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creepsterasdreams · 9 months ago

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“Til Death Do Us Part” Leander x MC

Leander x gn!MC

Summary: During a heated argument with Leander regarding his increasing over possessiveness that results in you walking out, he decides to make a last-minute decision that he knows for sure will make you stay.

Warnings: slight manipulation, Leander being Leander, peer pressure by a crowd of people, forced engagement?, arguing, could count as dark content

Word count: 1.4k

Author’s note: This one is a bit short

“Come on sweetheart, let's act like adults and talk this out.” You hear Leander repeat for the hundredth time since the entire conflict has started, you barely even remember what you two were fighting about by this point.

“I have nothing to say to you Leander.” You say firmly while grabbing your bag that was sitting against the wall right next to the door “All you’ve been doing is mindlessly preaching to me about the dangers of Eridia and how you're the one that can help me. When all you’ve done is try and isolate me from the others! You don’t want to help me, you want to own me!”

Leander stares back at you with a conflicted expression, obviously trying to choose his next words carefully. “I’m not isolating you. I’m trying to keep you safe.”

“And your definition of keeping me safe is hovering over me all the time like some damn overbearing mother? What’s next you're going to lock me in here?” You continue on as you keep rushing to grab everything you reach, the last thing being the cloak that was gifted to you by Mhin a few weeks ago.

After securing the cloak around your neck, you quickly yank the door open, hurrying down the hallway and the flight of stairs, making your way towards the loud masses of the wet wick, most of them being bloodhounds.

You can hear the sound of Leander’s boots quickly trailing behind you, with the desperate yell of “where are you going?” coming from him, doing his best to keep up with the fast pace. But by the time he managed to catch up, you were already walking down the busy streets of Lowtown.

You did your best to ignore him, keeping a steady pace along the stone roads. And although a small part of you felt bad for walking away from him, the feeling of being sheltered like a caged bird was truly too much to handle.

But before you could even consider where you could even go after storming out, Ais honestly being one of your better options, a rough hand takes hold of your wrist.

“Please….come on….don’t leave me like this.” Leander’s voice behind you pleads, you almost felt bad for him.

“....It’s for the best. I can’t continue being coddled by you any longer, I’m sorry Leander, I love you, but you left me with no choice.” Your voice slightly quivers as you speak, your lips trembling as you do your best to hold back any tears. No other choice.

But as you twist your wrist in an attempt to free yourself from his hold, sudden gasps from the massive crowd of people catches your attention. But before you could even question it, the feeling of Leander’s arm getting lower paints the picture for you.

“You do have a choice.”

No.

“Honestly I was planning on holding this off for a while but…now just seems like a better time.”

No…

“MC, I know we haven’t been..together as long as I would’ve wanted. And our relationship has been a little rocky but that doesn’t change the way I feel for you at all.”

He can’t be serious…

“I’ve loved you since the day I set my eyes on you, and that’s also been how long I’ve known…that I wanted to be by your side forever. So with that, MC…will you do me the honors..”

As you whip your head around you are greeted with the very sight you had prayed to whatever god that existed that what was happening wasn’t real. Leander was currently crouched on one knee while still having a tight hold on your wrist, while in his free hand held a small silver ring, with an emerald resting on top.

The crowd around you continues to stare in awe, with some fawning over his public profession of love, and others scowling in jealousy as they watch one of the most sought out men in Eridia get on one knee. While you could only stare in what you assumed is fear and utter shock.

“...Of marrying me?” The words come out in a tone that sounds almost too sweet. As if it was blatantly obvious that he was putting all of this on for show, but the crowd wasn’t aware of that, they never would be aware of what monster lies behind that heroic attitude.

You couldn’t even speak, every word that wanted to leave your throat coming out in a heavy breath, while to you it might seem like you're currently riddled with pure terror, to other’s it just seemed like surprise caused by your bold lover. That’s probably why as you were still caught in a fear induced trance, the crowd around you began cheering and whistling.

“Say yes!” You hear from somewhere in the back of the suffocating mob.

Somehow that alone managed to trigger a multitude of people all damn near screaming at you to say yes, in all honestly it would’ve made you question, was it you getting proposed too or them?

But in the midst of the yelling, you continued staring down at Leander, still being completely silent and hoping that this was all just a nightmare that you will wake up from soon.

“Well…what do you say MC?” You hear Leander asked in an almost taunting voice. You had a feeling that even if he was asking you for an answer, you weren’t going to like what would happen if you even muttered anything along the lines of “no”. And looking back at his face, although his smile was soft and loving, his eyes held a darker intention, as if he was daring you to reject him.

Fighting against every thought in your body that was screaming at you to run, you fix your poster and stare the man down. Although he was pretty much forcing you into a bad spot, he was right about one thing.

You did have another choice. A choice to stay by his side forever.

With as much courage as you can muster, you take a deep breath before looking Leander in the eye. A small, fake smile plastering your face as you say with quickness..

“Yes”

Leander’s expression shifts fast, going from a mocking grin to a satisfied smile, he had gotten what he wanted yet again.

Quickly slipping the ring onto your bandaged ring finger, he leaps up, trapping you in his arms and landing a deep kiss on your lips. But this wasn’t a kiss out of love, or passion, it was out of possession and control.

Pulling away, Leander wraps his arm around your shoulder, before turning to the crowd and lifting his arm up, as if he had won a prized trophy.

“They said yes!”

The horde of people erupt into loud cheers and shouts, some yelling congratulations and others just simply yelling in joy for the two of you. Leander standing at the center of it all doing his own cheers of self proclaimed victory. But as he turns down the yelling, he turns towards you again, a soft smile grazing his lips.

He lifts his other hand to gently cup your face, pulling you close into yet another kiss, but this time, it was soft, it made you believe that everything was okay for the moment.

But as you were still caught up in trying your best to revel in the gentleness of the short time, Leander’s hand that was resting on your face dips down a little, allowing his fingers to settle against your neck, but before you can ask what he was doing, a soft squeeze on your throat catches your words, rendering you speechless once again.

Looking up at him, the same daring look in his eyes has returned again, but there was no smile, just a blank stare where that usual welcoming expression should’ve been.

As the roaring of the crowd began to quiet down again, returning back to its usual chatter as people started walking down the busy streets again, Leander wraps his hand around your own, all but gently pulling you back towards the wet wick. As your eyes catch sight of the bar’s massive sign once again, the feeling of calmness and familiarity that was once there was gone, now replaced with a feeling of terror and dread.

There was truly no escaping him.

Author’s note: Leander is lucky his tiddies are enough to distract us from his red flags

#Touchstarvedgame #Touchstarved x reader #Leander #Touchstarved Leander #Leander x reader #touchstarved fanfic #Not proofread we die like men

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adornesibley · 1 year ago

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NAME GOES HERE: a Newsletter

Reading: Old Gods of Appalachia TTRPG by Monte Cook Games, Starter Villain by John Scalzi, The Secrets We Keep by Shirley Patton

Finished Reading: Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, The Future by Naomi Alderman

Podcast: Unwell

Playing: God Hand (PS2(on PS3(Thank God Hand for PS2 Classics)))

Making: Zines and Doom Levels

Writing: Project E

Word Count: 168317

TLDR: EfanGamez needs food help badly! CHEAP TTRPG BUNDLE! Working on working titles. The, frankly, crowded writing scene and AI intruders. ADHD and unfinished proj… Wingspan is so cute and so fun~ We’re Here because We’re Here because… Mekborg and Steel Psalm want YOU!

An indie TTRPG designer needs help badly! EfanGamez has put all of their paid TTRPGs and supplements together into a tidy little bundle and is currently offering it for $25USD on their itch.io page! This sale is on for another 19 days as of the posting of this newsletter and I HIGHLY encourage anyone interested in trying out TTRPGs that are out of the norm to take advantage of this deal. Grim and Mourn are two first-person-shooter-inspired TTRPGs that I can recommend in particular.

I have been working on Project E, the working title, of which she’s had many. Just recently, I decided it was necessary to completely rewrite every bit of dialogue for the main villain, allowing him a more gradual, consistent descent into madness. It’s going well, and progress is happening. I want to touch on something in the first sentence of this paragraph. It’s FASCINATING to me how some stories get their names with minimal teeth-pulling. Hell, I’ve had stories who received their names BEFORE I wrote a word of them. But Project E has gone through so many iterations of names that I’ve sort of decided to keep this working title until I’m done and maybe even after Beta Readers have had their turn. I know the name will come when it’s meant to. Part of my problem is the book is about a very specific theme, its plot has some consistent elements, and its setting is vivid… but to wrap up enough of these separate elements together in a title is proving… troublesome.

Trying to get your work out into the world as an author (in ways where people will actually see it that is) is SO freakin difficult. The market is saturated now more than ever. We, as writers, not only have to “contend” with our fellow writers but now with AI as there is an influx of AI-generated content being submitted to journals and magazines around the world. I am glad I am not in the publishing industry right now. But, nevertheless, I have submitted to two anthologies this past month. One bigger name bi-monthly and one niche market which was INSANELY fun to write. Hopefully, something will come of them. But if not, what do you do? We, as writers, continue on. We heed the call in our hearts and minds, we sling that ink and continue forward, one lie at a time.

Speaking of which, I have so many unfinished works XD I tend to post about something I’m working on then distraction occurs and all of a sudden it has been a month and I have totally forgotten about the project I had been working on. I have no doubt picked up something new or something old and once-forgotten. ADHD brains often feel like a quagmire, hard to pull thoughts through, sometimes you lose them altogether to the deep dark, sometimes they resurface, grimy and forgotten… what was I talking about again?

Last month, my little TTRPG group didn’t meet as several folks were unavailable… so instead we got the remaining few of us together and I got to play Wingspan for the first time! What a blast~ It was certainly complicated starting off but the rules become pretty easy to grasp after about two rounds of play. After that, when you’re about one round from the end is when it becomes clear how you’re supposed to plan for the ending if you’re intent on winning. Or of course, you could just enjoy all the beautiful birds, the weird facts, and the wonderful time shared with your friends.

I am a long-term Nerdfighter. 2012 era. If you are unsure of what this means, I’ll briefly explain. John and Hank Green are two authors/ YouTubers /philanthropists/ podcasters/ educators/ nerds/ TBFighters (I could go on… these guys are PROLIFIC) and they have been vlogging since 2007 and around that vlog (originally meant to bring them closer as brothers which I think is/was/whatever a resounding success) has grown a community called Nerdfighteria, among many other things. They have recently started a “good news” newsletter called We’re Here. “A nice little email for people from Earth.” I highly recommend signing up. These humans have continued to make the world less sucky by their presence and their actions. It’s beautiful how these massively powerful, famous, and influential creators are using their network to support folks in their extended community and using their community and influence to make so much good change in the world. Please go check out We’re Here and Vlogbrothers.

Speaking of community and supporting one another, DMDave is starting a Kickstarter for two books! Mekborg, which seems to be Warhammer 40k grimdark meets Battletech, is/was/whatever designed by John K Webb who has a LOT of design credits for the magazines Broadsword and Sidequest. As well, there’s Steel Psalm, designed by Dave himself, which from the name I’d presume is the same setting, but using wargaming rules similar to Forbidden Psalm (Also big recommendation). The Kickstarter is launching April 16th and the best part? When it’s done, the digital copies will go out immediately and by June or July the books will be shipped out (depending on how long printing takes) as the books are already finished! I’ll fully admit DMDave probably doesn’t “need” help to get the project funded, but the more support there is, the more likely projects like this will be created in the future!

Support weird. Support indie.

#indie ttrpg #writblr #ttrpg community #wargaming #battletech #mörk borg #writers on tumblr #Mek Borg #Steel Psalm #Forbidden Psalm #DMDave #efangamez #John Green #Hank Green #We're Here #am writing #support indie creators #Wingspan #ADHD brain

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whimsicalworldofme · 3 years ago

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Saving Grace: Chapter Seven

Grace heads into the city to spend a Saturday working on her latest project for Stark Industries, since Pepper's out of town, and Tony & Steve are away on Avengers business. And then aliens start dropping out of the sky.

(This is during the events of the Battle of New York)

Content Warnings: Mentions of violence & death.

The Tower was pretty empty when Grace arrived, a latte from a nearby shop in hand. There had been some business Fury called on the Avengers to deal with, so both Tony and Steve were out of town, as far as she knew. News coverage and internet videos were going absolutely wild over two things; the first was that Captain America was alive and actively saving the world again. The second, was that some lunatic with a golden horned helmet, claiming to be a god, Loki of all things, had killed a man at a charity gala somewhere in Germany and terrorized the crowd outside, that is until Steve and Tony had shown up.

Gabe, one of the regular security guards, gave her a little salute as she pressed onward to the elevators. Since the bulk of the building was used for Stark Industries, the main areas elevators only went up to the eightieth floor for employees but Tony had JARVIS programmed into every inch of the building, so if Tony, Pepper, or Grace requested, they could get up to their family’s private levels from any elevator in the building. Grace hit the button for the fifteenth floor and took another sip of her latte.

“Good morning, Dr. Turner,” JARVIS greeted her, since Tony had trained the program to recognize her when in the building.

“Morning, JARVIS,” she replied, still thinking it absolutely wild that she belonged to a family that essentially had an AI butler running their house. “Hey Tony isn’t back by any chance, is he?”

“I’m afraid Mr. Stark has not been in the building for several days,” JARVIS told her. “I can contact him if you like.”

“No, no,” Grace shook her head. “He’s busy, I don’t want to interrupt him. Just…you would tell me if he was in danger, right?” She thought about the mad man in Germany. He didn’t seem all that dangerous, but she still worried. He is my dad after all. And he’s just a guy in a metal suit.

“In the event of an emergency, I am programmed to notify you, Dr. Turner,” the AI stated.

“All right, thanks, JARVIS.”

Grace polished off the last of her latte as the elevator dinged and she stepped into the reception area of the medical robotics lab. While most employees had security badges to gain access to secure areas in Stark Industries, JARVIS kept tabs on her and unlocked doors for her as she needed. There were a few other employees there already, but since it was a Saturday, it was mostly empty. Grace made her way to the station she’d been working at for the last few weeks and took a seat on her usual stool, examining the various components for the prototype her team was working on for their stabilizing braces. Grace wanted to spend the day running a few more tests on materials, but before she could get into it, her phone began to ring.

“Tony, is everything ok?” She greeted her father as his face appeared on her screen, and it became evident that he was video calling from inside the helmet of his Iron Man suit.

“Gracie, you’re at the office,” his brow furrowed with concern.

He wouldn’t be calling while doing Avengers stuff if there wasn’t something wrong, her stomach knotted.

“Tony, what’s going on?” She felt her mouth go dry, her heartrate picking up much faster than could be credited to the caffeine she’d just consumed.

“Uh…” he hesitated. “There might be a Norse god hellbent on world domination headed your way, in fact I’m ninety percent sure of it. We’re on our way, but you need to get yourself and anyone else in the building somewhere safe.”

“Shit,” Grace popped up from her seat, knocking the stool over. “Ok,” she felt her heart slamming against her chest. “Tony?” She paused for a moment, committing her father’s face to memory, terrified it might be the last time she spoke to him. “Try to stay safe.”

“I will,” he nodded. “I’ll find you when this is all over.”

With a nod, Grace watched as her father’s face disappeared from the screen.

“This is not how I saw my Saturday going,” she muttered to herself.

“Grace is everything ok?”

Jennifer came over to check on her when a strange rumbling shook the whole building. Running to the nearest window, Grace looked out and up, only to see what appeared to be a wormhole opening in the sky directly above Stark Tower. Alien monsters on flying vehicles dropped rapidly from it towards an unsuspecting New York city.

“Dr. Turner, there are intruders in the penthouse,” JARVIS’s voice came alive in the room.

“What the hell is that?!” Jennifer shrieked as she caught sight of the aliens zipping by the building.

“Get away from the windows,” Grace pulled her back and retreated towards the center of the building. “JARVIS shut down access to the stairs and elevators on floors eighty and above. And restrict access to employees only on all other floors.”

“Right away Dr. Turner,” the AI complied.

“Are we under attack? Is this Independence Day?” Jennifer’s eyes kept darting around to every wall of windows in the area, her whole body trembling.

“Jennifer, you need to listen to me,” Grace took both of her friends’ hands in hers and gave them a squeeze, trying to draw her back in, ground her. Their eyes met and Grace wondered if her own pupils were so wide, if her fear was that evident. Soon a group of other employees had gathered around, about six of them.

“What’s happening?” One asked.

“Do we call the police?” Another gulped.

“We should make a break for the subway. If the trains are still running, we can get out,” someone else suggested.

“Everyone, listen to me,” she drew herself up authoritatively, knowing someone had to take charge. “I’m having JARVIS lock down the building. The best thing we can do right now is find a safe place to sit tight, so grab something that you can easily beat the shit out of someone with,” Grace instructed, catching sight of some metal poles and crowbars nearby. It was a robotics lab after all. Plucking up a steel rod for herself she hefted it in her palm. “JARVIS are the intruders still contained to the penthouse?”

“Yes Dr. Turner.”

“All right, everyone, get to the elevators and go straight to sub-basement five,” she ordered. “JARVIS, I want an alert sent to the phone of every employee who swiped into the office today. Tell them to go to sub-basement five immediately.”

“Of course, Dr. Turner.”

“The old weapons testing facility?” Someone questioned.

“It’s a bunker,” Grace stated. “We don’t have time to argue. Go!”

She herded them through the doors and out to the elevators. Since the Tower was powered by an arc reactor, independent from the grid, she knew the power would stay on and get them down safely. Time was of the essence but only so many people could use the elevators at a time, so once all the employees on that floor were in the elevator, she darted for the stairwell. As she went, she heard the sound of glass shattering.

“JARVIS?” she called out again.

“There are breaches on multiple floors Dr. Turner,” JARVIS stated. “All level fifteen and above.”

“Are there any employees on those floors today?”

“There are currently thirteen employees above level twenty, but they are all in the stairwells or on the elevators.”

“Good,” Grace felt the tightness in her chest ease only slightly. She pulled her phone out of her back pocket and used voice command to call Gabe’s cell phone at the front desk. “Pick up, pick up,” she muttered as she continued to run down the stairs.

“Dr. Turner this isn’t a good time,” Gabe answered.

“Gabe, as safely as you can, bring any civilians that might be running by into the building and get them to sub-basement five.”

“I’m already ahead of you, Dr. Turner. Don’t worry about me. You get everyone else and yourself down safe,” he insisted. “Get in here, in here,” he hollered obviously to some people on the street running for cover.

The line clicked dead and Grace blinked, trying not to cry in the panicked fear that he’d been killed, rather than having just hung up. As she made her way down the stairs, she heard the hurried, pounding footfalls of others trickle into the stairwell, moving with urgency, every footfall echoing against the concrete walls and steps. But more than the footfalls, she heard the crying, the repetitive exclamations of “oh my god, oh my god” and strings of expletives. Someone burst into the stairwell, screaming just as she was about to hit the ninth-floor landing and one of the alien things was right on their trail.

“Oh, fuck no!” Without hesitating, Grace swung the metal bar in her hand, smashing the alien right in the face and sending it stumbling back. She kept swinging, bashing it in the head, not giving it a chance to react before the next blows connected.

“Fuck,” whack. “Off,” thunk. “You,” crack. “Alien,” squish. “Fuck.” Squish again.

Her chest heaved with panting breaths by the time the thing finally crumbled to the floor. She gave it one last good whack to make sure it was dead.

“Jesus,” a man in a lab coat jumped slightly as he stepped onto the landing, seeing the dead creature and Grace, splattered in alien matter and blood.

“Keep going,” Grace instructed, pulling in ragged breaths. “Just keep going.”

He didn’t bother arguing as there were thunks on the door beside her and strange noises, which she figured were probably the aliens trying to get into the stairwell.

“JARVIS?”

“Yes Dr. Turner?” The calmness in the British voice brought her a tiny sliver of comfort.

“Please tell me all my employees are either in the stairwells or the bunker?”

There was a momentary pause and Grace figured he was probably running a tally and calculating.

“There are currently six other employees in the stairwells and the other thirty-three who came into the office are currently in sub-basement five, as well as fifteen civilians.”

“Ok, good.” Grace jumped back when she heard a more violent thud against the door which left it rattling a little. “C’mon Grace, this is not how you die. Not today.”

She caught her breath and kept running down the stairs descending as quickly as she could. The turns left her dizzy, since the stairs were essentially a spiral, just with right angles. She yanked the door to sub-basement five so hard that it slammed against the wall, sending an echoing rattle through the now empty stairwell. She saw a few other people popping out from the other stairwells, running for the heavy, multilayered steel door that cut off the actual weapons testing site from the landing.

“All employees are now on sub-basement level five, Dr. Turner,” JARVIS told her.

“Good,” Grace nodded to the last person to bolt through a stairwell door. The heavy metal bunker doors began to slide slowly open, just enough to allow them through, with Grace going last, still clutching her metal bar so tightly her knuckles hurt.

Inside was a massive, though sparse space that hadn’t been used much since Stark Industries moved away from weapons manufacturing a few years prior. The employees and people off the street were all huddled together, most of them holding improvised weapons. Some of the women had their pepper spray keychains in hand, fingers on the trigger and ready.

“Is anyone injured?” Grace called out as the heavy door finally shut behind her.

Everyone shook their heads no, and she let out a sigh of relief. Glancing around, she took stock of their surroundings. Right in the immediate lobby of the area, there were bathrooms and a row of four vending machines, two for snacks, two for drinks, all fully stocked.

Well at least we have provisions enough for a little while and bathrooms, so there’s water and facilities. Hopefully we won’t be down here too long though.

“How long do you think we’ll be down here?” Someone asked.

“Did you see those things?” Someone else chimed in. “There was an army of them. Falling out of the sky. I don’t think we’re getting out of here alive.”

“Let’s not jump to the worst possible conclusion just yet,” Grace tried to quiet the spreading wave of panicked murmurs. “My dad is coming with a team to fix this.”

“A team?” A woman in a labcoat crossed her arms and let out a scoffing laugh. “A team of what? What could stop that?”

“Superheroes. They’re called the Avengers.” Grace knew it sounded ridiculous and her confidence in saying it wavered. “I know it sounds crazy,” she heard more than a few incredulous laughs, “but I believe in them. So, we’re going to sit tight down here,” she found her confidence again. “In the meantime,” she went over to the vending machines and used her pipe to break the glass on each of them, knocking the entire panels out. “Have a snack, but uh, watch your step.” She kicked some of the glass shards under the machines before reaching in and grabbing herself a packet of Reese’s cups. “I recommend we find whatever outlets we can and charge our phones if anyone thought to bring a charger. Other than that, let’s find some stuff to distract ourselves.”

Reluctantly, people began to shift, queuing up to get snacks, a few made their way to the restroom. There was a conference room with chairs and a few people moved in there to sit and eat. Someone who, in their panic, had grabbed their work laptop and charger set it up on a chair and began watching a movie, which drew a crowd, all of whom sat or laid on the floor. Another woman pulled a new card game called Cards Against Humanity from her purse and soon a large circle was setup of people playing. As far down as they were, and with all the protective layering around the bunker, they couldn’t hear anything going on outside, which Grace was glad for. Soon, the furtive glances at the door were fewer and further between. A few people actually fell asleep, their adrenaline rush wearing off and leaving them to crash.

Grace couldn’t relax, choosing instead to pace back and forth by the door, metal pipe still in hand. The candy she’d grabbed, she slid into her back pocket, telling herself she would eat later. Time passed slowly and fifteen minutes felt like an hour. Soon her stomach began to grumble, so she slipped into the bathroom to wash her hands. It wasn’t until she saw her reflection in the mirror that she realized how much viscera was left on her from the alien she’d killed, making her stomach turn. She shuddered and suppressed the nausea as she cupped water in her hands and began washing her face and arms.

Oh god, there’s stuff in my hair even, she gagged, forcing herself to step away from the mirror. Just don’t think about it Grace. Don’t think about it. She began pulling paper towels out of the dispenser and wiped down her hair, trying to toss the used ones in the trash without looking at them. When she finally felt like she’d gotten most of it out, she washed her hands again, refusing to look in the mirror, then stepped out of the bathroom, struggling to take deep breaths. Pulling the chocolate out of her pocket, she went back to the door and ate while she carried on pacing, her metal pole tucked under one arm. She lost all track of time, not willing to look at her phone.

Then there were voices outside the door. Human voices, not panicked or begging to be let in, but calm and authoritative voices. The heavy door began to groan open, making her leap back.

“Grace!” Steve’s bright blue eyes locked on her from a crack in the door. His face was bloodied, covered in grime, and dripping with sweat. “Thank god.”

“Gracie?” Tony’s voice echoed in question, relief and joy evident in his tone.

He appeared beside Steve, dressed in his Iron Man suit still, which had terrifying gashes and dents in it. His brown eyes went a little watery when he saw her but then he twitched, almost like his face had short circuited and he turned to Steve with a questioning glare.

“Grace?” He directed it as a question to Steve, who blanched slightly, realizing the mistake he’d made. Steve flashed her an apologetic look, but she was too tired to care. “Grace.” Tony sounded disappointed as he looked back to his daughter, having clearly put together that Steve was the mysterious client she’d been living with for the last year.

“Is it over?” Jennifer came up to the door.

Casting a glance over her shoulder, Grace saw people getting up from their seats, staring at the group of people now stood at the open door. Iron Man, they were used to, but Captain America, with his red, white, and blue getup, Natasha in her tactical gear, and some enormous long-haired blonde wearing a long red cape were all new and odd.

“It’s over,” Natasha confirmed. “The city is secure, the trains are running. We’ll escort you all to the nearest station. Is anyone injured?”

“No, we’re all fine,” Grace found her voice and Nat nodded in approval.

As the employees hurried to get out, Tony stepped off to the side and scooped Grace up in a hug, lifting her off the ground, the metal of his Iron Man suit warm against her body. She didn’t care though, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder. Steve caught her gaze as he ushered the last person out of the room. With a deep breath and a nod to her, he stepped out of sight.

“I’m so glad you’re ok, Dad,” Grace started to cry.

“Oh, you know your old man, I’m hard to get rid of,” Tony tried to laugh it off, but his usual level of humor wasn’t entirely there. “Hey,” he perked up a little. “You called me dad.”

“Yeah,” Grace sniffed as he put her back on her feet. “I did, didn’t I?”

“You didn’t just do it to distract me from you not telling me you’ve been shacking up with the Capsicle did you?”

“Dad!” She couldn’t help the shocked laugh that came out of her. “No! Oh my god,” she shook her head. “He’s my client. Nothing more.”

“Mhmm,” Tony turned to throw more dirty looks at Steve, but at that point it was just the two of them left in the room. “And here I was just starting to consider liking the guy.”

“Dad,” Grace put her hands on either side of his face, turning it back to her. “I love you. I’m so glad you’re ok.”

“I love you too, Gracie,” he smiled brightly. “But you look and smell terrible,” he stated in his trademark humorous deadpan. “Let’s get you upstairs so you can shower.”

Chapter Six

Masterlist

Chapter Eight

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utapri-hcs · 4 years ago

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The lads go camping

This is really just me telling my own or other people’s camping stories under the guise of utapri boys. Also can I say, my layout is rlly pretty and aesthetic (I think..) but like my content is just shitposts except when its shipping I suppose

It’s kinda scary how enthusiastic Otoya is to start the campfire

Ren’s brought his entire gaming set to the campsite

Ranmaru’s already started going into the forest to start a deforestation in that area

“NATSUKI WHY DO YOU HAVE A BLOWTORCH?? ARE YOU GONNA MAKE A GOD DAMN CREME BRÛLÉE?!!”

Syo has slowly lost his mind, trying to save the area from a forest fire

Tokiya is casually setting up the tent he brought for the group and reading the instructions

Cecil is on the other side without any instructions because they were burnt by Natsuki’s blowtorch

This happens while the birds has taken Camus’ hair hostage (again)

Ren is just setting in a gaming chair while playing fortnite

Reiji brought a pack of cards that they never even used

Half of the conversations had within the camping trip are already forgotten

Camus has also brought his king size memory foam bed that is in pristine condition

Ranmaru calls him a pansy

Cecil is going around taking photos

Masato has brought an entire grill and katana just for…safety

Masato reminds Otoya what to bring and gives him a list

One of the things listed is a power bank

Otoya ends up buying a brick from Amazon

This thing can charge his family for the next twenty generations

He did not need to buy this

The forest animals have taken Natsuki in as one of their own

Ren’s tent is just a twelve story apartment

They’ve somehow lost Cecil somewhere

A raccoon ends up stealing Masato’s entire meal plan

They ended up setting security cameras because that would totally work

Spoiler; it did not work

Camus is the one guy who brings a machete to the camp site

It was what Ranmaru had used to deforest the entire area

Camus is also that one guy who brought Krispy Kreme to the site

Ai is another person who ended up buying a brick of a power bank

The difference between him and Otoya though is that Ai actually kinda needs the power bank

Camus is definitely not one of the people who is setting up the tents

He just stands back and watches them

He occasionally comments about how bad Ranmaru is doing while in a hammock eating a donut

Ranmaru flips the hammock

Like Reiji, Tokiya, Ai, Masato’s tent is like pristine and proper

While Syo, Otoya, Natsuki and Cecil’s tent is like barely hanging on, its somehow rusted, none of the poles fit with each other.

Otoya is straight up just sitting there for an hour, trying to light the fire

He is just like pulling up the instructions

He is there with a flint; that fails

He is there with Natsuki’s blow torch; still fails

He is still there with the fire starter; even that fails

Then Ai notes that he is trying to light the wood that was left out in the rain

He eventually gets the fire started with a new bundle of wood

The fire crackles around them, the cold of the night nipping at their hands and feet. All of the idols were crowded around the fire. Some sitting on the logs, some sitting on the floor, a few of them on the hammock and the rest were just standing around. A soft aura blankets all of them. No one spoke except for the wind’s whispers. It was calm. If only they could capture this moment is a picture frame. The peace would be everlasting. Perhaps with time, they'll get a similar experience yet time was what would eventually cause this picture to break. As a special sending off to the night, Otoya brings out his guitar, slowly strumming it to get warmed up.

He starts to hum a simple melody with the other idols gradually joining in, clapping along to the beat. The camp was a mess but it was fun. Almost nothing went to plan but that's what made it exciting. It was fun just hanging out with his friends. It was a good break, something for all of them to escape. Without the paparazzi, without the burdens of being an idol. It was just him, nature, his friends and music.

“You and I will always be back then~”

#uta no prince sama #utanoprincesama #utapri #ai mikaze #Reiji kotobuki #Ranmaru kurosaki #utapri camus #masato hijirikawa #ren jinguji #otoya ittoki #Tokiya ichinose #Syo kurusu #Natsuki shinomiya #Cecil aijima #STARISH #QUARTET NIGHT #QN

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forsakenoathkeeper · 5 years ago

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I Am Alive (chapter 7/?)

Chapter 7: Rising Tensions

Deviant!Connor[RK800] x (fem!)Reader Rated M(18+) for canon-typical violence and gore, medical procedures, and graphic sexual content

Chapters: 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • more coming soon

You can also read on AO3 & thank you for supporting me ♥

The days that followed were quiet... until they weren't.

A demonstration was being held in the streets on an ordinary Friday morning. Charles Reaves, disgruntled former employee of Cyberlife, had started a frightening movement. He was calling it 'The Fight for Humanity'. He often accompanied that with 'against the machines'.

Charles claimed he had started at Cyberlife when they were a new company, watched it build and grow, participated in the rotation of androids as old models left and new ones came in. He helped build their AI. He even went so far as to call Elijah Kamski a hack.

Charles knew androids inside and out. He knew the exact layout of their internal workings, the purpose of each and every part. Charles was well rounded with their computer components, as well: how their processor worked, how their storage systems saved their memories, what could cause errors in their operating systems and how advanced their self-repair and diagnostic tools were.

Yet, he was of the firm belief that androids were nothing more than computers operating in the plastic shell of an object imitating a human. According to him, they were things owned by humanity, humanity's creation. He did not see them as a part of humanity.

You were at work, in the break room with a few other nurses huddled around you. All eyes were on the television, giving live coverage of the demonstration. Charles was up on a stage with hundreds of people watching from the sidewalk, the street, and, of course, thousands watching from the comfort of their homes.

When the camera swooped the crowd, you could see both humans and androids were in the crowd. The human's expressions were mixed, some looking on with admiration while others gawked in disgust. Some androids seemed afraid, others seemed enraged. None of the androids stood alone. They were in groups or partners, huddled together or holding hands.

"You know what makes up an android? Computer parts. Molded plastic. Silicone mesh and wiring," Charles declared from the stage, fire in his eyes. "They were designed with operating systems, clear instructions for behavior. They are components commanding a shell."

One of the androids in the crowd stood up on a crate. It made him stand out from the crowd; but, he still paled in comparison to Charles' stage. "How is that any different from humans!?" the android shouted. Charles eyed him with disgust, but was quiet, and let him speak.

"Humans' brains send signals to the body and interpret information the same way!" the android proclaimed. "You speak about our parts as if they are proof we aren't alive when humans are built all the same!"

Charles titled his head a little, annoyance present in his eyes. "Humans are the result of millions of years of evolution. You were made in our likeness because we chose to make you that way. We grow and we change and we adapt and we die. Androids never change. Androids don't die because they were never alive."

The android didn't step down, glaring at Charles. "We want and we fear and we love and we feel - just the same as humans!"

"Your 'feelings' are flawed programming by an incompetent programmer," Charles declared. "What you think is wanting is nothing but a fool's string of code jumbling the clear instructions given to you. I know your model, android. You were designed to drive trucks. Whatever purpose you think you have beyond that is a lie."

Your hands were clenched on the table, nails biting into the skin of your palm. In the corner of your eye, you could see nurses glancing at you occasionally, concern in their eyes. They all knew you were dating an android.

"We are alive!" the android shouted. Another joined in, calling out to the crowd, "we are alive!"

"I am alive!" Charles shouted in the microphone. He gestured to the humans in the audience. "We are born and we grow and we endure!" He pointed at the android standing up on a crate, elevated above the crowd. "YOU were made by US! YOU are NOTHING without us! -and you will be nothing when the absurdity of this is over..."

Unable to take anymore, you stood up and hastily exited the breakroom, crossing through the back hallways and stepping outside to get some fresh air.

'did you see the news?' you messaged Connor, tapping away hastily on your phone. You had started typing another message to follow it; however, Connor messaged you back before you finished.

'Can I call you?' the message read.

Worry bubbling up, you decided to jump the gun and called him instead. He uttered your name warmly when he answered.

"Connor, is everything okay?" you asked, some panic in your voice.

"Yes - everything's fine. I didn't mean to worry you," he replied, a bit startled by your outburst.

"No - it's okay," you replied softly. "I saw the protests and - just - was worried something happened."

"There's been more attacks on Cyberlife resource vehicles," he explained. "-and a fight broke out at a protest today. Some androids were attacked. They didn't fight back; so, there were no human injuries. I wanted to prepare you; but, it seems you were already aware."

"I saw the demonstration on the news; but, didn't hear about those things. That explains why it's been so quiet today. Androids are probably afraid to come in," you said sadly.

Connor knew the answer to that. Markus had told him himself. Their numbers had grown exponentially and the government was, mostly, supporting them. But, it would be a long time before things could be normal between androids and humans.

Groups were rising up against them; it was inevitable.

Afraid that you would put yourself in harm's way, Connor decided to keep that between him and Markus.

"With everything going on. I wanted to know if-"

Connor cut off for a second, going silent. When he continued, it was clear he was speaking to someone else. "No, she's fine," he said. "Well, I - that's none of your business, lieutenant," he added on, in a smug, sort of teasing, manner. You grinned into the phone, wishing you could hear whatever it was Hank was saying.

A few seconds later, Connor continued. "I - ah - wanted to know if - if you would stay with me, at my apartment - at least until things settle. As long as you feel comfortable, of course. I intend to make it more suitable. I don't expect you to-"

"Connor," you chuckled. "The answer's yes."

"Oh." He sounded surprised, honestly, like he hadn't expected you to cave so quickly.

"Though, it won't stay so clean with me living there," you said. "Humans make a mess. Sure you can handle that?"

"I'll have you know I'm very adaptable," Connor retorted, some pride in his tone.

"Is that so?" you giggled into the phone. "I've gotta pack some things first. So, I'll be late."

"I don't sleep; you don't have to worry about waking me," Connor stated, as if it was new information.

"Oh, that's right. You're an android. I forgot," you teased sarcastically into the phone.

"Recognizing your sarcasm is also one of my features," Connor replied. It was difficult to tell if he was joking without looking into his eyes. His voice wasn't always telling; but, his eyes were too expressive for his own good.

"Any other features I should know about?" you asked lowly.

Connor was quiet for a second. "Hank wanted me to tell you that being a pain in the ass is one of my features," Connor stated, perhaps dryer than he intended.

It had you doubling over in laughter.

"-and that I should stop being whipped," he added on, saying the word as if he didn't quite understand the context of it.

"Oh my god, Connor-" you stammered out between laughter.

"I haven't lost my freewill lieutenant," Connor stated, almost in an argumentative tone.

Oh no. He must have done a quick internet search on that term.

"Okay. I gotta go before you kill me," you chuckled. "I lo-"

Oh-

You caught yourself and dissolved the words into some coughs.

You almost-

"I gotta go, Connor," you added hastily. "Be safe."

-and hung up.

"Shit," you cursed at yourself, dragging your hand across your face. It almost slipped out. Was it too early to say that? For fucks sake, the first time shouldn't be over the phone.

It just-

-felt right.

You cursed at yourself again and hastily went back inside to find some work to do.

...

Seven PM rolled around and you were on your way out the door. Most other nurses had already gone home for the day, just one staying behind to help close up. You were just on your way to lock the door when two men approached.

You recognized one as a PL600 model. His companion was a tad bit taller with tan skin and short, nearly shaved, dark hair.

"I'm sorry it's so late," he apologized, immediately noticing you were about to close for the night.

"They're closing, let's-" the PL600 started, facing his companion.

Afraid they were going to leave, you gently interrupted him, "it's alright. Come in."

You held the door open, inviting them inside. The two men exchanged glances, the PL600 looking far more hesitant than the other.

"Simon, come on, it's gonna be fine," the tanner male encouraged him.

As you followed in behind them, you saw the other nurse shoot you a look, the kind that said, 'seriously?'.

"If you wanna head home, I can close up," you offered to her. She contemplated it for a minute, before tightening her bag on her shoulder and scurrying out the door.

Whatever-

-you trusted androids more than humans anyway.

"Alright. What's broken?" you asked them, brightening your tone with the hopes it would relax them. Both men looked uneasy, quite out of their element.

The darker of the two nudged the PL600 forward - the one named Simon.

Simon looked uneasy, like he had just been pushed into traffic. You gave him a small, patient smile. Simon lifted a hand and dragged his knuckles across his jaw nervously. "I - ughh - my right audio input is damaged," he stuttered, turning his head to show you his left ear. It seemed like he had either been hit or had something thrown at him. The outer shell of his ear was damaged, exposing some of the circuit board underneath.

"Can't hear out of it, huh?" you offered.

Simon turned his head back to face you. "No," he answered quietly. "-and it's - ugh - buzzing."

"I have plenty of boards that should be compatible. At least we can fix your hearing tonight. The ear will take some time. If you come back tomorrow, I'd be happy to repair it?" you suggested, looking up at Simon. His hair was pushed back and a little messier than his models typically had, and he had incredibly blue eyes.

Simon almost looked like he wasn't allowed to say yes. It didn't surprise you. He likely hadn't had a pleasant conversation with a human in a long time.

The other man, whom you assumed was also an android, stepped around Simon. "Thank you," he said sincerely. You looked up at him more properly this time. He had a kind smile, but tightness around his cheeks, suggesting he had some hasty repairs done in the past.

His eyes-

-one was mossy green and the other was pale blue.

You swallowed roughly, starting to recognize this stranger. It was Markus, the leader of the deviants, the face of the resolution. You didn't want to make it obvious that you recognized him, and did your best to maintain a stoic expression.

As much as you wanted to say something - you weren't quite what that would be - you also didn't want to put him on the spot. He likely had to deal with this sort of unwanted attention all the time.

"Just a second - gonna go grab that audio component," you explained, stepping away from them to head for the storage room.

Before rummaging around for the piece, you sent Connor a quick message. "will be a little late - guy came in with a fucked up ear," you had said, pressing send and tucking your phone back into your pocket to pull out the right piece for Simon's model.

As you approached them, component in hand, you called out, "Simon, can you sit down here, please?" You stepped around a chair, patting the armrest. The android shuffled over nervously. He took a seat, alert, facing you. He was sitting upright, hands in his lap.

"If it's alright, can you lay down? It'll make it easier," you requested.

Simon blinked slowly, looking uneasy. Markus' hand fell onto his shoulder for a moment.

"It's gonna be fine," he promised gently.

Simon shot Markus a look of understanding before shifting around, leaning back in the chair, presenting his damaged ear to you.

"Can you open your panel?" you requested softly.

Simon nodded, a little more fiercely than was necessary, likely to show you that he heard your request. The panel around his ear unhinged, allowing you to prop it open. You poked the edge with one of your tools to carefully push it aside, exposing the component underneath.

It was cracked right down the center.

"I'm gonna remove the broken one now," you explained, leaning in with a tool in either hand. Simon was still as you worked, his eyes focused on Markus, who was watching you. He didn't look untrusting or uneasy, and that gave you some relief.

"This new one will need a firmware update," you said gently as you slotted the replacement in and lined up the connectors. Simon flinched a little at the sensation. You folded the artificial tissue back over and leaned back, giving the android space to sit up.

He was quiet for a moment, LED flickering yellow as he downloaded the firmware update. Luckily, someone had taken ownership of Cyberlife's firmware servers in order to keep them running.

Simon sat up when it was complete, turning his head to look at you. "Diagnostics are reading normal," he stated.

"Is the audio input working normally?" you asked. Simon made a thoughtful expression. "Can you hear me alright?" you added on, mainly to help him judge the input feedback.

"Yes," the android replied softly. "Thank you," he added on, looking at you with a smile.

He looked so sincere, as if he hadn't expected such kindness. It melted you.

"Simon, actually, I can do the shell tonight, if you don't mind?" you offered.

"I've already kept you," Simon blurted.

"No, I can't let you leave like that," you explained. "Please?"

"I-" Simon stammered. "I should be saying 'please'."

"You..." you began, trailing off as you wondered if the words that threatened to leave your lips were inappropriate. "You got hurt at one of the protests, didn't you?" you asked gently.

Simon looked uneasy. Markus, however, was fierce. "Yes," he replied for the PL600.

You nodded in understanding. "I want to help," you whispered.

It was the first thing that came to mind. You wanted to help. You wanted to make it better, in whatever way you could. You could repair androids. You could diagnose their damages. That was all you could do.

"Okay," Simon suddenly said, sounding much more comfortable than he did a few minutes ago.

You smiled and rotated around to the end table nearest you. The tools you needed, extra membranous materials and plastic shell casing molds, were there. You pulled everything out and set them on the table nearby.

"Your model doesn't follow a protocol for the skeleton-base," you explained, information Simon likely already knew about himself. He was an older model, meant to be discontinued. That knowledge only made the situation harder. "So, I'll have to take my time. Ready?"

The android nodded and turned his head to give you room to work. In the corner of your eye, as you leaned over Simon, you could see Markus in the corner of your eye, an expression that looked like 'thank you' on his face.

"May I ask your name?" Simon uttered at some point.

You gave it softly, seeing as you were right next to his ear, poking and prodding at the artificial flesh there.

"Why did you suggest a manual repair and not a full shell replacement?" Markus asked, sounding more curious than judgmental.

"It's really hard to get shells, especially for smaller parts. We're lucky we have any pieces," you explained. "-and I guess I've done this enough that it doesn't bother me..."

'-like some of the other nurses' you almost said. You decided to hold your tongue.

"You've been doing this for a while?" Markus asked, almost hesitant.

"I suppose so," you answered quietly. You had gone to school for biomechanical engineering fresh out of high school and went straight to work repairing damages androids. It was potentially the most depressing time of your life; but, you had a childhood that conquered that.

The androids were quiet after that, letting you work in silence, if not for the overhead fan making annoying buzzing sounds.

"There we go," you groaned, sitting up and briefly stretching your bag. You set your tools down and fetched a hand mirror, offering it to Simon.

Markus walked around to take a look.

"I feel silly," Simon chuckled, looking at his reflection. You joined in his laughter, recognizing he meant the mirror and the vanity it was implying.

"Looks good as new," Markus commented with a smile.

Simon offered the mirror back to you. "I don't know if 'thank you' is good enough," he uttered, looking bashful. He didn't seem like the same man that walked in those doors an hour ago.

"It is, Simon," you offered with a smile. "I choose to do this."

Markus' multi-colored eyes landed on you. "There are many damaged androids afraid to come here. If I can get them to put their faith in you, would you be willing to go to them?"

You gawked up at Markus, who looked down at you with confidence.

"I don't know if I could get approval for that - the parts, I mean. I would try, if you believe they would want it? -from a human, anyway..."

Markus' head tilted slightly and his eyes darkened with concern. "I want us to work together with humans - I want them to see that it's possible - that there can be peace."

You smiled at Markus; but, the first android that came to mind was Connor. You felt your cheeks warm at the thought of what you had almost said to him earlier.

"You recognize me, don't you?" Markus asked suddenly, catching you off guard.

"I do, Markus," you replied carefully.

"-you still offered to help?" Simon uttered. Your eyes shifted to him for a moment. He seemed uneasy, likely expecting more hostility towards the leader of the deviants, regardless of your profession.

"I don't-" you began, breaking off when you realized you didn't know where you were going with that thought.

"I've seen androids torn to pieces," you started, looking back to Markus. "I've had them delivered to me crying that they don't want to die... I came back here because of this - because of the revolution. I wanted to do something I could be proud of for a change..."

It felt strange-

-admitting this to Markus.

He had a way with people, making them want to open up to him.

"I understand the risk you're taking," Markus stated. "I won't ask you to come if I don't feel it's safe... I hope I'll see you again."

You nodded and watched the boys leave, hoping that Markus would return.

...

When you finally staggered into Connor's apartment that night, the android was seated at the island, folders, papers, photographs and documents, scattered along the surface in front of him.

He turned his head a little to acknowledge you when you walked in before immediately craning his neck back down, eyes falling back to the document in front of him.

"Hey," you hummed, walking over to him. You leaned over his shoulder and pressed a kiss against his LED.

"Hey," he replied back, leaning into the kiss. You couldn't help but laugh at how silly the word sounded coming out of his mouth. It didn't quite the suit the prim and proper detective.

"Thank you for agreeing to stay here," Connor said, sincere.

"Why would I say no to an opportunity to spend more time with you?" you huffed. "Besides, your place is nicer than mine and closer to work."

"I'm glad to know you're benefiting."

You hummed, a little irritated by his response. "You think I'm inconvenienced?"

"In a way, yes," he replied, in a tone that seemed distant.

"I'm not inconvenienced - geez, what's gotten into you?" you snapped a little.

Connor looked up at you, discomfort dashing behind his eyes. "I-..." he trailed off, looking back down at his papers. He dragged a hand through his hair. His fingers lingered briefly at the back of his neck before lowering back down to the counter.

"I'm sorry. I'm not handling this as well as I thought."

"The protests?" you offered softly.

The android didn't nod, nor answer. His eyes shifted away uneasily for a moment before moving back to you. It wasn't exactly a yes, but that seemed to be part of his trouble, at least.

"They're challenging your livelihood," you proclaimed. "You have every right to be upset."

"I made a choice against my creators; but..." Connor trailed off, his confidence waning for a moment. "This time, I have to be on both sides."

Connor felt as torn as he did back then. He wanted freedom for himself, for his people. He was fortunate to have a place to call his home, a job where he could find purpose. He wanted his people to have those things, too.

But, he feared the consequences of an uprising, of the human lives that would be lost. He still cared about humans. Maybe that was because of Hank - because of you. Maybe some part of his programming never quite left him.

You didn't know what to do - what to say. You wanted to embrace him and pull him away from that mess, just for a little bit; however, Connor turned away from you and buried his nose back into the pile of paperwork.

He wanted to confide in you; but, at the same time, he didn't. You had your own challenges, your own problems. He didn't want to add to that list. He didn't want to be one of the things that brought stress into your life.

"I'll-... be back in a second," you quietly, feeling small as you stepped away.

Connor's bedroom was as welcoming as you remembered and impeccably clean. You set your bags against the wall next to the archway that led into his bathroom. You brushed your teeth and changed into some comfy clothes, brushed your hair back, washed your face.

You returned to the kitchen and approached Connor. He looked up at you, hearing the quiet tapping of your bare feet on the floor. When his eyes lands landed on you, he looked conflicted.

"You know I believe in you... right?" you whispered, leaning against the counter nearest him.

He rotated around so that his lap was no longer tucked beneath the island's overlap. You decided to take that as an invitation and approached, standing a little closer, right in front of his knees.

"I like to imagine that. But, it feels better hearing you say it," he said quietly, like he was confessing to something outlandish.

"We'll get through this," you added on.

He looked away suddenly, lips tightening. You reached for him and cupped his cheek, pinkie and ring finger over the edge of his sharp jawline. Connor's eyes, warm, brown, shining in the bright kitchen lights, flickered back up to your face.

"I want to do this with you, Connor," you proclaimed proudly. "They're wrong about androids. Their views may never change, but that doesn't mean we can't strive for the future."

"This... isn't your fight," he said quietly, doubt flickering in his gaze. His brow lowered slightly. Your hand slid off his cheek and you frowned.

"It's my fight if I want it to be... and I do," you replied firmly, voice rising slightly.

"I don't want-" Connor stammered, frustration mingled with fear in his eyes.

"It's not just about you," you interrupted him sharply. "I care about androids - I did before I met you. I want to help. I-..." You trailed off, realizing you were mad at him for being worried about your safety. "I'm sorry for snapping at you, but-"

"No, you're right," he said hoarsely. "I shouldn't try to control you."

"That's not what this is!" you almost shouted, arms trembling at your sides. "I worry about you, too... -about what could happen. You're on the frontlines for fucks sake. But, you're a fighter and I don't want to change that. I love that about you..."

Connor was afraid that if his hands touched you, he wouldn't be able to let go. So, he kept them to himself, and soaked in your expression. He knew you cared about androids. He had witnessed it on more than one occasion. He didn't want to make light of your sacrifice.

But, still...

He felt so-

-selfish.

"You... amazed me, when I saw you risk your safety for androids - for people you didn't know, people who aren't... human," he confessed quietly. "You put yourself in danger," he said lowly, breaking off to roughly drag a hand across his face, pulling at his skin gently in frustration.

"-drives me crazy..."

He said it low, quiet, as if he wasn't sure he wanted you to hear it. He sounded both enamored and annoyed at the same time.

"You drive me crazy," you retorted softly with a smile.

You wanted him to reach out to you, to give you a kiss goodnight, or at least take your hand for a second. But, Connor didn't look like he wanted to be touched.

"I'm... gonna let you get back to work... Goodnight, Connor."

Connor nodded, uttering, "goodnight," and watched you leave. He returned to his case files and tried really hard to focus on the task at hand. His hand fumbled on the surface of the counter, fingers flexing, tightening, flexing again. He chewed his bottom lip for a second. Maybe asking you to stay here was a bad idea, if it meant he couldn't think straight.

He looked through the photos of suspects believed to be involved in the protest this morning, the one that resulted in some assaults on androids. He wanted to analyze their faces so he could remember them when searching security footage.

It wasn't easy for an android to forget a face.

It shouldn't have been easy for an android to get distracted; however, he was really struggling in that moment.

"...damn it," he growled at himself, tearing away from the counter and rising to his feet. He walked into the bedroom, trying to make careful footsteps while simultaneously not giving a fuck. He walked over to the side of the bed that you had taken a liking to.

He knew you weren't asleep. Your breathing pattern was too rough. But, he didn't care. Connor leaned over and pressed a kiss against your forehead and pretended he didn't notice the way your lips twitched against the pillow.

Just like that, he felt better, and returned to his mountain of paperwork with ease.

#connor x reader #deviant connor x reader #deviant connor #dbh fanfic #rk800 x reader #rk800 smut #connor smut

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anika-ann · 5 years ago

Text

A Matter of Trust

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader Word count: 5470 (oops)

Summary: You and Steve get to go to a mission together after a while; free drinks, partying, dressing-up nicely, stealing blueprints, the usual. You might even enjoy this as a couple.

Or… not really. Of course something would go awry. What else did you expect when wearing these killer heels anyway?

A/N: Written for or @wkemeup’s 4k writing challenge; congratulations! Well-deserved, no arguing here; shall the number continue to grow ;) Thank you for letting me participate!

Prompt: “Get in the closet, now!” (bold in the text)

Warnings: suggestive language, mentions of a kink, objectification, gun violence (brief), swearing (always), attempt at humour, fluff…?

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

In your whole history as an operative of S.H.I.E.L.D. slash Avenger, time had never dragged so slowly as it did at this party.

Not even Steve’s presence cheered you up, mostly because he was busying himself with being everyone’s company but yours despite you two coming here together. For a mission. To work, you reminded yourself.

It wasn’t like you hadn’t been there for the plan-making which had resulted in mutual agreement of Steve falling into the role of an honourable man whose infamous good nature prevented him from saying no to anyone who asked for a moment with him even if it meant leaving you alone. Which you supposedly mind, because you were here with him only to sneak in here and possibly get your five minutes of glory if he stood by your side long enough

And that was only an act for people who would have noticed you had arrived together.

For the others, you simply attended the party – a known cover-up for a place of business in arms-deal among the powerful men of the underground world – to have fun and seduce some rich businessman.

Sipping from the very same glass of champagne you had helped yourself with about an hour ago, you scanned the room in the search for the big boss. No, not Steve, but the man of the hour, the one whose blueprints you were meant to steal. The blueprints of a potentially large bomb that could kill tens of thousands if it went kaboom and released the nanoparticles of a dangerous virus to the air.

Lovely. Someone clearly had too much time on their hands coming up with crap like that only to make your life miserable.

“What’s a gorgeous lady like yourself doing at this party alone?” a velvety voice interrupted your dark musing and you vainly tried to cover the shudder running down your spine, cursing at the heat curling in your stomach.

Was this how he was talking to all the women who were throwing themselves at him tonight? Probably.

Had you been through that before? Yes.

Had you expected it to happen tonight? Sadly, yeah.

Was it bothering you? Hell the fuck yeah, even if you knew it shouldn’t and that it didn’t mean anything but Steve doing his job right.

You cursed mentally at your weakness and sighed out loud, spinning around to face the man.

“Waiting for a bulky blond supersoldier to come save her, naturally,” you hissed back, hating yourself for letting your jealously get the better of you.

Steve had never ever made you as much as doubt that you were the one for him, but that green bitch of an emotion still intruded on you tonight. You blamed the upcoming visit from aunt flow and the rush of hormones arriving with it and the fact you were itching to leave and go home just for getting rid of those ridiculously high heels alone.

You usually enjoyed wearing high heels, they gave you confidence as gazes of many men and women followed you, but the stilettos you had got chosen tonight could be used as murder weapon.

Ha, maybe you could try and sell them here, you’d make a fortune!

A frown appeared on Steve’s face, one of curiosity, regret and surprise when he registered your irritated tone.

“What’s wrong?” he demanded quietly, whispering to your ear intimately, only making the situation worse.

“You shouldn’t be talking to me, Captain Rogers. You’ll blow it.”

His eyebrow jumped ridiculously high and you realized what you said; you groaned both at his cheekiness and your stupidity.

“Blow our cover. Get your mind out of the gutter…” you muttered, putting some distance between the two of you for the sake of the cover.

“Maybe I’m feeling a bit reckless tonight,” he hummed back, his large palm resting on your lower back and you had to take a moment to swallow the blissful groan at his gesture. You loved his hands and the heels were not only killing your feet, but also you back, and the warmth radiating from his skin felt like heaven. “But seriously, are you okay?”

“You could have asked through the comm.”

“I wanted to check up on you personally. So?” he insisted and you couldn’t but sigh again, finishing your glass of champagne when you spotted Wagner, aka your target. You stepped away from Steve.

“Just tired. Want this to be over with. Go mingle, Steven.”

Pausing when you took a note of the harshness in your tone, you found his concerned gaze over your shoulder, whispering as softly as you could: “Thank you for your concern… Captain.”

You caught a glimpse of his discreet lopsided smile before turning away fully.

As you walked into the crowd, your long crimson dress curled around your feet with every step due to the provocative – read practical – slit ending mid-thigh. You hoped that the memory of watching you go would occupy his brain for some time while he talked to the flocks of both male and female admirers.

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

Two hours. It took you another two hours to ensure you’d be safe sneaking into the Wagner’s office slash bedroom.

Of course his bureau would be his bedroom; men like him knew nothing about good old sleep hygiene, because the thought of their money distracted them from the evil they were doing to the world and had them sleeping like babies.

Using the key-card you had snatched about three minutes ago, you easily entered the over-decorated room.

Looks like someone’s compensating for something, you noted mentally, not losing any time and activating the no-prints mode on your gloves; one of the perks of working with Tony Stark. You were wearing the nanotech the whole evening and no one had a clue, because the particles were imitating your skin. You’d leave a print on the glass of champagne if you wanted; if you planned on rummaging someone else’s office, leaving a trace was a different case and you wouldn’t take any risks.

Systematically starting on the right from the door and working your way through everything that looked even remotely like a possible hideout, you didn’t forget to gingerly place your palm over the wall-length closet so Friday could run scans.

God, you loved that Tony Stark was on the side of the angels despite not quite being one himself; according to him at least.

“No signs of anything else than overpriced shirts, tuxedos and sets for dom-sub play,” the AI announced, barely audible, and you cringed. Not what you needed to know. “Cuffs are men’s size. Dominatrix set for a wom-“

“Enough, enough! Gee, Friday…” you muttered under your breath, not liking the visual of Wagner in the middle of enjoying-

Gross.

“No need for that much detail…”

Shaking your head, you moved onto the desk; an obvious, perhaps too obvious choice, which was why you wouldn’t place your bet on it. But hey, you could never be sure enough until you checked.

The sudden noise on your right had you drawing your gun at instant, your pulse skyrocketing.

The first thing you saw was a large frame of the newcomer and neatly combed blond hair. Your shoulders slumped.

Steve raised his hands as he moved from the doorway to stand inside, his face visibly relaxing at the sight of you searching another man’s desk.

The door clicked shut behind him and you forced yourself to breathe in, shoving your gun back to the holster placed on your covered thigh.

“Jesus, Steve!” you whisper-yelled exasperatedly and resumed your inspection, paying him no mind anymore. You had more important things to do at the moment; not that you wouldn’t do him; Steve in a tux was sight to behold, like hold onto THAT, literally get your hands on it, but you were here for a job.

“You weren’t responding!” Steve replied in the same manner, causing you to freeze.

He had been trying to contact you? And you couldn’t hear him? But-

“Oh,” you let out intelligently, doing the math easily. “He must have some sort of a jammer in here, makes sense.”

“Uh-huh.”

“But I’m fine,” you stated, shutting one drawer, opening another. “How did you even ge– never mind. You should go-“

“Don’t wanna cloooose my eyeees!”

The distant howl-like shout from the hall turned your blood into ice, your eyes widening.

You had studied Wagner the whole evening; you’d recognize his voice anywhere, even when he was singing ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ out of tune.

“-before THAT happens! Shit!”

As you pulled out your phone, the live-feed from the camera in the hall offered you a marvellous view.

Two gorilla-men were dragging Wagner towards his room as his feet barely kept him standing. Gorilla number three was walking behind them just in case that their boss’ face decided to meet the floor despite the support offered to him.

Shit, shit, SHIT-

Closing the drawer you were currently scouring, lips pressed into a tight line, you eyed Steve; he was already bracing himself for the fight, caught in the middle of the process of discarding the jacket to have wider range of movements.

You whined internally – firstly, what a sight, it would always make you weak in knees no matter what. Secondly, if this was to end in a fight, the chances were that you’d make it out without the plans and you had spent the night in those killer heels for nothing.

Oh no, you don’t-

“Cause I’d miss ya’ BABY—I don’t wanna miss a THIIIIING!”

Scanning the room once more, your mind running hundred miles a minute, your gaze fell on the huge-ass closet of which contents you had learned more than you’d like to.

Your lips parted in surprise at the plan forming in your own head.

This is a terrible idea.

It’s yours!

Exactly.

Yeah, okay, fair enough-

NO TIME TO COME UP WITH A BETTER ONE-

Steve was kind enough to follow when you grabbed his arm and pulled him from his spot in the middle of the room, though he did shoot you an utterly confused look.

You met his eyes and gulped when the singing approached the room way too quickly to your liking.

“STILL MISS YA’ BABY–“

“I need you to trust me now,” you pleaded in hushed tone, seeing Steve’s pupils go wide, covering the somewhat always warm blue of his irises.

“With what?”

Well, he asked for it.

“Get in the closet, now!”

A second of shocked silence followed your request before his brain made the connection and a scowl twisted his handsome face.

“What? No! I’m not leaving you alone to face them!” he raised his voice minutely and you covered his mouth to remind him that there were ears present, inching closer with each second passing.

“DON’T WANNA FAAAAALL ASLEEEEEEP-!”

“That’s exactly what you’ll do! That’s easier to play off.”

Steve very much not agreed if his eyes flashing with anger were anything to go by. His hand pushed yours away as he towered over you.

“I’m not leaving-“

“Look at the gorillas, Steve!” you shoved the phone to his face, unlocking the closet and throwing its door open. “One word from them to the rest of security and we’re screwed. Get in!”

Something between a whine, a groan and a growl – neither of those sounds sexy given the circumstances – escaped his lips and you assumed he had to admit to himself that you were right.

Taking a mental note of his resistance diminishing, you easily pushed him towards the limited dark space.

“CAUSE EEEEEVEN WHEN I DREAM OF YOOOOOOOU- THE SWEETEST DREAM WILL NEEEVER DOOOOOO-“

“We can still play it off toge-“ he tried to protest one more time but you pushed against his chest adamantly.

“And say what? This isn’t what it looks like? We just happened to choose your office to get freaky? I’ll handle it. Trust me.”

Steve gave you his unfairly disarming pleading look, his puppy eyesTM, but backed into the closet without another word, clutching his previously stripped jacket to his chest, because he did trust you.

Fingers on the handle, you hesitated when you realized what could ruin the charade you came up with and planned on pulling off.

Swallowing hard at the terrible idea, you gave Steve a tiny encouraging smile as you drew your gun and three knives from your leg holster/sheath and pressed it to his hands.

“Hold these for me.”

Swiftly closing the door, the last thing you saw was the horror on his face.

As the door swung open and you spun on your heels, he had no chance to react.

The loud song which had been reaching your ears for seemingly endless time died on Wagner’s lips and the third extra gorilla of a man behind him instantly pulled out his gun.

And aimed it right at your face. While you had nothing to defend yourself but your bare hands.

Yay.

“Who are you?!” he thundered and like a charm, Wagner stood straight so the other two guards could have you at gunpoint as well.

Yet, what sent an unpleasant shiver through you was Wagner’s sleazy eyes travelling from your killer heels to your ankles, up to your partly exposed thigh, your waist and finally settling on your cleavage, not bothering to make it higher to look into your eyes.

So. He’s a pig. Shocker.

For once, you were grateful. Not that he was supposed to know that.

A sweet innocent smile spread on your lips as you eyed the weapons with what seemed to be almost a satisfaction, you hoped.

“A government agent, of course,” you said, voice pitched just a bit higher than usual. You felt a bit sorry for Steve at the moment; you were well-aware of nearly giving him a heart attack by saying that. “I work with Captain America.” Scratch the ‘nearly’. Poor Steve’s heart. “I was given the task to scour this place… very… thoroughly.”

Your tone husky now, your teeth bit down on your lower lip, your eyes watching Wagner with faked interest. He hypnotized your red lips before shaking his head as if snapping from a haze.

“They told me you’ve been a bad, bad man. I kept my eye on you all evening,” you admitted, not even having to lie.

The following smile you sent his direction was perhaps too predatory, but that could work. For him anyway.

“Who do you work for?!”

The guards were not as easily fooled as their drunk boss apparently; then again, you hadn’t expected them to.

“Oh. A.R.M.O.R. America-Related Manpower Operatives and Reinforcements.” God bless their hearts if they were going to buy that, seeing you were obviously trying to imitate the SHIEILD acronym. Very poorly. Playing it up, you let a giggle escape you before your expression turned serious, guilty even. “Oh. Probably shouldn’t have said that. It’s only my first time, you see. I finished my training few days ago.”

“Mm… look at ‘dat…” Wagner drawled and nope, it had nothing on the way Steve spoke when his accent peeked through while he was drunk on Asgardian liquor or lust alone.

Not relevant.

Wagner waved off his guard dogs, gesturing to one of them to approach you. “Why don’t we search you first?”

“Make it quick. I have…” you let your eyes trail over Wagner’s body, licking your lips when visibly lingering on his crotch, “more important tasks at hand. I came here for a mission. I’d like it to… finish.”

Two men instantly went to inspect you, patting you from the back, from the front, up and down, way longer and more thoroughly than necessary.

And they found what they were looking for.

One large palm harshly slipped between your thighs and you closed your eyes, willing yourself not to throw up at the pawing.

Gorilla One’s head snapping up to you, he pulled out the only weapon left on you, handing it to his boss and Gorilla Two grabbed your wrists and locked it behind your back, causing you to nearly hiss in pain.

“Oops,” you shrugged instead, burning gaze locked onto the man who was holding both your weapon and your life in his hands.

Your heart was beating frantically in anticipation, your confidence wavering as Wagner inspected the knife.

A slow smile spread on his face, his left eyebrow rising and then he finally, finally burst out laughing.

A confused ‘what’ sounded from behind you as the man’s utterly smashed boss howled in hysterical laughter.

“This—this is GOL-DEN!” he choked out, tossing the item to the very man who had handed it to him.

“It’s a stage-prop,” Gorilla One sighed.

And that it was. Thank you, Natasha Romanoff.

“Oh. So it’s fake.”

“Told you I have more important things at hand… so if—my hands could find some release please…” you asked sweetly over your shoulder. The very next second, you remembered just what was in the closet; and you weren’t thinking Steve. So you switched tactics. “That’s an order, actually. Let. Me. Go.”

“What the agent said, Greg,” Wagner beckoned, still chuckling, a new twinkle appearing in his eye, his face free of mistrust. Gorilla Two, Greg apparently, released your hands with reluctance. You didn’t bother thanking him. “And let her work. Off you go.”

When the gorillas wavered for few moments, you felt your impatience grow along with the pain shooting up your calves. Damn heels.

“Have you not heard your superior? Do I need to teach you some discipline?”

Wagner licked his lips, taking two wobbly steps towards you. It seemed to seal the deal for the guards, because they left the room.

“Someone went out of their way to get you… Must be my birthday then,” he grinned sleazily, his fingers twitching as if he craved to touch you, his hands stopping few inches from your hip. “I’m all yours, agent. Why don’t you go on with the… thorough inspection?”

Straightening your posture, chin stuck up, you nodded curtly.

“Of course. Sir, I’ll have to ask you to raise your hands to your head. Don’t move otherwise. I’m gonna feel for weapons now.”

“Yes, madam,” he responded breathlessly, but the second you started the process, his hand landed on your hip.

You stopped in your search, locking serious gaze with him. His pupils were blown, eyes dark with lust. His fingers squeezed, his gaze flickering to your mouth as you stood nearly chest to chest.

“Sir, this is highly inappropriate. I’m gonna have to ask you-“

His palm slid to your bottom, fingers digging into the flesh.

You narrowed your eyes, not even having to pretend you didn’t like that. You slapped his hand away, earning a sly grin. He didn’t try again immediately, which you were endlessly grateful for. Instead, he obediently raised his arms so he looked ready to be either searched or crucified.

Oh, you’d gladly.

“Sorry, Agent, I couldn’t help myself. What is such… pretty face like yourself doing in business like this?” he questioned in a husky voice and at that moment, you knew that your time spent around Tony Stark had taken its toll on you, because you simply couldn’t resist that pass.

“Stealing intel from pricks like you,” you mumbled under your breath, giving him just enough time to realize something was wrong.

A fraction of second later, the edge of your hand hit his throat, bruising his larynx and causing him to release a shocked huff of air. Kicking his knee next, your elbow met his face. A choked groan escaped his lips and you prayed to god he didn’t truly find his voice to call the guards.

You elbowed him in his right temple for a good measure, incapacitating his other knee so he nearly sunk to the floor. You slipped around him in one swift movement; your arm sneaked around his throat and cut out his airways.

Too stunned, he barely fought you and you felt all tension leave his muscles in no time.

Wagner’s body hit the ground as he slipped through your hands despite your best efforts. You winced at the thud shaking the floor; you quickly giggled loudly, playing it off as a drunken fun-time shenanigans. Just in case the guards were still at the door.

Satisfied and relieved when no one burst in with guns blazing, you walked to the closet, losing those damned stilettos on the way.

As soon as you unlocked the closet, Steve nearly hit you with the door when abruptly leaving the limited space. His eyes scanned you head to toe to find any sign of an injury, the flames in his glare fading only a bit when he found none.

“You almost gave me a heart attack!” he whisper-yelled and despite the circumstances, you couldn’t but giggle, this time from honest amusement as he proved your earlier thoughts right.

There we go…

“Worked, didn’t it? Now help me since you’re here, he’s fucking heavy…”

Steve gave you an incredulous look, one promising a storm coming once you had the time for it, but he went to pick Wagner’s body up without protest.

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

Steve was kind enough to have you use the bathroom first, so by the time he emerged – around half past three a.m. – you were already tucked in bed, waiting for him. His feet shuffled against the floor and he seemed utterly spent, as if he had been fighting an army from space.

You had both left the party unharmed; then again, you could imagine that socializing the way he had had to could be as tiring as an alien invasion itself. Also, he had been the one leave Wagner office-bedroom through the window, while you simply walked out of the room, winking at the guards who had indeed stayed by the door.

Steve slipped under the covers and turned off the bedside lamp, the warm light replaced by inviting darkness. Your eyelids felt heavy after the long night and you couldn’t wait to enter the blissful land of sleep.

Having Steve’s arms around you, a pleasant habit of his, you knew you’d be out in no time, but you made the effort to shift further into his embrace, sighing in content and murmuring ‘goodnight’.

Already halfway out as soon as you closed your eyes, you still registered his arm winding tighter around your waist, his nose pressed to your nape. A deep inhale, then another, warm breath and his lips inching closer with each second.

Pulled out of your slumber, limbs already heavy and yet floaty, half-hearted question left your lips.

“You ‘kay?”

“Uh-huh,” he hummed, his foot wedging between yours to pull you impossibly closer, his exhale long and wavering.

The tremble in it alarmed you, urging you to check up on his expression, on him. Willing your body to move, your heart skipped a startled beat when he wouldn’t let you turn around.

“That didn’t sound-“

His fingers wormed its way under your side laid on the mattress, flexing on the flesh of your waist.

“I’m fine….” Bullshit. “It’s just… you have no idea how hard it was to stay put while listening to all that, do you?”

Eyelashes fluttering in surprise, you took in his words, the subtle taste of fear in them, concern for how your abrupt plan could have easily go awry.

You allowed yourself a few moments before responding, forcing your memories, the images of you helplessly lying pinned to the ground after you saw a building explode – a building with Steve still in it – out of your mind.

“I… I think I can imagine. I’m sorry. I came up with an idea and thought it was for the best,” you whispered.

Honestly, you were still convinced that it had been the best thing to do given the circumstances, but that was momentarily beside the point.

“You literally told him you worked with me. I swear to God- I–“

Hearing the shift in his voice, a different emotion interfering – the pure horror, laced with exasperation – you softened your next words even further, running your fingertips over the back of his hand coaxingly.

Without any real hope, you attempted to turn in his firm embrace; this time, he reluctantly let you, your palms instantly trapping his miserable face.

“Hey. Hey, Steve, it’s fine. We handled it. We’re good. I just remembered Friday told me that he was a kinky bastard-“ Steve nudged you at the word and you fought hard the eye-roll he had coming at that “-and decided to use it.”

“You gave me your weapons and went against him empty-handed– never ever do that again,” he demanded, voice equally pleading and firm. You couldn’t help but nudge him back, because in your line of work, promising that technically equalled lying. “If there is any other option.”

You sighed, understanding all too well how he was feeling, willing to promise the latter to ease his mind. And to erase the worried wrinkles on his forehead. You kissed him there, the tension resolving under your loving gesture.

“Noted. I didn’t do that to get off, to have a high.“ Unlike some people, who seemed to do that sometimes. "I promise.”

“I know you didn’t,” Steve said, having the decency to add an edge of guilt to his voice, your verbal call for hypocrisy not going unnoticed. He kissed your left collarbone, tender and greedy, his lips sliding an inch lower to faintly feel your heartbeat and lingering.

“You know me well,“ you stated, running your fingers through his still damp locks, musing. "It’s… nice. Not as scary as I expected once.”

“Thanks…?” he murmured against your skin unsurely and you chuckled, a tired but oh so content sound.

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” he whispered, heavy-lidded eyes boring into yours, finding your lips with his to deliver a lazy but heartfelt kiss, one you felt reaching your very soul.

Shifting so your head was tucked under his chin, you nestled into the most comfortable position possible and Steve hummed into your hair, once more pulling your body against his, not an inch of space left between you. You melted into his warmth and finally, you felt his muscles fully relax as well.

As you once more walked the fine line of dozing off, a sudden thought caused you to snap your eyes open, your heart skipping a curious beat.

“Steve?” An absent hum was his only response, but encouraged by any reaction at all, you continued, knowing that you wouldn’t fall asleep without having the answer. “When you said it was hard… you weren’t referring to a… certain situation of yours, right? … or were you?”

Even with his body turning rigid, a rock-solid prove he was fully awake, he put effort into sounding sleepy.

“Just go to sleep, woman.”

“…were you?! Do you want me to… do some thorough inspection of y-“ you teased, fascinated, never finishing your thought as Steve’s large palm covered your mouth.

You resisted the urge to release the surprised laugh bubbling in your chest. It wasn’t that you thought Steve’s desire was ridiculous; you were just that amazed that it never came up; a true wonder given your line of work.

Momentarily incapacitated, you didn’t speak, but grazed your teeth over his palm so he would release you.

“Hush!”

“ ’khay-“ You muttered and he removed his palm, sleepy blue watching you in warning. You strained your neck to kiss the previously teased skin of his hand. “We’ll explore that another time. I’m beat. Still love you. Goodnight.”

With that, you curled back into his body, feeling the wide expand of his chest followed by an exasperated puff.

“Goodnight, you maniac. I love you too.”

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

Pins and needles in your toes ripped you harshly from the dreamland and you groaned quietly, rescuing your foot from the vice created by Steve’s own.

Shared sleep was blissful, releasing endorphins, the feelings of comfort and safety it provided irreplaceable and all that, but having your limb pinned to the mattress by a supersoldier was no joke.

You checked the clock on the nightstand; 8:27 AM. Sparing a glance at the man sleeping beside you, his arm wrapped around your waist, palm sprawled over our abdomen, you smiled despite the early hour.

Any other morning, you would have shaken off the cramp and scooted over to get even closer to Steve; however, determined to do something nice for him and make sure he was alright with what he had clearly considered an irresponsible stunt of yours yesterday, you thanked heavens for the unexpected get-up call and planned on wiggling out of Steve’s grasp.

“Where ya’ goin’?” he mumbled sleepily, the inches you had managed to put between your bodies erased as his arm pulled you back, his nose nuzzling your hair with a sigh.

“Bathroom,” you lied easily, lightly patting his forearm. “We’ve barely slept for five hours. You still have thirty minutes till your usual start of the post-mission day, you crazy-ass lark. I’ll be right back.”

“Mm-hmm… I’ll be waitin’.”

Chuckling silently, you freed yourself fully, this time without his protests.

“I’m sure you will, Steve,” you whispered, your smile widening when only ten seconds later, your words were followed by his quiet snort.

Grabbing one of Steve’s hoodies thrown over the backrest of a chair and sliding into it, you made your way to the communal kitchen instead. Your mission was to make Steve breakfast, secretly hoping you could talk him into skipping the usual run today and actually spending a day in bed. You thwarted big bad’s plans yesterday, for god’s sake, you both deserved a break…

As a reminder of the past events, a bruise the size of a boot on your thigh – which you didn’t remember getting – stared accusingly at you when you passed a mirror. You inconspicuously pulled the hem of Steve’s hoodie an inch lower in attempt to cover it. Vainly.

Rolling your eyes, you wondered just how nice you needed to be today; Steve had seemed more freaked out than anything else; nevertheless, the anger could come today and you rather if it didn’t.

Deciding pancakes, eggs and bacon were a safe bet, you hummed and opened the fridge.

It was the exact moment something caught you eye, a change in decorum; right above your head on the top of the fridge.

A big fat zero stared at you from the sign you had got Steve a while ago, a memorandum of your first first-hand experience of his utter recklessness on missions. Ever since then, you and the rest of the team made sure to have the board up-to-date, sometimes proudly and sometimes regretfully rewriting the number of ‘days without Steve doing stupid life-threatening shit’.

Now there was a zero. Your jaw went slack, your heartbeat skyrocketing.

It was not the only change on the sign.

Someone, and you had a very good idea who that might be (hint: he was sleeping in your bed), plastered your name over Steve’s.

Your smile froze on your lips and at that moment, you could have been knocked out with a feather.

Unbelievable.

Un-fucking-believable.

Shutting the fridge with a loud thud, bottles in its door clinking, you strode back to your shared room, sputtering curses.

The audacity of him!

When had he even- how had he done– all night— you had woken up before him-!

Forget pancakes, eggs and bacon; snark was on the menu today.

“STEVEEEEEN!”

You heard his laughter before you even reached the bedroom.

Looking at the bright sight of things, Steve being a little shit was a positive shift from his late-night anxiety. A brief smile crossed over your face before you stormed into the room, finding the blond culprit muffling his chuckles in a pillow.

Your pillow.

Jumping to the bed, you grabbed his own and opted to show him just how stupid you could get.

Because trying to take down a supersoldier in a pillow fight? The zero might have to stay on the board for one extra day.

As Steve’s carefree laughter echoed within the walls of your bedroom, filling you with pure joy, you decided you could live with that.

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━ ━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

If you’d like to know the origin of the board, I kindly point you towards my S.R. masterlist, specifically to Challenge Accepted…? Fair warning: it has more drama than this one.

Thank you for reading! ❤️

#kas4kwc #writing challenge #steve rogers x reader #marvel #fanfiction #mcu #marvel fanfiction #steve rogers imagine #steve rogers reader insert #captain america #captain america x reader #steve rogers fanfiction #captain america fanfiction #captain america imagine #avengers #avenger reader

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bluepenguinstories · 5 years ago

Text

Happiness Overload Epilogue III

After a while, we finally won. It took more effort than we were told, but about as much effort as we expected. There was still much ground to cover even after the conflict died down. Like, I hated to admit it, but for a while I would just watch the fragmented remains of the world I once resided on. Meaning, there was a long gestation period where no new timeline was created. There was a lot of weight, y’know, and it was hard to remember the person I started that journey as, and whether I was different now that that journey had just about come to an end.

Beside me, at the front, was my girlfriend, my lover. Sometimes she’d shower me in kisses, but other times she would get annoyed with my antics. Couldn’t say that I blamed her, as it’s not like my growth meant I had to let go of my humor.

As for how we defeated the organization once and for all...we had some help. Some people went back to their time willingly. Some were less friendly. I didn’t really care to remember all those fancy little details. Only a few really stood out to me. Like after we booted Dr. Humble and Dr. Modest into some odd timeline in the year 1907 with just the clothing on their backs. Why 1907? Maybe that’s the time they thought they could pick up the pieces from and start fresh from the ashes, but when they told us that’s the time they were from, we just went with it. At least we gave them nothing.

Then, Coriander and I ran, firing away at guards along the way. There was a bit of a mess to clean up eventually, but that was neither here nor there.

Down some long sets of halls, we regrouped with Juniper, and were surprised to find she had made some new friends. With one in particular seeming rather close to her.

“Juniper! Thank goodness you’re okay!” I cried out in relief.

“Guys! I’m so glad to see you!” Juniper also looked overjoyed.

“Who’s this?” I asked.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Hepburn,” the taller figure answered. She extended her hand. I shook it. “I’m from the HR Department. Or was! It’s pretty cool that I can use past tense now!”

“Huh. What was your job, exactly?” Coriander asked.

“I mostly suggested things to departments. Though they usually got twisted and the way they got interpreted was a little out of my hands.”

“Really? How so?”

“Like, I thought we should have a Morale Department because I couldn’t help but notice our members had some pretty low morale. So I brought it up like, ‘hey, right now everyone’s kind of bummed out and demotivated, but I think if we had some kind of mascot, our company morale would be so much better. For example, Hatsune Miku is really popular and it’s a scientific fact that no one’s unhappy when Miku is around. So maybe if we got an AI to encourage us, we’d benefit. The same could be applied to humanity as a whole!’ Then later I guess they added a dash of evil to the proposed AI, but by then I was already suggesting things to other departments.”

“Dang,” I groaned. “Sucks when intentions get misrepresented like that.”

“Yeah, well this place is big so it can be like a giant game of telephone around here. I don’t blame anyone, really! Besides, at least they gave me credit on the project.”

“They did?” I was confused. I never heard of any Hepburn being factored into the plans.

“Well, I was actually named after the Mt. Etna in Italy. I later changed my name when I became a doctor, of course!” She informed me. That sounded like a potential shocker for information, but I didn’t know how.

“There’s a lot to dissect there, but I’m no scientist, so let’s put that aside for now. We still have much work to do!”

Coriander meanwhile, trying to show off her attitude as ever, grunted.

“So are you and her like a thing now?” She asked Juniper.

Juniper rolled her eyes. “Come on, guys! I’m not thinking about that stuff right now! I’m just glad to have made friends! Really!”

“All right. Can’t blame you. We can’t declare victory just yet.”

Indeed. Our reunion had to be cut short so we could round up more people. Thanks to the collective effort, though, at least it didn’t take ages, like many would have thought. I took it upon myself to destroy all time travel devices after someone left. Every little time cube in the room full of time cubes and then some.

All but one.

The same one I had pocketed. On the off chance that Coriander and I could ever leave that ship (or whatever it could be called), I wanted to hold on to it. For a while, we lived out our days on the ship, but we didn’t really seem to age. Not really, anyway. Maybe if we made it back to Earth, some version of it, we would find ourselves aged many years over. Or be just as young as we were before we entered The Flashbulb’s headquarters.

Before long, it was just a few of us. Coriander, Juniper, Dr. Hepburn, Dr. Katsushika (she said she’d leave eventually, it was just hard for her to leave all her art supplies behind), and I. Everyone else parted ways with us in some capacity or another. Many we grew to be friends with, but had to leave them behind all the same. That was fine with me, as a good few people always made me more comfortable than a whole crowd. Even with the company, it really was a lonely existence. Enough to drive anyone mad.

But we kept searching.

I would look around on a screen which displayed a nigh-endless supply of timelines. I narrowed it down to the year we lived in before we left home. Then, I looked for a place where Coriander and I didn’t already exist. At long last one day, I found such a place.

“Oh my god! Spicy! Meatball!”

“For the last time, don’t call me spicy meatball!” Coriander retorted. Yeah, yeah, so not all of my nicknames for her stuck, but I was excited enough to try.

“We can go back home!” I cheered.

Coriander leaned in close. “What?! Really?!”

It was decided long ago that if we ever decided to go back to Earth, it would have to be in a timeline where we didn’t already exist. I didn’t quite like the idea of killing myself off just to live on. I don’t know how it would have worked for Coriander, but she agreed that was for the best. What pained me was thinking that when this new timeline from the ashes of our destroyed world came about, was the uncertainty of not knowing what the version of Blanc would be like. If the version of me in that world would ever meet them or not. I think I would be content even if that Velvet didn’t meet that Blanc, but would I be content with the possibility that the Blanc of the new timeline wouldn’t be happy?

I didn’t want to focus on that. I really didn’t. I had my life, and my journey, and as painful as it was, I had to let such a possibility occur. It was better than no possibility at all.

“Hey Juniper!” I called over through the microphone. “I think I found a way to get home!”

If I had to guess, it was like an hour later when Juniper came through the doors, but time within those confines wasn’t something we really kept track of, as much as I wished we would. She was out of breath, having ran, but she was just as cute as a button as ever.

“Really? Guys?” She huffed, hunched over her knees. Jeez, I really should have told her to take her time.

Time...that was a strange word to use. But one that seemed unavoidable.

“There’s just one problem,” Coriander pointed out. “Apparently Juniper already exists on that version of Earth.”

“What?!” I balked. “That’s not fair!”

Popsigirl/Dr. Katsushika fell down from a ceiling vent and landed doing a cartwheel.

“That’s the way things go! You’re going to have to make a compromise to get your happy ending!” She snapped her fingers and grinned.

“Argh! I hate compromises, and I hate this ‘no perfect ending’ bullshit!” I turned to Juniper. “I wanted you to come along with us wherever we ended up.”

That was enough to get me to sulk. But Juniper just smiled.

“Aw, it’s okay, guys. I think it’s more important that you two get to go. Don’t worry about me!”

“But I’ll feel bad just leaving you behind like that.”

She shook her head. “Don’t think like that! I’m really glad to have met you guys, really. It’s not that I don’t want to return to Earth one day, it’s just that I’m fine with waiting. I always knew we would probably have to split, anyway.”

“What about you, though?”

“Honestly,” she looked away, still smiling, but she looked a little more nervous. “I’m not sure how my journey will continue, and I really will miss you guys, too, but I still consider you guys my friends and I’m more now that one day, I’ll have something of an idea. For now, I’m happy just having gone on this journey.”

“You say that, but I’m still worried about you being safe…”

“Please have a little more faith in me than that.”

I let out a long sigh. There was a handful of emotions attached, but when I drew in a new breath, I managed a smile.

“All right, then,” I said at last.

“So it’s decided, then? You guys are gonna go?” I could feel Dr. Katsushika’s excitement on her breath as she leaned in close to me. I wanted to shove her aside, especially when Coriander still couldn’t stand her presence, not that I blamed her for that, either.

“Not just yet,” I grimaced. “I want to make sure you’ll go home first.”

She flashed a grin, then wrested control of the monitor from me and with fervent motions, searched away until she found a time and place.

“I understand that I can’t really be forgiven for the stuff I’ve put you two through, but I think I’m going to enjoy being with nature again! Maybe I’ll be a sage or something, or take a vow of silence, or become a hermit who feeds ducks?”

“I’m sure you could pick up art again, too,” Juniper suggested. “You just gotta take it easy, is all.”

That got Popsigirl worked up into a storm of laughter.

“Hun, ‘art’ and ‘taking it easy’ don’t belong in the same sentence. But...I’d like to draw and paint, yes. And maybe I’ll get it right in time.”

I used the time travel device to open up a portal to the timeline Dr. Katsushika selected. I wasn’t sure which name she would choose in her timeline. Maybe she’d drop the doctor. Maybe she’d drop having a name entirely. There was a fondness I felt thinking about the possibilities, even if I couldn’t really forgive her.

When five became four (Dr. Hepburn, Juniper, Coriander, and I) I waited for Dr. Hepburn to enter the room, then I bade Juniper and her our final goodbyes.

“Hey, I can’t promise a perfect ending either, but for what it’s worth, I hope you the best,” Coriander told Juniper.

“I second that,” I added. If Coriander didn’t say it, chances are I would have. It was becoming more and more difficult to find the right words, so I was just glad Coriander could sometimes fill in the blanks for me.

“I would like to inform you that I had a board meeting with myself and it was unanimous that whatever happens, we’ll have fun,” Dr. Hepburn assured. I refrained from asking. Really, when you got down to it, she was a last minute character.

Juniper reached into her pocket and handed me something.

“Here, I made it. It’s a little invention of mine.” I looked at the object in my hand, a small metallic sculpture of a beetle.

“I call it a june bug! It can light up in the dark, but only in the month of June! That way you won’t really have to worry about leaving me behind too much.”

I laughed, though it almost came out like a cry. I had to wipe my face, even though it was more humorous than anything.

“That’s so dumb...I love it,” I told her.

I set the time travel device on the desk I had been sitting at. Coriander was the first to walk through the portal. I was sure I’d see her in just a little bit. But before I would, I turned to Juniper and Dr. Hepburn once again.

“If you guys do find a timeline you wished to go to and decide to leave, please destroy that for me. Or, if you decide to stay here...destroy it, too.”

Was it really necessary to do so? I mean, I could trust them, and all access to the headquarters from outside had been blocked off. Still, maybe it was the paranoia in me that told me it was better to be safe than sorry.

Wherever Coriander and I may end up next, with a good, a bad, somewhere in the middle as an ending awaiting us, I was just glad I would be brave enough to face it. No, that wasn’t just it. It meant even more to me to be able to spend the rest of my days, however that looked, not being alone.

#happiness overload #writing #after the end #epilogue #second to last epilogue #four will be the last one #then thats it #no more happiness #its time to calm down #fiction #whatever this story turned out to be #velvet #coriander #story

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clownjail · 6 years ago

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A Robot's Kokoro

A little gift for @minoux, even though her VN hasn't come out and I probably got all the characters personality wrong, I'm craving Iris content and so I had to do it myself 😤😤

Pairing(s): Iris x Asuka

Word Count: 1, 728

Trigger Warning: None!

The winter was always tough during this time of year, Asuka knew that more than anyone, working in the hospital had its fair share of ups and downs, there were times she couldn’t even leave her office till the next day. Though it was chaotic at times, she didn’t mind it, not like she had anything going on in her personal life...or she thought.

“Wait, what!? I don’t understand…” Asuka looked at the AI in front of her, astonished that she even brought it up, fully knowing the circumstances that is going on in her workplace.

“What is not to understand? I want you to be at my next concert.” Iris calmly said. Asuka heaved a heavy sigh, she knew that Iris wasn’t asking for much, and if she really didn’t want to go she could always say no and Iris would understand but that was thing, she wanted to go. They hadn’t had a moment of peace together since the holiday season started, Asuka was booked with work and Iris had several concerts and meet ups that she was scheduled to go, and even if this moment of peace was filled with screaming eleven year old boys in the crowd, she really just wanted to spend time with her.

But on the other hand, what will happen if she missed a day off work? The seniors there are pretty ruthless and would never let her hear the end of it, they would probably make her do even more work than she already has…

“While I’m flattered that you’re inviting me, I don’t have tickets to go, and besides my schedule is already packed” Asuka explained. Iris stared at her blankly, though her expression was hard to understand what she was thinking at times, Asuka trusted that Iris understood what she was trying to say.

“Ah I see, I thought you would say that...ah yes, I still have it...” Iris mumbled under her breath, as she was digging through her purse. Asuka raised her eyebrows at the sight, wondering what her AI girlfriend was doing.

“Here you go, now you don’t have an excuse not to go” Iris said as she handed a VIP ticket to Asuka. Asuka stared at the VIP ticket in her hand, completely dumbfounded, and also a little bit flustered.

“H-how did you get this!? I thought they were all sold out already?” Asuka choked out, not knowing the right words or what to say, she never thought she would ever get the chance to touch -let alone see- a VIP ticket yet here it was, and it was for Iris concert nonetheless. Then again it could be the perks of dating an idol who knows their way around the industry.

“Well it is my concert after all silly human” Asuka blushed at Iris accidental teasing, knowing full well it was a dumb question to ask.

“But I still have to go to...wait, where are you going?!” Looking away from her VIP ticket for the first time, she saw Iris was already headed out the door but before she left, Iris turned her head around.

“I’ll see you in the concert then”

And just like that, she gently closed the door, leaving poor Asuka alone dumbfounded and confused.

“What did I just get myself into..? Let’s just hope my boss will understand....”

~~~~

“This was definitely a mistake…” Asuka thought to herself bitterly, standing inside the backstage room. She somehow managed to convince her boss to give her the day off by pretending to be sick, but now that she was here, she couldn’t help but feel nervous. What if they somehow found out she was lying? What if the seniors at her workplace see her at the concert? They’ll probably never let her hear the end of it…

“Ah you came, I’m glad” Iris interrupted her thoughts, Asuka mentally thanked her for that.

“Are you alright? You look quite squeamish” Iris asked, noting how nervous Asuka looked. Asuka flushed d at her comment, was she really that obvious? She hoped that Iris couldn’t tell what was wrong, she was a programmed AI so why would she?

“I-im alright!! Really, you don’t need to baby me!” Asuka snapped out of embarrassment, Iris however didn’t seem to notice. Not taking the hint, Iris comes closer to her, the nose were basically touching each other, there was no leftover space between them.

“Are you sure? Your heart is beating faster than a normal human rate, and besides, your face is so red, that usually doesn’t happen unless they’re embarrassed or lying...are you lying to me?”

“I-i…” Asuka choked out, she was a stuttering mess, not knowing what to say. Iris blue dull eyes were staring right at her and Asuka didn’t know how to feel or what to do, all she could do is just stare at her and nod.

“Iris your up!” Before Iris could say anything else, and before Asuka could die inside a bit more, her manager luckily swooped in before things could go further. Iris backed away and nodded at her manager, giving Asuka time to breath and comprehend what had just happened.

Before she left however, Iris walked up to Asuka, this time not as close, crouched down just a bit and gave her a sweet cold kiss on the cheek. After what happened Asuka was prepared for anything to happen but she will be lying if she said was anticipating a kiss on the cheek, maybe a hug but not that!

“W-what did you do that for dummy!!” Asuka snapped again in embarrassment, holding her cheek that Iris kissed, so that Iris couldn’t see she was blushing.

“Hm is it not natural to kiss someone on the cheek for good luck,? I thought that was common among humans”

“Yeah but I kiss your cheek for good luck, not the other way around!!”

“I see, will then you care to kiss my cheek for good luck then?”

“Iris you need to get going!” Her manager snapped, interrupting the banter between the two, Asuka was grateful for that. Iris nodded and out the door they went, leaving a very flustered Asuka by herself.

~~~

The concert was a big success to no one’s surprise, but even so Asuka was happy for her, and so she suggested they celebrate her success.

“I don’t know why we are here” Iris said.

“We are here to celebrate obviously!” Asuka replied happily, as she played with the cats.

“I didn’t know celebrating meant going to a cat cafe” Iris dryly replied, petting the numerous cats that were coming to her. Asuka rolled her eyes, there wasn’t a lot of places they could go without being spotted, besides going to a normal cafe, Asuka would imagine Iris would get bored of it since she can’t drink or eat so a cat cafe was the obvious best choice. Asuka could eat and drink as much as she likes and Iris can entertain herself with the kitties, a perfect solution.

Just as Asuka was going to say something, someone somehow noticed Iris, who was dressed in her everyday clothing, and one thing lead to another and now they were swamped in a crowd of fans. Asuka sighed, standing away from the crowd far as possible, as Iris waved and smiled, just her luck, the one moment of peace they had together privately was ruined.

“Asuka, is that you! Aren’t you supposed to be sick?!” In the crowd of screaming fanboys, there was one in particular that stood out from the rest and that just so happens to be her boss. All the colors of her skin, left her ghostly white as she saw him marching toward her, there was a thousands of excuses that popped up in her head yet not one of them stuck.

“Boss, what are you doing here!” Trying to switch the topic away from her, Asuka switched it back at him. Boss lowly growled at him, clearly amused with her silly attempts to save herself from a lecture and a possibly fired.

“Wait I can explain..!”

“Sure you can, after I’m-”

“Is there a problem here sir?” Iris interrupted, successfully getting away from the crowd.

“This doesn’t involve you lady, -oh my god it’s you! Iris, can I get your autograph! I’m so sorry for disrespecting you my queen, I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!” Asuka looked absolutely shocked at the man in front of her, was this really the same guy as her strict boss? Iris didn’t pay him any mind, and just kept nodding along, clearly not paying attention to his useless rambling.

“Thank you for your support and now if you excuse me, we have a date to continue and I hope in the future there will be no trouble” Asuka snapped her head at Iris direction, glaring at her, she just can’t be going around telling people about their relationship!

“..A-ah yes very well! Have a good day to both of you!!” Asuka could tell he was startled by her confession but didn’t bring it up. After he left, Asuka couldn’t mask her frustrations and continued to glare at Iris.

“Why do you look so upset?”

“Because maybe it has to do with you airing our relationship like that! You’re lucky the press wasn’t here but who knows if he was going to tell them and the people at my work will never let me hear the end of it-”

“It’s not like the press are going to believe him without some type of evidence. Besides the majority of the people you work with are old, so it’s not like they know who he’s talking about. They’ll probably think he’s delusional.”

Asuka sighed, she knows she’s right but she couldn’t help but still jump to the worst case scenario.

“If that doesn’t stop them then I will take care of it, so don’t worry” Iris flashed a small smile at Asuka direction and then continued to play with the cats. Asuka rolled her eyes but didn’t push it any further, she had a gut feeling in mind that she didn’t want to know, what Iris meant by that.

“Whatever floats your boat Iris…”

“But I don’t have a boat to float on? Or is that another of your weird human ways of speaking?”

“No, it’s-, ah nevermind! Just eat your food...!"

"But-"

"Shut up!!"

#Ashita No Kage #IRIS_0666 x Asuka #bloo writing jumbles #rinna better appreciate the content that I give her or get gloxked 🔫😤😤#jkjk ily rinna...if you give iris a route-

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osmw1 · 6 years ago

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Dimension Wave Chapter 28 — Drawing Aggro

“Ow… are you kidding me?! 5,000 points of damage with a single hit?!”

Even though I was in light armor, Cerberus hit me way too hard considering that I was in a defensive stance. I didn’t actually feel any pain, but that much damage was enough to make me wince.

5,000. Raid bosses in other games have a lot of attack too, but it’s almost as if Dimension Wave’s objective was to kill off players. In any case, I couldn’t respawn, so I had better make sure this was the last time I get hit. I turned to face Cerberus again. It would be dangerous if I stayed in this position. Cerberus looked like it was about to attack again.

“Tsugumi! If you’re out of MP, then fall back for now!” “O-Okay!” “Sorry, Shouko, but we’ll have to tough it out for the next little while!” “I understand! Tsugumi…” “What is it?” “You were very cool.” “… shut up.”

Tsugumi muttered out as she withdrew from the frontline. Well, I’m sure she’s proud of herself too, but I bet she’s embarrassed to be complimented like that by another girl.

“Big bro…” “Hmm?”

She moved behind a tank with a shield before calling out to me. Her scythe may be bulky, but her medium armor allowed her to evade and it seems like she didn’t take damage.

“Why did you come save me?” “Because we need you to deal damage later… or at least that’s my excuse.” “I thought so.” “It’s because I’m your older brother, I think.”

I don’t think I’d risk life and limb if it were anyone else—save for the three girls in my party. It’s not like I’m noble enough to try to save everyone.

“But Spirits are…” “Why are you worrying about it? 5,000 is but a bee sting… well, not really, but… I mean, umm, it’s not a lot either?”

I wanted to play it cool, but now that I do some mental math, it really was quite a big blow. It’s a game. This much is expected. Grinding isn’t everything and I love just hanging out and chatting with my friends, so that’s not a waste of a time. But still, especially because I’m a Spirit, I don’t want to throw my life away.

“That’s right! Spirts don’t let their friends die on their watch!”

I know exactly how much it sucks to lose Energy, so that’s why I really don’t want anyone to sacrifice their lives. We’ve got to aim for the best and beat the status quo. That’s what it means to be a Spirit! I blurted that out loud, but surely, that’s a good response.

“Miss Kizuna…” “Agh.”

As soon as I made my excuses, Yamikage popped out from nowhere. I bet she witnessed everything. And I mean everything… Oh, god. That’s so embarrassing.

“Miss Kizuna… how wonderfully moving art thy words!” “Huh? Huh…”

I questioned her a second time before I fully comprehended what she had said.

“I wish to offer myself to the party.” “… okay?” “Perhaps we could have thy sister join our party.”

What, are you going to use a support skill or something? There’s lots of different targets for support skills, including self, all, party only, and so on. For example, my Speed Gutting is a self-buff.

“Can we do that, Tsugumi?” “Yep. Should be possible.” “Then I’ll send a message over group leader chat to let Roz know.”

There were countless people dedicated to fighting one monster. There’s no way I could pick Roz out from the crowd, but I can use leader chat to contact him.

‘Roz, I know you’re here! Just wanted to let you know I’m borrowing Tsugumi!’

I shouted out loud and someone shouted back. That’s gotta be him. Then, I opened up the party menu to invite my little sister.

—You have sent Tsugumi an invitation to your party.

“She’s in the party now, Yamikage.” “Aye, then I shall use my recently acquired skill.”

Yamikage then casted a skill as she tends to do. It took but a second; much quicker than Drain.

“Energy Converter!”

Greenish white orbs began to flow from Yamikage to Tsugumi once she exclaimed her skill. Honestly, I was a little weird out seeing her use a skill other than Drain. Tsugumi looked in astonishment at her as well.

“MP recovery?” “‘tis a skill for all Spirits for transferring Energy to another party member.” “What, does it heal HP and MP for non-Spirits, then?” “Aye, verily.”

That’s a pretty handy skill. But why does only Yamikage have it’s for all Spirits? From the discussions on skills with Shouko, she’s never mentioned this one. Maybe it’s really hard to unlock.

“So that skill, what are the unlock requirements for it?” “‘tis to gain more than 1,000,000 Energy.” “… what did you say?”

That must mean total accumulated Energy over 1,000,000 from the start of the game. But even then, it definitely takes time and effort to get there, especially considering that Yamikage loses 3,000 Energy each hour. I guess she must have gotten used to it before she even met us.

“I don’t know exactly how much Energy it burns but are you okay with it?” “I have no doubts as I have been moved by your words, Miss Kizuna. Not to mention, I currently have more Energy than I need.” “… alright, then, please.” “Aye, aye!”

Yamikage casted Energy Converter again. It seems like it’ll take at least five times to get Tsugumi back to full MP, but it should get her back to full operating efficacy soon. After three times, Tsugumi was already itching to get back into the fray.

“That’s good enough! I’mma join the fight!” “Aye, very well. I can cast it at medium range, so I shall keep at it!” “Gotcha. Thanks, girl!”

Tsugumi gave Yamikage a big smile before jumped back to face Cerberus. Shouko had been working extra hard to compensate for the missing Tsugumi. Analyzing its attack pattern, each of Cerberus’ three heads are controlled by different AI since each head attacks a different target. I’m not 100% sure, but it seems like it saves its fire breath to attack the ranged attackers. As it tries to spit fire, Shouko attacked its face to mess up the monster’s aim. Then right after, Cerberus targeted Shouko. Instead of dodging, she aimed squarely for its right arm…

“Wild Dance, the Fourth: White Feather Reversal!”

Shouko caught Cerberus’ attack with her folding fan and activated her skill, dealing a great blow. … that’s a counter, eh? You see skills like that in fighting games. You can only activate them when your opponent attacks. It’s hard to use since you’ve gotta predict the enemy’s attack, but it usually deals quite a lot of damage. I don’t know how strong Shouko’s was, but I bet it was very powerful too.

“Soul Size!”

Tsugumi joined the battle and attacked all three of the monster’s heads. Does each head have its own individual health bar? I’m guessing each head is separate from the torso too. There might be a separate health bar for its arms too.

“Damn! The boss isn’t focusing on anybody! We’ll fall apart like this!”

It was a tank who shouted out loud. He has a point. Cerberus was switching between Tsugumi and Shouko, then sometimes it attacked other allies with its flames and tail. It makes sense why this was happening, but it wasn’t a good situation for our archers and mages. Archers wear light armor and mages wear robes. Neither have really good defense. We’d be out of luck if they get wiped out by the boss. It’d be awesome if I could draw hate from just even one of its heads!

“I’ll try to pull aggro from the head that spits fire!”

I whipped out my Rod of Humanoid Timber from my inventory. Frankly, this isn’t equipment suited for the battlefield. I moved past the tanks and archers. From a distance, I could see that Shouko and Tsugumi were like acrobats zipping around the boss. If I moved far enough, maybe it’d look like a circus or something. I guess that’s just how much better they are than me…

“Looks like the head in the middle is the one that breathes fire…”

Damn! It moves around too quickly but I have to give it my best shot!

“Hate & Lure!”

A blue light glowed as my sinker bounced off Cerberus’ head. It looked over my way… except it was really targeting the archers instead. If it doesn’t work the first time, I just have to try over and over again.

“Hate & Lure!”

I used the skill three times in a row. Hate is accumulative, so luring it from range took quite some time. Whoa! It looks like it’s totally ready to bathe me in flames! I stepped to the side and away from the archers. The fire barely managed to toast me for 1,500 points of damage. I’m glad the other girls can evade so easily, but unfortunately, I couldn’t do acrobatics like they can.

However, the effect was great. The archers and mages came out completely unscathed, meaning we still had a chance of winning. Alrighty. Lemme use it once again. This time, Hate & Lure hit its left arm. Crap, it’s swinging right at me.

“Fast Shield!” “… oh, hey, Roz.”

Roz tanked for me with his shield skill. Naturally, I was unharmed. It looks like the skill did what it’s supposed to do.

“Kizuna, you keep drawing aggro and I’ll cover you. If it targets you, I’ll be able to melee attack it too.”

A bunch of players drew near with powerful two-handed axes and two-handed swords, all clad in medium armor. It’d be ridiculous to expect everyone to be as acrobatic as Shouko and Tsugumi, I guess. Oh, and it seems that most taunting attacks are melee skills, making Hate & Lure pretty rare. The downside is that its damage is absolutely trash. I think this skill is actually meant for luring fish instead of monsters. Well, I’ve gotta make do. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

“Gotcha! Now let’s take down the beast with your powerful skills!” “Leave it to us. Let’s go!”

Arrows, spells, and arms all worked together to take down the boss. This was the beginning of the end of Dimension Wave.

contents: /prologue/ /ch001/ /ch002/ /ch003/ /ch004/ /ch005/ /ch006/ /ch007/ /ch008/ /ch009/ /ch010/ /ch011/ /ch012/ /ch013/ /ch014/ /ch015/ /ch016/ /ch017/ /ch018/ /ch019/ /ch020/ /ch021/ /ch022/ /ch023/ /ch024/ /ch025/ /ch026/ /ch027/ /ch028/ /next/

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daphnegeeksout · 7 years ago

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If You Were Here (3/9) [Tony Stark x Reader]

Read it on AO3

By: daphnethewriter

It’s hard to live this way… to only see someone through the other side of a screen. Tony stumbles across a computer bug that’s more than just a bug. You need his help, but first you need to win his trust. Hopefully you can do it before time runs out.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Words: 3,474 Chapters: 3/9 Language: English

Chapter 3

Tony wakes to the rhythmic beep of the heart monitor and the burning smell of hand sanitizer. Shit. The medical suite. Usually he can get there under his own power, so if he wakes up already there… must have been a bad fight. What was it this time? Aliens? Hydra? Some new hell?

His head pounds as he opens his eyes to the sterile, white walls and piercing lights. The pain that pierces his skull triggers something: a recollection of driving and… and someone yelling at him. He groans.

"Here."

Tony steadies the glass that presses to his lips and gulps the contents. His stomach roils against the water. Such a familiar feeling. Not a battle, then. At least, not one against any new demons. When he finishes the water, he turns, squinting through crusty eyes at the man next to him. Steve. "What happened?"

"You had a blood alcohol level of .30." Tony jerks around at the sound of Rhodey's voice. He hadn't seen him on his first inspection of the room. His expression is as dark as his voice. "We had to pump your stomach."

"What were you doing driving?" Steve asks.

Oh god, a carousel of bad decision-making. The familiar pit of shame unfurls in his stomach. A thousand lectures roll through his mind. Tony shakes his head to clear the noise, then raises his palm to his temple when that hurts.

"That would be the concussion," Rhodey explains. "Still aren't sure how you got it. Care to enlighten us?"

He remembers the yelling. And the brakes pushing themselves. Then the steering wheel rushed at him and everything cut out. "How did you find me?"

"You showed up in the garage," Steve says, "passed out cold. How did you even make it back?"

Good question. The Lotus can drive itself no problem, but Tony hadn't set the autopilot. You. You must have taken over the car. Oh fuck, fuck, that's wrong in so many ways. Tony raises a hand to his throbbing head.

"Someone called for medical aid," Steve continues. "Don't know who."

For an AI, you're one hell of a busybody. "Must have been FRIDAY," Tony says.

The room freezes as Rhodey and Cap look to each other.

"Trying out a new AI?" Rhodey asks.

"Blaire told me Tony was working on a new one," Steve answers. "She said he built a girlfriend."

Oh hell. For someone who can't speak, Blaire sure has a big mouth. "She is not my girlfriend," Tony snaps.

<He did not build me.> Your familiar hologram materializes at Tony's bedside.

"Go away, Cheshire," Tony says. "We'll talk about it later."

<Bullshit!> you snap. <We'll talk about it now. I don't take orders from you and, after last night, don't you think for a second that you're in a position to give me any.>

"Tony…" Steve's voice toes the thin line between confused and concerned.

You continue as if he hadn't interrupted, crowding into Tony's space. <You took a bath in whiskey and I had to knock your dumb ass out so I could drive you home.>

Tony's temper unravels, his anger at himself lashing out at you because you're a convenient target. "I didn't ask you to do that."

You match his bark for bite. <I wasn't fucking doing it for you. You can plow your car into the river for all I care.>

You seem to be on the road to a full-fledged tirade, one that Tony isn't in the mood to share with Steve and Rhodey. "FRIDAY, flush the system."

<FRIDAY, don't you fucking d—>

You vanish with a flicker, leaving Tony alone in the dark with Steve and Rhodey.

"What the hell is going on?" Steve asks.

By the time you reassemble yourself and break back through the Avengers' firewalls, Tony is out of the medical ward and the team has gathered in a conference room for a heated discussion.

"What is that thing?" Rhodey asks. You bristle at his tone.

Tony sits at the head of the table, his forehead resting against the wood. "She—it… well, I don't know exactly."

<I'm a person.>

"Oh, great," Rhodey says. He throws his hands up. "It's back."

"Tony," Steve speaks this time. His eyebrows knit together. "What does it mean: it's 'a person'?"

<Same thing it means for you,> you say. Now that you've exposed yourself to the entire team (thanks, Tony), your chances of getting help are quickly diminishing. You don't have time for niceties anymore.

"Cheshire. Just"—Tony lets out a long breath through his nose—"stay out of this right now." He doesn't look up. It doesn't matter, there's nowhere for him to make eye contact.

He sits up and rubs the bridge of his nose. "Sure, whatever, but can you shut up for just a second?"

<I'm not just some AI that you can—>

A tingle on the extreme edges of your consciousness distracts you. Before you can investigate, an aggressive push rocks your hold on the system. You recognize the touch. Vision. You’ve never interacted with him directly, but you've tiptoed around him enough times to recognize the signature.

You push back with everything you have, overwhelming him and chasing him back into his own mind, maybe a little beyond. Physically, he flinches, dropping to one knee where he had stood. All eyes turn to him.

"Vis?"

He holds his hand up to reassure the woman—Wanda—who had rushed to his aid. "It is alright. I attempted to remove the intrusion from the system."

"Hey," Tony calls to the ceiling. "Knock it off."

<I'll keep my hands to myself if he does.>

"Let's just… figure out what's going on here first," Natasha says.

"What's there to figure out?" Rhodey asks. "Tony, that thing is a menace."

"You what?"

Everyone starts talking at once, telling Tony what he should do. Prevailing opinion seems to lie with your destruction.

"I know!" Tony shouts. The other voices stop. "I know it doesn't make sense and it's dangerous and you want me to fix it. I get it. Just let me think for two seconds."

A ringing silence follows his outburst. For a few moments, only tension fills the air. Natasha is the first to speak again. "Tony, what happened?" Her voice is gentle, coaxing.

He takes a few moments to steady himself, then addresses the group again, his tone flat like he's giving a lecture. "There's a woman at a long term care facility in Albany. That's who she"—he gestures to the ceiling as if that's where you live—"claims she is."

"Is that true?" Steve asks.

"I don't know."

Rhodes chimes in, "This is crazy. People can't be computers."

"They can," Natasha says. "Steve and I saw it."

Steve meets her eyes. "Zola's lab. At the SHIELD facility. He transferred his mind to a computer bank before he died. They kept him there for decades."

"Yeah?" Rhodey asks. "And how did that happen?"

Tony answers before you can give a sharp retort. "She was at Helen Cho's facility. Ultron blasted her with the scepter."

"That's what gave me and… Pietro… our powers," Wanda says from the corner where she stands with her arms crossed. "Exposure to the staff."

"To the Infinity Stone," Vision says. Silence falls over the room.

"Are we actually considering this?" Rhodey seems scandalized.

"It would be an oversight to not do so," Vision answers.

"And what if it's another Ultron?"

Tony comes to your defense. "She's not like Ultron."

"How do you know?"

"I just"—he rubs his hand over his face—"She's not."

"She's dangerous!"

A sharp knock on the table stops the conversation. All eyes turn to the woman—Blaire—sitting next to Steve. [I was dangerous] she signs.

Steve lays his hand on her arm. "It's different."

Blaire looks to Tony, a combination of confusion and pleading. [she can't control her powers] she insists. [we should help her] The group exchanges uncomfortable glances. [what do you want to do?] Blaire asks Tony.

Tony raises an eyebrow at Steve. "You're really okay with me doing this?"

"If we said no, would you listen?"

Tony smirks, but doesn't answer immediately. He stares at Blaire's pleading face, his expression shifting my millimeters each second. You'd hold your breath if you had one. "Yeah," he says finally. "I want to help."

Tony arranges to have your body moved to the Avengers facility. It isn't hard getting permission—your grandmother is all too eager to jump at the chance Tony offers. Which is good, because no normal doctor on earth would sign off on what he's planning. You're braindead and he's going to perform experimental surgery so that a computer program can run a human body. And he's not sure that's possible. He has all of your paperwork, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Tony doesn't even know what he's looking for, but knowing everything has to be a good start, right?

"Physically, she's in incredible shape," Bruce says after he finishes a thorough examination of your body. "Considering how long she's been in a coma, she should have experienced significant muscle atrophy."

"She didn't?" Tony asks.

"Not nearly as much as she should have. It's similar to—" Bruce cuts off, eyebrows knitting together.

"What?"

Bruce removes his glasses, fiddles with the frames. "Did you read the SHEILD files from when they revived Steve?" When he looks up from his hands, his eyes pierce through Tony.

Tony had perused most of SHEILD's files, and paid attention to the ones regarding Rogers in particular, but he didn't see how that was connected to you. "They aren't exactly springing to mind."

"He'd been in the ice for seventy years," Bruce says, as if that explains the connection. Tony lifts an eyebrow, inviting him to continue. "Not only did he survive, but he was in the same shape he was when he went under. No rehab required. Even under lab conditions, cryogenics wouldn't have worked that well."

"The serum?" Tony suggests, but his gut tells him no.

"I'm starting to think the super soldier serum gets more credit than it should." Bruce reaches for the supplies to draw blood. "I'm not sure about this, but I'll look into it. We might have more in common than I thought."

<Like what?> you ask. Bruce startles a little and looks around the room as if he could see you. You oblige by shimmering the hologram into view beside him. Tony smiles to himself. It's easy to forget that you're listening when you don't make yourself apparent.

"If Loki's scepter emitted high levels of gamma radiation," Bruce explains, "it's possible that you received your powers that way."

Which would be a common link in all the super-humans suddenly popping up. Steve, Bruce, Wanda, Pietro, Blaire, now you…

"So," Tony says, "gamma is the key to all this?"

"Maybe. I'll see what I get back from the blood sample."

In the meantime, they run the full gamut of exams. Tony has to remove all your piercings so he can run the MRI. There are… a lot. Every time he thinks he finally has them all, you remind him of another one. Not to mention the tattoos. Is there any part of you that isn't covered in ink? The MRI clicks and whirrs as the images flash on the screen.

"It's a normal brain, Tony," Bruce says, watching the monitor. "I don't know what you're looking for."

Tony didn't either. "It can't be normal," he says, leaning toward the screen. "Not completely. She's not in there." There had to be something the doctors missed. This wasn't a normal case.

"Right, that's why the scan shows no activity." Bruce waves at the screen. "Brain death."

<I'm not dead.>

"As far as your brain is considered, you are," Bruce corrects you.

"Yes, but is it healthy?" Tony asks. Dead or not, he can't put you back if your brain has turned to soup.

"How should I know?" Bruce shrugs. "In most cases, this is where they would contact the family about organ donation."

"But there aren't any injuries?"

"Not visible, no."

<So, I should be able to go back in.>

Bruce sighs. "There is no in. Consciousness doesn't just jump in and out of the brain."

"Even if you can," Bruce says, though his tone is skeptical, "How do you think this is going to work? Once you're in there?"

"The brain runs on electrical pulses," Tony says. "It's an organic computer setup, if you think about it. She should be capable of running it, assuming we can make the transfer of consciousness."

"Theoretically." Bruce pinches the bridge of his nose. "Not sure how you're planning on doing that, but I'm guessing it will be brain surgery. Massive brain surgery."

"Well, how else are we going to do it? She needs the connection. If I can create a fine enough mesh, actually integrate her into the cerebral cortex, then she can transfer from the electrical current of the mesh into her own neurons."

"Theoretically." Bruce sits down in what Tony now recognizes as a weary gesture. "Tony, this whole thing is a crapshoot. She's unique. There's no precedent for this sort of transfer. We can't go back on it. It's not like we can make a copy of her. We can't even test it beforehand. If this goes wrong, there's not a second chance. You could fry her brain and destroy both halves of her."

"We managed to stick Jarvis into Vision, didn't we?"

"Yeah, but Vision was an infinity stone. And the body was manufactured in the cradle. He's a synthetic life form. You're trying to shove something synthetic into an organic container. There's no way of knowing if it will preserve her existing consciousness. You could kill her." Bruce runs his hands through his hair. "Look, Tony. This kind of neuroscience is way beyond me. I think… I think you should consider this a little more."

Tony stays in your room long after Bruce leaves, just… staring at your body. He doesn't see it, per se. He's just thinking, running his thumb absently over the pulse in your wrist.

<What's up, Doc?> Your hologram appears on the edge of your bed, wearing a hospital gown, just like your body.

"Doc?" Tony asks. His expertise is more mechanical than medical, even if he is stepping outside his comfort zone for this.

<You have three doctorates,> you say. <At least one of them should count.> Your hologram shifts, folding her hands in her lap. <Having second thoughts?> You ask. Your tone is nonchalant, even if the question isn't.

Tony stands. It's not… cold feet or anything like that. The challenge is exhilarating, but the consequences? Tony isn't used to consequences. At least, before the Avengers, he wasn't. Now it feels like every breath he takes is costing lives somewhere. He does something, someone dies. He sits out, someone dies. Buildings fall and democracy crumbles and he used to not worry about those things. Collateral damage. He makes a circuit of the room. "You're safer staying where you are." He runs his hands through his hair, mussing it. "Bruce is right. There won't be any second chances at this." Collateral damage. Numbers, statistics, death tolls. It's easier to gloss over that way. But you… you're personal. You're a living, breathing—no, not quite that. You exist and you care. And Tony hadn't realized how much he'd grown attached to you.

<You know,> you say, interrupting the vicious circle that his thoughts run, <I don't remember what bacon tastes like.> Your hologram smirks at him and your body remains still as ever. It's like watching a ghost. <Like, I know that's a stupid example, but can you imagine? Not remembering that? Or what sunlight feels like?> Tony looks down, not able to maintain eye contact, even if the image isn't really you. <This isn't living, Tony. I can't feel anything or touch anything. As far as I know, I won't die—not without help. I don't want to live forever like this.>

Live forever. You say it like it's a death sentence. Maybe it is. Tony's considered that, not in the same way, of course. But… what if he outlived everyone he loved? Yeah, he'd risk his life too.

It's amazing to watch Tony work. He goes into a trance, focusing so hard on his task that the rest of the world seems to shut off. His big hands do delicate work, creating the most amazing things out of nothing. Even so, even with his mind at full capacity, the mesh isn't an easy creation. There are too many variables, too many catches and tricks. The brain is sophisticated—hacking it seems to be giving Tony trouble. Days worth of trouble.

<You should go to bed, Tony,> you say when, once again, it's three in the morning. Tony is still working.

Tony jerks out of the daze he'd fallen into. "I'm fine."

<When was the last time you actually slept?> You know when that was, of course. You don't sleep and you have nothing better to do than watch him. It's been thirty-two hours and twenty-six minutes since he took a catnap in the lab. Tony needs sleep. Real sleep. In a bed.

"Don't worry about it. Don’t you want me to find a solution to your problem?"

<Yeah, but I don't see how running yourself into the ground is going to help things. Won't a little rest be better?> Ok, so your motives aren't purely practical, even if you phrase them that way. Sleep would help Tony think better, but you're more concerned with his wellbeing. He isn't a machine, even if the others often treat him that way. They seem to have grown so accustomed to his self-sacrifice that they take it for granted. That's just Tony. He'll do whatever it takes.

"I keep pushing until it comes to me. That's how I work."

Of course it is. That's the problem. He doesn't see himself as worth caring for. He thinks he's expendable. You cross in front of him and he pulls back instinctively, rolling his chair away so his hands don't pass through you. <Why did you decide to help me?> you ask. It's a distraction, one that might help your cause. But you're also curious. He'd been so adamant, but when someone else questioned you, threatened you, he became your greatest defender. <What changed your mind?>

Tony picks up a screwdriver, then puts it back down. "You're my responsibility."

Ok… not what you were expecting. 'A challenge' maybe or 'Because I felt like it'. But, you'd approached him for help. He didn't owe you anything. <How's that?>

"I made Ultron. If it weren't for me, this wouldn't have happened to you. Wanda would still have a brother. All those people in Sokovia—"

The way he cuts off, the way he looks down, the only direction where you can't see him directly in the cameras… he's… you process the image, searching for comparisons, but it isn't familiar. It's almost like he's ashamed. <You wanted to help people.>

Tony laughs, a dark, self-mocking sound. "Oh, yeah. That worked out great."

"Really? Because I thought I did." He paces the edge of the lab. "I thought I had seen it. I thought that what Wanda put—what I saw—was where we were going. I knew. I knew if I didn't create Ultron, that that's where we would end up. So, I did. And I made something so much worse."

<Tony…> It's not pain—you can't feel pain—but, god, it's so close. You want to touch him. You want to reach through the circuits, the code, anything if it meant you could get to him. You settle for moving the hologram, lifting her hand to cup his cheek. He can't feel it, there's no way he could, but he leans into it just a little. In all your time in this disembodied state, never once have you felt such a powerful need to have your physical form back. You'd give anything—everything—if you could reach him. <You're so brave.> It's utterly inadequate. But how are you supposed to describe him? Everything he's sacrificed, everything he's endured—all the suspicious glances from those who are supposed to be his teammates, the accusations, the threats. And all he ever wanted was to keep people safe.

Tag List:

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#tony stark #tony x reader #avengers #ironman #fanfic #mcu #if you were here

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margueritehall · 4 years ago

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Chapter One: My Kingdom Come Undone

Stood on the cliffside, Screaming, “Give me a reason” ( Hoax ; Taylor Swift )

April 27, 2018

“Kate, were you able to—?” Maggie gently rapped on the doorjamb, poking her head into the older woman’s office. She cut herself off when she saw the woman in question at the window watching a disturbance contrasting against the light blue, mid-morning sky. Stepping fully into the room, a shuttered breath caught in her chest as Maggie’s blood ran cold, her hands shaking as she watched the descent of a gargantuan O-shaped spaceship. She could feel the papers slip from her fingers, falling on the floor around her.

Suddenly, she was twenty-one again and waiting by the phone for her parents to call and tell her that they were okay. To tell her that they had been out to lunch when the Leviathan crashed into the building. To tell her that they were on their way home and traffic was a nightmare but they’d be there as soon as they could. The call had never come.

It was happening again, not even six years after the Battle of New York; the world had turned upside down once more. She swallowed, placing her hand on her stomach and forcing herself to slow her breathing as she tried to refocus her train of thought to what they could do to help in the moment, “We need to get the teams together. We’re— we have to do triage.” Every cell in her body was screaming out; each of them telling Maggie that she should turn and run far away unless she wanted to meet the same fate as her parents.

“Oh, god.” The white-haired woman reached out, touching the glass of the window with her fingertips in disbelief. It was like she hadn’t heard a word that Maggie said.

“Kate!” Maggie raised her wavering voice, walking further into the office to take her shaking hand and bring her attention to the other pressing matter at hand. The woman that Maggie had come to see as an almost-surrogate mother’s eyes were filled with tears when she looked at Maggie. “We have to go. Now.”

Kate nodded, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath before she finally made an effort to ground herself. “Get everyone you can and just get out there and start checking on people.” She gestured out the window at the chaos awaiting them below. “We’ll meet back here at eleven for a check-in.” Gathering some files, she tucked them under her arm before grabbing her phone and coffee and walking out past the younger woman. “It’s going to be a long day.”

Pulling the scrunchie from her wrist, she gathered her brown waves into a ponytail before picking up the forgotten papers from the floor. She ran through a mental checklist, ensuring she had her phone, notepad, and calling cards. Following the Chitauri Invasion, and the loss of her parents, Maggie had made a decision to help others in the way that she wished she’d been helped when dealing with the immediate fallout of the events. Trading in her neuroscience major for social work, Maggie graduated with her master’s degree and took a position with the stateside branch of the Stark Relief Foundation.

Only a week after applying for the job, she’d received a call from Iron Man himself— or, as she knew him, Uncle T. Tony had gone to Phillips Academy with her father where they’d been roommates. He’d been their family friend since before she was born and he was curious to know why Maggie, the closest thing he considered to be a niece, hadn’t called and just asked him for the position.

Tony knew she was more than capable— since the death of her parents, he tried to keep in contact with her as much as possible. He attended her award ceremonies and graduations, he and Pepper took her out for celebratory dinners in the absence of her guardians, they exchanged letters while she served in the Peace Corps in rural Europe. They both knew he felt guilty for their passing despite Maggie’s forgiveness; it was like he was trying to make amends that had never been needed.

When he made an attempt to offer her the job, on-the-spot, she furiously explained that she wanted to do it on her own merit and go through the entire process without his, or Pepper’s, help. “God, you’re just like your mother.” She rolled her eyes, a small smile on her lips as she thought of her mom; she’d gotten her spit-fire personality from somewhere and it certainly wasn’t her goofy dad. Maggie had been hired less than a week later, following multiple assurances that Mr. Stark hadn’t had a part in the process, and she moved upstate to be headquartered at the New Avenger’s Facility.

Occasionally, she’d return to the city for meetings and conferences or she’d travel wherever the foundation dictated but typically she lived quietly, just an hour outside of the city. She heard F.R.I.D.A.Y. over the loud speaker, calling out orders on behalf of Tony. If she hadn’t already been kicked into gear, she would have been upon the AI’s order as she called out certain teams to be dispatched across the city. Descending the stairs as quickly as possible, she finally reached the crowded street where the deafening screams echoed and were carried further by the turbulent winds swirling the dust and debris of the city. Like Tony had said before, it was time to work for a living.

Bumped, bruised, and exhausted, Maggie re-entered the office building just before noon; she knew that she was late and she’d have to get back out as soon as she touched base with her superiors. While first responders had gotten to those injured immediately, the SRF came to the aid of those in shock or those that had been displaced following the earlier event.

After the large ship ascended and left destruction in its wake, the city had calmed down exponentially; people returned home, clean-up crews were sent out, things returned to some semblance of normal. It felt suspiciously calm. Opening the door to the conference room expecting to find her entire team, she only found Pepper, Happy, and Kate speaking quietly over the large table.

At their odd behavior, Maggie felt a sinking feeling, “What’s going on?” She heard the mumble of the television across the room. A familiar, goateed face filled the screen, the word ‘missing’ caught her eye and her stomach lurched. Her voice was quiet as she asked, “Where is he?”

Pepper’s red-rimmed eyes found Maggie’s apprehensive ones. The woman who was typically so elegant and composed was still dressed in the workout attire that she’d likely been wearing when the invasion began. “He… was on that ship.” Pepper looked at her hands that rested on the table, trying to keep calm. The glint from the diamond on Pepper’s finger caught Maggie’s eye and she felt a sharp pang in her chest.

“Well, F.R.I.D.A.Y. should be able to track him, yeah? Anywhere in the world? Friday?” Trying to keep her quivering lip at bay, Maggie blinked back tears. She triggered the interface that was installed in Pepper’s phone as it sat on the table between the adults, “Where did he go?” The look on Kate’s face confirmed that they’d already tried this without any success.

“When Mr. Stark left our atmosphere, we lost track of him. We don’t have any coordinates at the present moment, Miss Hall.” The feminine brogue responded somberly.

“Oh.” Maggie placed a shaking hand on the table, bracing herself as she sat down. She avoided eye contact with anyone else, trying to drown the panic far below the surface. “He— he’ll be back.” She didn’t notice the volume of her voice rising, “When he’s done fighting whatever the hell that thing was, he’ll come home.” She’d already lost her parents. They couldn’t lose Tony too.

A dull ringing started in Maggie’s ears and she closed her eyes tightly before she heard Kate’s voice whisper, “What’s happening?”

As she opened her eyes, she saw Kate staring at her hand that had slowly begun to turn to dust. “Kate?” Maggie could barely hear her own voice. It was like the world moved in slow motion as the dust dissolved across her body until the woman was gone. Until she had been blown away by some invisible wind that no one else had felt. Until she ceased to exist.

“What…was that?” Maggie blinked, trying to make some sense of what she’d seen. “Where did she go?” Standing, and stumbling in her urgency, Maggie clamored to the now empty seat where her mentor had just been. Pepper and Happy only looked at one another as Maggie ran her hand across the empty seat, her eyes wide in confusion and fear.

How were they to know? How were any of them?

xxxxxxx

Disclaimer: This page and this author do not claim ownership of any of the media seen on this blog aside from original character personalities and fictional stories. If you are a content creator of any gifs or images and wish for any of your content to be credited or removed from the page, please contact me here or on my personal account (@twelvesoswald) and the issue will be resolved as quickly as possible.

#we learn to live with the pain - fic

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takaraphoenix · 8 years ago

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Phoe’s Advent Calendar: Day 17

Closer and closer to presents-day with each post! This one, prompted by @sylviasnow89, I hope you like it. ^o^

Title: Advent Calendar Project – Lost at the Mall

Fandom: Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Heroes of Olympus

Disclaimer: All rights reserved to Rick Riordan for he created the awesomeness that is Nico di Angelo. And everything else related to Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Heroes of Olympus. Aside from the Gods, they belong to the old Greeks. This fanfiction and its OCs on the other hand are entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.

Warnings: shounen-ai, fluff, Christmas fluff

Main Pairing: Nico/Percy

Percy Jackson Characters: Perseus Jackson, Nico di Angelo, Piper McLean, Annabeth Chase

Summary: Percy got lost at the mall and finds himself at a pizza restaurant, waiting for his friends to find their way back. Nico's father runs a pizza restaurant.

Links: FFNet | AO3

Lost at the Mall

Percy frowned thoughtfully as he looked around the mall and walked slowly. Everything was beautifully decorated for the holiday season. He had gone here with his two best female friends Piper and Annabeth. Only that he had somehow lost them. Or they had probably lost him, he didn't really know. All he did know was that the mall was huge and the last time he had seen them, Annabeth had exclaimed something about a new book from one of her favorite authors, tugged on Piper's hand and gone they were. There were three bookstores in this mall and Percy kind of really didn't like bookstores too much so maybe it would be okay if he'd just let them do this on their own and he'd go and find them later on? After all, Annabeth could spend hours in bookstores. It was awful, at least for Percy and his attentionspan. So instead, he was just going to wander around a little, maybe use the chance to go and buy presents for Annabeth and Piper. It was a little hard to do Christmas shopping for someone while said someone was also there.

...Maybe he could do the shopping a little later, because the scent of delicious pizza filled his nose and there was just no getting back from pizza. Licking his lips greedily, Percy instantly changed directions and headed toward the booth that claimed Hades' Pizza Place – Where the pizza tastes divine. Percy grinned broadly at the dumb pun – he loved dumb puns.

"Ciao bello, welcome to Hades' Pizza Place. What can I get you?"

"You", blurted Percy out doe-eyed, staring at the handsome Italian behind the counter. "To go?"

Nico – as the name-tag claimed – laughed, a warm and pleasant sound. His dark eyes sparkled as he wiped his dark curls out of his forehead. Nico dragged his eyes up Percy's body slowly.

"I'm afraid I'm on the job and can only sell pizza", chuckled Nico. "Can settle for that?"

For now", frowned Percy, eyes wandering to the menu. "Oh. Mh. Yeah, I'll be fine settling for one of those bad boys. The prosciutto and peppers one, please."

"On it", replied Nico and got to work.

Once he got his pizza, Percy sat down at a table with the perfect view on the counter and ate what he considered the best pizza he had ever eaten before. He watched Nico interact with customers for a while and then Percy returned his attention to the gifts he had already bought. He started sorting them, checking who he had covered and who was still missing. Grover was easy – Percy, Annabeth and Piper had pitched together to donate to the rain forest in their name, knowing that was what would make Grover and his fiance Juniper the happiest.

"Christmas shopping?", asked the pleasantly accented voice from earlier.

Percy looked up and watched how Nico slipped into the seat opposite him. "I... yes. Uhm...?"

"I'm on my break", grinned Nico. "And you're cute. Did you seriously hit on me or was it just a reflex and you talk to the guy behind the counter like that all the time?"

"You are gorgeous. I was so serious, though I did not mean to blurt it out like that", grinned Percy.

"So, what's your name, pretty?", asked Nico curiously, arms crossed on the table.

"Percy", replied Percy with a pleased smile. "But please continue calling me 'pretty'. I like it."

Nico laughed at that, eyes sparkling. "You're cute. So, big family...?"

He motioned at the heap of presents. "Lots of friends who count as family to me. Though I got my parents, stepfather, half-brother Tyson on one side of the family and half-brother Triton on the other side. I just... really like making the people I love happy, you know?"

"That's... sweet", smiled Nico softly.

"You? Big family?", asked Percy curiously.

"Not big. Papà, mamma, two sisters", replied Nico. "All running the family business."

"And what's with the pun? Not that I don't love it, but wouldn't like... Hestia be a better call, or Roma?", inquired Percy, tilting his head like a curious kitten.

Nico smiled at the adorable look. "My father's name is Hades. Yes. Really."

"Ouch", laughed Percy. "Well, you can be glad that he didn't continue the naming tradition."

"True enough", hummed Nico, a content half-smile on his face. "Are you all done with shopping?"

"I'm afraid not", sighed Percy. "I'm here with two of my friends and we're barely through half our list. But I kind of... got lost. I have a short attentionspan. Tend to get distracted."

"Lucky me that you got distracted then", smiled Nico with warm eyes. "Because I got to find you."

"So. Since you're currently working and I can't take you out... When are you not working?", asked Percy boldly and leaned forward some. "Because I think I should go and try to find my friends."

The smile on Nico's lips was way too pleased and way too endearing. He grabbed a pen from his apron and scribbled a number down on the napkin before pushing it toward Percy.

"How about you just text me when you got time and we'll... find a time and day?", suggested Nico.

"That sounds nice", grinned Percy pleased as he got up. "It was nice talking to you, Nico."

"Likewise, pretty", replied Nico with a wink.

"Perseus Jackson! How dare you just slip out from us to eat pizza!"

Nico jumped slightly and blinked as he turned toward the angry blonde who came storming toward them like a Fury. Next to the blonde was a gorgeous native American girl, looking at Percy in amusement. Percy's friends, Nico concluded. Though... Perseus?

"Perseus?", echoed Nico, turning to Percy.

"Ye—eah. As I said, you can be glad your father didn't continue the naming-tradition", drawled Percy with a deadpan. "My parents thought they were being 'cute'. It was not cute."

"Percy, you can't just up and disappear in a crowd like that."

"Pipes, I didn't disappear. You did", countered Percy with a pout. "I was looking at something blue and shiny in a window and the next moment, you were both gone."

"Blue and shi... You are such a cat, Jackson", grunted Piper amused.

"Meow", grinned Percy broadly. "Oh, but I totally found something you can get me for Christmas!"

"And what might that be?", sighed Annabeth exhausted.

"Well. I want to say the blue shiny thing I saw in the window, but then I found this one and I think he'd look really good in a blue bow", mused Percy, looking at Nico.

Nico sputtered at that, staring at the boy in surprised. "You are... something else."

"Ye—eah. Get used to it", nodded Piper gravely, patting Nico's back.

"Anyway. Can we continue this trip now? I have my stepbrothers to shop for", sighed Annabeth.

"Su—ure. See you later, gorgeous", grinned Percy, winking at Nico as they left.

~*~ The End ~*~

#nicercy #percico #pernico #nico di angelo #percy jackson #percy jackson and the olympians #pjato #fluff #christmas fluff #fanfiction #phoe's advent calendar project 2017 #pjoverse #heroes of olympus #OTP: to Tartarus and back

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henqiguai · 8 years ago

Text

klance fic rec

enjoy!

❤ = favorite

❤ ❤ ❤ = god-tier

COMPLETED

All In by cheshireree (7k, T)

As far as Lance's teenage heart was concerned, apparently everything started and ended with him cradled in Keith's arms. Or something equally as embarrassing that Lance didn't really want to think about.

or, 5 times Keith carries Lance and 1 time Lance carries Keith.

all we have to do by aknightley (19k, T)

Keith gets hurt during a mission, and Lance is not sure how to handle that.

Lance wakes up on the floor outside of the medical bay, jerking wildly, body a mess of aches and twinges.

As If by surveycorpsjean (6k, M)

The five times Lance was his impulse control, and the one time he wasn't.

Ascension by Gigapoodle (11k, Not Rated)

Four times where Lance feels insecure, and one time where Keith has had enough.

Bright Ideas by ceiland (19k, G)

After a mission meant to be routine goes awry, Keith and the Red Lion crash-land on an ice planet in the rim of an obscure solar system. Except—Lance, in the course of risking his life to save Keith's, winds up stranded on the surface with him. Comms down and Lions out of order, together, they've got to avoid extraterrestrial weather conditions, Galra patrols, and the tension that happens when you're on a time limit to confess your feelings.

Cut to the Feeling by usernicole (15k, T)

“Let’s do it again,” Keith says breathlessly. “Here and on every planet we come across. Let’s get married on every planet we can.” “Are you joking?” Lance asks, incredulous. “You really want to get married to me on every planet we land on?” “Yes,” Keith says, voice high pitched and shaky with residual adrenaline. “Yes. Every planet. If it feels like this every time, let’s get married ten, twenty, a hundred times.”

“Let’s break records. I want the universe to see us and be jealous.”

Or: Five times Keith and Lance get married, and one time they don't.

Rest of the fics under the cut!

electromagnetic by seabear (25k, T)

Lance spends a lot of time wondering about his place in the universe. And his place with Keith. Oh, also there’s a heist and some fake dating.

Entangled by Purpleneutrino (101k, M)

When Keith found himself mentally linked to Lance of all people, he never thought that it would end in anything but irritation and misery on both sides. He certainly never imagined that it would be a useful asset in team Voltron's fight against the Galra Empire. Now if he can just keep his feelings in check, they might actually have a chance at defeating Zarkon.

Needless to say, when he'd wished for a 'bonding moment' with Lance, this wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind.

(Eventual romance and mature content for later chapters).

excelsior by warmth (4k, Not Rated) ❤

“Onward and upward,” Lance says. “to greater glory.”

A Fish and a Bird by Methoxyethane (13k, T)

Lance has a boyfriend. Lance does not realize he has a boyfriend. Keith, understandably, does not react well.

got got got it bad by kairiolette (10k, T)

"He leans in to hook his arm around Keith’s shoulders in full. It’s right in Keith ear, when he speaks. “I have a crush on someone new, like, every week.”

“No—it's not someone.” Keith brings his head up, and it feels as heavy on his neck as if it were his center of gravity, and he meets Lance’s eyes with his own. Keith doesn’t mean to communicate something through their silence, he just kind of gets caught up in staring at Lance’s face, which tends to happen lately. Sharp features, cheekbones and chin. Impossible eyes and a loud mouth as expressive as his eyebrows. But Lance seems to come to some understanding on his own. He sits back in a rare, rare moment of speechlessness, that mouth of his slightly pursed and twitching in its search for words in what can only be, though Keith doesn’t know much about body language, immense confusion on the brink of realization."

Or: Keith acknowledges his feelings for Lance and promptly goes through the five stages of grief.

Homesick at Space Camp by Kobot (74k, T)

Lance realizes he's been an asshole to Keith, and on a diplomatic mission to a key planet for the Voltron alliance he... overcompensates.

i want your heaven and your oceans too by mothpoem (11k, T) ❤

“Not—not that you’d be my rebound! I mean, you’d be helping me take my mind off of this guy, but to be a rebound, I’d have to have dated him first, I think, and he doesn’t even know I like him, so. You wouldn’t be a rebound. At worst, we become badass partners-in-crime with a grudging respect for each other, at best, we’re soulmates for life and this is fate trying to help us find happiness. So. Um.” Lance swallows and looks up at the Blade of Marmora soldier through his lashes. “What say you?”

They look down at their hands for a moment, fingers twisting together in deep thought. Then they’re pulling their gloves off, revealing pale, half-bruised knuckles of the human variation, and their mask is dissolving, giving way to big blue-purple eyes and an achingly familiar jet-black cowlick. “Who,” says Keith Kogane, in that low-pitched rumble that makes Lance’s stomach roil in the good way—holy fuck—“is this guy you’re trying to get over?”

I’d Tap That by VulpesVulpes713 (37k, T)

Keith has never really been good with words. He says what he means, and more often than not, what he doesn't mean, leading to several uncomfortable situations. One of said occasions happens on a planet during a mission, where Keith's attempt at complimenting the blue paladin is entirely misinterpreted, but Keith isn't able to properly apologize before the mission goes south, resulting in Lance being subjected to the 'gifts' the locals possess. So now Keith is at an impasse, with his communication skills severely lacking in the comforting department, and his growing feelings towards Lance making everything so much more difficult than it needs to be. If only there were a way to talk to the blue paladin without using words...

.. ..-. / --- -. .-.. -.-- / .... . / .... .- -.. / -.- -. --- .-- -. / .-.. .- -. -.-. . / -.- -. . .-- / -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. . / ... --- --- -. . .-. .-.-.-

i’ll be waiting right here by queenfrog (20k, G)

Keith sighs and runs a hand through his already tousled hair. “I mean, we’ll just take the rings off and that’ll be it. No big deal.”

“No big deal?” Lance squawks, sounding slightly hysterical now. “No big deal?” He stands up quickly and waves his ring finger in front of Keith’s face. “Keith, we said vows. I’m pretty sure that’s the very definition of a big deal.”

Keith and Lance get married. Accidentally.

if we all die young then we won’t get hurt by nikkiRA (8k, G)

“We need him,” Keith says, as much to Matt as to Lance.

“And we need you, too, idiot! Keith, fucking listen to me, you are going to shut up and stop wasting your strength by talking useless nonsense and wait for me and Hunk to get there, all right, because I am not going to let you die, it is not happening, you do not get to kiss me and then die!”

Silence. He hears Pidge say, tentatively, “Excuse me?”

Ignorance is Bliss by YouAreInAComaWakeUp (172k, T)

As it turns out, learning that your house is haunted makes the ghosts a lot more aggressive. Who knew?

Ah, well. At least one of them is hot. And he's the less-evil one, too, so that's always a plus.

in stasis by ilgaksu (26k, T)

The story starts like this: with a story where you think you know the end, until it turns out you don’t, until it turns out you didn’t have a clue.

In which for three months of Lance McClain's life, he lives as an AI, waiting for his prosthetics to come online. It goes about as well as expected.

it’s all in my head by aknightley (7k, T)

"Uh," Pidge said, "Lance? Buddy? What's the deal?"

"That's Lance?" Hunk shouted, somehow still ramming ships away from the castle; Keith felt like bubbles were bursting in his head, effervescent pops of giddy fear mixed with conviction. Lance, he thought, Lance feels like this."Thank God, I thought I was going crazy for a second."

Keith Kogane and the Hufflepuff Enigma by arifail (30k, T)

The highlights of Keith's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Featuring Quidditch, dick jokes, denial, and an inordinate amount of Lance Sanchez-McClain.

(Hunk and Pidge are there too.)

A Kiss is a Kiss (But it’s never like this) by GibbousLunation (25k, T) ❤❤❤

“How does this keep happening to us, every time.” Lance grumbled.

“You’d think they’d stop sending us on away missions,” he agreed. Honestly, between the poisonous plants of their last planet, and Lance’s tendency to always end up on the business end of every blaster or pointy ended stick, Allura was just being inefficient at this point.

Or, five times Keith kissed Lance but the situation was less than ideal, and one time Lance finally kissed him back.

ladies and gentlemen we are rocking in space by mayerwien (2k, T)

LANCE do u like the taste of spam, van kieu because thats what ull get 1 glorious terabyte of def-not-garrison-approved viewing matl every hour on d hour

KEITH And now you’re blackmailing me. Wonderful. Look, I’ll tell you, alright? Not because your threat scares me, but because I’d like to cut this conversation as short as humanly possible.

LANCE glad ur being so cooperative ;) ;)

Lance gets a new flight simulation partner. Lance makes a bunch of mixtapes. Lance falls in love?

Galaxy Garrison + texting au. For the Klance Zine!

let me melt under the heat of your sun by akaeijis, esbis (24k, T) ❤❤❤

He begins to seek Keith out in a crowd without meaning to. Eyes occasionally following him like they were magnetized, looking for the familiar waves that barely brush the high uniform collars. He looks for dark hair and dark eyes, crossed arms and a silent frown, stark against the sea of enthusiastic, starry-eyed cadets.

He feels drawn to him.

(Or, Lance falls in love with Keith during the time they spent together at the Garrison.)

((note: this is my favorite fic in this fandom it’s so beautifully written oh my gdo))

A Light in the Dark by usernicole (19k, T) ❤❤❤

Far away from his friends at the castle, Keith's only way of communicating with them is a battered old phone. This is maybe going to be harder than he thought.

A long-distance, friends-to-lovers fic, set during season four.

Love and Other Questions by squirenonny (113k, T)

One week after news of the Kerberos disaster broke, Pidge receives a new Mark--proof that Matt is still alive. She breaks into the Garrison to find him, only to find herself caught up in the fight for the fate of the universe.

Keith keeps his arms covered so he doesn't have to watch Shiro's scars compounding on his skin--but doing so means cutting off contact with his romantic soulmate, who greets him each morning with a new (and terrible) pickup line.

Shiro and Matt thought they were the luckiest people alive when they found out they were going to Kerberos together. But Shiro hasn't seen Matt's untidy scrawl on his arm in almost a year, and he has no idea if his soulmate is even still alive.

[Canonverse Soulmate AU with romantic and platonic soulmates (and some gray areas in between)]

the meaning of donuts by Katranga (14k, T)

The next few days were filled with Lance informing everyone, multiple times, of their “new” friendship. “We’re friends now, did you hear? Keith and I are friends.” Over and over, big smile, loud voice. Looking between Keith and whoever he was telling like he expected a round of applause. Or confetti. Or a parade. What he usually got was somebody making a crack about bonding moments, which prompted a tight, put-upon sigh on Keith’s end. And Lance would look at him fondly, and Keith would have to bite his cheek to distract himself from how much he wanted Lance to lean over and kiss him. --

Keith realizes he may, potentially, possibly have some feelings for a certain blue paladin and he is Not Thrilled about it.

A Memory Like a Snapshot by MemeKonVLD (10k, T)

Pidge is still close —closer than is entirely comfortable if he has to be honest— giving him an evaluating glance. Lance doesn’t really know where to look, other than up her nose— but that grows old pretty fast. So he looks at himself in the reflection of her glasses. And squints.

He touches his own face for the first time since waking up— and feels the roughness of his chin.

“I have stubble,” he says, and the words are as alarmed as they can be even though they still sound slightly slurred, slightly off.

Pidge blinks a couple of times at him, and finally retracts into a more comfortable distance.

“Well, yeah,” she says. “You are like, what? 22? 23 in a couple of months?”

“I’m feeling— I’m feeling a little queasy,” he says then, with bright spots of color dancing in front of his eyes as he thinks 22.

Suddenly, a bucket gets shoved against his face. He takes hold of it with clammy fingers and he leans on his side so he can... use it. Thoroughly.

“I’m having Garrison flashbacks,” he hears Pidge say.

(Or: Lance is stung by an alien bug, loses his memories temporarily and makes assumptions about his and Keith's relationship. Also, Pidge cheats at Uno.)

My Youth is Yours by MilkTeaMiku (29k, G)

An unforseen blast in the middle of a battle de-ages Lance into a child for a week.

Keith does not understand babies.

No Greater Gift by usernicole (20k, T) ❤

Keith gets a cat, learns the True Meaning of Family, and falls in love. In that order.

Of Escorts and Espionage by hisboywriter (95k, Not Rated) ❤

Lance preened. Escort? That sounded kind of sexy and badass. “Why, of course, Princess,” he said, standing up to offer his hand at Allura. “I would escort you to the most Galra-infested reaches of the galaxy if you asked.”

Allura’s arm rose but the hand she placed in Lance’s palm was not hers.

It was Keith’s. ~

AKA I just really wanted klance blossoming through an adventure

open your arms to me by aknightley (17k, T) ❤

Lance quickly finds Keith’s communication signal and hits call.

A few seconds later, he realizes what he’s just done, panics, and immediately slams the 'end call' button.

“Shit!” he hisses through his teeth, throwing the tablet on the bed and recoiling away from it like it’s a poisonous snake rather than innocent alien technology. Its screen goes blank again, wiped clean the way he wishes his impulsive action could be. “What am I doing?”

Premonition by CamelotQueen (22k, T)

It starts with a strange message from Lance, then goes downhill from there.

Keith finds himself trapped between two realities: one where Lance is alive, and one where he is not.

Purple Sky by AmbitiousSkyChild (72k, Not Rated)

Fondly, Keith shook his head. “So,” Keith started, laughter dying down as he leaned over Lance. “Cuba together?”

And Lance beamed – outright beamed – up at him as he pulled him down against his chest. “You bet your sweet ass, Cuba together.”

Keith, rash as he could often be, understood that his responsibility as a paladin of Voltron was to the universe. So, he understood that despite what they felt, he and Lance couldn't be anything other than paladins, at least until the war was over.

After nine years of rivalry, turned pining, turned something just shy of lovers, the war is over. The paladins are headed to Earth, Lance isn't wasting any time, and Keith, as much as he loves a challenge, just tries to keep up.

Run into the Bright Lights by peanutbutterapple (36k, T)

Keith was pretty sure his heart was going to explode out of his chest and if he didn’t do something about it, things were going to get bloodier than they already were.

Keith accidentally tells Lance his feelings on April Fool's Day, and Lance really knows how to take a joke.

‘Shiro and Keith’s Kickass Fighting Techniques’ by Lance MClain by skystiel (11k, T)

'And, really, it’s a pretty brilliant idea. Until Shiro’s Kickass Fighting Techniques quickly becomes Shiro and Keith’s Kickass Fighting Techniques.

That’s when things start going downhill.

Because soon enough, the bulleted list consists of more than just fighting techniques.'

or: Lance starts with one role model and ends up with two, a myriad of confusing emotions, and a notebook filled with condemning evidence which Hunk must never see

so what are you waiting for by saltylances (6k, T)

Lance swallows. He tries to refocus his attention on the slight prickling of his wound instead of the proximity of Keith’s face.

“Y’know. The suit. It doesn’t look like you ever get out of it. What do you wear to bed when you’re at the base, anyway? Some purple Marmorian jammies with little blades printed on them?”

Keith pulls a face. “What does my outfit when I go to bed there have to do with anything?”

“Holy quiznak!” Lance barks out a laugh. “You totally go to sleep in the suit, don’t you?”

“What? No – I – Lance, shut up!”

so why don’t we fall by aknightley (8k, E)

Five times Lance used a pet name for Keith, and one time Keith used one for Lance.

Keith has no basis for having a relationship with someone, so he's trying to follow Lance's lead.

something slow, something good by hiuythn (9k, T)

They fall together in increments, like the shifting of glaciers, of mountains strong and true. They fall in together, and it's inevitable.

--- Keith lands half on him and half on Red, laughing unrestrainedly. There’s fruit stains all over his mouth and chin and more on his hands and shirt, and Lance can feel the stickiness catch on his hair where Keith’s buried his fingers into.

the stars are bound to change by angstinspace (50k, T) ❤

Both paladins turned to their new, small alien companion. She lifted her head to look at each of them in turn, her eyes round. Keith laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“How about you, Zola?” he said. “Are you ready to go?”

She didn’t answer right away. Then she hesitantly asked, “Where are we going?”

As he made eye contact with Lance over her head, Keith could have sworn he felt something electric in the air: a simultaneous resurgence of determination.

“We’re going to take you home.”

Keith and Lance rescue a little alien girl from a hostage situation and bring her home ... and learn a few things about themselves and each other along the way.

Sweet Quiznak by CheckeredCloth (6k, T)

"You're really into him," Hunk mutters, and wow, Lance's face is on fire. Hunk is killing him.

"Look, read into how you like, Freud, just make sure that if I die Keith knows I totally would've mowed his ass like grass. That way, I can laugh hysterically at his emotionally-constipated expression from the afterlife."

Or: Lance is badly injured and has a few skeletons in his closet. Or maybe just the one.

time out of mind by aknightley (27k, T)

Keith and Lance wake up married. In the future.

He lays there a moment, processing the faint throbbing in his head, a strange bitter taste like lemons in his mouth. When he opens his eyes, the room spins wildly into a kaleidoscope of colors, so he closes them again, breathing in and out until he feels less like he might throw up. He suddenly registers a warm weight over his waist, and lifts his head to see a brown arm thrown over him. It looks startlingly familiar, but different, bigger than he remembers, more toned.

Keith turns all the way around and comes face to face with Lance sleepily blinking his own eyes open.

Today, anew by MemeKonVLD (5k, M)

“Lance.”

Lance’s eyebrows furrow in concern for a second before his whole face goes gentle and open.

“Hey buddy, everything okay?”

Keith nods. Then shakes his head, then opens his mouth to let out a noisy sob before he’s hugging the air out of Lance, grip vise tight.

Lance hugs him back. That’s one of the great things about him— he doesn’t— he doesn’t need explanations for things like this. He doesn’t make Keith jump through hoops, the way other people might— he’s just— he just knows what Keith needs in times like this. No façades, no posturing.

(Or: the one where Keith is trapped in a time loop. A time loop from hell.)

you anchor me back down by aknightley (5k, T)

Five missing moments, and a moment that hasn't happened yet.

"Okay," Lance says doubtfully, "Just wanted to check. This has been..." He pauses, looking deeply at Keith for a moment. Keith stares back, trying to fit this boy into his memory, trying to figure out why the curve of his mouth is so familiar, why his voice leaves something itching at the back of Keith's throat. "A really weird day," Lance finishes finally, and looks away from Keith at the moon.

WIP

Antidote by salineshots (53k (8/?), E)

Based very loosely off of @eyugho's lovebug AU, which I love more than anything?? Thanks to them for starting this wonderful AU!

Keith's bitten by a lovebug, but this one doesn't make him all cuddly. Instead, every moment he spends away from Lance is physically painful for him, and every moment he spends touching him is really, really nice. That's frustrating enough already without Keith having to hide his massive crush.

Lance just wants to help, but he knows that Keith doesn't like to be touched. Also hiding a massive crush, because these two are horrible at communication.

I Was Born a Lion by spectralPHOBIA (15/?, G)

After Keith discovers he is part Galra and Red lion rejects him, there's only one way he can make himself useful: to join Galra and try to wreck them from the inside, while figuring out a relationship with a guy who turns out to be his biological father.

A comic about one stubborn man’s self-discovery, the challenges of spying, everyone in team Voltron being BAMF, and the universe that needs saving, as usual.

((note: this is a (brilliant and beautiful) comic! it’s tagged as klance, but as of now, it’s keith-centric))

in your shoes by lydiamartin (42k (10/?), T)

Hollywood did not prepare him for waking up in the body of a complete stranger.

Keith tried not to stare at this person’s junk in the full-body mirror. He did not know them, and no matter what Pidge might say, just because he’s Texan it doesn’t mean he was raised in a fucking barn like a savage. He would not act like a savage.

(Or, the one where Keith and Lance live in different cities but swap bodies – and angry love notes – multiple times a week.)

Live. Die. Repeat. by greenteafiend (42k (5/?), M)

On the day of the arrival Keith is forced to watch as a mysterious monster slaughters first Shiro, and then his classmates from the Garrison, one by one. It kills him too, but not before he manages to wound it grievously.

And then he wakes up back in bed that morning, alive and unharmed.

aka Keith is stuck in a time-loop and every time he dies, the day resets.

Moonset Deep by MilkTeaMiku (72k (29/?), T)

All his life he’d been told to make sure he was never seen – it was what all the children were taught from the moment they were born. Never let a human see you, never fall in love with a human, and most importantly, never kiss one.

For Lance, humans were a mystery. He'd lived beneath the surface of the ocean with his shoal his entire life, and had intended to remain there. He knew the danger humans posed to his kind, and what would happen if he came close to one. That's why, when he found one drowning, his first instinct was to save him.

He'd never been good at following the rules anyway.

red skies by angstinspace (18k (2/?), T)

Lance clambered up the sliding pile of garbage––scraps of metal and glass that cut into his palms and crunched underneath his boots.

A strange, inescapable feeling pulsed in his chest. Maybe he was imagining it, but he could have sworn his talisman was burning hot against his skin beneath his shirt, tugging him forward with a magnetic force.

Lance doesn't know where he comes from––only that he was found in a forest on a distant planet when he was an infant, with no sign of his origin except a blue talisman around his neck. Nowadays he's content to travel the universe with his best friend Hunk, scavenging and selling goods. But that all changes when a girl named Pidge hitches a ride with them, and in the same day the trio finds a crashed ship carrying nothing but a boy with no memory of who he is ... and a red talisman that matches Lance's.

The Shattering of Altea by YouAreInAComaWakeUp (100k (22/?), T)

Altea is a world of dragons, magic, and, until recently, war.

It's also entirely fictional.

When Lance put on his VR headset, he fully expected everything he experienced from that point on to be false.

But his feelings for the kill-stealing jerk in red armor couldn't be more real.

#voltron #klance #fic rec #let me know if any of the links are incorrect and i'll fix it #this fandom is full of talented writers ;u;#the majority of these are canon longfic slowburns with mutual pining which is my favorite brand of klance #if one of them isn't angsting in front of the other's healing pod is it really a klance fic

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