۵♡۵𝚂𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚑'𝚜 𝙼𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝۵♡۵

Aaric Graycastle/Cam Tauri Masterlist

Updated: 3-22-25

High Stakes💕

Tis The Season

Summary: John helps you decorate the house for Christmas

Pairing: John Price x wife!reader

Word Count:

Warnings: none just fluff :)

A/n: here is my first ever fic for our man John Price! I really hope you enjoy this :) if you have any requests please send them my way I love writing for these boys! As always be aware of typos! Feedback is always appreciated :)

John fiddled with the lock on his front door, juggling his duffel bag and the bouquet of flowers he had gotten for you. He slid the key into the lock and heard it click before stepping inside and locking the door behind him. John toed off his shoes knowing you don't like shoes on in the house. He tossed his keys into the bowl by the front door and his duffel bag made a thump as he dropped it by his shoes. He heard soft Christmas music drifting throughout the home you shared and he smiled to himself.

"Love?" He asked, noticing boxes sitting around his living room and his kitchen bar counter. The boxes had labels that read things like "Christmas lights" and "tree ornaments". "Darlin' I'm home," he called out. He heard a thump coming above him and heard you grunting and he made his way to the attic, seeing the ladder down. He saw your face appear over the side and smile down. "John! You weren't supposed to be home yet!" You said. "Yeah I got done early wanted to come home and surprise you," he said, his thick accent rumbling in his chest. "Did you move the boxes down the ladder by yourself?" He asked.

"Yeah I wanted to get it done before you got here. You weren't supposed to be here for another couple of hours Bear," she said and John caught himself smiling at the little term of endearment you had for him. "Okay well I can help you I don't want you to hurt yourself," John said. "No babe it's okay. Why don't you go shower? I've already laid some fresh clothes on the bed for you," you said, coming down the ladder. "Thank you for the flowers they're beautiful," you added, giving him a peck on the cheek before taking them to put them in a vase. He noticed you were wearing his shirt and boxers and smiled, remembering when he was trying to find that shirt before he left.

John stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped securely around his waist. He noticed the fresh clothes his wife had laid out for him and his heart clenched. Even though it was something so small that people would normally not notice, it meant a lot to him. The fact she had even thought ahead to lay clothes out for him made him love you even more. He slipped on the gray t shirt and gray sweat pants before drying his hair. He made his way to the attic once more and saw you struggling to get the tree down from the attic.

John came up behind you and caged you in his arms as he grabbed onto the tree. You inhaled his sandalwood body wash and for a minute you swayed. "Let's get this tree down dove," he said, his lips dangerously close to your ear. You and John walked down the ladder and finally got the large Christmas tree to the ground. "Is there anything else up there?" He asked. "Just a few more boxes," you said. John went back up the ladder to get the boxes that were still left. "Most of that stuff is for outside Bear," you said, taking a pair of scissors to cut open the box the Christmas tree was kept in. "Can you put up the lights and decorations for outside? There's not much," you said, looking over at your husband. "Yes, ma'am," he said, giving you a kiss on your head and started to move the respective boxes outside.

Half an hour later John had the light and front yard decorated and went back inside the house. He stopped in his tracks when he saw you. You were focused on fluffing the tree and strategically placing different ornaments on the tree. The fireplace crackled, making the house smell pleasant and warm. You almost seemed to glow in the firelight and he almost lost his breath. Your hair cascaded down your back and his clothes had never looked better on someone. He couldn't believe he ended up with someone as perfect as you.

With all the death and terrible things he's sees everyday, it's hard to believe something so wholesome and wonderful ever found it's way into his life. The first few years you two had been dating he didn't believe you would actually stay. Mission after mission he expected to come back to a cold and empty house; a note on the kitchen table saying you couldn't do this anymore and you couldn't wait for him even though you reassured him you weren't going anywhere. But year after year you stayed and he still couldn't believe it. You noticed him in your peripheral and looked over at him and gave him the most wonderful smile; like he was the most important thing in your life and he didn't think he could fall further in love with you but that smile proved him wrong. "What's wrong Bear?" You asked.

"Nothing love," he said with a smile. "Do you want to help me with the tree?" You asked. "Can't think of anything I'd rather do instead," John said. He walked over and grabbed a couple ornaments to lay on a branch. "John?" "Hmm?" John hummed. "Since we don't have any plans for Christmas except with each other," you started. "Yeah?" John said, glancing over at you. "Why don't we invite the rest of your team?" You suggested. "I don't know love I like using my leave to be rid of them," He joked.

"Oh come on John!" You begged. "It's not like we don't have the space and it would be nice to have some company for the holidays," You said, securing an ornament onto a branch. "And besides, I know you joke about wanting to not be around them but I know you care about them," You added. John sighed and picked up another ornament before looking over at you. "This is something you really want?" He asked and you nodded vigorously.

"Okay then I'll get in touch with them tomorrow," he relented. John knew he could never say no to you; you truly had him wrapped around your finger. You squealed and threw your arms around his neck. "Thank you Bear!" You smiled. "You really are an amazing woman love," John said, planting a kiss on your lips. "Now let's get that star ontop of the tree," he said, giving you the star and picking you up by your waist. "I love you John Price," you said once you square on your feet. "I love you too y/n Price,"

Subtle Acts of Love

Pairing: Garrick Tavis x fem!reader

Summary: Garrick shows you he loves you in small ways

Warnings: fluff

Word Count: 5.2k(this one got away from me haha)

A/N: Been a little MIA these last couple of weeks; I was on vacation and then last week was super busy. I've been wanting to write something for Garrick for a while now so I hope everyone enjoys this fic of Garrick and his sweetheart🥺

I'd love to write more for these two so send in any requests you might have about Garrick and Princess and I'll do my best to get to them! Not gonna lie I was listening to Alex Warren's song Ordinary and I felt like it fit perfectly! Hope you guys enjoy this!💕

Let me know who you'd like to read a fic about next :)

****Beware of typos lol(my computer is acting up) and constructive criticism is always helpful!

You had been studying for days, preparing for the upcoming Battle Brief exam that hung over you like a dark cloud. Your mind was drowning in the notes you had been taking during class containing outpost information, skirmishes, and other information that you swore was swimming around on the page in front of you. Despite your best efforts, the stress had started to seep into every facet of your life. If you weren't training or going to class, you were studying or eating in the dining hall and your friends had started to take notice. You noticed the sun's rays casting a warm glow over your room and you peeked out your window to see the sun setting in the distance. You sighed and rolled your shoulders to try and get rid of the tightness from being hunched over your materials. A knock sounded at your door and you jumped, the sound pulling you from your thoughts.

You got up to open it and saw your squad standing in front of you. "We're all heading to the dining hall, want to join?" Rhiannon asked. "I don't know," You hesitated, casting a glance behind you at the open textbooks on your desk, "I feel like I should keep going over the material for battle brief," You answered. "Oh come on," Ridoc groaned playfully. "You're going to ace the exam like always. I'm sure you could take a break to feed yourself," he went on. "Alright," You gave in with a small smile and Ridoc threw his arm around your shoulders pulling you into his side, jostling you.  "You know there's more to life than studying," He teased. You sat with your squad, munching on dinner as the boisterous energy around you reached its peak. You had to admit it was nice taking a small break but the upcoming exam still nagged at you at the back of your mind. I'll go back to studying after dinner. You decided.

A shadow loomed over you and you tilted your head up to see Garrick standing behind you and you smiled. Garrick had been your best friend since first year at Basgiath last year and the two of you had practically been inseparable since. "Hey you," He said, sliding his large frame on the bench beside you. His deep, raspy voice caused your heart to flutter. Just being near him, your body seemed to loosen and let go of some of the tension it had been keeping. Garrick must have noticed because his eyebrows furrowed. "Are you alright?" He asked. You nodded. "Just a bit stressed about the exam for Battle Brief," You replied. "You'll do great, I know you will. I know your studies are important to you but try not to stress too much," He said, rubbing his thumb along the back of your hand.

You nodded and though his words were comforting, the anxiety didn't leave completely. "I really should get back though," You replied, standing up. Your friends protested but you promised to spend more time with them once the exam was over tomorrow. "I'll walk you back," Garrick offered, rising to his full height. Admittedly, he had made you uneasy the first time you saw him because of how big he was; Violet had called him "the big one" the first time your squad watched him spar with Xaden and the moniker was fitting. But after you helped him the first time in math, you realized he wasn't always as scary as he seemed and now you couldn't imagine your life without him in it. You and Garrick strolled leisurely through the corridors-or rather Garrick strolled leisurely-and chatted a bit.

"Why are you so stressed about the exam?" He finally asked. "It's an important exam. I don't want to fail," You replied, as if it was obvious. The two of you had made it to the courtyard and the smell of honeysuckle amid the fresh air tickled your nose. "You always say that you're scared to fail but you never fail and you worry yourself too much about it. So why are you so stressed about passing school all the time if you're good at what you're doing?" He asked, leaning his back against a pillar as the two of you sat on the cobblestones. "I don't know....I guess I just don't want to disappoint my family. They were so proud of me when I got accepted to join the quadrant," You admitted. The swath of daylilies growing at the edge of the courtyard a few fingers length away caught your eye. You reached down and stroked the delicate petals and a soft smile graced your face; they were your favorite flowers with their showy and vibrant colors and they never failed to make you smile. "I just feel like if I fail, even an exam, I'll be letting them down somehow," You said, letting the petal slide along your fingers. "You're one of the best students I know, Y/n. I'm sure your parents would be proud of you no matter what," He said softly, watching you look at the flowers.

The next morning you woke up and the pit in your stomach about the exam was still there. Talking with Garrick helped but the anxiety wouldn't go away until the exam was over. You finished braiding your hair, strapped your daggers to your side, and grabbed your book bag. You sighed and opened the door and almost stepped on something laying on your doorstep before gasping softly. Laying on your doorstep bound together with twine was a bouquet of daylilies, the same ones you had stopped to admire yesterday. You picked up the bundle and admired the vibrant oranges, pinks, and yellows. You brought them to your nose and inhaled the sweet scent and noticed a small piece of paper tucked into the twine. "I know they're your favorite." It read and you noticed it was unsigned. I wonder who left them. You thought to yourself. It could've been any of your friends since they all knew you liked them. You stepped back inside, placed the flowers on your desk, and left for battle brief; and of course you passed the exam. 

"Oh, come on again?" You cried out, seeing the lack of your favorite dessert on the dessert table. "They have plenty of other good desserts," Violet offered, amused. "I know but I wanted the blackberry tartlets again," you said, craving the delicate little pastry. You settled for lemon squares and while they were delicious, they certainly weren't blackberry tartlets. "Want me to bribe the bakers to get some for you?" Garrick chuckled. "I know you're only teasing, but I'd love you forever," You laughed, and you missed the way the red crept up Garrick's neck as he smiled sheepishly. The conversation quickly turned, and you forgot about the missing dessert you had wanted.

"Don't overreach y/l/n!" Emetterio shouted over the noise in the sparring gym. "You open yourself up if you keep doing that," he continued. You had been partnered with a girl from third wing and although she was small, she was infuriatingly quick. She knocked your feet out from under you before you had time to register what had happened and pinned you to the mat forcing you to yield. Emetterio sighed but class had lapsed, and the girl got up and offered you a hand, giving you a small nod before rejoining her squad. You walked over to your own, undoing the wrappings on your hands. “Getting your ass kicked by a first year?” You heard behind you. You looked over your shoulder and saw Garrick standing beside your gym bag. “Oh, please like you never lost a fight,” You snorted. “Besides I was just distracted,” you said. It was true; you were still thinking about the flowers left anonymously a few weeks ago and... Garrick looked really good sparring with Xaden during your match. Garrick opened his mouth but before he could ask about it, your squad called for you. “I’ll see you later?” You looked at Garrick before grabbing your gym bag and he gave you a nod. You and the rest of your squad headed towards the showers to wash off the sweat and stink of sparring practice. Sawyer and Ridoc split from the group heading towards the male showers while you, Rhiannon, and Violet headed towards the female showers. 

The steam hit you in the face and suddenly you desperately wanted out of your gym clothes to feel the hot water wash everything away. "So still no idea who left those flowers?" Rhiannon asked, stripping off her shirt revealing a standard issue black sports bra. "No," You shook your head, setting your gym bag on the bench and taking a seat next to it. "I guess I should give up trying because it could be anyone." You slipped off your shoes and your shirt, leaving them in your locker to grab after your shower, before opening your gym bag to pull out fresh clothes. You scrunched your eyebrows in confusion. "What is it?" Violet asked, seeing the look on your face. "Not sure but it was sitting on top of my clothes," You murmured, pulling out a small but thick package wrapped in butcher paper and tied with twine. "Well open it I want to see what it is," Rhiannon said. You gingerly untied the twine and peeled back the butcher paper to find five...blackberry tartlets. You'd recognize the little pastries anywhere. The buttery crust held together a pastry cream layer, a blackberry compote layer, and topped with fresh blackberries dusted with powdered sugar. "Did one of you guys put this in my bag?" You asked but both of the girls shook their heads. "I love you but you know how the bakers are," Violet jokes, peeking out from behind the shower curtain. It was true the bakers were known to be a bit...difficult. It was common knowledge you didn't want to piss off the bakers who felt themselves to be superior and all important. "Someone must really like you," Rhinanon smiled before stepping into the shower. Yeah. you thought. But who?

Your squad, plus Xaden and Garrick were gathered in the common room studying or otherwise pouring over old books from the Archives. "So I heard you got another present from your secret admirer," Ridoc teased, looking up from his spot on the floor where he laid on his stomach, a textbook open but discarded. Everyone's head turned to look at you and you felt your face heat up. "Pastries in my gym bag," You murmured. "Not just any pastries...I heard they were the desserts you were wanting. Blackberry tartlets perhaps?" Ridoc wiggled his eyebrows, a huge grin plastered on his face. "Yes, they were," You said, a little uncomfortable about the attention focusing solely on you. "But they're not a secret admirer. I think they're just trying to be nice," You added, the weak defense clearly doing nothing to convince your companions. You happened to glance over at Garrick who was watching with an unreadable expression. Was he upset? You wondered. Did he care at all? Your little crush had bloomed over the last year and you knew you loved Garrick even if you never had the courage to say anything and you knew you wouldn't return the feelings your "secret admirer" had. You only wanted Garrick and you wished you could tell him.

"Please anyone who gets anonymous gifts has a secret admirer. Maybe you should try to find out who it is," Rhiannon joined the conversation. "If they found out who it was that would obviously defeat the point of the secret part," Ridoc snorted derisively. "Plus everyone knows two gifts is too early to attempt to discover a secret admirer's true identity," Ridoc added seriously. "Oh yeah who said that?" Sawyer laughed. "Everyone knows that!" Ridoc whined, shoving his friend's shoulder playfully.

"I don't but I wish I did know who it was so I could thank them and let them know how much I appreciate it," You replied. Even if you wouldn't return their feelings, it was still thoughtful what they were doing. "Maybe they already know," Garrick pointed out and you looked over. His hazel eyes always made you feel weak in the knees but there was something...different in them. "Maybe," You whispered. "Well, if they ever decide to stop being anonymous, tell them to send one my way too. I wouldn't mind tarts and a love confession," Ridoc smirked from his spot. A few laughed and the tension faded but garrick's look stayed with you.

The morning bell sounded, signaling classes were beginning soon. Your first class of the day was Dragonkind with Professor Kaori, and your steps were light but brisk, not wanting to be late. You rounded the corner and there he was- Garrick stood leaning against the wall, dwarfing the first years that passed by. "Cutting it a bit close today. Are you trying to make me late?" He joked, falling in step beside you. You rolled your eyes playfully. "I'm not the one making you late, you've got your own schedule," You laughed as you and Garrick made your way to Kaori's classroom. "I guess," He said with a lazy smile. "I can't just have you roaming the halls by yourself though," He added. You blinked in surprise. "I appreciate it but you don't have to always walk me to class," you replied. "I'd be fine." Garrick gazed down at you briefly. "I know you would be but I don't mind," he told you, his voice softer. A part of you wanted to argue but the warmth in his eyes made it hard so instead you gave him a small nod, letting the moment settle in. His presence beside you was comforting; like something you didn't realize you needed until it was already there. As the two of you walked a comfortable silence spread over the both of you- that was something you always liked about being around Garrick; you never had to fill the space with small talk if it wasn't needed- and you let your mind wander. 

It struck you how often he did this, walking you to your classes. How often he waited for you even though he didn't have to, seemingly always there. Most of his classes were on the other side of the academic wing so they weren't exactly close and yet, without fail, he always made a point to walk you to yours even if it meant he'd be late to his own. The two of you approached the crowded courtyard, students milling about as they gathered for their own classes. "So what do you think?" Garrick asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. "What?" You asked, shaking your head free from your thoughts. You followed his gaze and you realized- Garrick was close to his class but you were still a good several minutes from yours. You would make your class on time as always but he'd be late. Again. "Are you sure you don't mind risking detention just to walk me to my class?" You asked, a soft smile curling at the corner of your lips.

Garrick smirked at you, not breaking his stride. "It's worth it," he said, his voice unbothered. "Besides I've been late to worse things. A class won't kill me," He added. "And this...is more important than your class?" You asked, raising an eyebrow at him in bemusement. "Always," he quickly responded as if it was the most natural response in the world. "Besides you're stuck with me now whether you like it or not," He grinned. You chuckled and shook your head, knowing there was no arguing with Garrick once he made up his mind. By the time you reached your class Garrick was already glancing at the crowded hallway with slight frustration. "I should get going," He murmured but there was no real urgency behind his words. He was clearly in no rush to leave you, regardless if it meant he'd be late to his own obligations. "Thanks," You said softly. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you walking to my classes everyday," You joked lightly. 

“I have no doubt you’d make it on your own but I’m in no hurry to let you,” He teased, giving you a wink. “Have a good class,” He said and with that he turned and started making his way through the crowd towards his own class. You stood there for a moment and watched him leave, your heart swelling a little. Walking you to class was one of those small things that amounted to something much more significant than what it seemed on the surface. It struck you and you realized that Garrick wasn’t doing these little gestures to simply pass the time; he was showing you in the only way he knew how that he cared. As you took your seat, you thought about the anonymous gifts that had been left for you and you wondered. Was Garrick leaving them for you?

You were tucked into a quiet corner of the library, your head hunched over the textbooks in front of you as you tried to get through some of your assignments that had piled up. It was late and the rest of your squad had already said goodnight and left. Garrick sat next to you and his warm presence filled the space. He didn't have anything to study and you told him he could leave with everyone else but he refused, remaining seated beside you. Your back ached with the hunched position you had been in the last few hours and your arms and legs felt stiff from sitting. You really should have taken a break hours ago, probably left with everyone else, but there was so much to do and you didn't want to fall behind. Your eyes crossed as you furiously scribbled down notes and you closed them, stifling a yawn. "I think it's time you stopped for the night," Garrick said, half amused, half serious but you shook your head. "I'll take a break in a few minutes," You said, cursing your voice for sounding weary. "You said that hours ago princess," he murmured. You looked up and noticed the fire had dimmed significantly and all but a few mage lights had gone out; maybe time had gotten away from you more than you wanted to admit. "Just a little longer and I'll leave," You protested weakly, but Garrick wasn't having it. "You won't be able to study efficiently if you're as tired as you are," He said and he had a point. You conceded and started packing up your things, putting your papers, notes, and pens in your book bag and closing your textbooks. You stood up, your body protesting from being in the same position for so long and you stretched. 

Garrick stood beside you and without missing a beat grabbed your stack of textbooks before you could even reach for them. "What are you doing?" You asked, wincing as you remembered the weight of them even though deep down you knew the weight barely bothered him. "Helping you," He said, nonchalantly. "But I can carry my own books," You replied. "I know you can but right now you're so tired you can barely stand," he pointed out. He grabbed your book bag from the chair and slung it over his shoulder, his body language effortless, as if carrying your things was nothing to him. Truth be told it wasn't and he did it often. "Just relax," He said, his voice gentle but firm. "You've been going at this for hours, I'll handle it now," He went on. "Let's get you out of there." He placed a hand on the small of your back, guiding you out of the library. Garrick's expression seemed soft, almost...protective, as though he were willing to take on your burdens for you. And that was just it- he wasn't just carrying your things he was carrying your stress. The weight you hadn't even realized you were carrying started to dissipate with every step you took, as though by carrying your things he was telling you it was okay to let go.

"I could've just taken a break," You pointed out, Garrick letting you lean against him slightly as you walked. "You could have," He agreed. "But we both know you wouldn't have. And I'm not going to give you the option of overworking yourself," his smirk returning, but warmer. You stayed quiet and your mind returned to the possibility of Garrick being your secret admirer. Could it be him? You wondered. The way he seemed to always be there when she needed him. The way the gifts had shown up seemed a little too coincidental to when Garrick had been around. You shook your head. Why would he do any of that? It felt a little ridiculous to think Garrick would be the one to be your secret admirer. Anyone could have left the gifts and you were sure Garrick also walked the rest of his friends to class and carried their things every once in a while. But deep down you knew he didn’t. You glanced up at him, catching his eye and he smiled at you like he always did but there was something different about him. Something... vulnerable and tender and you offered him a small smile in return. No, it couldn't be. Still, as Garrick helped you with your things you couldn't shake the feeling that your secret admirer was no longer as anonymous as they used to be. 

It was the kind of day that the exhaustion wasn't evident until you flopped down on your bed with a sigh. It had been a long day with classes and flying practices and your body ached from the drills. The sun had started to dip below the horizon, softly illuminating your room. You sat up and started to peel off your flight jacket and daggers, dropping them on your desk. You turned to undo your braid to shower and noticed something peeking out from under your pillow, your breath catching. Was it another gift? You wondered. You walked over and slid the package out realizing from the shape it was a book. You removed the soft cloth that contained the book and almost gasped out loud. It was your favorite novel since you had been a young teenager; you hadn't read it in years since you hadn't been able to bring it with you to Conscription Day. It was leather bound with the letters on the cover brushed with gold.

The leather showed signs of wear and the spine had a few cracks where the book had been opened too many times to count; it wasn't stiff like a new book, but had some give to it. The book was old and out of print now, nearly impossible to find in its original form. You opened the book and ran your fingers down the page; they were soft, the edges worn and slightly frayed from countless fingers flipping them. But this book contained something even more special and rare; marginalia. You thumbed through the pages and noticed notes, comments, and annotations from the author scribbled amongst many of the pages. You didn't even want to think about how someone could have gotten this, much less what it had to have cost. But who would even go through the trouble of getting this for you? And you realized, there was only one person it could have been.

Garrick.

The book was special to you as a kid, a gift from your parents, and you had only ever told Garrick about it. The novel was about a princess and her knight who conquered dangerous quests to prove his love, always bringing her something from his many fascinating travels across the land. You were afraid your friends would tease you for liking such material and although the teasing would have been good-natured, you wanted to keep it to yourself. You had only told Garrick about the book a while back. There was romance and danger and it had made teenage you swoon and daydream about one day having your own knight. You sat there, shocked that you hadn't realized it sooner; or rather believed it sooner. Garrick was your knight. He was the one who had left you the gifts. He was your secret admirer. The pieces were falling into place now. Garrick had been there to see you admire the daylilies and the next morning they were on your doorstep. Garrick heard you wanting the blackberry tartlets and the next day there they were in your gym bag. He always walked you places. Always carried your things. He never did this for anyone else. Now, a rare edition of your favorite book had appeared under your pillow.

These gestures and gifts weren't nothing to him; in his own way, Garrick was letting you know he cared about you and listened to you. In his own way, Garrick was trying to confess that he loved you. Not with big grand gestures but in subtle and deeply meaningful ways. Tears pricked your eyes because that meant more to you than anything. That he knew you wouldn't want him to admit he loved you in a big or public way. You asked your dragon along the bond to find out from Chradh where Garrick was before rushing out the door. You had to confront Garrick even if you were wrong-and you didn't think you were- and you had to tell him how you felt. Chradh and his rider are about to land in the flight field. Your dragon said through your bond. You ran towards the flight field passing the dining hall and academic wing before finally making it to the field just in time to see Garrick and Chradh touch down. 

You waited on the edge for Chradh to leave before approaching Garrick. "Is everything okay?" Garrick asked as you walked up to him. "Chradh said you were looking for me." "I'm fine but I need to ask you something," You said, your fingers curling protectively around the weathered spine of the book. Garrick tilted his head and something in his eyes shifted, becoming cautious. "Alright," he simply said. "This... this was under my pillow when I got back from drills," You told him, holding the book up for him to see. Something flickered across his gaze but it was so quick you couldn't even register what it was, and you continued on. "I told you about this book a long time ago. About how much it means to me. How no one else knew." your gaze searched his, watching carefully and your chest became tight but you pressed on. "And now it turns up. After the flowers, the pastries, always walking me to class, carrying my things, everything." Garrick's jaw tightened but he didn't say anything. The silence pressed around you two, thick and heavy with all the words being left unsaid. "You've been the one leaving me the gifts," You said, not as a question but a statement because you knew, but you wanted him to say it. "Haven't you?" You asked him. For a long beat, Garrick stood silently looking at you, something unreadable flickering in his expression. You began to grow uneasy. What if you had been wrong? Finally, Garrick let out a faint sigh and nodded. “Yeah I have,” he stated. The breath you had been holding in your lungs escaped and you stepped closer to him. “Why didn’t you just tell me?” You asked. He smiled a soft lopsided smile at you. 

“Because you deserve a knight,” He responded, echoing your words from so long ago. 

“You deserve someone who brings you things from his travels. You deserve someone who proves how much he loves you without ever having to say anything. You deserve everything you want Y/n,” He said. “I just wasn’t sure you’d want me to be him,” he confessed, sadness tinging his words. “Garrick…” You said, your heart thudding painfully in your chest. “I thought maybe if I could show you instead of telling you outright that you’d figure it out. Or even if you didn’t you’d at least smile a little more. I would’ve been fine with that much honestly,” He went on, anxiously running a hand through his hair and looking away for a split second. “But then every time I noticed you smiling and happy after I left something for you, it felt like I could breathe easier. Like maybe I actually had a shot,” He smiled. You closed the remaining distance between the two of you and looked up at him. “Garrick you always had a shot,” You whispered. “You just didn’t know it yet.” His hazel eyes, those stupidly beautiful hazel eyes, bore into you.  “Do you mean that?” he whispered back and you nodded. “I do. You’ve always been my knight haven’t you? Always watching out for me, always there,” You smiled. “I’m not really the best at this kind of thing,” His voice was low and earnest. “But I love you with everything I have. That much I’m sure of. And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that you,” he promised.

The setting sun caught his eyes, making the hazel irises look like molten honey and it made you weak; you could stare at his eyes forever.  “Then you’re already doing everything right,” you smiled and it was big and bright and all you. That was all he needed to hear and he bent down slowly, giving you every chance to pull away but you didn’t. His lips met yours, moving slowly; it wasn’t a kiss filled with urgency or heat but a confession in itself. It was quiet and complete, brimming with everything he couldn’t put into words. You leaned into the kiss without hesitation, holding your knight as if you’d never let go. Garrick finally pulled back and smiled down at you, familiar and lopsided and you gazed at his face; it was perfect, even the scar running down one side. “I’ve wanted to do that since the first moment I saw in the Archives scowling at your reading list,” he said with a husky chuckle. “You mean the time when I dropped all my books and cursed the professor under my breath for assigning so many?” You laughed. “That’s the one,” he grinned. “I knew I was done for. Took me weeks just to speak to you the first time in math,” He grinned. 

You tilted your head. “You mean all those dumb questions about the equations were just your excuse to talk to me?” You teased. “They weren’t dumb! I stand by not knowing what the hell was going on in that class,” he laughed. “You had a better grade than me!” You said, shaking your head with a smile. “Yeah but only because I started studying after you helped me. I had to impress you somehow,” He flashed a grin. “Then you’ve just been trying to impress me this whole time?” You asked softly, looking up at the man who stole your heart. “Because you never needed to,” You whispered, wrapping your arms around his waist, still clutching the precious book. “I’d still do it all over again for you,” He said, leaning down and kissing you again. This time, you held your knight and didn’t let go. 

Looks Like Snow

Summary: Soap shovels the drive way and you can't help but admire the view

Pairing: John Mactavish x gf!reader

Words: 749

Warnings: fluff, slight suggestive material

A/n: this is a short one! Just wanted to get out another soap fic before the holidays. As always please let me know what you think of it! I've got a few other WIPs I'm working on and going to try to have out before Christmas! Requests are also open for 141 guys so send in anything you want to see or just if you want to chat! Hope you all enjoy! :)

"Because of the accumulated snow, snow plows are unable to clear any roads or driveways and roads remain closed at this time. Citizens are encouraged to stay indoors due to slick and icy conditions" The weatherman continued to report on the snowy conditions. "I can't believe the snowplows are delayed again," you grumbled, changing the channel to a lighthearted Christmas movie. "Our driveway is never gonna get cleared," you said, taking a sip of your hot cocoa. As soon as Soap heard no one was coming to clear the roads and you wanted the driveway cleared, he started pulling on his winter boots.

"Where are you going babe?" You asked from where you were sitting on the couch bundled in countless blankets. "Goin' ta shovel our driveway Bonnie," he replied pulling a beanie over his Mohawk and a simple hoodie. When you asked why he simply said his hen deserves a clear driveway. "But I'm not going anywhere. No one is," you laughed. "Besides it's too cold outside to do anything and really I was just complaining," you added. But Soap wouldn't hear of it. "If my hen wants a clear driveway, a clear driveway she's gonna get," he said, giving you a peck on the cheek and heading toward the garage to get the shovel.

After half an hour of Johnny shoveling the driveway you began to worry because it was so cold out. You knew it was stupid; Johnny had probably been through so much worse on the many missions he's sent out on but you still couldn't help but worry. It was cold and it had only gotten colder since he had been out there. You pushed the covers off and padded to the window where you could see Johnny. He was still going, shoveling the snow a foot at a time. Other than his breath billowing out in clouds you wouldn't even know he was cold. He was steadily clearing the driveway and you couldn't help but admire the view.

The thick muscles in his back stretched over tough sinew underneath the tight hoodie with every toss of the shovel. His biceps bulged under the sleeves and you bit your lip. It was no secret that John was an attractive man; you noticed the stares in public and the flirting in grocery stores. You weren't insecure by any means; in fact you found it comical that they made every effort to convince John to "give them a call". Johnny always rejected them; politely of course. Besides, you were the one he came home to.

You brought your mind back to the scene in front of you. Johnny was the greatest boyfriend you could ask for. I mean, who else would go out into the freezing cold to shovel a driveway for no other reason than you wanted it done? You truly hit the jackpot with Johnny. You saw Johnny stop and wipe his brow; you couldn't believe he was sweating considering how cold it was. You walked over to the kitchen and got a thermos out of the cabinet. You poured some of the hot chocolate into the insulated tumbler and screwed the lid on.

You made sure you were bundled tightly before opening the front door. Your feet crunched on the snow-ice mixture covering the ground as you made your way to your boyfriend. "What're you doin' out here Bonnie?" Johnny said, looking up when he saw you making your way through the snow. "I thought you could use this," you said, handing the thermos over. "You're too good to me," he said, giving you a kiss before taking the thermos and unscrewing the lid. "You're the one out here working," you replied. "It's freezing out here. I can't believe you came out here to do this just for me," you said, looking down at the now clear driveway.

"You're worth freezing for bonnie," he said, setting the thermos down and wrapping his arms around you. He slipped his hands underneath your coat and you squealed at the harsh temperature of his hands against your still warm skin. He pulled you closer to him, your bodies pressed together. "You know I can think of plenty of ways to warm you up," you whispered against his neck and he groaned. "You cannae tease me like that woman," he said, pulling you closer as if you weren't pressed together already. "Who said I was teasing?" You asked, looking up at him. You could tell by the looks in his eyes that it was going to be a long night for you.

Now accepting curious anonymous messages 🌚

Thank you to everyone who got me to 5000 likes!

John Price Masterlist(on-going)

Updated: 11-14-24

Couples Trip😈

Tis The Season💕

Massage💕

Get to know me asks✨

So introverts who never talk to their mutuals can get to know each other lol

1. What were your summers like as a kid?

2. Do you enjoy thrilling rides like rollercoasters?

3. Who was your childhood hero?

4. What is your favorite book?

5. What do you find most attractive about your crush?

6. What’s your favorite outfit?

7. Does seeing people in love make you happy? Sad? Annoyed?

8. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

9. What CD did you play to death as a kid?

10. Hike to a mountain top to watch the sunrise or drive out of town to stargaze?

11. What song has the most relatable song lyrics to you?

12. Iced drinks or hot drinks?

13. Bright colors or neutral tones?

14. Breakfast for dinner or pizza for breakfast?

15. Do you have a green thumb or a black thumb?

16. What’s your favorite feature of yours?

17. Would you rather be a lawyer or a doctor?

18. What type do you tend to go for physically?

19. Power of invisibility or flight?

20. Would you rather wake up with your makeup magically done or your hair?

21. What’s the stupidest fight you’ve ever gotten into?

22. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen someone do in public?

23. What’s your dream date?

24. Do you tend to gravitate more toward using logic or intuition to make decisions?

25. Do you like parties?

26. Did you enjoy high school?

27. Who is the craziest person in your family and why?

28. What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

29. Can you describe your laugh?

30. Instagram or Twitter?

31. What’s a show that everyone loves that you didn’t?

32. What song is stuck in your head?

33. Do you like exercising?

34. Do you scare easily?

35. Who are your top 5 celebrity crushes?

36. If you could learn one language fluently what would it be?

37. Would you fly to the moon if given the opportunity?

38. What’s your favorite flower?

39. What non-sexual touch affects you the most?

40. Do you enjoy cuddling?

41. Do you like valentine’s day?

42. Do you enjoy driving and are you a good driver?

43. What would you be most likely to become famous for?

44. Do you have a favorite quote?

45. Are you a romantic?

46. Do you have any tattoos or want to get one?

47. Biggest pet peeve?

48. Favorite personality trait about yourself?

49. Sum up your type in three words.

50. Do you listen to Kpop and if so who is your bias and why?

51. What’s the longest you’ve ever stayed awake?

52. Hot or cold weather?

53. Bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates?

54. Can you do any good impressions?

55. What’s the best prank you’ve been witness to?

56. Favorite dessert?

57. Is there a vine or tik tok you quote often?

58. What tumblr post always makes you laugh?

59. What country that you haven’t been to do you want to visit most?

60. Can you cook and do you enjoy it?

61. What’s your guilty pleasure movie?

62. What’s your comfort movie?

63. Is there a genre of music you don’t like?

64. What’s an album that you think has no skips on it?

65. What’s your favorite thing to watch on youtube?

66. Would you make the first move to ask someone out?

67. Do you often dream or have nightmares that you remember when you wake up?

68. What are you craving right now?

69. What turns you on?

70. What’s something you haven’t done that you think most people have?

71. What genre is your favorite playlist right now and what’s it called?

72. Are you a sad or happy drunk? Chill or energetic drunk?

73. What time of day do you like best?

74. Do you tend to enjoy being babied or do you prefer to be the one taking care of someone else?

75. What top three cities do you want to travel to?

76. What’s your favorite feature about your best friend?

77. Do you have any pets? What are their names?

78. Back scratches or having your hair played with?

79. Do you like surprises?

80. What’s your favorite picture of yourself?

81. What books influenced you most as a child?

82. Do you like kids?

83. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? (or other accessory if you don’t wear any)

84. Any wild stories passed around in your family?

85. Do you consider yourself an independent person?

86. What are you most comfortable sleeping in?

87. What was your childhood dream?

88. What’s your fictional OTP?

89. What’s one thing you want to achieve this year?

90. What has been your favorite book you’ve read in the last 5 years?

91. What was the first movie to make you cry?

92. What book world would you live in if given the opportunity?

93. What’s your craziest work related story?

94. What’s the best job you’ve had so far?

95. Worst tinder or date experience?

96. What’s the first thing you think of when you wake up most mornings?

97. Are you more of a planner or a spontaneous adventurer?

98. Do you think you see yourself the way other people see you?

99. What’s the last show you binged?

100. What’s one of your fondest memories?

Chapter 6: No One Else

Series Masterlist | Read on AO3

*Please do not plagiarise, copy, or repost anywhere else.

Pairing: 40s!Bucky x Autistic!Reader

*18+ only. Minors DNI. If you follow/reblog, please have your age (or an indicator of your age) in your bio.

Summary: You and Bucky reach a new stage of your relationship. Boundaries and broken, confessions are made, and you couldn't be happier.

Warnings: Smut (it's here at last, enjoy), fluff, risque humour, awkward sex story (reader's ex).

Author Notes: This is short, sweet, fluffy, and a little smutty. Y'all deserve it after the stress of chapter 5 (and so do I).

Click for full Author Notes

DISCLAIMER: The reader’s autistic traits are predominantly based on my own, but every autistic person is different and will display different traits in different ways.

That evening, you couldn’t stop crying. Peggy had been so mean, so unreasonable. Were you wrong to confront her? No, what she did was dangerous, and she had been reckless and inconsiderate. She needed to be confronted.

But what she had said in response? That hurt. Really hurt.

The next day you were quiet, ruminating. You had met Bucky after work for dinner and a stroll, but he had had noticed your change in mood. You could feel his concern, you knew you would have to tell him eventually.

Honestly was always best, you knew that, but that didn’t mean it was always easy.

It came out of you in a quick burst as you and Bucky were walking in the park together…

“Did you try and flirt with Peggy at the Whip and Fiddle, Bucky? After I left?”

Bucky tensed, then looked confused. The two of you stopped by some trees on the edge of the path.

You continued. “Because if we’re together, you and me, it really upsets me that you’d flirt with someone else. I don’t flirt with other people.” In truth, you didn’t really know how to flirt, but that was beside the point.

Bucky thought for a moment, then shook his head.

“I asked Peggy to dance, that’s all.” He said, and his voice had a reassuring tone. “Why, is she trying to stir things up? She has no right after that stunt she pulled with the pistol.”

“There’s nothing wrong with dancing. And honestly, I don’t expect you to never look at another woman again, because you’re only human and that dress was very lovely even if she got the fabric through slightly dubious means, but I suppose I’m also trying to get chocolate from the same spiv so I can’t judge, but anyway I sometimes look at other men and think they’re handsome, but obviously they don’t compare to you and I would always turn them down if they approached me,” You were rambling again, your mouth and your brain not working in sync, barely pausing for breath, “but Peggy said that you flirted with her, then said something to Steve about being invisible?”

Bucky’s eyes widened. He looked as though he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He had told you many times that he loved your rambles, but the current situation was serious.

He sighed. “Ah jeez, I didn’t think she was in earshot when I said that.”

“So it’s true?”

He nodded, and a chill ran up your spine, and tears started to prick your eyes.

“What did you mean by that?” You continued. “You were never invisible to me.”

“It was a joke, and I’d had one too many drinks.”

“I don’t understand.”

Bucky sighed, wondering how to put his feelings into words. “Before Steve got all… You know…” He trailed off as a mother with a pram walked past.

“Big and muscular?” You finished the sentence for him when the woman had passed.

“Yes. Before that, I was used to…”

“Having all the attention?”

Bucky nodded. “So naturally I’m feeling a little put out that he’s the centre of attention now. Call it ego I guess. It’s something I need to figure out.”

“So in that moment, you and Steve just became two peacocks, vying for the attention of the pretty peahen...”

Bucky’s mouth flickered in a smile at your metaphor, charmed by it. But you weren’t smiling.

He sighed. “I suppose we were, damn my eyes.”

You were disappointed, but sadly not surprised. Bucky was beautiful and charming, so it was no surprise that he would enjoy being the object of desire. You remembered the SSR base in Italy, watching him walk off with the nurse with that grin on his face, how she swooned over him in the mess hall.

Of course he would like getting that kind of attention. Even here in London, you saw women look at him, envying you, and you couldn’t blame them.

But you also knew your worth. You were intelligent, kind, warm, capable, and above all else, worthy of love.

If Bucky wasn’t going to value you, then you would end it here.

“Isn’t having one person who loves you better than being the centre of attention?” You asked him.

He laughed, his eyes crinkling. “You sound like Steve!” He said, but then his brow furrowed. “Wait, what did you say?”

“That having one person who loves you-“

“Not what you literally said, what you meant.”

Here it was. Your sweating hands shook uncontrollably as you forced the words to come to the surface.

“I love you, Bucky. But I value myself. If you won’t be good to me I don’t want this to continue. I don’t want you to break my heart.”

He gasped slightly at your frankness, frowning a little, weighing up what it would mean to lose you. Eventually, he smiled and shook his head.

“Well, I wouldn’t expect any less. You’re a wonderful woman, and you deserve the best. I love you too.”

“Really?” It was a silly question in hindsight, but you were so overwhelmed that all your logic had gone out of the window.

“Yes, really, you silly thing!”

“You have no right to call me silly after that bollocks you were spouting about being invisible.”

“No I don’t, I’m very silly.” He laughed, but then his face stiffened and he became serious again. “Look, there’s been no one else I’ve wanted, truly wanted, since I met you.”

“Is that the truth? You’re not just telling me what I want to hear, because everything has to be clear. I don’t do games. You know that.”

He put his arms around your waist, firmly, pulling you to him. Here he was, feeling like home again, and you relaxed.

“If I have to get over my old reputation as a ladies’ man and the old expectations, then that’s on me.”

“Yes it is.”

He laughed again, and buried his head in your neck. He liked putting his head there, you had noticed. It felt wonderful when he did it.

“I don’t think we should be staying out in this very public park.” He whispered, before kissing your jaw.

“No, we shouldn’t.” You replied as you idly played with his hair, leaning into him.

“Then what do you suggest, sweet thing?”

You had to pause, work up the courage to say it. But eventually the words came out.

“Come home with me. Stay the night. Properly this time.”

***

You couldn’t help but thinking back to what that nurse in the mess hall had said. Bucky really was beautiful everywhere.

He had looked a little shy when he had undressed in front of you, but you were so enamoured, so transfixed by him that his shyness was just sweet and endearing to you.

“I don’t know why you’re blushing.” You said. “You’ve already been in this bed with me in your underwear.”

“My underwear,” He laughed as he nervously fumbled with his shorts, “Not naked.”

As you got into bed together, he giggled as he climbed on top of you, burying his head in your neck once more.

“What is it?” You asked, stroking his back.

“I can just relax now. That day I came here and got into bed with you… I was trying so hard not to, you know…”

“Get hard? I wouldn’t have minded.” You laughed.

You opened your mouth again to explain how it was a perfectly natural response, and how some men got erections involuntarily by simply being relaxed, but Bucky kissed you before the words could come out.

“I love you.” He said softly. “You wonderful, beautiful, eccentric thing, you.”

***

You never knew how good it could be.

As you lay there, wonderfully still and blissful, you couldn’t help but grin.

Bucky lay on top of you, still resting within you as he kissed your neck softly. His eyelashes brushed your skin as he moved his head, the slight scratch of his stubble sending little shockwaves through your body. His heart pounding against your chest, his strong arms feeling so incredible as they clasped you tight…

Everything had been so good, so right.

Your very first time had been an awkward fumble in a beach hut when you were 18. It had felt nice, but only for a short while, because your poor boyfriend at the time had finished within a matter of minutes.

It had been quite the disappointment really. You had always experienced touch differently to other people, appreciated certain sensations more. You had wanted to take your time, running your hands over his skin, telling him where on your body to kiss you, to explore.

But that boyfriend had been messy, eager, he just wanted to ‘do it’. It was like some task he had to tick off, something he had to get done and out of the way. How sad, to treat something that had the potential to be so pleasurable, so pivotal, as something so frivolous and quick.

“Did that feel good?” That boyfriend had asked you, breathless and grinning as he hovered over you.

“Yes, but it was over too quickly for me to really enjoy it in the same way you did.” You had told him. “Perhaps we could do more things, or try again?”

Well, he had asked. Unless it was a rhetorical question? But why ask you if he didn’t want an honest answer?

He had looked heartbroken when you had told him that. Your relationship hadn’t lasted long afterwards, and the silly lad had never expressed what exactly had hurt him, or told you why he was suddenly so closed off. Perhaps he just didn’t know how to express it.

Perhaps this was why your best relationships had been with honest people, good communicators, good listeners.

Bucky had proven himself to be all of these things. Always alert, always checking in, communicating, making sure you were both happy and feeling good. And for once, you didn’t mind the eye contact. It felt natural with him in that moment.

A little while later, as you lay together, bodies sweetly aching and eyes heavy, Bucky readjusted himself and looked at you.

“You know we’re kinda screwed, lieutenant.” Bucky said softly, his voice sleepy and languid.

“I mean literally that’s true because we just-“ You began, but Bucky interrupted you.

“Not literally, silly!” He laughed, pulling you closer and nuzzling you.

“I know, it was a joke. So why are we metaphorically screwed, pray tell?” You asked, bopping him on the nose playfully.

“Because now we’ve got started on this whole sleeping together thing, I don’t wanna stop.”

“Neither do I.”

“So that might cause a few problems when we ship out again. I can’t see them letting us sneak into each other’s tents, we’d probably both get court-martialled.”

“Can they court martial people for sex?”

“I wouldn’t put it past Colonel Phillips.” Bucky jested.

“We’ll just have to find another woodland.” You said, only half-joking. But that tickled Bucky so much that he started to crease up with laughter, gripping your sides as his body shook.

“I fucking love you.” He gasped.

“I love you too. So much.”

***

“You have a spring in your step this week, lieutenant.”

That’s what your colleagues all said, as though you weren’t already aware.

You felt as though you were floating, walking on clouds. Although you could still work perfectly well, the main thing occupying your mind was Bucky, your sweet boy. The way he held you, how lovely his skin felt under your fingers, how good it felt when he made love to you, the soft earnestness in his voice when he told you that he loved you.

He loved you. He loved you.

How blessed you were, how lucky you had been to find each other when you did…

Your happy haze was broken when Peggy entered the room. Now that you were upset with her, there were few people in the office she could speak to about matters that weren’t work related.

Your shoulders instinctively tensed as you felt her presence. Sometimes it felt like a blessing to feel things more intensely than other people, other times it was a curse. You even flinched as she moved a little closer, hearing her take a deep breath as she braced herself to speak to you.

You pretended not to notice her. You had already told her how she had made you feel after all, and an apology still hadn’t been forthcoming. There was nothing more to say.

But instead, Peggy simply put a small parcel on your lap, which caused you to flinch. When you looked up at her, brow furrowed, she sat beside you and sighed.

She looked at you, almost as though she was expecting you to say something. When you remained silent and just looked between her and the parcel, she looked away, psyching herself up to speak.

“I was absolutely beastly to you.” She said at last.

“Yes, you were.” You murmured, not prepared to pander to her.

“I’m sorry. I really am.”

She sounded genuine, but really, it just wasn’t enough. ‘I’m really sorry’ was for careless transgressions, mistakes. The way she had spoken to you was deliberate and cruel. ‘I’m sorry’ just didn’t cut it.

Too angry to respond, you pressed your lips together as you thought of how to reply. Peggy laughed softly.

“What is it?” You snapped.

“I remember once, in one of your rambles, you telling me that ‘I’m sorry’ just doesn’t have as deep a meaning in English.”

You kept quiet. You had indeed told her that. You had told Bucky too. It was something you liked to tell everyone you felt comfortable around. But right now, Peggy bringing that up had you felt vulnerable.

Your rambles came out when you felt comfortable and happy around someone, and you doubted that Peggy would ever be privy to your rambles again.

You looked down at the parcel, working up the courage to hand it back to her and tell her to go away, when she said: “Es sehr tut mir leid, meine liebe Freundin.”

That touched you, you couldn’t deny it.

“Thank you for your apology.” You said, looking at her and forcing yourself to make eye contact. It wasn’t forgiveness, that you weren’t ready to give, but you did appreciate the gesture.

“I was very insecure,” Peggy continued, “I still am. I suppose I have a lot of my own demons on my shoulder and I ended up taking it out on both you and Steve.”

“Have you apologised to Steve too?”

Peggy shook her head. “It’s going to take a little longer to pluck up the courage.”

“Well, the team’s shipping out next week. You need to be quick about it. Who knows how long we’ll be gone for?”

Peggy looked as though she was about to say something, make an excuse, but instead she stopped herself and just nodded.

“Why don’t you open the parcel?” She asked you, gently.

A present would hardly make up for what she did, but you lifted the small parcel from your lap and started opening it. Your eyes widened when you saw the contents and you couldn’t help but smile. Inside was a bar of Cadbury’s Bourneville chocolate, and a packet of custard creams.

“Thank you, Peggy.” You sighed. It was a nice gesture for sure. “I’ve really missed these.”

“Anytime you want these, just tell me. Or anything else for that matter. Nylons, lipstick, anything. He has a very good supplier, so you can get anything you want. My way of making it up to you.”

She put her arms around you then. You hugged her back, although you weren’t enjoying it. You loved hugging your friends, but something had shifted in how you felt about Peggy. She had apologised to you, and you had accepted her gift, but things weren’t going to be the same.

Still though, perhaps time could heal things.

And you weren’t going to say no to getting all the chocolate and biscuits you could lay your hands on…

***

It was a lovely send-off before you all shipped out. Gathered friends, a few drinks, and luckily, the Fighting Cocks was nice and quiet that night.

You and Thea, ‘two roses among thorns’, sat with Bucky, Joey, and the rest of the 107th. Steve was absent that night, back at the SSR office, still working through plans and strategies and equipment. You hoped that he and Peggy had spoken, that she had apologised.

Sat around the pub table, the boys were trying to be brave, the drinks flowing freely, cracking jokes. Joey was reminiscing about his RAF days, egging the boys on to help them feel brave, but you and Thea knew very well that he was glad to never have to see the horrors of war again.

Joey was home, he could take his time to heal, both physically and mentally. But not your boys, and not your Bucky.

They were putting on a show of bravado, but you knew that they were afraid. Even Dugan, who never seemed to show any other emotion than joviality, you knew he was scared.

Bucky too. He had a duty, you knew that and respected it, he had to follow Steve. But he was still so shaken, so tired, still affected by what had happened to him when he was taken prisoner.

That thought made you instinctively reach for Bucky’s hand and squeeze it, and he looked at you, tenderly, as though he knew what you were feeling in that moment.

Thea had been regaling you all with a hilarious but chaotic story about the backstage antics that had occurred during the Christmas show at the Windmill.

It was a story she had already told you twice, but you loved it. If anything, knowing the story well made it even better, anticipating the twists and turns. There was also something calming about repetition for you, even when it came to stories.

“…And then Mr Van Damm walks in and shouts ‘Oi sonny, it’s just the tableau girls who are supposed to be naked in here!’ Poor Michael turned as red as a beetroot!”

The table erupted with laughter, and your foot started to twitch with excitement. It didn’t just happen when you were stressed.

There were times when you would have to suppress these little calming movements of yours, but not now, not among friends, or your family, as Bucky had rightfully called them.

“Moral of the story, never try to do your laundry backstage.” Joey chimed in.

“This is probably a daft question…” Falsworth began, “But don’t the girls get cold?”

“Oh it get surprisingly warm on stage my dear!” Thea told him. “You can be wearing next to nothing, but with the lights and the heat of all those bodies around you, you feel perfectly fine.”

“She’s speaking from experience by the way.” Added Joey, shooting an amorous gaze at Thea.

"Oh yes, at the Folies Bergère I once danced in a few strings of pearls and nothing more. Those were the days!" She laughed, although her voice had a twinge of nostalgia to it.

"I bet you were amazing! I'm not sure I could pull that off!" You giggled.

"Oh darling, you absolutely could, you have fantastic bosoms!" Thea said frankly.

Her comment took you by surprise, and you snorted as you began to crease up with laughter.

Dugan spat out his drink. Falsworth pressed his lips together, trying to be polite. Morita just laughed unashamedly, while Gabe translated the joke for Jacques, before both of them broke into fits of giggles.

Thea's eyed flicked to Bucky, whose expression you couldn't see.

"Yes! This one agrees! He's seen them! They are magnificent aren’t they?”

No Thea, stop right there.

Mortified, you looked over at Bucky, whose glass was poised just below his mouth. He thought for a moment, unsure of what to say.

All eyes were on him, an awkward silence descending over the table.

Whatever he said was going to incriminate him.

“A gentleman never tells.” He said eventually, before taking a big swig of his drink.

***

If you had to list the most awkward moments of your life, then this would be at the top.

You, Steve and Bucky in an empty meeting room, under the guise of Steve briefing you on the upcoming mission.

If only your colleagues knew the truth.

Instead of tactics, the subject to be addressed was your sex life.

You wondered how Steve had found out so quickly. Gabe was too discreet and conscientious, and it couldn’t have been Jacques because Steve spoke very little French. He wouldn’t have seen either Joey or Thea, they were more your friends after all, and Falsworth had been far too English about the whole thing, so you could rule him out too. That just left Dugan and Morita… Either was a likely culprit. Both liked their risqué jokes after all. But which one was it?

You sat with Bucky on one end of a briefing table, Steve on the other, just wishing the ground would swallow you up.

“So am I to understand that your relationship has become more… serious?” Steve said plainly.

Bucky’s lips were pressed tightly together, as though he was trying not to laugh. Steve was an old friend after all, his best friend, and hearing him talk this seriously about your relationship was undoubtedly very amusing.

“We’re sleeping together, Steve. Let’s not be formal about this.” He said plainly.

“Yes… We’re… Doing that. What he said.” You managed to mumble awkwardly, feeling heat spread across your face. How were you meant to finish your damn sentences when this was being talked about?

“How did you find out?” Bucky asked Steve, trying to stifle his laughter at the ridiculousness of the situation.

Dugan or Morita, one of those two. I know it is.

Steve cocked his head and smiled. “Bucky, how long have we been friends? I know you well enough to spot things. That and, you haven’t been sleeping at the SSR accommodation. I put two and two together.”

Oh my god…

I’m an idiot.

Of course…

“And there was me thinking someone had spilled the beans.” Bucky joked.

You weren't the only one, my love.

“Wait, am I the last to know about this?” Steve’s voice shook with nervous laughter, but he was a little hurt too, and why wouldn’t he be? You had to reassure him.

“No, no, it’s not like that!” You chimed in, and you told Steve about how everything had been revealed at the pub that night.

Steve smirked, amused, but you could also sense that he was relieved that Bucky hadn’t told the world about your exploits but left him in the dark.

“Wow… So Thea has more talents than we ever knew about!” Steve laughed.

“Yeah, the ability to sense whether or not someone has seen a pair of breasts.” You groaned. “It’s quite the skill.”

“As long as you’re having fun…”

“Well, it’s more than that.” Bucky interrupted, his voice serious, and you felt his hand reach for yours under the table. You squeezed it in response. “We’re in love.”

He said it so plainly, confidently, proudly.

The mixture of embarrassment and joy left you speechless. All you could do was squeeze his hand again, reassuring him that you felt the same, but of course he already knew.

Steve smiled fondly, looking between the pair of you.

“As long as you’re both discreet and it doesn’t affect your work, I have no objection. I won’t breathe a word of this to Phillips, but you have to do the same with keeping things under the radar.”

“Thank you.” You and Bucky mumbled in unison, relief washing over you. You weren’t sure how much of that relief was to do with Steve accommodating your relationship, or the fact that this uncomfortable situation would soon be over and you could hide away at your desk in peace once more.

“These are awful times,” Steve continued, “and if your love is helping you through, I’m not about to force you not to touch each other like some kind of Puritan. This team of ours, we’re not officially the army. We may have a code, but overall, their rules don’t apply to us.”

“Thank you Steve, so much.” Bucky said softly.

“I’m serious. You deserve a bit happiness, a bit of peace.” Steve replied, nodding, before turning to you. “Both of you.”

from the valentine's asks, 14 + 43 🤩

I love doing these!

14. Favorite Candle Scent

Honestly anything to do with amber! I really love cozy scents!

43. Favorite ABBA Song

Honestly it's a tie between Honey Honey and Mamma Mia

Thanks so much for the ask!!