#all is fair in love and war

[quotergirl19]

Penelope meets a young lady who is new to society this season, the girl is very beautiful and kind and Pen takes an instant liking to her. She asks if Penelope has any advice for her since she’s not new to society so Pen warns her to be cautious of certain gentlemen because many see courtship as sport and don’t actually care about whether or not they are toying with a young lady’s affections or distracting her from more sincere and serious suitors.

The girl thanks Penelope and mentions that she has her eye on two particularly handsome gentlemen, one of whom is Colin and Penelope tells her that she has excellent taste because she has known Mr. Bridgerton for years. That he is undeniably handsome and charming and his family is wonderful but she warns that Colin has sworn off women and only sees fit to flirt and dance but he mocks the idea of actual courtship and is unlikely to marry for years.

Turns out the young lady has heard about what Colin said about Penelope and was surprised that Penelope was so honest about her experience with Mr. Bridgerton. The girl turns out to be quite sharp and popular and she spreads the word about Mr. Bridgerton so rapidly that it was overheard multiple times even by Penelope’s own sister and mother. So many times in fact that Pen simply had to make note of it in her latest Whistledown column. Just like that the word is out that Colin Bridgerton has sworn off women and only flirts to entertain himself but pursuing him for a husband is a waste of time and a risk because he will disparage a lady to make clear that he does not wish to wed.

Later when Colin tries to flirt with a number of pretty young things, they seem wary and uninterested, and knowing how he disparaged Miss Penelope Featherington, a longtime friend of the Bridgerton family, most mamas have warned their daughters to stays far away from the 3rd Bridgerton son. Colin is determined not to let anything undermine his confidence so he steps up his game, earning himself quite the reputation as the most dangerously charming man in London. Colin is annoyed by this, because where he once found flirting to be light hearted and fun, it has become a bit of a chore now and what he really wanted was to have some genuine conversations with someone who he could just be normal with. But the one person who he could always turn to for a bit of actual conversation was Penelope and she was avoiding him like the plague.

Even worse, when Colin did manage to get a moment alone with Penelope, she appeared just as wary of him as women who didn’t know him at all. She even expressed fear that if they were discovered they might be forced to marry as if she could think of no worse fate than being tied to such a known flirt. When Colin is insulted because Penelope of all people should know that he would never disrespect his wife, she tells him that what she knows is that he would likely never be satisfied with the attention of only one woman and being his wife would guarantee she’d be subject to constant mockery while he charmed every beauty he encountered. Because all he really cares about is himself.

Insulted, Colin reminds Penelope that he cares for her enough that he stepped in to save her family from her cousin Jack’s ruby scheme and maybe she should be a little more grateful to him. Penelope silences him instantly by telling him that he probably only got Jack to leave town because he didn’t want the ton to know he’d been fooled once again because the last time he tucked tail and fled to Greece for months only to return and still be exactly what Marina said he was, an eager boy. Then Penelope leaves but not before telling him not to corner her alone again, because when she does marry, she wants a man who values her, not the fickle sort of person who claims she’s special to him only to make her look ridiculous because men who don’t know her worth, don’t envy his choice.

[wisdom-fr]

a really messy doodle of susie and arvelle :) they're having a laugh about the achievement mix-up <3

[chipsncookies]

If ingo wins I'll draw him like this

VOTE INGO NOW

[honeyxmonkey]

Aanya my love

[4kidstv]

[yourneighbourhoodtraumatisedkids]

Darci here guys! I'm here to just recommend different fanfiction I've seen to you guys- because it's mainly me and Jim that read a lot of it- me because I'm curious to see your fan creations, and Jim because it makes him always feel better.

And the first recommendation ever, is going to have to be this one.

It is, of course, All Is Fair In Love And War by @honeyxmonkey. @theonceandfuturetrollhunter is in love with HBaH, and honestly, so am I. I know many of you are probably going to have read this but if you haven't- we very much suggest you read it!!!

We haven't gotten Douxie to read it yet, though. Me and Jim are going to have to get him to read it at some point. And maybe the rest of the Guardians too.

Rating: ♾ stars :)

THANK YOU HONEY FOR BRINGING THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE TO LIFE!!!

-Darci Scott :)

[sunflowersoldat]

All is Fair ~ In Disasters and Deceit

Chapter 24: Disasters and Deceit

Main Master List

Series Master List

Series Summary: Family is important, but so is the Family business. Everyone has secrets, some are deadly. Your the best in the business, but no one knows who you are. Tensions are high, will you raise the stakes or fold under the pressure?

Series Warning: 18+! Mentions of blood and violence, bad language words, smut, manipulation, gaslighting, death, trauma, please follow the warnings for each chapter.

Chapter warnings: 18+ Only! Violence, Bad language words, mentions of torture, death.

Pairing: Mob!Steve x Assassin!Stark!reader

Word count: 1.6K

A/N: Only a couple of chapters left!!! I am sooooo excited! Anyway hope y’all enjoy! 💕

The sky is dark by the time you and Wade make it to the area your target was last seen. He has gone a few blocks ahead to circle around in case it was a setup. You stuck to the shadows, keeping your eyes on the building the target was in.

There is a light chill in the air as spring pushes to make its appearance, to chase the winter away, your uniform keeping most of the bite of the air at a minimum and keeping you disguised in the shadows. You watch as the target exits the dilapidated building, you push off the wall following hot on his heels. 

He has his jacket collar flipped up against the bite of the wind, his dark hair pulled back into a low bun, and his appearance matches that of the fourth horseman. He’s pale, the light of the moon dancing across him, making the shadows around him dance.

You smirk, you can’t help but wonder if he is as terrifying as the underground whispers give him credit for.

Your comm beeps in your ear, ‘There is an imposter among us Death my friend. He wears a false crown, it’s time we show him who truly sits upon that throne.’

A dark smile curls your lips, “May the best Reaper win.” 

—

Wade boxes him into an alley, approaching him cautiously, “Oh pale horseman, I have a question for you…”

The male-only stares at him, his head tilting.

“If you kill death, where do they go?” Though his face is covered, he can’t help but smile to himself, this was going to be too easy—

Another voice booms down the alley, “Little Ace, you flatter yourself,” a shadow emerges from one of the alcoves, “Did you really believe one horseman would travel without the other?”

Wade’s smile fades, but quickly grows wider, “You know, I was really hoping for a challenge.”

The other shadow grows closer, the dim lighting of the alley lamp casting shadows across the large man’s face, a full beard adorned his jaw, and he carries himself with the confidence of a god. 

Good. Wade would be thrilled to knock him down from his mighty throne.

“I knew you Aces were good, but I didn’t think you were dumb enough to take on two horsemen alone.” The pale one retorts.

Wade unsheathes his weapon, the thrill and adrenaline roaring in his veins, he almost bounces in excitement. 

Your velvet voice drifts down the alley, causing a shiver to lick down his spine, “What makes you think he’s alone?”                                                                                                                                       

—

The feminine voice is smoother than silk when it reaches his ears, he spins to face its owner at the other end of the alley. Sure enough, his suspicions were confirmed. You stalk towards him with lethal grace, your blades already drawn.

Though his partner had been bestowed the moniker of Death, he looked as though he were a cheap imposter compared to you. Your hair and mask were so pale they glowed an eerie shade of blue in the moonlight.

In all his battles, he never once believed there was a chance he wouldn’t make it out alive, but now as your eyes locked on his, he knew his fate.

—

It's almost laughable how quickly you take the two of them down, Death and Famine were not as formidable as they would have liked to think. Famine was of no use to you, he was left in the alley as a message to the rest, as for Death, you and Wade captured the pale rider.

Now he sits strapped tightly to the metal chair in the warehouse, the moonlight filtering in, bathing him in white light. His lips were stained crimson, his head tilted back against the chair, and a whine left his lips. You grasp the back of his head, yanking it backward, “Name.” you hiss.

“Hogun.”

A wicked smile splits your lips under your mask, “Very good Hogun. You know who we are?”

He eyes your uniform, the blank white cards sparkling on your waist, then looks to Wade, “You are the dead Ace that walks amongst the living, the underground has been whispering about you, Wraith” he takes a moment to collect himself, trying to open both of his eyes, to no avail, one is already swollen shut.

You raise a brow, “Very good–”

“And he,” Hogun nods towards Wade, “is another of the Aces, by the look of him and the description the underground has, he is the Ace of hearts.” he breathes deeply, his breath shaky at best, “You know I won't talk.”

You give him a look of mock pity, “Oh, we have ways of making you talk, don't worry.” you nod to Wade giving him the go-ahead.

“With pleasure Death.”

—

Hours have passed, and Hogun has spilled little tidbits of information, but you and Wade can both tell he doesn't have much fight left in him. The two of you are surprised he has lasted even this long.

“Come now Hogun, your friends can’t help you, one of them is already fish food, and your employer will be dead soon as well. You might as well just give it up.” Wade's voice sings-songs through the warehouse. You lean back in your chair, watching as he circles Hogun like a hungry shark.

“Wade, you might as well just finish him, he no longer has any useful information for us. We can just find one of the others and make them squeal.”

“What’s the rush? I didn’t get to take my time with your parents, the least I can do is enjoy toying with you… Ms. Carbonell.”

Your eyes narrow on him, your vision turning red, “What the fuck did you just say?”

“I mean I can’t take all the credit, it was a group effort really. Our boss really is the mastermind behind it all.” he laughs again. “But he didn’t account for you being the Ace of Spades.”

The realization felt like a punch to the gut, the dark hair, the stature, all he would need is a face covering and a bike. With the shitty city cameras, he could pass as Barnes easily. Your vision floods red, and you feel the impact against your knuckles, the crunch of the bones, then Wade pulls you off of him. 

He flashes you a broken grin, tossing his head trying to remove his dark hair from his face. “You know, I had my suspicions about you. None of the others believed me, not even the boss. We couldn’t understand why Rogers was still alive,” he chuckles again, “It all makes sense now, it’s sad though you know, you just had to fall in love with your target.”

You rip out of Wade's grip, yanking Hogun by his throat, “You listen very carefully, I am giving you one chance. You tell us everything and we will make it quick, otherwise…” you glance at Wade, “well, I guess we can show you…”

“Fuck you.” he snarls.

A wicked laugh falls from your lips, “God, I was hoping you’d say that.”

—

Dawn marks the end for Hogun. You and Wade no longer have the patience it requires to rip the information from him. You and Wade had taken shifts trying to extract information from Hogun, but in the end, he hadn’t given you too much, to your dismay. 

By the end of it, Hogun is breathing his last breaths, they’re shallow and ragged, and you can hear the rattling in his lungs. You kneel in front of him, “Your death will mean nothing. Even without your help, we will find your friends, and your employer too. You died for nothing—” 

You are cut off by your phone ringing in your pocket, pulling it out you check the screen, a picture of you and Steve lights up the screen with his name. You hold up your finger to Wade as you answer it. 

“Steve?”

‘Hey, Angel. Any luck?’

You sigh heavily, behind you, Wade and Hogun are exchanging words, but you can hardly make out what is being said. “None yet, but don’t worry, I’ll get the information.”

‘You might not need to, I'm about to head to your brother’s tower.’

You can hear Hogun begin laughing behind you, it starts throwing him into coughing fits. Steve continues talking, but you are only half listening as you draw closer to Hogun and Wade.

“What the fuck is so funny?!” Wade snaps, gripping Hogun by his collar, “You might want to save those breaths, you will need them.”

A malicious smile splits Hogun’s face his lips and teeth are a bright crimson, “I was never meant to survive, they knew you’d come for me.”

Your head snaps towards Wade, but something Steve says pulls your attention back, ‘Yeah, they called a meeting. All the family heads are gonna be there.’

“What?! Who called the meeting?!” You are torn, trying to listen to Steve, and Hogun simultaneously.

“Loki always was a squealer.”

Panic starts to ripple through you, “Steve?! Where are you?! Stay where you are! Do not go anywhere!”

‘Calm down Angel, Thor called it, says he caught Loki in the act.’

“No, Steve, do not go—”

‘Don’t worry— got Bucky–me. Even got — admit he —’

“Steve, wait!”  

‘–behind everything, even —your parents. —bringing him— for judgment—’ 

You strain your ears, trying to understand Steve, but the connection keeps interrupting, then the line finally dies.

You turn to look at Wade and on Hogun’s final breath, his eyes meet yours, “You can’t save them now.”

@dontbescaredtosingalong @texan-tazzy @tianamontag @daiseychaindisaster @silently-killing-you @buckyfan12 @leyannrae @justlovelifeblog @austynparksandpizza @capson-of-coul @betareader7 @vicmc624 @bigphattygyal @calwitch @buckysteveloki-me @curlyladylazarus111 @talesofadragon @trudy-shams

[all-is-fair-in-love-and-war]

Rewatching Medici and the scene in season 3 where Riario sends assassins after Clarice and their kids and in return Lorenzo just loses it is absolutely my favorite scene.

First he snaps at Bernardi for even suggesting that he NOT go after his family.

Then when he attacks the assassins and delivers the line, “he sends you into my home to kill my children and pregnant wife?”

AND PROCEEDS TO FIGHT THEM OFF WITH A CROSSBOW AND SENDS ONE ASSASSIN FLYING OUT A WINDOW.

In that scene, Lorenzo is the epitome of Fuck Around and Find out.

[noose-lion]

Sex and war culture (respectively) are probably my special interests in regards to humans.

This is funny because I'm both asexual and fairly anti-war.

[quotergirl19]

Oh yes she does… and when Lady Penelope finally starts playing the game of love, Colin Bridgerton won’t stand a chance.

[transingthoseformers]

I'm just saying: "Break the old man's hips, Scourge." Give him the ride of his life he is a stressed, tired father, he deserves it.

I mean

Yes

Yes, I can see it now.

[escape-from-arcadia]

⚠️ TRADE OFFER ⚠️

Hi.

Have you ready @honeyxmonkey's All is Fair in Love and War yet?

They recently finished the 36th chapter. The epilogue is all that's left. Honey is writing an entire trilogy called Half-bloods and Hunters. I can highly recommend Love and War. She's a brilliant writer.

Yes, I finished reading the final chapter.

Yes, I immediately made a playlist for me to listen to while re-reading.

Yes, it's collaborative.

Yes, I linked it here for people to add songs to.

But first...go read it. Go read All is Fair in Love in War.

[honeyxmonkey]

Douxie and Carter waking up in the morning, cuddling and being all soft and sweet. Little kissies shared between smiles and quiet giggles.

Then Jim bangs on their bedroom door shouting, "GET UP YOU USELESS FUCKERS, ITS ELEVEN IN THE GODDAMN MORNING. DO SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE WITH YOUR DAY!" and then it's quiet for all of three seconds before he calmly adds, "Breakfast is ready, by the way. Please come eat."

[bigmouthstrikesonceagain]

she’s dying. she who hurt me is hurting and i feel nothing but regret for the time i lost to shame and hatred. i miss the touch i shied away from all those years. i’d take it now, any way she gave it to me. she’s all gentle kindness and soft ease and i love her desperately now, i love her furiously now.

[kebug]

Ten Times As Long - Chapter 2

Katniss Learns the Truth

A/N: Right before sunset (She just ran out and found him like in the book)

I stare at him dead in the eye. I start to slowly walk backwards to get away from him, but he drops his shovel and before I can react he's hugging me! Hugging me? Really? After everything… Is he going to try to kill me?

When he realizes I’m not hugging back he steps away, “I’m sorry, Katniss. I’m so, so sorry! I didn’t mean it! I- I love you,” He starts to cry and my heart can’t take it anymore.

“Stop it! If you’re going to cry, just leave. I’ll listen to you, but you have to promise you’ll leave me alone after!” He takes a step back stunned.

“What did I do? I ruined everything. You hate me and I hurt you! I'm so sorry!" l've done so much to hurt you… I don’t deserve your forgiveness!”

I sigh and look into his electric blue eyes, “I don’t hate you. We've talked about this. You aren't a monster. I don’t feel safe around you, but you aren’t a monster,” I was trying make him feel better, but he just looks more hurt. I turn because I can’t look into his sad eyes any longer.

“I still love you,” As he says this I stop.

“I’ll see you around, Peeta,” I smile to myself as I go back inside.

When I get inside, and shut the door, I collapse into a crying mess, “Oh Peeta…” I whisper to myself.

[sunflowersoldat]

All is Fair~ Saints & Sinners

Chapter 25: Saints and Sinners

Main Master List

Series Master List

Series Summary: Family is important, but so is the Family business. Everyone has secrets, some are deadly. Your the best in the business, but no one knows who you are. Tensions are high, will you raise the stakes or fold under the pressure?

Series Warning: 18+! Mentions of blood and violence, bad language words, smut, manipulation, gaslighting, death, trauma, please follow the warnings for each chapter.

Chapter warnings: 18+ Only! Major Character Deaths! Violence, Bad language words, mentions of torture.

Pairing: Mob!Steve x Assassin!Stark!reader

Word count: 4.4K

A/N: This one is looooonngg. Sorry in advance! Including this chapter there are only four and a half chapters left! You will need tissues for this chapter! (sorry in advance, also don't come for me!) I had a hard time writing this chapter, but aside from the hardships of what is to come, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

It only took you seconds to sprint out of the warehouse, jumping into Wade’s vehicle, you didn’t wait for him as you tore down the street. The squeal of tires and smoke filled the air, the city passing by in a blur, if you hurried you could stop Steve before he left the penthouse. You cursed under your breath, how could all of you been so fucking blind? 

The mastermind behind it all was staring you in the damn face, could have lit the entire city on fire in front of you and no one would have noticed. You had to make it in time, the gods help whoever stood in your way, if anything happened to Steve, anything; the whole fucking city will be ash. Honking horns and the screeching of tires fill your senses, but you don’t stop, you can’t.

You slam on your brakes and jerk the wheel, causing you to drift into a spot in front of Steve’s building, throwing the driver’s door open. You rush to the front entrance, but Peter is there to intercept you. Reaching for you he centers your focus on him.

He’s smiling when he greets you, “Hey Ace, what’s the rush?”

You panic, breathing heavily, eyes searching behind him, “Where’s Steve?!”

“He already left with Buck, what’s going on?” His smile slips from his face as he reads you, the dread and anger in your voice has him ready to pounce.

“Fuck! How long ago?” Panic rises as you move back to the vehicle.

“About fifteen minutes ago. Ace, what’s going on?” He opens the passenger side door as you slide behind the wheel on the other side.

“It's a setup!”

—

Bucky watches Steve’s movements as they enter the elevator, he seems nervous as he pulls his phone from his ear, scowling.

“What’s wrong punk?” He prods as the elevator doors close and it hums to life, one step closer to ending this bullshit. He should have known Loki was the sniveling weasel behind all this chaos. He should feel relief or closure, but he doesn't, something feels off.

Steve only shakes his head, “Nothing.”

Bucky raises a brow, Steve is tense, he can see the muscles working under Steve’s suit, “Did she find anything?”

Steve again shakes his head, his brows knitting together, “No, the connection was shit, but from what I could make out, she sounded worried.”

Bucky shrugs, “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back punk. You’ll make it back to her and get your happy ending.” He smiles wide as he clasps Steve’s shoulder. As much as he doesn’t trust you, he loves his brother, and if you are what makes him happy… Well, as long as you don’t try to kill either of them, he will support you as much as his own mind will allow. Besides, if anything were to happen to Steve, he would never forgive himself, and you would definitely kill him, for his failure.

“I know you do Buck, just something doesn’t feel right.”

Bucky nods, but the elevator opens putting them in the hall outside Tony’s penthouse, Natasha is outside the door, a smile curves her lips, “Hello boys, you’re late.”

Bucky and Steve meet her at the door, she waves them in, Tony stands behind his bar, leisurely nursing a glass of liquor. Thor is standing front and center, his hand clasped behind Loki’s neck. Who stands handcuffed and gagged next to him, his eyes wide as they meet Steve’s; pleading.

“So nice of you to join us gentlemen.” Thor’s voice booms, his gaze raking over the two of them. Bucky situates himself between Thor, Loki and Steve, he doesn’t care if he’s bound, he isn’t taking any chances.

Steve smiles, “Better late than never right?”

Tony chuckles as Steve and Bucky settle near him on one of the couches to the right of his bar, Natasha situates herself to his left, leaning on the counter.

Bucky glances around the room and relaxes a bit, there are only the seven of them, with Valkyrie leaning against the wall closest to the door, bored as she picks at her nails. Loki couldn’t take all of them on, and survive.

The door to the penthouse closes slowly, Thor clears his throat, as he walks towards Tony’s bar and pours himself a drink, raising his glass to Tony before taking a sip. 

“Since my father was murdered this” –he pauses, licking his teeth– “circle has plunged into chaos.” He sighs solemnly, “I should have listened to all of you” –He takes a slow sip of his drink as he moves leisurely back towards the center of the room– “But family is hard to hate.” his eyes flicker to Tony’s, a devious glint sparkles as he directs his attention to him. “Even after their betrayal. Wouldn’t you agree, Stark?” 

—

You glance at Peter as he slips into the passenger seat, you shake your head, “No Peter, you can’t—”

“They’re my brothers, if they’re in danger” –he pauses, swallowing thickly– “If you are going into the lion’s den, I’m going too.”

You take a deep breath, eyes locking with his, he gives you a small smile, your real name leaving his lips, “I’ve got your back.”

You nod, slamming the door. Peter barely has the chance to sit as you step on the gas, flooring it, nearly taking off his door in the process.

Your eyes are on the road, mind going a million miles a minute. You suspect Thor to have men guarding the building, how to go about this…

“I’m calling Sam and the others, I’ll have them meet us there.” Peter offers the help, but you can’t imagine them making it in time.

“I’m not waiting, we don’t have time. They can work their way up to us.”

He nods, but dials anyway, the conversation is quick, he merely tells them the location and that Steve is in danger. That’s all it takes, they are on their way. Your heart throbs, such loyalty cannot be bought, these men love Steve, they are as much family as you and the other Aces are; a phone call away and willing to die for each other.

Peter’s voice cuts through your thoughts, “So, what’s the plan?”

Your eyes never leave the road, tone cold, “We walk in the front door.”

—

Zemo’s phone rings on his desk, his eyes meet Sharon’s across the room as he picks it up, placing it on speaker, the greeting doesn’t leave his mouth before Wade’s voice rips through the air. 

“It’s Thor! He’s making his move! He called a meeting, said Loki’s to blame. Wraith is on her way to Stark Tower, she’s gonna need backup!”

Zemo freezes, this is not what he expected from Odinson. At least no this quickly, he hadn’t even had the chance to tell the rest of you Thor had been behind everything. Panic settles low in his gut,

“We’re on the way!” Sharon’s voice and her hand on his shoulder breaks him from his trance, “Z, we gotta move, Wraith needs us.”

He stands slowly, this is his own fault. He should have waited to make his move, kept everyone in the loop. His family was safe as long as Yelena and Jake continued their surveillance.

Sharon grips both of his shoulders, “Z!”

He stumbles after her, but stops, “It’s my fault. I- I shouldn’t have—”

“We don’t have time for this! We need to move, there was no way you could have known how he would react.”

Zemo follows her out of the casino, but shakes his head as they enter the vehicle, “We blindsided him, now he’s a wild animal we pushed into a corner, how else was he supposed to react?”

Sharon shakes her head, “Everyone knows the risk of this business there is always collateral damage… Nothing you can do about it.” She pulls out her phone.

“I could have prevented it!” The guilt unfurling in his gut makes him sick, how would he explain this to you? If everything goes wrong, what could they lose? What was left for you to lose?

She takes a deep breath, rolling her eyes, “What’s done is done, we just need to focus on what to do next,” She dials, waiting as the line rings. 

Zemo’s brows furrow, “What are you doing?” 

“Calling it in.”

—

You are close now, the building is less than a mile away, gripping the steering wheel tightly, you clear your throat, “Peter…When we get there” –you watch him out of the corner of your eye as he turns to you– “Stay behind me, and do exactly what I say, when I say. Do you understand?”

He nods, then tilts his head, as if he knows you have more to say, so you continue, “What I’m about to do” –you pause, taking a deep breath. Peter is no stranger to the darker side of the business, but that doesn’t mean you will relish in him having to watch you tear through Thor’s men– “I-I just… I’m sorry.”

He places his hand on your shoulder, causing you to jump, your name leaving his mouth yet again, “It won’t change how I look at you. You’re like a sister to me, you have protected me and saved me. I know whatever you become when the time comes,” –he pokes your chest where your heart would be, you can swear he can feel it slamming into your rib cage– “that isn’t you.”

The car skids to a halt, but he continues, “The woman I met all that time ago at the mansion, that is you, and nothing, is gonna change that.” 

You finally meet his gaze and he gives you a reassuring nod, “Now, Wraith, we both have a job to do.”

—

Steve’s eyes snap from Loki to Tony, the tension in the room has skyrocketed. Bucky shifts next to him uncomfortably, but Steve’s eyes remain on Stark.

Tony cocks his head, “I beg your pardon?”

Thor gives him a sympathetic frown, but it's stiff; fake. “It must hurt knowing she chose him over you. Her own flesh and blood.” Thor’s gaze moves to Steve, his words dripping with malice, “Then to have him kill her.” He chuckles.

Chuckles as if that's the funniest thing he’s heard all damn day.

Tony glances at Steve, but there is no anger in his eyes, they snap back as Thor turns to walk back to Loki. Tony’s eyes flicker to Steve, a warning.

Thor turns back around as he circles his brother, “You know” –he pauses again, a megawatt smile curves his lips– “I’m sorry, let’s cut the bullshit.”

They always say traumatic events happen in slow motion, like the brain is trying to process what is happening in front of it. But this happened too fast.

The gunshot, the blood, the gun no one seemed to notice in Thor’s hand.

Loki, lying on the ground.

Dead.

The doors to Tony’s penthouse are blown off their hinges as two more people join in on the action, guns raised. The shots are fired before Steve can react, Bucky slams into him full force. As he falls, he can see Tony reach for Natasha, pulling her down behind his bar.

Behind the couch, he can hear Thor raving about how dumb they’ve all been, how this is their reckoning for not perceiving him as a threat or giving him the new position of The Don, like his father before him. He tells them everything starting with when he killed his own father and framed Loki, and hired the horsemen to kill Tony’s parents. Even hiring the Ace of Spades to kill Steve, when you got thrown into the mix, it was just a bonus. Everything had gone better than planned, until Loki and you stepped out of line.

Steve didn’t take the bait, he understood what Thor wanted, why he insisted on telling them all of this; they weren’t getting out of this alive

Bucky groaned next to him, snapping Steve back into reality. Bucky is holding where his shoulder and chest collide, deep crimson seeping between his fingers. Steve reaches for his gun, he fires off a few shots, but there is more commotion, his gaze whips to Tony behind the bar on the other side of the couch, there is more yelling, struggle, and new voices join the chaos, familiar voices, yours and Queens.

Steve pops up in time to shoot one of the assailants in the thigh, to his left a gunshot rings out, followed by a bloodcurdling war cry.

—

You and Peter clear the first floor, moving for the elevator, quick, no quarter, no survivors. Most of Tony’s security lay either lifeless or placing pressure on their wounds; most will survive. There are a lot less of Thor’s men than you anticipated, only two. They evade you at every turn, you don’t recognize them as his normal security, a male and female. As you close in, the female calls to the male, his code name rolling off her tongue; Conquest. The last two horsemen, the female must be War.

You growl as they enter the elevator, rage pushes you, you don’t think, you just react. One hand releases your rifle, and grabs one of your knives, ripping it from your holster, it soars through the air, embedding itself in the elevator wall between their heads.

War smiles as she moves to confront you, but Conquest pulls her back slamming his hand on the button. The doors close as War winks, blowing you a kiss.

A scream rips through your chest as you sprint for the maintenance elevator, Peter hot on your heels.

You pull him into the elevator behind you, punching the button for the penthouse floor. Your mind is screaming, true fear courses through you, but you grasp it, allowing it to center you.

Beside you Peter is uncharacteristically quiet as he watches you, studying that eerie calmness you fall into, attempting to do the same, you turn to him narrowing your eyes, “Don’t.”

Your voice is dark as it leaves you, unfurling in the elevator like black silk and shadows. 

The air is thick with the impending fight.

The elevator opens and your ears are met with gunfire and yelling, the two of you sprint for the penthouse.

You weren’t prepared and didn’t have time to process the scene unfolding in front of you. You allow yourself to get lost in your instincts as you immediately jump into battle.

They outnumber you and Peter, but you don’t let that stop you, as you shove Conquest into Thor, catching both of them off guard, Peter takes on War on his own. You can see her malicious smile, like a wolf playing with its prey, but you don’t have time to help him.

Shots are fired from behind the couch, you see Steve’s head pop up as he takes aim, nailing Conquest in the thigh, he tumbles to the ground howling in pain. Your fist collides with Thor’s jaw sending him reeling. Next to you, Valkyrie raises her pistol poised for Steve, you react, shoving yourself into her. The shot fires across the room; you feel it in your heart before your brain understands what’s happened.

Tony slams into the shelves behind him, glass shattering and liquor spilling everywhere.

It feels like a bomb explodes in your chest, “No!” The scream rips from your chest. Valkyrie’s dark laugh scrapes across your exposed nerves, but is abruptly cut off, three bullets fired from your gun, before she slumps to the ground, leaving an ugly red streak where she once stood.

You turn as Thor and War escape the room Peter follows, Steve screams for him. Conquest tries to follow, but a well timed knife you throw stops him, embedding in his shoulder. 

Just a handful of minutes too late Sharon and Zemo barge through the door as you vault over the bar to kneel next to your brother.

Tony’s hand reaches for your face, with one hand you tear off your mask, while the other applies pressure to the gaping wound. Tears are streaming down your face, his hand gently cups your cheek, his eyes meeting yours, “Squirt…” his voice is soft, barely above a whisper.

You can barely speak, the same two words fall from your lips; ‘I’m sorry’, over and over, like a mantra. Natasha rips towels from the drawers, helping to stanch the bleeding, but Tony shakes his head, “Squirt, look at me.”

Your eyes lock on his, he draws a shaky breath, “I’m sorry. F-for all of it—” 

You shake your head, “Tony please—”

Your name leaves his mouth, “It’s okay, I-I don’t blame” –he coughs– “I don’t blame y-you… I- I love ya squirt…”

His hand falls from your face, his chest no longer rising and falling. You scream again, grabbing his hand between both of yours. You freeze for a moment. Behind you there is conversation and the sound of sirens in the distance.

Probably the police, you assume Sharon has called them, and an ambulance, though it’s too late.

You lean over your brother, placing a kiss on his forehead, “I love you too.”

Taking a deep shaky breath, you rise, eyes scanning the room, they land on Zemo. He’s frozen, eyes glued to you; waiting.

You slip into that dark place that allows you to do your work flawlessly, three small words leave your mouth.

—

“All is fair.” your voice is dark, the cold embrace of death licks up his spine.

Zemo’s eyes lock on yours, his jaw clenched tightly, he knows what you’re asking of him. He knows what you’ve lost, he’s been here for every step of your journey, watched you become this. He swallows, ignoring the stares from everyone else in the room. He knows what you have to do. It is time to let you go…

“In love and war.”

Without another word, you snarl as you shove your mask back onto your face. There is a moment, your face softening as your eyes meet Steve’s. In that brief second, Zemo swears he can hear everything you are saying in your mind. He can see the finality in the parting look, it’s a goodbye that he knows Steve won’t understand for a long time; until it’s too late.

“What the fuck was that?” It’s not Steve’s voice, but Bucky’s, hoarse from the screams of pain. Zemo glances down at the two men, Steve is kneeling beside Bucky, applying pressure to the wound, but Steve’s gaze remains glued to the door you just walked out of. 

Zemo contemplates his answer, if he explains will Steve run after you? Will he try to stop you? 

“Zemo!”

He shakes his head, meeting Bucky’s gaze, “It means she is no longer under contract.”

Bucky’s brows knit together, but his eyes widen, stumbling on his words to understand, Zemo sighs, “It means she is no longer an Ace, no longer under my command, she’s–”

Steve’s voice interjects, “She’s free.” His eyes finally slide to meet Zemo’s, he nods slowly.

Natasha rises from where Stark lay lifeless on the cold tile, “That’s a good thing, right?”

Zemo cocks a brow, a sinister smirk lifting one corner of his lips, “Not for Thor.”

—

You storm down the hall to the stairwell, flying down the flights, a couple of floors down you find Peter, he’s crumpled on the floor, holding his thigh, blood pooling beneath him. You stop, kneeling to help him, but he waves you off.

“Go! I’m alright, wounded one of them” –he breathes shakily– “Get that sonofabitch!”

You don’t have to respond, you turn, sprinting down the stairs after War and Thor.

—

Wade bursts into the penthouse, but he knows he’s too late by the scene in front of him, there are three body bags and a pair of paramedics by one of the couches, Barnes is being strapped to a gurney, a white bandage pressed to his shoulder.

Sharon, Zemo, another female who he has only seen in passing, and Steve are talking in hushed tones as he approaches. He notices a thin, lean man cuffed and bandaged, sitting quietly against the wall.

Steve raises his head acknowledging his presence, Wade turns, looking around, “Where’s Death?”

It’s not Steve that answers, but Sharon, “Gone.”

He watches the group’s reaction to the statement, he raises a brow, “Thor? Loki?”

It’s Steve’s turn to speak, “Thor ran off with War, Peter and Wraith” –the fact Steve calls you by your code name stuns Wade– “Ran after them.” He nods to the body bag lying in the middle of the room, “Loki didn’t make it…”

Wade hadn’t necessarily liked or trusted the man, but his death was unnecessary. “And…” Wade motions toward the other bags.

The other female sighs heavily, her face still red, obvious tear stains on cheeks, “Tony didn’t make it.” 

“Neither did Valkyrie.” Adds Zemo, “Not the first of Thor’s men, and certainly not the last.” He takes a deep breath, “our new friend, Conquest, here” —he motions to the handcuffed man— “will be our guide to finding Thor–”

Wade scoffs, “I’m sure Death can find him just fine, we don’t need–”

“She is no longer one of us.” Zemo’s gaze meets Wade’s “If we want Thor alive, we will need to find him first.”

—

You skid to a stop on one of the lower floors, a bloody handprint smeared along the doorway tells you, you’re on the right track. Pushing the door open, you creep through.

The corridor is quiet, the hum of the lights above you vibrating into your bones like an electrical charge surging through you.

Peter had been right, one of them was bleeding, the trail of blood leading you farther down the corridor.

The door to the stairwell shuts almost silently, your gun drawn as you slink against the wall, following the crimson droplets.

Your heart should be thundering, slamming against your rib cage, but it’s not. An unrelenting calm settles deep within you, that familiar numbing darkness wraps its tendrils around you.

No thoughts of revenge surge through you, just the overwhelming instinct to hunt, the thrill of the chase, not out of need to survive, but for sport.

You reach the end of the trail, as it disappears around the corner. You grip your pistol tighter, swinging around the corner, only for your gun to be ripped from your hands. War shoves your hands upward as she rams you into the wall behind you. The impact causes all breath to leave your lungs in a painful woosh. 

You struggle against her as she snarls in your face, “This” –she draws your own knife, slicing into your side, you bare your teeth through the pain– “is for Volstagg!” She rears back, poised to embed the blade in your abdomen, “and this is for Hogun!”

You twist in her grip, the knife piercing the wall next to you, giving you time to wrench yourself from her grip. Bringing your head down onto hers, the snap of bones echo, followed by your knee diving into her already bleeding side wound. As she stumbles back you don't let up, all that fills your mind is everything the horsemen are responsible for; the museum, Peter’s incident, your brother, everything. You let it drive you, push you until she is a mess coughing under your grip.

When your voice claws its way out of your throat, you don’t recognize it as your own, “It’s over War. You've lost. Give me Odinson, and I might make it quick.”

Her maniacal laugh echoes down the corridor, surrounding you, “You… you think I am War?!” —she laughs again sending her into a coughing fit— “I am merely his sword, his swift death–”

“Where is he?!”

“You might as well kill me. You couldn’t get anything from the others, you won't get anything from me.”

“Killing you is too easy. You. Will. Beg—”

A gunshot rings in the air, tiny droplets of blood spatter across your mask as she slumps in your grasp. Another shot rings out as you lunge for cover in time to see a glimpse of him run down another corridor.

Scrambling to your feet you follow him, the sound of a stairwell door opening and closing reaches your ears. You round the corner and chase after him, throwing yourself down each flight, slamming into the exit onto the main floor.

It’s chaos, police and paramedics are everywhere, Steve’s men as well as what’s left of your brother’s. Out of the corner of your eye you can see Happy and Pepper clinging to each other, her wails tearing into your heart as she reaches for the gurney.

You scan the area, but Thor is nowhere to be seen, pulling out your phone you send a quick text to Wade, giving him Peter’s location and the location of Thor’s decoy.

As you make your way onto the street, you pass an ambulance, snagging a first aid kit and shucking on one of their jackets to hide your weapons and uniform. Unbuckling your mask you allow it to plummet onto the sidewalk.

Your phone rings in your pocket, an unknown number flashes across the screen, you answer it—

‘Mrs. Carbonell…’

It’s Thor, your blood boils, “Carbonell is dead.” You snap, teeth clattering from the force.

‘Maybe to the rest of the city, but I know better.’

There is a long moment of silence before he speaks again, ‘Listen, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I think we can come to an… understanding.’

You scoff, licking your teeth, but let him continue, his smug tone clinging in your lungs like cigar smoke,

‘It doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s make a deal… this is how it will go, I will leave and never return, you can go about your normal life and forget about me.’

You chuckle, “Listen well Odinson, this is how it will go. I want you to call all of your men, call in any favors you may have with the smaller bosses in this city and watch me tear them apart. Then, when I have taken everything and everyone” –you growl– “I’m coming for you.” 

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