#TFATWS location

[rosepetalsinwinter]

Five Years That Felt Like a Millenium — Bucky Barnes

Pairing: tfatws!bucky x reader

Word count: 9,554

Summary: It’s been five years since Thanos snapped his fingers. Five years spent all alone. Now Sam is back and he has a new friend. Will Bucky be the one to uncover the secrets behind the bruises lining her body?

Warnings: illusions and mention of violence, abuse, manipulation, and cheating. Nothing explicit. Protective!bucky.

Note: It's been a while since I've posted. Here's a little slice to get you going before I continue with "Meant to Be." Hope you enjoy! 💜

Ao3│Wattpad│Ko-fi

Main Masterlist │Part 1 — Part 2 — Part 3

Happy reading!!

"Sammy!" A figure barrelled into Sam Wilson, almost making the five-foot-ten man topple over.

The girl's arms wrapped tightly around his bulky frame, hanging on for dear life. Her tears soaked his shirt, and her nails dug into his biceps almost painfully, but he said nothing. He only hugged her back with as much vigour and passion, letting his salty tears mix with hers.

Although no time had passed for Sam, years had passed for the girl—five to be exact—and he could feel all her emotions pouring out of her like a dam broken loose.

"Sammy!" she sobbed while her body shook violently. "You're back!"

"I've been back." Sam stroked a hand over the girl's hair, offering her comfort. "I've been here. Where were you?"

The first thing Sam did after he was blipped back to life was to call his sister, Sarah. Only to be told that five years had come and gone. His nephews, who were babies when he left, were now little men. The second thing Sam did was ask about Baby Girl.

He remembered when he first met her. Her family moved to the bayou when she was just five; Sam was fifteen. When her parents died, Sam's family took her in as their own, giving her the same amount of love they gave their other two kids.

So he was surprised, then, to find that Sarah hadn't heard from her in almost two years. Sam, himself, had no luck in locating her until recently. It took him eight months, but he finally found her. She had moved to New York and cut all ties with previous friends and family.

Sam wanted to ask why. Why leave Sarah and the boys? Why leave the only home she ever knew? His questions could wait, though. Now that she was here, he wouldn't ever let her go.

"Hey, Baby Girl," Sam shushed her when she sobbed louder, "I'm here. I'm not leaving again. Promise."

So fascinated by how she had aged from an awkward teen on the precipice of adulthood into a beautiful young woman, Sam did not notice the bruises lining her sides and underneath her clothes—or the circles under her eyes—from almost two years of interrupted sleep. Or the absence of light in her usually glowing irises.

When she let her entire weight fall on Sam and sobbed as she had when her parents died, he did not question it, only held on tighter and carried her towards the house.

"I've got you now, Baby Girl. Everything is gonna be just fine."

While he did not explicitly say anything, Bucky Barnes found the Wilson Family Residence quite endearing. His house in the thirties had been small, and even his current apartment in Brooklyn was compact—which he liked—but there was something so serene about the land surrounding the Wilson residence, so very peaceful.

After ninety years of constant fights, one after the other, all Bucky really wanted was some peace and quiet. And now, he could easily find it after absolving himself of most of the guilt he was carrying.

It wasn't easy, but Bucky told Yori the truth about his son's death and since then, had managed to cross a few more names off his list of amends. A weight lifted off Bucky's shoulders as everything began to make sense.

The Flag Smasher's fiasco was over with, and while the Powerbroker was still at large, there was no immediate threat. Bucky Barnes could rest for now before trouble found him again—as trouble often did. Sam had asked Bucky to stay over for the long weekend, and Bucky had happily obliged.

"It'll be good for you. Get away from that city life."

Bucky agreed. If all went well, he might end up buying his own house. He had a little... calm in Wakanda, and he missed the solidarity.

The axe was steadfast in his hands as he brought it down towards his target, and the sturdy stump was no match for the combined strength of both, the sharp tool, and Bucky's enhanced strength. In one meagre swing, half the stump broke off and landed on the ground with a muffled thump.

Bucky wiped the sweat off his brow with his right arm. It was the middle of June, and while the days were sweltering hot and sticky, the nights could get cold in comparison. Sam had tasked Bucky to get the logs for the fire, seeing as he was the most efficient.

Bucky continued with his work until he got a steady rhythm, stopping periodically to sip his still cold beer. It was then that his enhanced hearing picked up on the strangest sound. He perched the axe on his left shoulder and looked towards the house where Sam Wilson seemed to be consoling a crying girl.

"Huh." Bucky didn't find the exchange as odd as he should have. Everyone around the bayou was always coming to Sam for something. Whether it was a favour, or a shoulder to cry on. Bucky thought she must be someone special if he was hugging her like that.

When Sam took the girl into the house, Bucky shook his head and finished the last of his beer. He continued chopping more wood until the sun began to set, which is when he deposited the axe back into the shed and made his way inside to crash on the couch. Tomorrow would be a long day, what with the bonfire Sam was hosting, and all. Bucky fell to a dreamless sleep the second his head touched the pillow.

He was a light sleeper. So Bucky immediately woke up when he heard someone coming down the stairs. It took him a second to become aware of his surroundings, as it always did. He was in Louisiana, crashing on Sam's couch for the weekend.

Bucky turned his head to the left to see who it was. Probably the boys; they were early risers and loved pestering Bucky about his metal arm—not that he minded. He found their interest refreshing and loved putting a smile on their faces. He was surprised, then, to find a girl instead. The same one from yesterday.

Huh. The girl looked a mess, with only half her hair pulled back into a makeshift ponytail and black makeup smudged under her eyes. Her pants were unbuttoned, hanging precariously from her hips, and her jacket was falling off her shoulders, a few sizes too big. She was holding a pair of shoes in one hand, her phone and shirt in the other. She was also balancing a purse in the crook of her elbow.

It was the shirt that did it. Because, while the girl's own blouse was in her hands, she was wearing Sam's grey-green T-shirt. Bucky knew because that's what Sam was wearing yesterday. She was someone special then if she was wearing his clothes.

Bucky smirked. He was very aware of what the girl had been doing. He, himself, had been on both ends of the situation before. Though it was very long ago, he still remembered the embarrassment of being caught leaving a girl's room in the early hours of the morning.

The girl screamed when she saw Bucky, not expecting anyone to be up, much less lying on the couch and watching her horrible attempt at sneaking out. "Oh, God!" Her phone slipped from her grasp and landed on the floor with a loud clatter.

There was a moment of silence where the two merely stared at each other. Bucky, with poorly concealed amusement, and the girl, with mild horror. She moved first, crouching down to pick up her cracked phone.

"Does it still work?" Bucky's voice was raspy from disuse. When tears gathered in the girl's eyes as a reply, Bucky immediately sat up, dropping his amusement in exchange for concern. He knew nothing about her, but it seemed like she cried a lot.

"No," she murmured, though Bucky heard her as if she were beside him. "Oh, God. No, no, no, no, no..."

"Hey, it's alright," Bucky told her as he crouched down to pick up the purse she had thrown in her haste. He hesitated when he saw a shiny ring peeking out from one of the compartments—too fancy and expensive-looking to be something ordinary. He quickly tucked the circle back and ignored it. Had Sam proposed to her? Bucky was offended he hadn't told him. Maybe it was recent. "Is it turning on?"

"Oh God! N-no," the girl stuttered through her tears.

Bucky was convinced that this girl—who cried a lot—only knew how to say "no" and "oh, God."

"I'm sure Sam can get you a new one, no big deal. What's your name?" Bucky offered the girl his right hand, which she promptly ignored.

She shot up on unsteady legs. "I have to go."

Bucky mimicked her. "Okay?" It was turning out to be a very unusual conversation.

"I have to go," she said again, more slowly this time, as if he were a little kid who couldn't understand a word of English.

Bucky cleared his throat awkwardly, shifting on his legs before giving the girl her purse back. "Right."

The tally was now up to "no," "oh, God," and "I have to go." At least she wasn't crying anymore. Bucky hastily stepped out of the girl's way when he realized he was blocking the hall that led to the front door.

She moved as if someone lit a fire under her. One second, she was there, and the next, she was out the door with her pants still unbuttoned, her jacket still falling off her shoulder, and her shoes still in her hand.

"Nice to meet you..." Bucky dropped his hand and trailed off when he realized she couldn't hear him anymore.

Huh. Either Bucky still didn't know how to talk to people, or that girl was on something. A lot of youngsters nowadays did drugs for fun. Bucky didn't understand it, nor did he want to. He could just ask Sam about it later.

Bucky stretched his arms above his head and cracked his neck. A couch was considerably comfier than the floor but still gave him a stiff back. No matter, a quick run could swiftly solve that problem. Bucky turned on the coffee machine and was biting into an apple when a shirtless Sam came barreling down the stairs.

"You sleep good, man?" Sam asked.

"Yeah," Bucky shrugged, wiping some juice from his chin, "I slept good. Well, as good as I can, considering..."

Sam hummed before opening the fridge and taking a swig of the orange juice. "Nightmare?"

Bucky shook his head. "I don't remember it—Listen, you didn't tell me you had a girl up there."

"A girl?"

"Messy hair, pretty face. Was crying yesterday?"

"Baby Girl? You saw that?" Sam stopped peeling the banana in his hand to look at Bucky.

Bucky merely shrugged and grabbed a mug from the cupboard.

"Sorry I didn't tell you she was over," said Sam, taking a bite of his now-peeled banana. "We were up talking real late. I guess I forgot."

"Yup. Talking," Bucky muttered with a smirk as he poured his coffee. "I bet."

"What?" Sam implored.

"Uh, nothing. Just, the girl seemed nice."

"She is nice," Sam retorted. "You met her?"

Bucky nodded and took a sip of his coffee. Black, just as he preferred it.

"Didn't think she'd be awake," Sam said with a yawn. "She barely slept."

Bucky had to try really hard to keep himself from laughing. "Well, she was."

"She was?" Sam asked suspiciously. "What do you mean she was? Did she go back to bed?"

Bucky shook his head. "She left."

"She left?" Sam scoffed, propping a hand on his hip. He had never looked more like Steve.

"That's what I said," Bucky confirmed, taking another sip. "She's gone."

"Gone?" Sam grumbled. "Bucky, what the hell are you talking about?"

Sam's accusing behaviour was really starting to irk Bucky, making him think the girl's sneaking out was not mutual. Shit.

He laughed uncomfortably and put his mug down on the counter. "Your girl came running down the stairs, half-dressed. She dropped her phone, cracked it, didn't let me help. Then she said she 'had to go' and practically ran out of here, I dunno."

"When?" A vein popped in Sam's forehead as he grabbed a random shirt from the pile of clean laundry near the stairs.

Bucky hastily checked the watch on his right arm. "Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes tops."

That made Sam utter a series of colourful swears as he finished his breakfast and found his wallet.

"Wait, Sam, what's going on?"

Sam didn't answer Bucky, too busy looking for his keys in the wrong place.

"Sam!" Bucky asked louder.

"We talked about this!" Sam scoffed. "I told her to at least stay for the weekend. I can't believe this! We sat down like adults and came to an understanding." He finally found his keys on the key hook.

"Where are you going, Sam?" Bucky countered.

"I'm going to get her," Sam snapped before sighing dramatically and letting his shoulders droop. "Shit, I do not have time for this, Baby Girl."

Bucky moved over the kitchen counter and stood in front of Sam. "What about that meeting you've got?"

"What meeting?" Sam asked.

"That meeting about that thing," supplied Bucky.

"What thing?" Sam grumbled.

"You know what thing," Bucky countered.

"Oh. That. I'm gonna have to reschedule—Man! Where are my shoes?!"

"Why?"

"Why?" Sam echoed. "What's with all the questions, Buck? Because I have to get Baby Girl before she skips town and disappears on me again."

"Sam."

"I haven't seen her in eight months, man, and she hasn't seen me in five years. I'm not about to let her leave—"

"Sam!" Bucky shouted loud enough for his friend to hear. He grabbed his wallet and his keys and put on his jacket. "You're going to that meeting, Sam."

"Like hell I am," Sam retorted passionately.

"I'll go pick up your Baby Girl," Bucky said after downing the rest of his coffee. "You, go to your meeting."

Sam stopped for a moment and seriously considered Bucky's proposal. It was an important meeting. "She'll probably be at the taxi stand," he finally relented. "You know the one?"

Bucky nodded, tying up his shoelaces. "Yeah, I know the one."

"Buck?" Sam called when Bucky was stepping out the door. "You better bring her back, or else I'm gonna light a fire under your ass."

Bucky chuckled, pushing his sunglasses up his nose. "Understood, Sam."

The taxi stand was abandoned. Really, what did the girl expect so early in the morning? It was a long weekend, and the residents of Delacroix rarely needed a commute into the city on an ordinary Friday. She was arguing with the lone taxi driver, pleading with him, really, to take her to the nearest airport. But the man kept denying her. He had been up all night and insisted on napping, telling her to wait another twenty minutes.

She didn't have twenty minutes, damn it. If anything, she needed more time. Time she didn't have.

Her phone could be blowing up right now, and she wouldn't know it. She wouldn't know the consequences of her actions until she bought a new phone. But maybe—just maybe, a voice inside her reasoned—Quentin would be too busy with his work retreat to notice her absence.

The girl tried getting the driver's attention again, who shot her the most hateful look she had ever received before starting his cab and driving away. "Hey! Wait!" she called out, but he had already turned the corner.

A laugh made her spin around. It was the man from this morning, the one on Sam's couch. He stood before her with his arms crossed, a big smile overtaking his face.

"You must not be from the city," he mused, "if you're that bad at hailing a cab."

Bucky had no trouble locating the girl, what with her being the only person in a one-mile radius demanding to be taken to the nearest airport. Her feeble attempts amused him, and frankly, Bucky was having trouble believing she was Sam's girl. He didn't think Sam would've gone for someone as... difficult as her. But hey, it was Sam wanting to spend the rest of his life with her, not Bucky.

Bucky surveyed the girl from head to toe. Her hair was settled, her pants buttoned, and most of her composure seemed to have returned. However, she had gone pale once he revealed himself, her eyes wide with guilt. She was caught red-handed; now, he would be the one to deliver her to Sam.

Bucky pointed at her with his left arm. "Sam wants you home."

He was surprised to see that when she looked down at the shiny metal, recognition flared through her eyes rather than shock or disgust. Good, he thought. She knows who I am.

"No, thank you," she managed to squeak out, and Bucky was pleased to know that the girl's vocabulary extended past the three phrases he had come to know her for.

"You seem smart," he told her when he saw her looking behind him, "but not that smart."

"Yeah?" she challenged, gaining a rare bit of courage. "What makes you say that?"

"You know who I am and what I'm capable of. Smart. You think you can run from me. Not smart."

"Is that right?" she asked. Bucky nodded, and the girl took a deep breath. "I must not be too smart then."

He raised a brow in challenge, wondering where she would go from there.

Suddenly, the girl threw her arms above her head and waved them with abandon. "Mr. Thurow!" she shouted, running past Bucky. "Mr. Thurow!"

Bucky slowly walked towards the girl, unhurried in his steps. He wanted to know what she would do.

"Mr. Thurow!" the girl panted. "I need your help."

"Jesus Christ!" Mr. Thurow bellowed. "As I live and breathe! Is that you, Baby Girl?" He was a stocky man with a kind smile and welcoming eyes.

"Yes, Mr. Thurow," the girl began confidently, "it is. I need your help, please. This man," she pointed behind her at Bucky, "is—"

"Carlos!" Bucky interjected with a smile. "How are you?"

"Sergeant Barnes! Back again already?" Carlos turned his attention away from the girl.

Bucky watched with amusement as the girl's face scrunched with confusion. Her lips parted slightly, and she blinked rapidly. "What can I say, Carlos? I was missing your potato salad."

"Hell yeah, you were," Carlos guffawed.

The girl stood there dumbfounded as the two men embraced each other.

"You know, it was my great nan's recipe?" Carlos asked. "Been in the family for generations."

"I didn't know that. You bringing it tonight?"

"For the bonfire?" Carlos confirmed. "You bet I am."

"Well," Bucky gestured to the girl, "I was just taking Baby Girl here back home. She got a little lost, and Sam was starting to worry." Bucky made sure to make himself sound condescending on purpose.

He heard her scoff. "I was not lost."

"Well, you get her home safe, then. Understood, Barnes? I want to see both of you tonight." Carlos mockingly glared at the girl and winked at Bucky before departing.

"See you, Carlos!" Bucky called out to his retreating figure. "Well?" he questioned, turning his attention to the girl after a moment of silence. "Are you gonna run and embarrass yourself again, or are you gonna come with me?"

"I am not going anywhere with you!" the girl scoffed.

"I will take you kicking and screaming if I have to," Bucky warned.

The girl took a step back hastily, believing his threat. "You're a heathen."

Well, Bucky shrugged. He had been called worse. "Sam threatened me with fire, and that's not how I'd like to leave this world if it's all the same to you."

The girl seemed to consider his words for a moment. "Fire is a painful way to go," she finally mused.

"It is," Bucky agreed.

"I don't like you," she told him bluntly.

"Okay." A lot of people didn't like Bucky. One more wouldn't hurt.

"But no one deserves to die like that."

It seemed the spawn of Satan had a heart.

"Does seem excessive," said Bucky.

The girl paused again. "If I run, you'll catch me." It wasn't a question.

"Always," Bucky promised, and the girl must have believed him because her shoulders deflated, and she hung her head in submission.

"Doesn't seem like I have a choice," she whispered, though Bucky heard her all the same.

"You don't."

"Okay," she relented.

"Okay. Let's go." Bucky led her toward where he parked, and the girl followed silently.

Good, she isn't being insufferable any longer, Bucky thought. Though, luck must not have been on his side that day because not a second later, once his bike came into view, the girl started complaining.

"No. I'm not sitting on that death trap."

Bucky turned to her with an annoyed groan. "Really?"

"I hate bikes!" she told him.

"What? You rather walk?" Bucky crossed his arms.

"Yes, please," the girl replied, mimicking his posture. "I walked all the way here, didn't I?"

"Well, too bad!" snapped Bucky. "We're taking the bike." He grabbed his helmet and handed it to her. He groaned again when she didn't take it and only looked at him like she'd never seen a helmet before. Maybe she hadn't. He wouldn't be surprised. Bucky rolled his eyes and placed the helmet on the girl's head, securing the straps and confirming it fit snugly.

"It's loose," she complained.

"Your head's a lot smaller than mine..." Bucky took his previous statement back. He could definitely see the girl and Sam together. Both of them were insufferable shitheads and obviously perfect for each other.

"Sit," he gestured to the bike. And when the girl turned to him with the same blank look in her eyes, Bucky merely huffed in annoyance. He picked her up and deposited her on the seat as if she weighed nothing. And she didn't. He ignored her shouts of protest and sat in front of her.

"Where's your helmet?" She sounded worried for him.

Bucky laughed. "I don't need one."

"Yes, you do," she chastised him. "You could die."

"I'm a super soldier," Bucky said as an answer.

"Even super soldiers die," the girl retorted.

"I won't die," Bucky responded blandly before revving the engine. "Hold on tight."

"I am not touching youuuu..." The girl ended her sentence with a sudden shriek when Bucky unexpectedly released the throttle and speedily drove away. Her arms wrapped around his torso in a vice-like grip, and she hid her face in his jacket. "Oh, God!" she screamed. "Oh, my God!"

She took her flailing legs and tried wrapping them around Bucky's hips, which made him laugh in surprise. She was holding onto him like a koala bear, all while screaming bloody murder in his ears. Her nails dug sharply into his chest, but he ignored the sting. He couldn't wait to see her face once they stopped.

And eventually, they did. Bucky parked his bike in the back and told the girl to get off, which, of course, she didn't do. He got up anyway, taking her with him, though she didn't let him go once he was standing.

Bucky tapped on the hand around his shoulder. "You can let go now. It's safe."

The girl obediently unwrapped herself from his body, falling indiligently to the ground.

"See?" Bucky smirked. "We didn't die."

"Oh my God," she groaned, shaking on the ground. "I can't feel my legs."

Bucky laughed, extending his metal arm towards her, which she took without complaint. "Let's try again," he suggested once she was steady on her feet. "I'm Bucky."

The girl told him her name, and he repeated it with a smile. "I still don't like you," she said.

"The feeling's mutual, doll." And if she blushed at the pet name? Well, Bucky simply chose to ignore it.

He was on his third beer, a shame, really, since he couldn't feel it. But Bucky had developed a liking for the taste. It reminded him of better times. Before the war, and before his life completely changed.

Sam plopped down on the chair next to Bucky, a happy but tired smile on his face. Bucky turned to Sam and took a s'more from his outstretched hand, biting into the gooey center with a groan. "Man, this is good. I can't remember the last time I had one of these."

"Probably before Christopher Columbus discovered America."

"That's not funny, Sam," Bucky frowned. "Besides, everyone knows the Clovis people got here first, twenty thousand years ago."

"I didn't know that!"

"Because you're stupid," Bucky retorted.

"Whatever," scoffed Sam. He slid down in his chair and muttered "nerd" under his breath.

Bucky was preparing a retort when something caught his eye. The girl was playing with AJ and Cass, trying to catch them as they ran around the fire. Bucky cracked his knuckles and prepared to confront Sam. "You're really mean, you know that?

"Why? Because I called you a nerd?" Sam scoffed. "Well, it's true."

Bucky shook his head and levelled Sam with a glare. "Because you didn't tell me you're getting married."

A long silence followed. "Who's getting married?"

"You are!" Bucky exclaimed. "I didn't even know you had a girl."

"Because I don't!" Sam straightened. "And I'm not getting married."

"But—" Bucky was at a loss for words, then a thought struck him. "Holy shit, Sam! Don't tell me you—" Bucky leaned forward, lowering his voice considerably. "You slept with a married woman!"

Sam's face screwed up. "What the fuck are you talking about? I didn't sleep with anyone!"

Bucky was stunned, realizing a moment too late that he had completely misread the situation.

"Start from the beginning," Sam urged. And so Bucky told him what happened that morning, how the girl came down half-dressed and wearing his shirt. Bucky thought she was a one-night stand until he saw the ring in her purse, and Sam brought her back to his house.

"So, she's not your fiancé?"

"No! She's like a sister."

"But you call her Baby Girl!"

Sam rubbed his temples. "Everyone calls her that. Listen," he sighed, "maybe I should've introduced the two of you before, but I was overwhelmed by seeing her after so long. Besides, I didn't think you would start jumping to conclusions!"

Bucky rubbed his neck in embarrassment. Perhaps he was too quick to assume the girl was Sam's significant other. But if she wasn't involved with Sam, then who exactly was she?

The girl was sitting across from Bucky and Sam on the other side of the fire pit, nibbling on a s'more. The two men watched her as they talked.

"Her family lived in the plot behind ours. They were good people."

"Were?" Bucky questioned, feeling like there was more to the story.

Sam seemed to dissociate for a moment as if he were somewhere else. "Eleven years ago, my dad woke me up in the middle of the night and told me to run to town and wake as many folks as possible. There was a fire down the street, and the trucks had broken down on the highway."

Bucky tensed, hating the direction the story was taking.

"The smoke was so thick I was choking on it from a block away. Over half the house was up in flames by the time I got back. Three men went in and came right out not a second later. Folks were throwing bucketfuls of water to try and contain it, but I remember thinking that was useless. It's like the flames had a mind of their own."

It was then that Bucky accidentally made eye contact with the girl. She frowned at the intense look on his face, jerking her head as if to ask, "What?"

"What happened next?" Bucky asked without removing his gaze.

"I went towards the back, where the fire wasn't as strong. The upstairs window was wide open, and I found Baby Girl lying on the ground with twisted legs and blood oozing from her head." Sam scoffed a laugh, though there was no humour behind it.

Bucky's jaw dropped. "She jumped?"

Sam shook his head. "We found out later that her brother pushed her. My entire family was at the hospital when we broke the news that she was the only survivor."

"Shit." Baby Girl was glaring daggers at Bucky now, though he couldn't take her seriously. Melted chocolate dripped down her chin, and her hair was mussed from the wind. Bucky imagined her eleven years younger, wide-eyed and trembling as her life crumbled around her. He recalled her comment from that morning. "Fire is a painful way to go." "No one deserves to die like that." He looked away.

"She's acting like you're keeping her hostage," Bucky remarked.

"I might as well be," Sam grumbled. "She's dying to go back to New York, and she won't give me a proper reason why."

When Bucky looked back at the girl, she was chatting with Carlos Thurow, seemingly pleading with him. She waved her broken phone, and Bucky could see the cracks on the screen glinting from where he sat. Baby Girl slumped her shoulders in defeat when Carlos took his own phone out to show it had died.

Bucky felt a jolt in his chest as he watched the girl run her hands through her hair in frustration. Something was wrong.

Sam whistled beside him, waving Baby Girl over. The effect was immediate. Baby girl plastered on a shoddy smile, exaggerating a laugh as she waved back and made her way to them.

"You seem happy," Sam observed as the girl took the empty chair beside Bucky.

Bucky looked at Sam to see if he was joking. Sam was no spy, but didn't one have to be blind to not see how miserable Baby Girl looked under her fake smile?

"The party's very fun," Baby Girl answered. "It's—" guilt flashed across her features. "It's nice to see everyone after so long."

"Could've been sooner," Sam muttered.

"I told you I was busy!" she exclaimed. "I didn't have time to leave the city."

"But you won't tell me why," Sam countered. The fight seemed to leave his body, and he sighed. "I didn't call you over to argue with you. I won't bring it up again."

Baby Girl turned her nose to the sky in a way that made Bucky laugh. "You better not." And the conversation flowed smoothly from there.

Bucky offered her a beer, which she accepted with a smile, and the three laughed and joked about until tears ran unbidden down their cheeks. However, despite the mirth dancing in the air, Bucky could not ignore the lingering sadness in her eyes.

"You won't believe what this man asked me before," Sam guffawed, pointing accusingly at Bucky. "He asked if we were engaged!"

Laughter burst forth from mirth-kissed lips. "That's disgusting!" she managed between giggles. "What made you think that?"

Bucky felt flushed under her attention. "You were wearing Sam's clothes that morning," he explained sheepishly. "And I saw a ring in your purse."

Her face made a radical transformation. One moment, she was smiling in a way that made Bucky's heart flutter—the next moment, all pleasure seemed to drain away from her body, leaving her looking gaunt and haggard. Sam was too busy laughing at his untied shoelaces to notice the change in atmosphere, but Bucky felt the full force of it slam against his chest.

"I don't have a ring."

"But I—"

"No!" Her words seemed laced with desperation. Her sober eyes flicked toward Sam. "There was no ring," she stressed.

Bucky could see the hopelessness in her eyes. "Right," he muttered. "I must have been mistaken."

Sam, who had overcome his slight scramble with his shoelaces, sat upright. Inebriation laced his every move. "Right. But that made me think."

"That's never a good thing," Bucky interjected, trying to ease the lingering tension.

"Are you dating anyone? Sarah said she didn't know, but you can always tell me. Huh?" Sam teased. "Tell me. Who's the unfortunate bastard?"

Baby Girl's lips were a thin line, and Bucky anticipated the lie before she could open her mouth. "It's nothing like that. I'm not dating anyone." She finished the rest of her drink and immediately grabbed another.

"You can't lie to me," Sam wiggled his finger. "Come on, fess up. Whoever he is, he can't be worse than Beck."

Baby Girl froze, and Bucky's curiosity was piqued too much to ignore. "Beck?"

"Quentin Beck. Biggest asshole on the planet," Sam explained. "Beck and Baby Girl dated on and off in college. I would catch the bastard every other week with a different woman."

Bucky scrutinized the girl for a reaction, but she seemed to be holding her breath.

Sam began to pout like a child. "He always managed to win her over. At least I can die easy knowing they broke up before half the world blipped."

"He's not like that anymore," Baby Girl whispered to herself. Sam was too far to hear her, but Bucky had no such problem. "He's changed." She wrapped her arms around her body. "He's not like that anymore."

Bucky took in her dark under-eyes and trembling frame, her body sickly from stress. He believed her. Beck wasn't like that anymore. Perhaps he had moved on from his days of serial cheating and picked up a different hobby. Beck probably wasn't like that anymore, but he wasn't any better either.

The former spy suspected that Baby Girl was still involved with Beck. He observed her closely. Her eyes swirled with guilt, and her shoulders drooped in alarm. There was more to the story, but before Bucky could voice a question, Baby Girl stumbled onto unsteady feet. She swayed back and forth, betraying her inebriation, and Bucky reached over to keep her from falling.

Baby Girl pushed his hands away. "I'm tired," she croaked. "I'm going to bed." And she staggered away, bumping into people as she disappeared into the house.

Bucky relaxed back in his seat with a tired sigh. On his left, Sam was passed out over the arm of his chair, mouth open in a loud snore. Bucky craned his neck back and stared openly at the night sky. Stars twinkled brighter here than they did in the city. Everything was more serene and calm. However, since Baby Girl arrived, Bucky couldn't help but sense a slight shift in the air, as if the wind knew her secrets and was trying to warn them. One thing was made clear. It wouldn't be pretty.

It felt oddly like déjà vu. A light clambering of feet roused Bucky from his half-sleep, and as always, it took a second for him to make sense of his surroundings. He was on Sam's couch.

The steps were hesitant and controlled—so not AJ and Cass. Excitement and a sugar overload had kept them up late, and they wouldn't wake until a few hours later. Bucky was proven right when a lone woman descended the steps instead of two boys.

She looked a lot better than the last time he had seen her. Freshly showered and reasonably presentable in her own clothes this time—not Sam's. She hadn't seen him yet, so Bucky took the opportunity to observe her a moment longer. Her under-eye area was still dark, though not as sunken as before, and she carried an air of determination around her.

"Good morning," Bucky broke the silence.

Baby Girl shrieked, seemingly slipping over nothing. She tumbled backward, falling in an indelicate heap onto an armchair. "God above!"

Her vocabulary was steadily expanding.

Bucky sat up, regarding her with a guilty expression. "Sorry."

"I forgot you were still here," she mumbled sheepishly, straightening herself into a more respectable position.

There was a moment of awkward silence where neither acknowledged the other.

"I was wondering..." the girl started.

"Yeah?"

"Could I borrow some money? I didn't bring enough with me from New York."

"Uh, sure," Bucky replied, grabbing his wallet from between the couch cushions. "How much do you need?"

Baby Girl looked down at her hands, tracing lazy lines on her palm. "One grand?" she grimaced.

Bucky looked at her with wide eyes. "What do you need a thousand dollars for?"

"I can make do with less!" she rushed to explain. "I can try stretching an eight hundred," she murmured. "But a new phone would be too expensive, and I'm not sure I can find a cheap last-minute flight."

"Excuse me?" Bucky exclaimed. He was fully awake now, leaning forward to hear her better. "What was that about a phone and a flight?"

Her guilty eyes met his confused ones. "I broke my phone," she explained, "so I need a new one. I also need to get back home, so I need to buy a plane ticket."

Bucky eyed her skeptically. "I thought you were staying."

"I changed my mind," she dismissed with a shaky wave. "I already went over it with Sam."

Bucky knew for a fact she was lying. She wouldn't even meet her eyes. "Is that what he would say if I asked him?"

"Of course!" she proclaimed. But Bucky could hear the hesitance.

"Okay. I'll go ask Sam." Bucky made to get up, but as predicted, the girl stopped him.

"Wait! Don't!"

Bucky sat back down with a satisfied smirk. "You're a sneaky little thing."

"Don't tell Sam," Baby Girl pleaded. "I'm sorry I lied. I didn't have another choice. He locked my credit card. Otherwise, I wouldn't be asking you for this favour."

"Hmm," Bucky hummed, crossing his arms and getting comfortable. "I'd be willing to help you—Only..." Bucky stressed when she tried to interrupt. "If you answer a few questions first."

Baby Girl mimicked Bucky's posture with a frown. "That hardly seems fair."

"I can always call Sam."

"Fucking fine," Baby Girl grumbled.

Satisfied by the flow of things, Bucky started his interrogation. "Why are you in such a rush to go back home?" Bucky asked, deciding to start small. He could tell Baby Girl was thinking hard about her answer, trying not to give too much away. She squinted her eyes as if it were putting strain on her. He decided she would make a horrible spy.

"I left in a hurry. I only planned a day trip. I don't have any clothes or money on me."

Bucky shook his head. "That's not what I asked."

Baby Girl glared at him. "I don't understand the question."

"What's waiting for you in New York? Do you have a job? A prior commitment? A boyfriend?" Bucky stretched that last word, giving the girl a smirk.

"I don't have a boyfriend," she frowned.

"Fiancé, then," Bucky concluded. "I saw that ring in your purse." He suddenly leapt forward, grabbing Baby Girl's left hand and pulling it toward him to inspect.

She initially squeaked a protest but stayed still as he prodded her ring finger with his eyes. "Tan line," he observed, and she snatched her limb back, throwing the most menacing glare she could manage toward him.

"No fiancé," she hissed.

"I don't believe you," Bucky shrugged. "Job, then? What do you do?"

It took too long for her to answer, making it obvious she was concocting a lie in her head. "I work in the... customer field. Where I work with customers."

If Bucky wasn't on the verge of laughter, he might've cringed from the secondhand embarrassment.

"And... books." She was obviously lying. Even she didn't believe what was coming out of her mouth.

"I think my cat might be a better liar than you," He remarked drily.

The girl huffed but stayed silent.

Bucky decided to try a different tactic. "What year is it?"

The girl regarded him strangely. "2024."

"How many sides does an octagon have?"

"Eight."

"What's Sam's last name?"

"Wilson."

"Who was Iron Man?"

"Tony Stark."

"What colour is the sky?"

"Blue."

"Who locked your credit card?"

"Quentin Beck."

Bucky laughed. The girl stared at him, horrified. She gaped at him like a fish, only managing to make senseless sounds. "Y-you—w-what!"

Bucky laughed harder. "I told you that day. You seem smart, but not that smart."

"How dare you!"

"Last question. Does your boyfriend know you're here?" If looks could kill, Bucky would be dead. He raised his arms in surrender. "I won't judge. And I won't tell Sam. I'm just trying to understand the situation so I can help."

Her glare slowly softened to fatigue. "No. He doesn't know."

Bucky bobbed his head. "I figured as much." He grabbed his unlocked phone and tossed it to her, assuming she would catch it. She didn't. The device smacked her in the chest before falling on her lap, which she stared at dumbly.

"Call him," said Bucky, standing up to stretch. "Let him know you're safe. Tell him no one kidnapped you, and he can unlock your card."

She opened her mouth to reply, but Bucky beat her to it. "I can't get you a plane ticket out of here, so this is the next best thing. You want to leave? Tell Sam about Quentin Beck, and he'll let you. He isn't that big of an asshole to keep you hostage here. There's hope for him yet." Bucky stepped out of the living room but turned around and stopped to add one more thing. "Sam's been different since you arrived. He's happier. You're all he talks about to anyone. Do him one last favour; stay the weekend, and don't choose that Quentin Beck guy over him." With that, Bucky strode to the bathroom to freshen up, missing the first teardrop.

His phone was returned to him an hour or so later, accompanied by an uncomfortable smile and words of gratitude. "I told him I'm safe, and no one kidnapped me."

"Is he mad?" Bucky asked.

"He's a little upset," she confessed. "Promise you won't tell Sam?"

"Only if you promise not to run away." They stared at each other for a long moment, daring the other to disagree.

"Fine," the girl finally conceded. Bucky gave her a stiff nod and turned to leave. "Wait!" she exclaimed urgently. "He's still upset. Just ignore any other messages from him, okay? He should cool down after a while."

Bucky looked into her eyes. She was beautiful and unsuspecting looking. Fiery and transparent. He scrutinized her for deceit and instead found veiled resignation. He agreed and went to the backyard, leaving her in the kitchen.

It was an especially hot day, and there was much to do. Sarah wanted to landscape the back garden, and Bucky had volunteered. He didn't know the first thing about construction, but the boys had recently introduced him to YouTube, a magical place with the answers to all his questions. Bucky began to work, moving piles of dirt, levelling the uneven ground, and placing heavy slabs of concrete to form a pathway from the back porch to the lake.

Hours later, Bucky finished with the last slab of concrete, moving further away to admire his work. There was more to finish, but Sarah would be happy with his progress. Bucky wiped his brow, groaning at the sticky feeling of sweat dripping down his neck.

He grabbed his phone from the table on the porch to check the time, surprised at the number of notifications waiting for him. Bucky was by no means popular. The only person who contacted him somewhat regularly was Sam, but these notifications were all from the same unknown number. Bucky realized with a start that the barrage of missed calls and messages he was being attacked with were probably all from Quentin Beck.

Curiosity grabbed hold of him. He did promise the girl he would ignore any messages from him, but really, this was excessive. What if something was wrong and Beck urgently needed to contact her? He tapped on the message icon without another thought.

Bucky froze when he read the latest message.

You're dead when I find you.

He immediately scrolled to the top, reading the conversation from the beginning to try and gain some context to the threat. The thread started with a long paragraph from the girl detailing her situation, followed immediately with an exhausted apology.

I'm so sorry, please don't be mad. I'll be back as soon as I can.

Where the HELL are you?

Sam was asking questions. I tried to leave, but he got suspicious. I'll be back in a couple of days. I'm sorry.

You shouldn't have fucking seen him in the first place. I warned you.

Sam's career is in my hands. It'll only take one call to ruin him. I fucking warned you to never go near him.

He's trouble. He doesn't care about you like I do. He doesn't love you like I do.

The messages got progressively worse, teetering on the edge of insanity. Promising pain and broken bones, blaming it all on her.

Why do you make me do this?

Typical narcissist behaviour.

You're dead when I find you.

Baby Girl hadn't seen any of the messages after her rushed apology, but Bucky had a feeling she wouldn't be surprised by them either way. He clutched his phone tight, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

What a bastard. What a self-entitled, psychotic prick. Everything came into clear focus, painting a detailed painting for Bucky to observe. Her behaviour started making sense. The bags under her eyes, the lack of light in her irises, the unworn ring... the secrets.

He decided then that he wouldn't tell her about the messages if she asked. Bucky would wait for the right time tonight to bring up the topic of Quentin Beck as innocently as he could, and offer her his help. She didn't need to know the extent of Beck's threats against her life.

Plan laid out, Bucky made his way inside for a well-deserved glass of cold water when the back door swung open. Baby Girl walked out with two lemonades and a plate of sandwiches balanced between the crook of her elbow. Some lemonade spilled over her hand when she abruptly stopped ahead of him. Bucky took the drinks from her and placed them on the small table.

Baby Girl put the plate of sandwiches next to the drinks and proceeded to lick the spilled lemonade from her hands. Bucky swallowed thickly, feeling flustered at such an innocent act. "You good?"

"Yeah," she replied. "I made us lunch and lemonade. Figured you could do with something cool."

"Yeah," Bucky was suddenly parched. "It's a hot day."

Baby Girl sat down at the table and took a large sip of her drink. "Sarah and Sam went to run some errands in the city. Said they'll be back late."

"What about the boys?" Bucky inquired, sitting down and taking a sip of his own. He groaned as the cool drink washed over him.

"They're having a sleepover at the neighbours." She handed him a sandwich, which he took with a smile.

"So it's just us today," he said, aware that the perfect opportunity for a less-than-pleasant conversation had just presented itself.

"Yup, just us."

An awkward silence fell over them, broken occasionally by the sound of chewing.

"The yard looks nice," Baby Girl blurted.

Bucky turned his neck to observe his handiwork. "Thanks. Still a lot to be done."

"You must be tired."

Bucky shrugged. "Not really. The heat is worse than anything else."

"Is that because of the serum?" she asked, immediately flushing with embarrassment. "Sorry! That's so insensitive of me. And it's none of my business."

"You're good," said Bucky. "I don't mind. Yeah, it's because of the serum. My stamina's through the roof."

"Wow," she admired.

"Could've been real handy with the ladies, back in the forties." Bucky flushed at the silence that followed. "During the war, I mean!" he corrected. "I could've used the stamina during the war."

The girl finished her lemonade in one long sip. "Right, of course."

"For battle. On the battlefield." Bucky finished his own drink, then stuffed another sandwich in his face to keep from further embarrassing himself.

Bucky's phone lit up with a notification, and the girl flicked her eyes toward the screen. "It's my neighbour," he told her. "He's looking after my cat."

Baby Girl visibly deflated. "That's nice," she smiled. "What's its name?"

"Alpine." Bucky decided this was as good a time as any to ask a few questions. "Listen, did you tell Quentin Beck where you are?" Bucky hated the scared look on her face.

"He knows I'm at Sam's," she started slowly.

Bucky took a deep breath and willed his expression to remain neutral. "Does he have an address?"

She shook her head in denial, and only then did Bucky find himself relaxing. He wouldn't need to worry about Beck showing up announced, which gave him more time to come up with a proper plan.

"I'm gonna take a dip," Bucky gestured to the lake. "Wanna join?"

"Maybe later."

Bucky stood up with a shrug. "Suit yourself." And he took his shirt off with one pull.

He felt Baby Girl's stare burning through his skin as he jogged toward the small lake, discarding his pants along the way. He entered the water in a running dive, letting gravity pull him to the bottom before kicking away and breaking the surface with a loud whoop. His body temperature slowly stabilized as he ran laps along the perimeter. He could still feel her stare as he stopped to tread.

"The water's amazing!" he yelled. "Join me!"

She threw her arms in the air. "I don't have a bathing suit."

Bucky floated on his back, arms crossed behind his head. "Who cares?"

After a moment's hesitation, Baby Girl laughed. "You're right. Who cares?" She grabbed the hem of her top and lifted it over her head, revealing a white camisole underneath. She stopped near the edge of the lake, fixing Bucky with a faux glare. "Well, turn around. You're crazy if you think I'm undressing in front of you."

Bucky smirked at her teasing nature and turned away, listening for a splash. After a moment, the water rippled, followed by a shrill scream. "Can I look?"

"Go ahead." Baby Girl laughed when Bucky whipped his head, sending a stream of water flying her way from his hair. "Damn, the water's cold."

"Feels good, though."

"Yeah."

They settled into a comfortable silence, floating on their backs and sneaking glances at each other. Her white camisole had turned see-through, giving Bucky a delicious glimpse of her skin and pale blue bra. He averted his gaze, trying to calm his racing heart.

"I'll miss this when I'm gone," said Baby Girl softly. "The peace and quiet."

"You don't have to leave," Bucky urged. "You could stay."

She turned to face him. "I can't," she replied sadly.

"You're scared for Sam," he observed, remembering the texts. "Why? He's the fucking Falcon. He helped defeat Thanos. Beck is nothing compared to that."

The girl's eyes widened in alarm. "How do you know that?"

Bucky didn't tell her he read the messages. He would've come to the same conclusion sooner or later. He ran his hand through his wet hair. "I used to be a spy." He fixed her with a pointed look. "And you're a horrible liar. Seriously, you are worse than my cat."

She huffed but didn't argue. After a moment of silent contemplation, she settled on her back and regarded him doubtfully. "Quentin has connections with the CIA, FBI, NSA, and Homeland Security. Any government official out there, he's probably on a first-name basis with them." Her face contorted in pain. "He could ruin Sam's life with a single phone call. I swore I would never give him a reason to."

Bucky's jaw clenched tightly. "What's the worst that bastard could do? Sam knows people too."

"Not enough. He could pin a drug charge. It wouldn't even have to stick. The bad press would be enough to ruin Sam's reputation."

"That's illegal," Bucky pointed out dangerously. Quentin Beck was turning out to be worse than Bucky imagined.

"He doesn't care about that when it comes to me," she dismissed. "Quentin can do no wrong when it comes to love."

"That's not love!" Bucky snapped, losing the last of his patience. They were floating dangerously close to one another, elbows brushing.

"Regardless. There's nothing to be done."

"You could stay," Bucky implored. "I'd keep you safe."

They were even closer now, both on their backs, faces turned toward the other, lips dangerously close. For a moment it looked like she might say yes. She opened her mouth to reply, but the sound of a car door slamming shut interrupted her.

"That must be Sam," she said, and the moment was broken.

Bucky moved first, swimming to the deck to grab his discarded pants. "I'll give you some privacy," he said, dragging the fabric up his legs. He left without another word.

Incessant knocking at the front door stopped Bucky in his tracks. Sam always carried a key. Bucky dropped his shirt and went around the house to the front. The car parked in the drive was unfamiliar and out of place. Sleek and shiny and black. Expensive. The man waiting impatiently at the door looked more out of place than the car. Dressed in a gray suit, brown loafers, and black shades, the man looked like he belonged on the cover of a real estate advertisement.

"Can I help you?" Bucky snapped, feeling on edge.

The man lifted his shades to regard Bucky with a look of contempt, eyeing his exposed chest and metal arm with barely concealed disgust. "Yeah, maybe you can. Is this the Wilson residence?"

"Depends on who's asking."

"A friend," the man replied.

"Funny. I didn't know Sam had any friends."

"That's because I'm not Sam's friend," he scorned. "I'm looking for a girl."

Bucky inched closer to him. "I know lots of girls," he quipped.

The man smiled dangerously. "I'm looking for a very specific one. Yay high, unchecked temper, tendency for trouble."

Bucky laughed without humour. "Doesn't narrow much down, buddy. I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."

"You must be the Winter Soldier," the man mused.

"I go by James Barnes," Bucky snapped. "You must be Quentin Beck." Bucky had recognized him right away.

Quentin Beck spread his arms in a wide gesture. "The one and only. I suppose she told you about me."

"She didn't have to. I can smell a bastard from a mile away."

Beck clenched his fists, face contorting nastily, and stepped forward. "You little—"

Despite the sweltering heat, Bucky felt a coldness wash over him. His advanced senses picked up on footsteps coming from around the back. His head whipped to the side just as the girl rounded the corner. She wore jeans and nothing else, her white camisole still wet and slightly see-through. Bucky watched with dread as she took in the sight in front of her, blinking confusedly. The colour slowly drained from her flushed cheeks, and she froze as her brain caught up with her eyes.

"Sweetheart?" Beck's demeanour rapidly changed, and he stalked forward with his hands raised non-threateningly. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

Bucky blocked his path with a glare.

When Beck noticed her state of undress, he became angry, clenching his fists at his side. He noted Bucky's bare chest, his low-hanging jeans, and the girl's see-through top. "What the fuck is going on here?" Beck demanded.

When he fixed his icy glare on her, she reanimated, staggering back with a loud gasp, Baby Girl tripped over a rock but continued scooting backwards as she fell over. The raw fear emanating from her was enough to undo Bucky. Bucky shoved Beck as hard as he could—without using his super strength—and slammed him against his car.

"Motherfucker," Beck hissed, clutching his side.

"I suggest you leave before you really piss me off," Bucky threatened, stalking closer.

Beck staggered away, putting his car between them. "Not without my fiancé," he seethed.

"Fiancé, huh?" Bucky turned toward the girl. She was still on the ground, carefully watching the scene with wide eyes. He waited until she looked at him, then gave her a soft smile, silently urging her to trust him. "Are you his fiancé, Baby Girl?"

She jerked her head in denial. "No."

"There you have it. You heard the lady." Bucky's voice lowered dangerously. "Now leave. Before I make you leave."

"She's lying!" Beck screamed. And Bucky got the impression he was used to getting his way. "I gave her a ring."

Bucky had cornered Beck against the hood of his car and was looming dangerously over his crouched figure. "I don't see any ring. Now leave!"

Beck unlocked the car, jerking open the driver's side and inelegantly lumbering in. "This isn't over yet, Winter Soldier," he spat, and with one last seething glare toward the girl, he sped off.

Ao3│Wattpad│Ko-fi

Main Masterlist│Part 1 — Part 2 — Part 3

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[bucky-barnes-diaries]

That Walk

Pairing || TFATWS!Bucky x Female!Reader

Summary || That walk. That goddamn walk of his that’s laced with [s]ex and confidence. Fuck, you can’t get enough of it.

Word Count || 524

Contents & Warnings || Smut, Fluff — [N]SFW, 18+ Only, Minors DNI, [e]xplicit content/language, [h]orny thoughts, alluding to [s]exual activities.

Authors Note || My submission for the One-Word Drabble @the-slumberparty My word is “walk”. A little bit of a different style of fic than I usually do, but I enjoyed it! Apologies for no readmore function on this. The gifs above just screws up the text below.

TFATWS!Bucky Masterlist

You and your boyfriend Bucky planned to meet up in the park today for some coffee, cakes, and adventure.

You were waiting for him on a bench amongst the busy crowd—wearing a summer dress. The sun [k]issed your exposed [s]kin—making you feel warm and relaxed.

That was until you spotted him—and that relaxed exposure turned into need and fantasies.

Oh. My God! That walk. That goddamn walk of his.

The way he walked was Godlike. The kind that had [p]anties and [u]nderwear drop within a mile radius.

Your heart started racing, your mouth [s]alivating, and your [s]kin ignited in delicious tingles as you examined all of him.

Power, confidence, and [d]ominance were evident in his posture, in his every stride, as he walked, trying to locate you.

His arms swung back and forth with each step he took—so much ease in them. His fists balled up at his sides.

His [c]hest was puffed out, and his shoulders were broad as he swayed with each move he took.

His groin tightened against his jeans with each foot he took forward—no secret that he was absolutely packing in those pants.

His mouth remained in a thin line. His eyes narrowed as he searched around for you. His expression made him look rugged and [h]ard—so [s]exy beyond belief.

You had to stifle a whimper as you felt the ache and need in your [p]ussy—[t]hrobbing, [b]egging, yearning for his riveting [t]ouch—[t]ongue, fingers, and [c]ock.

If people weren’t around, you would have snaked your hand into your [p]anties and played with yourself.

As soon as he spotted you, the contrast between his demeanor before and now was massive. The man that previously exuded [s]ex and [s]in turned into a boy seeing his crush for the first time—mannerisms softening, and his face beamed bright with love and joy.

“Hi, doll!” He cheered.

As he walked over, you got up to your feet, [l]egs unsteady as you were still spellbound by his magic.

He hummed as he towered over you and cupped your cheek, leaning down to [k]iss the other before pressing a captivating one to your [l]ips. He lingered there for a moment, making you dizzier, before pulling away.

Your face was stunned—[l]ips slightly parted, and eyebrows shot up. And he noticed, furrowing his eyebrows.

“What is it, doll?”

“I-I… yo-your walk.”

“My what?”

“Your walk… fuck, it’s so [s]exy,” you breathe out.

“Is that so?”

His previous hold on you—soft and endearing—turned into a [r]ousing and demanding one. He palmed your [a]ss and pulled your flush into his broad [t]orso, ignoring the [d]irty looks from the strangers.

He leaned his head down, brushing his [l]ips against your ear. His warm breath fanned the sensitive [s]kin of your neck, making goosebumps erupt all over you. You purred in approval of his intoxicating [t]ouch.

“Fuck this date then,” he hummed, making you shiver, “let’s go home, and I’ll walk for you like that there, [n]aked.”

Oh God…

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[5ummit]

Rumlow & Bucky threatening people with a custom SIG Sauer P226 SCT

At first glance Bucky's gun in TFATWS may not look particularly special or appear to have any narrative significance, but I’m here to tell you that’s almost certainly not the case, whether intentional or not.

I already thought the parallel was fascinating when I first noticed these guns looked similar, but the deeper I dug the more compelling the story got. They aren’t just similar, they’re the exact same gun. Which ordinarily wouldn't be that all that special either, since many people use the same type of gun, but this isn’t some generic off-the-shelf model. In fact, I now think this custom P226 SCT is so unique as to be intrinsically linked to Rumlow, and I’m going to make the case that its reappearance in TFATWS is so remarkable that the gun (and therefore likely Rumlow himself) must hold some sort of significance for Bucky.

Buckle up, I’m about to overanalyze the shit out of this gun.

First, let’s look at the facts:

Out of the dozens of guns seen and used in CATWS, the only person to use a P226 is Rumlow. Even after he loses his customized SCT in the scene above, he's seen with another standard P226 in the next scene, which suggests he heavily favors this model. Side note: Knowing this, my new headcanon is that Rumlow is a former Navy SEAL since P226′s are famous for being beloved and carried by SEALs. Plus, everything we know about him lines up perfectly with that background.

Excluding the Winter Soldier’s P220, no one else in CATWS is seen carrying any SIG handgun model. All other SHIELD and HYDRA agents pretty much exclusively use Glocks, which further confirms this custom P226 SCT is undoubtably meant to be Rumlow’s personal handgun (he’s also seen with this same gun in the scene where they’re hunting Steve down at the mall).

Out of the dozens of guns seen and used in TFATWS, the only person to use a P226 is Bucky. Yet again, no one else in the show carries any SIG handgun model with Glocks by far the most common.

This is the only gun Bucky uses in the entire show. The only other gun Bucky even briefly holds is the submachine gun he takes from one of Selby's goons before dropping it seconds later. Additionally, the fact that Bucky has this gun in two completely different scenes, set days apart in different locations, confirms this isn’t just some random gun he borrowed temporarily in Madripoor, but his own personal gun that he purposefully chooses to carry.

Not only are Rumlow and Bucky’s guns the same basic model, they’re specifically the Super Capacity Tactical (SCT) variant, which is already fairly uncommon, but on top of that and more importantly both guns appear to have the same very specific, very unique customizations to the point where I’m almost certain it’s the exact same prop. While the standard P226 SCT is pure black, multiple parts on both of these guns (hammer, takedown lever, magazine release, decocker, etc) have a silvery finish instead, which you may be able to see a bit more clearly here and here. Some of the parts are reminiscent of the Equinox version of the P226, but it’s not a perfect match and notably the SCT doesn’t seem to have ever been made in an Equinox variation anyway. The most interesting features to me though are the bare-metal front and rear cocking serrations, which again are reminiscent of the Equinox except the rest of the slide is still all black. In all of my research that’s not something I’ve been able to find on any other P226 and is not just a part you could potentially buy and swap out. To achieve that look the slide would have to be very deliberately hand-sanded or machined. This detail, combined with the other custom parts, undoubtably makes this gun one-of-a-kind.

Now some may try to argue that if we look at other Marvel movies we might find that this particular prop has been reused before and this gun is not as unique in-universe as it might seem. Don’t worry, I’ve looked into this too. At least according to IMFDB’s current records, not a single P226 SCT, much less one with these customizations, has ever been identified in another Marvel property. Rumlow’s gun in CATWS and Bucky’s gun in TFATWS are the only instances this gun, or anything like it, has shown up.

Maybe the reappearance of this gun was just meant to be a cool Easter egg for eagle-eyed gun enthusiasts. Maybe it’s meant to be something more. I don’t know and I honestly don’t care. Because here’s the thing, regardless of what was originally intended (death of the author and all that), the facts remain and they paint an undeniably compelling picture of something that has actual narrative weight.

Whatever Doylist reasons this gun may’ve been chosen for Bucky out of the dozens, if not hundreds, of potential options, if we just look at the facts and try to make sense of them in-universe one thing is clear: there’s no way Rumlow and Bucky would both have this exact gun by pure coincidence. It’s not standard issue for SHIELD or HYDRA and it’s not some run-of-the-mill, off-the-shelf weapon Bucky could’ve easily picked up somewhere on a whim. He made a deliberate choice to acquire and carry this gun. And given this custom P226’s extreme uniqueness paired with Rumlow and Bucky’s likely history, there are really only two possible scenarios that I can see:

Bucky sought out and somehow recovered Rumlow’s gun from the wreckage of the Triskelion at some point, making it quite literally the exact same gun.

Bucky tracked down the same already uncommon model and specifically customized it to match Rumlow’s favorite gun (which he would’ve had to have been very familiar with to get all of the details just right).

Either option is intriguing, to say the least. It certainly brings up more questions than answers, namely: What is the significance of Rumlow and/or his gun to Bucky/the Winter Soldier, and why does Bucky care about it so much that he took the considerable time and effort to either recover the original or recreate an exact copy?

[Disclaimer: By no means am I a gun expert, but I did try to be thorough in my research. A lot of my conclusions are based on info pulled from IMFDB, though not all of it. While IMFDB isn’t perfect, as it’s just a publicly run database and not an official source, I’ve found it to be quite comprehensive when it comes to popular shows and movies and its contributors are generally very skilled at identifying weapons. However, if any gun experts think I’ve made a significant error, let me know!]

#bucky barnes #brock rumlow #winterbones #catws #tfatws #catwsedit #tfatwsedit #marveledit #my edit #my words #my meta #marvel meta #[insert always sunny pepe silvia meme] #I'm not saying this is canon evidence of winterbones #but I'm not NOT saying it either #it's been a year and a half since it aired but TFATWS is still somehow the HTP gift that keeps on giving #The Gun

[mikakeya]

Lucky Wednesday

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 1,660

Warnings: Fluff

Summary: You fell for Bucky Barnes as he dined in the restaurant you work at - Izzy's. You decide to call him up to ask him out on a date as it leads to everything you've ever imagined it to be and more.

A/N: This is the Bucky apology fic that I've been writing after publishing my 'Hello, I'm Back' Announcement and Update Post. I hope you guys enjoy it because I certainly do. I love how sweet I portrayed Bucky to be and it is slightly canon to what happened in TFATWS. Here's to me wishing this can actually happen so that I can manifest shifting and have a normal relationship with James Bucky Barnes. The 'Steve Rogers Bday 4th of July' fic will have to wait, I'm so sorry but it's past 12am my time and I'm tired so I'm going to retire. Goodnight :))

"Hello, can I speak to James Barnes? O-oh, hey, how are you doing uh...I feel kinda silly doing this but uh, this is Y/N, the waitress from Izzy's. You know the one w- well the only waitress." You picked up the phone after your shift ended at 10 and called Bucky's number after saving it that one time from when he called about a delivery.

Well, that's at least what happened yesterday after you finished your shift at 10 like you always do. For some reason, you actually had the guts to pick up the phone and call him. At least that was better than telling it to him in person and embarrassing yourself knowing how red your cheeks would have gotten from the feeling of being flustered.

Ever since Bucky walked into Izzy's and you laid eyes on him, you couldn't help but feel a sort of luring attraction about him. Something was telling you that this man had gone through a lot and indeed he has since you recently came into contact with Sam Wilson - The Falcon as he entered Izzy's and asked if Bucky had entered here. One thing led to another from Sam wanting to know the whereabouts of Bucky's location to you wanting to learn everything you can about Bucky before asking him out on a date.

So that's how you knew what you needed to know about Bucky as Sam gave you a pep talk to ask him out while warning you about how he's a "grumpy and lonely staring machine".

You felt bad for the man honestly after all he's been through. Most people would probably have a hard time trying to see past the wrongs that Bucky did but you were able to accept him as he is instead of holding him accountable for what he did.

Anyways, jumping back to the present moment where you were still working and trying to pass the time by putting your head in the game as you served your customers while cleaning up the bar as well. A few hours passed before you know it and because there wasn't anyone left in Izzy's, you decided to close up early and clean up the restaurant before calling for a pizza delivery.

You headed into the back of the house restaurant passing through a 'Noren Curtain' which separates it from the rest of the restaurant where the customers dine as you changed into something presentable and did your hair up into a loose bun with your hair feelers framing your face.

You heard the bell hanging on the front door go off as you peeked your head out from behind the Noren Curtain before landing your eyes on Bucky as you smiled at him and headed out.

"Hey- wow... that's like the most adorably old-fashioned thing anyone has done." You greeted him before seeing the bouquet of flowers and chuckling softly to yourself as you made a comment about it before taking the flowers from him, "Thank you Bucky."

You smelled the flowers and placed them in a vase on the bar where Bucky would usually sit.

"Just grab a seat and I'll be done in a few. I'm just cleaning up the place and setting it for whoever's opening tomorrow." You continue to clean the tables before bringing whatever needed to be brought back behind the Noren Curtain as Bucky nodded and sat down by the bar.

Just then there was a knock on the door as you told Bucky to get it, "Bucky, do you think you can get that please?"

Bucky got up from his seat and went to the door as he opened it and collected a box of pizzas, "Hey um did you order pizzas by any chance?"

"Yep, I did, just place them on the bar." You came back out with beers in your hands before placing them on the bar as well as you opened two - one for yourself and one for Bucky before placing it in front of him.

The date went as normally as it could with you joking about how old Bucky is since you found out about it from Sam. You did tell Bucky that Sam was looking for him to which his expression turned from a smile to a frown. You apologised for ruining the mood not sure if he was trying to avoid Sam in general or just upset with him altogether.

You described the date to yourself as perfect however as it went from beers and pizzas to a game night as you kept games on the shelf for when the shifts got a little too boring.

You were both playing Battleship which is a favourite game of yours as you exchanged conversations along the way while getting to know one another. Bucky did however have to drink the remainder of the 3rd beer bottle he had as you won the game before you called it quits since it was getting pretty late already. You kept the game and cleared out the pizza box as well as the beer bottles before wiping down the bar counter.

You took your things from the room hidden behind the Noren Curtain as you came back out and found Bucky waiting for you with cash in his hand as you tilted your head unsure of what his intentions were with the cash in his hand.

"Oh it's for the pizza and the beer earlier on-" Bucky read the expression on your face and assumed what you were questioning about in your thoughts as you cut him off.

"That's fine. it's okay, really, you don't have to pay for it."

Bucky nods and walks towards you as he places the cash in your bag pocket before looking at you as your faces were close to one another, "Keep it, I insist."

You nodded and smiled at Bucky as you went to take the flowers he gave you earlier on. He left the shop first waiting outside for you as you turned off the lights and walked out of Izzy's before locking up the restaurant.

Bucky offered his hand for you to take as you wrapped an arm around his arm. He asked for your address as you told him where you lived before he proceeded to walk you back home. You both talked more about each other as giggles and chuckles were shared between the two of you.

After some time, the two of you approached your front door after taking the lift up to your level in the building. You opened your front door before turning around to face Bucky as he took your hand in his and kissed it. You smiled feeling really happy about how the date went and blushed a little.

"Thank you for tonight, Y/N. I really appreciate it. I would like to have a second date with you but it's just- everything's just uh- j-just uh..." Bucky trailed off as he felt your hand touching his arm and making its way higher up as he got distracted from what he was saying.

You nod and tried to comfort him with your touching as you explained to him, "I understand. Everything's messy right now and I would love to have that second date with you as well but if you need some time then I'm okay with that."

You smile at Bucky before tiptoeing and kissing his cheek as you balanced yourself from holding onto his arm. As you pulled back, however, he pulled you in for a gentle kiss that left you melting into it as you've been wanting to do that after your second bottle of beer seeing as your alcohol tolerance isn't that high to begin with.

You pulled away from the kiss slowly while blushing and looking flustered while slightly tipsy as you smiled sheepishly before yawning.

"Alright doll, let's get you into bed then..." Bucky chuckled as he picked you up and walked into your apartment before shutting the front door with his leg.

You held on to Bucky with your bag still slung around you and flowers still in your hands as you gently buried and nuzzled your face into his neck before closing your eyes and falling asleep.

Bucky carried you into your room before placing you down gently onto your bed as he carefully and cautiously removed your sachel without waking you up as he placed it on the ground next to your bedside table. He took the flowers still in the grasp of your palm as he went to find a vase or any holder to put it in before filling it up with water so the flowers last longer.

Bucky came back into your room to turn the fan on for you as he looked between you and the fan to see if its noise would wake you up before discovering how much of a dead sleeper you are. He smiled and chuckled softly to himself before removing your shoes and placing them on the floor as he tucked you in under your blanket which you snuggled into and held on to it while stirring slightly.

Bucky kissed your head before taking your shoes and placing them by your main door. He noticed a pair of fluffy slippers and smiled as he took the slippers and went back into your room placing them by the side of your bed for you. He took your phone from your sachel before keying his number into it and putting a cute name for himself in your contacts as he plugged it into the cable and left it on your nightstand.

Bucky kissed your head once more before leaving your apartment as he sighed. He knows that you're an ordinary civilian and you're practically too perfect for him but he'll keep to his word on calling you for that second date the moment he figures out how to solve whatever he's going through in life.

#marvel cinematic universe #bucky barnes #sebastian stan #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes imagine #first date #phone call #flowers #sushi restaurant #fluff #oneshot #masterlist #marvel masterlist

[questionableratatouille00]

𝓜𝓸𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓞𝓷 3

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader

Summary: After catching herself being attracted to the redhead, Wanda Maximoff, Y/n can’t help but wonder how Nat would feel if she knew that Y/n began to like other people. Would Nat be upset? Would Nat be angry? Or would she think that Y/n needs to move on?

Warnings (Entire Series): This series deals with mature topics, including, but not limited to: death, mental health issues, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, grief, trauma, general unwellness, illness (both mental and physical), and a most likely inaccurate portrayal of group therapy (though it’s much better than whatever was going on in TFATWS.) Please mind the warnings below.

Warnings: anxiety, tornado mention, dark thoughts.

🌻Series Masterlist 🌻

————————————————————————

𝐈 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭 The next session was the following Wednesday, at the same location, at the same time. You appreciated the sense of routine it gave you. 

You’d tried your best to at least keep your apartment from looking like a tornado had gone through it, and you were impressed at how easily it came to you. Normally it wouldn’t be this easy, and you’d watch yourself spiral, fully aware, and yet, fully helpless. 

But now was not the time to think about that. Now was the time to think about where you were going, where you were going to steer your car. 

And so you did. You focused on listening to the GPS as you found the therapy office. 

Maria greeted you as you came in, smiling as she did so. She was good with faces, you noted. 

You sat in the same chair you did last time, and everyone all seemed to have a silent agreement to stay in their ‘assigned’ seats. “Today, we’re gonna play a game. Each of you is going to get a pen and one of these paper strips—“ Dr. Coulson held strips of paper in his right hand, showing them to everybody. “—and write down one thing you’re afraid or anxious about, or a secret you haven’t told many people, or even just a negative thought you often have.” He explained. 

“Make sure to not write your names on the paper, this is meant to be anonymous. Once everyone’s finished, we’re gonna mix the papers in this plastic bucket, and then each of you is going to draw one piece of paper and read it aloud.” 

He passed out the pens and paper strips, before beginning to write down his own answer on his piece. 

You stared down at your hands. Not sure of what to write, you exhaled. You briefly glanced up at everyone else, but you caught no one’s eye. Your gaze shifted back down to stare at your blank piece of paper, and a thought came to you. 

I wonder if they regret being with me, you scribbled down on the paper. You kept the pronouns neutral, knowing the activity was meant to be anonymous. 

Coulson stuck out the plastic bin, and everyone dropped their folded paper strips into it. He shuffled them around with his hand, before taking one out. He held out the bin again, and everyone grabbed one paper strip. 

“Everyone has felt safe enough to be vulnerable, and I would like to keep it that way as I read out the first one. When I finish, we’re gonna talk about it, and then another person will read out their paper.” Dr. Coulson explained. The way he said it wasn’t at all aggressive, hell, it was pretty damn welcoming. 

“It should have been me,” He reads. He leaves a moment of silence before he speaks again. “How did it make you all feel, hearing that?” 

“I understand it.” Sam states simply. 

“It’s very…dark.” Wanda comments, her expression one of sympathy. Not pity, sympathy. 

“Who would like to read their paper next?” Dr. Coulson looks around the group. 

Wanda glances down at her paper, staying silent. 

“I’ll go.” Tony chimes in. “I don’t know why I am the way I am, it doesn’t make sense.” 

“I can understand that one.” Steve smiles softly. 

“How did it make everyone feel, hearing that?” Coulson directs the conversation. 

“Frustrated.” Bucky’s voice is quiet, and deep. Steve gives him a smile. 

“Hopeless, almost.” Clint follows up. 

A few more people read their papers before it’s Wanda’s turn. She reads out your card, and you freeze. You hope it’s not obvious it’s yours. 

But nobody calls you out. The conversation keeps going. 

“I don’t mean to push people away.” Thor reads. Nobody says anything for a moment. You look around, noticing Bucky glancing up, though his head is bowed slightly. It’s his, you realize. And nobody’s saying anything. Shit. 

“I get that one.” You speak up for the first time. “After..after my girlfriend..passed away, I shut everybody out on accident. So..I get it.” You definitely weren’t the first person to tell a personal anecdote that day, but it still felt vulnerable nonetheless. 

You accidentally made eye contact with Bucky, and you could tell that he knew he’d been found out. He looked worried for a moment, before realizing that you were the only one who’d noticed. He gave you a small smile, and you smiled back. 

Then, it was your turn to read your piece of paper aloud. “Everyone I care about gets hurt.” 

The group discussed the sentence, before everyone put their paper back in the bucket. 

“Even though it was anonymous, you’ve all shared something personal to the group. Everybody has been equally vulnerable today. I hope that has created some trust between us.” Dr. Coulson smiled.

“Now, I’d like to direct our focus onto something else. We call these ‘I Can’ statements. It sounds kinda silly, but it’s actually really helpful. Instead of thinking about how you’re struggling or how therapy isn’t working as fast as you thought it would, you should consider the things you can do. For example, instead of ‘no matter what I do, I always fail’ you could combat those thoughts with ‘I can fail, and that’s okay, because I’ll keep trying.’”

As he introduced the topics and directed the discussion, you couldn’t help but glance at Wanda. She was wearing a yellow and white embroidered floral blouse, with high waisted jeans and a brown belt. She wore white sneakers with the outfit, and a gold necklace. She had several thin gold rings on her fingers. She was good at accessorizing, you were sure of that.

Her red hair was pulled back in a half-up half-down style, and it was very beautiful. She was very beautiful.

You mentally cursed yourself out for even thinking that. What would Nat think, if she knew? God, she’d be so hurt. It’s not fair to her to just go fucking around with any redhead you see, you told yourself.

You tried to pay attention to the meeting, but your overwhelming sense of guilt kept catching your attention. You desperately attempted to shove the feelings and thoughts that came with it away, to no avail.

Maybe she’d think you needed to move on, a voice in your head reasoned. Maybe.

——————

Sessions were every Wednesday, every week. You got used to the routine as you became friends with the people in your group. September began to end, October was just on the horizon.

You managed to go out for coffee with Sharon.

It went well, though filled with awkward pauses as you didn’t know what to say. But it had happened, nonetheless. Maybe there was a point to all of it. Just maybe.

#wanda maximoff x you #wanda maximoff fic #wanda x you #wanda maximoff fanfiction #wanda maximoff #there is not enough tags for her and i consider it offensive #moving on

[akire-echo]

The Lodger-Chapter 1

(My first Bucky fic! Un-beta’d, my mistakes are my own. It shall be a multi-chapter fic, warnings will appear before every chapter but it’s mostly just fluff. Please Enjoy!)

Fic Synopsis: After the events of TFATWS, Bucky is just looking for something normal, something familiar. Will he find that by renting a room in a Brooklyn townhouse?

Reader was just looking for someone reliable and trustworthy to rent out the room that’d been vacant for far too long. The last thing that she ever expected was an Avenger, especially one who was so good with her son.

Sunlight filtered in through the gap in the curtains cascading over the long unused furniture. Dust particles danced along the soft sunbeams, a reminder of just how long it had been. For six months the spare room in your house had gone vacant. It was closer to seven by the time you’d realized it. In your opinion, the room was a steal. The price point was fairly reasonable, given what you were offering versus other properties in the area. But for some reason you weren’t able to keep it rented for more than a few week or so, each lodger only using it for a transition space and some of them stiffed you on the rent. It wasn’t the price, it certainly wasn’t the look of the place.

For a moment you thought it was the other house occupant who was causing the problems but for the life of you, you couldn’t dare blame him. After all, he was your son. Max was a precocious and inquisitive 8 year old, with a love of space and all things cosmic. He might’ve been a little chatty with the lodgers but never annoyingly so. He knew when someone wasn’t interested in conversation and respected their boundaries. You’d taught him well and were proud of him. He definitely wasn’t the problem.

Yet, the room remained unoccupied.

You weren’t sure how long you could keep the house if the room wasn’t brining in revenue, eventually you’d have to sell and move somewhere else. You really didn’t want to do that. You didn’t want to leave the beautiful townhouse your late husband had chosen with you, it held too many wonderful memories that you couldn’t imagine parting with. You could only wait and pray for the right person to fill the vacancy in your home.

With a sigh you closed the door and prayed to the universe for someone good to see the sign in the window.

——————————————————————

He let out a sigh as he closed the door to his apartment. He’d chosen it for the location more than anything, somewhere near where he used to live. He could afford it but it just wasn’t the same as he remembered. The city itself wasn’t the same anymore, but he knew it wouldn’t be. Too much time had passed and he no longer recognized Brooklyn anymore. He thought the problem was the busier parts of the city, there were just too many people now and threats felt like they were everywhere. He couldn’t relax enough to not be on guard at all times.

Instead of staying close to the main hub he ventured further out to more suburban areas, hoping to find something different. A place to really call home in this century.

He walked for quite some time rather aimlessly, wondering if there would ever be a place that would feel like he wanted it to. It would be nearly impossibly in this day and age to find somewhere with actual postings. Most things like this happened on the internet, according to Sam. Finding one in real life was highly unlikely.

He considered turning back, heading to his empty apartment until he came upon a small townhouse. It was a beautiful building in a quieter part of Brooklyn. His Ma would’ve never been able to afford a place like that back in the day, that’s for sure. Especially not with the wonderful way the lush ivy draped over it. The brickwork was even in pristine condition, honestly it was a gorgeous house.

As he observed and appraised the building, the most amazing thing happened. In the bottom window was a neat sign in cursive writing.

“Room for Rent. Serious inquiries only.”

There was a number underneath and for some reason Bucky wanted nothing more than to call it immediately. He could envision himself in a quaint home like that, somewhere not too close to the city but close enough. What were the chances they would accept him as a tenant? Most people were scared of him, or rather the person they thought he was. Still, he wrote the number down. It wouldn’t hurt to try…right?

——————————————————————

Your phone rang as you stirred dinner.

“Max, can you keep an eye on the soup while I get this?” You asked your son, who was sitting at the table finishing his homework. He nodded and got up, taking the spoon from you. He smiled at the contents of the pot, his favourite soup that he’d been smelling since he got home.

The number on your phone was local but unknown, most likely an inquiry for the room. You sent a silent prayer to whatever deity could help you with this before picking up the call.

“Hello?” You asked, hopeful.

“H-hi hello,” A distinct and deep male voice said back. “I am calling about the room for rent? Is-is it still available?”

“It is.” You said calmly, even though you were too excited that you had an actual inquiry. “Are you interested in seeing the place before you commit?”

“I-yes.” He said back, sounding nervous. “Is that okay?”

“Of course! I work from home so whenever works for you. Any day between 9-2 would work for me, except weekends.”

“Oh I uh…yeah, does tomorrow work?”

So soon? He must really need a place. Hopefully he wasn’t a bad person, you couldn’t have that around Max.

“Yeah, you know the address so just give me a time.”

“Noon?”

“Sounds good. I’m Y/N, by the way.” You said.

“I’m Bu-James, I’m James.”

You nodded at the name. “Well, I will see you tomorrow, James.

“See you then.”

He hung up and you looked to your son, who was now nearly drooling over the soup.

You shook your head and chuckled.

“Give me that, weirdo.”

He laughed. “Can’t help it Ma, your French onion is the best!”

The comment warmed your heart as you wrapped your arms around him. It was his Dad’s favourite too.

“Well then, we should finish it and get it in your belly. Whatcha think?”

“Yes please!”

You kissed the top of his head before checking the thickness of the soup.

“You’re in luck! It’s done.”

Max clapped happily and got out the bowls, waiting to be served. He took his hot bowl to the table carefully, eager to eat. You watched him fondly as he tasted that first spoonful. Letting out a noise of happiness, he began eating with gusto.

You couldn’t help think about the lodger, would he fit in with what you had here or would he just be another person who kept to themselves? Would he even want to be in the place?

You’d just have to wait and see.

——————————————————————

Bucky was nervous. He hadn’t been nervous just to look at a place since the first time out of cryo. He really needed this place, he just hoped he would be accepted, he didn’t even care what the interior looked like. As long as it had a locking door and they didn’t mind his nightmares, it would be ideal. Maybe even perfect. He adjusted his stupid tie, the one that Sam insisted he wear. But he felt so stupid, his hair was even slicked down a bit, like the old days. It made him look professional but again, didn’t help him feel less like a fool. He rung the doorbell, hearing it not fully ring the whole way.

“Coming!” A voice said from behind the wood.

He tried not to let his heart beat too fast, but the female voice from over the phone sounded so warm that previous day. He was wondering what kind of person she would be.The door opened and he was floored, the most beautiful dame he’d seen in a long time was standing in front of him. He’d seen many beautiful women before but the one now standing on the other side of the door put them all to shame, effortlessly so.

“James?” She asked after a moment, breaking him from his thoughts. He was there to see a room, not ogle a stranger.

He coughed. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Come on in.” She stepped aside, making enough room for him.

He gulped and made himself as small as possible, entering her home.

——————————————————————

You weren’t sure what you were expecting when you thought of the potential lodger, but it was certainly not him. James was an extremely handsome man with the brightest blue eyes you’d ever seen. His chocolate brown hair looked to have been styled haphazardly but it suited him quite well. He seemed to be made of solid muscle but was purposefully hunched over to seem small. He was trying to make you feel comfortable, and you appreciated it.As he walked past you into the hallway, you could smell the scent of him and damn if it wasn’t completely intoxicating. It’d been a while since you’d interacted with any man, let alone one as attractive as James.

You cleared your throat to stop thinking about it, to maintain some sort of professionalism. “So, uh, the room is this way. It does have a separate entrance which is very secure.” You explained.

He nodded and followed you to the extra room.You opened the door with a key and showed him.

The room itself was already furnished, as you’d hoped it would attract renters. It used to be your husband’s home office, but you’d converted it after he had died. You needed the extra income. It had its own ensuite bathroom for convenience and had good access to the kitchen without traipsing through the entire house.

“You can go in if you’d like.” You prompted.

He nodded and walked in, eyes searching around the space.

“How…how soundproof is the room?”

You were a little nervous at the question, unsure of what to answer. Was he a big partier?

“It’s just that I uh-” he looked uncomfortable. “I have nightmares sometimes.”

“Oh.” You replied, that wasn’t so bad. Better than you were expecting really. Many people had nightmares and by the looks of him, James probably had some nasty ones. “Well, it’s decently quiet down here. I’m sure we could look into a long-term solution if it becomes a problem. That is if you’re a good fit.”

He nodded again, understanding what you meant. It would suit him well if it worked.

“There is…a small matter before you make any decision, and me too I suppose.” You told him, hoping it wasn’t a deterrent and praying he was a trustworthy person.

He looked at you questioningly.

“Any one who lives here needs to be safe around kids.” You stated.

He thought for a moment. “Y-you uh-”

“I have a son. He’s 8.” You said. “If you can’t legally be around kids or they make you uncomfortable, you can tell me now and this tour can be done. I won’t put my son in danger just for the extra cash.”

“I-I understand.” He said. He had noticed some small items in the hallway that looked to belong to a child and his mind went back to the photos on the wall. Could he really do it? Stay in a home with a mother and child? He wouldn’t be a danger to them, he would never hurt a civilian. Plus, with the locking door and extra entrance he could avoid them as much as possible if need be.He would be an idiot to turn the place down. With all utilities included in the rental price, it was a steal in Brooklyn even with his residual army payments he’d been getting since the pardon. But before he agreed, you’d have to know who he was. Maybe you’d say no to him. It was a possibility and he didn’t want to be out of the running just for who he was.

“I’m not dangerous.” He said to you. “But you should…you should know who I am.”

You raided a brow, a little apprehensive.

“Do you know who Steve Rogers is?” He gulped, nervously.

You just nodded a little.

“Well I’m…My full name is James Buchanen Barnes…”

“Oh.” You replied simply. You knew that he meant, you knew who he was. The former Winter Soldier used to be all over the news before the Blip.

“I understand if that takes me out of the-”

“I have no problem with it.” You cut him off. “As long as you don’t bring any aliens around and put my son in danger, I’d really like having an avenger around.”

“Oh-I’m not…not really.” He blushed, hun hunching over more.

You held out your hand to him. “All of this is dependant upon Max’s opinion and a checking of your references but I’d like to offer you the room.”

He looked at your hand and then back up to your eyes. He took your hand softly and shook it.

“I’d like that.”

“Great, I will call you later with the final opinions and we can go from there.”

#bucky x reader #reader insert #bucky barnes #Bucky Barnes x single!mom reader #marvel #mcu imagine #tfatws #bucky barnes x reader

[iceandironbars]

So, I have a couple of fic ideas/plots written out and I wanna see which one is the most requested so I can start writing, lemme know what you think

1. HTP One shot. Wholesome/Sitcom Vibe. Taking place in hydra HQ pre CATWS. Characters: babysitter big brain Rumlow, awkward bar hooligan Rollins, Stoopid cinnamon roll Soldier, disgusting old man Pierce. Plot: Rumlow and Rollins find out about Pierce using the Soldier for his personal pleasure behind closed doors and they decide to end that for good.

2. HTP fic, multiple chapters. Explicit, violent, plot heavy, possessive love story/porn vibe. Taking place mainly in Madripoor, post Endgame, pre TFATWS/instead of TFATWS. Characters: clueless bitter prison escapee Zemo, enhanced sugar daddy club owner Rumlow (Lagos explosion didn't happen), mindless and done with life Soldier, several detailed and original side characters. Plot: After refusing to be his handler, Zemo reconsiders and follows the Soldier to Madripoor, finding him in possession of former Hydra Commander Brock Rumlow, who demonstrates Zemo in great detail what being the Soldier's handler entails. A tug of war between the two of them follows, developing into an intricate triangle relationship (sub Soldier, dom Rumlow, switch Zemo).

3. Fic, multiple chapters. Plot heavy, slow burn love story vibe. Taking place in Avengers Tower/Surroundings a year after CATWS. Characters: hopelessly in love badass Soldier, pardoned and disabled ex-hydra Rumlow, annoyed Nick Fury, several Avengers. Plot: The Soldier walks into Avengers tower, apparently without rhyme and reason, a hunt for him follows and due to several failed attempts at and the hopelessness of the mission Nick Fury makes the decision to ask former Hydra Commander Rumlow for help in obtaining him.

4. HTP One shot. Absolute Comedy gold vibe. Takes place in a mission briefing/conversation, location not specified, hypothetical setting. Characters: Doesn't think there's anything wrong with him Rumlow, hands in the cookie jar Rollins, sassy Soldier, Zemo, various avengers. Plot: During a briefing the Soldier dares Rumlow to talk about the Octopus Club, confusion, shock and a hilarious conversation follows.

#winter soldier #bucky barnes #brock rumlow #hydra trash party #marvel #winterbones #hydra #mcu #crossbones #fanfic

[mads-weasley]

Legacy Pt. 9: Monsters

tfatws!Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Reader

Main Masterlist

Series Masterlist

A/N: Two updates within a week? I'm on a ROLL! I am officially done with school, so I can have a lot more time to write! I look forward to finishing this series! I do not own any characters except (y/n)!

Summary: Walker's unexpected arrival during the fight with the Flag Smashers leaves a lasting impression that will forever taint the legacy of Captain America.

Warnings: MAJOR ANGST, not much comfort, but a little... I'm sorry? I think?

Karli crossed a line when she decided to threaten Sarah and the boys, and Sam was fuming as the trio suited up. As (y/n) was getting dressed, Sharon knocked on the door.

"Coming," she announced, zipping up her suit. The woman was surprised to see Sharon's smiling face.

"Sharon, hi. What's up?"

She slid through the open door carrying a vest in her hand. "So, I know you got banged up last time you guys fought the Flag Smashers, so here's one of my spare Kevlar vests."

(Y/n) shook her head. "I'll be fine, Sharon. But thank you."

Not taking no for an answer, she held out the vest to the (y/h/c). "Please take it."

"Fine," she sighed, and as Sharon began to walk away, (y/n) called out to her. "Thanks for everything. Really."

With a nod, she left (y/n) to finish getting ready.

The trio booked it to the location Sarah had given Sam, and his anger radiated off him in waves. Turning the corner into a large courtyard, Sam yelled for the girl.

"Karli!"

Within a few seconds, she appeared, leaning over the second-floor railing. As they were hurrying up the steps, Bucky grabbed (y/n)'s uninjured hand gently.

"Be careful, alright? We know how dangerous they can be."

Glancing at Karli ahead of them, she sighed, holding up her casted hand. "How can I forget?"

He sent her a glare. "I'm serious. Last time they put you in the hospital, doll. I won't let it happen again."

"I know," (y/n) whispered, squeezing his hand with a smile. "Sharon gave me the vest, but I think you were really the mastermind behind that ordeal."

He raised his eyebrows incredulously, faking hurt. "What? Me? Care about my girlfriend? I could never."

(y/n) shook her head silently, squeezing his hand again. "I love you."

Bucky returned the small smile. "I love you, too."

The couple stood behind Sam as he approached Karli.

"You called my sister? That's how we're gonna play this?"

"Sam," she began. "I would never hurt her. I wanted to understand you better."

Glancing over Sam's shoulder at (y/n) and Bucky, she stood up off the railing she'd been leaning against.

"I see you, um, didn't come alone."

Sensing the tension, Bucky stepped slightly in front of (y/n), blocking the girl's view of her.

"We have to end this now," Sam demanded, but she didn't bat an eye.

"I don't want to hurt you. You're just a tool in the regimes I'm looking to destroy."

Slightly zoning out of the conversation, (y/n) glanced around the courtyard, looking for any signs of it being a trap. After a few seconds, Sam turned to them quickly, breaking (y/n) from her trance.

"It's Walker."

In a split second, Bucky jumped down to the first floor but was slammed mid-air by Karli, leaving him groaning on the floor. (y/n) yelled for him while Sam flew down, fighting the girl while Bucky recovered. By the time (y/n) made it down the stairs, Karli was on the ground and Bucky had finally made his way to his feet.

Sam was out of breath as he gestured towards the door. "Go! I'll send you the location."

The couple sprinted out the door, and Bucky easily more than doubles her speed. As she moved, she could feel the vest constricting her movements, and (y/n)growled under her breath. She hated wearing body armor.

"I'll meet you there, Buck!" She yelled, taking a back alley as a shortcut. Weaving through the buildings to the warehouse, (y/n) froze as a blonde woman appeared in front of her. In her hand, she held a flag smasher mask. Recognition flashed in the woman's eyes and she took off around the corner.

Hot on her heels, (y/n) sprinted after her for a minute until she turned and ran into an alleyway. As she went to follow the woman, (y/n) barely missed a well-aimed swing for her face by ducking quickly. The avenger knew she couldn't beat a super-soldier in brute strength, so she reached down at her waist for the shock batons Sharon had given her.

They crackled to life as (y/n) swung at the blonde. Quickly dodging the hit, the girl tried to sweep (y/n) off her feet, but she was already one step ahead, jumping out of reach. Luckily for (y/n), something caught the woman's attention in the main street behind her. Taking advantage of the distraction, (y/n) slammed the baton into her shin, bringing her to one knee. With one swing, she was out cold.

Glancing behind her, (y/n) saw someone dash past the opening of the alleyway. Confused, she ran to the entrance, only to see multiple people running as well. Cursing to herself, she took off in the direction they came from.

Within a minute, she came upon a scene she could only describe as horrific. John Walker had a flag smasher pinned under his knee, screaming at him. He then raised the shield, Steve's shield, above his head, aiming for the man below him.

"John!" She yelled, running towards him. "Stop! You don't want to do thi-"

She was cut off when he turned suddenly and slammed the shield into her chest, sending her flying through the air. She landed on the hard stone floor, gasping for breath as she lay on her back, unable to move.

Bucky and Sam ran onto the scene moments later, and Bucky's heart dropped at the sight of her on the ground and the pained gasps that escaped her lips.

"(Y/n)!" The soldier cried, dropping to his knees next to her. "You're okay! You're okay! Breath for me, doll."

With wide eyes, she continued to open her mouth, but she couldn't draw in any air. Her hands flew to her chest in panic. Bucky looked up at Sam with desperate eyes.

"Sam! I don't know what to do!"

He ran to their side. Luckily he knew what to do.

"Get this vest and suit off her," Sam ordered. "It's too tight. Then sit her up and calm her down!"

Even though he was freaking out just as much as Bucky, he knew he had to keep his cool for his friend's sake. He'd never seen him so frantic.

Instantly, Bucky reached and ripped off the vest and unzipped the suit, revealing her white tank top underneath. He peeled the rest of the bodysuit off her sweaty body torso as Sam sat her up against his chest. They knew she needed to get air fast or she would pass out.

"(Y/n/n). You're okay. Breathe. You can do it. Breathe with me."

He inhaled once slowly, but her attempt failed. Seeing the fearful tears in her eyes, he cupped her cheeks. "You have to breathe, doll. Now, with me!"

"Can't!" She mouthed, shaking her head roughly.

"Yes, you can!"

Once again, he took a deep breath, and this time (y/n)'s chest rose just barely with air. He could've cried with relief but he willed the tears away as he focused on helping her breathe.

"There you go. Attagirl," he cooed, smoothing her (y/h/c) hair off her sweaty forehead. "You're alright."

When she had gotten better control of her breathing, he pulled her into his chest, rubbing her back gently. Looking up towards the fountain, he saw the aftermath of Walker's rage: an unrecognizable body covered with blood.

Sam read Bucky's mind as he glanced around them at the growing crowd. "We need to get out of here."

With a nod, he helped (y/n) to her feet, holding an arm around her waist. The lack of oxygen made her dizzy, so she leaned on him heavily to stay upright. Bucky's stomach churned with anger as he gazed at Sam with a blank expression.

"I'm going to kill John Walker."

"No, Buck," she wheezed, voice low. "That's the last thing you need to do."

His hold on her tightened slightly. "So he can just get away with almost murdering that guy and almost killing you? I don't think so. "

"Buck, come on," Sam scoffed. "I know you're angry, but we've got to let the justice department handle him."

A grunt was the only answer he got as they walked toward the safe house.

Bucky sat next to (y/n) on the couch, hand draped over her shoulders, tucking her into his side. Since Walker's outburst, he hadn't left her side. As they flipped through the TV channels, every station was reporting on what had transpired.

"CAPTAIN AMERICA RECORDED KILLING UNARMED MAN AND INJURING AVENGER, (Y/N) (Y/L/N)," each headline read. The numerous videos and different angles of the incident were already viral, with millions of people seeing the cruelty through a screen.

When (y/n) saw the video for the first time, she was horrified. In the moment, she was so focused on trying to breathe that she didn't even notice what John had done to the man. Bucky, who hadn't seen her get hit earlier, took it the hardest when the video depicted (y/n) getting slammed by Walker. Every time it replayed, she could feel him tense beside her. Sensing his anger, she turned it off and turned toward him.

"I'm okay, Buck," she whispered, pulling his hand up to her heart. "I'm fine."

He brought a hand up to her cheek, his thumb ghosting over a healing bruise. "You weren't fine when you couldn't breathe."

"James, I-"

"No," he interrupted, his voice shaking. "Do you know how terrible it was to see you on the ground like that? I didn't know if you were dying, or-"

His throat closed up at the thought, and this time, he couldn't stop the tears from filling his eyes. "I just knew I couldn't lose you, too. I've lost everyone I love and I refuse to lose you, (y/n). I won't."

A single tear leaked out of his eye, but (y/n) was quick to wipe it away as she rested her forehead against his. "You're not going to lose me, James. I'm not going anywhere."

"Good," he whispered, capturing his lips in hers. Running a hand into her hair, his tongue slipped through her parted lips, deepening the kiss.

Before it could go any further, Sam burst into the room. "I've got a location on Walk-"

He cut himself off when he looked up from his phone at the scene in front of him. "Sorry guys, you can make out later. Let's get Walker."

Glaring, Bucky quickly got up off the couch, following Sam out the door. When he noticed (y/n) doing the same, he whipped around to face her.

"You're not going. Not after earlier," he insisted.

She brushed by him with a smirk. "I'm going. End of story."

"Wha-"

"Nope, come on, Barnes."

Grumbling he ran into another room to grab something before running after her. When he caught up, she looked back just in time to see her Kevlar vest being shoved over her neck. She threw her hands up with a groan as it was Bucky's turn to wear a smirk.

"This thing saved you last time, so don't think you're not going to wear it."

The trio quickly made their way through the city to Walker's hideout, which was an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. As they neared the entrance, Sam stopped them.

"As much as I want to kill him," he glanced at Bucky. "I think that we need to try and talk him down first."

(Y/n) nodded to the pair. "I agree, but after earlier, I don't know if we'll get anywhere."

"I hope we don't," Bucky deadpanned.

Both (y/n) and Sam's eyes widened.

"Just cause I decided not to kill him doesn't mean I don't want to kick his-"

"Alright," Sam interrupted. "Let's go. (Y/n), I don't want you go get involved unless absolutely necessary."

With a nod from the (y/h/c), they walked into the dark warehouse. They found John on his knees with the shield in front of him. Hearing their footsteps, he looked up slowly, craning his neck from side to side before whispering something to herself. She and Bucky shared a worried glance, and he stepped in front of her protectively.

Sam spoke first. "Walker."

As he got closer, his eyes found (y/n)'s smaller figure behind Bucky. "You guys should see a medic, you don't look so good."

"Stop, Walker."

"What?" The man asked raising his voice, "You saw what happened. You know what I had to do. I killed him because I had to! He killed Lemar!"

Bucky spoke up, withholding anger as he spoke calmly. "He didn't kill Lemar, John. Don't go down that road. Believe me, it doesn't end well."

"I'm not like you."

Blood boiling at the comment, (y/n) started to walk towards him, but Bucky shot an arm out to stop her.

"I assumed you'd be down for the count," John sneered. "Too bad that vest did its job."

The calm version of Bucky was gone in an instant. "What did you just say?" He growled, taking a step closer to Walker.

Wanting to delay a fight for as long as possible, Sam stepped up next to Bucky, holding a hand out toward the phony captain. "Listen, it was the heat of the battle. Okay? If you explain what happened, they may consider your record."

(y/n)'s eyes were glued to the bloody shield as she spoke. "We don't want anyone else to get hurt."

John was calm. Too calm, and that was what scared her the worst. She'd seen anger, but this was something different. This was something much darker.

"John. You gotta give me the shield, man."

Lifting his head, he looked at each of them with a sick grin. "Oh. So that's what this is. You almost got me."

Sam shook his head. "You made a mistake."

"You don't want to do this."

Looking up from the floor, Bucky clenched his fist. "Yeah, we do."

(Y/n) took a deep breath, knowing what was about to go down. By the time she'd let it out, Bucky lunged towards Walker, and the battle had begun. She just hoped they'd come out on top against the monster before them.

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#mads' fandoms #marvel imagine #bucky barnes angst #marvel #mcu #marvel cinematic universe #marvel mcu #marvel men #marvel x reader #marvel movies #marvel fic #avengers #bucky x y/n #bucky x you #james bucky barnes x reader #james bucky barnes imagine #james bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes fic #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes headcanon #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes imagines #bucky barnes series #bucky barnes x avenger!reader #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x reader hurt

[lightning-writes]

good heart (faulty machine of a man) - 17/30

fic summary: bucky meets someone at therapy

chapter summary: there are amends and apologies.

word count: 1887

tags: post endgame, pre tfatws, slow burn, canon divergent, canon compliant, au

warnings: transphobia

a/n: a quick dip into TFATWS canon. also rue's last name is david (like dah-veed) - she is of Indian-descent, I just haven't decided specifics.

AO3 MASTERLIST X

Bucky remembers them all.

All of the people he’s killed, maimed, hurt. All of the corruption, extortion, affliction. All of the fear, shock, indignation. All of the cries, the trembling, the fighting - all of their will to live, to survive. He remembers snuffing out the good and upholding the immoral.

If someone received a swift death, it wasn’t because the Winter Soldier was merciful. It was because he had a mission to complete and would not tolerate deterrence.

When Raynor tells him to write down every person affected by the Winter Soldier, Bucky writes for days. She then tells him to cross off the people who had died by the hand of the Winter Soldier or by the hand of time. He’s left with a page of the victims’ family members and corrupt persons in substantial power.

She gives him two rules and a script that they create together:

I am no longer the Winter Soldier. I am James ‘Bucky’ Barnes, and you are a part of my efforts to make amends.

The rules are simple - nothing illegal, no one gets hurt. He disagrees, knowing that some people on this list deserve illegal and harmful things done to them, but he will play by her rules.

(For now.)

////

(The assignment gives him a new purpose, something he realizes he misses.)

Bucky starts right away. He contacts the independent digital investigator he had used in the past to find targets. Mikhail Novikov, known as Жаба, The Toad, has been on both sides of civilian uprisings, systematic rebellions, political wars. His loyalty is to the payment, never an organization or government.

He delivers his amends list to Novikov in person and, at the last minute, adds one more name, with the special request to do a full deep dive.

(Dread and guilt flood his brain as his pen falters. Ruby David. He’s conflicted between thinking he shouldn’t do this and he should have done this sooner.)

Жаба produces locations of each person; Bucky will do the rest. He tells Bucky the deep dive will take more time and will cost more money. Bucky reminds him he’s Novikov’s only ally in times like this.

With some basic research, he finds Yori Nakajima. The father of one of the Winter Soldier’s victims. Bucky remembers his son. Hell, he’s dreamt of his son, his feeble attempts to escape.

(The swift execution he received.)

Bucky doesn’t approach Nakajima for days. He takes his time slinking around the old man’s neighborhood, tailing him through the park to markets and restaurants. He notes who he interacts with, what kind of person the man is.

Bucky’s memorized Nakajima’s routine when he finally lets himself be spotted.

“I think you and I are the only regulars here, at this time.” Yori’s smile is kind, drawing lines across his whole face. He shuffles his way to Bucky’s small table in the corner of Izzy’s, a Japanese bar Yori frequents.

(Bucky’s throat seizes, but he offers a weak smile.)

“I’m Yori.”

“James.”

“Do you mind if I sit with you, James?”

“Uh…”

(Bucky knows he shouldn’t entertain the man. It’s like a predator playing with its prey. The news Bucky had to deliver will gut this old man, and it would be a twisted knife if they become friendly first.)

“Yes, you can sit here.”

“Thank you.” Yori waves over to the bartender. “Have you had Sake before?”

“Can’t say I have,” Bucky lies.

“It’s the best part of my day,” the old man admits with a sheepish chuckle.

(Bucky was going to hell for this, but what is one drink with a kind old man compared to his lifetime of sins?)

////

“Hey - I’m hungry.”

Rue hasn’t texted him since Thanksgiving, which was only a week ago, but when he had walked into the waiting room, she barely looked his way either. She’d been busy on the phone, taking notes, or on the computer, typing diligently. She’d offered him a terse smile upon his arrival, but her eyes never meet his.

(He’d take it as a coincidence if he didn’t know any better. But he knew the intricacies of shame, so he’d given her space.)

This is why her declaration throws him off as he exits the therapy room.

“You should eat then.”

(His statement is surly. He feels out of rhythm with her, which is foreign to him. He knows the main reason is he’s afraid of what Novikov will find. His learned predisposition to be suspicious has been both life-preserving and eternally daming. He feels like he’s stepping into dark water, not knowing if his foot will land on solid ground or something sharp. His gut has been pointing out the inconsistencies with her, but… isn’t it just human to be inconsistent? He feels like there’s more at stake here… and he doesn’t know what he’ll do with that information.

Another reason, he thinks, is the way he wanted to end the pretenses that night and give in to the charged moment between them.)

“Are you hungry?”

Despite her matching his energy, he recognizes the veiled invitation.

“I’m… not,” he admits, “but I could join you.”

“Well, I don’t want you to ‘join me’ if you have plans or–” She’s fighting with her coat, and he sees her frustration with the garment, with him, with herself. “If you’re hungry, we go. If you’re not–”

Bucky offers his gloved hand. She’s fixing her collar when she notices it. He’s half worried she’s going to scold him for being behind the desk again, though technically, he’s adjacent to it. She shoulders her bag and grabs his hand.

“Let’s go,” she drags him out of the room.

(Bucky can’t fight the smile growing on his face as he follows along.)

////

She says she’s craving Indian food, so they go to a pretty famous restaurant twenty minutes away. The place is loud and packed, and Bucky is bombarded by the crazy Christmas lights piled onto the ceilings, some hanging low enough to graze his head. Surprisingly, there isn’t a wait.

“I’m dying for some tikka masala,” Rue tells the waiter with a more polite smile than her usual flirty one. She looks to Bucky, with a meek expression he’s never seen before. “Are you sure you don’t want anything? This place is amazing, and it’s my treat.”

“I’m okay for now.”

(He sees recognition from Thanksgiving, the last time he’d said that, flash over her face. Her gaze flits away but gives a clipped smile to the waiter.)

Now that they are in close proximity, Bucky really looks at her. She looks… rough, like she hasn’t been sleeping. When they aren’t making mundane comments to one another about the restaurant or the weather, her expression is flat. Eyes sullen, almost heavy. The corners of her mouth slightly down.

“Sorry I’ve been so quiet,” she finally says. Again, her eyes barely meet his. “Like, texting and stuff. I’ve been swamped at my other job. The holiday season and all.”

“That’s fine.” Bucky leans into his chair as much as space will allow. He combs his hair back with his fingers. “Raynor gave me a project, so I’ve been working on that.”

“A project?” There’s humor in her tone but not on her face. “She’s graduated from homework to a project, then?”

“Yeah, it’s for my amends.”

Her food comes incredibly fast, Bucky notices, and she hums with delight. She thanks the waiter, with a more genuine light in her eyes, and starts to eat. She offers him a forkful, but he just shakes his head.

“I haven’t had good Indian food in forever,” she mumbles through a mouthful. “My brother was going to hook me up with some this Christmas, but a few days ago, he told me they decided to go to his in-laws at the last minute.”

(Bucky feels something when he sees how Rue is with him. Open, untethered. Vulnerable. It makes him feel less… monstrous.)

“What about your parents?” Bucky ventures. He’s never cared to figure out her ethnicity, but her features lean South Asian.

She doesn’t skip a beat when she spits, “Fuck them.”

“Oh.”

“Sorry,” though she doesn’t sound it, “that’s just my knee-jerk reaction when talking about them. We don’t talk to them since they kicked Mikey out for being trans.”

“Oh,” he repeats with understanding. Her gaze is wary. “When did he come out?”

(Rue gives him a brief yet approving look as she drinks her water. Pride buzzes in his chest.)

“When he was sixteen. I was nineteen.” She combs both hands through her hair, locking them in, leaning on her elbows. “It was a wild time. I was training for this really big job, and I had to drop out when I was almost done, to take care of him.” He watches her remember. “I started working at Waterway Brewery, where I still work, and I had to pick up a bunch of little odd jobs to put food on the table, pay for rent. I wouldn’t allow Mikey to get a job, and when he got into MIT on a full ride scholarship, it had been worth it.”

“That’s a pretty good school,” Bucky says thoughtfully, “or, at least, it was, back in the ‘40’s.”

Rue laughs for the first time of the night. Her face is soft and rosy from the Christmas lights, and despite the large crowd in the cramped restaurant, she still garners curious looks from nearby diners.

(And Bucky loves it.)

////

Rue’s skittish energy reappears as she fumbles with her keys.

(He stands with her on the top landing, both protective against people walking by and the cutting wind.

It’s then he suddenly realizes it’s his proximity that’s making her so nervous, not the cold.)

He takes a step down, not wanting to crowd her, ready to leave the moment she’s in. She turns once the door is unlocked, making no moves to open it. Her eyes fall to him, a few inches shorter than her.

(If he notices disappointment, it’s gone before it registers.)

“Thanks for walking me home,” she says. She puts on her usual grin and says, “You know, you didn’t have to. I know how to defend myself.”

Bucky’s brow furrows deeply. “That’s news to me.”

She swats his shoulder with a laugh. “I’ve… taken a few classes.”

“You’ll have to show me sometime.” Despite the icy night, the air between them is thick. He finally says, “Have a good night, Rue.”

She grabs his shoulder before he’s off the steps. She’s on the last one, so close, he sees the smile lines at the corner of her eyes when the wind blows, and she squints them shut. Her hand slides from his shoulder to his chest before falling away.

(The buzzing is back.)

“I’m… sorry. For the other night.” Her voice is low, fragile. Her eyes are on her shoes. “I was drunk, and…” she huffs a laugh, pressing a hand to her forehead, “and horny, for a lack of a better word. I was being… messy and destructive–”

“Don’t be sorry.” Her eyes snap to his, finally. Like magnets. He sees her pupils, nearly lost in her dark eyes. She’s not searching. It’s like she’s been waiting for him to just say it. “There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

#bucky barnes #winter soldier #the winter soldier #female reader #female oc #bucky x reader #bucky x oc #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes au #bucky banes x woc!reader #bucky angst #bucky fic #marvel fanfiction #marvel au #marvel #mcu #hurt/comfort #whump #fanfiction #slow burn #friends to lovers #fmoam #good heart (faulty machine of a man) #f

[wenellyb]

Sooooo Sam and Bucky were definitely ex-husbands, right? Because I just finished Moon Knight, and Marc  Layla were giving off the same vibes as whatever was going on in the beginning of TFATWS.

Marc ignoring Layla’s calls/Bucky ignoring Sam’s texts.

Layla tracking Marc/ Bucky somehow always managing to locate Sam

Layla and Marc teaming up and protecting each other even though they’re still mad at each other and have a lot of unresolved issues/ Sam and Bucky  teaming up and protecting each other even though they’re still mad at each other and have a lot of unresolved issues.

Layla and Marc having a heart-to-heart talk and then holding hands/ Sam and Bucky  having a heart-to-heart talk and then holding hands.

Marc (&also Steven) being amazed at layla in her new suit/ Bucky being amazed at seeing Sam in his new suit.

#layla el-faouly #marc spector #moon knight #sambucky #sam wilson #bucky barnes #tfatws #moon knight spoilers #ex-husbandism #I'm not even sure they signed the divorce papers

[bucky-barnes-diaries]

Prompt || Bucky and Reader getting lost in IKEA. — Requested by @raqnarokr <3

Pairing || TFATWS!Bucky x Female!Reader

Word Count || Around 500

Contents & Warnings || Fluff — no warnings.

Random prompt event || Masterlist

Yours and Bucky's trip to IKEA was only supposed to be a 30-minute ordeal—grab a few last-minute bits and bobs for the new apartment you and he had moved into, and then get the hell out. But that quick in-and-out 30-minute trip turned into a full-blown 2 hours of browsing the store and trying to find the few things you needed in the absolute maze of the infamous IKEA—getting lost so many times.

“Why is it so hard to find anything here? And where are all the employees?” Bucky stressed as you and he were trying to find the last two things on your list—a standing coat rack and a metal trash can.

“Ok, what if we split up so we can just be done with this and get the hell out of here?” You suggested as you were starting to become irritated yourself.

“Good idea, doll. I'll find the coat rack….”

“... and I'll grab the can. And then we can meet up in the bedroom section?”

“Deal.”

Out of nowhere, Bucky grabbed your face and kissed you hard and long, the other shop-goers looking at you both with puzzled expressions. “So long, my love. I hope I'll see you again someday,” he spoke, all Shakespearean, making you giggle at his dramatics, before he disappeared over the horizon (into the kitchen section), most likely never to be seen again….

It took you about 10 minutes to find the section where you thought the cans could be located, and after a few more minutes, you found what you were looking for and grabbed a unit before heading off to find the bedroom section.

It seemed like you found all the other departments except for the one you were looking for, so after another 10 minutes, you grabbed your phone and called Bucky.

“Babe, where are you?”

“I was just in the kid's section, but somehow I've ended up back where I picked up the rack.”

“Ok, let's just stay on the phone together and try to find our way to the bedroom department.”

Another 5 minutes went by with you and Bucky fumbling together on the phone in trying to find your way back to each other, when finally, after a long and tortuous journey, you could see salvation (the bedroom section) just ahead.

“Oh, Bucky, I see the bedroom department!”

“Me too! I can see you, doll!”

It felt like a movie the way you and he jogged towards each other before embracing one another tightly—like it's been a lifetime instead of just 20 minutes since you were last together.

“My love, finally together again,” Bucky teased before giving you a sweet kiss, making you shake your head and smile as Bucky brightened up your broken spirit with his silly self.

“Next time, we are staying together at all costs!”

“Always. Now come on, let's grab some well-deserved food for all our hard work.”

“Yeah, if we can even find our way to the register that is.”

“Hey,” he took your hand and gave it a tight squeeze, “we're in this together, doll. Together, we will survive this last bit of our journey….”

Thank you for reading 🖤 Feedback through a comment is highly appreciated! Or let me know through an anonymous ask if that feels more comfortable. As well as a reblog to share my work with other people!

Follow @bucky-barnes-diaries-library and turn on notifications to never miss out on my writing!

#tfatws!bucky #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x f!reader #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes drabble #bucky barnes one shot #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes scenario #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fandom #sebastian stan #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan fluff #marvel #marvel x reader #marvel fluff

[lokisasgardianvampirequeen]

To Those Who Time Forgot

Pairing: TFATWS!Bucky Barnes x Vampire!Female Reader, Sam Wilson

Words: 1525

Warning(s): Violence, Swearing, Minor Drug Use (Weed)

A/N: All characters are property of Marvel I'm just borrowing them. Please do not use or repost my work elsewhere. Much love and I hope you enjoy!!!! Reblogs are immensely appreciated ❤️

Chapter Two

As suddenly as the command left your mouth you were gone from the warehouse, computer and documents in tow. You noticed a motorcycle parked in one of shipping containers with the door partially opened and decided to chance it. Hot wiring the console the bike roared to life and you sped off. I can't believe someone would leave a bike as beautiful as this in such a seedy place, you thought. Their loss is my gain I guess.

You arrived back at your loft in record time. Almost lovingly you brought your new bike inside, making sure to chain the fence outside back up. It was somewhat ironic. The building front the front looked reminiscent of the warehouse you earlier found yourself in. You had however strategically picked this location though. It was central enough to all the bullshit being caused by the rogue Flag Smashers but somewhat within their own territory that they would never think to look for you there if push came to shove. You gave the bike a once over carefully inspecting it. From your toolbox you grabbed a rag and gave the bike a wipe down before putting a cover over it. You made your way up the winding sets of stairs (using holographic tech that made them look decrepit and falling apart from below). You decided to decrypt the computer first, setting it up on a small desk in the corner. Determined for a little break and TLC you had a quick shower and put on some comfy lounge clothes.

You set up all your weapons on the coffee table and the stolen documents from earlier. You grabbed a bottle of wine and took a couple of blood bags from the warmer and made your way to the couch. You put on a show as background noise beginning to thumb through the files in front of you while sipping on your dinner. Most of the information was non-descript. The only thing that caught your eye was the photo of one of the men from earlier "James Buchanan Barnes, Winter Soldier Project, DEFECTED" you whispered to yourself. That definitely explained the familiarity you felt when you first set eyes upon him. Another life Hydra managed to fuck up and tear down, you thought sullenly. A small bit of empathy and understanding rising up in your chest towards him. As quickly as it came on you put it back under lock and key. Emotions served you no purpose, especially when it came to carrying out your vendetta. You trained your eyes back to the TV eventually falling asleep.

Defeated and dejected after a few more attempts at leaving the warehouse, Sam and Bucky finally got outside. True to your words they were able to leave after 20 minutes. Sam elected to fly back and Bucky made his way to where he parked his bike. It was gone! How was it gone?! Metal met metal in obscene fury as Bucky repeatedly punched the wall of the shipping container. What a perfect end to an already shitty mission, he thought.

The walk back did nothing to quell Bucky's curiousity nor sate his anger at Sam and Torres. For every question he thought he may know the answer to in regards to you, another three popped up to replace it. The most pressing issue he decided, what is she? Never in 107 years had he ever encountered another being without a heartbeat, without anything that distinguished sounds of life.

Furthermore he began to question his own abilities. Were his senses failing him, did he just miss the telltale signs of being animate,  too caught up in the rush of the fight. Although it had never failed him before and he was certain it hadn't this time, he was still dubious.

Bucky trudged through the doors of the compound, arriving not too long after Sam. Torres was tucked away at his desk in hopes of hiding away from the further ire of his counterparts. The men approached Torres, Bucky grabbing the last his expensive whisky before taking a seat. Before Bucky could further express his discontent Sam spoke. "So Torres. WHAT and I mean this with as much respect as possible, THE. FUCK???". Torres fidgeted with his hands before taking a deep breath, listening to the plates of Bucky's arm shift in the background as the scarier of his two friends clenched and unclenched his fist.

Finally Torres managed to speak. "The tip I received originally came from the DOJ, as most of ours usually do. It wasn't until midway through the mission that I realized it was a plant. I don't know if their intentions was to distract or to bring attention to what was left of that faction. I still don't. Whoever did this was good, better then good. I have never seen work of this quality since Tony Stark." Both Sam and Bucky stared at each other. Sam wide eyed and Bucky with an pique of interest.

"So what your saying is that even with skills of your caliber, you, YOU the best hacker and most technologically inclined person we know, have no clue how this happened?"

"I have been looking into it since before you guys returned. I have all my best people on it assisting. We will stop at nothing until I have answers."

"Well" Sam stated earning a huff of indignation from Bucky, "since you have a team on it we have a more important assignment for you at the moment."

Torres looked at Sam and then to Bucky nodding. At little less perturbed Bucky broke his silence. "There was a girl....woman, at the warehouse today. We need you to analyze the footage from Red Wing and find out anything and everything you can about her." "Is there anything I should about her that would help?" he replied.

Bucky pursed his lips in thought. "Terminator said this woman was something else. Dead apparently but very much alive" Sam all but shouted at Torres. "Dead?!?" Torres questioned perplexed. If his eyebrows could have become one with his hairline they would be. He almost laughed loudly, the only thing stopping him was still hearing the shifting of Bucky's vibranium arm, something the man never did unless he was extremely vexed. "Yeah, that was my reaction too. 107 years old and he has no explanation man" Sam deadpanned. Bucky stood up at this suddenly caused his chair crash backwards to the floor.

"And like I fucking already told you Sam, I am not the world's fucking authority on all things fucked up! Torres if you must know she was very much like me in terms of strength and force, minus a beating heart and can wield some form of mind control." Bucky turned abruptly taking his whiskey and heading to his room. Sam attempted to stop him and placate him with an apology. Sam realized he went too far. If there was one thing not to do it was make inferences about Bucky's time under Hydra's control and the amount of life they had stolen away from him. Sam knew how to push his friends buttons and well too. But Bucky had enough of people for one day, especially Sam and his merciless teasing. Sam and Torres voices fizzing out to hushed background noise as the two bickered on how to best track down the mystery woman. The last words Bucky heard were "Hydra experiment."

When he arrived at his room he rid himself of his tact gear in exchange for a pair of loose basketball shorts. Finishing off the last of his whiskey he made his way to the gym. If it was one thing that wasn't going to happen anytime soon it was be the reprieve of sleep. He worked the punching meticulously. Muscles moving and shifting in perfect tandem with every blow. Deftness and precision as he landed every punch and kick. By the end the only signs of exertion in display were the splits of his now bloody knuckles.

Sighing, Bucky headed back to his room. Under the spray of the hot shower,  questions and doubts continued to assault his precarious mind until the water ran cold with use. Pulling on a towel he made his way back into the bedroom. When he started therapy with Dr. Raynor he was given a prescription for medical marijuana after Banner had concluded that despite his unique genes, it would help to relax him. Reluctant he filled it in hopes to have any modicum of relief from the PTSD and nightmares that often consumed him. Ofcourse he had to smoke more than the average person but nothing was perfect.

Bucky went out onto the patio attached to his room. As a last ditch ever to calm down he laid in the grass and sparked up. He just watched the stars and tried to allow the stillness wash over him instead of letting it consume him. More relaxed than earlier Bucky made his way to bed. Discarding the towel he flopped down onto the mattress on his back. Quickly, for the first time in a long time, he fell asleep.

Tags: @mochie85

<Chapter One

Chapter Three>

#bucky barnes series #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes fic #bucky x reader

[luna-rainbow]

I don't want Spellman anywhere near Steven and Marc. He already ruined Bucky and made it clear he is incapable of dealing with traumatized, mentally ill characters in a way that is not extremely offensive and insensitive. Part of what made Moon Knight so special to me was how it dealt with their mental health in such a respectful way and I've seen so many people with DID who are so happy to finally have rep that isn't the DID character being portrayed as evil, scary, or a monster. Giving them to Spellman is literally my worst nightmare he's going to ruin them I just know it.

That is a fair point (also I need to finish watching Moon Knight). I’m usually willing to give writers a second chance because sometimes things happen in the background that impact on the story. It’s hard to know how much Covid (not just issues accessing locations but the fact major plot lines had to be changed), rescheduling, other writer quitting, deadlines, studio meddling etc all played into how messy TFATWS turned out to be. The really charitable reading is Spellman ended up doing a job he didn’t sign on to do (ie Bucky’s story) and he was pissed about it (I’d probably be pissed too if my teammate just walked) so just cobbled something together for a character he didn’t give two shits about. If you look at the way Walker’s story is handled, Spellman can do sympathetic portrayals of PTSD and anxiety, cos he managed to make what is supposed to be an unlikeable trope have some pretty staunch fans (I’ve talked about why Walker’s story is the best done arc but tumblr is a pain to search).

What I think isn’t explained by the cuts and chops is just how sullen and brusque all of the characters were (except maybe Torres and Lemar). Even with major cuts, even if the plot might be messy, the friendliness should still come through in the character interactions, but it didn’t. The majority of the soft moments were provided by the actors who used their tone and body language to soften the humourless lines.

You know, a lot of issues in TFATWS are very basic insufficiencies and easily fixable if he is willing to learn. But there is a lot of issues and I also get the sense he’s a very biased writer, in the sense he will only afford sympathy and heroic moments to the characters he thinks are worthy. And that’s what I’m most worried about because it seems like the characteristic that’s least amenable to improvement.

#asks #tfatws critical

[lostsouldier]

4. What is their size and build? How does it influence how they use their body, if it does?

barnes:

bucky is 6"0', ' trapezoid ' in build ( though the metal arm and its bracketing adds to this shape ) ( naturally, he'd be more rectangular ). his weight and muscle fluctuates. hydra kept him pretty stable with a mix of intravenous nutrition, plain macros, and hormones. immediately post-hydra he had to learn how to feed himself. he was operating on survival instinct so his 'feed-me' alert would go off but it wouldn't actually tell him how much food he needed. he only figured out he needs approximately three times the average adult's intake when he mistook high protein energy relief bars from a shelter as chocolate muesli which resulted in the best day he'd ever had up to that point. ( by comparison, steve who also has the super serum requires about 4 times the average adult male's caloric intake. ) while he experimented with calories ( sometimes limited by his location and what he could feasibly get his hands on ) he fluctuated a little. this can be seen in ca:cw where he looks a lot bulkier than in catws and tfatws. now, he manages himself fairly well ( reference is his size in tfatws. ) he's stronger by default thanks to the serum than the average goon. some of his hand-to-hand fighting style does rely on strength, but he's also agile and precise, fast-thinking, with plenty of stamina and knows how to take a punch in order to get the next couple in.

james:

james is 5"10' ( canon has him at 5"9' but they won't stop drawing him as some 6 foot motherfucker --- so i've compromised ) with a trapezoid to inverted-triangle build. he is leanly muscled --- slight, when compared to the likes of steve rogers, even sam wilson and clint barton ( though it really, really depends on what comic you pick up it's so inconsistent ) ( reference image which might explain it better than i can, which also happens to be an old face claim for james ) james isn't necessarily small but he certainly felt that way when he first got into fighting because he was always younger than the rest of his surroundings. as a result, he was up against larger, stronger opponents ( even when he picked the fights himself ) and so learnt to use his slightness against them. he's quick, agile, precise, and again --- not afraid to take a hit or two if it means tiring out his opponent or lulling them into a false sense of victory. ( problematic because he does not have a healing factor here. ) because this style developed at such a young age, it sticks with him today, when though he's definitely grown into his body. he doesn't have the serum to boost his metabolism and help him maintain muscle more easily. he trains a lot but he will not always have that textbook superhero six pack

#files & about & headcanons ft. barnes. #files & about & headcanons ft. james. #palidinus #thanks for the q! #ooc. #queue

[logicalstansadvice]

Here’s the full casting grid, btw. Posted on Jan 5. There was another grid posted on Aug 13 for 2 Guyanese characters, so at that point they were still actively casting. Breaking paywall here, but they also stated in their discord that day that Warner was pausing production on things that were in pre-production, but didn’t actually name anything. This could be what prompted that comment, but since then the charity thing (which states Sept 26 shoot date) was posted. So who knows. Just proof that his name was at one point attached 🥲 and a reminder that he has worked with him before - he was in Logan Lucky in a small role, and was cast in No Sudden Move but had to drop out because of TFATWS. So it’s not out there that he’d try and work with him again.

Limited Series, Series -1 Hour, Single Camera, Drama HBO Max

Dates: August 2022 for 10 weeks 6 ep limited series

Location: New York

Logline: An investigation into a botched kidnapping uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day New York City.

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Roles:

[DEREK] Male (30-39)

Samantha's husband who gets wrapped up in a botched kidnapping that initially targets their 11yr. old son, but Derek's celebrity father-in law may be the real target.

Set Sebastian Stan

[SAMANTHA] Female (30-39)

Derek's wife who gets wrapped up in a botched kidnapping that initially targets their 11 yr. old son, but her father may be the real target. Samantha fears for the child who was accidentally kidnapped instead of their son, and is ultimately the driving force in Derek and the family moving forward with the extortion request to get back the child.

[AGENT MEL HARMONY] Female (30-39) Black

She is an agent who is working a case with little support from her team. She is desperate to make some progress against the crime syndicate she has been tracking, but it's at the expense of her personal life.

Negot. Zazie Beetz

[GEOFFREY MCCUSKER] Male (70-79)

Famous chef and father. He has a lot of money and feels that the reason for the ransom of his grandchild is due to something from his past. He does not negotiate with terrorists and is looking to solve this mystery on his own.

Negot. Dennis Quaid

💄

#logical stans advice #logicalstansadvice #opinion blog #sebastian stan #anonymous