like everything is fine infuriates you more. You really hoped something was going to happen between you two. It felt like you were headed in that direction, but you are not so sure anymore. Maybe he never saw it that way. Maybe he was thinking the worst of you and he’s just paying you more for everything he considers extra. It makes you feel nauseous.

"I should have made them change the plate…  Do you have an allergic reaction?"

“Yeah, I am having an allergy reaction.” You lash out as soon as you feel safe to react. “An allergic reaction to you trying to buy everything.”

"What?" He looks at you so confused as if he didn't double paid you a moment ago.

“Tell me it’s just a mistake and you didn’t do it on purpose.”

"Do what? Pay you?"

Oh… He did it on purpose. And just like that the last hope you were hanging on vanishes. 

“Yeah, pay me double just as we were getting closer. Is that all I am to you?” 

"All you are to me?" He repeats shocked.

“Someone you can pay for whatever you want.” You don’t wait for an answer. You just keep going. “Of course, that’s all I am. What else can I be? It’s my fault for accepting this… deal. I put myself in this position. Why would you see me as someone other than a hooker.”

"Stop!" He screams back but not as loudly as you do. "What are you saying? What the actual fuck? When did I even imply that? Paying you double has nothing to do with disrespecting you! Contrary!"

“You don’t have to say it! The moment we started to get closer, you decided to pay me double. I don’t need to be Einstein to put 2 and 2 together.”

He scrunches his nose. "How about us getting closer and me wanting to help you, huh? Did that ever cross your mind? Me wanting to help you pay your debt faster, knowing the effort you make to accompany me to these," he gestures to the place behind you. "But no, of course, you didn't because you think the lowest of me. That I would believe I can buy you and your affection!" 

“Help me?” He must be joking. “When I specifically told you I don’t want help!”

"I just don't want you to struggle. Is it so bad?" His voice is soft now while he stares at you, trying to show you he's entirely honest 

“Have you ever stopped for a second and thought how getting help would make me feel? I’ll tell you. It makes me feel like a failure.”

"You're not a failure. And getting help doesn't make anything you did and do less important, especially since it's small. Please..." he sighs. "Let's continue talking in the car at least, it's freezing. You shouldn't get sick."

“Fine. I will get in, but this… this conversation is not over.” He’s right. It’s freezing and you can’t take it anymore.

He nods gratefully and opens the door for you, which you close with force.

As soon as he gets in the car and starts the engine, he turns on the ac, giving you a look. You keep taking deep breaths and avoid looking at him.

"Please... do you really think that low of me?"

"I don't know what to think anymore." You finally look back at him. "Are you gonna drive or are we gonna have this conversation here?"

"I don't want to drive you home upset. I want to talk about it..."

You stop for a second, consider your options. You can't have this conversation in a public place. "Your place or mine?"

*

Money is clearly not an issue for him so he probably didn't even blink to pay you double you realize as you get inside the house. You try not to look around too curiously. Your image in his eye is already as bad as it could get.

"How low do you think of me?" He repeats the same question while he starts to take off his shoes.

“I should be asking you that question.”

"You're the one who thinks I tried to buy you as a hooker."

“What were you trying to do then if not buying my affection? And don’t tell me helping!”

"To help."

“I don’t want help!” You don’t notice how loud you are. “I don’t want anyone’s help! I have to do this on my own. Is that so hard to understand?”

"Yes and no." He sighs. "I get this drive, I had it too, but I wish you could try to see... that you don't have to do this alone. But instead, you think I see you as someone buyable." 

“Imagine when you started your business and had debt, someone had the means to help you, just give you money like it’s nothing and you don’t get to pay it back. Would you accept it? Would you think it’s your success if someone helped you out like that? Just be honest and answer.”

"Fuck no." He sighs. "But you deserve the money. And you put up with the events and your business..."

“Fuck no indeed. I want to do this myself. I have to prove myself I’m not a failure like my-” You stop yourself from finishing that sentence.

"What? Like what?"

“It doesn’t matter. I just need to prove that to myself, okay?”

"How could you think you are failing when you already did so much?

“As long as this business doesn’t succeed, whatever I’ve done so far does not matter. Only the result matters.” You don’t notice you are repeating your father’s words.

"That is bullshit. You think success is based on wins only?"

“It doesn’t feel like winning when you are worried about paying the next month's salaries.”

"That's a worry that honestly doesn't stop. Or at least not for me. Success means failure and worries sometimes. Success means trying and holding on."

“I’m not here to have a conversation about what you view as success, Bucky. I’m here because I’m mad at you.”

"You're mad at me, but you think I am an awful person." He starts taking off his jacket.

“I’m mad at you because you can’t pay me double just because you want to. That’s not how real life works.” 

"Oh, really?" He smiles sarcastically. "I should totally give zero shits about you worrying about paying salaries and having student debt. Totally real-life fun stuff."

“Student debt? How do you even know about that?”

"You mentioned it."

“I don’t remember mentioning my student debt to you.”

He puffs, not breaking eye contact. "I have ears."

“You heard me mentioning my student debt and decided to pay me double?” He’s unbelievable.

"Yes."

“Do you have any idea how much you were paying me before?”

Bucky blushes embarrassed and strokes his beard. "No..."

“You were already paying me nearly a monthly salary. Just for going on a date with you once a week. Do you have any idea how it made me feel seeing that double payment in my account while I was hoping for…”

"Fuck, I want to say I am sorry, but I am not. I am not buying you, no matter how low you think of me. I want to help you. I thought we are already friends."

“Friends.” You give him a bitter smile. “Friends don’t pay each other.”

"Friends help each other." He is getting closer to you.

“Not without the other one asking for help.”

"You're impossible." He sighs. "You can pay me back at some point." He is so serious.

“Which point will that be?”

"Whenever you won't be worried about salaries."

“You said it yourself, that time never comes.”

"Please, doll." He closes his eyes, not even realizing what he said.

“Please what?”

"Can we just stop fighting?"

“We can if you stop paying me.”

"It's your money. You come with me every time. This event was more boring than usual... consider this a bonus for putting up with it and me." 

“I don’t want- I don’t need that.”

"Why not? It's just for now." He seems upset. "Do you want nothing to do with me anymore?"

“I don’t need money to… enjoy my evening with you. I was actually hoping for you to… you know… stop paying me soon.”

"You want to end this?" He doesn't even try to hide his disappointment. His voice starts trembling.

“I want to end the payments.”

"So no more events..."

“I didn’t say that. I said I don’t want you to pay me for that anymore.”

"Oh." Bucky thinks a little. "You want to come to meet more people?" 

“Dear god… You are so dense for a smart businessman sometimes!”

"You are calling me dumb."

“Yeah, because you are being dumb or just acting dumb, I don’t know anymore. You can call me if you want me to accompany you as your friend… or date, okay? It’s up to you now.” You reach for your stuff to leave his place.

"I just want to know why you'd find it so bad for me to pay you. Would you not pay me?"

“Don’t you really see the implication?”

"What implication? Tell me what you think."

“Would you pay me if we had sex?”

He freezes, completely taken aback. "What?"

“You heard what I said. Would you love me like you paid me, too?”

"You want to fuck me?" He asks unsure. As if he doesn’t know if he heard you right.

“Do you need things spelled out for you like this?”

"Do you mean it?"

“I have already said too much, Bucky. I think it’s better if I go.”

He grabs your hand when you turn toward the door. "I don't think you said enough."

“You want me to embarrass myself more?” He rolls his eyes. “I think I have made myself clear enough. Time for me to leave.”

"Come on." He smiles. "You didn't say anything."

You let a frustrated breath out. “Take care, Bucky.”

"Doll, please. You can't leave in the middle of a conversation like this!"

“Of course, I can leave. What else is there to talk about?”

"You asked if I'd pay you for sex."

“And I think I got my answer.”

"No, I would not pay you for sex."

“Because you didn’t even consider that option.”

He puffs, and you notice sweat drops on his neck. "Why did you even ask that? I already said I do not consider you buyable." 

He is very close now, holding both of your hands and staring into your soul.

“Because that’s how I feel every time you pay me to spend time with you.”

"God, doll. You are really fucking impossible. You think I don't want to kiss you or fuck you? I think about it all the goddamn time if I let myself, but we had an arrangement..."

“And that’s why I wanna end the arrangement.”

"Done." His answer is instant.

“So you can take me out on a normal date, maybe.”

"Yeah?" He wraps his arms around your waist, making you drop both: your coat and bag. But you don’t look down even when they hit the floor. 

“If you want…” You feel your voice suddenly getting smaller.

"May I kiss you?"

“Only if you aren’t gonna ask permission for everything.”

He snorts. "Just answer." 

“You may.”

He does, moving a hand to your chin as he immediately tries to deepen the kiss. The way he kisses you takes you by surprise. You didn’t expect him to start this kiss so strongly, but you definitely aren’t complaining. His other hand goes from your waist to your ass, grabbing it over your pants. You gasp in surprise, which interrupts the kiss.

He smiles. "Hi."

“Hi.” You try to catch your breath while he starts to kiss down your neck without warning. Your right hand trails up from his neck to his hair as you let out a low moan.

"Fuck." He starts sucking on a spot below your collarbone.

“Jesus, Bucky…” You try to sound as normal as possible. “Take a girl out to dinner first.”

"You want dinner?"

“Well, not right now.” 

"What do you want right now?" 

“Just keep doing what you were doing.”

He kisses you so sloppily, his hands going under your shirt without realizing. You wrap your hands around his neck and close the remaining distance between your bodies.

"Fuck, you taste so good."

“Maybe it’s the lipstick.” You joke and without letting him answer, you start to kiss him again, immediately using your tongue. He moans in the middle of the kiss and then opens his mouth a little further, inviting you in. Your hands go to the buttons of his shirt.

"Oh, fuck."

“Can I take this off?” You ask for permission the way he did before.

"Please." He is breathing slowly, looking at your hands

You take your time unbuttoning the shirt, testing his patience.

"Doll, please." His mouth finds your neck.

“Please what?”

"Faster."

“That part comes later,” You say with a suggestive tone and he snorts, leaving another kiss on your neck.

"Left you a few pretty marks." 

“Maybe I should give you some too.”

"Later." When you finally finish unbuttoning, he takes it off in a heartbeat. "Hope you won't hate me."

“For what?” He simply rips your shirt in half in response. “Bucky!” His hands grab your bra while you are still talking. “That was an expensive top!” 

"Was." He just rips off the bra, too. "Just like this was on you. Past tense.”

"Do not!" You lift your finger. "Rip off anything else!"

He bites that finger without hesitation, sucking in it further. You try to take your finger back. 

“Jesus Bucky, how am I gonna go back home now?”

"What? You want to go home?"

“I have to go home eventually, you know.”

"I have clothes, you know?" He starts to take off your belt. "Pants too." You can see he wants to get rid of them too.

“You want me to leave your house in your clothes?”

He kisses her. "What?"

You take a deep, annoyed breath. “Fine, I will worry about this later.”

"May I rip these too?"

“No. No more ripping, please.”

"Alright," he says disappointed but lets you take off your pants while he’s simply staring at your breasts.

“At least I have this to wear while going back home,” you say, swinging your underwear.

"You talk so much about leaving."

“Hmm, do I?”

"Yeah." He's obviously trying not to show he's upset, but he's failing. And this makes you happy… the fact he doesn’t want you to leave.

“Does it bother you?”

"No," he whispers and looks at his own pants. "I can just make you feel good, you know? No rush, then I'll drive you home as you want."

You reach for his pants and start to unbuckle it. “I have a mind that… keeps on worrying. I think about stuff I have to do later constantly, but there’s a way to turn it off. At least for a while.”

He tries to stop you. "I can make you feel good, drive you home and take you on a date tomorrow." 

You finally understand what he actually means. “What? No. That’s not what I want.”

"Okay. Just wanted to make sure you understand we can stop like any time."

“Oh, I know. I just don’t want to.”

"Okay." He smiles and lets his hands fall down.

“I feel like you are tiptoeing around me. Where’s that Bucky I see at these boring events every week?”

"He's here, just trying to do everything right. But I don't know what you mean by that Bucky."

"I mean that Bucky who doesn't hesitate."

"This is different though. I don't want you to think I am a douche, you know?" He sighs. "I don't want you uncomfortable."

"Your hesitation gives me anxiety. And I know you by now. You don't need to worry about that." You push his pants down and they pool around his ankles. Impatiently, he takes off his boxers himself and steps out of them.

"Alright then. Should we move to the bedroom?"

But you are too busy to finally look at him, all naked, to hear him. He looks better than you anticipated and that makes you even more eager to touch him.

He tries not to smile, but it's hard.

“Uhm… what?”

"Nothing, nothing. Keep going."

“Okay.” You move closer and start kissing him again. You grab him gently yet firmly and start moving your hand slowly, just to get him used to the feeling.

"Fuck." He moans against your lips. "Feels good."

You gently bite his lower lip while you keep moving your hand. It’s still slow, but you pay attention to grab his balls and brush against the tip, just to see his reactions

"Doll..."

“Hmm?” You stop kissing him and look into his eyes as you decide to kneel down.

"Doll, no." He groans. "Fuck, I really dreamed about this, but let's go to bed."

“If you dreamed about it, why are you saying no?”

"Because we can do something else fun for you too."

“Oh, believe me, this is fun.” You take your tongue out, swiping it on the shaft from the bottom to the top, making him moan immediately. “Do you want me to stop?” You ask, your lower lip touching the tip. He doesn't even seem to hear you.

“Hmm…” And that’s your answer. You take the tip into your mouth, gently licking. "Oh, shit," He moans and without thinking he wraps his hand around your ponytail.

Your tongue swirls around the tip, occasionally swiping on that sensitive spot that makes him moan really loudly. "Holy fuck." He's fully playing with your hair now. "Baby, please..." He doesn't seem to know what he's begginh for though.

“Hmm?” You silently ask while your tongue keeps working on him.

"We should... stop."

You take your mouth off him for a second, just enough to ask: “Why?” Then you take him right back inside your mouth.

"I'm gonna come," he says a little embarrassed.

He might have wanted you to stop because of that, but you have no intention of doing it. You want him to feel good, so you grab the shaft, moving it up and down while you take your mouth off for a few more seconds.

“Then come.” 

Your tongue goes back to the tip, moving in sync with your hand. He can't even ask you if he should pull out because he's already coming in your mouth. You keep moving your head and hand until he finally hisses because of overstimulation.

"Doll."

You look at him while swallowing. “Yeah?”

"Thank you so much, I'm just... fuck me," he groans at the sight in front of him. There is something absolutely sinful about you like this. "I am just really sensitive."

“That’s normal.” You kiss his cock really gently on a spot that wouldn’t cause any discomfort. He lets go of your hair and smiles. You quickly wipe away that line of come dripping down to your chin before he helps you stand up and kisses you hard. You are already unbelievably wet, but the way he uses his tongue takes it to another level. He lifts you in his arms when you least expect and a yelp leaves your lips.

"Gonna take you to the bedroom."

“Yeah, okay.” You wrap your legs around his torso, trying to hide your excitement.

"I'm gonna eat you, okay?" He opens the door with his leg.

The way he says it sends shivers down your spine. You can feel the throbbing between your legs.

"You want to ride my face, pretty doll? Or do you want me on my knees?"

“God…” You think for a second, both options being tempting. “On your knees.”

"You want me on my knees? Want me to beg to eat your pussy?"

“Would you?”

"Beg for it?" He puffs. "For you? Of course."

“Jesus fucking Christ…”

"Just Bucky." He puts you down on the bed and kneels. You laugh a little. His nervousness is definitely fading away. He smiles and starts kissing below your knee. "Please, can I eat you, baby?"

“Oh god… I wanna hear that again.”

"I am begging. Please, allow me." He kisses all the way up.

“It’s all yours.”

He makes the most animalistic sound you've heard from his mouth before and lifts both of your legs over his shoulders.

"Gonna let me do it over and over again?"

“I might wanna do different things in between, but yes…” That makes him smile.

"Thank you." Then he finally starts licking at your entrance.

The first moan you let out sounds like you are trying to catch your breath. Bucky's fingers dig into your thighs when he properly enters you with his tongue.

“Oh god...” That feels amazing. He says nothing, trying to move his tongue around for a little while testing what you like. You instinctively move your hips a little, forcing his tongue closer to your clit.

"Fuck." You barely hear him say as he properly moves his mouth to your clit.

“Yess!” You shake with excitement. Bucky starts to flick his tongue gently on your clit, bringing his hand to your entrance. You don’t realize how you are moving your hips to create more friction. And he adds the first finger inside you without stopping his tongue motion. 

“Ahh, yes.” It sounds like you have been waiting for this forever. His free hand goes up just to squeeze and massage each breast as he adds his second finger.

“Bucky, fuck!” It feels like he’s everywhere. His flicks turn into full licks while his fingers move faster.

“I’m gonna- I’m gonna- come.” You can already feel your legs shaking. He continues the pace exactly like this and moans against your clit.

“Oh fuck. Oh fuckk. God, please- don’t stop. Please.” He doesn't stop, he couldn't even if he tried, eager to make you come.

After a few seconds, something snaps inside you and finally, you feel loose. Your whole body is shaking and you can’t get enough of the way he makes you feel. The movement of his tongue, the way his fingers move… And it doesn’t end quickly. No, he keeps going and you feel the same high over and over again until it’s too much to bear. You stop him by grabbing a handful of his hair.

“That was… incredible.” He smiles, raising his head enough for you to see how wet he is. “Jesus…” His beard is soaked. You had no idea you were that wet.

"Just Bucky." He repeats the same joke as he licks his lips.

“Your beard… it’s so wet.” You are too shocked to react to his joke.

"Wanna clean it for me?" He winks and god, he looks so charming.

“Come here.” You open your arms.

He hugs you immediately, his beard making contact directly with your breasts as he’s spreading your wetness all over them.

"Oops." He giggles. "Guess I have to clean up my mess."

You giggle, too. “You know you don’t need an excuse to suck my nipples, right?”

"What? This is not what I'm doing. I like to clean." 

And just like that, you feel Bucky's tongue all over your tits, making sure to avoid your nipples.

“Hmm… That feels good.” He bites a little the skin on your left breast, and you whine in response.

"Hurting?"

“A little.”

"Sorry, baby." He sucks a little around the bite as an apology.

"It's fine. Come here and gimme a kiss."

"No." He gets stubborn and he finally takes the first nipple into his mouth.

You grab his hair and force him away from your nipple. "You are so stubborn."

"You like pulling my hair."

"I was thinking about pulling it for a long time."

"Why didn't you?"

"Well, I touched it instead of pulling. On our first date." 

"Yes." He smiles giving you a small kiss. "Not enough."

“There’s no way I could pull your hair there, you know.”

"True. I would moan."

"You and me both." You giggle again.

"So you felt okay?"

"Okay?"

He smiles. "More than okay?"

"You have no idea how okay that was."

"Probably not. You get to feel pleasure in ways I never will."

"Poor you. We should totally try to change that."

He snorts. "You want to suck me again? Or do you want to fuck me?"

"I want you to fuck me."

"Yeah?" He kisses your cheeks. "That's easy."

"Yeah?" Your hips move a little, rubbing against his erection. "Then what are you waiting for?"

"Gonna be right back." He tries to get up, but you stop him.

"Condom?"

"Yep. Any preference?" 

"Yeah, none if possible."

Bucky looks at you confused. "What?” He thinks maybe you meant the flavor. “I can find one without it." 

"I meant no condom because I'm on the pill, so it's up to you."

"You sure?" You aren’t sure if he’s excited or surprised.

"Why wouldn't I be? As long as you are clean."

"Want me to bring my blood tests?"

You laugh a little because you know he means it and you couldn’t help but imagine him dutifully showing you the papers. "I will take your word for it, Mr. Barnes."

"Mr Barnes?" He repeats amused as he spreads your legs properly. "Are you gonna call me that when I come inside you, too?"

"Mr. Barnes sounds too formal for that. Gotta find something else for that moment."

He grabs and positions himself at your entrance. "I'm sure you're creative."

You push your hips impatiently. "I will find something fitting."

He enters you without waiting, but he's careful not to hurt you so he stops for a little. You throw your head back because of the way you feel with his cock inside you. A lower, nearly animalistic moan escapes your lips. 

"Oh god."

"Please move."

He kisses you gently as he finally starts to thrust slowly. You are so wet that he's moving so smoothly, dragging your walls every time he pulls back and then filling you up all over again.

"Aren't you a wet little doll?" He shifts his weight on his elbows that he places on both sides of your head.

"I’m so unbelievably wet." 

"Perfect." He buries his head into your neck and starts to move faster.

“I have been… imagining how… this would feel.”

"Did you dream about it?" He doesn’t miss the chance to ask that.

“Once.”

"Only once?" He tries not to sound disappointed, but he fails.

“Yeah, and I was surprised because I don’t dream about sex.”

"How?" He starts sucking harder.

“Ahh.” You moan softly. “During one of those fancy events.”

"Fuck." He lifts his head to look at you. "Did you dream of me fucking you in the closet? Or the baby changing room?"

“In a dark closet. Suddenly you are all over me.”

"Fucking you from behind? Or holding my baby?"

“You were holding me and- ahh. I was trying to- stay quiet. But- you kept fucking me- harder.” His hips move so fast now you can barely speak. 

"Did you scream?"

“I was about to, but I woke up suddenly.”

"Fuck." He groans. "The worst. Did you finish the job?"

“Yeah.” You breathe out. “I was so fucking wet.”

"Just...." He closes his eyes. "I'm imagining you using your little fingers under your panties to play with your clit- Shit."

“And it wasn’t enough.”

"No? Poor baby." He leans in to bite your bottom lip for a few seconds.

“It was frustrating.” You moan when he moves his hips a little harder. “Nowhere near… this.”

"Nothing like my cock? Like us?"

“Nuh-huh.”

"God, can't wait to come inside you... to see you dripping."

“Shit, Bucky. You can’t just say things like that.” It makes you clench hard. You need to come. Now.

"Why not? So fucking hot." His thrusts slow down but become deeper at the same time. "Dripping down your thighs. Gonna clean that up for you and share it." He curses. "Gonna pass you my come in a kiss."

“Oh fuck.” His words, the image just pushes you over that edge. “I’m coming. Oh fuck, please don’t come. Not yet. Please.”

"Why not? Do you want me to pull out?" He teases.

“I need one more.” You say while shaking hard. “Just one more.”

"I'm right here," he whispers assuringly. “I'm inside you, not going anywhere. I dreamed about you too." He pauses to curse. "Fuck, I was fucking my bed."

“Tell me… tell me about it.” The orgasm keeps washing you in waves. Over and over again until it fades away.

"You were in my office at work. Came to talk about a gala or we were leaving from there, I don’t know. And we just... we were suddenly kissing and I was ripping off your dress. And I was simply fucking you all over the desk."

“How did it feel?”

"Not even close to this, but it was good. So good. I almost came in my sleep."

“You didn’t come?” You finally feel like your breath is going back to normal. 

"I stroked myself after I woke up and came. A lot."

“Made a big mess because of me?”

"Mhm." He brings his fingers to your lips. "And you weren't there to help me." 

“I’m here now.”

"Gonna help me this time?" His index finger plays with her bottom lip.

“Oh, I will.” You bite his finger gently. “And no mess this time. I’m here to take every drop of your come.”

"You sure you can?" He teases. "What if it's too much?"

“It’s all mine. I don’t care if it’s too much.”

"I'm all yours."

“Oh, Bucky.” You feel like you are melting. You kiss him on the lips passionately. “I’m all yours, too.”

"Yeah?" He smiles and starts thrusting faster. "Aren't you a pretty little doll? All mine, ready to take my come."

“Yours.” You repeat and that familiar pleasure starts to build up again, but you want to try something else. Something you have been imagining. “Can you… flip me over?”

"Sure," he answers a little surprised, and helps you move.

“I have been imagining how this would feel.”

"Thought you did it only once." 

“You know dreaming and imagining are different things, right?” You tease him. You can’t see his expression, but you know he made a face right after hearing your words.

"How many times did you imagine it?'

“Oh, who knows? A lot of times.”

"Tell me what did you imagine when we were like this." He squeezes your hips, so turned on to see your on all fours.

“You fucking me hard.”

"How hard?" He teases leaning in to kiss your back.

“As hard as you can.”

As soon as he starts to properly thrust inside you, a few gasps and whimpers leave his mouth. The positions opens you up in a different way. 

"God, this is... fuck me."

“Yeah, I would say- the same.” It’s hard to speak when he is pounding you like this.

"You're making such a mess on the bed, baby. Around my cock. God, so fucking wet."

“Should I apologize for the mess?” You ask cheekily because he seems so gone.

"You should." He squeezes your ass. "By making a bigger mess."

“I think- that’s- possible.”

"Yeah?" He fucks you even harder, properly using his knees and your hips. "You gonna come?" 

“Yeah! Please!”

"Please what?" 

“Please, daddy.” The words leave your lips before your mind can register them.

"Holy fuck, what did you just say?" He barely manages to keep going, just slowing down. He looks at you as if he doesn't know if he imagined something, and that's how you  realize what you said.

“Shit! I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.” You start to panic.

"Hey, baby." His voice is soft, assuring. "What are you sorry for?"

“I didn’t mean to say it out loud. I was just… thinking that.”

"God, baby." He tries to turn your head to look into your eyes by grabbing your chin and titling it up. "You think of me as your daddy?"

“Is it bad if I do?”

"Yeah, it's bad because I can come any second when you call me that." He kisses your forehead. "Be a good girl for daddy and try to come, okay?"

“God, Bucky.” You moan because of his words. You’ve imagine this, indeed, a lot of times, but hearing it? It’s something that can’t be described.

He pulls your hair. "Daddy."

“Oh, fuck.” It turns you on even more and you don’t know how that’s even possible. “Yes, daddy.”

"Did you imagine this, too?" He is leaving you breathless with the way he is pounding you, yet he still demands an answer. "Did you imagine calling me daddy while I fuck you like this?" 

“Yes.” You are so close to coming. So close that you can taste it. “I did- so many times.”

One of his hands finds your right breast and sqeezes. "Please, come for daddy. Gonna be a good girl and come?"

“Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuuckk, I’m coming!” The way your orgasm hits you makes you lose the last drop of control you had over your body. You can’t think of anything beside Bucky and how good he’s making you feel. His pace quickens for a second before he comes. He doesn't manage to warn you he's coming too, but he doesn't have to. His moan and the feeling of his come are enough.

He keeps it going until both of you finish and when you do, the only thing that you can hear is your loud breaths. Then you feel a trail of kisses all over your back.

“Oh my god,” you finally manage to speak.

"Just Bucky." He reaches your neck. "Or daddy."

You laugh. “God, you are so smug.”

"Smug?" He smiles and pokes your skin with his tongue. 

You turn around, finally fully facing him. “Yeah, daddy is real smug.” It feels so good to be able to call him that without worrying about anything else.

"Thank you."

“Who knew Bucky Barnes had a daddy kink?” You can’t help but say. 

"Not Bucky Barnes himself." He snorts.

“You just found out?”

"Yeah." He burst into laughter a bit embarrassed. He’s never thought about being called daddy before, especially not in bed, but with you? With you, it just makes sense. It feels hot.

“Oh god, I am so lucky.”

"Did you always have a daddy kink?"

“I didn’t even know I had one before meeting you.”

Bucky's smile is so big. "Fuck, I am the lucky one." He kisses you properly now, immediately trying to open your mouth by licking your bottom lip. 

“I thought I would freak you out, but look at you, fully embracing it.” 

"How could I not?"

“You liked it that much, daddy?” You wrap your arms around his neck playfully.

"God, I did. You're so hot when you say it. And the way you looked at me."

“How did I look at you?”

"Can't even explain it... I just wanna see that over and over again.”

“Well, you can.”

He scrunches his nose in the most adorable way possible. "Thank you."

“For what?”

"For everything. And for wanting me."

You frown because of that last part. “What does that even mean?” 

"Boring older man."

“Handsome older man, who I have been fantasizing about for a while.”

He giggles shily. "You make me sound like a dirty dream."

“Well, it’s because you are.”

"You are mine too."

“Lucky us.”

"You might never get rid off me." He kisses your forehead.

“I might be okay with that.”

*

It has been a while since you started to date Bucky. After that night, everything slowly started to fall into place. You found a great balance between your lives and your relationship, always making time for each other. You spend a lot of nights at his place. It doesn’t feel like his anymore, it feels like you are living together. Everything is so natural. 

“I just got the most unexpected call ever,” you say, still feeling fairly surprised by the job you got offered.

"What was it about?" Bucky is still in bed, surprisingly. He's usually the first the get up and go to the kitchen in the morning.

“Mrs. Moore called me to ask me if my bakery could do the catering for their next event.”

"Oh my god. That’s amazing."

“It is! But I am not sure if I can actually do it.”

Bucky frowns and immediately taps on the bed. "Come here."

You listen to him and continue talking while moving closer. “I haven’t given her the final answer yet, I acted like I need to check in to see if we are available, but the more I think about it, the more I notice how hard it would be.”

"I am gonna say something, but I don't think you'll like it."

“You will say you can help me out.”

"Yep." He gives you the biggest smile. "But it doesn't take away anything from your success or your efforts, okay? Just hear me out."

You take a deep breath. “Okay. I’m listening.” You have been warming up to the idea of him helping you. Maybe not financially, but he has been helping you. He has the best ideas and a great perspective. So you won’t say no to hearing him out.

He reaches to hold your hand. 

"Let me take care of the transport and hire the extra stuff who can serve at the party. I'll call a friend." He pauses. "Just this once, okay? You can curse me out later, bit let me help so you can get more jobs in the future. This is a great opportunity."

“How did you even know I needed help with transport?”

"Baby," Bucky giggles at your confused pouty face. "It's a first experience. You don't have employees for this and it's a big party." Then he shurgs, like it wasn’t that hard to guess.

“Transport, service staff, and extra place to store the food. These are the problems I need to solve if I wanna do this.” You list the things you need to be able to take this job.

"Is that a yes?"

“That’s an I am considering it.”

In response, he simply raises on his knees and kisses you, with his hands on your neck. "Good girl."

“I didn’t say yes yet!”

"Ihm."

“If you assume I will say yes, it’s definitely gonna be a no.”

"No, I am very, very, very fucking horny right now."

“Just because I might say yes to your offer for help?”

Bucky blushes. "It's very hot. And I'm so hard..."

“Jesus… You really want a sugar baby, don’t you?” He must have. He loves the idea of taking care of your every need. That would explain why.

"I just like doing this for you."

“Do you like being useful or do you like spoiling?” You insist. You want him to say it.

He makes a sound from the back of his throat. "Can we just focus on you?"

“No, please… Tell me why exactly this turns you on.”

"I don't know." You see the sides of his neck getting red.

“But I wanna know.”

"Please, just..."

“Gimme an answer and I will give you one back.”

He takes a deep breath but doesn't look at you. "I just love spoiling you even though you don't let me."

You smile. “I might let you a little bit.”

"Just..." He sighs embarrassed. "Just ignore me, okay?"

“This is me… saying yes.” You spell it out for him.

"For my help?" He finally looks at you.

“Yeah.”

"Wow.” He sounds completely surprised. “This is... great." He tries to keep his emotions under control. "Then go ahead and uhm, call Moore back as I send a few messages, okay?"

“She can wait a little bit longer.” You gently grab his erection. He has gotten really excited just because you let him help you. It’s just unbelievable yet you love it. You love that he cares about you this much. “I need to take care of daddy first.”

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes smut #bucky barnes au #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes x y/n #dilf!bucky barnes #daddy!bucky barnes #sebastian stan #dilf!bucky #bucky barnes x reader smut #businessman!bucky barnes #millionaire!bucky barnes #billionaire!bucky barnes #bucky barnes one shot #rich!bucky barnes #marvel fanfic #marvel fanfiction #my stories #my fanfics #co written with marvelouslizzie

[deliciousangelfestival]

Underworld Insomnia || 1 - B.Barnes

Character : Bucky × Psychiatrist Female!Reader

Summary: As a ruthless contract killer, Bucky is feared in the underworld of criminals. His opponents freeze when they see him, as he is feared among them. However, they don't know that he could be warm to only one person: his pshychiatrist. The only person who could make him fall asleep.

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , -

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Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Please let me know what your thoughts are. I'd love to hear your feedback. Thank you once again.

In the world of secret societies for underground criminals, there's a secret place for criminals to stay, a shop for criminals to buy their weapons, basically, criminals live like normal people but they can only go to places that are built for criminals.

That's the rule.

There's also a particular psychiatrist for criminals only. Since many of the criminals have demons in their minds.

For this job, Dr. Ben is the only person the criminals could go to and ask for advice and medicine so they could go to sleep. Most of them can sleep.

But the only person who has trouble is Bucky Barnes.

His name is enough to make everyone in the underworld shiver. His eyes are enough to make his opponents freeze.

Bucky is their answer if anyone wants a job done without any mistakes.

With the money from the job he finished, he could have a comfortable life for generations. But he doesn't need it because all he wants right now is to sleep.

"I tried what you told me. Work out until I'm tired, learn something new, clean all my weapons, upgrade my car, renovate my house with bulletproofing, sex," Bucky said while he lay on the couch, looking at the ceiling.

Dr. Ben kept writing while listening to his patient.

"I even went to pottery class, baking class, painting class, and sex," Bucky counted on his fingers.

"Still. Nothing works. I still can't sleep. It's been 7 years," Bucky said.

Dr. Ben, who kept writing, replied, "Yeah, you have mentioned sex multiple times."

"White noise, pink noise. In the end, I smashed the Bluetooth speaker. None of your methods work," Bucky said as he sat up and glared at Dr. Ben.

Dr. Ben adjusted his reading glasses. He remained calm, probably one of the few people not afraid even though Bucky was angry.

He clicked his pen and put the report on the table.

"Do you want to try reading fairy tale books?" Dr. Ben asked.

Bucky pinched the bridge of his nose. "Are you joking with me?"

Dr. Ben replied, "Most of you people have a shitty childhood. Have shitty parents. Perhaps deep down, your kind wants something related to fulfilling your inner child."

Bucky exclaimed, "Woah, doctor, calm down. You're brutally honest here." He sighed, because he knew this method will failed like the rest. "Fine. I'll try." Then he lay back on the couch and closed his eyes.

Dr. Ben picked a children's book and started to read, he flipped through the pages, and began to read aloud, "Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a brave little mouse named Timothy."

"Timothy was no ordinary mouse," Dr. Ben continued, "for he possessed a heart as courageous as a lion and a determination that could move mountains."

"Stop. Stop. It's so weird listening to you. Get someone else," Bucky interrupted, feeling uncomfortable.

Dr. Ben closed the book. "I'll get my apprentice."

Bucky raised an eyebrow. "You've got a new one?" He knew that none of Dr. Ben's employees stayed that long, given the fear of criminals who kept coming for therapy.

Dr. Ben adjusted his glasses. "She could tame Bruce Banner; I think she could do the same to you."

Bucky rolled his eyes. "Fine."

Dr. Ben got up from his seat and opened his office door. "Y/N, help me for a bit," he called out.

Bucky heard a melodious voice respond, "Yes?"

The door swung open, revealing a woman with a confident stride and a calm demeanor. She had striking eyes that seemed to hold a depth of understanding, framed by a cascade of dark hair that fell gracefully around her shoulders.

Her posture exuded poise and assurance, hinting at a quiet strength within. She carried herself in professional attire with an air of authority, yet there was warmth in her expression as she met Bucky's gaze.

As you approach your boss, he suddenly puts a children's book in your hand.

You look at him, puzzled. "Huh?"

Dr. Ben pointed at Bucky and explained, "This person can't sleep for years. So I want to see if reading a children's story could make him fall asleep."

Bucky huffs in frustration. As a top assassin in the underworld, it's humiliating if he can only fall asleep with a children's book. "Just do it."

You flinch, knowing the man in front of you is dangerous.

Dr. Ben pats your shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, he's just cranky. I'll be here too. I need to see if it's working or not."

"Okay," you respond, then sit in the chair near Bucky's couch.

Before opening the book, you can't help but notice the tattoos on his neck and hands.

"Are you done staring?" Bucky asks, irritation evident in his voice.

"Oh, right, I'm sorry," you apologize quickly. "I'll start reading. Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a brave little mouse named Timothy. Timothy was no ordinary mouse, for he possessed a heart as courageous as a lion and a determination that could move mountains."

As you continue reading, Bucky listens intently, his eyes focused on the ceiling as he tries to relax.

"Despite his small size," you continue, "Timothy dreamed of embarking on great adventures and proving himself to be the bravest mouse in all the land."

Bucky's tense expression begins to soften slightly as he listens to the soothing cadence of your voice.

"One day," you narrate, "a fierce dragon threatened the kingdom, causing panic among the inhabitants. But Timothy, undeterred by the danger, volunteered to confront the dragon and save his home."

Bucky's breathing starts to slow down as he gets engrossed in the tale, his earlier restlessness fading away.

"With unwavering courage," you go on, "Timothy faced the dragon, armed only with his wits and determination. And through his bravery and quick thinking, he managed to outsmart the fearsome beast and bring peace back to the kingdom."

As you reach the end of the story, Bucky's eyes grow heavy, and he finally begins to drift off to sleep, a sense of calm settling over him.

Dr. Ben watches silently, nodding in approval as he sees the story's effect on Bucky. It seems that, perhaps, there is power in the simplest of tales to soothe even the most troubled minds.

Bucky's eyes felt heavy. The childish story and your calm voice made him feel relaxed. Your voice seemed more effective than white noise in soothing his troubled mind. As he listened, the tension in his muscles gradually melted away, replaced by a sense of peace and tranquility.

Then Bucky opened his eyes, only to realize he wasn't in the same place in Dr. Ben's office anymore. He found himself on a bed inside an unknown room. Panic surged through him.

Had he been kidnapped?

It would bring shame to his name as the feared killer if true.

As he processed his surroundings, Bucky's hand instinctively went for his knife, ready to defend himself. But soon, he recognized the familiar surroundings of Dr. Ben's building. Relief washed over him, though he remained on edge.

A door creaked open, causing Bucky to tense, his grip tightening on the knife. But to his surprise, it was just Dr. Ben.

"Did you have a good sleep?" Dr. Ben asked calmly.

Bucky clicked his tongue in annoyance and massaged his shoulder. "No. Your methods didn't work. I'm still tired."

"Well, that's natural since you've been asleep for three days," Dr. Ben replied matter-of-factly.

Three days?!

He can't believe it, since he has only been able to sleep for one hour each night for the past seven years. Bucky's eyes widened in disbelief as he checked his phone, seeing the date and numerous missed calls and unread messages.

"It worked?" he muttered, incredulous. He had been able to sleep and hadn't even realized it.

Bucky's amazement lingered as he realized that he had slept for three whole days without even being aware of it. It was a stark contrast to the years of insomnia he had endured, struggling to find even a moment of rest.

The tension that had plagued his body for so long began to ebb away, replaced by a newfound sense of calmness and clarity. He couldn't deny the relief that washed over him, knowing that perhaps, just perhaps, there was hope for him yet.

Then, there was a knock on the door. It was you.

"How is he, doctor? Is he still asleep?" you asked, but you gasped when Bucky's intense gaze met yours.

Was he angry? Did he blame you for making him sleep for three days?

"Y/N, is it?" Bucky inquired.

You responded groggily, "Yes?"

Bucky got on his knees, his right hand resting on his left chest and his left hand reaching for you. He looked at you earnestly and asked, "Will you work for me?"

You were taken aback, as was Dr. Ben. Bucky's unexpected gesture felt like it could lead to a significant misunderstanding, resembling a proposal rather than a job offer.

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Author Note:

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[wisteriagoesvroom]

For the trope mashup thing whatever: arranged marriage and neighbors 👀 - CX

again not one i would've picked but thank you for prompting it !! this also uh, got longer than i thought.

(from the prompts mash up - still taking submissions)

--------

“What do you mean your visa’s running out?” Lando asks.

“I’m Australian. Not a magician. Commonwealth only gets you so far.” 

“I thought you were here on a scholarship.”

“Well. Yeah. But scholarships stop. Once you graduate.” 

Lando toes the doorway rug. It feels weird to be talking about this in the middle of the hallway, though the only other person who would be listening might be Mrs. Kapoor, and half the time it’s only because she sticks her head out to ask if Lando or Oscar would take one of her mystery vegan curries. Lando is neither a huge fan of vegan food nor curry, and he trusts Oscar’s word for it that it’s good because they eat it while playing Gran Turismo at Lando’s place. But Lando always accepts the curries nonetheless, because his parents raised him to be polite, and he wasn’t raised in a barn. (Even if he technically grew up in converted farmhouse in the countryside, but that was besides the point.)  Either way, this is slipping away from him much quicker than he’d anticipated. Late night hangouts, dropping mail and post-it notes, text messages about the community garden. The most inane smalltalk about things big and small from the origins of moths to whether aliens were out there or just chose to ignore the +44 area code. Oscar always laughing in the right places when Lando regales him about tales of his terrible online dating stories, Oscar always picking the pickles out of the roast beef bagels before he passes one to Lando. The corner of Lando’s sofa that Lando has started to think of as Oscar’s because he’s there so often, reading one of his books or trying to speedread a JSTOR article about the lifecycle of urban pathogens while Lando worked on artwork for his upcoming store launch. 

Lando’s synapses are firing too fast. His brain did that most days, and that was what made him exceedingly good at his job, and today in particular - it doesn’t feel like there’s any logical way out. 

Lando remembers that movie they watched once though. As a joke. The one they both pretended not to enjoy, with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in Alaska. The one they watched when Oscar sat next to Lando on the sofa, and they both pretended the entire night that their knees weren’t touching. 

His therapist said he had a tendency to get ahead of himself when under stress. But it’s a joke, it’s not serious, there’s no way—

“We could just like, get married.”

Lando shoves his hands in his pockets. That came out way more calm and cooler than he thought it actually would.  And to his credit, Oscar doesn’t drop his mug of tea. Lando knows that’s his favourite one, because Lando got it for him, and it says Science is my superpower. Oscar does, however, slightly shift his grip on the mug.

“I feel like it’d be complicated to explain to my mum why I randomly married my upstairs neighbour?” 

“But it’s not a no.”

Oscar tilts his head. There’s a glimmer of something focused, maybe even hungry in his eyes. Oscar gets like that when his mind turns, when he’s working on an especially difficult thesis, when the pieces are forming and he can lock into the crucial details.

Lando is a little alarmed at how much he already recognises it, and how much more often he’d like to draw that reaction out. 

“If the facts don’t fit the theory, then reexamine the facts. Right?” Oscar says.

And Lando is there, in the doorway. Conscious that Mrs Kapoor might’ve heard everything, but all the more conscious that there’s a hammering in his heart that he can’t tell is nervousness, or anticipation. 

What’s the stress limit for a joke you’re probably already pushing too far? Lando thinks.

He isn’t sure.

But maybe it’s a thesis worth testing out.  

-------------

(and ok maybe i cheated a little on arranged marriage but i think this is the closest i could get with the contemporary context. thank you @cx-boxbox for the prompt <3)

#landoscar #lando norris #oscar piastri #ln4 #op81 #mctwinks #twinklaren #f1 rpf #asks #wiz.promptfill #<- don't even know if i use this tag lmao but only one way to find out #green card marriages man what a tried and tested excellent trope #also one i've never written before!! so thanks or letting me dabble in the drabble #prompt game #wisteria HCs #why do picture blocks conspire against me lately #they just get so aggressive when i try to put 3 in a row on this device #anyway #yapping

[hotreadingwitch]

MADE TO LIE - the party

Y/N 

Bucky might be handsome, sure, but that didn’t excuse his cold behaviour.

“God, he’s driving me mad” Y/n declared as Natasha helped her pin her hair in a glamorous old Hollywood-esque style. 

“I’m sure it’ll get easier between you two the more you get to know each other” Wanda encouraged. 

“Yeah and Steve adores him so he can’t be that awful deep down” 

“True” Y/n conceded before continuing, her anger and insecurities simmering like a pot of boiling water, “I just can’t get past the feeling that he despises me” 

“I don’t know if he does Y/n…” Natasha started.

“What do you mean?” 

“Well, sometimes you act like you hate someone when really you’re just confused about feeling…something else?” 

“You think he likes me?” 

“Well,” she sighed, “You never know…it’s just an observation” 

“Maybe he’s shy” Wanda added. 

Y/n scoffed. 

“I find that hard to believe” 

“I think there’s probably more to Bucky Barnes than any of us know…” 

BUCKY

When Y/n stepped into the large party room it felt to Bucky as if everyone, including him, suddenly noticed her all at once. The thought of hundreds of eyes on her made his stomach rumble with discomfort and protectiveness but also a small sense of pride. Her dress was some designer couture, clearly straight from the runway but she wore it better than any model ever could in his opinion. She shone in it, somehow not overpowered by the thousand glittering black beads and pearls that were delicately interwoven with the dress’s fabric. Bucky placed a hand on the ache in his chest, physically feeling overwhelmed, her beauty was so intense it was all-consuming. 

“Are you okay James?” Dr. Pashia asked cautiously. 

He tore his gaze away from Y/n only to notice his therapist’s sly smile. 

“Don’t” he groaned, scratching at his 5 o’clock shadow, “Between you and Steve I can’t catch a break…” 

“Well, my lips are sealed then” she mimed the action cheekily. 

Bucky let out a loose, gravelly laugh, smiling down at her. He was endlessly grateful for her professional help and in the last couple of years working with her, she’d almost become a friend. 

“Thanks, Doc” 

The pair talked and talked, joking in a natural way that only a great therapist and patient could. 

His gaze subconsciously flitted to where Y/n was in the room again and again as the night went on. Dr. Pashia said nothing about it, thankfully. When his eyes landed on her a third time he was surprised to find she was glaring at him with so much intensity he almost stumbled even though he was standing perfectly still. He watched as she slowly turned back to whoever it was she was talking to and threw her head back with a flirtatious little laugh. The man was tall, like him, with long, slicked black hair and piercing, devilish eyes. A rush of heat hit his cheeks. With a frustrated growl, he turned away, excusing himself before stalking over to the bar where he noticed Natasha was helping with drinks. The loud current pop music and throwbacks playing at the party pounded loudly in his ears. 

I’m in love with the shape of you…

“Hey,” he bit out when he reached the bar. 

“Hey,” she hesitated, looking visibly amused. 

“What’s that look for?” He grumbled, agitated. 

“Trouble with Y/n?” 

“Is everyone able to read me these days?” He groaned, “What happened to being a top-class assassin?” 

She raised her glass in a toast, “Oh how the mighty have fallen…” 

He clinked hers in a sardonic cheers. If anyone could understand how it felt to suddenly gain autonomy after years of torture and control, it was Natasha. 

“I’d give her a chance you know?” she continued, making Bucky’s eyebrow raise, “I’m biased as a best friend sure but that doesn’t mean she isn’t truly the kindest person I’ve ever known” 

Bucky’s eyes softened, after talking to Natasha he was filled with a new purpose, one that started with an apology. When he finally turned away, heading back to the party, he stopped mid-step…

Y/N

After her talk with Wanda and Natasha, the girls had practically drunk their body weight in hard liquor, Wanda not even making it to the party. When Y/n arrived, it seemed that all the other Avengers were busy, either with each other or with the hoards of people Tony had invited to come. A little while later, her eyes finally found Barnes in the crowd and immediately narrowed. He was talking to probably one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. 

She turned away from the scene unfolding before her, strutting over to the nearest handsome man she could find, and tonight there were many.

Grab somebody sexy tell ‘em hey 

The music blared over the speakers. 

“Hi,” Y/n greeted with a flirting glance up at the tall stranger. 

“Well hello there” he responded, his mouth curving into a naughty grin. 

“Y/n” she held out her hand to shake. 

He took it, placing a dapper kiss on her skin before introducing himself, “God of Mischief” 

She threw her head back, laughing a little more than she normally would at such a stupid joke. 

Give me everything tonight

By the time they made it to the dance floor the song from earlier was almost making the space shake, not to mention the people covering the dance floor. 

I might drink a little more than I should tonight 

And I might take you home with me tonight 

Y/n swayed along with the stranger, allowing his hands to press into the curves of her hips. All was going well until a different hand, a cool metal one, planted itself on her shoulder from behind. 

“Hi honey” his sarcastic tone grated her eardrums. 

She turned with an annoyed look to see none other than Bucky Barnes glowering in front of her. 

“Can I help you?” She feigned innocence. 

His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat, likely out of annoyance. But she didn’t care…Let him be annoyed. 

She turned back to the stranger to find that he’d disappeared. 

“What do you want Bucky?” 

“What do I—“ he grazed a frustrated hand over his mouth, “What do I want? It doesn’t matter what I want Y/n. What matters is that I’m the only one you should even be near tonight, this might not be an official mission but that won’t stop people from talking”

“Apologies, I didn’t know you could even stand my presence”

He looked taken aback by this but before he could respond a woman backed into him, bumping him forward toward Y/n so that their chests were pressed together. He gripped onto Y/n’s wrist, seemingly for support as he stumbled slightly. The woman’s perfect olive-brown skin gleamed in the lights and she smiled at Bucky, a sweet smile that made him sigh and shake his head. 

Y/n realized in an instant that this was the woman that Bucky had been talking to earlier. She had seen enough. She attempted to rip her hand away from his but he whipped his gaze back to her, his grip on her only growing tighter. It was then, just as Y/n was about to speak, that the overhead lighting dimmed and a mellow piano melody began to fill the large space. 

She turned her head, noticing quickly with a groan the other drunken party-goers who were now forming pairs to partake in the slow dance.

Like a flower, waiting to bloom

Like a light bulb in a dark room

I’m just sitting here waiting for you

To come on home 

And turn me on

Y/n’s heart ached at the DJ’s choice of song as she reached out, placing her other hand on Bucky’s strong shoulder. Lost to the music, her fingers brushed the swell of his muscle, tracing down to his collarbone. If she noticed how this movement made Bucky’s breathing hitch, she didn’t say anything about it. 

“So now you want to play the part?” Bucky chuckled, raising a thick eyebrow in a light-hearted manner that she hadn’t seen directed at her in all the time she’d known him. 

Like the desert 

Waiting for the rain 

A beat passed, a thoughtful silence settling between them. 

“My father used to listen to this song…we’d waltz to it when I was a little girl, it was my mother’s favourite” Y/n admitted softly. 

She winced then, looking up into Bucky’s steely eyes to measure his reaction, information about her abusive crime boss father wasn’t what she normally started conversations with. But his gaze was surprisingly soft. 

“I’m sorry…” Bucky murmured, pulling her slightly closer. 

Y/n sighed. She supposed all the Avengers had been briefed on her past when she first joined the initiative but she wasn’t sure. This confirmed that. A couple of years ago, Y/n had fled her father’s French crime organization, giving information to Nick Fury that would later contribute to the group’s effort to lock him up, neutralizing him as a threat for good. In a twisted way, she was glad that her father was no longer a danger to her or anyone else. 

“Thank you” she whispered back, “I suppose it’s a bit of a weird father-daughter song anyway” 

“Perfect for a weird father-daughter duo then” Bucky smirked playfully. 

Y/n’s eyes widened before she let out a startled laugh. No one ever dared to joke with her about her past, especially about her father. 

“Very true” a small smile spread across her lips. 

She hesitated then, leaning forward to rest her head on Bucky’s shoulder. She found his planes of muscle were soft on her cheek, the quality of his expensive-looking suit surely helping with that. 

I’m just sitting here 

Waiting for you to come on home 

And turn me on

Turn me on

The music faded out eventually but Y/n didn’t really notice. 

BUCKY 

Y/n was drunk and Bucky had forgotten what it felt like to be as the super soldier serum mostly prevented it. He did, however, remember the stories of him coming home sloshed and sloppy that Steve refused to let him forget…and sloshed and sloppy was exactly what Y/n was now.

“Come on doll” Bucky pushed softly as he guided Y/n through the compound hallways to where he hoped her room was located. 

“Here, here—” she slurred her words as they reached the door, cutting herself off with a small burp. 

Bucky tried not to laugh as he took in her drunken state. After they’d danced together for three of four more songs, Y/n and Bucky had rejoined the group who were then playing a ridiculous drinking game that someone had come up with. Bucky glared daggers at the tall, dark-haired man who had been dancing with Y/n before, who he learned was Loki, Thor’s mischievous brother. Besides that though, he had actually managed to have a pretty good time. It seemed, however, that Y/n, who’d drank double her weight in liquor, had an even better experience. 

Y/n stumbled onto her bed, bending over with a huff as she tried to take off her ridiculously high heels. She pulled and pulled at the stubborn shoe, not realizing, in her state, that she had to undo the buckle first. Rolling his eyes, Bucky got to his knees before her. 

“What are you doing Barnes?” she garbled. 

“Taking off your shoes” he chuffed, “And you never call me that…” 

“Well maybe I do now” 

He raised his eyebrows.

“Fine, fine, ‘Bucky’ it is, though I don’t know why you’re insisting…” her eyes glazed over, “Unless you just like hearing me say your name” 

A flame lit in Bucky’s eyes. 

“Go shower” he commanded gruffly. 

“M’kay” she agreed before stumbling into the bathroom, the moment forgotten, just another drunken thought that she’d likely forget by morning. 

She left the door open as she did, allowing Bucky a full view of her as she stripped out of her fancy dress and the lacy lingerie beneath it. Tearing his eyes away from Y/n out of respect for her privacy was the least of his issues. What worried him now was the fact that she might slip. Sure enough, after a single minute passed, Bucky heard a small yelp coming from the steamy bathroom. His gaze snapped to the shower where Y/n was on the ground, her knees curled up to her chest. He ran into the room, opened the door to the shower and, being careful not to look, helped her to her feet. 

“Are you hurt?” 

The freezing cold water ran down his suit, soaking him to his core, but he didn’t care. When she didn’t answer he prodded again, 

“Why didn’t you turn the water to be hot?” 

“Because” she responded with a non-committal shrug. 

Without another word, Bucky grabbed a fluffy towel from outside the shower and wrapped it around her, turning off the stream of now-warm water. 

“Come” he ushered her to her bed. 

He flipped open the plush sheets, helping her to settle between them. 

“Why are you being so nice to me?” the words poured out of her with startling vulnerability. 

“Because” he responded gruffly, repeating her seemingly nonchalant words from earlier.

“Because” she slowly whispered back, speaking into the dark, “Because…” 

Bucky’s laugh was a quiet puff. 

“No laughing” she drunkenly chided, though her smile was at odds with her words, “I’m tired” 

“Then sleep doll” he caressed her forehead, making her hum with contentment. 

Only when she had finally drifted off into a heavy, peaceful slumber, did he finally leave. 

A/N - the three songs with lyrics used in the chapter are Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, Turn Me On by Norah Jones, and Give Me Everything by Pitbull, Neyo, AFROJACK and Nayer

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#fanfiction #fanfic #marvel smut #marvel #marvel fanfic #avengers compound #the avengers #mcu #mcu fanfiction #bucky x reader #bucky #bucky barnes

[squidproquoclarice]

Yeehawgust Day 31: Git Along Little Dogies

August 1890

Rainbow Junction, Nebraska

Bessie understood losing a child, or at least, she did in some sense.  She and Hosea had lost some babies, one of them achingly close to being born, and every time, she’d cried.  With George, there was an actual grave.  One she still thought about, even near twenty years later.  Pieces of her heart and soul carved out and stitched together only with the most deliberate care, leaving the scar all the same.

But even she didn’t fully know what it was like.  What she’d lost had been mostly the dreams, the hopes, the potential.  Arthur…he’d lost a child fully in the world, named and known and to judge from helping raise her sister’s kids years ago, one who’d already very much started to show a clear personality and self at four.  No, technically three.  Arthur had last seen him alive at three.  Dreams and potential, yes, but so much heartbreaking reality as well.

Three months now since he’d come back and said he found them buried, and soon enough he once again smiled and laughed and did all the usual things within their small family, but she saw that emptiness in his eyes when he thought nobody was looking.  Knew that I’m fine facade for the act it was.

Something else there too, something bleak and hard that unsettled her, but if he wouldn’t talk about his boy and the woman who’d borne him, he wasn’t going to talk about whatever happened afterwards.  She knew Arthur so well now after almost thirteen years, learned his moods and tempers and kindnesses, but he’d gone somewhere she couldn’t follow.

He’d always tended to ride off for a while to be by himself, even before he’d been making trips to see Isaac, but now sometimes those trips ended with him coming back drunk or else in the local jail for getting into a bare-knuckle brawl.  Things that would have felt like youthful idiotic high spirits in a man with energy and temper in abundance now felt like something so different. 

Dutch said Arthur just needed work.  Bessie frankly thought Dutch was full of shit on that point, but wouldn’t say so.  She could see he was so impatient for Arthur to just come back to himself.  As usual, trying to nudge things along, make them into the reality he wanted, and he probably meant well by it, but it was like trying to force a man who’d been gutshot onto his horse and demanding he go holler Git along you little dogies at the cattle and round them all up, claiming it was just for his own good.

She found him out in the barn, on the heap of feed sacks they’d put in to start to prepare for winter.  A book opened and placed facedown on his chest, and him instead staring up at the ceiling as if it had something profound written on it.

She took a deep breath, and knew this would probably either help or shatter him completely, but she couldn’t just stand by helplessly and wait.  Or shove more work at him like Dutch.  Or shove more books at him like Hosea.  Or cluck and fuss over him like Susan.

Arthur heard the whimper from the puppy she was carrying and sat up, though he put the book aside.  Still a man who valued reading enough to not carelessly throw a book to the floor and risk damaging it.  Sat there, looking at her and said, “Found another wayward critter, huh?”  An edge of rueful humor to it, the self-deprecation so familiar to her.  

“Yeah, in town.  This one was the runt.  Man was threatening to drown him, if you can believe it.”  True enough.  Though it had been in a weirdly joking way that she knew wasn’t serious, but which she couldn’t find funny all the same.

“I can believe it.  World’s a shitty place, Bessie.  My pa threatened to drown me plenty of times.”  Said with an offhanded humor, but she couldn’t find it funny either.  The puppy snuffled, wiggled, cuddling closer to her.  “Figured maybe you wouldn’t mind a late birthday present.”

His brows knit together in confusion.  “You and Hosea got me that nice shaving kit.”

“Now, Arthur.  I took the poor boy on and we all know who’s best with animals in this family, and don’t think I don’t see you petting everyone’s dogs and cats given half a chance.  So please just play along with me here.”

Also not untrue.  But hopefully he wouldn’t see what lay beneath all that.  The notion she’d had, looking at that poor last remaining puppy, that what Arthur truly needed was someone who needed him, someone to give some love to, someone to give him some happiness back.  Yes, Boadicea did some of that, but people always had a more complicated dynamic with their horses, given the dependency of a working relationship involved.  Dogs and cats?  It could be much simpler.  

He sat back a bit, shoulders easing, and she saw the faint twitch of a smile.  One of those moments he’d managed to forget the pain, to let it recede, and she thanked God for that.  She’d made the right call here.  “You got me there, I suppose.” 

“Besides, it’s been a while since we had a dog.  What, five years?”

“Seven.  We lost Midnight seven years back.”  A gleam of humor entered his eyes.  “It’s fine, we got little Johnny as a pet instead.  Now, he shits where he ought, but he still ain’t gotten the hang of not yapping all the time, though.”

“Arthur.”  She couldn’t help but chuckle all the same.  “Here.  Besides, don’t I owe you for beating me at dominos this winter?  I always said we needed something to mark the occasion should you ever manage it.”

He was smart enough to know some of what she was doing, but thankfully, he seemed to believe it was just her being a soft touch, and both of them knowing he was every bit as much of one when it came to animals.  She handed over the dog, his fur the color of a newly-minted penny, and watched him cradle the puppy close to his chest.  Already half in love, by the look of him, and laughing at the dog’s boundless energy.  “OK, there, Copper.  Yeah, you’re a good boy.”

“Copper?”

“Coloring.  And hell, we got enough lawmen sniffing out our trail at times–might be nice to have a friendly copper around for once.”

Copper seemed to agree, licking Arthur’s face.  She felt a spark of hope at that.

#yeehawgust #yeehawgust 2022 #rdr2 #bessie matthews #arthur morgan #copper the dog #cw: child loss #thanks for another year of yeehawgust y'all

[coffeecatsandcandles]

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟑

Part 1 | Part 2

➵ 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 | Rebecca is ready to go to college, but Bucky isn’t sure he’s ready for her to leave.

➵ 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 | dad!Bucky x reader (ft. Rebecca Barnes)

➵ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 | 2.3k

➵ 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | some sadness, mostly fluff and Bucky being the ultimate dad. 

დ 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | დ 𝐛𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | დ 𝐤𝐨-𝐟𝐢

Bucky set down the final box- full of clothes, or was it bedding? He’d been bringing in so many unlabeled boxes, he wasn’t sure what was in the dorm and what was still in the car. Rebecca was a little scatterbrained- like him. She saw no point in labeling most things unless they were incredibly fragile, but she’d take that in herself to make sure they wouldn’t break.

He glanced over at his daughter, stacking up plates in her cabinet with you right next to her. Her new roommate hadn’t arrived yet, due to Rebecca wanting to be incredibly early. Her designated move-in time was 12, but all three of you had been sitting in the dorm parking lot since 11. Talking about how Rebecca wanted to decorate the dorm, her plans to take her roommate out to lunch to get to know her. Everything about college that she was so excited for. She’d turned into such a lovely young woman. A carbon copy of you- down to the way she acted. She was a spitting image, and he had you to thank for raising her to be the woman she is now. He had only a fraction to do with it- due to some unforeseen circumstances, you were with her from the very beginning. If he had the choice, he would’ve been there too.

Bucky insisted on carrying everything into the dorm, up the three flights of stairs (because he insisted it was much faster than the elevator) as you and Becca organized and decorated. His strength was slipping with age- back before the Snap, he would’ve been able to carry five- hell, six- boxes at once. Now, he couldn’t do more than three. Maybe he wanted to carry them all in to prove that he could still do it. But after a few trips, he found himself winded. It was worth it, though. Every time he walked through the door, though he was tired, he gave a smile at the sight of you and Rebecca decorating, listening to Rebecca talk about her classes. It was all worth it. The bond you two shared was one he adored more than anything in the world.

“Is that the last one?” you asked Bucky as he stretched, trying to alleviate the pain in his back. He nodded, gently pulling you closer to him so you’d wrap his arms around him. He loved being in your embrace, whether he was in pain or not.

“Dad, there’s a fancy grocery store just a couple miles from here!”

Bucky smiled at his daughter’s excitement, remembering the first time Rebecca called him dad. How much it meant to him, even though she was probably unaware of the weight it carried.

Rebecca had never referred to him by name. She never even called him Bucky or James. For the first two months after his return. Then suddenly, it happened.

You and Bucky had been making dessert, watching Bucky pile on the whipped cream. “Calm down, save some for the rest of us,” you joked. 

He stopped briefly, looking you in the eyes before messily spraying the whipped cream in his mouth, half of it landing right on his upper lip. “Alright,” he said, “but before you make your dessert, can I have a kiss?”

“Bucky-” you scoffed.

“What? I was gone for five years, deprived of all the kisses you could’ve given me in that time. I’m just asking for one right now.” he said calmly, which made you laugh.

He leaned in closer, you worried the whipped cream would get on your face. You let out a squeal as you tried to escape, but it was too late. He kissed your cheeks, your mouth, your nose, leaving traces of the sweet cream all over your face. “I’m gonna strangle you!” you laughed, searching for a paper towel to clean yourself off.

“Then I’ll die a happy man,” he smiled, a whipped cream mustache still on his upper lip. He grabbed another paper towel to wipe it off.

A six-year-old Rebecca laughed, having witnessed the whole thing from the living room. “You and Daddy are so funny,” she said.

You didn’t realize it at first, but Bucky did. He noticed right away. He noticed because he’d been trying for ages to get Rebecca to call him that. She knew he was her dad, but for some reason she never said it. He’d been waiting, not wanting to pressure her into it but also growing a little needy. He remembered making breakfast for her one morning, simply asking, “Becca, who am I?”

She responded, “Mommy said that if I’m ever lost, I should say your name is James Buchanan Barnes,”

He suppressed a laugh- of course you taught her that. Of course it was important for her to know her father’s name in case she ever got lost- but a part of him knew that you also told her because anyone would be absolutely insane to think they could get away with letting anything bad happen to the Winter Soldier’s daughter. But still, he persisted. “I know, but who am I to you?”

Rebecca shrugged, “You and Mommy kiss sometimes, and you take care of me when she’s gone,”

Bucky smiled, “Yeah, and what does that make me?” he asked, pointing the spatula he was using to cook Becca’s pancakes at himself.

There was silence. The word was right there, why couldn’t Becca say it?

My dad. You’re my dad.

But when the silence lasted a little too long, he simply nodded understandingly, returning to the pan. “It’s okay. It’s alright.” he couldn’t tell if he was saying it to her or himself. He knew he would be hurting his own feelings by asking, so he didn’t push it any further.

So when she sat there, so happy to say it, he wanted nothing more than to fall to his knees and erupt in tears of happiness. But instead, he made his way over to his daughter, scooping her up in his arms and attacking her with kisses.

“Ahhh! Daddy stop! That tickles!” Rebecca laughed, your heart growing ten times bigger.

He’ll always look back on that day and smile- now here she was, such a gorgeous young woman. Though he still wished she was still that little girl, clinging onto his leg and eventually persuading him to read to her every night, even when she was old enough to read herself. Part of him still wished he could still wake her up in the morning and be the first person she saw through her sleepy eyes and messy hair. To make her breakfast and insist that the cereal she wanted was too sugary. 

But then he’d be keeping her from being the woman she was now. She was so smart, wise beyond her years, and so kind. He was so proud of what she’d become.

Rebecca glanced over the dorm, then looked back up at her parents. “Well, I think I’ve got it from here.”

Bucky’s jaw nearly dropped. That’s it? Just like that, she wanted them to leave? He looked over at you. Your eyes said the same thing. You weren’t ready to say goodbye just yet, but he knew you’d never say it.

“You don’t want us to help you unpack? Or get lunch? I can drive to that grocery store if you want, you can get whatever you like-”

“James,” you said, your voice low. You grabbed his hand, “I think Becca is ready to be on her own.”

Rebecca nodded, an anticipating smile on her face. But something about it seemed off. If there was anyone he could read like a book, it was his own daughter. After all, she was half of him.

James thought it over for a second, nodding and deciding against the emotional goodbye he was planning. No- clearly Rebecca wasn’t as torn over leaving as he was. “Right,” he said. He just decided to rip the band-aid off. Say goodbye quickly and get to the car. Maybe then he’d shed a couple tears, but now clearly wasn’t the time. “Bye, kiddo.” He gave her a hug that was too quick, then turned away to shake off any emotion that might’ve shown on his face as you took your turn to say goodbye.

“I love you, and I’m so proud of you. Tell me all about your first day.” you said, pulling away after giving your daughter a light kiss on her temple.

“Bye, drive safe.” Rebecca said, waving as you and Bucky exited the dorm room. You and Bucky got one last look at your grown daughter, smiling and waving goodbye before you closed the door. It was eerily quiet in the hallway.

“And just like that, there were two.” you said, equally as shocked and heartbroken as Bucky. You grabbed onto his hand, sensing he needed your touch.

“I just can’t believe she just… kicked us out like that.” Bucky muttered as the two of you made your way to the elevator. The two of you walked slowly, hoping Rebecca would pop her head out one more time to say goodbye or even ask you a question. You were hoping for anything. But she didn’t.

“Our little girl is all grown up,” you said as the elevator door opened.

“God, I thought that was gonna kill me,” Bucky sighed. You rested your head on his shoulder.

As the doors slowly began to close, you caught a glimpse of a familiar young brunette leaving a dorm room.

“Dad! Mom!” Rebecca called, sounding like she was in distress. With his metal arm, Bucky stopped the door from closing and nearly ran to his daughter. You followed, not too far behind.

Tears were streaming down her face. Her beautiful skin was puffy, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around her father the second he was within arm’s reach. “I’m so scared, Daddy,” she sobbed, “I don’t want go grow up yet,”

Just when he thought the first goodbye wasn’t going to kill him- this happened. Bucky could feel his soul split in two at his daughter’s words. As if she didn’t already have a piece of him the second he first met her. Slowly over her life, she’d been taking pieces of him. He figured one day, he’d give her that final piece of his heart. She could do what she wanted with it- keep it locked away in a box, give it to any child she has over time like he did with her. Whatever she wanted to do with it, he didn’t care. Because Rebecca was his reason for getting up every morning. For living- for being. There was nothing in this world that could come close to the love he had for her. It was something he didn’t even know he was capable of feeling.

If this didn’t kill him, he wasn’t sure what would. 

“It’s okay, Bug. I promise. You’re gonna do great things. You already make me so proud. I love you so much.”

“But what if something happens? What if I fail a class? Who’s going to tell me that I can’t have chocolate for breakfast or protect me from boys?”

“I’ll still do that, Bec, but you gotta learn to do things on your own. I promise you, if you’re anything like me- no, if you’re anything like your mom… doing things on your own will be a piece of cake.”

You smiled, wiping a few stray tears away at your husband’s words.

Rebecca nodded, eyes cheeks still stained with tears. “I love you, Dad.”

It was then that Bucky realized he was crying, too. “I love you more, Becca. Remember that book I used to read to you when you were little? I’ll love you forever…”

Rebecca nodded, “I’ll like you for always,” she continued.

“As long as I’m living, bug,” he added, wiping the lingering tears from his daughter’s face, “my baby you’ll be.” He kissed her forehead, bringing her in for one more hug. He hated not having that little baby girl anymore, but he was so excited for the Rebecca she was going to become. Majoring in finance, exploring new parts of the city, living on her own and becoming an adult. Even if she didn’t think she was, Bucky knew she was ready for everything to come.

After a few moments, Rebecca pulled away, much calmer. Bucky grabbed onto your hand, saying goodbye one final time before leaving the dorm room.

“She’s gonna make me so proud, hon.” Bucky said to you, hopping into the elevator once again. His eyes were slightly red. He sniffled a little as the elevator reached the lobby of the residence hall.

“So proud.” You repeated, squeezing Bucky’s hand and exiting the building. The two of you returned to the car, once filled with boxes and bags and was a vessel for your impromptu road trip karaoke session with Rebecca, was now quiet and empty.

You remembered the days when Rebecca’s attitude bit you, and mid-argument, you’d think to yourself about how much you couldn’t wait for her to go off to college. How you couldn’t wait for her to get out of your hair- but now that the day was finally here, you wished you could take all those thoughts back.

Because now she was gone, and everything felt different.

“I guess we just… go home now, right?” you asked. The car stayed off. The engine wasn’t running, the keys weren’t even in the ignition yet.

“I guess so,” Bucky said. As he was beginning to start the car, you both received notifications on your phones.

A text message from Becca, where she added both of you to a group message with her.

I’ll love you forever.

She added a heart emoticon. You looked up, noticing the sweet smile on Bucky’s face.

“That’s our girl,” you heard Bucky say.

She would have your heart forever, for always, and as long as you were living.

Your girl, Rebecca Barnes.

#bucky barnes #sebastian stan #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fluff #bucky x reader #bucky #james bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes angst #dad!bucky #bucky fanfic #bucky fluff #rebecca barnes #bucky imagine #bucky x y/n

[trashcanband4]

The Bastards Ch. 4

Fandom: Reign (2013). Pairing: BashxOc. Setting: French Royal Court. Warnings: None for this chapter. The Bastards Masterlist

Mary and her ladies stood at a merchants table in one of the barns where the harvest festival was taking place. This merchant was selling little wooden boats. “You write your regrets on this ribbon, tie them to the stern then watch as they sail away.” the merchant told them.

“What a lovely tradition.” Mary said with a smile at the man before they turned and mosied over to a table loaded with furs and crochet goods. “No, I’m sure of it.” Aylee said, making Greer, Mary and Maisie look at her and Kenna who had been whispering to one another.

“Greer, Lord Castleroy has been staring at you all morning.” Kenna said quietly across the table.

They all looked at him where he stood across the barn talking to a few men. Every once in a while he’d glance at Greer with a flirty smile on his face. “Well, don’t look.” Greer told them scoldingly, making the women smile. “He would be a great catch. His father’s a Hapsburg fourteen removed from the crown. Rumor has it he’s made a fortune in the spice trade.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Mary asked. “One foot after the other.” she encouraged and the ladies smiled as Greer went over and introduced herself.

Seeing that one lady had left the group, Bash walked over. “Come to steal Maisie away?” Mary asked with a knowing smile.

“If it’s alright with you.” Bash answered. Over the past month Bash's side had healed and he'd taken up as much of Maisie’s time as he could.

“Of course, enjoy the festival.” Mary said with a motion to Maisie.

Bash and Maisie were standing at a vendor table looking at some boats when Maisie noticed Francis hugging a blond headed woman. “Who is that?” she asked Bash with a discrete nod at Francis and the woman.

Maisie and Bash moved to stand against the wall to make room for others to shop. “Olivia D'amencourt.” Bash answered. “Her family lived at court for a time.”

“And her link to Francis is?” Maisie asked.

"I probably shouldn't say." He said in a sigh.

She looked at him and raised a brow. "I'll get it out of you one way or another."

"They were an item for a time." He answered reluctantly.

"When did their relationship end?" She asked as they watched Francis and Olivia leave the barn together.

"About a month before you all arrived." He answered and Maisie hummed. "Don't tell Mary. It will only cause trouble if you do."

"I have no intention of meddling in their relationship." Maisie replied. "What Francis tells her is on him."

"Then why did you bother asking?" He asked.

"Because I'm nosey." She shrugged. "And I will always keep an eye out for my friends.”

“Then…I should probably tell you that Kenna has been seeing my father for some time now.” he replied.

“What?” Maisie asked with a look up at him across her shoulder. “You’re joking.”

“I’m afraid not.” he sighed. “I’ve learned the signs over the years.”

Maisie frowned and looked across the room at Kenna as she let the news sink in. Then a thought struck her. “So that’s why she got mad at me the other day.” she said in realization. Bash gave her a curious look. “At the picnic for Charles and Madeline, when your father gave me that rose. Kenna thought he was flirting with me.”

“Yes, about that.” Bash started sounding agitated, “I believe that little show was more about making her jealous than welcoming you into the family prematurely. Getting women is nothing more than a game he likes to play. And when it comes to Kenna, he’s gotten what he wanted.”

“You mean they’ve-?” she asked with a raise of her brows and he nodded. “Oh Kenna…what have you gotten yourself into?” she sighed to herself. Bash wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “So all the nice things Henry said, it was all just a show to poke at Kenna?” she asked and he hummed. “Well that’s disappointing.” Maisie sighed.

“Why?” he asked with a frown.

“Because I liked the idea of having your parents' approval.” she answered. “I haven't seen your mother since I arrived. I’d hoped we could have tea and get to know one another.” she looked up at him as he took a drink from the silver cup in his hand.

“She approves.” he told her then gave her a closed lipped smile.

“How do you know?” Maisie asked.

“I just do.” he answered with a secretive looking smirk. She narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously and he laughed. “Trust me.”

She let it go with a shake of her head then looked around. “Is it just me or is this festival a bit boring?” she asked and he laughed. “What?” she asked and looked up to see him looking at her, that admiring look in his baby blue eyes.

“Just wondering how I got so lucky as to find the one woman God created for me.” he answered, putting a bright smile on her face as she looked up at him. “Would you like to get out of here?”

“Yes please.” she answered as she took his hand and they headed to the door. “But we can’t stay gone too long. I’m supposed to meet Mary and the girls this afternoon to read Virgil.” Bash made a disgusted sound. “Tell me about it. I think Aylee aims to put us to sleep.”

RRRRRRRRRR

They were returning from a ride when Francis found them. Maisie noticed the frown on the prince's face. “Is something wrong?” she asked before Bash could.

“Yes, I need to speak to my brother in private for once.” Francis answered shortly.

“Anything you have to say you can say in front of Maisie.” Bash said, not liking the tone his brother took with her. He dismounted his horse to be eye level with Francis.

Francis looked at Maisie then back at Bash. “Mary found out about my past with Olivia. She wouldn’t say who told her, but I have my suspicions.” his eyes looked at Maisie.

Maisie frowned and opened her mouth to argue, but Bash beat her to it. “It wasn’t Maisie. Anyone could have told Mary about you and Olivia. It wasn't exactly the castle's best kept secret.” Bash started walking and Maisie followed on her horse. “Now if you’re done making false accusations-”

“I also have reason to believe Olivia’s carriage was attacked by pagans.” Francis interrupted. Bash stopped, giving Francis his full attention. “I recognize the words she heard from when you said them.”

“What were they even doing driving through the blood wood?” Bash asked.

“Olivia’s driver was told that the kingsroad was flooded. Which it isn’t.” Bash and Maisie just stared at him. “Bash, they’re luring people in.”

“I’ll gather some men and find her carriage.” Bash told him so Francis nodded and walked away.

Bash looked at Maisie so she dismounted. “Be safe.”

RRRRRRRRRR

Mary and her ladies sat around on three sofas arranged in a u shape in a common room while Aylee read Virgil. Queen Catherine and a few of her ladies sat at a table a few feet away talking and drinking wine. “It’s a talent, really. No matter the topic he can wind it back to pepper.” Greer interrupted Aylee to talk about Lord Castleroy. Lola, Mary, Kenna and Maisie laughed earning a dirty look from Aylee. “Sorry, sorry, go on.” Greer told her.

“Et vacant annalis-” Aylee started.

“I bring up politics…Pepper transactions are a political minefield. History? The peppercorn has a storied past.” Greer interrupted her.

“I doubt he’d wind Virgil back to pepper.” Aylee complained as she closed the book around her thumb.

“Oh, stop.” Greer argued. “We know what happens. He wanders around Troy for another 100 stanzas.”

As Maisie rolled her eyes at Aylee they landed on Olivia as she walked into the room timidly. “Shush, It’s Olivia.” Kenna said.

“She looks Mortified.” Lola added.

Queen Catherine walked over and looked down at Mary. “You and I find ourselves strangely aligned for once.” As the queen walked away others stood and left the room.

“Are people leaving?” Kenna asked.

“She dislikes Olivia more than you?” Aylee asked Mary quietly as she leaned into the group.

“Apparently.” Mary answered as she turned her eyes to Olivia who was still standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.

“Why would Olivia return here?” Lola asked.

“With the prince’s favor she could find a match.” Kenna answered. “If need be, Francis could force the issue.”

“Who would willingly take used property? Even a royal’s.” Greer asked with a frown.

“Property?” Maisie asked with a frown of her own.

“You know I didn’t mean it like that.” Greer brushed it off.

“It sounds like there were real feelings there.” Kenna pointed out. “Should she be punished forever?”

Her stations fallen. She doesn’t belong at court.” Greer argued.

“Some could say the same of you.” Kenna snapped back.

“Because I don’t have a title. How dare you.” Greer said with a sneer.

Kenna leaned forward to say something back but Mary spoke up. “Stop, please. There’s enough ill will at court today.” Mary stood up and walked over to Olivia. “Hello, Olivia. I’m Mary.”

Olivia curtsied. “I’m honored.”

“Oh, it’s all right.” Mary held her hands out stopping her then looped her arm though hers. “Come, sit with me and my friends. I’m afraid there’s not going to be much Virgil.” The ladies scooted around on the couches making room for Olivia as she and Mary walked over. “Everybody’s too excited about the harvest festival and the beginning of the blood month. They’ve been slaughtering in the kitchens all week. Out with the old, in with the new.” Mary motioned for Olivia to take a seat so she sat next to Greer and Mary sat down next to her. “I heard that your things are still missing. Perhaps I could lend you a dress for the festival if you’d like.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

RRRRRRRRRR

Bash and Maisie stood in the infirmary, watching as Nostradamus worked on attempting to save the driver of Olivia’s carriage who Bash had found near the wreckage, strung up by his feet to be bled into a bowl. Olivia’s ladies maid hadn’t survived. “Could you hear them? Were they close?” Nostradamus asked.

“I had no sense of them.” Bash answered with a shake of his head, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Some would say you had no sense. That you defiled their faith.” Nostradamus argued.

“A faith riddled with human sacrifice. When did that start?” Bash asked.

“They’ve made blood sacrifices for centuries.” Nostradamus answered, placing a new bandage over the driver’s cut neck.

“I thought they only sacrificed animals.” Maisie spoke up.

“Not always.” Nostradamus replied. “The human sacrifice was simply more hidden, less bold.”

“I thought these murders, these bodies hanging, their true purpose was to scare people away. Civilized people from land they believed was theirs…or had claimed for hunting.” Bash said as he started pacing.

“And instead they’re hunting civilized people.” Nostradamus replied. “Travelers. Luring them in.”

“Why? What’s changed?” Bash asked.

“I don’t know.” Nostradamus replied as he stood from where he’d been kneeling beside the driver. “But I do know this. You have interrupted a sacrifice, which they will not take kindly to. Stay close to the castle in the coming days. You could be in grave danger.”

Scared, Maisie grabbed Bash’s hand and he pulled her close.

RRRRRRRRRR

The next morning Maisie and Bash were at the festival, leaning against a post in the barn while chatting and people watching when Nostradamus found them. “A word?” He asked and Bash left Maisie gave him a nod.

While Bash and Nostradamus spoke, Maisie went to Mary who had been drinking wine all morning. “Mary, are you okay?”

“Yes, perfectly. Why do you ask?” she replied, but Maisie could tell something was wrong.

“You looked stressed when talking to Kenna earlier.” Maisie started. “Then the queen spoke to you, which I know is alway a nerve wracking experience, you’ve also been putting more wine in your stomach than food.” Mary sighed and looked down at the silver goblet in her hand. “May I suggest that you lay your woes on my shoulders instead of attempting to drink them away?”

Mary gave her a soft smile. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m okay.”

“It still stands if you change your mind.” Maisie told her then turned to see Bash waiting for her where they had been standing before. “We’ll be down by the water’s edge if you need me.” she told Mary then went to Bash and took his hand when he offered it. “What did Nostradamus have to say?” she asked as they walked out of the barn.

“The driver has died.” Bash informed her. “Before he passed he told Nostradamus that he heard the pagans talking about a bargain they struck with a creature that resides in the woods, in a dark cave somewhere that only a chosen few know of. They give it blood or it drains them of life.”

“So that’s why they're luring people in?” she asked with a worried look up at him as they neared to the water's edge.

“Seems so.” he answered as they sat down on a stone bench, facing the water. “I know you’ve promised before,” he started as he moved around to straddle the bench and face her as he grabbed her hands in his, “but it’s important, now more than ever, that you stay away from those woods.”

“I promise, I won’t go near them.” she replied then scooted forward and rested her forehead on his shoulder.

They were lost in eachother, when Mary walked over and plopped down on the bench behind Maisie. “Sorry to interrupt.” Mary said, sounding like she really didn’t mean it.

Bash and Maisie pulled back and looked at one another, Maisie giving him an apologetic look before he leaned to one side, looking at Mary over Maisie’s shoulder before he looked back at Maisie. “I think your queen is a bit…inebriated.” Bash whispered.

“Her queen can hear you and yes, I am.” Mary replied, making Maisie bite her smiling lips closed.

“I’ll give you two some space.” Bash told Maisie then pecked her on the lips, stood and walked away.

“Is he ever going to pop the question?” Mary asked, a bit of a slur to her words.

“I’m sure he will when the time is right, but neither of us want to rush into anything.” Maisie answered and she turned to sit on the bench the right way instead of straddling it. “You didn’t come out here to ask about me and Bash. Come on,” Maisie gave her a come-at-me motion with her hands. “Get it off your chest. What’s wrong?”

“Did you know Kenna is having an affair with the king?” Mary asked.

“Before I answer that, let me take this off your hands.” Maisie answered as she gently took the silver goblet out of Mary’s hand then drank what little was left and sat the empty cup on the bench between them. “I do know, but I only found out yesterday when Bash told me. Kenna doesn’t know that I know.”

“How could she be so foolish?” Mary asked.

“I’m a firm believer that we don’t have full control of our hearts. Besides, some might call me foolish for having feelings for the king's bastard." She rolled her eyes. "God I hate that word.” she added under her breath.

“Yes, why do you hate that word?” Mary asked.

“I’ll explain when you’re in your right mind. Until then why don’t we talk about you?” she asked. “Kenna’s affair can’t be what drove you to over indulge in drink.”

“It’s Francis…" she sighed. "I asked him to send Olivia away and he assured me he would, but then I found out that her belongings have been recovered and she’s moving into the east wing. Not only that, but something happened between them." She grabbed the cup and looked in it, only to remember that Maisie drank it, then clumsily put it down. "We had an argument and he threatened to take Olivia as his mistress.”

“Mary, I’m so sorry.” Maisie comforted as she placed her hand on Mary’s arm.

“It…was so foolish of me to think that we could ever be just a boy and just a girl.” Mary started rambling. “I mean, that implies that one is free to leave if one is unhappy and while I am stuck here with no recourse he’s free to do whatever he wants with whoever he wants. What do you think, am I overreacting?”

“I think I can only see your side of the story. And while I empathize with you I also know that you can be hot headed and impulsive, which was probably magnified by the wine you've been drinking all morning. Also, what was the queen talking to you about? Could she have said anything to you that put you in a bad mindset? You know she's manipulative and doesn't want you to be with Francis."

"I don't know." She sighed, letting her shoulders fall as she grabbed the cup and started fiddling with it. "What would you do if you were me? As far as I can tell you and Bash never fight like this."

"Well, Bash and I aren't royals." Maisie pointed out. "But, if I were you I’d go get something in my stomach, sober up and try the conversation again. It’s easy for words we don’t mean to slip out of our mouths in heated moments.” Maisie saw a movement out of the corner of her eye and looked to see Francis walking over. “Excuse me for a moment.”

"A word?" she asked, getting his attention. He stopped and motioned for her to speak. "I don't know why you would think that I'd tell Mary about your past with Olivia, but I want you to know that I'll never try to jeopardize your relationship with her." She started, squinting at him in the sunlight.

"No, I know you wouldn't." Francis replied. "I was upset and for some reason I took it out on you even though I know how much you care about Mary's happiness. I apologize for my behavior."

"I care about your happiness as well." She added. "Which is why I'm going to warn you that she is two sheets to the wind right now." He sighed and dropped his eyes to the ground. "She asked for my advice and I told her it would be best to talk to you when she has a clear head. But obviously what happens next is up to you."

He thought about it for a moment, staring at Mary's back. "Would you take her inside and send word when she's feeling better?"

"Of course." She answered with a nod. "Would you mind telling Bash where I'm going?"

"Not at all." He answered with a nod.

Maisie brought Mary inside, and watched over her. When she sobered up she sent word to Francis then left them to work things out.

That evening Mary found her and thanked her for her care and advice. She and Francis worked things out. Olivia would be staying at court while Francis tried to find a suitable match for her. Maisie understood Francis's need to ensure Olivia's happiness, but she feared that Olivia wouldn't make it easy and would still put unneeded stress on Francis and Mary's relationship.

RRRRRRRRRR

A few mornings later Maisie woke to find a necklace placed on a pillow on the empty side of her bed. Curious, she picked it up by the leather string. The one inch wide pendant looked like a twig in the shape of a stag's head. There was only one person she could think of that would have put it there and that was Bash, but he knew her taste in jewelry. And while her tastes were simple, a wooden pendant on a leather string was a little too simple. Something about it just didn’t feel right.

So after getting dressed in a flowy light green dress and putting on a darker green winter cloak trimmed with fur to shield her from the cool, mid september morning air, she grabbed the necklace off her bed. Looking at it again she decided against wearing it around her neck and instead looped the sting around her wrist several times then pulled the strings tightening it so that the pendant rested on the back of her hand.

She and her friends walked beside the road, lined with trees that lead to where the king would be arriving, Mary walked ahead of them. “You look especially lovely, Kenna.” Greer said with a look across her shoulder at Kenna. “Who are you dressed to impress?”

“No one, I just…” Kenna attempted to answer.

“Can’t Kenna look lovely simply because she is lovely?” Mary asked as she turned and held out her hand for Kenna. “And you are lovely.” she assured her as Kenna took her hand and walked beside her. 

When they came to where everyone was lining up, Maisie spotted Bash and walked over to him. “Good morning.” he greeted with a closed lipped smile.

“Morning.” she greeted as she touched his arm stopping him from joining the others just yet.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, seeing her frown.

“I’ve had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach all morning.” she started. “Mainly because I found this on my pillow when I woke and something tells me it’s not from you.” she held her hand out, showing him the pendant. When she lifted her eyes to his face, gauging his reaction, she noticed how tense he was. “I was right, it’s not from you. Is it?”

“No, but I have seen it before.” he answered and she gave him a look that told him to tell her more. “I didn't tell you because I didn't want to frighten you. But, the butcher boy that committed suicied a few days back, he threw himself from my balcony after warning me that because I interrupted too many of their sacrifices, I must choose someone to sacrifice or they would choose for me. This necklace, or one just like it, was around his neck.”

Maisies eyes grew wide with worry. “So a pagan snuck into my room last night?” she asked and he nodded. "Does this necklace mean they've chosen me as your sacrifice?"

Bash cupped her cheek in his hand. “I believe so, yes, but I won’t let them hurt you.” he dropped his hand as she nodded, then grabbed hers and headed over to Francis, but before they could get his attention the king’s arrival cut them off.

Maisie watched as King Henry exited the carriage and Kenna took a few steps toward him, only to stop when she saw Diane exit after him. Mary grabbed her hand and pulled her back to stand with them.

When the crowd started to disperse Bash grabbed Francis’s arm then jerked his head for him to follow him over to Mary. “Mary, Francis, we need to talk.” Francis and Mary gave him curious looks. “In private. It’s important.”

RRRRRRRRRR

The four of them stood in a private area of the castle. “The people of this…faith. They claim that I owe them a debt. More than once in their minds I’ve interrupted their blood sacrifice. The butcher boy said that if I didn’t choose someone else to sacrifice they’d choose for me.”

“So that’s what’s been going on in the woods, Pagan sacrifice?” Mary asked.

“Among other dangers, yes.” Bash answered.

“And now they’ve chosen Maisie.” Mary said with a worried look at Maisie then at Bash.

“Because they know that threatening her is a good way to get to Bash.” Francis told Mary then looked at Bash. “Anyone with eyes can see how much she means to you.”

“We need to find out who left this marker in her chambers.” Bash said as Maisie held out her hand, showing them the necklace.

“Maybe the servants saw how the necklace got into her room. If you give me the necklace, I’ll question them.” Mary said so Maisie took the necklace off her wrist and handed it to Mary. she took it and headed off to do as she said.

Bash looked at Francis. “I worry about her safety.”

Francis looked at Maisie. “I’ll make sure there’s a guard outside your room at all times.” she gave him an appreciative nod. “Meanwhile you need to find out the severity of the threat.” he told Bash. “Ask the hunters that you know in the woods. Talk to the guards, Nostradamus, anyone.” Bash gave him a nod and he walked away.

Bash walked Maisie to her room, stopping before she went inside. “I am so sorry. If I knew cutting the bodies down would put you in danger I never would have done it.”

“You did nothing wrong.” Maisie assured him as she reached up and rested her hand on the side of his neck. “I don’t blame you. I’m worried about you.”

“I’ll be fine as long as you stay here, under guard. Don’t open the door for anyone but Mary, Francis or me.” he told her as he cupped her cheek in his hand and she nodded. “Promise me.”

“I promise.” she answered then took his hand off her face and kissed his palm. “As long as you promise to stay safe.”

“I will.” he responded as he saw a guard walking over to them. He opened her door and motioned for her to go inside. As he closed it, the guard stepped in front of it, blocking anyone who’d try to enter.

RRRRRRRRRR

Night had fallen by the time her door opened and her guard told her Bash was waiting for her out in the hall. She peeked around the door to see that Bash really was waiting for her so she stepped out. Bash motioned for the guard to give them space before he took her hands into his. “I haven’t found any new information. It’s all straightforward really. I must choose someone and sacrifice them in the bloodwood in order to pay the debt.”

“You have to sacrifice them?” Maisie asked with wide eyes. “You can’t just take a horrible person who doesn’t deserve to live from the jails and dump them in the woods for the bloodthirsty pagen’s to kill themselves?” Bash gave her a questioning look. “I’ve had all day to think.” she shrugged.

“The prisoners are a good idea, but no, I have to perform the sacrifice myself.” he answered.

“Bash…I know you. This is different from fighting on the battlefield. You can’t murder someone in cold blood.” she told him in hushed tones.

“I can,” he argued, “to save you.”

“And in saving me you will kill a part of yourself…a part of your humanity. I can’t ask you to do that.” she argued back.

“You’re not asking me to. They are.” he rebutted. Maisie took in a deep breath and gave him a pointed look as she let it out. “I’m having dinner brought up for you and your guard, let them in then no one else.” she simply gave him a nod. He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist as she tucked her face into his chest and he rested his cheek on her head. After a moment he placed a kiss to her hair and pulled back. “Try to get some sleep.” she gave him a weak smile and a nod then went back into her room. Bash didn’t leave until the guard was back in place.

RRRRRRRRRR

The next morning the feel of something cold and wet dripping on Maisie’s stomach, covered only by her white silk nightgown, pulled her from a deep sleep. Feeling heavy headed she touched her stomach then looked at her fingers to see red, slightly sticky liquid. As her eyes focused they landed on the head of a stag, blood dripped from its open mouth, landing on her stomach. It took a moment for it to register, but when it did the scream that left her mouth was loud enough for the whole castle to hear.

When she regained control of her body she rolled out of bed, landing hard on her rear then scrambled away from the sight until her back hit the wall. The light shining in through the window above her head illuminated the horrid sight.

Greer, Aylee and Lola rushed into her room. “Maisie, what-” Lola started to ask but was cut off at the sight of the massive head hanging from the frame of the canopy bed in the room.

“Good Lord.” Greer gasped then looked at Aylee, “Go get Mary.”

Lola went to Maisie and kneeled down beside her. “Are you alright?” All Maisie could do was shake her head no. Lola looked up at Greer. “I think she’s in shock.”

“Bash.” Maisie whispered, Lola and Greer looked at her and she looked at Lola. “I need Bash.” Lola looked up at Greer who nodded and left the room.

“Can you stand?” Lola asked and Maisie nodded so Lola helped her then grabbed a long silk robe and helped her put it on. “What is the meaning of this?” Lola asked with a motion to the bed. Maisie didn't answer so Lola didn’t press further.

Eventually Greer returned with Bash who upon seeing Maisie, her hair a mess and blood on her robe that had soaked through from her nightgown, rushed over. "Are you alright?" He asked as he looked at her stomach.

“It’s not my blood.” she answered flatly. “It’s the stags.”

Bash wrapped her in his arms. Tears she’d been holding back now soaked into his shirt where her face was pressed into his chest. He looked around, noticing the head hanging over the bed for the first time. “How could you have slept through this?” Bash asked as he grabbed her face and dipped down to look at her eyes. “Your pupils are dilated. How do you feel?”

“Like I could easily go back to sleep.” she answered, and Bash noticed her fighting to keep her eyes open. “You’ve been drugged.”

Maisie let her eyelids win for a moment as she pressed her palm to her head. “I need to sit down.”

Bash helped her sit on a padded bench seat in her room then kneeled down infront of her and grabbed her hand from her head, looking at the back of it. “The pendent, it burned you.” he said. She looked down and noticed a raised, red stag's head burned into the skin on the back of her hand.

Mary and Francis walked in, seeing servants removing the head from over her bed. Mary rushed to Maisie as Bash went to his brother. “How did this happen, where was your guard?” Mary asked as she sat down beside her on the bench and grabbed her hand.

“I don’t know, Bash thinks I was drugged.” Maisie answered, swiping her hair out of her face.

“Good Lord! What is that?” they heard Catherine out in the hallway headed their way, probably seeing servants carrying the head away. The servants who’d just finished stripping the soiled sheets from Maisie’s bed curtsied to Catherine before they left the room. Catherine looked at the bed then at Maisie and Mary. “How could this have happened?”

Maisie flinched from Catherine’s tone, Mary grabbed her hand and looked at Catherine. “You’ve had someone sneak into my room before. Why don’t you tell us how it’s done?”

“Are you accusing me of this?” Catherine demanded as she squared her shoulders at Mary.

“We’re not accusing you of any involvement, Mother.” Francis said as he came into the room, Bash remained out in the hall, knowing Catherine wouldn’t approve of his presence.

“Does that mean you know who’s done this?” Catherine asked.

“Right now we’re less concerned about who than how.” Francis answered.

“They’d have to have drugged her.” Catherine said as she walked over and grabbed the goblet of wine off the dining table in the room. She sniffed it then made a face. “This is poppy.” she told them then sat the cup down. “I suspect her guard was given the same thing. Where is he?”

“The infirmary.” Francis answered. “Severe stomach pain.”

“That means he drank too much of it.” Catherine replied then looked at the bed before turning her eyes to Maisie, “A stag's head? What message is that meant to convey?” she asked with a motion at the bed.

Mary and Francis looked at each other before Mary spoke up. “It’s a symbol. Of the pagans.”

“What do any of you know about pagans?” Catherine asked.

“Only what everyone knows. That they’re becoming bolder, more ruthless and thirsty for blood.” Francis answered. “Seems the more fear they spread, the more power they gain.”

“These devils have come inside our walls. Inside my home.” Catherine said as she turned her eyes to Maisie’s bed.

“These heretics worked together to threaten us. Now we must work together to stop them.” Mary told her. Catherine just looked at all of them then left.

“Is she going to blame me…or Bash?” Maisie asked Francis.

“I don’t know, but I won’t let her harm you, or my brother.” Francis answered as Bash came into the room.

“We need to get you to the infirmary.” Bash said as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

“What I need is a bath and sleep.” Maisie argued.

“I’ll get the servants to draw you a bath.” Mary told her so Maisie nodded. She and Francis left, giving her and Bash a moment.

Bash looked at her, regret clear in his blue eyes. “Don’t say it.” she told him and he blinked at her. “I’m okay.”

“No, you're not, but you will be.” he replied and Maise saw something in his eyes change.

“What are you going to do?” she asked, scared.

“I’m going to the jails. I can’t let them continue to torture you because of my mistakes.” he answered, dertimination clear in his tone as he stood. She grabbed his hand, stopping him. “You can’t talk me out of it.”

“I was just going to remind you that I love you, no matter what.” Bash gave her a bitter sweet smile with a blink before he left.

After her bath, Maisie laid in bed, fighting sleep while Nostradamus examined her per Bash’s insistence. “Once you get some sleep you will be just fine. Poppy has no lasting effects.” he wasn’t telling her anything she didn’t already know.

“Can I ask you something that’s not about my health?” she asked and Nostradamus gave her an unsure nod. “You said I would lose my love. You did mean Bash, right?”

“Do you have another love?” Nostradamus asked, a little amused.

“No, but I don't know how far in the future your vision took place. People fall out of love all the time." She explained. "I need to know exactly what you saw, not knowing is driving me mad.”

“My vision was the near future, as you don’t look any older than you do now. However, that is only an estimate. Some women age gracefully.” Nostradamus answered and Maisie sat up straighter in the bed, happy he was finally answering her questions. “I see you, tears of anger on your face. You strike someone, I can’t see who. You say that Bash was yours, that this person has taken him from you. You don’t say how.” Maisie frowned down at her hands, thinking about what he’d said. “Is that enough to keep you sane?”

“Not nearly, but if it’s all you can offer then it will have to do.” she replied then looked up at him. “Thank you for sharing your vision with me.” he gave her a nod then left her, letting her drift off to sleep.

RRRRRRRRRR

While Maisie slept off the effects of the poppy, Mary and Catherine called all the servants into the throne room and asked them to come forward with information. Catherine threatened to burn their family’s houses to the ground if no one came forward by midnight. Bash went to the jails, took a thief and brought him out to the blood wood.

By the time Maisie had woken, night had fallen. She dressed then followed the voices of her friends and the sound of fireworks out onto the balcony their rooms shared. “You’re awake.” Greer greeted as Maisie joined her, looking out of an open window.

“Where’s Mary?” Maisie asked.

“I don’t know. Last I saw her she was questioning the staff with the queen.” Lola answered. “I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Who’d want to miss this?”

“I suppose the king wants our mind off our troubles.” Aylee said as she crossed her arms over the half wall.

“I wish I could get my mind off him.” Kenna said, making the ladies look at her where she sat on a bench seat against the castel wall.

“Kenna’s the king's official mistress.” Greer informed Maisie.

“I knew they were…involved, but,” Maisie looked at Kenna, “when did you become his mistress?”

“Today.” Kenna answered. “You knew about us?”

“Bash told me.” Maisie answered.

“And you didn’t tell us?” Aylee asked.

“It wasn’t my secret to tell.” Maisie shrugged.

“Where’s the king now?” Lola asked.

“He said I mustn't miss the fireworks.” Kenna answered. “Of course he wouldn't say why he couldn’t join me. Is he trying to get rid of me so he can have a moment alone with Diane? Is there another mistress he’s courting? God knows I've been trying his patience lately.”

“Kenna shut up!” Lola snapped.

“I’m sorry. God, no wonder you can’t stand me anymore.” Kenna said.

“No, shut up and look.” Lola said with a point out of the window.

Kenna went to the window and they all turned their eyes outside to see Kenna’s name written out in candle light. With a giddy smile on her face she ran off, headed to the kings, now her chambers.

“If Kenna is the king's official mistress, what is to happen to Diane?” Maisie asked the other girls.

“Kenna said she is staying in the castle until her cottage on the grounds is renovated.” Greer answered.

“Why do you ask?” Aylee asked.

“She’s Bash’s mother. It can’t be easy on him to see her displaced.” Maisie answered.

“It’s probably not the first time.” Aylee replied.

“But hopefully it’s the last.” Lola said with a pointed look at Aylee.

RRRRRRRRRR

“Maisie and Mary were in Mary’s chambers waiting to hear from Bash. Mary sat on a bench in front of the fire as Maisie stoked the flames out of need to stay busy. “Has Sebastian returned?” Mary asked her ladies maid, Sarah, who stood beside Maisie's maid, Genevieve.

“Not yet.” Sarah answered.

“And you told his servant to bring word immediately?” Mary asked.

“I did.” Sarah answered. “Milady, you need to rest, both of you.” she said.

Maisie looked down at the burn on her hand. “I’m not sleepy and I won’t sleep until I hear that Bash is back and safe.” she told Mary. “But I can leave if you’d like to sleep.”

“No, I’m not leaving you alone. Not after learning that Catherine’s guard was responsible for the stag’s head in your room.” Mary argued. “I won’t let you out of my sight until Bash returns.”

Maisie gave her a nod and sat down beside her on the bench. Genevieve walked over and held her hand out for the fire poker. “May I return that for you?” Maisie saw a burned spot on the side of her palm that very closely matched hers.

“Mary.” Maisie said as she grabbed Genevieve’s wrist and showed her hand to Mary.

“It’s burned.” Mary gasped as she stood and pulled Maisie close. “You said you’d never seen the necklace, but you’re the one that put it on her pillow aren’t you?” Mary spoke fast out of fear.

Maisie pushed Mary to stand behind her and pointed the fire poker at Genevieve. “Guards!” Maisie yelled.

“Don’t bother.” Sara spoke up as she walked over. “If the king’s bastard fails again to pay his debt he’ll need to learn.”

“How many of you are there?” Mary asked from behind Maisie.

“Enough.” Genevieve answered.

“Sarah, you’ll burn for this, both of you.” Mary said right before the guards burst in and captured the two girls. As soon as they were out of the room and the door closed, Maisie and Mary sank down on the padded bench seat, both of them letting out a sigh of relief.

Sometime during the night Mary fell asleep, waiting for Bash to return, but Maisie couldn't, and wouldn't, sleep.

RRRRRRRRRR

The next morning Mary and Maisie were assigned new guards and ladies maids who they were assured were not pagans. After more hours of waiting for word Maisie was finally told by her new maid that Bash had arrived and asked her to meet him down by the water's edge where she'd once picnicked with Mary and her friends.

As she left the castle she quickly spotted him down by the lake, staring out over the water. "Bash." She said getting his attention as she walked up behind him and touched his shoulder, making him turn toward her. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." He answered as he caught her hand that she was about to use to touch his cheek. She frowned at the action. "Physically."

She looked down at their hands. "You went through with it, didn't you?"

"You were right. Killing a man in cold blood is different from killing a man in battle." He answered quietly. "And I've killed two." Maisie looked up from their hands, worry clear in her eyes. "One a zealot of the faith, the other an innocent."

"I don't understand." She said with a shake of her head.

"I took a man from the jails as you suggested, but I had no intention of killing him." Bash started explaining as he jerked his head for her to walk with him. "I only meant to use the prisoner to draw out a pagan. It worked and when I asked if any human life would pay my debt, the man said yes. So I sacrificed the pagan."

"So why did you kill the prisoner?" Maisie asked, her stomach aching with dread.

"He overheard the pagan talking about my mother's faith. What they believe should be my true faith." He answered. "The prisoner knew who my mother and I were."

"So you killed him to keep your secret safe." Maisie sighed.

"My past, my mother's original faith, has and will always put you in danger." He said as they stopped. "I'll understand if you no longer feel safe with me. Or if loving me is too dangerous."

"Bash." She sighed as she moved to stand in front of him, taking both of his hands into hers. "I see the fact that you killed to keep me safe as…a double edged sword. Just as comforting as it is frightening." She let go of his hands and placed hers on each side of his neck. "And I won't let fear keep me from loving you. Especially since I find the fact that I would fight and kill in order to do the same for you just as frightening. I can't fight and would probably lose my life in trying, but I'd try nonetheless."

"You're saying you'd die to protect me?" He asked, a little amused.

"It's a bit…dynamically reversed, for lack of a better term, but yes. I would." She answered and he grabbed her hand as they started walking again.

"Then perhaps I should teach you to fight." He offered.

"Really fight? As in hand to hand combat?" She asked, a little surprised, though she shouldn't have been.

"Yes. As much as I'd like to be, I won't always be around to protect you and you need to know more than a simple punch." He replied, completely serious. "Basic self defense maneuvers paired with strategic punches can do more than you might imagine. Especially considering no one will expect it from a woman, much less a titled lady."

"Okay. Teach me to fight." She agreed.

"Well, I can't teach you out in the open where anyone can see." He said with a nod to the people walking around closer to the castle. "We'll go for a ride in the morning and stop where we had our first kiss. I'll teach you there. What I can teach you right now is that the easiest way to take down a man, should your skirts allow, is to knee him between the legs."

"That sounds far easier than a punch. Why didn't you teach me that one when we were kids?" Maisie asked as they headed to the castle.

"Honestly I was afraid I'd make you mad and you'd use it against me. I'd rather take the punch." She rolled her eyes and gave him a pointed look. "Do you not remember how I'd agitated you at times just to see the cute face you'd make."

Maisie laughed. "I remember. You'd tug on my braid or untie my sash. Or the more annoying one, stealing something from me and running with it."

Bash chuckled. "Perhaps that one was a little unfair considering my legs were always longer than yours."

"It got a little less annoying after Kenna told me you were flirting with me." She replied. "A little being the key words in that sentence. Don't get any ideas."

"What, scared you can't keep up?" Bash asked challengingly.

"Not in these shoes I can't." She answered.

"Excuses, excuses." He sighed jokingly.

She looked across her shoulder at him with narrowed eyes. "Do you want me to punch you? Because I will." Bash just laughed.

RRRRRRRRRR

Their mood was once again lowered as they watched Catherine's guard, and the two ladies maids be placed on and bound to pyres. "You shouldn't watch this." Bash told her where he stood beside her on a balcony that overlooked the public burning.

"These people marked me for death and tortured us." She argued with a look at him across her shoulder. "I need to watch them burn and pay for what they have done." Bash placed his hand on the small of her back comfortingly. "Then, when the screams stop, I'll need you to push it all to the furthest reaches of my mind."

"And how do you expect me to do that?" He asked with a knowing look. She just blushed and glanced down at his lips, making him smile. When the fires were lit their smiles fell and soon the screams of three people filled the air. After a moment one of the screams was silenced by an arrow. Not long after the other two faded and only the sound of the flames remained. "Satisfied?" Bash asked as he closed the windows of the balcony then turned toward her.

"Not as much as I thought I'd be. But the screams have stopped and I still need your help." She answered as she grabbed the strings at the neck of his thin brown shirt and pulled them. He smirked when she hooked her finger into the open v and tugged. He closed the space between them, wrapping his arms around her waist as he caught her top lip between his. They both instantly relaxed from the sensation as a sigh left her lips and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

He had worked his way to her neck, placing noisy wet kisses over the sensitive skin while cupping her cheek in his perfect hand when, "Don't stop on my behalf." jerked them back down to reality.

"Mother." Bash greeted as he turned from Maisie who kept her eyes downcast while her face burned bright red.

"No greeting from my future daughter-in-law?" Diane asked and Maisie could only manage to look up. "Oh you needn't be embarrassed. I take your attraction to my son as a good thing. It assures me that I'll have grandchildren someday soon."

"Mother." Bash scolded.

"After the wedding obviously." She defended then looked at Maisie. "Take a walk with me?"

Maisie looked up at Bash who gave her a smirk then back at Diane. "Sure."

Diane waited until they were out of earshot of Bash. "I wanted to thank you." She said.

"Thank me, whatever for?" Maisie asked.

"For giving Bash a chance. I know his reputation at court isn't the best. My biggest fear was that when you returned you'd hear of his reputation and decide you couldn't risk it. That, or you would return to court already wed. Both scenarios would have crushed him." She explained as they turned a corner in the castle halls.

"Well, his past was a concern, but he was open about it from day one. So I took his honesty as a good sign." Maisie explained. "And I never once considered marrying another."

"I'm so pleased you remain devoted to my son." Diane said and she was opening her mouth to say more when Kenna rounded the corner a few feet ahead of them.

"Maisie." Kenna said as she stopped at the sight of her friend walking alongside the woman she'd recently displaced. "What are you doing?"

"Having a chat with the woman I hope to one day call family." Maisie answered with a pointed look. Kenna frowned and opened her mouth to speak, but Maisie cut her off, "we'll discuss this later?"

"Yes, of course." Kenna replied then carried on her way.

"I am so sorry about Kenna." Maisie apologized.

"Oh don't fret it. I can only imagine the awkward position this puts you in." Diane responded. "Just know I don't blame you for the actions of your friends." Maisie gave her a soft thankful smile. "That's something else I want to thank you for. The day you arrived your friends judged me, gave me dirty looks, but you smiled warmly. I stopped letting dirty looks bother me a long time ago, but kindness, like the smile you gave me, matters more than you know."

"I didn't know if you noticed that." Maisie said out loud.

"I did, Henry did as well." She assured her. "He has a soft spot for you."

Maisie's eyes went wide. "Why?"

"Because you're in love with his favorite son and you're kind." Diane answered. "Bash was okay while you were gone, but Henry and I have both noticed a change in him since your return. There's a new energy about him, he's truly happy with you at his side." Maisie just smiled. "So, don't let him wait forever to ask for your hand. He's waited a long time to do so and he may need a push to get him past the nerves of anticipation."

Maisie laughed nervously, "I'll bear that in mind." 

The two women had tea in the common room then both turned in for the night.

Note: If you want to be added to the tag list for this story just let me know. Also likes, reblogs and comments are highly appreciated.

Tags: @jodiereedus22

#bash reign #reign bash #reign fanfiction #reign sebastian #reign #reign sebastian x oc #reign sebastian fanfiction #sebastian de poitiers #sebastian x oc #reign bash fanfiction #bash fanfiction #reign bash x oc #bash x oc #reign 2013 #sebastian de poitiers x oc #sebastian de poitiers x oc fanfiction #reign bash x oc fanfiction #bash oc fancition #bash x oc fanfiction

[fncreature]

Q&A

"I never knew you liked figure skating, Parker" - Peter Parker x Reader

A/n: Apologies for everything but yeah. I finally wrote shit, yay. As any figure skaters or anyone who went to stars on ice, I went and loved it so much. And anyone who went to the Q&A knows who Steve's character is based on, like half the stuff he says on ice is based off of him. Anyway, are any of you guys interested in Shadow and Bone? Binge watched it this week and oh my god, Kirigan. Anyways, Fic.

Warnings: Peter's a creep for a little bit, ice skating au, bad writing

You stretched, stepping off of the rink for a moment.

“You ready?” Steve asked, looking at the crowd in the seats above you. 

“Hopefully” You sighed. 

“It’s your first time, you should be excited” He nudged you. 

You gave a small chuckle. “Social anxiety, Steve, social anxiety.”

Steve’s coach walked over, and he handed one to you. “You signed up for this, no going back now” He said, giving you a smile. He skated over to the two stools set out in front of the crowd. 

He waved to the crowd, and you skated over. “Thank you all for coming early, guys!” Steve announced. “As I hope most of you know, I’m Steve Rogers, and this is my friend and teammate Y/n L/n” 

Steve gave you a small nudge that was noticeable to the crowd. 

“We’ll be answering questions for the next thirty or so minutes, or until our managers tell us we can do two more questions. Steve, you wanna pick first?” You said.

Almost a quarter of the crowd raised their hands. Steve picked someone, who asked, “How did you start skating?” 

Steve grinned. “I love this question. My friend invited me to a skating rink once, and I turned him down. He ended up meeting a girl there and the dated for a couple months, and I was really pissed, so I started taking lessons, and here I am now. And for the record, that friend is now two time Olympian and still one of my closest friends, James Barnes. Y/n?”

“You really should have told me that story before, that’s hilarious. I went to Disney on ice when I was like five, and then I begged my mom to let me learn how to skate until she did, and I kept running with it” You laughed. 

“Y/n, you wanna pick next?” Steve asked. You wanted to say no, but picked someone anyway. 

Up in the stands, Peter grinned as the Q&A started. 

“I never knew you liked figure skating, Parker” Tony joked. 

“She’s so hot” Peter whispered. 

Tony raised his eyebrows. “Don’t say anything stupid, I know the guy who owns the place.” 

Peter sighed. “Do you know if there’s a way I could talk to her afterward? In private?” “I could probably get you in there, yeah” Tony shrugged. 

Peter grinned. 

The questions and answers continued. 

Steve picked another hand. “What’s your favorite move, out of anything?”

“Oh, easy. Lunges, especially backward lunges. Hard to learn, but I love them. Especially when you turn from forward to backward. I think I do like, what, seven? In the whole show. I seriously love them.” Steve grinned.

“I think it’s a hard question, actually. But honestly, even though I have been to the olympics, I gotta say that it’s a waltz jump. I love waltz jumps, honestly.” You smiled.

Your manager gave you a nod, telling you that you were almost out of time. 

“Alright, guys, we’re almost out of time, but we can do a couple more questions.”

You picked the hand of a boy who had been raising his hand for almost half of the Q&A. 

“Can I have your number?” A man who you assumed was his father glared at him and whispered something angrily to him. You felt a bit nervous, you’d never had anyone act like that to you. 

Steve also was glaring at him, and put his arm around your shoulders, and answered for you. “Of course not. If anyone else wants to be creepy, feel free to leave.” He said angrily.

Your manager gestured toward the door near the rink. 

“And sorry for ending on that note guys, but we’re out of time, thank you for coming!” You said, still a bit nervous. You and Steve handed your microphones to his coach and you skated off quickly and put on your guards and headed behind the curtain and sat down, Steve coming in behind you.

“You okay?” He asked. 

You shrugged. “A bit nervous, but I’m fine” 

“Alright. We have an hour, me and Buck are gonna find somewhere to eat so we can go after the show, wanna come?” He asked.

“I’m good, thanks though” You said, giving him a small smile, and he left. 

You sat down and sighed. You started to take off your jacket and when someone walked in. 

It was the boy. 

“Please get the- Please get out, the public isn’t supposed to be here, especially you and I’ll need to call security and you’ll be kicked out.” You said, tensing up. 

“I’m really sorry, I wasn’t thinking, and I really didn’t mean to sound that creepy, you’re just really pretty and-”

“Thanks and all, but that’s still weird, dude.” You said. 

“Wait, you don’t remember me?” He asked.

“Um- Obviously not?” You said nervously.

“We were friends as kids and then I moved. I’m Peter, remember me?” He asked. 

“Holy crap, Peter?” You asked.

You two had been friends in middle school, and you had crushed on him in middle school, and there he was, right in front of you.

“Yeah” He smiled. “Sorry again, that really did sound creepy.”

“Yeah, it did. But it’s really great to see you again” You smiled. “Quick question- Did you call me pretty to get my attention or-?”

Peter looked flustered. “I-I meant it. You look amazing when you’re in your element like that, and you’re super pretty” 

You blushed. “I crushed on you in middle school, why don’t we see if I still feel the same?” You smiled, walking up to him, even though it was a bit awkward because, with your skates on, you were taller than him. 

“I really like the sound of that” He smirked, and he stood on his tiptoes to reach up to you, and he kissed you.

#Creature writes #Peter parker x reader #peter parker x ice skater!reader #peter parker x figure skater!reader #peter parker x skater!reader #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x platonic!reader #platonic!steve rogers x reader #ice skating au #avengers ice skating au #peter parker oneshot #peter parker au #peter parker imagine #peter parker fanfiction

[breath-of-eternity]

First chapter of the first halfway decent book I wrote

Defiance: Chapter 1

Amber wanted to do something fun with her friend on this beautiful spring day, the first of a two week break from school, but Shana had to spoil it all by saying she couldn’t go. What was the point of skipping out on her chores by herself? To think, she biked all the way down here for nothing.

“Are you sure you can’t get away?” Amber asked, folding her hands together, trying to look pathetic and abandoned.

Shana looked out towards the fields. One would think corn farmers would have better corn than the stalks withering in the sun back there. Finally, she shook her head.

“Can’t. My pop wants me to spread fertilizer.” She stuck her tongue out and pretended to puke. “I’ll get my dad to lend me the truck tonight and we can go catch a movie. There’s a new one playing at the theater.”

Amber agreed, although with a lack of enthusiasm. The film was an epic based on the Resurgence, a myth she learned in school years ago. The Monks who served the Earth Elemental were killed and a group of heroes had to brave the trials of Mount Cuzo in order to create a new line of protectors of the land. Total snoozefest. She preferred the movie that had been playing at the theater last month, which took place in a horrible world with no magic or Elementals and people were hunted relentlessly by the beasts, but their greatest enemy was each other.

On her way out, she ran into one of Shana’s dads, who warned her to be careful walking home since there were warg wolves in the area. No one had seen a warg in Osso in twenty years, but sure.

She walked her bike alongside the Tico River and it was about five minutes before the smell hit her and she wished she’d gone by the roads, because it smelled like the factories up in Kushan dumped an extra heaping of waste into it yesterday. Up ahead, a couple of guys lounged on the rocks trying to catch fish they knew they couldn’t safely eat—the Kato brothers, probably hiding from chores the same way she was. She raised her hand. They raised theirs. She left before they asked her to join them because she was not wasting any free time by the stinking river. She wondered if Shana’s family not having a better water source to tap into had something to do with their dying fields.

She pushed her bike up the embankment and it wasn’t long before she reached the access road bordering the Macias property, and then it was only a two minute ride to the main house. Her family’s farm was focused on wheat, with her mother’s vegetable garden taking up a half-acre behind the house. Bordered by the forest to the west and the rocky path to the river on the south, the Macias family had lived there for generations. Amber’s mother was looking forward to passing it on to one or more of her children, although Amber herself wasn’t sure she wanted it. Her sister Lapisada was the oldest, and she was the one away at school studying agriculture. Still, she stopped at one of the fences to pick up a broken line of wire and draped it over a fence post, reminding herself to fix it once she was out of her nice clothes and in the junky ones she did farm work in.

She had barely made it through the front door when Olivine skipped up to her and grabbed her hand, whirling her around in a circle.

“Dad wants you to help Jasper gas up the tractor and get it out of the barn,” she sang. Amber swore at the unfairness of it all and her sister gasped and covered her hands with her cheeks. “I’m going to tell on you for saying a bad word.”

Amber couldn’t tell whether or not she was joking, so she walked on, and her little sister stuck her tongue out. She made as if to grab it and Olivine clapped her hand over her mouth in alarm. Then she giggled.

Jasper was already out in the barn poking at the tractor like he knew what he was doing. She tied her hair behind her head and bent down to check the filters, while her brother tugged on her shirt and insisted he didn’t need help.

“Your hair looks stupid like that,” he said when he couldn’t get rid of her. It only reached her chin, but the thought of it dangling over the tractor made her a tad nervous.

“Yours looks stupid all the time,” she retorted.

He must have realized he’d lost because he hunkered down behind her to watch while she replaced a busted O-ring, just as Amber had watched Lapisada while she did the same thing years before. When it was all put back together, she climbed into the seat, flipped the switch, hit the clutch and it roared to life. It was running rough but running. Jasper made a disgusted noise.

“You’re magic,” he said. “That’s the only explanation.”

“Yeah, the Earth Elemental gives out power over crappy tractors in need of replacement to Its followers that can’t use earth magic.”

Jasper’s heavy eyebrows pulled together. “Are Mom and Dad going to sell the farm?”

Her foot slipped off and hit the gas, causing the engine to rev. Good thing she hadn’t switched it into gear. It rattled and died from the exertion, but at least she hadn’t plowed through the wall.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said.

“I heard them talking.”

“The wheat is coming in fine.”

“We have no savings left. If we don’t grow enough this season, we won’t be able to afford our taxes.”

She opened her mouth, but only a squeak came out. Once the tractor was running again, she drove it out of the barn so Jasper wouldn’t have to worry about clipping the doors and getting yelled at by Dad. She left it in idle and jumped down for him to take over.

Amber went to her father while he was on the phone asking the farming supply company to wait a few more days before they yanked his line of credit. Although she wanted to ask him about what Jasper heard and assure her that her little brother was incorrect, when he hung up and she saw the lines on his face she lost her nerve.

“I got the tractor running.”

He grunted. “Good.”

“O-ring again.”

Another grunt, but he ruffled her hair, knocking it loose. “Go help your mother with the spring harvest. She’s in the north fields.”

Amber didn’t have the stomach to argue. The harvest meant much bigger machines than the dinky little tractor, which was cool, but also hours and hours of driving around in circles, which was not. There would be no movie tonight. As she left, she took out her phone and sent a message to Shana, yelled at her for not following through before admitting her parents weren’t letting her go either.

It wasn’t fair. It was never fair. Anytime she wanted to do something, her parents ruined it for her like it was a personal challenge. She had two weeks of vacation from school, but did she get to do anything fun? No. She was to spread the fertilizer in the vegetable garden, carry the milk jugs, plow the field. Friends? What were they?

She didn’t get back inside until her father was putting dinner on the table. She tried to sit down but her mother sent her to wash up first and by the time she got back everyone was halfway through their meal. Except for Olivine, who spent half her time sticking food with her fork and talking to it. She was a weird girl.

Amber finished her meal and went into her room, her sanctuary. It was the biggest room in the house and it had only taken sixteen years of suffering her older sister’s snoring to get it to herself. She took out her phone and sent a call request to Shana before flopping down on her bed. One friendly tune later and her friend answered.

“Hey, Amber,” Shana said. “I mean, I didn’t check the caller info but I’m assuming it’s you. Because it always is.”

“Well, I’m bored and when I get bored I call you.”

“I noticed.”

“What are we doing tomorrow?”

“Uhhh. I’m not sure my parents will let me get away. They really need my help.”

Amber sat up straight. Shana should have been ranting about her parents controlling her life, but there was only a quiet acceptance. It reminded her of Jasper’s question.

“Try to get done early,” she said, hoping her friend couldn’t hear the hitch in her voice. “Then we can go to the movies.”

“Yeah. All right. Sounds like a plan.”

She said it without much hope and then ended the call. Amber curled up in a ball, unable to shut out thoughts of all the farms that had been sold recently, how many of her friends had disappeared into the wind. The Lomezes, the Hatios, the Jitas. The Lolles didn’t even sell theirs, just left before the Pachem Agriculture Bureau could kick them off for not paying their taxes.

Her family held on because things were bound to pick up. Historical records showed the area to be full of bad years, but her family’s farm always survived. Except it wasn’t a bad year. It was a slow and steady decline. When she was twelve, they could harvest twenty four hundred pounds of wheat per acre. Then twenty three hundred. Twenty one. Twenty. Last year it was eighteen.

She shut off the light and climbed under the covers, the worries floating out of sight, as worries tended to do.

The squawks of Oscar the Always Late woke her, the red quailing that only crowed several hours after dawn hit, impatient for his people to come and feed him. Amber jumped out of bed and threw on a tan shirt, then some black leggings because it was early enough in spring that her shorts weren’t warm enough in the mornings. She was out before her parents could yell at her for sleeping late, but instead of bustling around the kitchen, they were only sitting at the table drinking coffee. No breakfast either.

She poured herself a cup, savoring the aroma before she dumped in cream and sugar. Olivine came in next, moving right for the donuts on the counter. She complained about them being stale but took a second and then grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl after Mom frowned at her for not eating healthy. Olivine took down a glass and checked every surface in the kitchen for the juice she liked to have with her breakfast. Amber went over and opened the refrigerator and her sister smiled as she saw the pitcher.

“Can I go hang out at Shana’s?” Amber asked.

“Later,” her mother answered. She tried to pour herself another cup of coffee, but the pot was empty. She sighed at the coffee maker and sat back down instead of making more.

Finally, Jasper came down yawning and still in his pajamas. He scrounged up a frozen waffle he must have hidden away and popped it in the microwave oven. He acted disappointed the coffee was all gone but Amber knew he was relieved he didn’t have to pretend to like it because it was what adults drank.

“We’re going to have a family meeting this afternoon,” their father said.

Olivine tilted her head, not understanding, while Jasper’s eyes went wide and he dropped the donut he had taken from the counter. Olivine looked at him, the donut, then back at him. Then she snatched it off the floor and snickered at him for losing his claim on it.

“What’s this about?” Amber asked. Her voice was slow and deep, belonging to a stranger.

“We’re worried about the farm and we want to talk about what to do,” Mom said.

The oven dinged. Jasper’s waffle was ready.

Amber rubbed the back of her hand over her mouth, then tucked her hand under her leg when she saw her father doing the same thing.

“We’re not going to sell it,” Jasper said. “This is our home.”

“We don’t want to, but—”

“We’re not selling it!”

Normally that kind of tone would have brought him a week of field work in addition to his regular chores, but this time Mom remained unfazed.

“We told Lapisada to come home from school for a visit,” she said. “Jasper, why don’t you and Amber go to the city to meet her?”

A trip to the city instead of chores all morning. She frequently begged for such an opportunity, but her mother used to say fifteen was too young to go on her own. Then when Amber’s birthday finally came around, sixteen was now too young. Of course she would say that. Inga Macias’s idea of an adventure was a drive to downtown Osso.

It was a treat meant to stop them from asking what was serious enough to bring their older sister home from school, but Jasper wasn’t having it and stomped back to his room. Olivine, bless her denseness, hadn’t picked up on the gravity of the situation. When their parents said a talk, it didn’t mean any big decisions were being made. Jasper was being a big baby, as usual.

Her stomach hurt. Amber crammed a donut into her mouth.

“Are you going to go get your sister?” Dad asked.

Amber shrugged and nodded, her brow creased with worry as she checked the train times on her phone. The next one wasn’t leaving until noon, but she left early and sat in the train station listening to music and watching the large television on the wall. She never understood why public televisions were always tuned to the news station instead of actual entertainment unless they wanted everyone nice and depressed before they left on their journeys. No one cared about increased tensions between Rubicon and eastern Vayu. The strike in the Kushan factories had entered its second week. The rukh that attacked people in Liman was neat, though. Horrible but neat.

The train came and Amber climbed on and sat in the back hoping no one would sit next to her, but noon was rush hour and soon she was squashed in by a large woman yapping on her phone. Apparently, she was bothered by the striking factory workers when she was trying to shop and had to go all the way out to Osso to get the good treats for her canid. How positively dreadful.

She was picking at her nails and made herself stop before she ripped off a hangnail and bled all over the canid lady. She occupied herself by sending a message to her sister and to her shock, Lapisada answered right away telling her to meet her outside the ticket booths. She must have been well aware of why she was being called home. Amber started picking at her hangnails again.

For the rest of the half-hour trip she played games on her phone, but it was no use. She was going to have to leave her home and her friends and they’d move into some cramped apartment in the city where her parents wouldn’t be able to find work and…

She shut down the game. Outside the window, the train moved over a bridge and around a bend, pulling to a stop. The Maya station dwarfed the one in Osso, which was one room with a kiosk to buy tickets and couple of tables. Amber had made the trip plenty of times, but this was the first time she was on her own and she couldn’t help but be intimidated by the size of it. A powerful shiver ran up her spine as she stepped off the train. Overhead was a glass ceiling, crisscrossed with metal. Inside, people rushed in all directions, from the ticket centers to the food stalls, from the incoming tracks to the outgoing, all on their phones but gifted with the grace to be able to stay out of each other’s way. She came to the stairs and checked her phone to make sure Lapisada hadn’t changed her mind about where to meet up.

Her heart pounded. This wasn’t just anxiety. She struggled to stamp down the urge to scream and punch whoever was closest to her. A train was roaring up to the station, except when she looked back at the tracks, they were clear.

Before she knew what was happening, the entire station was rolling underneath her feet. Noise came from all directions, drowning out the scream she felt ripping out of her throat. Cracks appeared in the dome and shards of glass rained down on her head, and when she batted them away, granules embedded under her nails. Pain tingled up her arm.

It seemed to go on forever. People shouted, metal groaned, a piece of plaster the size of a table crushed the woman who was whining about taking two extra stops to get canid biscuits. Amber backed away until she hit the wall, not sure if it was safe, not sure where else she could go. Finally, the roar diminished, although she could still feel vibrations throughout her body.

A woman walked by, blood pouring out of her face. Amber’s hand started hurting, like she’d been pecked by a quailing, and she looked down to see a sliver of glass sticking out from under the nail of her middle finger. Her other hand shook as she reached over to pull it out.

No one knew where to go anymore but they were fighting with each other to get there. She checked her phone and flashing on the screen was an emergency communication from the Maya chancellors’ office saying earthquakes had been detected in Kushan, Chia, Lucerno… and Osso.

#writing #fiction #fantasy #epic fantasy #high fantasy #fantasy fiction #fantasy fic #i always loved this book #sadly no one else really did #modern fantasy

[sugarglider-s]

Why are we here? Just to suffer? Every day I think about the fact that Phoenix Wright has no backstory

#he once said he was ‘raised in a barn’ but that was probably a joke in context #plus its a common phrase so like... #AND IM NOT TALKING ABOUT 3-1/COLLEGE FEENIE AND THE CLASS TRIAL #like sure #thats sort of backstory #but other then that we know NOTHING OF THIS MANS CHILDHOOD #FROM AGES 1-20 THIS MAN IS UNKNOWABLE #i mean the implication is that his childhood was so normal that its not worth mentioning #but at the same time... he never ONCE mentions family members (other then the fact he was an only child? #buts that more eliminating potential relatives) #like he said he tipped cows which lends itself to the barn thing being correct #but then like #theres also the fact that hes never (even passively) mentioned a family member... #and its like. he couldve been disowned or he just rejects his biological fam #which is p plausible considering the size of his found family #and it could be kind of a lesson in saying that your family is not defined by blood and you have no obligation to interact with those people #anyway i just have Feelings #ace attorney #aa #phoenix wright

[cjsinkythoughts]

The Conversation

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Reader

Word Count: 7661 (Don’t come at me - you guys asked for it)

Warnings: !FATWS Spoilers!, Cursing, Fluff, Feelings, I Dunno What Else, This One’s Pretty Chill, Except The Ending, But You’ll See When You Get There

A/N: Here it is! I was hesitant about posting it because that means we’re getting closer to the end and I’m such a nostalgic bitch! I’m definitely gonna cry next week when the last episode comes out! Anyways, I’ve got a few things to talk about:

I think this is one of the most important chapters I’ve written and I’m excited to see your reactions to it. It is longer, but you guys asked for that, so you got it! Also, I’m loving the Asks, Comments, and Reblogs. I try to respond to all of them. I have work in a little bit, so I won’t be able to until after, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Ask me anything; about my series, the show, any of the movies, personal stuff, I really don’t care. If you’re not comfortable, that’s totally fine! Every like means so much to me!

I know it’s not the end yet - we’ve got one more episode and a list of One Shots to get through - but there’s a definite feeling of this series coming to an end, and I just want to thank you all for the support and love you’ve been giving it! I’ve really enjoyed writing these characters and this story! It’s very, very special to me and I’m glad I’ve been able to share it with you lovely people!

On that note, be kind to yourselves and others! Thank you again for reading! Excuse any mistakes - this isn’t beta’d! Enjoy and stay tuned!

FATWS Masterlist

cjsinkythoughts Masterlist

!SPOILERS UNDER CUT! (Sorry for the gifs I just love them so much and he’s so pretty and this part is technically two parts so...you get four!)

“Louisiana.” Bucky hummed, looking around the airport.

You rolled your eyes. “You’re not gonna find anything interesting about Louisiana in here, doofus. Let’s call an Uber.”

“An Ooper? What the hell is an Ooper?”

You giggled, shaking your head and grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the luggage carousel. “Uber. It’s like…a taxi service. But there’s an app on your phone to get a driver instead of waiting for one on the street.”

“Oh.” He blinked, tilting his head. “That’s…helpful.”

You laughed again, stopping in front of Carousel 3, where your flight from New York was assigned. You went back to New York to grab a bag with clean clothes and other necessities, along with taking a real shower for once. It was nice to be back in the States, as much as you loved traveling. It’d been a crazy few weeks and you were ready to just relax.

“Do you think there were any problems with Sammy’s present?”

Bucky shook his head. “Nah. Especially considering they know who we are.”

You snickered at his slight grumble. They had had…problems at the other two airports - first the one in Sokovia then JFK in New York - considering Bucky’s entire arm was metal. It’d taken a full hour before they actually let you go, and by that time they had to give you a new plane because yours had left.

“Seriously. Who else has a fucking metal arm and has 1917 listed as their birth year on their Driver’s License?” You giggled again. That was also true. They thought he was messing with them. It wasn’t until you stepped in a few minutes after they asked Bucky to step to the side, seeing Bucky get frustrated, that they realized Bucky wasn’t pulling their legs.

“Well, we’re here now and that’s all that matters.”

He nodded in agreement, watching for your bags, his hand finding yours when he realized how many people there were. “Do you know where he lives? I didn’t even think about it.”

“Yeah, don’t worry. He invited me over once. I declined, but I saved the address.”

“He…invited you over?” Bucky frowned.

You gave him a look. “I’m sure he invited you, too. You just never checked his texts.”

He licked his lips, tilting his head. “Yeah, no, I know, but I mean…why didn’t you go? Weren’t you two just talking about how you wanted to meet his nephews the other day?”

“Yeah, but I had gotten a tip on Wanda at the time and I didn’t want to miss the chance that she was there. He told me it was fine. I still felt really bad. I could tell he was a bit disappointed. I think it was one of the boys’ birthdays. Or something. I don’t remember. Is that bad? Yeah, probably. I really should remember. Maybe I should keep track of birthdays on my calendar or something.”

“Doll.” You looked up to find him giving you a magnificent smile, teeth and all. “You’re rambling.”

“Oh. Am I? Sorry. I didn’t realize.”

He shook his head quickly, squeezing your hand. “Don’t apologize. It’s cute. I’m just not used to you talking so much. You kinda did on the phone sometimes.”

You shrugged, pushing down the heat crawling up your neck at his words. “I rambled a lot to Steve.”

“Oh.”

His face fell, making you scrunch your eyebrows up in confusion, nudging him slightly to grin at him. “It’s nice to have someone to ramble to again, though.” There was that smile again. You were stopped from saying anything more when you noticed some kids pointing and chattering excitedly at a gleaming silver box coming around the corner on the conveyor belt. “There it is.”

He looked over his shoulder, dropping your hand and stepping over to grab it, lifting it effortlessly. You didn’t know what was in it or how heavy it was, but you were sure it felt like a feather to him.

“Alright. Got our bag, sweetheart?” You lifted up the duffle in answer and he jerked his head towards the doors. “Let’s get outta here, then. Call that Booper or whatever.”

“U-B-E-R! Ub-er!” You threw your hands up, following him as he started walking towards the exit. “What’s so hard about it?!”

He just gave you a little smirk over his shoulder.

***************

Bucky kept asking the Uber driver questions about his job. The guy was super nice and patient the whole time, a thick southern accent lacing his answers. Southern hospitality was no joke and apparently had no limit as Bucky asked about his experiences, listening intently and telling him his own stories of taxi drivers in NYC.

When you got to Sam’s sister’s house, Bucky, being Bucky, tipped the driver half of what you paid for the ride, thanking him for his time and energy, before getting out.

“You’re so adorable, you know that?” You teased him as you stepped up the porch stairs and knocked on the door.

He rolled his eyes, a tint of pink dusting across his cheeks. “He was nice.”

You hummed at his defense, the smile never leaving your features. After a moment, Bucky raised his fist to knock again. “Jesus Christ! Don’t fucking knock their door down!” You grabbed his wrist and lowered it.

“Sorry. I forget sometimes.” Bucky informed you absentmindedly,  tilting his head to peek in the window. “I don’t think anyone’s home.”

“They’re probably at the docks, then.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow. “The docks?”

You nodded, gesturing for him to follow you. “Yeah. They have a boat, remember? He talked about it last week.”

“Oh right. The one he’s trying to convince his sister not to sell.”

“Yeah.” You confirmed. “I’m pretty sure it’s that way. I don’t know how far, but we can call the Uber back-”

Bucky scrunched up his face and shook his head. “Nah. I don’t wanna bother him again. We can walk.”

You gave him an incredulous look. “It’s literally his job to drive people around.”

“Well, yeah, but what if he’s got other people to drive?”

You lifted his metal knuckles to your lips. “Trust me, Buck, I’m sure he’d rather drive you than anyone else.”

“Thank you?”

Swinging your now linked hands, you gave a firm nod, letting him know it was, in fact, a compliment. “You are so very welcome.”

The walk was a lot longer than you thought it was, and you ended up on Bucky’s back after he kept complaining about how you “shouldn’t be walking this long” and you were “injured” and you “needed rest’”. You’re not sure how a shoulder wound affected your ability to walk, but you relented and let him carry you the rest of the way to stop his whining.

“You forget, you did pull your thigh.”

“That was, like, three weeks ago! Yeesh!”

You finally got to the docks, which were bustling with people. Bucky set you down and raised an eyebrow which you shrugged in reply to, before heading over to where you spotted Sam with a few other older men.

“How do we get it off the truck?” You heard Sam ask, pointing to a large boat engine part in the bed of a beaten up truck. Scoffing as Bucky lifted it up without breaking a sweat, you leaned against the truck. Bucky grunted and set it down, looking at Sam.

“You’re welcome.” What a punk. “Just dropping this off.” Bucky lifted the case and set it where the engine was previously, Sam coming to stand on the opposite side of the truck as you. “You can sign for it and I’ll go.” You snorted, shaking your head, making Bucky shove your shoulder - the uninjured one - playfully. “I called in a favor from the Wakandans.”

Sam looked at you curiously. You shrugged and shook your head. “Don’t look at me, Sammy. He wouldn’t tell me what it is. He’s all hushy hushy about it until you say so.”

Before Sam could reply, there was a squeak and hissing over at the boat where steam was coming from a few pipes.

“Sam!” You knew that was Sarah from pictures Sam showed you. You stayed up by the truck, pulling yourself onto the bed while Sam tried fixing the pipe, Bucky butting in to show him how to do it properly.

“Why didn’t you use the metal arm?”

You saw Bucky lift up said metallic limb. “Well…I don’t always think of it immediately. I’m-I’m right handed.” Letting out a laugh, Bucky turned around and scowled teasingly at you. “And what’re you laughing at?!”

“Nothing!”

“Well then get your ass over here!”

You rolled your eyes, hopping down from the truck as Bucky asked if Sam wanted help with the boat. You leaned against a wooden post, grinning when Sam looked at you.

“I don’t have any plans.”

Sam gave a small smile, jerking his head back. “Yeah.”

You jumped down onto the boat to follow him, looking over your shoulder and stopping with an amused eyebrow raised as Bucky introduced himself to Sarah. “I’m Bucky.”

“Ah…Sarah.”

“Sarah.” Bucky repeated her name, before walking towards you, a grin still on his lips.

“Careful, Barnes. That playboy Steve warned me about is coming out.” You nudged him with a smirk, ignoring the feeling of your stomach dropping.

He rolled his eyes, kissing your head as he passed you and Sam to go where Sam was gesturing. “Don’t worry, Y/N. You’re still my doll.”

Sam raised an eyebrow, falling into step besides you and lowering his voice. “Conversation?”

“Hasn’t happened.” You informed him through clenched teeth as he groaned.

Sam gave you a list of chores that needed to be done to clean up the boat, giving you a quick tour and letting you know where all the tools needed where. You set to work immediately.

Sanding down, replacing old parts, cleaning, polishing and painting over the things that didn’t need replacing. They didn’t let you do any heavy lifting because of your stupid shoulder, but you were still able to help.

Sam had turned on some music for you to listen to, so you danced around the boat while cleaning. Turning your head when you felt a pair of eyes on you, you smiled when Bucky snapped his head back down to the wood he was sanding down.

“Gonna dance, Barnes?”

He looked back over, shaking his head. “Nah. I’m good watching you.”

Rolling your eyes, you got back to work, continuing to bop to the music, fully aware that he was watching you now.

A little while later, you were repainting the edges of the boat orange, when you looked over and noticed Bucky playing around with a paint scraper…sitting right on the edge that you had just finished repainting a few minutes ago.

“Buck!”

He looked over, eyebrows raised. “Yeah?”

You bit your lip, trying to hold back your mischievous grin. Shaking your head, you waved dismissively. “Never mind!”

He gave you a confused sort of pout, before shrugging and continuing to fidget with the tool. It wasn’t until later when he got up to help Sam tear the metal plating off the edge that it came to light with Sam chuckling and raising an eyebrow.

“Sit in something there, Barnes?”

“What?”

Bucky craned his neck back, eyes widening when he saw the orange paint on his ass, contrasting with his jeans. You let out a cackle and he whipped towards you, pointing at you accusingly, although the small uptick of his lips let you know he wasn’t really mad.

“Y/N!”

“No, no, no!” You laughed, sprinting across the deck, shrieking when he grabbed your waist and spun you around. You gasped when he grabbed a paint brush and painted an orange stripe right down the front of your shirt. “James!”

“Justice, sweetheart.” He breathed in your ear with a chuckle.

You shook your head, wiggling out of his hold. “This is a nice shirt!”

“You should’ve thought about that before.” He smirked, crossing his arms. Your eyes caught sight of Sam behind him, who raised an eyebrow and the bucket of paint he was holding. You nodded with a little giggle, making Bucky’s eyes narrow. “What’s so funny over there, do - holy shit!

You guffawed as orange paint dripped down his head, Sam standing innocently behind him with the now empty bucket behind his back. “Samuel!”

“Oops?”

“I’m gonna kill you!”

“Try me old man!”

“Fuck!

“Doll!”

“Oh my God!”

Paint, orange and white since those were the only cans they had out, flew across the deck, paint brushes being used like fencing swords.

You found out too late that wet paint was a little bit slippery and you slid on a huge puddle, sending you, not onto the ground below, but over the side of the edge into the water. 

“Doll!”

“Cher, you good?!” 

The three of you looked at each other, stunned for a moment, before bursting into fits of laughter and you nodded. “I’m good!”

The boys helped you get back up onto the dock, Sarah appearing with towels she conjured up out of thin air. “Let’s get you into dry clothes. Do you have-?”

“We’ve got some. We got a bag.” You told her with a grin, facing the guys. “You two should clean up some, too. Sammy, you’ve got a little something right there.” You pointed to your cheek, his own having a giant white splotch from his temple to his jaw. “And Buck?” You sniggered, gesturing to the whole of him. “You’ve got a lotta something right there.” 

“Ha. Ha.” He looked down. His top was practically tiger print, drenched in orange with white here and there, and his ass still orange as well. His hair, which had been plastered to his forehead, was starting to dry now, and it only made you laugh some more thinking about what a pain it’d be to get it out. For him, at least.

“God. Can’t even have a relaxing day on the boat with you two.” Sam jested once you finished up and joined him and Bucky, who had just finished dumping out some water buckets. Bucky had changed his shirt and it looked like they tried wiping their faces, but Sam still had small lines of white down his face. “How ‘bout a couple of drinks? Surely you can’t ruin that too.”

“Ruin?” You gasped in mock offence. “Sammy! I just made the day more…interesting.”

Sam chuckled, ruffling Bucky’s hair, which still had orange streaks in it. “Let’s go get some beers.”

************

You chatted for a bit, mainly you and Sam with you asking how Sarah and the boys were while Bucky with your legs in his lap, just listening to you two and sipping at his bottle. You had his hand in your own lap, wiping it down with a rag due to the paint that got on it.

“You’re lucky this is vibranium, you know.” You commented off handedly. “If it was your other one, it’d definitely get stained.”

“And who’s fault is that?” Bucky shot back with a teasing grin.

“Sammy’s.”

Sam spluttered. “Wh-what?! You started it!” You laughed, shaking your head.

Falling into a comfortable silence with just the water and birds chirping as your soundtrack, you downed the rest of your drink, which Bucky took as finished. “Well,” you moved your legs to let him stand up. He leaned forwards to clink his bottle against Sam’s and you stood up and stretched. “Gotta catch our flight tomorrow. Get a hotel room for the night.” Sam gave you a look to which you rolled your eyes at as Bucky set down his bottle and grabbed his jacket. “Crash, you know?”

“So you’re just gonna set me up like that, huh?”

“Well I don’t wanna make it weird for your family.”

“Just stay here.” You laughed as Sam babbled on about how nice the people were here, grabbing the jacket Bucky handed to you. It was getting a bit chilly from the breeze on the water and the sun going down. Plus, that water was cold.

“But don’t flirt with my sister.”

You cackled at Bucky’s face, that turned serious, his head shaking. “No.”

“‘Cause if you do I’ll have Carlos cut you up and feed you to the fish.”

“Can’t hold back the dog, Wilson. It’s been stuck in a kennel too long.”

Bucky turned to you, grabbing your jaw and squishing your cheeks together. “You know what? You need to shush. You’ve been snippy all day.”

You just smiled as innocently as you could with your lips being held by his metal fingers. “You’re too fun to mess with.”

He pecked your nose. “As long as I’m the only one you’re messing with. I’ll be right back.” He let you go and spun around, maneuvering around the boat in a way only a trained assassin could do.

“Oh my God, please! Please just put me out of my fucking misery! You’re killing me, cher.”

“What?” You gaped at him.

“Don’t act innocent!” Sam huffed, giving you a pointed look. “If I have to watch you two make googly eyes at you one more fucking day with neither of you doing anything about it-”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh come on, Sammy-”

“Don’t ‘come on, Sammy’ me! And don’t come at me with that ‘he doesn’t like me back’ bullshit. If you think for a second that boy wouldn’t follow you to the depths of the fucking ocean, you’re blind as a bat, woman.”

You shrugged, pushing up the sleeves of Bucky’s too big jacket. “It just…hasn’t come up.”

He deadpanned, shaking his head and standing up. “That’s it. I’m done. You two are driving me insane. I’m gonna lock you in a room until you have the conversation that needs to be had the next time either of you does something stupid.”

“Yikes. That’s gonna be quick.” At his look, your smile dropped and you nodded. “Okay, okay. I’ll…I’ll bring it up later.”

“Tomorrow or nothing.”

“Sam-”

Sam tilted his head, brow creasing. “Is it still Steve? Is that what this is still about? Because he’s gone, and he’s been gone and you need to get over it-”

“No. It’s not…” You sighed. “It clicked the other day. When we were hanging out. Steve left and, yeah, I might always love him, but Bucky…God…I love Bucky, Sam.”

The man grinned proudly. “I’m glad to finally hear you admit it. So what’s the problem?”

“It’s still complicated, right? I mean…he’s his best friend and I’ve never dealt with stuff like this before and-”

Sam’s smile dropped and he groaned again. “Imma head out. I can’t take this. Dumbass and dumberass. I swear to God.” You sniggered a bit as he grumbled, walking towards the ramp to climb off the boat, just as Bucky reappeared.

“Hey-”

“Nope! Not right now, Barnes! I can’t handle it! I can’t!”

Bucky gave you a weird look. “What’d you do?”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Nothing.”

“Well, c’mon, doll. Sarah said she’s gonna make gumbo for us, whatever that is.” He held out his hand as you walked over. 

“You’re such a city boy.” You teased lightly, taking his hand and letting him help you pull you onto the dock. You shoved the sleeves of his jackets up again since they slipped from the first time. “Let’s go get some dinner. I’m starving.”

******************

“We have the couch and a mattress we can pull out, I just have to make Sam get it from the attic-”

“That’s alright. The couch is fine.” Bucky waved dismissively while you nodded in agreement.

Sarah raised an eyebrow at you two. “For both of you?”

You blinked, exchanging a look with Bucky, before shrugging and turning back to her. “Yeah.”

“Don’t fight it, Sarah.” Sam peeked out from the hall. “They’ve got a weird relationship.” You stuck your tongue out at the man while Bucky rolled his eyes, dropping your duffle bag by the couch. “How mature, Y/N.” Sam mimicked your action.

“Uhm…okay. Let me set up the couch for you then.”

Once everything was set up, you and Bucky thanking her for dinner - delicious and you’d never seen Bucky smile so much, the boys having kept him highly entertained throughout the meal - and for letting you crash, Sam and Sarah headed to their rooms, the boys already having been tucked in for the night.

“Are you gonna sleep on the floor?” You asked quietly, sitting down on the couch and doing the things for your night routine you didn’t already do in the bathroom.

“I think I’ll be okay.” He sat besides you. “I’ve been doing fine the past week or so.”

You smiled at him. “That’s good. Alright.” You stood up and stretched. “Let me just make sure everything’s in the bag and ready-”

You yelped when his arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you into his chest, shifting down to lay against the couch’s arm. “Do it in the morning.” He yawned, looking up at you tiredly. “I wanna go to sleep.”

“Then go to sleep, Buck. I’ll be right back.” He shook his head, his hold tightening as he sunk deeper into the couch.

“No. I fall asleep better with you.”

You rolled your eyes but grinned, settling down with your legs between his, your chin resting on his sternum so you could still look at him. He beamed, but you could see the exhaustion settling in, and he grabbed the blanket Sarah left over the back of the couch and draped it across your back, over both of your legs, before his arms crossed snugly under the covers at the small of your back.

“Dinner was nice tonight. I haven’t had a meal cooked like that in ages.” You hummed.

He nodded in agreement. “I think that’s the first time I’ve sat around a table with a family since the 40′s.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Did you like it?”

“Yeah...kinda makes me wish I had my own.”

“Your own what?”

“Family.”

You bit your lip, shyly avoiding his gaze. “You’re my family, Buck.”

A light kiss was pressed to your forehead, his fingers bringing your gaze back to his. “There’s no one else I’d rather have.” The room lapsed into silence again, the clock ticking on the wall, the low sound of crickets outside.

“You have really pretty eyes.” You mumbled, tilting your head slightly as you studied them. They always held so much emotion in them, especially in contrast to when you first met him as Soldat. They matched the water you fell in, and you wouldn’t mind falling over and over into them.

“Yeah, well, you’re just really pretty inside and out, so I think you’ve got me beat, doll.” He whispered back.

“You know who else is pretty? Sarah.”

He nodded with a hum. “That’s true. But I meant what I said. You’ll always be my doll.”

“So you’re not gonna ask her out?”

He gave you a weird look as you traced his sharp jawline absentmindedly. “Nah, sweetheart. It’s just…some harmless flirting. Except on Sam’s part.”

You gave a soft huff of laughter. “Yeah…he’s gonna strangle you. It is nice to see you like that, though. Flirty. Relaxed. Happy.”

“You make me happy, sweetheart.” He hummed, nosing your temple. “The road trip helped. I’m learning everything from you. Maybe not the flirting, but the carefree part.”

You blinked at him, finger stopping for a moment as you thought. “Oh…”

You felt his fingers dance up your spine, making you shiver slightly. “What I would give to know what’s goin’ on inside that pretty lil’ head’a yours, doll.”

“I just think it’s funny you’re learning how to be carefree from me…when I just started learning how to do it myself.”

“Oh yeah?”

You nodded, your finger continuing its path down his jaw. “I think it started with the goats.”

“The goats?”

You nodded again, resting your cheek on his chest, watching your finger move up from his chin. Once you got to the end of his jaw, you lightly scratched his scruff. “In Wakanda. Our goats.” You weren’t looking at him, so you didn’t see the way he physically melted at your words, his eyes going soft, his lips turning up slightly.

“Our goats, huh?”

But your tired brain wasn’t really processing what he said, instead focusing on the features your finger was now tracing - over his lips, up his nose. “You’re pretty too, Buck. Did you know that? Inside and out.”

He craned his neck to kiss your forehead. “Go to sleep, cuddle bug.”

Nodding, you nuzzled into his chest, finger feeling over the bumps and indents on the dog tags resting near your head. You tried going to sleep, but you kept shifting, your mind not shutting off.

“Hey, sleepyhead, I’m trying to, you know, sleep.”

“Sorry.” You apologized meekly. “I just…I dunno. I can’t.”

“Are you comfortable?” He peeked open and eye to look at you questioningly. You nodded. “Is it too hot? We can take the blanket off. I know I’m a walking furnace-”

You shook your head. “No. I don’t know why. I just can’t sleep.”

He licked his lips thoughtfully, before cradling your head and guiding you back down to his chest. “Lay down, sweetheart. Relax.” He stroked your hair, moving his head down to rub circles in your back muscles, pressing down harder when he felt knots. 

You hummed, your eyes closing. “That feels good.”

“Shshsh. Just go to sleep.” His lips pressed against your head once more, lingering a bit longer than they usually do, as you felt yourself drift off. You cuddled his side, throwing a leg over his waist, before nodding off, only barely hearing his words. “Attagirl. There we are.”

******************

“Doll?” You felt a shift underneath you and groaned, your eyes barely cracking open. “Hey, sleepyhead…it’s okay. I’m just gonna slip out from under ya, alright? Gonna go help Sammy with somethin’.”

You raised an eyebrow, letting him move you against the cushions as he sat up on the edge of the couch. “Sammy?”

“Yeah.” He bent over and kissed your cheek. You stretched out your limbs, about to rub your eyes, when he stopped you, kissing the inside of your wrists. “No. Not you, doll. Go back to sleep.” 

“Bu’...’m gonna help.” You slurred out, looking at him with confused, squinty eyes.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s okay. Rest. You can help when you wake up again. Okay?” You mumbled out an “okay”, bringing the covers up to your chin and snuggling deeper into the cushions. “There ya go, cuddle bug. Good girl.” There was another kiss, one to your temple this time, before you slipped back into unconsciousness.

******************

The next time you woke up was because of a clatter in the kitchen. You yawned and sat up, stretching, eyebrows furrowing when you realized Bucky wasn’t with you. It took you a moment to remember your conversation, which you half thought you dreamt.

“Boys!”

“Sorry!”

You chuckled at the shouts, rubbing your eyes. “I am so sorry!” Sarah apologized, looking over at you from the stove. Trying to make the boys breakfast before school. Do you want anything? Eggs? Cereal? Toast?”

“Uh, cereal’s fine.” You stretched out your back again, before throwing back the covers and standing up, a little shakily.

“You wouldn’t happen to know where Sam went, would you?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Uh, I think him and Bucky went to fix something on the boat. I don’t for sure, though.”

Sarah groaned. “He probably went to fix the stupid water pump which doens’t need fixing. Dumbass.”

You chuckled, padding over into the kitchen. “Yeah. I just work with him. I can’t imagine growing up with him.”

“Trust me; some days you want to throw him in a box and send him out to sea. Bowls are in that cupboard.”

You snickered, moving over to grab a bowl from the cupboard she pointed to. “That’s how I feel with Bucky. Sam is less often, but when those two get together…it’s a full zoo.”

She laughed at that, nodding as she got out the milk and a few boxes of cereal for you to choose from, handing you a spoon. “That I believe.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course.”

You started pouring your cereal, watching in slight amusement as she got the boys ready for school. “Bus is here! Get out the door! Bye! Love you! Make sure you take those extra lunches to-!”

“Yeah, mom! We know! Love you too!”

You gave a slight smirk as she huffed, looking around the kitchen at the pans and dishes left out. “Kids, huh?”

She gave you a smile. “Yeah. They’re a handful, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. How about you? Any thoughts of kids?”

“Me?” Your eyes widened, nearly choking on your food. “Oh God no. Not right now, at least. I don’t even have a solid house right now. My life’s too off the walls for that.”

“And Bucky?”

You raised an eyebrow as she leaned on the counter. “Bucky? What about Bucky?”

“Does he want kids?”

“Uh…I dunno.” You shrugged, clearing your throat as you remembered your talk last night. “Kinda makes me wish I had my own.” You quickly pushed his words aside. “He hasn’t told me.”

“Wait, wait. You two…aren’t together then?”

You blinked, your eyes widening again. “Together? Me and Bucky? No…why? Did Sam say something?”

Her expression morphed into one of disbelief, crossing her arms. “Sam didn’t say anything. You guys did. Are you seriously expecting me to believe you aren’t together?”

“We’re not! I mean - he was flirting with you yesterday-”

“Right, okay. Honey, that’s flirting. And it’s harmless. The way he follows you like a puppy and you look at him like he hung the stars? That’s feelings. And that’s a lot more impactful than flirting.”

You frowned in contemplation. It was really that obvious? You were really that blind? This whole time? You knew Sam knew - but you just figured that’s because he’s been there since it started. And Sharon knew for the same reason. But Sarah? The woman you just met the day prior and had barely had a conversation with?

“It’s, uh…” You chewed on your cheek, swirling your cereal around. “It’s complicated.”

Sarah didn’t look impressed. “Do you like him?”

“I’m kinda in love with him-”

She shrugged, not letting you finish your bashful statement. “Then I don’t see what’s complicated about it.”

And that was that. She turned to clean up breakfast, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

You thought it was more complicated than that. I mean…you were in love with your best friend. Who left you. With the guy you had feelings for who just so happened to be your best friend/crush’s best friend. And now you were completely in love with your best friend’s best friend, but your best friend still had a piece of your heart.

But…you loved Bucky. And he was here. And Steve was not. And when you put it that way…you guess it wasn’t so complicated after all.

******************

You snickered as you walked up behind Sarah, the woman berating the men for not leaving the water pump along like she asked.

“Hi, Sarah.”

Sam shot Bucky a warning look, who grinned, but you were surprised to see Sarah ignore him, sending you a knowing glance instead, before turning back to Sam. “I told you specifically that the water pump was not the problem, and yet, here you are.”

“Yep, Samuel.”

You chuckled, Bucky shooting you a wink. “Yeah, Samuel.”

Sam narrowed his eyes at you, turning to Sarah. “In our defense, you were supposed to be done long before you woke up.”

You nearly facepalmed at his “defensive” and you were trying so hard to hold back laughing as she told Sam off, sending them away.

“I don’t wanna hear a peep from you.” Sam pointed at you, but that only made your chortles come out, and you didn’t even bother hiding them. “She’s a very mean person.”

“It’s tough love.”

You giggled as they started arguing, slipping an arm around their waists, their arms instinctually coming up to your shoulders.

“Oh my God. A prowess?”

“Yes, Y/N. A prowess.”

“You know, maybe if you someone let me help-”

“Hey, woah! You were tired! I let you sleep! I was being nice!”

“Too late now. I’ll be lucky if Sarah lets me within a hundred feet of it!”

“She got you so good, Sammy!”

“I agree with Buck for once! You’re too snippy right now! And c’mon man! Stop flirting with my sister!”

“It’s my natural charm.”

“Charm? What charm?”

“Ouch, doll! That one hurt!”

****************

“Okay.” You stepped out of the bathroom, walking over to the couch and setting the bag down on it. “I’ve got everything packed. We’ve got a little over an hour until we need to head out which gives you two time to go set something up for Sammy and maybe even a bit or training before we leave.” 

Bucky frowned. “You’re not gonna come out?”

“I will in a bit. I just got a phone call I need to take.”

Sam narrowed his eyes. “Government call?”

You gave a mocking smile. “Can you guess what they want to talk about? It’s okay. I’ll survive. It’s only a phone call, so I can always hang up. Pretend I didn’t have good service. I do it all the time.”

“I’m sure you do.” Sam chuckled. “In that case, I’m gonna go grab some stuff and get the shield.” As he walked out, he made sure to mouth at you behind Bucky’s back ‘conversation’ making you swallow thickly. You were planning on talking to Bucky anyways, and with Sam’s insistence…

“Okay, so, I was thinking when we get back-”

“Can I talk to you?”

Bucky stopped digging through the bag, blinking at you in surprise at your sudden burst. “Uh…well, we already are, so yes.” He chuckled, straightening and crossing his arms.

“I wanna have the conversation.”

He was left stunned, once again, his mouth opening and closing and his weight shifting form one foot to the other. “Like…that conversation? R-right now? Are you sure?”

You winced at her nervousness. “Sorry, sorry. I know it’s kinda…I just…I need to talk about it. Now.”

“Okay, okay. No, that’s fine. Don’t apologize. I just wasn’t expecting it.” Bucky cleared his throat. “That’s all.”

“Okay…” You breathed with a small nod. You opened your mouth, but Bucky shook his head.

“I hafta say this first; I didn���t mean to hurt you by telling you about Steve. I-I dunno what I thought. That it’d give you closure or something. I dunno. But it hurt you and I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention.”

“Buck-”

“I was jealous. And guilty. And mad. And upset. I still am. Kinda. I guess. I dunno.” Bucky shook his head, running his hand through his hair and all you could do was gape at him as he started confessing to you. “Remember when we danced? In Madripoor? Doll…I don’t wanna dance ever again if it’s not with you. I fucking love you, Y/N. And not in the way we’ve said it before. I’m in love with you. I have been for-for a while now. I just - you were Steve’s. Steve loved you and you loved Steve and that was that and I was just the broken childhood best friend. But Steve left and he told me to take care of you and I didn’t know what to do with that, because you still love Steve. I think. I dunno. And I didn’t want to break what we have because you’re all I have left of him. You and that stupid shield. You’re my family. My home. I really meant it when I told you that. And that’s why I couldn’t tell you. Because it means too much for me to break what we have because I fell in love with my best friend’s girl. You know?”

He looked at you with pleading eyes, begging you to understand, but your brain was still trying to process what he was telling you.

“Oh God…” He groaned. “And now I just told you everything and you’re looking at me like that wasn’t what you wanted to hear and now I’m thinking this wasn’t the conversation you were thinking it was going to be-”

You were moving across the room before you could stop yourself, pulling him by the teal Henley you knew was comfortable having worn it to bed before when you visited him in New York, and slanting your lips over his.

His breathing hitched and he froze, and for a hot second you thought you made everything worse, but then he was kissing you back and his hands were on your hips and he was pulling you closer and it felt so fucking good you didn’t want to pull back for air.

“Shut up.” You muttered when you finally did pull back, your forehead against his, your eyes clenched shut. “Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up.” You pulled back to look up at him, chests heaving against each other, your eyes prickling. “I’m not good at this. I’m not good at opening up. I only ever was good at it with Steve but Bucky…I’ve been doing it with you. This whole time and I didn’t even realize it until the conversation in the car.”

He reached up to cup your cheeks, wiping away the relieved tears that were falling from the weight you were finally getting off your chest.

“I love you. I’m in love with you. How could I not be? After all that time in Wakanda? I was never Steve’s girl, Bucky. I wanted to be. Dammit, did I wanna be, but I wasn’t. Not really. And he’s gone. But you’re not. And I don’t know why it took me so long to see that. That you’re the one in front of me. You’re the one who held me when I needed it once he left. You’re the one that would listen to my rambles that I’m just realizing was most of our phone calls. You’re not just the broken childhood friend. Don’t ever think that. I don’t pick up the phone at five in the morning after searching for a friend until two for just anyone. Even Steve’s best friend. And I’m such an idiot because I’ve been pushing away my feelings all these years for Steve and then I let them out with you at the wrong time, because I love Steve, Bucky, but I’m not in love with him. Not since I fell in love with you. And I know it doesn’t make sense, but Steve was the first one I cared about and that’s just how I feel and I can try to explain, but-”

His lips crashed onto yours again and you could taste the salty tears that were pouring down your cheeks, but you didn’t care. He was holding you and he was kissing you and it was even more perfect than you thought it’d be.

“You’re adorable when you ramble, but Jesus Christ, shuddup, doll.” He breathed. “Just tell me you love me. Tell me you love me just a fraction of how much I love you.”

You looked up into those ocean eyes, your own shining with earnest affection. “James Buchanan Barnes. I love you.”

“That’s all I need to know.” He murmured against your lips, holding your head against his, still wiping away your tears. It felt like with each one that fell, you felt lighter and lighter. Like they were taking away every fear and anxiety you held within you for the past six months.

“Alright! I was thinking we could just set up in these trees out here - holy shit! Is it done? Did you do it? Did I miss it? Has the conversation been had?”

Bucky chuckled as you giggled. “He has the worst timing.” The last two words were loud enough so Sam could hear, although the man heard the whole sentence. 

“I’m gonna take that as a yes!” Sam cheered. “Halle-fucking-lujah! Finally! I was that close to locking you two in the attic.”

You shook your head at Sam’s personal celebration, drowning the rest of his words out as you looked at Bucky, who swept his thumb over your cheek catching one last tear, before pecking your lips.

“I finally get to kiss where I really want to.” He spoke softly, kissing your lips again. “Are you mine, doll?”

“I thought you said I’d always be your doll.” You answered cheekily. He grinned, kissing you again, pulling you against him by the hips.

“Okay, okay! That’s enough! We get it! You’re in love, finally, but I don’t wanna see it anymore! Now will you come help me with this shit?”

Bucky left one more lingering kiss on your lips, before you pushed him away reluctantly. “I’ll be right out.”

He nodded, moving over to help Sam carry the things he’d gathered.

You watched them put it all up from the window, gnawing on your cheek as you spun your phone in your hands. Coming to a decision, you tossed your phone in the duffle bag and walked out with it just as the boys finished.

“That was a quick phone call.” Sam raised an eyebrow.

You shrugged. “Didn’t call them. If they really need me, they’ll find me.”

Bucky grinned as you set the bag down under a tree, pecking your lips when you got close enough for him to grab by the waist to hold you against him. You rolled your eyes, shoving him playfully away and giggling as Sam let out a groan.

“Alright. Let’s see what you’ve got, Sammy.”

~

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Bucky knew he needed the tough love talk Sam was giving him. He needed to hear it. Because, deep down, he had known it all along, he just refused to believe it. He tried doing it. Making amends. He knew he wasn’t though. And of course he knew immediately who that one person would be.

“And hey.” Bucky looked at him. “Let me tell you what. Telling my girl all that you told her? That’s a good start. I’m proud of you. Both of you. You’re already happier. I can see it in your eyes.”

Bucky chuckled, shaking his head as he thought of the gorgeous woman he nearly let slip through his fingers. He looked over to the house, where she was inside somewhere getting ready after suddenly deciding she needed to shower before they left. “I was stupid.”

“Yeah you were. You both were. I’m so relieved it’s over.” Sam nudged him. “Treat her right, Buck. She deserves it.”

“I know…I just hope I can.”

Sam shook his head. “Uh-uh. Don’t do that. You were just starting to use that cyborg brain of yours! She chose you. And before you say anything,” Sam cut Bucky off from speaking as he opened his mouth to object. “She chose you before Steve left. It just took her dumbass this long to realize it.”

Bucky nodded, a small smile on his face. “Yeah…okay…” Before he could say anything, the goddess herself stepped out, jogging over, looking absolutely amazing in her jeans and his t-shirt. “Good talk.”

Sam laughed at his quick ending of the conversation as she came up besides them. “Talking about me?” She asked cheekily, eyes shining. Bucky couldn’t help but take her under his arm, pecking her lips. Now that he could, he didn’t think he could stop. He was addicted to say the least.

Throwing Bucky a wink, Sam shrugged. “Just all the things that get on our nerves.”

“Ha ha.” She rolled her eyes. “We better get going.”

Bucky and Sam clapped hands. “You know Karli won’t quit.”

Bucky smiled. “Ah. You call us when you have a lead and we’ll be there.”

Y/N stepped forwards to give Sam a hug. “Anytime, Sammy.”

“Eh. Anytime between noon and midnight.” Bucky corrected. “Or noon and ten. Noon and five…you better just call at noon to be safe.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “Sure, sure.”

“Not necessarily as a team.” Bucky continued, grabbing the bag, getting Y/N back in her spot at his side under his arm.

“Nope!”

“We’re not that good.”

“Definitely not.”

“We’re professionals.”

“Definitely.”

“And, uh, we’re partners.”

Sam snapped, pointing at him. “Coworkers.”

“But we’re also a couple of guys with a couple mutual friends.”

“Ones now gone and you’re dating the other.”

“So we’re a couple of guys…with a badass to help out.”

“I can live with that.”

“Perfect.”

“Oh my God.” Y/N let out that laugh Bucky could never get enough of, shaking her head at the two of them. “You forgot dumbasses.”

Sam shook his head. “Nuh-uh. That’s your couple name.”

“Dumbasses?”

“Oh yeah.” The three of them came to a stop, Bucky and his girl - God he loved confirming it now - facing Sam. “Thanks for the help, guys. Meant a lot.”

Bucky patted his shoulder. “Of course.”

Y/N shot him a wink. “Until we meet again, Sammy.”

“Until then, cher.”

Bucky couldn’t stop his grin as she wrapped her arms around his waist, the two of them starting to walk to the main road where she already ordered an Uber. He looked down at her, kissing her lips for the nth time in the past hour.

“I wish I didn’t wait so long,” he told her seriously. “But I’d wait a thousands more centuries if it meant I get to call you mine.”

She giggled, shaking her head. “You’re such a sap! But…” she moved up to kiss him and his heart stuttered. He knew he had a goofy grin on when she pulled back, but he couldn’t help it. Especially when she laughed again. “I have to agree with you on that, Buckaroo.”

#cjsinkythoughts #cjswriting #cjsspoilers #fatws spoilers #tfatws spoilers #falcon and the winter soldier spoilers #fatws #tfatws #falcon and the winter soldier #fatws series #fatws pt 6.3 #bucky barnes x reader #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky x y/n #bucky barnes x avenger!reader #bucky x avenger!reader #bucky barnes #❤🐦💙🦾 #💙🦾

[mypoisonedvine]

𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙮 𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 (𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘐𝘐) || sub!bucky barnes x dominatrix!reader

(𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘐)

𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮 || your newest client asks you to give him a real challenge, and you’re happy to oblige.  

𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 || 6.3k

𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 || smut but no actual sex (lots of handjob stuff though and some brief oral m receiving), overstimulation, multiple orgasms, more cnc (because of the overstimulation), bondage, edging, impact play (riding crop), brief cock torture (she just hits him with the crop a couple times), implied “kink as trauma response” (this is gonna be a theme throughout the whole fic), forced to break a rule/doomed to fail/impossible challenge (idk how to warn for this but yeah), forced voyeurism?, thigh riding (reader rides bucky’s thigh), some degradation/dumbification, brief/implied dacryphilia, a bit of angst/feelings

new parts posted on thursdays!  join the taglist here

“Can’t,” he sighed, “can’t come again.”

He looked so painfully adorable when he begged like that, his brow glistening with sweat as he jerked under your touch.  “Aw, poor baby,” you pouted, twisting your hand when it stroked over the head of his cock, “yes you can.  I know you can.  Just gimme one more.”

“F-fuck,” he whimpered, “Mistress, please— just stop, please, I can’t… can’t take any more…”

“I know you can, sweetheart— I know you can be my good boy and keep coming for me.  Tell me your color.”

“Yellow,” he whispered.

“Think you’re almost done?” you pressed, smiling when he nodded breathlessly.  “Yeah, there’s my good boy— gonna come again for your Mistress?”

“Yes,” he breathed, baring his teeth as his hips bucked wildly to try to avoid further sensation, “y-yes, one more, just one more, I’m gonna— fuck, gonna come, just don’t stop… fuck, it hurts.”

“I know, but you’re being so good for me,” you purred.  “You like it when I milk your pretty cock, don’t you?  Even though it hurts?”

He winced but nodded.  “C-coming, Mistress, fuck, I’m coming…!”

Since it was his fifth of the evening, he could only give you one thick drop of come that gathered at his slit before running down over your hand which finally slowed to a stop.

You both sighed with relief as you pulled your hand away and leaned back, admiring how beautiful he looked as he caught his breath, covered in come and sweat.

"Good job," you praised with a chuckle, "I hope I didn't go too hard on you."

"N-no, that was… that was really good," he sighed, slumping back onto the bed.  "Can I use your shower before I go?"

"Yeah, totally," you nodded.

After a long pause, you gave him a confused look.  

"I thought you were gonna shower?" you reminded him.

"Oh… I guess I have to get up for that," he sighed, making you laugh.

"Rest a bit longer.  You've had a… challenging afternoon."

He nodded a little and you got up from the bed to go wash your hands and freshen up a little, smiling at your own appearance in the mirror— sometimes you forgot how you looked when you did this, but there was an undeniable aura of power around you… especially after a session like that.

This was only your third week with James, and already the dynamic felt so natural between you— and yet, so fresh compared to your other clients.  Normally it took longer for a newbie to get comfortable with you, yet most of them had had multiple doms before and here was James, totally inexperienced and taking it all like a champ.  There was an air of innocence about him, you figured, in contrast to this undeniable strength and intensity that you caught glimpses of from time to time.

Sometimes, it felt like he was chasing an innocence he lost a long time ago.  Whatever it was that drew him to this, you were happy to help him along the way.

It was probably a little dangerous to enjoy sessions with a client so much; even though you often pretended that everything was about your pleasure and not theirs, obviously since they were the paying customer it was the complete opposite in reality.  But there was an equity to the dynamic with you and Bucky, he served you with a real dedication rather than for his own gain.  And you, meanwhile, had rediscovered the fun in this career that had originally drawn you to it in the first place.  It was less like a science now, more like an art— you let yourself go with your instincts and do whatever felt right in the moment, and both of you benefitted for it.  

“Come on, get up and clean yourself off,” you encouraged— gently, of course— as you left the bathroom and returned to find James laying sprawled out on the bed.

“I know you said falling asleep here was a one-time courtesy,” he remembered with a smile, “but I could use it now a lot more than I needed it then.”

Honestly, you didn’t see him smile that often.  It was pleasant; you hoped to see it again.  He did get up, though, and take the washcloth you handed him to wipe off the come that had gotten all over him.  “What are you thinking for next week?” you asked as you leaned against the wall.  “Any special requests?”

“We can discuss all that over the phone,” he decided.  You still didn’t understand fully why he didn’t like to discuss future scenes in person; it was like he wanted the in-person interactions to be as ‘in character’ (if you will) as possible.

“Alright, just keep me updated,” you requested with a shrug.

You got changed while he took his shower, and when he emerged to the living room he seemed surprised to see you sitting on your own couch.  After a moment, you realized it was the fact that you were in normal clothes that threw him off.  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in jeans before… or pants of any kind.”

You looked down at your outfit with a smile, glad it was at least still professional and not sweats and a t-shirt or something.  “Yeah, I guess you haven’t.  First time for everything, right?”

“Yeah, had a lot of first times with you,” he chuckled.  “Most significantly less mundane than this.”

A brief silence filled the room but it wasn’t exactly awkward, at least not for you.

“Well, I’ll see you next week,” he decided as he grabbed his jacket from your chair and slipped it on.  You’d been spending most of this session trying to forget how good he looked in the leather motorcycle cut, so that was out the window now as you tried to keep from visibly biting your lip while he walked towards the door.

Damn, he was fine.  But there were more pressing matters at hand.  Like preparing yourself and your apartment for your next appointment.  This guy wanted to get slapped around until he cried… shouldn't be too difficult, but your arms would probably be sore tomorrow.

Opposite of last week, I really want you to edge me tonight, as long as possible.

Don't go easy on me, make me hold it in.  I need a challenge this week.

-J

It was odd how emails from James made your week.

He seemed to prefer to communicate his desire with you this way; maybe it was easier for him, and you couldn’t really blame him for that.  The nice part was that you didn’t have to temper your reactions, if you had any, since you were always alone when you got his messages.  You might be old hat at it now, but you could remember a time that you had to hide a grimace when a client told you to your face what he wanted.  Not that you would shame them for it or anything (unless, you know, they paid you to), but you didn’t enjoy everything you did with these men.

Did you enjoy everything you did with James?  Yes, but you were pretending not to— for your own sake.

You dressed a bit differently for today’s session, more conservatively… not that it was especially conservative by any other person’s standards.  But it left your legs and chest covered, somewhat in the spirit of ‘mean corporate businesswoman’ aesthetically.  For some reason you felt like using a riding crop required wearing pants.

James certainly didn’t seem to mind, with the way he nervously cleared his throat after you opened the door.

“Good to see you again,” you greeted formally, “please, come in.”

He stepped past you, still looking at you and not at what was in front of him, meaning he ended up slamming himself gut-first into your kitchen island.

“Oh!  Are you alright?” you smiled when you noticed. 

“Yeah, I’m good,” he nodded, rubbing his stomach for a second but recovering quickly.  “I told you I can take a lot of pain,” he joked.

“Well, we’re going to put that to the test today,” you promised cryptically.  “You must’ve seen the crop on the table.”

He nodded again.  “Yeah....”

“Are you looking forward to it?”

“Yes,” he answered, a bit too quickly.

“Then let’s get you tied up, James.”

Straddling his lap, you realized the rope was a bit too tight when you saw it digging into his skin; maybe he wouldn’t mind that, but you did, so you pushed the rope back through itself to loosen it slightly.

“How long did it take you to learn all these knots?” he asked casually, watching your fingers nimbly work the ropes around his wrists.

“Not too long,” you shrugged, “I’ve only been doing this a few years… but I knew them before that.”

“Boating school?  Boy Scouts?” he suggested jokingly.

“Just a hobby,” you decided, dodging the covert question about your past.  “Were you a Boy Scout?”

“Do I look like a Boy Scout?” he countered with a scoff.

“Not anymore,” you shrugged, “but I bet you did once.  You’re sorta innocent, you know.”

He swallowed dryly, and you raised an eyebrow as you glanced from the knot you were tightening to his face, which looked a bit flustered.  “R-really?”

“Yeah,” you confirmed, leaning back on your heels to look at him straight-on.  “Are you surprised to hear that?”

He nodded quickly, and you laughed.

“Aw, you thought you were so kinky, huh?  So dirty,” you purred, running your hand up his leg until he tugged slightly on the newly-tied ropes— a subtle way to get him to test them for you.  “But you’re really not.  You’re just my sweet, innocent boy.”

He whined— really, properly whined— and you dug your nails into his skin until he hissed instead.

“I don’t think you believe me,” you noticed, leaning back to reach for the crop behind you.  “You think you’re so filthy and perverted, right?  Are you a pervert, James?”

“Yes,” he breathed, shivering as you let the crop slide gently over his skin— his abs, his hips, his legs which were already quivering so adorably.  “Yes, Mistress.”

“And how’s that?”

“I think about… getting hurt,” he admitted weakly, “when I touch myself.  And I touch myself all the fucking time.”

“Yeah?  How many times a day do you stroke that pretty cock, James?”

“Twice every morning,” he blurted out, “after that it depends.”

You didn’t let yourself show your surprise at that number.  “Depends on what?”

When he hesitated, you hit him sharply on the thigh and he winced.  “Depends on what I… what I end up thinking about.  Sometimes… sometimes something reminds me, and I have to get off.”

Something told you not to press on what it was that he needed to be reminded of, and why it made him want to jerk off so bad.  Something told you he wasn’t ready to tell that story yet.  “Did you touch yourself today already?” you asked instead.

“No, no ma’am,” he shook his head, voice wavering as you brushed the crop over his chest, “it’s… it’s different with you.”

“Yeah, I bet it is,” you smirked, hitting him on the stomach quickly.  “I bet you’re finally satisfied, right?  Nothing’s ever worked for you before.”

“Yes,” he moaned, crying out slightly when you hit him on the arm (flesh— you were too afraid what sound the metal one would make) much harder than before.  “The nights I see you, I… I can sleep.”

“You sleep better?”

“No, I just… sleep.”

You tried not to react to that, moving to a new question instead.  “Do you want me to hit you again?  Or do you want me to stroke your cock for you?”

An obvious choice to some, surely, but he seemed to really struggle with it.

“Which one do you think you deserve?” you asked instead.

“Hit me more,” he decided.

Instantly, you struck him once on the face and again on the shoulder, then moved down to his legs for three in a row in spite of the way his body jerked away instinctively.  

“Fuck,” he sobbed, “don’t stop— I need more…”

You focused on his legs, on the inside of his thigh where he seemed the most sensitive.  His twisted joy turned to true fear, though, when you brushed the end of the crop over his balls.  “Do you want me to hit you here?” you challenged.

“I… I don’t know,” he stammered.

“Let’s make a deal, James,” you offered, “wherever I hit you, I’m gonna kiss it to make it better.”

“Then hit me wherever you want,” he nodded, almost smiling at you.  He cried through his teeth when you whipped his shaft with the crop— not especially hard, in fact quite delicately, though the second was harder.  And the third, though not much more aggressive, was right on the sensitive tip; his eyes shot open and his hips jerked away.

“So good, such a good boy,” you whispered proudly, putting the crop aside to lean in and kiss his cheek where you’d hit him before, his shoulder, his arm.

You worked your way down carefully as he breathed heavily beneath you, whimpering slightly when you kissed his thighs and notably ignored his flexing, leaking cock.  “Please,” he whimpered.

“Shh, be patient,” you soothed, “be my good boy.”

“Your good boy,” he repeated, trying to restrain himself but already bucking up into the air again, “fuck, wanna be your good boy, Mistress.”

“Are you already close, pet, just from getting hurt?” you asked in a faux pout.  “You’re not gonna come if I give your pretty cock some kisses, right?”

“I— I won’t come,” he promised.  “Not until I get permission.”

“Baby, it’s gonna be a long fuckin’ time before you get permission,” you promised with a toothy grin.  “Look down at me, honey, I want you to see this.”

He hesitated for a second but obeyed, looking down at you with an expression that was full of awe as you gripped his cock and gave gentle, teasing kisses up his shaft.  It bobbed in your hands with each one, and he let out the most beautiful sigh when you kissed the tip carefully.

A wide lick made him jerk beneath you.  “F-Fuck,” he stammered.

“You said you wouldn’t come,” you reminded him.  “Can I keep going?  Are you gonna be a good boy?”

“Don’t stop, please,” he breathed, “I’ll be good.”

Taking the head between your lips, you suckled gently as he shivered and moaned.  You weren’t sure you’d ever been with anybody— on or off the clock— who was so sensitive.  And you loved it, honestly; who could resist those precious noises he made?

As much as part of you wanted to go nuts and really push him to the edge, you tried to be gentle and careful so as not to make it impossible for him to hold back.  But even then, when you gently grasped his balls in one of your hands and squeezed them, he apparently couldn’t take anymore.

"S-stop," he hissed, and you pulled back, sitting up.

"You were close?" you asked, and he nodded a little.  "Oh, what a good boy."

He whimpered briefly.  "Yes, your good boy, Mistress…"

Your fingers trailed delicately up the underside of his cock, making him shiver violently.  "I know you want to come, but you want to be good even more.  You're such a sweet little pet."

It seemed like the praises did more to keep him on the edge than the touches, so you kept both going; wrapping your fingers around the ridge of his head, you gave the most gentle and subtle strokes, and leaned in to whisper against his ear.

“Is this why you wanted me to edge you today, James?  So you could show me how good you can be?” 

“I-I don’t know,” he blurted out, rocking his hips as best he could while restrained, “I just wanted to… I just wanted you to make me wait.”

“Well, you don’t need to worry about that,” you laughed slightly, “I can make you wait all day.  Is that what you want?”

“No, that’s— not that long, I can’t wait that long,” he shuddered.

“Mm, that sounds like your problem, not mine,” you smirked.  “Not sure why I asked what you want, honestly… cause I don’t fucking care.”

His choked-out whine was too perfect to ignore.

“Oh, what a pathetic little moan that was, poor baby,” you cooed mockingly, “are you regretting it now?  You’re probably wondering what you got yourself into, ‘cause you’re worried Mistress is never gonna let you come.”

“No, I don’t regret it,” he denied weakly, “whatever you want— do whatever you want to me, just… give me what I deserve, please.”

You stopped touching him completely and he straight-up sobbed.  “You don’t deserve anything from me, James.  You don’t deserve me at all.”

He told you before that he liked when you rapidly cycled between soft and mean.  Kept him on his toes, apparently.  Honestly, you felt a little guilty talking to him that way sometimes, but his cock leaking enough pre-cum to soak the bedsheets beneath him was a sign you were doing something right.  “I know!” he cried.  “I know, fuck, I’m sorry, but I need you.  I fucking need you, Mistress, please— you know I’ll do anything.”

“I’m feeling generous today,” you shrugged, “so I won’t ask you for much.  Just beg me a little more.”

“Please, pleasepleaseplease,” he rushed, “touch me.  Anywhere, whatever you want, I just need to feel you.  I know I… fuck, I know I don’t deserve it, but let me try to— to earn it.  Please.”

You knew if he had it his way, he wouldn’t do much talking at all.  But you couldn’t just let him have it his way, now could you?  It was better to make him just the right amount of nervous, just the slightest hair uncomfortable, by making him talk to you.  And, of course, you liked the way his deep and rough voice got all whiny and needy like this.

One finger under his chin guided him to look up at you, those pretty blue eyes watery and sparkling and wide with misplaced innocence.

“Tell me who you belong to, James,” you instructed darkly.

“You, Mistress,” he whispered, “I’m yours, I— oh fuck…”

Unshockingly, he was reduced to only moans again when you started stroking his cock, the slick precum making every movement smoother.  “All mine, huh?  My little toy?” you confirmed, but he could only nod and swallow thickly.

You sped up quickly, getting faster and faster until you were really, properly jerking him off and he was biting hard on his lip.  Just when he seemed to really fall into it, get almost comfortable, you had to stop.

"Oh, fuck—" he gasped, bucking his hips up to try to chase your hand when you pulled away, but it was no use with him tied up.  You watched his cock bob in the air and smiled.

“Did you think it was going to be that easy?” you smirked.

Shaking his head, you tilted yours to look at him, reaching up to trace your fingers over his chest.  

“Don’t lie, baby, you thought I was gonna let you come, didn’t you?  You’re so sweet, James, and so, so stupid.”

He gasped, and for a second you thought you might’ve gone too far, but it shifted to a moan quickly and you realized he was having the time of his life.

“Just my dumb, brainless little toy,” you continued with a snarl, watching him tug at the ropes as his eyes fluttered shut.  “It’s okay, James, it’s okay… you don’t need to think, I don’t want your mind.  It’s useless.  I want this pretty cock, that’s all I want from you.”

“It’s all yours, Mistress,” he promised, cheeks burning bright red and eyes forced shut.  “All of it, I swear.”

“I know,” you cooed, holding his face gently to soothe him a bit.  But then your other hand wrapped around his cock and he was anything but soothed.  “Shh, shh, don’t make any sounds, you’re just a toy and toys need to stay quiet.”

You missed his noises, actually, but he looked so cute biting his lip and struggling to suppress them.  His cock was so swollen in your hand that you honestly wondered if it was somehow getting bigger.  Was that even possible?  Your mouth was watering regardless.

“I’m gonna give you a little break,” you promised gently, “but I’ll be honest, pretty boy… I don’t think you’re gonna like it one bit.”

The look he gave you beautifully balanced fear with anticipation, and you stopped stroking him to reach over towards the bedside drawer and pull out a vibrator.

“Your Mistress is feeling a little.... self-indulgent today,” you winked.  “And since I, unlike you, don’t need to hold myself back from coming, I think I might as well get myself off if I want to.”

His throat bobbed as he swallowed dryly, watching you closely as you stood up off the bed and started to carefully undress yourself.  It was a lot more fun to get naked when you were wearing something that didn’t actually show much skin— the button-up seemed to really get him going, his tongue mindlessly darting out to lick his lips as you opened one button at a time.

Once it was off your shoulders and on the floor, and he could see the almost-transparent bra you had on, you moved to opening your trousers as well.  Just to be mean, you faced the other way as you pushed them down over your ass; you heard his breath catch and you smirked to yourself, spinning to face him again in just the matching, dark red bra and panty set.

“What do you think, do you like this better than the black ones?” you asked coyly.

“I like you naked better than both,” he answered, and you grinned.

“I’m gonna let that backtalk slide just once because it’s not worth my time to go over there and slap you for it,” you decided.  “But don’t test me, James.”

“Yes, Mistress,” he answered dutifully, sounding a bit out of breath as he watched you climb back onto the bed, positioning yourself carefully.

You faced him straight-on and laid your legs over his, meaning your lace-covered pussy was in full view and only inches from his leaking cock— the damn thing looked sore by now, purple at the tip and just as desperate for attention as the rest of him.

When you pulled the fabric aside to show him your cunt, he hissed and looked away.

“Look at me, James, keep your eyes open,” you demanded, seeing how totally wrecked he looked when he turned his head back to you and stared down at your body with half-lidded eyes.  “Look at how fucking soaked my pussy is.  You remember how it feels to be inside it, don’t you?”

He swallowed, sighed, and finally (just barely) nodded.

“You remember how hot and wet and tight it is, don’t you?”

“Y-yes,” he choked.

“Well, that memory’s all you’ve got to work with, sweet boy, because I don’t think I’m ever gonna let you fuck this pussy again.”

He really, properly sobbed, tears streaming down his cheeks, and those arms flexed against the ropes defiantly.  “N-no, please—” 

“I’m gonna make myself come with this,” you promised, interrupting him as you grabbed the vibe, “and I want you to remember how it feels when I come around you, okay?  

Turning it on, you wasted no time pressing it to your clit, moving the end of the toy in slow circles and keeping a close eye on him as he watched you.  Your intention had always been to give him a show, but the embarrassing thing was how little of it was an act.  Ironically, even though you’d been edging him this whole time, having to touch him that way without any pleasure for yourself was almost as torturous.  You’d soaked through your panties by the time you had him tied up, to be totally honest.  So, giving into it and letting yourself feel good was a breeze.

“Think about when I was riding you, James,” you instructed, your own voice clearly affected by your pleasure now.  “Think about how good it would feel if I let you come inside me.”

“Oh, god,” he cried, leaning his head back.

“Think about my pussy milking every fucking drop of come out of you.  You know I wouldn’t let you stop until I was completely full of your come, I bet you’d like that.  I bet you’d like to eat your come out of me, you sick little pervert.”

“Fuck!” he yelped, tugging at the ropes harder now— for a second you thought he might really break them and jump you.  And for a second, you knew you’d let him.  It made your walls clench as you imagined facing the consequences of driving a man to the brink of insanity until he couldn’t help but fuck you like an animal.  It was a good thing he didn’t see you bite your lip as you imagined that.

“You know what I’m thinking about?” you taunted.  

“God, don’t tell me,” he sighed through his teeth, but obviously you ignored him.

“I’m thinking about what a good boy you are for me,” you cooed, your hips starting to rock up against where you held the end of the vibrator; you pressed it down harder onto your clit and moaned instantly.  “Yeah, I’m thinking about how pretty you look when you’re all desperate and needy and fucking pathetic—”

“Oh—” he choked.

“My dumb litlte whore, that’s all you are, James,” you groaned.  “I know you wish you could touch me, it’s all you can think about, right?  That pretty head of yours would be completely empty if it weren’t for thoughts of me and how badly you want me.  Right?”

“Yes,” he whispered huskily.

A shiver ran up your spine when the vibrator bumped into a more sensitive part of you, and you did it again and again until you thought you might lose it a bit faster than you meant to.  “This toy feels really good,” you informed him in a purr, gasping when you slipped the vibrating body of it into your pussy, “but it doesn’t feel as good inside me as you do.”

His eyes fell shut but he still winced a bit every time you made a sound; he couldn’t run from this, no matter how hard he tried.

“Oh James,” you moaned loudly, fucking yourself with the vibe for a moment before you pulled it back out to focus even harder on your clit, “I’m gonna come.  I’m so, so close… I can feel it getting stronger, I think I might make a mess on these sheets.  And the only way I’m ever gonna let you come is if you watch me do it.  So open your fucking eyes.”

He blinked quickly as he opened them, gaze scanning your whole body before settling on your cunt; you were sure he could see it pulsing as you got closer and closer, you knew he was imagining how it would feel.  You only spared a brief glimpse at his cock, bobbing between his legs, and wished you could just slip it in you now and come while it stretched you out. 

But that wasn’t what he was here for, sadly, and you were sure you were the only being truly denied of your desires, despite how it probably seemed from the outside.

“Oh my god,” you breathed, numbness starting to tingle in your legs as your orgasm built up quicker than even you expected.  “I’m coming— James, I’m coming, oh, fuck… right there— yes!”

A gush of heat warmed your cunt at the same time that shocks ran up your spine and down your limbs; you could feel your legs shaking, and you knew he could, too.  

It got so intense for a second that you had to pull the vibrator away, though you didn’t stop coming until a few moments later, eyes falling shut without you meaning for them to.

You actually laughed a bit, breathlessly, as you turned the vibe off and set it aside, although you weren’t sure exactly what was supposed to be funny about this per se.  When you opened your eyes, you saw James looking down and looking positively defeated.  But he looked tense, too, and you sat up on your wobbly legs to get closer to his face.  

“Relax, James,” you told him firmly as you examined him.

“I— I can’t,” he whispered. 

“Why not?”

“I’ll come.”

Nothing could fight your wide grin anymore, not when you heard that.  “Oh, baby… are you about to come without even being touched?  Is that how much you liked watching Mistress come?”

He nodded, ever so slightly, and you laughed.  Not quite a mocking laugh, moreso impressed.  Prideful, even.  You leaned in to give a wet kiss to his neck, licking over his pulse as he shivered violently.

“That’s my good boy,” you whispered against his skin.  He whined and you cooed soothingly right away, “oh I know, I know.  It’s so unfair, isn’t it?  Mistress gets to come and you don’t…”

“Please,” he stammered, “I’m so close, let me come, please.”

“But I don’t wanna see you come, baby— I wanna see you cry.”

You started to slide your hand down his chest and he jumped up to attention as he tried to squirm away.  “No, please, don’t— don’t touch my cock, not if I can’t come.”

“You can hold it in, can’t you?” you pouted.

“No, I can’t, I can’t,” he sobbed, watching fearfully as your hand moved down to his stomach and over his hips.  

“But I thought you were my good boy,” you frowned, suddenly wrapping your hand tight around his cock as he choked on a gasp.

“Mistress!” he sobbed.  “Please, don’t—  don’t move your hand, I’ll come.”

"Never fucking tell me what to do," you instructed firmly, just barely stroking as he cried weakly.  "I'm gonna touch you however I want and you're not gonna come because you're my good boy, right?"

"No, Mistress, I can't stop it, I'm gonna come— stop, please…"

"You'd better not fucking come," you hissed through your teeth, speeding up your movements and watching his eyes shoot wide open, "you'd better hold it in until I'm done with you."

"I'm trying— please slow down, can't take it—"

You shook your head, tutting disapprovingly.  "No, baby, I tell you what you can take."

"Oh— oh god, Mistress, please, please stop, please, I c-can't— fuck!"

You pulled your hand away the second his cock started to flex but it was too late: come was shooting from his swollen tip and painting his chest and stomach.  You didn't even wait until he was done to backhand him across the face.

"I'm sorry!" he yelled.  "I'm so sorry, I couldn't help it…"

You softened slightly when you heard his broken voice, saw the desperation and fear on his face— it was real, more real than the fake ‘no’s and the encouraging pleas for mercy.  "Baby, it's okay, you tried so hard," you soothed instantly.

Hope filled his eyes just as much as tears as he looked up at you.  "Am I still your good boy?"

"Always," you smiled, caressing his face where it was already turning red from your slap.  

You reached down and caressed his cock with the back of your fingers, watching it flex weakly.  

“Let’s get you cleaned up, alright?”

His lip twitched, almost like a wince.  “Do we… do we have to stop?”

You quickly glanced at the clock.  “Um, no,” you mumbled, “we still have time.  Just tell me what you want.”

“I wanna watch you come again…” he admitted softly.  “Is… is that okay?”

Although you weren’t sure what you’d been expecting, you were still surprised.  “Yeah, sure.”

“But… but closer this time,” he added, “not so far away.”

You were literally laying on top of him, how did that count as far away? 

“I wanna see your face,” he clarified.

“Okay,” you nodded, deciding to indulge him.  It was sort of like aftercare, except that this wasn’t exactly the ‘after’ part yet.

On your knees beside where he was leaning back against the headboard, you slipped your hand down into the lace panties again, finding your clit still swollen but not too sensitive.  A little gasp fell from your lips when you touched it, rubbing it carefully with two fingers while he looked up at your face.  

You felt slightly exposed when he watched you this close, and you didn’t know where to look to avoid direct eye contact.  Looking at his lips was just a little too tempting, so that wouldn’t work.

“My hands are a little tired,” you explained, “they might cramp up.  Maybe I could use your thigh…”

“O-okay,” he nodded, and you removed your fingers from your panties to sit down on the thick muscle of his leg.  You felt him tense up under you slightly, and you carefully began to rock your hips until your clit rubbed just right against the inside of your underwear.  Surely he could feel how wet you were— actually, you both could hear it, almost a wet clicking-like noise as the soaked lace slid against your skin.

The dynamic shifted slightly, not that you minded it, as he watched you ride him carefully.  Just as he couldn’t hide much from you when he was naked and tied up and baring his soul to you in the kinkiest way possible, you couldn’t hide your pleasure from him when he was looking at your face so up-close.  You let your hands carefully roam his body, narrowly avoiding the trails of cooling come he’d left on his stomach and chest, until you found his strong shoulders and held onto them for balance.

“Fuck,” you mumbled to yourself, biting your lip as your sore clit throbbed against his hard, muscular thigh.  

“Will you… could you kiss me?” he requested quietly, and your heart broke a little bit.  You shook your head, and he nodded in understanding.

“I’ll kiss you here,” you offered instead, whispering against his skin before you pressed your lips to his forehead, then his cheek, then his jaw.  “Is that better, James?”

“It helps,” he agreed in a sigh.  

“I’m close,” you warned quietly, pressing your cheek to his and weaving one hand into his hair.  “I’m gonna come again, on your thigh.”

“Let me touch you,” he begged, “just a little, please…”

You nodded, about to reach forward to untie one of his hands, but he snapped the ropes and you had totally forgotten he could do that.  He quickly ran his touch all over your body, calloused hands and bound wrists in stark contrast to your soft skin.  The metal one was a little cold but it didn’t bother you; the other was almost too hot, and it was like being warmed and cooled all at once.

He ran his fingers down your spine, he gripped one of your shoulders, he rubbed your legs: he did everything he must have been wishing he could do this whole time, even gasping as he ran one hand up your chest and over a cup of your bra.  Just as you sensed that he was about to ask if he could touch you there, you nodded and felt his metal hand tug down the red lace and grab your breast— thankfully not very hard, though he did give your nipple a quick pinch which made you gasp.

Burying his face in the crook of your neck, he finally settled his hands on holding your hips, just tight enough to slightly guide your movements as you rocked faster and more desperately.  “Please come,” he begged weakly, “Mistress, please… use me.”

It sort of hit you all at once then, like a punch to the gut.  Except, you know, a lot more fun than getting punched in the gut.

“James,” you gasped, legs quivering where they straddled his as a new patch of slick soaked the lace (and presumably his thigh as well).  He held you tight, kept you moving through it while your fingers tangled in his hair and your mouth fell slack for another, louder moan.

The way his lips moved over your skin, laving your collarbones and pulse point and the innermost corner of your jaw, was positively worshipful; reverent.  “Mistress,” he whispered, almost sounding like praise but tinted with awe.  Your movements slowed down to a stop and the two of you breathed a sigh together, unintentionally.  “Thank you,” he mumbled.

“What for?” you asked, blinking quickly and looking down at him, coming back to reality (though you weren’t quite sure where else it was that you had just been).

“I dunno, everything,” he decided.

“Don’t thank me,” you smiled.  “Keep paying me, though.”

He laughed a little, glancing away.  “Yeah, and I’ll pay you back for these ropes… sorry."

"No, hey, don't be sorry," you dismissed, getting up off of his leg and standing up to go grab a towel for him.  "I'm just sorry we still haven't found anything strong enough to hold you."

"It's fine, they're strong enough to make me stop myself when I want to do something I shouldn't, that's all that really matters."

You nodded to yourself as you dampened the towel and came back to wipe him off.

"I can do that for myself," he reminded you, sounding a bit embarrassed, but you thought it was sweet. 

“You just focus on getting those ropes off of yourself,” you decided with a little smile.

#sub!bucky barnes x domme!reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes smut

[winter-soldier-vibes]

Hey darling ❤️ love your writing 3000 :) can u do one with Bucky x reader (they’re together) where he overhears the reader on the phone with her parents that are emotionally & verbally abusive towards her (they always have been) and the reader has to explain it all to him afterwards even tho she’s having a panic attack (bc she’s afraid bucky will leave her since she has no one else to go to ??) and bucky comforts her and reassures her that he’s gonna be there for her and like comfort fluff? I live in an emotionally abusive and manipulative household rn and I tell you your fics are like an escape for me. Even if u don’t do this thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

Hey there, I love you 3000 ❤ I am so so sorry to hear about your situation, and while I'm glad to hear that my writing is an escape for you, I want you to know that I'm here for you. No one should have to go through what you described. I hope that this can bring you some comfort but please, I encourage you to reach out to someone who can help you. My DM's are open as well, you shouldn't face this alone. I'm here for you!!!

You owe them nothing

Bucky Barnes x reader

Word Count: 3200 (ish)

Warnings: emotional abuse/gaslighting, manipulation, parent issues, tears, angst, breakdown, fluff.

---------

You really tried to keep it hidden. It wasn’t something that everyone needed to know about.

Your parents loved you, at least that’s what they had said. But it was one of those things where you felt like it was for show - the kindness that they showed when you were around others faded away once you were alone with them.

You remember once they had said “of course I love you, I’m your parent!”

But that made you wonder how they would treat you if you weren’t theirs.

They were horrible to you for as long as you could remember. Gaslighting you and making you feel like you owed them something even though they were the ones who should have taken care of you.

They were around but never…there. They would be there for family dinners but they were always riddled with criticisms of grades and who you were talking to and how you dressed. All of your hobbies were seen as a waste of time, something you should only do when you had nothing else to do. School came first, naturally, but there was always something they told you you had to do before you could do anything for yourself.

Yet when you would complain about being depressed, they told you to get a hobby because you never do anything.

Tired meant lazy, energetic and passionate meant loud and annoying. When you were quiet they thought you had nothing to say, yet when you expressed your opinions you were told to shut up.

You couldn’t win.

You could never make them happy, there was always something you were doing wrong.

They thought it was their right to monitor who you talked to and saw, what you did outside of school, what sports you could join. When you would say no to the school dances or parties you would make up an excuse about not wanting to go or having work to do. Your friends would call you a buzz kill. Little did they know you would give anything to go.

Whenever you would do something wrong (or anything, period,), your parents would yell at you. They would curse you out, make you cry, only to yell at you for crying like a little bitch.

The older you got, the worse it was.

You thought when you moved out it would be better. But you had all these years of being told you were worthless and having them be your providers. When you got your own place you didn’t really have any friends, nor did you really know how to make friends. You had a job to help you get by, you could support yourself. That wasn’t the issue. You could support yourself, you always had to.

It was that you were so lonely.

You wanted friends but you were so afraid of the criticism you would get. You were afraid to make yourself known, because you were always taught that being told what to do and taught what to think was much more appealing than having your opinion.

But this was an opinionated world.

You were good at what you did, so good that you had gotten a job at S.H.I.E.L.D. You thought that would make you happy, more importantly that it would make your parents happy, but no such luck.

“I got a really great job, guys.”

“Fantastic. I guess you’re just doing so great without us,” they had snapped.

“What? I mean… this is what you wanted right? For me to get a good job?” you had said, confused.

You heard a loud sigh on the other end of the line. “Of course we do, what are you crazy about? Of course we wanted you to get a good job but you just deserted us like we were trash. Have we done nothing for you?”

You felt your heart sink in your stomach. ‘Of course you guys have, I love -”

“Don’t say what you don’t mean. If you really cared about us you’d be helping us out. You got a great job and probably have a huge paycheck that you hoard and you left us here to struggle to make ends meet.”

You took the phone away from your face temporarily to take a shaky breath. Of course they would go there with the salary, why wouldn’t they? All of your paychecks had gone to them, since it was their house and they were feeding you, leaving you with barely enough money for your car and gas and phone bills, only for them to suggest longer hours when you complained.

“I can help you guys out if you need,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady.

You heard an exasperated sigh on the other line again. “You really should be more grateful, you know? We raised you your entire life and then you leave us alone? You never even call us? You’re so fucking selfish.”

Then the line went dead.

You shook your head and felt tears in your eyes as you spoke to yourself. “Well maybe I would call you if it didn’t always yell at me.”

Of course, you would never say that.

See, it wasn’t so bad. You never said anything because they were only ever mean to you, which would make you uncomfortable. There were people out there that would get hit or who would have to raise themselves from a young age. Once you grew thick skin it wasn’t so bad, you were just being dramatic.

Right?

Your new job was fairly successful, you were fantastic at what you did. You did a lot of behind the scenes work, weapon repair and plans of action with missions. Not that they needed much help with that. Still, they took you in as their friends.

Well, as close as you would let them get to as friends.

It took a while before you warmed up to them. Everyone tended to keep to themselves, but not as much as you. You kept the parts of you hidden away - you were there for a job, you did it, and you did it well. You knew how to do your job but interacting with the team, making friends - you didn’t want to get emotionally attached.

Not like you knew how to make friends to begin with.

Naturally you were drawn to the quieter side of the team, once you were able to open up. They were all nice but sometimes the parties and the jokes were a bit much. You just didn’t want to say or do the wrong thing that would make you the punchline.

No one needed to know about you, or how you would spend your free time being yelled at through a phone with you trying to make it better. That wasn’t part of the job, so you shouldn’t bring it up.

It wasn’t like anyone would want to help. You were just a nuisance to everyone around you.

Right?

No one talked about their life before the team much. Not many people on the team had a great life before the Avengers first came together. Natasha or Wanda had once spoken about how this team was a family. And as much as you wanted to believe it, you helped the team. You weren’t a part of the team. So even if that were true, it didn’t include you.

At least, that was your point of view.

The team viewed you as a part of the team as much as any of them. You didn’t fight with them but you made sure everything would go as smoothly. You were kind and great at what you did, but they wished you would open up more. Of course, being a team of people who had trouble opening up, they understood.

Bucky was one of the ones who took a liking to you, mostly because he saw a lot of himself in you. He could tell there was something that you were trying to get past but weren’t quite able to yet. That there was something bothering but you wouldn’t dare say it for fear of bothering someone. You threw yourself into projects and distractions and from the way you carried yourself, he guessed you were avoiding something that you weren’t ready to work through. At least, not yet.

He knew that feeling too well.

The ex-assassin was one of the easiest for you to open up to because he didn’t expect much from interactions. Both of you were quiet and kept to yourselves that there wasn’t much pressure to share anything or say anything. You knew his past but would never bring it up unless he wanted to. Which eventually, he did. You could tell he felt pressure to be who he was before HYDRA took him, and while Steve was surprised he opened up to you first, you weren’t. Steve knew Bucky before everything, and you didn’t have that bias. He was whoever he was today regardless of who he was yesterday.

And Bucky found comfort in that.

You think you would’ve too, if you thought you deserved it enough to do the same.

See, you were worried that you were making everything worse than it really was. You worried that maybe you were being too sensitive or that what you had grown up with was normal. With everything that everyone on the team went through, a few insults from your parents was hardly anything. You were being dramatic.

There was nothing to be sad or angry about. You just had to get over yourself.

Right?

You were getting by until one night when your parents called, as they did on occasion. You were in the middle of working, so you ignored it. The phone went to voicemail before it started ringing again, and you ignored it, again. The third time you sighed and picked up your phone, turning away from your work.

You took a deep breath before you answered. “Hello?”

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

You closed your eyes and brought a hand to rub your head. “Well I’m doing fine, thank you, how are you?”

“Don’t give me that attitude. What the fuck are you doing? You’ve been ignoring our calls.”

You stood up to pace the floor slightly, dreading the conversation that was coming. Is it the ‘family is most important’ or the ‘where’s my money?’ speech today? “I’ve been working.”

“What, so work is more important than family now? Is that what this is? You don’t care about us?”

Family speech it is.

“Dad -”

“What if one of us was dying? Huh? Would that be important?”

“Stop it. No one is dying, and I was working. And I have more work to do, so I really have to go.”

“You don’t get to tell me what to do, I’m your father.”

Gaining confidence you gritted your teeth and snapped, “You know what? I’m an adult now so you can’t tell me what to do.”

There was silence on the other end of the line and you could practically hear the steam coming out of your father’s ears.

At some point Bucky had come down to your working space to check on you, seeing as it was nearly morning. He stopped in the doorway, and seeing you were busy on the phone he thought he would stop by later to give you some privacy. But he stopped when he heard you snap.

You never snap.

“Who do you think you’re talking to you ungrateful little bitch?”

“I’m talking to the people who treated me like shit my entire life and ask me for money when you wouldn’t give me the time of day for 18 fucking years.”

Even you couldn’t believe the words coming out of your mouth. But god did it feel good to say them.

“Are you fucking serious right now? We did nothing for you? What do you think we’ve been doing your whole life? We’ve done everything we did to help you be the best person you could be. You have that job now because of us and you have no right to speak to me that way.”

You chuckled darkly as you looked up at the ceiling, unaware of Bucky’s presence behind you. “My entire life all I’ve ever wanted to do was make you guys proud of me. But you know what? I’m fucking done. You hated me, gaslighted me, and made me hate myself almost as much if not more than you seemed to hate me.”

“I did no such thing you ungrateful -”

“You were supposed to love me and care for me, and all you did was take advantage of me. I’m not your child, I’m a paycheck. I don’t owe you anything because you gave me nothing. So you know what? FUCK. YOU.”

You hung up the phone and tossed it across the room, adrenaline taking over your body as you tried to stop shaking. Because a small part of you felt bad.

But fuck did that feel amazing.

You heard a throat clear behind you and you turned around to see Bucky, eyebrows furrowed in concern.

“You okay?”

You nodded nervously, rubbing the sides of your arms. “Yeah, I’m fine,” you said, unconvincingly. “How much, uh...how much did you -

“Enough,” he said, pushing himself off of the door frame as he crossed over to you. “Who was that?”

“Bucky, don’t, it’s really fine. I just got a little worked up.”

“Y/n,” he started, looking at you with concern. “Who were you talking to?”

“No one.”

“You don’t get upset like that at no one,” he took your hands in his. “Y/n, you're shaking.”

It was then that you realized your hands were still shaking, trying to keep the anxiety of what happened at bay.

It’s going to be so much worse now.

I can never talk to them again.

Is that a good thing? Didn’t I want that?

Bucky could sense you getting lost in your head. “Sweetheart, tell me what happened, please. I want to help you.”

You pulled your hands away from his and crossed your arms. “You can’t help me because there’s nothing wrong, okay? I handled it, it’s over. Done. nothing to worry about.”

“Y/n -”

“No really, there’s nothing you can do, okay?”

“Will you at least let me try?”

You looked at him, adrenaline starting to drain from your system. This was Bucky, your Bucky, who had never done anything but love and support you. He had never done anything to hurt you.

But what if he left you too?

You took in a sharp breath and curled in on yourself, a scared look on your face. Bucky crossed back over to you, seeing a scared look on your face.

“Hey, hey, y/n? Can you look at me?”

You brought your eyes up to meet his, feeling your chest constricting as you tried to keep your breathing even. It wasn’t working.

“I - I’m sorry, you shouldn’t… I’m fine really I’m sorry, I’m so sorry”

“Hey, it’s alright, it’s okay, you have nothing to apologize for,” he pulled you in for a hug and kissed the top of your head. “Let’s go sit down, okay?’

He led you over to your bed and you leaned forward, hands on your knees and head in your hands. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s happening, this - I’m sorry, it’s so stupid, I’m so stupid.”

Bucky rubbed a hand up and down your back, hushing you. “It’s not stupid. If it’s bothering you, it’s not stupid.” Bucky took a small breath. “Do you remember all of those times after nightmares and all those panic attacks you would walk me through? How I thought I was being stupid?”

“You weren’t being stupid”

“And neither are you.”

You took some more shaky breaths as tears kept falling down your face. “You’re okay. It’s alright, I’m right here.”

Bucky let you calm down, knowing you would talk about it if you wanted to. He wanted you to talk about it so he could help you (and hurt whoever upset you) but he wouldn’t force you into telling him anything you didn’t want to.

The two of you sat in the silence, Bucky looking at you with soft eyes as you kept your face hidden.

“I haven’t told you a goddamn thing about me. You ever wonder why?”

You looked over at Bucky, eyebrows creased with slight confusion.

“They said blood was supposed to be thicker than water. That family comes first, right? I spent my whole life listening to them and following them and being the perfect kid. I made myself into everything they wanted me to be. And it still wasn’t enough for them.”

Bucky tilted his head slightly. He hadn’t known his parents much before they died but he had always wanted to have more time. But he wasn’t oblivious to the fact that not everyone had good parents.

“You know, I remember thinking that once I made it they would be happy. That if I worked hard enough or went onto do great things that they would be proud of me. That’s all I ever wanted, you know?” you said, voice wavering as you let out a bitter laugh. “But it’s not, you know? Never is, never was, never will be. All they do is take and take and no matter how good I am they’re always gonna hate me because I can’t be perfect.”

“No one’s perfect, y/n.”

“Well that’s what they want me to be. I know I can’t be perfect so I know they’ll never be happy. That they’ll call me ungrateful and selfish for succeeding and for leaving them when they never wanted me to be there to begin with.” You felt tears spill over as you wiped them away. “And I’m ust so fucking done with being a disappointment to them and to everyone else.”

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

“I don’t know,” you said softly, not really wanting to be more vulnerable.

Bucky, sensing this was a time he could push you, challenged you. “I think you do.”

You shook your head. “I didn’t want anyone to see me the way they did. I thought what they said wasn’t true but...I just thought that maybe I was overreacting. Other people have it worse you know - some people have no parents or some have it so much worse. Mine just yell at me you know? Tell me everything’s my fault and that they wish they’d never had me. That I’m ungrateful for not being with them and that I owe them. I just...I heard that for the first 18 years of my life. I didn’t need any more of it.”

“y/n, that’s…” he swallowed, trying to contain his anger. “That’s not normal. No one should have to go through that. You can’t possibly think you're a bad person.”

Your shrug was enough to tell him that you did.

“Y/n, I don’t know who your parents think they are but you don’t owe them a damn thing. You may be related to them but you have no obligation to love your parents if they treat you like that. You have every right to be angry or to hate them. It doesn’t make you a bad person to be angry with someone who hurt you.”

“But they’re my family.”

“Well they didn’t treat you like it. You have us now, you don’t need them anymore. We’re your family. And we’re not gonna leave you.”

“They didn’t leave me Bucky, I left them.”

“You can’t leave someone who was never there for you.”

----------

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[giorno-plays-piano]

Vicious

Part II

Pairing: Steve x reader, Bucky x reader, Thor x reader, Loki x reader, Peter x reader

Warnings: yandere, obsession, stalking, possessiveness, theft, all characters are adults.

Words: 1891.

Part I

Summary: Transferring to Stark Academy that has only allowed to take in female students last semester, you realize you are just one of three young women among hundreds of students. Your things are constantly being stolen, and soon you begin fearing for your safety.

P.S. To avoid any confusion, I changed the name Savages -> Vicious.

________________________

The next day you spent doubting your own decisions. Was it really wise to leave everything to Steve? How could he find those students all by himself and deal with your problem? Could he really stop them from acting like that? You thought once again it would be so much easier to ask for a transfer, but you had already given him your word to meet him today at 5. It would be very inappropriate not to come when he was trying to help you.

When the time came, you were sneaking in the student council room as if you were some petty thief. You were afraid people would start talking: if everybody knew who stole your things, they would understand you came to Steve for help like a little girl. It was embarrassing - even in a situation like this. Besides, somebody could be following you since at 5 pm the academy was almost empty.

By the time you reached the right door, you heart was beating as if you had just run a marathon. You really, really hoped Steve found some solution, and you wouldn’t have to be humiliated by the student advisor for wanting to leave the school.

Opening the door, you saw a couple of students on the sofa and quickly stepped away, afraid the student council was still having a meeting, “Ugh, sorry!”

“Come in, please,” Steve said calmly behind the door, and you shyly got in again, watching four other guys staring at you with interest. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“What, they too?” You were so perplexed by his words you forgot your manners, speaking of others as if they weren’t in the same room. “I’m sorry, I mean, I didn’t know you were involved.”

Wait, were they the ones who stole your things? Did Steve bring them here for you?

“No need to be so nervous.” One of them, a guy with long, jet black hair forming waves around his shoulders told you, motioning you to come closer and sit in one of the chairs opposing the sofa where he sat. “We’re here to help you.”

You remembered his name was Loki. A mathematic genius, he was considered one of the top students of the academy.

“That’s right! Come, come!” Seeing Peter among others was surprising, but his smiling face made you calm down a little, and you smiled at him in return. 

No, they weren’t those guys who stole your underwear, for sure. Apparently, Steve asked them to join you because they knew something and could give you a hand in finding those bastards.

“Thank you for agreeing to see me.” Feeling a little self-conscious among five different men you'd barely known, you landed on one of the chairs and saw that the other two were Bucky and a captain of the academy’s basketball team, Thor. “Did you find out anything?”

“Yes,” Steve said with a loud sigh, “I know exactly who they are. I can hand them over to the school’s officials and get them expelled by tomorrow, but that’s not the real issue here.”

You felt the chills ran up your back. What did he mean by the real issue?

“Is there something else?”

When you saw Loki smirking at you, you suddenly realized you were among five strong men in the student council room on the fifth floor where most classrooms were already empty. If you screamed, nobody would even hear you.

“Stop it.” Bucky’s angry voice cut through the silence, and you saw him literally burning a hole in Loki’s face. “Don’t make her scared, freak.”

Obviously, he wanted to say something offensive to Barnes in return, but Steve silenced them both with his icy glare. Loki sent him an innocent smile while Bucky snorted and rolled his eyes in irritation. It felt like they were in the middle of some school play, and you bit down on your lower lip, having a feeling something was going horribly wrong.

“The thing is, even if we got those ones expelled, it probably won’t stop the others from doing something similar.” Steve leaned up against a desk with his arms crossed over his chest. “I feel terrible admitting it, but many of our students are completely wild. I’m afraid they might keep harassing you.”

“Oh.”

You averted your eyes, realizing your attempts to find a solution were futile. Obviously, Steve could do nothing - he wasn’t a knight in shining armor, ready to protect you day and night from those delinquents who followed you everywhere. As you thought before, the one thing that could help here was leaving the school for good.

Shit, you didn’t know how to explain it to your family, Even your friends thought it was too bizarre to be true and laughed at your worries, saying you probably lost your things yourself. You would have to find a better excuse for a transfer in the middle of the semester.

“Well, anyway, thank you for trying,” you nodded and smiled apologetically at him as if it were your fault, “tomorrow I will talk to the student advisor about my transfer. Sorry for the trouble!”

“I don’t think it’s real to get transferred by now. It’s passed all the deadlines.” Shaking his head, Bucky raised his voice, and you felt suffocating.

Apparently, you would really have to skip a whole year of school. Explaining everything to your family, looking for some garbage job to have enough money to rent a room and pay your bills... Fantastic.

“You don’t have to do that. I’ve found another way.” 

Immediately, you raised your head, your pupils dilating.

“You see, the reason they are doing that is because you have no one to protect you. They know the administration won’t take it seriously because they’re a bunch of old misogynists, and you also have no means of protecting yourself. It would be better if you started dating someone, someone strong enough to make these guys back down.”

Steve looked deadly serious for someone saying such nonsense. A boyfriend? Now? Was he for real? Did he think you'd be using someone like your personal shield? Besides, even if you chose the strongest guy at school, it didn’t mean he would be stronger if several people attacked him.

But when you shared your thoughts with Steve, you saw others smiling at you as if they knew you would say that, and you felt uneasy.

“That’s true. That’s why you need more than one boyfriend.”

“What do you mean? How can somebody have more than one boyfriend?" Puzzled, you stared at him wide-eyed as if he said something stupid.

What on Earth did he mean by that? Were you to have your own squad of bodyguards at all times while you were in the academy? This was so foolish you couldn't believe someone like Steve said it out loud.

But then you caught glances of five men in the room and forgot how to breathe for a second. They weren't serious, were they? Steve didn't assemble all these guys here to make them into your boyfriends. It was preposterous even thinking of that, right?

Right?

"Please tell me it's not what I think it is." You muttered, crossing your arms over your chest as if trying to protect yourself.

"Why are you being so nervous?" Baring his teeth, Loki smiled at you. "Some other girl would be happy if five men were to be her boyfriends."

"It's a joke, right? You're all joking."

You hoped to see any of them laughing and nodding their heads, saying they simply wanted to cheer you up, but all you saw was a guilty expression on the faces of Bucky and Thor and the excitement of others. They really gathered here to offer you this.

"All of us here," Steve looked upon others, becoming a little displeased when his gaze fell upon smiling Peter, "are perfectly capable of helping you. If each of us were to accompany you one day a week, others won't be so brave. I'm sure they will no longer be a nuisance to you if they know what we can do to them."

There was something very dark in the way Steve said that, and for a couple of seconds you weren't sure whether you have to be more scared of him rather than those who was stealing your things.

"But it would be very uncomfortable for everyone, wouldn't it? I mean, going with me everywhere, not using your own time as you'd like. And, well, surely, others will see that we won't act like a real couple, so they might still keep harassing me. I don't think it would work."

Apparently, Loki was bored with this talk, you thought as you heard him clicking his tongue in annoyance.

"Then don't pretend. Act like a real girlfriend. Kiss in public, hug, go to the cinema together, what else girls do?"

"Wait, you mean, with ALL of you?"

"Yeah? Do you think anyone gonna be against it?"

You very much hoped they would be. Being followed by someone like your bodyguard was one thing, but having a real boyfriend was very different. Did they really want to pretend to be lovey-dovey with you? Act like you were close to them?

Oh. Of course, they would. They belonged to the same kind of touch-starved barbaric men they were trying to protect you from. They would do all those things to you, too.

You realized you were crying only when Peter flew off his seat in a hurry and squatted down beside you, taking your shaking hands in warm his.

"Please, don't cry. Nobody's gonna force you into doing anything, I promise. You will only do things you're comfortable with, ok?" Handing you his pearly white handkerchief, he smiled to comfort you. "No one of us gonna say anything."

"And if she starts dating one of us for real? What's then?" It was Loki again, cocking his head to the side and obviously provoking Peter to yell at him.

"We'll be ok with that, too."

The silence felt heavy. As you opened your eyes, Peter's handkerchief in your hands, you realized it was Thor who spoke for the first time, and the way he looked at you softly made you feel a little better. Despite the fact you knew little of him, for some reason, it felt like you would be safe with him - certainly safer than with Loki.

"Naturally, if any of us will bring you discomfort or do something unacceptable, you need to let us all know, and we'll decide what to do with that person." Raising his voice, the head of the student council made everyone to turn their head to him. "We will be meeting here, in this room, if anything happens. Each of us will give you our phone numbers. We will also make a schedule who accompanies you every day of the week."

It seemed he no longer asked for your opinion if you even wanted it to happen.

__________

"Bucky will be with you on Mondays, Loki on Tuesdays. Wednesdays are Thor's, on Thursdays Peter will be following you, and on Fridays it will be me going with you. Of course, if you need any of us to watch over you on weekends, feel free to contact whoever of us you like more."

Part III

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[ao719]

Hopeless Hearts

Hopeless Hearts - Maybe (Chapter 12)

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Summary: Two people from two different worlds, both with a grudge against relationships, cross paths and discover an opportunity to get something they both want.

Title Inspiration: Maybe - James Arthur

Warning: This series will contain NSFW material and crude language and conversations. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+

A/N: Thank you to @dcbbw and @burnsoslow for prereading in part and whole, and snippet readers. Please excuse any errors.

Catch Up Here

Perma Tags (if you’d like to be added or removed for this story, please let me know - I’m using my new tag list, so if I’ve missed anyone, I apologize, just let me know): @zaffrenotes​ @cocomaxley​ @gardeningourmet​ @gibbles82​ @annekebbphotography​ @sweetest-marbear​ @indiacater​ @liamxs-world​ @classylady1234​ @texaskitten30​ @the-soot-sprite​ @ladyangel70​ @esmckenzie​ @emichelle​ @dcbbw​ @burnsoslow​ @bbrandy2002​ @sirbeepsalot​ @debramcg1106​ @gnatbrain​ @ofpixelsandscribbles​ @openheart12​ @sincerelyella​ @superharriet​ @aestheticartsx​ @forthebrokenheartedthings​ @kingliam2019​ @indiana-jr​ @bascmve01​ @rainbowsinthestorm​ @darley1101​ @charlotteg234​ @alyssalauren​ @txemrn​ @neotericthemis​ @queenrileyrose​ @emkay512​ @kat-tia801​ @marshmallowsaremyfavorite​ @gkittylove99​ @choiceskatie​ @forallthatitsworth​ @queenjilian​ @walker7519​ @hopelessromanticmonie​ @iaminlovewithtrr​ @amandablink​ @mainstreetreader​ @mom2000aggie​ @foreverethereal123​

Liam stared off at the orchards, lost in thought on the balcony outside of his room after he and Aria finished breakfast. The last few days, he found himself struggling with the realization he had at the picnic: He was falling for Aria.

Hell, he was past falling at that point.

The acknowledgment that he’d been avoiding by excusing it away hit him hard, and over the last few days, he had been breaking down every moment he’d spent with Aria; he’d been analyzing every conversation, every look, every touch, and every kiss, trying to pinpoint when it happened and how he missed it. Maybe he didn’t see it because they’d spent every waking moment together over the last month and a half, putting on a farce … one that somewhere along the way became real on his end. Or perhaps it was because he didn’t want to see it. He was going with the latter.

This was not what he wanted; he had no intention of this happening, but it did. And now that he allowed himself to admit it, he was feeling every effect his once-ignored feelings for her were having on him. He would have these moments of panic over his feelings because he wasn’t supposed to have them, but one look at her, and he would forget what he was even worried about. He found it so easy to fall into step with her, to forget his qualms; he would get lost in her eyes, her smile, the sound of her laugh; they would joke around and playfully bicker. And then, he would ease back into resuming his panic while berating himself and his stupid heart for allowing this to happen.

It wasn’t that Liam didn’t believe in love … it just didn’t believe in him. He knew what people were, and he knew what they could do. The old Liam -- the hopeless romantic who believed in soulmates and wore his heart on his sleeve -- would have welcomed these feelings; he probably would have pursued them. But now, after what he had gone through, to him, falling meant being hurt, and he had already been broken enough in the past. He didn’t want to risk that happening again. For the past 10 months, he had avoided this very situation, and it worked like a charm … until out of nowhere, it didn’t.

“Did you hear anything I just said?” Aria chuckled.

Her voice pulled Liam from his daze, and he glanced over at her. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

“This barn-raising …”

“What about it?”

“You don’t feel the least bit guilty that all of these people are coming out to literally build a barn under false pretenses? They think we’re really engaged and are doing this in honor of us and tradition … and I feel bad.”

Liam smiled at her. “Of course you’re going to feel bad if you think about it that way.”

“How else am I supposed to think about it?”

Liam chuckled. “I promise it won’t be for nothing. I will ensure that the barn will be put to good use once it’s finished. They need a new one anyway, and it’s not like they can’t or won’t use it.” He stared at her for a moment, his eyes softening as he watched the rays from the morning sun bathe her skin in a golden glow.

Aria’s brows slightly furrowed, noticing the look on his face. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah,” Liam smiled, playing it off as he shook his head and looked away from her. “I, uh … I didn’t sleep that great last night. I just need the coffee to kick in.”

Aria nodded. “How are you holding up … with … ya know …”

Liam snorted as he looked back at her. “She who shall not be named?” Aria laughed and nodded her head. “Fine, I guess,” he shrugged. “I just need to keep avoiding her like I have been,” he said, offering her a grateful smile.

Jacqueline had spent the last few days continuing to try to speak to Liam. He wanted nothing to do with it. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing else that needed to be said; there were no more excuses he needed to be told, no more disingenuous apologies he was interested in hearing. Luckily for him, Aria had been nearby every time.

If Aria noticed before Liam did that Jacqueline was attempting to corner him, she would come and create a distraction, and Liam found himself looking forward to her diversions. She would pull him away, and they would disappear to some secluded area where they would laugh as they discreetly watched Jacqueline searching for him from their hiding spot, or she would put in extra effort to appear as the doting, head-over-heels in love fiancée -- wrapping her arms around him, kissing him. Truthfully, he preferred and hoped for the latter distraction himself.

Liam glanced at his phone on the table. “We should probably get ready. The press will be waiting for us.”

“So, everyone will be there … the press, people, court …”

Liam nodded and smiled at her. “We’ll definitely have to bring our A-game today because they’ll all be there watching us. ”

“Do I need to wear anything specific?”

“No,” Liam shook his head. “We’re expected to get right in there with them and help build this barn. So you can wear whatever, just make sure it’s something that you won’t mind getting dirty in.” Aria gave him a look, waiting for the crude comment he just gave himself the perfect opening for. “I’ll hop in the shower first.” Liam stood and squeezed her shoulder as he walked past her and inside; Aria knitted her brows as her eyes followed him. The comment never came.

Over the last few days, Aria had noticed Liam acting differently towards her. He was still playful and flirty, joking with her through their typical back-and-forth banter, but something was off. She had gone three days without Liam trying to coax her to fall into bed with him, three days without hearing one crude comment. Since she had known him, he hadn’t gone a day without giving her a list of reasons on why she should finally give in to him, and he had not once missed an opportunity to make risqué or suggestive remarks. It was second nature to him. And it wasn’t that she didn’t mind not hearing those all of the time, but she had grown so accustomed to it that him not saying anything just felt … strange.

Aria thought that perhaps it was Jacqueline’s return; since her arrival in Applewood, Liam had seemed on edge and a bit out of sorts, but more so the last few days. Jacqueline had still been trying to speak to him, even after their last talk the morning of the picnic. Liam was right; one conversation was not going to be enough for her to take the hint that he didn’t want to be bothered and to leave him be. But Aria didn’t mind helping Liam in the avoidance of his ex.

Actually, she was pretty comfortable with it … a little too comfortable. Here she was, staking her claim on Liam in front of Jacqueline while ignoring the little voice inside her head that questioned how much of it was in hopes of helping Liam to get his message across and how much of it was real.

****

The SUV carrying Liam and Aria from the manor rolled to a stop in front of a large open field on the outskirts of Applewood. Liam exited the vehicle and was met by a barrage of reporters as their cameras flashed; Liam helped Aria out, and his arm wrapped affectionately around her as they turned to face the press, who were shouting their names.

“Prince Liam! Aria!” Donnie Brine called out. “Are you looking forward to the barn-raising event today alongside your fellow Cordonians?”

“We’re honored to be a part of such a long-standing tradition,” Liam smiled.

“You both look ready to work today,” Ana de Luca interjected, pointing out their outfits as her cameraman took a few snapshots; Liam wore a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, while Aria wore a pair of jean shorts and a simple black tank top.

“We plan to get right in there and help,” Liam nodded. “It’s a way of showing that the Crown serves with its people.”

“We’re doing a special feature in our next issue of Trend,” Ana explained. “So we’ll be sure to get plenty of photos of you two at work,” she smiled.

“Speaking of the people,” Donnie spoke up again. “Everyone wants to know, are you two enjoying your engagement?”

Liam and Aria both fought back laughs, still finding questions regarding their “engagement” amusing. “We are,” Aria nodded.

“Very much so,” Liam smiled as he looked down at Aria. “I couldn’t imagine anyone else by my side.” It was said to play along with their ruse, but despite not wanting to think about it -- and his best attempt to push the thought away -- he couldn’t ignore the hidden candor behind his words now that he had admitted his feelings for her to himself.

“Can we get a few shots before you get to work?”

Liam pulled Aria against his side, and her arm came around his waist as the cameras started to flash. She glanced up at him with an unspoken question, and he answered by leaning down and pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that lingered longer than usual. When they parted, they stared at one another for a moment before their attention was pulled back to the press.

Liam cleared his throat and smiled. “We should really head over so we can get started.” He slipped his hand into Aria’s and guided her away from the press.

“Whoa,” Aria said as her brows raised in surprise when she saw the open field. Nobles and locals were carrying materials and equipment to the cleared-out area where the frame of the massive barn had already been built while others were gathered around, working at various stations that had been set up.

Liam chuckled at her reaction as he scanned the crowd, looking for some familiar faces. “Over here,” he pulled her towards the direction of Drake, Maxwell, and Rashad. “Hello,” Liam spoke. The three of them all greeted Aria before shaking Liam’s hand. “What are you doing over here?”

“Using the horses to pull the beams up to the upper level of the barn,” Drake explained.

“We could use some extra hands if you two are up for it,” Rashad added.

“Sure,” Liam and Aria nodded in unison. Aria joined Maxwell near the horse while Drake, Liam, and Rashad prepared the first beam, tying the rope around it.

Not too far from the betrothed couple’s workstation, a group of noble ladies from court were seated in one of the tents that had been set up for the event. Madeleine and Olivia both sat at a cloth-covered table, scrolling through their phones while Penelope and Kiara conversed with Rosalie in a corner.

“Hello …” a familiar voice called out as they entered the tent.

All the ladies stopped their activities to turn their attention to the visitor. “OHHH MYYY GODDDD! Jacqueline! Hiiii!” Penelope enthusiastically greeted. With a withering look on her face, Kiara elbowed Penelope just a little too hard; Penelope hung her head. “I mean … hi.”

Rosalie laughed out loud at the exchange before glancing over to gauge Madeleine’s reaction to seeing the woman who had run off with her former fiancé: Madeleine was still playing on her phone, not even looking up. She refused to give Jacqueline the satisfaction of any kind of response; she was much too dignified for that.

“I’m surprised you had the balls to not only show up but stick around for the remaining events,” Olivia remarked.

Jacqueline shot her a look. “Well, I’m here,” she replied. “And I don’t need to hear any of your varying opinions on it either. Your judgment is neither sought nor welcome,” she replied in a stiff tone.

“Oh, no judgment here,” Rosalie said. “I, for one, was thankful for your abrupt disappearance … more than a few times,” she smirked. Jacqueline gave her a look; she knew of Liam’s promiscuity when she left, and it wasn’t hard for her to understand what Rosalie was implying. “I’m sure some of the others could agree as well … right, Kiara?” Jacqueline’s brow raised as her eyes slid to Kiara, who turned away from her to hide her sly smile.

“I really didn’t need to hear that,” Jacqueline reproached.

Olivia snorted. “Don’t tell me you’re sensitive to hearing that your ex -- whose brother you fucked and then ran off with -- chose to fix what you broke by sleeping with other people.” She looked at Madeleine. “Sorry.”

“By all means,” Madeleine gestured her hand without looking up from her screen.

Jacqueline glared at Olivia for a moment before rolling her eyes and looking away from her; she spotted Liam and Aria working alongside Drake, Rashad, and Maxwell. Rosalie noticed where her longing gaze had settled. “Oh, honey, that ship has sailed. Believe me, I tried,” she smirked. “It appears our once philandering Prince is taking his engagement seriously.”

“Be that as it may, you can’t just erase a history between two people,” Jacqueline said under her breath.

“What was that?” Olivia questioned, furrowing her brows.

“Nothing that concerns you,” Jacqueline bit out.

Just then, a commotion pulled their attention, and they all looked over just in time to see Liam slip while tugging on the pulley. He fell to the ground, landing on his back while taking Aria down with him, and their laughter rang loud and clear, reaching the tent. The ladies all watched when a few moments later, Aria stood and reached her hand out to help Liam up; she then walked around him, attempting to dust off the dirt that now covered the back of his shirt. Liam said something they couldn’t make out before grabbing the fabric and pulling it off in a swift motion, shaking it. He opted to leave it off, tossing it on a nearby table before he and Aria resumed their positions at the pulley.

Rosalie smiled as she sat down. “Well, the ship may have sailed, but I certainly don’t mind the view.”

Kiara took a seat next to Rosalie, both of them staring. “A little Prince Liam never hurt anyone.”

“Depends on where he puts it,” Rosalie snorted, her comment earning a quiet laugh from both Madeleine and Olivia.

“Ugh,” Jacqueline huffed at the comment before storming out of the tent.

Rosalie cackled. “Good catching up, dear! Let’s do it again soon!”

****

Aria stepped away from a table where she and Maxwell were sawing wood. She wiped the sweat from her brow with her forearm before working her hair tie from her hair to redo her ponytail. As she gathered her hair into her hand, her eyes fell on Liam, who was still lifting beams with Drake and Rashad. His feet dug into the dirt as he held onto the rope; when he pulled, his back and arm muscles went taut, glistening beneath the hot afternoon sun. She’d seen him without his shirt plenty of times over the last month and a half, and even back on the island, so she wasn’t sure what had her so laser-focused on his body at that moment, but she couldn’t peel her eyes away.

“You’re looking a little thirsty.”

Aria snapped her head over to Maxwell, feeling her cheeks burn. “What?”

“Thirsty,” he said, handing her a bottle. “I got you some water.”

“Oh,” Aria nervously laughed; she didn’t get caught after all. “Thank you.”

“Welcome,” Maxwell nodded before taking a chug of his own water. “Also, I saw you staring,” he laughed.

“Staring?”

“At Liam,” Maxwell laughed. “I could practically hear you salivating.”

“I was not,” she lied, unscrewing the cap from her bottle.

Maxwell snorted. “Uh-huh.”

“I wasn’t.”

“You weren’t what?” Liam’s voice pulled her attention as he, Drake, and Rashad approached them.

“Oh, nothing,” Maxwell laughed, giving Aria a playful nudge. He handed each of the guys a bottle of water he grabbed for them.

Liam grabbed his discarded shirt and flipped it to the clean side before wiping the sweat from his face, neck, then chest. He tossed it back onto the table and looked over, noticing the grimace on Aria’s face as she looked at it. “Now you know why I suggested we bring that change of clothing,” he chuckled.

“Break time’s over,” Drake said as he crushed his empty water bottle and tossed it onto the table.

“We’ll be right over,” Liam said, and Drake nodded before he, Maxwell, and Rashad walked back towards the barn.

“I can’t believe how fast this thing is going up,” Aria said as she looked up at it.

“It takes a village,” Liam chuckled as he gestured to all of the people helping.

Aria glanced at him and then found her eyes shifting just behind him. “We’ve got incoming,” she said quietly, spotting Jacqueline making her way towards them.

Liam looked at her. “She’s coming this way?” Aria nodded. He turned his back to her and squatted down. “Hop on.”

“What?” Aria laughed.

“Get on my back. We’ll get away and get a photo op in the process since Donnie Brine is pointing his camera right at us.”

Aria did as he requested; Liam felt her arms wrap around his neck, and he reached back, hitching his arms around her thighs and hoisting her up as he stood, hearing her laugh. He turned his head towards her and chuckled, giving her a knowing look. Aria subtly shook her head with a small, understanding smile; she leaned in, pressing her lips to his as their photo was taken.

When they parted, Liam headed towards the others, and Aria leaned down to his ear. “Ya know, I noticed she only starts to come towards you if Drake, Maxwell, and Rashad aren’t around.”

Aria could feel the rumble of Liam’s laughter against her chest. “Maxwell and Rashad will always be cordial because of courtly decorum. It’s Drake she’s worried about. I don’t think he was her biggest fan, and she always said that he didn’t like her; he’s never said anything, though, probably for me. But after what happened, I think she assumes he won’t keep quiet on my behalf anymore.”

“So, you just need to take Drake with you everywhere you go, and she’ll leave you alone,” Aria chuckled in his ear.

Liam smiled as he looked at her. “I think what we’re doing seems to be working just fine.”

****

Hours later, as the sun began to set, everyone looked up at the finished barn. Aria stood next to Liam with their hands intertwined as he gave a brief speech, thanking everyone that had come out to help. Once the gathered crowd began to disperse, Aria turned and looked at the barn. “I still can’t believe this thing was built in a day,” she shook her head.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m exhausted,” Maxwell groaned as he dropped into the grass.

Rashad pressed his palm against his shoulder, moving his arm in a circular motion. “Yeah, I’m gonna feel this in the morning.”

“You two are so pathetic,” Drake laughed, shaking his head.

“We could always hit up the spa back at the manor,” Liam suggested.

Maxwell lifted his head from the grass. “Oh, that does sound nice and relaxing.” He jumped up from the ground, brushing off his clothes. “I’m in.” Drake and Rashad both nodded in agreement.

Liam looked at Aria. “Are you up for that?”

“Sure,” she shrugged.

“Well, why don’t you two head back,” Rashad said. “That way, Liam can use his princely powers to ensure it’s empty and stays that way,” he laughed.

“We’ll help clean up here and meet you guys there,” Drake said.

****

Once back at the manor, Liam spoke with the staff to keep the spa closed before he and Aria headed up to their room to change. Wrapped in their towels, they slipped out of their room and made their way down to the spa. When they stepped inside, they approached the hot tub.

Liam glanced over as Aria pulled her towel off, revealing the black strapless bikini she had worn to the beach party; he closed his eyes and turned his head away as he tugged his own towel loose before they slipped into the water. “Ahhh,” Aria sighed with a smile.

“Not going to lie, this was one of my better suggestions,” Liam chuckled as he slid into the water next to her.

The couple, finally alone, sat in silence as the hot water relaxed their tired and sore muscles. Liam’s eyes slid towards a bikini-clad Aria, and his emotions and thoughts became consumed with her. Again. He thought over their interactions that day: the playfulness, the flirtation, the show they put on for the press and public. Except it was no longer a ruse for him. He thought having a fake relationship with someone would be easy, particularly someone who hated him, his family, and all it was assumed they stood for. And it was … until it wasn’t fake anymore.

For him, anyway.

The only good thing he could salvage from admitting his feelings for Aria was that she didn’t feel the same way. He knew, based on her earlier disdain for him, that while they may have formed a friendship since her time in Cordonia, there was no way she had romantic feelings towards him. It would be much worse for him if she did; he knew it would be harder for him to control himself. He never thought he would take solace in knowing someone didn’t return his affections, yet here he was, grateful for that very thing.

Needing to break the silence before he became too consumed in his thoughts and remembering something he forgot to tell her earlier, Liam glanced over at Aria. “I forgot to tell you,” he chuckled. “Ana de Luca approached me earlier while you were sawing wood with Maxwell. She wanted to know if you and I would be willing to give an interview for that special feature in Trend regarding -- get this -- relationship advice.”

Aria’s eyes widened as she looked over at him. “What?”

Liam nodded with a laugh. “I told her I would talk to you about it.”

“I’m going to say no.”

“Why?”

“We’re in a fake relationship, Liam. We’re the last two people anyone should be looking to for advice,” Aria snorted.

“So, we use past relationships as examples … of what not to do,” Liam chuckled.

Aria shook her head. “That’s even worse because I haven’t had a relationship in a long time.”

Liam gave her a skeptical look. “Can’t have been that long.” Aria arched a challenging brow at his assumption. “How long?”

“Three years.”

Liam furrowed his brows and shook his head in disbelief. “No way.”

“Way,” Aria laughed. “I told you when I first came here … relationships and I don’t mix.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I’ve just … never had much luck with them,” she shrugged. “I had a string of bad ones … and the last really soured them for me. So I decided that I was just done.”

Liam gave her a curious smile. “I want to see what this last guy looks like.”

“Why?” Aria laughed.

“I don’t know,” Liam shrugged. “I want to see the person that soured any and all relationships for you. You’ve seen mine, so it’s only fair,” he grinned.

Aria chuckled but reached over and grabbed her phone from the edge of the deck. She pulled up Pictagram and searched his name; she clicked on his profile and handed her phone to Liam. “Ok, well, right off the bat … Ambrose,” Liam gave her a look, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “He sounds pretentious as hell,” he chuckled. “Alright, let’s see …” Liam scrolled through and clicked a close-up photo of the man; he had a defined jawline, dark hair, and light brown eyes that popped against his tan complexion. “Eh,” Liam shrugged. “Doesn’t appear to be any loss on your part,” Liam chuckled as he set her phone back on the spa deck, and Aria laughed. “I know they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but at first glance, he looks like he’s a jackass.”

“When you’re right, you’re right,” Aria nodded.

Liam looked at her. “So, what did you see in him?”

“Well … we had hung out in the same circle. We weren’t friends, but more like acquaintances. But then we became friends.”

“Like us?” Liam smirked.

Aria looked at him; she supposed it was a little similar. The only difference was that she absolutely despised Liam before, but here they were now, and she could definitely call them friends. “Maybe a little … I guess,” she smiled.

“What made you realize there was more between you two than just friendship?”

Aria thought for a moment, but she didn’t have to think very hard. As she stared at Liam, she remembered exactly what made her realize that there may be something more there while ignoring the real reason as to why she was so quick to remember after so much time. “I started to see this different side of him,” she said quietly, still holding Liam’s gaze intently. “And I started to enjoy his company … a lot more than I was willing to admit. He was just very … unexpected.”

“What first drew you in?” Liam asked as he subtly shifted closer to her.

Aria continued to search his eyes. “He could make me laugh even when I didn’t want to. And his smile … it started to give me butterflies that I couldn’t ignore. And sometimes, the way he looked at me … it made me feel like I was something worth looking at.” Liam stared back at her, hanging on to every word she said as each one pulled him closer to her because he knew exactly what she was describing; it was everything he had started to feel around her … for her. “And his eyes …” she whispered, momentarily trailing off as she got lost in his gaze. “I would get lost in his blue eyes--”

“Brown.”

Aria froze. “What?”

“You said blue eyes … but in the picture that you showed me, his eyes were brown.”

Aria swallowed thickly. “Slip of the tongue.”

“Right …” Liam whispered with his gaze still locked on hers.

Then, Liam’s eyes flickered down to her lips that were right in front of him, and he couldn’t stop himself as he started to lean in. His heart began to beat a little faster as the lingering scent of her perfume filled his senses. Aria registered what was about to happen, but she was too mesmerized to stop herself from leaning towards him, holding her breath in wait; her eyes fell shut when she felt the tip of his nose brush hers while holding their lips in a whisper of a kiss.

With their lips just a breath away, suddenly the spa door burst open, causing them to jump apart. They looked over, and Liam subtly tensed his jaw when Maxwell appeared around the corner, followed by Drake and Rashad. “Hey, guys!”

Aria waved at them and smiled sheepishly as she looked at Liam. “I, uh … I should give you some time to hang out with them.”

“You can stay,” Liam said.

“No, that’s ok. I’ll see you back in our room.” She needed time alone to clear her head after realizing what she had just unintentionally said.

Liam nodded, and she stood from the hot tub; his eyes couldn’t help but follow the rivulets of water running down her body as she stepped out, but he quickly shook the thoughts and turned his head away. Aria grabbed her towel and said goodbye to the others before slipping out of the door.

The three of them joined Liam in the hot tub, and he stared at them. “Hello to you too,” Drake chuckled, taking in his expression.

“You guys have the most impeccable fucking timing,” Liam chided as he ran his hand down his face.

“Oh,” Rashad laughed as he and Drake shared a knowing look. “Did we … interrupt something?”

Liam eyed him. “No.”

They sat in silence for a few moments before Rashad looked at Liam. “So, how have you been holding up with Jacqueline’s return?”

Liam rolled his eyes. “I wish she would take a fucking hint,” he grumbled.

Drake and Rashad shared a look. “Aria seems to be staking her claim whenever Jacqueline’s been around,” Drake chuckled.

Liam smiled with a quiet laugh. “She’s been helping me avoid her, and has been laying it on extra-thick at events and such to try and get the message across.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason she’s been laying it on thick?” Maxwell asked curiously.

Liam looked at him. “What do you mean?”

Drake leaned back against the hot tub wall. “I don’t know, Li, you two seem to be … engaging differently lately.” Liam furrowed his brows. “You’re walking around staring at her with googly eyes and shit,” he laughed.

“Not to mention, there suddenly seems to be more behind your little act in front of the press,” Rashad said. “Like today, for example … and that kiss.” Drake and Rashad had both been watching when Liam and Aria arrived at the barn-raising, and they both took notice of their interview with the press.

Liam shook his head. “It’s all part of the --”

“Ruse,” the other three finished his statement with him, and Liam shot them a look.

“Yeah, I got your bullshit card right here, Your Highness,” Drake challenged. “Just admit it already … you like her.”

“As a friend, yes. Again, she’s just been laying it on extra-thick since a certain someone won’t take a hint.” That was the truth. He may have been acting differently because he was still trying to process and figure out how to avoid his feelings for her before they grew any more, but he knew the only reason Aria was acting differently towards him was to help in the avoidance of Jacqueline.

“Holy shit,” Drake groaned as he dropped his head and shook it with exasperation. “You two are so fucking blind.”

“I hate to burst your hopeful and nosy fucking bubbles, but you’re wrong,” Liam lied. “So, can we drop both that and she who shall not be named? Because I really don’t want to talk about either.”

****

Aria sat on the bed in her and Liam’s room after taking a shower, running her fingers through her damp tresses as she stared off, lost in thought. This is bad. This is really, really bad, she thought. You’re such an idiot. She closed her eyes as she heaved a sigh, and the words she had said to Liam down in the spa began haunting her.

What she had described to Liam weren’t things that progressed with her and her ex. Seeing him differently, actually enjoying his company despite being so set against wanting to, being unable to ignore the butterflies, all of it was what was happening now. She had been able to avoid acknowledging her growing feelings for Liam by simply ignoring them altogether. And it worked … until it didn’t. And now she had not only allowed herself to admit it, but she said out loud. A wave of embarrassment washed over her as she dropped her head into her hands with a groan. You even mentioned his eyes. She hoped he didn’t catch on, that he truly believed it was just a slip of the tongue. He’s dumb enough to buy that … right? Even if he wasn’t, she knew he wouldn’t care. It’s not as though he felt anything for her. And since the first time they met, he had made it no secret that he was completely uninterested in any kind of relationship outside of the bedroom.

Aria had a knack in the past for falling for emotionally unavailable men. That’s clearly something that hasn’t changed in three years, she scoffed silently. Liam was no different. He was as emotionally unavailable as they came. But so was she, and that was the difference between then and now. As she told Liam once before: relationships were just one giant complicated mess where you have to rely on someone else for your own happiness. She had no interest in placing her heart into the hands of someone who not only didn’t know how to hold it but didn’t want to. She had no interest in putting herself out there at all.

Aria fell back against the mattress and laid her head on the pillow. She couldn’t give this realization any more thought than she already had. It simply wasn’t worth it. She would just ignore it; if she ignored it enough, it would go away.

****

Liam returned to his and Aria’s room later that night, having gotten caught up in conversation with Drake, Maxwell, and Rashad. When he stepped inside, he softly smiled, seeing Aria sound asleep. He quietly closed the door and crept over to the bed; he pulled the blankets over her before slipping into the bathroom.

Once finished with his shower, Liam exited the bathroom and walked towards the bed; he turned off the small light on the nightstand before slipping beneath the blankets, careful not to wake her. He let out a soft sigh as he stared up at the moonlit ceiling for a moment before turning to his side to face Aria, who was on her back with her head turned away from him.

After his conversation with the guys at the spa, it was clear to Liam that he wasn’t doing a very good job at hiding much of anything. Hell, they had been insinuating something between him and Aria from the very beginning, even before Liam realized it himself. And now, on top of thinking about his own feelings for her, Liam found himself questioning Maxwell’s words: Are you sure that’s the only reason she’s been laying it on thick? Was it? And was Drake right? Was he completely blind? To his own feelings, yes. But to Aria’s as well?

Liam tensed his jaw and slightly shook his head. It didn’t matter; none of it mattered. That’s what he kept telling himself. They came together for one reason and one reason only: the ruse. For both of their sakes, it couldn’t go beyond that. As he repeated those words in his head, Aria shifted in the bed. She turned to her side to face Liam, resting her head on her pillow with her face right in front of his; he lifted his arm as she subconsciously snuggled closer to him, resting it across her waist.

It couldn’t go beyond that … could it?

#trr #choices trr #the royal romance #choices the royal romance #liam rys #king liam rys #trr liam #king liam #liam x oc #trr liam x oc #choices liam x oc #trr mc #trr liam x mc #choices liam x mc #trr fanfic #trr fanfiction #trr fan fic #choices trr fanfic #trr au #trr au fanfic #choices trr au

[firefly-in-darkness]

Separation, Connection - [1/2]

Pairing →Bucky Barnes x Reader

Characters → Marvel Characters

Summary → Your friendship with Bucky deterioates when you catch him in a compromising position with a fellow agent.

Word Count → 2.3k

SSB2021 Square Fill → “God I hate you” - @star-spangled-bingo

AFG Square Fill  → “What the fuck am I seeing?” @anyfandomgoesbingo

Warnings → 18+. Angst, Heartbreak, Jealousy, Swearing

Betas → @kalesrebellion // all mistakes are my own.

A/N → This one was sitting in my WIPs folder for ages, and after brainstorming with @writethelifeyouwant, this 2 parter was finished! Ps. I know I haven’t updated Worst Idea Ever in a while and I’m sorry - I’m just very stuck with it atm, the plot and majority of the story is planned out, I just can’t seem to fill in the blanks.

Firefly’s Masterlist

You and Bucky were close, and there was that little thin line between friendship and something more. Nothing had happened but, god, you had wanted it to. The secret crush you harboured for your teammate, your friend, had only grown over the years. Everyone thought you would be good together, commenting on how well you got along, that friendship was an important part of a relationship. Both of you rolling your eyes and laughing at their comments.

When you finally gathered the courage to tell him how you felt, you saw him with someone else. They were at the back of the training facility; the team were in a simulation of a terrorist attack on Paris and once the time on the training session was called, you stumbled across them.

They were just out of sight, hidden in a dark corner. And it wasn’t just a casual embrace. They were having sex, he was fucking her, hard, up against a wall. You froze at the sight of his bare bottom clenching with each thrust and the blissed-out look on her face. What the fuck am I seeing?! Heart shattered, you fled from the room without a sound, not wanting to disturb them or for anyone to see you crying.

It hurt too much to be as close to him after that, you consciously decided to withdraw from the friendship. Not going straight to him when entering a room or staying in bed instead of heading to the rooftop where you’d usually wander at five in the morning to talk with Bucky, putting the world to right.

And of course, Bucky noticed. It had been a week since you had joined him for a midnight chat in the kitchen. He was missing his best friend. He wanted to share his life with her, and she was nowhere to be seen unless someone else was in the room. 

Bucky knew it was a bad sign when you chose to sit next to Wanda, not sandwiched between him and Nat, on movie night. He felt alone in a room full of friends, as they watched a film about a love triangle set in England. It was supposed to be funny, but Bucky didn’t hear the jokes, let alone the punchlines. 

Nat had realised something was wrong too. She saw the dark circles under your eyes when you drained the coffee from the cup in the morning and the puffy redness from crying in the middle of the day. She had detested the way you and Bucky were before, it was like a pair of magnets drawn together, a connected ribbon, a gravitational pull. But now? Well, you were repelling within a few meters of one another, and she hated that even more.

“What did you do, Barnes?” Nat whispered harshly, eyes still on the film.

“Nothing.” Bucky looked over to you, sleeping with your head resting on Wanda’s lap.

“So why is Wanda looking at you like that?” She raised an eyebrow.

Bucky lifted his gaze, saw the fiery red eyes staring back at him as she stroked your hair, a soft red mist falling over you. He frowned at the Sokovian and tried to talk telepathically but she shook her head and looked back at the television.

On autopilot, you ran from your room to his bedroom door, knocking until the screams died down. Long ago, you’d learnt to not enter the room until he’d settled down, had the bruises to your neck and dealt with the guilt-ridden expression on Bucky’s face for weeks.

Pressing your ear to the door, you could hear Bucky moving about and slowly pushed it open so as not to startle him. A soft glow from the lamp at his bedside welcomed you in, he'd stacked his pillows against the headboard with his knees drawn up and resting his head in his hands.

“Hi, Buck. It’s me.” You spoke softly, his head and eyes shot up to meet yours.

You walked over and sat at the end of the bed, averting your eyes to the floor and fingers fiddling with the edge of a blanket, waiting for him to respond.

“What did I do doll?” He croaked, fingers running through his hair, his knees dropping down.

Your heart raced and you were certain he could hear the harsh thumps, but your voice remained steady, “It's nothing, just need a little time to process some things.”

“You normally come to me. What's different?” His voice was strained, thick with distress.

Standing up, you walked towards the window, arms wrapped tightly around your torso. You could feel his eyes burning into the side of your face, but you remained focused on the navy sky fading to blues and oranges with the sunrise.

“I can't this time Buck, I need space. I need space from you.” With each word, your heart fractured along the lines you’d attempted to piece together with being away from him.

“Get out then, just leave me alone.” His tone was now harsh, stronger than before.

“God, I hate you.” Without a final glance, you left the room. Your heart in tatters once more.

Once in the safety of your room, the sob heaved out of you. Bucky had disregarded you so easily, he let you go without a second thought. And you didn’t know what was worse; what you saw a week ago or what he just said.

Bucky finished his 76th lap when someone caught his eye. It was you. His best friend. The one he stupidly let go of. It had been three months since he'd told you to leave, and you hadn't gone back on his word.

Of course, Bucky was just as stubborn and hadn't approached you unless it was work-related. But there was something different about you. His eyes focused on the man you were standing with, and how you glowed, and Bucky just couldn't stand that you were feeling that way about a random recruit and not him.

“She used to look at you that way.” Wanda’s voice echoed in his head.

He scanned the field and found her figure leaning against a tree, shading herself from the summer sun and a book in hand. Bucky grabbed the small towel and wiped away the sweat, swigging his water bottle, then joined her on the grass.

“What are you talking about? She’s never looked at me like that.” He gestured towards you and the agent.

Wanda chuckled and shook her head, “You're not blind, or stupid, Bucky, she adored you. Still does, even though I wish she would get over you.”

His brow creased. “She wanted space, ended our friendship.” 

Wanda’s eyes flashed red, “And you broke her heart.” 

“Show me.” Bucky held out his hand, pleading with her, “I don’t know what I did wrong.”

“I can’t Bucky. It's private, she would never forgive me.” Wanda shook her head and placed her book in her lap, “I've seen what she's done to you, I'm not going to lose her too.”

Bucky sprang to his feet and kicked at the grass. “Then just tell me what you know. Just something?” He turned to face you, hands on his hips as he tried to think of what he’d done.

“Paris terrorist simulation,” Wanda stated without emotion.

Bucky turned around, seeing nothing but a neutral expression on her face. The simulation had been a success, the whole team had done well but he hadn’t seen you at the debriefing. Steve said you were exhausted and needed to rest. 

“What about it?” asked Bucky.

“Don't deny it. I saw it, I felt it. She had no chance of blocking me from that pain.” Wanda stood up, eyes flickering red, “you and that agent. I thought you were better than that Bucky.”

“Shit.” 

Bucky knew exactly what Wanda had meant before she explained. Shame coursed through him; he'd broken your trust by not telling you about the agent he’d been hooking up with. Honestly, he didn't want you to know, didn't want you to judge him for the flings he had. Subconsciously, he knew that was what your distancing was about because he hadn't seen her again or hooked up with anyone since.

All he wanted was you back in his life; he was going to make it happen.

Wanda smirked, shaking her head before walking ahead of him, “Best get a move on Barnes, she’s not thinking of him in a platonic way.”

Bucky’s jaw clenched and he strutted towards you, determined to get you back.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and he could only hope you still felt the same way.

You couldn’t believe Bucky dared to pull rank on you in front of another agent. That he had the gall to do such a thing after he told you to leave him alone, how he betrayed your trust as a friend and unknowingly broke your heart.

You stormed down the blurry corridors as anger took the form of tears. Your whole body tense and determined to get away from the assassin on your tail. People parted like the sea as they saw your strut and scowl, you scoffed at their reaction and thought, this must be what it’s like to be Bucky on a mission. Using it to your advantage, you managed to pull someone by the arm and into the path of the Winter Soldier.

While you sprinted away, you glanced back and spotted Bucky helping the woman to her feet, apologising profusely and then realising it was the agent you had caught him with. Your blood boiled as you pushed through the door to the stairwell, it slammed against the wall and probably damaged it, but you didn’t care anymore.

It wasn’t until the breeze hit your face that you realised where you were. You’d come to the rooftop, the exact spot that you’d air all your worries with Bucky. It was the place you’d first bonded outside of the team. 

A hand dragged down your face and your shoulders slumped. You spun on your heel, ready to escape when you stopped short. There he was, blocking the doorway. You groaned, of course, he knew exactly where you’d go even before you did.

“I just want to talk.” Bucky quietly spoke, a hint of a question in his tone but a statement all the same.

“I’ll scale down the side of this building if I have to.” You stepped back towards the edge.

Bucky growled and walked towards you, “would you quit being so stubborn and dramatic for one second?”

“Just leave me alone.” You threw his own words back at him, stopping him in his tracks.

At that moment, you could see that Bucky realised how hurtful those words were, but you weren’t going to console him anytime soon. He should suffer for how he spoke to you and for never attempting to speak to you until now.

Bucky slowly circled you towards the edge, his eyes focused on you while you turned in tandem following his moves. He reached the railing then settled down into a seated position, legs hanging over the side, his chest against the metal pole.

“Are you going to join me?” Bucky’s gaze now on the horizon.

With a roll of your eyes, you sat beside him, but at least a metre apart, you couldn’t get that close to him. He was too intoxicating, and your emotions were incredibly high, even if they were full of anger and hurt, and you didn’t trust yourself not to succumb to his charm.

“Are you going to talk then?” You sassed back at him.

“I’m sorry for what you saw. You shouldn’t have seen that.” Bucky didn’t hold back, “I was going to tell you, I just thought you’d judge me.”

“I’d judge you. For sleeping with a colleague. In the middle of a training simulation?” You scoffed, “You didn’t tell me about her. Or anyone else for that matter. Natasha filled me in on all your little late night rendezvous when I was on missions.”

“I didn’t mean to.” Bucky knew he’d not win this conversation and scrambled to bring it back onto his side, “you were away, and I needed something, someone.”

“So, you used them and used me too?” You glared at him.

“That’s not what I said,” Bucky seethed, annoyed at the way you were twisting his words but not surprised with the pain you felt. 

You continued, ignoring his comment, unable to stop the words falling from your lips, “I gave you emotional support. Watched you cry yourself to sleep after a nightmare, held your hand when you had a panic attack during a mission.” You shook your head at him, “I just wasn’t good enough for the sex part.”

Bucky held your chin and pulled your face to look at him, “You mean more to me than that. I just didn’t know how you felt. If I’d had known-”

You jerked away from his touch, it felt too nice, it felt like home, but you weren’t ready to fall back into this friendship. He knew how you felt, and you weren’t ready for his rejection. You still needed your space.

Swiftly, you returned to your feet, brushing down your trousers and hands, “Thank you for your apology, but I can’t forgive you.”

Bucky stood up and watched you begin to leave, “I’ll do my best to make you see how much you mean to me.”

You paused in the doorway, but you had to be strong, to carry on walking away, you couldn’t let him hurt you again. It was time to move on.

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