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arukou-arukou · 4 years

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A Non-zero Chance

I jumbled the timeline as I was writing this. Just go with it, okay? For @stevetonygames prompt Fluff: Sparring, for team angst. Also adding fic non-linear and tropes: soulmates. Angst with a hopeful ending. Mentions of sex acts. Canon typical violence. There is a read more line after the first section.

Many many months after that faithful day in Sibera, Tony returned to the scene of the crime. The site was untouched. He hadn’t told Ross about it, and apparently T’Challa had decided well enough was better left alone. The holes they’d put into the bunker of the facility had completely covered over in frost and ice, and Tony had to wonder how Zemo had even dug the little hillock out in the first place. Though there had been a snowcat parked outside when they all first arrived. Without any care, though, it had once again faded into the arctic surroundings. Only someone who knew what they were looking for would find it.

Tony broke in through the holes rather than the front door. He wasn’t really in a mood for digging, and as satisfying as it might be to melt snow with an overloaded repulsor, this mission was also supposed to be stealth and secretive, and he didn’t really need Ross any further up his ass.

Inside, the evidence of their fight wasn’t as big or horrifying as he remembered. There were some structures that had toppled, and a few spots where he’d scorched cement with a repulsor, but it didn’t look nearly as bad as he remembered it being. The Avengers had certainly done worse elsewhere. Tony ran his hand over a shield-shaped crack in the wall.

—

“This is ridiculous, Cap, we need to know how to fight together, not fight each other.”

Steve smiles back over his shoulder. His ridiculously broad shoulder. “After Wanda mind-whammied us, I’m not taking any chances. We should all know how to incapacitate each other just as a precaution.”

“Only incapacitate, Steve? Not maim?”

Steve chuckles and starts strapping on boxing tape. “No maiming on the docket today. Maybe next Tuesday.”

—

Tony followed their trail of destruction back into the heart of the bunker, where the super soldiers still rested suspended, illuminated in sickly yellow. There was the fucking TV, right there. The thing that had ruined it all. Tony stared down at it, wondering where the tape reel itself was located. Probably back in that room Zemo had been hiding in. The bulletproof one. Somewhere in the hallways, Tony could hear water dripping. Impressive, really, given the permafrost all around. He would’ve thought the systems had frozen over long ago. Near his foot, there was a gun, the semi-automatic Barnes had been carrying. It was useless now, its clip and firing mechanisms slagged by his repulsors. He picked it up all the same and aimed it at the glass where Zemo had hidden. The suit’s fingers were too thick to fit over the trigger—what was left of it anyway—so Tony just imagined how satisfying it would be to fill that glass full of shrapnel, to watch Zemo crumple to the ground.

—

“Why are you even training me, Rogers? I’m retired. Aren’t you supposed to be looking after the rookies?”

“Just because you’re retired, Tony, doesn’t mean trouble won’t come looking for you. You’re a pretty attractive target.”

“Why yes. Yes, I am. Thank you for noticing.”

Steve punches his bicep gently before offering a bottle of water. Tony takes it, squirting some into his mouth before moving on to his sweat-drenched hair. On Steve’s left wrist, he catches sight of the red band that hides Steve’s words. It would be rude to ask. Totally taboo. But Tony can’t stop himself.

—

Tony managed to jimmy his way into the control room, and there he found the VCR, still loaded with the incriminating tape. If he were smart, he would just rip the thing apart, burn the tape and shatter the shell. And Tony was smart. Just not smart in the right ways. He fired up the power to the TV, rewound the tape, and then hit play again. He’d rewound too far. Barnes was in his cryo tube. Some slimy scientists were hauling him out, shoving him into some horrifying chair, pushing down the nodes, saying the words.

No. Tony didn’t want this. He didn’t want to feel sympathy for Barnes. He wanted to let his rage fester and corrode him until he didn’t care anymore. All caring had ever gotten him was betrayal.

—

“Do you know who they belong to?” Tony asks, looking up defiantly, refusing to be sheepish about his lack of willpower. Steve glances down at his band before looking up again.

“Yeah. Yeah, I do.” He looks wistful and boyish, sweet and beautiful. Tony wants to kiss away the sorrow he sees in that face.

“Who?”

“Doesn’t matter. He’s dead now.”

“Oh.” Tony touches his own band, thinking of the words beneath. He’s my friend. The most significant thing anyone will ever say to him. The thing that, if the romantics would have him believe it, points him toward his soulmate. He’s never really gone in for that, though. His parents had had each other’s words, and their marriage was anything but blissful and romantic.

No. Tony’s got a different theory about the words.

—

There. Tony spotted it before even knowing he was looking for it. On Barnes’ collarbone. Had fate known he would lose the arm? It was unusual for words to be somewhere else on the body. Non-dominant wrist. That was the norm. The tap quality was shit and Tony couldn’t enhance it without bringing the tape back to Fry. And like hell he was bringing the tape home. Were the files somewhere? Hadn’t Zemo had a book? Maybe it was here?

Tony searched the control room, trying to find evidence of the thing Zemo had used to control Barnes. There was no sign of it, but what there were were dozens of filing drawers, all of them covered in a layer of dust. Tony started digging.

—

Steve’s off his game today, Tony can tell. He’s distracted by something, mind not in the ring, and Tony takes advantage. Just like Steve and Nat taught him to. He sweeps Steve’s leg, rolls on top of him, pins his leg in a position that's precariously dangerous even for a supersoldier, and applies weight. “Yield?”

It’s late, the halls are quiet. Tony hadn’t even meant to do sparring with Steve today, but Steve had asked, so Tony had delayed his return to New York City and well, the late hour puts his mind elsewhere.

Their eyes lock. Tony’s still on top of Steve, holding him in place, threatening his knee joint. Between one breath and the next, their positions are flipped, Steve on top of Tony, both of them hard, teeth clacking. Tony doesn’t make it back to New York City that night.

—

What felt like hours later, Tony finally discovered what looked like a medical log. He’d been trying to learn Russian, but adding a new script was harder than adding a spoken language, and he was a busy man, what with covering Rogers’ ass every other day. Natasha might have been a master spy, but Steve was a puppy who hadn’t learned how to control his tail wag yet, and he left destroyed crockery in his wake. There was always some trail to some terrorist or smuggler or weapons dealer that needed cleaning up, lest Ross take notice. The point being, Tony’s Russian wasn’t exactly sparkling.

But he’d double-checked ahead of time to know what he was looking for and now he was pretty sure he’d found it. Flipping through the file, Tony found what he wanted to know almost instantly. ‘Til the end of the line. The words. Those words.

—

It’s a thing. Sort of. Tony comes to the compound. They spar. They fuck. It’s only their third time sleeping together that Steve drags him into the shower, wristband conspicuously absent. Tony touches the thin skin, for once asking permission before he looks down. Steve nods, trusting, contented. I’m with you to the end of the line, pal. “He” Steve had said. Tony doesn’t need to ask to know who “he” is. There was only one really important “he” in Steve’s life way back when. And it makes sense, too. After all, Barnes plunged to his death trying to protect Steve and Steve had tried to protect him just as hard. Of course they’re important to each other.

“Can I see yours,” Steve asks, kissing Tony’s band. Fair’s fair, Tony thinks to himself, and nods.

Steve gently unclasps the snaps and sets the band aside outside the shower. He looks down at the words and then up at Tony with a silent question. “I don’t know whose they are.”

“And you’re still okay with us?”

“Steve, I’m standing naked in a shower with you. I’m pretty damn okay with this.”

The bright grin Steve gives him feels like a gift.

—

Tony left, hauling the tape and the filing cabinets behind him. They would be useful sooner or later, he was sure. And it felt so important, hauling his literal baggage along with him back to the US. Well, first a pit stop in Wakanda so Shuri could make copies. Fry flew the quinjet on autopilot, which was maybe a mistake. Tony needed distractions and all he had were files rendered in Russian, which were frankly giving him a headache. He wanted to hate Barnes so much. But fate was literally sending him a message. Barnes. Rogers. ‘Til the end of the line.

Eventually, frustrated, he managed to sink into a fitful sleep, which took him to Wakanda’s borders. T’Challa sent along an escort at the shield wall to make sure Tony was alone and also to make sure Tony didn’t cause any undue trouble. As if he could manage anything more than a nervous breakdown at the moment. Shuri was waiting for him on the platform, and for her and her brilliant mind, he managed a tired smile.

“Brought a present for you.”

“Thank you, Tony. I would get them myself, but—”

“No, no. You’re busy in Oakland kicking science ass and shooting layups with the youth. Let the old guy take care of the analog—” Tony shuddered theatrically “—files.”

Shuri smiled more brightly and kissed him on the cheek. “You look tired. Go see my mother. She’ll be wanting to mother you.”

“I shouldn’t. I’ve gotta—”

“My brother has already ensured that General Ross cannot find you. Go. Eat some food. Get some rest. Perhaps we can talk about your latest arc reactor designs in the morning. I have some ideas.”

“I bet you do.”

Tony knew when he’d been dismissed, and he also knew he was being handled a little, but it felt nice to be handled. It felt nice to not have to be trying to outwit Ross at every turn for a little while. So he allowed Ramonda to stuff him full of delicious, spicy food and then shuffled off to the guest wing, intent on getting at least four hours before he took off.

But the second he laid down, he was awake and restless, unable to settle. His thoughts kept going back to those files, going back to the “end of the line,” thinking again and again about the letters carved into Steve’s skin. How many times had he kissed that wrist? How many times had Steve kissed his? How was it fair, that Steve would be Tony’s words, but Tony wouldn’t be Steve’s?

Fed up, he yanked on a pair of loose cotton pants and a loose cotton T-shirt and wandered the palace, looking for distraction. None of the guards stopped him, though they watched him with considerable distrust. He didn’t blame them. He wouldn’t trust him either. Not anymore. It was only when he heard the sound of skin slapping leather that he stopped short. That sounded like… But it couldn’t be. All the same, he pushed through the door, freezing as he discovered a huge training ground, Steve inside, alone at a punching bag.

Steve froze too, and the bag caught him on the backswing, smacking him straight in the nose. Tony found himself caught between laughing and rushing forward with concern, and ended up doing a bit of both, snorting as he approached, though he remained well out of Steve’s personal bubble. “Smooth, Cap.”

“Tony, what are you doing here?”

Tony scuffed his toes into the mats, which felt solid right up until he kicked them and then gave way like kinetic sand. It felt heavenly and he wanted to play with it and see what it was made out of. “Oh, you know. Just dropped in for a cuppa with the King.”

“Did…did you bring those files?” Steve remained sprawled on the floor, looking up at him, a trickle of blood trailing from his nose.

“And if I did?”

Steve swallowed heavily, rubbing at the blood and smearing it. And then he was up, faster than Tony could react to, holding Tony, kissing him sloppily through mumbled “I’m sorry’s.” Tony didn’t know how to react. Was this what an out-of-body experience felt like? He remained motionless even as Steve broke away, jumping back, looking more unsure than he’d looked since he and Tony first met. “Shit. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have… You don’t want…” Steve took a huge breath and squared his shoulders, looking Tony in the eye. “That was wrong of me. I hurt you. In so many ways. It was wrong of me to kiss you.”

“Also pretty sure you’re cheating on your boyfriend if you kiss me. Don’t forget that bit.”

The little line between Steve’s eyebrows deepened. “Bucky and I, we’re not… We’re just not. I thought we would. But I can’t. Every time I tried, I felt like I was betraying you. And Bucky felt like it was wrong, too. We didn’t…we didn’t click. Not romantically, anyway.”

“You’re not…” Tony could barely dare to let himself to hope. “Didn’t you back in the war, though?”

“No. No, we didn’t. It was too much, running missions, fighting Hydra. Plus, he was afraid I’d get caught and outed. So we didn’t. I should’ve told you. But I didn’t think it mattered.”

All the thoughts Tony used to have about the words, the idea that maybe they had nothing at all to do with romance, came back to him. He ran a finger over his own wrist, where Steve’s words were hidden.

“Hey, Steve?”

“Yeah?” Steve stood there, square, looking as though he was waiting to be punched, ready to take his punishment like a man.

“Wanna spar?”

#writing #fanfiction #steve/tony #stony #angst with a happy ending #team angst

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amayapowell · 5 years

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Powell Family Camping Trip

Chris drives down a dark narrow dirt road with the thick canopy of the forest surrounding either side of you and the full moon illuminating the lake in the distance as night starts to settle in around you.

“I’m so excited. I’ve never been camping.”

Chris laughs at her giddiness and takes her hand.

“I don’t think a cabin technically counts as camping.”

“Hey, there’re trees, a lake, marshmallows, a fire…This counts!”

He smiles, giving the back of her hand a kiss as he continues down the dark, gravely road.

“Well, I plan on giving you the most semi-authentic camping experience I can. I just hope we can sneak in a little Powell time.” He gives her a suggestive look while wagging his eyebrows.

“Love…this entire weekend is going to be full of Powell time”. She says with air quotes.

“Yes, but I mean these Powells.” He motions between them. “Not those Powells.”

She smiles back at him, a playful glint in her eyes. “I love when you call me a Powell.”

“And just think…in six months it’ll be official.” She leans over to the driver side to plant a kiss on his lips, temporarily blocking his view from the road as it opens up to a sleepy little cabin.

“Oh my gosh. An actual log cabin. I love it! How did your mom find this place?”

“Well don’t stop the kisses.” He says with a smile. “I don’t know. It belongs to someone she knows.” He gives her one last kiss on the nose before coming to stop on the gravel road. “You go on inside, I’ll get the bags.”

The cabin was nestled in lush verdant, surrounded by the smell of fresh pine. The front porch illuminates the old-timey rocking chairs and checkers table, setting the scene of a simpler time. She opens the front door and her senses are overwhelmed with cinnamon and Sinatra when she hears a familiar voice echoing from the kitchen.

“You guys made it! Amaya, you look so beautiful. Is that a pregnant glow I see?” Barb gives her a hopeful grin from the kitchen; wiping her floured hands down the front of her ‘Is that a tent, or are you just happy to see me’ apron.

Amaya laughs pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you, Barb, you look beautiful too. And no, not the last time I checked.”

“Well, it’s a long weekend.”

Amaya’s eyes widen and her jaw drops at the inappropriate insinuation coming from her future mother in law.

“What’s this glow I’m seeing on you though?”

Just then a tall, distinguished, handsome grey-haired man comes out from a back room behind them, holding a bottle of rum.

“Well, now I get it.” She gives her side a nudge, noticing that there’s now a clear blush to her face.

“Amaya this is-“

“Mom why is there only one car outside? Where’s AJ and Kyle?” Chris interrupts their conversation, pushing the large wooden door open with his shoulder; freeing his hands to carry in their bags.

“Too cool to go camping with their mom. Kyle and his friends went skiing in Aspen.”

“That’s right and AJ’s with her boyfriend’s family in-…” Amaya tries to finish her thought.

“Boyfriend? Why am I always the last to know everything in this fam-…Who’s this?”

“Chris, Amaya, this is Rhett Adler.” Chris hugs his mom, skeptically eyeing the stranger being introduced to him.

“Addy, this is my first born and his wife Amaya.”

“Wow. It’s so nice to finally meet you both. Barbs told me so much about you.”

“Can’t say I can say the same.”

Amaya sharply elbows his side before reaching out to the handsome stranger. “Soon to be wife. It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Adler.”

“Please, call me Rhett. He bends down to kiss the back of her hand.

“Rhett…as in Butler?”

“My parents have a flair for the dramatic. And the pleasure is all mine. You are just as beautiful as Barb has described.”

“And just as charming as the original it seems…thank you, Rhett.”

Rhett turns his attention towards Chris and extends his hand enthusiastically.

“Chris man, I’m a huge fan! That was a hell of a game against The Astros at the end of the season. I’m originally from Texas so your mom and I were butting heads a little during that game.”

“Hum.” Chris sharply huffs, folding his arms; leaning up against the kitchen island, giving a backward nod in response.

Rhett lowers his extended hand when he realizes that it wasn’t going to be reciprocated and instead claps him on the back before walking back to Barb, resting his arm around her shoulder and kissing her temple.

“So! Dinner should be done in about 30. In the meantime, can I get you guys a drink? Or maybe you’d like to freshen up a bit? Your rooms just at the top of the stairs to the right, all ready for you.”

Amaya tries to ease the tension since Chris’ ridged expression didn’t look like it was going to ease up anytime soon.

“That sounds perfect! I think we’ll unpack and then I will absolutely take that drink.”

Chris grabs their bags and trudges up the old creaking staircase, looking back in their direction as Amaya follows; nudging him in the back to keep his forward motion. Meanwhile, Rhett turns his attention back to his leading lady.

“Well, that went well.”

She laughs into his hug.

“He’ll be fine. We all knew he’d be the stubborn one. Give him a little time. If not, he won’t get any cobbler.”

“Wow, you are one tough cookie, Barbra Powell. Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

“And don’t you forget it. Now hand me the rum for the apples.” She says while playfully smacking his rear.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Amaya putts their things away, eyeing Chris over her shoulder; while he silently stares out the window.

“What’s the matter with you? You’re acting like a baby.”

“I don’t like this guy.”

She laughs at how cute and protective he is. “You just met him. And you barely did that.”

“I can tell. And what the hell kind of name is Rhett anyway?”

“Christopher Powell...you’re jealous.”

“Jealous?!”

“100 percent. You’ve been the man of the house for all these years and now you’re worried someone’s coming in and taking your place.”

He turns angerly back at her; resting his hands on his hips.

“That is not it at all. And you know it. But my mom is way too vulnerable. Especially after all my dad’s shenanigans. She’s not ready for a relationship or what the hell ever this is.”

She walks over to him, slipping her arms around his waist through his arms, leaning her body back slightly to look up at him. “Your moms a grown woman. She can take care of herself. She knows when and what she’s ready for. Besides, she deserves a little a lovin’ after all these years.”

“Ugh…please don’t.”

“You’re such a mama’s boy.” She says through her laughter, while he looks down at her, not at all amused by her ribs. “And I love it.” She raises to her toes to place a little peck on his lips.

“Your mom doesn’t love you any less, even though there’s a new man in her life. Besides. You’re the man of a new house, where no one will ever take your place.”

His arms are now around her, as he sighs resting his forehead against hers, groaning through his pouted pressed lips.

“Come on. You need to go back out there and be nice.” He lets his heads fall backward, whining at the mere thought.

After dinner, the four of them bundle up, gather their s'more fixin’s and sit around the fire pit, listening to Rhett strum lazily on his acoustic guitar.

“Rhett, Barb thank you so much for dinner and dessert. It was perfect. Barb I finally understand what Chris’ been raving about with that cobbler all these years. As your soon to be daughter, I hope I can get the recipe.”

“You don’t have to hope dear.” She looks down into her red wine glass, swirling it around as if she was carefully considering her next words. “You know what you have to to give me for it.”

“That’s extortion.”

“Such is life.” Bard shrugs carelessly.

“Wow. Well, now we know that I won't’ be the only one sass will be inherited from if we ever have a daughter.” Amaya laughs and shakes her head, turning her attention to their host. “Rhett, I am absolutely in love with your cabin.”

“Thank you. My grandfather built it as a wedding present for my grandmother and our family’s been vacationing here ever since.”

“That is the cutest, most romantic thing I have ever heard.”

“Oh, he’s pretty sugary.”

Amaya notices Rhett wink in Barbs direction and smiles at their cute exchange.

“I hope you’re mentally taking down some of these romantic notes over there Mr. Powell.”

“Speaking of romance. How’s the wedding planning coming you two?”

Amaya looks over at Chris reaching for his hand, the thought at least breaks through his rigid expression, allowing him to crack a smile as he leans down kissing her hand in his.

“It’s going great. I think we’re pretty much done. Food and decorations are all chosen. We’ll be in New York next week; before we head home to meet with a local bakery to try some cakes. Aaannd I will have my final fitting in the next few months.”

Still absorbed in his own thoughts of the situation playing out before him, Chris was oblivious to the less than subtle conspicuous look Amaya and Barb shared before him, but Rhett wasn’t going to let fly.

“What was that look for?”

“What look hun?”

“Uh oh Chris. I think you and I are going to have to ban together and batten down the hatches. These two together look like trouble to me, am I right?”

Chris remained stolid. His stare, cold as the air around them, slowly dragged up the neck of his beer bottle, fixated on this stranger trying to make a joke about the two most important woman in his life. And he wasn’t laughing. Amaya couldn’t help but feel the tension continue to tighten, right along with the grip of Chris’ hand.

“Anyway Rhett, what do you do for a living?”

“Nothing fancy like you two, that’s for sure. During the school year, I’m the high school shop teacher and outside of that, I help run the family carpentry business.”

“Well, I think I’m going to need to know how to get on the family discount plan. This place gives me so many ideas for our back yard. Maybe even our own vacation spot, huh babe?”

“I think if you give this woman some grandbabies soon, you’ll be on the lifetime preferred list. It’s all she can talk about. After the wedding that is.”

“Don’t I know it.”

The three of you share a laugh, but Chris keeps a stone face. Still determined, Rhett continues to try and break through.

“Yeah Chris, the sayin’ is true. ‘Happy wife. Happy life.’ You’ll find out soon enough.” Rhett says followed by a deep, raspy Southern laugh.

“Not possible. This man could not make me happier if he tried.”

“Well on that note, I’m going to go grab some champagne to celebrate all this love in the air. Can I get anyone anything while I’m up? Chris, another beer?” Amaya squeezes his hand as a warning, but he only musters out a single word response.

“Nope.”

“He’d love one...thank you, Rhett.”

“Right. Back in a jiff!”

As soon as the screen door slams shut behind him, in one quick motion, Amaya swats his shoulder against the least insulated spot of his worn plaid vest, giving him a final warning.

“Ow!”

“Be. Nice.” She chided through gritted teeth and narrowed eyes.

“You’re being awfully rude son.”

“Sorry.” He answers in a snide tone, taking the last swig of his beer.

“Chris. This man has invited you into his home. And more importantly, he’s important...to me. So you better think long and hard about how you’re going to change your demeanor before he gets back.”

WIth his frustration finally reaching its peak, Chris stands ready to defend his actions.

“Mom, I will not sit around and pretend to be happy while this-” Before he could continue his retort, he’s cut off by the sound of Rhett’s footsteps returning down the graveled pathway with a heavy sigh.

“Honey, I’m sorry I think I forgot the champagne at home.”

“Who’s home?”

Barb and Rhett eye each other before responding.

“Well, I guess now’s as good a time as any to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“That Rhett and I have moved in together.”

“That’s so great you guys, congratulations!”

“Moved in? Mom, what do you even know about this guy? I hardly think you’re ready to date someone, let alone move in with them.”

She can only stare incredulously back at his abrasion. Amaya too stares blankly back at Chris but chooses not to address him.

“Rhett…why don’t you and I grab some more firewood? I think my fiancé some apologizing to do.”

Chris’ eyes widen, silently pleading to her. ‘Don’t go.’ While hers respond in just as much of a loud silence. ‘Don’t look at me. You made your bed.’

Rhett offers his arm to Amaya and they walk away to a nearby shed.

“Christopher Joseph Powell. I understand that this is a bit of a shock for you. But don’t you forget that I’m the mother in this situation, no matter how old you are. And you don’t presume to tell me what you think I can and cannot do, or who you think I should or shouldn’t do it with.”

“But mom!”

“No, but mom! I’m a grown woman and this man makes me happy. Something I didn’t think would happen again after your father. And with your brother and sister gone, that house got really lonely; really fast. I’m finally ready to live my life again. And like it or not, I don’t need your permission to do so.”

Still shocked by his mother’s admission, Chris slowly walks over to his mother.

“I’m sorry. Really. I just didn’t expect to ever see you with anyone else.”

“I know.”

“All I want is for you is to be happy though.”

“I know that too. I also know that it’s going to take some getting used to. But...you have no say in the matter. So, you might as well get used to it and mind your manners...otherwise, you’ll be grounded for the rest of the weekend.”

Chris chuckles.

“Don’t think for a minute that I won’t do it either.” She walks up to him, placing her hands on either side of this stubbled face. “Talk to him. Get to know him. He’s a good guy.”

“And what do Kyle and AJ have to say about all this?”

“They love him. Kyle’s the one who introduced us actually.”

“What?! Really, why am I literally that last to know everything.”

“Probably because we all know that you’ll act like this.”

She swats him on the behind before pulling him into a hug.

“I love you Chrissy Pooh Bear.”

“Mom?!”

She laughs as the two of them pull away to Rhett and Amaya approaching in the distance. Chris walks over to Rhett, hands in his pockets and head hung guilt.

“Rhett I’m sorry for the way I acted. Really, man. You clearly make my mother happy, I guess.” He says looking back at his mother who’s now hugging Amaya’s side. “So that’s all that matters to me.” Chris finally extends his hand.

Rhett sets his pile of wood down at the fire pit and reciprocates the gesture. “Apology accepted. That’s all I want is to make her happy.”

“I umm, I saw the fishing poles inside. Do you fish?”

“Every time I’m here. Actually, the catfish are great this time of year. Maybe we can do a little sunrise fishing and catch tomorrow night’s dinner for these lovely ladies?”

“I’d like that. And I’d really like to get to know you better. Even if you are an Astros fan.” The four of you laugh.

“I’d like that too.”

After they shake hands Amaya walks over to her future husband, reaching up to pull him down for a warm kiss.

“That’s the man I love.”

“Well, she threatened to ground me.”

She heartily laughs out loud. “Is that all it takes? I’ll keep that in mind.”

After relaxing by the fire and listening to Rhett strum his guitar for a while longer, they all head inside as it starts to flurry. Preparing for bed, Amaya and Chris curl up together in their plush comforter admiring the light snowfall through the window; by the warm firelight of their room.

“That was a very nice thing you did for your mom.”

“I guess I was acting a little childish.”

“Really Chrissy Pooh Bear?”

Annoyed, he leans in tickling her sides only to end up pulling her in for a kiss.

“I guess I’m going to just have to get used to the fact that my mom has a…”

“A boyfriend?”

“Ugh…I don’t think I ready to say that yet.”

“A pretty sexy boyfriend at that.”

“Please do not call him sexy.”

“Why not? I can’t wait till you get a little more grey in this beard.” She says combing her fingers through his scruff.

Chris rests his hands beneath his head staring up at the ceiling. “If that’s what woman go for these days, I’m gonna shave tomorrow.”

“You’re a sensitive soul Christopher Powell, who knew?”

“Yeah...yeah. Try not to spread it around will you, I have a rugged reputation to upkeep.”

He rolls over to his side to pull her in closer to him, laying her down further and kissing her neck in the process. Causing her to let out a soft moan in the process.

“Ummm…as nice as that feels, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Warming you up Mrs. Powell. How am I doing?”

“Don’t think you’re going to sweet talk me, after that whole display tonight. I can definitely tell what you’re trying to do. But we are not doing that. Not when your mother and her boyfriend are in the next room.”

“Please do not mention my mother and her boyfriend when I’m trying to get you in the mood?”

“Christopher Powell, we are...mmmm...absolutely, noaaahhht doing this.” Her words leave her mouth in a breathy airy whisper, encouraging him to continue despite her verbal protests. Taking the hint, slowly he continues his attempts to convince her as the fire slowly dims their room.

“Your body is telling me otherwise.”

“My body can’t think for itself.”

“That’s one of my favorite things about your body. Now let me show you another favorite.”

#Chris Powell #Chris x MC #Chris x Amaya #The Freshman Series #The future Mr. & Mrs. Powell #Powell love

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ink-logging · 5 years

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More Superhero Comics, Revealing My Reactionary and Facile Engagement with Art as Little More Than the Accrual of Social Capital, Benefiting Nobody But Myself, 4/7/19

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 4: The Tempest #5 (of 6), Alan Moore, Kevin O’Neill, Ben Dimagmaliw, Todd Klein: This is an often very funny issue, set up like a pasted-together UK edition of old US pre-Code horror and crime comics, which, in addition to being funny, plumps up the page count as the plot moves maybe two or three tics forward in advance of the very-last-issue-of-LoEG-ever. The conservative in me wonders why we’re being this digressive in the penultimate number of the entire saga, but then -- at least since “The Black Dossier” -- this project has been more about positioning various strands of fiction and their accrued cultural baggage against one another than telling a propulsive adventure story. Anyway: the realm of Faerie, having easily survived an attempted nuclear strike on the collective imagination by a military-corporate black ops fiction squad comprised entirely of various revamps of James Bond, has brought in every character from every game, comic, cartoon, TV show, movie and book reality with everything for a HUGE apocalypse!

Scenes of bedlam involve: the life story of Victorian painter and murderer Richard Dadd; cameos by Stardust the Super Wizard and David Britton’s Lord Horror; the oeuvre of musician Warren Zevon, brought to terrifying life; a Corbenesque image of a nude muscleman’s massive dick flapping into battle in 3-D; Mick Anglo’s Captain Universe, presented by Moore in unmistakable evocation of his own Marvelman/Miracleman stories of decades ago; a ghost wearing the word CRIME on his head a la Charles Biro’s Mr. Crime, the greatest American comic book horror host; at least one figure from the annals of racist caricature firing powerful sound waves from his mouth; a monster named Demogorgon, the leviathan of Populism, which the heroes allegorically cross as a footbridge en route to a safehouse named the Character Ark; a page-long parody of Batman (via the forgotten UK superhero playboy character the Flash Avenger), describing his origin as motivated entirely by hatred of the poor; a text feature telling of UK comics artist Denis McLoughlin, who worked consistently since the end of WWII, never made enough money to retire, and spent decades as an elderly man drawing for survival on titles he hated, eventually taking his own life in his 80s; and the secret of what happened to all the British superhero characters after the midcentury, which is that they were all eaten by Capitalism, pretty much. I laughed a bunch, but if you think LoEG is tedious shit, this probably won’t turn you around.

Savage Dragon #242, Erik Larsen, Ferran Delgado, Nikos Koutsis, Mike Toris: The latest installment of the longest-running Image comic written and drawn by one of the Image founders, now deeply dove into problematic network tv drama stuff. The Dragon’s relationship with his partner Maxine is still strained in the wake of her sexual assault, a video of which the Dragon viewed in the police archives; meanwhile, the mother of one of the Dragon’s young children has been telling them all the truth about their parentage, further disrupting the peace of the household. Also, a formerly aggressive sex robot has joined the gang, dressed as an anime maid. And, the Dragon reluctantly teams up with the mid-’00s-vintage sexy heroine character Ant (which Larsen purchased from creator Mario Gully a few years ago) to foil a scheme by elderly elites to project themselves into the bodies of mythic gods in order to provoke the Rapture. Most interesting to me, however, is a bonus segment in which Larsen presents newly-lettered pages of his preliminary solo work on “Spawn” #266 (Oct. 2016), which would later be filled out by contributions from Todd McFarlane, colorist FCO Plascenscia, and letterer Tom Orzechowski.

As usual, I prefer the ‘unfinished’ version (top) to the official release product (bottom).

Superman Giant #9, Erika Rothberg, ed.

Batman Giant #9, Robin Wildman, ed.

These are two of those 100-page DC superhero packages they sell for five bucks exclusively at Walmart (for now; later this year they’re gonna have them in comic book stores too), which marry one new 12-page story per issue with three full-length reprint comic books from elsewhere in the 21st century. I just wanted to know what was inside them. Here is what I found:

-The new Batman comic is written by Brian Michael Bendis as a very conspicuously all-ages prospect, where the story is about nothing more than what it’s about, and the title character is presented as a serious-minded but inquisitive and compassionate man of adventure. This issue -- just in time for the remix of “Old Town Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus -- Batman and Green Lantern travel back to the Old West, trade in their superhero outfits for cowboy clothes, and meet up with Jonah Hex. Nick Derington draws the heroes smooth and squinting with Swanian sincerity, and Dave Stewart colors it all bright and sunny. This is not my thing at all, but it’s confident to the point of acting like almost a rebuke to the rest of the book, where literally everything else is chapter whatever of a nighttime doom ballad drawn by either Jim Lee or something trying very hard to look like him.

-Like:

I can spot the differences, sure - if nothing else, reading superhero comics trains you to spot differences in otherwise similar things. But, there is absolutely an aesthetic at work. The top page is from an issue of “Nightwing” that tied into the 2012 “Night of the Owls” crossover in the Batman titles, produced by a seven-person drawing and coloring team fronted by pencillers Eddy Barrows & Andres Guinaldo. The writer, Kyle Higgins, has Dick Grayson fight his semi-immortal great-grandfather, who is an assassin for the Court of Owls: one of the more popular recent Batman organizations of villainy, presented here as a fascist group mediating society’s function through murder from the gray space between social classes. The Graysons, therefore, are the Gray Sons, but Nightwing resists the pull of destiny by winning a big fight, slinging the villain over his shoulder, and walking away toward a better future of just beating the shit out of bad people instead of killing them, I think. The Batgirl story -- from 2011, written by Gail Simone -- is comparatively orthodox, finding the character gripped with uncertainty about the superhero life and going about some downtime character-building activities, though most of it’s a big fight with a villain with a tragic past. The penciller, Ardian Syaf, kind of has trouble blocking the action so that characters’ movements are clear; I think Syaf is best known for having his contract with Marvel terminated in 2017 for slipping what were widely interpreted as anti-Christian and antisemitic references to Indonesian politics into an X-Men comic.

-There is a whole lot of Jeph Loeb among the reprints. He is not a writer who has been in critical fashion for much the past two decades, but he has undoubtedly sold a lot of comics for DC, and they probably feel he can do it again. The Batman book is serializing (deep breath) “Hush”, a 2002-03 storyline notable for its extraordinarily easy-to-solve central mystery, and generally being a taped-together excuse for Jim Lee to draw as many popular Batman characters as possible across 12 issues; it sold like hot cakes. The highlight of chapter 9 is probably a bit where a three person fight ends in one panel, and then one of the characters leaves, and then a second character wakes up from unconsciousness and also leaves, and then the first character comes back and nurses the third (also unconscious) character back to health, and then Batman arrives, all in the transition between the aforementioned panel and the next, which takes place in the same room; such is the befuddling desire to race ahead to more spectacle. Jim Lee (with Scott Williams and Alex Sinclair) is indeed Jim Lee (et al.) throughout, though at one point the team drops a howler of a swordfighting panel where Batman’s blade appears to grows to JRPG length due to what I think is the colorist filling two whoosh lines with the same hue as the swords.

Meanwhile, the Superman book is serializing a 2004 storyline from “Superman/Batman” -- the series where Loeb has Superman describe the action on the page with his own Superman-branded captions, and Batman does the same with Bat-captions, and Superman says tomayto and Batman says tomahto -- in which the late Michael Turner, one of the rock star 2nd generation Image artists, illustrates a new introduction for Supergirl. But this isn’t quite the same comic that was originally published... can YOU spot the difference?

Is this like how Walmart won’t sell CDs that have an explicit content sticker, but with teen superhero g-strings? It’s hard to explain to younger readers how the low-rise/thong panties combo forever sealed the horniness of a generation of het male superhero artists into the late 1990s, and maybe DC doesn’t want to face that. Or, they’re just leery of how Turner slipping some peekaboo glimpse of Supergirl’s underpants or bare thighs into virtually every panel in which she is depicted below the waist might affect the marketability of the comic in 2019 - although I guess it could have happened in an earlier reprint somewhere too.

-The new Superman comic is a series of 12 splash pages depicting a race between Superman and the Flash. There is very little sense of speed, because Andy Kubert (inked by Sandra Hope, colored by Brad Anderson) draws the characters as frozen in time in a way that prioritizes muscular tension in the manner of contemporary superhero cover art; at one point the two characters part the sea with the force of their bodies, and it looks to me like they’re gesticulating in front of a theatrical backdrop. And, anyway, the story pulls back almost every other page to depict Batman standing on a ledge, or Lex Luthor in a sinister chair -- or some birds flying next to a building, or the Earth as viewed from space with streaks on it -- as the race occurs deep in the background or off to one side. The point is not excitement, but reflection, as imposed upon us by the between 13 and 21 narrative captions and/or dialogue balloons pasted atop all but the first page.

The writer is Tom King, whose “Mister Miracle” (with artist Mitch Gerads) gets a double-page advertisement later in the book, festooned with breathless blurbs from major media outlets. His narrator here is a little girl who is literally chained in captivity, clutching a Superman doll, and delivering her soliloquy in a manner of a superhero-themed TED talk with handclap repetitions on the nature of contradiction. Being faster than a speeding bullet is a CONTRADICTION. Being as strong as a locomotive is a CONTRADICTION. Leaping tall buildings in a single bound is a CONTRADICTION. Superman is about to lose the race, but then he wins, because to beat the Fastest Man Alive is... a contradiction. No wonder the GQ entertainment desk was blown away. DC comics do this kind of thing a lot, where they just have the writer tell you how great the characters are, and since you’re still reading superhero comics in the 21st century, you’re expected to pump your fists in recognition, because you and the writer and everyone at DC are just big ol’ fans... but I am not, because I am Jesus Christ, the only son of God.

-Elsewhere in the Superman book is an issue of “Green Lantern” from 2006, drawn by Ethan Van Sciver (inked with Prentis Rollins, colored by Moose Baumann), who is known today mostly as a conservative ‘personality’ online. He also netted more than half a million dollars last July in a crowdfunding campaign to make a 48-page comic book which he has not yet finished; funny to see an American right-winger on the French schedule. Funnier still to see the kind of people (mostly guys of a certain age) who mill around such personalities croaking about how diversity is ruining comics, because ALMOST EVERY FUCKING STORY IN BOTH OF THESE 100-PAGE BOOKS IS DRAWN BY EITHER SOME DUDE FROM THE 1990s OR SOMEBODY WORKING EXPLICITLY IN THAT STYLE, but - I guess when you’ve been pampered for so long, every paper cut feels like a ripped limb. Speaking of dismemberment, the writer here is Geoff Johns, who is often pegged as a superhero traditionalist, though he also has a grasp of gory pomp which occasionally pushes the comics he writes into a Venn diagram set with loud youth manga... at least in terms of how the action plays out, all broad and pained. So, needless to say, he’s currently writing “Doomsday Clock”, which is DC’s present attempt to extend the publication life of the valuable “Watchmen” property, so that they needn’t return it to the original creators, per the original writer, Alan Moore.

-To hear Alan Moore say it, the America’s Best Comics line was done on a work-for-hire basis as a means of ensuring prompt payment of the various creators from Jim Lee’s WildStorm, the original publisher. WildStorm was then acquired by DC (Jim Lee is now their co-publisher and chief creative officer), and Moore -- who has been (fairly) criticized in the past for taking ethical stances that cause financial harm to his artistic collaborators, who are in a less economically flexible position than writers in the comic book field -- allowed the line to continue under DC’s ownership, as to cancel everything would disadvantage everyone working on the titles. One of those titles, “Tom Strong”, was written by Moore and pencilled by Chris Sprouse for a while, and then there was a long line of guest creators, and then Moore and Sprouse came back when the ABC line wrapped, so that the concept could reach its logical termination point in an apocalyptic manner... Moore does love an apocalypse. The final story in the Superman book is a very recent, late 2018 issue of “The Terrifics”, in which we find an attempt to revive the DC-owned Tom Strong characters as players in broader DC stories. Jeff Lemire & José Luís are the primary creators. Jack Cole’s Plastic Man is there, as well as the John Ostrander/Tom Mandrake version of Mister Terrific. It’s a lot of offbeat characters; we even see Moore’s own parody of Hoppy the Marvel Bunny, because, I mean, Alan Moore does a lot of riffs on preexisting characters too, right? It’s a big blob of cartoon whimsy, filled with available characters running around. If they’re available, you might as well roll ‘em out, off the new releases rack and into a supermarket reprint package stacked in a box next to squeeze toys and discount Pokémon merchandise, which I bought, because it was really cheap.

-Jog

#JogList

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sweetsandloveforall · 7 years

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Redemption: Hellsing fanfic

WARNING: Explicit content. I do not own anything from the creators/producers of the Hellsing or Hellsing Ultimate manga/anime. Alucard x femOC. Enjoy!

Previous chapter summary:

Integra nodded in understanding and debriefed Seras and Alucard on their next mission, "Alucard and Seras, we need information on rumors of a boat being deployed by Millennium. No killing unless absolutely necessary, just scout for information. You both have three days to figure out what is going on. Starting tomorrow, understand? There are rumors of some men from Millennium going through London, doing who knows what, find them and figure it out. Alucard, I want you to take my sister this time. Both of you together is less conspicuous on the streets of London, especially since she blends right in and knows that city like the back of her hand. And she is a great conversationalist to strangers when she needs to be. If you could debrief her on that, I would appreciate it. Seras, take Pip with you as well, since you two get along famously. if you need any help with knowing special spots where gossip happens, just text Jane on your cell."

CHAPTER 6: REUNION

The quartet were making themselves acquainted with the luxurious rooms, Seras was so happy to be sharing her room with Jane. Jane made sure everything was neat and in its place before changing into another set of clothes. Alucard and Pip were staying in the next room, they had their own separate bedrooms of course but Alucard was less than pleased to share a room with the mortal. Pip was also hoping to share a room with someone else but free room and food was nice enough for him to shrug the feeling off. Jane knew that this trip was for business only so with that in mind, she slipped her trench coat on and a scarf. Seras handed Jane a cozy slouch beanie for her to wear due to the cold winter weather in England, "Thank you, it matches perfectly." Seras was going in cute, sweats and a long sweater with a pink beanie, "No problem, master!" "Just call me, Jane...I don't like the name "master", just sounds wrong," Jane scrunched up her nose and slipped her mittens on. Seras gave her an enthusiatic thumbs up then left with her to meet Alucard and Pip in the lobby. Pip was sitting on a lounge chair, smoking his cigarette and whined, "What is taking them so long? Just put on a jacket and walk out." Alucard peeked at Pip in the corner of his eye, not entertaining him then saw Jane and Seras walking down from the stairs. Pip stared at Seras's outfit, it ws adorable and made him flustered. He quickly stood up and chuckled with embarrassment, "You two ladies look quite cozy!" Jane and Seras looked at each other in mutual thought, thinking about what he said in distaste. Alucard rolled his eyes at Pip, kissing Jane's soft mitten covered hand, "Jane, you look wonderful. Very womanly, if I might be so bold." Jane smiled cutely, all flustered over his smooth talk and hooked her arm around his when he offered, "Thank you, Alucard." Pip squinted at Alucard, knowing what he just did and scoffed, "Come on, Seras. Before we get forgotten by those two." Jane felt so happy to be out of the manor and back into the city she loved, London. It has been so long since he last visited and couldn't help but take advantage of the time being spent here. While walking around London, Jane gave directions to a favorite coffee place and tourist spot for Seras and Pip to go informational hunting then proceeded with Alucard down towards Westminster Abbey. The two looked so natural with each other as if they were meant to be close, meant to know each other in every universe. Although they were walking in silence, it was a comforting silence. Just the company they were sharing was enough to fuel their desire for one another at the moment. It was peaceful....almost normal. Alucard quickly pulled Jane towards hm by her waist gently when someone was about to bump into her, "Careful now, Jane." Jane glanced up at the tall vampire and saw normality, he also seemed peaceful and content with just walking. She smiled and kept close to him the whole time after he pulled her close. Alucard examined Jane's behavior, she was such a curious creature, wanting to experience everything and enjoy life. It was obvious that she wanted to spend some quality time in London but Integra gave orders...the vampire made a decision. He was loyal to Integra, there was no doubt but some things are more powerful, more justified than loyalty. Jane pulled his sleeve towards a bench in a grassy area near the abbey then made her way towards a food stand and bought them both Hot Toddies. She handed him is Toddy then sat down next to the vampire, leaning back and sipping her drink. With the benefits of being a vampire, Alucard had amazing hearing and was able to just sit while listening for information about Millennium or something related. Seras and Pip finally made it into this huge coffee shop and sat down at a table for two, drinking their ordered beverages, "Jane knows her stuff." Seras shrugged at Pip's comment, sipping her coffee and saw a suspicious man then subtly jerked her chin in that direction. Without Pip turning his head, he knew what she meant. The two calmly talked about random stuff and finished their drinks, Seras heard some key words muttered out of that man's mouth while talking to his colleague and nodded to Pip, "He knows something alright." Pip cleared his throat, quickly messaging Jane then slipped his phone back into his pocket, "Right. Here is what we are going to do, you ready?" Seras smiled with confidence and nodded, "Yes, I am ready." "We are going to follow this guy until we can grab him alone somewhere and take him to the hotel. You can use your super vampire speed to just run in the hotel quickly with him over your shoulder so no one can see. Sounds good?" Pip put out his cigarette in the ash tray and normally stood up with Seras, placing his arm around her shoulder to seem more normal. Seras tripped over a small piece of trash and quicly looked up to find the man they were stalking to have seen them. The man in the dark coat began to run, Pip let go of Seras and pointed towards the side, "Flank him! I'll run after him straight on!" The two had to make their move fast, Seras risked the chance of being seen and ran as fast as she could. The man pulled out his semi-automatic, aiming towards Seras but that didn't matter for her. She tackled the middle aged man and Pip cuffed him, acting as if he was a policeman to have folks around them not freak out as much. The man grunted, trying to wiggle free of Seras's strong hold, "We got him!" Pip smiled and nodded, lighting his cigarette while signalling for a cab, "Yes we did. Nice work, police girl." Jane took out her phone and saw Pip's text, "They caught someone." The vampire looked over at the text and smirked, "As expected. Well done, Jane. It seems as if you do know where the meeting places are. Let's rendezvous at the hotel in a few hours. I am going to go off on my own for scouting," Alucard stood up from the wooden bench and discreetly tapped the left side of his ribs, "I placed a weapon in your coat just in case something happens. I will be checking on you from time to time but this is just a precaution." Jane furrowed her brows and abruptly felt the tiny pistol in her coat, "....you know how I feel about violence and weapons." "And you know what its like to be in danger. We cannot risk your safety for your own morality. You will have this weapon on you, do you understand?" Alucard's tone became more firm and harsh but Jane knew it was from a place of caring so she complied with his order. "Very well. I shall see you in a few hours...don't be late," Jane exhaled deeply, knowing that he will be leaving her-despite being a short amount of time-it made her heart sick. Alucard stroked her pale cheek as if he was examining her then left in the opposite direction, disappearing in the crowd of tourists. One man in a huge black trench coat sat right next to Jane with his hands in his pockets. Jane took a peak from her peripheral vision and recognized the man's facial features, that silver hair. It was the Captain!! Her heart began to pound, feeling her muscles tense greatly and finished the rest of her toddy like a shot. This man almost killed her, without her happening to find a phone to call her sister, she would have been dead or worse. "You misunderstand me..." a low whispered voice came to her ear and she squinted at the Captain, his red eyes piercing her soul. His eyes were so intense, it reminded her of Alucard somewhat but he wasn't Alucard. Not at all. If it was Alucard hunting her, she wouldn't live one minute more. Knowing that he was not too far away, she felt a little more relaxed and cleared her throat, "How can I misunderstand you? You almost killed me. You're a murderer." The Captain frowned, seeing that she was not backing away from his dead eye stare, "You are safer with us." Jane suddenly started laughing loudly and shook her head, "As thick as you are, you should pay attention to what I am about to say. I was tortured, force-fed, sexually harassed, chained up like a piece of livestock and almost drowned by your hand, I might add. And you say that I am safer with you nazis?" The Captain stood up, she was right but he still persevered, "You think you are safe with that monster that has you wrapped around his conniving finger? Have you ever stopped to think that you will be his next meal? You are a Hellsing. Part of a family that has him tamed like a dog rather than being free. They almost killed him as well. You think a monster like him doesn't have a sense of vengeance left? Think about how many times he probably wanted to drink your blood...he is a vampire, Miss Hellsing. Call him tame if you will, but all wild animals are never truly chained." Before the Captain could walk away, Jane got up on her feet, feeling anger in her heart, "You're wrong. He is a vampire, yes. But he has saved my life a number of times to count and has had patience with me. He took care of me when I was sick, he kept me company when I had no one during my young years of living. He might be a monster but I still have hope in his humanity." The silver haired man turned to face Jane with a look of pity, "I see that there is no sense in trying. You're deeply in love that monster, deny it if you will but it is the truth. He will kill you eventually. You have a lot of potential and I hate to see a life be wasted like so. If you cannot wiggle out of that vampire's grasp then I shall be the one to silence you instead of him. Remember that. I will kill you, Jane Hellsing." Jane felt panic and terror surge within her, this man is insane. To save Jane, he will kill her? Just out of spite? Instead of following him secretly, she slowly took a seat back on the wooden bench with silence. Time seemed to have slowed down, staring at her ankle boots in deep thought. She sighed heavily into her hands and leaned on her knees with her elbows, "God help us." Forgetting to notify Alucard, she hopped onto a bus towards St. Paul's Cathedral, she needed the advice of a priest. "Master, we got the man in your room, tied up onto a chair. What shall we do with him?" Seras was on her phone, sitting on the table while Pip puffed his cigarette. Alucard shook his head in annoyance, on a random rooftop, still searching for clues, "What do you think, you foolish police girl? Interrogate him. Get him on record." Seras hung up on Alucard when he started to lecture and shoved her phone back into her pocket, " Let's interrogate him, Pip. I got master's approval to do so." Alucard grit his teeth when realizing that Seras hung up and slipped his phone into his pocket, "Stupid police girl. Better check up on Jane." "Father, thank you for taking the time to help me with my burdens," Jane curtsied and followed the priest to his office. The priest gestured to the chair for her to sit on then smiled kindly, "No matter, my child. When I heard that one of the Hellsings was here for advice, I admit, I could not believe it. I always thought that your family belonged to the protestant church." Jane chuckled softly and shrugged, "They are just not me. My allegiance is to God and the Holy Roman Catholic Church." The priest nodded and sat into his chair, "What can I do for you, my child?" Jane bit her bottom lip, not sure how to phrase what happened but took a risk, "Well, father, I am in love with this man but...he is not the most holy man. Someone just told me that I was safer to not be around him and I think he may be right.." The priest locked his hands together and furrowed his brows, thinking, "My child, we do not choose who we love. Maybe it is doubt that is plaguing your soul. Maybe this doubt is a sign for you to be on your guard. Or..maybe you're afraid of something else entirely? Pardon me for saying so but, you are keeping information from me, correct?" Jane felt anxiety punch her swiftly, her thumbs twiddled and she averted her gaze but then decided to be honest, "Father...I am afraid that...that..he--" The priest called over to Jane and held her hands in his kindly while sitting on the corner of the table, "Miss Hellsing...have you lost your faith?" Jane looked up at the priest as if he uncovered everything in her life and broke down, sobbing into their entwined hands, "Father...I am not a bad woman...I have tried to keep true and tried to be the best person I can be for our Lord but all I got in return were horrible situations that I was put in. Father, how can I believe when there are horrible things happening to innocent people?" The priest inhaled deeply through his nose and let out a heavy sigh, "Miss Hellsing, everyone who follows God has thought about that very question. We are curious, knowledge seeking hunters, we crave to know more. No, we need to know more. Everyone wants a sense or purpose in life, why am I still here? What was I meant to be? Will my life be so flat forever? What is missing? These questions, we cannot answer. Too little is known. God...likes to test us. Far more than the Devil. God likes to see us push through obstacles and get stronger in body and mind so we don't be overcome by the Devil and his forces. We need to be strong to prepare for the next life. Strong in heart. He wants us to be perfect and we will never achieve that in this life. He knows that. But we can achieve perfection in the next and when we do, we will all be wholesomely happy. This is a test, Jane. Whether you stay by this man you speak of is entirely up to you. Do you choose love or fear? God will not help you when it comes to life changing situations, he only nudges us towards the big tests but lets us decide. He loves us so much that he lets us decide whether to believe in Him or not, gives us the will to choose to grow. Which is the most powerful thing in this world. To grow, to change. Do you understand, Jane?" Jane was astonished at this wise man's lecture and felt a warmth hugging her heart, a warm hug. As if God himself was comforting her soul with a gentle touch. She smiled, drying her tears with her tissues and sighed in relief, "Father, I was right to come here. You have restored my confidence. I have chosen." The priest smiled, patting her hands and saw her out of the cathedral, "I am happy as well that you have came. Earlier today, I had a feeling that I was going to needed sorely. God prepared me for you, young lady. I am delighted that you took my words with such trust. God be with you, Miss Jane." Jane smiled and gave the priest a warm hug, "And God be with you, Father." The priest happily waved to the blonde woman before she jumped onto the bus back to Westminster Abbey. Alucard was pacing madly in front of the bench he left her in, calling her number on the phone, "Damn woman. Answer the phone."The buzzing eluded Jane's hearing as she was helping a child find their mother on the bus, "Come, child. We will find your mother. Is she at Westminster Abbey?" The child was sobbing and nodded, "Last time I thought I saw my mama was when it looked like she got on the bus..." Jane smiled kindly and helped the child get off of the bus, "Your mother is probably here somewhere." After a few minutes of walking, the mother rushed to her child and thanked Jane. Alucard spotted Jane talking to another woman, he was furious but kept calm and made his way up to Jane after her conversation, "Where were you, Jane? I called." Jane jolted and exhaled, "Alucard! I didn't even hear my phone buzz. I am so sorry to have worried you." Despite the vampire's best attempts to stay angry, he felt nostalgic of the times where Jane would always end up lost in the manor then huffed, "Just. Notify me when you are walking somewhere else. Even, if it's close by, got it? Let's head back to the room now." Because of the insane traffic of people coming back from work, Jane and Alucard decided to walk back since it would be faster. Nighttime was beginning to rule the sky, the clouds turned a magnificent pink and the sun's rays lit through the alleyways. Lights began to flicker on and shops closing, it was peaceful. Jane couldn't help but feel the need to tell Alucard what happened between her and the Captain. She lanced over at Alucard, clearly thinking then back on the road. "....is there something on your mind, Jane?" Alucard stopped in his tracks, staring at the fidgety woman. Jane exhaled deeply, she has been caught but nonetheless, she grabbed Alucard's sleeve and pulled him along with her, "We shall talk when we get to the room, I promise." Deciding not to go against her wishes, he kept along her side until they reached Alucard's and Pip's room where the hostage was tied up on a wooden chair. The man was grunting, trying to unravel himself then stopped when Alucard stood right in front of him, "You already interrogated him, Seras?" Seras made a disappointing face and nodded, "We tried but he won't speak." The vampire made a gesture for Seras to take Jane out of the room, "No matter. His blood will do the talking." Seras gently pushed Jane into Alucard's bedroom and had her listen to music while her master was sucking the man dry. Jane, despite being censored off from the bloody scene, knew what was happening and couldn't help but feel terror of Alucard once more. The Captain was right. He is a monster. But... "Jane, it's over. We got the information luckily. This stupid dog needed to pass along a message and stupidly wrote his plans down on a paper hidden in his shoe. What a foolish human.." Jane remained silent, knowing that the man died but refused to give Alucard a hard time about it due to the fact that Integra probably issued it out. She sighed deeply, twiddling her thumbs and cleared her throat, looking to Seras, "Seras, can you give us a moment?" Seras eyes widened slightly then bowed, "Yes! Of course, Master!" After she left the room, closing the door behind her, it was time. Alucard knelled down in front of the distraught woman, waiting for her to be ready to speak. Jane gulped in her nervous accumulation of saliva and exhaled deeply, "I saw a chief officer of Millennium today. While you were gone." The vampire frowned deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Why didn't you tell me?" "It's not like I didn't want to, Alucard. He decided to sit right next to me, I couldn't exactly reach my phone since he would have killed me," Jane pleaded innocence but Alucard wasn't mad at her, he felt disappointed in himself. He let the enemy get close to Jane again, luckily she was around people. If she wasn't he probably--no, he would've kidnapped her. Damn, he is making mistakes. Jane leaned over and took Alucard's gloved hand into her hands, stroking the symbol curiously, "Dear, sweet Count, I only have one question. Should I be cautious and fearful of you?" Jane was clearly conflicted, should she be more careful? The vampire gave her the kindest smile and kissed the back of her hand softly, "No, my dearest Jane. I have saved your life numerous times and i shall continue to do so. I keep making mistakes with you, Jane. It infuriates me to no bounds." The vampire gazed up at the concerned woman and chuckled with amusement, "Jane." Jane averted her gaze, knowing her cheeks were a bright red with embarrassment. The way he said her name felt like she had the shivers running up and down her spine, her stomach was in knots and her heart pounding, "Count...I--" Alucard was fascinated by Jane's reaction to being flustered, her emotion was overwhelmingly intoxicating. Hearing her heart pound, blood pumping vigorously, and smelling the scent of her sweet rosemary aroma was orgasmic to his senses. They both influenced each other's emotions greatly, heightening their sense of closeness. Jane rested her hands on the sides of his neck and gently rubbed relaxing pressure points, smiling fondly, "Despite how long I was gone, I have never stopped caring for you. I apologize if you have thought that." The gentle massaging she was giving was heaven, it was intimate and loving. "Jane, you have never offended me. As you know, it is quite hard to," Alucard playfully jested, feeling himself sink into her touch. Jane laughed lightly at his remark, still admiring the vampire. Her expression could sway anyone if she willed it, "I've got a better idea. Come on, Alucard." Alucard followed Jane to a cushioned chair and sat him down, "What is this, Jane?" The blonde woman pulled bac whatever hair she could into a tiny ponytail and shook her head with a smile, "Nothing sexual, let's put it at that. You have saved my life a lot of times, I shall relieve as much tension from your back and shoulders as I can as something I can do for saving me." The vampire smiled and shrugged, "I will not argue. The tension of my back has been killing me, I miss being given massages for free." Jane smiled, she was happy he accepted. While rolling down her sleeves, Alucard also slipped his coast and vest off, leaving his dress shirt on, "How does dinner at 7 sound?" Jane noticed his sarcastic tone and laughed joyously, knowing he was making fun of Walter, "Don't be unkindly, now! He was a gentleman." Jane began to massage his shoulders slowly but firmly, he was very tense and Jane couldn't help but notice he has a sculpted back. Her cheeks became hot once more and muttered to herself angrily, saying the Lord's prayer. Alucard smirked and looked over smugly, "Everything alri-?" "Y-you hush now! Just think of how funny Walter is or something! I am praying, do not bother me," Jane's face was red mixed with embarrassment and annoyance but it was rather ironic her muttering prayer while she was fully interested in his back. Seras barged in with tears in her eyes, "MASTER! KILL IT! SPI--" Jane intentionally fell onto her back as soon as she heard the door open, hoping Seras didn't see her but it was too late. Alucard grit his teeth and threw his gun at her, "Kill it with that and do not bother me until I say so." Seras's face turned into an ugly smug expression, "Ooooookkaaayy, master. I'll leave you two alone." Jane hissed, still on the ground, "It's not like that!" Seras giggled with smug slowly closing the door to cause more emphasis on the fact that she caught them having a moment until Alucard shot the door closed. Seras yelped when the door smashed into her nose and rubbed her face, "That hurt!" Jane got up slowly, checking to see if the door was shut then grabbed her lower back, "Agh! Ohh, my back...this is what signals the first signs of old age." Alucard laughed at Jane, she was so adorable, he got up and examined her lower back, "Allow me." Jane was slightly starled when he touched her waist and slowly made her stand up straight with pressured applied to her back, "Better?" "Yea, a lot better. Thank you, Alucard," Jane inhaled a huge puff of air through her nose and cleared her throat. "I should go to bed, now," Jane chuckled awkwardly but was stopped by Alucard gripping onto her arm lustfully. The woman gazed up at the vampire with rosy cheeks and mumbled, "Yes?" He held her shoulders gingerly while leaning closer to her, seeing how close he could get, "Jane, I will be shamelessly blunt. I wish to have your whole being. Your heart and body. What say you?" Can this be happening? The man she has loved for nearly a decade has confessed, she had a blank stare of bewilderment and couldn't speak for the life of her. The vampire lifted her chin up, making her look into his eyes, "Jane, you strange and fragile little thing. I have never known more kindness in this world. We morally are very different and always will be. I cannot promise a normal relationship. We will not be walking down the streets, window shopping or having random dates in restaurants. But I can give you my commitment and care." Jane gulped, her bottom lip quivering, she was nervous. She couldn't help but think that this was a lie for him to gain something from her. She couldn't move either, she was frozen in her thoughts, "Let me go, Alucard." The vampire snapped, she kept denying him and it drove him mad that all these years, he had let her get away, "No, Jane. Not anymore. You can lie straight to my face if you will but you know that I know how you feel. I can sense it everytime you get close. Your heart flutters, your breathing becomes heavier, your skin warmer, you get nervous as a mouse. Jane, I love you as my own flesh and blood. What more do you want from me?" Tears began to stream down Jane's cheeks, these words full of power and affection struck her like an arrow to the heart, "I'm so sorry, my sweet Count. I should have never trailed you on as I did...you're right. I love you just as much, I just never had the courage to say so, ple--" A most passionate kiss given from Alucard interrupted Jane's plead for forgiveness. This was surreal but beautiful, Jane rested her arms on Alucard's shoulders, still deep into their kiss full of longing and deprivation. This moment was perfect and unforgettable, but as soon as they were about to go further, the landline rang furiously, "This is for the best. I will answer, Jane. Get some rest, we will head back to Hellsing manor in the morning. You will need your strength. As much as I would love to join you in slumber, my want for you is too overreaching. Have pleasant dreams, my dear." Jane stroked his cheek tenderly before taking her leave, "You as well, Count." "Master?" Alucard answered he phone call and indeed, it was Integra. Ready with her notepad and a pen in hand, she began to ask Alucard questions, "Did you find anything?" The vampire made sure the door was closed after Jane left and turned his attention back to Integra, "Yes. There is a boat going to London very soon with one of Millennium's chief officers just like the rumors we have heard. I have also gained information that there will be an attack on London but when is unknown. I will give you the location of the boat when we arrive tomorrow." Integra put out her cigar, written everything down and cleared her throat, "Good work, Alucard. We will meet the Queen tomorrow as well, in the late afternoon then you will seek that boat a day after that. So two days time before you leave Hellsing manor once more." Alucard frowned, placing his hand on his hip in thought, "Can we send Jane somewhere else when that happens? Maybe back to New Zealand just until this foolish war is done?" Integra squinted at the phone and leaned back into her chair, "There will be no need. Seras will be behind to make sure this place is stationary. She will be safe with Seras. I got to get back to work now. See you all tomorrow." Before the vampire could argue, Integra hung up, now that he made a move with Jane, she will be in even more danger. He cannot bring her with him to seize the battleship nor is he alright with her being so far away...thinking about a solution for this would have to wait till morning.

#hellsing #alucard #integra #seras victoria #pip bernadotte #female oc #fanfic

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