SYNOPSIS: on your way home from work, you spot a stray dog and decide to help it from the pouring rain. little do you know you caught the attention of the scary, unapproachable mob boss and now that he’s got his sights set on you, he never plans to let you go. based on this request.
WARNINGS: 18+ MINORS DNI — alternate universe. fem!reader, oblivious!reader, sensitive!reader, age gap (reader is early20s & bucky is late30s) reader works a normal office job, pet names such as “baby” , “babydoll” & “sunshine” , reader hates cursing, reader adopts a puppy (teddy) stalker!bucky, mention of steve being bucky’s head of security, fluff, angst, hurt/comfort, bucky hides his identity for a while, eventual smut, kidnapping, blood, guns, murder, reader gets injured, happy ending, no use of y/n
AN: this is a mini series that should have 1-3 parts. if there’s any more, you guys will be updated.
Part 2
Summary: When you join the Avengers on recommendation from your old friend Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes assumes you'll be a pain to deal with. He doesn't like the idea one bit.
As you gently chip away at his gruff exterior, he realizes what he does like. And it's you.
Characters: Bucky Barnes x new Avenger reader (plus a platonic friendship with Sam Wilson and other Avengers)
Trigger warnings/General tags: No use of Y/N, cursing (very minimal and playful), canon-typical mentions of Bucky's past with HYDRA (very brief), canon-typical mentions of violence, Bucky is awkward but we love him anyway
Word count: 2.6K
Author’s notes: This is the first installment in a little series I'm cooking up! I can't make any promises about future posting and timing, but know that I am working on it! Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy!
Taglist: @tinyshyteacup (please leave a comment if you'd like to be tagged in future posts!)
Divider by @saradika-graphics
With new threats materializing around the world, the Avengers were looking for new recruits to help cover more ground.
Sam Wilson had vouched for you. “I’ve known her forever. I think she’ll be a great fit.”
Bucky Barnes had nearly rolled his eyes into the back of his head.
Great. He thought. Basically another Wilson. Just what I need.
When you arrived at the Avengers compound, Sam was there to welcome you in the parking garage.
“Sam!” You cried, jumping out of the driver’s seat to give him a hug.
“You made it!” He returned your embrace. “How was the drive?”
“Not too bad. I listened to audiobooks the whole way. Pretty much knocked out my to-be-read list.” You clicked your keyfob to unlock the trunk and began unloading your belongings.
“Let me help,” Sam offered, taking your suitcase from you. “Steve would whoop my ass if he knew I let a lady carry her own luggage up the stairs.”
“Oh, give it back then,” You yanked your suitcase back with a mischievous grin. “I want to see you get your ass whooped by Captain America.”
“Absolutely not!” Sam barked a laugh and shot his arms out to reclaim the suitcase.
Just then, Steve and Bucky rounded the corner. Steve laughed at the sight of you two playing tug-of-war. Bucky simply cocked an eyebrow.
“Is this our newest recruit?” Steve called, his voice echoing through the garage.
You snapped your head up and immediately let go of the suitcase, causing Sam to stumble back.
“Unfortunately, it is,” Sam jested, catching himself before he could eat the pavement. “Allow me to introduce you guys. This is Steve.”
Steve closed the distance first, with Bucky trailing reluctantly behind him. Admittedly starstruck, you thrust your hand forward, trying to make a strong first impression. “It’s great to meet you, Captain Rogers.”
“Likewise,” He grasped your hand and gave it a firm, respectful shake. “We’re excited to have you on the team. And please, just call me Steve.”
“And this,” Sam gestured unenthusiastically as Bucky approached. “Is Bucky.”
“Gee, thanks,” Bucky glanced sidelong at Sam, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He turned his gaze to you, stone-faced and serious. “Hi.”
Despite his prickly demeanor, your heart did a stupid little flip that you were not proud of.
Sam had described Bucky Barnes to you in great detail.
Grumpy.
Stubborn.
Kind of reclusive.
Painfully unreceptive to modern pop culture.
He had not mentioned anything about how handsome he was. And those eyes.
Maybe Sam was being dramatic. You thought hopefully. Maybe he’s just a little socially awkward? I can work with socially awkward.
Attempting to break the ice, you offered Bucky a smile. “Sam’s told me a lot about you. It’s nice to finally put a face to the name.” You reached out to shake his hand as well.
“All good things, I’m sure.” He said, his tone bone-dry. He gave you one quick shake with his flesh hand before drawing it back to safety. His metal arm shifted uncomfortably, causing his leather jacket to squeak.
“Terrible things, actually,” You quipped, attempting to chip away at the wall he put up. He blinked and furrowed his brow, deep ridges forming in his forehead like cracks in the earth. He almost looked ashamed.
“But anyone who gives Sam as much grief as you do is alright in my book.”
The ridges faded as he let out a stilted, awkward laugh. His shoulders dropped as the tension bled out of them. “Right. Yeah. I try.”
“Please do not form an alliance with Barnes.” Sam groaned as he pulled a box labeled FRAGILE out of your trunk haphazardly.
“No promises.” You shot Bucky another smile, then whipped your head over to Sam, who was stomping away with your precious cargo. “Hey, be careful with that!”
Huh. Bucky thought. Maybe this won’t be so bad.
As part of the onboarding procedures, you were given a basic overview of your teammates. Their abilities. Their strengths. Their pasts.
“Some of the details are… a little unsavory,” Steve explained solemnly, sliding several files across the conference room table to you. “We’ve all done things we’re not proud of. But we’re also trying to do better.”
“I get it,” You nodded. “It’s a matter of trust and respect.”
Steve flipped through photos and bullet points on a hologram projector, tactfully introducing you to reformed assassins, an unassuming scientist who could punch through a brick wall when provoked, and one former weapons manufacturer turned clean energy connoisseur.
Then Bucky’s photo materialized on screen. Steve seemed to hesitate for a moment, then cleared his throat.
“I’m sure you remember Buck from earlier,” He said, his tone carefully neutral. “He used to be known as the Winter Soldier.”
He hesitated again. It was clear this was a tender subject for him.
Enslaved by a terrorist organization called HYDRA.
Experimented on. No anesthesia. No pain relief.
Brainwashed. Abused. Coerced into gruesome murders.
Shoved into cryostasis when not on active duty.
All over the course of nearly 70 years.
By the end of the explanation, your head was swimming.
“He’s been reintegrating back into society for a while now,” Steve concluded. “Slowly but surely, anyway. Don’t take it personally if he seems standoffish. He really is a good guy.”
Steve’s protectiveness touched your heart. Despite your soul-weary exhaustion, you found yourself smiling softly.
“I believe you, Steve. Don't worry, I won’t terrorize him like Sam apparently does.” You joked, attempting to put him at ease. It seemed to work.
“Thank you,” He sighed, his posture relaxing. “I practically have to separate them sometimes. Might have to call you in for backup at some point.” He rolled his eyes, but his tone was fond and light again.
“Just give me a shout whenever you need me.”
The meeting concluded and Steve dismissed you with another handshake. As you trekked back to your floor, you made a mental note.
Show extra kindness to Bucky Barnes.
And keep this little crush under control.
Over the next few days, Sam insisted on showing you the ropes. He gave you a tour of the compound, formally introduced you to the other Avengers, and volunteered to spar and train with you.
While you quickly warmed up to your new teammates, you noticed that Bucky mostly kept to himself, existing in the perimeter of the group. Kind of reclusive, just as Sam had said.
However, his demeanor had improved since your first meeting.
You chalked that up to the fact that he often overheard you trading verbal jabs with Sam. On a few occasions, he snorted out a laugh before going silent again. Like he wasn’t sure he was allowed into your bubble.
You made a habit of giving him a smile and a small wave whenever you passed by each other. The first time you did it, he only nodded stiffly in acknowledgment. By interaction number three, he started waving back. On interaction number six, you got a lopsided grin in addition to the wave. It nearly knocked the air out of your chest.
Eventually, it became your shared ritual. You looked forward to these little exchanges more than you were willing to admit.
Be cool. He has enough to deal with. You reminded yourself.
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” Natasha drawled before taking a bite of her takeout during a team dinner. “You got any embarrassing Sam stories?”
“How much time you got?” You fired back with zero hesitation. That earned a laugh from the whole group, and a desperate plea from Sam to change the subject.
At the far end of the table, Bucky’s lips pulled into a smile. You tried to sneak a glance at him, but your eyes locked instantly. Your heart did another embarrassing little flip.
Feeling brave, he smirked playfully at you.
“Let’s hear one.” He called, then took a sip of his beer. Everyone turned to face him, expressions ranging from subtle encouragement to shock that he had spoken up at all. With all eyes suddenly on him, he shrunk back slightly in his chair and shot you a “help me” look.
Sensing his nerves, you quickly brought the attention back to yourself.
“Oh man, where to begin?” You tilted your head toward the ceiling, reaching into the well of memories you had with Sam. “One time he accidentally sent a girl into anaphylactic shock when he brought her tiger lilies on their first date. She was very allergic.”
“What?!” Everyone gasped, turning sharply toward Sam with accusatory glares.
“The florist said I needed to impress her! I trusted her professional judgement!” He cried, trying to defend himself. “How was I supposed to know her face would swell up?!”
“I take it there wasn’t a second date?” Tony quipped.
“No. There was, however, a trip to the ER.”
More laughter erupted, much to Sam’s chagrin.
But in the middle of the chaos, Bucky wasn’t piling on Sam. He wasn’t joining in the uproarious laughter. He was looking at you. And his heart was starting to do embarrassing little flips too.
The next morning was your first pre-mission meeting. You stepped into the elevator, pressed the glossy button labeled “5”, and began your descent. Your skin was practically buzzing with nerves.
On floor 9, the elevator came to a smooth stop and the doors parted with a hiss. Bucky Barnes stood there, stubble and surprise grazing his face.
You blinked at each other for a single, stretching moment. Then, he presented his signature lopsided smile and wave. You returned the greeting and stepped aside, welcoming him in. You hoped he couldn’t hear your pulse picking up.
He entered and pressed himself against the opposite wall, shoulders slightly hunched, hands shoved in his pockets as usual.
“Uh… floor five,” He muttered. “Please.”
“You heading to the meeting too?” You asked, smiling expectantly at him.
The doors slid closed and the elevator resumed its descent.
“Yep.” He nodded mechanically, not quite meeting your eyes. He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.
“So… how’s it going?”
That caught you off guard. You hadn’t pushed for more than passing glances since meeting Bucky. You now felt nervous for reasons that had nothing to do with the upcoming mission.
“Good,” You said, attempting to appear calm. “Everyone’s been really welcoming.”
“Good. That’s good,” He finally faced you, then grimaced. “You already said good. Sorry.” He ran a shaky hand through his hair.
Well, at least we’re both nervous. You thought.
“No need to apologize,” You laughed light-heartedly. “I appreciate you asking.”
“No problem,” His shoulders seemed to loosen up. “First mission, huh? You ready?”
“I’m feeling pretty nervous, not gonna lie,” You admitted. “Everyone here is so experienced. I just want to do a good job.”
“Don’t worry about it. You wouldn’t be here if Steve didn’t see something in you. You’ll do great.” Bucky’s gaze was steely and resolved, but his tone was certain and kind. It was a glimpse of the good man Steve Rogers believed he was.
Despite your nerves, you stood up a little straighter and offered him a watery smile. “Thank you, Bucky. Really. That means a lot.” You said, your voice warm and grateful.
His expression softened. He gave you a reassuring nod in response.
The doors whooshed open once more, breaking the spell. You had arrived at floor five.
“After you.” Bucky said, gesturing toward the exit. Once you stepped out, he followed and kept pace with you. You stared ahead, actively fighting the heat creeping up your neck.
When you approached the conference room, you reached for the door handle absentmindedly. Without a word, Bucky lurched forward, grabbed the handle himself, and held the door open for you.
It was a simple gesture. Polite. Gentlemanly. And it melted your heart into a puddle.
“Thanks.” You said softly and entered the room on shaky legs. Steve was already there, organizing intel on the holographic touchscreen, completely absorbed in his work.
You took the second-to-last seat at the end of the table, not-so-subtly leaving the one beside you open.
“This seat taken?” Bucky asked, his voice low and casual.
You’re killing me, Barnes. You thought.
“Yeah. By you.” You replied coyly.
The corners of his eyes crinkled in a way that could only be described as endearing. He lowered himself down beside you quietly, the chair creaking slightly under his weight. He kept a respectful gap between you, but it still didn’t help your racing heart.
The other Avengers began to spill in and take their spots, the room filling with a low hum of conversation. Sam sat across from you, grim and displeased, his eyes flicking between you and Bucky suspiciously. You shot him a single warning glare and looked ahead, shutting him down before he could call you out on your conspicuous seating arrangement.
Mercifully, Steve began the meeting at that exact moment.
“Alright,” He clapped his hands once to focus the group. “Let’s talk weapons trafficking.”
Later that afternoon, still mentally kicking your feet over your earlier interaction with Bucky, you walked in on Sam’s latest attempt to drag him into the modern age.
They sat at the kitchen table, plates with crumbs and half-eaten sandwiches long forgotten beside them. Clearly, this discussion warranted their undivided attention.
“Come on, man! You haven’t even given it a chance!” Sam’s arms flew up above his head dramatically.
“I gave it a chance. I liked it just fine.” Bucky grumbled back unconvincingly.
“Just fine? Just fine?! It’s a masterpiece!” Sam was wildly gesticulating at this point.
“What are you boys fighting about this time?” You chuckled as you poured yourself a cup of coffee at the counter.
“Bucky here listened to Trouble Man once and decided it was ‘just fine’.” Sam gestured disapprovingly to Bucky, who crossed his arms defensively.
“I didn’t say it ‘was just fine’. I said I liked it just fine. There’s a difference.” Bucky shot back.
“There really isn’t.” Sam muttered.
“Ah. The age-old debate.” You nodded sagely, stirring creamer into your mug.
“Please help me out here.” Sam rubbed his face in exasperation, his voice muffled by his palms.
You thought for a moment about how best to respond. You knew from Sam’s stories (well, really, your gossip sessions) that he had painstakingly tried to introduce Bucky to new music and media, to no avail.
It came from a good place. Despite his pushiness, Sam was just trying to help Bucky blend in with the world that had moved on without him.
But it had to be overwhelming.
Then, it occurred to you. When was the last time anyone had asked Bucky about what he liked? When had he last been allowed to gush about the things that mattered to him?
You decided to give him that chance.
“What kind of music do you like, Bucky?” You asked pointedly.
He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, though he began to fidget like he was being examined under a microscope.
“I like forties music.” He mumbled, his eyes averted.
“No shame in that,” You said matter-of-factly. “You know what you like and you stick to it. I respect that in a person.”
“Oh, for the—” Sam rolled his eyes aggressively. “What did I say about forming an alliance with Barnes?”
“You told me not to. But, in my defense, I said no promises.” You smirked, then took a sip of your coffee.
Bucky blinked up at you from his seat, mildly stunned, processing your words. Then, a grateful smile bloomed, the lines in his face creasing like leather.
The noise around him—the hum of the kitchen appliances, Sam’s agitated rambling—all seemed to fade as if his head were underwater. His heart began to beat so forcefully behind his chest that he swore it rattled the plates in his arm. His vision narrowed to your laughing face.
Bucky Barnes knew what he liked.
Forties music.
Black coffee.
Cold beer.
His growing collection of early edition fantasy novels.
Summary: The rest of the Thunderbolts* find out that you and Bucky are married.
"So…are they?"
"It definitely seems that way."
"But they could just be really good friends."
"They're far too close to be just really good friends."
You quietly laugh to yourself from the corner where you're hiding, slipping into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. All your morning blues have been lifted by the conversation you've accidentally stumbled on, and you couldn't be more grateful to the duo for it.
"They're definitely together. There's no way they aren't." A new voice sounds from the dining room where the conversation is happening. "Have you seen the way Bucky looks at them?"
"I'm sorry I don't stare at the Winter Soldier all day 24/7." You're pretty sure Ava rolled her eyes after that because John lets out a snort of annoyance.
"Careful." A low voice murmurs softly next to you, followed by the warmth of a familiar hand. "Wouldn't want them to find out you're eavesdropping just because you spilled hot coffee all over yourself, would we?"
"Hey Buck." You lean in to press a quick kiss to his cheek after checking that the coast is clear. "Want some?"
"Can't say no to good coffee this early in the morning." He takes a carton of milk from the fridge, pouring in just the right amount in your cup. You pour some coffee in his cup, pushing the packet containing today's beans at him so that he can read what flavours are in the dark liquid before adding sugar to his cup. Two teaspoons, like always. It used to be more but you've been trying to curb his sweet tooth so he's been sulking lately. You would pity the villains he's been fighting but he has been far more effective in bringing them down ever since you cut down his sugar intake so you're not complaining. However, because of that, Bucky has been more picky about what flavour of coffee he drinks, which has made your coffee bean shopping harder.
His arm gently brushes against yours as he takes his cup from you, giving you a soft smile before heading to the dining room , presumably to scare the living daylights out of the group gathered there. You decide to hang around the kitchen first and take stock of what supplies need to be bought, a good move judging from the commotion that's happening in the dining room right now.
"I wasn't informed about any team meeting today." You detect a hint of amusement in Bucky's voice.
"Bucky?!" John exclaims followed by incoherent shouts from the others. "We were uh —"
"Are you and Y/N together?" Bob casually asks, eliciting more exclamations from everyone else. You're pretty sure Yelena just covered Bob's mouth in an attempt to stop him from asking any more questions since his voice becomes muffled but Alexei just continues asking on his behalf, clearly curious.
"Comrade, it is a beautiful relationship, you and Y/N. Why so shy? They are strong, kind, and very hard to replace."
"Alexei! You can't just say someone is hard to replace!"
"But they are! There is no one like comrade Y/N, even if you go to the ends of the world!"
Bucky can't help but chuckle, then he calls for you. "Babe, do we tell them?"
"I don't know, do we?" You step out of the kitchen, trying not to laugh as everyone dissolves into more hysterical screaming. "They don't seem ready for it."
"How long has it been?" Yelena asks. John groans in the background, muttering something about how he should have noticed it earlier with how defensive you were over Bucky back when you first met.
"I think it's been a good few months since we got married?" You frown, pretending to be deep in thought. Bucky bursts out laughing as the rest of the team erupts into even more chaos somehow, with Ava screeching at the top of her lungs, Bob exclaiming about rings, Alexei shouting about how marriage is a beautiful thing, and John face plants the nearest wall. Yelena looks stoned for a while, and then gives up.
"Wait, then why have we never seen your wedding rings?" Bob asks, gesturing wildly at the both of you.
"I can turn things invisible, remember?" You touch Bucky's neck and a gold chain shimmers into view. Bucky lifts the hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to your knuckles before untucking the chain from underneath his shirt, revealing the ring that hangs from it.
"That is such a boring ring," Yelena deadpans. "Couldn't get anything fancier with your Avengers paycheck? How much does Tony Stark pay the Avengers anyways?"
"We decided to keep things simple, or it might get in the way during a fight." You take yours out, letting out a yelp as Bucky yanks you down onto his lap.
"We're going to be here for a long time, might as well get comfortable," he sighs, nuzzling into your hair. You lean against his chest and feel his arms automatically wrap around your waist, securing you to your new spot. "I hope you have more of those coffee beans because I'm going to need more coffee after this interrogation session."
"You don't want to try the other beans?"
"I like the lavender taste," he hums, the sound vibrating in his chest.
"They're so cute together, how did we not notice?" Ava hisses. Yelena shrugs in response. Alexei forces John into a chair and Bob happily takes a seat, clearly excited about the gossip that's to come and your interrogation begins.
"So, when did the two of you first meet?" Bob asks the first question.
"It was when Steve brought me to the safe house you were hiding in during the UN bombing, right?" You turn to face your husband.
"Mmhm." He fiddles with your ring, clearly not paying attention to the interrogation going on.
"Hey, you're not allowed to leave me alone to face all their questions!" You give his cheek a poke and he gives a dramatic groan.
"I signed up for this when I married you, didn't I?" He sighs.
"Yes you did." Your cheeky grin causes the corners of his lips to curve upwards and he pokes you back.
"I suppose there's no escaping this."
The team eagerly lean closer as you detail your first encounter with Bucky, followed by your first date with him and the wedding itself. It was tiring, answering every single question, but fortunately Bucky stepped in every now and then, helping to answer some of them. His ice blue eyes would crinkle in amusement whenever he recounted a funny incident, followed by a teasing poke to your ribs which would cause you to squirm but you can tell he's enjoying himself, remembering all the little moments of light in his life.
You would give anything to make him smile like this more often.
Once the interrogation is over, the team split up, mulling over the new cascade of information they've just received. You, meanwhile, remain in your spot on Bucky's lap, feeling his hand run through your hair.
"I can't believe we managed to hide our marriage from a Widow, a Walmart Captain America, the Russian Captain America and a spy who can phase through walls." You laugh, snuggling against his chest. His steady heartbeat reassures you, reminding you that he's right here, by your side.
"I can. After all, we're the world's greatest assassin and a spy who can turn anything they touch invisible." He smiles softly, turning you around to face him. His hands cup your cheeks, cradling your face and he leans in to kiss you on the lips. "I can finally do this without having to worry about anyone catching us."
"I like that." You pull him into another kiss, savouring the taste of his lips. "Makes mornings less stressful."
"It also means I can constantly hold your hand now." He presses his forehead against yours, closing his eyes. "And tell you how insanely perfect you are."
"Does this mean I can tell you how extremely handsome you are?" You whisper teasingly, unable to contain the smile on your face.
"Always, love. I'll never grow tired of hearing that."
"Get a room!" Bob yells from his hiding spot around the corner. Ava anxiously shushes him but it's too late. You and Bucky turn to see three heads disappear behind the wall, and you scramble to smack said heads but Bucky tugs you back down onto his lap.
"We're claiming the dining room!" He hollers, then gives you a peck on the cheek. "Go find another room!"
"Buck!"
Your husband only laughs in response, hugging you close. "I'm not letting this opportunity go. I already have you here, I'm not moving anywhere."
"Just admit you're too lazy to move back to one of our rooms."
"And risk spilling coffee on the sheets? Never!"
"Oh, but it's fine to spill coffee on your metal arm?"
"That only happened once! And there's always the dishwasher —"
"No! If I ever see your arm in the dishwasher again, I will personally slap you with it!"
"Fineeeeeee." Bucky sighs. "No more metal arm in the dishwasher."
You let yourself flop back onto his chest, basking in his secure embrace as he finishes his cup of coffee and picks up his book to continue reading.
"I like this coffee." He presses his cheek against yours, purposely rubbing the stubble on your skin because he knows he can irritate you like that and get away with it.
"More than me?" You're not sure why you're feeling so playful today, maybe it's because of the weight that has been lifted after telling the rest of the team about your marriage to Bucky.
"Nothing will ever come close to stealing your spot as my number one favourite." He boops you on the nose, dodging your return attempt with his super soldier reflexes and a wide grin. "Try harder, love."
"You're asking for it, James Buchanan Barnes! Now take it like a man!"
Bucky is an admirer, he’s sneaky about it too. But he really can’t help it sometimes, you’re way too cute. He’s watches you from bed, propped up on a few pillows. You’re folded up, brows furrowed and tongue poking out of your mouth, the concentration it takes to paint your toenails is astounding to him. He likes the shade you’re using, matches your fingers. Bucky is worried about you spilling polish all over your pastel bedspread, he literally just bought you it, he doesn’t want to pay for the dry cleaning too, he will, but he doesn’t want to.
“Honey, do you have to do that in bed?” He switches from one sports channel to another, baseball is more his thing anyways. “Better light in here.” You murmur, placing another cotton ball between your toes. Bucky sighs itching his jaw, he blames immaturity for most of your decisions. A few long talks with Sam were enough to deal with Bucky’s feelings about you, something about he deserves happiness too blah blah. “Sweetheart you’re giving me anxiety.” Bucky rubs his chest, by his heart, that usually always works, makes you pet his head all sweetly. “Bucky…” You grumble, that pout never quits does it, he feels bad for playing the old man card, so he gives you an earnest look. “Put a towel down or somethin’ before you ruin your pretty sheets.” You give him a look, “Please?” He adds on tactfully, ignoring the way you click your tongue. Bucky watches you waddle on your heels, getting a little hand towel from the bathroom.
“Whats with the look?” Bucky stretches his arms, groaning when his shoulder pops, “My leg is cramping.” You murmur back with a frown on you face, trying to massage your thigh. “You want me to finish?” He offers before he can think and of course your placing your feet in his lap, a nail polish bottle is set in his hand as you lull your head back to watch the second inning. You always know how to take advantage. Bucky adjusts your sole, holding your foot by your heel. Bucky carefully and with way too much concentration drags the brush of polish against your nail, he’s way too whipped, knows exactly how to get the coat even. He does every toe on your right foot, makes you hand him the little wads of cotton, least you can do.
“Okay..” He mumbles when he’s all finished, kissing your ankle setting your foot down in his lap. You give a glance to check his work, for the distance it looks pretty good, but you’re sure whatever smudges will get melted off in the shower. “Thanks Buck!” you say sweetly. “Mhm.” He hums already to soaked into watching some guy you don’t know the name off strike out on first. You’ll let him have some enrichment time, you’re a sweet girl after all.
description: y/n is not a morning person and bucky tries everything in his power to ease her into the start of the day.
trigger warnings: fluff, some seductive behavior, domestic!bucky, etc. read at your own risk.
word count: <1k
The sun slipped its way through the closed curtains, shining brightly into the room. Your body was entangled within the sheets and thick blankets among your queen sized bed. You grumbled softly as the morning sun hit your eyes, causing you to slowly shield your face behind the thick blanket, no desire to get up yet.
You felt Bucky stir beside you, your back facing him. He must've been waking up. You felt his right arm slip protectively around your stomach, making you to groan softly.
You loved Bucky's affection, but receiving it early in the morning was something you were trying to get yourself used to. You hated physical affection in the morning and, of course, Bucky knew this but that didn't stop him.
"Mornin', sweetheart," Bucky mumbled into your ear with resonance. You gently moaned, clearly not ready to get up yet.
"You want some tea?" he asked, nibbling gently on your earlobe. You stayed quiet, but turned over to face him. You were so tired, and something unusual made you nestle closer to hin that morning. Your face disappeared into his chest and beneath the covers as his arms engulfed you tightly.
"Look at you.." Bucky whispered with a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. You released a soft huff and breathed in his scent. "What's got you so soft this morning, hm?"
"Shh," you whispered with a soft whine, no desire to speak yet.
To this, Bucky laughed. He pressed a warm kiss to your temple.
After a few moments of stillness that enveloped the room, Bucky dipped his chin down and pressed a lingering kiss to the apple of your cheek. "Cmon, sweetheart," he whispered as softly as possible. "Time to get up."
"Nooo," you dragged out softly.
"Yesss," he mimicked your tone with a smile.
"Bucky," you huffed and lifted your chin to look up at him. Your hair was matted against your forehead, your eyes glassed over the iridescent glimmer of them, and your lips were dry, slightly chapped.
"Y/N," Bucky smiled, sat up while leaning on his elbow, and cupped your face with his hands. You shivered at the cold touch of his metal arm, but relished in the light thrill.
"There's my girl," he grinned and leaned down to press a kiss to your nose. "Good morning."
"Morning," you couldn't fight your smile as Bucky leaned down to pepper kisses across your jawline and neck. You rested your head against the pillows and fluttered your eyes closed, admiring the feel of his warm lips against your cold skin.
He halted at your collarbone and seemed to question with his eyes if he should keep going. When you didn't protest, he sucked the skin over your bone.
Your body shuttered, leaving gooseflesh across your exposed arms.
"I felt that," Bucky smirked.
"Shut up," you laughed and nudged him off you.
He didn't fight you and laughed, shuffling off the bed. He turned to look down at you, still beneath the covers.
"How'd I get so lucky, hm?" Bucky crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at you with such an intense gaze, you felt your face go hot.
"Bucky," you whined softly and covered your face with the blankets.
"No, no, please.. don't cover that beautiful face," Bucky implored pathetically, leaning against the mattress to tug the sheets away.
You giggled when he clearly won the tug-o-war battle.
"There she is," Bucky grinned. "Come on, I'll make us breakfast."
This time, you happily obliged.
.
a/n: hi cuties!! i know ive been gone for a hot minute, i've just been swamped with my classes. i'm taking 4 lit classes this semester 🙄 someone tell me why i thought that was a good idea. ANYWAY ,, i hope yall liked this one! i've been seeing sm bucky content bc of thunderbults (can't wait to see that btw) so i thought to write a cute little fic this morning with him. and seeing sebastian talk shit on donald trump to the press is so sexy to me 🤭 okok i'll stop fangirling!! love yall! have a nice thanksgiving to my u.s. friends who celebrate! — angelina.
SO! i haven’t been reading fic in a long time bc i’ve been reading books BUT, discovered this fic rec in my drafts from 2022 lol oops!
This is purely a fic rec blog, always reblogging fics I enjoy. usually Bucky x reader, sometimes Steve x reader, Chris Beck x reader, etc. So check out more I’ve reblogged on this page. :)
PREVIOUS FIC RECS HERE! // Q & A
Bucky x reader:
A Correspondence of Obligations by @pellucid-constellations
prince!Bucky x princess!reader
“ Obedience, duty, pristine smiles—raised as the princess of an oppressive kingdom, you knew nothing else. Your father signed your life away at the ripe age of five, black ink bleeding into a contract between nations, fate cemented with the flick of a quill. So when the time came to fulfill the promises you were too young to make, you expected much of the same in the land of Brookshire. But Prince James had other plans, as did the enemies looming outside the castle walls.”
Sky Full of Song by @wkemeup
pirate!Bucky x pirate/siren!reader
“Despite the bitter resentment of the crew, you found a home on Captain Barnes’ ship; on the ocean where you belonged, at the side of a captain you swore loyalty and heart to. But when course is plotted for a legendary island, the secret that has kept you alive for years is threatened to be revealed.”
Starting Gate by @navybrat817
motocross!Bucky x reader
“You attract the attention of your coworker's friend who just happens to be a handsome racer who plays for keeps.”
Oath by @softlybarnes (part of the Sugar series but can be reader alone)
40s Bucky x reader
“Bucky finally proposes to Y/N.”
Awake My Soul by @foreverindreamlandd
Bucky x reader (Zombie apocalypse au)
“It’s been five years since zombies first started walking the Earth, destroying anything and everything in their wake. Now, in this apocalyptic world, fighting for survival comes as naturally as breathing. The one thing you’ve learned ever since they arrived, though, is that the living can be so much more dangerous than the undead. When you stumble across two young, scared boys lost in the woods and being chased by walkers, you go against your better judgment and help them to safety. Little did you know that helping them would lead you to Bucky - an angry, grumpy, distrusting member of the camp Shield. Bucky has zero interest in having you enter his life. He’s been hurt before and lost too many people to risk experiencing that kind of pain again, and he knows that there are secrets you aren’t telling the group. Yet, when push comes to shove, and you’re put at risk, he’ll stop at nothing to keep you safe.”
No Such Thing by @sanguineterrain
college athlete!Bucky x reader
“You’ve been assigned to write a column for your school paper on the team’s spectacular running back. You don’t care very much for your university’s football team; you just can’t understand the hype, okay? Turns out your distaste for football bigheads was exactly on point: James Barnes is insufferable.”
Appointments by @buckycuddlebuddy
Bucky x reader
“bucky barnes, finally being able to live freely in 21st century, accidentally gets a fuck buddy and starts to rediscover himself. the only weird thing about this situation is that you have to make an appointment to get railed by him.”
Recipe for Disaster by @seventven
dad’s best friend!Bucky x reader
“your dad’s best friend bucky knows you have a crush on him. your parents invite him to join your family for the annual winter vacation”
In the Embers by @foreverindreamlandd
Firefighter!Bucky x Fem!Plus Size!Adopted Rogers!Reader
“Bucky Barnes. The boy next door. Your brother’s best friend. The guy you’ve been in love with for as long as you can remember. Unrequited, that is, seeing that he only thinks of you as a sister (at least, that’s what you always thought). It’s been about a decade since you’ve returned home and reunited with the boy - now man - with stunning blue eyes and a smile that still puts a million butterflies in your stomach. You never expected to come back, thinking that you’d spend the rest of your life as a famous artist in Los Angeles with your boyfriend/manager. But things change, life gets messy, and now you’re back in your childhood bedroom living with your mom and working at the townie bar to make ends meet while you try to figure out what the hell to do next. The one thing that hasn’t changed? Bucky Barnes is still the boy next door, and there’s no running from him this time.”
Love in Four Acts by @chouettedubois
neighbor MCU Bucky x nurse!reader
“You’re a nurse living in Brooklyn. You’ve got a crush on your next door neighbour who doesn’t seem to know you exist. One day his cat finds its way into your apartment, forcing you both to finally meet. That’s when you learn that he’s James Buchanan Barnes, ex-Winter Soldier. Well, there goes your chances. Or maybe getting close to a superhero isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.”
Plaything part one + two by @captain-buckyyy
virgin!Bucky x reader
“bucky’s innocence is just too much for you to resist”
calamitous love series by @classylo
princess!reader x commoner!bucky
“Reader is a modern princess under immense pressure to marry before she takes the crown, she choose her Prince Charming four years ago… but he didn’t choose her back. He left her with a broken heart and her kingdom to rule alone. Four years later, reader is in an arranged engagement with a man who she can see herself loving… one day… everything seems to be falling into place until her original prince shows up at her engagement party determined to win her back before her wedding day.”
Not Even a Little by @intrepidacious
roommate!Bucky x reader, modern au
“The problem of living with Bucky is that he makes it impossible not to fall in love with him. Even though you could list several hundred reasons why it’s a bad idea. And you have.”
Followed You by @cwbucky
Bucky x reader
“You meet this guy named Bucky through Instagram. Even though neither of you knows what the other person looks like, you two immediately connect. Things get complicated when you start your new job at Stark Industries and you catch a glimpse of the handsome Sergeant Barnes.”
Matched by @nony-bear
Alpha!Bucky x omega!reader
“Bucky Barnes always dreamed of settling down with a mate but after decades of trauma leaving him a grumpy old man with a robotic arm he’s convinced no one could love an alpha like him. Begrudgingly he follows his therapist advice and enrolls in the Swan Program a mate matching program offered but the new aged bio-tech company Mate-Tech”
Body Talk by @boxofbonesfic
trainer!Bucky x plus size!reader
“You’re determined to come out of this breakup a better you, but Bucky likes the you you are.”
King in Your Story by @sinner-as-saint
viking!Bucky x princess!reader
“Everyone in your father’s Kingdom knows that the Vikings often raid the castle’s warehouses. They take anything they want. Food, gold, weapons. Although they never seem to hurt your subjects. But you had had enough. Given your training, and your need to defend your Kingdom, your father agrees to let you trap the Vikings and bring them in for negotiation because this habit of theirs needs to be stopped. You hated the Vikings, and you thought you always would. Until the moment you met a pair of blue eyes which made your world stand still. Bucky was the Chief of his people; muscular, rough and tumble, and arrogant. Not to mention a shameless flirt, and he got on your nerves the most. But you knew it from the very day you laid eyes on his very handsome face that no matter how hard you tried, some part of you couldn’t fully hate him, nor resist him - even if he was the rival.”
Oh Baby, Oh Baby by @tooearlyforthis
Bucky x reader
“As a new recruit, y/n isn’t allowed to go on all the missions yet. To make matters worse, they left behind another, someone that she had despised ever since she first stepped foot in the compound - James Buchanan Barnes.”
Before You by @m4tthewmurd0ck
prince!Bucky x baker!reader
reader is a baker who happens to work at a shop the royals enjoy getting baked goods from :)
Steve Rogers x reader:
Rising Tide by @pellucid-constellations
surfer!Steve x reader
“A relationship built up from the ocean floor, you and Steve had lifetime worth of memories—most best friends did. But things were beginning to change, unspoken feelings creating a rift that cast a shadow over the bond you called home. Unfortunately for you, rip currents are often hardest to spot in the dark”
Part four is yours. This might be my favourite chapter yet to be honest. Likes & reblogs are always appreciated <3
Word Count: 2.1k
Warnings: suggestive content, swearing, reader is referred to as y/n and uses she/her pronouns, men being gross, Bucky being protective, I pretend to know about cars again, Bucky is a girl dad.
masterlist part one part two part three part five part six
Grease, Part four.
The day had been awful from the start. Alarm wasn’t set properly, Cheryl barked at very noise, neighbours decided it was appropriate to listen to heavy metal at two in the morning. All of that to say, I hadn’t slept. Add in a group of builders parading in and out of the cafe, leaving half empty cups on every other table every twenty minutes, and you’re left with a y/n who’s taken three crying breaks in the bathroom already. The only thing calming murderous intent was the memories of Bucky’s lips on mine, his hands rough and large and everywhere.
The bell above the door chimed, and I wiped my hands over my face, preparing to make another flat white that wouldn’t be finished.
“Hi, how ca- Bucky!”
The brunette rested his hands on the counter, leaning himself forward.
“Hi sugar.”
Tears started to well up in my eyes at the sound of his voice, I try to blink them away, shaking my head.
“It’s so good to see you, you have no idea. Sit, let me bring you a coffee.”
He sat at an empty table, eyes not leaving me as I move around, bringing him his cup and a muffin.
“What’s wrong, plum? Look like you’ve been crying.” Bucky still doesn’t move his gaze off me, his brows knitted together in worry.
“Ha, yeah. Sorry about that,” I rub at my eyes, feeling grateful for the lack of makeup. “Bad day, bad sleep, bad customers.”
His hand reaches up to hold mine, thumb stroking over my knuckles. The moment doesn’t last long, the bell of evil ringing out again. I press a quick kiss to his temple before going back to work.
Bucky sits there for the better part of an hour, just observing. He takes in the cafe, wondering how he never noticed the cloud wallpaper, the blue chairs, the pale yellow ceiling. It was a cute place, and the curly-haired waitress buzzing around added to the charm, he thought. He was about to leave, coffee empty and muffin finished - a sure sign to get back to work, but there was a man with a white helmet sat two tables across from him who wouldn’t stop staring at the counter. Bucky turned his head then, and nearly keeled over at the sight.
She had taken her hair down. Frizzy, free, no two strands of hair the same, y/n looked like the physical embodiment of pure, unadulterated joy. The sunlight beaming in from the glass doors casting a downright angelic glow all over her.
That, and she was more or less bent over the back counters, reaching for something behind one of the machines, giving Bucky and the white-helmet-freak a good view of her ass. He couldn’t leave then, not when his joy was being ogled at by some douche who was drooling. He kept his gaze on the man, watching.
“Hey, Miss,” one of the man called out, signalling me over when I turned around. I grabbed a pot of coffee, briefly looking at Bucky before walking over there. “When’d you get off, hotness?”
“Sorry?” I felt a heat creep up on me, but not the good kind.
“I’m going to a party tonight, you should come. Intimate gathering type shit.”
“No, thank you.”
“Aw come on now, it’d be a laugh.”
“Yeah, no thanks.”
“You’re too se-”
“She said no, buddy. Move along.” A deep voice called out from next to me, and I swear I could’ve fallen to my knees then and there. The man at the table grumbled a ‘you’re ugly anyways’ before leaving. Bucky’s arms turn me around so I’m facing him, enveloping me in a hug.
“You smell good.” I muffle out into his chest.
“Thanks, it’s grease and sweat.”
“Mm, I love it when you talk dirty to me.” I don’t get a chance to laugh at my own joke before he plants a quick kiss on my lips, "thanks for stepping in."
“When do you finish?”
I check my watch, “four more hours.”
“Your engine came earlier. Come over after when you’re done, sugar. Let’s see if we can make this better for you.”
I nod, waving him bye as he leaves. I take the cup and plate into the back room, barely managing to walk in before my coworker, Taylor walks in.
“He’s hot.”
“Who?”
She raises a single brow at me, a smile on her mouth. “The dilf that just left?”
“Oh sure, yeah. He’s hot.”
“Boyfriend?”
“No.”
“Husband?”
“No! We’ve just been, like, hanging out? I think.”
She laughs at me then, “you’re sleeping together.”
I scrunch my face, her mouth dropping.
“Girl, what? How do you let him walk around like that and not?”
“We’re taking it slow, I suppose. I’m seeing him later and honestly it’s the only thing that’s gonna get me through this shift.”
“Heard. It’s a nightmare and I don’t know where all these people have come from.” She shakes her head and leaves me to my thoughts.
*
The shift flies by, the rush was over fairly quick, leaving me, Taylor, and a few others to bask in the slowness. I rid my head of work thoughts as I push open the garage doors. It feels different than the last time I was here, personal, almost. It doesn’t take long for Bucky to spot me, pulling over to his little corner where my car was. It was missing the hood, but it looked fine.
“Is it done?” Bucky chuckles, wiping his hands on a rag, chucking it on his shoulder that was barely covered by a once-white vest. He looked criminally good, the vest stretching over his broadness, black pants struggling over the thickness of his legs.
“Haven’t started. You wanted action sugar, you’re getting it.” He nods over to the open bonnet, grabbing his tool box.
“So, I’ve taken the hood off and drained it. Don’t want any spillages, or leaks, do we?” I shake my head, “so now I’m gonna disconnect some of the lines, and then I’m gonna get you to do the wiring.”
“Me?”
“Yeah sugar, you.” He leans over the hood, rag in hand as he tampers round with the lines. There’s a light layer of sweat forming on his forehead, grunting lightly as the pipes struggle to disconnect. He works at it for a minute, forearms tense as the veins in his arms show up. The building gets warmer, and the sweat on him glistens.
“Alright see these?” He points around to a few wires plugged into various things on the inside of my car. “You’re gonna pull ‘em out.”
“What if I break it?”
“Then I’m here to fix it. But I’m not gonna need to, cuz you’re not gonna break anything, come on.”
He moves my body to the middle of the car, his chest pressed to my back. His hand points to the first wire, and I pull it out slowly, careful not to damage it. “That’s a good girl, this one next.” His voice is low, and I can feel his breath on my ear as his head dips lower, kissing my neck, barely. I pull the next one, still as careful, still as slow. Bucky hums in approval, pointing to the last four wires, “You know what to do.” I take them out one by one, struggling through it while Bucky’s face is buried in my neck, kissing, biting, sucking, marking. I tilt my head back into him, stretching my neck, softly moaning as he goes on, his hands wrapping round my waist.
“Told you ya wouldn’t break a thing.”
He pulls away from me, handing me a clean rag for my hands.
“You’re evil, Barnes.” He chuckles, leaning against a table.
“How so, sugar?”
“You’re just gonna do all that,” I point to where we were two minutes ago, “and then just stand there?”
“Well I could sit if you’d prefer.”
I roll my eyes at him, gently throwing the rag on the table next to him.
“I told you i’m waitin’.”
I nod.
“Don’t ever think I’m not achin’ for you, sugar.” He stands upright now, stepping forward until I’m pressed against the passenger door of my car, head lowered till I could feel his voice by my ear and smell the sweat off his neck. “Don’t think I don’t fall asleep thinkin’ ‘bout the day I get to bury myself in your pu-”
“Who’s this, Barnes?” A voice rings through the garage. Our heads whip round at the sound, my eyes landing on a man, rag thrown over his shoulder the same as everyone else in the place.
“Sam, this is y/n, y/n, Sam.” He nods to the smiling man, face still flushed.
“Nice to meet you,” Sam offered his hand to me and I shake it.
“Yeah you too. I really should be going though.” I look back to Bucky as he nods, demeanour thrown off by the interruption.
“Text me when you’re home, plum, and lock your door.” I nod at him, waving bye to Sam before heading out.
“‘Plum’?” Sam asks Bucky.
“Shut it.” Bucky shakes his head, eyes scanning over the hood-less car, before opening his tool box again.
“Real cute Barnes. She your girlfriend?”
“No.”
“So, what then?”
“We’re friends.”
“Last I checked friends don’t pin each other to cars like that, man.”
“We’re good friends.”
“Right, okay.” Sam slaps Bucky on the back, stifling a laugh at the way the older man jumps at the contact. “In all seriousness Bucky, we’re all glad you’re putting yourself out there.”
“Who the fuck is we?”
He points to the other side of the garage, where the rest of the boys are stood in a huddle, whistling and cheering. Bucky doesn’t bother replying to any of them, settling for a scowl in their direction instead.
*
Bucky walks through the front door of his home, the smell of pizza wafting through the entire place. He follows the scent to the kitchen where Becky and her sitter, Louise were washing dishes.
“Hey, guys.”
“Daddy!” Becky jumps off her stool, wet hands covering the floor in water.
“Hi, baby. Missed you too much,” he lifts the girl into the air, holding her tight against his chest, absolutely enamored with the little piece of his heart that lives outside his body. She giggles and swats at him.
“Made pizza for you!”
“Yeah I can smell it, doll. Who’s idea was it?” Bucky looks at Louise then, a smile on both their mouths as Becky delves into an explanation on why pizza, and why today.
Louise stays for dinner, but only after Bucky insists, she helped make it after all. He was entirely grateful to her, and the time and care she showed Becky day in, day out. He showed it by stuffing an extra twenty in her coat pocket before she left.
“C’mon baby, bedtime.” Becky happily abides, holding onto her dad’s hand as he leads her into bed, tucking her in amongst pink bedsheets and a pretty purple blanket. “You want a story or no?” He lets her think while he switches off the big light, turning on the fairly lights that he’d recently put up on the wall. Becky nods her head, pointing to a copy of ‘the hobbit for kids!’. Bucky laughed, picking up the book and sitting on the floor beside her bed. She settled down, big blue eyes wide and hanging onto every word that came out of her dads mouth. Bucky didn’t get a chapter in before he heard little tired snores coming out of the girl. “I love you, baby. Sleep well now,” he whispered, kissing her softly on the head, turning the lights off before leaving.
Bucky put himself to bed early that night too, not really wanting to do much else. His mind wandered as he lay in the dark room.
He didn’t believe in love at first sight that was for damn sure, not even Becky’s mum had changed his mind on that. But there was something about y/n he couldn’t quite place. Maybe it was the way she managed to calm his heart, even when she just sat quietly, not saying a word. Or maybe it was the way she was with his kid, soft and gentle, but not afraid. Maybe it was the way he felt when he thought of her - the way his heart physically jumped in his chest and he felt tingly inside. He didn’t know, but he didn’t really care.
He just knew she was for keeps.
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
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