Not a Fairy Tale Kiss Catch-Up 4 - Yes I Know It's Been a Year (don't judge me)
Has it been a year since my last update yes. Do I have an excuse - I mean yes but it basically boils down to life was lifin'.
Chapter 73
"…you have a brief moment of missing Jarvis desperately…" Me too D, me too.
I can heavily relate to being irritated with someone who's interfering with my ability to do my job (although in their case it's because they're an idiot, at least Helen was actually trying to help).
“We’re… working through some issues,” says Scott, sounding somewhat cautious. “Kind of jumped a few stages of grief here…" - OOOOOFFFFFF
"“Um… slight problem, guys,” says Scott slowly. “So… there’s a bunch of dead HYDRA guys down here. And Barnes is not where I left him." - OUR MAN IS ON THE WAY!!!!! All that talk going on in the bunker thinking he's not going straight for D is great but we all know exactly where Bucky is headed. Steve may have been the Winter Soldier's last mission but D is endgame (pun not intended here).
“And he’s heading straight to the jet.”
Chapter 74
That Richard Siken poem is rude. (I'm sad now, how could you do this to me.)
“I’m not leaving you guys, that’s not part of the plan!”
“Friday, I can end you.” The jet immediately stops shaking. “Sorry, Boss, she’s scarier than you,” says Friday. Damn right she is. D should be scarier than Tony most days but pregnant D when she's worried about Bucky, terrifying. (Worried about anyone she cares about really, but especially Bucky.)
Omg that whole conversation between Cap & D about how Bucky's always wanted D around.
The Soldier had wanted to help them. He would have helped them, if not for the cryo-freeze. He wouldn’t have hurt them. This gets me because it reminds the reader that even when he was the Solider Bucky was still there and I don't think the MCU (which I have many issues with regarding their treatment of Bucky's story) acknowledges or cares about. :(
"The last thing he thought about, before he went under… was you." I. Am. SOBBING!!!
I love how much they just want the other to be safe and okay, this whole back and forth of Omg-you're-cold-and-hurt-get-inside it's so sweet I could die.
“Because I love you, you asshole" perfection, chef's kiss, love it so so much.
"He pulls back, and he’s grinning, it’s a verified Bucky Barnes grin, patented 1917. You never stood a chance. “I love you.” I didn't know you could improve on the perfection but congratulations, you did. I can absolutely see this grin in my head.
“Oh my god,” you groan. “You were going to launch a rescue mission for my rescue mission. Steve is never going to let us do side quests again.” - No, no Steve will not.
The layers of what's going on here, D's denial, Helen's calm clinicality, most everyone else doing their best not to freak out, all with Scott being 100% non-chalant in the background is hilarious.
I think there's actually new evidence that eating/snacking while in labor can be good for the mother in some cases (obviously this doesn't hold if there's a high possibility of needing a c-section/being put under anesthesia which I think has been a concern for D).
"Sam, and he gives a slight grimace as Bucky transfers your grip to Sam’s hand." D's probably about to break that poor man's hand.
D in labor and just got her man back but this sweet woman is (understandably) worried about poor Wanda.
“Not in labor, Sam,” you tell him, without opening your eyes. “I am not having this baby before Laura’s even had hers.” I don't think D gets to decide that (and in the next line Sam agrees with me).
I love Sam's Titi.
D trying to apologize with Sam and his final word is: “Don’t argue me on this one,” Sam warns you. “Or I’m keeping the bourbon.” This man never misses.
“What the hell am I gonna do on bed rest for a whole month?” I also don't know what I would do with myself if I was told I had to be on bed rest for any reason for longer than a few days.
Steve being broken by that particular labor fact (hack?) is both accurate and hilarious. But Bucky is right it's good for him.
Tony not hovering and (openly) freaking out right now is such a nice bit of character development.
Like I know Bucky has loved D since forever but to hear him say it like that makes me so happy (even if he didn't realize it until later). This is made even better when D admits when she actively realized how she felt and Bucky is low-key like, yep that tracks.
“I don’t know what scared me more about this mission: the moment we realized the Tower was under attack, or the moment I realized you’d walked into my waking nightmare. Hell, both of those were nightmares, darlin’. Can you blame me for wanting you safe now?” - I know D wouldn't be D if she did let Bucky wrap her in cotton wool but I also think he's earned the right, not to mention she's supposed to be on bed rest it's not like it would make much a difference.
I agree with Bucky - D will be the first one ready to go back to work.
BABY BARTON IS HERE!!!! 😍
“Jeez, Rogers, how many namesakes does that make?” calls Tony. Natasha’s recitation continues. “That’s Roger for Laura’s dad, not Cap, make sure he knows that. Guy’s ego is big enough.” 😂😂😂
Awww she offers to name them after his sisters if it's a girl AND THEN HE OFFERS TO NAME A BOY AFTER HER BROTHER. 😭😭😭
Arnie's ears are burning.
The baby announcement over the intercom is hilarious, love the sideswipe dig at Steve.
Chapter 76/Epilogue
D is such a good mom already♥️, I'm sure Bucky is also a good dad but I agree with D (he's a traitor & better bring back earplugs).
Pepper (& Steve?) being very prepared for this moment of keeping Tony away right after the baby is born tracks & I love her for it.
I only recently found out La Leche League is a real organization and not one you made up btw.
"Laura swears up and down it gets better; you tearfully called her a lying liar who lies and then had to call back two hours later to apologize. She laughed at you and sent you a stream of gifs of Dolly Parton, milk jugs, and cows." - Mom solidarity, love it.
Salute to both Pepper and that 2am lactation consultant.
Awwww Baby James looking like mini-Bucky - cute as that visual is I hope as their features settle he ends up looking like a nice match-up of both of them.
Pepper is the best (also I do not blame her for using the security blackout to her advantage).
I can't imagine how off (inhuman?) women must feel after pregnancy but I remember it was pretty rough for my mom after my last sibling (large age gap so I remember better than I do my other sibling).
Tony should realize that D hacking his AI is par for the course. But him retiring? Nope never gonna happen.
Tony - shows small sign of baby fever(?). Also Tony - nope.
Also also Tony - mother-hen-check-in on D immediately, so sweet. Double sweet that he keeps checking in on if she's sure of her future plans (returning to work, etc.).
The party has arrived and rudely disturbed the baby. But we get a glimpse of Good Dad Bucky (and Traitor Punk Steve).
The various away-from-tower back-up plans are interesting to see. (Curious to see if any of these will come up in the sequel.) I absolutely feel D not wanting to take anyone up on any of them yet though, like dude let's adjust to the new normal first.
The name "confusion" feels very Who's on First
"I could cry at you" 😂😂😂
I like JP as Baby Barne's daily use name (but I'm biased, my dad's called by his first two initials).
Avengers tower would have actually comfortable hospital beds (or is it comfortable because D is just That Tired?).
--
Supportive Dad & Partner Bucky already on duty 😍
“Who’s he look like?” “A potato,” says Bucky, without hesitation. “Sleep.” 😂😭😂😭😂😭
The sweet sweet banter returns and all is right with the world.
Even on bed rest no one will keep D from work she wants to do if she has anything to say about it and a respect her for that.
--
Every time I learn something new about Strucker in this fic I hate him more and more.
"…and just about every one is a type of file that is so old, our systems can’t even read them.” The fact that both Tony and Steve are separately and differently insulted by this is very funny to me.
"Clint would make a whipping sound, if he were there, but he’s in Iowa, dealing with a newborn." And that would be rich coming from Clint.
Not a Fairy Tale Kiss Catch-Up 2 (Electric Boogaloo)
Ten Thirteen Chapters & A Ficlet Later
Again - life is life, I have thoughts, and now is when I have time to put them down (as close to as they would have been when I originally read it as I can). @azriona enjoy the novel.
Chapter 48
The continued Rickrolling of Doom is much appreciated, but how exactly does D do it? Does she have a Doombot fly back and blast it? Is it like a computer virus?
Bucky trying to keep D going while not pushing too hard is so sweet but also, dangling meeting Arnie in front of her is a bit cheat-y. XD Not Steve throwing Bucky under the bus asking why D hasn't met Arnie yet and still getting nothing in return. Arnie is giving Bucky and D the "meet the family" treatment/vibes that we sadly wouldn't get otherwise and it is one of the most bittersweet things I've ever read and the fact this man is a hoot-and-a-half to boot is life-giving. Reading the back-and-forth of Bucky and Steve trying to one-up each other on embarrassing stories absolutely made my day. (How did Bucky use a pack of gum to get the chemistry teacher fired?)
Chapter 49
"Arnie accepts you and Bucky being together as such a given, you’re not sure he’s ever seen you in any other light." This almost made me cry! It's so sweet and it just builds on those moments from Ch 48 when Arnie is calling D "Bucky's best girl" and "Bubbeleh" because D has been in Arnie's heart before he even met her because of how Bucky talks about her and it's just the SWEETEST thing ever!! 😭😭😭 AND THEN YOU HIT ME WITH:
"Mostly, you sit back and watch the three of them, laughing and joking and talking about the times they’d shared as kids. Steve’s memory is the sharpest; but for him, those years are barely a decade in the past, what with 70 years spent in the ice.
Whereas Arnie lived a full life, every one of those 101 years tucked away in that head of his, and between cryofreeze and memory wipes, Bucky’s memory will probably always be full of spots and gaps and fuzzy edges."
How could you DO THAT TO MEEEEE?!?!? 😭😭😭😭😭 Are we going to ever find out what Arnie said to Bucky??? (I understand if not, just curious). Bucky and D need to take Arnie to India if he'll let them/his health allows.
"Who’s right in the head, I ask you?" - PREACH ARNIE XD
When I first read this chapter I had the thought that if Arnie dies I was going to have a Liam-Neeson-from-Taken moment, I have since cooled down and will merely be inconsolable.
Chapter 50
As a millennial (albeit a younger one) I feel like playing What’s New Pussycat on repeat as a prank is a VERY millennial prank. Bucky quietly missing D on missions and having Jarvis give an update when he returns is so sweet but I gotta ask, why not just text D when the jet lands to check-in with her directly? That being said, I’m glad she seems to be setting in to fully remote work as well as can be expected.
“Most of the time, the bases are intact, empty shells with nothing but dust bunnies and scorch marks, because someone’s been there first. Most of the files are corrupted, or incomplete, or just plain gone. Once, there’s a weird crackle of energy in the air that gives everyone pause.” I see your ominous foreshadowing and I appreciate it but simultaneously glare at it.
Clint is going to flip when they find out they switched his coffee, but I don’t know how I feel about them adding the Nefidipine to the vitamins without telling D (I’m guessing they didn’t tell her based on her reaction, if they did and I misunderstood lmk.) Maybe it’s double standard, and idk why I feel this way, but them secretly switching her to decaf (seemingly) without telling doesn’t really bother me as much (I mean it’s low-key rude but also, as I understand it, you’re not supposed to have caffeine while pregnant.)
Chapter 51
The idea of Steve or Bucky forcing D to listen to an old radio play sounds amazing. But what would they choose, the only two I remember from history class are War of the Worlds by Orson Wells and Buck Rodgers (both of which I think Bucky could have liked) but if you had something else in mind, I’d love to know what it is.
D says she thinks she’s going to miss being the Woman in the Chair once she’s back in the field after baby, is it possible that after baby she might split time just because she enjoys that role?
Why did you have to take 5+ years off Tony’s life like that? So mean.
Wanda and Pietro being quietly helpful while also being absolute menaces (in a not funny way, unfortunately) works for them and is something I didn’t know I wanted (although I wish it didn’t involve such terrifying visions from Wanda).
Chapter 52
Oof one of those chapters that really hits emotionally.
Bucky checking in without being overbearing was adorable and sweet but almost immediately following that up with Tony being unable to look at D was heartbreaking.
The casualness of Tony’s entrance was already a red flag; the shoe really dropped though when he asked what Wanda showed D in Cleveland. It also makes me wonder what/how exactly he saw her dying. “Nope, the adults are talking right now,” OUCH that one hurt. …and when your parents died, he let you cry all over his shirt and never said a word.” This one hurt worse but it also makes almost too much sense (giving her something I don't think he really had when his parents died). I also think all this together, though, speaks a lot to how much Tony cares about D and how much it hurts him that she, as far as he is concerned, is lying to him.
Your ability to write this scene overall I just have…no words for how amazing it is especially in its coherency/follow-ability. Regularly when I’m reading arguments in fiction (both fan and conventional) I struggle to follow the arguments when more than two people are involved (and sometimes even then) but in this one it is very clear who is saying what and it makes the scene hit that much harder.
RIP Bucky at the end there though, he’s both calmer and more brave than I would be in this kind of situation tbh.
Also are we allowed to know what/where Natasha’s “place” is because while I can 100% believe there’s a place in the tower, she goes to get away she also gives me the vibes of someone who might just go out and be/exist in public (like taking a walk or people watching on a bench).
Chapter 53
Watching Bucky explain Project Springboard to Tony had to be like watching a train-wreck in slow motion for D (it kinda was for me, I was wound tight the whole time) but the aftermath went a bit better than I was anticipating but I also put that down to Bucky assuring Tony that the current situation is in no way his fault.
“You pissed me off, kiddo. And I’m still pissed, and I’ll probably still be pissed for a while. I don’t let shit like that go easy, you know that. But that doesn’t mean I have to be an asshole to you about it.”
He glances at your now-empty desk. “Maybe for the tech, though.” I’M NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING!!!! Having D tell Tony what her Wanda-induced dream was after this was twisting the knife by the way so, thanks for that.
I continue to enjoy seeing the dynamics between Tony, D, and Bucky grow – honestly I think if this revelation had happened at any earlier time in the story Tony would have thrown hands but the fact he listened and kept cool once Barnes took full responsibility – amazing. The fact that D is still nervous the entire time is sad but I understand why and seeing Tony respond to that in a way that explicitly communicated that he was both upset while not taking it out on either D or Bucky – even better (chef’s kiss).
Also setting up the twins as sympathetic characters while keeping them as antagonists by them turning over files in the middle of a battle they then retreat from is excellent.
Chapter 54
I feel so bad for Bucky not being able to feel the baby (yet), I remember that being one of the most exiting parts of my mom being pregnant with my siblings.
A pillow cuddle-blocking Bucky is hilarious, thank you for that mental image.
My heart could have burst during the ultrasound scene Bucky’s so enamored with both D & the baby and it is just the SWEETEST!!!! Why does Bucky want the gender to be a surprise? Is it because it would have been that way “in his day” or are you going to give me another reason that will make me sad? “I think she has my mom’s nose,” MADAME I AM BAWLING!!!! 😭😭😭😭
All those good appointment feelings dashed by the press, poor D. Bucky offering to be a menace from the sidelines creates another wonderful mental image. “People used to be afraid of me,” 😂 Angela is a real one though
Chapter 55
The sass in D’s inner monologue was on fire this chapter it was also really nice to get more of her backstory – her being insatiably curious to the point of “taking the entire house apart trying to figure out how it worked.” is equally adorable and terrifying.
I would love to know more one day about the “fascinating people” D met in college (incriminating and Fury said no? color me interested). You, also, keep dropping hints about D causing/being heavily involved in the Latverian Invasion, are we going to get more on that in this final arc?
I can see the interviewer near-salivating when she almost catches D saying she loves Bucky but D catches herself – that woman knows EXACTLY what D was going to say and was just being polite. Also, this being the moment D clues into being in love with Bucky was great because she couldn’t immediately escape it and had to sit with that fact and internalize it for a second (which she needed).
Chapter 56
I would like you to know that I’m imagining something between Padme Amidala’s lakeside dress and her light-blue nightgown for the dress, the way you describe the flowy-ness of the garments gives those vibes. Bucky’s reaction to the dress though? Swoon-worthy. Sam interrupting their moment? Rude.
““Then you’ll just have to get me pregnant again so I can wear them,” you say, exasperated, throwing your hands in the air.” (😲😳) How to short-circuit Bucky in 5 seconds or less. Jarvis offering the Locked Door Protocol was the icing on the cake in this scene.
Chapter 57
“’Sergeant Barnes what are you wearing?’ ‘Clothes’” I almost died laughing at this. 🤣
“I was supposed to be sitting with Mr. Wilson, but I traded to sit here because I wanted the chance to talk to you!” Red Flag, I’d be texting Pepper (or whoever is the coordinator of the event). Also, asking for a sponsorship is the opposite of what is supposed to be going on here lady get it together. Her being condescending to the “Fed is best” concept makes me want to punch this woman omg. “It’s good to have multiple adults the baby can trust - ” Lady this kid is probably going to live (at least at 1st) in Avengers Tower they’re going to be surrounded by trustworthy adults (nothing against the nanny idea but to imply that the Avengers aren’t trustworthy is just obtuse). OMG SHE DOUBLED DOWN! “checkered history”???? I hate this woman so much. Watching her get ripped a new one by the entire table after that comment was VERY satisfying, made even better by them pretending Bucky was about to come join them on the war path.
What are the odds Tony and/or Pepper (or Hawkeye) have been secretly prepping nursery stuff so D can start on that when she’s ready?
Chapter 58
What I wouldn’t give to see the dance D did with Nat (and everyone’s reactions to it).
XD Clint found out about the caffeine! He’s so betrayed.
How much did Bucky bribe or intimidate the DJ at the afterparty to play the slow song (or was the DJ JARVIS who is The Best)? Their baby conversation is the cutest and thank you for answering my nursery question without me even asking 😂. Also the mental image of Steve and Bucky trying to build a crib together is hilarious because it’s either going to be the easiest thing on the planet for them or it’s going to be like building your average piece of IKEA furniture.
HE FELT THE BABY!!!! Such a sweet and happy moment! 🥰🥰
Aannnd then you kill the vibe. Why did you have to do that. Could you have not have just made the last line in this chapter the first one in the next?? Whyyyyyyyy??????
Arms and the Iron Lady
YASSS THE FICLET I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!
It’s really cool to see this early stage of this relationship and that even in this early stage that Tony cares enough to warn her away from someone he dislikes, while at the same time D knows Tony well enough that she understands his manner of telling her is significant.
Me calculating a 540° turn, okay so that’s a turn and a half, got it. I too would be dizzy with all the things D has going on (legal proceedings on one coast and real-estate on the other? Oof).
It feels like early in their relationship that Tony giving her so much so fast is his way of trying to keep her busy so she won’t fall into despair after the loss of her parents (like I think he did when he lost his (I can’t remember at the moment)). At the same time I’m pretty sure he’s excited to have someone that’s not only intellectually on his level but is also in the same realm(s) of interests. Buying earplugs with the expense account is hilariously funny (and a bit passive aggressive).
Also getting to see her get trained by everyone is interesting (I’d say fun but Sam’s is very much less than fun):
What form of bullet wound treatment did she learn? I'm curious because I had to learn wound packing once upon a time and I hope I never have to use that ever (especially if the person is awake). Never had to do anything with a trach tube though and from what little I’ve heard I’m glad I haven’t.
Thor is not the who I’d expect D to have the driving course with but that mental image is priceless.
The give and take in her relationship with Steve is really nice.
The dichotomy between Clint and Nat’s training strategies (explaining everything mostly up front vs the deep end strategy) is interesting considering how they often balance each other out.
“It comes off?!?” Bucky absolutely heard that, he’s just pretending otherwise.
Bucky is being a show-off and I can’t tell if it’s him trying to size up D’s reaction to him or impress her…maybe both?
“Looking for a challenge, doll?” Yeah he was definitely trying to impress her.
"Natasha snaps something in Russian, and Bucky responds with amusement.." Was she telling him not to flirt? Please tell me she was XD
Her excitement about maybe being able to work on Bucky’s arm just because it’s a cool piece of technology is so sweet and endearing. It's also very funny that her thinking about it that is part of what allows him to sneak up on her.
Another thing to appreciate about how you write their relationship: it grows, we get to see this pretty well in the series but this - the literal start of their relationship where they're merely co-workers and Bucky is trying to help her out as such, ugh I love it. (Love/attraction/infatuation at first sight can be fun but watching a relationship start and grow over time holds a very special place in my heart.)
The next interaction with Tony really makes me appreciate his character growth even more like going from can't stand the near thought near each other to tolerating that they're together is such amazing progress to see. (Granted part of the anger in this scene is explicitly due to the fact he doesn't get to tinker with "the best piece of tech in the entire building" but still.)
TONY WAS ALREADY MAKING HER A SUIT!!! Also, I want that holographic try-it-on tech in real life yesterday it would make life SO NICE! While it is very sweet he made her and Iron Lady suit that's also a really unfortunate way to find out she's claustrophobic (has she always been or is that more backstory trauma?).
Tony trying to comfort D while also being incredibly awkward about it is so sweet but also the more you say about what got D noticed by the Avengers the more I want to know.
“Of course I want to be here. Are you crazy? This is like… a dream come true. But… I can’t go out and save the world, Tony, I couldn’t even save my parents.”
“Neither could I,” Okay, right in the feels, ooowwwww.
Jarvis coming in clutch to help D (and low-key communicate where Tony can't quite yet).
Ugh I love this ficlet soooo much, it is my favorite of them all.
(I was actually in the middle of writing this post when Ch 59 posted so I said fuck it and decided to wait until both 59 & 60 posted to post this and then it didn't even matter because it still took me forever to catch up on my comments.)
Chapter 59
Did you post what body pillow D was given and I missed it because I would love to know what it is that has now frustrated TWO Avengers. Also 2:23 in the AM? That wake up time is evil (I know it's the Avengers alarm, that doesn't make it any better).
"There is a distress beacon coming from Latveria" - SUS!
I agree with D this is a trap.
Steve not realizing Yelena is flirting with him is hilarious.
"Have fun storming the castle." - I understood that reference.
“Cap,” you say, not even the least bit steady. “Um. I found the source. And it’s not in Latveria....It’s in the Tower.” - Shit
"The entire Tower shakes as the lights go out and plunge everything into the dark." - FUCK
Chapter 60
D is handling this a million times better than I could even imagine myself doing.
Hulk's first instinct being to get to and protect D and get her out is amazing and sweet and I need more of this side of Hulk. This is not diminished (to me) even if Bucky "ordered" him to do it because I've always gotten the impression that if someone gave Hulk an order he didn't agree with, he wouldn't do it. (It also also gives me hope Bucky is ok.)
Wanda has re-entered the chat. I wish it wasn't now and that she was on D's side but I still have hope that we will get there.
“You get to explain the mess to Tony,” you tell him, which just makes him grin even wider. (insert laughing emoji)
Who the fuck managed to break into any server room belonging to Tony Stark unnoticed????
While I'm not shocked this is HYDRA, I really wish it wasn't. Bucky and Tony are going to go extra ballistic.
The last 15 chapters of this fic are going to stress out my heart, I can feel it now.
I've been a bit busy the last many updates (edit: way more than I realized) of NAFTK by @azriona so I was reading them in the small moments between life so here are my chapter-by-chapter thoughts starting after Team Dinner (which is the last thing I remember commenting on and I can't find evidence otherwise) through chapter 47. (Note: I tried to keep this to the thoughts I had at the time I originally read each chapter so if there are comments that seem like I should know the answer to/how that went by now, that's why.)
Chapter 38
I entirely forgot that no one other than Bucky and the Reader knew about Project Springboard that being said I feel like Steve is being kind of hard on Bucky here (Reader too kinda, but mostly Bucky). The pair did everything he could to protect themselves and my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) was that he wasn't even thinking about Springboard when the pollen incident was going on. I really appreciate that everyone else very much has her back about staying in the field until she's either ready to or required to leave. Natasha saying "You can have this kid in the field, as far as I'm concnerned." was simultaneously hilarious and terrifying. Tony continuing to do his best to be supportive warms my heart and I'm really looking forward to how he progresses.
Chapter 39
OMG THEY'RE FINALLY TALKING!! COMMUNICATING!!!! YESSSSS!!!! I'm especially glad she's getting a moment to explain her nightmare - that little bit of miscommunication has been very frustrating for me as a reader (in a good way). I also loved hearing her voice her other fears (even the silly one about the kid being a New Yorker/liking the Yankees) - it's a really nice look into her character and interesting to read as someone who wants to be a mom one day.
Jarvis' Locked Door Protocol (with stats) is hilarious, and I am here for it, please use it again in future. It was further made funny by the Readers taking advantage of Jarvis to make her point about being kidnapped and possibly grounding the whole team to make a point. What stat(s) does the amazing end of this chapter contribute to for the LDP?
Also, protective Bucky is Best Bucky "And I sure as hell wouldn't be rational if they got their hands on either of you" I swooned a little bit on the inside when I read that.
Chapter 40
Jarvis is a little shit, definitely programmed by Tony Stark
The "I don't want to just be friends" speech he made had to be one of the most romantic things I've read up to this point.
She felt the baby!!! *happy sobs*
Chapter 41
Brings a whole new meaning to the term 'pillow talk', but the fact Bucky has been thinking about their relationship (even if he near refused to talk about it previously ) AND thought about it in the context of the time he's living in and what Reader would want is amazing and I love this bit of his character (partially because it's not one I've seen much if at all in accidental pregnancy fics with Bucky as the dad). What makes this extra interesting is seeing the Reader process in real time what she wants for their relationship since she's held so tightly to the promise that she and Bucky originally had with each other to just stay friends. The dichotomy is fabulous, and I love it.
Also, Bucky's faith in the Reader and her ability to be her no matter what is very heartwarming and him using her own words against her is absolutely not cheating.
Chapter 42
Them taking bets on who'll figure it out first (as if all of them hadn't already, which they did) is so cute but also Bucky would be walking into that dinner with absolutely no shame even if it was in his mission clothes. And Romantic Bucky? Hell yes please!
Steve just appearing out of seemingly nowhere gave me life this chapter, it got a legitimate giggle out of me and Bucky getting the shovel talk from his own bestie was hysterical. That being said, one of these days I NEED to know what Steve said to Bucky (please?).
Sam setting Steve right about things he missed while in the ice is cannon for me in all timelines and I appreciate seeing it here, even if it's more from a historical context perspective since it seems like Steve was never going to permanently keep her from field work.
Bucky: *Admits he wants to propose again later*
Bucky, immediately after: Welp time for Team Dinner can't miss it! Bye!
Chapter 43
“What’s the difference between canoodling and making out?” you ask Bucky one day. “The expression on Steve’s face when he finds out we’ve been doing either, mostly,” says Bucky.
This is cute and so funny but I do wonder the difference between the expressions. Is canoodling a little blush while canoodling has a greater undercurrent of "get a room" discomfort or?
Clint being loud as he comes into rooms/around blind feels very Dad Behavior Coded and I am Here For It.
I'm enjoying Tony's response and, honestly, I think he's handling the sort-of-officialization of Reader's & Bucky's relationship really well for him.
I think the characterization things I appreciate the most about this chapter are 1) that you didn't give Bucky the spartan barely adorned room he has in most fics. The fact he has so many books that he has to clear them from his bed to sleep (relatable) and that he has art and posters on his walls is amazing and I love that for him. And 2) that he's open and willing to share his past with the Reader, granted, they are in a well-established relationship by this point but that's still not something I see as often as I think we should (also parts of it made me tear up how dare you).
I'm glad to see Arnie get some love and am excited to see what you do with him.
Chapter 44
The Old Man Bucky jokes just keep getting better and better. Thank you.
This chapter made me crave tacos. (I ended up making burritos the evening this came out, actually).
The laptop proximity alarm didn't bother me until you then said "Because the plan to keep you close to the front lines, but not immediately on them, has worked like a charm. You’re close enough to be helpful, and being on-site means you aren’t flailing to keep up like you are when you’re on the comms. And no one’s caught on yet. Well. Once, but everyone agrees that was just bad luck and you tranqued the goon almost immediately so all’s well that ends well, right?" what when my own personal "Oh shit" alarm started going off. I was (rightfully so) anxious for the rest of the chapter.
"Uh-oh" There it is. Queue the most anxious several minutes of my life, made worse by the conversation the AIM goon has on the phone (sus), with the added anxiety of wondering how Bucky feels after he solves the problem.
Chapter 45
Bucky comforting the Reader while he also "glares at anyone who doesn't come bearing tacos" is amazing, thank you for that visual.
Considering what she's done to stay on the team/in the field, the Reader's ability to bite the bullet and own up to the fact she knows that AIM was after her (meaning she's likely going to be out of the field from here out) is amazing and I love her more for it. Especially since in the midst of it, Nat is like okay problem identified (the not blinking morse code/trying not to cry/fear response bit) we'll train on that and her commitment to keeping Reader in the field/keeping her ready for when she does come back makes me SO HAPPY!
Bonus kudos to making good on that buried lead from the AIM goon's phone call last chapter - that shit gave me chills, both times.
Changing of the Guard (ficlet)
I'm not sure if this is the Tony-centric one-shot you mentioned in late December but it still Blew Me AWAY!
I enjoyed Tony's points for/against "Barnes" that he has going on in his head like a little pros and cons list.
"There’s no tech in the world that can keep either of them safe from themselves." Why must you hurt me like this?
I know that it's literally the title of the ficlet but the fact Tony has grown (both outwardly and in the background) enough that he manages to go from 'I'm off to be her shoulder to cry on and help pick her up to' being able to be 'Bucky's got this for now' is amazing (even if he does listen in on most if not all of their conversation).
Also (jumping to the end a bit here)- Bucky somehow having the presence of mind to go 'Tony's probably losing his shit right now' and offering to take her over to the lab to see him, acknowledging BOTH that it would make Tony feel better AND might help get Reader into a better headspace is 100%, *chef's kiss*, perfection.
Tony and Bucky's relationship (what it is and could be) fascinates me in any iteration but the way you write it is so nuanced that it's one of the few versions where it feels right, striking that balanced begrudging acceptance that could one day be better that I think they could have had in (MCU) cannon given enough time (and good writing).
On that note Bucky trying to keep it together for the Reader followed up by "I. Would. Have. Found. You. " & "There's no where I wouldn't go - no one I wouldn't become - to keep you safe" broke my heart and stitched it back together again.
Chapter 46
Your chapters that start with nightmares/dreams are the most ominous but for this one in particular - are some of those flashes (particularly the ones that seem to be from childhood) memories? And if so, are they to some extent suffering from what Wanda did all those chapters back? (No, I haven't forgotten about Wanda I'm living in mild suspense/fear of her return.)
The Indian food may not sound good to her but it sounds great to me....
The paparazzi are evil in all universes.
"...being too stubborn to know when to quit is why you’re in this Tower in the first place" This is so accurate to almost everyone on the team that it HURTS.
Tony knowing the Reader well enough to be able to cut through the red-tape that is her thought process(es) and coming with solutions and suggestions with the level of finesse Tony does is the kind of trait I like to see in a mentor-mentee relationship (too many go the battering ram or throw-them-in-the-deep-end routes tbh, in all genres). Plus OMG Tony's actually quantified his level of forgiveness that is SO Tony, I love it; and only seething for the rest of the decade? Progress if I ever saw it.
Soft sleepy Bucky is adorable but these two's conversation about how to handle announcing that their having a baby together especially since the Reader is still navigating their feelings for Bucky is a really nice touch. I'm looking forward to see how confirming the relationship goes for both Reader and Bucky.
P.S. Is it silly that I kinda want Chad & Jessica's backstory/lore?
Chapter 47
THE BANTER oh how I love good banter
Using "I'm on medical leave" against him immediately followed by "Resting Murder Face"? Gold
“Yeah, she and Laura are chatting daily, ... And they both think you should stay on topic.” GET 'EM CLINT!!!
The "chatter" during missions, CAP getting "chattered"? XD
Clint trying to give Bucky advice about talking to a pregnant lady gives me life.
Tumblr is cannon in this fic omg yessssss.
Bucky unable to find the market since 1943? Yeah, I don't believe that 😂 - what I would believe is by the time he may have been interested in said market he already had someone in mind.
Sam pointing out that Reader hasn't quit the Avengers, just changed to a non-field roll for the time being directly to the press is another nice touch, as was the excess of presents going to charity (although I too would want to keep one or two of the one-armed onesies).
The end of this chapter makes me irrationally angry like I know (and so did Reader) that it's just people being shitty because of who she is but come on there are military women that get pregnant/have babies while in the military, and I'd be willing to bet they're not always able to be 100% clear of danger and I don't (usually) hear people shit-talking them (I've no doubt they exist I'm just fortunate enough to not have them (dis)grace my screen/life).
Azriona if you've gotten this far:
1. I hope you've enjoyed my thoughts/ramblings
and
2. Why would you do this (read said extended ramblings) to yourself?
Not A Fairy Tale Kiss Catch-Up 3 - Return of the Commentary
@azriona I've upgraded this time - this commentary now comes with gifs! (And more tears than is really fair to me.)
Chapter 61
“Come now, be reasonable!” The Boos Goon croons, like he fully expects you to just fall right in with his plans. “Everyone’s at the party waiting for you. Iron Man. Widow. Captain America… Soldat.” In this moment I wished I could have popped into the fic and shot Boss Goon, specifically, myself. Such and asshole. Also, I hope he’s lying. Please don’t do this to me.
Nevermind, death is too good for Boss Goon - I propose a slow death by Wanda-induced nightmares. How about that?
Maria is such a real one (and she always has been, we just don’t always get to see her).
"The nightmare begins as the motorcycle begins to fall." What do you meant “the nightmare begins”? This whole chapter has been a mini-nightmare.
Also, pour one out for Jarvis, he’s one of my favorite side characters in this fic, I will forever miss his Locked Door Protocol and other general sass.
Chapter 62
“In which you have a nightmare, a conversation... and waking up does not improve things.” Excuse me madame what do you mean they don’t get better when she wakes up??? (You’re going to do what I hoped you wouldn't, aren’t you?)
“regrets are a wish your heart makes” I read this to the tune of A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes but also this hits because I can absolutely see how a regret is basically the wish of having done/said/etc something different and possibly even mourning not having done so.
“Children should be loved,” she continues. “Not raised in captivity.” Aaannd I’m crying now. I love Wanda. I need her to fully turn to the good side already.
Tony being the only one by D’s bed is suspicious, like I’m very happy that he’s okay but also. Where is Bucky? *squints at you*
“I don’t know yet. Don’t worry about it.”
You hiccup a laugh. “Oh my god, have you met me?” - I felt this on a cellular level.
I KNEW IT THEY HAVE BUCKY - why must you do this to me?!?!?!? 😭😭😭😭😭
Chapter 63
RIP Steve’s Motorcycle.
“Every HYDRA goon left behind is still out cold, though they should make a full recovery. Eventually.” BOOOOOOO (extra BOOO for Goon Boss, who deserves nothing but terrible things).
*Insert Memorial to Jarvis here* I think a physical art-piece re-creation of Jarvis’ consciousness with a plaque would look quite nice in Avengers Tower.
I love how D & Steve troll Tony when he talks about relocating - he obviously has a place in mind but they’re still both like “Is it/can it be in/at my favorite place in the world?”
“America’s Ass is not squishy.” 😂
“Helen, who’d taken out two Hydra agents with a chair before one had finally incapacitated her with a tranquilizer to the neck.” I too am so incredibly proud of Helen, she deserves an award and a raise upon her return.
D’s ability to manipulate Steve into letting her into the mission brief is Goals. Her standing up to Sam asking if she should be there is Also Goals.
Wanda & Pietro’s story hurts everytime and the way you’ve written it in these last couple of chapters has really hit hard.
“(I could hear the screaming even in cryo-freeze…)...(grey walls grey floors grey concrete painted grey)” Ooohhhh nooooooo.
Thanks for at least confirming my worst fear at the end of the chapter and not waiting for the next one, I guess???
Chapter 64
The way Zemo’s family died in your version of events is an interesting angle - still keeping his anger towards the Avengers very personal while also (I think) giving him even more reason to hate HYDRA than he seemed to in CW. As a matter of interest (partly because I can’t remember/if it’s mentioned in earlier chapters but is T’chaka dead in this timeline as well or did he get to live?
“But it almost doesn’t matter, because HYDRA has Helen now, and all the Springboard files they need, as well as Bucky and his DNA. You don’t think that’s coincidence.” Neither do I and I hate it, thanks.
“No one notices—or if they do, they don’t reach out or say anything.” Tony and Nat notice at the very lease, I guarantee it
I too likely would have forgotten the Legion but also are they independent enough from Jarvis to have been working during the attack.
“They wouldn’t blink at you….You can get inside….“Me,” you say quietly. A whisper.”
“I am not letting a pregnant Avenger walk straight into the Winter Soldier’s arms!” I appreciate Steve saying this so much, as it underlines that no part of D being pregnant makes any part of him stop seeing her as an Avenger.
Tony is having A Day. He has to both: hear that his protege loves one of his least-favorite co-workers AND admit she’s right about having to put herself in danger to save both said least-favorite coworker and his best on-site doctor? OOOFFF.
TONY’S ALREADY MADE HER A NEW SUIT!!! 😭😭AND IT MATCHES HER GALA DRESS COLORS!!!!!! 😭😭😭
“When. Not if.” 😭😭😭😭
“Because Barnes shouldn’t have been left out in the cold,” he says finally. “So I’ll be damned if I let HYDRA make any more orphans out of anybody.”
Chapter 65
“Hi,” the KISS method at its finest. “Steve can yell really loud. For a really long time. Without even taking a breath.” Those super soldier lungs really doing the most huh?
“Because I’m an Avenger, and this is where I belong.” - GO BAD BITCH GOOOOO!!!!
Oh we’re bringing Steve’s pre-serum antics to this fight now? Love it!
Nat being so done she tags in Sam (who doesn’t yet seem to know D is on the jet) is wonderful and hilarious, thank you l love it. Also the way he caves so quickly? Amazing.
Woot! Scott made it! (Poor overworked Wong, though).
D is going to want a HUD on her new suit after this (maybe in a set of goggles/glasses?).
“Not in this universe, anyway,” adds Sam.
“Oh, wow, did you read that fic?” says Scott, almost excited. “That is a great fic, the Omegaverse is wild, man.” - IDK why but Scott reading Avengers fanfic tracks, honestly.
Tony resenting being compared to Hank Pym in this moment is hilarious 🤣
Chapter 66
Having Scott chatting the whole way to the HYDRA base is peak Scott Lang behavior.
““Hiiiii,” you say. “I’m looking for Dr Cho? I’ve got my nine-month check-up, and I was told she’d moved her practice to a new office?” Plan or not I don’t know if I could be this “nice” (?) about the kidnapping of my doctor/friend.
There’s a light brush on your shoulder, down your back, tickling the back of your legs, and then it’s gone. - So was Scott sitting on her shoulder like Jiminy Cricket this whole time (ngl part of me figured he was hiding in the inner mechanisms like he did in CW).
Helen is having such a time of it, she definitely deserves a pay raise after this.
Chapter 67
I have almost no words for this chapter except:
HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO D?!?!?
HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!?!?!
YOU GAVE D A LITTLE BROTHER AND HE DIED?!?!?!
Chapter 68
OMG an preview of what’s to come via a bedtime story as told by Scott? This is honestly just as good if not better as a Luis-ramble-recap!
A small child would find Doctor Strange funny.
The alternate names Scott comes up with for everyone to keep himself safe from “twenty lawyers and half of Congress".
“But Mr. Barnes is super nice, Daddy. He throws me in the air all the time and he never forgets to catch me, and he can hold me up with just his metal arm and he never ever, ever, ever gets tired. He could fight his way out and rescue the Princess so why doesn’t he?” This made me laugh until it didn’t - then it made me cry.
“And do I still get to hold the baby when it’s born?” - this image is too cute to imagine.
Scott is such a good dad and deserves all good things.
Chapter 69
Pietro is such a gentleman (when he can be).
Wanda, though—she looks haunted, her lips trembling with fear or emotion or maybe both. She stares at you like she’s never really seen you before, like you’re someone she’s been told she should recognize and doesn’t. - Poor Wanda, someone get this child some help, and sleep.
“Every other test subject died,” says Wanda, her eyes focused hard on you.“Yeah, I know,” you say slowly. “But that was forty years ago, and I’ve been way healthier than—”“Not Springboard,” snaps Wanda. “Strucker.” - Oof, I mean I know this is a carryover from the MCU but it still hits, does double emotional damage when you add the context of the fic.
“And I know the last person he thought about was you.”
The last person.Was. - Why must you hurt me like this??? 😭😭😭 I mean I suspected this was a possibility but that doesn’t make it hurt any less.
AND THEN YOU THROW THE FLASHBACK QUOTES AT ME?!?! 😭😭😭😭😭
Oh shit, Wanda no!
This entire chapter hurt so much and there’s still 6 more chapters left, fuck.
Chapter 70
Pietro once again coming in clutch.
I would pay to see a genuine Pietro v Antman fight (could be a friendly competition or a brawl; I don’t care I want to see it).
Scott snorts. “Like anything’s scarier than a four-hour beginning ballet recital where your daughter goes last.” I don’t know whether to laugh or nod in agreement.
“A little short for an Avenger, aren’t you?” - I don’t think I’ve ever said it but I love your pop-culture references. (including your Mr. Morton pfp, I loved Schoolhouse Rock as a kid).
“Wasted Finn’s storyline.” - PREACH
“It wasn’t words,” says Wanda. “I was just supposed to subdue him. Calm him down. He was fighting so hard. But the moment I went into his head, I—” She swallows. “He stopped fighting. He stopped thinking. He just… stopped. Whatever’s left in his head, it’s colder and more untouchable than anything I’ve ever felt before.” WHY MUST YOU MAKE ME CRY LIKE THIS?!?!?
Steve extracted the promise not because he knows you’ll run into danger, headfirst—but because he trusts that you would want to rescue the one man you both follow without hesitation. - This chapter is nothing but pain, I hate it here (not really your writing is amazing).
Poor D, to have to make the decision to leave Bucky behind for know trusting everything is going to work out okay she is unbelievably strong (and I love her for it).
*shocked pikachu face* HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO PIETRO??! He deserves so much better (I honestly think it was a sin to kill him off in the MCU*), whyyyyyy would you do this to the sweet boy. Personally I feel like the MCU kinda wasted the potential that was Pietro overall. One thing that was pointed out to me much later was the "what if" he had lived to Infinity War and then Wanda was snapped and he wasn’t and then the implications of that when everyone comes back post-endgame OOF. Ngl I really was hoping Pietro was going to get to live in this one.
Chapter 71
Omg these flashbacks to her own sibling & his death are going to be the death of me!
Helen is such a Queen Under Pressure, and I can’t say this enough but I stan.
Steve softens his voice. “Bucky needs you up here.”You clench your fingers together, feeling the edges of Bucky’s dogtags bite your skin.“And… if it’s the Winter Soldier, and not Bucky down there?”“Then he needs you up here even more,” says Steve. - OOF MY HEART!!! 💔
Chapter 72
God their banter is so cute, I’ve missed it these last SEVERAL chapters. ❤️
This chapter hurts more when we see the active/deliberately in denial D after having her realize she loves Bucky and not yet have told him before everything went to shit (I hope this sentence makes sense I’m tired writing this entry).
“Kein Bedauern… non desideriis… nessun rimpianto… je ne regrette rien…” I would like you to know that I did Google translate all of this to be sure that I was right about them saying more or less the same thing. Bucky Barnes fanfiction is the reason I have the Google Translate app on my phone.
A dream is a wish your heart makes. - After chapter 62 HOW DARE YOU 😭😭
“No regrets?” There’s something in the question, a slight uncertainty that you haven’t heard before. - You know I was hoping this chapter was going to be a sweet interlude (before what is surely to be a few more chapters of hurt), BUT NO! And that ending line that just twisted the knife.
Bucky may have not gone on an animated film bender once defrosted but Bucky’s probably going to get one with his kid (especially if Scott and Cassie have anything to say about it).
Couple quick notes pertaining to your response to the last update:
I'm not even pregnant and I want one of those pillows that D has (thank you for showing them to me)
While I'd imagine D would be taught more than I was, pertaining to "field medicine" I was taught how/when to use the parts of a Stop the Bleed Kit which contains a tourniquet and a wound packing kit. Wound packing is almost exactly what it sounds like - you triage the wound to get the general shape of it inside the body before packing the whole thing with gauze then wrapping the injury in an ace bandage.
