grapejuice blues

There’s no training manual on dating an ex-assassin turned hero. 

No one told you all the things you would sacrifice with being with someone so important to the world. No one warned you that as hard as it was for him to be away from you, it was harder for you to make sure he didn’t become a headline on the news. Another hero gone.

Even with that in mind there was something that was even harder for you to swallow. 

The missed moments.

You understood that his job took him away from you. It meant he would miss a birthday or an anniversary, but it never made it any easier. Opening gifts alone, or blowing out the candles on the cake to a crowd of one because someone tried to wreck chaos on the world again.

Unfortunately, Bucky’s job was never ending.

Dinner reservations were often spent asking the waitress for 5 more minutes, then 15, then eating by yourself until you received an I’m so sorry kiss on the forehead later that night when he finally snuck into the bedroom.

You always wanted to be mad at Bucky in those moments, to tell him how unfair it was that you had to share him with the world. But, you would hear him groan as he took his shirt off, or you’d see the blood against his cheek and it made you feel so selfish. He was risking it all for a safer world. How could you complain?

You always tried to force yourself to sleep before he came home, not wanting him to think that you waited around for him, that you were counting down the seconds. Even when your eyes were closed, you were awake. You were always awake.

You would be until you heard his boots against the floorboards. The signal he was home. 

And he was safe.

Those were the toughest few moments in your relationship, pulled by the want to forgive him and the need to be angry.

How could you be mad at someone who is just trying his best?

Bucky wasn’t oblivious to your feelings either, and his own guilt gnawed away at him more nights than not. He had a knack for swallowing it though, if it festered too long in his chest then he felt worse. Maybe if he ignored it then it’d get better. 

He’d try harder.

He couldn’t face it.

Bucky would always attempt to make it up to you. Getting up early to make your favorite breakfast – chocolate chip pancakes with a dash of cinnamon in the batter – or cuddling a bit closer at night to remind you he was right there.

Even when he couldn’t be.

Sometimes, if you were both awake enough when he got home, he’d climb into bed on top of you. The mattress would sink under his weight and neither of you needed to speak to communicate what was needed. 

His strong hands would run down the front of your shirt, lifting it up as he dipped under the covers, peppering his soft lips against your stomach. 

You shivered every time.

His body would be on the colder side, sometimes even in the heat of July, a stark contrast of your own under the warm blankets.

“You smell nice,” he’d whisper, nuzzling his nose into your abdomen. His senses were flooded with the smell of you - a mix of vanilla and honey. “I must be a crazy man for leaving you.”

It was his way of acknowledging what he couldn’t admit.

He’d kiss his way down until he’s hovering right over the waistband of your shorts, your hand immediately tangling in his messy dark locks. The way he’d whisper your name like a man praying for forgiveness while his calloused hands ran down your sides made your heart flutter. 

He’d slide your shorts down, his eyes never leaving you as he …

Well, those were apologies for a different time.

Neither of you brought up these feelings, and while you had no doubt he was sorry it was impossible to know if those words were just a placeholder. 

You tried not to reflect back on the events he missed, because each time you did, you could see the outline of where he should be. 

The weight of the emptiness sat on your chest, ready to suffocate you.

He’ll be there, you thought to yourself as you walked quickly, arms crossed over your chest and head down towards the restaurant you were going to meet Bucky at.

He had picked it out weeks ago when he heard about your job promotion. It had taken you three years of work under a boss who had become increasingly harder to please each and every year. There were many late nights spent on budget sheets and early mornings fueled by multiple cups of coffee that got you to this moment. 

Now it was time to celebrate.

Bucky was so proud when he heard the news. You called him the second you left your bosses office, the smile on your face spread so wide it made your cheeks hurt. You sat at your desk while you clutched your phone tightly. The weight of what you had accomplished lifting off your shoulders.

“I’m so proud of you,” his voice was soft through the speaker. A man in the middle of his own work trying his best to still cheer you on. “I knew you’d get it.”

Of course he did, because as hard of a worker as he was - you did twice as much. All while carrying both of your personal lives on your back.

Bucky would say you were the true hero.

“Thank you,” you said to the host once you were seated at the table.

The lights in the restaurant were low, a tea candle sitting in the middle of the small table. An intimate setting for the two of you to finally relax and celebrate. A night where laughs could turn into soft whispers, and whispers into breathless gasps.

It was a night for you, but selflessly it was for the both of you. 

Your leg shook under the table as you browsed the menu, the seat across the table noticeable empty. You hated this feeling of uneasiness that came with waiting for him because at the end of the day it wasn’t about trust - you trusted Bucky more than anyone in this world.

No, this was about the line in the sand. Loving him and knowing he needed to be there to save the world. 

Guilt and awareness. Two things that needed to exist at the same time, but were so hard to balance. It was a double-edged sword and you were losing either way.

It was fine the first time the waitress came over to ask if you were waiting on someone. 

Maybe a little more hurtful when twenty minutes had passed and you checked your phone for any text or call, but found nothing. 

Definitely upsetting when you finally had to order your meal alone.

And downright heartbreaking when you finished eating and the wait staff brought out a pity free dessert.

Bucky didn’t come. 

And worst of all? He didn’t even care to let you know.

Anger and sadness draped over you like a thin veil as you made your way back to the apartment. It festered deep in your gut, clamoring its way out.

How could he not come? How could he not tell you? 

The tears didn’t start when you got home.

Or when you got changed out of your clothes into something more comfortable.

Not even when you realized how late it was.

There were no tears to cry, no matter how much your throat constricted and the feeling in your chest rose. They weren’t here. Not yet.

You were torn between going to bed for the night and staying up to wait for him. Knowing that you wouldn’t be able to rest anyway is what persuaded you to stay awake, though it was not done favorably.

You kept checking your phone as you sat on the couch, waiting to hear from somebody - anybody . Despite it all, there was still a deep rooted worry that flowed through you that he was hurt, or … you didn’t want to think about that. 

Not right now. 

Not yet.

You heard the jangling of keys outside the door. A sound that sent a shock right through your system and into your stomach. First relief, then anger. The sudden wave of it hitting you like you were tossed into the ocean and forced to swim ashore.

Bucky entered the apartment in one swift motion, his boots were heavy with exhaustion as he dragged them across the floor taking a step inside. His head was bowed, the long dark locks covering his face as he leaned down to unlace his shoes.

You could see from where you’re sitting the sweat beads that ran down his arm. The scuff marks against his metal one. Some minor bruising and cuts - but overall, he’s still in one piece. 

When he finally kicks off his shoes and stands, he jolts suddenly at seeing you on the couch. He wasn’t expecting you to still be awake; let alone waiting for him.

“Hey,” Bucky says, his eyebrow raised as he runs a hand through his hair. “What are you still doing up?”

The question hits you like an arrow straight to the chest. His casual tone causes you to blink a few times as you stand from the couch, your arms crossing over your chest. The sign of someone ready to rumble.

“I’ve been waiting for you”.

Your tone is a bit sharper than you wanted it to be, but it’s hard to stop yourself.

Bucky’s taken aback by your inflection as he steps further into the apartment until he’s standing on the other side of the living room. He was only a few feet in front of you but he might as well have been another world away.

“You never wait for me to get home when it’s this late,” he says, carefully tiptoeing his way into the conversation. His eyes briefly shifting over to the clock that hung on the wall to confirm what time it was. “Is everything okay?”

“Does your phone not work all of a sudden?” you ask, another quick jab. “You were supposed to be at dinner 4 hours ago, Bucky.”

There’s a look of confusion on his face. One that clearly showed that he was unsure of what you were referring to.

“Dinner? What dinner?”

“The dinner we were supposed to have tonight,” you explain, trying to throw him a life line.

Bucky purses his lips as he tries to remember, his body was aching and his head was pounding from the fight he just endured. Whatever plans the two of you might have had were long gone from his memory at that moment. So, he waits for you to continue.

“For my promotion, Bucky. The one you made reservations for weeks ago,” you try to keep yourself level headed, but the break in your voice slips its way out.

Bucky’s face drops when the words hit his ears, his hand coming up to rub his forehead in a way that screams oh fuck .

You blink back the tears that start to form because there is still no way you are crying right now. No, he didn’t deserve those tears yet. He breathes out your name as he takes a step closer but you hold out your hand and take a step back from him. 

It was instinctive, your body was protecting you.

“I forgot that was tonight,” he says, his words rushed as he tries to explain. “Sam called this morning about a threat we needed to investigate. I didn’t even - … fuck.”

“Bucky, you missed my birthday. You missed our anniversary. Now this .”

“Shit,” he mumbles to himself as his metal fist knocks softly on the wall of the entryway out of frustration. “I fucked up. I’m sorry, I didn’t even - .” 

“You say that every time! You say it like it’s going to erase that you weren’t there,” you snap. Anger was filling up in your veins, close to overflowing.

“I don’t think it’s going to erase anything. Don’t put words in my mouth.”

His own guilt is gnawing at him, the weight of what he had done was simmering under the surface. He hated himself enough as it was, hurting you was just another reason to add to the never ending list.

“I’m not putting words in your mouth. I’m saying that there’s only so many times I can hear that same apology without losing my damn mind!”

“I’m trying my best, okay?” he says, voice dripping with agitation. Neither of you were shouting, no good would come out of raised voices. “I can’t be everywhere at once.”

“Except you’re never here!”

“Hey, that’s not fair,” Bucky snaps. “Sam needed me.”

“ I needed you, Bucky!”

Bucky thinks getting shot in the chest would have hurt less than hearing you say that.

It felt like an explosion had gone off, the air sucked right of the room. You and Bucky rarely fought, this was uncharted territory, and it seemed the landscape was filled with bombs ready to explode.

Bucky stares at you for a moment, his hands resting on his hips as he blinks slowly. What was he supposed to say? You weren’t wrong. He was in the middle of a rope being pulled in all directions.

“You think I don’t know that?” he says. Despite his voice raising, he still wasn’t shouting. “You think every morning when I roll out of bed I don’t think about how much it hurts to leave? How it kills me to come home at night knowing that my whole world is in bed and that I can’t be there?”

“No, I don’t think that,” you retort. “But, every time Sam or Steve or someone calls it’s like your world is narrowed down and that’s all you see. Tunnel vision.”

“Because it’s my job! I can’t think about it. I have to just go. People get hurt if I don’t.”

The room suddenly felt smaller, like the off white walls were going to close in on themselves. There had been so many happy moments right where you both were standing, memories that you would spend your lonely nights remembering - but right now they were just a crushing reminder of all that you were losing each time he left.

“What about us, huh?” You ask, voice quivering once more. “What about me? No call, no text, not even a damn note on the kitchen table before you leave. Nothing! I have to sit around and wait for you over and over again.”

Bucky’s knees felt like they were buckling under the weight of the pressure. Of course he wanted to be there for you, but he had duties - obligations. 

“I never said this was going to be easy,” he fought back. “You knew what you were getting into.”

“So, this is my fault? I should just move on because it’s what I ‘signed up for’?”

“ Yes … I mean - …” Bucky throws his head back and lets out a groan of frustration. “No! God dammit. I don’t want to fight about this.”

“You never want to talk about it! I can’t keep brushing this under the rug! I’m sick and tired of sleeping alone at night, of my friends asking me where you are and I don’t have a good enough answer. Or wondering if you’ll care enough to try to be there.”

“That’s not fair,” he responds right as you finish speaking, taking a step closer again. This time you don’t move back. “I care about you. I love you.”

The tears finally fall as you stand your ground, your hands that are now by your side and shaking. Love was such a funny word to use at this moment. Not because there was humor behind it, but because love to you and Bucky seemed to mean much different things. 

He wanted to reach out to you, he wanted to sweep you in his arms and kiss the top of your head and tell you all the ways he loved you. That he’d hang the moon and the stars if it meant seeing you happy. But he couldn’t, he was frozen in place. 

“Bucky …” you shake your head as your voice cuts off. 

You take a moment to collect yourself, wiping your tears and staring up at the ceiling as your chest tightens. This seemed to be falling apart. Your life, the relationship, all of it.

Bucky’s eyes never leave your face as he watches you try and calm yourself down. He sees the way your body trembles as you’re still trying to hold back, the way your chest rapidly is rising and falling as you try to catch your breath.

He’s had enough.

There’s not a thought in his mind as he crosses the room until he reaches you, pulling you firmly against his chest, his strong arms wrapping around you.

You can’t bring yourself to pull away from him, your face buried as the hot tears stream down your cheeks, the sobs you’ve tried to control breaking free. More importantly, you can’t bring yourself to wrap your own arms around him, even as his hand glides soothingly side to side against your back. 

It felt like your world was crashing around you. There was no way to stop it.

His nose presses into the top of your head. Your scent filling his nostrils as the only way he could ground himself. It hits him all at once that he had been turning into the man he never wished to be. The one with hollow apologies and excuses. The one who let the person he loved most in this world down with no better reason other than I had to .

Picking your head up from his chest, you pull back enough so that the two of you are face to face again. Bucky moves to cup your cheek but your hand grabs his wrist before he can, his heart stuck in his throat as you stop him

“I can’t keep doing this, I can’t keep … waiting around,” you finally manage to say, your eyes meeting his gaze.

Bucky knows there’s no use in trying to persuade you differently - not because he doesn’t want to fight for you, but because his words mean nothing right now. He made promises he couldn’t keep. Told you he’d show up and he wouldn’t. How was saying this time will be different, it’ll be better going to mean anything to you now?

He wasn’t an idiot. A jerk, maybe, but not an idiot.

His arms drop from your back down to his side, standing a bit straighter and lifting his head a little higher. Bucky was doing all that he could to not completely collapse in this moment. He ignored the ringing in his ears. The way the room shifted. How absolutely ethereal you looked even with puffy and red eyes.

You open your mouth to speak again and Bucky holds his hand up, shaking his head softly.

There’s no training manual on dating an ex-assassin turned hero. 

^ I know thats right 🫠

You understood that his job took him away from you. It meant he would miss a birthday or an anniversary, but it never made it any easier. Opening gifts alone, or blowing out the candles on the cake to a crowd of one because someone tried to wreck chaos on the world again.

^ Stop, because it really would be such a lonely relationship dating a superhero ☹️💔

Dinner reservations were often spent asking the waitress for 5 more minutes, then 15, then eating by yourself until you received an I’m so sorry kiss on the forehead later that night when he finally snuck into the bedroom.

^ Oh Bucky… 💔💔

You always wanted to be mad at Bucky in those moments, to tell him how unfair it was that you had to share him with the world. But, you would hear him groan as he took his shirt off, or you’d see the blood against his cheek and it made you feel so selfish. He was risking it all for a safer world. How could you complain?

^ And thats the tricky part isn’t it? 💔💔 While he’s out there showing up for the world and keeping it safer, he’s letting his world down 💔💔 He’s sacrificing so much of himself for the job he doesn’t even realize that includes his relationships too ☹️💔💔

Bucky wasn’t oblivious to your feelings either, and his own guilt gnawed away at him more nights than not. He had a knack for swallowing it though, if it festered too long in his chest then he felt worse. Maybe if he ignored it then it’d get better.  He’d try harder. He couldn’t face it. Bucky would always attempt to make it up to you. Getting up early to make your favorite breakfast – chocolate chip pancakes with a dash of cinnamon in the batter – or cuddling a bit closer at night to remind you he was right there.

^ I have a bad feeling about this 😭 Ignoring an issue isn’t going to make it go away 🥲💔 If anything, trying to cover it up with little things will hurt in the long run 💔💔

“You smell nice,” he’d whisper, nuzzling his nose into your abdomen. His senses were flooded with the smell of you - a mix of vanilla and honey. “I must be a crazy man for leaving you.” It was his way of acknowledging what he couldn’t admit.

^ You are a very crazy man for leaving I won’t deny that 😔💔

You tried not to reflect back on the events he missed, because each time you did, you could see the outline of where he should be. 

^ ughhhh 💔💔

Bucky was so proud when he heard the news. You called him the second you left your bosses office, the smile on your face spread so wide it made your cheeks hurt. You sat at your desk while you clutched your phone tightly. The weight of what you had accomplished lifting off your shoulders. “I’m so proud of you,” his voice was soft through the speaker. A man in the middle of his own work trying his best to still cheer you on. “I knew you’d get it.”

^ He’s such a sweetheart sometimes that it’s hard to stay upset at him ☹️ like I know he’s probably trying his best and navigating so much of his own life problems…but that doesn’t take away that he’s not there when it’s most important 💔💔

Your leg shook under the table as you browsed the menu, the seat across the table noticeable empty. You hated this feeling of uneasiness that came with waiting for him because at the end of the day it wasn’t about trust - you trusted Bucky more than anyone in this world. No, this was about the line in the sand. Loving him and knowing he needed to be there to save the world. 

^ Omg I really hope he shows up ☹️

It was fine the first time the waitress came over to ask if you were waiting on someone. Maybe a little more hurtful when twenty minutes had passed and you checked your phone for any text or call, but found nothing. Definitely upsetting when you finally had to order your meal alone. And downright heartbreaking when you finished eating and the wait staff brought out a pity free dessert. Bucky didn’t come. And worst of all? He didn’t even care to let you know.

^ HE DIDN’T EVEN LET HER KNOW?? 💔💔 Wow…okay I can’t defend that 😭💔

You kept checking your phone as you sat on the couch, waiting to hear from somebody - anybody . Despite it all, there was still a deep rooted worry that flowed through you that he was hurt, or … you didn’t want to think about that. Not right now. Not yet.

^ oh no… 💔 let’s not think about that 💔

“Does your phone not work all of a sudden?” you ask, another quick jab. “You were supposed to be at dinner 4 hours ago, Bucky.” There’s a look of confusion on his face. One that clearly showed that he was unsure of what you were referring to. “Dinner? What dinner?”

^ HE FORGOT?! 😦 You’re kidding…

“I forgot that was tonight,” he says, his words rushed as he tries to explain. “Sam called this morning about a threat we needed to investigate. I didn’t even - … fuck.” “Bucky, you missed my birthday. You missed our anniversary. Now this .”

^ …😬…💔…I don’t have words…that’s bad…

“I’m trying my best, okay?” he says, voice dripping with agitation. Neither of you were shouting, no good would come out of raised voices. “I can’t be everywhere at once.” “Except you’re never here!” “Hey, that’s not fair,” Bucky snaps. “Sam needed me.” “ I needed you, Bucky!” Bucky thinks getting shot in the chest would have hurt less than hearing you say that.

^ OOF 💔

“You think I don’t know that?” he says. Despite his voice raising, he still wasn’t shouting. “You think every morning when I roll out of bed I don’t think about how much it hurts to leave? How it kills me to come home at night knowing that my whole world is in bed and that I can’t be there?”

^ No because I get it but also…it’s not fair to her 😔💔💔 He’s consuming himself so much with work that he’s losing a really good thing in his life 🤧💔💔

“So, this is my fault? I should just move on because it’s what I ‘signed up for’?” “ Yes … I mean - …” Bucky throws his head back and lets out a groan of frustration. “No! God dammit. I don’t want to fight about this.” “You never want to talk about it! I can’t keep brushing this under the rug! I’m sick and tired of sleeping alone at night, of my friends asking me where you are and I don’t have a good enough answer. Or wondering if you’ll care enough to try to be there.” “That’s not fair,” he responds right as you finish speaking, taking a step closer again. This time you don’t move back. “I care about you. I love you.”

^ Ughhhhhh 💔💔 he can’t just say that in the middle of this like that 😭💔💔 if only love was enough in all cases 😭💔💔

He’s had enough. There’s not a thought in his mind as he crosses the room until he reaches you, pulling you firmly against his chest, his strong arms wrapping around you. You can’t bring yourself to pull away from him, your face buried as the hot tears stream down your cheeks, the sobs you’ve tried to control breaking free. More importantly, you can’t bring yourself to wrap your own arms around him, even as his hand glides soothingly side to side against your back. It felt like your world was crashing around you. There was no way to stop it.

^ I feel like I know what’s coming and I don’t know if I’m ready for it 😭💔💔 ahhhhhh this hurts 💔💔

“I can’t keep doing this, I can’t keep … waiting around,” you finally manage to say, your eyes meeting his gaze. Bucky knows there’s no use in trying to persuade you differently - not because he doesn’t want to fight for you, but because his words mean nothing right now. He made promises he couldn’t keep. Told you he’d show up and he wouldn’t. How was saying this time will be different, it’ll be better going to mean anything to you now? He wasn’t an idiot. A jerk, maybe, but not an idiot.

^ I KNEW IT 😭💔💔 The way he didn’t even want to let her finish her sentence 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

His arms drop from your back down to his side, standing a bit straighter and lifting his head a little higher. Bucky was doing all that he could to not completely collapse in this moment. He ignored the ringing in his ears. The way the room shifted. How absolutely ethereal you looked even with puffy and red eyes. You open your mouth to speak again and Bucky holds his hand up, shaking his head softly. You didn’t need to say the words for him to know this was the end.

^ Nooooo, I’m so not okay right now omg 😭💔💔💔 You owe me a new box of tissues after this one 🤧💔💔

J, my darling, you have ripped my heart right out of my chest with this one 🥲💔💔 I love angst because of all the emotion it makes me feel and WOW did you deliver on that 🤧💔💔 Their conflict is such a realistic thing that would happen if Bucky were to get into a relationship, and that just makes it hurt 10x worse 😭😭 I will definetly need like a good 3-5 business days to recover from this, but I am not complaining about it!! 🤧 This was such a good read, and I can’t wait to get to reading part two!! 🩷🩷

pink carnartions – @chaimilkshake ✦ Summary: Logan still thinks about the you from his universe, so what happens when he meets the you from this universe? ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, Worst!Wolverine x fem!reader ]

Loving him loudly – @carbonfiction ✦ Summary: Logan still thinks about the you from his universe, so what happens when he meets the you from this universe? ✦ Tags: [Drabble, Fluff, Logan x fem!reader ]

Overpoweringly Sweet– @insert-this-fire ✦ Summary: Somehow you contracted Hanahaki for a man you hardly ever spoken to. Cant end well can it? ✦ Tags: [Oneshot, Logan x gn!nonspecified mutant! Reader ]

9.30pm – @slushycoookie ✦ Summary: Fluff, you and Logan take a night to relax, bathe together, you wash his hair, etc. You also do face masks and each other nails (more like Logan does yours). ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, Logan x Hairdresser! Reader, freaking cute ]

Jealous Much?– @fungateshortcakes ✦ Summary: What happens when Logan finds the father of one of your students flirting with you after class? ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, dofp!Logan]

The Best There is– @fungateshortcakes ✦ Summary: Parenting comes with challenges Logan never thought he would have to face in his old age; like school drop offs, nosy teachers and career day disasters. ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, oldman!Logan x fem!reader, Laura]

Say Yes to Heaven – @happy74827 ✦ Summary: Sometimes all it takes is one look. One gesture. One word. One action. To remind them that not everyone sees them the same, and It's enough to send a person over the edge. ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, First Kiss, Logan’s POV]

Clawsome Dad – @shybluebirdninja ✦ Summary: When Logan mistakenly thinks you’re pregnant (you're not), he gets way too excited about baby names and starts building a baby-proof bunker in the backyard. ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, baby proof]

Soft Edges – @lubdubology ✦ Summary: Logan doesn’t know how to relax. So you help him. ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, Worst!Wolverine x fem!reader ]

Put it on My Tab – @munsonsmixtapes ✦ Summary: You’re a bartender at the club where Logan is a bouncer and he’s going to deny his feelings for you until he’s convinced himself that he’s lost his chance. ✦ Tags: [One shot, bouncer!!logan x bartender!fem!reader]

Origin – @d1stalker ✦ Summary: two people, one shared past, and decades apart. ✦ Tags: [One shot, Angst Fluff, Logan x fem!reader ]

Suspension Bridge Effect – @d1stalker ✦ Summary: you saved one of the younger mutants during a mission, and now he's obsessed with you, much to Logan's dismay ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, Logan x fem!reader ]

no title – @writing-with-moss ✦ Summary: Girls night at a nightclub leaves you drunk and having your husband take care of you <3 ✦ Tags: [One shot, Fluff, Wolverine x f!reader, freaking cute ]

Remember me – @fungateshortcakes ✦ Summary: You thought you lost him. But even in the depths of his broken mind, love has a way of finding its way back. ✦ Tags: [One shot, Angst, Wolverine x fem!reader ]

Weathering the Storm – @librababe99 ✦ Summary:Caught in the middle of a storm—both outside and between them—Logan and the reader struggle through a painful argument fueled by fear and doubt. ✦ Tags: [Blurb, Angst, Logan x fem!reader]

Moments Between Time – @librababe99 ✦ Summary: In a dystopian future, you and Logan share a final night together before he’s sent back in time to change the past. As the world falls apart, your last hope is that he’ll survive—and find his way back to you. ✦ Tags: [4 parts Series, Angst]

Awake My Soul – @foreverindreamlandd ✦ Summary: Five years into the apocalypse, survival is instinct—trust is not. When you rescue two boys from walkers, you find yourself unexpectedly tied to Camp Shield and the guarded, sharp-edged man named Bucky. He doesn’t trust you, but when danger strikes, his instincts betray him—because keeping you alive suddenly matters more than keeping his distance. ✦ Tags: [Series, Angst, canon level violence, zombies, blood/gore, lots of unaliving]

Astrophile – @all1e23 ✦ Summary: Orion Barnes discovers a new love for stars, books, and the kind bookstore owner who always saves her the best picks. Bucky’s surprised by his daughter’s sudden fascination with constellations—especially after years of trying to share his passion with little success. Now, he watches as his little comet lights up over everything he once hoped she’d love. ✦ Tags: [Series, Angst, Firefighter!Bucky, Single dad AU]

To Have & To Hold– @slyyywriting ✦ Summary: Bucky juggles single fatherhood and first-grade milestones, but his world shakes when his daughter asks about her absent mom. Meanwhile, you—once a feared mob boss—are struggling to leave your violent past behind. When your paths cross, an unlikely bond forms, and a curious little girl becomes the bridge between healing, redemption, and unexpected family. ✦ Tags: [Series, Angst, Single Dad!Bucky Barnes x Mob!Reader]

Flashing Lights– @pellucid-constellations ✦ Summary: Bucky’s worst fears come true when he’s called to a scene. If he’s the one with the dangerous job, then why is it your life that’s hanging in the balance? ✦ Tags: [Series, Angst, Paramedic!Bucky x reader, physical trauma]

The New Avengers… And Their Mom– @knowledgeableknitter ✦ Summary: Kay Romano settles into her role as the Avengers’ nurturing new nanny, quickly earning their trust. Bucky Barnes finds himself quietly captivated by her, but their growing bond is tested by hesitation and miscommunication. ✦ Tags: [Series, Angst, Slowburn]

Silver Lining– @bcksbarnes ✦ Summary: for someone who was once frozen in time, bucky barnes never had to worry about aging, until he finds his first gray hair. ✦ Tags: [One shot, fluff]

Sweet on the Job– @danysdaughter ✦ Summary: when newly-appointed congressman bucky barnes reluctantly hires the sweetest, most radiant assistant imaginable, he doubts your place in the cutthroat world of politics—until you prove you can run it and melt his guard all at once. ✦ Tags: [One shot, congressman!bucky x assistant!reader, slow-burn,grumpy x sunshine, office romance]

The Bet – @wkemeup ✦ Summary: The agents at SHIELD have not taken well to Bucky’s pardon. When he’s injured on a mission under suspicious circumstances, you take matters into your own hands.   ✦ Tags: [One shot, angst, violence]

Sanctuary – @sunskisser ✦ Summary: bucky is worried about you when you’re overworking yourself.   ✦ Tags: [One shot, fluff]

Falling for you– @vividxpages ✦ Summary: Working on Bucky Barnes’ congressional campaign was supposed to be about making a difference- not falling for the quiet, brooding man behind the podium. But after long nights, quiet smiles, and one very unexpected coffee invite, your crush becomes harder to ignore. ✦ Tags: [One shot, fluff]

Cold wind blows– @bcksbarnes ✦ Summary: bucky hates the cold, you show him how enjoyable it is to warm up ✦ Tags: [One shot, tooth rot fluff]

Mine, Always– @imtaashu ✦ Summary: You post a cute selfie, and the internet does what it does best—starts flirting. But Bucky sees it before you even finish writing a caption. ✦ Tags: [One shot, Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Reader, Jealousy, Social Media AU, tooth rot fluff]

Bergamot– @mcrdvcks ✦ Summary: You haven’t seen Bucky in almost two months because you’ve been away on a mission for the UN. Bucky is miserable—the team has only known him for two weeks, but they can already tell that something on his phone is making him smile. ✦ Tags: [One shot, Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader, tooth rot fluff, thunderbolts included]

You lifted...?– @knowledgeableknitter ✦ Summary: Funny drabble of cleaning, lifting the couch, lifting Bucky and Lifting Thor's hammer. ✦ Tags: [Drabbles, Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader, FUNNY FLUFF]

Charles Xavier The Mutant's Serenade – @librababe99