Beskar Babe

Chapter 8: Beautiful

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Pairing: Mandalorian x female reader

Summary: When you are hired as an extra set of hands on the Razor Crest, you had hoped for a life of adventure. Traveling with the Mandalorian brought you all you wanted and more and you grow closer to him and his foundling child. Trouble stirs in the galaxy and all you can hope is your piece of paradise stays safe now that the Mandalorian has found something worth fighting for.

CW: 18+ y’all. There is smut ahead so be warned. This chapter contains depictions of sexual acts. Also includes plenty of fluff with a dash of angst.

A/N: Hello everyone! It’s been awhile! I’ve missed writing and have found time between work and med school to crank out this piece. I’m pretty proud of it so I hope you enjoy. I haven’t gotten my smutty sea legs yet so bear with me as I get practiced. I hope to write more often going forward. That being said, enjoy and as always thank you!

WC: 5332

As you cleared the last tree roots, you and the Mandalorian finally stepped into view of the Razor Crest. It was barely visible, illuminated only by the moon's pale light. The Child had babbled happily the entire trek back to the ship and now, as you approached home, his wide eyes began to droop sleepily. The Mandalorian hadn’t spoken another word to you since the incident on the riverbed but stayed close by your side. He held a gloved hand out to you as you swung a leg over the tree root and made your final step into the meadow clearing. You peered up into his dark visor with a timid smile, released his hand, and began walking toward the ship. Your hands gently brushed the tall grasses as your eyes took in the beautiful sight of the night sky. Your feelings were whirling around inside you like a storm about to break but as you gazed up into the vast expanse above, you allowed yourself a moment of peace.

“Y/n.” The Mandalorian’s voice cut through the cool night air. You turn to look at him, tilting your head as you wait for what he is to say next. Would he scold you again for being so careless? Dismiss the moment you shared earlier? He pressed a button on his bracer and the floating bassinet closed softly. The Mandalorian turned to look at you, the thin visor boring into you as he spoke.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Gone

Master List | Next Chapter | Previous Chapter

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x reader

Warnings/Rating: Mature 18+. This fic has become mature and as such will include adult themes, languages, actions, etc.

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts.

W/C: 2846

Eyes flittering open reluctantly, Tony takes a deep and tired breath as he rolls over and scrunches the pillow under his head. He had only just finished arguing with Pepper and crawled into the large bed as he waited for the nothingness of dreams. Sighing deeply, he waits for sleep to fall over him like a warm blanket, surrendering to the day's exhaustion. Mind reeling from all the implications of the disaster of this evening, Tony stared at the ceiling hopelessly. He cared for you, truly he did. In more ways than one he enjoyed the role of being your “father” in this universe, but hell if this wasn’t the most difficult thing he had ever done. Tony worked methodically, looking only to logic for most answers, but you blew his entire algorithm of human interaction to pieces. In his argument with Pepper, he had tried to speak words to how his heart was feeling much to her upset. The two of them had crawled into bed brooding as the night rolled by.  His eyes drift shut as the floating feeling of slumber begins to take hold of his aching body just as the security alarm begins blaring. 

“Mother fucker…” Tony grumbles as he tosses aside the blankets and stomps out of bed in a huff. Pepper sits up abruptly, eyes darting around the darkened space frantically. 

“What’s going on, Tony?!” She yells in confusion over the sound of Friday's alarm. Tony tugs on a pair of sweatpants and fix her with a blank stare.

“If I knew the answer to that question, I wouldn't be getting dragged out of bed in the middle of the night now would I?” He snarks and shakes his head, pulling a worn band shirt over his muscular frame and heading for the door. Pepper scrambles out of bed after Tony, wrapping herself in a robe while she follows close on his heel. Once in the hall, emergency lights flicker in time with the blaring alarm as other inhabitants of the tower clambered out of their rooms in confusion. 

“Friday, status report!” Tony barks loudly to the A. I. as he stomps his way to the elevator. 

“Breach of security, Mr. Stark. Unknown origin.” Friday responds curtly, much to Tony’s annoyance. He presses the elevator buttons roughly but nothing happens. Turning on his heel, he storms down the hall toward the emergency stairwell. 

“Emergency protocol dictates that all elevator shafts be stopped until the threat is neutralized. It is your-” Friday begins before being abruptly cut off by a grunt of anger from Tony.

“I know!” Using all the force in his body, Tony shoves the door to the stairs and stands back as it swings open to reveal a dark labyrinth of stairs, barely illuminated by the red flashing lights. Steve jogs up behind Tony and gives him a stern look urging him to explain the meaning of this situation. Tony turns to address the confusion and worry written on the faces of the team as he wipes a hand over his disgruntled features. 

“There seems to be a security threat in the tower. I’ll go up this stairwell and Steve will go down. Wanda and Vision do a scan of the building from outside and alert me to any suspicious movement. Nat and Clint, you go to the lab floor and make a hold point there. The lab contains….well a bunch of stuff that I don't want to fall into the wrong hands. Broody McBrooderson,” Tony points to Bucky who rolls his eyes and scoffs, crossing his arms, “you go with Sam to the opposite stairwell and split the same as Steve and me. Everyone else, just wait here.” Tony declares with an authoritative tone. The team nods sharply as they begin to break off in their various directions. Pepper takes a step forward to join Tony, but he holds an arm up to stop her. Pepper begins to protest but is caught off guard as Tony slips a comm in her ear and kisses her cheek chastely. 

“Y/n is probably still sleeping after the day she’s had. I need you to go check on her.” Tony whispers against her cheek. Pepper leans into the affectionate touch, nodding her understanding. 

“Be careful.” She whispers, pulling his shirt into a fist and backing away. Tony smiles warmly and turns sharply to head up the stairwell in search of the threat as Pepper makes her way down the hallway toward your room. The chilling alarm rings out loudly in the echoing space around Tony as he shuffles up the stairs in the direction of the roof. He peers through the glass panels in the doors on each floor he passes, checking for any sign of trouble. As Tony rounds the corner to the next set of stairs he runs into Dr. Lee. She looks clammy and out of breath as her eyes dart rapidly in the dim emergency light.

“Shit! Sorry, Dr. Lee. There seems to be a security breach. Are you alright?” Tony apologies as his arms steady her shaking form. 

“Fine.” She mumbles, eyes staring at the floor as she shrugs away timidly from Tony’s touch. He releases her and shrugs; eyes trained upward as he continues to search for the culprit of the breach.

“Alright, get to the common area. We are sweeping the tower now. Friday will let you know when it is been cleared.” Tony announces briefly as he continues his jog up the stairs. Wordlessly Dr. Lee moves down the stairs and out of sight. Just as Tony reaches the roof, a low baritone voice sounds in his comms.

“All clear on the bottom floor. Swept the lobby and no signs of a break-in.” Steve alerts the team, his confident voice carrying through the in-ear communication device clearly. 

“East side roof is secure. Damn what is going on?” Tony responds gruffly.

“It’s all clear in the lab, too.” Nat chimes in, a clear edge to her voice as confusion and worry continue to rise. 

“All clear on the west side ground floor,” Sam interjects, alerting the team to his position.

“West side roof, secure,” Bucky grumbles through the comms. 

“Wanda? Vision? Status report.” Steve inquires, a growing edge to his tone.

“I’m not seeing any movement. We checked everywhere.” Wanda answers nervously. This wasn’t good. Something had triggered the alarm and with Stark technology it was nearly impossible to be a fluke. Suddenly, a female scream cuts through the tense night air and into the comms. 

“Tony!” Pepper calls, her voice sounding shattered and distraught. The team leaps into action to get to the source of the commotion. Tony presses his chest and the nanoparticles of his suit cover him quickly and he’s off. As the breathless team arrives at Pepper’s side, they step into your room to see Pepper kneeling on the floor, sobbing. She shakily holds up a bloodied shirt and brings her terror-filled eyes to meet Tony’s. “She’s gone...” Pepper whispers, as all hell breaks loose. 

The intense, burning feeling of pain wakes you from unconsciousness as you pinch your eyes shut in fear. The damp smell of mildew stings your nostrils as you try to take a deep breath against the pain in your limbs. Timidly, you wiggle your fingers and toes to get an idea of what type of restraints you were battling. You let out a silent string of curses as you register the metal handcuff securely clasped behind your back and felt the pull of duct tape at your ankles. Shifting your weight ever so slightly, you lift your face from the cold concrete and attempt to sit up. Immediately, a feeling of nausea and dizziness causes you to sway and topple back into a heap on the floor. Your face felt sticky and wet from blood as you gather that they were less than gentle while kidnapping you. The sound of echoing footsteps draws your attention from your pain as you wait for whatever blow was bound to come down on you. But nothing happens. Daring a look up your eyes fall on a tall man dressed in a hydra uniform and smiling wickedly. 

“Good morning, darling. Nice of you to join us.” He murmurs, sickly sweet as he bends over and caresses your injured face. The man's thin, spindly fingers trace over a particularly deep cut causing you to wince in pain. He tsks his tongue as he looks you over and sighs deeply. 

“Get her in the chair.” He barks to the guards that followed him into the room that served as your prison. A rough pair of hands grasp you around the waist, hauling you to your feet and dragging you to the folding chair in the center of the room. The guard attaches your handcuffs to the back of the chair and stands back at attention, awaiting further instructions. You angrily glare at the man who was obviously in charge and roll your eyes as you get a better look around the space.

“Wow, an abandoned warehouse? How cliche. The dingy basements were all booked, huh?” You snark in his direction, fixing him with a bored frown. He chuckles lightly and beams a smile in response. 

“Hit her.” he barks to the guard behind you who obeys instantly. The sharp sting of a slap resounds through the room as your head is knocked sideways. You suck in a breath of pain as your skull reels from the blow. Tears prick at your eyes as your slumped shoulders shake angrily. The german man takes a few steps forward and crouches before you, tilting your chin to bring your eyes level with his. He’s smiling widely as he wipes away a stray tear and cradles your face between his thumb and forefinger. 

“Now. I don’t want any confusion as to who is in charge here, hmm?” He whispers as he lowers his face into your hair and breathes in deeply. Your stomach lurches at the proximity and fear of this man registering as dangerous. Your eyes do another scan of the area around you and go wide as you realize that there was no escape. Guards lurked in the shadows, the doors were heavily locked and fortified, there were no windows, and from the smell of this place, it had long been abandoned. No one would find you here. The man pulled back and gazed into your terrified face warmly. He was clean-shaven; his blonde hair was neatly combed in a side part snuggly against his skull. His shining green eyes peered into your with brimming curiosity, much in contrast to his lanky, creepy frame. He reeked, a terrible odor of musky aftershave and decay. With his hand still cradling your face, he brushed his thumb against your cheek.

“My name is Amil Müller and I am the director of Hyrda’s most sacred mission.” You squirmed uncomfortably as you opened your mouth to question him. A harsh squeeze of his hand had you gasping in pain once again.

“Shhh. I am not quite finished speaking.” Amil chides as he steps back and laces his hands behind his back. You remain silent as you watch him take a moment to breathe deeply, recentering himself. ‘This guy is unhinged.’ You think to yourself as you force your breathing under control to tame the rising panic. Amil smiles at you once again as he snaps his fingers. A guard drags over a folding chair and sets it out for him. Taking a seat and crossing his legs, Amil continues.

“Like I was saying, I have a very important job here and you, my dear, are the core-the focal point of this mission.” Amil declares proudly as he looks you over. Confusion furrows your brow as you stared back.

“What could I possibly help you with? There is nothing that I have that you could want.”

“Ahh but that is where you’re wrong. You have exactly what I need.” He raises a hand toward the far door as he speaks. “Dr. Lee, please come in.” Your stomach plummets as Dr. Lee steps in timidly behind Amil Muller. He extends an open palm to Dr. Lee and she places a file and a small vial into his hand. 

“I take it you two are familiar with one another, hmm y/n?” Amil snarks as he reviews the file. Tears fall down your wounded cheeks as you stare angrily at the woman you had trusted with invaluable secrets. It clicks then; the vials of blood, the secretive paperwork, and the recurring visits were all part of whatever grand plan Hydra was scheming. You drop your head to your chest in defeat as Natasha’s words of warning pull at the back of your mind. She had been right, you realized too late. Being so desperate to fit into this new life, to not take for granted any connection, you had lost sight of the dangers you faced. 

“Look at me!” Amil shouts loudly as a guard grips the hair at the base of your skull and yanks it upright. Grimacing against the pain you stare into his green eyes will hatred, not giving him the satisfaction to see your true pain. Taking a measured breath you decide to play the spy you had been well-trained for. Natasha and the team had trained you in more than one universe now and you wouldn’t let this evil man take advantage of you and endanger the people you care about for a second time.

“Just tell me what you want and what I’m here for.” You demand cooly. Amil looks taken aback for a moment but quickly changes his demeanor to cover his surprise. You were past playing games as you turned terror into anger.

“All in good time, love. But for now, I will give you something I'm sure you have been longing for.” He sneers, a cackle falling from his twisted lips. He stands abruptly and heads for the corner of the room. As he does so, a guard drags your chair and places you roughly in front of a large computer set up. There was a scattering of wires, gigantic monitors, and old keyboard setups. The entire thing looked ancient and held together by sheer spite. You gave Amil a confused look ad rolled your eyes.

“What? Your master plan relies on a computer from the nineties?” You question with a snort of laughter, but Amil smiles widely in response. Dr. Lee gave you a quick nervous glance and takes a step back from the computer. Amil begins typing in a sequence of codes and places the vial into the machine. It begins whirling erratically as a misshapen face appears in the green coding of the largest monitor. A familiar german voice echoes through the room as he greets you fondly. 

“Hello, little bird. Did you miss me?” The german voice that had haunted your dreams now appeared on the very screen before you. Staring on in horror your jaw drops and you struggle to find the words. You knew this man and had been warned against him countless times. Natasha and Clint had uploaded him to defeat Ultron in your universe, but how was he here? 

“Arnim Zola.” You whisper with a tremble on your lips, the air in your lungs slowly leaving your weak body from the panic that began to rise once more.

“Doctor Arnim Zola, but I am glad to see you remember me. How I have missed face-to-face interaction.” Zola speaks wistfully as if greeting an old friend. His face shifts to another monitor quickly as more numbers and letters chaotically scroll across the rest of the screens. Your eyes struggle to keep up with the bombardment of information before a small screen near the floor begins glowing a soft, blue hue. Nervously your tilt your face to look at what is on the screen and immediately gasp in shock. Tears flood your face and begin cascading down your cheeks as you stared at Bucky Barnes, laying unconscious on a concrete floor in some sort of dungeon-like your own. He looked like he had gone through hell with a scattering of cuts, bruises, and gashes all over his body. His hair stuck to his face, wet with blood as you watched and counted his breaths. Frantically you pulled against your restraints, eyes darting between the screens that held Zola’s face and Bucky’s limp form. You had so many questions. Where was he? How had they captured him? What did they need you both for? These thoughts swirled around your mind as the stress of our situation began to affect your body once again. Nausea washed over you in tsunami-level waves as you struggled to stay conscious and upright in your chair. 

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Inconvenience

Master List | Next Chapter | Previous Chapter

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x reader

Warnings/Rating: Mature 18+. This fic has become mature and as such will include adult themes, languages, actions, etc.

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts.

W/C: 2371

Your eyes go wide as they settle on Matt who sat casually at the head of the conference room table. He had a briefcase open in front of him with a scattering of documents spread out for the room's occupants to see. Matt’s friend Foggy Nelson leaned in to whisper to him and pulled back to shoot you a look of pity. You could practically hear the gulp he made as he looked hesitantly at Tony and back at you again, nervous about how to say what was on his mind. 

“Please, take a seat, Miss. Stark.” Matt called to where you stood in the doorway. He smiled warmly at you despite the formality of his greeting as the rest of the team shuffled around to make room for you. Bucky leaned against the wall in the far corner practically staring a hole through Matt’s head as he sat unaware and unbothered. Rolling your eyes at Bucky, you reluctantly pull out a chair by Tony who has yet to make eye contact with you; keeping his eyes pinched shut as he awaited the final verdict. His breathing was measured and even as he sat there, his fingers picking at a scratch on the surface of the table nervously. Foggy cleared his throat loudly as he timidly glanced between you and Tony knowing the things he would say could set the hot-tempered Tony Stark on a warpath. 

“Um, well. I have bad news and worse news…” Foggy starts causing Tony’s head to whip up and glare at him, his deep brown eyes swirling with anger and irritation. Foggy takes a noticeable step back as he shakily adjusts his tie and glances at Pepper for help. She steps forward from her spot in the corner of the room opposite Bucky and rests a hand on Tony’s shoulder to calm him briefly before nodding at Foggy to continue. He gives her an awkward smile as he clears his throat loudly.

“After reviewing everything…uh well there isn’t a case to be made, legally. We don’t know who hacked the system and when the press reports it-” Foggy continues sliding a stack of documents Tony’s way which he starts leafing through in disgust.

“The press has the right to post just about anything from tonight it’s-it’s the first amendment. Whoever did this knew not to show too much but just enough to cause an upset.” Matt cuts in, his smile from moments before vanishing as it became strict and professional. Steve scoffed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“So you’re telling me there’s nothing we can do?” He asks, anger lacing his words at allowing something so hurtful to go unanswered. 

“Basically, yes,” Foggy confirms, displeasure clear on his face as he begins putting away the remainder of his documents. Natasha taps her fingers on the table as she ponders the information presented. Her brows lift as she refocuses her gaze on the lawyers.

“What’s the worse news?” She asks with steel in her words as she looks them over. Foggy turns a lighter shade of pink as he swallows past a nervous lump forming in his throat.

“Well…” He begins but trails off as he searches for the right words to say. Matt frowns sadly as he grabs Foggy’s elbow and uses him to stand from his seat. Taking his cane in his hand he taps around the table as he gets ready to leave. You could almost feel his eyes on you behind those rose-tinted goggles, the way he had turned in your direction before looking away quickly. There seemed to be lingering questions and so much that he, and the others, had left unsaid. No one had pointed fingers yet, there had been no shouting or raised voices in your direction. It dawns on you then that the members of the team hadn’t truly acknowledged your presence. You anxiously peered at the people around you, hoping to find some semblance of warmth in their tense expressions but that hope faded swiftly. The aura of the room felt jagged and uneasy as your eyes swept the space and the most you could gather was that these people, your only connection in this world, clung to calmness with an iron grip trying to avoid the calamity of your temperamental poisoned nature. Your lungs released a hushed sigh as you sank into your chair and tried to avoid being more of a problem than you already felt. Bucky, however, seemed to take your shrinking stature as a challenge as he stared at you openly and unabashedly anger flashing in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak as Matt cuts him off with his worse news causing Bucky to snap his lips shut and lean back against the wall once again, brooding moodily.

“The new battle is the court of popular opinion. The press will run a smear campaign against her for what they think she may have done. You can’t refute it because, well. She isn’t exactly from here now is she? You could forge documents to try and disprove the rumor mill but again…as your legal team I cannot advise that.” Matt says sadly. He shrugs as he feels the weight of what he’s just said affect the room. You flinch ever so slightly as the impact of his words settles in. There was no real fight here you realize as you look at Matt in give a strangled, sad smile.

“As a concerned party, however, my advice would be to lay low.” Matt declares, emphasizing his connection to you as he tilts his head to address you directly.

“Don’t leave the tower, don’t cause any mischief, and especially don’t address the accusations. Understood?” He finished with an emphasis as Pepper stepped forward and shook his hands briskly, seeing how Bucky took a step forward at the tone of voice Matt had taken with you. 

“Thank you, gentlemen. I’ll show you out.” She whispers as the rest of the team process the latest in a seemingly never-ending series of problems caused by you. Foggy follows Pepper out quickly, but Matt lingers in the doorway briefly as if wanting to say something else. He thinks better of it as he turns on his heel and begins walking after Pepper and Foggy, leaving you scrambling internally behind him. The rest of the team fell into low mumbles of discussion over what was said and how annoyed they were at being told to do nothing. Pepper strolled in with a tense sway of her hips and clap her hands together loudly as she addresses the group.

“Alright, everyone but Tony and y/n out. Now.” She chirps in a high-pitched tone of someone being on edge. The team eyes her suspiciously as they loud object.

“Hold on, Pepper. I think this is a team issue-” Clint voices loudly as Pepper shoots daggers his way and cuts him off.

“I understand your concern, but first and foremost this is a family issue so we’d like to discuss it with y/n privately,” Pepper commanded as she looked at the faces of the shocked team.

“Pepper, what y/n did affects all of us.” Sam cuts in as he leans back in his chair and crosses his arms defiantly. 

“I hate to agree with Sam, but he’s right.” Natasha agreed reluctantly as she shot you a pitiful half smile. The team once again erupts into verbal chaos as they argue over you. They were right that this was your fault, but it’s not like you had planned on someone hacking the system. Your eyebrows shot up as you leaned forward anxiously, Bucky being hyperaware of your growing unease gives you a look as if to say “you okay?” to which you shrugged and rub your temples furiously. No, you hadn’t planned this so that could only mean that you were being targeted. But who would target you? No one truly knew who you were in this universe and if it was some mysterious anti-Stark leader or whatever then they had to have fairly intimate knowledge of Stark tower and Industries as well as the comings and goings of someone who wasn’t a public persona or attached to Tony or the Avengers in any way. It was odd and your palms began to sweat as you attempted to piece together this puzzle. It just didn’t make sense.

“Hey, doesn’t any think-” You begin as disappointed eyes turn to look at you, stopping you midsentence. 

“Y/n, please. We are trying to fix this mess. Just-I don’t know. Go get some rest or something.” Tony snapped sharply, not sparing a glance to see your shocked and hurt expression. You snap your mouth shut quickly and nod your understanding as you push away from the table and storm out of the conference room as fast as your legs would carry you. You rounded the corner in the direction of your room, but decided against it and stepped into the elevator instead.

“Friday, med bay please.” You call the tower A.I. and soon you feel the elevator move and carry you toward your destination. As the doors slide open you notice Dr. Lee hunched over a lab table checking a microscope. She sighed deeply as she sat back and scrawled into an open file. Quietly you walked over to Dr. Lee curious as to what she would be working on. Apparently unaware of your arrival, Dr. Lee jumped in her seat as she quickly shut the file she was writing in and gasped loudly. 

“Y/N! I-I wasn’t expecting you at this hour. Is everything okay?” She mumbles, her voice shaky and startled. Dr. Lee stands abruptly and looks you over. She places her hands gently on either side of your face as she clucks her tongue and shakes her head.

“What happened?” Dr. Lee inquires quickly, ushering you to the exam table as she busies herself with gathering her medical equipment. You hop up slowly and watch your legs sway back and forth; dangling in the air. Nervously, you pick at your cuticles and avoid eye contact with Dr. Lee. This entire evening was nothing short of humiliating and as much as you wanted to share your feelings, something in your gut was preventing you from opening up.

“Y/n…” Dr. Lee’s soft voice cut through your thoughts. You brought your tear-filled eyes to meet her calm expression and allowed yourself to feel vulnerable. Through gasping sobs and sniffles you told her everything. Dr. Lee nod along as she listened to you explain until finally, she cut you off as you told her of your suspicions about it being an inside job.

“I don’t believe that it would be an inside job. Everyone here genuinely cares about you. It could be a disgruntled intern at Stark Industries. Can you think of anyone who you might’ve made upset?” Dr. Lee asks using her most professional doctor voice. You shake your head and bite your lip. She was probably right. The need and desire to blame others for everything that happened was strong and it could have been anybody. But still, the idea lingered on. You looked up to see Dr. Lee readying a syringe full of the shining blue liquid. You sigh heavily and hold out your arm to receive the dose of the antidote. With steady, trained hands Dr. Lee administers the dose and places a bandage on the crook of your arm. 

“There. All done.” She says with a wide smile. Dr. Lee pushes back in her rolling chair and sets about cleaning her space. 

“You’re all set. You should probably head upstairs and to bed. Sleep this one off and I’ll see you in the morning.” She says without turning to look at you, her hands cleaning and packing up various instruments into a small, black bag. You hop off the exam table and feel your body sway slightly, but remain upright. As quickly as it had come, the feeling vanished leaving you confused and tired. Shaking your head you decide it was just a strong dose hitting you harder than usual. You walk to the elevator and call out to Friday to take you to your floor. She obeys silently and carries you swiftly as asked. Stepping out from the doors timidly, you tiptoe through the living space and past the kitchen. As you’re about to round the corner to your room hushed voices catch your ear causing you to freeze and listen.

“I don’t know how you expect me to feel, Pepper.” Tony’s agitated whisper echoes down the quiet corridor. You hear Pepper sigh deeply before speaking. “I expect you to feel like a father, Tony. She is your daughter whether you like it or not.” She fires back, her voice on edge.

“Don’t you think I know that? Looking at her is like looking in a mirror half the time. I can now appreciate how much shit I put my old man through. But this is different.”

“It’s not. You’re just too stubborn to work through some of these hard….inconveniences.”

Chapter Twenty -Six: Speak of the Devil

Master List | Next Chapter | Previous Chapter

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x reader

Warnings/Rating: Mature 18+. This fic has become mature and as such will include adult themes, languages, actions, etc.

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts.

W/C: 2375

Your eyes open quickly as your breath comes in shallow, frantic pants like that of a frightened rabbit. Bolting upright you scramble to your feet, ready to run away from the angry mob of a crowd but are pulled up short as you take in the dark, damp nothingness of the space around you. You look around the eerie place as a chill falls over you. “Shit,” you think to yourself feeling both angry and scared as realization settles over you. Once again you had been plunged into the dream realm induced by the poison. Steeling yourself for an attack, a monster, anything you stand fists ready and waiting. But nothing happens. Digging your fingers into the soft flesh of your forearm you attempt the shocking sting of pain to wake you. Squinting your eyes shut you will yourself to be away from here and the impending doom of what would come next. A small whisper has your eyes flying open and scanning for the source of the noise. A gentle glow in front of you wills you to follow it as it shudders and brightens in waves of blue and white. “Okay, but you better not murder me or I’ll be really mad.” You call to the blue orb as it does a small swirl and floats on down the dark pathway. You watch as it glides for a bit and then disappears briefly as you get closer to it only for it to reappear further down the path. It reminded you of a sprite or wisp from old bedtime stories, the way it led you down a path to whatever your fate would be. As you continue on the scenery around you changes ever so slightly. The dark nothingness gradually becomes dark misshapen trees with thick roots that tower above you and block out any light from the sky. You can hear the voices of men in the distance, their gravelly voices and laughter a stark contrast to the still silence from moments before. The chill in the air grew into an unbearable cold as your teeth chattered and your body shook. Looking down, you noticed that your feet were trudging through thick snowfall. The blue orb led you to the treeline and then promptly disappeared. You reached out for the mysterious orb wanting more clarification on why it brought you to this place as angry german voices cut through the air, barking commands. You ducked quickly behind a fallen tree and cower in the snow, still clad in your strapless gown from the party. Through the thin fabric, you could feel the pinprick feeling of the cold powder as it seeped through and clung to the hem of your gown. The sound of fists hitting flesh echoed over the snowy landscape followed by the grunting of someone pulling themselves to their feet. 

“How ‘bout round two, asshole?” A familiar deep voice called out with ease and confidence. Daring a look you pull peek your head just barely out from behind your hiding space, your eyes landing on none other than Bucky Barnes; arms raised in a boxing stance and preparing for another hit. The man who he was yelling at turned and smiled a sickly smile; lips curling upward in an evil grin. He wore a clean-looking uniform and as he turned toward where Bucky stood you saw his Nazi armband displayed proudly. Hydra.

“Gladly, Seargent Barnes.” He murmured as he raised a hand to the man behind Bucky who raised an electric rod and shocked Bucky roughly. You watched as he convulsed and screamed in pain before collapsing in a heap unconscious. 

“Take him to the scientist. He can still be of use to us yet. The rest of you, BACK TO WORK!” The man called, seemingly disinterested in the events that just took place. The rest of the Allied troops jumped up and continued to dig through the snow in another menial task. A pit formed in our stomach as they dragged Bucky face down through the snow and toward the lab; realization settling in that this was a scene from Bucky’s actual past. You didn’t know much and what you did know Steve had told you of his friend’s life before he came to the Avenger's side. It was dark and sad, the things you knew of the Winter Soldier.  This must be the Austrian Hydra base that Steve went to rescue the troops from which also meant it was where Bucky was experimented on. As you sunk back behind the fallen tree, you pulled your knees to your chest and hugged them tightly. You were shaking from fear, hopelessness, as well as the cold as you willed this nightmare to end. Slowly, the scene around you shifted and became the same damp, nothingness of before. A german laugh howled around you, taking enjoyment in your fear and discomfort.

“Why did you show me that?! What do you want?!” You shout to the disembodied voice that floated around you. Tears pricked your eyes as the laughter grew louder. You clapped your hands over your ears and curled into the fetal position to block out the deafening sound of it. It was torture, the sound echoing through your body; chattering your teeth. Suddenly the feeling of a hand on your chin had you opening your eyes to find nothing. “Ahh sweet, little bird. You don’t know? Well, you will soon. I promise.” The german man soothed you sadistically in his phantom state. You sobbed harder as you felt his ghostly hands tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“I’ll see you soon, y/n.”, was his parting whisper as your eyes fell shut quickly, releasing you from this nightmare. 

You woke timidly, afraid of finding yourself in another nightmare and even more afraid of the reality that awaited you. Trying to keep your breath even and steady you peek your eyes open and look around the dimly lit space for any idea of where you are. You notice that you’re tucked in a bit with a glass of water and aspirin on the nightstand. 

“I know you’re awake, y/n.” A gravelly voice cuts through the silence of the room. Your eyes dart up to the window sill where Bucky sat reading a book. His body was only partially illuminated by the small lamp near him casting a pale shadow over his slumped figure. He didn’t bring his eyes to meet yours but instead kept them cast down at the book in his lap. You move to sit up and instantly feel the sore, aching muscles of your body roar in protest. You slide your body weakly into a sitting position and reach for the glass of water and aspirin. 

“How long was I out this time?” You ask between slow sips of the cool liquid; your eyes trained on Bucky as he closes the book softly. He turns to look at you then, anger written plainly on his face as he stared at you. He opens his mouth as if to say something harsh, but quickly closes it and pinches the bridge of his nose with the fingers of his vibranium hand. 

“Only a few hours this time. It’s almost midnight.” He mumbles grumpily, clearly struggling to keep composure. You wanted to ask him so much at this moment; how Tony was, how you got here, everything that happened since you blacked out. Instead, you found yourself more concerned with how he was feeling. Bucky looked like complete hell, his usually bright eyes clouded over and radiating exhaustion. There was something in the way he was watching you as if he was trying to piece together something in his mind. 

“If you have something to say, you should say it, Buck.” You stated calmly, chewing on your bottom lip nervously. Bucky scoffed loudly and hopped from his place on the window sill to begin pacing quickly around the space.

“You bet your ass I have something to say! What the fuck were you thinking, y/n?!” he shouts at you finally, raising his hands to the ceiling in exasperation as his eyes bore into yours.

“I don’t know…” You murmur quietly, guilt slipping into the cracks in your heart. 

“You don’t know? You just-what the hell!”

“I’m sorry-I just…I felt-” “What? Like you should get absolutely fucking hammered on your first public appearance and cause a scene? Sleep with the Stark Industries legal team?” Bucky snarks loudly, his snide comment cutting deeply as you held back tears. He was right after all. You had fucked up big time and didn’t see a way out of it. This was a night for Tony to show his stakeholders that their investments were helping Stark Industries do amazing things and all they ended up seeing is a slew of questionable content and it was again your fault. You had worked so hard to stay within the confines of this new role in this new universe. You crossed your arms and painstakingly dragged your eyes to meet Buckys. 

“I didn’t mean to-”

“You didn’t mean to what? Open your legs to the first person who asked?” He snarled, rolling his eyes as he stared you down. You gasped in shock as you recoil from his harsh words. 

“Bucky!” You sob at him, clutching the comforter to your chest and letting the tears fall free. He was being cruel now and you knew it was because he was upset, but still. Realizing he might’ve gone too far, Bucky curses under his breath and runs a shaky hand over his features. He watches you as your body is wracked with sobs feeling torn between his anger and the guilt over having made you cry. He timidly sits next to you on the bed and gingerly reaches out a hand to rest on your back. 

“I’m sorry, y/n. I didn’t mean that…I-I was just mad. Please calm down, I don’t want you to puke all over my bed.” He tries in an attempt to hush your cries. You take in a long, sniffly breath as you try and recenter yourself, the last part of his sentence drawing your eyes to the comforter you held balled in your fists. Gently, your fingers released the soft fabric as it fell to your lap where you see your legs dressed in a pair of Bucky’s sweat pants. You hadn’t realized up until this moment that your dress was nowhere to be seen, your hair was slightly damp, and you smelled of sandalwood and vanilla. You peered up and Bucky as a blush crept its way over your cheeks. Bucky quirked an eyebrow at you as he slowly caught up with with your mind was going. His face fell gradually as he stuttered and stumbled to explain himself, but no words made their way into a coherent sentence. You gave him a sly smile as you eyed his embarrassed face. 

“Bucky?” You ask sweetly, taking this moment to lighten the mood. “Did you give me a bath?” Bucky scoots away ever so slightly as he crosses his arms over his chest and meets your gaze. 

“You were covered in vomit and laying in a heap on the floor, so yes. I tossed your ass in the shower and made sure you weren’t disgusting before putting you to bed.” He admitted matter of factly though his voice remained calm and level. 

“Thanks.” You murmur nudging his shoulder with your own and giving him a grateful smile. He eyed you suspiciously before biting his bottom lip and turning his body to face you.

“Can I ask why you being so weird tonight? It doesn’t seem like you to get that way…” Bucky asked, open honesty on his face as he implored you to do the same. You could lie, rather easily. Why would it matter to him why you would get sloppy drunk at a party or be rude to his date? You had spent so long giving partial truths or giving the answers people wanted to hear that lying felt like the logical step to avoid uncomfortable questions. As you stared at his concerned features, his handsome chiseled features and calm demeanor you almost cracked; almost told him what was weighing on your heart. A light rapping on the door broke the spell of the moment and just like that fate decided to intervene. Wanda poked her head around the door and gave you a small smile.

“They want to see everyone in the conference room…now,” she said quietly, nervousness etched on her face. You nod in her direction as you yank the covers off of you and stand wobbly. Bucky places an arm around your waist as you sway on your feet and allows you to lean on him until you are steady. Your chest is pressed firmly against his as you feel his flesh arm tighten around your hip as his metal hand runs a knuckle over your arm causing goosebumps to rise as you suppress a shiver. As you’re about to turn and pull away he pulls you closer and leans to whisper in your ear. “We’ll finish this later, y/n. Don’t think you’re getting outta this one.” Bucky then pulls back abruptly and walks to the door, brushing past Wanda quickly. She raises an eyebrow at you but doesn’t question the interaction she just witnessed. You shrug and loop your arm in hers as she leads you down the hallway toward the conference room. Taking a deep breath she leans close to you as if to tell you a secret. 

“Try to stay calm and I’m telling you because you’re my friend and I care about you, but he’s here.” She whispers in a rush, her voice urgent and pleading for you to understand as you both turn the corner to the conference room.

“Who’s here?” You whisper back as your eyes fall on the familiar, handsome face of none other than Matt Murdock. He looked to be in the middle of a heated conversation with the other occupants of the room as you enter and the room falls into a tense silence. He smiles in your direction slyly as he gives a light chuckle.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Panic on the Dance Floor

Master List | Next Chapter | Previous Chapter

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x reader

Warnings/Rating: Mature 18+. This fic has become mature and as such will include adult themes, languages, actions, etc.

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts.

W/C: 5801

The week leading up to the party was a blur and filled with more commotion than you had seen since you arrived. In between your time at Stark Industries and working with Pepper, you were roped into all the planning and organizing that it took to pull off a Stark event. Tony wanted it grander and grander every time you met to discuss details, with Pepper roping in his wide-eyed enthusiasm to a classy level of extravagance. In a way, it reminded you of all the fundraisers, stakeholder meetings, and wild-themed nights your dad had thrown in your own universe. He always made sure everyone was having a good time and schmoozed the crowds of hundred with ease and style. It felt as close to regular life as you could get. That was until you would make your trips to the med bay to see Dr. Lee. With the stress of the party, it seemed to have hyped up the effects of the poison. You never fully dreamed or had the nightmares you were accustomed to, but you would hear whispers and taunts just before drifting off. When you had told Dr. Lee of what was happening she shrugged and upped your dose.

“I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before, y/n. The best I can offer is more dosage.” She had announced as she pulled out an IV drip bag filled with the blue liquid. Your eyes grew wide at the sheer volume of the next dose, but silently bit your lip and nodded. Dr. Lee hooked you up to an IV and sat with you as the medicine worked its way through your system. The familiar sting and burning sensation causing your eyes to tear only slightly. The frequency of your visits had grown to almost every day as you prepped for the party and each time Dr. Lee sat and talked with you over just about every topic under the sun. She told you of her mother, how her father had passed away a few years prior. You bonded over shared experiences and laughs about life's misfortunes. It felt so comforting and nice to have someone to talk to that didn’t know just about everything there was to know about you. There was no Dr. Lee in your universe and you enjoyed the experience of making a new friend. You finished up your dose for the day and waved goodbye to Dr. Lee as you took the elevator up to the kitchen for a late-night snack. You open the refrigerator door and scrounge around for something that looked good, settling on Pepper’s cheesecake. As you softly shut the door you practically jump like a scared cat as you are met face to face with an angry look Natasha. You give a soft squeal at being spooked, but place a shaky hand to your chest to calm your breathing.

“Jesus Christ, Nat. Don’t sneak up on people like that. One of these days I’m going to have a heart attack.” You scold her half-heartedly as you turn away to grab a fork. She grabs your shoulders sharply and turns you to face her. You gasp in shock and pain as her fingertips dig into your shoulders and try to wiggle away.

“Nat, you’re scaring me.” You whine as you try to shrug off her hands, but she's too strong.

“Good. You should be. What are you doing in the lab with Dr. Lee every day this week?” She asks with emotion drained from her face. You stare at her and try to analyze what it is she was doing; coming up empty.

“Wha-nothing. She’s giving me my treatments so I don’t puke up black goo and shit. You knew that, Nat. Let. Go.” You grumble in irritation as you finally give a firm shove and release yourself from her arms. She takes a small step back and fixes you with an annoyed look.

“Y/n, I’m not talking about the treatments. You two spend a lot of time together doing-” She begins but you cut her off abruptly.

“Ah, are you jealous?” You ask in a mock innocent tone as you turn to retrieve a fork from the draw once again. Natasha swiftly slams the draw just as you’re opening it.

“I’m serious.”

“And so am I, Nat. Nothing is going on and I’m sure you’d be the first to figure it out if I was plotting something which again, I’m not.”

“I just don’t trust her.”

“You don’t trust anyone. Now can I please eat my cheesecake in peace?” You ask in a hushed tone, annoyance seeping through your words. Natasha takes a step back from the draw as you move to grab a fork. As you’re about to stab it in the cake to take a bite Natasha grabs your wrist. You tilt your head to look at her face; contorted in a mixture of emotions you don’t usually see on her.

“Just…be careful, y/n. Not everyone has our best interest at heart.” She implores, her voice wavery as the words come out. You smile at her and lean your head against her arm affectionately. She smiles and pulls away; sauntering in the direction of her room. You take a big bite of your cheesecake and call after her down the hall.

“Not everyone is out to get us either.”

Before you knew it, Saturday had arrived and the tower was buzzing with activity. Caterers were arriving in a whirlwind effort to set up the mountains of food as the bad arrived and did a sound check. You milled around the ballroom on the upper level as you watched the commotion unfold. Stepping out onto the terrace, you breathe in deeply the air of the city and lean against the railing. Peering down at the sights of the city, a small smile works its way over your features.

“Ah, so you’re a city girl then?” A baritone voice calls to you as you jump back and away from the railing. Bucky steps out from the late afternoon shadows as he raises both arms in a calming motion.

“Shit, didn’t mean to scare ya, doll.” He mumbles as he shoves his hands in his pockets. You take a deep breath and tug a hand through your hair.

“You’re fine. Nat snuck up on me yesterday so I think I’m just a bit jumpy.” You admit as you lean back on the railing and cross your arms. Your eyes trail over Bucky as they take in his worn jeans and tight-fitting t-shirt. As you get lost in the vision of Bucky, his voice cuts through breaking you from your thoughts.

“You never answered my question, doll.” He asks stepping up to the railing and brushing his shoulder against yours ever so slightly.

“Question?” You ask in confusion, scrunching your brow together to try and remember. Bucky chuckles and nudges you.

“About the city. Are you a city or country girl?” He asks again, a smile clear in his voice. You chew your lip and turn to look back out at the city sprawled before you. You watched the cars as they wove through the streets and your eyes tracked the tiny people below as they went about their afternoon errands. Taking a deep breath you closed your eyes to take in the sounds.

“You know, I never really gave it much thought. I’ve lived in the city my entire life, I don’t know if I’m country girl material.” You say finally, laughter bubbling in your chest and spilling free. Bucky laughed too, his wide smile splitting his face as he looked at you.

“You choppin’ wood is a sight I’d pay to see.” He teased as another round of laughter shook his shoulders. You open your mouth to speak as Wanda clears her through from the doorway.

“Y/n? It’s time to start getting ready. All us girls are in Natasha’s room.” She calls in a soft voice; eyes darting from you to Bucky as a smile slowly creeps over her face. You turn back to Bucky who just nods in the direction of Wanda.

“Duty calls, city girl.” He whispers in your ear as he pushes off the railing and strides past Wanda. Your stomach does a flip as you feel your palms grow sweaty. Wanda gives you a ‘what was that?’ look, but you quickly grab her arm and drag her in the direction of Natasha’s room.

“Let’s get ready, shall we?” You exclaim in an overly excited voice. Wanda just giggles and allows you to drag her along not pushing the subject further.

Striding through the doors to Natasha’s room you are instantly thrown a pile of fabric. You catch it as it hits your chest and are about to whine about manners and whatnot when your gaze falls on Natasha who sits on the floor among the chaos of her closet. You gently set the clothes on the foot of the bed and sit on the floor by Natasha; leaning into her slightly.

“What’s up Nat?” You ask softly, knowing something was off with her usual confident and stoic demeanor. She seemed frazzled and that was not the usual Nat. She sighs and nudges the curlers in her hair with shaky hands. Wanda kneels before her and smiles as she takes Nat’s hand.

“She is nervous about Dr. Banner liking her outfit.” Wanda says after a beat as Natasha’s face turns as red as her hair.

“I am NOT!” She screeches as she places her fingertips against her temples and sighs, recentering herself.

“You like Bruce?” You whisper quietly, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear and smiling. She looks up with a swirl of anger and confusion on her features and pulls her legs to her chest. It’s not often in life that you had seen Natasha so vulnerable; it gave her a level of humanity that she reserved for only the most special of people in her life. You and Wanda remain silent as you wait for her to reveal her feelings and, after a few minutes, she caves.

“Fine.” She barks, her face resettling into its usual tough expression. “I do like Bruce. A great deal actually. I want him to see me tonight as a beautiful woman and not an assassin spy. Ya know?”

“Nat, you are a beautiful woman. If he likes you, he’s supposed to like you for all of you.” You coo as you place an arm around her stiff shoulders. You can feel her relaxing a bit, but she remains mostly rigid in place. Wanda scoots on Natasha’s other side as she too places an arm around her.

“There is no need to worry. His feelings are much the same as yours.” Wanda states casually with a wide grin forming slowly. Natasha whips her head to look at Wanda as you burst out laughing.

“Y/n, stop. It’s not funny. Wanda! Stop reading people's thoughts.” Natasha attempts to scold her but a smile eventually overtakes her loosening the effect she had intended.

“I’m sorry! But when you two are just SO LOUD with your thoughts, I just can’t help it!”

“Geeze Nat, what kind of stuff are you thinking! Poor Wanda!” You squeal as you poke Natasha's ribs and roll away as she goes to hit you with another ball of clothes.

“You shouldn’t be so quick to tease, y/n. Your thoughts have been equally as loud at times relating to a particular brooding super soldier…” Wanda quips, a shit-eating grin wide across her features and Natasha looks at you stunned.

“Oh. My. God. Bucky!?!” Natasha shouts as you lunge at her and place a hand firmly over her mouth in an attempt to mumble her ramblings.

“That’s what y/n would like to be saying.” Wanda snarks as you shoot her a dry look.

“Shhh. Nat. Stop. He can probably hear us!” You whisper shout as you try, hopelessly, to get her to stop.

“Me stop? Y/n, you have a crush on Bucky. Sorry if I can’t remain calm at the idea of you, someone as sweet as sunshine, and him, the literal embodiment of darkness, ever working.” She says firmly as she pulls your hand away from her face and fixes you with a pointed look.

“For fucks sake Natasha. It’s not like I’m going to run off with him tomorrow and elope or some shit. I just think…he-he’s hot and I am attracted to him, sure. But he hates my guts for some reason and I’m fine leaving it at that.” You mutter in annoyance that the topic of conversation has switched to you. Wanda opens her mouth to say something, but instead thinks better of it and stands abruptly. She extends an arm to Natasha who takes it reluctantly as she is pulled to her feet.

“Let’s give Bruce the sight he’s been dying to see, hmm?” She says and begins picking through the remains of Natasha’s closet. A soft knock raps at the door as Pepper peeks her head in.

“How are we doing in here?” She asks in confusion as her eyes take in the piles of clothes. You chuckle lightly and shrug as Natasha wipes a hand over her face in frustration. Pepper giggles and turns her gaze to you.

“Y/n. Tony had something made for you…I’ll help you get ready if you want?” Pepper’s voice is a soft murmur as she asks you, but the wide smile on your face is reassurance enough.

“I’d love that. Thanks.” You say your goodbyes to Wanda and Nat who reassure you that they have it under control here and practically shoo you from the room. You follow Pepper down the hall to your room as she talks to you about the plans for this evening and how Tony put on too much aftershave as he nervously is preparing his speech to the stakeholders. Entering your room, you notice a large garment bag on your bed with a sleek, velvet jewelry box and a pair of navy blue heels. You gravitate to the gifts and open the jewelry box with shaking hands. You let your hands trail over the intricate details of a diamond necklace and matching earrings before turning back to Pepper quickly.

“It’s too-” You begin but she cuts you off and has you turn around and hand her the necklace. Her steady hands lift the glistening jewels around your neck and clasp it securely. Your hands float to the cold metal on your neck adoringly.

“Nothing is too much or too good for you. He loves you, y/n. He’s trying his best to fit into your life as your father. This is just how he knows how to show it, for now.” She murmurs as she pulls you into a tight hug. For a moment, you allow yourself to be enveloped in love and affection. At times it felt like you were a stranger in this place that was your home, but at this moment you felt content and at peace. Pepper pulls back and shines a beaming smile at you.

“Now, let’s get ready!” Her excitement bubbles through her words as she turns you to the vanity and sets about curling your hair. She talks to you about work and Tony and his habit of drinking a bit too much at these events. You share memories of your dad and the many parties he had thrown. She set the curls in loose, voluminous waves as they cascade down your shoulders. She does a soft touch of makeup and a dark, red lip to complete the look.

“Perfect.” She announces in a whisper as she takes in her work. You gaze in the mirror at your reflection and see that you truly did look beautiful. She tugs on your earlobes as her smile turns wistful.

“You truly do look like him, you know.” She says before standing up and putting away her makeup. “I’ll leave you to get dressed. The team is meeting in ten minutes by the elevator so we can arrive together. You’ll-”

“Hang toward the back. Got it.” You say resolutely, a frown creasing your lips.

“Right. Alright. See you then.” She says solemnly as she quickly exits the room to go get ready herself. You slowly stepped to the bed and unzipped the garment bag containing your dress for the evening. As you pulled away the edges of the bag to reveal the dress you gasp at the extravagance and beauty of it. Gingerly you pull it free from its confines and hold it up to the dim light of your bedroom. It was gorgeous, every detail sang of the time and effort it took to create it. The navy blue material was silky and heavy as it draped down from the bodice in a strapless arrangement. It twirled down into shocks of midnight blue while glistening with whispers of silver hiding amongst the indigo; like stars peeping through broken slits of the sky. You shrugged off your robe and stepped inside the pool of fabric, pulling it gently to your bust as you stepped to the mirror and took in the sight that was this gown. It was made for you; the way it clung to your hips and accentuated every facet of your figure in the most flattering way. You reached behind you to take hold of the zipper but your fingers found no purchase. Cursing under your breath while clutching the bodice to your chest you tried and failed once again to zip the dress.

“Need a hand?” A voice calls from the door as you turn to see Bucky sheepishly standing there, eyes fixed on the floor. He looked nervous as he shoved his hands in his pockets and shuffled on his feet.

“Yeah, that’d be great.” You murmur, turning back to the mirror and watching as Bucky slowly walks up behind you. His hands hover in the air at your sides before you tilt your neck and pull your hair out of the way of the zipper. You can feel his warm breath on your neck as it tickles the baby hairs at the nape of your neck. His right hand lightly pinches the fabric between your shoulder blades as his left, metal hand slowly drags the zipper closed. You can feel the metal knuckle as it grazes the flesh on your spine, causing you to shiver in spite of yourself. As he closes the top clasp, your eyes meet his and lock onto those deep, blue orbs. He looked ungodly handsome. Bucky was dressed in a dark blue velvet suit that if you hadn’t taken a closer look you’d have mistaken for black. His hair was brushed neatly as the dark brown locks tucked behind his ears just slightly peaked out. His chiseled jaw was lightly pebbled with scruff that gave him a mature and refined look. He looked confident and put together when you knew Bucky hated these kinds of things. His stature, in contrast, was hunched over as his hands lingered on your bare shoulders. His eyes bore into yours as if wanting to say so much without having the right words.

“You have a girl you're trying to impress tonight, Barnes?” You ask teasingly, breaking the silence and pulling a mischievous smile to his full lips. He looked away for a moment before meeting your eyes once again, the smile becoming strained.

“Yeah, somethin’ like that.” Bucky mumbled as he took a step back and once again shoved his hands in his pockets. Your throat grew a lump you tried to swallow past as a feeling of uneasiness grew over you. It had only been teasing when you made that comment, but the look in his eyes told the truth of it. There was someone he was trying to impress and it probably wasn’t you. Why would it be? In this universe, you were nothing but a nuisance, a job to him. He was told by people around him to watch you and so that’s what he did. Destiny had other plans for the ‘y/n and Bucky’ plot line and it didn’t involve a happily ever after. It was delusional to think otherwise. Maybe it was because you were perpetually homesick for a place you could never return or maybe because you had come so close to getting it right with Bucky in your universe, but you had convinced yourself there was a chance where none existed and now you paid the price internally for those feelings.

“Thank you, Bucky.” You said a bit too forcefully as you turned and walked to the bed. You sat quickly and slid into your heels, keeping your eyes downcast to avoid meeting Bucky’s gaze. He didn’t reply, but turned and left the room quickly. You steadied your breathing and silently scolded yourself for allowing your thoughts to run wild. Taking a quick, final glance in the mirror you made your way down the hall and into the kitchen where everyone waited to make their entrance to the party. Everyone looked amazing; dressed in their best formal wear the Avengers were a sight to see. Wanda had a beautiful, red flowing dress that glittered in every ounce of light that fell on its soft fabric. Wanda had settled on an all-black dress with just a peek through of red in the dangerously high slit on her thigh. It was tight-fitting and hugged her figure in all the right places. Pepper strode to the center of the group in her white, low-cut, and backless dress made of satin that draped her in a way that would make the greek goddess die of envy. She arranged the rest of the group so that their entrances would distract from you. The rest of the men in the group were clad in black, classic tuxedos as they pulled at their ties and bow ties with disdain and discomfort. You overheard Sam mumbling to Steve at being ‘choked’ as Clint chimed in that he thought Sam liked that. The group erupted into a fit of giggles as Pepper fixed them once again with an anxious, pointed frown. Tony strode in, fashionably late as always, in his tux and clapped his hands to gain the attention of the group.

“Showtime!” He exclaimed, his wide smile lighting up his face as he looked the group over one last time. He ushered everyone into the elevator with you being pushed to the very back behind everyone. Nerves began to take root deep in your stomach as you felt the elevator carry you up to the waiting party. As the elevator reached its destination, you could already hear the camera shutters and shouts of paparazzi waiting to get their shot of the Avengers.

“Remember, y/n. Once we step out you make a beeline to the right and we will join you in a bit.” Pepper reminds you with a soft, clinical tone. To them, this was part of the job. To you, this felt like a huge hurdle on an already chaotic night. You nodded your understanding as the doors slid open cheers and shouts filled the space. You timed your exit as you brushed past Steve and did as Pepper said. You rounded the outside of the paparazzi group and ducked into the ballroom without so much as a second glance. Looking back over your shoulder you watched the group get hounded for photos and asked more questions than any of them cared to answer, though your eyes never left Bucky’s anxious frame. A server making his rounds handed you a full glass of champagne and you decided to hold another for Bucky after seeing how uncomfortable he felt. He couldn’t get drunk; that much you knew about the super soldier serum but figured it could take the edge off. Slowly the group was able to break away from the bustle of people as they trickled into the fray of the ballroom chaos. You confidently started for Bucky, armed with your champagne glasses just as a blonde woman stepped out of the shadows and greeted Bucky. Her hips swayed with each step and you felt sick to your stomach as you watched Bucky’s face light up at her presence. She turned ever so slightly and your stomach fully dipped as you realized who he was smiling at. Sharon Fucking Carter. Her blonde curly hair bounced as she leaned in and kissed Bucky on the cheek and took his arm. She handed him a champagne glass and laughed as he whispered something in her ear as they made their way to the opposite side of the room. Anger and hurt washed over you in white-hot waves as you downed both champagne glasses and stormed to the bar for something stronger. You could feel the red anger on your skin as you struggled futilely to keep away the feeling of rejection. Her? Of all people her? You leaned heavily against the bartop as you order gin, neat. The bartender gave you a wary look before sliding a tall pour of the clear liquid your way. You raised the cool glass to your lips and downed the drink quickly, savoring in the burn as it went down. It wasn’t your place to even care what Bucky did, but somehow seeing him with Sharon sparked something in you.

“You seem a little too tense for a party.” Tony’s calm voice breaks through your inner ramblings as he sidles up next to you. He waves to the bartender who instantly fills a glass with whiskey and hands it to him. Tony clutches the drink in his hands as he swirls the brown liquid and eyes you suspiciously.

“Just a…lot of people.” You lie easily, the words half true but not the sole reason for your tense nature. He grimaces at your words and turns his head to take in the crowd. Taking a deep sip he sighs and turns back to you apologetically.

“You’re right. It is a bit much. Pepper tried and failed to reign me in quite a bit.” Tony mumbles as his brows crease in displeasure. You place a hand on his shoulder and give him a soft push.

“I expect nothing less from a Stark.” You whisper proudly, a twinkle in your eye as you attempt to bring some levity to the mood. He laughs and tucks a piece of hair behind your ear.

“Drink and be merry, y/n. I expect nothing less from my Stark heir.” He whispers with a wink before jogging off to join Pepper as she sweet talks some old men who just so happen to be stakeholders. You giggle as you take in her strained smile at his arrival knowing he’s a loose cannon and capable of making or breaking the interaction. She sends a silent plea for help, but you raise your arms in a shrug as she subtly gives you the middle finger. You laugh dryly and down another drink; the feeling of the alcohol slowly taking hold as you make your way around the ballroom to the terrace grabbing another glass of champagne on the way. The cool night air washes over you as you feel the tickling breeze rush through your hair. The buzz from the drinks causes your cheeks to flush red and the heat to work its way over your body. Resting your forearms on the railing, you down the glass of champagne, set it on the ledge, and watch the nightlife below. It felt comforting, this feeling of watching life carry on around you, and was a habit you had picked up these last few weeks. The sound of footsteps approaching behind you drew your attention to the doors as your eyes landed on Steve. A concerned look creased his brow as he looked you over cautiously.

“Everything alright?” He asks earnestly, his eyes scanning yours as he takes in your buzzed state. You sigh and turn around to face him, wobbling slightly in your heels.

“Yes, mom.” You snap, shoving off the railing and quickly walking past him. He grabs your wrist and stops you from leaving. His fingers wrap around your wrist snuggly, unyielding in this moment. You keep your eyes trained forward as your chest heaves with each labored breath.

“Y/n-”

“You’re off duty tonight. I’m not your problem.” You reply cooly, the chill of your voice causing him to release his grip on your wrist and step back. You smooth the fabric of your dress and take a steadying breath.

“Enjoy the party, Steve.” Are your parting words as you walk off without waiting for his reply. Having watched this interaction unfold Wanda and Natasha share a look from across the room and walk your way. A lecture was the last thing you needed right now so you turned sharply and headed in the opposite direction accidentally bumping into the large, broad back of Bucky Barnes.

“Shit. Sorry.” You mumble your apology as he turns to look at you with glaring eyes. He opens his mouth to say something as Sharon shoves her hand in between the two of you.

“Hello. Sharon Carter. I don’t believe we’ve met.” Her voice is friendly and overly sweet as she makes her introduction but all you can do is glare at her.

“Oh, we’ve met.” You growl at her as you grab another flute of champagne down it, and reach for another from the tray of a concerned-looking server. She walks away quickly before you get a chance to down her entire tray.

“Excuse me?” Sharon asks in surprise, unaware of what she could have done to have such a hostile interaction while Bucky grabs you by the shoulders and begins pushing you in the direction of the stairwell.

“I’ll be right back.” He calls to her as he practically carries your stumbling form to the edge of the room, but not quickly enough as Tony clinks a glass to begin his speech.

“Mother-” Bucky mutters under his breath in frustration as you he pulls you to a stop.

“Fucker…” You slur as you spill a bit of champagne on the front of your dress. Tony stands on the raised band stage and smiles at the crowd.

“Friends and colleagues, I am pleased to welcome you to Casa de Stark for an evening of joy and revelry. I have enjoyed making my rounds and speaking with each of you and, as Pepper has nagged me to say, appreciate your generous donations to the Maria Stark Foundation.” Applause fills the room as laughter and cheers resound against the walls. Tony raises his arms to hush the crowd once more before turning to the projector screen behind him.

“Now, the board has put together a slide show to showcase some of the more notable accomplishments of the MSF this year. We have built more affordable housing, opened a food bank, and have increased support for the Damage Control branch to enhance their efforts and city-wide clean-up after the Battle of New York.” More soft applause as the lights dim and images project showing people with smiling faces working hard to make the city a better place. Soft oohs and ahhs of approval can be heard as these rich elites make commentary on the bettering of the less fortunate. You’re about to turn and walk out when the soft classical music turns into that of screeching feedback. The images on the screen change to black and white images of you with your eyes scratched out of the photos as the words ‘Tony Starks Biggest Secret’ fill the screen in big red letters. More photos of you going to and from work at Stark Industries flash up on the screen as they’re joined with more ill-timed photos of you and Wanda picking out clothes at the mall for your date while she holds up lingerie. Soon those photos fade out as they’re replaced with photos of you kissing Matt Murdock in a scandalous position. The photos fade away as even larger red words scrawl across the screen; “Do you really want to support a man who hid a daughter from the world? Are your donations funding her lavish lifestyle? Do you want to support someone who sleeps with their legal team? Defund Stark Industries.” Your breath comes in ragged gasps as you drop your champagne glass and try to back out of the room. Bucky grabs onto you to stop you from leaving as his eyes fill with anger and rage. You push away and tumble to the floor, a topsy turvy feeling making you feel nauseous and dizzy. You crawl a bit and stumble to your feet as people begin to take notice of you and put things together. The screen fades to black as the lights slowly go back up; whispers fill the room as they take in the shocking accusations. Tony steps back on stage uneasily as he looks around the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a few technical difficulties. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and we will be back momentarily.” Tony shouts above the commotion, but people have already picked you out in the crowd. Whispers fill your ears in a cacophony of noise that is overwhelming as you try desperately to keep the contents of your stomach down. That eerily familiar feeling of something taking hold of you drives bile up your throat as you swallow it down and make a break for the stairs. People gather together and block your exit as they pull phones from their pockets to document this experience live and in real time.

“Are you Tony Status’s daughter!?!”

“Are our donations paying for your dress!?!”

“Why were you being kept a secret!?!”

“What is wrong with you!?!”

The shouts grow louder and louder and the crowd pushes in on you. Turning sharply you bolt for the elevator shoving bystanders aside as you make your grand escape. Tony grabs hold of your elbow as he calls your name. His eyes search yours frantically as the paparazzi and journalists push between you, but you slip away and into the sanctuary of the elevator as it takes you to safety, but not before you puke black goo all over the floor and pass out into a heap. A journalist holds a voice record to Tony as he stares at the closing doors of the elevator with worry filled eyes.

“Care to comment on recent events?” She shouts above the fray as Tony shakes his head dumbfounded.

“Can I at least get a reaction from you?” She attempts once more as she looks into Tony’s scared expression. He turns to her helplessly and gives a grimace of awkwardness.

Chapter Twenty Four: Choices and Consequences

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x Reader

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts. (Previous Chapter) (Next Chapter)

TAG LIST IS OPEN (Just comment to be added!)

Warnings/Rating: Mature 18+. This fic has become mature and as such will include adult themes, languages, actions, etc.

W/C: 2244 (I hope you all enjoy it! Some chapters may be longer or shorter than others and I hope to update biweekly, but this chapter will soon be followed so have no fear!)

After the events of the night prior, you had been worried about what the team would say and had feared further disappointment to the group. You had made it over the hurdle that was Tony Stark, but the approval from the team meant so much to you. You had quickly showered and dressed in regular clothes, glad to be free from the black, satin dress; tiptoeing your way down the hall and making yourself small to avoid being scolded a second time today. Rounding the corner to the kitchen your eyes fell on the team as they milled around their Sunday morning routines. Steve sat in a leather armchair in the adjoining living room sipping coffee and reading a book. Sam and Clint were debating with Natasha on which of them had the best sharp shooting ability while Bucky sat and gloomily ate a bowl of cereal. You got lost for a moment watching them all so casually go about their morning as you study their features and allow a calm smile to filter over your face. A pair of small hands grab your sides in a ticklish squeeze as they pull you back into the shadow of the hallway. You spin around and are greeted with the beaming face of Wanda; Vision in tow. She holds your hands in her own as she practically bounces from excitement, wiggles her eyebrows, and tugs your fingers.

“Soooo? How was it?” She begs you, her voice a soft whisper to keep her voice from prying ears. You can’t help but return her smile as you blush and look away.

“It was nice.” You admit in a murmur causing Wanda to quietly squeal and pull you into a hug. Her arms held you tightly and you could feel the love and happiness that she felt for you. She leaned back slightly but kept her face close to yours. The unspoken of ‘did you guys do it’ hangs in the air as the blush spreads its way down your chest and to your ears. Wanda takes in your blushing form and gasps.

“You will tell me everything!”

“Later, Wanda. I’m so hungry I think my stomach is eating itself.” You chuckle and turn back toward the kitchen, once again quietly walking into the space and scrounging for something to eat. As you turn from the cabinets, armed with a pop tart, you look up to see Bucky glaring at you. You tilt your head in confusion, silently challenging him to say what’s on his mind. He rolls his eyes and roughly drops his cereal bowl into the sink before storming down the hallway toward his room. Wanda, Clint, and Sam all look up from their debate at the commotion of clattering dishes and watch after Bucky as he broodily makes his exit from the kitchen and then back at you in question.

“What was that all about?” Clint asks innocently, taking a big bite of bagel and talking through his chewing. Natasha makes a disgusted face as she shakes her head and fixes you with a knowing look. Her lips tilt up in a snarky smirk as she leans back against the counter and crosses her arms.

“How are you feeling, dorogoy?” Natasha says loudly, batting her eyelashes innocently as she asks the question. The heat of embarrassment works its way over your skin again as you open and close your mouth; sputtering to find a response. Wanda giggles behind you as she leans her elbows on the counter and peers up at your shocked face. Sam and Clint share a confused look, not following the body language of the moment; completely oblivious to your torment. 

“I feel fine.” You mutter, your voice is strained and gritty. Your eyes begged Natasha to drop this, but that only spurred her more.

“Not sore from yesterday, then?” She asks, sipping her coffee casually as she watches you struggle to keep composure. 

“Why would you be sore? Did you train too hard yesterday?” Sam questions, his brow creasing as he tries to understand what hidden meaning Natasha is getting at. 

“I thought Tony said no more missions. Why would she be training?” Clint cuts in, his eyes darting between the Western-style show-down happening between you and Nat. Silence hung in the air as you struggled to fill it and give an answer to the implied question Natasha was asking. You took in a shaky breath as an A.I. voice called out to the tower's inhabitants.

“Ms. Stark, your presence is requested in the med bay for a check-up with Dr. Lee. She is waiting.” Friday chimes in her cool, calm voice. 

“Thank you, Friday.” You respond quickly before making a mad dash for the elevator. As the doors shut you release a long breath and silently thank the universe for the escape from interrogation. The elevator swiftly takes you to the lab floor and you step out into the bright lights as your eyes fall on Dr. Lee's slender form leaning over a microscope.

“Dr. Lee? You wanted to see me?” You call to her as you enter the clinically clean space. She sits up and beams at you with a warm smile and gestures to the exam table. 

“Please, have a seat. I’m almost done.” She announces before turning back to the sample she was working on documenting. You swing your legs back and forth as you wait for her to finish up. Seemingly satisfied with the results she finds, she gives a huff and turns casually to you in her rolling chair and smiles. 

“So, how have we been feeling?” She asks with genuine sincerity. You felt instantly at ease and felt your shoulders slump as your nerves melt away. 

“I’m great actually. I haven’t had a nightmare in weeks and have had zero instances of black goo emergencies.” You say with a soft chuckle.

“That’s great news! It means the treatment is working. Can I do another sample?” Dr. Lee asks, pulling a tray of needles and vials from the side table and reaching for your wrists. You nod your consent as she sets about finding a vein to take a few blood samples.

“I’m trying to isolate the particles causing the most damage. We seem to have put the issue into stasis but I don’t want to bank on that long term.” She explains as she quickly and efficiently does her draws. She tilts the vials and then places them into a centrifuge before turning to you with a new vial in her hands. The liquid inside was bright blue and you squint to see its bioluminescent color. 

“What’s that?” You ask, concern and confusion lacing your words as you subconsciously lean away. Dr. Lee takes a seat back at your side and hands you the needle. 

“It’s the latest formula that will help with your dreams. Since your blood is changing we need to up the dose.” She states matter-of-factly, her words coated in a sweet calm tone. You eye the swirling liquid and then shrug and hand it back. 

“Alright, I’m just not the biggest fan of needles and things.” 

“I understand y/n. It’s a lot to ask to be prodded and poked all the time. But this is the only solution I have for now.”

“Choices and consequences I guess…” You murmur as you trail off into silence. Dr. Lee doesn’t respond but instead finds your vein and begins slowly injecting the blue liquid into your system. It burns slightly as it goes in, but you grit your teeth and take solace in the fact that tonight you would sleep well. 

“There. All done.” Dr. Lee announces as she places a bandaid over the tiny injection site. She smiles brightly at you as she sets the syringe aside and crosses her arms; leaning back in her chair. She fixes you with a look as she winks at you.

“Fun night last night, huh?” She prods as you gasp and look away.

“Does everyone know about it?”

“Everyone in this tower at least. Mr. Stark was…not quiet about it.”

“That’s humiliating.” You grumble as you cover your face with your hands. Dr. Lee laughs as she rolls forward and pulls your hands away from your face. 

“Maybe a little…but it’s just because he cares. They all do.”

“I know. I just-I just wish I could go back and fix that. It was a stupid choice and I-”

“Well changing things is how you got into this mess in the first place.” Dr. Lee interjects, shaking her head and standing up. She walks over to the centrifuge station and begins running her tests. You sit quietly and watch her as you take in everything that happened. Chewing your bottom lip nervously, you realize she was right. She turns to see your dejected form and gives a sad smile.

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feeling, y/n.”

“You’re right though. Am I free to go?” You both remain silent for a moment as she looks you over. 

“Well, you know I’m always here. If you ever need anything. Stop by in a few days for a check-up, okay?” You nod and hop down from the exam table and drag yourself to the door. Today was going to be a long day. 

The rest of the day you had spent dodging avengers as they practically crawled out of the walls to ask you about your date yesterday. Clint and Sam, who had been oblivious to this morning's implied conversation and finally picked up on the hints and were nervously skirting around the subject every time they saw you. That was except for Natasha and Wanda who had hunted you down to your room and forced you to spill everything that happened. They had giggled and gawked at your lustful tale and ultimately felt happy for you on your night of freedom. Later that night, as you all sat around the dining room table and devoured the pizza Bruce had ordered, eyes dart from you to Tony and back again. No one but Pepper knew how Tony had reacted when you came home and having seen him practically lose his mind in your absence they were concerned at his cool demeanor now. 

“I have an announcement to make.” Tony began abruptly, setting aside his whiskey glass and leaning back in his chair casually. The team freezes their motions as their eyes lock onto Tony trying to decipher what he would say. It could be a million things from you being kicked off the team, no longer being allowed to leave the tower, and needing an around-the-clock guard.

“We will be hosting a party!” He exclaims with a clap of his hands but stunned faces look back at him. It was plain to see that that was not what they were expecting as they took a moment to fully process what he just said. Pizza slices were carefully set down as the team stare at each other and back to Tony.

“A Party? Are you crazy man?” Sam shouts before tossing his napkin on his plate and crossing his arms.

“Yeah, don’t you think under the current…circumstances that a party wouldn’t be the best idea?” Bruce asks, looking at you as he emphasizes circumstances. 

“I have to agree with those two. A highly public event when we are hosting the science experiment of the century isn’t smart.” Clint states plainly, rubbing his eyes from the growing stress.

“She’s not a science experiment!” Tony and Bucky bark at the same time, eyes exchanging a look before Tony refocuses his attention on the group.

“I host a party every year for the company stakeholders and if I don’t host it here, it will be suspicious. So let’s all put on our big girl panties and have a party okay?” He declares, his words firm and final as he addressed the group. The team all share another unsure look before shrugging; knowing arguing with Tony was more trouble than it’s worth.

“Tony…” Pepper starts, but he raises a hand to silence her.

“Don’t ruin this for me Pepps.” She sighs but remains silent, crossing her arms in disagreement. 

“So, the party will be in two days so let's all try and look presentable, yes?” The group mumbles and grumbles their agreement as you stay silent. They all go back to their eating and joking, but you can’t find the strength to join them. You lean over to Pepper and whisper that you’re tired and heading to bed before quietly excusing yourself and quickly making it to your room. Curling up in a ball under the covers, you let out the deep breath you feel like you’ve been holding all day. A party. Your dad used to throw them all the time, but this felt different. It was high stakes and you were well aware of your presence being an issue. Who knew what was wrong with you and whether Tony felt that way or not, you were a science experiment. So often since you came here, you felt like a burden or another issue waiting to be solved. You silently asked the universe to take pity on you just this once and let you escape a night with no issues. As your eyelids drift closed you welcome the dark nothingness of sleep. You can almost hear that frightening voice call to you before you’re pulled under into restful sleep. 

Summary: A collection of short stories from the Finale of this last season of Stranger Things and how I wish things had ended…spoilers ahead for season four so reader beware. This will included characters like Eddie, Robin, Steve as reader inserts and each character will be separate from the rest.

Eddie Munson: Part One W/C: 3242 Content Warning: violence, language, adult themes so teens and up pls

Your eyes slowly flit open as the pain begins to register in every fiber of your body. You slowly and carefully raise your head from the scratchy fabric it rests on as your eyes blink away tiredness, but the effort is just too much. You rest your head back again and attempt to get a better understanding of your surroundings. For a moment, as your eyes adjust, you’re not quite sure what it is you’re seeing. You force your eyes to focus on the details; it was your Hawkins, but it seemed as if the upside down had leaked over into your world. You frantically tried to sit up once again, but a strong pair of hands rests on your shoulders preventing you from moving. Tilting your head you look up into the tear-filled eyes of Eddie Munson. His lip quivers as he stares down at you, a look of relief, fear, and exhaustion swirling in his eyes.

“Shh...y/n. You’re okay. I got ya.” He murmurs softly, his hand cradling your head in his lap carefully. He looks up in the direction of hushed voices as he calls out.

“Dustin! She’s awake!” His voice shakes with emotion as he shouts for your little brother, but looks back at your face with a soft smile and helps you raise your head and body to lean against him; sitting up. Dustin practically falls to the ground next to you as he wraps his arms firmly around your torso and begins to cry; you wince out in pain as he gives you a squeeze.

“Shit.” You mutter under your breath, causing Dustin to pull back and look at you apologetically.

“I’m-I’m sorry, y/n! I was just so worried!” He sobs, tears streaking through the blood and dirt that caked his chubby, baby-like cheeks. Shakily you raised a hand to his face and pulled his forehead to your own.

“I’m alright, Dusty. Just a little sore.” You say through gritted teeth in an attempt to hide the pain. As you pull away from Dustin and settle back against Eddie the rest of the group swarm around you to make sure you’re alright.

“Oh my god, y/n. We thought we had lost you.” Nancy cries as she begins assessing your wounds and bandaging the remaining cuts, gashes, and bite marks left by the bats.

“What the hell did I tell you guys? You were decoys!” Steve barks at the three of you, fuming from anger and the fear of having nearly lost you in the fray.

“Technically, you were telling them not to be heroes…” You started before trailing off as Steve rolled his eyes.

“Seriously, y/n. You’re super lucky this time.” He reaffirms, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. Robin kneels in the grass next to you and takes your hand, looking over a particularly savage bite.

“We all were…” she says to the group in a hushed tone, the reality of what had happened settling in. You looked out over Hawkins as fires raged in the distance, black foul-smelling smoke clogging the air as cries for help can be heard over the rumbling of the earth. Vecna had split Hawkins apart and though you were alive, you had far from won. Feeling a chill of fear you shiver and grab Eddie’s hand. He gives you a soft squeeze of reassurance as he rests his head against yours.

“We are totally and completely fucked.” He proclaims to the group, his words sour and bitter as they leave his lips. The rest of the group simply nods their agreement as they too take in the devastation of their hometown.

Two Days Later…

Your nails picked at the worn, rough cardboard box in your hands as you stand at the trunk of Steve’s burgundy car; looking over the neatly folded piles of clothes inside. Steve held out his hands for the box you’re holding as you helped with loading the car with items to be donated to those in need. The Wheelers had been lucky; their home was still intact after the violent earthquakes rocked Hawkins's small, sleepy town. There were hundreds left missing, injured, homeless, or dead after the events a few days ago which had left your group feeling responsible for a lot of what had happened. Nancy loaded a final box of toys into the backseat of the car as her mom handed her a soft, stuffed rabbit. You looked on with a soft smile as Nancy cradled the rabbit to her chest and looked over to Steve who had the same soft look written on his face. You gave him a teasing shove and wiggled your eyebrows knowingly.

“Shut up…” Steve mumbled under his breath though the smile never left his lips. He shut the trunk with a resounding thud as he clapped his hands together.

“We ready?” He asked the group, but before anyone could respond Nancy raised a hand to her brow and looked down the road as a large, yellow pizza van rolled up quickly.

“Did someone order a pizza?” Mrs. Wheeler murmured as the van pulled into the drive.

“Pizza?” Dustin questions, as he turns to look down the drive as the van approaches, hoking rapidly. Everyone stood on high alert, ready to fight whatever threat was waiting. The side van door slid open to reveal Mike, Will, and El smiling widely, relief on their faces evident. Will takes off running to his mom as they meet each other in a strong embrace. She cries as she holds him tight; Mike burying his face in her curly hair.

“You are never going on vacation again, you hear me? In fact, you can forget about college. You are staying right here.” Mrs. Wheeler cries as she checks Mike over for any sign of injury or distress. He just nods along, tears in his eyes. Jonathan pushes past the rest of the group and heads straight for Nancy there’s an awkward moment of hesitation before he pulls her into his arms and holds her tight, her legs dangling just above the ground. Steve looks on, his heart torn as he lowers his head and shoves his hands in his pockets. The rest of the group gives hugs and checks on each other, reunited after a whirlwind few days. Rushing through the front door, arms filled with a box of clothes comes Eddie. He struggles to keep the box upright as he reaches around and opens the backdoor to the car and tries to shove it onto the seat.

“Nance, your dad isn't happy but I raided his closet and took like ten more shirts. I mean, how many buttons downs does one guy need?” He calls out, laughing as he packs away his contribution. As he stands up and slams the car door shut, his eyes fall on the rest of the group and some he has yet to me. In typical Eddie fashion, he brushes off his hands and rushes over to Mike who he grabs into a hug and cups the sides of his face. As they pull away. Eleven shuffles on her feet by Mike’s side as Eddie’s eyes drift over to her. El clears her throat, spurring Mike to introduce her to this person.

“Oh! Eddie, this is El-Jane…she’s my girlfriend and-” Mike began, his voice unsure and awkward as he spoke.

“Also the girl who caused this…mess. Hi. You are of hellfire club?” El cuts in, her English had gotten much better since the last time you had seen her, though her speech still had the same inflection of trying to find the right words. She gave a small, bashful smile as Eddie stepped forward and gave her a quick hug.

“Very nice to meet you El. I am Eddie, leader of Hellfire club, a decoy for the demon bats, and-” Eddie begins, grandly describing his accomplishments as he slips into his Dungeon Master voice, bringing a smile to everyone’s face.

“And savior to y/n who stupidly almost died two days ago.” Dustin chimed, rolling his eyes as you elbowed him roughly. Mrs. Wheeler looked around the group, raised her hands, and began walking away.

“I’m not even going to ask.” She says while shaking her head causing everyone to laugh loudly.

“Where’s Lucas?” Will asks Dustin who looks at him in confusion.

“He’s at the hospital,” Dustin responds sadly, his eyes trailing to the ground as the rest of the group avert their gaze. Sensing something is off El looks at the faces of those around her and presses further.

“Was he hurt?” her voice is meek as she asks, afraid of what she might hear.

“No. No, he’s…oh god. You don’t know?” Dustin asks as his voice drops low. The group looks at each other uneasily as they try to muster up the courage and find the right words to tell them exactly what happened. You and Eddie take a step back from the group as they take turns relaying what had happened. Their faces fell in despair as they were informed about Max’s critical condition, El breaking down as they rushed to the van to head to the hospital.

“Can you handle the donations, Steve?” Nancy calls to him, a wide smile on her face as she looks at him.

“Yeah yeah, I got it.” He calls back, shoving his hands in his pockets and kicking his feet at the ground. They pull away as Steve claps his hands and addressed the rest of the group.

“We ready to go?” He says, a hopeful tone coating his words as he looked at each of you. As Eddie is about to pile into the backseat by Dustin you place a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“Eddie, I don’t think you should go. The whole town still thinks you’re a cult leader and murderer…” your voice is quiet as you speak and your heart breaks as you watch his entire demeanor shift into sadness. Robin nods her agreement from the passenger side of the car as Steve runs an annoyed hand through his hair.

“She’s right. They don’t know what you did but I-” Steve begins before Eddie cuts him off.

“It’s alright, man. I get it. I’ll just hang around here until you all get back.” Eddie explains, shrugging and backing away from the car. Steve climbs into the driver's seat and starts the car as she shut the backseat door and steps back by Eddie.

“You guys go ahead. I’ll hang back with Eddie.” You reassure Dustin as he looks at you hesitantly. You jerk your head in the direction of the road in a silent gesture to just go. Steve nods and backs out of the drive as they wave and disappear down the road. Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Eddie watching you intently causing a fluttering feeling to fill your stomach. Taking a steadying breath you turn on your heel and begin walking back into the Wheeler’s house.

“I guess we can just wait in the basement until they get back then?” You propose to which Eddie nods his agreement and follows you inside and into the basement. Plopping down on the orangey-yellow couch, you pull your feet underneath you and pick at your nails. Eddie takes a seat next to you, pulling out his walkman and clicking a cassette into it. He rests the headphones over his ears and slightly bobs his head along with the beat. He rests his arm on the back of the couch, his hand only inches from your shoulder as you’re made hyperaware of his proximity. That feeling popped up again as you watched his lean frame from the corner of your eye; tracing every inch of him and locking it deep in your mind. After nearly dying a few days ago, you knew that those in your life were temporary in a sort of way. Every moment that we live on this planet is a gift and definitely not promised. As you had watched Lucas with Max the last few days you realized that that was the kind of love you wanted. There was no guidebook on relationships in your life with your mom being single and unwilling to have a conversation about anything other than your schoolwork, but to be loved was something you wanted more than anything. For your entire existence, you had walked eggshells to be one less thing for your mom to worry about. You cooked, cleaned, and took care of Dustin while your mom fought her own demons. She was a good mother, she cared. But when you stood back and looked at your life there wasn’t anything that stood out. That is until the last couple of weeks. You had found out about Dustin's secret monster fighting side when Lucas had slid into Dustin's bedroom window and toppled onto the floor at your feet as you were setting a laundry basket on his bed. You had stared at Lucas in confusion, eyes wide as he held up his hands and timidly stepped toward you.

“What the hell are you doing? What game are you losers playing now!?” You had yelled at him, your voice squeaky and nervous as your mind spun trying to figure out what was happening.

“I-I can explain.” He had stuttered, looking nervously over his shoulder. You had opped your hip out and dropped the basket to the floor.

“Spill it.” You barked as Lucas told you everything that had happened over the last couple of years. It took your brain a second to process it all but knowing that Dustin was in trouble erased all doubt so you joined with them to fight the threat that was Vecna and never looked back. Everything you had worked so hard to achieve, the goal of getting out of Hawkins all felt so small now. Eddie’s hand came to rest on yours in your lap. You glance down and noticed you have all but picked your nails apart thinking and worrying.

“Everything okay?” Eddie asked honestly, his eyes scanned your features for any sign that you were hurt or worse, haunted by Vecna. He pulled off his headphones and set aside his walkman; turning to face you as he chewed his bottom lip.

“I’m totally fine.” You lie, painting a fake smile on your face and pulling your hands away to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. Eddie just blinks at you and stays silent. He can sense that something is off but he is at a loss of what to do or say. Your eyes drag down to your lap in an attempt to avoid his prying look where they trace the bloody outline of one of the bat bite marks.

“Did I ever say thank you?” You murmur, voice quiet as your eyes tilt up to meet his. He smiles at you but shakes his head.

“No, mi’lady. I don’t believe you did.” Eddie announces with a laugh.

“Well…thanks. I don’t really remember much, but I’m glad I had you…will you…tell me what happened?” You ask, slightly wincing at the request knowing that everyone had been very careful to keep their own trauma-filled stories to themselves. You had asked Dustin a few times over the last couple of days and every time his eyes would fill with tears and he’d tell you not to worry about it. It had felt like a blip, a minor moment from when you were being attacked by bats to being cradled in Eddie’s lap. Eddie took a steadying breath and ran a hand through his hair.

“Uh, well. You passed out-or honestly I thought you had died right there in my arms so that wasn’t cool.” Eddie began, his words choppy and clipped with emotion as he explained. “Whatever Max and Lucas were doing had worked, kinda. Once Vecna was killed or banished or- whatever the bats were basically called off. It created an earthquake and well Dustin he had jumped down through the gate, that's how he hurt his leg by the way, and came and found us. We dragged you to my trailer and waited for Steve, Robin, and Nancy to come back. We kinda roughly threw you through the gate and gathered at the meeting spot in the meadow.” Your eyes brimmed with tears as he told you of Dustin holding you as Steve tried to pull him away. Nancy had set about bandaging your wounds and they all had practically sat around and waited to see what happened next.

“I-uh-I…” Eddie mumbled, his voice cracking as he coughed away the lump in his throat. “I really thought we were going to lose you and…well shit. It made me realize that I shoulda told you how-how I feel and-”

“I love you, Eddie Munson.” You admit the weight of the confession hanging in the air as his eyes look deeply into yours. As if like a dam breaking you let the emotions wash over you. You don’t know who moves first. It’s impossible to tell as suddenly his lips are against yours and his hands are on your waist. Your hands grasp at his jean jacket, pulling him deeper into the kiss as you feel his lips mold around yours; needy. Eddie trails his hands up your back and cups the sides of your cheeks as he caresses them gently. He tilts his head and deepens the kiss as his tongue traces the shape of your lips. You let out a breathy moan at the lustful feeling as Eddie takes full advantage and takes the opportunity to explore your mouth with his own. He moves to kiss your jawline, and then down your neck; nipping at biting at the flesh but careful not to disturb any of your injuries. You lean your head back and allow him more access to your neck as you grab fistfuls of his hair and give a light tug. Slowly you both lean back until he’s on top of you and kissing every part of your body he can get his mouth on. All of your worries and fear started melting away as you felt his lips against yours. Eddie was just happy to have you in his arms, with your lips pressed against his so passionately pouring all the pent-up lust and fear and desire into this moment. Eddie pulls away slightly, breaking for air as he looks down on you with a wide smile. He traces your lips and cheeks with his calloused fingertips as he takes in your blissful features.

“I love you more than you could know.” He murmurs as he nudges your nose with his own and places a sweet, soft kiss against your lips. You open your mouth to speak but a small voice breaks through the house.

Eddie Munson

Part One

A collection of short stories from the Finale of this last season of Stranger Things and how I wish things had ended…spoilers ahead for season four so reader beware. This will included characters like Eddie, Robin, Steve as reader inserts and each character will be separate from the rest.

Eddie Munson: Part Two

W/C: 3000

Content Warning: violence, language, adult themes so teens and up pls

You sat cross legged, eyes tracing Eddie's quick movements in the tall grass of the meadow as he practiced swinging around the garbage can lid of nails. You watched as he ducked and lunged at imaginary enemies; grunting and shouting as he did so. A soft smile crept its way across your face as you looked on at this man adoringly, a feeling you had never quite allowed to take root in your heart. You were just a normal girl in Hawkins, Indiana ready to leave this god forsaken place and never return; ‘destined for greatness’ at a prestigious university on the east coast. But here you were, on the cusp of apocalypse wielding a handmade spear and dressed in a camouflage jacket. Your mom would practically die at the sight of you ready for battle and that thought made you giggle aloud. At the melodic sound of it, Eddie turned to face you with a mischievous smile spread wide across his face.

“Something funny, m’lady?” He shouts in your direction while giving a curt bow, arms extended to either side. You shake your head as you laugh, shoulders shaking from the effort as he dives in your direction and lays on the grass by your side. As he rolls onto his back, he places an arm behind his head, sighs deeply, and closes his eyes. You find yourself once again tracing his features with a lingering gaze as they inspected the curve of his lips, the way his curly hair framed his face, and the dimples that caressed his cheeks. Eddie was, to many people, a nobody turned villain but to you he would always be the kind soul who made you laugh through life’s toughest moments and, looking over this man who you had known for so long, you realize that you didn’t truly know him. Sure, he was in a dungeons and dragons group with your little brother Dustin, but you didn’t know much else about him other than what you were told and the brief interactions when he’d come to pick up your brother for their game sessions. He’d tease you as you were doing homework saying it was ‘a waste of a Friday night’ or give a light tug on the frizzy ends of your perm that didn’t quite look like it did in the magazines. Eddie was a crush that you had begged your heart to forget between the lined pages of your diary, but still you couldn’t help but wonder…

“Are you alright?” Eddie asks earnestly, his eyes searching your face for any sign of distress as you realize you are staring at him. Your cheeks burn bright red as you abruptly turn away and tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear and pull your legs to your chest.

“I’m fine.” You lie uneasily, the half truth getting caught in your throat as you speak. Sensing something is off, Eddie sits up and turns his body to face you, placing a hand on your knee in comfort.

“I’m scared, too.” He admits reluctantly, his words a soft whisper on the breeze as he speaks. His deep, brown eyes peer into yours and you bring your own hand to hold him in desperate need of reassurance. He was right, you were sacred. You all were. Despite the fact that everyone besides you and Eddie had fought an upside down threat before, you hadn’t fought anyone. This plan that they created might work, but it might not and as you all sit in this meadow and prepare for a fight against evil you are also preparing to maybe not make it back.

“Some friends we got, huh?” You break the silence in a light-hearted attempt to brighten his mood. Eddie beams back at you warmly as his eyes dart to where Dustin sat in the field taping a hunting knife to a broom handle.

“They’re pretty great, aren't they.” Eddie replies with a wavering of emotion in his words. He goes to pull his hand away, but you hold him tighter; not releasing his hand.

“Eddie, if we don’t make it out of this…whatever this is, I just want you to know that I think you’re really great. Like, truly amazing.” You blurt out in a flurry of words that jumble together in a high pitched plea. For a second Eddie looks stunned, but his unsure look of shock quickly melts into a heart racing smile.

“Never change, y/n. Promise me?” He whispered, his words coated in urgency.

“I wasn’t planning on it.” You whisper back, giving his hand a firm squeeze and releasing your grip. He lets his hand lazily fall to the grass between you and gives a nod of approval, gaze falling back to the group.

“God, I really hope we make it though.” Eddie proclaims sullenly, “This is my year. I’m gonna actually graduate this time.”

“Gosh, graduation. Don’t remind me.” You sigh, falling backward into the grass and rolling on your side to peer up at Eddie. He smiles wistfully at you as he tucks your perm, frizzed stray hair behind your ear and smiles.

“I will remind you because, unlike me, you are incredibly smart and doing the one thing I never imagined myself doing.”

“What’s that, Eddie?”

“Leaving Hawkins, sweet cheeks. This place is as bogus as it gets and I’m damn near the end of my rope with judgey stares and considering I’m public enemy number one? I think Hawkins is ready for me to go.” He admits quietly, a sad forlorn look creasing his brows. Looking at him like this, vulnerable and open causes that feeling to stir once again. It’s on the tip of your tongue, the urge to grab him by the collar and pull his lips to yours in an electric kiss that will forever be seared in your heart; pouring into him every once of want and love and desire that he matters. Maybe not to Hawkins, or the world but to you he did. You wanted to shake him, scream that you both should just leave right now and go. See the world and explore and try as hard as you can to find happiness, but as you open your mouth Steve calls for the group to assemble and go over the plan once again. Eddie slowly stands and brushes off his pants. He extends a hand to help you to your feet as he wraps his hand around your wrist and pulls you a little too quickly causing you to collide with his chest. You place a steadying hand ver his heart as you gain your footing and look up to see a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Dude, get over here. We need to finalize this now.” Steve beckons in anxious annoyance.

“Come on, we’ll be okay.” Eddie reassures you as a pit of despair settles firmly in your stomach. He releases you and walks toward where the rest of the group gathered to finalize the attack on Vecna.

After hashing and rehashing the details of the plan, you all stood ready to begin with phase one. Max, Lucas, and Erica had begun to make their way to the Creel house as you, Eddie, Nancy, Robin, and Dustin went to the gate in Eddie’s trailer. Climbing up the old bed sheet, you toppled back down onto the worn out mattress in the upside down. You watched as odd dust particles drifted through the air of this dank, dark world and looked up to see the anxious faces of Eddie and Dustin staring down at you.

“Trippy.” You mumble in awe as well as fear as you scramble out of the way so Dustin and Eddie could make their way into this weird world. Getting your bearings, you follow Steve and Nancy out the front of the trailer where they begin to walk you through the next part of the plan as you ready for phase two.

“Okay, once we’re closer to the Creel house you will create a diversion and draw the bat things this way.” Nancy begins, urgency etching her words as she looks from you to Eddie for understanding.

“But if anything, and I mean anything goes south, I want you to get out of here. Don’t try to be cute or be a hero or something, okay? You are just decoys.” Steve interjects, his voice gruff and demanding as he points a finger at the three of you.

“Don’t worry. You can be the hero, Steve.” Dustin says sarcastically, earning a nudge to the ribs from you.

“Absolutely. I mean, look at us, we are not heroes.” Eddie cuts in as he gestures to himself and Dustin. Steve looks as if he’s about to say something, but instead thinks better of it and instead walks away with Robin and Nancy in tow. You turn sharply to Dustin and grab him roughly on the shoulders, giving him a firm shake.

“Listen here you little shit, I don’t play the big sister card often but I’m playing it now. You will not get hurt or die today, do you hear me? I will not lose my baby brother to some evil bat thing or mind reading sorcerer, got it?” You seeth, your words pouring out in a warning he would not soon forget.

“Do you hear me?” You whisper-shout, as you give Dustin another firm shake.

“Yes! Jesus Christ, y/n. I hear you.” Dustin sputters as he grabs at where your fist stayed balled in the fabric of his camo gear. Satisfied for now, you release him from your aggressive hold, but quickly pull him into a crushing hug instead. You held each other for a moment, sharing in an embrace that meant so much more because of the circumstances before letting go and setting about fortifications of the trailer. Wiping away a stray tear you turn and practically run into Eddie. He hands you a spear and trash can lid with a shrug and gestures to the roof of the trailer.

“Are you ready?” He asks, his voice confident but you notice the subtle way his shoulders shift in nervousness. You simply nod and follow him to the roof where he begins setting up his guitar and amp, Dustin clicking around his side as he prepares to boost the sound to reach the bats and draw them away. Once everything is set up, Dustin looks from you to Eddie and then plugs in the final cord.

“Phase three!” He shouts to Eddie as he hits the switch on the large amp causing feedback to echo through the chilling space.

“Y/n…this one’s for you.” Eddie announces proudly as he begins shredding on his guitar; the chaotic yet precise sounds of Metallica’s Master of Puppets reverberates across the upside down world and encourages the bats to come your way. Eddie plays like a man on a mission; his fingers flying quickly across the strings in a show of talent you had never seen from the guy. You watched in awe as he masterfully played the tune before the sharp shrieks of bats drew closer. Dustin raises the binoculars around his neck to his eyes and drops them back down quickly to look at you and Eddie in terror.

“Guys!! We gotta lock down in T-minus thirty seconds!” He shouts as he raises his hands in signal of the time left. Eddie nodded in understanding as his playing picked up speed and volume, wanting to give the rest of the group enough time to get into the Creel house undetected. You felt your body shaking, but were unsure if it was from the amps or fear as you watched the horizon anxiously knowing time was growing shorter. Dustin calls out again to the both of you, but is nearly drowned out by the sound of hundreds of bats shrieking in the sky as they came towards you all.

“Move! Move! Let’s go!” Eddie began shouting as he grabbed you by your shoulder and all but pushed you off the roof. Your feet landed on the roof of the truck as your mind reeled in fear. Dustin ran ahead of you as Eddie wrapped his hand around yours and pulled you after him, the bats hot on your heels as you ran to the safety of the trailer. Dustin yanks open the door as you all topple in and Eddie pulls the gate closed and slams the door shut just as a dozen bats crash into the outside of the trailer door. You all stand there for a moment breathing in a sense of momentary relief, backs crammed against the walls of the hallway before Dustin turns excitedly to Eddie with a look of admiration across his face.

“Dude! Most. Metal. Evaahhhhhhh!!!!” He screams as Eddie joins in, bouncing with excitement and taking in the awesomeness of the moment. Your ragged breathing slowly returned to normal, but not for long as a wave of bats batters the exterior of the mobile home. You toppled over into Eddie as he held your waist and recentered you.

“You okay?” He asks, scanning your body for injury and smoothing your hair.

“I’m-I’m fine Eddie. Really.” You reassure him and you can see his shoulders relax a bit at your words. He steps away as Dustin rushes up to you both in a frenzy.

“They’re overwhelming this place! It won’t hold!” He shouts above the sound of bats launching themselves at the trailer. Eddie shoves him in the direction of the portal gate and gestures to begin climbing. You stand shoulder to shoulder with Eddie, spears in hand, as you wait for Dustin to climb to safety. Dustin grabs hold of the sheet and begins climbing as another wave of bats rock the trailer. Your heart was ready to beat out of your chest as you turned back to Dustin.

“Dustin! Climb, god damn it!” You scream, tears running down your face as you turn back to see the door shuddering on the hinges. He pulls himself up and not too long after topples onto the mattress in real Hawkins.

“Okay, y/n! Go go go go!” Dustin shouts as you sheath your spear and grab hold of the sheet.

“It’s not gonna hold.” Eddie says, his voice low and serious; eyes trained on where the last of the hinges held.

“What? Eddie. Let’s go.” You plead, knowing where this is going to go. He turns to you as if in slow motion and smiles a sad smile.

“I’ll buy you guys some more time.” He announces, a new surge of sad confidence rushing through him as he turns and begins making large strides toward the front door.

“Eddie! No! Stop! What are you doing, Eddie?” You shout, tears blurring your vision as you watch him prepare to fight back death.

“Get out of here, y/n. And make sure Dustin is safe.” He calls back as his final words; one hand resting on the door knob.

“I am not leaving you, Edward Munson.” You shout through gritted teeth. Taking the hunting knife end of your spear; you slice through the sheet that connects the worlds. Dustin lets out a blood curdling scream as he watches the light material fall gently to the floor, knowing he’s helplessly separated from two people he loves. You storm toward Eddie, spear and shield at the ready, open the door and instantly begin batting away the demon bats from hell. Eddie was close in your heels as you swatted and wacked the vicious creatures from the sky, his movements precise and savage as he killed each one his spear met.

“The bikes!” You called over the fray to Eddie, pointing to where the bikes laid in a pile. He nodded his understanding as you ran to the bikes and began riding them away from the trailer. The bats followed you closely as they nipped and thrashed around you. You tried to swat at them but they were too quick. A bat sunk its teeth into the soft flesh of your arm and pulled causing you to fall from the bike. You tumbled and rolled against the hard ground, hitting your head. You reached up and felt the open wound begin to ooze blood as more bats descended on you. Their sharp teeth pulled at your flesh, red hot pain shooting from each gash. Your adrenaline was burning off, leaving you in a symphony of pain, every part of your body screaming and crying with agony you had never known. Blood seeped from your open wounds into the rotted flesh of this world as the bats swarmed your body. Above the noisy chaos you hear Eddie screaming for you, swinging his spear wildly as he fights against the bats to get to you. He loops an arm under your waist and drags your limp, tired body under the temporary sanctuary of a broken down car. The bats fight against the metal structure and you know you don’t have long before they break through.

“Oh my god. Oh god. Jesus. Y/n. Uhh. God.” Eddie mumbles as he places trembling hands against your many gaping wounds. He pressed firmly against a deep bite mark on your shoulder as he cradled you in his arms. He’s trembling as tears fall from his cheeks, but as you look into his eyes you feel the coldness slip away and focus all your might on staying alive for just another moment. You open your mouth to tell him everything you had fought so hard to conceal but words fail you as your mouth moves too slowly.

“Shh, it’s okay. Just, stay with me.” Eddie consoles, his voice soft yet panicked as he looks at your wounds. Shakily, you raise a hand to his cheek and beckon him to look at you.

Chapter Twenty Three: Tomorrow is Today  

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x Reader

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts. (Previous Chapter) (Next Chapter)

TAG LIST IS OPEN (Just comment to be added!)

Warnings/Rating: Mature. This fic has become mature and as such will include adult themes, languages, actions, etc.

W/C: 4083 (I hope you all enjoy it! Some chapters may be longer or shorter than others and I hope to update biweekly, but this chapter will soon be followed so have no fear!)

The morning sun dragged across the sky as you lazily laid in Matt Murdock's bed. His large arm was draped over your hips as he held you snuggly against his warm body. You felt the even, steady breathing of his chest rise and fall behind you as his breath fanned across your cheek. Sunlight filters through the large warehouse windows as your eyes focus on where your black dress lay in a heap on the living room floor. Guilt and remorse crept slowly over your still form as the realization of what you did took root in your chest. Your phone had rang several more times after your intimate moment with Matt, but instead of answering and taking responsibility for your disappearing act, you had silenced your phone and crawled under the cozy covers of Matt’s bed. He seemed hesitant as he laid beside you; fully aware of the risk you were taking in staying. Matt didn’t quite know how to broach the subject so he had decided to hold you in his arms until he felt your breathing slow as you fell into a deep sleep. Behind you, Matt stirred and plopped a hand over his mouth as he released a big yawn.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He murmured into your neck as he hugged you closer. You nestled in his comforting hold as you turned to face him. 

“How do you know I’m beautiful? I could be a troll.” You teased, pinching his bicep as he laughed. 

“I have a sense for these things.” He stated, matter-of-factly, his smile genuine and full. You couldn’t help the smile from turning your lips into a full smile to match his as you lay there together in a last moment of peace. Soon, your mind fell back into the pit of despair that was consuming you, and as you did your smile faltered. Sensing the shift in mood, Matt propped himself up against the headboard and sighed deeply; he patted the space next to him in an encouraging motion to get you to join him. You sat up and pulled yourself over to him and leaned back against the cool headboard, closing your eyes tightly. 

“Do you wanna talk about it?” He asked, tone even and soothing as he gently nudged you with his shoulder. You grimaced at the question and chewed on the inside of your cheek; biting your words and choosing carefully what to say. 

“Not particularly…” You started but trailed off, unsure of your next move. Matt side deeply as he placed his hands in his lap; eyes trained forward and unmoving. 

“Y/n. You’re not going to hurt my feelings…” He began solemnly, a soft tone coating his words in an attempt to coax you into putting words to feelings. You looked up at him with teary eyes as you fought against the pit forming in your stomach.

“I don’t know why I did this. I should’ve answered the phone, but I just…couldn’t bring myself to…” You confessed softly as you wiped away a stray tear as it escaped your weary lids. Matt took a deep breath in and released it again in a whoosh of air as he raised an arm to wrap around your shoulders. He gently rubbed your back as he gave you time to gather your thoughts. 

“I did want this-you I mean. I had an amazing time. And maybe that’s part of why I stayed. But…” You trailed off as your mind ran in circles piecing together your own motive for the last 24 hours. Matt continues to remain silent and still. You couldn’t tell if he was upset or hurt or both. You push on through the awkwardness growing between you as you speak. 

“But…I should have gone home. The team, Tony, has risked so much to keep me around in a universe I don’t belong in and I basically threw it all back in his face.” 

“You’re entitled to a life, y/n.” Matt reminds in a gentle tone, turning to face you. His face peers into yours with a caring expression painted across his features. He gives your shoulder a squeeze and then climbs out from under the covers and walks carefully to the door leaving you to watch him go. Grabbing your phone from the nightstand you take a deep breath and check your notifications. There was a long list of missed calls and text messages from Tony and Pepper. Taking a breath of courage you listen to one of several voicemails.

God damn it, no it went to voicemail! Hey! It’s me your caring benevolent father wondering where the FUCK you are! Yes, I know Pepper, yelling isn't productive but……….okay. Please come back in one piece or I will be forced to kill your slimy lowlife no good-.........fine Pepper! Please just come home. 

If you weren’t so consumed with feeling awful about your choices, you could almost laugh at the humor surrounding Tony trying to remain calm with Pepper scolding him in the background. He was clearly upset by the stunt you pulled, but Matt was right. You were an adult after all and were entitled to make adult choices with or without the support of these people. You raised your cellphone to your ear once again as a voicemail from Pepper's clear, calm voice spoke to you.

Ah, sweetheart. Voicemail? I get it. He’s handsome and you’re feeling lonely and lord knows I’ve been there. And whether he’ll admit it, Tony has too. He’s just worried. We all are and you not coming home…was just unexpected, to say the least. So when you get this tomorrow morning and start feeling crushed and tearing yourself a new one, know that we just want you back here. Safe. Have a good time, sweetie. I think you’ve earned it. 

As the final words and click of the message ending plays, you absent-mindedly reach up to wipe away a few stray tears. You scrolled through the many messages Tony had texted you; some with threats and others with bargains but all ending in the same sentiment. They wanted you to come home. Home. A word you hadn’t fully associated with anything in this universe. Not truly. This entire time you had been adjusting and feeling the growing pains that accompanied the change of trying to find where you fit into this new world. Slowly you had begun to find your stride and make this work for you but had felt like you fucked it all up in one night. Pepper was right; you were lonely and maybe that’s why you felt the need to stay with Matt last night. You hadn’t quite come to terms with the fact that you had slept with him, yet. That you would set aside to process later. You swung your feet to rest on the floor, gently stretching your toes on the cool floor. Making your way out of bed, you threw on one of Matt's button-down shirts and walked into the kitchen where he stood leaning against the island. He was sipping a mug of coffee and at the sound of your pattering feet, he gestured to another steaming cup. You stood there together in silence, sipping your coffee and toeing around the looming conversation. Just when you think you’re free, Matt’s warm baritone voice stops you from raising your mug to your lips.

“I think we should talk about last night.” As you stand there frozen, mug hovering in the air, you squeeze your eyes shut, and will this conversation not to happen.

“Y/n, I think it’s important to clear the air.” He continues, not relenting on the topic. It appears later is now. You place your mug on the counter and scoot into an island barstool, tilting your face to look at him directly. 

“Alright. Talk.” You mumble, fingers held together although trembling. You wanted him to lead this conversation; worried you would say the wrong thing and hurt him in some way. It had been a while since you had seen someone casually, the last time being in college. It felt new, and different from being with someone who wasn’t Steve; someone who had known your body so intimately and wholly. You loved him dearly and being with him was familiar and comforting but never passionate or intense. He was a friend, a great partner, and a strong and steady companion. That was why you had agreed to marry him. It was never about sex or burning romance with him. You had always thought that it was something you’d be okay giving up if it meant having Steve. Then, when Bucky and you had almost gotten it right, it had renewed a once snuffed-out flame. You did desire intimacy and you didn’t want to settle. Maybe it was all the pent-up feelings, the stress, or the overall desire to be close with someone but you had decided to scratch that itch with Matt. It was amazing and left you feeling satisfied, but there was still a part of you that wanted to feel the lips of someone else against your skin as their hands tugged your hair as they whispered sweet nothings in your ear. 

“Y/n, are you listening?” Matt asked as he waved a hand in the empty space between you, jarring you back to the reality of the moment. He could sense your slight jump at being startled and placed his mug on the counter to take your hand in his own. He reached in between you toward your body as you met him halfway, setting your hands gently in his. He smiled at your nonverbal assistance with his blindness as he continued. 

“You are amazing. And beautiful. And overall incredible. I had an amazing time with you last night…” He started again but trailed off quickly.

“But?” You asked, pressing him to continue knowing where his words were heading.

“But…I am not really a relationship kind of guy. The people that I care about they-” 

“It’s okay, Matt. I feel the same way. It was fun and I enjoyed it. Simple as that and no strings attached.” You cut him off quickly,  not wanting to watch him awkwardly fumble through his ‘it's not you it's me’ speech any longer. He stared in your direction for a moment before nodding in disbelief.

“Really?”

“Really really, Matt.” You reassured, taking your hands back and taking a sip of coffee. “Amazing coffee by the way. Blonde roast?”  You asked casually, trying to redirect this conversation in any way possible while hopping out of your barstool and beginning to gather your clothes from the floor. 

“Uh yeah….wait. You’re not mad? At all?” 

“Nope. It was actually exactly how I felt. I didn’t know how I was gonna break it to you.” You respond with a light laugh as you tug off the dress shirt and replace it with your own black, satin dress. Matt shakes his head as he tries to process what he had least expected.

“Unbelievable…” he murmurs as he shakes his head and takes a seat on the barstool you vacated. He leans an elbow on the island and stares in your direction as he listens to you finish getting dressed and move to stand before him. 

“Thank you. Last night made me feel like an actual person again.” You admit with a shy giggle, shifting awkwardly in your high heels. Matt reaches forward and places a hand on your cheek, tilting your lips in his direction. You close the distance and place a sweet kiss on his full lips, lingering there just a moment longer and savoring the feeling of being adored. He pulls away slowly with a contented sigh but leaves his hand softly caressing your warm cheeks. 

“I have never met anyone quite like you, Ms. Stark.” He whispers with a teasing grin, his wide beautiful smile matching the warm sunlight that cascaded through the windows into his home. He radiated comfort and knowing the awkwardness that awaited you at the Tower you almost let lust convince you to stay and drown sinfully in his lips. Biting our lip, you decided you had enough to atone for. You place a chaste kiss on Matt's cheeks and step away from him and grab your purse.

“Wish me luck or a quick death when I get home.” You laugh breathily, nerves settling in as you head toward the door. Matt echos your brief laugh and gives a small salute.

“Goodbye fairest, Juliet.” He calls to you as he hears the door open. You smile at his hopeful face and, with a growing pit of anxiety in your stomach, head toward the Tower. 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

You had taken your time walking the sidewalk of the city, watching with a queasy feeling as the Tower grew taller and taller as you drew closer to your doom. Not a stranger to the walk of shame, this one felt different. In the past when you had left a date's apartment early the next morning, people had swarmed you with cameras and phones as they documented Tony Stark's daughter being caught amidst a new scandal. The sounds of shouting, camera shutters, and chaos were a distant memory now as the soft sound of traffic and footsteps were the only sounds to be heard. No one knew who you were. It felt like that one scene in Jurassic Park where if you stood on this street and yelled ‘I’m Tony Stark's daughter and I am from the multiverse and have cosmic poison in my body’ someone would shove you out of the way or ignore you; it was New York after all. There were crazy people on every street corner claiming to be all sorts of things. You rounded the corner of the street that led to the front doors of the Tower and your steps began feeling pained as the dread engulfed you. As each stride brought you to the tall, glass doors of the lobby you felt your feet freeze at the attempt to step through. Tony was going to kill you; perhaps figuratively or literally. Staying out all night would only mean one thing and everyone within these walls knew it as you felt yourself shrinking back into a sixteen-year-old girl who broke curfew. Just as you’re about to turn on your heel and take another lap around the block, Mr. Henry the doorman opens the door and ushers you inside. 

“Ms. Stark! Everyone has been worried sick over you. I was told to page Mr. Stark the second you arrived back.” He exclaimed loudly as he shoved you through the lobby and toward the elevator. As you stutter in an attempt to delay what was waiting for you upstairs, nothing coherent stops him from placing you in the elevator and pressing the button for the lab.

“I’m glad you’re home safe, miss!” were his parting words as the doors shut and began rocketing upward. You watch nervously as the numbers tick away through the various floors of the building and inching closer to where you wanted least to be. 

“Friday, stop on this floor, please.” You call out to the Towers A.I. as the anxiety reaches an unbearable level, hoping she’d let you off before arriving at the lab floor. You didn't want to face Tony; didn’t want to have to justify your actions. 

“I’m afraid my instructions are to bring you to Mr. Stark,” Friday responds dryly, the elevator not slowing for a single instant. You curse under your breath and hug your arms against yourself to calm your racing heart. Finally, the elevator stops as the doors slide open to reveal a dimly lit lab. Timidly stepping out of the elevator, the doors slide shut behind you as they seal your fate. Hunched over a worktable and tinkering with a scrap pile sat Tony, his shoulders rounded and defensive as he worked. You could hear the frustrated grunts and curses as he worked, tossing wrenches and screwdrivers into a chaotically organized toolbox. You stood there watching him for a moment, the way he worked his anxiety out through tinkering and experimenting was a photocopy of your dad. You had witnessed this scene many times after coming home late, breaking a rule, or general teenage poor decision-making which had led your dad to be in a similar position. 

“So you decided to come home?” Tony asked with no attempt to disguise the hurt and anger in his words. He kept his back to you as he spoke, but his hands stilled their working. Your eyes trailed over the discarded remains of various projects that you knew Tony had been working on while waiting for you to return. The countless bolts and wrenches that littered the workspace were a testament to the anxiety you had caused in him. Your throat became tight and dry as you choked back tears, not knowing how to fix the turmoil you had created. Slowly, you stepped into the smaller workspace area and sat on a stool behind him, your eyes fixed on the ground as you awaited the final blow; it never came. You both sat in tense silence waiting for the other to speak, both treading in uneasy waters. You twirled your fingers nervously as you kept your eyes cast downward in shame and guilt. The sound of clattering tools caused you to jump as arms quickly wrapped themselves around you. It took a moment to register that Tony was hugging you, tossing his project to the side as it collapsed on the table. He held you close as he cradled your head against his shoulder, his breathing raspy as he clearly was fighting back tears. Slowly you reached your arms around his body and returned the hug. As the anxiety, anger, and guilt washed away, you pulled back to look at Tony; opening your mouth to speak and apologize for everything, he cuts you off. 

“I know, kiddo.” He says gently, wiping a tear from your cheek. You take in a shuddering breath as you steady yourself, but your words still come out clipped and quiet.

“I should’ve answered your calls. I just don’t feel like myself sometimes…and I…it’s like I’m starting to get a grip on this life and as soon as I do, something always gets in the way-I get in the way and I-I.... I wanted to feel…” You try to explain but the words get jumbled up as they leave your mouth. You trail off into silence as tears spill free in a choked sob.

“Normal?” Tony offers, a look of understanding creasing his brow as he watches you struggle to find the words. You sniffle and nod in agreement as Tony pulls his stool closer to yours and takes a seat. 

“Ugh, this is so stupid. I like hate crying and have done more of it in the last few months than in my entire life. It’s embarrassing.” You whine, gesturing to the ceiling in frustration as the tears continue to pour; your complete hopelessness converted into those tears as they rain down your face and soak into the soft, satin fabric of your dress. Tony chuckles sadly as he crosses his arms; he chews his bottom lip in contemplation before shaking his head.

“Being normal isn’t really part of the Stark deal, Speck.” He says flatly, nudging your knee with his own as your crying calms down a bit. You wipe your nose and cheeks with the back of your hand and look at him sadly. Your face ached from the effort of sobbing as a headache began to form behind your eyes. Squeezing the bridge of your nose you scoffed angrily.

“I don’t understand why this is so fucking hard! Why can’t I just feel…happy. Or honestly, I’d settle for anything other than fucking depressed. I’ve gotten what I wanted; my dad back right? Okay, but at what fucking cost? ” You ramble desperately, your breath raspy and tired as you speak. Tony scratches his goatee and leans forward his eyes gently watching as you struggle to find words and though Tony, before you Tony, would have winced at your words when you first met, this Tony is taking it in stride. He cups the side of your face softly as he takes a ragged breath.

“Y/n, I’m not good at this father thing yet. Hell, I am still learning and adjusting just like you. I don’t have the answers and I can’t fix how you’re feeling. I don’t have years of dad talks under my belt yet, but what I can tell you is that you’re not alone. It might not be the same, but the people in this universe care for you.” He says, his face open and sincere. His slumped shoulders relax a bit as you nod understanding at his words and he leans back feeling as if he had gotten somewhere. His eyes nervously dart from you to the floor as he takes a steadying breath and runs a hand through his hair.

“I never really saw myself as being a father.” He admits, wrinkles at the edge of his eyes curving as he squints at the awkwardness of the moment. 

“Tony, I-”

“Let me finish, y/n.” He cuts you off as he stands from his stool and begins pacing the space between you.

“I never saw myself as a father. Maybe it’s because I had issues with my old man or because I just never wanted to give it a try. After meeting you, though? Really getting to know who you are and how wonderful of an addition you make to my life? I was scared. Terrified of what losing you would mean. I wasn’t angry because you stayed out all night or were having a life, no. I was scared of losing you.” Tony’s hands waved wildly as he spoke, his voice gravely from lack of sleep and emotion as he spilled his heart free in this workshop. Your eyes widened slightly as his words gave life to your hope; the feeling of belonging.

“If you go missing, there is no record of you to show the police. I can’t just waltz into the NYPD and say ‘help me find my daughter’ now can I?”

“You’re Iron man, why would you-”

“Not the point. I’m getting off track and I’m tired. The point is, for all intents and purposes and just because I love you, you are my daughter. In this universe, in your universe, in every universe, okay?” He shouts, lip quivering as he waits for you to accept his words as truth. Warmth flooded your chest as tears began to fall for a different reason this time. 

“Okay.” You murmur softly, a wide smile spread across your face as you see his eyes light up. You all but leap from the chair and throw yourself into Tony’s arms as you relish in the warm embrace of your father. You held each other for a long moment, before a sniffly voice breaks through the silence.

“Took you both long enough.” Pepper calls to you both from her spot in the doorway. She smiled brightly at the two of you before opening her arms and joining the family hug. As you all pull away, Pepper links her arm with yours and begins leading you toward the elevator. 

“You look like you could use a breakfast and shower.” She whispers and you nod eagerly in response. You look back over your shoulder and feel your heart soar as Tony watches you both leave with love and adoration written on his face. 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

At this moment in your home universe…

“I’m tellin’ you Steve, I saw her.” Bucky grumbles loudly, rolling his eyes as Steve continues up the steps ahead of him shaking his head. Steve stops and turns around, a sad look in his eyes as he grabs Bucky by the shoulders.

“And I’m telling you that you’re hurt and it could be wishful thinking.”

“But if I’m right-”

“I don’t know what it would mean. That’s why we’re here.” Steve admits reluctantly. As he climbs the final couple steps, the front door to the Sanctum Sanctorum swings open to reveal Stephen Strange floating just above the ground, cape whipping around his slender frame, and sipping from a coffee mug.

Chapter Twenty Two: Tonight 

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x Reader

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts. (Previous Chapter) (Next Chapter)

TAG LIST IS OPEN (Just comment to be added!)

Warnings/Rating: Alright guys this chapter is NSFW, I’ve given warnings up until now but we have finally arrived so please 18+ only and wrap it before you tap it folks.

W/C: 6080 (I hope you all enjoy it! Some chapters may be longer or shorter than others and I hope to update biweekly, but this chapter will soon be followed so have no fear!)

The minutes flew by into hours as the women surrounding you fussed and tweaked every last detail of your appearance. Wanda had practically torn your closet apart trying to find the perfect outfit for tonight's date and sifting through the new clothes you had gotten a few nights prior as Natasha plucked at your eyebrows with little mercy.

“Ow! Nat!” You cried out in pain as the sudden sharp sting of a hair being pulled brought a small tear to your eye.

“Stop being a baby.” She scoffed as she set her assassin sights on the next target. 

“Do you know how to be gentle?” You asked her sarcastically with a roll of your eyes. She paused her tweezing motions and eyed you with a mischievous grin.

“Oh so you like it-”

“Nat! Not what I meant.” You shriek cutting her off. She giggles and with a shrug, finishes her task at hand; this time a bit softer. Wanda came rushing out of your closet holding a black satin dress to her body.

“What do we think?” She asked the group as all eyes turned to her. She held it smooth over her curves as she did a swaying motion to give it the full effect. Just as you’re about to say it might be a bit much the other women chime in.

“It’s perfect!” Pepper offers with barely concealed excitement. She sets her phone down on the bed where she sat cross legged and leaned forward to grab hold of the smooth fabric. 

“I think the slit on the side shows the perfect amount of leg and the spaghetti straps make it chic and elegant.” Natasha chimes in, her analysis of the dress eliciting nods from the others. Wanda tosses you the dress and stands bouncing on the balls of her feet and clasping her hand in front of her. You sigh deeply, take the dress, and head to the bathroom to change; dragging your feet on the way. Once you’re safely out of the eyes of the women, you release a held breath. This entire afternoon had been overwhelming as they had dressed you up like a living Barbie. Shrugging out of your clothes, you tug on the silky fabric and pull the thin straps over your bare shoulders. As you are about to leave the bathroom, the sight of your reflection stops you in your tracks. Your eyes go wide as they meet those of your mirror image. The woman standing before you was almost unrecognizable. Your hair had been tucked and pinned in loose curls by Pepper in a perfect updo. A few strands were pulled free and gently framed your face. The makeup Natasha had done was stunning as the colors emphasized your eyes in a subtle yet beautiful way. Your eyes trailed over your figure as your hand rested on the neckline of the dress, taken aback at how good you actually looked. You were strikingly beautiful all dolled up like this. Everything about you would turn heads this evening and the confidence you once had started to filter in once again. You smiled to yourself and did a giddy bounce, allowing excitement to take over and pushing the nerves to the back of your mind. Taking a deep breath, you step out from the bathroom as Natasha, Pepper, and Wanda all fall into silence at the sight of you. Feeling nervous  by their lack of reaction you attempt to fill the silence.

“Is it too much? The slit is a little too high and I don't know maybe the eye makeup just isn't right for this-”

“You look perfect.” A baritone voice cuts through your nervous babble. Your eyes dart to your bedroom door to see Steve leaning casually against the door frame. His smile was wide and showered you with warmth and reassurance. The rest of the women began showering you with praise and compliments as they added their final touches on your look, though your eyes never left Steve’s. He gave you a bashful smile, cleared his throat, and crossed his arms; the white t-shirt pulled taught over his large muscles.

“The lawyer is here to pick you up for your date.” He announces, only the slightest amount of distaste laced in his words.

“Okay, she’ll be out in a minute!” Pepper scolded, her usually calm demeanor cracking from the commotion. Steve nods his understanding and shoots you one final smile before ducking out of the room and wandering back down the hall. Natasha grabs your chin firmly and pulls it in her direction as she wields a tube of dark red lipstick. 

“Hold still. Pucker your lips a bit, no, not like that, like, yes. Thank you.” She mutters as she begins lining your curved lips with the dark red color. She helps you step into a pair of stiletto heels and holds your arm while you try and regain your balance. Giving one last look of approval, she nods and takes a step back to survey her work.

“She’s ready.” Natasha finally declares after a beat and the women begin rushing you down the hallway toward your date. The clicking of your high heels echoed in the hallway as you marched on toward your impending fate. Your stomach did flips as your palms grew sweaty with nerves. This was a major step in the direction of your new life and everything felt overwhelming the closer you got to the kitchen. Your ears roared as your senses began to spin in every direction all at once, vertigo making you stumble slightly, but when you stepped into the kitchen and saw Tony interrogating Matt, whose back was to you, everything fell into a fragile peace. 

Your mind went back to your first real boyfriend in high school; a boy you had no business dating. He was the farthest thing from a good guy and you had reveled in how mad it made your dad. Your dad had spent countless nights lecturing, interrogating, and threatening him until one day he had sat you down for your own lecture.

“I do not like that heathen, y/n.” He had scolded, his tone growing high pitched and irate to which you simply rolled your eyes in response, a move you had used often. 

“Okay, and I do not like your attitude. And he loves me, so.” You responded with the snarky tone that had gotten you in trouble many times before. You braced yourself for the angry tirade, the yelling, the grounding that surely awaited you at the end of this argument. Instead, he had pulled up a chair at the kitchen table where you sat pouting and tilted your face to look him directly in the eyes. 

“Love is not some cheap line to get what you want. It means something, y/n.”

“What? Are you going to tell me about how I’m too young to understand love and-” You started dramatically; hands flailing angrily, but were promptly cut off by your dad.

“No. If anything, I have worked your entire life to show you what love is. Damn it y/n, love is selfless and it can be heartbreaking, but it should never have conditions attached to it. People will come and go in your life. They will walk all over you, try and use you for your name, laugh at you, hurt you, tell you they love you, but those that truly care about you will never make you feel how you are feeling right now.”

“And how am I feeling right now, huh?”

“At odds with yourself.” He admits, a solemn look written plainly on his face giving voice to his inner turmoil at having this fight. You look back dumbfounded at his ability to place words to the feelings that roiled inside you. 

“See? That look right there. You know I’m right. You are sixteen and think you know everything there is to know about everything. You are my daughter after all. But being book smart, being able to fix robots and engines and build things is not the same as dealing with human emotions. Hell, it took me forever to get things right with Pepper.” He confessed, exasperation clear in his voice. He pinched the bridge of his nose as if to summon the strength to continue this lecture. He leaned forward and grabbed your hands in his own, raising them to his chest. He tilted your chin lovingly as his words softened.

“There is nothing in this world I wouldn’t do to protect you. Can you, just this once, listen to your old man when he tells you this guy is trouble?” His dark brown eyes bore into yours as he pleaded with you to come to your senses. And at that moment you had realized what every child usually realizes too late. He meant those words. You had simply nodded your agreement as he released a long sigh and kissed your forehead; deciding in that moment to never take for granted the love your father had shown you every day of your life. Sure, you had tested his patience and pushed to see the boundaries of his love, but every time you were reassured that his love was unconditional. Tony Stark was many things, but being a father? That he had excelled at. 

You blinked away the memory and few misty eyed tears as your eyes refocused on the present moment. Tony Stark facing down his latest annoyance; your date. Natasha gave you a shove in Matt’s direction as you stumbled forward awkwardly. The room was filled with members of the team, all coming to see with their own eyes Tony Stark being a dad. Sam and Bruce sat with Steve in the living room pretending to play a game of cards. Their eyes were fixed on you with wide knowing grins spread across their faces. Natasha and Wanda had backed up into the hallway where they stood practically bouncing with excitement as Pepper took her spot by Tony’s side. She placed a hand on his chest in an attempt to cool his nervous temper. Vision sat stoically in a chair at the dining room table watching intently at this human interaction with wide eyes. Nervously, you take a step forward as Matt turns in your direction; a handsome smile painted on his features. He extends an open palm into the space between you two. You take hold of it warmly, but are surprised when he raises your knuckles to his lips in a gentle kiss.

“Good evening, my dearest Juliet.” He murmurs over your hand as he finally releases you and stands back confidently. He clasps his cane in his hands as he leans back, almost seeming like he’s looking you over. Tony’s eyes go wide as he watches this interaction, practically sputtering in anger. Pepper pulls him to the side as she silently scolds Tony. He huffs and crosses his arms over his chest. Just as you’re about to respond a disgruntled scoff draws your attention to the hallway leading to the elevator just as Clint and Bucky walk into the space. Clint looks perplexed as he skirts around the edge of the room and toward the refrigerator. They are both sweaty and you assume they must’ve just gotten done with sparring in the training room. Bucky, on the other hand, stands motionless as he angrily looks from you to Matt and back again as if trying to piece together this perplexing puzzle. Matt tilts his head toward the direction of Bucky and fixes him with a charming smile.

“Within the hollow crown, that rounds the mortal temples of a king, Keeps Death his court; and there the antic sits, Scoffing his state and grinning at his pomp.” Matt recites dramatically, turning Bucky's face red with anger and even deeper confusion.

“Richard II? Shakespeare strikes again, sir.” You respond with a hint of flirtation, a wide smile coloring your face. Matt chuckles softly and holds an arm out for you to wrap yours around his and begin strolling toward the elevator. Tony looks like he’s about to yell something about a curfew or being responsible, but you step into the elevator and disappear before he has the chance.

“What does that even mean?” Sam chimes in from his spot in the living room when you’re out of sight. Steve grimaces as he takes in the pained expression on his friend's face.

“It’s Shakespeare for ‘If looks could kill, his certainly would’.” Steve mutters as he plays another card and stares at Bucky sadly. 

“Yeah, well, what is Shakespeare for ‘That guy is a douche’?” Tony muttered, anger and worry stewing together in a distasteful mood.

“His wit’s as thick as a Tewkesbury mustard.” Vision recites matter-of-factly, no emotion coloring his tone. The team looks at Vision in disbelief to which he merely shrugs, picks up his book, and continues reading, leaving the rest of the team to wait anxiously for you to return from your date.

Stepping out of the elevator you strolled to where Happy stood waiting to take you both on your date. It felt kind of middle school to have the night already curated and knew that Happy would report any suspicious behavior to Tony. You slid into the back seat and held out a hand to help Matt into the back of the SUV. He sat close to you, his legs resting against your own as his face was trained forward. The car drove off, taking you to the restaurant Pepper had reserved a table at for tonight's adventure. As you wound through the streets of New York, Matt’s hand slowly reached out to hold your own; his previous confidence fading slightly as he was unsure if the touch was wanted. You held his hand in your own gently, giving a reassuring squeeze while you silently sat together, both unsure of what to say. Finally, Happy pulls up outside Le Bernardin, a fancy restaurant that specializes in refined French food and is one of Pepper’s favorite places to eat. She described it as intimate which had made your stomach flutter. Happy opened the door for you and helped you both from the back of the car. He smiled warmly at you as he gestured for you to go inside. 

“I’ll be around. Just call me when you’re ready to go…or have any problems.” He whispered in your ear as he reached around to close the car door. You could almost swear you saw the corners of Matt’s mouth tilt up in a smirk, but think better of it as there’s no way he could’ve heard. You nod to Happy and begin strolling into the restaurant as you’re greeted by the overly excited staff of Le Bernardin. 

“Good evening, Ms. Stark. Such a pleasure to be at your service tonight.” A male waiter greeted you with a thick french accent as he handed you both menus and gave a curt bow.

“That makes two of us.” Matt murmured with a mischievous smile, his gaze turned in your direction as he spoke. Your cheeks tinted pink, flustered from his flirtatious comment. The waiter tilted his head curiously, but decided against making a retort and stepped away from the table. You smiled widely at Matt and shook your head in disbelief; biting your lip and glancing away.

“Must you be so clear with your intentions?” You asked honestly, giggling softly and taking a sip of wine. Matt rested his hand on your thigh where the slit of the dress exposed just the tiniest sliver of skin. His warm, large hands spread across the flesh there causing goosebumps to rise on your skin, not from the cold but from excitement. He leaned forward, his lips grazing your ear as he spoke.

“I can be clearer if you want.” His voice was rough as he spoke, his breath tickling your neck as he leaned in. Matt reached up tenderly and laced his finger into one of the stray strands of hair that frames your face. His fingertips twirled it gently between his thumb and forefinger as he breathed in deeply.

“Hot blood begets hot thoughts, and hot thoughts beget hot deeds.” Matt murmured seductively as he pulled away; a flirtatious smirk spread across his face. You matched his smile as you rested your hand atop his.

“I do believe the end of that quote has something to do with love, Matt.” You remark, a bit of hesitation in your voice when you speak. His fingers, which had been making lazy circles on your thigh, slowed their movements. You sip your wine as you feel the tension in the moment building, unsure of what to say. Matt leans back in his chair and takes a deep breath. You can almost feel the way his eyes looked over your stiff frame through his rose-tinted glasses.

“I’m afraid the catholic in me erased my ability to love.” He chuckled dryly, a strained smile crinkling the corners of his eyes just barely visible behind his glasses. You take a measured breath and down the remaining bit of your wine; the bitter, fruity taste going down smoothly.

“Thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples; And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. Song of Solomon.” You counter, quoting a bible verse in an effort to catch him off guard. Matt laughs and leans forward, his words chilling and stern as he speaks.

“And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew.” He fires back, his words firm and clear as he recites his verse. You thought you were quick, but he was quicker. You raise your hands in surrender and signal the waiter to come and take your order as you laugh nervously.

“Remind me to have you on my bible trivia team.” You tease, once again lighting a smile across his face, the tense moment fading away into the background. 

“Are we ready to order then?” The waiter asks, pen and notepad at the ready.

“Yeah, I’ll have the uh goat cheese salad and the soup of the day, please.” You respond hesitantly, running through what meals would turn a guy off and trying to avoid those when Matt chuckles nervously.

“Ha, well, I haven’t really looked over the menu…” Matt trails off as you silently kick yourself for being so stupid.

“Shit, Matt! I’m so sorry. Here-” You take the menu from in front of him and skim through to what you think he might be interested in. He stops your hand and looks to the space where the waiter stands uncomfortably.

“I’ll just have what she’s having, thanks. And another bottle of the house red, please.” The waiter nods and then awkwardly thanks the two of you before scurrying away to the kitchen. You sit back in your chair and look Matt over.

“How did I forget you were blind?” You scold yourself as you look away in shame. Matt takes your hand and places it back over his on your thigh.

“And here I was thinking it was my best feature. You wound me, darling.” He teases, the flirtatious tone creeping back into his voice. 

“I think you mean most noticeable.”

“My body count begs to differ.” He confesses, teasing softly though his tone seems a bit sad. In return, you squeeze his hands to soothe any nerves Matt might feel in this moment.

“Come on, we all have a past. It doesn’t bother me that you’ve been with other people.” You calmly proclaim. Matt raises an eyebrow at you as you speak, momentarily surprised by your words as if that wasn’t quite what he had meant. He opens his mouth to protest, but decides to move on and merely smiles in response. Not soon after, the food is brought out in its small, grand portions of nothingness and you stare at the tiny blob of salad in dismay. 

“Bon appétit!” The waiter cheers, leaving you both alone with the phantom portions. You attempt to choke down the bitter leafy greens, but when Matt starts quietly giggling it sets off an eruption of laughter between the two of you.

“I feel like I’m eating soggy snail grass.” Matt cries, a look of pure disgust and disbelief swirling over his features.

“That is oddly specific yet entirely accurate.” You agree, laughter shaking your frame as you set your fork on your plate with a resounding clink of disapproval. As the laughs die down, Matt smiles in your direction fondly as if trying to solve the riddle of that was you.

“I actually prefer food truck cuisine. I have a refined palate.” He admits, cheeks tingling a slight pink as he taps his fingertips on the table top. 

“Me too. I’m not a very fancy person and would much rather eat greasy diner food than this sad lettuce.” You responded truthfully, pushing back your plate and letting out a heavy sigh. Matt’s face lights up momentarily as he lifts his head in your direction.

“Wanna dine and dash?” He asks quietly, not an ounce of teasing in his tone. Your eyes widen at his suggestion before you shove all reason to the back of your mind.

“Forgive me father for I have sinned.” You responded, practically purring as you grabbed his hand and began leading him briskly toward the exit. Rounding the corner past the hostess station, Matt grabs your waist and pulls you against him firmly. The movement was unexpected, but as you rested your backside against his front your heart began to race with excitement. 

“Alright, lead the way.” Matt whispered, a smile planted firmly on his lips as he held tightly to you. You dashed from the front doors and quickly and quietly made your way around Happy’s car without being spotted and took off in the direction of the nearest food truck.

Once you had made it a good distance away from the restaurant, you slowed your pace and walked leisurely with Matt; arm in arm as you took in the sights of the city. Stopping briefly at a taco food truck, you down your food in a ravenous frenzy before sitting shoulder to shoulder on a park bench. Minutes flew by into well over an hour as you talked of life, adventures, and little quirks about yourselves.

“So, you haven’t always been blind?” You asked in awe as Matt had told you the story of losing his eyesight. He looked at you sadly as he tossed the remainder of taco on the ground as a nearby pigeon coasted down for the meal of a lifetime.

“Nope, just bad luck I guess. Sometimes it feels like I’ve been like this forever, but then I can just barely picture a sunset or trees in the fall and remember that there’s a whole world I can’t quite see.” You hold his hand in a comforting embrace and lean your head against his stiff shoulders feeling them relax just ever so slightly. 

“Can I ask a rather rude question?” Your voice is timid and quiet as you speak. 

“You can certainly try.” Matt responds with a chuckle, twirling your fingers between his own.

“What’s it like? To be blind I mean.” Your question takes him off guard, but he pondered it before turning to look at you; a mischievous smile growing wider by the second.

“Let me show you.” He whispers excitedly as he stands abruptly and begins walking the sidewalk in the opposite direction of the restaurant, his cane tapping and sweeping the ground as he goes. 

“Matt! Where are you going?” You call after him, but he doesn’t slow his walk and leaves you to scramble to catch up with him. You follow by his side silently as he navigates the streets of the city until finally you arrive in front of an apartment building.

“Do you trust me?” Matt asks you with sincere honesty. He has stopped in front of the door to this building and is waiting on your answer before making his next move. You chew on your bottom lip as you look Matt over. Mentally saying ‘Fuck it’ you release a breath.

“Against my better judgment, yes.” You admit causing a smile to light up his handsome features. Matt steps to the side and begins opening the door to the apartment building. You follow him up a few flights of stairs until you arrive at the door to what you’ve come to realize is his apartment. He unlocks the door and steps aside, allowing you access to the space before him. When you walk inside his darkly lit home, you are surprised to see how stark the room is. It had a few well selected furniture items, but as a whole didn’t appear to be very homey or rather what you had pictured the inside of his place to look like. As you wander deeper into his space, your eyes go wide as they take in the gigantic electronic billboard lighting up the interior of his living room. The lights flicker on in the apartment and you turn to see Matt standing sheepishly in the center of his space; his home.

“Come here. I have something to show you.” He gently calls to you before turning to grab several books from a shelf. He lays them out on the kitchen island for you to survey. The titles included some of Shakespeare's works, Edgar Allen Poe, philosophical dissertations, but when you opened them you found no words but rather small tiny bumps arranged in a methodical order.

“It’s braille. This is how I read.” He says, taking your hand in his own and placing it on the first corner of the page. “Close your eyes.” He drags your fingers gently over the small, raised bumps with his right hand making sure you feel each one. His body leans over yours, encasing you in his arms as he guides your hands over each of the page's surfaces. His lips graze over your neck as his warm breath fans over the sweet spot where your neck meets your chin. 

“Each of these combinations of dots represents a letter in the alphabet. When I run my fingers over them, I can put them together to form words.” As he explained what you were feeling his left hand wandered to your hip and rested there causing your heart to skip a beat. 

“My world is based on touch…” He trails off, his voice losing words as he feels your body responding to his. Matt pulls you against him gently as he ghosts a kiss on the exposed skin of your shoulder causing you to shiver in pleasure. You turn in his arms to face him and place a trembling hand on his chest. He leans in and nudges your nose with his own as your mouths linger inches from one another. You both stood there for a moment, held in each other arms as your breaths mirrored the others. Want, lust, and need filled the air around you making it thick and heavy as the impending collision drew closer. 

“Do you want this?” Matt asked genuinely, waiting for you to give an indication of agreement; ready to devour you at any given moment.

“I want you, Matt.” You admitted in a low murmur and within seconds his lips were on yours. The kiss was passionate and intense, your head swimming as his large strong body curved itself around yours. His mouth moved over yours in a stimulating and erotic dance. You leaned in the kiss, allowing his mouth access into your where your tongues began the dance together. Matt pulled on your bottom lip with his teeth, nibbling on it as you moaned into his mouth, your body responding eagerly to the waves of pleasure. His hands caressed your face gently as they weaved their way into the hair at the base of your neck and gave a firm tug. A deep, throaty moan escaped your lips as you ground yourself against his growing erection causing him to release a deep, guttural moan of his own.

“More. I need more.” You begged between gasps for air as your mouths explored one anothers. You could feel the edges of his lips tilt up in a smirk as he finally gave an answer to your urgent pleas. He moved the hand from the base of your neck and lowered it to the neckline of your dress. His steady fingers lightly tracing the dipping swells of the curves, pausing only momentarily to cup your aching breasts before moving on in his explorations. He swept the strap off one of your shoulders and then achingly slowly removed the other. Your dress fell in a pool at your feet leaving you exposed to the cool air, clad only in your black, lacy underwear and stiletto heels. Matt kissed his way down your body taking his time to worship each spot his mouth touched. He sucked and nipped at the exposed flesh of your collar bone, peppering kisses along the soft flesh as it led its way to the peaks of your breasts. He sighed contentedly as he placed open mouthed kisses on each breast before biting each one. With each sharp sting he'd suck and soothe the flesh with his tongue before lowering his kisses in a trail of pleasure toward your legs. He kissed your inner thighs as he lowered himself to his knees before you. Ne nudged your throbbing core with his nose as he breathed in the scent of you before his finger hooked on the soaked garment, pulling them down your legs, tantalizingly slow while pressing butterfly kisses along your legs. He stood abruptly and backed you against the island countertop, shoving the books to the side as he lifted you onto the cool, smooth surface. As he stood before you, Matt slowly and seductively removed each item of clothing to reveal a chiseled body one could only compare to the most carefully carved marble statues in all of ancient rome. His muscles rippled and flexed as he moved forward, capturing your lips in another blistering kiss. His hand snaked down your legs and pushed your thighs apart firmly. Matt’s fingers slowly trailed over the lips of your core and gathered the wetness between his fingers. The sensation sent a cascade of stars across your vision as he swirled his digits between the silky folds of your pussy. He placed the drenched fingers in his mouth, sucking them clean; the sight alone made you whimper and squirm under his attentive touch. Without a word, he dipped his head and began devouring your core. His tongue ran over the valley of your lips until they delved deeper into your core. He lapped and flicked his tongue against your clit as your hips arched up to meet his mouth with each relentless motion. His hands moved onto your hips, pressing down firmly and restraining your movement, while his mouth kept on its merciless pace. You felt his tongue pressed further, pulling and swallowing the taste of you as he drank you in. Your hands found purchase in the chestnut, brown locks of hair as they tugged lightly at the root. The light pain of the hair pulling caused Matt to groan causing a gentle vibration to echo over your core that sent a shiver up your spine. Whimpers escaped your lips as the sensation intensified to the point of almost unbearable, making you throw your head back; your legs shook at his relentless force on your core. Matt pulled your folds between his teeth, applying the tiniest amount of pressure, and you hissed out in a mix of pain and pleasure. 

“Need you…inside me, please.” You begged him as he slowly moved away from your aching core. He leaned back and smiled seductively, his mouth and chin wet with your arousal. You lunged on him then, collapsing to the floor in a tangle of arms and legs as you kissed him in hot, feverish lust. You tasted yourself on his lips as you slanted your mouth to fit perfectly with his. You raised your body slightly and, still clad in your heels, straddled Matt's hips with your thighs. You ground your wet, sensitive core over his hard erection as you both moaned in pleasure at the sensitive feeling. You lowered yourself onto his cock slowly, inch by inch. You could feel your walls adjusting to the intrusion with a pleasurable ache as he stretched you. You struggled to take him in, finding it hard to form words in your breathless state. His cock pushed against every part of you, hungry for more, encouraging your core to take him in deeper as you felt him twitch and grow inside you. 

“You can take it.” Matt groaned into your mouth, his voice husky. His hands were holding onto your hips as they gently guided you further onto his cock. You gasped out loud as you sunk to the base of his cock; the burn made your head fuzzy with bliss as your walls fluttered around him. 

“Good girl.” He murmured lowly, praising you as you fully sheathed yourself on him. Slowly and breathlessly you began to move; rocking your hips you raised and lowered yourself on his hard cock. You braced yourself on his chest as you began working toward your climax. 

“Faster…” he begged, his voice breathless as he moaned in pleasure at your thrusts. Without warning, Matt rolled you over onto your back as he pushed into you deeper than you thought possible and began pounding into you. His cock filled you up, as he pulled out almost all the way then slammed his cock back to the hilt, again and again. Your loud cries slipped out from your lips, and you didn’t even bother to hold them in. His deep growls echoed in your ears, as you eagerly took them in, locking them in your chest. Let anyone who was listening know you belong to each other, in every sense possible. You were dead tired, yet, you could feel your climax waiting for you. Matt was close too, his gruff breath fanned your neck. 

“I’m … I’m coming.” You mutter frantically, your skin blushing and sweaty as your body prepares to carry you over the edge to euphoria and that only spurred Matt on to pound even harder. He burrowed his head into the crooked of your neck as your arms held him close. Your nails dug into the hard flesh of  his sweat-soaked back as he rutted into you. His hip stuttered, yet his speed didn’t falter as he came inside you, coating your inner wall with his hot fluid. He kept thrusting into you at his unforgiving pace while you clenched down hard on him, your vision darken as you exploded, pulsating around him. You practically screamed in pleasure as firework sensations of pleasure caused you to tremble and shake as Matt groaned your name loudly like a prayer. Finally he slowed down on his thrusts until he stopped moving altogether. You pulled him down to lay on you, welcoming his weight on your sweaty body to anchor you and pull you back to reality. You sighed heavily, stroking lazily at his hair as Matt lifted his head, pressing lingering kisses along your neck. 

“That was…pretty good.” You taste gently pulling at a few strands of hair to rile him up.

“Pretty good?! Just pretty good? That’s not what it seemed like when you-” He began in mock disbelief, a smile wide on his face as he grins at you before being cut off by the ringing of your cell phone. You didn’t have to look at the caller ID to know who it was and how much trouble you’d be in by the time you returned to the tower.

“Should you get that?” Matt asked with a guilty frown beginning to crease his handsome face. You nervously chewed your bottom lip as stared into the face of someone who had made you feel alive just moments before. You wouldn’t let them ruin this evening, not tonight. You’d face whatever hell awaited you in the morning.

Chapter Twenty One: Felt Like Fate

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x Reader

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts. (Previous Chapter) (Next Chapter)

TAG LIST IS OPEN (Just comment to be added!)

Warnings/Rating: Some nudity and lots of sexual tension so be warned. This will get steamy in later chapters so let the slow burn commence.

W/C: 2805 (I hope you all enjoy it! Some chapters may be longer or shorter than others and I hope to update biweekly, but this chapter will soon be followed so have no fear!)

The week drifted on following much of the same routine. You’d wake up, have coffee with Tony, get ready for the day, and jog downstairs to meet Pepper in the lobby who would be standing there tapping her foot impatiently at your lateness. Your eyes would follow the many people of New York as they went about their busy days on the ride to Stark Industries and solemnly shuffle out of the car toward the boring work that awaited you. Whenever it seemed you would clear a hundred stacks of files, Pepper would hand you double that to be filed again. When you finished for the day, or rather when Pepper did, you would pack up and head home to dinner with the team. It was called a “team dinner”, but their week of freedom had lent itself to a small crew of revolving faces as they went about errands or tasks that they had been putting off. On this particular Friday evening, you and Pepper clambered into the small kitchen with arms loaded with Chinese takeout. Tony, Steve, and Wanda practically growling in hunger leaped on the food and began dishing up immediately causing Pepper to squeal in displeasure and shoo them away. 

“We are going to eat like normal people tonight. Around a table.” She scolded health heartedly as she began grabbing plates to set the table. Everyone else shrugged and began grabbing silverware, napkins, and wine glasses to aid in Pepper’s efforts at a nice family meal. Satisfied, Pepper huffed and sat down at the head of the table and shot a look at Tony to dare challenge it. He smiled a wary smile and took a seat on her left side as you sat across on her right. The dinner was delicious and felt very comforting as you sat and shared stories and laughs with the group until suddenly a notification cut through the good feelings. 

“Ms. Stark is needed in the lab, sir.” Friday chimes in above the laughter that immediately dies. Everyone looks from you to Tony with a calm yet panicked expression, waiting for what it could mean.

“For what?” Tony chides, shoving a whole potsticker in his mouth and leaning back in faux calmness. 

“Dr. Lee has requested a check-up on her previous symptoms and has a treatment to aid in slowing her symptoms, sir.” Tony releases a held breath and opens his mouth to respond to the A.I. You cut him off with the squeaking of your chair as it pushes away from the table. 

“Thank you, Friday. Let Dr. Lee know I’m on my way.” You reply calmly, not bringing your eyes to meet anyone else. They watch as you walk toward the elevator in silence; the reminder of your disease and everything that had happened a week prior is refreshed in their minds. The dinner had become awkward; you felt the edges of the night begin to tinge with unease. You didn’t want to stick around and try and pull more tense conversation from them as they adjusted to all that transpired so you watched the ground as the elevator doors shut and carried you to the medical bay level of the tower. The doors mechanically slid open to reveal the bright fluorescent lights of the room. It smelled deeply of cleaning chemicals and it stung your nose as you inhaled the sterile air. You peered around the double swinging doors to the examination room to see Dr. Lee scribbling on her charting clipboard. She tilted her head up at the sound of you approaching and fixed you with a warm smile. 

“Y/n! How have you been?” She exclaimed cheerily, her eyes scanning your frame, perhaps assessing your current state of health. 

“Surprisingly well, actually.” You reply in a level tone. The brutal honesty of the fact weighed heavily in the air. Dr. Lee gestures to the exam table indicating that she wanted you to sit for your check-up. You scooted your butt over the noisy, crinkling paper and held your hands in your lap nervously while she checked your vitals. 

“Breathe in for me.” She asked, her voice soothing and calm as she held the stethoscope to your chest to listen to your breathing. She rested her hands on your neck and abdomen and gave light little pushes checking for any noticeable irregularities. Giving a satisfied huff, she drags out a medical cart full of medical instruments, grabs her clipboard, and begins scribbling notes. Finally, she sets the clipboard on the edge of the bed and grabs a large syringe and vial of blue and black inky liquid. Your eyebrows shoot up in fear and confusion as she holds in closer to your arm. Instinctively you try to pull away, but her warm, firm grasp holds you tight.

‘Y/n, it’s okay. This isn’t going to hurt you. Remember how I told you that I was doing a blood draw to isolate the poisoned parts?” Her eyes are deep and earnest as they stare into yours; her body language is open and pleading as she holds you firmly. She could sense your fear and hesitation as was taking the time to make you feel safe in the midst of all that was happening. Taking a deep gulp past the lump in your throat you nod your understanding and remembrance of her question. 

“Okay, so. I was able to create a sort of temporary antidote to help neutralize those toxins, understand?” You nod your understanding as she continues in slow measured sentences.

“This will cause a small pinch and feel cold in your veins, but that’s it. No weird dreams, no black, inky vomit.” She gives a small tug on your wrist and pulls your arms to rest on her lap as she presses the needle tip against the vein in the crook of your arm. You nod your consent and she gives you the quick shot, spilling the antidote to your troubles into your veins. You give a small shiver as the iciness of the mixture courses through your body but, as she promised, that was it. You give Dr. Lee a small smile, a bit embarrassed at your reaction to a simple shot. She pulls the needle out swiftly and places a bandage on the injection site, smoothing the adhesive onto the tiny wound. Pushing back in her rolling chair she grabs her clipboard and begins jotting more notes onto our chart.

“I’d like to wait a few minutes to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions. What’s new with you? I heard through the grapevine you’re back at Stark Industries?” Dr. Lee states plainly, her eyes never leaving her scrawling notes. You swing your legs back and forth and twist your hands as you try and piece together small talk for this conversation. 

“Uh, yeah. I’ve been back for about a week. Pepper only really has me sorting paperwork and stuff like that. It’s actually pretty boring. I feel like-” You cut yourself off with an awkward chuckle afraid you were oversharing. Dr. Lee pauses her writing for a moment and raises an eyebrow, urging you to continue.

“I just feel a bit…babied. I am a full-grown adult and since I’ve gotten here every one treats me like I’m a toddler or something. Pepper even scheduled a date for me.” You admit in a solemn voice, truth, and honesty pouring from each word. To your surprise, Dr. Lee lets out a loud, howling laugh as she hunches over from the strain of her laughter. 

“Wha-wait! She scheduled a date for you?!” Dr. Lee exclaims between gasps for air, the laughter shaking her slender form. You smile widely as laughter bubbles in your chest. The hilarity of the situation had been lost on you until this moment. You cringed and nodded in confirmation, sending Dr. Lee into another fit of laughter. Your shoulders began to shake in time with your laughs as the uncontrollable nature of laughter took hold of you. For a minute you both laugh in unison, the full sound filling the space around putting your heart at ease for a moment. As your laughs died down and you wiped away stray tears, she met your gaze with a look of understanding. 

“My mother once tried to play matchmaker at Whole Foods with a man who she thought was ‘perfect’ for me simply for the fact that he was buying a mango.” She admitted with a sigh and attempted to hold back her laughter.

“What was it about mangoes that made him perfect?”

“Well, she said if a man knew how to eat mangoes he was good at eating…other things.” Laughter once again exploded in the room between the two of you as you shared the embarrassing connection that was having overbearing parents. As you both came back from the stomach aching laughter, she checked her watch and stood slowly, gesturing toward the doors. 

“I have plenty of stories I could share, but they will have to wait for another day. You are free to go. Stop in a few days for your next dose.” Dr. Lee smiles widely and you return it warmly. You hop down from the exam table and walk to the doors with a lighter step than you’d had in a while. 

“Thank you, Dr. Lee. For everything.”

“You’re welcome, y/n. Good luck on your date with Matt. Hopefully, he knows how to eat mangoes.” She said with a wink and chuckle as she waved her clipboard in a gesture to shoo you from the room. You walked toward the elevator and asked Friday to take you to your floor, ready to tuck in for the night and prepare mentally for all that would happen tomorrow.

As promised by Dr. Lee, your night was dreamless and you woke refreshed and ready for the day. You blinked the sleep from your eyes as you grabbed your phone to see that it was fairly late into the morning when the clock read 10 A.M. You shuffled from under the covers and padded lightly to the door, still in your PJs, and made your way to the kitchen for a late breakfast. As you rounded the corner, Tony perked up as he saw you; a big smile painting his face as he watched you drowsily open cabinets and pull yourself a bowl of cereal. 

“Good morning, sleeping beauty. Sleep well?” He asked, a sly smile curving his lips into a snarky smirk. Before you could answer, Bucky walked into the kitchen and fixed you with a strange look.

“Did you walk through your own personal tornado or something?” He asked as his eyes did a double-take at the state of your hair. You self consciously tried to smooth the tangled mess into a tame state with little success; your fingers snagging in the forest of knots. Instead of responding, you simply stuck your tongue out at Bucky and plopped down to eat your cereal with a huff of annoyance. 

“Wow, what are you five?” Bucky chided, his tone level as he aimed the question at your stuff face.

“Well, at least I’m not nine hundred years old.” You mumbled, mouth full of cereal and chewing loudly on purpose trying to make Bucky more annoyed. 

“I’m not that old, Jesus.”

“You could be like Jesus's grandpa or something.”

“Man, you’re lucky that guy is blind. One look at you and he’d run for the hills.”

“Wow, Buck. Good one.” You said sarcastically, rolling your eyes as you munched on your breakfast. Bucky opened his mouth to fire yet another insult, but closed it quickly. His brows furrowed in anger as he stared at you. Tony clapped his hands in the air between the two of you and glared at both of you.

“Okay kids, enough. It’s still too early for this shit.”

“Language.” Steve quipped from the living room where he was flipping through the newspaper. He reclined casually, a cup of coffee in one hand as he held the paper in his free hand and read about the latest happenings in the city. Bucky looked at Steve blankly and soon a smile crept over his chiseled features.

“Now that is old person behavior.” Bucky jokes, causing you to choke on your cereal at the unexpected quip. You sputtered and wiped the milk from your chin as you coughed, trying to get air back into your lungs while laughing simultaneously. Bucky watched you intently; a look you couldn’t quite read painted on his face before he turned and walked away toward his room. You stared after him, your eyes tracing the outline of his broad shoulders through his grey t-shirt and the way it stretched across the peaks of his shoulder blades. An unexpected pit settled in your stomach as you watched him walk down the hallway and out of sight; something you couldn't quite put your finger on.

“Excited for your date, kiddo?” Tony asked gently, sipping his coffee as he leaned forward on the counter attempting to catch your gaze. Being snapped from your thoughts, you mentally shook yourself and refocused your attention on Tony. He smiled at you widely, but it looked strained and uneasy as he waited for your response. The corners of his eyes were etched with worry and a night of lost sleep.

“Yeah, I think it’ll be nice. It’s not my first date ya know. I was engaged to Steve in my universe.” Your voice is casual as you speak, the last bit of your sentence causing Steve to pause his reading and look in your direction. The team had seen only a small glimpse into your world that day Wanda had peered into your memories. The idea that you were more connected to Steve than he had originally thought jarred him from his calm morning and fueled his desire to know more. You both stared at each other unsure of what to say next; Steve wanting to know all about your life together and you not knowing where to start. 

“Okay, that’s a lot to unpack so let's start with my feelings.” Tony scowled, his face etched with disapproval and annoyance. You broke the mesmerizing gaze between you and Steve to meet Tony’s eyes. Steve clears his throat, sensing the awkwardness of the moment. He nods in your direction and tucks his newspaper under his arm; leaving the room in a hurry. 

“I know it's not your first date, obviously you're a grown woman or whatever. But it’s the first time my daughter is going on a date and that I wasn’t prepared for.” A wave of understanding washed over you as your features softened on the man before you. So often you had allowed your own self pity to consume you that it left little room to recognize that these people were coming to terms with having you in their lives just as you were them. Hopping down from your island stool, you go over and wrap your arms tightly around Tony. His body tenses momentarily, but softens as his hands come to wrap around your shoulders in a gentle embrace. You try to pour all your thankfulness and comfort into the hug as possible and don’t pull away until you feel Tony’s hands slacken. You lean back to arms length and meet his eyes intently.

“There is no one else I’d rather give me hell over a date than you, dad. In my universe, this universe, or any other place in all of space or time. You are the best father I could ever ask for.” Your eyes well up with tears as you reassure Tony; the weight of your words crystal clear. Tony’s lip quivers as he takes a deep breath to steady himself. His dark, brown eyes shine in this moment; full of pride, love, and hope. 

“I never thought I wanted a kid, but when you landed here…it felt like fate. I didn’t think I could feel this protective and..”

“Fatherly?” You offer and he just laughs and wipes a hand over his tired features.

“You’re something else, kiddo.”

“I try.” You concede, a wide smile spread across your face. As you’re about to speak, Wanda, Pepper, and Natasha scurry into the kitchen and rush to your side practically squealing in excitement.

“I think they’re here for you, y/n.” Tony whispers with a wink. He raises his hands in surrender and backs away from you quickly.

Chapter Twenty: G.N.O.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts. (Previous Chapter) (Next Chapter)

TAG LIST IS OPEN (Just comment to be added!)

Warnings/Rating: Some nudity and lots of sexual tension so be warned. This will get steamy in later chapters so let the slow burn commence.

W/C: 2491 (I hope you all enjoy it! Some chapters may be longer or shorter than others and I hope to update biweekly, but this chapter will soon be followed so have no fear!)

That evening, after packing up for the day at the office, Pepper weaved her arm through yours and led you to the elevator with a noticeable spring in her step. She chatted with you casually as your eyes watched the people gathering their things to end the workday through the glass tube of the elevator. They smiled and waved goodbye to one another, sharing jokes and asking to grab drinks on their way out the door. You looked on sadly, aware that their lives were so different from your own, and longed so desperately to slip into a mundane daily routine just like them. 

“Hey, earth to y/n.” Pepper quipped, waving a hand in front of your face, bringing you back to reality. You blinked your eyes and looked at her apologetically, chewing your lip nervously as she raised n eyebrow at you.

“Sorry, Pepper. Just tired.” You lie reluctantly, the fib not going unnoticed as you fidget with the sleeves of your jacket. She opens her mouth in protest, but the elevator arrives in the lobby as the doors open to the fluorescent-lit space. You step out quickly, but Pepper is right on your heels. She gives you an inquisitive look but follows by your side as you silently walk through the lobby to where Happy stood waiting by the car door. He smiled widely at you and you give him a tight smile in return as he opens the door to the backseat as you slide into the opposite side. Pepper mutters a ‘thank you’ to Happy as she slides in next to you and pulls the door shut. The rest of the afternoon had gone by uneventfully as you filed away paperwork and relayed calls to Pepper. By the time the clock read 5 P.M you had cleared the entirety of the mountain of files and were more than ready to head back to the tower and sleep away the rest of the evening. You leaned your forehead against the coolness of the glass window and waited for Happy to drive you to your sanctuary of relief, but nearly got whiplash when you heard Pepper call out new directions.

“Happy, take us to Newmann’s on 3rd and 5th, please.” She commanded cooly, her eyes trained forward as they ignored your shocked and surprised sputtering.

“What? I thought we were going home.” You gasp loudly, the tiredness of the day keeping you from masking your disapproval.

“We are having a girl's night. Wanda and Natasha will be meeting us at the restaurant. And before you ask, yes, I’m forcing you into having a good time and will not take no for an answer.” She sighs as she speaks, finally looking over to see your dejected and slumped form leaning back into the seat to which she rolls her eyes deeply. 

“Plus, it’ll be good for you to get out and enjoy life again.”

“Technically, this is kidnapping.” You snark back, not acknowledging her reasoning in the slightest. 

“Technically, you don’t exist so who would I be kidnapping?” She asks innocently, a smile spread wide across her face as she grabs your hand in her own and gives a comforting squeeze.

“Touche, Pep.” She giggles as you give up on protesting, however half-hearted it was in the first place. You had decided on living this life the way you had always meant to, with no regrets; this was just your first real step in that direction. You watched out the window as Happy wound through the streets of New York, gazing thoughtfully at the lights and people of the busy city. After a series of turns, the car came to a slow stop outside a bustling restaurant with people coming and going in their work attire. You summon your final reserve of courage and slide out after Pepper. She waves to Happy and then proceeds to drag you up the few steps and into the waiting area where she greets the hostess by name.

“Mills! Great to see you again, are the other ladies here yet?” Pepper gives her winning smile once again and the woman perks up at seeing her.

“Pepper, it’s always wonderful to see your face here! The other women are seated in the usual spot.” As she speaks, the woman steps from behind the hostess station and begins walking with purpose to a booth in the far corner of the restaurant where Natasha and Wanda are sitting and giggling. They both smile and wave as you approach, unable to contain their excitement at having time to get to know you. Pepper thanks the hostess and slides into the corner booth next to Natasha gesturing for you to do the same next to Wanda who turns to you practically bouncing with joy.

“When Pepper called and said you wanted to get dinner I was super excited and practically sprinted here! I love a good girls' night out don’t you?” Her eyes shone as she overflowed with sincerity, her big grin lighting the dimly lit space. You fix Pepper with a grumpy stare momentarily before fully caving into the night ahead. There’s a monetary flash of memory that surprises you that you could have even forgotten. In your own universe, you would often go out with Wanda and Nat, and Pepper for dinner or shopping or even once to see a male exotic dancer group. You smile a sad smile as you recall those nights that catch the attention of the other women who share the same understanding look. Refocusing on the people before you, decided on honesty; no longer wanting to hide from anything. You take a deep, steadying breath before meeting their eyes again.

“I do love a good night out. It’s funny…the other ‘yous’ I knew would take me out all the time. I guess that’s something you share.” Your voice wavers only slightly at referring to your old friends in the past tense, but you power through sharing memories and inside jokes you had shared with the other versions of them. They asked questions and you answered allowing them to look into what your life had been like. You sit and talk for hours trading stories of the past and comparing crazy life moments. As you watch the smiling, laughing faces of the women around you, you take a moment to realize that you all had been through moments no one should have to go through. You all shared a broken, painful past that you chose every day to walk away from; to choose hope and fight odds that were never in your favor. This moment felt right and as you sipped your fourth glass of wine, you leaned back and just soaked in the feeling of belonging. 

“So, was he cute? What was he like?” Wanda prodded, pulling you from the depths of your thoughts and back to the present conversation. Instantly, you blushed and turned your gaze to watch your hand swirl your wine glass. 

“We’re waiting, y/n. Come on, don’t make us beg.” Nat cuts in, her voice impatient as she waits for you to divulge this morning's flirtatious meeting. Releasing a deep sigh you relent and give the details.

“Yes, he’s cute. He was very flirty, but seemed kind and…gentlemanly.” 

“Gentlemanly? What the hell does that mean?” Nat snorts at your use of the word to which you roll your eyes.

“Like he would be a gentleman, not like-”

“Pump and dump?” Nat interjects causing Wanda to practically choke on her dinner roll.

“Ew Nat, no I-” “There’s nothing wrong with casual sex. Tony and I-” Pepper chimes in casually, staring into your eyes unabashedly as she speaks. “Pepper GROSS! I don’t want to hear anything about that.” You cut her off abruptly, shaking your head like an etch-a-sketch to erase that mental image. She giggles softly and raises her hands in surrender.

“Okay, fine. All I’m saying is that it’s okay to have a casual relationship. You don’t have to ‘settle down’ to make things feel normal. And having casual sex can be fun.” She uses finger quotes as she speaks, adding extra emphasis to make her point clear; leaning back with her glass of wine when she’s done.  

“Alright, alright. Thank you for that advice.” You murmur, practically chugging your wine and refilling it quickly. 

“Are you going to go out with him?” Wanda pesters, poking a finger into your arm.

“I guess Pepper already set a date for this weekend. Isn’t that right?” Pepper simply smiles in reply and takes a long, measured sip of wine. 

“What are you going to wear? Oh, what about a classic little, black dress moment?” Wanda cuts back in, ignoring the interaction between you and Pepper. Your eyes scrunch as the realization sets in that you don’t actually have any clothes that are date-worthy.

“I don’t know. I mostly only have leggings or like work clothes.”

“Yeah, that won’t do. The stores haven’t closed yet.” Nat ticks her tongue and downs the rest of her wine; calling for the check.

“Shopping spree?” Wanda asks excitedly, bouncing in her seat and looking between the three of you. Nat and Pepper look at each other and nod before turning to look at you and say in unison.

“Shopping Spree.”

“Shopping Spree.”

Pepper slides out from the booth and grabs your hand, dragging you to your feet as the other women shuffle out behind you. They scurry excitedly to the waiting car and climb in behind you. 

“Where to, ladies?” Happy calls to the backseat, a grin spread across his face.

“Fifth Avenue, please. We are in need of some major shopping.”

After a flurry of shopping and being tossed various outfits to try on, you four finally made your way into the kitchen of the Tower arms loaded down with bags full of your chosen clothes and laughing loudly. Tony and Steve were sat at the island eating a late-night snack and pashing mid-conversation as they watched you all walk in. 

“Did you buy the entire store?” Tony quipped as Pepper leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. 

“Almost.” She replied sweetly, fixing him with a loving smile causing any amount of protest to instantly dissolve as he looked back with smitten eyes. 

“So, what’s all this for anyway?” He asked, eyes looking from you to the bags in your arms. Pepper placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as she calmly muttered the words he hadn’t realized he’d been dreading.

“Y/n has a date.” 

“The hell she does!” Tony sputters, pushing away from the island as he begins frantically pacing. Steve looks on, amused and leaning back to watch this unfold as Wanda and Natasha scoot around you to head in the direction of their rooms. From the shadows of the living room steps Bucky, looking pained and uncomfortable as he watched you with focused eyes.

“Tony!” Pepper scolds, popping a hip out and crossing her arms.

“Pepper!” Tony mocks in response, his voice going high-pitched as he mimicked her tone. “She is NOT going on a date. She shouldn’t even be leaving the Tower!”

“She is a grown woman and capable of making her own decisions.”

“Decisions you probably created by manipulating the circumstances, Pep! Am I right?” he shouts, looking at you for confirmation. You remain silent as your eyes dart between the two of them. Tony scoffs as he pieces together what most likely happened and throws his arms up.

“Unbelievable! Betrayed by the woman I love. That’s just cold.”

“Don’t be so dramatic. It’s a date, not a secret plot to overthrow you.” Pepper snarks back, rolling her eyes.

“Might as well be.” Comes Tony's mumbled reply, as he begins to cool slightly. 

“Who is she going on a date with?” Bucky’s level question cuts through the tension in the air causing everyone to turn and stare at him in confusion; unsure of why he would be the one to ask the question. You fix him with a level stare and square your shoulders in preparation for the tidal wave of snarky comments.

“His name is Matt Murdock. We met this-”

“You set her up with our lawyer, Pepper? Jesus.” Tony cuts you off, immediately resettling into his will to fight this. You blinked quickly as your brain begins to piece together who Matt was and why he was in the office today. You ignore Tony’s whining and look directly at Pepper, your eyes begging for sincerity and honesty.

“So, he knows everything then?” 

“Yes.” Pepper concedes, her shoulders deflating slightly as you unravel the true nature of the lawyer's visit. Your head swirls with thoughts and too much wine as you sigh in defeat.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” Your question cuts through the air and Pepper walks quickly over to you and wraps you in a hug. The men in the room practically held their breath as they waited to see what your meltdown reaction would be to having been lied to yet again. Pepper pulls back and places a hand gently on the side of your face forcing you to meet her eyes. 

“I wanted it to feel organic. Honestly, I didn't know that you had taken a liking to him, but when he asked about you…I don't know I just decided to run with it because this is good for you. The meeting was to discuss setting you firmly and officially as Tony’s daughter and create a bit of a backstory for how you are all of a sudden here. We are living on borrowed time with the media and I, we, want to protect you as much as we can.” Her crystal blue eyes stare into yours earnestly, hoping that you believe every word she says. You chew your bottom lip and for the millionth time today, you decide to roll with it.

“Okay, thanks Pep.” Is your small reply, murmured softly as you move away from Pepper, grab your bags, and head to your room. 

“I’m kinda tired so I’m gonna head to bed. Goodnight.” You call back as you continue your walk down the dimly lit hallway and away from the shocked faces of those in the room. Tony watches you walk away and then turns sharply to Pepper with a scrunched face, ready to launch into another argument.

“Don’t you start again.” She warns, taking her own bags and turning quickly to walk toward her and Tony’s room. 

“A LAWYER? Really!?” He shouts after her, arms crossed and head shaking in disapproval. He looks to Steve and Bucky for backup, but they both simply shake their heads and remain quiet. Bucky walks to the bar cart and pours himself a generous glass of whiskey, downing it in one gulp, and stomps down the hallway to his own room. 

“What’s his problem?” Tony asks Steve, who gives a sad chuckle in response.

Chapter Nineteen: Such Sweet Sorrow

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader

Notes: This fic is something that I’ve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tony’s snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts. (Previous Chapter) (Next Chapter)

TAG LIST IS OPEN (Just comment to be added!)

Warnings/Rating: Some nudity and lots of sexual tension so be warned. This will get steamy in later chapters so let the slow burn commence.

W/C: 3462 (I hope you all enjoy it! Some chapters may be longer or shorter than others and I hope to update biweekly, but this chapter will soon be followed so have no fear!)

Drifting to consciousness, your eyes blink away sleep as they take in the brightly lit interior of your room in the tower. Clumsily, your hands flop over to your bedside table searching for your phone. When they find what they’re looking for, you tilt the screen in the direction of your sleepy eyes to see it read 7 A.M. You sigh deeply as you flop an arm over your eyes. It was still fairly early, but knowing the rest of the team they would be bustling around getting ready for a day of training and debriefs. As you yank back the covers and swing your aching legs out to the side of the bed the realization hits you that you had an entire night's sleep; uninterrupted by the nightmarish dreams that have haunted you as of late. Part of you felt a sense of relief in the night's respite from the horrors that typically awaited you in your dreams, but part of you knew that it was too good to last. Bad luck followed you everywhere you went lately and before too long the bad things would find you again. Shoving away the drowning feeling, you hold your breath and push yourself to stand. Your body wobbles and sways slightly as you stand there, but you feel steady enough to face the day. As you busy yourself with getting ready for the day; tugging a brush through your hair and getting dressed in a pair of leggings and sweatshirt, you head out the door to the kitchen. Stepping into the hallway you see Wanda excitedly skipping toward the direction of your room a huge smile plastered on her face. You could almost feel her bubbly energy as she approached you as it brought a small smile to your own lips.

“Good morning! Sleep well?” She asks in a chipper voice, her eyes wide and waiting as they stare at you hopefully.

“Actually, yeah. I didn’t have a single dream, which is a little weird…” You smile as you speak, though the nervousness and hesitation are clear in your voice. Wanda’s smile only widens as she listens, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. You eye her suspiciously knowing she was clearly up to something.

“What did you do?” You ask plainly, though the smile remains fixed on your features.

“I might’ve tiptoed past your room and done a little…mind tampering…” She beams as she speaks, wiggling her fingers in the direction of your head.

“Wanda!” You squeal at her as you nudge her shoulder gently with your own.

“What? No harm no foul. Plus, your mind can go to some interesting places…” She declared with a sassy pout of her lips. She crossed her arms and stared you down, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. Your cheeks reddened in a bright blush knowing she didn’t speak of your nightmares, but rather of your thoughts of a particular Winter Soldier.  You roll your eyes in a large circle before linking your arm with hers and strolling to the kitchen together. She laughs loudly as you drag her along not having enough energy to refute her insinuation. Stepping into the open kitchen space the eyes of Steve, Sam, Tony, Bruce, and Natasha land on you and Wanda sauntering into the room. They held cups of coffee and half-eaten bagels as they looked over the daily debriefing and training schedule. They smile as they look up at you, but behind the bright smiles are dark circles of tiredness that one night couldn’t replace. Guiltily, your smile falters and your eyes slide once again to the floor as you murmur your good mornings to the group. Tony steps forward and slides a toasted blueberry bagel in your direction. 

“Sleep okay, kiddo?” His voice earnestly drags your gaze to meet his own. 

“Yup. Wanda made sure of it.” You mutter in response, once again nudging Wanda as she slides onto a barstool next to you and begins munching on your bagel. She yelps loudly and then begins laughing once more; the sounds of it melodic and soothing. Tony eyes you both but merely shrugs; giving up on whatever mischievous meaning your words held. He fills a coffee mug, placing it in front of you and smiling widely. 

“Thanks…” You murmur softly, grasping the mug in both hands firmly and taking a slow sip. The coffee was warm and soothing as you allowed it to fill your senses and wake you up. A clap of hands breaks you from your peaceful moment as the team turns to look at Tony, waiting for him to speak. 

“Okay, everyone. Most of us are here so I’d like to touch base after…everything that happened.” Tony addresses the group in his typical leadership tone, but drifts off as his eyes glance at you as the ‘everything that happened.’ You pick at your cuticles as he speaks, not daring to glance at any of the team in fear of seeing disappointment or resentment in their eyes.

“That being the case, I know we are tired so I’m giving everyone the week off to just relax and take it easy. You all have earned.” The team lets out small whoops and ‘thank you’s as they celebrate the week off,  but it's cut short as Pepper Potts walks into the room and crosses her arms.

“A week off for everyone except you, y/n.” Pepper declares cooly, a serious business expression painted on her face as she stares at Tony who immediately begins pouting. He opens his mouth to protest, but Pepper simply raises a hand to silence him.

“I know what you’re going to say, but she needs to get back to some semblance of normalcy.”

“But she-”

“Will be doing deskwork and filing for me at Stark Industries. It’s not strenuous and I’ll be watching her.”

“I just think-” Tony attempts again, but Pepper cuts him off abruptly.

“That it’s a wonderful idea? Yeah, me too!” She says sarcastically, a playful smile pulling at her lips. She gives Tony a quick peck on the cheek and turns to you.

“Finish getting ready for the day and meet me in the lobby in 15 minutes. Happy can drive us to work, okay?” You nod briskly at her, scooting away from the island and hopping down to head toward your bedroom. You silently thanked Pepper for the distraction of working and knew that she was helping you whether Tony realized it or not. After everything that happened, you were ready to get back to a normal life. You had set yourself into the final decision to make this life work and wouldn’t squander this second chance. Working gave you purpose and you were more than ready to feel useful again. Based on the events of the last mission, you knew that it would be a while before they would let you step foot onto dangerous grounds so this had to work. Dressing carefully in a pair of business slacks, a white, silk button-down shirt, and a grey tweed overcoat you appraised yourself in the mirror before nodding at your reflection. You dabbed your pulse points with a floral perfume and tossed your hair into a tight bun, pulling free a few strands in the front to complete the look. You quickly swiped your eyelashes with mascara and outline your lips in a soft red lipstick, smiling as you stared back at yourself. ‘Not half bad.’ You thought to yourself, grabbing your leather laptop bag and sliding into a pair of black heels. Taking a deep breath, you steel yourself against the busy day ahead and head toward the elevator, ready to take on whatever today threw at you.

When you arrived at the Stark Industries offices, Pepper had practically dragged you through the corridors of the building until coming to an abrupt stop at a desk. On it, in precariously unstable stacks, were mountains of files and paperwork forms. She pulled out a chair behind the desk and gestured grandly for you to sit. You timidly sat where she had indicated as she launched into your daily itinerary.

“This is where you will be working for now. I am seriously behind on paperwork so you will be filing, approving, and signing all these. My office is just through these doors if you need anything at all.” She motioned to the tall brown doors behind you and you nodded your understanding of her directions. Your face was pulled tight in a grimace at the serious amount of work that was before you. You slowly pulled a few files from the stack and watched uneasily as it teetered and shifted. Pepper smiled widely at you and placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, giving a firm squeeze.

“I have a 10:30 meeting so let me know when they get here by buzzing in using that blue button on the phone.” Her voice had begun to lose the iciness that it had held this morning as something in her shifted. Her last look over her shoulder in your direction was warm and knowing as she watched you intently inspect the file in your hands. Slowly she backstepped into her office and quietly shut the door leaving you to the tremendous work ahead. As you filed and signed documents, your mind fell into a rhythm of pushing away your daydreamy thoughts and instead focusing on the work before you. Your hands worked methodically, digitally uploading files and sealing them away in the file cabinet on the left of your desk. This wasn’t the work you had expected to be doing or what you had been tasked with when you first started at Stark Industries, but you knew that it was due to Pepper’s own hesitance that you were doing office work instead of debriefing for a mission right now. Granted, Tony would rather step on a land mine than let you step foot on a quinjet right now. Sighing deeply, you decided on feeling thankful that you were tasked with a purpose even if it was just approving a company lunch or the discontinuation of a drone. Time sped on as you worked and the once towering mountain of files became a more manageable hill. Light tapping and footsteps drew your attention to the office door as two men casually walked into the room. The man on the right was a bit shorter in stature than the one on the left. He had longer dirty blonde hair that stopped just above his shoulders, cut in choppy layers that were tucked away behind his ears. He wore a grey suit and decorate tie that brought out the blue in his shining eyes. Holding loosely on his elbow was the other man. Tall and thin, yet you could tell muscular under his black suit and tie. He had neatly trimmed brown hair that was parted to one side. He wore rose-colored glasses that prevented you from seeing his eyes beneath. He smiled widely at you as he raised a hand that held a white cane. The man releases his friend and strolls over to where you sat at the desk. He beams a handsome smile in your direction revealing a row of perfect teeth. 

“Hello, ma’am. Matt Murdock and this is my associate Foggy Nelson. We are here for our appointment with Ms. Potts.” His voice was a smooth, deep baritone that you couldn't help but lean into as he spoke. He simultaneously excited and calmed you as the words left his mouth and it wasn’t until his associate, who you know knew as Foggy Nelson, cleared his throat did you realize you had been staring at the man in front of you. Your cheeks instantly tinge a deep shade of pink as you cough and sputter.

“I’m-yes. You’re her 10:30! Uh…um, I can’t remember which button-” He smiles another winning smile as he leans down closer to you, his face inches from your own. His hand slides gently over yours and guides it to rest on the blue button Pepper had told you about earlier. With his hand still on yours, you press the button.

“Pepper, your 10:30 appointment is here…” You murmur in a breathy and flustered voice. 

“Alright, send them in, y/n.” You can hear a hint of confusion in her voice as she speaks these last few minutes of conversation having been lost to her. Foggy steps around his friend and the desk as he leans an open palm on the door to Pepper’s office. 

“Matt, we have a meeting. You can flirt with the receptionist later.” His voice is lighthearted yet impatient as he speaks and you could tell from the way Matt chuckles that this sort of thing happens often. Matt leans back and stands fully scooting around the desk and toward Foggy. 

“It was a pleasure, y/n.” Matt calls to you as Foggy opens the door to the office, his voice laced deeply with a flirtatious tone. As they both step into the office, you can hear the last snippet of conversation before the door closes.

“You’re blind. But somehow if there is a pretty girl in the room, Matt Murdock will find her. Guaranteed.” Foggy snarks at his friend to which Matt only smiles; the door cutting off any further retort. You lean back in your chair and steady yourself from that whirlwind of an interaction. It had been such a long time since someone had unabashedly flirted with you and part of you relished that feeling. Your romantic life had always been so entangled with your father and the Avengers that this very minuscule flirtation had you buzzing on every level. It felt good to be viewed that way and more importantly by someone who didn’t know of your past and the circumstance of how you ended up here. Shaking yourself mentally, you set about your work trying to keep your thoughts from wandering to the heart-fluttering smile of Matt Murdock. Minutes go by that trail into well over an hour as you watch the clock anxiously, curious as to what Pepper’s meeting was about. Finally, the door swings open as you hear the shuffling of feet and conversation exit the room behind you. You turn slightly and beam a warm smile over your shoulder as you watch Pepper shake hands with the men and usher them back in the direction they came.

“Please, let us know if there is any additional help you need, Ms. Potts. We look forward to working with Stark Industries in the near future.” Foggy proudly exclaims while shaking Pepper’s hand for the third time as she smiles a strained smile and sends a silent plea of help your way.

“Gentlemen, I can show you out. Ms. Potts has a busy day ahead of her…” You interject casually, getting up from your chair and holding an arm out in the direction of the door. They step around you as you follow them into the lobby and toward the waiting elevator. Matt places a hand on your elbow to help guide himself through the space as you walk together and the warmth of his palm spread up your arm and straight to your cheeks once again. He leans close to your ear and his breath tickles as he lets out a small chuckle.

“Aren’t you even the slightest bit curious why we are here?” He whispers lowly so only you can hear. A small smile creeps over your lips as you tilt your head toward his waiting ear.

“I’m always curious, but I find that mystery can be exciting and everyone has secrets.” Your voice is as smooth as honey as you whisper your reply. His face lights up and his smile widens even more as the grip on your elbow tightens ever so slightly. He takes a deep breath and chuckles softly as you continue your stroll to the elevator. As you approach the opening doors, Foggy extends a hand and you take it firmly.

“Thanks for stopping by, Mr. Nelson.” You say warmly, a beaming smile directed toward his rather strained one. 

“Thank you, y/n. It was…enlightening to say the least.” He releases your hand and steps back into the elevator, giving his friend a measured and impatient glance before tilting his eyes to the ceiling. Matt steps in front of you as he lets go of your elbow and smiles at you expectantly. He, too, extends a hand into the space between you that you take in your own hand gently.

“Ah, parting is such sweet sorrow.” He murmurs softly as he drops our hands and grips his cane tightly in both hands. 

“I didn’t peg you for a Shakespeare fan, Mr. Murdock.”

“On a count of being blind?” He teases gently, the smile on his face giving the indication that he was just trying to get a ride out of you.

“No, I just see you as more of a Jane Austen kinda guy.” You tease back, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ears and shuffling on your feet nervously. Butterflies swam in your stomach as he beamed another gorgeous smile at you. 

“I am a romantic…but have to warn you I’ve had my share of tragedy too. It’s the catholic in me.” He quipped, a chuckle tinting his statement but not fully covering the pain deep down inside him. 

“I think all have our share of things to ask forgiveness for, Mr. Murdock.”

“Matt. Please.” He corrects you suddenly, an edge of excitement in his tone. You smile widely at him and take his arm and usher him into the elevator with his friend.

“Goodbye, Romeo.”

“Until next time, my dear Juliet.” 

With his final goodbye, the doors slide shut to the elevator as it caries him downward to the lobby of Star Industries. Smiling to yourself, you excitedly turn and begin siping back to your desk. Lost in your own world, your eyes look up to meet Peppers who look back at you in shock and curiosity. She raises an eyebrow to which you raise a hand.

“Don’t start, please.” You beg her, but she’s already taking a deep breath ready to launch into a play-by-play dissection of what just happened.

“Y/n! You were flirting!” She squeals in delight as she pulls up a chair and encourages you to take a seat. You plop into your office chair and give her pleading eyes, which she happily ignores. 

“I was being friendly, Pepper.”

“Uh-huh, I have never seen you so friendly. Come on, you liked him!” She prods, taking your hand in her own and begging you to give in to her prying eyes.

“Okay, fine. He was cute and I kinda liked him a tiny bit.” You relinquish as she gives a small victory squeal.

“I KNEW it!”

“But! That doesn’t mean anything…”

“I could set you two up, ya know?” She declares, wiggling her eyebrows to which you scoff indignantly. Pepper’s once excited expression softens into one of immense understanding. You chew your lip and cast your eyes into your lap, unable to ring yourself to look in her eyes.

“Y/n, you can’t punish yourself for what happened forever. You’re allowed to be happy.”

“And what? Either hide who I am forever or tell this guy ‘hey I’m from a different universe that I almost destroyed and also I’m poisoned and dying’ and hope he’s crazy enough to still like me?” You ask in confusion and rest your head in your hands out of frustration. Pepper rests a hand on your back and nudges you slightly.

“Well…yeah.” She gives a light chuckle that draws your sad, tired eyes to meet her own. She doesn’t look at you like you’re broken or poisoned. Deep in her eyes, you see that she truly feels excited for you and the feeling of hope she is showering you with softens your gaze. Sighing deeply, you lean back in your chair and cross your arms.

“I’m probably not even his type.” You grunt as your mind begins to play with the possibility. 

“Oh, stop. You’re anybody’s type.” Pepper practically clucks as she tucks your hair behind your ear and sits up straight.

“Sooo…?” She asks her voice laced with anticipation not so easily hidden. The silence of waiting for your answer hangs in the air between you until finally, you give in.

“Fine. You can see if he’d maybe be interested-”

“Great! You have a date this weekend!”