I made this blog for writers whom I admire and stories I love. I want to give feedback and exposure to great stories. 18++ only
What kind of stuff do you read?
I read a variety of things, mostly fanfic. I feel like I gravitate more towards longer works like series. However, I find myself reading drabbles and blurbs all the time!
As far as fandoms go, my top three are Marvel, The Mandolorian, and sometimes Supernatural.
Most of this writing is mature (smut tehee) and I respect author’s who DNI with minors. Therefore, this blog is 18++. If you are a minor please understand providing sexual material to you is a crime.
Besides that, I will be reblogging angst, smut, fluff,and sometimes triggering content. Be aware and read warnings/tags.
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yes, yes it is. and it’s just fanart. it’s just an edit. it’s just that, right?
it is just fanfiction—but that’s exactly why it needs to be protected.
i don’t know how to emphasize this, but if this keeps happening; writers will continue leaving the platform. there will no longer be fanfiction, fanart, and fan edit.
we do this because it’s a hobby, it’s a passion—we legally cannot make money off of fanfiction due to copyright laws. and that’s exactly why it’s we as a community care so much about protecting it.
we spend hours on these things, we dedicate blogs to this stuff because we love it! but when our work, our hard work, gets taken without our permission—what’s the fucking point?
Pairing: steve rogers x OFC (Juniper Loughty), mild OMC (Judah) x OFC (Juniper)
Word Count: 2,849
Warnings: ANGST, alcohol, breakups, swearing, jealous steve, unrequited love, heavy nicknames,nat and bucky being right for 10 mins straight, angst crashing nat’s bday
Author’s Note: Hi lovelies! This is first fic (vv nervous) and i was inspired by @honeysucklesteve ‘s 4K writing challenge💕 let me know if any warnings need to be added and feel free to leave feedback! [collage was made by me and fic was inspired by In and Out of Love ; by Oh Wonder]
“That’s the last one, June Bug.” Nat wrapped her in a hug.
“Thanks, Nat.”
“You sure you’ll be alright?” She asks and scans Jupiter's features for doubt.
“Yeah, eventually. I’ve done it before,” Juniper says with a sigh. “Just never thought it would be like this.”
“Me either, kiddo.”
The first night was the worst and all she could do was cry. Memories carved at her until all that was left was a quivering girl.
Juniper tries to remember where it all went wrong. Where did it all break? Surrounded by her belongings, she felt truly homeless. It was as if her home had been ripped from her hands.
The sun pulls her from the floor. It’s bright beams shining through the brownstone’s windows. It gave her the courage to stand up and slowly unpack. She thought that sifting through her things beforehand was hard but now the absence hit harder.
His coffee mug.
She always hated that blue, chipped mug; his first gift from Natasha, when he came out of the ice. The ceramic was all scuffed and it had permanent coffee rings on the inside. Now, she would give anything to hold it in her hands. Feel the warmth of his black coffee, two sugars.
Slowly, her books filled the shelves and her clothes spilled into the closet. The cozy bedding she had once loved, looked wrong.
“I can’t do this.” Juniper’s face falls into her hands.
Her breakdown is cut short by a curt knock. The air in her lungs locks up. What if it's him? Did he change his mind?
She quickly smoothed her hair, shaking it out, and wiped away the tears.
“Coming!” Her voice sounded clear despite the war of screams it faced hours earlier.
Her hands shook, reaching for the knob but she blew out a breath and swung open the door.
“Hey, I’m from next door and saw you moving in. Just wanted to introduce myself.”
Juniper shoved the disappointment away and took in the man before her. His dark hair was curly, falling across his forehead leading to bright blue eyes speckled with brown.
“Hi, I’m Juniper.” She stuck out her hand and he took it with a soft grip.
“Judah,” he smiles and she forces a tight one back. “You okay?”
She flinches at the question and scolds herself for it.
“Yeah, just stressed from unpacking and the move.” Juniper takes back her hand and waves it nonchalantly.
“You sure? I can always help if you want.”
“Help?” She asks, confusion lacing her tone.
“Help you unpack? Looks like you had a lot of boxes but I don’t wanna be too forward.” He holds his hands up in innocence.
Juniper pulled her lip between her teeth looking back at the boxes still piled in her foyer then back to Judah. He looked muscular enough. His worn shirt did little to hide the contours of his shoulders and arms.
“Uh, I think I could use some help actually.”
She stepped back opening the door enough so he could slip in.
“Don’t mind the mess,” she mumbled, slipping past him to sweep tissues from last night into her arms.
“Don’t worry about it.” He flashes her a smile and she weakly nods. “You have a nice unit. The setup is a little different than mine but mostly the same.”
She didn’t want small talk. She wanted to be busy.
“Do you wanna start over here?” She asks and he turns to meet her stare.
“Uh, yeah sure.”
“These two need to go upstairs, the second door on the right.”
“Gotcha.” he flashes her a wink before squatting and lifting the boxes like they were nothing.
Judah seemed to pick up on the fact she didn’t wanna talk. Juniper directed and he did it; occasionally cracking jokes about her taste in tourist knickknacks.
“Hey, I’m gonna order some pizza. That's good with you?” She asks him when the sun starts to sink.
“Sounds delicious,” he quips, making himself comfortable on the velvet couch.
“Comfy?” She teases and he sighs leaning back even further, spreading his legs taking up half the couch.
He was huge standing and even bigger sprawled out like a baby.
“The comfiest.”
After calling in the pizza she flopped next to him occupying the other half of the couch.
“So, what made you move?”
The question makes her raise up and look at him. He still has his eyes closed and is stretched out.
“It’s complicated,” she blurts and he cracks open one eye at her.
“I’m listening,” he says softly.
“I got broken up with.” The words sound foreign and they sting even worse. “Uh, we had been together a year ago yesterday. Well, it would have been a year.”
“Their loss.”
The words make her snort in disbelief.
“So untrue but thanks for the pity.”
Judah sits up and stretches before pivoting his body towards her.
“Look, you are a catch. I wouldn’t have spent a whole day helping a stranger unpack unless I felt they deserved it.”
“You admit that you did this to get in my pants?” She jokes and he shrugs.
“Wasn’t a part of the plans but I do enjoy some spontaneity.” The drop in voice made a chill run across her skin.
“Oh.”
A rough laugh leaves his chest and his hand catches hers.
“Listen, whoever this person was, obviously didn’t see your worth. Sometimes things don’t work out and it's for the best.” He pauses for a beat. “Besides, how would I have ever met you, Berry.”
“Berry?” She asks with a quirked brow.
“Like Juniper berry.”
“That’s a new one,” she says with a smile. “I like it.”
“Jude, c'mon share,” Juniper whined, reaching for the pizza slice.
She was currently climbing over the behemoth of a man trying to get a bite.
“You already had your bite,” he protested twisting away from her on the couch.
A determined look settled on her face.
“Oh no, not that look.” Judah stretched trying to wiggle away but she was already on top of him.
Luckily they were at his house because her couch would have never handled this roughhousing. Her knees landed on either side of his waist and she pressed his chest down with one hand, reaching with the other.
“Berry, this is my slice!”
“Not for much longer,” she says with a grin. She grabs the slice and takes a bite. “Mmmm,” she moans and Judah stills under her.
“That good?”
“Mmhmm,” she hums around the bite and then offers him one.
“You go ahead, Berry.” He smiles and his hands land on her hips.
“Jude, you’re the best.” She juts out her lip giving him the sweetest pout.
He could feel the warmth of her skin on his forearms, her thighs exposed by her sleep shorts and her well-worn shirt slipped down the smooth column of her neck onto her shoulder.
No matter what time of day she looked breathtaking. Dark ebony hair, crystal clear eyes that looked like starlight. He wanted to tell her these things but when they met she was still so broken.
“I was gonna ask you a favor actually,” she mutters, putting the slice back over into the empty box.
“Whatcha need?” He thumbs rubbed smooth circles on her thighs and she steadied herself with her hands on his chest.
“There is this party coming up. My friend Natasha’s birthday and I really wanna go but not alone.”
“The scary one?”
Juniper laughs and shakes her head yes.
“Yeah, the scary one. Anyway, would you wanna be my date?” She rushes the last couple of words thinking her heart might explode.
“Your date?” Judah asks and she cringes.
“Never mind, I knew I shouldn't have asked because now things are-“ her words are cut off by him pulling her into a tight hug
“I’ll take that as a yes?” She murmurs pressed against his chest.
“Hell yeah,” he grins, pressing a kiss to her hair.
Steve wasn’t expecting to see her and damn did she look good. The way his heart flitted to his stomach and made him want to hurl; it surprised him. Junie was glowing. Her hair was just the way he liked it, up in the front exposing her jawline and plump lips. It cascades down her back as silk catching gleams of light.
She hadn’t even seen him yet and he could make out the faint scrunch of her nose when she hugged Sam, laughing.
He missed her.
The rough sting of reality pierced him when an arm snakes around her waist pulling her close.
He didn’t recognize the guy and frankly could care less who he was. All he wanted to do right now was rip his hands off of his Junie. Juniper smiled up at him and leaned into his touch.
Steve didn’t even know the glass in his hand had shattered until her eyes snapped to meet his. The flash of realization and the immediate hard gaze cut him worse than any broken glass.
“C’mon let’s get some air punk.”
Bucky slings his arm around Steve’s shoulder steering him towards the balcony. Steve’s shaking the scotch from his hand and wiping it on his jeans when the door slides shut.
“Dammit.” He grits out and Bucky watches as he slams his palms against the railing. “Do you know who he is?”
“Steve,” Bucky starts but Steve cuts him off.
“Who is he?”
“I don’t think that’s for the best.”
“Awh, c’mon cut the bullshit.”
“He is her date.”
The confirmation makes him drop his head looking at the busy street below.
“His name’s Judah. She introduced me earlier while you were between eye-fucking her and murdering him.”
Steve scoffs and Bucky lets out a dry laugh.
“You asked me for the truth pal.”
“Is she,” he pauses, “happy?”
“Seems to be.”
Steve hums to himself and feels the ache settle in his chest. She was happy without him. It had been 6 months and he still couldn’t be bothered to take her body wash out of his shower. He’d hate to admit when he got really bad and the missions stopped, he sat with water pouring, and the cap popped open. Now and then he’d feel like she was there. That he would open his eyes and see her like out of a movie.
“Why are you getting so upset about this? You broke up with her.” Bucky’s words are harsh but true.
“I did it for her safety.”
“Bullshit, if that were the truth she would still live in the compound surrounded by people to keep her safe.”
He stews in the silence and Bucky grips his shoulder.
“To be as old as you are, you sure can be an idiot.”
A humorless laugh leaves Steve and he drops his head, wondering what it would be like if he was less of an idiot.
Juniper sipped her drink as Nat slid into the barstool next to her.
“Hey,” She says grinning at her.
“Hi, birthday girl!” Junie abandons her drink pulling Nat into a tight hug. “Feels like it’s been forever since I have seen you.”
“Probably, because you have a hunk keeping you company.”
Juniper’s face flushed and Nat nudged her with a grin.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” She says taking a sip of her drink.
“Seriously, though I’m happy for you.”
Nat watches as Juniper nods muttering a thank you.
“Now, what’s on your mind June Bug?”
“Nothing,” She says, shooting her friend a quick smile.
Natasha quirks a brow at her and watches as Juniper’s eyes flit to the balcony where Steve had left with Bucky.
“He has been a mess too.”
Juniper’s heart stutters not expecting to hear those words.
“I don’t know why he is such an idiot but he does still love,” Nat starts but she is cut off.
“I can’t hear this right now.” Juniper downs her drink and slides it back to the bartender. “Sorry, I need a minute.”
The party is booming; her eyes scan the crowd for Judah but he is nowhere to be found. Taking deep measured breaths her legs carry her down the hall to the elevators.
“Stop freaking out,” She mutters to herself.
“Are you okay?”
The familiar voice makes her jump and squeezes her eyes shut. If only she could will him away.
“Go away.”
“Are you okay? I am not leaving you here like this, Junie.” Steve’s voice was even and calm.
“That’s absolutely rich coming from you,” She grits out pressing the elevator button. “Why are you here? Huh? Come to laugh at what a mess I am.”
“What?” Steve asks his brow furrowing with confusion. “Is that what you think of me?”
“Just forget it,” Juniper says as the elevator door opens with a ding. “Have a good night, Rogers.”
“Wait, just a second.”
She escapes into the elevator but his boot wedges into the closing doors. Up close she can see the creases of his worry and the storm brewing in the blue of his eyes. His hair messy; disheveled by his raking fingers she guesses.
“Talk to me.” His gaze burns into her.
Even with the frown on her face, she was gorgeous. The lighting of the party didn’t do her justice. Here he saw the peach dusting her cheeks and the shine of her ruby lips.
“Why should I?” Her eyebrows pinch together and he doesn’t respond. “You broke up with me, Steve.”
“I only wanted to keep you safe,” He says letting the doors close and essentially forcing them in proximity. “That has always been my priority.”
“Safe? Did you forget I had worked alongside you for three years? I am capable of guarding my own safety.” She reaches for the buttons but his hand catches her wrist.
“When things get bad, all I can think about is you. All I want is to see you, talk to you,” He says softly. “Sometimes, I still can hear you. Singing that awful song in the shower.” A sad smile flits across his lips. “I dream about you. Dream that I’ll wake up and you’ll be there.”
“Steve,” She protests and he pulls her closer.
“I think about kissing you.” His touch feels like an old habit she could never shake. “Think about laying you down and kissing every inch of you. God, you’re gorgeous. You know that, right?”
Juniper can see his tongue pressing against his bottom lip and the drag of it across his teeth. Her stomach buzzes. Months ago she would have pulled him into herself like so many times before; but now, her skin crawls.
Why was he doing this now?
“Steve.” She pulls her wrist from his grasp. “I have someone now. He wants me.”
Steve recoils at her words and clenches his fist.
“It’s time for you to move on.” She can see the anger and confusion lacing his features. “It’s not easy, trust me. It’s painful and feels like the worst kind of betrayal.”
“I love you.”
His words make her freeze, curdling the contents of her stomach and making her tongue heavy with unspoken words.
“Steve,” She whispers and she cradles his cheek for a moment. “I’m sorry.”
Juniper presses the open door button and escapes him taking a gracious gasp of air.
first of all, thank you so much for entering my writing challenge, it means so much to me!! <<3 🥺
now, i’m not one to read anything but reader inserts—but you’ve captivated me with the way you have with your words and your story telling abilities. truly beautiful 🥺🤎
i loved reading this! it was so fun and different in the best possible ways!!
Bucky really went from a cranky scowling old man who never smiles to that Cool (gay) uncle who pulls up 2 hours late to the family cookout with sunglasses, cake and level 100 swagger
the cashier at home depot, who saw the video of john walker murdering someone with a shield that was very publicly taken away from him, and now has to sell him metal disks, a welding iron, and spray paint for his DIY project
anthonymackie: Two guys walk into a bar…Finally at the finally episode and can’t think of a better guy to have gone on this ride with. #falconandwintersoldier
Pairing: steve rogers x OFC (Juniper Loughty), mild OMC (Judah) x OFC (Juniper)
Word Count: 2,849
Warnings: ANGST, alcohol, breakups, swearing, jealous steve, unrequited love, heavy nicknames,nat and bucky being right for 10 mins straight, angst crashing nat’s bday
Author’s Note: Hi lovelies! This is first fic (vv nervous) and i was inspired by @honeysucklesteve ‘s 4K writing challenge💕 let me know if any warnings need to be added and feel free to leave feedback! [collage was made by me and fic was inspired by In and Out of Love ; by Oh Wonder] ALSO I TRIED PUTTING A READ MORE TAB AND DUMBLR WONT ACCEPT IT
“That’s the last one, June Bug.” Nat wrapped her in a hug.
“Thanks, Nat.”
“You sure you’ll be alright?” She asks and scans Jupiter's features for doubt.
“Yeah, eventually. I’ve done it before,” Juniper says with a sigh. “Just never thought it would be like this.”
“Me either, kiddo.”
The first night was the worst and all she could do was cry. Memories carved at her until all that was left was a quivering girl.
Juniper tries to remember where it all went wrong. Where did it all break? Surrounded by her belongings, she felt truly homeless. It was as if her home had been ripped from her hands.
The sun pulls her from the floor. It’s bright beams shining through the brownstone’s windows. It gave her the courage to stand up and slowly unpack. She thought that sifting through her things beforehand was hard but now the absence hit harder.
His coffee mug.
She always hated that blue, chipped mug; his first gift from Natasha, when he came out of the ice. The ceramic was all scuffed and it had permanent coffee rings on the inside. Now, she would give anything to hold it in her hands. Feel the warmth of his black coffee, two sugars.
Slowly, her books filled the shelves and her clothes spilled into the closet. The cozy bedding she had once loved, looked wrong.
“I can’t do this.” Juniper’s face falls into her hands.
Her breakdown is cut short by a curt knock. The air in her lungs locks up. What if it's him? Did he change his mind?
She quickly smoothed her hair, shaking it out, and wiped away the tears.
“Coming!” Her voice sounded clear despite the war of screams it faced hours earlier.
Her hands shook, reaching for the knob but she blew out a breath and swung open the door.
“Hey, I’m from next door and saw you moving in. Just wanted to introduce myself.”
Juniper shoved the disappointment away and took in the man before her. His dark hair was curly, falling across his forehead leading to bright blue eyes speckled with brown.
“Hi, I’m Juniper.” She stuck out her hand and he took it with a soft grip.
“Judah,” he smiles and she forces a tight one back. “You okay?”
She flinches at the question and scolds herself for it.
“Yeah, just stressed from unpacking and the move.” Juniper takes back her hand and waves it nonchalantly.
“You sure? I can always help if you want.”
“Help?” She asks, confusion lacing her tone.
“Help you unpack? Looks like you had a lot of boxes but I don’t wanna be too forward.” He holds his hands up in innocence.
Juniper pulled her lip between her teeth looking back at the boxes still piled in her foyer then back to Judah. He looked muscular enough. His worn shirt did little to hide the contours of his shoulders and arms.
“Uh, I think I could use some help actually.”
She stepped back opening the door enough so he could slip in.
“Don’t mind the mess,” she mumbled, slipping past him to sweep tissues from last night into her arms.
“Don’t worry about it.” He flashes her a smile and she weakly nods. “You have a nice unit. The setup is a little different than mine but mostly the same.”
She didn’t want small talk. She wanted to be busy.
“Do you wanna start over here?” She asks and he turns to meet her stare.
“Uh, yeah sure.”
“These two need to go upstairs, the second door on the right.”
“Gotcha.” he flashes her a wink before squatting and lifting the boxes like they were nothing.
Judah seemed to pick up on the fact she didn’t wanna talk. Juniper directed and he did it; occasionally cracking jokes about her taste in tourist knickknacks.
“Hey, I’m gonna order some pizza. That's good with you?” She asks him when the sun starts to sink.
“Sounds delicious,” he quips, making himself comfortable on the velvet couch.
“Comfy?” She teases and he sighs leaning back even further, spreading his legs taking up half the couch.
He was huge standing and even bigger sprawled out like a baby.
“The comfiest.”
After calling in the pizza she flopped next to him occupying the other half of the couch.
“So, what made you move?”
The question makes her raise up and look at him. He still has his eyes closed and is stretched out.
“It’s complicated,” she blurts and he cracks open one eye at her.
“I’m listening,” he says softly.
“I got broken up with.” The words sound foreign and they sting even worse. “Uh, we had been together a year ago yesterday. Well, it would have been a year.”
“Their loss.”
The words make her snort in disbelief.
“So untrue but thanks for the pity.”
Judah sits up and stretches before pivoting his body towards her.
“Look, you are a catch. I wouldn’t have spent a whole day helping a stranger unpack unless I felt they deserved it.”
“You admit that you did this to get in my pants?” She jokes and he shrugs.
“Wasn’t a part of the plans but I do enjoy some spontaneity.” The drop in voice made a chill run across her skin.
“Oh.”
A rough laugh leaves his chest and his hand catches hers.
“Listen, whoever this person was, obviously didn’t see your worth. Sometimes things don’t work out and it's for the best.” He pauses for a beat. “Besides, how would I have ever met you, Berry.”
“Berry?” She asks with a quirked brow.
“Like Juniper berry.”
“That’s a new one,” she says with a smile. “I like it.”
“Jude, c'mon share,” Juniper whined, reaching for the pizza slice.
She was currently climbing over the behemoth of a man trying to get a bite.
“You already had your bite,” he protested twisting away from her on the couch.
A determined look settled on her face.
“Oh no, not that look.” Judah stretched trying to wiggle away but she was already on top of him.
Luckily they were at his house because her couch would have never handled this roughhousing. Her knees landed on either side of his waist and she pressed his chest down with one hand, reaching with the other.
“Berry, this is my slice!”
“Not for much longer,” she says with a grin. She grabs the slice and takes a bite. “Mmmm,” she moans and Judah stills under her.
“That good?”
“Mmhmm,” she hums around the bite and then offers him one.
“You go ahead, Berry.” He smiles and his hands land on her hips.
“Jude, you’re the best.” She juts out her lip giving him the sweetest pout.
He could feel the warmth of her skin on his forearms, her thighs exposed by her sleep shorts and her well-worn shirt slipped down the smooth column of her neck onto her shoulder.
No matter what time of day she looked breathtaking. Dark ebony hair, crystal clear eyes that looked like starlight. He wanted to tell her these things but when they met she was still so broken.
“I was gonna ask you a favor actually,” she mutters, putting the slice back over into the empty box.
“Whatcha need?” He thumbs rubbed smooth circles on her thighs and she steadied herself with her hands on his chest.
“There is this party coming up. My friend Natasha’s birthday and I really wanna go but not alone.”
“The scary one?”
Juniper laughs and shakes her head yes.
“Yeah, the scary one. Anyway, would you wanna be my date?” She rushes the last couple of words thinking her heart might explode.
“Your date?” Judah asks and she cringes.
“Never mind, I knew I shouldn't have asked because now things are-“ her words are cut off by him pulling her into a tight hug
“I’ll take that as a yes?” She murmurs pressed against his chest.
“Hell yeah,” he grins, pressing a kiss to her hair.
Steve wasn’t expecting to see her and damn did she look good. The way his heart flitted to his stomach and made him want to hurl; it surprised him. Junie was glowing. Her hair was just the way he liked it, up in the front exposing her jawline and plump lips. It cascades down her back as silk catching gleams of light.
She hadn’t even seen him yet and he could make out the faint scrunch of her nose when she hugged Sam, laughing.
He missed her.
The rough sting of reality pierced him when an arm snakes around her waist pulling her close.
He didn’t recognize the guy and frankly could care less who he was. All he wanted to do right now was rip his hands off of his Junie. Juniper smiled up at him and leaned into his touch.
Steve didn’t even know the glass in his hand had shattered until her eyes snapped to meet his. The flash of realization and the immediate hard gaze cut him worse than any broken glass.
“C’mon let’s get some air punk.”
Bucky slings his arm around Steve’s shoulder steering him towards the balcony. Steve’s shaking the scotch from his hand and wiping it on his jeans when the door slides shut.
“Dammit.” He grits out and Bucky watches as he slams his palms against the railing. “Do you know who he is?”
“Steve,” Bucky starts but Steve cuts him off.
“Who is he?”
“I don’t think that’s for the best.”
“Awh, c’mon cut the bullshit.”
“He is her date.”
The confirmation makes him drop his head looking at the busy street below.
“His name’s Judah. She introduced me earlier while you were between eye-fucking her and murdering him.”
Steve scoffs and Bucky lets out a dry laugh.
“You asked me for the truth pal.”
“Is she,” he pauses, “happy?”
“Seems to be.”
Steve hums to himself and feels the ache settle in his chest. She was happy without him. It had been 6 months and he still couldn’t be bothered to take her body wash out of his shower. He’d hate to admit when he got really bad and the missions stopped, he sat with water pouring, and the cap popped open. Now and then he’d feel like she was there. That he would open his eyes and see her like out of a movie.
“Why are you getting so upset about this? You broke up with her.” Bucky’s words are harsh but true.
“I did it for her safety.”
“Bullshit, if that were the truth she would still live in the compound surrounded by people to keep her safe.”
He stews in the silence and Bucky grips his shoulder.
“To be as old as you are, you sure can be an idiot.”
A humorless laugh leaves Steve and he drops his head, wondering what it would be like if he was less of an idiot.
Juniper sipped her drink as Nat slid into the barstool next to her.
“Hey,” She says grinning at her.
“Hi, birthday girl!” Junie abandons her drink pulling Nat into a tight hug. “Feels like it’s been forever since I have seen you.”
“Probably, because you have a hunk keeping you company.”
Juniper’s face flushed and Nat nudged her with a grin.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” She says taking a sip of her drink.
“Seriously, though I’m happy for you.”
Nat watches as Juniper nods muttering a thank you.
“Now, what’s on your mind June Bug?”
“Nothing,” She says, shooting her friend a quick smile.
Natasha quirks a brow at her and watches as Juniper’s eyes flit to the balcony where Steve had left with Bucky.
“He has been a mess too.”
Juniper’s heart stutters not expecting to hear those words.
“I don’t know why he is such an idiot but he does still love,” Nat starts but she is cut off.
“I can’t hear this right now.” Juniper downs her drink and slides it back to the bartender. “Sorry, I need a minute.”
The party is booming; her eyes scan the crowd for Judah but he is nowhere to be found. Taking deep measured breaths her legs carry her down the hall to the elevators.
“Stop freaking out,” She mutters to herself.
“Are you okay?”
The familiar voice makes her jump and squeezes her eyes shut. If only she could will him away.
“Go away.”
“Are you okay? I am not leaving you here like this, Junie.” Steve’s voice was even and calm.
“That’s absolutely rich coming from you,” She grits out pressing the elevator button. “Why are you here? Huh? Come to laugh at what a mess I am.”
“What?” Steve asks his brow furrowing with confusion. “Is that what you think of me?”
“Just forget it,” Juniper says as the elevator door opens with a ding. “Have a good night, Rogers.”
“Wait, just a second.”
She escapes into the elevator but his boot wedges into the closing doors. Up close she can see the creases of his worry and the storm brewing in the blue of his eyes. His hair messy; disheveled by his raking fingers she guesses.
“Talk to me.” His gaze burns into her.
Even with the frown on her face, she was gorgeous. The lighting of the party didn’t do her justice. Here he saw the peach dusting her cheeks and the shine of her ruby lips.
“Why should I?” Her eyebrows pinch together and he doesn’t respond. “You broke up with me, Steve.”
“I only wanted to keep you safe,” He says letting the doors close and essentially forcing them in proximity. “That has always been my priority.”
“Safe? Did you forget I had worked alongside you for three years? I am capable of guarding my own safety.” She reaches for the buttons but his hand catches her wrist.
“When things get bad, all I can think about is you. All I want is to see you, talk to you,” He says softly. “Sometimes, I still can hear you. Singing that awful song in the shower.” A sad smile flits across his lips. “I dream about you. Dream that I’ll wake up and you’ll be there.”
“Steve,” She protests and he pulls her closer.
“I think about kissing you.” His touch feels like an old habit she could never shake. “Think about laying you down and kissing every inch of you. God, you’re gorgeous. You know that, right?”
Juniper can see his tongue pressing against his bottom lip and the drag of it across his teeth. Her stomach buzzes. Months ago she would have pulled him into herself like so many times before; but now, her skin crawls.
Why was he doing this now?
“Steve.” She pulls her wrist from his grasp. “I have someone now. He wants me.”
Steve recoils at her words and clenches his fist.
“It’s time for you to move on.” She can see the anger and confusion lacing his features. “It’s not easy, trust me. It’s painful and feels like the worst kind of betrayal.”
“I love you.”
His words make her freeze, curdling the contents of her stomach and making her tongue heavy with unspoken words.
“Steve,” She whispers and she cradles his cheek for a moment. “I’m sorry.”
Juniper presses the open door button and escapes him taking a gracious gasp of air.
Not necessarily as a team. Nope. We’re not that good. Definitely not. We’re professionals. Definitely. And we’re partners. Co-workers. But we’re also a couple of guys with a mutual friend. Friend’s now gone. So we’re a couple of guys. I can live with that. Perfect.
The evolution of
Sam & Bucky’s
relationship.
