So since the fandom has come the the (correct) conclusion that Samwise Gamgee is the absolute height of hobbit attractiveness standards, it only follows logically that hobbits see Sam working for Frodo as the middle earth equivalent of your weird eccentric rich neighbor having a hot pool boy. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk.
this is only a flop post because you don't know who Tim Misny is
Tim Misny is our local Saul Goodman style ~personal injury lawyer~ who's become kind of a local fixture because of his billboards. They started pretty straightforward:
But he became well known enough locally that he started doing this:
And finally, devolved into this:
If you wanted a modern TJ Eckleburg you COULD NOT DO BETTER than this man's fucking Dreamworks Eyebrow
I hate that the "x reader" or "x Y/N" style of fanfic has become sooooo popular, partially because it's just not for me and partially because they clog general non-fic related tags and those authors seem allergic to the "read more" function on this website, but ALSO because I believe that you should have to go through the trouble of creating an absolutely batshit self-insert character, with a backstory that makes no sense and a name that doesn't really gel with the aesthetics of the universe. Legolas and Aragorn should be in a love triangle with Kylie, the angsty sixteen year old half-human half-elf and inexplicable tenth member of the Fellowship. Do the WORK. If everyone was doing "Y/N" nonsense back in the day, there would be no Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way, or probably Bella Swan. These are important women. They deserve to be named, confusingly and with no regard for the fictional world they inhabit.
Absolutely hilarious that Dream could have any system of governance he wants in his realm, and he chooses to have one where he has to do paper work. And as far as the audience is told, he is the only Endless to structure his realm this way.
Synopsis: Bucky is a man from a different time. It shows when you start âgoing steadyâ and honestly, you love it. Alternatively; Bucky uses 40âs dating etiquette to woo you, and surprises you with a modern turn of phrase.
cw: itâs set in a vague timeline where itâs just before cabnw but also during fatws so no thunderbolts spoilers! Bucky is a FLIRT, reader is a little shy, anxiety representation, lots of casual getting to know you, going on a date flirting, Buckyâs serious about reader tho!
word count: 4.4k
Bucky Barnes prides himself on being able to court a woman. He really does. He knows all the rules, knows all the things to say, and it doesnât hurt that he can flirt his way through any conversation.
You and Bucky met at the Smithsonian when Bucky was missing Steve a little too much and popped in just to get a glimpse of his best friend again.
You were by the Isaiah Bradley display, reading through before murmuring under your breath, âThose poor men.â
Bucky hadnât meant to eavesdrop like that, but there was so much concern in your voice and he had to say something lest you think they all suffered â looking back, maybe he wasnât the best person to break that news to you.
âWe didnât all suffer so bad.â
You had gasped when you noticed him, hand to your chest. âYouâre Bucky Barnes,â you weigh your words before adding, âSteveâs best friend.â
That alone had won him over. You didnât bring up the Winter Soldier, or that Bucky was as traumatised as super soldiers went. Just that he was Steveâs best friend.
âYeah,â he nodded, âThis your first time at the Smithsonian?â
You shake your head, a little heat flushing up your cheeks. âI come every couple of weeks, to see if they have any new stuff to add to your plaques. Itâs kinda messed up what they did to all of you.â
Bucky smiles, shaking his head. It is messed up, he knows that. All the super soldiers besides John Walker know how messed up it was. âWe came out alright, made it to the 21st century after all.â
You tilt your head to the side, âI guess thatâs true.â
Buckyâs eyes light up. âMade it this far to meet pretty girls too.â
Your cheeks flame and Bucky chuckles, you chat a bit more before he gives you his number.
It takes you two days to text him. Youâd been overthinking it, if you should or shouldnât. In the end, if he ignored you at least youâd have tried.
It turns out Bucky didnât give you his number just to be polite, because he answered your text immediately.
The first time he had used his courting experience was when heâd made it a point to establish the fact that he wanted to take you out every second Friday of the month.
He had it in his head that the effort had to be shown and then followed through the entire time and after two days, he was determined to show you that he was serious.
âIâm free every other Friday, if thatâs good with you doll.â
You had responded four minutes later after looking at your phone in shock and a little bit of bewilderment, when was the last time a man was so forward but not in a pushy way?
âItâs perfect as long as work doesnât bleed into my weekendsâ
From there Bucky had planned three of the dates meticulously, going over places and ideas in his head until heâd settled on the best three according to himself.
The first date was at a new diner near his apartment, one that Sam said did really good milkshakes and Bucky hadnât been able to let the idea go.
âItâs nothing too fancy, but Sam said itâs a good spot.â
Youâd worn a pretty skirt and blouse, and Bucky had worn a grey henley and jeans.
âYou look gorgeous,â Bucky was full of compliments as youâd learn as the afternoon went on. He dished them out easily and most of the time you pretended not to hear him because he had a sort of pleased look on his face every time you stammered to keep the conversation going, and that in itself had in your stomach in knots.
He even brought you a bouquet of red tulips which had sat beside you on the sticky diner table all day.
âOh they have milkshakes!â You say excitedly when you catch a server walking past.
Buckyâs heart sores. God bless the forties for making that a thing.
âWanna try one?â
You look up at him, eyes brimming with hopefulness, âWill we do the cheesy sharing from the same cup?â
Bucky leans back in the booth seat, blue eyes boring into you. âAnd the same straw if you really want to, doll.â
Heâs so fucking smooth, because you canât do anything but nod now that his gaze is fixed on you.
Deciding what milkshake had taken nearly five minutes, back and forth between what was a classic flavor and why strawberry was definitely not good (Bucky was very offended) and then settling on a Shamrock Shake even though St. Patrickâs day had long passed.
Sharing the milkshake sitting across from each other was more intimate than you had expected it to be, (you hadnât ended up using one straw but just the eye contact was enough to fluster you). Bucky walked you to your car after paying for dinner, very offended that you tried to pay half of the bill, and opened the door for you. When you had gotten in, he leant a little into your space, âDid you have a good time, doll?â
Your heart pounds. You had a great time, Bucky was easy to be around, even with your shyness.
âI did, thank you Bucky. Did you?â
He smiled, âDonât see how I couldnât with you as company.â In your sputtering for an answer Buckyâs heart beat a little faster, you were the cutest thing ever.
âAny opposition to a gala for our next date?â
You raise your eyebrows. âIâm not the biggest fan of crowds but I donât see why it couldnât be fun. Is it for the new Captain America thing?â
Bucky smiles, âIâll text you the details. Drive safe, doll.â
The gala was fun even if a little anxiety inducing when you note the number of people there.
Buckyâs good though, he doesnât give you a moment alone to feel that anxiety or have anyone come up to you to ask you a million questions.
Itâs a veteran gala and Bucky didnât want to go through that alone because he was getting another medal post Thanos; not that he really wanted it.
That night, as you sat beside him at one of the tables, it was hard to ignore the feel of his hand grasping your ankle and stroking it.
His palm is warm against your skin but you can feel the twitch in his fingers.
âWe can leave early if you really donât want to get it, Bucky.â
He turns to you with a smile, his cheeks a little warm when you meet his eyes. âNo, I can handle it, doll.â
You tut, shaking your head. âYeah but you look like youâre gonna pass out waiting for them to call your name.â
He rolls his eyes, âI do not.â He can actually feel the acid churning in his stomach.
In the end, the âmedalâ is Bucky partially funding a veteran support group in honor of his friend Sam Wilson, whoâs the new Captain America, and Steve Rogers. He much prefers that sort of medal.
It was only after Bucky had gotten you home from the gala that you noticed the slip of paper in your clutch.
It had the name of the diner you and Bucky had gone to a week and a half ago, but on the backside of the paper was his semi messy scrawl.
You looked gorgeous tonight. Purpleâs definitely your colour, doll. I know itâs only the second date, but youâre all I think about most days. I wanna see you again, but I know tonight was a lot with all those people. Sleep well, doll. Dream of me if youâd like.
Yours,
James.
That had made you smile so hard your cheeks ached. He signed it with his actual name, not the cute nickname he got so many years ago, his real, government name and that was not something that went unnoticed by you.
Immediately you changed his name in your phone to James with a little heart next to it.
Youâre not really sure youâre sold on Buckyâs affections towards you, till the third date when Bucky pulls up to your apartment with another bouquet of flowers, peonies this time in pretty pinks and soft yellows.
âBucky, these are gorgeous!â You had rushed back into your house to add them to the vase with the other flowers he had dropped off for you on your doorstep last week.
You can hear him chuckling in your doorway as you flit about.
âWas there any traffic?â you asked over the sound of your tap filling the vase.
âNot too much, but it is lunchtime on a Saturday.â
You had mentioned to Bucky a little bit ago that there was a perfect spot in the park near your house for a picnic now that New York had finally warmed up, and the next text you had received was Bucky asking if you had any nut allergies.
It wasnât your usual date day, but Bucky had pleaded and begged just a little (although he really hadnât had to), and had even sent you a photo of the most gorgeous picnic blanket and you were agreeing faster than anything.
âIâm ready to go now.â Seeing Bucky there leaning in the archway of your kitchen makes you feel so many things that you canât help it when you lean up and kiss just under his jaw before walking towards your door after snagging your picnic basket from on the counter.
âComing, Bucky?â
He only shakes his head, some of his hair falling into his eyes as he follows behind you. You swear you hear him mutter, âNot a shy thing at all,â but you donât say anything because your nerve has worn off and you actually canât believe you really kissed his cheek.
Bucky hadnât spared an expense on your picnic. He had gotten peaches, plums, two different cheeses, apples, grapes (black ones; your favourite) and even a bottle of sparkling wine.
You had brought sandwiches and salt and vinegar potato chips (those became Buckyâs new favourites), a sketchbook and your camera.
âWere picnics something you did a lot?â you ask Bucky as he makes you a plate - crackers, cheese, some of the fruit and half the sandwich you packets.
Bucky squints at you as he slices a wedge of the plum free from the stone. âIf it was, would you be jealous, doll?â
You shake your head, some of the peach juice dribbling down your wrist. Buckyâs quick but gentle as he thumbs it away and presses his thumb to his lips. Youâre so grateful that his hands arenât on you to feel how fast your pulse hammers.
âIâm just curious what the dating customs of the 40âs looked like.â Itâs a miracle your voice remains even.
Bucky nods like he doesnât really believe you. âI think I went on one, but there was never really a good time for more.â
You wince, you had forgotten that heâd gotten drafted.
Your reaction makes Bucky laugh, âIâm glad I get to find out if I really like them now though. Thereâs a lot more to enjoy about picnics now without all the smog.â
His teeth snap through the wedge of the plum before he continues, âI can see my date better, which feels like an incredible plus.â
Damn Buckyâs flirting.
You spend all evening at the park, and itâs so fun because Bucky poses for some of your pictures and then takes some of you and when you pose for a few together and Bucky stares at you thereâs a sort of stillness that overcomes you.
His eyes bore into yours, the blue of them stopping you where your finger is poised over the button to snap the photo.
âTake the photo doll,â he whispers, his lips hovering near yours as he reaches up and presses your finger down just before leaning all the way in, pressing your lips together.
Buckyâs quick to take the camera from your hand after, setting it on the blanket and cupping your cheek to deepen the kiss.
Itâs not too long, but itâs more than a peck and when he pulls away you can barely open your eyes.
âWas that okay?â Bucky whispers, the hand still cupping your face warm where it rests.
âWhere did you learn to kiss like that?â his laugh rocks you as you press your forehead into his shoulder. âI donât think you were really frozen in ice all that time, James Barnes.â
Bucky cups the back of your head as his laughs die down. âWhatever you want to believe, honey.â
Bucky gets to your house just after sunset, and you let him walk you to your front door. You donât really want the date to end, but youâre tired and you have to imagine so is he.
âI had a really nice evening, Bucky.â
He smiles, a hand on your lower back as he stands in front of you. âSo did I,â you turn to open the door but he stops you.
âIâve gotta go out of town for a little bit, so weâre gonna have to rain check next Fridayâs date.â
You hold onto the sleeve of his Henley before he can step back, âIs everything alright?â
Bucky nods, âYeah just some stuff I have to deal with.â
âWinter soldier stuff?â You nearly whisper the words, not wanting to upset Bucky. He only nods with a soft smile. âBe careful okay?â
âYou donât want to be my nurse if I get hurt, doll? Thatâs harsh.â
You laugh, shaking your head at him. âI just donât want you to get hurt.â
Buckyâs chest aches at your care for him. Itâs been a long while since heâs been given that kind of affection.
âIâll be careful, doll.â
âGood.â
Bucky leans in and presses a kiss just at the corner of your mouth, âGoodnight doll, lock your doors.â He reminds you like youâre not a woman in New York City, but it still makes you smile and your chest goes a little gooey.
Bucky doesnât move from your doorstep till he hears your locks click into place.
-
Buckyâs been gone for a week and a half already and you canât help but miss him.
Youâve been chatting back and forth and youâve even started sending him songs to listen to. Heâs got a very limited list of favourites that youâve made it your mission to resolve.
You find another note in your handbag when you decided against texting Bucky and cleaned your cupboards instead.
It was in your bag from the picnic date, and you smiled when you noticed his handwriting on another receipt from the grocery where he got the cheese.
I hope you find this when Iâm gone and youâre missing me; I know you are, doll, itâs okay.
I miss you too and I havenât left yet.
When I get back Iâll make it up to you, I swear. Maybe weâll go somewhere quiet again? Or I saw theyâre reopening one of those antique places with all those retro trinkets; I could show what I used to have at home. Show you what I prefer now.
Keep locking your doors, honey. I should send you new flowers, the old ones will be dead soon.
Yours,
James.
Buckyâs very good at these, these little notes that leave you smiling and giddy like a fool.
You pull out your phone, you have to text him now.
I got your note. What was your favourite âtrinketâ?
Bucky answers only three minutes later.
My sister used to have a silver jewellery box that I had the pleasure of filling every month.
You smile at that, heâs always been a provider it seems.
Another chime comes from your phone.
We also had a gramophone that played the clearest music Iâve ever heard.
You roll your eyes.
Youâre such an old man.
Iâm not offended, doll. A pretty girl Iâm seeing told me recently Iâm not old at all.
Even miles away heâs got you grinning like an idiot with a racing pulse.
You canât say anything to that and your thoughts take you to what a perfect gentleman heâs been to you. Bucky opens your doors, drives you home and waits till you get into your house before driving off. You think you might be falling for him, and rapidly.
Heâs still gone by Monday and youâre missing him hard, only for the girls you work with to giggle before coming to find you.
âThese were dropped for you,â they hand you a huge bouquet of red and white tube roses and a card.
Itâs not Buckyâs handwriting but itâs from him,
Sorry Iâm still not back, doll. I should just be gone for another day. Donât miss me too much, yeah? I need a few kisses when I get back to make up for all this time away. I listened to that song you recommended, it was good. How do I make a playlist?
Yours,
James.
The note had you blushing and extremely flustered. Your coworkers noticed it immediately.
âAre you two going steady?â
You regret telling them who youâd been going out with. When they leave, youâre stuck with the realisation of how different Bucky is to the men youâve dated before.
Itâs a small thing, but you hardly think any of them got you flowers as consistently as he does, and you donât think youâve ever received such thoughtful bouquets.
You called Bucky when you got home, happy to hear his voice.
âThank you for the flowers, Bucky.â
âYouâre welcome, doll.â
You have the bouquet from today on your bedside table and smile when you spot it after changing into your pajamas.
âYou caused quite a scene when they got delivered.â
You can hear the amusement in his words. âOh yeah?â
âYeah, the girls I work with brought them to me. They were very impressed by the size of the bouquet, Barnes.â
âIâm just concerned about what you think of me.â Was his answer and after that you couldnât get a full sentence out of you.
Heâs so open with his feelings towards you itâs scary, it makes your heart race but you also know heâs not just saying it. He means it and that makes you fall just a little more for Bucky.
âYouâre sweet.â Is all you can manage, your face heated with a blush.
âSam and I are finishing this up tonight, so I should be able to see you when we get back.â
You donât know if youâre reading into his words, but Bucky sounds relieved at the prospect of seeing you soon.
âIsnât it going to be a dayâs long flight?â
âAnd I can see you right after I land, honey. So long as itâs not midnight or while youâre gonna be sleeping.â
Bucky Barnes isnât good for your heart with the way he just wholly shows you how much he wants to spend time with you.
âDo you still need help with your playlist?â
He huffs, âSam showed me. Heâs not a good teacher though, was snippy the whole time; youâd think heâd remember I was in ice.â
You laugh, âIâll show you when you get back, babe.â
Bucky doesnât say anything about the pet name, but for the rest of the phone call he doesnât respond unless you use it.
Itâs two days before heâs back and Bucky drives straight over to see you.
Heâs at your door a few hours after you get home from work, and when you open the door to see him, heâs there with a single rose in his hand and a tired smile on his face.
âIs it possible you got prettier while I was gone?â He leans against your doorway.
âYou look dead on your feet, Bucky. Come inside.â you lead him to your sofa, watching him move with heavy but careful steps all the way through your living room.
Buckyâs movements are measured, not a single action wasted as he takes off his boots and socks and detaches his metal arm.
âI really missed you,â he sighs as he lays on your sofa, eyes shut as he takes a long breath.
âI really missed you too,â you brush back some hair from his face. âYou couldâve gone home to sleep first, you know?â
Bucky opens his eyes and it takes great effort to do so, the whites of his eyes shot through with streaks of intense red.
âI wanted to see you,â he yawns. âBut youâve trapped me into laying on your sofa.â
You laugh, your fingers still knotted in his hair. âYou can take a nap Bucky, or you can sleep the night here. Iâm not really excited by the idea of you driving back tired.â
âI wonât doll,â he shuts his eyes again, the feel of your fingers on his scalp lulling him into a peacefulness heâs missed. âTell me what you got up to while I was gone. I know you werenât just counting down the days till I got back.â
You roll your eyes as you recount the last two weeks of your life, Buckyâs not even awake to hear what you did on the second day of him being gone.
You cover him up with your throw blanket and dim the lights of your living room. You make the playlist for him while he sleeps, putting all the songs youâve sent him on the memory stick so he can leave with it.
Bucky doesnât spend the night, but as heâs leaving he holds your cheek, âI didnât come with an ulterior motive, just to see you. If you want, we can go have dinner tomorrow. I have something I want to ask you, doll.â
âThatâs ominous,â youâre a little nervous by that phrase. No one likes being told that someone has âsomething to ask themâ in a day. Thereâs anxiety crawling up your chest before Bucky kisses your lips.
âItâs a good question baby, donât overthink it. Iâll pick you up at seven.â
You grab the memory stick off the table before you could forget, âHere, I put all the songs Iâve sent on here.â Bucky kisses you again.
âYouâre an angel,â you steal a kiss before he pulls away. âLock your doors.â
âSir yes sir.â
You hear him laugh all the way to his car.
Despite Buckyâs well meaning, âDonât overthink it.â Thatâs all you did when you woke up and started sifting through dresses to wear.
Youâre ready at six and that makes you even more anxious. Thereâs too much time to do nothing but sit and overthink it.
Youâre working yourself up to outright calling Bucky when thereâs a knock at your door.
A quick peek at the clock on your stove letâs you know youâve been overthinking it for forty five minutes.
When you open the door, Buckyâs standing in front of you in a pretty blue shirt that makes his eyes pop, and black dress pants.
Heâs not got flowers this time, but he is holding a box of what you think are chocolates.
âOh my god,â he breathes as he takes you in. Youâre in a pretty pale purple dress, white heels and your hair is down in loose curls. You hadnât gone for heavy makeup but just enough where thereâs purple glitter on your eyelids and your lips are a deep red.
âYou look handsome.â You say as you fight the blush creeping up your chest at the way Buckyâ stares at you.
âYou look,â he trails off like he really canât find the right words. âBreathtaking.â
You feel as though the blush explodes in your chest and heats your entire face.
Bucky hands you the box of chocolates, âTheyâre all dark chocolate.â You smile as you take it; thatâs another thing Buckyâs remembered you like.
âDo I get to know where weâre going?â
You ask as you slip the chocolates into your purse and shut your door.
Bucky smiles as he watches you lock your door before turning to him. Immediately he links his hand with yours.
âWeâre going for dinner somewhere nice,â the entire ride to the car Bucky has you talking. About the last book you read, work, if you think about him every night before bed (the last one was just to make you laugh, but the truth is you do.)
âWhat about you Bucky? Do you think about me before bed?â
You ask as he parks and he turns to you.
âOh yeah,â thatâs all he says before coming out of the car to open your door. âThink about you more than I think about anything else, doll.â
You manage to hold back your question just before dessert, âCan you please ask me? Iâm freaking out and I think my heart might explode from the anxiety.â
Thereâs a laugh that bubbles from you and Bucky tuts.
âHoney,â you press a hand to your chest. Your anxiety really is at an all time high. You have so many questions rattling around your head that Bucky could want to ask you and you may throw up the lovely pasta you just had if he doesnât ask you soon.
He leans across the table and holds onto your wrist, feeling the erratic beat of your pulse.
âIâve been torturing you, havenât I doll?â
You nod as you try to calm your racing heart.
âI didnât mean to,â Buckyâs thumb strokes short lines across your wrist. âI had it all set up to come with dessert but Iâll put you out of your misery.â
âThanks,â you mutter and he smiles.
âI know weâre only going steady,â that gets a smile out of you. He really is an old man, âbut I wanted to ask you if I could be yours? Saying boyfriend makes me feel older so I wonât say it.â
You laugh, letting your head fall on his hand where it holds yours.
âNot the other way around?â You ask and Bucky huffs.
âYouâre not property, honey.â
You look up with a smile and Buckyâs smile gets a little brighter. âYeah you can be mine.â
âCâmere,â he tilts your chin a little higher and kisses you; slow and just long enough for it not to be a full make out. âYou really missed out on the whole cheesecake with chocolate drizzle writing.â
He says as he pulls away and you laugh.
âOh, are they not bringing it anymore?â
Bucky shakes his head, mischief in his eyes. âAfter you just latched onto me in the middle of their establishment? I donât know, doll.â
âYouâre ridiculous.â They still bring the cheesecake and Bucky feeds you the first bite, and like the flirt and menace he is, he gets a little just to the corner of your mouth.
âLet me get it for you,â and steals another kiss, âcleaning it off.â