#I'm gonna try and get some sleep but Christ this is such a bad experience

[lord-radish]

I think I need to call in sick to work tomorrow because a problem I've been ignoring has reached critical mass and I need a Full Day to just. Work on it.

[spectres-n-soap]

In The Rain I Cannot Find You - Soap x Reader x Ghost

Content Warnings - Near death experience, Soap is mentioned to be drunk, grief, MW3 is canon

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"Lass?" Soap slurred as he hung off your shoulder. "Ye got a lad back home?"

You rolled your eyes and shrugged him off of you. "I don't and you're drunk."

"Away n' bile yer heid." Soap grumbled and nudged you a little. "How is a lass as bonnie as ye alone?"

You gave him your best signature 'STFU' look while he just grinned back at you. His blue eyes still bright despite being in a dingy, dark pub. The kind of pub you would have avoided going into if not dragged here by the squad. "I'm not alone." you said and dragged out the last word. "I got you, Ghost, Gaz and Price."

Soap laughed, "Thought friendship wasn't in the field manual lass."

"Fuck off MacTavish."

It's raining. Feels like its always raining these days as you get closer to the due date. "Maybe we should turn back." You suggest for a third time.

"No." Simon says, his hands clench the steering wheel harder. Simon knew that the closer you got to Scotland the more anxious you became. He doesn't judge, his stomach had its own pit opening up within it. "A little bit of rain isn't gonna stop us."

You nod and slouch, or at least try, into the seat. You pick at your nails and then tap against the center console. Simon doesn't comment. It hadn't occurred to you until this morning that bringing Simon might make you look bad. You glance over at him, his brown eyes solely on the road. It should be Johnny, you think, taking me to his mum. Not Simon.

Soap pulled you back under cover, "Are ye insane?" he asked with a growl. "Chargin' in there, what was ye thinkin'?" Soap patted you down and searched for any injuries.

" 'M fine Soap." you huffed and pushed him away, "Dunno why you care so much." You muttered as you refill your ammo.

"Ye don't know- Bleedin' Christ lass." Soap laughed as he shook his head.

"What?"

"Nothin'." Soap muttered, "Yer not broken?"

"Right as rain Soap."

"Lets head to the safe house then."

The house is the same as you remember. That fact makes your stomach folds in on itself. Its just so normal. You take a deep breath in before getting out of the truck. You can't help but think about the two reason you've had to come here. Death and life, two sides of the same coin. You hobble up the porch steps and only knock once before its swinging open. Its not Johnny's mother who opens it or stands there.

"Johnny?" you mutter, meeting the gaze of the same blue eyes who once looked at you with love. The confusion clears away as you realize this is his Da. 

"No lass." his Da mutters, his eyes filling with despair. He looks at your pregnant stomach, "That my sons bairn?" You nod, mouth going dry as he steps aside and opens the door wider. You look back to Simon who nods and gestures for you to go.

"Soap?" you whispered, your breath fogged in the air. It was fucking freezing. Swamps? Sure. The desert, the rain forest, urban sprawl? You could handle all those things but the constant freezing cold of Siberia was something you loathed. There's cold and then there this. "Soap?" 

"Lass ye won't fall asleep if you keep talkin'." Soap replied as he rolled over to face you.

"I'm fucking freezing." you chattered out. You didn't give a choice as you ditched your sleeping bag and wiggled into his. "Say something and I'll bury you in the snow."

"Aye, I'll be quiet." Soap muttered as he pulled you closer somehow. He was remarkably warm. Like some kind of heater. You wrapped your arms around him and then shoved your hands down his shirt. You laughed as he yelped and cursed at you.

You sit at their table as his Mum and Da whisper to each other in the kitchen. You can hear a TV playing upstairs, a video game you deduce. They still have little ones growing up. Your heart clenches, they lost their big brother. Maybe even an uncle.

Finally his Mum comes out with a plate of snacks and some lovely smelling tea. "I'm glad you texted me." his Mum says as she sits down. "Do you know the bairns gender?"

"No ma'am."

"Oh don't call me that." she says, a fain smile on her lips, "Not quiet that old yet." a silence falls between the two of you.

"You- You must have more questions besides that." you say.

"I'll be honest lass, he wrote home a lot. So many letters talk about you and his Lieutenant." she places a hand on yours, "I suspected there was something going on. Ye showing up o my porch just confirmed what I thought."

"Your not upset?" you carefully ask.

"Yer the lass he loved. Ye carry his bairn and contacted us despite having the choice not to." she smiles despite the pools of grief in her eyes, "Far as I'm concerned, yer part of this family."

it hits you hard, her words batter down every wall you had quickly built in the last nine months. The tears come quick and without warning. You sniffle as a way to fight off the sobbing.

"Lass?" his Da comes from the kitchen, "Are ye okay?"

You shake your head and arms immediately envelope you. His mum smells like rain and cookie dough you realize. "You don't have to be alone in this." she whispers.

"I'm not alone." You mutter, mind jumping to Simon. Simon who love Johnny as much as you do, who helped you paint and set up the nursey, hold your hair and rushes over from just one call.

You dragged Soap from the fire and winced as the flames licked at your hands. "C'mon you asshole." you snarled before you finally recused him from the burning warehouse. A trap, a god damn trap that might've done its job if it hadn't been horribly rigged.

You put two fingers to his throat then ripped off his vest. "Damn it Johnny." you growled as you begin to do cpr. "You aren't allowed to leave me in this cold wasteland." you counted the chest compressions. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. You pressed your lips to his while you pinched his nose close. You pushed two breaths into him before resuming the rhythmic chest compressions. "Fucking black ops." you muttered as you repeated the process.

Your heart pounded against your chest, tears filled your eyes. 28, 29, 30, then two breaths. Repeat, repeat, repeat. A sob got caught in your throat, your arms ached and your hands had gone numb from the freezing cold. "Johnny please."

You put your lips to his, plugged his nose and breathed. Finally, he coughed and rolled over to vomit as you sat back on your feet and cried.

[ouroboobos]

Moodboard for when its barely past 10 am and the horrors.

Also long ass fucking rant under the cut tw for mentions of depression, disordered eating, suicidal thoughts, shitty mom. Its been a bad morning im sorryyyyyyy ♡

Literally why does my mother care so much more about her fiances kids than us. I dont think she actually loves them more, ik she loves us a lot which is weirdly part of what makes her so difficult to be around. But shes has so much more compassion and concern for them.

Two of his kids have been depressed and with the first one she like talked about it with me and described this whole plan they had where they were gonna sit down with her and comfort her and give her space to talk if she wanted and make sure she knew she wasnt in trouble. She was so sympathetic it was fucking unbelievable. And his other daughter is apparently in a bad spot rn so hes taking a day off from work to spend time with her and my mother is planning this whole dinner thing with everyone to get her socializing and out of the house a little bit to help her feel a little better. Like are you FUCKING kidding me lmfao.

When I was 13 and I had to go into treatment because I was gonna kms she spent almost the entire time guilt tripping me and yelling at me and making me feel like shit because it was "so hard for her" and I was "trying to make her feel like a bad mother" and "making people think she was abusive". Nicest thing she did was buy me McDonalds when I got discharged and she brought it up constantly for months afterwards. I was practically never allowed to leave the house already, but she started restricting me even more. She'd get angry at me for not talking to her about my problems (because she believed I was doing it to try to make her feel guilty) but if I ever told her I'd had a panic attack or a flashback shed get annoyed and say "well I dont know what you want me to do about it" OR shed freak the fuck out about how I was only saying that to get attention or make her feel like she wasnt doing a good job as my parent. She found out the people at the facility said there were some changes she could make that might help my mental health, and she got so upset that my grandma took me out for a few hours so I wouldn't have to be around her until she'd cooled down a little.

I've regularly been so suicidal that I had detailed plans written up for how I was going to go through with it and I never sought help for it again because I knew from experience how shed respond. The only things that have kept me alive for years at a time were my little brother and the fear of hell instilled in me by my Christian upbringing lmfao. And here she is planning out social events and spending hours comforting her fiance's kids when they hit a rough patch. Are you fucking serious? You had this in you the whole fucking time?

I could write a whole fucking essay on the role she's played in my disordered eating patterns. I could write an even longer essay about how she handled my sexual abuse. Her accusations that I was sleeping with everyone got even worse whwn she found out lmfao. And this fucking cunt wants to make dinner and get ice cream for her FIANCE'S KIDS because theyre sad. Obviously I'm glad shes treating them better but like christ what makes them so much better? Is it because theyre smart and come from a nicer family? They have an actual future ahead of them because theyre uprbinging didnt traumatize them? Is it that theyre not tainted like I am I dont get it what about me is so horrible that she couldnt even hug me when I was a child and she cares so much about another persons kids

[rj019]

Title : Genius, YouTuber, Artist, Musician and Spider-Man

Fandom : MCU

Pairing : Starker(tony stark x peter parker)

Rating : Mature (NSFW, Sexual Content) but it'll be in the later part of the story not in few chapters of starting.

Prompt : Social Media

Read on ao3 here. And Ch 0 here.

Chapter summary:

Avengers finding out things about Spider-Man.

Here's 1st chapter! Enjoy!!!

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CHAPTER 1

Peter went home and just go to sleep after cleaning up and eating something. He doesn't want to worry about anything right now he's really tired. He knows that now probably all eyes are going to be on Spider-Man. He just needs to lay low for a while and people and media will forget about it soon. As for shield he doesn't want to think right now so he went to sleep.

But before he got too deep into sleep his eyes went wide open as he got an idea to take care of shield issue once and for all. He finally relexed and went to sleep happily.

 

____________________________________________

 

The day after ferry incident at Avengers 

 

The Avengers were in the common room area watching news while having breakfast for last day at the tower since tonight the things were gonna moved to the compound. And they were leaving tomorrow morning.

The news was about Spider-Man and the ferry incident that happened yesterday. Suddenly some news reporter said that they got exclusive footage of the ferry incident. Now everyone was curious about it and wanted to see what actually happened there.

Then the footage played. It was shot from the port. They sees as the some guy with metal wings was fighting with Spider-Man. He was trying to escape from his web. It wasn't so clear as it was in distance. Suddenly an energy blast happened and the ferry was split in half.

Everyone was shocked as to what was that blast. Now even Tony was more interested.

The ferry was sinking but it suddenly stopped. Spider-Man had connected both sides strong points with his web.

Bruce said, " How strong are his web to hold that much of weight together?"

Suddenly webs broke and ferry again started sinking. 

Everyone gasps.

But then again it stopped. Spider-Man was holding it together.

"Jesus Christ! How strong is this guy?", Tony said.

But it didn't look like Spider-Man could hold on for a long time but suddenly some bots were seen flying towards the ferry. Some bots were on the left side, some were on the right side of the ferry. They started pushing ferry togather. But some bots were still in the air. As the ferry got together, the bots in the air started mending it together. The clip ended.

Everyone was shocked as to what just happened. Tony asked Friday to get the clip and play it at the bots part. Tony started analysing it. His thoughts were confirmed that the bots were using arc reactor technology. Tony was in speechless for a while. 

"Who is this spider guy? How does he have my arc reactor technology and all this bots and stuff. Does he even have AI in his suit? It looks like it which will explain how he called the neno bots there." said Tony.

"May  be he had figured out your reactor. Crom the look of it he looks like a genius if he is one who made all those neno bots and AI." Bruce replied.

Tony tells him, "If he had figured it out then how does he not showed it the world. He could have sold it and got so much money. He would have made fortune."

"May be he does not want attention on him and wants to keep it to himself. As for why he didn't sell it, it can be that he knows how much danger it can be if it's in wrong hand. The guy can be genuinely good. After all if he had bad intentions, he would have shown it till now. He is out there for years. Even before NY battle. I saw some of his videos where he is helping people from aftermath of the battle on YouTube." said Pepper.

Nat and Clint were silent. 

Steve spoke up, " Not only that his strength stronger than me or Bucky combined. Why is this guy out there on street and not in Avengers team?"

"Shield is trying to get in contact with him from even before Avengers formed. He has been out there for almost 7 years. We don't know anything about him at all. Not who is or what his powers are or if they are biological or not. Everytime anyone goes after him he somehow knows someone is following as lose them. He was on Fury's list to get on the Avengers. He was on the top spots. But he never got to interact with him. Sheild is still trying to find out about him. The guy is good at cover his trials." Nat explained.

Everyone was blown away by that.

" I don't think so after this all Fury will get him away after this. He can be a big threat if he has this much power in his hand and ever gets on the other side." Clint adds.

" We need to find out who he is. If he is smart enough to figure out my arc reactor and make those techs, I need to have him work for my company and on our team." said Tony as he stood up.

" Wanna help Brucie? And all of you?"

Everyone nods. They all wants to find out who he was. They were bunch of curious heads. 

They tried all afternoon but got nothing and Tony was annoyed.

They decided to take break. Nat, Pepper and Wanda were watching some video on YouTube with others when he and Bruce entered the common room. Looks like the video just started. 

Pepper called them to watch it with them and played from the start.

There was a guy with mask who was playing a tune on guitar and started singing. The song was about Avengers. His voice was so pleasant to hear. There was so much details in lyrics. It continued for 2 minutes. After that video got cut. And the guy appeared again and said 'hey guys it's me again your cinnamon. Oh it's embarrassing to say this name now that I'm much older. I can't believe it's been so many years since we started this channel. I was like 6 when my aunt made my first video. Well it was my new song about the Avengers. Hope you guys liked it. Now let's go to today's video. I'm going to paint a portrait of all of the Avangers' whole team, everyone, new and old members in 15 minutes today while answering some of you guy's questions.' video cuts again.

Wanda paused the video. 'The song is so good. The lyrics are really detailed.' she said as others agreed. She played video again.

The guy appeared again but this time in a different place with canvas colours and all things to paint with. He starts working on canvas fluently and fast but neatly like he's been doing this for years like a professional artist. There was a woman with same mask as him sitting on chair beside him. He turned to her and said 'As you all know she is my Aunt and she will be reading the questions. You can start.' 

The woman smiles to camera and started cheerfully, 'Hey everyone once again! Let's get started with questions. So the 1st one from @user01 how much is your IQ? Your experiments are damn awesome and thing you make is just wow.' 

The boy smiles to the camera but go back to painting as he replies, 'I don't know I have never took an IQ test. I don't want to scare people away ' he gave a quick wink at the camera then goes back to painting. He is already done with base and outlines.

The lady starts to laugh and asks other question. ' this one is from @user02, are you still studying? ' the lady gave camera a weird look which said seriously?

The laugh can be heard from behind the camera. But the guy ssh them down. And replied 'Well you can say I am since I'm working to get my 4th PhD. Next question.'

' @user46 asks who is your favourite avanger? Look like this is a new to you videos. '

Everyone was paying attention now. Eager to know who was it.

The guy continues to paint as he smile and said, ' welcome to see our madness. My favourite avanger is Iron Man. He has been my favourite even before the Avengers were formed since he started. Tony stark has been my idol and crush from when I was 12. You can imagine how I must have felt when I found out he was Iron Man. If you wanna know there is a reaction video on my channel from 6 years ago.'

The lady asks next question ' @user8502 here wants to ask why can't I hack into you account to find out who you are? ' The lady and the camera guy and the guy himself starts laughing but his hands not stopping.He was half done and it was already looking great. 

When they calm down, the guy starts speaking ' you atually tried. Well it's good I made my account unhackable all those years ago cause I didn't want anyone to know who I'm and I still don't. Atleast for now. ' 

They continued with next question, '@user18qq how old are you?'

'I'm 19 and going to turn 20 in 5 or so months.'

'@userttl do you sell your art works?'

'No I'm sorry but I don't sell my work. I have a entire room filled with my all work since my childhood to now in my house.'  He smiles fondly.

'@user77kl what's your sexuality? Are you in relationship? '

This time the aunt continues to speak up, 'not that I know of. Are you cinnamon? '

The guy blush and shakes his head ' No I'm not in any relationship and I'm Bi. Come one aunt let get to next question I'm almost done' he blushes harder.

The aunt coos but ask the next question ' so @user63 wants to know what is your plan for future? '

' I haven't thought yet. I will probably applying for jobs in some famous companies. I'll stark industry too. Who knows if I get the job there and meet my crush. ' the guy smiles. He is almost finished he is just adding details everywhere. The portrait look awesome and he is still adding so much details. It's on professional level good and it not even done in even 15 minutes its only been 12 minute 47 seconds.

'ok looks like you're almost done so last question from @user3945 do you write your songs lyrics? They are so deep and detailed. I've heard all of your songs. You have some ones for individual songs too for Avengers. ' the aunt read.

'Thank you so much for listening to my songs. Yes, I myself write lyrics and compose all my songs.' he replied.

The guy adds some last details and finishing touches. ' So that was the last question for today and my painting is done.' he look behind camera ' how much time it took? '

The camera guy replied, 'it's been 13 minutes 53 seconds' 

' well looks like it took less then 15 minutes. Tada!!! ' he motions to portrait painting.

It was outstanding. It didn't look nothing like it was done in less then 15 min. The video cuts. Then it back again the boy and his aunt is standing togather smiling at camera.

The guy spoke, ' Thank you everyone who watched my video. Please like, share and comment. And if you are new and liked my video you can subscribe my channel. And as always guys if you wanna know how the portrait looks after drying, I'll be posting a pic of it at my Instagram. Check that out. Bye guys see you in next video. Till then take care.' 

Everyone stare at screen as the video finishes.

Rhodey speaks up, " It's a second genius we found in one day. Jesus 4th PhD at 19. Seriously? "

Wanda butts in " The video is 8 months old"

Scott joined in, "Is it only me who is all of a sudden feeling dumb? "

Pietro replied, " you were always dumb."

" If he gets in applies for job at SI we'll find out who he is, unlike some spider." Tony said.

" The guys is telented. Did you see his painting? It was awesome and so detailed and he made it in less than 15 minutes. I was on a professional level good may be better. I can't imagine if the guy did take his time to make something, it will definitely be a master piece. " Steve said.

" No one's gonna talk about the boy's crush on Stark?" Strange said.

Everyone looked at him startled.

"When did you come?"

" I'm here since the song part. You guys didn't noticed. " He replied smugly.

"Tony has been his idol and crush for eight years now. Woah! Even before you become Iron Man." said Clint.

" That mortal did look like there'll be a cute face beneath that mask, what do you think son of stark? " Thor asks.

" Yeah he was cute and had nice voice and all but I'm not gonna date any fanboy if you guys are implementing on that. " Tony sternly replied.

They were talking about the boy when FRIDAY spoke up. " Boss you are having a call from Happy."

"Connect the call Baby girl."

" Hey Happy"

" Boss the plane has took off. Everything is in order."

" Okk Hap. Thanks. "

The call disconnected.

" Looks like we're moving tomorrow as planned."

 

 

 

Not even half hour later Happy's call came again.

"Hey Hap. Everything fine?

" Boss! The plane has crashed at the Coney Island Beach."

Everyone's face turned to horror. They all stood up and went to suit up.

"What the hell Happy. I thought you said everything was in order."

" I'm sorry boss but everything was. The police is already at the scene. They said there was some guy webbed up there with a note from Spider-Man that he was trying to steal the stuff from plane. Some guy called 'flying valture guy'. I'm already on my way to the scene. "

" We'll be there soon too. " 

The line cuts off.

 

Avengers reached at the scene. It looked like disaster. Happy came to them.

"Boss everything is safe. Spider-Man had removed the carrier boxes from the fire before it could damage and the guy who wanted to steal it was webbed up to it. Sheild agents took him to the jail. He is the same guy from the ferry incident yesterday. He was selling some illegal weapons which were mixed with alien tech, they were after him for a long time."

Avengers let out the sighs. 

" It's good nothing's stolen or damaged. Get the stuff to the compound. This time we all will be going with it." Tony said as he motion to the others.

____________________________________________

 

Next day at the compound in the meeting room

 

 

Nick Fury and the Avengers were having the meeting.

" You all know about yesterday's incident was handled by Spider-Man. The plane which was crashed at the beach was not supposed to crash there. I want you guys to look at this video clip which our satellite captured." Fury said as he played the clip.

Spider Man and the Vulture was fight on the top of the plane. Valture broke on of the wings and plane started to crash towards the city and the buildings. 

Spider Man webbed the othe wing and changed the direction of the crash. The clip ended.

"You must have got enough idea how strong this guy is from this and the ferry incident. He is got so much power and advanced technology in his hand. If he is to ever turn on the other side. He can be a great threat. But he isn't showing any signs of that happening since it's been years since he is doing this superhero stuff and looking out for little guy. He had defeated many supervillain like green goblin, lizard, doc oct, electro, sandman etc. I think he will be a great asset to the team. I want you guys to find out who he is and convince him to join the team. Shield has been trying for years but he always got was without any traces. I'm giving you this mission. Hope guys can do it. "

Before anyone could speak up there was a cough heard which was non of there's. As the looks around the didn't saw anyone. They got into a fighting position. 

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Cliffhanger!! Hope you guys liked it.

(人*´∀｀)｡*ﾟ+

(Peter has finished the 4th PhD mentioned in the video in this chapter. Cause the video Avengers are watching are eight months old. He even finished this fifth PhD in chemical engineering too but now he doesn't want to do anymore studying for now so he isn't working on any and is atually thinking about starting to find a job.

And Howard and Maria lives at Malibu mansion.)

[cyancaddy]

Cleon hints in the novels

Before I read the novels by S. D. Perry, I was aware that Aeon was as canon as it gonna get for Capcom. In my opinion, the original RE2 offered nothing that could be interpreted as attraction between Claire and Leon...I still liked them together nonetheless. The obsession I have with Claire and Leon first started when I read the novels. 13 year old me was beyond ecstatic when there were actual hints towards a possible romantic relationship between Claire and Leon (which I thought was a 1000 % canon back then, it was Capcom approved after all). Since I now know the novels can be considered as very well written fanfiction, I came to the realization that Ms Perry probably shipped them too. So without further ado, I tried to collect all the Cleon hints from the novels... which are mostly from "Underworld" and "Code Veronica".

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Underworld - Chapter One

David's thoughts

Rebecca was unloading clips and repacking the weapons, Leon and Claire sitting close together across from her, not talking. Those two were usually joined at the hip, and were still as tight as they'd been since David, John, and Rebecca had picked them up just outside of Raccoon less than a month earlier, dirty and damaged and reeling from their run-in with Umbrella. David didn't think there was a romantic connection there, at least not yet; it was more likely their shared nightmare. Nearly dying together could be quite a bonding experience. As far as David knew, Leon and Claire were the only survivors of the Raccoon disaster who knew about Umbrella's T-Virus spill.

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Underworld - Chapter Two

Leon's thoughts

And what about Leon Kennedy? He'd stumbled into the fight without a clue, a cop fresh out of the academy on his way to his first day at work - which just happened to be with the Raccoon PD. There was Ada, true - but he'd known her less than half a day, and she had been killed just after admitting to him that she was some kind of an agent, sent to steal a sample of an Umbrella virus.

So I lost a job, and a possible relationship with a woman I barely knew and couldn't trust. Of course Umbrella should be stopped... but do I belong here?

He'd decided to become a cop because he wanted to help people, but he'd always figured that meant keeping the peace - busting drunk drivers, breaking up bar fights, catching crooks. Never in his wildest dreams would he have figured on being caught up in an international conspiracy, cloak-and-dagger infiltration-type stuff against a giant company that made war monsters. It was crime on a much bigger scale than he felt he was ready for...... and is that the real reason, Officer Kennedy? At exactly that moment, Claire mumbled something from her light doze, nuzzling her head against his arm before falling silent and still again - and making Leon uncomfortably aware of another facet to his involvement with the ex-S.T.A.R.S. Claire.

Claire was... she was an incredible woman. In the days after their escape from Raccoon City, they'd talked a lot about what had happened, the experiences they'd had both separately and together. At the time, it had felt like an exchange of information, filling in blanks - she'd told him about her run-in with Chief Irons and the creature she'd called Mr. X, and he'd told her all about Ada and the terrible thing that had once been William Birkin. Between them, they'd been able to come up with a continuous story, with information that was important to the fugitive team. In retrospect, though, he could see that those long, rambling conversations had been essential for another reason entirely - they'd been a way to leach out the poison of what had happened to them, like talking out a bad dream. If he'd had to keep it all inside, he thought, he might have gone crazy. In any case, the feelings he had for her now were convoluted ones - warmth, connection, dependence, respect, others that he had no name for. And that scared him, because he'd never felt so strongly about anyone before and because he wasn't sure how much of it was real and how much was just some kind of a post-traumatic stress thing.

Face it, stop bullshitting yourself. What you're really afraid of is that you're only here because she is, and you don't like what that says about you.

Leon nodded inwardly, realizing that it was the truth, the real reason behind his uncertainty. He'd always believed that want was okay, but need? He didn't like the idea of being led around by some neurotic compulsion to be close to Claire Redfield.

And what if it isn't need? Maybe it's want, and you just don't know it yet...

He scowled at his own pathetic attempts at self-analysis, deciding that maybe it would be best just to stop worrying about it so much. Whatever the reason for becoming involved, he was involved - he could kick ass with the best of them and Umbrella deserved to have their ass kicked, big time. For now, he had to pee, and then he was going to eat something and do his best to catch some sleep. Leon gently moved out from beneath Claire's warm, heavy head, doing his best not to wake her up. He slid out into the aisle, glancing around at the others.

______

Underworld - Chapter Five

Claire's and Leon's conversation

"Cold?" Leon asked. Claire turned away from the window, looking at him. He'd finished with the packs, and was holding one out to her. She took it, nodding in response to his question. "Aren't you?" He shook his head, grinning. "Thermal underwear. Could have used these in Raccoon..."Claire smiled. "How could I have used them? I was running around in a pair of shorts, you at least had your uniform. "Which was covered with lizard guts before I was halfway through the sewers," he said, and she was glad to hear him at least try to joke about it.

______

Underworld - Chapter 5

Claire's thougts

Leon put his hand on Claire's shoulder. "You up for this?" he asked softly, and Claire smiled inwardly, thinking of how sweet he was; she'd been thinking of asking him the same thing. In the days since Raccoon, they'd gotten pretty close- and although she wasn't positive, she'd picked up on a few signals that suggested he wouldn't mind getting closer. She still wasn't sure if that was a good idea

and now's not the time to be deciding. The sooner we get this code book, the sooner we get to Europe. To Chris.

"As up as I'm gonna be," she said, and Leon nodded, and they climbed out into the freezing night to join the others.

______

Underworld - Epilogue

With David and John supporting young Rebecca, and Leon and Claire smiling at one another like lovers, the five weary soldiers trudged off the screen and out into the gently blossoming Utah morning.

---------------

Code Veronica- Chapter Four

Leon receives Claire's message from the island and tells Chris and Barry about it

Leon had turned out to be a half decent hacker, he was in the next room on the computer; he'd hardly slept since Claire's capture, most of his time spent trying to track Umbrella's recent movements.

With both their parents dead, he and Claire had developed a close relationship, and he thought he knew her pretty well; she was smart and tough and resourceful, always had been... but she was also a college student, for Christ's sake. Unlike the rest of them, she didn't have any formal combat training. He couldn't help thinking that she'd been lucky so far, and when it came to Umbrella, luck just wasn't enough.

"Chris, get in here!"

Leon, and it sounded urgent. Chris and Barry looked at each other, Chris seeing his own worry mirrored in Barry's face, and they both stood up. His heart in his throat, Chris hurriedly led the way down the hall to where Leon was working, feeling eager and afraid at once. The young cop was standing next to the computer, his expression unreadable. "She's alive," Leon said simply. Chris hadn't even been aware of how bad things had been for him until those two words. It was like his heart had suddenly been released after being gripped hi a vise for ten days, the sense of relief as physical as it was emotional, his skin flushing with it.

Alive, she's alive...Barry clapped him on the shoulder, laughing. "Of course she is, she's a Redfield."

Chris grinned, turned his attention back to Leon and felt his smile slipping at the cop's carefully neutral expression. There was something else. Before he could ask, Leon motioned at the screen, taking a deep breath. "They've got her on an island, Chris... and there's been an accident."

Chris was leaning over the computer in a single stride. He read the brief message twice, the reality of it slow to sink in.

Infection trouble approximately 37S, 12W following attack, perps unknown. No bad guys left, I think, but stuck at the moment. Watch your back, bro, they know the city if not the street. Will try to be home soon.

Chris stood up, silently locking gazes with Leon as Barry read the message. Leon smiled, but it looked forced. "You didn't see her in Raccoon," he said. "She knows how to handle herself, Chris. And she managed to get to a computer, right?" Barry straightened up, took his cue from Leon. "That means she's not locked down," he said seriously. "And if Umbrella's got its hands full with another viral spill, they're not going to be paying attention to anything else. The important thing is that she's alive."

Chris nodded absently, mind already working on what he would need for the trip. The coordinates she'd listed put her in an incredibly isolated spot, deep in the South Atlantic, but he had an old Air Force buddy who owed him, could jet him down to Buenos Aires, maybe Capetown; he could rent a boat from there, survival gear, rope, medkit, an assload of firepower... "I'm going with you," Barry said, accurately reading his expression. They'd been friends a long time. "Me, too," Leon said. Chris shook his head. "No, absolutely not." Both men started to protest, and Chris raised his voice, talking over them.

"You saw what she said, about Umbrella homing in on me, on us," he said firmly. "That means we have to relocate, maybe one of the estates outside the city - some-one has to stay here, wait for Rebecca's team to get back, and someone else needs to scout out a new base of operations. And don't forget, Jill will be here any day now."

Barry frowned, scratched at his beard, his mouth set in a thin, tight line. "I don't like it. Going in alone is a bad idea..." "We're at a crucial phase right now, and you know it," Chris said. "Somebody's got to mind the shop, Barry, and you're the man. You've got the experience, you know all the contacts." "Fine, but at least take the kid," Barry said, gesturing toward Leon. For once, Leon didn't protest the label, only nodded, drawing himself up, shoulders back and head high.

"If you won't do it for yourself, think about Claire,"Barry continued. "What happens to her if you get your - self killed? You need a backup, somebody to pick up the ball if you fumble."Chris shook his head, immovable. "You know better, Barry, this has to be as quiet as possible. Umbrella may have already sent in a cleanup crew. One person, in and out before anyone even realizes I'm there."

Barry was still frowning, but he didn't push it. Neither did Leon, although Chris could see that he was working up to it; the cop and Claire had obviously gotten pretty close.

"I'll bring her back," Chris said, softening his tone, looking at Leon. Leon hesitated, then nodded, high color burning in his cheeks, making Chris wonder exactly how close Leon and his sister had become.

Later. I can worry about his intentions if we make it back alive... when we make it back alive, he quickly amended. If was not an option. "It's settled, then,"

Chris said. "Leon, find me a good map of the area, geographical, political, everything, you never know what might help. Also post back to Claire, just in case she gets another chance to check for mes - sages - tell her I'm on my way. Barry, I want to be pack - ing major influence, but lightweight, something I can hike in without too much trouble, maybe a Glock... you're the expert, you decide."

Both men nodded, turned away to get started, and Chris closed his eyes for just a second, quickly offering up a silent prayer.

Please, please stay safe until I get there, Claire.

It wasn't much - but then, Chris had the feeling he would be praying a lot more in the long hours to come.

______

Code Veronica - Chapter nine

Steve and Claire on the plane to Antarctica, Steve’s thoughts

He looked down at her, at her tousled hair and long lashes, his heart pounding even though he was trying to relax. She moved again, shifting in her sleep, her head tilting back a little and her slightly parted lips were suddenly close enough for him to kiss, all he had to do was tip his face down a few inches, and he wanted to so bad that he actually started to do it, lowering his mouth toward hers... "Mmmm," she murmured, still totally asleep, and he stopped, pulling back, his heart beating even faster. He totally wanted to but not like that, not if she didn't want him to. He thought she did, but she'd also told him a little about her friend Leon, too, and he wasn't so sure that they were just friends. Feeling tortured, having her so close but not his, he was relieved when she rolled away from him a few seconds later.

[thedressingvineministries]

Good morning friends and family loved ones ones and all may the Lord light your way throughout the day guiding you to his best and brightest through the holy spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord.

What to say this morning? Housing is still up in the air I meet with my case manager Tuesday to go over paperwork and figure out what all we need to do to get this resolved. Honestly I'm growing very weary with the whole experience and I really need it to move in one direction or another. If I'm to be out so be it put me out while the weather is changing rather than when it's already turned to bitter cold. If I gotta be out in it get me out there to acclimate with the changes. Had to have my car jump started yesterday, a couple days ago it was misty outside (the day that I said I was gonna walk) well I did my running around and got home it was still daylight and I was in a hurry and I forgot to shut my headlights off. I hadn't had to go anywhere again until yesterday so I head out the car key in ignition, no juice. Called my friends my one buddy is under the weather the other isn't home so I call my brother who lives a ways across town and he brings his jumper box. He hooks it up to the battery, not even a light comes on; so I caught a ride from him to handle my business (quickly mind you cause he's on call) come back to the house. Well my other buddy pulled into his driveway right next door at the same time my brother pulled up, I sat in the house for a few minutes wracking my brain as to what I was going to do (that's all I need is to be without a running vehicle) then I think about my buddy and his massive truck. I text him and ask if he could try giving me a jump, he says yes he was already outside. So I go meet him at my car and what's he got? Yep, another jump box. I think to myself "oh great"

well this one is for his huge truck, ok , he hooks this thing up to my little cavalier battery and we start getting juice right away. He ended up having to fiddle with it for a bit but we eventually get my little clunker started. We had to fight with it to get a connection the positive post sits in a real bad spot. Anyway there was that. My case manager is supposed to check on the status of my food stamp case so hopefully I'll get some good news about that Tuesday, and he's also supposed to bring me some information about applying for SSDI so I'll need to figure out how to get that process started. I may be going over things I've already said if I am forgive me I do that sometimes. I'm still struggling with sleeping problems, I either can't sleep or I can't wake up; we can determine no set pattern to it so a consultation with a sleep specialist it is, my shrink thinks I may have sleep apnea. Not a far fetched idea after all my brother has it, as it is this is the second night in a row that I haven't been able to sleep; needless to say I'm having to pay particularly close attention to my mental processes sleep deprivation does funny things to the brain. Well the forecast calls for a very chilly day today

high of 47° with a real feel of 34°

that's for Dayton Ohio by the way so if you're here in Dayton dress warm to go outside today, and if you're one of my outsiders may the merciful Lord lead you to warmth and security. I'm praying for y'all street people.

Well beloved I think I've completed the update for today, not much else I can think of at the moment; still struggling but still keeping the faith. Still in need of funds if your willing to help out great and if you can't spare a few dollars then send some of your love and prayers please. May God bless and keep you and yours. Shalom

[iammultifandomaf]

Chapter 21 - Betrayal

BROTHERHOOD

https://m.fanfiction.net/s/12211562/21/

The evening Lydia went to bed was quite peaceful. At least for her state of mind. Opening up to Allison made her feel much better. Not only did she finally get everything off her chest but she found understanding as well which made her more secure about the whole issue.

Now, she was ready to wake up and face anything life would put in front of her.

Unfortunately, life decided to take the harder path yet again. She couldn't believe her eyes when she finally woke up from her pleasant sleep. It was dark and cold, she could even feel humidity surrounding her. As soon as her sight had adjusted to the gloomy place, she was able to recognize actual metallic bars on her right, the rest were just three damp walls.

Her panic rose even more as she realized having her hands cuffed together behind her back.

Her breathing ironically quickened as she tried to calm herself down, quite unsuccessfuly.

Lydia's heart almost gave out when a distant, hoarse voice spoke: "You... smell like him."

It was a man, speaking very slowly, sounding as if his throat hasn't seen any water in ages. Lydia summoned all of her courage to say a simple: "What?" in a high-pitched voice.

"Hm, you... know Michendros?"

"What?" Now Lydia answered right away. But then it hit her. Michendros, she heard that before. Well, of course. Stiles said it... Michendros is John. So... This person has to mean John.

"Huh... You're useless," the man replied and returned to his silence.

"Wait, you mean Stiles' brother?"

"Stiles?" he said with a hint of amusement, "I didn't even know you can have such a stupid name nowadays," he said quietly, the conversation apparently exhausting him.

"How do you know them?" Lydia asked with curiosity, slightly forgetting the situation she was stuck in, letting it make her lean closer towards the voice she heard.

"Long story. Probably wasn't that important, though. If it were, I would not be stuck here I suppose."

"Well, maybe, they don't know you are here–," Lydia caught herself defending them which caught her by surprise.

"Impossible, Stolos knows."

“Because of what he is?" Lydia asked carefully.

"Hm."

"That explains it. He isn't anymore!" she exclaimed a bit louder, immediately making her feel a bit more aware of where she is.

"What?" he simply said with a heavy British accent.

"Well, I don't know much, to be frank. But he's normal, you know, I think..."

"You're saying that Stolos is only human?"

"I wouldn't put it that way... He's not only human...-"

"That is not the point here..."

"Oh, yeah. Sure," Lydia said and looked through the bars, squinting her eyes at the dark figure opposite to her cell.

"Where are we actually?" Lydia asked.

"A cell, I'd presume."

"That's all you know?"

"I know that we are in this rotten place because the so-called sorcerers aren't able to cast big spells anymore, so we were placed in a prison which was enchanted by the old ones."

"Oh, that's why it looks so worn down..."

"You could say so."

"And... what do they want with us?"

"These good-for-nothings probably think of us as bait. But bloody hell, like if that worked with me and now they try you? They seem quite desperate."

"Well, I am close to Stiles," Lydia defended her position.

"Are you? How long do you know him? Because I met him in the early 19th century."

Lydia was taken a bit aback with this statement, reminding her that she had actually no idea with whom she had lived all this time. But she voiced another thought of hers.

"So... and you would be what now? I guess I can cross human out."

"Hm, I'll tell you if you agree to help me with getting out of here."

"What? You know how to get out? Well, I'll help if I am coming, too!"

"I can't promise much but I will do my best."

"What would I need to do?"

"Um, I know some blood magic... Michendros used to have all sorts of books about it, so I picked up something along the way. But I need another two people at least..."

"Two?"

"Yes."

"That's one more than we have, no?"

"I am aware... It will need you to make the person who will bring you food bleed. Like with a bite or something."

"Why don't you do it?"

"They don't visit my cell."

"But... how do you–"

"I don't... that's why it is so complicated to get out of here by myself."

"So why would they put me here when I can help you?"

"Bloody hell you are only questions, aren't you?"

"I want to know, otherwise I won't help you."

"They think I am almost dead... I didn't show any sign of anything basically... for a few years now. So, I think they don't await me having a chat with anybody."

"Why didn't they just dispose of your body... if they think you're dead."

"They fear me. And as I said before, the coven has grown weak. This cell is safer for them."

"I don't know if I can bite enough to make somebody bleed, though."

"Of course, you can. You just need motivation."

"Hm, I'll try then... And if I manage it... then what?"

"Cut yourself, too."

"This sounds unpleasant."

"Spending here another six years is unpleasant as well."

...

It felt like some pressure on his wrists made him hang loosely somewhere. He tried to move but the only result was something tightening around his waist as well.

His eyes felt very heavy which made him feel a little nervous.

I was drugged probably. No. No– that's not it. Lydia... the note. The– this is magic.

Finally, Stiles opened his eyes, revealing the surroundings to himself. He seemed to be in a stone-walled room, more of a dungeon. And he wasn't alone. Quickly, he looked down onto himself, realizing that his body is tangeled in some sort of a branch which made him hang from the ceiling.

There wasn't a way to get out. Not at least on his own. Stiles was very well aware of the fact that he wouldn't be able to fight off a dozen of sorcerers and magicians.

A woman, clothed quite plainly, approached Stiles' hanging body with a victorous smirk. Her blonde hair was put into a tight bun which somehow made her seem strict.

"So, here you are, the mighty Demon of the dark age or God of calamity. That's how you are called, right?... or maybe were called," she said with a chuckle, "now... you are just sad."

Stiles didn't bother to answer. He knew how these things went down from experience. But for the first time, he wasn't the one with the upper hand.

"Not gonna talk, huh?" the woman said with a low voice, breaking the eye contact with Stiles whose eyes followed her movements all this time.

"You see, we need you to talk. We, of course, can make it easy, extract the information we need from your head directly and then just kill you. But I just want you to pay back my thanks. For everything you've done you know. For the coven and all. And the biggest treat for us will be you giving us the information about how to end your dear brother. Unfortunately, he is still... well, the big bad. However, you... you are here to help us."

Stiles remained calm on the outside, however his thoughts were all over the place. He had no weapons and he couldn't defend himself against magic, therefore it would be very simple for the magicians to withdraw any information from his mind. And yes, he did know how to make Michendros vulnerable and that was something he kept for himself all this time.

"Let's begin," the woman commanded.

...

Someone's coming, Lydia thought and went through the plan the other prisoner told her. She had no idea who he was, what he was... not even his name has he told her. But her instincts told her that he wants to get out as much as her. And that was the thing which brought them together.

Within minutes, a guard came to her cell and laid down a bowl of rice and a cup of water. He arose quite quickly, ready to leave but Lydia stopped him.

"Sir? May I have a quick question?"

"What," he spitted, not turning around.

"Look at me please, I don't want to be rude but... how do I... well... you know I have a bit of an issue. It's my time in the month, you know. So... how do you suggest I... well... with my hands cuffed and without anything on me..."

This obviously made the guard feel a bit uncomfrotable. He scanned the redhead up and down and said: "I'll be right back."

During his absence, Lydia sat down on her knees, trying to seem as innocent as possible. It didn't take long for him to return.

Even just a drop is enough, Lydia repeated the man's words in her mind.

It took the guard around ten minutes to come back. He opened the cell's door and walked in with a plastic bag.

"He-Here you go, lady," he muttered and was about to leave.

"Wait, what? I'm supposed to do it here? And with my hands cuffed?"

The man nervously looked around and withdrew the keys from his pocket. "I'll uncuff you, alright. But don't you try to do something smart."

Sir, I will literally just insert a tampon into my vagina," Lydia said with an annoyed tone, rolling her eyes.

The man leaned closer to her wrists and put the key into the keyhole. Lydia waited for the moment the key turned to make her bold move. And there it was. *click*

The lock was undone and only a loud shriek was heard in the dungeon coming from the guard as Lydia bit into his index finger with all her strength.

"Jesus Christ, woman!" the man cried as he withdrew his hand from her. Lydia quickly bit her arm, causing it to bleed as well and spitted the mixture of bloods on the dirty ground.

She grinned at the guard who gave her a shocked look and started backing out of the cell.

"No wonder that you would date that monster," he said for himself and reached for the door to close it.

Lydia's thoughts were a bit clearer now thus she heard the stranger in the opposite cell to whisper something which apparently went by the guard unnoticed.

Unfortunate for him, though. The minute he exited Lydia's cell and locked it, he felt something sharp and long dive into his neck.

Lydia's smile faded at the sight. She has never seen something so violent and animalistic before. Not even movies and shows got it accurately.

This was savage.

Within seconds the guard fell to the ground, his head separated and rolling away a few inches. She finally had a good look at her prison-mate who, despite being dirty from all the flesh and blood, smiled at her gracefully and offered her a small bow.

"You were quite useful in the end," he said, wiping off blood from his eyelids.

"Wait a second, mister. That sounds like you want to get rid of me..."

"Hm... I thought about that... but then again, Stolos wouldn't be happy about that I suppose," he said while ripping the door out with ease. Lydia rose to her feet, her eyes not leaving the man's eyes.

"So, how do they call you?" Lydia asked, trying to ignore all the blood dripping down his body. She examined him closely now, establishing now at least 5' 10'' for him in height which made her feel a bit more insecure than before.

"Credence," he said flatly and looked around Lydia's cell.

"Now," he said slowly, "I've got some questions for you."

"Uh, ok...," she said, coming closer to the entrance where he let her out of the cell and showed her the way with his bloodied hand.

"Who did you tell about the brothers?" he asked directly.

"What?"

"Don't play dumb. You had to tell somebody that got you into this situation."

"Well... to be honest... I told my friend."

"A friend... of course. How does the friend look like?"

"Why is it important?"

"Just tell me..."

"Uh, similar age like me... brown long hair, brown eyes... a big smile. A bit taller than me-"

"A square-ish jawline I presume?"

"Yeah... How do you–"

"Simple. You told a stupid girl whose origins are in this ridiculous coven about two men who are hated by these people. Good job."

"What? But how do you know Allison?"

"Well, who wouldn't have a look at an old vampire rotting away in a cell. I was supposed to be bait for them. That did not work out. Now, you are bait. Congratulations."

"But... I've known her-"

"Does it really matter now? She is utterly useless for her family. I haven't met a person with so little means for magic. Even you've got more inside. She's a failure for them. My theory is that she wants recognition which she won't get."

Lydia felt terrible now. She was walking down a dark hole with a stranger who, in a few seconds, told her that she risked her and Stiles' life for nothing... but then again... weren't Stiles and John the bad guys in the big picture?

Suddenly, a light chuckle came out of Credence. Lydia glanced over at him and caught him watching her with a playful look.

"You are not sure, are you?"

“What?"

"It's all over your face. You don't know whom to trust..."

"Well, it's all a bit complicated–"

"You've got three options. Either leave after this and have nothing in common with us... Turn against me, Stolos and Michendros and join these idiots or... be on our side and win."

"How are you so sure about winning?"

"Stolos and Mich always do. They can't be beaten."

"You have real faith in them huh? But Stiles is now just like me... and Mich is alone in it."

"Hm, either way, I will have a good snack from the friend of yours. Betrayal I won't stand."

** Ezra Miller as Credence