#as much as we’re told the main threat is the government trying to put through a Registration Act | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kcatta-wodahs · 3 years

Text

Making Lore Out of the Angel Event

Im the definition of 'its not that deep but I'm going to dig a hole to make it that deep'

In this case its me making it that deep because otherwise this event is upsetting so I'm making some dark lore theories to make it make sense to me.

I'll have a lot of spoilers below. For the event and everything I know, which is up to like lesson 32 I think.

Basically, TLDR; this was an attack by Michael/their Father on Devildom. Simeon and Diavolo have successfully negated the threat by turning it into a game.

TLDR Thesis; The Celestial Realm is governed through careful mind control. The Demon Bros are not "avatars" because of being demons- they have been cursed by their Father to suffer as no other demon nor angel has to.

First we hear direct from Michael, and he's giving these bangles that appear to brainwash the main cast.

This was an attempt by their Father to bring them back under his control. By control, I mean this literally.

I've felt for a long time that the way the Celestial Realm seems to be run is... shady. It's a utopia to outside appearances only, and those who have been most deeply embroiled in the Great Celestial War know this.

The Great Celestial War was over free will, rather than the specifics of Lilith's situation. She was the catalyst for a long-time-coming revolt against the rulers of the Celestial Realm.

My logic for this:

The reason for Lilith's expulsion goes against the current action plan of the Celestial Realm. Peace between the realms? Sure, but their Father is bound to realize that you put angels, humans, and demons together you're going to end up with more angels like Lilith, who fall for other races. Why would he accept this truce if he lost his favored children over an issue that is very similar? Did he have a change of heart? Heavens no.

Luke's behaviour towards the demon's seems case-and-point. Luke is not the strange one out of the angelic transfer students- Simeon is. Not only that, Simeon is chosen not in an attempt to promote peace, but to protect Luke from being influenced. (Which is, again, the whole point\of the exchange program.)

That time we went to the Celestial Realm for real - Lucifer was worried. Scared, even. This can be explained by, you know, the War and Lilith.. but I wonder if it may be more sinister. Like perhaps being brainwashed.

Diavolo and Barbatos weren’t required to wear bangles to become less “demon-like” for the “party”. This is because the bangles were a ploy to get the brothers back.

My theory is that when an angel begins to show signs of rebellion or questioning the divine order, they are forcibly stopped. Michael is that enforcer, and these 'gifts' are a method of stopping them.

The bangles cause a person to act *perfectly angelic* against their free will. The people affected become all smiles and sunshine, so clearly nothing could be wrong with it, right? They’re happy, right?

No. Very not right, and we can see that through Satan.

Poor Satan is always the exception to the rule of the Brothers, as his circumstances are different from everyone else's.

In this case though, he's the one who provides insight on this mind control.

Let me remind you of the quotes Satan gives us during this time:

“I feel worked up.” “I don’t feel like myself at all.”

“It feels like something foreign is forcing my heart to be calm.” “Like my heart... becoming tranquil.”

Satan has never been an angel. He has never experienced this before. He has something the other brothers don’t: self-reflection. Satan can tell the difference between his feelings and feelings that are being imposed upon him. He tells you what he feels - “worked up” and “not like himself” and he is not smiling during this. He’s clearly unhappy, even though an angel might say he should feel unburdened by losing his anger.

He even mentions this.

“Normally, that wouldn’t seem like something bad, right?” “Something isn’t right.” “Maybe you shouldn’t come near me when I’m in this state.”

Satan is under the effects of the bangle, being forced to act angelic, but he can tell something “isn’t right.” He clearly shows that he thinks this is a “bad” thing, not because being calm is bad, but because it’s not “normal”. And can I remind you that he’s the Avatar of Wrath? The Sin that is most likely to be dangerous to be around - and yet it’s only when his anger is forcibly quelled that he thinks you should stay away from him. He knows that this is not something to desire. He knows that it is not happiness.

“I can’t concentrate on reading today.”

I mean, he’s obviously going through a lot, so that’s fair. But I have the theory that if he were to try and research this condition he wouldn’t be able to either. I have a theory about the Garden of Eden. My theory is about Paradise.

Remember when Eve ate the fruit? Do you know what that fruit was? Sin?

No. That fruit was knowledge.

Specifically, knowledge of good and evil. Now, why would this knowledge be something to keep from those under the control of the Celestial Realm? It sounds rather like they might be able to then make their own decisions of what is right and wrong.

Satan has known this from the beginning. Knowledge is power. The Ruler of the Celestial Realm, the other demons’ Father, knows this, too.

Why are there no other Avatars?

Sin was not something inherent to Devildom. Sin is a judgement sent from the Celestial Realm. There are no other Avatars because they are a wholly angelic creation. There are other posts that have examined the Sins as outlets, and how each of the brothers are attempting to find ways to allow themselves to express their sin so it does not overtake them.

From the get-go, we are shown that these Sins are a defining point for the brothers, but we’re also shown that they cause more trouble than anything else. Again, part-and-parcel of being a demon, right?

So why aren’t other demons like this?

Look at Diavolo and Barbatos, or even just the background demons who work across Devildom. Look at No. 2. They are all far more complex, and could even be considered normal. No. 2 is specifically meant to be based off of Mammon and his greed, but is much more rounded when we interact with it.

If Diavolo is meant to be the ruler of demonkind -- the paragon of what a demon should be -- then why would he not be the epitome of all of these Sins in one? What is Diavolo, instead?

Diavolo is accepting.

Hold up a moment here. What? Sorry y’all but it sounds to me like Mr. Demon Daddy King trusts his son enough to pass the kingdom on to him... so that must mean that Diavolo is behaving as a demon should.

Barbatos doesn’t question Diavolo’s choices. Nobody does. He’s an all around popular ruler. Devildom seems to be quite.. the opposite of what we’ve been trained to expect, huh? Trained by who exactly?

What are the Demon Brothers?

Cursed. They don’t act like other demons because they’re not like other demons. When they rebelled against their Father, they were punished for this act, but I posit that the punishment and the exile were two different acts. Their Father knew that leaving the Celestial Realm was not punishment to those who desired free will. So instead, he gave them Sin. Something that Demons are not normally bound to.

But how would the brothers know this? They only know what they’ve been taught by angels about demons. Surely these new, pressing desires come from turning into demons..?

So, why was this not taken seriously?

Short answer: it was. But in the way that aligns with Diavolo’s ultimate goals.

Diavolo wants peace.

Let’s Talk About Simeon

Simeon is an enigma and a half isn’t he?

Simeon is close with Michael, closer than Luke in any case. Now, I’ll be honest, I can’t remember if it was a fanfiction I read that said this or if it was canon so uh - forgive me. But Simeon was chosen to accompany Luke as an exchange student so that Luke would get some education. Simeon says this is to help relations, as Diavolo wants, but of course that’s what you would say as a sleeper agent?

Now, don’t get sad. Because we love Simeon here and we support him.

Simeon is wise and neutral. He seems to support the brothers, and even still wishes to foster a relationship with them. This could be seen as an attempt to bring them back, or some such, but I like to think that Simeon knows what’s wrong with the Celestial Realm.

Simeon, however, doesn’t think that a revolt can solve it. Simeon is working with Diavolo to create a form of peace - and has been transparent about the fact that Michael chose him to prevent Luke from being corrupted. I like to think he’s also been transparent with Diavolo about Michael’s actual goal.

Simeon believes that the races should co-exist and love freely. How could love be evil, after all? Whether or not this is a new concept to him (because of his falling for you) or if this is just who he is, I’ll leave up to you and your preferences, but since he is now no longer undateable, it is established that he does not believe love between angels and humans to be bad - as his Father did with Lilith.

What happened, then?

My theory is that Simeon told Diavolo that Michael had given him a task - to give these bangles to the brothers to remind them of the joy they were missing by disobeying the Divine Order. Either that, or to brainwash them into coming back home.

Simeon’s position would be revealed to Michael if he didn’t give the brothers the bangles, but he does not want to instigate another war either. So he told Diavolo Michael’s plan.

Diavolo wants peace, and he knows that with time, the brothers can overcome this mind control as they had in the past - especially with his help.

So thus comes the “party”.

An excuse to make the bangles seem like a “harmless” gift, that had only gone wrong because of strange magical interference, when really they had done exactly what they were supposed to.

And a wonderful way to maintain peace while leaving the Celestial Realm to stew in their own pots.

Simeon gets to maintain his facade for everyone - and put on a show for Michael as being loyal. He also gets to show Luke that perhaps being wholly angelic isn’t the way for some people, letting him learn a little more about peaceful coexistence. Nothing happens to ruin Diavolo’s grand plan for peace, and he gets to learn more about the curse that is set upon his friends - One that he hopes to be able to break someday, so they can live their lives unfettered by their Father.

#okay this has gone on long enough #i have other ideas about satan in this whole situation but this is my canon now okay #the celestial realm is shady af #Our group of friends are the ones trying to rebel against it #but also are the victims of what happens if you do #man i wish that they would go into deep lore and plot like this in the game #but its an otome so i can't really expect that #anyway this is how im going to treat the whole thing #obey me lore #lore #bast babbles #obey me event #angel event #obey me angel event #obey me #obey me shall we date #obswd #headcanons

561 notes · View notes

fishmongeringstudies · 3 years

Text

the year i turned twenty i stopped waiting for someone to save my life and started eating more vegetables

in the winter of 2018 i got a root canal done on the molar in the upper left-hand corner of my mouth. it had been on the verge of death for a while now; two years prior to that a visiting government-sponsored school dentist had taken a look at it, frowned, and then spent the next two hours wheedling all the rot out of that tiny black hole with a drill. unfortunately the solution he imposed was both extremely painful and temporary, and so two years after the initial incident i found myself once again at the dentist's (this time at a clinic; school dentists don't like to deal with the extra-gritty stuff and are not paid enough to do so). they stuck a needle in my gum, numbed three-quarters of my mouth, then drilled a hole through the center of my tooth and ripped the withering shred of nerve-tissue right out of it.

my dentist helpfully explained all of the above to me during our consultation session in the same office in which he would rip the top half of my tooth off a week later. he was a balding, smiling man whose speech did not, unlike many medical professionals i had met over the years, have an edge of condescension to it. i liked him. i would have liked him more were he not planning to essentially castrated my tooth.

several weeks later i went to another dentist who specialized in helping people in post-root canal limbo, and she stuck a shiny metal crown on what was left of my molar. we then scheduled a series of check-ups to ensure that the crown had not flown off its liege while i attacked an ice cube or something similarly bad for my teeth and mental health, which stretched on for so long that she became, more or less, my primary dental care physician. at first the check-ups were a month apart. then two. time passed. her hair grew longer and our conversations less awkward; she was beautiful and snarky and looked like she would shoot god without hesitation if he stepped into range of her gun. she wore her hair short, red tinged with gold, in a pixie-cut that fell over half of one eye. for a while i thought i was in love with her.

'do you floss?' she asked me on my second check-up.

'no,' i said.

'well.' she broke off a length of dental floss and began to wind it around her fingers. it looked like a death threat and she looked ready to kill, though her eyes were smiling. 'you should.'

for the first year after having an utterly destroyed tooth brought back from the brink of death via a grisly temporary solution that would, at best, buy me one or two decades of peace, i didn't. i didn't floss because when she did it for me in her tiny examination room my gums bled so much it took hours for me to wash the bitter taste of iron out of my mouth. blood is a nice concept and a nicer motif in writing. but it smells awful, and it's worst on the tongue. so i didn't floss my teeth, and i went through life with the kind of casual detached disinterest with which i had approached most things up until then. at my next check-up she asked once again if i had been flossing and i lied that i had. after poking and prodding around in my mouth for a few minutes and taking a scan for good measure she gave me a look and said dryly, 'you haven't been flossing at all, have you.'

disappointing your parents, your favorite high school english teacher, or even your best friend is nothing compared to the sheer embarrassment that comes from knowing your beautiful dentist asked you to do the bare minimum, and you failed to deliver. her voice was arid but we had known each other for long enough by then for me to detect a thin undercurrent of disappointment. i had done it. i had lost the support of the only person in my life who could be counted on to support me. because i paid her for her services. and she was also very funny in a quiet sarcastic way. and she was beautiful.

having had my ego wounded beyond description i resolved to floss from then on and succeeded in dragging my poor aching gums past the bleeding stage to a point where they were merely post-workout sore. then i lost interest and forgot about the white, sterile-smelling clinic that was a fifteen minutes' drive from my house and the little pack of dental floss on the bathroom counter faded into obscurity. two weeks before my next appointment in 2020, an alarm on my phone went off to inform me of the approaching day of judgment. i panicked.

'have you been flossing?' my dentist asked as i lay back in the faded green chair and she put on a pair of new gloves.

'yeah,' i said.

five minutes later, she removed her army of dentistry equipment from my mouth with a satisfied hum. 'i see that you have.' her eyes were smiling. 'your teeth look fine. i'll just clean them a little for you.'

i celebrated impressing my favorite dentistry professional in singapore by forgetting to floss for the next two months. soon after that i got on a plane to america, and then two more for good measure in case i hadn't grown sick of sitting and burning in my own skin already, and then twelve weeks of insanity ensued, the details of which we are surely all acquainted with by now. late nights, walks in the forest, afternoons spent in the sun. mismatched footsteps and strange acquaintances. an elaborate circus act staffed entirely by misguided but well-meaning teenagers. a ring of fire.

two weeks ago i bought a box of dental floss for ninety-nine cents. i think this might be what the anthropologists call 'adulthood'. i was at target with a friend and we were getting toothpaste, which we had both nearly run out of, when i saw the little flat box of dental floss hanging from a hook on the wall. my teeth weren't particularly disgusting (they haven't been, not since i learned how to brush them properly), but they weren't beautiful. it had been a while since i had been on my own mind. for the last three months, others' pain had been my main priority, and now that we had eliminated most of them from the picture, i found myself with more time in the mornings to stare at myself in the mirror and wonder how, exactly, i was doing.

how are you doing? i asked. and the answer was i felt like shit.

while i've stayed in dormitories before for extended periods of time i always got out of doing laundry by either submitting my dirty clothes to an on-campus service which disappeared them into a hole in the fabric of reality and returned them to you a day later, cleaned and folded outside your room so the first time i did laundry by myself in america, a week after arriving on campus, i felt invincible. buying an iced chai from the cafe on a thursday morning and then settling down to work on my laptop until my first class started at noon, i felt like a character in a career advisory ad, like someone who knew where they were going and how they were going to get there. standing in front of the bathroom mirror of my summer dorm, winding a strand of dental floss around my fingers, i felt like i had aged fifteen years in the span of just one, and that just this once, it was for the better.

according to my adult friends, no one ever fully feels or recognizes that they are an adult. adulthood is an ideal that all grown children strive towards the way body-builders aim for more and more muscle mass until there's nothing left of them but a pair of well-toned biceps. there are several industry-approved ways to be an adult, but there are no suggested ways to feel like one. this is part of the gaping maw of inadequacy our generation has fallen into. this afternoon i melted butter in a pan and beat two eggs, milk, salt, and garlic powder together in a bowl. pouring the egg mixture into the pan i began to scrape the edges frantically towards the center with a spatula. the whole process took no longer than two or three minutes. by the end of it my hand was shaking.

according to my adult friends you just wake up one day and start looking for ways to re-organize your pantry and that's when you realize: i'm getting old, aren't i? and i'm getting old, aren't i? twenty's just the start of what a friend recently told me her parents refer to as 'the decade of pain'. but the beginning of something is included in the timeline of its accomplishments, too, and it takes more blind faith to start something than we give ourselves credit for. i have never used a saucepan up until today. in my younger years i often boiled broccoli or cauliflower in a small pot over an electric stove. but the butter, the eggs, the smell of fat sizzling on a pan- this is new to me. this entire life is new to me.

leaving the familiar warmth of your family home, it suddenly occurs to you how fragile life is. how everything your mother has done for you until now has kept you on the path forward, and now you have been given the keys to the basement you have to remember to buy laundry detergent before you run out. it all comes together like this: the humming laundry machines, the hand towels, the fridge full of fruit and cheese. it keeps you alive.

and it's awful. our generation doesn't know what self-care is because we're too busy trying to care for a world which tries, time and again, to kick us off the carousel of life and move on without its ephemeral teenage charges. we are bad at this 'living' thing because we often forget that we are alive at all. look out the window and the world's burning. look into the kitchen, and- quiet. this past year has done nothing to improve the paintings on the wall. we've all known hopelessness. we've all known what it's like to wake up and feel nothing at all.

and yet my flatmate has a new york times cooking subscription that she says we're welcome to borrow if we want to look up a recipe for something like paella, brownies, whatever. the other day she made shrimp scampi and when she knocked on my door and said 'i made food, if you'd like some' i remember thinking living with other people was worth it if you could sit around a table and twirl pasta noodles around your fork in silence. tomorrow i think i'll go to target again and see if i can find more acai. i miss it. i miss singapore's overpriced acai places and their stupid too-high chairs.

and i am living life clumsily, but who cares? a life is a life; all you have to do is live it. the rest can come later, after the dust has settled on the windowsill.

06.09.21

18 notes · View notes

marvels-writings · 3 years

Text

When the World is Against Us (17)

Back Home

Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) Masterlist

Series Masterlist

A/N: Sorry about the delay with this, google decided to delete the draft I had so i had to rewrite it. This isn’t the best part since I’m in a bit of a writer’s block but here you go, I hope you like it!

Nostalgia filled you as the jet landed in front of the compound. Hardly anything had changed since you were gone. Natasha and Steve headed out first as Sam helped Vision get out. The android limped, trying to assure everyone he was alright while doing so.

Once Wanda was sure Vision was alright, she followed you inside. Her hand slipping into yours as you walked towards the entrance to the compound. The sky was a bright blue, the sunlight warming your back as you walked. Resisting the temptation to see your room, you went to where your mom was leading you.

You rushed through the hallways into the main room where Steve was leading you. Many of the recruits side-eyed the avengers storming through the compound. All of you were wanted by the government. But who was about to try to arrest ex-avengers?

Blue holograms filled the room Rhodey stood in as he talked to them. The secretary of state stood in front of him as you walked into the room. A frown went across your face as memories rushed back to you. His nose had healed rather well, but his attitude made you want to break it again.

Wanda subtly pulled you back when she saw the look on your face. You nodded at her before facing forwards. A small smile made its way across your face when she squeezed your hand in support. She knew what you had done in the prison. Although the need for revenge was there, she didn’t want it.

“Mr. Secretary,” Steve stated, standing in the doorway of the room. His hands rested on his belt, he stood a level above the secretary.

“You’ve got some nerve,” He said, walking up to you. “I’ll give you that.”

You stepped forward to reply when your mom stepped in front of you, pushing you back lightly. You sighed and stepped back again, the secretary’s eyes following your movements. Natasha shot you a glare over her shoulder before responding to him.

“You could use some of that right now,” Natasha stated, a tiny smirk crossing her face quickly. His gaze shifted towards Steve.

Rhodey stood behind them, watching the interaction. Which was when you noticed his legs. This was the first time you’d seen him after the accident at the airport. You didn’t think he’d been hurt this badly. A wince covered your face as you watched the robotic legs shift. The blame was on Vision and Sam, but you still felt some of it on you.

“The world is on fire,” He began, his eyes shifting towards you as he continued. “And you think all is forgiven?"

You shifted on your feet, licking your lips as Steve moved in front of you. Threat underlined his every word. His actions angry and deliberate, more towards you than the rest of the team. Your mom threw you another glare over her shoulder, making sure you wouldn’t say anything.

Sarcasm was something that rubbed off from the rest of the team, especially Tony. Using it against the Secretary of State could only get you into a worse place. You already broke his nose, the last thing he wanted from you was sarcasm.

“I’m not looking for forgiveness,” He answered, jaw clenching slightly. “And I’m way past asking permission.”

You glanced at the TV in the corner of the room. It reported that Tony Stark was missing, along with two unidentified others. The spaceship they had come in was also gone. Your jaw clenched, worry-filled you as you didn’t know where he was. You hadn’t seen him in a few years, but you still missed him.

“Earth just lost its best defender, so we’re here to fight.” Steve stepped forwards, “And if you stand in our way, we’ll fight you too.”

The secretary looked up at him angrily, trying to see if he could do anything. There wasn’t much he could do, you were the Avengers after all. He was right, the world was burning. He wasn’t going to wage a war on the Avengers. There were lines even he wouldn’t cross . With a heavy sigh, he turned to Rhodey who looked at him with an expectant smirk. Instead of being annoying with the scene playing out in front of him, he was amused. The secretary glared at him, almost to try to get him to stop smiling.

“Arrest them.” He commanded, sounding more exasperated than authoritative. Rhodey raised an eyebrow and shrugged.

“All over it,” Rhodey answered, waving his hand and shutting down the hologram.

He stood in front of you with a smirk, looking at all of you with a smile. You fidgeted, unsure who was going to make the first move. Rhodey shrugged and dropped his arms by his side.

“That’s a court martial.” He shrugged.

Steve and Natasha chuckled while moving forwards. They greeted him with a familiar hug, glancing back at you when you stepped forwards. The guilt was written on your and Wanda’s face for his current state. Rhodey saw it but didn’t say anything.

“Well, you guys look like shit,” Rhodey commented, chuckling with one arm resting on the counter behind him. You laughed and made a half shrug, one hand squeezing Wanda’s.

“The hotels weren’t exactly five star,” Sam replied, causing you to chuckle. Vision leaned his weight on him, still limping from the wound in his stomach. He chuckled at Sam’s response, wincing almost immediately after.

“I think you guys look great.” A voice sounded from behind you. A voice you thought had left years ago.

Whipping your head around, you saw Bruce standing there, his shirt ripped from the sleeves as he fidgeted with them. The mud coating his sleeves standing out compared to the lightness of his clothes. Your mom stared at him for a few seconds, mouth wavering open for a few seconds.

“Hi, Bruce.” Natasha greeted, voice wavering unnaturally. You glanced towards her nervously, edging towards her till your shoulder touched hers. She startled, leaning backward slightly into your touch before moving back.

Natasha hadn’t told you much about her and Bruce. She had told you a little about how she had recruited him, a little more before Ultron. But after Sokovia, she didn’t tell you anything except for the fact that they kissed. She blamed herself almost as much as him for leaving.

“Nat.” Bruce nodded, his jaw clenching.

A tense silence surrounded the room, you heard Sam mutter something but you couldn’t make out what it was. Vision gave him a strange look. You cleared your throat and gave Bruce a curt smile before excusing yourself and Wanda from the room.

Hand intertwined in hers, you dragged her away from the room and into the elevator, pushing the button to take you onto your previous floor. Letting out a loud sigh, your hand slipped from hers as you leaned against the wall dramatically. Wanda chuckled and rested against the other wall.

“It’s not that bad.” Wanda consoled, but you simply raised an eyebrow. She laughed and a smirk crossed her face. Her smile infectious, a smile covering your face quickly as you waited for the inevitable sarcastic comment.

“It’s only your mom meeting her ex.” She commented.

You snorted loudly before bursting out into laughter. Wanda laughed at her joke, watching you cackle over the simple statement. Once you’d stopped laughing, you offered her your hand as the elevator doors opened.

“To be honest, I’m not even sure I’d count it as dating.” You muttered while heading towards your room. The hallway looked so familiar, if not a little cleaner than what you remembered.

Wanda shrugged next to you, her hand slipping into yours while heading into your room. The door slid open easily as you stepped inside.

Everything was cleaner than you remembered leaving it. The bed was made, the clothes that had been strewn about were put neatly in the closet. The door to the closet was open, revealing all of the clothes you’d forgotten to take with you.

You had thought your memory of this place, your home, could never fade. But it could, the clothes were in different spots, the room had a different lighting. You remembered it almost as some sort of haven, away from everything else. It’s amazing how much your memory eluded you.

All of the random perfumes and hairbrushes you owned were set up on the dressing table. You spotted a familiar shirt in the closet and went towards it as Wanda sat down on the bed. She played with the bedsheets before reaching out for a necklace placed on the dressing table.

“Remember this shirt?” You asked, lifting it in front of you. A lopsided grin covered your face as you remembered it.

It was the shirt you wore on your first date. It was a navy blue denim button-up, you’d worn a tank top underneath it even though you had the buttons done up all the way. But the park Wanda had taken you to was warmer than you had anticipated, you ended up walking around in a button-up open with the tank top showing.

Wanda had been staring at you when she had tripped over a rock and fallen face first. A small part on your shirt was ripped from where you’d fallen from laughing at her.

Your girlfriend glared at you playfully before trying to snatch the shirt away from you. You drew it away from her, laughing as you did so. Taking off your sweatshirt, you tugged the button up over the black t-shirt you were wearing. It still fit the same, the sleeve of the shirt was slightly ripped from where you had fallen.

“This brings back memories,” Wanda commented, laying down on your bed while facing the ceiling.

You moved to lay down beside her, the button up flaring and meeting her hand. Wanda chuckled as one of your hands tried to slide into hers. It was almost a custom at this point, for one of you to try to hold the other’s hand.

When you felt something metallic in her hand, you moved up to take a look at it. It was a necklace, the chain was a dulled silver and the pendant was a delicately woven butterfly with stones through the wings.

It was the necklace Wanda had gotten you for your six month anniversary. You’d worn it almost religiously after she had given it to you. But after the chain broke in a mission and you had to replace it, you preferred to keep it in your room instead. You chuckled as you remembered almost crying when it had happened.

“It definitely brings back memories.” You muttered, playing with the silver chain of the necklace. Wanda began to hand it back to you when you closed her fingers around it, winking at her playfully.

The witch smiled and began to try to put it on, but couldn’t do the clasp properly. She sat up, fingers still struggling with the tiny clasp. You chuckled and sat, up, gently moving her hair over her shoulder and out of your way. Wanda dropped the clasp in your fingers, waiting for you to close it.

You closed the clasp, patting her back when you were done. Wanda whispered a small thank you, her head bowing down as she played with the pendant in her fingers. A sigh left you as you rested your hands comfortably on her waist.

The mood saddened slightly as you began to remember what you had lost. You almost forgot how much you had missed the compound until you were here. You missed everything, from the way the string lights would make the room seem bathed in gold, the way it looked in the morning. It was almost nostalgic when you thought about what you had lost.

FRIDAY alerted you that your presence was required for a meeting in the kitchen.

You jumped, almost falling off the bed at the sudden alert. FRIDAY was something you had been used to. Now, hearing a voice randomly was a little startling. Wanda turned around and saw your eyes wide in surprise. She burst out into laughter.

You giggled at your reaction, watching her laugh at you. After a few seconds, you shook your head and lightly shoved her shoulder. She bit her lip to try to stop laughing, still finding it hard to do so as she got up.

You rolled your eyes and offered her your hand again. Wanda slid her hand into yours comfortably, leading you towards the kitchen. You had little to no interest in the meeting, only wanting to stay in bed and not bother with any of this. You just didn’t want to lose anything more.

Wanda put stroked your knuckles comfortably, consoling you silently. Both of you had lost something, it was almost poetic you found something new with each other.

| Part 18 |

Tag List: @capcarolsdanver, @versdan, @lesbian-girls-wayhaught, @lovebotlarson, @dhengkt, @hstoria, @natasha-danvers, @veryfunnyal, @xxxtwilightaxelxxx , @ophelias-heart , @never-didbefore , @justarandomhumanhere, @the-most-unicorn-of-them-all , @thatssocamryn , @lesbian-x-blackwidow , @wlw-imaginesss , @username23345 , @ohfuckno , @hcartbyheart , @summergeezburr , @imnotasuperhero , @redknight9 , @izalesbean , @anni323 , @a-stressedstudent , @aaron-despair , @rooskaya-yelena , @dynnealberto , @thewitchandtheassassin , @izalesbean , @higherfurther-romanova , @thewidowsghost , @trikruismybitch let me know if you’d like to be in any of my tag lists!

80 notes · View notes

linkspooky · 4 years

Text

This Thing

de·hu·man·i·za·tion

noun

the process of depriving a person or group of positive human qualities.

This thing A meta on the dehumanization of villains done by the heroes in the manga My Hero Academia, if you’re interested read more underneath the cut.

Before saying anything else, yes crimminals are a group of people who can be dehumanized. People who break the law are still in fact people, and while this is mainly talking about a fictional work it’s worth remembering that dehumanization is a tactic used to justify violence and the taking away of human rights from crimminals and incarcerated people.

People are still people. No matter what bad things they do they’re still people. And victims are victims even if they don’t present their victimhood in easy to digest ways. The conflict in My Hero Academia is one much more complicated than hero vs. villain because it exists within a society that generates its own villains through intentional neglect. I say neglect, because most heroes seem to be of the perspective that villains are either born evil, or choose to do evil entirely of their own free will and are never victims of circumstances or forced into the livelihood.

Villain isn’t just what costumed crimminals are called in MHA, it’s a literal legal definition that are given to certain crimminal offenders. We don’t know what exactly the legal ramifications are, but the fact that you can literally be called a villain just for being a repeat offender shows the way hero society views it’s crimminals.

Villain has different connotations, it means an inhuman evil, not just a person who has done bad things. Police also have much more power in comparison to our society as well, in the manga vigilantes when his sister Makoto brings up the fact that technically her friend who has been accused of villainry is innocent until proven guilty and formally charged.

Tsukauchi gets physically angry with her.

What’s important in this situation is the girl they’re arguing about pop step is an innocent victim. She was kidnapped by a man, had a parasite inserted into her brain and is being physically controlled. What she needs to be is saved not put down, but the law is so inflexible it’s only capable of seeing her as a villain not as a person caught in a bad situation who needs to be saved from that situation.

And it’s much later revealed that there is technically a way to save her life, but because it requires breaking of the laws the police and heroes won’t ever do it. Beating her up won’t save her, it’ll just kill her as an innocent victim of circumstance, and stop her from doing any more damage to the people around her. Even if the police knew the way to save her life they won’t attempt it because it breaks the law.

Being a by the book cop is all well and good, but when the law that exists doesn’t protect people there’s something wrong with the law. This isn’t an isolated incident either, we’re shown over and over again in the main manga as well this is always how villains are responded to, violent suppression.

At the start of the manga Shigaraki says this, that heroes and villains are both violent but because heroes are categorized as such their violence suddenly becomes heroic. All Might just dismisses what he says as him being a madman.

Not only that but in the aftermath of the break in the heroes all attempt to dissect Shigaraki’s character. They all make him out to be some kind of insane person that could have no possible rationale or reason behind his actions.

They dismiss Shigaraki’s attack as him simply being a man-child who thinks he can do whatever he wants. There’s no possible way that he could have any kind of sympathetic reason or human rationale, because he’s a villain, right? Except we learn later that’s not the case.

The words that Shigaraki is saying to All Might echo the words of his abuser. Shigaraki is like this not out of his own choice, but because he was deliberately shapped and moulded by someone. The reason why Shigaraki is impuslively violent is because as a literal five year old he was exposed to violence over and over again, and told this is who he was, this is what he was for.

All Might later discovers that Shigaraki is not only the son of Nana Shimura’s son, a child he was personally responsible for when his mother died but decided to go along with his mother’s plan to abandon him (for his protection) and then also that All for One had specifically raised Shimura Tenko as a weapon against him. All Might knowing completely the manipulative kind of man that All for One is, and that Shimura must have been young when All for One took him in. Is still able only to see Shigaraki as a crimminal.

He is literally told that he can’t see him as anything other than a villain otherwise his judgement would be affected. At this point it’s not even ignorance, it’s intentional neglect. All Might SHOULD know that something is up with Shimura Tenko and that he didn’t choose to become a villain and was most likely influenced by All for One and yet the heroes all choose to ignore that fact and instead put him down like any other crimminal.

The problem with dehumanizing crimminals is that cops are not omniscient. Cops make mistakes. Cops are wrong, like... a lot. When you give people the power of law, there are people who are victims who were just trying to survive who are going to get caught up and treated exactly the same as people who are genuinely dangerous and out to hurt others like AFO. There are people who are perfectly innocent sometimes who will get caught up in it too.

People like Tsukauchi and Gran Torino may be good cops, they may be by the book cops, but that’s it. They’re the type that gets angry at the fact that due process exists because they believe that cops always suspect the right people, and that their hunches are never wrong or they could never possibly arrest someone who doesn’t deserve it. Neither of them acknowledge that the system is flawed and often makes mistakes, and because of that they end up believing that the police are always in the right, that the police could never prosecute someone wrongly, and those are dangerous beliefs to have for literally any law system, especially one with guys that shoot lasers out of their eyes.. The reason due process exists is not to slow the hand of justice, it’s because the legal system is really flawed.

The problem with giving too much power to police is that we don’t exist in a perfect world where the police will obey even their own laws. Why don’t we just put cameras in everybody’s houses? People who aren’t doing anything illegal won’t have anything to worry about. Unless suddenly things like speaking out against the government become illegal because the police now have the power to enforce it. What I’m saying is the rule of law does not necessarily = good or evil. Rules are not always good, and they’re also not absolutes they change all the time, and they also don’t always exist to protect people they need to protect. We see this literally happen in My Hero Acadmia, the government uses it’s power to kidnap a child and erase his name literally the exact same way All for One did so he could be raised as a child soldier.

The conflict in My Hero Academia is not good guys vs bad guys, especially when the good guys don’t even act as good guys, and a step beyond that rigid laws and adherence to social order is not ever going to solve the problems associated with villains like Shigaraki because those laws are fundamentally unjust. They don’t exist to protect the people who most need protecting, they exist to oppress a minority in order to maintain social order.

Yes, violent crimminals are still a group of people. They are still human beings with rights. If they’re not guaranteed those rights they will be abused. We’ve literally seen this play out in action.

Hawks corners Twice, and then says he’ll go out of his way to Save Twice because he personally likes him. The only one of the villains Hawks treats as a human and not just an enemy to put down is Twice, and only because he personally likes him.

Twice brings up the fact that all of his friends deserve to be saved the same way he is. In fact, he even goes out of his way to say that he would die to save these people, and Hawks just ignores them because he sees no humanity in them only the one he personally likes.

Then Hawks goes out of his way to mention that if Twice doesn’t stop fighting back, it’s his fault if they die. Twice is trying to argue with Hawks that the people he sees as a danger to society, and that need to be taken down are humans capable of being kind just as much as they are a threat.

Twice murders him. He goes out of his way to murder him and stab him in the back. Hawks acting in a capacity as a hero, goes out of his way to dehumanize Twice again and again, completely ignore his own feelings and words, and then that conflict eventually escalates to murder. The point is not that Hawks had no choice but to kill him, but rather Hawks convinced himself he had no choice but to kill Twice.

The problem with applying this extremely harsh and punitive, even war-like view of law and order is that innocent people like Twice who literally only wanted to keep his friends happy will get caught up in it. Hawks literally thought that Twice had a chance for rehabilitation, that of the league he was the one most likely to rehabilitate and he still murdered him.

Heroes aren’t interested in rehabilitation. They are there to beat up villains. For several of them, it’s not even that far of a jump to get to the point where they start justifying killing villains. Miruko is almost excited to murder the Nomu who are, you know, innocent victims of mad science.

They want to take down Ujiko, but they don’t care at all about his creations which are all former people, and the heroes know this by this point. Finally, I want to discuss one of the most empathic characters in the manga.

Aiawa is the current guardian of Eri. He participated in the mission to rescue her from Chisaki. He is someone who views Eri as a victim, and never gets upset with her or blames her for her out of control quirk the same way Chisaki once did.

Not only that but Aizawa himself has had a friend kidnapped and stolen away by All for One. He knows personally what All for One can do to a person, by changing Shirakumo to Kurogiri he completely warped his personality and controlled him to the point where the person he once was was almost gone.

He knows All for One is capable of having that affect on people, not only that but Kurogiri himself says that Shigaraki is like a lost kitten that he can’t throw away because he feels responsible.

Aizawa has rescued a victim who is in similiar circumstances to Shigaraki. Aizawa has literally seen his best friend warped and changed by All for One’s hand. It should be obvious what Shigaraki has been through by now, and yet Aizawa doesn’t seem to care about Shigaraki’s circumstances at all.

Shirakumo has done bad things in AFO’s name as well. However, Aizawa decides to see Shirakumo as a victim. Even though Shirakumo is also complicit in the grooming and raising of Shigaraki for what he is, and almost certainly had a hand in manipulating him.

Aizawa empathizes with Kurogiri because he knows him personally, because he wants Shirakumo back. He doens’t bother to care about Shigaraki, because he doesn’t know Shigaraki personally. It’s not only hypocritical, it’s also just plain ignorance.

Aizawa is literally given every story reason to care. Shirakumo literally tells Aizawa that Shigaraki is a person he wants to protect and that he’s fond of. Aizawa believes that despite the terrible things he’s done, there’s still the boy who wanted to become a hero somewhere in Kurogiri, and he’s literally proven right.

Shirakumo still has a chance and is given a chance to become a hero, because Aizawa cares about him because they were friends but that’s about it. It’s not like Aizawa is driven by a very rigorous and strict sense of justice. He’s clearly willing to make exceptions, even for people who have put his students at risk, or even personally attacked him. He’s willing to reach out and understand Shirakumo’s circumstances, so clearly he doesn’t have a completely black and white view of good and evil. However, Aizawa’s reasons for sympathizing with Kurogiri and only Kurogiri are ultimately pretty selfish. It’s because he wants Shirakumo back. He doesn’t care about the circumstances, or even who Kurogiri cares about now he just wants his old friend back. Therefore he has no reason to care about Shigaraki who was victimized in a similiar way to Kurogiri, just because he doesn’t know him. I guess you’re not obligated to care about anybody, but it’s the exact opposite of empathy, especially in a character like Aizawa who has always shown to be especially protective of children. Nobody tries to understand Shigaraki, nobody tries to empathize with him, even though he also once had the exact same dream as both Shirakumo, and even Deku.

But Shigaraki’s just a monster that needs to be put down and stopped, there’s not a fragment of good in him like there was for Kurogiri, like there was for Twice.

Aizawa even gets angry at Ujiko for the callous way he treats human lives. For the way they were tossed aside. He’s righteously angry for Ujiko’s victims, especially Kurogiri. But he doesn’t stop to think for a second that Shigaraki is possibly another victim manipulated by the likes of Ujiko. Once again because Aizawa doesn’t personally know Shigaraki, or because Shigaraki is a bad person, who cares if he gets hurt and manipulated by Ujiko.

So we see by the heroes, Shigaraki referred to as a thing, Shigaraki referred to as an it. He’s just a monster to be stopped. It’s like he’s a boss in a video game the heroes need to kill.

Even though they literally see him being experimented on by Ujiko, an actual abuser who has used his money and connections to commit inhuman experiments his whole life that too must be Shigaraki’s fault somehow. The heroes are repeating the exact same lines that Shigaraki’s abuser All for One did on him.

By treating him as a monster. By treating him as a thing that needs to be killed, rather than a person who needs to be saved. They are doing All for One’s work for him by creating a symbol of fear and robbing a lifelong victim of abuse of his humanity. It’s like they want villains like Shigaraki to exist so they can remain heroes.

#mha meta #league of villains meta #lov meta #my hero academia meta #shigaraki tomura #aizawa shota #kurogiri #shirakumo oboro

504 notes · View notes

kitkatopinions · 3 years

Text

Tbh I have no idea how people unironically say RWBY is about trust and how good it is to trust when people have literally had their trust betrayed leading to horrible things in SEVEN major plot points.

Number 1. Before the start of the show, Blake trusted in and believed in Adam, her mentor and (likely romantic) partner. Blake's trust in him was broken, as he went too far and started down a destructive and likely abusive path. This made it incredibly hard for Blake to trust anyone again, which is only made worse as Adam comes back into her life in an incredibly traumatic way, stabs her, cuts off the arm of her friend, and tries to behead her. Adam continues to be a major threat to her and her loved ones for months after, until she is forced to kill him in self defense. Blake's trust in Adam was proved to be wrong, and he hurt her and others.

Number 2. Ruby's trust in her friend Emerald - as well as Mercury and Cinder who were more acquaintances - was broken in an incredibly traumatic way. After discovering that Mercury was faking being injured and had lied about Ruby's beloved sister, he cheerfully stops her from saving Penny, who Emerald orchestrates the death of, and Ruby makes it past him only in time to see her dead, dismembered friend's body. Then Cinder purposefully causes a violent attack leading to the deaths of likely hundreds or more people and murders Pyrrha right in front of Ruby. Emerald, Mercury, and Cinder become central antagonists that the group sees again in Haven, who laugh and jeer about the deaths of their loved ones and almost kill Weiss. Ruby's trust in Emerald and her team was proved to be wrong, and they hurt her and others. Number 3. Leo Lionheart was a trusted member of Oz's inner circle and friend to him and Qrow. Although they (and Ironwood,) are all on edge over recent sketchy actions he's taken, Qrow and Oz give him the benefit of the doubt and Qrow even drops potentially dangerous information about Raven having the Spring Maiden. Lionheart has been working with Salem for a while, however, having gotten many of the Hunters in Mistral killed and having knowingly let Cinder infiltrate Beacon and cause the Fall. He gives this info to Salem and let's her operatives into Haven to capture children, kill children, and specifically murder Qrow - his friend and ally - and even tries to fight and kill, himself. The group trusted Leo, and it was proved to be wrong, and he hurt them and others. This betrayal clearly affects the whole group, but prominently Oz, who says Leo is not the first to betray him and uses it as another reason behind his own lack of trust in the group of teenage protagonists, which leads us to...

Number 4. In season 6 it's revealed that Salem and Oz had once been very close and romantic, but after a lot of stuff I can't take the energy to write out, Salem had changed for the worse, had lied and manipulated him, and started down a dark path he couldn't stand behind. When he tried to leave her with their kids, she exploded and murdered him and caused the deaths of their four young children. Since she couldn't die and Oz always reincarnated, this started a vicious cycle of Salem hunting down, hurting, and murdering him at every chance she got while she also tried to destroy the whole world and Ozpin tried in growing desperation to stop her and keep the world safe. Salem's actions caused great trauma that Oz has been clearly shown to have never fully healed from. She's the direct cause for his fears, paranoia, and isolation. His trust in Salem was proven to be wrong, and she hurt him and others. Number 5. Oz lied to the main cast several times and kept things hidden from them, and even after he swore not to keep any more secrets, he lied to them again. Despite Oz's problems being highly sympathetic, the show clearly intended us to think of this as a betrayal, framing the action as unquestioningly wrong, the complete lack of sympathy of our main cast being entirely unquestioned, and with doubt still being cast on Oz two seasons after. It's clear, however, that even though it’s sympathetic and understandable, Oz caused the others emotional pain through his actions, and the show intended to show us that Ruby and her team's trust in Ozpin was misplaced. Number 6. Ironwood showed major trust in the main characters, dropping charges against them and stopping them from being arrested, telling them all his plans immediately, letting them keep the Relic, giving them their Hunter licenses, sending them on high security missions, and listening to (and sometimes adhering to) their advice or concerns. But Team RWBY betrays him first by lying to him about crucial information (which he actually forgives iirc) and then by going behind his back to aid a vigilante who was stealing much needed supplies and telling her incredibly sensitive and dangerous government high security secrets. And then they never told him about it. Ironwood's trust in the protagonists was proven to be misplaced, and... Yeah, since Blake and Yang more or else helped Robyn get away with stealing supplies that were needed to finish Amity, their actions hurt James and others. Number 7. The Ace Ops and Penny trusted in Ironwood. The show had already framed Penny as having her trust broken by Ironwood when he decided to save the many while leaving the few, which the audience was meant to see as the evil option, but after that, Ironwood worked with a criminal to hack into and control her body and then threatens to bomb the remaining people of Mantle who Penny wants to protect. The Ace Ops and Winter agreed with Ironwood's choice to save Atlas and the already evacuated people of Mantle at the cost of the remaining few city blocks, but were clearly perturbed when he stopped saving as many as he could, and started actively killing whoever he wanted. And meanwhile, Oz himself was also betrayed by this turn of events, making it the second person in his very small inner circle to directly try to murder him. He clearly doesn't need any more reasons to think trusting people is something he doesn't have the luxury of. Oz, Penny, and the Ace Ops' trust in Ironwood was proven to be wrong, and he hurt them and others. And that hurt to type lol.

It's just all very strange. For a show that supposedly is meant to make you believe in the goodness of trust, there's certainly a lot of betrayal, back stabbing, lying, and mistrusting. There's something to be said about shows where bad things happen over and over and our main characters must struggle to continue to be good and trusting still even after they've been taken advantage of... But RWBY is not that, because the main protagonists themselves lie, mistrust, and betray, and the show frames that as good, letting us know Ruby was one hundred percent right and writing in fan favorites berating the people who question that, while they have Ironwood kicking puppies and shouting irrationally to remind us that Ruby's instinct of mistrust was completely good and right. I honestly can't take it seriously. RWBY's messages are juvenile at best, but this one was just severely ill handled. When I say that RWBY has a problem with 'Show Don't Tell' this is one of the things I mean. They didn't construct a narrative where Ruby and her team rise above cynicism, trust in others, and get the good consequences of not being frequently betrayed - thus showing the benefits of trusting and relying on others. They didn't even construct a gritty, sad, but ultimately hopeful narrative, where Ruby and co push through disappointment and betrayals and decide every day to continue to hold onto their morals of giving people the benefit of the doubt and offering redemption. What CRWBY did was construct a narrative where it seems like people would be stupid to keep putting their trust in each other, where it seems likely that anyone could be secretly evil next, and where it seems like the protagonists just don't have to adhere to any rules or standards and will be framed as right and congratulated no matter how they act or who they themselves hurt. And then we're told that the show is about trust, and Trust Love, and how your feelings will always lead you in the right direction despite being shown the opposite. I don't get it at all.

I don't feel like RWBY has anything to do with trust anymore.

#rwde #rwby hate #anti rwby #anti team rwby #anti ironwood #pro ironwood #I feel like I need to tag both anti and pro #because I talk about what the show had him become #but I think it's clear I hate it

17 notes · View notes

kiapet2 · 3 years

Text

Aperture Sides Facility, Chapter 14: If We’re Going to Explode, Let’s At Least Explode With Some Dignity!

Masterpost

Chapter Summary: In which Thomas has a heart-to-heart speedrun

Chapter Warnings: Death Mention, Unethical Experimentation Mention

With a bit of searching you’re able to find a map of the facility in Cave Johnson’s office. The map is wildly out of date, naturally, but you’re still able to use it to orient yourself enough to find an exit, and hopefully with it the meeting place you suggested.

As confident as you can be with where you’re going, you head out of the offices and back into the back corridors of the old facility. Getting to the exit involves climbing up a heavily inclined passage, using old pipes leaking Conversion Gel to make portal-conductive surfaces. Finally, you reach the top, where a massive vault lid opens in the ceiling, letting down a rickety old excuse for an elevator which you promptly climb onto and let take you up, through the vault hole, to a faster elevator which takes you up, up, up to the newer facility floors.

And just like that, you’re back in familiar territory. You start walking, ducking through back rooms and looking for the route back to Remus’ old chamber.

“You’re going the wrong way.”

You jump at the voice right behind you, before turning around with a huge grin. “Virgil!”

“Uh, hey, Thomas,” he says awkwardly.

“Hey,” you say. “Been a little while.”

“Not that long,” he says. There’s an awkward silence where you debate whether you should try talking to him now or later, until he decides the question for you by saying gruffly, “Well, follow me then.”

You’re not surprised to see everyone has made it before you; you did have to climb out of the depths of the facility, after all. You are a bit surprised, and considerably relieved, to see that all five of the others have actually come.

“Greetings, Thomas,” Roman says. “I am glad to see you are alright.”

You give a little wave. “Hey, guys.”

“Well?” Janus says sharply, still speared on Remus’ handle. “You told us you have things to tell us. So talk.”

You wince a little internally; of all the people here, Janus has the most reasons to resent you right now. And really, you can’t blame him.

“Let’s start with this,” you say, reaching into the folds of your jumpsuit and carefully pulling out the files you took from the old Aperture office.

Setting the portal gun down, you open the file folder, turning to the first page and holding it out to the others.

“I found this down below, at the original Aperture Science Facility. Look at the names on the top and bottom.”

There’s a pause as the others all strain to see from their positions.

“Project JANUS,” Logan reads. “Subject Name… Oh dear Newton.”

“What?” Roman says. “I’m too far away to see!”

Janus lets out a gasp, so slight he might have passed it off as nothing if you hadn’t been paying so much attention.

“I was made… from you?” he says, voice uncertain and devoid of the anger it previously had.

You nod. “All of you were.”

“Of course,” Logan says, almost to himself. “The singing, the annoyingly upbeat attitude, even the acuity at puzzle solving… I should have seen it all along.”

Roman doesn’t say anything, instead squealing so loud and high-pitched that you’re afraid he’ll burst an eardrum. Beside him, Remus is cackling and listing all the “fun” things you should do together.

“Apparently, the CEO wanted to use me to test AI creation,” you explain. “And, I guess I just sort of stuck as the test subject.”

“Thomas,” Janus says desperately, “I didn’t know. I swear to you on the facility itself, I didn’t know. If I had…”

“I know,” you say softly. “I didn’t either. I thought that I had to pick one person to put in charge, and I couldn’t trust you not to turn on me. But you were right. You were meant to be running things here.”

You hold up a hand at the others’ protests. “You all were.”

“We… all were?” Roman says hesitantly.

You nod. “Take a look at this.”

You go back to the beginning of the blueprints and begin flipping through, narrating as you go.

“In 1986 they started work on Project JANUS, based on the centers of my brain that govern self-interest and social maneuvering. It was originally supposed to be just a precursor to Cave Johnson’s AI, but after he died a year or so later it was made the main project. Janus was fully created and began running the facility about a decade later.”

You flip to the next page. “They started Project PATHOS a few months later, in response to, uh. ‘The Neurotoxin Incident’?”

“If they didn’t want me using it, they shouldn’t have given me access to it,” Janus says imperiously.

You decide not to ask. “Right, so they made a Morality Core to reign you in, and it seems to have worked out. There’s all this stuff here about how well you two worked well together.”

Patton spoke to you about that, what seems like a year ago but was likely only a few days. We made a good team, he’d said in that wistful voice. You should have listened.

“Okay, so you’re saying we need our old dic-tater to join Patton, and then we’ll be good?” Roman says skeptically.

“Heh, he said dick,” Remus says.

“Not quite,” you say to Roman, ignoring Remus and flipping to the next page. “They liked how things were functioning with the two of you, but it wasn’t enough. They wanted to start testing which went beyond simple self-interest and morality. So they started Projects LOGOS and REMUS. Logic and Creativity.”

You flip the page again, and grimace at what you see. “And then…”

“And then they replaced him with me,” Roman says quietly.

“Yeah,” you say, equally subdued. “And made a Threat Assessment Sphere for good measure.” You nod to Virgil.

“Not that I don’t enjoy the trip down memory lane,” Janus says, “but is there a point to all this?”

“You told me once that you used to all run this place together,” you say to the others, “before something went wrong and you were split apart.”

“That is correct,” Logan says.

You gesture to the files. “Don’t you see? That’s our problem! We’ve been trying to come up with one Core who can run this place all by himself, when you were all created to run it together! We need self-interest, moral guidance, knowledge, creativity of all kinds, and caution to keep this place on the right track! That’s why you guys keep not being able to handle the compulsions and corruption, because it’s too much for any one aspect of a personality.”

“So to clarify, you want to put us back the way we were?” Logan says.

“Yeah,” you say. “I want to restore the balance.”

You sigh and rub your head, feeling the nervousness kick in. “And to do that, there’s some things I have to say to you guys.”

“Logan,” you say, turning to face the Core directly, “I owe you an apology. All this time, you’ve been so important to getting us connected to the system, but we never once considered putting you in charge, or even thanked you for what you’d already done. And we haven’t been listening to you much since putting Patton in charge.”

“While I certainly appreciate the sentiment,” Logan says, “it is unnecessary. If your theory is correct I likely would have fared no better than Patton.

“I know,” you say, “but we still took you for granted, and we shouldn’t have. I think your input is really important, and I’m going to do my best to listen to it going forward.”

Logan nods. “I owe you an apology as well. I withheld my support when you most needed it. I was… upset… but that is no valid excuse.”

“Let’s just agree to both do better in the future, all right?” you say, smiling softly, and Logan nods.

With that settled, you turn to the next Core in front of you. “Virgil.”

The Core startles. “What?”

“I know I wasn’t clear enough on this before,” you say, ”but I don’t care if you’re corrupted or not.”

“Thomas-” Virgil says, pained.

“I know, I know,” you say, holding a hand out, “you don’t act the way you were designed to.”

You come forward and take one of Virgil’s hands in your own. He jumps, but doesn’t pull away.

“But Virge, I don’t care what you’re ‘supposed’ to do. Sure, you can be a bit over-zealous at times, but you’ve saved my life more times than I can count on one hand, accurate threat assessments or not. Maybe you’re not exactly how you were designed to be, but you are exactly what you need to be. You’re an important part of this family, and that is never going to change.”

“Yeah sure, whatever,” Virgil mumbles, looking down self-consciously.

You lean down to catch Virgil’s eye again. “And I know this is going to be hard for you to accept, but Janus and Remus are a part of this too.”

“But Thomas-”

“This isn’t something I’m willing to compromise on, Virge,” you say firmly. “You’ve helped me so much since I met you- but so has Janus, even if you weren’t around to see it. And both of you have jobs that are incredibly important for keeping this facility afloat. Whatever happened between you in the past, I’m asking both of you to put it aside now. For all of us.”

“Of course,” Janus says, voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness. “I’ll happily put things to rest, if certain parties would do the same.”

Not the most sincere of olive branches, but it’s enough for now. Virgil glowers, looking from you to Janus and back again, and for a few heart-stopping moments you’re afraid he’s going to refuse.

“Fine,” Virgil spits finally. “I’ll do it for you, Thomas, and because I don’t want this place to blow up. Not for him.”

“I’ll take it,” you say, doing your best not to visibly slump in relief. You really don’t know what you would have done if he hadn’t agreed.

You turn to Roman. “Ro-”

“No need, Tommy-salami,” Roman says. “I am already ready to enact your daring plan, and need no further convincing.”

“That’s not what I was going to say,” you respond.

Roman freezes mid-gesture. “It isn’t?”

“No, it isn’t,” you say. “Roman, I know that you’ve been worried about living up to me calling you my hero.”

“I... Yes, I have,” Roman says.

You take a deep breath. “I was wrong to say that to you, Roman. Yes, I was grateful when you helped me- and I still am- but I shouldn’t have labeled you as my hero.”

Roman flinches back as if struck, and your heart twinges in sympathy, but you push on. This needs to be said.

“You’re not my hero, because you’re so much more than that, Roman. You’re the best at figuring out tests and puzzles and then giving hints that I can understand. You have so many great ideas- including finding Remus, because it was what we needed at the time. But even more than that- you’re a wonderful singing partner. You make even the hardest challenges into an adventure, and get us all swept up with you. Your nicknames and jokes are hilarious, and you’ve been working so hard at making them more kind.”

You look Roman dead in the eye. “You don’t need to save me in some huge, dramatic way to be helpful or important, Roman. And you don’t have to be my hero to be my friend. You’re our Creativity. You’re Roman, and that has always been enough.”

“I-” Roman’s voice cracks. “Thomas, I, uh... thanks.”

“Trust Princey to be the one who needs an entire speech,” Virgil says, teasing and fond.

“Excuse you, Emo-Bot, I am most speech-worthy!” Roman declares, and if his voice is still a little thick, no one calls him on it.

That leaves just one more Core. You turn to Remus, then hesitate.

“Ooh,” Remus says, sidling closer with a little shimmy. “Is it my turn to be praised like a good little boy? Lay it on me, Daddy!”

You grimace, cheeks heating despite yourself.

“I… don’t really know what to think of you, honestly,” you say. “Most of the time I’ve known you, you were trying to kill me.”

“That’s fair,” Remus says cheerfully.

You sigh. “But we know that being at the head of the facility impacts your thinking, and you were only there in the first place because I asked you to be. Because you were helping me. And I don’t think what was done to you in the first place- discarding you like that- was right.”

You hold your hand out to him, as if to shake. “So, I’m willing to give things another chance. If you are.”

Remus moves forward and holds his good handle out towards you. You grab it and immediately pull back as something disgusting squishes in your hand.

“How did you even-” you say, frantically rubbing it off on your pant leg.

“I find smelly things. It’s a gift.”

“Alright, so you’ve had your little heart-to-heart with each of us,” Virgil says. “What now?”

“I guess now we start planning,” you say.

“Right,” Roman says. “I take it our first priority is to stop the self-destruct sequence, right?”

You nod. “I know the bomb is in the control room; can we diffuse that somehow?”

“This little thing?” Remus says dramatically, “I’d hardly call this a bomb. This is just to trigger the packs of thermals upstairs in the gym. Those are the bombs.”

You give him a look. “What?”

“I dunno, just came to me!”

“Odd phrasing aside,” Logan says, “Remus is correct. What we saw earlier was not a bomb itself but rather a detonator connected to various bombs at different points in the facility. When it reaches zero it will begin detonating them in a sequence designed to collapse the facility in a controlled manner. Trying to defuse each bomb individually would be a fool’s errand.”

Roman hums in thought. “So then we just have to stop it from signaling to the bombs, right? No detonator, no bombs.”

“In theory. In practice you would need to either destroy it or remove it from the facility completely to sever the connection. Considering that we currently lack the means to do either, our best option is to shut it down from the administrative position of the facility.”

You sigh. “So it’s back to replacing the facility head, then. Is there any way we can add you guys back in without having to go through that whole process?”

“No,” Janus says. “There’s a reason I was able to lock everyone else out after we were separated. Patton would need to grant any new Cores added administrative access for us to share equal power. If he doesn’t, we’re left as advisors; we could influence him, but not override any of his decisions.”

“So, we replace him now, and then add him back in afterwards,” you say. “Not ideal, but-”

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple,” Logan says. “The replacement process is for corrupted cores. It will not trigger if it scans him as normal.”

“Are we sure that Patton isn’t corrupted at this point?” you say.

Virgil snorts out a laugh, then says, “Oh, sorry, were you serious? Yeah, no.”

Roman says, “Maybe if we add Janus, Remus and Virgil to the system, their corruption will influence the reading enough that-”

Janus scoffs. “That it will register the Morality Core as corrupt? Please. The little guy doesn’t have a corrupt bone in his body; we’d have a better chance painting ‘corrupted core’ on his chassis.”

“So let me get this straight,” you say. “The only way we can stop this place from self-destructing is to get someone else in charge of this facility. But we can’t put someone else in charge without Patton scanning as corrupt, which will never happen.”

“Yup, we’re screwed,” Virgil says helpfully.

“Not necessarily,” Logan says, thoughtful.

“Oh?” you say, “Is there another way to stop it?”

“No,” Logan says, “But there is another way to replace Patton. If Patton himself initiates the process, he can be replaced regardless of his corruption status.”

Janus laughs. “Really? That’s your plan? I’m sure that the Core who tried to imprison Thomas rather than be replaced will be completely willing to give up his power once we ask really nicely.”

“You’re one to talk,” Virgil mutters.

You give him a warning look, then turn to Janus. “I think I might have an idea of how to help him make that choice- but we have to actually go face him to do it. I think we owe it to him- and to ourselves- to try.”

Roman throws his handles out dramatically. “Indeed! If there is any hope of rescuing our beloved companion, we must take it! No matter the peril-”

“We get it, Princey,” Virgil says dryly. “But yeah, I’m in or whatever. Might as well go down fighting.”

“Logically, as the facility is imminently going to self-destruct, we have nothing to lose,” Logan says. “So I agree as well.”

“Deadly peril? Sounds like fun!” Remus says.

You turn to Janus. “Janus, if things work out the way I’m thinking, you’ll be an important part of this. Are you in?”

Janus hesitates for a moment, as if trying to decide whether he can trust you again. Finally he says, “Alright, Thomas. I’ll follow your lead in this. Don’t make me regret it.”

You look around at the circle of faces of your friends. Even after everything you’ve been through, after all the times you messed up, they’re still behind you, still trusting you. Your grip tightens on your portal gun as a new wave of resolve rolls through you. You’re not going to let them down; not this time.

“Alright guys,” you say. “Here’s what we’re gonna do…”

#aperture sides facility #my writing #ts storytime

3 notes · View notes

luna-rainbow · 3 years

Text

Sam, Steve and Bucky meta (part 2)

This is a meta exploring their relationships through Sam's POV. Part 2 covers events in Civil War.

Steve and Sam spent the next two years trying to find Bucky.

When a Russian trained assassin wants to go underground, he's impossible to find. It didn't help that Steve wanted to keep the search a secret. Sam was resorting to inventive ways of getting leads from his contacts without making it clear who they were tracking down.

He's read the thin file Natasha gave them cover to cover a hundred times now. The file was impersonal, almost depersonalising. He knew the man's date of birth and capture, the dates of entering and exiting cryostasis, his measurements, his allergies, the languages he could speak, and his responses to the experimentations. He knew the dates of some of the assassinations, but he knew nothing of what was inside.

Steve was always grateful for any leads Sam came up with, but didn't like to talk about him. Maybe it pained him to recall the man in the past, when he's almost unrecognisable in the present.

Sam wondered what it was that made the Captain so determined. Sometimes he thought Steve would do this for anyone he fought alongside, and then sometimes he remembers Steve's quietly muttered, "Even when I had nothing, I had Bucky."

Sometimes, when bored, Sam would try to profile "James Buchanan Barnes". He should be supportive, loyal, trustworthy. Maybe also caring. Strong-minded, to have survived the initial experiments from Zola. Brave enough to fight beside the Captain as a small team. An excellent shot...Sam would stop himself there; it was so easy to default to external attributes.

Sam wasn't sure he wanted to join the Avengers. He was just a regular guy in a jetpack, and saving the world was for people with fancier powers than himself.

When Steve finally convinced him to meet the group, Tony Stark took an instant fascination to his wings and had an upgrade for him in a week. He was surprised, because out of all people he was most wary of this wayward billionaire who is media's favourite badboy. He heard countless rumours of the guy's ego, and Sam's main hesitation was that he did not want to take orders from superiors who didn't know where their head's at.

But the Avengers had a more egalitarian relationship. Things were discussed as a group and everyone's opinions considered. Tony's love for theatrics was balanced by Steve's groundedness, and both had an earnestness for doing good.

He decided to stay, and just as he was settling in, the Avengers family had their first divide over the Sokovia Accords. Tony, having just been confronted about his own culpability over what happened in Sokovia, wanted to sign. Steve, who had just personally - and at great personal risk - dismantled an infiltrated government organisation, was much more reluctant.

"If we sign this, we surrender our right to choose."

As a vet, Sam experienced first hand military directives that threatened his personal beliefs, and it was one of the reasons he left. He stood behind Steve.

Before things could proceed, the unthinkable occurred.

There was a terrorist bomb attack on the UN Convention. In an instant, the monicker "the Winter Soldier", his association with Hydra, and his real name and image was broadcast across the world. The ghost story had become a real threat in everyone's consciousness.

"If he's this far gone, I should be the one who brings him in." Sam heard Steve say on the phone, "Because I'm the one least likely to die trying."

Steve still believed there was a goodness in Bucky. He still hoped that, two years from their last encounter, the man might do what he did last time and choose not to kill him.

Even after the man had just blown up a building with over a hundred people inside.

Sam wanted to believe the image of Bucky he had created for himself - steadfast, strong-willed, perhaps a little like Steve in his stubbornness. He wanted to hear the man's story, because he would either lead them to any remaining forces of Hydra, or he had another justification. There must be a better explanation for why he would stay quiescent for two years then suddenly do something so dreadful. Secretly, Sam also believed that the legendary Winter Soldier who nearly killed him twice would not have been so amateurish.

The realisation of this thought made him shudder. This guy had been sitting on his mind for too long, and it was twisting his judgement.

He knew it was futile, but he asked Steve whether he was sure he wanted to continue this quest.

Steve's answer was at once unsurprising, exasperating and touching in his faith. "He'd do it for me."

It was hard not to be envious of this guy who had fought alongside the Captain more than 70 years ago, who had left a string of murders and atrocities in his wake, yet was still regarded as a companion.

"The people who shoot at you usually wind up shooting at me," Sam pointed out.

He thought Steve hesitated for a moment. Perhaps he understood, perhaps he chose not to. Bucky was like a curse on both their minds that would not rest until they find him, but Sam just hoped that if shit does hit the fan, Steve has enough sense to remember that there was someone else he could believe in that wasn't Bucky.

He breathed a sigh of relief when Bucky was finally apprehended. It was perhaps the best outcome for everyone - Steve would be happy he's still alive, everyone else would be relieved he's in their hands, and at least he would have the chance to plead his case.

Except things went downhill from there.

Bucky flipped back to Winter Soldier rage, and the psychiatrist who was there when it happened vanished into the panicking crowd. This time, it was Steve who pulled the unconscious Bucky out of a river.

Sam was at the end of his patience. The guy had just torn through half the Avengers. He was a menace and a ticking bomb, but Steve refused to take him back. In the end, they reached a compromise and kept him clamped down.

"Which Bucky am I talking to?" Steve demanded when the man woke.

Still dazed, Bucky muttered, "Your mum's name was Sarah." He then chuckled to himself, "You put newspapers in your shoes."

Steve let out a small sigh of relief, "You can't read that in a museum."

As the two men dissolved into doltish smiles, Sam couldn't believe it, "Just like that, we're supposed to be cool?"

Bucky was cordial and cooperative with everything Steve asked. Sam could see from Steve's manner that the Captain believed he had his best friend back, but Sam had learned about biases in psychology class. Sometimes you want to believe something so badly because you have craved it for so long and needed it to be true.

Sam told himself that he needed to stay rational, because on this matter alone, Steve seemed to lose his levelheadedness. Fortunately, any pity he had for the former assassin was quickly evaporating under his bristly attitude.

The Avengers clashed at the airport. The match was tight, and time was short. Zemo might already be at Siberia, which would mean 5 more super soldiers unleashed on the world.

When Steve told Bucky to head to the jet, Sam cut in and told them to both go. There was no way he was going to let a volatile murder machine go off to Siberia on his own and meet up with his winter soldier comrades. Who knew which way he would turn?

The likelihood of them all flying out was too low, and they just didn't have the time to fight it out. Bucky knew the way, and he needed to go with someone who can control him - and at that moment Steve was the only bet.

Did he regret it when they ended up in the Raft? Only a little. If there hadn't been the threat of the super soldiers, if they didn't have the Sokovia Accords overhanging them, he would have preferred to convince Steve to bring Bucky back, rather than put his entire team in jail over a violent enforcer who would eventually have to face the law.

When Steve came to find Sam, he was alone. In typical laconic form, Steve recounted the brawl in Siberia with a few sentences. As he finished, he said, almost emphatically, "What he did all those years, it wasn't him. He didn't have a choice."

Sam understood that, but he also understood Tony's grief. What victim could accept "he didn't have a choice" from a murderer? What about their choice when he went after them?

But what he heard next surprised him. Bucky had chosen to go back into cryo because he couldn't trust himself to control the Winter Soldier.

He was free, but he put himself back in chains because he didn't want anyone else to be hurt.

That was the first time Sam separated Bucky from the Winter Soldier.

#sam wilson #bucky barnes #steve rogers #sambucky #captain america: civil war #cacw #mcu #meta #almost fanfic #tfatws

7 notes · View notes

lovelyirony · 4 years

Text

No Shelf-Awareness

I’m just trying to work out these cards I’ve been dealt -Rumour, Chloe Howl

Bucky doesn’t necessarily like meetings. He views them as a waste of time, and they could just as easily give him a paper with all the information. Clint says it’s so if they have questions they ask them there instead of making a mistake on the field.

“They allow mistakes?” Bucky asks, as blandly as can be.

“You make me so sad on so many levels,” Clint says, clapping his shoulder. “Yes, you’re allowed to make mistakes. Why the hell do you think Steve is allowed on-field?”

Bucky laughs at that one.

The meeting in question is about Iron Man. The red and gold suit with a man inside of it, apparently. SHIELD wants his identity but more importantly, the technology.

“If you haven’t found anything else like it, what makes you think that he wants to share it?” Bucky asks. “Just let it happen.”

“We can’t just ‘let’ this happen, Barnes,” Fury says, voice steady and eye trained on him.

“Why not?” Bucky asks. “He’s taking care of criminals on a corporate level. We can’t touch that without bringing more attention to agents.”

“Which is why we’re integrating,” Fury says.

“Not fast enough,” Bucky says. “He doesn’t need to gain trust. With integrating, there’s possibility of a double agent. They get paid off and it’s more than what you promise for a salary.”

“I assure you our agents aren’t that low.”

“Oh and you kept them all from Hydra?” Bucky snaps. “Because as I recall, Rumlow was pretty damn happy to be one of Pierce’s lapdogs, so—”

“Enough,” Fury snaps. “Enough from you, Barnes.”

“We could be dealing more directly with the people we have that actually need to be stopped instead of a damned robot who happens to like taking down illegal corporations that were on our to-do list anyway,” Bucky snipes back. “I’m leaving.”

“Don’t bother expecting yourself on the next mission,” Fury calls after him.

He gets a nice and shiny metal finger in response.

Bucky then decides to treat himself to a trip to the bookstore. He’s already read the last book twice, and he needs a new one.

It’s a Friday, and kids are getting out of school. He pays them little mind as he walks with purpose, taking note of possible threats, a new donut shop

The bookstore smells nice, like coffee and sugar. Bucky wanders through it, keeping an eye out for the owner.

He finds him huddled at a table with a group of teenagers, explaining some sort of math problem, laughing at one’s joke. He has glasses perched on the end of his nose, giving him quite an amusing and cute appearance. Bucky smiles to himself a little as he disappears into the stacks, looking through the new arrivals. He finds two particularly interesting ones.

“That one is really good,” comes a voice from behind him. Bucky turns, seeing Tony. He looks nice today. He’s wearing bright yellow shoes. “I like it.”

Bucky takes another look at the cover.

“What else can you recommend? I’m kind of a fast reader.”

(He is not a fast reader. Well, not really. But if you stay up all night only reading because you have too many nightmares, then it counts. Technically.)

Tony puts about four or five books into his arms before he realizes that he hasn’t checked prices or anything.

“Trust me, this is fine,” Bucky says, grinning. “Thanks, Tony.”

“No problem…huh. I just realized I don’t actually know your name.”

Tony does, in fact, know James Buchanan Barnes’ name. Quite well, in fact. He’s the one who Hydra trained to kill people and attempt to kill Howard and Maria Stark, who are still living. They moved to Italy, by the way. No, Tony doesn’t care. Just makes it easier to break into the New York home on occasion, fix up the old workshop.

(He can’t use his own apartment as a base for Iron Man. That would be utterly ridiculous.)

But for this purpose, he does actually need to learn Bucky’s name.

“I’m Bucky,” he says.

“Parents hated you, did they?” Tony teases.

“Only slightly less than my idiot friend who gave it to me,” Bucky says, grinning.

“Idiot friends are like that,” Tony says, smiling. “Well, do you want to sit down and read for a bit? Chairs are open, if you’d like.”

“Sure. Mind if I order a coffee?”

“Of course,” Tony says. “What do you want?”

Bucky did not know that there was more coffee. Well…correction. He knew that there was more to coffee than black. There had to be, obviously. He just wasn’t expecting the menu to be so extensive. He looked at it for a few moments while Tony waited expectantly.

“Um, wow. I don’t drink a lot of coffee, but um, what would you recommend?”

“I personally love the lavender latte we’ve been trying out,” Tony says. “I’ll make you one and if you don’t like it, I’ll replace it free of charge.”

Bucky not drinking a lot of coffee is a lie. Steve joked that he needed a tank of coffee a day to even function. Bucky just usually took it with a bit of sugar and pronounced it good.

Now this was amazing. Bucky loved the drink, loved how different the flavor was. He could drink about twelve more of these if he really wanted to.

“Tony, this is amazing,” Bucky says, expressing pure delight over it. “How do you make coffee this good?”

“You act as if you’ve never had a latte,” Tony says, laughing. (It’s not acting.) “But here, let me explain…”

Bucky could hear Tony Jarvis explain things for ages. He’s really good at it, like he’s used to explaining how things go all the time. Bucky finds it relaxing.

It is at this point that a kid in a t-shirt comes up.

“Hey, Mr. Jarvis—”

“Call me Tony, Pete,” Tony responds. “What’s next on the homework agenda?”

“We have to write a persuasive essay and since you told us you took marketing, we figured you could help.”

“Not sure how much help I’ll be, but sure,” Tony says. “Bucky, I’ll talk to you later. Enjoy the books. If you finish any while you’re here, just put them back on the re-shelving cart by the door, okay?”

“Yes, Sir!” Bucky says, throwing a mock salute. Tony snorts, saluting lazily back.

Bucky gets sucked into the first book. He relates to how out-of-place the main character feels. He doesn’t notice the sky getting dark until he sips his coffee and it’s cold that he looks up.

Tony has been staring at him for the better part of an hour. Not that he knows that. He just knows that Tony has perhaps been gazing for a minute or two.

“Oh god, please tell me I’m not staying past close,” Bucky says.

“You’re not, don’t worry,” Tony says, laughing. “You would’ve known if you were. No, there’s thirty minutes more left, if you want to keep reading. No rush, sweetheart.”

Bucky goes back to his book with a nod, hoping that Tony doesn’t catch his cheeks going bright red. He remembers being called sweetheart before, but this is drastically different from 1934 for all the right and wrong reasons. (Right because finally he can tell a guy he’s cute without getting mauled or having to whisper it near-six-feet-under. Wrong because Tony is running a business and Bucky met him a day ago.)

Tony shifts nervously around the shop. He had planned on closing early, getting into the suit with Rhodey and doing some recon.

Judging from the texts from Rhodey, so was he:

Bitch where tf are you. Stoopid.

Well excuse me honeypie, but I got held up. A customer is still here!

Kick them out tf????? r u on crack?

No you stupid-ass—listen. I just can’t make it

Ohhhh this is your bucky-boy. This is hilarious. Yeah leave the store open until he leaves. Idk why he isn’t on the roster with the rest of the Avengers this week. Should be. Damned good guy. lmk if he’s a booty call

I won’t talk to you for a week.

Thank god!

Tony huffs, clicking his phone off and returning to wiping down the counters and rearranging the records. Bucky walks up, putting the books at the register.

“I didn’t realize people still played records,” Bucky says, looking at the room adjacent.

“I’ll make sure that you get to play some next time you’re here,” Tony says. “But let me ring you up, okay?”

Bucky hands out the amount owed and sticks three dollars in the tip jar. Tony thanks him and smiles, and Bucky thinks he’ll have to start separating his bills more so that he can see that smile more often.

And then, of course, he gets a call from his phone.

“You’re needed,” Natasha says. “Come over. Now.”

“What happened to me being banned?”

“You’re a sharpshooter and a good weapons analyst. Fury would be stupid to reject that. Get here. Now.”

She hangs up. Always keeps it short and sweet, that Romanov. Bucky sighs, figuring out if he has enough time to go to his apartment and stash the books, or if he’ll have to leave them at headquarters.

He has to leave them at headquarters. He gets a look from Steve and Clint.

“Find a new hobby?” Steve asks.

“Of a sort,” Bucky says. “Got interrupted. What’s the plan?”

“Both War Machine and Iron Man are attacking Hammer Industries. Again.” Clint says, rolling his eyes. “You know, just when you thought they would switch it up. This is the third time in a row. Third time’s the charm and all that…”

Bucky doesn’t trust this for a wide variety of reasons. 1.) Iron Man is smarter than all of them, as is War Machine. 2.) Three times? In a row? Something has to be going down.

“What has Hammer Industries been doing?”

“Other than building weapons and government contracts? Nothing out of the ordinary,” Natasha says.

“Government contract is a big deal ever since Stark Industries lost out,” Bruce adds. “CEO—Pepper Potts—decreed no more weapons. Not a very popular move on her part.” Yeah, Bucky could see that. His best is from Stark Industries, but he understands. Iron Man had released evidence about SI’s involvement in shady under-the-table deals, all at the direction of Obadiah Stane.

“So, why go after a government contract?” Bucky muses. “They know something we don’t.”

“That doesn’t matter right now, we’re getting both of them under custody,” Hill says from the cockpit.

It does matter, his conscious whispers, or else you’d still be staring at Tony from the bookstore. His focus returns to the books at his side. He didn’t notice it before, but the bookstore has its own stamp that it gives the inside covers. It’s cute. He must have stared too long, because Steve nudges his arm.

“I’m glad you found a place you like,” he says. “Where is it?”

For some unknown reason, Bucky doesn’t want to tell anybody.

“Just a bookshop,” he says, closing the cover. “Checked it out before coming here. Around the neighborhood.”

That’s all he says before the mission is engaged and he’s strapped with enough gear to kill a pack of bears. He would much rather be reading, but that’s not what he gets.

“Took you long enough,” Rhodey says over the mic. “You and Bucky have fun between the stacks?”

“Nothing of the sort,” Tony responds. “I cannot believe you would accuse me of impropriety, honey. Honestly.”

“I have literally seen you strip on a Tuesday morning because you had too many mimosas and Pepper wanted to see if you actually would.”

“Details darling, let’s focus on the now. What has our dear friend Justin been up to?”

“For one, his online security and the regular security absolutely suck. I already am printing out the evidence where I’m at. I think all we need is to destroy some stuff and then—”

Rhodey gets knocked aside by red, white, and blue.

Tony groans. Figures that they would catch onto the pattern. Tony knew he should’ve waited, but he didn’t want to get Hammer spooked and up and running again. They needed him out of the way, maybe introduce a better CEO or hell, a better company—

“Iron Man, stand down,” comes the loudspeaker of the jet.

“Fat chance,” he mutters, zooming away from one of Hawkeye’s projectile arrows. Seriously, they could have so much better range if he built them. Unfortunately for him, SHIELD apparently wants him on a silver platter, so that won’t be a nice future with the company.

War Machine is already leading the heavy hitters away. The hardest one to deal with is usually Thor, who doesn’t always have the most accurate shot but definitely doesn’t entirely miss. Especially with the hammer having some sort of recall, it’s difficult to avoid. Tony’s just happy that Winter Soldier is off the roster and away from—

Son of a bitch, no he’s not. He can see the arm from here, and curses.

“Platypus, we have a gleaming problem.”

“I thought he was off the roster!”

“Apparently Fury signed his permission slip for this field trip,” he replies. “What do we need to destroy? I have an idea.”

“A shipment of guns. I don’t recommend going anywhere near it, but of course you will not heed my advice.”

“Be a dear and lead the Widow in closer? I think I can do something.”

Winter Soldier is having a fun time. Usually the missions are a one-hit-wonder, so to speak. Iron Man and War Machine move and actually anticipate the shots, which is all sorts of fun. He just hopes that Steve can’t see his grin, or he’ll be in hot water for it. (Fun sucker.)

“Barnes do you have the shot!” Nat yells.

“I’ve had the damn shot, what the fuck do you want me to do against iron?” he yells back.

“It’s titanium-alloy, but I understand,” Iron Man says smoothly, touching down as lightly as a ballerina. “SHIELD not do the intelligence testing anymore? I understand. If they knew Hawkeye was on the team without it…”

Bucky wants to laugh. He really, really does. But he doesn’t. “Why are you at Hammer? What’s your game?”

“I’m surprised you ask,” Tony says, blinking. His helmet tilts to one side. Usually, no one at SHIELD asks any sort of question. This is…new. “Hammer’s selling under the table. War Machine and I are handling it.”

“You didn’t tell SHIELD about this, did you?”

“There’s a reason SHIELD wants me in handcuffs but the suit left to their own devices,” he says. “They’re not as trustworthy as you think, hot-shot.”

And then Iron Man dodges a blast, and the debris lands on the containers.

The company’s own fault. Clever. Bucky has to hand it to whoever is behind the mask, he’s smart.

Iron Man does a mock salute.

“Until next time, losers!” War Machine calls out.

“Do you think they know that War Machine has a tracking device?” Natasha asks. Clint shakes his head.

“Not sure. Probably not since we’ve been focusing on Iron Man. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Bucky turns, thinking. Iron Man had said that they’re not as trustworthy as they seem. What did he mean by that? How so?

Rhodey isn’t a fucking clown. Of course he knows they put a tracker somewhere on his suit. It’s recording audio, which Jarvis knows. Rhodey puts a finger to his lips as they touch down. Tony gets the hint immediately, taps out a message for Jarvis to scan and debug.

“Pest Control Initiative working now…” comes the smooth, lilting accent of Jarvis.

Once they’re out of harm’s way, Rhodey cracks a grin.

“Think they’ll like that?”

“Should fry the system for them for a little bit,” Tony says. “Which leads into me getting in. Thanks for putting up with that whole mess.”

“You owe me a century-old bottle of whiskey for Black Widow.”

“Get in line behind Pepper,” Tony says. “She’ll be at the cabinet on your left.” Rhodey snorts as they touch down at Stark Industries. Pepper is there with a raised eyebrow.

“Evening gentlemen,” she says. “Drinks are on the counter. Fruit juice, no alcohol. It’s a Thursday.”

“Thursday is Friday is Saturday,” Rhodey snarks, taking the glass anyway. “How was work today, Pep?”

“Horrible,” she groans, leaning back on her barstool. “Asshats keep trying to tell me what to do when it’s my company, technically speaking. Tony, how is your bookshop?”

“We’re getting more and more people in,” Tony says. “Record sales are nice, coffee is good too. I need to come up with a new idea for an iced coffee flavor. I’m coming up with nothing.”

“Hazelnut usually works well if you need something in a pinch,” she returns. “Did you manage to get into their system?”

“Success,” Jarvis cuts in smoothly. “I am well-integrated into their system; they have no idea I am there. Of course.”

Jarvis is a bit proud of that particular thing. Then again, he gets a big head when he’s successful.

“Good for you,” Rhodey says. “What can you tell us?”

“Employees have a shocking amount of free time and have made a donut tower.”

“The business, J,” Tony says.

“I am sorry, I was following your ever-amazing guidance for protocol,” Jarvis remarks. “SHIELD has an unprecedented number of holes in security. Files have gone missing. There are a few members that go on trips and check in at the ill-advised times.”

“What does that mean?” Pepper asks.

“When Peggy was running the show everyone had to check in at her time,” Tony says. “She also talked personally about it with everyone or assigned people to supervise if she couldn’t. It was more reliant on people and what you saw. With Fury, times became more technological. Not a bad thing, but not a fantastic thing either. With technology you could claim there was an issue checking in, or the computer lagged. It happens, and you can say that every once in a while unless if you’re me.”

“Because you built most of the systems,” Rhodey says. “So we know you’re at least decently smart.” Tony pokes his tongue out.

“Point is, a lot of the older members of SHIELD either say they didn’t get it, or get tech support to fix it later. Using their inability as an ability, most likely. Clever. I’m just wondering how far it goes.”

“We’ll find out in time,” Rhodey says. “Maybe when you take Bucky out for drinks, you can seduce him into giving you information.”

Pepper stills.

“Tony, you did what?!”

“Um…” Tony glares at Rhodey. “He kind of lives by my bookstore and doesn’t know I’m there? If that makes it better? I should go, I have inventory—”

“Stay,” Pepper says. “We are working on this and I am making sure that you don’t give away your secret because you fall in love.”

“I won’t fall in love!”

“Tall, dark, mysterious, and reads books? Please, I’m surprised I don’t see drool coming out of your mouth,” Pepper says. “Rhodey, did you know about this?”

“Yes. I didn’t tell you because it was funny.”

Pepper huffs. Tony sinks into a comfy lounge chair. It’s gonna be a long night.

262 notes · View notes

sherlockfanficwriting · 4 years

Text

Sherlock “Dangerous Love” (x reader)

Summary - You were always as smart as your brother, Sherlock, however you functioned....a little bit more normal. Breaking into your sister’s psychiatric prison brings forth danger, making you and Sherlock susceptible to it. Will Eurus’s tricks and aid of Moriarty fail to overcome your combined intelligence and skills, if so, will it come with a price? What sacrifices will be made?

Warnings - blood, violence

A/N - I’m certain most of you will love this story as from the feedback from the sibling stories. It’s something you’ve been waiting for. I kinda added some more things to eurus too. Enjoy. @redheaded-hobbit @fanfictionsilove love all u huge credit to @bakerstreethound for basically giving me an amazing dialogue and action scene with Moriarty and the shot, couldn’t have done any better. Check out her works if you love Sherlock ❤️

You skipped up the steps to Sherlock’s flat and burst through the door. He sat on his usual chair. John stood next to him, pacing. Your brother locked eyes with you.

“Did you know?” He asked.

You shook your head. How could you know you had a sister? You’ve had no memories. All you remembered were your brothers, much smaller.

“Did Mycroft tell you anything else?” You asked, walking closer to him. Sherlock’s eyes gave way into his thoughts. He was concentrating, processing a plan.

“I know where she’s at. I got a summary and went on from there.” He squinted his eyes. “Did you get anything else?”

You pursed your lips. “Maybe. Tell me what you have first.”

Sherlock breathed hard. “Master mind. She’s connected with Moriarty. Went to Sweden then the states on multiple jobs, developing a base. In prison now. She was a scientist, worked in chemistry.”

“Like you,” John said, looking at Sherlock.

“She’s involved with Moriarty, however I think he’s tricked. Multiple disguises. You’ve seen her already,” you faced John, “you have too.”

A confused look spread across his face. “I have?” He asked.

You nodded. “She’s good at this.”

“I don’t doubt that she was behind some of Moriarty’s plots. Lestrade has a hit on something else. Threats on the prime minister. They’re talking about a bomb. I went over and spoke with him. It’s Moriarty’s work.” Sherlock said, looking up at the ceiling. He was stumped, which was quite odd for him.

“We have to stop her. Break the connection. Find out her motives. We couldn’t possibly know.” You said. John sighed and lightly cursed under his breath.

“Threats to the government. Perfect,” John huffed.

“She’s using him,” you added. You already knew it. Moriarty was merely a puppet. His only flaw was his trust. It was too easy. She offered him momentary pleasure. He was easy.

“We’re going to go see her.” Sherlock said, standing up and walking to the kitchen. You followed him.

“How?” John asked.

“You’ll see.” Sherlock said, putting on his coat. You walked out the door with Sherlock. John followed behind. He called for a taxi. One came sprinting by and you hopped in with everyone.

“Waterloo station.” Sherlock said.

----------------

The train took you from London to Wales. The skies were dark with dismay. John still looked confused.

“I’ll see you there?” You said to your brother.

He nodded. “Stay on time.”

You began walking off.

“(Y/N)!” Sherlock called. You turned around.

“Be safe.” He said. You smiled at them. You weren’t exactly the best at being safe.

Danger was in your blood. You could sense almost everything, but you couldn’t always sense danger. Most times, you placed yourself in it. You didn’t know why, but thinking about it led you in a loop, undiscovered.

You continued walking onwards from the station and turned around. Sherlock and John went the other way, their bodies soon became lost with the people. You called for a taxi which took you further up the bay, closer to the water. You toyed with your nails, couldn’t refrain from thinking about Eurus. Did you share any traits with her? Were you similar? Was she like you? You knew about her disguises, but you never knew what she looked like. She was manipulative. You could only elaborate on that. You were eager to find out more, pieces together the missing remnants of your childhood. You hopped out of the taxi after paying the driver. You were much closer to the water now. Dark waves hit the stone supports harshly. Small boats were on the water. You scanned the abyss.

“Got it.” You said to yourself.

The small distinct cargo ship you were told to look for was parked and getting ready to leave. You quickly looked around and saw a construction vest and a few jackets hung over a rail near the ship. You walked to it and swiftly grabbed the vest, putting it on in one move. You messed up your hair a bit and shirt, trying to look worn. You were wearing a pair of black palazzo pants and heels which made you rethink your plan. You walked up to the side door of the ship. A man stood pacing around on his phone, smoking a cigarette. He looked up at you when you walked inside.

“I left a few tools in the back from before. Management asked me to get them real quick.” You looked at him and smiled, trying to radiate your charm.

“Sure, sweetie. We leave soon, just so you know,” The man said.

“I’ll be out before you know it.” You winked at him which caused him to shake his head and blush.

You began walking around near the back, pretending to know where you were going. You opened another door, which lead to a series of steps to the keel. You closed the door and walked down. There was ship machinery in every corner. You wiggled through some engines and sat down on a spot between two. You were certain no one would see you here. You waited six whole minutes until you felt the ship start moving. You sighed in relief and patiently waited. Trying to pass the time, you tried to envision Eurus which was difficult. All those deceptive things she did made you question your lineage. You were nervous for what you were about to do. Spying, solving cases, software, criminals - it was all in your blood, but you felt particularly nervous today. You hadn’t done anything like this before. Your mind went over to Mycroft. You decided that he wouldn’t be much help to this. Thinking about Sherlock and how you were on the same waters now comforted you. You leaned your head against the engine behind you. Your eyes closed, but your unconscious intuit didn’t subside.

---------------

You woke up from a quick doze, hitting your head on the engine you were against. The ship stopped, causing you to move forward.. You quickly stood up and walked up the sharp stairs. You had to be careful. You couldn’t be seen.

You opened the door and poked your head out, scanning your surroundings. Seeing that no one was nearby, you walked out and opened the main side door. No one was outside yet, which gave you time to run out. You sprinted across the sand and nudged your body on the side of a cliff, hidden. You took off your vest. You didn’t look at the prison in details, but you noticed the sad stone walls. The prison was on top of the mossy stretched cliff.

You peeped your eye out of your hiding and saw a man walking out of the ship. You didn’t see him before. He carried boxes and wheeled a larger box out. You knew they were all supplies. The man boarded back on the ship which started the journey back under watchful eyes from the security. You put half of your body out of the cliff and waited until a few men walked out to pick them up. They were security, but acted casually, now that the ship was out of sight. They walked up the steps. You sneaked up behind them and stepped to the side before they stepped in. After the last man walked inside, you grabbed the door handle right before it closed. You angled your body to reach the combination code pad. You squeezed it a certain way, just how you’ve done countless times before, which enabled it to open and reveal the colorful wires activating it. You stretched your body further to spark two wires. Immediately after doing so, red lights and a light buzzer began flashing and going off inside and outside. You opened the door and walked inside casually. A few security guards jogged down the hall. You walked past offices and an occasional guard, who paid no attention to anything except his cell phone. You maintained a confident posture and gaze. No one even saw you.

You didn’t know where Sherlock was, but by analyzing the design and structure of the building, you had an idea where Eurus’s cell was. You walked down the staircase and through the hallway. As you were walking down, a door slammed open immediately and out came Sherlock and Mycroft - Mycroft? A second later came John and a man with a suit. Sherlock noticed you first.

“Well done. I was getting worried. As soon as I heard the alarm, I knew.” He said. Sherlock was in a better mood. You knew he was alert. Highly alert. He was excited. It was as if he was almost built for this, and you as well. The red lights and alarm stopped.

“Mycroft? What are you doing here?” You asked, trying to maintain your composure. He wore a suit, directly coming from the London.

“I-.” He started.

“Enough with that. He had full intention to come here on his own to handle this situation by himself.” Sherlock said.

“You’re unbelievable. You don’t trust us. What would your plan be to get around this?”

“This is what I was trying to avoid. I am the government who is taking great care of those threats. How did you even get in?” Mycroft asked you, scoffing.

You rolled your eyes at him. “Do you not know anything about me? You always do this.”

Mycroft sighed and seemed sincere. “I’m sorry.”

Although Mycroft and you were different, you still shared similarities, and it wasn’t only blood. He was always tender to you and didn’t usually yell, like Sherlock. Mycroft never really treated you like mutual. You were still trying to find out why, possibly because you were merely his sister.

“There are memories.” You said.

“Blank ones. I’m aware. I’m sorry. Surely, you can try to understand why.” He replied, rubbing his temples.

“There are more important things to do. I know,” You added.

“I’m leaving.” Sherlock called out. You looked at Mycroft again, then ran up to Sherlock and followed him. He walked up the staircase and down the hallway, making a turn to the right. He opened a door which led to a blank room. Your heart began to beat faster. You knew what was through the other door. You beat him to it and swung the door open. There, in a glass wall was your sister, Eurus, playing a violin. You stood still, wrapping your head around her. Your mind naturally tried to analyze and inspect everything, but you couldn’t figure anything else out about her. Sherlock moved you aside and walked inside, next to you.

John came inside, but Mycroft wasn’t here. Eurus stopped playing and looked at everyone. She locked her eyes with you.

“Sister,” She said. “How much you’ve changed.” Her voice was soft. She possessed a kind demeanor, but underneath it, you sensed desperateness. Evilness. Intellect. Eurus looked at Sherlock.

“Hello, Eurus,” Sherlock said. Eurus’s expression didn’t change.

“Where is Mycroft?” She asked.

“Not here.” Sherlock said.

“No, silly. I know he’s here.” Eurus turned around and began walking in a circle.

Sherlock walked closer to the glass. “Eurus, what are your plans?”

Eurus walked closer. “Don’t you know them?”

“You’re with Moriarty. Why? What can you give him?” Sherlock asked. He thought hard. “I know about your plans with the government.”

Eurus looked at him. She wasn’t surprised. “It’s mutual. I gave him ideas.”

“Ideas?”

“Are you thinking about Redbeard?” Eurus asked. Sherlock didn’t say anything.

You were finally starting to understand everything. “You can give him something else.”

Eurus looked at you and smiled. You knew it all.

You walked out of the room and began running as soon as you entered the hallway and sprinted up another flight of steps. You passed by a glass office, covered by an entirety of glass walls and windows. The abyss of the ocean lay idle in your vision. There, you saw Mycroft sitting on a chair. You opened the door. He looked up at you, but didn’t say anything. Something’s wrong.

“What is it?” You asked. He didn’t look up. You walked closer to him and breathed hard when you saw what was on the floor. A man, recently shot, was dead. Blood poured from his stomach.

“What happened?” You asked him. Mycroft stayed silent. You put your hands on his shoulders and shook him. He looked up at you finally and stared you in the eyes. Then you knew.

Moriarty

You turned around. There he was. He wore a casual silver suit and had a glimmer in his eyes. He was confident, ready, excited. He stood by the door straight up. You scanned him without even moving your eyes. He had a gun, but he didn’t hold it.

“It’s so great to see you here!” He exclaimed. You didn’t say anything. Your mind moved quickly, planning your next move. You knew his intentions.

“I’ve finally outsmarted you.” He said.

You stood up and walked closer to him.

“(Y/N),” Mycroft said. You ignored him.

Moriarty adjusted his shoulders and stood up straighter. You kept eye contact with him.

“What are you going to do?” You asked him, trying to make him think you were ten steps behind.

“What would be the fun in giving that away?” He leaned closer to you, touching your neck.

You opened the door and walked out. Just like that. You knew he wouldn’t shoot you. He was enjoying this. You walked by an alarm and stopped. You opened the alarm case and sparked two wires, the same process you did earlier. You punched in a code. An alarm went off, fulfilling your next plan. You ran downstairs and walked into the room where Sherlock and Mycroft originally were. You knew there was a weapon somewhere. Emergencies. You looked up and down everywhere. You placed your hand under the table and smiled when you felt the cold metal, just where you thought it would be. You hid the gun in your waistline then walked into Eurus’s room. Sherlock rushed out, almost bumping into you, but stabilized you with his arms. A worried look spread across his face when he looked into yours. He didn’t have to ask you anything to know what was going on. He ran out with John.

You opened the door to see Eurus standing in the middle of the room. You knew what you had to do. Your mind was thinking. You acted fast and quick. No emotions played through you. You opened the glass door and entered her room.

“I never got to know you.” She said.

You pulled out your gun. She didn’t react when she saw it. You held the gun up at her.

“We were never similar,” you remarked. “I don’t want to know anything about you. I already know what I need.”

Eurus laughed at you. “You won’t win this. You do realize that?”

You shook your head. “I’ll win. I know that it comes with a sacrifice.”

She scoffed. “You give up that easily? You never did know how to think, did you?”

You walked closer to the glass and kept your gun to your side. “I know more than you think I do. You wouldn’t have a slight idea. Here you are, thinking you’re a mastermind. A perfect place to be, a prison, filling everyone with delusions. You call that winning?”

Eurus walked in another circle. “It’s working. Isn’t it? If you kill me, you’ve still lost.”

You opened the glass door and held your gun to the level of her head.

“You’re insane. Does it look like I need you? You think I do, but that’s great, cause I don’t.” You pulled the trigger, shooting her in the head. Instantly, a red dot formed and grew larger. Her lifeless body fell down immediately. Eurus underestimated you. Although you seemed more human, you weren’t. Your mind was full not even near capacity of concepts and secrets she wouldn’t be capable of attaining or understanding. She was confident you wouldn’t kill her. That’s where you outsmarted her. You knew where Moriarty’s was and his next move, but you were right before. Sacrifices had to be made. Just thinking about it caused your stomach to twist in knots.

You put the gun inside of your pants, on a hinge of your waistline and ran upstairs. You walked up the steps to see Sherlock standing away from Moriarty. Moriarty was saying something. Mycroft still sat down on the chair. John stood behind Sherlock. The alarm wasn’t on anymore.

Moriarty turned around to face you. “The gang’s all here!” He said cheerfully, pulling his gun out casually.

“Each one of you has ruined my chances of success and hadn’t even thought twice about it.” His voice shrilled. “That’s it.” He was right. We have. Delusional. You saw how Eurus messed with his head.

Moriarty walked around in a circle. “Who wants to die first? I have all the time in the world!”

“Moriarty!” John cried out. Sherlock placed an arm blocking him.

“Mycroft, stand up.” Moriarty demanded. Mycroft slowly stood up and walked out of the office, cautiously. You knew they didn’t know that Eurus was dead. You would shoot Moriarty now, but there wasn’t any more bullets left.

“I’ll save the best for last,” he said. Moriarty pointed his gun to John. Sherlock couldn’t do anything. Mycroft wouldn’t. John shrunk down in horror.

“You don’t have to do this,” John said. He was terrified. You couldn’t take a chance with your gun.

You knew your plan.

Sacrifices.

You were the smartest one to initiate the approach. John dying first would mess it up. Without any hesitation, you began running to Moriarty. You jumped up on him and tried to throw him on the ground. He overpowered you and swung you across himself hard, throwing you down on the cold floor. Your body ached, but this was the first step.

“Don’t do that again!” Moriarty screamed. You lied on the ground, motionless.

“She’s dead,” you said.

Moriarty looked at you, shocked. You were pleased. “What did you say?”

“She’s dead. Are you....slow?”

Moriarty gripped his gun tightly and pointed it to everyone. He grew angry and looked at you with pure resentment in his face. He fled down the stairs, not looking back. Sherlock ran to your side. John stood near you. Mycroft walked closer, but he began pacing.

“I have a gun.” You said.

Sherlock didn’t speak. He pulled it out of your waistline. He sighed.

“None left. It might help you”

“I’m lost, but I’m thinking,” Sherlock said.

“We’re all dying today,” Mycroft added.

“Sacrifices. You know what to do. You all do. Go,” you demanded.

Sherlock was puzzled. “Sacrifices? You can’t surely mean-.”

You rose your voice. “I know. I do. It will work. You know what to do. You have time, just go.” Your voice was soft, full of reality.

“Don’t talk like that,” Mycroft said.

“She’s right,” Sherlock added. Mycroft didn’t understand nor did John. It was as if you and Sherlock shared thoughts. He got up from your side and kissed your head before he left. He motioned the others to follow him. You leaned against the glass window. The waves smacked against the cliffs hard.

You heard quick foosteps up the stairs. Moriarty came up. Anger filled his eyes.

“You didn’t think I would do it.” You said.

“I don’t need her,” he replied. He tried to make himself believe that. Moriarty grabbed your neck, but only lightly squeezed it.

“I was saving the best for last,” he said. It was all working.

“If you kill me, what will you accomplish?” You asked, going along with your preset plan.

Moriarty chuckled. “You’ll find out.”

“Will I?” You stalled. You saw out of your eye, Sherlock’s shoes come into your vision. You didn’t look away. You stared into Moriarty’s eyes.

“You killed everyone here, for what? Eurus is dead. You want to kill us. Solid plan.”

He shook his head. “I don’t understand you. You were always there, silently judging me! You ruined me! It was never Sherlock, it was you! Justice for what?!” He screamed.

“You’re weak. You rely on others to do your work. You can’t even manipulate anyone, you’re so bad at it. You are an awful criminal.” You spoke nonchalantly which angered him even more. As much as you were scared, you felt brave.

Moriarty snarled, cocking the gun, the hot metal pressed against your skull.

“You’re no smarter than you sound.”

Here we go

You swore you could feel your heart rate spike as you saw Sherlock’s shoes moving quickly met your eyesight in the split second. He stood to the side of Moriarty, behind him, working efficiently. You felt he was far away, but trusted him. Silence passed but for a moment, a silent bomb ticking with each breath that exhaled. Finally, as if it were a fine orchestration, a man you knew all too well sprinted, his mass of curls wild as he bolted to you, not before the shot rung out, slamming you harder against the wall, aiming the gun away from your head. Your mind began to spin, pulling your hands away only to look at the crimson coating your hands. Your eyes fell on your stomach, now a pool of redness. Your life played in slow motion. You saw Sherlock’s body move through the air and slam Moriarty into the glass window, causing it to shatter in pieces. Your body began to fall backwards, but strong arms pulled you back up. As your body twisted in the moment, you saw Moriarty’s body fall through the opening. Your senses came back to you. Pain filled your mind.

“(Y/N)!” Sherlock screamed. You met his eyes. He was panicking.

You looked into his eyes. “We did it,” you said. The shock numbed your pain. Mycroft and John ran to your side. Their voices were all mixed together. You felt blissful. Your mind flooded with happiness and peace. Is this really death? You doubted it felt like this. You went in and out of your senses a few times. Sherlock picked your body up, your head was snudged in his elbow. He ran fast. The ceiling changed from glass to stone as he ran quickly. Rain droplets fell on you as he ran outside.

“Where’s the boat?” Sherlock cried out. His voice was scared and cracked. You couldn’t see Mycroft. “It’s supposed to be here!”

“Where is the helicopter?! You had precise instructions!” Mycroft’s voice boomed through the phone. Your vision began to blur. It was weird. You didn’t know how you felt about this. You had no control over your body. Memories from your childhood, high school, college rushed through you. Sherlock placed you on the ground and firmly pressed on your stomach. You felt John do the same.

“(Y/N), I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Sherlock cried. You heard the others sob. You tried to say something, but you couldn’t. You were in bliss. You managed to move your hand and squeezed Sherlock’s jacket. He held your hands. Someone else hand your other; you couldn’t tell who. Everything happened so quickly. Memories of crimes, computers, spying, all came flooding back. Exciting times of your life - moments where you almost died, you remembered it all now.

“(Y/N)!”

Your vision started to turn bright white and by doing so, your body shifted through a trance of euphoria. You felt proud. Dying with dignity - it never sounded as good as it felt. You accomplished what you needed. You knew there had to be sacrifices. The whiteness grew brighter, almost as if it was blinding you. You felt welcomed as if you belonged here. Your body was gone, but your mind was undecided. You chose to stay in this state for a bit longer. You continued to hear your siblings cry for you. Sherlock slumped his body over you and hugged you tightly. In the distance, you heard a helicopter. You didn’t know how you were doing it. If you hadn’t been the person you were, you could never manipulate death.

All you felt was peace

Part 2? You’ll find out

69 notes · View notes

feeling-uncomfy · 4 years

Text

SO.

I'm blaming @mindless-monochrome and @trademarked-but-not-really for this but also thank you for the angst :))

I tried to keep as close to cannon as I could for the most part, but I indulged in a little towards middle/end because Tokoyami needs some love dammit >://

Brb I'm gonna go sleep for 24hrs

Let's go!

Tokoyami looked at Mina as explosions rang out from above the surface. Mina seemed to be hiding any anxieties she had well, and Tokoyami was grateful. The last thing they needed was Dark Shadow going bonkers in the dark. Mina sent a grin his way before a woman came falling down.

Mina shot some acid her way. Tokoyami told her to stay back. This was his territory after all. Tokoyami couldn't help the fear that built up when the woman had called him cocky, though. Mainly because she was correct. He wasnt as skilled as she was.

Tokoyami quickly got to work, either way. He had to deal with the threat quickly, otherwise Mina and the others may be put in danger. He couldn't stand for that. The woman knew what she was doing, however. Tokoyami found himself covered in gashes and cuts in minutes, trying to get a solid hit in was a no go. He barely dodged well aimed swipes.

A flash of red, and Tokoyami was jumping back, his collar bone getting sliced. He fell backwards, swearing loudly. He just needed a little more time, just a little more...

Finally, the woman's hair was reduced to short spikes. They had gotten rid of her weapon. Now Dark Shadow could get in close and restrain her, and they could join the others and assist in stopping the main villain, even if Tokoyami found it hard to walk. He was fine.

He didnt take into account that the woman would still use what remained of her hair, and Dark Shadow was sent backwards, hissing in pain. The shards were sent around wildly.

Tokoyami's eyes widened as he heard Mina scream in pain. He turned quickly to see her falling, hitting each and every stop along the way. He was frozen in pure fear for a hot minute, until he forced himself to run over, images of the summer camp flashing through his mind. He'd let enough classmate suffer already for his sake, and now Mina was hurt.

Tokoyami checked her over. 'Please dont be dead, please be okay...' Mina was breathing, she was injured, but alive. It was his fault. He felt anger and shame rising up, Dark Shadow pulling on his control like a dog would a leash. Tokoyami let loose. 'I hope the others are having an easier time than us...' was his last coherent thought before it went black.

It hurt just as much as last time, being wrapped up in shadow to the point where Tokoyami couldn't breathe properly. Hawks had taught him breathing exercises for when things like this happened. He prayed they would be enough.

Sunlight crashed through suddenly, and Tokoyami saw the woman disappearing. He turned to Mina, feeling numb and tired. He dragged himself over, and tried to cover her as the rocks fell and crushed them both instinctively. A particularly large rock smacked down on his head, and Tokoyami groaned in pain as his conscious faded quickly.

Hawks stood in the hospital room, restless. Normally around now, he would be annoying his intern and trying to teach him something. Now, he was stuck investigating a case while his bird bro was off on an island.

That reminded him, Hawks needed to call his intern. Hawks had jokingly promised he would fly over and embarrass Tokoyami if he didnt answer his texts, but now that it had been a solid seventy two hours scince his intern had clocked in, Hawks found himself getting worried. His phone buzzed, and he excused himself.

"The island of Nabu is being attacked by villains!" Hawks's eyes widened. His intern was on that island. Without thinking, he took off down the hallway, kicked the door open and started flying. "Notify U.A! Class 1A has been assigned to that island for a government project."

Hawks flew faster, getting worried. His intern could be in danger. Hell, knowing Tsukuyomi, he had risked his life and was already dying. He let out a huff of exasperation, but sped up again. Hawks could only hope he'd get there in time to find him.

Tokoyami was shaken awake. His head was pounding, and every bit of him told him to go back asleep. Mina hissed in pain, and Tokoyami was awake. He stare upwards at the rocks around them. Mina did too. "No one will be able to find us down here... what'll we do?" Tokoyami went to shrug, looking down at Mina. She hadn't sat up, looking ready to slip off again.

"Rest, Mina. You're hurt. I'll take care of this." Tokoyami hoped he sounded more confident than he felt. Mina slurred out something along the lines of "Are you sure...?" And despite the fact that Tokoyami wanted anything but to be left alone, he nodded and the cave fell silent.

Tokoyami moved slightly, and bit down a whimper of pain. Everything felt like it was on fire. Tokoyami begged for it to stop as he pushed through some rocks. Dark Shadow helped a lot, and soon enough they could see daylight again. Tokoyami's body was in excruciating pain, though he forced himself to move forward.

There was a sudden mini avalanche to his left, and his leg was crushed under the rubble. Tokoyami couldn't stop the scream of pain that escaped him. Fuck, it hurt so much. He begged it to stop. His conscious was fading in and out again. He looked down at Mina, another wave of pain and exhaustion hitting him so hard he slipped and fell back. He couldn't move, the adrenaline from the fight had gone.

Trying his hardest to keep his fist above the rock, he closed his eyes. Someone had to find them, Tokoyami begged for someone to find them. Mina had to get to a doctor, and fast. Tokoyami tried moving again. Nothing.

Hawks flew in, scanning the area. He could see the destruction from a mile away. It's probably the problem-children Eraserhead warned him about. Hawks huffed and flew around the island. He saw two kids falling. "Oh shit..." Hawks processed what he just saw as he watched them get closer to the ground.

It clicked. "Wait, fuck!" He sent feathers out to break their fall. Yeah, definitely the problem-children. Hawks continued to search. Where would his kid be if there was a large-scale battle like this... Hawks stopped. He flew towards a cave-in on the ground.

He saw lots and lots of rubble. He heard helicopters fly overhead as he spotted it. A hand. Hawks panicked as it fell back under. Hawks flew down to where he had seen it. "Kid?! Kid, are you down there?" There wasnt a response. Hawks swore and started digging.

It took a while. Hawks got more and more worried. What if he didnt get down to his student in time? What if that hand falling was the last of his strength leaving him...? No, no, Hawks couldn't afford to think like that. His student was strong. His kid would get through this.

His kid...

Hawks said the words over again. He shook his head and continued digging, his arms tired slightly, his hands not used to the labour. He heard a cough from close by. "Tokoyami? Kid, that you?" He couldn't help the relief that washed over him as he saw his kid again. He was covered in light injuries, but he seemed okay.

Hawks spoke too soon. He winced as he noticed the teens eyes wouldnt stay open all the way, continuously closing and the student seemed to try stay conscious. Tokoyami looked up at him, coughing again. "...Hawks? What are you doing here...?" Hawks breathed a sigh of relief, smiling to himself. "I'm here to help. I brought assistance, too." He looked down at Mina, only noticing her now.

"Is she alright?" Though Hawks didnt find himself as concerned, he thought he should ask anyways. Tokoyami jumped a little, and manoeuvred to pick her up. Hawks noticed Tokoyami hissing in pain and clenching his teeth. "She hit her head, and might have a concussion? Anyway, she needs a doctor as soon as possible." Tokoyami was pale— well, paler than usual, and he tried to stand up.

Hawks had to catch the two kids as Tokoyami's leg gave out. Hawks heard a small gasp of pain leave his student, and he got worried. "Kid, you both need doctors. We'll get you both out of here, okay?" Tokoyami shook his head and tried to stand again. "Mina needs it more than I, sir. We cant afford to—" Hawks noticed something coming towards them. "Tokoyami—!"

He didnt finish his sentence as his kid was sent crashing down again with a cry of pain. There were red spikes piercing his shoulders and back. Hawks sent feathers down the cave without thinking. He moved Mina behind him and held onto Tokoyami securely as whoever attacked them yelled in agony. 'Good.' Hawks thought bitterly. Tokoyami was shaking, still trying to will himself to move.

Hawks placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Hey, hey, it's fine..." Comforting people had never been Hawks's strong suit, but he had to try for his kid. Tokoyami shook his head, rapidly losing consciousness and blood. "Gotta....keep...Mina....safe....c...cant..."

Hawks blinked down at his kid. He turned back to Mina, who was still out. "She's okay, you did good." Hawks rubbed circles into Tokoyami's shoulder. Tokoyami's eyes were glazed over. Hawks sighed again. This kid wasnt going to give in until his friend was safe, huh?

Hawks shifted and showed him Mina. "See? She's safe, and we're going to get you both medical help. Okay?" Hawks reassured his kid. Tokoyami seemed to want to argue, but had to bite back another noise of pain. Hawks simply ran a hand through his kids feathers.

Tokoyami let out a series of noises that weren't human sounding. Hawks paused. "Did you just..." Hawks looked down at his kid in amazement. Tokoyami let out more chirps of distress. Hawks sighed. He chirps back, and was amazed by the immediate affect it had. Damn, he should've tried this earlier. Tokoyami was put at ease by the sounds and stopped struggling to move.

Hawks watched the kid for a little while longer. Tokoyami tenses as another wave of pain floods him, more pained chirps leaving him. "Hey, it's okay. You can go to sleep now. You're both safe." Hawks is right there, and Tokoyami let's his eyes shut. 'Its only for a few moments.' He tells himself.

Hawks watches his kid fall under, going slack in his grip. He let's out a breath. Damn, this kid was exactly like him. And part of Hawks wanted to yell at him for it. Guess he knew why Edgeshot and Best Jenist yelled at him now. He turned towards where the spikes had come from. Speaking of the others...

"Hawks!" Endeavor and some other hero is calling down to him. He looks up and grins. "Heya, I got two here. And one of the villains." He called up. Endeavor nods. "Is Shouto down there?" Hawks shakes his head, and Endeavor frowns. Hawks sets Mina into a stretcher and waits until Mina is halfway up to start flying up, Tokoyami held tight in his arms. Hawks doesn't like how light he is, but that's a question for another day.

Mina is awake as Hawks gets to the top, and she smiles at Tokoyami in Hawks arms. Hawks gives her a thumbs up and starts walking towards a doctor. Tokoyami shifts again, eyes opening. Hawks groans. Tokoyami had barely closed his eyes. "Kid, go back to sleep." Tokoyami shakes his head and goes to move, wincing in pain. "I can walk."

Hawks raised an eyebrow. "Really? I'm not even sure you can stand." Tokoyami huffs, and shifts out of Hawks's arms. There's definitely pain shooting up Tokoyami's legs, but the pain is the only thing keeping him conscious right now. Tokoyami shuts his eyes tight, feeling nauseous and sore. He wont give in, though. Hawks nods as Tokoyami shoots him a smug look.

Hawks doesn't budge. "Let go of my jacket, and if you can still stand, I'll let you try walk." Tokoyami stops. His grip on Hawks's jacket if the only thing keeping his upright. And they both knew that. Tokoyami reluctantly let's go, and his leg screams in agony. Tokoyami almost does too. But even though his whole being is shaking in pain, he's standing.

Hawks swears quietly, but backs off. "Fine, you can walk the rest of the way." He doesnt want him to, though. Tokoyami doesn't even get a step in. He puts his weight on his bad leg, and pain shoots through him, and Tokoyami's whole world turns upside down, bile rising in his throat. Hawks doesnt hesitate, catching him as his kid falls with a yell. Hawks is cursing himself for letting him try, obviously hes too hurt for something like this, Hawks isnt going to let him go again.

Hawks picks him up again. Tokoyami goes quietly, other than a few weak noises of pain. His eyes are already dropping, closing as he drifts off again. Hawks just holds him slightly closer. He approaches the doctor, who goes to take Tokoyami off of him to examine his wounds. Hawks surprises both himself and the doctor by pulling back, not letting him near. The doctor tries again. Hawks steps back on instinct.

"Sir, I need to see him to heal him." The doctor said, reading for him. Hawks takes another step back. "Sir, please!" Recovery Girl hobbles over, and pokes Hawks's shin. "Set him down on the bed, Hawks." She points over at the bed, and Hawks moves over, setting him down.

The doctor goes to touch Tokoyami, and Hawks slaps his hand away. Jesus, what's wrong with him? Recovery Girl shakes her head and shoves the doctor off. She moves closer to Tokoyami, and swats Hawks hand away when he reaches to stop her.

Eventually, Recovery Girl uses her quirk. Tokoyami was completely out now, breathing even and light. Hawks had practically scrambled to pick Tokoyami up when another doctor came in. They apologised, and quickly left.

Hawks carried his kid to the rest of the class, which expressed their panic over another unconscious classmate. Hawks stepped back and gripped tighter when they get closer. Jeeze, he really needed to stop. But alas, he stayed the whole day, keeping a constant grip on Tokoyami.

The class turned in for the night, all exhausted and sore from the days battle. Hawks stayed up, telling himself he was watching the whole class. Tokoyami moved halfway through the night, groaning as he woke up. Hawks jumped up. Tokoyami looked around for a second before jumping up, wincing in pain.

Hawks had a hand on his shoulder, pushing him down gently. Tokoyami didnt go easily, and Hawks tried to calm him down. "Kid, hey. Its alright, you're alright..." Hawks's heart may have shattered when Tokoyami let out a sound of pure fear.

Hawks watched his intern curl into a ball. Tokoyami's breathing was off, and he was shaking. Hawks reached out to help, to do something, anything. Tokoyami let out a sob and Hawks's could've cried himself. He shushed his kid and sat up on the bed, wrapping his wings around Tokoyami. Once his wings were effectively covering Tokoyami, Hawks brought his arms gently around his back.

Tokoyami was tense, his hands trembled as tears flowed down his cheeks. Hawks let out a series of chirps, rubbing up and down Tokoyami's back, who responded with shaky chirps of his own. They went back and forth like this for a while, until eventually Tokoyami's breathing returned to normal. He was leaning heavily on Hawks's side, eyes closing.

Hawks smiled, and ran his hand up and down Tokoyami's back in circles. "Its fine, you're allowed to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up." Hawks voice was barely above a whisper. Tokoyami blinked sleepily up at him. "Promise?" Hawks was taken aback by how quite and... childlike his voice was. Tokoyami sounded like someone his own age, for once. Hawks smiled again, and squeezed his shoulder softly.

"I promise."

Hawks wasnt sure when he had drifted off, but when Bakugo got up because Kirishima and Denki were freaking out and caught them snoozing, Tokoyami completely hidden, he said nothing.

When Yayorozu calmly walked over to Jirou, who was clutching her ears in pain and saw, she didn't wake them. When Iida practically hurled himself over to Midoryia and Uraraka in fear, no one stopped them.

Aziawa came in around six thirty to check on them, and by that time they had all joined together on the couch. Aziawa let himself smile at the sight. He saw Hawks conked out, no sign of Tokoyami. He saw the wing move and it clicked. He sighed and fixed some blanked on the kids. He heard the door open and turned around.

Katsuma and Mahoro were standing at the door. Aziawa said nothing, and let them in. He was surprised to find that Katsuma was holding Edgeshot's hand, but then he saw the badge on his bag and understood. He left them alone, and resumed his spot outside the front door, acting as their bodyguard.

The next morning was slightly chaotic, as the class freaked out, thinking that Shouji had disappeared overnight, only to remember he wasnt able to move properly yet so he had stayed in bed. He was still grateful they checked on him, though.

Hawks woke up to Bakugo and Iida arguing, and moved to get up, but stopped. He still had a snoozing Tokoyami wrapped in his arms. He looked a lot better, Hawks noted. Hawks smiled. His kid had gotten some decent rest in the end. Mina came over, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

Hawks grinned at her. "Um, I just wanted to say, well, Todoroki reminded me..." she pointed over her shoulder to Todoroki, who was listening to Denki explain something. Hawks nodded. "Thank you for saving us. I got really worried for a second there." She looked at Tokoyami, and smiled. Hawks noticed it seemed a lot more genuine than the ones she had given out earlier.

Tokoyami yawned and opened and eye, immediately closing it again. Mina laughed and turned to walk away. "I heard from Shouji he gets cranky in the mornings, so good luck!" Hawks waved her off. Tokoyami's simply pillowed his head in Hawks side, ready to back to sleep.

Hawks laughed softly and poked his interns head. "Hey now, you're gonna miss breakfast." Hawks heard Tokoyami mumble something, shaking his head. Hawks laughed again. "I'll pick you up and bring you over, I mean it!" Tokoyami pulled his head out and stared up at him, his expression was hard to read.

"Thanks for not leaving." The words were spoken quietly, but they were genuine. Hawks melted on the spot. "Aww, kiddo. I promised I wouldnt leave ya. I dont break promises if I can help it." Tokoyami shrugged, and hugged Hawks. Hawks froze, Tokoyami was never this affectionate. Hawks smiled and returned the hug.

"Now let me sleep." Tokoyami buried his head back in Hawks's side, and pulled the blankets over himself. Hawks let out a loud laugh, gaining the others attention. "You were right, Ashido." He grinned at the girl. "He really is moody in the mornings." Denki snorted, and Mina burst out laughing.

Soon, everyone was laughing and chatting like normal fucking kids. 'As they should' Hawks thought to himself. He hefted Tokoyami over his shoulder, holding him in one arm. Tokoyami gave a shout of alarm and complained the whole way over, but was silenced by Bakugo's pancakes.

Hawks grinned and laughed along with the kids, a wing subtly draped over Tokoyami, who seemed grateful. Hawks sighed, content for the first time since he received that phone call.

This was nice.

Well, it was until he had to leave. Hawks really didn't want to, afraid that of he turns away, Tokoyami and his class might get hurt again. Tokoyami assures him they'll be fine, even though Recovery Girl told Tokoyami to go back to bed as he was still concussed. In fact, many of the kids were left concussed. Hawks was worried about how wrong this could've gone....

Tokoyami was dragged back to bed by Mina, who promised Hawks she'd keep an eye on him. "After all, I owe him for taking care of me! Did you know he took the brute of the rocks collapsing?" Hawks stopped, and so did Tokoyami. "Ashido, wait—" Tokoyami tried to stop her, but she was on a roll now. She explained the fight in detail, and how they messed up.

"Yeah! The whole cave was coming down on top of us, but he still protected me! When I woke up..." Mina trailed off, looking unsure. She squeezed Tokoyami's hand tighter. "What? What happened?" Hawks was going to kill his intern either way, might as well hear the whole thing.

"...I honestly wasnt sure if he was alive or not. If Dark Shadow hadn't come out, I would've been convinced he was... yaknow...." Mina trailed off, staring at Tokoyami. Hawks raised his eyebrows in surprise. Mina continued.

"Man, I feel bad. After all that, he told me I was hurt and needed to rest. He ended up clearing us a mini path to safety." Tokoyami shifted uncomfortably, eyes on them. Hawks looked at his kid, who avoided eye contact. Hawks shook his head.

"So not only did you fight a villan head-on in you're own, get crushed by rocks, you then had the audacity to try tell me you were fine. Tokoyami I—" Hawks begun his lecture, only to be cut off.

"Tokoyami Fumikage get your ass to a bed right now before I make you!" Aziawa had come in at one point, Midoryia in tow. He already had one self-sacrificing child trying to help. Now there were two. Hawks watched in astonishment as Tokoyami stuttered.

"Wait— Mr. Aziawa, I'm fine— I swear—" Aziawa just grabbed Tokoyami's uninjured arm and dragged him upstairs. "First Midoryia, now you? Wait, where's Bakugo?" His voice trailed off as the three disappeared upstairs. Hawks laughed as he heard Bakugo curse from the balcony.

Mina laughed with him. "I'll make sure he stays in bed, promise!" She smiled up at the hero. Hawks grinned back. "Dont forget to take care of yourself too." Mina nodded. "Obviously, I'm not stupid like those guys—"

"Shouji, I swear to god! I said dont move! And what did you do? One job, kid, you had one job!" Aziawa shouted from upstairs.

Denki and Sero howled with laughter, though it dissolved into groans as their wounds were bothering them. Jirou simply buried her head sleepily into Yayorozu's sweater. Iida was dragged into a pillow fort made by Uraraka and Asui.

"Hawks!" Endeavor called from the front door. He, like Hawks, hadn't been able to let go of Shouto, who seemed uncomfortable, and a little frustrated. Hawks sighed and looked at Mina. "A hero's job is never done. Take care of Tsukuyomi for me, will ya?" Mina nodded as Hawks left the building.

Mina watched over Tokoyami like a hawk (according to Mina the pun was intended) and in no time at all they were returning to U.A, and classes begun again.

Tokoyami walked into his dormitory room and flopped onto his bed. He heard Bakugo yelling, and Midoryia laughing nervously. Tokoyami sighed and melted into his bed.

Yeah, it was good to be back home.

Jesus this took forever...

I ended up not sleeping for 24hrs and adding to this so it's got more words (22608) so hdhdjdhd I'm sorry

I'm gonna go eat my body weight in food and try sleep more but I regret nothing!!

#boku no hero academia #tokoyami #bnha hawks #aizawa shouta #bnha mina ashido #gonna go now byeee

25 notes · View notes

mypoisonedvine · 4 years

Text

I Never Danced Until I Met You - Chapter 1

Jaskier x (female)Reader

Rating: T (we’re getting into E territory eventually… but not today)

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3.6k (ooh boy it’s a long one… and just the one chapter lol)

Summary: You and Geralt fought together years ago and became quite close friends, but you stayed in your kingdom as a knight while he traveled the Continent to fight monsters. When business brings him back into town, he has a new friend tagging along. Jaskier is mischievous, boisterous, and unrelenting in his romanticism: just the opposite of yourself. No one expected you two to get along… and exactly the last thing you expected was to find yourself developing a peculiar interest in him.

A secret meeting had been called late in the evening by the Queen and her closest staff members. Something had been hunting and killing the citizens of the nation, and a decision needed to be made quickly to save lives and prevent hysteria.

Sadly, not many solutions were being brought forward. You were only there as the Queen’s guard, not a politician, but after an hour wasted on nothing useful, you felt you had to say something.

“I humbly offer a proposition,” you spoke as you bowed before your Queen.

“A knight should not be speaking on matters of governance,” an advisor scowled discouragingly.

“This is not only a matter of governance but a matter of protection of the people: exactly what my Protector should be consulted on,” Queen Araja responded coolly. Her expression softened as she turned back to you, though. “Speak,” she commanded.

“My troops are not prepared to wage war against something of a magical nature. Our royal mage brings understanding but lacks tactical skill. We need someone who can assess this threat and fight it. A-”

“Witcher,” she beat you to your point.

“Blasphemy,” another advisor sputtered incredulously.

“Geralt of Rivia is a famed Witcher; I know him, he is a… colleague. I could write to him, negotiate a reduced price,” you offered, ignoring the dissenting men.

“Price is no issue. Negotiate instead for efficiency, and discretion,” she announced.

“Yes, my lady,” you bowed again, turning to leave. You heard the arguments of the advisors at the table, but ignored them as you rushed to your quarters to get out the parchment and ink so you could write to an old friend.

“There is a man at the gates,” the errand boy said as he burst through your door. His eyes went wide when he realized you were still dressing, your chest exposed. He turned away.

“I should’ve knocked!” he apologized, but you weren’t sensitive about that sort of thing: knights don’t usually have the privilege of privacy, and you hadn’t really gotten used to having a room to yourself since you had become the Royal Protector and been granted your own space and luxuries.

“What you should’ve done was let him in- you knew I was expecting a witcher,” you instructed, slipping the tunic over your head and finally your chainmail and chestplate. Sure, he was a friend, but technically he was here on request of the Queen, and that meant a formal royal greeting, with all the bells and whistles (or in this case, flags and trumpets and horses).

“H-he’s a witcher?!” he stuttered.

“Yes,” you looked at the boy with a tinge of confusion, “why are you so scared? You’re not a monster in disguise are you?”

Clearly he wasn’t one for humour, just looking at you with an expression of absolute terror.

“My horse is ready?” you presumed.

“Yes, my lord- I mean, my lady- er, knight-” he began.

“Shut up, please,” you begged.

“Yes,” he agreed weakly, nodding in submission.

You shot him one last glance before putting on your helmet. You had gotten used to seeing out of it, but it was always a bit of a transition when you put it on and the whole world was just a slit.

There was quite a fanfare, as you had informed the Queen how famous a guest they were entertaining. You knew he didn’t care about that kind of stuff, but it was moreso to send a message to the other staff that Geralt was someone worth respecting. Purple flags were draped over golden staves, an infantry of knights rode their horses towards the gates with full ceremonial armor, there was even a royal announcer to make the whole thing official. It would’ve seemed ridiculous to a foreigner, but it had become very familiar to you after nearly a decade of serving her Royal Highness.

Seeing Geralt again, even from such a distance as your horse trotted towards him with the company in tow, made you smile. It had been a long time since you fought beside him in the battle that made you famous and gave you the opportunity to serve the Queen, but of course he had not aged a day. You were only sixteen then, a naive girl full of anger and a thirst for revenge. In the decade since, you had come to appreciate the art of war, the realities of justice, the balance of peace. You were probably nicer now than you were then, or at least more polite, but every year and the losses it brought hardened you to the world. Even having advanced yourself to leading the Queen’s personal guard, most still doubted you simply for being a woman. Not that you were ever much of a daydreamer, but you were probably the woman in the kingdom least interested in romantic pursuits or anything of the sort. It was just as this thought crossed your mind that you noticed a man stood beside Geralt’s horse, dressed more… flamboyantly, to say the least. They were a nobleman’s clothes, and as you came closer, you realized they were an entertainer’s clothes: he was a bard.

You couldn’t stop yourself from noticing that he was rather attractive. He had a young face, but you figured he was about your age considering his frame and the shadow of stubble on his jaw. It was quite a diverse crowd- knights in armor, royal attendants in proper clothing, Geralt in witcher’s gear- and yet this bard stood among all of them. Dressed formally but with most of his doublet’s buttons undone, and a posture that suggested a lackadaisical attitude. You tried to ignore the chest hair creeping up from behind the collar of his exposed tunic, or the way the muscles in his thighs shifted underneath his tight trousers. Men didn’t really dress that way in your kingdom.

“On the behalf of her Royal Grace, Most Honorable and Noble Queen Araja Persepolla Constantine Asher the Just, the kingdom of Revellon welcomes and accepts Geralt of Rivia, the White Wolf, Witcher most famed, as a royal guest and an honorary citizen of her nation,” the announcer read loudly from a scroll after the horses stopped moving.

“So much for discretion,” you heard your lieutenant mumble so that only you could hear. You tried not to giggle.

“This isn’t really necessary,” Geralt grumbled. His voice sounded even deeper than you remembered, and that’s saying something.

“As a token of her gratitude and appreciation of your arduous journey, a feast will be held tonight in your honour in the main hall,” the announcer continued, ignoring Geralt’s disinterest. “Please join us at your convenience.”

“When is it?” the bard asked. His voice was sort of high-pitched (but then again, whose wasn’t compared to Geralt’s?), his accent indicating that he was highly educated.

“A servant will fetch you from your rooms when the celebration is beginning,” the announcer explained.

“We’re expected to stay in the castle?” Geralt asked incredulously.

“We suspect you will find our conditions highly accommodating,” the announcer smiled politely.

“And the security?” Geralt interrogated.

You smiled as you removed your helmet, letting your hair fall down from the tight bun you had tied it into.

“Finest in the Continent,” you said confidently.

Geralt grinned when he saw you, and you glanced over to absorb the bard’s shocked expression for a moment.

“You failed to mention in your letter that you’d become a member of the Queen’s royal guard,” he said joyfully.

“She is the Queen’s royal guard,” your lieutenant corrected.

“Is that true?” he quirked an eyebrow.

“I wouldn’t have worded it that way,” you said humbly, “but yes. I am the Royal Protector and leader of the good Queen’s army.”

“Spectacular,” he said admiringly.

“You know this woman?” the bard asked nervously. You looked to him but you almost didn’t want to, now that he could see your gaze. You wondered if he could see your own unexplained nervousness.

“She’s a fine warrior,” he said, “one of the finest I know.”

When the formal greeting was complete, you let the servants show Geralt and his new friend around the palace, while you returned to your quarters to change into your dress blues. There was never much of a security threat at a party, especially this one with a witcher in attendance, but for the sake of tradition you were expected to wear your medals and stand at the Queen’s side with your sabre at your hip. You were pulling on your white gloves when a lady-in-waiting came to fetch you.

“I’ll be ready in a moment,” you told her, not even needing her to say anything- because why else would she be here but to tell you that it was time to escort Her Royal Highness to the banquet hall?

Everyone stood as the Queen entered, of course, and you took your post beside her. She sat and motioned for everyone to return to their seats, but you were expected to stand the whole time at her side. You always felt kind of like a decoration at these sorts of events… everyone would talk and drink and eat and dance as if you weren’t there, and you were not permitted to partake of any of it- not that you really wanted to necessarily. You took your duty very seriously, even if you understood that there was not much of an actual risk.

That’s why it was so peculiar when Geralt’s bard- you’d figured out his name was Jaskier, or at least that was what he called himself- stopped playing along with the royal bards and approached you with a chalice in hand.

“I noticed you didn’t have a drink,” he explained, offering it to you, “so I brought you a glass.”

“That’s… kind of you,” you replied, trying to be gracious instead of just confused, “but I won’t be drinking this evening. I’m on duty.”

“That’s all right,” he responded with less disappointment than you expected, “more for me.”

He took a swig of the drink and you felt so unsure of what to do. People normally didn’t talk to you during these things- or all that much in general, really.

“What’d you think of my playing?” he asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“It was… fine,” you answered simply. Now that made him look more disappointed.

“Just fine?!” he repeated incredulously.

“I’m not really the person to ask- I don’t listen to much music, so I’m not a good judge of musical quality,” you defended.

“I wasn’t asking if it was objectively good, I was asking if you liked it,” he clarified.

That was a harder question to answer. You hadn’t really been paying attention to the music itself, but the energy that filled the room with Jaskier played. It was different from other events you’d attended.

“The crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves,” you offered.

“That’s not what I asked,” he pressed.

You sighed.

“I suppose I did like it, yes,” you finally resigned.

“Then why don’t you come down and dance with me?” he asked.

You were blushing, strongly against your own will. This was probably the longest personal conversation you’d had in months, and it was easily the most interest someone had ever shown in you for something other than your fighting skills.

“I don’t dance,” you announced.

“You don’t dance, you don’t listen to music, you don’t drink; what do you do when you’re not fighting?” he asked with a smirk.

“I prepare to fight,” you answered.

“Live by the blade, die by the blade,” he quoted the adage in warning.

“I plan to,” you responded coolly.

You had expected him to be shaken by that, but he just smiled even more. What a weirdo.

“All the better to live for the moment while you can, before your untimely, tragic demise on the battlefield,” he countered.

“That’s preposterous,” you scoffed, crossing your arms.

“As your Queen, I order you to dance with this man,” Queen Araja suddenly interjected, “if for no other reason than for me to be spared of this irritating conversation.”

The smile he shot you when he heard that made you suddenly very nervous.

He reached out and it took you a moment to realize that you were supposed to put your hand in his. You cautiously removed your hand from the grip of your sabre and place it on his. Even through the white gloves you felt that he was warm, and his touch was oddly electrifying.

The royal bards started the next song and you tried to ignore the guests staring at you, apparently noticing that you were not really meant to be mingling with them as given away by your outfit. You felt horribly out of place, and the way Jaskier was looking at you made it so much better and and yet more nervous simultaneously.

You couldn’t even remember the last time you danced, but he guided you through it, slowly at first, and you were very aware of his hand on your back.

It was a lively tune, so you had to keep up the pace without stepping on toes which mostly worked. You tried not to say anything, just hoping to get this over with, but eventually you had to speak up.

“You’re staring at me,” you observed.

“I’m looking at you; I’m dancing with you, where else should I look?” he asked with a tone of sarcasm.

“We’ve fine silk on the walls, look at that,” you suggested.

“Silk looks finer on you,” he winked. “Nice outfit by the way, certainly stands out.”

“Can’t say I’ve ever met a man who didn’t mind trousers on a woman. Causes quite a stir around here basically every single day,” you rolled your eyes.

“You don’t seem the type to suffer fools,” he noted.

“And yet, here I am,” you sighed. Suffering didn’t even begin to describe it.

“This couldn’t possibly be less fun that standing at attention and staring straight ahead,” he frowned.

“It wasn’t so bad,” you shrugged.

“Of course it wasn’t, because you kept sneaking looks at me,” he winked.

Your eyes went wide. Had he really seen you watching him?

“You were the one playing music, where else should I have been looking?” you defended.

“Ah, so now you can’t say I shouldn’t be looking at you while I dance with you,” he countered.

You laughed, sort of an instinctive reaction to the mild annoyance-yet-bemusement you felt.

“Your smile is gorgeous,” he said with a gentleness to his voice you were unprepared for. You wanted to look away from him to avoid blushing, but you didn’t want to show any sensitivity either.

“I swear if one more man tells me to ‘smile more’,” you began threateningly.

“No, your stern, serious face is gorgeous too,” he interrupted. “I just hope I can get a chance to make you smile again.”

How were you supposed to respond to things like that? Even if men had ever been interested in you like this, you suspected none of them would’ve been this forward.

“Do you know how to do a dip?” he asked, thankfully giving you something else to talk about.

“I said I don’t dance,” you recalled.

“It’s not difficult,” he soothed, the hand on your waist tightening.

“Oh, no no no no,” you rushed anxiously.

“It’ll be fine,” he said in a way that wasn’t very reassuring.

“No, Jaskier, I swear on all things holy and unholy if you drop me on this floor-”

“I like the way you say my name,” he smiled, and just as you reacted to that rather unsavory double entendre, he swung you into the dip.

The only way to describe the sound you made was girlish… not a word that described you or your activities very often. You tried to suppress it and it helped but you were still sure everyone thought you were out of your mind. The fear of falling washed away as you looked up at him, and there was definitely a moment. You had heard of these sorts of moments before, but until now you never understood it. Now that you were there it all made perfect sense.

Just as you noticed that a moment was happening, it ended: he pulled you back up and spun you in a quick circle. You were incredibly close to him for a second, your body pressed completely against his, and it was exhilarating in a way entirely different from combat. It may seem obvious that those things would be different, but you had gotten so used to approaching everything as if it were a war.

The song ended, and unlike if it were a war, you found yourself wishing it would’ve lasted longer. He stepped away from you, and you both did the polite post-song clapping. As the next song was just starting to begin, he gave you a little bow. You figured you were supposed to curtsy in response, but you weren’t even sure how to, and bowing back seemed even worse, so you just stood there.

“Thank you for the honour,” he said as he came back up, and you tried not to notice his gaze trailing up your body.

“Thank you, for…” you weren’t sure how to finish that. Thanks for reminding me I have a sexuality, I seemed to have misplaced it for the past decade didn’t seem to be appropriate even if it were true.

“For showing you a good time?” he offered.

“I’m not sure I’d’ve phrased it that way.”

“For lively conversation?” he proposed instead.

“The conversation was the worst part of it!”

“I assumed the dancing was the worst part.”

“Oh, yes, you’re right, it was,” you corrected. “Thank you for the conversation: it was less frivolous than the dancing.”

He laughed in a way that made you wonder if you’d actually managed to hit his ego. You’d been trying so hard to do so, but now that you might have, it was a lot less fun than you’d imagined.

“I won’t keep you, you can get back to what you were doing before,” he said flippantly.

“You mean guarding the Queen?” you asked, offended by his tone.

“I meant watching me play,” he winked. Before you could react, he turned away and flipped his lute around on its strap to strum on it.

“Do you know Fishmonger’s Daughter?” he called out to the band as he approached them.

You smiled to yourself just a little as you walked back to your post, and tried not to make eye contact with Queen Araja: you weren’t sure what look she would give you but it would most likely make you more nervous.

You went to bed that night still trying to shake the ridiculous giddy feeling.

The next morning came early when the Queen requested to speak with you.

“The witcher is out on the hunt as we speak: while he is out and the infantry are on leave, take the bard out someplace,” she ordered when you arrived.

“What am I supposed to do with him?” you asked innocently.

“I don’t know, go to the training fields and teach him archery or something,” she shrugged.

“Am I to believe you are giving me a purposeless assignment, my liege?”

“Cut the formality; we’re alone,” she instructed.

“Sorry, my- Araja,” you stumbled. Force of habit.

“It’s not purposeless, to answer your question. I want you to spend more time with him,” she explained matter-of-factly.

“Why is that?”

“He makes you laugh. I’ve never seen you like that- the way you were last night at the banquet.”

“I apologize for my indecency,” you bowed, “I was caught up in the moment.”

“Exactly. Get caught up in more moments, please,” she begged. “It’s good for you.”

“Pardon my insubordination, madam, but should a Queen really be concerning herself with the romantic exploits of her soldiers?”

Even such a simple, and fair, question made you nervous.

“First: please shut up about insubordination. Second: you’re not just a soldier, you’re my protector and closest ally in this castle, and it bothers me to see you always alone. Lastly: who said anything about romance? Just make a friend,” she encouraged.

You blushed, realizing that your wording had accidentally revealed your suppressed interests.

“I won’t hear any dissent from you, now go fetch him from his quarters,” she demanded.

“Myself?” you guffawed. “A lady of fine standing should not be seen entering a man’s quarters. I’ll send a servant to do it.”

“Most everyone in this castle has forgotten that you’re a lady, except possibly for him,” she frowned. “Just go.”

You bowed before you left, turning down the hall to where you knew Jaskier had been staying.

Knocking on his door, you found it already cracked open.

“May I come in?” you called out into the room.

“Always,” you heard him reply, so you pushed the door open to find him sitting at the vanity, shaving with a dagger.

“On business of the Queen?” he asked.

That was not the easiest question to answer.

“Yes, she has asked me to take you on a tour of the grounds,” you explained.

“Alone?” He smiled. “How scandalous.”

You ignored that.

“Shame,” you mumbled to yourself as you watched him shave.

“Hm?”

“I thought the stubble suited you,” you stated, hoping it didn’t come across the way you actually meant it.

He stopped moving the blade.

“Wish you’d said that before,” he frowned.

The idea that he cared what you thought of his appearance, enough to change his habits, was intriguing.

“It’s done now,” you fought a smirk, “can’t go out with half a beard.”

He sighed, his gaze returning back to himself in the mirror as he resumed moving the blade slowly along his jaw. You watched intently for a moment, the muscles in his arms exposed by rolled-up sleeves, slowly shifting as he delicately dragged the knife along his skin.

“When you’re finished, meet me in the courtyard,” you said quickly before stepping back into the hall.

Why did he make you feel so flustered?

[next chapter]

#jaskier x reader #jaskier x oc #jaskier imagines #the witcher #witcher fic #joey batey #jaskier #also some pretty fun platonic geralt x reader #if i do say so myself #i have literally never written x reader before... i feel so dirty tbh loool

230 notes · View notes

imagine-loki · 4 years

Text

The Good Guys Dressed In Black

TITLE: The Good Guys Dressed In Black CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: ½ AUTHOR: @timeladylaufeson ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki meeting and falling in love with an MiB agent. RATING: Everyone, I guess? There’s some language but nothing bad I’d say NOTES/WARNINGS: Took the title from the song Men In Black by Will Smith :) I wouldn’t say you need to know the MiB films too well to understand, but I guess you should have some basic knowledge. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!!

A woman in a smart black suit stood in line at a Starbucks not far away from the large concrete cube on Battery Drive. When her turn came, she was greeted by one of her favourite baristas, and they chatted for a moment as she handed him her thermos.

“It’s on us today,” the barista said and smiled, sending the cup towards the espresso bar.

“Aw, thanks Pete,” she smiled and moved over to the handoff. She rested against one of the tables beside it and waited, looking around the café mindlessly.

“Venti iced soy vanilla latté with an extra shot for… Teetee?” the barista at the handoff called, a confused frown on his face. She smirked and walked over to him, grabbing the cup.

“You’re new here, aren’t you?” she asked and the barista nodded. “Nice to meet you! I’m Double Tee, I’m here all the time.”

“I’m Luke,” he said. “You work in the cube, don’t you?”

“Yeah,” she nodded.

“Can you tell me-”

“Top secret organisation that deals with extraterrestrial threats.”

“For real?”

“Of course,” she grinned. “Now, if you would please look over here,” she pulled what appeared to be a pen from her pocket and put a pair of sunglasses on her eyes. She pressed a small button on the side of the device and it flashed brightly, the young man’s face turning completely blank. “Do yourself a favour and don’t ask questions that you don’t need an answer to. For your concern, I work for the government. Also, this is not soy. Please be more careful, someone could be allergic and you could get in trouble. I’m not, so I’ll just drink it, but I’ll be bitter the whole day because almond milk sucks. Have a good day, Luke.”

She turned around to leave, but as she was walking through the door, she bumped into someone that was coming in.

“Oh shit, fuck, I’m so sorry,” she blurted out as she watched the coffee spill on their shirt. “I really need to start closing the cup before I start walking, I’m so sorry!”

“It’s alright, nothing happened,” a smooth voice replied to her. She looked up and saw a face that she knew all too well from the screens all over the Headquarters.

“No, I… I just messed up your shirt, I’m really sorry,” she kept apologising. “I’ll buy you a coffee.”

“It really is alright,” he tried to assure her.

“Please, I insist,” she said, desperately trying to ignore those crystal blue eyes and the amused little smile. She practically dragged him to the cash desk and told him him to pick whatever he liked.

“It’s really not necessary,” he said.

“Yes it is,” she told him. “Pete, get this nice gentleman whatever he wishes, I’m paying,” she handed him a twenty dollar bill. “Keep the rest. I have to go to work now. Have a good day! And I’m sorry for spilling coffee on you.”

She crossed the street and walked in to the HQ, greeting Frank the talking pug and the Guard, who was just reading his newspaper as usual.

“You have coffee on your shirt,” Frank said in his disturbingly deep voice.

“I know, I was stupid and didn’t look where I was going.”

“As per usual,” the Guard grumbled.

“Funny as per usual,” she sneered back at him as she stepped into the lift. As it arrived in the office, she couldn’t help but smile. Her job was a fantastical adventure and she loved it. There was a line of aliens waiting for their documents to be verified over at the front desk. Another group of aliens walk/crawled/flew past her. There was Kay, showing some rookies around. Someone was putting up a fight.

“Double Tee! Are you running around neuralysing random people again?”

Yeah. That was the life.

The following morning, as Double Tee entered the Starbucks and joined the queue, someone tapped her shoulder.

“Excuse me, aren’t you the lady that so kindly bought my drink yesterday?” the now familiar voice asked.

Double Tee chuckled. “Don’t you mean the dumbass that spilled coffee on you yesterday?”

“Well but you did buy me a drink afterwards, didn’t you?” he asked, a cheeky smile on his face.

“That I did,” she nodded.

“Let me return the favour,” he offered. “I’ll buy your coffee today.”

“Absolutely not! Yesterday was for… well, yesterday,” she shook her head. “I ruined your shirt, that’s why I bought your coffee. We’re even now.”

“What if I just really want to buy a coffee?” he suggested. “I… I heard that’s what men do when they find a woman attractive. I’m Loki.”

That was how it started. Every day, one of them bought the other their coffee. The next day, they switched. Double Tee knew she shouldn’t engage with a civilian, even less so with an alien, but God, was this one incredible in every way imaginable. They talked for hours on end, about virtually nothing. He respected her avoiding questions about her job and very politely pretended to be deaf when something slipped her lips. He caught on the fact that it had something to do with stars and excitedly talked about them, ocassionally mentioning that he missed them and that he couldn’t really see them in the city. She felt herself falling for him while the reasonable part of her brain screamed bloody murder about it being the worst idea in history. He was, after all, still listed as a potential threat, despite having joined the Avengers now.

One evening, it was fairly late, they sat together at the Starbucks with their coffees, Loki looking out the window wistfully.

“What’s wrong, El?” Double Tee asked. “You’re looking even sadder than normal.”

“Ha ha ha,” he glared at her. “I don’t want to be moaning about this stuff.”

“You know you can tell me anything, right?” she said.

Loki let out a sigh. “I told you about my mother, didn’t I?”

“You did, yes,” she nodded. “She died, didn’t she?”

“Yes,” he said. “And… I can’t see her star.”

“What?”

“On Asgard, when someone dies, their soul goes up to the sky and becomes a star. But… I can’t see hers from here. I can barely see any, to be honest.”

Double Tee thought for a brief moment. “Do you trust me?” she asked.

“Of course I do, why?” he frowned.

“Come with me,” she said, downed the rest of her coffee and stood up. “Come on.”

Confused, he stood as well and followed her outside, across the road, into the Headquarters. She greeted the Guardian and Frank as usual, mumbling something vague about a witness. Loki’s curious face made them believe her lie, so they said nothing. In the lift, Double Tee pressed a button that said garage and down they went. She led Loki all the way to the back where a small, unsuspecting motorcycle was parked.

“Do you really trust me?” she asked again as she opened what appeared to be a closet.

“I really do, but what-”

“No time for questions,” she interrupted him. “Put this on,” she threw a leather jacket at him and got herself the same one. “And this,” she handed him a helmet. “We’re going on a tiny little trip,” she told him as she sat on the motorcycle. Loki took a breath to ask her something, but decided against, and sat right behind her.

“I need you to hold on tight,” she said.

“On to what?” he asked.

“Me, dumbass,” she chuckled.

“That doesn’t sound very safe,” he pointed out.

“It’s completely safe, don’t worry,” she dismissed him. “It’s an MIB certified vehicle, it’s safer than like… all normal cars.”

“MI what?”

Instead of replying, Double Tee started the motorcycle and Loki could only clutch on to her quickly as they left the garage. They soared through the ever so busy streets of New York, zigzagging through the traffic like it was nothing. Double Tee was way too aware of Loki’s arms around her waist, but did her best to ignore them.

As they left the city and got off the main road, Double Tee slowed down for a moment.

“Do you seriously trust me?” she asked once more having to shout al ittle to make sure he heard her.

“The fact that this is the third time you asked me in the span of thirty minutes makes me seriously question it,” he said. “But I still do.”

“Then hold on a little tighter and feel free to scream,” she said and pushed a tiny button on the side of the right handlebar.

“What-”

Too late. The motorcycle went about twenty times faster now, the roaring of the engine deafening them. In a few moments, they could both feel the wheels leaving the ground and the motorcycle went flying through the night. When it got high enough, the engine quietened again and switched itself into flight mode.

“You can let go of me now,” Double Tee said.

“No, I don’t think I will,” Loki shook his head, but loosened his grip on her a little. “What in the nine realms-”

“You can’t tell anyone about this, alright?” she said. “Never. Ever. This is a secret, okay?”

“Absolutely,” he nodded. “But what-”

“Men in Black. That’s who I work for,” she interrupted him again. “A top secret agency. We deal with aliens and stuff. This is… our tech. Well, not exactly, it’s alien mostly. But it has some Stark Industries parts.”

“Stark knows about all this?”

“God, no.”

“And why exactly are you telling me this now?”

“I wanted to show you the stars. Push the little button on the right on the helmet, you’ll see better.”

With a shaky hand, Loki found the button and pressed it, his helmet opening and jaw dropping. The chilly wind made prickly tears flood his eyes and blur his vision, making the beauty above him barely recognisable. He blinked a few times and everything came to focus, but new tears replaced them, this time emotional ones. The last time he saw this much beauty was back on Asgard, where he used to sit on his window and just stare at the night sky for hours. He tried to find his mother’s star, but couldn’t see it in the speed.

“Don’t worry, we’re gonna land soon,” she said as if reading his thoughts. “Just a few more minutes.”

In that moment, a tiny red light started blinking on the inside of her helmet. An incoming call. Her brain went into panic mode and in the frenzy, she sent it to voice mail, hoping that whoever was calling would think she was busy escaping from something.

They landed on top of a small hill, in the middle of a thin forest. Double Tee switched the motorcycle off and took off her helmet. She turned to Loki, noticing the tears that stained his cheeks.

“Oh god, I’m so sorry, did I- did I do something wrong?” she asked.

“No,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s perfect,” he added, pulling her into a tight hug.

“Don’t mention it,” she whispered as she nuzzled into his neck. “But you know, you’re missing out on the stars right now. Wanna climb a tree?”

In just a few moments, they sat atop a giant oak, watching the stars.

“What’s your real name?” Loki asked.

“Double Tee,” she said. “It’s my official name now. I don’t really exist anymore.”

“So… what was your name?” he wondered.

“Theresa-Taylor Barnes,” she said.

“Barnes?” he frowned.

“Distant relative,” she nodded, knowing exactly what he was about to ask. “Poor uncle James. How is he?”

“He’s… he’s fine, I think,” Loki said. “I think we’re good friends, but I’m not really sure.”

“I’d tell you to say hi to him, but… he doesn’t know me. He’s not supposed to know me. No one is.”

“Then why-”

“I don’t know,” she sighed. “I should have never started talking to you, but I just… couldn’t help it.”

“It must be quite lonely,” he pointed out.

“In a way,” she agreed mindlessly. “I… I suppose I have the other agents, but familiarity isn’t really a big thing there. We’re just colleagues mostly. We don’t… we’re not like you guys.”

“Us?”

“The Avengers. Aren’t you this really cool team that’s real good friends? Doesn’t Stark always organise these parties where you all drink and dance and shit?”

“I suppose.”

“Must be cool.”

He took a pause. “I could… introduce you.”

“No,” she shook her head. “Not a good idea. I’m not supposed to be friends with anyone, ever. If someone finds out about you, I’m toast.”

“Is it really that bad?”

“I don’t know. And I don’t think I want to know.”

None of them said anything for a moment.

“Theresa-Taylor?”

“Don’t,” she mumbled. “It’s a stupid name. Call me Terry if you really want to.”

“Terry,” he tried again. “It doesn’t really suit you.”

“It’s been years since someone called me that,” she smiled. “It doesn’t even sound right anymore, but it’s nice to hear it.”

“What if I called you mine instead?” he suggested. Double Tee’s eyes widened.

“What?”

“You’re amazing. You took a huge risk taking me here just to make me feel better. You’re the only person who gets me. You’re funny, you’re smart, you’re kind, you’re…” he took a deep breath. “You’re the best person I have ever met. I’m in love with you, Terry.”

“El, I-”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he interrupted her. “I just… wanted to get it out of my system.”

With her eyes full of tears, she leaned in and planted a chaste kiss on his cheek. He looked at her for a moment, then turned his head ever so slightly and closed the remaining space between them. It was only for the shortest moment, but it still felt as if time had stopped.

When they separated again, Loki gently put a strand of Double Tee’s hair behind her ear. “Don’t cry, darling,” he whispered, hugging her tight.

“This shouldn’t be,” she sobbed. “I shouldn’t have feelings for you. I’m so screwed.”

“No you’re not,” he said. “No one has to know.”

But then-

“Double Tee and Loki, sitting in a tree,” they heard from below them. “K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”

They flinched and look down, only to see two other agents, Jay and Kay.

“Man, I never thought I’d get to sing that again,” Jay snickered.

“Get down here, Double Tee,” Kay said, his arms crossed on his chest. “You too, sir.”

Double Tee sighed and jumped off the branch, landing on her feet but nearly falling over.

“Are you out of your mind?” Kay asked.

“Kay, wait,” Jay stopped him, noticing her puffy red eyes. “What’s wrong, girl? Is he hurting you?”

“Nothing’s wrong, I’m fine,” she snapped back. “Loki’s not… hurting me.”

“Then why are you crying?” he frowned.

“Because you are going to neuralyse him, aren’t you? You’re gonna take my only friend away from me.”

“You sure you guys are just friends?”

“Jay. Focus,” Kay scolded him. “You know the rules, Double Tee. No relationships with the outside world. And especially not stealing an MIB vehicle to go for a ride with the outside world. You of all people-”

“Me of all people!” she exclaimed. “Me of all people is sick of this! Me of all people is tired of not having anyone for myself! Me of all people is-”

“Lonely,” Jay finished for her. Double Tee gulped and nodded, noticing Kay’s face softening ever so slightly.

“We’ve all been there,” he said. “Sooner or later. Everyone gets lonely. And… sometimes falls in love with an alien.”

“That doesn’t sound stupid at all,” Jay mumbled.

“Point is,” Kay glared at him. “We just move on.”

“No,” Double Tee whimpered. “Don’t take it away from me. Please, Kay. I’m the happiest I have ever been.”

“You know the rules, Double Tee,” he insisted. “We have to neuralyse him and suspend you.”

“Kay, wait,” Jay interrupted him once more. “Look at her. You really want to break her? Maybe we could come up with something. He’s not really outside world, is he? He’s kind of one of us when you think about it.”

A spark of hope lightened Double Tee’s features. “Please, Kay.”

The older agent thought for a moment. “Fine. But if Oh finds out, you’re toast, understood?”

“Thank you!” she let out a sigh of relief.

“We’ll still have to suspend you for the bike though,” he said. “We’ll take you both back.”

Double Tee turned to Loki behind her and smiled. “We’re okay,” she whispered, reaching for his hand. He returned the smile end entwined his fingers with hers.

“Aw, man, look at how cute they are!” Jay said.

#Loki #Lover #Submitted fic #submission #timeladylaufeyson #the good guys dressed in black

50 notes · View notes

misc-headcanons · 4 years

Note

Can I have a scenario for Law's wife getting kidnapped by some other pirates while she's pregnant. She killed them all with her dangerous power that the world government wants her dead at all cost. But the Maine's finds her when her water breaks and they are told to kill her and her child while she can't defend herself. Law and his crew finds her and the dead bodys of the Marines, but more marine are coming for back up. How would Law and his crew reacts to her being captured and giving birth?

(This is a long one, by the way--my longest scenario yet! Enjoy :D)

Content warning for some slightly graphic death and bodily fluids (water breaking and all...)

Pregnancy is usually strenuous and complicated, but this was especially true in ____’s case. Ever since the news spread that the Surgeon of Death had a wife, she’d had a target on her back; when they discovered she was pregnant with his child, she’d gained the attention of even more Marines and pirates that were interested in kidnapping her for leverage against her husband. She hadn’t had to worry much, though--even though she was pregnant, she was still a formidable opponent (half the time she had been accosted, she had managed to defeat her kidnappers before Law ran to her aid). Now that she was in her third trimester though, her mobility wasn’t what it used to be and she was more vulnerable.

A small pirate crew had managed to ambush her while she was alone. The captain, known as Silent Tom, had managed to use his affinity for stealth to sneak aboard the Polar Tang while it was docked and had held a chloroform towel over ____’s mouth until she was unconscious. Two of his men helped carry her out and onto their own ship, and a few minutes after they were gone, Bepo had come into ____’s room to check on her; he smelled a faint trail of chemicals and a knocked-over chair, and he immediately ran to find Law. Something was terribly wrong.

____ had woken up with her wrists tied together in front of her, and a group of starved pirates leering at her. “Whatever reason you have for kidnapping me, it’s not worth your heads,” she said calmly. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and carefully felt around inside one of her shirtsleeves for a concealed knife she carried on her at all times, and Silent Tom scoffed.

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” he replied. “After all, ever since the World Government found out you had Trafalgar Law’s baby inside of ya, your bounty grew pret-ty large.” He pointed a finger at ____’s swollen belly. “We’ll be at New Marineford in a few days. Until then, try not to make a racket.” He knelt down to cup her chin. “I won’t do anything to harm your little brat, but as far as I can tell, ya can deliver a baby with your lips sewn shut.”

____ quickly cut the ropes tying her wrists and thrust the knife into Silent Tom’s neck. He clutched his throat in alarm and tried to call for his men in the next room, but no sound came out. He fell back onto the floor and quickly bled out, staining the floorboards with his blood.

____ wiped a stray bit of Tom’s blood from her cheek, and winced as she felt her baby kick inside of her. She gently patted her stomach with her free hand. “I know, honey,” she said softly, “Lot of excitement. Just sit tight for me while Mommy clears this ship, okay? Then we’ll find our way back to Daddy…”

Despite her large undercarriage, she was surprisingly stealthy. One by one, she managed to take out each of the Silent Pirates and toss their bodies overboard before any of the others had noticed something was wrong. She managed to find their navigator and before she disposed of him, she stole his Log Post and put it on her wrist. Once the last pirate was floating face-up in the ocean, she headed to the ship’s main deck to find the helm of the ship and make her way to the nearest island. There was a small DenDen Mushi on a table nearby, and she set it next to a small console by the steering wheel of the ship. She dragged a chair for her to sit on (steering a ship with swollen ankles can really wear you down), and dialed her husband.

Law immediately picked up, expecting a ransom call from whoever had taken her. His breath caught when he heard her voice instead. “Hi, honey,” she said with a slightly weary voice. “We’re okay, for now; I took out the crew, so it’s just me on board. Well, us. They said my bounty’d increased and they were heading to New Marineford.”

“And you’re sure you took them all out?”

“Yep! I counted the occupied hammocks in their sleeping quarters, and I double-checked by counting all the bodies in the water. It’s a small crew, just 8 people.” She glanced down at her Log Pose. “Just sit tight, I’m gonna head back to the island the Tang’s docked at. I’ve only been here for what, an hour or two? Can’t be too far--”

She groaned in pain and doubled over as she felt something wet between her legs. “____? What’s happening?” Law’s voice was sharp and laced with concern. ____ looked down and felt a small trickle of liquid between her legs

“Oh, shit,” she muttered. She held the receiver against her ear. “Uh, change of plans, I don’t think I’m gonna be able to steer. I think my water just broke.” She took a deep breath and leaned back into the chair as the contraction subsided. “Honey, would you do me a favor and take the Tang out here?”

“I’m already heading towards you at top speed,” Law replied quickly. “Your contractions should only be about ten minutes apart. If you can manage it, try to anchor the ship so you don’t drift any further; after that, lie down and try to relax.”

“Okay, relax,” she said to herself. She slowly rose up and took another deep breath. “Just relax, out on the ocean by myself, having fucking contractions. Okay, okay.” Thankfully, the Silent Pirate’s ship was a bit more modern than your average vessel. There was a button near the steering wheel that automatically raised and lowered the anchor. ____ pressed it and saw a large metal weight sink into the water off the starboard side of the ship, and held the DenDen Mushi back to her ear. “Okay, anchor’s lowered. You want me to give you signs of where I am location-wise?” She peered down at the Log Pose before he could respond. “Looks like the nearest island is to my...southwest. It’s still locked onto the last island they were on, so...yeah, I’m southwest of where you guys are.”

“Got it,” Law replied. “Find somewhere to lie down, and take the DenDen Mushi with you. Stay on the line with me, alright?”

“Alright,” she replied, carefully picking up the DenDen Mushi and waddling to the captain’s quarters. As she was about to go inside, she saw a large shape on the horizon heading towards the Silent Pirate’s ship. “Shit, you’re already here? How fast can that rusty tub go--”

She was cut off as she saw the ship’s large white sails, emblazoned with the symbol of the World Government. “Fuck,” she muttered. “Fuck, of all fucking times for the Marines to show up…”

“____, do not engage them,” Law ordered firmly. “Find somewhere relatively comfortable to hide.”

“It looks like a small-sized ship,” she protested. “I’ll just ambush them and take them out one-by-one like with--”

“No. This isn’t an insult to your abilities, and I am not asking you--I am telling you. For the sake of our child, find a place to hide. If you have a contraction in the middle of a fight, you’re going to lose. If worse comes to worse and they find you, surrender. Your bounty says they want you dead or alive, so if you placate them and show you don’t pose a threat, they’re likely to just take you in.”

“And what then? You gonna storm the Marine’s stronghold and rescue us? Even you can’t take on all of the Marines there, Trafalgar!”

“Knowing you’re both alive and imprisoned is better than you two being dead. I’ll find a way to rescue you. Just listen to me. Please.”

____ hesitated at the quiet desperation in her husband’s voice. “...I’ll find somewhere to hide,” she said quietly. “I’m s--” She inhaled quickly as she felt another contraction. “I love you.”

“I love you too, ____.”

____ made her way inside the captain’s quarters and found a large ornate closet. She moved a few pairs of shoes out of the way, set the DenDen Mushi down next to her, closed the doors, and took a deep breath. “I’m hidden,” she whispered. “Don’t respond, I’m trying to stay as quiet as possible. Just get here soon, okay?”

She heard the Marine ship lower its anchor as a few soldiers boarded the ship. “Silent Tom’s nowhere to be found,” one of them called out. “Oh, jeez…” The Marines’ footsteps traveled to the side of the ship where ____ had tossed their bodies.overboard. “Shit, I thought Tom said he had her restrained. She really killed them all?”

“What do you expect? She’s the Mistress of Death,” another Marine replied. “But the order stays. Find her and take her back to New Marineford.”

“Isn’t she due soon? We first heard she got knocked up about nine months ago,” a younger Marine asked. “What do we do if she has the baby?”

“If she did, we’d hear it crying,” an older, gruff voice cried. “Newborns are good at two things: making a mess and making a lot of noise. You hear any baby? Besides, our orders about the kid are the same whether or not it’s born yet. She’s wanted dead or alive, the kid is just wanted dead. Either way, we do what we have to.”

The Marines began to search the ship for her, and ____’s blood ran cold at their words. She felt another contraction and held her hand over her mouth to keep herself from making any noise. After it subsided, she carefully reached for the DenDen Mushi. “Law, you need to get here now,” she whispered through gritted teeth. “They don’t want to take our baby in alive, and I’m not surrendering to them.”

“I’m only five minutes away,” Law said, hiding the panic in his voice. “Do what you have to and hold out until then. I won’t let them kill either of you.”

____ gently set the DenDen Mushi back down and gripped her small concealed dagger in her hands. She listened for where the Marines were, closing her eyes and utilizing her Observation Haki to find their exact position. They had split up, and one was heading into the captain’s quarters. She waited until he was only inches from the closet door and quickly swung it open before clamping a hand over his mouth and stabbing him repeatedly in the throat to keep him from making noise. He slumped onto the floor, and she moved to find another hiding place in the room; if the other Marines saw their comrade’s corpse in front of the closet, it’d be easy to deduce where she was.

She crept forward and hid behind a plush loveseat, and closed her eyes to use her Observation Haki again. There weren’t any Marines on the port side of the ship, since they had started their search on that side. If she was quick, she could hide near the helm and wait there for Law to arrive with less risk of being caught--if she was quick.

____ gently stroked her belly. “I can do this. We’ll get out of here sweetie, I promise,” she whispered. She carefully pushed herself up and quietly made her way out of the captain’s quarters, and quickly scanned the area around her for any Marines. Once she saw the coast was clear, she crept across the deck and hid inside the area next to the steering wheel, taking advantage of the thick wooden railing that surrounded the helm on three sides. It was only tall enough to hide her presence if she crouched down, and she found herself squatting as she waited for Law’s ship to arrive.

The next few minutes felt like hours as she waited for any sign that the Polar Tang was nearby, and her next contraction came much sooner than the last ones. She bit her lip to keep from crying out, and she clenched her fists so hard her fingernails dug into her palms. This one lasted three times as long, and she tried to steady her breathing. She heard one of the Marines yell for the others after they discovered their comrade’s body. “Shit, she got Commander Collins, she’s here!” Two Marines ran into the captain’s quarters. “There’s gotta be a way to find her...Wait…”

The Marines were quiet for a moment. “Shit, her water must’ve broke,” the younger Marine said. “She’s having the kid right now!”

“And good for us-- she’s left a trail,” the older voice added. “Just follow the drops and we’ll find out where she’s gone!”

____’s eyes widened as she looked behind her. Sure enough, she had still been leaking a bit and had left a small trail of fluid as she made her way across the deck. She heard the Marines’ footsteps getting closer. Shit. Shit. Shit. She tried to maneuver around so that she could face the way she’d come in, only to see a rifle aimed at her face. Shit.

“H-hands above your head,” the younger Marine ordered in a voice that cracked slightly. From the way he looked, he couldn’t have been older than 20. “No funny business, now…” ____ complied, and tried to play to the young Marine’s sympathy.

“Okay, okay, my hands are up,” she said, adding a small quiver in her voice. “See? I’ll do whatever you want, just please don’t hurt me. You w-wouldn’t hurt a new mama, right?” She glanced down at her stomach, and back at the boy with pleading eyes. The Marine eyed her pregnant belly and swallowed nervously. “You know, I haven’t even come up with a name yet,” she confessed. “What’s your name, son?”

The young Marine’s hands trembled as he held his rifle. “It’s A-Aito,” he replied meekly.

“What a wonderful name,” ____ replied with a warm smile. “That’d be a good name if he’s a boy, don’t you think?”

Aito didn’t respond, and he continued to hold his rifle. “P-Put your hands behind your back,” he ordered. “You don’t have anywhere to run.”

The older Marine appeared behind him and glared at him. “Don’t sound like such a chickenshit when you’re apprehending someone,” he scolded. “She’s a pirate, and she needs to submit to our authority. You think that sounds authoritative?” He lowered his rifle to ____’s stomach. “He’ll pat you down for weapons and then cuff you,” he ordered. “Try to escape, and I’ll make sure your baby joins my commander.”

____’s jaw clenched, but she complied. Aito carefully patted her up and down, but in his inexperience he failed to feel the dagger hidden in her sleeve. The area around them felt strange to ____ all of a sudden, and it seemed the world had a strange tint to it--almost as if it were covered in a bluish film. The corners of ____’s lips twitched as she realized what was happening, but she kept herself from smiling in front of the Marines. As he lowered his rifle to reach for a pair of handcuffs, his eyes widened and his skin turned white. He raised a shaking hand to point at something behind his partner. “S-Sir, i-i-it’s---”

“Spit it out, goddammit,” the older Marine interrupted. He turned his head slightly, but kept a trained hand on his rifle. “You shitting your pants at the sight of a seagull or some--”

“SHAMBLES!”

Immediately, ____ found herself on the deck of the Polar Tang in Bepo’s arms. The sound of a gunshot startled her as the older Marine fired his rifle, but she had managed to escape just in time; the bullet shot through the deck of the Silent Pirates’ ship, and the older Marine cursed while Aito jumped back in fear. “Take her to the medical bay,” Law barked, and Bepo nodded. He picked her up bridal style and jumped into the hatch leading inside the ship. Shachi and Penguin were waiting inside to set her up with the proper medical equipment for labor, while the rest of the crew was with Law above them.

Law quickly Shambled the Marines’ rifles, as well as their bodies. He and the rest of the remaining Heart Pirates boarded the ship and swiftly killed the remaining Marines, with the exception of one to send a message back to the World Government. Aito appeared to be the lucky survivor, though given the butchered bodies of his fellow Marines around him, he didn’t feel lucky in the slightest. Law knelt down and roughly gripped Aito’s shambled body by the hair (which, thanks to how his body had been rearranged, was attached to his hip). “Go back to your superiors and tell them that no matter how many men they send after my family that from now on, all of them will die,” he said with cold fury. “And give them these.” He reached into the bodies of the other Marines and took out each of their hearts, and then took Aito’s as well. “If I hear that another group of Marines is after them, you’ll join the rest of your group in Hell. Understood?”

Aito nodded meekly, tears streaming down his cheeks as Law dropped the hearts at the young Marine’s feet in a pile. Law restored Aito’s mismatched body and made his way onto the Polar Tang. “H-How am I supposed to get back to New Marineford?” he squeaked.

“Not my problem,” Law replied bluntly. He and his crew went inside, and the Polar Tang quickly submerged. The Surgeon of Death sprinted to the medical bay and ordered his crew to prepare all the necessary materials they’d need to deliver his child. He quickly washed his hands and before he put on a pair of gloves, he walked to the bed his wife was laying in. Sweat was forming on her brow and thanks to the IV Shachi had set up for her, her eyelids were half-open. She saw him and her face broke into a relieved smile.

“About time,” she murmured quietly. He gently squeezed her hand. “I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold out before--” She felt another contraction and gripped Law’s hand roughly.

“Just breathe,” Law said gently. There was a small tremor in his voice as he looked at his wife. The woman he loved was safe. His child was safe. He knew he’d be able to save her, of course, but...in the back of his mind, he was terrified that he’d lose the two most precious treasures in his life. When she let go of his hand, he quickly put on a pair of gloves and a sanitary mask. The rest of his crew followed suit and the Heart Pirates got to work delivering Law’s child. After a close encounter with death, it was time to bring a new life into the world.

#one piece #one piece scenario #trafalgar law #pregnant s/o #one piece scenarios #I can't NOT end this on a cheesy line I'm sorry #mine #soul-stealer-reaper

116 notes · View notes

reading-writing-revolution · 3 years

Text

Heather Cox Richardson:

December 9, 2020 (Wednesday)

Today’s big story remains the loss of our neighbors to Covid-19. Today, our official death count passed the number of those killed in the 9-11 attacks. On that horrific day in 2001, we lost 2977 people to four terrorist attacks. Today, official reports showed 3,140 deaths from Covid-19, the highest single-day toll so far. Hospitals are overwhelmed, our health care workers exhausted.

As the country suffers, Trump has launched a new approach in his attempt to steal the 2020 election. While he has previously insisted that he actually won, and that his “win” must be recognized, this morning he tweeted simply “OVERTURN.” Republican leaders have ducked the question of Trump’s refusal to acknowledge Joe Biden’s win in the election by saying that the president has a right to challenge an election through legal means. Few of them commented on this new attack on our democracy.

Instead, the Republican attorneys general of seventeen states supported a lawsuit Texas has asked the Supreme Court’s permission to file against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, suing them over their voting processes. A majority of voters in those four states voted for Biden, thus giving him their state’s electoral votes and the presidency. The states that want to sue are all Republican-majority states. They are hoping they can get the Supreme Court to allow them to sue, and that it will then agree with their complaint and throw out the votes from those states so the Republican legislatures there can then choose their own electors and give the win to Trump.

Astonishingly, this argument comes from the party that claims to oppose “judicial activism.”

The states that have declared their support for Texas’s lawsuit are: Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. They are essentially asking the Supreme Court to disfranchise the majority in the United States and to let them put their chosen president in the White House. This assault on American principles is breathtaking.

Trump has also filed a motion to join Texas’s lawsuit in his personal capacity as a presidential candidate. His lawyer says that he “seeks to have the votes cast in the Defendant States unlawfully for his opponent to be deemed invalid.” Tonight, at a White House Hanukkah party, Trump told the crowd that with the help of “certain very important people, if they have wisdom and if they have courage, we are going to win this election.” The attendees chanted “four more years.”

Legal experts say this case is a non-starter. University of Texas Law Professor Steve Vladeck writes, “It is lacking in actual evidence; it is deeply cynical; it evinces stunning disrespect for both the role of the courts in our constitutional system and of the states in our elections; and it is doomed to fail.”

But the fact that Republican leaders have accepted, rather than condemned, this attempt to overturn a legitimate election says they are willing to destroy American democracy in order to stay in power. On CNN tonight, former Ohio Governor John Kasich, a Republican himself, called the lawmakers supporting Trump’s attack on democracy “morally and ethically bankrupt.”

Republicans might be stoking attacks on our electoral system because they know the courts will shut them down. After all, Trump’s lawyers are currently 1-51 in court, and it is unlikely the Supreme Court will take up Texas’s lawsuit. So siding with Trump is a cheap way for leaders to avoid alienating his voters when they will want those voters in 2022.

But they are playing a deeply cynical and wildly dangerous game. Yesterday, the official Twitter account of the Arizona Republican Party asked followers if they were willing to die to overturn the election, then posted a clip from the film “Rambo” in which the main character is threatening someone’s life, saying “This is what we do, who we are. Live for nothing, or die for something.”

Today, talk show host Rush Limbaugh told his listeners that they are, in fact, still a majority but they are plagued with “RINOs” who are selling them out. “I actually think that we’re trending toward secession,” he said. “I see more and more people asking what in the world do we have in common with the people who live in, say, New York? What is there that makes us believe that there is enough of us there to even have a chance at winning New York? Especially if you’re talking about votes….” (New York City has more people than 40 of the 50 states.) He went on: “There cannot be a peaceful coexistence of two completely different theories of life, theories of government, theories of how we manage our affairs. We can’t be in this dire a conflict without something giving somewhere along the way.”

The theme of civil war, and of America tearing itself apart, was one pushed hard by Russian operatives in 2018. On Twitter, “Civil War” trended today. An actual civil war is highly unlikely, but the unwillingness of leaders to stop this language is already leading to death threats against election officials. The longer they permit it to go on, the worse things will get.

Republicans are working to undermine the incoming Democratic administration in other ways, too. Last week, Attorney General William Barr announced that he appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham as special counsel in October to investigate the FBI agents who worked on the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. While the law about special counsels says they must come from outside the government, Barr claims to have found a loophole in that rule. Durham can be fired only for specific reasons such as conflict of interest or misconduct. Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) applauded the appointment and the continuation of the investigation.

Today Biden’s son Hunter told the media that he has just learned that he is under investigation by the Department of Justice for tax issues, although CNN suggested it is a much wider financial investigation than that, and that it began in 2018. The Justice Department is also investigating a company related to Joe Biden’s brother James. While the DOJ is supposed to be independent of the president, these investigations echo Trump’s own calls for such investigations. Immediately Representative Ken Buck (R-CO) called for a special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden, and tonight, Trump tweeted that “10% of voters would have changed their vote if they knew about Hunter Biden…. But I won anyway!”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) told Fox News Channel personality Laura Ingraham today that Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) should be “removed from Congress” after an Axios report that a Chinese intelligence operative had worked to ingratiate herself with California lawmakers between 2011 and 2015. The operative targeted a number of politicians, including Swalwell, and she fundraised on his behalf, but there is no evidence she broke any laws. In 2015, FBI officers alerted Swalwell, who immediately cut all ties to her. He was never accused of any wrongdoing. The operative left the country unexpectedly during the FBI investigation.

Although the Axios story was about Chinese espionage, right-wing media is aflame with attacks on Swalwell in what seems an attempt to discredit a Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. Don Jr. tweeted that Swalwell “was literally sleeping with a Chinese spy,” an allegation that is nowhere in the story, although the story mentions that two unidentified midwestern mayors had affairs with her.

The White House appears to be trying to sabotage the Biden administration not only by keeping the Biden team from information it needs, but by tying its hands and slowing it down. The day after the election, the Trump administration proposed a new rule requiring the new Department of Health and Human Services appointees to review most of the department’s regulations by 2023. The rule would automatically kill any regulations that haven’t been reviewed by then. This would mean that, just as the new administration is trying to fight the coronavirus, it would be slammed with administrative paperwork. The department’s chief of staff denies the unusual move is political, saying that a review is necessary because one hasn’t been done for 40 years.

Now that the transition process has finally started, Trump loyalists are blocking meetings, or sitting in on them to monitor what is being said, especially at the Environmental Protection Agency. At Voice of America, Trump’s appointed head, Michael Pack, has refused to give meetings or records to Biden’s team. For their part, Biden’s transition folks are avoiding fights in order to get whatever information they can.

Republican senators are also signaling that they intend to delay confirmations on Biden’s nominees, although in the past 95% of Cabinet nominees have had hearings before an inauguration, and 84% of those were approved within three days. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), for example, questioned the experience of Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra. Becerra is the Attorney General of California, and he sat on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which oversees health issues, during his 24 years in Congress. “I don’t know what his Health and Human Services credentials are,” Cornyn told The Hill. It’s not like [Trump’s HHS Secretary] Alex Azar, who worked for pharma and had a health care background.”

2 notes · View notes

evien-stark · 4 years

Text

✧I Need You✧ Chapter 184

Frank Castle was found overwhelmingly guilty by a jury of his peers. Though you’d tried not to give too much of your mental space to the entire trial, you had watched pieces of it. Matt Murdock had been missing through many key parts of it. Their defense fell apart. They were trying to go for not guilty by reason of mental defect. Maybe they would have won if they’d been better. Or maybe they would have won if they’d had a better handle on their client.

Your lawyers would have never put Frank Castle on the stand. Never. Not in a million years. For good reason. You knew the second he was put there, it was over. And, predictably, the jury had a hard time finding him innocent after he’d had a huge outburst and told the entire courtroom that he was happy that he’d killed all those people and that the second he was out, he’d go on killing.

That was it. It was over after that.

Damage control became your life the day the trial ended. This was a hot topic and there was no getting away from it. A pit formed in your stomach. All you could do was deny and deflect and try to use reason. Which was what you did that night on MSNBC. It was what you did the next day on three different daytime talkshows, two afternoon interviews, and one late night beatdown. It went on and on like that for a week.

Assuring the guests and the interviewer- and everyone watching at home- that you were sorry for what Frank Castle went through. That it was a terrible atrocity what happened to his family. But he was also not enhanced. He was not like your team. And that your team did not condone wanton violence. Did not condone murdering. Frank Castle had his methods, and he was being put behind bars probably for the rest of his life because of them. A jury had ruled. There was no other way about it.

You usually left off with that maybe it would have been better to put him in a psych facility where he could get help. That he was troubled. That he was grieving. And that grief had made him very dangerous. But… this was not your call to make. And when one of the hosts got perturbed and asked if you wanted to grant a murderer leniency- if you wanted to go easy on someone who had taken other people away from their families… you kept steady as you talked about the cycle of violence.

Locking Frank Castle up… maybe you didn’t agree with it. He needed help. And he wasn’t going to get it in prison. But no matter what, despite the way you felt, you were not behind murdering for justice. Never. That was not something you stood by, it was not something Stark Industries stood by, and certainly it was not something the Avengers stood by.

Stocks miraculously held steady as you put in the work. The conversation drifted. People moved on. And that was about as much as you could ask for.

---

It was raining on the night you were coming home late from another television interview. November twentieth. A friday. Your time on air had felt less like an interview and more like a debate- but you’d agreed to go on Fox, so you’d been prepared. But even sitting in the backseat of your car while Happy drove back to the Tower felt difficult. You were ready to just go to bed. Call it quits. On many levels.

There had been heavy traffic ever since you’d taken off from the curb. Moving about five inches at a time. Happy apologized, overly so. You told him it was okay. Gotten on a long phone call with Tony. Told him you were going to be home later than you’d planned for. He, of course, told you you could always take the short route. But to be fair to Happy who you’d asked to accompany you, you, of course, were not going to do that.

About ten blocks out from the Tower, traffic really halted to a standstill. You’d been sitting in place for six minutes or so. Needing some air, you rolled the window down, held your palm outside, skyward, catching a few cool drops against your skin. Took a deep breath and just reminded yourself to be patient. Happy apologized. Again. You told him it was okay. Again.

And just as it seemed like cars were moving again, he drove by a darkened alleyway. At least it was. Until a brilliant flash of colors went off. You were suddenly moving too quick to see after all that time being stuck. You tapped against his backseat anxiously. “Stop- hang on-”

It wasn’t the spark of light. It was the feeling of dread. Of absolute terror radiating from the back of that alleyway. And if not for that, a young girl crying out, “Somebody help me!” Would have been more than enough.

Happy screeched the car to a halt and you jumped out of the back, into the rain. He called after you, and you heard his car door open as he scrambled to follow you, popping an umbrella up over you. At the mouth of the alley was the girl that voice belonged to, and crowding around her were three big men in what looked like SWAT gear.

She spotted you and waved a hand. “Hey- please! Over here!” She had big fluffy black hair, half parted back in top pigtails, sporting a bright yellow jacket covered in enamel pins.

“Excuse me officers.” You neared. Happy stayed right behind you. Without looking at him you felt his hand going to his gun. He was holding expertly still but inside he was nervous.

The men didn’t even turn to you. “Leave the area ma’am. This is government business.”

“Oh is it now? The government is asking secret police to round up innocent young girls?” Your Reactor was in your purse. In the car. If they wanted to do something about your presence there was probably little you could do to stall them.

To make matters were, you were pissing them off. And, with all their government authority, the man in the middle didn’t even turn to look at you. Instead gaging your distance- probably by the sound of your voice- and then stepped back and moved to ram the butt of his gun against your temple.

At least that’s what he wanted to do.

You instead dodged and grabbed him by the wrist, giving him a nice sharp twist. The other men turned once you yanked his gun from him with your free hand and threw it back. Weapons were drawn on you, Happy had his gun up- but once they saw you-

“Oh shit.”

You made a face at him. “You think?” Giving the one in your custody a little warning turn without breaking his wrist and then letting him go. “Now- you’re gonna tell me what the hell you’re doing here- and on whose orders.”

“We don’t answer to you.”

A roll of your eyes. “Who do you answer to?”

The one you’d grabbed cradled his arm to his stomach. “President Ellis. So you can take this up with him.”

Purposefully, you changed positions on the field, getting right in his face while stepping back and to the side a few times over. Covering the girl finally- although… there was a strange presence nearby her- “And what is this?”

The two idiots looked at each other and then their little ringleader, who issued an order. “Call this in!”

Your mouth opened to tell LUNA to throw out an EMP and disable their communications, but something strange happened before you could. A chill passed by you, and then it looked as if a girl came out of nowhere- maybe out of the dumpster- bumping into them- no… through them?- at least until she rounded to the side and then made physical contact with the last guy and faked a fumble as she said, “Oops! Sorry!”

It all happened so fast but you realized the reason- whatever electronics they had on them- walkies, night-vision goggles and phones hanging on their hips, all crackled up with static. The soldier on the left started getting very nervous. He shoved the girl back- you caught her by the arms and then twisted to turn her in a deposit behind you, one arm up to protect the two of them, as one of the men shouted, “We’re busted!”

Using his sudden anxiety you drew it up into a bigger ball and then pushed it onto them. “Tell me what you’re doing here. Now. What does Ellis need with kids in New York?”

“Not kids.” The leader spat, standing tall to you despite himself. Though he couldn’t exactly hide his sudden tremors. At least not from you. “We’re following orders. To round up inhumans.”

Your nose wrinkled and your brows knit with the very picture of disgust. “That’s what we’re doing now? What a reprehensible term.” Ellis was starting a scare campaign right underneath you? “Inhuman in what way?” When they all looked between each other you forced it. “Come on. Be honest with me. I know that’s what you want.”

Whether or not they had a genuine bone in their body, you were able to replicate the feeling for them.

The one that had yet to speak up looked at you. “You know. Like your people.”

“Enhanced.” Helping him out.

“I don’t care what you call it. They’re calling them Inhumans and we have orders to round them up.”

You stepped forward, feeling a certain rage coming to a boil. “And do what to them?”

The main soldier sneered at you. “Who fucking cares what happens to ‘em after that.”

“I do.” You were frightening them. Good. “I don’t know if you gentlemen remember, but we fought a whole war over secret police rounding up people and throwing them in camps- I assume that’s what we’re doing here, right? Being a little on the nose? Ellis isn’t a smart man.”

He scoffed in your face. “What’re you, now- Captain America?”

“I’m Lady Iron.” Getting right in his space. He tried to back away. But there was nowhere to go. “Part of the Avengers, in case you need a refresher.”

“Really? ‘Cuz way intel’s been telling it, you and your boyfriend haven’t been part of that team for a while. What happened? They kick you out?”

You let no surprise or curiosity enter your expression. “Interesting intel you’ve got. What’s their name? And- while we’re at it- what’s the name of this squad?” He opened his mouth but you held a finger up. “And don’t lie to me.”

Maybe he was going to. But for one reason or another, he reconsidered. “ATCU. Advanced Threat Containment Unit.”

Threats. Ellis was supposedly sending out little SWAT teams to go contain threats. Enhanced individuals they were labeling as inhuman. This was pretty far gone already. How had it gotten this bad? While deliberating on just exactly how you were going to send this band of idiots on their merry way, you’d given the leader an opening.

He was mad. Which made sense. You’d blown his operation and were standing in the way of his goal. Talking down to him, no less. So when he grabbed your arm you only started a little. “Fuck this. We’ll take the both of you. Let Price sort it out herself.”

“Hey-!” Happy was ready to make a move but him shouting and drawing his gun again had the other two soldiers turning towards him, raising their own weapons.

You drew attention back very quickly, seething while also projecting a tidal wave of fright over all three of them. “If you want to keep that hand, I’d suggest you take it off me. You know exactly who I am and exactly what I’m capable of. I’ve put down things far bigger and more important than you. I won’t even blink. So you’ve got until the count of three and after that my mercy has run dry. One-”

That sharp start of the count was all he needed. He reeled back like you’d burned him. Trying to gather up any last shred of dignity he pointed his gun at you, one handed, finger on the trigger. You stood firm. If not for yourself, then for the poor girl you were protecting. The two of you stared each other down until finally he lowered the weapon and shook his head. “Fuck this.” Again with even more emphasis than the last time he’d said it. “Not worth this much trouble. Come on. Fall back.”

The other did men did as commanded, following their little leader out of the alleyway and into a parked black SUV on the other side of the street. You watched them. Maybe a little too menacingly. But after they were gone, Happy turned back to you and frowned. “You alright?”

“I’m fine. Thank you, Happy.” Assuring him easily. This was hardly the hardest thing you’d ever had to do. And it was for good reason. Turning back you saw the girls just waiting. And finally you actually saw the other one that had pretended to stumble onto this little scene. Small and slender, with brown hair in a high ponytail and bright blue eyes. “You kids alright?”

The one that seemed to appear out of nowhere nodded. “Thank you- so much.”

The other girl grinned. “You really did a number on those creeps. It was awesome.”

“Let’s talk in the car.” They’d been standing out in the rain for so long it was unfair to keep them hostage any longer. It wasn’t hard to convince them, either. Once in the spacious backseat of the limo- after they were done oo-ing and aah-ing over all the tech and lights and looking around, you put one leg up over the other. “So. Are you girls really enhanced?”

In what way, you wondered. They were so young. Mid-teens, maybe. The only kids you’d seen that young were Wanda and Pietro- and they were older than these girls for sure … you were mostly sure, anyway. What did the government want with them? Had they been experimented on by the government? And now Ellis was trying to round them back up to cover for his mistakes?

The girl in the yellow jacket sighed with the biggest eye roll you’d probably ever seen. Teens. “Shows what they know. Inhumans. Totally rude. We’re mutants.” She said this like she was… proud of it. Like mutant was a better term than inhuman. ...you weren’t so sure about that.

“Mutants?” Asked with a little tilt of your head. “I think we’re jumping ahead. Do you two have names?”

The girl with the brown hair smiled. “I’m Kitty, ma’am. And this is Jubilee.”

“And what are you two doing out so late?”

They both looked at each other. Probably trying to concoct some sort of cover story. But they couldn’t seem to come up with them. Kitty frowned. There was a modicum of guilt radiating off the both of them. “We were just… we wanted to come see the city with some friends but. They bailed when we actually got here.”

Jubilee fell back against the seat, tilting her head back with a sigh. “The professor is gonna kill us.”

You already knew asking what professor was asking for even more trouble. This seemed like a whole thing. And maybe a little bit beyond you. “Did you travel from far away?”

Kitty nodded. “Hours. It’ll practically be morning by the time we get home.”

That was no good. They were too young to be traveling this late at night to go back wherever they came from. Especially with what had just happened to them. “Look. It’s not safe for you to go back out. I don’t think you’re being followed but, it’s possible.” The two of them looked at each other suddenly. Spooked. “Is there somebody you can call- so you can let them know you’re okay? And that you’ll be staying at the Avengers Tower tonight?”

“We will???” The question came out of both of them.

You couldn’t help a smile. “If you’d rather a hotel…”

Jubilee waved her hand. “No way! I’ve heard so many things about that place. I need to go there.” When Kitty elbowed her she slowed down. “I mean- ...we appreciate it. What you’re doing. ...and that you saved us.”

“You’re welcome. Just. Let me call Tony.” He needed to know about all of this. Especially the whole rounding up enhanced kids in the middle of the night for who knew what reason. This was something you were going to have to deal with immediately. But… first came the girls’ wellbeing. So. With that in mind. You took your phone out and dialed him.

He’d know what to do about this. Tony always knew what to do. “Still sitting in traffic? I’m starting to think you just don’t wanna come home.”

“Never.” Assuring him quickly, turning away to hide an amorous smile from the kids in your backseat. Who were staring. “I uh- I picked up a couple of kids-”

“Date night is getting very weird.”

“-they were being attacked.”

“Less weird. ...for us, anyway.”

“You don’t know the half of it.”

“So what am I missing?”

“They call themselves mutants.” A very unexpected silence hit the other end of the phone. Even though you weren’t there with him, you could feel it. Tony was thinking. About something. And when he took a little too long, “Tony?”

“-I’m sorry. Did you say mutants?”

This made you very uncomfortable. This… was something very telling. “I did. What do you know about this that I don’t?” Clearly something.

He sighed. “I have to make some calls.”

“So do they.”

“I’ll bet. Bring ‘em here. I’ll explain when you get in.”

You couldn’t help your frown. “Is this something I’m going to be mad about?”

From his end of the line, you knew he was frowning, too. “I’d like to count my blessings and say no. And I’d also like to not get you wound up.”

“...but.”

“Yeah. There’s always a but.”

You felt his guilt from where you were. Basically like it was raining from the Tower- which you could now see out the window. Approaching fast. “We’ll talk soon.”

“Sounds good. Hey-” Trying to catch you before you hung up. So you waited. “I love you.” Thankfully this didn’t sound like an admission of guilt. Just… something he thought you should know.

Thankfully for him, you did. “I love you, too. Whatever this is we’ll deal with it.”

“We always do.” Understatement of the century.

Your anniversary was five days away. Hopefully this wasn’t as bad as you were suddenly dreading...

#Tony Stark #Tony Stark x Reader #INY Chapter One Hundred Eighty Four #DareDevil Spoilers

3 notes · View notes