DA Chapter 15

she was such a beautiful and talented actress that brought to life so many iconic characters, and from what the people around her have said, she seemed like a kind and powerful soul. she made everything she was in better, and she will be missed tremendously. rest in paradise helen mccrory

DA Chapter 11

Chapter 10

It had been a month since Harper was brought back to the tower. She had been going to physical therapy every morning, despite the fact that she no longer required assistance with anything, and she was finally feeling back to her old self. It would still take some work for her to use her bow, or a gun, at least as she once had, but she was determined to get out of the care of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers as soon as she could.

Fury decided that the best option for her was to move to the compound. She would be able to heal in peace, mostly, and she would be able to work with weapons any time she wanted. Harper begrudgingly agreed, if for no other reason than knowing she owed her life to him. What harm could a few weeks in a guarded vacation home do anyway?

Four weeks at the compound passed quickly. Thanks to the serum, she was healing rapidly, felt stronger than ever before, and was finally able to use her right arm without much issue. She still wasn't a hundred percent yet, but she was close enough.

Bucky had stuck by her side as much as she allowed, helping her to regain her strength and accuracy both in combat and with weaponry. She trusted him enough to let him take care of her, but it wasn't always easy. Harper had never been one to allow anyone to get close to her. She was always guarded, cautious, and wary. But Bucky made her feel relaxed in a way that she'd only ever been able to relax around him. Harper now knew what it felt like, to be vulnerable, and it wasn't a feeling she ever wanted to experience again. Bucky understood this and was very patient with her.

One afternoon, they were in the gym sparring with each other. He was careful with her right side, knowing her shoulder had taken the brunt of the damage and had yet to heal fully, or so he assumed.

"Come on, soldier, I know you can do better than that," Harper taunted him.

"I don't want to hurt you," Bucky protested.

"I've told you, soldier. I'll be fine. After everything I went through, you're nothing," Harper retorted.

He scoffed, "And I've told you, call me Bucky. I'm not the Winter Soldier anymore, okay?"

"Fine... Bucky. Now show me what you got," Harper challenged.

There was something going on with her. No one should be healing as quickly as Harper was. She was stronger too. Not wanting to press things though, Bucky just sighed as they both jumped into a fight stance, fists raised, ready to strike. They circled each other warily, sizing up their opponent and gauging if they could land any hit on them. Then Bucky threw a punch at Harper, who blocked it easily. She quickly retaliated with a kick to Bucky's leg, causing him to stumble.

Harper followed that up by tackling him to the ground. She landed squarely on top of him, pinning his arms down underneath her. Bucky growled, trying to buck Harper off of him. She smirked and leaned in close to his ear. He froze instantly, his breathing labored.

She whispered, "Remember what happened last time we were like this? Remember how we nearly killed each other?" Bucky swallowed hard and nodded his head. A faint smile spread across her face, "Don't worry, soldier... Bucky... This time is different," she said softly.

Harper shifted her weight, so she was sitting astride Bucky’s hips, straddling his waist and allowing his arms to move freely once again. She saw something familiar in his eyes, something she had seen before when she was with the Winter Soldier. It was the same glimmer in his eye she remembered seeing each time he learned he would be working alongside her.

She knew it was wrong, but something in her heart pulled her forward. Something she had never felt before. That same pull grew stronger with every passing second until their lips met. Hard. Bucky responded by wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer, deepening the kiss.

After several minutes, they pulled apart. Both were panting slightly. Bucky rested his forehead against hers. He gently ran his fingers through her hair before resting his hands on her lower back. They stayed like that for a few moments until Harper finally broke the silence, "I'm sorry..." she muttered.

Bucky shook his head, "For what?"

"I shouldn't have kissed you..." she trailed off, sitting up on her knees still straddling Bucky’s hips.

Bucky smiled, "It's alright."

"No, Bucky," she started. "I mean... we can't..." she sighed softly, "It's too dangerous."

"What?" Bucky asked, confused.

Harper pushed herself off of him and stood up. "I've been walking this world alone for a long time, Bucky. It's kept me safe all these years; I can't risk doing something reckless like this."

Bucky stood up, "I don't understand, Harley."

Harper turned to face him, "The last thing I need is someone getting hurt because I let my guard down," she said firmly.

Bucky frowned, "Why don't we just talk about this?" he suggested, brushing himself off.

"There's nothing to talk about, Bucky. It just isn't possible," she insisted.

Bucky stepped forward, putting his hands lightly on her waist, "Look, Harley, I understand... I really do. But you're not alone anymore."

She backed away from him, pulling out of his grasp. "Listen, soldier. I'm not staying. Once I can use my bow again, I'm gone," she stated firmly. Harper sighed, shaking her head when she saw the disappointment in his eyes. "It's safer this way... for everyone," she finished quietly. With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Bucky in the gym alone.

Standing at the line at the archery range, Harper pulled an arrow from the quiver on her back. Taking aim, she released her hand, nailing the target perfectly in the center. Smiling, she placed another arrow to her string, lining up for another shot. The next arrow was much faster than the first and hit the target dead center again, just to the side of the first.

"Looks like someone's back to themselves," a voice said behind her.

Harper sighed and turned to face the man who had spoken. "Still not perfect, but I'll get there."

"How are you feeling?"

She shrugged, "Better than before. The shoulder still has some healing to do, but with as much damage as that arrow did, I guess that's to be expected."

"You going to tell me yet just how you managed to heal almost completely in just over two months?"

"I told you, Hawk, I don't know."

"That's bullshit, Harley. Why won't you just tell me the truth? What harm could it do?" he questioned.

Harper glared at him, "Why is it so important that you know?" she spat.

"Because you're my sister, Harley," Clint replied simply. "Here I am, trying to reach out to you, giving you a chance, and you just turn it into a fight."

"You're only bitching because you feel guilty, Hawk. I'm not stupid," Harper retorted sharply.

Clint sighed, "Guilt or not; it doesn't matter. I'm trying, Harley. Why can't you?"

"Because I don't need your pity, Clint. I needed my brother. I reached out to my brother. And you brushed me off like I was dust on your bow," she hissed angrily.

Clint sighed, "I'm sorry, Harls. I should have listened… I shouldn't have reacted so cold toward you when you first showed up. I'm sorry. Just -"

"Just stop, Hawk. Save your 'sorry.' I don't need it. Not from you. Not from anyone," Harper snapped harshly.

Clint flinched, "Alright," he mumbled softly. "Then what do you want?"

"Honestly? I don't know. I'm healthy enough. I think I'm just going to go," Harper answered.

"Go where?" Clint questioned.

"Back to work. Back to what I do best," Harper answered.

Clint looked shocked, "You want to leave? To do what? Find the two people that tried to kill you? That's suicide, Harley!"

"I have an advantage this time. I'll be fine," Harper assured him.

Her brother stared at her intently, studying her facial expression. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully before taking a deep breath. "The serum," he murmured.

Harper gave him a quizzical look, "Excuse me?"

"The serum you were searching for. Fury told you where to find it, and you took it. Didn't you?" Clint guessed. "That's why you survived the attack. The serum was already trying to heal your wounds before Barnes ever found you."

Harper nodded slowly; there was no sense lying to him. "Yes," she agreed. "I injected a small dose before they ever found me. When Barnes brought me here, Fury found the vials in my bag and had Banner give me a second dose."

"That explains it," Clint nodded. "Listen, Harley. Why don't we make a deal? One where we can both get what we want?"

"Like what?"

"Before you leave, give me two weeks. I'll find the men that attacked you, and you have more time to heal and practice; get yourself back where you know you need to be," Clint negotiated.

"Why?" she questioned. "Why help me now?"

"They are as much a threat to me as they are you. Not to mention, if you go at it alone and fail, they become a threat to my kids. They made us into what we are... so what do you say we end it the same way we started? Together."

Harper hesitated before saying, "Fine. I guess we'll see what happens," she replied. "But only two weeks, Hawk. That's it."

Clint nodded, "Good enough for me," he said with a smirk before heading towards the exit.

Chapter 12 – Masterlist – Taglist

DA Chapter 20

Chapter 19

It was Halloween night when Bucky returned to his apartment after his latest mission. He sighed as he unlocked the door and stepped through the threshold. Closing the door, he tossed his keys on the kitchen counter and walked into the living room, stopping himself from flipping the light switch when he saw the silhouette of someone sitting in the chair.

"Trick-or-treat," the stranger greeted.

"Why are you here?" he questioned, knowing immediately who it was.

"To see you, soldier. Why else?"

"Fine... Then, what do you want?" he asked.

"Just to talk," said the figure from the chair.

"Then talk." Bucky made his way to the couch and sat down. He slumped back with a huff, resting his head back against the cushions.

"Awe, are you mad at me? I thought we got along so well."

He shook his head against the cushion, "No games, Harley. Not now. Just tell me what you want, and be on your way." Bucky expected her to give him a sassy comment or even just ignore him and leave. Instead, she remained silent for several minutes, causing Bucky to grow tired of waiting. "Well?" he questioned once more.

"What if I said I don't want to go?"

He lifted his head and looked at her. He wasn't quite sure how to take that response. Did she actually expect him to believe she intended to stick around? Did she think he would fall for that? The silence lingered between them until Harley finally spoke again.

"I'm done running, soldier," she began softly. "I'm staying in New York, and -"

Bucky sat up completely and cut her off. "Why?"

"What do you mean?"

"Thought it was a simple question," he replied. "Why come back now? Why choose now to stay?"

"Honestly? Because I'm tired, Barnes. I'm tired of always running from one threat or another, tired of not having a family, tired of not being happy... tired of being alone," she explained.

“Tired of being alone…” he repeated softly, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees so she could see his bruised face in the glimmer of light that seeped through the window. “Why should I believe a word you tell me? The moment things scare you, you’ll be gone again. Just like every other time."

Harper's hand flinched. She wanted to reach out and touch him but stopped herself. "Maybe before," she admitted, "But this time is different."

“What makes it different this time?” He countered, a bite in his voice. “What is so different that you would stick around?”

"Because..." she paused for a moment. "Because…" she trailed off once more and finally settled on "...Because this time, the only thing that can scare me off is you."

Bucky furrowed his brow, suddenly confused. “Me?”

Harper nodded, unable to look him in the eye. “Yeah. You," she finally managed to reply. Silence hung heavy in the air between them for several minutes until Harper spoke once more. "It's only ever been you, Barnes."

"But... Why? Why me? I mean... I'd never hurt you, Harley. Not intentionally anyway. The Winter Soldier may have, but -"

"I'm not afraid of death, Barnes. I'm not afraid of pain... or of suffering."

"Then what are you afraid of?"

"Of love, Barnes. Happiness and love," she revealed quietly.

Bucky felt his heart skip a beat. "Love?" he whispered, unsure if he had heard her correctly.

Harper took a deep breath and looked at him straight on. "Yes, Barnes… Love," she repeated slowly, testing each word out carefully. The two lapsed into silence once again, but it wasn't uncomfortable or awkward this time. It was... peaceful - like the calm before a storm.

Bucky cleared his throat, breaking the silence first. "I don't understand, Harley. What is so terrifying about love? Or happiness? And what does it have to do with me?"

"Everything," Harley answered simply, shrugging. "You make me feel... whole. Safe. Happy. Things I've never felt before. Things I never thought were possible for me."

Bucky stared at her with wide eyes, trying to process what she said. Was she serious? She had hinted to it before, but never admitted it outright. "Harley - are you saying... you're in love with me?"

She nodded her head slowly. "I guess I am... I didn't truly know what love was until recently, Barnes, but I've realized that, even with the Winter Soldier, you made me feel like I belonged somewhere," she continued. "That someone cared enough to protect me. Then last year, when I had no one, you cared enough to save me. And no matter how much I tried to push you away, you didn't give up."

"So, then why didn't you say anything before? Why did you run?"

Harper smiled sadly. "Because... I didn't think I deserved it. The path I've walked is soaked in blood, Bucky. And, thanks to the serum, I am haunted every day by what I've done over the years. After all the bad I have done…” She paused for a moment and ran a hand across her face. “I didn't think I deserved to find happiness, safety, or peace.”

Bucky looked down at his lap, trying to gather his thoughts. A large part of him was still reeling from her confession, from her admission of love. But he knew exactly how she felt. He'd spent most of his life in war and survival mode, just like she had. He hadn't felt like he deserved to be happy either.

"Barnes?" Harley called softly, bringing him out of his thoughts. He met her gaze once more and gave her a small smile. "Are you okay?"

Bucky nodded his head, "I'm fine," he said, quickly adding, "Look, Harley..." He hesitated before taking a deep breath and continuing, "I felt the same way when I first got free. Everything I had done..." He swallowed hard, “But I had people who helped and believed in me. And they helped me to realize that people like us deserve to have a happy ending just like everyone else." He paused, looking at Harley. “If I can give you that, Harls...”

“You do, Bucky,” she whispered. “I still don't know if I deserve it or not yet... But... You make me want to believe it."

"I'm not going anywhere, Harley. I promise you."

Harley studied him for several seconds before nodding her head in agreement. “For the first time in my life, I'm trusting someone other than myself,” she said quietly, placing a tentative hand over his. "You're the only one with the power to destroy me now, Barnes,” she whispered quietly, staring into his eyes. "Please don't make me regret it."

Bucky nodded his head and squeezed her hand gently. "Whatever happens, Harley, whatever comes next, we face it together."

Harper arrived at the compound the following week. She walked into the briefing room and took a seat at the large table. Before long, the rest of the team trickled in, each sporting a look of confusion as they found their respective chairs. When Fury arrived, he began the meeting just as he would any other. As he got farther into the details, Tony could no longer keep quiet.

"I'm sorry... Someone want to explain why she is in here?" he asked, pointing toward Harley.

"She's here to help, Stark," Fury replied tersely.

"Help with what?" Tony shot back angrily. "What can she bring to the team that we don't already have? We have an archer, we have a couple of geniuses, and we have super soldiers. What more can she add?"

"Give her a chance, Stark," Clint stated calmly.

"She broke into S.H.I.E.L.D. facilities, stole information, hacked my tech, and we're just supposed to accept that she is here to 'help?'" Tony argued.

"Exactly," Fury shrugged.

Tony shook his head and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I think she could be a great asset to the team,” Bruce shrugged. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone tap into Stark Enterprises as quickly as she did.”

“So she’s definitely smarter than you, Stark,” Nat quipped.

Tony scoffed lightly and rolled his eyes, clearly unamused.

“Smart or not, Harper will be an asset worth having, so she is added to the team,” Fury stated. “End of that discussion.”

With one final roll of his eyes, Tony sighed loudly but let the matter drop for the time being. The meeting went on as usual after that, and Harper kept her silence throughout it all. Once it ended, everyone packed up their things and headed for the exit. Harper took her time, allowing the others to leave before she finally rose to her feet. Before she reached the door, however, a strong arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against a rigid body.

“Are you sure you're ready for this?” came a raspy whisper against her ear. “This is your first time working with a team - even if it is just a small team.”

"Only one way to find out," she replied, turning to face him. Her hands moved up Bucky’s forearms and rested on his shoulders. Her expression softened slightly as he pressed his lips to hers. Harper melted against him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she kissed him back with fervor.

When Bucky finally drew back to catch his breath, he smirked, reaching out and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I'll be right here waiting when you get back. If you need me, call,” he said as he leaned in and placed another soft kiss on her lips. He pulled back and grinned widely. “And please, don't do anything stupid, okay?”

Harper laughed softly. “No promises.” She turned on her heel and exited the room, making her way to the hanger to meet the others. “Maybe this new chapter won't be so bad after all,” she mumbled to herself, knowing full well that she had nothing to lose.

Masterlist – Taglist

Ch. 3

Chapter 2

The former Stark Tower in downtown New York wasn’t exactly a well-hidden base of operations for the Avenger team. In any case, the team occupied a vast and grand penthouse that resided over the top of the formerly militaristic tower. The team split between their academic, investigative, and their heroic duties.

Fury left most day-to-day things to the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents rather than the Avengers themselves, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t help out if they had nothing else to do.

Though, random visitors were pretty unheard of, even with such a central and well-known location as the Tower. Sure, higher-ranking agents like Fury might show up unannounced, but they had every right to be there. But someone unknown?

The elevator’s bell went off, alerting the few members in the main living area to the visitor. They were a bit taken aback when a random stranger stepped through the threshold.

“Can, uh, can we help you?” Wanda approached cautiously.

“I’m looking for Tony Stark,” the woman announced in reply.

“And you are?” Natasha asked from her seat on the couch.

“Someone looking for Mr. Stark.”

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Overcoming Writer's Block

Write the bits you enjoy first

You enjoy writing the action, the environment the introspection? Go for it! Get that gold written down.

I really enjoy writing dialogue, my draft chapters read like a play with the thoughts and descriptive sections added in later.

Skip ahead to the parts of the story that excite you

This, this, this.

Stuck on a transition chapter? Skip ahead to one of the dramatic/fluffy/nsfw parts of the story that you have been head-cannoning about from the start. Not only will it keep you writing, it may remind you to include any foreshadowing you had in mind for earlier chapters and when you eventually get to your pre-drafted chapter you will love your past self when it's already half written.

Get in the right frame of mind

Put your playlist on, spend time visualising, look at the picture or prompt that inspired you. Whatever drives your muse reconnect with it and begin jotting your ideas down once more

Take a break

Sometimes a cup of tea will do it, other times you need a day. On occasion I've taken a week or more off just to breathe and recharge the batteries.

Look after yourself first.

It can be hard if you have frequent commentors or people really eagerly following your story, the pressure whether self inflicted or from external influences is real. But everyone else can wait. You write for you first, when and if you decide to share your work rest assured we'll all still be here cheering you on.

Xxx

Rules: Tag 9 people you want to know better/catch up with. @allys-creative-bubble tagged me in this! <3 

Last song: Medicine by Sydney Mack

Last Movie: Justice League (Snyder cut)

Currently reading : Dancing with Dragons

Currently watching: Soooooooo many shows -- Most are re-watches, like Supernatural, Falcon/Winter Soldier, WandaVision, Family Guy, etc.

Currently Craving: Cake - and Doritos -- No idea why lol

Tagging: No one - my acct is too new -- so, whoever sees this, consider this your tag :P 

Rules: Tag 9 people you want to know better/catch up with. @mariekoukie6661 tagged me in this! (thanks for the tag Wifey)

Last song: BETTER OFF DEAD by jxdn

Last Movie: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 

Currently reading : trying to catch up on all the awesome fanfic i have been tagged in

Currently watching: Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead, Norseman 

Currently Craving: H.E.B Sushi and Chocolate

Tagging: @scarletwinchester84 @padalelli @wonder-cole @danneelsmain @idabbleincrazy  @myinconnelly1  and @rose-demica

Dark Angel Masterlist

Harper Lee “Harley” Barton had always been the hunter, but when the tables are turned on her, Harper must put aside her natural instinct of protecting her family through distance by coming out of the shadows and admitting the truth. Will she survive the challenges that lie ahead of her? Or will she fall prey to her own darkness once more?

These will be ongoing for the entire story -

Characters - Clint Barton, Harper Lee Barton (OC), James Barnes, Nick Fury, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Tony Stark, Laura Barton, Barton kids

Pairing - None through most, but eventual Bucky x Harley OC

Word Count - TOTAL ~40,034

Warnings - Angst, Fight Scenes (nothing too graphic), Mentions of killings  (If you spot any other warnings I should add, please let me know so I can edit this post to include them!)

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Epilogue

Chapter 15

Five years ago, Maura walked away from Hydra for good. She never imagined that, after everything, the Avengers would welcome her back as one of their own. But here she was.

She worked hard to rebuild a friendship with everyone on the team. She enjoyed spending time with Nat and Wanda when they were off duty, thanks to their shared histories with Hydra; she had even grown fond of Steve and Sam. The two had taken her under their wings like an older brother would a younger sister, despite her being a few years older than Sam. Her work in the lab provided plenty of opportunities to spend time with Tony and Bruce, too.

Maura's relationship with Morgan grew as well. She watched her niece grow from a small girl into a teenager. They shared a lot of the same interests, both having similar personalities. It was easy for them to talk for hours, and sometimes they didn't need words at all. When they needed it most, they could just hear each other speak.

Nothing could have prepared her, though, for the relationship she formed with James Barnes. Their connection was more profound than any she shared with the others. He was the only one who truly understood what she had gone through. As the weeks, months, even years went on, she and James grew closer each day.

Their relationship eventually took on an intimate nature, something Maura had not experienced before with anyone else. Sure, she had flings in the past, but they were never like this. There was never love involved, no romance, no feelings of passion, attraction, or anything. With Bucky, however, Maura found all those feelings and more. For the first time in her life, she felt safe. She felt loved. She felt wanted.

Sitting on the couch, the main room of the penthouse of the Avenger's Tower aglow from the holiday decorations, surrounded by friends and family, Maura knew there was no place she'd rather be. Everything in her life, she now knew, had happened for a reason. It had happened to lead her to who she had become and to where she was now. To a place where she finally felt whole, complete, and free. Where she finally felt content.

Resting a hand on her growing belly, Maura looked around at everyone as they opened gifts, laughing and having fun together. This is where she belonged. This is where she is supposed to be. And she couldn't be happier.

Masterlist

Ch. 13

Chapter 12

Maura looked at her reflection in the mirror. She hadn’t even been back a year yet, but each time she donned her Hydra uniform on, she felt a greater sense of discomfort than she had the time before. Hydra had been her home; she had worn the symbol proudly for so many years. She had been happy to do her part, fulfilling her duty to an organization that, in her mind, saved her life.

But now? Knowing what she now knew about her family, about S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra, she saw no reason at all to wear the symbol, nor to serve Hydra any longer. Maura had hoped that the feeling would fade the longer she spent back in the black, but it had grown stronger by the day. She now knew that to some extent, for better or worse, both Hydra and the Avengers had raised her. How could she help her friends if she failed to do what she felt was right?

She thought of her entry into Hydra after she was left in that hospice, alone, without any family to keep her grounded. They had taken her in, given her work and a sense of purpose. She had been a special ops agent, trained to a level only the best were allowed to reach. Intensive study under the likes of the Winter Soldier himself. She even taught young agents the ropes and how to be good spies. But that was all behind her now.

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