Between Us - Bucky Barnes X Reader

Always With You

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Warnings : angst with happy ending / like one cuss word

Words : 1188

Pairing : Steve Rogers x Reader

Request : Hey :) So my thought was something about where you’re his girlfriend but one day you get in a nasty Argument about something stupid and you leave the Apartment. Then it happens that you get kidnapped by some HYDRA agents and Steve sees this out of the Apartment window. He’s able to find and rescue you with the help of Bucky and Natasha. He promises to never let you leave him again after you’re all back in safety and he takes care of your wounds :) fluffy ending please 😘 thank you hun :)

Y/N: Your Name Y/E/C: Your Eye Color  C/N : Cat’s Name

The smell of freshly cooked pancakes spread through out the small apartment that the captain and you shared. It had been four lovely months since Steve asked you to move in and you couldn’t be happier. Three years into the relationship and both love birds still felt as strongly for one another as day one.

Keep reading

Love in the Woods Part 2 (It’s Over)

Warning: cussing

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader, Steve, Wanda, Scott, Tony, Pepper

Request: Part 2 of Love in the Woods

@n03ypi3pi3 and @fivestar555

A/n: two fics in one day, I’m on a roll today

*gif is not mine*

               You sat in your room at the tower, waiting to hear from Bucky. When you got back to the tower, you didn’t want to deal with your father so you went to your room. You took a shower and slipped into one of Bucky’s shirts that you had managed to steal before the whole war started. You tried your best to get a good night’s sleep but without Bucky next to you, you knew that wasn’t going to happen.

               You looked at the clock on your night stand. Three in the morning, again. You got up, got dressed in an army green sundress pairing it with a pair of white open toed heels and made your way to the lab. You decided to carry your heels with you as you made your way to the lab since people were still sleeping. You looked at the monitor as you walked in. You smiled at the fact that you solved equation that you were working on yesterday, all the components were right. Your smile fell when you saw there were two more equations that needed to be solved. You walked over to Bruce’s tea machine and made yourself a cup a tea. You started working on the first equation, spending the next seven hours plugging in components. Solving it at the end of seven hours of work. That was when you heard someone walk into the lab.

               “Hey sweetie.” You recognized that voice as Pepper’s voice. “How’s everything going?”

               “Good, just got another equation solved for dad and now I’m getting ready to start on the next one.”

               “That’s not what I meant, sweetie.” Pepper always was like a mother to you and she always knew when something was different about you.

               You looked from the screen in front of you to her. “I don’t know what you mean Pep.” You tried to play it cool.

               “I know when you’re lying to me. You’re almost as bad as your father.” She placed her hands on her hips.

               You sighed a little, you hated that you haven’t about the baby. “If I tell you, will you promise not to tell dad. I don’t want him to freak out.” Pepper nodded her head. You took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I’m pregnant.”

               She didn’t really looked shocked but she couldn’t contain her excitement. She wrapped her arms around you, giving you a huge hug. Tony walked in at that moment with the two usual cups of coffee, setting them down on the table next to you.

               “What’s going on?” Tony looked from Pepper to you, confusion written all over his face.

               “Nothing.” Pepper grabbed one of the coffees from the table before walking out of the lab.

               “What was that all about, (Y/n)?” Tony looked at you still confused.

               “Absolutely nothing, can’t Pep and I get along?” You looked at him, trying to remain as calm as possible.

               Just then the com device on your wrist started to make noises. It was from Bucky. Before Tony could ask you any questions, you practically ran out of the lab. You looked down at the device and it showed that Bucky was here in the building. Little did you know that Tony was hot on your heels. You made it to the elevator before Tony could get in, causing him to get mad.

               You had FRIDAY override every request to enter the elevator from anyone that way you can get to the lobby before Tony. You managed to get there within minutes and once you got there, the scene you saw wasn’t what you had in mind.

               Stepping out of the elevator, you saw Bucky and everyone on Steve’s side of this stupid war surrounded by men armed with automatic rifles. You ran over to Bucky, shoving one of the armed men out of your way as you wrapped your arms around Bucky’s waist.

               “Hey there, Doll.” Bucky kissed the top of your head. “I missed you.”

               “Funny, I don’t remember ever missing you.” Tony walked through the group of armed men. “Hell, I don’t remember telling you to ever come back here.”

               “You didn’t but I did.” You stepped in front of Bucky as Tony started walking towards him.

               “Why would you ever invite this monster into my tower?” Tony was pissed and you knew it but yet you didn’t care.

               “First of all, he is not a monster. Second, I love him and I don’t give a damn about what you have to say about him.” Your confidence grew as Bucky placed his hand on your lower back. “You don’t want to give up on this war, do you? You want Bucky and Steve along with everyone else to sign over their rights to live and protect those who can’t defend themselves.” You looked at Tony, right square in the eyes. “I’m not going to live in a building that no longer feels like a home when the father of my child is not sleeping next to me all because their grandfather wants to let the government control everything he does.” You didn’t give Tony a chance to respond to the fact that you said you were pregnant. You turned to Bucky and wrapped your arms around his waist one more time. “Let’s go Buck. If you are not welcomed in this hell whole, than nether am I.”

               You and Bucky turned around, walking out the door. You saw your motorcycle sitting outside with Pepper standing there waiting for you.

               “How did you know?” You looked at her confused.

               “I know Tony. I’ll talk to him, you go be happy since you are not happy here.” You let go of Bucky and gave Pepper another big hug.

               “Thank you so much Pep. You are truly like a mother to me and I couldn’t have been bless with anyone better.” You let go of Pepper as she handed you your helmet. You took off your com bracelet and handed it to her. “If you need to get a hold of me, this will. It’s connected to the one Bucky wears and only to his. It’s untraceable. It’s something I learned how to make from dad but I perfected his tech.” A big smile spread on her face as she took the device. “Also, tell Nat that I’m sorry for not telling her.”

               You slide your helmet on your head and straddled your bike. “Take care of her, Barnes. If not, you’ll have to deal with me and I’m worse than Tony.” You laughed as you started your bike while you waited for everyone else to be ready to leave. Clint, Wanda, Scott, and Sam climbed into a van while Steve and Bucky had their own bikes. Once everyone was ready you all took off.

 *Tony*

                 Tony practically ran back to the lab, stopping off at the bar on the way. He sat in his lounge chair in the lab with a bottle of scotch in hand as Pepper walked into the lab. He didn’t even look up at her as she walked in.

               “She’s gone.” He took a large swig from the bottle. “My baby girl is gone and I forced her out.”

               “Yes, Tony. She left not because of you but because of what has happened.” Pepper walked over to Tony and took the bottle from him. “She choose to keep her family together.”

               “I was the one who ripped it from her. As a father, how could I do that to her? I practically locked her up here away from him because of my own selfish needs.” He looked up at Pepper, tears ready to fall at any moment. “She was right. I’m not the man I once was.”

               “You may not be but show her that you are willing to fight for her. You may not like who she is with but she is her own being, she has chosen for herself and she is happy.”

               “I’ll show her I’ve changed.”

 *Time skip-5 months later*

                 You sat on the sofa with Wanda siting on your left with Bucky on your right with his human hand on your belly as you two cuddled on the couch. Sam and Steve were called out for something and left Scott, Bucky, and Wanda with you. Scott was in the kitchen making something for everyone to eat since you have been craving waffles and strawberries lately. All while Clint was at his farm.

               “How is little Stephanie doing today, (Y/n)?” Wanda looked over at you as you were curled up into Bucky side.

               “Great, I think she may be into kickboxing since this is the first time today she hasn’t kicked me.” You felt Bucky chuckle beside you. “It’s not funny, Buck. You try being pregnant with a super soldiers baby and see how you like it.” You playfully smacked his leg.

               “Leave her alone, Buck. I’ve seen the little printessa kick and the expression on (Y/n)’s face.” Wanda placed her hand on your leg and rubbed it affectionately. “Plus, (Y/n) has been worried about her father lately.”

               Bucky looked down at you, he felt you tense up when Tony was brought up. He wrapped both of his arms around you.

               “Foods ready, guys!” Scott called from the kitchen. Wanda stood up and helped you up. Your baby bump making it a bit hard to get up. Bucky helped you up from the couch with his hands on your ass.

               “Really, Buck? You have to help out that way.” You look down at him as you stood in front of him.

               “Hell yeah. I love your ass plus I get to be level with little Steph when I do.” You ran your fingers through Bucky’s hair as he kissed your belly while telling Stephanie that he loves her.

               Just then Steve and Sam walk through the door. “Hey (Y/n). There’s someone here who wants to see you.” You looked at both men very confused.

               “Tell them to come in, I’m heading into the kitchen. Scott made some waffles and I can hear them calling for me. Plus little Stephanie is hunger, Steve. You’re gonna tell me to wait to eat and let your god-daughter starve, how dare you.” You cocked an eyebrow at Steve as you fake a hurt expression.

               “Fine go eat.” You knew he couldn’t deny you anything when you told him it was for your baby. “I’ll show him in in a few minutes. Bucky, can I talk to you for a moment.” Bucky nodded, kissed your forehead as he got up off the couch.

               “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Try to save food for everyone.” You smacked Bucky on his right shoulder before he walked out of the room after Steve.

               You walked into the kitchen and made yourself a plate of waffles. You even grabbed a bowl of strawberries along with whip cream and syrup for your waffles. “Thank you soooo much Scottie. You are amazing.”

               “Your welcome (Y/n).” He walked around you and gave you a quick hug.

               You sat at the table and ate your waffles. Even got up a couple more times for more before Steve and Bucky walked into the kitchen followed by someone you haven’t expected, your father.

               “What are you doing here, Tony?” You were one to call him by his name when you were pissed. “Thought you had a war to fight.”

               “I changed my position on everything. I had someone convince me to think of others besides myself. Besides, I had Romanov threaten me every day to end this.”

               You had missed Nat so much over the past five months. You knew she would do anything to keep you safe. “When she found out about you being pregnant and after she saw the footage from the lobby, she practically ran into the lab with a knife trying to kill me.”

               “Well, you know how she is when it comes to me.” You looked at Tony, trying to figure out what he was doing.

               “I have ended this ‘Civil War’ and changed sides on the Accords. Everything is over and the fighting stops. We can be one big happy family again.”

               You got up from your seat as quickly as you could and waddled over to your father, pulling him into a much needed hug.

               “It’s all over”

Colors [Bucky Barnes x Reader]

Word count: 740

Warnings: Angst

Storyline: Imagine based on the song by Halsey ‘Colors’.

Request: Hey! Can I have a Bucky songfic for Colors by Halsey? Sorry, I know you’ve been getting a lot of songfics lately, but I feel like it’s going to be really cool. Love you, by the way!

Author’s note: I’ve been obsessed with this song for a while now but I actually didn’t know the real meaning behind the song, And apparently, this song is about The 1975′s frontman Matty Healy. It has a bittersweet meaning. I thought that the real meaning didn’t adapt to well to Bucky so I did my own thing. I don’t think the fic follows the song in a matter of meaning but I think it follows the rhythm of the song. I have to say it’s a weird fic so, bear with me.

Masterlist / To Do List

Your little brother never tells you but he loves you so. You said your mother only smiled on her TV show. You’re only happy when your sorry head is filled with dope, I hope you make it to the day you’re 28 years old

I observed him as the nurses and Steve tried to calm him down. After the nightmare he had, Bucky had woken up without knowing who he really was and thinking that he was still the Winter Soldier, the monster who was controlled by HYDRA.

Steve tried to talk some sense into him but Bucky wasn’t listening. Even though he had never said it out loud, Steve loved Bucky was a brother. His actions made it clear and he thought that materialize those words wasn’t going to change anything. Perhaps he was right but a part of me liked to think that maybe, just maybe, if Steve said it out loud, Bucky would come back. I had tried and he didn’t come back. Maybe Steve was the one who could bring him back.

One of the nurse managed to put a tract on his arm and, seconds later, Bucky collapsed on bed, completely drugged and, finally, in peace.

You’re dripping like a saturated sunlight. You’re spilling like an overflowing sink. You’re ripped at every edge but you’re a masterpiece and now I’m tearing through the pages and the ink

Although Steve made me promise him I wouldn’t enter the room, as soon as he left, I went inside, walked towards the bed and took the human hand into mine. “Hello Bucky,” I murmured.

Bucky smiled but I knew he wasn’t smiling to me or for me. As much as it hurt me, Bucky was drugged. It was the only way we had to control him. We could also put him in a cryogenic state but Steve didn’t want and I was glad about it because I didn’t want it either. I loved that Bucky was there with us, even if he wasn’t really him.

Despite all of that, I still loved him. Maybe he wasn’t my Bucky, but he had the look of the man I had fallen in love with. And I knew that if someday he regained consciousness, he would regret everything he had done while being controlled by HYDRA.

Everything is blue, his pills, his hands, his jeans and now I’m covered in the colors pulled apart at the seams. And it’s blue

I knew I was dreaming as soon as I saw Bucky appear in that music festival. But I didn’t care, it was the only moment I could be happy with him. I welcomed him with one of my best smiles and soon his arms were wrapped around my body and swayed me to the beat of music.

I lifted my head to look at him and I smiled when I saw his blue eyes staring at me with the intensity that characterized him. I raised one of my hands and I placed it on his face. I caressed it with tenderness and soon, his hands cupped my face and he kissed me. He kissed at me as if was going to be our last kiss. With passion, lust, despair.

Everything is grey, his hair, his smoke, his dreams and now he’s so devoid of color he don’t know what it means

Suddenly, his lips stopped moving and he dropped his hands. His eyes looked at me as if I was a complete stranger.

“No, not again,” I said in a gasp. “Bucky, it’s me. Y/N.”

You were a vision in the morning when the lights came through. I know I’ve only feel religion when I’m lying with you. You said you’ll never be forgiven ‘til your boys are too and I’m still waking every morning but it’s not with you

My eyes opened when I heard a loud noise. I got up of bed and I left my bedroom, founding a trail of bodies. “Bucky,” I mumbled as I started to run. I run. I run as much as I could before it was too late.

I bumped against his chest but before I could fall, he grabbed me by the arm.

You touched me and suddenly I was a lilac sky and you decided purple just wasn’t for you

His eyes looked at me and I wanted him to recognize me. But he pushed me away and kept walking.

collision course

Pairing: Azriel x f!reader

Summary: A hasty escape and a wayward storm results in Azriel crossing paths with you. Over the centuries that follow, you meet again and again, gently tucked away in a corner of the world only you two are privy to. But as wars loom and time begins to erode the once carefree interactions, it seems inevitable that the tentative sanctuary built will collapse... and it's unclear if either one of you will come out on the other side.

Series Overview/Warnings: Angst, pining, fighting/injuries, slow-burn, some of the og timeline may be tweaked to better suit the story

Status: On-going

part one — genesis

Papa’s Hammer

Pairing: Father!Thor Odinson x Daughter!Reader

Word Count: 600

Summary: The reader is no where to be found, along with her fathers hammer.

Request:  Parent Request! Being Thor’s child and being able to drag the hammer across the floor. (Like move it). Maybe everyone is looking for the kid and the hammer, and an argument breaks out. While their fighting the young child (baby/toddler) walks in dragging the hammer by the handle and everyone just stops and stares. - I think it’s funny, :) Thanks!

You sat on the floor of the living room within the tower, playing with your little tot toys, not having a care in the world. Supposed, everyone was suppose to be watching you, except your father. Soon getting bored of your little stuff animals and little toys, you started to look around but a certain think caught your eye. Your fathers hammer.

Your eyes lit up as you spotted it so you quickly stood up on your short chubby legs of yours and ran towards it. “Ham!” You squealed when you reached it. You looked around you too make sure that no one was around to see because there was a rule, you were not allowed to touch the hammer but you being the little rebel you were, you countered against it. You grabbed the hilt of the hammer and slowly began to drag it off the table, only for it to make a loud sound when it hit the floor but not loud enough to catch anyone’s attention. With that, you grabbed your favorite stuff animal and dragged the hammer to where ever you pleased.

Back at where you were suppose to be, the voice of your father boomed. “Where is my daughter!? And Mjolnir?!”

Slowly, everyone walked in where they heard his voice. “They’re right he-” Steve started but soon noticed that neither you or the hammer was there. “They were both right here last time I was here.”

“Well, Captain” Thor looked at Steve with an annoyed expression. “they aren’t here, as you can see. Can one of you explain to me why my three year daughter was left unattended?”

“Well,” Tony started, pointing to Steve. “I asked Star Spangle to watch her.”

“And I asked Sam because I had a meeting.” Everyone soon turned to Sam.

“Hey! Well, I asked Bucky because I had to take a shower and… Stuff.” Sam admitted which turned everyone’s attention to the ex assassin. The loop soon ended with everyone looking at Clint who wore a sheepish look.

“I…Um… Had to pee?” He told which sounded more like a question.

Thor stomped up towards Clint and grabbed him by the collar, bringing him eye to eye. “You left my child to empty your bladder, Archer?”

“Thor!” Natasha yelled, hitting his shoulder. “Put him down, it isn’t his fault. We should have all been watching her.”

“Don’t pin this on us, Nat!” Tony pointed back at her.

“Well, it’s true!” Steve countered back. This started a whole argument between everyone. Starting on who should have been watching her to the reason why Sam left to why Tony couldn’t watch her and you were just walking around the hall, dragging the hammer along.

You soon made it back towards the living room when hearing the loud voice. “Well, I think I’m seeing her right now with your stupid hammer!” Bucky yelled, not noticing what he said. Everyone stopped yelling and looked towards where he was took a double take.

“Papa!” You exclaimed with open arms when he saw you.

“[Y/N], princess, where have you been?” Thor asked you while picking you up. “And you know you aren’t allowed to touch the Hammer.”

“I know, Papa…” You nuzzled your face in the crook of his neck, exhausted. “I’m sorry.”

He rubbed your back lightly. “It’s alright, little one, just don’t wander off again.” You just responded with a hum.

“Is no one wandering how she was able too drag Thor’s Hammer?” Bucky asked and everyone just nodded.

Thor’s eyes opened wide at the realization. “That is true. Oh my Odin…”

Wisdom Teeth and Too Small T-Shirts (Peter Parker x Reader)

Request: “10 and 13 from the prompt list with Peter, pretty please????” + “#10 please”

#10: “There is no way I’m going out in public with you looking like that.”

#13: “Hey is that my shirt?”

Summary: When you became Peter’s girlfriend you knew you would have to put up with a lot of things: crazy supervillians, missed dates, late assignments, etc. but you never anticipated that your hardest challenge to date would be something not related to his hero persona at all, but just getting home from the dentist.

“Vhat the hmck.” Peter struggled against the seatbelt that you had just buckled for him. He had just gotten his wisdom teeth out and his speech was pretty impaired by the cotton in his mouth. While it was extremely cute, you focused on the task at hand; getting Peter to keep still and keep his seatbelt on. You were supposed to drive him home and take care of him for a bit while Aunt May was at work and you had openly accepted the job, getting to witness whatever crazy stuff Peter said would be super funny and cute, you just hadn’t anticipated how crazy.

“(Y/N)!” Peter yelled. “Vhere err ooh?” 

“Peter I’m right here. I just walked around the car to get in.” You giggled as you got in the driver’s seat and buckled yourself. You began to back out when Peter screamed and you pressed the brake to the floor.

“Oh my gosh! Peter what?” You looked at him in the rearview mirror. 

He yawned and shrugged. “I just felt like I needed to do that.” You closed your eyes in exasperation. Maybe this wouldn’t be as cute as you thought. 

Once you got on the road you heard Peter rummaging around in the back of your car. You ignored it because of the heavy traffic and hoped he wasn’t causing too much trouble. When you looked up you snorted in surprise. 

“Hey is that my shirt?” Somehow Peter had taken off his own shirt and put on one of your extras that you had kept in the back of your car. It was obviously much too small for him and had a print from a Disney movie on it. 

“No.” He jutted out his chin stubbornly. “This is my shirt.” You couldn’t help but laugh at his look of surprise when he looked down and noticed the shirt didn’t cover his stomach. He looked so ridiculous you couldn’t help it.

“Oh Peter.” You giggled. “What am I going to do with you?” 

“Kiss me probably,” He winked before laughing himself while you just rolled your eyes. He continued to make comments as he reached into your bag and pulled out your tiny makeup bag. 

“Peter no.” You tried to look at him again as you simultaneously tried to turn the corner and avoid an oncoming car that had swerved into your lane. 

“Peter yes.” He answered you as he began to put eyeliner on his nose. You gave up and focused on the road. Once you got home you’d be able to give him the attention he obviously needed.

Soon you were parked in the apartment lot and you finally looked at Peter. 

“I can’t believe you.” You couldn’t stop laughing at how funny your boyfriend looked. You were pretty sure that lipstick was on his eye lids, and matched with the tiny shirt he sure was a sight to see. Peter began giggling because you were laughing. 

“How do I look?” You just shook your head and grabbed the bag away from him, still chuckling. 

Peter went to open his door but it was stuck. “Why won’t it open?” He asked you innocently. You smirked as Peter struggled against the child locks that you had activated as soon as you both had gotten in the car. 

“I’m sorry Peter, but there is no way I’m going out in public with you looking like that.”

WHY WRITERS ARE HUMAN CATS:

always napping

will hiss if disturbed

kinda introverts 

but also crave attention

Imagine: Having an intense argument with Steve, and in the heat of the moment blurting out that you are in love with him. [x]

Steve: Why do you insist on fighting me so much on this issue, Y/N?! I don’t understand why you care so much?! I’m a fighter- I’m going to get hurt! Y/N: Did you really just ask why I care so much?! Steve: Yes, I did! Y/N, you need to stop being so controlling! You’re not my family; you can’t tell me what to do! Y/N: No, I’m not your family, but I’m pretty damn close. I’ve been with you through everything- Steve: Everything? Everything? No, you haven’t! You don’t know the half of it so how can you say you care?! Y/N: I do more than care- I’m in love with you, Steve! Is that enough of an answer?! Huh?! Say something! *pauses* Steve… I didn’t… You know what, let’s leave this here. I’m just going to… *starts walking towards the door* Steve: *quietly* Did you mean it? Do you love me? Y/N: *pauses* *doesn’t face him* I love you… Have from the very moment I met you… I’m sorry, Steve- for ruining our friendship. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m going to go now. Steve: Don’t leave me. *grabs your arm* Please… Y/N, I love you too.

Want to request an imagine?

Nightmares. (Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier Imagine)

I haven’t done a Marvel imagine before so bare with me. 

I hope you enjoy!

REQUESTS ARE OPEN!

You possessed a special ability that let you look into people’s possible futures and pasts. Before meeting the Avengers, you had no control. You’d just touch someone or look into their eyes and see their future or past. You’d feel their pain of a loss or their end. But over the months, you’ve gotten a better grip of your power. Now, all that was needed to activate your powers was a touch.

Except when nightfall came. Your mind would replay all the terrible things you saw. If someone saw their parents getting murdered and you saw that event unfold through their eyes, you would be haunted by the moment at night. You couldn’t control it once your eyes closed and you were sent into a slumber. 

But Tony and Bruce came up with special medicines that would help you sleep aimlessly. It made you feel like a mental patient but if a goodnight’s sleep is the benefit, you were willing to pay the price. 

Bucky would often have night terrors about his days being held in Hydra. He wandered around the tower to calm his nerves until one night he found your bedroom door wide open. Bruce walked out and gave him a small smile before disappearing into his own room. Curiously, Bucky entered your room and found you calmly asleep on your side, clinging onto what seemed like a bear. 

He noticed the bottle of pills that was at your bedside table. He was about to steal some pills, in hopes of helping himself sleep as well, but he found himself entranced by your calmness. He’s seen you walk around the tower in the day time, you were always uptight and careful not to make contact with anyone. To see you calm at night somehow calmed him. 

And so every night Bucky needed to be calmed down, he found himself sitting next to your bed and watching you sleep. 

One day, everything seemed to be alright. You were all discussing random matters. The team were getting into playful arguments and you had muttered something sarcastic that only Wanda caught. She laughed and hit your knee playfully. You were instantly sucked into the moment her brother, Pietro, died. Wanda had actually felt the bullets penetrate through her brother and you felt Wanda’s emotions flood through you. 

Bucky had been watching you carefully. He saw how your eyes widened slightly as they turned a bit glossy and then he nudged Steve and nodded your direction. Steve went up to you and noticed how stiff you became. “Hey, what’s wrong?” You looked into his blue eyes and all you saw was his doomed future. 

He was walking up what seemed like a capital building when a single bullet flies through the air and pierces his heart, leaving him for dead. 

“I’m fine.” You lied. “Just tired. I’ll go to my room and rest.” Before you left, you turned and told him,. “Stay away from capital buildings, Cap.” 

The rest of that afternoon you attempted to calm yourself. Bruce had told you not to say anything about the future because you could cause a ripple in the timeline, but you couldn’t just let Steve die like that. 

That night you were restless, Bruce stayed with you until you fell asleep. It was already 1:56 am and Bucky was already on his way to your room. Bruce was leaving her room. “She’s a little restless and upset.” Bruce informed the soldier. “Might be best if you found a different way to calm yourself for tonight.” 

“I’ll be as quiet as a mouse.” Bruce dismissed Buck and allowed him to stay in there for a little bit. He was no position to argue, he was completely tired. 

Most nights, you were completely still but tonight you were frantically moving around. Your bear had been pushed off the bed and had face planted into the floor. Bucky picked in up and put it by you again. He’d hum a tune of a Russian lullaby in an attempt to calm you. 

As the hours passed, you became more still. Bucky was about to get up and leave, feeling calmed himself until you sat up straight and screamed. You looked at Bucky in surprise. “What are you doing here?” 

“I watch you sleep sometimes when I have a nightmare.” He confessed. “What’s wrong?”

“Nightmares.” You deadpanned and reached for another pill until the Winter Soldier stopped you. “What the hell, Buck?” You snapped, quickly moving your hand away from his. 

“One pill a night. It says it on the label.” Bucky explained. “Wouldn’t want to overdose now would you, doll?” 

“I need to sleep, Buck.” You sighed, putting your head in your hands and then you grabbed your bear. 

“Why do you sleep with a bear? Aren’t you too old?” He joked, cracking a smile. 

“Funny, coming from you.” You laughed. 

“Scoot over.” Bucky said. You shook your head frantically. 

“I don’t want to-I’ll see.. Buck, no!” You panicked and then he held out his wrists to you. You gave him a weird look. “What?” 

“I used to have nightmares about jumping out of planes.” He explained. “Then I did it. Now I’m not afraid. I’ve noticed how you refuse to touch people. I get it. You’re afraid so you have nightmares about your visions. But sometimes, you have to face your fears.”

You gave him an unsure look before grabbing onto his wrists. You were prepared for the war and the Hydra brainwashing sessions but you were unprepared to see a wedding. It was pure and white and gorgeous. Bucky was watching as his soon-to-be wife walked down the aisle and you smiled slightly when you saw that you were the woman in white.

You let go of his arms and smiled at him which he returned. You scooted over and the two of you talked all night long.

The next morning, Bruce would come and wake you up. When he opened your door and saw you snuggled up next to Bucky, he couldn’t help but smile and get the other avengers. 

After that night, you and Bucky would share a bed and just talk then wake up next to each other. Soon, you finally embraced your abilities. You knew that you couldn’t have done it without him. You looked at him while he slept, you were slowly drifting away too. 

“It all started with those damn Nightmares.”

Are We Still Friends?

Pairing: Reader x Azriel

Summary: Worried about how his new relationship seems to be changing him, you talk to Azriel about your concerns. Things take a turn when he refuses to listen.

Warnings: some wine sipping, gossiping, angst, miscommunication, friend fighting, jealousy (but no one realizes), az being defensive and blind

Word Count: 5k

(Completed) Series Masterlist | Part Two

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

“It’s not that I don’t like her.”

The words tasted as false as they were, and you grimaced the moment they slipped out, already bracing for the look Mor would throw your way. True to form, she didn’t disappoint, her expression halfway between amusement and exasperation.

A defeated sigh escaped as you accepted the glass of wine she offered, watching as she filled her own nearly to the brim.

“You’re better than me, then,” she hummed, settling back onto the couch across from you. “Because I don’t like her.”

You raised a brow. “You don’t like many people nowadays.”

She shrugged, casual as ever, though a smirk tugged at her lips. “True. I’m not exactly lining up for any peace medals, am I?”

You chuckled softly, leaning back in your chair. “I just… have this odd feeling about her, you know?”

Mor tilted her head, letting out a noncommittal hum. “Oh, I know. She drags Az around on a leash.”

You were tempted to say something about the irony in her words—remind her, in a loving manner, that she might've been guilty of that once upon a time, too. But you decided against it. She wasn't wrong.

You swirled the wine in your glass, watching the dark liquid move in slow, mesmerizing circles. The feeling wasn’t new; it had been there since the first time you’d met her. Azriel’s new girlfriend Selene was perfectly fine—charming, even. But there was something else, something you couldn’t quite name. Like a faint hum in the background of a quiet room, just irritating enough to notice but not enough to prove anything was wrong.

“Why don’t you talk to him?”

You glanced up, finding Mor’s bright brown eyes sharp and focused on you, the lazy humor of a moment ago gone.

“I doubt he’ll listen,” you admitted, resting the bottom of your glass on your thigh. “He didn’t listen to you.”

“That’s different.”

“It’s really not.”

Mor raised a brow like she wanted to argue, but she only sighed in response. “He’s been so weird about his love life. Gwyn didn’t work out. Elain’s probably the happiest out of all of us. Maybe he’s treading lightly.”

“Maybe,” you murmured, though you weren’t convinced.

Azriel had changed in small, almost imperceptible ways since everything had settled—since everyone had paired off and fallen in love. Everyone except you. And him.

You were fine with your situation, content in the quiet steadiness of your life. Azriel wasn’t. You knew it. He knew it, though he’d never admit it. So much of his self-worth was tangled up in whether he believed himself worthy of love. And the absence of it—of a solid, undeniable love in his life, of a partner, of a potential bond—seemed to weigh on him. To him, it wasn’t just an empty space; it was a failure.

You’d almost go as far as to say he’d become desperate, living in the shadows and watching his brothers experience loves so profound they might as well have been plucked from stories meant to inspire poets and dreamers.

Mating bonds were rare. You reminded yourself of that often. Your family was just an anomaly, their luck skewed impossibly high. But logic wasn’t enough to soothe Azriel, and it certainly wouldn’t stop him from chasing it. He was obsessive. Stubborn.

Nothing you said or did could change his perspective.

Mor’s voice pulled you out of your head again. “Speak of the devil,” she sang out. “Hi, Elain.”

Your gaze snapped up to the doorway, finding Elain standing just beyond the archway. She looked like a spooked deer, frozen in place with that polite smile you’d come to recognize as her default around company she hadn’t fully warmed up to yet.

“We were just talking about Azriel’s unfortunate romantic history,” Mor said smoothly. You glanced at Elain for her reaction.

It had taken time for that particular history to fade. Maybe it was appropriate to joke about now, but you personally would’ve waited a few more years before bringing it up so flippantly. Mor, however, had little patience for such niceties.

Elain’s expression didn’t shift beyond a faint flicker in her eyes, and you realized how much her composure had improved over the years. Then again, it had been a while since she and Lucien had found each other for good—long enough for their bond to solidify and for them to leave for the Day Court after their mating ceremony.

A twinge of jealousy sparked in you before you brushed it aside.

“We’re just gossiping in general. Want to join us?” you asked, gesturing to the chair beside you. Plush and inviting, it mirrored the one you sat on. “Unless Lucien is waiting for you upstairs?”

Elain’s cheeks flushed crimson. 

“Lucien’s still with Feyre, catching up,” she said, stepping further into the room. “What are you drinking?”

Mor reached for the bottle on the table, plucking it up and turning it in her hand to read the label.

“Something good and expensive,” she replied, with a half-hearted air of indulgence, before tilting her head at Elain with a faint grin.

“It’s from Rhys’s rather gluttonous collection,” you said, sensing Elain’s hesitation. “It won’t be missed at all.”

She smiled at that. “I’d love some.”

“There are a lot of glasses in that cabinet,” you said, pointing to the wood door with ornate carvings. “Grab whichever one you’d like.”

Mor sat up straighter, scooting herself back into the pillows behind her. You hummed, impressed, at her ability to hold both her full wine glass and the bottle without so much as a wobble.

You hadn’t spent much time with Elain one-on-one. Emissary duties had kept you busy during the years the Archeron sisters had adjusted to their new lives. But you liked Elain, from what you’d seen. She had a kind heart. She also had a sharp humor that surfaced at the oddest moments, usually when she and Lucien were whispering in corners, conspiratorial before seamlessly rejoining whatever social event they were at like they’d never left.

Elain returned and sat down with her chosen glass—a delicate crystal piece that gleamed in the soft light. Mor went to fill it instantly. 

“Can I ask why you were discussing Azriel’s romantic life?” Elain asked. Her voice was smooth, certain. No hesitation.

It didn’t faze her anymore, you realized—being such a strange, pivotal turning point in Azriel’s past experiences. She’d made peace with it, the way immortality seemed to demand. Time softened the edges of even the messiest situations, turning them into stories you could recount with startling detachment. Almost humorous, really.

Because how else could you explain being casual about the fact that your best friend had almost allowed his pride—and arrogance—and, somehow simultaneously, his insecurity—to lead him into a blood duel over Elain’s affections? A blood duel.

But now, it was just… something to write off. A distant memory, softened by the years and Lucien’s easy confidence. Lucien was better than you. You would’ve held that grudge against Azriel for many more years—long enough to make it a point of pride. But then again, Lucien had won everything he wanted in the end. He had the girl, the bond, the certainty that whatever lingering rivalry Azriel might feel was entirely one-sided.

It wasn’t important enough for Lucien to waste any more energy on.

You exchanged a glance with Mor, who arched a brow, clearly just as amused by Elain’s openness.

“Y/n doesn’t like his new girlfriend,” Mor said.

Your mouth fell open. “You don’t either.”

“True,” Mor agreed easily. She looked to Elain. “We don’t like her.”

“For clarification,” you said firmly, “I never said I didn’t like her.”

Mor laughed, sipping her wine with an amused grin.

Your face fell flat. “What?”

“Nothing,” she replied breezily. “But if you get a bad feeling about someone, that’s usually dislike.”

You resisted the urge to scowl, already turning over the guilt in your mind. You didn’t want to be that person—the kind who dismissed another female off the bat. Maybe your gut was wrong this time. Maybe her smile had reached her eyes, and you’d been too preoccupied to notice. Maybe her tone hadn’t been as assessing as you remembered, and you were projecting. You wanted to like her. You wanted to be happy for Azriel.

But he didn’t seem happy. He seemed distracted. Busy. Not himself.

And not the kind of busy you’d seen before—the methodical, obsessive focus he funneled into work or training. This was different, scattered in a way you couldn’t quite pin down. It had made sense in the beginning, when things were new and exciting, but now it was starting to feel uncomfortable. He’d started missing things—small things at first, like sparring sessions or those late-night conversations you, Mor, and him would have when you couldn’t sleep. Then came the bigger things. He’d stopped being able to review external court updates with you, even when those meetings were critical for your diplomatic roles.

Azriel had always been the one you could count on. Out of everyone, you considered him your closest friend—even more than Mor, though you’d never admit it out loud. But now it seemed like every time you made plans, Selene needed him more.

And then there was how fast it was all moving. Too fast. At a recent family dinner, she’d casually mentioned that she and Azriel could move in together—offhand, like it was the most obvious next step. Something about leaving the townhouse behind, creating a space with décor that matched her aesthetic. Azriel had just stayed quiet, looked at her like she’d just proposed the most brilliant idea in existence.

You noticed he did that. The way he looked at her. The way he’d looked at Elain and Gwyn back when they were seeing each other. It weirded you out—that tendency to put the people he saw as romantic interests on a pedestal, as though they were flawless. As though they were something he didn’t deserve.

You knew where it came from. That deep-rooted insecurity that even centuries hadn’t managed to erase. He didn’t see it, the way he wore himself down trying to prove his worth to people who, for the most part, had already accepted him. But you saw it. You always had.

And it made it harder to like Selene. To trust her intentions. Maybe that was unfair, but you couldn’t help but feel like she was just taking—taking all the parts of Azriel that used to be all of yours to share, and twisting them into something else. Something that didn’t include his family.

Still, you wanted to try. To let go of the gnawing irritation in your chest and convince yourself it didn’t matter. If she made him happy—truly happy—then none of it should matter. You were adamant on ensuring that you didn’t turn into the stereotypical overbearing female best friend.

Elain tapped her glass lightly. “Lucien doesn’t like her.”

You blinked back into reality. “Really?”

She nodded, a beat passing before she added, “To be honest, I’m not sure I do either.”

Mor leaned forward, grinning like she’d been handed a stack of gold. You almost wished Amren was here to bask in the moment. Amren didn’t like Azriel’s girlfriend, either. Maybe your family really was as unwelcoming as people claimed. Or maybe Selene simply brought out another level of scrutiny. The thought of either option made you feel bad— gross. 

“Why?” Mor asked.

“She was dismissive toward Lucien. And,” Elain hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly, “She seemed… entitled, I suppose. Especially with Azriel. Like she expected him to accommodate her every whim.”

You frowned, turning over her words. “I’m sure she was just nervous. We can be an intimidating group. Maybe she just needs time to settle in. We just want Az to be happy, right? So, if she makes him happy, then I’m absolutely fine with her.”

The silence that followed was thick. For a moment, you wondered if you’d said something wrong. Something weird.

“Are you?” Elain asked, her tone sincere.

“Are you?” Mor echoed at the same time, voice dripping with sarcasm.

You shot Mor a glare, but she only raised her brows and sipped her wine again, infuriatingly unbothered. Exhaling, you willed yourself to meet Elain’s gaze.

“I am,” you said, trying for conviction. “Really.”

Elain pursed her lips. Her gaze shifted to Mor, lingering longer than you liked, and then back to you.

“Alright,” she hummed. “I guess I was wrong.”

You stilled. Elain reclined deeper into her seat, accepting a refill from Mor. Her wine glass remained only half-full compared to yours and Mor’s.

Curiosity burned. You leaned forward. “What do you mean?”

Elain furrowed her brows. “What do I mean about what?”

“You said you guess you were wrong. What does that mean?”

Mor’s gaze bored into the side of your face. Any second now, you were sure she’d make some quip about how bothered you were. But you weren’t bothered. Just curious.

Elain swirled her wine, watching the light catch the liquid. “I’m not sure. Things feel off. Like something’s coming. Az needs help with it, I think.”

You froze. “Off? Like—how?”

She hesitated, thoughtful. “It’s hard to explain,” she murmured, her voice quieter now. “But I feel it. In my chest. My visions sometimes do that. That’s why I asked.”

Well, that unsettled you. You glanced at Mor, whose amused grin had fallen into something more contemplative.

It seemed you might need to have a conversation with Azriel after all.

“I don’t like that,” you admitted, your nose crinkling. 

“I think I heard him get back earlier. Go talk to him,” Mor said, her tone gentler now, though a hint of mischief lingered in her eyes. You didn’t read too much into that. Mor’s eyes tended to be expressive. She also tended to be mischievous when her blood was primarily red wine. 

“Okay,” you said. “Maybe just to check in.”

Elain nodded. “Just to check in,” she echoed, almost reassuring.

“Have fun,” Mor added, her grin returning just enough to be annoying, but not enough to distract you from the unease curling in your chest.

You didn’t respond, instead taking another slow sip of your drink. The glass clinked softly as you set it down on the table before you made your way upstairs.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Mor turned to Elain. “Did you really feel something that unsettling?”

Elain let out a laugh. “No,” she said lightly. “I completely made that up. But she doesn’t need to know that.”

Mor’s lips curled into a slow, wicked smile. Seconds later, her head tilted back in a laugh just as vibrant as it was unapologetic.

“Genius,” she declared, raising her glass in mock salute.

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

The walk upstairs was quiet.

The townhome, in general, was quieter nowadays. Aside from the times others came to visit—like Lucien and Elain—only you and Azriel lived here full time.

When you reached Azriel’s bedroom door, your steps faltered for a moment. There was a hesitation in you that hadn't existed before. You raised your hand to knock, but the action felt more awkward than usual. It made you sad, momentarily, that you hesitated. You never second-guessed yourself with Azriel. You wanted to tread carefully in this new era of his life, though. You didn’t want to overstep, to become a nuisance. But whatever this was—whatever had unsettled Elain enough to mention it—you needed to know. Azriel had always been a constant for you, and if something felt “off,” you wanted to understand why.

Your knuckles rapped lightly on the door. “Az?” 

Inside, you heard the shuffle of movement, followed by his low, familiar voice. “Come in.”

You didn’t see Azriel immediately, but the smell of soap and the damp air told you that he recently showered. Shadows slithered across the floor, comfortable and excited, exploring the familiar confines of his room.

You greeted the tendrils as you usually did, letting them brush against your legs as you flopped onto his bed. The bed, like everything else in his room, was simple: plain black sheets, no extravagant pillows, just the bare necessities. It used to drive you mad, the emptiness of it all.  But what was in his room spoke volumes—— bare walls except for a dagger mount on one side, a small uncluttered desk with a well-worn sharpening stone. 

Azriel exiting the bathroom pulled your attention, your eyes settling on him as he rubbed his wet hair thoroughly with a towel. He shook his head slightly, wet curls bouncing onto his forehead, and met your gaze. His eyes flicked to where you lay, scanning your body. He nodded toward your feet.

“C’mon,” he almost whined. “No shoes on the bed.”

You looked down at yourself, grimacing as you realized that your shoes were, indeed, on his clean comforter. A simple set of house slippers, so nothing entirely too dirty, but it had completely slipped your mind. Very comfortable shoes, you noted, maybe you’d get Feyre a pair as a solstice gift.

“Oh whoops,” you said with an apologetic smile. “My bad, clean freak.”

He rolled his eyes, but you caught the quirk of his lips anyways.

For a moment, the old sense of comfort settled over you. But then, a thought crept in—the thought that maybe you shouldn’t lie on his bed like this anymore. It had been fine before, but now… now it felt different. He had someone else in his life. It wasn’t weird, exactly, but it was a little inappropriate.

You sat up straighter.

“Did you and Mor grow tired of rehashing the same centuries old gossip?” He teased.

You snorted, watching as his shadows flitted above his shoulders. They were amused, laughing in their own way. “Never,” you responded, pushing yourself off his bed. You were drawn to the otherside of his room, to the simple dresser against the wall. “Elain joined us this time.”

Your back was to him, but you had a feeling that the momentary silence, the stillness that you felt, was a knee-jerk reaction from Azriel—something reminiscent of embarrassment, shame, or guilt at her name. But all he responded was, “Oh?”

“I like her,” you said, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “I kinda wish I spent more time with her…”

You paused, your words trailing off quietly as you took in the small details before you. 

Azriel’s dresser had always been the one surface he decorated, not because he cared for decoration, but because it was the only surface large enough to hold anything. Over the years, it had become a quiet testament to the things that mattered to him: a mix of Solstice and birthday gifts, trinkets you’d both collected on missions and trips. You liked seeing what had changed, what had been added. It gave you a glimpse into where Azriel had been, who had been with him. 

Lately, there had been more—more trinkets, more oddities that stood in stark contrast to the weapons displayed elsewhere, the ones mostly hidden away in his closet. A macaroni necklace from Nyx. A horribly made clay version of him you’d created during a drunken pottery night with Feyre, Mor, and Amren.

But now, the dresser was foreign. The once familiar surface had been wiped clean, replaced by delicate perfume bottles, jewelry that looked too fine to be his, and a candle that smelled—oddly—like the puke of a flower faerie. Some of it was new. Most of it was hers.

Azriel’s presence had vanished from his own furniture entirely.

“Huh.”

“What?” Azriel asked.

You glanced over your shoulder. “I see you’ve decorated more.”

Azriel tilted his head, and a few of his shadows slithered down his body, crossing the room to pool around your ankles. “I guess,” he said. “Selene said my room needed more life.”

You leaned forward, brushing your fingers along the ceramic jewelry dish, the cool surface sending a strange chill through your skin. The shadows flickered over your hand, almost as if they were inspecting it too. They moved with purpose, then slowly obscured it, hiding it from view.

You frowned, confused.

Azriel, still silent, was rifling through his closet. You could feel the weight of his eyes on you as he moved, but he said nothing. The shadows returned to his side as you turned to look at him.

"Are you going somewhere?" you asked, trying to break the silence.

Now, Azriel barely spared you a glance.

“Yeah. Meeting Selene,” he replied simply.

After a few seconds of silence, Azriel turned his head and properly held your gaze. “Why? Everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah,” you responded with a casual wave of your hand, but Elain’s words echoed in your mind. You cleared your throat. “Well, actually, no. I was hoping I could talk to you.”

He frowned, standing up straighter, his wings flexing with the motion. “Is it something serious?”

You paused, carefully filtering through your words. “No, just something that’s been on my mind.”

Azriel studied you, doubt flickering in his hazel eyes. It was the kind of look that always made you feel like he was reading you too easily. He probably didn’t believe you, not entirely—but he nodded anyway. His lips curved into a small, apologetic smile. “Raincheck then?”

You mirrored his smile, though it felt thin. “Yeah, sure. We can talk tomorrow, once we’re back from the Hewn City.”

Azriel stilled. The way his gaze dropped to the floor and lingered felt like a guilty dog, an animal caught in an act forbidden. “Shit,” he said, his tone cautious. “I can’t go.”

You blinked, the words taking a moment to settle. “Seriously? Az, Rhys is expecting an update.”

“I’m sorry.” He sounded sincere enough. It didn’t matter. “But you can handle it on your own, you know this.” 

“Are you serious?” you said, the hurt slipping out before you could stop it. “I don’t want to deal with Keir alone.”

Azriel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll talk to Rhys, but Selene’s been wanting to—”

“Never mind,” you cut him off, shaking your head. You forced a smile. “Have fun tonight. And tomorrow.”

Azriel scanned your face. After another moment of silence, he sighed.

“Okay, what is it?” He asked, crossing his arms over his chest. “You clearly have something on your mind. Tell me.”

You hesitated, holding his gaze. “I actually wanted to talk to you about Selene.”

Azriel’s jaw tightened instantly. He looked away, his tongue running across his teeth as he shook his head. “Not you too. Don’t be like this.”

Your frown deepened, offended by the immediate shift in tone. “Be like what? I haven’t even said anything yet.”

He met your eyes again, his stare almost challenging. “We both know what you’re going to say.”

“Do we?”

“First Mor, then Nesta, and now you.” His voice was sharp, but not loud. “Should I be concerned that the females in my life are so quick to rally against my girlfriend?”

You scoffed, crossing your arms to mirror his pose. “Well, yeah, Az. Maybe you should be.”

He rolled his eyes, the shadows at his feet flickering with the motion. “Fine. What do you want to tell me, then?”

For a moment, you hesitated, the words lingering on the edge of your tongue. Azriel had always been good at looking through you, unraveling thoughts you hadn’t fully formed yet. And now, under the weight of his sharp gaze, you felt exposed.

“I just want to make sure you’re happy.”

Something flickered in his expression, quick and fleeting—too fast for you to decipher. For the first time in a long while, Azriel felt unreadable, like he’d drawn a curtain between himself and you. “Really?” he asked, his tone tight, almost incredulous.

You faltered, a small thread of doubt weaving its way through your resolve. Was he happy? Would he even tell you if he wasn’t?

“Yes, really,” you replied, a defensive edge creeping into your voice. “You’ve been distant lately. Running around at her beck and call. None of us know her. I want to understand what’s going on with you. I want to understand her.”

Azriel’s wings shifted again, his gaze hardening.

“I want to make sure this is the kind of relationship you want,” you finished, quieter now.

The room fell into silence, heavy and still. Azriel watched you as if he was turning your words over and over in his mind. You waited, unsure of what to expect—if anything at all.

“I wouldn’t be in a relationship I didn’t want. Can we drop it, please.”

You bit the inside of your cheek. What a strange, dismissive answer. It bothered you— bothered you more than anything he’d ever told you before. 

“Az, I just don’t want you to change who you are for someone. You don’t need to cater to her every whim.”

His expression darkened, shadows curling tighter around his boots. “I’m her boyfriend. I do what she asks.”

You raised an eyebrow, unable to stop the scoff that slipped out. Azriel had never been so clipped with you. “That’s not the definition of a boyfriend. That’s the definition of a bitch.”

Azriel’s jaw clenched, his wings flaring in irritation. “Excuse me?”  His voice cut through the room. “Do you really think I’m some incompetent love-sick loser?”

“I think you stop seeing flaws in the people you love.”

The words hung between you, heavier than you’d anticipated. A small part of you wondered if “love” was the word Azriel would use to describe his feelings for her. Another part worried that he didn’t correct you.

“That’s not true.”

“It’s not?”

“No,” he snapped. “I can clearly see that you’re being unfair. Quick to judge, much like Mor. That’s a flaw.”

“Oh, please,” you shot back, “You know what I meant. The people you’re infatuated with—”

“Where is this sudden concern coming from?” he interrupted, his shadows now beginning to curl between you like restless mediators, unsure where to settle. “Are you trying to cause issues?”

Something ran hot through your body.

“Seriously? I’m talking to you about this because I care. Because Elain had some cryptic feeling about you—”

“Elain is involved in this conversation, too?” His voice dripped with frustration now. “Gods, Y/n, should I send word for Gwyn while we’re at it? Get her opinion?”

“What the hell has gotten into you?” You took an authoritative step forward.  “I’ve never judged you. I’ve always tried to support you and your messy love life, no matter how complicated. Don’t you trust me, Azriel? As a friend?”

Azriel didn’t respond immediately, his shadows flickering uncertainly, still deciding whether to retreat or rise.

You gestured around the room. “Look at this place. You’ve erased all traces of your family—of you, of us. Where did you even put—”

“Oh, gods.” Azriel’s voice broke through, and for a moment, you thought he might crumble. His wings folded, and his hand dragged across his face, the weight of his exhaustion sinking in. “She was right.”

You froze. “What?”

Azriel met your gaze, his eyes hesitant for a heartbeat before turning sharp. “About you. Selene said you were jealous. That you had feelings for me.”

The words hit like a slap, and your world tilted on its axis. “What?” you asked again, your voice breaking on the word. Maybe you had misheard him. Maybe he had misspoken.

“I told her she was wrong. But now…” He let the sentence hang in the air, searching your face for something that maybe wasn’t even there.

“Now, what?” Your voice rose, tinged with anger. “You think I’m here because I’m jealous? Because I have some… crush on you?”

His wings flared slightly at your tone, but he didn’t back down. “I don’t know. It’s just—why else would you care so much about this?”

Your stomach twisted, a deep, cold ache settling there. “Why else?” you repeated, the words bitter on your tongue. “Because I care about you, Azriel. Because you’ve been my friend for centuries. Are you seriously confused about this?” 

For a moment, Azriel’s expression faltered, but he didn’t apologize. Instead, he said, “I didn’t ask you to care about my love life.”

“You didn’t have to,” you snapped, stepping closer. “That’s what friends do. But you’re standing there, letting her perception of me—someone who doesn’t even know me—warp your judgment. You’ve known me longer than that. Or at least, I thought you did. And the fact that you’d entertain this—” You stopped, shaking your head. “It’s insulting.”

Azriel said nothing. He just stood there, shadows now curling tighter around him. 

You had no idea how this conversation had gotten away from you, no idea how it turned into this—where this defensiveness, this anger, had come from. This wasn’t Azriel. Loyal, overly so. Impulsive. Protective. 

Or maybe it was. Maybe that loyalty was directed at someone else now—someone who clearly saw you as something threatening. You’d never been on the other side of Azriel before. Never thought you’d see the day. The realization hit like a slap to the face, leaving you shocked, stunned, a pit opening in your stomach that felt too deep to climb out of.

“You know what? Forget it.” You stepped back, the fight draining out of you all at once.

Azriel’s brows furrowed. “Really? That’s it?”

You glanced at him over your shoulder, your lips curving into something that might have been a smile if it weren’t so bitter. “Yeah,” you said, your voice flat. “That’s it.”

You turned for the door, hand on the handle, but paused. The words were out of your mouth before you could stop them, sharp and pointed, a petty jab that felt equal parts satisfying and hollow. “Make sure to lock this door when you leave—I’d hate to accidentally stumble back in and throw myself at you.”

Azriel stiffened, his wings snapping taut behind him. For a brief second, you thought he might say something, anything. But he didn’t.

You closed the door behind you with a heavy thud.

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

authors note: no one tell them they probs have feelings for each other bc they’ll probably fight you (also elains moment is so self indulgent bc i would totally be making shit up based off my powers. like yeah actually you can’t be mean to be :/ powers are saying you’ll die if you are)

Part Two

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