Dark!artist!Steve x reader, side of dark!writer!Bucky x reader
Warnings: kidnapping, stockholm syndrome, manipulation, gaslighting, our bois are dark, eh bucky might be more gray
This was supposed to be a drabble, but oh well I guess.
I sat on the floor as my fingers skimmed the spines of my small book collection. The short bookshelf was one of my newer possessions, as well as the books it contained. Frodo was curled atop the boon shelf, his wide eyes watching ny fingers dance around the books in indecision.
This was a gift from Bucky. Out of the blue one sat he came into the studio dragging a large box with him before leaving to grab another one. In one box contained the bookshelf in many pieces while the other contained the books.
I had watched excitedly from the bed as he assembled the shelf, digging through the box that held my new form of entertainment. I wanted to roll my eyes at the sight of his own books in there but kept it contained. The first book to catch my attention was The Great Gatsby.
That day had felt perfect to me. I had sat reading a book and my cat cuddling into my lap with the soft noises of Bucky building things in the background. I felt normal for the first time in a long time. I hadn't realized how deprived I was of entertainment.
Steve wasn't happy with the shelf when he saw it. He asked where it came from and tensed as I said Buckys name. The two ignored each other for days after, although I never saw the fight or argument occur. They seemed to be arguing a lot lately.
Like now. I've heard the two raised voices going at each other for hours now. What the argument is about, I'm not sure. They don't want me involved in the spats. Sometimes I try and ask Steve about it, but he only responds by patting my cheek and telling me not to worry about it. Tells me that he and Bucky are working on it.
They act like an old married couple sometimes.
Just as I was about to pull one of Buckys books from the shelf I heard stomping footsteps moving up the stairs. Steve stormed into the studio, slamming the door and locking it behind him. The loud noise caused Frodo to jump from.his spot, running under the bed.
Quick footsteps followed him up the stairs and now hands banged on the door behind Steve. Bucky yelled through the door but my attention was on the blonde in front of me.
"Are you in on it?" He questioned while pacing. "Did he tell you about it? Is he trying to turn you against me? Is that what this is?"
"What are you talking about, Stevie?" I asked as my hands began to shake. This is the first time I've been truly afraid of him, well if were not counting my first few months here. He's never raised his voice at me before. Sure he's shown frustration and annoyance, but never this.
He walked closer to me, staring at my position on the ground. He leaned down to my eye level and wrapped his hand around my lower jaw.
"Buckys proposition." He spoke with grinding teeth.
"The bookshelf?" Tears fell as I tried to look at the offending object. He gripped my jaw, preventing the motion. "I swear I didn't know, Steve! He just came in with it one day! He said it was a gift."
Steve didn't answer but instead just stared at me.
"You can take it back if you want. I don't need it. I don't need anything but you!" I began to sob as I pushed the book away from me.
A deep sigh left his lips as he finally lossened his hold on me.
"He hasn't said anything to you about staying with him while I'm gone?" He rose an eyebrow.
My eyebrows furrowed in response as I slowly shook my head. I knew that Steve was leaving to go to Europe for a few weeks but nobody had said anything about me staying with Bucky.
"Leaving here?" I almost grew scared at the implication. I don't even know what I would do with myself.
"Don't worry, Angel. That won't be happening." He reassured as my lip trembled.
"There'd be no one to take care of Frodo." My eyes immediately began to search out the brown furball.
"Steve! Let me in!" Bucky banged on the door, almost knocking it down if I didn't know any better.
"Maybe he's gotten a little too comfortable. Maybe he needs a break from you." Steve pondered to himself.
I didn't truly process his words as I was too busy coaxing the cat back into my lap.
He walked over to the door and unlocked it, allowing the other man to fall into the room.
"Steve it was only an idea, I'm not trying to take her from you! I would never do that!" His voice cracked. And by the looks of his eyes he had been crying.
"You've forgotten your place, Buck," Steve said. "You've forgotten that your access to her is a favor!
The blonde was calm in his argument now, seemingly reaching his own conclusion to the matter. Bucky was quite the opposite, almost desperate.
I'm not sure what was said downstairs but it was enough to scare the brunette. He looked at me with teary eyes but I could only meet them with confusion.
"I've allowed you too much access Bucky. You've forgotten that she's mine. My muse. I'm going to start limiting your visits." Steve's words were spoken with finality. "You've lost my trust."
"Steve, c'mon," Bucky begged.
I wanted to insert myself within the conversation, but I knew that would only result in consequences. If I were to show any sliver of my favoritism towards Bucky not only would I be punished, but so would Bucky.
Besides, it's not like it would matter. I was made for Steve and no one else. I can never leave him.
"You won't be coming by at all until I leave for Europe, and while I'm gone you will only be permitted within my apartment twice a week."
"Steve,"
"Bucky, you're my best friend and I love you, but I have to do this."
Tears filled my eyes as I watched the two men in front of me. Steve looked at me with skepticism.
"I hate this," I whispered to him, reaching my arms out for an embrace. "I don't like you fighting with each other."
"I'm sorry, Angel," Steve said, kissing the crown of my head.
"Okay," Bucky spoke. "If that how I am going to rebuild your trust, then I will follow your rules. But I promise you Steve, I would never try to take her from you. You took the risks to get her, not me. I understand that. I just thought the change of scenery might be nice for her."
"It's too risky, Buck. You shouldn't have pushed it."
"I know, and I'm sorry." Bucky conceded. "I'll go ahead and go. If you need anything at all, just call."
With that Bucky left the room, and moments later the front door could be heard echoing through the apartment. I sat in Steve's arm for a long time after that. Any time I tried to pull away or move his arms tightened around me and he'd bury his face in my neck.
I'm not sure what all was said downstairs, but whatever it was, it gave Steve a little scare.
Is there anything you'd like to see in the muse!au?? Just let me know!
