#I’m thinking there were mutant but there aren’t a lot left so they layed low

[vicontheinternet]

I still think it that the best way to introduce most of the mutants is by having it be a side effect of the snap plus the energy of the stones getting destroyed. Like having the residual energy having it happen twice because energy can’t be destroyed have it go into ppl and mutate and manipulate their genes or unlock ppls dormant X gene. That way it wouldn’t be a this other big marginalized group with powers hide too and elected not stop worldly threats like the eternals.

#I’m thinking there were mutant but there aren’t a lot left so they layed low #like something like when hope came into the picture or a ‘no more mutants’ situation already happened #not by Wanda because they aren’t going to retcon her again #but the snap(s) energy unlocked ppls x gene #xmen #marvel xmen #mcu #mcu ideas

[remmushound]

Bay/rise 27!! @errorfreak88 @selfindulgenz. Special thanks to @brightlotusmoon for help with this chapter!!

Mikey’s eyes popped out of his hiding space to watch Raph do his reps, giggling like a hatchling. Raph noticed him, of course, but didn't give his baby brother any attention. He was winding down to hopefully catch a few quick hours of sleep while Leo meditated on their next move against this ‘Draxum’.. After nearly ten minutes of being eyed down like the last slice of pizza, Raph couldn’t ignore it anymore.

“Can I help you with something?” Raph put his weights up and sat up with his arms crossed.

Mikey finally came out from behind the weight rack without saying a word and collapsed onto Raph. Raph gave a grunt at the heavy weight, then scowled as the hug went on for far longer than he had anticipated.

“Whatcha doin’~?”

“Uh. Liftin’.” Raph answered, giving Mikey a pat on the carapace hoping it would dislodge him. It didn't work. “What are you doing?”

Mikey grunted and slid down into Raph’s lap, laying over his legs like a melting ice cream. “I’m boooooooored.”

“Whatchu want me to do about it?”

“Make me not booooored!”

Raph rolled his eyes and finally shoved Mikey off of him, laying down and trying to go back to his lifting. He didn't even see Mikey move, but by the time his hands were back on the handle bar, Mikey was perched on it staring down at him. Raph decided not to acknowledge him and proceeded to lift a few more times before Mikey slid down and plopped himself on Raph’s chest.

“Pay attention to meeeeee!” Mikey pawed him like a cat.

Raph lifted the weight back into its rack and picked up Mikey, putting him back in the rack as well. Raph left him there and went for the treadmill, but before he could even start it, Mikey ran and jumped on his back with his arms wrapped around Raph’s neck.

“What’s your problem Mikey?!” Raph snarled and spun around, tossing Mikey off of him and sending the smaller turtle to the ground with a hurt expression. Raph took a few deep, shaky breaths. “I just wanna be alone right now Mikey.”

“Okay…” Mikey didn't bother arguing, leaving Raph alone with his head hanging low.

***

“DON!”

Donnie screamed and almost dropped the orb, bouncing it a few times between his hands before he was able to get a good grip on it and then glare back at his brother.

“Mikey! You almost made me drop New York!”

“Did I scare ya?” Mikey slid in beside Donnie, resting his head and arms on the table.

“Yes.” Donnie huffed, carefully placing the orb back on the desk. “What do you want?”

“I’m bored!” Mikey sat up and rested his head on Donnie’s shoulder instead. “What are you doing? Can I help?”

“The other Donatello is letting me take notes on the mystic orb, and no you can’t help.”

“Why not?” Mikey rolled onto Donnie’s other shoulder, “My eyes are better than yours! I can help!”

“No, Mikey.” Donnie shoved Mikey off of him, but Mikey came back quickly.

“Please?”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Please?”

“Would you please just leave me alone?” Donnie didn't mean for the words to come out so harshly, but they did.

Mikey pulled away and his eyes fell, shaking his shoulders and dragging his feet on the floor. “Sorry. Just wanted to help.”

Donnie tried to call back to his brother as Mikey walked off, but no words came out. A moment of regretful silence and Donnie turned his attention back to the orb.

***

“Hey Leo! Whatchu doing?”

Leo sat with his legs crossed on the floor, his eyes closed, and hands folded on his lap. In front of him were scented candles that filled the air with an alluring scent of lavender.

“Meditating? That’s cool.” Mikey sat down beside him, crossing his own legs and trying to copy Leo’s calm. “I think I’m gonna do that too. Ommmmmm! Ommmm!”

While Mikey hummed, tapping his fingers together in a stim, Leo slowly broke from his own state and opened an eye to glare at the loud turtle making a mockery of him.

“Mikey.”

Mikey’s eyes shot open. “Is meditation over? Sweet! That took forever! Let’s go play Super Mario brothers!”

“Mikey.” Leo’s patience was running thin.

“I’ll let you be Mario…” Mikey said softly— hopefully.

“Please leave me be.”

Mikey hung his head and gave a weak nod as he got to his feet and walked away to leave Leo to his activity.

***

“Hey!” Michelangelo’s chipper voice quickly turned solemn at the sad look on Mikey’s face. He pulled himself onto the bed beside the upset box turtle and stared at him for a long moment before saying, “You’re upset.”

Mikey nodded. “I don’t feel good.”

“How not good?”

Mikey shrugged.

Michelangelo hummed and rocked back and forth for a moment before giving an excited squeak and running off for a second. Mikey watched as he left but said nothing. Michelangelo returned minutes later, much to Mikey’s confusion, and offered him a giant hunk of clay.

“Here! Mold while we talk!”

“Thanks!” Mikey took the clay and almost immediately started to fiddle around with it while Michelangelo pulled himself back beside him, saying nothing. Mikey let himself play with the clay for several awkward minutes before suddenly saying, “You like pizza?”

Michelangelo beamed. “Ohhhh! I love pizza! My favorite kind is pepperoni!”

“I’m more of a meat lover's pie myself.” Mikey held a hand to his chest proudly.

“Oh that’s good too!”

Another silence followed. Mikey kept finding himself looking over at Michelangelo, expecting the turtle to say or ask something. But Michelangelo didn't.

“So…” Mikey whistled, trying to make the silence somewhat more bearable.

“Something on your mind?” Michelangelo prompted with an innocent smile.

“Um. Just… the silence is weird!” Mikey laughed, and Michelangelo giggled along with him, “Like, I feel like we should be talking about something!”

“Well, what do you want to talk about?”

Mikey only shrugged. Michelangelo let the silence go on a moment longer before saying,

“How… about what’s making you so sad?”

“Who said I’m sad?”

“You’re sitting here alone on your bed looking like you lost your best friend. And I saw how you were on the rooftop earlier… when they were talking about… you know.” Michelangelo thought it best not to mention the name. “Do you dislike hugs…?”

Mikey traced his fingers across a crack on his plastron. “I love hugs! I love giving them! Just… not getting them… not anymore...”

“So... you don’t dislike hugs. You dislike being squeezed. Because somebody hurt you like that on purpose…”

Mikey gulped.

“That’s okay. It’s okay to not like being squeezed.” Michelangelo said slowly, “Do your brothers know?”

“No. Then think because my cracks are healed that I’m healed...”

“Mm. Well, I won’t tell them if you won’t want me to. But you should. You have autonomy over your own body, even if it's against your family. Especially if it's against your family! If you don’t set boundaries, then they can’t know when they cross them.”

“But I don’t wanna upset them…”

Michelangelo scoffed. “Upset them? Our brothers are shinobi! They’re tough as nails! And if they can’t take you setting your own rules on your own body then they seriously need to reconsider their life choices. Your body is your temple to paint and restrict as much as you so wish! But I can tell I’m not getting through to you… so. How does roleplaying sound?”

“Roleplaying?”

“You pretend to be your Raph, and I’ll pretend to be you! Now: Try and hug me!”

“Oh— okay!” Mikey sat up a little taller and cleared his throat. “Hey bro! Come give Raphie bear a hug!”

“I would rather not be hugged right now.” Michelangelo stated calmly, “I will however accept a fist bump, high five, or pat.” Mikey held out his hand for a high five, and Michelangelo quickly obliged. “There you go! Now be more insistent! Demand a hug!”

Mikey was still in character, so quickly said, “Naw man, you’s gotta give me a hug!” And he moved to hug Michelangelo.

Michelangelo shoved him away and hopped back. “I do not consent to being hugged!”

Mikey withdrew at the sudden shout, bringing his hands back to his chest and staring wide-eyed. Michelangelo’s faux-rage quickly faded back to his gigglish state as he bounced back over and hopped on the bed.

“See? So next time he goes to hug you, but you don’t want him to, then try that!”

“That was scary cool!” Mikey laughed, “Where’d you learn how to do that?”

“My dad taught me! He always told me to stick up for myself and for those who can’t do it themselves! A bully’s just that. Except in this situation, your mind is the bully making you sick! And once you get it under control, you can manage everything a lot better! And the first way to do that is to set boundaries for yourself.”

“Your dad has such cool advice.” Mikey laughed, “My dad’s only told me that people fear what they don’t understand.”

“And they hate what they fear.” Michelangelo finished with a solemn nod, “That much is true.”

“Yeah…” Mikey’s voice was raw, stripped of stereotypes and mimics. Just… himself. “I just wish they didn't.”

“You can wish and wish and wish, but things aren’t gonna get better unless you make them that way. Little by little. But start with helping yourself, okay?” Michelangelo put a gentle hand on the giant mutant's leg. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot. Things aren’t going to get better; it’s not.”

Mikey was silent for a long moment. “Did you just quote Dr.Seuss—?”

“Yeah, I just quoted Dr.Seuss, you got a problem with it?”

Mikey thought a moment, and then only laughed. “Hey— no judgement here! Suess rocks!”

#ugh #this didn’t come out how I wanted it to #but it’s done #still #Bleh #feel like I could’ve done better

[americancowgirl19]

Mutant not Monster - Part Three

Part Three: Sam falls into the cage leaving Dean to think he’s lost his brother forever. Wanting to honor his brother’s last wishes, Dean goes to Y/n.

Summary: Y/n and her twin brother, Warren, are both mutants. In a world where mutants aren’t accepted, Y/n and her brother have to go on the run as anti-mutant extremists begin hunting their kind down. Sam and Dean are hunters, just not mutant hunters. However, their paths cross and despite a rocky beginning they become allies against not only the war against mutants but the war against mankind.

Warnings: angst, fluff, talk about character death

Reader: Female Reader; Y/n Worthington

Pairings: Dean Winchester x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2,181

Part Two

Masterlist

2010 - Y/n POV - Reader is 30

“Storm’s sending me to Baltimore. She thinks that there’s a group of mutants laying low just outside the city,” I tell my brother through the phone.

“Be careful. Baltimore has the highest mutant fatalities,” Warren warns.

“I know, that’s why we have to get them out of there and somewhere safe,” I said as I continue packing.

“Why don’t you wait a few more days?” Warren suggests. “I’ll be back by then and we can go together,”

“I’ll be fine, Warren. I’ll be in and out before anyone blinks,” I promise. Warren sighs obviously not liking this plan but not being able to do anything about it.

Suddenly my doorbell rings and there’s heavy knocking on the door.

“Look, I gotta go. I’ll text you when I get to Baltimore,” I said zipping my bag up. I grab the straps and carry out of my room.

“Alright, fine,” Warren mutters. “Don’t try to be a hero, if you have to leave Baltimore before you find anybody then leave,” Warren says sternly. “Come back to base, get reinforcements and then try again,”

“I know the drill, Warren,” I say. “This isn’t my first assignment on my own. I’ll text you, be safe coming back,” I say before hanging up. I toss my back to the side before opening the door. “Dean?” I ask seeing the tall hunter standing on my welcome mat. 

It’s been a few months since I’ve seen Dean but only about a week since I last heard from him. Over the past few years Dean and I have been through a lot. I’ve helped him hunt the supernatural while he’s helped me find mutants. I’ve worked with him against Lucifer whiles he’s worked with me against anti-mutant extremists like the Sapien League. Of course, Sam’s been right with Dean the entire time but my relationship with the younger brother isn’t quite like the one I have with Dean.

I see Sam as a brother but Dean’s always been different. Dean has a way of ruffling my feathers and making my heart jump like no one else can. I’ve never met someone who can piss me off to high heaven yet still turn me on and make me blush.

There’s always been an understanding between Dean and I. We’ve never talked about it but we both knew we could feel this unspoken thing between us. However, we also knew that with the lives we lived, we wouldn’t be able to act on our feelings. We travel far too much and we both live day by day.

Although, that doesn’t stop me from fantasizing about the perfect future. An ‘apple pie life’ as Dean likes to call it. A life where I don’t have to worry about being killed on the street because of the wings on my back. A life where Dean doesn’t have to go from town to town hunting dangerous creatures. A life just for us with Warren and Sam close but not too close.

That’s all it was though, a fantasy. 

“Dean, what’s wrong?” I whisper.

This isn’t the first time Dean Winchester has appeared on my doorstep. Usually it’s at some ungodly hour but this is the first time he’s shown up with red, puffy eyes.

“Sammy...” Dean chokes out. My heart stops. “Sammy’s...” His head hangs. He doesn’t need to finish. My mouth drops slightly. I’m frozen for a moment but I snap out of it when Dean sniffles. I grab his arm and pull him inside. My foot kicks the door closed and my arms hug him close.

“I’ve got you,” I whisper tightening my grip around him. Dean buries his head in the crook of my neck. I can feel his tears falling on my skin. My wings instinctively wrap around him as I try to provide as much comfort and security as I can. “Shh, I’ve got you,” I whisper combing my fingers through his hair when his grip suddenly tightens. I kiss his shoulder lightly prepared to hold him for as long as it takes.

2010 - Y/n POV - Reader is 30

“Here,” I say softly. Dean takes the coffee from my hands as I sit across from him at the kitchen table. “Why are you here, Dean?” I ask. His eyes flicker up to me. “Shouldn’t you be with Bobby? Or trying to find a way to get Sam back?” I ask him.

“Sam didn’t want me bringing him back,” Dean says. “He wants me to move on, stop hunting,” Dean tells me. “Try the... Apple pie life,” I tense slightly.

“Dean...” I whisper. “I can’t stop,” I tell him. “There’s still mutants out there that need to be found and protected,”

“And I’ve helped you before,” Dean says.

“Yeah, but it’s not the apple pie life, Dean,” I shake my head. “My life isn’t much different from yours, just a different agenda and a different enemy. It’s still dangerous,”

“I know,” Dean sighs slowly. “But... I’d be with you,” He says looking at me. I stay quiet for a moment and stare into his eyes trying to decipher what he’s trying to say. For so long we just didn’t talk about moving forward between us.

“Maybe you should take some time to yourself, Dean,” I whisper. “If you want the apple pie life, you won’t find it with me. Not right now, at least,”

“Guess I’ll just have to be patient then,” Dean says forcing a small smile. I mimic it. “Do you mind if I stay for a few days?”

“You’re always welcome here,” I tell him. “You can stay for as long as you want,” I assure him.

“Thanks,” He says before clearing his throat. His eyes flicker towards the door. “Were you going somewhere?” He asks noticing my bag.

“Baltimore,” I tell him. “Same assignment, different city,”

“But Baltimore-” Dean says, his eyes filling with concern.

“I know,” I cut him off.

“Maybe I can come with you,” Dean suggests.

“I’ll be fine, Dean,” I promise. “It’s a quick in and out. I’ll be back in three days. Warren will be here in two. Just stick around here and find something to do. I’m sure Baby needs to be worked on. Hell, work on my car, God knows it needs something done to it,” I tell him knowing that I was taking my brothers car to Baltimore seeing that he left town with Bobby.

“If you need help-”

“I’ll call you,” I reassure him. Dean gives me a small smile. Reaching across the table, I grab his hand. “Don’t worry about me, Dean. I can handle this. Just worry about yourself, alright?” Dean holds my gaze as he turns his hand in mine until he’s holding it.

2010 - Y/n POV - Reader is 30

As I expected, the trip to Baltimore was successful. It didn’t go as smooth as I had hoped but at least I was able to find the mutants Storm had sent me to find and bring them back to base.

When I returned home I saw Warren and Dean bonding over cars. I was relieved to see Dean smiling and continuing on with life. However, I could still see the heartbreak and sadness in his eyes throughout the day, especially at night. I knew it would take more than a couple of days for Dean to not only come to terms with Sam’s eternal imprisonment but to be able to heal from losing his brother.

Life for Dean didn’t exactly get easier as the months passed but he got set in a routine. He stayed with me at my place and helped look after the mutants. He became the unofficial head mechanic in our area. The small jobs kept him busy.

Every couple of weeks I would have to leave for either diplomacy purposes or undercover missions. However, when I was home, it certainly felt as if I was living an apple pie life. 

Dean would go to work every day and come home around the same time. We would talk about anything and everything. Warren would often join us but it was nice when it was just Dean and I.

Tonight, Warren was off on his own leaving Dean and I to ourselves. Dean’s still out working on cars while I cook us some dinner. It’s nothing fancy but it’s better than takeout.

When Dean finally came home, I was putting dinner on the table as I worked through my second glass of wine. Dean greeted me as he went into the fridge for a beer.

“This look delicious,” Dean grinned sitting at the table.

“I’m just happy I didn’t have to use the fire extinguisher,” I smirked.

“I’m proud of you,” He teases with a wink causing my smile to broaden. A few moments later he began to jabber on and on about what happened at work. It made me smile to hear him talking so fondly of the other mutants. I was relieved that he got along with them so well. I was also glad to see that he wasn’t pushing everyone away and shutting down like I had expected him too. I wish he would talk to his friend/father figure Bobby but I also didn’t want to push him.

At the end of dinner I put the dishes in the sink while Dean opened another beer. I began washing while he took his place beside me to dry. A small smile came to my lips at the domestic vibe between us.

When the dishes were done I continued to wipe down the counter. Dean disappeared behind me. I didn’t think anything of it until I felt his hands. His fingertips brushed against the black feathers on my wings. I could feel them twitch and push against his hand in response.

His fingers gently groom through them. I shudder slightly as he reaches more sensitive areas. The thought of telling him to stop, to step away never crossed my mind. I didn’t want him to stop. It felt good. Calming.

Slowly, his hands travel from my wings to my back. He drags his fingers down my spine. I grip the countertop tightly not fully registering just how much his touch is affecting me. His large, calloused hands cover my hips. His fingers dig into my skin as he steps up against my back.

“Dean...” I whisper. He hums just as quietly as his head dips to my shoulder. My eyes close as his lips press against my skin. His nose glides against my neck before he presses his lips just behind my ear.

“Y/n...” He whispers back. I don’t even notice myself leaning against his chest until his arms wrap around my waist. “You’re so beautiful,” He whispers to me.

“Wings and all?” I ask tentatively. His hug tightens.

“Wings and all,” He confirms slipping his hands under my shirt. He doesn’t attempt to take it off but the skin-on-skin contact if comforting. “You’re perfect,” He states leaning his head against mine. “I wouldn’t want you any other way,”

“Flirt,” I tease causing him to grin. 

“Is it working?” He questions.

“It always works,” I whisper back grinning widely when he kisses the side of my head.

“Sam told me I needed to man up and get you before someone else snatched you up,” Dean confesses, his arms tightening at the mention of his brother. I gently caress his forearms feeling a little happy that Dean was starting to talk about Sam on his own.

“I’ve been yours for years, Dean,” I tell him. “I don’t want anyone else,”

“Good,” Dean says massaging my hips with his hands. I grin as he begins to sway us. I lift my hand up and back to his head. My finger thread through his hair. “I don’t want you to be anyone else’s,” I lean my head back and turn it towards him.

“Are you going to hold me all night or are you going to kiss me?” I ask quietly.

“I’d love to do both,” Dean mutters before closing the gab between us. I grin turning in his arms. Dean instantly pushes me against the counter as my wings curl around him. The both of us hold the other tightly. “God, I shoulda done that when you saved my ass in the woods,” He whispers thinking back to our third meeting.

“Well, You were too busy being a stubborn asshole,” I tease and Dean smirks chuckling a bit.

“Well, I’ve got you now,” He whispers tenderly caressing my face.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise leaning against his hand. He presses into me more as his hand on my hip tightens.

“You better not,” He whispers. My heart clenches as I see the fear and concern in his eyes.

“I’m right here, Dean,” I whisper to him. “Just stay with me. Don’t worry about the future, don’t think about the past. Just stay with me, in this kitchen, for a little longer,” 

“I can do that,” He whispers with a small smile.

“Good,” I whisper pulling his lips back to mine.

@akshi8278​ @shipshipshipau​

A/n - I had planned on moving on with this little series but right now I think I’m going to leave it end like that. I don’t think I’m going to continue with a part four. I hope you all enjoyed it though!

#dean winchester #dean x fem!reader #dean winchester x female!reader #x female!reader #x fem!reader #Sam Winchester #winchester #supernatural #spn #mutant #x-men #marvel #warren worthington iii #wings #crossover #mutant not monster part one #mutant not monster part two #mutant not monster part three #spn fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #dean x y/n #angel #mutant!reader #dean x reader

[comicgoth666]

How would Toad handle his beloved expecting their kid (Bonus points if the kid hates Magneto's guts as a baby and the rest of their life)

"Mort?" They'd spoke softly as they floated around the kitchen, working on dinner for the lot of them. Some Italian dish Mort hasn't had yet.

"Yes, luv?" He answered, feeling like he was on cloud nine, thinking of how lucky he was to have such a beloved. One who held him during nightmares. One who looked at him with love in their eyes. Just him and his beloved.

"I was wondering, how do you feel about kids?" Kids? Thought they were gross grubby little things once upon a time. He recalled when Wanda was pregnant. Fatter than a doe eyed sow. Sweating and swollen. Then the brats came and he was put in charge of them for a week until Pietro came to get them. Smelly and loud and annoying.

Then, Billy smiled at him. Tommy held his finger. The little brats slept with him on the couch for hours. Laughed when he tried to play with them. Clung to him when they were awake. Pietro eventually got back and picked fun at him for an hour before leaving with them with Luna in tow.

His relationship with children was now... complicated.

"Depends, luv. Different chil'ren. Different reaction. Wha'? Yew baby si'in' again? Nee' my 'elp? Nee' me ta leave?" They hummed a no in response and set a glass in his hand. Flavored whiskey. A recent obsession of his.

"Not exactly, dear."

"Wazzat mean?" They floated easily around before continuing dinner.

"Well... I'm..... pregnant."

Panic. His first thought is panic. Pregnant. With a baby? His baby? His beloved was simply walking around in the compound kitchen, like nothing was wrong. Like they hadn't just verbally rocked his shit.

"... wot?" His throat was dry. His tongue was heavy. Was his heart beating to fast? Is this a heart attack. Aren't these symptoms of that? "W... wha... re... really?" Another hum. Affirmation. Baby... a baby... his baby. Their baby. What if they have his mutation? What if they have his issues? What if-?!

"Dearest... you'll do great. I know it." A peck and off they went again.

The brotherhood was ecstatic to hear the news. His beloved wouldn't be able to fight for a bit to take care of the baby and he'd see to it. He definitely wasn't going back into the field for a bit. Building and planning, sure. No field work.

First, came the crib, long before the bump started to show. Built by hand and carved beautifully. Stress building toys while they sat around and tried to help before he'd panic and tell them to just sit down. Please, luv. Leave it to me. Let me take care of it. Don't have to lift a finger.

Baby books that his beloved picked out, baby clothes given by teammates. Frog and Toad (haw haw Mystique), guess how much I love you, where the wild things are. He never read those growing up. Never had them read to him. His goal was to do what he needed growing up.

The Brotherhood quickly found out that some people weren't aloud near them as their belly got larger. Freddy was aloud by them by himself, as was Neena, Dom, Irene and Wanda when she came to visit. Sauron was aloud, as he was their doctor at the moment. Raven, Peitro and St John had to be supervised by Mort or someone he trusted to be around them. Victor and Magneto were not aloud in any capacity if it could be avoided.

But, even then, he was croaking and clinging to his beloved when they came near. Magneto was curious about a second generation mutant, wanted to see what this mixture could produce. His child wasn't about to become his new science project. And Victor was... Victor. Picking fights by getting closer then he needs to be. He knows what a animal like mutant can do, and yet...

Once the time came for the child to come, Freddy had to hold the poor man to keep him from attacking Sauron. Their screaming and pain was to much for him to handle. Maybe he could drag them away to the lake nearby. Dig a hole. Hide themselves away and lay low for a bit till it was over. But, he knew realistically, this was what they needed. A doctor, a hospital (the compound counted, he supposed).

The panic had been building the entire nine and a half months. What if the baby died? What if they died? What if they and the baby died? What if his kid hated him? What if-?

"Mort." Carl, in his human form, called from the hallway. Freddy slowly released the Brit punk and he ran with wings on his feet through the doorway.

Tiny. It was so... tiny. Tiny hands. Tiny head. Tiny body. It could be crushed so... easy. If this were a fight, he'd feel grateful for the upper hand. But... this was his baby. All he felt was and overwhelming fear and love.

The only person, aside from the doc, to enter the makeshift hospital was Wanda. She was cooing and keeping her distance while his beloved slept, regaining strength.

The next few weeks were difficult, but do-able. He's taken on giant robots. He's fought the X-Men head on. A baby was small beans compared to that. His beloved had the patience of a saint. Arranging and rearranging toys nervously as they feed them. Teddy Bear next to stuffed Frog with a toy Bat by the foot of the crib. Froggy covers tucked and untucked and tucked again. It had to be right. Couldn't risk suffocation by rolling over wrong... or worse. Was he over reacting?

"Oh! Erik... hello." His beloved rocked back and forth in the chair as their boss entered the baby room, toy in hand. A stuffed doll with red yarn hair and a velvet green dress and black button eyes. His helmet gleamed in the soft lamp light. Wanda and Pietro stood behind him with a book and a stuffed black cat respectively.

"What do you want, Erik?" He allowed the twins to enter and coo at the small bundle in his beloved's arms, but blocked Erik at the door. He had simmered a bit, but still didn't allow him anywhere near the two.

"I can't say hello to the newest member?" Heat rose to his face.

"They will never work for you." He growled.

"Mort... it's fine." They held his eyes and silently beat his resolve down. He sighed and moved behind them, hands on their shoulders, teeth clenched, muscles tight.

"Hello, dear." Arms outstretched, silently asking to hold the child. Mort's breath hitched and heavy. His beloved slowly placed the child in his gloved hands. Large hands with blood on them from years of violence. He shouldn't be holding them. He shouldn't be here. Mort should take his beloved up on their plan to run. A cabin. No Magneto. They most certainly will not work for him.

Silence befell the room as he arranged the babe in his arms and once settled... a loud cry came from them. Screaming and fussing as they flailed in his hands. Mort moved fast enough to make Quicksilver proud while carefully and quickly scooping his child up and away from him. Shushing and rocking as his beloved apologised. Mort smiled to himself for the small victory. It wasn't much, but it worked for him.

Several times over the next two months, Magneto tried again and again to hold the infant, and Mort let him try. It had become entertaining to watch as he became flustered at the sudden cry of the child. Victor, he'd found, only had to get within their eyesight for them to cry and fuss. He was pretty much blacklisted from being near the child and he seemed just fine with that. Small victories for Mort. Animals and babies were notorious for sussing out bad people. It made him happy to know Erik would eventually give up on holding the child.

Wanda had begun helping him and his new family find a home and life away from this life after she'd left a month prior with her brother to work with S.H.I.E.L.D.

Peace. Quiet. And no more orders. It truly was everything he never knew he needed.

#mortimer toynbee #the terrible toad king #toad #todd tolanski #todd tolansky #marvel #xmen #x-men #x men

[tmnt-veelicious]

Across the Stars - Ch.17

*crawls out of a hole* HOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLYYYY FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF-

Yes. I am alive.

Yes I had a rough patch of life over the last few months.

And jeeeeesus, I think I wrote the beginning of this chapter like 3 times....

BUT IT’S HERE. AND I’M SORRY IT HAS BEEN SO LONG. At least the next chapter will be interesting and will introduce some new characters!!! I am definitely feeling the writing juices flowing~

First Chapter -> HERE Previous Chapter -> HERE Next Chapter -> SOON

''I think this neighborhood suits you,'' started April as both women were comfortably seated at a table in a cozy café. Vee couldn't help her quiet chuckle, crossing her arms as her eyes ventured to the large window that offered a view to the street. ''I think it does too..., but I'll be so far from everything. Mostly far from Donnie. He's downtown and I'd be uptown...'' ''It's not so bad! You know these guys can travel fast and they know the city like no one else.'' True. A small sigh escaped the artist, her attention back to the other. She was glad the reporter had answered her call. Vee confessed feeling stupid for her sudden departure and her attitude, but April had been quick to waive those away, answering that all that mattered was that her friend was safe. The only thing left to do was to move forward. Harlem seemed like a nice place. It was mostly known for its nightlife and its jazz influences, to which Vee felt drawn to. Maybe she'd have opportunities up here, who knows? Her train of thoughts came to a stop as a waitress got to their table; a lovely african american woman adorning a dark afro like a crown. Vee did admire her style, noticing her septum piercing and her 'au naturel' look. It didn't seem like much, but so many people could ever inspire the artist, and that was the beauty of living in New York. As the orders were taken and the women left with coffees in hands, proper discussions could finally start. ''So...starting a family?'' started Vee. ''Since when were you two planning that little adventure?'' April's smile was soft: ''We were talking about it for several months, but only recently did we really start to properly consider it.'' ''Even with both your lifestyles? … You wouldn't be the most 'typical' and 'calm' family.'' ''I don't think that should stop us, or anyone. … It's something we both want, Vee, and we're ready to work for it.'' ''I'm not saying the opposite, don't worry!'' quickly reassured Vee. ''… I guess I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around that idea. I never really thought about having kids, so the thought process kinda escapes me.'' ''Oh?'' the reporter slightly cocked her head to one side, curious. ''I don't want to say I'm surprised, but still am nonetheless.'' The other woman seemed amused: ''There's so many things I have yet to accomplish.... Getting a child is the least of my worries right now. I guess I just don't really feel compelled at the idea.'' ''In that case I can understand,'' added April with a soft smile. ''It's only natural that you'd want to advance your career and get more stability, I get that.'' The conversation paused as their food arrived. But as soon as both were left alone again, the reporter couldn't help squinting a little, now curious: ''Although.... do you think you could ever have kids with Donnie?'' Vee almost spat her coffee, her thoughts suddenly rolling at a franctic pace. She frowned, reminiscing all those times they had sex without any protection. ''I, uh... I'm not sure,'' frankly answered the artist. ''I've never really thought about it, but now that you mention it, I should verify with him.'' ''I think it'd be in both your interests to set things clear. At least you'll know where you both stand in this...'' ''Yeah … that's for sure.'' What if he wanted kids? Could it be possible? At least for now her cycle had been steady and normal, so there was no fear regarding that. And the relationship was still in its early stages – it was too soon to think about that! Oh, those thoughts would plague her mind for the rest of the day, she knew that...   ''Anyway, enough kid talk,'' said April, thankfully interrupting Vee's thinking. ''I wanted to discuss apartment and furniture with you.'' ''What, you wanna know how I'll decorate my fortress of solitude?'' playfully commented the artist. ''Oh come on now...'' ''Just kidding, just kidding, don't worry. What's on your mind?'' ''Since I'll be moving in with Casey and he pretty much already has everything in terms of furniture... I was thinking about giving you some of the stuff we have at the apartment. Fridge, oven, whatever you need.'' The artist lightly frowned. ''Wait... give? April, I can't just receive without giving in return. Tell me your price and I'll gladly give you so-'' ''Vee, please,'' gently cut the reporter. ''… I know I'm putting you in a difficult situation and things can turn expensive. I want to help in any way I can, plus you can always repay me in other ways. Don't worry about it. I've given it some thought and I'm at peace with that.'' And the artist was absolutey thankful. Knowing she didn't make the best of incomes, this help felt like a miracle. … Just thinking about all her future expenses was enough to make her head spin, but at least with Donnie's help – and now April – she knew she could get a good footing and proceed without immense struggles. ''Also,'' added April, ''I know you don't have the best of conversations with your parents regarding your choice of living in New York, so I wanted to ease things up by giving you a good headstart and make them less worried.'' Vee softly sighed, although showing a small smile. She knew the brunette had heard some bits and pieces of conversations ever since she moved in. Even if the dialogues had been in French, it was not hard to notice the argumentative nature of those calls. ''I, uhm … it's been almost a month since I spoke to any of them, so there's nothing to worry about for now,'' said Vee. ''Is everything alright?'' ''The less I talk to them, the better! So, yes, everything is fine,'' tried to reassure the artist. April seemed good with the answer, but there was no denying that for Vee to avoid her family, it would probably blow back to her face in a nasty way. But today was not the day to think about such matter. Breakfast done and over with, both women were now on their way to visit the apartments. The first one proved to be a complete disaster; mold found in the bathroom and under the kitchen sink, only two windows and barely any natural light coming in, a broken wardrobe door in the bedroom. The landlord didn't seem like the most caring person either, insisting that he'd get the needed repairs done once a new tenant would move in. ''Those things have a cost, you know?'' he would say. … And this apartment will be a hard pass, you know? Vee couldn't believe that she got fooled by the advertisment online. It seemed so nice... At least the second stop was promising. The lot was at the top floor of a five story high building. The entrance was a small hallway that had one door to the left which gave to the bedroom (with a window!), and a door to the right that gave to the bathroom. The end of the hallway gave to an open area to which the left part was planned for a living room, and the right had space for a kitchen, the area delimited by a side hall that gave enough surface for an extension of the counter tops. Some windows gave enough light into the place, as well as a nice view on the street and buildings around. Plus, the living room windows were tall and large enough, one being an entryway to the emergency staircase outside the building. It was perfect. *** Her step was light as she made her way back to the lair, the greatest grin plastered to her face. She did it! Well … almost! But it was at least a first step in the right direction. Her first point of interest when she arrived was Donnie's workspace, but she found it empty, instantly bringing a small frown on Vee's features. Maybe she should check the garage next? Her attention snapped when she heard a sharp sound – a can being opened. Turning around, she slightly jumped as she spotted Mikey nearby, an orange crush drink in his hand. '' 'Sup?'' ''Jesus, Mikey, you gave me a mini heart attack,'' she breathed out. ''Oops, my bad,'' he said, taking a sip. ''You lookin' for Don? He just got out on patrol with Raph.'' ''… Aren't you guys supposed to lay low for a while with the Purple Dragons and Foot Clan situation?'' The orange clad one shrugged: ''Going out on patrol doesn't mean we're looking for them, you know? We still gotta look out for the bad ones on the streets. Plus, going out in small numbers attracts less attention.'' ''Huh... touché,'' admitted Vee. ''I guess the good news can wait, then.'' ''What good news?'' The artist's grin was back: ''I might have found a new apartment! The landlord just needs to do a credit check and then, if it's all good, the place will be mine.'' The terrapin's smile was soon as big as Vee's: ''Yo! That's awesome! Where is it? How big is it?'' The woman didn't wast any time to grab a blank sheet of paper and a pencil laying around on Donnie's desk, already starting to sketch the layout of the apartment. Deep in her explanations, she did not notice Leonardo now standing near, trying to take a peek from behind. ''What's that?'' he asked. Vee slightly jumped again, already on the lookout for the leader. ''JEEZE, what's with you guys scaring me tonight?!'' Leo showed an amused smile, arms crossed before him as he took some pride in that comment. ''I'm an excellent ninja. Getting to scare you means I'm doing a good job.'' ''Alright, don't get too cocky.'' She briefly sighed, next bringing the paper to clearer view. ''Behold, this is probably my next apartment!'' The blue clad mutant took some seconds to observe the layout, pensive. ''… There's quite some windows in there. I'll have to get Donnie to secure the place so no one can spot you and get in.'' ''Leo! Chill!'' faintly laughed Vee. ''I don't even completely own the place yet. Plus I'll be on the fifth floor; I'd like to see anyone get in other than by the emergency staircase or the entry door.'' ''I'm sorry I am cursed with the leader plague. I always have to think many steps ahead.'' Vee's smile was soft: ''Don't worry, it's appreciated. But now it's time to celebrate! There's no place for worry tonight!'' ''Now we're talkin'!'' added Mikey playfully, rubbing his hands together. ''… Watchu wanna do?'' The artist left her paper back on her boyfriend's desk, a smug smile now showing on her features. ''Donnie and I do have a little secret stash of red wine, and I fully plan on going through one bottle tonight.'' ''Hell yeah!'' Mikey was now nudging his brother's arm with his elbow. ''Care for a drink as well? Come ooooonnnnnnnn.'' Leo was squinting, trying to appear severe, but it didn't take long for him to conceed with a grin, his posture relaxing. ''Alright. Just one.'' *** Vee was delightfully surprised to learn that Leo also had a taste for red wine, happily sharing her bottle with him – and of course he did take more than one drink. Meanwhile Mikey had opted for beer, some cans already resting in the fridge. It felt good to kick back and just be happy, living in the present and have no worries. But soon celebrations took an interesting turn, Vee definitely inspired by her luck and feeling a little bold. An idea came to her mind as Mikey was showing her some stuff he was hoarding, especially when it came to hair dye bottles. She had always wanted to try a new hair color... It didn't take long before everyone was set up: Vee sitting in a chair with a towel over her shoulders, hair in layers. Mikey had ''borrowed'' some of Donnie's latex gloves (used for when he was tattooing), already at the task of applying the chosen color. Meanwhile Leonardo was sitting nearby, keeping company and enjoying the show. ''It's gonna look dope as fuck,'' commented the orange clad turtle, hair dye brush in hand as he was spreading some color. ''I'm kinda nervous about it, though,'' added Vee. ''Last time I did something to my hair, it was only some blonde streaks here and there. … It's my first time going full on with a non-natural color.'' ''There's never nothing wrong with going wild once in a while,'' said Leo. The artist threw him a glance, somewhat amused. ''Says the guy who seems to overworry a LOT about anything.'' ''Hey, I have my moments, alright,'' chuckled the leader, next taking a sip of wine. Mikey tsked; ''What, your last wild thing was to shorten your training time or somethin'?'' ''Nooooo, I-...'' Leo lightly frowned, his lips forming a thin line. A sharp sigh left him as he confessed: ''I asked Mikasa out.'' Both Mikey and Vee's gazes were now locked on him, their smiles wide. ''Finally!'' let out the woman. ''How did it go? Is everything good?'' ''Spill the tea, bro!'' chided in Mikey. Leo's smile was shy, carefully choosing his words. ''We're still figuring some things out, I guess? It all started when we got to you both at the Maneki Neko... I brought her back to her apartment and we kissed. … I dunno how to explain it, it just felt right at that moment.'' ''So far, so good,'' commented Vee. ''What's next?'' ''I'll admit that I chickened out after that,'' continued the leader. ''I just didn't know yet if I was ready to get into some sort of relationship. I was a douche and I didn't say or text a word to her after a couple of days.'' ''You're a fucking dumbass,'' added the other turtle, slightly scolding as he parted some more layers of Vee's hair. Leo raised his glass a little: ''On that I agree, BUT! I kicked my own ass and finally got back in touch with her yesterday. I explained the situation to her and she agreed to meeting up and talk about it a little more. … I'm just-'' His eyes met Vee's, somehow pleading. ''How can I know she really likes me? For crying out loud, how did you know you liked Donnie?'' The artist couldn't help her laugh, surprising both mutants. Leo didn't really know how to react. ''Did … did I say something wrong orrrr?'' ''No, no! Good gosh, no!'' tried to rectify Vee, calming her laughter. ''Oh jeeze, Leo, you and Mikasa are just so freakin' adorable. …. Would you believe me if I told you that she kinda asked me the same question a while ago?'' The blue one showed a smirk, amused: ''Welp, I won't hide that I had a smiliar conversation with Donnie as well.'' ''See!'' pointed the woman. ''Dammit, you two. Mikasa likes you, okay? You guys … all four of you, there are people who're gonna like you and even love you for who you are, no matter the fact that you're mutants. Damn, get that drilled in your heads, alright?!'' Mikey couldn't contain a chuckle: ''You're pretty straight-forward when you get some drinks in you, Vee.'' ''I only speak the truth without reservation,'' she added, taking a sip of wine. She savored her beverage for some seconds before speaking up again: ''But to answer your question, Leo, I knew I liked Donnie when everything felt comfortable. I mean … whatever I would say or do, I knew it wouldn't mind him. … His presence is like a never-ending warm hug around me. I feel true, I feel seen...'' Her eyes got back to him. ''And if you feel like you can be your true self around Mikasa, then I say that it's worth a shot.'' ''I'll take your word for it,'' replied Leo, smiling and slightly lifting his glass in cheer. *** Hours later and Donnie couldn't be any more glad to be back home. Patrol had been pretty boring and tame tonight, but at least he got to spend some time with Raph, which was never a bad thing, at times. Hanging his gear for the night, he then proceeded to his workstation, only to frown a little once he spotted a sheet of paper with some sort of layout draw on it.

By the looks of it, it seemed to be an apartment, the gears of his mind running as he also recognized Vee's handwriting. ''Bro!'' His attention snapped, suddenly realizing that he had been deep in thoughts. He turned to the source of his calling, then noticing Mikey with a big smile on his face. Donnie didn't have time to say anything that his brother spoke again: ''I have the immense pleasure to present to you the world-premiere revelation of Vee 2.0.'' He did some theatrical gestures before bowing and backing out of view in a comical way, finally giving view to Vee who had been hiding behind him. The purple clad turtle's eyes grew wide as soon as he noticed the artist's new hair color. Teal. A lush dark green color that reflected so well when exposed to any lights. ''Whoa! That's so cool!'' blurted the tall terrapin, already approaching the artist. One of his hands was still holding the paper, but his other one couldn't stay put, gently taking some strands of Vee's hair and having a closer look at the color. He couldn't erase his grin, his eyes scanning every inches. ''You should thank Mikey, he's the one who did most of the work,'' informed the woman. The tall terrapin did throw a glance towards his brother who was still nearby: ''No wonder it's perfect. There's always a positive outcome to any of his projects.'' ''Aww, thanks bro!'' added the orange clad mutant, somehow surprised, yet glad to hear such compliment. ''So … you like it?'' asked Vee with a timid smile. ''Like it? I love it!'' answered Donnie, his gaze meeting hers. ''It really suits you. … Any specific reason for that change, though?'' The woman had noticed the sheet of paper in his hand, taking it in turn and pointing the sketch she did. ''If all goes well, this little lot will be mine.'' Donnie's happiness was renewed: ''For real?!'' A simple nod from Vee was enough for him to lift her off the ground in an embrace, unable to stop himself from spinning around a little, obviously feeling overjoyed. Relief also washed over him, knowing how the whole process was stressing the artist – and himself as well, there was no lying there. ''You did it, baby,'' he gently said, loud enough for only her to hear, nuzzling her as he came to a stop while still hugging her. ''Almost, but yeah. Let's hope for the best...,'' replied Vee in the same tone, her arms gently coming around his neck. ''Get a room, you two!'' piped in Raph's tone, playful. The couple looked his way, the red clad terrapin making his way to Mikey. ''Come on, let's give these two nerds some space. Ya wouldn't want to catch their cooties.'' ''Hah! You're just jealous!'' added Donnie comically, next suddenly hurrying to his room, Vee still in his arms and now laughing. Raph was rather unimpressed, a sharp exhale of air leaving him as he glanced from the running one back to his younger brother. ''…. The day I'll be jealous of that bean pole, assume that I'm delirious or somethin' like that.'' *** It wasn't long before they were found in bed, exchanging everyday clothing for comfortable wears. Donnie was laying first, Vee next nestled in-between his legs, her back against his form. The artist was not finished, drink-wise, so she shared some more wine with the terrapin, a screen mounted to a telescopic arm brought over them so they could watch any videos they desired. It was during moments like this that Vee felt at complete peace, loved, and the happiest. The warmth that invaded her could only confirm that she was at the right place with the right person. And yet the same question kept repeating itself in her mind since her conversation with April. ''Donnie, are we compatible?'' she asked in a shy tone. The mutant slightly frowned, his gaze still on the screen. ''Define 'compatible','' he asked. ''Can we procreate?'' His body and muscles suddenly tensed. Both were now staring at eachother, not giving a damn about the video anymore, the turtle trying to find his words. ''… Uhm, well, no. I don't think so. … Wh- Why are you asking this?'' Vee shrugged: ''Well, we've been having unprotected sex and I don't take any contraceptive pills. I'm just curious.... How can you be sure that we're not?'' He sighed briefly, his thoughts running a hundred miles per hour. The video on screen was still going on, the subject suddenly a blur. But that didn't matter. ''First of all, we're not the same specie.'' ''Ok then, why can tigers and lions create ligers? Why can donkeys and horses create mules?'' ''Because to their roots, they are the same. As for us, we come from two different branches. I'm a reptile, you're a mammal; there's a huge spacing inbetween us. Plus, I'm suspecting the mutagen has something to do with it, as it mostly prevents us from contracting human diseases, amongst other things.'' Vee crossed her arms, diverting her gaze, slightly feeling uneasy as she circled her drink slowly and pensively. ''… You do make sense. … I guess I was mostly biased by the fact that you do present humanoid features.'' She felt one of Donnie's hands to her cheek, bringing back her attention on him. ''… Did you want to have a child with me?'' he asked in a hushed tone, forever soft. Vee suddenly blushed, frowning a little. ''No! I mean- uh. Based on your explanations, no. Also I'm not ready for that and it's too early in the relationship to know. I- shit, I dunno,'' she blabbered. The terrapin's smile was soft, amused by her reaction. ''Hey, don't worry, I was just asking! … I guess I'm just wondering too if you ever wanted one. If that was the case, I wouldn't want to prevent you from doing so...'' ''What? You mean you'd let me hook up with a human guy only so I can get banged up?'' questionned the woman, confused, as she sat up straight and was still looking at the other. ''Hell to the no - yuck. The whole pregnancy shebang doesn't appeal to me anyway.'' ''Adoption is also an option,'' added Donnie, matter-o-factly. ''That's pretty much this family's case!'' ''For sure, and I think it's very admirable, but raising a child is still a huge deal in itself.'' She sighed, timidly rubbing the back of her neck. ''… Sorry I brought that up, I was just curious. Ever since I spoke with April, it has been bugging me. I'm really not ready for that chapter in my life and I don't think I'll ever be, but I wanted to know your opinion on that.'' Donnie rejoined her, one of his arms snaking around her form. He was softly nuzzling the top of her head, keeping her close. ''Whatever you choose or decide, I'll always stand by your side, loving every moments – every seconds - spent with you. We build our own happiness, and that doesn't mean it has to imply a child in the future. … As long as you're happy, so am I.'' ''I know. … I do feel kinda weird for not wanting a child though,'' mumbled Vee. ''Hey,'' intervened the mutant. ''You're not weird, believe me. Having a child is not an obligation. This is your body, your choice, and I will forever respect it.'' ''Oh, you better,'' smirked the artist in return.

#chapter #writing #tmnt #tmnt 2014 #tmnt 2016 #fanfic #fancharacter #oc #selfinsert #donatello x oc #donatello x selfinsert

[not-close-to-straight]

More Than Words (Seven)

This is basically 8000 words of fluff and like, 250 words of plot. Lots of romance and smooching and a tiny bit of plot. 

Oh and also, there’s a small reference to “special brownies”? I can’t imagine anyone cares about that, but it’s there anyway!

Enjoy!

MTW MASTERLIST HERE

************

The water in the hotel showers was either scalding hot or unbearably frigid and there didn’t seem to be an in between. Peter was so relieved to be getting a proper shower after weeks of only wiping down, that he settled on scalding and jumped in anyway. 

“Sonofabitch!” the Omega yelped and darted right back out of the spray, huddling close to the flimsy dividing curtain and covering his more sensitive spots from the lava like drops. “Okay. Super hot water was a bad choice.” 

“Pete?” Wade’s voice sounded even deeper in the large room, rolling off the tile floors and echoing through the steam. “Everything alright?” 

“Uh yep.” Peter hadn’t given any thought to the rather locker room style shower set up in the hotel basement when he first came down, but now that Wade was sharing the space, suddenly the entire area seemed uncomfortably open. 

The dividing walls between showers were flimsy at best, high enough to avoid potential awkward eye contact with the person showering just next door, but ending rather abruptly at knee height. The door was nothing more than a curtain and Peter inched away from the material and back towards the water as Wade’s footsteps came down the corridor towards his stall. 

“Pete? You okay?” 

“Um…”

I’m naked in a giant locker room with an Alpha.

Oh no. 

Nope, being naked in the showers wasn’t actually the problem. 

The problem was that Peter was supposed to soap up naked in the same room that Wade was soaping up naked. He was supposed to wash himself while knowing Wade was washing himself and manage not to think too hard about... naked things... because his scent would give it away and then the Alpha would get all fangy and probably growl and then-- oh Lord and then all their conversations about waiting and things being enough would go right out the window. 

“Um, everything’s fine.” Peter’s voice went high pitched, thready and nervous. “And hey, I don’t want to be weird about this but would it be okay if you took your shower on the-- the other side of the room?” 

“...what?” 

Damn it. 

“t’s a big room? Maybe you--” get naked. “--shower over there? I just-- I need you to be maybe give me little bit of spa--ACE! WADE!” Peter shrieked when the Alpha reached into the shower and yanked him right out into the open.

“Oh my god what are you--” he stopped abruptly when he realized Wade had his head turned away completely, eyes shut tight. “Wade? What are you doing?”

“Grab your soap and clothes and come on.” Wade didn’t so much as look in Peter’s direction as he towed him down the corridor and around to a side area the Omega hadn’t noticed before. “Don’t slip right here, the floor gets rough.” 

“What’s this?” Peter sidestepped the aforementioned rough area, and peered curiously around the Alpha. There was a single shower built into the corner, blocked from anyone else’s view by a high wall and a door that could be barred. “Why is this here?” 

“Hotel has one specifically for Omegas travelling alone or anyone who is particularly vulnerable.” the Alpha pulled several towels from a nearby cabinet and handed one behind for Peter to wrap around his waist. “Haven brings in all types, you know? Sometimes a shower room that locks is better for everyone.” 

“Oh.” 

“Figured this way you can take your time and get good and clean, wash that hair a  hundred times if you want.” Wade turned the water on in the private shower and lay the towels down on a low bench. “The door locks so you don’t have to worry about anyone barging in, or the showers getting too crowded with Alphas and making you uncomfortable. Now hurry up and get in there so I can get to my own shower.” 

It was entirely charming the way Wade was making such a point to not even risk a glance even though Peter’s towel more than covered him. The Alpha was probably giving himself a headache keeping his eyes scrunched so tight and Peter-- god, Peter could have loved him for it. 

So instead of running into the shower stall and locking the door, and instead of taking the opportunity for the space he’d been so worried about just a moment previous, Peter tightened the towel around his waist and stepped in to hug his-- his mate tight from behind. “Thank you for this.” 

“It’s no problem, Pete.” Wade linked their fingers and tipped his head back until it rested against Peter’s hair. “Gotta tell ya though, sure can’t wait to smell that new soap on you. Been thinkin’ bout it all day.” 

“I’m tempted to use all of it.” Peter’s lips moved over Wade’s rough skin as he spoke, his breath puffing warm on the Alpha’s neck. “But I want to keep some so I can wash up at home, too.” 

“Use it.” Wade lifted their hands and mouthed a kiss to Peter’s knuckles, turned them over and kissed Peter’s palm as well. “I’ll buy you more sweetheart, hell I’ll buy you every piece Mr. Lee’s got in stock. M’just glad you like it. I know it’s not a real big gift but--” 

Wade went quiet when Peter came around to face him, and when Peter saw the Alpha’s eyes still shut, he laughed and stood up on his toes to lay a very soft, very sweet kiss on Wade’s cheek. “Thank you.” 

Wade started to answer, but Peter cut in with an amused, “You can open your eyes, you know. The towel covers everything important.” 

“We said enough, Pete.” Wade opened his eyes but kept his head leaned back so he was staring at the ceiling. “And if I see you half naked, even if it’s the unimportant half, enough is gonna be-- it’s gonna be a distant memory. Seeing you in a towel is gonna break me. They’ll have to come pick my pieces up from the floor, you wanna explain to the owner why you left a grown man in pieces in the showers?” 

“No, I guess that would be a pretty awkward conversation.” Peter’s grin was obvious in his words. “I better get in there before your neck starts hurting, huh? The ceiling can’t be that interesting, definitely not worth being sore tomorrow anyway.”

“I’d appreciate the hell outta that. Yep.” 

“Okay.” the Omega left another nearly chaste kiss on Wade’s cheek. “See you soon, Alpha.” 

“God dammit.” Wade’s big hands grasped suddenly at Peter’s bare waist, calloused fingers digging bruises into his skin and the Omega gasped when Wade bent to leave first hungry kisses and then sharp nips at his throat. “Pete. Please always call me Alpha. I know you’ve said it before but every time it about kills me. Sure feels like I’ve waited a whole lifetime to hear that from you, don’t ever stop.” 

“Alpha.” Peter let his head fall back and purred, low and nearly wanton when he felt his mate’s tongue over his pulse. “Mmmm, I know the feeling. Didn’t even know I was waiting to hear you call me Omega, but it’s incredible.” 

“I can’t wait to hold you tonight.” True to his word, Wade kept his eyes shut tight but he didn’t pull away yet. He couldn’t quite convince himself to let go of Peter, not when the Omega was panting into his ear and cuddling close. “Pete, Omega. I can’t wait.” 

“I can’t wait either.” Cheeks red and heart pounding, Peter inched away before he did something reckless like kiss the hell outta his Alpha. “I’ll see you soon.” 

“See you soon.” Wade didn’t open his eyes until the shower door had closed and locked, and then they opened hazy, needy red. 

“Mate.” 

******************

Peter stayed in the showers long after Wade had come by and rapped at the door to let him know he was heading upstairs again. The water was still almost too hot, but Peter lingered under the spray for as long as he could stand it, unwilling to give up the luxury of a private shower before he absolutely had to.

The lavender soap foamed up beautifully in his hands and Peter spent an inordinate amount of time smoothing the fragrant bubbles over every inch of skin, between his toes and clear up his legs, up under his arms and behind his ears and then back down again. The very last bit of shampoo suds-ed up into his hair and while it soaked , Peter rummaged through his toiletry bag for finger nail clippers and the one disposable razor he’d packed.

Omegas didn’t have much body hair in general, but Peter still smoothed out his chin and side burns and tidied the sparse curls between his thighs. They’d said enough and agreed neither he nor Wade was ready for sex but it still felt nice to be ready, especially since this was most likely the last chance for a proper shower for a while. 

Peter was contemplating another run down with the lavender soap-- and wondering just how expensive it had been, if Wade really would buy him more-- when another couple came down into the showers talking and laughing together, so he turned off the water and began drying off just in case the pair wanted to share the private stall. 

Peter smiled when he heard the gentle teasing and obviously loving remarks, a squeal from the Omega when their Alpha turned on the water too quickly, and the Alpha’s surprised yelp when their partner retaliated with what sounded like the snap of a towel. 

The laughter quieted into hums and then a soft moan, and Peter’s eyes widened when he realized the couple was getting rather amorous right there in the public showers. 

Oh no. No no no, he couldn’t stand in here and listen to that and then go upstairs and keep a straight face around Wade. Absolutely impossible. 

Peter was contemplating how to turn the water off and sneak away without the mated pair realizing someone had been eavesdropping, when the Omega purred towards their mate, “I’m yours, my Alpha. I’m yours and you’re mine.” 

“That’s right, you’re mine.” the Alpha nearly snarled the words and Peter jumped in surprise. “You’re mine Omega, you’re mine and I’m yours.” 

Then came more noises, the sort of noises Peter couldn’t quite deal with, so he ran a towel haphazardly through his hair, hurried into his sleep clothes and gathered up his things before all but bolting from the private stall and through the main room, heading for the stairs with eyes turned firmly forward lest he see anything unfortunate. 

“Hey sweetheart.” Wade looked up with a ready smile when Peter finally made it to the room and locked the door behind him. “Thought you drowned in there.” 

“Just about.” Peter grinned at the Alpha and went to put his toiletries away. “I had to get like six months worth of showering in. Everybody says you only get down here twice a year, so will it be summer before I get to wash my hair again?” 

“We could just shave you bald.” Wade ran a hand over his own bare scalp. “No muss, no fuss, no worries about needing to come to town for showers.”

“You’re gorgeous without hair.” Peter dragged his fingers through the thick mess until it was standing up in spikes all across his head. “However, all my good looks are tied up in these heavenly locks, so if I shave it, you won’t want to sleep next to me anymore.” 

“I highly doubt that.” the Alpha thumped his head back against the bed frame and watched with no small amount of adoration as Peter brushed his teeth at the basin and worked a comb through his hair to ease the tangles. “About all your good looks being in your hair or about me wanting to sleep next to you.” 

Peter scrunched his nose at Wade through the mirror and went back to getting ready for the night. “Can I ask you something?” 

“Yep.” Wade popped the ‘p’ of the word, not bothering to look away from the line of Peter’s legs in the slim fit sleep pants. “What do you want to know, Pete?” 

“When I was in the shower--” the Alpha’s scent jolted with interest and Peter was quick to add, “Easy does it, Alpha. This won’t be about be washing or anything else remotely related to that sort of thing.” 

“You’re crushing my dreams, Omega.” A faux petulant pout, but Wade still sat up straighter in the bed so he could listen. “What’s on your mind?” 

“When I was in the shower.” Peter started again. “A couple came in and I heard the Omega say ‘I’m yours and you’re mine’ and the Alpha got all growly and said ‘you’re mine’ all vicious before saying ‘and I’m yours.’” 

“...okay?” 

“So why did they say that?” he wanted to know. “Is that a thing in this timeline? Because we don’t say things like that in my timeline. Not ever. An Omega being super verbally submissive in public and an Alpha getting loud and possessive-- I mean, that makes everyone uncomfortable. We just say I love you when it gets serious enough for the Omega to play at submissive and even then, I don’t know any Alpha that snarls at their mate unless it’s in heat.” 

“You don’t like hearing an Alpha get snarly, Pete?” 

“I dunno.” Peter furrowed his brow. “I don’t mind when you growl at me, but you’ve never spoken to me the way that Alpha spoke to the Omega. And I don’t think um--” 

Wade raised his eyebrows and waited, and Peter finished in a quiet tone, “When we get to that point, I would want to say I love you. Would you not say that?” 

When we get to that point. 

It was a question in his mate’s voice, but Peter wasn’t actually asking. There was only clear intent and the expectation that one day they would be in love, they would be sharing those words together. Peter was saying out loud what Wade already knew in his soul and the reflection of his own intentions made Wade want to pound at his chest and roar. 

Yes his mate knew they would love each other, no questions, no uncertainty, no wondering. 

Peter clenched his fists at his side when Wade’s cedar and licorice scent roiled swollen with hunger and possessiveness before softening and sweetening to contentment, and when Wade held out his hand and curled his fingers coaxingly, Peter went right to the bed, right to his Alpha. 

“C’mere.” Wade rumbled. “C’mere, baby boy right up here with me.” 

Peter let himself be pulled up to the bed and then into the Alpha’s lap and settled with knees on either side of Wade’s waist, arms looped loosely around his neck and their foreheads pushed together. The Omega exhaled noisily when Wade rucked up the back of his shirt and flattened a warm palm just over the dimples at the curve of his rear, and bowed his back into the welcome touch with a sigh.

“C’mere, c’mere, c’mere.” The Alpha spread his other hand high on Peter’s leg and swept his thumb into the hip crease, rubbed idle circles at the Omega’s back and slid his fingers beneath the waistband of the thin sleep pants to feel more of his mate. “This okay? Enough?” 

“It’s wonderful.” Peter sank lower onto Wade’s lap, helpless against the intoxicating feel of his mate surrounding him, grounding him with just a few touches. “Fuckin’ wonderful.” 

“Language.” Wade chuckled into the Omega’s ear, his lips rough on the sensitive skin. “The mouth on you, baby boy.” 

“Now it just seems like you’re trying to set me up for a dirty joke.” Peter retorted, and this time the bed shook with the force of their laughter together. “Can’t put me on your lap and then talk about my mouth.” 

“Yeah, I dunno what I was thinking.” Wade grinned and Peter grinned right back. “Too easy, hm? Of course you’d get sassy about it.”

“It’s what I do best.” Peter admitted. “Now tell me what that phrase means.”  

“Alright.” Wade shifted forward and scraped his fangs lightly, so lightly, over Peter’s cheek and the Omega went very still on top of him. “That phrase, Pete. It’s not what people say instead of I love you. It’s bigger than I love you.” 

“What do you mean?” Peter turned his face into more, shivering over another pass of the dangerous points. “How is it bigger than ‘I love you’?” 

“It’s... it’s submission from the Omega, Pete.” The Alpha’s voice went a little hoarse. “Full on submission in words and usually in an action as well. First submission and then admitting to wanting the Alpha as their own. And then from the Alpha, it’s possessive and protection--” his hands tightened on Peter’s frame. “-- claiming the Omega as theirs, and then an admission that they belong to the Omega as well. I’m yours and you’re mine. It’s more than words.”

“More than words.” Peter echoed and Wade nodded. 

“It’s a promise between mates, giving all of yourself to the other and then taking everything they are as your own. When you have all of someone and they have all of you, it means you have every bit of each other and together, it’s something new.” 

Peter’s lips parted in a quiet ‘oh’ and Wade tucked his forehead into the Omega’s shoulder, waiting for the inevitable question. 

“...does the Omega always say it first?” 

“Always.” 

“Why?” 

“Because.” The Alpha’s throat worked as he swallowed. “Because that way the Omega is offering their submission is a gift. It’s a gift Pete. They choose to submit and then they choose an Alpha to share it with. Biology and scent matching and all that aside, being trusted enough that an Omega is willing to be their most vulnerable with you is humbling. And then to have that same Omega claim you as their own? Incredible. What else is the Alpha to do besides accept the gift and swear their loyalty. ‘I’m yours and you’re mine. You’re mine and I’m yours. That’s what it means. Pure submission and complete trust.” 

“You and your first mate.” Peter whispered. “Did you say it with her?” 

“No.” A quick, negative shake of the Alpha’s head. “No, Vanessa and I never did. She was an Alpha and things were different between us. Not.. not less. Just different.” 

“This is all new for you?” Peter was still whispering. “Being with an Omega.” 

“It’s all new for me.” Wade confirmed. “And every single minute of being with you is incredible. I don’t even have words for it, Pete.”

“It’s more than I love you.” A ribbon of awe curled through the Omega’s honeysuckle scent. “More than words-- I had no idea. No idea something so old fashioned could be so wonderful, thank you for explaining it to me. It’s absolutely beautiful.” 

“You’re beautiful, sweetheart.” Wade touched their noses together. “You’re beautiful.” 

It was all to easy to fall into the bed together, Wade snuggling Peter down off his lap and into the blankets, rolling the Omega over and spooning up tight to his back. Sleep clothes made for thin barriers and Peter made a shocked sort of sound when he could feel the Alpha’s heat pressed against him from shoulders to toes, Wade heavy and thick against his rear, comforting and solid everywhere else. 

“Smell good, Omega.” Wade tucked his nose to the spot just behind Peter’s ear and breathed in the drowsy lavender perfume. His mind immediately went to all the other places the scent would be lingering, the secret hidden areas only a mate would know to discover and explore. “Did you use all the soap?” 

“Almost.” Peter relaxed into the pillows and reached behind to rest his hand on Wade’s leg, kneading small patterns into the solid muscle. “Will you buy me more?” 

“I’ll buy you all of it.” the Alpha dropped a kiss at Peter’s cheek then one down at the curve where neck met shoulder, curved fangs pricking without breaking skin, just a hint and gone so Peter would shiver and melt further into him. “Sleep, baby boy. I’ve got you.”

Too long a day combined with the heady, sleepy fragrance of lavender had Peter dropping off to sleep almost immediately, safe and warm tucked in at his mate’s chest. Wade stayed awake for a while longer though, loathe to fall asleep too quickly and miss out on the wonder that was their first night sleeping together. 

The moonlight came through the windows and lit silver on Peter’s freckles, turned pink lips dusky red and cast shadows over the Omega’s long lashes. Wade could have stared at his mate forever, memorizing the rise and fall of each breath and the minute expressions flickering across Peter’s face as dreams took him further into slumber. 

He didn’t weigh hardly anything at all against Wade’s bulk, the Omega’s features nearly delicate in contrast to Wade’s more defined frame. Peter’s fingers were fine boned and slim, meant for reading and writing not chopping wood or dealing with animals and when Wade reached to press at the fingertips, he frowned when he felt calluses forming where there had been none before. 

“You deserve a softer life, my mate.” he whispered to the quiet room, and predictably adorably, Peter’s nose wrinkled as if he’d heard and disagreed even in sleep. “I hate every reminder that you aren’t supposed to be here with me.” 

Their time was limited, short, regardless of Peter’s teasing about not being able to take a shower till next summer, despite the way they talked about planting more vegetables in the spring, no matter that Wade had purchased a few small things for his Omega to set aside as presents for the holidays. 

The reality was Cable could return tomorrow, next week or next month, hell he could already have returned to Haven and was stomping around looking for Peter right that moment. 

Their time was limited and it broke Wade’s heart, so he kept his eyes open for as long as he could and watched Peter long into the night, mouthing silent adoration into his Omega’s skin and tucking close to breathe in the scent that completed his own. 

Don’t leave me yet, my mate.

**********

Morning came before Wade was ready, and he didn’t realize he had fallen asleep until he was jolting awake in time to feel Peter stretch and arch against him, that pert perfect rear snugging to his hips before Peter relaxed again and fell back onto the bed with a sleepy huff. 

The Alpha checked and then checked again to be sure Peter was still asleep, then eased regretfully from the bed and from the room to hurry down the hall to the bathrooms. There was a ‘bathroom’ in the hotel room too, but it wasn’t much more than a bucket behind a privacy screen and hell even the cabin outhouse had better privacy than that. There were better ways for Peter to wake up after their first night together than to the sound of Wade relieving himself. 

The facilities down the hall it was. 

Wade made quick work of his needs, splashed some water up on his face and swished through his mouth and hurried out of the bathroom and down the hall to get back to his mate--

--then turned the corner and ran smack into his Omega. 

“Ooph.” Peter bounced off Wade’s chest and would have hit the floor had the Alpha not reached out and snatched him real quick. “Oh hey look at you.” 

The lopsided grin the Omega sent Wade’s way was so hilariously tired, Wade nearly dropped him again when he started to laugh. 

“Not real nice to laugh at me when m’too tired to be sassy.” Peter complained over a jaw cracking yawn. “Fuckin’ rude.” 

“Sorry Pete, but you’re sorta--” 

Whatever Wade was going to say, whatever teasing or maybe even sarcastic quip he was going to toss back fell by the wayside when Peter swayed close and lay an enthusiastic, if not sleepy, kiss on his lips. “MmmmgoodmorningAlpha.” he muttered. “Gotta bathroom then back to bed.” 

Wade was too stunned to do much more than stand there, and he was still standing there when Peter made a reappearance a few moments later. “Hey uh sweetheart--” 

“Alpha.Mmmblergh.Coffee.” Another kiss just as unexpected as the first, and Peter disappeared into their hotel room without another word, leaving his Alpha shell shocked in the hallway. 

“Alright then.” Wade blinked a few times “Coffee. Yep. I’ll just-- I’ll just do that. Coffee.”

It was a miracle he made it down to the kitchen without falling right down the stairs, and more than one Alpha clapped Wade on the back and muttered something understanding about, “Nothing like a night with your mate to make an Alpha half stupid, huh?” and Wade could only nod in agreement. 

Not that he and Peter had spent the sort of night together the other Alpha’s assumed, and not that Peter’s kiss had been anything other than most likely accidental and entirely innocent but Wade was still goofy and a little bit stupid as he gathered up coffee cups. 

His mate was going to be the death of him, even if it was death by stairs because Wade couldn’t get the feel of Peter’s lips off his own long enough to concentrate. 

By the time the Alpha made it back upstairs with their coffee, Peter had rolled onto Wade’s side of the bed, not asleep again but still languid and lazy as he bundled into the warm spot Wade had left behind, hugging one of the pillows tight and sighing loudly. 

“Comfy?” Wade asked, and had to bite back a grin when Peter popped up from the blankets with wide eyes and hilariously rumpled hair. “It’s alright, Omega. Lay back down. I didn’t mean to startle you.” 

“No, I’m awake.” Peter was not awake, but he made grabby hands for the coffee anyway and clutched the cup close. “Sorry, do you want your spot back?” 

“I dunno.” The Alpha’s scent twisted affectionate as he took a sip of his own coffee. “You sure look sweet trying to stay warm on my side of the bed.” 

“Well-l-l-l.” Peter drew his knees up to his chest and peeked at Wade over the rim of his cup. “If you came here and sat with me again, I wouldn’t have to try to stay warm, would I?” 

“You want me to come sit with you, Omega?” It shouldn’t have felt like such a loaded question, not after they’d spent the night together but Peter had kissed the Alpha this morning without even hesitating and suddenly the question meant everything. 

Peter had submitted to Wade without thought when they’d spent a moment together before heading to Haven, going still and trusting with the Alpha’s fangs at his throat. He’d allowed Wade to introduce him as ‘mate’ to anyone who asked, and then purposefully called Wade Alpha even after knowing what weight the word carried. They’d talked of submission and promises and bonds that were more than words, and then Peter had slept so happily next to him all night long. 

They had said enough, had said neither was ready to take that final leap but Wade knew there were a thousand steps between discovering soul mates and completing their bond, a thousand tiny ways to know and learn that had nothing to do with sex or mating, a thousand chances to choose each other that came along so naturally with Pete, the Alpha didn’t even have to think about it. 

But he wanted to be sure Peter was thinking about it, wanted to make sure his future mate saw the significance of every step and the direction they were heading so he asked again “You want to me come sit with you, Omega?” 

And Peter looked up with the sort of smile Wade wanted to see every morning for the rest of his life and in a reply far too simple for what it did to the Alpha’s heart-- “Of course.” 

Of course. 

Wade climbed back onto the bed and opened his arms for Peter, his entire being washing in happiness when the Omega cuddled close immediately. Peter tucked his toes beneath Wade’s legs and breathed in deep when his Alpha’s scent swelled with pleasure and satisfaction, the cedar and licorice heady enough to make him dizzy. 

“What do we have to do today, Alpha?” Peter thought he might have slurred the words but he was too at ease to care. A night spent in his Alpha’s arms had left him loose limbed and yielding this morning, his entire self floating in the aura of completeness filling the room. He only somewhat remembered leaving the bed to use the restroom, had only a fleeting thought that he’d ran into Wade in the hallway before tumbling back into sheets and pillows that scented of his Alpha, of them. 

He felt almost drugged, honestly. Like the time Harry had convinced him to eat one of those special brownies and Peter had thought he’d never get off the couch. Not when the cushions were so comfortable and the blankets were so warm and whatever was on the television was more hilarious than it had ever been before. 

That’s how he felt this morning, lax and comfortable and the only thing possibly better then lying next to Wade in bed would be lying skin to skin with his Alpha, limbs tangled and hearts pounding and oh Peter thought he’d very willingly stay wrapped in blankets and near suffocate in the quilts so long they smelled like black licorice. 

Funny thing that, Peter had never even liked black licorice before meeting Wade and now…

“Pete? Where'd you go?” 

“Peek a boo.” Peter mumbled and Wade chuckled down at him. 

“Seriously sweetheart, where’d you go? You’re practically asleep on me again, smiling for no reason at all.” Wade tipped the Omega’s chin up and searched his eyes. “I was saying we need to pick up supplies and then visit Doc Banner and you sorta laughed at me. Everything alright?” 

“Mmm, sorry.” Peter made a valiant effort to sit up straighter even though his fingers clenched almost instinctively in Wade’s shirt to make sure the Alpha didn’t move away at all. “I’m all loopy this morning. Sorta floaty. Keep talking though, I'll wake up eventually.”

“Nah, keep floatin’ baby.” Wade budged Peter in close again and nosed through his hair with a quiet sigh. “You’re gorgeous like this.”  

“You’re gorgeous, Alpha.” came a barely mumbled answer, and Wade held his mate a little closer and kept right on talking, outlining the plan for the rest of the day and marking out a hopeful timeline for when they’d make it back to the camp. He rambled about how pissed off the goat would be that they left her overnight, talked about a few last minute repairs the cabin needed before the winter came down hard onto the mountain, and mentioned buying a new wash and wringing machine so laundry would be easier. 

“Did I kiss you this morning?” The Omega interrupted almost twenty minutes later and Wade hesitated before nodding slowly. 

“Yeah Pete. You sure did.” 

“Oh.” Silence for a moment and then a whisper soft, “Can I kiss you again?” 

“Yes.” 

Peter huffed a laugh at Wade’s immediate response and struggled to sit up, throwing his leg over Wade’s lap until they were face to to face again, forehead to forehead. “You said um-- yesterday you said we were doing things backwards since you introduced me as mate before you tried courting me with gifts and that reminded me of something else we were doing backwards.” 

“What’s that, sweetheart?” Wade cupped Peter’s face between both his palms, sweeping his thumbs over the high cheekbones and tangling his other fingers in Peter’s hair. “What else are we doing backwards?” 

“Kissing is supposed to come way before moving in together.” Peter said seriously-- or it might have been seriously if he hadn’t practically hummed the words, a loopy smile on his face as lavender and honeysuckle wound like syrup into Wade’s senses. “We’re supposed to kiss before we sleep together and definitely before we say things like ‘meant to be together’. We did it backwards and I think we should fix that.” 

Wade could barely breathe as Peter settled firmer onto his lap, hope and elation lightening his hazel eyes. “Omega.”

“I um-- I wanted to kiss you last night.” the Omega admitted in a hushed tone. “But then you said that thing about falling to pieces if you had to see me in a towel and I thought a kiss might actually kill you so I figured I’d wait.” 

“So you could kill me with a kiss in bed?” Wade dropped one hand down to Peter’s hip to hold him steady, thoroughly enjoying the flush in his mate’s cheeks. Peter was beautiful like this. “Is that what you’re trying to do, Omega?” 

“I guess we’ll have to find out.” Peter’s laugh was low and husky, falling into an unsteady sigh when their lips met in a single tentative kiss. Then came another less tentative than the first and when the Alpha urged him forward Peter came back for a third and a fourth and a half dozen more. 

The moment was almost innocent, very nearly chaste as they shared soft kisses and gentle touches. Peter explored the lines of scars up his Alpha’s neck and down just beneath the collar of Wade’s shirt. He shivered over the press of blunt fingers at his waist and further along his hip, rocked forward into Wade’s lap and nearly bit his tongue off when the Alpha growled at him and yanked him up tight and the moment was suddenly decidedly less chaste.

“Oh-h-fuck, Alpha.” A full body shudder from the Omega when the next kiss ended with the drag of too sharp fangs at his bottom lip. “Oh my god.”

“This is enough.” Wade was panting as he pulled away, trying to blink the red from his eyes as he went. “Pete this-- this is enough.” 

“Okay.” Peter tried and failed to keep the disappointment from burning through his scent. “Okay, sorry. Sorry let me just--” 

“Stop.” Wade clamped his palm down on Peter’s leg when the Omega tried to leave his lap. “No no listen, sweetheart. Listen.” 

“...I’m listening.” 

“This is enough.” the Alpha repeated. “I mean whatever we decide, is enough. Last week enough was just acknowledging the match and maybe scenting each other. Last night enough was holding you when you slept. This morning, kissing you is enough. Whatever you want, Pete. Whatever we decide together. It's always enough.” 

Peter blinked at him uncertainly and Wade swallowed hard. “Baby boy, there’s a thousand steps between knowing we are meant to be together and actually being mated. And I don’t care if we hit every single one of those steps along the way or if we skip eight of them to get to something better. I don't care. However fast or slow we’re moving is-- it’s enough. It’s enough for me.” 

“A thousand steps.” Peter flattened his hand over Wade’s heart, closing his eyes for a few seconds as he counted the steady beats. “And whichever one we’re at is enough for you.” 

“It’s enough, Pete. I’m happy no matter where we are on that journey.”

“You’re telling me this so I know just kissing is okay.” Peter guessed. “Cos we moved real quick through a lot yesterday.”

“Yes.” 

“I’m not ready for more than kissing.” the Omega admitted and Wade reached up to cover Peter’s hand in a comforting squeeze. “But I feel like I’ll crawl outta my skin if I can’t be with you right now. I need you close, need you holding me. And I dunno if it’s cos we slept together last night or what, but I want to kiss you. Right now. A lot.” 

“Oh no.” Wade managed a teasing smile. “My mate wants to--mmmph!” he startled when Peter lunged forward and crushed their mouths together, the Omega not even pausing before shoving his hands beneath Wade’s shirt and audibly groaning over the twitch of muscle and feel of heated skin. 

“Say it again.” Peter wasn’t so much floating now as he was burning, rocketed back to his senses by the all too casual way Wade had called him ‘mate’. “Say it again, Alpha. Again.” 

“Mate.” Wade rumbled and Peter tossed his head back and moaned. “Mate.” 

“Yes.”

Their next kiss went on and on and on until both Alpha and Omega were desperate for air and both unwilling to pull away. Peter fit perfectly on Wade’s lap, his long legs hugging the Alpha tight on either side so he could keep his mate right where he needed him. What started out innocent quickly moved towards needy and Peter didn’t bother trying to keep quiet, not when every one of one his sighs was echoed by the Alpha, every little moan returned as a snarl until Peter was drowning in the rush of arousal from his Alpha. 

“Alpha!” Peter keened over the cut of fangs at his lip and Wade’s growl shook through his core. “Oh my god please--” A rough groan from the Alpha as Wade cleaned the spot of blood from Peter’s mouth and then thrust his tongue deep into willing warmth and Peter couldn’t do much more than open up to his Alpha and whimper for more. 

“I’ve got you.” Wade raked his fingers down Peter’s back, palmed over that all too tempting rear and then spread his hand wide to hold as much of his Omega as he could, steady at Peter’s hip so they could rock and grind into each other. “Right here baby boy, come on.” 

The Omega’s entire body lit up with sparks when he could feel how bad Wade wanted him, when the thick Alpha cock throbbed at his core. He spread his knees and ground down onto his mate, shoved his tongue deep into Wade’s mouth and licked over his Alpha’s fangs, ripped his nails down Wade’s chest and tossed his head back nearly shouted at a jolt of pleasure so sharp it was almost painful when Wade shifted just right and their bodies slotted together. 

The air was brittle, twisting heated and destructive and Peter’s vision went hazy, his heart pounding out of control as he was suddenly hot, he was too, too hot. He was shattering apart beneath his Alpha but it was almost frightening, his near desperate arousal choked off by a ripple of too much and too sudden and no no no they’d said enough but this wasn’t enough, this was--

“Oh!” Peter gasped out loud when Wade jerked up in the bed and flipped them over in one quick motion. He oophed when he hit the bed but it turned into a moan when the Alpha pushed his knees open and crowded close between his legs, Wade settled hard and heavy against Peter’s center. 

“Stay with me.” Wade’s deep voice cut through the fog like a light, snapping Peter back into too sharp focus. “Pete. Omega. My mate, settle.” 

The Alpha grabbed both Peter’s wrists in one big hand and shoved his hands up towards the edge of the bed, pulling the Omega up into a stretch that forced him to breathe and Peter’s eyes flew open wide. 

“Settle.” Came the repeat command and Peter took in another shaky breath, only enough to whimper, “Please. Please…” 

“I’ve got you.” Wade pinned Peter to the bed with his body and the moment they fit back together Peter went immediately, almost alarmingly still. “Settle.” 

“This is enough, right there.” Peter’s eyes fell closed, his grip at Wade’s hands loosening and knees splaying lax. “Oh my god, don’t-- don’t move. Wade, Alpha, don’t move. This is enough, this is-- this--”

“I’m here.” Wade budged closer, tighter and Peter murmured something slurred and sweet. “Ah fuck, baby boy, I’m here. I’ve got you. This is--” he swallowed when the Omega tugged him down and nuzzled at his neck, willed away the flash of still lingering arousal because now was not the time. “I’m here. You’re right. This is enough.”

It was enough. 

Wade knew what this was, what had been buzzing beneath Peter’s skin the last few days since they’d put words to their bond and had only gotten worse after spending the night together. He should have seen it when Peter had such a hard time pulling himself from the hazy afterglow of being held for so long, and he should have seen it when the afterglow sparked too hot too quickly. 

But now Wade recognized it, remembered it from when his and Vanessa’s bond was new and even now, even though it was a second time around and Wade thought he knew what to expect, the truth of it all still took the Alpha’s breath away. 

This was their bodies yearning, it was their souls starving, it was the bond that had sparked so unexpectedly begging to be completed. 

This was the Omega asking to be held and covered and adored, the Alpha anxious to see his mate spread out and submitting. It was Peter needing to be needed and Wade desperate to be called Alpha, both of them silently begging to be called yours because even though neither of them were ready to take that last step, their biologies and hearts and minds clamored to be together. 

But now with Wade covering Peter from shoulder to toe, foreheads together and mouths still passing in soft touches, hands running slow circles and fingers exploring lazy paths over clothes, now Peter could settle, now they could each breathe and all they wanted to breathe was each other and it was enough. 

“...Alpha.” Soft and achingly sweet, and winding through Wade’s soul like balm soothing a hurt he’d thought healed a lifetime ago. “No words. Just-- this is enough. Is that okay?” 

“Yeah, Pete.” Wade lingered over another kiss, grateful when his mate’s scent lifted sweet again, pure and settled instead of anxious and jittery. Peter was calm again, their need tempered by just being close.  “No words. That’s okay. We don’t need words, not when it’s like this.”

“Yeah.” Peter nodded and turned his head so Wade could mouth at his bonding spot, the painful empty inside him calming and easing away in a wash of contentment. “Don’t need words.” 

And after another moment in a self conscious whisper, “I’m sorry I started all this kissing and got us all wound up just to-- to you know. Pump the brakes. We were having a good morning and I went and ruined it. I’m sorry.” 

“I’m not.” Wade let his fangs drag over Peter’s neck and inhaled deep of potent honeysuckle and the sweetest, most drugging lavender he had ever scented in his life. “You didn’t ruin anything, and I’m not sorry. I could never be sorry about any of this.” 

“...does this mean we can kiss again?” Tentatively, almost embarrassed. “If I promise not to get carried away?”

“Pete.” Wade chuckled and nuzzled at his sweet mate. “Omega. You’re not the only one carried away.” 

“No?” 

“Of course not.” he bumped their noses together and crooned quietly until Peter finally smiled. “We’ll figure it out, sweetheart. Don’t worry about it. You could get me wound up and snarly every day and then need to stop and it’s fine. We’re fine. We’ll figure it out.” 

“Can you feel me, Alpha?” Peter dug his fingers into Wade’s bonding spot and shivered when the Alpha rumbled low and content at him. “Seems like you’re right here in my heart, can you feel me like I feel you?” 

“Yeah, baby boy.” Wade wrapped both arms around Peter and hugged his mate up close. “Yeah, I feel you.” 

**************

**************

“Have you heard from Cable?” Wade stood at the window of Doc Banner’s office and watched until Peter ducked into Mr. Lee’s shop, then let the curtain fall and turned back to the doctor. “When was the last time he was around?” 

“I haven’t seen Cable in a few months.” Bruce washed his hands, waved his patient out the door and then pinned Wade with a look. “But you know he’s gonna come looking for that Omega, so I’m expecting him any day now.” 

“Yeah.” Wade’s eyes flashed red in annoyance. “Yeah, I’m aware.” 

“Do you know what you’re doing, Wade?” Bruce took his glasses off and rubbed at his eyes. “Bonding with an Omega that isn’t from your timeline isn’t-- this can’t end well, you have to realize that.” 

“We aren’t bonded yet.” 

“Bullshit.” Bruce snorted and Wade cracked a smile at the doctor. “Just cos there’s no bite on either of your necks doesn’t mean you aren’t bonded. Being mated just means you finally get to see each other naked, bonded is way more than that and you damn well know it.” 

“...yeah.” the Alpha’s smile grew a little more. “Yeah, I know it.” 

“You’re being a fucking idiot.” Bruce informed him. “But you know that already. So tell me how happy he makes you.” 

“Shit, Bruce.” Wade’s smile stretched to a grin that was damn near ridiculous. “Peter’s incredible.” 

“Tell me about him.” Bruce went to brew a cup of tea and motioned for Wade to take a seat at the table as well. “When is he from?” 

“About a hundred and fifty years from now.” Wade nodded when Bruce whistled. “Not too far from your timeline, I guess. He complains about not having phones or central heat but he works hard around the cabin. Did all our laundry one day by hand and his fingers are still sorta raw from the soap. Tries to chop wood, takes care of the animals…” 

“He’s fit right in.” Bruce finished. “I’m sure you know that the transition has been easier because he’s so calm around you, right? An Omega that wasn’t your scent match would be much more emotional, panicky, and probably too overwhelmed by everything to even get out of bed most days.” 

“I think Pete would be this amazing whether we are mates or not.” Wade countered and Bruce snorted, “Spoken like a man with a mate. What else?” 

“He uh--” Wade cleared his throat. “He gets spacey for me real easy, you know? Floats for me, goes all soft and sweet. All I gotta do is hold him for a while and he’s pretty much gone. We spent the night together last night and it took him a good hour this morning to come out of it. It’s gorgeous.” 

“I remember how that can be.” Bruce said quietly. “I was an Alpha once, a long time ago. There isn’t anything prettier than your mate going down all soft like that. I remember.” 

“We’re waiting to mate.” The Alpha admitted next and Bruce nodded in apparent understanding. “When Pete is from they don’t scent match or anything, so it wasn’t normal for him to match and then bond right away. We’ve been working at it. Only been a few weeks--” 

“But it feels like years, right?” Bruce offered. “Cos it makes perfect sense in this world to scent match and be mated by sundown. Can’t imagine how hard it is for you to wait, especially knowing you don’t have much time together.” 

“It’s easy to wait when Pete needs to wait.” Wade shook his head. “And I-- I mean it’s been a long time since Vanessa but sometimes I think I need to wait more than my Omega does. And yeah, we don’t have much time together and I know that’s why it feels more urgent. Eating me up inside knowing I’ll have to say goodbye to him someday before I’m ready.” 

“We’re not ever ready to say goodbye to our mates.” Bruce poured tea for himself and the Alpha. “And I don’t want to be the one to tell you, but take it from someone who knows the consequences of being out of their natural timeline-- the sooner Cable comes back, the better. I can’t say for sure how Peter will be affected since he’s fully human and I’m obviously not, but be careful with him anyway. Don’t let him get hurt, don’t let him get sick or over tired-- he won’t recover like you or I would. Just be careful. I know you hate the thought of losing him, but you’d hate it more if you lost him to an accident or something.” 

“I’m not going to let anything happen to my mate.” Wade said stubbornly, and then softer, “Do you miss it? Do you miss your world?” 

“No.” Bruce met the Alpha’s gaze easily, nothing but honesty in his dark eyes. “No I sure don’t.” 

****************

****************

“Hi.” Peter looked up with a smile when Wade climbed up into the wagon next to him. “How was your visit with Doctor--” 

Wade cupped his mate’s jaw and leaned in to press a tender kiss to Peter’s mouth, lingering over the moment until Peter sighed and melted into him, swaying forward to kiss the Alpha right back and opening obediently when Wade’s tongue swept the seam of his lips. 

“Mmm, Alpha.” Peter crooned and Wade rumbled in response, gathering Peter up into his lap and cuddling him close. “What’s this for?” 

“My mate.” Wade budged his nose to the soft spot behind Peter’s ear, left a sharp nip on the Omega’s lobe. “I’m ready to take you home.”  

“Well that’s good cos I’m ready to go home.” A month ago Peter would have balked away from an Alpha publicly claiming with his words, he would have pushed Harry or Johnny away if they got clingy and probably would have outright growled at Gwen if she messed with his hair half this much. 

But Wade was his Alpha and Peter arched his back and purred under the endearment of ‘mate’, curled closer so Wade would keep scenting at him and tipped his head back into the fingers at his hair so Wade wouldn’t let go quite yet. 

His Alpha. 

Wade left one last kiss on Peter’s forehead before picking up the reins and calling to Bea and Arthur to head out, and the Omega snuggled close as they left Haven behind and climbed the mountain towards the cabin. 

“Are you happy with me, Pete?” Wade asked at the river crossing, and as Peter jumped down to take hold of Bea’s bridle and help Wade walk the team through, he didn’t even hesitate to reply--

“Of course I’m happy with you, Alpha.” 

And on the other side of the river after Peter had exclaimed over how wonderful both the horses were for making it through the water, the Omega added, “This is where I’m meant to be, right?” 

“...Right.” 

“Then of course I’m happy.” Peter patted at Arthur’s nose one more time and sent his mate a smile. “Let’s go home.”

************

SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE CHAPTER!

************

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#ncts fics #spideypool #peter parker #wade wilson #abo dynamics #bruce banner #time travel au

[lavellaned]

blunt thou the lion’s paws

Chapter Four

Diamond City, she scoffs, Clever .

She didn’t know what she expected, but Fenway Park being turned into a little shanty town was not one of them. But after everything she’s seen so far, Claudia’s not sure she has the capacity to be surprised anymore.

She left Concord once there was just enough daylight to see, and hadn’t stopped till she got to where she stands now. It was late in the afternoon now, and a lot of that has to do with Dogmeat leading the way for the most part. Claudia has the feeling that she would have run into a lot more trouble if she didn’t have this dog to help her.

“...I live here!” breaks through her reverie. A dark haired woman growls at the intercom. She looks up at Claudia as she approaches. “Psst, hey!” she whisper yells, “You want into Diamond City right?” Claudia nods to which the woman replies with a nod of her own. “Play along… Oh, what was that? You’re a trader up from Quincy? And you have enough supplies to keep the general store for a whole month? Huh!” She leans in closer to the intercom. “You hear that? You wanna let us in, or do you want to be the one to explain to crazy Myrna why she’s missing out on all this product.”

A sigh crackles through the speaker. “Alright, alright, Piper, no need to make it personal. Jeez…” The intercom turns off and the giant gate at the entrance to the stadium begins to lift. The woman turns to Claudia.

“Better hurry on in before he catches onto the bluff,” and she turns and walks through the now opened entrance.

A fat, red-faced man is waiting just inside and starts tearing into the dark haired woman as soon as he sees her.

Claudia makes her own entrance then, slipping past them unnoticed. She steps between a couple of armored guards by the steps to the stadium.

The evening light casts heavy shadows across the city, making its lights stand out like a miniature, neon, starlit sky. There are people milling about, doing mundane, everyday things. It’s a refreshing change of pace that these people aren’t immediately shooting her on sight. Seeing all of these people doing simple people things makes an unwarranted wave of nostalgia hit her. 

Well. At least they made good use of the space. Claudia stands off to the side, looking out into the city before she goes and gets herself lost.

“I’m sorry you had to hear that ma’am,” a voice says from behind her. The red-faced man is approaching her. “I hope you don’t let rabble like that taint your impression of this great city.” Claudia gives a tight-lipped smile.

“That’s alright.”

“You must be new around here!” he announces in the faux jolly way that so many politicians in the past used to. “I am Mayor McDonough. Let me be the first to welcome you to Diamond City. A great place to settle down, raise your family. Spend your money.”

Ah, Christ. Not even atomic annihilation and a couple centuries will get rid of guys like this.

“Thanks,” she replies, wishing nothing more than for this conversation to be over.

“So, what brings you to our fine city?” Oh for fuck’s sake.

“I’ve lost something,” she retorts shortly.

“I’m sorry to hear that, ma’am. Are you here to see Detective Valentine, then?”

“Detective Valentine?”

“Why, of course! There’s not much that will stay hidden, so long as Detective Nick Valentine is on the case,” he gives a chuckle. Claudia doesn’t know what’s so funny.

“Is he here? In Diamond City, I mean.”

“Just past the markets.” Claudia doesn’t spare the mayor another glance and heads down the stairs. “Oh, uh, have a good day, and enjoy your visit!”

The market is isn’t what she would call bustling , per say, but there is still more people here than she’s seen since the bomb fell. The guards wandering the space look like apocalyptic umpires.

Claudia could see herself wandering the city for longer than she has time, accounting for all of the little alleyways that it’s made up of, but eventually her wandering takes her to the right one. It’s quickly getting darker and, down the alley a bit, she can see a pink neon sign of a heart and the words Valentine Detective Agency . 

She takes a deep breath, walking down to the door, enters the office.

-+-

By the time she’s finished telling her story, she’s trembling with rage so much that she’s practically vibrating off of the chair. Nick is sitting with his elbows on the desk, fingers steepled in front of him. She can hear his processors running through the information she’s given him.

“Well,” he says after a moment’s silence, “there are several groups out in the Commonwealth that take people. Raiders, Gunners, Super Mutants. And then there’s, ya know, the Institute.”

“The one wasn’t dressed like any raider I’ve seen,” Claudia says, “She was in some sort of cleanroom suit, or something.” She’s quiet for another moment, thinking back on all of the things that she’s heard about the shadowy organization. “Do you think it could be the Institute?” she asks in a quiet voice.

“The Institute is known for going through old pre-war places to scavenge from, so an unopened, pre-war vault isn’t too out of their orbit. Neither is kidnapping, for that matter. But what I’m stuck on is what they could want with an infant?”

Claudia picks at her fingers until they bleed, waiting for Nick to give her anything to go off of.

“This man you said came up to you, did you remember enough to describe him?”

She doesn’t think she’ll ever be able to forget.

“Bald,” she starts, swallowing down her bubbling hatred, “wore a black leather jacket. Had a big scar across his face,” she mimes on her own where it was on her husband’s murderer.

Ellie and Nick perk up at the same time, giving each other a glance.

“You didn’t happen to hear the name, Kellogg, by any chance?” Nick asks, strangely intense.

Claudia shakes her head. “Do you think he’s the one who did it?”

“Bald, scarred, known for doing dangerous mercenary work but no one knows who his employer is,” Ellie lists off, “That matches the description we have on file. It’s very possible.”

“Where is he?” Claudia implores, just short of pleading. Now that she has a name, she feels hope for the first time since she’s entered the Wasteland.

“Now, hold on a moment,” Nick stops her, “Kellogg is a dangerous guy, there’s a reason why he’s good at what he does. It’s going to take some digging to try and sniff him out.”

“How long will that take?” Claudia asks impatiently.

“It’ll be a few days, I’ve got some things to look into if we’re going to get any further with this. Say about a week, and we’ll meet back here to discuss our next steps.” She gapes at him incredulously.

“A week?!” she all but shrieks, “I don’t have a week! My son doesn’t have a week! He’s out there in who-knows-what with who-knows-who, and you’re telling me I have to wait a week just to get started even though we already have a lead?” She doesn’t know she’s stood up from her seat until Nick is standing as well, trying to usher her back down.

“It’s less than ideal, I know, but trust me that it’s going to go a lot smoother if we take this one step at a time.” Claudia falls back into her seat and holds her head in her hands. “You won’t be able to help your son if you get killed because of a situation that could’ve been avoided with the right preparations.” Nick gets up and walks around the desk to lay a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll find him, Mrs. McGowan.”

Claudia heaves a sigh, running her hands through her hair and looking up at Nick. She nods and he pats her shoulder before taking his hand back.

As she steps out of Nick’s office and into the brisk night, she feels focused and irritated. She has a name now, one she can put to the face that was responsible for Nate’s death, but she can’t do anything about it. She feels helpless and it pisses her off to no end. 

The week that she’s going to have to sit and stew through feels like an eternity. She has few friends in the Wasteland, and even less of a clue about the place itself. There’s Preston, she guesses. He did offer help. What the hell’s a single Minuteman going to do to track down a professional killer? She knows Nick can help, is helping, and that he’s kept around here because he’s good at his job. But sitting around with no other options makes Claudia feel a lot like her teeth are being pulled out one by one. She cracks her knuckles. She’s going to have to make some connections, but she’s going to have to do it on the down low. If the Institute is as big and bad as everyone makes it out to be, she’s got the feeling that drawing attention to her issue is going to exacerbate it.

There are merchants here, she thinks, they’d need to have contacts to move goods around the Commonwealth. Traders probably get around. They would have a better scope on the happenings around here.    

She stands outside of Nick’s, trying to come up with some kind of plan. A conversation floats down the alleyway to her, she’s only able to make out bits and pieces.

“I’m telling you, man, they’re real! The Railroad are the only ones bringing the fight to Institute!” one of the men say. The other one lets out a loud shh!

“Keep your voice down, will ya? You want the whole damn city to hear you? Besides, that sounds like a crock of shit, anyway.”

“Nah, nah, they’re real! I heard Phyllis and them talking about it, said that they were going to join up. Something about following the Freedom Trail .” The other man scoffs.

“Right. And how many dirty wastelanders did Phyllis have before this conversation?” The first man slugs the other in the arm and with that, they drop the topic.

The Railroad , Claudia rolls around in her mind. She keeps it as something to look into later. She doesn’t have time to wait a week for information that may or may not lead her anywhere, and if she has to, she’ll look into other places for the help she needs. The longer Shaun’s out there, the longer he could be in danger.

Claudia already failed Nate. She’ll die before she fails her son as well.

-+-

The only thing open at this time of night is the inn, Dugout Inn, if the fluorescents have anything to say about it. It’s a busy time of night; everyone’s shop is closed and there isn’t much else to do but get a drink. Claudia enters the inn hoping that that there’s food here as well.

It smells of old plaster and stale booze and there is a two headed cow mounted on the wall, but other than that, there’s not much that sticks out to her. A radio crows somewhere in the room, but it’s drowned out by the light chatter of the people around it. Booming laughter comes from a man behind the bar. No one seems to mind Dogmeat trotting in after her.

Claudia slinks into the main bar. She feels oddly exposed under these overhead lights. She sidles up to an empty spot on the bar. This is how people order in one of these places, right? Claudia doesn’t drink, never has, so the delicate machinations of a bar elude her. She must have done something right, however, because the bodacious man from behind the bar comes up to her.

“Ah, new face, yes? What can I get for lady?” he rolls over a thick accent.

“What do you have?”

“We have usual booze, beer, vodka, vhatever. But we also have Bobrov’s Best Moonshine. Best and strongest moonshine you find, brewed here in Dugout,” he announces proudly. Claudia hums and gives what she hopes is a placating smile.

“Impressive,” she begins, “Do you also sell food here?”

“Yes, of course!” He points back behind him where there are dusty boxes stocked on a shelf against the wall. Claudia does a quick scan.

“Ehm, how much for the Dandy Boys?” she asks, going to her pack to rifle around for some bills she swiped from the hardware store.

“Seven caps.” She pauses, looks up at him.

“Pardon me?”

“Seven caps.”

“Caps?” she asks dumbly.

“Yes? Bottle caps, no?” The barkeep starts giving her an odd look.

“Yes. Right. Well, I will have to pass. But thank you, anyways.” She internalizes a sigh, turning away from the bar trying to come up with some way to make some caps .

“That’s alright,” a deep voice says from beside her. There’s a clattering on the bar top as a handful of bottle caps hit it. Claudia stops and looks at the stranger. He’s leaning on the bar with one elbow, body facing Claudia. He’s wearing one of those umpire vests that she’s noticed the guards wearing.

The man behind the bar swipes the caps up before reaching behind him and then placing the box of Dandy Boy apples on the bar in front of the guard. The guard pushes the box over to Claudia.

“Thanks, but I’m not going to be able to pay you back,” she says, leaving the apples on the bar. The guard lazely waves her concern off.

“Don’t you worry ‘bout it, doll. We’ve all been there.” He nudges the box closer to her. She pauses for a moment, trying to get a read on the man. He’s not being pushy (yet, she notes), and he’s not so close that she feels cornered. His posture is open, his hands where she can see them, and he’s slightly leaning out of her space. But the shades on his face are making it difficult to get a good assessment on him.

Claudia picks up the box, nodding another small thanks. She has the thought to leave right before he talks again.

“So, you new around the Commonwealth?” he asks casually.

“I guess,” she mumbles. She’s really got to flesh out a better cover story.

“You guess, huh? Don’t get a lot from outside the ‘wealth here. Do they not use caps where you’re from?”

“You could say that.”

“Do all outsiders evade questions like you?”

“Do all Diamond City guards wear sunglasses at night?”

He gives her a side-mouthed smirk.

“You got a place to stay tonight?” And there it is , she thinks.

“Not interested.” She breaks off from the bar and starts off to the door.

“Now, wait a minute.” He holds his arm out in front of her, barring her from going any further. Dogmeat gets up from where he sat down behind her, attention now centered in on the man. Her glare holds death as she shoots it at his arm and then up to where she guess are his eyes from behind his shades. He quickly takes his arm back like she’s going to bite it off. Probably will if push comes to shove. Instead, he holds his hands up slightly in a surrender. “Here, just- hold on.” The guard reaches into his front pocket, Claudia’s and Dogmeat’s eyes hyper aware of every movement he does now, and pulls out another handful of bottle caps. He holds them out to her. “That guy sitting by the ice cooler,” he nods to a spot behind Claudia, “he’s the innkeeper, ask him for a room for the night.”

Claudia doesn’t make a move to take the caps and the stranger doesn’t make a move to take them back. The battle of wills that they seem to have gotten themselves locked in lasts but a moment as Claudia slowly reaches for his hand and take the offered caps.

“Thanks,” she mutters. The guard gives her another small half-mouthed smile. He starts off towards the door.

“Don’t mention it. And enjoy your visit to the great, green jewel!” He gives her a small two-fingered salute as he saunters away and out of the inn. Claudia leans backwards, watching him disappear into the hallway and out into the city.

She pauses for a moment, looking at the caps in her hand. They’re literally just bottle caps, how could there be any value in these to be used as currency? Then again, she remembers, the same could be said about dollar bills. Shooting another look down the hallway as if the guard is going to be there watching her, or something, she meanders over to the guy by the ice cooler. He’s reading a newspaper and glances up at her as she approaches.

“You need room?” he asks. She nods and holds out the caps. The man takes them, counts out about half of them, and gives the rest back. “Room two, just across hallway.”

Dogmeat follows after Claudia as she walks through the door with the big ‘2’ painted on the front of it. She closes the door after her canine companion.

It’s more well taken care of than she assumed it would be. Though, after sitting up all night in some dusty corner of a dilapidated store, there’s not much that would exceed her expectations. There’s a slightly busted bed frame with a bare mattress on top, a well used chair, and a small dresser with a little lamp sitting on it. The bed frame squeaks as she sits down on the mattress. She takes her bag from her back and starts trying to organize it better. She had picked up little things here and there on her journey to Diamond City, and she needed to start getting some semblance of order into her life.

And then comes the issue of bottle caps. She still had some left over from renting the room ( Why would he give me more than I needed? ), so she wasn’t left completely without. Doesn’t change the fact that she’s going to need to do something about that soon.

Getting her bag together doesn’t take long, and she hauls it up on to the mattress with her, placing it closest to the wall. She doesn’t feel like she can totally let her guard down (that’s probably something that she should just say goodbye to now, if she’s being honest with herself), but there is a bit of reprieve as she sits within four walls with Dogmeat at her side. Her legs are aching still from the harrowing hike over the river, and she hadn’t realized how dog tired she is until now. Dogmeat has claimed a spot on the floor alongside the bed, already curled up. 

“I think you got the right idea there, bud,” she says quietly. She reaches over to the lamp on the dresser when something catches her eye. It’s a holotape, placed inconspicuously on the dresser. She picks it up, and upon further inspection, there is written along its broad edge, in dark letters, Join the Railroad .

Claudia flips the holotape around in her hands. This is the second time in a night that she’s heard mention of the Railroad. They must be some hotshots around the Commonwealth, or something . Claudia flips open her pip-boy and loads in tape. It crackles quietly before a voice drawls out.

“Wake up, Commonwealth…”

#deacon x sole survivor #deacon x sosu #deacon #deacon fo4 #fallout 4 #fo4

[namjoon-koya]

Daughter of no one part 6

Summary: Your mother told you that your father walked out on the both of you, only for you to find out that a certain avenger is your father and had no idea he had a daughter.

Pairing: Bucky x Daughter reader (platonic) Peter Parker x Reader

Warning: ANGST, fluff, Swearing

A/N: I SORTA CRIED IN THE LAST PART GOD DAMN.

—————————

Thursday:

Bucky punched the nearest wall to him, once him and the team arrived in the alleyway you were in you were no where to be found.

“Dammit Dammit.. DAMMIT!” He was hitting rock bottom, he promised himself he’d protect now you were gone, Tony was trying his best to find your location but it wasn’t easy; they had left your phone and Peter’s as well in the same spot you two were in.

“Tony! Please hurry!” Bucky yelled out “I’m trying Barnes don’t worry we’ll get them back.” Tony understood how Bucky felt even if Peter wasn’t his son he truly was attached to the kid.

After a few attempts Tony shook his head “I can’t find anything.. I’m sorry Buck.” He felt like throwing up his stomach felt like they were turning into twists and knots Steve gently touched his arm trying to help him calm down but how could? He’s daughter is gone.

————

“Peter no! Stop it!” You cried out, you saw Peter trying to fight back as some guards tried dragging him out the room, suddenly the man held up his hand telling them to stop.

“How about this Y/N..” he circled around you until he was face to face with you, he crouched down “how about you keep Peter as a reward.. you will follow our orders exchange for his safety understood?” You quickly nodded.

“No Y/N.. please it doesn’t matter what happens to me!”

“Take him out the room put him in a cell.” Peter cried out your name as they dragged him away from you.

“What do you want?..” you growled out, the man clicked his tongue “you see I don’t like that attitude you better change it before I think about killing your friend.” You bit into your lip “please.. what do you want?”

He smiled “that’s more like it kid!” He singled one of the guards to pass him a folder once he did he opened it “I want you to take out the avengers.” You felt your stomach sink “what?! How the hell am I suppose to do that?” He let out a dry chuckle “I’m not stupid Y/N if your mother was mutant so were you.. and I know you have somewhat of our assets super solider serum.”

You let out a whimper you didn’t want to do it, hell you don’t even know if you can even if you could you would never hurt them especially Bucky “I can’t..” you whined out “fine have it your way, prep her.”

Before you could even ask what he meant you felt something grab onto you and hold you into place “what no! Stop it!” You cried out you didn’t care if you started crying you were afraid “Dad..” you whimpered out.

“Sadly I don’t think the asset will hear you Y/N.” Suddenly the room went dark “what the hell?! What happened to the damn electricity?” The man yelled out “w-we don’t k-“ “then go check it out! Idiots..” he left with them leaving you alone in the dark.

————

“We did it!” Tony said in hushed voice Steve smiled he looked over at Bucky checking him for a few minutes he could see that he was tense “Bucky?” “You didn’t hear that?..” “hear what?” Bucky let out a shaky sigh “Y/N.. s-She cried out.. she called me dad..”

Of course Bucky heard he was a super solider all he could do was focus on the warehouse you and Peter were in, he wanted to punch the lights out of the men that kidnapped you no one he means NO ONE lays a hand on his daughter.

“Okay they’re distracted I think we can- where’d Bucky go?” Tony looked down and saw that Bucky was already ahead of them “STEVE! Control your friend he’ll get himself killed!” Steve, Tony and Nat followed behind him quickly.

Nat raised her gun ready to shoot at anything that was threatening she just wanted to get you back as much as Bucky did “Guys! I’m getting a heat signal.” Tony said thorough his iron mask, he gently opened the cell door his heart broke when he saw Peter in the corner he looked so afraid..

“Peter..” Tony gently said, Peter snapped his head towards him “M-Mr.stark?” He nodded, Peter quickly scrabbled to him hugging him Tony never liked hugs he thought it was awkward but when Peter did it he didn’t push him away he just held onto him.

“Tony Take Peter back to the quinjet, we still need to look for Y/N..” Bucky said in a hushed voice “I-I know where she is!” Peter said quickly Peter grunted as he stood up by himself leading them the way to your cell suddenly the lights came back on “shit!” Tony cursed out.

“W-What happened?” Peter looked at both Tony and Bucky “Tony shut off the power so we could distract them but they got it back on!” Steve said as he looked around the corner to make sure no guards were coming “we aren’t leaving Y/N.”

“Of course we’re not Bucky how far kid?”

“Down the hallway, on the left hurry!” Peter said Bucky and Steve ran to the cell once he opened the door his heart broke your face was covered with tears your hair was a mess.

He could see that your wrists were becoming a redish color “Y/N?” You let out a sob “dad! Oh my g-god.” He quickly broke the restraints you collapsed in his arms “dad! They killed mom! She’s g-gone..!” You cried into his chest.

Bucky felt his chest tighten he gently rocked you in his arms “Bucky! We need to leave they’re coming back!” Steve shouted he got his shield ready to strike “Y/N can you walk?” You nodded.

Bucky held onto your hand he made sure you were behind him so he could protect you for any danger that would come your way you would often hear Steve throw his shield at the guards who saw you.

“We’re almost there Y/N, just a little bit more.” You could see the sun shine through the door but suddenly a large metal door slid down blocking the exit “well if it isn’t the asset.. come for your offspring?” The man chuckled deeply, Bucky let out a low snarl.

“Now now.. no need to get violent now, I just want you to return the girl that’s all.”

“Like hell I will.” Bucky barked back at the man “fine have it your way.” Suddenly HYDRA agents flooded the room, Bucky and Steve had their backs on each other as you were in the middle.

“You ready punk?” Steve said as he held onto his shield tightly “oh you better bet your ass I am.” Bucky smirked back “...language..” Steve mumbled out, suddenly HYDRA agents started attacking at first they were doing fine but you noticed more and more of them were pouring into the room.

Bucky and Steve might have the upper hand but they would waste their energy on them before they even get to the last few that’s when you knew you had to help fight back, you grabbed onto one of the agents and slammed them down on the floor hard Bucky and Steve stared at you in amazement.

“Wow..” was all Steve could say Bucky smirked “that’s my girl.” You only smiled as you went back to taking out more of them, sometimes they would land a good punch on you but that was rare considering how you could see farther from them you knew when they would punch or kick you.

Finally you take out the last one, you let out a long sigh and crack your knuckles “there’s still one more.” Bucky said as he glared at the man who was looking down he only smiled and did a slow clap “that’s all I needed to see.. until next time Y/N Barnes.”

You guys didn’t chase after him, you knew the next time he showed up you guys would be prepared “Dad.. mom’s body.. she’s still..” Bucky nodded “we’ll give her a proper burial Y/N I promise.” You nod as you leaned against his chest “I-I was so scared.. Dad I thought I was never going to see you again.”

“Y/N.. I would go through hell just to get you back, there’s no way I’m letting you go out of my life again.” He gently hugged you, it felt so warming it wouldn’t be the same.. since your mom was gone but you still had Bucky and Bucky still had you.

—————

Once you got back to the quinjet Bruce checked you out and made sure you didn’t have injures, after he was done you saw Peter he had bags underneath his eyes.

“Hey Peter..” you said quietly he looked up at you finally smiling, he got up and embraced you “I was so worried Y/N..” you gently cupped his cheeks “So was I.” Peter gently kissed your forehead man did you wish you two could stay like this forever.

“Ahem.” You and Peter quickly let go and saw Bucky standing there, he was trying his best not to glare at Peter “Parker.. thanks for um.. trying to protect Y/N.. I can see you care very deeply about her.. just don’t break her heart because I will hunt you down.” He left after saying that.

“W-What?..”

“I think my dad just improved of our relationship.”

“Dad?” He said raising his eyebrow.

“Yea.. my dad.”

“I thought you hated that word.” “I thought I did too.. it just took me while to see that it wasn’t such a bad word after all.”

————

After you got back to the tower you and Bucky sat outside looking at the stars that shinned brightly “Dad.. how did you and mom met?” Bucky remembered that special night Tony was throwing a party he never really liked going considering that he didn’t like being near a lot of people, but Steve being Steve he wanted Bucky to go and he just couldn’t say no to Steve.

Bucky sat at the bar looking out into the crowd, he took a sip of his drink just like Steve no matter how much he drank he could never get drunk, unless Thor brought his special drink from Asgard he noticed someone sat beside him.

She had light brown hair, a dress that hugged her curves the most beautiful thing was her eyes; they were a bright blue ocean color she looked at Bucky and smiled “I’m guessing parties aren’t your thing?” He shrugged “guess not, rather be here then out there.”

She nodded in agreement “you work with the avengers don’t you?” He nodded “I haven’t seen you before.. are you new?” “I am, I’ve barely joined shield a month ago.” They talked for a bit they exchanged phone numbers and at that point on they fell for each other.

Maybe it’s cheesy to say but he felt like it really was love at first sight, they went out together, slept together, lived together. Steve was proud of his best friend for finding someone he knew how hard it was for him to open up to new people.

Unfortunately though as months passed by he was getting busy by being called onto many missions it left no time for her, they’d start fighting a lot arguing a lot, they even slept in separate rooms until that day he left.

He regretted it why didn’t he stay and fight for their relationship? He would’ve been with you and Lauren. Him and Lauren would’ve raised you together but now she’s gone she’ll never come back.

“Dad?” Crying. He was crying in front of his daughter “s-sorry.. I was just remembering..” he said as he wiped his tears with his sleeve “we met here.. in the compound.. s-she was really something Y/N.. just like you.. she had so much fire and passion in her..” You let out a sad smile.

“I’ll miss her too dad..” God he hated that he was sobbing like a baby in front of you.

“She loves you dad.. she always will.”

“I wish I told her I loved her.”

“... she still knew you did.”

Taglist:

@just4muggles

@chloe-geoghegan1

@joe-mazzello-is-my-dad

@kawaiiasfuak

#marvel x reader #marvel miniseries #marvel angst #marvel fanfiction #marvel fic #marvel #avengers x teen #avengers x reader #avengers angst #avengers fanfiction #avengers fic #avengers #bucky x daughter reader #bucky x teen! #bucky x teen!reader #bucky miniseries #bucky fanfic #bucky fic #bucky barnes angst #peter parker x reader #peter parker x y/n #peter parker x you #peter parker angst

[nowitsdarkfic]

chapter thirty-three (the ghostly subway again)

“When I am king, you will be first against the wall. With your opinion which is of no consequence at all.” -“Paranoid Android”, Radiohead

Sandra is quick to the lock on the handle of the front door to keep the scorpions out there, and then she turns the sign in the window to prove that Smell the Magic is in fact closed for the New Year. Marcia and Sonia close the display case; meanwhile, Lars and I are huddled in the corner once again with the radar detector and that book opened over another milk crate right next to my left knee. The rain is coming down in torrents now—I think it might flood because there's already a good sized river running around the roundabout outside of the bakery here.

“There are drones utterly everywhere,” Lars informs me.

“All those little donuts—” I gesture to the dish, which is utterly littered with those markings indicating the drones. Down at the bottom, it gives a key to what's what: the scorpions, meanwhile, are indicated by tiny chevrons. And where there isn't a donut, there's a chevron. Which means we're surrounded by these damned things.

I can only imagine what the scorpions look like. Are they mutants like the banana slugs? Or are they massive like the spiders? Either one gives me the heebie jeebies. Those big lobster claws, those faceless plated bodies, and of course, those tails. I'm giving myself the heebie jeebies just thinking about it.

My throat's dry, but at least the pressure is off my stomach a bit. It's gotta be from all of this happening at the moment. That guy downstairs wouldn't give me a glass of milk, I still can't believe that!

Marcia and Sonia duck into the kitchen right at that moment; the former leans over the stove top of the lead oven to switch it off. The latter squats down in between us and eyes the radar detector.

“How you boys doing?” she asks us.

“Thirsty,” Lars replies.

“And a little tense,” I add to it.

“What's—all that?” She nods to the dish.

“The drones and the scorpions headed our way,” he says. “See, there's a key down here—this thing is smart. Picking up—nearly everything that's got a trace of radar or radio waves to it. I only had to point it at the ceiling one time to get this reading—here, let me do it again—”

He picks up the radar detector by the handle and points it up to the ceiling. If I didn't know, I'd swear he's pointing a label maker at the ceiling. There's silence, except for the rain on the roof over our heads. Then there's a quiet beep.

He lowers it to better examine the dish and gestures to the top.

“Yeah, see? It's recalculating—and it did. Wonder how the scorpions are being picked up. Looks they've backed off—unless they're underneath us.” He lifts his gaze to me and I shake my head.

“I didn't see any downstairs,” I confess to him.

“Wonder where they could be,” Sonia wonders aloud. Another pause. Then—

“Oh, my God in heaven.” It dawns on me. And Lars, too, as he gapes at me and his eyes widen.

Sandra then yelps out from the front room. Marcia leaps back as she barrels into the kitchen.

“Scorpions!” Sandra shouts as she shuts the door behind her with her apron in hand. Her face is as white as a sheet. “They're crawling all over the outside of the windows.”

“The only thing more terrifying than a bunch of giant spiders is a bunch of giant scorpions,” I say aloud.

“I think both are pretty horrifying, Joey,” Lars points out.

“See, the thing with scorpions is you don't know what happened,” I continue on. “Yeah, they're desert creatures,” Sonia tacks on. “It's weird to see them in New England, whereas spiders you can find anywhere in the world.”

“What should we do?” Marcia asks us. Sandra, who's fanning herself and trying to calm herself down, turns to me.

“What's it like downstairs?”

“Aside from the idiot who wouldn't give me a glass of milk? Chilly. And a little wet. Forgot to tell you ladies, I fell on my ass into a puddle down there and my butt's all wet.”

“Oh, man!” Sonia declares.

“Yeah, I'll say. At least it's warm in here, though.”

“Well, I was thinking we could go down there because that's where the stash is,” explains Sandra, “the staples. The dairy, the bread, and the potatoes.”

“Yeah, that's where the smell of potatoes is coming from!” I say to Lars. “I should tell Angeline that.”

I stop for a second. I don't know if it's the presence of the drones all around us or what.

“Angeline!”

“What about her?” Lars chews on his bottom lip.

“The drones are in the City! If there's an infestation here, there's gotta be one there 'cause we're so close!”

“Oh, SHIT!”

“She also told me if I have any questions, I should ask her.”

“Well, let's go ask her 'cause—we have tons of questions!”

“How are we gonna get to New York City, though?” Marcia demands to us as the three of them are now all gathered around us. “It's pouring rain outside and there's scorpions trying to get in.”

I turn to my coat, folded over on another milk crate, and I pry into the pocket on top. I take out the arrowhead pendant.

“Of course!” Lars exclaims, switching off the radar detector and sticking it back into the burlap sack.

“What is that?” Sandra asks me.

“No ordinary pendant, that's for sure,” I tell her, and I can't resist the grin on my face. I return to Lars. “I just have a question. Can you take stuff with you through the wormhole?”

“Oh, yes,” he answers, putting the book back in there. “I found that one out pretty quickly after I got my place down in New Orleans.” He slings the sack over his shoulder.

“Have at it, Joey.”

I make a wormhole over the empty racks, one that's big enough for all of us to climb through. I focus on the headquarters for the New York Times as I stand to my feet and dive through it with my stomach sucked in. But then I realize I don't remember exactly where it is in the City. I only know it's in the City.

Shit. Ah, shit.

It's the French Quarter all over again, especially when I look up and I see I'm in the subway.

God, not the subway.

I look behind me to find Lars had landed right on his ass on the cold floor, right next to Marcia and Sonia. And I realize I'm laying face down on a bench. Not a good position to be laying in when the stomach's full of pastries. Sandra, meanwhile, landed upright on the bench next to me.

“The subway, Joey?” Lars demands to me, his voice echoing over the floor and the walls.

“Apparently so,” I confess to him. It's cold down here, and I don't know if it's from the rain outside or the fact the tunnels are haunted. I raise my head and lift myself onto my elbows so I'm laying on the bench like a sphinx. I not only landed on a bench but on a disheveled copy of the New York Times itself. I turn it over to the back page: there at the bottom is the address. I lift my head up to examine the wall behind us.

“Where are we?” I wonder aloud. “Like—what terminal is this? Sandra, is there a plaque over there by you?” She leans to her right.

“Yeah, right here.”

“What's it say?”

“125th Street and Lexington.”

“125th?”

“Yeah.”

I glance back down at the paper.

“The New York Times is down on 41st and Eighth Avenue—which means—”

“Manhattan?” Lars wonders aloud, climbing to his feet.

“This here says we're in Harlem,” Sandra continues.

“Yeah, 41st is down in the heart of Manhattan. I know that from all the times I hung out with Anthrax.” I turn my head to find Lars, Marcia, and Sonia already to their feet; Sandra stands up from the bench in front of me. Ugh. Fine. The subway it is.

My chest aches from landing on such a hard bench as I pick myself up and straighten myself out. I stand to my feet and guide them towards the platform. The whole station is deserted: we're the only souls in here. Or least, the only souls in here with fleshly bodies. Even the railway is empty.

“I don't even know if it's in operation right now,” I confess to them, stuffing my hands into my pockets.

“It's New Year's Eve,” Lars points out as he adjusts the burlap sack over his shoulder, “it's bound to be.”

“Okay, so how far are we going?” Sandra asks me. “I just want to know.”

“Basically we're going all the way down towards Time Square and then before we get there, we're hanging a right.”

“We're definitely not in Portland anymore,” Marcia declares.

“Not at all. When I was with Anthrax, I found pretty quickly that you better get disoriented easily in order to get lost here, especially once you realize the blocks are organized the way they are. It just seems like a lot if you're an outsider or if you're on foot, on a bus, or in a cab. Five minutes upstate or in over Portland for that matter seems like forever down here. If we're standing here on the one hundred and twenty fifth block of—basically a grid, like the one we saw on the radar detector—assuming there aren't any stops, it's not gonna take very long to get down to forty one. Add to this, you guys don't have to deal with the chilly city folk, too.”

“Yeah, the worst thing we've gotta deal with is bicyclists who aren't paying attention,” Sonia laughs.

“There's just—one problem with the subways, though,” Lars says in a low voice.

“What's that?” asks Sandra.

“The tunnels are haunted.”

“They're haunted?”

“Totally,” I answer for him. I glance down one side of the terminal, down the pitch black tunnel. Nothing there. I take a glimpse down the other way. Nothing there. “He and I were down here the other day—we went through Grand Central, which is right near there—and we actually saw… a ghost.”

“A boy with no hands and no face,” Lars joins in, shifting his weight. “Glowing bright like a glow stick.”

“Oh my God.” She sounds appalled by that. “Where did he come from?”

“No idea,” he confesses. “Not a single idea where he could've come from. I guess there's a whole community of ghosts down here, too. Like—” He stops and I turn to have a look at him pointing to the left of us. “—I believe that's one right there!”

There's a pale white light emerging from the darkness to our left. It's getting bigger as it's coming closer.

And then we hear the ungodly metallic shriek of brakes grinding it to a halt.

“It's the train, Lars!” I shout over it slowing to a stop before us.

Once it does, the doors slide open and the five of us file into this car near the front. As we're taking our seats on the hard benches, I think back to what Candace had told us about the ghosts down here. And I remember that sign I saw in the Bronx that day I came down here. Yeah, I have no doubt that they like to prey on kids in particular, so I'm riding with my guard fully up and the lapels of my coat covering the bottom half of my face. I still feel like a kid sometimes after all. A kid who's lost in the City.

When the doors close, I sigh through my nose and close my eyes. Aside from the fact the tunnels are haunted, I really don't know why I'm so nervous. Sonia, who along with Marcia is sitting across from Lars and me, shows me a little smile.

“You look like a secret agent, Joe,” she cracks.

“He kinda does,” Marcia joins in.

Lars mouths something to them and I don't what he said, especially since the train is starting up again and whirring down the pitch dark tunnel. I'll admit it, I'm a little paranoid right now. There's a myriad ghosts down here and we've got a metric shitload of scorpions that may or may not be of unusual size coming after us.

Once we pass through Grand Central, I feel I've calmed down a great deal and I fold my collars over so I can breathe again. At one point, I look around the car, and I lean past Lars to better examine the one behind us.

“I just realized we're the only ones in here,” I declare. “That's probably why we're making such excellent time.”

“We are,” he notes as he takes a look around himself. “Where is everyone?”

“Also, who's driving the train?” asks Sandra. I take a look to my right to the other side of the car: we're two behind the lead one. Usually there's a guard or someone on board with us, but it's just us. As far as I can tell, there's nobody there.

“I—I don't know,” I confess to her.

“Do you know where we're getting off, Joey?” Marcia asks me. There's no signs lit up in here, and usually there is, but it's as if we boarded a train that's out of service that's going nowhere.

“Here!” I exclaim. “Ring the bell, Lars—”

Lars reaches up behind him but before he can even touch the thing, there's that shriek of the brakes again. He grips onto the pole next to him and I brace myself. I don't trust this thing. I don't trust whoever's driving, that is if there is anyone there.

The lights of this next terminal flood into the car. I don't even know where we are.

“Here?” Lars repeats.

“Yes!” And I don't hesitate once the doors slide open: he follows me out, then Marcia, Sonia, and Sandra. We gather around a bench in the middle of the platform to regather our bearings, but I keep walking to check out who's up in the front of the car. The windows are dark but as far as I can, there is in fact, nobody there. We were riding on a ghost train. I return to them right as Lars is slinging the burlap sack over his shoulder.

“Do you know where we are?” Sandra asks me.

“I don't, but there should be a sign somewhere around here that should tell us—”

Indeed, there's one on the wall down towards the stairs.

“42nd Street Bryant Park,” Lars reads aloud. “Where’s that?”

“If I remember correctly,” I tell them, “I think Angeline's office is right near here. If it is, we're good. If not, you guys can blame me for royally fucking things up.”

We make our way over to the stairs and ascend into the City, the heart of I think is Manhattan, which is lit up to the brightest neon I have ever seen in the wake of the incoming night. It's like the University District of Seattle all over again but much bigger and with far more overkill. Everything has some trace of neon on it. Everything. Even the crappy bus stop behind us and even the payphones on the corner. I raise a hand to my face to shield my eyes it's so bright.

“Bloody hell,” Lars remarks, squinting against the bright light.

“Yeah, I'd say Maxwell has maxed out here,” I declare. “Let's walk. I think we got off at the wrong place. It's not easy to get lost here but it is easy to get turned around, though.”

“I think we did in fact get off at the wrong place, Joey,” Lars adds as the five of us start walking up the street, “because there's Grand Central, also known as 42nd Street. And we should've gotten off there!”

“Like I said—you guys can blame me for royally fucking things up, 'cause I'm a country boy. I ain't from the City.”

#after the watershed #now it's dark #who cares wins #chapter 33 #new chapter #fanfic #fanfiction #heavy metal fanfiction #thrash metal #anthrax fanfics #metallica fanfic #joey belladonna #lars ulrich #anthrax #metallica #noir au #cyberpunk #gothic horror #amwriting #text

[traincat]

I know you've already sort of discussed this but could you please explain the marvel 2 in 1 ending... what I'm getting is that the gist of it is that Reed and Sue are just like 'lol whoops I guess we sorta forgot about u'... which is really kinda anticlimactic and abrupt. Did I read it wrong or something? All that build up and angst just for it to go down the drain... is there something more to it that I'm missing that you know of?

I can explain it, but the answer’s not going to satisfy you, because it doesn’t satisfy me. Long story short: there were implications there was something more to the story than Marvel Two-In-One’s final two issues said, but Fantastic Four hasn’t followed up on that like, at all, and shows no signs that they’re going to anytime soon.

In the interests of putting all of the pieces together, I’m going to lay out everything that happened between the cancellation of the Fantastic Four title and now, because there are a lot of fuzzy periods. The Fantastic Four disappeared from the Marvel universe and from the shelves back in 2015, following Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars event. In Secret Wars, the multiverse has been destroyed and cobbled back together into Battleworld, a realm where Doctor Doom rules as god king, with Sue as his wife, Ben transformed into a huge wall, and Johnny as Battleworld’s artificial sun. It’s a real fractured fairy tale. At the end of Secret Wars, Reed defeats Doom and reunites his family. Using Franklin’s mutant ability to create entire universes and the Molecule Man’s powers, Reed, Sue, and the children of the Future Foundation set out to recreate the multiverse. Ben and Johnny are sent back to their own Earth with comment that “their stories aren’t done yet.” Doom is also sent back with his scarred face restored. 

The cancellation of the Fantastic Four at this point heralds the first time Marvel had been without a Fantastic Four book on the shelves since 1961. We know – partially because it was painfully obvious, and partially because Jonathan Hickman spilled the beans – that the Fantastic Four comics were cancelled because of a film rights dispute; aka, Marvel Studios and Disney didn’t have the film rights, and Ike Perlmutter threw a fit about it. Instead of doing their best to put out a good book that would draw in comics audiences, Marvel instead cancelled Fantastic Four, citing low readership. Marvel has denied this, but the truth is pretty obvious, especially with how the Fantastic Four’s return to comics just so happened to coincide exactly with when it became extremely clear that the Disney-Fox merger was going through. So right from the start we had this very inorganic reason as to why the Fantastic Four were hung up. Reed, Sue, and the kids were retired out of universe under the excuse that they were rebuilding the multiverse – which, to be fair, does work as a pretty good excuse. Johnny and Ben, on the hand, were kept in-universe and distributed to other properties, probably because of Ben – who, let’s be honest, is the most popular of the Fantastic Four and the moneymaker here – and because it made more sense to keep Johnny and Ben than just Ben. 

Immediately post-Secret Wars, there was an eight month (iirc) timeskip in the main Marvel universe, meaning that books that picked up after the events of Secret Wars picked up significantly after it; we see very little of the Secret Wars fallout. Here’s what we do know concerning the Fantastic Four: Reed, Sue, and the kids were largely believed to be dead, although Johnny in particular initially refused to believe that. Sometime during this timeskip, Johnny and Ben had some kind of fight. We don’t know what it was about. Honestly, at this point, we’re unlikely to ever know what it was about. Whatever it was, it was bad enough that Ben and Johnny severed all communication and Ben left the planet to join the Guardians of the Galaxy. What followed was the longest separation between Ben and Johnny that we’ve ever seen in canon. Johnny and Ben are famous for squabbling, but their fights rarely last longer than a few days at most; they’re extremely close, to the point that when Ben was presumed dead, Johnny’s coping mechanism mirrored Ben’s long time love and current wife Alicia’s. This post-Secret Wars separation between them lasted longer than when Ben thought Johnny had gotten together with said longtime love Alicia (it was a Skrull in disguise, but nobody would know that for like 80 issues). This separation between them is completely unprecedented, and like I said, we have no idea what caused it.

This scene from Infamous Iron Man #9 is the closest I’ve gotten to determining a root of the fight – note Johnny says “my family”, all handily bolded for emphasis. Not “our family”, “my family.” Ben is the only member of the Fantastic Four not related by either marriage or blood to any of the others, which has been a very occasional sore spot in the past. But even this scene doesn’t quite make sense – it’s hard to imagine Ben and Johnny having a months long separation over this alone, and to make matters more confusing, before Infamous Iron Man #9, Johnny had tried to get in contact with Ben only to be rebuffed. In Infamous Iron Man #9, Ben gets in contact with Johnny only for Johnny to practically run away from him. Already the new dynamic here feels like it needed more attention in the narrative than it actually got.

I think part of the problem with this whole return of the Fantastic Four storyline – the actual return especially, but even the lead-up – is that it was never established what was keeping Reed and Sue from coming back. On top of that, if they had the power to send Johnny and Ben back, why weren’t they able to send them back with some sort of memory or guarantee that Reed, Sue, and the kids were okay? It would have been very easy to say “well, a supervillain did it!” You know, the easiest comic book plot excuse of all time. But they didn’t do that. And that creates a problem when it’s a well-established fact that Johnny in particular tends to fall into a deep depression and displays signs of self-harm when the team isn’t together. (Fantastic Four #191-193, Robinson’s Fantastic Four run, Ben’s death in Waid’s run.) Which is exactly what happened this time, too, both during the timeskip and in the lead-up to Marvel Two-In-One (2017). 

Marvel Two-In-One (2017) was essentially the test run for the return of the Fantastic Four. The original Two-In-One was to Ben Grimm what Marvel Team Up was to Peter Parker: essentially a team up book that revolved around one character. So it made sense to relaunch it starring Ben and Johnny. In Two-In-One, Ben discovers Johnny at the end of his rope, pulling life-threatening stunts in his grief and depression, and, willed a multidimensional travel device by Reed, decides to – to the best of his knowledge at the time – lie to Johnny and say that Reed and Sue might still be alive. Learning that they’re both losing their powers and will continue to do so unless they’re reunited with Reed and Sue, as their powers depend on the four of them being in the same universe (an interesting concept, though not one we’ve seen before), Ben and Johnny set off, with a worryingly helpful Doctor Doom on their heels, on a multiversal roadtrip to find their family – one Ben thinks will fail from the start because, as far as he knows, Reed and Sue are dead. It’s a really good concept, and a great concept that starts to fall apart as soon as the notion that Reed and Sue aren’t dead starts to float to the surface. In Two-In-One #9, stranded powerless with Ben in the desert in another universe and facing death, Sue appears to Johnny.

(Marvel Two-In-One #10) This brief contact is apparently enough to reignite Ben and Johnny’s powers to full strength. Sue says that her and Reed’s powers were gone, which does seem to track with the plot – except Johnny and Ben lost their powers over a prolonged period of time, not all at once. If Reed had realized he and Sue were losing their powers, he should have come to that conclusion far before this point in time. You can say the times don’t add up because different universes (which the “you haven’t met the Zaklons yet” line would seem to imply), but with no explanation about how Sue was able to contact Johnny – however briefly – at this point, it does make it seem like Reed and Sue could’ve made contact with Ben and Johnny at any point… and simply chose, for whatever reason, not to. Which is, ultimately, the story Two-In-One goes with. 

(Marvel Two-In-One #11) In the very next issue, Reed’s reasoning for why they didn’t take Ben and Johnny with them is that… they would’ve been bored by the science aspect of it all. Which is, I’m going to go ahead say, very out of character and not in the spirit of the Fantastic Four. They’re explorers, and they explore together. This seems like a weirdly brusque excuse to write off the absence so they can get back to the status quo as quickly as possible, using Reed’s science-obsessed image to make him the fall guy. Additionally, in this issue (which I have to say, I overall like – I wrote a whole Doom/Reed fic based off of it), Reed also offers another reason why the world had to believe he and Sue were dead:

In Marvel Two-In-One #11, Reed and Ben visit an alternate universe Doom who exists in a universe where his own Reed is dead. This Doom is a pretty okay dude at the moment – in fact, he and Reed had become, through Reed’s private multiversal travel, close friends. Using this (pretty flawed) logic of “Reed dead = Doom good??”, Reed deduced that if his own Doom thought Reed was dead, he… too would be good? Look, I don’t hate this. I’m a big Doom/Reed fan and the whole thing is pretty shippy and it also depends on Reed having an enormous attachment to Doom and an enormous desire for his own Doom to be like this other Doom, who is his friend. But as far as “why did Reed and Sue stay away as long as they did” explanations go, “Reed was kind of bonkers in love with Doom” is not the direction I expected things to go. Besides, it doesn’t really work, and it doesn’t really work for one big reason: Fantastic Four (2018) #1, the actual return of the Fantastic Four, was published before this, and Fantastic Four (2018) #1 implies a hugely different story.

Fantastic Four (2018) #1 sees Johnny and Ben returned to their home universe after the events of Marvel Two-In-One #10. The reader has no idea how they got there or what they’ve been doing since they got back, or even how long it’s been since they’ve been back. Despite the Sue sighting, at the very end of the issue, Johnny becomes convinced all over again that Reed and Sue are dead, up until… 

(Fantastic Four v6 #1) The staging here is important – Reed and Sue’s battle-ripped uniforms, and the cryptic lines between them, like Sue’s “what you plan to do… seems impossible.” This is compounded by dialogue between Franklin and Val in the next Fantastic Four issue:

“You think you can boost that signal enough… to reach Earth?” “Home? I’m good, but there’s no way I’m that good.” This would definitely seem to imply that, for some reason, Reed, Sue, and the kids can’t contact their home universe, or Ben and Johnny at all. I’m admittedly biased in favor of this version: the more time went by without Reed and Sue contacting Johnny and Ben and leaving them on their own, the more obvious it became that this was the best solution, to create some comic book reason why Reed and Sue simply couldn’t return home. But Fantastic Four (2018) #3 and #4 never really explore this more, and the subject gets dropped altogether, which makes for a very unsatisfying read. The Fantastic Four simply return home together and, some frankly too quickly brushed off anger and resentment from Johnny in Marvel Two-in-One’s closing issue aside, this gets swept under the rug in favor of the Fantastic Four just being back now! Hurrah! Pay no attention to the film rights hungry Mouse behind the curtain! 

If I wanted to, I could make the explanations presented in Fantastic Four (2018) and Marvel Two-in-One (2017) mesh – Reed has massive guilt issues stemming back to the accident that granted the Fantastic Four his powers. He has a bad habit of taking responsibility that isn’t necessarily his, and of not being 100% truthful in situations because he feels it’s for the best for everyone. (The massive amount of time he takes to reveal his powers are failing during Fraction’s Fantastic Four run, or in the two instances during Waid’s run where Reed uses cruel words to distract both Ben and Sue from his plans to sacrifice himself for them.) Reed might have chosen to take the blame on himself – come up with a story he knows will anger Ben, say that he thought he and Johnny would have been bored, because he felt it was somehow easier than admitting that he and Sue found themselves in some kind of situation where they simply couldn’t get back, and couldn’t contact Ben or Johnny. It’s a way of taking 100% of the blame on himself, which would be a very Reed thing to do. But that would be me doing the book’s work for it; this is absolutely not established within the actual canon as of the time of my writing this.

Honestly, I don’t think we’re likely to see this explored more any time imminently – the Fantastic Four were banished from the stands because of film rights. They came back because for three years dedicated fans asked where the Fantastic Four were, yes, but also because of those same film rights. Now that they’re back, there seems to be this huge rush to pretend it never happened: the Four are back together, and that’s that. It’s very unsatisfying, but it’s clear Marvel cared more about pushing the Fantastic Four back together as quickly as possible than writing a coherent, satisfying story that put together all the pieces of their in-universe disappearance.

#foil-in-a-thunderstorm #*replies #traincat talks comics #long post/

[opheliamblackwood]

Refraction: Chapter 2: A Danger to Your Health

I'm dreaming of mom again. It's the same dream over and over again. It's always the same dream. She’s always reaching for me and as I reach for her, I can see her screaming, but I never hear it. I watch her skin and muscle melt away from her body until all I can see is half of her face masked in horror and her bony fingers reaching for me. I see the mushroom cloud go off in the distance and can feel the heat of the shock wave on my face. At first, it feels like the Sun and then it starts to boil my skin until blisters form. That isn’t possible for me now that I know that I can’t be harmed by the radiation, only fueled by it.

I don’t know what kinds of things I might be able to do.  I know that one of the effects of the Radiation on those of us positively affected by it, is an unnaturally long life. It will take us a lot longer to die. Our life span is practically doubled and we don’t really get old. We age, but we don’t show it. Some of us have more mental abilities and some of us have physical abilities. There is extra strength, heightened senses on grand scale. Things like hearing farther than normal humans can, being able to lift a phenomenal amount. We never get sick, we never age, but we can die. 

This girl I grew up with, Charlotte, found out she was a Nukie and lost her damn mind. She had telekinesis and it was heavily connected to her mood. As you can imagine, she was freaking out knowing that she was one of us and this made her telekinesis go haywire. She started throwing everything around her, including people. A lot of people got hurt and she moved a heavy machine that got slammed into her little brother who died from the impact. The only way to get her to stop was to knock her out which the Feds did. They took her away and no one has ever seen her again. Her poor family was left to pick up the pieces, losing both of their children. Her dad committed suicide a week later and her mom got really sick and eventually passed away a few months after that. It’s what Nukies like us risk to lose. It’s important to stay very calm until you can get a reign on whatever ability it is that you have. 

I think about all of this as I go to work. I’m hoping to find something that will help me figure myself out. They’ve been running all sorts of tests on various Nukies. They tend to leave those of us that are Nukies and Engineers alone, seeing as how they need us. So, they test on other Nukies instead. Mainly, we test out their powers in a safe, controlled environment, draw their blood and try to replicate whatever genetic mutations caused from the radiation exposure on Non-Nukies. Nothing has worked so far. We can’t create Nukies. Therefor, we can’t un-create Nukies. So, there’s a strong chance I’ll be like this forever. 

There’s a girl I work with, Bria. I knew her back in college. We had a lot of the same classes together and we’ve become good friends over the past few years. Especially since the War. We got assigned to the same team, so we see each other everyday. Bria isn’t afraid of me. Rather, she finds me interesting and loves to annoy the shit out of me every single day by asking me if I’ve figured out what my abilities are yet.  I walked in today, clomping into the lab in my Doc Martens and Bria, as usual, excitedly jumps up from her stool to dash over to me and yet again, annoy the shit out of me. 

“Anything?!” she asks in an excited whisper as if everyone where we worked didn’t know that I was a Nukie. 

I sigh exasperatedly.

“No, Bria.” 

I walk over to my stool and sit down, careful not to tip it over as I lean forward and look through some paperwork. I can feel Bria’s eyes on my face as I attempt to read. I give up and lay the papers down, turning to face her. As I expected, her eyes are alight with excitement and her lithe body looks like she’s ready to spring on me. I eye her warily and take the bait, 

“What?” I ask. 

“ You didn’t hear?” she asks, excitement still present in her voice.

“If I’d heard anything worth warranting excitement, I wouldn’t be asking would I?” I say, annoyance in my voice.

It sails completely over Bria’s head or maybe she just ignored it.

“ They found something.” she says, trying to keep her voice down to a whisper.

“What do you mean they FOUND something?” I ask. 

Could she be talking about the Feds? Did they finally “crack” the code to us Nukies?

Bria looks around nervously and gets a little closer to me which is beginning to make me a little uncomfortable. I’ve seen Bria excited, but never like this. 

“They tested a girl yesterday and Raheed was checking her blood when he found something. We did the necessary tests and....” Bria said, trailing off. She glanced around nervously. I looked around too and everyone was focusing on the task in front of them. I wondered why she was so nervous. 

“ And?” I asked.

“ It worked.” she said, letting out a breath as if she’d been carrying a stack of concrete blocks.

My face must have betrayed how surprised I was.

“ What?!” I said in a rather loud whisper which garnished some looks from our colleagues. 

“Shhh. Keep your voice down. Not everyone in the lab knows.” Bria said leaning in close to me.

“What? Why?” I asked. Why would it be a big secret anyway? Isn’t this what we’d been working towards for months anyway?

“ I don’t know. But...be careful. I don’t know what this could mean. They may try and experiment on you next. And, you’re my friend. I don’t want to lose you.” Bria said, tears in her eyes.

I laughed and reassured her, “Bria, I’ll be fine. I’m sure they won’t. Besides, they need me don’t they?” 

“ Well, yes and no. Now that they know they can do it with the teams they have, what’s not to say they won’t just forego their no-touch rule and go after you next? I mean, it’s feasible.” she said worriedly. 

“Bria. I think you’re being paranoid.” I said and turned back to my paperwork.

She was right. What was to keep them from coming for me next? I wasn’t going to be some god damn lab rat for these people. And, I enjoy being a Nukie. It keeps me safe in a lot of ways. It seems to me that the only real danger in this new world are the damn humans. I mean, I still consider myself human, but a lot of people would say I’m a mutant or a monster. Nukie is a kind term and Meta-Human is what the scientists call us. They say we’re the next step in the evolutionary change. They want to understand why people like me are so special that we get to have the privilege that comes with being a Meta-Human. Everyone wants to be the cool kid on the block. It’s not exactly like I asked for this, but I’m not exactly complaining either. 

I feel like an X-Man everyday. I’m just thankful I’m not Rogue. It would seriously suck to have to wear gloves everyday of my life. Wolverine doesn’t seem like a great character in terms of if I had to choose to be him. Being Storm would be pointless underground, although, she is pretty bad-ass. Jean Grey was pretty cool, but she had a lot of issues with her powers. Cyclops, I’ll pass on that one. Gambit was...interesting. Nightcrawler was pretty cool. I don’t know. I think about this often. I get to be my own X-Man. Hey, maybe I can grab a bunch of meta-nerds like me and form my very own X-Men group in real life. How could would that be?

My mind tends to wander and jump from thought to thought. I kind of can’t help it. I was so stuck in my thoughts that I didn’t realize how quiet everything had gotten around me. I look back up and everything around me is different. People aren’t moving at all and the room is no longer bright and mostly white. It’s a stormy gray and there’s a mist that’s sort of snaking around everything like I’m walking in a countryside in a zombie movie or something. I carefully get up from my stool and I wave my hand in front of Bria who is staring in my general direction. Her body stays the same. Her eyes don’t move at all. Freaky.

I can hear this low humming sound and a faint sound of what sounds like whale song? What the hell? The room is suddenly very cold and I wrap my lab jacket around me even more. I take my goggles off and put them down on the table in front of me. Is everyone frozen in time? Is this Me? It has to be Me doing this. This has never happened before. I leave the lab and dash as quickly as I can to the experiment room. This room requires a certain level of clearance that I don’t really have. I’m on the lower end of what I’m allowed to do, see and participate in. If ever I wanted the full answers to what they do to people like me, now’s the time. I’m not sure how long this will last, so I’m really praying to every God that exists that it stays this way long enough for me to snoop and get back to my desk like nothing ever happened.

I remember watching a bunch of sci-fi movies when I was a kid. I loved watching all of the old stuff. The Twilight Zone was my favorite. I remember thinking about all of the possibilities of the world and wondering if any of those things are possible. Now that I’m older, I still think it’s all very possible. I had always wanted a different life. I used to beg for anything other than the mundane. Well, I got it. There was a war and multiple nuclear bombs were dropped. Everyone wanted so badly to win that they stopped caring about who they were fighting for. In the end, no one won. I guess, maybe we did. If this had never happened, I would never know what I could be capable of, what I could become. I feel like I’m in a sci-fi novel. If you think about it, I am. Dystopian future, protagonist with a heart-wrenching backstory. I think about this as I make my way down the multiple hallways I’ve walked so many times. I stand outside the door that’s heavily guarded. There are 4 SWAT officers that are heavily armed and quite intimidating. This is my chance.

I slip past them and go through the doors to see multiple scientists frozen in various poses around the room while they do different things. In the center of the room is the president of our branch staring at a man that is naked and suspended in clear fluid with various tubes hooked up to his body. Walking around the man, I see that his eyes are open. I gasp because I notice that the color of his irises are similar to mine. I’ve never seen anyone else with eyes like mine. I don’t have any siblings, so I know we can’t be siblings. He looks about my age and is well-built. I avert my eyes and try very hard not to look down, even though I want to. The last time I had a boyfriend was in college before the war. He didn’t make it. There hasn’t been anyone since. 

So this is what they’re working on back here. I walk around the room, eyeing everyone cautiously and read over some of the various paperwork that I see. It seems like they’ve been working on him his whole life. He’s a year younger than me and he’s an orphan. They took him from one of the bunkers and have kept him here ever since.  His name is Project number 12. They couldn’t even give him a fucking name? This is cruel. I wonder what they’re doing to him. I’m assuming they’re experimenting on him, but I wonder what for.  Is he like me? He must be to have my eyes. I wonder if he has this ability too. I press my hand to the glass. I feel this connection with him now. 

I don’t know how much time I have. I’m lucky as all get out that I’ve had this long without getting caught. I turn to head out of the room and look back one last time. His eyes meet mine and I let out a gasp. Is he...awake? I back away and run down the halls to my stool and compose myself. When my breathe finally evens out, the world swims back into focus. Noise fills my ears and I can hear the on-goings of the lab. No one even noticed I was gone. So, I can control how long I freeze time after-all. I look around and everything is bright, white and clear again. What was with that weird mist anyway? 

Bria comes over to me and scares the shit out of me when she whispers, “Boo.”

“Shit, Bria! Why would you do that?” I say.

Bria looks surprised and steps back.

“Woah, you okay? I didn’t mean to scare you.” Bria says. 

“I’m fine. Just...tired.” I say, putting my pen down and rubbing my eyes with one hand.

“Are you having the nightmares again?” Bria asks. 

“Yeah.” I say, looking up at her.

“ I’m sorry Rory.” Bria says, putting a hand on my shoulder. 

I lay my hand over her hand.

“Thanks Bri. I appreciate it.” I say.

“You should go home. It’s not like they’ll notice if you aren’t here. There’s only like a thousand of us. What’s one day anyway?” Bria says.

“Yeah, maybe I will.” I say.

I work for another hour and decide to go home. I feel strange and think about that man that I saw. Was he looking back at me? Was he unfrozen? It’s weird. I feel like he’s watching me even now, but that isn’t possible. But, I can’t stop the feeling of being watched. I turn around in the street and everyone is doing their own thing. No one is looking at me. I turn around and head home. 

I hang my jacket up and call out, “I’m home!” 

The house is silent. 

“Dad?” I call out. Complete silence.

I head upstairs and see him in bed. 

“Dad?” I ask again quietly, gently putting my hand on his shoulder trying to wake him.

My breath catches in my throat. My hands shaking, I put two fingers on the side of his throat to feel for his pulse. There isn’t one. I fall back on the floor and look at his body. He’s gone.

#NANOWRIMO #writersoftumblr #4915 words

[dansphlevels]

But Love Is Overrated Anyways (pt 12)

Summary: Dan is an angry mutant with the ability to control the cold. He shares a tent with a man Phil, who has powers over fire but refuses to use it for evil. Dan has no such moral qualms.

Length: Chaptered Fic (ch 11 = 2k words)

Theme: Superpowers, Mutants, Dark, Dystopian

Read on AO3 / But Love Is Overrated Anyways Masterpost / All My Fics

Chapter 12: But He Wasn’t Dead

 It was a miserable night to walk.

 Mandy had been at the camp for a few days. She was surly and hostile, and everyone tried to leave her alone. One day, Dan had been sitting by the fire trying to warm up and watched as she gravitated towards Phil. He was the only one she really talked to unless she couldn’t avoid it.

 Dan could remember it relatively clearly. She had a winter coat on, as they all did. It had gotten colder. Dan decided to blame nature; it was a far better option than blaming himself. She shuffled over to Phil, and they talked quietly, Phil gesturing about something that could have been anything from how to boil water to how to drive a car.

 It was a random, and unimportant memory. Dan didn't know why he bothered to think about it.

 Then she left to go do some menial task, and Dan was asked to move. His aura was making the fire go out.

 Now they trudged along, and Dan considered asking Phil what the conversation had been about, if only just to hear his voice.

 They walked at the back of the group, as usual. Phil was alert for any danger, keeping his eyes out for anyone that could be following them. If something happened, he’d be in charge of protecting the group.

 Mandy slowed down and then stopped, waiting until Dan and Phil had passed her before walking again alongside Phil. "You have ice powers?" She asked Dan. "I asked Jordan. She says you’re one of the only people at camp proud of your powers."

 "That’s not true." With every exhale, Dan could see his breath. He couldn’t see anyone else’s. "The younger ones aren't shy. You see the girl up at the front, with the black hair? That’s Nora. When she got here, she wouldn’t shut up about her powers."

 "Yeah? What are they?"

 "X-ray vision," Phil answered for Dan. "Not the creepy type. She can see into people’s bodies, at their organs and stuff. Apparently it takes a lot of concentration, but I think it’s pretty cool."

 "It is," Mandy agreed. Her combat boots crunched on the gravel. "But most people don’t like talking about it? Why not?"

 Dan looked to Phil, letting him answer it. "...I guess it’s a sensitive topic," he admitted finally. "For some people. A lot of people were outcast by their families for it, and all of us have been hunted for it."

 "But I think that’s stupid," Dan cut in. "You can’t be in denial. We have the powers, we've dealt with the consequences of the powers. We as well use them."

 "How much can you really use ice powers?" Mandy's tone was purposefully harsh: she and Dan still weren’t on the best of terms.

 He inhaled, and cold air traveled through his windpipe to his lungs. "You’d be amazed at what I could do."

 "But isn’t your touch just like, really cold?"

 "It is. But that’s not how it used to be. I could control ice and snow, freezing over entire cities with just my mind. If I was at full strength, you’d be a chunk of ice right now."

 "But you’re not," she observed. "Why?"

 "Do you do anything but ask questions?" Dan snapped.

 "Yes. I also shoot things, which is more than you can do." She hefted her bow off of her back, loading it but not pulling the arrow back.

 Dan scowled. Phil muttered a quiet "Play nice," but neither of them really heard it.

 "You’d be amazed at what I can do even with my powers at low capacity."

 "Whatever. You should probably go to the middle of the group in case there’s danger. Trust me, you haven’t faced as many humans as I have."

 "Calm down," Phil urged Dan, completely serious. "Stay... Chill."

 A few snowflakes began to drift downwards, gliding delicately.

 "Yeah, like I have a problem with doing that," Dan spat back. But he managed to restrain himself.

 Mandy took note of this. "Fine, let’s talk about something else. Phil, what are your powers?"

 Dan lunged, his hands outstretched to strangle her. Phil grabbed him, yanking him back before Dan could show Mandy just how cold he could be.

 Phil thrust him backward, and Dan landed on his butt, still seething. A purple sphere of protection flickered around the now wide-eyed Mandy, a few seconds too late.

 Dan stood, feeling the prickles of cold burn against his skin. "I can protect the camp better than you ever could. Just watch." He practically spat the words, turning and whirling around without waiting to see her expression. He tore his gloves off, revealing his cracked skin and blackened fingers.

 There was a river a few paces away, wide enough that no one could possibly jump across it. But Dan didn’t have to jump. He slammed his foot down, and instantly the spot on the river turned to rock hard ice. He knelt, and everyone watched in horror as the river glazed over, becoming covered in a translucent layer of ice that progressively turned thicker, going stark white.

 It was snowing for real now, clumps of frost spiraling down angrily. Around everyone else, the snow hit the ground or their jackets and slowly melted away, but around Dan, the snow stuck. Majestic white ploofs of snow stuck in his hair. Dan’s skin was so white it was almost blue.

 Around him, a deadly white frost began to travel from his shoes, shooting up the nearby trees. The leaves crumpled in on themselves, and with a painful cracking noise, all of the branches fell off the trees at once, collapsing on the ground.

 "This is what my powers look like when I’m sick," he declared, his voice too quiet. "I’m sick. And I could still, I could still-" he struggled for breath as if his rib cage had suddenly compressed around his lungs.

 "Dan!" Phil rushed forwards as Dan crumpled to his knees, curling into himself on the frozen over river.

 Phil sprinted forwards, grabbing his shoulders and trying to haul him up as the ice at his feet sizzled and melted.

 "Phil, you’re going to fall in!" PJ warned, a few paces behind him. He moved a low hanging branch out of his way and it collapsed into confetti over his head as he cursed miserably.

 Phil dragged Dan’s limp form to shore, his boots sopping wet from the melted ice. Dan’s body steamed from where Phil touched.

 "You’re going to overheat him!" PJ warned. He reached over to help, but withdrew his hand quickly, stinging from the heat.

 Phil was kneeling on the ground, Dan laying over his knees. As Phil watched in horror, his skin lost all color. His cheek had cracked, like broken glass- or shattered ice.

 Phil was on the brink of hysteria. Dan’s chest rose and fell in twitchy motions, no longer smooth and controlled. "Get the first aid!" Phil ordered. "If you have secret healing powers, now is the time to use them!" He looked around wildly, but no one stepped forward. "Jordan! What are your powers? Can you help him?"

 She hesitated but stepped forwards. She couldn’t get all the way to Dan though; the heat was too intense. "Let me... I can’t heal. But I can sense his mind. He’s..." she closed her eyes. "No, nevermind."

 "What is it?!" Phil practically wailed.

 Jordan winced. "He’s not... thinking anymore. He’s not dead, but he’s in like... a coma, type thing. He’s passed out. His brain is using all of its energy trying to keep him alive." She looked up, turning quickly. "Nora! Come look at this!"

 Nora, the small Asian girl, scrambled over. "Let me look. Move back, it’s too hot."

 Phil clung to Dan’s body desperately. Finally, he laid him down, scooting back. Dan was laying in a puddle of melted snow, but as soon as Phil let go of him the water turned to harsh ice.

 Nora unzipped Dan’s coat, and Phil had to hold himself back to keep from screaming and shoving her off. No! He has to be kept warm, he has to be kept warm-

 PJ reached out for Phil, but stopped once more, his clothing still scattered with confetti. Nora stared at Dan’s chest like she could see right through his clothes and skin- which, actually, she could.

 Her eyes widened.

 "What is it?"

 "I can’t!" She hurried backward, standing and stepping away. "No, I- I-"

 "It’s okay." Jordan embraced her, and the small girl began to sob.

 Phil leaped forwards, supporting Dan’s head and pulling him up into his arms. Dan was curled up, his head lolling against Phil's chest as he cradled him to his body.

 His eyes were closed, long eyelashes spotted with flecks of snow. His eyes fluttered slightly but remained closed. His breathing was softening, little puffs of visible breath hitting against Phil’s coat.

 Phil was crying. "Mandy, can you make a forcefield around him?"

She stepped forwards, more unsure than ever. "What? You think someone’s going to attack him?"

 "No, just to... to give him more time. Suspend him, give us some time to figure out how we can... we can..."

 She pinched her wrist, biting her lip. "My powers don’t really-"

 "Just try!" Phil's voice broke, but he cleared his throat and kept going. "Just try. Dan’s all about using your powers to your advantage. Use them!"

 Mandy kept biting her lip. Finally, she nodded, and scooted forwards, closing her eyes. She held out her hands slightly.

 Nothing happened for a few minutes. Dan’s breath was slowing, becoming quieter and quieter. His lashes no longer fluttered. Meanwhile, Mandy's hairline was damp with sweat, but she didn’t open her eyes, and no one was about to dare break her concentration.

 Finally, after an infinity of waiting, Dan’s breathing stopped.

 Phil sobbed, staring as a thin layer of purple covered over the boy’s limp form, so close to his skin that from a distance he just looked slightly lavender tinted.

 He was no longer freezing cold. Phil willed himself desperately to lower the heat he was radiating, but he was so scared he hardly made a dent. The force field would protect Dan from the heat anyway.

 Mandy looked exhausted. "It’ll keep him alive for now," she explained. "I’ve never made anything like it before, but... he’s basically in a coma, but... not breathing or doing anything. It’s more like... he’s paused. Temporarily. As soon as I drop the field, he’ll resume, right where he was before."

 Her face was pink, and her hands were shaking slightly.

 "Does it keep energy to keep the field up?"

 "Yeah. It’s like... a lot of focus. I can’t really... think right now. Could someone get me water, and erm, something to eat?"

 A few of the others hurried over, helping her sit on a nearby rock and giving her provisions. Meanwhile, no one could go too close to Phil. The water around him was beginning to steam, but he tried to control his powers as he continued to cradle Dan, still completely limp against his chest.

 Dan wasn’t breathing. But he wasn’t dead.

Next Part ->

Request A Fic / ‘But Love Is Overrated Anyways’ Masterpost / All My Fics

#but love is overrated anyways #fire #ice #heat #cold #mutants #au #powers #powers au #pt 12 #12 #dan and phil #dansPHlevels #fanfic #fanfiction #phanfic #phanfiction #phan

[firefaerie81]

Since you've mentioned it before, any headcanons between the Space Rangers meeting the Paladins?

Oh boy, do I ever!  In Space is my favorite season of Power Rangers, and a while back I streamed it back-to-back with Voltron for some friends and the combination got me thinking.  I was kind of hoping someone would ask about this, since I have some vaguely fleshed out ideas I’d love to share but I can never actually write a finished product for any project I have.

This got super duper long, so I’m gonna stick it under a cut.

Okay, so it’s just after Power Rangers In Space.  The crew of the Astro Megaship is either just on their way back to Earth or has just left again to seek a new adventure.  Either way, the Megaship gets damaged and falls through a dimensional rift.

On the Voltron side of things, it’s somewhere in the middle of season 2, probably around Space Mall.  The Castle picks up the Megaship’s distress call, and the Lions tow the ship into the Castle.

The Paladins are of course surprised to find other humans this far out in space.  Andros is quick to point out that in the Power Rangers universe humans come from more planets than just Earth, but they soon realize that this isn’t the Power Rangers universe.  Navigational charts don’t match up, no record of Altea or the Galra on the Rangers’ database, no record of KO-35 or Eltar on the Castle’s, and most damningly, the Power Rangers have been a big deal on Earth for a few years even before Countdown to Destruction, but the Paladins don’t even seem to recognize the name.

The Astro Megaship is badly damaged and stranded in another universe, and Team Voltron is trying to lay low for a while, so they offer to help repair it.  Pidge and Hunk are really the biggest help, with her tech skills and his mechanical knowledge.  But at least they can all read the Megaship’s schematics and take directions.

Keith might be a bit suspicious of the Rangers at first, but mutual heroism will prevail in the end.

Hunk’s been known to have fears about Voltron’s mission, and I think hearing about the Rangers - a group of kids barely older than him who came out on top in a similar situation - would be a big reassurance that they’ve got this.

Pidge of course is enthusiastic about Alpha and DECA.  Alpha likes getting attention from a girl, and DECA has adopted a new human to mother.  They play chess when Pidge isn’t bypassing DECA’s security measures to access the ship’s databanks.

Alpha would also get along with Coran.  I’d love to see them bounce off each other, plus they’re among the most knowledgeable in their respective groups.

As a thank-you for helping with the Megaship, Ashley shows the Paladins the Synthetron, and they’re all about ready to cry at being able to more or less get food from home.  Much the same thing happens with the Simudeck (the Castle has its holodeck but that’s Allura’s and it’s mostly programmed to show Altea).  The Rangers understand how much the Paladins must miss Earth, especially since the Paladins don’t have the option of visiting as things are now.

Speaking of getting what someone’s going through, Andros and Allura would have things to talk about.  Before the refugee colony was found, Andros thought KO-35 was done for and spent two years trying to deal with that alone until he met the other Rangers.  He’s not exactly the best at talking about things, but he’ll offer Allura what support he can.

In that same vein, Keith is probably still only suspecting he might be Galra at this point, but I think Karone would pick up on the inner conflict going on there.  He probably wouldn’t be familiar enough with her to confide, but she’d offer some things to think about based on what she can glean.  She’s still figuring herself out, but she knows enough to know that it’s for her to decide, not anyone else to tell her.

I’d also love to see the Alteans and the KO-35 kids bond over how darn WEIRD Earthlings are.

If Pidge were to mention how she’s searching for her father and brother, that would hit Andros and Karone very close to home.  There’s not much they can do to help, especially with the Megaship undergoing heavy repairs, but what they can is at her disposal.

Zhane and Lance get along famously, and they have a lot of fun swapping slightly exaggerated stories of their exploits.  Plus, Zhane has a bunch of video games stashed in his room.

At some point, a debate sparks over which group has seen weirder nonsense, instigated by Cassie and Lance.  Lance is sure that between the aliens, the haunted castle, and the space mall, Team Voltron has it locked up.  But then Cassie brings up the time they met mutant humanoid turtles from Earth, the time the Simudeck’s Craterites became real and tried to take over Angel Grove, the time Carlos and Cassie got turned into bugs, and how every ridiculous monster they’ve fought had to be defeated after growing to giant size, and Lance has to concede.  “What ARE you people?” “We’re the Power Rangers!”

TJ wanted to bring up the time they got baked into a giant pizza, but the Rangers are all sick of that story.  He told Lance and Hunk all about it later.

The Galaxy Gliders are cool, but they defy all kinds of physics.  Pidge and Hunk about drove themselves up a wall trying to figure out how they work.

Keith makes a comment about everything in the Paladins’ quarters being color-coded, and the Rangers aren’t surprised.  They color code themselves willingly, and they know how weird they can get about their colors.  The weirdest, though, is when you change colors, like how TJ went from red to blue and Carlos went from green to black.  The Paladins think about how weird it would be if one of them had to change colors.

Speaking of colors, the color configuration almost matches between teams, but Zhane and Pidge are left as the spares.  Plus, usually with Power Rangers, it’s the Red Ranger at the helm, not the Black Ranger, which the Paladins find odd.

Cassie, Ashley, and Karone end up pulling Allura and Pidge into a girls’ night in Allura’s room, because I always have something like that happen.

Carlos tends to push himself a bit harder than the other Rangers, and he sometimes has trouble sleeping.  I can see him bumping into Shiro late one night and the two of them having a friendly sparring match or two to try and tire themselves out enough to sleep.

By the time the Megaship gets fixed, there’s some kind of situation that calls for Voltron, and the Rangers offer their aid as well.  So we get a nice big Voltron/Megazord teamup to close things out, because of course, and the teams can then focus on getting the Rangers back to their own universe.  The groups part on good terms, with a promise to be there if the other needs help.

#fae writes #voltron legendary defender #power rangers #power rangers in space #pidge #katie holt #hunk #keith #lance #allura #coran #coran hieronymus wimbleton smythe #shiro #takashi shirogane #andros #tj johnson #cassie chan #carlos vallerte #ashley hammond #zhane #karone #alpha 6 #deca #anonymous

[williamsjoan]

DualShockers’ Game of the Year 2018 Staff Lists — Michael’s Top 10

As 2018 comes to a close, DualShockers and our staff are reflecting on this year’s batch of games and what were their personal highlights within the last year. Unlike the official Game of the Year 2018 awards for DualShockers, there are little-to-no-rules on our individual Top 10 posts. For instance, any game — not just 2018 releases — can be considered.

Ah, yes. It’s that time of year once again. With 2018 coming to an end, we celebrate our love of video games with arbitrary lists naming our favorite video games of the year. Does this list matter? Probably not. But I’m here to perform my duty of telling you what’s good.

Joking aside, 2018 has had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in video games. We were graced with several “masterpieces” while also covered — excuse my language — in absolute shit. We’ve also had some unexpected duds; games we thought would be, at the very least, good but just ended up being another disappointment. It has been a mixed bag in 2018, which made creating this list the most difficult it has ever been for me.

With all that said, here are my favorite games of the year. No, WWE 2K19 is not on this list, I just like the picture a lot.

10. Rainbow Six Siege

I know what you’re thinking: “why is a game from 2015 on a list dedicated to games released in 2018?” Rainbow Six Siege is obviously not the best game of the year, but it certainly made a huge impact on me and how I will play games moving forward.

You may recall an editorial featured on DualShockers I wrote earlier in the year titled “Red Dead Redemption 2 Made Me Realize That Long Games Aren’t For Me.” While RDR2 was the catalyst to this realization, there are tons of games this year, like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Monster Hunter: World, that I just couldn’t get through primarily due to its length. I enjoyed everything that I played, but there were just other games out there that felt more rewarding after just a few minutes with them.

Let me also iterate on something that I may not have touched on in that editorial: I’ve also completed some longer titles this year. God of War and Lost Sphear are, by no means, the longest games to complete, but they do take at least 20 hours of your time. Even with games like Monster Hunter: World or RDR2, I spent at least 20 to 30 hours playing those games. It became more about player satisfaction rather than that they’re “too long.” Although, RDR2 is too long…

Anyways, this brings me to Rainbow Six Siege: the 2015 game that made it on a “top 10 games of 2018” list. This game is pure satisfaction: whether I win or lose, every minute never feels wasted, and I feel like I am constantly improving and learning after every match. It also helps that each match is very short, allowing me to get a few rounds in even if I just have 30 minutes to game.

This “short but sweet” direction is something I’ve appreciated for a while now. But as I’ve grown to the ripe old age of 27, that appreciation has grown exponentially and playing Rainbow Six Siege, especially with my friends, has been one of my most satisfying gaming experiences in years. In some ways, this game symbolizes all the quality shorter experiences, like Gris or Florence, than just saying “Rainbow Six Siege is my number 10 game of the year because it’s a good shooter from three years ago.”

9. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

This was a late entry. Releasing earlier this month, Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden thoroughly entertained me more than any tactics game in recent memory. Yes, even more so than Into the Breach, which would be occupying this spot if I had not played this.

What really impresses me with Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is its world. Set in an alternate timeline where nuclear warfare ended humanity as we know it, you follow a talking duck and pig who are tasked to help out the Ark, one of the last beacons of civilization left on Earth. I’m not too far into its story — hence why it is so far up my list — but it is a tale that I find intriguing and I’m constantly thinking of it almost every hour. The synth-laden soundtrack, along with snarky dialogue from some talking animals, gives the game a cheesy vibe that I absolutely adore.

While its world is at the forefront, its gameplay shines just as bright. As engaging as the tactics games before it, Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden manages to stand out with what I’ll call its “exploration phase.” Instead of just dropping you into the fray, you can move around the world freely. You can explore any area at your leisure to pick up scraps or new equipment to improve your arsenal.

This exploration phase also allows you to perform some reconnaissance before you rush into battle. Instead of going in guns blazing, you can get the lay of the land and identify where are your enemies are before you proceed. A major part of succeeding in Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is stealth: if you can stealthily pick off enemies, the higher the chance that you have of defeating the opposition, even if you’re outnumbered.

Although my time has been limited with Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, its challenging gameplay and the appealing world has got its hooks in me and I can’t wait to jump back in.

8. Starlink: Battle for Atlas

Before my recent obsession with Super Mario Sunshine‘s Il Piantissimo, there was Fox McCloud and his Star Fox fleet. Star Fox remains my favorite Nintendo franchise to ever grace the many television screens throughout my life. The original Star Fox, along with DOOM, Mortal Kombat, and Galaga, makes up the foundation of my video game interests; Fox has played an integral role in my life, in more ways than an anthropomorphic fox probably should.

When I saw the Star Fox fleet show up in Starlink: Battle for Atlas during Ubisoft’s E3 press conference this year, it was like my childhood dreams came true. Not only will I be able to fly around an open galaxy in the Arwing, but I’ll also get an awesome toy I can display on a shelf. Ubisoft certainly got my attention as a Star Fox fanboy, but the toys-to-life genre has, for all intents and purposes, died. I wasn’t quite sure how much I would actually enjoy this game beyond playing as Fox.

Fortunately, Starlink: Battle for Atlas made me believe there is still room for the toys-to-life genre to thrive. Although its story and characters are paper thin, its gameplay is a blast. Is this the Star Fox game I’ve been wanting since the disappointment known as Star Fox Zero? Yes actually, it is.

Check out the DualShockers review of Starlink: Battle for Atlas.

7. Quarantine Circular

Last year Mike Bithell’s first short, Subsurface Circular, made it onto my top ten for 2017. Like previously pointed out with Rainbow Six Siege, it was a game that respected my time. Only lasting roughly two hours, I was able to play it in one sitting and get that feeling of satisfaction I always look for when playing video games. Subsurface Circular‘s spiritual successor, Quarantine Circular, is another short that still hits the same satisfying notes as its predecessor but in a slightly different way.

While it does bring back the text-based gameplay from Subsurface Circular, the puzzle elements are mostly non-existent in Quarantine Circular, instead favoring storytelling and player choice. It was a bit of a bummer that the word puzzles were very sparse, but thanks to its exceptional and thought-provoking tale, I was just as captivated by it.

Check out the DualShockers review of Quarantine Circular.

6. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Yes, Call of Duty Black Ops 4 (or IIII) is on this list. It isn’t perfect, but BLOPS 4 is the most fun I have had with a multiplayer game since Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Yes, you read that correctly.

I have a ton of problems with Call of Duty: Black Ops 4: the Zombies mode is hot trash, Blackout is a ripoff of a better battle royale, and some of the technical aspects of its gameplay are pretty awful. Even with all of those problems, I love its multiplayer. The map selection is pretty strong, the gameplay is still tight despite some of its terrible technicalities, and the newly-introduced systems makes it stand out from its predecessors. It may not be perfect, but it’s the Call of Duty that really just clicked with me more than any entry from the past three years.

Check out the DualShockers review of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.

5. Dragon Ball FighterZ

Last year, a fighting game was my favorite game of the year, as Tekken 7 opened my eyes to competitive gaming. Sure, I watched EVO and other tournaments from time-to-time, but I never tried to play competitively. That changed with Tekken 7 and continued with this year’s best fighting game, Dragon Ball FighterZ.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is the epitome of the expression “easy to learn, hard to master.” This is the perfect game for someone not familiar with fighting games: the simplest combos are legitimately done by mashing the punch button. Just knowing the basics of the attack and countering will actually see you triumph over your opponent more than not. The complexities of the game come from stringing together those simple combos and special moves in effective ways. When you do inevitably get to that level, Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of the most satisfying fighting games you’ll ever play.

Check out the DualShockers review of Dragon Ball FighterZ.

4. Forza Horizon 4

It’s impressive what Playground Games, Turn 10, and Microsoft Studios have done with the Forza Horizon franchise. With every entry, they somehow find a way to improve upon it in awesome and creative ways. Forza Horizon 4 is no different. This entry proves that this series is not just some Forza Motorsport spin-off: Forza Horizon stands on its own, and truly is the best racing series any console has to offer.

Check out the DualShockers review of Forza Horizon 4.

3. Beat Saber

During Black Friday, I bought one of those PSVR bundles that included the Move controllers, SUPERHOT VR, and Creed: Rise to Glory for the low price of $250. For that price, it was absolutely worth it. Not because of the pack-ins — although I’m super excited to try SUPERHOT VR at some point — but because of Beat Saber.

This rhythmic masterpiece isn’t just a game, it’s a lifestyle. Although I’ve fallen off a bit recently, I was playing Beat Saber every day as a way to exercise. Just after four or five songs, a generous amount of sweat would cover my headset as I took quick, tired breaths from being so exhausted. It really does test your physicality just as much as your reflexes.

Beat Saber also shows that VR doesn’t have to be limited to short, on-rails experiences: they can be full-fledged games that you can play for hours on end. Tapping into the addictive rhythmic nature of Guitar Hero or Rock Band, I found myself playing Beat Saber for hours, constantly trying to top my last high score. It may not be the game that made me a believer of VR — that accolade goes to Thumper — but it certainly reinforced that belief.

Check out the DualShockers review of Beat Saber review here.

2. God of War

Growing up, I was primarily a Nintendo kid. I had only known the Mushroom Kingdom, Hyrule, the Lylat System, and all the other worlds the Nintendo family of consoles had to offer. It wasn’t until the Xbox 360 launched where I truly ventured away from the familiar and comfortable places of the past and looked towards the future.

With that being said, I scarcely played a PlayStation console; it wasn’t until the PS4 launched when I delved into the franchises exclusive to that platform. So, when a new God of War was announced for PS4 – one that you did not need to play the other six to understand what was going on – I was intrigued. It was not the violent and monotonous action game I had once seen, but a more grounded take set in the realm of the Norse gods.

I’ll admit, I was lukewarm in the first few moments of God of War. I thought the story seemed great and the characters aside from Kratos were interesting, but I really was not into the gameplay. Heck, I still have problems with some of the mechanics. It wasn’t until the dragon boss fight where everything clicked for me. The gameplay, the story, the world… everything was just more enjoyable from that point on. It was this weird “voila” moment that I haven’t had since I played Mass Effect.

God of War is a very special game. It is the one from this year that transcends into “greatest of all time” terrain. I’m sure this is the new litmus test for great video games moving forward.

Check out the DualShockers review of God of War.

1. The Messenger

Alright, ladies and gentleman: I present to you the best game of 2018. Actually, scratch that. I present to you one of the best games this generation: The Messenger.

Before I gush about how amazing this game is, let me tell you a story first. During PAX East this year, I sat down with the game’s director, Thierry Boulanger, where he showed me the first few moments of the game. If you’ve played, you know that the first level is like any other Ninja Gaiden-inspired platformer. Sure, it had its own unique take on it, but it wasn’t out of the ordinary. Then, he spoiled one of the main plot points for me…

So, that seems pretty crappy, right? But after he told me that the scroll I was carrying to the top of that mountain was actually a map and that once the Messenger opens that map, the game becomes a Metroidvania, my brain melted. It was, far and away, my favorite game I saw at PAX East, and one I was eagerly anticipating.

Once I finally got my hands on it in August, I thought I knew what I was getting into. I already knew the big twist, right? What other surprises could this game have?

A lot. The answer is a lot.

It turns out there was at least one thing in each stage that surprised or delighted me. Whether it was some ridiculous commentary from the Shopkeeper — the actual best character of the year — or a time-traveling boss fight, there was always something that made me verbally question just what mind-blowing thing happened.

The Messenger is the most clever amalgamation of storytelling and game design I have ever had the pleasure to play. With such a killer soundtrack by Rainbowdragoneyes, fun gameplay, and an engaging story, Sabotage Studio’s first outing is the interactive definition of why I play video games.

Check out the DualShockers review of The Messenger.

Check out the other DualShockers’ staff Top 10 lists and our official Game of the Year Awards:

December 17: DualShockers Game of the Year Awards 2018 December 18: Lou Contaldi, Editor in Chief // Logan Moore, Reviews Editor December 19: Ryan Meitzler, Features Editor // Tomas Franzese, News Editor December 20: Reinhold Hoffmann, Community Manager December 21:  Scott Meaney, Community Director // Ben Bayliss, Staff Writer December 22: Ben Walker, Staff Writer // Chris Compendio, Staff Writer December 23: Grant Huff, Staff Writer December 26: Iyane Agossah, Staff Writer // Jordan Boyd, Staff Writer December 27: Max Roberts, Staff Writer // Michael Ruiz, Staff Writer  December 28: Noah Buttner, Staff Writer // Rachael Fiddis, Staff Writer  December 29: Steven Santana, Staff Writer // Tanner Pierce, Staff Writer December 30: Travis Verbil, Staff Writer // Zack Potter, Staff Writer

The post DualShockers’ Game of the Year 2018 Staff Lists — Michael’s Top 10 by Michael Ruiz appeared first on DualShockers.

DualShockers’ Game of the Year 2018 Staff Lists — Michael’s Top 10 published first on https://timloewe.tumblr.com/

[twilightpony4]

Ola Americano... Turtle?: 19. Impatient

The sun had yet to show its face through the forest, giving the flora and fauna an indigo hue. The fire was only lit by the small specks of hot embers that no longer cackles or emitted smoke. All the big lugs were sleeping like bunnies, well, most of them. Repetitive beats of buzzing vibrated against one’s plastron. Normally a heavy sleeper, Raphael could not ignore the sudden movement hiding underneath him. In order to make it stop and keep from disturbing his family, the large terrapin carefully lifted himself. The blankets over him moved with his bod and dragged along others. The ones affected by it moved some but did not wake up. When they stopped moving, Raphael continued much more slowly until he could pull up his phone that he mistakably left in the folds of the blankets. Knowing well, he squinted his eyes and kept the phone low to his body to turn down the brightness. Once it was dark and grey, he took no time to figure out who was on the other end when he answered it. Out of respect for those around him( surprising, right?) and just from his own personal tiredness, he answered with a muffled moan into his pillow. “Get your shell up. I’m at the water.” That voice woke him up. The quick movement s made a shuffle, but no one else was disturbed by it. Whipping his top half up and around, he saw that where Mona should be was no longer inhabiting her. Before he could ask, the mutant girl had already hung up.

No one at the camp heard the biggest beast rise and move away from them. On his way, he yawned silently while also rubbing his eyes and avoiding to run into anything that may ruin his day. Soon, the running water ambience began to catch his ears. With his eyes beginning to clear, he moved more fluidly and less like a zombie. With the final piece of the jungle to get through, he got to the clearing. The water showed no light but had a shadow to guide its own movements downstream. To his far right, she was there. Mona had not yet see him come. Sitting down, she stared at the river with her arms wrapped over her extended knees. She did not wear her mask and it appeared that it was not with her at the moment. Soon, she acknowledged his presence and stood up. Raphael smiled as he approached her.

“Alone again.” He gave a sigh of relief. Outstretching his arms, he made a grab for her and pursed his lips. Before he could get there, the lizard lady smoothly pushed his cheek to get his head to face the opposite direction and walked past him. “Whoa, curve!” He laughed despite Mona not turning around and laughing with him as well. “Can I know why?” Mona Lisa crossed her arms and turned to face him. His smile dropped when she had that serious look in her eye. So much for a ‘good morning’. “How long do you expect to keep this up?” She asked. The turtle grunted and swayed head a few times for a stretch. “Not too long. These kind of games get boring real quick.”  He admitted. Upon that thought, the river seemed very pleasing to him. Raphael unbuckled his shoulder pad and unclicked the belts that supported his shell. They hung around his waist after unclicking the ones that were wrapped around his shoulders. “I meant this whole secret we have going on.” Oh, this again?! The big brute stood dumbfounded for a minute to get his thoughts right. Mona’s features were less hard and more upset and concerned. She expressed more as a sad puppy holding herself rather than the tough cookie she always upheld. Raphael untied the cotton rope belt around his waist and pulled off his pants for the seatbelt straps to fall on top of them. He drummed up a response as he pulled off his forearm armor, gloves, and wraps around his hands and legs. “I don’t know. What year will Kanye be president?” He joked as he tossed his gear aside. Mona was not amused. To avoid the awkwardness, the turtle thought it in his own best interest to jump into the water with a running start. The splash was loud due to his understandably large body. As the water went airborne, the lizard lady sat back down in her original position. Raphael had resurfaced. The tails of his mask were pulled away from being adhesive to his body and put in the water to float alongside him. “Venus almost caught on.” Mona continued. “Do you know how hard it is to convince someone with emotion sense that you’re fine?” She stressed at the end despite her cool delivery. The red banded turtle cupped water into his hands and splashed it on his face. He rubbed it in vigorously a few times to wake him up. “Is that what happened last night?” Mona’s brow crinkled. “Yes!” She almost jumped up, but refrained by only pressing her hands into the ground. “Easy, easy.” He put his hands up in a hushing motion. “No! I’m sick of this!” She leaned forward. “Hiding? From our family?” “This isn’t the first secret we kept from them.” “The last one stopped you from doing something stupid.” Being the Nightwatcher, stupid. “This is just keeping us from actually being happy.” Noted. “You’ve ever heard ‘Happy Wife, Happy Life’?” “Well, you’re not that…” He was going to finish his sentence but he sucked his lips in upon seeing her cold stares. Raph slowly turned halfway, anticipating a harsh response from the already teed off woman. “The principles apply, Raphael.” She spoke from her throat, low and slowly. Then, she shook her head and pointed a finger at her chest. “Mama ain’t happy.”

“D*****!” He exclaimed while flapping his arms once violently in the water. Mona relaxed her posture again and returned to a blank expression. Finally, he was going to take this seriously. “Why is everybody being so… uh.. Weird!” Not the turn she was expecting, but, alright. His soaked hands pulled up his brows as he pulled his forehead back. “You’re upset with me not telling the family and keeping us undercover and Leo’s acting he’s freaking two years old!” “What’s wrong with Leo?” “You don’t need to know.” He waved her off. “This family talks a lot in private.” She returned with her audible mutters. “There’s some things that aren’t anybody’s business.” “I want them to know this business.” “Well I don’t, in this partnership. Not yet.” Gah! Why was this so hard? Because he’s a mutant, partially. But there’s billions of people who have gone through this same process, the only difference is that they are not green (Some animalistic, but not green). The brute kicked his feet up and allowed himself to float on the back of his shell. He was stagnant unlike the river water.

Mona kept still on the shore, gathering her own thoughts as well. To clear her mind, she tried not thinking about it for the spur of the moment and rather let it wander to the sounds and sights of the groggy forest. The sun was still not out yet there was now a pink outline to the high treetops. She imagined whatever horrid scenario Raphael could possibly come up with. Disapproval from his brothers, her sister, the disapproval of their father. Someone would probably think that a couple on the team would only create more liabilities. Or, the fact that despite them being totally unrelated and only being brother and sister for 3 years was still wrong if they were dating. Perhaps, just the everyday reminder that they do not go well together and if they were to break up, it causes more struggle and strain. Although, Mona felt it in her heart that these were less impossibly true about the family, but she could not force those ideals on Raphael. “I get it. I understand it. I respect how you see it, but it's only going to get harder sooner or later. Whether or not they’d approve, they'll never forgive us once the months and years start rolling by.” She paused. “If they come.” “If?” He asked deadpan, but still contently enough to continue floating and keeping his eyes closed. “C’mon, you never know.” She answered truthfully. “I don't feel that way right now, but I'm just getting frustrated by this and the mix with this mission.” Mona released her knees and fell back into the ground. Her body pulled her hair, in which she removed it from underneath her until it was comfortable to lay back down and create an ugly hair display. With her hands over her stomach and getting over the dash of blood rushing to her head, she imagined a serenity while watching the sky behind the canopies. While watching, she heard the noise of water droplets and tiny streams falling back into the water, but she did not care to see where it was from but could only guess that Raph stood up from his floating.

“How about when it's all over?” He slowly swam over until he washed up on the bank of the river. He felt like a beached turtle as the small patch of sand scratched the plastron he slid up on. “We solve it, kick some shell, then give them the news.” Mona sat up to his resolve. “That's decent, Raph. But do you promise?” He nodded slowly. “I promise.” Mona Lisa turned her body over until she too was on her stomach but remained in the grass area. “Pinkies.” She demanded while presenting her pinkie finger to him. The large turtle cringed. “I hate that word.” He muttered. However, he put his smallest finger out and interlocked them with hers. “Good turtle.” Mona praised, giggling at him while shaking their still joined fingers around. “Good enough for one planted right here?” Beaming, he used his other hand to tap his cheek. Mona used their interlocked hands to pull herself closer to the bank. “I got a better spot.” She assured. Both gave a small laugh as they closed in the space between them. “OOOOGA BOOGA!” Both jumped out of their minds. Hands no longer together, Mona stood up quickly. Her stance was wide and hands ready for a fight. The water around Raphael turned into wild waves as he too got up in split second timing. However, they were more disappointed that it was someone they knew rather than a killer. Out of the blue, there came an orange banded terrapin dressed in fruitiful drag. “La Cucaracha, La Cucaracha, ba da da da da da daaaaa!” He sang, shaking his body that made his sad grass skirt twirl. On his head was the most bootlegged ‘Tutti Frutti’ hat they’ve ever seen. A plastic bowl was tied down over the top of it and around his head with a scraggly piece of rope with a single apple, a bunch of bananas, and an assortment of the flower necklaces he had made bunched up into a cringey arrangement. Following behind him was Leonardo, who walked slow but laughed at his brother who was making a larger fool off himself while dancing and singing obnoxiously. “Ha! Y'all should've seen your faces! They looked like-.” He recreated them comically with ugly expressions. “That's one for the books! How would you describe your expression? You looked like a cow caught in the headlights.” “I believe the term is a deer caught in the headlights.” Leonardo corrected. “Yeah, I know that.” He dismissed him. He knew Raph looked more like a bulky cow rather than a tiny deer. Speaking of Raph… “Nice undies, Raph.” He nodded to them, playfully biting his lip and bouncing his eyebrows. The terrapin in question looked down briefly. “Forgot my trunks and I’m too lazy to go get them. Is that so wrong?” He defended. Mona smiled and raised a brow at the turtle behind her. Michelangelo put his hand out and let his wrist drop it. “Not in this world of…” He struck a fierce pose “Fashion!”. “What's up, fruit basket?” Raphael asked, keeping the conversation away from him and towards yet another weird display of his youngest brother.

“Mikey wants to go see the festivities.” Leonardo explained, putting a hand over Mikey’s shoulder. The young one bounced like a puppy. “Vincent on the last call informed us that tonight was Carnival. It was her idea to let us take a break and enjoy it.” The youngest cupped his hands together, keeping it close to his face like he was making a wish. “I'm imagining a lot of foreign food, foreign music, foreign dancers, foreign babes… WHY ARE WE STILL STANDING HERE WHEN MY FUTURE WIFE IS DOWN THE MOUNTAIN? COME ON!” He screamed most of their ears off as he whipped around to grab Leo by the straps and shook him violently. Leo grabbed Mikey’s straps back to stabilize the excited child. “It's going to be a colorful, cultural” he eyed the young one who toned down his demeanor. “festival that i’m sure we'll dearly enjoy. The party goers also wear outrageous costume. “His eyes motioning towards the still beaming yet less eccentric turtle gave hints as to why he was dressed as so. “and as Donatello suggested, if we dressed up just a little like Mikey we’re going to get looks but not of fear but fascination of our creativity. You guys should go.” “I’ve yet to clean up.” Mona replied. “Give us a second and we'll spend the whole day down there, yes?” Michelangelo gave an ugly giggle before becoming demanding. “Then hop to it! I wanna see babes!” Then, he turned back around to Leo. Just as he thought, he was still disapproving of his incentives. The young one toned back down. “And, and culture. Especially culture.”

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