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anxiouspotatorants · 3 years

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About that medieval fantasy AU for underdog quartet... I have ideas:

- Rory is the bastard daughter of an excommunicated princess (Lorelai). Lorelai ran away to a neighbouring kingdom to not get punished/lose Rory, and she raised Rory as a commoner (a commoner who is more literate than some great scholars in her country, yeah, but still). Christopher’s parents put a curse on her so that if she ever sets foot back in the kingdom the whole land will descend into magical chaos. The AU might start with her and Lorelai already having entered the kingdom again (Kingdom of Hartford?) and trying to find a way to break the curse and reunite with their family.

- Paris is a high ranking lady within the kingdom. She wants to take her lands to new hights and make the history books as the greatest lady they ever had, and has therefore set out on a solo journey to learn as much as she can about the kingdom and how to best run it. She’s loaded with gold, quills and self defense taught by her local knights.

- Lane is a commoner who ran away from home to join a troupe as a musician. Some outside conflict separated her from the troupe and now she’s wandering as a lone bard in search of her band of brothers or her mother’s house (whichever she finds first as she misses both dearly). She has no magic or fighting skills, but she’s good at stealth and catching gossip.

- Jess is a rogue wizard who’s never really belonged anywhere. His mother dragged him from village to village with little ability to plant roots, and eventually left him with her long lost brother before joining a travelling merchant on his route. Jess quickly left his uncle’s care and has travelled on his own, stealing to survive and sticking to himself. He’s seen the instability of sell-sword groups and criminal collectives, and frankly doesn’t trust anyone enough to share a bonfire with them.

- Approximately thirty seconds after Lorelai and Rory set foot back in the Kingdom of Hartford the curse sets in. This signals their return to both Emily and Richard and Christopher’s parents, who both send troops and notices to find and collect them. Lorelai and Rory are thus on the run across the kingdom trying to find a way to break the curse before the soldiers find (and possibly kill) them. At one point they end up in a village called Stars Hollow and seek refuge in Luke’s tavern. But they are spotted by a group of soldiers hired by Emily and Richard, and Lorelai gets caught but manages to help Rory escape. They assumed that the soldiers were from Chris’ side of the family, as their soldiers are more prevalent and up front.

- Like I said both sets of grandparents seek out the Lorelais, but in slightly different ways for very different reasons. The Haydens want to imprison the Lorelais and possibly execute Rory for the crime of cursing the land (a curse that they made but that’s not relevant!). They’re the ones who make wanted posters and dispatch troops all over the land. Rumours and legends spread about the bastard princess who has cursed the kingdom with her return. Emily and Richard, on the other hand, want their daughter back (partly because they do love her and partly because she’s their only heir) and want to find a less violent way to break the curse. They don’t announce their hunt for the Lorelais out of fear of starting conflict with the Haydens, but dispatch undercover groups and sellswords to find and bring back the long lost princesses.

- Alone and afraid, Rory returns to Luke’s tavern and hides there for a while. One day both Paris and Lane make their way to the tavern — Paris in schedule for her educational roadtrip, Lane finally finding her home village and preparing to reunite with her mother. They end up talking and bickering downstairs while a shadowy figure sneaks by them and up to Luke’s quarters. Jess was just supposed to steal some food and pay in gold he found in a dead dragon’s den, but instead he finds a blue eyed stranger. Rory thinks she’s caught and runs downstairs. Jess is curious and follows, breaking his stealth from Luke. Rory crashes into Paris who starts interrogating Luke about the tavern being a secret whorehouse, and the five are descending into verbal chaos before Rory spots Hayden guards and hides behind the cupboards. Lane picks up on the danger and makes an impromptu distraction with Paris while Jess sneaks her out the back. Once outside he asks Rory what’s going on, and he’s soon followed by Paris and Lane. Rory brings up a cover about being cursed by someone and the soldiers hunting her in relation to said curse. The other three buy the story and decide to join her on a quest to cure her.

- It honestly takes so little time before Rory breaks and explains that she isn’t cursed but rather is the curse. Paris is angry at the lie, but little else changes but the motivation to help Rory. Jess goes from «I’m bored and directionless» to «I really like this girl and could finally do something that matters». Lane goes from «I’m procrastinating on facing my mother» to «I’m helping my new friend and have a new chance at adventure (and still procrastinating on my mother)». Paris goes from «This could be relevant for my future occupation» to «This could be even more relevant to my future occupation, also I have a friend now».

- Paris gives Rory the cover of one of her stewardesses, but most of the time the four travel by foot or bought horses as unknowns. Jess does scouting and trap laying for threats while the girls alternate on getting food.

- When it comes to gathering information, Lane and Paris are the best at gathering intel from other people - Lane through gossip and Paris through interrogation. Jess is great at breaking and entering and stealing important texts for research, and him and Rory are the best at deciphering the texts (much to Paris’ frustration).

- The key to breaking the curse could be something like “when substance stronger than blood is spilled for the unworthy”. Rory actually gets found by Emily and Richard before they can break the curse and there is a short period where the four are separated and Rory thinks maybe the lands will have to live with the curse unless she sacrifices herself. Then Lane overhears a plot to assassinate her and warns Jess and Paris. The three storm in just in time to warn king Richard and queen Emily, but the accusation of two commoners and a lady against the royal Haydens is obviously considered a crime. They declare to strip Paris of her title and are about to execute Jess and Lane when Rory steps in and stops the axe. She gets deep cuts in her hands and bleeds. It is revealed that her choosing to spill her own blood - which becomes the symbolic substance of her love for them - for commoners (who royals deem “unworthy”) is what breaks the curse.

- So the happy ending: Paris gets her title back and she, Jess and Lane are pronounced heroes of the kingdom. The Haydens apologize for the curse and get no consequences because that would mean a war declaration and oh boy do we not have time for that. Rory is legitimized and becomes next in line after her mother.

- Lane gets the title of “royal bard” and returns to Stars Hollow to finally face her mother. Mrs Kim must admit that she is proud of her daughter but has most of all missed her, and after the mandatory bickering the two reconcile. She has also reunited with the troupe at some point before the climax, and they are now a full troupe with tight connections to the crown.

- In addition to her title and hero-status, Paris gets a place in court. She makes mentors of the king’s advisers and now works to become a royal adviser to both Lorelais.

- Jess is offered knighthood but declines. He tells Rory that he needs to go on a journey of his own and leaves. He returns to Stars Hollow and Luke, and gives Luke a whole chest of gold and the title to Lord of Stars Hollow (courtesy of princess Lorelai). He goes dark for some months, then appears at night in the castle on Rory’s window-ledge. They talk for hours until the sun rises and then agree to make Jess an official scout for the kingdom, travelling around and figuring out the magic and creatures of the land.

- Rory’s first move after the reunification of her family is to get to know her estranged relatives and upgrade her education through the royal masters. After Jess returns she convinces her mother and grandparents to let her join Jess as an ambassador for the kingdom. She uses Paris’ argument of wanting to truly know the country she is supposed to rule one day, and the whole band gets back together for new quests.

#I haven't even gotten to the details of the actual main quest #nor how Jess' magic works and what his magic means to him and the others #for f*ck's sake I need to stop before I start imagining other GG characters in this AU #like Miss Patty and Babette as gossiping wenches that Lane gets info from #and Kirk as the village fool who shows up everywhere at the weirdest moments #Tristan the shitty knight that Jess has robbed multiple times #Hep Alien as the Lane's troupe and how they would work #Taylor as a fief-holder who treats Stars Hollow like his kingdom until Luke gets the deeds #at which point he doubles down and Luke just fights with him instead of throwing him in the dungeon #okay no now I need to stop #my aus #underdog quartet #rory x lane x jess x paris #lowkey literati #gilmore girls #gilmore girls au #fanfic idea #medieval fantasy au

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jrmkuzuri · 4 years

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Jonathan Joestar (hero) ANALYSIS

ALL RANKINGS WILL HAVE A 5 POINT SYSTEM ( THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILERS, SO SPOILER WARNING!) I WILL LINK ALL OF MY REFERENCES/ SOURCES . ALL RANKINGS (1) BACKSTORY (2) PERSONALITY (3) ABILITIES (4) APPEARANCE (5) MOTIVATION (6) CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

(1) BACKSTORY:

The son of George Joestar I, Jonathan is an honest, kind and positive man whose life is fraught with tragedy after meeting his adopted older brother, Dio Brando. In his battle against Dio, Jonathan becomes a Ripple user under the tutelage of the master Will Anthonio Zeppeli. 4/5

(2)PERSONALITY

“ He's not just looks and clothes, but a real honest-to-god gentleman... I like it! “ —Speedwagon (Jonathan was proud and mischievous, yet gentle. Despite already aspiring to be a "true gentleman", Jonathan lacked manners and mostly behaved like a normal child. His mother having died before he could remember her, and his fellow boys ostracizing him because of his status left Jonathan somewhat lonely. While at first, Jonathan didn't have his future strength of will, Dio unwittingly became the catalyst of his growth by pushing him to the edge and humiliating his then girlfriend Erina Pendleton. However, he did have the kindness and courage to immediately jump to Erina's rescue against two bullies bigger than him despite not knowing her. JoJo is determined to rid the world of Dio's evil First and foremost, Jonathan strives to become his definition of a "true gentleman" as he carries his Joestar name with pride, never betraying the code of conduct he has set for himself and will treat any fellow human with respect unless they prove evil. Jonathan also possesses a fierce inner strength and the drive to face and overcome conflict, which Dio calls an "explosive power". That drive, fueled by his affection to his friends and loved ones, enabled him to overcome the direst situations, notably managing to save his wife Erina when their boat was overcome with zombies and he was fatally hit in the throat. Jonathan fights for what he believes in, and once he is committed to something, he won't back down until the deed is done. During his journey to find a cure for his father's illness, he was ambushed by a band of misfit hoodlums. He did not so much as flinch as he grasped an assailant's knife within his hand, saying he had much more riding on the fight than merely four fingers. As a gentleman, Jonathan is also kind and positive. Jonathan has a mindset where he tries to imagine the consequences his actions would have on other people, even if they appear to be enemies. He is gentle and sympathetic, feeling pain even as he vanquishes a zombified copper. Despite his skill in fighting, he will never seriously harm a person without a valid reason. Even after everything Dio has done, Jonathan still considers him his brother, and sheds tears for him. His courteous nature as well as his mental fortitude and ability to withstand fear and pain, is the main reason Speedwagon decides to aid him on his journey. During his life, Jonathan has always had an impulse to save others, beginning with Erina, and ending with his thought of a nearby baby just as he was agonizing from Dio's attack. Yet Jonathan can feel righteous fury at the evilness of his foes, and will conduct justice by vanquishing them. He admitted that his reason for fighting Dio wasn't out of duty for saving the world, but to avenge his loved ones that Dio had killed. Moreover, he has no pity for truly despicable individuals he is not familiar with such as Doobie. With his courage and spirit, Jonathan sets a legacy as the first JoJo of the series.Fascinated with the Stone Mask, Jonathan tried to study it and even took on the path of archaeology. However, not having thought of putting in on anyone, Jonathan didn't discover its true purpose himself. 5/5

(3) ABILITIES:

Athleticism - Jonathan had lived a rough past as the son of an aristocrat, and was known in his childhood to have been at least a competent boxer. In his college life, he played Rugby alongside Dio Brando, and was revered as one of the two stars of Hugh Hudson Academy.Even prior to learning the Ripple, Jonathan was able to hold his own against three thugs, Speedwagon among them, with sheer might and willpower. He was capable of wielding various weaponry held by the suits of armor in the Joestar Mansion. He had also performed incredible feats of strength, such as jumping from the hilt of a sword and hoisting himself up to the second floor while doing a flip over the guardrails, despite his arm being inhibited by a spear pierced into his pectorals. Perhaps his greatest display of strength was after being revitalized and empowered by Zeppeli's Ultimate Deep Pass Overdrive, where he ripped through 3 steel bars clutching his neck, a feat that even the mighty zombie Tarkus outright admitted he was incapable of.

Intelligence - Jonathan is shown to be an intelligent person and a very competent thinker during battles, constantly coming up with new strategies mid-combat to defeat foes such as Bruford and Dio. Academically, Jonathan graduated from university after having written a celebrated thesis in archaeology. He has meticulously studied the Stone Mask, going as far as identifying the spots in the brain it would pierce,but didn't discover its true purpose himself.In a fight, Jonathan is adept at thinking of moves on the spot and using the environment to his advantage. On several occasions, Jonathan was quick to formulate plans even in a moment of crisis. Still recovering from the loss of his father, Jonathan had to fight a vampirized Dio, and quickly thought about burning down the Joestar Mansion in order to bring Dio down. Likewise, agonizing from a wound in the throat (which also led to a loss of oxygen going to his brain), Jonathan managed to use his last Ripple on Wang Chan to dispose of a horde of zombies and Dio at the same time by controlling Wang Chan's body to make the boat explode. Jonathan even notably used his belt as a supplementary whip before ever acquiring the Ripple, as well exploited the fact that Windknight's Lot was a coal mining town to deduce that a lake would have air pockets at its bottom to surprise Bruford with an unexpected production of Ripple.

Ripple

Jonathan has an arsenal of ancient martial art techniques, most inherited from Will A. Zeppeli and involving Ripple, at his disposal. Some are his original creation, each ending with "Overdrive".

Zoom Punch (ズームパンチ Zūmu Panchi): Jonathan launches his fist forward and strikes his opponent. First used by Zeppeli, the attack involves a Ripple breathing technique that dislocates and stretches the joints to extend the arm and give it greater reach while also using the same Ripple to dull the pain caused by the move. Due to the increased length, the strike immediately reaches the opponent's face first, which from that perspective seems "zoomed in."

Sendo Ripple Overdrive (仙道波紋疾走オーバードライブ Sendō Hamon ShissouŌbādoraibu): Jonathan charges a Ripple wave through his arm and releases it into a solid object, such as a wall or partition. The Ripple can travel through and reach anything on the other side, and anything hit by the Ripple is sent flying in a spiral. If the enemy is an Undead, the Ripple will enter their bloodstream and destroy them from the inside.

Scarlet Overdrive (緋色の波紋疾走スカーレットオーバードライブ Hiiro no Hamon ShissouSukāretto Ōbādoraibu): Charging the Ripple into one hand, Jonathan can create a Ripple of flame. He is able to transfer over this flame to another part of his body, and anything that touches that body part has a chance of catching fire.

Underwater Turquoise Blue Overdrive (水中のための青縁波紋疾走ターコイズブルーオーバードライブ Suichū no Tame no Aomidori Hamon ShissouTākoizu Burū Ōbādoraibu): Appropriately the strongest place to use the Ripple, Jonathan can release high powered tempests while underwater with enough force to blast enemies away. In most cases, a good portion of the water is propelled outward as well, draining something like a lake to waist-high depth.

Overdrive Barrage (波紋疾走オーバードライブ連打 Hamon ShissouŌbādoraibu Renda): When Jonathan jabs fast enough consecutively, he can release multiple Overdrives at once.

Metal Silver Overdrive (銀色の波紋疾走メタルシルバーオーバードライブ Giniro no Hamon ShissouMetaru Shirubā Ōbādoraibu): Essentially the same as a Sendo Ripple Overdrive, but with the ability of transferring through metal.

Life Magnetism Overdrive (生命磁気への波紋疾走オーバードライブ Seimei jiki e no Hamon ShissouŌbādoraibu): With the aid of Zeppeli, Jonathan can draw all the leaves in the immediate area and magnetize them together to form one giant leaf, which was used as an impromptu-hang glider. This move can be applied to most plants, and has the ability to revive them passively as well - as when Jonathan touched a dead tree branch with his newly Ripple-healed arm and restored its wilted flowers.

Sunlight Yellow Overdrive (山吹き色の波紋疾走サンライトイエローオーバードライブ！！ Yamabukiiro no Hamon ShissouSanraito Ierō Ōbādoraibu, Lit. "Bright Yellow Ripple Sprint"): His final and most memorable attack, first marked by Jonathan's words: "My heart resonates! The heat's enough to burn! The beat of my blood is razor-sharp!!" (ふるえるぞハート！燃えつきるほどヒート！！刻むぞ血液のビート！ Furueru zo hāto! Moetsukiru hodo hīto!! Kizamu zo, ketsueki no bīto!). It is a devastating and extremely rapid flurry of Ripple-infused punches with power comparable to the sun itself and has the ability to completely obliterate the Undead.

Alongside the attacks, the Ripple has various other uses in combat. A skilled Ripple user such as Jonathan has the ability to walk on water, strengthen objects and increase their potency, increase jumping height, and much more. Healing One of the main conveniences of the Ripple is the ability to heal the body to an extent. During his battle with Doobie, Jonathan was able to eject poison out of his bloodstream via Ripple transfusion. During his battle with Tarkus, he was also able to heal his broken neck after receiving the Supreme Pass Overdrive from Zeppeli.

Luck and Pluck (幸運ラックと勇気プラック kōunRakku to YūkiPurakku): After his defeat, Brufordgave Jonathan his sword, which played a major role in the final battle against Dio, where Jonathan was able to counter Dio's freezing ability by infusing the sword with Ripple, in order to avoid direct contact with Dio's body.

Hermit Purple-like Stand were due to a Stand power that awoke in Jonathan's body, Similar to Hermit Purple, it can produce a psychic photograph by smashing a camera, which Dio used to track the Joestars and their friends's current location to send Stand Users after them.

4/5

(4) APPEARANCE

As an adult, Jonathan is a tall (195 cm/6'5"), extremely muscular individual with a gentlemen's poise. His typical attire tends to reflect his noble background, characterized by stylized tunics over long sleeve shirts. Reoccurring articles of clothing include a cravat, bow tie, thick boots and a vest. At home, Jonathan wears semi-formal attire consisting of a collared shirt, tie, and jacket with rolled up sleeves. During University Rugby matches, he wears a standard striped rugby shirt and pants with long socks. When he sets out to Ogre Street to find a cure for his father's illness, Jonathan dons an entirely new outfit made up of a padded jacket and pants, complete with a deerstalker cap and a long cloak. During his training with Zeppeli, he strips down to a stylized tank top with wristbands, and at some point a circlet.On his quest to Windknight's Lot, Jonathan dons a double layered tunic with a bowtie and Deerstalker cap. After his fight with Tarkus, he wears a close-fitted tank top with capped sleeves for the rest of the journey. In the anime, these sleeves are converted into shoulder pads. During his honeymoon and final encounter with Dio, he wears an ornate suit with a long tail over a collared shirt with straps on the shoulders, and a cravat. 4/5

5) MOTIVATION

Jojo’s motivation is avenging his father, his honor and defeating Dio. (Thanks Hanawriting) 5/5

6) CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

After finally defeating Dio, Jonathan watches as he falls from the tower into the unknown disintegrating piece by piece. Shedding a tear for his corrupt brother... Even though Dio had hurt Jonathan in the worst way possible, he would always have a special place in his heart. This action would prove that Jonathan was too pure for this world. 5/5

Total 27/30

Source: https://jojo.fandom.com/wiki/Jonathan_Joestar#:~:text=Adult%20Years,thick%20boots%20and%20a%20vest.

#anime #animelove #anime / manga #jojo's bizarre adventure #jonathan joestar #character study #mha #dbz

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hymn2000 · 5 years

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Chiquitita - MCU AU fanfic - C1

Story summary: Something strange is happening. Someone from space has made their way to Earth, armed with a strange weapon. Targeting teenagers, their ray gun, when fired, turns the victim into a toddler. The Avengers set out to stop this, and find a way to reverse the effects. However, they don’t all come out of the battle unscathed.

Part of my Frostiron and Spiderson series.

Warnings/themes: de-aging, family stuff, corporal punishment (early chapters only), mental health stuff, hurt/comfort

Chapter 1 - Here We Go Again

Loki walked into the living room, reading over a letter. Tony was glued to the telly, Peter on his lap.

“Loki, what do you know about this?”

“Hm?” Loki looked up. “Sorry?”

“This thing. Do you know where it’s come from?”

Loki peered at the telly. He recognised the segment: he’d seen it several times already that day. He and his colleagues at the hospital had gathered round the television in the waiting room early that morning, no one knowing quite what to say. This strange being was turning teenagers into toddlers. The motives, if any, were unclear. It didn’t seem to be an effective strategy for... well, anything. Aside from distressing the family and mussing things up a bit, it didn’t really have much of an effect. It certainly wasn’t a global scale scare-story, anyway.

“This is the first time I’ve come across them too” Loki said, folding his letter and folding his arms over his chest.

“It’s weird, isn’t it?” Peter said, biting his thumb. “What’s the point?”

“I have no idea” Loki said. “There’s a lot of weird things about up there”

“You really don’t know anything about it?”

“No, Tony, I don’t. I don’t know everything in the universe” Loki sighed. “What’s that look for?”

“I... Well, I’ve been talking with Steve and Bruce. We think we need to do something about it”

“What, found a cure, have you?” Loki raised an eyebrow.

“Well, no. But we could stop it from happening to another kid. I told your brother about it, too. He said he might be able to find someone who could reverse it, if he had the original weapon”

“It’s a bit strong classing it as a weapon, don’t you think?”

“Loki, people are being de-aged. Sure, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not physical harmful, but it’s still an attack, right?” he squeezed Peter tight, kissing him on the cheek. “How would you feel if our baby was hit with this weird ray gun?”

“I’m sure we’d manage” Loki said, yawning.

“Boring you, am I?” Tony said, scowling.

“Sorry, darling. I’m tired. It’s been a long day. We’ve had every conversation possible about this at work today” he said. “The kids aren’t hurt. After they’ve been hit, they don’t remember being big. They remember people, places, their likes and dislikes, that kind of thing”

“That’s a little bit beside my point” Tony said. “We need to stop this creature. What is it they’re calling him again?”

“Kindsprengen” Peter said. “It’s taken from German. Macy was saying. It’s the words for child and blast”

“That’s a rubbish name” Loki said. “Humans are idiots”

Tony rolled his eyes. “What would you call him, then?”

“How do you know it’s a he? Why do we need to name it?”

“For the tabloids” Peter said.

“Tony, you need to take a step back. Even if you can get the guy down, get the weapon, there’s no guarantee Thor can find a reversal”

“Oh what, so we’re just supposed to sit around and let it keep happening?”

“That’s not what I said”

“It’s what you meant” Tony shook his head at him. “The Avengers are supposed to look after the Earth. If it means taking down this guy - this Kindsprengen - then we’ll do it”

Peter looked back at the TV, even though the segment had long since finished.

“It’s kinda scary, don’t you think?”

Tony looked at him, and kissed him hard on the cheek. “You’re safe here, kiddo”

“I can help though, can’t I? With the battle?”

Tony laughed slightly. “Sure thing, kiddo. We’ll find a way to incorporate Spiderman. Daddy will help too”

“Uh, sorry, what?”

“I said, you’ll help”

“Uh, no, pacifist, remember?”

“Oh don’t pull that card” Tony sighed irritably. “You’re good at this kind of thing. You can step up just this once”

“I’ll think about it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my bed is calling me”

“Loki”

“Hm?”

“It’s six o’ clock”

“So? I’m tired”

“What about tea?” Peter cut in.

“I had a quick bite after my shift. I’m not going to starve to death over night” he kissed Peter on the nose. “Goodnight, chick”

Tony shook his head and sighed as Loki went off. He looked at Peter, and squeezed him tight.

“We’ll keep badgering him. He might not get on with the whole team, but he’ll help, and he’s good at the fight”

“I know” Peter said. “I don’t think he likes it though”

“No, he doesn’t” Tony said. “Still, we all have to do things we don’t want to do sometimes”

“...Why’s this guy going after teenagers?”

“I don’t know, chick. None of it makes any sense. All I know - all we know - is that it needs to be stopped. It’s not right and it’s not fair”

“We’ll stop him together, dad”

Tony couldn’t help smiling at him. “Yeah, of course we will. Me and you. And a handful of super-hero friends”

“Oh for fucks sake” Loki grumbled to himself, walking into the living room after another long shift to find the Avengers scattered around.

“Hey Loki” Tony said brightly.

“Hey dad!” Peter smiled.

Loki cleared his throat. “You didn’t tell me we were expecting company, darling”

“It was a little impromptu. I forgot to text, sorry”

“Never mind. I’ll leave you to it, shall we?” he said, turning on his heel.

“No, wait! We need you” Tony said. “Bruce, this blueprint-”

Loki sat down heavily, crossing one leg over the other, supporting his head with one hand, just his fingertips against his cheek bone. Peter jumped onto the sofa beside him.

“Hello again, Loki” Steve said.

Loki offered him a small, reluctant smile. He didn’t offer anyone else the same courtesy. He put an arm round Peter and ignored the room, wondering how it had come to this yet again. He didn’t like getting involved. To his credit, he did manage to weasel his way out of it a good 95% of the time. But that still meant that 5% of missions called for him. And that wasn’t ideal.

Loki didn’t even bother listening to them. At first he kept tickling Peter and giving him sly little pokes, trying to make him laugh, but the boy glared and pushed his hand away, focusing his full attention on the conversation at hand. Loki sighed and sat daydreaming for a bit before getting his phone out.

“Loki” Tony said as soon as he had done so. “Can’t that wait?”

Loki narrowed his eyes but slowly put his phone back anyway. God, this was dull. There were only slightly more enemy agents than Avengers, and only one had the weird de-ageing gun. Surely they could just take down the main man and the others would fall behind? Whatever. Either way, the big worried discussion ahead of planning didn’t seem to be 100% necessary.

“Wait, so there’s no way to protect ourselves from this gun?” Peter said.

“This guy isn’t targeting adults” Clint said, and then stopped, realised the error of his sentence, and sighed. “Just stay out of his way”

“Robin Hood over there is right, Pete. I want you sticking to the background soldiers. Stay away from the main man” Tony said.

“I don’t think that’s necessary” Wanda said. “This kindsprengen won’t know that he’s a kid when he’s in his suit”

“They will if he speaks” Tony said. “Whatever, I just want him out of the away. You’re a helping hand, kid, not a main part”

“What?! Where’s the fairness in that?!”

“Hey, don’t get defensive: Wanda, Bruce, and Nat are helping hands this time round, too” Tony said. “You’re on the sub-team, lets put it that way”

“What about daddy?”

Loki felt the whole room turn to look at him.

“...What?”

“You’re on my team” Tony said.

Loki blinked at him, trying to think of a suitable response.

“You haven’t listened to a word of this, have you?”

“I’ve had a long day”

Tony gave him an exasperated look, and shook his head. “Whatever, just know you’re on the front line”

“With?”

“With me. And your brother and Cap and Clint”

“Oh, I see” Loki said. “No Rhodey this time?”

“He’s away” Tony said. “So, are you going to cooperate?”

Loki didn’t say anything.

“Not really in your nature, is it?” Clint said.

Loki shot him a look. “Ever considered dropping the ‘n’?”

“Shut up! You make that joke every time you see me and it’s never once been funny”

“Is that so? Well, Natasha over there seems to think otherwise”

Clint quickly looked at Nat. “Are you serious?”

Nat shrugged, trying not to smile. “It is a little bit funny”

“Oh for gods sake” Tony sighed. “Can you two stop it? Please, at least leave the inappropriate jokes until after the sprog’s in bed”

“Dad, I’ve heard far worse from you” Peter said.

“Don’t get cheeky. Right, so, strategies. Bruce?”

Nat and Clint started drifting, talking quietly amongst themselves. Wanda tried to look like she was concentrating while she went off in a daydream. Even Peter started getting bored, until it was just Steve, Bruce, and Tony still contributing to the conversation. Thor caught Loki’s eye, but Loki quickly looked away, absentmindedly running his fingers through Peter’s hair. He was tired. He could feel his eyes drooping - and then his ears pricked up at the sound of the front door opening.

“Who the fuck is that?”

“Loki!” Tony snapped. “How many times? I don’t like you talking like that in front of Peter”

“Sorry, sorry” Loki said. “Whom the fuck is that?”

Tony didn’t even dignify him with a response; just glared at him.

“Who is that?” Peter said, looking worried. “Uncle Thor’s already here, and he’s the only one who never knocks”

Tony had stood up, listening. The footsteps approached, and someone entered the room.

“Mumma Carol!” Peter exclaimed, jumping up quickly.

Nat and Clint exchanged a look. “Mumma?”

“Hey, trouble” Carol said, smiling at him.

“You’re back! You didn’t say! Why didn’t you say? I’d’ve got you a present!” Peter said, near enough vibrating with excitement.

Carol looked at him, head to one side. “Come on, then”

Peter grinned and leapt into her arms. Carol caught him easily, spinning him round while he laughed.

“Have you been good while I’ve been away?”

“Uh-huh!” Peter grinned up at her fondly.

“Good to see you again, Cap” Tony said.

“I thought that was my name” Steve said.

Tony rolled his eyes at him, and looked back at Carol. “Peter, let go of her now”

Peter reluctantly did so. Carol addressed the room.

“Good to see you all again”

“Come to lend a hand?” Clint said.

“Just checking in” Carol said, sitting down on the arm of the sofa and putting an arm round Loki’s shoulders. “Loki”

“Carol” Loki said, and smiled. “It’s nice to see you again”

“What are you staring at her like that for?” Clint said accusingly. “You fancy her or something?”

Loki turned to him. “Yes. What, and you don’t?”

“That shut you up” Nat said, laughing at the look on his face.

“Yeah, shut up, Clint” Peter said, sticking his tongue out at him. “We don’t take jokes from people whose names are one letter away from a vag-”

“PETER!”

Peter flinched a little. Tony glared at him, and at Loki.

“That’s your fault”

Loki, like most of the room, was too busy laughing to take him seriously.

“It’s not funny!” Tony frowned. “You’re a dreadful influence”

“Oh yes, I know!” Loki said.

“You could at least back me up, here”

“Why? You can’t seriously tell me you don’t find that funny”

“Right, that’s it-!”

Tony pounced at him. Loki was quick, and all too willing to join in. In a matter of moments they were wrestling on the carpet. Wanda leant close to Steve.

“Should we stop them?”

Steve sighed tiredly. “No; they’re always like this”

As usual, Loki won, pining Tony down by his wrists. He leant close, resting his nose against his husbands.

“I win”

“Yeah yeah, ok. Get off me now”

Loki did so, giving him a quick kiss before returning to his seat.

“You’ve got something to discuss, haven’t you?” Tony said to Carol, as though there hadn’t been a break in conversation.

“Yeah, just between the two of us, though”

“What?” Peter said, sitting down on Loki’s lap.

“Never you mind” Tony said. “We’ll wait until the kids in bed. We’re just finishing up here”

Carol nodded. “What have we got?”

“Some weird guy turning teenagers into toddlers” Bruce said. “We’re baffled as to why: we’re just putting a stop to it”

The meeting wrapped up relatively quickly after Captain Marvel’s arrival. Peter stayed on Loki’s lap, listening intently to everything Carol had to say. She always came back with such interesting stories - and lollipops.

“You said you’d been a good boy” she said, tapping the boy on the nose with a Juicy Drop Pop.

“Oh, Carol! I asked you to stop bringing him sweets” Tony sighed.

“Aww, don’t be such a dad” Peter grumbled, shoving the lolly into his mouth quickly, just in case Tony made a grab for it.

"I’ll continue to be a dad for the foreseeable future, thank you very much” Tony said, checking his watch. “On that note, it’s bedtime, young man”

“What?! No!” Peter grabbed Loki’s wrist, looking at his Rolex. “It’s not even that late!”

“It’s perfectly late enough, chick” Tony said. “Bedtime. Now”

Peter sighed in an exaggerated fashion, flopping back against Loki’s chest. Tony raised an eyebrow at him, which Peter pointedly ignored.

“You’ll need to rest if you’re fighting with us, little boy” Thor said.

“It’s not like we’re doing it tomorrow” Peter pouted.

“Loki, can you-”

“Hey, don’t worry yourself” Carol said. “I’ll take him. Come on, kid”

Peter whined. “Do I have to?”

“Yeah. I’ve got a whole bunch of other stories to tell you. Secret stuff” She stood up, holding a hand out to him. “Come on”

Peter looked at her, and craned round to Loki. Loki gave him a little squeeze.

“Go on, chick. Say goodnight to everyone and go” he said, giving him a quick kiss.

Peter sighed, clicked the lolly back into its plastic, and hauled himself up. He went and gave Nat and Wanda a hug, and said goodnight to everyone. Tony caught the boy, tweaking his nose.

“You’re naughty, did you know?” he kissed him hard on the cheek. “Goodnight, kiddo”

“Night dad”

“You ready, trouble?” Carol said.

“Just coming, mumma” he said, giving Tony a hug before trotting over to her and letting her guide him out of the room.

Clint let out a low whistle once he was out of the room. “I can’t believe that’s the same kid we let out onto the battlefield”

“He’s a good fighter” Wanda said.

“Yeah, but it’s times like this when you realise he really is just a kid”

Carol let Peter ramble on excitedly while he got ready for bed, filling her in on just about everything she’d missed since her last visit.

“Hey, motormouth” she said eventually. “I’m meant to be taking you to bed, remember?”

“I’m 15: I don’t need to be ‘taken to bed’, yknow” he said, but he flopped down on the bed anyway. “What are you gonna be talking with dad about?”

“Just stuff” Carol said.

“Is it about me?”

“No, not this time”

Peter sat up, looking at her. “Hey, mumma? Can I talk to you about something?”

“Is it about me?”

Peter smiled, and shook his head, looking away. “No”

Carol stopped, and then sat down on the bed, facing him.

“That’s not a happy face” she said. “What’s up?”

“...I think there’s something wrong with dad. Can you find out for me when you’re talking to him later?”

“What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“Well... He’s been acting funny. He’s been... Well, he’s been real strict with me lately. He’s been kinda harsh”

Carol took one look at the tears in his eyes, and reached for his hand.

“Hey, talk to me, baby. Has something happened?”

Peter shrugged. “Kinda”

“Recently?”

Peter nodded. “The other day...” he was quiet for a moment or two. “Y’know he has that thing about me not leaving the house without telling one of them where I’m going first? Well, I went down to the shop on the corner and forgot to tell him first. I was only gone for about ten minutes”

“Ok” this wasn’t something new: Peter was always forgetting when he wasn’t going far. “So what happened when you got home?”

Peter shifted uncomfortably. He looked down at their hands, and kept his gaze focused there.

“It’s happened before. Me forgetting. But this time... Well... He really shouted at me. He got cross because I hadn’t answered my phone either, but I couldn’t, because I didn’t take it with me, ‘cos I knew I’d only be a couple of minutes. But he still got angry, and then he hit me. Usually he just gives me a little tap, but it was different this time. He proper put me over his knee and everything, and he hit my legs really hard, and the backs of my knees. It was awful, it really, really hurt-”

“Hey, hey, don’t cry! Oh baby” Carol sighed, pulling him close and hugging him tight. “It’s ok”

“I’m not crying” he said, knuckling his eyes.

“Sure you’re not. What did daddy say about all of this?”

“He was at the hospital, so he didn’t know”

“Ah, I see”

“Mm... Dad's been real weird about me going out for a few weeks now, actually. He even stopped me from going out with my friends, and he didn’t give a proper reason; just that whole; ‘because I said so’ stuff. I don’t get it”

Carol rested her chin on top of his head. “Maybe he’s just scared about this guy that’s out targeting teenagers. Maybe he just doesn’t want you getting zapped”

Peter thought for a moment. “But I can look after myself. I wouldn’t let that guy zap me”

“You’re a fierce little fighter, but if you got in front of that ray gun, there’s no going back. One pull of the trigger, and that’s a baby Peter right there”

“Well, that’s not going to happen” Peter said. “And besides, uncle Thor said they’ll find a reversal once they’ve got the original gun... I know it’s weird, and it kinda creeps me out, but why would dad be scared about it?”

“He’s your dad: he wants to make sure nothing happens to you” she looked down at him. “I know you’ll be fine, but you know what your dad’s like: he’ll worry about anything. Remember the soluble paracetamol incident?”

Peter couldn’t help laughing. “Yeah, he’s a worrier. Daddy said maybe he’s been reading too many parenting books and is trying to show me who’s in charge”

“Well, even if that were true, it’s a load of rubbish: we all know Loki is the real head of this household”

Peter nodded, sitting back. “You’re right about that”

“I know. You know, I wanna hear about your success when you and those Avengers have finished this fight you’ve been so meticulously planning”

“Oh yeah, of course! I’ll tell you everything. Wait, does this mean you’re staying?”

“I’ll stay until you’ve taken down this weird guy and his age-gun” she promised. “I’ve got some stuff to sort out with Mr Mechanic anyway”

Peter giggled, and hugged her again. “We can go out to celebrate afterwards!”

“Sure, sounds good to me” She kissed him on the forehead. “You should probably get some sleep now”

“Aww, ok” Peter sighed.

Carol stood up, and Peter wriggled under the covers and got himself comfortable. Carol smiled, ruffling his hair.

“Go to sleep. I’ll see if I can be here in the morning” she said. “Goodnight, trouble”

“Goodnight, mumma”

Loki had made his escape by the time Carol got back to the living room. Wanda and Steve had taken their leave too.

“Hey, Tony” she said, leaning against the door frame. “You ready for that chat now?”

Tony stopped what he was doing. “Sure. I’ve got some stuff to ask you”

“Good. I’ve got some questions for you, too”

“Oh dear, that sounds ominous” he raised an eyebrow at Bruce.

“Shall we?”

Tony got up. “Yeah, ok, lets go into the study”

Carol leant against the big mahogany desk, folding her arms over her chest.

“You’re scared, aren’t you?”

“...That’s not really what you wanted to talk about”

“It wasn’t. But it is now”

Tony sighed, flopping on the sofa. “What changed?”

“I was talking to Peter. It’s just something he said. He might not be able to read you all the time, but I can”

“So..?”

“I know you’re scared. It’s this guy you’re taking down, isn’t it? You’re scared that Peter’s gonna run into him and get in front of his gun”

Tony looked at her in silence for a moment. “...What did he say?”

“Enough. It’s not hard to figure out. This guy has been around for a few weeks, and in that time, you’ve gone into panicky over-protective dad mode: not letting him go out, harsh punishments, that kind of thing. You know where I’m going with this”

“Ok, so what? He’s my son: I’m allowed to worry about him”

“I didn’t say you weren’t”

Tony bit his thumb, thinking. “I didn’t want him helping with this. I don’t want him in the line of fire. But you know what he’s like; he’d get so upset and offended if I left him out of it”

“No one is going to let anyone hurt him. You’ve got a good team there. Peter will be fine”

“I know” Tony sighed. “I have been harsh with him, I know that. I’m just upset about a whole bunch of stuff right now. He can be so much like Loki sometimes: so stubborn and headstrong. He knows what he wants and he goes for it. It’s hard to look after him sometimes”

“Well, next time, maybe you should sit down and talk to him about it. You know, instead of smacking him for any little mistake”

Tony looked at her guiltily. “Ah. He told you about that”

“He told me you hurt him and scared him after he forgot to tell you about going to the shop”

“Mm... Whatever, look, this’ll all be over soon, and then everything will be back to normal. It’s just the getting to that point that’s the problem”

“Like you said, it’ll be over soon. Which brings me on to the next thing”

Tony nodded to the seat beside him. “Sit down. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night”

#my writing #fanfiction #mcu fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #frostiron #irondad and spiderson

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