Longing was like a second heartbeat, echoing your normal one on a daily basis.
You woke up at dawn, went to the well for fresh water and brew your first herbal tea of the day while purposely not looking at the empty bed behind you.
All through the day, as you worked in the garden, fed the animals, helped other villagers out in their tasks, you never glanced down at your finger and the thin brass band with a small, turquoise river stone.
It's been nearly two years now, since Bucky kissed you fervently and went out with other men from the village into the depths of the dark woods and far beyond.
They were looking for a better life. Not for themselves, but for all of you. For work that would allow them to save some coin, for skills that would help them out against the growing tension along the border of the kingdom.
With a promise to always love you and to return, Bucky left you to build a better life for the two of you.
Time flew by and yet, it felt to stretch in impossible torment as you waited day by day. And longed.
You weren't the only maiden whose fiance went on that quest. It was decided to be best for those not yet having to care for kids to be the ones who left.
You consoled yourself with images of Bucky's proud return. Sometimes you even created bold fantasies of him owning a horse, riding it proudly into the village. With sacks filled with coin and fabrics. And tales to share with you by the fireplace.
Perhaps, he'd even bring you a new ring to put on your finger at the ceremony of your marriage.
You loved the one Bucky made for you himself and you would argue with him that you don't want any other one. But he'd insist and slide a glinting gold with precious gem onto your finger.
Dreams like that soothed your yearning heart. It was always hard to wake up from them and face your lonely reality anew.
It was even harder when you were ripped away from one of those dreams.
Your consciousness alerted you awake when screams and loud noises pierced the usually calm, quiet night at your village. You jumped out of bed, in your linen nightshirt only.
Through the small windows of your hut you saw the usual darkness of night lit up in orange and yellow glow. Fire.
You ran outside, knowing that if a rapid fire started for some reason, there was no time to dress yourself and think of your modesty. However, what you saw outside was a horror you never expected.
Swords and spears. Warriors dragging people out of their houses. Threats and violence. Screams and cries. And all of it swallowed with growing fire set to the few households.
One of the warriors was charging at you with a malicious grin on his face. His hand was reaching out for you when suddenly the beat of hoofs joined the cacophony of sounds and the man was yanked back.
"Hands off." A gruff voice ordered, tossing the warrior aside.
Your gaze shifted from the man who was about to snatch you, towards the massive black horse that rode into the heart of chaos. And onto the warrior seating atop it.
In black leathers, with unknown markings along his arms. It took you a long second to recognize his face and the blue eyes that haunted your dreams.
"Bucky." You whispered in disbelief.
Your whole body shuddered with emotion, nearly toppling you down to your knees.
He jumped down from the horse and approached you. But when he didn't embrace you in a warm, fierce hug, which you longed for so much, your heart clenched in fear.
Bucky led these men. Those who were burning down your village.
"Have you waited for me, my little marigold?" His voice was Bucky's; that soft, warming tone, though now harsher, lacking his usual tenderness.
"Yes, Bucky. I would wait forever, you know that." Your hands reached for his face, cupping it as you stepped forward to feel the heat of his body. To sense the beat of his heart.
He didn't lean into your touch, nor close his eyes like he used to do when you touched him this way. But he didn't swat your hands away, either.
He let you hold him, touching you in return as well.
"Have you saved yourself for me?" Bucky's arms wrapped around you, with more primal possessiveness than he ever displayed before.
You felt heat scorching your face from within.
"Of course." You admitted, bowing your head slightly.
Suddenly, he lifted you up. He placed you on the saddle and mounted the horse, seating himself right behind you. Tears stung your eyes as you saw the carnage around you.
As you felt that your Bucky wasn't the Bucky you remembered.
Was there even a trace of the man you loved?
Still, you clung onto him as he took you trough the woods and into the unknown. Into the future that was sure to look so much different from the one you imagined.
re: Nesting!Steve... to what extent do you think he is affectionate as a father while Reader is pregnant? He is certainly protective. Does he lay his head upon her belly? Does his hand seek the baby's kick? Does he give kissies to her tum?
needlereads
Nesting Steve is very affectionate. He can't keep his hands off of her, not only in sexual context. His hand just goes to her belly on instinct, he gives her foot massage and back rubs. There's not only touching the belly, but talking to the belly too 😊🩷
If you had an Alpha!Andy Barber, would you place him in an au similar to Grain of Truth (mob) or Bad Moon Rising (packs with traditions)? Or a secret theirf thing? 😄
-needlereads
Ohhh! What an interesting ask!
Putting Andy in the Grain Of Truth universe would simply suit his canon version. He could be a CEO, a mob boss, or still a DA. And perhaps he senses your true mate bond when you walk into his office for the first time, being a newly hired employee.
BUT putting Andy in the Bad Moon Rising universe is such a unique concept. Andy could be this more civilized Alpha, whose family has owned vast lands which still serve as private grounds for the pack to enjoy, while Andy himself and most of your pack are also tied to the city. You live on the outskirts and take weekend runs through the woods and fields, but most of your time is spent in the city.
He'd court you all proper and charming, supporting your career, but also knowing your PR image works in his favor in business (and vice versa). Andy has that Alpha dominating streak that occasionally snaps into a ruthless command when it comes to handling the pack. It's quite thrilling to you - knowing this polished, elegant man who handles business with grace and composure, is also a wild beast who had you dirty and covered in cum on the forest floor just last Sunday.
