I am very tired but VERY excited that this is out in the world!!!
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Me when story has good plot, is well written, very long and then out of nowhere i suddenly have long straight hair, pink cheeks and nipples and boobs that cause me backache
Black History Month is extended through March. White Brits at BAFTA disrespected Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and Hannah Beachler. Reclaiming our time.
Remember if you live somewhere where this is an option you need, you need to be keeping a healthy stock of pregnancy tests and using them regularly to catch the pregnancy early enough. It is incredibly common for people to only find out well past 10 weeks. Of course that can be expensive so look for the paper strip type that doctors use, not the bulky plastic types typically advertised for home use if you can. And dont fall for marketing gimmicks with pregnancy tests, they all work about the same, you don’t need a digital screen and if in doubt do another test tomorrow.
(Also do your test first thing when you wake up for best results)
Having worked in a doctor’s office, can confirm we just used cheap plastic OTC pregnancy tests and the dollar tree has them sometimes for $1.
As a further reminder– (loosely) once the sperm hits the egg and you become “officially pregnant”, pregnancy is calculated by going back to the date of your LAST period.
So if the date of your conception is March 29, but you got off your period March 01, congrats! You’re now 1 month/4 weeks pregnant. That’s how pregnancy is calculated.
And you absolutely cannot find out the day you conceived that you’re pregnant, because it takes at least 2 weeks before your body makes enough HCG to be perceived by a pregnancy test– so that’s another two weeks.
Which means you could have sex, become pregnant, wait the two weeks to test, and be ‘six weeks’ pregnant. That’s right– if you do everything right, and find out you’re pregnant literally as SOON as possible, you can already be 6 weeks pregnant.
“The Texas Heartbeat Act prohibits abortion when there is a detectable heartbeat, which may be as early as 6 weeks into a woman’s pregnancy.” This is why this act is genuinely evil. You could be ‘two weeks out from the date you had the sex that got you pregnant’ and be 6 weeks pregnant.
It’s not likely, but it’s incredibly possible. If you miss a period, it hurts NOTHING to check immediately. Don’t wait. Waiting a single month after your missed period to test could mean you’re suddenly 10 weeks pregnant– or more.
I went to the aidaccess website. For some states, they can mail the medicine to you directly without a prescription. For others, they’ll do an online consult with a doctor to prescribe and then mail you the medicine.
The cost can be from $110-150.
When you first start the consult, you see this.
We want to look at the second option. Because these are shipped internationally, and as sited on the website due to covid delays, the medicine takes three to four weeks to reach you.
If you find out you are pregnant at six weeks, you must order immediately in order to do a pill abortion at home under the ten week window. However, it gives you the option to buy in advance. Both mifepristone and misoprostol tablets usually carry a 2-year shelf life. The price isn’t THAT much higher than Plan B.
I researched that on my own– the shelf life thing– but was incredibly pleased to see the aidaccess website got into it as well.
[Image text:
Advance provision
1. If you live in a place with a very restrictive abortion law, it can be helpful to have the medicines for a medical abortion in advance case of a future unwanted pregnancy. In this case you should contact us again immediately when you find out that you are pregnant so that we can give you the proper guidance. Please check the expiration date when you received the medicines (most can be kept up to 2 years after receiving the package as long as they are kept at room temperature and in their original and undamaged blister packs. It is likely that they can be kept for even longer but their effectiveness cannot be guaranteed after that point.
2.If you want the medicines because you had unprotected sex less than 5 days ago, you can still use emergency contraceptives!]
The aidacess website walks you through EVERY PART OF THIS.
If you have $150 to spare, this is potentially live-saving medication. If your current plan is to drive out of state, stay for three days at a hotel to maybe get an in-person abortion after listening to a heartbeat etc, please consider that cost versus this cost. It has a shelf life of two years. I’m considering buying some right now.
I am incredibly moved to know this option exists and am currently about to share it with every social media site I can.
Hello, I’m a black college student in her senior year and I could really use some help with some bills. I’ve got a credit card bill due soon and my account is dangerously low, literally ANYTHING at all helps!
Hi guys my 1st blog got ban idk why, again thankyou to all the people help sachi, to the people reblog my post and for giving us some funds🙏♥️
Reposting:
My dog Sachi Needs help. Sachi is 11 months old husky and diagnosed with severe anemia, Sachi is confined since December 29 until now, We are asking for a little help for sachi because since he was confined, our bill is already at 28k, we want to fight sachi because he is resisting. He is currently on dextrose and force feed at the Calasiao Veterinary clinic and has also had a blood transfusion.
Your little help is a great thing to us and your prayers.
Thank you very much. For those who want to help, this is our gcash number.
Paypal:
Go to paypal.me/alneamaepatra and type in the amount. Since it’s PayPal, it's easy and secure. Don’t have a PayPal account? No worries.
I hope you will help us to treat sachi, god will take care of returning goodness to you, thank you
Description: Living on your own in Brooklyn isn’t an easy thing. Your work life is awful and your ex-boyfriend is a complete mess. When you get caught in the sights of two of the most dangerous men in New York life doesn’t get any easier, but it certainly does get more interesting.
Summary: It seems like New York is getting smaller and smaller as you continue to bump into the same people over and over again. Wanda gives you some helpful advice for moving on and gives a good opportunity when she invites you to Pietro's art exhibition, but old flames keep cropping up and make it harder for you to just move on.
Word Count: 6.1k
Warnings: descriptions of violence, talk of toxic work environment, talk of a toxic previous relationship, talk of a threesome and eventual poly relationship, slow build, slow burn, mafia AU, mob boss Bucky, mob boss Steve, job interview, under 18s dni minor
Masterlist
Part One || Part Three >>
It had felt like the interview with Timothy had gone exceptionally well. You had expected to hear from the company soon after, but a slow week under Rupert drew by. It was beginning to feel like maybe they weren’t as interested as they had previously let on. Deep down, you knew that you couldn’t dwell on them not contacting you and instead, you needed to just continue life until you heard the outcome from them.
Feeling unusually energetic on Saturday morning, you decided to make the most of your restless behaviour and head out for an early morning run around Prospect Park. The nippy Autumn air was biting at the tip of your nose and your cheekbones as you jogged around the park, only to have yourself come to a sudden halt as a large dog bolted across your path. “Oh, jeez…” You laughed softly; hands placed on hips as you sucked back deep breaths into your burning lungs.
“I’m sorry about him…” A familiar voice called, glancing over your shoulder and trying to hide the look of surprise on your face. It was the handsome blonde from the station attaching a lead to his dog’s collar, turning his gaze up from the lively hound to meet your own. “It’s you…” He commented with a surprised smile, pointing a finger in your direction and approaching you slowly. “It’s me…” You grinned tenderly in response and crossed your arms over your chest. “Steve, right?”
It was difficult to ignore the way that Steve was watching you, those glorious eyes trailing across your frame, taking note of the way that your leggings hugged at your waist and hips. A smile tugged at your lips as you commented quietly. “Small world, huh?” Lifting your brows at him before your eyes flickered down to the dog that was sitting obediently by his flank. “Who’s this?” You asked, squatting down to allow the dog to approach and stroking his head and chest as he eagerly did.
“His name is Sarge.” The blonde informed you, smirking as he watched his dutiful German Shepard go stupid over the affection that you were gifting it. “As you can see, he’s a vicious guard dog…” As if on cue, the dog flopped down to the ground and rolled over to expose his belly to you. A surprised laugh found your throat as you rubbed his stomach lovingly and turned your regard back up to Steve. “He seems ferocious.” To which Steve just grinned in response.
From here, Steve could allow himself to truly appreciate your features, the curve of your rear, the dips and the swell of your breasts covered by a form-hugging running jersey. “So, do you run here often?” It didn’t feel like often enough that Steve found himself in Brooklyn anymore, but he would come here a lot whilst growing up. It was nice to return and think about the memories. “Oh, only on weekends when I can force myself to get up before noon.” You laughed up at him before raising back to your feet, dusting down your leggings in a smooth movement.
“Is it too intrusive to ask if you ditch that guy who was giving you trouble?” Steve questioned then, remembering the trouble you had been having when first meeting in the station. It was a surprise to you that he had remembered that, honestly it had been a surprise that he had remembered you at all. “I’m dealing with it as best I can.” You explained, which was truthful, cutting off Oliver was going to be more difficult than you were anticipating, but you knew that Steve had been right because you did deserve better.
Another voice came from behind you then. “Here you go, pal…” Another flicker of shock crossed your face as the brunette from the Lewinski and Charles building was heading in your direction with two coffee cups in hand. His eyes caught yours for a moment and a bright smile found his lips. “Oh, hey there, Bambi…” Bucky commented, clearly teasing you about your clumsy nature from your first meeting. “Did his dog there trip you up, or something? I keep telling Steve he’s gotta keep that menace on a leash.” He asked casually, sipping as he coffee as he stood beside Steve.
There was barely any effort from Steve to hide the look of interest that flickered across his sharp features. “You know each other?” A quiet giggle escaped your lips as you announced. “Oh, I made a total fool of myself, and Bucky came to my rescue…” You explained as your arms pulled across your chest whilst jutting your hip out to the side.
In response, Bucky’s tone was teasing. “You remembered my name…” A small shrug came from you before Steve commented. “Hate to break it to you, but she remembered my name too, pal.” This caused the brunette to crease a brown in his direction. Next, the two of them shared a look before your attention was dragged away to your buzzing phone.
“Oh, jeez…” You whispered softly before turning your gaze back up to them both. “It’s great bumping into a friendly face around here, but I’ve got to get going.” You informed them both, which they nodded to. “I’m sure we’ll see you around, doll…” Bucky commented before Steve continued. “See you soon…” Then both watched as you jogged away from them, eyes focused down on your phone instead of on the path ahead of you.
A smirk etched onto Steve’s face as he asked. “Don’t tell me that was the damsel that you were talking about at the bar… I guess it looks like we share the same damsel, huh?” A nod came from the brunette as he took another swig from his coffee. “I saw the way you were looking at her, Stevie…” He watched as a furious pink tinge pulled across his cheeks, about to deny anything that Bucky was insinuating. “Are you trying to tell me that you weren’t watching the way those leggings hugged her round ass when she squatted down?”
That pink tinge that crossed his cheeks only seemed to grow and take over the tops of his ears as he responded evenly. “It sounds like you were doing the same thing, Buck…” “Maybe I was…” He smirked. “You gotta admit that she’s cute, right?” By now, Steve could tell that Bucky was trying to test him, trying to press to see if they were both interested in her in the same way, like they had discussed at the bar. “Yeah, you’d have to be some kind of idiot to not see how cute that she was… nice legs, round hips, pretty smile.” He cleared his throat then. “You know…”
“I do know.” Bucky’s voice was confident in response before his phone buzzed in his pocket, slipping it out and seeing that Natasha was trying to call him. “We got business…” He commented before looking up at the blonde. “We’re not done talking about this.”
The call that you had received whilst talking with Steve and Bucky had been from your good friend Wanda. She owed a bakery in Brooklyn and you knew that she wouldn’t be calling on a bustling Saturday morning unless there was an emergency. On the phone, she had explained to you in a flustered way that an order she had placed had arrived hours before schedule and Pietro had promised to help but bailed, leaving her completely stranded in the shop on her own.
It was often in your spare time that you would volunteer to help Wanda, never accepting any money from her but instead accepting all the baked goods as she would bestow you instead. It was a nice mixture of spending time with your friend and helping her when she was in a bind. Of course, it, unfortunately, cut into the time that you would usually spend fleshing out the novel that you had been working on since finishing college, or job hunting, or just having general time to work on your wellness.
After a brisk shower, you headed straight over to the bakery and slipped in through the back. Even from here, you could hear the heavy chatter coming from the front. “Wan?” You called, stepping a little further inside to find her rushing from the back balancing two trays of pain au chocolat in one hand whilst the other was furiously texting on her phone. “You’re here…” Her voice was full of relief as you carefully slipped the tray of baked goods from her hand. “I’m going to throttle Pietro when I see him next…” She commented lowly before shoving her phone into the front of her apron. “I can handle upfront if you can start putting away the delivery?”
A quick nod came from you. “Sure, whatever you need…” You carefully placed the tray back into her hands. “Oh, and don’t forget-” “To check off the order as I go so we know we aren’t missing anything. I know, I know…” This wouldn’t be the first time that you had done this type of job for Wanda, but you could understand why she wanted things done her way. It was her bakery after all. “Don’t worry, I can handle this…” You assured her with a genuine smile.
The work turned out to be pretty time-consuming. By the time that you finished, it was mid-afternoon. The rush of customers had dwindled down to just a few lingering, keeping to themselves working on their laptops whilst sipping at coffees. Wanda peaked her head into the room just as you were finishing, offering sweetly. “Want some coffee?” That wasn’t a proposal you were going to turn down.
Both of you took a seat at a little table close by to the register and shared little anecdotes about your week. You had summed up your interview with Timothy and explained the situation with Oliver. It wasn’t like Wanda was the biggest fan of him even before all this mess. She had always been adamant that you deserved better than a boyfriend, where you acted more like a mother than a girlfriend. “God, when is that jerk going to just let you move on with your life?” Wanda huffed as she slowly stirred her coffee. “Has spoken you about paying him back for bailing him out?”
For a moment, you kept quiet before Wanda pressed again, to which you responded. “Not yet.” “Not ever, more like.” Then rolled her eyes and shook her head. “He is such a trust fund baby…” Wanda commented, her cheeks going pink from the frustration of the situation. When you had both been happy together, Wanda had bit her tongue for you, but now that you had broken up, it seemed like she wasn’t pulling her punches anymore about her disdain for Oliver.
“Maybe it’s time that you get out there again…” Wanda commented then with a tiny shrug of her shoulders. “Like, you’ll be able to fully put Oliver behind you if you’ve got a new guy to focus on, right?” That did make sense, but… it felt like it had been a little while since you’d been in the dating world. “There are plenty of really cute guys in New York. All of them are so different and unique. Mr Right could be just around the corner~” Flashing a big grin in your direction. “How about at Pietro’s art show?”
You blinked across at her blankly. You had remembered Pietro mentioning it recently that his art was going to be shown at an exhibition in Brooklyn. “It will be a fun night out; a little bit of wine, get dressed up really cute. Vis and I will be there too…” Her eyes were bright with enthusiasm. “Pietro would really love to have another friendly face there and who knows Mr Right might just be waiting in the crowd to snatch up a piece of art of his own~” She teased, making a loud laugh spill from your lips.
The door jingled open, making Wanda glance up to make a noise of excitement as Vision entered, home from his meeting in Manhattan. “Hello, love.” He muttered, embracing her lovingly, rocking her back and forward as he kissed her on top of the head. “Ah, and I see you have yourself a helper today.” He announced, glancing in your direction, giving him a small wave; he chuckled whilst releasing Wanda. “Yes, I’ve invited her to Pietro’s exhibition tonight.”
It was nice spending time with Vision and Wanda, but you couldn’t help but feel a little sad whenever you were around them. It was like the moment that they had met. They discovered they were perfect for one another, truly each other’s soulmates. It was a connection that you wanted to share with another person, New York was bustling with so many people, but at times it felt so lonely and isolating, especially compared to the small town you’d grown up in where it felt like everyone knew your name or your family.
After a short conversation with the couple, you decided it’s time to leave, promising Wanda that you’ll be at Pietro’s exhibition tonight. At least you could count on their wine there and Pietro’s art was always interesting to you. It was very sleek and intimate. On the walk back to your apartment, your mind raced to wonder what pieces of art he might have come up with now.
Just as you arrive home, you can feel your phone buzzing in your back pocket, fishing it out to see that Oliver was calling. You could convince yourself for a moment that it could be about the money he owes you. Flopping down onto your couch, you hit answer. “What do you want, Oliver?” The tightness to your voice was evident from the first word, but you kept your will strong.
“Hey, baby…” A soothing flow of his voice came back and you were reminded for just a second what it felt like to have all of Oliver’s attention and adoration pointed in your direction. “I didn’t think that you’d answer, but I’m really glad that you did…” He commented, instead of responding, you just kept your mouth firmly closed, eyes laser-focused on the wall in front of you. “I’ve been trying to think of a good way for thanking you for bailing me out and the best way I could think is maybe just paying you back what I owe you…”
“That would be helpful.” Your voice remained strong as a deep chuckle rumbled from him in response. “I know it would, babe. How about we meet up and I can give you the money in person? How about the bar we met at?” Every inch of your body was screaming at you to just deny him, to tell him to send the money to your bank account so that you didn’t have to see him in person, but instead, a simple agreement slipped from your lips, and you regretted it the moment that it did. “Great. That’s great. Tomorrow night? Around 7?”
It felt impossible for you to deny him. It made you feel guilty towards yourself, but you agreed. You could justify it in your head as you want your money back, but you had always found it hard to just say no to Oliver, that was why you had always come to his rescue, that was why you had always looked after him and tried to keep it out of trouble. It never worked, but you tried.
The distinct sound of repetitive punches echoed through the underground garage. “Please! Please! I’ll get you the money! I swear, I swear-” The businessman’s pained pleas came to a sudden stop as his unconscious body hit the ground by Steve’s designer boots. Pulling free a rag from his pocket, he began to clean his bloody knuckles before turning to observe where Bucky was leant against his glossy black Range Rover. “There something on your mind, Buck?” He quizzed, approaching him slowly.
“I was just thinking about what we were talking about the other night…” The brunette mentioned. “At the bar, about bringing someone else into the bedroom for us to share.” An almost knowing smirk then tugged at the corners of Steve’s pink lips. “Oh, did you have someone in mind? Maybe the one from the park this morning?” He lifted his brows towards Bucky.
They had always been good at reading each other’s minds, sharing this unspoken bond, both deadly and sweet. “Maybe…” Bucky muttered. “I mean, I saw the way you were looking at her, Stevie…” He pushed himself up from where he was leaning against the side of his car, cupping the blonde’s sharp jawline and humming as he drew him forward. “Are you trying to tell me that you weren’t thinking ‘bout bending her over and-”
“Buck…” He whimpered as the brunette’s lips found his own, slotting together like a couple of perfect puzzle pieces. “It drives me a little crazy to think about those lips wrapped ‘round my cock whilst you just destroy her pussy…” The words were dripping in sin and it made Steve breathe a little heavier now, eyes hazy with lust. “Don’t you want that too? Us to share her?” He captured him into a heated kiss and Bucky’s back found his Range Rover as Steve pushed him back against it. “You fuckin’ know I do…” He huffed as they pulled back for air for a moment.
They shared another passionate kiss; the sound of wet laps and harsh groans filled the empty garage now. As the brunette tugged himself away from his lips. “We need to be smart about this…” He forced his fingers into Steve’s hair, gripping tight and gazing deep into those smouldering blue eyes. “I can tell she’s a little timid, we can’t just rush into this with her… we might just need to take things a little slower than normal, maybe a solo date or two and then… then we can tell her the truth.”
A kink formed in Steve’s brow as he responded. “I think it’ll work?” Bucky just nodded in response before drawing him into another feverish kiss and groaning against his lips. “I think it will, Stevie.”
The night was thick over Brooklyn, but everyone was still very much awake. You had spent the entire rest of your afternoon in turmoil over your meeting with Oliver tomorrow. You had gone through a variety of scenarios in your head, mapping out how you thought conversations might turn out and trying to think of things that you wanted to tell him. It seemed like a good opportunity.
Before all that, you needed to focus on Pietro’s art exhibition. It was being held at a beautiful old brewery building in the heart of Brooklyn, and by the time that you arrived, it was already in full swing. You entered the building and were surrounded by the most outrageous and amazing pieces of art that you had ever experienced. They were all way out of your price range, but you could enjoy the flashes of colours and the secrets each swipe of paint held.
“Hey!” A friendly voice came from the crowd and suddenly, you were yanked into a crushing hug. “I couldn’t believe it when Wanda said you were coming…” Pietro still had such a thick accent heavy on his tongue. It was always such a striking reminder that Wanda and Pietro hadn’t moved here all that long ago. “Of course, I came…” You laughed softly and patted him on the back to move away gaze up into those friendly blue eyes. “So, do you have anything affordable on the show?”
A sudden laugh came from Pietro as he placed his hand on your lower back, winding you expertly through the crowd to show off his collection of art. It was truly breathtaking pieces of artwork that Pietro had on show. “I wouldn’t imagine any of these are within your budget, but if you would like some art, I’d happily just make you some…” He offered, causing you to laugh as you shook your head. “No, no… I’m just kidding…” You observed the artwork with a smile pulling easily at your lips. “These are… amazing, Pietro.”
“Isn’t my brother talented?” Wanda’s enthusiastic voice came from beside you. “If only he was this amazing at showing up on time for his shift or paying his rent on time…” The comments were like little needles into Pietro’s back and he flashed her a slight glare in response. “I’m joking.” She informed him before moving across to wrap you into an inviting hug. “I’m glad that you came…” She snatches a few glasses of wine from a passing waiter and presses them into your hand. “Drink up~” She commented softly and both of you tipped your wine glasses up to ding them together before drinking deep from them.
After spending some time speaking with Wanda, you decided it might be polite to begin to circle the room and take in the rest of the art that had been produced. Each time a tray of drinks floated by you were quick to grab another, drinking it down deep whilst speaking with the guests and the artists alike, trying to schmooze you into buying their artwork, little did they know that you could barely afford the hook to hang them on right now.
As you made a full round of the collection, you returned to Pietro’s display, eyeing each piece that had been passionately created and tilting your head as you pondered what they could mean or what they were trying to say. “Now, this is what I call a work of art…” A familiar voice cracked from behind you, spinning on your heel and surprised to see Steve lurking behind, one hand sunk into his tailored trousers and the other nursing a short glass of whiskey. “Two times in one day, I must be lucky…” He commented, sauntering a little closer towards you.
“You’re here too?” There was no hiding the surprise in your voice. “Are you stalking me or something?” You joked teasingly, flashing him a quick grin as he chuckled and shook his head. “Stalking you…” He muttered, taking a swig of his whiskey as he stood by your side. “I think you’ve been reading too many books…” Then winking down at you before turning his head up to observe the artwork hung before him. “I’m just an art lover; I couldn’t resist coming to procure a few new pieces for my collection.”
It surprised you that Steve had a collection. Being an art collector was a very pricey hobby and you wondered for a moment what it was that Steve did for work. “I really like these pieces…” He mentioned, gesturing to two from Pietro’s display. “What do you think?” He asked lowly, leaning down to be closer to your ear and making a deep shudder course down your spin at the feel of him so close. “What do I think?” Raising your brows. “I don’t know much about art, but… my friend created these, so it would be great for him to get a sale, right?”
A deep chuckle rumbled in Steve’s throat as he replied softly. “Cute.” It made you gnaw sweetly on your lower lip as he trailed his eyes over your frame. Glancing over his shoulder, he flagged down a dealer, taking a card and noting down some details before handing it back before a few stickers were placed beside two of the paintings. “Well, your friend has you to be thankful for…” He commented, making you gape in wonder.
This would have been the first sale that Pietro would have made in a little while now. He was going to be so happy and you knew that you couldn’t tell him that you might have had some hand in the selling of them. “Are you only here to support your friend?” Steve asked then as he took another sip of whiskey and finished it off. “Uh, yeah… I’m not big on art or buying it.” You commented and he smirked and shook his head.
“Let’s go get a drink and I’ll give you some tips on art.” He suggested, leaning you across the room, parting the crowd so that you could walk easily by his side and approaching the bar. The two of you shared a drink together whilst Steve steered you around the room, a hand settled on your lower back and leaning down into your ear to explain in his handsome drawl about why he felt a painting or sculpture was good or bad and then each time asking your opinion on it. Honestly, by the time that you had both rounded back to Pietro’s display, you were hanging off his every word, leaning in close to hear him talk clearer and beginning to understand the appeal.
His hand stayed settled firmly on your lower back, rubbing you through the soft material of your skin before starting. “I’d love to speak to you more ‘bout art sometime, or maybe let you speak for a little while too…” A giggle pulled from your throat; it sounded flirtatious even to your ears. “Maybe I could take your number and we could go out sometime?” He suggested.
In the back of your mind, Oliver was lingering, but aloud Wanda said. “She’d love to…” Clearly just approaching in time to hear Steve make his suggestion. You looked between them before smiling up at him and saying. “Sure, that would be really great…” Before slipping your phone from your purse and holding it in his direction, allow him to input his number whilst putting your own into his phone. “Great…” He smiled, handing back your phone to then lean down and kiss you sweetly on the cheek. “I’ve got some business I’ve got to deal with, but I hope I catch you sometime soon…”
Only moments after Steve exited the exhibition, Wanda squeaked as she grabbed both of your hands and bounced. “I knew it. I knew you’d meet a great guy here. I told you.” She pointed a playful finger at your face. “He was super cute and was super into you~” Wanda cooed adoringly before wrapping her arms around your neck and swaying with you happily. Maybe she was right, maybe moving on from Oliver would be for the best and a fresh start without the drama that he continued to bring into your life.
When you woke up the next morning, you took hold of your phone and observed the messages that you had waiting. One was from Oliver in good spirits about seeing you this evening, another was from Pietro with so much gratitude for coming to the exhibition and raving about some of his art being purchased, the next from Wanda wanting to hear if you had heard from Steve yet and the last was from Steve with a sweet request to let him know that you had made it home safe.
Your heart swelled slightly as you gazed down at the final message, gnawing on your lower lip and wondering how you were going to respond to the message. You text him that you made it home safely last night and were tucked up in bed all safe. You hit send and smiled to yourself, holding your phone tight to your chest and sighing happily as you just gazed lazily up towards the ceiling.
In the back of your mind, you knew that you could just lounge around in bed all day, no matter how much you had wanted to. No, you forced yourself to get up and begin your day, showering and getting dressed into some simple day clothes, cleaning your apartment with vigour before popping out to do a quick weekly shop, having your meals already planned out it was a quick trip around the aisles before returning home to put everything away.
Your eyes continuously found your phone throughout the day, receiving messages from everyone else, but Steve… it wasn’t something you needed to dwell on. You knew he must have been a busy man.
As the day drew on, you decided that it probably would be for the best to get ready for this meeting with Oliver. Honestly, you were unsure what else to call it; you certainly wouldn’t class it as a date, even if it was going to be at the very bar you had met him all those years ago. It had been whilst you were in your first year of college, you were feeling lonely in the City and meeting Oliver had changed everything, he had made you feel so special, so seen in a sea of unknown faces but it all came crashing down eventually, maybe it always does.
By the time that you finished getting ready, you were running a little late and decided to take a cab there. Your phone buzzed in your purse and you yanked it out quickly and smiled as you saw a text back from Steve. He apologised for a delayed response and stated how he was happy that you’d made it home safe. Your eyes traced over the message again and again until the voice of the driver told interrupted your little moment with your device to inform you that you had arrived.
In a quick moment, you paid him and clambered from the cab and into the affluent bar on the Upper East Side. Your eyes were scanning the room as you approached the bar, slinking up onto one of the stools. It was past 7 now and you were expecting Oliver to already be here, but there were absolutely no signs of him. You ordered yourself a martini as you waited and slipped from your phone from your bag to text Oliver to ask where he was or if he was still coming.
The clock ticked in a humiliating fashion above the bar and before you knew it, 30 minutes had sunk past. Just as you were about to get up and leave, a voice slurred in your direction. “Baby!” He called across the quiet murmur of voice; Oliver clumsily crossed the room in your direction, tripping over his own feet as he approached the bar. You were humiliated, the disapproving eyes that cast in your direction, the soft mutter of voices and little laughs focused on Oliver. “B-baby, you made it…”
This was just him drunk. It was easy to see the effect the drugs were having on him by just gazing into his eyes. A short huff fell from your lips; what else were you expecting? Oliver let you down again and again. Why would it be any different this time? “I made it 40 minutes ago, Oliver and I managed to be sober.” You pointed out, narrowing your eyes at him. “D-don’t be mad, baby… I was feeling a little nervous about seeing you and… and I needed a little courage.” His clammy hands cupped your cheeks and you brushed him off swiftly before pushing up from the stool. “Where are you going?”
“Home. I’m not doing this. Clearly, you don’t have the money, probably spent it on your courage.” You tell him, keeping your voice low, not wanting to cause any more of a scene than there already was.
As you go to step past him, his hand finds your wrist, tugging you back shortly and making you jolt back in his direction. “We need to talk-” “You need to let her go…” A firm voice came from behind you. A glance over your shoulder revealed Bucky to be standing there, arms crossed over his chest and frown placed on his lips. “Now… before I break every bone in your hand…” The threat lingered in the air for a moment before Oliver just released your hand and it dropped down to your side.
“I suggest you leave…” Bucky muttered lowly, tugging at his crisp white cuffs and taking a few steps in your direction, standing between the two of you and eyeing Oliver with disgust. “You deaf as well as dumb? Get out.” He scoffed lowly and clumsily stepped past Bucky, knocking over a few chairs in his retreat. “You okay?” Bucky turned back to you slowly then and took your hand, inspecting the evident marks on your wrist from Oliver’s heavy-handedness. “I’m fine.” You hastily tell him, gulping and nodding your head, not wanting to cause any more trouble.
Bucky slipping his hand up your arm to rest on your shoulder. “Come and sit down for a moment…” He urged and you followed his footsteps across the bar towards a small booth, slotting inside and Bucky tucked himself in beside you, raising his arm up and resting it on the back of the seat over your shoulders. From having him in this proximity, the expensive scent of his cologne filled your senses. “You wanna tell me what all that about?”
A heavy huff finds your lips. “We used to date, and I’m still the sucker who willing to do just about anything for him… even dip into my savings to pay his fines when I know that he has no intentions on ever paying me back.” You explained simply and Bucky frowned as he cracked his knuckles slowly. “Sounds like an asshole that needs to leave you alone and let you move on with your life, doll.” “You’re telling me…” You huffed and shook your head.
You lifted your head then and told him sincerely. “Thanks for stepping in… I, uh… I don’t think anyone else was going to bother, so… thank you.” The firm frown on his face tilted upwards into an easy smile then. “It’s not a problem, doll.” He chuckled lowly. “Why don’t I give you a ride home?” He offered and instantly you denied. “Oh, no… no, I couldn’t ask you to do that… I live in Brooklyn and-” “It’s not a problem. You’re not a problem.” He gazed directly into your eyes, then made you smile sweetly and gaze down into your lap for a moment. “If you’re sure…”
“I’m certain.” With that, Bucky paid his tab and, after a small verbal disagreement, paid your tab too. He led you outside, keeping his hand between your shoulder blades and guiding you into the direction of his glossy black Range Rover. He opened the door, and you climbed inside, crossing one leg over the other and watching as he wandered around to the opposite side. “Wanna put your address in there?” He pointed to the fancy looking pad on the dash, which would display direction.
The drive was quiet, but it didn’t feel awkward. No, it was peaceful. Bucky would glance in your direction every couple of moments, one hand resting on the steering wheel whilst the other rested on the gear stick between the two of you. It gave you a chance to observe the intricate tattoos that twisted across his knuckles and hand, deep black swirls of ink that covered almost every inch of skin and wound up and under his crisp white dress shirt.
It didn’t feel like the drive lasted long enough, and as he pulled up outside your apartment, you felt saddened. “Gimme your phone…” He said softly, and you frowned as you passed it over to him. With a great deal of confidence, Bucky put his name and number into your phone before doing the same with his own, after a moment handing it back in your direction. “If you get any more problems from that ex, you give me a call…” Then he smirked and added. “And if you wanna grab a drink sometime…” The offer was left hanging there in the air.
“That would be great…” The words slipped out before you could stop them. “Great…” He replied, taking your hand and drawing it up to his lips to press a searing kiss to your knuckles before releasing your hands. “Sleep well, doll…” “You too, Bucky~” You quipped before climbing from his car and wandering up to your apartment. He didn’t drive away until you were fully in your apartment, truly making sure that you made it home safe after the evening that you’d had.
What kind of luck was this? Two amazing guys turn up at once. Was it right for you to go on dates with them both? You already knew what Wanda would support you play in the field a little and getting yourself out there. It wasn’t like you were dating or committed to them. It wouldn’t hurt either of them… that was how you convinced yourself to truly give them both a chance. It was just some fun, getting back into the dating game after Oliver with two interesting men.
