#the man broke a terrorist out of prison because he thought it was their best chance at a lead to the Flagsmashers

[bewarethemoonlads]

okay ive decided im excited for thunderbolts

#the thought of bucky interacting with red guardian has me fuckin DYING #i was afraid of thw Villain route but Anti-Hero i can get behind #staying true to his comic roots #also i do love when bucky does crimes because lets be real #the man broke a terrorist out of prison because he thought it was their best chance at a lead to the Flagsmashers #and he was RIGHT

[donutloverxo]

On the run

Authors note - this is a series of closly related one shots hence tagged as soft!reader. This is for Ambers challenge! Hope you like it! This is like there was only one room instead of there was only one bed.

Please do not steal or repost my works on any other site. Reblogs are welcome.

Run through - You have to go on the run with your husband and share a room with Bucky.

Warnings - smut, daddy kink, voyeurism (fucking right next to Bucky lol), cockwarming, angst

Pairing - Steve Rogers x soft!reader

Word count - 3.3k

Masterlist is linked in the bio!

You paced back and forth in your living room. It wasn’t exactly yours but it had been your home for the past four years. Your floor to ceiling windows gave you an extensive and broad view of new York City. You were on the highest floor of the tower, it made the huge city seem so city. Usually the lights soothed you whenever you were anxious. But you weren’t sure if you had ever been so scared. Scared for your husbands life, scared for your future.

Steve had broke the law. Your Steve, the Captain America. It was so ironic. He was declared a terrorist and a wanted man. You felt as if this was a fever dream. Never in a million years did you think something like this would happen.

From what you knew Steve refused to sign the accords. Which you understood, he had his reasons and they were completely valid. You hoped the team would work it out amongst themselves and come to a compromise somehow. But from the looks of it, that will never happen. No one really asked for your opinion. Even if you were like family to them, at the end of the day you were a simple accountant turned stay at home wife. A job you had to give up to be with your Steve. When it got too dangerous for you to go out in the world. You hoped maybe just maybe, Steve would do the same for you. He talked of retiring, becoming a high school professor or working on his art. And like an idiot you let yourself indulge in that fantasy and got sweeped away.

Your life wasn’t bad by any means, in fact it was too perfect. Your friends were often envious of your perfect marriage and your dutiful husband. But you wanted more for Steve. You wanted him to slow down a bit, enjoy life, to not wake up screaming in the middle of the night in a pool of his own sweat and tears. You loved all of him, but you loved him the most when he was happy. Being an Avenger took a huge toll on him. You just wanted him to be happy.

You were being ‘escorted’ to the interrogation room. You had only been there once, to see Steve. You never thought you would be the one being interrogated.

You couldn’t help but feel resentful. You were in this grey room, under the harsh fluorescent lights, being asked all sort of intrusive questions as if you were a criminal, because of him. You gave up everything for him. You completely gave yourself to him. You didn’t have much left.

“Are you sure?” The man in the black suit asked again.

“Yes I’m sure! I think I would remember if my husband contacted me” you snapped.

“Alright. Please calm down ma'am” He said and you rolled your eyes at his patronising tone “You can leave for now but you’re not allowed to leave the premises. Let us know as soon as Rogers contacts you. If you don’t you will be an accomplice to his crimes”

His words echoed in your head on the way to ‘your' apartment. You sat back on your couch ready to drown your worries and your sorrows in some wine. The portrait Steve painted of you in a short white sundress, playing with some birds like a Disney Princess, hung on your wall almost taunting you. It was all superficial wasn’t it?

All the gifts he gave you, all the sketches he made of you. Every time he held the door open for you or tenderly made love to you, looking into your eyes and staring deep into your soul. Did all of that really matter? If he didn’t consider you or your relationship while doing something as brash as – you didn’t even know what he did. His duty won over his love for you. It always would.

You should’ve known. Your mother warned you. Told you you’re not the kind of person that would be fine with being the second or even fifth priority. Too possessive, too loving. People like you only ever get their hearts broken.

What did the future hold for you? You knew Steve, or at least you thought you did. You knew he wouldn’t help a war criminal. A terrorist. Sure said terrorist was Steve’s friend, but Steve was the kind of person that held others accountable. But at the end of the day Steve was just a human and a softie. You could see him being so loyal and going till the end of the line for his buddy.

You hummed as you felt a hand caressing your cheek. The feeling of his calloused fingers felt so familiar. It was a nice dream, an escape from this dystopian reality. You’d like to live in it forever but then your eyes snapped open as you heard him call out your name.

You sat up quickly sat up straight “Steve” you blurted out as you looked at your husband. In a dark blue, red, and white which was dirty enough to be black, suit. His short blond hair a bit frizzy, his left cheek blue and purple, unlike the neat and tidy look he usually sports. You looked into his eyes, which looked so tired and exhausted.

“We have to get out of here right now” He said gravely. But then his face softened. “It’s not safe here for you doll. I can’t leave you here, where I won’t be able to protect you” he said cupping your face with his hands.

You should have asked him a million questions. If what they were saying was true. Did he really help a terrorist? Attack his friends, whom you considered your family. But you didn’t. You simply crashed your lips upon his, taking his breathe away. It was soft, sweet but needy. Just like most of your reunion kisses. “I’ll follow you anywhere Steve” You said pulling away and looking into his sky blue eyes.

He gave your forehead a soft kiss before pulling you up. Telling you to collect your things as quickly as you can. You changed into a pair of jeans and sweatshirt, packing a few more t-shirts and pants.

“Hurry up doll we don’t have long” he urged you.

You made your way out of the apartment. You were walking to the elevator thinking you would be going down on it. “No, y/n we have to take the stairs. Come on” he took your hand.

He lead you to the emergency exit, one you didn’t even know existed. He was always good at reading and remembering maps. You smiled thinking of the time he easily got you both out of a very complicated Halloween maze.

“Steve why are we going upstairs?” You asked panting and trying your best to keep up with his face. You weren’t blessed with the super serum, you weren’t a huge fan of working out either.

“We have to take the jet and leave the country” He said rubbing your back. After a few seconds he hauled you over his shoulder “Hold on” He said sprinting up the stairs.

“Wouldn’t they notice us leaving in a literal quinjet?” You asked “What happens if you get caught Steve? What will they do to you?”

“Don’t worry about that right now” You wanted to laugh. Not worry? You were literally fleeing the country. How could you not worry.

You finally made it to the terrace, shivering in Steves hold against the chilly air Steve set you down in the jet. Before working on the kinks to get it started.

Surprisingly you made it out without anyone following you but you held your breathe. Not letting your guard down until you knew you were completely safe. As soon as you were in the air Steve put the jet on stealth mode. Finally letting his back rest against his chair and letting out a deep sigh.

“Steve” you couldn’t help the quiver in your voice trying your best to hold in your tears. “what is going on? Is it true? What they were saying?”

“What were they saying?” he said quirking a brow at you.

“That you helped a terrorist and you’re like a... war criminal now” you struggled to get the words out. Uncomfortable to even think such a thing could happen.

“You really think I could do something like that” He rested his elbows on the arms of his seat staring you down.

“I don’t. That’s why I’m here. But I have a right to know what happened”

His brows remained furrowed, as if he didn’t believe you. You had no idea how he managed to turn the whole conversation around and put you on the spot. “It’s Bucky” He said, his hard face softening.

Bucky, his best friend. Steve had carried the guilt of his death on his shoulders for years. Which only got worse when he found out that Bucky was indeed alive, being used as a weapon by hydra. “They tried to frame him. He didn’t do anything wrong. He’s been suffering for years”

You briskly got up from your seat as you saw the tears escape his eyes. You were selfish. Only caring about how this whole ordeal was affecting you. You couldn’t even imagine what Steve must have gone through. You sat on his lap, hugging him close to you as he held onto you so tightly, as if you would disappear if he didn’t. “Promise me you’ll never leave me” he choked out against the crook of your neck.

You ran your fingers through his hair lightly scratching his head with your nails, in the way you knew he liked. “I would never leave you Steve. I promise”

Over five hours later you made it to Moldova. A small country in eastern Europe. Steve hid the jet, saying he would need it later, since he had to come up with a plan to rescue your friends. Which would be much harder than rescuing you, they were in a maximum security prison, in the middle of a freaking ocean.

You tried your best to not think about that when you were on your way to a motel. You were nervous to meet Bucky, who Steve said would be there with you. You had never met any of Steve’s family. Since well they were dead. Back when you started dating he wasn’t really friends with his coworkers, so you never really received ‘the shovel talk' from them.

This was nerve wracking. What if he thought you weren’t worthy of Steve? Bucky was the only link to Steve’s past, his oldest friend, surely his opinion would mean the world to Steve.

“Hey it’ll be okay” Steve said squeezing your thigh from the drivers seat, something he liked to do whenever you both drove together. “I would never let anything happen to you. You know that right?” He looked at you before looking back at the icy roads.

“It’s not that. I know you’ll keep me safe Stevie. If nothing else I believe in that” You said as he gave you a small smile “this is all just overwhelming you know? I mean would we ever get to go back?” You asked although you knew neither of you knew the answer. “and then there’s Bucky”

“What about Bucky?” he asked.

“What if... he doesn’t like me? I know it’s silly!” You whined before he could make a snarky comment “We have other things to worry about and whatever but I want to make a good impression. Is there something I should remember not to do? Or to do?” You scrunched your nose at your strange question and this stranger reality. Where you get to meet your husbands best friend at the worst timing.

“Uh...” He contemplated your words for a minute “Well don’t hug him. I know you like to do that” he let out a laugh at just how sweet and likeable you are and how Bucky would love you the second he lays his eyes on you “Don’t worry sweetheart. Bucky’s the last thing you have to worry about. You wouldn’t have to even try to get him to like you”

You finally parked at the motel. Ever the gentleman, Steve held the door open for you holding your hand as you made your way up the shaky stairs. Steve knocked three times on the door before the tall brunette whom you recognised as Bucky from all his old pictures opened the door. He let you both in. You took off your coat the room wasn’t as warm as you’d like but it was definitely better than the harsh cold outside.

You watched as Steve embraced Bucky in a hug asking him how he was doing. You tried not to let your gaze linger too long on him, but you couldn’t help but admire him. He was a few inches shorter than Steve, but he had the same alert soldiery stance as Steve and the similar Brooklyn accent. Not to mention he was one of the most handsome men you’ve ever seen. He definitely looked more aged and somehow different than in the photos.

Steve introduced you “This is my wife” He said and Bucky gave you a small smile.

“This punk couldn’t stop talking about you” He said grabbing Steve by the back of his neck.

You were happy to see that even if they both had changed over time, their friendship and bond remained the same. “Good things I hope” You playfully squint your eyes at Steve.

“I’d never say anything bad about you doll” He walked towards you kissing your forehead and putting the backpack you packed on the bed. “You must be tired, you wanna go to bed?” He sat down on the bed cracking his neck, the stress of the last few days getting to him.

You finally had a chance to look around the room. It was what you’d expect from a shady motel. White floors which were now almost yellow, torn wallpaper and an old television. But then you looked at the twin beds. Looks like you’ll have to share one with Steve. You hoped he would be able to get proper sleep, with how tired he looked he really needed it. “I’m tired?” you teased him.

After freshening up and changing into your night clothes, you settled on the bed, sighing in relief as your sore back touched the hard mattress. Out of the corner of your eye you caught a glimpse of Bucky settling in on his bed beside you and his metal hand peeking out of his long sleeved shirt. You wondered what it looked it, did it hurt him? How was he able to move it so naturally as if it’s a part of his body? You really had to bite your tongue to not let your curiosity get the best of you.

“This will have to do for tonight sweetheart” Steve said spooning you from behind and pulling you into him. You sighed out as you felt his bare and warm chest through your tank top. You wouldn’t have to worry about being chilly. Bucky turned to lay on his side away from the both of you.

You hummed as Steve snaked a hand past your tank top and resting it on your soft tummy. Drawing small random patterns on it. Bucky turned off the lights, it wasn’t completely dark, there was plenty of moonlight coming through the window. You insisted on helping Steve out of his steath suit, so you could check in on his wounds and treat them, it was a post mission ritual for you both. But Steve refused to let you in as he changed in the bathroom alone. You feared that his wounds were worse than he was letting on.

“I missed you princess” he whispered in your hair, snapping out of your thoughts. “did you miss me?”

Bucky was snoring and seemed to be in a deep slumber but just to be safe you kept your voice low “I did” You said wiggling your ass against his crotch. You weren’t surprised to find his pretty hard erection there.

“Yeah?” He smirked ghosting his fingers at the elastic of your shorts “how much” before he could dip his fingers your hands stopped him

“Not now” you whispered harshly “Bucky is sleeping right there” you scolded. How he could even think about sex right now you had no idea. You would be mortified if you Bucky woke up to find you both in the middle of it.

“We’ll just be quiet” He said slipping his fingers past your shorts and panties and between your thighs. You wanted to stop him. You really did. But you realised just how much you missed him when he brushed his fingers against your warm folds.

“I can’t be quiet! You know that” You whined as he dipped his finger in your heat. You had no idea what had gotten into him. He loved making you moan, scream and cry. Did he want Bucky to hear you both make love? Steve was more perverted than he let on but this was something even you didn’t know.

“You will try for me won’t you?” He rolled your clit between his fingers and kissed your temple to sooth your thrashing “don’t you wanna be a good girl for me? Hm?” he asked driving three of his fingers inside of you to warm you up.

You should be embarrassed at the sinful noises that your cunt was making, you could hear them clearly since you had to be quiet. But you weren’t. In the moment you just needed to cum. “I wanna cum daddy please” Your voice muffled against the pillow you had pushed your face into to drown out your moans.

“Then cum doll” he said thrusting his fingers into you with purpose.

“I wanna cum on your cock daddy” He groaned at that.

Pulling his fingers out of you. He pulled your panties and your shorts down, bringing the blankets up to your neck “You comfy princess?” You nodded. He pulled his cock out of his sweats nudging it between your buttcheeks. He pulled your bare leg placing it over his hip and holding it there as he slowly pushed into you. He pushed his other hand under you to hold onto and fondle your breasts.

In any other situation this position would be uncomfortable but right now you felt as warm and safe to be surrounded by him. You didn’t feel the need to cum anymore, content with the warmth and the weight of his cock inside you. His steady breathing and heart beat lulling you to sleep.

He didn’t like that. He snapped his hips and pushed his cock deeper inside you. “Don’t fall asleep on me now princess” He warned as he slowly fucked into you.

You dug your nails into his hand which was squeezing your breast as you tried your best to contain your moans. You let out a mewl as Steve stroked your clit while making slow love to you. You were tipped over the edge, cuming hard around his cock and on his fingers.

“Shit” He said as the pace of his thrusts increased “you’re so tight doll. So snug” He bit your ear to keep from groaning out loud. He was about to pull out of you, to clean you up with a washcloth. He wouldn’t trust the towels the hotels provided but he did see you pack a couple, he could use those.

But you tightened the grip of your leg on his hip, forcing him to stay in place. You looked over your shoulder and he could barely make out your pout in the dim light “Stay inside please. Keep me warm” You requested. He had never been good at saying no to you.

So he pecked your lips and chose to forget about the myriad of problems facing him and all of you. At least for now.

Tags will be in the reblogs! If you want to join my taglist click the link in the bio or leave me an ask!

I am sorry about the shitton of nicknames. I just like sweet nicknames ok🥺🥺

#ambersanyficchallenge #sweatersanyficchallenge #steve rogers x soft!reader #steve rogers x reader #steve x reader #steve rogers x you #steve rogers x female reader #chris evans x you #chris evans x reader #steve rogers x original character #steve rogers x ofc #steve rogers x oc #avengers x fem!reader #avengers x reader #marvel x reader

[razorblade180]

Shackles 10: Beasts

[part 9]

“You know I’m really getting tired of walking through hot rocky deserts.”

“Yang, you’re the last person I want to hear complain about the heat.” Ilia grunted. “Just be thankful we aren’t in Menagerie.”

“We marched through it yesterday for a couple days.”

“Oh….well then stop complaining! Dawn has barely broke and Vacou is marginally less hot. These two know what I’m talking about.”

Blake and Jacquelyn remained silent. Both were lost in thought, mentally preparing for what was ahead. Ilia clicked her tongue. She looked at the spot marked on her map to make sure she hadn’t messed up the directions.

Blake could hear her teammate’s heartbeats as they walked. Jacquelyn might’ve been quiet but her heartbeat was faster than a hummingbird. Yang’s beat like a steady drum while Ilia’s, well, it was actually calm. Not a beat of worry. Blake was envious.

“What I wouldn’t give to be calm like you.”

Ilia looked back at her briefly before looking onward. “There’s nothing you have to give. Last time I checked we were taught to be calm by the same person. Though I guess…it was more of a quiet rage. He had that in common with my parents.”

“Has.” Jacquelyn corrected. “And I wouldn’t say his rage was quiet. Sometimes it felt like he could only scream into the wind.”

Yang raised her brow. “Wasn't that annoying? Concerning even?”

“Rage doesn’t do well bottled up. Should I have been concerned and annoyed when you yelled at me?”

“I…that is…” Yang sighed, giving up on a response.

“Rage like this can’t be solved immediately with wimpy meditation practices or a stress ball. Better to shout in a nameless desert than to go around breaking things. Anyways, that hasn’t happened in awhile. Adam has been lost in thought lately more than anything. Now that’s concerning. Being alone with your thoughts is risky business. I’m sure we all agree on that.”

Ilia stopped walking as she made it over a dune. “I don’t know. Thoughts are probably the best thing in a place like that.” She points down towards a lone rock plateau with a tattered wooden mineshaft entrance.that’s blocked by debris. “We made it.” Blake and Jacquelyn said nothing as they began walking ahead of her. Small talk was over.

Yang took a deep breath. She was never one to be nervous about situations like these. Being a huntress meant you saw some disturbing things by nature, but that didn’t stop the air itself from feeling dead. Blake described the scent as a slaughter house earlier. Somehow, Yang could tell she was right. “We ready for this? Who knows what is waiting for us inside.”

“Ready as we’ll ever be. Ilia will stand guard outside. We don’t want them knowing our numbers fully or any backup arriving. You and Jacquelyn back me up while I take the lead.”

“Works for me. But…” Yang approached the entrance and pressed up against a support beam, widening the entrance as debris crumbled out of the way. “That’s better. I’d rather have a quick escape instead of a squeeze through when things get loud, because it’s definitely going to.”

Blake smiled. “Quiet was never your thing anyways, but remember, this is a dust mine. Dried up or not, let’s not shoot anything immediately.” Blake walked in with her swords ready. Jacquelyn followed second with Wilted Rose on her hip.

Yang gave Ilia a wink before following the other two. The shaft didn’t take long before it started sloping down into darkness. A problem for anyone not hanging out with a faunus with great eyesight, or a girl whose hair glows like a torch on command. Normally that would be a benefit, but it made things all the more uneasy for Yang.

“Don’t you think it’s a little too dark in here? I mean…I don’t think the guards themselves could see; unless…” she trailed off. Breaking their focus was the last thing she wanted, but Yang was certain they already knew. Step by step the cave expanded. Water dripped down to the pools below. Faint clinging metal grew louder while Yang’s light revealed rusted cell bars, chains, and mining tools. A thick, potent odor hung in the air so intensely that it made swallowing difficult.

“Don’t look inside, not yet.” Jacquelyn uttered, holding back her gagging.

Blake marched forward. “Smell getting to you?”

“It’s not the stench that makes me want to hurl.”

At last they reached the end of the holding area to reach another passageway. Light curved through it and Blake’s pace slowed.

“What’s wrong?”

“I hear people. Dozens of them. Workers and…the rest.”

Jacquelyn’s eyes glowed. “Then what are we waiting f-”

“They aren’t moving. Everyone’s just…” Blake approached cautiously, crouched and weary. A knot festered deep inside her. Tears she restrained kept fighting to the surface the closer she got to turning the corner until Blake finally came around. In front of her was the main area. Faunus of every kind stuffed into this giant chasm. Men, women, and children bound in shackles all over the place while guards over watched them; yet nobody was working. They all were watching a man on a platform make another example of the very person that brought them here. Without thinking, Blake spoke.

“A-Adam…?” She said barely above a whisper, yet all heard her in the deathly quiet chamber.

Guards and prisoners alike turned to her in surprise. Jacquelyn and Yang came in soon after with their own look of shock at what they were witnessing. Tired, dread, shock, pain, terror, rage, lifelessness; so many expressions stared at the three from the prisoners who cowarded and guards that pulled weapons.

“Halt. Let’s not be too hasty.” Sobek said, turning around to view his arrival. They couldn’t help but notice his white lab coat stained in red that matches the curved knife he currently wiped on his sleeve. “My goodness. Well isn’t this quite the surprise. I should’ve known catching a big fish and the fact some of my men hadn't returned in a while meant someone was gonna come knocking on my door, but my wildest dreams didn’t think it would be you. Ms. Blake Belladonna, welcome to Purgatory. I’d shake your hand but…” he grabbed Adam by the hair to lift his battered face, but that was tame compared to the gashes and massive bruises that riddled his body in red and purple. “I’ve been pretty busy.” He lit Adam’s head droop limply again.

Overwhelmed, neither Blake or Jacquelyn could speak. The two had yet to shake the shock of it all. As for Yang, she chose to break formation and get in front of both of them. “Why?” That’s all she could ask. That’s all there was to ask. Yang was so caught up by the horrific sight before her that she failed to realize her eyes had long abandoned their lilac color.

Sobek smiled at her. “What’s this, a human? Well I suppose wonders never cease. Caring humans do exist but to find one here is both shocking and unfortunate. You see these monsters before you aren’t worth your compassion. Every last one of them are affiliated and conspired with the very group that poisons the world you and I cherish.”

“That does not answer the question! Why the hell are you hunting people?”

“Animals! How many times do I-” He took a breath, composing himself. “These animals do nothing but spread misery, breed hate. They teach it to their vermin and drag the good faunus through the mud! Just like they did with my daughters! The White Fang aren’t faunus. They’re animals that need to be tamed; and the ones that can’t get put down! The High Leader understands.”

Blake tensed up. All eyes shifted to her and her alone.

“It was faunus like you that showed the rotten parts. The posers and liars that threatened good names. You yourself waged war against the splinter cell this filth-”

“Let him go.” Blake finally spoke. Her voice trembled. The taste of iron hit her mouth as her teeth clenched and pupils constricted. “Let them all go, right now!” She yelled.

The charisma the man held faded. “Excuse me? S…Surely you’re not defending them?”

“And why wouldn’t I!? This…it’s sick. In what right mind does any of this make sense? All you’re doing is hurting people.”

“They get what they deserve.”

“AND WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE!?” Blake could feel her blood boil. Her nail pierced skin and she could feel her heart pound. “I don’t give a damn what your reasons are. I don’t care if anyone in here took lives. This is not how things work. You don’t get to decide others' lives, especially after this!”

“You stand here before me and defend the likes of Adam Taurus, terrorist?”

“I defend life.” Blake pointed her sword towards the man. “I defend change, no matter how bleak!”

“……I see. So you're a beast after all. Then mourn for them.” Sobek withdrew his hospitality, and then snapped his fingers. The guards took their weapons, then went for the prisoners to immediately beat, stab, and shoot whoever.

Yang wasn’t prepared for what happened next. Before she could even act, Blake had let out a scream of pure anger, leaping through the air to Sobek while a trail of tears were left behind. The scientist had made a mad dash towards a metal down with Blake in pursuit.

“Blake!? Don’t go alo-shit!” Yang dove back into the passage they came from to avoid gunfire. “Damn it all!” Yang readied her for a shoot out when the sound of lightning rattled her ears, followed by the sound of several yells before silence returned. Yang looked out and found gunmen on the floor, Jacquelyn walking by them.

The maiden said nothing. Her goal was a simple one and if she was honest with herself, everything else was white noise at the moment. Wind lifted her up to Adam’s platform. Jacquelyn gripped the shackles that strung him up, freezing them until they shattered like glass. His body fell onto hers and she fell to her knees. The world gave Jacquelyn her fair share of tragedy, but this was too cruel to comprehend. His face was so swollen the skin was purple, his good eye swelled shut. Blood leaked and clotted all over his torso and back from stabs, gashes, shocks, and the broken bones.

“Adam?” She uttered, but no response was given. She leaned down to hear the faintest sign of breathing and a weak beating heart. What should’ve sparked hope only made her cry. They had kept him conscious through so much and now his body…

Guards begin to circle around them aim their guns. “Don’t move! Step-” the guard couldn’t even finish his demands before letting out a strained cough as the rock wall behind him shot out like a spear through him.

“I’ll kill you.” Jacquelyn lifted her head, making all the guards shake in fear of her glowing tear filled eyes. The wind picked up around her and the air began to freeze. “I’LL KILL ALL OF YOU!”

“FIRE!” The guards shot into blistering winds that cut and carved the area around their target, firing back ice and imposing the pressure of her storm to the point the entire cavern shook.

“Give me a break. So much for dust safety.” Yang ran through the area, punching and shooting unsuspecting enemies caught up in the whirlwind of dust as she made her way to prisoners; tearing apart chains and yanking them out of walls. “If you can walk then help those who can’t!” She shot falling debris from afar that nearly blocked the exit. “Hey! You’re going to bury us!” Yang’s words didn’t reach the emotional woman holding her partner. Yang looked around frantically. Guards still poured in, some tried escaping, and others ran to where Blake left. All while prisoners either ran for safety or layed dying; beyond the limit of what they could take. “C’mon, act Xiao Long. Act!”

Her feet moved without thinking. Yang didn’t know how this was going to end but if she wanted the best then she’d have to reach for it with her own hands. If that meant rushing head first into a snow storm then so be it. Her hair ignited into pure flames and her clothes kindled like dying embers. Yang lunged right into the dome of wind to grab Jacquelyn.

“Jackie, get a grip! People need us right now. We’ll all die here if this keeps up.” She put her hands on the sides of Jackie's face. “Hey hey hey, look at me.”

Jacquelyn looked Yang in the eye. “He…He’s dying.” Her hands pressed against open wounds. Fire and ice sealed and cauterized wounds but what good it did was unclear.

“Adam’s a stubborn bastard. He cheated death before and he’ll do it again.”

“But-”

“I will take care of Adam! I promise.” Yang put her hands on Jacquelyn’s. “You take care of the guards following their boss and back up Blake. I hate to say it but I don’t like my odds going through that door, so I’ll get these people out. Okay?”

“E…Even if I barrel through them all I don’t know if I can handle-”

“They’re… weak.” Adam mumbled, gaining their attention. He could barely see or move but managed to move his hands enough to grab Jackie’s. “All mutilated, barely trained; but insane. Sobek, he… Atlas.” He coughed blood.

“Adam!”

“Just…grab Blake.” His consciousness faded in and out. However, Adam managed to squeeze Jackie’s hand for reassurance before going silent.

“Well you heard the guy. Though if you do see a chance to grab the bastard…”

“Oh you don’t have to tell me twice.” Jacquelyn was hesitant but gave Adam to Yang. She finally stood up, gripping the hilt of the crimson blade on her. “I’ve always wanted to do this.” With one fluid motion she drew the blade while channeling her magic. A fierce and single slash cut through the wind; pushing it out with force that pushed everyone while the attack cut the metal door down. Jacquelyn didn’t delay any further in doing what she was asked. Yang put Adam on her back best she could. Thankfully he was able to wrap his arms over her shoulders.

“Do me a favor and don’t fall off.”

“Do me a favor and don’t get me shot.”

Yang groaned. Of all the people she had to save. Right on que, bullets flew their way. Time to head out. Yang did her best to run with the extra baggage. Adam honestly wasn’t too heavy but that wasn’t a good thing realistically. Chances are he hasn’t eaten much in days. If it wasn’t for the swelling then the man’s features would’ve been sunken in and pale. Yang can’t say she has compassion for him but she’d be hard pressed to believe she could idly watch if it happened right in front of her. Ruby would say that’s what makes her a hero. It was more frustrating in Yang’s opinion.

“For your sake I hope you’re worth all this trouble.” Yang kicked downed guards trying to get up from the wind blast to give others more time. “Well at the very least all these people are so I guess I should shut up about it.”

Adam did his best to look at the chaos. His vision couldn’t register faces but he saw how many people pushed and rushed over one another. Though one of them, he couldn’t help but think about Sobek’s words and thought process. It was twisted, outright demented, yet one part of it held true to an extent. Adam felt his ego take a hit. He led them here.

“…I got what I deserve.”

“Tsk, if you ask me you’ve only gotten a piece of it. How you get rest isn’t for me to decide, thank goodness. If I were you I’d start thinking on how-”

“Cells.” He interrupted. “Don’t leave without opening the cells.”

“Huh? Most looked empty or wore silent. No one even came up to bars.”

“A girl, Jasmine, she should be there. Brother too.”

“Dude you can’t afford many detours. I’ll try but no promise we’ll find anything. I’m telling you it was quiet. Dead quiet.” Yang felt ill saying that last part. “What kind of person does this to kids? Can’t imagine a childhood like this.”

Adam’s grip tightened. “I can.”

After a few more minutes of letting stragglers go first and looking out for danger, Yang left the cavern. Defending everyone was a Dream already killed before it could start and she promised to look after Adam so taking her time wasn’t an option. “Do you know what cell?”

“I was strung up on a platform.”

“A no would’ve been fine.” Yang started checking one at a time, punching in doors just in case. It was far too dark to see completely in them otherwise. “Uhh Jasmine? Hello?” She kept looking again and again but no one answered. Yang was about to cut her losses until she heard hissing when a prisoner bumped into a set of bars. “Jasmine?”

No one answered. Yang grabbed the bars and hissing turned to growling. There was definitely someone in there. She busted open the door and stepped in, lighting a section of the area. A gasp escaped her lips at the sight of blood soaked dirt. Pale eyes glowed in the corner. Yang stepped closer carefully until the girl could no longer hide in the dark. A maple skinned girl covered in dirt, sweat, and blood crouched low with eyes as scary as Blake’s; her teeth gritted while the volume of her growl grew louder with her soiled white ears folded back. Yang was easily in no real danger, yet the glare on her was startling. This little girl clearly was ready to kill if need be.

Yang got low. “H-Heeey. Sssshh It’s okay. I’m gonna- ah!” Yang winced. Jacquelyn lunged forward and sunk her teeth into Yang’s good hand. Yang didn’t lose composure. She reached out with her other hand, rubbing the child’s face. “Feel better? Hehe, let’s get you outta here.”

Jasmine tried biting deeper but was caught off guard by a third hand resting on her head. Her eyes widened once she realized Adam was one the woman’s back. Her jaw loosened up and the rage turned into grief.

“Jasmine, where’s-”

“Adam…?” Yang said, staring to the right. Her light didn’t reach the other side of the cell but it was enough to make a trail of blood and limp arm visible. The two went silent again. Adam pulled Jasmine closer until she climbed up on him, clinging for life as she began to whimper against his back. Yang let her hair fade out and then left, walking through the dark. She didn’t want to see another second in this place.

xxxx

Jacquelyn wasn’t much of a better time. Unlike the rest of Purgatory, everything past the medal door reminded her of Atlesian research labs. Including the defenses. Around every corner was an annoyance. Two armed guards tried getting the jump on her but were quickly outmatched. Jacquelyn froze the first with ice breath while the second tried taking a swing at her. Catching the fist, Jacquelyn twisted the guard's arm and pinned her against the wall; draining what aura she could in the process before pressing on. Jacquelyn was thankful Yang calmed her down when she did. Expending more energy like that would've been bad in her condition. Jacquelyn felt like she was running on fumes.

“I can see why my mom never gave me siblings. Gotta make this quick before I’m the one who’ll need saving.” More enemies marched from behind, forcing her to run through the sterile hallways. On the way a trail of several guards were already taken out that led to a bigger group of struggling men. Jacquelyn could make out a pissed off Blake in the middle of it all.

“LET ME GO!” Blake headbutted the one restraining her right arm and swung at the ones in front of her. A burst of strength rushed through her. She gripped the guard on her left arm, flinging them across the room. Blake swiveled around to aim at the ones behind her but Jacquelyn was quicker on the draw. Adam’s signature gun already riddled two with wounds while the blade cut down three more.

“Where’s Sobek?”

“He keeps heading deeper in.” Blake pointed at the scientist’s fallen scales and light trail of blood. “I tried taking a shot but I kept getting swarmed.” Blake noticed the pack behind Jacquelyn and tried running but was immediately grabbed by the wrist. “Jacquelyn!?”

“It’s a trap. We both know that.”

“We’ve known that from the jump. If we corner him then-” Blake and Jacquelyn shot past each other at the same time before standing back to back. Jacquelyn slammed her hand on the ground and conjured ice walls to by time. “Damnit! There’s no end!”

“Yeah…let’s retreat.”

“What!? But you’re the one-”

“I know! Believe me, I know. Honestly I want to tell you I came here to back you up but Yang offered to take Adam to safety in exchange for yours.”

Blake’s eyes widened. “Yang…offered?”

“Truth be told, I think it was more self preservation than kindness. Listen I don’t want to get blown up again but Sobek seems like the type to let it all burn when things fall apart. I told you that you’d find your answer when we arrive. Don’t tell me it was to get angry and die?”

“……” Blake shut her eyes and took a breath. It didn’t help. If anything her heart felt like it was beating faster. Pent up frustration gnawed away at her so much she couldn’t stop shaking. Her grip was so tight around Gamble Shroud her hands threatened to bleed. “What did you say earlier outside, about screaming when you’re enraged?”

Jacquelyn chuckled. “We’re well past that point. Don’t tell Adam but I think we should break some shit. Lucky for us we have volunteers. Care for a violent escape?”

Blake turned away from the path deeper into the lab and faced Jacquelyn’s direction, listening to reason. “Back me up. I’d feel guilty if your baby got hurt.”

Now that was an offer Jacquelyn couldn’t refuse. Blake’s kindness managing to shine even while in this situation was something Jacquelyn could only respect. She got behind her. “I’m in your hands. Now let’s get busy.”

Jacquelyn spit the wall in front of them to funnel the lackeys in for Blake to cut loose on with her blades, performing a double cross slash into snap kick that launched one backwards into the group. Keeping on the offensive, Blake followed up with a rising knee to push them further back. A strong gust of wind from Jacquelyn helped increase the force and distance Blake went while suppressing the rest. A guard tried restraining her but only grasped the afterimage while the real one unleashed an aura slash that went through the crowd. Deep cuts engraved the wall and glass shattered. Blake tossed her blades up and went through the halls quickly guiding Jacquelyn safely to the other side.

Pressure filled the air. A dense building of force rose steadily until Jacquelyn couldn’t ignore it. “Blake? What did you do-” the cuts in the wall doubled in size. An almost unseen second flash went through the hall, the blades traveling with it until stopping on a dime in front of Blake for her to grab from the hands of a clone Jacquelyn never saw materialize. It faded as quickly as it was noticed. One by one the guards adamant on killing were dropping like flies.

“A double moon slice? Heh, I guess you really are his disciple at heart.”

“In more ways than one.” Blake flung the blood off her blade while she sharpened them on one another.

“And why would you say that?” Blake looked back at her. The vacant and dim stare she gave expressed a bleak hollowing pain Jacquelyn couldn’t mistake. “Oh…well that’s okay. It just makes you one of us.”

#rwby #adam taurus #sobek #blake belladonna #ilia amitola #jacquelyn frost #yang xiao long #rwby shackles #rwby au

[andrewmoocow]

Steven Universe Alternate Future chapter 19: Change your Heart (originally published on July 19, 2021)

AN: So, trying to reform Kevin. Might be a Herculean task to some, but for me, I think I'll try my best. And given that this is almost directly after last chapter, Steven might find this just as challenging since he would continuously resist the urge to go pink and break Kevin's face. But more to the point, let's get things started.

Synopsis: Kevin comes back wanting to become a genuinely better person, but Steven gets suspicious.

Cast:

Zach Callison as Steven, Cactus Stevens

Andrew Kishino as Kevin

Jinkx Monsoon as Emerald

Melissa Fahn as Demantoid

Kari Wahlgren as Pyrope

Jennifer Paz as Laz

Michelle Maryk as Larimar

Deedee Magno-Hall as Volleyball

Auli'I Cravalho as Orange Spodumene

Michaela Dietz as Crazy Lace Agate

Colton Dunn as Mr. Smiley

--

A few days after Steven's faithful visit to the doctor, he went about today trying to keep a lid on his emotions as much as possible as he strolled through the boardwalk, passing by his Beach City friends and tourists along the way.

"Just gotta find something that always makes me happy to take my mind off all that trauma," Steven muttered to himself. He could go to the Big Donut, but something told him it just wouldn't be the same with Dewey running the counter instead of Lars and Sadie. He could also go to Fish Stew Pizza or the docks, but then he would just be reminded of Sadie Killer and the Suspects breaking up. However, there was still one local hangout associated with a friend that hasn't drifted apart from Steven just yet. "Maybe I could give the arcade a shot."

Walking towards the Funland Arcade, Steven found Mr. Smiley just getting done with carrying some new games into the arcade while a poster advertising those games was hanging outside the building. "Just came in: multiplayer version of beloved video game series Undiscovered." Steven read the poster. "Come one, come all."

"That's not all, the good folks at Sumy also have a ton of other classics downloaded too!" Mr. Smiley said to Steven. "Champion of Conflict, Pressure Scramble, Distorted Plastic, all of them GameStation legends! Come try one of them once in a while."

"Well, maybe Undiscovered could help me blow off some steam after the past two days." Steven realized as he stepped into the arcade to play some Undiscovered and pick the series' rugged, hot-shot leading man William Vespucci to play as. However, what he didn't realize until it was too late was that someone else had picked Vespucci's friendly rival Columbus.

"Well well well, been a long while, hasn't it….uh…." Kevin greeted Steven, only to stop short while trying to remember his young one-sided enemy's name. "Ben, was it? You look like a Ben. Or maybe a Finn."

"Hello, Kevin." Steven greeted the bad boy in a strained voice, resisting the urge to put the controller down and punch him in the face. "What brings you here?"

"Well, word on the street is that you've been teaching Gems that once tried to kill you how to be nice to others." Kevin stated. "And I thought, 'hey, why don't I have a slice of that pie?' So that's why I found you."

"Are you sure this is not another excuse to see Stevonnie again?" Steven asked as the game continued. "Because Connie and I are currently abstaining from-"

"Look kid, you were able to get a bunch of sexy galactic terrorists to stop being terrorists, so why not do the same with me?" Kevin suggested with a smarmy grin. "Well, minus the terrorists part. You still get what I mean, right?"

Steven paused the game and turned to Kevin suspiciously. On one hand, the older boy did seem genuine in his offer, but on the other, it seemed like just another excuse to hit on girls. However, Steven did give the likes of Peridot and the Diamonds a second chance, so as Kevin said, he could probably do the same to him.

"Alright, I'll help you." Steven accepted the offer. "After this round of Undiscovered, I'm gonna take you to Little Homeworld to show you around and teach you some basic kindness. But know this, I'm keeping an eye on you."

"Oh, don't you worry, I'm going to be 100% respectful of others the whole way through." Kevin stated confidently. "Now let's get back to gaming."

The two then returned to playing Undiscovered, and they kept on playing for most of the morning until Steven decided it was time for them to go.

--

"So, this is where the magic happens, eh?" Kevin asked Steven as he was driven out of Beach City and taken to Little Homeworld, where he watched many Gems of all shapes and sizes learn how to fit in on Earth and let go of their oppressive pasts. "Is it true that most of these babes were monsters at some point?"

"Yes, they were monsters." Steven answered. "And please don't call them babes, we discussed this."

"I know, but who's to blame for making them all women?" Kevin tried justifying his earlier comment while they got out of the Dondai.

"You know, I never once asked about where the Gem race came from." Steven came to a realization. "Might have to make a note of that later." As Steven looked around the Gem village to see who he can introduce Kevin to first, he could hear a certain voice crying for revenge.

"LET ME GO YOU TRAITORS!" Emerald shrieked while Demantoid and Pyrope tried to keep her from reaching the Warp Pad at the center of Little Homeworld. "I must find our master, she is the only one that can save me!"

"She's been like this ever since we were unbubbled and enrolled here." Demantoid revealed. "While Pyrope and I have slowly gotten more acclimated to the place, Emerald here hasn't."

"Can't you see this tiny slave driver has brainwashed you all?!" Emerald declared with a finger pointed at Steven. "I will never submit to your concentration camp, never!"

"Yeah, she's going to be one tough nut to crack." Pyrope remarked before she got a look at Kevin. "Oh, and who could this be?"

"Name's Kevin, nice dress." Kevin greeted the Garnet with a kiss of her hand. "And I see your little screaming friend's got one eye. Not gonna discriminate, I like that in a girl."

"Kevin." Steven scolded his rival. "I'm teaching Kevin here how to be nicer to folks and less of a pervert. I think he really wants to change, but I'm still keeping an eye on him."

"But I complimented Pyrope's dress. That's gotta mean something, right?" Kevin asked Steven.

"That's a pretty good start, I'll admit, but you gotta do more than that." Steven advised. "Try striking up a conversation with her."

"Okay, I'll see what I can do." Kevin said before turning back to Pyrope. "So, how did you first get here?"

"Well Kevin, it all began when my partner Demantoid and I attempted an uprising against Era 3 using the Light Prisms we owned." Pyrope began explaining her backstory to the human. "We believed the Gem race would be lost without order and sought to install ourselves as the new rulers in place of the Diamonds. However, that would turn out badly and we were poofed & imprisoned, at least until Black Rutile broke us out of our prison to recruit us into her own uprising. But that turned out badly too and we were poofed in the ensuing battle for Earth. Since then, the only other member of Black Rutile's resistance that remained beside the three of us was a belligerent Lapis Lazuli who decided to come here after a Jasper saved her from shattering."

As Pyrope went on, Kevin, out of boredom, rolled his eyes and began to walk elsewhere while Steven crossly looked at him and Pyrope realized too late that Kevin was gone. "Um, where is he?" she asked.

"I'll find him." Steven groaned exasperatedly and walked off after Kevin.

"Pyrope, while you were talking, Emerald had made her escape." Demantoid stated to Pyrope. "I was able to keep her from using the Warp Pad, but that didn't stop her from hiding."

"Oh dear, how could I be so distracted?!" Pyrope exclaimed and raced off with the other Garnet to find Emerald.

--

"Hey cutie, like your curls." Kevin said while trying to hit on a very confused Laz. "What's your name, Baby Blue?"

"Um, Gems here call me Laz." Laz awkwardly introduced herself. "And you are?"

"You can call me the boy of your dreams!" Kevin declared with a flip of his hair, but his advances would have to wait.

"Kevin!" Steven yelled crossly. "You shouldn't have just walked out on Pyrope like that! And you were making good progress too by asking about her story."

"Hey, sorry, she just went on a bit too long." Kevin stated defensively. "And hey, I'm even making a new friend too."

"I was just minding my own business when he walked up and started smooth-talking me, honest." Laz added.

"Well, how about we use this opportunity to give you another lesson?" Steven suggested. "Say you're crossing the street and a woman is in front of a big puddle. What do you do?"

"Tell her to just walk around it?" Kevin answered, causing Steven to facepalm.

"No, you gotta take off your jacket and drop it over the puddle so she can cross." Steven corrected Kevin. "Like in the super old movies. Laz, could you make a puddle?"

"Okay then." Laz complied and generated a small puddle that looked ready to be stepped in with some water nearby. "Well, what are you waiting for?" she asked Kevin. "Just toss the jacket!"

"Seriously?! This is expensive, ya know!" Kevin grumbled while taking off his jacket to spread out on the puddle. "I didn't sign up for this." Once Kevin shed his jacket, he dropped it on the puddle and allowed Laz to cross.

"Thanks, I guess." Laz thanked the human awkwardly before turning to Steven. "See you around Steven."

"You're welcome." Kevin replied with a bow while Steven picked up the jacket. "There, I learned basic politeness. How about that?"

"Yeah, that's a good start." Steven complimented. "Good job Kev."

"Yes!" Kevin cheered. "Wait, did you just call me Kev?"

"Yeah, I didn't know what just happened either." Steven admitted. "Let's go for one more trial for today."

--

At the greenhouse where Peridot usually had her classes, the Cactus Stevens, now freed from Black Rutile's control, were helping Volleyball, Little Larimar, Orange Spodumene, and Crazy Lace Agate with some gardening when Steven & Kevin walked in.

"Oh, hello Steven." Volleyball greeted Steven. "Haven't seen you in a while, how are things?"

"Doing fine, just had a little meltdown a few days ago, but I'm recovering." Steven replied. "And by the way, I heard what happened at that trial on Homeworld. How long were you spying on us for Black Rutile?"

"Since not too long after you faced White Diamond." Volleyball revealed shyly while tears began to leak. "I was only forced to do it by Black Rutile and Holly Blue, though. But can you still forgive me?"

Before Steven could answer, Kevin pretended to loudly clear his throat to get everyone's attention. "It's cute that Cyclops here wants to apologize for whatever, but remember me?!"

"Sorry, Kevin." Steven apologized before introducing him to the Pearl. "I'd like you to meet Volleyball. She was Pink Diamond's former Pearl before getting her eye cracked and later brainwashed by White Diamond. Volleyball, meet Kevin. I hate his guts, but he wants to become a better person so I'm giving him a chance."

"So, your eye is cracked." Kevin gestured to Volleyball's damaged eye. "What's it like seeing with one eye? Does it, like, affect your sense of direction or whatever?"

"Oh no, I get around pretty fine, especially after fusing with Pearl." Volleyball answered brightly. "Ever since then, the crack still's there but you can barely see a pupil now too."

"Cool, cool." Kevin responded, trying to sound interested before he started looking around the greenhouse. "So let me guess, you grow plants here?"

"Exactly Kevin," Larimar said while holding a potted plant in her hands. "Look at the hydrangeas I'm growing!"

"And my daffodils." Orange Spodumene added as she showed off her flower.

"Watching them all grow is the best part!" Crazy Lace Agate cooed while intensely watching the hyacinths growing in her pot.

"Wow, you are all really into flowers, huh?" Kevin wondered while looking over Crazy Lace's shoulder. "I mean, Steven's teaching you all how to be crazy for Earth, so I won't judge."

"See, you're getting interested in what they're doing, and no sign of hitting on them." Steven declared. "Good job Kevin."

"I mean, after you yelled at me for getting bored during Pyrope's story, I just thought I should wise up a little bit." Kevin stated. "Isn't that what humans do or something, learn from mistakes and grow from them?"

"Yeah, that's pretty profound." Steven answered. "Especially coming from someone like you."

"You're right." Kevin realized. "Did I really just change that fast? I mean, I heard you were able to get those Diamonds to play nice with a silly one-liner and they changed just as quickly!"

"Well, not quite." Steven said. "They still got a lot to work out. Everybody does, even you. And me."

"Uh, what do you mean by that, and why do I have a feeling I'm not going to get a good answer?" Kevin asked nervously. Steven sheepishly looked around at the Gems in the greenhouse before taking Kevin away.

"Let's take this outside." Steven declared.

--

Steven took Kevin back to his car and the two drove away from Little Homeworld all the way back to Beach City in complete silence. A silence that Kevin found a bit concerning before the two returned to town before he finally spoke up. "Uh, anything the matter?" he asked. "You've been quiet since we left the greenhouse."

"It's just about what I've been through lately." Steven finally spoke up while stopping the car. "Ever since we last saw each other at that party, I've learned that my mom Rose Quartz was Pink Diamond, went to Homeworld where I saw the Crystal Gems get turned into extensions of White Diamond, nearly got killed by Spinel while all organic life was at risk of being killed by her injector, learned that a sociopathic revolutionary wants to kill me & conquer the galaxy and nearly got thrown off a cliff to my death. And that's only a few notable incidents."

"Wait, thrown off a cliff?!" Kevin exclaimed while the two boys emerged from the Dondai Supremo. "Sociopathic revolutionary? Dang, you been through a lot."

"Yep, and after all that, I learned that I basically have PTSD and my body has been acting really weird lately." Steven continued. "I sometimes turn pink when I get real angry, and more recently my body started inflating out of control a few days ago."

"Yeesh, am I lucky to not have a mom who's a Gem, no offense." Kevin sardonically sympathized. "My parents are usually off doing business or going to fancy parties."

"You know, that reminds me." Steven said as he sat down on the front of the Supremo. "What was your life like? I don't think I ever bothered to ask. Or maybe I hated you too much back then to even think of asking."

"You want my backstory? Well, here goes." Kevin answered and sat down next to Steven. "Just like me, my old man Winston was a real player and a pretty well-off guy. His philosophy of using the right words and moves to win hearts was what won him a wife, my mom Venus, and then came yours truly." He explained. "I was kind of a bit like you as a kid, really sensitive and sweet. But when my girlfriend Sabina ditched me, that was when my dad decided to teach me how to be a charmer. But unfortunately, that didn't win me many friends, especially you. But after spending time with you and helping you get back together with Connie, I just thought it would be time to make a change, but you were too busy to hear me out."

"So, you been wanting this ever since that night?" Steven gasped in realization.

"Yeah, right." Kevin replied. "Then again, like you said, I still got a lot to work out. Which reminds me, what's the status on you and Connie?"

"That's the thing, Kevin." Steven blushed while curling up into a ball. "I tried proposing to Connie so that I'd know what my future would hold, but she said no, and I let it bottle up until the next day at the doctor."

"Wait, you proposed to Connie?!" Kevin exclaimed in shock. "I mean, like, marriage proposal?! Aren't you a little young to get married?"

"Yes, yes I am." Steven replied solemnly. "But still, it was nice getting to talk about it with someone, even if it was with someone I hated in the past."

"You got that right." Kevin declared. "We sure got off on the wrong foot, but even I know you've been through a lot."

"And I know you can be different from your dad," Steven responded. "like how I want to be different from my mom."

"Yeah." Kevin stated before looking at his watch. "Whoo, look at the time!" he realized before hopping off the Dondai's hood. "Got places to be, but maybe we can do this again sometime!"

"If you ever want more niceness tips, you know who to call." Steven said goodbye to Kevin.

"Likewise." Kevin grinned as he walked away. "Catch you later!"

After the two boys waved each other goodbye, Steven got off the hood of his car and began driving it back to the beach house while monologuing to himself. "If I can change Kevin, maybe I could change Black Rutile too." He muttered, but the mere thought of Black Rutile turned Steven's optimistic grin into a tense frown. "Maybe."

--

Well, this has been a more low-key chapter compared to the two chapters before it. But next time, we kick things up again as we move onto Gems' Night Out, which I am so excited to write! We got Amethyst & Lapis as Bond girls, Garnet & Bismuth solving mysteries together, Steven being gaslit by Black Rutile into believing no one ever cared for him & that he must fight back against his loved ones, and Pearl & Peridot mingling with some of the most unique kinds of human known to man: nerds. Like I said, I'm real excited for this.

#steven universe #steven universe future #fanfiction #steven universe alternate future #steven quartz universe #kevin steven universe #emerald #demantoid #pyrope #mean lapis #pink pearl #orange spodumene #little larimar #crazy lace agate

[escxpedes]

loopholes (fin.)

Remember when I said I’d post this like two days after the last part? No? Me neither... Sorry about the delay, I’ve had a severe lack of motivation. (It’s mental illness innit.) I feel like every part of this story gets longer and longer, and makes even less sense. If you haven’t read the other two parts, I recommend you do so. These technically can be read standalone, but I think it’s cuter when you read them knowing the context. Even though, again, they seem to make less sense the more I write. Lots of new information came about season 5, and it’s both nerve-racking and exciting at the same time! Three cheers for anxiety, amiright? Hope you all are doing well, I’m excited to hear the feedback on the last part of this series. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to write, I’m a sucker for prompts! x  

part one | part two

~

loop·hole

noun | A loophole is an ambiguity or inadequacy in a system, such as a law or security, which can be used to circumvent or otherwise avoid the purpose, implied or explicitly stated, of the system.

~

hands that wrap around my wrists, (and arms that feel like home.)

Shutting down the monitors she was using, Riley tries not to think about how her sleep deprivation affects her body. It’s one thing to work as a distraction, but the drag in her pace tells her this coping method is wearing her down.

How is she supposed to save innocent lives when she’s so exhausted.

And she is, exhausted, that is. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Every part of her is weightless, suspended in air, and it feels like she can’t do a single thing about it.

An irritating helplessness encompasses her, tightening its grasp on her sanity.

She wants to cry out, throw something, cause a scene. Instead, she buries her feelings deep in her subconscious and tries not to focus on how tight her chest is.

It’s an occupational hazard, she tells herself. It’s nothing she can’t handle, she repeats daily. It’s almost a mantra by now, echoing inside her head and ramping up what seems to be an infinite supply of determination.

It’s the only way.

Mac waits for her outside, leaning against the building while she locks up. Her vision is still kind of fuzzy due to lack of energy, and her body doesn’t seem to be completely awake yet. She can physically feel Mac’s concerned gaze burning a hole in her cranium as if staring hard enough will give him access to all recesses of her mind.

“Ready?”

She nods, feigning a smile, and bumping his shoulder with her own, “You never mentioned why you stopped by so late.”

Ignorance is bliss, right?

“I left my phone in the labs.” She can hear the exasperation in his voice; concern rushes forward and sends a pang through her heart.

Suddenly, she’s irritated too, not with Mac, but for Mac. He does the right thing for humanity despite all that humanity has done to him. She can’t imagine how frustrated he must be with the entire situation, once again putting the world before himself.

He’s had so little time to process everything.

She knows he could use a break but also knows that he won’t admit he needs one.

For how smart he is, he can be really stupid sometimes.

When she turns her head to look at him, she can tell she’s lost him to his own thoughts. His eyebrows are furrowed, his usually clear eyes unfocused, and his mouth is set in a grim line.

If she listens closely, she can almost hear the gears turning, working out possible solutions, and thinking through every outcome.

It’s not an uncommon expression.

She stops abruptly, “Hey.”

This seems to shake him from his trance, his eyes meeting hers in a questioning manner.

“You are doing the best you can under the circumstances, but pushing yourself too hard won’t solve anything,” Her hand finds its way to his arm and squeezes reassuringly, “You can take care of the planet, but make sure to take care of yourself, too.”

The look he gives her is so full of gratitude and affection that nearly every emotion that Riley’s fought to contain bursts through its confinement and surges through her body.

“Thank you.”

Her breath catches in her throat, making it hard to breathe.

“What for?”

She really hopes the shaky breath that follows goes unnoticed.

“For always believing in me, no matter what.” His gaze is piercing, robbing the ability to form words from her throat.

She rakes her mind for something, anything, to say that will stop her from doing something she would totally, one hundred percent regret.

“It’s what Jack would do.”

It takes everything in her to break eye contact and shrug nonchalantly. Humor laces her tone, despite the sincerity of her statement. It is something Jack would do, something he taught her to believe in. Not necessarily in Mac, but what her gut is telling her.

It seems that in any given situation, before or after Jack’s departure, Mac’s intuition has always mirrored her own. Since the second he broke her out of prison, they always had the same values. Just like Jack, she learned how to read and understand Mac.

She knows how to interpret his rambling. She knows that no matter the situation, he’ll always put everyone else first. She knows that whatever crazy plan he’s come up with, it’s constructed with the best intentions.

She knows that no matter where he goes, and no matter what he does, her instinct is to trust him.

So she does.

With every ounce of her being. 

She desperately wants to share this with him, especially if it would probably make him feel better. However, she knows the second she starts talking, she won’t be able to stop. Mac’s got a way of doing that, translating her thoughts into words that tumble out of her before she can control what they might mean.

The grin Mac throws her, which conveys understanding and amusement, allows the tension between them to dissipate.

“Speaking of Jack, he would absolutely kill me if I let you drive home in your state.”

Before she can get a word in edgewise, he’s already opening the passenger side door of his truck. The tone in his voice leaves little room for debate, as if he’s ready to refute whatever argument she can muster up, so Riley doesn’t argue.

She wants to, but just the idea of operating a car sounds exhausting.

Besides, she’s missed this. She’s missed Mac, not just as someone she’s possibly in love with, but as her best friend. With everything going on, she’s hardly been able to see him.

The absence of him in her life hurts just as much as having him in it.

She literally can’t win.

The silence that follows is comfortable, the rumbling engine serving as white noise to Riley as she dozes off against the window.

She tries to, anyway. Driving with Mac is always an adventure, which is useful when trying to avoid being killed by a terrorist organization. Maneuvering Los Angeles traffic? Way, way less so.

“Maybe driving myself home wouldn’t have been such a bad idea.” She mumbles, fighting the urge to grab the handle above the door.

“Hey! I always get us home in one piece.”

“Physically maybe,” an amused smile finds its way to Riley’s face, “But mentally? I should sue you for psychological trauma.”

The look of disbelief that follows is enough to get her through several lifetimes, or it could be the smile he struggles to hide under his offended facade.

“Ouch,” Mac puts his left hand over his heart, “That hurts right here, Riles.”

The nickname throws her off, causing her stomach to flip. It’s just a silly name, it shouldn’t affect her like this, but her heart still clenches uncomfortably.

She attempts to brush it off, trying for a humoring grin that feels more like a grimace.

Though the comfortable atmosphere doesn’t change, the playful energy is replaced by more silence. As buildings pass outside, all Riley can think about is how much she hates silence. Man, what she would do just to get rid of it for a little bit. It’s constant these days, and it always finds her no matter where she goes.

Her fingers tug at her bottom lip, a nervous habit she’s recently adopted, as she tries to think through possible solutions to the predicament she’s found herself in.

She must be pretty engrossed because it takes her a minute to realize Mac’s spoken again.

“What?” Her brain slows down enough to pick out his words, something about how much sleep she’s gotten recently, “Oh, I don’t know.”

She tries not to notice how concerned he looks when he asks, “You don’t know?”

Not really

Logically, she knows that she sleeps almost every night. How long? It’s hard to tell sometimes. If she’s lucky, she can get a couple hours in before her brain goes into hyperdrive. Other times, she’d rather be doing something productive on her rig instead of staring at her ceiling fan.

She props her elbow against the window and rests her head in her hand, “I guess it hasn’t been a priority.”

From the corner of her eye, she can see him open his mouth and close it abruptly, trying to find the right words to comfort or soothe her.

As always, Mac is trying to rectify the situation.

“You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”

She doesn’t miss the parallel and throws him the same reclusive look he had given her on multiple occasions.

“That’s my line.”

There’s an irritating tension that fills the space, like the feeling you get when you can’t get past a certain level on a video game. It’s a little stifling, urging Riley to do whatever it takes to make it disappear.

“C’mon Riley, you’ve been off ever since, you know, the whole codex situation. At first, I thought, well, it was kind of traumatizing for everyone involved, but then you moved out and,” He trails off, and she can physically see him putting all the working components together, “Is it the apartment?”

God, she wished it was just the apartment. Sure, it plays a part in all her problems right now, but she knows that it’s more of what the empty apartment represents than the apartment itself.

Still, she’s glad he came to that conclusion. It’s easier to lie to him when it doesn’t pertain to the actual issue at hand.

“The apartment’s fine,” she says after a moment of hesitation.

“It’s the AC unit, isn’t it?” His lips compress shortly before he shakes his head, “I knew I should have looked at it.”

As he starts ranting about the condenser coils in her air conditioner and how easy it is for them to get dirty, Riley can’t help but let a soft laugh fall from her lips.

“Mac, it’s not my air conditioning.”

When he opens his mouth to respond, she holds her hand up to stop him. “It’s not my heater either, or my ceiling fan, or anything that might require your unique expertise.”

“But it has something to do with the apartment.”

The statement is blanketed in excitement as if he knows he’s getting closer to uncovering the truth. He’s always been so obsessed with knowledge and learning, never quite capable of letting things go and living in ignorance.

His eyes light up with child-like curiosity; it’s highly annoying and endearing at the same time.

She feels her self control loosening.

With Mac, she feels secure, like maybe she can put herself back together again. She could confess to a crime, and he wouldn’t look at her any differently.

That helplessness kicks back in, tearing her apart from the inside.

When he slows to a stop in front of her complex, she hasn’t answered him yet.

In the back of her mind, she’s a little proud of herself for only joking about his driving once in the ten minutes it took to get there.

She stares at the lobby entrance and can feel the soft flannel of his shirt, giving him a hug before she exits his truck. She can hear the sleepiness in her voice as she leans against the door and tells him goodnight. She can see herself walk through the double doors and not turning around.

She can see it so clearly, but she remains planted in the passenger seat.

Fear tangles itself in her shoulders, in her stomach, in her heart.

Not just because she dreads the idea of spending another night counting the minutes before her alarm goes off, but because she doesn’t want to leave with their friendship in this state.

She just wants everything to go back to normal, to get back some semblance of their old friendship before she knew how she felt.

Mac waits beside her, a patient and comforting presence.

“It’s just so quiet. Up there, it’s just me and my thoughts. They never cease or quiet down; it’s a constant loop. I try listening to music or watching TV, but I can never focus on any of it. Then, I start panicking because I don’t know if it’ll ever go away. There’s no comfort, no stability. I’m just… alone.”

With every word, a little of the weight falls from her shoulders.

It almost feels like she can breathe again.

“The only time I don’t feel like that is when I’m working,” she clenches her hands in her lap, “At Phoenix, I can get to any room in the dark with my eyes closed, and I’m constantly surrounded by people I’ve known for years. It feels… safe.”

Mac’s silent, reaching over to grasp one of her hands.

“You don’t feel safe here?” He encloses her left hand between his own and squeezes, the pressure and warmth spreading through her body like wildfire.

She meets his eyes, “Not in the way that matters.”

He turns the truck off, hopping out before Riley can say anything else. He walks around the hood of the car and pulls the passenger door open, “Come on.”

“What are you doing?”

He helped her out of the truck, “You trust me, right?”

More than he’ll ever know.

“You know I do.” She eyed him suspiciously as he opened one of the complex’s doors for her, following as she entered.

“From what I can recall, Bozer got you a Nintendo Switch for your birthday earlier this year. It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of destroying you in Super Smash Bros.”

His voice was quiet, trying not to disturb the people trying to sleep.

“First of all, you’ve never destroyed me in Super Smash Bros, and you never will if you keep playing with Luigi,” She grinned, watching as he shook his head in disagreement, “And second of all, it’s two in the morning.”

He shrugged, “That’s never stopped us before.”

He wasn’t wrong, but things were different now.

Riley tried not to think about Desi, wrapped up in Mac’s bed, peacefully sleeping and blissfully unaware of this entire exchange.

Not that she had anything to worry about.

It didn’t matter anyway because clearly, Riley had issues with saying “no” to Angus Macgyver.

“Fine, but prepare to get your ass beaten.”

He grinned triumphantly, “That sounds like a challenge.”

She unlocked her apartment door, stepping into the dark and quiet entryway. She faltered a little bit, her heartbeat quickening with newfound anxiety.

As always, the apartment radiated energy that always put Riley out of place.

Mac closed the door behind him, helping himself to any food he could find in her fridge. There was an intimacy to it, a closeness that made the apartment much more bearable. Her shoulders dropped a little, the anxiety easing a little as she took a deep breath.

She busied herself in the living room, connecting the switch to her TV and grabbing a variety of different pillows and blankets.

It was, after all, a tradition for these types of events.

Mac joined her after a couple of minutes with two beers, “Your fridge is worse than mine.”

“Will you get it started,” Riley ignore his comment, handing him one of the controllers, “ I’m going to change.”

When she returned in a comfy ensemble of leggings and a sweatshirt, Mac was scrolling through the character list. She hopped the back of the couch to sit next to him, watching as he hovered over Luigi for what feels like an eternity.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Mac’s determined expression didn’t falter, “You’re just jealous of my skills.”

Those skills proved to be no match for Riley’s, though, after she managed to beat him in the first game. It became much more entertaining when she did it again in the second. She tried not to laugh, but it became nearly impossible with his onslaught of complaints.

“You’re such a cheater, you can’t do that!” He pressed down hard on the keys as if smashing them harder will make Luigi speed up.

Jokes on him, Luigi was the slowest character in the game.

Very slowly, her exhaustion began to creep up on her. She knew she was done for when Mac actually managed to beat her. He seemed just as surprised as she was, but he suggested switching to a movie anyway.

They ended up choosing a documentary, something that Mac had been interested in watching recently. Riley didn’t care what they watched, as long as she got to lay down.

Mac placed a pillow in his lap and tapped it gently.

“So, was this your plan,” She comfortably adjusted her body, so her neck wasn’t in an awkward position propped up on the pillow.

In front of them, a monotone voice explained the phenomena surrounding the universe.

“Homo Sapiens are social creatures; we need people to survive,” Riley could feel Mac’s fingers coursing through her waves, creating a soothing pattern that calmed any remaining tension in her body. 

“You feel comfortable at Phoenix, sitting around the fire pit at my house, or spending time with the team at the arcade because we’re there. It’s okay to need us, Riles, because trust me, we need you, too.”

Mac’s words barely resonate with her, and she hummed noncommittally in response.

His fingers gently combed through the tangles at the nape of her neck, “I don’t think we build homes in material things like houses or apartments, but rather, in the people we surround ourselves with.”

Laying there, with her head on his lap and his fingers in her hair, Riley could only think one thing:

He couldn’t be more right. 

#macriley #macgyver #Angus MacGyver #riley davis #just cute things #hope you enjoy!!

[aries-writingblog]

Atlas (1)

Summary: After years of being imprisoned on the Raft, Tony negotiates freedom for his sister Tessa. When she’s free- so is her past, and it will never stop hunting her.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x OC(Stark)

Chapter Word count: 1,666

Warnings: PTSD (subtle ish), trauma, torture (in later parts), suicidal behaviors and thoughts, mentions of death, character death, injury, violence, angst, and a lil bit of fluff in there

Disclaimer: Atlas is my own, original work with characters belonging to Marvel (except Tessa and Dr. Clifton). Plagiarism is not cool kids.

A/N: this is my first work Im posting to this platform and I’m really excited and nervous about it. Hope you enjoy- constructive criticism is always helpful as well!!

The Avengers Tower. Former Stark Tower. 93 floors of office space, labs- people carrying out their business. People going about their day. At the top of all of them is Tony Stark. Waiting. Waiting in silence. Typically, he isn’t one to wait on anything or anyone but today... today is different. Today is special. Finally, the silence is broken by a shrill ring of his phone. Tony snaps it up, immediately accepting the call.

“Mr. Stark? Reid Kerrings.” The man’s voice carried through the phone, introducing himself. “Listen, I hear you’re trying to to negotiate a prisoners freedom?”

“She shouldn’t even be a prisoner,” Tony grumbled before plastering on a thick business tone. “Yes, that’s what I’m trying to do here. Thing is, I have a plan that I ran by Fury and Coulson and they seem to think it’s a great idea. Only thing is- that prisoner of yours is apparently ‘dangerous’ and she’d need stipulations on if she were to be released into my care.”

Tony hated this- speaking about her as if she were a terrorist. He hated that she’d been in maximum security prisons for six years. He hated that she was on the raft now. But, if he wanted to play ball, he had to agree to the terms. And unfortunately, that was one of the terms. He’d tried it his way two years ago and it got shut down. Several times.

“Well... you’re a damn maniac- prisoner 067112 is a psycho-“

“Her name is Tessa and that’s my sister you’re talking about so if you’d like to see your job another day I’d keep quiet.” Tony snapped, clenching his jaw. The phone fell silent before Kerrings cleared his throat.

“She would have to meet with an appointed therapist three days a week. She would also have to have a check in twice a week with a parole officer. If there is any flare up of her enhancement that is not accounted for by a member of your team, she comes back here and is no longer allowed parole. She is to be on a tight leash.” Kerrings read through the conditions of the agreement that Tony and Fury had worked out. “She must agree to these terms before her release. If she does, she will be escorted to your property tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Do you agree to these statements made today?”

“Yes.” Tony felt an excited, nervous bubble form in his stomach. He was doing it. His sister was almost free.

“Excellent. The escort team will run a security check on the building and perimeter.”

“Oh, well, not to brag or anything but- it’s the Avengers Tower. I ’m pretty sure this is the best it gets in terms of security.” Tony scoffed, turning when he heard the door opening. Steve Rogers stepped into the room, intending on speaking with Tony about another comm unit. He broke his. Again. He stopped short, hearing the man on the phone.

“This woman shouldn’t even be out of her cell here- she’s dangerous, I don’t care if shes your sister or not. The power of this woman is something that should be contained. not roaming around New York on a Thursday afternoon.”

“She’s a human being. No telling what you freaks have put her through in the raft- that’s probably why she’s going insane. You don’t even allow sunlight in that dingy of a prison. You treat someone like an animal, that’s what they become. Now, if you’ll excuse me, i’m going to run my own safety diagnostics on my own tower.” Tony quickly ended the call and lifted his eyes to meet Steve’s. “Can I help you, o wise elder of the yonder village?”

“Just... a new comm piece.” Steve stepped forward and tossed the broken pieces to the desk before meeting Tony’s eyes again. “What was that all about?”

“That is a surprise for the team I’m arranging.” Tony sat down at his desk, pulling up an image of a new weapon system, one that they’d encountered a few weeks ago on a mission. “These thugs were dealing with now... they’re sophisticated. They’re playing on a new ball field. So... I’m leveling it.”

“You can’t just do that without consulting the team first.” Steve scolded, his arms crossing over his chest. “What are you doing?”

“You’ll see- tomorrow morning at ten, have the team all meet in the conference room. I’ll bring my surprise to you.” Tony grinned, feeling strangely optimistic for once. Steve only sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to get anywhere with Tony.

“Fine- I’ll call a meeting.” Steve spun on his heel and marched out of the office. Tony sank further into his chair, spinning it to look out of the window.

“Friday, make sure floor ninety two is fireproof.” Tony called out, a twinge of doubt forming in his mind. He was quick to shake the thought from his mind, funneling all his belief into his sister. It had to work. For her sake.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sitting at the oval conference table, Bucky felt an impatience he hadn’t felt in months. Steve had let it slip- more like Bucky could tell there was something and kept prying- that Tony was on the phone with someone, talking about a prisoner. A woman prisoner. Bucky wasn’t sure what to expect and that caused a great deal of anxiety to pit in his chest. He didn’t like being kept in the dark.

Beside him, Steve sighed heavily, leaning his head on his fist, resting on the table. Being roommates with the guy, he knew Steve hadn’t gotten a lot of sleep last night, like most nights. He knew this because he himself was also up, roaming the apartment, watching tv and staring off the balcony.

“Anyone know what this surprise it stark mentioned?” Natasha pressed, becoming quite impatient herself. They’d all been sitting at the table for fifteen minutes. Waiting.

“No clue- I hope it’s better than the last surprise- the one that exploded while in use on the field.” Sam commented, scrolling absentmindedly on his phone.

Finally, the door to the room burst open, revealing Tony Stark marching in with purpose. Behind him, a woman in heavy chains, with metal cylinders encasing her hands, was being escorted in by two men in fire retardant kevlar uniforms. Her head was bowed, dark brown hair shifting to cover her face. Bucky sat up, seeing the woman marched in, heavily restrained. Tony clapped his hands, rubbing them together afterward. He gave the crowd a large smile and nodded once.

“Surprise, Avengers! This is my favorite sister, Tessa Stark, Tess, this is everyone. I’m sure you were given the brochure.” He turned to the two men. “You fulfilled your duties, you can go now.”

The men unclipped the chains and then pressed their thumbprints to the pads on the cylinders. They released with a hiss of steam, Tessa rubbing her wrists once they were free.

“I know you.” Sam’s voice broke into the conversation. Tessa’s jaw clenched and her eyes stared into the floor. She swallowed harshly, keeping her back ramrod straight and her hands in front of her. “Stark... oh, shit- where have I seen you...”

“Anyways folks, she is here to help out on our new group of rogues... she has a, ah... particular set of skills. Mostly explosives and fire. And since that’s what we’re dealing with, I’ve brought in the big guns.” Tony explained, settling in his chair and gesturing for Tessa to take a seat as well. She seemed wary of sitting beside Wanda but did it anyways, sitting barely on the edge of the chair. “Now, we’re gonna need a new plan of attack with-“

“Atlas!” Sam snapped his fingers, pointing at her. Tessa stiffened, caught off guard by the level of his voice. “That’s it! Code Name Atlas, Operation Dry Sands! You served in the army- I’m Sam Wilson, I flew with-“

“Riley...” her voice was raspy and low, rusted with disuse. “I remember you.” Bucky watched as she seemingly tried to melt into the chair, trying to hide herself.

“You were baller, man! She cleared missions like it was nothing!” Sam praised her, excited to finally meet her. “There was talk of her all over camps- everywhere!”

“Atlas?” Natasha asked, a brow raising. “That’s a peculiar code name- sounds... specific.” Tessa didn’t respond, keeping her head low. When the room fell silent, Steve took control.

“Right, well, Tony you mentioned a new plan of attack?” He expertly guided the topic over to a new path. Bucky couldn’t help but let his attention drift back to the new mystery in the room. He allowed his eyes to scan over her, stopping on her forearm where there was black ink. A tattoo of the army symbol, numbers below it. Maybe her squad number? Her arm shifted and Bucky looked up, meeting her eyes. He knew he’d fucked up.

Her dark brown eyes smoldered- a red tint glowing under her irises. Her lips were pulled into a scowl. He quickly lowered his gaze, catching a glance of her veins in her arms. glowing lightly orange. Bucky clenched his jaw and leaned back into his chair, a fierce scowl building on his lips. He didn’t like this woman, She seemed... violent. closed off. Hell- maybe she was just too much like him. And maybe he shouldn’t make a snap assumption but for some reason...

“Alright well, that’s all for now, Tessa- welcome to the team, please make yourself comfortable and if there’s anything we can do to help out- let us know.” Steve nodded as he stood up.

Tessa only nodded, stood up and spun on her heel- leaving the room without a word. Everyone glanced to Tony. He only shrugged and stood up.

“I’m gonna go make her feel at home- just got out of prison and all, see you around.” Tony gave a small wave over his shoulder and walked out, trailing out after his explosive sister.

#james buchanan bucky barnes #bucky x oc #bucky barnes #james barnes #Bucky barnes x oc

[not-close-to-straight]

Falling (Three)

TW for Character Death but like... not really cos we know where Tony is. Also Tissues because I cried outlining Rhodey’s speech, and then again rough drafting it, and then again editing it...good times. 

Also I already have so many ideas for expansions of this verse ughhhh

MASTERLIST HERE

***********

MCU-verse

“A few days ago, the world as I knew it changed forever.” 

The cathedral went quiet as Colonel James Rhodes took to the podium, serious and somber in his dress uniform, eyes red and hands shaking as he looked down at his notes. 

“I don’t mean because of the wormhole over New York, though that certainly changed my mind about a lot of things I’d never thought to consider true.” the Colonel cleared his throat once, twice, darted a glance first towards Pepper sat off to the side and then to the casket sat closed and heavy on the platform below. 

“One week ago, my entire world changed when my best friend re routed a bomb out of Manhattan and took it straight into the sky. Through the damn wormhole and into the other side without even hesitating cos he knew it would save us.” James had to stop again, let his voice crack and he heard Pepper start quietly crying. “Tony um-- Tony was Iron Man. He was a hero from the minute he put on that suit to the minute he--” 

The podium shook when James gripped at it hard, counted to ten once and then again to give himself time to breathe and to keep reading the speech he’d prepared only last night. 

“Tony was a hero from the minute he put on the suit to the minute he-- oh hell, I can’t read this.” Rhodey put the cards away and scrubbed at his eyes until they stung. “Can’t read a speech about Iron Man when it’s my best friend-- my best friend laying over there, I can’t--” 

Another deep breath, another quiet cough to clear the tears from his throat and James began again, stronger this time. 

“Tony Stark was my best friend. We met at MIT, he was basically five and a half feet of pure disaster and I knew I was in trouble the minute he showed up and tried to claim top bunk. Tony fell right the hell off the ladder and I had to carry his dramatic ass to Health Services because he was sure he broke his ankle.” 

A few chuckles broke out and Rhodey managed a small smile. “He was a disaster that day, and every after that but he was my disaster and my best friend and that’s all that ever mattered.” 

“My favorite memory--” the Colonel closed his eyes again and forced out a breath. “My favorite memory of Tony is actually from a few weeks after we met for the first time. It’s obvious these days how mechanically inclined Tony was but what no one else really knows is that Tony’s first robot was one I built.” 

He tapped at his chest and tried not to sob when his fingers hit his half of a best friends necklace Tony had bought for them one drunk spring break a long long time ago. “I built Tony’s very first robot and the brat actually stole it from me.” 

A few more laughs and Rhodey continued, “I drank all the coffee one day and Tony barged into the robotics class a few hours later screeching about how badly he needed caffeine and I needed to fix it now and then he stopped and stared at just-- just the saddest looking robot you've ever seen. It was basically a box on wheels with one arm and it never did anything I programmed in so when Tony asked what it was, I said 'it's a damn dummy is what it is, doesn't do anything right'." 

The Colonel pulled an old picture out of his pocket, one of a very young Tony next to that same robot. "Tony was so offended I'd call a robot dummy that he told me I didn't deserve to have cool toys and that it was his now, I could have it back when I was worthy. Believe me, I didn’t take kindly to having my project stolen and for the rest of college-- and honestly the next thirty years-- I tried damn hard to get that robot back. It was like a heist movie, me making plans and Tony thwarting them at every turn, me roping people into the conspiracy and Tony shrieking that I wasn't worthy and that's why my plans never worked." 

"...Dum-E is still down there in Tony's workshop." he finished softly. "He wears a dunce cap and carries a fire extinguisher and he's Tony's favorite thing in the world. See that's what no one knew about Tony. Everyone knows Tony was Iron Man and-- and a goddamn hero, but he was also sentimental and sort of embarrassingly sappy and when he decided he loved something it was forever and nothing could ever change it.” 

“Dum-E was lucky enough to be something Tony loved. I was lucky enough to be someone Tony loved and it changed my life. Tony changed my life." 

Rhodey put the picture away and looked towards the casket, tears blurring his eyes as he finished,  "I uh-- I miss you, Tpnes. Miss you, bud. And I want to keep thinking this is some sort of trick, some sort of prank but I know in my heart--” 

He held tight to his half of the best friends necklace. “--I know in my heart that it-- it’s not. And that makes me real sad.” 

Pepper dropped her face into her hands, thin shoulders shaking and James tried hard to smile, to get through these last few words. “So uh-- right now I'm gonna go get my robot back. I fully expect JARVIS to have some anti heist protocol that ends with my hair on fire but you know what? I’m gonna try anyway. Rest well, Tony. We miss you.” 

There was polite laughs, some tears dabbed from eyes, a smattering of clapping and James stepped back from the podium to sit by Pepper. "How was that?" 

"It's exactly what he would have wanted you to say." she whispered through her hankie, and he wound an arm around her shoulders to hold her tight. “I miss him so much, Rhodey.” 

"I miss him too, Pep.” 

“It’s so stupid.” Pepper blew her nose daintily. “Wishful thinking. But you know, I get the feeling that he’s okay. I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel like he’s okay. Resting.” 

“Yeah, I know, I keep thinking the same thing.” Rhodey touched the necklace again. “But resting or not, when I get to heaven, I’m kicking his ass for leaving me too soon.” 

“Oh definitely.” 

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

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

Bucky and Steve’s Apartment

“Billionaire socialite Maria Carbonell shown here with her husband Howard Stark…” Tony mumbled to himself as he read through yet another article about his mom-- or rather, this universe’s version of his mom. “--donated millions to her husbands research to cure leukemia.”  

“Philanthropist Maria Carbonell opens a school of music for inner city kids.” He kept scrolling, smiling, as he read about Maria changing the world with her money-- and it was certainly Maria’s money this time around. Apparently this Howard Stark was an attractive scientist with a sugar mama and in each of the pictures Howard looked absolutely delighted to be accompanying Maria down red carpets, up stairs to national monuments, through the door of yet another awards ceremony for Humanitarian and conservation efforts ranging from restoring museum pieces clear through establishing brand new schools in sorely lacking communities.

“Howard Stark, husband to Italy’s sweetheart Maria Carbonell passed this morning --” Tony swallowed, pausing in his scrolling. “--at home with his wife. The cause of death is noted as a heart attack, though Mrs. Carbonell is comforted knowing he passed quickly and peacefully into the afterlife. The scientist is lauded for his contributions and research into childhood illnesses and since they had no children of their own, Howard’s personal funds will be diverted into a scholarship fund for MIT. “They are the future, not me.” he is quoted as saying often, “They will turn my first steps into a journey that will change the world.” 

“...bye Dad.” Tony whispered, though the article was dated three years past, though this Howard wasn’t his dad and had led a much different life than the Howard Stark that built Project Manhattan. “I um-- I love you.” 

“Maria Carbonell retires to Italy after husband’s passing, ‘I’m content to live out my life with my grand piano and library and wine!’” 

“Maria Carbonell breaks her silence on ex-family friend and advisor Obadiah Stane-- “he can rot in prison for all I care, and yes you can quote me on that, I said it, didn’t I?” 

Obadiah… Tony hesitated just a moment before searching for the name, his hand automatically over his heart and his breath coming faster as picture after picture of the man that had been Uncle and then had turned to nightmares filled the computer screen. 

‘Obadiah Stane accused of embezzling millions from Carbonell Foundation’

‘Obadiah Stane accused of funneling money meant for prosthetic limb research into smart bombs’

‘Former Carbonell advisor Obadiah Stane egged as he walks to the courthouse, Maria Carbonell shown handing out eggs to crowd’

‘Obadiah Stane found guilty of embezzlement and intent to fund terrorists, sentenced to thirty five years in prison’ 

‘Maria Carbonell laughs in reporters face when asked how she feels about Obadiah Stane’

“Oh.” Tony sat back in his chair and scrubbed his hands over his face. “Jesus Christ.”

His mom and dad were okay, Howard passed peacefully and Maria sure seemed to be living her best life in her seaside villa in Italy. Obadiah had been caught before he could hurt anyone and was rotting away in a prison cell. 

Last night Tony had got to have dinner with his friends, with his family Pepper and Rhodey and this morning he’d woken up to forehead kisses from both his Doms before Bucky had rolled out of bed for a shower and Steve had gone to start breakfast. 

Captain America was making him breakfast and Bucky had walked past in a towel and his mom and dad were okay. 

 This was-- everything was--

“Beauty?” Steve threaded his fingers into Tony’s hair and smiled affectionately when Tony automatically tipped his head back. “What are you doing, you okay?” 

“I’m fine.” Tony pushed the laptop away and let himself sink into the feeling of security, the weight of Steve’s palm on his scalp, the way the blond always smelled like ocean body wash. There was definitely an inside joke there about his Steve being in the water for seventy years and this Steve using ocean mist soap, but Tony kept that to himself and settled a little firmer into Steve’s hold. 

The Dom’s breath caught when Tony opened his neck further, and Steve brushed carefully over Tony’s pulse point, over the curve of his neck where a collar would lay. “Tell me the truth.” he said quietly. “Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine.” Tony said again, and he meant it. “I’m fine and I’m-- I’m happy--” 

He hadn’t heard Bucky come in, but the Dom was at his side in an instant, bending low to dot a kiss at Tony’s collarbone and to spread his fingers wide over the patch of scars on his chest. “Sure do love hearing you say that, baby doll. You happy with us?” 

“Mmm…” the lure of falling tingled at the base of Tony’s neck, the urge to slide off the chair and let the Doms catch him on his knees. He was so safe right here, safe and caught in this place beyond-- beyond his own world. 

And things were different, sure. Thor was a model which was equal parts hilarious and alarmingly arousing. Clint was tall as hell and Natasha laughed so easily here. Bruce was a professional wrestler and in his free time worked with the Ph.d candidates at the university, Steve was an artist and Bucky was alive…

...and oh Pepper was so beautiful and so at peace and Rhodey was a stunt pilot in that ridiculous get up and…

“Sweetheart.” Bucky's voice was nearly a growl in response to the soft whine Tony gave. “You need us to take care of you? Bring you under real easy? It's been a few days since your drop, are you ready for more?” 

“We’d take care of you, Tony.” Steve now, whispering the words into Tony’s ear and right into his heart. “Baby I promise. If you’re gonna gift us with your trust and submission we are gonna do everything to keep it. Everything.” 

“Anything, sugar.” Bucky’s big hand closed just lightly over Tony’s throat and he gasped out loud before going loose and pliant, practically whimpering as blue fuzzed at the edges of consciousness, called him in and under. “Don’t need a collar for us to be yours, Tony. If that’s what you want.” 

Oh oh oh--- 

"Tony!" A new voice, breaking into their moment as James Rhodes pushed open the door of Steve and Bucky's apartment and called out for the sub. "Tony! You home? Where are you?" 

Tony snapped out of the near-scene whiplash fast, jolting up in the seat as everything in his body tuned to his best friend’s voice. 

“I’m sorry.” he said quickly, reached to press at both Steve and Bucky’s hands. “I’m sorry, I want--” this. you. falling. “I do, I just-- I have to talk to him.” I miss him. “Please?” 

“You don’t need our permission to talk to a friend, Tony.” Steve was quick to reassure him, but the Dom’s blue eyes softened at the request anyway. “We will pick this up after though.” 

Not a question, and not a seconds hesitation when Tony nodded in confirmation. 

“Yes sir. Thank you.” 

Bucky caught him as he left, snagged his wrist and pulled him back for a slow kiss that had Tony seeing stars by the time they parted. 

“Hurry.” 

“Yes sir.” 

James looked thoroughly unimpressed when Tony basically staggered from the bedroom and he looked somehow even less impressed when Bucky and Steve posted up in the doorway to watch. 

“Settle down, boys.” he scoffed. “I’m not gonna steal your sub or snatch him away somewhere wicked when it’s pretty damn obvious he’s halfway to down. Not gonna mess with him, I just need a minute. Quit snarling at me and go have a soda or something.” 

“Rhodey!” Tony laughed out loud and James pulled a face to complain, “You weren’t kidding about calling me Rhodey huh?” 

“Oh no. Not in the least.” 

“I guess I’ll learn to deal.” the other Dom said blandly. “Now come on, I’ve got something to show you down in the truck, I think you’ll like it.” 

"...okay?" Tony grabbed his jacket and followed Rhodey down the stairs. “What um--” 

“Are those two assholes treating you right?” Suddenly Rhodey was all Dom, straightening his shoulders and lowering his voice and part of Tony wanted to laugh out loud over Rhodey being threatening, but the other part missed having his best friend be protective to the point of moving him to tears. 

“They um--” he coughed lightly. “They’re being great to me.” 

“They’re good guys.” James continued. “Steve’s a little cheesy for my tastes and Bucky always smirks like he’s one breath away from a stupid come-on, but they’re good men and good Dominants but none of that matters if you came outta a shitty situation and can’t handle them.” 

“Well I--” 

“You’re welcome to move in with me.” The elevator doors opened and Tony gaped up at his friend in surprise. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want a sub and certainly not one that looks like as much trouble as you do, but you can stay with me and know you’re safe if you don’t want to stay with those goons.” 

“I’d like to stay with the goons.” Tony said faux seriously, and Rhodey finally cracked a grin and winked down at him. 

“I knew you’d say that, but felt like I needed to speak up anyway. Should I give them a shovel talk so you can see how your Doms look quaking in their boots?” 

“Are they scared of you?” 

“Damn straight.” James pushed Tony through the outside doors and down towards the parking lot. “So last night at dinner Steve mentioned you’re into robotics and stuff? Might even try to improve on Buck’s arm?” 

“You could say I’m into robotics.” Tony eyed the tarp covered lump in the back of the truck curiously. “Really got into it in my college days. Why?” 

“Cos I thought you’d get a kick out of this.” Rhodey undid the latch of his truck and pushed away the tarp, lifted down a clunky looking robot that was nothing more than a box on wheels with an arm attached. "I built this thing back a few years ago when I tried to impress some hot scientist who loved the Terminator movies. What do you think?" 

"I um--" Tony stared at the robot, at the paper dunce cap on it's head and the familiar treads on its wheels. "I--I--” he put a hand over his mouth and tried not to cry. “I um-- Well, why-- why is it wearing a dunce cap?" 

"Cos it's a dummy." Rhodey scowled at the contraption. "Never does anything I tell it to. It wasn’t even cool enough to get me laid. I’m a fighter pilot, a stunt pilot and I build robots and she wasn’t impressed.” 

“She was missing out.” Tony tried to laugh but it came out as a half sob. “You can’t call a robot a dummy, though. That’s just mean.” 

“The hell it is!” 

“Just for that, I’m keeping him.” Tony reached out and straightened the dunce cap tenderly, rubbed at a little bit of grease buildup at the arm hinge. “I’m keeping your robot, Rhodey. He’s mine now. He’s going to live with me.”  

“THE HELL HE IS!” The Dominant gaped down at him. “You can’t take my robot! You can look at it maybe, but you aren’t about to just walk away with--” 

"You can have it back when you're worthy of such a cool toy." the sub stuck his nose in the air and snapped his fingers. "Wake up, robot, you're coming with me." 

The robot beeped and whirred to life immediately to follow Tony up the path towards the doors and Rhodey groaned, “Of course the stupid thing listens to him. Of course it does.” 

“You’re welcome to try and take him back!” Tony called over his shoulder. “But be warned my interest in robotics extends to booby traps and anti-heist protocols!” 

"Traitor!” The Dom threw his hands up in exasperation. “Tony! I want that thing back! That is my robot and I’m getting it back!”

“The hell you are!” the sub snapped and if Rhodey wouldn’t have been laughing so hard he might have wondered why he was letting a submissive back talk him so loudly and thoroughly, shouting sass across a parking lot. 

Bucky and Steve were in for a ride with that one. 

He was a fan. 

Tony could hear the Dom laughing clear into the building and into the elevator so he waited until the doors had closed before breaking down, falling to his knees and throwing his arms around the scrappy robot. "I’m real glad to see you, bud.” 

Dum-E only beeped and waved his arm around in excitement, and Tony hugged him tighter. “This feels an awful lot like heaven, Dum-e, don’t you think? Mom and Dad are okay and Pepper’s okay and Rhodey and now-- now I even have you here and that’s pretty damn perfect.” 

A few more beeps and Tony nodded, pushed his hair out of his eyes and stood back up. “Time to find my Doms, huh?” 

The robot rolled quickly after Tony down the hall to Steve and Bucky’s door, clicking and whirring curiously as Tony led it inside the apartment and then went off to explore the new place while Tony went to find his Doms. 

“Bucky?” he called. “Steve? I’m-- I’m home again!” 

“Hey sweetheart.” Bucky looked up and smiled, took his hand off Steve’s thigh to beckon for Tony. “C’mere and see us.” 

“Come here, honey.” Steve tapped his foot a few times and pointed down at the floor and Tony didn’t even hesitate to move, didn’t hesitate to kick his shoes off and stumble towards them on unsteady feet until he could fall to his knees. 

Home and it was so easy and so beautiful, Tony gasped out a word that might have been a prayer and his Doms were right there to catch him when he teetered, Steve meeting him there on the floor to hold him, Bucky protective over them both as Tony slid towards the edge of under and falling. 

...Tony used to love falling. He used to love the exhilaration and anticipation, the way his breath stuttered in that split second of flying before gravity took over. He used to love falling into a new habit, falling into a new love, just falling when he jumped from the diving board or the airplane or the rocks he’d climbed on as a child that he thought were so big.

...Tony used to love falling and when Steve knelt down beside him and pulled him in close, when Bucky lowered his voice to a rumble and ordered his subs to submit, when gravity tugged at Tony’s soul and he let himself slip to the pull of submission and that quiet, secret need to be held...

… then falling was like coming home. 

Like finding himself. 

Like closing his eyes and letting go. 

Heaven. 

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

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#ncts fics #stuckony #tony stark #steve rogers #bucky barnes #alternate universe #dom/sub

[cocos-cocoapuffsarenotforsale]

Not Him~~Part 4

MASTERLIST

Part 3

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Stark!Reader

Warnings: Protective!Bucky, Protective!Tony, Dad!Tony, Takes place during Captain America: Civil Ware, Use of the Word Whore, Little Angsty, Pregnant!Reader, violence, swearing, CANON DIVERGENCE!

Taglist: @chewymoustachio

A/N: Hey guys, I finally updated Not Him! Let me know if anyone wants to be added to the taglist (or removed). Sorry if you have already asked, it’s been a while and I’m having some difficulties with finding it. Hope you all enjoy the update! Xoxo

————————————————————————

It was a long and grueling flight, and to make matters worse apparently, your baby was no fan of flying. You had lost count of how many times you had to puke during the flight. But finally, you were landing in Siberia, you had been nervous that you had gotten the coordinates wrong until you saw the Quinjet. You let out a sigh of relief, you were going to see Bucky soon. After spending practically 24/7 with him in little apartments all over Europe it was really hard to not be with him.

“Dad?” You say after you landed the helicopter but before he could vacate the aircraft.

“Yes, Princess?” He asked letting out a small huff of annoyance.

“Remember your promise,” you command before opening the helicopter door. Goosebumps immediately cover your skin and you're unsure if it’s due to the cold, windy weather or if it’s because of the eerie calm outside the HYDRA facility.

“Stay behind me,” your father ordered as he took the lead entering the building.

The two of you remain silent until you walk into the main chamber and see Bucky and Steve standing in the middle of the room. Both of them look on edge and bewildered. 

“Buck?” You call, approaching the men carefully and quietly.

“Y/n?” He asks, turning around to look at you. His face goes from confused to shocked to angry, all in a matter of seconds.

“You were supposed to go home! He was supposed to take you home!” Bucky shouts accusingly, as he points a finger at your father.

“We did. She explained the Super Soldier dilemma to me. I wanted to help. I couldn’t bring the others, Team Cap is in prison, Nat’s on the run, Peter’s just a kid. I don’t know how to get in touch with T’Challa, Vision is inconsolable right now, and Rhodey-Rhodey-” Your father’s voice broke off. 

“Tony, what happened to Rhodey?” Steve asks, taking a step closer to Tony.

“He’s paralyzed, he almost died. He’s still in critical condition.” You explained for your dad, knowing it was too hard for him to vocalize right now. Rhodey was your dad’s best friend, through everything he was there. When your mom ran out on the two of you, only after getting as much as possible from your dad financially, leaving him with full custody of a newborn. Rhodey was there to help your dad adjust to single parenthood. After your dad was kidnapped, Rhodey was there, when Pepper dumped him after finding out his bisexuality, Rhodey was there. Through all the turmoil with Steve and your dad, Rhodey was there. He was there through it all, and the thought that Tony had almost lost him was too much for your dad to bear.

“Tony-I-I’m so sorry,” Steve said, pulling your dad into a Super Soldier sized hug.

“Where are the other super soldiers?” You asked, trying to bring everyone back to more pressing matters.

“Dead,” Bucky replied stiffly. You looked at him, bewildered by his hostile attitude and saw the fury still raging in his eyes. Fuck, looks like you were going to be getting quite the lecture later.

“Dead?” You repeated incredulously. 

“I’m not sure why he wanted to bring us here but apparently he wasn’t interested in the other Soldiers,” Bucky explained, walking closer to you, he pulled you into a tight embrace and buried his face into your hair. He took a deep breath, inhaling your familiar scent.

“So what does he want us here for?” Your dad asked looking around, the tension in the room was overwhelming. What could this man have in store for you?

“Hello Avengers,” you hear a cold voice answer. “Really Mr. Barnes, did you think I wanted more of you? I hate you, all of you. Earth’s defenders, that’s how you Avengers like to think of yourselves, right? Well, I’m sorry to inform you that you actually are Earth’s destroyers. You cause devastation and pain wherever you go.”

“Where are you?!” You shout looking around trying to find the man.

“Don’t worry about that. Why don’t we watch a little video?” He replies, the computer turns on and a video begins to play.

“I know that road,” your dad mutters. No! Why would this man want to show him this?

“Let’s get out of here,” you say trying to tug your father away from the screen, but he doesn’t budge.

“Why not let your father find out the truth Y/n?” The voice taunts and you feel your blood run cold. He wanted to destroy your family. That was his goal. To tear the Avengers apart.

“Dad, let’s go. Now!” You demand, giving his arm a harsh pull, but his feet remain firmly planted in front of the screen.

“What does he mean, ‘the truth’?” Your dad questions, an unfamiliar edge in his voice.

“It doesn’t matter.” You argue trying in vain to get him away from the video. But it’s too late, the car drives past the camera and the motorcycle follows quickly. You freeze, knowing exactly what was about to happen. The look on your dad’s face makes your knees go weak, you had never seen him look so...destroyed.

“You killed them?” He growled, turning to Bucky, who instinctively raised his gun in response. Steve steps between them quickly, before they can hurt each other.

“You knew?” Your dad chokes out looking at Steve, the betrayal clear in his eyes. Steve’s lack of reply is all the confirmation Tony needs.

“You knew what he did. And you never told me?! How-how could you?! You defended him!” He roars at Steve.

“Daddy-” You start but are cut off when your dad whirls around to stare at you. 

“What about you? Did you know? Did you know what that monster did to our family?!” He spats before shoving Steve out of his way and blasting one of his Repulsors off at Bucky. Luckily, Bucky is able to dodge that blast and the following ones.

“ENOUGH!” You shout, using your powers you pin your father to the wall, with his arms stuck at his side.

“I will not let any of you harm the others. Yes, I did know. Steve told me before I accepted the mission. I decided not to tell you because I knew all it would do was hurt you. I was trying to protect you.” You explain pacing around in front of your father.

“That’s not your job. You should’ve told me.” Your dad argued.

“Why? What good would it have done? Well?” You demand, feeling the frustration bubbling up in you.

“I would have known the truth! How could you be with him? The monster that killed your grandparents, tore our family apart!” He shouts back.

“He is not a monster! You raised me to be open-minded and to forgive. Bucky didn’t do those things. He was tortured for years and had his mind fucked with! HYDRA created the Soldier, the Soldier did those things, NOT BUCKY! HYDRA is the enemy! Not Bucky! He is just as much a victim as we are!” You insisted.

“I raised you to be a good person! I don’t even recognize you anymore! I raised you to be better than a whore for a terrorist!” He yells and all of a sudden you see the color drain out of his face when he realizes what he said. But it’s too late, he already said it. You feel your knees buckle and the tears are streaming down your face as you sink to the ground. Bucky is by your side in an instant, while Steve stares on shocked. Bucky quickly scoops you up in his arms, fighting his natural impulse to beat your dad to a pulp for what he said to you. Bucky rushes out of the building towards the Quinjet, Steve hot on his trail after finally snapping out of his shock.

“Y/n, I didn’t mean it! I’m sorry!” Your dad calls after you, but you ignore him, instead curling into Bucky’s side.

“T’Challa?” You hear Steve ask in shock, causing you to turn your face from Bucky’s chest to see what’s going on.

“Captain,” the Prince greets. “I must apologize, Sergeant Barnes. I was wrong to try and harm you. I just discovered the truth. My actions were despicable, not the actions of a king. I hope to learn from my mistakes.”

“Apology accepted,” Bucky replies, shocked that he was even receiving one in the first place.

“I have dealt with the organizer of these events. May I offer my assistance to the three of you?” T’Challa offers.

“Got somewhere we can hide out for a while?” Steve asks, half-joking, half-serious.

“I know just the place,” T’Challa replies with a small smirk, motioning the three of you into his aircraft.

————————————————————————

Part 5

#Bucky Barnes #james bucky barnes #bucky #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x stark!reader #bucky x reader #bucky x stark!reader #marvel #avengers #avengers fanfic #avengers fanfiction #avengers x reader #captain america civil war #captain america #captain america x reader #dad!tony stark x reader #dad!tony x daughter!reader #dad!tony x daughter reader #dad!tony #dad!tony stark #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes x you #bucky x you #marvel fanfic #marvel fanfiction #marvel x reader #marvel x you #CocosCocoaPuffsAreNotForSale #fanfiction

[440mxs-wife]

Unforgettable

Imagine: You are captured by angels that are trying to find Castiel. He feels so guilty that he erases your memories of him.

"I'm headed into town for some supplies, anyone need anything special? I know, you want pie, Dean. That's already on my list," you remarked. "Sam? Cas? Anything?" you asked.

"Just your safe return," Cas answered with a small smile. "Please be careful. Maybe you should have Sam or Dean accompany you," he suggested.

"Cas, I'll be fine. I don't need Sam or Dean to hold my hand just to go and get groceries," you answered. Although it would be nice if you came with me, you thought. I wouldn't mind holding your hand, though. Wait, what? "I promise I'll be careful, Cas, and it shouldn't take too long to get what we need. An hour maybe?"

"An hour, then. See you when you get back," Cas said softly, as he took your hand and rubbed his thumb across the back of it. "See you when I get back," you whispered, blushing furiously.

You drove down the highway with the classic rock blaring and the windows down. As you drove, you thought back to your exchange with Cas that occurred just before you left.

When he took your hand, you felt a jolt of electricity shoot up your arm. You felt so at ease around Cas, like your life is so simple, when it's really anything but that. You began to think what it would be like to have his arms around you, to feel his hand on your cheek and ultimately, his lips on yours. Whoa, you thought. Get a grip, girl. You know Cas doesn't see you that way, he was just being protective like he is with Sam and Dean. So, be cool.

You eased into a parking space at the supermarket, a smile gracing your face as you thought about Cas. Despite the talk you just tried to give yourself to bring you back to earth, you couldn't help but smile as you pictured the face of a certain blue-eyed angel.

You walked up and down each aisle, checking items off your list as you went. When you had completed the list, you went up to the cash register, paid for your items and pushed the cart out to your car. As you walked out to your car, you spied some individuals that had developed a sudden interest in you. You continued as if you hadn't seen them but felt for your angel blade in your coat pocket. You opened the trunk and started to unload the groceries from the cart. Suddenly, you drew your blade and held it to the neck of one of your assailants. "Who are you and what do you want?" you demanded.

Before he could answer, another angel had come up from behind you and held an angel blade to your neck. "Well, well, if it isn't the Winchesters' girl out here all alone. I can't believe they let you out here without protection. By the way, where's Castiel?" he asked.

"How should I know?" you retorted. "He appears and disappears at random, so I have no idea when I'll see him again," you sassed.

"I think you know more than you're letting on, human. Let's find out," he sneered as they dragged you away from your car.

"Hey! Let go of me you jerks!" you screamed. Then one of them put two fingers to your head and all you saw was black.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dean's phone rang, but he didn't recognize the Caller ID. "Hello? Who is this?" he asked.

"Dean? This is Joe from the supermarket. I have something to tell you about your girl. She was just in here buying some groceries and was taking them out to her car when she was attacked. Someone said that they saw her being dragged away at knife-point by some guys in black trench coats. I thought you should know," he finished. 

"Yeah, all right. Thanks Joe," he said solemnly as he hung up. "SAM! CAS! We have a problem!" he shouted.

They both came running out to where he was standing, a grim look on his face. "What's going on, Dean?" Sam asked.

"Joe from the supermarket just called me. He said she was abducted at knife-point by some guys in black trench coats as she was loading the groceries into her car," he explained.

Cas closed his eyes then hung his head. "I knew I should've insisted that one of you accompany her to the store, or done it myself. If anything happens to her because of me...." he trailed off.

"Cas, look. For right now, let's just focus on finding her and bringing her back safely," he replied.

"You're right, Dean. All right, where do we start?" he asked.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ow. Your head hurt like it had been hit with a sledgehammer. You detected a slight metallic taste in your mouth and discovered you had a split lip. Probably because I mouthed off to these guys one too many times, you thought. You tried to move your arms to check your lip, but found that they were tied to a chair.

"Oh, look who's awake! Now we can get down to business. Where is Castiel? We know that you two are friends....or is it....more than friends?" he taunted.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't seen Castiel for weeks now. He comes and goes as he pleases without seeking my permission. It's not like we're 'together' or anything," you retorted.

That earned you a hard blow to your face. "Do you think this is a game?? Castiel is a wanted angel! He has disobeyed the rules of Heaven one too many times, gotten involved with you humans and he must be held accountable!" he thundered. "Now that we have you as our prisoner, we're in an excellent position to negotiate. Let's give the Winchesters a call, shall we?"

"You should know that the Winchesters don't negotiate with terrorist angels," you said as you spat out blood.

The angel paused in dialing Dean's phone number, nodded to the angel standing next to you and you got another blow to the face for your troubles. The angel with your phone put it on speakerphone and you heard Dean's voice. "Sweetheart?? Are you okay? Where are you?" he asked frantically.

"Mr. Winchester, so nice to speak to you. The woman is fine, for the moment. A little uncooperative perhaps, but we can control that," he said ominously. He nodded to the angel next to you, who took out his angel blade. He drew the tip across your skin, making a long bloody line on first your left then your right arm. As painful as it was, you refused to give him the satisfaction of screaming at the wounds being inflicted on your skin.

"Her pain threshold appears to be quite high, perhaps we should try somewhere more sensitive," he taunted.

"You dicks, leave her alone!" he shouted. Your torturer drove the blade into your shoulder and you couldn't hold in your scream anymore. "Dean! Help me!" you cried.

"All right, stop! What do you want?" he growled.

"We want the angel Castiel. He has broken too many of Heaven's rules and must face the consequences," the angel simply said.

"Where and when?" Castiel asked. "NO CAS!" you screamed.

"Thompson's Farm, the abandoned barn, just outside of town. Midnight. Come alone, Castiel, or I guarantee you, she won't see the next sunrise," he vowed. He hung up the phone and one by one, the angels left the room. When you were sure they were gone, you broke down, tears streaming freely down your face. You decided to send Cas a message before it was too late.

Cas? It's me. Please don't put yourself in danger for me. Don't worry, I'll find a way out of here without you storming the gates. I need you to stay safe so that I can see you when I get out. Please. You're very important to me, something I realized earlier today when you took my hand. I want you to know Castiel....I love you....You had already lost a good amount of blood by this point, so you started to lose consciousness. You could only hope that your message got through and that the blue-eyed angel you loved would stay safe.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"All right, we all got angel blades? Good. I know where this farm is, so we can get in, find her and rescue her, then get back here," Dean explained.

"Dean? I should go alone, given what that angel said. If I don't, he said she wouldn't live to see the morning sunrise. I can't take that kind of chance, not with her life," Cas declared.

"No way, Cas. We'll send you in first, then Sam and me will be the back-up so we can get her and bring her home," he said.

"One other thing. If-when we get out of there, I can't risk her getting taken again or getting hurt in any way because of me. I believe that the best course of action is to wipe away any memories of me. That way, she will have no knowledge of me. If the angels ask her for information about me, they will be able to sense that she's telling the truth when she says she doesn't know me," Cas finished.

"Cas....are you sure? That seems like a pretty drastic step. Like fixing a watch with a sledgehammer," Sam replied.

"Why would you use a sledgehammer to fix such a delicate instrument as a watch? I don't understand the logic," Cas remarked.

"Lo--never mind Cas. It's kind of extreme, isn't it? Wiping away her memories, especially without her permission?" said Sam.

"A little while ago, after the ransom phone call, I got a message from her. Here it is," Cas put a hand on Sam and Dean's shoulders. This allowed them to hear the message in your voice, as if you were standing in front of them speaking.

"Cas? It's me. Please don't put yourself in danger for me. Don't worry, I'll find a way out of here without you storming the gates. I need you to stay safe so that I can see you when I get out. Please. You're very important to me, something I realized earlier today when you took my hand. I want you to know Castiel....I love you...."

"Whoa Cas, she loves you, man! Congratulations!" Dean replied. "The question is, how do you feel about her?" he asked.

Cas smiled as he looked off into to the distance. "About her, I feel....invincible whenever she smiles at me. Warm when I hear her laugh at my lame attempts at telling a joke. She's wonderful, the most beautiful woman I've ever met, inside and out.

“When I'm around her, she makes me feel like I'm the most important person in the world to her at that particular moment. I know this world is full of mean, ugly and dangerous monsters, and she fights just as hard as you guys do to rid the world of them. Somehow, though, she has managed to keep hold of her sense of wonder, her humanity and her sense of humor," he finished.

"Sounds like you love her, Cas," Sam mentioned.

"Love....That must be what I'm feeling. Yes, Sam, I would say that I love her. I believe that for me, a life without her in it would be unbearably empty. I have often imagined what it would be like to hold her in my arms, to kiss her, to....make love with her," he shook his head. "All the more reason to wipe her memories of me. I cannot allow for the possibility that the woman I love would be hurt or worse, just because of me," Cas explained.

"Listen. Right now, we need to focus on getting her back, then we can talk about this memory mumbo-jumbo. Let's roll," Dean ordered.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

About twenty minutes later, they drove up the driveway to Thompson's Farm. Dean parked about a half-mile from the barn and they walked in the rest of the way. "I count five angel sentries--two there, one there and two over there. Let's fan out and take them down," Dean commanded.

After they neutralized the outside threat, they moved into the interior of the barn. They could hear the conversation between you and the angel in charge. When they saw him flash his blade at you, Cas stepped up to confront him.

"Enough! Brother, stop this nonsense," Cas demanded.

"Castiel. You showed up after all," the lead angel sneered.

"What are you doing? This is not what we are about, torture, kidnapping. This woman has done you no wrong, and yet"--he swallowed hard--"you have inflicted such unimaginable pain and suffering on her," Cas remarked. "Let her go, and I will return to Heaven to accept my punishment, whatever it may be," he promised.

Through swollen lips and bruised face, you pleaded, "No Cas, please don't go! Stay with me."

During this interchange, Sam and Dean were able to sneak in behind and take out two of the other angel guards, leaving the lead angel for Cas to deal with. When his lieutenants went down, he was momentarily distracted. This allowed Castiel to kill him with his angel blade.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was over. Your kidnappers were dead, courtesy of Sam, Dean and Castiel. Dean began to undo the ropes around your arms and legs. "Cas," you called weakly.

Cas came rushing over and knelt down in front of you. "I'm so sorry this happened to you. This is my fault. You wouldn't have been taken if it weren't for me," he said sorrowfully.

"Hey, guys, let's hurry up and get out of here. We can talk more in the car, Dean went to go get it. The last thing we need is for more angels to home in on our position and cause more problems," Sam pointed out.

You tried to stand up from the chair, but your knees buckled. Fortunately, Cas was there to catch you and scoop you up to carry you to the Impala. He carefully laid you across the back seat and climbed in the rear passenger side, your head resting on his thigh. As you drifted in and out of consciousness, you heard Cas murmuring words of comfort in Enochian, his fingers running through your hair. "Rest now, my love. I am right here for you. You will be all right."

The next thing you remember is waking up in a hospital bed, with Sam, Dean and Castiel passed out in the chairs provided for the room. Castiel was the first to step up to your bedside. "Cas," you whispered, holding out your hand. "Thank you for rescuing me. I knew you would be there for me," you said with a smile.

Cas took your hand in his. "I will always be there for you. I care for you very deeply and it tears my heart up to see you in such a state. Which is why I must now do something that I don't want to do; however, it is for your protection. I must do everything in my power to keep you safe," he finished.

"Cas, what are you talking about?" you asked.

"I love you. I have for some time now, but I was having trouble putting a name to what I was feeling," he explained. "That is why I must erase all memories of me from your mind," he said sadly.

"No! Please, Cas, don't do it!" you pleaded. "I love you too, and I don't want to live my life without you," you cried.

"I know, my love, but it is for your own protection that you must forget me. I can't take the chance that this will happen again and you are injured again or worse. Honeybee, please don't make this harder than it already is," he replied as he prepared to remove your memories of him.

"Please, Cas," you sobbed, tears flowing freely now. You felt his hand on your forehead and then all you could see was black.

"I'm sorry I had to do this. I promise I shall never forget you, my love," Cas murmured, as a tear rolled down his cheek, then he disappeared.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A few days later, you were discharged from the hospital and you were grateful to be home again. You remembered most of what happened, but you couldn't shake the feeling of having gaps in your memory.

Over the next few months, you continued to recover from being in the hospital for what Sam and Dean said was a really bad car accident. Trouble was, you couldn't remember being in your car, but more like being dragged from it, as if you were being kidnapped.

Dean walked into the library on his way to his room. "Dean?" you asked.

"What?" he answered. "I have a question about my car accident. If I was in such a bad accident, why does my car look like it doesn't have a scratch on it?" you asked.

"We got it fixed for you as a surprise. I know how much you love that car, so we took it to the body shop. The guy owed me a favor, so he fixed it. You're welcome," he finished.

"Thank you," you mumbled. Something's not adding up here, you thought. And I'm going to find out what.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I'm telling you Sam, this memory messing-up thing that Cas did? I don't think he did it right. She's starting to remember stuff. Just now, she asked about why her car wasn't totaled after the accident," Dean told him.

"Yikes, what did you say?" Sam asked.

"I told her we had it fixed as a surprise, a guy with a body shop owed me a favor. But that's not going to hold forever. She's going to figure it out, man. And when she does...." he trailed off.

"Yeah, she's going to be upset with all of us, for lying to her and keeping this a secret," Sam replied.

"I think it's time for our angel friend to know what's going on. Castiel, need to talk to you man, it's really important. Could you come on down here, please?" Dean pleaded.

A fluttering of wings and Cas appeared next to Dean. "What's going on?" he asked.

"It's your girlfriend, Cas. She's starting to ask questions about the accident and I don't know how much longer me and Sam can keep lying to her," he explained.

"Where is she now?" Castiel asked.

"I left her in the library, so she should still be there," Dean answered. The boys went to the library to search for you, but you weren't there anymore. "She was JUST here, guys, I swear."

At that moment, you came around the corner from the kitchen, a bottle of water and an apple in your hand. You looked at the three of them and said, "Oh, hello, Cas. What brings you here today?" A dawn of understanding suddenly hit. All of the color drained from your face and you fainted, your water bottle and apple hitting the floor.

Cas rushed to your side and took you in his arms, rocking you back and forth. Your eyelids fluttered open and you brought your hand to his cheek. "Cas? Is it really you? I've missed you so much. Why did you go away for so long from me? These past few months have felt like a part of me was missing, and not just my memories," you asked, tears shimmering in your eyes.

"I'm so sorry, my darling. I thought I was doing the right thing to keep you safe, by erasing your memories of me. I have missed you, my love. I too have felt....incomplete without you. Can you ever forgive me?" he asked, with hope in his eyes.

You shifted so that you were in more of a sitting position directly in front of Cas. You leaned in towards Cas until your lips met in a soft, sweet kiss. "Does that answer your question?" you grinned.

Cas grinned back and leaned in for a deeper, more demanding kiss, his hand cupping your cheek. You could tell that Sam and Dean were starting to get a little uncomfortable watching all of this play out between you and Cas. They were about to leave when you said softly, "By the way, your wings are breathtaking, Castiel."

He pulled back from you in surprise and asked, "You can see them?" You nodded. "They are the perfect color of obsidian, with gold flecks sprinkled all across the feathers," you explained. "I love them," you whispered.

"Do you know what this means, my love?" You shook your head. "It means we are soulmates, destined to be together forever," Cas explained as he got up from the floor, pulling you with him.

"Together? Forever?" you asked. "I like the sound of that," you grinned as you adjourned to your room. "Honeybee, with what I've learned from the pizza man, I'm going to make you love it," Cas replied huskily with a grin as he closed and locked the door.

#castiel #castiel x reader #spn fluff #spn imagine #supernatural

[sebastianjosefkreuger]

Incoming Intel - Chapter Two Welcome to the Gulag

The sound of metal bars slamming shut echoed around him like a wake-up call from a very bad dream, but the actual reality was the nightmare he was waking up too. He was caged in a box room, a typical holding cell for one person, only this one was more like a prison for something you wiped off from the bottom of his shoe and the smell was pretty much the same. Why was he here? His mind started racing with thoughts, the words from earlier played over and over again...

"Operator AO109-C, a wanted man by all accounts..."

His thoughts were a torturous mental block sometimes. He had a shady record in his past. He had done things, everybody had done things, it was natural in his line of work but proving he had done them had been difficult. Even though he maintained his innocence, it always seemed to make him nervous as if he was the guilty party. The kind of nervous where he had to look over his shoulder every so often to make sure no one was on his trail. The worse thing he ever did was run, was he here because of that?

"Just as well he ended up here..."

Where was here? A dirty broken single bed was situated on the left side wall and excrements were scattered around the sink and toilet. Some fresh and some not so. The place had not been clean for decades which suggested whoever ran this operation were private contractors and not something in the mainstream. This was far from the conventional means which very well meant he could be held here without charges indefinitely.

"He has now a choice. A chance to live or a chance to die..."

"Operator AO109-C... put him next in line"

Next in line for what and who were these people to give choices like that? The gunfire and screams of agony from earlier seemed to be a lot closer now and he stood up to see if he could get a better look. He tightened the loose netting up around his head and made a tight knot behind his ears. He peered out of the bars of his holding cell to find out they were unlocked. He pulled them across and stepped out. A pile of rocks was on the floor just outside his cell and he eyed them with curiosity.

"You are going to need them..." A voice said in the next cell down.

The Gulag;

Narrowing his eyes slightly, he felt a chill in the air and the dampness around as he picked up the rocks and shoved them in his pocket. He stood on a sort of balcony that ran all the way around the perimeter what overlooked destroyed showers below. The balcony was dark, but the area below him was lit up like a staging area. It was a rectangle shape and every few metres there were more holding cells that ran around the entire upper level which he found out he could walk around. A total of eight cells on the side he was on and another eight on the far side, so a total of sixteen prisoners could be held here at any one time.

He stepped forward and leaned on the railings in front of him, glancing down at the showers, which had obviously seen better days. A circular pattern of showers was the main feature he noticed, which broke up any firing action in the centre from the east and west sides. There were two entrances to the lower levels which were on opposite each other.

He quickly noted that short range weapons would work best near the central lanes seeing there was no clear sightline that could leave opponents exposed on the perimeter or inside the circular stall. Both areas near the entrances were the roomiest which could allow for more serious combat to take place if the opponent pushed up into his area of operation. If he were caught in that kind of situation, the lone middle stall on either side would be a main source of cover as that ensured gunfight to come down to whoever had the best evasive manoeuvres and accuracy. Long range weapons would be tricky in an area this small, but he figured they could be used best in the north and south lanes which were only partially obstructed by the broken double stall. There was a hole in the ground in the very centre of the circular section where a white flag was situated on a pole. 

Gulag Fighters:

An alarm sounded somewhere overhead and the two doors on either side opened. On one side, two guards had thrown a soldier down the steps and he landed in a heap on the floor. It looked like he had a hard landing on the uneven tilted floor of the lower level showers. He looked like he was wearing a British Counter Terrorist Special Firearms officer uniform with the word police in capital letter on a bullet proof tactical vest and leg strap holders on each of his thighs. He was wearing head gear as well as a grey snood which covered half of his face.

Opposite him on the other end of the showers another soldier appeared casually walking down to the lower levels. He looked like a typical vigilant Urzikstan Special Service Group operator. He also wore tactical vests but nothing as advanced compared to the other officer. He also had a leg strap holster with knee and arm protection pads. He wore a cap which covered his eyes and the most noticeable feature about him was his thick black, long and square beard. What Operator AO109-C noticed is that both soldiers were carrying identical weapons which looked to be an EBR-14 marksmen rifle.

On the balcony opposite him he saw a shadow appear who was also watching what was happening below. He saw the shadow start to throw his or hers rocks at the Urzikstan SSG soldier, who in return fired a shot back which caught some lighting high above them. Now, that area was at a darken disadvantage for anyone with below average eyesight. He was thinking ahead amd this could work to his advantage.

The alarm sounded once more but he did not have to watch to understand what was going on here. It was a fight for survival, a face off that any soldier he knew had heard about but feared to partake in either by choose or not. He figured it was fun for some and he was not going to stand here and watch while he contemplated his own fate. The two soldiers in the spotlight below fired stray bullets at each another, obviously they had not taken the opportunity to observe the area while they were waiting like he had done.

He was grabbed from behind and dragged to the east side entrance and given a knife with a golden pattern blade, frag and flash grenade. This turned things up to the next level, he had observed the area for a fight with guns not with tactical and lethals alone. The only assurance he had was that his opponent had the same weapons as he did �� that he hoped. The doors flew open and two guards dragged the dead body of the Urzikstan SSG soldier through. A trail of blood left behind which seemed very distinct on the white floor. He swallowed hard as the officer said.

"Welcome to Gulag... fight to earn redeployment."

#callofduty #sebastian krueger #krueger #warzone #fanfiction #operatorao109c #gulag #verdansk #codmw #allegiance #chimera #roleplay #rp #codrp #coalition #modernwarfare

[not-the-cleavers]

Target II - Chapter 6

HOLY SHIT sorry for the delay but I seriously got into a rut of ‘I don’t wanna” then Queen happened but now Chapter 6 is here!!! Now I’m not going to lie I did channel Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds for a small section of this. Now Four comes across as a fuck boy in this chapter cause ya girl was dealing with some shit while writing this. Also I never thought that I would ever google “how to clean a gun” and “how to care for throwing knives” BUT HERE WE ARE!!!

Tags; @adrenaline-roulette​ and @amy-brooklyn99​ - if you would like to be tagged just let me know

Pairing; Four x Eight (female reader) Fandom; 6 Underground Warnings; Swearing, angst, mentions of trafficking again (sorry), violence against fellow ghosts and smoking Word count; 1.9k (total so far 9.8k) 

Summary; The team has moved onto their next target after dealing with Rovach Alimov, a war criminal named John Dough. Eight has just joined the team and is dying to show how much she deserves to be there

Catch up: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

A week has passed since my last interaction with Billy, was he avoiding me? I was able to keep my mind off the blonde for a while by concentrating on the hard drive and working out who John Dough interacted with most so we could hopefully take down his whole operation. Unfortunately, I made quick work of that task as Dough was meticulously organised. He had folders for business associates, shell companies, calendars and meetings with audio logs, he even had a folder for completed deals, and all were named as such. Normally organised hard drives were sought after, but all I wanted was a massive mess to have to dive into, search for what I need and take my mind off that stupidly beautiful blonde. So I started to make notes, prolonging my work and making the next brief easier, or at least that’s what I was telling myself. I decided a timeline was the best way to figure this guy out, so that’s exactly what I did. I hit play on a random playlist on my iPod to have play in the background while I focused. According to every system I had access to; John Dough did not exist before 2001 when he was 29. There are no birth or death certificates, no school, prison or medical records, no properties or loans under his name. He was effectively like us, a ghost. No real name or family, nothing tying him to anything before his crimes. Which began when he made a name for himself as a hitman. Starting slow, killing random strangers for other random strangers to make money, but without a conscious, it appeared he had no rules when it came to his murder for hire business. Three had previously mentioned almost all hitmen refuse to kill children, a few less refuse to kill women, but this guy had no cut off point. His youngest victim was just 6 months old when the car he was in with his mother exploded, as per the deal with the scumbag husband and father who paid him $500,000 for the hit. In 2008 he left the hitman business and became a human trafficker, more money and more risk involved with that particular lifestyle. And in that position he was able to create all sorts of partnerships with all types of psychopaths and lowlifes, so in 2011 when he decided that he wanted more money and more power, he became an arms dealer. His biggest earning clients were the terrorist cells he supplied with guns and chemical weapons. And that’s what he’s been doing for the past nine years, and that’s what caught One’s eye. One had a sneaking suspicion that Dough has supplied Rovach with the Sarin gas for the attack that he bore witness to all those years ago. Granted One had no idea I knew he was there during that attack, but I gather intelligence, of course I knew he was there.

Eight: Call a brief. One: You sure you’re ready, or do you still need your beauty sleep? Eight: Fuck off cunt. One: This better be fucking good. Hanger, 1 hour.

I busied myself, making seven copies of my notes and timeline and filed one copy into one folder for everyone, shoved another cigarette into my mouth and lit it, pocketed the pack and made my way over to the hanger with the files and my laptop. I had to set up to make this brief go smoothly, because unlike the rest of the ghosts, I have been legally dead for the past 3 years, well before One had recruited me. If One decided that he no longer needed me, I wasn’t stuck for options, he didn’t have to actually kill me and I could make do on my own, and he knew that.

I wirelessly connected my laptop to the multiple screens around the room, giving everyone a decent view of what I’ve found, and just as I was placing the folders around our table, One entered the room, making a scene and complaining that I was making the room smell worse with my cigarettes. “I prefer cigarette smoke over the smell of dried blood that normally floods this room” I sneered in his direction. He just rolled his eyes in response. Slowly everyone filtered in and took their seats, Billy was last in and refused to make eye contact with you. Fuck him; he doesn’t know what he’s missing! With a slight shake of my head I steadied my breath and started going over everything I know. “Alrighty squirrel friends, I have delved deep into this monsters hard drive and this is what I’ve learnt…” I started my monologue, going over the time line I created with all his victims in the early days, moving onto his trafficking days with the photos found a week ago inside their own manila folder for only the brave to look at. Four pushed that folder as far away from him as possible as soon as I mention what was inside. Finishing with his latest weapons deals that were leading to innocent deaths in the hundreds of thousands to possible millions. “Prior to 2001, there is nothing on him. I have no idea what this man was doing before he turned 29 so just in case it wasn’t obvious; John Dough is not his birth name.” this caused a small chuckle from the ghosts. “But what I do know, he travels to meet this man” I flashed a picture of a fat, white and balding man up on the screens for the team to see “twice a month, to eat expensive meals, drink ridiculously old and pricey scotch, smoke Cuban cigars and fuck high end prostitutes. Not to mention secure guns and chemical weapons for the people Dough sells to. His name is Stanislav Zakirov, a high level member of the Russian Mob. Now we could go after this piece of shit as well, but that would be more of a shit show than Hong Kong was. I would recommend hitting Dough after one of these meetings, after Zakirov leaves. This minimises the risk to us, keeps us away from the Russians, and means we can take this fucker down.” The room fell quiet as soon as I finished my speech; I was done talking so I just waited for someone to say something, a glance up at One revealed he was avoiding looking at me after his last words to me in person. After a few minutes with not a single word I decided I was done sitting around, I picked up my laptop once more, I walked past One and said loudly “Was that fucking good enough for you? Prick” lit another cigarette and walked out the hanger.  

Now with nothing to do to take my mind off everything that had happened over the past weeks I felt lost and unable to get rid of my anger, so a ritualistic activity was needed. Cleaning my guns and sharpening my knives. I walked to a rusted airplane fuselage across the lot that was upcycled into the armoury for the team, and over to my gear and started to lay out the items needed. I started with my knives, unsheathing the blades and placing them on the metal bench, and one by one sharpening them with my trusty bastard file, quickly washing away any shavings that might be left on the knife-edge and rubbing them down with lubricant, thankfully gun lubricant works for this as that’s all I had left. As I was sharpening the last blade I noticed it was slightly bent, possibly from the last mission, so I made quick work of straightening it out, placing it slightly offset from a piece of the fuselage and using my body weight. Not the best way to do it but after years I found it was the quickest. After all my knives were sharpened I started the formulaic process of cleaning my guns. Rolling out a towel and placing the brushes, lubricant, cleaning solvent and cotton swabs down and disassembling my guns one at a time. I found myself falling into rhythm, the clicks and smells of the cleaning solution taking my mind off the joke that was this teams current state of being. As I was working on my last gun my heightened instincts told me that someone was coming towards the armoury. I grabbed one of my knives and used my shirt to wipe away any remaining lubricant, and with one swift move I turned on the stool I was on and threw the blade. The knife pierced the plastic on the side of the planes body right by the door, a warning throw, not intended to harm but to scare away whoever was coming. “Fuck me dead Eight! You have to stop doing that to me” One’s voice, dripping with frustration and anger broke the silence of the room. “Maybe you should’ve learnt your lesson from last time and avoid sneaking up on me when I’m pissed off” I sneered, my attention was back to my gun, with one final click the barrel was back in place. “The fuck do you want, can’t you see I’m busy?” “Well we all wanted to know if you were coming back to the briefing or if you were gonna wallow here in self-pity” One snorted. That does it. I let loose another blade, this time aiming for his thigh, but he saw it coming and quickly dodged it. “See I did learn from last time” “Leave me alone One, I’m not in the mood for your bullshit right now. Last I checked, we were the ones working our asses off on your vendetta missions while you hang around out of danger and piss us all off.” I was yelling at this point. I was never one to hide my anger and One had hit just the right buttons, that and Four who was being the exact definition of a fuck boy right now, was enough to make me explode. “Now unless you’re here to apologise I suggest you get lost” my voice was almost a snarl at this point.

That’s when I noticed that the rest of the ghosts were also in the room with us, all but Two seemed surprised by my outburst, and even more so at my complete disregard to if I hit One or not. She had what almost looked like a smile on her lips. One pushed past them all in a huff, a string of profanities leaving his lips, all focused towards me. After a few awkward moments Two broke the silence. “Well I’m no pussy so I’ll speak. We agree with your plan, it’s smart and the easiest way to take him out. Also One is a dick. He wants to apologise but his ego is getting in the way” her French accent bringing an air of class to her words. The rest of the ghosts nodded along with her words.

“Right well he knows where to find me if he decides to pull his head out of his ass and apologise” I told her, standing from my position and making my way out of the room “excuse me, I need to be alone right now” I made my way past my team mates and out into the thick humidity of the Californian desert, unsure where I was going, but knowing I didn’t want to be around anyone.  

#ben hardy fic #ben hardy #ben jones #6 underground #6 underground fic #four x eight #four x reader #billy/four #FOUR FIC

[loverichardarmitage]

Life with Lucas

Lucas North x Reader

Your POV:

It was just another day, almost like any other day spend at the grid. The team I was working with was quite a good one. Everyone of us had their place and knew what to do.

Yes I was working for Mi5 and it was almost like my second home. It was everything I had... I had not been that long in service but long enough to know that this job took almost everything of your life. Especially your personal life so it was normal to say that I had no personal life.

Sure I had here and there a few dates but nothing serious, for my heart belonged to someone else. You may or may not know him but he was my supervisor here. He taught me everything I knew about the spy life and he was a good teacher, because he had to go through this all alone.

He had spend eight years in russion prison and now he was back. The first time I met him was like meeting someone dead. He had looked like death personally when he had entered the grid. To say the least a lot had changed in the past few months.

Lucas had his place back at the grid and he had to proof himself to Harry Pierce. Head of section D for he believed Lucas to be untrustworthy at first. Our former chef, Adam, had died. He was killed on a misson where he rescued London from a terrorist attack.

And we relieved section D from a mole. The same person who had betrayed the man I loved and sent him into prison for eight years and who's fault it was that he was battling nightmares now.

How I knew of those nightmares? Well one night he came to me and confided in me and we spend the night together talking about all those horrifying years in prison. I leant him my shoulder to lean on and I in turn told him about my families death that had devasted me in many ways. My Family had been my everything and when they had died that fateful day during the car accident, I had not been myself since .

Lucas had been my anchor since the day I met him, without knowing he had helped me. I could see right through him and every lie he had told the rest of the team, and it was him whom I told about my suspicion. I told him how I thought that my families death had not been an accident but and assasination. He had looked at me thoughtfully for a long time and he had promised me to look over the file with me as soon as he managed Harry to give him that file and for that I was forever grateful.

That night we had spent in each others arms and found what we needed, in each other. Since that night we were a lot closer and I knew that I had never felt this much love for anyone than how much I felt for Lucas and he knew it, because every night after either he spend at my place or I at his. We did not always have sex, most of the time we actually talked and we got to know each other better.

So it was this night again. Tonight I was spending at Lucas' place. When we finished the case I turned to the team and said " Well good night everybody, see you tomorrow." They all nodded and when I walked past Lucas he placed his hand on my arm to stop me from walking past him, he stood up and as no one was watching he leaned down and whispered into my ear " Drive savely, I will be with you shortly, will just have to finish the paperwork." I nodded my head slowly and mouthed at him " Alright, see you later, Lucas."

When he sensed someone was watching he took his hand off of me and stood straight again and nodded at me with his usual stoic expression. When People kept staring at him he just growled lowly and they turned around and looked away, making me smirk to myself and walk out of the office and from the grid to my car. When I reached the car I got in and started the car, ready to drive away, when I felt something cold and sharp scraping my jaw.

I stopped the car immeadiately and wanted to turn around but a voice stopped me. " Don't turn around, just Keep driving, to where I will tell you but don't you raise any suspicion." The person said in a low voice and slowly fear began to spread inside me for I knew exactly who that person was. He had been an asset once, but the police had failed him. During that he had lost his wife and child and he gave us the fault for that. He had killed one of our men and he had been in prison for that, but he was released recently and now he wanted revenge.

My fingers shook slightly and I swallowed hard and nodded, hoping that somehow Lucas would find me but how was that even possible if he did not know that I was not even at his flat. Slowly the first tears began to spill I did not know I had been holding back. I drove and drove until he stopped me. He got out first and then he told me to come out as well. So I turned off the car and got out as well. This time he held a gun at me.

I tried to think clear for that was what agents must do in such a situation but the truth was I barely came along when Lucas went on missions. I normally stayed with Jo and Malcom. I was the languist of the team but when Lucas and Ros needed help I got called in and I helped them. The same it had been with this man's case. He walked straight towards me and I really thought, that he was going to kill me right there on that spot, but all he did, was shoving a phone into my hand and then he said.

" Go and call that little lover of yours." Totally shocked I looked at him, then it dawned on me. He must have had watched us. The only thing I could do was nod and with shaking hands I dialed Lucas' number. Before somebody picked up, John, my kidnapper, said " Don't you dare sending him little hints, I will know if you do." Nodding again I put the phone back to my ear and that Moment Lucas picked up and I heard his panicked voice as he said.

" (Y/N) where are you? Why are you not at my place?" Came the answer promptly and with a somewhat strained voice I replied. " Lucas someone has captured me and he wants you to call the grid and get him a deal with the lawyer. He wants revenge for his Family." Tears were now streaming down my face. I was scared. Not of dying directly but more over the fact that I may never see Lucas again and if I died what would happen to Lucas. I heard Lucas gulp through the phone before he said calmly, probably trying to calm us both down before he continued.

" Don't worry, love. I will get to you and Harry is here with me. He is listening on." I nodded and said weakly after John indicated to me to continue " He wants to talk to either you or Harry." Then before Lucas managed to say another word John grabbed the phone out of my hand and spoke into the phone " If you haven't made a deal in two hours she is dead! Hurry the clock is ticking" At his words my whole body shook and I just hoped that the team had managed to find out the place where John held me captive.

After John broke the phone suddenly I winced and my body shook even more because he looked more than angry. He then turned to me and aimed the gun at me, then he shot and he failed me by an inch. He spit in my face and said through clenched teeth " This was just a warning, the next will go through your head." Then he turned around again and stalked off, leaving me cowering on the floor.

The tears did not stop falling anymore and sobs racked through my whole being and I tried to remember the feeling of Lucas' arms wrapped around me and his lips on mine. When an hour was over my captor came back with a somewhat insane look in his eyes and he aimed the gun at me again, but before he could shoot a loud noise achoed and John sank to the floor. I heard voices nearby and I hoped it was Lucas.

Then two men came into my view and when I relised who they were I quickly got up and ran towards them before I threw myself into Lucas' arms not caring that Harry stood next to us and if I saw right the man who held me in his arms did not care either for he tilted my head up with two of his fingers, leaned down and pressed his lips against mine, desperately. When he pulled away he put his forehead against mine and whispered in my ear " Don't you dare scare me like that ever again. I thought I would loose you."

Smiling widely at what he just said I nodded and said " I will try Lucas." Which drew a low chuckle from him and he pulled me close one last time before we heard Harry coughing behind us. I brought a little space between Lucas and I but he kept one of his arms wrapped around my waist and looked at Harry expectantly, who at first had a sour expression on his face but that soon turned into a small smile and he said " You two, take a day or two off of work, we will manage without you for a little while. We will speak when you are back."

I nodded gratefully at Harry as did Lucas and together we left, his arm still around my waist as he walked me to his car. He opened the door for me and I got in with a smile. Then he closed the door and got into the car on the other side. When he sat I grabbed his hand which he had placed on my thigh and while he drove no one said a word. He stopped as we reached his flat and before I could get out myself he had sprung up and had opened the door for me.

With a smile on my lips I got out off the car and he Held his arms out to me. I linked my arm with his and while he locked his car I opened the door to the house. We walked in and went up to his flat. In the flat he locked the door and pressed me against it before he pressed his lips to mine in a passionate and loving kiss. Then he picked me up while I wrapped my legs around  his waist, not breaking the kiss once, he carried me into his bedroom and laid me down on the bed.

This night was the best. He loved me so gently and passionate that I could do nothing but fully surrender to him and his love, which I would do anytime again without a doubt. This night I slept through for the first time since my families death, in the arms encircled of the man I loved with all of my heart. My head on his chest like one of my hands while he had an arm wrapped around my waist and held me close to him. Yet before I fell fully asleep I placed one kiss on his chest and whispered "I love you, Lucas."

The last thing I heard was him saying "I love you too, my love." Then I fell fully asleep with a wide smile on my face. I was the happiest woman in the world and by far the luckiest, with the most amazing man by my side, nothing could bring me to fall.

#lucas north #LucasNorth x reader #Lucas x oc #spooks #richard armitage #oneshot #maybeoneshotseries #drabble

[hiddleloki]

Masterpost of Dadneto and Quickson fics

Because let’s be real, we all need them. They fill my heart with warmth and joy while the movies continue to tear it apart.  UPDATED AS OF 19TH JULY (the newest/latest included fanfics are at the bottom of the post)

Somewhere Like Bolivia by iberiandoctor (jehane), Words: 8175 (COMPLETE) After Cairo, after the school is rebuilt, Erik has every reason to leave. Charles and Peter think about giving him a reason to stay.

To Boldly Dress (Like Those Who Might Have Gone Before) by iberiandoctor (jehane) (COMPLETE) Erik doesn’t do Halloween costumes. Peter and Charles try to change his mind.

Humanity by palmtreedragons, Words: 3676 (COMPLETE) Peter and his father were as different as two people could possibly be. But, heck, they're still family, and family sticks together, or whatever. Spans pre-FC to post-XMA

Immediate Family by Glass Shoe, Words: 175534 (COMPLETE) This is the story of how Peter Maximoff loses his mother, reconnects with his father, and finds something that he didn't know he'd lost in the first place.

That’s My Boy by oneiromancer242, Words: 1113 (COMPLETE) Erik is terribly proud of his son - as Charles and Raven are about to find out.

Peter Maximoff: a Loving Son Who Couldn’t Have Brought Up That Fact Sooner by Blueci1234, Words: 4848 (COMPLETE)  Peter was a tiny bit angry that he was going to die before telling Magneto that the all powerful ex-horseman-of-the-Apocalypse-and-a-giant-frienemy-slash-love-interest-of-Charles-Xavier named Erik Lehnsherr contributed as a sperm donor (not really) to the birth of the great-not-so-great Quicksilver circa 1960 c.e., the time of mutants.

Erik Lehnsherr and His Rotten Luck with His Children by Blueci1234, Words: 2208 (COMPLETE) - SEQUEL TO PETER MAXIMOFF: A LOVING SON WHO COULDN’T HAVE BROUGHT UP THAT FACT SOONER What do you do when your children die?

Vati by naasad, Words: 254 (COMPLETE) Erik Lehnsherr is a man of many names.

A Million And One by Sam the Wise, Words: 1186 (COMPLETE) Peter tells Erik the truth, and that changes things.

Best - Laid Plans by rebecca-in-blue, Words: 2046 (COMPLETE) "Erik recognizes him immediately: the silver-haired mutant boy who broke him out of prison." My take on Erik, Mystique, and Peter post-Days of Future Past.

Peter, I Am Your Father by Queen_Valkyrie, Words: 5576 (COMPLETE) Peter Maximoff knows he should tell Magneto, big-bad-but-not-that-bad-all-the-time-I-can-sense-there-is-good-in-him-Charles-always-insists-terrorist-guy, that he's Peter's father. But it's painfully difficult to bring himself to do so.

A Knife In The Gut by Queen_Valkyrie, Words: 3081 (COMPLETE) - sequel to Peter, I Am Your Father "Every smile Peter warily offered him, every joke made at his expense, every midnight conversation pained him like a knife twisting in his gut." After Erik finds out the truth about the young man who once helped break him out of the Pentagon, he tries to connect with his son. Things don't exactly go according to plan.

That Whole Father/Son Thing by mysterytour, Words:  3054 (COMPLETE) Part of Erik doesn’t wasn’t to climb out of the well of depression and live in the world without Nina and Magda. How can he smile or laugh again when they can never smile or laugh ever again? He feels like ash caught in the chimney stacks. Everything is exhausting. Peter and Erik bond over food. Erik and Jean bond over tomato plants. Jean and Peter bond over prog rock.

Bad With Names by Cyane, Words:1469 (COMPLETE) Erik sighed. "Pietro-"He froze. Jesus Christ, did he just call him Pietro?!

The Day will Dawn by Cyane, Words: 11227 (COMPLETE) Four times someone else was there for Peter, and the one time Erik was.

We Live in a Beautiful World by Cyane, Words: 8405 (COMPLETE) His heart was screaming at him, telling him that he couldn't save all those people. He couldn't save his precious Nina, he couldn't save his lovely wife. He couldn't save any of them- he didn't. He lost that chance. What remained of his family was dead. Everyone. But he had the chance to save Peter.

The Five Times Peter Called Him Dad, And The One Time He Meant It by thecattydddy, Words: 5183 (COMPLETE) Peter Maximoff has known that Erik is his dad for a while now, but knowing something and admitting something are two very different thing.Classic Exactly What It Says on the Tin.  

Silver by thecattydddy, Words: 1609 (COMPLETE) Peter's about to die and as he stares up into the face of death, he can't help but wish they had been wrong about his father. That they had just misunderstood, but it was becoming apparent by every second ticking by that they had been right. Erik Lehnsherr - Magneto - was nothing more than a monster.

Woodstock 83 by blarfkey, Words: 7373 (COMPLETE) Peter's mouth runs just about as fast as his legs. No secret is safe from him! Except his own, apparently. The Universe hands him opportunities to confess on a silver platter and Peter just cannot freaking spit it out.

The Sun Will Shine When Morning Comes by blarfkey, Words: 5352 (COMPLETE) - SEQUEL TO WOODSTOCK 83 If Erik and Peter were a Venn diagram, their circles would not intersect. Erik thanks God every day for it. Peter has no temper. He has no rage, no tragedy. He is light where Erik is a shadow. Right now he is moaning piteously on the couch because his medicine has worn off and his headache has returned. “I’m dying,” Peter croaks. “Dad, I’m dying. I’m not gonna make it. I’m going to the spirit in the sky.” Erik rolls his eyes. There is a certain twisting in his gut, both thrilling and painful every time Peter calls him “dad.” It snags like a hook.

Jail Break by blarfkey, Words:  Words:5717 (COMPLETE) It's totally normal in Suburban America for the dad to pick up his rebellious teenager from jail, right? Even when it's the Pentagon instead of the local police station, and your dad is a Mutant Supremacist Assassin and America's Most Wanted who didn't post bail so much as murdered all the guards? Whatever. Peter will take what he can get at this point, even if it means the most painfully awkward road trip in the history of the universe.

Two Lonely Souls In A Fish Bowl by blarfkey, Words: 14033 (COMPLETE) - SEQUEL TO JAIL BREAK There are tons of fun activities in Peter’s new life at Westchester. You know, like the never ending cleaning and dusting of all four floors of that gigantic mansion, trying to arrange Charles’ old clothes into outfits that wouldn’t get Peter’s ass kicked in a theoretical high school, getting home-schooled by a genius telepath who always knows when Peter cheats, and Peter’s favorite: midnight visits from his crazy terrorist father who may not be as awful or crazy as Peter thought.

Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right by blarfkey, Words: 15735 (COMPLETE) - SEQUEL TO JAIL BREAK & TWO LONELY SOULS IN A FISH BOWL “Look man,” Peter says, “you don’t wanna fuck with me, ‘kay? My – my dad’s gonna find me, he’s gonna kick your ass. He’ll kill everyone in the building. He’s fuckin’ nuts.” The Man smirks. “Aren’t you a little old to be depending on your old man to save you?” Before Peter can give a witty retort, The Man pats his cheek and leaves. No one is going to come for him. He is going to die here. Alone.

Shine On You Crazy Diamon by blarfkey, Words: 24335 (COMPLETE) - SEQUEL TO JAIL BREAK & TWO LONELY SOULS IN A FISH BOWL & CLOWNS TO THE LEFT OF ME, JOKERS TO THE RIGHT Five years later, Peter has gotten his college degree and settled into life as a P.E. teacher at Charles' school. He's got his whole routine mapped out: combat training with Erik and Raven in the mornings, running the Baby Mutants ragged on the field until they start planning his assassination in the afternoons, mixed in with calling Hank every variation of "nerd" American slang can provide and staring at Raven's butt when she's too busy to kick him in the throat. After all the crazy shit he's had to go through, he finds comfort in this new-found stability, even if it means he's officially a Boring Adult who shops for prunes and wheat bread. And then Wanda blows up a car.

Luke, I am your father! by PalauMaggot, Words: 2365 (COMPLETE) Okay seriously. He could have done so much better than that. Facing off with his father who gave him the best line to come clean about being related to him and he goes and says, ‘I’m here for family too.’ Yeah it’s serious and the truth and vague and everything else but come on. The guy had his wife and only child (that he knew about) killed in front of him. So he guessed that springing the whole “You have a son!” on him during the ending of the world probably would have done more harm than good. Erik might have thought they were trying to manipulate him or something. OR: How Peter tells Erik that he's sort of his long lost son.

Like Father, Like Son by leahx, Words: 4191 (COMPLETE) Peter Maximoff might not have his father's name, but evidently, he has more than enough of the infamous Lehnsherr genes, including the ones that will one day be responsible for Charles' inevitable breakdown. Or the time, after the Apocalypse, when Peter screws up and accidentally ups the population of Lehnsherr/Maximoff-ville to plus one. And Charles isn't amused.

7 Tries by krispool, Words: 741 (COMPLETE) The 7 or so tries it takes Peter to talk to his father.

And from the ashes of their world, we’ll build a better one by AryYuna, Words: 25946 (COMPLETE) “She’d never really allowed herself to think about coming back to Westchester, lest she’d end up abandoning everything in exchange for the safety of that place. The mission was too important, more than her comfort, more than everything. Safety was for the others, for the dreamers like Charles, for the kids she rescued, but someone had to live in the real world so that others could hide – her brother, Erik, Hank.” Apocalypse has destroyed everything, but they can repair it. Together.

Late Again by Bravo_48, Words: 70931 (COMPLETE) The "Apocalypse Incident" has taken its toll on Erik Lehnsherr as the aftermath of the battle has left him hollow and lost on what to do with his life. He's been from a wanted terrorist to playing the role of a henchmen to a god, but nothing felt as important to him as being a father, but even that ended with tragedy. Bless Charles' heart of gold for helping him piece himself together, but he still feels so lost........ Peter Maximoff has always lived for the thrill (and speed) of life, but that doesn't mean he can always handle it. It took him a week for his brain to register that "Magneto" was his father and a month to fully accept it. The guy didn't seem so bad. Without Erik, Peter would have never found out how to break into highly secured prisons or how great it is to be an X-Men! Too bad Erik doesn't know how much of an impact he created in Peter's life... Funny part is that even with his ludicrous speed, Peter always seems too late to tell him so. (And always picks the worst times to try.) Especially when his life decides to turn upside-down in the process.

It’s Not So Black And White by Nishloo, Words: 6913 (STILL UPDATING) Peter Maximoff is an already complicated kid - boy turned x-men, a plethora of night terrors, and the inability to look his father in the eyes. When can a guy get a break? or Peter is an angsty teen with some major PTSD who can't tell Erik he's his son.

Grace Under Pressure by IreneADonovan, Words: 604 (COMPLETE) Father- son bonding over good music and bad beer. Set at least a year after Apocalypse.(The album Peter's listening to came out in September of 1984.) Peter has finally told Erik he's his dad, and Erik has returned to the mansion to see him.

Better Men and Better Beer by IreneADonovan, Words: 451 (COMPLETE) - sequel to Grace Under Pressure Bonding, act two.

Power Windows (aka The Road Trip) by IreneADonovan, Words: 226 (COMPLETE) - Sequel to Grace Under Pressure & Better Men and Better Beer Just a little set-up scene for the road trip...

Manhattan Project by IreneADonovan, Words: 1548 (COMPLETE) - Sequel to Power Windows Erik and Peter make their first stop of the road trip in Hell's Kitchen...

Grand Designs by IreneADonovan, Words: 507 (COMPLETE) - Sequel to Power Windows & Manhattan Project Erik and Peter share a moment on the road...

Emotion Detector by IreneADonovan, Words: 566 (COMPLETE) - Sequel to Power Windows & Manhattan Project & Grand Designs A little more father/son interaction, post-XMA... 

Peter is Going To Tell Erik, Really...by ChasingAfterMidnight, Words: 4702 (COMPLETE) Peter thinks the secret of his parentage is safe, until Charles announces that Erik is going to be living at the mansion from now on. How long can Peter keep Erik from knowing? Just until the time is right... He'll definitely tell him. Totally.

Glowing Embers by Magnolie, Words: 5719 (COMPLETE) How do we move on from a shattered life? How do we rebuild bonds, trust and friendship? How do we go on, carrying those we have lost with us? There is no one right answer to these questions, but returning to those we love, endowing them with small acts of kindness and finding ways to fit in again is. Picks up right after the end of X-Men: Apocalypse and follows Erik, Charles, and the rest of their new-found family as fathers and sons grow closer and feelings that have long been forgotten slowly begin to bloom again.

Bonding by ontaunt, Words: 710 (COMPLETE) Peter finally tells Erik.

Let Yourself Fall Ill by valancysnaith, Words:  23763 (COMPLETE) Narrative blank spaces/missing scenes post-XMA. Erik comes down from a metal-high, gardens. Jubilee deserved better. Raven drinks too much, spills secrets. PSYLOCKE.

Hanging in the Stars by porcelainsimplicity, Words: 49769 (COMPLETE) note: if you want a good father/son bonding moments, along with the revelation, this one’s for you As En Sabah Nur faded from existence, Erik slowly floated down until his feet hit the ground and he could finally let go.

What Would You Have Me Do? by WhatTheWentz, Words: 860 (COMPLETE)

Peter Has Daddy Issues by Forever_A_Thief, Words: 10807 (COMPLETE) X-Men Days of Future Past through Peter Maximoff's eyes. Peter doesn't know who his dad is, but when guys show up talking about a guy who can control metal, he knows he has to check it out. But Peter definitely has some issues with the guy that turns out to be his dad...

Things That Travel Faster Than the Truth by d__aia, Words: 1597 (COMPLETE) Elizabeth meets Erik’s son.

You ARE the Father by Justbrowsing, Words: 862 (COMPLETE) Erik learns that Peter is his son.

whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one by murdershewrote, Words: 442 (COMPLETE) That day in Cairo, Peter can’t bring himself to introduce himself to his father, so instead he tells Magneto about his daughter.

Timestretch (Close Your Eyes And Count To (Mach) 5) by Marvelite5Ever, Words: 68838 (COMPLETE) Time stretches, reality alters, and Peter tries to tell Erik that they're related.

Something Rather Wonderful by GinnyGinger, Words: 2585 (COMPLETE) "So you'll rather go your whole life wondering?" Erik asked and damn if that wasn't a question Peter had asked himself enough already. Peter Maximoff has for months been trying to work up the courage to tell Erik the truth. Maybe today is the day.

Here For My Family (here for you) by PotterheadAvengerDemigod, words: 1364 (COMPLETE) “I’m your son!” Peter squeaks out. “Don’t kill me!”

I Miss You, I Miss You, I Miss You More by afrocurl, Words: 2108 (COMPLETE) It's only so awkward to divulge a big secret in the middle of other emotional trauma, but that's the only option Peter sees right now.

Peter’s ‘Terrible but Some Good Kind of Comes Out of it’ Day by SuperAwesomePandaKitty, Words: 20164 (COMPLETE) Set two weeks after X-Men Apocalypse, Peter's leg has finally healed. The Professor has a mission this evening but Hank doesn't want peter to go on any missions just yet as he still wants Peter to take it easy for at least a week so he's on babysitting duty. Wanda has no powers in this one, there's also a ten year age gap between them.

Peter’s Stepdad by nzeedee, Words: 30043 (COMPLETE) Peter takes his time to observe and learn more about Erik as he works up the courage to make a family connection. Soon he realizes that Charles is a valuable asset in Erik's life and they may come as a unified pair.

A Million Little Gods Causing Rainstorms by Inkjade, Words: 25704 (COMPLETE) Charles rolls forward for another few feet, looks back. “I wouldn’t be asking if I had better options,” he says quietly. Then he waits. He doesn’t need to say more: the weight of all that Erik owes him is pressing against the very air. “Verdammt,” Erik mutters, but follows.

Birthday Gift by still_lycoris, Words: 1109 (COMPLETE) Peter doesn't mind if Erik doesn't come to his birthday party. Honest. 

Sweet Dreams (aren’t made of what you’d think) by rimle, Words: 32484 (MISSING LAST CHAPTER) Charles convinces Erik to stay and train the x-men. He soon finds himself falling for his old friend. Meanwhile, Peter is trying to spend more time with his father, struggling to tell him the truth about his lineage. Erik misunderstands the boy's attention as somethings else, and eventually turns to Charles for help.

Little Monster by Quicker Than Silver, Words: 48387 (COMPLETE) When Peter goes missing his mother contacts Charles who in turn contacts Erik in the hopes of convincing his friend to carry out a rescue. What happens however when Peter's true parentage comes to light? How will the other mutants, especially Erik, react to the news? Set after XM-DOFP

Patience by RobineBlack, Words: 1450 (COMPLETE) It was a well-known fact that Peter Maximoff didn’t do patience. Or slow. But he knew that when he would tell Erik that he had another family, patience would definitely be needed.

Holiday Dadneto by Queen_Valkyrie, Words: 4589 (COMPLETE) Through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, Peter and Erik get to know each other a little better and build their relationship as father and son.

Crystal Ball by oneiromancer242, Words: 1131 (COMPLETE) Magda gives Erik something very precious to take care of.

Daddy Issues by glanmire, Words: 7170, (COMPLETE) I have a son," Erik says from the rubble. He truly is the master of dramatic entrances. or, That time Erik got wasted and crashed into the side of the mansion.

Daddy Killed The President by mokonahapuuuuuu, Words: 937 (COMPLETE) It's not everyday the guy who shot the president's your dad.

Running Time by mokonahapuuuuuu, Words: 460 (COMPLETE) Time was running out. Well, more for Peter than for him...

Fathers, Sons and Brothers by thefuzzyone123, Words: 105619 (COMPLETE) Dadneto fic! Erik aka Magneto discovers he is a father. Set a year on from X-men: first class. Can Erik rescue his son from imprisonment before it's too late?

Get him! by oneiromancer242, Words: 2704 (COMPLETE) Mistakes can be very destructive when made in a houseful of superpowered kids, and sometimes, everyone finds that out the hard way. Pure silliness.

Premature Grays by monkeygirl77, Words: 4557 (COMPLETE) Having Peter as your son is no easy task. However, Erik finds that he would never trade it for anything in the world, even if the boy insists on giving him grays before the age of 40.  Or, the many moments of Erik and Peter; where they are most certainly Father and Son.

Sick Day by oneiromancer242, Words: 6666 (COMPLETE) We all get sick, some of us needing a little more TLC than others. Lucky that Peter has his devoted Dadneto to look after him.

Sins of the Father by movieholic, Words: 11425 (COMPLETE) In which Erik Lehnsherr learns that he is, in fact, the father.

Strangers by oneiromancer292, Words: 24298 (STILL UPDATING) Erik isn't usually the first to figure things out - but just for once, when a boy comes to rescue him from the Pentagon, he gets there first. Slight AU from a reader prompt, plenty of Dadneto and Teen!Peter.

Tested by oneiromancer292, Words: 1645 (COMPLETE) Erik doesn't think his son is ready for combat. The only way to find out is to try out his moves in the training room himself. Short, not entirely serious Dadneto one-shot for a reader prompt.

The Beginning Of Something Familiar by HawkDramione, Words: 10705 (COMPLETE) Post Apocalypse. Quicksilver paid Magneto a quick visit before he left, struggling to save his relationship with his father and to fix his troublesome family.

Best I can by oneiromancer292, Words: 1643 (COMPLETE) There's nothing worse than being by yourself and feeling left out on a special day. Erik tries to make it right.

Protection by Neocolai, Words: 389 (COMPLETE) Thoughts on what might have been running through Erik's mind during the scene with En Sabah Nur and Quicksilver.

Broken Wing by Neocolai, Words: 1973 (COMPLETE) In the aftermath, Erik tends to the wounded and Peter almost confesses. (Part 2 in the Protection series)

Troublesome Patiens by Neocolai, Words: 894 (COMPLETE) Peter doesn't take well to lying in bed all day. Magneto accidentally helps. (Part 3 in the Protection series)

Stay by Neocolai, Words: 652 (COMPLETE) Peter doesn't want him to go. Erik doesn't have time to argue. (Part 4 in the Protection series)

Called Back by Neocolai, Words: 1640 (COMPLETE) Magneto had no intention of returning to the academy. Plans change. (Part 5 in the Protection Series)

Strike Out by Neocolai, Words: 463 (COMPLETE) Erik tries to appreciate Peter's effort. He really does. Some kids just can't take constructive criticism. (Part 6 in the Protection Series)

Oblivious by Neocolai, Words: 383 (COMPLETE) Erik still doesn't get it. (7th in the Protection Series)

Little Misfits by Neocolai, Words: 1314 (COMPLETE) Charles finally intervenes. (8th in the Protection Series)

Safe by Neocolai, Words: 1612 (COMPLETE) Erik checks up on his newest charge. (9th in the Protection Series)

Little Lost Bird by Neocolai, Words 931 (COMPLETE) Peter wants to know about his little sister. (10th in the Protection Series)

Newspapers and the Uses Thereof by Neocolai, Words: 783 (COMPLETE) Erik takes up the role of father. Peter is not happy. (11th in the Protection Series)

Differences by Neocolai, Words: 1492 (COMPLETE) Peter is impatient. So is Erik. (12th in the Protection Series) 

Little Genius by Neocolai, Words: 2463 (COMPLETE) Peter does the math. Literally. (13th in the Protection Series)

Jaded by Neocolai, Words: 7414 (COMPLETE) Peter discovers the memorials for those killed in the Apocalypse, and Charles is forced to mediate between two self-righteous parents. (14th in the Protection Series)

Family DIscussions by Neocolai, Words: 1541 (COMPLETE) Erik plays catch and remains oblivious. (15th in the Protection Series)

Torn From The Nest by Neocolai, Words: 6570 (COMPLETE) Peter has a no good horrible really bad day. Good thing Magneto's looking for him. (16th in the Protection Series)

Welcome to Mutant High by Neocolai, Words: 950 (COMPLETE) Charles thinks Erik should introduce his son to the newest member of the team. Erik wants to trip up his wheelchair. (17th in the Protection Series) 

You Have More Family Than You Know by Natileroxs, Words: 624 (COMPLETE) “Oh, my, god, Peter!” She hissed. “Just tell him!” X-men Apocalypse Canon Divergence because Peter should have told Erik the truth. Or at least, someone should've.

Tel Aviv by Glass_Shoe, Words: 5760 (COMPLETE) Peter leaves Cairo in shock, not because he's surprised that the incredible clusterfuck of a rescue operation cooked up by Raven and Hank and the rest of team Prevent World Destruction actually sort of worked, but because he's actually in shock, like, he's shaking and sweaty and pale. You know: shock, because you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs and you can't save the world without someone getting their knee completely shattered by a bald blue demi-god. A prequel to Immediate Family

Sometimes It Helps To Scream by SunnyMimi, Words: 1733 (COMPLETE) Peter was tired of it. For three years in the same vicious circle. Every day these damned missions against the Brotherhood. He was fed up. So, yes, it was time to scream at Magneto.Or...An overdramatic Peter, who thinks it would be a good idea to yell at his diva father during a fight against him.

How to Spend Time With Family by RockerRema13, Words: 27265 (STILL UPDATING) Erik is having a difficult time accepting that his tragic and cursed life now includes a long lost son. Meanwhile, Peter (his son!) seems to be getting along with everyone else at the mansion.

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of... by talkativefangirl13, Words: 34493 (COMPLETE) Peter didn’t instantly jump into conclusion when he saw Erik from afar, he’s probably having a relaxing swim or a soothing ‘me time’ contemplating about life and his stupid choices while facing down on the water, literally not moving. Nope this guy’s dying. Or where Peter always saves Erik and that one time Erik tries to saves him.

Never Gonna Be Alone (I Knew I Loved You) by Redrink91, Words: 15417, (COMPLETE) In which there is hurting and healing, and many song lyrics, as Charles and Erik move forward together. 

Boogie Woogie Woogie by BananasofThorns, Words: 118 (COMPLETE) "I have a song stuck in my head," Peter said, appearing beside Erik. "Wanna hear?" 

hold your head up (to prevent whiplash) by zedille, Words: 18981, (COMPLETE) Peter makes it to Poland in time to save his stepmother and sister. Not that he knew they existed. This is the last place Peter expected Magneto to be. No wonder he’d never found him in all his time searching. Why isn’t Magneto out agitating for mutant rights, or trying to kill Reagan on live television, or living it up at a Renaissance Faire with his cape and armor and helmet, or shacking up with women under a false name and having children — Right. Well.

Revealed by Sophie21011995, Words: 3026; (COMPLETE) After the events of "X-Men Apocalypse" Peter finally finds the Courage to tell Erik that he's his son.

The Great Mix-Up by fairyScorpicus and kraefandoms, Words: 2255, (STILL UPDATING) Erik knows Peter is related to him. All the facts are there: they have the same type of colorblindness, they have the same blood type, Erik's got it all figured out. "Charles." Erik says, sitting up in his bed at three in the morning. "I've figured it out about Peter. I've connected the dots." Charles groans, not bothering to open his eyes as he uses his telepathy. "You haven't connected shit." "I've connected them!" Erik protests. "Peter is my nephew." "No."

From the Ground Up and the Foundations Down by cjr2, Words:  21853, (COMPLETE) While rebuilding the mansion, Erik realizes he's just starting to come to terms with the guilt of having been the one to put Charles in that chair. He's also just starting to come to terms with the fact that something about Charles in a wheelchair is the sexiest thing he's ever seen.

better off without by olivemartini, words: 1743, (COMPLETE) If Erik had thought what his long lost son would look like, he probably wouldn't have thought that they would look like this. Or that they would have a kleptomaniac streak a mile wide. Or that his son's best friend would be blue, and with a tail. But then again, children very rarely match what their parents intend them to be. Erik doesn't think that Peter is overly impressed with the dad he had been dealt, either, so maybe they're even. ~or~the one where Peter finds Erik leaving the academy and stops him by telling him that he's his son

Insult to Injury ft. Dadneto (Peter Maximoff - X-Men) by whumptasticwednesday, Words: 6299 (COMPLETE) If there’s anything Peter Maximoff knew in this moment, it was that not being able to do the one thing your body was genetically enhanced to do, sucked. A lot.

What'd Ya Do? by fairyScorpicus, words: 22688, (STILL UPDATING) Peter was a loser, but losers couldn't break into the Pentagon so if he could maybe he wasn't a loser. Erik isn't dumb. The boy was clearly his son, and looked so much like Magda it hurt. "They told me you can control metal." says the boy. "You know, my mom knew a guy who could do that." and yeah, Erik believes him. ----- Basically: what-if Erik had more than one braincell and figured out Peter was his son?

5 Times People Found Out Peter Smoked, and One Time Peter Told Someone by Isapunk, Words: 2595, (COMPLETE) Peter may seem like a chill calm and collected mutant and even though he seems alright he isn’t always. *Takes place a year after Apocalypse NO Dark Phoenix spoilers! NOW completely edited*

Five Times Quicksilver Doesn’t Tell Magneto He’s His Son and the One Time He Does by evilauthoroverlords, Words: 11855, (COMPLETE) It's not like Peter doesn't want Erik to know that he's his father. He wants to tell him, really ....Next time.

Hermes, god of...Sweet Dreams & Thieves by Webbtrinsic, Words: 10633, (COMPLETE) In which Erik is a good dad, who'd do anything to bring his brainwashed sixteen year old home. And kill Stryker and the freakish doctor who took advantage of his son along the way.

realisations. by steelatoms, Words: 1550 (COMPLETE) Dark Phoenix sort of Fix-It where I actually give these two their well-deserved storyline.

Running. by NaomiPT, Words: 2079 (COMPLETE) Peter was always running from his problems, granted most of them began with 'Erik' and ended in 'Lehnsherr'. After his encounter with Jean, Peter finds himself avoiding people more, but perhaps all he needs is the person he's been avoiding the most. Or better put: Dadneto! Dadneto! Dadneto!

don't go wasting your emotion by zedille, Words: 2894, (COMPLETE) Peter has a few things he'd like to say. (XMDP crackfic/parody/fixit where Peter shows up in New York to call out Erik & give Jean a pep talk)

Mistakes were made. by Quill18, Words: 1214, (STILL UPDATING) DARK PHOENIX SPOILERS! Kurt and Hank Mcoy bring an injured Pietro to Genosha. Magneto reflects on his son and realizes Pietro is best off staying with him. AU/Slight Fix-It Fic.

The Eagle and the Hummingbird by DigestedHuman, Words: 5851, (COMPLETE) "Let's say they get a really special delivery, not like some dirty feathers or dead worms. From a bird god. That's cool. A really cool bird with rainbow feathers with a colorful basket full of eggs, that would grow up to be another bird, any kind of bird that they couldn't have ever thought of and- maybe a big stinky surprise by a lizard, or a puny little-“ “What has that got to do with anything you want to tell me?” Erik was fully annoyed at this point. Peter was talking to him like a child having the talk about bees and butterflies for the first time, and he didn’t like it. Erik clearly wanted to get over with this quickly .---In which Peter thinks he’s prepared, but Erik is not.

More Family Than You Know by leahx, Words: 11116, (STILL UPDATING) “Hank, where are we going?” “You don’t want to know.” He didn’t mean to sound so harsh, but it was the truth. Had Peter known where Hank was headed before he had boarded the jet, he strongly doubted he would have joined him on this journey. “Why not?” Peter’s alert gaze was fixed on Hank as he waited for his response. Hank sighed, enjoying the last moments of peace. "We're going to Genosha." ...or the fic where Peter, instead of being in a coma for the entire movie, joins Hank on his revenge quest to Genosha, where he's forced to face none other than his father, who may or may not already know the truth about the cheeky speedster.

#xmen #magneto #quicksilver #dadneto #peter maximoff #pietro maximoff #erik lehnsherr #dofp #apocalypse #dark phoenix #First Class #X-men #fic rec #fanfic recommendation #fanfiction #fics recs #quickson #michael fassbender #evan peters #mytag #mypost #also i apologize for such long post #for some reason i couldn't use read more #marvel #long post

[whumping-newbie]

Forcibly Stripped for the BTHB? :) - @justplainwhump

@badthingshappenbingo

Ok I am a little bit upset because juuuust as I was about to post this, I reloaded the page and lost the whole thing :))))) thankfully I had copied most of it to a word document, so there wasn’t much that needed rewriting BUT anyway :)

Thanks for the prompt @justplainwhump​!! I am sorry about the fact that it has taken me a lot longer than I planned to write this. It’s also, um, long.

Enjoy!!

POV: Michał

Warnings: beating, forcibly stripped, threats.

I woke up with a throbbing pain in the back of my head, where the armed man had struck me.

My vision danced as I came to, and I wanted to feel the back of my head, just to feel whether or not I was bleeding. I couldn’t raise my arms, for some reason. I tried again, tried to get my arms to move. I could move them, but they were tied behind my back. I was laid on my side across the dusty stone floor, and my legs were left untied for whatever reason. I groaned, straining my eyes to focus, to see where I am.

The room was dank and musty, it was dark in here. The only light was coming from a small set of candles just in front of me, and that wasn’t much light to begin with. There was the mildest, oh so faint hint of smoke that eminated from the naked flames there. The room was also devoid of anything besides me, the door and the candles.

I allowed myself a few minutes before I called out for someone. I wanted to be fully focussed - I needed to focus. Being only halfway here is just an instant recipe for disaster under interrogation. I hadn’t learned that the hard way, but I knew people who had.

As the throbbing in my head subsided, I was able to pay more attention when footsteps approached from outside the door in front of me. I forced myself to sit up on my knees, keeping my back straight, waiting for whoever it was to come through the door.

The metal door dragged open with a long, suffering creeeak, and sudden change in air extinguished one of the candles. The breeze was a welcome one, the stagnant air in here was suffocating.

I watched carefully as three people entered through the door, their eyes fixated on me too. One of them briefly broke that eye contact as they turned to the door and closed it behind them, slamming it to. The echo of metal on metal rang through the room, and I could hear it faintly eminate outside the room and into that corridor outside.

The first figure was a young woman. She had her arms crossed and bandages over her knuckles and hands. She was caked in dirt, her long brown locks looked greasy and clumpy, and her dull brown shirt was dotted with stains. I had the inkling that it was blood, and whether the blood was hers or someone else’s was impossible to tell. She glared at me, a warning. She didn’t seem friendly.

The second figure was a tall young man, who looked quite like me in stature. He looked strong, his clothes were ripped and torn, and there were healing wounds beneath those holes. Gunshot wounds, perhaps? They certainly weren’t knife wounds - I had seen enough of those to be able to tell the difference. His black curls were messy and unkempt, and there were dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

The third figure was shorter than the young man, but looked just as strong. He had a worn, weathered face, his expression telling tales that said only that he had seen far too much for one person’s lifetime. He was the only one I could see that was visibly armed. He had a gun, holstered onto his side. I noticed it, and understood that he was probably erring on the side of caution by coming into a room with an unfamiliar man.

No one in here seemed to want to break the silence, no one wanted to speak first. Instead, they all stared down at their prisoner, at me, uncertain on how to approach dealing with me at all.

The woman spoke first.

“Who are you?” she asked bluntly. I was surprised at that being her choice, out of everything she could have asked me, but I indulged her anyway, “how did you find us?”

“I am Michał Jełen,” I stated, looking at her.

She slapped me across the cheek. She slapped me so quickly that it caught me totally off guard, and my head slung to the right. There was a tingling stinging sensation in my cheek. I slowly turned back to face her.

“Don’t fucking lie to us, we know who you are,” she scoffed, glaring at me ferociously, staring me down from where she towered above me. I frowned at her in response.

“I am Michał Jełen,” I repeated, “it’s not a -”

I was interrupted by a strong, swift kick to the stomach. I leaned forward, coughing. I breathed deeply in, out, in, out, trying to steady it. Trying to stay calm. But damn if that kick wasn’t strong.

“That,” I emphasised between my deep breaths, forcing myself to look back up at her, “is not a lie.”

She folded her arms again, disbelief etched all over her expression as she continued to speak, “okay then Michał Jełen,” she continued to sneer at me, “how did you find us?”

If you return sucessful, I’m sure I can arrange a… suitable reward for you.

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to force Emil’s words out of my mind. I felt pure disgust at how his presence in my own thoughts polluted me, his poisonous ideas echoing within me. I wasn’t doing this for a damn reward, I wasn’t doing this for a chance to take advantage of the weak and the helpless. I hated how his evil thoughts permeated through my own intentions, I hated him. All I could think about was the damage he had done to people, the abuse he puts them through... I hate it!

I hitched my breaths, trying to steady my breathing before speaking again, “your, your man told me to come here... he’s a prisoner at the castle, but you knew that,” I watched the three of them for a reaction, for any sort of tell, that they knew what I was talking about. That I was telling the truth. They all shared a look, a passing glance, a knowing glance, “Aleksander... Ignacek?”

The younger man spoke next, keeping his voice level and calm, devoid of the emotion that enriched the woman’s voice, “how did you learn that name?”

"Are you his torturer?” the woman scowled at me, not giving me the chance to even respond to the man. Something did catch my attention for a moment, and that was the way she trailed off ever so slightly at the word ‘torturer’. I don’t think it was intentional, but it sounded like she had slipped. She had showed a weakness that I don’t think the intended to. The emotion that she had disguised by her anger had shone in that moment, and I suspected she knew that prisoner. She cared about him.

And that makes her another terrorist, just by association.

I caught my breath, trying to think quickly and carefully about my answer. I couldn’t be decietful, not now, not when I need them to trust in me. But then again, if I told them the truth, the chances of my survival decreases exponentially. The chances of leaving without harm diminishes further than that.

“N-no, I’m not -urgh!”

I didn’t get to finish that sentence either, because she had kicked me so hard that I didn’t have time to register just how fast she had done it. I was still processing my breathing in response to her attack when she grabbed me by the hair, forcing me to look at her again.

“Bullshit!” She screeched in my ear, tugging on my hair so that I faced her. The men still said, and did, nothing to stop her, “he wouldn’t give up that name so easily. What the fuck did you do to him?!”

She threw me down to the ground by my hair so hard that I landed on my side again. My still bound hands couldn’t help me break my fall, so I just lay there, groaning through the bruising pain and telling myself to stay calm.

“I...” I groaned, turning myself to face her again, gritting my teeth as I forced my body to turn to her, to look her in the eyes as I spoke again, “I d-didn’t hurt him!”

Her face was contorted with fury, and I didn’t resist her as he dragged me back up onto my knees by my hair. I hissed in pain, but didn’t fight her. I watched her as he drew a knife from under her shirt, a sheath I did not even notice before. She flashed the gleaming blade in front of my vision, and I closed my eyes, trying to prepare for the stab wound she was going to inflict me with, I took a deep breath out, bracing myself.

I felt the blade against my chest, the threat was very real, but instead of it piercing my skin, it severed through my shirt with an oddly satisfying riiip. I didn’t move, I daren’t move against her. I remained as still as I could as she ravaged at my clothes, tugging them off. I didn’t resist. I didn’t fight back. Neither of those men did, either.

The already freezing cold room seemed more so now that I was shirtless, and not by my own choice. I could live with this, probably not for long, but she’s reacting to her own emotions here. Nothing I can say or do will satiate it until she calms down, the best thing I can do is ride it out until she does.

She pushed me backwards, and she fought at my trousers. I didn’t try to stop her here, either. She ripped them open and yanked them from me, tearing them into tatters with the knife as she did. I shivered, remaining laid there on my back, waiting for her next move. Exposed and vulnerable, all I could do was fight to remain calm. I felt my cheeks burn despite the bitter cold of the room, it is humiliating to be forcibly exposed.

But worse things have happened. Happened to other people, not to me.

All for her, all for Matylda, all for her friends, that’s what all this is for.

A... Suitable reward for you.

No, not for a reward.

“I don’t believe you. What did you do to him?” she knelt down beside me and put that knife up to my cheek, and I didn’t even try and move away from it, I couldn’t go far even if I wanted to. I felt the blade sink into my cheek, ever so slightly. I don’t think it broke through my skin, but it may just do if I squirm.

I gritted my teeth, watching her crazed eyes, not the knife, “I am just a guard!” I tried to explain, “you have to believe me, because I can help get him out!”

Her expression changed in an instant. She seemed at odds with herself, and I knew I had struck a nerve with my words.

“Look, I have nothing to hide. See?” I spoke slowly, calmly, trying to get her to stay with my every word, “I did nothing to hurt him, I promise you that. I want to help him get out, but I need something from you first.”

This time, she stepped back. She remained armed with the knife, but she looked over at her colleagues. She folded her arms again, that defensive stance, and she actually seemed to listen to me.

“Is he alright?” the younger man asked, stepping forwards.

“Un... unfortunately, he’s in a bad way. The only times I’ve touched him is to take him to his cell, and he’s getting worse. The... the guy that tortures him... he’s my superior. I can’t directly disobey him without suffering alongside your friend,” I tried to explain, manouvering myself back to a sitting position. I didn’t even care about being exposed - let them see my bruises, my wounds.

“Why should we trust you?” the woman retorted, “a guard that works for the General willingly is highly suspicious. Why should we help you? Why should we let you walk out of here?”

“I was sent here, officially, to find you and report you. But I have people in that castle that I need to get out of there, and I can’t do that if I report you.”

“What do you mean? Officially?” the younger man asked.

“My superior is a man called Emil Górskanki,” I watched their eyes flare open at my reveal of the name. The familial name of the Royal Family, and they knew it well, “he is the one doing the torturing. He is looking for the Princess, he thinks your group is harbouring her.”

The woman scoffed, “well, we aren’t, neither hide nor hair has been seen of the Princess since... well, before all of this.”

“I know. I helped her escape the castle. I remained behind to make sure they didn’t catch her, that was my duty, and I am still loyal to her. Not to the General,” I felt my voice lower as I stressed this. I always knew how much I hated associating with the General, but I truly hated it when someone else said it. There was something permanent about such a label, like a scar that will never truly go away. It feels like I have a huge target on my back, for merely associating with the General and his allies, “your friend divulged this place and that name to Emil, and I was ordered to investigate whether it is true or not. If it’s not true, he gets tortured again. If it is true, you all get tortured. I don’t enjoy my job in the slightest. But I can only get him out if I have your help.”

“What do you want from us?” the gruff man said. Now that he spoke, I recognised him. He was the one that caught me, the one that caught me in the remains of the library.

I took a deep breath before continuing, “I was protection for the Princess, before all this. Her friends are currently captive in that castle. Honestly, they’re suffering worse than your friend is, and that is saying something. I want them out of there, I want them safe.” I let them hang onto my words, I hope they can understand my side on this. They want their man safe, I want those girls safe, “I can help you get your man out, I swear on that. But in return I need you to help me get these girls out. Please, I am begging you.”

I bowed my head as I finished speaking. I don’t know what they are thinking, seeing me like this, but I am only doing this to conceal the tears that have flooded my vision. I don’t care about my pride anymore, my pride is long shattered. Not after everything I have heard and seen.

I heard my captors whispering amongst themselves, deliberating whether there is any truth to my words. The longer they spoke, the more hopeless I felt. What if they just killed me? Here and now? Left my body on the streets, discovered and reported back to Emil? No one in that castle would help the girls as they are. And, well, I’m replaceable. Anyone can guard the torture chambers, haul the prisoners to and from their cells, and partake in espionage missions for Emil.

I was shocked out of my thoughts when I felt someone behind me. I thought they would do it now, just slit my throat, but they didn’t. They sliced through the ropes that bound my hands together. I sighed out of pure, sweet, glorious relief, rubbing at my shoulders, euphoria coursing through me. This was good, this was promising.

“If we help you, Michał Jełen,” the woman said, the calmness that eminated in her voice was a welcome change, “what will you do for us in return?”

“A-anything, I just want those girls safe,” I said, remaining on  my knees.

“Those girls will be the death of you, boy. I wouldn’t advertise your feelings for them to total strangers,” the gruff older man said.

“Of course - there are a few conditions that you need to meet, Michał Jełen” the woman continued, and I felt my heart sink, but I tried not to show that, “if our man dies before he is returned to us, I promise you that I will kill you. If you reveal our location to your superior that leads to the death of any more of our men, I promise that I will kill you.”

I nodded, getting to my feet as I spoke, still uncaring about my shattered dignity. I shivered slightly as I continued to stand, this room really was cold, “my orders were to destroy this place if I found no one here. I have an appearance to maintain if I am going to help your man.”

“We’ll handle that,” the older man spoke up, “you’ll also need to think of something to tell your boss that stops him from hurting our man. If you can agree to all this... we’ll help your girls.”

The man held out his hand.

There were so many ways that this could go horribly, horribly wrong. I can’t promise that Emil hasn’t done damage to that man past the point of no return. I can’t promise he will survive another round of torture after I report zero findings. If this entire plan is discovered, I am officially a traitor. I would be a prisoner in those dungeons for the rest of my numbers days if I am caught.

All for Matylda. Have to help her.

Well, I already am a traitor. They just don’t know it yet.

I never truly betrayed the Princess.

All for her.

#ok so this is so fucking long #I didn't expect it like this I'm sorry #bad things happen bingo #forcibly stripped #michał #beatings #threats #My writing #My OC's #Whump #Whump prompt #Whump trope

[bountyofbeads]

Trump Declares ‘Time for Us to Get Out’ of Syria as Allies Object https://nyti.ms/2p34agB

#BREAKING Man(Trump) Who Went Broke Running Casinos Brags Of His 'Great And Unmatched Wisdom'

'I, in my great and unmatched wisdom...'

-- Donald Trump, 11:38 am on a Monday in America

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!). They must, with Europe and others, watch over..."

"....the captured ISIS fighters and families. The U.S. has done far more than anyone could have ever expected, including the capture of 100% of the ISIS Caliphate. It is time now for others in the region, some of great wealth, to protect their own territory. THE USA IS GREAT!" Donald J. Trump, Monday October 7, 2019 at 11:38 AM ET

"You don't read and can't spell. You don't know anything about history or geography. You don't understand how trade deficits work. You were surprised to find out islands are surrounded by water. You threatened a lawsuit if your college transcripts were released. You are a moron!" FACTS DO MATTER @WilDonnelly

Donald Trump’s betrayal of the Kurds is another harrowing reminder that his foreign policy approach is to always do what is best for Vladimir Putin because that is who he is really working for.

Some of President Trump's strongest supporters are criticizing his decision to clear the way for a Turkish military operation near Syria's border that would sweep away U.S.-backed Kurdish forces. Senator Lindsey Graham called it a "big win for ISIS."

Trump Declares ‘Time for Us to Get Out’ of Syria as Allies Object

By Peter Baker | Published Oct. 7, 2019 Updated 11:43 a.m. ET | New York Times | Posted October 7, 2019 12:15 PM ET |

WASHINGTON — President Trump vowed on Monday to pull back from military involvement in the Middle East and leave it to others “to figure the situation out,” even as one of his strongest supporters condemned him for abandoning allies and emboldening regional enemies.

In a series of Twitter messages, the president defended his decision to clear the way for a Turkish military operation that would sweep away America’s Kurdish allies near the Syrian border, arguing that the internecine conflict among forces in the region was not a top priority for a war-weary United States.

“I held off this fight for almost 3 years, but it is time for us to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars, many of them tribal, and bring our soldiers home,” Mr. Trump wrote. “WE WILL FIGHT WHERE IT IS TO OUR BENEFIT, AND ONLY FIGHT TO WIN. Turkey, Europe, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Russia and the Kurds will now have to figure the situation out.”

The president’s abrupt decision overrode the objections of the Pentagon and State Department, which sought to maintain a small American troop presence in northeastern Syria, and caught even some of Mr. Trump’s top allies off guard. One of the top Republican hawks in Congress quickly castigated the president and promised to try to sanction Turkey if it followed through with its plans.

“If I didn’t see Donald Trump’s name on the tweet, I would have thought it was Obama’s rationale for getting out of Iraq,” Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and a top backer of the president’s, said on Fox News.

As with President Barack Obama’s decision to pull out American troops from Iraq in 2011, Mr. Graham said, this would create a vacuum for remnants of the Islamic State, President Bashar al-Assad of Syria and others to surge forward again.

“This is a big win for Iran and Assad, a big win for ISIS,” Mr. Graham said. “I will do everything I can to sanction Turkey if they step one foot in northeastern Syria. That will sever my relationship with Turkey. I think most of the Congress feels that way.”

Mr. Graham said he would also introduce a nonbinding resolution asking Mr. Trump to reconsider his move, which he called “shortsighted and irresponsible.” The president’s assertion that the Islamic State has been defeated is “the biggest lie being told by this administration,” Mr. Graham added.

The announcement set off a swift and bipartisan backlash from other lawmakers as well, with some of the president’s closest allies on Capitol Hill taking to Twitter to denounce the decision, all while carefully avoiding the president’s name.

Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming, a member of the House Republican leadership, called withdrawing United States forces from northern Syria “a catastrophic mistake.” Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, said it would be “a grave mistake that will have implications far beyond Syria.”

Liz Cheney ✔@Liz_Cheney

Withdrawing US forces from Northern Syria is a catastrophic mistake that puts our gains against ISIS at risk and threatens US security.

This decision ignores lesson of 9/11. Terrorists thousands of miles away can and will use their safe-havens to launch attacks against America.

8:53 AM - Oct 7, 2019

Nikki Haley, Mr. Trump’s former ambassador to the United Nations, joined the criticism. “We must always have the backs of our allies, if we expect them to have our back,” she wrote on Twitter. “The Kurds were instrumental in our successful fight against ISIS in Syria. Leaving them to die is a big mistake. #TurkeyIsNotOurFriend.”

Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, shared a tweet from Mr. Graham and added his own thoughts. “The President’s decision to abandon our Kurd allies in the face of an assault by Turkey is a betrayal,” he wrote. “It says that America is an unreliable ally; it facilitates ISIS resurgence; and it presages another humanitarian disaster.”

Mr. Trump got little support from lawmakers, but some conservatives came to his defense. “Some will cast any deal w/ Turkey as @realDonaldTrump getting close w/ a dictator,” Hugh Hewitt, the talk show host, wrote. “It’s not. It’s dealing with the realities that we can’t stay forever.”

Mr. Trump came to office promising to get out of overseas wars, contending that the country’s military involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has been largely a waste of lives and money with little to show for it.

A similarly sudden decision last winter to pull American troops out of Syria prompted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign, and Brett McGurk, the special presidential envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State, accelerated his own planned departure in protest.

The Senate, led by Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, relayed their displeasure in January when it voted overwhelmingly  to rebuke Mr. Trump over his planned withdrawal of military forces from Syria and Afghanistan.

Mr. Trump later walked back his decision in Syria to some extent, but has been frustrated not to be doing more to extricate the United States from entanglements in the region. His supporters said the latest move should therefore not be a surprise and the Kurds had fair warning.

The decision came after a telephone call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. American officials indicated that the 100 to 150 United States military personnel deployed to northeastern Syria would be pulled back in advance of any Turkish operation but that they would not be completely withdrawn from Syria.

The Kurdish forces in the area, part of the Syrian Democratic Forces, or S.D.F., have been the most reliable American ally in the region for years, a critical element in recapturing territory once controlled by the Islamic State. But Turkey has long considered the Kurdish fighters to be terrorists and has lobbied the United States to abandon support for them.

“The United States was supposed to be in Syria for 30 days, that was many years ago,” Mr. Trump wrote on Monday. “We stayed and got deeper and deeper into battle with no aim in sight.” Now, he said, it is time to leave.

Donald J. Trump

✔@realDonaldTrump

The United States was supposed to be in Syria for 30 days, that was many years ago. We stayed and got deeper and deeper into battle with no aim in sight. When I arrived in Washington, ISIS was running rampant in the area. We quickly defeated 100% of the ISIS Caliphate,.....

54.9K

7:40 AM - Oct 7, 2019

He offered little sympathy for the fate of America’s Kurdish allies: “The Kurds fought with us,” he wrote, “but were paid massive amounts of money and equipment to do so.”

Mr. Trump has been particularly irritated that the United States continues to pay to detain thousands of Islamic State fighters. For months, he has tried to pressure European states and others to take those fighters who originated from there, only to run into strong resistance.

“Europe did not want them back, they said you keep them USA!” Mr. Trump wrote. “I said ‘NO, we did you a great favor and now you want us to hold them in U.S. prisons at tremendous cost. They are yours for trials.’ They again said ‘NO,’ thinking, as usual, that the U.S. is always the ‘sucker,’ on NATO, on Trade, on everything.”

But if Turkey moves against the Kurds, the S.D.F. could abandon camps to fight the Turks, potentially allowing some 10,000 captured Islamic State fighters, including 2,000 foreigners, to escape. United States military officers were trying to reassure the S.D.F. in hopes of avoiding such a scenario.

Catie Edmondson, Eric Schmitt, Eileen Sullivan and Lara Jakes contributed reporting.

#trump scandals #trump administration #president donald trump #trumpism #donald trump jr #trump news #turkey #syrian kurds #syrian war #syria news #syria #trump cult #trump corruption #trump crime family #trump crime syndicate #u.s. military #u.s. news #iraq news #iraq #isis #terrorism #national security #nato #national news #military intelligence #u. s. military #military #politics and government #us politics #politics

[nitewrighter]

Not a Job Interview

A Followup on “Family Reunions and First Impressions”

-----

It was the first dreamless sleep Hanzo had had in a while. He usually dreamt of rasping breath and a bloodstained tatami, of a puddle of his own vomit and his shaking hands on the cement floor of a parking structure, of thin cool fingers cupping the side of his face and tucking his hair back and soft words telling him he had done well, that he was so brave. He was used to snapping awake too, his own paranoia from years on the run forcing him to full consciousness but here he woke up groggy, on a cheap thin spring mattress, cold and a bit sore, but no more than he was used to waking up back on the run. 

“‘Mornin’,” a gravelly voice spoke.

Hanzo sat up and rubbed his eyes. He found he was in a bare room with a gray haired man in a blue and white jacket, seated in a metal folding chair and sipping a mug of coffee a few feet from his cot. Hanzo’s hand instinctively padded the mattress next to him to grab a bow that was not there.

“You want breakfast?” the gray-haired man asked.

Hanzo’s stomach lurched at the thought of food and he shook his head.

“Yeah some people get nauseous recovering from Ana’s sleep darts,” said the gray haired man, “A couple hours and you should be fine.”

“I take it I’m a prisoner?” said Hanzo, not making eye contact.

“Well that’s what I’m here to figure out. What you are, is a man who broke onto the watchpoint and assaulted two of our agents. But you’re also the brother of another one of our agents... who... you also nearly killed a little over a decade ago. I’m gonna level with you, it doesn’t look good.”

“Hm,” Hanzo glanced down.

“However, that same brother is vouching very hard on your behalf, and it doesn’t feel right to just ignore him, so here we are,” the man itched at one of the two diagonal scars running down his face.

“Where is Genji?” said Hanzo.

“He’s close, but he’s also... emotionally compromised on this case. We need to establish whether or not you’re a threat before we can let you see him.”

Hanzo was sullen, but somewhere in the fog of memories of his fury and the pounding headache from the cowboy’s fists, he remembered Genji’s words from the night before. I trust these people, I’m asking you to give them a reason to trust you.  Hanzo noted the angle of the scar, and the man’s hairline. “You... you were among the group that came to back up the cowboy last night,” said Hanzo.

“Got some sharp eyes on you, huh?” the man sipped his coffee, “Name’s Jack Morrison.”

“Mm,” Hanzo gave a slight nod of acknowledgement. There was a beat of silence.

“...that usually gets a bigger reaction out of people,” said Jack. 

“Should I know who you are?” said Hanzo.

“...Former Strike Commander of Overwatch?” Jack suggested, “Disgraced Strike Commander of Overwatch? Presumed dead in a freak explosion?”

“Ah,” Hanzo said, raising his eyebrows slightly, “The one with the statue.”

“Always hated that statue,” muttered Jack.

“Admittedly, I never gave much mind to the original Overwatch---only gleaned as much from their propaganda as was necessary to me. It was my understanding that their collapse into disgrace was inevitable.”

“Inevitable?” Jack repeated.

“There are no heroes, Jack Morrison, there is only what people need to see in other people.”

“What do you think Genji needs to see in you?” said Jack. 

Hanzo opened his mouth to retort but paused, and then glanced off with a “Hmph.”

“Well... I think the real question is, why are you here?” said Jack.

“Why are you here?” said Hanzo, “You would know better than anyone that Overwatch is a foolhardy endeavor.”

“Because my team needs me. Because someone needs to stop Talon. Because someone needs to stop Reaper. Because this is my mess and I have to clean it up. Now I’ll ask you again---Why are you here? Walk me through it.”

“Walk you through it?” said Hanzo, arching an eyebrow, “There is... a lot to walk through.” 

 “We got time,” said Jack.

Hanzo examined his own bruised knuckles. “It’s been over ten years since I killed Genji... or at least thought I did. I tried to take up the role of Clan Head. For a few months I was very competent but I could feel...” he exhaled, “I could feel myself rotting from the inside out. I could feel myself stamping out my own thoughts, my own feelings bit by bit. I was destroying myself to survive my choice. The paradox of it all consumed me with pain and confusion---I had destroyed my family to protect my family. In this haze of grief, I knew I was little more than a figurehead to the clan. If the council was in control anyway... what was the point of staying?”

---

“He’s full of shit,” muttered McCree as he and Genji watched the conversation play out through one of Athena’s monitors.

Genji elbowed him.

“Watch it---still sore...” said McCree, rubbing his arm.

“Shh,” Ana gave them both a stern look and both were quiet.

---

“So you left,” said Jack, “Dropped below the radar.”

“They sent assassins after me...” said Hanzo, rubbing at the side of his head, “None of them were good enough. My pride in my training and everything I had learned from my clan would not permit me to simply submit to their blades. The Shimada clan had trained me to be better than anything they could throw at me, after all. In a way... I rationalized it as, if they could send an assassin that could best me, then the Clan’s future and its place in the world was earned.”

“...and then Overwatch collapsed it,” said Jack.

“Crushed the council and the main operations, certainly,” said Hanzo, “What remains of the Shimada clan has been absorbed into other crime families at this point. They still have the resources to maintain Shimada castle and send the odd assassin after me every so often, so I’ll give them points for tenacity.” 

“You keep tabs on criminal organizations?” said Jack.

“Only to the extent that they might affect me. My informants are not of the Shimada clan,” said Hanzo.

“You have a spy network,” said Jack.

“I have a collection of loose associations garnered by killing the right people at the right time,” said Hanzo.

“Any of your informants know you were coming to the Watchpoint?” 

“They were in service to me, I do not owe them any information about my whereabouts.”

Jack sipped his coffee, not breaking eye contact with Hanzo. “What do you know about Talon?” he asked as he brought his mug down from his lips. 

“Talon attempted to recruit my father, Sojiro. He refused. When I left the clan they attempted to recruit me. I refused. The assassin known as ‘The Widow’ made contact with me a few years after the clan collapsed, promising to restore it with me at the head. I refused again. Akande Ogundimu contacted me a few years later when he broke free from prison. Apparently a space had just opened on their council. I refused again.”

---

“Can we agree that the fact that Talon really wanted this guy on their team is a big red flag?” said McCree, looking at Ana and Genji.

“But he refused,” said Genji. 

“You don’t get Talon’s attention without doing some shady stuff.”

“Talon likely was serious about restoring the Shimada clan, but probably as a factor they could control,” said Ana, “They could do so more easily with its heir.”

“‘Killing the right people at the right time...’ Genji you can’t be serious about this---”

“You of all people should believe in the desire for redemption, McCree,” said Genji.

“If he has informants in the criminal underworld, that could be very useful to us,” said Ana.

“Aw come on, Cap, this guy’s---”

“We have to consider all the factors of his being here,” said Ana.

“And what if he didn’t refuse Talon?” said McCree, “What if he’s here because he didn’t refuse Talon?”

“He wouldn’t accept Talon,” said Genji.

“You don’t know that--”

“I know my brother,” said Genji.

----

“Why didn’t you join them?” said Jack.

“Would you prefer if I did?” said Hanzo.

Jack maintained an expectant silence.

 Hanzo sighed. “The things they offered me felt like steps backward,” he said, “And I knew I was worth more to them than anything they were offering me.”

“Not because of the whole... ‘Evil international terrorist organization’ thing,” said Jack.

“Considering my own life in the Shimada clan, it did not seem like my place to judge,” said Hanzo. 

Jack shrugged, finished his coffee, and set his mug aside. “So how long ago was this last contact?”

“Shortly before Mondatta’s assassination,” said Hanzo, “Around that time was the anniversary of Genji’s... not-death. So I went to honor him as I did every year.”

“Breaking into Shimada castle,” said Jack.

“It was my home,” said Hanzo, “Genji confronted me... I thought he was just another one of the clan’s assassins at first but then...” Hanzo was silent for a few moments, “Do you understand what it’s like?” he said, “Thinking someone that close to you... someone whose blood is on your hands... thinking they’re dead for years... only to find out...”

“...It wasn’t years for me, but yeah,” said Jack, “It’s... a lot to deal with,” he leaned back in his seat, “Still a lot to deal with.”

Hanzo huffed a little. 

“So you refused again,” said Jack.

“Well the offer wasn’t clear...He told me to pick a side, it wasn’t until later that I found out a recall for Overwatch had gone out. That was my only lead as to his whereabouts.”

----

Both Ana and McCree looked at Genji.

“To be honest a lot was going on that night,” said Genji, “And I knew there was no way he would come with me... not that night. Not as he was.” 

“But he’s here now,” said Ana, looking back at the screen.

----

“So you’re here for Genji,” said Jack.

“As my numerous demands to speak with Genji have indicated, yes,” said Hanzo, at this point frustrated that he would have to explain so much of himself to establish something he had been speaking of since the beginning. Jack continued sitting in his seat, perfectly calm. Hanzo composed himself in a breath. “It... has been months since that night,” he said, looking down, “In the time after that encounter, I tried to convince myself that he was a fool. That he was not the brother I knew. That seeking him out was folly. The more I tried to convince myself of this, the more aware I became of my own lack of direction.”

“You’re here because there’s nowhere else to go,” said Jack.

“I’m here because Genji is all that I have left,” said Hanzo, “If he was lucky enough to survive me, I won’t see him die in service to the people who turned him into... turned him into...” Hanzo trailed off and rubbed his forehead. “It’s strange...” he said quietly, “Genji accepts himself as he is so much more easily than I can accept him.”

“Well... if it’s any comfort it took him a while,” said Jack.

“He accepts himself far more easily than I accept myself as well,” said Hanzo.

“I mean...” Jack folded his arms, trying to keep from fidgeting due to the fact that he wasn’t really sure how how to respond to that, “Again... took him a while to...” he caught himself and cleared his throat, “Okay, so... You came here to speak with Genji. We can give you some time with Genji---what are your plans from there? I’m not sure if we can let you... continue being a wandering assassin with a criminal spy network.”

Hanzo’s brow furrowed slightly. “I’m afraid my skill set isn’t... really adapted for anything else.”

“Look, I’ll talk this over with Winston, Genji, and Ana, in the meantime, we’ll send you to the infirmary to make sure you’re all right after that scuffle. Sound good to you?”

“...Passable,” said Hanzo.

“Good talk,” said Jack, getting up from his seat and taking his mug, “We’ll be in touch. In the meantime, enjoy a few hours without assassins on your ass.”

“Hm,” Hanzo leaned against the wall and watched as Jack exited the room.

---

“So what’s the verdict?” said Ana as Jack walked into the room.

“We can’t just send him wandering again,” said Genji.

“I’m sure Interpol’d be more than willing to--” McCree started.

“No,” said Genji.

“Okay, let’s everyone calm down,” said Jack. 

“...you want that spy network,” said Ana, flatly.

“It would be the closest thing we have to a Blackwatch intelligence network. Make logistics a lot easier,” said Jack, “But ultimately the decision is going to be up to Winston.”

“We can’t seriously trust this guy to stay here,” said McCree.

“Well, there would be a probationary period, obviously,” said Jack, “Hanzo’s presence on the Watchpoint would have to be overseen by one of our agents to make sure he’s compliant and trustworthy.”

“Someone to bust his ass if he gets out of line? I like that,” said McCree.

“I could---” Genji started.

“Genji, we trust you, but you’re too personally involved,” said Ana. 

“It needs to be someone without a close attachment to Hanzo,” said Jack.

“Someone the whole Watchpoint trusts,” said McCree.

“But someone willing to understand that this sort of thing is a delicate situation and a process,” said Ana. 

“But who ain’t soft on him,” said McCree.

“Which is why I’m submitting to Winston that Jesse be Hanzo’s probationary agent for as long as he’s on the Watchpoint,” said Jack.

“Yeah because----”  McCree started and caught himself, “Beg pardon, what?”

#McHanzo #Hanzo Shimada #jack morrison #Jesse McCree #Genji Shimada #Ana Amari