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starshipsofstarlord · 3 years

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Not on my boat

Pairing | Bucky Barnes x reader

Summary | whilst helping Sam fix his boat, during the midst of its progression, Bucky corners you within the old Wilson heirloom, leaving your friend and future captain, rather disgusted in the both of you.

Warnings | tfatws spoilers, mentions of death, some angst, smut, oral (male and female receiving), fingering, unprotected sex, bit of choking, swearing

Requested ✖️

Quick link to my masterlist, if you’re interested in reading more of my crap 😬

Hearing the waves crash against the side of the boat brought a smile upon your face, as you felt the breeze brush against your face. It was peaceful, fixing something rather than leaving it broken in order to save lives. If you weren’t swarmed with the government on your tail about how you were not allowed to use your powers, you’d be living out a free and happy life with the man you loved.

You were enduring a break from your assistance on the old Wilson vessel, your legs plodded around its platform, as you surveyed every piece that was in progress. Soon it would be in tip top shape, and when Sam and Bucky’s relationship was on par with that, that was when the two of you had planned to leave. There were plenty of things the two of you had to make up for before you could reside in peace; one of those things was that list of his.

It was a ledger of the amends that he had to make, a reminder of all the lives that had either taunted his own, or he had stolen from whilst he was not himself. James did not deserve the grievance that he was pardoned with, he was struggling, that much was clear. He had lost Steve, and then he was forced to watch as the shield had been handed off to some wanna be cap. To say he had been furious at Sam was a deep understatement, but as said, he was making amends.

Sam was a good man, you had learnt that much from the time that you had spent avenging to him. You had yet to tell him, but you weren’t planning on going back to that life after Karli was stopped, you wanted to continue working in the small shot bar slash grill, where Bucky and Youri would visit during your hours for lunch, and remain in that partition of worlds. Having Bucky and normalcy was a fine balance, which was a deep seated structure that you deeply needed.

If you did not have that then you were sure you’d explode, and hurt someone, or break something. That was no longer your duty, the fighting that you had spent most of your life giving into was coming to an end, and you were more than fine with that. A civilian life sounded good enough, and something that you could definitely settle for, though, you weren’t sure that Bucky would do the same, you hoped that he would.

That gleam in his eye was far too noticeable every time that he looked at that star striped shield. It had brought him much pain, but it had been there in the corner of his sight everywhere he had went. And now, Sam Wilson, the man that his best friend had entrusted with it, finally accepted the mantle, holding it in his firm grasp, ready to become the next captain to walk the earth, and both you and him knew that he would do far better than Walker could.

He was already a hero, he’d been fighting the Sam foes as Steve for some time, that was enough to know that he was ready. His hesitancy had been understandable, more so after listening to Isiah, though, it was nice to see Sam take his own path on this one. There were pictures of his younger self assembled upon the wooden walls, he was with his sister Sarah. She seemed like a nice woman, a part of you wished that you get to know her better, but she wasn’t a buyer into the whole superhero get advantages agenda, and nor were you.

From what you could tell, Sam had his advantage right here; his family. Sarah was supportive of him, always aiding him necessary, whilst she simultaneously raised to young boys, that looked admirably up to their uncle, and feeding the kids that they went to school with because their parents had no intention to. If you could, you’d buy a replica of her life, her head was above water, although the boat almost wasn’t.

The boat. It was an heirloom, something that you did not have of your own family. Everyone was gone, the only person you had was Bucky, and thinking of him caused a light chuckle to fall from your lips, he made you endlessly happy. But neither of you could have the picture perfect life, and that was why the pair of you worked, you were each well aware of the restrictions that taunted you both, and had both been down dark roads on more than one occasion.

Things were turning brighter though, as the sun glared through the old glass, casting luminosity to stroke the high points of your face. A gently creak had your head diverting to the door way, where no other than James Barnes was leant up against, his metal arm pressed to the frame as he adoringly swept his oceanic pools over your form, slowly stepping closer.

“What are you thinking about doll?” He asked you, his tone genuine, as you sighed from his words, rubbing your eyelid as you felt a small itch. You puffed your cheeks, as you placed your hands on the super soldier’s waist, rubbing small and vigilant circles through his grey shirt.

“Too much.” It was an honest answer, everything was rattling around like pins in your mind, sinking in and letting loose to their own will. They could not be organised, they would only tumble about again, until the box was empty, though, for now, you had nowhere else to put them.

“Sarah said we could spend the night.” At his words, you hummed, taking note once more of how generous the woman indeed was. “We get the couch, so you best be on your best behaviour baby girl, nothing dirty goes on inside.” A small smirk crept its way onto his handsome face as you gasped at his spoken intention, lightly hitting the vibranium of his arm.

“Why do you blame me for not keeping it in my pants?” You interrogated him, glaring up at the man with a furrow between your brows. “You’re the one that corners me, a lot like this actually, so that you can get your own way and fuck m- oh, that’s exactly what you’re doing now, isn’t it?” You scoffed, crossing your arms and stepping away due to the man’s hormonal impulses. “Why am in not surprised?” You asked yourself, shaking your head at the behaviour of your partner.

“Hey, I’m doing us both a favour. Sex in someone else’s house is not exactly appreciated, and there’s kids, that i would rather not risk getting caught by.” He moved towards you, grabbing an ass cheek in each hand, as he pulled you closer by his grip. “At least then, there’s a chance I can survive the night, without being woken up by you sucking me off, or riding me.”

He was pushing your buttons, and he far well knew that, almost too well. It was his technique to get you riled up, that way, there’d be no dismissal of his current proposal, though, you continued to wear that adorable frown that he loved so much, and so, he gave your ass another firm squeeze, causing you to gasp against his chest. “Fucking on their dead parents’ boat isn’t exactly respectful either.”

“We’re helping fix it, may as well take our break on board, let loose a little, release all that’s clouding your mind.” He shrugged, knowing that his words were tempting you into complying with his lustrous whim, and so, to put another step in to helping his cause, he stepped back, reaching behind him to pull his shirt over the back of his neck, leaving his muscular torso bare, and free for your eyes to roam.

“That’s not fair.” You whined at him, not stopping yourself as you moved closer, and smoothed your hands down his stomach. “You’re such a tease Barnes, why couldn’t you have just fingered me in the public bathroom and waited until tomorrow?” A groan slipped from your mouth, as you peppered kisses over his warm flesh, tasting the sweat on his skin as your tongue swiped over the ridges of his six pack.

“Where would the fun have been in that?” He watched you roll your eyes, but continue to work your way down to his navel, stroking his v line with your fingertips. “We’ve had sex on a plane, might as well add a boat to the list.” Bucky remarked, groaning as you put your weight down onto your knees, looking up at him with your pretty eyes, as you palmed him through the denim of his jeans.

He could feel his cock stirring beneath the material, wanting more, eager to breach the layers that were keeping your tongue from rotating around him. But he remained still, as you swept your hair out from your face, the noise of your pulling down his zipper audible, as you sent him a naughty grin. The man above you licked his lips, breathing a sigh of relief when you tugged his jeans and boxers down, his erection swiftly bouncing up, the leaking tip pointing rudely at your face.

With a quick hand, you grasped his length, rubbing over his veins as you pumped him, spreading the moisture of his precum over his rigid skin, aiding you in your movements. As you proceeded to jerk him within your grip, your mouth moved forwards, your breath fanning over his balls before your tongue slipped out to stroke them, swiping up the droopy skin, as you suckled one into your mouth, contently moaning from the flavour of his skin.

Your eyes had shut as Bucky opened his own, watching you through a hooded gaze as you happily assisted his genitals, sending him into a crusade of pleasure as you used your well adversed skill set upon him. Your bottom lip ran up his shaft, slowly dragging along his reddened skin, until your reached the tip, your hands fleeing down to fondle with his sack, as your mouth stuffed itself full of his cock.

“Baby girl.” He breathed, his chest feeling tight as he stood there, practically naked aboard your friend’s boat. James gritted his teeth, watching as you effortlessly bobbed your head up and down half of him, lazily grinning as gagging sounds eventually emitted from your throat as you had him down the back of your throat, saliva slipping down your chin as you shook your head from side to side with him choking you with his dick.

Though he worried not for your struggle, not as you moaned against him, your lashes fluttering though your eyes were shut. He reached his vibranium hand down, stroking the side of your face with the cool metal, a high whine whistling it’s way out of your nose. Your spare hand reached up, cupping it against you, as you hollowed your cheeks, steadily breathing your nostrils.

A light frown covered your face as you focused on smoothing your tongue on his underside, causing Bucky to throw back his head, his stomach sternly clenching as he felt his balls twitch; and then, before he could fathom it, he was filling your mouth, cumming down your throat, as he pulled out, the last of his seed falling upon your tongue as he manhandled himself, feeling sensitive as he watched you fumble your tongue around your mouth, swallowing the mix of your spittle and his cum.

“Taste so fucking good.” You spoke, laughing lightly as you stared up and saw his dazed expression. Bucky pulled you up, his hand cupping your ass again, as he backed you up against the dash, your back lightly hitting against the window as he pulled at your shorts, whisking then down your legs, rubbing you through your underwear. His tongue explored your mouth, tasting himself as he located your clit, your arms grabbing at his shoulders to push him down, to which he complied.

His noises echoed through your mouth, as he pressed kissed along the top of your thighs, his fingers surpassing the seams of your panties, swiping at your entrance, until his prodding ceased, and he sunk his middle finger into your pussy, feeling you clench around him instantaneously. His teeth bit into your skin, emitting a squeal out of you as you harshly tugged his hair, making him rut his loose cock against nothing but the air.

“So wet.” He mumbled against your skin, as his vibranium snapped the sides of your underwear, letting the damp material fall to the floor, as he licked circles around your clit with his tongue, pulley airy sounds of pleasure of of your lungs. He slipped in another finger, his nose being pressed against your mound as you tugged him even closer, feeling as though you were almost there. Then you came, his fingers quickly exiting you as his tongue plunged in your entrance, cleaning up all your juices.

“Need you to fuck me Buck, please honey”. The man stood, stroking his hard cock as he teased your entrance. He swiped it through your slit a couple of times, before slapping his head against your clit, making your mewl against his lips, as you licked your essence from around his mouth. “James...” His cocky demeanour returned, as he watched you glance down at his cock, pressing your lips together in desire.

“Thought you didn’t want to fuck me on the boat.” He sneered dominantly, gripping your throat with his vibranium fist, giving it a tough squeeze, finding it endlessly hot as needy tears pooled in the corners of your eyes. Your lips pouted as you sputtered to speak, but you were just so hungry for him. “Guess I’m just gonna have to take pity on you doll, aren’t I?”

With that,he wedged his way through your folds, filling you to the brim as he bottomed out, gently releasing your throat to paw at your tits through your shirt. “Move baby, move.” You mumbled, your head feeling dizzy as your nails dug into the back of his neck, pulling him closer so that you could place tender and supple kisses across the front of his shoulders.

And so, he began to thrust into you, keeping a grip on your hips as he raised your leg around his waist, driving into you deeper, your head tiredly lulling as you chanted his name in soft and delirious pants. “So damn tight angel.” The soldier muttered, biting down onto your chin as he kissed his way up to your lips, abusing the swollen flesh a little more. The kisses were sloppy and downright needy, his vibranium hand held your chin up so that it would tip in rhythm with his movements, making access to the inside of your mouth easier.

“Buck.” You mumbled against his lips as your eyes rolled, your own hand circling your clit as you jutted against his exceeding administrations, one hand crawling up into his scalp as you let our small screams. You were indefinitely close, and as Bucky swerved his head around your own, moving his lips to nip at your earlobe, you came, coating his cock in your wetness, as he continued to hit his hips against your own.

It wasn’t long until he followed after, your clumsy hands trailing down to roll his balls in your palms being the last thing to push him over the edge. Bucky remained standing between your legs, each of your heads resting over each other’s shoulders as you felt each other, eyes closed, and smelling how the aroma of your sex wafted around you, like a personalised perfume.

“Hell no.” And the peace was broke, as Sam’s voice broke it. He had his hands on his hips as he shifted his gaze away from the two of you, unimpressed by what had happened. “The two of you get a break and you - not on my boat!” He practically screeched like a falcon at the pair of you, his arms flailing about like a bird’s flapping wings.

Although he was maddened, it didn’t settle well with you. You were too far out of it to acknowledge what he must have thought about the on deck dick that you had gotten, you were too lost in Bucky, the feeling of him still inside of you, and the falling of his cum out from beneath you both. “You know what, I’m outta here.” Sam left, quite glad to do so.

“You alright doll face?” Bucky asked as he pulled out, making you wince from the feeling of emptiness. You nodded as he reached for your underwear , leaving them be when he registered he had torn them, and instead opted to picking up just you’d shorts, pulling them onto your legs, redressing himself afterwards.

“I love you Buck.” You smiled tiredly, humming as he pecked your lips a few more times, combing his hands through your sex hair, as he returned the facial expression, seemingly calm. It looked good on him, the pair of you had momentarily forgotten your traumas, and it was bliss.

“Love you too darling.” He pecked your nose, staring lovingly into your eyes as he helped you down, and abled you with support to stand. “Unfortunately I think our breaks over beautiful.” He spoke, his hand upon your waist as the pair of you walked from the scene, going to fetch a bottle of water from Sarah, whom you hoped had not learn of your oversea adventure .

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watchmegetobsessed · 3 years

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The Hottest Avenger - Bucky Barnes

a/n: im warning you, i will probably not stop for a while with the bucky fics so... brace yourselves lol! also i wrote this before ep 5 came out so its placed in that time

pairing: Bucky X Reader

warnings: TFATWS spoiler, some violence? nothing extreme

word count: 1.8k

summary: Being locked together with Sam and Bucky brings the worst out of you, picking on each other constantly. Following an arguement Bucky accidentally calls you his girlfriend in front of Sam when your relationship was supposed to be a secret.

masterlist

“Did you fucking eat the last dumpling?” you accuse Sam, holding up the empty takeout box where you thought were one more dumpling, one you’ve saved for yourself, but now it’s gone as Sam is eyeing you with his mouth full.

“Thought it was mine,” he mumbles, his words barely understandable from all the food in his mouth.

Taking a deep breath you’re trying not to jump at his throat right then and there. You’ve been locked up together all damn day in the trashy apartment across the street from the building where’s Zemo supposed to be hiding. Sharon had a tip about a possible place where he might be found, but you’ve been waiting to no avail for now. You’ve been growing stressed and impatient. You lost track of Karli and her people and now you can’t seem to find Zemo either. If it wasn’t for the Dora Milaje, you wouldn’t bother to be so after the asshole, but Bucky said if Ayo finds him first, he is dead and every useful information he holds goes to the grave with him so now you are forced to look for him. One failed mission has been following the other these days, that incompetent dickhead John is on the loose too after murdering that man in front of civilians and you feel like control has slipped out of your grip a long time ago. Now you’re stuck with Sam and Bucky in this crappy place, waiting by the window, watching out for Zemo and on top of everything… Sam ate your last dumpling.

Just when you’re about to snap at him, you feel a strong grip on your shoulder. You don’t have to look up to know it’s Bucky right behind you, but not just because he is the only other person in the room beside you and Sam, but also because you know his touch probably more than anyone. Only that most of the times it’s not your shoulder he is gripping…

It’s been going on for a long time between the two of you. Started with just some innocent flirting and you never thought it would grow into something more significant, but it did. And now you are officially in a relationship with none other than the Winter Soldier, only that no one else knows about it and you plan to keep it that way. You don’t need the teasing and jokes and the Avengers are known to be dicks sometimes, especially Sam.

Glancing up your eyes meet Bucky’s blue irises and he sends you a look that says “just let it go”, and though every fiber in you wants to whoop Sam’s ass, you let it slip.

“Don’t tell me you’re gonna get mad about a dumpling,” Sam chuckles as he chews on the food that you should be enjoying right now.

“I can get mad about whatever I want to,” you growl back, growing quite irritated of him at this point.

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” he huffs under his breath, clearly not as bothered as he should be. Before you could do any harm in him, you leave your spot by the window, needing a breather from… well, from him.

“Hey, it’s still your turn!” he calls after you.

“I need a break,” you growl back.

“Get your ass back here, we agreed to switch every two hours!”

“Sam! I’m walking out because I’m way too tempted to punch you in the face right now!” you snap at him, losing your patience. He rises from his seat with a hard expression, not quite a fan of the way you just talked to him, but you couldn’t care less.

“You think you could actually throw one? Because last time we fought you couldn’t really get a hold of me,” he narrows his eyes at you, coming to stand tall in front of you, trying to intimidate you with how much taller and stronger he might be, but you both know you’re a better fighter.

“It’s easy to talk with your fancy tech stuff. Why don’t we see who wins in a simple battle?” you challenge him with faked boredom.

“Guys, stop. We should be looking out for Zemo, not tearing each other apart,” Bucky tries to end the staring contest, sticking his metal arm between the two of you in case any of you decides to launch at the other one.

“Then tell her to stop bitching!” Sam nods in your way.

“I’m not bitching, I’m just fed up with your bullshit!” you spat back at him, leaning closer, your chest coming in contact with Bucky’s extended arm.

“Don’t talk to her like that, Sam,” Bucky warns him, but Sam snorts dryly.

“Don’t tell me you are taking her side, she is throwing a fit for a fucking dumpling!”

“I’m not taking sides, just trying to settle this stupid disagreement here,” he defends himself and you roll your eyes.

“You can’t tell me she is not overreacting it, Buck!” Sam laughs in disbelief, taking a step back, dropping the act that he wants to fight you. He probably knows he would come out as a ridiculous loser. “This is fucking insane, I’m not in the mood to deal with your shit, Y/N,” he shakes his head.

“Hey!” Bucky snaps at him. “Don’t talk to my girlfriend like that, okay?!”

“I’m just—wait, what?!” Sam’s eyes widen and you freeze too.

Your dumbass boyfriend didn’t just out the two of you, did he? What else is about to come?! Sam’s shock turns into a cocky grin as his eyes shift between you and Bucky.

“You guys… you guys are fucking?” he asks with a delightful laugh and you close your eyes sighing, already tired of his shit.

“That’s not—We’re not fucking, I mean… It’s not like that,” Bucky stutters, but it’s just making it worse. He looks at you with terror in his eyes, but you are way too drained to deal with it the right way.

“Yes, we are fucking! And we are in a mature adult relationship! Get yourself over it!” you bark at Sam before turning around and walking out.

You faintly hear the two men talk inside, but you don’t make out the words. You don’t go too far, sitting on the steps leading up to the third floor. Soon enough you hear the door of the apartment open with a creak and a moment later Bucky shows up in your sight. He sits beside you, remaining silent for a little before speaking up.

“Sorry for running my mouth,” he mumbles, his head hanging low.

“It’s… fine,” you breathe out. Bucky fidgets with his fingers and you know he wants to touch you in any kind of way as a reassurance that it really is fine. You don’t want to hold a grudge, it was an accident, you’re just a little bummed it’s not gonna be just the two of you anymore. Reaching out you take his hand, the real one that’s flesh and meat and you lace your fingers together as he peeks at you, still reserved and hesitant.

“Is it really fine or are you just bottling it up?”

“It really is fine,” you chuckle softly and leaning closer you kiss his scruffy cheek. “The only reason I wanted to keep it a secret is because you know how vickery the guys can get. I just didn’t want them to pick on us.”

“They do it because they are just jealous,” he smirks playfully, his shoulder bumping against yours.

“Yeah? Of what?” A soft chuckle slips through your lips.

“That I scored the hottest Avenger,” he replies smugly and you can’t help but laugh with your head snapping back.

“I didn’t know you were fucking Thor!” you retort and immediately see his smirk vanish from his lips as he stares back at you, not enjoying your joke as much as you are.

“Thor? Really? Not this shit again, Y/N,” he narrows his eyes at you. Back when you were just skirting around each other, you loved pulling his leg, joking about how much you are into the hottest Avenger, aka Thor. He never appreciated it, usually earned you a tight-lipped smile before he mumbled “Tarzan’s got nothing on me” before walking away, leaving you laughing like a hyena.

“Come on, you know I’m more into super soldiers,” you grin, leaning closer as he pepper his sharp jawline with more small kisses.

“You know, it’s not the best thing to say to your boyfriend when there are now about eight more super soldiers running around,” he huffs.

“But none of them has a metal arm,” you point out, finally making him laugh.

“So that’s your kink? A vibranium arm?” he asks with faked shock and you curl your arms around his bicep, resting your chin on his shoulder.

“How haven’t you realized yet?” you chuckle. Bucky turns his head until his lips can capture yours in a sweet, lighthearted kiss that makes you forget about everything that’s been clouding over your mind these past days. All the failures, the mistakes and chaos fades into nothing, because you have him and he has you.

Walking back into the apartment Sam stares back at you, neither of you entirely sure how to act after what just happened. He then grabs his phone from the dusty table before holding it up.

“I could order some extra dumplings,” he offers and you crack a smile shaking your head. This was his peace offering, both of you knows he won’t straight up apologize for the way he talked, but this is already more than what you were expecting from him. Bucky must have had a few words with him before joining you outside.

“It’s all good.”

The three of you get back to work, taking your previous spots, returning to the task on hand as silence falls on the room once again. You catch Sam glancing at you and the Bucky and you can tell he is about to make a snarky comment on your relationship. And just as he is about to open his big mouth, Bucky moves to silence him, but you’re faster. With a simple move you throw Sam to the ground, keeping him down with your hand wrapped around his neck.

“Don’t even think about teasing, understood?” you hiss at him as he gasps for air, his hands wrapping around your wrist as he tries to fight you off, but you hold him a second longer to emphasize the importance of your words. Then you finally let go of him and he coughs for air, fixing him up from the floor as you simply walk back to your spot by the window.

“Hottest Avenger, huh?” he breathes out, revealing that he heard what you talked about out on the stairs. “More like the Avenger with the most anger issues…”

You just grin, glancing over at your boyfriend who is now standing with his arms crossed over his chest, not even bothered by his friend’s struggles on the floor as he smirks back at you, nodding proudly as if he was saying: “That’s my girl.”

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed it!

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londonalozzy · 3 years

Text

Stop Pretending (TFATWS)

Fandom: Marvel

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Genre: Romance, Angst

Summary: The reader thinks she's doing a stellar job of keeping her feelings for a certain soldier buried deep inside. Turns out, all it takes is an observant new friend to begin the unraveling of her most precious secret (Spoilers for TFATWS)

Masterlist

Word: Pretence

Definition: A way of acting that is intended to deceive people.

Example: Saying that he's just a friend when he's really the love of your life.

Your POV

Being caught in the midst of war is something that I, (Y/N) (Y/L/N) know all too well. As a war vet, former shield agent, and now Avenger I'm used to being centered amongst conflict. When the fight begins within me though, a battle between what I want and what I think is right, how will I react? Will I listen to my heart, my head, or will the winner be chosen for me?

Delacroix, Louisiana.....

I love my sleep, always have, always will. It's not necessarily the comfort of the bed, the quiet or even the rest. It's the fact that I'm at peace when I sleep. My life has a tendency to fall apart when I'm awake, so anything that will put that off for as long as possible I savor.

I wish it were the same for a certain super soldier in my life. I look forward to going to bed, everything calms down then, and for most people it's the same. For Bucky however, it's when everything starts, the nightmares, the terrors, the seemingly unending darkness. If only I could take his pain away like he has with mine.

For the last few weeks, my life had, for want of a better word, been hectic. Hectic to say the least.

After the eventual defeat of Thanos and the loses we endured as a result, I thought naively that life might calm down a bit, that I'd have time to breathe, to live. How wrong I was.

It all began with John Walker being announced to the world as the new Captain America.

I was baking cookies with Morgan in the Stark family kitchen when it came over the radio. As that latest turn of events sunk in, my first thoughts were of Bucky, what that would do to him. Not even an hour later I had said my goodbyes and was on my way to help him get the shield back.

Since then even more had happened. We'd regrouped with Sam, busted Zemo out of prison which in turn ruffled the feathers of Ayo and the Dora Milaje. We came face to face with Morgenthou and the Flag Smashers, and finally witnessed the man who thought he could even compete with Steve, make himself judge, jury and most significantly executioner.

After that went around the world we knew we had to end it sooner rather than later. It couldn't get much worse than Captain America becoming a murderer. We got the shield back, which was a fight all in itself. Handed Zemo over to Ayo, to try and recompense for the distrust we'd instilled in the people who'd helped us so much. Then we travelled to stay with Sam and his family in Louisiana whilst we waited for Karli's next move.

This is where we found ourselves now, in the eye of it, the calm before the storm.

Waking up in the Wilson households guest room, I was greeted to the golden hue of the rising sun penetrating through the single glaze windows, and the melodic sounds of gulls on the hunt for their morning meal down by the docks.

Actually, no that's not right. What I could hear was most certainly not birds, and it was definitely not melodic. What were those boys doing?

Quickly and quietly I threw on the first clothes I could get my hands on and made my way downstairs towards the noise. What caught my attention when I discovered the source, was not the two youngest Wilson boys playing with our newly reacquired shield in the living room, but the super solider who was blissfully ignorant to it all, sleeping peacefully on the couch in front of them. I don't think I'd ever been so happy.

"Right you two, if you're determined to play Avengers all morning then I suggest you re-assemble in the back yard. You're gonna wake Bucky up," I whispered out in one breath, stepping between the boys, then placing my hands on their backs and tip toeing them towards the door.

"So what if we wake him up? It's gone 10am," Cass questioned in protest, pulling on his sneakers and jacket.

"Exactly! Which is why if you do as I say, I will make you the biggest plate of waffles for breakfast that you've ever seen."

The boys eyes lit up. "Can we have ice cream with it? Mum never lets us have ice cream for breakfast, and I'm sure there's a tub of Stark raving hazelnuts in the freezer," AJ clapped in muted excitement. "Oh, for God's sake.....Yes. You can have whatever you want if you get out of this house now and keep the noise down."

Once the boys were outside, I made my way over to the kitchen, stopping on the way to lean over my favourite senior citizen and make sure that he was still peaceful in his slumber. He'd never looked so relaxed, so at ease. It was a brand new Bucky I'd never seen before, a Bucky that had my heart pounding for him even more than it normally did. Not that he knew any of that.

Half an hour later and up to my elbows in waffle mix, I failed to notice my new friend and host Sarah making her way to my side at the counter, the huge smile on my face not going unnoticed. "What's got you grinning like the Cheshire cat, like I need to ask?"

"Bucky's sleeping. Isn't it amazing?" I spoke softly, bouncing up and down on my feet as I did so.

"And why is that?" She couldn't looked more confused if she tried.

"In all the years I've known him, I don't think I've ever woken up before he has. If his nightmares don't keep him awake all night, they normally have him up before the crack of dawn. I don't think I've ever seen him so still."

"Good answer," Sarah nodded in a hush, understanding why this meant so much to me, but not done yet with her morning interrogations, "Now on to my next question......"

"I'm already not liking the sound of this."

"Sleeping Beauty over there follows you around like a little puppy dog. He hangs on your every word, looks at you like you hung the stars or something. It's pretty obvious how crazy he is about you, so when are you gonna stop pretending that you're not head over heels in love with him?"

"I don't know what you're talking about Wilson," I smiled forcefully, making out like the waffle maker deserved my attention way more than the conversation I was being made to have.

This was all Sam's doing, without a shadow of a doubt. He'd tried to have this conversation with me on multiple occasions and I shut him down every time. He obviously hadn't given up like I thought he did, and decided to draft in his sister. He is seriously gonna regret it when I find him.

"Sure you know what I'm talking about. Sam sees it, I don't even know you that well and I see it. The only reason Bucky doesn't, is because he doesn't believe he could ever be that lucky. You're a smitten kitten." These Wilson's are all as annoying as each other.

Knowing I wasn't getting out of this one, I grabbed Sarah by the arm and pulled her right into the corner of the room, trying my best to keep this convo as private as possible. "Look, I'm not pretending.....I'm ignoring. There's a difference."

"Care to explain what that difference is?" Sarah spoke softly, but with a sarcastic air.

Turning to look over my shoulder at the subject of our conversation, making sure he was still safely in the land of nod, I decided to just be honest. Sarah was much like her brother. Once she wanted to get to the bottom of something she wasn't about to give up.

"I love Bucky, more than I've ever loved anyone...and that terrifies me," the rawness of finally being honest making my voice shake, and tears come to my eyes. "Nat was like my sister, and she's dead. Tony was the closest I've ever gotten to having a Dad...and he's dead too. Then there's Steve, Vision, God knows where Wanda is....Everyone I love, either leaves or dies. If I admit my feelings for Buck then I face the risk of losing him too."

"Do you have any idea how crazy you sound right now? He's not going to die because you love him (Y/N)."

Silent tears were falling now. I was revealing my deepest fears to a woman I'd only known a few days, and I'm not underplaying it when I say it was like a colossal weight off my chest, a release I didn't know I needed. "Believe me...I know, but I can't take that risk. I can't lose anyone else, especially not him."

"Let's just say for a second that you're right, that there is some higher power somewhere, set on destroying everyone you love. Do you really think ignoring your feelings is going to make them disappear?" I didn't know what to say to that. "Natasha and Stark died so that everyone could continue living, and (Y/N) you're not living as long as you keep this to yourself. They wouldn't want that for you."

"But what if I lose him?" I whispered with a choked sigh.

"Then at least he'll die knowing how you felt about him. After everything he's been through don't you think he deserves to know there's someone out there who loves him like you do?"

"Of course..."

Sarah's lips pulled upwards in a satisfied smirk, wrapping her arm around my shoulder and giving it a comforting squeeze, "then you owe it to yourself, and to him, to tell him the truth."

"Why do all you Wilson's have to be so clever?" I voiced in mock irritation, pushing her away from me and acting like I was annoyed she had gotten one up on me.

"I don't know," she thought aloud and with a cheeky grin, grabbing a plate to start piling on the long forgotten waffles, "I think it might be the sea air or something."

"Nah, it's in the genes," I chuckled quietly, grabbing my jacket and deciding it was time to get this conversation wrapped up. "I'll go find Sam and the boys for breakfast. Clear my head a little bit."

"You promise you're gonna tell him?" Sarah stopped me as I went to push the door open.

"I'll think about it."

3rd person POV

Once (Y/N) was out of ear shot, Sarah couldn't help but start jumping up and down in excitement, clapping her hands loudly as she did so. That went even better than she thought it would, and she was so proud of herself. Sarah Wilson could now add matchmaker to her resume.

"Coast is clear Barnes. You can open your eyes now."

(Y/N) had no idea what she had metaphorically walked into just minutes earlier, entering that very revealing conversation with her overly inquisitive host.

What drew Sarah to come down that morning was the sounds of both the front porch door opening and the smell of homemade waffles wafting up the stairs. As she entered the kitchen she was met with two sights. One being (Y/N), facing the counter and looking very smiley, the other being a wide awake super soldier who was just laying on the couch and staring at her, the sole object of his affection. Sarah could work with this.

Every time (Y/N) turned back in his direction, Bucky would close his eyes and pretend to be asleep again. He had never slept so soundly, so peacefully, thoughts of (Y/N) and his new friends filling his nightmare free dreams.

He'd initially woken to (Y/N) ushering the boys outside because she was afraid they would wake him up. He didn't want to disappoint her by proving her right. Besides, he liked just watching her move around the kitchen, completely unaware he was observing her the whole time. He had no idea about the conversation that was just about to happen.

After (Y/N) had left and Sarah had confirmed so, Bucky sat himself up, his body shaking with adrenaline and a look of complete shock fixed on his face. Had he definitely woken up, or had the whole thing been a part of his dream? Did (Y/N) seriously just admit that she was in love with him?

Bucky didn't know how to react, didn't know what to say as he looked up at a smug Sarah from his spot. All he'd ever wanted was for (Y/N) to feel the same way about him as he did about her. Now he knew that she did.

"You're welcome by the way."

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cazimagines · 3 years

Text

A Freudian Slip - Part 3

Part 1, Part 2

Masterlist

Synopsis: While a fight breaks out Zemo asks you to run away from him, you accept leaving on an eventful journey with him

Word Count: 4.5k

Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Smut

Author’s note: A final 3rd installment for ‘A Freudian Slip’ I hope you all have enjoyed this brief series! Next to come out is a sequel to ‘Perfectly Exasperating’

Bucky carried Zemo back into the house bridal style, his hands gripping tightly around Zemo’s legs and chest, and dropped him onto the sofa in the midst of the room. Zemo was knocked out from when John Walker had the brilliant idea to stop Zemo from smashing all the super-soldier serum by chucking his shield at him. You could see a nasty bruise forming on the top of his head where he was struck.

You gently run your fingers over the side of his face. At this moment he looked so peaceful sleeping, his lips pulled up into a natural slight smile, parts of his hair dangled down across his forehead, his face softened and not tensed like it usually appeared to be. You brush the hair back into its usual place, running your fingers over his feverish forehead.

You turn to Bucky and Sam, whose eyes burn into yours, millions of questions flashing through them, yet they remain unspoken. “I’ll look after him,” you tell them, turning your gaze back to Zemo's peaceful form. It was easier to stare at him than them at the moment.

“You and Zemo have been spending a lot of time together,” Sam states, raising an eyebrow at you.

“Because I’ve been making sure he doesn’t betray us,” You snap back, refusing to look at them

“Sam and I have been doing that as well and you haven’t seen us giving him bedroom eyes,” Bucky argues back, stepping forward, but Sam grabs a hold of his arm to stop him from going further.

“Look y/n, we’re just concerned about you. That guy a criminal, he could easily manipulate you,”

Your eyes flash to him angrily, “You think I would be easy to manipulate,”

“No, that’s not what I meant-” Sam says but Bucky interrupts him

“Yes. I know him, y/n, that is exactly something he would do. You can’t trust him,”

“I’ve told you already, I’m just making sure he doesn’t betray us. There’s nothing else. I’d appreciate it if you believed me,”

They sigh in defeat, glancing at each other, then back to you. “Look, I will not argue with you. Go get him the things he requires. Bucky and I need to check to see if we can find Karli. I might get a chance to talk to her again” Sam says and he and Bucky turn their backs, sending one last concerning look at you over their shoulders then disappearing.

You sigh looking back to Zemo who still slept peacefully unaware. A smile tugged on your mouth, but it twisted to a frown. You all knew damn well you had been lying. Whether you wanted to admit it, you liked Zemo. Every time you saw him, the urge to kiss his lips pulled you in. You could still feel his embrace, his kisses on your neck, shoulders, collar. The sensation of him inside you, touching you. You craved it more and more like he was your addiction.

You don’t know how you hadn’t gotten to this point of being so obsessed with him, where it had kicked in. You always found him attractive, from when you first laid your eyes on him as he broke out of the prison, you felt that attraction pull to him. You never expected it would be anything more though till that one embarrassing moment when you called him daddy in the undercover mission. You could still feel your cheeks burn up in embarrassment as you remembered that night, but you could also feel your body warm up as you thought about what happened in the alleyway. How he kissed you so passionately. So earnestly.

You had tried to deny your feelings, pretend it wasn’t there, and that kiss that never happened, but Zemo would not let you avoid him. Your eyes flickered to the bathroom and your breath hitches as you remember the intimacy you two spent together there. It was there you felt you truly saw Zemo for the person he was. A man who was lonely and broken from his past. A man who cared for you no matter what Sam or Bucky says.

You felt so scared when you saw the shield hit Zemo. Panic gripped your heart as you rushed over to him. John peered down at you like you were dirt as you cradled Zemo’s head in your lap. Sam and Bucky had run up to you and were surprised you were on your knees holding his head in your hands.

As you were observing him, Zemo's eyes cracked open, and he moaned in discomfort, bringing his hand to rub his eyes. Leaping up, you shouted at him to stay still as you fetched a flannel, running it under cold water, and brought it back to him.

He smiled as you handed him the flannel, the sides of his lips curling up like a cat. “Thank you” he mumbles.

“I’ll get you a drink,”

“You’re being very kind to me y/n,”

“Don’t get used to it,”

He snickered at your sudden switch to hostility, “Will we constantly be bouncing between kindness and hatred?”

You exhale, sitting down beside him, handing a glass of whiskey to him. “I don’t hate you, Zemo, though I really should. There’s something about you I just love and I can’t let go.”

You hesitate, both of you pondering over your sudden confession. Zemo raises the flannels of his eyes and looks over at you. His eyes, which are full of wonder, scan yours. You wanted to look away, embarrassed, but you couldn’t. You didn’t want to keep running away from how you felt.

“You terrified me earlier. I thought John Walker had killed you.”

His eyes switched to concern as his eyebrows furrowed, “I’m sorry I frightened you y/n. I- I never thought I would ever get over my wife and... I still love her but you enthrall me, you drive me wild because I want to know everything about you, feel all of you, touch all of you. It’s been so long since I felt this way and it frightens me.”

You reach out your hand to grasp his and he runs his thumb over your knuckles,

“Zemo I-”

The door opens and both yours and Zemo’s head snaps towards it as Sam and Bucky walkthrough. As quick as lightning, you let go of Zemo’s hand and strode away to the opposite side of the room. Zemo’s eyes sadly glance at you, then to his hand, and he lets out a sigh. He takes a sip of his drink, then pulls the flannel back over, his eyes settling down on the sofa.

Bucky rolls his views and wanders off while Sam grabs a seat at the table to work on his laptop. The silence was suffocating. At least for you. Sam seemed to try hard to concentrate on the laptop, but Zemo relaxed, sipping his drink and you pulled out your phone, playing a silly game to waste away the time.

“Were you ever offered it?” Zemo finally asks Sam. Sam’s gaze leaves the laptop looking at you, then over to Zemo.

“What?”

“The serum,”

“No,”

You glance between them, not knowing if you should leave or not. Sam didn’t seem to want to be engaged in a conversation, but Zemo wasn’t taking the hint.

“If you had been, hypothetically, that is, would you have taken it?”

Without a second hesitation, Sam replies, a harsh tone to his voice, “No”

“No hesitation. That’s impressive,” Zemo says, nodding in approval.

He raises his hand, taking off the flannel with a slight grunt, “Sam,” he says as he holds the flannel in his hand, his gaze unwavering from it.

“You can’t hold out hope for Karli. No matter what you saw in her. She’s gone. And we cannot allow her and her acolytes become yet another faction of gods among real people. Super soldiers cannot be allowed to exist.”

You look down to the ground, frowning at Zemo’s words, but Sam answers without hesitation, “Isn’t that how god's talk?"

Zemo’s eyes continue to glare down at the flannel, for once not speaking up.

“And if that’s how you feel, what about Bucky?”

“Blood isn’t always the solution” Sam finishes as you hear a door click in the background. As Bucky walks in, you get up and walk over to Zemo again, who sits up to let you sit beside him. He gently places his hand on your knee, your eyes flickering to each other, hiding the action enough so the others don’t see. Though you both say nothing because of the present company, it’s as if you could read each other's thoughts. You were both conflicted on what path to follow and because of that, you found solace in each other.

“Something’s not right about Walker,” Bucky mutters, shrugging off his jacket.

“Like we hadn’t known that from the start,” you mumble

“Well, I know a crazy when I see one. Because I am crazy,”

“Can’t argue with that,” Sam agrees

The two argue about the shield once again and you were preparing to stop them when the doors once again burst open and John Walker and his partner storm in. All your heads turn towards the disruption and you groan in frustration at seeing him.

“All right. That’s it. Let’s go. I’m ordering you to hand him over,”

Both Sam walks out in front of John to stop him from getting nearer Zemo. You stood up to go stand by him as well, but Zemo grasps your hand as he gets up, shaking his head. Your eyebrows turn down confused, but he doesn’t offer you an explanation.

With his other hand, he hands the bottle of whiskey over to you, then picks up his glass, dragging you over to the kitchen counter. You weren’t paying attention to what Sam and John were saying till a spear flew past them, imbedding in one pillar.

Your eyes widened as you saw Dora Milaje storm in.

One of them speaks in Wakandan to Bucky, obviously pissed. “Release him to us now” she orders in English. Zemo’s eyes glance anxiously from yours to them, his mind swarming with thoughts of how to get out.

“Hi, John Walker. Captain America.” John says walking over to them. They refuse to say anything to him, so he looks awkwardly away.

“Well, let’s uh put down the pointy sticks and we can talk this through, huh?” he says, patronising them. You wanted to facepalm because of his stupidity.

“Hey, John. Take this easy. You might want to fight Bucky before you tangle with the Dora Milaje,” Sam warns

John Walker however doesn’t listen. He proceeds to antagonise them till he finally places a hand on her shoulder and all hell breaks loose.

Both you and Zemo stand at the side watching John Walker fight them. Zemo sips his whiskey and offers you a sip. You smile slightly at his nonchalant attitude about the fight, letting him raise the glass to your lips as you drink.

Both Sam and Bucky eventually join in the fight as well, and once again you move to join them, but Zemo’s grip on your hand tightens. “Not now little one” he mutters

He peers around, watching the fight as you stare questionably at him, “Zemo what the hell is up with you today. Did that hit to the head get rid of your common sense” you whisper angrily trying to tug your hand out of his. Zemo rolls his eyes at you, clasping your hand.

“We need to go” he whispers urgently and tries to tug you towards the bathroom.

“What? Zemo, Zemo wait. What do you mean we?” You ask, grounding your feet into the floor.

He looks around at the fighting, his skin becoming whiter as he gets more worried. “We don’t have a lot of time y/n, please. I need you to come with me,”

You didn’t know where he wanted to go, or how he was planning on leaving, but you could see fear prickling in his eyes as he looked at you.

“What about Sam and Bucky?”

“They will be okay. Please y/n, I want to spend this time with you. I don’t want to do this alone,”

You stare into his eyes once more, then nod, finally making your choice.

You let him lead you back into the bathroom and close the door behind him. He quickly pushes the bath aside, revealing a passageway into the sewer.

“Ugh,” you say to yourself as you look down the hole. “Ladies first,” Zemo says, placing his hand on your back, the side of his lip curling up into a smile as he guides you over to the hole.

You shoot him a glare before grasping onto the ladder and clambering down as fast as you could, trying your best not to slip.

After a minute you reached the bottom of the ladder and Zemo arrived quickly after. It was so dark down there, but thankfully Zemo had a flashlight in his coat. Once again grabbing a hold of your hand, he guides you down a pathway.

“So this was the best escape plan you had?” you ask, your nose wrinkling at the unpleasant smell

“I’m sorry y/n, did you have a better plan?” he replies sarcastically

“Well, I didn’t know I was running away with you until a minute before,”

Zemo pauses, beaming the light on your face, making you cringe. He lowers it slightly. So it wasn’t in your eyes but still illuminated your face.

“I owe you a thank you for coming with me. I know it wasn’t a simple decision to leave your friends for a person you meet just a few days ago,”

“When you put it like that, you make me feel even crazier for making this decision,” you grumble

“But it’s okay Zemo, Sam and Bucky will be fine without me, and I wanted to be with you,”

Zemo raises his hand to cup the side of your face, his thumb running along your cheekbone. Quickly he pulls you to him, capturing your lips in a passionate kiss. His spare hand holding the flashlight wraps around your waist as he holds you there, moving his lips on yours, which you reciprocate.

As suddenly as it had started, it ended. He pulled away slightly, his lips still brushing against yours. “Thank you, little one”

His nickname for you sends shivers along your spine and you let out a husky breath. He smirks at you, turning around, and continues to walk down the pathway.

Eventually, you reach another ladder that you can climb up. You blink a lot as you emerge into the sunlight, finding yourself on a random road.

“What now?” you ask

Zemo walks over to a car, jumping into the driver's seat, and pats the passenger seat next to him. As you get in beside him he easily hot wires the car and gets the engine started.

“So have lots of experience stealing cars?” you ask Zemo and he chuckles, “When you become a criminal you pick up a lot of new skills,”

“I suppose aiding with the escape of a criminal now makes me one as well. You bring about a lot of surprises,”

“I’ve been told I am quite surprising,” he glances at you, smirking as he drives, “And seductive,”

You slap the side of his arm lightly, “Eyes on the road, mister”

“Mister? I think I prefer what you called me before. Hm, what was that again?”

You groan as Zemo brings up that embarrassing night for you, “You’ll never let that go, will you?”

“You calling me daddy? Of course not. I quite like it,”

“Where are we even going?” you ask trying to direct the conversation somewhere else

Zemo turns from looking at you to the road, the smile on his face slowly fading.

“Sokovia,”

Your breath hitches as he says the name of his country, bringing back the reminders of his previous family.

“I want to see the memorial,”

You nod quietly, not sure what you could say.

For the next ten minutes, you two sit in uncomfortable silence. All previous moments where you were having fun had faded. Eventually, Zemo sighed in frustration and made a sharp turn in the car, pulling into a secluded spot on an empty road.

He turns off the car and turns to face you. “It seems to me we need to talk,”

You look to him then away, “I don’t think so”

“Y/n” he growls

“I said we don’t need to talk!” you shout, glaring at him, but you snap your lips shut as you realised how much anger had suddenly built up in you.

Recognition flashes in Zemo’s eyes as he stares at you, “This is about my family, isn’t it?”

You look away, your cheeks burning as you knew how ridiculous you were being.

Zemo nods his head, looking at the road ahead as he thought over what to say.

“You are part of the reason I want to go to the memorial,” he finally admits

It was your turn to look at him, puzzled. He pushes his lips together as he prepares for what he wants to say next.

“I love my family. Every day, I miss them. But I also really like you y/n. You are someone I want to spend all my time and money on just to make you happy. Every time I look at you, I want to take you, no matter where we are. And I feel I owe it to my family to visit the memorial to pay respect and to accept that it is okay for me to move on,”

It felt like with his words he had lifted an enormous weight off of your shoulders. Tears sprung to your eyes and Zemo looked panicked noticing them but you grinned, placing your hand on his shoulder.

“Thank you, Zemo,”

His fingers run along your arms and up to your face, tracing your jawline. His eyes flicker from your eyes to your lips and slowly move forward towards you. Once again he captures your lips with his but this time it was gentle like he was trying to savior you. You grasp the fur parts of his coat and try to pull him closer, you can feel through your kiss him smirking.

“Would you prefer to take this to the back seat?” he rasps and you nod your head quickly. You pull away from the kiss, shifting in your seat so you can clamber onto the long seat at the back of the car. Zemo holds onto your waist as he follows you through the back. He sits down on the seat and pulls you onto him so you were straddling his waist. His hands grip tighter to your hips as you go back to making out with him while you ground on his lap, feeling wetness stain your pants.

You smirked into the kiss as you felt Zemo’s trousers stiffen and a bulge appear as you grinded on him.

“Let go of me Zemo,” you sigh as you pull away from the kiss, hesitantly Zemo lets go of your waist curious to see what you were planning. It was hard positioning yourself with the limited space you two had in the car, but you sat on your knees, pushing his legs apart as you settled between them. You reach up and tug down the zip on his trousers, exposing his boxers. Zemo sits back and watches you as you tug them down, exposing his member.

Already some pre-cum had leaked from it, which you gladly licked up, running your tongue along its side. You traced the vein that stuck out, feeling it pulse against your tongue. Teasing him, you flick your tongue over the tip, hovering your lips just around it but not going further.

Zemo finally moves, impatiently he grasps your hair in his hand and pushes you down onto his member, making you take all of him. He lets out a groan, his eyes fluttering shut as he rolls his head back as he felt the heat of your tongue on his member. You suck your cheeks in to give him more pleasure as he pumps your head up and down so that his member could go in as far as it could.

You grasp his tights to position yourself better. You could feel aching between your legs as you longed for more, but at the moment all you wanted to do was please him. Zemo pushed your head faster, grunting, feeling pleasure swarm over him. He then suddenly pulled you off his member, grabbing your arms he lifted you, getting off the seat and pushing you on so you were lying down on your back.

“Forgive me little one” he purrs as his hands roughly grasp at your trousers and quickly pushes them down, exposing your pants. “I need to feel inside you” He runs his finger up them chuckling feeling the wetness soaking through.

“Do you have a condom?” he asks, looking in your eyes, “We don’t need one” you gasp, the urge to feel him swarming you.

“As you wish,” he says, immediately pushing your pants aside and slipping into you.

You moan feeling him stretch you out but as soon as he was in you he drew back almost completely out of you but snapped his hips back into you. He thrusts with all the strength he has, pushing your body up and down on the seat.

You wrap your hands around his back, your nails digging into his back as your body moves up and down with him. His head settles on your shoulder, where he leaves hickies. Every time he pulls back from kissing and biting you he would whisper things in Sokovian that you couldn’t understand but you were sure were endearing.

His fingers snaked down to find your clit and rubbed it, sending shock waves of pleasure to your brain. You let out a loud moan as you felt the knot in your stomach tightening. As if knowing you were close, Zemo's hips thrust deeper into you, hitting the right spot to make you let loose, your walls clamping down on him as you came. He groans into your neck, feeling your walls flutter around him. His thrusts grew more erratic till you could feel him twitch in you and his seed spill into you.

He pants heavily, finally looking you in the eyes. “I love you little one,” he whispers

You smile, placing a kiss on the side of his face, “I love you too... daddy”

He chuckles and finally gets off you.

The car drive after that was comfortable. Zemo liked to drive with one hand on the wheel while the one hand resting on your thigh, as if reminding you, you belonged to him and only him. Hours later, you finally arrived at the memorial.

Holding your hand, Zemo walks up to the sculpture. He speaks to himself in Sokovian first, getting whatever he needs to say off his chest. After that he turns to you, his eyes capturing yours as they were glazed with tears, “The loss of my country, of my family, broke me y/n, but in some twisted way I am not as upset as I was about it before because it led me to you. I don’t blame you for any of it, I know you had nothing to do with the Sokovian attack just like Sam and James. I’m so glad I could spend these last moments with you.”

You look at him confused, “These last moments?”

You suddenly hear footsteps approaching and you quickly spin around, seeing Bucky appearing behind you. Your head snaps back to Zemo. “Zemo what the hell is going on!?”

He smiles sadly at the floor, then back at you, grabbing your hands. “I’m afraid I must ask something hard of you y/n. Please, can you leave”

The breath left your lungs; it felt as if your entire chest dropped hearing his words.

“... What,”

“I don’t want you to witness what must happen next,”

Your gaze flickers from Bucky who was standing back letting you two have your moment to Zemo who looked desperately at you.

“I’m not leaving you, Zemo,” you state

“Y/n…”

“NO!” you shout

“Y/n I-” Bucky says walking forward, but one death glare from you quickly shuts him up.

“How could you ever ask something of me like that, especially after... after everything that has happened,”

“I should have told you y/n, I’m sorry, but I needed to spend these last moments with you because you are so special to me, I didn’t want to ruin the moment by telling you what was to come,” tears gush from your eyes as you shake your head at him, He steps closer to you, holding your head in his hands, using his thumbs to wipe away your tears.

“And because I love you, I don’t want you to see this. You know there is no other way out of this. It has to happen, and it’s okay, I’m ready. Just like I could with my wife, I know you’ll be able to move on and find someone who will give you everything I can’t and never will because you deserve so much better than me,”

“I love you,” you whisper, the hot tears spilling down your cheeks. Your eyes examine every detail of his face, trying to ingrain everything in your mind.

“I love you little one,”

He pulls you into one last kiss, gentle, but the romantic moment drowned in sadness.

You pull away. Turn around. You don’t look at him. You can’t because you know if you do you won’t be able to leave. You glare at Bucky though you know as well as Zemo it isn’t his fault. You walk a slight distance, just enough so that they are out of sight, and then you collapse on the floor.

Your hands into the ground, pulling at the dirt as you let all your pain out, trying to hold in your sobs. How is it you had fallen for that man so quickly? You loved him; you had risked giving him your heart, and he was pulled so quickly from you. You felt betrayed; he didn’t tell you what he was planning, but you couldn’t bring yourself to hate him for it either.

You don’t know how long you stayed there, but you opened your eyes when you felt a shadow fall over you. Looking up, you saw one member of the Dora Milaje looking down at you.

Your eyes widen in surprise, and then you gasp, connecting the dots. “Zemo'' you whisper, jumping off the ground and running back to where you last saw him. Sure enough, as you arrived you saw him being escorted to the Dora Milaje aircraft.

Hearing your footsteps, Zemo glances over at you. Sadness flickers in his eyes as he stops walking to look at you, but they grasp his shoulder, forcing him to look forward and to keep moving. You watch as they escort him away, till you couldn’t see him anymore.

Bucky walks over to you, looking at the floor guiltily.

“I’ll see him again,” you tell Bucky

“y/n I don’t think-”

“I’ll see him again, Bucky. You can count on that”

Taglist: @sinister-sleep @cable-kenobi @faustlyaccused @chipster-21 @icarusinstatic @yallgotkik @montypythonsholysnail @bunniwritesx @checkurwindow @huntheimpossible @jayxkelsi @avgravy @prestigious-tea @wonderwoman292 @there-goes-thefighter @multiyfandomgirl40 @freyjasamael @ineffablebean @aloyssia @hannahbal-the-fannibal

(I can't tag some of you, I'll keep trying but maybe check your invisibility)

#zemo #helmut zemo #baron zemo #zemo x you #zemo fluff #zemo fanfic #zemo smut #zemo imagine #zemo x y/n #i love zemo #zemo x reader #tfatws #marvel #daniel brühl #mcu

403 notes · View notes

petertingle-yipyip · 3 years

Text

SIN MIEDO - BUCKY BARNES (FOUR)

EPISODE FOUR - THE WORLD IS WATCHING

// Series tags: @calums-betch @bangtanxberm @buckyys-doll // SM Masterlist // Same thing, feedback is appreciated <3

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Stark!Reader

Word Count: 8,690

Summary: Yet again, the trio was trying to catch up to Karli. Only now, John Walker has inserted himself into the mix. His own entitlement clashes with Y/N’s earned (and natural) ego. When the two go hand to hand, who comes out on top?

“How could you free him?” She asked. She didn’t use a name, but you could tell it was directed more to Barnes.

“We need his help.” Barnes answered.

“With time, will, and the resources, the Winter Soldier programming was removed from you like a rotten fur.” She began, walking a slow circle around you two.

“And I’m grateful for that, for everything you and Shuri have done.”

“Zemo murdered our King T’Chaka at the U.N. The man who chose us, chose me, to protect him.”

“I understand.”

“Very little, if anything, of our loss and our shame.”

“Ayo..” You tried. “He’s a means to an end.. Just give us some time and I’ll deliver him to the Dora Milaje myself.”

“Eight hours. And then we come for him.” She said firmly, holding her hand out to Barnes. He handed back the two beads before she left.

Barnes turned and grabbed you by your arm, dragging you to where you left the boys. He didn’t say anything but you struggled in his grip. You were perfectly capable of waking yourself back. Once you stepped through the doorway, Barnes pushed you forward.

“Seriously?” He finally said. “You followed me?”

“Am I supposed to apologize?” You laughed in disbelief. “You can’t just take off and act sketchy and not expect me to be suspicious.”

“What did you honestly think would happen?”

“Okay, that’s enough.” Sam tried to step in. “Both of you just calm down, alright?”

“He’s the one yelling at me!” You defended.

“Because you don’t trust me!” Barnes snapped.

“God, you are so dense!” You shouted.

“What is going on?” Sam asked loudly. You threw your hands up in resignation, mentally giving up on the situation. You blew out a sigh as you walked around the counter and poured yourself a drink.

“Wakandans are here and they want Zemo. I bought us some time.” Barnes explained.

“Were you followed?”

“No.”

“How do you know?” Zemo countered.

“Cause I know when I’m being followed.”

“Not every time.” You muttered into your glass as you sipped your drink.

“Sam..” Barnes said. His tone was resigned, disappointed almost. “Karli bombed a GRC supply depot.”

“What?” You said softly.

“What’s the damage?” Sam asked quickly.

“11 injured. 3 dead.” Barnes read the article on his phone. “They have a list of demands and are promising more attacks if the demands aren’t met in full.”

“She’s getting worse.” Zemo commented.

“She’s just lost.” You shook your head and moved around the counter, away from Barnes. You hopped up to sit on the countertop beside Sam, your now empty glass by your side. “She’s hurt and trying to help her people. She just needs.. guidance.”

“I have the will to complete this mission.. Do the three of you?” Zemo challenged.

“You’re talking about killing a kid.” You emphasized. “She’s younger than me! You can’t be serious.”

“You’re seeing something in her that isn’t there. You’re clouded by it.” Zemo explained as if it was obvious. “She’s a supremacist. The very concept of a super soldier will always trouble people, leading to things like Nazis, Ultron, Avengers..”

“You’re talking about our friends.” Sam said tightly.

“And family.” You added.

“The Avengers, not the Nazis.” Barnes said, as if that point needed to be specified.

“Karli might be radicalized but there has to be a peaceful way to stop her.” Sam reasoned.

“The desire to be superhuman can’t be separated from supremacist ideas. Anyone with that serum is inherently on that path.” Zemo continued.

“Anyone?” You challenged. “What about Steve?… What about him?” You pointed to Barnes behind you.

“She will not stop and will escalate until she kills you. Or you kill her.”

“You’re wrong, Zemo.” Barnes added. “The serum never corrupted Steve.”

“Touché.. But there has never been another Steve Rogers, has there?”

“Because there is no one like Steve.” You shrugged. “The serum amplifies the person someone already is, i.e. a good man becomes great and a bad man becomes worse. For Steve, he was brave and selfless and dumb as a fucking rock but so kind and a- a leader. For Barnes, he’s stubborn but-”

“We should just give him to the Wakandans right now.” Barnes cut in as he walked to sit on the couch.

“And give up your tour guide?”

“Yes.”

“F.R.I.D.A.Y. can get us anywhere we need to be.” You offered, pulling your Stark tech out of your pocket.

“You had that this whole time?” Barnes asked in surprise.

“Yeah. But I don’t use it a lot.” You shrugged, slipping the tech back into your pocket. “She doesn’t take it personal.”

“Wait. Donya was like, a pillar of the community, right?” Sam thought out loud.

“That’s what it sounded like.” You nodded.

“When I was a kid, my TT passed away.” Sam began.

“Your- your TT?” Barnes asked in confusion.

“Yeah, my TT, yeah.” Sam confirmed, almost defensively.

“Who is your TT?”

“Fine, my aunt passed away.” Sam rolled his eyes. “And the whole neighborhood got together for this like- week long ceremony.”

“The community will host a service for Donya..” You realized. “My mom’s neighborhood did the same thing when my uncle died. I assume they did it for my mom too.”

“Worth a shot.” Barnes agreed.

“We should clean up.” You said finally, pushing yourself from the counter. “We’ve been all over the damn place and I feel sticky from Zemo’s cheap leather seats.”

“I’ll have you know-“ Zemo tried.

“I don’t care.” You replied in a singsong voice as you left to get yourself ready.

Later that day, the four of you headed to a huge stone building. Through the massive doors, it led to an open courtyard. There were a few people moving things around, GRC posters up on the walls, and piles of abandoned objects scattered about. Sam opted to head upstairs while Barnes stayed with Zemo. You wandered off on your own, looking for something or someone that could help you.

After a little bit, you watched from a distance as Zemo talked to a group of kids. Sam came and met with Barnes while you took a couple steps closer.

“What the hell is he doing?” Barnes muttered.

“You ever have a kid tell you too much information about their personal lives?” You thought, not moving your eyes. “Kid comes up and you tell them you like their shoes and suddenly they’re telling you how mommy and daddy don’t sleep in the same bed anymore.”

You left them with that thought as you walked up to Zemo. You seemed to have cut off what he was going to say.

“I’m glad you kids found my friend.” You said gently, smiling at them. “And I was just wondering where my candy stash went.” You chuckled, to which the little girl at the front of the group gave you a playful but mischievous smile. “He hasn’t said anything bad about me, has he?”

The little girl shook her head.

“That’s good.” You knelt to her level. “Did he tell you how we want to see Donya?” She nodded. “She was very dear to me, and my friends came to make sure I was okay.” You nodded towards the boys. You caught a glimpse of an irritated expression on Zemo’s face and figured he was going to say something against them. “Can you help me?”

The little girl nodded and leaned forward to whisper in your ear. When she was done, she smiled softly and looked to the candy Zemo still had in his hand.

“Thank you, honey.” You smiled. “You can have the rest as a thank you gift. I’ll bring you something else next time I see you.” You winked to which she giggled.

You turned and began walking towards the boys, pulling Zemo by his sleeve. You called a small flame to your palm to create heat under Zemo’s sleeve. He winced slightly but made no physical reaction.

“Try something like that again and you won’t live long enough for the Dora to take you.” You warned before meeting the boys and pulling your hand away.

When you got back, Sam and Barnes talked about what they did or didn’t find and about Karli. You sat quietly at the counter while you poured yourself a drink. Zemo stood on the other side and made himself some tea. You noticed a small burnt patch on his jacket and you couldn’t help but smirk proudly.

“Y/N.” Barnes called, causing you to spin in your seat to face him. “What did the little girl tell you?”

“The funeral is later today.” You answered, swishing the contents of your cup around.

“This afternoon.” Zemo added.

“The Dora will be here for you any minute.” Barnes told Zemo after making his way to face him. “They’re probably lurking outside that door right now so keep talking.”

“So you can turn on me?” Zemo chuckled. “She already showed she’s willing to.” He pointed to the blackened patch on his jacket and you had to stifle your chuckle by finishing your drink. “I’d prefer to keep my leverage.”

“Can I see that?” Barnes asked as he took the glass from your hand. You opened your mouth to make a smart comment but Barnes had already launched the cup at the wall, whizzing past Zemo’s head so close you saw his hair move. You saw fear flash across Zemo’s features but it cleared as soon as it came.

“You want to see what someone can do with leverage?” Barnes threatened lowly.

“Hey.” You hopped out of your seat and stood between them while Sam came in from the other side. “Stand down, Sergeant.”

“Don’t engage him.” Sam added. “He’s just gonna do that stupid head tilt thing and try to extort you. Let me make a call.”

“Come on.” You said calmly, pulling Barnes by his arm. Barnes followed you easily to the counter and took a seat in the stool beside you.

“Why do you do that?” Barnes asked quietly as Zemo went to sit on the far side of the room.

“Do what?” You replied in the same quiet tone. You realized that your hand had moved to holding his hand.

“You call me ‘sergeant’ when you’re trying to keep me from doing something.” Barnes pointed out.

“Cause it works? I don’t know..” You chuckled nervously. “Just one of things that happen, I guess… I can try not to if you want.”

“No, no.” He smiled slightly and gave your hand a small squeeze. “It’s okay. It’s kinda nice.”

The time to go to the funeral came quickly and the three of you hardly left before running into the only person you wanted to see less than Karli.

“Hi Walker!” You called in annoyance.

“How’d you find us this time?” Barnes added.

“You guys really think three Avengers can just walk around Latvia without drawing attention?” Lemar answered, which made you nod your head in acknowledgement. It was a fair point.

“No more keeping us in the dark.” Walker demanded.

“Oh, so he’s tough now.” You laughed.

“You can start by telling us why you broke him out of prison.”

“We did no such thing.” You shrugged as Barnes answered “He did that by himself technically.”

“Take it easy.” Sam stepped in when Walker got hostile. Your hands had already grown warm and were ready to go to work. “Before it gets weird.”

“Am I the weird part?” You asked Barnes, who tilted his head as if he was thinking and then nodded. “Fair enough.”

“I know where Karli is.” Zemo added.

“Okay.. Where?” Walker pressed.

“It’s a memorial, dipshit.” You rolled your eyes. “You can’t barge in and throw that shield.. It’s disrespectful enough that you have it in the first place, to use it in there would be even worse.”

“We’re gonna intercept her there.” Sam continued.

“That means civilians, high risk of casualties.” Lemar noted.

“So we move in quick. Take her by surprise.” Walker tried.

“Negative.” You shook your head. “Sam and I are gonna try and talk to her.”

“I’m not gonna lose her again.”

“The person closest to her died.” Sam explained. “She’s vulnerable.”

“I understand that more than anyone here.” You added sadly. “If anyone can reason with her, it’d be between me and him.”

Walker quickly stepped in front of you all to try and stop you. “No, no, no, no. Stop. Alright? Stop. I think we’re way past reasoning with her. Unless you forgot that she blew up a building with people still in it.”

“And if you go in there hostile, the people at that memorial are at risk.” You emphasized. “Then you wouldn’t be able to put yourself on a pedestal anymore, and clearly, the one you’re on now would be quite the fall.”

“You guys walk in there cold, she could kill you both.” Lemar tried.

“If we walk in hot and it goes sideways, more people will die.” You countered plainly. “If I die, that still leaves us with a chance in Barnes and Sam. And maybe some extra motivation.”

“You gonna let them do this? Let her do this?” Walker turned to Barnes. “You’re gonna let your partners walk into a room with a super soldier alone?”

“They’ve dealt with worse.” Barnes said plainly. “And they’re not my partners.”

You didn’t know why, but something about Barnes’ words hurt. You weren’t his partner. Maybe he was right, but hearing him say it seemed to make it real. If you were friends, did you have to call yourselves partners? Or were you automatically partners if you were friends?

You shook the thoughts quickly, masking any evidence from your face. You weren’t going to give Walker any sort of ammunition to use against you and something about him told you he liked to manipulate people around him. Especially those he thought himself to be above.

“I don’t need his permission.” You said firmly.

“I used to do trauma counseling for soldiers, alright? This is right up my alley.” Sam explained. You were mildly annoyed that you had to explain yourselves to John Walker. What authority did he have over your group? You had more experience in dangerous situations like the one you were walking into more often than he realized.

You took a stand against Loki when you were fifteen. Granted it was a small stand from your bedroom window because your dad had JARVIS lock your door, but you took down a good amount of the Chitauri. You fought against Ultron when you were eighteen and almost didn’t make it off the falling city. You went against Thanos right before you turned twenty one. And now you stood in Latvia, pushing twenty two years old with almost that many near death experiences - and one actual death experience - explaining yourself to John Walker.

“I know.” Walker nodded. “And I know those soldiers which is why I know this is a bad idea.”

“If they can talk her down,” Lemar chimed in. “It might be worth a try.”

“Thank you.” You mouthed to Lemar, who offered a small nod in acknowledgment. He definitely wasn’t as unbearable as Walker was.

“If we’re done here…” You said simply, pushing past Walker and letting everyone follow behind you. “It’s rude to keep a friend waiting.”

You led them to the young blonde girl you met earlier.

“Hello, dear.” You smiled, kneeling to her level. “I told you I’d have something for you, didn't I?” You handed her a small stack of bills, her eyes widening in amazement. “For your family…”

Usually you travelled with your own money in various denominations and appropriate currency, but you hadn’t had the time to switch anything out. You came across a small stash that you assumed was Zemo’s so you left the equivalent US balance and switched the currencies.

“Can you show us?” You asked gently.

She nodded and you followed her to the service.

Walker cuffed Zemo to some pipes, telling you and Sam that he would give you ten minutes. You turned your attention to Barnes and raised your brows in question. You left the unspoken question in the air, if Barnes would stall and give you more time if you needed. He nodded slightly so you turned and followed Sam in.

“You think we can do this in ten?” You asked as the two of you made your way to the upper level.

“We have to try.” Sam nodded.

“Are you scared?”

“Are you?”

“Like he said, I’m not indestructible so..” You shrugged before gently pushing open one of the windows so you could lean through it. “One cannot be brave who has no fear.”

You and Karli made eye contact for a moment and you saw her tense. You nodded slightly, hoping it conveyed to her that she should continue. After a few minutes, the room had cleared so you and Sam went down to meet her.

“I saw you back there.” She told you without facing you.

“We’re here to talk.” Sam said carefully.

“Bold of you.”

“We’re unarmed.” You confessed. “It’s just us.”

“Yes, but I know who you are… Y/N Stark. You don’t need anything to be dangerous.”

“While I’m flattered, I’m not here to fight… But I am sorry for your loss.”

“Don’t condescend me.”

“I’m not.” You shook your head.

“I know what it’s like to lose someone.” Sam offered.

“Not like this.”

“I lost my dad recently, but I’m sure you’ve heard the story...” You began sadly, your hand moving to the metal cuff on your wrist. “And yet no one talks about the fact that I watched as it happened and could do nothing... Karli, I know what it’s like to lose the person who looked after you. That person you could always depend on and that person who motivated you to push forward and- and be better. But this - everything going on - this doesn’t have to be a war.”

“They started a war once they kicked us out of our new homes and onto the street.” She countered easily. There was no real malice in her tone, no venom. There was a disappointed anger in her words, like she had been let down one too many times. “People around the world need me, millions of them.”

“I can’t speak for millions but I understand you.” Sam continued. “I understand your frustration. Your helplessness.”

You walked yourself around the room as the conversation continued. You felt the thick stone of the building, noted how many ways in and out of the room there was. You paid special attention to the floor, in case any uninvited footsteps came your way.

“You want me to stop because people are getting hurt, right?”

“It’d be nice if innocent people weren’t caught in the crossfire. It’s happened enough at our hands, it has to stop.” You commented as you examined the ornate windows. “Innocent people were caught up in an Avengers incident in Lagos before the Snap and it ended with the Avengers split in half. An innocent king was caught up in a bombing. An innocent nation was mutilated by Ultron.”

“And what if I’m making the world a better place?” She suggested.

“If you’re killing people, it’s not better. Just different.” Sam replied quickly.

“People adjacent to the fight shouldn’t pay the price…” You agreed, coming back to stand with Sam.

“You’re either brilliant or hopelessly optimistic.” She smiled slightly.

“Can’t we be both?” Sam chuckled lightly. You couldn’t help but smile a bit. In that conversation, you could see Karli was still a kid. She was still lighthearted and honest, and maybe you and Sam were getting through to her.

“No..”

“Yknow, we know this guy…” You began casually, building a ball of air for you to sit on as Sam hopped on the table beside Karli. “He knows a lot about super soldiers, probably more than anyone on the planet. And he said something interesting about you...”

“He said you’re a supremacist.” Sam finished.

“Me? That’s ridiculous.” Karli defended. “I’m trying to end supremacy! These corporations- the beasts who run them- are the supremacists.”

“Okay, so let me ask you this.” Sam said carefully. “You have more serum, right?”

“So?”

“Are you gonna increase your army?” He asked. “Innocent people are dying.”

“They’re not innocent.. But they’re roadblocks and I’d kill them again if I had to.” She answered quickly.

“Woah, that was a bit too quick.” You pointed out.

“I didn’t mean it like that.” She backpedalled. “He tricked me into sound like-“

“Like what?”

“The people I’m fighting are trying to take your homes too. Why are you here instead of stopping them?”

“My sister is waiting for that same answer.” Sam answered.

“Yeah, I’m sure my step-mom would like to hear from me…” You nodded, deciding you’d go back to the lake house with Pepper and Morgan when all was said and done. “We’re not your enemy, Karli. We actually agree with your fight, believe it or not.”

“But we can’t get with the way you’re fighting it.” Sam said simply. “I’m sure she wouldn’t either.” He pointed to Donya.

You weren’t sure how much time you had left. You broke up your air ball and placed yourself back on your feet. You had to be able to give yourself more time if and when you felt Walker coming. As soon as your feet hit the ground, you caught the vibrations of his steps.

“We got company.” You said quickly. You tried to lift a wall of rock to block the doorway but you were too late.

“Karli Morgenthau, you’re under arrest.” John Walker announced as he entered.

“So you just wanted to trick me until your backup arrived?” Karli accused you and Sam. You could see the betrayal in her expression. Any opening you had to talk her out of whatever she was planning next was quickly slammed shut.

“We’re not with him!” You defended quickly.

“We had enough time to talk.” Walker talked over you.

Karli connected with a hard shot to Walker’s shield, sending him into you and Sam. She took off through the building and Barnes followed behind her after what seemed like a second’s hesitation when he saw you on the floor. You got yourself to your feet and shook off the vertigo from the collision. You weren’t sure if your head hit the shield or the table. All you knew was it connected with something metal.

You and Sam finally met with Barnes, who had lost sight of her.

“Aren’t you glad we ran into the Star Spangled Bummer?” You complained, rubbing your aching temple.

“You alright?” Barnes tried, reaching a hand to move yours.

“Yeah, just a bump.” You waved him off when you heard the shots. “Do we know where Zemo is?”

“I left him cuffed.” Barnes answered, meeting your gaze while you processed the sounds and circumstances.

You quickly dropped to the ground and flattened your palm. Instead of your usual taps, you slammed your other fist into the ground for a further, deeper search.

“That slippery son of a bitch.” You muttered when you found him. You tapped both of the boys on the arm and nodded for them to follow before taking off into a sprint. But by the time you got there, it was too late. Karli was gone, the remaining serum vials were smashed, and Walker had knocked out Zemo.

“We missed the fun.” You pouted as you examined the scene. “Let’s get him up.” You sighed and headed down the steps to the unconscious baron. Barnes followed you down and helped you get him up before throwing him over his shoulder like a bag of grain and bringing him back to the house, where you had to take a few minutes to yourself in your room.

After Barnes came and got you from your room, he brought you to the counter and poured a drink for you and him. You smiled softly in thanks and he tipped his glass in response.

“Something’s off about Walker.” You commented as you spun the contents of your glass.

“You got that right.” Sam chuckled.

“I agree. I know a crazy when I see one.” Barnes agreed.

“Because you are crazy.” You nodded and took a peak at Barnes. The comment earned you an eye roll and an amused smile.

“Can’t argue with that.” Sam added.

“Shouldn’t have given him the shield.” Barnes commented.

“I didn’t give it to him!” Sam argued.

“Incoming.” You muttered into your glass before finishing the contents.

“Steve definitely didn’t.” Barnes instigated.

Before Sam could offer a rebuttal, Walker kicked the door in.

“And incoming has came in.” You announced, smacking your legs before getting out of your seat. “You got a warrant, Rent-A-Cap?”

“I’m ordering you to hand him-“ Walker pointed firmly to Zemo. “-over. Now. Let’s go.”

“Oh, interesting… I’m gonna go with a word you probably hear from women a lot.. No.” You answered lightly.

“You need to learn to follow orders.” He said firmly, taking a step closer to you.

“Following isn’t in a Stark’s nature.” You challenged easily as you took a step closer as well. “You want to go toe to toe with me?”

“Slow your roll.” Sam said from your side, pulling you back. “Shield or no shield, the only thing you’re running in here is your mouth.” You chuckled from behind Sam, who now placed himself between you and Walker. “We had Karli and you overstepped. He’s-“ He pointed over you to Zemo. “-proven himself useful today and we’ll need all hands on deck for whatever’s comin’ next.”

“His hands are kinda tied, considering he’s locked to the government, therefore useless..” You commented, earning another chuckle from Barnes.

“How do you want the rest of this conversation to go, hmm?” Walker threatened.

You quickly sidestepped Sam and used a ball of air to push him back. You faced Walker with your head high and shoulders back. Your familiar flames travelled up your spine and through your chest to your fingers.

“I’d love to see this conversation go in that direction.” You nodded. “You think you’re so tough? Prove it.”

“Should I put down the shield? Make it fair?” He mocked.

You laughed in disbelief as you took a few backwards steps.

“Y/N?” Barnes tried, to which you shook your head.

“I’d be worried if you actually knew how to use it.” You returned the joke. “Should I not use my powers? Make it fair?” You raised your brows in challenge and made a ‘come on’ motion with your fingers.

Walker came at you quick. A hard right hook that you ducked. An attempted shot with the shield that you rolled over. You snuck in three body shots and an uppercut before a backwards walkover that connected with his chin and gave you space.

He moved in before you were back on your feet so you let one foot slide to the side to drop into a Black Widow-esque pose. You spun your extended leg to knock him on his back and continued to slide on your bent knee until you had enough space to get up.

Once Walker got back to his feet, he threw the shield at you. It seemed to move comically slow compared to how Steve would throw it when you two sparred. You stood firm in your spot, braced yourself, and used both hands to catch the shield.

The impact of the Vibranium rattled up the bones of your arms and into your shoulders, but you would never show it. There was no pushback, no sliding backwards, only a slight turn with the momentum. You saw the wide eyes from Walker, only making your smirk grow wider. You looked down at the shield for a moment, a sad feeling bubbling in your chest. Howard made this for Steve. You gently rested the shield against one of the beams of the room before going back to your fight against Walker.

You made a beeline for him. He was standing in a staggered stance so you used his knee as support. You pushed off and hooked one leg around his neck, bringing your other knee up to secure your foot. You flung your body around to flip Walker to his back and you kept rolling through a tumble. You knelt and gave one hard shot to his nose and before you could get another shot in, you felt the Vibranium hitting the floor.

“Dora.” You commented, getting up and moving to stand with Sam and Barnes. “Guess our eight hours are up.”

As Walker stood, a spear came flying by his head and you gasped at the speed it came flying in with.

Ayo spoke to Barnes in Wakandan before Walker tried introducing himself. Ayo stared at him unimpressed, maybe getting second hand embarrassment from the blood trickling from his nose, that he while Walker tried to de-escalate the tension.

“Might wanna take it easy over there, Copy Cap.” You bit back your smile. “And you got blood on your face.”

“You would definitely wanna fight Bucky and Y/N before you try to tangle with the Dora Milaje.” Sam commented with the same amusement you had.

“The Dora Milaje doesn’t have jurisdiction here.” Walker tried.

“The Dora Milaje have jurisdiction wherever the Dora Milaje find themselves to be.” Ayo replied firmly.

“Y’know, this is why I love her.” You told Barnes with a wide grin on your face.

“He didn’t land a single shot on you, did he?” Barnes asked you quietly, pride leaking into his words.

“Are you impressed?” You raised your brows playfully and nudged him with your elbow.

“Take it easy, it’s just Walker.” Barnes chuckled. “But you did good, Kid.”

“Kick his ass!” You called once the action between Walker and the Dora began.

“We should do something.” Sam reasoned.

“Looking strong, John!” Barnes mocked.

“He deserves to get his ass kicked by women… Twice… In the same day. Just one after the other.” You shrugged.

“Bucky.” Sam said firmly. Barnes sighed before moving to stop Ayo from potentially killing Walker. Sam moved to stop the other Dora from killing Lemar. You, however, plopped yourself on the countertop and poured yourself another drink while Zemo hid in the bathroom.

You let Barnes and Sam tangle with the Dora Milaje. You weren’t one to interrupt a well earned ass-kicking. You were especially impressed when one of the Dora threw her spear through the straps of the shield and pinned Walker to the table.

“Ten points for style.” You commented with a chuckle.

“Not helping, Y/N!” Sam yelled.

Before you could offer a rebuttal, you heard the heavy thud of Vibranium, different from the knocks of the spears. You turned and saw Barnes’ arm sitting on the floor. You stared in shock, not able to move your eyes. Barnes seemed just as shocked as you were.

“He is gone.” Ayo announced, drawing your attention slowly away.

You slid off the counter and patted Barnes on the shoulder before continuing to the bathroom. You investigated the room while Barnes fit his arm back into place. You saw the hatch on the ground and you tapped your foot and felt how deep the tunnel system ran under the building.

“Of course there’s tunnels.” You sighed and turned to tell everyone. You watched as Lemar and Walker left so you motioned for Sam and Barnes to see what you were looking at.

“I can’t believe he pulled an El Chapo.” Sam commented.

“I can.” Barnes said simply.

“Should we try to find him?” You added, looking between them and the hole in the ground.

“I don’t know if we can.” Sam said while Barnes walked away.

The next day, you three were walking the streets. You weren’t sure what the boys were looking for, but you weren’t going to sit out. Sam had gotten a call from his sister, and moments later you got a call from Pepper.

“What have you gotten yourself involved in this time?” She asked accusingly. “It’s just one thing after another with you, just like Tony. You don’t know when to quit.. At least your father could clean up his messes.”

“Nice to talk to you too, Pepper.” You bit back your sarcasm. “I’m great, how are you?”

“Do you not realize that your actions have consequences?”

“What is even going on?”

“I just got a call from Karli Morgenthau. She’s threatening my daughter, Y/N.”

“Shit.” You muttered, stopping your steps. Your pause drew attention from the boys, but you held up a finger to silence them. “What did she say?”

“That you need to meet her at some coordinates, just you and Sam. Who is Sam?”

“Wilson. Guy in the bird suit that Steve brought. Keep going.”

“If you don’t, then she said she’ll come here to meet Morgan.”

“Take Morgan and get out of town. Use cash if you can. I’ll handle it, just keep yourselves safe.”

“Y/N-“

“It’ll be fine, Pepper. Nothing’s gonna happen to her… Trust me, alright? I know Dad would..”

“Your dad would know what to do. You don’t.”

“I have help.. I’ll figure it out.”

“I just- I can’t lose her too.”

“You won’t… Just let me do what I have to do. I’ll talk to you when it’s taken care of.” You said and ended the call.

“What happened?” Barnes asked and Sam ended his call soon after.

“Karli just threatened my nephews.” Sam said angrily.

“She threatened Morgan too and Pepper is pissed.” You added, shoving your phone back into your pocket. “She wants to meet me and Sam, alone.”

“And now I know where.” Sam said, showing you the screen with the message.

“No.” Barnes shook his head. “I’m coming with you.”

You all quickly made your way to the North Plaza and found Karli waiting for you. There wasn’t time to argue with Barnes about whether or not he should go. You figured it was only fair, considering how you often inserted yourself into business you didn’t need to be.

“You called my sister? That’s how we’re gonna play this?” Sam asked angrily.

“And my step-mom? You threatened my sister?” You added, familiar heat climbing your spine and up your neck but seemingly hotter than you’ve felt in the past. Calling Morgan your sister felt weird coming out of your mouth, but you didn’t let on.

“I would never hurt them.” She replied simply, as if that was obvious. “I wanted to understand you better… I see you didn’t come alone.”

“Trust me.” You warned, letting the flame dance vividly between your fingers. “He’s going to be the least of your problems.”

“You have to end this. Now.” Sam said firmly.

“I don’t want to hurt you.” She explained.

“I wouldn’t stress about it.” You countered.

“You’re tools in the regimes I want to destroy.. You’re not hiding behind a shield. Or a suit of armor.. If I were to kill you two, it’d be meaningless.”

“Should we be offended by that?” You asked, habitually trying to break the tension.

“I wanted to ask you to join me.” She offered. “Or do the world a favor and let me go.”

The thought of joining Karli had never crossed your mind. You weren’t even sure why she thought you three would. Sure, you didn’t agree with John Walker, but it was more of a personal plight than anything regarding the government. After a moment of silence - or what looked like listening - Sam checked the screen on his wrist and turned to Barnes.

“It’s Walker.” He explained, leading to Barnes jumping to the floor below. Karli was just as quick and collided with Barnes on his way down. Sam jumped to take on Karli.

You quickly made an air current to ride to the ground floor. You helped Barnes to his feet and the two of you took off running while Sam took flight.

You two worked through a couple Flag Smashers. Surprisingly, yours and Barnes’ fighting styles complimented each rather well. You were quick and never stayed in one spot too long so while they were trying to catch you, you led them straight to Barnes.

As you and Barnes caught up with Sam and Walker, a blade came flying at you. Barnes caught it as you had thrown an arm up so it would’ve hit your forearm instead of your head.

“You’re welcome.” He nodded.

“What? Couldn’t risk my pretty face?” You teased with a smirk.

He shot you a quick wink in response to which you felt a blush creep across your cheeks. You two quickly jumped into the fight with the Flag Smashers. Only the heavy crack that echoed through the room stopped everything.

You turned and saw Lemar slumped over. Discreetly, you lifted your heel and forced it down. Nothing came back from Lemar. He was dead. Looking between the standing Flag Smashers, the guilt was behind Karli’s eyes.

The boys turned to follow Karli but you hesitated. You watched Walker for a bit and he ran through the window. Part of you wanted to tell Sam and Barnes, but you didn’t have time. You followed Walker through the window on an air current. But even that wasn’t fast enough. The desperate cries of the Flag Smasher echoed through the streets as your feet hit the ground.

You sprinted through the crowd and slid on your knees to get to the fountain. You threw the water at his hands when they rose above his head, freezing it as soon as it made contact, but you weren’t strong enough. Walker broke free with ease and slammed the shield down into the man’s chest with a crushing force, a sickly crack that echoed through the now silent streets. And you felt it almost instantly. Through your powers, you learned people gave off vibrations through the ground in their pulse. You literally felt the Flag Smasher’s heart stop.

“You… You killed him.” You whispered in horror. You had to quickly mask your disgust as you turned to face Walker. You instantly turned into a picture of courage, of strength and power, into something to give the people watching - in the courtyard and on the internet - someone to put faith in. “Give me the shield, Walker.”

“You want it?” He mocked. His voice was deranged, any traces of the man he was before now gone. You weren’t sure if you should attribute it to Lemar’s death or the adrenaline from the public execution. “Come and get it.”

Before doing anything, you glanced around and noticed the huge crowd gathered around you. You couldn’t let Walker get away but you couldn’t let the people get hurt. With no other options, you took some water from the fountain and created a ring that got bigger and bigger to force the crowd back. When you felt there was enough space for you to fight safely, you turned the water to ice. It was terribly thick and tall enough that nothing would get through or over it unless you want it to.

“I could use some help, guys.” You muttered over comms before jumping into a fight. You were quick and agile, avoiding his heavy hits. With the complete mental break and unhinged rage, he wasn’t holding anything back.

“We’re coming, Y/N.” Barnes answered. “Just hold on.”

You utilized the water from the fountain for attacks but nothing you did was enough. You used the air around you for high, graceful flips to avoid the clearly deadly hits. Not even fire was enough to slow Walker’s rampage.

“I don’t know how long I can last against him on my own.” You said honestly. “Just get here as fast as you can… I’d rather not be added to the list of dead bodies today.”

You opted to call flames to your hand and hold them as if they were knives. You were thankful Nat had taught you to fight with small blades and that you forced Barnes to spar with you to keep your skills up. You had to keep changing your eye level, spinning on a knee or flipping over the man completely to give yourself a chance.

You swiped at the inside of his leg, burning a line across the tender meat and watching his knee buckle slightly. Switching one hand to hold an ice blade, you slammed it to the same strip you burned. While you let it melt, you kicked out at the inside of his knee to force him to the ground. In a swift move, you slammed a fist into the ground to cause a pillar of rock to rise swiftly and catch Walker under his chin. The impact threw him flat on his back so you pushed yourself into a reverse tumble to give yourself some space. You also brought up an angled slab of rock to hide behind and possibly use as a jump point later.

“Any time now.” You panted, calculating your next course of action. “I’m running out of tricks.”

“We’re almost there.” Sam promised.

“How long does it take a super soldier and a guy with wings?” You rolled your eyes as you got to your feet.

You came out to face Walker in time to see the shield flying at you, exponentially faster than the last time. You quickly moved into a backwards walkover, landing in a kneel and spinning on your knees to face where the shield was headed. You redirected the air around it and sent it flying back at Walker with enough force to push him back against the ice wall. You pulled some of it towards you before closing your fist so it looped around his wrists and froze, his hands now stuck in ice cuffs and the shield clattering at his feet.

“Stop this.” You said firmly. “I’m taking the shield.”

He simply chuckled darkly as he closed his fists. You watched in horror as he strained, gradually raising the volume of his scream until he broke free. Quickly you understood what was different. No normal person can break out of two inch thick ice.

“You took the serum, didn’t you?” You thought out loud.

You silently scolded yourself for not realizing sooner. Jumping from the window with no hesitation. The speed he threw the shield. The nearly unrecognizable feral attacks. The strength he broke the man’s chest with. The speed he had to catch up to Flag Smasher.

He ignored your question and swung the shield at you while you were in the air trying to get yourself some space, connecting solidly with your chest. You cried out loudly but still heard the sickly crack and felt the deep shatter of your sternum. The impact sent you to roll across the gravel and smack into the concrete of the fountain, landing beside the fallen Flag Smasher.

“We all know you did this.” You said weakly, using the concrete structure beside you to get yourself to your feet. “And you used Steve’s shield to do it!” You screamed, your voice breaking when you said your friend’s name and you gestures to the dead man beside you.

“It’s mine!” He shouted back. He kicked out brutally at your chest. emptying your lungs of air and sending you flying back against the fountain. Whatever was left whole in your chest now shattered, a jolt of hot pain slicing up your spine. Your head hit with a disgusting smack as a cry of pain left your lips. You practically felt your brain jerking around in your skull.

“You don’t deserve it.” You said with all the clarity you could muster. Your ice wall fell to a water puddle as you coughed roughly. Your breath caught and cried out in pain, gingerly touching the tender area.

A hard shot to your face and you heard a third crack, maybe the most grotesque yet. Your head whipped back from the impact and you felt the blood leaking down your face. You turned your head and spit the blood that had pooled in your mouth.

“Now or never, guys.” You said fearfully as Walker stood over you. Your eyes darted to either side, realizing you had no moves left. You couldn’t put enough force behind the elements you manipulated to make an impact. You didn’t have the strength to make a difference either so you simply wiped the blood off your face and thought if you could crack the rock open beneath you.

Truthfully, you recognized you were defenseless. You were backed into a corner. You were terrified, afraid you were going to die. Despite everything you had said, you wanted to live. But then again, you’d be with your dad.

“He’s going to kill me.” You whispered, the terror in your bones causing your voice to come out so small and foreign as your fate truly set in. “Sam?! Barnes!?”

“They won’t save you.” Walker threatened from above you as he placed a heavy foot on your stomach to pin you and force whatever air you had recollected out of your lungs, as if you had any strength to get away. “No one’s going to save you.”

“Help me.” Your breathing became shallow, the tears gathering in your eyes and blurring your vision. Or maybe that was the head injury. All of your injuries were blurring together into all over pain. “Guys!?… Sam?” No answer. Desperately, you clawed at his boot and tried pushing it away. That strain only caused your torso to ignite in burning pain and you collapsed.

Walker’s arms raised above his head again. The blood of his last kill dripped onto your forehead, causing the tears to fall quickly and your stomach to tighten. You would’ve thrown up if you had anything in your stomach.

“Barnes?” Still no answer. “Please… Please no.”

Nobody was coming to save you.

“Bucky!” You screamed in terror, the simple name tearing through your throat. Barnes was closing in when he heard it. The way his name sounded coming from you, the panic and pure fear dripping from your voice. It sent a shiver down his spine and only urged him to move faster.

You threw your hands up in hopes of shielding your vision from your impending death. If you were going to die, you wouldn’t let the last thing you see be Steve’s shield coming at you. Only, nothing happened.

You peaked out from behind your fingers and saw Walker frozen. A familiar sensation tingled through your fingers as you realized you took control of his blood again, fueled only by the desperation in your heart to survive. You stared in shock as he fought against your control. You couldn’t move but you held him in place with every bit of strength that you had left. The shield was dangerously close to the center of your chest, as if there was a magnet in your heart that was drawing the shield near.

You felt two hands under your arms, one cold and one warm. You kept both hands in front of you as you were guided away, frozen with the fear of your near death and suffocating feeling that he could still kill you. Sam came in feet first and sent Walker tumbling away. With the ghost of your strength, you brought the water from your ice wall and let it cling to your hand. You unzipped the collar of your suit and slid that hand under the material and pressed it to the center of your chest and let it slink around to run the length of your spine at the same time in a lame attempt to heal yourself. With a wince, you turned your head to see Barnes hauling you away.

“Can you walk?” He asked gently once you were far from Walker, hidden down one of thousands of alleyways. You could see what looked like fear in his eyes, honest concern for you. You nodded, but collapsed against him once you were on your feet.

“Thanks Bucky.” You managed as he carefully picked you up.

“Don’t die on me, Y/N.” Barnes said worriedly.

“It’s okay..” You mumbled, the words coming out a slurred jumble. “My dad’s waiting for me.”

You leaned your head on his shoulder as your eyes drifted shut and you slipped into a cold unconsciousness. You were too tired to answer or fight to stay awake, too tired to even care about surviving.

You reunited with your dad, meeting up with him at the lake house. You were using the water beside you, making circles around you and swirling it around your dad. You practiced directing it with your feet, practicing walkovers and aerial cartwheels on a rock balance beam you made while you had the water trail behind you like a ribbon.

Your dad took test flights in new suits, zipping past you and weaving through the trees.

You two later sat together at the water’s edge. You leaned against him while his arm was around you. You watched peacefully as the setting sun reflected off the calm waters.

“I missed this.” You said finally. “I missed having you around.”

“I know, kiddo.” He sighed happily. “I missed you too.”

“It wasn’t fair.”

“No… No it wasn’t.”

“I can stay with you, right?” You sat up and gave your dad a hopeful look. Wide eyes and a cheesy smile, the same look that usually got you your way.

“I think Barnes and Wilson need you…”

“But I want to stay with you, Dad… This is the way it’s supposed to be. You and me against the world, right?”

“Y/N, you can’t leave them.”

“I shouldn’t have to choose between you a-“

“Hey..” He cut in gently, putting his hands on either of your shoulders. “I get it, okay? You think I wanted to leave you? I did it so you could grow up. So you could have a good life.”

“How is it a good life when you left as soon as I came back?” You cried.

“Life is what you make it.” He smiled softly. “We lived well… Now you get to live better.”

“Better than being with you doesn’t seem likely… But I guess you’re right. I’ll just have to do my best to make you proud, Dad. I love you.”

“I’m already proud of you, mini me. I always have been.” He kissed the top of your head sweetly. “I love you, Y/N. I’m so proud of the woman you’re becoming.”

“I don’t know how to do this without you.”

“Yeah. You seem so lost without me.” He teased.

“I’m serious, Dad!” You laughed, dropping your head against his chest. “I don’t know what to do. This guy- I couldn’t stop him. He has Steve’s shield and he killed someone… I couldn’t stop him.”

“Maybe you’re not meant to do this alone…” He tried softly, patting your back. “But you have to get back to find out.”

“I don’t want to go.” You nearly whispered.

“It’s not your time, Y/N/N… I’ll be here when it is.” He said confidently. He gently lifted your face to meet his eyes. “You really think I can go anywhere without my kid?”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you… I should’ve tried to heal you.” You admitted sadly. Maybe that was really why you didn’t want to go, why you held so much guilt. Not because you wanted to die, but because you wanted to apologize to your dad for not helping. For seemingly failing him.

“It was the only way. I was always risking my life… New York, Sokovia, Titan. I knew it was coming sooner or later.” He pulled you in for a tight embrace. “You gotta get back now, alright? They’re lost without you.”

“I love you, Dad.” You mumbled into his chest while you held him tightly. “I love you to the stars.”

“I love you too, Y/N… Around the moon and back.”

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wikiangela-fanfics · 3 years

Text

"You should smile more" - sambucky

I’m a sucker for Bucky’s smile so obviously I had to project that onto Sam and write a fic - I use the word ‘smile’ waaaaaay too much in this fic, but whatever

This is my first ever marvel fic, so sorry if it's too ooc but I actually kinda like this one hah

Big thank you to @tasteslikestrawbebbies for beta-reading ♥♥♥

Here it is on Ao3

part 2, part 3

Enjoy ♥

***

One of the things that really struck him was that he kinda loved Bucky’s smile. Once he saw that real, genuine, happy smile on Bucky’s face… all he wanted to do was to make him smile again and again. Which was a crazy thought. Insane. He should not be thinking that, and he tried not to. But then Bucky would smile again, and Sam would melt.

His smile was… really nice. And beautiful. And it was impossible not to smile as well when you saw it. He seemed so relaxed and at peace… Sam has never seen him like that before, but he definitely liked it. He knew there was still work to do, and they would have to get to that sooner or later, but for now, he really enjoyed just hanging out with Bucky, fixing the boat together, talking, which apparently they did now, another surprising thing. Bucky opened up to him, and that meant he trusted him, not only in battle. This made Sam almost giddy.

He wasn’t ready to say goodbye. He knew they would see each other soon, but he selfishly wanted Bucky to stay, to keep him company… to smile at him. God, he was gone on that fucking smile.

He almost considered making up something else that needed repairing that Buck could help him with, but that would require actually having something to do… and he was not about to break something on purpose. Not that that hasn’t crossed his mind… but he wasn’t that far gone. Or that desperate. At least yet.

He convinced himself that he was fine, that not seeing Bucky for a while wasn’t a big deal. Because it shouldn’t be. They had barely talked before Walker was given the shield. And it was fine. It would be fine now, too.

But then, as Bucky was about to leave, the words just slipped out of his mouth.

“You know, you could stay for a while. If you want.” he wasn’t looking at Bucky, his eyes focused on the trees they were passing.

Bucky was quiet for a moment and Sam was afraid he fucked up their relationship, which has improved significantly over the past few days.

“Uh, I’d really like to.” Bucky started. “I would, but I think I need to go. In New York there’s someone who really needs closure, and I’ve been putting it off long enough.” he sighed, and that’s when Sam looked at him again. He seemed nervous and Sam understood.

“Of course.” he smiled. “But, you know, you’re always welcome here, man.” he added.

“Thanks.” Bucky smiled, and Sam’s heart fluttered. Damn, this could not be happening. “I guess I’ll see you- What?” he stopped mid-sentence to look at Sam in confusion.

“What ‘what’?” Sam raised an eyebrow.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?” Sam felt his face heat up and looked away. He kept his cool since Bucky showed up, and now he’s getting caught at whatever his face was doing while he was admiring Bucky’s gorgeous smile? He was pretty sure he was smiling, but what else could be visible in his expression, he had no idea. He was fucked.

“I don’t know, but it’s weird.” Bucky was frowning, his tone slow and confused.

“Bad weird?” Sam couldn’t help but ask, looking back at Bucky, who just shrugged.

“Just different. What’s up?” he asked, not wanting to let go. And of course Bucky, the expert of staring and observing, noticed the difference in Sam’s expression. Of course.

“Nothing, it’s stupid.” Sam laughed, feeling more than ridiculous.

“Now you gotta tell me.” Bucky nudged his arm. “What was that look about?”

“I was just thinking. Forget it.” he shook his head, he tried to brush it off, but he knew it was pointless. One more smile from Bucky, and he was going to melt into a puddle.

“Okay, well, I’m not gonna push.” he lifted both hands in defeat, but he was smiling. Whatever he saw in Sam’s face, had to be positive. Of course it was, he had been thinking about Bucky’s smile. “I’ll get it out of you another time.” he winked, starting to walk again, and Sam wasn’t sure when they stopped walking. “Call me when you have a lead.” he repeated his previous words, clapped Sam on the shoulder, and was about to walk away.

“You should smile more.” Sam said before he even realized he had opened his mouth. How was it that suddenly he couldn’t think around Bucky?

“What?” Bucky turned around, Sam was staring at him, probably looking as surprised as Bucky. But he said it, so there was no backing away now.

“I mean, that’s what I was thinking about.” he swallowed hard. “It’s a good look on you. When you smile.” he said, trying to sound as confident as he could. Slowly, another one of those amazing smiles showed up on Bucky’s face.

“Wow, I did not expect that.” he said, his expression smug.

“Shut up.” Sam rolled his eyes, forcing himself not to smile back.

“You thinking about my smile often?” Bucky then asked, because of course he had to tease Sam about it now.

“I haven’t seen you really smile until, like, yesterday, so no.” Sam answered and thought, damn, where is this conversation going and how did we get here. “And I’m just saying,” oh God, he so needs to shut up already, but his mouth is still moving and the words are pouring out despite his efforts to stop it. “I wouldn’t mind if you did that more often.”

Bucky chuckled, and boy was that a nice sound, and looked down for a second. Seemed like someone was shy about getting complimented. Alright, Sam got it, Bucky probably hasn’t been complimented at all for the past seventy years. But Sam also kinda liked making him blush - because that’s what was happening, Bucky’s cheeks were starting to get pink, and now Sam couldn’t contain his smile.

“That’s, uh, nice.” Bucky said, looking back at Sam. “I just feel really good here, you know?” he confessed. So now they were seriously going to start talking, huh? Sam couldn’t say he was complaining.

“So you gonna come back?” the question was out of his mouth before he could stop himself. Again. Damn, what was happening to him?

“I haven’t even left yet, Sam. Relax.” Bucky chuckled again, his beautiful, teeth-baring smile not disappearing from his face. Then he sighed. “I promise, once we deal with Karli, I’m gonna visit again and I’ll stay so long you’re gonna beg me to leave.” he added, teasingly. Sam just involuntarily smiled.

“Imma remember that. You better keep your promises.” he said, finger pointed at Bucky to accentuate his words.

“Always do. But now I really gotta go if I wanna catch my flight.” Bucky added, almost apologetically.

“Right.” Sam wanted him to stay, but he already said that, and he wasn’t about to beg. He wasn’t that desperate. And he knew Bucky had to go, he had things to do, people to see, he had to do the work and get better, and it seemed like he was really going to. “Uh, answer my calls and texts this time, will you?” he tried to sound casual and exasperated, but the longing and a bit of hope was audible even to him.

“You plan on contacting me a lot?” Bucky raised his eyebrow.

“Maybe.” Sam was suddenly all too aware of the distance between them. He would have to take two, maybe three steps, to get to Bucky and… and what? He wasn’t sure. “Are you gonna answer?” he asked again, taking a step towards Bucky. What was he doing?

“Of course.” Bucky answered. Sam must’ve looked surprised, because Bucky snickered. “How else will I know that you have a lead?”

“You’re an ass.” Sam rolled his eyes, his cheeks heating up. And here he was hoping they would actually start talking on a regular basis… not that he wanted that. Definitely not. Why would he?

“But if you call me without a lead, I might not hang up on you.” Bucky said, a bit reluctantly, a teasing smirk still on his face. “Depends on my mood.”

“You can call me, too. If you ever wanna talk. No matter what time it is.” Sam took another step, while Bucky watched him curiously.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And, uh, thanks. For all the help, you know.” Sam shrugged. There was still a small distance between them, and he was contemplating crossing it and hugging Bucky.

“Of course.” he said, as if him helping Sam was the most natural and obvious thing in the world. “Anytime. But now I really have to-” he didn’t finish his sentence, because Sam took the final step. But instead of hugging Bucky, he pressed his lips against Bucky’s.

It was a split second, rash decision, he did not intend to do it. At all. It was either letting Bucky go and dreaming about that smile and longing for him for the next indefinite period of time until he saw him again… or kissing Bucky and possibly changing their whole dynamic, risking rejection and making things weird again, possibly weirder than ever.

But Bucky immediately kissed him back, as if he was expecting it. And Sam could feel him smiling, which only added to the fluttering feeling in his stomach.

At first, it was chaste, just lips against lips, but that lasted a whole two seconds before Bucky opened his mouth, deepening it. He dropped his bag, his metal hand finding its way to Sam’s hip, while the flesh one cupped Sam’s cheek. Sam’s hands were in Bucky’s hair, running his fingers through it, and trying to bring him even closer. Honestly, Sam wanted to stay in that moment forever. Bucky’s lips not only looked good and irresistible - the man was an amazing kisser. Sam wanted more. He needed more. And one of his hands started trailing down Bucky’s arm to the hem of his shirt, but then… Bucky broke the kiss.

“You really want me to miss my flight, huh?” he asked, his forehead pressed against Sam’s. He was smiling, and both their breaths were quickened.

“I told you, you could stay.” Sam said, not able to contain a smile either. “We could… uh, have some fun, if you stayed.” he added, his tone deliberately suggestive. He decided to stop being tentative about his feelings. They just made out, he was aroused, and he was pretty sure Bucky was too. He desperately wanted him closer, wanted their bodies pressed together. Preferably undressed. Oh fuck, when did he go from Bucky has a beautiful smile to I wanna fuck him ? This was happening fast. Or maybe those thoughts were always there, lurking, as he tried to convince himself he’s not attracted to the guy. Maybe.

“I would love to.” Bucky said, sighing, and his breath hit Sam’s mouth, making him shiver. He wanted those lips on his again. But Bucky pulled away, hands still on Sam, but now his piercing blue eyes were staring at him again. This time, Sam didn’t mind. The staring stopped bothering him a while ago.

“But?” Sam tried to keep disappointment out of his voice.

“But, before this,” he waved his flesh hand between them. “Develops any further, I need to deal with some stuff.” he said, and Sam felt his heart swell. First of all, Bucky seemed so sure that this thing between them would turn into something, so Sam didn’t have to worry about what the kiss meant, they were both on the same page. And second of all, Bucky actually wanted to work on himself first before getting into a relationship. Which filled Sam with pride. He knew that it wouldn’t be a problem for them - he knew a lot about Bucky and his trauma, and he would love to help, in any way he could. But if Bucky thought it was something he needed to do by himself, and was actually willing to do the work, that was amazing.

“Okay.” Sam said, smiling fondly. “Just, you know, not all the stuff, yeah? I’m not gonna wait for an eternity.” his tone was jocular, but he needed Buck to know that he was in, despite all his shit. He hoped his message was at least a bit clear.

“Yeah.” Bucky smiled, leaning in for another kiss, this time brief, leaving Sam chasing after him as he was pulling away. “I’ll see you soon.” he added, finally picking up his bag and starting to walk away. Again.

“You better answer your phone or you’ll see me sooner than you think.” Sam yelled after him. Bucky turned around to shoot him one of his genuine, amused grins that made Sam’s knees weak, and made it impossible not to smile back.

Yeah, he definitely loved Bucky’s smile. And he already couldn’t wait to see it again.

#sambucky #sambucky fic #sambucky fanfiction #sambucky fluff #fluff #fanfic #tfatws #sam and bucky #bucky's smile is the best thing ever and it prompted me to finally write about them #sam wilson #bucky barnes #idk #i'm bad at tags #my writing

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urimaginespimp · 3 years

Text

Untouchable (This Love pt 8)

Bucky x reader (elemental witch)

Set during TFATWS mainly episodes 4-5

Note: Little references on You All Over Me

Previous Part: Happiness

--------

“I’m letting you go, Bucky.”

It felt like he watched a part of himself die as soon as those words left your lips. How could he have been so late to realize that he’s in love with you? And in the worst possible time ever; When you finally look like you’re in peace and ready to open yourself once more to the world.

“I’d really like to be friends with you again someday. Maybe as you’ve said before, I will thank you.” You genuinely smiled at him and he almost wanted to yell at you to take it back. To say that you still want to be together.

But that would be so cruel of him. So he merely returned a smile, hoping that it came off genuine.

“You go alert Sam. I’m gonna try my best to stall Ayo and the other women. Though I doubt I could buy you more than a few seconds once the eighth hour rolls around.” you grinned and turned to go find where the Dora Milaje were waiting.

--------

Eight hours have passed and you were now taking the Dora Milaje to where Sam, Bucky, and Zemo would be.

Only when you were outside the door, you could hear an unfamiliar man’s voice almost threatening Sam into a fight.

“He’d die before he thinks he can hurt a friend to the throne.” Ayo commented, and before you knew it, one of them have thrown their spear before the man who you now can assume as discount Captain America could even raise a fist to Sam.

You walked in beside Ayo and based on Bucky’s expression, their business with Zemo wasn’t even close to done yet.

“Even if he is a means to your end, time’s up.” Ayo declared out loud in the room. “Release him to us now.”

“Hi. John Walker. Captain America.” The man interrupted. You bit your lip to stop yourself from laughing. This didn’t go unnoticed by Bucky however, who was mentally kicking himself because now was not the time to be reminded that he knows how those felt against his. The little taste of heaven he got.

“You were like a little sister to Steve Rogers, right?” He turned his attention to you with a cheery voice. “Happy to finally meet your new big brother?” He jested.

“Sorry. That positions been long taken over ever since the potty mouth racoon started exchanging memes with me.” you retort with a shrug, which made Sam cough to hide his chuckles, and Zemo to look at you as if that was the craziest thing he’s ever heard.

“Well, let’s uh, put down the pointy sticks and we can walk this through, huh?” Walker tried to gain control over the room’s atmosphere.

“Hey, John. Take it easy.” Sam butted in. “You might wanna fight Bucky before you tangle with the Dora Milaje. Or even worse, Y/N.”

“Yeah, I think I can take some water or rocks being thrown at me.” He smirked at you, making the side of your lip twitch.

“Careful, Walker, I’m almost twitching to blend that bloodstream of yours. I can control you like a puppet and I wouldn’t even have to move an inch from where I’m standing.” You smiled at him almost eerily, and Bucky was sporting a proud look on his face.

But of course, you weren’t gonna do it. You’ve long vowed to put puppeting the living off the table unless it was a life and death situation.

Walker gulped before turning once again to Ayo. “The Dora Milaje don’t have jurisdiction here.”

“The Dora Milaje have jurisdiction wherever the Dora Milaje find themselves to be.” You could almost see steam coming out of Ayo’s ears as she spoke. She could also feel that something didn’t feel right with this man.

Looking at his companion, you could see that unlike Walker, he was getting nervous.

“Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot.” Walker played it off, before he layed his hand on Ayo.

Then all hell broke loose.

--------

Ayo literally disarmed Bucky. Both of you shared the same shocked expression.

Walker was catching his breath after they handed his ass to him, and was failing miserably to remove the spear that held the shield up on the table.

Ayo opened the doors to where Zemo had last gone into, only to find it empty.

One of the women took the spear off effortlessly and picked up the shield as Walker was now on the ground looking defeated.

“He is gone. Leave it.” Ayo told her.

Picking his Vibranium arm off the ground, Bucky was still trying to wrap his head around what just happened.

“Did you know they could do that?” Sam asked, just getting up from the floor.

“Guessing from his reaction, no.” You commented as he attached it back and tested it. “Are you alright?” you approached him. His arm worked just fine. Relief flooded him.

“Yeah. How about you? You still got cuts and bruises from Madripoor.” He reaches out and holds a side of your jaw to turn your head as if to assess the minor damages on your face, causing your breath to hitch.

This was the first time he got to touch you again after all the distancing and avoiding you’ve been doing before. He smiled at you sweetly, making you confused. Sam was also giving Bucky a questioning look.

“I think I’m gonna help them look for Zemo. You guys gonna be alright?” you stepped back away from him and turned to Sam, and he nodded before giving you a hug and told you to be safe.

You gave Bucky a smile before leaving to catch up with the Dora Milaje. As soon as you were out of earshot, Sam turned to him with a smug expression.

“Have something to share, Bucky?” He asked playfully, already having a hunch why Bucky was acting all weird.

“Sam, I’m in love with her.” He replied, still staring at the direction where you just exited.

“Yeah, I figured.” he snorted in reply. It was about damn time.

“But just when it hit me, she then says she’s letting me go. Now I’m the one caught up in her.”

“Well that’s some angsty shit right there, man. Let’s grab something to eat first and talk about how your cyborg brain finally named the feelings you’ve had all this time.” Sam pats his shoulder before muttering that he was gonna need food for this discussion.

--------

You had an inkling that Zemo was heading to Sokovia. And it seemed that Bucky had the same though as he caught up on you and the Dora Milaje on your way there.

The moment you saw him, the dried blood on his face raised your concerns, and he was trying to hide the fact that he was enjoying your attention when you insisted on patching him up, and you were oblivious to the Dora Milaje’s teasing glances thrown his way, and even when one of them mouthed the word simps to him.

He made a mental note to look up what that means later.

I thought you’d be here sooner.” Zemo spoke as he got nearer. “Don’t worry, I’ve decided I’m not going to kill you.”

“Imagine my relief.” Bucky replied, clicking the gun on his side.

“The girl has been radicalized beyond salvation. I warned Sam, but he didn’t listen to me. He’s as stubborn as Steve Rogers before him. But you... they literally programmed you to kill. James, do what needs to be done. Karli has people everywhere, and there’s only one way to make sure she cannot continue her mission.” Zemo rationalized.

“I appreciate the advice. But we’re gonna do it our own way.”

Zemo chuckled softly. “Yeah. I was afraid you would say that.”

Raising the gun to his head, there was no once of fear in Zemo’s eyes, rather it looked like he was ready to be reunited with his family. This was further shown when he actually nodded at Bucky.

Only that nothing happened as he pulled the trigger. Instead, he raised his left fist, and as he opened it, the bullets fell off, clanking on the ground.

Just then, three of the Dora Milajes marched up behind him, ready to take him away this time.

“Ladies...” he acknowledged them before turning back to him. “I took the liberty of crossing my name in your book. I hold no grudges for what you thought you had to do.” Bucky nodded, appreciating the gesture.

“Parting words of advice...” Zemo spoke again, this time lower as he knew you might be somewhere nearer and might hear what he’s about to say next.

“Like every other dollar in our pockets, you can’t change where it’s been, James. Much the same goes for you. But Y/N... She loves you nonetheless. And if my eyes don’t deceive me, I’d say you feel the same but she’s doesn’t know that.” he smiles at him

“I’d only realized it myself recently.” He confesses, only then realizing that the three women were listening and now had their brows raised in surprise.

“Don’t be too late.” Zemo grinned in satisfaction of his confession.

“I’m gonna work on that, thank you.” He returned the smile.

“Goodbye, James.”

As you saw them lead Zemo to the ship, you took that as your cue to finally approach them. You’d witness the entire thing, except that it was all inaudible from where you’ve been standing.

“It would be prudent to make yourself scare in Wakanda for the time being, White Wolf.” You heard Ayo advise him as you were finally in earshot’s way.

“Fair enough.” he replies in understanding.

Ayo nodded at you as you came closer to where they were, and she shot you a teasing wink, confusing you while Bucky cleared his throat in embarrassment.

“We’ll wait for you in the ship.” she told you.

“I didn’t know you could be so theatrical, Bucky.” You grinned teasingly at him.

“Had to give you a little inkling to what was happening since you were so far away.” He gave you a boyish smile.

“You’re gonna pick those up later, right?” you gestured at the bullets still on the ground.

“Yeah, just after all of you are gone. Don’t wanna ruin the magic of that scene.” He replied scratching the back of his head, making you laugh.

"You’re going back to Wakanda with them?” Because if you are, then the universe was definitely punishing him since he can’t really go there right now as he pleases.

“Yeah, I’m long overdue for a visit.” You answered. “Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to them. You’d be in their good graces again in no time.” you assured.

As you spoke, the sun was just starting to set behind you, creating a golden outline of you. The sight was making his heart pound. To him you were burning brighter than the sun.

Yep, the universe is definitely fucking me. He thought to himself.

And as you stepped closer, he felt like he was coming undone when you hesitantly pulled him in for a small hug.

“Take care of yourself, James.” you whispered.

James. She called me James. Heat was rising up in him.

Breaking off from the hug, you were blushing. “It’s alright if I call you that too, right? I mean I know I said that’s what I called 1940s you when we were testing the time portal, but it’s still you, you know, and-”

“You can call me whatever you want, sweetheart.” He cut off your rambling, smiling at you. “Just not Barnes again.” He added.

“Why?”

“Well, you were mad at me the whole time you did so.”

“Okay, dipshit.”

“Y/N.” he feigned offense.

You laughed at his expense. “I’ll let either one of you know if I’m back in New Asgard.”

“We’ll have a lot of catching up to do by then.” He smiled, and you turned to head to the ship where unbeknownst to you, the women and Zemo have been watching the two of you interacting.

“Hey Y/N?” Bucky called out to you at the last second.

“Yeah?”

He was contemplating whether he’d just tell you right then and there about his feelings. It was starting to eat him up, but then he shook it off, knowing that he and Sam still had a mission to finish first.

“I... I may have another favor to ask Wakanda.”

--------

When he got to Sam’s hometown, he saw that there was a community of people helping repair a boat. It reminded him of his time working with in the docs.

He’s now offered his services to help Sam repair their family boat. He’s also met his sister Sara, nad he was surprised that when he made an attempt to be charming, it actually kind of worked.

They were now enjoying a drink together after a day’s worth of fixing.

“Talked to Y/N, yet?” Sam asked him, taking a swing of the bottle.

“She’s a lot more friendly to me now which is both a good and bad sign for me. But I haven’t told her yet. Not really a good time.” he answered in dep thought.

“You know before we got ourselves tangled into this mess, like way before Walker happened and you decided to show up, we were in constant communication.” Sam shared.

“Yeah?” he failed to hide the jealousy in his voice, causing Sam to crack up.

“Don’t get your metal panties in a twist, man. We were mostly talking about you." he clarified. “She knew you didn’t want to see her - which I beg to differ by the way – but she was somehow hoping you would at least be talking to me.”

“I’m sorry for ignoring your calls and text.” He says to Sam, which the man assured him was fine. “There were instances at night where I couldn’t sleep and my thoughts would be plagued with her. That I wish I hadn’t been so rash with making the decision to be alone and leave her the way I did.” this was the first time he talked about it to someone. His own therapist didn’t know a thing about it.

“Let me ask you something. Where do you want to stand in her life after all of this is over?” Sam knew this wasn’t what co-workers would be talking about but he knew that this was for the good of you both.

“I want to spend the rest of my years making it up to her. To let her know that while it took me long to realize it, we were actually always in the same page.” He found himself replying with no hesitation. Sam was satisfied with this answer.

“And how are you gonna convince her to give you a chance?”

He shrugged. He didn’t know just yet.

“Tell you what. The younger people around here know their stuff when it comes to matters of the heart. I’ll have them make a manuscript you could read, or a video tutorial.” He chuckles. He had no idea Sam was being serious.

“Well...” Bucky got up and clinked their bottles together. “Gotta catch my flight tomorrow. Get a hotel for the night. Crash, you know?”

“You’re just gonna set me up like that, huh?” Sam grinned, shaking his head.

“Well I don’t wanna make it weird for your family.” He shrugged.

“Just stay here. The people in this town are the most welcoming people in the world. They don’t care if you wear small T-shirts, or if you have six toes, or if your mom’s your aunt, or that I work with a reformed cyborg that’s in love with a witch that’s practically an avatar, who apparently single-handedly secured her adoptive father’s kingdom’s economy-” Bucky chuckled at Sam’s ramblings.

“Okay, I get it. I mean, you know, the people are nice.” he concedes.

“But don’t displace your feelings for Y/n by flirting with my sister.” Sam pointed at him. “Cause if you do, I’ll have Carlos cut you up, feed half of you to the fish, and send the other half to New Asgard so they could to feed you to their fish.”

“Okay.”

--------

He was gazing up at the stars, feeling the soft grass underneath his lying figure. The comfort and peace it gave him was almost nostalgic.

“How is it possible that this place also has the best set of stars for us to look at?” A voice spoke next to him. Turning his head to where it came from, his heart fluttered as he welcomed the sight of you lying next to him, looking up the sky with such wander in your eyes.

He recognizes this scenario. He had just woken up once again from a nightmare, and couldn’t fall back asleep despite your presence. So, you proposed you’d both get some fresh air and just lay out on the field while the rest of Wakanda was fast asleep.

At first he was hesitant, not wanting to keep you up any longer, but you insisted that you haven’t been able to sleep a wink before he woke up from his nightmare. That’s how he groggily got up and took the hand you offered up to him as you lead him out of your shared hut, and into the wide field before you.

“Ayo said you’re having progress.” you turned your head to look at him. This time, he was the one stuck looking up the sky. He merely let out a small grunt as a response.

“I’m proud of you, Buck.” He could almost hear the smile from your tone. The genuineness of it all made the side of his lip twitch.

Getting up halfway to face him, you were supporting yourself up with your elbow. “We could celebrate if you want.” you suggested.

“I’m not even fully recovered yet.” he replied.

“So? Every milestone to recovery should be celebrated.” you shrugged. “C’mon old man, it doesn’t have to be grand. Any piece of treat you have in mind?”

“I’ve been meaning to try sushi.” He muttered shyly.

“Consider it done.” you beamed at him, laying back down.

There it was again. The tingly feeling he had in his stomach, which only ever occurred every time you were near. Maybe this was the feeling of gratitude. You’ve never been less than nice to him.

Yeah, that explains it. He thinks to himself.

“Why are you so fine with spending your days here anyway? Don’t you have someone waiting on you out of Wakanda? Steve said you’re more social than him.” He found himself asking.

Still looking up, you were sporting a gentle smile on your face. “I spent a great deal reading up classic romance novels when I was just learning the Midgardian ways. And I’m still in love with the whole chivalry, slow-burn romance thing. Imagine my disappointment when the first civilian man I found inherently cute outright asked me if he could have some in the bathroom.” you pursed your lips, making Bucky crack a soft laugh.

“My ma would’ve had my head if I ever said that to a lady.” he replied smiling, his eye crinkling at the thought. “...is that why you said you find me incredibly attractive?” he found himself asking, surprising both of you.

Even underneath the stars, he could see the heat rising up your cheeks. “Oh, you remember that?” you chuckled awkwardly.

“It’s not every day a girl would say that to the world’s deadliest assassin whose just been accused of a bombing incident.” he was mentally kicking himself for even opening up the topic.

“It’s Steve’s fault. He wouldn’t shut up about how charming and a gentleman you are. And it didn’t help that you’re annoyingly handsome.”

He shifted in his position. “Bet you’re disappointed now.” he said in a low voice.

“Not really.” you argued. “If anything, you’ve added the words hot and strong to the list.” you teased, poking him on the arm. He shook his head at how casual you were being.

“Sooner or later Buck, it won’t be just me crushing on you. Maybe you’d even find yourself falling for a civilian.” There was a hint of sadness behind your smiling eyes. Everybody in the kingdom knew of her allegedly having a crush on you, curtesy of Steve’s blabbering mouth, but this was the first time she actually admitted it.

He didn’t say it, but the thought of what you just said didn’t appeal to him. It felt almost wrong to imagine himself casually being open and carefree with someone else.

Carefree. This was what your conversation now felt like. You managed to somehow make him talk, far from his usual quiet and grunting self during daytime.

He opened his mouth trying to think if a reply when you cut him off.

“Don’t respond to that. You’ve already managed to make my drowsy self, confess having a crush on you.” he turned his head to look your way again, only to find that you now had your eyes closed, a small smile playing on your lips.

Letting you finally get some sleep; he turned his attention back to the sky.

And it's like the million little stars above him were spelling out your name.

Just then he wakes up from the dream, as the little whispers by the doorway caught his attention. Sam’s nephews were playing with the shield.

“Hey!” he raised his hand to greet them while still lying down on the couch.

“Put it back.” one of them said to the other. “Hurry, hurry.” and they both took off.

Alone once more, his thought went back to the dream of a memory he had with you.

He found himself smiling.

--------

Y/N: Thanks for all the love! We're one chapter away. I'm just waiting for the last episode (brb crying) to decided where we go from here.

@eternalharry @iheartsebandchris @lizzarooni @the-ayo-lit @tanyaherondale @eliwinchester-barnes @knowyourworth-sellyoursoul @ebxny27 @just-a-littlebit-of-everything @fadingdreamersportsmaker

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falcor-thee-luck-dragon · 3 years

Text

Love Cuts Deep

Chapter 19- Blood On The Streets

Summary: Karli is finally within arms reach. But things get messy when Walker decides to get involved, will you be able to keep your cool with him butting his way into everything?

Warning: fighting, blood, things get wild

Masterlist

“Karli Morgenthau is too dangerous for you guys to be pulling this shit.” Loudly complains Walker as himself and Lemar walk down a length of stone steps to your assemble of three Avengers and one Sokovian. All you wanted to do today was find Karli in peace, not get barked at by this jabbering blonde and his loyal sidekick....who you technically don’t have any beef with in actuality. You just really don’t like Walker....or anyone closely involved with him.

“Ah! How’d you find us now?” Chirps Bucky, expression clearly sarcastic but surprisingly in good humor when faced with this shit Captain America. No doubt from this mornings love making session between you two, that always seems to brighten his mood. Why wouldn’t it? You are the most radiant and charming being there ever was in his eyes anyways.

oh but Walker is surly doing nothing to sway your growing annoyance.

“Come on. You think three Avengers can walk around Latina without drawing attention?” Says Lemar as the six of you begin drawing closer to each other while they walk down the stone stairs.

“No more keeping us in the dark.” Adds Walker before pointing at Zemo, “You could start by telling us why you broke him out of prison.”

“I don’t think it matters.” You counter with an unenthusiastic shrug while Walker’s face shifts to annoyed puzzlement.

He makes it down the last steps, voice rising in irritation just enough to turn some heads, “This better be an unbelievable explanation...”

You take a step to get right in his face, “oh it is...”

“Hey, take it easy before it gets weird.” Interrupts Sam, quickly stepping in between the two of you before the blonde makes a move he’ll undoubtedly regret. And before you get arrested for assault.

“I know where Karli is.” Admits the Baron with a simple nod of passing before stepping around the tense meeting, John soon blocks his way up the long stone pathway to where Karli is located.

“Well, where?” He demands, less heated this time.

“All we know is, it’s a memorial.” Adds Sam while Zemo walks around Walker, “So, we’re gonna intercept her there.”

Zemo takes the lead as you and Bucky begin to follow. Sam, John, and Lemar in the background as Lemar adds, “That means civilians. High risk of casualties.”

“All right, good, we’ll move fast. Take her by surprise.” Adds Walker as he walks in step with Sam.

Sam shakes his head, “No, I wanna talk to her alone.”

“I’m not losing her again.”

You can’t help but reply, “Look, the person closest to her died, she’s vulnerable. So Sam’s right, now is the best time to reason with her.”

Walker makes a low frustrated grunt before jogging up to the front, “What? No. Wait, no! No! Stop. Hold on. Stop, okay?” Barks Walker while he asserts himself in front of your small caravan of travelers on the hunt, “I think we’re way past reasoning with her, unless you forgot that she blew up a building with people still in it.”

“Sam, you walk in there cold, she could kill you, man.” Insists Lemar with his two cents of solid reasoning.

“If I go in hot and the op goes wrong, more people will die.” Challenges Sam, voice cool and calm as he stares down Walker who’s truly bewildered by this.

The blonde glances between you and Bucky, “You’ll let him do this? Are you two just gonna let your partner walk into a room with a Super Soldier alone?”

“He’s dealt with worse.” Counters Bucky, “And he’s not my partner.”

“Walker remains unconvinced as Sam adds, “I used to council soldiers dealing with trauma, okay? This is right in my wheelhouse.”

“I know.” Grumbles John in a dismissive tone, “And I know those soldiers, which is why I know this is a bad idea.”

“Wait, John.” Implores Lemar, “If we can talk her down, it might be worth a try.”

John scoffs in irritation, clearly annoyed by everyone and now with Lemar for siding with the three of you. He soon adverts his gaze over to Zemo, “We’ll deal with you later.”

The Sokovian raises his hands in defense, “I’m sure it will all come to an agreeable conclusion.” Before pointing to a little girl further down the street, “My associate is just up ahead.”

You begin walking towards Zemo’s little guide and quickly enough does everyone else follow suit, Zemo at your side as he goes to speak with the child in hopes that she knows where to find Karli.

She doesn’t walk too far and soon she’s led you all into a brick building housing two giant furnaces held together by more bricks. She then wanders up to a wooden door across the room, opening it up, the little girl looks back at Zemo before pointing into the other room where more hallways are present.

Sam shares a semi-nervous glance with you before walking towards the door, “All right.” He mutters, making it to the door before Walker pins Zemo to the unused metal furnace. No need to stop him for this one.

“Hey. You got ten minutes. Then we’re doing things my way.” Vouches Walker as he handcuffs an annoyed Zemo to a metal bar, Sam gives him one last silent look before disappearing behind the doorframe, wisely deciding not to deal with that for now.

You could laugh, this new Captain America is far from a patient man. He almost appears to pout like a child when Sam leaves him behind to deal with Karli himself. You know Sam’s well equipped with his own intellect to handle this on his own, so to give him some time, you saunter on over to the door. Conveniently blocking the way for anyone who may attempt to walk in.

This is no doubt Sam’s intention when leaving you and Bucky behind, of course it is, leave the fox to deal with the rats.

Bucky quickly takes a spot at your side, face doing nothing to hide his annoyance with the two wannabe Avengers awaiting to confront Karli soon enough. Neither you nor Bucky speak for a good seven minutes while you both study Walker’s obvious restlessness about the whole situation. He wants part of the action, and he can’t have it.

“Uh-uh. No, no, no. This is a bad idea.” Rambles the pacing blonde as you cross your arms over your chest. What now?

“It hasn’t been ten minutes.” You casually state, raising a brow at him, “Haven’t you ever heard that patience is a virtue? Do they not teach that in Captain America school?”

“Don’t do that.” He grumbles before turning around to face you, “Don’t patronize me.”

You smirk when he turns away, “Sam knows what he’s doing.” Walker ignores you as he checks a wall clock across the room to the left, turning back to you and Bucky. He begins walking quickly in your direction, “I’m going in.” He states just as he makes it to the door where you’re standing.

Bucky’s on your left and doesn’t catch a second to interfere when you place a protective hand against the mans blue and red suit. He takes a step back in time with the strong force of your palm that gives him no choice but to step backwards. Face shifting from shock to puzzlement in a matter of seconds, he might not have anticipated that you might actually be stronger then him. Despite your troubled past and bloody origins.

You release, face stoic and unflinching while Walker trails his eyes up to meet yours, “This is all real easy for you, isn’t it? All that serum runnin’ through your veins.” He pauses to see a reaction though you don’t give him one so he tries something else. “Valerious, your partner needs backup in there. Do you really want his blood on your hands?”

Bucky’s jaw tightens in anger while you simply set a hand on his arm, eyes still locked onto the blonde’s clear blues, “Clearly not. And though I’d like nothing more then to use this serum, supposedly running through my veins to send you into a wall. I’d rather not get arrested.”

Walker’s brows furrow at the threatening bluntness of your remark, he opens his mouth to say something but is cut off by you, “Go ahead then. Save the day, Captain America.” You seethe, stepping to the side to let him run past you without another word. Lemar following suit, leaving just yourself, Bucky and Zemo.

“Y/N!” Softly shouts Bucky for letting Walker run off without much of a fight.

“What choice did I have? That idiot wasn’t going to let up.” You snap before letting out a frustrated huff, “Well, come on. Let’s deal with this shit now.” And just like that do the two of you race out the door, trailing down a couple hallways before reaching the opening to the cavernous room where Karli, Sam, John, and Lemar are standing.

Though it all goes down hill very quickly when John tries to walk up to Karli, you watch as she throws him against a marble kitchen countertop with the sheer force of her boot before booking it out another entranceway. Jumping up a small flight of stairs just as quickly while Bucky takes the lead in pursuit of her.

You immediately follow, although he’s soon out of sight like a phantom in a giant old mansion. Not having a solid clue where Karli just dashed off to, you find another staircase and quickly climb up it until you run through a doorway, finding a confused Sam in the process. “This place is a maze.” He mutters, eyes darting all around as he tries to find something significant to chase.

“I know. Have you seen Bucky?”

“I’m right here.” Delves your man as he jogs into your little huddle, “Come on let’s keep looking.”

——

Finishing up in the bathroom of Zemo’s house, you take a breath at the sink, “What is happening anymore?” You mutter to yourself, puzzlement and palpable irritation clear on your face. So far you’ve had Karli within arms reach and just like that she disappeared into the great wherever the fuck once again, this time all because of that stupidly inpatient man who calls himself Captain America. The one who just had to ruin everything. Again.

He’s the absolute worst, and you have to temporarily live with Baron Zemo of all people on this godforsaken planet too. Closing your eyes, you take another deep breath before opening them back up to take a good look at your own face in the mirror. “Okay Y/N....it’s fine. You have Bucky, things will work out. Just keep your shit together, we can’t lose our shit or bad things happen. We’re fine.”

Totally fine.

Giving yourself a semi-confident self assured nod, you wander out of the bathroom and into the large area of Zemo’s home where Sam is seated with his laptop open. Zemo laying on the couch with drink in hand as he recovers from getting shield wacked in the face by Walker when Bucky walks through some doors on the opposite wall, “Something’s not right about Walker.” He states before finding his way into the kitchen, taking off his jacket and throwing it onto the counter while you claim a spot on one of the bar stools.

You chuckle as he opens up a cabinet in search of a glass, “Really? I’d never have guessed.” Bucky sends you an annoyed look before taking out a clean glass.

“Well, I know a crazy when I see one.” He mutters while grabbing a bottle, “I am crazy.”

Sam smirks, “Can’t argue with that.”

You nod with a light snicker while bunching up his jacket in your hands to use as a sort of pillow against the hard surface of the cold countertop. Bucky opens up the bottle before pouring it in, “Shouldn’t have given him the shield.”

“I didn’t give it.” Says Sam before rising to his feet.

“Well, Steve definitely didn’t.” Sasses Bucky before taking a drink, Sam opens his mouth to protest but is swiftly cut off by the clatter of the doors when non other then Walker and Lemar come bursting into the large room unannounced.

“All right. That it. Let’s go. I’m ordering you to turn him over.” Barks John.

“Hey, slow your role.” Beckons Sam in the calmest way possible as he steps in front of the man, though his tone remains strong, “Shield or no shield, the only thing you’re runnin’ is your mouth. Now, I had Karli and you overstepped. He’s actually proven himself useful today. We’ll need all hands on deck for whatever’s comin’ next.”

Walker remains unfazed, “How do you want the rest of this conversation to go, huh?” He awaits an answer though Sam refrains from giving him one, Walker smirks, “Yeah...Should I put down the shield? Make it fair?”

Sam chuckles nervously as Walker sets the shield down, rising to his full height, he doesn’t even make it a step forward before a Vibranium spear is thrust past his head and into the far wall. Your eyes immediately trail over to the fierce face of a Dora Milaje just as two more practically swagger into the room.

Ayo and her sister warrior walk into the area before stopping, clacking their spears against the ground in warning as she focuses on Bucky, “Even if he is a means to an end.” She speaks in Wakandan, “Time’s up.” Switching to English so the others can understand, “Release him to us now.”

John Walker gives the two Dora Milaje a little wave, stating his name and his status as Captain America. They don’t move a muscle, faces never even changing a shade which clearly confuses the annoying blonde. “Well, let’s, uh, put down the pointy sticks and we can take this through, huh?”

“Hey, John, take it easy.” Teases Sam, “You might wanna fight Bucky before you tangle with the Dora Milaje.”

John smirks, turning back to the Wakandans, “They don’t have jurisdiction here...”

Ayo takes a step forward, “The Dora Milaje have jurisdiction wherever the Dora Milaje find themselves to be.” Well he’s fucked.

John takes a step back, “Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot.” Setting a hand upon Ayo’s armor plated shoulder before getting knocked across the face with her Vibranium staff. Soon he gets kicked into another staff lodged into a wall, falling to the floor as his partner Lemar stupidly gets into the escalating action.

You keep to the sidelines along with Sam and Bucky while the Wakandans battle against John and Lemar, who, by the looks of it. Are getting their asses absolutely handed to them. To say you’re having a fantastic time watching this all go down would be an understatement.

Sam on the other hand eventually follows into the mix, himself and Bucky, trying their best to keep the Dora Milaje from actually killing the two Americans. You would help, but they seem to have it covered. Or at least that’s what you’re claiming.

Suddenly Ayo is able to disarm Bucky, in the literal sense too, his Wakandan made metal arm falls to the ground with a thud while Ayo raises her spear to an oblivious Walker who’s failing to knock down her sister warrior. Shit.

You quickly step in front of her, “Take what you came for, not their lives.” She stops dead, dark eyes of skill and power on your familiar vessel before she steps back. Giving you a respectful nod of understanding, thus telling her two warriors to leave off. She soon wanders to the bathroom door, opening it to reveal nothing, face shifting into disappointment, she calls for the Dora Milaje to vacate the premises in pursuit of a vanishing Zemo. And with that, they are gone.

Now where did that idiot go?

——

Your day just never ends now does it? After the debacle at Zemo’s residence, Sam got you and Bucky into the know about Karli threatening his family. And the news that she’s ready to meet him again, this time alone. Clearly that was never an option for you and Bucky, so here you are now. Standing behind Sam as he speaks with Karli about her threatening his sister on the phone.

She leans casually against the stone balcony, admitting that it was all a ploy just to get him to understand, more like to get him scared. She then points out he didn’t come alone, before delving into the reasoning why it would be meaningless to kill him. Rather, he should join her, or just let her go instead.

A second later, Sharon adds on the coms that John is in the near vicinity. Knowing he’s on a mission to kill Karli, this is not good for the three of you. He can’t be here to fuck everything up, so with this in mind, Bucky immediately jumps down from the balcony before getting thrown into a wall by Karli.

You and Sam follow suit, she races to harm Sam but is quickly kicked into a cart by you as Sam jogs to your side, “I’ll send you two the location. Go!” Urges Sam before flying up and away, leaving you and Bucky to race out of there in pursuit of Karli who’s booked it through an open doorway.

“Shit.” You grumble, “Come on.”

Trailing after Karli who’s got her stupid mask on, she’s got yards ahead of you and soon disappears into another building. Reaching the doorway, Bucky takes the lead inside and soon the two of you are jogging up a long square staircase before another FlagSmasher jumps in from out of nowhere.

“Grahhh.” Mumbles Bucky in pain as the opposing man pins him to the wall, you quickly come to your lovers aid by grabbing the rebel by his shoulder and throwing him down the staircase.

Bucky jumps over the railing in pursuit of the foe. You jump over a moment later and are greeted with dust, no FlagSmasher, and a heavily breathing Bucky. You turn to the clearing dust where the man is knocked out unconscious on the floor.

“I got him.” Confirms Bucky in a breathless voice.

“I see that.”

“Also thanks for the save up there.” Smirks Bucky as he gently gives your arm an affectionate pat, “That was nice not getting choked.”

“Not by anyone but me at least.” You jest before turning to jog down the hallway, leaving Bucky there with dumb little smile upon his lips and his swimming thoughts for a second before he snaps out of it to follow after you.

Bursting into a large room, you’re both greeted to the sight of Sam and John currently battling about four FlagSmashers. All masked up and giving those two a run for their money. “Ahhh!” Yells some man as he races for Bucky with his tactical knife.

You don’t get a second to help when a woman rushes for you with nothing but brute force. Oh, shit. Dodging to the left, you swerve out of her fists as she slides into a pillar. Twisting around to face you again, she charges full force this time, one arm raised to swing.

But before she has a chance to send a blow straight for your face, you drop to the floor, kicking her legs out from under her. She falls hard. Dazed, she attempts to rise but is quickly greeted by a nice fist to her cranium instead. Unconscious, the woman is no more a trouble for the time being as you rise to find Karli entering the room.

With knife in hand, the redhead makes a beeline for Walker, she skillfully slides across a table before getting body slammed by Lemar who comes out of nowhere. Both tumbling to the floor, they quickly jump to their feet, Lemar readies to fight but is immediately kicked across the room by Karli.

Almost watching it in slow motion, you can predict the fallout before Lemar even hits the hard marble of a pillar. It cracks and he goes limp upon the ground. Everyone freezes, all fighting coming to an abrupt halt as John soon makes haste across the room before kneeling down at Lemar’s side.

You watch as he tries to wake him up but is unsuccessful, during this time, Karli and her companions make a break for it and out the opened doorways they go. Blood kisses the air, a scent all to familiar yet enough to turn your stomach. Wide eyed in shock, you fail to stop them because of the death of Walker’s friend, your breaths are heavy at the sight of blood running out of Lemar’s nose.

Sam runs after Karli, though you don’t have time to notice when a hand suddenly shakes your arm, “Y/N! Come on!” Shouts Bucky urgently, you blink in puzzlement before the realization that Karli is getting away finally hits you.

He pulls your arm, and soon your feet begin working once more. The two of you run into the doorway where Karli escaped from, racing down some steps and through another hallway before finding a door that leads out into the town.

Sam’s immediately in your faces, “Guys I lost her!”

“Yeah no shit.” You snap in irritation, pushing past him as you lead the way towards a growing crowd further down the side-street, “Come on I can smell her.”

They quickly follow your lead and not even fifteen seconds later do you catch the scent of blood on the wind, slowing your pace to a small jog. You maneuver past a plethora of bystanders until you find the source of all of the common.

There he stands, John Walker. Defiant and deadly, face dark and furious as he breaths heavily with shield in hand. You look down and to your horror, lies dead one of Karli’s followers. Blood dripping like bloody waterfalls onto the white marbel of some steps leading to a fountain in the center of town. Crimson staining the shield.

Well that was certainly unexpected.

His dark blue glare shifts over to you three in a second, he almost immediately registers your bewildered and shocked faces at what he has just done out in the open for the whole world to see. He blinks, and soon races off in the opposite direction far away from the towns center crowds.

“Shit.” You seethe as Sam and Bucky look to you now for some type of guidance, “Let’s get that fucking shield.”

——

It didn’t take long to find him, all you did was follow the stench of blood to an old abandoned factory on the outskirts of town. He moves fast, but he’s not fast enough to run away from his crimes.

Leading the way into the warehouse, you’re greeted by the man in question who saunters slowly from across the largely vacant area. “Walker..” Starts Sam.

“You guys should see a medic, you don’t look so good.” Interrupts the blonde as he paces nervously.

“Stop, Walker.” You assert, voice calm and authoritative, causing him to turn his head up to you now. “What?” Says Walker in an accusatory tone, “You saw what happened. You know what I had to do. I killed him because I had to! He killed Lemar!”

Bucky shakes his head, “He didn’t kill Lemar, John. Don’t go down that road. Believe me, it doesn’t end well.”

He grimaces in disgust, “I’m not like you.”

“No.” You reply, “But you’re becoming more like me, something that I was a long time ago. Something that will only bring you pain and anger in the future.” John lowers his troubled gaze to the cement flooring.

“Listen, it was the heat of the battle. Okay?” Reasons Sam, “If you explain what happened they may consider your record. We don’t want anyone else to get hurt. John…” Sam pauses for a few long moments as John stares conflicted downwards, “You gotta give me the shield, man.”

You watch as John slowly lifts his gaze from the ground to the three of you, he shares an irked grin before letting out a breathy laugh, “oh…so that’s what this is. You almost got me.” He smiles, although his grin is anything but friendly.

Sam shakes his head, “You made a mistake.” A solid attempt at reasoning with the man, but it’s a less then fruitful one.

John wary eyes shift from Sam to Bucky and lastly onto you, he scoffs, “You don’t wanna do this.”

Shling. Sounds your claws as they eco around the warehouse walls.

You tilt your head threateningly, “Actually, we do.”

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angstsfordays · 3 years

Text

Beautiful Pain (6)

Chapter Six- Growing Pains

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Enhanced! Reader

Summary: Post-Blip, you started to feel lost when most of the Avengers team are gone. Coping with your loss, you still find hope in the connection with your remaining friends. However, it is not easy as everyone is trying to figure their lives after the Blip.

Having a long history with Bucky ever since you both saved each other from Hydra, you were still glad you had Bucky after all this time. However, as you try to give Bucky space to find himself after being pardoned for his past, you start to wonder if you should ever cross the line of friendship before it’s too late.

That thought might have to be put on hold though, when you, Sam and Bucky find yourselves having to deal with threats that continue to rise in a post-Blip world.

Chapter synopsis: Arriving in Latvia, you find your group closing into Karli’s group. You found yourself unexpectedly in upsetting exchanges with Bucky, making you take two steps back from the progress you two had since Madripoor.

Warnings: Angst as I like it! Bucky being a dense block of wood.

Word count: 4k

Notes: It’s insane the number of followers I have gained after starting this series. I am very humbled to know that you guys take interest in my work! Appreciate all the likes and reblogs! 🙏🏼

Hope y’all would enjoy this chapter! Things cannot be forever smooth sailing and we see a roadblock to Bucky and reader’s progress. I would love to know your feedback on the story so leave a comment if you can! 🥰

The tag list is still open! Let me know if you want to join with a message or comment in the chapters!

Next: Chapter Seven

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Six years ago

The embers from the fire glowed warmly in front of you, a finger daringly reached out to touch the flames. The energy flames emitted from the tip of your finger and blended into the fire.

Turning your head back to Bucky and Ayo, you saw how Bucky was anxious and had a doubtful expression on his face. It had been a week since the programming has been removed from his system.

While he was still reassured that the worst was over, he had a lot of reservations. Having you by his side was the only source of comfort that he could through these hard times.

“I won’t let you hurt anyone,” Ayo spoke to relieved Bucky of his concerns. You flashed an encouraging smile back to him and Bucky nodded at Ayo for her to start.

As Ayo started saying the code words, you could see Bucky’s entire body tensing up as if he wanted to resist the possibility of being turned. Holding in your breath at the entire situation, you clasped your hands together in prayer, wishing that things would turn out well.

Every time each word was said, it built up hope and anxiety at the same time. You could see the dread, regret and guilt all from his eyes alone as Bucky stared intensely at the burning fire. It seemed his mind was heavy on a lot of memories and recollections that seemed to eat him away.

You wanted to take a step forward but Ayo shook her head, silently asking you to stay put.

As the number of codewords was closing into zero, your anticipation grew at how Bucky was doing well. However, your heart started breaking when you saw the tears welling up in his eyes.

Once the last code word was spoken, Bucky was sobbing. Seeing this sight, your own tears started to fall down your cheeks as you brought your clasped hands over your heart.

“You are free,” Ayo stated with a pleased smile and she looked over to you to give you a nod. Grinning a full wide smile at her, you looked down to Bucky shaking by the fire. You wondered what was wrong until he removed his clenched fist from his face. It was when he turned to face you that you both mirrored the full-blown smiles on your faces.

-------------------------//---------------------------

Stretching your limbs on the plush couch, your eyes closed wearily from the flight to Latvia. You still couldn’t process the entire series of events that had happened in the past 72 hours and your mind was mentally drained.

Hearing the door open, you lifted your head to finally see Bucky joining everyone in Zemo’s fancy place. Bucky’s eyes turned to yours and the two of you stared at each other silently for what felt like an eternity.

You first broke the stare by blinking and bit your lips in nervousness. Your mind immediately went back to what happened in Sharon’s club and you turned your back to avoid looking at him for the time being.

Bucky was thinking of the same thing and tried his best to maintain a cool façade. Seeing how you turned your back on the sofa, he felt it was best to move on to business with the others first.

“Well, the Wakandans are here. They want Zemo.” Bucky spoke to Sam before looking at an unbothered Zemo who was fresh out of the shower in his robes.

Bucky’s words managed to get you to turn back and sit up at attention.

“It was sweet of you to defend me at least.” You see Zemo looking grateful at Bucky but the super-soldier just rolled his eyes.

“Hey, you shut it. No one’s defending you.” Sam shut Zemo down as he couldn’t believe how thick-skinned the Sokovian man was. “You killed Nagel.”

Zemo tried to defend his stance while Sam definitely wasn’t buying it. You couldn’t say it out loud lest you get a look from Sam but you were glad Zemo did it. Who knows if there would be a day where you would be handed off to Nagel and he got his hands on you to do whatever he wanted?

You shuddered at the thought and as if Zemo knew what was on your mind, you see the Baron turning back to give you a wink and mouthing a ‘welcome’. Your nose scrunched in distaste, not wanting to give the man the satisfaction of him being right.

“Karli bombed a GRC supply depot,” Bucky spoke up again after looking up from his phone. Sam asked for the amount of damage to which Bucky answered that eleven were injured and three were dead.

This was getting serious. Especially when you heard Bucky saying that the Flag Smashers were promising more attacks if their demands were not met. You suddenly felt a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose to help the world once more after the last battle.

Even though you were tired of fighting, you knew that bearing the powers that you had gave you the responsibility to take action for the greater good.

Zemo then remarked that he had the will to follow through with this mission but questioned you and your friends.

“She’s just a kid,” Sam emphasized, showing his empathetic and kind heart who chose to see the good in others first. It reminded you so much of Steve and you smiled at the resemblance.

Zemo didn’t agree with Sam’s opinion and explained how Karli was a supremacist. The very idea of super-soldiers was troubling, how they viewed themselves as invincible and above others. Zemo compared it to the Nazi ideology, how it led to Ultron and the Avengers.

His last point rubbed you the wrong way because you knew your friends were never focused on themselves but rather dedicated time, effort and their lives for the world.

Sam understood that Karli had indeed been radicalised but still argued for a better way to manage the situation, one that he hoped would be peaceful and led to lesser bloodshed.

“I agree with Sam.” You spoke up for the first time. All three men focused on you as you lifted yourself from the sofa and walked towards them. “She’s not doing this for power or money, she’s doing this to help her community and the vulnerable. The least we could do is to try to talk to her first.”

Zemo tilted his head with an annoyed look, seeing how you backed Sam up in this debate.

“Y/N. The desire to become a superhuman cannot be separated from supremacist ideals. Anyone with that serum is inherently on that path. She would not stop, in fact, she will escalate unless you kill her.”

You knew that there were part truths in Zemo’s words. You kept quiet and he looked at you pleased that he probably has gotten through you in some sense.

“Or you can kill her first.” With this, Zemo stared straight at you as if he decided to give you this responsibility, knowing that you were the likeliest to overpower Karli when the time comes.

“Maybe you’re wrong, Zemo. The serum never corrupted Steve.” Speaking from behind you, Bucky refuted Zemo’s claims but Zemo seemed unaffected. He even added on that there was no other Steve Rogers. Who were you guys to presume not everyone could get corrupted once they had a taste of power?

Having enough of Zemo, Bucky suggested handing Zemo over to the Wakandans right at this moment and you wanted to agree. You were indebted to them and with their late king’s murderer right in front of you, a sense of guilt washed over you as you must have realized how livid they must be that he was walking free.

Sam then explained how Donya was an influential member of the community and related it to his own story of his TT aka his aunt. When someone who was a pillar in a close-knitted community had passed, people would gather to hold a long ceremony in memory of that person. He presumed that the same would be done for Donya and that’s where you all should lead with.

-------------------------//---------------------------

The four of you decided to venture to the streets to ask for information on Donya. As Zemo and Sam went their own ways, Bucky looked over you as if to ask if you wanted to join him.

“Uh, I-uh-I” You started stuttering without realising. Bucky knitted his brows in confusion at your sudden display and he immediately thought of your almost moment. Did you not want it? Did he overstep?

Inwardly groaning, he couldn’t believe he did something so stupid in the heat of the moment. Deciding to do something about it, he spoke up.

“Hey. About earlier-” Glancing up at Bucky, he nervously rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to find the words to say.

“Earlier?” You weren’t sure what he was referring to and returned a quizzical look. Taking a deep breath before exhaling, Bucky tried to continue the conversation.

“I mean back in Madripoor. You know that uh-” Your eyes widened realised at the particular event that he chose to bring up. Your heart quickened at how he was choosing to address it now and you stared at him expectantly. “Yeah?”

“It was stupid, all right? I didn’t think and it was all at the moment, I didn’t mean to went in like that-” Blinking your eyes as if you couldn’t process what Bucky had just said, your heart dropped at the realisation that everything turned out to be one-sided wishful thinking of yours.

In his attempt to piece his words together and play it down, Bucky didn’t realise the disappointment painted on your face and how you stopped the tears that welled up in your eyes from falling.

You felt so stupid. There was no way that Bucky would have taken interest in you. All this time, you were nothing more than friends. You didn’t doubt that that moment in Madripoor with its atmosphere could have clouded both of your senses.

“It’s okay, Buck. I totally understand.” You spoke up to prevent him from continuing to dishearten you.

“I’m cool. We were swept up in the music and the dancing- it’s natural to uh-do that.” You were starting to choke up at your words but forced yourself to swallow down the knot in your throat.

Pulling your lips into a tight grin and forcing yourself to meet Bucky’s eyes, you saw him puzzled and expectant of your next response.

“I am going to go that way.” Mustering up a cheerful voice to make it sound like you were fine, you pointed over to a random street. “We should split up and cover more ground. Bye!” Giving a quick wave to him, you hurriedly turn your back and almost broke into a sprint to get as far away from him as possible.

Bucky knew that from your reaction he must have done something wrong. He just wasn’t sure what he did. Scolding himself for being such an idiot, he looked back to where he last saw you before you turned the corner.

Bucky’s hands and jaw both clenched with tension at how things had been with you just moments ago before allowing himself to be distracted with the mission. He made a mental note that he had to catch you later and have another talk.

-------------------------//---------------------------

You were a woman with a purpose and that was to find out more about Donya Madani. You realised after the first few queries, people here were wary once you mentioned the woman’s name.

Cracking your brain to think of a strategy, your eyes roamed around the neighbourhood for some sort of idea. A familiar back caught your attention and your eyes widened in shock at who you had spotted.

The man back from the fight on the truck was here. That means Karli and her group were here too! You didn’t have the chance to see the man’s face as he had a mask on back then but you recognised him instantly.

He was alone and that gave you a good chance to corner him. You blended in with the crowd while closing in on him with every step. As he turned the corner to an alley, you quickened your steps in fear that you might be losing him.

Once you stepped foot into the alley, you were shocked to see there it was clear and empty. Running your fingers through your hair in a stressful moment, you wondered how he could have disappeared without a trace. Venturing further down the alley, you hoped that you might be able to catch sight of him once more.

Your body reacted a second later than your intuition when you felt someone grabbed you from behind, the hands covering your mouth to prevent you from screaming.

The person switched hands and used their strength to push you against the brick walls. Feeling the wind knocked out of your chest, you took quick hurried breaths to regain yourself and that’s when your eyes looked up to meet the dark eyes of the man that you had been following.

His eyes mirrored yours as they widened at the recognition of who you were and he then spoke. “How did you follow us? Where are the rest of your friends?”

Clawing at his hands to free your face, your hands started glowing a bright orange to get him to release you. The man was taken aback at the display of your powers and decided to make a run for it, knowing that you would have the upper hand eventually.

“No wait, please!” You cried for him to stop. The man’s steps slowed down at your plea and he turned back slightly to face you. You raised your hands up in surrender to show you meant no harm.

You willingly put your hands behind you, clasping them together and showing them to him.

“I just want to talk.” You continued saying. Sensing the man’s hesitation, you then emphasized please desperately. Taking a few steps closer, you still left a gap between the two of you.

“I am Y/N.” Hoping that introducing yourself showed that you were interested to get to know him, you looked on anxiously for his response.

“Dovich.” The man replied curtly before staring back at you. Repeating his name once more in your mouth, you showed off a friendly smile before resuming.

“I know what you must be thinking, but please I do not mean any harm.” You hoped that the sincerity in your voice would get his guard down but seeing Dovich squaring his shoulders to look more intimidating, you knew that he couldn’t trust you yet.

“Lies!” Dovich refuted your claims.

“What happened back there was self-defence!” He must have thought about how you were about to use your powers just moments ago. “Trust me, if I wanted to do any damage, I would be able to but I didn’t.”

Seeing how you were still standing there with your arms behind your back, Dovich’s stance seemed to ease up a little. “What do you want?”

“We- my friends and I want to talk to Karli.” You knew your words only served to upset him once more as his face distorted into a frown.

“We really want things to work out! We don’t ever want things to escalate, it is never in my interest to kill anyone.” Dovich glanced over you to see an earnest expression on your face and he couldn’t help but be a little swayed.

He knew who you were. You were less well-known but still regarded as part of the Avengers team. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t intimidated. He recalled how you fought his group back then and knew that given your powers, there was a chance to be bested even if he had taken the serum.

Dovich still clearly remembered how you pulled him up when he was about to fall off the moving truck from before. Your actions at that moment had changed his impression of you, regarding you in a better light. It matched what you had just said earlier, you weren’t interested to kill anyone.

“Karli wouldn’t listen. She is determined and resolute in our vision.” Dovich hoped you understood his perspective and you nodded in acknowledgement.

“I know but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to try settling this peacefully. We don’t want more lives gone than it already had.” You added on to your own perspective in the matter. Dovich believed you but he still wasn’t sure. He couldn’t be so easy to trust especially of all of the experiences that he and his group went through.

You were still considered a threat to the existence of the group.

“I don’t trust your group. Especially that Zemo guy. We know he hates super soldiers.” Dovich reiterated his mistrust before continuing. “Plus you guys are the Avengers, you wouldn’t know what it is like to be us. You get to live comfortable lives and do as you please.”

Hearing his assumption, you shook your head in disagreement. You closed your eyes and exhaled deeply before speaking.

“The Avengers aren’t really there anymore. Most of our group are gone. We are only what’s left but it doesn’t feel like there’s a team anymore.” Your mind to your current situation. Yes, you were with Sam and Bucky but they were just tolerating each other for the moment. You didn’t exactly feel like you were a team at all but just a group put together because you were all that’s left.

The sense of camaraderie from your previous team was gone and you were at a loss. You did what you had to do to support your two friends but you felt empty on the inside. You titled your head up to see Dovich peering at you with an almost concerned look on his face.

“Besides, that’s a bit of a generalisation you have there. We don’t live fancy lives, that’s a misconception because of uh-Tony. We all are still normal human beings dealing with struggles in our personal lives too. We gave up most of ourselves to defend this world….” Reeling from the exchange that you two had, you knew Dovich was someone that could be reasoned with.

“Of course, I am not trying to brag or anything!” You hurriedly explain before he had the thought that you were trying to make yourself look better in his eyes. “It’s just that I hope you could understand where we are coming from too.”

Dovich didn’t expect the conversation to progress in this manner. He had spotted you in the reflection of a glass window of a shop and initially wanted to get you off his tail. Despite the initial scepticism, he was starting to warm up to you. He figured you weren’t like the rest of your group and seemed down to earth despite being an Avenger.

He couldn’t lie to himself and claimed he thought of you several times ever since the first encounter. How can one not forget someone who stepped in to save their life once?

Dovich gazed at you now standing civilly with an awaiting look. He wanted to trust you, he really did. But he knew Karli was especially alert and distrustful of anyone outside her circle. Your affiliation wouldn’t help in this case either. He couldn’t make a promise that he can’t keep.

“I can’t promise you anything.” A grin formed on your face for the first time and you nodded your head in understanding.

“Of course, I just need a chance to talk. That’s all.” Dovich nodded back before he started walking back to the other end of the alleyway. He told you that he would speak with Karli after Donya’s ceremony and asked you to wait for his contact. He made you promise to not speak to your friends about this meeting and that he only trusted you.

You gave your agreement and maintained a friendly smile before he turned back to go onto another street.

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Walking with lighter steps, you were glad to be able to do something right. You re-entered Zemo’s place and was greeted with the men gathering around to discuss their lack of result. You had to control yourself from revealing about your meeting with Dovich and kept quiet.

You agreed with Sam’s remarks on understanding Karli’s perspective and how she and her group were not motivated by malicious intentions.

Bucky then gave his own input that Karli would not be any different from Zemo. Recalling your last exchange with him, you suddenly felt upset with the super-soldier. You didn’t agree with his words either as you believed you understood better after talking with Dovich.

“I agree with Sam on this. Karli’s group is different and we need to give them a chance.” Bucky looked at you in disbelief. This was the first time you were ever not on the same page with him. He couldn’t agree with your views of giving the Flag Smashers a chance when they were such obvious threats.

Bucky believed that your soft-hearted nature was clouding your judgement and he thought better of you given your experience of dealing with such people.

“Can’t believe you are actually siding with terrorists Y/N.” His words came out harsher than expected and his heart twisted when he saw the tinge of sadness at how you received his words. A brief moment later, he saw your brows frowning and now looked at him with an offended stare.

“Not everything is black and white, James.” You scoffed before walking off to use the bathroom.

Sam and Zemo were surprised to hear the condescending tone in your voice towards Bucky. Knowing how you and Bucky were close-knitted, witnessing the suddenly tensed exchange between the two of you would have been baffled at what just transpired.

Hearing you calling him James was clear as day to Bucky that you were definitely not happy with him. Rubbing his temples in dismay, he wondered what have gotten over you suddenly. Sure, he was at fault for saying such a harsh comment but he still didn’t expect you to be like this.

Bucky lost his cool when Zemo stated he wanted to keep his leverage by not revealing any more information he had gotten from the little girl on the streets about Donya.

“You wanna see what someone can do we leverage?” Bucky too the glass in Zemo’s hand and threw it to the wall behind the Sokovian baron. He was silently seething at Zemo’s play on top of the unpleasant exchange that he had with you.

Sam came around to calm Bucky down before he indicated that he would make a call.

You stepped back into the common room when you heard the smashing of glass. You looked to see Bucky and Zemo in an intense standoff, well more so Bucky than Zemo.

Sam walked away first. Zemo asked Bucky if he would like some cherry blossom tea but the super-soldier refuted the offer with disdain in his tone.

“Y/N?” Zemo gestured to the lovely glass tea set on the coffee table. Glancing up to meet Bucky’s eyes, you could tell he was still bearing an annoyed look on his face.

You weren’t sure if it was his emotions from his exchange with Zemo or yours. Walking up to Zemo, you gave a polite smile before speaking.

“I would love to.” It was the second time that you acted out of character in a row. He knew that you didn’t like Zemo at all, only because of what Zemo had done to him. You were his girl (well sort of) and seeing you accepting Zemo’s offer even if it was just tea hit him differently.

Hearing how you graciously accepted the glass from Zemo and commenting on the fragrance of the brew, Bucky couldn’t believe his ears. He immediately stomped away from the scene before he felt like he would implode.

This was not right at all. Why would you suddenly act like this?

-------------------------//---------------------------

Tag list: @tanyaherondale @spookycereal-s @cataves @archaeoheart @conflicted-noxsirius @archaeoheart @idiotinnit @anxious-stitcher @lindseyrae20 @mads-weasley

#bucky x reader #bucky x y/n #marvel fanfiction #angstsfordays #beautiful pain #tfatws #thefalconandthewintersoldier #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader

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theprologues · 3 years

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SUBMISSION - Grammys performance symbolism, part two

So, with those reservations safely out of the way, and a warning to readers NOT to hurt themselves by getting their hopes up again …

What aspects of Taylor’s Grammy’s performance made me think there might be light at the end of the tunnel for Kaylor?

First, Taylor’s blue and gold performance dress. “Deep blue but you painted me golden” is a line from Dancing With Our Hands Tied, a song that is widely assumed to be about the night of Kissgate. It’s a song where Taylor talks about how miserable (“deep blue”) she was after the collapse of her relationship with Diana and her public reputation in 2013. She describes how her new lover, Karlie, brought her back to life and lit her up with the glow of a new, true love. She painted her golden. But then they were caught in an intimate moment at Kissgate, and Taylor panicked. Her fears and anxieties threatened to drown her, and though she and her new lover tried to dance through the catastrophe, they eventually came to realize they were doing so with their hands tied. They had no hope of swimming to the surface together and breaking free. They could only have done so if Taylor had stood firm and owned their love in the moment, instead of setting in motion the bearding contracts that would change everything. (This is what she means when she says that “if I could dance with you again”, she would “kiss” and “hold” her lover, instead of presumably backing away. If she could do the moment over, she would claim Karlie as her lover, and hold her hand for the world to see, through hell or high water.)

Though it’s a depressing motif in DWOHT, Taylor has, interestingly, returned to this imagery of a golden tie several times in other songs, painting it in a much more positive light. Most recently, the Willow music video explores this, visually representing the “single thread of gold that tied me to you” which Taylor sings about in Invisible String. Both IS and Willow are happy songs, which describe their lovers as being tied together by fate. “Wherever you go, I’ll follow,” Taylor sings in Willow. In DWOHT, the lovers followed each other to a place of deepest blue. The bottom of the ocean, under the waves, where they couldn’t breathe. In Willow they follow each other to freedom.

That freedom is represented in the Willow music video by the open cabin door the lovers step through at the end of the video. Taylor incorporates this door into the Willow section of her Grammy’s performance, performing first in the open doorway and then stepping through it to perform with her band out in the open.

But returning to the blue and gold dress. This is not only a very Karlie motif which keeps recurring in her art (often to postitve effect). It’s also a representation of Taylor finding happiness WITHIN the closet. It’s talking about how her partner’s love helps her to bear the depression being in the closet, and fearing exposure, causes her. The fact that Taylor chooses to wear this dress throughout her performance, with no costume changes, suggests a) she is still in the closet, and b) she is still with Karlie, and still considers her love to be such a lifeline.

If Toe was real and Taylor was happy with him, she could have chosen to wear an all-gold dress for the occasion. If Kaylor was over and she had decided to return to the closet, she could have communicated that by wearing all blue. If Kaylor was over and so far in the past she had moved on with someone new, there was no need to evoke the motif at all. She could simply have laid claim to another color, or worn another prairie type dress to fit the aesthetic. And yet, she didn’t. Why not, if not to communicate what I said above?

What else is worth considering, in Taylor’s medley? Well, there’s the cabin setting. Taylor and Karlie famously took a trip to Big Sur forest and stayed in a cabin together in 2014, where Karlie was the first person to hear 1989 in full. They took many photos on the trip, including one captioned with “on the way home” (a lyric from You Are In Love, which talks about hearing love in the silence) and one of the two of them looking up at a fallen tree. A VERY similar looking tree appears in the Cardigan music video, and the slanted, moss-covered roof Taylor opens the medley lying on also looks a lot like this tree. Again, curious that she would call back to this if she and Karlie have separated.

Moving on. Taylor opens the medley singing on the roof, looking straight up into the camera. When we pull back we see the stage around set to that of a starry night. Taylor is thus cast as the romantic, the star-gazer. She also calls back to another lyric Kaylors have previously tied to Karlie - “up on the roof with a schoolgirl crush”. It’s been repeatedly tied to Karlie and Taylor’s attendance at the Victoria Secret show after-party. Again, why evoke imagery so tied to the early, happy days of this relationship?

We then move through a progression of events that sees her hiding inside with friends, before eventually stepping out into the light. That all reads like a visual interpretation of her relationship with Karlie, from her early loneliness and lovestruck dreaming, to the happiness she finds within her little hideaway, to her eventual decision to step out of it and claim her lover. The medley ends on a repetition of “that’s my man”, seemingly hinting that Taylor’s freedom is tied up in her ability to finally say those words.

What else? Well, there are the Ivy allusions. Taylor’s cabin covered in greenery can’t help but evoke the lyrics of Ivy - “my house of stone, your ivy grows, and now I’m covered in you”. Ivy is widely interpreted as a sapphic song about two women finding love despite their commitments to men. Another line in the song “he’s in the room, your opal eyes are all I wish to see, he wants what’s only yours” is alluded to in Taylor’s choice of opal jewelry on the night. What a weird thing to draw attention to, if you’re not secretly in love with a woman while parading a beard around in public. We’re also told in the song that “he” (possibly the same man, possibly another) wants to burn the house of the Ivy lovers down. Jerk just so happened to announce the baby’s birth on this night, in what felt like an attempt to undermine Taylor’s joy. Hmm. Curious.

You know what else is curious? Taylor’s choice of outfit for the Grammys red carpet. Not only is the floral dress very reminiscent of a floral ensemble Karlie wore to cover a June (pride month) issue of Spanish Vogue. (Cover subtitled, “flowers of change”.) It’s also by the designer Oscar de la Renta. Taylor and Karlie famously attended one of his shows together early on in their relationship. They sat in the front row looking very cozy, while Taylor refused to answer questions about why she was there and reportedly giggled “my publicist will be mad at me”. Hmm.

Taylor has also worn Oscar de la Renta on numerous occasions while out with Karlie, including most famously at the Met Gala. That iconic pale pink gown that she was buried in the Look What You Made Me Do music video? That was an Oscar de la Renta. There are many interpretations of the scene in the video, but it’s worth noting that Taylor is buried alive in it (which could be interpreted as a metaphor for being closeted) and that in a video all about her various revenge fantasies, she depicts herself crawling back up out of this grave. She views coming back to life and walking away from the flaming wreckage of her past with Big Machine as the ultimate revenge. At the end of the video she clips her own wings while all the past iterations of her argue amongst themselves. This would seem to suggest that she can defeat her enemies but she can’t defeat herself, because she can’t outrun her past, and until then she will always be doomed to self-sabotage. Nevertheless, this Taylor (lurking in the background bedecked in peaced-out palm tree print) is in a much better position than the Taylor who opened the video as a zombie corpse. She’s on the surface and has some hope of freedome, at last. This is a theme we see carried through in the following video, where Taylor goes one-on-one against herself and eventually breaks free.

Long story short? Taylor wearing such a floral, literally blooming dress from THIS designer, of all people, suggests she may finally be about to rise again. The aborted coming out apparently planned for the Lover era (and thus seeded during the Rep era) may finally be a go?

Again, I’m very reluctant to get people’s hopes up here. But it’s hard to look at this dress and not think of that June (Pride month) floral magazine cover. Or of the Spade riddle, “Why worry? She blooms in June.” Or of the fact that Taylor’s stunts are often loudest before the end. She acknowledged Calvin and hugged him at an awards show before he was booted out of the narrative and Tom H appeared to replace him. (Something like ten days or so after the “split”, if I remember right?) And the inconsistencies of the Toe timeline speak for themselves. There was speculation - unpopular though it was - among Kaylors in the Rep era that guessed Taylor wouldn’t come out until 2021 / 2022. It seemed a world away at the time but who knows? Maybe this was always the plan. Maybe this is all “part of the fucking story”, even the parts that seem ugly or counterproductive. A lot can change in a couple of months in Hollywood, and with Taylor in particular. By June, it’s possible we COULD be looking at a vastly different landscape. Maybe this was one last hurrah for the Toes. Many of them are just harmless fans taking Taylor at her word, after all.

Only time will tell, and I don’t blame Kaylors for checking out. This isn’t healthy, especially for those of us who are gay ourselves, and can’t help but feel a personal connection to Taylor’s journey out of the closet. We know what a big deal it would be. But for those who still want to hope … It’s just possible Taylor has a plan, and this is the dark night before the dawn.

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

Pro: I added the photos and the bolded parts. Love symbolism. This was truly a spectacular performance. Awesome submission anon!!

#submission #submitted by anonymous

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st4rlabsforever · 3 years

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post-episode 3 fix-it

words: 2.9k

notes: i started a long fic based on this post after watching ep 3. i cannibalized some snippets from another fic i wrote last week so if you see similar scenes, that’s why. i think this will end up being 12-15k words endgame sambucky by the end, but i refuse to post on ao3 until it’s complete. this is the first 3 scenes. feel free to comment and message me your thoughts since i’m still very much in the writing phase :)

summary: “It’s the kind of statement that should be screamed into Bucky’s face, but he’s learning that when Sam’s angry – when he’s truly angry – he’s just as soft-spoken as he is when he’s in one of his pensive moods. And he lets his anger build and build and build until it bursts in spectacular fashion.”

“I didn’t back Steve on the Sokovia Accords,” Sam says unprompted one day. They’re so close to apprehending the Flagsmashers and wrapping up this ridiculous saga.

“I don’t follow,” Bucky says.

“I was the one who refused to sign it first. Not Steve.”

Sam says it so softly that Bucky has to strain to hear him. Sam is loud and chatty and half the time he keeps up a constant stream of chatter just to get on Bucky’s nerves, but Bucky’s coming to realize that when he really wants to make himself heard, he’s soft spoken and mild. Bucky doesn’t entirely follow his train of thought, though.

The thing is, Sam is unreadable when it really matters. He offers words of comfort where needed – in Germany, after seeing Walker with the shield that wasn’t his, knowing that it had affected Bucky just as much as himself; in Madripoor, Bucky’s hand on the throat of some henchman or other, Sam’s hand on his when the Soldier’s memories threatened to overtake him; even in Riga, when Bucky’s guilt over releasing T’Chaka’s killer bubbled to the surface and Sam had checked in with him even though he couldn’t have possibly known about Bucky’s meeting with Ayo. Sam speaks with his eyes, always a searching look that leaves Bucky raw and feeling like he’s been x-rayed. I see you, is what those eyes say.

In contrast, Bucky’s words of comfort feel hollow. He knows that Isaiah is still a live wire for Sam, checks in with him after Madripoor when he can tell the conversation with Nagel weighs heavy on his mind. But he doesn’t see the way Sam does. He knows he’d missed something important because that conversation had ended in an argument and a threat from Sam to destroy the shield.

He never gets a chance to ask Sam what he’s getting at, because Torres signals to them that they’re at the drop point before all hell breaks loose.

***

In the end, after Karli and the Power Broker and whoever else decides to show their head from the emporium of supervillains are dealt with and they finally have a moment of peace, Bucky says, “The shield looks good on you.”

Sam freezes a few paces ahead of Bucky, the shield strapped loosely to his wrist.

“We make a good team,” Bucky says softly.

What he doesn’t expect is for Sam to whirl around suddenly. The look of barely restrained fury is enough to nearly knock Bucky off he’s feet. They fight without ever really fighting all the time, squabbles over who went left and who went right and who was supposed to lead and who was supposed to follow, but never has he seen Sam look like this before. The fury verges on hurt and it’s so fucking visceral that Bucky can barely breathe.

“You don’t get to say that,” Sam says quietly. His voice shakes and he closes his eyes like he’s steadying himself.

“I said I’d squash it until the mission was over, and I did. But you know what? I’m not doing this anymore.”

“Sam–”

“You don’t get to tell me what a good team is. Not after all the shit we just went through. You invited yourself to Munich, and I thought, ‘Fine. I could use the extra set of hands.’ We went through it together against Thanos and I respected that.”

Sam shakes his head. “But then you went off on some lone wolf woe-is-me bullshit, and look at where it got us. You broke Zemo out without even asking if I was down with that. You knew I wasn’t and you forced my hand. Now I’m an accomplice.”

“He was our only lead–”

“Bullshit. That field trip to Madripoor led us right back to Karli. Torres ended up tracking them to Riga anyway.”

“But the Power Broker–”

“–showed his ugly face in the end. All we got out of Madripoor was you digging up your trauma and us getting our faces plastered all over the internet. I promised Sharon one goddamn thing and I can’t even deliver on that now.”

“But I went along with it, fine,” Sam continues. “I knew it couldn’t have been easy reaching back into that headspace, doing what you did to Selby’s men.” The memory blindsides Bucky. “So I tabled it.” Sam taps out a tally with his fingers.

“And back in Baltimore, you’d been too keyed up about Steve being wrong about you to even listen to what I had to say. Again, I tabled it.” Another tally.

“I’ve been meeting you halfway this entire time, man, and I’ve gotten near nothing in return. You kept Isaiah a secret from me, and at first I thought you were just clueless about how damn significant it would’ve been for me to know about him.” Sam shakes his head.

“But then we met him. You saw what they did to him. The one Black supersoldier – a fucking hero – and look what they did to him. You saw it with your own eyes and you still sat there and lectured me about what you thought I should’ve done with that goddamn shield.”

“There’s precedent for it, you know,” Sam says. It takes Bucky a moment to realize Sam is expecting an answer.

Bucky doesn’t know, is the thing. He feels like he’s all of five years old again, put on the spot. He’s reminded of when Zemo just had to let him know about the African American experience; he’d felt chastised and embarrassed enough to pretend like he’d had any clue what themes lurked in Marvin Gaye’s work. Sam just searches him with those eyes, searches Bucky for something yet unfathomable and decides he hasn’t found it. That hurts more than anything else; Bucky wishes he could sink into the ground, make himself as small as possible. Sam doesn’t notice, or else doesn’t care, and just plows on with a scoff.

“You don’t even know the true history of the country you’re living in. Figures.” He shakes his head. “You’re not ever going to be able to separate the shield from the history Black folks have endured at the hands of this country. Not now, not ever.”

Sam doesn’t even look angry anymore. Angry, Bucky can deal with. It would be a relief, even.

Instead, Sam looks at him with a disappointment that somehow surpasses what Steve could have ever accomplished.

“Whatever. I tabled that, too,” Sam says. “And then after Madripoor, after we heard that doctor go on and on about Isaiah’s blood like he wasn’t even a real human-being? I said my piece and all you did was throw that shield bullshit back in my face.”

“Sam–” Bucky tries again. He’s mortified to hear the crack in his own voice.

“It’s honestly breathtaking,” Sam says with something that might be akin to genuine wonder, or maybe even morbid curiosity in his voice. “We saw the same things in Baltimore and Madripoor, but your head was so far up your own ass that you never once stopped to think all of it was just proof to me. That the shield in the hands of a Black man wouldn’t make any damn sense.”

It’s the kind of statement that should be screamed into Bucky’s face, but he’s learning that when Sam’s angry – when he’s truly angry – he’s just as soft-spoken as he is when he’s in one of his pensive moods. And he lets his anger build and build and build until it bursts in spectacular fashion.

Sam’s not even done yet. “And that’s another thing. Stealing the shield from Walker…” Sam rolls his eyes at the memory. “You want to run around with that giant frisbee, fine. That’s your business. But then you forced it on me–”

“That’s not fair,” Bucky says immediately. Desperately. “You didn’t have to accept it.”

“The whole damn country was watching,” Sam says hotly. “It was either accept it, or shit all over Steve fucking Rogers’s legacy and make myself into the villain half the country was already hoping I’d turn out to be.”

“You were dead wrong for that,” Sam says. “I stuck around until we took down Karli because it was the right thing to do. After Munich, though, this little adventure was all you. Zemo, Madripoor, the shield.”

Sam shoves the shield into Bucky’s arms, the impact so sudden that it forces him back a step.

“Since you’re so obsessed with this thing, it’s yours. Congrats,” Sam says sarcastically. “I’m sure you’ll do it proud.”

Bucky lets out a breath he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding.

“For what it’s worth,” Sam says, “Steve might not have understood everything about me. But in Vienna, when it came time to sign the accords? He was considering it. I put my foot down first and he listened.”

Sam shrugs. “Whatever you thought we were, it's not a team.”

Bucky knows where to drive the knife in to kill a man in as few twists of the wrist as possible – a brutal economy of movement and technique. But Sam...it pales in comparison to what Sam’s capable of. His weapons aren’t knives and his targets may not be made of flesh and blood, but he knows exactly where he needs to strike to rip Bucky open raw. Bucky feels like he’s been flayed alive.

“How about that long vacation?” Sam says, and claps Bucky on the shoulder.

And we’ll never have to see each other ever again goes unsaid.

Fuck.

***

The thing about ignoring Sam’s texts was that Bucky responded if they were actually important. It just so happened that most of the nonsense Sam sent was inane prattling about his day, about his job, his sister, his nephews. Now that he’s on the receiving end of it, though, it feels awful.

3/25/21, 2:58 AM

I’m sorry.

Delivered

3/28/21, 1:51 AM

Can we talk?

Delivered

3/31/21, 3:05 AM

Let me know what to do and I’ll do it.

Read 3:34 AM

4/1/21, 12:42 AM

Or if there’s anything you need.

Read 1:05 AM

Yesterday, 1:00 AM

I’m available if you need another body for a mission.

Read 1:02 AM

A week into the admittedly one-sided exchange, Sam turns his damn read receipts on. It’s ridiculous and it’s fucking asinine and it gets under Bucky’s skin immediately. It’s a form of twenty-first century psychological warfare that he’s unfamiliar with and already can’t stand. Mainly, he hates that it makes him seem desperate (he’s not), needy (he might be, especially when he realizes with horror that he actually misses Sam’s rambling texts), and ridiculous (he definitely is, because he’s letting petty mind games get to him).

Normally, Sam would send him nearly daily updates on his comings and goings – whether he’d been in New York, D.C., or New Orleans. The radio silence is unsettling. Bucky wonders if Sam made good on his promise to take a long vacation. And then....

The thing about apologies is that Bucky isn’t sure he’s ever done a proper one in his entire life, at least nothing beyond a rote “I’m sorry” with the “let’s move on” part left unspoken. But it stands to reason, Bucky thinks, that a proper apology can’t be given if he’s not completely certain what he’s dealing with. That’s all well and good because he’s got the world at the tips of his fingers, is what Yori always said. And when he grows frustrated with reading on his tiny phone screen, the New York Public Library is only a train ride away.

Sam had mentioned precedent, so Bucky’s first search is for medical experimentation. He knows for a fact he was good at this once, a memory of Steve whining about him being too good at exams coming up unbidden. He reads voraciously. Anything and everything that might offer a clue on what he’d missed. And it doesn’t take long for him to find what he’s looking for.

He reads with dawning horror. The Tuskegee syphilis experiments. Eugenics. God, the fucking Nazis had even modeled their race science on the American school of thought. The things that the history books left out. Some of it was even happening under his nose in the 30s, he’d just been blissfully unaware. He somehow ends up down a rabbit hole where words like `prison industrial complex’ and `school-to-prison pipeline’ make increasingly more persistent appearances. New Jim Crow. COINTELPRO. War on drugs. The way all of these horrors reached their long arms into the twenty-first century.

Bucky’s going to be sick. The memories come up one after another.

Just give him your ID so we can leave.

You think you can wake up one day and decide who you want to be? It doesn’t work like that. Well, maybe it does for folks like you.

So you’re telling me that there was a Black supersoldier decades ago and nobody knew about it.

This is what you’re not going to do. You’re not going to come here in your over-extended life and tell me about my rights.

The shield wasn’t yours to give away.

He spends the next week in his downtime reading. With the mission being over and his parole in jeopardy, his downtime mostly coincides with every day of the week.

Had Steve known?

No, he thinks. Steve was compassionate, but he wouldn’t have known because he’d taken one look at the problems of twenty-first century America and decided he’d had enough. Then he’d ran back to the 40s to live out some fantasy that simply didn’t – couldn’t – exist anymore. Had he eventually become aware of all the issues plaguing this country that they’d been able to ignore as starry-eyed kids in Brooklyn? Bucky hopes not, because that would mean he’d...no.

A part of Bucky thinks he’s so surprised because he’d thought things – race relations, civil rights, not things, his brain amends – had been getting better in the 40s. Deep down, though, he knows that’s a lie. A 2 AM read through Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States confirms it. Shady politicians. Klansmen who went back to their day jobs as cops, judges, firefighters. Mass incarceration taking its place as the new king on the throne of segregation. Evidently,

There had been plenty of folks – white folks – raising an uproar about these hidden horrors back then. The seeds of those movements had even been there in the 30s. Bucky tells himself that he’d been raised during the Great Depression, that his family had been too focused on putting food on the table to focus on social movements, but that, too, ends up being a lie. The poorest and working class whites – some, at least – in movement and solidarity with civil rights. Not him, though. Apparently he’d had his head up his ass back then, too.

Bucky can see the bigger picture a tiny bit more clearly, now.

Fine. So he’s been disarmed of the little lies he’d used as shields, and he also owes Sam one hell of an apology.

Somehow, he doesn’t think “I’m sorry, I was ignorant then but I read some books and now I know better” is going to cut it. Maybe a commitment to do better would work? Perhaps after Baltimore, but not now. That ship had long since sailed. Some grand act of service, then? He’s sure he can think of something Sam needs in this post-Blip world that he can provide. He vaguely remembers Sarah mentioning something about a ship and bank loan. That could be a starting point.

It doesn’t take much time to find the public records on the Wilson family business and then the not-so-public records on the denied bank loan. It wouldn’t take much for him to pry a little, not when seedy bankers were astonishingly amenable to the threat of violence. But he’s reminded of Zemo and figures that he ought not to do anything so drastic that could jeopardize Sam’s family situation further.

He snorts. Did growth that came several months late still count?

In the end, he decides to rip the bandage off quickly, which is how he finds himself in the sticky Louisiana heat with his hands shoved deep into his pockets, staring back at an incredulous Sam through his open door.

“I did some reading recently,” Bucky says.

“Hmm.”

It’s not outright refusal, so Bucky continues.

“About, um, the things you mentioned last time. Precedent.”

“Huh.”

For someone who’s normally so expressive with his language, Sam’s one-word answers as nerve-wracking as anything.

“I didn’t fully appreciate the situation that you were in. That you’re still in,” Bucky amends.

Sam shrugs. “It’s cool,” he says in a way that doesn’t sound like he really believes it. Bucky wonders if this is a test; he feels just as lost as he did on that plane a week ago.

“Let’s do this outside,” Sam says, closing the door behind him and ushering Bucky away from it. “Walk with me.”

They head down to the pier mostly in silence until Bucky breaks it. “I’m sorry for making it all about me,” he says.

Sam stares at him. It’s true Bucky might stare a little too much on occasion, but Sam’s stares are utterly unnerving in the way he seems to see right through Bucky when he really wants to, like he’s already mapped out all there is to know.

#sambucky #sam wilson #Bucky Barnes #the falcon and the winter soldier #tfatws spoilers

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