#short dribble

[arcadia-smith]

You were curled up on the couch, Bucky’s metal arm wrapped around your shoulders as the TV played some old movie neither of you were really paying attention to. It had been a long day, filled with missions and training, and this—just the two of you, wrapped up in each other—was the best way to unwind.

Your fingers idly traced patterns over the back of his hand, and after a few moments of comfortable silence, you spoke.

"What's your favorite thing about me?"

Bucky hummed, tilting his head slightly as if deep in thought. He turned to face you, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

"Probably your smile."

You blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. "Seriously?"

His grin widened. "Okay, fine." He shifted closer, voice dropping to something almost conspiratorial. "I love how you can kill a man in only two seconds."

You snorted, shaking your head. "That’s what you love about me?"

He shrugged, a teasing glint in his steel-blue eyes. "It's impressive."

Rolling your eyes, you nudged him. "So, not my intelligence? My stunning good looks? My charming personality?"

Bucky smirked. "Oh, those are great too. But watching you take down a guy twice your size? Kind of hot, doll."

You laughed, shaking your head. "You’re impossible."

He leaned in, pressing a kiss to your temple. "And you’re lethal. Perfect match, don’t you think?"

With a grin, you pulled him closer. "Yeah, I think so too."

[arcadia-smith]

Next part

You stared at Price, mouth slightly open, waiting for him to crack a smile, maybe even laugh. But his expression remained serious.

"It’ll be easy," he repeated, arms crossed. "You just have to seduce them."

"You’re kidding, right?" you deadpanned. "I’m about as seductive as a cabbage."

A deep chuckle came from the corner of the briefing room. You turned to find Ghost leaning against the wall, arms folded over his broad chest, his dark eyes crinkling slightly beneath his mask.

"She’s got a point, Captain," Ghost said, amusement laced in his gruff voice. "Subtlety isn’t exactly her strong suit."

Your head snapped toward him. "Excuse me, but I wasn’t aware you were the expert on my charm."

Ghost tilted his head slightly, the dim light catching the fabric of his skull mask. "Just stating facts, love."

Price sighed. "Look, Vasily doesn’t trust men, especially military types. We need someone who’s off his radar, and that’s you. Get close to him, gain his trust, and get the intel we need."

"Right, and I’m supposed to do that by seducing him?" You folded your arms. "Did it occur to you that I have the flirting skills of a brick?"

Ghost let out another chuckle. "Wouldn’t have put it so harshly, but yeah."

You turned to glare at him. "I’d love to see you try, big guy."

Ghost pushed off the wall, closing the distance between you in just a few strides. He loomed over you, broad and solid, his presence making the air feel heavier. "Go on, then," he challenged, voice dropping into that low, gravelly register that always sent a shiver down your spine. "Try it on me."

The room suddenly felt ten degrees hotter. Clearing your throat, you straightened your shoulders, squared your stance, and forced what you hoped was a sultry smile.

"Ghost," you murmured, dragging out his name like honey. Your hand lifted to rest against the tactical vest covering his chest, fingertips barely grazing the fabric. "Would you be a dear and help me with something?"

A beat of silence.

His dark eyes flickered with something unreadable, but his posture remained unchanged. "That’s supposed to work?"

Your face heated, and you immediately withdrew your hand, curling your fingers into a fist. "You know what? I hate this plan."

Price pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling heavily. "You’ll figure it out."

Ghost’s smirk was practically audible. "Don’t worry, love," he murmured, stepping even closer. His voice dropped an octave, rough and teasing. "Maybe you’ll learn a thing or two."

Your stomach did an annoying little flip, and you scowled up at him. "Oh, shut up."

Ghost chuckled again, clearly enjoying himself far too much.

And just like that, you knew this mission was going to be absolute hell.

[vivalarizzles]

so i wrote a very little dribble...

“Jane?” a tension in the blonde’s voice audible.

“Yeah Maur?” Jane smiles as she pokes her head back around the corner whilst donning her hat and mittens, a sight which immediately relaxed the ME’s corrugator supercilii (forehead) muscles.

She’s adorable crossed Maura’s mind before the panic eased and she was able to get out a less tense, but still filled with concern, “drive safe.”

The detective’s wide grin remained unchanged but her eyes softened with understanding as her eyes met the MD’s, “I love you, too Maura.”

Maura’s corrugator supercilii muscles gently clenched a bit in confusion in the jump in topics, her mouth slightly opening in preparation for her “I don’t understand, Jane, I didn’t…” before realization washed over her and she smiled softly at her friend, tilting her head as if that smile could convey all that she felt about the detective. That soft smile was returned before the detective whispered “Goodnight, Maur” before pulling back around the corner and smiling to herself as she opened the door and faced the Boston winter.