A Correspondence Of Obligation - Prologue

Me checking on one of my beloved ao3 fics that hasn't been updated since 2017

Sleepy Baby Part 5

a/n: I am super flattered by how many people have liked this little story.

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin / Reader

Warnings: Cursing

Word Count: 1700 ish

Summary: Jake has thoughts about you.

Masterlist     Part 4

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Omg you mothers are amazing !!!

I really cannot understand how you manage to do so much !! 😭

I’m sending you all the love ❤️ !! And good luck for everything!

And it blows my mind how you can write such good fics while having so little time ! YOU ARE AMAZING 🤩

Blessing you with these two fine ass men because I haven’t been able to interact with you today and I missed you 🥺❤️

I miss you too!!! Work is kicking my ass today and I haven’t had a second to write anything 😢

I’m just going to spend my break drooling over these handsome men 🤤🤤🤤 ahhhh I need to watch season 6 so I can remember how sexy Tommy is!

Ps: I got your request and I am happy to write it babe ❤️❤️

AND AND IT HAS 10K+ WORDS AND IS STILL BEING UPDATED?!?

Be Silenced (Marvel long one-shot)

A/n: So, I've been thinking about this for a while now and thought that I'd put it down and see what you guys think. This is about THIS post from yesterday and this is just a small bit about what came to mind over the past 24 hours. Let me know what you guys think!! Also, I couldn't find a gif that I had in my mind, so I just decided to use this one. It's a bit longer than I expected and of course I am willing to do a part 2 if anyone wants one...

This does come with a warning though...

Warning: dark themes, death, mentions of concentration camps, mistreating people, complete disregard of human rights, please proceed with caution because it is a bit dark...

They all thought HYDRA was bad until the next mission came along. This new organization takes human experimentation to the next level. Levels that make the entire team cringe or make their rage rise. The last they have heard of anything like this was in World War II.

The place is like a concentration camp and they can't bear to think if the living conditions for these human experiments are similar to that of those unfortunate souls that suffered in the past, or if it's at least slightly better.

After their cover is blown, they know that this is no better than what they were hoping for because, after a few shouts, there are multiple gunshots and screams. The team knows that they have to move fast if they want to save any lives.

When things have calmed down, the team is disappointed to realize that they failed. "You can't win them all," Steve says, but everyone knows he's just as angry that they didn't win this fight as they all are.

It's even worse to go through the slaughter, the attempt to hide what this new organization had been doing. Multiple bodies lie dead in their cramped beds, blood soaking the floor. It's a sight that no one wants to see.

Whatever kind of experiments these people were doing, they obviously had their favorites. In the inner circle of the camp, the bunkers aren't so cramped with unfortunate souls. But they weren't too precious to be spared.

Bucky looks around the one bunker, one of the better ones, one that has only four beds, and he swallows past the hard lump in his throat. At the foot of the door is the soldier he had shot dead, hoping to spare those inside this bunker. But it looks like he failed that.

Steve walks up behind him, breathes out a long, burdened sigh, and drops his head between his shoulder. "No survivors here," he speaks into the earpiece. Even though there's silence over the comms, both Bucky and Steve can hear the heartbreak from the team.

Before the two supersoldiers leave, Bucky notices something. "Wait," he whispers, frowning at the one bed in the corner. "Steve," he calls, walking closer to the bed to take a closer look. "This bed is clean. Not a drop of blood on it."

But it looks like there's a body under the covers.

Steve, now seeing what Bucky's getting at, steps closer. Hope is in the air. Maybe there's a survivor after all.

Bucky pulls the covers away. The body had been made up of pillows and a bunch up sheet that would have covered the bed. The fact that there's no body makes Steve and Bucky share a look. Steve reaches up to his earpiece. "Keep a lookout. We might have an escaped survivor."

But Bucky shakes his head. He didn't see anyone leave after taking down the soldier at the door. They have to still be in this bunker. His eyes lift up, and he sees that there's a gap between the bed and the wall. A gap that none of the other beds have. They're all pushed flush against the wall.

Reaching down to the frame of the bed with his bionic arm, he pulls it further away from the wall. And sure as hell, there's a figure curled up in the corner.

Your head snaps up to them, your eyes wide, and your body shaking. And yet, there's not a trace of fear on your face. You have your arms wrapped around your legs and you stare up at the two men standing in front of you.

The sight of you isn't what Steve and Bucky were expecting even after everything they had seen today. From the muzzle wrapped tightly around your mouth to the feeding tube running into your nose, they know they can't begin to imagine what you've been through.

Bucky steps forward, kneels down in front of you, and slowly holds out his hand to you. He can't think of anything he can say to you now to make you feel better because, truth be told, you look worse than he's ever looked while with HYDRA. Not to mention that with the muzzle on your face, he knows you can't say anything in return. All he can do is offer you a smile.

And it's enough for you to place your hand in his and allow him to pick you up off the floor.

Fuck it’s 8 am and I am now devastated by Tony’s death all over again 😭

I love you but I kinda hate you at the same time 😭

3)When B was alive, A and B had casual rituals that they would follow without a fault; A would bring B coffee in the morning and leave it on their bedside table, B would make A a sandwich at lunchtime, A would drop a towel into B’s room at 6 because they know that B always showers at 6:30, and so on. After B dies, A can’t help but unconsciously keep doing the rituals.

With Loki or Tony....

Thank you so much! This one is for the one and only Tony Stark <3 sorry, Pepper - you don't exist in this fic.

Warnings: grief, crying, panic attack WC: 1.4k

|| Main Masterlist ||

Chronic insomnia, self diagnosed of course, left you the sole occupant of the avengers compound throughout the night. Sure, people came and went but you were the only one who roamed the empty halls looking for something to keep you mind occupied. Sleep had been elusive before Tony died but now it was slipperier Rocket in the armoury, there was no chance of catching it.

By 6am the sleep deprivation left you teetering on the edge of reality and imagination, the moment of bliss where you could forget everything you lost. As the sun began its torturous climb over the horizon you would make your way back to the top floor, taking the stairs so you wouldn’t have to make polite conversation with the agents already up for the day. Your calves burned from the climb but you made it to the penthouse and stopped to take in the breathtaking panorama of the place you had called home since meeting Tony.

You put the kettle on and let your eyes burn as they stared into the sun, waiting for the water to boil. Your fingers curled into the handles of two mugs on reflex and they fell smashing to the floor as you realised your mistake. The ceramic shattered against the tiled floor and you jumped as the sound broke through your sleepy haze.

“Is everything alright Miss Y/l/n?” Edith asked, the kitchen lights turning on with her programming.

“I’m fine, Edith.” You sighed, leaving the room in search of a broom to clean up your mess.

“Mr Stark said fine means freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional. Are you sure you are fine Miss Y/l/n.”

“I know what Tony said, don’t remind me what he said.” You all but growled. “I had years with him, I heard every word, every promise, every fucking lie!”

“Miss Y/l/n, your heart rate is becoming dangerously high.” Edith said, a holographic screen projecting your vital signs as the world began to tilt.

Your breathing was rapid and your head light as the spikes on the monitor reflected the panic attack that was physically manifesting all the pain you kept in your head. Your hands reached for the countertop as you could no longer hold yourself upright and Edith's voice faded as you slipped to the floor, sleep finally within your reach.

“Hey, you, yeah you sweetcheeks.” Tony whistled and you scrunched your nose up in distaste as you pointed to yourself.

“Pretty sure that’s a lawsuit, Mr Stark.” You said as you ignored your current task and strode over to him.

“Wouldn’t be my first.” He muttered under his breath. “What’s your name then darling?”

“I guess that’s an improvement.” You sighed. “It’s y/n.”

“Y/n.” He pursed his lips as he tested the sound on them, deciding if he liked it or not, probably already planning to pay you to change it if he didn’t. “Y/n…I like it, it suits you. Now, on your knees.”

“Mr Stark!” You gasped and raised your hand, fist closing and ready to wallop some manners into him when he burst out laughing.

“Please, call me Tony.” He chuckled and rolled out from under his hot rod he was working on. “I need a third hand to hold this part in place.”

Your lips fell open with a nervous laugh as you misread him, except you were sure he had known exactly how his words sounded. He was known to be the biggest flirt in California if not the US. Kneeling down beside him, you did as asked and held the part while he fixed it into place.

“Alright, now what?” You asked as you waited for him to give you another instruction.

“Lunch in New York, Dinner in New Orleans and the rest of our lives wherever you desire.”

You woke up alone in the oversized bed Tony had insisted on and you had to fight the immediate pain in your chest, even now you still expected to wake up and find Tony next to you. Even when Tony had been in it with you the majority of the bed went unused, Tony was always a little spoon, curling up at the edge of his side before reaching for your hand so he could pull you against his back and lace his fingers in yours. Few people would have ever known him the way you did or get to see the softer side that liked to snuggle under the sheets, it was something he only felt comfortable enough to do with you.

“Edith, how did I get here?” You asked as you sat up and kicked the blankets back, finding the sun almost reaching high noon.

“I, um, hope you don’t mind.” Peter said from the doorway, scratching his neck nervously. “Edith called me, I didn’t think you would want to go to the hospital.”

You sighed and ran a hand over your face, trying to chase away the memories that had tortured you in your sleep, leaving you even more exhausted. “Edith should have called an adult, you’ve got enough on your plate, you shouldn’t have to see that.”

“Sorry, Miss Y/l/n.” Edith apologised.

“I get it, I miss him too.” Peter visibly slumped as he looked at the portrait of you and Tony hanging on the wall.

“I still set the table for two.” You laughed but it was strangled and turned to a cry as you pulled your knees up to your chest. “Sorry, sorry.”

“If I do something I shouldn't, I expect to just see him standing there, looking down at me over his sunglasses.” Peter sniffed. “It was like losing my dad all over again.”

It wasn’t to say you thought your pain was the worst but you had forgotten that there were a whole lot of other people missing Tony in their own way. You were mourning your fiance, Peter was mourning his father figure, Rhodey was mourning his best friend. No pain was worse than the other, it was all just pain and you finally realised what Tony would have wanted for you.

For the first time since his death, getting out of the bed did feel like a mountain to climb. You crossed the room and let Peter break down in your arms, he was a boy who was forced to carry more weight than any teenager should. When his tears slowed, you led him to the kitchen and found the mess cleaned up before you sat him at the island and filled a pot with milk. You curled your fingers into two handles and placed them on the bench, brewing hot chocolate like you had always imagined doing with the children you had dreamt of one day having with Tony.

The clock struck noon and you realised you hadn’t even thought about looking at the door, the expectation of Tony walking in from his lab to have lunch with you. You were in charge of drinks and he would make the sandwiches, just another thing you hadn’t had since he passed. You missed lunch more often than not, lost in the daydream and waiting for him to make them, something that would never happen again. It was time to start making new habits.

Placing one mug in front of Peter, you opened the fridge and looked at the contents. “You hungry, kid?”

His eyes seemed to mist the nickname you unconsciously picked up from Tony and he shook his head. “I’m fine, y/n.”

You chuckled as you saw through his lie and offered a smile as you grabbed the ingredients for a decent sandwich. “You know what Tony said that means right?”

Peter shook his head again and you began to tell him the story, one of many memories you could impart on the kid. This was what Tony would have wanted, his family to remember his life not his death.

Born In Flames || Chapter Six

Pairing: Bodyguard!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Being the daughter of a mafia boss was hard enough growing up. You got out and made a new life for yourself as a bartender only to be sucked in when your old man made a bad deal and he thinks you need protection. Enter Bucky Barnes, your new bodyguard and roommate.

Warnings: Blood, broken nose, kidnapping, guns

Word Count: 3,011

Authors Note: Three chapters so close together? Whaaaat? Have fun, babes. If you want to be included in the tag list, send a message or ask otherwise it will be ignored.

Born In Flames Masterlist

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You knew what sitting in the hospital alone meant.

It meant you were vulnerable.

It meant Pierce’s men could find and take you.

But you couldn’t just leave Bucky to wake up alone.

The bullet thankfully didn’t cause any organ failure, but he did have surgery to get the piece of metal out from his chest. All while you sat in the waiting room, curled up in a chair and hyper aware of your surroundings. For the past week, you didn’t have to watch for yourself. Bucky had made sure to do it all and now you were realizing just how much you had become dependent on him.

It was about an hour into waiting when you saw Michael appear with one of his other men. The two of you didn’t speak, just gave nods and sat in silence.

A couple hours later, a woman came out to talk to you about the surgery and how it went well, but he wouldn’t be able to do any strenuous activity for a while. You asked to see him, stopping Michael from being the first one to go in. Bucky didn’t need to deal with work right now, he needed a friend.

A friend who was almost killed protecting you.

Quietly you stepped inside to see Bucky’s sleeping frame in the bed, little beeps coming from the monitor. It pained you to see him like this, but it was a risk that came with being in the mafia. The last time you had been in a hospital, it was to watch your mother on her final days.

If only you had known then.

Pulling a chair up to the bed, you sat down and reached out to take Bucky’s flesh hand. He was still, probably hopped up on pain meds. You didn’t mind, you were just glad he was alive.

Hearing a knock, you assumed it was a nurse and called for them to come in. It was the man who came with Michael.

“Boss went home. I’ll be sitting out here. He paid them off so you can stay past visiting hours,” he spoke. Glen, if you remembered correctly.

You nodded and quietly thanked him before the door closed again.

“I’m so sorry, Bucky,” you whispered, resting your head on the bed as you held his hand.

No television, no music, just the sounds of the monitors and activity on the other side of the door.

You ended up falling asleep like that, fingers laced with his. What did wake you was soft grunting from the man in front of you. Leaning up, you caressed his arm and sighed.

“Shh, it’s okay. You’re okay,” you sighed. You couldn’t imagine how much pain he was in.

“Y/N…” Bucky’s eyes slowly started to open, wincing at the bright light overhead before his eyes adjusted.

“Yeah, it’s me,” you stood, hip leaning against the bed as you looked down at him.

“What…happened…” he mumbled.

Letting go of his hand, you grabbed the little styrofoam cup filled with water and put the straw to his lips as you answered.

“More shooting. A bullet got lodged in your chest but they got it out. It broke a rib but that’s about the extent of it,” you said, pulling the cup away after Bucky got a good sip.

“How did we end up here?” He asked. His voice was hoarse but just slightly better. His chest ached like no pain he ever had before.

You set the cup down and bit your lip. “I uh…drove us away. Called Michael and met up with him. Not sure if they got the guys that were shooting at us. I was more worried about you,” you admitted.

Bucky raised an eyebrow, trying to shift in the bed but a grumble of pain left his lips.

“No, no, stop it. Don’t move,” you frowned.

Bucky huffed and laid back, taking a moment before speaking again. “You drove us away? But I was driving…”

“I may have driven from the passenger seat. Or well, the console really. Had to keep pressure on your wound, kick your big legs out of the way so I could reach the pedals, and steered. It looks like being a getaway driver is a skill I never knew I had,” you shrugged.

Bucky reached out slightly and brushed his fingers over yours that sat on the bed. “Are we sure you need protection anymore?” He gave a hint of a tired smile.

“Probably not. But…I do like the company,” you tilted your head, glancing down at your hand with his. “I’m sorry you got shot because of me.”

Bucky shook his head slightly. “I didn’t. I got shot doing my job. It just so happened that my job is you.”

You sighed and pulled your hand away, taking a seat on the chair. Right. A job. That’s what you were.

So why did it hurt so much to hear? Why did you want more?

Bucky could see the disappointment in your eyes and he closed his for a moment. “I didn’t mean…”

“I know. Don’t worry about it. Just focus on getting better, okay?” You said quietly, glancing over to him.

Both of you were silent for a few moments before Bucky spoke up again. “You know, I like the company too. It’s not everyday I can show this thing to someone and not have them be afraid of it,” Bucky said as his metal arm lifted, the gold shining in the overhead light.

“It’s not scary though. It’s just an arm and I don’t really plan on being on the opposite end of it when it comes to killing,” you shrugged.

Bucky reached his flesh hand out, realizing he missed your touch. Giving in, you rested your hand in his. You hated how much you liked it, but then again so did he.

“You’re more than just a job. It’s not everyday I can take someone to that diner. And I don’t let just anyone hide against me after nightmares. I don’t know, I just…” he took a couple of breaths, the pain in his chest radiating through him. “I’ve been on bodyguard jobs before but this is entirely different. You’re different. You don’t let anyone tell you what you want and you stick up for yourself. Most people wouldn’t even go so far as to raise their voice to Michael and you went in there and screamed. Others would have too much fear but not you. You know, I think I owe you for saving my life,” he watched your eyes as he spoke.

You met his eyes and squeezed his hand. “Bucky…I don’t know what this means. I don’t…I don’t do this type of thing.” Bucky furrowed his brow in confusion and you continued. “This,” holding up your hand in his. “Going to breakfast and needing someone to hold me during those nightmares. I don’t know how to feel because…truth be told I’ve started to like you. And honestly, I was scared when you were shot. I didn’t want to lose you. I didn’t want to have to find another guard dog or move your stuff out of my little office-“

“You call that an office?” Bucky slightly chuckled, trying not to agitate his wound.

You rolled your eyes and glared for a moment. “You know what I mean. I just…I don’t want to lose you to more gunshots. And I know it’s inevitable because that’s what this business is. That’s what the point of it is. Killing, money, fights. I want to leave it all, leave this state and go far, far away…but I don’t want to leave you,” you admitted.

Bucky listened, surprised at your change in mood. When he first met you, you were ready to kick him out of the door and to sleep in the hallway of the apartment building. Now, you were confessing feelings? Tugging on your hand to silently tell you to move closer, you stood and leaned against the bed.

“I don’t want to lose you either, angel,” Bucky spoke. That was a first. The little nickname. Reaching up with his metal hand, he took your chin and pulled you down into a gentle yet long kiss. You froze when his lips pressed against yours, but soon you melted into it. You didn’t want to pull away but the knock and gentle opening of the door made you. It was a nurse coming in to check on him, surprised that he was awake so soon. She asked him the usual questions about how he felt, completely ignoring the kiss you two had just shared. All while his hand stayed clasped around yours.

You yawned just as she made her way out after jotting down a couple things on his chart, closing the door behind her.

“You need to get home and sleep,” Bucky sighed.

“No,” you shook your head. “They said I could stay as long as I want. And I don’t want to go back there.”

Bucky eyed you for a moment before trying to shift again.

“Buck, I told you-“

“Here,” Bucky patted the bed beside him. It was his left side, where the wires wouldn’t get caught around you from the monitor.

You tilted your head before slowly moving around to the other side. Being as gentle as ever, you crawled beside him. Adjusting the blanket over both of you, you rested your head against his shoulder. Surprisingly the metal arm wasn’t uncomfortable as he used what little strength he had to pull you close. Pressing a kiss to your hair, your hand rested on his bare stomach and you sighed.

This wasn’t how you expected anything to go, but even now you felt more protected than you ever had.

You fell asleep against him fairly quickly, not even waking when the nurses came in to check on Bucky. They did suggest that you move, but Bucky warned them not to wake you. They weren’t about to try fighting him on it.

A few hours into your rest, Bucky had dozed off as well with his head leaning against yours. The door slowly clicked open and in walked not a nurse, not a doctor, not even Michael.

Alexander Pierce stood at the foot of the bed, hands in his pockets as the bodyguard from outside of Buckys’s door stood on the side of the bed. Pierce kicked the end of the bed, rattling both you and Bucky awake.

Slowly your eyes opened, yawning until you froze at the sight of the men. Bucky looked around and his own eyes grew wide.

“Pierce.”

“Barnes.”

Both of the men stared at each other for a moment longer before Alexander turned his attention to you. “Y/N, long time, no see. Looks like we have some catching up to do. Get up.”

“You won’t touch her-“ Bucky started to say but a gun was pushed against his temple.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You were lucky to get away with just a few scrapes. Don’t test me. You, get up. You’re coming with us,” Alexander stated once more.

You looked at Bucky with fear but you knew the only option was to go or die. “Just…don’t hurt him,” you said as you got up, looking at Glen. So there was another rat. You momentarily wondered how many were in Michael’s business but you didn’t have time to think about it.

“Y/N, don’t,” Bucky whispered as you got off the bed.

“It’s okay,” you nodded, though you looked anything but.

“How sweet. Now what you’re going to do is walk out with us and act as if nothing is wrong. You try to run, you’ll get shot. You try to get help, shot. Even look at someone, shot. Keep your head down and make it out alive. And then maybe we’ll keep your boyfriend alive too,” Pierce said. You didn’t bother correcting him, too scared to say anything more. He gave Glen a nod and the man hit Bucky over the head a couple of times with the butt of the gun, knocking him out.

You whimpered slightly, a hand covering your mouth. Pierce pushed you towards the door and now you knew you had to play it cool. Swallowing hard, you walked between both men all while trying to find a way out of this. Bucky couldn’t call for help yet. The nurses didn’t know anything about the mafia business, only that they were paid to keep their mouths shut about who was in the room.

Glen paid close attention to you as you just stared down at the floor in front of you. The one time you wished Michael was around, but when were you ever that lucky? The men led you outside to a black Rolls Royce, pushing you into the back. A driver took off the second the door was closed. Your hands were bound behind your back.

This was how you were going to die.

“Are you going to kill me like you did mom?” You asked, teetering on terror and anger.

Pierce chuckled and crossed his arms. “So you figured it out, huh? I was wondering if you would ever know. And I’m not quite sure how I’m going to kill you yet. May have my men cut off parts of you and send them back to Michael. After all, he can put your back together that way. Or maybe I’ll make sure he never finds you.”

“So you are going to kill me. Why? What did I ever do to you?” You glared.

“Your whore of a mother left me for Michael of all people. You know, we’re still legally married. I never signed the divorce papers she sent me. But I feel as though you deserve the same treatment. Slow, painful death. You were never really my daughter, not after you kept calling Michael ‘dad’. Do you know how much that hurts? I could have given you the best life! But instead I’m left with nothing and now I’ll make sure Michael has nothing left either,” Pierce spoke as the car turned. Where were they taking you?

“You’re pathetic,” you said, spitting right in his face.

Pierce wiped his face before leaning his arm up and elbowing you straight in the face. A sick crunch came from your nose, making you scream in pain. Glen grabbed a bandana and wrapped it around your mouth to keep you quiet.

“You got blood on my Armani,” Pierce grumbled, looking at the sleeve. “You’ll never see anyone ever again. I can promise that.”

You whimpered against the cloth in your mouth, blood slipping down your skin. Tears formed in your eyes as you silently pleaded to whatever gods or even to the universe that they got you out of this.

After an hour and a half of driving, the car pulled up to a building. It looked like a cabin in the middle of the woods. No immediate traffic, no neighbors for at least a couple of miles. Glen dragged you out of the car and pushed you forward as you followed Pierce inside. It looked like a little two bedroom place, as if a hunting cabin used during those few months. Or a safehouse. Probably a safehouse.

“I used to love coming here with my grandfather as a child. It was beautiful during the summers. I was hoping to pass it along to my children, but it seems like that won’t be an option. Now, I suggest you get comfortable. And don’t think about escaping. Every window, every door, they’re all sealed shut. Only way in and out is that door,” Pierce pointed to the one you three just walked through. “And you won’t be able to get within two feet of it.”

Just then, Glen leaned down and strapped an ankle monitor to your leg. “Try to leave and it sounds off. Try to take it off and it sounds off.”

You muffled words against the bandana, and Pierce gave Glen a nod as he stood. Taking the bandana away, you frowned. “Why don’t you just kill me now and get it over with?”

“Because I want to see how much you mean to Michael. I’m sure he will do anything to keep you alive, he just doesn’t know that you won’t be at the end of it all,” Pierce said before backhanding you, sending you stumbling. Glen pulled out a phone just as you looked back, blood still caked on your face from your broken nose. “Perfect. Matthew, I’ll send more men within a couple hours,” he said as he passed by you.

So Glen wasn’t even really a Glen at all.

Nodding, Glen pushed you to the couch. He sent the photo he took to Pierce and followed him out of the door for a moment.

The two spoke in hushed tones as you gently felt your nose. You knew you needed to put it back into place. You had done it once before in high school when your friend fell down the stairs, but could you do it to yourself? You took a few deep breaths and winced before cracking it back into place with a yelp. Glen, Matthew, whatever his name was, looked in to see you cradling your face.

“Make sure she doesn’t leave or else I’ll have you buried out back here as well,” Pierce said, not realizing you managed to hear that little bit.

He buried bodies around here? Great, you were surrounded by corpses. Pierce left and the asshole walked back in, closing and locking the door.

All while you were trying to figure out what to do next, the nurses alerted Michael about Bucky’s knocked out condition. Quickly he rushed to the hospital and found both Glen and you missing. Bucky had woken up just moments before, telling him everything that happened with Pierce.

Bucky felt disgusted with himself all while Michael felt the same. They didn’t keep you safe.

Now they just had to find you.

Tag list: @crownstealer @borikenlove @bitchassbucky @babyboibucky @buckybarneschokeme @buckys-blue-eyes @vanillanaps @bibbidibobbidibucky @spicynudlesoup @bemine-bucky @suchababie @kaaabiii @rebekahdawkins @sebsbrokentoe @marvel-3407 @acmbooksandfilm @stucky-my-ship @boofy1998 @valsworldofcreativity @yaszx @21st-century-daydreamer @doll1917 @luxeavenger @hallecarey1 @booktease21 @supernatural-love14 @bookstan0618

Fuck this is such a sad ending 😭 I was hoping that Natasha did die in this 😭

But as always really good fic. I fucking love your writing!!!

The Surrogate [pt.4]

Bucky Barnes x fem!reader

Summary: Upon your return from the Blip you find out the true cost of the war and the sacrifices that were made to bring everyone back. Warnings: 18+ only, canon death, birth, grief, breastfeeding WC: 2225 Set during and after End Game.

|| Main Masterlist || Drabbles Masterlist || Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 ||

Recap: Suddenly a wave of peace washed over you and the battle outside fell silent. Did that mean we won? You prayed that Bucky and Nat were safe, along with everyone else as a strange weightless feeling took over your body. Every nerve tingled oddly and you looked at your fingers as they began to crumble to dust that quickly spread across your skin. “What the fu-“

═══════☆═══════

Upstate New York, 2023

Natasha had done what she needed to and held her composure for the entirety of the weekly meeting that was held across the galaxy. Now she was ready to escape to the lonely confines of her room and lock the door in case Steve overheard her tears. He would always test the door handle when the muffled sobs escaped her pillow, some days she left it unlocked and let herself take comfort, today was not one of those days.

It was quiet as she walked through the compound, out of the business side and into the housing area. Everywhere was quieter now, she thought as she took a seat at the edge of her bed and unzipped the pocket on her chest to pull out the picture she always kept close to her heart. Her trembling fingers traced the outline of her daughter's face and she scrambled to wipe the tear that landed on the precious image.

She had tried not to let hope flutter in her chest as she listened to Tony explain the possibility of time travel but there it was, gripping her in its talons and giving her the drive to do whatever necessary to bring you and her baby back, to bring Clint’s family back, to bring everyone back. Falling back into the bed she tried to remember the feel of strong kicks beneath her hand, the smooth, silvery stretch marks on your skin that showed how much she had grown on your belly. Once again she felt like a failure for their defeat and curled up as she hugged her pillow, burying her face into the material to release the angry tears until she fell asleep.

“Nat?” Clint asked softly through the door as the handle rattled. “You ready?”

Natasha tied the braid off and took one last look in the mirror with a deep breath. This has to work. She opened the door to find Clint looking just as exhausted as she felt and took his hand with a squeeze.

“We are going to bring them home.” She had repeated the mantra so much that she almost believed it. “No matter the cost.”

He dropped his forehead to hers with a nod. “No matter the cost.”

═══════☆═══════

Soulworld

“There you are.” You smiled as you walked across the endless shallow water that reflected a sky full of stars you didn’t recognise. “Look who it is. It’s mommy.”

Nat’s arms were already reaching for the baby in yours and her chubby fists tangled in her mom's long hair the second she was close enough.

“Did we win?” You asked, wrapping them both in your arms and inhaling the sweet scent you had missed.

“Mission accomplished.” She smiled as she brushed her fingers over her baby's face as if she was trying to memorise the moment. “She’s beautiful, so, so beautiful.”

“Just like her mama.”

Her laugh turned to a sob as she pressed her lips to her baby’s forehead and handed her back to you.

“I need you to promise me something.” She asked as she leant in and sniffed the newborn smell still clinging to her baby’s hair. “You will raise her as your own.”

“What? No!” You frowned and looked around the peculiar land before focusing back on her. “No, you’re gonna raise her, just like we always planned.”

“When have our plans ever actually worked out?” She sniffed a chuckle. “I know you love her too and you will protect her with your life. Promise me, please.”

You nodded as you felt the goodbye in her voice constrict your throat but you managed to strangle an answer. “I promise, Nat, I promise.”

“Thank you.” Her sadness disappeared as she looked to the purple horizon and a real smile graced her lips. “Take care of our little girl.”

“Her name’s Natalia.” You said as a golden light exploded from the horizon and her smile widened before the light engulfed you.

═══════☆═══════

Wakanda, 2023

“-fuck?”

You watched the dust gather and knit your body together, a cloud of fog lifting from your brain as you wiggled your fingers to test the feeling in them. A petrified scream outside startled you and you pressed your back to the door, fearful that the aliens had returned to the medical wing. Blood gathered on your lip as you bit it to hide your own guttural cry of pain that was building with your contraction and your head hit the door as your back arched.

“Y/n!” Shuri’s voice came from the other side. “I need you to move so I can come in.”

You couldn’t move until your contraction ended and sweat was building on your forehead with the need to push.

“I can’t.” You whimpered. “She's coming.”

“You can and you will, now move!”

You shuffled aside as much as you could and the door opened just enough for her to slide through the gap. Her eyes darted around the room before her hands grabbed an armful of towels and gloves then dropped in front of you.

“I need you to focus on your breathing for me.” She said as she laid the towels out and lifted your dress up to check how things were going. “Oh, wow.”

“What does that mean?!”

“Sorry, she has lots of hair.” She grinned as she popped up for a moment before disappearing again. “You’re gonna wanna push as hard as you can with the next contraction.”

“Are you sure you know what you are doing?” You asked as the tightening across your abdomen signalled the beginning of a contraction.

“I know every process in the human body, created an artificial arm for your boyfriend after reprogramming his brain to break the conditioning that Hydra instilled in him.” She pointed out as you grunted. “Now push.”

A scream tore from your lips as you dug your feet into the floor and pushed with the last of your waning strength and your head was violently shaking as you cried that you couldn’t do it but Shuri’s faith never wavered as she coached you through.

“I can’t, I can’t, please.” You pleaded as the door outside crashed open and you heard Bucky calling your name.

“In here, white wolf.” Shuri answered for you as she pressed the top of your stomach to help you push. “Get your girlfriend to push.”

Bucky crashed through the door, catching it before it hit you or Shuri and slid on his knees to your side. “You’re alive, thank god, you’re still here.” He said as he pulled you between his legs and held you to his chest.

“Shhh.” Shuri hissed and narrowed her eyes at Bucky with a warning you didn’t understand. “Get ready, it’s time to bring this little wonder into the world.”

Your fingers clung to Bucky’s vibranium arm and he held you close as you whimpered into his neck at the immense pressure threatening to split you in half.

“You can do it, doll. You’re doing so well, just a little bit more.” He urged as he wiped the sweat from your brow with his free hand. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Ahhhhhh!”

You felt the release of pressure as Shuri squealed excitedly but you had no energy left to look as you sagged against Bucky’s chest, his lips smiling as they pressed to your temple.

“You did it baby.” He said as you rolled your eyes to look up at him but he was too busy looking at Shuri so you turned your attention to her too as she lifted up the freshly wrapped little girl, soft cries filling the small storeroom.

“Congratulations, y/n, did Natasha have a name chosen?”

Shuri’s words ignited a strange memory and you shook your head as images from a place you didn’t recognise filled your head and your chest tightened as she placed the tiny bundle into your arms. “Where is she? Bucky, where’s Nat?”

“I don’t know.” He admitted with a sigh. “Something happened…”

“Wha-what do you mean?” Breathing was becoming difficult as you looked into eyes that were perfectly matched to Nat’s and already felt the absence of her mom from the world. “She’s gone. Nat’s gone. I can feel it. Oh god, she’s gone.”

Your cries were echoed by the little girl in your arms and you clutched her to your chest as alarms blared and called for every able bodied fighter to gather. Thanos and his army were attacking the Avengers Compound in Esopus.

“Nat’s tough, I’m sure she’s fine.” Bucky said as looked torn between answering the call and staying with you. “I’ll bring her back to you two.”

“No, you can’t.” You said as you wiped your tears, already knowing the truth, and sat up so he could move. “Go and kill that son of a bitch.”

“I can stay.” He said, unconvinced.

“We both know that’s not you, soldier.” You said as you stole a kiss before pushing him towards the door. “Me and Natalia will be right here waiting when you get back.”

“Natalia?” He smiled at the sound and ran his hand softly over the full head of red hair.

You hissed as Shuri took your distraction to give you a shot of oxytocin in your thigh and you groaned as another contraction began. “Fuck, is there another one?”

“No.” She laughed as Bucky’s eyes went wide at your words and shook her head. “It’s just the placenta. Would you like to cut the cord, white wolf?”

She held a pair of scissors out to him and he quickly grabbed them and the thick grey cord, chopping through it with a ghost of a tear in his eyes.

“Now go.” She shooed him from the room. “Let’s get you into a recovery bed.”

You emerged from the room and found the glass window that had been shattered was repaired and the furniture changed from how it was hours earlier.

“What happened…how has this been fixed already?”

“Let’s get you on the bed first, then we will catch you up.” Dr N’Yana said as she walked in with grey hairs streaking her previously black hair. “Thanos won the war of 2018 and wiped out half the population like he said he would.”

“No, Natasha said we won.” You shook your head.

“We did. They brought you all back here today, billions of people suddenly reappeared after 5 years.”

“F-five years?” You gasped as you looked to Shuri for the truth and she nodded, clicking the black ball on her bracelet and a world clock appearing with dates all showing 2023.

“I have to go.” She said, placing the ball back on her bracelet and grabbing her vambrace blasters. “If Thanos wants another war, that is what he will get.”

She took off running as Dr N’Yana pressed a calming hand to your shoulder. “You need to rest, there’s no fighting for you.”

“My family needs me.” You argued despite the fact you didn’t even have the energy to get past the ageing doctor.

“Your daughter needs you more.”

Remember your promise.

You nodded sullenly to Nat’s voice that filled your head and curled up with your daughter safely cradled in your arms. “I’ll protect you with my life.”

═══════☆═══════

6 Months Later, Ohio

The sun broke through the thick canopy of leaves like golden spears of light and the spring breeze left a hint of jasmine in the air. It was peaceful here, somewhere she could truly rest after all the long years she spent fighting. You could sit in the clearing all day listening to the birds singing but your days of rest were gone and now it was your turn to fight. You had a daughter to raise in a world that had been thrust into chaos and anger but you vowed to make it safe for her.

“Ouch.” Bucky groaned as Natalia pulled his long hair. “Daddy’s going to need a haircut before you rip it all out.”

You smiled as you looked up from where you sat beside Natasha’s headstone and watched Bucky walking along the pathway with your daughter in his arms. You weren’t quite sure how you would have survived without him, the long sleepless nights with your newborn, the even longer nights spent crying over her mother. He had been your pillar of strength even though he was working through his own losses with Steve gone.

“I think someone’s hungry.” He greeted you with a kiss as he sat down on the grass and let Natalia reach out for you to breastfeed, latching on quickly as you stared at the plain headstone that didn’t do her justice. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

“She deserved so much more.” You sighed and leant into his side. “She should’ve been here to watch Natalia grow. It’s just so fucking unfair.”

“We’ve fought aliens with the help of sorcerers and gods.” He said as he draped his arm over your shoulder and shuffled closer. “You sort of have to believe that she’s not completely gone, that she's out there watching over everyone.”

As if to prove his point a breeze whipped through the small cemetery, shifting the branches above you and letting a blinding ray of light bath you in her glow. Tipping your head back, you let the light warm your soul and dry the tears that rolled down your face.

Your momma will always be watching over us.

“Am I still breathing? ”

I am asking myself the same question right now !

You are literally giving me life with every fic you write !!

Two Minds, One Body || Mafia!Bucky [pt3]

Mafia!Bucky x fem!reader

Chapter Summary: You pay for your attitude in the best way possible Warnings: 18+ only, smut, edging/orgasm denial, cream pie, cum-play, mutual masturbation, squint and you might see voyerism, fluff, guns WC: 2427

Main Masterlist || Bucky Masterlist || Part One || Part Two ||

Your heels clicked loudly as you stormed through the house looking for Bucky, or in this case, Winter. You knew he was here somewhere because his driver was still having a smoke outside but there were too many rooms to check each of them. Instead, you planted yourself beside the front door and waited for him to rear his head.

“Something wrong, love?” Bucky asked as he caught the vision of you waiting, hand on hip and fire in your eyes.

“What the fuck is this?” You growled as you pulled the handgun that had suddenly appeared in your handbag overnight.

“I believe it’s a gun.” He smirked and continued to push his cufflinks into his business shirt.

“Ha ha, I forgot what a comedian you were.” You rolled your eyes. “What is it doing in my bag, Bucky?”

He stepped closer and ran his hands softly down your arms but you shook him off and held your stance firm, he wasn’t going to distract you with his smouldering charm today. With a sigh he pulled away, looking to Nico for help as he entered to foyer only to quickly back track.

“Rat bastard.” Bucky mumbled under his breath before turning his attention back to you, his eyes bleeding almost to black. “I wanted to make sure you are protected in case I’m not around, kukolka.”

“Win…” You sighed as you dropped your hand from your hip. “I don’t even know how to use this, I’m more likely to accidentally shoot myself.”

“I’ll teach you.” He said, taking the gun from your fingertips and shoving it down the back of his waistband and pulling his suit jacket on to hide it. “After what you pulled off last month, we are the richest syndicate on the East Coast. That puts a target on our backs.”

You couldn’t help but beam under his pride, your NFT plan had worked and Bucky was laundering millions every week, but you hadn’t spent too long thinking about the dangers it put you in. You had noticed the extra guards on the property and that when you went out you had almost as much of an entourage as Bucky did, now it made sense.

“Ok, but I’ll need a permit.” You said begrudgingly. “I’m not going to jail because of something stupid like that. It would just be embarrassing.”

“She launders millions and orders around the toughest mob boss in the state of New York, but was caught without a firearms permit.” Bucky laughed, stepping into his brilliantly shined shoes. “That would be pretty embarrassing, doll.”

“Who said you were the toughest mob boss?”

“Oooh, my queen is fierce this morning.” He smirked as he grabbed your jaw and pulled you forward to meet his lips. “I’ll have to fuck that attitude out of you when I get home.”

═══════☆═══════

His chest was pressed to your back, hands over yours and holding you pinned in place. You could barely breathe as his thigh nudged your legs wider and his lips brushed the side of your neck.

“Focus, kukolka.” Winter warned you as your ass naturally pressed back into him with a promise of good spanking if you didn’t heed his words. “Pull the trigger.”

You took a deep breath through your mouth so you didn’t get distracted by the Armani cologne he wore and tried to focus on the target that had been nailed to the trees at the back of the property. This was not what you thought you would be doing when Bucky returned home, you hadn’t even noticed Nico had disappeared until he returned with a hammer and a swollen thumb.

“Shouldn’t I have ear muffs or something?” You asked in another attempt at delaying the inevitable. “You always see them on tv.”

“If someone attacks I doubt you will have a pair of them on you.” Winter pointed out. “You need to know what you are in for, like the recoil.”

“The what?!” Your hands dropped but Winter caught them and aimed them back at the target. “I don’t think I can do this…”

“I’ve got you.” He stilled your trembling hand and let one of his fall to your hip. “I remember the first time I pulled the trigger.”

“I’m pretty sure you were born with a gun in one hand and a flask of whiskey in the other.”

“Close but not quite.” He chuckled and let his other hand fall to your hip too. “It’s not as scary as it seems. Pull the trigger.”

You turned your face away and screwed your eyes shut as your index finger curled over the trigger. If the deafening bang wasn’t enough to scare the living daylights out of you, the snap of the recoil did. Winter’s hands were quick as lightning as they caught yours and steadied the hold before you could drop the weapon or accidentally discharge it.

“Good girl.” He grinned and pressed his lips to your cheek.

“Did I hit it?” You blinked rapidly, still stunned by the sound and force of your shot.

Winter’s laugh vibrated from his chest as he shook his head. “Not even close, but you pulled the trigger. That’s the hardest part.”

You had to admit now that you had done it once and knew what to expect, the idea did seem easier, you would certainly hold it a bit tighter now that you felt how much it recoiled in your grip and you began to raise the weapon again. This time you aimed to keep your eyes open so you could actually see the target.

“I think I should get a prize if I hit the target.”

Winter’s hand snaked down your body, tugging up the hem of your dress so he could brush aside your panties. “Sounds fair to me.”

Your head tipped back onto his shoulder as what his fingers did was not fair at all. You found it impossible to focus on aiming as they dipped between your folds and teased your clit, soft moans filling the quiet afternoon air. “Win, fuck, thats, not, fair.”

Your hips were rolling as they sought more friction, more depth than his thick fingers could offer. “Take the shot, kukolka. Claim your prize.”

His fingers disappeared and you whimpered at the loss before he raised his glistening digits to his lips, licking them clean as your panties dampened even more. You knew the game he was playing and you wanted so desperately to win. Focus, focus, focus. You remembered his instructions and how to line up the sights on the slide, looking down the barrel and at the target beyond. Deep breath in, sight the target, slowly exhale, pull the trigger. The gun still bounced back in your grip but nothing like the first shot and you saw the bark behind the target splinter as your bullet lodged deep into the trunk.

“Ouch, bad luck, doll.” Bucky sucked the air between his teeth as he took the gun and hit the magazine release as well as the round in the chamber, tucking them away behind his back.

“Woah, uh-uh, I hit the target.” You said as you stopped him from heading back towards the house. “You didn’t stipulate it had to be a head shot.”

You grabbed his hand and he let you tow him to the tree trunk and pointed out the tiny tear in the edge of the paper where your bullet had entered the trunk, nowhere near close to the outline of a head.

“See, target hit.”

Bucky was trying not to laugh as he touched the spot, his finger widening the hole in an innocent way that left you breathless nonetheless. “Someone is just desperate for a prize.”

“Wouldn’t you?” Your lip was caught between your teeth as you stepped up onto a root that stretched out beneath the tree and you stood eye to eye with him.

“You wanna cum so badly, don’t you baby?” He smirked as he ran his thumb over your lip, pulling it from your bite. You couldn’t help but flick your tongue out, tasting the pad of his thumb before sucking it as his pupils blew wide and his breathing deepened. “Fuck. Turn around.”

You smiled triumphantly as he spun you against the tree, your hands splayed against the trunk as his hands bunched your dress up. The thin material of your panties were torn apart and left to fall to the leaves before you heard his zip. You were already whimpering for him as he pulled your hips back and pushed your face forward, snapping his hips so he could fill you in one go. Your cry was lost as his hand clamped over your mouth and you were reminded that there were guards roaming the property.

“You’re mine, doll, no one else gets to see you like this.” He promised between sweet kisses and sharp bites to your neck. “So be a good girl and don’t make a sound.”

His hand fell from your mouth and you bit your lip to keep them shut as he circled your clit instead. It took all of your concentration to stay quiet as your legs began to tremble with every long stroke of his cock against your walls.

“Don’t cum just yet, babygirl.” He warned as his rhythm failed.”Remember my promise this morning.”

Your head was clouded by your impending orgasm when suddenly his cock twitched as his deep groan filled your ears as he spilled himself inside and pulled his hand away from where you needed it most.

“Gonna fuck the attitude out of you first. Then you’ll get your prize.” He smirked, pulling out after his release ended. “Close your legs, doll, I don’t want any of that leaking out between here and our bed.”

He tucked his cock back in his pants and zipped it up before whistling happily along the path, stopping a moment to check you were following him. Your knees were pressed together tightly as you tried to walk without letting his cum drip down your legs but gravity was a losing battle and you decided speed would be better over strategy, power walking past your grinning beau. You dared not give him the usual lippy attitude as you passed him  in case he withheld anymore orgasms, but you knew when you finally got your prize it would be monumental.

Your clothes were discarded in a messy heap as you entered your room and waited on the bed for Bucky. Your legs were crossed and your hips slightly raised, doing exactly as you were told, when he walked in the room a short while after. His shirt had been unbuttoned and hung loose around his body, the light illuminating every defining line that cut his abdominal muscle into the six pack you wanted to ride.

“Open.”

Your legs spread wide as he stopped at the foot of the bed, the feel of his liquid silk  slipping through your folds and running over you already had you trembling and his hands dropped his trousers so he could stroke his already hard again cock. The possessive burn of his eyes set your skin on fire and your fingers inched over your hip, begging permission to touch yourself.

“Go on, love.” He nodded as he gripped himself tighter. “Take yourself to the edge, but I’ll be the one who makes you cum.”

You sighed happily as you applied the pressure you needed to your clit, dipping your fingers down to gather his cum to use it to soothe the ache on your swollen bundle of nerves. Your back arched as your fingers easily glided over the nub and your walls fluttered, more of his cum dripping from your needy cunt and earning a deep moan from Bucky as he appreciated the sight. Your eyes locked together and you felt the tightening in your core curl your toes, pushing yourself to the brink before you threw your hands away from your body and tried to fight the urge to finish.

“You are perfect.” He vowed as he climbed on the bed, leaving kisses up your thighs before his tongue lashed slowly through your folds, gathering a mouthful of his cum and your arousal. His cock rested between you and every movement left his veiny shaft rubbing over your sensitive clit as he captured your lips, tongue sharing the taste of your bodies combined. “You can cum whenever you want now, doll.”

His hips pulled back so his cock could fall between your legs before he snapped them back into you, your body putting up no resistance as he filled you to your core. You could finally cry out his name, the thick walls of your room trapping the sounds of your ecstasy firmly within them. Your fingers clawed at his back as the edging left you blinded with passion and you bucked your hips up to meet his every thrust, his pelvic bone applying just the right touch for whitehot spots of light to dart across your vision.

Unintelligible words tumbled from your lips as your orgasm built and built and built until you thought you would just combust into a billion atoms. Your mind splintered and for a moment there was no feeling at all, it was like time stopped as your soul left your body and every muscle froze. Then you came crashing back down, your pussy pulsing uncontrollably as your legs wrapped around his back, liquid gushing around his cock as your body was overcome with fever.

“Holy shit.” Bucky moaned as he watched your orgasm rip through you, feeling your walls draw him in and hold him tighter than ever as his thighs were drenched by the torrent of liquid squirting over him. “Oh, fuck, so good.”

He couldn’t hold back any longer, not when your eyes rolled back into your head and he knew he had kept his promise. Collapsing onto your chest, he shuddered as he spilled himself inside you once again, both of your bodies covered in a light sweat from the sweet torture you had been put through. Rolling his eyes to look up at you from where he lay you could only move enough to place a kiss on his forehead, his eyes fluttering closed at the softness.

“Are you still going to give me attitude?” He asked with a small hint of a smile, really not minding it at all.

Your chest bumped his head with a laugh and you stroked your fingers through his hair. “Am I still breathing?”

═══════☆═══════

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More Than A Service || mechanic!Stucky

Summary: A night out crossed paths with Steve and then Bucky, leading to feelings growing for both of them. In trying to decide who you feel more for you cut off ties with both only to bump into them both unexpectedly. Warnings: 18+ only, alcohol, swearing WC: 3.4K

bucky masterlist || steve masterlist

It was the weekend and you were ready to unwind. Being single, depressingly so, you decided to head out to the many clubs on and around Atlantic Ave with the hope of finding at least one cute guy. Even just exchanging numbers would ease some of the need you had to socialise with the opposite sex, so that was your goal.

The first club you got to wasn’t quite to your taste, the music not a genre you would usually listen to. But, it was happy hour so you stayed for the cheap drinks and felt yourself begin to relax. You had just returned from the ladies room and found a handsome man occupying the stool beside the one you had claimed as your own and he smiled when you sat down beside him.

“Having a good night?” He asked with a polite smile on his face, a dark blond beard shaping his face perfectly. The bartender had your refill ready and placed it down in front of you as the man pulled out his wallet. “I’ll have another and I’ll get this gorgeous lady’s drink as well.”

“You don’t have to do that.” You said as he waved it off.

You didn’t want to give him the idea that you could be bought into a night between the sheets as so many men had assumed would be the case when they paid for your drinks. On the other hand, the man looked built for some damn good sex and you couldn’t deny the sweet reminder between your legs as you shifted on your perch. 

“I want to.” He said as he swivelled around to face you. “I will admit, I do have an ulterior motive.”

“Of course you do.” You sighed under your breath.

“See, my friends were meant to meet me here but they’re running late and it would really ruin my image if I’m sat alone at the bar.” His serious image cracked into a smile that had you laughing before he held his hand out. “I’m Steve.”

“Y/n.” 

His hands were, for lack of a better word, manly. They were large and engulfed yours, his palms calloused from years of manual labour with them and you watched his biceps flex beneath his tight shirt. If you would hazard a guess you assumed he was a builder given his strength and you were once again reminded of the deep ache in your core at the thought of him wielding a hammer. 

“I haven’t seen you around before. You live near here?” 

“Yeah, but I don’t get out much.” You said as he sipped from his bottle of beer. “My mom said I need to get out more or resign myself to adopting 40 cats.”

His beer threatened to come out his nose as he choked and spluttered on the laugh lodged in his throat. You felt terrible as you leapt forward and clapped him on the back a few times while he recovered.

“I’m sorry.” You apologised as he grabbed a napkin and dabbed his lips with a shake of his head.

“Don’t be.” He reassured you with a hand on yours. “I like the honesty. It’s refreshing.”

His eyes turned sad for a moment before whatever ghost had haunted him left and he realised he was still holding your hand. You didn’t mind at all as his cold hand warmed against your skin but he pulled away to wave at a couple of guys walking in.

“Did you want to come join us?” Steve asked as they approached the bar but you shook your head with a small smile.

“I’m going to head off but you have a good night.” You felt safe with Steve but you didn’t want to put yourself into a predicament by drinking with three very strong strangers. “But, um, if you wanted to grab another drink sometime when you don’t have other plans, I would be up for that.”

Steve’s eyes lit up as he nodded eagerly and grabbed another napkin. He wrote his number down quickly and placed the paper securely in your hand, closing your fist around it.

“I’m definitely up for that.” He promised. “And let me know that you got home safe, pretty woman like yourself shouldn’t be walking around alone. Actually, do you want me to walk you to a taxi?”

You smiled as he worried over you and placed a calming hand to his bulging bicep. “I’m fine, Steve. Relax with your friends and I promise I’ll text you when I get home.”

“Alright then, y/n. Have a good night.” He nodded, watching you retreat from the bar until his friends blocked your view.

The second you were out of sight you added his number to your phone in case you lost the napkin and smiled the entire way down the street. You were practically walking on sunshine when some pop music caught your fancy as you passed an open bar and you figured one more drink would go down well before you called it a night. 

The bar was crowded with more people than you expected waiting to order and you were undecided on whether to stay and wait it out or just leave. The decision was made for you when the line almost biblically parted and you saw an empty stool illuminated by the laser lights. Sneaking through the space, you took a seat while waiting for the bartender to make his way down the line.

“You might be waiting a while, doll. Service is pretty slack.” You looked over to the figure sitting beside you and found a handsome man smiling coyly at you as he ran a thick, ringed finger around the rim of his empty tumbler. “I was about to leave but I think I might just stick around now. I’m Bucky.”

For the second time tonight you found yourself bathing in the attention of a handsome man. His hand was cold from the icy glass he had been holding and he had held on just a little too long for it to be just a friendly handshake. “You got a name, or should I just keep calling you doll?”

“It’s y/n.” You said as the butterflies in your tummy took flight all over again. “But I could get used to doll too.”

“Good, because it suits you.” He winked before nodding your head to the bartender who had stopped in front of you. “You must be a good luck charm, they haven’t come down this end of the bar for the last 15 minutes.”

“I’m about 15 years overdue for some good luck, it’s about time things turned around.” You admitted with a laugh before ordering your drink and Bucky’s too so he didn’t have to wait. He was quicker than you to drop the money on the bar and he smirked as it was taken by the bartender before you could protest, the note large enough to buy four more of the cocktails. 

“Keep the change man.” Bucky said to the bartender, a grateful smile thrown his way before the man rushed back to the next patron. 

“That was very generous of you.” You smiled, remembering the days you had worked in hospitality. 

“I appreciate an honest day's work.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “You couldn’t pay me enough to do what they do.”

You followed his glare to a group of young men, who looked barely legal, surrounding a hostess that was trying to work but they kept blocking her way. You sighed feeling sorry for the woman, she clearly wasn’t interested in them but it didn’t seem to be stopping them from trying.

“Why isn’t anybody doing anything?” You frowned as you looked for the bouncer before Bucky jumped off his stool.

You couldn’t tell how tall he was when he was sitting but he was half a head above most of the patrons as he sauntered towards the group of offenders. You grabbed your drinks, not wanting them to be spiked if you left them but also not wanting Bucky to get in trouble alone. You struggled to keep up with his long strides but focused on his broad back straining against the fitted shirt he wore before shamelessly trailing down to his tight jeans.

“Hey, leave her alone, she’s just trying to do her job.” Bucky growled as he pushed his way between two of them and put himself between her and the men. “I think you should find some other place to party tonight.”

You sagged with relief when you spotted two bouncers making their way into the tense situation but the relief was short lived as they pointed to everyone in the vicinity and ordered them out, including Bucky. 

“He was just trying to help her.” You said as you stepped into the conversation and pointed at Bucky. “Since you guys didn’t seem to be doing anything.”

The bouncer towering over you cocked an eyebrow at the taunt before waving a hand at everyone, including you this time, and jabbed his thumb to the door. “Out. Now.”

An arm curled around your waist and Bucky’s drink was taken from your fingers and you found him finishing it before placing the empty glass on the hostess’s tray. “Sorry, doll, I didn’t mean to ruin your night.”

“Are you kidding me?” You laughed, following his actions and finishing your cocktail. “It’s nice to know there’s still decent guys out there.”

“I’m heading down the road to meet up with some friends, did you want to join me?”

You chewed your lip as you wanted to say yes but your feet were killing you and the buzz you had earlier had disappeared with the thought of the fight. “Can I take a raincheck? I was actually heading home when I walked past this bar.”

“Well, I’m glad you did.” He said as he stopped outside under the awning of the bar. “How about lunch this week? It might be less dramatic.”

“Less drama sounds good to me.” You chuckled and accepted his phone that he held out, adding your number to his contacts and sending yourself a message. “Let me know what day works for you.”

He grinned as he took the device and felt it buzz with a notification. “I’d make any day work for you, doll. I, um, have to go before these guys send a search party for me. I’ll see you next week.”

“It’s a date.” 

His smile grew even wider as he walked away, a little bounce in his step as he replied to Steve that he was on his way.

“I don’t know what to do.” You complained to your mom as she sipped her coffee and pondered what advice she could offer.

“Sorry, sweetpea, I really don’t know what to say other than to trust your gut.” 

“But they are both so amazing, and funny, and nice.” You huffed in frustration. “I really like both of them. Steve is honestly the most caring and considerate guy. And Bucky, he’s selfless and sweet. And they are both drop dead gorgeous and mechanics too, so you know they are good with their hands.”

“You’ve got yourself in a little pickle then don’t you sweetheart.” You mom said as she patted your hand gently. “But you can’t keep stringing them both along, that’s not fair on anyone. You’ll have to choose soon, before it gets too serious.”

“Ughhh, this isn’t helping mom. I have so much on my plate right now. Tomorrow I have breakfast with Steve then dinner with Bucky, then I have this project due and on top of that the light in my car still hasn’t gone away.”

“Honey, it needs a service, you can’t just drive around with the engine check light on for months.” Your mother tutted. “There’s a place on 3rd Ave near South Slope, the girls I play bridge with rave about it. Brooklyn something, Boys? I don’t know, use that interweb thing to search for it.”

You nodded along, half checked out of the conversation as your mind wandered back to your dating predicament. You knew everything your mom had said made sense but the thought of having to choose one over the other left you feeling sick to your stomach.

“One less thing to worry about.”

You looked up from the cold coffee you had been staring out of focus at, a stain ringing around the mug. “What’s that?”

“Talking to myself again.” She sighed as she showed you her phone. “I found them, The Brooklyn Boys, and booked you in. It’s amazing all the things you can do on the line.”

“Online.” You muttered as you took her phone and sent yourself the booking details so you could drop it off. “Thanks mom.” 

“That’s what I’m here for. Glorified receptionist.” She teased. “One step up from being your maid when you lived at home. I should get going if I want to make it home before dark, my eyesight isn’t quite what it used to be.”

“Let me walk you out, I could do with some fresh air to clear my head.” You said as you placed the mugs in the sink and grabbed a jacket. 

“Let me know which one you choose, oh and send me photos.”

The ache in your stomach came back at the reminder and you nodded sullenly as you followed her out of your apartment.

The ache in your stomach came back at the reminder and you nodded sullenly as you followed her out of your apartment. 

Your breakfast and dinner dates went so well that you were even more confused and hurt at the thought of having to choose one. You had resorted to leaving their messages on read as they tried to organise another date and that left you feeling even worse because you missed talking with them. You could still feel the tingle of their kiss lingering on your lips and it felt natural to want to take things further, to establish a relationship and see where it led. But you selfishly wanted a relationship with both men. 

You were so deep in your thoughts you almost missed the sign for the automotive shop but pulled into the last parking spot on the lot. 

“How’d your dinner go?” Steve asked as he wiped his hands on a rag and turned to see Bucky’s feet poking out from under a Civic. 

“I thought it went well but I think she’s ghosting me.” Bucky sighed as he rolled out and dropped his wrench into a toolbox with a little more force than necessary. “I don’t know what I did wrong.”

Steve chuffed and wrapped the rag tightly around his fist. “We can’t seem to catch a break can we?”

“You too, shit.” Bucky shook his head. “I’m sorry man.” 

“Me too.” Steve muttered, hearing the buzz of a customer entering the workshop. “Plenty more fish in the sea, right?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Bucky was unconvinced but shrugged it off as he followed Steve to the counter so he could call the car's owner and give them the bad news. “I just thought we really had a connection.”

You looked up from your phone after getting the booking number and almost dropped the device as you came face to face with Steve and Bucky, both looking as stunned as you. Your lips parted like a guppy gasping for air which suddenly seemed too thick to inhale as your worst nightmare came to life.

“Hey doll.” Bucky recovered first and smiled as he stepped closer. “You had me worried when you didn’t call me back.”

“Doll?” Steve laughed nervously. “She’s your doll?”

“Steve…” You choked as you looked between them. 

“Wait, you know Steve?” Bucky frowned and looked at his best friend looking at you. “This is the girl from the bar?”

“Oh sweet jesus, I should have adopted a fucking cat.” You groaned as you backed up to the door. 

Steve shook his head with a relieved laugh that froze you before you could push the door open. “We should talk in our office.”

Your eyes flickered between the two of them, half expecting the testosterone to turn explosive. “You’re not…angry?”

“What?” Bucky’s frown deepened into a scowl. “Why would we be angry?”

“Because you and I.” You waved your arms around the triangle. “And me and him.”

“Sweetheart, relax.” Steve soothed, nodding to the door that said OFFICE. “I can’t speak for Bucky but I’m just relieved you're okay. When you stopped replying, I…I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Bucky placed his hand on your lower back and urged you to follow Steve as he unlocked the office door. Twin desks faced opposite walls and a couch sat against the back wall, the whole room looking really tidy considering it was two mechanics who used it.

“Have a seat, doll.”

You sat nervously on the middle seat, feeling their heat radiating from them as they sat down beside you. The bulk of their bodies should have overwhelmed you, made you feel small, but instead you felt comfortable. It was the same comfort that you had when you were with them individually.

Bucky sat back and draped his arm across your shoulder like did when he walked with you through the park after your first date. You looked at Steve from under your lashes and found no jealousy or restraint anger as he reached for your hand and laced his fingers with yours. After a few deep breaths, you finally regulated your breathing and asked the question burning in your brain.

“What is going on?”

“Showing you that it’s okay.” Bucky said casually as if he were commenting on the weather.

“I’m so confused.” You mumbled under your breath. “I just needed a service.”

“You got more than that.” Steve chuckled with a reassuring squeeze of his hand. “Now feel free to stop me at any point but I think it’s fair to assume you like the both of us.”

You nodded as you closed your eyes, feeling the pressure of societal norms weighing on your shoulders.

“And from what Bucky’s said, and what I know, I can tell you the feeling is mutual.” Steve affirmed.

“We aren’t asking you to choose, if that’s something that’s worrying you.” Bucky added. “Steve’s my best friend, he’s a great guy so I get why you went out with him.”

“And Bucky is the most supportive partner you could ever have.” Steve smiled proudly over your shoulder. “So the question is, what do you want to do now?”

Your head was spinning at the onslaught of information that your brain couldn’t seem to comprehend. On one hand you really hoped you were understanding what was going on but you didn’t want to risk making another mistake with the two of them. Sitting up straighter you cleared your throat and bit your lip as you worked up your courage. “What exactly are you saying?”

Bucky took your other hand and leant in so he could give you the kiss he had been dying to since he saw you in the shop. You melted as his tongue rolled across your lip begging entrance that you indulged in before he pulled away breathless. “Don’t choose between us.”

Steve cradled your cheek in his hand and turned you to face him. His kind eyes sent your heart racing as they broke away from your gaze to look at your swollen lips before he couldn’t resist having his own taste of them. Their hands on your body, the taste of their kids, it was too much and your brain could barely function when he pulled away. “Choose both of us.”

Your head was nodding with all your thoughts of consideration and deliberation gone with the wind. It felt right, feeling their hands in yours, their heated stares setting your blood on fire. Even if you had time to think you knew you still wouldn’t be able to choose because they were both what you needed, two sides of the same coin that you could never flip.

“I want you both.” You admitted as you shifted in your seat. “But I don’t want this to affect your friendship.”

“It won’t.” Bucky assured you as he looked at Steve. “Promise.”

Steve nodded and slapped Bucky affectionately on his shoulder. “Promise.”

“Oh god.” You gasped as you clamped a hand over your mouth. “How am I going to explain this to my mom?”