#( [hulk voice] i'M ALWAYS SALTY )

[zablife]

Maybe something darkish with Alfie if you feel inspired? 😇 Suggested: enemies to lovers 🤔

When Did You Realize I Was Not Dead?

You stole inside the large seaside mansion, clutching a pistol. You'd only seen a housekeeper come and go in recent weeks, but you weren't taking any chances. You'd come for Alfie Solomons once before and he had been unguarded. He wouldn't be stupid enough to make the same mistake twice. You moved silently through the house, eyes darting suspiciously for any signs of security as you attempted to find the irritating mad bastard who refused to die. 

As you snuck past a small sitting room crammed with heavy, ornate furniture, an open balcony door caught your attention. The curtains flapped lightly on a breeze that brought in a healthy dose of salty, sea air. You inhaled deeply, allowing yourself to release the tension in your neck and shoulders with the slow exhalation of breath. Momentarily closing your eyes, you attempted to picture Alfie here taking the air.

It wasn't difficult as the King of Camden's voice boomed from one corner of the room suddenly asking, "Gonna improve your aim by closing both eyes this time, dove?"

You spun in all directions, attempting to locate him. It only took a moment to realize he had concealed himself by sinking into a plush looking armchair. He peered out at you with mild curiosity, but utter lack of fear. 

"Fuck you, Alfie. I'm the best Tommy's got," you said, holding your head high.

"Well I'd hate to see his worst," he taunted you, rising from his chair with a groan. As he faced you, you saw the damage you’d inflicted the last time you visited. The left side of his face was stitched together in a crude patchwork, his left eye so badly damaged it was now a milky white. You couldn’t help the shocked expression that came over you as you took it all in. It was rare to be confronted with the consequences of your bullets as John and Arthur mostly handled that. The first pangs of regret hit you hard and fast as you’d always had a soft spot for this wild man and if you were honest, a bit of admiration as well. 

You remembered the day they called you about Alfie’s body. John shouting down the telephone line that something had gone wrong. Arthur demanded to know why there was a trail of blood in the sand but no body and you couldn’t explain it. You’d left Alfie for dead that day on the beach thinking no one could survive a bullet to the head. You held a handkerchief to your mouth to hide the sobs from them, afraid they would find out how much you cared for your mark. When it had been suggested he got away, you wondered if you hadn’t missed intentionally.

“Admiring your handiwork?,” Alfie asked, gesturing toward his scars with a flourish, gold rings catching the light, mocking you in their insistence you see what you had done to your former lover. You instantly snapped out of your dreamlike state as he continued to needle you. “Or do actually mean to kill me this time?” Alfie frowned at you, his hulking form before you like a terrifying grizzly ready to charge. 

Then with a quick turn of his back, he paced toward the open door. “Nah, that’s not why you’ve come. You’re losing your touch, getting sentimental on me, pet,” he pronounced. He looked over his shoulder briefly at your gun, still in hand, but not aimed at him for some curious reason. He sucked his teeth for a moment before continuing, “You’re a bit of a failure, ain’t ya?” he laughed heartily. “I mean, ya come here to kill me, cock it up and now you stand there…stand there, right, having a butchers but like a sodding muppet and you can’t even point the bloody thing at me,” he said, scratching his beard. Honestly, you were as confused as he was, unsure how to proceed. You had your orders, but you couldn't carry them out now that you were stood face to face.

Alfie made his way back to you, his limp slowing him considerably. “What’s that pikey paying you, hmm?” he demanded.

“Why? You going to offer me something I want more?” you asked, swallowing harshly with Alfie so close to you you could smell the rum on him.

“Dunno. What is it you want?” Alfie asked. “Gold?” He was testing you to see if you had a price. He wanted to know if this had been about the money from the beginning and that hurt you deeply.

You shook your head as a tear fell down your cheek. “What if I said I didn’t want to kill you at all, Alfie? What then?” you asked, voice barely above a whisper. And you awaited his reply, frightened of the honest answer he might give.

[cranetreegang]

Chapter 1: Sharp Swords and even Sharper Words -> Julian x FemAppren/OC

A/N: Hellloooo and welcome. This story takes place after you finish the upright ending for Julian and you're on a ship heading to Nevivon. I thought it would be neat to write a story based on after the happily ever after. I'm hoping to post quite a bit for this. plz ignore all the other stories I haven't finished yet lmaooo. Anyways, any feedback is always welcomed and thanks for reading!! <3 :)

Summary: Julian, Portia, and the Apprentice (Evie), are nearly to Nevivon. With hardly any problems beforehand, will there be rough seas on the horizon? Will Evie handle the harsh reality that not everyone is open-minded to magic? Or will she be able to open their eyes?

Word Count: ~3,200

Warnings: mild cursing

Arcana Masterlist Here

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The afternoon sun warmed me as the salty breeze caressed over my skin and tangled my hair. Malak circled above, cawing in delight every so often. I watched his tiny shadow ripple across the foam-topped swells before I shifted my gaze to the horizon. Even after several weeks, I still hadn’t gotten used to the gentle waves, bluer than a queen’s prized sapphire, stretching farther than I could see. Even when I braved climbing all the way up to the crow’s nest, I still couldn’t find the end of the ocean. I leaned against the smooth wooden banister to let myself drift away.

The voyage, thus far, had been an easy one. Uneventful, I would go as far to say. Calm waters, sunny days, and the wind mainly at our backs. Everything a sailor could’ve asked for. A soft smile came over me when I thought about what Julian said. He said that I must be lucky. Since there was always something that goes wrong. With less than a week left until we arrived in Nevivon, I was hoping my luck would last for that long.

My eyes drifted to the water lapping against the wooden hull. I let my hand toy with the wind below me, creating tiny whirlwinds atop the sea. I smiled to myself as I let my magic play for the first time in a few days. A sudden prickling sensation hit the back of my neck, making a chill shoot down my spine. I was being watched. I slowly turned my head over and found the source of my discomfort. Beck.

Her weathered mossy-green eyes were staring daggers into mine. She curled her thin lip in disgust then spat overboard. She crossed her muscular arms and didn’t waver from her intense glare. I looked back towards the waves, but I couldn’t shake the maliciousness being directed towards me. I tried to focus on the whirlwinds I was creating before. Heavy footsteps were vibrating the planks under my feet, getting closer and closer. My heart beat a bit quicker when the footsteps stopped right behind me.

“Witch.” Her deep scratchy voice was unmistakable. “Shouldn’t ye be doin’ somethin’? This ain’t no pleasure cruise.”

“I’ve finished my duties for the day.” I said more calmly than I felt.

“Looks at me when ye speaks to me.” Beck ordered.

I closed my eyes for a moment then turned around. She towered over me with her hulking frame. Her shaggy chestnut hair was greasy and clung around her angular scarred face. I met her narrowed eyes and repeated, “I finished my duties for the day.”

Beck craned her head. “Be that so, tunrida?” She hissed out the insult with a cruel smirk stretching across her tanned skin.

“Yes.” My fingernails dug into the flesh of my palm. “And unless Ketos has anything else for me, I’ll be going back to what I was doing.” I tried to turn around, but my upper arm was snagged by her meaty hand.

“I don’t know why they let something like ye on board.” Beck spat as her fingers dug into me, making me wince.

I managed to yank my arm from her tight grasp. “But, I am on board. And I’m not going anywhere.” I countered. Beck’s eyes were alight with a dangerous flame. She took a step closer to me, making my lower back press against the wooden railing.

“Beck! Get back on rigging!” Ketos yelled from the helm.

She looked towards the Quartermaster then back to me. Her dark brows etched together. “Just cause ye’ve the captain fooled, tunrida, don’t mean the rest of us are.” She snarled then stalked away to the other side of the ship.

I glanced towards Ketos, who was staring at me with hints of wariness. I went back to looking out at the sea. The calm feeling of earlier was gone and I was left with a frustrated rage. I never should’ve used my magic to change the wind. Julian and Portia had warned me that sailors were superstitious, but I didn’t realize how much until it was too late.

Tunrida… devil-witch. One of the crueler insults Beck has thrown my way. I felt embers sparking in my closed fist. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. I couldn’t let Beck get to me. I needed something happier to think about... calmer. I sensed Julian above me working on the ropes for one of the sails. I focused on him. On his warmth. His serene aura made me smile. The fire inside me quelled until it was no more.

I opened my eyes and followed the waves. I grimaced at how easily Beck could crawl under my skin. Asra would’ve been disappointed in my emotional state. I just wished I could talk to Beck; explain myself. But she’s refused to listen to anything I have to say.

“Careful. If you think any harder, you might get lost in there.” Portia bumped my shoulder with a wink. Her curly, reddish-orange hair was spilling out from her striped bandana and whipping around in the breeze. I could smell hints of vanilla over the salty air.

It’s hard not to match Portia’s warm smile with one of my own. “Can you blame me? It’s far too easy to drift away out here.” I decided to keep my interaction with Beck to myself. We were almost to Nevivon and I could endure through Beck’s petty insults until then.

Portia nodded with a chuckle. Her short arms stretched out in front of her as she rested her chin between her biceps. “Very true. Times like these, there’s not much else to do but think.” Her gaze was downcast for a brief moment. I knew her thoughts went to Nadia waiting for her back home. Their uncertain, but exciting, future they were soon about to share was at the forefront of her mind.

“At least we’re almost there. I’m sure you’re excited.” I said with a gentle smile.

Portia lit back up with a beaming grin. “More than excited. I haven’t been back in so long. I can’t wait to show you around. I know Julian can’t wait either.” She glanced around us then moved closer to me and whispered, “Don’t tell him I said this, but he’s been secretly planning on taking you somewhere really romantic. He hasn’t stopped talking about it since we left.”

I giggled a bit, my cheeks warming at the idea that he was up to something. “Oh really? He’s quite sweet, isn’t he?” I hummed. “And who are you calling sweet?” Julian swung from a rope and landed on top of the railing next to me. He looked down at me with sparkling stormy eyes and a cheeky grin. His auburn locks flew in the wind and his cream linen shirt was exposing part of his sunburnt, slightly hairy chest. “I do hope it’s me.” He purred, making my heart skip a beat.

A devious smirk came over me as I said, “Mhm… I don’t know. You certainly are dashing and charming. But, sweet… mhm.” I feigned thinking it over as his cheeks burned brighter. I climbed up on the railing and held onto him. “I think I need to check if you’re sweet or not.” My eyes held his as he stared back with wide eyes. I grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him down to me. I kissed him and smiled against his eager lips. I broke away with a smirk. “Oh, you’re definitely sweet.”

He looked ready to say something back when Portia brought us back to reality.

“Hey! Love birds! You’re gonna fall overboard.” She grumbled. Julian and I looked at each other with bright pink dusting our cheeks. Julian wrapped his arm around my back then jumped us off the railing. He landed us on the deck with a proud smirk.

I stepped away from him and looked back at Portia sheepishly. “Sorry, Portia.”

“You’d think after being stuck here for weeks, you’d be sick of each other.” She tried her best to look annoyed, but a smile was tugging on her rosy cheeks.

Julian nudged my back with a grin. “Ready for our duel?” His brows wiggled as he puffed out his chest.

I shrugged then feigned a yawn. “I don’t know. I’m pretty tired today.” I walked far enough away from him to be able to draw my sword. I whipped around, ready to strike, but Julian’s blade was already there to meet my surprise attack. He had me locked in place.

“Very clever, love. But, you have so much to learn in the art of deception.” He chuckled as he knocked me away with a flick of his sword. I got my balance and shifted myself to a defensive stance to parry his onslaught of blows. I knew I couldn’t remain on the defensive for long. I needed to get the upper hand if I had any hopes of winning this. Our swords clanged together in sharp ‘tings’ and Portia cheered from the sidelines.

“Go Eves! Kick his ass!” She giggled.

“Pasha! My own sister, rooting against me. What has this world come to?” Julian said between huffs and slices.

I was amazed at his ability to multitask when all I could concentrate on was finding an opening. As his arm swung up high, I saw my chance. I side-stepped his strike then went to stab him straight into his ribs. His other hand caught my wrist then brought me against his chest; a harsh grunt escaping me. My sword missed him completely and his blade was pressed against my neck. I looked up to him with an audible gulp.

“You’re getting better, my dear.” He kissed my nose then released me. I scrunched up my nose for a brief moment before sighing.

“It’s a good thing I have magic. I don’t think I would’ve made it long as a swashbuckler.” I stated.

“Nonsense! You’re already handling the sword better than most greenhorns. By the time we’re back in Vesuvia, you’ll be a most fearsome opponent.” He winked. He raised his blade and I was ready for another round when I heard the familiar flapping of wings coming our way.

Malak was squawking in panic. He swooped low over us and landed on my shoulder. He cawed and bumped my cheek. Before we could figure out what was wrong, the alarm bell tolled; it’s tone piercing.

“All hands on deck!” Quartermaster Ketos’ voice boomed across the ship followed by the harsh chime of the bell clanging. “Storm's brewing! Get everything tied down! Now!” The deck was alive with crewmates rushing to their stations. Malak hopped from my shoulder and swooped into Mazelinka’s quarters.

I looked off to the horizon. Dark grey clouds of a massive thunderstorm were forming in front of us. “When did that get there?” I mumbled to myself as I numbly sheathed my sword.

Julian placed his arm around my shoulders for a side embrace. “Ah, your first squall. You’ll have sun for ages, not a cloud in the sky, then these lil’ bastards pop up outta nowhere. Not even Mazelinka can predict them, and she’s as salty as they come.” He kissed the top of my head. “Don’t worry, darling. We’ll finish our duel later. For now, we have a storm to face.” He rushed off to join the other men tightening the sails.

I couldn’t tear my eyes off the foreboding skyline. Lightning flashed within its dark depths and I could faintly hear the rumblings of thunder. I sensed this storm to be more than just some light rain. A tightness formed in my chest while the hairs on the back of my neck were on end.

I was suddenly caught between two bodies hugging either side of me. A bubbly raven-haired woman and a near identical blonde one came into view. Their smiles were wide, showing off all their teeth. Their hazel eyes alight with glee.

“It’s a storm, Evie!” The blonde twin, Cita, caterwauled right into my ear.

“Finally! Some excitement!” Elka laughed.

They rushed past me while whooping and hollering. I wished I could match their level of excitement, but I found their enthusiasm to be sorely misplaced.

Portia came up next to me “Let’s see what needs doing.” She gave a soft smile, but she was more rigid than before.

I followed behind her as we went to Ketos. His golden hair was tied back and his goatee looked freshly trimmed. His dark brown eyes landed on us and he looked down from the bridge of his nose. “Wha’ you two want?” His voice was raspy from years of shouting.

“Where ya need us?” Portia asked, unphased by the Quartermaster's brisk nature.

Ketos snorted then pointed down, towards the back of the boat. “Go make sure cargos secured. Captain thinks it’ll be a big one.”

We bowed our heads then we rushed below. Seemed Portia and I were the only ones on cargo duty. We began to grab loose piles of rope on the ground and started to tie down the various wooden boxes.

“Hopefully this squall won’t be a big one. Hate for your first to be a bad one.” Portia said.

“I could disperse this. Then we wouldn’t have to worry.” I grunted as I pulled on a thick piece of rope.

“No!” Portia snapped then grimaced. “I mean, storms like these happen all the time out here. It’s just part of the experience.” She smiled briefly at me.

“But why take the risk when we don’t have to?” I wondered.

Portia was trying to wrap netting around a mountain of crates, but her arms weren’t nearly long enough for the task. “Because if we don’t take the risk now, then the sea will make us pay later.” She huffed between her jumping. “It’s how it works out here. Paying our dues and what not.”

“I suppose.” I helped her with placing the netting over the crates and we moved on to the next section of cargo.

“Don’t worry. Mazelinka’s sailed through worse weather than this. We’ll zip right through it. Might be a bit bumpy, but that’s the fun part!” Portia grinned. I forced myself to agree, but I couldn’t completely shake the sense of dread weighing on my chest. I wouldn’t be able to stop the storm once we were in it. I would just have to put faith in Mazelinka getting us through this.

Portia and I finished tying down the cargo then we climbed back up. When we emerged from the enclosure of the lower deck, it felt like we had walked into complete chaos. The wind greeted us with a slap across our faces. The cheery warm breeze seemed like a distant memory compared to the harsh, cold torrent threatening to knock us off our feet. The light blue sky was being swallowed whole by the dark clouds. I stared in awe at the sheer power this storm had. I could smell the rain in the air and feel the electricity prickling my skin. The ship rocked forward and a great wave crashed over the front of the ship. The force nearly knocked me off balance. Shouting and yelling could be heard over the creaking and groaning of the ship as the crew was frantically trying to prepare.

Julian was suddenly in front of me, gripping both of my shoulders with cold, wet hands. He was drenched in sea water. His auburn hair was plastered around his face. His eyes were looking all around us. “You both need to get below! It’s not safe!”

“I want to help!” I shouted back.

Julian shook his head. “You’ll be more helpful below than up here!”

“Devorak! Get back over here!” Ketos yelled, the wind nearly overpowering his command.

Julian hesitated between his duties and me. He kissed me suddenly, desperately. He parted from my lips and whispered, “I love you.” His brows furrowed before he sprinted back to his post.

Portia grabbed my hand. “Come on! We can help Mazelinka!”

I stood my ground as I watched Julian climb up the rope ladder attached to the side of the mast. There was a wayward line flailing in the wind and he was reaching out to grab it. Portia kept pulling me further away until we were climbing the stairs to the helm. I forced myself to turn away from Julian and followed after Portia.

Mazelinka was holding onto the railing next to the young helmsman, Orvin. His grunts could be heard over the commotion as he struggled to keep us on course. Mazelinka’s salty chestnut hair and burgundy coat were billowing out around her. She was staring at the storm with a toothy grin and a determined look in her eyes.

“Strap in, ladies! It’s about to be a wild ride.” Mazelinka let out a maniacal laugh. Portia and I grabbed ahold of the railing opposite Mazelinka, with the wheel separating us from her. I could see the true havoc from this vantage. From the ship rolling with the waves to the crew running around, barking orders at each other.

Portia and I watched four people, two of them I recognized as Cita and Elka, climbing up the mast. Our heads craned up as they went higher and higher. My stomach twisted at the towering height of the mast swaying above us. Once they reached the cross section, at the top of the sail, where the mast connected to the wooden beam holding the main sail across, they split to the left and right. The pairs shimmied their way across, holding onto the beam, while standing on a rope that stretched from the mast to the end of each beam. The rope sagged from their weight, but held them. They stopped moving then wrapped their upper bodies onto the wooden beam, holding on for dear life.

“Stand ready!” Mazelinka’s voice carried a great amount of strength that filled me with confidence. With ropes in their hands and the crew in their places, they were ready for whatever the storm threw at them.

My fingers dug into the wood. The wind died and the waters calmed. There was a heavy silence over us as we all seemed to be holding our breath at the same time. We glided our way forward to what looked like a hazy wall. As the ship broke through, my body braced itself.

Rain pelted down, starting from the front of the ship then moving over us in a thick sheet. We were all drenched within a matter of seconds. I spat out the cold rain spilling into my mouth and tried to wipe the water from my eyes. The wind blustered from our side, filling my ears with a haunting scream. The waves, twisted in fury by our arrival, were now crashing overboard. The sea swept across the deck trying to grab anyone not firmly holding on. The wood squealed and groaned in such a way I thought the ship would surely break in half. My heart raced and my body shivered.

We were in the storm.

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Read Part 2 Here

A/N part 2: bruh... I spent like a whole day reading over actual sailor journals trying to learn more about what the heck goes on day to day on a ship. Like I done learnt about ship anatomy so I could write this lmaooooo.

After I wrote this and I had someone read it over and they're like "wtf is a ratline??? what's a yard??" and turns out not everyone is as well versed in 16th century pirate ships like I am now. so that was fun trying to put these ship parts into layman terms. which makes sense cause Evie hasn't sailed before so it wouldn't make sense for her to know wtf a yard is. Anyways, that was my brief rant over how I now have useless ship terms in my brain now. thank you for reading <3

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS | CHAPTER 19

First time reader click here

Summary+TWs: We're talking serious feelings here, okay? Reader, you're literally emotionally illiterate. You also have PTSD, which is finally addressed - kinda. Bruce does his best. And he also knows how to kiss... But y'all know that if you read my ramblings about lucid dreaming/shifting/whatever... Chile-, anyways...

My phone kept buzzing and I ignored it until Bruce declared it was time to take a break and review the results. Whilst the man was typing up the data on a nearby StarkPad, I fought the sudden influx of messages that I received from haters and supporters alike after Tony decided on tweeting a reply that could be interpreted in an alarming variety of ways. It was a smart move, I'll admit, but a fucking bother for me nonetheless.

Disabling my DMs and dealing with a follower increase in the thousands wasn't hard; I didn't consider myself a problematic asshole and didn't need to be afraid of "exposure". The parties I went to - I doubted there was any blackmail material in there and the few nudes I'd sent over the years were always face-less. As a gen Z, I knew my internet safety.

The trolls didn't bother me either. It was more sad than annoying, people shitting on others for clout. Iron Man stans were witty, at least, if jealous. I must admit I've never considered the influx of popularity I would experience should I publicly out myself as a friend of Tony's. Girlfriend? Intern? Science child? Whatever cover story he was going to feed the press worked for me, as long as I still got the hugs, the kisses, the dick and the attention.

"Tony..." Bruce groaned, evidently done with the data processing, had to have opened his social media to see his own skyrocketing popularity.

"Yeah, our Tony is being a Tony again," I chuckled, having reset my social media settings so my phone wouldn't constantly beep, vibrate and bother me. School was going to be fun.

Bruce shook his head, fond, coming over to my side of the lab after removing his own hazmat suit. His eyes shiny with newfound knowledge and hair turned adorably fluffy in the confines of the head covering. He was smiling softly. "Food?"

"Sure."

We chewed our sandwiches in silence for a moment, each of us lost in our thoughts.

"I still can't believe Tony told everyone on Twitter you're his girlfriend, usually he keeps this stuff private or schedules a fancy press conference," Bruce's tone was thoughtful.

I raised an eyebrow. "Is that what it was? Seemed ambiguous to me..." I trailed off, confused.

"He worded it like that on purpose, I mean, you're still in high school," The scientist was confident in his words. "But I know Tony. I'm a hundred percent sure that he meant exactly that. Aren't you?"

Shock flooded me. Suddenly, I understood I completely misread the situation. "Um, no? I thought we were, y'know, just fucking. We never defined our relationship and we're definitely not exclusive." I said, chewing on my lip. "You make a valid argument, I'm a high school student and he's a grown ass man that does grown man stuff. Putting aside the fact that he could have anybody in the world so why would he choose me?" I was rambling, thinking out loud. Discussing my feelings has never my strong forte. "It would be stupid to impose monogamy on such a complex man like Tony. Downright idiotic to expect a genius to confine to social norms just because it suits others." I finished with a wave of my hand. Another bubble of thought that had festered within me for the longest time. I felt relieved, finally voicing it out loud. A weight had been lifted off my shoulders, a weight I wasn't previously consciously aware of.

Bruce was watching me intently, with an unreadable expression that held the tiniest bit of awe, admiration perhaps. The silence that followed was unnerving. I fidgeted with my hands, not really knowing where to put them or where to look.

"You know," He took off his glasses, fiddling them in his hands. "I'm not going to sugar coat it. For the longest time, I thought you were going to inadvertently hurt him when you get bored with whatever you've got going on. I respect you, don't misunderstand me, but you are young. Now, I've changed my mind. You've changed my mind," He punctuated his statement with his hand on mine, grasping it. "I think you managed to understand him in a way most people can't. Or don't want to. Understand and accept him in a way that some of us can't even after years of working and living side by side with him." Bruce's gentle fingers skimmed along the top of my palm.

"I don't always understand Tony but I do accept him," I agreed. "Because Tony is a great man."

"I think you're in love with him," Bruce said, absolutely having ignored my previous statement. Just like that, point blank, he pushed to the surface the very feelings I got so good at ignoring. There was no rest for me in this place.

My heart fluttered, picking up the pace. I kept my mouth shut, not trusting it whatsoever. My thoughts became akin to panicked hares, jumping and zigzagging aimlessly in my skull. I didn't see the point in defending myself because the scientist had pointed out the obvious.

Bruce looked at me, softly, warmly. "And don't think we haven't noticed the rise in team morale. The improvement not only in communication, but on the battlefield, too. It's easier to entrust your back to someone with whom you've shared a laugh and a drink the previous night. You're the glue that keeps us together."

Something warm and wet was on my cheeks. I stared at our clasped hands, his words echoing in my head over and over and over. The moment I realized I was crying, I willed myself to stop and failed spectacularly - only more salty fluid streamed down, some of it getting in my nose, on my lips. The sleepless nights were making me unstable.

It took a single sniffle for Bruce to pick me up and wrap up in his kind embrace. I didn't resist, tucking my face into the crook of his neck, holding onto the back of his lab coat, inhaling the smell of his skin and chemicals. It was familiar, calming. Minutes ticked by with me slowly leaking the tension out of my body.

"He loves you, too, maybe he just doesn't realize it yet." Bruce whispered into my hair. "I've never seen Tony so happy, even with Pepper. You are special and you are loved."

There was something unsaid, I felt it. It hung in the ear, it burned the tips of my ears, stood sharp on the tip of my tongue. "I love you too, Bwucie-bear," I whispered into the space between his ear and his jaw. His arms tightened around me.

The man placed several chaste kisses in my hair, running a palm over my back. In moments like these, the crush for him, the very crush that got out of control, blossomed fully into a deep sense of respect and admiration. He made me feel safe. He said all the right words at the right time.

Drowsiness overtook me. As usual, any worries and anxieties I had evaporated, once Banner had his arms around me, shielding me from the world. I didn't forbid myself this time: delicately, my hand slipped through the man's soft messy curls, eliciting a contented sigh.

"You haven't been sleeping well," He more stated than asked.

I had no choice but to nod. "Clint keeps dying in my dreams. Or even worse, he doesn't, he just suffers, endlessly, painfully." I admitted.

Bruce flinched under me, tensing. My face was in between his hands in a second, the scientist sternly looking into my eyes. "Why didn't you say anything? All of us assumed you were okay after what happened." He looked - angry. Not Hulk-out pissed but Bruce-pissed, which equalled a kicked-puppy look seasoned with a great pinch of disappointment.

"I am okay." I lied, shamelessly. "It's getting better. That's why I want to have a party - relax a little, dance, socialize. I don't think Tony would let me go on my own so I figured I can convince him to throw one here." I looked away. It was better for everyone if I dealt with my own problems - they were superheroes, not babysitters.

Bruce frowned. "Why wouldn't Tony let you go?"

"Because of that one time I snorted coke," I rolled my eyes at Bruce's naiveté, leaving the less obvious parts unsaid. Tony knew exactly what I was going to do once I got free reign, he considered it destructive and told me so himself. Admittedly, he had a point but still... I wished I'd been given a choice.

"I'll talk to him," Bruce nodded firmly. "That's not acceptable. He can't forbid you from making mistakes and learning from them."

He was met with my shrug. No excitement came from me regarding this particular turn of conversation. I was drained, limbs like jello, thoughts sluggish. My face was drooping.

"Let's get you to bed," Banner stood up with me wrapped around him. "You need a nap."

"No," I protested. If I went to sleep now, only Satan knew at what ungodly hour I would wake up.

"Yes, Princess," Bruce smirked. I wiggled uncomfortably - when he went all caretaker like, my ovaries wreaked havoc on my body and brain. My thoughts weren't appropriate if Bruce wanted me to see him as a father figure. The signals he was sending were mixed. People around me did that a lot and I wasn't sure how to act so I usually just went with the flow. I decided to do the very same thing in that particular moment.

Curiosity sparked within me, tightly interwoven with the deep longing that settled below my collarbones whenever Tony or one of the others wasn't sitting next to me or talking my ear off. I've almost forgotten how it was to be alone with my thoughts. The maze of my very own self was becoming unfamiliar territory. Alarming.

I allowed Bruce to help me shed my shoes and outer layer of clothing, shivering in the coolness of my room. Despite being a frequent visitor, I still had a 'guest' room in the tower - I mostly stayed at Tony's or Wanda's anyways. During our sleepovers neither me nor the witch minded sharing her enormous bed, to be fair, we could have fit at least two more people in it besides us. Tony took care of his own - all the tower's residents had their apartments furnished with the best stuff.

"Sleep now, Princess," Bruce chastised, tucking a blanket around me, having noticed an earbud in my ear and my smartphone in my hand. I had hoped to kill some time online, damn well knowing sleep wouldn't come easy.

"I don't think I can fall asleep, Bruce," I admitted, looking away. There was just so much going on. My brain wouldn't shut up and if I couldn't drown out the cacophony by being productive, I'd troll the internet, as usual.

Banner sighed, coming to sit next to me, leaning against the headboard. Gently running his fingers through my hair, brushing the outside of his palm against my cheek. "How do you usually deal with this?"

Involuntarily, my eyelashes fluttered. "Tony does most of the work," I admitted coyly. The engineer had a whole arsenal of tricks up his sleeve - sexy and exhausting tricks.

"I see," Bruce muttered, thoughtfully.

I opened my eyes to see him looking down at me with a look I haven't seen before. The usual mildly absent, slightly anxious face he wore was replaced by something I could only describe as hurt envy, like a kid looking at their schoolmate who had all the newest, coolest toys. I used to be on the receiving end of that look far too often and I hated it.

I hid my face against his leg, rubbing my cheek on the raspy corduroy fabric of his pants. "Got any good ideas of your own?" I wondered lowly, thinking about what in the world possessed Bruce to wear corduroy trousers on a semi-casual day, in the twenty-first century.

"Only bad ideas," He replied in a matching low tone. His soft fingertips relocated to my nape, goosebumps rising down my back.

"Humour me," I grinned against his leg.

Bruce was quiet for a moment, the sound of his thinking screaming louder than any words could have done. Knowing the scientist so closely, I found out he was full of surprises - bolder than he appeared outwardly and competitive to a boot. He thought he had a lot to prove to himself and by extension, to others. The unknown, the mystery dangling in front of my nose was exhilarating, trepidation addictive. It took me away from the chaos in my mind.

A gentle grasp on my chin had me turning to look upwards, Bruce's face flushed and focused on my own, open and trusting. He needed to see the obvious, that I trusted him to take care of me. He pulled and I followed, sitting up on my elbows, coming up to his shoulder level, our faces inches apart, enveloped in the unique, intense scent of his herbal tea. It was a tart, strong smell and it suited his quiet but passionate character.

Once, twice, I caught my eyes sliding to his plump lips. They looked far too appealing in this position. I usually strategically stayed away from positions so compromising, fearing the very thing that I'd already let happen, however this time the atmosphere was different. We stood on ambiguous grounds, waiting for Bruce to make a decision.

The man wasn't stupid, he saw the way I looked at him. The nightmares and inability to take a break from life put a significant dent in my resolve to keep a distance between us, romantically - I could have settled even for a pity kiss, a pity fuck. Anything to put my brain on pause.

His lips were softer than I had imagined. Skilled, too, he easily steered the kiss into the shallow waters of our combined longing.

With Tony, it was like an avalanche. Tony ran hot like Peterbilt engines, hard and fast, almost angry in his race for satisfaction. Tony was a man that was used to getting whatever he wanted and it became plainly obvious when we fucked.

Bruce was the opposite. He savoured the kiss, losing himself in a way that could almost be described as delicate. Bruce was humming, softly, as we tasted each other, holding the left side of my face with careful fingertips. Almost as if he was afraid to break me. The feel of his skin on mine was soothing in a way that made me sigh and relax even further.

"Wanna make you feel good." His voice had dropped, gone husky, but his breathing held even. He must know all about self-control.

"Yeah," I was ready to agree with whatever the fuck he was offering. My eyelids remained shut.

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub ​ @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit ​ @littlegasps ​ @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​ @sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway @softie-socks @schemefrenzy @letsby @cutenessloading @romeo-the-cactus @jelly-fishy-babie

PS. Letsby, please don't combust. The underwear is coming off in the next chapter. 😶

[yandere-wishes]

Sweet Blood // Yandere!Vampier! Malleus Draconia x reader//

There had always been an eerie atmosphere surrounding Night Raven. The elevated edifice along with the ghoulish woods that surrounded it had been outcasted from the luminous tiny villages and civilizations that occupied the same land.

Inside the laws of life itself seemed to be mangled and tormented, giving birth to a monstrous manner of existence. The entire student body seemed to be living double lives that they themselves were not aware of. Their form of speech, comportment, socializing and the methodology that was taught, differed vastly from those of the exterior world.

This had left you pondering most restless nights as to how someone as ordinary as yourself had been permitted to attend such a surreal school.

The night began like any other, the moon hung in the onyx tapestry of the sky, shining rays through the large glass windows littering the hall walls. The sound of mysterious hooting and chirping filling the night with only a slight sense of livelihood.

You rushed down the noir passageways to your first class. Feet hitting the navy tiles in a fast-paced tempo. Your mind was scattered, lungs heavy and heart even heavier. Never did you notice the large crack in the flooring. Toe boxing slipping between the parted marble, you crashed knees and palms first onto the hard, cold tiles. Pain shot through your body, skin tore away freeing an oozing red liquid. Salty tears pricked at the corners of your pretty eyes. Shaking you brought yourself to rest on your bruised knees, staring down fearfull at the wide-ranging gashes on your flooded palms.  You were about to start crying when you heard footsteps stopping in front of you, through glossy eyes you looked up and the mysterious person.

Malleus Draconia a third year and dorm leader of the ever-mysterious Diasomnia stared back down at you. Murky emerald green eyes were fixed on your red palms in a dazed and feral manner. He slowly, almost predatory crunched down to your level, He gripped your right wrist tightly digging his black nails into your tender, soft flesh. Yanking it closer to his mouth he began to lap at the blood with his tongue. With a trembling airy noise leaving your mouth, you attempted to squirm and wriggle out of this tight grasp.

"Stop" he demanded, lifting his eyes for a millisecond to send you a warning glare.

When you didn't heed and continued your feeble attempt to free yourself, he grabbed the collar of your uniform and roughly dragged you closer to his chest. Incaging you between his free arm and knees. Your tears began to flow again, not at the stinging pain but at the unorthodox thing he was doing to you. Minutes flew by like hours as you remain trapped, close to the dragon boy.

"Malleus-sama where are you? The class has already begun!"

Finally you though, never had Lilila's voice sounded so sweet to your ears. He quickly jogged up to your capturer and tugged on his shoulder.

"Come on already" The "older" fae whined.

Reluctantly Malleus released you as you melted to the floor a shacking sobbing mess. Lilia couldn't have cared less and simply walked away only looking over his shoulder to note if Malleus had pursued or not.

His shadow never left you and ever so quietly he whispered "Your blood tastes to fresh and sweet...I want more". He then walked over to where his companion was tapping his foot and huffing impatiently.

Despite how preternatural the school's atmosphere may have been, it couldn't have been as terrorizing as it was now. Everywhere you went you caught a glimpse of raven-colored hair and even darker horns following you. You'd also began to note a presence in your room in the dead of night. Something was watching you as you attempted to fall into slumber. In the afternoons when you'd wake up, your body seemed to be littered with small puncture wounds or scrapes. Everywhere except your neck.

Mozes prattled about some war which happed only forever ago between the four branches of dark fairies when they'd first immigrated to the "human world". You could practically feel your brain melting in boredom. How you longed for that sweet-sounding bell to simply ring, but once.

A poke to your back jolted you out of your thoughts. You spun around to find Silver handing you're a letter with a dark green seel. His expression was one of boredom, eyes fixed on the professor and not bothering to address you. Blinking, you slowly plucked the letter from his outstretched hand.

"What's this for?" You asked curiosity lacing your voice.

"Don't know~" Silver paused letting out a long yawn. "Don't care"

You shot him a quick glare before turning back in your seat. Carefully you cracked open the seal letting little crumbs fall onto your lap.

Gliding the letter out you began to read.

Dearest (Y/N)~

I deeply apologize for my eccentric behavior in the hallway yesterday. You'd find that I'm not habitually so idiosyncratic. As a means to repent, I would be delighted if you were to accept my invitation to dinner tonight in the Diasmonia dorm.

Sincerely yours~ Malleus Draconia (Dorm leader of Diasmonia)

Your heartbeat quicked as you put down the letter. Was that maniac serious why would you accept his invitation after the stunt he'd pulled. No no, this was too much no way in hades where you going to that cursed dorm to meet with the diabolical man.

After the bell had finally rung, you began to walk to the exit. Planning on just relaxing in your dorm room. As you stride towards the door, a string hand rapidly wrapped around your wrist and pulled you forward. Tracing the arm to its owner you quickly noticed that it belonged to Silver.

"Silver what the heck! Let me go now!"

The silver-haired boy didn't even acknowledge you. The more you tugged attempting to liberate your arm the tighter and tighter his grip got.

Had Diasomnia always been so far? It seemed to take you and Silver hours just to get there. After what only felt like hours of walking did the gothic noir castle. The hulking oak doors seemed to open on their own once they spotted Sliver. He didn't stop, he continued tugging you up a flight of stairs not bothering to address you even as you tipped and tumbled.

Finally, he led you into a large room. It seemed over-decorated and rather victorian to say the least. A thick sadness loomed in the room, manifesting itself in tiny dust particles covering every inch of the room... except a jet black dress with neon green details that laid lifeless on the king-sized canopy bed.

"That's yours" Silver gestured to the dress with a lazy smirk" I'm sure he'll like it". With that, he spun on his heels and marched out.

When the door slammed behind him you quickly rushed to the window. Ready to jump out, you suddenly noticed how high up you were. Muttering curses under your breath you walked over to the bed. Slumping on it you glared at the dress. "What in god's name is going on?"

Finding no other immediate solution you reluctantly through on the dress. Brushed your hair and knocked on the door. Silver pushed in open permitting you to exist.

"Malleus-sama is waiting for you on the fifth floor in the dining room." Monotonous as always.

You practically ran up the stairs taking them two by two. The sooner you found Malleus the sooner this nightmare would be over. When you finally reached the top of the velvet cover stairs you say the green-eyed boy waiting for you outside of an open room. You quickly jogged up to him.

"Malleus what is the meaning--"

He left, slowly walking into the room. An action practically ordering you to follow. Entering the room you quickly noted the lavish and immense dining table. It was covered by a pitch-black table cloth. And yet no food there was simply a golden jewel oriented cup.

"What's the point of going to such extravagance to invite me to dinner if there isn't anything to eat" You questioned, crossing your arms over your chest and glaring at the raven-haired boy.

"My, my how rude you are little beastie. I go to such troubles to make this meal enjoyable for you as well and you speak to me in such a manner?" His brows frowned and lips split into an easy smirk.

"Yes, Malleus you are supposed to make an evening entertaining and enjoyable when you invite guests over. That the whole point of a dinner party." Was he so clueless?

"Guest? My whatever gave you the inkling that you were to be my guest?"

Your mind rushed back to the letter, re-reading it and trying to find some clue as to what he was saying. "You apologized for your rube and frankly nauseating performance yesterday!" At this point you where fuming how the dare he treats you as such was this all a game to him.

"Humans aren't very bright now, are they? The letter was a formal apologie yes, I don't usually treat my food in such a foul manner. Then again I'm mostly used to attacking my meals."

You slowly stepped back preparing to make a run for the door. Food, was he planning on eating you? Was he truly a sick psycho as you'd previously suspected? As you began to turn, he quickly lunged towards you, causing you to fall whilst he hovered above you.

He opened his mouth teeth began to grow sharper and sharper until they were practically miniature knives in his mouth.

"What- what are you?" Fear soaked your voice, the room began to spin. Your leg hurt so badly, there surely must be something broken.

Malleus shook his head, eyes locking with yours. "Dear (Y/n) I'm no different than any other creature in this school, we are all bloodthirsty, no difference there".

Slowly things began to fall into place. That's why they were so different so peculiar. The ideologies and behavior in this school were so monstrous because they were monsters!

His teeth slowly descended onto your neck, pocking and cracking the delicate flesh. It felt like thousands of needles being plunged into your skin simultaneously. Pain coursed through your neck traveling at lighting speeds to your arms and legs and every other inch of your being.

"Malleus stop please it- it hurts" you whimpered.

He pulled back to stare at you, bright crimson dripped from between his fangs, spilling over your dress and his clothes. Carelessly he wiped the back of his sleeve over his mouth.

"(Y/n) you should be thanking me! Not complaining so much! You'd be dead by now if I hadn't deemed you worthy of being my blood bank." He was furious pale face turning ever so slightly red.

"I'm not food Malleus! You aren't permitted to keep me!" You screamed tears flowing from your eyes and voice cracking.

"I can do whatever I please with a useless human such as your self! I'm eternal I rule over the night. You and your kind are nothing more than overly selfconscious monkeys."

His fingers wrapped around your neck and slammed your head down.

"I own you (Y/N) you are mine to feed off of, mine to do with as I please, YOU ARE MINE".  

[lorenzodemedisi]

Won’t Forget You.

PAIRING.

Steve Rogers x Rachel Summers (Earth-818)

SUMMARY.

Rachel Summers was beyond the state of shock when the famous Captain America felt from the sky and burst open her ceiling to plunge hard on her living room’s floor. She’s been alone for so long that she completely forgot that in the outside world life was going by. Little did she know that by helping the super soldier in great needs she would yield her own shell in front of the bluest eyes and a killer smile.

A/N.

FLUFF, Fluffy, Fluff and a bit of Angst! ( wow i’m shocked )

That’s right I'm writing a fluff piece for a change, I'm impressed with myself. My anxiety and depressive ass can be happy sometimes *O*. Anyway, this one-shot will probably evolve into a series...Maybe. But, I fell in love with Rachel Summers when I was reading an X-Men comic last summer and I really wanted to see more of her but there isn’t so much stuff about this character, so here I am, writing a Steve x Rachel. if you want more information about her, here’s a link or just ask me. As always thank you very much for reading, it means a lot to me. Don’t hesitate to give your thoughts, comments, and feedback! I hope you enjoy my fluffy piece. 

A lots of Love. Lex. xxx

WORDS.3597ish. 

°°°

Steve Rogers groaned, exhausted and wounded, he felt a cold cloth wiping his forehead. He tried to move his head and opened his eyes, feeling a soft cushion behind him.

« Don’t move. » A soft and feminine voice instructed him. « Your injuries are pretty bad, it’s better if you don’t move. »

But Steve will have none of it. Opening his eyes, he growled low and deep when his vision hit the soft light coming from the rustic windows and a blurred sight of a red-haired woman.

« N-Natasha? » Steve whispered closing eyes, feeling a huge headache creeping inside his brain. « I wished. » The woman chuckled softly, putting the wet cloth in the small bowl on the bedside table. As she saw Steve turning his head toward her, the woman frowned. « I told you, not to move soldier. Don’t let me uses my power on you. » She scolded her eyes becoming gold but when Steve smiled at her words, they turned into a soft blue again destabilized by his reaction, she sighed. « You sound like her. » Steve informed her, his voice raspy and tired. He frowned closing his eyes « W-Where am I? » He asked. « In a safe place. » The woman whispered, looking at the soldier wounds on his hand. « And why… » Steve swallowed, licking his lips. All his body was hurting like hell. Which is good right? It meant that he was healing. « A-And why should I trust you? » He asked, turning his head once again toward the stranger.

He opened his eyes, seeing more clearer, he met her deep and clear blue sight. She was red-haired and a halo of light was around her head, making her looked like an angel. She smiled softly, her eyes were bright and her skin seemed smooth and soft like silk. She was beautiful.

« Because I didn’t kill you when you burst through my ceiling in the middle of the night. » The woman replied shrugging her shoulders.

She smiled one more time before raising from the chair taking the bowl filled with dirty water and leave the room where Steve, tired, get back to sleep. He was badly wounded. Rachel didn’t know from where he came from, but last night he just fell from the sky and dropped on the ground of her living room, making a huge hole on her cabin’s ceiling. Bloody and unconscious, she took him in. Because that was the right thing to do.

°°°

Steve Rogers woke up a few hours later, feeling better. Opening his eyes, fully this time, he could see that he was lying on a bed, in a small but very well-decorated room. The walls were only woods, with very beautiful paintings tied on them. The light was less bright and the sun was still up. He put himself on a seating position and looked at all his injuries. His hands were bruised raw, and he felt his ribs burning a bit. His headache was just a dull feeling at this point, and a few cuts on his arms and legs but nothing that his body won’t heal alone. As the door open, Steve took the green sheet, and cover his naked chest seeing the pretty woman from earlier enter with a food tray in her hand. She laughed looking at his reserved reactions. If only he knew what she had to do, in order to help him heal him last night, she thought shaking her head.

« Don’t be such a prude, Captain » She chuckled putting the tray on the bedside table next to him. « Who are you? » Steve asked dead serious, his tone hard. He was thinking fast. Well, as fast as his brain could allow him right now.

He already had spotted the potential threat in the room and possible exit. The woman, even though she seemed really nice and pretty, was a potential threat.

« I’m Rachel. » She smiled, extending a glass of water to him. « Only a few, sip.» She advised him. « I made chicken soup and garlic bread. I hope you not allergic to either of those. » She winced, tucking on her long blue skirt.

Steve looked warily at the food, but his stomach betrayed him as it growled with hunger.

« I can’t get allergies, thanks to the serum. » He informed her, siping his drink. « Right. » Rachel nodded, then took a seat at her usual spot next to the bed. «Do you remember what happened last night? » She asked gently passing him the hot bowl of soup.

Steve shook his head as he put the glass on the small table and took the hot dish in his hand. He took the spoon Rachel offered him and start to take a hot and huge mouthful of the food. He hummed surprised by the delicious and amazing taste of the meal. Rachel chuckled softly seeing him enjoyed what she had prepared.

« Well, according to the news, you and your amazing friends were attacked on your Quinjet last night. It seemed that it was a terrorist group, named H.Y.D.R.A, I think. » Rachel explained to him, watching him eat.

Steve stopped to move, the spoon mid-air as he remembered everything that occurred last night. His team, the Avengers were going home from a successful attack on an H.Y.D.R.A base, and then dozens of men coming from nowhere attacked them, blowing a hole on the small plane. He remembered sending Nat and Clint to safety inside of two Stark’s capsule thing - it was like a small plane for one person. Thor took the fight outside flying in the sky taking most of the men with him. Tony putting on the suit followed the God. And Bruce took this unfortunate moment to change into the Hulk, compromising the all plane already in a wreck. At that point, Steve had already taken down, most of the remaining men. But the Quinjet was crashing, with the weight and angriness of the Hulk. Steve's only way out, was to jump out of it before it exploded on the ground. He remembered jumping, falling and then nothing. He looked up, his eyes catching Rachel’s gold one. He blinked once and they were back into their original blue one.

« Whoah! You guys can surely make every battle into an epic fight. » She muttered, amazed. « What? » Steve frowned. With his super-hearing, he had heard every word the red-haired woman had whispered. « What? » She exclaimed a little bit louder. « I mean, don’t you want to call someone. I don’t know, any member of your Team, perhaps? » She smiled, licking her lips. « Yeah, sure. » Steve suspiciously watched her. And then he remembered the conversation they had earlier « Don’t let me uses my power on you. » She had said to him. Taking a mouthful of the soup, Steve, almost, forget his thought. Tasting the salty and flavorsome soup on his tongue. « But after I finished this miracle. » He hummed taking another spoon.

Rachel discreetly sighted. She had almost been busted.

°°°

« Stay put. » Maria Hill advised him. How could Steve stayed put? Half of his team was M.I.A. Apparently, Clint was badly injured, his pod crashing on some rocks or something and Maria Hill told him to « stay put » when he called her through the phone and she said that she will call him when she would have more information. Steve will have none of it. Raising, he put back his undershirt lying at the foot of the bed. He walked difficulty but with purpose to the open door but froze dead in his tracks. He was completely and utterly shocked to see this woman, Rachel flying. Yes, she was flying her body floating in the air, her head raised and inspecting the huge hole, oddly it looked just like his body, on the ceiling. Steve caught the sight of his shield, resting next to the chimney. He took it, without making any sound, but he didn’t know about the second wooden plate next to the blue carpet who creak loudly once you step on it. Rachel heard it, lost control of her levitation, and dropped dead on the ground. She aimed the couch, falling on it hard then bounced once and put her feet on the ground.

« Are you insane, sneaking on people like that? » She yelled, outraged. « You will tell me who you are right now before I knocked you to the ground. » Steve command in his Captain's voice, raising his shield in attacking mode and making a fist of his other hand.

He looked dangerous, in front of Rachel who gasped seeing the huge metal disc being waved in front of her face. She backed away raising her hands in front of her chest, protection mode, and bite her lips.

« Ok, ok. I will tell you everything, but please, Captain, put the shield down! » She exclaimed, making a move toward the ground. « Are you with H.Y.D.R.A? » He asked making a stepped toward her. « No! » She cried out, making a stepped back. She took a deep breath, understanding that he won’t let go of his shield. « My name is Rachel. Rachel Anne Summers and I’m a mutant. I know I will sound completely crazy but - » She licked her lips, her hands were shaking a little. « Try me, I’ve seen a lot of crazy and weird stuff happened. » Steve encouraged watching her warily, up and down. « I’m not from this reality ok? » She sighed. She looked at him frowned and tucked her skirt into her hand. « There is a lot of alternatives reality where, alternate us, exist and have done other choices than we do in our own reality. For example,  where I’m from you are dead. » She explained, shrugging her shoulders. « What? I-m…» Steve stuttered, shocked by the revelation Rachel was telling him.   « Yes, that’s a story for another day, but all you really need to know is that: I’m a mutant and I have powers. » She stated flexing her fingers a bit. « Like flying? » Steve asked nodding at the open ceiling above them. « It’s a little bit more complicated than that. » She grimaced a little thinking about all the Phoenix subject and her statue as an Omega Mutant.  « I need to seat down. » Steve informed her, his head throbbing with his headaches from his injuries but also because of thinking too hard. 

Aliens, alternate realities, H.Y.D.R.A… the modern world was being more and more complicated. He was about to seat down on the couch, putting his shield on the floor but a boiling sound made Rachel jumped on her feet and clapped her hands together.

« Not here, Captain, the milk is ready! » She exclaimed pulling on Steve arm’s for him to rise from his spot. « I don’t understand, why I can’t seat here if the milk is ready. » He frowned feeling his headache returned in full force.

Rachel smiled before walking through a door behind the couch under the bewildered look of the Captain.

°°°

Steve faintly smiled as he now understood better the excitement of the woman. Seating on the porch of the small cabin next to Rachel, he sighed. Oddly for him, he was happy. A hot cocoa mug in his hand and the beautiful sunset behind the breathtaking landscape of woods was a quiet and enjoyable moment. Rachel smiled seeing him smiling and took a sip of her beverage. It was one of her tradition when the sunset came, she sat alone on the stairs of her porch and watched the beautiful scenery with hot cocoa and only the quiet sound of the wood for company. 

« What’s a mutant? » Steve asked after a couple of minutes of silence. 

Rachel took a deep breath, maybe it was better to be alone. 

« It’s a person born with a DNA slightly different from the usual combo. » She explained looking at birds taking a flight on the pinkish sky. « It’s their DNA, that gave mutant power. It’s completely random, a baby could be born with a mutant’s DNA whereas his parents are normal. » She turned her head to looked at him. « Unlike you Captain, I was born with my super-powers, thanks to mom and dad. They were mutant. » She took a sip of her drink, winking at Steve who only grinned. « Why are you here then? And not on your own Earth? » Steve asked, putting his cup on the wooden floor. « War happened, people who didn’t understand the mutant, killed us or imprisoned us. » She revealed dropping her eyes on his cup. She huffed seeing he had already finished his drink. « I’m kind of familiar with that. » Steve raised his eyebrows, resting his back again the pillar behind him. « My parents where afraid for me, so, with the help of another mutant, they just send me here. I was eleven. » Rachel bit her lips, feeling the tears threatening to fall on her cheeks, but she held them, not wanting to cry. « I was taken by Nick Fury and the S.H.I.E.L.D organizations, that’s how I know Natasha Romanov. » Rachel revealed, nodding her head.

She took a sip of her drink, looking at the trees in front of her house. Soon she would have to cut some of them because of the Winter coming. Steve was surprised, he knew Fury had some very odd and mind-blowing secrets of his own, but he didn’t imagine that kind of secret.

« And so you’ve been alone since then. I mean without your family and friends from your own reality? » Steve asked her, feeling a bit sorry for the woman who rescued him. « I don’t mind being alone. » The red-haired shrugged. « It’s when I do my best thinking. » She replied with a smile.

And I don’t have to hear all the internal thoughts of other people, she sadly reasoned.

« Yes, me too. » Steve sadly smiled, looking at the view in front of him.

It’s been a while since he didn’t just stop, and enjoy simple life things. Like a good view, a good beverage. He turned his head looking at the woman next to him who after putting her drink down had a chocolate mustache on her lips. A good company.

« You have a small something on -» Steve smiled pointing at his own lip. « What? » Rachel frowned, wiping her lips, a soft pink blush on her cheeks. She had taken most of it but not all of it. « Just- » Steve pointed his finger at her own lip, but she missed the spot again. « Wait, here. » He whispered, wiping the chocolate with his thumb, his eyes watching her.

He took his finger into his mouth licking it. Rachel's eyes went back and forth between his pink mouth to his blue eyes. She was strangely closer to him and could see a hint of green into the clear blue that was his eyes. Steve felt drowned toward her, her sweet vanilla and bit spicy scent feeling his nose. Suddenly, he felt dawned by her, and her aura. She seemed to be everything that was holding the epitome of his happiness on her lips and he had to touch them.  Rachel Summers was a mystery, some kind of girl coming from another reality. But she seemed genuine and took him in and patched him up when he felt into her house without any question ask. He didn’t know if he trusted her. He didn’t know if he could but right here, right now all Steve Rogers needed was to let go, for once and enjoyed the sweet and romantic moment. So he leaned his head toward her face as Rachel closed her eyes. He brushed hir lips, asking her, a quiet question. She felt butterflies into her stomach before pressing her mouth on his; raising her hand to softly stroke his clean-shaven cheek. Steve kissed her even more but a faint sound made her broke the kiss.

« Umm…It’s my phone and it’s probably for you. » Rachel flushed, her eyes avoiding to look at him.  « I’m gonna go answer. » He told her, before rising up and entered into the house.

Rachel took a deep breath. What was that? Eyes wide open, she shook her head and bite her lips. Putting her head on her knees she watched the sunset, a shy smile on her lips. 

I just kissed Steve Rogers!

°°°

And now, he was leaving. Rachel’s compass in one hand, and one of the many maps, Nick Fury had given to her when she moved into this small house, in his other hand. His full suit on, and his famous shield on his back, Steve was ready to join back his team. According to Maria Hill, a Quinjet piloted by Tony was waiting for him a few miles away from Rachel’s cabin. He couldn’t lend next to the red-haired woman’s house because they were some kind of shield force around her home. When Steve confronted her about it, she only shrugged turning her back to him. Steve took his helmet and put it around his face. Rachel looked at him in the dim light of her living room, the only sound was of the cover-up brushing the wood’s ceiling. The night was now set around the woods and Rachel for the first time, felt empty and lonely. Strangely, sadness filling her cores, even though she met Steve less than 24 hours ago and he’s been conscious for 5 hours of those. She liked those moments she had been with him. 

« That’s ok if I walk through this shield force. It won’t hurt me? » Steve asked suspiciously, sorting his helmet on his neck. « Why do you ask me? I don’t know anything about this shield thing. » Rachel waved vaguely her hand above her head. Steve pursed his lip, knowing deep down that she didn’t tell him all the truth about her powers. « All I can say is that you traversed it last night, just fine and without any complication. » She smiled pointing at the ceiling.

Steve chuckled softly under his breath. She was right. He licked his lips watching her fully. Wearing a long blue skirt with a white crop top, she avoided looking directly in his eyes. Rachel was the kind of woman who was independent, funny, sweet but also mysterious. And he really wanted to decipher every bit of secrecy she was hiding behind these big blue eyes.

« I’m gonna be back, you know. » Steve informed her, with a knowing smile. « No, you won’t, Captain. » She replied, sad. « But that’s ok, I won’t forget you.» She winked.

Steve laughed, before turning around and stepped outside in the cold and icy wind of the woods. She was wrong he will be back, he knew it deep down. 

°°°

Rachel Summers was again, levitating by the time Steve was back. But this time, she was flying outside next to trees, with a huge blade in one hand. Steve was looking at her, she hasn’t changed since the night he left her a few months ago. He told her he will be back and there he was. Steve needed some short but good holidays after the Ultron affairs. And after taking the lead of the new Avengers Team, he just left leaving a note to Natasha explaining that he will be back in a couple of weeks. And he couldn't think of anything better place than Rachel Summers’s cottage as a holiday location. Rachel heard a faint crack sound. Someone was there, turning quickly in the air she was ready to attack, her blade up and her fist being immersed into a faint golden mist, but she was shocked to see Captain America smirking at from below. Confused, she lost her balance and concentration and started to fall but this time there wasn’t any couch to fall on to. Rachel started to panic, crying out loud she already saw herself crushed on the floor. But then she saw the outstretched arms of Steve’s as he ran to caught her into his stronghold. Rachel’s body felt right into his figure, but her descent was fast, made the soldier lost his footing and fell to the ground, the red-haired woman above him.

« I told you to not sneak up on him, Steve! » Rachel yelled, hitting, softly his hard chest as she raised to look at his laughing face. « And I told you, I will be back. » He replied still laughing. «  Hey, Rachel, it’s the first time you called me Steve. » « What are you doing here? I saw the news! Are you ok? » She frowned looking at him, annoyed but searching for some injuries on his body.

He wasn’t wearing his suit, but a soft blue shirt and a pair of jeans. Steve looked rather normal dressed this way. Not like the bossy and always serious Captain. 

« I want to know more about your Earth, the other reality. » Steve softly smiled, pushing a stray of her long red hair behind her ear. « And also, about you. » Steve looked at her blushing under his deep gaze.

She pushed herself from his body, taking his hand into her own and lift him up.

« I told you my story if you told me yours? » She asked, crossing her arms on her chest, smiling at him. « That’s fair. » Steve conclude, taking the blade who fell next to them. « Let’s start with this. » He waved the weapon, raising an eyebrow.  « Alright. » She nodded biting her lips. « But I need hot cocoa, do you want one? » « Yes, please! » Steve almost yelled.

Rachel laughed in front of his excited face. She hasn’t forgotten him. But it seemed that he didn’t forget her either.

°°°

Tag List: @jtargaryen18​

[devaigh]

The Winner

Chapter 3

Much ❤❤ to my wonderful beta @sassenachbydesign for all her help, and for talking things through with me. This story would not be possible without her.

“There's my girl.”  Claire smiled wide as her daughter descended the last few steps. “I was starting to wonder where you had gone”

“Oh, no where. I was just... showing some of the guests to their rooms.” Brianna motioned absently behind her.

“I see. It seems like almost everyone has arrived, yes?”

“I think so.”

Claire linked arms with her daughter, leading them outside towards the wide terrace. “Well since the guest are mostly settled, I thought you could help me with something.”

Brianna raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly would that be?”

“I have a surprise for Roger. I assumed you would like to help me with it.” Claire grinned. “I have it hidden away for now. I happened to come across something that he would find interesting. But it looks like I will have to show you later.” She inclined her head. “I think someone is looking for you.”

Brianna followed her gaze, her own blue eyes lighting up when she saw  Roger. Her mother was right, as soon as Roger caught her eye, he hurried over, greeting Brianna with a soft kiss.

“Hello again, Dr. Randall.”

“Roger, please I've told you to call me Claire”

Roger blushed. “Aye, I'm sorry Claire.”

“Forgiven.” Claire smiled looking between her daughter and future son-in-law. “How about I leave you two, and I'll see you both this evening at dinner? You should both take some time for yourselves before things get too crazy around here. Just don't be late.”

“We won't Mama.” Brianna leaned over giving her mother a kiss on the cheek. “We'll see you later.”

“Aye, tonight.” Roger grinned, pulling Brianna close to his side. She fit neatly under his arm. “Right now, if you'll excuse us, I would verra much like to have Bree to myself a bit.”

“I suppose it's alright.” Claire teased. “Just behave both of you. We have a lot of guests, so make sure you're both back in time. We don't want to keep them waiting.”

Claire waved them off as she turned to go back to the beach house. She took a deep breath, enjoying the warm, salty air. It had been awhile since she had had a proper vacation.

For the last several years, it seemed as if she hardly left the hospital at all. Now she had two glorious weeks on a private beach in the south of France.

Claire fully intended on enjoying herself, even if she did have a wedding to see through.

A sudden movement from one of the balconies caught her eye. Twisting, she held one hand up, trying to see; the early afternoon sun was in her eyes. She could only make out what appeared to be a huge, hulking shadow, as it crossed her face. Blinking the sun from her eyes, she turned back towards the wide breezy porch and disappeared once more inside.

**********

Jamie stood frozen on the balcony of his room, his eyes locked on the point where Claire had just vanished. He could feel the rough, weathered wood of the railing give slightly under his hand as his fingers wrapped tightly around it.

Seeing her, moving so gracefully around the the edges of the beach with her lovely nest of curls floating around her face, simply stole his breath.

She looked just as lovely as the last time he saw her, when he kissed her goodbye. Jamie could feel the bitter sting of tears pricking at his eyes. With a huff, he shook his head, clearing his thoughts.

Did he truly had any claim on her after all these years?

What he could even say to her?

No, he reminded himself. He was here for one reason only. To see his newly found daughter wed. It was the least he could do for the lass. He would stay, for Brianna, and then take his leave.

It was probably what was best for everyone.

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

“This place is beautiful LJ. How did you ladies ever decide to stay here?”

Clare laughed, “Well honestly, I've always loved this part of France. I used to come here with my Uncle when I was a little girl.  We would always stay in villas like these for a few weeks each summer. It was one tradition we always kept.” she shrugged. “I myself haven't actually been here in years. When Brianna suggested it, I guess I just went along.”

“So Bree made the suggestion.”

“She did. I don't quite know where she got the idea, but I have to say, I think it was a great change.”

“You deserve a vacation LJ. You work too hard.” Joe said, his eyes serious. “You never take time for yourself. I know Bree is your whole world outside the hospital, but she's grown now. She's about to be married. You should start thinking about you again. Maybe find you a man...”

“Joe..” Claire slumped in her chair. “Please, I have no reason to think of anything like that.” She rolled her eyes. “I haven't been with anyone since Frank, and that's the last thing I want to consider!”

It was true.

Claire's relationship with the older Professor was one that still left her sore. A quick whirlwind of a romance that still left a bitter taste in her mouth. She knew that her hasty marriage had only been the painful product of her shattered heart and discovery of her pregnancy. Yet she still had agreed. Had it not been for Brianna... Well, Claire still wasn't sure what she would have done.  Moving to Boston had been her way of putting her past behind her. It was a way to start over, and discover what she truly wanted.

That's how she had met Joe.

Three years after moving across the pond, Claire had started medical school. It had long been a dream, something she had wanted for as long as she could remember.  At first, it had been somewhat easy with Frank around, despite his annoyance at her studies. Frank had wanted Claire to remain at home, which had caused a lot of their fights.  

When they had finally split, Claire  felt only a sense of relief.

She could finally pursue what she wanted, and while her daughter went to school, Claire would be in classes as well, usually until it was time to pick Bree up. Then, once she would drop her off with the sitter, Claire would work nights as a nurse at the local hospital.

It was a long, exhausting few years. When she met Joe, she had found a friend she could rely on. When sitters were difficult to find, Joe's wife Gail would take Brianna, sleeping from Claire's arms, refusing to take any sort of payment as Claire was ushered to class or work. Between the two, Claire had kept herself and her daughter fed, and safe. She had no idea how she had made it through school without them.

By the time she had graduated, Brianna was almost in the double digits. Then her routine was mostly worked around her daughter. As a single parent, Claire was forced to work odd hours, until Brianna was old enough to stay home alone.

“I'm doing just fine, on my own Joe.”  Claire said, brushing away her thoughts.

“I never said you weren't LJ. I only said you need to do something for you. You have a lot to offer anyone.”  Joe stood then, patting Claire on the shoulder. “I hate to run, but I need to go see where Gail went.”

“Of course. You both should get some rest. It's a long way from Boston.”

“See you at dinner?”

Claire smiled. “Absolutely. Thanks Joe.”

“My pleasure LJ.”

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

Claire stood on the edge of the terrace, her long dress billowing around her. Her eyes were closed,  her face tipped up to catch the fading sunlight. She could taste the salt in the air around her, feel the weight as it tangled in her curls. A deep rich aroma floated towards her from somewhere along the beach, it reminded her of dinner.

Soon she thought, soon she would turn back inside and change for the large dinner planned for all the wedding guests.

Despite the exitement surrounding the festivities, Claire found herself longing for more of the quiet moments. She looked forward to when the wedding was over, everyone was gone, and she could spend a few days to herself before she went back to her life.

Claire yanked off the wide straw hat she wore, seeking the warmth of the fading light. Her shoulders had gone slightly pink since she arrived, but she found she didn't care. Her normally creamy skin had started to freckle just so. She rubbed her arm lightly, amused how the lightest touch of her fingers left a brief imprint. She would need to remember her sunscreen.

“Careful there. I'd no like to see ye burned.”

Claire froze. The sound of the voice behind her thrumming through her. Her eyes shot open, wide and alarmed. As if in slow motion, she turned, her brow eyes automaticity looking up, locking her gaze on the man she never thought she'd see again.

“It's nice to see ye, Sassenach.”

[rambleonwithrosie]

Hello my lovely thirst babies! (It's what I call my followers)

For all of you new followers hi! Welcome! Enjoy the music and stay for the cute dish that is Queen's drummer.

All you previous 200 followers know that when I hit a milestone of 50 I always do a 50 questions type thing.

This one is gonna be all Queen!

(Also thank you everybody for sending a post from 0 to 500 notes in roughly one day!)

Opinion on Freddie Mercury calling himself "Mr. Farenheit"? It's adorable and almost like a little play on words with his birth name of Farrokh

Early 80's porn star Freddie or late 80's suburban dad Freddie look? Well I guess dad Fred because I'm not a stache person and the less facial hair and the shorter the better!

Stone Cold Crazy or I'm Going Slightly Mad? Tough choice but I'm Going Slightly Mad is the one I heard first and it's one of my favorites off of Innuendo. Sheer Heart Attack would be a great album even without Stone Cold Crazy

If Freddie asked you to house sit for him would you do it? Unless the cats are somewhere else no. I'm allergic and prejudiced against cats.

Satanic Prawn Onesie from It's A Hard Life music video or Disco Ball Red Devil Romper stage costume? Anything is better than the 800 eyed abomination

Get Down Make Love or Body Language? Get Down Make Love because at least musically it has some quality even if lyrically it's utter garbage (well if you chop off the first part it's not the worst)

Freddie in I Want to Break Free video or in Radio Ga Ga? Radio Ga Ga outfits always win. Plus other than the blouse I personally wouldn't wear anything Fred has on in I Want to Break Free

Opinion of Delilah? I think even if I actually liked cats I'd still cringe at it. As it is I definitely do not enjoy it

Bohemian Rhapsody or Bicycle Race? Oooh see Bicycle Race was my fav as a kid but BoRhap is legendary... I guess Bicycle Race because nostalgia and Star Wars!

Favorite 70s Freddie outfit?

Fat Bottomed Girls or Tear It Up? Ooh. Tear It Up. It's so delightfully naughty and grinds so hard. It's my dirty jam

Brian song you would really go all-out air-guitaring to? Tie Your Mother Down

Sail Away Sweet Sister or 39? I love the nerdiness of 39. But Sail Away Sweet Sister speaks to me and the main character of the novel I'm writing a lot. So gotta be SASS

"Hammer to Fall" or "Headlong"? Hammer to Fall probably. It's such a power jam. Not that Headlong isn't. It's also less dirty and it's on one of the best Queen albums ever

Favourite Brian solo? Oooh. Probably Tie Your Mother Down (I honestly can't recall if it has a solo. I just know it slams really hard and I live for that intro)

Briana in "I Want to Break Free" or Death in "It's a Hard Life"? Aghh. I love sassy Brianna but death is the only remotely sane looking one in Its A Hard Life

Favourite Brian solo song? I don't know a lot so Driven By You I guess

If you could spend a weekend with Brian, what would you do? Take nature hikes and talk about music and C S Lewis works and play with hedgehogs if at all possible

Would you rather stargaze with Brian or study in a science library with Brian? Stargaze for sure. I love it anyways and then he'd know all this brainy stuff that might put me to sleep but would still be fascinating

Favourite photo of Brian? I want his shawl thingy. Glam bastard.

Is Deaky one thicc bih in your opinion? He is certainly the thickest member of Queen. Have you guy's seen his apple bottomed ass of perfection?

If you could redo John's hair for Radio Ga Ga how would you do it? Maybe spiky with gel or something. Anything to reduce the electrocuted squirrel look

Describe John Deacon using 5 foods? Celery. Tall and kind of forgotten but essential. Onions because he's so savage at times he could make you cry. Hazelnuts because his hair and he's earthy and complex. Cheese because you are what you eat. And cherries but the tart pie kind not the sweet ones.

Where would you take Deaky on vacation? Hmmm. Some place with not a lot of people. I feel South America somewhere. Maybe a beach or to Patagonia

Favourite Deaky song? You're My Best Friend timeless and sweet

If you could give Deaky a new nickname what would it be? Salty the Hermit Crab

Favorite Deaky facial expression? His soft blushy sort of modest smile. Especially in the 70s.

Favorite photo of Deaky?

Favourite Deaky outfit?

Favorite salty Deaky face?

Which Monty Python sketch does Roger remind you of? The Encyclopedia Salesman because he could charm his way into somebody's house and sell them anything like the time he bs-ed that he was a Hoover vacuum salesman with I want to say John

Favourite harmonising by Roger? Probably Somebody to Love. He adds so much to those harmonies. And when they do it live it's even more noticeable but in a different way

What kind of car do you think I'm In Love with My Car is about? Whatever it is I see it as red. Probably a red Ferari. Or that's what I see and I'm sure Rog wouldn't have said no to one of those

You can have Roger do one of the (metaphorical) things to you that he mentions in "I'm in Love with My Car", what do you choose? Well giving him a thrill while my radials squeal does sound pleasant 😉😍😈

Favorite Roger Taylor solo work? Original composition it's probably Let's Get Crazy off of Fun In Space but if we're counting songs he covered Racing in the Street HANDS. DOWN! It's my fav song all time now. It and Brandy by Looking Glass

If Roger was an accessory, what would he be? Sunglasses of course 😎😎😎

"Modern Times Rock and Roll" or "Loser in the End"? Modern Times Rock N Roll. That song is not long enough. I love it.

You can talk to Roger for the rest of your life or have one night of passion with him, which do you choose? This is torture... but you didn't say I couldn't make out with him @squeezemylemon so trap there. I'm gonna talk to Rog and make out with him but no night of passion sadly. I'll still be happy kissing and chatting and being friends with a side of inspecting each other's tonsils with our tongues 😉😁😂

Favourite stage outfit of Roger's?

You can have a three-way with two different Rogers... 1) Do you do it? 2) Which Rogers (photo examples are encouraged)? Not my thing but I'm such a thirsty bitch for Rog that in this case hell yes. Sign me up for this sandwich right here

Brian or Freddie singing "'39"? Brian all the way baby. He has that perfect folk singer type voice

Which songs from other bands best describes each member? Brian is Bowie's 'Space Oddity'. Freddie is Elton's 'Rocket Man'. Roger's anthem has to be 'Big Spender' even if musically the style isn't him, musically he's Dancing in the Dark by Springsteen. John is Beethoven's 5th Symphony or The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel but don't ask me why

The members of Queen as characters from the Muppets? Hmm. John is one of the salty old guys from the audience. Roger/ina is miss Piggy because he's such a diva. Bri would be Kermit for somehow patiently dealing with Piggy!Rog. And I had to Google the other Muppets and found one named Pepe the King Prawn and if that isn't Freddie Mercury I don't know what is

The members of Queen as the Avengers? Brian is Director Fury (he counts as an Avenger right?) John is The Hulk, Freddie is outrageous Iron Man of course and Roger is Hawkeye full of sass quips and sex appeal

Queen as cake flavors? Freddie is Cherry Chocolate. John is Lemon. Brian is a really dark chocolate that probably has coffee flavoring to it. Roger is strawberry.

Queen as Classic Hollywood actors? I weirdly want to say Freddie as Clark Gable but I think he's more Douglas Fairbanks. Brian is Lawrence Olivier. John is William Powell. And Roger would be James Dean (he counts right?)

FMK: Rogerina, Briana, Frederika? Fuck Rogerina obvs. Briana is a suitable housewife. And as usual poor Fred gets killed. Sorry.

Which song would you have liked to have been around the composer as they created it? Well as much as I want to say a Roger song I'd be too busy distracting him for that to work so I'm gonna say Brian writing Dragon Attack

Favorite album art/cover? The Game. 1980 Rog in leather is my sexuality. Otherwise I'd probably say Sheer Heart Attack

Who or what is the (not actual) love of each band member’s life? Freddie's was the 4000 cats. Roger's amore is cars of course. John is in a committed relationship with cheese on toast. And Brian is a slut who while he's married to Red Special he goes around having affairs with badgers and faucets/taps

Thanks again @squeezemylemon and @zestysexmachinefromzanzibar for helping with all of these questions!