I Was Walking Through The Toy Aisle At Target When I Found This Thing And Had A VIOLENT AND IMMEDIATE

I Think You’re Pretty Ok.

Pairing: (TWS) Bucky Barnes X Reader

Word Count: 2232

Warnings: Swearing, Just complete bullshit help

Hope you enjoy this trash you lovlies!

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Sleepover

Bucky Barnes/Reader

The Avengers tower was luxurious. The beds felt like actual clouds, there were light and sound systems in your room that you could adjust perfectly, and your apartment was so high up that you couldn’t hear the noises of the city, but still could see the stars. Your shower had been long and relaxing, as you could adjust the pressure just right. Your lights were off. You were in a somewhat comfortable position. So why the hell couldn’t you fall asleep?

Groaning in frustration, you got up and padded barefoot into your living room. The design of the whole little apartment (though it was missing a kitchen) was sleek and modern. You loved the atmosphere it set. Normally, you would feel right at home with these surroundings, and yet, you were just too worked up to sleep.

You chalked it up to still being relatively new here. You were already close to the avengers, but after an attack on your own home, they decided to move you into the tower. It was like a constant sleepover with good friends—but with a lot more weapons and fighting.

You stared at your clock for a moment. It was 11:30. Most of the avengers would already be asleep. Silently, you slipped out of your room, deciding to explore the tower more.

The level you lived on was just a hallway with two rooms. Steve lived beside you. A faint light shone from under his door, and a soft tune could be barely heard. You recognized it as an Elvis song.

You rolled your eyes. “Grandpa,” you whispered fondly under your breath before continuing down the hall.

You called the elevator, punching in the numbers for a few floors down. But the elevator started slowing to a stop a floor above your destination. You furrowed your brow in confusion. It was almost midnight—why would the other avengers be awake?

The metal doors slid open to reveal a very disheveled looking Bucky Barnes. He was clad in sweatpants and an iron man shirt, and his eyes squinted at the bright lights inside the elevator.

You hadn’t ever really talked to Bucky. He moved into the tower only a few days after you, but wasn’t much for conversation. You assumed he was getting over the traumatic experiences with Hydra—something all of the other avengers knew about, so they kept their distance. He was wary of everyone in the tower, though Steve tried to get him acclimated to living with all of them.

His blue eyes finally adjusted to the light and landed on you. You were also in pajamas.

“Can’t sleep?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

You shook your head.

“Me either.” He stepped inside the elevator, and pushed the button to the same floor you were headed to. There were all sorts of rooms to poke around in down there.

You sat in awkward silence, contemplating your options. Bucky didn’t seem like the type to run around an empty floor at midnight. Then again, you didn’t really know what type he was. Eventually, your boredom got the best of you, and you said, “I’m gonna explore a bit. Want to come with?”

Bucky considered this for a moment, eyeing you levelly. “Tony keeps a stash of Oreos above the fridge,” he said finally. “We’re headed there first.”

You grinned at him. “Fair enough.”

“I can’t reach them!” You whispered harshly, jumping up and down in front of the fridge. Bucky was standing guard, just in case someone came down to this floor.

“Really? It’s not that high,” he said, obviously trying to hide the humor in his voice.

“Easy for you to say. I don’t have a super soldier serum! I’m normal human height!”

“Okay, I’ll get them—”

“No! I can do this!” Stubbornly, you looked around for anything to help you. “I’ll just climb on the counter. Just a sec—”

“Don’t, it’s slippery!”

Bucky’s warning was too late. You’d just pulled yourself onto the counter when you felt yourself slipping, falling fast toward the ground. Bucky was there in an instant, catching you right before you hit the floor.

You looked up at him, a mischievous grin overtaking your features. “Hey, guess what?” You said when you realized he was still holding you.

He raised his brow.

“I just fell for you!” You snickered at the pun as Bucky titled you upright again.

“You’re ridiculous.”

Quite a few Oreos later, the two of you wandered down the halls, having explored the rooms on that floor thoroughly. 

“Hey, wait a minute,” Bucky said, lightly grabbing your arm to stop you. The contact sent a small shiver through you. You told yourself it was a draft.

“Let’s go to a different floor,” you suggested. “Maybe one of the offices. We could scare a few late workers.” It was already past midnight, so you doubted anyone would still be there—but you were getting bored. “We’ve already explored everything on this floor.”

“Not everything.” He pointed to a small crawlspace in the wall.

“What? No way!” You shook your head.

“Scared?” He arched a brow.

“No!” You defended. “Just…I think it’s too small for your shoulders to fit. And I’m not going in alone.”

“I think you’d be surprised to learn what I can fit into, doll.” He sent a suggestive wink your way. Scoffing, you playfully pushed at his shoulder. You were glad the lights were off—you didn’t want him to see the way your cheeks heated up.

“Besides, it’s a bad idea. Haven’t you ever seen a horror movie? Going into a dark crawlspace is like, the number one way to die.”

Bucky frowned. “I don’t think I have seen a horror movie.”

You stopped. “What? Really?”

He shook his head. “I’m sure they played them at drive-ins in Brooklyn,” he said thoughtfully, “But I can’t remember watching one.”

Astounded, you instantly made up your mind. “That’s it! We’re watching a horror movie!” You declared, grabbing his hand.

Bucky stiffened. For a moment, you panicked. You remembered how he shied away from the other avenger’s attention, avoiding physical—or even social, for that matter—contact. You really didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. The night had been going so well.

But then he grinned at you, letting you lead him down the dark hallway of the tower.

“I don’t understand why we can’t just go down to the movie theatre. That’s what it’s there for!” Bucky exclaimed, shaking his head with an exasperated smile.

“I have no idea why Tony thought a movie theatre was necessary in the tower,” you stated. “Plus, it takes away from the experience! Here, hold this end down.”

Bucky grabbed the corner of one of his sheets, keeping it in place as you draped the other side across a few chairs. The blanket fort was your idea, but Bucky had brought down his own materials. He’d provide the blankets if you shared your snacks.

Standing upright, you dusted off your hands and nodded approvingly. “It’s perfect.” The conference room table had been moved out of the way, the chairs strategically placed to hold up your fort. The opening was wide enough to see the tv.

“How do we get in?” Bucky asked, eyeing the tent.

“The door’s over here!” You held up a blanket at the end of the fort. 

He took the blanket from you, motioning for you to go in. “Ladies first,” he grinned.

You complied, crawling into the tent while grumbling, “Don’t look at my ass, Barnes.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied rather sarcastically.

Once Bucky had finally managed to crawl in, he looked around the fort. “What are you, some kind of blanket architect?”

“I’ve been building these ever since I can remember.” Using the remote to start the movie and turn the lights off (still a surprising feature to you), you settled in next to Bucky, nestling into the pillows and blankets you spread out on the floor. You opened a pack of candy and popped a piece into your mouth, content with how the night was going.

After a while, the movie was boring you. It was one you’d watched at least a thousand times. So, wanting something to do with your hands, you began to braid Bucky’s hair.

He didn’t flinch this time, but you saw his face twist with confusion. “…What are you doing?”

“Fishtailing,” you answered simply.

He nodded thoughtfully. “Oh.” A few moments of silence passed before he asked, “And what the hell does that mean?”

You smiled. “It’s a type of braid. Your hair is really soft, by the way. What shampoo do you you use?”

Instead of answering, he snorted. “You’re braiding my hair.”

Sitting up properly, you continued the braid, decided to make it wrap around his head. “This has got to be a real sleepover experience. Blanket fort, snacks, horror movie at 2 am, braiding hair, gossiping about friends…” You trailed off, watching his amused expression. “Actually, let’s skip that last one. I don’t want to gossip about people that can kill me.”

Bucky laughed, a smooth sound that contrasted so greatly with the man you first met a few days ago. Here, illuminated only by the tv, he didn’t look like the Winter Soldier. He just looked happy. You finished the braid, smiling at the finished product.

He sat up suddenly, earning a shout of protest when he almost knocked the fort down. “Teach me how,” he said.

He was suddenly very close, you realized. His lips were just inches from yours. You tried not to think about it.

“Teach you how?” You asked, internally wincing at how your voice wavered. He smirked, just the tiniest bit. “To braid. I’ll do yours.”

You grinned up at him. “I’ll show you.”

You took a small strand of your hair and separated it into thirds, demonstrating it for him. “Just cross it over into the middle each time. Like this.”

He nodded, studying the strand before moving behind you to start the braid. “So, over one to the middle…” He trailed off, sounding lost.

You giggled. “Here. I’ll help.” You rested your hands on his, guiding him through the steps.

Your felt his breaths on the back of your neck as he concentrated, trying once again not to think about how close he was. A small shiver ran down your back. You hoped he didn’t notice.

You didn’t realize how hyper-focused you were, because when a scream sounded from the film, you jumped with a startled yelp. However, with Bucky’s hands still in your hair, you didn’t get too far. The tug on your hair sent you falling backwards, straight into Bucky, who happened to be leaning on one of the fort’s support chairs. The whole thing collapsed on the two of you.

You groaned, your head still in Bucky’s lap. He lifted the sheets and looked down at you, quirking his brow in amusement. “You alright?” He asked, unable to keep the humor from his voice.

You nodded with a sheepish smile. “Guess I was just distracted,” you mumbled. “Sorry I ruined your braid.”

He leaned forward, hovering slightly above you. “I don’t mind,” he said, moving closer to you. “Truth is, I had a sister. I already knew how to braid.” He didn’t look the least bit apologetic.

You scoffed, feigning indignation. “You think you’re smooth?” You said, amused.

“No,” Bucky answered, so close you could feel his breath on your lips. “I know I am.” His hand moved to cup your face as he leaned down farther, finally closing the distance between the two of you. The kiss was slow at first, hesitant—but after a moment, you worked up enough courage to deepen the kiss, only breaking away from him to sit up properly.

When the two of you finally pulled away, breathless, Bucky rested his forehead against yours. The sheet was still wrapped around the two of you, keeping you close, and the movie credits were just coming to an end. You giggled at the absurdity of the situation. Here you sat, in a collapsed blanket fort with the winter soldier, who still had your braids in his hair.

“What’s so funny?” He asked.

You shook your head. “Just…haven’t had a sleepover like this before.” He chuckled, gently lacing his fingers with yours. You yawned, slouching slightly. “It’s already around 4 in the morning,” you said, a sleepy smile overtaking your features. “Want to just stay down here?”

He untangled the two of you from the sheet, returning your grin. “Fine by me, doll.”

You settled down into the heap of pillows and blankets, sighing contentedly as Bucky’s arms wrapped around you. You fell asleep almost instantly.

“Where the hell are my Oreos?” Tony stomped out of the kitchen, eyeing the avengers in the lounge. “Which one of you took them?”

Wanda put her hands up defensively, the rest of the group simply shook their heads.

“Maybe it was Bucky. Or Y/N,” Sam suggested.

“Speaking of which,” Nat asked, “Where is Y/N? We were gonna go for a jog.”

Tony, who had begun sulking back to the kitchen, froze in front of the door to the conference room. “Oh my god. Cap, at least your friend is warming up to one of us.” He immediately took out his phone, snapping a few pictures. Confused, Steve made his way over to Tony, raising his eyebrows in disbelief when he saw the scene before him.

The other avengers crowded around to see you on a nest of blankets and pillows, curled up in Bucky’s arms, sleeping peacefully. There were snacks all around you and an old case for a horror movie. Bucky’s hair was still in braids.

“Bucky was good at charming the ladies,” Steve said, shaking his head.

Tony cupped his hands around his mouth, ready to shout something to the two of you, when Natasha cuffed him on the back of the head. “Just let them sleep,” she said. “We can humiliate them later. I don’t want to have to deal with both of them being grumpy.”

“Fine,” Tony groaned. “But next time, they need to get their own damn Oreos.”

You’re Distracting Me

Request: “We’re in the middle of a battle, what do you think you’re doing? What are you- HOE DON’T DO IT!” *Takes hit meant for other person*” “Oh my god.” With Bucky please”

Warning(s): Swearing, fighting, mentions of injury

Author’s Note: Sorry this took so long. I haven’t gotten around to writing. Anyway, I hope you like this and enjoy!

You could hear gunshots as you fought hand to hand with the man in front of you. You were on a mission and had been compromised. You got in a good blow to the man’s head and he fell to the ground unconscious.

“Y/N, are you alright?” You hear Steve question through the com in your ear.

“Yeah, I’m good.” You say, quickly giving your surroundings a once over before you spot a sniper on top of the building aiming for Bucky. “But he’s not!” You say, beginning to sprint towards the sniper, but then you realized you wouldn’t make it in time.

“Y/N, what’s going on?” Steve asks frantically. You can hear more fighting through your com. You don’t answer and turn and sprint towards Bucky instead of the sniper.

Bucky catches sight of you as the guy he had just knocked unconscious fell to the ground. Not sensing any immediate danger and realizing you’re running towards him, he yells to you, “Y/N, we’re in the middle of a battle, what do you think you’re doing?” That’s when he finally seems to notice the sniper that is not very well hidden on top of the building aiming the gun. “DON’T DO IT!” He screams at you.

“I’m saving your life, Asshole. Shut up.” You murmur as you finally make it to Bucky just in time for the bullet meant for him enters your flesh.

“Oh, my God!” Bucky exclaims after he has returned fire to the sniper, hitting him in the head and killing him. He kneels down, pulling you into his arms.

“Steve, I hope you got what we need because we need to get Y/N out of here.” He looks down at you in his arms and at the area on your torso that you’re holding tightly to slow the bleeding.

“Get her to the quinjet. We’ll catch up.” Steve says, and that’s all Bucky needs to get going.

Running as fast as he can, he makes it to the quinjet in record time. He frantically looks around for anything to help slow the bleeding, or to possibly patch you up in some way.

“Y/N, why do you have to be heroic all the time?” He asks, sounding frustrated. He takes some fabric he found and presses it against your wound.

“Why do you need saving all the time, Princess?” You ask sarcastically.

“Why do you have to be sarcastic all the time? I’m trying to save your life!”

“That’s all I was doing for you, Asshole.”

“But why did you have to do that? I could’ve handled it and then we wouldn’t be in this mess!”

“Because I love you, Dumbass!”

Bucky’s movements stop. “What?”

“I’m not saying it again, old man. Get your ears checked.”

“You can finish proclaiming your love for one another later. We have to get Y/N back to base.” Steve says, quickly rushing into the pilot’s seat to get you guys in the air and on your way.

Bucky looks down at you with a small smile, “Don’t die on me now, Doll. I love you, too, and since this is a mutual feeling, I’d like to take you out to dinner.”

“I might say yes if you’d shut up. My bullet wound hurts like hell right now and you’re distracting me and it’s annoying.”

“You’re always such the lady.”

“Again, shut up.”

“As you wish, Doll.”

GIF is not mine

The Last of Us Part II: A Challenging and Devastating Masterpiece Fans Did Not Want

Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II is generating diverse and adamant responses from fans of the original with some lauding the title as a storytelling revelation. Others heavily criticize the narrative direction and the use of violence within. Numerous negative opinions stem from out of context leaked plot points and a staggering amount of deeply harmful misinformation. Tweets and forum posts boast multiple outlandish claims like the director performing motion capture for a sex scene, which he did not, or false accusations that the studio paid for positive reviews. However, many people have played the game honestly and still feel disappointed and upset at the experience. Their reaction is understandable. I myself finished the game shortly after its release following two grueling 15-hour long marathon play sessions and struggled at first, unsure of the story and its effects on me. But the more I reflect on my experience and the narrative, the more I come to appreciate the game for what it is: a brutal, risky, and devastating masterpiece that none of us wanted.

The Last of Us Part II is perhaps the first game I have seen inspire such a polarizing response and be subject to so much negative press solely for narrative choices. Most of the time, such backlash and “review bombing” indicates greedy and manipulative monetization schemes, or else rushed and underdeveloped projects. However, most people agree The Last of Us Part II has refined gameplay and fantastic animations. Sure it is not flawless, as the cycles of stealth and action gameplay start to become monotonous, especially during long play sessions, which seems at odds with the enthralling story encouraging players to stay engrossed in the world. However, the incredible acting and presentation alone could have earned the game universal acclaim. Yet, many people are angry, upset, or even downright disgusted with the narrative choices of writers Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross. While I disagree with these individuals, I do not deny their opinions on this challenging and divisive experience.

The following contains full spoilers for The Last of Us Part II. Images may disturbing and are not be suitable for all readers.

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Precious Moments

Word Count: 1130

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Remembering precious moments of your pregnancy with Bucky’s child.

Warning: Hella Fluffy

Note: I need more Dad!Bucky in my life

The day you told Bucky that you were pregnant, he cried like a baby because it was one of the most happiest day of his long ass life. You remember that he was on a short mission with Steve and Clint, probably two day long and you found out the day he left. You remember freaking out, in a good way, because you and Bucky have been wanting to start a family together for while. You called Natasha and Wanda right away, seeing as they weren’t on the mission with the boys and they came over as fast as they could too congratulate you.

You remember you had the girls help you prepare this whole thing for when he came home. You had baby balloons all over the place, pink and blue, you had placed one baby book on each table that led to the kitchen and in the kitchen, you had a card written for your husband and little baby booties next to it.

When he entered your house, you heard him set his bags down while his voice boomed. “[Y/N], are you here?” You watched him from a hidden place in the house. You saw him look around the house, looking at the balloons and the books everywhere. His heart was racing at the moment, not knowing what to think. He slowly walked into the kitchen to see what was left for him on the table.

We walked towards the kitchen table and picked up the letter:

Dear James Buchanan Barnes,

You are too become the father to a beautiful baby boy or girl. I had found out the day you left for that stupid mission and ever since, I’ve been waiting to tell you the exciting news. I had the girls come over and help me prepare this whole thing.

I hope you’re ready to become a father. Now, turn around you little shit.

P.S they better have your eyes

He laughed at the last part before turning around to see you leaning against the wall. “Welcome home, Daddy.”

A smile broke on his face as tears formed in his eyes. “Oh my god, [Y/N]!” He ran towards you, wrapped his arms around your waist and twirled you around. He set you down and looked you in the eye, tears streaming down his face. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a father.” He breathed out. He leaned forward to capture your lips into a kiss. “This is the best gift you could have ever given me.” He murmured against your lips only to capture them against his once more.

You remember when you were five months pregnant, you both found out you were having a baby boy. You remember watching Bucky jumped into the air, pumping his arms as he screamed. “Yes!” You just stared at laughed at him with your doctor.

When you got cleaned up and walked out of the room, Bucky had his arm around your waist so he could keep at least one hand on your stomach. The whole time walking back to the car, he kept whispering in your ear with a giddy laugh. “We’re having a boy…” You would just shake your head and respond with a big smile. “I know, Barnes, I know.”

You remember that same night that you found a name for your son, Christian Steven Barnes. You looked down at your joyful husband, having his hands on the sides of your stomach, whispering to your swollen belly. “I’m going to teach you how to walk, talk, ride a bike. How to shoot a gun and-” You gave him a warning glance with he just shrugged off. “All the things you need to know on how to grow up, especially how to woo the girls.” You just rolled your eyes and laughed while bringing your hands to Bucky’s hair and the other on the top of your stomach.

You remember the baby’s first kick. You were sitting in the living room while watching your favorite movie when you felt a kick sharp movement within your swollen belly. You placed a hand over where you felt it and it happened again. A smile broke from your face as you called you husband over from the kitchen. “Bucky, come here!”

You heard him run in with a worried look. “What, is something wrong?” He asked you while walking towards you.

You shook your head, your smile growing larger. “No, give me your hand.” You told him which he complied too by giving you his right hand. You placed his right hand on the side of your belly in which the movement happened again. “He’s kicking.”

Bucky had a shocked look but quickly faded to a similar look you had on your face. “He’s kicking, [Y/N]! Oh my god…” He whispered while moving to crouch in front of you. He placed now both f his hands on the side of your stomach, as he usually does, the small kicks coming every few minutes. “He’s got a strong kick… Like his dad.” He smiled as he started to talk to your unborn child.

You remember when your water broke and how much pain you were in with each contraction. You woke up Bucky with a hard punch. “Huh? What’s wrong? Are you and the baby all right?” His tired voice asked.

“My water broke, Bucky.”

With that sentence said, he jumped out of bed and started getting dress. He came up towards you and helped you into some cleaner pants and a new shirt and helped you hobble down the stairs, grabbing your baby bag and walk towards the car.

With one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding your hand, sadly being his right hand. He had the car you both had call the others, telling them that your water broke and that he would keep everyone updated.

When you reached the hospital, they quickly brought you to a room where you’d be by yourself. Bucky stayed by your side the whole time and he let you hold and crush with left hand instead of his right one. When you were ready too push, the birthing process came easy and quickly and you and both Bucky to have your son, Christian in your arms.

Now, Bucky sat beside you in the hospital bed, you had your head leaned against his shoulder as you held your sleeping son in your arms. You felt Bucky press a kiss to your forehead and whisper so he doesn’t wake up his son. “Thank you for bringing him into the world, [Y/N].”

As you opened your mouth to respond, the door opened to the Avengers, including T'Challa who wanted to see your miracle. “So, where’s the little rascal?”

Game of Bones

Everybody Approves (Bucky x Reader)

I’m really sorry it took me a while to get this imagine out. And also sorry if I didn’t write exactly what you wanted, I kinda got inspiration from rewatching both CA:TFA and Avengers. And i kind of made it so it’s the team notices how touchy-feely they are. I put lots of BFF Steve as well. This is also super long. (title is supposed to imply everybody approves of the relationship haha)

Prompt: It would be really cute if you wrote something about Bucky/reader and how they randomly pull each other into kisses and hugs cause they are still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. Please and thank you 💕💕

also- crying seems to be a theme in this. It gets quite feel-y towards the end. Hope you enjoy, especially Anon who sent this in!

@steven-fightme-rogers

You opened your eyes in the morning to see the bluest pair of eyes you had ever set sight on gazing down at you.

“Were you watching me sleep?”

“May-be.” Your wonderful boyfriend of a few months dragged out the syllables as he smirked down at you.

“That’s creepy.”

“Maybe it is. But you’re adorable when you’re sleeping. Couldn’t help myself.”

And with those words, Bucky trapped you underneath his sturdy frame, forcing you to cuddle with him. Not that you minded, of course.

“Buck!” You giggled as you tried to get out your boyfriend’s so-called “death grip”.

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Text imagine: You find a spider in your bathroom so you (naturally) call your boyfriend, Peter, to come deal with it  

Requested by: Anonymous (The original request was for the reader to find a spider in their bedroom, but I changed it a bit to fit the situation. Hope that’s okay!)  

INBOX IS OPEN FOR REQUESTS!

Omg so cooool

MCU + 2019 calendar. End of an era.

Freaks

Pairing: Loki Laufeyson x reader

Summary: Your abilities as a half Frost Giant terrify you, but you soon find out you’re not the only freak on Asgard.

A/N: I’ll hopefully get a couple more fics posted today, one will possibly be a second part to I Think We’re Gonna Like It Here. Also, thank you to @slutamores for requesting this, hope you like it :)

(Not my gif)

You stared down at your shaking hands, trying to stop the tears splashing into your open palms. You were a freak, a monster. Those were the only thoughts going through your distraught mind as you glared at your icy blue skin, willing it to fade back to its usual colour. Curiously, you reached out and touched a flower growing nearby. You gasped in horror as it froze and wilted before your eyes. This garden had always been a safe haven for you; when you couldn’t control your powers, you could hide away from the rest of Asgard until you were in control again. Your mother had never seen fit to tell you that you were half Frost Giant, apparently “it didn’t change who you were”. You snorted in disbelief as you recalled her words; in your opinion, if it turned your skin blue and your eyes fiery red, it definitely changed who you were. You froze in fear as you heard the gate to the garden creak open. You prayed that it was just the wind, but there was no wind. You made to pull the sleeves of your dress over your hands to hide your frosty blue complexion, but you were relieved to see that it had faded away. “(Y/N)?” came a familiar voice from round the corner. Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you got to your feet and walked slowly to where you’d heard the voice calling from. “Loki,” you greeted your friend. “I didn’t know you were coming here.” The raven haired prince’s thin lips formed a frown as he studied your face. “I saw you running from the great hall. I was worried about you.” You twisted your fingers together nervously. “As you can see, I’m fine.” He chuckled quietly. “(Y/N), you can’t lie to me. You can’t beat me at my own game.” He reached out slowly and took your hand in his. You watched in horror, expecting your touch to hurt and freeze his pale skin. He tilted his head to the side curiously. “(Y/N), please tell me what troubles you,” he whispered. “I hate seeing you upset.” At his words, your mask crumbled. Tears welled in your eyes, and you snatched your hand from his grasp. “I’m a freak, a monster,” you whispered. “Look.” You held your palm up to face him, and concentrated with all your power to change your skin. You felt the familiar icy burn as your skin became rough and cold, your eyes stinging with tears as they turned blood red. You couldn’t bear to look at his face and see the fear, the disgust, in his eyes. Your eyes snapped up to lock on your hand as Loki placed his palm flat against yours. Your mouth hung half open in disbelief as you took in the blue swirls and ridges adorning his previously deathly pale skin. Slowly, your eyes moved up to look into his eyes. His ruby red eyes. “You’re not the only freak around here,” he said quietly. You watched, unable to from words, as he linked his fingers with yours carefully, still holding them up for you to see. “See? We’re the same.” You frowned slightly. “But if you’re a Frost Giant, that must mean-,” “I am not a son of Odin,” he finished, smiling sadly. “Unfortunate, isn’t it?” “How do you hide it?” you asked shyly. “I can’t control it, it feels like it controls me.” Pity flickered across his face, and you watched as his skin faded back to ivory. His clear blue eyes never left yours, which were still a glassy red. You felt hot tears welling in them; you didn’t feel so confident when it was just you looking like a monster. “It takes time,” he told you, squeezing your icy hand in his. You expected him to flinch, but his expression didn’t change. “I will help you as best I can.” You nodded, letting out a breath you didn’t realise you’d been holding. “I thought you would hate me,” you half-laughed. You couldn’t help it; you’d spent weeks terrified that he would turn his back on you. “I could never hate you,” Loki said gently. “How could I hate you, when you’ve made me realise I’m not alone?” As he said that, you felt your skin warming, and you nearly cried out in relief as it faded back to its normal tone. You were suddenly aware of the fact that Loki was still holding your hand, and you felt your cheeks burning red. It was just one extreme to the other with you today. “Next time this happens, call for me and I will help you,” he told you as you both moved to sit on a nearby marble bench. You smiled gratefully, running your thumb across his knuckles gently. “Thank you, Loki. For everything,” you said quietly. He lifted his free hand to cup your cheek carefully, turning your face gently to look into his eyes. “You are so beautiful. You are not, and never will be, a freak to me,” he whispered. You chuckled quietly. “Try saying that when my eyes look like blood, and my skin turns to ice.” Loki shook his head. “Your eyes are not blood to me, they are rubies. And do not forget that my skin is just as icy as yours, and you still find no fault in it.” You smiled softly. “I could never find fault in you.” He leaned in slowly, pressing his lips ever so gently to yours. You barely moved your lips against his, letting him lead. As quickly as it had begun, it was over. “You are no freak to me,” Loki whispered again, resting his forehead against yours.