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tinyyoungblood · 4 years

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pillow fort tragedy | peter parker

summary: what do you do when you have the entire compound to yourself? that’s right, you build a gigantic pillow fort with your boyfriend and the two dudes you have to babysit—an enhanced ex-soviet assassin and the god of thunder from outta space. good luck with that.

pairing: peter parker x avenger!reader

warnings: language, fluff, tiny bit of conflict and mention of injury

word count: 2.6 k

a/n: absolute crack fic lmao enjoy! x

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It was another Sunday at the Compound which meant that something completely stupid had to go down at some point. This time, it was a real team effort and Steve would’ve surely been proud to some extent. Only, Steve wasn’t there and if he were, all of this wouldn’t have happened in the first place, which probably would’ve been better for everybody involved. Wherever you looked, miles and miles of pillows and blankets covered what used to be the comfort of their home. Now, it was a new empire.

Turning on the comm in your ear, you continued squeezing through the narrow passage of blankets that were poorly draped over some wobbly chairs and shelves. “Guys? Pete, can you hear me?” No answer. For a second, your back touched a blanket and the whole interior started to wobble, making you hold your breath. Who would’ve thought that a highly trained assassin and an invincible God were absolutely terrible at building something as simple as a pillow fort? Hah, not you.

It all started at 11 a.m. sharp when the others left for a mission that neither you nor Peter were allowed to join, but that wasn’t anything new. The two of you were used to it and almost always found something to occupy your time with. The same thing couldn’t be said for Bucky and Thor though, who were both incredibly offended to be treated like “dense punks”. Dense punks as in Peter and you. But then again, the only reason you both weren’t allowed to tag along was your age.

The former was denied because he kept forgetting to put down the toilet seat despite various warnings on Cap’s side and death threat’s on Nat’s and the latter wasn’t allowed to join because of the smell coming from his room that was almost tearing off the wallpaper in the hallway. They were practically grounded which was hilarious, especially since this was quite a rare combination of team members that the Compound had never witnessed before. So, to break the ice and get properly acquainted, Peter had the revolutionary idea to build a pillow fort with every godforsaken pillow, blanket and bedsheet that the Compound had to offer.

And so it began. Every bed, except for Thor’s because you were almost 100% sure that something lived underneath it, was brutally stripped off its covers and used to build the most atrocious and unsteadiest one of its kind. From the Common room to the elevator, every square meter was covered. Your heart race had honestly never been as high as when you tried to get yourself something to drink after having to dodge every pillow tower on your way to the kitchen. You still managed to end up with a wet shirt and a swollen ankle.

It was honestly all fun and games until the games turned into the mission of their lives. Peter had jokingly commanded them to not let this fort go down, under any circumstances—a stupid thing to say to the Winder Soldier and the King of Asgard. And it wasn’t because of their admirable determination and ambition, no—it was because both of them were stubborn idiots who would never dare lose a game.

And from there on, it kind of went downhill. Things started to escalate, highly expensive items were shattered, people were thrown, pillow fights happened inside the pillow fort—it was awful and you were just glad that nothing had caught on fire yet. Suddenly the subtle ‘click’ in your ear made you halt and you listened carefully. “Y/N? Babe, can you hear me?” Peter’s voice was shaky and you hastily answered. “Yes, I—I can hear you, Peter.” He let out a long sigh, relief flooding over his aching limbs. “Oh, thank god, you’re still alive—Where are you? Are you okay?” You nodded eagerly and looked around. “I’m fine…but I think I’m lost. Actually, I have no idea where I am. The tiles all look the same. Stupid Tony and his stupid monochronic taste in architecture,” you mumbled under your breath and you could hear him chuckle.

“Okay, that’s fine. Your ankle’s still swollen, right? Don’t move it, we’ll come get you. I think I can hear your heartbeat—“ He paused for a moment and you thought he expected some kind of reaction so you hesitantly responded, “…Aww?”

“Hm? No, that—sorry, Thor is holding an inaugural speech and he just started to list off his childhood best friends and one of them, you won’t believe it, is called Bob.” He snickered on the other side of the line and you furrowed your brows. “Bob?” He hummed. “Oh, well. Uhm, anyway, why exactly is Thor holding a speech again?”

“Oh, he just pronounced himself King of Blankard.”

“…Come again?”

“Blankard? Because it’s a pillow fort? But we also used blankets? And Pillowgard just doesn’t have—”

“—the same ring to it. Got it.” You glanced in each direction of the tunnel but it seemed like you were still the only one in this area. “Peter, when are you guys going to get here?” He didn’t respond and the only thing you heard was a slow clap and a whistle. You rolled your eyes. Your boyfriend was cheering for the new King of Blankard so you might as well have to start thinking about ways to fend for yourself once dusk would fall. You heard some shuffling before his voice came back. “Sorry, babe, I just assumed it’s bad manners to interrupt a God while they’re monologuing.”

It wasn’t biologically possible for you to roll your eyes any harder but you made it work.

“Just get here.” You sighed and he smooched a kiss into your ear. Your ankle started to pulse so you decided to sit down for a while until they would find you.

A few minutes passed and you finally heard distinct chatter. Crawling toward it, you felt like a big toddler when Peter’s eyes locked with yours and lit up. “Baby!” He cupped your face with both hands and excitedly planted kisses all over your face, making you giggle. Parting from you, you shot Thor a smile who gave you a friendly nod. “Please, do not expect a greeting of that same manner on my behalf, Lady Y/N.”

You laughed. “That’s totally cool, Thor, don’t worry.” Leaning forward to look past Peter, you realized that Bucky wasn’t with them. “We’ve lost him,” Peter explained as he watched your face turn into pure horror.

“…To death?”

He almost choked on air. “Dear god, no. He took a wrong turn and now we can’t find him. He’s still very much alive…I think.” You nodded swiftly and glanced at your watch. “Okay, guys, it was really fun while it lasted but I need to get to my room now to send in that Biology paper. And maybe put some ice on this bad boy.” You gestured to your ankle but they stared at you blankly.

“What?”

“You can’t get through the hallway, Lady Y/N.”

“What?” You repeated yourself, brows knitted. “Why?”

“Blanket collapse. Kind of like an avalanche,” Thor explained and you stared at him in disbelief.

“Guys, I don’t want to play anymore. I really have to hand in the paper now. The deadline’s in 10 minutes.”

“But you can’t get through.” Peter tried to reason.

“What do you mean? It’s blankets and pillows. You just…” You gestured a sweeping motion. “…push it aside.”

He pouted. “But then the fort will collapse.”

“Peter, I don’t care.” You sucked in a sharp breath to speak calmly. “Can’t we just tear the fort down?”

“No!!” The two suddenly shouted horrified as if you had just suggested to run over a puppy. The terror on your face turned blank.

“…What?”

“Y/N, I love you, but I swore to Thor that, as a rightful citizen of Blankard, I would put my life on the line for this fort. It’s my home now and he even made me swore over a pillow and everything, it was really cool, you should’ve seen it.” Thor nodded proudly.

You pinched the bridge of your nose to stop the steam from coming out your ears. “Okay, how about this? I’m not a citizen of Blankard, right?” Your laugh edged on insanity. “So I could just…” You imitated the sweeping motion again. “…right?”

Not meeting your gaze, Peter fidgeted with his hands. “Well…”

You let your head fall back with a groan. “Peter!”

“I’m sorry, okay! But you’re technically one of the Founding Fathers,” he explained sheepishly and you wanted to pulverize him. Your glare sent shivers down his spine. “Peter Benjamin Parker, I am not going to miss my deadline because of a pillow fort. Now, get me…to my…room.” With every word you inched closer to him until you were pressed flush against his chest, piercing eyes boring into his soul.

He gulped and didn’t found the right words, or any words really, to escape his mouth so he just nodded stiffly. Racking his brain with all the movies he had ever watched, Peter came up with a quick idea. “Okay, how about this…” As he started to ramble about his plan, you took notice of Thor who was comfortably sitting behind Peter while stretching out his arm with an open palm. You’ve seen that movement far too many times and thus knew exactly what he was doing.

Catching you look at him, he smiled brightly at you while giving you a friendly wave. You waved back and averted your gaze back to your boyfriend.

“…So once I’m outside, I can easily climb through your bedroom window, open your laptop and turn in the paper for you. There’s no way that we could fuck that up, right?” He laughed nervously and you had to suppress your shit-eating grin.

“Sorry to disappoint, Pete, but looks like Thor’s already on that case. Don’t worry about it.”

With furrowed brows, he whipped around and you could swear you saw his soul escape his body. “Thor, NO!!”

But it was too late. Like domino stones, each and every pillow started to collapse and pull the blankets with it. Everything was happening in slow motion as Thor realized what he had done and once Mjolnir was in his hand, he quickly scooped you up and threw you on his shoulder. Peter landed on the other one and with both of you protesting, he ran away from the falling pillows and toward the elevator. Right at the doorway where the paths were lower, he let the both of you fall to the ground, screaming “CRAWL!!”.

Doing as told, you crawled as fast as you could in front of them, ignoring the sharp ache in your ankle but once you rounded the corner, you bumped into a hard chest. It was a very confused Bucky. His hair was tousled, he had a scratch to his cheek and overall looked like he came back from wrestling a bear. In unison, the three of you yelled “CRAWL!!” and he whipped around to lead the way.

It was all for nothing though. The walls around you started to give in and in the blink of an eye, four Avengers were buried under a pile of pillows and blankets.

It was silent for a second, no one comprehended what just happened. In some way, it was like the deadly silence that followed after defeat—a battlefield of buried hopes and duvets.

But you couldn’t help it and started laughing.

Of course, it was muffled but you laughed hard. The realization that you had missed your deadline because of a pillow fort that you built with earth’s best defenders was comically genius to you. Your belly shook with laughter while tears brimmed your eyes and you knew you were seconds away from running out of oxygen when suddenly the distinct ‘ding’ of the elevator caught your attention and your laughter abruptly died down.

Peter caught your eye as he suddenly looked…very excited? He wasn’t sure what part of his biological whereabouts made him feel this spur of adrenaline for being busted, maybe it was the teenage set of rebellious hormones, but it was for sure questionable.

Rising with the others, an all too familiar voice bellowed from the hallway. “WHAT THE HELL.”

A faint ‘Language…” followed and the corners of your mouth quirked up. Dizzily looking around the room, you had to bite back your laughter again.

It truly was like a battlefield. The others were scattered close to you on the ground, still halfway buried under a few layers while sharing silent looks of fear. Well, except for Peter maybe, who looked like he was standing in line for a roller coaster.

The footsteps came closer and within a second, they all stood at the doorway, still geared and everything. As expected, Tony’s eyes roamed through the room with bewilderment plastered on his face. Steve just portrayed pure confusion whereas Nat and Sam both had an amused smirk dangling on their lips, some might even say they were impressed.

When Tony’s eyes landed on the four of you, sitting in the middle of the room, looking like lost puppies who had no idea what maniac instincts overtook them to create this beautiful mess, he was speechless. Tony Stark was speechless.

The others glanced at him sideways, anticipating another explosion but instead, he looked like 10 years were capped off his life and he let out a long sigh. “…Pillow fort?”

The four of you nodded silently. Another moment of silence followed but this time, he had just accepted his fate. That’s what he signed up for when he left two men-children and two actual children at home all by themselves. This one was on him really.

When he noticed that the others were staring at him and expecting him to handle the mess, he almost looked offended.

“She's crying—“ He pointed at you and then Peter. “He's excited, I'm confused, nothing new. Now are we going or not?” Not waiting for an answer, he whirled around and left the room. Sharing a collective look of confusion, Steve informed with an amused smile. “We’re going out to eat Shawarma. Let’s go.” He nodded in the direction of the elevator and walked away, Nat and Sam following closely behind.

The room was silent again as Bucky picked himself up and Thor dusted off his clothes, both avoiding each other’s gaze. It was like nobody wanted to admit or even believe what had happened for the past few hours. Peter helped you up and wrapped your arm around his neck to steady you before leaving a soft kiss on your cheek. You smiled at him and together you walked, or more likely limped, toward the elevator. At the doorway, the four of you halted and turned back around to let your gaze fall on the remains of a fun afternoon. And just like that, it was another Sunday at the Compound.

* * *

this was so much fun to write and if i could make even one of you smile just a little bit with this one, it would absolutely make my day. thank for you reading! i’m playing with the thought of making a mini series just about the chaotic sunday adventures at the compound so a lot of domestic!avengers/au involving boyfriend!peter ofc so make sure to leave some feedback! xx

masterlist

taglist: @honeypie-holland @nerdyandproudofitsstuff

#peter parker x y/n #peter parker x reader #peter parker x avenger!reader #peter parker oneshot #peter parker fanfiction #peter parker fic #avenger!reader #peter parker fluff #peter parker funny

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wienerbarnes · 3 years

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Necessary Evil

Pairing: Bucky x Reader (Cheek to Cheek)

Word Count: 1,816

Warnings: nothing crazy, typical canon violence type stuff, special character appearance👀

A/N: so sorry for not posting this like two days ago when i said i was going to🥴 ive had a ton going on and ive been a busy bee but hopefully ill get myself organized for next week :) question for yall! should i keep the friday posting schedule or do thursdays instead bc of fatws on fridays? lmk!

MAIN MASTERLIST | CHEEK TO CHEEK MASTERLIST

It’s been a confusing couple of weeks. You’ve been placed on a temporary leave while you finish your recovery after the last mission.

You’ve been trying to learn as much about your new powers as you can, not really understanding what they are or how they work considering that most of the time they’ve shown themselves it’s been accidental.

Making Bucky drop food, slamming doors shut, sending stuff flying across the room. At this point you’ll tape your hands at your sides if it means you’ll stop making such a mess everywhere.

Everything has been put on halt. You don’t cook, in fear of starting a fire or making a mess in your kitchen, you don’t spar with anyone or workout unless it’s in a closed off and sealed training room used for when the Hulk was at the tower, in fear of hurting people around you, and unfortunately, you haven’t let Bucky be around you much in fear of hurting him.

He tells you that you’re not going to hurt him and that even if you did he wouldn’t take it personally, but you just can’t bring yourself to do it. The two of you got into a heated argument a few days ago when he offered to let you use him as a practice dummy for your new powers.

“How dare you suggest something like that to me?!”

“Well, I just meant that -”

“Meant what? How would you feel if I asked you to slap me around like a ragdoll with your metal arm? Make you go Winter Soldier on me?”

“That’s not the same thing, and you know it.”

“Isn’t it though?”

It wasn’t pretty.

It also didn’t help that Bucky was sent on a solo mission recently. He couldn’t tell you much about it, and you didn’t push it, knowing the two of you were still a bit rocky with each other, and knowing that it would only put more stress on you constantly thinking about his mission.

Boy, did you miss him though. You’re glad you put aside your pride to hug and kiss him goodbye, taking in his warmth, his love, his smell, savoring his arms around you and his lips on yours before he left. With the way he held and kissed you, you think he felt the same.

That was two days ago. Alpine has been the one to keep you the most company. She’s gotten big, and it’s a lot more fun to play around with her now. You trail a feather attached to the end of a string around the ground while she tries to pounce after it. A knock at the door doesn’t even pull her attention away from the toy as you let her win and catch it, standing up from your sitting position on the floor.

You open it to reveal Sam in more casual clothes than his regular tactical pants and shirt, and you return the smile he gives you.

“You busy?” He asks.

You look over your shoulder to see Alpine still pawing at the feather on the ground.

“No, I’m not busy, what’s up?”

“Just wanted to hang out, we both got the day off, figured I’d show you the best danishes in New York.”

You’re not sure if Bucky put him up to this or if this is a way to keep you from going batshit being stuck in your room not being able to do anything, but you accept the offer anyway. It’ll be nice to get some air.

“Do you, uhm,” You begin, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“What’s up?” Sam asks, the guy from the VA coming out, encouraging you to tell him.

“Do you know if Bucky’s okay? I haven’t heard from him, is all.” You ask, slipping on some shoes and heading back out into the hallway with Sam.

“I mean, I’m sure he’s fine, why wouldn’t he be?”

“Just that I know these solo missions can be anywhere and he could be doing anything, but I still worry. I didn’t know if you knew where he was or anything.”

He doesn’t. He doesn’t know, because Bucky told him Steve asked him for a few favors and he needed some off time for a couple of days. He thought Bucky was in rural New York. There’s no mission. But he supposes he’s not supposed to tell you that.

“Yeah, I don’t know much about it. Fury’s probably the one behind it.” Fury’s in Florida for his niece’s sixth birthday. He doesn’t tell you that either.

Luckily you accept it and enter the elevator to leave the private floor and go to the common area, able to leave out the backway of the tower.

“Avenger in the building, Captain.”

Sam doesn’t understand. Avenger? Who’s even around anymore?

“Uh, huh? Bucky?”

“No, Captain.”

“Clint?”

“No.”

“Who’s here?”

“Underoos.”

Underoos? Where has he heard that? Isn’t that -

The elevator doors open to the common room, a teenage boy stands with his back towards the two of you. His head whips around in typical teenage fashion and your eyebrows shoot up, unaware that the Avengers recruited teenagers.

“Is that a fucking kid?”

“Peter?” Sam asks, clearly surprised at the boy being in front of him. He hasn’t seen him in years. He wasn’t even sure where he was all this time, assuming he was in school, with his Aunt, but now he’s here.

“Sam! And his lady... friend. How are you?!”

“The lady friend has a name.” You chirp.

“What are you doing here?”

You and Sam speak at the same time. Peter addresses you first, “And your name is…?”

“Uh, Agent 51.” You didn’t think that through.

“Weird name, but alright.”

“Peter.” Sam brings his attention back to his question.

“Who is this guy?” You ask, clearly lost on who this person is and how he’s an Avenger.

“This is Spider-Man.” Sam tells you nonchalantly.

“Uh- Sam?!” Peter exclaims.

“What, she works with us, now. She doesn’t have anyone to tell anyway.”

“Sam?!” You elbow him.

“Why are you here, Peter.” Sam asks again.

“Well, you know, I was in school, doing some stuff here and there for Hill and Fury, and I figured I’d stop by.” He smiles.

You and Sam stare in silent confusion.

“Okay, look. I feel… lost. Like I feel like I’ve come to terms with Tony dying and stuff, but, I don’t know...” Peter finally cuts to the point.

You know very little about Spider-Man. You definitely didn’t know he was a kid, but you also didn’t know that he had some sort of a close relationship with Tony Stark. You’re becoming more and more like Bucky everyday; not knowing who any of these people are, not remembering seemingly important events, hell, not even knowing have these things happened because you were under Hydra.

“Peter, we don’t -”

“I’m not asking for help. More so asking if you have anything for me to do, or something.” His smile falls. You’re definitely confused, but you feel for the guy. You remember feeling lost as a teenager, losing the people you looked up to. And that lost feeling landed you in the Marines and the Marines landed you with a terrorist organization. We should help him, you immediately think.

“I’m sorry, man.” Sam offers. He wants to help Peter, as annoying as he finds him. Being a teenager is hard, and being Spider-Man is harder. But, Sam can’t forget that he’s still a kid in school with only his aunt and a few friends around him. He doesn’t want to put a person like that in the immense danger they throw themselves into, even if he knows he can handle it.

“No worries, I’ll be on my way, then.” Peter nervously scratches at his eyebrow.

“Sure you don’t want to stick around here for a bit? I know the Avengers aren’t much of a thing anymore, but, you always got a room here; a place to stay.” Sam tells him, assuming Peter’s on the verge of having a sort of coming-of-age moment.

“No, no, I need to be with May. I’ll see if I can, uh, maybe stop by more often. Maybe. If that’s alright. Nice to meet you, uh, Miss 51!” He bids farewell before walking away awkwardly, leaving Sam with a sort of sullen look on his face and you still very confused.

“What was that whole thing about?” You finally break the silence as you two make your way towards the private garage elevators.

“I’ll tell you over danishes.”

Bucky plants his fist into the HYDRA soldier’s face for the sixth time, the sound of metal hitting flesh making a slushy sound with little clanks, signifying teeth hitting the floor.

“This is the last time I ask you before I kill you. Where is Bychkov, Morozov, and that fuck with metal arms?” He pants beneath the black mask and goggles, an outfit he hadn’t dawned in so long.

Your list is heavy in his pocket, he thinks about the names he’s already crossed off and few he has left. He’s not going to stop until he finds the handlers that captured you and the supposed soldier with metal arms that shot you, details you only mentioned to him once after a nightmare that he refused to ever forget.

“They… went back… to base… in Kiev. Just… north of it.” He struggles out.

One step closer. Bucky stands taller, letting the man slump on the ground, and he reaches for the knife at his thigh.

“Wait! I - I told you… where they went!”

“I was going to kill you whether you told me or not, you Nazi fuck.” Is all he says before he slashes the knife, ending the bastard’s life.

Leaving the man’s home, he rounds a corner into the night and replaces his knife, taking out a pen in one of his many pockets as well as your list.

He crosses off Antonov, looking down at the four remaining names, two of which were the men that did this to you.

He takes a breath, the layers of leather and kevlar straining over his muscles as he sighs. He never thought he’d be hunting people down like this, Nazi or not. He never thought he’d have this black mask and these goggles over his eyes. But he also never thought HYDRA would touch the love of his life the way they did; never thought they’d put you in that chair.

So, now, he’s only getting revenge. It’s the least he can do after this organization has stolen his life, kept him from seeing his family forever, took his arm, gave him PTSD, gave his girlfriend PTSD and injected her with who knows what only to put her in that goddamn chair.

While he never thought he’d be in this position, they asked for it, and he’s not sorry.

On to the next name.

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fanfictions #marvel #bucky barnes series #idk if yall know this but i love spiderman #my fav marvel character #love him more than bucky i just don't read or write for him for some reason idk i just never got into that #and the new spiderman is coming out in december !#i slowly want to incorporate characters into c2c #like i added wanda and plan to write a oneshot or two delving into her and reader meeting and getting to know each other #and then the loki series comes out in june so maybe ill play w that #im just not sure if ill adapt c2c to fatws #depends where it goes and how it ends #we'll see #anyway #yall know u can always send ideas or requests for me to play around with #thanks for reading if you made it this far

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fluffymcu · 3 years

Text

Letting Loose

Part SEVENTEEN

This series is TICKLE related.

Series Summary: You’re the little sister of the one and only Captain America. You’re also the youngest girl on the team, so that automatically makes you the avengers’ little princess. And they spoil you as such. They have become your amazing family and you don’t know where you’d be without them. This series will show random adventures and fluffy events in the daily life of the reader and her family, along with an unexpected turn later on as you read.

A/N: I’m so excited to be writing this series! This is my first time writing one and I’m a bit nervous but I hope it all goes well. :) Hope you enjoy!

Word count: 2,986

This morning you, Peter and Ruby Anne had gotten dressed and ready to go out into the city for some good pizza. The three of you made your way down to the kitchen where a few members of the team were. Bucky, Steve, Bruce, and Tony were there, having breakfast and coffee.

“Hey good morning. Me and the girls are gonna go to the city to get some pizza!” Peter said, you and ruby following behind him. Tony made a weird face and Steve raised an eyebrow at you.

“Pizza for breakfast?” Tony asks. You and Peter shrug before you speak.

“Why not?” Tony just shrugs with both brows raised and waves you off.

“Alright. Go have fun I guess.”

-------

You were at a booth, playing a game on your phone while you waited for Peter and Ruby. They were at the line ordering their mini pizzas and you were securing your seats. Peter ordered what you wanted and now the three of you were sitting at the booth waiting for your pizzas to come out of the pizza oven.

You all made small talk while your drinks came, and made plans to once again stop by the pet shop down the street. It was tradition that every time you went to get pizza, you'd have to stop by the pet shop and look at all the puppies.

“Have you ever been to a pet shop?” You asked Ruby, who was taking a bite out of her pizza. She shook her head as she swallowed her food.

“No, I've never been. I'm not really a dog person.” You gasped at that. You had assumed everyone on earth was a dog person. Who doesn’t love puppies?!

“Really?!”

“Yeah, I guess it’s cause I never had a dog, or met one up close, but I don’t know, they just never caught my attention.” She shrugged. You nodded side to side and hummed.

“Well, now’s your chance to change your mind. Me and Peter have this tradition to stop by the pet shop down the street and look at all the puppies. Peter never lets me go in though, because he thinks that if I go in, I'm walking out with a puppy in my hands.” You say, rolling your eyes. Peter scoffs and rolls his eyes as well.

“I don’t think. I know you will. And then Tony’s gonna blame me for letting you.” He said.

“Whatever. Anyway yeah, so we just look at the animals from the window. But… maybe todayyy can be different!” You say, hope dripping from your voice and you turn to look at Peter with a sly grin. “Since we have Ruby Anne, we have to show her inside! So she can meet a puppy up close and maybe change her mind! Come on, pleaseee? Can we go in, I promise not to adopt anything, I promise!” you plead, pulling out your puppy eyes, knowing he almost always falls for that.

Peter lets out a heavy sigh and rolls his eyes, making your cheer. “Fineee, just because of Ruby Anne.” He says, getting up and waiting for you all to go to the shop.

------

“They’re really cute! And so soft!” Ruby chuckled, walking out of the pet shop with you and Peter on either side of her. She had a really good time looking at all the little puppies and going into the small booths to pet them and snuggle them.

“Right? They’re amazing! Hey, I'm pretty sure now, that if you asked tony for a puppy, he wouldn’t hesitate.” You say with a smug smile of your face as you wiggle your eyebrows at her. She lets out a short laugh. Peter knows exactly why you said that and looks at you while he giggles.

“Dohohon’t even start.”

-----------

You had come home about an hour ago and practiced some ballet as well as training a bit with your brother in the gym. You were now walking in the yard with Ruby Anne, having a nice little girl talk. You were talking to her about Jeremy as you both took a seat on one of the benches in the garden.

“Hmm. Maybe Steve is right.” Ruby chuckled. You shook your head with a smile.

“I used to doubt it but, now I don’t know what to think. But I do know that “we” would never happen.” You scoff. Ruby hums and stares off at the flowers. “What about you? Any crushes you got?” You smirked, nudging her with your elbow. Ruby scoffed and paused for a moment.

She shook her head almost sadly. “Not anymore. It didn’t work out.” She shrugged. You hummed and gave her an apologetic look.

“Well… he's an idiot for not seeing your worth.” You say. Ruby laughs at that and raises her eyebrows as she nods sarcastically.

“Yeah well, its fine. He likes some other girl. She’s so much better for him. They compliment each other very nicely.” She smiles.

“Don’t say that, you are enough. There's no “girl that’s better”. Everyone has something that makes them valuable. You’ll find someone that sees that in you.” You grin, giving her shoulder a comforting pat. She nods and gives you a shy smile.

“Thanks.” She sighs. “So, your turn. You got a crush?” she asks. You take a deep breath and stretch your arms a bit.

“…. I don’t know actually. I mean, I see guys and find them attractive but, I'm not really at the point where I wanna date yet. And I guess that’s what's stopping me. I wanna appreciate and take advantage of my youth. Maybe- I don’t know. I just feel sometimes that when you date at a young age, especially when you both are still growing and immature, you're basically dating for heartbreak.” You shrug. “So I figured I’d just wait, and save myself the pain. I’ll find the right one eventually. But of course, that’s just my take on it.” You chuckle. Ruby nods and smiles.

“Yeah… that’s kinda true I guess.”

-----------

Pietro had brought some Chinese home so everyone gathered to have lunch today. You were having some orange chicken and rice and you couldn’t be happier. After everyone was almost done, Tony spoke.

“So guys I was thinking we should have our movie night outside, what do you think? We set up the yard real nice, weather’s good, we could set up the projector and have our snacks.” He said, smiling when everyone started to agree. You were really excited at the idea and couldn’t wait to set everything up.

That was until now.

After lunch you had taken a shower and a nap. You hadn’t realized its been hours that you were asleep but you were just so tired, you didn’t know why. So when Tony came waltzing into your room to wake you up, your motivation to go help outside was very low.

“Y/nn, wake up…” he sang lightly shaking your shoulder a bit. You groaned loudly, hugging your pillow tighter. “You said you wanted to help with the yard, you’ve been sleeping for a while, its 7:30 and its getting dark. Peter and Ruby are already outside.”

You groaned again, burying your face into the pillow. “mmm. Don’t care.” You mumbled sleepily. Tony smiled softly.

“Aww come on, you don’t wanna get up?” he asked in a very sweet voice. You shook your head no. “You sure? You promised you'd help…” He said, smirking as he lightly started scratching your sides. You began you giggle and kick your feet tiredly, tightening your grip on the pillow.

“Noooohoho. Stohohop.” Your giggles were muffled as you kept your face planted in the pillow. Tony added more pressure, waking you up a bit more and causing you to squirm around. Your laughter became louder and you began to push his hands away as much as you could. “Tohohonyyy!” You yelled, cacklling when his fingers drilled mercilessly into your ribs and you shook him off, giving you enough time to grab the sheets and engulf yourself in them, using the comforter as a shield.

“Come on, get up!” He sang, before smirking. “If you don’t get up, I’ll eat your belly!” He said, poking his head under the covers and hugging your waist to his face, playfully biting and nibbling your stomach. You scream in ticklish agony and flop around as much as possible. His beard was driving you crazy and the noms and noises he was making were not helping at all. “TOHOHOHONY STOHOHOP!” You cry, unable to defend yourself since you were getting tangled up in the covers.

Tony ignored your protests, playfully growling and rubbing his beard all around your torso, occasionally biting your ribs. “I don’t hear a surrender!”

You erupted into loud belly laughter when he began to continuously blow raspberries into your belly. That was the breaking point for you, and you finally decided to give in to make it stop. ”OKAHAHAY ILL GET UHUHUP PLEHEHEHASE!!” You begged, pushing at his head desperately. Tony blew one last raspberry before poking his head out of the covers. He chuckled loosely and helped you untangle yourself from the blankets, giving you a hand to get you out of the bed.

“Glad I was able to convince you. Now come on.” He smiled, leading you out of your room. You whined slightly and lazily walked wherever he led you.

Everyone was out in the backyard, blankets and pillows everywhere, ready to be set up. Steve and Clint were pinning the big white sheet in between 2 close trees and setting the projector up.

When you had gotten to the yard, you went towards Peter, who was helping Thor and Bruce set up the snack and drink table. “Look who finally came out of her coma!” Peter teased, smirking as you rolled your eyes. “Wanna roll down the hill?” he asked, pointing behind him. The backyard had a small hill that the 2 of you liked to roll down off. It wasn’t steep, but it was high enough for it to be fun to roll down. You nodded with a grin.

“Where’s Ruby?” you ask, looking around for her.

“She’s helping Wanda put up the lights. We were practicing cartwheels a bit ago. She’s pretty good!” he said, walking up the hill with you. You smiled at the thought of them playing around.

“Cool! I'm glad she had fun.” You both had your blankets and wrapped yourselves up in them before laying down. “Ready? First one down gets the last pop tart.” You giggle, ready to roll. Peter’s smile faltered as he craned his neck to look at you.

“Wait, what? There's only one left?!” he asked.

“321GO!” You yelled, immediately rolling down, leaving Peter to scramble around and roll down, already too late to win. You were giggling and closing your eyes as you spun and spun until you slowed to a stop. You unraveled yourself and looked up just in time to see Peter roll to a stop. You laughed along with him and both got up, him helping you.

“That was so not fair.” He chuckled.

“I was just kidding about the pop tarts.” You started. Peter sighed in relief. “There’re none left. Thor finished them all.” You tittered, shrugging a shoulder. Peter deflated and groaned, making you laugh.

-------

WHACK!

You and Peter were in the middle of one of your many pillow fights while the rest of the team were finishing up. All that was left was putting the blankets and pillows down.

You were aiming at Peter and were about to smack him, your arm bent over your head when your pillow was suddenly snatched from behind. You gasped and turned around to see Nat tucking it under her arm.

“Nat!’‘ You cried. She gave you a shrug and half a smirk.

“What? This is my pillow, I need it.” She said, walking away and leaving you to get quickly knocked to the ground by Peter with the pillow. You could tell he wasn’t done so you quickly got up and and ran, giggling loudly as he chased you.

You circle around the food table to where Steve is and you run behind him, hugging him for protection. He’s taken aback at first; giving you a weirded out smile, unaware of Peter standing a few feet away, and returning the hug. You beam at him, giving him your brightest smile and looking back over at Peter, who’s glaring at you playfully. You grin and stick your tongue out, watching as he leaves but not before quietly telling you that he’ll be back for you.

You finally leave your brother’s side once you deem the coast is clear and go help Nat who’s laying the blankets down.

After helping out a bit, you spot Ruby Anne talking to Peter a little far away. They’re both laughing and you smile to yourself, happy that you’ve been seeing her smile a lot more. You were glad that she actually did what she said she was gonna do and give the team a chance. There was still a lot of progress that she and Tony would have to make, but the more you saw her interact with the other members, you knew things would only get easier from here.

As you’re laying a blanket down, you smirk widely at an unexpecting Bucky, who’s sitting on the ground with his back to you, changing the batteries on some of the battery powered candles. An idea to surprise him slipped in your head and you couldn’t stop yourself. When it came to Bucky, messing with him was your favorite hobby. You didn’t know what made him so fun to prank but he was.

You grabbed the blanket back and snuck up behind him, careful not to make any noise before throwing the blanket over his head and pulling down/back so that he falls on his back. With a laugh you try to get away but somehow he manages to quickly grab a hold of your ankle before you can run. You scream and protest as he begins to slowly drag you over to him with the blanket still over his head. “Nononononoooohohooo!” You giggle nervously, kicking and rolling around with no avail.

“I wonder who this could be?” He hums, blindly tickling all over you, starting with your thighs, mercilessly tasing them, knowing how that drives you crazy. You’re letting out loud uncontrollable giggles as you pointlessly try to kick your legs out. “Hmm. Feels like... female, mid-teens,” He starts, digging his thumbs into your hips making you convulse with laughter. “About __ lbs., Extremely ticklish, hmm... seems familiar...” He moves his hands to your sides, rapidly squeezing them, smiling at the sound of your laughter. “Apparent poor defense skills,,, very sneaky though; always out to get me...”

Your stomach was beginning to cramp from all the laughter and teasing. You were begging for him to stop but he only ignored your pleas.

“God- I know this! I’ve heard that laugh before! It can’t be Peter, it’s gotta be...” Bucky sighed feigning defeat, playing dumb and prolonging the torture for you. “I feel like this could be y/n but I’m not sure.” He shrugged, shaking his fingers into your ribs.

“IT’S MEHEHEHEHE!” You cry, throwing your head back as you laughed. Bucky gasped before ripping the blanket off of him and blowing raspberries on your belly. You shriek and arch your back violently, bursting out into hysterics. Your body falls limp as you laugh and accept your fate.

“I knew it! There’s only one person who’s brave enough to constantly mess with me and think she can get away with it!” He teases, blowing another raspberry and shaking his head into it, chuckling against your skin when you let out a small snort. He sits back briefly only to start leaning down towards your neck. You immediately know what he wants to do and you shrug your shoulder up with a squeal. “Nooohohoho! It’s gonna tihihickle so bahahad!” You cackle.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” He said. He chuckled loosely and blew the raspberry in the crook of your neck. Your body instantly paralyzed when you screamed, falling into silent laughter . He finally sat back and watched as you we’re just a giggly puddle on the ground. “I wonder when you’re going to learn that pranking me almost never works out for you.” He thought out loud, smiling as you let out residual giggles sprawled out on the floor.

“Neveheher.” You say, shaking your head tiredly. Bucky snorts at that and shakes his head at you fondly before scooping you up and laying you on his lap. “You gonna sit with me while the movie plays?” He asks, wrapping his arms around you, cuddling you to his chest. You nod firmly with a hum and cover yourself with a blanket since it’s getting chilly out. The yard is all set up and everyone finds their seats and watch the movie as a family.

It’s about 2am when the movie ends and everyone is having another snack at the food table. Tony had said that it would be better to clean up tomorrow, since it was late, so all they had to do was clean the food table and bring the leftovers in. Since Bucky had gone to help, you were clingily holding onto Steve’s arm since you were so sleepy you couldn’t even stand on your own.

When everything wrapped up and you all said your goodnights, you raised your arms at Steve, hinting at the fact that you wanted him to carry you inside. He huffed out a laugh and rolled his eyes, but obliged anyway; picking you up. You wrapped your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck as he carried you inside and up to your room where you quickly fell asleep.

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litttle-annie-adderall · 3 years

Text

Vanish Into My Arms (WinterSpider) - Part 1

Summary: At the end of the Infinity War, Thanos has won the war. Everyone who dusted away find themselves in a strange place with no idea where they are. While everyone frantically searches for their friends and family, Peter spots a familiar face in a soldier he fought in Germany a few years ago. Torn between his need for a familiar face and his loyalty to his mentor, Peter makes a decision that will affect the rest of his life.

Pairing: Peter Parker x Bucky Barnes

Word Count: 10.8k (damn that’s long, I'm sorry)

A/N: Hey y’all! I’ve been working on this for excessively long time, so I hope you like it! It’s four parts total and the whole thing is written, I just have to edit and post them! This story will NOT be forgotten! I’ve posted this on my AO3 (@lynnnieee) as well!

Story on AO3

Slight spoiler for clarification: There is no real way for them to tell time, but I tried to insert people (mainly Peter) guessing how much time has passed using their internal clocks to make the timeline easier to follow because the time between intervals is not equal.

Italics are also mainly Peter’s thoughts.

Thank you and happy reading!! (:

The moment the dust of what had just been Mantis blew away into the wind, Peter knew it was coming for him. What it is exactly, he's not sure, but his spider-sense is burning hot inside his core and causing a small ringing in the back of his head. Drax disappears next, and Peter feels something looming over him. As if Thanos is standing directly behind him and Peter can't move to escape because it's already too late.

"Steady, Quill," Tony says. His voice catches Peter's attention and he looks at his mentor. Please don't take Mr. Stark too, Peter desperately thinks as Quill fades away before his eyes.

The invisible dark cloud behind him is drawing closer and his sense turns the volume of the ringing up to loud alarm bells, begging for him to move or fight or do something, anything, to hold on a little longer to his body.

Tony turns to Dr. Strange, who seems entirely too calm about his impending fate as he says, "There was no other way," before he disintegrates into thin air. Peter feels a sob bubble up in his throat. He's running out of time and he doesn't know what to do.

"Mr. Stark," He chokes out, his balance suddenly beginning to tilt. He twists his wrist, staring at his palm, but it doesn't matter because his body is going numb and he can't feel it anymore. "I don't feel so good." Peter desperately looks to Tony for help.

"You're alright," The man tries to reassure him, but Peter can tell he's afraid too.

"I don't... I don't know what's happening," His feet start to wobble, "I don't know..." His legs give out and he collapses into Tony's arms, clinging onto the inventor for dear life, "I don't want to go," He says, a small sob escaping his mouth.

Tony drops to his knees, holding onto Peter. "Mr. Stark, please, I don't want to go, I don't want to go," Tony sets him down on the ground. The boy is lying on his back in the sienna-colored dirt and mud on the ground, his head leaning against a rock. Peter can plainly see the terror in Tony's eyes as he continues to ramble on, "I don't wanna go."

But it's over too soon, it's too late for him. The dark presence is circling around his body and his spider-sense doesn't know what to do, doesn't know why he's not moving or running away or reacting. His whole body shakes and he knows he's started to dust. He looks at Tony one last time and whispers, "I'm sorry."

Peter shifts his gaze from Tony, choosing to look up at his last view of outer space, something that before this afternoon was only a thing of his dreams, before his vision is overtaken by a bright flash of white light and what's left of his body is blown away by the wind.

~~~

Peter feels like he's been thrust into another dimension. As if every atom in his body was ripped apart only to be forced back together seconds later. He sucks in a huge gulp of air and tries to steady himself before opening his eyes.

By the time he actually peels them open, he realizes he has no idea what he's actually looking at. The sky above him is a misty yet bright orange, like the sun rising at dawn, and the only thing he can see for miles is the Downtown New York Public Library in front of him. He blinks a few times, trying to reassure himself that that can't possibly be what he's looking at.

"Peter?" Someone calls from behind him. He whips around to search for the voice when he suddenly freezes. Standing in front of him and leaning against a pastel yellow old-fashioned car is a man in a worn brown zip-up jacket with a red flannel underneath.

"No," Peter breathes. This can't be right, he thinks, looking in all other directions for any sign of what's going on. But the library, the car, and his Uncle Ben are still the only things there.

"I've missed you, son," Ben says, a small smile forming on his lips.

"Uncle Ben," Peter feels the tears falling down his face, "Y-You're not really here, right? You're just my imagination?" Peter tries to convince himself this is all some crazy dream, but he's having a very hard time believing himself as the man begins to approach him.

"I'm here, Peter, I'm here for you," Ben stops a foot away from him, waiting for Peter to come to him.

And with those words, Peter can't take it any longer. Tears start pouring from his eyes and he throws himself into his uncle's arms, holding on for dear life. "I've missed you so much," He cries into Ben's shoulder.

"Oh, Pete, I've missed you too, but it's okay, you're going to be okay," He tries to calm down his nephew with a gentle smile on his face.

"How are you here? What even is here?" Peter pulls back slightly, whipping his eyes with the back of his hand. He sees the expanse of orange nothingness over his uncle's shoulder, "Where are we?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't give you all the answers right now," Ben sighs, keeping a firm grip on the boy, "We don't have very much time to spend together."

Peter's heart stops, "What do you mean?" He suddenly pulls back and really looks at the details around him. Uncle Ben's car, Ben's clothes, the library...No, this can't be happening again. "N-No, you don't mean...?"

"Peter-"

He covers his mouth with his hand, "No, y-you die today, Uncle Ben!"

"I know."

"You know?" Peter shakes his head rapidly, too many thoughts appearing in his mind all at once, "How can you know? It-It... You can stop it! You have to!"

"No, I'm afraid that's not-"

"You have to!" Peter explodes, "I-I can stop it! I won't go to the fight, I-I won't let him get away this time, I can stop it! I can save you this time, right Uncle Ben?"

"Peter," Ben says quietly, placing his hands on Peter's shoulders to steady him, "You can't stop it. It's in the past and it's already happened."

More tears shine in Peter's eyes, "But that's why you're here, right? For me to make things right? To let me save you?"

"No, Pete, that's not why I'm here," Ben whispers, wiping away the boy's tears with his thumb, "I'm so sorry, but we can't save each other this time. You can't save me from the past and I can't save you from this place."

"But why do I need to be saved? I don't even know where I am," Petter mutters still trying to wrap his head around the feeling of being in Ben's arms again.

Ben grins at him, "I'm just here to tell you that no matter what happened then, and no matter what happens from now on, I'm so proud of you, my boy. I'm so proud of all that you've become, of all the people you've helped and of the person you've grown up to be."

Peter gapes at his uncle before whispering, "You know that I'm Spider-Man?"

"Of course I do, son," Ben chuckles with a small wink, "I know a lot more than I'm supposed to be letting on."

Peter doesn't really understand what that's supposed to mean, but he doesn't care. "I love you so much, Uncle Ben," He sniffles, "We miss you so much."

"I miss you both more than you'll ever know, but everything's going to be alright, okay, kid?"

Peter starts to feel slightly dizzy and his spider-sense is buzzing like crazy inside his head again. He looks up at Ben in disbelief, "I'm gonna dust away again, aren't I?"

"I'm afraid so, Peter. But remember what I said on this day?" Ben holds him in place as if he's trying to hold him in this place for as long as possible.

"With great power comes great responsibilities," Peter recounts, "I've been trying so hard to listen to you, Uncle Ben."

"And you've done an amazing job. You're going to be just fine, Peter. This is your way station to the future and you know I wouldn't lie to you. Just remember to always see the good in people, because you never who you'll find a home in. I love you, my son." The smile on Ben's face is the warmest thing Peter's seen in a long time and he wants to cry all over again.

Peter can barely process the words he's hearing as the ringing in his head grows increasingly louder and his legs go numb. "You're my what?" He tries to ask but it's too late, he's out of time again. And this time around, it's the darkness that takes him away completely.

~~~

Peter knows he must be conscious again when he feels a throbbing yet surprisingly dull ache in the back of his head. His fingers feel wet as they lie beside his body on the ground and he groans, his eyes flickering awake again. Above him, he sees the same bright amber sky he did when he was with Ben. A part of him is tempted to run in search of Ben again, but he knows he won't be here. With his Parker luck, that would just be too good to be true.

He slowly sits up, cringing at the pain it causes to his head. He carefully places a hand on the back of his neck and rubs the base of his skull. The ground beneath him has a thin layer of water resting on top of it, and he can't quite tell if it's yellow sand or something else under the liquid. His fingertips swipe against the ends of his hair and he realizes it isn't wet even though he was just laying down in the water. He swirls his other hand in the pool, but it simply rolls off his hand instead of sticking to his skin.

That's when he notices that the dirt that had caked up on the Iron Spider suit during the battle with Thanos is gone. His entire suit is as clean and sparkling as it was the day Mr. Stark gifted it to him. "What the..." Peter mumbles to himself, before finally looking up at everything else around him.

There are thousands of people scattered all around him, and the amber landscape stretches on forever, just like it did with Ben. He feels like he's looking into a mirror reflection of another mirror, but it never ends and the number of people just keeps expanding. He watches on as more and more people keep materializing out of thin air. Some people are hugging each other, lots are crying, and many are wandering around aimlessly, probably looking for their loved ones.

Peter quickly brings himself to his feet and scans the crowds for any familiar faces. Logically, the Guardians and Dr. Strange should be around here somewhere, Peter thinks, but he doesn't see them anywhere. Peter's eyes nearly bulge out of his head when a grown man walks past him, one with head-to-toe blue skin and a long, thin tail sticking dragging in the water behind him. He does a double-take before quickly looking closer at the people around him. People being a loose term in this circumstance, but he's pretty sure that's a lion with her baby cub far off to the right. Peter's mildly conflicted between trying to get a closer look and running away for fear of being eaten.

Peter mostly sees humans surrounding him, or at least what he assumes are humans, but could truly be a life form from any other planet, he supposes. Just as he turns around, the biggest butterfly he's ever seen (at least a three-foot wingspan!) swoops down over his head and flies off into the distance. The never-ending orange light continues to stretch out behind him in this direction now as well. The library and the car are gone, but they've been replaced by a large brown pavilion, made out of what seems to be wood, but Peter has yet to see any trees here, so he knows that can't be possible, right? Then again, if aliens are here and he saw his dead uncle, anything is possible, right?

Leaning against one of the pillars of the large gazebo-like structure is the only person Peter sees that doesn't look frantic or scared. The tall man with long brown hair has his arms crossed over his chest and is staring up at the new sky. His face is pretty emotionless, but Peter can tell there's a hint of remorse under all that brooding. His face isn't what catches Peter's attention though, it's his left arm. It appears to be... glistening in the amber light. Is he in heaven? Is he dead? Jesus?

Peter quickly shakes that thought away, telling himself how stupid that is. He can't help but walk towards the man anyway though. He's stunned with the realization that the man in front of him is The Winter Soldier. He freezes, not knowing what to do now. On the one hand, he's never officially met the man except for that one time two years ago when they briefly fought in Germany, but he's sure that the Winter Soldier has more important things to remember than him. Though that's honestly the least of Peter's concerns, really. He's completely aware of exactly what Tony thinks of the man and Peter can't help but wonder if his mentor would feel betrayed if Peter tried to be friendly with the soldier. Peter's not afraid of the soldier, he knows he's strong and could probably beat him if he ever needed to, but the Winter Soldier did murder Tony's parents, after all. Peter should probably avoid him because of that, right? Logically, he understands that the soldier was being mind-controlled and probably went through more torture than anyone else involved in the situations, but would that matter to his mentor? The person who's spent so much of his time training him and just hanging out with him? Giving him more family besides May?

But on the other hand... the soldier is familiar. Peter has no idea where he is, or if he's even alive, and even though he doesn't know this guy much beyond his name and scattered bits of his past, he knows Captain America trusts him, and honestly, Peter really wants something familiar right now. He wants someone from home, even if that's as vague as someone who lived in Brooklyn 80 years ago. He wants someone who knows him, even if they maybe don't remember him, and someone who knows about the ordeal with Thanos. Peter scans his surroundings one last time, looking for anyone else he might see that he knows. But at last, he takes a big deep breath and walks the final six feet over to the man, pushing down the small ball of guilt in his head and hoping that Tony would understand.

As Peter gets closer, he senses the cold energy the man lets off. His stance seems to command people to back off with arms tightly crossed over his navy bulletproof vest, the gold lines on his new, black, metal arm shining under the light. His lips are pressed together in a tight line, but Peter notices the depressed yet foreboding look in his eyes and wonders if maybe he's actually a little scared underneath his brooding exterior.

"Um, Mr. Winter Soldier, sir?" Peter says, trying to sound confident. The man turns his head towards him and raises his eyebrow. Peter shuffles his feet, "I'm-I'm Peter, Peter Parker. You probably don't remember me without the, um, the mask, but we met, briefly, in Germany a few years ago," Peter bites his lip and rubs his palms together nervously.

The soldier stares at him for a moment before giving the slightest of head nods, "You're that spider thing, yeah?"

Peter nods quickly, "Y-Yes, that's me, sir."

"Right," Bucky eyes the boy warily, "Just call me Bucky, kid."

"Okay, Mr.- uh Bucky," Peter's lip twitches with a small, nervous smile because holy shit, Bucky Barnes remembers him. "Do you- uh, have any idea where we are?" Peter glances around to make sure nobody is listening to them before leaning in and whispering, "This is because of Thanos, right?"

The sadness Peter sensed in Bucky's face earlier returns to his expression, glazing over in his eyes, "Yeah, this is Thanos," Bucky stares back up to the sky, "He killed Vision in Wakanda, took the mind stone, snapped his fingers, and that was that. Here we are." He shakes his head, putting on his blank stare again, "As for where or what here is, I'm not sure."

Peter tries to suppress the fear bubbling up in him, "Are we dead? Have you found anyone else from home? Any of the other Avengers?" If they are dead, Peter can only hope and pray once more than Mr. Stark isn't here. Or Aunt May, or Ned, or... or anyone he loves. He'd rather be on his own than have all his loved ones be dead along with him. Plus, maybe he'll find some company in Bucky.

But if they are dead... that means Uncle Ben and his parents should be around here somewhere, right? Although, Peter thinks, all this nothingness isn't exactly what he pictured when he thought about Heaven. And if this was Heaven, shouldn't God be around here somewhere? He could imagine everyone growing very bored very fast here. Does that mean it's Hell then?

Bucky raises his eyebrow at Peter again, this time as he sarcastically looks around for other people they know. Peter snaps out of his lull and cringes, "Right, sorry, dumb question."

"Thanos wanted to wipe out fifty percent of all living things in the universe, so I have no idea if we'll find people we know even if they are here. I already see lotta aliens though." Bucky states, looking out into the ever-growing crowds.

"B-But, I mean, I sort of know you, and I found you, so it's not impossible, right?" Peter all but begs him. Ben may not be here, but if Aunt May or Ned or Mr. Stark are, he needs to know about it. He has to be able to do something to find them.

His desperate hope seems to catch Bucky off guard as the man finally makes eye contact with him. "Kid," He sighs, "I don't know how far out this place goes, whatever it is. It could be like finding a needle in the universe's largest haystack."

"But we can't just give up!" Peter nearly yells, catching the attention of a blonde woman in the pavilion before she quickly turns back to the crying child in front of her. "I mean, what if Captain Rogers is here, wouldn't you want to find him?" Peter asks, the desperation once again slipping into his tone.

Bucky presses his lips together into a thin line, "I don't know what you want me to tell you. If you want to run off and go searching for your family, be my guest, but you and I both know that this place probably goes on forever and you might not find your way back to this point if you do." Bucky sighs again, glaring at the ground, "Steve's not here, and it's not like I've got anybody else to search for, so I'll be here until I see a reason to be somewhere else."

"But how do you kn-" Peter tries to ask, but the glare Bucky gives him tells him to stop, so instead he just nods, "Okay," Peter mumbles. Maybe he'll take Bucky's advice and just wait it out here until the chaos dies down. If the chaos ever dies down.

He sits down into the water and leans his back against the pillar. Staring at Bucky's black boots for a second, he realizes that they almost seem to rest on top of the water instead of plunging beneath it. He dips his fingers into the clear liquid again but it rolls off, the same as when he woke up. "You know, for being water, this stuff is pretty non-absorbant." Peter blurts out, catching Bucky's eye.

"What?" Bucky questions, frowning down at the boy on the ground. Peter's not entirely sure if Bucky's asking about the water or more so just what's wrong with him, but Peter decides to assume the former.

"Yeah, look," Peter cups a small amount of the liquid in his hand and dumps it right on top of his head. Bucky's eyebrows both shoot up and now he's definitely asking himself what's wrong with Peter, but to Peter's point, the water slides right off his hair like oil, leaving dry strands behind. Bucky slowly sinks down to sit beside Peter, his interest peaked. Peter smiles to himself at the small victory, trying to push away the thoughts of being stuck here forever to instead be in this moment with Bucky.

Bucky cups his hand full of the water and spills it onto his cargo pants. Sure enough, it slides right off in tiny droplets, rejoining itself with the pool on the ground. "Are you sure it's water?" Bucky asks quietly, swishing his metal finger around in the curious liquid.

"Huh," Peter considers it, "I didn't think of that. Guess we should give it a try, right?" Before Bucky can respond, Peter cups more in his hand and brings it to his mouth.

"Wait, don't-" The soldier goes to stop him, but it's too late, Peter's already drinking it.

He clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth and determines, "Tastes like water."

Bucky gives him a blank stare before saying, "That literally could have been anything and you drank it anyway." Peter shrugs, and Bucky rolls his eyes, but actually chuckles, "You remind me of Steve."

"Really?" Peter smiles, thinking what a compliment that is to receive from Captain America's best friend.

"Yeah," Bucky smirks, "You're small and careless."

Peter's grin grows, "So like, pre-serum Captain America?"

"With the strength of post-serum Steve." Bucky nods, then hesitates before adding, "Couldn't believe when you'd caught my punch like it was nothing that day." Some of Bucky's old Brooklyn accent slips into his voice, and it makes Peter feel much more at home than he thinks it should.

Peter looks at Bucky's new vibranium arm, the metal fingers still dipped below the water's surface. "I thought your arm was the coolest thing in the world, still kinda do, if I'm being honest." Bucky gives him such a sincere smile that Peter has to look away in fear of blushing too hard, "Mr. Stark would never admit it, but I think he got a lot of inspiration from the dynamics of your old arm for the new Stark line of prosthetics."

Peter instantly regrets bringing up the genius when Bucky's smile drops. "So, you're actually really close with Stark, huh?" He asks, seeming so unsure of himself for someone who is often thought of as a terrifying assassin. Peter nods but winces at the guilty look that spreads across Bucky's face. "Right," Bucky whispers to himself, staring off into the distance. Peter recognizes from experience the look in his eyes and realizes his mind is probably drifting into dangerous waters.

Although he'd like to reaffirm to Bucky that he doesn't judge him based on his past because that wasn't really him, his loyalty to Tony gets caught in his throat, stopping the words. He shakes his head, sensing Bucky would rather move on from the topic anyway. "Do you like the new arm better? Where'd you get it anyway?"

Bucky's eyes dart back to the boy next to him who's staring at his prosthetic like it's one of the seven wonders of the world. "It's a hell of a lot lighter, that's for sure," Bucky explains, his jaw still tight, "I used to get serious backaches from lugging around the old one. The princess of Wakanda made it for me after Steve took me there to get my mind fixed."

Peter's eye bulge out of his head, "You lived in Wakanda? That's so awesome. I've seen King T'Challa on the news since they opened their borders and it looks so amazing. The technology is just so, so groundbreaking and unbelievable there!"

Bucky's expression finally softens and he smiles at Peter's ramblings, "It was very beautiful. You'd probably like Princess Shuri, I think she's around your age and she runs all the technology in Wakanda."

"Did you know her?" Peter gasps excitedly.

"Not much," Bucky grins thinking back on his home in Wakanda, his first real home since Brooklyn, "She was real busy and I was content on my farm. I never knew I loved animals so much until the king gave me a small cottage and some land to raise livestock."

Peter can't believe that the Winter Soldier seemed so fulfilled living on a small farm raising animals, the simple life. But he deserves that happiness after all he's been through. "Did you have a favorite kind of animal to raise?" Peter asks as he tries not to let it show on his face that he's just realized Bucky's been ripped away from his home once again.

"Goats," Bucky chuckles, "Man, I loved those goats." He doesn't seem sad about the loss though, Peter thinks he looks happy to reminisce about it. He probably hasn't gotten to talk about it much.

"You have goats? I love goats, I've always wanted to see one!" Peter exclaims.

Bucky quirks his eyebrow, "You've never seen a goat in person?"

Peter shakes his head, "Nope, I've always lived in the city and there aren't a whole lot of farms or petting zoos in New York City." Peter's eyes light up with an idea, "Hey, maybe when all of this is over, I can come and visit your goats in Wakanda!"

Bucky smiles at Peter's hopefulness. If Thanos has all the infinity stones, they both know they're probably not getting out of this. They'll be here for the rest of their lives like the Mad Titan intended, but they could both use something peaceful to look forward to right now. "Yeah, sure, Peter."

"Promise?" Peter holds out his pinky, a nervous half-smile gracing his face.

Bucky chuckles, gripping it in return with his own pinky, a soft warmth humming through his body at the touch, "Promise."

~~~

It didn't take long for Peter to figure out that pretty much no one knows anything about where they are, and it's become abundantly clear there are few ways to get any definitive answers to the hundreds of questions floating around. It's not entirely hopeless though, Peter acknowledges, as they've all collectively learned some useful things since the day they first arrived.

First of all, Peter realized right away that there is no way of telling time, as the burnt orange light never grows any darker or brighter, it's always just as they found it. If he had to guess based on only his internal clock, Peter would say it's been about a week since he first woke up. With his extensive scientific knowledge, however, he deduces that time could be moving faster or slower here than it does on Earth, much like how time works significantly differently in the quantum realm. Therefore, any time predictions he can make are essentially useless to everybody but his own state of mind, as Bucky likes to remind him when the spiderling pesters him with questions about the time.

"How long do you think we've been here?"

"No clue. God, I hope this stupid light dulls at some point."

"But if you had to guess? How long has it felt?"

"Jesus, Peter, I don't know. A dozen hours at the most, maybe?"

"Okay, good I guess. I was thinking half a day so at least we're thinking the thing."

"Even though it doesn't really matter because we'll never know if that's accurate."

"Right, yeah, of course. Were there already a lot of people here when you woke up?"

"Not really, it was pretty sparse."

"Were you alone for long before I found you?"

"...Peter."

"I know, I know! We have zero way of knowing and all that, but do you think you were?"

"No, not really."

"So, if you had to guess-"

"I get the feeling you're going to make me."

"-How many hours would you say?"

"Although this is just my interpretation and it means nothing-"

"Of course, of course."

"-Less than an hour."

"Wow, so really not long in the grand scheme of things."

"Sure."

"Hey, Bucky?"

"Yes, Peter?"

"I haven't seen anyone else rapidly materialize for a while now."

"Me neither."

"How long would you say it's been-"

"PETER!"

The other findings of their new world were also pretty immediate. Whatever sort of beings this place has turned them into eliminated their need for food, drink, and the use of a bathroom. That was actually quite a relief to discover because this realm is sorely lacking all those things. Days had passed (possibly) when people began to talk outside their small groups and everyone agreed that they were not hungry or thirsty, but also didn't have any insufficiencies in strength or energy because of it. The elderly were stronger than they had been in their life forms and those who had been ill were healed upon arrival.

As for sleep, it's unclear to Peter whether they still need it or not. He has rested and fallen asleep a couple of times, but more out of boredom than real exhaustion. Aside from being able to feel things and each other, it's almost as if they're ghosts.

What Peter noticed the humans around him struggled with the most is the lack of privacy. With only about a dozen large pavilions discovered so far in the seemingly never-ending orange expanse, privacy was nearly impossible to achieve. The other species were an entirely different story though. Most of the other human-like species wanted their privacy as well, while all the animals or species without the ability to communicate vocally with humans seemed to have no problem with having no place to take shelter. Because none of them were hungry, the prey learned they had no reason to hide from predators.

A rather recent development came in the form of King T'Challa and his goal of reuniting people and families as best he can. Peter guessed it was around five days in when he and Bucky first caught sight of King T'Challa and his sister, the princess of Wakanda, Shuri. Bucky saw them first and was quick to drag Peter along with him to meet them, but Peter's sure Bucky's intentions for bringing him along had more to do with not wanting to lose sight of him in the crowds and less about introducing the boy to his royal friends. T'Challa had apparently awoken with his sister fairly close by. The King explained that most of the people around them were very distressed and alone, and so he and Shuri have taken up the job of helping people find with their families ever since. While it's been a struggle, but he has a plan in place, starting with collecting last names and finding multilingual beings of any species willing to help him out. For the humans T'Challa can communicate with, he's done his best to explain the Thanos situation, in the hopes that it will soon become common knowledge among the intelligible species here.

Aside from those baseline discoveries, that's been... it, really. Peter has yet to find any sign of his family or friends and therefore spent his whole week with Bucky. They can't do much because as beautiful as it is, this remains a pretty dull place. So, he and Bucky just talk, take breaks to stare at their new sky for some quiet, and occasionally sleep out of boredom. As far as companionship goes though, Peter thinks he could have done so much worse than Bucky. He'd actually argue that Bucky's company is the best he could have. The soldier was understandably stiff at first, but Peter did his best to stay positive and make witty remarks whenever he can, just like he does as Spider-Man. Bucky eventually started quipping back instead of just staring at Peter. His jokes were so subtle at first Peter almost missed it, but they soon fell in sync with each other. Even though it hasn't been that long, Peter thinks he's defintiley made a true friend.

"I think I'm gonna take the Iron Spider suit off, it's getting too hot in here."

"Do whatever you want, kid."

"...Um, Peter?"

"Yeah?"

"Why do you have a second fully equipped Spider-Man suit under your state-of-the-art Spider-Man suit?"

"Oh! Um, yeah, I forgot about that."

"Did you now?"

"Stop laughing, I can explain!"

"I'm waiting."

"Well, you see, Mr. Stark said to save the wizard and so I followed the Squidward alien who captured Dr. Strange onto the donut ship, but then as I webbed onto the side of it, it started flying back into space-"

"..."

"-And the higher it went, the less I could breathe, obviously, because I was on the outside of the ship. Did I already say that? Whatever. Anyway, Mr. Stark flew up in his Iron Man suit and sent the Iron Spider suit to me to cover me over my original Spider-Man suit as I passed out and fell off the ship so I could breathe again and you know, live-"

"..."

"Then he tried to send me back home by releasing the suit's parachute but I webbed myself onto the donut again because I figured he'd need the back up in space."

"..."

"So, yeah. Two suits."

"...Did you ever save the wizard?"

"Yup! Wait, no. Well, yes from Squidward. But then he died again when Thanos snapped us all away. He should be around here somewhere. The Guardians too."

"So, are we deciding that being here means we're dead then?"

"Maybe, I'm not actually sure what to call this."

"I'm gonna go with being dead. That would be a relief. Life is too fucking stressful."

"You know, I think you'd be great in the 21st Century, Bucky."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! Your dark and self-deprecating sense of humor means you would totally love all the internet memes that most Baby Boomers think are sad and not funny. Depression and suicide jokes are almost always sure to get a laugh. And since you're from the G.I. Generation, you can prove that it's not only young people who love dark humor and think Boomers are the worst!"

"Alright?"

"One day, I'll teach you all about meme culture and vines (R.I.P). You'll definitely love it!"

"...That sounds great, Peter. I can't wait."

Peter loves learning about what Bucky's life was like before HYDRA took him and hearing stories about Captain America back in the 40s and as a child. Peter was initially surprised when Bucky expressed an equal amount of interest in hearing about Peter's life in Queens. Peter told him all about Aunt May, Ned and MJ, Flash's teasing (Bucky wasn't quite so amused by that one and Peter changed the subject at the dark wash of anger that passed through Bucky's eyes), how he became Spider-Man, and when Tony Stark recruited him.

He tries to keep the topic of Tony short any time he comes up because of the heartbreaking guilt that Bucky poorly hides whenever the man is mentioned. Although he feels like a bad person to have thought this, Peter thinks Bucky's noticeable and sizable guilt has actually lessened his own guilt towards Tony. Knowing that Bucky feels genuine regret and sorrow for the actions he was forced to do proves to Peter that he's not the man his mentor believes him to be. The small ball of fear of disloyalty will always be with him, but it affects Peter less every day as he grows more and more attached to Bucky.

That's sort of becoming the problem, actually. Peter's feelings of friendship slowly morphed into something more, something, well, not so friendly. More often, he finds himself watching Bucky's lips move when he talks or his skin growing hot under his suit when Bucky lets him examine his prosthetic arm and their faces are so much closer than usual. Their lazy, sleepy talks before they fall asleep are Peter's new favorite thing. Bucky running his hand through Peter's hair while the boy lets out all his worries, Peter comforting Bucky when the man wakes up from nightmares, and the pair fast asleep while laying all over each other. The whole thing has turned so oddly intimate that Peter hasn't felt this safe with someone since he was a young kid.

"...And I know King T'Challa is doing his best to find her, but we're all each other has left. Before Mr. Stark came along, it had just been her and I, and sometimes Ned, for the longest time, ever since, well, nevermind. I honestly don't know if it's better to have her alive and well in New York but all alone or have her stuck here but with me. She's lost so much and I don't want her to think I'm gone too."

"I wish I knew what to tell you, Pete, but I'd bet that if I were her, I'd rather be here with you than on Earth alone right now."

"How did you know Steve wasn't here?"

"Before you woke up here, did you maybe... go somewhere else first?"

"Did you?"

"I-I was back at the Stark Expo in the 1940s, sort of, but Steve was there. Not the Steve everyone knows and loves, but my Stevie. My scrawny and tiny Steve that wanted to fight every bad guy in the world even though he couldn't even breathe right."

"What did he tell you?"

"He told me about Thanos, he told me... he told me that I was going somewhere he couldn't follow, but that I wouldn't be alone. I teased him about being my guardian angel. Guess he saw you coming, didn't he?"

"...Ben called it a way station, I think."

"What?"

"The pit stop between Earth and here. I saw my Uncle Ben who died a few years ago. He said that he was my way station to the future."

"Is that all he said?"

"He told me he was proud of me, and-and all I could do was cry and tell him over and over how much I missed him. He was exactly how he was the day he died and it was all my fault and-and he's proud of me, but he shouldn't be because I was petty and wanted revenge and now he's dead because of it."

"Peter, I'm sure it wasn't your fault."

"It is, Bucky! It is! I entered a contest to win money so I could buy a car to impress a girl, but after I won the guy wouldn't pay up and I had to leave empty-handed. A minute later a mugger came in a robbed him and I could have stopped him from getting away but I just let him go to make the guy who owed me money feel just as cheated as I did. I guess the robber needed a car because he tried to take Ben's but when Ben wouldn't let him get away, so the robber shot him. Don't you see, Bucky, it's all my fault! Ben got killed for being the only person to do the right thing."

"I know how it feels to think like that Peter, but it wasn't your fault."

"But-"

"No, just- hear me out, okay? Yeah, you did a stupid thing, but I know that if you had even the suspicion that that guy wanted anything more than a crook's money, that he ever thought of killing someone, you never would have let him get away. I know it'd hard to admit to yourself, but you know that too. You're a good person through and through, kid. Okay? Can you trust me on that one?"

"Only if you trust me that you're a good person inside too."

"That's a whole other story, Peter."

"No, it's not. You didn't get a choice in the things they made you do and you're not a bad person because of it."

"I just make people's lives harder by being in them. I mean for god sakes' look at Steve. Even when he was small and sick, Stevie's always been the stronger one between the two of us. He adapted so well to the modern world after being pulled out of the ice and he was doing so good because he found people to be there for him, no matter how much he insists he can do everything alone. He had a home and a team and then I came along he lost everything he loves all over again, just like the ice took from him. I don't deserve to ever have the kind of family he did. I never got much choice in whether or not I was alone, but the more I lived, the more I realized that it's just better for everyone if I am."

"Bucky-"

"No, I'm sorry, you can pretend I didn't say all that. I didn't mean to go off on you like that."

"Don't be sorry, Bucky. I want to help you if I can because you help me. You know, during my moment with Ben, he told me to see the good in people because I'll never know who I'll find a home in. I think he saw you coming too, Bucky, like maybe Steve saw me. Steve did what he did for you because he loves you. I'm sure he'll never regret that. I wouldn't if I were him."

"Thanks, Peter, but I'm not worth all the effort and loss. He deserves so much better. You do too."

"I don't think that's true, you're definitely more than worth it. Nobody deserves to be put through what you've gone through."

"Maybe, but maybe I didn't deserve to be saved either. I should have just been eliminated. I shouldn't have gotten that choice to be alone or not."

"You're not going to be alone anymore, Bucky."

"How can you be sure I'm what your uncle meant?"

"Because I see how great you are, and how good you are. I wouldn't be here with you if I didn't believe that. Steve wouldn't either. You're going to have the choice to be with people in your life because you deserve it."

"People aren't exactly lining up to hang out with someone who's done the things I've done."

"...Peter, what're you doing?"

"Getting in line. I got here extra early to make sure that I was first."

It wasn't until one day Peter awoke half-hard with his head in Bucky's lap that he realized his feelings might be becoming a problem. But at the same time, he doesn't know how to stop his feelings because it seems impossible not to be attracted to this god-like man, especially now that Peter really knows him.

So, Peter knows he's definitely fucked. Surely and thoroughly fucked.

~~~

"Peter!" The boy jolts awake at the sound of someone distantly screaming his name. He picks his head up off of Bucky's legs, blinking a few times to allow his eyes to adjust once again to the sudden bright orange light. He squints into the distance, searching for where the voice is coming from.

"Good morning," Bucky's low morning voice grumbles beside him. Peter tries not to stare as Bucky runs a hand through his long hair and then stretches his arms in the air, his shirt riding up and exposing the skin around his waist.

"Yo, Peter!" They both hear again, but this voice is definitely different from the first. It's a little deeper but slightly more feminine sounding.

Peter bites his lip and forces his gaze away from how gorgeous Bucky looks when he wakes up. "Any idea who that might be?" Bucky stands, his eyes also scanning the crowd as he reaches a hand out to Peter, pulling him to his feet as well.

Peter starts to shake his head, he has a suspicion of who it is but doesn't want to get his hopes up. But then his eyes suddenly lock on two figures pushing past people and charging towards them. His expression breaks out into a beaming grin, "Oh my god," He whispers to himself.

Bucky chuckles beside him, "Friends of yours?"

"Ned! MJ!" Peter hollers and starts waving his arms around like a lunatic, the duo now running even faster towards him.

Peter whips around to Bucky, his face inexplicably bright, "I never thought I'd see them again, Bucky, can you believe this!" He's told Bucky all about his fanboy best friend and the snarky girl from the academic decathlon team. He's practically bouncing up and down and all Bucky can do is laugh fondly at Peter's excitement before the teens reach them.

"Peter!" Ned shouts in his face, nearly knocking Peter over with the force of his hug. MJ trails behind him, her arms crossed and a smirk on her face. "I can't believe you're here!" Ned yells into Peter's ear again.

"Ned, you're here!" Peter exclaims, pulling away from the boy's hug to see his face, "You're really here!" He turns to look at MJ and beams at her too, "MJ, oh my god, this is crazy." He doesn't even know what to say. He's so excited to see them again, and Ned gives amazing hugs, but he's also so sad that they're stuck here and not at home with their families, safe and definitely alive.

"Hey Peter," She raises an eyebrow teasingly looking at his clothes, "What? Were you caught in the middle of LARPing or something?" Peter glances down at his Spider-Man suit and his face burns. He hadn't considered that all these people would either think he's a complete nerd (which, to be fair, he is) or realize that he's actually Spider-Man.

He bites his lip nervously, "Oh, um-"

Before Peter can finish whatever bullshit explanation he was trying to think of, Bucky buts in with, "The hell is LARPing?"

Ned just now seems to notice the man beside his friend and his eyes grow to become the size of saucers, his jaw falling open. MJ, on the other hand, simply shrugs, "Live-Action Role-Playing. It's when dorks go to a park or something dressed as superheroes or fantasy characters and pretend to be them."

Bucky looks from the girl to Peter's suit and snorts, "Yeah, Peter, tell her all about what you get up to on the weekends." Peter playfully glares at the man's smirk.

"Well, you see-"

"Dude!" Ned shouts, grabbing Peter's arm, and cutting Peter off once again. "That's the Winter Soldier," He says in shock as if Bucky isn't standing right there and can totally hear him.

"Uh, yeah, it is," Peter twiddles his thumbs together, getting nervous about the whole situation. This day has already been much more eventful than the past three weeks -- Peter's best guess relative to the number of times he's sleep for a 'night' -- have been, and he doesn't really know how to explain to his best friend why he's been hanging out with Bucky all that time instead of looking for Aunt May and his friends.

Bucky's smirk has drooped a little at the mention of his HYDRA name, but he opens his mouth to reply anyway when someone shouts, "Buck!" His face drops and Peter can see the hint of fear in his eyes. Peter anxiously looks around for who's calling the man, nervous for Bucky's sake that it might be Steve. Peter knows Bucky would find a way to make this whole situation his fault and never forgive himself if Steve was stuck here, meaning he's possibly dead, too. He believes Bucky when he says Steve isn't here, but since they've never actually looked...

But thankfully, Peter sees King T'Challa approaching them all with the birdman Peter met the same day he met Bucky in Germany.

Bucky grins tauntingly when Sam rolls his eyes with a smile, "Man, of all the people I could get trapped in here with, it had to be you, didn't it?" Bucky gives him a one-armed hug, clapping his hand against Sam's back.

"It looks like you're stuck with me for all of eternity now," Bucky grins smugly.

"Hello again, Sergeant Barnes, Peter," T'Challa nods to them, "I found this one," He gestures to Sam, "many hours ago, and he asked me to lead him to you."

"Aw, did you miss me?" Bucky teases him, earning a shove from Sam.

"Looks like it's a day for reunions all around," Peter says softly, smiling at his friends. He anxiously turns to the king, "Have you heard or seen anything about my Aunt May?"

T'Challa smiles sadly, "I'm sorry, I've been keeping an eye and ear out for a May Parker, but I'm afraid I have not come up with anything as of yet."

Bucky places a comforting hand on his shoulder and a slightly forced grin slips onto Peter's face, "That's okay! I appreciate you keeping a watch for me," And Peter means it, mostly. Not finding May is a good thing, it might mean she's not here and she's at home, safe and sound.

"Speaking of, no sign of Steve yet? I haven't come across him and T'Challa said he hasn't either." Sam asks Bucky.

"No," Bucky shakes his head, shoving his hands into his pockets and avoiding eye contact, "And I get feeling Steve would have made his presence known by now, so I'm willing to bet he's not here."

"Yeah," Sam nods, releasing a breath, "That's good though, right?"

An uneasy silence fills the air for a moment before Shuri claps her hands together, "Well, we must get going, enjoy your reunion with one another. We will see you another time. Boys," She nods to Sam and Bucky, "Spider-Boy," She nods to Peter, the smug smile on her face telling him she's just trying to tease him.

"Spider-Boy?" Sam asks, narrowing his eyes at Peter before realization dawns on him, "Oh, kid from the airport who likes to talk?"

"That's the one," Bucky smirks at MJ as Peter's face darkens to the color of a tomato.

"So, hold on," MJ raises a hand, "You're actually Spider-Man?"

She doesn't seem all that surprised, or maybe she's just too good at hiding it, but either way, Peter shrugs, "Sort of?"

She barks out a laugh, "Oh man, is Flash here? Wait until he gets a load of this, he's gonna shit his pants!" Peter can't help but laugh along at the thought, especially considering what a huge fan he is. It's not an uncommon occurrence to see Flash walking around Midtown in a Spider-Man shirt, some of them even homemade.

"Well, this is a weird group of people to find you with, Barnes," Sam teases, "What the hell happened here?"

Bucky rolls his eyes, "The kid found me right when we got here and it's been just us until these two showed up just before you did." Peter catches his eye and didn't even know it was possible for his face to blush even harder until Bucky winks at him.

Sam squints his eyes and points at Ned, who currently has his head in his hands as he frantically looks between the two Avengers with his mouth open, "Uh, is he okay?"

Peter sighs, pressing his knuckle to his forehead, and praying to God that Ned won't embarrass him in front of Bucky, "Yeah, he's fine. He just needs a minute to lose his mind over being in the presence of two Avengers. Hold on one second, I've got this," MJ snorts as Peter pulls her and Ned to the side to talk. Peter glances back at the pair, hoping he's moved his friends far enough away that the soldiers won't hear them.

"I can't believe you've been hanging out with the Winter Soldier this whole time!" Ned gasps, clearly trying to keep his voice down, but ultimately not really succeeding.

"He was the only face I recognized when I woke up and I thought he might know what was going on," Peter tries to brush it off, "How did the two of you find each other?"

MJ shrugs, "I don't know, I was just sitting in one of those wooden things people watching for who knows how long when basically he fell on top of me, yelling my name." She rolls her eyes again, but Peter thinks she looks a little fond of Ned's overenthusiastic antics.

"I was excited and I tripped," Ned gives him an embarrassed smile, finally taking his off of the Avengers, "She was the first and only familiar face I've seen until now," Ned then starts rapidly poking Peter's arm, "But literally who cares about that, tell us about him," Ned gestures over to where Bucky is standing with Sam. To Peter's surprise, even MJ looks mildly interested.

"Oh, right, that," Peter stares at the ground anxiously, kicking his foot into the water and splashing some around, "I don't know, we just talk, maybe sleep if we get bored. He tells me old stories about Captain America. It's just... nice. It's really nice." Peter grins to himself, subconsciously biting the corner of his bottom lip.

"Oh my god, Peter," MJ says sarcastically, "you're into him, aren't you?"

"What?" Peter and Ned yelp at the same time as Peter snaps his head up, staring at her with wide eyes. Ned's head jerks towards Peter, anxiously awaiting an explanation, and Peter just can't believe she caught on so fast. He was being subtle!

"How did you- No, I don't!" Peter frantically exclaims.

Ned dramatically gasps and repeatedly swats at Peter's arm, "You do!"

"Idiots," MJ rolls her eyes then shoots the boys a smirk, "But for real, I thought this place was crazy before, but now Peter Parker is Spider-Man and he's getting it on with the Winter Soldier? Like alright, holy shit."

"Shh!" Peter shushes them both, "First of all, we are not getting it on. And second, keep your voice down, the whole world doesn't need to know that I have an embarrassing crush on Bucky!" He whisper-screams to his two friends, the look on his face screaming sheer terror. He can't stop his intrusive thoughts from asking what would happen if Bucky overhears them and gets weird out by what a freak he is? What if he ditches him because of it?

"Technically, it's only half the world," MJ interjects but Peter pretends not to hear her.

"I especially don't want Bucky to know!" Peter glances back at the man quickly. His arms are crossed and a small grin plays on his lips while he listens to Sam animatedly tell him something. He doesn't seem to have heard them, but with his enhanced hearing Peter can't know for sure. He tries to take a deep breath to call himself down, but it doesn't feel like he's working.

Ned tips his head like he's still trying to wrap his brain around the whole situation, while MJ just squints at him with a simpering smile, "Please, he's totally into you too. I've only been around him for like five minutes but he's already being so soft on you. He's been glancing over here literally every other second with just this look of sad concern or longing or whatever." She shakes her head smugly, "For a brainwashed assassin, he sure gets whipped easily."

Peter groans and buries his face in his hands, "MJ, it's really not like that. He's... he's wonderful, and he's not brainwashed anymore, but he definitely doesn't see me like that. He probably just thinks I'm some stupid kid he has to keep an eye on." Peter's always known that to be true, but it still makes his heartache at having to admit it out loud.

MJ, however, doesn't seem to be buying what Peter's selling at all. She raises an eyebrow accusingly and places a hand on her hip, "Are you trying to tell me you guys haven't been hanging out just the two of you for the past three weeks since we got here, and that you haven't been having a good time?"

"No, but MJ that doesn't mean-"

"And has he pushed you away and not been letting you be your overly touchy self? Does he complain when you lay all over him like you were when we found you?" She gives him her best are-you-fucking-kidding-me stare.

Peter squirms, thinking about the soft little smile that crosses Bucky's face when Peter touches him, "Well, no-"

"That's all I'm saying," The smirk that seems to consistently reside on her face says it all, and it irritates Peter slightly that she can read him so well. Her face brightens mischievously and she suddenly does a little wave to something behind Peter that has him whipping around at the speed of light and wishing he could crawl into a hole and die, "Oh look, here he comes now!"

~~~

Over the possible weeks that passed, the odd group dynamic between two and a half Avengers and two and a half regular high schoolers worked out much better than Peter initially expected it would. Bucky and MJ got on like a house on fire resulting in a never-ending storm of sarcastic comments. Ned loved hearing all the stories Sam would tell about his time in the military and as the Falcon with the rogue Avengers and Sam was more than happy to share them.

As glad as Peter is to have his friends back with him, he still finds himself crawling back to Bucky when he misses home or wants to feel as if he's wrapped in one big safety blanket. Just by sitting next to Bucky Peter feels more at ease and less anxious. He tries not to think about his feelings for the soldier, but sometimes it's hard when the intrusive thoughts in the back of his mind tell him that maybe Bucky is feeling the same way. He obviously hangs out with Sam a lot now, but any time Bucky's going to sleep or just needs a moment of silence, he goes to seek out Peter, and Peter's insomnia-ridden mind always has a field day keeping him awake with every possible imagination of why this might be.

Like right now, for example, when MJ, Ned, and Sam are all passed out in a pile under the roof of the pavilion, Bucky and Peter sit in silence at their go-to spot on the edge of the structure. Peter tossed his legs over Bucky's and leaned his head back onto a wooden beam. The man beside him traces the lines on the spider suit near the boy's ankles and Peter can't help shiver slightly at the warm and fuzzy tingling that it sends through his body.

"Y'know, I really miss the night," Peter blurts out as he gazes up at the intense light that is constantly showering over them.

"Yeah?" Bucky mumbles, staring intently at Peter.

"Yeah," Peter nods gingerly, "My senses get overloaded pretty fast since the spider bite and the dark protected me from that even more than my mask did, so I always did better Spider-Man work at night. It's also easier to hide at night, and all the bad guys seem to think they're invisible at night so they creep out then too." He blushes when he sees Bucky watching him ramble on with such a small, yet tender smile on his face.

"I didn't have to worry about anybody figuring out my identity because nobody ever knew I was there until I caught them doing something bad," Peter laughs quietly, "I loved the look they would get on their faces when I showed up. They always underestimated me and it was so invigorating because eventually, it would always morph into that look where they know I've got them and that-"

"-They're fucked," Bucky whispers. Peter locks his eyes with the Bucky's and smiles nervously. With the super soldier's enhancements, he wouldn't be surprised if Bucky could hear his heart pounding out of his chest right now under the soldier's ardent stare.

Peter weakly nods and digs his teeth into his lower lip, "Do you think we're ever going home?" He breathes, unwilling to shake his eye contact with Bucky. His skin begins to burn under the passionate scrutiny of Bucky's darkening eyes. Peter has caught him staring at him like this a few times before over the recent days, but it usually happened when Peter was only just waking up and Bucky's always quick to catch himself and look away before the boy had time to ogle him right back. He's surprised Bucky hasn't turned away and tried to pretend he wasn't looking this time, but Peter can't seem to draw his attention away from Bucky long enough to think properly on that right now. The look in Bucky's eyes triggers more sensations in Peter than he's ever felt all at once before, but more than anything, the feeling of want bubbles up inside every inch of his body.

Bucky opens his mouth to respond but then quickly hesitates. He rolls his tongue carefully between his lips and says lowly, "Sometimes I'm not sure I want to go back."

Peter's breathing hitches and he slowly shuffles even closer into Bucky's personal space. Bucky doesn't hesitate to wrap his arm around the small of Peter's back to hold him in place. Peter's voice unintentionally drops even quieter and he's unable to stop the obvious wanton from slipping into his tone, "You don't? Why?"

Bucky's eyes flick swiftly to Peter's lips before they train back on the boy's eyes, full of more unrestrained fervor than Peter's ever seen Bucky allow himself to show, "You know why."

All at once, their lips are harshly pressed against one another's and Peter has no clue who leaned in first but he can't find any part of himself that cares. His body is flush against Bucky's chest and the kiss is already so intense that he begins to feel lightheaded as his weeks-long need is finally starting to feel sated. Bucky swipes his tongue along Peter's lower lip and the boy moans into the older man's mouth as he parts his lips.

Peter doesn't have much experience with any of this, but he hopes that what he lacks in knowledge he makes up for in enthusiasm because good lord, he's only been kissing Bucky for less than a minute and he already wants to do it forever. He presses his hand against Bucky's cheek, feeling the stubble (that never seems to grow out into a full beard in this place) tickle his palm. His other hand finds Bucky's shirt and he clenches his fingers around the material to reassert his space in reality, but that must have triggered Bucky's own grip on reality because he's abruptly pulling back from Peter and moving to the side, away from the boy.

Peter whimpers at the loss and opens his eyes in flash, instantly picking up on the hint of shock in Bucky's eyes that he's clearly trying to hide. "Fuck," Bucky mutters as he breathes heavily.

Peter hurries to catch his own breath, "Bucky?"

"I'm sorry," Bucky mumbles, "I-I shouldn't have..." He shakes his head and stands up, facing away from Peter.

Peter scurries to his feet and takes a step toward him, "Why... why not?" Peter reaches out and gently wraps his fingers around Bucky's right wrist. "I wanted-"

"Stop," Bucky growls, effectively cutting him off. He huffs a sigh and looks over his shoulder at Peter, "We can't."

Peter chokes down the tears rolling up in his throat and burning his eyes, "Is this-... Am I-..." He struggles to find the right words that won't send Bucky running, "Do you not want this?" He settles on, his voice much more vulnerable than he intended for it to be.

Bucky's eyes finally meet his again, "Peter..." He says desperately, but then his eyes turn hard and he turns his head away again, killing any hope Peter might have had. "We just can't, okay?" He doesn't wait for an answer as he swiftly dislodges his wrist from Peter's grip and stalks off.

Peter's lip wobbles and he bites it hard to keep it still as he slumps back against the wooden pillar in their spot, watching Bucky walk away from him. A tear slides down his cheek and he finds himself questioning whether or not Bucky will actually come back to him.

TO BE CONTINUED...

A/N: So I know that each soul stone experience is supposed to be based on a specific memory like Thanos’ thing with little Gamora, but for this story, since so many people are all in one landscape, I just sort of shaped it around the vague clip from Infinity War and the pavilions are basically inspired by the structure Gamora stood in, even though I know that’s not a universal memory. It’s not super relevant, but I hope that clears my intentions up a little bit!

As far as I’m aware, they never mention what happened specifically with Uncle Ben in the Tom Holland Spider-Man universe, so for the parts talking about Uncle Ben, I just used what happened in the first Spider-Man movie with Tobey Maguire, imagining Ben as being around May’s age from the MCU spider-man movies.

#winterspider #peter parker x bucky barnes #peter x bucky #avengers #Marvel MCU #fluff and angst #peter parker #Bucky Barnes #soft bucky #infinity stone soul world #soul stone #time is an illusion

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wiypt-writes · 3 years

Text

Stark Spangled Forever

Duo Shot: Stendhal Syndrome Part 1: Brat

Intro: It’s Rori’s fifth birthday party, and there’s someone there who Katie doesn’t really appreciate hanging round her man. And Steve doesn’t really appreciate Katie’s attitude either.

Uh Oh….

Warnings: Bad language.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N: This was a one shot. I got carried away and wrote 24 pages. So now you have a duo shot thanks to that photo sending me to a dirty place. No smut in this one…but it’s on its way in the next part!

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Stark Spangled Forever Masterlist // Main Masterlist

May 2029

“Katie…” Steve called up the stairs. He waited for a moment. There was no response. “Honey?”

Still nothing.

He bounded up the steps, taking them two at a time and headed over the landing and into their room. He paused in the doorway, smiling gently as he saw his wife curled upon the bed, Harry snuggled into her, his head tucked under her chin as they both slept. He wasn’t surprised they were both flat out. They’d had a rough time with the tot the previous night. He had woken up at about 2 am crying and Steve had gone into find both he and his bed full of vomit. After they’d cleaned him up he’d continued to be sick, grumpy and teary, and hadn’t settled even when they’d brought him into bed with them. Eventually Katie had given up and taken him downstairs. Steve had initially gotten up with them but Katie had sent him back to bed pointing out that one of them needed to be with it enough to look after the others the day after. It was also an unspoken fact that they both knew Harry wouldn’t settle for his dad when he was like this. Steve thought Jamie was a momma’s boy but that was nothing compared to their youngest.

He gently closed the door and headed back downstairs and into the den where Jamie was sat cross legged on the rug faffing with some Lego and Rori was perched watching The Wizard of Oz.

“Guys, what do you fancy for lunch?”

“Are you making it?” Jamie looked up at him. Steve snorted.

“Fraid so pal. Momma’s asleep with Harry.”

“Is Harry still sick?” Rori looked around, her eyes wide.

“He’s ok sweetie.” Steve assured her “He just has a tummy bug.”

“Or he ate your cooking.” Emmy said from behind Steve as she passed him heading into the kitchen.

“Enough cheek thank you.” Steve said, raising an eyebrow at her back. He heard her chuckle as she opened the fridge.

“Jamie its ok…” she called “There’s left over lasagne.”

“Yesss.” Jamie said, jumping up off the rug. “Mom’s lasagne is the best.”

“Daddy?” Rori spoke again, her round green eyes looking at Steve.

“Yes baby?”

“Will Harry be ok for my birthday party?”

Steve noticed her biting her lip, the same expression Katie wore when she was worried. With a soft chuckle he crossed the room and knelt down in front of her. “Of course he will, it’s not for another week yet.”

She considered his answer and nodded. Steve reached out and gently tucked her dark hair behind her ears. It was then he noticed her lip wobbling.

“Hey…” he said, frowning, as he stood up to sit besides her. She crawled onto his lap and tucked her face into his shirt “What’s wrong?” She sniffled slightly and pressed her face further into his chest. Steve gently rubbed her back and stayed still waiting for her to speak.

“Jemima at school…” she sniffled, and Steve took a deep breath. He knew where this was going. “Her brother got sick and he dieded.” “Ok…” he said gently, “Jemima’s brother was very poorly. Harry just has a tummy bug. I promise you Rori, he’s not going to die.” She sniffed again and looked up at him “Pinkie promise?”

He smiled and held up his hand, little finger extended “pinkie promise.” She mimicked him and intertwined her small finger with his before she reached up and wrapped her arms round his neck, nuzzling her head into the space against his cheek.

“Why is your face always scratchy?” she asked and Steve gave a laugh.

“Blame your Momma, she won’t let me shave.” he said and Rori pulled back, her little hands raking into his beard. He playfully snapped at her fingers with his teeth, a loud clicking noise sounding as he bit onto thin air and she giggled.

“You gonna come get some lunch?” he looked at her. She nodded and he stood up with her in his arms, carrying her through to the kitchen where Emmy was already halfway through making a salad to go with the leftovers which were heating in the microwave.

“Thanks Em.” Steve said, dropping Rori onto a chair by the table before he moved over to grab some plates.

“Think we should save mom some?”

“No it’s ok.” Steve shook his head “if she’s hungry when she wakes I’ll make her a sandwich.”

Emmy nodded. “Oh, I thought Peter and Brooke could come over later, if that’s ok? I mean, if Harry’s not still sick.” “They can come over anyway, it’s fine.” Steve said, “Harry will most likely be upstairs anyway.”

“We were just gonna hang out by the pool for the evening…” “Em.” Steve chuckled “It’s fine…” and then he paused and smirked slightly as he looked at her “You want the beer don’t you?”

She wrinkled her nose and nodded.

“There’s plenty in the bar…just don’t get that drunk one of you drowns.” he said after a pause. “Explaining that to Peter’s Aunt or Jennifer would be a bit awkward.”

“Thanks dad.” she smiled at him.

They ate their lunch, the 4 of them chatting away, Steve pleased to see Rori was settled now, her earlier upset forgotten. Once they were finished Emmy took Rori and Jamie out into the garden to play on the jungle gym whilst Steve cleared the dishes. Every so often he glanced out of the window to see the kids playing a soft smile on his face. He enjoyed days like this, weekends or during the holidays when they were all together. It was just a shame their brother was too poorly to join in. He called out of the open door to tell Emmy he was nipping upstairs before he repeated the journey he had taken a little over and hour ago, checking his watch.

Katie glanced up as he opened the door, her finger on her lips.

“Hey…” he whispered.

She smiled and gave a soft yawn “How long have I been asleep?”

“Not sure sweetheart.” he said, “I came up about an hour or so ago and you were flat out.”

She gave another yawn and Harry stirred gently, his hand rubbing at his eyes before he settled back down. Katie gently felt his head.

“He’s not as warm as he was.” she said as Steve gently perched on the bed, smoothing back his son’s dark blonde hair.

“Rori got really upset.” he said, smiling softly “She mentioned Jemima’s brother.”

Katie sighed and frowned “Yeah. It was hard trying to explain that when we heard the news. Is she ok?”

“She’s fine.” he assured her “Gave her a pinkie promise Harry only had a tummy bug so.”

“Daddy’s girl.” she smiled and Steve gave a gentle chuckle.

“Peter and Brooke are coming over later.” he said “Emmy wants to hang out in the pool house with a few beers.” Katie smirked “You’re definitely going soft in your old age.”

“Well Emmy is 21 now so I can’t stop her and as for Pete and Brooke, well, sooner they do it here than in a bar.” he shrugged. “You want some lunch?”

Katie shook her head “I’ll eat later.”

Harry stirred again, only this time he grumbled slightly and blinked, opening his eyes sleepily. He looked at his momma before he nuzzled into her closer, his hand winding into her hair as he started to grizzle slightly.

“Hey baby…” she said, kissing his head.

He mumbled something again, his noises not quite forming into words yet, still being half asleep, and then he turned his head to peek up at his dad.

“You ok Pal?”

Harry eyed him for a moment before he moved and held out his arms in Steve’s direction. Slightly surprised Steve moved to take him in an embrace as the little boy snuggled into his chest and Steve kissed his head. Katie smiled, the sight of Steve with his kids was something she would never get tired of. Being a father brought out all his best qualities, just like the serum had amplified them, having kids had too. He was loving, patient, gentle yet strong, stern and happy to deal out the discipline when appropriate.

She sat up, pecking him on the cheek at the point where his beard met smooth skin. “You know you might not have the shield anymore but you’ll always be their superhero.”

********

Much to Rori’s relief (and everyone else in the Rogers household for that matter) Harry’s illness only lasted 24 hours and he was back to his cheeky, happy little self the next morning. Arrangements pressed ahead for the party, it wasn’t a huge gathering-namely Rori’s closest friends from school and family- which was to take place the weekend before her birthday. As she shared her day of birth with her late uncle, Katie always found the day a little bittersweet but she tried to keep any of her sadness and nostalgia at bay for the sake of her little girl and focus on the celebration instead.

By 2pm in the afternoon their garden was packed with 7 other 5 year olds, a couple of parents and the usual additional suspects, namely Morgan and Pepper, Jennifer and Brooke along with Bucky and Sam. Rori had stipulated that she didn’t want any games or anything, just to play in the garden on a bouncy castle with some “Princess Punch” which was basically pink lemonade full of chopped up strawberries and raspberries, something her dad had made her one day and she insisted that no one else could make it the same. So, that’s what she had gotten.

“So who’s the blonde Katie’s throwing shade at?” Sam asked as Steve handed him a beer. Steve groaned. Rori’s best friend, a girl called Aurelia was obviously at the party. And so was her mother. A certain Dani-with-an-I, the real-estator who had shown them around the first house they had looked at in Brooklyn all those years ago But, as Steve knew only too well, his wife held a grudge better than anyone he had ever met in his life.

Ever.

Sam gave a loud snort of laughter as Steve explained about the whole incident when they’d been looking round the house and Dani flirting with him whilst Bucky took another Asgardian beer from the stack Steve had placed in a specific chiller in the garage and popped the top off effortlessly with his metal hand. The three men emerged out of the side door back onto the garden, taking up their spot by the side of the garden overseeing the proceedings whilst the women were perched on the decking which ran flush along the back of the house. Katie was milling around the garden somewhere, making sure everyone was ok.

“Bet that makes for interesting conversations when Aurelia comes for sleepovers…” Bucky mused.

“Katie’s not callous enough to have issues with a child simply because she doesn’t like her mother.” Steve shook his head, immediately defending his wife. “In fact she’s nothing but welcoming to her, she’s Rori’s friend after all. She just keeps any exchanges between her and Dani to a minimum.”

“Well, you best watch your back…” Sam said “Because it looks like she’s heading over.”

Steve sighed and spun round to face Dani as she approached him.

“Hi Steve…”

“Hey Dani.” he said “Everything ok.”

“I don’t want to cause a fuss but, well Jamie and Morgan are causing a bit of an issue.”

“Issue?” Steve frowned. At that point Rori came running over to him, tears flooding from her face. “Princess…” he crouched down. “What’s wrong?”

“Jamie and Morgan are throwing those little ball thingies that bang at everyone!” Rori said, stamping her feet. Steve glared up at Bucky.

“I told you not to give him those!” “I aint given him any for weeks!” Bucky held his hands up. “He’s clearly stashed them…I’m sorry Rori…”

“What have you done now?” Bucky turned to see Katie stood there, her eyebrows raised, sunglasses perched on her head as they acted like a headband, keeping her long hair off her face.

“Given Jamie contraband.” Sam said.

“Those damned firecrackers?”

Bucky shrugged.

“You’re an ass.” she said to him as she crouched down to look at Rori. “You ok sweetie?”

“He keeps throwing them at me!” she yelled.

“Ok…” Katie soothed her, and Steve took the opportunity to glance at his wife. She still knocked him off his feet after all these years. Her make-up was light, leaving those freckles he adored on show, and the pale yellow and blue maxi dress she was wearing complimented her amazing figure and curves to perfection, leaving her shoulders bare bar the thin spaghetti straps which crossed at the back. And it was low cut enough that Steve could see a fair bit of sideboob as well. Which he would never complain about. She turned to Steve, raised her eyebrow as his gaze lifted from her chest to her eyes. “Did you hear a word of that?”

“No.” he said honestly. She snorted.

“I just said that you’d go and speak to Jamie and Morgan.” she said, nodding to Rori.

“I’ll deal with your brother, I promise…” Steve confirmed “Go and play and don’t worry about it…”

He wiped her tears away with his hands, gave her a kiss and stood up

“Where are they?”

“By the side of the pool house.” Katie responded at the same time Dani said the same thing.

“We got it, thanks…” Katie looked at the woman. She nodded and sidled off, Steve ignored the look of utter glee that Sam and Bucky shared at the fact Katie was getting all “Starky Snarky” as Sam called it. Katie watched her leave before she turned back to Steve, ignoring the look he was giving her. “Spotted the little shits before.” she continued “They’re trying to hide behind the stack of sun-loungers”

He nodded, dropped a kiss to Katie’s lips and headed off to find the trouble makers. He took the long way, striding round the edge of the pool so they wouldn’t see him coming. He stood simply watching them for a moment. Jamie and Morgan were thick as thieves. With little over a year between them, they’d practically grown up as brother and sister, which Steve and Katie loved, but they were a recipe for trouble. With Morgan’s cleverness and Jamie’s penchant for mischief they made a right pair. Jamie said something to Morgan and she sniggered and they both stood up which was when Steve made his move. He gently grabbed Jamie’s collar and the back of Morgan’s top, pulling them back, ignoring their yells of protest as he bent over.

“If you two don’t stop right now, you’re gonna be in big trouble.” his voice was low and steely as he spoke and the pair of them stiffened slightly. He let go and stood up, hands on his hips.

“Dad, we were only-“

“Son…” Steve cut him off, holding his hand up in an instruction to stay quiet “Just don’t.” He held his palm out in front of him “Hand em over…”

With a sigh and a scowl Jamie emptied his pockets, Morgan following suit and they both passed Steve the small boxes of the little white firecrackers.

“I mean it you two. One more toe out of line…”

“Sorry Uncle Spangles.” Morgan bowed her head.

“It isn’t me you should be apologising to” he said, looking at the 10 year old. She was getting more and more like Tony with each day that passed. He felt a little pang for his brother-in-law as he looked into her brown eyes and took a deep breath, his voice softer when he spoke again “Go and say sorry to Rori, both of you.”

********

“What’s Morgan done?” Pepper asked as Katie headed up to the decking.

Katie snorted “Her and Jamie have been throwing firecrackers.”

Pepper groaned “I’ll have a word…”

“It’s ok… Steve’s sorting it.” Katie shrugged “No biggie, just being kids…”

“I don’t understand how she can be so like Tony when he’s not around.” Pepper said gently.

“Stark DNA.” Katie grinned, “it’s strong.”

Pepper snorted. “Yeah, it must be.”

The two women watched as Steve spoke to the kids, taking the boxes off them before dismissing them. He strode across the lawn, looked up at Katie and gave her a smile before he made his way into the garage to dispose of the offensive ‘weapons’.

“Where did they even get them from?” Pepper asked.

“Bucky” answered Jennifer and Katie the same time. Katie glanced back over the garden, everything seemed to be back to normal. Her eyes fell on Dani who was now stood with one of the other mums that Katie had been speaking to earlier.

“Who’s that?” Jennifer asked.

“Some tramp.” Katie shrugged.

“Her name is Dani.” Pepper snorted “With an I…”

“Was she the last Trashbag you had to take out one morning?” Katie asked. “She mentioned something about that last time I met her and she does look a familiar.”

Pepper snorted. “No…she never got there. Not for the lack of trying. But you’re right, she does look a little like Christine Everhart.”

“Of course…” Katie snorted, “Christine…”

Katie wandered through from the kitchen in her cami and short pyjama set, clutching a bowl of cereal, groaning at the raging headache she was sporting. She was visiting home for a week or so to attend the Apogee Award ceremony in Vegas, which was honouring her brother. Pity he hadn’t actually cared enough to attend himself, instead living it up in the Casino. Obediah had accepted the award for him and then she’d continued drinking with the rest of the party that had turned up…and continued the drinking on the private jet home. As she shuffled into the living area, she stopped dead looking at the blonde woman, dressed in nothing but one of Tony’s shirts as she sloped around their living area. Another one of Tony’s bimbos that he picked up in Vegas and flown home with them. Said bimbo made her way over to the pad that led to the workshop and pressed a few buttons.

“Hey, Tony?”

“You are not authorized to access this area.” Jarvis said, making her scream and jump. Katie sniggered.

“Jesus.” the woman said.

“No, JARVIS…” Katie spoke loudly and the woman span around. “He runs the house.”

“You must be Katie…”

“And you must be Miss Saturday.” Katie shrugged, sitting on the sofa “Well, for this week anyway…”

“Christine…” she said. “We met last night…”

“Yeah I don’t bother learning names.” Katie shrugged. “They never last long enough for me to give a shit.”

At that point Pepper walked into the room holding up a clothes carrier.

“I’ve got your clothes here. They’ve been dry-cleaned and pressed, and there’s a car waiting for you outside that will take you anywhere you’d like to go.” She said, smiling at the woman.

“You must be the famous Pepper Potts.”

“Indeed I am.” Pepper smiled.

“After all these years, Tony still has you picking up the dry-cleaning.” she commented sarcastically.

“Bitch.” Katie said loudly. Christine looked at her but Pepper simply remained still and smiled, her tone pleasant and even.

“I do anything and everything that Mr. Stark requires, including, occasionally, taking out the trash.”

At that Katie choked slightly on her cereal and looked up as the smug bint’s smirk slid off her face.

“Will that be all?” Pepper asked.

Christine took the hangar and sidled off.

“Taking out the trash…” Katie grinned “Pepper that was fucking genius!”

Pepper arched an eyebrow.

“Where is my dickhead brother?”

“Where do you think?” Pepper asked.

Katie hummed and put down her empty cereal bowl before she made her way through the door Christine had been trying to unlock and down to Tony’s workshop.

“JARVIS, lower that racket…” she muttered.

“Certainly Miss Stark…”

The noise dimmed and Tony wheeled round “Please don’t turn down my music” “Good morning to you too.” Katie rolled her eyes “Last night’s conquest has left. Pepper just threw her out.”

“Speaking of which, you are supposed to be halfway around the world right now.” Pepper appeared but Tony wasn’t listening.

“How’d she take it?” He looked at Katie.

“Like a champ.” she shrugged.

Tony grinned and then turned to Pepper “Why are you trying to hustle me out of here?”

“Your flight was scheduled to leave an hour and a half ago.”

“That’s funny, I thought with it being my plane and all, that it would just wait for me to get there.” Tony quipped sarcastically.

“Tony, I need to speak to you about a couple things before I get you out of the door”

“Doesn’t it kind of defeat the whole purpose of having your own plane if it departs before you arrive?” Tony continue and then Pepper’s voice rose.

At that point Katie groaned and decided she needed to go to bed before she split for her own flight home and left them to it. 24 hours later she was back in London, getting the notice from Rhodey that Tony was missing…

Laughter dragged Katie back out of her memory and she wiped her eyes slightly, memories of her brother still hit her hard. She turned to catch the last of Pepper’s explanation about Dani’s ‘antics’ at a Stark Party once to which Jennifer, Emmy and Brooke were all laughing along with as Pepper glanced at Katie.

“What is she doing here anyway?”

“Well, her daughter happens to be Rori’s bestest friend in the whole world.” Katie said, repeating the words Rori used to describe Aurelia her “And of course when I asked a few parents on the invites to join, she jumped at the chance.”

There was a pause as they all continued to watch the woman as she tilted her head back and laughed at something that one of the other mom’s had said.

“Is her hair even real?” Emmy asked suddenly.

“Nope. And neither are her tits…” Jennifer mumbled. “Aint no way she’s had a kid and they’re still…” she grabbed her own breasts and hoisted them up, causing all the women to snigger into their drinks.

“Momma?” Katie spun to look at Rori who was grinning up at her mum.

“Hey sweetie” Katie smiled, crouching down “You ok now?”

Rori nodded “Please can I get a drink?”

“Course you can baby…” Katie smiled “Why don’t you go ask daddy to grab you some of the Princess Punch?”

She gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek before she skipped off down the lawn to where Steve was stood with Bucky and Sam. Katie watched as he immediately looked down when Rori tugged at his black jeans. With a huge, genuine smile he swept her up, her legs causing Steve’s sweater to ride up and at the flash of his toned stomach Katie bit her lip.

“Down girl..” Jennifer mumbled and Katie snorted.

“That obvious?”

“You’re not exactly subtle…” Pepper smirked “That’s the Stark in you.”

Behind her she heard Emmy groan before Brooke quipped “Em, not being funny, but your dad is hot.”

“Fuck off.” Emmy shot back as Brooke cackled “That’s disgusting.”

“His best friend ain’t bad either…” Jenifer mused, cocking her head to one side as Bucky reached up to gently ruffle Rori’s hair, and then tilting his head towards her as she reached to do the same to him, a huge smile spreading across his face.

“Eww.” Brooke groaned, and this time it was Emmy’s turn to laugh.

“Speaking of which, where’s Peter?” Katie turned to Emmy.

“He’s dropping May and Happy at the airport and coming down later…” she said, a faint pink tinge on her cheeks. Katie looked at Pepper, the pair of them smiling to one another. Emmy and Peter had been pretty on and off over the last 5 years but seemed to have been going pretty steady over the last 12 months.

“Which reminds me, can you tell Dad and Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee to behave?” Emmy looked at her mum “They’re always teasing Pete…” “That is a right of passage.” Pepper said wisely “Tony was a shit to Steve when he started dating Katie.” “Tony was a shit to Steve way before that.” Katie grinned “But I gotta admit, he was never that pleased about how he found out.” “Which was?” Jennifer looked her.

“He walked in and found us in the kitchen half dressed…” Katie shrugged “Was his own fault, he should have knocked instead of swanning into my apartment like he owned it.” “Yeah, I don’t…” Emmy started before she shook her head “Shut up!”

“Erm, where are you two off to?” Katie heard Pepper say and she looked up to see Morgan and Jamie half in, half out of the kitchen door.

“The den Auntie Pep.” Jamie answered. “Gonna go watch a film.”

“Least you can’t cause any trouble in there…yes, I heard.” Pepper said sternly “Another toe out of line Morgan H Stark and I’ll take you home.”

“Sorry Mom…” she said, and Pepper dismissed her.

Katie smiled again and her attention turned back to the party. She glanced over the garden and was just about to head down to mingle again, not wanting to leave the rest of the parents feeling awkward when a certain blonde haired tramp caught her attention. She watched her for a moment as she walked over to Steve and then stiffened slightly as she touched his arm, but then she stepped way over the line.

“Oh hell no bitch…” Katie’s eyes narrowed as she saw Dani kiss Steve’s cheek.

“Kick her ass mom…” Emmy mumbled.

“Hold my beer…” Katie said, before she paused “Actually, on second thoughts… I’ll take the beer with me…”

“$50 dollars says Trashbag is leaving here in a box…” Brooke quipped. Pepper, Jennifer and Emmy all sniggered.

********

After getting Rori a glass of punch and retrieving another 3 beers for him, Sam and Bucky, Steve headed back across the lawn, Rori still following him.

“Daddy…” she spoke again.

“Yeah?” he looked at her.

“What are tits?”

Steve choked on his beer and heard Sam’s guffawing laughter from the side of him, punctuated by Bucky’s snorts.

“Ermmm…” Steve wiped at his sweater where his beer had slopped down the front and racked his brains “They’re a type of bird…” The laugher and snorts grew even louder. Steve looked at Rori who was frowning before she shook her head “Why would Aurelia’s mommy have fake birds?”

At that Sam began to cough, and Steve looked at him. He was doubled over, slapping his knees. Bucky was wiping his eyes and gave Steve a thumbs up. “Fake birds, I can’t…” Bucky’s hand fell to Sam’s back as the pair of them continued to laugh.

“I don’t know…” Steve looked at Rori. “Who said that anyway?”

“Jennifer.” she said, and Steve rolled his eyes and glanced over at his wife who was stood, looking out over the garden. “Well Jennifer is just being silly.” Steve looked back at Rori “Don’t worry about it.”

Rori accepted his answer and ran off.

“You can stop laughing now.” he turned to his friends.

“Man, I love your kids.” Bucky said as Sam straightened up, wiping his eyes.

“Yeah well right now they’re behaving better than their mother.” Steve frowned.

“I dare you to say that to her face.” Bucky smirked “And whilst you’re at it, you can tell Jennifer you think she’s silly…”

Steve shook his head “I’m quite attached to my balls thanks, and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Good luck with that…” Sam said, “Blonde haired real estator at 12 o’clock.”

Steve let out a silent groan, he really didn’t need this.

“Steve…” he felt an hand on his arm.

“Yeah?” he turned to face Dani, polite as always.

“I’m sorry about before,I didn’t want to get the kids into trouble.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Steve shrugged “Jamie and Morgan are a handful together.”

Dani laughed, and then stood on her tip toes to kiss his cheek. Steve hadn’t seen that coming. He stepped away slightly and gave her a smile as she looked at him.

“Well, Aurelia was really upset so thank you for sorting it out…”

“Wife…6 o’clock…” Bucky mumbled. But he needn’t have bothered, Steve knew his wife was behind him even before she slipped her arms round his waist, the hand that wasn’t clutching the beer bottle gently slipping under his black sweater, rubbing his stomach softly. He smiled to himself, knowing full well she was here to make a point, and gently placed his large hand over hers.

“Hey beautiful.” he said softly and Katie felt that fire in her belly light even more at his soft words.

“Hey…” she mumbled, pressing her face into his back, gently kissing between his shoulder blades through his sweater before she moved and slid into the space under his arm, placing herself between him and Dani. Steve rolled his eyes at his wife’s passive aggressive display of possessiveness and glanced at Sam who was grinning ear to ear, watching the exchange.

“You know, Mrs Rogers…” Dani smiled at Katie, ”I was just wondering if we were past the formalities of using our surnames now seeing as our daughters are inseparable? ”

She started to laugh and Katie continued to smile before she replied “Nope, I’m good with Mrs Rogers thanks.

Sam started to cough, which was clearly to cover up a laugh. Steve looked at him to see him smirking ear to ear.

“How’s your husband?” Katie looked Dani. “I don’t see him…”

“We’re not together anymore.” Dani said, her smile faltering slightly

“Oh, sorry to her that.” Katie replied, although her tone said otherwise “Guess he wasn’t a fan of you touching what doesn’t belong to you either.”

Dani’s face slipped, but luckily for her one of the other mom’s called her name and she excused herself. Katie watched her go before she felt Steve move his arm from her shoulders.

“That was mean.” he looked at Katie, his brow furrowed.

“I don’t like people touching my stuff…” Katie shrugged.

“You’re a fucking brat.” Steve said sternly, his face displaying no humour. Katie was completely unabashed by his tone and shrugged again

“I warned her last time I’d snap her hand off. She got off lightly.”

With that she turned and walked back towards Pepper and Jennifer. Steve watched her go, his face flushed with anger at her childish display.

“Damned…” Bucky whistled out. “I know you said she could be vicious, Steve, but wow…”

“I think that’s called marking your territory.” Sam quipped as Steve shook his head, the nerve in his jaw twitching.

“It’s called being rude.” He said, before he drained his beer and tossed the empty into one of the recycling tubs by the table “Scuse me fellas, I need to go have a word with my wife…” Bucky and Sam watched as he strode across the lawn, hand pushing his hair back off his face. He reached Katie, acknowledge the women before he gently wrapped his hand around her arm and bent to speak into her ear. She looked at him, frowned, and then allowed him to lead her inside.

“So now they’re gonna have a row and then angry sex, right?” Bucky looked at Sam. Sam nodded.

“Totally…shall we join the ladies?”

“Good idea.” Bucky agreed.

*******

“Uh oh Dad’s approaching…” Emmy said to her mum.

“Is he pissed?” Katie asked, grimacing slightly. As soon as he’d chastised her before she knew he wouldn’t leave it there and she was going to get a lecture about her attitude.

“He’s wearing his Captain’s face…” Emmy wrinkled her nose.

“Shit…”

“A word, inside now…” Steve’s voice was quiet, calm and level as he gently gripped Katie’s arm, but she recognised the icy tone it carried. Frowning slightly, she let him take her hand as he led her inside and through to the lounge. Steve shut the door behind him and Katie watched him, cocking her head to the side.

“Was there any need for that?” he said looking at her.

“For what?”

“You know damned well what.” he said, his voice still low as he raised an eyebrow “What you said to Dani, it was rude.”

“Whatever.” Katie rolled her eyes.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me…”

“Don’t speak to me like I’m one of the kids…” she shot back, her voice slightly louder.

“Well stop acting like one of them.” Steve’s hands dropped to his hips. “The dig about her husband was awful, you do realise he cheated on her right?”

Katie’s face slipped a little “No, I didn’t…but, hang on, how do you know that?”

“She told me, the other week when I dropped Aurelia off home.”

“Oh so you’re like friends now, she confiding in you?” Katie’s tone was steely.

“No, she just mentioned that she was grateful for us having Aurelia because she’d had an appointment with the solicitor. So maybe, just maybe you should think about apologising.”

“Piss off…” Katie laughed in disbelief. “She kissed you on the cheek…”

“And?” Steve frowned “You forget that plenty of guys do that to you…”

“My or our friends, yeah. She is NOT my friend Steve…”

“Do you seriously feel that threatened by her you have to be so downright nasty?”

“I’m not threatened…look, like I said before, I told her last time she touched my stuff again and I’d snap her wrist. She got off lightly.”

Steve shook his head at his wife, he loved the bones of this woman but sometimes her behaviour drove him up the wall. She could be so petty and obtuse it was ridiculous.

Rogers by name, Stark by nature.

There was a tense silence which Katie broke.

“Are we arguing still?”

Steve sighed “I’m not arguing with you, I’m just pointing out I think you were out of line. If you don’t think you were then that’s your prerogative.” Katie hummed, before she grinned and looked at him “Wanna go fuck in the Camero like last time?”

Steve shook his head, she was unbelievable.

“No.” he said simply, turning to open the door. But Katie wasn’t giving up that easily.

“Shame, because I’m not wearing any panties.”

Ok so that got Steve’s attention. He let out an inward groan as frankly, that sex they’d had in the garage after the previous Dani incident had been hot as fuck but no, he wasn’t giving in here. What was it she always told the kids? “Actions have consequences”

Damned right they do sweetheart.

He turned back to face her, his back pressing to the door as he glanced down at his hands, the sleeves on his sweater were rolled up slightly exposing his forearms. He raised his gaze to meet that of his wife’s and damned, he nearly caved, because she really did turn him on more than she would ever know. But right now, he wasn’t giving her what she wanted.

He sighed and repeated his earlier statement to her “Such a fucking brat.” before he turned and walked out of the room.

Katie remained where she was, stunned. For the first time ever, in their 16 years of being together she had failed to seduce her man.

Part 2

#stark spangled forever #steve rogers #Katie Stark #steve rogers x ofc #steve rogers x original female character #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers fic #mcu #mcu fanfic #chris evans #chris evans characters

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jobean12-blog · 4 years

Text

Top Shelf: Chapter 15- Binding Love

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader (Bookshop/Bartender/Baker AU)

Word Count: 1,894

Summary: You finally start to get things moving and it’s all so exciting and then something even more magical happens...

Author’s Note: Hi again loves! Happy Monday! I hope everyone is doing well! I hope you enjoy this chapter, it made me really happy to write it. The macaron place the reader is referring to is called La Maison Du Macaron and you can visit the sit here so delish! Thank you for your continued support and love, it means everything and I know I say it every damn time but you all rock, thanks for reading and much love always ❤❤❤

Warnings: Fluffy fun, happy fluff, soft fluff, FLUFF explosion! yay! :)

Top Shelf Masterlist (all the previous chapters can be found here :)

“You ok baby?” Your question startles Bucky from his thoughts and he looks at you with a soft smile. “Yea. I am. Thank you beautiful.” With your fingers entwined you walk down the street, your arms swinging and your hearts lighter. “Now I’m just thinking…where do we start”? You hum in agreement, lightly skipping in front of him and twirling yourself around.

“Well. We have to call Tony and tell him we’re in. So, we’ll do that first thing on Monday. And he might be a good person to ask on what to do next.” Bucky watches as you continue dancing yourself down the street, lightly jogging to catch up and twirl you around again. “Good idea,” he says before kissing you, his fingers buried in your hair and your hands clinging to his shirt.

“Bucky, we’re really gonna do this aren’t we?” You whisper the question against his lips, eyes still closed as you catch your breath. When he doesn’t answer you open them and the depth of love you see makes you lose your breath once again. “We are. And there’s no one else I want to do this with.” Before you can say more, he kisses you again and you let the sound of the city and the rest of the world fall away, completely wrapped up in him.

Monday starts off well and your call with Tony is full of hope and excitement. He wants to meet with you again to go over how and where to start and he wants Steve to come as well so they can discuss the structural changes that the Bookshop will undergo. The buzz from it all carries you through the rest of the day and your thoughts are ever present on all the ideas you have for the renovation.

‘Hey doll. ❤❤ I was thinking we should meet up with everyone after we talk with Tony and maybe discuss ways to get the word out, you know on social media and all that.’ You smile as you type your reply text. ‘That’s a great idea ❤ Nat is a whiz with this stuff and has done some freelance work for companies so she will be a huge help.’ His own response makes your smile grow. ‘How did we get so lucky. Our friends are the best.’

Later that night the two of you are sitting on the couch, facing each other, criss cross apple sauce, pen and paper in hand. “Ok babe. So far, you’ve had my chocolate chip peanut butter cookies, chocolate pie, cream puffs, and chocolate chip cookies.” Bucky is vigorously shaking his head yes and licking his lips at the thought of all the yumminess. “What about brownies? People love those! And definitely some kind of cake, right? Muffins are a must! And maybe even those cookies you love, the ones with the little feet that we get at that fancy French place in your neighborhood?”

Bucky’s hands are flying this way and that as he continues hurling out different desserts and goodies. At first you try to keep up and write them all down, finally just giving up and throwing the pen at his head. He catches it of course. “Ugh. Why did I know that would happen? you laugh, picking your feet up and poking him with your toe. Ignoring your complaints, he grabs your feet and starts tickling them, expertly pulling you forward and covering your body with his.

“Did you get all that. Hmmm? Huffing as you lay under him you try to get your arms free but have no luck. “I stopped after the cookies with the little feet,” you deadpan, trying your hardest to wiggle out. “Feet? I said cookies with feet?” His bewildered look is the last straw and you burst into giggles, screaming out “macarons, they’re called macarons,” just before he starts tickling your sides.

He finally lets up when your face starts turning red. “Man that is way too fun,” he sighs out happily when he sits up, still keeping you pinned to the couch. “You’re the worst. Now take me for macarons at La Maison!” Grinning down at you he lifts his hands in a promise of more tickles but instead helps you up and kisses you sweetly. “Anything for my best girl. Let’s go.”

When you meet with Tony later in the week, you’re much less nervous and having Steve with you just makes it all the better. The location he picks this time is much more relaxed and you feel like you’re getting to know more about Tony as a person and not just a businessman. “I’m excited for you kids. And you’re lucky you have so many willing and able people on board,” he says, looking to Steve. “I think you should get started as soon as possible. We have about 8 weeks left of summer and it would be nice to have things ready for fall.”

Steve perks up at that. “Buck, if you’re gonna serve coffee and all that you can make pumpkin spice stuff. I’ve seen Peggy literally do dances for anything with pumpkin spice.” Everyone laughs and can’t help but agree. “It’s true. My wife has made me go out in the pouring rain to get her a pumpkin spice latte. She loves that stuff.” Tony’s smile is real whenever he mentions Pepper and it gives you a good feeling, loving that he’s sharing a bit more about his personal life.

The four of you sit and talk for over three hours and it isn’t until you rest your head on Bucky’s shoulder and cover your mouth in a yawn that Tony decides it’s time to go home. Steve walks halfway home with you guys before he makes a turn and heads to his shared apartment with Peggy. “See you guys this weekend and don’t forget about Friday Buck.” Steve gives Bucky a stern look before hugging you tight and saying goodnight.

“What’s happening on Friday?” A mischievous grin creeps over Bucky’s face and you start smiling yourself. “Bucky. You better tell me.” Bucky’s smile is so big and bright you can’t help how infectious it is. “Ok. Listen to me. He told me not to tell anyone because he’s afraid it will ruin the surprise but he also said if I couldn’t take it anymore I could tell you but if you ruin the surprise he’ll kill you. So.”

You’re now jumping up and down in front of his apartment, pulling on his arm and shouting, “oh my god. OH MY GOD. He’s gonna propose, isn’t he?” you whisper yell, nearly bursting. Bucky’s shocked look makes you throw your head back with laughter. “I knew it! Peggy, Nat and I were talking about it the other day. Peg was saying Steve’s been acting so strange and then Nat just threw it out there that he is probably going to ask her to marry him and that was it.”

Bucky starts to look frantic and you quickly take his face in your hands. “No, no, Buck. Don’t worry. She doesn’t know when or how or any of that. She doesn’t have a clue. We were just having fun and talking.” It seems like he wants to say something, so you wait, watching as a sea of emotions swirl around in his eyes. “Ok. That’s good. Because if anything goes wrong, my ass is toast. Even though he can’t touch me but ya know.” Scoffing you brush him off and spin back around to ask, “wait. So, what’s happening Friday?”

“Well we have to go pick up the ring and then I’m going to help him carry out his plan.” You clear your throat and try to hold back your emotion. “I’m so happy. I can’t wait!” Bucky takes your hand and opens the door to his building, letting you through first and securing you to his side once you’re in. “I’m happy for them too,” he whispers into your hair, “it’s going to be amazing.”

By the time Friday comes you’re practically thrumming with excitement and can barely contain yourself every time you talk with Peggy. You’re thankful for modern technology and texting because if you had to talk on the phone you would definitely give something away. You’re supposed to meet Bucky and everyone at the bar tonight to celebrate the engagement, so you and Nat hang out after work to get ready. You all decided to get a little more dolled up than usual tonight considering it was a special occasion and you knew Steve and Peggy would be looking fancy themselves.

“I wonder if she suspects anything,” Nat says as she turns around for you to zip her dress. “I hope not. I mean we did elude to the fact that he might be up to something, but it was all in good fun. Either way, I know she’s going to be so happy. My turn.” You turn around so Nat can zip you up, giving yourself one last look in the mirror.

When you arrive at the bar Sam is outside to greet you, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head when he sees Nat in her dress. You leave the two of them to say hello and head inside. The moment your eyes lock with Bucky’s you can tell he thinks you look incredible. He mouths a “wow” at you before Peter nudges him in the elbow to get his attention. He doesn’t take his eyes off you, instead motioning for you to come closer.

Walking up to the bar you shimmy between some customers, leaning over so Bucky can whisper in your ear. “You look stunning.” With a light blush you pull away and kiss his cheek before searching for Nat and Sam and finding them in your usual spot. “Anyone have an eta on the newly engaged couple?” you ask when you reach them.

Sam slides in close, whispering, “Bucky said they should be here in under 30. He wouldn’t give me any more info.” Looking at Nat you cover your mouth to quiet your squeal, “ok, thanks Sam!” He walks away to grab your drinks and you watch Bucky behind the bar. “Do you think you’ll marry him.” Nat’s question has your head snapping back and you take a moment to appreciate the weight of it. She just smiles and squeezes your hand.

Before you can take the conversation further, Bucky rushes over with Sam, handing you your drinks and yelling, “they’re just about here.” The four of you get to the front of the bar as quickly as you can and wait for Steve to open the door. You see his blonde hair first and you can already feel the tears building. He opens the door for Peggy and the second her eyes land on the four of you she screams and comes running at you full speed.

Her arms wrap around you and Nat and all three of you jump up and down, crying and hugging and grabbing her hand to see the ring. It’s gorgeous and perfect and you’re so happy. She calls Steve away from the guys and you all hug again, congratulating them and gushing over the ring. Sam and Bucky watch from behind and Sam turns to Bucky whose gaze never once leaves your smiling face. “So. You’re next huh?”

@flyawaybay @throwmyheartawayagain @amandatar-06 @nd1998sc @captainchrisstan @vherriepie @godofplumsandthunder @when-the-hell-is-bucky @fire-flv @jamesbarnesappreciationclub @irishflutiegirl @rinthehufflepuff @moonybarnes @nordlysinthewoods @scarletsoldierrr @inflxmes @lauratang @my-favorite-fics-and-imagines @buchanansebba @emilylyoness @yansi1923 @curlyred2020 @addikted-2-dopamine @lady-pswrld @lookiamtrying @pinkdiamond1016 @lokilvrr @aesthetical-bucky @auro-ora @buckys-broody-muffin @bugsbucky @bucky-on-my-mind @breezy1415 @buckys-henley @buckys-minty-breath @book-dragon-13 @eurynome827 @hiddles-rose @hawksmagnolia @hailmary-yramliah @imgaril-lindru @ikaris-whore @itsunclebucky @jhangelface0523 @jewels2876 @kaosera @loricameback @lorilane33 @littledarlinhavefaithinme @littleredstarfish @mushyjellybeans @marvelgirl7 @marvelandotherfandomimagines @nano--raptor @nerdypinupcrystal @randomfandompenguin @sallycanwait68 @softpeachbarnes @tuiccim @the-wayward-robot

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deadenginescribbywibs · 3 years

Text

Reunion - Prologue

After the battle there was an impromptu information session held in a damp and chilly bunker half a mile up from the ruined compound. Night was already closing in, as were reporters and the few family and friends tied to the heroes who weren’t present at the battle. May Parker, Happy Hogan, Cassie Lang, Clint Barton's wife and kids.

“We need to be prepared,” Captain America said, still beaten and bruised but no longer sporting dirt in his teeth, “just in case anything else happens- In case anyone comes from another time.”

And so the remaining heroes sat in October weather in the concrete room, some falling asleep- from the cold or their injuries, who could say. He talked about what he could. The battle of Wakanda five years prior, chopping off Thanos’ head, Natasha, Tony. When he couldn’t choke back the tears, Sam took over, and when Sam couldn’t continue, it was Rhodey. Towards the end it was Rocket who carried the meeting, and in the back, Peter Parker kept his eyes firmly on the ground. Nearest to the door and too cold from the draft of impending winter wind, he listened to the drone of strained, sometimes tearful voices. When it was over, wrapped in a damp blanket, Peter wondered if this is what it meant to be an Avenger.

---

Peter always imagined the Avengers having a lot of energy, at least that was his impression from Germany. What he saw now wasn’t a group of unlikely heroes rising to meet challenges head on. They were just ghosts, like him, and he felt he could fade away at any moment.

His phone rang, probably Ned or May. He had nothing to say, so he didn’t pick up.

The boy sat in the hall all alone. At least it was warm, a far cry better from the two freezing nights sleeping on cots outside the upstate Avengers facility. Peter rolled his shoulders in their joints and stretched his neck. His head was still pounding, the last reminder of the physical toll of Thanos. Even safe inside, Peter’s mind was still on the battlefield, on Titan, and Tony’s face when he started to dust away, the desperate grip trying to keep him alive.

Peter started at the sturdy hand landing on his shoulder.

“Hey.” Steve Rogers stood at his side, blue eyes fixed on the sign on the far wall. MORGUE. “Thanks.”

Peter shrugged his shoulders and averted his eyes. “For what?” He croaked.

“For staying with him. Tony never liked to be alone…” Tears stung at Peter’s already red rimmed eyes but he held them in, body tense. After a moment's hesitation Steve sat down in the other dingy little mint green chair and crossed his arms. The silence stretched on until it was comfortable.

Eventually Peter fell asleep, head resting on Captain America’s shoulder.

Steve was just trying to stay awake.

“What’s up, punk?” Bucky strolled up the hall in his green sweats and grey long sleeve shirt, metal hand tucked into a pocket.

Steve gestured at the teen asleep on the floor a few feet away. “Babysitting.”

Bucky’s eyes trailed over the small figure huddled under the wool blanket pressed up against the wall, a hospital gown balled up under his head. “Jesus, we can’t get the kid a bed?”

Steve shook his head. “He wouldn’t leave if he could.” He nodded to the ‘Morgue’ sign.

“Starks?”

“Sort of.”

By the third day they were able to disperse somewhat. It took time to get communication and transportation back online through SHIELD, and to get the unhoused heroes into some kind of temporary lodging while waiting for spaceships and quinjets to be repaired. A side effect of many of the heroes being stranded on Earth and more specifically in New York, however, was that they ended up at the lakehouse of one recently widowed Pepper Potts. For having just watched her husband die and the near destruction of the universe, she was managing as well as could be expected.

Peter was sharing a spare room with Thor and Rocket and Peter Quill, and although he hadn’t been alone in a week- or a week and five years, depending how you looked at it, the sounds of breathing in the dark room were a comfort compared to the clinical silence of the medical wing hall.

At 4:40am his stomach rumbled. Peter groaned. “No.” He turned over under his covers, but the hunger wouldn’t let up. After days without food running on a super metabolism, his will finally broke at 5:13am and Peter slunk out of the bedroom tiptoeing over beings big and small alike.

The kitchen was dimly lit. Outside, a small lake glimmered under a moon hanging low like ripe fruit, illuminating the trinkets and cups and pictures in the modest but modern kitchen, not the place he pictured Tony retiring into but nice nonetheless. It was homey.

He didn’t have an appetite per se, or at least the nausea was still battling against his will to eat, but Peter eventually settled on a box of crackers in a cupboard. He plunged a hand into the crinkling plastic liner and stuffed a handful of saltines into his mouth greedily, and suddenly parched, Peter reached for a cup for water. Next to the haphazardly placed drinking glasses were a row of pictures, the first, Howard Stark he recognized from history books, and the next he wasn’t sure, but the last in the line made Peter’s heart skip a beat. Tony and Peter posed for a photo for his Stark Internship, peace signs poised and smiling giddily. He’d thought it was the best day of his life. He must have been standing staring at the picture for a long time, because by the time Peter broke out of his melancholy, the stars had faded out of sight in the early morning sky.

There was a faint shuffling to his side. Peter turned to see Pepper Potts in her bathrobe, not a trace of makeup on her face, a tissue in her hand. She’d been crying all right.

“Oh.” She said faintly seeing Peter standing at the counter, the photo lying in front of him. “I didn’t see you Peter. Sorry, I just woke up feeling-’ Pepper gestured at the room in general as if to say ‘I just watched my husband die horrifically and now our retirement home is filled with sad heroes and I don’t know what to do.” But Peter didn’t say anything. He presented her with the box of crackers. “Still not talking much, hey?” She sniffled and ran a hand through Peter’s hair before reaching into the box of crackers. “Me too.”

Pepper bustled around the room preparing coffee. When she placed a mug next to him she noticed the picture and picked it up silently. She traced her fingers over the frame. “You know, he did it for you, Pete. He loved you.” Peter could have sprinted away at lightning speed, a rush of guilt balling up in his chest and stomach telling him to escape, but he forced himself to stand very still. Pepper kissed the top of his head and turned back to her coffee, smiling still. “He can rest now.”

So there was some crying in the shower. One might call it hysterical, but Peter thought he did okay considering. If he’d gotten in before taking off his pyjamas, well. No one was around to see.

“Move over.” A voice grumbled over him. Peter was back in bed again that morning of the third day, and judging by the light slanting through the windows, it was probably still early. Thor stood over him looking quite gruff. “I can’t sleep on the floor anymore.” He said it politely enough, so Peter scooted over until he was laying practically at the edge of the double bed. Thor collapsed onto the other side and it hardly took a moment for him to fall fast asleep.

Not wanting to consider why they had given him the bed in the first place- “He slept on the floor outside the morgue. If Tony could have seen-” Peter rolled over to check his phone. 39 Text Messages, 9 Voicemails. Peter groaned, he scrolled through the latest messages from May.

May (6:43am)

Call me when you can.

May (6:48am)

And text me that you’re okay.

May (6:49am)

I larb you.

The familiar guilt returned and with it, the nausea. Peter thought he might throw up if he had to talk on the phone. He wanted to see May more than anything, more than seeing Tony again, more than eating a hot poptart right out of the toaster, but he couldn’t. It would break her heart, and with the sad eyes he was already getting from the Avengers collectively, Peter couldn’t do that to anyone else. He hastily replied. Larb u 2.

When Thor rolled over a moment later Peter found himself trapped under a huge outstretched arm. Being too tired to lift it- Thor must weigh 800 pounds, it was so heavy- he resigned himself to being crushed. With just bird calls and Thor’s faint snoring and Rocket and Quills quiet breathing to be heard in the room, Peter fell back asleep.

That afternoon the Avengers seemed to be doing better. Rocket banged around in his spaceship now housed in the backyard with Nebula’s help. Quill was checking out Bucky’s motorcycle, though the assassin still seemed very uncomfortable at the lake house in general. Steve Rogers came and went on his bike. Peter thought he was taking comfort in doing damage control, if only to spare Pepper from doing it. She was taking a nap on the couch.

The house was mostly quiet and so Peter was taking a moment of refuge to sit on the back porch with a cup of tea and his wool blanket. He didn’t know where it had come from, honestly, and it was outright filthy and dingy from getting dragged around the battlefield and the SHIELD compound for days. He was just drifting into space when the screen door swung open and a young brown haired teen stepped out. Peter recognized him as Harley Bennet, though they’d only met a couple times before the Snap and a couple times over video since the battle.

“Peter.” He said, and Peter stood up shakily in his blanket. Harley extended a hand but then shook himself. “What am I doing-” and he pulled the younger boy in for a hug. When they pulled back Peter gave him a weak smile. “How’s it going here?”

The young Avenger just shrugged his shoulders. A moment later a bounding blur of dark brown hair and blue pyjamas burst through the door. “Harley!”

“Morguna! In the flesh!” He called, sweeping her into a spinning hug. “What’s up, lil sis?”

“I’m sad.” She said suddenly pouting. Peter grimaced. To his surprise Harley knelt down by her side. “Me too. But you know what Tony said about being sad?”

“What?” She asked innocently.

“It’s nothing blowing stuff up can’t fix.” He whispered.

And so that’s how Peter, Morgan and Harley found themselves in the barn that afternoon, a frightening weapon tucked under Harley’s arms. The former two were still in their pyjamas, and all three wore safety goggles although Morgan’s were on askew. Peter reached over to adjust them and gave her a pat on the head, she smiled at him.

“Nobody tell Pepper about this.” Harley said with wide eyes.

“Don’t chicken out.” Morgan whined and received a rakish grin in return.

“I won’t. I’m not. Listen. Tony talked about-” He made a funny gesture, “alien invasions sometimes when I was a kid, and it got me thinking, what would I do if they came? So I made this gun.”

Peter eyed the glowing gun suspiciously. The thought that this was a Very Bad Idea was starting to sprout in his mind. “I mean, it’s a potato gun, okay? It’s not like Tony was going to give me real ammo.”

“Com’n!” Morgan cried, and Harley grinned again.

“Alright okay.” Harley shouldered the gun over the very poor barricade they made from a tipped over wheelbarrow and a barrel, pointing it at a bale of hay for Gerald’s lunch. “Check it out!” He said, and yanked on a lever which started a worrying, high pitched buzz. It cranked a couple times and sputtered. “Oh, come on.” Harley said, giving it a bat with his palm. Suddenly the gun fired up, and Peter just reached out to grab it just in time to point it at the target when it erupted, launching several potatoes at criminal velocities. “Ah!” They cried. The potatoes hurled through the bales, strands of hay cascaded everywhere, the potatoes made a hulking splutter sound on the other side as they crashed through the wood plank walls, splintered wood shot out the other side and someone cried “Oh my fucking god. Are you serious?!”

It was Rocket. Harley, Peter and Morguna looked at each other, at the erupted hay bale, at the light streaming through the hole in the wall, and at the potato gun. “Oh my god!” Peter whispered loudly.

“Whoever that was, you are about to be dead.” Rocket said from outside. Peter grabbed the gun, hurled it under the nearest vehicle, grabbed Morgan and Harley and launched all three of them into the hay loft.

Rockets shadow appeared before he did and he looked menacingly at the overturned wheelbarrow and scattered hay as he came around the corner. “Seriously? Whoever that was, come out now so I can shoot you in the face.”

Morgan giggled, Harley and Peter covered her mouth, perfectly still in the scratchy hay. “Shh!” There was a strand poking Morgan right in the face, and she wrinkled her nose again as it itched. Nebula came around the corner looking just as unimpressed. She glanced over the scene and then at Rocket. “Children’s games.” She said.

“I got hit in the ass with a fucking potato.” The racoon complained.

“Get over it.” She said walking away. Rocket glared into the dingh of the room. Morgan’s nose crinkled again and she shivered, and just as Rocket turned away, she let out a sneeze. He pinned the three of them with a look, probably marking a small oddly shaped mound of hay in the loft. The three children stayed very still and quiet for a second. Morgan looked at both Peter and Harley with huge brown orbs. After a moment Rocket rolled his eyes and looked off in the distance, probably at Nebula. “Well I can’t go and shoot Tony Stark’s kids in the face, can I? Where’s Quill?”

As soon as he rounded the corner, Morgan started giggling and squirming to get out of the hay causing it to slide out from under their feet until they all tumbled down onto the ground, Harley and Morgan giggling and tittering the whole time. They looked at Peter and started laughing anew. He looked down, his shirt was full of hay like an overstuffed scarecrow.

“How far along are you?” Harley snickered. Peter huffed a laugh too.

Tony’s ashes arrived that night. Pepper kept it quiet. She tucked the red silk bag into an old arc reactor Peter had never seen and placed it carefully into her dresser drawer. Peter watched from her bed. It was one of the only quiet spaces in the house around dinner. A bit of sensory overload and fatigue made him silent and sullen that afternoon and as soon as she caught wind she’d corralled Peter into bed with a cup of tea. They kept silent company, and when she was done, she sat in the occasional chair in the corner brushing out her hair while they watched TV. Eventually she started in on her cuticles, then disappeared to retrieve laundry from the dryer.

“May is coming up for the funeral.” She told Peter handing him a freshly laundered hoodie. He pulled it on, it said MIT. Peter felt like he should tear it off immediately. “She’ll be here in the morning. Your apartment is still occupied,” she frowned, “I think you’ll have to stay a little longer.”

“Thanks.” Was all he said, but he accepted a bundle of socks passed to him.

“Are you sleeping okay? I heard Thor is sharing the bed with you.”

“Yeah.” Peter huffed a little. “It’s not so bad. He’s dead asleep most of the time.”

Pepper smiled knowingly and cocked her brows. “At least it’s not Bruce.”

Bruce was still in the hospital and for that Peter was grateful. The sight of Bruce’s burnt arm was enough to send the teen into a panic attack.

Overall, Peter wasn’t so hard done by. After all, there were heroes strewn literally all over the property. Drax, Mantis and Groot slept in closets and hallways, Carol Danvers and Nebula camped in the backyard. Bucky Barnes and Captain America were at an abandoned motel not far up the road, and Sam and Rhodey took over the dining room at night. Harley slept on the couch, and Morgan in her own room was undisturbed. Rocket slept in a bed of clothes in a dresser drawer in Peter’s room, and Quill slept on a burnt mattress on the floor that had been pulled out of the Milano. Valkyrie had returned temporarily to Asgard with the help of Thor wielding Stormbreaker, but Thor stayed behind for, well… Peter had to imagine it was emotional comfort. He was the only other Avenger as pathetic as Peter, the boy thought, watching the huge hulking form curled up on the couch, cups of yoghurt strewn about the coffee table. Thor had been catapulting between emotions since the battle, but mostly he was just tired.

“Can I ask you something?” Peter said about an hour after sitting in the otherwise quiet living room. Thor shrugged, now in one of his morose moods. “How old are you?”

“Fifteen hundred, give or take. The years aren’t as important when you are as old as Asgardians are.”

Peter sat in thought for a while. The house was starting to show signs of life, laughter could be heard outside and in the halls sometimes, he even thought Pepper sounded alright talking to Happy on the phone that day. “Do you do birthdays?”

Thor shrugged. “Sometimes. Every fifty years or so. We had one at my inauguration, although looking back, maybe it wasn’t the right moment to celebrate, as it set my brother on a path of destruction that eventually led to Thanos killing him.” He supined. His nose was stuffed up.

“Oh.” The boy sat a moment longer sensing the sadness wash over the man, but even if he wanted to join Thor’s wallowing, Peter was starting to feel the pricklings of relief swell up under the surface tension of his grief. “We should have a birthday. Tonight. To celebrate.”

“...To celebrate?”

“To celebrate.” It didn’t sound all that convincing to Peter either, but anything was better than this.

They had a birthday. It was cramped. Like, really cramped. The seventeen people in the vicinity of the house were stuffed into the little kitchen, Morgan sat on Thor’s lap. The god of thunder was dressed in a little pink frilly apron. Harley was sticking a ridiculous number of sparklers on the cake in the other room with the help of Rocket and Drax. Bucky and Nebula stood stolidly in the back hall, Carol Danvers stood in the back door. Pepper sat next to Thor, and Quill and Mantis were eating icing off of a spoon. Sam stood in a narrow broom cupboard holding his beer to his chest. Steve Rogers stood behind Thor, a beacon of comfort and resolution in the sea of calamity. Groot sat on another stool playing his video game, and Rhodey sat by Peter on the other side, very much on board with a drink in his hand. “This is great.” He said. “Nice one Parker.”

“Thanks.” Peter croaked. He felt more awake than he had in days. Morgan braided Thor’s beard while they waited, and when the cake came out, they sang Happy Birthday haphazardly while Harley carried the cake. The sparklers burst into a ball of flames as soon as the cake was set on the table. Thor scrunched up his face, “Fiend!” and shot the cake with lightning, strawberry icing exploded in every direction. Pepper laughed first, then Rocket and Drax laughed, Mantis and Quill laughed and Harley, Morgan and Thor laughed, and soon everyone was laughing, and Peter was laughing too.

“That was a good call.” Sam said idling up to him that evening. Peter found solace on the back porch. The lake was beautiful to look at in the night. “Morale was running a little low.”

Peter’s mouth quirked up into a smile. “Thor’s morale was low. I dunno about everyone else.”

“Everyone else too. You just get better at hiding it when you get older.” He tucked his chin. “I know we just celebrated his like thousandth birthday-”

“Fifteen hundred and something-” Peter corrected.

“-But Thor’s not that much older than you are. Maybe a bit. He’s younger than Steve.” Sam said definitively.

“Well everyone’s younger than Steve.”

“Good point.”

This time when Peter went to the snack cupboard in the middle of the night, Nebula and Carol were in the kitchen sitting in relative silence, and Rhodey was reading in the other room.

“Hey.” He waved. Nebula and Carol nodded.

“Is Thor snoring again? I can go punch him.” Carol joked. Peter smiled bashfully.

“It’s all right. I don’t mind.”

“It’s Quill that’s worse.” Nebula supplied. That was probably the first time she’d ever spoken to him, and he nodded guiltily.

“He’s been mumbling in his sleep.”

“About what?”

“Kevin Bacon. He, uh…”

“He was in the movie footloose.” Carol said. Nebula rolled her eyes.

“Of course.”

“Well, I guess if Peter’s up that means it’s bed time.” Carol stood up groggily. “Nice sitting in silence with you.” She chirped to her companion. Nebula nodded. Carol ruffled his hair on the way out.

What remained of the birthday cake sat on the counter so Peter grabbed a fork and took a huge mound. Nebula was looking past him, and when he turned around to follow her line of sight, he saw the picture again, the one of him and Tony.

“You were Stark’s ward.” She stated. Peter didn’t immediately reply, eyes shifting sideways out the far window. “He was the first person to ever be kind to me without expecting anything in return.” She caressed the exposed panel of electronics running from her forehead to her crown. “After the battle on Titan he fixed my head using metal from his own armor. And... he taught me how to play paper football.”

“That’s just how he was.” He mumbled around a mouthful of cake. In the other room, Rhodey was smiling into his book, eavesdropping. He had a new prosthetic exo-support pulled from a backup supply in Tony’s garage.

Still looking at the photo, she continued. “Thanos was my father, and people will shudder at the memory of him for eternity. But he's not the one people will ask about.”

Ears hot, Peter swallowed around the lump ever present in his throat, but there were no tears now. If anything, he was relieved. He shoved another forkful of cake into his mouth and stood up, striding away from the table. From the other room Rhodey piped up. “Oh my god. Was that the most words you’ve ever said?” Nebula raised her middle finger. “It gets worse. Who taught you that?”

She smirked. “You can blame Barton.” Rhodey rolled his eyes.

“Of course. That guy is a douchebag.” It sounded bad, but Rhodey said it warmly and smiled as he returned to his book. Peter swung back around with the platter of cake and set it down in front of Nebula.

“You’re pretty cool.” Then he asked hopefully. “Can I fix your headpiece too?”

They used Tony’s battle armor, the one he’d been wearing when he died. It was piled up in the garage, or at least what could be salvaged. Burnt, cracked, bent and shredded, the sight of it served a visceral reminder of the battle. Until now, no one dared go near it.

It took time for Peter to build up the nerve to touch it, and before he could, Nebula pried a piece off the left arm. She might as well have pried his heart from his chest, but Peter quelled his nerve and set to work, pilfering tools from Tony’s lab like Pepper said he could. By the time the other Avengers rolled around, Nebula had a new head plate, striking gold cut from the last Iron Man ever made. Over the brow it was inscribed, “MK2.”

May arrived bright and early that morning and the first thing she did was hug Peter, then pulled back, then hugged him again. “Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my-”

“May. It’s alright. I’m fine, see?” Peter said, holding out his arms.

May Parker was not one to be fooled, however, and scooped the boy into her arms again. “My baby boy. All grown up and saving the universe.” She swept a tear from her eye and then turned to Pepper, sweeping her up as well. Pepper might have needed it, she sighed deeply.

“Are you holding up okay?”

“As well as expected.” Pepper sniffled pulling away. “It’ll be nice to have another normal person around the house. There are too many manful tears happening here.”

May was introduced to Harley and Morgan, then to the rest of the Avengers. The lot of them and others returning from afar were changing into funeral clothes. Soon the funeral would be over, and that would be it. The Avengers would dissemble, and Peter would be on his own.

During the funeral he held back his tears. It was hardly his first time burying a loved one. He stayed quiet and still, and when it was over, he sat on the dock with Morgan while the adults reminisced about Tony, and about Natasha. “I miss daddy.” Came her little voice from his side.

Peter nodded mutely, swallowing his sadness. The wind over the lake blew their hair back, and Peter rubbed little circles on her back as she sniffled. “Don’t you miss him?” She asked. He nodded again around the lump in his throat. When he couldn’t hold back his tears he wiped his cheeks with the sleeve of his suit. “Your dad was my hero.” Morgan rested her head against him.

“He was your dad too.”

He couldn’t respond to that, he didn’t know how to explain the complexities of their brief relationship to his mentor’s actual blood relative, so he just stayed silent. Maybe in a few years, Morgan would understand that she was Tony’s only child, not him. But then Peter thought back to Pepper Potts in the kitchen at 5am making them a pot of coffee in the dark, and Peter wasn’t so sure.

“He did it for you, Pete. He loved you.”

Shuri took Peter for ice-cream at the diner nearby. They walked in their funeral clothes despite the rain and sleet that started that afternoon, and the ice-cream compounded the cold, but it was fun. “And so I asked them-” She recounted, “why couldn't they unlock my phone. They said it’s company policy. So I took it apart right then and there and manually unbricked it. And guess what?” She laughed, she had ice-cream on her lip and Peter was suddenly struck by how attractive she was.

“What?” He gushed back.

“They banned me from the store.”

Peter laughed while she lamented about getting tossed from a Tek-i-Mobile. By the time they arrived back at the house, covered in freezing mud and rosy cheeked from the wind, he was feeling almost normal.

That night- the last they would spend all together, there was a Mario Kart tournament. Even Pepper clad in pin striped pyjamas joined in the cajoling, Morgan sat in her lap. Shuri, Peter and Harley had the obvious edge, but Rocket was a close competitor. Bets went around. Money changed hands. Then Quill and Thor got into an argument and it ended in a milk gauntlet challenge, at which point Pepper banished them from the house and they threw up milk in the backyard.

“I’m sorry about this.” Peter told Pepper seriously. Somehow, this was his fault. She heaved a little sigh and smiled.

“Believe me, if you’d spent much time with them before, you’d know to expect this.” She paused for a moment and her nose wrinkled as she smiled, just like Morgan. “Tony would have loved this.” And she snapped a picture on her phone.

At that moment, Peter knew he would give anything to have Tony back. What he didn't know was that soon, he would.

#ao3 #read on ao3 #far from home #no way home #spider-man #post-endgame #post-far from home #peter parker #cinnamon roll #wintersoldier #avengers #fixit of sorts #peter parker needs a hug #found family #new to writing so for real leave me feedback #canon divergence #butonlybecauseIdidn'tbeatthetrailer #bucky and peter friendship #avengers need a new home

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trillian-anders · 4 years

Text

chicken noodle soup

pairing: chef!bucky x plus!reader

warnings: fluff, fluff, fluff, a little angst. just a dash.

word count: 1779

description: chef!au; bucky makes you chicken noodle soup when you’re sick, and you guys have a talk.

note: i’m extremely sick and this is what i wrote, i needed a little comfort. if you have a request for the next dish, let me know loves.

just a taste masterlist

You watched the corded muscles of his back from your spot on the sofa. His right arm moving up and down, steadily chopping carrots as the garlic and onions sweat in a large pot on the stove. His left arm, something you still didn’t ask him about, mottled skin covered with blooming flowers, a rosary, whisping into a vintage pinup girl that posed on his forearm, hands tangled in her hair as she arched her back against the flowers behind her as if laying in a field of flowers.

His left arm held down the vegetable, knuckles facing the knife as he cut the carrots into thick pieces, practiced fingers running against the blade before he switched hands, left moving not quite as steadily, but still practiced.

You were sure your apartment smelled delicious, if only you could smell it.

He came over even though you’d told him not to. Last night when you’d stumbled in your front door after a very draining workweek. The winter deadline met, first quarter final report submitted and a head pounding and nose clogged you’d collapsed onto your couch with a bottle of NyQuil. Dead to the world.

He’d called worried, you’d been telling him you hadn’t felt well all week. “You need to rest babydoll,” He scolded, you’d rolled your eyes on the phone with him, your heart warming with the concern laced in his voice, toeing your socks off before slipping under the covers. “Stark can go a day or two without you.”

“After this week ends,” You said, “I just have to meet Friday’s deadline and then I’ll rest.” Friday had happened, and everything was done. And you collapsed on your sofa. Resting.

His call came in two hours after you’d fallen asleep, a groggy, “Hi baby.” And he sighed,

“I’m coming over.” You snuggled deeper into the cushions of the sofa you’d spent way too much money on, suddenly appreciating how large and soft it was.

“I’ll be fine,” You croaked, “Really.” But you could already hear his keys in his hand.

The food truck had been doing really well, well enough that Bucky and Sam hired some extra help. A kid named Peter who needed an after school job that would just handle plating and taking money while Sam or Bucky cooked, finally giving them enough time off between them to start seriously looking for commercial space for their restaurant. Something Bucky had been giddy about for weeks.

“I told Sam I needed tomorrow off,” He said, toeing off his boots by the front door. Your sleepy face peering at him from behind the blankets pulled up to your nose. “But I’ll have to work Sunday.” He had a large paper bag he’d set on the counter before padding over to you and pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“You really didn’t have to come,” Your nose stuffed and red, a pile of discarded tissues next to you on the coffee table and reruns of Survivor playing on TV. He rolled his eyes, picking the snotty mess of tissues up and saying,

“When’s the last time you ate?” You didn’t know. “Here.” A glass of orange juice and a glass of water, “You need liquids.” You sniffled and he ran his fingers best he could through your tangled hair. “Wouldn’t you rather be in bed?”

“I’m comfy here.” You mumbled, eyes half lidded. He nods, brushing his thumb across your cheek,

“Sleep babydoll, I’ll wake you up to eat.”

He’d refilled your water, the small sips for your scratchy throat was a marvel. He’d placed a pack of honey cough drops and a new bottle of NyQuil on the coffee table. There was a multi-pack of tissues sitting still in the plastic beside them. The tv had been turned down to a quiet amble. He was listening to some kind of podcast in the kitchen.

He poured a box of chicken broth into the large pot. A smaller pot next to it cooking egg noodles. A ginger root sat idly beside the stove.

You knew Bucky loved to cook, he loved making you things you’d never tried before, he’d love to experiment with flavors and you were his own personal guinea pig to try new recipes. They were trying to nail down their menu after all. But he would also make the best comfort food that warmed your very soul.

He knew exactly what you needed and when you needed it. And this soup, as stuffy and clogged, as your head pounded and your body ached, you needed this soup.

He stirred, a strand of hair falling into his eyes. It must be late. He’d changed into pajamas. The loose sweats and t-shirt wasn’t what he was wearing when he first arrived. He must have felt your eyes on him, turning to look at you as you pulled your lips into a chapped smile. He laughed softly,

“You look so pathetic.” He joked, pulling a bowl from the cabinet.

“I am.” You whined, rubbing your head against the pillow, comfortably watching him scoop some noodles into the bowl before ladling the broth on top. Chicken, carrots, celery, mushrooms, a bit of grated ginger, the broth was dark from some soy sauce. Red pepper flakes mixed in and garnished with cilantro. “Spicy Asian chicken noodle soup.” The broth hit your nose and you could almost feel your sinuses clear then. “You’ll be able to breathe again by the end of this.” His socked toes meeting yours as he curled up next to you, sitting you up and handing you the bowl. “I know you like spice.”

It was so fucking good. Runny nose be damned. You hadn’t realized how hungry you actually were. A bowl was finished, and then a second. His fingers tracing up and down your spine while you ate.

“If you’re not feeling better by Sunday, you should call out on Monday.” The soup had been packed and stored in your fridge. The noodles separate from the broth. “Stark can afford to go one day without you. You have those sick days for a reason.” You know. You know.

His arm wrapped around your shoulder, pulling you tight into his chest.

“I’m gonna get you sick.” You mumbled into his soft well worn shirt. His fingers massage your scalp, your eyes drooping.

“I’ll be fine,” He pressed his lips to your head, “Don’t worry about me. Sleep sweetheart.”

And you did.

“So next week Steve is coming up from DC for the weekend.” Bucky called from the kitchen, heating up the leftover soup from last night, “If you’re feeling better by then we were going to go out to dinner, he’s been asking about you and Sam and I think it would be good for you to meet him if you can.” Steve. The other part of the trio.

Bucky had told you they were inseparable once, meeting in basic training the three of them becoming quick friends. Their paths crossed a year after, the three of them chosen to be part of a special ops squad that moved mostly undercover. It didn’t need to be said that the story behind his left arm was buried there somewhere. But he wasn’t ready for that yet. And that’s okay.

“If you’d like me to.” Honestly it gave you anxiety. You and Bucky hadn’t really had the talk yet, the two of you not even breaching the conversation having sex after spending the majority of the last month together. There was making out, kissing, and a lot of it. But if he wanted you to meet

Steve it must mean something right?

But there was still this paranoia, this little niggling in your brain that made you feel like the rug was going to be pulled from beneath you. Just like it had before.

How many times had you been really into a guy and when it came to the point, in what you thought was a relationship, to meet his friends or family he was suddenly really shady about it. A guy had literally told you once, “My friends would make fun of me if I dated a fat girl.” That had been a heavy blow.

And you know you’re beautiful, you know you’re smart, and you know that you can survive on your own. But you didn’t want to anymore. You wanted to start working towards a partner, possibly getting married, maybe having or adopting kids. And Bucky seemed so perfect. A little too perfect.

“Of course I want you to.” Meet Steve. The bowl was carefully handed to you while he settled down next to you with his own bowl. “Why wouldn’t I want you to?” The soup was just as good as you remembered it from last night. It had been late, almost one am when the two of you cuddled up on the couch and cleared your sinuses for the first time in a week.

You shrug, spooning more of the spicy salty broth into your mouth. He gives you a strange look, “You’re my girlfriend,” Brow scrunched, “Girlfriends typically meet their boyfriend’s friends.” Your chapped lips parted and closed, “I mean I know we never like, officially, said anything, but… I thought you knew we were together.” His voice sounded a little sad. His eyes meet yours, placing his bowl on the coffee table.

You shook your head, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know if you wanted to--” You sighed heavily, “I’m sorry. No, we are together.”

“Did you think we weren’t?” The bowl was taken from your hands and gently placed beside his on the coffee table, grasping your cold hands in his.

“I… I didn’t know,” It was hard to look at him, “Sometimes, it’s just…”

“I’m sorry I didn’t make it more clear what my intentions were.” His voice level and reassuring, “I want to be with you, I want to be your boyfriend.” Your eyes glassy. Your period was probably going to start soon, to be fair. You’d cried during Masterchef earlier when the girl had burned her sauce. It had been devastating.

“No, I’m sorry.” You shook your head, “Communication goes both ways and I just didn’t think to ask.” In case you said no. He softly pressed his lips to yours,

“Y/N, will you be my girlfriend?” You sniffle,

“You’re gonna get sick.” Bucky rolls his eyes, smiling,

“Are you gonna answer my question or not?” You bit a little dry skin off your bottom lip before nodding,

“Yes.”

The next weekend had been at his own apartment, his stuffy nose and watery coughs a mimic of yours. The dinner with Steve would have to wait.

taglist // @bookish-shristi @saturnki @jennmurawski13 @geeksareunique @the-soulofdevil @tinmunky @albinotigerpython

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes #tfatws #the falcon and the winter soldier #the winter soldier #sebastian stan

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squashedbananatk · 4 years

Note

23 & 25 with peter and bucky

Gotcha Gotcha!

Requests still open!

Homework Interuptions

It was late afternoon and most of the team had gone on a mission leaving Peter and a few others at the compound. Peter decided to use this time to finish up his homework. Peter had the habit of doing his homework on the floor, and since he was pretty much alone he decided to just sprawl out his work on the carpet in the compound.

He was probably on like question 25 or 24? He didn’t know anymore. That’s when Bucky entered the room.

“Hey kid, what’r you doing?” Buck asked as he went into the kitchen area and grabbed a soda.

“Homework.” Peter replied not looking up from his book.

“Oh come on kid, really? That’s like all you ever do!” Bucky complained closing the fridge.

“Well, duty calls...” Peter said reaching for his calculator.

“What’s the homework?” Bucky asked sitting down next to Peter.

“Calculus.” Peter replied.

“Ugh! BARF!” Bucky sighed and grabbed Peter’s calculator.

“Hey! Give it back!” Peter groaned.

“Not so fast kid! What even is this?” Bucky asked.

Peter rolled his eyes “It’s a calculator grandpa! Now give it back! I gotta finish this” Peter said reaching for it.

Bucky scoffed “How dare you! That is no way to speak to your elders!” Bucky joked.

“Yeah well, you’re more then an elder at this point. Times have changed drastically from when you were my age.” Peter snickered and webbed his calculator back.

“Oh shut up.” Bucky groaned pushing Peter over.

“Hehey!” Peter said as he sat back up.

“Whats the matter tin can? Can’t take a joke?” Peter asked crossing his arms.

“You take that back right now kid!” Bucky demanded.

Peter just shot a web in Bucky‘s face.

“Gah!” Bucky cried as he pulled the sticky substance off of his face.

“Alright! Thats it!” Buck yelled grabbing the kid and pinning him to the floor.

“You gonna apologize kid?” Bucky asked.

“Never.” Peter said shooting another web at him.

“Whatcha gonna do tin can? You know if Tony found out you hurt me you would end up as recycling.” Peter snarked with a chuckle.

“You think you’re so funny don’t you?!” Bucky asked.

“Well of course you wouldn’t understand my youthful humour.” Peter smirked.

“Oh yeah? Well let me tell you a joke from my time then. I bet you will be screaming with laughter!” Bucky says grabbing the teen’s ankle and pulling him closer.

“Hit me with your best shot Old man!” Peter challenges.

“Alright, you asked for it....” Bucky started.

“Ah! Hey! Whahahait! Stahahap! ahahaha!” Peter screeched as Bucky pinched and squeezed his knee.

“Ha! See! You’re laughing before I even say anything!” Bucky exclaimed as Peter pulled on his leg but Bucky had a literal Iron grip on his ankle.

“Behehecahahause of yohohour fahahahace!” Peter fought back.

“Oh yeah? Speak for yourself! Your face is looking pretty funny right now.” Bucky replied.

“Buhucky! Stahahap!” Peter begged flailing about wildly.

“Not until you apologize kid!” Bucky smirked.

“Whahahat?! I’m nohohot apohoholohogizing!!” Peter replied through fits of giggles and shrieks.

“We’ll see about that, Come here you!” Bucky returned and pulled the kid closer and managed to pull him into a bear hug.

“You ready to apologize kiddo?” Buck asked causing the teen to cringe from the air blowing on his neck.

“Nohoho!” Peter giggled kicking his legs and scrunching up his shoulders making him look like a turtle.

“You sure are giggly kid, I wonder why... my hands aren’t even touching you!” Bucky teased and blew on the poor teen’s neck making him squeal.

“Stohohop tahalking!” Peter screeched out trying to move his neck away.

“Less talk more tickle? I can do that!” Bucky obliged and drilled his fingers into the young hero’s ribs making him go balistic.

“Nahahahahahaohohoho! Buhuhuhucky!!! Ihihihihit tihihihickles!” Peter laughed twisting and turning in any way he could to get away.

“You think you’re ready to apologize?” Bucky asked while blowing on his neck.

“N-N-Neheheheheveheheheer! Ahahahah!” Peter cackled when Bucky’s hand went to his tummy.

“You’re choice.” Bucky smirked and fluttered his fingers on Peter’s neck and collarbone.

Peter couldn’t stand light tickles they were always so teasy and agonizing! It made his spidey sense goes nuts!

“Nohoho! Eeeehehehe! Wahahait!” Peter protested.

“Why are you so adorable Spiderling!?” Bucky teased.

“I-I’hIhIhI’m nahahahat!”

“Yes you are! Especially when you’re tickled riiiight here!” Bucky said and shoved his hands into Peter’s armpits. Bucky knew he didn’t have to hold him cause when the kid is tickled there he just collapses and goes completely limp.

“NAHAAHAHAHA! BUHUHUHUCK! NAHAAT THEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAH!” Peter screamed and fell to the floor.

“Apologize kid!”

“NAHAHAHAA!”

“I guess I’ll just stay here then lalala!” Bucky joked drilling his thumbs into the insanely sensitive spot.

“OK! OK! OK! I’M AHAHAHAHA! I’M SOHOHOHORHYHYHY! NOW STAHAHAP!!” Peter cackled. Thats all Bucky needed to hear and he took his hands off the teen. Peter crawled away and curled in on himself.

“See? Was that so hard?” Bucky asked.

“I- I hahate you...” Peter said in between breaths.

“Uppup! Do we need to go for round two?” Bucky asked as he crawled over to Peter.

Peter put his hands out in defence.

“No! Nononono! I take it bahack!” Peter screeched.

Bucky chuckled and just ruffled his hair before standing.

“Now finish your homework, before the team gets back.” Bucky smirked throwing him his textbook.

“Sure thing Dad” Peter snarked under his breath.

“What was that?” Bucky asked

“N-Nothing!” Peter said and opened the book.

Fin~

#ticklish!peter #marvel tickle #tickling #tickle prompts #spidermantickle

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professional-benaddict · 4 years

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♥️ Red Heart, White Box ⬜️ lll

A collab between myself and @questionablewritings xx

Mafia AU, boss Tony, pet/plaything +18 Peter, bodyguard Steve, bodyguard Bucky, underground doctor Stephen, gun violence, shootings, GSW, body modification, non con organ donation, threats and use of violence, 2k

Or Peter starts his recovery and Bucky tells Steve what he has seen in the supply closet.

part one - part two - part four

Part lll - The Red That You See

Peter ate way more than he wanted to. The ice cream that he usually could eat a whole pint of in one sitting, was now making him more nauseous than ever, even after just a few spoonfuls. Besides, he could barely focus on swallowing the ice cream when he was overwhelmed with the feeling of his body not feeling like his anymore. The extreme fatigue and exhaustion was new and strange to him. He had not felt this weak in over 6 years.

But, Peter ate, for Tony’s sake. He could see that his much older boyfriend looked heartbroken. His eyes were sunken, and lacked that edge and fire that made him the best in his field. Usually, Tony also held his head high, like a proud lion would. Now, he looked like a kicked puppy, which was mostly Peter’s look. Tony had had a similar look when Peter had threatened with leaving him a few years ago.

“Why don’t you have some?” Peter suggested kindly, to try and cheer Tony up, but also to spare his stomach. He hardly dared to imagine the pain vomiting would cause him, so perhaps now was the time to refuse more food from Tony. The boy gently pushed the pint of ice cream closer to Tony’s torso while he held it in his hand. In the other, the boss held a plastic spoon with some brownie ice cream on it still where Peter had not lapped up all of it.

“Baby, you need energy. Even if that is just sugar.” Tony chuckled, but there was a teary and sad hint to it. Like he was begging Peter to get better, and fast, and he scooped up some more ice cream onto the spoon before offering Peter. Steve, who had been observing for a while from across the ward, decided to step in.

“Boss, I think you’ve fed him well already.” Steve said, hoping that his boss would take praise easier than criticism. “Why don’t we let Peter rest? I can bring you back to the mansion so you can shower, sir.”

But, still Tony took offence to Steve’s motherly-ness.

“Is there something you want to say, Rogers?” Tony snapped and turned on his chair next to Peter’s bed to face his bodyguard. More than used to this, Steve kept his head up and blinked calmly at his boss. Sensing the tension in the room and like the sweetheart he is, Peter tried to stop the two men before guns where pulled out. That had happened before, and Peter would rather not have to deal with that now.

“Daddy…” Peter pleaded, but it still took a few seconds and for the boy to actually reach out take his boyfriend’s hand. Only then, did Tony shift his focus back to Peter and away from Steve.

“I’m sorry, baby, shit- I’m sorry.” Tony apologised right away, looking pained with his brows furrowed. But, if it was genuine, that was debatable. “This is all about you. Rogers should just fuck off and leave us alone, yeah?” The boss said kindly to Peter, but the stab in his tone towards the bodyguard was not subtle in the slightest.

Deciding not to pick a fight, Steve stood up and straightened his work suit while clearing his throat. He was used to being told to ‘fuck off’, so he was not fazed. Instead, he was worried about leaving Peter alone with Tony. The older man was clearly unstable, and Steve had his doubts about whether Tony was sympathising or empathising with Peter. Either way, Steve and Bucky work for Tony, so they must obey him, even if he is unreasonable at times. At least Peter was here to keep Tony in a good mood, so he better recover quickly for all their sakes.

To still keep an eye on Peter and Tony, Steve went to stand outside of the makeshift ward. In the quiet hallway, Steve’s mind began wandering to when Peter had first joined their little family. On one long and hot summer night, Tony had found him wandering the streets aimlessly. The boss had told that Peter had clearly run away from home, since his duffel bag had a sports team’s logo that belonged to a town hours away. Tony had followed Peter with his car for a while until the boy confronted him. He refused Tony twice when the older man asked him to hop in, but he gave in on the third try. According to Tony, Peter had hopped in because Tony had laid out a gun for him for Peter to hold Tony at gunpoint with while they drove. That way, the boy would feel safer. And it seemed to work, if you believed Tony, since here Peter was, by his side, 6 years later.

Peter, on the other hand, recalled the events differently and had told Steve that Tony had found him at a gas station and had gotten into his Audi when Tony offered a ride. There was no mention of a gun. But, back then, Peter was still new to the whole mafia lifestyle. It took him a while to get used to Tony, Steve and Bucky being armed constantly. But, that did not stop Peter from being shot, which made Steve re-think the Glock under his suit jacket. But, when the blonde heard a sudden noise, his reflexes got the better of him and his hand reached for the gun before he could process that it was just Bucky exiting a room. Was that a supply closet he came from?

“Buck, the fuck are you-“ Steve started, but then Bucky crossed the hall to shush him.

“Keep your voice down!” The dark-haired bodyguard whispered harshly, looking up and down the tunnel hallway. Steve kept his mouth shut, but his confusion remained.

“What’s-“

“Some shady shit, that’s what. We have to get out of here. And don’t give me that shit about Peter needing to stay here, because then we’ll all be some cold fucking corpses!”

“Bucky, Jesus- what are you talking about?” Steve asked, trying to keep his voice down, but the realisation that there might be something serious, and urgent, going on was making his instincts kick into high gear.

“I found organs! Human organs, Steve! In boxes, ready to be sold. Strange is not who he says he is.” Bucky revealed. Actually saying those words made the bile climb back up his throat. “I think- I think he stole something from Peter.”

Bucky does not need to specify what. Steve has already figured it out. Based on the additional surgical wound on Peter’s side, Steve guessed that the doctor had taken a kidney. Humans can manage with one kidney, but still, this is more offensive than words can describe. Jesus, they have to tell Tony. But, before that they need proof.

“Did you see that it was Peter’s?” Steve asked.

“God, I-“ Bucky stuttered out and rubbed the side of his face. “I looked at all six boxes, but there were multiple kidneys, and- and other shit. Man, I think I saw a heart!”

“Buck, for fuck’s sake pull yourself together. You’ve seen way worse.”

“You didn’t fucking see it…” Bucky muttered back, but quickly shut his mouth when he heard footsteps coming down from the hall. Steve had obviously heard too, and he fell into old habits and took a parade rest position, as did Bucky. The footsteps belonged to Mordo who came down from the main clinic and did not spare either of the bodyguards a look before entering the supply closet.

Wordlessly, Steve and Bucky stepped into action and moved to either side of the door to the supply closet. Like two lone wolves teaming up for a hunt, the two bodyguards continued to communicate wordlessly and pulled their Glocks out and cocked them quietly. With bated breath, they waited for Mordo to exit again, and once he did, Steve expertly twisted his left arm behind his back while Bucky pointed his gun at his forehead. The anaesthesiologist yelped in frightened surprise, but quickly shut his mouth when Bucky lifted a finger to his lips. In his right hand, Mordo held a white box with a red handle.

“Who’s is that?” Bucky asked, gesturing down to the organ transport box with his eyes. Mordo grinned wickedly, then groaned out in pain when Steve twisted his arm harder behind his back.

“I’m not talking.” Mordo said, which earned him a swat across his cheek from Bucky’s gun. “Jesus! What’s that for?”

“Where’s Strange?”

It turned out that Stephen was actually out, and so Steve and Bucky got themselves comfortable in some chairs in the main clinic. While they waited for the doctor to return, like Mordo had promised, the bodyguards twiddled with their guns. After tying up Mordo on the floor and gagging him, Wong had shown up as well and the mafia guards had no trouble catching him too and giving him the same treatment as his coworker. Now, they were sat next to each other, hands tied behind their backs and gags in their mouths. As if they were going to talk either way. Bucky had to give them something, they were at least loyal to their boss. But, so was he and Steve to their own boss.

After tying up the surgical nurse and anaesthesiologist, Steve and Bucky had the situation under control. They just hoped Tony wouldn’t walk out anytime soon to see all this. Due to the boss’ current unstable mindset, the bodyguards decided to keep him out of this. At least until they had proof. But, God, the more they thought of it, the more certain they were that Stephen and his employees had stolen Peter’s kidney to sell it.

All four in the main clinic perked up a bit at the sound of a heavy metal door opening and closing with a thud. While footsteps echoed from the staircase leading up to the surface, Bucky and Steve exchanged a quick look and Steve got up with his gun still cocked. Hiding behind by the wall to the entrance, Steve waited for Stephen to enter. The doctor barely got to mutter out a confused ‘what the hell’ before he shut his mouth at the feeling of a cold gun barrel being pressed to the back of his neck. Mordo and Wong looked defeated, but not surprised at seeing Steve holding their coworker at gunpoint too.

“You got some explaining to do.” Steve started from behind the doctor.

“I think you do, actually. Why do you have my coworkers tied up?”

“What’s in the box?” Steve barked and used the gun to push Stephen’s attention to the white box with the red handle on the floor.

“Why don’t you ask your boss about that?” Stephen chuckled out, standing up straight again. He even dared to turn around to face Steve, as if there was no gun being pointed at him. Bucky was almost impressed at the doctor’s confidence.

“I’m asking the questions, asshole! What’s in the box? And all the other boxes in the fridges?” Steve continued interrogating.

“You must be awfully confused, Rogers.” Stephen purred, but did take a step back when the blonde guard pushed the gun in between his eyes.

“You better wipe off that shit eating grin right now and start answering my questions, or I’ll paint these hideous walls with the insides of your head.” Steve threatened, and based on experience, Bucky knew that he was not kidding.

“I’m telling you, Rogers. You should ask Stark about this.” Stephen continued to speak calmly, but with a bit more edge now. In his fury, Steve did not seem to catch not the hint, and growled at the doctor before punching him square in the face. But, Bucky had realised, and looked up at his partner.

“Steve…”

While the doctor groaned and bled on the floor, Steve turned to Bucky. At first, Steve shook his head, refusing to believe what the doctor was hinting at and how Bucky seemed to be believing him. This could not be true, there was no way. Did Tony…

“No.”

“Steve…!”

“Keep ‘em in check!” Steve barked and gestured to the three hostages before running down to the ward. But, his heart didn’t pound at the adrenaline of this whole hostage thing, nor the running, but rather at the awful idea of Tony being behind all this. There was no way. No way.

Tag list: @buckettbarnes @prettyboy-parker @starkerplusstrange @sugar-and-spice-parker @xsmallplum @starkerdreams @mynerdrage @kyattogaaru @im-a-slut-for-alucards-belt @sxdnxy-jxhnsxn @suddenlyhotimsuddenlycool @everyonelovespetey @ironspiidey @gipumar @the-secret-avenger

#RHWB #my fics #my prompts #mafia!tony #starker #tony stark x peter parker #peter parker #tony stark #stephen strange #james bucky barnes #steve rogers

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what-is-your-plan-today · 4 years

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Stark Spangled Forever: Stendhal Syndrome

Part 1- Brat

Intro: It’s Rori’s fifth birthday party, and there’s someone there who Katie doesn’t really appreciate hanging round her man.

And Steve doesn’t really appreciate Katie’s attitude either.

Uh Oh….

Warnings: Bad language.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

SSF Masterlist // WIYPT Masterlist

May 2029

“Katie…” Steve called up the stairs. He waited for a moment. There was no response. “Honey?”

Still nothing.

He gently closed the door and headed back downstairs and into the den where Jamie was sat cross legged on the rug faffing with some Lego and Rori was perched watching The Wizard of Oz.

“Guys, what do you fancy for lunch?”

“Are you making it?” Jamie looked up at him. Steve snorted.

“Fraid so pal. Momma’s asleep with Harry.”

“Is Harry still sick?” Rori looked around, her eyes wide.

“He’s ok sweetie.” Steve assured her “He just has a tummy bug.”

“Or he ate your cooking.” Emmy said from behind Steve as she passed him heading into the kitchen.

“Enough cheek thank you.” Steve said, raising an eyebrow at her back. He heard her chuckle as she opened the fridge.

“Jamie its ok…” she called “There’s left over lasagne.”

“Yesss.” Jamie said, jumping up off the rug. “Mom’s lasagne is the best.”

“Daddy?” Rori spoke again, her round green eyes looking at Steve.

“Yes baby?”

“Will Harry be ok for my birthday party?”

She considered his answer and nodded. Steve reached out and gently tucked her dark hair behind her ears. It was then he noticed her lip wobbling.

“Why is your face always scratchy?” she asked and Steve gave a laugh.

“Thanks Em.” Steve said, dropping Rori onto a chair by the table before he moved over to grab some plates.

“Think we should save mom some?”

“No it’s ok.” Steve shook his head “if she’s hungry when she wakes I’ll make her a sandwich.”

She wrinkled her nose and nodded.

“There’s plenty in the bar…just don’t get that drunk one of you drowns.” he said after a pause. “Explaining that to Peter’s Aunt or Jennifer would be a bit awkward.”

“Thanks dad.” she smiled at him.

Katie glanced up as he opened the door, her finger on her lips.

“Hey…” he whispered.

She smiled and gave a soft yawn “How long have I been asleep?”

“Not sure sweetheart.” he said, “I came up about an hour or so ago and you were flat out.”

She gave another yawn and Harry stirred gently, his hand rubbing at his eyes before he settled back down. Katie gently felt his head.

“He’s not as warm as he was.” she said as Steve gently perched on the bed, smoothing back his son’s dark blonde hair.

“Rori got really upset.” he said, smiling softly “She mentioned Jemima’s brother.”

Katie sighed and frowned “Yeah. It was hard trying to explain that when we heard the news. Is she ok?”

“She’s fine.” he assured her “Gave her a pinkie promise Harry only had a tummy bug so.”

“Daddy’s girl.” she smiled and Steve gave a gentle chuckle.

“Peter and Brooke are coming over later.” he said “Emmy wants to hang out in the pool house with a few beers.” Katie smirked “You’re definitely going soft in your old age.”

“Well Emmy is 21 now so I can’t stop her and as for Pete and Brooke, well, sooner they do it here than in a bar.” he shrugged. “You want some lunch?”

Katie shook her head “I’ll eat later.”

“Hey baby…” she said, kissing his head.

He mumbled something again, his noises not quite forming into words yet, still being half asleep, and then he turned his head to peek up at his dad.

“You ok Pal?”

She sat up, pecking him on the cheek at the point where his beard met smooth skin. “You know you might not have the shield anymore but you’ll always be their superhero.”

********

Ever.

Sam gave a loud snort of laughter as Steve explained about the whole incident when they'd been looking round the house and Dani flirting with him whilst Bucky took another Asgardian beer from the stack Steve had placed in a specific chiller in the garage and popped the top off effortlessly with his metal hand. The three men emerged out of the side door back onto the garden, taking up their spot by the side of the garden overseeing the proceedings whilst the women were perched on the decking which ran flush along the back of the house. Katie was milling around the garden somewhere, making sure everyone was ok.