being Sanemi’s tsuguko and watching him get progressively angrier and angrier during training, to the point most of the junior slayers are in tears or throwing up or both. You wait until Sanemi storms off, broken training sword thrown angrily to the ground, before you calmly dismiss them, watching as they all scramble/crawl to put as much distance between themselves and the Wind Hashira’s estate as possible.
Once the last poor soul has finally dragged himself past the gate, you return to the manor. You know exactly where he is — the private courtyard around back, probably splintering every training dummy within reach. He barely acknowledges your approach, launching instead into an impassioned rant about fucking imbeciles and how they’re all going to get themselves killed, and when did the Corps start accepting these damn weaklings into its ranks?
You don’t say a word and your silence finally pushes him to turn around. The veins in his forehead are ticking and his pupils are pinpricks and he’s breathing like an ox — chest sweaty and heaving, beads of perspiration sliding between his pecs.
“What?” He barks, and you only raise an eyebrow.
Sighing, you lower yourself to your knees before him.
Summary: You're a hockey reporter who is diabetic. You're in the middle of interviewing the assistant captain, James 'Bucky' Barnes, and end up passing out where you are taken to the hospital from your low blood sugar. When you're released, the assistant captain obsesses over your health and breaks their self-imposed 'no dating colleagues in the league' rule because he can't seem to get you out of his head.
Content warning: Reader is diabetic (I am not diabetic myself but a lot of people I know are so this is my observation of the disease), star assistant hockey captain Bucky with a left arm tattoo sleeve who is obsessed over you, little hockey talk/terms, bff Scott, and FLUFF.
"Ready for the interview?" Your cameraman and sound engineer Scott asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be."
You adjusted the microphone and the lapels of the blazer you wore while steadying yourself. The head coach of the team, Tony Stark came out of the dressing room to speak with the media.
He coached your city's hockey team, The Shield and had just won their second game of the playoffs.
"Mr. Stark." You put your hand up to ask your question.
Tony glanced at the crowd of reporters and rolled his eyes. It was a well-known fact that he hated doing any kind of interview but was always forced to because of his position. Usually, the assistant coach covered for him, but Phil Coulson was still in the locker room, and everyone in the media room was getting restless.
"Ms. Y/ln." Tony pointed to you.
"Yes, thank you coach. Congratulations on your win tonight. How do you prepare the team going into tomorrow night's game knowing you're up two games to none and heading into an environment that is hard to play in?"
"Hydra isn't a team to be taken lightly. They attack the neutral zone strong, their defense is solid, and their fanbase are rabid. We're ready and looking forward to playing there." Tony smirked at you.
You nodded and let the press conference finish.
Once he left the podium, you waited to see what two players the team was going to send out. You adjusted your microphone and looked at Scott who gave you the thumbs up when you saw two players come out and sit at the table.
Steve Rogers, Captain, and James Barnes, assistant captain.
Of course it was them.
The only player in the entire league that made you more nervous than Steve Rogers was James 'Bucky' Barnes. James was always a relentless flirt whenever you interviewed him, having to keep yourself composed and neutral was the hardest part of your job. None of the other guys on the team and in the league for that matter made you stutter, fumble with your microphone, or blush more than him and it annoyed you.
You were a professional and having a star athlete make you nervous was a rookie move.
Seeing them both freshly showered with dripping hair and flushed faces only made your insides contract and face heat while they settled themselves in the chairs. You looked over your questions you wanted to ask and sighed before you raised your hand up.
"Yes?" James winked at you while Steve chuckled.
"How do you prepare for the next two games knowing you're going to be playing in a hostile environment?"
Steve shrugged and said, "We're prepared just fine. Their arena and fans don't bother us one bit."
Steve looked over at James who agreed making the people in the room chuckle.
Cocky bastards.
A few more questions were asked by other reporters when you raised your hand up again.
"Yes?" Steve asked.
"Question for James. You took a puck to the ankle in the 2nd with that nasty slapshot you blocked. Do you have any concerns with it for the next game?"
James glared at you for a brief second before he scoffed and said, "It's all good. Nothing to worry about."
You glanced at one of their trainers who was in the room and he rolled his eyes. You made a note to probe further once the press conference was done.
🏒🍫🍁
"Did you see Y/n sniffing around Parker, asking him about your ankle?" Steve asked Bucky who was putting some things away in his locker.
"No, I didn't."
Bucky side-eyed his friend and captain wondering why he was watching you. Of course you were asking about the puck he blocked, or rather his ankle accidentally getting in front of a slap shot from the point.
His ankle was currently swollen like a balloon and was showing off the colours of the rainbow in which he would need to ice the shit out of it when he got home. Peter and the training staff cautioned him not to mention the injury to anyone.
James smiled to himself.
You had been in the back of his thoughts all god damn season with your shiny hair, expressive eyes, and pretty smile, but you're off limits. He doesn't date reporters or anyone close to the hockey world as he likes to keep that separate from his private life, but you were proving to be a challenge for his self-imposed rule.
"Probably looking at digging up information to expose your weakness to Hydra. Be careful with that one." Steve cautioned making Bucky chuckle.
"It's not fucking espionage Steve, it's hockey. They know I got dinged in the ankle so they may go after me next game. It's payoff hockey." Bucky shrugged, putting a few things in a bag then locking his cubbie in his locker stall.
The team was flying out the following afternoon to Jersey, so he had made sure to give the equipment guys what they needed to pack before he left the arena.
🏒🍫🍁
"You're all packed then?" Scott asked while you lingered in the hallway of the arena.
"Looks like it."
You were looking over your itinerary for the away games you were going to be covering. You stood with a few other reporters and radio announcers while waiting for your bus to the airport. Reporters, media, and team employees usually travelled with the team and for the playoffs, there seemed to be a few more who were along for the trip. You looked at the time and saw you had about 10 minutes before the bus was scheduled to pull up.
"I'm just going to check my blood sugar."
You stepped aside and used your scanner on your arm. The beep of the app sounded, and you looked at the screen and saw it read 5.6.
"Thank god." You mumbled. You had been having a hard time with your sugar levels lately so seeing a normal readout for the first time in a while was a relief.
"Bus is here." Scott announced down the hall.
🏒🍫🍁
You boarded the plane and sat in the front where media had their assigned seats. You watched as the players boarded in their suits; some acknowledged you and some walked by. Even though the league has relaxed their dress code rules, the team still travels wearing suits, something they decided to do as a group.
You had to admit, seeing the players in their suits was the highlight whenever you travelled with them. An even better perk to the job that no one knows about was, once the players boarded the plane, most, if not all, stripped out of their suits and changed into comfy clothes in the middle of the aisle for the flight.
When you first started with the team, you had sat down in your seat, but you forgot your notebook in your carryon, so you got up to get your bag in the overhead bin. You stood and looked to the back of the plane where a few of the guys stood shirtless in the aisle and were changing.
You almost dropped your bag on Scott seeing their toned bare chests and underwear clad bottoms in the aisle. You immediately sat in your seat clutching your bag to your chest with a red face making Scott chuckle at your reaction. He thought it would be funny not to tell you they did that for your first away game.
Yeah, really hilarious Scott, but you're used to it now.
Now, you try not to sneak a peek when the assistant captain shucks off his white dress shirt exposing his tattooed left arm sleeve, then slowly folds it and places it in his bag while making eye contact you the entire time; something he does on every flight.
Like you told yourself countless times before, cocky bastard.
🏒🍫🍁
You watched the practise at the Hydra arena in Jersey with Tony Stark barking plays and line combinations out to the players while they skated. From your observation the team looks dialed in and ready as they skated their drills.
"Y/n?" Wanda Maximoff tapped you on the shoulder.
"Hi Wanda."
She stood next to you with her tablet and cell phone in hand. For being the teams head of PR and social media, she was remarkably always put together.
"I've secured you a one-on-one interview tomorrow after the game. We want it to be fun and playful for our socials"
"Oh? With whom?"
Inside, you were wishing it was ANYONE but James Barnes.
"Barnes."
Crap.
"Sounds good."
You usually liked doing one-non-one interviews with the players but anytime you interview James Barnes one-on-one, it was always challenging for you since he flirted relentlessly with you.
"I'll email you the list of questions later." She tapped on her iPad and then headed down the hall to the dressing room.
🏒🍫🍁
You sat in your hotel room and went over the questions for the one-on-one Wanda had sent. The questions were straight forward, mostly cute personal ones which should be an easy breeze for you to ask. You had a bunch of food in front of you, mainly some juice boxes and chocolate bars seeing as how your blood sugar levels were lower lately.
You had made reminders in your phone to check your blood sugar levels more often for the following day since it was a game day which usually means lots of on-camera reporting and filing reports before, during, and after the game.
Add in the new interview Wanda asked you to do, and it was going to be a long day.
🏒🍫🍁
"You got all your snacks in there?" Scott pointed to your tote bag.
"Think so. I feel good today, so I'm sure I'll be ok. I just want to get my readings back to normal."
Scott knew you were diabetic and was always looking out for you. You had set yourself up for your pre-game coach's interview.
You saw James Barnes saunter down the hall in his workout shorts, flip flops, and long-sleeved black compression top looking mischievous.
"Y/n." He nodded at you.
"Hello." You squeaked out.
He stopped and leaned into you and said, "I'm looking forward to our one-on-one after the game." He flashed a wink at you before disappearing into the players locker room.
Scott chuckled at the face you made because it looked like shock mixed with a grimace and maybe a blush.
"Let's just get this over with." You shook that interaction off, following Scott to the interview room.
🏒🍫🍁
You had jammed a granola bar in your mouth while you went over notes, players, lines, and the pre-interview requests but it wasn't enough.
"Here."
Scott handed you half a turkey sandwich he found in the dressing room, so you managed to eat a little of it.
"Thanks."
You pushed on and did a few sound checks, reports, repositioned the camera, and did a small interview with the radio team on what to expect for the third game in the series, and by the time you had finished, the game was starting.
"You good?" Scott looked over at you, and you shrugged, saying, "I feel fine. Your sandwich helped from earlier. I'll get something after the game."
You hadn't checked your sugar levels, but you felt fine, just as you replied to a few texts from the network and started your game notes.
🏒🍫🍁
"Overtime?" You groaned watching the players from both teams exit the ice surface.
You had almost filed your game report, but Hydra scored with 2 minutes left in regulation, tying it up. Your phone was dinging with new requests for small updates to the sports shows, so you were busy filming a few of those followed by a live interview.
"You, ok?" Scott asked when he heard you groan.
"I think so."
"Let me get you something to eat..."
"There you are." Came a booming voice from behind you.
"Nick." You bravely smiled at the network executive standing in front of you even though you were starting to feel a little funny. Nick Fury owned the network you worked for, so he was technically your boss' boss and anytime he came to a game, he always wanted to meet with the reporters and media.
"Hello sir."
"Y/n. How are things going on the road for you?"
You inwardly cringed at having to stop and chat with him. He was always nice to you, but you never wanted to make him angry; he knew too many people. Scott watched you take a few steps to the side and chat with him while he ordered some food for you.
🏒🍫🍁
"Did I miss anything?" You asked, heading back to your spot after your conversation with Nick Fury.
"Nah, you're just in time." Scott replied, looking around for the food he ordered.
You settled in for the puck drop but Scott got called away by the radio crew needing him to fix something, so you were left alone. The more you watched the overtime, the more you're convinced James is injured since he didn't look like himself on the ice. Every stride and push-off he did on his skates seemed to make him wince more.
Overtime lasted only 9 minutes when Clint Barton ended up knocking in a rebound from Bruce Banner's slapshot, ending the game. The bench cleared while you watched the team celebrate on the ice with boos reigning down from the agitated Hydra crowd.
"Thank god." You said, stomach grumbling while you made you way to the hallway for the post game interviews.
🏒🍫🍁
The team sent out OT goal scorer Clint Barton and Bruce Banner, for their post game interview so you managed to ask them some questions and got your answers you were looking for.
You looked at your watch and that's when it hit you.
"Crap."
"What?" Scott looked over.
"I should eat..."
"Shit, I forgot I ordered food for you, but they must not have dropped it off since I wasn't there..."
"There you are!" Wanda smiled wide.
"Shall we?"
She escorted you to an empty room that had two chairs, a camera, and lighting set up. You had wobbled a little on your feet when you walked with her, telling yourself you were unsteady for it being late.
"I figured we may as well start now." She grasped her iPad tight.
"Right...I was about to go and get..."
"Where do you want me, ladies?" James strolled into the room, looking fresh as a daisy from the grueling game he just played.
Your eyes focused on his ankle, but you didn't see him limping or hobbling. The trainers must be magicians.
"Right here." Wanda pointed to the chair.
"And Y/n will be there." She gestured to the other chair, smiling wide.
"We'll be over there." She waved to the corner of the room where a few more social media people were.
"Right then." You cleared your voice and fumbled with your notes.
You were starting to get a little shaky.
"You, ok?"
James watched you sit but there was something off about you.
"I'm fine James." You plastered on a smile.
"Call me Bucky." He winked at you.
Your vision started blurring but you quickly blinked and the feeling had passed.
Everyone was watching you and waiting for the interview that would quickly be edited so it could get out the following day to the team's social media pages.
You cleared your throat and settled yourself in. From the questions, you figured it would only take you about 30 minutes at the most to get through all of them so you could run and grab something to eat from the restaurant at the hotel lobby before you settled in your room for the night.
🏒🍫🍁
You were listening to James reminisce about some of his playing days on his junior team when you felt your heartbeat start to race and your vision was starting to blur.
Fuck no, not now, please God.
Your shakes were getting worse and the anxious feeling mixed with dizziness had come on strong. You gripped the arm rests of the chair you were on intensely while trying to keep it together.
"So, James...telllll meeeeeeeee..."
You swayed slightly then slumped over, dropping your notes as you went down with the darkness that surrounded your vision.
"Holy shit!" Bucky blurted out.
When he walked into the room, he noticed your face was pale and you were quieter than normal. He figured you were tired from working and the slight time change, but he never thought this would happen. When he first discovered you would be the one to interview him, he was excited because it meant he got to spend more time with you.
Even though he has a self-imposed rule of no dating media or people in the business, he somehow can't seem to get you out of his head. He watched you grimace as you smiled to Wanda before starting the interview and he couldn't help but feel a little defensive thinking you were not excited about interviewing him, but he quickly realised that wasn't the case at all.
Something was off about you.
Bucky looked over at you when he was finished and he saw you sway slightly, but then your face paled then you slumped over mid-question, collapsing in the chair you sat in, notes crashing to the floor. He quickly sprang into action, helping you down to the ground, careful not to injure you.
"What's wrong with her?"
Scott came running into the room and he froze.
"Shit!" He yelled, running towards you.
"Do you know what's wrong?"
"She's diabetic. Probably low blood sugar, which can be dangerous."
He looked you over. The team doctor came running in and assessed you with the paramedics following.
"She's diabetic?" Bucky asked, looking you over.
He held your hand in his while the doctor checked on you. When the doctor lifted your arm, Bucky saw the small round disc attached to the back of your arm. He'd never noticed it before. He looked at your face and he was worried.
You were so pale and you weren't responding well to anything since you were so out of it. The paramedics strapped you to the stretcher, and you were whisked away to the hospital.
"Go with her." Wanda waved to Scott who nodded.
He followed the stretcher, leaving Bucky in the room.
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Wanda patted his arm before she left to answer some calls.
"What hospital is she going to be taken to?" Bucky asked, but no one seemed to know.
He groaned and ran a hand over his face before he ran back to the locker room, grabbing his wallet.
"Where are you off to?" Steve asked.
Bucky replied with, "I'll text you when I get there." Then he was off, typing frantically on his phone for an Uber.
🏒🍫🍁
You smelled the sterile cleaning products and instantly knew you were at the hospital. Your eyes were heavy as you struggled to open them.
"Mmfph..."
You moved slightly but it felt like your limbs weighed triple what they did.
"...Low blood sugar"
"...Dangerous..."
"...Take better care..."
Deep voices and words came in spotty patches while your mind tried to clear itself and wake up.
You moved a little more and wanted to sit up, but your right hand was blocked. You had a hard time moving it.
"...waking up..."
Your eyes fluttered open and the bright sterile room you were in came into view.
"There she is." You heard Scott's voice from your left side.
"Scott?" You mumbled.
Your eyes focused on him while you took in the view. He sat on your left side, his eyes seeming to have dark circles around them.
"You gave us quite the scare."
You blinked a few times, clearing your vision but was squinting.
"Oh, let me turn these lights down a little."
He got up and headed to the door to where a light switch was and flicked it down.
"Thanks."
You smiled at your friend and co-worker. You heard a throat clear on your right, so you looked over and froze, eyes wide.
"Bucky?" You blurted out.
"I'll go and get the doctor..." Scott tapped your side then he left the room.
"Wh-what are..." You tried sitting up but felt weak.
Why is he here?
You looked down at your right hand that he held in his, fingers laced together.
"Shh...here, let me help..."
He let go of your hand and managed to help you sit up a little in the uncomfortable hospital bed you were laying in.
"Better?" He asked, making sure your pillow was fluffed.
"Y-yeah..."
You were still confused on why the assistant captain for the Shield was next to your hospital bed, holding your hand and watching you.
"You scared me." He softly said, moving a strand of your hair from your face.
"H-how...why are you here?"
"We still have to finish our interview silly..." He smiled wide.
"Interview?"
You thought back and that's when it hit you. You passed out when you were in the middle of asking him questions.
"Our interview? Now?"
You were confused and Bucky felt bad for teasing you.
"Just teasing you sweetheart. I wanted to make sure you were ok."
You glanced out the window and found the daylight creeping through the blinds.
"What time is it?"
Bucky looked around and shrugged.
"Around 7:30 am?"
"How long..."
"Hey, hey, shh...the doctor's coming back, he can explain everything."
"You sat at my side?"
"Had nothing else going on."
"Really? You guys won in OT, no bars to visit, or parties to go to and celebrate?"
Bucky shook his head no.
"Playoffs doll. We only have one thing in mind and that's to win the cup. No parties for us until this is all over. Team pact and everything." He stated proudly.
You knew Steve Rogers and him commanded the locker room and whatever they said, the team followed which is why they've been so successful this year.
"Then why are you here? You must be so tired..."
"Surprisingly, this chair is comfortable." He adjusted his large body in it which groaned under his weight making you chuckle.
Scott walked into the room followed by a nurse and the doctor.
"Hello."
"Oh, I should head out. I've got a morning radio session to help with." Scott looked over at you and smiled.
"Glad you're back with us. I'll see you later."
He patted your foot through the blanket and left the room, leaving you there with Bucky and the hospital staff.
"You gave us all quite the scare with that low sugar level."
The doctor seemed to scold you while he was typing on his laptop.
"We managed to correct it and adjust some things, but overall, you're going to be fine. I've already sent your chart to your own doctor, and you have an appointment with them when you get back, but other than that, you should be good to leave here this afternoon."
"Ok." You lamely replied, still confused why Bucky was at your side.
"Good thing your boyfriend was here with you to keep you company."
You looked at the door where Scott was, then over at Bucky who gave you a sheepish smile. "Right, boyfriend."
Bucky reached out and held your hand in his. His very big, calloused hand that felt somehow soft in yours.
"Don't worry, we won't tell anyone. I'll be by in a few to check on you again."
The doctor flashed you a wink then tapped his nose before he left the room with the nurse following.
"I didn't know you were diabetic." Bucky quietly said.
"Yeah, well...surprise." You waved your left hand up and wiggled it like 'jazz hands' making him chuckle.
"So, boyfriend?" You raised your eyebrows up at him.
"It was the only way I could stay with you."
"You could have just left..."
"Pfft, nope. You passed out in front of me so I felt it wouldn't be right if I left you alone."
"Oh, well, thanks."
Your face flushed at his little confession.
"Everyone's going to he happy you're ok."
"Everyone?"
"You gave us all quite the scare back at the arena..."
"Sorry..." You mumbled.
"It's all good." He lifted a shoulder and sighed. "Well, I should head to the hotel to catch a little rest. Coach Stark gave me the morning practise off today."
"Sorry you had to miss that..."
You felt bad Bucky was with you all night.
Bucky squeezed your hand and made sure to get you some water on your side table before he left.
"I'll see you later." He nodded at you then headed towards the door.
An orderly had walked into the room carrying a food tray then left it on your table.
"Make sure you eat that." Bucky pointed to the tray before he left the room, leaving you alone.
🏒🍫🍁
"So, he was with me the whole night?" You asked Scott who had picked you up from the hospital.
"Yup."
"Huh."
"He had gone to two other hospitals before he found where you were. When he came into the room, he was frantic, asking the doctors about your condition and why you were still asleep. Seemed really concerned."
You were shocked.
"He told the staff he was your boyfriend so he could stay with you all night. I was there, but then I left for a few hours. When I returned shortly before you woke, he was sitting at your bed, watching you."
Scott pulled into the covered entranceway to the lobby of the hotel and stopped, helping you out.
"You don't have anything scheduled tonight. Game four is tomorrow and Fury said you don't have to cover it if you aren't feeling it. He can have someone else fill in for you..."
"I'll be there Scott. I feel fine right now. All I want to do is rest a little more, but I should be good to go for the game tomorrow."
Scott looked you over but agreed. Your colour was back and you seemed more alert and focused. Your latest sugar levels were fine from the reading you did at the hospital before you were discharged.
"Ok. Schedule is still the same. The bus will pick us up in the morning. Text me later so I know you're still ok and if you feel funky, let me know and I can get you back to the hospital, so this doesn't happen again."
"I know, and thanks Scott."
"We've upped the food and snacks for you tomorrow so you should be ok."
"I appreciate it." You waved then headed to the bank of elevators to take you to your room. You wanted a shower, to eat something, then you were ready to flop into bed for the rest of the day.
You got into your room and dropped your purse at the door, locking it. You turned and froze, seeing a giant bouquet of red roses sitting on the desk in the room. You walked to it and smiled, smelling one when you took the card and read who it was from.
"Hope you're feeling better. From Fury and associates."
You looked at the bouquet then turned and was startled. On the bedside table was a giant gift basket full of food, snacks, fruit, crackers, and drinks.
"Woah." There was a card taped to the cellophane.
"This should be enough to get you through for tomorrow. Remember to take care of yourself. Bucky. PS – We still have to finish our interview."
You smiled and chuckled, examining the basket of food. Well, between this and the food Scott has ordered, you should be ready to go.
🏒🍫🍁
You worked game four without issue seeing the Shield win and sweep their playoff series with Hydra. Scott had almost over ordered on food and snacks for you and made sure you updated him on your sugar levels which were back to normal thanks to the time you made yourself. You scolded yourself for not taking care of your condition since you have lived with it most of your life.
You did your post game interviews and filed your reports as normal when you saw Bucky walk up to you in the hallway.
"Are you doing, ok?" He asked, his blue eyes searching your face.
"I'm fine, thank you. And thanks for the basket of food. I hope I can get it all packed in my bag to take home with me." You teased making him chuckle.
"Good, I'm glad."
He leaned in close when an equipment manager wheeled a large crate behind you. You were able to smell his cologne from his shower.
"Congrats on the win again." You said before you turned to head to the bus to take you to the terminal.
"See you on the plane." He called after you making you wave over your shoulder.
🏒🍫🍁
"Why aren't you sitting with me?" You asked Scott who was in the row behind you.
"Figured you could lie down and relax for the flight back."
"Scott, I'm fine, really. Maybe a little tired, but I'm feeling good, honestly."
You threw your carryon in the overhead bin. Just as you sat at the window seat, you saw the players board, excited from their win and to get home to their families. You buckled yourself in and waited until everyone was seated, grateful to Scott for giving you some extra room.
You had dreams of stretching out and reading your book, but those thoughts ended when you saw a large body standing in the aisle in your row.
"Bucky?"
"Hey." He said, placing his carryon on the seat next to you.
"What are you doing?"
Players always sit at the back of the plane and only come to the front if they have a question for the medical staff or coaches.
"Sitting here." He shrugged off his black suit jacket.
"But...but why?" You watched as he started slowly unbuttoning his dress shirt.
"Figured, I'd keep you company."
He shook off his shirt exposing his toned chest you always admired and grabbed a black t-shirt from his bag and slipped it on. Once he was set, he placed his bag in the overhead bin and flopped down next to you.
You turned and looked over your shoulder at Scott who hid a chuckle.
"Ok..."
Bucky settled in the seat and did up the seatbelt, leaning over you to look out the window. His shoulder brushed your arm when he did, making you feel his warm body heat.
"Should be a smooth flight." He said, then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
"Right." You were still frozen in your seat gawking at Bucky, unsure what to say or do with this large hockey player in your space.
No one else seemed to care that he was sitting at the front of the plane, so you just went along with it. As the plane taxied down the runway, then got set for takeoff, Bucky reached for your left hand and held it, lacing your fingers together while the plane lifted off. You didn't dare say anything or move your hand seeing as how it was firmly in his for the entire flight. It felt like you were floating as he held your hand; like you were back in middle school with a crush.
Bucky made sure you were feeling fine, asking you every so often if you were ok, it was almost getting annoying, but you understood his concern. You would be worried if you witnessed someone pass out in front of you, then see them being whisked away to the hospital by an ambulance.
The plane landed and Bucky finally let go of your hand when it came to a stop. He got up and grabbed his carryon as everyone deplaned. You got your suitcase and had ordered an Uber when Bucky came up to you.
"So, you'll be ok then?"
"Yes, I will, thanks. I've got an Uber on the way, so I'll be fine."
You stuffed your phone in your pocket. He watched you carefully, almost like he was committing you to memory then he nodded, seeming to be ok with your answer.
🏒🍫🍁
You finally finished your interview with Bucky, the one where you passed out in the middle of it. Shield had made it into the finals playing against the Commandos and you had been busier than ever.
Your sugar levels were good, and you had no other issues apart from learning how to deal with an over-protective assistant captain who has been constantly checking in on you every chance he gets.
"Bucky, I'm fine, really." You insisted while going over your game notes.
The series was tied with game seven at the Shield arena, when you spied Bucky watching you from the doorway to the locker room like he didn't believe you.
"I'm fine." You assured him with a glare.
"Ok, sheesh, put the knife down doll." He teased, holding up his hands and slipped into the dressing room to prepare for their warm-ups.
"He's been obsessed with you lately." Scott teased.
"Ugh, I know. It's..."
"Cute? Romantic?"
"Crazy." You huffed making your hair flutter around your face.
🏒🍫🍁
"You ok over there?" Steve asked his assistant captain.
"All good."
"Hmm..."
"What?" Bucky glared at his friend.
"You've been obsessing over the reporter lately."
"Have not." Bucky snorted while Steve gave him a look.
"Since she was hospitalized."
"Just making sure she's ok."
Bucky put his shoulder pads on and did up his elbow ones.
"You know I have my rule..."
"Fuck your rule. You're head over heels for her, so why not ask her out?" Steve shook his head at his stubborn friend.
Bucky finished putting on his shin pads and pulled up his socks, all while thinking Steve may be right. He'd been low-key obsessing over you for a while and the hospital visit seemed to put everything in perspective for him.
He only had another year or two left to play out his contract and retire as a member of the Shield, so why not go for it? He's fairly certain you like him back, but would you accept a date with him if he asks you?
🏒🍫🍁
"Holy crap, they won the cup!"
Scott gave you a side hug while the team celebrated on the ice. The fans were going crazy in the stands with the win which only made it louder in the arena for you to concentrate. You watched the team celebrate, hug each other and laugh while the trophy was brought onto the ice.
You had your press pass out and showed it, allowing you on the ice with Scott following. You had gotten a lot of celebratory shots of everyone and a few on-ice interviews from the excited players, when you had Scott get into position while the trophy was going to be presented.
"There." You pointed to a spot next to another news crew who were setting up.
The players were handed their Championship hats while they skated around the ice. Some were holding onto each other, and others were waving to their friends and family in the stands when you felt a body stand behind you.
Scott had a small hand-held camera he had started, getting you candid shots the network's social media team could use.
You turned and smiled wide at Bucky who was sweaty and red from celebrating; his hat on slightly crooked.
You shoved the microphone at him and said, "How do you feel right now?" Which made him smile wide.
"I feel amazing doll." He winked at you.
You froze at his term of endearment he had been using on you lately, unsure how to respond.
"Right, well... We can't use that Scott..."
You looked over at Scott who gave you an eye roll.
"Why not?" Bucky asked.
"Well...I..." You couldn't think of anything to say while he watched you try to find words.
The team was getting into place as the commissioner was heading to the ice to present the team the trophy.
You stood with your microphone, unsure of what else to say when Bucky leaned down and planted a kiss on your lips.
A few catcalls and whoops were heard while his lips devoured yours. You dropped the microphone and grabbed his sweaty jersey, kissing him back.
You finally separated when you saw Steve Rogers whistle and smile wide at the two of you. He placed his arms around your shoulders and said, "Finally!" Before he let go to head to where the trophy was.
You snapped out of it and composed yourself, picking your microphone up from the ice.
"You can edit that out." You said to Scott who shook his head no.
"Actually, we're live." He mouthed making your face pale.
Frig.
"You ok?"
Bucky was suddenly focused on you, seeing you pale.
"Did you eat? How are your sugar levels?"
"I-I'm fine. We're live. That was live. Everyone saw." You mumbled, face turning red.
"Yeah they did." Bucky smiled wide, leaning over to kiss you again.
"Bucky!" You blushed.
"Anything you want to ask me?"
"Uh..."
Your mind was soup at what he did, but you quickly composed yourself.
"What are your plans with the offseason?"
That was the stupidest question to ask you chastised yourself. There would be no way any of the players would be thinking that at this moment in time.
He leaned back, a little caught off guard but he smiled.
"I plan on celebrating the whole night with my team and hopefully you at my side. Then, tomorrow, I plan on taking you out on a date, THEN I plan on volunteering my time with the Diabetes Association in the off-season."
He faced the camera as he spoke.
"Someone important to me has diabetes and I want to help in every way I can."
Your mouth was open in shock before he skated away with a wink and joined Steve where they accepted the trophy. The fans were cheering loud as they watched the team hoist the cup in the air with Scott giving you a thumbs up from behind the camera.
⟢ Much to no one’s surprise, you fall first and Ayn falls harder. He’s got that typical black cat personality that makes approaching him difficult, let alone becoming close with him. Due to his lack of experience, Ayn doesn’t even consider a romantic relationship with you at first. It takes time to melt past his aloof forefront but once you do, he develops the biggest soft spot for you. Not that he’ll outright tell you, of course. This is Ayn we’re talking about. Once you show him you’re trustworthy and enjoy spending time with him, he’ll slowly but surely fall for you. He’ll do anything for you once you’ve reached this point.
⟢ Clarence also has a lack of experience with relationships and he’s got quite the busy schedule, so you fall first and he falls much harder. Not that Clarence has ever been against romantic relationships but he’s a practical and very busy man. His schedule is always packed to the brim with activities even in the evenings. He has no time to even think about a girlfriend or a relationship. That is, until you come into the picture. He’s calculated so when it comes to future partners, he takes into account if things will last long term. He doesn’t rush into things because of this. But somehow, you manage to wriggle your way into his heart and eventually, he’s clearing his schedule for you, mindlessly bringing you up in conversations with his family and Luca, getting flustered around you… What? He laughed when he found out that his friend Luca had a girlfriend but now? He’s got no room to judge when he’s this hopelessly in love with you.
You fall first and harder:
⟢ You fall first and harder for Cael. Cael made an agreement years back and has since been assigned your caretaker. That role, however, does not require any emotional connection. He’s simply fulfilling a promise he made way back when. Of course, things change over time. You gradually fall for him but his view of love and feelings is quite jaded so he hesitates to grow closer to you emotionally. As someone from the Empire, emotions and love are a foreign concept. You start being more vulnerable with him though, and he starts to notice differences within himself. Could it be love? It takes a while for him to accept that it is, but when he does he loves you quietly. He doesn’t push himself onto you but cares and protects you.
He fell first, you fell harder:
⟢ Lars is the heir to the Feinz Group, so it’s naturally expected of him to settle eventually but by no means is he in any rush to do so. He’s much more of a go with the flow and spontaneous guy, so when he sees you when he’s not looking for love, he feels as though cupid just struck him with an arrow. He finds you adorable and incredibly hardworking when he finds out about your art. Again, he’s not one to rush things, so he admires from the sidelines. He’ll tease and give you a nickname but will only make a move when things feel right. He’s the most supportive boyfriend you could ever ask for, so you fall harder by just a smidge.
He fell first and harder:
⟢ Believe in love at first sight or not, Alkaid falls for you the very minute he sees you and falls much harder. Not in a superficial way, but genuinely. He is attracted to your kindness at first and wants to get to know you better from there. As soon as he does, he falls for you hard. Getting to know you more makes his feelings for you grow stronger and whether you reciprocate his feelings or not, he’ll always have love for you. It’s as though he’s already dedicated a spot in his heart for you and no matter what happens, he’ll just want you to be happy. He is a lovesick man and the epitome of a yearner.
Dropping the latest Sketch-a-Wish voted on by my lovely Patreon members for January (yes, I'm drastically behind, but feverishly catching up!)
Featuring Jude and Cardan from The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black! Another scene requested where I took a slight detour to showcase what we didn't see on page (when Jude was unconscious) but was hinted at in the aftermath (Cardan's bloody jacket).
Does anyone else's cat shed fur when they're startled or agitated? Mine leaves behind clumps, which for a Devon Rex is dire. I channeled that energy with Cardan's agitated whipping tail and shedding leaves.
Pomegranate have been my go-to fruit to add to my morning oats for over a year now, so it was a fun time to sprinkle them all over this.
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