Tumgik
#ceo!sebastianstan
imwall-e · 1 year
Text
W&TWS || Sharing his secrets
Summary : He is a super-soldier of more than 100 year old, struggling to find a place in this new world. She is a young student of 23, struggling with life. But they know they can find comfort and help in each other.
Pairing : Bucky Barnes x Reader
Word Count : 1458
Warnings : insecurities, anxiety, fluff
Series Masterlist
Tumblr media
April 9th, 2021
The month of April had begun with the sun and warmer temperatures. Therefore, more people could be seen outside, enjoying this more than pleasant weather. And the Easter holidays were a week away. Everyone seemed really happy. However, Bucky was torn between opposite feelings.
On one hand, he was really happy that holidays were close because it would allow him to spend more time with Willow. But on the other hand, he was anxious that somebody would recognize him and tell her something. He wanted to tell her the truth about his past himself even if he feared her reaction.
A week earlier, they both agreed that he’d pick her up and they would dine together. James wanted to surprise Willow and take her to a nice and calm restaurant where they might discuss.
Having a few hours left before coming to Willow’s house, he called Steve to explain the situation and get some advice.
“You didn’t tell her about us ?” Asked the blonde, half-shocked, half-amused.
“I talked about everyone. I just didn’t tell her about the Avengers and everything. And especially not about the Winter Soldier.”
“Buck… you know that the President pardoned you. Plus, Tony and Nat did their best to erase…”
“Steve!”James interrupted him. “It doesn’t change what I did. Some people know. Some people recognise me. It is rare but it happens, and it’s the worst. I don’t want Willow to reject me, to talk to me like these people do when they realise who I am.”
“You’re James Buchanan Barnes. The Winter Soldier wasn’t you, it was Hydra, one of their creations. You didn’t have a choice.”
It broke Steve’s heart to see his best friend like that. He could see that Bucky was on the verge of tears. He knew his past will always haunt him, either on his dreams or on his everyday life. But he also knew that he found a purpose with his new enterprise. And with Willow in the Sergeant's life, Steve hoped that she would be a light in the darkness.
"We'll talk later." That's was all Bucky said before closing his laptop so violently that he broke it. Shit. He needed it for work. But at the moment, he didn't really care. He was angry. Against Steve. Against himself. Against everyone.
Crying silently on his bed, he couldn't stop the memories from taking over his mind. They led him to the day Steve asked him to train the new recruits.
A year ago Steve and Bucky were waiting in the training room. The Sergeant became more and more anxious as the minutes went by. It didn’t go unnoticed by his best friend.
“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. I’m sure they’ll learn a lot with you. You know, you’ll also be great on missions.”
“I’m not ready to go back on the field. I’m not sure I’ll ever go back there. I want some change,” he admitted while checking his watch. “Weren’t they supposed to arrive ten minutes ago ?”
“Stay there, I’m gonna check. Maybe they didn’t receive the correct schedule.”
Steve left the room heading for the new recruits’ wing in the batiment. There were rooms for those who wanted to stay, and a shared living room with a kitchen.
Bucky was waiting, playing with his knife, but he quickly noticed that Steve was gone for longer than necessary. As he didn’t want to wait any longer, and was also worried, he decided to check if Steve was with the recruits.
It didn’t take long to find the area and Steve’s voice was getting louder as Bucky got closer. When he understood that the conversation was about him, he stopped and hid behind a wall to listen to it.
“You didn’t come to your training because Sergeant Barnes will be your instructor for today ?” Steve sounded angry and exasperated at the same time.
“Mr Rogers, you have to understand us. He’s an assassin, he…
“He was,” Steve interrupted the man who started to insult Bucky. “Hydra turned him into an assassin. They tortured him for decades. But you don’t seem to take that into consideration.”
“And you don’t seem to understand that we’re scared. It could still be a part of him, which means he could kill us at any moment. I don’t trust him and I want you to find someone else,” required a woman, followed by her colleagues.
That was enough for Bucky who didn’t want and didn’t need to hear more. He took his bike and rode for a moment. That’s when he decided to travel and start doing something new in his life. He didn’t share this with Steve first. Instead he went to Tony Stark.
The man who was also known as Iron Man forgave him for what happened. It took time but they surprisingly bonded really fast and a friendship was born. Bucky was really interested in new technology and progress in science while he was “gone”, and Tony was more than happy to help him understand. And also to talk about his own creations.
That’s how Bucky decided to start a communication enterprise. Tony helping him and also being an associate.
Present time The song All I Have To Do Is Dream by The Everly Brothers slowly woke Bucky up. He didn’t even notice he fell asleep. Then, he suddenly stood up and reached for his phone as he realised it wasn’t just any song, it was his ringtone. Willow was calling.
“Willow? Sorry, I fell asleep.”
“Okay, I was just a bit worried because you were supposed to pick me up half an hour ago and you weren’t answering. I waited and then decided to call.”
“I’m so, so sorry. I’ll be there in ten minutes. Is that okay for you? I promise I’ll make it up to you. We’ll order all the desserts they’ve got if you want.” He said that in one breather while rushing to put on his shoes and take the keys of his car.
“It’s fine, James. I’ll be waiting in front of the house. See you in a minute.”
“On my way, Sunflower!” He hung up and realised that he gave her a nickname.Thta came out so naturally. He liked that but at the same time he hoped that she hadn’t noticed it.
✪✪✪
As promised, Willow was waiting outside. Bucky parked his car and, like a gentleman, opened the door on the passenger side for her. On their way to the restaurant, he couldn’t stop apologising for letting her wait so long.
“James, I swear to you, it’s fine. It can happen to everyone,” she tried to reassure him. “You seem so tense. Are you sure everything’s alright ?”
“Yeah, sure. It’s fine. Everything’s fine. Perfect. And you’re perfect. And…”
“James ?”
“I’m sorry, it’s just that I have something very important to tell you, and it makes me so nervous.”
“Why?”
“It’s about my past and I’m scared you’re going to hate me.”
“Does it have something to do with the Avengers and the Winter Soldier ?”
“You know ?” James was getting more and more anxious. They arrived near the restaurant but none of them exited the car. Bucky couldn’t look at Willow.
“My friend Alex saw a picture of you and they love the Avenger. One of their biggest dreams is to meet them. They did so much research that I think they deserve a PhD about the subject. Then, they recognized you and explained The Winter Soldier’s story to me ; that it wasn’t really you and everything.”
“How did they find all the information?”
“I honestly don’t know, but they’re really talented for that. Anyway, I didn’t want to tell you because it had to be your choice to talk to me about that. But now that I see how anxious you are, I have to tell you.”
“So, is it the last time I see you ?” James’ eyes filled with tears, still unable to look at her.
“I hope not. James, it’s your past and from what I understand, you were brainwashed. You’re not The Winter Soldier. You’re James Buchanan Barnes, and I really like to spend time with you. The man I know is nice, cares for others and apologises a thousand times when he’s thirty minutes late.”
That made Bucky laugh and he finally looked at Willow, only to find that she was smiling at him and giving him a tissue so he could wipe off the tears from his face.
“Thank you, Willow. We should go to eat now, because I’m really hungry.”
“Same for me. I just thought you renamed me Sunflower.”
She laughed softly and that’s when he realised his feelings for her were growing stronger with every minute he spent with her.
Series Masterlist || Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6
6 notes · View notes
Text
What If?
Tumblr media
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x CEO!Reader
Word Count:  2,448
Warning:  None.
Summary: Being the CEO of your own well-known company came with a price. A decision must be made when a fellow well-known CEO approaches you with an agreement.
CEO AU
Wattpad
Buy me a coffee
Bucky Barnes Masterlist
Tumblr media
As you stood in the elevator, you focused on the calming music, attempting to keep the racing thoughts at bay until you made it to your office. Once the doors opened, the sound of your heels clicking along the floor echoed through the office. Many of the employee's sat up straighter, some of them scattering like insects.
Letting out a sigh, you continued your strut through the office. Many of the employees were fearful of you, as your mother had installed that fear into them. You didn't want to be one of those CEO's that was feared. Making it to your office, you quickly shut the door letting out a breath you didn't know you were holding in.
Sitting in your chair, you swiveled around gazing out at the city that was behind you, admiring the architecture.
"Miss Y/N." Your assistant called through the speaker phone.
Sighing, you turned your attention back to your desk. "Yes?"
"Mr. Stark is here."
"Again?"
"Yes ma'am. He is insisting to speak with you this time."
"Is he alone?" You pondered allowed.
"No ma'am." She muttered through the phone. "He...He has two guys with him."
Letting out a frustrated sigh, you brought your hands to your face. Gently resting your head in your hands.
"Miss Y/N?" Your assistant questioned.
"Yes?" You questioned.
"He's on his way to your office."
Hanging up, you quickly stood up. Smoothing down your black pencil skirt, you began fussing with your pale blue blouse that you neatly tucked in your skirt. Tugging your black cardigan tighter around your body, you swiftly made your way towards the door. Closing the door behind you, your gaze fell upon Tony and two mysterious men accompanying him.
Walking down the hall, you met him halfway.
"Mr. Stark."
"Please Y/N." He spoke. "Call me Tony."
You rolled your eyes in response. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Always so classy, Miss Y/N." Tony teased.
The corners of your mouth turned upward a little at his comment.
"Still avoiding me I see."
You scoffed. "I'm not avoiding you." You crossed your arms over your chest. "Follow me. Let's go somewhere more....Private."
Leading them to a conference room, you held the door allowing the three men to enter first.
"Tony." You began.
"This is Bucky and Steve." He introduced motioning towards the men as he talked.
You scoffed. "You had to bring bodyguards this time?"
"They're not bodyguards."
"No?" You tilted your head to the side. "Then what are they?" You teased.
"They're-"
"Miss Y/N, your eleven o'clock meeting is here." Your assistant spoke over the speakers.
"Would you look at that?" You grinned. "We're out of time, Mr. Stark."
"Y/N-"
"Sorry, Mr. Stark." You spoke heading towards the door. "I have more important things to attend to." You snapped, your back to him.
"Please." His voice almost sounded desperate. "We need your help."
"Help with what?" You questioned your hand on the door handle, beginning to pull it open. "What could I possibly help Tony Stark with?" You voice laced with venom.
"Thanos." Tony let out a defeated sigh. "He's back. Please. We need your help."
"MAX?" You questioned.
"Yes, Miss Y/N?"
Silence fell upon the room, as their eyes, silently questioned your actions.
"Clear my schedule for today." You sighed. "Activate office leave protocol."
"Are you sure Miss Y/N?"
Squeezing your eyes shut, you let out a long sigh pinching the bridge of your nose. Your mind was going a hundred miles a minute.
Were you really going to help Tony? What if you don't go?
The curious side of you won over the logical side.
"Yes, MAX." Opening your eyes you stared back at the three men. "Thank you."
"It's no problem Miss Y/N."
An awkward silence suffocated the room.
"Who's max?" Tony questioned in confusion.
"I am Miss Y/N's Artificial Intelligence Assistance." MAX Spoke.
Tony's gaze locked with yours, his expression was filled with confusion.
"Did you..." Tony started. "How did you..."
Chuckling you nodded. "I created Max, yes. You're not the only smart person in New York, Mr. Stark."
---------------------------------------------------------
Tony had convinced you to ride with him and his two "Friends," to a tower that he did most of his work in. Steve was sitting in the passenger seat, leaving you and Bucky to sit in the back. The ride was filled with chatter between Tony and Steve, while you and Bucky sat in silence.
As you watched the long haired man beside you, it was easy to tell he was fighting with himself about talking to you or not. He kept fidgeting and glancing at you whenever he thought you wouldn't notice.
"Were here." Tony spoke, unbuckling and exiting the car.
Following his actions, you looked around. Your mouth falling agape as you stared at the tower in front of you. Taking in each and every detail the tower had, you noticed the Avengers logo on the top.
---------------------------------------------------------
Tony took it upon himself to give you a quick tour of the building. Glancing around as he talked, Steve had wandered off, while Bucky stayed beside you and often offered commentary throughout the tour.
The sound of squeals filled the air. Before you could realize what was happening, there was a few bodies throwing themselves at you, pulling you in for a hug.
"I can't believe you're really here!" "You're my idol!" These were just some of the things being told to you.
Giggling you thanked them. The girls talked to you about their goals and dreams.
"Okay, okay." Tony interrupted. "Back to shield you go."
Grinning you waved back at the girls, as they retreated back down the hallway.
--------------------------------------------------------
"This is the lab." Tony spoke, opening the door allowing you to enter first. The sight of the lab was enough to take your breath away. It was one of the most beautiful tech labs you had ever seen. There was lab techs everywhere, as well as their current projects.
"Tony." Bruce spoke rushing toward your small group. "There you are. I've been looking for you all day."
Glancing at the group, his eyes locked with yours as shock spread across his face.
"You're...You're..."
"It's nice to meet you, Bruce." You spoke softly with a grin.
Bruce had been one of the main reasons you started your own tech company. He was one of your idols.
Your palms began sweating lightly, as you looked at Bruce.
"You know who I am?" He questioned in shock.
You giggled. "Of course." You spoke. "You inspired me to make my company."
A toothy grin spread across his face, as he let out a giggle.
"Okay ladies." Tony chuckled. "Let's get to the main reason why you're here. Then you can fangirl over each other later." He rolled his eyes.
--------------------------------------------------------
Finishing the project you had started, hours passed feeling like minutes.
"Kid." Tony softly spoke, placing a hand on your shoulder. "Do you know what time it is?"
Your focus was still engrossed on your project, not hearing a word that Tony spoke.
"Okay, that's enough of that." Tony spoke, snatching your project away.
"Hey!" You exclaimed furring your eyebrows together, turning to face him. "I was working on that." Reaching for the object, Tony moved it out of reach causing you to frown.
"It's after midnight." Tony spoke. "What have you been working on this whole time?" He asked in curiosity.
"Nothing." You quickly responded.
"It's not nothing." Tony frowned. Turning the object over he examined it. "What is this?"
You frowned in response, dropping your gaze to your lap lowering your head.
"This was a mistake." You muttered as tears began pooling in your eyes. "I...I have to go."
Briskly, you got to your feet. Gazing around the room you let out a heavy sigh. Your cardigan was long discarded somewhere in the lab, while you shoes were laying in the middle of the room.
Gathering your shoes and purse, you didn't care about your cardigan at that moment. MAX had made sure a car would come pick you up, within a few minutes. You hadn't given Tony a minute to question your work nor did you give him an explanation. The feeling of embarrassment washed over you. Reaching the entrance to the tower, you saw your car waiting for you.
Rushing into the car, your chauffeur began driving to your apartment. Many people would be surprised that you lived in a small one bedroom apartment, instead of a bigger place or even a mansion.
Shutting the door you leaned against the shut door. Tossing your heels to the side, you dropped your purse. Locking the door, you quickly entered your bedroom changing into something more comfortable. Crawling into bed, thoughts about the day had clouded your mind. Sighing, you allowed sleep to overwhelm you.
--------------------------------------------------------
Weeks had passed since you had seen Tony much less been to the office. You had decided it would be better to work from home as much as could. It also allowed you to avoid Tony. MAX had told you he had been visiting the office three times a day. However, recently, he had been visiting about five or six times.
Sighing, your phone began ringing uncontrollably. Standing up, you walked to your room opening your window. Crawling out, you sat in the fire escape. Sitting on the stairs, you placed your forehead against your knees, as you closed your eyes. The sound of honking, along with the bustling of the city filled your ears.
Lately, you have been second guessing your decision to take over the family technology company. Your mother had fallen ill and would only step down, if you had agreed to replace her. Her demand had caused a riff in the family, as they didn't miss a chance to let her know what they thought about the situation. They had made sure to let her know that they thought you weren't fit to take over the company, that your brother was more well suited to take over the company.
Tears began pooling in your eyes. It was a hard choice for you. Meaning, you had to give up everything you dreamed about doing, fresh out of college you were thrown into the family business and had become CEO. Your dream was to open up your own bakery, the minute you had accepted the position your dream flew out of the window.
Being the CEO of the family business, meant working at all hours and even odd hours. Most days you didn't have a problem handling the stress and rapid pace of the job. But every once in a while you would begin to crack under pressure. Today just so happened to be that day.
Slightly you began rocking yourself, as you were perched on the metal stair. Tears began racing down your cheeks as the sound of your phone ringing echoed. Sniffling you continued your motions.
"I brought your sweater." A husky voice spoke.
A scream fell from your lips, as your heart began beating rapidly. Looking upward, your eyes were met with piercing blue ones.
"You scared me." You muttered, as you placed a hand over your chest, quickly wiping away stray tears in hopes he wouldn't notice.
"Sorry." He stated, as a pink tint rose in his cheeks. "I...I just thought you might want this." He extended his hand that was holding your jacket.
"Thank you." You offered a weak smile. The realization of your outfit dawned on you, causing your cheeks to heat up. You had decided to wear a ratty old band t-shirt with black sweatpants and a flannel over the tee. Tugging the flannel closed you cleared your throat. "How did you...What're you doing here?"
He shrugged in response.
Frowning, you nodded, dropping the subject as you turned your attention to the street below you. A comfortable silence fell between you, as he sat down facing you in the fire escape. As you sat together in silence, your phone continued to go off. Sighing you stood up. Forgetting your cardigan beside you.
"Thank you, for bringing me my sweater." You smiled. "I...I should get back to work." You muttered, sadness evident in your voice.
He was quick on his feet. Standing next to you, he spoke. "You don't have to."
You sent him a confused gaze.
"I..." He muttered trailing off, sighing. "Do you trust me?" He asked, tilting his head to the side slightly.
"No." You chuckled. "I barely know you. Why would I trust you when I've known you for five minutes?" You quipped.
He chuckled at your response. "Fair enough." Holding his hand out for you, he looked at you expectantly.
"What?" You questioned with a scowl on your face.
"I know a place we could go."
Tilting your head to the side, you gazed at him then at his hand. "You might be friends with an Avenger." You started. "But that doesn't mean you're trustworthy. Just because I'm a female doesn't mean I'm in the Bucky Barnes fanclub." You snapped.
Dropping his hand he let out a huff. "That's not what I meant."
"You insinuated it." You quipped. Shaking your head you climbed back into your window. "Unlike other girls, Mr. Barnes. You have to earn my trust." You spoke in a firm voice. "Just because you bat your eyes and give me your signature smolder doesn't mean I'll swoon over you like the other girls. Have a good day, Mr. Barnes."
Not giving him a chance, you shut your window as you locked it. Yanking your curtains closed, you leaned against the wall. The butterflies in your stomach erupted, as your chest rose and fell at a quick pace. You could feel the heat in your cheeks. The short interaction you had was enough to make you blush.
Pushing off the wall, you began doing the work you had been avoiding. Hours passed before you looked up, darkness had set in for the night. Groaning you stood up, stretching for the first time in hours. A light knock on your window echoed through your bedroom. It was so light you had thought you had misheard.
Making your way to your room, you opened the curtains and unlocked your window. Opening it, you were met with your cardigan and a small bag. Picking up the items, you placed it on your bed before you followed the same actions as before, yanking your curtains shut.
Opening the bag you were met with a note.
Miss Y/N,
I fully intend to earn your trust. I know you've been busy working all day and probably forgot to eat. You can thank MAX for giving me information on things you like.
-Bucky
-----------------------------------------
33 notes · View notes
irndad · 5 years
Text
family traditions- b.b.
Tumblr media
a/n: one of the 31 blurbs i’m doing this month forthe holidays! i’ll reblog the list on my page! hope you enjoy! it’s very short, as i have 31 to do, but i hope you enjoy nonetheless!
day: 1!
prompt: family traditions! 
She’s humming a song he’s never heard before, dancing around their shared apartment like she’s walking on air, a smile light on her lips and warmth on her face. She doesn’t talk much to her family, and it seems they hadn’t bothered with the whole, flying out seeing each other thing. And it hadn’t bothered him much. If he was being honest, Bucky felt a bit spoiled, loving her in a small apartment he can call theirs, hold her in a place where no one can make him stop. It’s a privilege, to share a holiday with the woman of his dreams, and she seems intent on making his life as joyful as possible in the season of it. “Baby, have you seen this one?” She says, in reference to a movie on the screen, and of course, he hasn’t. She severely overestimates the introduction to the new century Stark gave him sometimes. Sure, he knows a hell of a lot about Star Wars, but he hasn’t seen Home Alone. She looks so beautiful, in the light of fairy lights strung up across the walls, looks like something out of those old photos. If he closes his eyes, he thinks of them meeting in his youth, a sepia toned photo of her tucked into his helmet in the trenches. But there are here, in the present, and she pats the seat next to her, and she moves into his arms when he sits next to her. She gets in his arms like she’s made to be there, smiles like he’s the blessing here. “When I moved into the Tower,” she says, her voice a low croon, slender fingers running through his hair. It’s shorter now, but still thick, and she comments on it, says he looks like the dapper man Steve always says was a cad. She knows he’s not that anymore, but it’s fun for her to act like she’s charmed. “When I moved into the Tower, it was just Tony, Pepper and I.” She repeats, gathering her thoughts. She’d met them first, outside of Avengers business, just an intern that stayed close to the CEO until eventually they were the best of friends. It’s interesting to see Stark so protective of someone, and it’s more to see the fondness they carry for each other, “Tony did far too much for the holidays.” Bucky was listening but didn’t reply, looking up at her with hair falling in her eyes, all fondness and sweetness. “Dum-e had a party hat, Pepper wore red and green, we played Jingle Bells constantly.” She looks so fond and happy, and his heart lurches in that vulnerable way she always brings out in him. The idea of her happy- light in her eyes, and the thought of them now, curled up in a couch that they’re not sure how they afforded, 100 years from when he was born, watching TV and discussing traditions from a make-shift family. They have mason jars instead of containers, reuse old plastic tubs, and loves a man with a reactor in his chest as a father and loves a man who’s as broken as shattered glass as though he’s a masterpiece. She’s always been good with make-shift. Looking around their life, it might be better than new. He adores her. “If you want, we can play jingle bells in the morning. I’ll show you my old school dance moves.” The smile that blooms on her lips is a thank you and a yes.
“You’ve still got a bit of spring in your step, senior citizen.”
At this, he pulls her in, and kisses her grin, a laugh on her lips, and he can feel this season being the start of something good, a phase of his life that’s candy coated and good.
He lives for that grin. He kisses it once, and then they watch an old movie, that’s not as old as he is, and he’s making new traditions. tag list (ask to be added!):
 @rareunicorn29 / @jitterbuck / @delicatecapnerd / @a-hecking-disaster @httpmcrvel  / @bucky-stan-031017 / @thatgirl-xx-thatgirl / @vanam0 / @winters-beauty /  @sergeant-32557038 /  @notimetoblog / @missmrene / @rosescentedblood /  @who-the-hell-is-sebastianstan / @messy-adiness12345 / @heckin-good-holland / @afoxwonderland / @radicalstars / @magicwithaknife /  @thecreativeangel  /   @barnesvogue / @nedthegay/ @the-girl-with-no-wifi / @macfullyloaded17 / @iiincognitoo / @emgrace728 /  @dangerouslovefanfic /  @midtownsparker/ @loverboy-holland / @princessofasgard /@sammy-holland / @livingoffsavvyillusions  / @yoitsnotkim / @pandartist /  @painterwithhope / @vampireloveandfun / @gracethegeek9902 / @not-reptilian / @hocohoran / @holtzmanndestroymyass /    @tomshufflepuff / @i-larb-spooderman  / @xanziedanzie / @hanscait / @theglowstickofdestiny / @spillingpetrichor / @assembledorotherwise / @natcad / @demonspawn2468 / @creideamhgradochas / @stormbreaver / @sebbysstangirl / @stylesletic / @sireennotsiren / @sergeantwhitewolf / @thunderous-flower / @scarlettsoldier / @mylovelymarvel / @pizzapatrol / @averyrogers83 / @itsaherokink / @ailynalonso15 / @softlysgtbarnes /  @dontpanc /  @tomhiddleston-is-theloveofmylife / @buckybonky / @prince-of-poptarts / @acupofhotlatte / @jaamesbbarnes /  @haru-ririchiyo @brokenheartsauthor / @laurfangirl424 / @waywardemo / @thescarsweleave / @themoonstruckmagician / @divine-valkyrie
253 notes · View notes
imwall-e · 1 year
Text
W&TWS || Her Broken Heart
Summary : He is a super-soldier of more than 100 year old, struggling to find a place in this new world. She is a young student of 23, struggling with life. But they know they can find comfort and help in each other.
Pairing : Bucky Barnes x Reader
Word Count : 1334
Warnings : anxiety, insecurities, mention of past relationships and toxic exes, Bucky is perfect
Series Masterlist
Tumblr media
April 2nd, 2021
"Do you think I should tell him about my exes ?" Willow asked her friends as they were calling on Discord.
"In my opinion", Dysariel started, "you should wait. You don't know each other for very long. Once you are sure you can trust him, yes."
"Or once we met him", joked Ophelia. "We'll be able to tell you if he's got red flags."
They all laughed at this. However, Willow couldn't stop thinking about her feelings for James and her past relationships that made her very unconfident about a new one. ✪✪✪
Willow’s first ex-boyfriend, Veil, was really sweet at the beginning. It was a long-distance relationship so they only saw each other during ays.holidays. They stayed together for two and a half years. But over time, Veil began to judge Willow more and more, saying that she should wear makeup because she looked like a child. This made Willow very uncomfortable because she didn’t like makeup, it wasn’t her. She tried anyway.
Then, Willow had to go to a hospital for teenagers due to her school phobia and depression. It was great for her because she got to know other people who had similar problems, but also to go back to school little by little as there was a school part inside the establishment. She was hospitalised for over a year and being with nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists made her want to become a psychologist herself. She wanted to help people.
Willow decided to share this new dream with Veil, but he only answered by the fact that she would never achieve it because she was depressed. He never supported her in what she loved. At this time, they were together for more than two years, and he had started to drink a lot. She tried to help him but he didn’t want any help from anyone.
Veil started to be meaner and meaner, criticising every move, words and reactions Willow had. Her family noticed all those things and kept telling her to run away from him. Unfortunately, she had developed an emotional dependence toward him and she didn’t want to admit that breaking up was the solution. That the relationship was toxic.
During summer 2018, she found a student job and met wonderful people. It was a new experience and she really enjoyed it. She made new friends which hadn’t happened since she met Veil. That’s when she realised she didn’t love him anymore. The breakup wasn’t easy, especially as it was on the phone. But it was also a big relief for Willow. She stopped being sad and anxious. She felt stronger and happier.
After struggling with depression and school phobia, she obtained her baccalauréat at 20 in 2019, and decided to start studying Literature, Languages and Foreign Civilisations in English. During her first year, she met Zephyr and Tiana. And at the beginning of 2020, she met William on a dating app. The second ex-boyfriend.
They started dating really fast. Way too fast. And Willow started another emotional dependence. They stayed together for about 8 month. After a few months, Willow started noticing some weird things. She did her research and found out that William was lying to her. Not just little lies. He was lying about his life, his identity. Everything. When she started to confront him, he only told her that she was sick. He played with her feelings and manipulated her.
After all this, it was even harder for Willow to trust people. She needed to heal. She continued her studies and during her second years, she met Dysariel, Ophelia and Axel. It then led us to 2021 when she met James.
She felt like James was different, she was really comfortable around him. But her friends were right, she needed to know him better before fully trusting him. Before starting something with him. It was hard because she wasn’t really patient.
✪✪✪
1:15 pm. She still had two hours before meeting James at his hotel. However, for the first time since they met, she was really anxious. What if he didn’t share her feelings? What if he was like her exes? What if her issues ruined another relationship?
More and more questions came to her mind, making her feel like she was a burden. Tears started to blur her vision. It was difficult for her to breathe and her heart was pounding in her chest. She felt really sick and had to run to the bathroom where she threw up. Her whole body was shaking.
After having somewhat recovered her breath, she decided to take a shower. She stayed a moment, enjoying the hot water passing on her body, each drop washing the anxiety. When she finally felt a bit better, she got out of the shower and was taken by a great fatigue. She decided to lie down on her bed for a few minutes. But she fell asleep without setting an alarm.
✪✪✪
She was awakened by the doorbell. It was 3:30 pm. Fuck. She suddenly stood up, opened her window to say that she was coming in a second, dressed as fast as she could and went downstairs to open the door. Bucky was there.
“James, I’m so so sorry, I fell asleep.”
“Don’t worry, I was just worried because you weren’t here and didn’t answer my messages or my calls. So I decided to come see if everything was fine.”
“Do you wanna come in?” Willow asked, not wanting to let him in the cold.
“Sure, thank you.” James was also welcomed by Scamp who brought him one of his toys. “I can see that you’re still full of life." He said as he sat on one of the stools in the kitchen.
"Is it okay for you if we stay here, I can make hot chocolate like we said last week. It won't be like at the hotel but…"
"Willow, I'm sure it'll be even better."
She smiled and her cheeks turned red which James noticed. He thought she was really beautiful.
She started to take the milk out of the fridge and the chocolate powder out of the cupboard. She then poured the milk into a pot.
"You'll tell me when the temperature is correct for you."
"Do what you're used to doing, I'll adapt. If it's too hot, I can wait and it'll allow us to talk more."
"As you wish", she said as she poured the hot milk into two mugs.
They both added the quantity of chocolate they wanted and James swore that it was the best hot chocolate of his life.
"Okay, so why were you asleep?" James finally asked.
"It wasn't supposed to happen, I swear", Willow panicked.
"Willow, Willow," he stopped you, taking your hand in his, "it's fine. I'm not mad. I'm not gonna lie, I thought you forgot me or didn't want to see me, but it made no sense so I came. And I don't regret it."
"I'm happy then. Well, I started to feel unwell and needed a shower, but after that I suddenly was so tired and I didn't notice I was falling asleep. But I feel better now, especially after a good hot chocolate."
"Oh, so I'm losing against a beverage ?"
"Yeah, sorry Mr Barnes but we have a special relationship. You can't compete with that."
They both laughed at their stupid jokes. And continued talking, until it was time for James to leave because he had another meeting for his future new company.
"My holidays start in two weeks, so if you want we can see each other when I don't study for my exams?" Willow's heart was beating so loudly she was sure James could hear it.
"I'd love to. I'll pick you up here if you want and we can maybe eat somewhere."
"Yes, that'd be great."
He kissed her on the cheek, making her blush again. They said goodbye, and during the evening they sent each other a message saying "goodnight".
Series Masterlist || Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6
6 notes · View notes