#*crosses fingers for a w/w endgame as well*

[coruscqte]

dear @lesbianbootheng + @sundays-wing-piercing ask and ye shall receive! i have some answers for you about xiayu under the cut :)

the astral express trio:

- xiayu’s parents! dan heng, stelle and march 7th are probably one of the longer passengers of the express, definitely spend a couple years (read: closer to a decade) still aboard the train with pom-pom, himeko and welt

- (crossing every finger on my hands himeko survives hsr)

- regardless of what happens towards endgame, the three of them are dating for quite a while before dan heng finally actually asks to mate with both of them. stelle and march (obviously) readily accepted. i think march made a bigger deal out of it than the other two intended it to be, but it was a cute little party with their friends to celebrate it.

- (perhaps the luofu races have mating ceremonies? headcanon i suppose)

- im not sure if marriage is a concept in hsr (as we still havent come across any married couples yet) but they have matching jewelry. necklaces, with jade pendants on the chain. for two people who use two handed weapons, rings were out of the question anyway.

-xiayu was wholeheartedly an entire accident. i dont think dan heng ever expected to be able to have children of his own for obvious reasons, it probably never really crossed stelle’s mind, but march mightve had some serious baby fever a few times in those ten years. just because they were cute, not so much because she wanted to raise one.

- but i also think all three of them were pretty okay not being parents because being a nameless is dangerous work. as many times as theyve come home to the express scratched and beaten to hell, it wasnt something they wanted to put onto a child.

- but again, xiayu. she’s an odd little bean. mostly because how she came into existence at all is a bit of an ongoing question even bailu's still stumped over decades later. vidyadhara shouldnt be able to reproduce, yet her running theory is that something about the stellaron + vidyadhara biology interacted and the three of them just got unreasonably lucky.

-(or unlucky, if you ask a very morning sick dan heng)

-i don't care to get into the nitty gritty or even just details of how one child came from three different people, im very handwavey in that sense. easy enough to say dh (for lack of better terms) incubated her egg, she stayed in said egg for another couple months after being “born”ish and pop goes the new vidyadhara baby lol

- egg! i hc xiayu came out of an egg just like any other vidyadhara, but she cracked out of it way earlier because she’s a brand new person. in that in between time thought, she was carried around by the three of them. one of them was always with her, whether on them or in the little nest she stayed in.

- march was no longer allowed to go shopping for xiayu somewhere around a month or so before she was born. himeko was required to go with her if she wanted to buy anything else for the baby — one kid only needed so many things, and march was not the best about staying on topic. or budget.

- stelle was also, naturally, excited. but mostly curious, after all the only vidyadhara child she’d met was bailu, so she was a little concerned itd be different from human children. still, shes the one that assembled the creche and such, as well as sitting w the egg most of the time. the stellaron helped keep it warm.

- i think dan heng was the most worried about xiayu. from the fact that he was the one who incubated her to another fact that theyd created a whole new person together, he was a bit of a nervous wreck. tried not to show it much, failed pretty miserably towards the end of that period.

- xiayu’s egg cracked while march and stelle were away on a trailblaze mission, terribly harrowing moment for everyone involved when dan heng called in a panic. thankfully, she waited to make her proper debut until her moms could be there but dan heng had never been more stressed

- i have a very clear vision in mind of their skin-to-skin session directly after xiayu cracked her egg. gently pulling the shards off their daughter, cleaning her up a little. pulled close to stelle’s chest, warm and so soft. all three of them absolutely in love. there were tears. lots of them.

- so, so small. even with the extra time in her egg she was still smaller than most vidyadhara “newborns”. certainly smaller than dan heng had been — had he ever been that small? as innocent as the little person staring up at him? he doesnt know.

- and a million and one photos taken by march afterwards. she documented all of her achievements and milestones with her trusty camera. she never wants to forget these moments, her first moments as a mom, her first moments with her daughter.

- stelle is so content with her baby. parenthood was something she’d been mostly neutral on the whole process, and yet it seemed like everything they did was worth it. healthy, cooing in her arms, these cute little fingers that all wrapped around one of her fingers with a surprisingly strong grip. oh yes, xiayu was her baby. she’d be up to bat soon enough.

about xiayu:

- xiayu was a terribly fussy baby. never wanted to be left alone, never really wanted to nap, cried probably excessively. but she also babbled plenty, was all too happy to spend some time on her parents hip or to see the stars outside the express. this is why welt coined the nickname nova for her. the way her little eyes would light up in the parlor car seeing space was just adorable.

- dan heng purrs. this is relevant because i think a content xiayu also purrs.

- floppy toddler. likes to scare her parents a little by just going limp whenever. contrary to stelle’s belief, this is not as funny as xiayu thinks it is to her other parents lol.

- stelle likes to toss xiayu in the air. dan heng is not as big of a fan. march im not sure minds, she just loves that xiayu is happy.

- stelle is more of a … hm, a mom who cares a lot but doesn’t smother. likes to let xiayu figure things out on her own, see the world for herself. of course, she always keeps an eye on her, ready to swoop in whenever.

- march is more of an emotional mum. she leads by her heart, as per usual, and xiayu usually goes to her for comfort naturally. ofc she goes to all of them, but if she just wants to be babied, its march she seeks out.

- march and dan heng are usually the ones dressing her, you can tell who did what rather easily.

- dan heng isnt … strict per se (he values xiayu’s autonomy and freedom just as much as he values his own) but he is more worrying than stelle or march. perhaps its because she’s the first new vidyadhara theyve had in literal centuries, or that a fear of the preceptors finding her scares him shitless, or just trying to keep his own fears in line, he keeps her safe the best he knows how — with his tail wrapped around her middle if she wanders too far away.

- (though, xiayu thinks this is hilarious and attempts to run away a lot. it was a curse for her to pick up toddling so quicky)

- she has a raccoon toy that goes with her everywhere lol. his name is caelus 😌

- infinite loop of “goes ask your mom” “go ask your mum” “go ask your dad”

- stelle is called mama, march is mummy, and dan heng is baba in the early years. as xiayu matures it becomes mom, mum and dad.

- auntie himeko and uncle welt! xiayu likes to see the maps and such that himeko works with, and welt usually has a different selection of books than dan heng has. it’s a treat when they visit.

- the four of them live on the luofu until xiayu is about twelve. it’s simply safer to have a baby in a more concrete location, and have a permanent home base. they disembark the astral express for a few years, but promise to return when she gets a little older.

- given they dont stay long. dan heng is far too paranoid about the preceptors doing something terrible to her, and xiayu isn’t well received by the wider vidyadhara community. people find out eventually that she’s a descendant of dan feng, and hell breaks loose. when she comes home crying one day from lessons that her playmates won’t play with her anymore, dan heng blames himself even if his partners tell him not to.

- jing yuan does enjoy her visits when they bring her around. after all, who could say no to such a cute face? (march concurs. dan heng is worried about the pair of them). a beloved baby under the watchful eye of the luofu’s general.

- bailu is just happy to have another baby vidyadhara around, though the concept is a bit foreign.

- xiayu doesnt call the luofu home, which opens up confusion when introducing herself. the express is her home, moreso than somewhere that didnt even truly accept her.

all about trailblazer xiayu:

- xiayu herself is a bright soul with a great deal of trailblazer branded curiosity about the world around her. she just loves to explore, and has a semi decent sense of direction — its rare that she gets truly lost

- if she were playable, she would be nihility / imaginary. five star, obviously.

- her tone is a little bit deeper than that of march’s , probably alongside the timbre of stelle’s.

- star carver was commissioned by dan heng for her, and march and stelle had some input on it as well. theres a three star motif on the hand grip and on the axe blades themselves. its her birthright and beloved axe, though she doesn’t use it much until she boards the astral express as a proper trailblazer when she’s about twenty.

- never a quiet moment with xiayu. she always has something to say or something to share. bit of a yapper depending on the parent shes with. she and march are usually the ones doing something together, while pompom has probably lost a vase or two in the observatory car to xiayu and stelle working w their weapons. she doesnt really do the whole silence thing well, but it is comfortable with her dad while they work on separate things in the archives.

- i do think dan heng tries his best to teach xiayu about her heritage. whether she dislikes the luofu or not, she does still need to know what his kin do. im not sure if shes terribly talented with cloudhymn magic though, considering shes only been to scalegorge a few times with her father.

- xiayu i dont think considers herself vidyadhara. only for her lifespan, but otherwise chooses not to identify with them first. i think the wider community is split on opinion, but most are just in awe of her existence.

- at twenty, xiayu is considered a full trailblazer, and begins accompanying the current passengers on missions. by this time, stelle and march are both around 50ish, so theyre not always in attendance (similar to welt) but when they can be, they are.

- i think her parents are, understandably, a bit protective of xiayu when out and about on missions. they compromise that she always keeps her phone on if she just Has to go wandering around, but otherwise theyre usually together.

- she is not allowed to touch the archive, even as an adult. only for entries not organization lol

- she does get her own room on the express! big window to space, little window rest for her to sit and more often, nap on.

- i think she takes after march the most, easily. but you can see dan heng in her mannerisms, her quiet thinking at times. its stelle you can see when shes in a fight, those swings are trailblazer brand lol. and perhaps, when she goes about collecting trinkets wherever the express has stopped — akin to stelle’s foraging.

- re: vidyadhara: vidyadhara usually live anywhere from 10 days to aeons know how long. for those aboard the xianzhou alliance, likely children remain a bit younger-minded for longer. xiayu has always considered herself an adult when her parents began treating her as one, so her experiences on the luofu are a bit skewed. to put it simply, she is not particularly happy about some things being age restricted to those a hundred years and over.

- primarily, sushang and bailu are usually the ones accompanying her out and about. this helps her get around these restrictions a lot of the time.

- now, all good things usually come to an end. by the time xiayu is barely forty, march and stelle are already in their 70s. its odd, watching your moms age and grow grey hairs and wrinkles while your father looks nearly the same as he has all forty years youve been alive.

- they return to their old home on the luofu for their twilight years, while xiayu remains on the astral express.

- stelle doesn’t live to see xiayu’s fiftieth birthday.

- (contingent on hsr not removing the stellaron from the trailblazer) the stellaron was already corrupting her since before xiayu was even conceived, and age catching up with her rapidly doesn’t help. she passes away relatively quietly in her sleep at 74.

- xiayu was with her, curled up on her side. she won’t ever forget that moment when her mom didnt wake with her.

- the rest of the family is, obviously, devastated. little spider cracks appear then and there in xiayu, trying to stay positive for her parents. arguably not dissimilar to march, but even she has to admit that things won’t quite ever be the same without stelle.

- march goes later. it’s quiet, when she goes. dan heng is the one to discover her this time. around when she’s eighty six. xiayu is barely fifty five.

- this is where i think xiayu’s brand of whimsy comes in. xiayu has always been between worlds, treated like a short lived person by her immediate family, treated like she’s live centuries by her peers. in that disconnect, xiayu’s mental cracks.

- she calls stelle and march as if they were still alive, just waiting on them to pick up their voicemails. she takes pictures for march, sending texts and just ignoring the error messages. after all the signal is probably just bad, right? she keeps stelle’s original jacket to wear and march’s hair clips, after all, theyll come back soon enough.

- dan heng tries his best to cope for the same reasons. hes known that he’d outlive his partners, but hadnt been really thinking about it until theyd moved back to the luofu. he tries to keep xiayu safe the best he can, to the point of occasionally overstepping. shes not allowed to leave into the mara struck areas without sushang or yanqing, shouldnt be away for too many days. even on the express he has her check in with him or with someone who can contact him.

- its a mess. they both love each other to pieces because theyre all the other has left, but dan heng hasn’t exactly helped much to cope with march and stelle being gone. if anything they just keep feeding into each other.

- but for about fifty years, it was truly joyful. after all, caelus still accompanies her on her travels.

edit: send in writing / art prompts for her if youd like! ill happily do even more brain rotting over her by request lol

[castlebyersafterdark]

i know that the fandom here are so excited for byler endgame that it can make it seem like byler is a plot twist just because theyre gay, but actually i think the duffers have more respect for gay people than that! theyve told will's story so empathetically, that i think the plot twist would still be a twist if will was a girl and mike chose the girl next door best friend instead of the superhero. the twist is that mike isnt choosing the excitement of a superhero girlfriend over his 'normal' best friend, who could be seen as the sweet but safe option in a heterosexual pair, but that he is choosing a life just as exciting/hard by being with another boy. at least thats how i see it! i honestly dont think byler will be the biggest twist of s5 either, it just feels that way cos most people here are so desperate for byler endgame!

For the time being, i'm choosing to agree that I trust the DB's judgement and storytelling and film making abilities (esp w my boy Matty maybe being... fam lol sssssh I feel embarrassed whenever I mention it). What we've gotten so far has genuinely been wonderful. I cried at Robin's coming out scene. And I cried during the van scene. So.... they do have the chops. (Robin's scene actually hit me harder to be honest but that's - there are reasons haha.) And I guess the Robin reveal was a plot twist, thinking back? The whole season was played to lead up to a Steve/Robin moment and ohhhh was that handled so well. I guess I don't need to view "twist" so maliciously as a concept, really. I think what I mean, is that if it's not given the care and development and is just a gimmick thrown in during the final season then it being a twist is kinda disappointing? But again, I've said before that I think there's definitely enough time to delve into that storyline pretty deep alongside everything else that's going on. I really don't think they'll do that to us. But. You can't be 100%.

"but that he is choosing a life just as exciting/hard by being with another boy." I do tend to agree having read this assessment. Have to keep in mind the era of the setting. We have a waaaaays to go in modern media with queer stories and more vast representation and normalizing things, but this story? A major blockbuster television show? The nostalgia 80s show? Imagine if two boys in the Goonies got together. Imagine if any of the vibes of the Outsiders boys existed beyond subtext. Or the Stand By Me boys. Hell, imagine if IT actually allowed the implications to happen beyond tragedy and that was made like 6 years ago. Stranger Things changing the game. Super cool. Fingers crossed!!!

[wubbadubbatub]

Well here are my predictions for s3 of warrior nun or more like things I want to see happen and even if warrior nun doesn't get cancelled.(fingers crossed) this is by all means my opinion and honestly it's just what I want to happen.

Reya is evil, we dont find out til 3 episodes in or for the first half we are oblivious. Ava goes full out in support of her kicking ass and taking names in the name of reya. Bea get word that Ava is back and she comes back we get domestic avatrice, and dating avatrice for the first half of s3 and its beautiful.

For the remaining half, someone in the group(yasmine, Camila, Dora, vincent,or mother superior) finds out some how reya is not good and has been manipulating the group to do her bidding against her enemies.(who are the real good guys) Ava who is on team reya fully either rejects or is in denial that reya could have sinister motives which splits her off from the group.(not including bea ) and she goes off completing missions w bea by her side, since Beatrice refuses to leave her side resulting in angst and bea trying to make Ava see that reya isnt who she is making herself out to be. The arguments get more intense as the second half of s3 goes on until Ava does something in reya's name, that is questionable to both Ava and Beatrice and Beatrice ends up leaving Ava and joining the other group w the pure intent to make Ava see how wrong she is. Ava, is alone and guilt ridden over the questionable thing she has done and begins to doubt reya, but continues her goals cause she is close to the endgame. Believing what she is doing is saving the world again and she is selfless at this point. During this time the group finds out undeniable evidence of reya's sinister motives and are chasing Ava around trying to show her the proof. Which leads them to the final battle which involves the group versus ava. The battle is brutal and Ava is broken because she has to hurt her friends. The last straw being a 1 on 1 fight w Beatrices which ava not being able to land the final blow to bea throws down her sword in defeat and in tears tells beatrices she can't do it then resulting in her and Beatrice having an embrace and intimate moment. Where Beatrice finally tells her or shows her the proof of reya's wrongdoings and Ava being tired and broken just nods her head finally accepting that she has been on the wrong side this whole time. The group reunites and it's all tossed up in the air as to the finale moments of s3

Also idk about lilith because she is a freaking wildcard when it comes to the plot shes just so out there and unpredictable. Also I can see dr.salvius going against reya straight out the bat and being the first halves villain(the whole group versus dr. Salvius) and ava being a psuedo villian for the second halve for her support for reya(the whole group + dr.salvius versus Ava/reya) also I wanna see ava learn to have full control, and have access to the halo's full potential to make a truly unbeatable threat it is possible cause idk how long shes gonna in the other side and 7.8 seconds on earth is hrs in the other side so she could be on the other side for what could be yrs compared to the days on earth she was missing fully making her support for reya also believable since reya could heal her and teach the halo's full potential ALSO SHOW ME MORE OF THE OTHER SIDE I WANNA SEE IT DAMN IT. ok thank you for sticking to my complete warrior nun rant if you read all the way up to here.

[thewickedbohemian]

Fellow So Help Me Todd fans (or w/e we're going to call ourselves as esp. if this show goes on as we want it to we need a demonym), what would you most want to see in future seasons of So Help Me Todd (y'know because we all want to see future seasons of So Help Me Todd)

Here's some of mine

a musical episode later into the show (as both Buffy and Psych had theirs a ways in and assuming it gets that many seasons I don't see SHMT having one until at least a S5) but in a *crosses fingers* S3 I want at least some opportunity for Todd and/or Judy to sing (could be anything from karaoke to one of them (as as a not-technically-a-detective Judy would make the perfect undercover asset) going undercover as a singer a la Leverage's The Studio Job)

If Jenifer Lewis could have the time to appear again as Jacqueline Burton (and could perhaps be as much a recurring-guest-star as her schedule allows) since Jenifer irl has bipolar disorder I think it would be interesting for it to be canon that Jacqueline is bipolar as well (shed some educational light on a scary-seeming disorder by showing a good guy with it for once)

On the topic of mental health a thing I've wanted for this show for a while is for one of the many neurodivergent-seeming main characters (whoever the writers think best fits a given disorder with whatever disorder they best fit (e.g. Todd with ADHD, Lyle with autism etc.)) to go through an adult-diagnosis arc canonizing it and how I'd do that if I wrote for the show (though I don't trust my handling of these characters to find more than broad concepts for episodes or arcs) is through a parallel-recognition thingie when the firm's working a case regarding a parent of a kid with the same disorder fighting Portland Public Schools on behalf of their child (inspired by how Ray Romano's Parenthood character found out he was autistic and if it's Todd himself or anyone else at the firm they'd find it out themselves but if it's someone outside like either of Todd's siblings he notices it about them because of the case)

I mean this in the best possible way but Allison could use a therapist

Wherever Todd's actual career takes him I think it'd be cool if more seasons meant the twice-in-two-seasons pattern was kept up of Todd having to "play lawyer"

more Psych homages/getting Psych-level experimental (like was shown this season with "Dial M For Margaret" the Rear Window homage)

the wardrobe department to (unless it truly is fitting for everyone's character) stop with the dressing half the cast in really obnoxious patterns at once

Some other Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist alum to guest-star outside the musical episode (given the vibe of this show I could see Alex Newell showing up as another unconventionally-gendered character) and Todd making some joke-to-us-the-audience (like his "I hate theater kids" in "End On A High Note") about them looking familiar and if he knows them from somewhere

The endgame arc for Jodd (Judy/Todd) if they're truly going to be the endgame ship of if-this-show-lasts-longer (or at least part of it as for all we know some poly shit could happen either involving just Lyle as well (to appease the Tyle shippers and as the broadcast equivalent of the Leverage OT3) or Lyle and Ariel) being Judy eventually getting her PI license and becoming Todd's detecting partner in addition to romantic partner as a full-circle-parallel-redemption from what happened with him and Veronica

So what would you guys want to see in more So Help Me Todd

[arthenaa]

ARTEMIS ;

druig x fem avenger! eternal! reader

hey everyone before i start this is my first ever post here on this acc!! so anys i had this on my mind lately ,,, and i just wanted to share it to ppl. this is just an imagine based on the credit scene and the eternals possibly working w the avengers in the future. reader is an eternal who fought w the avengers during endgame. reader is assigned to another world and not earth.

SUMMARY: As the Eternals respond to Bruce Banner's call for help, they meet a someone new but from the same side.

CONTENT WARNING: druig reading thoughts, mentions of losing a family, lowkey spicy at the end, ooc druig,

_______________

"Thank you for accepting the call." Bruce Banner smiles as Sersi shakes his hand. The other Eternals carefully climb out of the car as they admire the newly renovated Avengers compound. Sersi nods with a smile before releasing his hand.

"Of course, it's the least we could do." Sersi responds. "We're centuries late but we've always wanted to help. This time we're full hands on with helping out to protect this world."

Bruce smiles at her reply. "That's good to know."

Druig lets his eyes wander, taking in parts of the compound that are still evident from the battle. "This where it happened?"

Bruce glances at him before looking out at the field. "Yeah. Still remember every part of it."

Sersi sighs as she looks back at Bruce, gently placing a hand on his arm. The Avenger looks back at her as she smiles sadly at him. "We apologize for not helping out. I'm sure you needed more help but we were to blinded by our beliefs instead of helping."

Thena, Kingo and Phastos nod in agreement. Bruce shakes his head. "It's alright. Don't blame yourselves. You would've jumped at the chance but y'know you needed to be loyal to your purpose. We won and that's what matters."

"You knew about our purpose here on Earth?" Makkari signs while Kingo translates for Bruce.

"Uh, well, Strange filled me in generally on who you are but Y/N was the person who really told us the information." Bruce says as he adjusts the sling on his shoulder.

"Who? I'm sure we've never told anyone named Y/N before." Sprite crosses her arms across her chest. Her physical appearance now slightly grown compared to before. She turns around to look at her fellow Eternals who all shrug in confusion.

"I'm not really secretive about where I'm from but I know all the people I told." Kingo squints his eyes. "Who are they?"

Bruce tilts his head in confusion. "I assumed you'd know cause—"

BANG.

A loud noise catches their attention. The group look at each other with caution before running towards where the sound came from. Thena summons her weapon while Kingo prepares the cosmic energy flowing through his finger tips. Sersi looks at Makkari before nodding as she allows her to take a peek of the area. The speedster zooms with gold flares leaving her trail. She comes back seconds later, hands signing the information she gained.

"3 people. One armed."

Thena nods before stepping forward to dive in the action. Bruce stops her with a raise of the hand. "W-Wait. What did you see?"

"There's 3 people and one of them is armed. I can handle it." Thena translates for Makkari before Phastos holds her back with a gentle grip on her wrist and a shake of his head.

"Who specifically? I'm pretty sure authorized personnel are the only ones allowed to come in the compound. If it were an enemy it could've alerted the other Avengers in the building." Bruce explains as he glances at the battle ready warriors in front of him. Makkari signs again to which Sprite translates for her.

"Metal arm. Gun. Shield." Sprite raises her eyebrow as she glances at Bruce who sighs in relief.

"That's sounds like Bucky and Sam." He mumbles as he walks over to the area, allowing himself to enter the suspected duo's field of vision. "Come! I think Y/N's there with them."

He waves the Eternals over who hesitantly follow him. Druig's eyes carefully analyzes the trio who look at them with caution before relaxing in recognizing the scientist.

"Bruce!" The woman calls as she gently hands the gun to Bucky. Bruce smiles before clearing to the side to introduce the new members.

Your eyes slightly widen as Bruce introduces them and you to them. Sam and Bucky nod in greeting. "What were you guys doing?" Bruce asks with a raised eyebrow.

"We were testing grandma's vision here and used my old bots for target practice." Sam teases which earns him a hard nudge on the rib. Bucky quietly laughs. Sam groans as he rubs his side. "T-turns out grandma here has a better vision than popsicle and me."

"Told you." You smile at him before nudging your head to the headquarters. "Go inside. I have something to talk about with the newbies and Bruce."

"Yes ma'am." Bucky rolls his eyes before dragging Sam inside who protests loudly. You laugh softly at the pair before looking back at the group.

"I suspect Bruce has told you about me?" You tilt your head, eyes glancing at him.

"Only that you know about our purpose here on Earth." Phastos responds for the group as they look at you with unreadable expressions. You look back at Bruce who shrugs.

"Considering the amount of time spent between the rumored superhumans battling a monster in the streets of London showing up on the news, a Celestial appearing out of nowhere in the sky to you responding to Bruce's call, I assume you've met Eros then?" Your arms cross over your chest as their eyes widened. You connect eyes with one person in particular as he smirks at you.

"You're just like us." Druig's stare intensity increases by the moment as he tilts his head with interest. " You're an Eternal."

The group looks at him before looking back at you. Sersi blinks in confusion. "B-but we we're the only ones sent here on Ear—"

"Was assigned to a different world." You cut her off. "We were months away from an emergence before our leader told us the truth. He couldn't take it anymore and we decided to destroy the Celestial before it even emerged. Some of our members we're taken for judgement but a few of us managed to escape. I was able to meet Eros because of that. You were all lucky enough to have been spared."

The group look at you with sad expressions. Sprite steps forward with another question. "Then? How'd you come to Earth?"

"Well first of all, I wasn't really able to settle anywhere but I was lucky enough to meet Bruce here and his little group back in Sakaar." You glance at Bruce who smiles sheepishly before continuing. "Helped them escape, met Thanos, got transported to Earth, fought Thanos, lost, then the rest is history." You smile, clasping your hands behind you. "Why don't we discuss more inside? I'm sure you're all tired from the trip."

_________________

"Y'know what reminds me of you?" Kingo laughs as he looks at you from his side of the couch. "Artemis. Goddess of hunt."

Sprite rolls her eyes beside him. "You have to stop him before he starts associating you with every little thing he can find."

"Shut up Sprite." Kingo pushes her playfully as the group erupts in another set of laughter. Bruce had left you with the group in the living area to familiarize with one another. You were surprised to see yourself getting along quite well with this group of Eternals. You thought your family of Eternals were the only people you'll feel at home with and while the Avengers were quite dear to your heart, the emotions brought by the price of immortality and the ever changing scenery was always going to put a barrier on your relationships with humans. After seeing them on the news, you knew you had to find them and you're glad you did.

Druig glances at you smiling with content as you watch the others converse with laughter and smiles. He furrows his eyebrows as he notices you seeming to be quite distracted. He leans close. "Penny for your thoughts?"

You glance at him with a smirk. "Huh. Mind reader?"

Druig nods as he takes a bite of another chip. "Can do more than that too. Can't seem to read yours properly though.... It's all ... jumbled."

You smirk, amused. "I suppose my mind multitasks a lot." He chuckles as he turns his body towards you, eyes examining your figure.

"Are you checking me out?"

"Depends."

"On what?" You let out a small laugh.

"Mentally or physically." His eyes then locks with your own before winking. "Multitasking."

"Hm, funny." Your arm reaches out and taps his cheek playfully. Before you could pull it back, his hand immediately stops it from leaving his cheek. Your eyes look at him, confused.

"Thoughts like that don't help you sleep at night, Luna." He gently lowers your hand, fingers still intertwined with yours. "I can help you forget."

You look down at your hands before looking back at him. "And what thoughts exactly?"

"Thoughts of guilt, pain, loneliness, being lost." He lists off, eyes still trained on you. It seems as if the chatter from the other Eternals begins to blur as the both of you can only focus on one another. "You think too much. I can alter things for you. Give you the rest you deserve."

Oh.

To forget. Would that really help you solve your problems?

But the memories, the laughter, the happiness you felt with your family and the pain you endured when you had to fight against your purpose to preserve life. Even if it means losing your family. But despite it all, forgetting means you'd lose the meaning brought by it to your life. You'd forget the reason as to why you were alive.

It wasn't that you were mad for Druig reading your mind but it was the offer of making you forget the things you felt due to your experiences. These thoughts, feelings, emotions was what kept you in line. It kept you grounded. You lost almost all of your family and the rest, well you didn't even know where they are. You needed a reason to move forward and these experiences helped you become stronger. It made you meet the people that helped you on your journey. Bruce, Sam, Bucky, the Avengers, Humans, Earth. You didn't want to forget. It's close enough to ripping a huge part of your identity.

"You know." You gently pull your hand away from him as you offer him a smile. "You're powers are impressive but quite annoying to have around."

You stood up from the couch, bidding the others goodbye as Druig can only stare at your figure disappearing into one of the hallways.

_______

"Those arrows are a pain in the ass." Sam mumbles as he glares at the cosmic arrow stuck on the wall. Y/N laughs as her hands generate a golden arrow within her palm. "It fucking went through Bucky. That's cheating."

"My arrows go the way I want them to go." You smile as your hand releases your bow, allowing it to disintegrate into thin air. "Also I could hear and see Bucky a mile away. That sneak trick won't work on me."

Bucky groans from his place on the floor. "It's not my fault you have the ears and eyes of a fucking dog or something."

You roll your eyes as you extend your hand, helping Bucky to stand up. The three of you were sparring in the practice room during the early hours in the morning, the duo was trying to find ways to deflect your arrows and improve on their stealth and accuracy. Being blessed with heightened senses, precise accuracy and arrows that bend and go to your command really had its perks.

The duo bicker as they went to get some food while you stayed and admired the view from the large windows displaying the vast area of the compound. You're about to turn and leave when a knock halts your plans.

"Hey." Druig nods as he leans against the door frame. You smile at him before greeting back.

"What brings you here, Druig?" Your palm summons another arrow, twirling it within your fingertips as you look at him with interest.

He makes his way inside before stopping in front of you. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

"You." He answers with no hesitation. "I find you interesting."

You let out an amused chuckle. "You flirting with me? After trying to get into my head?"

Druig bites his lip before stepping closer. "I'm sorry for that. It was rude of me to do it so casually. I didn't mean to offend you."

The arrows disappears with a twirl of your hand before crossing your arms over your chest. "You were right. I do have sleepless nights but if getting enough sleep means forgetting what I felt even if its just for few seconds then I'd rather not sleep at all."

Druig nods. "I know how those emotions mean to you. I felt it. It was wrong of me for suggesting to use my powers on erasing something important to you."

You could only look at him, eyes analyzing the expression on his face. His stare unwavering and completely sincere.

"How can I make it up to you?" He mumbles hands gently grabbing your arms. The warmth you felt from his touch begins to make your skin tingle.

"Well," You squint your eyes, thinking of an answer to his question before smiling. You lean in close, Druig's eyes glancing down at your lips. "I suppose you can think of another way to make me forget for awhile."

Druig laughs as he grabs your waist closer. "Other ways hm? Aren't we skipping a few steps, Luna?"

You could only grin as you press a soft kiss on his cheek. "Then take me out to dinner, love." You smile teasingly before pulling from his embrace and dashing out of the room.

Druig pokes his tongue against the inside of his cheek before chuckling in amusement.

"What a sneaky little hunter you are, dear Artemis."

THIS SUCKS GOD THE ENDING SUCKS ANYS i hope yall enjoyed this its 4 am for me. gnight.

[falcqns]

Hiiii! Long rant ahead 😅-

Can I please request a Bucky x civilian!fem!reader (Avengers au! Endgame never happened au! Bucky joined the Avengers au!) where Sam & Steve are friends with a civilian girl who Bucky starts to really like (but Bucky being Bucky, he’d be worried she would be scared of him, & he thinks he’s a monster 🥺 so he wouldn’t admit he likes her), she really likes him too, & one day when she’s spending the night at the Avengers HQ, he has another nightmare & she calms him down & goes to sleep on the floor with him & they cuddle & he kisses her 🥺 The next morning, Sam & Steve would go up to Bucky’s floor & see them cuddling on the floor of Bucky’s living room🥺 The rest of the Avengers would come up there out of curiosity & Tony would tease them so much & try to take pictures lol. Steve & Sam would be smug but also really happy for Bucky because she’d be good for him 🥺🥺🥺 Sam would annoy Bucky so much about it 😂😂💜🥰

you could never hurt me

pairing: Bucky Barnes x civilian!fem!reader

warnings: angst, fluff, soft!Bucky, almost sub!Bucky which I love and wanna write more of but im scared too bc idk if people want that, Tony being a dumb ass as usual, Sam and Steve are good friends

a/n: this got wayyy more fluffier than I planned on bc I've been diving into the little!Bucky tag on AO3 too much and he’s always such a sweetheart and I wanna write some but im too scared I’ll get hated on eep. Hope you enjoy and thank you for the request!

God, you adored Bucky.

Despite everything he had been through, he was such a sweetheart. He had a softness to him, a softness he didn’t show most people. 

You really didn’t expect to fall for him when you started running with Sam and Steve a few months prior, but you definitely weren’t complaining. However, despite the softness you saw, he seemed to hate you. 

You didn’t know why. He was never verbally rude, he’d often leave a room as soon as you’d enter it, and avoid you as much as possible. 

You’d been over to the compound plenty of times, but you had never spent the night. Tonight was Tony’s birthday party, and you wanted to talk to Bucky about why he hated you so much, but you didn’t see him at the party, or after. According to Steve, he hated parties, and tended to lock himself in his bedroom  until the party was over, when he would venture out and eat some of the left over food.

Once the party was over, you and the rest of the avengers, except Bucky, were sat in one of the many common areas drinking a few more beers before everyone retired for the night. 

You heard Bucky’s door shut behind him, and watched as he walked into the kitchen. The team seemed to completely ignore his presence, and that stung a little bit. Did they not see the sweet and innocent Bucky that you, Sam and Steve saw? You shook the thought out of your head as Bucky trudged back to his room with some food and a drink in his hand, completely ignoring his teammates. 

You sighed internally, and decided to bring it up another time. 

You had just settled into your bed for the night, when you heard noises from Bucky’s room, which was right beside yours. You ignored them at first, thinking they were just him moving around and getting ready for bed, just like you had moments before. But, soon you started to hear different noises. 

You stood up from the bed, and pressed your ear against the wall that separated the two rooms. It sounded like he was trying to call out for someone, and couldn't. Like he wanted to talk so badly, but his words were catching in his throat. You feared that he could be severely hurt, so you ran out of your room and knocked on his door. 

“Bucky, you okay?” You said, and the sounds only continued. As they got louder, you knocked again, but there was still no answer. You tried the door knob, but it was locked. You looked down the hallways and was tempted to knock on Steve’s door. You wanted to make sure he was okay and you were definitely not strong enough to kick the door in.  

Just as you were reaching Steve’s door, you heard a low shout, and sobs rip through the air. You ran back to the room and tried the door handle, which was still locked. You breathed deeply, as you tried to figure out what to do. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. 

“F.R.I.D.A.Y.?” You asked hesitantly, and she answered right away. 

“What can I assist you with Ms Y/L/N?” 

You breathed in relief. “Can you unlock Bucky’s door for me?” 

“Sergeant Barnes has restricted access to his room. The only one who was access is Captain Rogers.” You groaned. 

“I just want to make sure he’s okay. He can get mad at me all he wants for breaking into the room but he doesn't sound okay,” You reasoned.

F.R.I.D.A.Y. responded instantly. “I agree. His heart rate and blood pressure are rising. I will unlock the door.” A second later, a low click was heard, and this time when you tried the door, it unlocked and you stepped into Bucky’s room. 

The sight of him broke your heart. 

He had abandoned his blankets on the floor and crawled into one of the corners. His knees were pulled up to his chest, and his forehead was resting on his knees as he cried his poor heart out. You rushed over, and crouched in front of him. 

“Bucky? Are you okay?” You asked, and he shook his head, trembling slightly. You heard his teeth chattering, so you grabbed the comforter from behind you, and wrapped it around his shoulders. His cries slowed slightly, and he looked up at you.

“W-why are you helping me?” He asked, stuttering slightly. 

You furrowed your brows. “You’re obviously not doing well, and I want to help you. Why wouldn't I help you?” 

Bucky choked out a laugh. “I thought you'd be scared of me. Of what I can do. Of what I've done.” 

You sat criss cross apple sauce in front of him, and took his metal hand into your flesh one. You held it up, and intertwined your fingers with his. “I’m not scared of you.” You said simply, and Bucky nodded, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks. 

He looked down at his lap. “I could hurt you.”

You scoffed and moved closer. Without letting go of his hand, you manoeuvred to your knees, and pushed his legs down flat. You straddled his lap, you free hand rising and tangling in his locks that were wet from both his shower and sweat. “You could never hurt me.” You stated, your hand in his hair sliding down to cup his jaw, your thumb rubbing against his soft and kissable cheek. 

You watched as a tear slipped from his eye, and danced like a rain drop in a carwash down his soft but still stubbly cheek and jaw. 

“Why are you so nice to me? I don’t deserve it.” He whispered, his chin trembling. You smiled sadly and wiped the tear away. 

“You are is deserving of everything sweetheart. You’re such a sweetie pie and it sucks that the rest of your team doesn't see it, because you deserve all the loves and cuddles you could get. What you did, that wasn’t you. It may have been your body, but it wasn't you. You have been treated so harshly by so many people, including those who were supposed to protect you from those who did hurt you, when all you deserve is such kindness.” You said, and smiled when Bucky practically melted into your embrace, his head burying itself in your neck. He unraveled your fingers, and wrapped his arms around your waist, his face nuzzling in your neck. 

“Thank you. No ones ever said something that nice to me,” He said, and you felt his eyes flutter closed against the skin of your neck, finally at peace. 

“You deserve it.” You said, and you pulled away slightly. He let out a whine, but then his eyes widened, almost expecting you to hurt him. Your heart melted and you pressed a kiss to his forehead. 

“It’s okay if you’re feeling vulnerable, baby. I’m right here. I won't leave, and I won't hurt you. Let’s lay down okay?” You said, and he sniffled as he nodded and followed you groggily over to where his blankets were on the floor. You laid down, and opened your arms, inviting him in. 

He laid down in your arms, and his face found your neck again. He breathed in slightly, and sat up on his elbow suddenly. You furrowed your brow, but all the questions that were swirling in your head were answered when he pressed his lips against yours. You smiled into the kiss, and cupped his jaw again as your lips moved together slowly and sensually. 

The kiss broke a few moments later, and you ran a hand through Bucky’s hair, a dopy smile spreading on his face. 

You opened your arms again. “Come lay down, love.” You said, and he instantly complied, his body finding its previous position. You heard his breathing even out seconds later, and knew he was finally getting the sleep he deserved.

The next morning, Steve and Sam went looking all over the compound for you, and couldn’t find you anywhere. They walked past Bucky’s room once more, and made eye contact. 

“You don’t think-”

“Theres no way-” They said at the same time, and decided to look.

 A smile cracked on both their faces when they saw you and Bucky, still curled up on the floor. 

A flash went off, and they turned to face Tony. “Fuckin’ finally. Been waiting for Tin Man to make a move for months.” He said, and Steve smacked him upside the head. 

Taglist:

All:

@kpopgirlbtssvt @@nerdypinupcrystal @@sohoseb @@bieberhoodforever @crazy-avengers-gal @colicovision @est19xxshit

[loveylangdon]

Go To Town

Word Count: 4.2k

soft jj x best friend reader 

A/N: I have no idea why but 'Go To Town’ by Doja Cat reminds me of JJ (listen it if you want to), so I came up with this lil scenrio based off the song but not really? but who doesn’t love a good dance sesh to tease a cute boy. Just some cute JJ love tbh, everyone has the angsty, hard ass jj heres a lil content smol jj.  This is my first jj fic so pls be kind. truly a white mans whore so i’ll include my masterlist for my other writings Xx

*not my gif credit to owner*

y/n p.o.v.

“If you're down, boy, really down, baby let me watch you go to town” You and Kie screamed at the top of your lungs dancing on the Pogue. It was your turn to pick the music playlist for the day out on the marsh and you had more of an open love for all music. When it was your turn to pick the playlist it was a bit of everything everyone loved but today you just wanted to let loose and have fun. You vibed heavy with the reggae and soft jazz the boys usually picked or the pop-rock JJ chose, but you wanted to have more fun before the kegger tonight. Your vibe was usually infectious and you wanted the others to be able to let loose. Hence listening to some Doja Cat in the middle of nowhere with also the slight hope of catching JJ’s attention more so than usual.

Your cousin came down from the mainland and showed you some new artists and ‘Go to Town’ by Doja Cat was on her playlist which reminded you of your little blonde hair blue eyed crush. JJ Maybank possibly royalty amongst the pogues and rightfully so with his charm, good looks, and his ability to fix basically anything he was a guy every girl wanted to sleep with. But to you he was an angel in disguise. Glancing over at him you saw him smirking behind his beer bottle and looking at you intently in your swimsuit dancing with Kie. “Go down, go down, go down, go to town” You and Kie kept screaming out “and she shave it all off Charlie Brown with it” dropping down and dancing on each other. John B laughing and throwing his head back, Pope smiling like an idiot, Sarah refusing to dance provocatively with you two trying to hold on to John B’s arm for dear life. Today was gonna be good. You had JJ’s attention from the moment you stepped on the boat and that’s all you wanted even if it was because you were currently grinding with Kie. 

Together but not together, you and JJ were in this endless cycle of teasing and flirting constantly but today you were winning. Watching him while dancing on Kie you knew you had him wrapped around your finger. Making sure your eyes were locked for most of the provocative parts of the song or when you dropped lower than normal. Watching how his eyes get a deeper shade of blue and how he was holding on tighter to the neck of the beer bottle John B handed him before you guys anchored down. Smiling to yourself you turned and gave Kie your full attention again dancing and acting foolish screaming lyrics to the wise words of Doja Cat “If he don’t eat it, he a D-bag, He can use a submarine, I’ll call him seaman” 

You were kind of this untouchable girl in the group, maybe even a better girl version of JJ easier to tame. Young, wild and free. Pretty, smart, fun always up for adventure but you had the spirit of Pope calculating and thinking things through but you knew when to let go. The perfect balance, Smart and quick on your feet, great at getting out of certain situations you became the mediator for Pogues and Kooks. Not being much of either you were what they would call a “Pookie” in the middle, not exactly a full Pogue but not much farther from being a Kook but not good enough either. However the group accepted you far quicker than they accepted Sarah Cameron, pure at heart and no ill intentions just wanting to have fun, Plus it didn’t hurt that you stopped Rafe from attacking them the first time you met them on the island. After they knew you were badass and down to earth how could the 3 boys refuse to let you in their secret club. Kie joined later which you were thankful for, loving your boys endlessly for 4 years but you couldn’t say no to another girl to help keep these boys corralled. 

While being associated with the Pogues it didn’t stop Kook guys trying to get at you. You were invited on figure 8 anytime as well as the cut. Princess of peace some would call you, you could get Kelce and Rafe to back down from a fight more often than not. Rafe not wanting to get on your bad side because you had a fire in your eyes and he wouldn’t want to hurt his chance of possibly getting laid if the “opportunity arises” you would never but it didn’t hurt to make him think so. Being Pookie came with power. Being able to control Rafe meant power over the Kooks. Hurting you could hurt Mr. Cameron’s business in some ways, you didn’t have a big mouth but you never forget what happens, you’re a more credible person to believe than the Pogues if it came to spilling some of Rafe’s secrets. And Rafe never forgot that. So he played nice-ish when you were present. Plus it didn’t hurt that he was attractive. So what if you flirted and hung out with them once in a blue moon. Young, Wild, and free. 

Again though JJ, JJ Maybank was it. You guys were without a doubt each other’s person. You weren’t going to make the first move you were gonna let JJ do it. Watching him mack on Tourons hurt but nothing your friends and some fun couldn’t fix. You and him were endgame anyways so why fret over what’s inevitable. That’s what you told yourself. You were confident and you definitely had that boy wrapped around your finger. Knowing each other’s quirks, body language, food taste, being each other’s other half you guys had mastered for a couple of years now. Up until recently the tides have shifted your guy’s love for each other grew in a way neither of you suspected but it didn’t change anything. Maybe more lingering touches, a couple more conscious forehead kisses or escorts home. Yet the blue-eyed angel still couldn’t make it official so you did what you do best tease him any chance you got. 

“D to the TF, got your bf in my DM, got him all up in my hair” You make your way over to where Popes sitting pointing your finger at him to join you and Kie. 

“No-No” Pope lets out moving to get up, you wink at Kie who is laughing at Popes wide-eyed frantic figure who finally figured out what the songs about while trying to maneuver in the small boat. You and Kie finally get pope stuck between you two “cause I can’t believe my eyes and her man between my thighs” you and Kie keep screaming. Peaking over Pope’s shoulder you see JJ watching you “And it’s clean but messy like a pizza” you sing right at him making eye contact, you see the blue-eyed boy shift uncomfortably in his seat adjusting his swim trunks, eyes locked on you. You wink at him and see pink dust his cheeks as he clears his throat. 

Turning to John B with a smile on your face makes Sarah squeal, “My boyfriend too y/n” she lets out, fake shock evident in her tone 

“Sorry Cameron I don’t have a boyfriend so I need to steal yours” you giggle holding your hand out for John B who has his hand over his heart and an awe look on his face flattered you chose him. He kisses Sarah on the forehead and stands up leading you next to Kie and Pope “If your down boy really down, Baby let me watch you go to town” you’re back is to John B’s chest dancing to the beat yelling out the lyrics, you feel John B place his hands on your waist and see Kie trying to get Sarah to join you guys. 

You feel heat on your waist and it's not John B’s hands, someones staring at you, looking over to JJ you see him glaring at John B’s hands holding onto your hips, guiding you to the beat. Rolling your eyes at JJ you huff, only JJ would get jealous over a guy who has a girlfriend and still not do anything about it. Pope went to go sit next to JJ since Kie left him to drag Sarah to dance before the song ended. You leave John B and dance your way over to Kie and Sarah. 

“No, No, No” Sarah squeals when you grab her wrist and Kie grabs the other you guys get her to stand up and push her to the front of the boat for the last chorus. Squishing Sarah between you and Kie you guys are lazily grinding on each other with the three boys sitting at the front of the boat whooping and hollering at your antics “let me see you go to town, baby, go to town yeah”

Making eye contact with JJ again you notice his tensed features, his jaws clenched and he’s biting his lip, his hairs messed up and you assume from him tugging on it. His eyes snap up to your face knowing he got caught checking you out he smirks opening his legs wider as if daring you to go to him and do your worst. 

“Baby let me watch you go to town,” you say making your way over to the boys, John B’s eyes widen hitting JJ on the shoulder “Oh my god” Pope lets out 

You make grabby hands to JJ, grabbing his hand that was covering his crotch innocently grazing his chest making pope let out a whistle, JJ stands up immediately taking your hand in his smirking while a goofy smile graces his features. You walk him to the middle of the boat turning your back to his chest and wrapping his arms around your waist immediately, you can feel his breath against your ear as he holds onto you tighter. Rocking your guy’s body’s together to the beat, you lean your head back and whisper into his ear “It’s your one chance, baby, never or now yeah” you hear him groan gripping you tighter if possible. Giggling you push your ass against his crotch and hear him gasp “Okay that’s it” He lets out with a clenched jaw and you unravel yourself from him and go back to dancing with Sarah and Kie again “Go down, go down, go down, Yeah let me see you go to town” Screaming when the songs over and the next one starts to play you guys laugh turning around looking at the boys who just sit there or stand in JJ’s case with a shocked expression 

“What the hell is wrong with you guys,” Kie asks crossing her arms, “You’re killing the buzz” she whines while Sarah walks over to John B and climbs in his lap causing you to laugh 

Pope clears his throat and opens his mouth to say something but nothing comes out causing you and Kiara to laugh “Look y/n you broke Pope” and Pope looks offended 

“No, she didn’t,” Pope says but his voice cracked causing everyone to laugh 

“I haven’t seen y/n dance like that since the party with Rafe” Sarah comments teasingly and suddenly everyone gets quiet. Kie rolls her eyes at Sarah for even mentioning him 

“Okay, y’all act like you’ve never heard a song like that chill” you chuckle going to the cooler to grab a beer and take a drink

“No we have but like wow that was so-” Pope starts out with hand movements and everything but Kie shoots him a look raising her eyebrow 

“So what Pope?” She asks and you go to say something but JJ cuts you off 

“That was hot, like really hot not gonna lie I liked it, I liked it a lot actually” JJ speaks up from where he’s standing on the boat looking at you. John B hits him upside the head “Bro what the fuck” JJ lets out turning to look at John B

“Stop being gross” John B states matter of factly “They’re having fun they don’t need a perv ruining it”

You give them a confused look “Okay I’m going to swim, coming Kie?” You ask as she nods. Diving into the marsh instantly cools off your body, you hear Kie jump in after you. Swimming to the other side of the boat. The boys and Sarah out of view you hear Kie next to you 

“So JJ is still a dumbass” she huffs out rolling her eyes in the direction of JJ. Giggling at her you shake your head and she goes to speak up about his failed attempt to get down with you to Doja Cat when you guys hear JJ whisper shout trying to be quiet, you shoot a look to Kie and raise a finger to your lips telling her to be quiet while she nods

“Okay I stand corrected that was hot. Pope you should be worried about Kie leaving you for y/n did you see the way Kie went in after her” JJ lets out a whistle and you and Kie giggle quietly moving your arms around to make it seem like y’all are still swimming 

“Shut up” Pope lets out exasperated

“No Pope listen I’m serious that was so hot like y/n dived flawlessly she’s perfect and the way Kie followed right after her like girl on girl action it just-” 

You snorted looking over at Kie who had an eyebrow raised, you made kissy faces at her until she splashed you. You could imagine JJ using his hands to emphasize his point 

“You’re disgusting JJ” you heard Sarah let out which caused you and Kie to start giggling until you heard a splash of water assuming it was Sarah. You and Kie swam a little ways from the boat to not give away that you two were snooping 

“Great, you pissed off Sarah great going JJ” you could faintly hear John B huff 

“What guys I’m being honest, you’re gonna tell me that wasn’t even a little bit hot,” JJ asks and you can see his arms extended out 

“Okay JJ yes but we don’t say that shit out loud” you hear Pope mumble. Your head shot straight to Kie who has a shocked expression on her face at Popes sudden small outburst and then to Sarah 

“You little snakes you heard them” Sarah gasps out 

“Sarah shut up oh my god, it’s so fun to tease them” you flick water at her and head to swim back to the boat seeing John B and Pope join the girls in the water. The water had done its job cooling you off you wanted to tan. 

Climbing back into the boat you hear a whistle coming from JJ “Take a picture it’ll last longer” you let out reaching for your towel to dry off 

“Only if you let me take pictures of the entire view and” he pauses popping the ‘and’ while pointing his finger at you “you stay wet” JJ lets out biting his lip as you shoot him a fake glare. He’s reaching for your waist and you let him pull you to sit down between his legs 

You pout “I wanted to tan” 

“To bad come keep me company” he smiles pulling you down, kissing the crown of your forehead nothing unusual but it didn't stop the butterflies from forming in the pit of your stomach 

“How you feeling,” You ask him as he wraps a towel around your figure before wrapping his arms around you. Knowing he didn’t get in the water because of his recent fight with his dad. His bruises were taking a little longer to heal than normal and he didn’t want anyone worrying about him. You helped apply cream to them but he couldn’t stay out of trouble long enough for it to heal properly. 

“I’m perfect right now” he hums in content and you move to look up at him, his chin is resting in the crook of your shoulder and his eyes are closed, his arms wrapped across your torso holding you close to his chest. The sun is hitting his face perfectly making his blonde locks glow and there’s a sense of calm he holds. He looks content, at peace and all you could ever ask for was this boy to feel all the love in the world and a part of you hoped he felt that with you. Placing a soft kiss on his chin you feel him shift, you turn your body to watch the rest of the Pogues in the water. They’re having a splash war and you can’t help but let out a giggle at the girls trying to take down John B. 

“You missed,” JJ says 

“Missed what?” You ask confused eyes still on your friends in the water

“You missed” He lets out annoyed at the lack of attention you’re paying to him

“JJ what the fuck are you-” His hand grabs your chin turning you to him quickly cutting you off and his lips are on yours. 

Your lips melt into his instantly. His hand goes to hold the side of your face in his hand, tilting your head a bit to deepen the kiss. You feel like your heart is going to fall out of your chest. His other hand goes to pinch your ass as you let out a gasp he uses that as an opportunity to slip his tongue in your mouth. Attempting to fight for dominance you gladly let him win. He tasted like beer and spearmint with a hint of weed he probably smoked earlier. It was addicting. 

Pulling away for a quick second he groans, his eyes still closed you can see him rolling his eyes like breaking away from him was the end of the world. You place quick pecks onto his lips while moving to straddle his lap, you feel him smirk against you. Pulling you closer to him, he has one hand on your ass holding you to him and the other holding the side of your cheek to keep you close, you pull his bottom lip into your mouth sucking on it as he groans. Pulling away reluctantly both of his hands find their way to the bottom of your ass. 

Opening your eyes looking at him he sits with the biggest smile you’ve ever seen on his face, eyes closed, lips red and swollen. He looks like a kid in a candy store and you can’t help but let out a giggle. Placing your hands on either side of his neck you lean into him and place a couple of kisses on his lips he happily partakes in and you can feel his smile widening if even possible. Pulling away you’re met with blue eyes and a smirk. You lean up to place a kiss on his forehead as soon as you place it there his face nuzzles into your boobs and you can’t help but laugh and he groans “you’re so perfect, fuck” he speaks into your skin playfully biting your chest

Tangling your hand in his hair behind his neck, you gently pull him away from your boobs, he leans in planting another kiss on you quickly “I like this” he places another kiss on your lips “I like this a lot” he whispers to you as you break away for the third time. 

Trying to chase his lips with yours you nod at him “Yeah?” you smirk tugging at the hair gently on the back of his neck, tilting your head a little more back feigning innocent while he groans moving his hands to hold the side of your face to keep you from moving away any further 

Something flashes across his face you haven’t seen before causing you to furrow your eyebrows together and then his eyes go soft and the way he’s looking at you makes you want to melt into a puddle “Yeah I like this a lot actually” he breaths out in a sincere whisper placing a kiss on your nose, you scrunch it up as he places gentle kisses all over your face until you’re pushing his face away to stop him you guys are both left laughing, He plays with a few strands of your hair just looking at you as if he’s trying to remember every little detail as if he didn’t know it by heart already 

“Um what are you guys doing,” Pope asks from the side of the boat with a questionable look only Pope could make

“Pope what the fuck man” JJ lets out pinching the bridge of his nose glaring at him. You move to get up and grab JJ another beer, noticing John b climb into the boat as well. “Can’t you see I’m trying to make magic happen” JJ gestures towards your standing finger and you scoff placing a hand on your hip

“You’re gonna need a lot of magic JJ little Pookie here has a wide range of options” John B teases knowing JJ gets all defensive when your other affiliated party is mentioned the Kooks

“She’s mine and everyone knows it” JJ scoffs crossing his arms making his biceps bulge a little bit 

“My brother doesn’t” Sarah chimes in climbing into the boat next to you and you try to stifle your laugh at JJ fuming. Kie climbs aboard and starts arguing with JJ alongside Sarah about the logistics of a relationship and what that entails. You’re sure you hear something about ownership and women’s rights and you can’t help but smile at your friends being idiots

John B pats the seat next to him for you to sit down, clinking his beer with yours or was suppose to be JJ’s “Salud” he chuckles ruffling your hair “I think Pookie is finally a Poguie, we can talk about custody over him later” he jokes 

“No” you hear JJ say over the music holding his hand to Kie’s face to shush her while pointing a finger over at the two of you “actually, she had full custody the entire time” you hear JJ shout over Kie trying to shove JJ in the water 

“Whose pussy whipped now,” John B asks him raising an eyebrow making everyone burst into laughter and Pope lets out a low whistle

“I don’t know ask Rafe-” JJ started which earned a shocked expression from you that lasted 2 seconds and a knowing look from Sarah before Kie finally pushed him over the edge and into the marsh resulting in a gasp from him and a content smiley Kiara

“I’m sure Rafe would gladly go to town with y/n, he’ll take his one chance” Kie yelled towards him and a bunch of “oohs” come from everyone before she continues “Hmm actually let's put that on the playlist for the kegger tonight see what prince Kook wants to do with princess Pookie” She goes to put her hand on her chin pouting her lips earning a nod from Pope  

“That's it you’re dead” JJ pushes himself up into the boat and immediately grabs onto Kie throwing her back into the marsh, turning around he headed straight for Sarah 

“JJ no, JJ-” Sarah screams out when he nears her “John B I swear if you let him-” but it's too late JJ is holding her bridal style in his arms tossing her over into the marsh 

“Sorry Kook you’re related to the guy can’t have you spying on us revealing intel” He salutes the two girls in the water going to sit in between your legs on the floor of the boat, his back against the seat

“Yeah he’s pussy whipped” Pope states pointing a finger towards you guys, JJ fake glares at him taking off his cut tank that is now soaked due to Kie pushing him in. Hoping it'll dry before the kegger tonight, you wrap a towel around his wet figure playing with his blonde hair and placing a kiss on the top of his head 

“Jokes on you Pope” JJ starts shooting him a look “I’m about to be treated like a king” JJ leans back shaking his wet hair into your lap which causes a groan from John B who was in the splash zone “Beer me women” he shouts holding his arms out earning a smack to his chest from John B, rolling your eyes you hand him the beer that was originally intended for him. He raises the bottle as the girls climb into the boat glaring at him. A shit eating grin on his face “Salud” which earns a chorus of saluds back and a “how does he do it” from Pope causing everyone to burst into laughter while he starts the boat up to head back to the chateau.

The sun, the water, your boy and friends. Pogue style. 

______

A/N: this is my first jj writing and she isn’t edited v much I wanted to get it out bc this idea has been in my head and I think about it every time I listen to the song, and its on my summer playlist rip. This could be a two parter? the ending was kinda meh because I was torn between dragging it out and giving it an ending. Either way I hope you enjoyed it. Any feedback or commentary is welcomed my inbox is always open, I hope yall are staying safe Xx

[ohhipstaplease]

Casualties of War

After the Infinite Tsukuyomi is lifted, and Naruto is being treated—and reprimanded—by Sakura, he finds comfort in being babied by none other than Hinata Hyuga.

For Naruhina week 2021 @nhweek | April 13: Battle Couple / “Sorry I just sort of fell asleep on your shoulder

Post-War | Canon-Compliant | Rated T+ | 1.2K+ Words | Ao3

He was sure it was the loss of blood, there was no other possible explanation. But all he could think about at the moment was how soft Hinata was. He had never felt more comfortable than he did at that moment, his head on her shoulder, her hand intertwined in his. It was almost enough to make him drown out the sounds of Sakura’s yelling and the pain of his lost limb.

“You’re comfy.”

She blushed as she looked down at him, “Go to sleep, Naruto-Kun, you need to conserve your energy.”

“Not sleepy,” He muttered through half-lidded eyes. The weight of everything that had just happened was hitting him at once. Not mentally, no, that would come later. Physically, though, his body was shutting down.

“Yes you are.”

“I’m not.”

She brushed back his dirtied blonde hair as prying eyes watched them from all corners. Wondering if he was okay, wanting to know why it was Hinata that was caressing him in a manner far too familiar for the relationship they had remembered the pair having.

Sakura, and the remainder of the Konoha 11 for that matter, knew, though, from the moment Naruto and Hinata joined hands on the battlefield they were endgame. Now it just had to click for Naruto.

That moment wouldn’t come now, though. He was so doped up from the medicines Sakura managed to scrounge together that, quite frankly, everyone was amazed he was still sitting up and talking. The adrenaline had to have stopped pumping by now, in fact, Sasuke had already passed out next to him.

“Can you put your hand on my cheek again?”

“W-what?”

Naruto lifted their interlocked fingers and roughly placed her palm to his sticky cheek, “Like this.”

“O-oh, I see.”

“You did it before, on the battlefield.”

“Yes, I did.”

“Why?”

Hinata knew he wouldn’t remember this conversation, still, she couldn’t choke out the words she had so bravely said to him before, “...Because.”

“Because?”

She couldn’t do it. She just didn’t have it in her to confess yet again when she knew full well he wasn’t in any kind of state to hear or even understand those words she uttered earlier. So instead she indulged herself and said something she never would have had he been fully conscious.

“You have cute cheeks,” she said playfully, pinching him gently.

He chuckled, “It’s the whiskers, right?”

“It’s definitely the whiskers,” She said, finally allowing herself to trace one with the very tip of her finger.

Naruto chuckled, catching her hand in his once more, “I like this Hinata.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“The old Hinata would never fight by my side. You’ve been such a badass lately, and you don’t get all stuttery around me either. Well, not that often anyway.”

“You think I’m a badass?”

He nodded and roughly pulled her closer, “Don’t tell Sasuke, but I think fighting beside you was so fucking cool,” He paused for a moment and looked into her eyes, “Fight by my side more often, yeah?”

She felt faint at hearing those words, but she tried to stop herself from showing it. She was a badass now, she couldn’t turn back after all the progress she had made.

“Yes, Naruto-Kun. Of course.”

He brought his forehead to hers, bright blue eyes studying her, looking into the depths of her soul.

She forced herself to look at him as well, as much as it pained her to see his right arm was now gone, the bruising around his face, the black eye that was swelling to double its size.

Still, through it all, he was grinning from ear to ear.

His gaze followed hers and he shrugged, “Casualty of war, you know? I guess I just won’t be able to feed myself for a little while.”

“That’s the only thing you’re concerned about?” Sakura mumbled under her breath as she began bandaging him up for transport. She had just finished up on Sasuke, he was snoring peacefully beside them.

Had it been any other moment in time, Hinata would’ve moved her face away from Naruto’s. Unwrapped her hand from his. It was inappropriate after all, considering they were nothing more than comrades at this point.

But she had forgotten there was anyone else around, couldn’t hear Sakura’s banter, didn’t acknowledge the looks or stares. And she told herself she was crazy if she thought they were only comrades.

She didn’t know what they were now, but comrades didn’t even begin to cover it.

When she heard Sakura get up and go over to gather more supplies, she leaned in closer to him, her nose slightly grazing his. She was just so grateful that he was alive. That they had made it. She didn’t care about anything else right now, only managed to say, was “I’ll feed you.”

“Y-yeah?” He mumbled.

“And help you with anything else you need.”

“You’re the best, Hinata,” He said, pressing his hand to her cheek this time.

“I’m just happy you’re alive,” She whispered.

He nodded, tracing the side of her face lightly, “I couldn’t stop thinking about you the whole time.”

“W-what?”

“I just...wanted to keep you safe.”

“N-Naruto...”

“Just like you tried to keep me safe.”

She put her hand over his and squeezed, trying to ground herself in the moment. Had Sakura not been right behind them, she would’ve leaned in and closed the space between them. It was all she could do not to press her lips to his.

From the look on his face, it was like the same thought was crossing his mind. So when Hinata heard him say, “I think I’m going to pass out,” she was caught completely off guard.

“Shit, grab him!” Sakura yelled as she dashed towards them, trying to soften the blow.

Hinata managed to grab a hold of him, letting him lean on her once more.

“Is he really okay?” She whispered to Sakura.

The pink-hair kunoichi smiled knowingly as she ruffled Naruto’s hair, “It’s going to be a long road ahead of him, but with some help along the way I’m sure he’ll be good as new.”

He began snoring slightly, and then loudly. Hinata tried not to laugh, knowing she would rouse him if she did.

But, clearly, sleep was something Naruto just couldn’t seem to hold onto, as he awoke within a few minutes and guiltily looked up at her, “Sorry, I just sort of fell asleep on your shoulder.”

She squeezed his hand and whispered, “You need to rest. You’re safe now, Naruto-Kun. Just close your eyes, we’ll be leaving soon.”

“Will you stay with me?”

Hinata rested her cheek upon the top of his head and responded, “I won’t leave your side, Naruto-Kun. Not ever.”

“Okay, cool.”

She had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing. In a day or two, when he was well-rested and conscious, he wouldn’t remember a thing.

But she would.

Until then, though, she’d protect him just as he protected the village. Just as Sakura said, it would be a long road ahead of him, ahead of all of them really. The casualties of war were more than those they saw on the surface.

She didn’t want to think of that though, not now. Not while she was holding his hand and feeling his heartbeat in time with hers.

They had survived, in the end, and that was all that mattered for now. She wouldn't dare think of those who hadn't. Not now.

Her heart wouldn't be able to bear it.

"Let's get Ichiraku when we get back," He mumbled as he curled into her side.

Hinata smiled and wrapped an arm around him, "I'd like nothing more, Naruto-Kun. I'd like nothing more."

[sxveme-2]

strawberry pancakes // bucky barnes

MASTERLIST

SEQUEL TO BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

DESCRIPTION: Lily Osborne and Bucky Barnes were never blessed with an easy relationship. Whether it be emotional trauma, or Lily's parents trying to be evil scientists. But they somehow made it work, after coming together once again after the birth of Lily's nephew. They were smooth sailing for a while. He proposed, they got engaged, but have yet to marry. While also juggling raising a teenager together as Hunter reaches the age of 16 now. All the while struggling with adjusting to their new lives in Long Island, balancing careers. Meanwhile, Lily struggles with the new found fame of being the fiancé of The White Wolf; and handling the tabloids critiques on her life and gossip columns digging up any information they can on her. While trying to maintain a low profile; and handle her life as it is. And becoming parents. Lily for the second time, while Bucky, well, this is his first attempt at a biological child. All the while a new threat from their past rises up once again, blind siding the family. Bringing forward old hatchets that had been buried, and putting their relationship at risk once more.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any original Marvel characters! All canon plots and canon characters belong to Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios. This is an original work. You may not publish it anywhere else

STATUS: Unedited

NOTES: Takes place after endgame. I have elected to ignore Tony's death and Steve's leaving. Did not happen. Quick Reminder! My works are only published here, AO3 and on Wattpad, thank you.

Chapter Three: The One With Their Marriage

Warnings: N/A

Word Count: 2923

    “Don’t start this right now Lily,” Bucky sighed, running his hands down his face, “It’s been a long day.”

“Been a long two years,” she muttered, staring at the ring on her finger, fiddling with it, “You know in a month it’ll be two years since you proposed?”

“Yes I know,” he grunted, readjusting in the bed to face the blonde, “We’ve both been so busy.”

Sure, they had been busy. With both working full-time, raising Stella, and handling teenage mood swings from Hunter, there wasn’t a whole lot of time left in the day for them to plan a wedding. But it’s not like they had no time at all, it had been two years since Bucky had dropped down on one knee and asked Lily to marry him. Two years later, she went by his last name, mothered his child, and lived her life with him. But he was always the one to push the marriage portion of their relationship aside. He never wanted to talk about it or even consider planning something.

“Steve and Nat are busy,” Lily retorted, turning to look at the brunette as he readjusted the reading glasses on his face, “But they’re getting married next week, Bucky.”

Lily longed for the security of a marriage. Many people thought that because of her traumatic experience with being married in the past, she wouldn’t want to go through that again. But in reality, she wanted it more than ever with Bucky. She knew he loved her and vice versa, but having an official concrete answer is something she longed for. They’d already had a kid, she’d taken his last name, they had done everything that traditionally happens after marriage. But then again, their relationship was anything but traditional.

“Steve’s retired,” Bucky countered, dropping his book down onto the bed with a sigh, “Where is this coming from? I thought we’d agreed on this.”

“First of all, no, we didn’t agree on anything,” Lily chuckled, rolling her eyes, “You got frustrated and walked away. And I don’t know...the comments people make are just…”

Groaning, Bucky flopped back down onto his back, “You’re shitting me? That’s what’s causing this? God, Lily.”

“Well, what do you want me to do?” Lily scoffed back, looking at the man, “When all I see are rumours about why you won’t marry your child’s mother and your own damn fiance!”

One thing about Bucky and Lily’s relationship is the fact that it was something so human, that both of them were shocked by it most of the time. Neither had experienced much normalcy in their love lives throughout their time but brought it to each other at such a domestic level that it freaked them out. Specifically Bucky. He had always dreamed of something as simple and organic as what he had with Lily, but after becoming the Winter Soldier, he was never sure he’d be able to have it.

But the small arguments and squabbles between them reminded Bucky that he had achieved something great. He had beat his demons and found love with someone who didn’t see him as an Avenger, or ex HYDRA agent, but as Bucky. He wasn’t Steve Rogers’s best friend or Sam Wilson’s partner in crime. He was just Bucky. Lover, fiance, father. Whenever they visited his sister in Manhattan, he would always pull the man aside and tell him just how lucky he had been to score someone like Lily.

-----

“Hunter, why don’t we go see how the chicken’s doing in the kitchen while Auntie Rebecca talks with Bucky?” Lily whispered, leading the young boy out of the room with a knowing nod to her boyfriend’s sister.

Bucky sat just adjacent to his sister, sipping on a glass of water. He watched Lily walk out with Hunter, admiring the wait her hair moved gently across her back as she moved. Every day he saw her, he fell deeper in love with the blonde. She was everything Bucky longed for in life and so much more. From the moment she handed him his wallet in the cafe a year ago, he knew she was the one for him. Just the way her eyes looked at him. Through the facade and through the public’s interpretation of him.

“I’ve never seen that look on your face before,” Rebecca commented, crossing her legs and lowering her gaze at her brother, “It’s something I only ever see when you’re looking at Lily.”

“I can’t help it,” he whispered, voice trailing off as he admired her in the kitchen, watching as her hands traced patterns on her already swollen stomach, “I didn’t think I’d be able to get someone like her to love me.”

“You didn’t get her to do anything,” Rebecca scoffed, “She fell in love with you willingly...Even after all of these years, you’re still so dramatic.”

“We’re talking about me legally adopting Hunter,” Bucky trailed off, eyes going soft as he met his sisters matching ones, “Becoming a proper family.”

The man’s younger sister rolled her eyes, tucking a piece of her white hair behind her ear, “You became a real family the moment you realized you were in love with her.”

-----

They had never officially filed the adoption paperwork, despite having Scott’s signature. It sat in Lily’s office in a drawer alone, waiting for them to make Hunter an official Barnes. But something always held them back, not necessarily in a bad way. It wasn’t something that really solidified anything for the family. As far as they were all concerned, Hunter was already Bucky’s son. Not by blood, but through the soul. The two were similar in ways Lily found hard to believe sometimes. She wondered if in some freak accident it was really Bucky’s son. She chalked it up to the two merely being kindred spirits.

However, Bucky knew Lily’s insecurities. How she kept every small comment made by the public about their private lives. Whether it be what she wore at an event, or when they were out as a family. Lily had grown more confident in herself but Bucky still saw that scared single mom living in Manhattan he had met all those years ago. Still healing from a broken marriage with an emotionally manipulative husband.

Sighing, the brunette rolled over and caged the blonde underneath him. She stared at him with confused eyes, looking up at the man on top of her with her eyebrows furrowed. He sat there for a second, staring at her face. He already had everything about her memorized, but sometimes, she just took his breath away. How he had managed to fall in love with someone as perfect as Lily was in his eyes...he didn’t have any words for it.

“Is there something I can do for you?” Lily questioned, lifting an eyebrow.

“Do you know how in love with you I am?” He whispered, lifting his flesh hand and brushing his thumb across her cheekbone.

Lowering her amber eyes at him, the blonde shook her head, “Don’t think this is getting you out of this conversation, Barnes.”

Bending down, Bucky placed a soft peck to his girl’s forehead before pushing himself onto his back again, “We’ll start planning tomorrow.”

This time, it was Lily rolling on top of the man, a bright smile on her face as she pressed a passionate and powerful kiss to his lips. He chuckled and laid his hands on her waist, running small patterns into her hips as she continued the assault on his lips. Both of their eyes fluttered shut as they revelled in one another’s touch and presence. The two had found each other in a cafe and became the other half to each other’s hearts that same day. When the blonde pulled back, Bucky chuckled, raising his eyebrow.

“What was that for exactly?” He chuckled, removing his glasses.

“A little sneak peek for what you get tonight,” she cooed, hand reaching down to the hem of his shirt, earning a chuckle from Bucky.

“That’s my girl.”

----

A week later, Lily found herself fussing at her computer as she attempted to find a place to book a wedding dress appointment. Everywhere she had tried was either booked or too far away for her to drive. She didn’t exactly feel like leaving her state to go and find a wedding dress. She had spent her entire day off on the phone with various stores, trying to get an appointment within the next month.

A task that had proven itself to be impossible.

“Whatchu doin’ mom?” Stella hummed as she pushed open the door to Lily’s office, making her way over to the desk.

Glancing down, Lily smiled gently at her daughter, “Trying to find a wedding dress store. Wanna help?” the blonde asked, chuckling as her daughter tried to see over the desk.

Stella nodded, climbing into her mom’s lap as the blonde continued to scroll through a website before the young girl chimed in, “Where?”

Lily sighed as she stroked the brunette’s hair, “Well that’s the problem. Mama can’t seem to find a place. Nowhere I’ve looked has any bookings or any dresses that I like.”

“Where’d you get your first?” she asked, looking up at her mother.

Lily pursed her lips as she looked at her daughter. The memory of her first wedding was something Lily tended to block out of her mind. It was the first night she felt fear that Scott was going to physically harm her. Years after, she had hidden her wedding dress away in a box that now sat in a storage cellar that they had. Stella knew that her mother had been married before and that it was to the man that had helped create Hunter, but nothing more than that. She had seen Scott a few times when he came to give Hunter his birthday or Christmas presents, but that was it. Even then, Stella wouldn’t be able to pick out her mom’s ex-husband in a crowd.

“Well your Uncle had taken me somewhere we had found, but it closed a few years back, bub,” she cooed, tucking a dark strand of hair behind Stella’s ear.

“Will I ever meet him?” She asked, bright blue eyes staring right through Lily, “Uncle Cedar?”

Lily’s heart sunk. She knew that it probably wasn’t the best idea to tell Stella about her Uncle, but she couldn’t just pretend Cedar didn’t exist. He was still Lily’s brother, despite the terrible things he and her parents had done. Bucky and Lily told Stella that her uncle lived in a place they couldn’t go and that it was too far away. But she knew that in a few years, when Stella was older, that she’d find out the truth.

“I don’t think so, darling,” Lily hummed, pressing a kiss to the girl’s temple, “But, why don’t you help mommy get ready for Uncle Steve and Aunt Nat’s dinner tonight?”

“Okay!”

-----

"It's so nice of you guys to come." Nat cooed as she pressed a kiss to Lily's cheek, beckoning her and the man that accompanied her further into the room, "But you're so early!"

"I wanted to make sure we weren't late." Lily hummed.

"We're an hour early, doll." He whispered into her ear, pressing a kiss to the shell of it as he pulled away.

"Well someone wanted to do something else," Lily laughed, her lips tight as she nudged him in the ribs, "But I figured we could help out too if we came a bit earlier."

"There's an empty room in the back if he can't contain himself." Steve laughed as he approached, nodding his head at the couple, "Nice to see my best man show up early though."

"Don't get all emotional on me, punk." Bucky chuckled as he removed his arm from Lily's waist, walking forward and wrapping his arms around Steve's shoulders.

"C'mon Lily, let's let these two have their moment to gaze into each other's eyes," Nat chuckled, lacing her arm with the blondes and tugging her away, "Okay what was the real reason you came so early."

"It's true, I was worried that we'd be late." Lily chuckled, taking a seat at a table with the redhead.

It was true. The dinner didn't start until 7:30, and it was only 6:30. But Lily was a punctual person, the last thing she wanted to do was be late for two of her close friend’s rehearsal dinner. Plus, they lived an hour away from Brooklyn, all the way on the coast of Long Island. Lily's hometown. The two were lucky to find the home of their dreams mere weeks after their own engagement and packed up from Lily's suburban colonial in Manhattan to a beautiful beach house on the lake.

The Avengers paid well.

Lily had switched positions to a superhuman consultant at an Avengers-funded hospital in Long Island. She mainly handled child mutants who were developing abilities and helping them through the changes in their body. Bucky on the other hand ran a therapy/group session for veterans, and those who served alongside the Avengers in various battles. It was the perfect outcome for the two, allowing them to work alongside each other in the same building, in opposite wings though. Of course, the two didn't really interact during the day unless a patient was attending a session across the way.

But it also meant that Lily was in direct contact with Tony Stark so often that she wanted to throttle him.

"Look who decided to crash the party!" Tony's voice rang out as he entered the room, a tight smile stretching across Lily's lips.

"Always a pleasure, Stark," Lily sighed, glancing up from her drink and tilting her head as the man walked over, "What brings you here so early?"

"Well I'm the stand-in father of the bride, can't miss my daughter's rehearsal dinner now can I?" Stark chuckled, taking a seat next to Nat, "You look lovely tonight Lily."

Glancing down, Lily assessed her outfit for the night. A flowy dress that reached down to just at her mid-shin. It had slight ruffles at the top along the neckline and near the bottom of the dress and was a lighter shade of black with small red rose decals covering it. It was a nice dress, she had to admit. Rose had brought it over the week before when she visited with Leo.

"You clean up well too, Stark," Lily quipped back, smiling softly when Bucky brought her over a vodka-cranberry, "And I had to look nice, couldn't let robocop over here outshine me."

A light-hearted conversation ensued, allowing Lily to relax a bit more. Bucky kept his hand resting gently on her knee the entire time, rubbing small patterns whenever her words became jumbled or cheek heated up. Small tells that let him know that her mind was racing at a million miles a minute. It was something the two had developed over the last few years of their relationship. It worked vice versa as well, though typically Lily just escorted Bucky away from the conversation.

The two worked together with one another in tandem. Both levelling out what the other was lacking. He reminded her just how loved and beautiful she was, and that he wouldn't change anything about her. While she reminded him that he was not a monster, and what happened was not his own doing. Each was the other's safety net in the crazy lives they lived. But it worked well for them, for four years now.

"Now when are you two going to figure it out and start planning your own wedding," Steve asked as everyone mingled after dinner was finished, "It's been two years since Buck popped the question."

"Oh come on now Steve," Sam chuckled, walking over towards the group, "Let's not raz these two. You'll only make them push it back further."

"In Bucky and Lily's defence, they did have a few unexpected events pop up along the way." Nat chuckled, leaning her head on Steve's shoulder.

Lily shook her head, sipping her water. In all honesty, she was wondering herself when the two were going to officially tie the knot. Bucky had proposed on their two-year anniversary, and here they were four years strong with no official marriage certificate in their name. Lily had naturally begun to start going by Dr. Barnes, and no one really questioned it. Hunter even said that multiple kids at school asked if Bucky was his real father. It would only make sense for the two to make it legally official soon.

She worried sometimes, that he was regretting his decision about proposing to her. That he changed his mind and wanted to leave it so the breakup wasn't a messy legal battle. Despite the fact, it would be because of outside factors like the house and other influences. But their conversation the other night created a sense of ease in Lily, especially since they had found a venue they both loved.

"We’ve actually just started our planning," Bucky stated simply, sipping his old-fashioned and squeezing Lily's waist gently.

"Yeah so bugger off Steve." Lily teased tensley, pursing her lips. This earned a barked laugh from the former Avenger, prompting his response.

“That’s awesome, about time,” Steve chuckled, clapping his best friend on the shoulder.

The following half an hour continued on like that, people wondering things about Bucky and Lily’s wedding. But honestly, Lily could barely keep her own excitement about it to herself. But she contained it, knowing that this was a night about Natasha and Steve. After tomorrow, she’d be able to be a bit more excited about things.

She hoped, at least.

[quietmyfearswith]

where our demons hide {dark!tony stark x fem!reader}

where our demons hide {dark!tony stark x fem!reader} part 1

status — ongoing series

warnings — non-con turns into dub-con, oral sex (giving & receiving), name-calling, swearing, porn with a bit of plot, dark!tony stark, unprotected penetrative sex (pls dont do this, use protection!)

word count — 3,205

a/n — so i’m not gonna lie this is a little self-indulgent and this was an idea i somehow had after reading a few fics/drabbles with the same premise. this will be a dark series featuring not only tony stark but also the other male avengers. i’m also considering on making a separate dark series featuring the female avengers with the same concept. also!!! infinity war, civil war, and endgame did not happen (totally not bc everything went downhill from there & i hate it but because it just would be more fitting for the story) and that tony & pepper are not in a relationship in here bc in this house we do not condone cheating. & this is my first ever time writing smut so feedback would be very much appreciated :>

masterlist

“Boss lady, you heading out already?” John asked as he knocked on the outside of my office door. Seeing him with his bag strap over his shoulder, it made me turn back my attention briefly to the desk clock I had, my eyes widening in shock as I noticed how it was already a quarter to 9. “Jesus, has it been that long?” I said to him and to myself in disbelief.

John chuckled as he approached my desk and moved some files out of the way and sat down, “Well time sure does fly when you’re working your ass off.” I threw my head back, trying to rub off of the exhaustion off of my eyes, agreeing with him by saying, “As the head of the research department, I don’t think I have time to slack off and mess around.” 

As I looked into his eyes, I felt that he was conflicted — that he did want to help me furthermore, but there was also this part of him that wanted nothing but to spend a night out and enjoy himself and afterwards proceed with crashing into his bed. He inched closer to me, “You need to take a break though. Your report is like, 90% done, and that it is extremely well-detailed and comprehensive. I’m sure the mighty heroes of the world will understand if you go home now, rest and enjoy for the weekend, and come back on Monday to finish it up.”

“Do you think that these mighty heroes of the world always have the option to take a break on the weekends and come back to the job on Monday?” I sassed back as I moved my attention from him back to my computer, searching for more essential information for the team’s next mission. John, not taking a hint that I had already wasted time by talking to him, scooted closer and said, “Well for one, your work does not involve travelling suspects and mercenaries. You’re computer ain’t going anywhere, you know?” as he brushed a strand of hair that has fallen from my ponytail as he explained, “I just don’t want you to overwork yourself. I really care about you, Y/N.”

Creating some distance between me and him, I looked at him pointedly and told him, “I get that you may be worried about how I overwork myself, but I’m okay. If it ever gets too much, I will take a break. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish this research and report so that I can go home and get some rest. Unless you’ll help me in accomplishing this task, then I suggest that you just leave.”

John looked like he was in disbelief, but he quickly masked up what he felt and just walked away from my desk and awkwardly waved as he headed for the door. “What a bitch..” I heard him mumble lowly, not having enough strength to say it directly in my face — for in doing so could get him fired.

Following John’s departure, I was able to work peacefully and productively. Gathering and verifying information, confirm tipped intelligence, compiling these into an extensive and coherent report. As I was re-reading once more the final product of my long hours of labor and hard work, I stretched my arms up, hoping to provide some relief to my aching back. 

“Mr. Stark would like to ask if he can swing by your office, Ms. Y/n,” the voice of the A.I. startled me briefly, but it somehow also brought me back to my senses. Wanting to look decent and not like I was mere minutes away from passing out, I quickly removed the hair tie from my ponytail, fixing up my hair as I replied to Friday, “Yeah, he can come up.” As I was done attempting to look presentable, it wasn’t even a minute until I heard the office door open and the man himself, Tony Stark, did walk in — wearing a tight dri fit shirt and sweatpants. 

“Good evening Mr. Stark, was there anything I can help you out with?” I watched as he walked around the office, as if he was checking out if everything was in place — as if he had been there before and was making sure that things were the way he once envisioned. He settled down on an office chair, opposite from where I was sitting down.

Putting his chin on his hand as he crossed his legs, he stared at me curiously and intensely as he informed me about his sudden visit, “Was walking around the office wing when Friday informed me that you were the only employee left in the building. So I thought I’d drop by and see as to what was the reason as to why you were still working late and not going about with your weekend plans.”

I let out a sigh I did not know I was holding — probably out of relief that I was not in trouble — before sharing with him the reason, “I was just finishing up the final touches on the researched information for your mission next week.” He looked interested in that and rose to his feet and made his way to where I was sitting. “You mind if I take a look?”

I shook my head no and started to get up from my seat, when he placed his left hand on my shoulder, pulling me down to remain seated. “Stay,” he requested as his right hand operated the mouse in order to inspect the document opened on my computer, “I might have some remarks or questions about what you have researched.”

Beginning to feel a bit of uneasiness, I tried to fill him in about some parts I thought he was confused or curious about — judging by how he spent some time longer on certain pages compared to the others. “You did a good job, Y/N. Without a doubt next week’s mission would have already failed without what you have done.”

Avoiding his look and our close proximity, I shrugged off the compliment by responding, “Um, thank you. But it wasn’t just me, you know? Some other researchers also helped, I merely just organized and arranged it, Mr. Stark.” His hand still on my shoulder moved to turn me so I was facing him, he sat down on my desk and begged to differ, “I don’t think you would have been the overall head of the research department if all you did was compile shit, right?”

Fiddling with my fingers, I halfheartedly agreed with what he said. Looking up, I saw him cross his arms and his face lit up, as if he had remembered something he forgot to mention. “Which reminds me, I do need your help in researching something. Think you can handle it?” I was able to conceal my surprise, what was it he needed help with? And most importantly, why would he tell me about it now? There are procedures if an Avenger needs something to be researched relating to their work. But I could not bring myself to question him, so instead I buried those doubts in the back of my head. 

“T-That would depend, I guess? What is it about? And w-when do you need it to be completed?” I couldn’t help but scold myself for coming out as timid and scared. He uncrossed his arms and checked his wrist watch while he answered, “I need it to be completed tonight. Possibly into the morning. It depends.”

My jaw dropped in shock and astonishment. Does he seriously think that a research can be completed in mere hours? But if I had wanted to keep this job, then I had to comply with what he wanted. “I think that it would be a challenge to do so, but yeah. I guess it can be doable. What would the research be about?” I managed to blurt out and started to roll up the sleeves of my white, long-sleeved blouse and preparing to type on the computer.

However, Tony held my hands and placed it in my lap, preventing me from moving towards the computer and looked at me deeply, “It’s gonna be about you, Y/N.” I once again found myself dumbfounded and speechless. Opening my mouth I stammered out, “W-What? Mr. Stark, what do you mean?” 

He chuckled as he brushed the strands of hair that had covered a portion of my face. One of his hands stroking my cheek while the other had a firm hold on both my hands situated at my lap, he calmly said, “It’s gonna be about you, baby. I wanna get to know you better. Let’s start with me finding out what it is you’re hiding underneath all these clothes, hm?” 

As he guided me onto my feet and pushed me against the office table, his lips grazed my ear and he kissed it lightly and whispered, “I like the way you call me Mr. Stark, makes me feel powerful.” His kisses started to descend, his lips leaving a trail in my neck as his hands started to caress my waist. Snapping out of my frozen state, I somehow managed to speak up and attempt to push him away from me, “Mr. Stark, please don’t do this. Please, stop” 

With one hand, he quickly grabbed both of my hands and placed it behind my back. His other hand wrapped around my throat, just where his lips were and hissed out, “Why do you want me to stop, Y/N? Do you not like this, baby?” I shook my head, telling him I did not in fact like where this was going. He scoffed, “I think you do. You like the idea of someone taking you in your office, the place where you spend most of your days in. Can’t imagine you getting laid frequently with how busy you are, baby.”

Tears were slowly streaming down my face, trying to wiggle away from the hero that everyone adored and respected. He pushed his body into mine, causing me to stumble which he used to his advantage by lifting me up and sitting me down on the desk. His legs wrapping around mine, effectively trapping me, he lifted my jaw and looked into me as he smirked and said, “Tell you what, if I search you up down there and find that you aren’t wet, I’ll let you go. Think that’s fair, baby?”

He did not even wait for me to answer as he made quick work of removing my skirt as he knelt down on the floor. After unzipping my skirt and discarding it to the floor, he chuckled upon seeing that I was wearing red, lace panties. “For someone who claims to not want this, you sure as hell came prepared.” His hands were then fondling my thighs as he kissed both my kneecaps and requested, “Open those legs, baby girl.” I shook my head and tried to cover my intimate area with both my hands. This evidently displeased the billionaire as he harshly placed his hands on my knees and threatened me by saying, “Unless you want to walk away jobless, then I suggest that you fucking open your legs.”

Filled with fear and horror, I reluctantly opened my legs and showed him my lower half. He showed his appreciation by chuckling darkly and immediately ripping off my panties. Just as I gasped with what he did with my piece of clothing, he brought one hand to my entrance and scooped some of the juices that my body was involuntarily producing. “Well what do you know, you’re not just wet. You’re soaking wet,” he bragged as he used his other grab my leg and stretched it out sideways, giving him more room to work with. “Time to start our research on you, baby.”

As he slowly inserted two of his thick fingers, I could not hold back the whimper as he ruthlessly moved his finger in and out of me. “Please, Mr. Stark, don’t do this.” I pleaded, hoping that his conscience would slap him and somehow get him to stop. But shortly after saying that, I let out a moan of pleasure as I felt his tongue lick my bundle of nerves.

“Just stop resisting, baby,” With his mouth still attached to my pussy lips, he used his other hand to fondle my thighs — hoping to rub off the tension within me. I threw my head back as he thrusted his fingers hard and sucked hard enough that I forgot my earlier concerns of how I was at first reluctant in giving in to him. I threaded my fingers into his hair, pushing his face closer, urging him to continue with what he was doing. He complied and proceeded to focus his sucking my little nub while he added another finger inside before managing to go at even a faster pace than he previously was.

“Fuck,” I exclaimed, “I’m close.” Right after saying that, Mr. Stark abruptly stopped his actions. I looked at him, and there he was licking off the residual juices off of his fingers.”Can’t have you finishing just on my fingers, baby. Has to happen with me inside you. But before that,” he stood up and pulled down his sweatpants and briefs, “Show me how talented your hands and mouth are first, baby.”

Before I could even process what he said, my body responded to the words that just left his mouth and I was pushing him away in order to make room for me to work and dropped down on my knees. Despite being of average length, I took note of how he had an incredible girth. With one hand fondling his balls, the other swiped the precum that was leaking out and spread it around the tip. He let out a loud groan as I then opened my mouth and captured his length.

“Yes, that’s a good girl, baby,” he complimented me while stroking my hair and later on gathering it all up in order for him to control the pace and speed of how I was sucking him. I glanced up at him just as I started gagging around his cock and fondling the rest that failed to fit in my mouth. “Do I taste good, baby?” he teased me while probably noticing that I was struggling not only to fit his entire length in my mouth, but also to please him.

A gurgled yes was the only reply that I managed to get out and he suddenly pulled out of my mouth and quickly put me back into my feet. He ripped off the blouse that I was wearing and briskly unclasped my bra. I watched him intently as he sat down on the swivel chair where I spent most of my working hours on and called out for me, “As much as I love how you please me with your mouth, it would be a waste to not cum inside you. So come over here and ride me,” he demanded as he patted his thighs.

I slowly began to walk over him and climbed over his legs. His smirk widened upon seeing me slowly get into position to ride him — with one of my hands holding onto his shoulder and the other one holding his cock up, I sank down onto him fully. The action might have taken the superhero back as both his hands flew into grasping on my hips and he threw his head back in pleasure.

Moving in slow, circular motions I found myself moaning and panting loudly, breathing out words of praise that had stroke the ego of the superhero. He brought his hand to my clit and he rubbed me fast enough that got me to stop riding him because of how intense the pleasure was. Mr. Stark’s dissatisfaction with what I did was made evident by him slapping my ass with enough force to push my chest into his and reprimanding me, “Did I fucking tell you to stop? No! So keep riding me, you fucking whore!”

I let out a whimper as he once again slapped my ass cheek and rubbed me even harder and faster. Placing both my hands near his collarbone, I began to ride him even faster and started to feel the release begging to come out. This pleased him as he stopped his assault on my ass and began to twist and pull on my nipples. The simulation proved to be too much for me that my head fell into the side of his neck and I began to trail kisses on there and suddenly let out a loud scream as I had suddenly reached my climax.

“Fucking hell, you’ve become even more tighter,” Mr. Stark sounded like he too was already on the verge of reaching his climax. Both his hands then met my hips once more and he started to bounce myself on his cock, disregarding that I could have been sensitive, hoping to finish inside of me. “I told you that you wanted this. That you needed to be fucked hard. So much for the “I don’t want this bullshit,” huh baby?” He mocked me as he noticed the stray tears that were falling on my cheeks as I felt that the stimulation was too much.

“I bet I can make you cum again. That by the time I release my load deep inside you, you will also be creaming over yourself.” His overconfidence was once again being made evident and determined to make his statement true, he began to wrap his mouth around my nipple and one of his fingers was shoved right into my asshole. It might have been the sudden intrusion on my backside, or the feeling of his warm tongue on my nipple, or the fact that his cock was being rammed in and out of me at a dangerously quick pace, but I found myself squirting all over both of our legs.

“Fuck, baby, that’s a good girl,” he moaned out as I also felt him release his juices inside of me. He stopped his licking, fingering, and maneuvering of my body as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled my head to lay down on his chest. We both took this time in order to calm down and catch our breaths. His one hand was playing with my hair while the other lightly ran up and down my spine. 

With his cock planted still deeply in me, he made me look into his eyes as his hard and demanding tone vanished and instead was replaced with a soft voice accompanied with a gentle look in his eyes as he said, “You did very well in accompanying and complying with my research, baby.”

His praise made me smile and I once again placed my head by his shoulder and briefly closed my eyes — still not having fully recovered from our sexual activity — when what he said caused me once again to be speechless and shocked, “Get ready because in a few minutes I’ll once again be conducting research. But I was thinking about conducting it in a different venue.”

[aenariasbookshelf]

The untitled EndGame Fix-it Fic

So, as people have expressed interest in the EndGame fix-it story, here’s the first chapter of it.  I know that this story probably won’t be for everyone, especially if you liked the way EndGame played out, but it was downright cathartic for me to write it.  This first chapter does have a couple of hard conversations in there, but nothing worse than what we saw in the movie.  I think what I’m trying to do was hit some similar notes to EndGame, but in a way that felt more genuine and true to the characters in the way that I experience them.

(And yes, as the writer I can totally recycle a few concepts from other stories I’ve written, so there. ;)

Many thanks to everyone who’s taken a look at this story so far.  I love all of you. <3

Okay, here we go.  No title yet, but I have an idea...

Part One

The idea, time travel, to get the stones and bring them to the future, is set.  It’s a good plan, Steve says, out loud at least, because hope is in short supply these days.

It’s their only plan, he says to himself at night, tossing and turning in bed and wondering what the hell they were thinking with this cockamamie idea.  It’s not that he doesn’t trust Scott, he absolutely does, but time and dimensional travel?  At least when they traveled across the galaxy to kill Thanos, that was in a linear fashion.  Still, there’s that one little niggling doubt in his head, that he just can’t shake off.

That little lingering doubt is what causes him to sneak into Natasha’s office late at night, and use the heavy, long-range equipment in there to flag down Carol Danvers.  She may not be experienced with time travel (hell, none of them are - who could be an expert in time travel if they’ve only just managed to come up with it?), but her interstellar perspective on things may help him see through a different lens.

“And that’s where we stand.”

Steve spreads his hands out across the desk expansively as Carol’s holographic image looks on, mouth pursed and arms crossed.  “It’s...the plan that we’ve got.  It’s the only plan everyone can agree on.”

Carol nods, and Steve can tell her mind is working at top speeds.  Faster than his, at least, which isn’t hard to do at this time of night after days of not sleeping well.  “Can I ask the tough question?”

“Please.”

“You have a time machine, and you will have all the Infinity Stones.  Why not just turn the clock back and kick Thanos’ ass in 2018, with all the new knowledge you’ve gained?”

The billion dollar question, indeed.

Steve heaves a sigh, sitting back in the chair as he nearly chews a hole through the inside of his cheek.  “We don’t trade lives.  I’ve said it more times than I can think.  One singular life is just as worthwhile as everyone else’s.  The world didn’t stop spinning these last five years.  People are still growing up, getting married, having babies...having lives.  Who are we to take that away from them?”

Carol’s shrewd, however, and can see right through the fancy, inspirational speech that people would expect Cap to make to lead the masses.  “Yeah, how old is she?”

“Hmm?”

“Tony’s daughter.  How old is she?”

Steve just nods, looking down at the desktop.  “Four.”

“And, suddenly, so many things become clear.  He refused to help unless his daughter was safe, didn’t he?”

A set of arched eyebrows is the only answer Steve can give.

“I get wanting to protect her.  I do,” Carol says, eyes distant even through the shimmer of the holographic interface, and whatever she’s thinking of, Steve can see the pain on her face.  “But if I was her parent I wouldn’t want to let her grow up in a world that seems like it came from one of Stephen King’s worst nightmares.”  She snaps her gaze back to Steve’s.  “So basically, if there’s an alternate plan, we can’t expect Tony to be involved.”

“That’s probably a safe assumption.”  Keeping secrets has already done so much damage in their relationship, what’s one more to add on top of it?  But when the universe is at stake?

“Still, if you know her birthday, do the math.  There’s every chance that kid was conceived before the Snap and, if so, she’ll get to grow up in an even better world than the one she’s in now, with parents who are a lot less broken because of it.”  Her hologram looks steadfast and strong, a lot stronger than Steve feels at that moment.  “I’m going to do some research on what the Stones can do, in the meantime.  Power’s great, but only if you know how to use it properly.”

Steve nods.  What else can he do at this point?  Instead of clarity, all he has are more questions that neither one of them will be able to answer easily.  “I’ll let you know how our time travel adventures go.”

Carol nods, and her hologram blinks out of existence, leaving a fading trail of faint blue sparkles behind.  Steve slumps back in the desk chair, scrubbing his hands hard over his face, because fuck if he knows what he’s going to do now.

**********

Natasha and Clint take off for Vormir.

Only Clint returns, and it feels like the heart and soul of the team is shredded in an instant.

**********

Carol’s not the type of person to let just anyone see her cry, and yet her eyes go glassy and watery when Steve tells her about what happened on Vormir.  “Oh, god,” she all but whimpers.

He stands behind the desk, where Nat should have been sitting, fists clenched, trying not to give into the rage and sadness that he knows is brewing inside of him.  “Did you find anything?”

Carol sniffles, inhaling sharply and refocusing herself.  “Nothing good.  Long story short, from a cosmic perspective, the universe is beyond off balance.  Right down to the molecular level, and from a more metaphysical angle, at a magical level also.  The universe shouldn’t exist in this current state.  It can’t, frankly.”

“You spoke to the Living Tribunal, then?” a new voice breaks in, low and haggard and yet strong enough to resonate around the office.  Standing in the doorway is Thor, looking about as worn down as Steve feels right then, ragged and tired, like he’s only being held together by the merest of threads.

“And what’s the Living Tribunal when it’s at home?” Steve asks, because now they’re going well past his wheelhouse into the goddamn Marianas Trench, and the last thing he wants to do is drown in it.

“The judge, jury, and executioner of universal balance.”  Thor shuffles over to one of the chairs nearby the holographic image generators and kicks back, slumping down.  “What did he say to you?”

“That this universe, as it exists now, post decimation?” she shakes her head, “is unsustainable.  The balance has been wrecked so badly by what Thanos has done that within a generation, maybe two at the most, everything in existence is going to be reduced to space dust.  Something to be absorbed and dispersed around the universe that will come after this one.”

“Unless we turn it back?”

“Unless we turn it back,” Carol echoes, nodding.  “The Tribunal’s in agreement, to the point where it’s saying that some futures, meaning this one, shouldn’t exist.”

“The Tribunal is known for being a bit cryptic, at times,” Thor says, his head turning to look directly at Steve.  “The only times it gets truly clear, is when the sentence is handed down.”

Carol points a finger directly at Thor.  “That’s an understatement, in my experience.  The fact that the Tribunal pointed me in the direction of obtaining a little extra power to defeat Thanos back in 2018 as needed is telling enough.  I get the feeling that the Tribunal, and the powers - whatever they are - above it aren’t exactly thrilled with the idea of starting a new universe just now either.  It’s not the right time.”

Thor finds Steve’s gaze yet again, and there’s something dark and dangerous brewing behind his eyes, something that Steve knows is echoed in his own.  “So, instead of buying Morgan a lifetime, he gives her twenty years?  Maybe fifty, at the outside?”

“Not just Morgan,” Carol says quietly.  “The entirety of the universe.  The countless species and planets and galaxies in that space beyond measure.  Fifty years.  And that’s if humanity doesn’t hasten their own end, as they’ve been known to do.”

As painful as it is to think, it’s the moment of clarity, of certainty, that Steve’s been needing.  “We have to turn it back,” Steve breaths out, the words falling from his lips with unimaginable gravity.  “We use the Stones, go back to the battle in Wakanda, and take Thanos out there.”  He turns his eyes to Carol.  “The Stones together can do just about anything, yeah?”

“Correct.”

He nods, trying to collect his thoughts together.  He needs to be sure that he phrases this just right, because if there’s only one chance to say it they all need to be sure they’re working with the same ideas.  “So if we do turn back the clock to that moment, there won’t be two versions of us around, just the one version that existed at the time.  Yeah?”

She nods.

“Okay.  We get the stones, and we turn the clock back to that exact moment.  It’s a small time frame, even more so with you being out in the galaxy, but we can make it work.”  He bites the inside of his cheek, hard enough to cut through the skin and leave the lingering metallic taste of blood in his mouth.  “One more thing.  When we turn the clock back to that exact moment, we need to make it that only the three of us remember this future, so we can ensure we do what we need to in the past.  This is our plan, our mission.  We need to see it through.”

It’ll also be a bit of a kindness, Steve supposes.  It’s hard to mourn what you’ve lost, if you don’t know you’ve lost it.  It feels uncomfortably like playing God, deciding if people will or won’t live with the memories, but it’s the choice that will spare people, including those closest to them, the most pain.  And will give them a chance for a real future, not just some farcical pretense of one.

“Can you live with that option?” Carol asks, solemnly.

Steve’s stomach roils and the blood on his tongue just seems to get even sharper, leaving him feeling like he’s about to sign the warrant for his own execution.  “What other choice do we have?” is all that he says in return.

“It’s a rare thing, to get a second chance,” Thor says.  His voice is quiet and low, yet it cuts through the night like a strident call, a rallying cry that they’ve been desperately needing.  “Who are we to waste that opportunity?”

[justimajin]

A Lone Wolf’s Howl ☾ Epilogue 

⇾ Pairing: Jungkook x Reader

⇾ Genre: Angst, Fluff, Action

↳ Werewolf AU

⇾ Words: 4k

⇾ Warnings: spoilers for endgame 

⇾ Summary: Jungkook and you have been like two peas in a pod for the majority of your lives; whether it was going through the ups of downs of the horrid teenage change, to transitioning to the racing world of attempting to be adults. Simply put, you’ve been inseparable and glued to each other’s sides longer than you can remember. But one fateful day seems to completely change everything you had faith in and you begin to wonder if there was ever a time where you and your best friend even knew each other’s true colors.

⇾ A/N: Last part of the series!! Thank you for all for reading and I hope you enjoy ^.^ 

gif credit.

⇾ Moodboard Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11(M) Part 12 Epilogue — in the making process

The dreary ash clouds begin to part, separating from each other when the sun peeks through the shadows. Its rays shine down on the six exhausted wolves, their forms immersed in a vicious bath of blood and sweat as they are surrounded with fallen forms, black eyed wolves and sword wielders alike.

Similar to a snap of fingers, the colour in Namjoon’s orbs slowly dissipates when they make contact with the brightening sky, the blue hue seeping away the gold in his eyes. Reverting back into their comfortable brown, they narrow into the far distance when hope begins to dwell in his eyes after so long.

The fog vanishes; a caramel brown wolf trudges its way as it limps over to the pack of wolves, which instantly peek up their heads and dash over. There’s an arm hanging over his side, the wolf holding the body in place with its canines until it completely collapses, its eyes finally fluttering shut when the six wolves around him are unharmed and most importantly, his family.

***

You wake up with a harsh gasp, body aching when it feels like someone has just drowsed you within scorching fire, the heat in your veins drawing hot tears to your eyes. Vision distorted; your ears are blocked when you can only catch onto the faintest of movements with mumbles in the background that you don’t have enough energy to decipher.

The pain only escalates, as if someone had pricked a thousand of needles through your skin, tugging at the opened flesh until a low scream is pulled out of you. Your whole body jerks from the movement, shoulder bumping into another when a familiar scent floods through you, granting you a desperate amount of relief when the throbbing doesn’t stop.

Fluttering your wet lids open for the briefest of moments, your vision focuses to view damp black locks, his eyes screwed shut as he breathes slowly next to you. His cheek is pressed against the pillow and he’s completely bare from waist up, but your eyes catch onto a glimpse of crimson splayed all across his back and suddenly the need to shut your eyes soars up again.

Threading your hand slowly underneath the sheets, you take a deep breath when your hand touches his, letting your vision cloud completely once again.

***

“Y/N.”

A faint pressure is on your shoulder, pushing you back and forth, “Y/N. Wake up.”

You groan, turning in the opposite direction when you can hear an audible sigh, “I know you can hear me Y/N. It’s time for you to wake up.”

Both your mind and body are equally exhausted, the last thing you want being to awaken either of them. However, the next words the voice gives out has your lids tugging up right away.

“Don’t you want to see Jungkook?”

Your brows furrow, the bright light sharply meeting them when you blink a couple of times, the room finally coming into clear view. Your eyes dart over to the man standing in front of your bed, his arms crossed as he lets out a sigh.

“You’re alright now. There’s no need to worry.” He smiles, creases appearing near his lips when he rakes a hand through his blue hair.

“J-Jimin?” You croak, voice coming out low and hoarse. He wraps an arm around you instantly, assisting you in getting up when you take in the empty room, not recognizing it.

“W-Where am I?”

“This is a room where we treat injured wolves. After what happened at Crimson, we brought you and Jungkook here, as well as some of the others to get treated.” Jimin explains.

The word ‘Crimson’ brings icy chills to your warm body, a shiver cascading through every single fiber despite you fighting against it. You overlook the prickling sensation, mind desperate when it sparks at the sound of his name.

“J-Jungkook, where is he?”

“He’s fine.” He assures you, “We brought both of you here together, but he was moved to a different room to rest when your treatment was taking longer.”

You raise an eyebrow at that, eyes immediately enlarging when you take in your heavily bandaged arm, barely seeing an inch of skin beneath it.

“What happened?” You question, mind still feeling numb from everything that occurred, wondering if it was just a mere illusion or actually part of a fragment from your reality.

“After you and Jungkook left, the rest of us followed through with the plan and took care of the remaining slayers and rogue werewolves.” Jimin explains, “Although we were fine in the beginning, their numbers suddenly increased and Namjoon suspected they knew about our attack, but then Jungkook came and told us you were keeping their leader preoccupied.”

You nod, the events linking together with a steady line, “Thanks to him we manage to pull through, until he said he was having a bad feeling and get to you as soon as possible.”

“Right when we were getting closer to victory, Namjoon saw Jungkook and you come back, but before we could even ask what happened, he collapsed and both of you looked badly injured.”

He points to your arm, wincing, “It was cut open and there was blood spilling out everywhere. We managed to stop the bleeding for now, but I would be careful if I was you.”

Humming, you recall being close to winning before the Elder had slashed your arm, rendering you immobile. However, your mind only seems to hinge onto a particular set of words, especially those mentioning the person that managed to bring you back in one piece, despite also being heavily injured from your fight.

“Jungkook.” You whisper, eyes wide with surprise, “Can you take me to him?”

Jimin nods, kneeling down so you can loop your mobile arm around his neck as his hand rests on your waist, tugging you up and letting you put your weight on him. He slowly walks, meeting your pace when he opens the door and brings you into the hallway.

The volume inside your mind is raised, thoughts swirling around blank flashbacks you have from defeating the Elder to Jungkook bringing you back. You feel faint, recalling how enraged you had felt when the Elder had simply brushed off all she had conspired, her thoughts void when you couldn’t come to believe what she had done to you and your family.

You also feel sick, your body recoiling when thoughts surrounding her demise enter your mind. The scene flashes past your eyes like its on repeat, a wrangled image of you sprouting out the sword before plunging it into her form, watching her dissipate right in front of you.

Despite the room being warm, a shiver runs down you involuntarily. You keep your weight against Jimin, appreciating that he was letting you because you knew you would have fallen right then and there if he hadn’t. The door opens and you’re greeted to a similar room you had waken up in; brightly lit with white walls and lined with several beds.

Your eyes roam around until they freeze, landing on the individual currently slumped on a bed, his back facing you.

Jimin seats you down on the opposite bed, letting go of your weight when your eyes catch onto Jungkook’s form spurring, shifting underneath the sheets.

With a nod of his head, Jimin quietly closes the door on his way out. Your eyes remained glued to the person in front of you, a faint smile emerging on your lips when you hear a low yawn.

When his eyes come into contact with yours, an instant array of relief hits you, noticing that although they seemed more tired than ever, they were still alive and healthy.

“Y-Y/N?” Jungkook mumbles, shifting himself to sit up. The sheet falls down his torso and your eyes instantly latch onto the sheer number of bandages surrounding him, the bulk of it all attached to his back.

Moving your eyes up to say something, you notice he’s doing the same thing with you – eyes stuck on the way your arm is barely visible.

“Are you okay?”

You blink, recognizing the traces of concern leaking into his eyes. However, you do know his question is targeted towards more than just inquiring about your injuries.

“I followed through with the plan.” You blankly state, “Crimson is gone.”

You don’t realize Jungkook’s beside you until the bed dips, his hand reaching out for your own. “You saved us.”

His voice doesn’t waver, saying it more like a well-known fact. There’s a small smile on your lips, looking up to gaze at him when he gives you an approving nod. The door outside creaks, causing both of you to shift your sight to the man standing at the corner.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

You shake your head and Namjoon takes it as an answer for him to come him, however the smile on your features fade when there’s a shining blade on his side, the familiarity immediately flooding through all of your senses and leaving you paralyzed.

“What you did wasn’t easy Y/N.” Namjoon says, “The rest of us were fighting against something we’ve fought against before, but you had to fight against your own home. An essential part of you,” He reaches out to take your hands, placing them onto the crafted designs of the sword, “Which I don’t want you to ever leave behind.”

Drops of water begin to stain the metal, now cleaned and established before it was raised against you. It was a sword that welcomed you in with open arms, that steadily grew you in the person you were today and guided you up until this point. It’s not a vague or torturous memory, just a simple part of you now.

“It was retrieved afterwards, so all of us thought it would be best if you kept it.”

“Thank you Namjoon.”

Your voice comes out low, but it holds such a large amount of solace within it that Namjoon smiles, watching you clutch onto the sword as if your whole entire life depended on it.

***

The sword is perched up onto the wall, a faint smile on your lips when you take a couple of steps back to view it.

“You want this one?” She questions, turning to you puzzled.

You furiously nod, hands clasped in front of you, “You told me I need to choose a sword soon. I choose that one.”

She chuckles, shaking her head when you maintain your determined stance, “This sword belongs to me Y/N.” She explains, “You will need to find a new one to choose.”

“But there’s no other sword like yours!”

She sighs, her long robes following her when she examines the fine walls of lined sword, plucking one right after contemplating, “Here. This one will be your choice.”

You frown, taking the fine blade within the palms of your hands, “It is similar to the one I have.”

She raises her sword and your eyes spark, a huge grin lining your lips.

The Elder smiles, “We’ll match.”

There’s a similar grin on your lips the longer you stare at the sword, but it’s mixed in with tender reminiscence. With a heavy sigh, your sliver eyes shift, looking at the framed picture of two woman hanging right beside the sword.

A roaring fire is in the background, the living room filled with an irreplaceable glow when you stare up at two pairs of eyes. One of them has brown orbs, warm and gentle, hands moving closer to engulf you into a surprise hug.

Giggles tumble out from your lips, getting spun around with excitement as you wave your small arms around, before being placed onto the ground again. The brown orbs continue to watch you, until they are soon joined by another pair, tender eyes gazing at you.

Instead of brown however, these orbs radiate with a bright glow of silver.

A dreary sigh escapes you, eyes glued to the walls and thoughts being whisked away with pieces of memories, lost in your own world until a voice suddenly draws you out of it.

“Y/N?”

Your head snaps up, eyes trailing over to a confused Jungkook staring at you from the door, dressed in a black hoodie as he munches down on the popcorn he pops into his mouth.

“Oh, Jungkook.” You grimace, “Sorry about that. Did you start the movie already?”

He shakes his head, walking over to you and offering you a piece of popcorn, “I was waiting for you, but it seems like you were somewhere else.”

He stares up at the wall, his eyes flickering over until they land on the picture frame.

“She has your eyes.”

“She was a slayer.” You lightly laugh, “We all have the same eyes.”

Jungkook follows you when you walk out of the room, closing the door behind you. “Except for you. You have that double colour thing going on.”

“Yeah, thanks to someone.”

You grin but Jungkook scoffs, “I already told you, it was wolf instincts!”

Walking over to the couch, you plant yourself down and Jungkook does as well, “Because of your instincts, I’m stuck with you for the rest of my life.”

Jungkook stops snacking, pouting as he whines, “Is that such a bad thing?”

“We’ll see, depends on if you can treat me right.” You lean over to grab some of his popcorn, cheekily shoving it in your mouth.

“You weren’t saying that when we spent our first night together.”

Your jaw drops and Jungkook snickers, causing you to snatch up a pillow and toss it over at him. Unfortunately, your aim is horrible compared to your sword wielding skills and you miss, causing it to hit his bag of popcorn which spills all over the ground.

“Y/N, my popcorn!” Jungkook exclaims when there’s a puddle of the snack all over the carpet. You plant a hand against your mouth, trying to conceal your giggles until Jungkook is suddenly lifting you up, causing you to squeal when he drags you over to the kitchen.

He plants you down onto a chair, crossing his arms.

“I lost my popcorn because of you, so you have to make me more now.”

“Oh come on.” You whine, yet still grab another bag to pop into the microwave, “Don’t you want to watch Endgame? It’s such a great movie, actually in one scene there was a part whe-“

His sleeve clamps over your mouth and he glares at you, “No spoilers!”

You frown, punching the numbers into the microwave, “You spoil everything for me anyways, why does it even matter now?”

“Because I waited to watch this since forever!” Jungkook protests, “You can’t go around watching movies if you’re in a pack and have to protect them.”

“You make it sound like I had all the time in the world too.” You grab the piping hot bag out, tossing it into his direction, “Which I actually did, because I managed to watch it.”

“Without me though.” Jungkook mumbles, opening the bag eagerly. You snicker when he takes a mouthful out, hurriedly stuffing it in his face.

Getting up, you’re about to tell him that you should probably start the movie right away before he whines about it again, but the doorbell rings and draws your thoughts away.

Furrowing your brows, you stare at the door before turning to Jungkook. He dons the same confused expression, hand paused halfway through his popcorn bag in silence. “Did you call someone over?”

“No, you?”

���No?” You question, carefully threading over as Jungkook puts the bag away, quickly shuffling after you. Light pulsates around your palms, slowly forming when you grab a familiar black umbrella near your door, gripping it tightly in your hands. A low growl is heard from behind you and your eyes catch onto Jungkook glaring at the door, canines on full display.

You both quickly stand on either side of the door and you throw him a silent look, to which he nods.

In an instant, the door is pulled open and both of you move within a flash, glowing umbrella raised and hands covered with brown fur.

However, the man before you is left in frantic wails, staring at the two of you as if the very sight paralyzed him. “T-The pizza y-you ordered.”

A shaking box is handed over to you and immediately the two of you freeze, the umbrella drops flat onto the ground and canines retract when the man shuffles up, running down the hall as fast as he can.

You remain there frozen, until Jungkook moves to pick up the pizza from the ground and reads the tag, “Ordered by Y/N L/N…”

Uncomfortably shifting, you give him a sheepish look, “I knew you were coming over so I thought it’d be nice…”

Your voice grows small, realizing that perhaps if you had remembered your own order, the delivery guy wouldn’t have experienced the heart attack you were so close to unleashing onto him.

Jungkook just chuckles, amusement in his eyes, “I think it’s about time we realize that not everyone’s out to get us.”

You muse at that, a soft smile on your lips when he walks back into the apartment and you shut the door, “You can’t really blame that on us though.” A wistful sigh escapes you, watching Jungkook eagerly open the box to beaming when he realizes you’ve ordered his favourite, “Adjusting back will take its time.”

He nods, agreeing with you instantly but you laugh when you see a slice already settled in his mouth.

***

You reach over, straining your hand when the soft material meets your fingertips. Snatching one out quickly, you bring it over to Jungkook, who gratefully grabs it as tears continue to stream down his eyes, small sobs leaving him.

You softly smile, the credits running down the screen as you remain huddled up in a blanket together, watching him sniffle and wiping the tears away.

“I wasn’t expecting Tony Stark to make you cry so much.” You comment, but he sends you a saddened look with still wet eyes, as if the memory was too fresh to even be brought up.

“W-Why didn’t you tell me?” He questions in exasperation, dabbing furiously at the tears that don’t stop leaving his eyes.

“Because you said no spoilers.” You shrug, “I held up to my word on that and– are you okay?”

He suddenly jerks his head to the side, whisking all the tears away in an instant that only has you raising an eyebrow.

“There.” He firmly states, as if he was proud of getting rid of the excessive water even though his eyes and cheeks were still marked with red.

“Do you want some pizza?” You question, leaning over to the half empty box next to you but he shakes his head, blinking his now dry eyes.

“I can’t believe I missed out on this.” He sniffles, a small laugh leaving his lips, “I should have just watched it when it came out.”

“Fighting against slayers and wolves, remember?” There’s a knowing smile on your lips when you lift the box up, moving it to the kitchen and ruffling Jungkook’s hair as you walk by.

“Wait,” He frowns, “When did you watch it then?”

“When I was staying at the pack house,” You wave your hand around, “Aside from training, I wasn’t really given anything else to do.”

“You should have just invited me to join you! We could have cried together!”

You laugh at that, giving him an absurd look, “You wanted to cry together? And besides, finding out you were a werewolf didn’t really help that situation much.”

“Oh.” He sets his lips into a firm line, “That’s right, but I would have still kept you company either way. We could have–“

His vision narrows, eyes latching onto why that fear-stricken expression on your features looked so recognizable, until it flickers inside him, “Just ignore it, it won’t hurt you Y/N.”

Your head instantly snaps up, seeing him give you an impassable look when you attempt to explain yourself, “I-It’s near the popcorn.”

Jungkook’s eyes suddenly widen and soon he’s lurching off the couch, dashing over to your side. “Where?”

A trembling finger is pointed near the counter, “T-There.”

Right when Jungkook turns, it moves, jumping onto the ground and scurrying itself safely underneath the fridge. You immediately jolt, hands tightening around Jungkook’s hoodie and he lets out a groan.

“Y/N, you’re a slayer.” He side-eyes your shrunken form, “You can use a sword, but you can’t get rid of a mouse?”

“It’s scary Jungkook.” You protest, jolting again when you hear it scratch against the wood. You shift closer to him, desperation leaking into your voice, “Please, just do something about it.”

He sighs, eyes looking around your kitchen, “Do you have a bucket or something?”

You nod, hurriedly walking in the opposite direction of the mouse to find it. Jungkook meanwhile stares at the bottom of the fridge, securing his hands firmly against the frame.

You soon reappear, a white bucket in hand, “I’m going to shake the fridge and scare it out. When you see it, put the bucket over it so it can’t escape, okay?”

“W-What?” You frantically whisper, the instructions going over your head until Jungkook moves and suddenly your arms are outstretched, the bucket sticking out.

A small blur of brown scurries across the floor, causing a squeal to escape you when the bucket falls and you place a heavy hand over your racing heart.

“You did it!” Jungkook exclaims, a bright wide smile on his features as you remain as solid as a statue, staring at the bucket speechless.

“I-I did.” You’re as pale as a ghost, but his words bring you out of it and you’re filled up with confidence, “I did!”

You slip out of it though when Jungkook tosses the bucket to the side, grabbing the small creature with his fingers as you gasp in horror. “What? I need to get rid of it.”

He walks around aimlessly with it, stepping out for a few moments as you slowly register the shock. Returning back, he shakes his hands together and shuts the door. “It’s gone Y/N.”

 You exhale in relief, waiting for him on the couch. He settles himself in the blanket again, arms wrapping around you. “We really need to work on this if you’re still scared. Mice is the last thing a wolf should be scared of.”

“I’m technically half-wolf.” You mumble, eyes slowly fluttering shut and lulling into sleep now that he was back, “So the other half of me is allowed to be scared.”

Jungkook softly chuckles, head resting against yours as he lets out a gentle sigh. It’s in moments like this he truly wonders if any of this was ever going to be possible, to have you by his side, to have you see him more than a friend, to have his identity revealed to you and for you not to run away, only to accept him just as he is.

Although you also had your fair share of secrets tucked away, he knows that despite everything – the anguish that initially sparked in your eyes when you found out, the large ripples forming within the clear water when it felt like you had lost all of the remaining pieces left in your relationship, when you were so close to having that cord completely snap, at odds with each other as there was a deep line separating you – both of you managed to be okay, resting in each other’s arms as if you hadn’t even been pulled away to begin with.

The thought alone makes his dazed eyes flutter shut, a smile on his lips when you’re back to where you had first started, this time together and having no more secrets to hide. 

[brokengem]

#11 for the kisses promt. With hevie 💙❤. Oh and make it sweet but angsty, I'm curious to see what u do w that ;) Thnx!

Phew! I hope you like this. I originally went one way with this but..then this kind of happened...so I hope you’re okay with that.

Also posted on AO3

The morning sun shone in through the opened curtains, causing the young woman to groan. She refused to open her eyes this morning. To open them meant to greet the day with a smile and Evie wasn’t ready for that. She wanted to stay here, wrapped up in the warmth of his arms and a smile was simply out of the question.

“Princess,” his sleepy draw startled her. His hand touched the top of her head, fingers lazily running through her hair. It felt wonderful, putting her at ease. 

His hand traveled down, fingertips tracing the contours of her face, brushing over closed eyes lids, trailing the length of her nose and finally tracing the outline of her lips. Then he started all over again, fingers tracing every delicate feature. 

This touch felt far more different than any of his previous caresses. It felt sad, as if he were trying to memorize everything about her. 

“Harry,” she whispered, shuffling closer. The arm wrapped around her waist tightened and Evie found herself pulled even closer, hand sprayed over his bare chest. 

Oh how she was going to miss this. 

Harry grunted softly, his hand travelling down to gently hook around her chin and drew her forward. She waited patiently for that sweet taste. He had something else in mind. His lips replaced his hand, catching her forehead with a soft kiss. Painfully slow he continued, kiss after kiss refusing to leave a single inch of her face untouched. Mostly. Harry avoided her lips at all costs, instead leaving teasing kisses at its corners. 

She huffed in frustration, igniting a snicker from the pirate, “Harry.” 

Two could play that game. She gently escaped his grasp, reaching up to cradle his face in her hands. She loved the sharp intake of breath he gave at her touch. It started as a mirror of his previous ministrations; feather light kisses on his forehead, following a path to his closed eyelids. She kissed one before crossing the bridge of his nose to the other. A nip to the tip of his nose, earned her a delightful growl. 

Her thumb caught his mouth, tracing the lower lip. The thought to give him a taste of his own medicine crossed her mind, to barely brush her lips to the corner of his mouth. 

She couldn’t leave it there. 

Evie realized time was against them. They couldn’t drag this out much more. She claimed his lips, hungry and demanding. Harry’s arm tightened around her. His other hand buried into her hair and drew her tighter against him, equally as hungry and demanding. 

Much like Harry’s earlier caresses, something about this kiss felt different. They’d had their share of hungry kisses. Harry was notorious for being demanding. But this, all of this...felt final. 

A silent goodbye either wished to give. 

She didn’t know when the tears had begun to fall, but they did, her cheeks now wet and cold. Yet she refused to move away, only holding tighter. 

They broke apart after what felt like an eternity. Harry rested his forehead against hers, his thumbing stroking her cheek to wipe away her tears. 

Evie took a shaky breath, willing the tears to stop, “I should go.”  

Harry’s arms fell away from her allowing her the freedom to pull away. Slowly she opened her eyes, surprised to see Harry chose to keep his closed. His cheeks shone with a familiar dampness. 

They remained silent as Evie slid from the bed and began to dress. Ben was waiting for her after all.They had a tour of the world to tend too. It’d be months before they would be home. Months until she’d be able to see him again, if he’d even want to.

Ben had been generous, knowing her feelings for Harry. He hadn’t been all too surprised when she admitted her feelings for the pirate. In fact he’d been perfectly fine with it, allowing her to start a relationship with Harry that the pirate was only too happy to take part in. She’d been so happy to have both men she loved and they’d all been accepting of the arrangement.

Evie took another shaky breath, looking at the man who’d barely moved, his arm now covering his eyes. 

“Harry,” he only grunted in response, “Harry, please look at me.” 

He muttered something under his breath, turning his head away from her.  It hurt to see him act so childish. To see his refusal to look at her. 

“I want you to be happy,” she started, choking back on the tears that wished to fall once more. “You don’t have to wait for me, find someone special and be with them. I won’t be mad or upset.” She was lying, and something told her Harry knew despite not being able to see into his eyes. It’d break her heart to see him with someone else, but if it made him happy so be it. 

“I could steal ye away,” Harry finally mumbled, arm still covering his face. “Steal ye away right now and never look back.”

She smiled down sadly, “we both know you wouldn’t do that. For all the teasing you give Ben, you respect him too much. You respect me too much. ” 

The pirate only scoffed at her words. 

Evie’s heart felt torn, despite the fact Ben never once made her choose. Ben understood both of them made her happy. Both made her complete. Yet she couldn’t stay with Harry. 

“I love you, Harry Hook,” she whispered, stealing one last kiss. She paused at the door, looking back in hopes of catching his eye. His arm remained over his eyes and the tightness in her chest only grew heavier. 

“Goodbye, Harry.”

                                                             -X- 

The door closed softly behind the princess. Harry sighed heavily, removing his arm to glare at the offending object. He should have said more. He should have told her he loved her, that he’d wait as long as it took for them to return. 

Instead he was a coward and did nothing. He didn’t deserve her. She was better off with the sweet King who’d been kind and shared, being only too happy to allow Evie to be at her happiest with them both. 

It was like they said, all good things must come to an end. 

“Goodbye, Love.”

 Final Notes: So yeah, I originally was going to go the cheating route. But then I thought about it and the idea of poly!Evie was better. With Ben being okay with her also being in a relationship with Harry as well. Even though neither ever made her choose between them, she kind of feels like she should despite everything. So this was born. Though not going to lie, this is like a prelude to endgame Harry/Evie/Ben. 

[turning-dreams-into-chaos]

Memories (Part 2)

*Not My Gif*

Post Date: 7-9-19

Paring: Peter Parker x Reader, Tony Stark x Daughter!Reader

Word Count: 3.2 k A/N: Ok, so here’s the thing, Endgame happened but Tony didn’t die. Also I don’t know how this turned out...

Memories Part 1

~Prompt List~

~Master List~

Requests are closed

Tony sat surrounded by his family in his house as he nursed the bottle in his hand, meeting everyone’s eyes but not holding their gaze. He saved the world, he saved the universe but he still felt as if he couldn’t save everyone. Only because he couldn’t save you. Peter was the only one who was close to feeling how he felt, they both loved you. Even if it had been 5 years and 6 months for Tony it had only been 6 months for Peter. Tony made a family, marrying Pepper and having Morgan, but Peter couldn’t do that with you. His eyes met Peter as he nodded towards the door. Peter furrowed his brows before realizing what he met, soon sneaking away from the reunion to follow after Tony.

“I fixed it.” Tony muttered as they made their way to the basement Tony dubbed as his lab. Peter’s pacing stopped when he looked into Tony’s hands, seeing your machine in almost pristine condition. Without Peter saying anything, Tony pressed the button he knew all too well.

“Is this working? Oh my god I did it!”

Peter felt his heart clench as he closed his eyes, taking in the sound of your voice before Tony’s hand landed on his shoulder. He couldn’t handle it, wanted to walk out but your voice some how convinced him to stay. When he opened his eyes, he couldn’t help but let them dance across your face immediately noticing the upgrades Tony had done in your machine.

“I want her back, Mr. Stark. I need her back.” He mumbled as Tony dropped his head at Peter’s familiar words. He agreed, thinking about how if he was in the room with you he could’ve saved you.

“I want her back too Kid. But we don’t get her back.”

Peter shook his head as your figure disappeared, turning around to look at the man.

“It’s not far! Everyone else came back but not her! Why? Why?!” Peters hand pulled on his hair as he took the machine, quickly making you reappear.

“Pete, if I could bring her back I would! If I could go back I would! If I could-“ Tonys eyes widened as he realized what he could do. Peter heard him stop mid-sentence, facing him as Tony just stared at you.

“Mr. Stark?” Peter asked as before he was shushed by the man. Tony began pacing in front of Peter, instantly confusing the boy. “Mr. Stark, w-what’s wrong?”

“If I could go back…” He mumbled before meeting Peter’s eyes officially for the first time since Peter entered the room. Peter’s face matched Tony’s as he realized what he meant. He wasn’t stupid, he knew how they got the stones, and he was all for getting you back. “I’m going back.”

“I’m going with you.” Peter yelled as he followed Tony up the steps back to the living room before Tony stopped, turning to push Peter gently back down the stairs as he shook his head.

“No can do kid. I can’t take you with me. This is to important.” He argues before seeing Peter not standing down. He sighed in defeat before pushing past him, pulling out a trunk he had stored years ago after he came back from space. Tony looked at it, eyes watering as his fingers trace over the letters engraved on it. Your name. When he finally opened it, Peter and him couldn’t help but let their eyes become glossy as they stared at a picture of you Tony had hung on the lid. “After she died, I started to grab somethings I knew she kept close to herself.” He begun to pull out a few more pictures, quickly looking at them before moving on to a T-shirt of Peter’s, the one you wore in the first memory. Peter chuckled as Tony handed it to him, instantly being in engulfed in your strawberry and cinnamon scent he loved. “I put this in after I lost you too.” Tony said as he pulled a red and black suit out of out the bottom of the trunk.

“She made this?” Peter asked as his hands roamed across the suit. Tony nodded his head before tilting it, looking over at your machine.

“We were working on it together. She uh, she finished a few days before the mission, she wanted to give it to you that weekend.” Tony stopped talking as Peter looked up at him, clearing his throat before patting his back. “Ok, here you have to wear this one until we get there, then you change into her suit. Time to go.”He handed him a white suit before he quickly headed upstairs and left Peter to change as he started to get ready for the jump. He was almost ready, only needing to do a few more things then put his suit on before Steve approached him.

“What are you doing?” He asked, crossing his arms. Tony looked up at him and rolled his eyes.

“Something important.”

“You’re going back in time? When?” Tony ignored him as he kept working. Steve took his silence as a go ahead and snoop around gesture and quickly found a picture of you Tony had next to him. “You want to go back and save her.”

Tony froze at Steve’s soft words, unsure of how to avoid the talk of morals. He only grunted as he finished up his chores. Steve’s hand gripped onto Tony’s arm as he tried to hold his attention.

“Tony, you know you can’t do this. Saving her, it will mess up everything.”

“I have to-“

“Tony you can’t-“

“SHE’S MY DAUGHTER! I NEED HER!… I have to.” Steve stopped arguing at Tony’s outburst, knowing there was no way to change his mind. His head dropped as he sighed, hearing footsteps behind him as he turned to see Peter, obviously having heard Tony’s outburst. Tony’s head had fallen into his hands before he put himself back together. “Don’t worry Capsicle, there’s still enough particles for you to return the stones.”

Steve nodded before stepping to the side, allowing Peter and Tony to prep for their jump. “You ready to time travel kid?” He smirked as Peter jumped around, preparing himself for anything. Steve laughed as he watched Peter and Tony disappear a few second later.

Peter was in awe after traveling through the quantum realm, landing outside of a Hydra base. “Woah! Mr. Stark that was so cool! Like that was amazing! I can’t believe we-“

“Calm down Kid before we get caught.” Tony grunted as he looked around the area. Peter nodded as he calmed himself, looking as well as Natasha and Clint took down a few hydra agents while Tony and Peter quickly ducked out of sight. Changing into their suits, they tried to come up with a plan to find you.

“Ok a house full of heroes and I bring underoos.” He moaned as sighed in defeat after Peter 3rd bad idea. Peter couldn’t help but frown until he caught sight of you and your bow jumping over a car and shooting 2 guys.

“Getting pretty good with that bow Y/N!” Clint yelled as you laughed. Peter held a breath as he nudged Tony, pointing over at you as both of them stared in disbelief. You were there, right in front of them and they couldn’t hug you or anything. Peter knew he was crying but he didn’t care, because seeing your smile again in real life was nothing compared to the holograms.

“Getting scared I might be better than you?” You quipped as Clint scoffed, playing with yo has you both took down a few more bad guys.

“As if, Ace!

You laughed at his nickname for you before hearing Steve’s voice in your earpiece, rolling your eyes before following through on his instructions. “Cap’s calling. Learn to keep up, Clint!” You headed inside as Tony felt his heart stop. He knew what was gonna happen next and without thinking he quickly followed you into the building, Peter closely behind as they made it in without being caught. Tony motioned for Peter to stay quiet as they entered the room you were in, seeing you scan through a computer.

You fingers jumped across the keys as you looked through file after file, looking for anything and everything you needed. Your hands finally stopped moving as you found a list of Hydra locations. You celebrated with yourself silently before inserting a flash drive, downloading all necessary files. Tony and Peter kept looking at you before they realized why they came, they needed to save you. Just their luck, Tony looked at the door the moment a hydra soldier came running around the corner, footsteps quiet as they saw you. Your back was towards them as you continued your search. Time seemed to be moving in slow motion as they reached for their gun, Peter and Tony quickly jumping out of their hiding spot as Peter shot his webs, locking into the gun as it fell to the ground with a clatter. You quickly turned around and shot an arrow into the soldiers shoulder as he went down with a thud. That’s when you finally took notice of Peter and your dad, staring at you as you grew confused.

“Dad? Pete? What are you guys doing here? I thought you were off this mission.” You shrugged as you placed the arrow back in your quiver. You turned back to the computer to deal with the flash drive as you noticed they had yet to answer. You turned your head, enough to shot them a smile before facing forward, eyes widening as you stood up straight. With in a second you had two arrows loaded in your bow as you point between the two of them. “You’re not them. Who are you?”

Peter quickly shot his hands into the air and Tony put a hand between you two. “No it’s ok, sweetheart. It’s us. It’s us.” You couldn’t help but be confused at his words.

“I don’t believe you. First of all, my dad and Peter both couldn’t be on this mission, second of all, I made that suit. I hadn’t given it to Peter yet. Third of all, you aren’t wearing an earpiece. So I’ll ask you again. Who are you?” You tightened the grip on your bow as you drew back more, causing both of them to freak out a little on the inside.

“Y/N, sweetheart please. Put down the bow and we’ll talk.” Tony pleaded as you glared at him. He closed his eyes before deciding on his next move. “We’re from the future.” He saw your bow slack as you took in his words. “We came to save you.”

You moved your gaze between the two of them before pulling back once more, not falling for any tricks. “Prove it.”

Peter reached out to Tony, gently tapping on his arm before stepping in front of him.

“What am I supposed to do, Nat? I fell in love with my best friend.” Your eyes locked into his as your jaw dropped at his words. Words you uttered barely 2 hours ago.

“How did you?...”

“We got it working. Memories4me. It’s brilliant.” You listened to your dad’s compliment but you couldn’t help but hold Peter’s gaze.

“Right.” You let your arrow fall to the ground along with your gaze as you took in this information. “So time travel’s a thing. I was supposed to die, wasn’t I?” Peter and Tony shared a quick glance before answering you.

“Yes.”

“But now I’m not.”

“Nope.”

“Right.” You bit your lip as you took a step towards them.. You could only nod your head before Peter had a hold on you, wrapping you into his arms faster that you thought possible.

“I-I thought I lost you.” He whispered into you ear as he held you head with one hand, the other around your waist. Without even needing to be told, you threw your arms over his shoulders and around his neck, eyes closed as you comforted him while he sobbed.

“I’m here Pete. I’m here and I promise I won’t leave you, ever again.” You stayed clung to each other for a few more seconds before he pulled away, arm still wrapped around you but his other falling onto your cheek before pulling you in for a kiss. Only to be stopped mere inches away by Tony coughing. Your head fell onto Peter’s shoulder before you looked up at your dad. “Hey Dad.”

He let out a chuckle before your arms were tightly wrapped around his neck. “I missed you sweetheart.” You squeezed him tighter tears falling from both of you before releasing him, face falling as you looked up at him.

“So what now?” You asked as Tony shook his head, answering truthfully.

“I don’t know.”

You grabbed your bow you dropped early as you ran a finger over the feathers on one of your arrows. “I can’t stay here. Other wise I change your future, I could mess everything up.”

“Then, We go home.” Tony said as he smiled at you, you looked at Tony before looking at Peter, who looked just as confused as you. “I took extra supplies. They didn’t find your body.”

Your lips parted as you began to understand a little, you tapped your foot as everyone stayed silent. “FRIDAY?”

“Yes Miss Stark?”

Sucking in a breath and laughing a little you asked her something you never thought you would. “Are you able to make everyone think I died?”

The AI was silent for a few minutes as your stomach sank, feeling like you’ve already lost.

“Are you sure this is what you want Miss Stark?” You looked at the two most important people in your life, standing in front of you as you made up your mind.

“Yes.”

You never felt more happy as your feet hit the ground, standing next to Peter as he held your hand. You looked around, taking in the beautiful nature scenery around you as you landed on Steve. His smile spread onto his face.

“Welcome to the future.” He said as you giggled. Peter and Tony both felt their world was coming back together at the sound. You were here and the future was still in tact. Tony stood behind you, wrapping his arms around your neck as he pulled you into his chest.

“I am never letting you go on anymore missions. Ever.” He leant his head onto the back of yours as took in the feeling, you’ve never imagined you dying would’ve caused your dad to use actual time travel, but you weren’t complaining.

“Y/N? C-could we talk?” Peter whispered as he fiddled with his fingers. You blushed as you realized what this was about. Nodding your head, Tony let you go, changing out of the suit and loving the fact you were back. You and Peter walked off the platform, heading towards the water before stopping. You continued to look at the reflections in the surface as Peter spoke. “So Mr. Stark got memories4me working.” You nodded as he sighed, trying to get you to talk to him before giving up, deciding to just say it. “Y/N, I’m in love with you too. Have been since we uh, we first met. You were so confident, smart, and beautiful and I was scared. You became my best friend and I wanted more but didn’t know how to tell you. I regretted not telling you everyday and I didn’t want to go one more day without you know that I’m in lov-“ his words were cut off when you pressed your lips against his, him kissing back almost right away. You knew you were crying but it didn’t matter as his tongue dragged across your bottom lip asking for permission which you quickly accepted. His hands gripped your waist as yours rested on his shoulders, deepening the kiss when one moved to his jaw and cheek. You felt lighter than air when you pulled apart to breath, regretting it almost instantly when your lips weren’t hitting his.

“I fell in love with my best friend. I travelled 5 years into the future where I’m supposed to be dead. …and all I can think about is kissing you again.” You giggles once again as Peter smiled, leaning in to peck your lips before pulling you in for a hug.

“Come on, you got people to see again, and people to meet.” He pulled you into the house where everyone was laughing, only to turn silent when you entered.

“Ace?” Clint spoke first, standing up as he moved his son off his lap. No one believed you were here, think it was some kind of trick but once Tony and Peter told them what they did they quickly pulled you in for a hug.

“You guys aren’t mad that I’m…here?” Everyone shook their head no at the question, causing you to sigh in relief before grabbing Peter’s hand. “Good. I’m glad because I don’t think I could leave you guys, Not after hearing what happened the first time.” You spent the next few minutes as everyone took in your sight before heading down stairs to your dads lab with him and Peter.

“So you got it working. Even better holograms I see.” You grinned as you pressed the button, the machine spitting out an image of you as you couldn’t help but cringe at how you looked in Peter’s shirt, having not slept for a few days.

As if reading your mind, Peter’s hand found yours. “You look as beautiful then as you do now. But I like this way better, because then I can actually do this.” He pulled you in for a kiss as Tony chuckled, trying not to watch you and Peter but loving the fact that you were here.

“Ok ok. That’s enough, she’s my daughter. Try to share her.” Tony said as Peter blushed. You playfully hit your dad as Peter rubbed the back of his neck.

“Well I guess I’ll leave you two to uh talk.” He stuttered as he walked backwards to the stairs, turning around just in time to hit the first step. You picked up memories4me as your fingers rubbed over the old metal.

“Did you like it?” He nodded at your whispering before pulling you close to him.

“I love it.” He kissed the top of your head before setting the machine down on the table. “Although I think it might need a new name.” You agreed, pulling out a piece of paper and brainstorming several different ideas before settling on the right one.

You set up the machine to record as the green light went on before you started talking.

Hi, this is Y/N Stark and this is my dad, Tony Stark, also known as the greatest dad in the world. No, the universe. And this is the little machine that saved my life. We had a name for it. Something weird and different that was just to awkward, so we decided to keep it simple, name it what it is. This is My Memories.

FEEDBACK IS WELCOMED!!

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[angelkurenai]

A lifetime apart - Steve Rogers x Reader

Avengers: Endgame SPOILERS BELOW read at your own risk

Title: A lifetime apart

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader, Male MCU Character x Reader

Warnings: Avengers: Endgame spoilers

Word Count: 3,803

Summary: The war is over. The ones who survived can go home, rest and finally get their happy ending. Or at least most of them. As Steve is prepared to retun the Infnity Stones in their rightful places he is faced with the decision that will determine the rest of his life: Go back in time and stay with Peggy, the woman that he thought was the love of his life or stay in the present, with you, the woman he realised is actually the love of his life. Only problem is that if he does stay there is no rest for him as truth is you are not his, but actually are in a relationship with somebody else that he knows very well and fought alongside.

“Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone, alright?” Steve said to his best friend with a soft yet teasing small smile while Bucky gave him one in return.

“How can I? You're taking all the stupid with you.” the other man replied and Steve smiled a bit more before he embraced his friend “On another note though, did you think about what we talked about?” he added when they pulled away, voice low and Steve let out a sigh through his nose, gazing at the lake for a couple seconds.

“For the past couple years I've done nothing but think about it Buck and you know what? Thinking about it now, after everything that has happened, I have never been more sure in my life before. I know this is the right thing to do. It's the right choice.” he said with a calm expression, small sincere smile on his lips before he looked back at his friend who nodded his head with a bigger one.

“I'd say I'm surprised but eh-” he shrugged “I'm not really. It's not like you've ever been the epitome of subtle around her anyway.” he said with a smirk and Steve chuckled.

“Yeah, well-” he paused for a moment, his smile turning into a bittersweet one “It's not going to make a difference, is it?”

“Maybe it could.” Bucky said instead, another soft shrug before he motioned with his head behind Steve; his eyes already on someone behind the Captain that definitely wasn't Sam or Bruce. And Steve could sense it, he was almost entirely sure, especially given at the look on Bucky's face. Steve's heart began racing even before he turned to look, but once he did; oh it did leap to his throat and managed to knock all air out of his lungs. Well, the sight before his eyes actually did.

“(Y/n)” the name left his lips so out of breath and in a whisper that he swear he looked like was probably about to faint, if it wasn't for his eyes being so wide. To say he was stunned to see you there would have been a great understatement.

“Planning on leaving without telling me, Rogers? That's not a way to act towards your Captain.” you approached them with a small smile on your lips, arms wrapped around yourself.

“Since when are you the Captain? More specifically, since when are you his Captain?” Bucky asked with a small smirk and you looked at him, instantly understand where he was getting at and raising an eyebrow. Looking back at Steve you smirked again and shrugged as innocently as possible.

“Well, for one; since your friend realized he likes being bossed around. Both in and out of the battlefield.” you winked at Steve who couldn't fight his smile just as bad he couldn't fight the blush that started creeping up his cheeks “And for another; since always. I'm Wonder Woman, heck yeah I'm the Captain!”

“Not that I doubt the Wonder Woman part being important but-” Busky shrugged, smirk still on his lips and even more big the second he glanced at his friend “I'm more inclined to believe Steve is in reality a little sub.” he chuckled when the other man simply rolled his eyes.

“Guys, can you not? Please?” he asked and only then you realized the beautiful tint of red that had started to cover his neck and cheeks and you bit your lip at it.

“Why Steve? Are we probably onto something?” you crossed your arms over your chest, smirking at him and raising an eyebrow. But the way said man clenched that perfect jaw of his, set his lips and looked at you with eyes so darkened, you nearly felt your knees give away. You didn't know how he did that, going from a total sweetheart and America's golden boy to a man that could totally slam you against the wall and make you forget your name. It was visible just by the look he gave you. It didn't help at all that his back straightened and that chest puffed out, his shoulders seemed even broader and in the end, it was no good for your health.

“Or maybe you're far away from the truth. Very far.” he said and the tone in his voice, the way it lowered a bit, the way he uttered the words and looked at you made shivers run down your spine and the smile fade from your lips and knees feel even more weak.

“And that's my que. I'm out!” Bucky said with wide eyes “Don't need to hear more, definitely not.”

His reaction managed to gain a small laugh from you and Steve which thankfully made some of the tension that had set between the two of you, fade away. He looked at you with an adorable but certainly shy smile “Sorry about that. He just sometimes doesn't know when to stop and I-”

“No, don't even. I was the one that started, meant to tease you, but I hope I didn't make you really uncomfortable in the end. I didn't, did I?” you asked softly and he shook his head with a gentle smile.

“You never could.” he spoke sincerely “I'm seriously too happy to see you here to think about anything else, anyway.”

“Too happy?” you asked a bit perplexed “Steve, please don't tell me you... did you really think I wasn't going to be here for you? I- I mean, I know it will only be a couple seconds for us b-but for you it will be longer a-and it will be harder and-” you stopped yourself, your eyebrows pulled into a frown as you softly shook your head, you reached out for his hand and gave it a squeeze “I would never let you go through something like this alone. I'll always be here for you. I- I wish I was in a better shape to actually come with but I've got too much healing to do after the battle and we don't have enough particles whatsoever. But that wasn't going to stop me from coming here, you know it, even if it's emotional support that I can offer.”

“I-” he had to stop for a couple seconds, let your words sink and hopefully calm down his rapidly-beating heart but all in vain “I was just thinking-” he gave you a small smile and shrug “That you would be be asy.”

“Ah well, see, the new recruits are going to be a handful but for now I'm taking it slow. I have other, more important things to care about and you're definitely one of them. Steve-” you reached out for his hand, taking it in yours and making his breath hitch in his throat “If anything were to happen, I wouldn't bare to live with myself if I wasn't there for you. You have Bucky and Sam here, I- I get it that they're probably all you need and certainly more important than me right now-”

“You are more than just important to me, (Y/n). A whole lot more... more than you can even understand.” he added too fast for you to even think for over another second that you weren't as important to him.

You gave his hand a squeeze “Glad to know, but I'm not the point here and you're not meant to comfort me. I know you, Steve. And I know you that there are lots of things going through your head right now and you're probably a bit scared, even if you won't admit it. We've gone through so much together, Steve, and I wanted to be here for you. I wanted to go through this one... last, you know, maybe-” you cleared your throat, glancing away for a second “I hope not though, trip. It's-it's what family does, isn't it? And we're even more than that sometimes. Point is I could never leave you alone, didn't feel right, even if it turns out I'm overreacting and nothing happens.” you added the last part a bit fast, a nervous laugh leaving your lips until you felt Steve squeeze your hand that he too wouldn't let go of.

“Believe me, now that you're here... I have nothing to worry about. I know everything will be just fine. You're my charm, aren't you?” you didn't miss the way his face softened and his eyes looked back at you with the same kind of adoration they always seemed to hold in them for you but you were always too unable to see. Your eyes casted down at your hands when you noticed the way his thumb rubbed soft circles over your palm, softly playing with knuckles and then your fingers and you knew it was always what calmed him down.

“Glad to see that giddy optimism is still there and you bet I am but don't think that's doing anything to calm me down, Rogers.” the smile left your lips as you looked at him in all seriousness, pointing a finger at him only made him chuckle.

“I thought you were here to comfort me not the other way round.” he narrowed his eyes.

“Not if you don't come back in one piece. Cause I swear to you, Rogers, if you die I'm going to kill you, you know that right?” you threatened in all seriousness and once more he couldn't help the swell of his heart or the laugh that escaped his lips “So help me if I see so much as a scratch on you!”

“Something tells me that if I'm also late by a mere second you're not going to let me off easy huh?” he smirked and you shrugged, your smile slowly fading from your lips.

“It's just...” you trailed off, unable to keep up the teasing tone gone too “You never know what could happen... right?” you looked up to see him frowning at you and you couldn't blame him.

How could he even know about the thoughts running through your mind or even more how you had heard part of his conversation with Bucky the previous night. Part, maybe, but important and very specific, for sure. Bucky asked him if he had considered of staying back when he got the stones, back there to live his life, back in time and back with Peggy. Something to which Steve had replied that it was all he could think about lately. He said a lot more, you were sure of it, but you didn't stick around to listen. You had already heard enough: he was thinking about the life he lost and never got to have.

You couldn't blame him, though it hurt you to know he was still thinking about her, she was the love of his life, it was bound for him to want to return to her. And you tried to be happy at the thought, at the possibility, instead of hurt that you were either never going to see him again or that he wouldn't be the same man. You didn't want to make this look like a goodbye because you didn't want him to feel any guilt for wanting to be with the one he loves even if it meant leaving you behind, you wanted him to be happy. You didn't want him to suspect you knowing, either, but it was slowly turning into your last moments together and you couldn't help but think about it even more as the tears welled up in your eyes. For what reason you didn't know in all honesty. You didn't have the right to fell neither hurt nor, if you could, jealous in case he decided to live his life with Peggy. He'd get to be happy and that's all that should matter, you weren't entitled to feel anything but happiness too.

“What are you trying to say?” he asked in a low and careful voice.

“I just mean-” you bit your lip, shrugging but still unable to look him in the eyes “Anything could happen there whether it's bad or... or good and we just won't know until you're back. So I- I didn't want you to leave like this, to leave without a...” this time you dared look up at him, acting as innocent as you could while you fought the tears “Let's say goodbye? I'm- I'm not saying it has to be, you're coming back anyway but it's just-” you laughed a bit nervously before clearing your throat “I want you to know we'll be right here, just like friends always are, ready for anything, remembering and always caring for you... no matter the choices you make and even if this is really goodbye.”

His eyebrows were pulled into a frown, his lips parting but no words came out the first couple of times. In the end he only gave you a soft shake of his head and squeeze of your hand “We'll only have to wait and see if this is goodbye then?” he said, still unable to understand if you were talking about something happening to him or... Peggy.

He didn't want to think about that because then it would either mean you had heard his conversation with Bucky – and if you had heard it all then he was screwed – or that you had thought about it on your own and were feeling, perhaps, hurt and even more jealous that he was thinking of staying with her. And, even more, he couldn't afford to think of the latter because it would only make his hopes get up and get the best of him, make him think that there was more to your friendship than either of you let out. But if he got his hopes up then that's when he'd be screwed for good. Because for better or for worse, you weren't-

But his thoughts were cut off when he felt a familiar pair of arms wrap around his body and his heart started beating like crazy and the butterflies in his stomach get out of control. His eyes all-but-widened but despite feeling stiff at first when caught off guard he felt his body relax, the way it always did when held by yours. All of his muscles relaxed and his worried faded away, the weight lifting off his chest as if by reflex anymore; being around you, being home, always managed to calm him down. His eyes fluttered closed and his arms sneaked around your waist, pulling you closer to him so that he could bury his face in the crook of your neck and breathe in your scent, the one that was meant to keep him going – along with the feeling of having you in his arms – for however long this was going to last and for whatever choice he was going to make that he still didn't know where it would end up leading him to.

“Yes, we'll wait and see.” you murmured into his chest, slowly and very reluctantly pulling away and gazing into his eyes as he too found it impossible to look away from you “Good luck, Steve. I hope this is the happy ending you've always wanted to.”

He didn't say anything for a second, instead let himself enjoy the feeling of your lips on his cheek as his heart skipped a beat. In the end he merely whispered “I'll tell you when I get back.”

“You will, over a nice dinner.” was your soft reply as you pulled completely away from him, giving him a soft smile. To anyone else it would have meant a lot more, any other person that felt the way Steve did for you would have been either over the moon or unable to control their emotions, the excitement bubbling inside their chest as their stomach tied in knots. The prospect, the possibilities, the hope that could take one's entire being over at hearing those words, a being that was already helplessly and hopelessly in love just like Steve was with you. But Steve also knew something else that very few might have known or felt when it came to the one their heart desired so much. Something that didn't leave room for hope.

There was no hope for real but there was a chance, he could see it, depending on what choices he made there could be a chance. It was up to him to make those choices but it wasn't up to him if it was going to be a happy ending or not.

“It's ok. Promise I won't be late for dinner.”

“You better not, I was going to have music straight from the 40s just for you.” the way your voice came out so soft and gentle, caring and loving had his heart swelling inside his chest that he just wished he could stay in this moment forever. Looking at the sun dancing over your skin in just the right way, over your features and over your smile that had him forgetting his own name.

“I wouldn't miss that for anything in the world, then.” he breathed out.

He hesitated for a second before letting go of you himself and taking the case with the stones and mijolnir before taking his place as well. His eyes found yours as you stood by Bucky, arms wrapped around your middle as you gave him an encouraging smile that didn't reach your eyes. He noticed a melancholy behind it so he tried to give you the most reassuring nod he could.

“Hopefully your boyfriend is not going to give away my seat.” he said this time with a smile that felt so fake on his lips. He knew all along that when you invited him over for dinner, it wasn't going to be just the two of you and he didn't even have to question it.

You forced a chuckle, shaking your head “I doubt he'll even think of trying to, he knows I'll give him hell anyway, but I'll have that in mind.” your smile was so captivating that he could have stared at you for hours but unlike any other time the ring on your finger had instantly caught his attention, from the first moment he saw you. And how could it not? It was a new one, one he had not seen before and one that was all-too-characteristic as to what it represented. An engagement ring. Fiance. He was your fiance and Steve was... what was he again? He didn't know. Fiance. The word seemed to tear his heart to pieces but then again the kind of power you had over him that it shouldn't have surprised him. It hurt him, though. It hurt him so deeply that the jealousy he had initially felt couldn't even compare to any of this. His entire being crashed to pieces as, when he was around you and him together, he saw the way you looked at each other.

Fiance. He even felt like choking on thin air when he thought of it. And no question, the dinner was meant to be one that you'd announce it to him. The real question was, would he take it? Would he bare to hear that you had chosen another man over him and that he had probably lost every chance he had. Even more so, from someone he knew all too well.

Giving you another nod he heard Bruce count down as he prepared to sent him into the Quantum Realm. What was meant to be both the shortest and possibly longest trip of his life started on the count of one.

A trip that was meant to define his life for good, one that people call once in a lifetime trip. You'd probably not realize it, not until those five seconds passed, but he would get to. Because, in the end, it was the trip all of his life had been leadingto. The trip and he choice. The choice... Peggy or you. Stay back with her, have a life with her or come back and take every opportunity there could ever be, including plenty of heartbreak, just for a chance with a life with you. In this trip he would get to make that choice. He didn't know if it would take another lifetime and by the time he saw you again he wouldn't be the same or if it would really be seconds the same way you experienced it. What he knew was that he had spent nearly a lifetime trying to make this choice and... somehow, the second he saw her, his heart knew right away just how and when it felt right.

You looked away from all the machinery when Bruce counted down for the second time but nothing happened. Sam started arguing with him but you didn't have to question what had happened to know that Steve was not coming back. Somehow, despite how you knew it and despite how you had convinced yourself that that was going to be his choice, you couldn't help your own disappointment. For what reason, you didn't know or didn't really want to know because of the ring on your finger. You loved your fiance. You couldn't help the way your heart dropped, a lump formed in your throat and the tears welled up in your eyes. Turning your back to the guys so as to hide the look on your face... you found that it was soon replaced by one of shock.

You gasped and placed a hand over your mouth when you came face to face with the man you had all-but-said goodbye to a couple seconds ago. And he was the same, the exact same as a couple minutes ago, nothing had changed as if not a single day had passed “S-Steve?”

“Were you expecting somebody else?” he asked with a small smile as you blinked rapidly.

“I- I though-” a tear rolled down your cheek before you frowned and ended up whispering “Didn't you... stay? I- I mean, you know, wi-with her? You- you could've had a life there Steve, you could've... you know.”

He let a soft sigh, looking away for a second “I was thinking about it. Had second doubts at some point when I knew I shouldn’t have. In the end I realized I had long ago made my choice and I just didn't know it, if you could say. Because... there was no choice to make at all. I couldn't leave.” he shrugged softly “I couldn't leave this world, couldn't leave my home and above all... I couldn't leave my best girl behind, could I?” he gazed softly in your eyes, making your heart beat faster.

“Well, of course not.” you whispered “I've already saved a dance for you, after all.” you breathed out, making a wide smile spread on his lips before he enveloped you in his arms.

“I’ll hold onto that promise.” he only whispered.

[queenofthefaces]

kyle for the character thing!!!!

Buckle up bc I’m extra af and love talking abt characters. Be aware this is like, entirely personal opinion and personal interpretation and also it’s almost 2am so LETS GO

1) sexuality hc: I’ve always really liked bi Kyle ahsjdkfk and tbh I’ve always found the idea of his attraction to other ppl really interesting

The way I characterize him is that he’s someone who’s like, typically very passive with his attraction. He’ll kind of glance at someone and think they’re attractive but he doesn’t necessarily have any strong feelings towards them or desire/drive to want to pursue anything with them. If he does want to pursue them it’s usually out of a sense of obligation or expectation—like a “well I might as well” or “this is what I’m supposed to do” kinda thing

Except Kyle DOES have exceptions—when he finds someone he feels passionately about, someone he’s emotionally and mentally invested in, it’s like 0-100 in terms of difference, bc suddenly he can’t stop thinking abt that person, how much he wants to be with them, etc. and a lot of that characterization, for me, falls in line w the specific ship I have for Kyle (which is obvious if you’ve followed me for a few but I’ll get Into That in the next section)

2) OTP: KYMAN by far my fave Kyle ship and one of my all time fave sp ships overall. I’ve always LOVED rivals/enemies to lovers ships that specifically have 1) characters who are equals 2) characters who are incredibly intimate and close w one another even if (or because of) it’s in the context of the rivalry 3) the characters have either some level of co-dependence or a need for the dynamic or one another in some way bc the relationship is fulfilling to them and bonus if 4) they’re the only ones that really understand each other

And I jus. Love that. Esp w kyman it’s so much fun taking that dynamic, the codependency and obsession, and just. Playing with it, on a storytelling/character analysis level. And then making it healthy, having them work through issues, bc the idea that “we’re both in way too deep with each other, we can either destroy each other or learn to get along” is jus 👌👌👌

And w kyman I love having Eric be Kyle’s exception. Kyle feels basically nothing towards his other s/o’s in contrast to how deeply he feels about Eric, and for Eric to have just as much depth of emotion in return. It’s fascinating and really fun esp when written from a kind of duo-redemptive story—they both start out toxic towards each other, and their relationship is toxic to other people, but they can’t bring themselves to put an end to it so they finally make it to that middle ground and come out as better peoole, together

This applies to a lot of my rivals/enemies to lovers ships but w kyman in particular there’s the added Funkiness of the childhood friends dynamic which is TASTEY like some nice sprinkles to jus add that extra Flavour. I love the concept of Kyle and Eric forming parts of their entire identities around each other from the time they were in diapers and everyone accepts that they’re always gonna he crazy for each other bc no one has the bond they do it’s so much fun

4) brotp: I should think more abt Kyle friendships tbh I don’t give those as much attention ahsjdkfkfk—tho I definitely have a soft spot for the super best friends kyle + Stan, I just have to work some development into it.

I love exploring their friendship as smth that deteriorates bc they grow apart as people, but then they realize they don’t WANT to grow apart and have to work to stay friends bc being friends isn’t as easy as it was when you were 8. It brings this really cool development that confronts Stan’s passivity towards his friends/his nihilism and Kyle’s entitlement and lack of emotional sensitivity and how they both need to make some compromises (but esp Kyle, bc I can see Stan as someone who tries very hard to not get much feedback).

In terms of Kyle being friends w other people I’m thinking it would be pretty situational. I can see Kyle getting some really eye opening perspectives from other ppl if he opens himself up to their views but that requires knocking Kyle down a few pegs lol, it’s fun to have him learn to recognize his own assumptions abt ppl and learning to value them as individuals yanno?

3) notp: honestly? Any other kyle ship. I can personally only see Kyle w Eric ahsjdkfk kyman endgame all the way. For me, a lot of other Kyle ships like, don’t make any sense, a lot in part bc I see Kyle as someone who has a lot of issues w socialization, entitlement, and selfishness along with his UNENDING OBSESSION w Eric Cartman (which also somewhat stems from those issues bc of Kyle’s sense of self identity vis a vis the rivalry)

Like, I can’t see Kyle sitting down and forming a meaningful romantic relationship w anyone else bc like, no one can provide the fulfillment, engagement, drive, and push/pull of Kyle’s relationship w Eric. Kyle would leave at the drop of a hat to confront smth Eric was doing and I don’t think he’d ever compromise with that. And someone who does compromise on that probably isn’t someone Kyle would want to be with in the long run.

I think the only ship I can see would be like, poly m4 bc that draws on pre-existing dynamics and doesn’t break or try to divy up Kyle’s attention. (Even tho like I said I don’t like Kyle w anyone else romantically)

5) 1st hc that pops in my head: my Kyle is autistic as fuck. Characterizing him as autistic gives a lot of insight into how his mind works and why he acts the way he does—a lot of his thought processes are just. What makes the most logical sense to him. It’s just that those trains of thought are on KYLES logic and that’s when he struggles to realize when he’s crossed a line or overstepped a boundary. Or how his brain is usually always “self-centered”—not in a morally negative way, just in that it’s not a natural reflect for him to remember other people.

And a ton of other things as well( including a fun hc of Kyle trying to use his autism as an excuse for being a dick, until Also Autistic Craig steps up like, no dude you’re just an asshole bc you’re not trying to do better). And bc as an autistic person, I really relate hard to Kyle to the point where if he were real I’d probably hate him bc we’d be too similar lmao; I think esp when I was a kid I acted a lot like Kyle—the self righteousness, the bossiness, the belief that my way was the only way that made sense and everyone else was just Wrong, the anger issues, etc.

It’s why I’m tough on Kyle a lot of the time, but it’s also why I love thinking abt his development, bc I know firsthand that he can mellow out, change, become a better, more wellrounded and emotionally aware person, and how he can make an effort into doing so

6) oh shit I didn’t even mean for this but obviously one way I relate to Kyle is the Above autistic hc and how I characterize him. Like I said, I acted a LOT like Kyle when I was a kid, so I know he’s an irritating little shit, but also brilliant and too thoughtful for his own good sometimes.

But another thing: I characterize Kyle as someone who is a natural leader, but hates being in official leadership positions. And this is also smth I’ve kinda written due to personal experience. But also from the way kyles often portrayed in canon—in the games, he’s always a support role, always a healer, ranged fighter, or someone who boosts and buffs allies

I see Kyle as the type of person who can easily take control in, for example, a group project situation, or when he’s hanging out with Stan and they’re only doing what Kyle wants to do bc Kyle comes up with all the ideas and Stan just goes along with them

But I can’t see Kyle as someone who’d want to be, like, student counsel president. (That’s more Wendy’s wheelhouse) Mostly bc there’s too much responsibility that it’s just exhausting, and more than that, those official positions are STIFLING. They run on someone else’s schedule and they’re creatively constructive. You can’t fully do your own thing bc you have to be constantly aware of how the group works and what the group wants. I can’t see Kyle as being happy in that position bc he’d get sick of having to conform his ideas to what other ppl want—he just wants to do his own thing.

So instead, Kyle would be more comfortable in a supporting role. Bc in a position like, for example, secretary or VP, he can still have a lot of influence, power, and knowledge, but he’s free from those restrictions that come from being the face of a group. And he’s also free from the social obligations of being a leader, esp in having to deal w other groups in like a business sort of way. AND if the group falls, Kyle won’t take as much of the blame, bc it’s probably not his fault anyways so why should everyone point fingers at him. It’s much less pressure.

(And it’s also kinda inspired by his role in the CBAA??—Cartman’s perfect in the CEO/face of the company position bc Cartman is comfortable with and relishes in the attention and social aspect of being the face/leader of a company, and Kyle can reap all the benefits of being a part of that company, including being an integral pillar of the company, w/o the deficits. If Eric and Kyle ran a company they’d work together, sure, but Eric would crumble without Kyle’s support, and Kyle would hate the stifling pressure of the head position, which makes them a perfect pair.)

(And again this is based on personal experience—I’m a natural leader. People listen to me, I can organize groups, and I’m a good mediator, but I hate when it becomes Official bc I can’t just. Do my own thing as I want to and it’s far too much to keep track of and most of it doesn’t interest me. It always irritated me when my parents tried to push me into like running for student president bc I just kept thinking abt all the work I’d have to do that I wouldn’t care abt)

7) what gives me secondhand embarrassment about Kyle? Well. Just......how much he reminds me of when I was a stupid kid. He’s such a little shit oh my god Kyle shut the fuck up YOURE NOT GHANDI. When Kyle’s being entitled and stuck up, when he thinks he’s better than other ppl, and when his own big mouth and pride are what fucks him over I’m just oh my god. Oh my GODDDDDD SHUT UPPPPP.

Mostly it’s secondhand embarrassment bc I’m jus oh my god ur an idiot—but again bc I know he has the ability to grow out of that and look back on himself with a grimace at how dumb he was ahsjdkfkfk

8) cinnamon roll or problematic fave? Definitely the latter, I love Kyle and I love when he’s happy and contented but him as a cinnamon roll kinda character feels so flat to me. I love him as a problematic fave he’s so much fun as a disaster. He’s complex—he’s tough and caring and angry and compassionate and an absolute fireball of EMOTIONS but he tries to act like he’s a logical rational person and I jus? He’s so much more fun and dynamic when he’s allowed to be messy

(Of course this is long why wouldn’t it be AHSJDKDKKFKGLGLH)