#bugsfirstbingo

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Welcome Home, Soldier.

Buck returns from the war after three years deployment (minus a limb) to a waiting fiancé and a long overdue reunion. CW: All the smut. Basically PWP. Prompts filled; ‘Sex in Uniform’, “Kneel”, and ‘4am Sandwiches’ – Bug’s First Bingo; ‘First Kiss of the Year’ – Winter Wonderland Bingo (@seasonaldelightsbingo); “That’s It, Sweetheart” and “You’re So Beautiful” – @fandom-free-bingo (Flight Edition).

Available below or on AO3 here. Boards at the bottom. Banner by me! Enjoy!

My fingers tightened around the strap of my holdall, palm sweating nervously as I headed up the dirt path to my front door.

It’d been three years since I’d seen the place, but it still looked more or less the same – the passage of time was marked only by the paint beginning to peel around the edge of the windows, and the flowers bloomed by the door in a vibrant burst of colour. I’d had dreams about coming home, finally breathing in the country air once more, but it felt better than I ever could have imagined, inhaling the scents of grass and pollen with a contented sigh.

But it wasn’t the house, or the countryside, that had my heart racing.

No… It was the love of my life waiting unexpectantly on the other side of the door that’d had me travelling for two days straight, plane and train and bus and my own two feet getting me closer to this moment with every passing second.

My boots felt heavy on my feet as I crept up the steps onto the porch, and I hesitated only briefly before toeing them off, standing in my socks with a soft smile. They’d no idea I was coming back early – despite my desire to tell them, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see the shocked delight on their face when I turned up out of the blue.

I shifted my holdall higher on my shoulder, smoothing my shirt and straightening my hat before reaching for the door handle.

If I’ve told them once, I’ve told them a million times to lock the front door…

I wouldn’t be complaining, though. I’d put down my holdall in the hall, padding silently through the little-changed space, following the sound of a quiet, lyrical voice at the rear of the house.

They were stood with their back to me, singing quietly to themselves as they washed the dishes.

I couldn’t help but pause for a moment, lost in their voice and finally seeing them again, at long last. Soon enough, however, my body propelled me forward of its own volition. I knew they’d be startled, but I couldn’t keep myself from reaching out for them, my arm sliding around their waist to pull them quickly to my chest.

“Hey, babylove,” I purred as they went to jerk away automatically, holding them fast. “Did you miss me?”

They froze under my grasp, stunned motionless by my embrace, no sign of comprehension showing several heartbeats until my lips brushed their cheek worriedly. “…Is this real?” they breathed, leaning against my chest uncertainly, their heart hammering noticeably.

I couldn’t help but laugh, squeezing them a little more tightly. “Real as anything. I’m home sweetheart.”

A choked sob echoed around the space, reverberating against the tiled splashback as they whipped around, arms quickly finding my neck to cling at me desperately. “Buck… Baby… You’re home. You’re home, you’re home, you’re home!”

I grasped them just as tightly, fingers clenched in the back of their shirt. “I’m here, my love. I’m here, and I’m never going anywhere again, do you hear me?” Tears spilled over my cheeks unrestrained and salted their hair, but I didn’t have the capacity or concern to attempt to stem the flow, occupied as I was by hungrily inhaling the scent of them, eyes closed with bliss.

They nodded frantically against my chest, sobbing openly, nails clenched into my skin as soapy water dripped down the back of my shirt. Then finally, finally, their lips found mine, whimpering their joy into our embrace, not drawing back until both of our lungs burned with the effort. It was only then, in the brief moment they backed away to pant for breath, that their eyes strayed to my pinned sleeve, a pained grimace crossing their features. “… Does it hurt?”

“Not as much as the thought that I might never see you again,” I replied honestly, cupping their cheek in my remaining hand. It was all I’d managed to think as I’d lain bleeding and stunned, flat on my back under a foreign sky; it wasn’t fears of the afterlife or facing a vengeful God that plagued me, but only the notion of never again gazing into captivating mahogany eyes. I’d seen those eyes full of wonder, fear, amusement, incredulity, and love – and I was far from willing to give that up yet.

They smiled softly, that gaze lighting up as expected, and I sighed tenderly, placing a gentle kiss to their cheek. “You’re so beautiful,” I breathed, momentarily distracted from the gravity of their taking in my mutilation. “… I’m sorry I couldn’t come back as the man you agreed to marry. I know it’s not-”

I was cut off by their mouth meeting mine firmly, one hand tightening possessively against my ribs. “You’re so beautiful,” they attested, their voice quiet but strong, causing a blush to rise in my cheeks. I couldn’t help the flutter of anxiety in my chest, but their eyes met mine in the same way as always, full of lust and desire. A soft growl built in my throat, and I pressed myself closer, the small of their back meeting the counter behind them as they whimpered through their teeth.

“I can’t believe this is the first time I’ve kissed you this year,” they breathed, and I chuckled as they pushed my hat from my head, running a hand through my fair – fast outgrowing its regulation short-crop after my time on the front, and the subsequent weeks bundled up in a hospital since my body was ripped open by a German grenade.

“I’ve got a lot to make up for, I expect,” I purred as I trailed my lips along their neck, earning a sharp gasp as my teeth closed lightly over their pulse.

“Oh, God…” they sighed, head tipping back obediently to offer more of their throat to my mercy, hand moving automatically to push the jacket from my shoulders. My mouth moved harder on their skin, distracting myself with the taste of them as the heavy material slid free of my one remaining arm. They simply winced sympathetically at the hemmed sleep, fingertips gently skirting my collarbone before moving to my tie.

I caught their hands with my own, smirking softly, one eyebrow raised. “So very needy, little one…” I chuckled, making them blush and shrug.

“It’s been a long time,” they replied simply. “… Sergeant.”

With a groan punctuating the fracturing of my already tentative resolve, my fingers knotted in their hair to press my lips briefly, hungrily, to theirs, before drawing back to meet their eyes, filled once more with a lust I hadn’t felt the entire time I was gone. “Kneel.”

I couldn’t help but snort at the speed with which they dropped, their eyes blown wide with lust as they gazed up at me. I nodded my appreciation of their immediate return to submission – by my own reaffirmation of the dominant of the two of us was quickly stifled as I fumbled with my belt, heat rising shamefully in my cheeks at my inability. Their hands found mine, eyes soft, offering me a gentle smile of reassurance as they took over, humiliation curling in my stomach. “Hey,” they murmured, leaning forward to press a tender kiss over my hipbone, nuzzling affectionately. “It’s okay. I’ve got you, Soldier. Always.”

My blush faded a little, and I nodded, my fingers moving to curl in their hair instead, eyes closing as I let them take control. The air was chilly on my exposed thighs, and I shivered minutely, earning a soft chuckle and a reassuring rub of my skin. “I’ve missed you so much,” I murmured as my head fell back, only to jerk back forward as gentle kisses were pressed to the straining in my shorts, lids snapping open to take in their blissful expression as their fingers curled in my waistband.

“I’ve missed you too…” they breathed, and I trembled in anticipation as my underwear was lowered, lost in the expression in their eyes as they took in my leaking cock, aching and bobbing with need before them. “I’ve missed this cock…”

“Prove it,” I growled softly, tugging gently on their hair. “I’ve missed that pretty mouth wrapped around me; it’s been so long since I-”

My words died with a deafening groan as they obliged eagerly, licking and sucking at my tip with wanton desire, an unwavering flow of whimpers and whines vibrating their tongue against my length. I hissed between my teeth, fingers tightening as I pressed deeper, feeling the resistance of the back of their throat only briefly before they swallowed around me, my cock sliding deeper as I moaned breathlessly. “Fuck- That’s it, Sweetheart. Just like that… You still remember how to suck cock like a pro, damn…” They whined and nodded as best they could, eyes flicking up to meet mine adoringly, and I purred at the sight of them with their lips spread wide and pupils blown with lust. “I hope you haven’t been practicing while I’ve been gone, angel.”

Their head shook frantically, drawing back in their need to reply. “Never. Not ever. All yours, Sergeant…” I shuddered as they took me again, the years apart making my cock twitch and balls tighten already.

“Fuck- I can’t, baby… I can’t h-hold on, it’s been too long, you’re too g-good…” I stammered, hand hard as I rutted shamelessly into their throat, drawing back only far enough to let them suck in a desperate breath before burying myself once more. For their part, they moved with my thrusts, just as eager for my release as I was, their fingers tight on my hips as they dragged me harder against them, mewling around me eagerly, thighs pressed together. With little warning and a groan of resignation, I plunged myself deeply between their lips, back arching as I found a breathless climax, whimpering at the feeling of their throat clenching repeatedly around me as they swallowed hungrily.

By the time I relaxed, they were licking every drop from my length, nails digging into my skin euphorically and leaving me a shivering, whimpering mess. I drew back slowly, the both of us panting, and leant down to kiss them lightly, moaning at the taste of myself on their lips. “Holy… Fuck… God, that was so good…”

They kissed me back eagerly, shifting from their knees to press themselves against my chest, arms snaking around my neck. “I’ve missed you so much…”

With a soft smile, I kissed them once more, pressing them back against the counter until they hopped up eagerly, legs parting automatically to let me stand between them. My hand instinctively found the front of their shorts, eliciting a gentle moan and a flicker of their lashes. “Shorts off, sweetheart… I’ve missed that pussy.”

They obliged quickly, wriggling desperately against me to shed the inconvenient layer, pressing closer when only their underwear sat between us. My fingers ran over the cotton, and they sighed happily as I groaned. “Look how wet you get, angel… I bet you’ve spent so much time with your hand between your legs, just waiting for me to come home and fuck you…”

With a desperate nod, they rutted against my touch, back arching, one hand fisting at my shirt. “Yes- God, so much… Nothing would ever compare to you, though… I spent so much time begging for my soldier’s big, thick cock to stretch me out again…”

My breath caught in my throat, and I kissed them harder, fingers curling in their underwear and jerking, rough and fast, the material shredding under the force and earning me a sharp gasp and a groan of delight for my efforts. Hand snaking lower, I buried my face in their neck as my fingertips brushed against them, letting out a quiet huff of air as my eyes closed in delight. “So fucking wet, baby. Look how needy you are… Just aching to be stuffed, hm?”

They nodded frantically as I slid two fingers into their slick pussy, eliciting a soft sob of pleasure as they squirmed around me. “I’ve needed you so much, fuck…” they panted, tugging me closer with grasping hands. “Nothing feels as good as you.”

“I bet you tried though, didn’t you?” I purred, trailing gentle kisses down their neck as I worked them open. “I bet you tried so many things in this tight pussy, looking for anything that can make you feel as good as I can…” They nodded again, nails scoring against my skin and making me shiver. “But nothing treats you as well as I do, hm?”

They shook their head, tears spilling from their eyes in utter delight. “Not a damn thing, god-” they gasped and dragged themselves closer with ankles pressed frantically to the back of my thighs, writhing with need. “Fuck me, Sergeant. Please, please just- just fuck me…”

My hand drew back and made them whine, legs parting further in a frantic attempt to press themselves nearer, and I smirked, eyes lowering to the dripping pussy rutting toward me. “Considering you beg so nicely…” I murmured, trailing the tip of my cock over their soaked slit as I stroked myself languidly, waiting for the last few seconds of my refractory period to pass – I wanted myself hard and aching when I was finally inside them again. They squirmed against me and I sunk inside them with a contented sigh, relishing in the sharp gasp as they extended around me.

“Fu-fuck, God – I forgot how big you are, James…” they panted raggedly, clawing at my shirt and the skin beneath as their walls stretched to capacity. I took it slowly for fear of hurting them, but the heels on my thighs pulled me nearer until I was sheathed and trembling, my hand knotting in their hair to kiss them deeply.

“I’m home, baby,” I breathed, hips moving slowly, dissolving into the feeling of their vice-like grip around my length and their frantic, needy breath against my jaw. They could only nod, moving in time with each thrust, whining and squirming desperately. “I’m home and I am never- leaving- again.” I punctuated each word with a quick snap of my hips, relishing in the way their body jerked under my strength as they cried out with pleasure.

“Please! Please, S-Sergeant, please- fuck me harder, I’ve missed you so much, I n-need you, I-”

The end of their pleas cut off sharply into a deafening wail as I acquiesced to their request, hand shifting to their hip to pin them to the counter as I took them roughly. The sound of my skin meeting theirs and the wetness between us incensed me, teeth brushing against the soft flesh of their throat. “So fucking tight,” I growled, my fingertips pressed painfully against their hipbone to anchor them still. “So fucking wet…”

I hesitated only briefly as I realised my own limitations once more, but they simply met my eyes with their sweet mahogany gaze, lips parted in ecstasy. “Please- please, Sergeant Barnes, can I touch my pussy while you fuck me? It feels so good, I don’t know if I can help myself…”

Groaning, I kissed them again, grateful for their anticipation of my needs, nipping gently at their lip. “You’d better, sweetheart… Make yourself come for me, angel. I’ve missed this tight pussy quivering so very desperately around me, making me all soaked and messy…” I redoubled my efforts as they obliged, pounding into them as they moaned, fingers moving quickly against their clit as their free hand grasped at the back of my neck to arch themselves closer to me,

“God- yes, Bucky- Sergeant Barnes, please- please, you’re going to- I’m going to-”

“That’s it, baby,” I snarled, nails digging in as I met their trembling pussy with a bruising pace. “That’s it. You come for me, and I’ll fill up this pretty cunt, just how you like.”

At my growled words, they cried out, body shaking furiously as they convulsed around me, making me groan at the gush of wetness squeezed around my length and the fingers dragging at my hair. The feeling of them finding their release on my cock drove me over the edge, and I hissed their name as I found my own climax, leaning back to appreciate the sight of our mingled essence dripping from their stuffed hole.

Exhausted, tender, and slick with sweat and bodily fluids, I chugged a glass of water breathlessly, standing naked in the starlight shimmering through the kitchen window in the early hours of the morning. As soon as I’d been able to see straight, I’d carried them through to the bedroom, part-softened cock still buried as deeply as I could get inside them. We’d fucked and cuddled until the sun set – and long after – until my growling stomach drove me from the bed as they dozed, absently making a sandwich as I lost myself in the memories of them screaming my name.

I leant against the doorframe with a pair of plates, watching them quietly for a moment. The sheet was resting around their hips, and my gaze trailed their bare spine, skirting the dark curls at the nape of their neck and the eyelashes resting gently on their sleep-flushed cheeks.

I’m home.

I’m finally home.

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Chapter Nine - "The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles."

Winter’s captors reveal their true intentions. CW (contains spoilers!); Kidnapping, torture, physical abuse, slave sale, non-con virginity auction. Prompts used (contains spoilers!); -‘Tomorrow’ – @fandom-free-bingo , Frosty Edition; - “I Don’t Understand.” and ‘Virginity Auction’ – Fandom-Free Bingo, Flight Edition; - ‘Auction’ – Bug’s First Bingo (private event, sorry folks!) - ‘Broken ribs <b>to</b> Stitching Up Wounds’ – @hurtcomfort-bingo; - ‘I Have Your Loved One’ – @badthingshappenbingo; - ‘Coughing Up Blood’ and ‘Auction of Evil’ – @eclipsingbingo; - ‘Torture on Live Broadcast’ – @fandombingo; - ‘Azerbaijan’ – Gen Prompt Bingo; - ‘It’s Just a Flesh Wound.” – @multifandom-flash Mini – Round One (1084); -  ‘Missing’ – @fnafbingo; - ‘Handcuffed’ - @anyfandomdarkbingo.

Check it out below, or on AO3 here! Boards at the bottom, divider by yours truly <3

I shifted uncomfortably, squirming a little as consciousness began to sink in, the dull ache of muscles left cramped and unused spreading throughout my body as my awareness returned. I moved my hand to swipe at my face at the feeling of something brushing lightly against my cheek, but found quick, painful resistance, a thin strip around my wrist pressing sharply into the tender skin. With a minute frown, I explored the space around my hand, fingers tentative as they brushed against a taut string of interlinked loops, one end leading to the metal cuff around my wrist, the other to a smooth, cool cylinder rising from the ground behind me and up out of reach.

A pipe of some kind?

I blinked, but the darkness didn’t abate, almost entire save for the faint patches of light, almost cloudy in their appearance. As I moved again, the feeling of fabric on my face occurred once more, and comprehension dawned.

A blindfold.

My heart rate slowed infinitesimally with the understanding, with a brief permeation of the fog in my mind, and my frown deepened as I fought through the shroud, scrambling for any semblance of memory as to how I had gotten here.

We landed in Indonesia. There was a bar… A boy. We talked for a while, about the job. There was a man watching me… He said something to me, didn’t he? What was it? … What…? I can’t remember…

My eyes had closed to focus in spite of the darkness, but they snapped open again at a sudden, sickening thought, fear sending a chill through my body. Lieutenant Tyne… Greg… He won’t know what happened to me. Is that why they moved my bag? So he’d assume I’d bailed, and he wouldn’t look for me? … Would he give up on me so easily?

I shook my head as best I could, chasing the thoughts from my mind. Whether he was looking for me or not, there was no guarantee he’d find me; I’d have to make my own luck.

I tested the chain holding me carefully, but the inside of the cuff was serrated, and once it broke skin, the pain won out, forcing me to release the tension.

I’ve already lost one hand; I don’t need to-

I froze as realisation set in, casting out my senses uncertainly, jaw clenching when my attempts to flex my left hand came to nothing. Mentally mapping the movement of available muscles left me paralysed with dread, breath hitching in my chest, unable to attend to the desire to curl up and hide myself from any eyes that may be on me.

The fuckers took my arm.

My legs moved readily, albeit secured at the ankle, and I explored as best I could, feeling out the seemingly empty space around me. I was seated on the ground, I concluded – a hard and ridged ground, digging uncomfortably into the backs of my thighs.

It was until I swallowed dryly that I released the unobserved pressure in my ears, and an orchestra of sound fell over me – squeaks and tweets, soft voices murmuring – but most distinctly, and perhaps most importantly, the overwhelming din of engine and blades, accompanied by the distinct, crisp chill found in the inhalation of air on a flight.

Panic threatened to overwhelm me, my breaths coming short and painful, fingers curling automatically in preparation to fight an unknown, unknowable captor.

I felt the aircraft beginning to descend long before rubber met tarmac, several years of Spec Ops working to my advantage, and I braced myself milliseconds before a jolting landing. My observer did not seem so lucky; there was the notable clatter of a body hitting the floor, accompanied by a soft huff of air and a groan of discomfort. I couldn’t keep myself from letting out a derisive snort, but the sound was quickly chased by a yelp as the sole of a heavy boot met my ribcage, driving the breath from my lungs and tears to my eyes as something inside me snapped, leaving a sharp, stabbing sensation in its wake.

“You’ll pay for that, dog,” my captor snapped, scrambling audibly back into his seat as the plane came to a stucco stop.

I know that voice… Don’t I? I can’t remember… I struggled with the haze in my mind, frowning when it came to nothing, fingers clenching into a fist behind my back. “Fuck you,” I snapped back, straightening as best my restraints permitted, a growl building in my chest. “How about you untie me, and we’ll see what you’re really made of?”

Hope bloomed in my stomach as I heard him take slow steps closer, and I clenched my jaw to keep from smiling, forcing my expression to remain challenging and cocky. “You must think me an idiot,” he breathed suddenly in the quiet, his breath ghosting over my face unpleasantly. “I know as well as you do that if I untie you, that moment will be my last – you don’t need your metal arm to make you lethal, do you, Sergeant Barnes?”

I simply snarled back, earning a vicious laugh, and a fist slammed into my diaphragm without warning, leaving me coughing and spluttering as I fought to push air into my incapacitated lungs. “P… Prick,” I wheezed eventually, muscles clenching with fury. “Hitting a man when he barely expects it… A cowardly move.”

“Maybe,” he agreed readily, his voice shifting as he moved beside me. “But the smart one when facing a man such as yourself, Sergeant.” He hummed under his breath, a vaguely familiar tune I distinctly knew, and I grunted with relief when the straining against my bound wrist was released – only to curse again when I learned of the secondary tether, securing bound ankles to wrist with barely enough room to stand straight as he forced me to my feet.

“Why are you doing this to me? What the hell do you want with me?” I spat, rage making my arms – arm - shake with the effort of not attempting to drag my hand from its cuff, letting the skin flay in the process.

“Oh, we don’t,” a second voice laughed, nudging me forward until I stumbled, and jerking me back by the chain between my limbs to keep me upright. “It’s not you we’re after. It’s that bastard captain of yours, always sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. You’re just the bait.”

“My Captain,” I echoed softly, and numbness flowed briefly through my body, muscles constricting and rooting me to the spot. “Lieutenant Tyne…” A sharp shake of my head snapped me back to focus, and I stepped toward the voice, anger breaking through my wall of shock, and heard him stumble back in panic. “You leave him alone! What do you want with him? I’ll kill you if you lay a goddamn hand on him!”

I stilled at the click of a hammer beside my head, cool metal touching lightly to my temple, and let out a low growl of frustration. “Now, now. There’s no need for such threats… I intend only to extend the same offer he once gave to me, though in not so many words. Either he retires from him vigilantism, or we kill one of his very favourite crewmates.”

The blindfold was jerked from my eyes, and I blinked in the sudden bright light, struggling to make out little more than outlines as my vision swam.

As it cleared, I managed to pick out details – a familiar jawline and hooked nose, broad hands wrapped loosely around his gun still levelled a few inches from my head.

Blinking harshly, my vision cleared, and I jerked back, stumbling over restraints at the two men before me, who simply smirked down at me as I sprawled to the ground. “You,” I hissed, eyes narrowing at the fishing boat captain grinning ghoulishly at me. The last time I’d seen this man was squaring off against mu own captain, shortly before I was shot and fell into the ocean.

His companion was even more familiar, and perhaps even more unwelcome. The sailor was as tall as I remembered, staring down and me with undisguised hatred and revulsion, and I fought to keep my expression neutral as I met his gaze. “Walker,” I noted evenly, muscles twitching with fury. “Is this how you repay your Captain?”

“That faggot is no captain of mine,” he sneered, eyes narrowing as I bared my teeth in warning. “And we have the perfect repayment in mind, don’t you worry.”

“I don’t understand,” I muttered, jerking forward as Walker grasped my chains to pull me along. “All he ever wanted to do was make the world a nicer place. How can you hate him so much for that?”

“He’s naïve,” the sailor replied simply, not looking at me as I was lead from the cargo hold of a plan bigger than I expected, dozens of crates being unloaded around us. The cacophony of shrieks and tweets finally made sense as I took in animals packed into cages, clawing, and flapping frantically at the bars. “This is the real world.”

“This is humane,” I countered hotly, shaking with rage. “You can’t do this.”

He smirked, ominous and predatory, head cocked to one side. “Who’s going to stop us? You’ll be out of here by tomorrow – wouldn’t do to have you stay in one place for long, would it?”

“Some things sell even better than parrots and shark fins,” the captain chuckled, his eyes cutting to mine, making the fear flow readily in my veins. “Virgin pussy is a rare commodity, after all.”

The room they put me in was bare, save a wire bed frame with a thin blanket offering little protection against the sharp platform or cold concrete.

I curled in a corner, shivering to myself, my arm wrapped desperately around my quivering frame. My only hope was that they’d leave me be until my sailor came for me - followed closely by the hope that he would never come for me at all. Selfishness and fear stopped me praying for the latter, but it was driven by an intense need for him to be okay. I cursed my survival instinct, this room I found myself in, my willingness to put my trust in a runaway youth – but more than anything, I cursed the men that held me here, and the cruelty of humanity.

I also cursed my own damn bad luck when the door opened and Walker stepped through once more, a cattle prod in hand.

“On your feet, dyke.”

I simply narrowed my eyes, refusing to give the slur legitimacy by responding to it, and he smirked, making the end of his prong crackle and spark. “I won’t ask twice.”

“I’d still ignore if you did,” I quipped back; my trembling removed some of the intimidation from my words, however, and he snorted, moving closer.

“I thought you weren’t going to ask again,” I snorted, continuing to meet his glare with cold defiance, and he lunged, my frozen joints too stiff and sluggish to avoid the blow. The end of the prod landed between my ribs, and I cried out, muscles convulsing and spasming as the volts burned through my body.

By the time I slumped to the floor, weak and twitching, he was laughing aloud, leaning over me with a grin. “Aw, what’s wrong? No funny retort for me now?” My mouth moved silently, and he leaned closer, hand curled theatrically around his ear. “What was that? I don’t seem to be able to hear y-”

He cut off with a grunt as I flung myself at his middle, calling on the reserves of my strength to send him sprawling to the floor, the prod spilling from his grasp and rolling across the concrete with a din. We scrabbled in unison, but I was at a disadvantage – he had twice as many arms, and my motivation wasn’t able to bridge the gap. His fingers closed around the metal rod a heartbeat before  I skimmed it, jerking the barbaric tool out of reach. Our proximity didn’t allow him to deliver another charge, to he simply swung the prod in my direction, leaving me wheezing and retching in blinding in pain as it collided with my already-broken ribs.

I could only lay and whimper, my breaths coming in short, sharp gasps as I fought for some semblance of cognisance. Walker was back on his feet, panting hard, snarling viciously as his fingers tangled in my hair to hoist me bodily from the ground, bringing his face close to mine as he sneered. “Bad choice, freak,” he purred, pausing for only a moment before jerking his head forward to collide heavily with my nose, earning a yelp as the bone shattered under the blow.

I was blinded by tears as he dragged me from the room, helpless to do anything but obediently follow the hand in my hair as I choked on the blood, stumbling and dumb.

“Finally! What took so- Fuck! What the hell did you do? This isn’t going to work if he isn’t recognisable, idiot!”

The sound of flesh colliding with flesh punctuated the snarling voice, and the hand left my hair, leaving me to sink to my knees, coughing blood onto the floor as I clawed desperately at the ground, fighting violently for each breath.

A hand cupped my chin, surprisingly gentle as my head was tipped up, the face of the Captain blurred by the water still gathered along my lash line. “Look at that face,” he tutted, shaking his head sympathetically, holding me more firmly as I tried to turn my gaze toward a pained cry. “No, no - just look here. It’s okay.” He offered me an insincere smile, eyes flicking over my shoulder, jaw stiffening as he nodded to someone unknown behind me. “See? Everything is okay. I just need to remind some of my men that failure to follow orders is not going to work here.”

I blinked hard, trying to flush the last of the tears from my vision, throat still thick and clammy with the taste of my own blood. “Why me?” I breathed, voice cracking. “Why do you think he’s going to care enough about me to track us down? To stop doing what he loves?”

The smile returned, more genuine now, a cruel turn of his lip taunting me. “Oh, he’s very partial to his crew, I hear. Especially his little pet.” A soft growl escaped me, quickly followed by a grunt as his fist found my gut, waves of nausea overwhelming me, spots darkening my vision. “See? That’s how we do it, boys. Keep the bruises below the collar – we need that pretty face intact, don’t we?” He moved to his feet, staring down at me as his gaze grew cold. “Make sure this one knows exactly what we’ll do to him if he doesn’t do as we tell him. I’ll go and deal with the petulant child with impulse control issues.”

He stepped away, leaving four men to close in on me, not looking back as the blows began to land – heavy military boots tenderising every inch of my flesh covered by fabric, obediently avoiding my face. He didn’t turn even as I cried out, and I kept my gaze on him until he slipped through the half-open door, finally curling into a protective ball under the endless volley of kicks.

By the time the Captain returned, I’d been dragged upright into a chair, barely conscious as I wheezed and fought for breath. The blood trickled steadily from the corner of my mouth, spraying the floor when I coughed, the motion causing a searing pain across my ribcage and a soft whimper to leave my bitten lips.

He assessed me for a moment, moving closer to grasp my chin, tipping my head from side to side roughly. “… Good. Not so hard to listen, is it? These foreign boys – no discipline.” He nodded approvingly to his soldiers, still stood around me in silence. Not a word had been said as they’d beaten me, even when I’d broken and begged them to stop, every inch of me aching and pulsing with pain.

Please. Please, Lieutenant Tyne…

Please don’t come for me.

They won’t let you leave with a promise. They’ll kill you. I can’t watch you die…

The Captain cleared his throat as he pointed over his shoulder, gesturing into the far corner. “See that?” I nodded silently as I followed his thumb, a camera pointed in my direction. “That was broadcasting everything – every moment of my boys here having their fun with you – straight to loverboy’s cell phone. I have it on good authority that he watched every second; he was quite upset, by all accounts.” He grinned, and I snarled again, the fire of fight flickering weakly in my chest at the thought of my Captain being tormented. “Yes, yes – very scary. You can barely sit up; you’re not exactly in a state to be making threats.” Defiance kept my back straight, fingers curling against the arm of the chair where I was tied, but the warning rumble in my chest died as blood gurgled in my throat once more, making me hack and struggle for breath until it passed. “Poor boy. Don’t worry – we’re almost done with you for today. Just one more thing you have to do.”

He moved from my line of sight, and I didn’t have the energy to turn my head. I could only sit, hunched and exhausted, until he returned, setting up a tripod in front of me, the mounted camera pointing at my face. “You are going to give a message to that Captain of yours.”

I shook my head fiercely, the motion making my stomach churn, jaw clenched. “No.”

An eyebrow raised, and he nodded over my shoulder. My groan was ragged as I slumped to the side, side aching with the force of the blow. “Would you like to reconsider?”

By the time I was eventually returned to my cell, I was limp and bloody, each breath coming with the telltale rasp of broken ribs through still-swollen lips.

Everything hurt.

The split along my cheekbone had been raggedly stitched closed and cleaned, blood wiped from my skin with an utter absence of care and consideration. When I’d been deemed acceptable – and my co-operation had been dragged from my reluctant lips one blow at a time – the camera had started rolling, and I pleaded with my invisible lover to rescue me.

“If you don’t get in touch, they’re going to kill me, Greg. Please.”                      

“I don’t know where I am; you won’t be able to find me. Don’t waste time looking.”

“I’m scared.”

The lines I’d been forced to deliver haunted me, reverberating in my aching skull without pause. I hoped he’d see the plea in my eyes – would see that I didn’t want to be doing this, that I didn’t want him to come for me.

I’d have gladly given my life for his to keep him safe – especially considering I had no confidence that they’d actually let me go, whether he showed up or not. I wasn’t even certain I’d be here if he surrendered himself for me; they’d already planned to sell me off, after all.

Tomorrow…

They were selling me to the highest bidder, where I’d be used and abused to their heart’s content, with no regard for me. For my sanity, or autonomy, or comfort. I’d be a slave to their whims and wants.

I’d rather die.

The night passed slowly, painfully, in an endless cycle of trying and failing to cradle my broken body in a comfortable position. Each time I began to drift off, an ache or sharp stab of pain would startle me awake, jerking my injured limbs and making me whimper. The thin mattress beneath me proved no match for the protruding wire frame, and after a few hours I dragged it to the floor, trading piercing discomfort for the seeping cold of the concrete. My bones ached at the creeping chill, the metal inside my shoulder radiating pain through my chest.

It was the longest night of my life, but I’d have done it a hundred times over to keep the door from opening.

But none of my prayers and begging meant a thing – time marched on, in the way it is known to do, and eventually the door opened once more. I blinked at the harsh light streaming into the space, momentarily blinding me and leaving only a vague, hulking outline.

“Up.”

I scrambled to my feet obediently, bones still aching at the memory of what happened last time I dared refuse their orders. The brightness eased, revealing a few blurry details – the sharp cut of a jaw and the swell of strong muscles, both as intimidating as each other in their own way. He stepped closer, and I flinched, fingers curling into a defensive fist automatically, earning a wry smirk. “Don’t bother. I’ve been told my aim is to keep the facial bruising to a minimum – but there’s nothing stopping me from snapping a few more of your ribs. So be good, and come quietly.” I hesitated for a moment longer, muscles tense, before relaxing in resignation, my hand loosening weakly. His face spread into a lazy smile, and he jerked his head indicatively over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

What choice do I have?

I slunk forward, falling into step behind him, my movements pained and slow. He hardly glanced at me as he turned, and certainly gave no consideration to my discomfort; when I couldn’t match his pace, his hand wrapped in the scruff of my shirt, and I yelped as he jerked me forward, scrabbling uselessly against the floor in an effort to find my feet.

I felt... Cowed, and humiliated, at how easily I’d become helpless. The pain coating every inch of me had a lot to answer for – but more than anything, I felt stripped bare and vulnerable without my arm, all the fight taken from me with the metal. It had been longer than I could remember since I’d been without it for any extended period of time, the sensation clumsy and lopsided.

Weak.

And so it was with a lowered head that I let myself be pushed into a chair, hands rough as they poked and prodded at me. My skin was scrubbed roughly, changing dirt- and blood-streaked sun-kissed tan to sensitive crimson, raw and aching. Harsh fingers on my chin pulled my head upright to wipe the skin clear, pale eyes calculating as they peered at my face, and my mouth dropped silently.

“... I- Walker?” I breathed, wincing at the split across the bridge of his nose, the skin swollen and vibrant, a long gash running from eyebrow to cheekbone. His gaze flicked to mine for a heartbeat before he returned to task, jaw set. “What the hell happened to y-”

His fist meeting my gut drove the air from my lungs with a pained grunt, free hand wrapping in my hair to jerk me back upright. “Shut the fuck up, and hold still,” he spat, eyes narrowed hatefully. “I don’t need pity from someone like you.”

My muscles tensed with annoyance, and I swallowed any further questions, staying still and silent under his rough touch. Fine. Fuck you, then. I hope you rot in the prison you made for yourself.

Nodding with approval, he moved behind me, the touch of cold metal at my throat making me panic. I jerked forward to meet hard resistance, pressure on my windpipe making me cough and splutter as a soft click finalised my slavery.

His fingers caught on the mats in my hair as he dragged through it quickly, smoothing it as best the dirt and sweat allowed. I went to stand when he stopped, presuming him to be done with me, but was met with a snarl and a vicious jerk on the collar. “Stay,” he spat, the flat of his hand meeting the back of my head sharply. I cowered under the blow, fingers curling tight around the chain joined to my ankles, wishing more than anything that I could do something – anything – other than fearfully obey.

I should be fighting. Trying to run. Trying to get away, I noted distantly – but terror and pain held me fast, more afraid of the consequences when I was inevitably caught than I was ashamed of meekly going along with what they desired of me.

The feeling of the blade against the nape of my neck made me stiffen, sweat beading under the sharp tip. I hardly dared breathe as he applied pressure slowly, the edge working slightly into my flesh before jerking down sharply, cutting lightly through the flesh as the material of shirt split under the pressure. I let out a soft yelp, and he snorted. “Shut up. It’s just a flesh wound – get a grip.”

Heat pooled beneath my cheekbones as the fabric was torn from my body, recoiling in shame at the exposure. I couldn’t help the quiet whimper that escaped my lips as the blade met my waistband, and Walker snorted, shaking his head. “Cry all you like. I don’t care; people want to see what they’re buying, after all.”

“You don’t have to do this,” I whispered, turning my gaze to him desperately, shame and revulsion overpowering the fear at last. “Please, Walker… Please don’t do this.”

His eyes met mine for a moment, and I held my breath, staring intently for any sign of reluctance or guilt. But there was only cold detachment as he considered his response, a smile playing lightly on his lips as he leaned in. “You’re right,” he murmured, tapping the tip of the knife against my hipbone thoughtfully. “I don’t have to do this…” His smirk grew wider as the blade dug in once more, and a low chuckle sounded beside my ear. “I want to.”

I snarled and jerked away as best I could, until his free hand found my throat, pinning me back against my seat as he worked the knife under my trousers, cutting through the elastic and material with ease until I sat only in my underwear, legs clamped together in shame. He rolled his eyes again as he released me, stepping back, lip curled in disgust.

“I have no interest in touching you, don’t worry – you disgust me. And besides,” he gestured vaguely over his shoulder with the knife, grinning maniacally, “Someone out there is going to pay a lot to break you in; who would I be to deny them their money’s worth?”

I bared my teeth hatefully, a snarl of pure disdain building in my chest. “I disgust you? I’m not the one selling people into slavery. Say what you will about me, but at least I’m not some scumbag trafficker.”

He stiffened, light eyes growing dark as he moved closer once more, his voice low and soft and full of venom. “See, that’s just it, isn’t it? You’re not people. We don’t deal in people. We deal in exotic animals, and freaks. And there’s certainly nothing exotic about you.” His fingers wrapped around my collar once more, jerking me to my feet, and I scrambled to keep some weight on my toes as desperation threatened to overpower me. “Just one more touch, I think….” he murmured, cocking his head thoughtfully before dropping me back into my seat to cough and gasp for breath. He stepped away, and I rubbed at my raw throat, feeling the weight of the metal against my neck – unignorable and inescapable.

My hand was swatted aside, and I froze obediently as his own found the collar once more, the other holding up a tag swinging lightly from a silver ring. “This is you now. Creatures like you don’t have names, do they? Not until their master gives them one.” He hummed tunelessly under his breath as he attached the tag to the collar, stepping back with a smirk. “On your feet, Asset Eleven.”

Leather cut into the corners of my mouth as I was led by a thick chain around my collar, laid bare for all to see - soft, weak, pliable.

Fragile.

The brush of the tag against my throat made me nauseous, the inscription feeling burned to my skin.

Asset.

 Is that all I am now?

Property, to be bought and sold?

Is my humanity worth so little?

I grunted around the gag, earning a jerk to the leash and a snarl from my captor. “Stop it. Behave yourself – it’s for your own good, trust me. Some of these men would be looking for a spirited one to break. You want the ones who are looking for someone meek,” Walker warned, shooting me a glare. “So shut the hell up, and be good.”

With a wince, I ducked my head, stomach rolling at the idea of people who would relish in breaking my spirit.

Not that there was much left to break.

The bright lights pointed at the makeshift stage made the space beyond an endless darkness, punctuated only with gleaming eyes and flashes of white paddles embossed with black numbers. I was blinded as I was jerked forward, stumbling in the spotlights, blinded and shell-shocked at where I found myself. The mumbles and mutters died out, a stunned silence settling over the gathered group. It was hard to distinguish, between the half-glances and impenetrable darkness, quite how many people were sat staring – but the reflection of light on eyes came from two dozen points, all focused unerringly on me. I pulled instinctively against my chains, filled with the need to cover myself – to ball up into an impenetrable mass, tucking softness and scar away from their prying. But I only managed to tug painfully on my shoulder, metal biting into my skin as I strained until a sharp tug on my leash make me cease.

“Asset Eleven. Previously a member of the US Army, most recently sailing under the Shark Defence Initiative. As you can see, this product is somewhat defective, and has experienced total traumatic removal of the left arm at the shoulder. However…” I looked to the Captain as he paused, but he didn’t so much as glance at me, grinning broadly as he gestured with the energy of a ringmaster. “Its strength is not to be underestimated. The Asset also comes with a detachable left arm – this should be applied with caution, following a strict training schedule, as the Asset tends to become more volatile when attached. But the true benefit of this product lies in the unique interaction between strength and pleasure.” His smile grew wider as the murmurs recommenced, and the Captain moved closer, his fingertips brushing lightly over the scars at my chest, making my skin crawl. “The creature you see before you is female – and unused.”

I fought back the tears pricking at my eyes as the mutters increased, their curiosity piqued. I strained to object, but the gag smothered my words, and the Captain jerked sharply on my leash, chuckling tersely. “As you can see, it has some behavioural issues… This one would require a firm hand.”

Wincing, I dropped my head once more as Walker’s words echoed in my mind, carefully keeping my eyes away from the men who were jeering and whooping at the very notion of breaking me down.

“We’ll start the bidding at… What say you? $100?”

I couldn’t help it – my jaw dropped in disbelief. Hand after hand raised, a number of paddles vying for the opportunity to own me. I was… Irrationally offended.

So not only am I being bought and sold like goods – I’m not even valuable goods?

That feels worse. Why does that feel worse?

I swallowed the bile building in my throat, jaw set with righteous indignation as I raised my chin, refusing to be cowed by these men who could decide my life was worth so little. How could I let these men – these monsters – decide my worth? I stared out at the gathering with hatred burning in my gaze, not permitting my eyes to lower for a heartbeat longer.

“Five hundred dollars – do we have eight?”

“A thousand to the fine gentleman on the left here; will anyone raise the price, or will our auction end here? Remember, whoever purchases this Asset will not only be getting a strong one, but also the opportunity to break in that sweet virgin puss- There we go, twelve hundred!”

“Fifteen hundred going once, going tw- sixteen hundred! Got in there at the last moment, sir – ma’am, I do apologise! Well done. Anyone else? No? Once…. Twice… Sold!”

A polite round of applause snapped me from my hateful trance, and I followed the eyes of the captain, but could see little in the darkness save a figure moving through the masses, head down. Tugging sharply on the chain around my neck, I could do nothing but glare venomously into the abyss as I shuffled away, the bonds that held me fast limiting my speed.

Walker was once again the one handling me when I was led down seemingly endless halls, the adrenaline and fight leaving me, shoulders slumped in defeat.

“I warned you,” he snorted, shaking his head without glancing back. “All you managed to do was make us richer, and probably ended up being bought by someone you wouldn’t want to be.”

I snarled my distaste through the gag, finally earning a brief look, his eyes rolling. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. You’ll regret the attitude when you’re chained up in basement somewhere crying for that fag you call a C-”

I reacted without thinking – without consideration for my restraints – as he came to a stop, free hand resting lightly on the doorknob before us. My unaltered shoulder met the middle of his spine, sending him slamming into the wood with a grunt and a thud. When the door splintered under the blow, I winced, stepping back – I’d managed the attack only with the element of surprise, but anyone on the other side of the door was almost certainly than I could handle right now.

Even if I die for that, it will have been worth it.

When Walker hit the floor, sprawling with a groan atop the split wood, I gazed dumbfounded at the duo stood on the other side, seemingly just as shocked to see me as I was to the see them.

My legs gave way as a sob burst from my chest, terror and relief sending me sinking to the floor. My Captain moved quickly, catching me and crushing me against his body with murmured words of reassurance I couldn’t make out through the blood pounding in my ears. I could think of nothing save burying my face in his shirt, inhaling the scent of ocean and sweat and safety desperately, drinking in his unique aroma like a drowned man coming up for air.

He held me like that only for a few moments before drawing back, gaze soft on mine as his fingers gently reached for my gag. We winced in unison as he removed it – me in pain and he in sympathy, the material sticking where it had sliced into the corners of my mouth. Licking my lips, they parted to ask any of the hundred questions circulating my mind, but the intention was interrupted by a low groan from behind him.

His eyes turned dark as he looked around, the hands on my body unconsciously growing tighter, and he stood, still cradling me carefully to his chest despite my size. My fingers tangled desperately in his shirt, breath hitching as I clung until my joins began to ache. “You’re here… I can’t believe you’re here. How are you here?”

Glancing at me briefly, he brushed a soothing, tender kiss over my forehead. “Later. We need to move.”

“And this one?” Neri prompted, pushing back her hood and making the prone ex-sailor grunt with a fierce kick to the ribs. Greg’s gaze was hard once more as they lowered to his former crewmate, hatred filling the mahogany depths.

“I won’t make the same mistake twice,” he replied softly. Gently, he placed me on my feet, untangling my grip and gesturing his first mate closer to take my weight as I slumped against him. “Take him the way we came, and wait for me there. He’s seen enough.”

I growled weakly in protest, but relief had drained any dregs of adrenaline-fueled energy from my system – without Neri’s arm around my waist, I doubted I’d be upright. Despite my feeble attempts to complain, she guided me unsteadily forward, past the man now staring fearfully up at his old Captain and through a door on the other side of the small room. I expected her hand on the soft curve of my hip to make me uncomfortable – but I was too stunned, too emotionally numbed by the last two days to feel much of anything at all. There was only exhaustion as she closed the door behind us, letting me lean against the wall.

“Are you okay?” she asked quietly, drowning out the murmurs on the other side of the wood. I offered her a weak, tired smile, shrugging my shoulder.

“I’ve been better… But I’ll be okay.”

She nodded once, the gesture short and sharp as her eyes assessed the corridor beyond us. “Glad to hear it, sailor. I don’t like flying; I’d really rather not do that again anytime soon, okay? So if you could avoid getting kidnapped again anytime in the near future, that’d be great.”

I snorted softly, affectionately rolling my eyes. “I’ll do my best, but no promises. I’m pretty kidnappable, after all.” She laughed aloud, and we shared a grin for a moment before my expression broke once more and grew serious. “… He shouldn’t be here. It’s him they’re after; he shouldn’t have-”

“There was no way he wasn’t coming after you, so don’t even bother finishing that thought,” she interrupted absently, continuing to glance warily around. “These guys are dangerous, but they’re stupid. I got into the auction without issue, and he used the distraction to get back here. Nobody knows we’re here.”

“Casualties?” I probed softly, and the door opened, the Captain stepping forward with a silver key dangling between two fingers.

“Only one,” he replied evenly, and I swallowed as he turned to close the door deliberately behind him. “Nobody that will be missed.”

“I’m sorry,” I murmured as he knelt before me, and he glanced up with a frown, hands pausing on the chains around my feet.

“What on Earth are you sorry for, Snowflake?” His head cocked sweetly, brow furrowed, and I couldn’t help but smile, fingertips moving to follow the sharp line of his jaw in adoration.

“I’m sorry you had to do that. He worked with you for a long time – you shouldn’t have had to-”

His mouth on mine interrupted me, moving firmly as he held me tightly to his chest, one hand finding my hair to keep me pressed against him. I could only sigh into the kiss, eyes squeezing shut as tears pricked my lash line. “I’d burn the world down for you, Schneeflocke. I’m in love with you.”

Shock had my lids snapping open once more as I stumbled back in surprise, my jaw slack. “You- what?”

His smile was tender as he tried not to chuckle, amusement sparkling in the burnt sienna depths of his eyes. “I love you, Winter. Of course I do... I’ve never been so afraid as when I thought I’d lost you. After I got that live stream, I thought... I thought you were dead. I don’t think I’ve ever been so grateful to see your face as when I got that video – even if it made me furious in equal measure.” He reached out once more, carefully skimming the stitches on my cheekbone with a wince. “We’d already narrowed down the stream’s location to East Azerbaijan, so... I was on my way before we knew exactly where you were. I wasn’t risking you disappearing on me again, sweet boy.”

I blushed softly, tilting my face into his touch. “I love you too, Lieutenant Tyne.”

We stood that way for a few heartbeats, grinning like fools and staring into one another’s eyes, until Neri cleared her throat pointedly. “Not to interrupt what is, truly, a very sweet moment – but we really need to get out of here...”

Greg held my gaze for a moment longer, seemingly as unable to look away as I was, before clearing his throat, shifting his hand to mine. “Let’s go.”

My collar hit the ground as we stepped away, and he left it where it fell without looking back.

I followed them through an endless maze of corridors, blindly trusting Neri as she led the way, the arm around my waist the only focus of my attentions. His touch on my bare skin was all I could register, the blank walls passing without notice – but the exhaustion was beginning to seep into my bones, and I started to stumble more and more as my depleted body struggled to keep going.

“We’re almost there. Almost out,” Greg murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple gently. I nodded weakly – before slamming to a halt, almost slipping from his grasp at my sudden change of direction.

“We can’t. We- I need my arm. And there’s so many birds, and lizards – we can’t just- We have to do something,” I begged, fingers curling tight against his bicep in my desperation. “Please, Greg. We have to go back. We have to do something.” The Captain blinked in disbelief before shaking his head hard, mouth opening to object, but I scowled and interrupted. “All this started when you left me to save some baby lizards. We met because we both wanted to save the oceans. Are we really going to be able to live with ourselves if we walk away from this now?”

He watched me for a moment before glancing to Neri, who simply shrugged helplessly. “You can barely stand,” he argued, turning his pleading gaze back to me. “You can’t do this right now, Snowflake. I need to get you out of here; you’re the most important thing in the world to me.”

I leaned up to kiss his cheek gently, offering him a soft smile as I stepped free of his embrace, trying to pretend my legs weren’t shaking. “If I don’t do this, I’m not the man you fell in love with. I’m going back, Captain. I won’t judge you if you don’t judge me, but I can’t walk away from this. I won’t condemn anyone to captivity, human or animal. And there could be more people here,” I added, my voice lowering as I verbalised the ugly truth that had been weighing on me. “I can’t… I need to know.”

His eyes cleared, brow relaxing, and he nodded once, reaching out to squeeze my fingers once more. “Well, I can’t let you do this alone, can I?”

Neri snorted, shaking her head, long hair swaying about her waist. “You’re mad, both of you,” she scoffed, and glanced once more toward the exit before looking back at us with a sigh. “I’m not missing out on being part of this story. Let’s go.”

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

The Real Winter Soldier.

Bucky's reputation proceeds as he heads out one night to relieve some stress - but perhaps people know him less than they think when he decides to eliminate an enduring problem, with climactic results. Prompts fulfilled: ‘Boys With Pretty Eyes’ – Bug’s First Bingo (@unfortunate-beetle-and-friends); ‘Bad Reputation’ – Build-a-Bucky Bingo (@buckybarnesevents); ‘Bi-Wildered’ and ‘Stalker with a Crush’ – @multifandom-flash (Double) - Blackout! Find the Masterlist here!; ‘Anonymous Sex’ (Alternate) – The Woods Are Lovely, Dark, and Deep (@darcylewisbingohq); ‘Do it Again’ and ‘Submissive Lover’ – @fandom-free-bingo (Frosty Edition). CW: Smut.

Check it out below, or on AO3 here. Boards at the bottom. This awesome divider is by @atlasscrumpit!

I’d heard of the place a few times over the years. It always sparked the same idea, but I’d pushed it away time and again, hoping that the situation would eventually rectify itself.

But it didn’t, and now I was here – standing outside a nondescript building, identifiable only by a small plaque by the black door, shining gold letting declaring ‘innominate’.

My hands shook as I stepped inside, clad in unremarkable, anonymous black, my hood up, the lower portion of my face obscured by a dark face mask, printed with the lower half of an ominous skull.

Anonymous I may be, but I still had a reputation to uphold.

The inside was surprisingly light and airy, and the blonde girl behind the pale wooden counter beamed broadly as I entered.

“Hi! Welcome to innominate. Is this your first visit with us?”

Her jovial, upbeat tone eased my nerves somewhat, and I nodded silently, nervous about how identifiable my voice may be. She clapped her hands excitedly, leaning forward in her seat. “Amazing! Would you like to hear about anonymity policies, or just dive right in?”

“I-” I broke off quickly, clearing my throat and dropping my voice another octave before continuing, “I have identifying… Marks. How certain are you that the… Individual won’t tell anyone I was here, if they recognize me?”

Her smile softened sympathetically, and she shook her head. “All of our staff sign intensive NDAs. We have been in business for eight years, and have never had a single breach in confidentiality, despite catering to some of the city’s most elite.”

I nodded slowly, distinctly impressed by their success rate, feeling somewhat reassured. “I’m pleased to hear that. So… How does this- How do I…?”

She grinned once more, sliding a tablet over the counter. “This shows who’s currently available, and will let you know a little about them. Take all the time you need; just let me know who you decide on, and I’ll show you through when you’re ready.”

Another nod, and I took a seat, pulling my hood a little further over my head as someone else entered.

“Oh! Welcome back, miss. The usual?” the receptionist chirruped, and the patron chuckled.

“Yes, please, Evangeline. I’m rather fond of Roxy.”

One of the images on my screen – a heavily pierced and tattooed individual, sporting black lipstick and sharp eyeliner – vanished immediately. The client turned and caught my eye as I glanced up curiously, the crinkle in her forehead giving away the smile beneath her blue face mask. “Ah… New meat?” I hesitated before nodding, and she winked broadly. “Don’t worry. It’s not as scary as you think. You’ll be fine.”

I grinned behind my own mask, inclining my head gratefully and earning a happy wave in response before she trotted off, her enthusiasm evident.

I was halfway through the catalogue, having come across several possibilities, but there was nothing – nobody – yet who particularly spoke to me, until a pair of gorgeous mahogany eyes bore into mine.

Oh…

My finger tapped the image automatically, opening the file to a flurry of pictures, my breath catching in my throat.

Oh.

The man was stretched out in a variety of poses and degrees of dress, brandishing a selection of whips and canes, handcuffs and ropes, his biceps tensed and the muscles of his back flexed beneath an expertly rendered tattoo of a ship.

The Lieutenant Age: 28 Height: 6’0” Body Type: Muscular Kinks: Shibari, marking, squirting, sub/dom dynamics, sadomasochism, anal. Preferred gender: Any and all! Specialises in: BDSM, inexperience.

The Lieutenant was previously a Navy man, so he knows his way around ropes and has endless patience. His confidence in his own skill is so high, he offers a money-back guarantee if climax is not achieved within sixty minutes*.

*Denial practices and similar render this guarantee null and void.

Oh. Well. He seems… Nice?

I reapproached the desk shyly, the tablet clenched between my fingers. The receptionist – Evangeline, apparently – looked up as I stood before her, fixing me with another encouraging smile. “You’ve made your decision?” With a small, sheepish nod, I offered the device back to her, the man’s face staring up between us incriminatingly. She grinned a little wider, her gaze finding mine knowingly. “A good choice. He’s highly rated. Did you bring any special instructions?”

“Special instructions?” I repeated uncertainly, my palms sweating.

She quickly shook her head, hands raised to soothe my nerves. “Some patrons like to provide specific instructions for their meeting. You could prepare some now, if you’d like?” I hesitated briefly before shaking my head, and she nodded once, making a note. “Well, if you visit us again, it may be worth bearing in mind – certain outfits, scenarios, equipment…” I swallowed anxiously, and she beamed. “No requirement, of course; it’s just something to consider. So – are you ready to go through?”

With an uncertain nod, I fell into place behind her as she lead the way down a hall behind the desk, my heart racing. She paused beside a blank door, a plaque similar to the one on the outside of the building secured to the wall, ‘The Lieutenant’ shimmering at me in that same ethereal gold. With a gentle knock, she opened the door slightly, ushering me forward with a thumbs up and a mouthed ‘have fun!’.

Most of the room appeared as if a standard bedroom – a four-poster bed with red silk sheets, a floor length mirror, a couple of wardrobes… And a number of unidentifiable, intimidating contraptions to one side, half-obscured by a hanging sheet.

But the focus of the space was undoubtedly the man lounging on the bed, one hand behind his head, dark eyes shifting to mine as I leant against the door.

“There’s a form for you to fill out on the desk… Bring it to me when you’re done, and we’ll make a start. It’s nothing serious,” he added with a grown when I hesitated, a hint of an accent sending a shiver down my spine. “Just preferences, hard limits, interests… Things like that.”

I knotted my fingers in front of myself nervously pulling at the tips of the glove on my left hand uncertainly. “I, uh…” I trailed off, and he chuckled.

“You won’t surprise me. I’ve seen it all.” I winced as he spoke, looking away, and he hesitated. “You’ve never… Explored?”

“I’ve never been with a man,” I replied shortly, my cheeks colouring, and heard him rise from the bed, crossing over to stand before me. The rolled-up sleeves of his shirt exposed strong forearms, and I swallowed dryly as I shifted my gaze to his.

“You’ve never been with anyone.”

“I’ve been with people!” I retorted hotly, face flaming, falling silent when he raised an eyebrow pointedly. “I… I’ve done… Some things. Giving things. With som- with one person. …Once.”

“My, my… The great Bucky Barnes is a virgin, hm?”

My head snapped up in surprise, feeling myself pale. “How- Why would you think that I’m-”

“I’d recognise those eyes anywhere.”

With a dry swallow, I tugged down my mask, smirking with far more bravado than I felt. “What are you – some kind of stalker with a crush, or something?”

“Just a fan of attractive men with a bad reputation,” he quipped back, moving a little closer. “I’ve warmed myself on many a cold night thinking about those baby blues staring up at me while you’re on your knees – or down at me while I’m on mine.”

I gulped audibly as he rested a hand against the door beside my head, the warmth of his breath ghosting over my skin as he smiled. “You must have come here today with some idea of what you wanted, Winter Soldier. Why don’t you tell me the things that have you squirming and stroking that cock, and I’ll see what I can do to make them come true?”

A shy shrug, and my eyes flicked to his once more, tongue darting out to wet my dry lips nervously. “I… Y-You can do anything you like to me, Lieutenant. I just kind of want to get it over with.”

He sighed with a grin, thumb trailing gently over my jaw. “No, no, boy. I’m going to take my sweet time with you. You’ve given me a very high honour, and I intend to make the very most of it.” I blushed, and he smirked, grasping my chin between his fingers. “But… If you’d like to give me free range, I’ll make sure and certain to make your world implode.” I nodded quickly as he leant closer, my breath hitching in my chest as his mouth paused a half-inch from mine. “Say ‘yes, Sir.”

“Y-Yes, Sir…” I stammered at a whisper, and no sooner had the words left my lips than they were pressed firmly to his, my back meeting the wood hard as I whimpered quietly. His fingers knotted in my hair, free hand sliding up the edge of my shirt to grasp my hip as he pressed himself to me. The feeling of his cock digging into my abdomen made me tremble nervously, and he pulled back far enough to shoot me a grin.

“So you’ve never touched another man, hm?” he purred, mouth trailing over my throat as I gasped and shook my head. His hand found mine, guiding my fingers to the straining in his slacks and inhaling sharply at my tentative touch. I let my body react instinctively, free hand seeking his belt, eager to have his skin against my own, and he snorted. “So enthusiastic, huh? You go right ahead, snowflake. Put those hands to good use… And then we’ll see what that mouth can do.”

The sound that emanated from my chest was embarrassingly needy, earning a chuckle from the man pressing me to the door, my hand reaching into his underwear. He groaned roughly against my neck, hips twitching into my palm as I caressed him clumsily, before snorting softly. “Just relax, Snowflake. You’re overthinking it... Just do what you’d do to yourself.”

My hand stuttered on his length, and I bit my lip nervously as his lips skirted my collarbone, fingers slowly pressing higher up my stomach, trailing lightly over my ribs. “I-I, uh...”

His other hand worked to cup the front of my jeans, and he froze, leaning back with his eyebrows raised. “... Did I... Are you not... Enjoying yourself?”

My face heated, and I shook my head quickly. “No- I mean, I am, I- This is good, I just- I’m really enjoying myself, it’s just that-”

“Hey.” I met his eyes, and he smiled softly. “It’s okay. Take your time; I just want you to have a good experience, yeah?” I nodded slowly, shyly, and he cupped the back of my neck to pull me with him, kissing me deeply whilst moving toward the bed.

I let out a soft gasp as my back hit the sheets, his body half atop mine, squeezing his length gently and earning a quiet whine for my effort. His fingers slipped into my waistband, lips at my throat, and my eyes fixed on the canopy overhead as his hand shifted lower.

“... Oh. Oh. I see...”

I winced, muscles tensing as he froze, tears pricking my eyes. “I’m sorry,” I breathed, voice cracking, and his head shot up quickly.

“You- What? Why?” His hand was still in my pants as I shrugged, and he kissed me softly. “You have nothing to apologise for. This doesn’t change a damn thing. I just didn’t- I had no idea that you... I shouldn’t have assumed, though.”

With a weak chuckle, I shrugged again, hyperaware of his fingers resting gently on my freshly shaved crotch. “Nobody knows. Except... Well, you, now.”

“Do you want me to carry on?” he breathed, smiling when I nodded, his lips brushing mine once more. “Anything I shouldn’t... Say? Touch?” I shook my head, trembling lightly, and he purred, nuzzling into my jaw. “Relax, boy... I’m going to show you the stars.”

My muscles unclenched, and I nodded, eyes closing as his fingers crept lower.

Oh. Oh. Oh, wow...

My back arched as his fingertips brushed against my tender clit, a humiliating groan bursting from my lips, making him chuckle against me. “That’s it – god, so needy... Look how eager you are for me, snowflake...” His thumb skirted light circles over my clit as his fingers slid lower, trailing along my wetness, grunting with pleasure as my legs inched apart automatically. “Tell me to stop at any time,” he whispered. No sooner had I nodded than one fingertip pressed inside me gently, making my body clench automatically against the intrusion. His hand paused, lips caressing my throat to relax me, murmuring soft encouragement into my skin until he could continue.

“Oh...” I breathed as my body began to react to his gentle touches, any thoughts of pleasing him briefly pushed from my mind as I fisted the sheets in my ecstasy. “Oh... Oh, God...”

He chuckles quietly, shifting to kneel beside me, freeing his hand to jerk my jeans down with a grin. “My fantasy requires very little reworking...” His eyes found mine, earth and ocean locked together, and he smiled a little more softly. “I’m still going to want those eyes on me when I taste you.”

I gulped and nodded, propping myself up on my elbows to watch him as he slid my boxers down my legs, a low shiver working through my body anxiously. Rough palms on my thighs sent sparks of pleasure along my nerves, and a gasp was torn from my lips as he tugged my legs apart, exposing my wetness to him shamelessly. His gaze sparkled as he took me in, chewing on his lip eagerly for a moment before he dropped to his chest, burying his face against me with a groan.

I yelped in pleasure, back arching when his tongue trailed the length of me, one hand on each of my thighs pressing them further to offer myself to him without hesitation. He drew back just long enough to grin up at me, winking as he licked his lips. “Mmm... Every bit as delicious as I imagined.” My head fell back as he returned his tongue to my slit, finger working its way back inside me. My eyelids fluttered in pleasure, a soft whine sneaking between my teeth as he licked and sucked at me, but I couldn’t help stiffening when a second digit brushed my entrance. “Easy, sweet boy... Relax...” he murmured, peppering soft kisses over my clit until my body uncurled, permitting a second fingertip to slide inside me. I groaned at the pleasurable stretch, toes curling, one hand finding his hair to pin him closer. He let out a sound of surprised delight as he worked me ever more eagerly, digits striking an unfathomable spot inside me that make my breath stutter and electricity jolt through my veins.

“O-Oh- oh, fuck... God, that- that’s- God, don’t stop, please-” I stammered uselessly, rutting against his face desperately, body trembling. He guided me on for a moment more, sending me barrelling ever closer to my quickly-approaching climax – and leaving me shaking and whimpering when he drew back quickly. “Wh- No, please, please don’t- I need you to-”

He shifted up my body to kiss me deeply, the taste of me on his tongue making me blink in surprise.

Well... That’s... Unexpectedly hot...

“Breathe, boy... I only get one opportunity to give you your first orgasm at the hand of another. And I’ll be damned if I’m not having you screaming on my cock.”

I gulped and nodded, my hands moving to push his shirt from his shoulders, pulling eagerly at the buttons. “Yes. Yes, Sir. Please.” With a soft groan, he pushed down his slacks, kicking himself free from his layers until he lay naked over me.

“Shirt off. I want every damn inch of you.”

With a frantic nod, I dragged the material over my head, wincing minutely at the ragged scar at my shoulder where flesh melted into metal, and the parallel lines across my chest. At this, he paused for a moment, taking the time to trail soft kisses from one side of my chest to the other, and then along the rough skin at the amputation site. “Winter Soldier... You’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen,” he murmured, moving to kiss me gently as I blushed. His chest met mine, one hand tangling in my hair, his cock pressing against my thigh lightly while I shivered nervously. Reaching out, he snagged a condom off the bedside table, but I shook my head, catching his wrist gently.

“Do you have to?” I murmured, swallowing. “I-I... I don’t mind if you do. But I’d like to know what it- the most... Real experience.”

He frowned minutely, dropping the foil and meeting my eyes seriously. “I’m clean. I always use a rubber at work. But what about-”

“Not a risk,” I interrupted quickly, shaking my head. “None of it... Works.”

With a gulp, he nodded, and I quivered as he maneuvered himself until his tip brushed against me lightly. His mouth find mine to swallow my gentle whimper as he pressed forward – but he drew back quickly to let out a low groan, forehead meeting mine. “F-Fuck, Snowflake – the tightest fucking pussy I’ve ever had...” My nails dug into his back with mild discomfort and intense delight, his words notably and unexpectedly arousing, legs lifting to wrap tightly around his waist.

“All for you, Lieutenant,” I gasped, burying my face in his throat. “Y-you’re the first person ever... The only one- Fuck, so big...”

With a quiet growl, he bottomed out inside me, pausing to pant against my hair, resting for just a moment. “Are y- fuck, that’s so good, so wet, so tight, clenched around me like a goddamn vice... A-are you okay?” I nodded quickly against him, feeling unusually but deliciously complete, his free hand finding my waist to ground himself before he drew back slowly.

“I’m good, I’m good, I’m- Holy shit, that’s- I can’t- You-” My useless whimpering dissolved into whines and mewls as he shifted, working every inch of his thick cock inside me, stretching me out with admirable patience.

“That’s it, soldier. You’re doing so well – look at that wet pussy taking me so prettily... You feel so good, sweet boy...” His fingers shook minutely as he caressed my jaw, kissing me deeply as his thrusts slowly increased in speed, leaving me gasping for breath as my body began to jerk under his strength.

“I- L-Lieutenant, I- I can’t- I’m-”

He growled as his hips met mine harder, the grip on my waist releasing to free his fingers to tease my clit encouragingly. “That’s it, boy. Give it to me. Squeeze that perfect cunt around my cock and come for me like the eager little slut for me.” His thrusts became more erratic as I worked myself against him frantically, whimpering when he began to slam into me with a renewed passion. “Scream for me, soldier. Show me how much you love it.”

My nails clawed desperately at his back as the room filled with the lewd sounds of skin meeting skin, sharp gasps of pleasure and my quickly increasing moans until my back arched, body unravelling under his rough thrusts and gentle touch. “F- I’m- I- Lieutenant, yes, just like that, just there, I-!”

He buried himself inside me as my entire body jerked and spasmed, muscles clenching around him as I cried out. His lips by my ear parted in a deafening groan, and I whimpered at the feeling of his hot seed spilling inside me, his firm thrusts slowing gradually as he pressed a soft, trembling kiss to my sweat-damp hair.

I lay in his bare arms, still panting lightly, his fingers caressing the metal of my arm tenderly as we came down together.

“So? Good enough for your first time?” he asked softly, and I laughed, head meeting his chest.

“I can’t imagine it gets much better,” I breathed, shivering happily. “That was... Earth-shattering.”

With a quiet snort, he squeezed me gently, stretching himself out beneath me. “Well... You’ve still got a couple of hours left yet. Anything particular you’d like to do with your time?”

His gaze met mine, and I smirked, tensing gently around his length still resting inside me, making his pupils flare with lust. “Do it again.”

Eyebrow arching, he waited for me to nod affirmatively before pinning me down, a low growl rumbling in his chest.

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Silver & Gold - Chapter Eight

Everyone's favourite couple go exploring - but not everything goes as smoothly as they'd like. Prompts fulfilled;‘Died in Your Arms Tonight’ -@multifandom-flash (Dozen) - BINGO! (Masterlist here!); ‘Lost in the Woods’ (Alternate), 'Hypothermia' (Alternate), ’Lost in the Woods During a Storm’ - Winter Wonderland Bingo (@seasonaldelightsbingo); ‘Can’t Keep Their Eyes Open’ and ‘Lost Together’– Bug’s First Bingo; ‘Idiotic Partner Confession’– @multifandom-flash (Beehive). CW: Exposure, hypothermia, accidental injury

Check it out below, or on AO3 here. Boards at the bottom. Divider by our own tiny Swan!

Yoshitsune didn’t mention my nightmare when we work in the morning – although he was oddly silent over breakfast, barely uttering a single word as he sipped coffee while I winced at the bags under his eyes.

“Are you okay?” I murmured, poking morosely at my cereal. He signed and looked away for a moment, fingers drumming on his mug, the rhythmic sound of metal on china oddly comforting.

“I have to tell you something,” he admitted quietly. I froze as my heart picked up uncertainly in my chest, a lump forming in my throat and making it hard to breathe.

Is this it? Is he going to tell me he really is sick of me? He offered me a weak smile, shaking his head quickly as he wrapped his fingers with my own, the alloy warmed by his grip on his drink. “Nothing so dire, don’t look so worried. I…” he hesitated, eyes lowering once more. “I saw the fire starting to die, and I didn’t do anything. I was just so comfortable and sleepy, and I didn’t think it would get so cold that…” He grimaced, and I exhaled in a soft laugh, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

“Oh, sweetheart…” I sighed, shaking my head fondly. “My dear, sweet boy.” He met my gaze uncertainly, and I rounded the table to drop into his lap, burying my face in his neck. “You’re an idiot, and I love you so much.”

With a nervous chuckle, he held me close, pressing a kiss to my hair. “You’re not mad?”

“Of course not.” I drew back to press my forehead to his, fingertips tracing his jaw. “Of course not. I don’t blame you at all, Silver. My silly boy.”

“But… But I know you get nightmares when it’s too cold; I should’ve-”

I silenced him with my lips on his, hand knotting in the hair at the base of his neck. “No. What you should have done is stayed cuddled up with me, happy and content, just like you did. It wasn’t even a cold-induced nightmare – they’re… Specific.” I winced reflexively, and his arm tightened a little around me protectively. “This was just… A regular old bad dream. It happens, and it’s not your fault, okay?”

His smile firmed a little, and he kissed my cheek, letting out a quiet, relieved sigh. “I’m glad.” With a gentle nuzzle against my jaw, he patted my leg encouragingly. “Come on. Finish your breakfast, and we’ll go for a walk, yeah?”

The small sound of joy that escaped me as I hopped to my feet made him chuckle, and he watched me as I settled back into my seat and tucked in to my cereal, making me blush under his reverent gaze.

It was snowing by the time we headed out, and while I was warm enough in my thick winter coat, I let out a theatrical shiver, offering my soldier a sidelong glance and a cheeky giggle. He laughed affectionately, draping an arm over my shoulder. “You’re adorable,” he informed me seriously, lips brushing my cheek and earning a shy squirm in response.

“It’s beautiful out here,” I murmured, running a fingertip along the frost-crusted bushes lining our path. “How did you find it?”

With a chuckle, he pulled me a little closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. “I had some help,” he assured me mysteriously. I raised an inquisitive eyebrow, and he shot me a crooked grin. “Utseo and Greg, the Spiders…”

Looking about myself, I blinked in surprise. “They… All those people… They helped find the perfect place for us?” I clarified, eyes tearing up at their consideration.

“Mostly for you,” he corrected, grinning, fingers teasing my hair lightly. “It’s generally agreed sentiment that there’s never been someone who deserves to be blissfully happy more than you.”

I wriggled happily, nestling further into his side as silence descended peacefully between us, our footsteps hushed on the falling snow.

We walked for half an hour or so, Yoshitsune’s steps determined despite the rapidly disappearing dirt trail.

He pressed a kiss to my cheek, hand coming up to smooth the cool pad of his thumb over my forehead. “Close your eyes.”

I obliged immediately, unwavering in my trust of my soldier, and his fingers found mine to gently guide me forward. “Where are we?” I giggled, squealing as he hoisted me into his arms.

“About two miles from home. There’s something I’ve been meaning to show you… And I figured, after last night, you could use it today.” I could hear the smile in his voice, the warmth of his tenor enveloping me and driving away the cold, and I couldn’t help but squirm happily in his embrace.

I buried my face against his chest contentedly, a happy sigh escaping me. “As soon as I woke, I knew it wasn’t real. Even if you didn’t want me… You could never speak to me like that. Not ever.”

His fingers smoothed my hair as he hummed in agreement, lips skimming over my forehead. “I could never not want you, either. You’re my Swan. I’ll love you for the rest of my life.” I let out a soft, happy sound, and his hand cupped my jaw to tilt my face upwards to kiss me gently. “You can open your eyes now.”

I blinked my lids open, gazing in awe at him for a moment and earning a chuckle before turning my head to see where he’d taken me.

Stretched before us was a lake, glistening and sparkling despite the falling snow, frozen solid and smooth as glass.

“I figured… It’s a little bigger than the pond, you know?” he murmured shyly. I squeaked excitedly, scrabbling from his arms to kneel at the edge of the ice.

“It’s amazing!” I giggled, running a finger over the surface gently. “Will it hold?”

He squatted beside me, grinning, and raised an eyebrow. “You think I’d put my perfect Swan at risk? I tested it. It’ll hold, I promise.” He pulled the rucksack from his back, excitement fizzing in my veins as he delved inside to offer me my skates. “Why don’t you show me what you can do with a little more room?”

I loved the way he looked at me when I danced.

So much so that neither of us noticed the snow getting thicker until I shivered so hard that I fell out of my pirouette, landing hard and twisting my ankle in the process.

The second I landed with a yelp, he was by my side, his hands on my leg and brow furrowed with concern. “Fuck! Baby, are you okay? That looked like it hurt…”

I sobbed softly, clutching at my ankle and burrowing against him. “It did.” I slipped off my skate to assess the damage, wincing at the rapidly darkening skin. He cursed again and held me tighter, cradling me to his chest, rocking me gently.

“It’s okay,” he soothed softly, lips pressed to my hair. “It’s okay. I’ll get you home, little one. Don’t you worry about a thing – I’ve got you.” One strong, metal arm slid under my legs, the other pressed against my back as he lifted me carefully. Despite his delicacy, I whimpered as gravity took hold, and he flinched visibly. “I’m sorry- sorry. I’ve got you. I’ll be as careful as I can, but I need to get you home, okay?” As he stood, we both looked around at the swirling snow, and I noticed the subtle twitch in his jaw at the uniform whiteness.

“D-d’you know how to get us home?” I stammered softly, my voice hushed with anxiety. He nodded, uncertainly at first, and then a little more firmly as he started out toward the backpack.

“I’ll never let anything happen to you, Swan. I’ll get you home. I promise.” He clutched me a little closer as I shivered, my fingers curling in his jacket, eyes half-closed against the swirling flakes.

“You promise?” I repeated, barely above a whisper, and he glanced down to meet my gaze, silver burning into emerald with fierce determination.

“On my life, Aurelia.”

It had taken us around half an hour to get to the lake.

I was tucked against his chest as the minutes ticked by – thirty, forty, fifty minutes, my heartbeat increasing as I grew colder, his pace getting faster until he was loping as smoothly as he could, trying his hardest not to jostle me, not to show his panic.

But his own pulse was quickening with every step, every anxious scan of his eyes over the environment.

“We’re lost,” I noted softly. He shook his head hard, and I rested my cheek against his chest, tired and frozen. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault.”

“I’m getting you home,” he murmured firmly, fingers tightening minutely against me, casting about wildly for some sign of familiarity. My nod was weak as I burrowed further, slender limbs offering little resistance to the painful cold, and he pressed a kiss to my forehead when my lids grew heavy. “Stay awake, Swan. Just a little longer. We’re almost home.”

“It’s okay. I’m okay here,” I breathed, offering a weak, exhausted smile blindly in his direction. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“You can’t go to sleep, Aurelia.”

“It’s okay. If I have to go anywhere, I’d rather it was here, with you. I love you, Yoshitsune. I…” My words died as I lost the capacity for speech, fingers dropping uselessly from his jacket, my violent shaking finally subsiding as I slipped into the warm embrace of unconsciousness.

The cracking and spitting made me smile and burrow closer to the soft material beneath my cheek with a pleased hum. Waking up with the fire roaring and Yoshitsune cuddled up with me was one of the best things in my life, and I shifted nearer instinctively - then let out an audible hiss as my foot dragged against the sofa, sending me jerking upright as comprehension dawned.

Gentle hands met my shoulders as I rubbed my eyes, blinking until my vision cleared, my soldier’s face steadily gaining definition. “Aurelia,” he breathed, kissing me softly, desperately, dampness forming where his skin met mine when he drew back to bury his face against my temple. “My sweet girl… You scared me.”

“I did?” I clarified softly, glancing around, rubbing my arms. “… You got us home.” He nodded against me, then shrugged.

“I got us lost.”

“You got us home,” I pressed again, leaning into his hand as it found my cheek. “We’re safe. I’m safe.” Shifting a little closer, I blinked in surprise, looking down at my carefully strapped ankle. “… You… You did this?”

He nodded once, fingertips grazing against my calf lightly. “I… I called Stephen. You were so cold, and I wanted to make sure… I mean, I know how to treat a sprain, and hypothermia, but I just…” He shrugged again, and I leant closer into him, tangling my fingers with his as he pulled my blanket closer around me.

“Thank you,” I breathed, tipping my head up to kiss him softly. “I’m sorry I got hurt…”

His eyebrow raised as he considered me wordlessly, confusion evident. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. Accidents happen, Swan. I should’ve paid more attention to the weather.”

Nuzzling closer, I shook my head once, made lethargic by the warmth enveloping me and the safety of my soldier’s embrace. “You were watching me. I could never be anything but grateful for that.” His fingers caressed my spine as he hummed softly, his gentle touch soothing the last of my ragged nerves, the quiet singing against my hair lulling me back into an easy sleep.

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

On The Tide - Chapter Six “There’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.”

Things are tense after the accidental kiss, and Lieutenant Tyne learns more about his newest recruit. Prompts met; - ‘Youthful Freckles’ - @multifandom-flash (Dozen); - “I Don’t Know What to Do.” - @fandom-free-bingo (Frosty Edition); - ‘Déjà Vu’ – Multifandom Flash (Beehive); - ‘Still Smells Like Them’ – Bug’s First Bingo (@unfortunate-beetle-and-friends; - ‘Painting a Scenery’ – Winter Wonderland Bingo (@seasonaldelightsbingo); - ‘Found Family’ – Winter Wonderland Bingo.

CW: Mentions of homophobia and criminalisation of homosexuality, vague references to theoretical SA. Banner by Win! <3

Boards at the bottom. Check the chapter out below, or on AO3 here!

My eyes fluttered open to chocolate gaze peering at me, examining my features with intense curiosity and making me blush.

“What?” I murmured, burying my face in the pillow shyly. He snorted gently as I glanced at him, his expression unusually vulnerable in his sleepiness.

“I like your freckles,” he whispered, seemingly as reluctant as I to break the hushed reverence of the moment. “They make you look younger. Less… World-weary.”

Scoffing quietly, I felt my cheeks flame under his gaze. “They make me look younger, definitely…” I agreed, shrugging. “I kinda hate it.” His eyebrow arched curiously, inviting me to continue, and I shrugged again. “They make me look about twelve.”

With a soft smile, he reached out, skimming the pad of his thumb feather-light over my heated skin. “They make you look cute. Well… Even cuter.”

I grinned shyly, all but squirming at the compliment and his rapturous touch – but the warmth fizzing in my veins faded quickly when he drew away, clearing his throat. “Anyway, I, uh- I apologise for the imposition. It’s just that- well, I mean… I was worried. Secondary drowning, you know,” he added quickly as he got to his feet, adjusting his sleep-rumpled clothes. “You needed supervising. Figured I was likely a more comfortable bet than most of that lot.” He jerked his head toward the cabin door with an uncomfortable smile, and I nodded mutely, once again stunned to silence by the speed of his emotional changeability. “I should, uh…” Another head-jerk, and he blew from the room, leaving me confused between his bedsheets, touching a finger to the still-warm spot on my cheek.

I’d lain in his bed a little while longer before I felt ready to face the day – or as ready as I could’ve, at least. Between my embarrassment at his sudden departure, and the deep ache in my chest from coughing up seawater after my impromptu dip, it was a struggle to force myself to rise from the sheets, imbued with the scent of man and salt as they were.

But nonetheless, I headed out to face the day – albeit reluctantly – face flaming as half a dozen pairs of eyes turned to me the second I stepped on deck.

“Good afternoon, sleepyhead!” Neri called from overhead, scrambling down the shroud with a broad grin on her face. I flushed deeply, rubbing a hand over my face as she landed before me, wincing in apology.

“You should have woken me,” I murmured, grimacing. “I had no idea it was so late-”

She shook her head quickly, still smiling with ill-disguised glee. “We weren’t allowed. I asked the Captain if he wanted me to get you up a little before midday, and he all but bit my head off at the suggestion. Said you needed your sleep.” Her eyebrows wriggled pointedly, and I let out a humourless laugh.

“No. Nothing like that,” I attested, shaking my head right along with her. “More like… Déjà vu.” She cocked her head curiously, leaning against the bulwark, and I sighed as I rested beside her. “I… I get this impression, every now and then, that maybe he… Likes me, or something.” She grinned and opened her mouth to respond, but I raised a hand quickly. “No, no. It’s weird. I don’t know what to do… Every time we start getting close, he all but runs away from me. I’ve no clue what I’m doing wrong – if it's me, or something I’ve done, or just his own problem, or…”

Her joyful beam faded to a sympathetic smile, and she shook her head. “It’s not you,” she reassured me, resting a hand on my forearm tenderly. “He sailed under a pretty traditional Captain in the Navy.” My confusion must have been evident on my face, because she sighed quietly, turning to gaze out at the ocean. “It wasn’t so long ago that Royal Navy sailors were hanged for being gay. And far more recently, it was still a crime. And the guy in charge of Lieutenant Tyne back when he first joined… Well, he was very vocal about the opinion that it should still be a hangable offence.”

I flinched sympathetically, staring absently out over the water. “I… Didn’t know that.”

She shrugged minutely, sighing. “He doesn’t talk about it often. It… Kinda screwed up relationships for him. But just give him time, okay? I’m pretty certain he likes you. He just… Needs a little patience.”

I nodded once, my uncertain sadness and irritation at the emotional whiplash I’d been experience fading into a profound guilt. “Of course. I definitely understand. That sounds… I can’t imagine what it would’ve been like for him, being trapped on a ship with that guy.” My head turned automatically to seek him out, stood at the wheel engaged in deep discussion with one of his crew. I couldn’t help but track the sharp cut of his jaw and the curve of muscle along his shoulders, sighing softly to myself. “No wonder he left the Navy.”

“Oh – he didn’t leave because of that,” she offered. “There was- well, it’s not my place to tell you his history. But… Yeah, he was already on a different ship by the time he left, but the damage had been done, I guess.”

“Yeah…” I watched him curiously, head tipped. “… I wonder if that’s why he’s a Captain now. Can’t have anyone force their opinions on him.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “I certainly don’t think anyone could do that now. We might be a family around here, but… He doesn’t suffer fools lightly.”

Snorting, I nodded, pushing myself away from the wood with a fond smile. “I know. He tore me a new one for jumping in the sea after him, remember?”

With an affectionate eye roll, she stood upright, stretching her arms high with a sigh. “Right. Enough of the socialising. You’ve had rest enough this morning, time to put you to work!”

By the time the sun had set, I was leaning against the bulwark once more, revelling in the empty deck and the clear sky. My notebook was resting on the wood before me, pencil moving ideally, my gaze flicking from the page to the stars carving a crevice of blues and greens into the darkness.

“They’re always so beautiful at sea. The stars, I mean.”

I started at the quiet voice behind me, snapping around in shock. “I- Captain Tyne. I didn’t hear you- didn’t know you were there…”

He came up beside me, leaning his forearms on the wood, peering curiously at the notebook now pressed to my chest protectively. “What’s that?”

I blushed deeply, tightening my fingers around the leather-bound book. “Nothing interesting. Just… Sketches, I guess.” His eyebrow arched, and he turned to face me a little more fully.

“You never quite struck me as the artsy type.”

“I had this… Friend, growing up. We actually served in the army together. It was more his thing than mine, but… I dabble,” I admitted sheepishly. “He was a real talent, though.”

“Was?” he pressed softly, and I nodded, eyes lowering. “…Ah.”

“It helps me to feel close to him,” I explained quietly, shrugging a little. “He… He applied so many times to join up. Got 4F’d at every single one. But then some idiot let him get away with it, despite weighing in at about 90lbs soaking wet and barely able to walk more than ten paces without wheezing…” I winced as I remembered the fierce determination on his face, his adamant refusal to give up no matter how many times he was rejected. “It’s why I signed up. I had to try and keep him safe; he was like a brother to me. Guess I failed.” I shrugged again, and he paused only momentarily before reaching out to rest a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“It’s not your fault,” he affirmed tenderly, my gaze flitting to his with a weak smile.

“I know that, really. There was only so much I could do. But… I still can’t help but feel like I should have done more, you know? Told someone he shouldn’t be there – that he’d lied on his forms and some dumbass didn’t call him on it. He’d have been in a ton of trouble, but at least he’d have survived…” I frowned, and he offered me a tentative grin.

“Sounds like he’d have found a way to get involved no matter what you did. You did your best, soldier. I’m sure he appreciated it.” I nodded once, sighing again, and his eyes shifted briefly to the book I still held tightly. “… Can I see?”

With a half-dramatic sigh of resignation, I turned the paper toward him, and he leant closer. I watched the starlight reflected on the water sparkle in his gaze as he examined my work, trailing along the distinctive, infamous stripe that dominated the page in an explosion of colour. “… Huh.”

“It’s hard to work out here,” I defended quickly, cheeks flaming as I went to pull the page back. “It’s not like there’s a great deal of light, and I’m working with largely negative space, and I-”

He caught my wrist, shaking his head softly without looking up. “No- it’s… It’s incredible. You’re incredible.” I blushed even deeper, and he glanced to me at last, irises shining a burnt sienna in the refracted illumination of stars. My heart stuttered minutely as he moved closer, leaving me silent when his body pressed the notebook between us as he leant in to skim his lips over mine.

But then, as usual, he was gone, stepping back with a hand through his hair. “Sorry- I should… I should g-”

“You don’t have to do that,” I interrupted quietly, looking down. “I get it, you know? Neri told me about your old Captain – the asshole one. But things aren’t like that anymore, and you answer to nobody. You don’t have to fear the court of public opinion out here, Greg. Not on your own ship.”

He paused in surprise, and I could see his head cock curiously. “… Neri told you about my CO? Why?”

“Because she thought something was… Going on, between us, and was incredibly surprised when I corrected her. I told her I didn’t know what to do about all the mixed signals,” I admitted. He winced visibly, and a pang of guilt tugged at my chest. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything, should I? It’s not my place to-”

“It took me a long time to work through the shit that guy put me through.” His voice was quiet but clear when he interjected, laden with an old, tired anger. “I had a lot of shame by the time I got away from him. But… I’m over it. Like you said – times have changed, and this isn’t the Navy.” He moved infinitesimally nearer, drawing my eye once more, and offered me a thin smile. “But it’s not the opinions of a prehistoric homophobe that drives me away, Winter.”

“Then what is it?” I pressed quietly, the scars at my shoulder and chest burning pointedly. “… Is it- are you… Is it because of my arm? Or the… Way I am?”

He laughed shortly, but grew quickly silent when I set my jaw, an eyebrow arching in surprise. “How could it be you? Clearly, no matter how hard I try, I can’t keep myself away from you, Sergeant.” I blushed, and he smiled softly. “No… I’m your Captain. It’s an abuse of power for me to have an interest in you. I wouldn’t want you to feel like you were obligated, or like I expected…” He grimaced, and I blinked in surprise.

“… That’s what’s had you running away from me?” I pressed, and his cheeks pinkened minutely in the dim light.

“Well… Yeah.”

I snorted, moving a little closer, heart thrumming eagerly in my chest. “Lieutenant Tyne, I have never in any way felt like it was anything but entirely my choice to kiss you. There was no doubt in my mind that if I’d told you not to, you wouldn’t have. It’s sweet that you worry about that, but entirely unnecessary. I know I’m not obligated, or expected, or-”

My words were abruptly cut off as his mouth met mine, hands grasping my face as he kissed me. There was no soft, hesitant brushes here, and I whined quietly when my body was pressed to the wood, pinned against his, his own enthusiasm prevalent against my hip.

By the time he drew back to breathe, I was all but squirming against him, back arching to press myself closer needily, panting quietly. “I, uh… I-I’ve been pretty eager to do that for a while…” he murmured, smiling softly. I blushed and grinned, one arm coming up to pull him closer by the back of his neck gently.

“Well then, by all means, sailor…”

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Silver & Gold - Chapter Seven

CW: Sudden personality changes, verbal abuse, distress, subconscious self-harm (mild), references to past self-harm and abuse, unrealism, fat shaming. Prompts fulfilled; ‘The Glomp’, ‘Touche’ and ‘Youthful Freckles’ - @multifandom-flash (Dozen); ‘Sharing Clothes’ - Winter Wonderland Bingo (@seasonaldelightsbingo); ‘Rolling on Snow’ - Winter Wonderland Bingo; ‘Carried to Bed’ – Bug’s First Bingo (@unfortunate-beetle-and-friends); ‘Schrodinger’s Butterfly’ and ‘Dream Tells You to Wake Up’ – Multifandom Flash (Beehive) Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between reality and darkness.

Cards below! Check it out on AO3 here, or below the KR! Divider by our own Tiny Spider.

My feet found my ballet shoes automatically as I sat upright, shivering at the surprisingly cold room. It was the first morning since we’d moved in that I’d woken without Yoshitsune by my side, and I couldn’t help but frown, casting my eyes around uncertainly.

“…Yoshitsune?” I called out as I padded into the hall, my arms wrapped about myself, anxiety sparking when I received no response. I couldn’t help but prick my fingernails against the old rivulets on the back of my biceps, seeking out the residual chasms unconsciously.

I can still remember the last time I tore at myself in anger.

It took significant effort to unlatch my nails from my flesh, but my hands were balled by my sides by the time I’d searched the cabin. There’d been no sign of my lover, and my heart was racing, breath coming ragged as I turned on the spot in front of the dead fire, my mind whirring frantically.

The door opened without warning, and I whirled around at the sound, letting out a sharp exhale at my soldier stood in the entrance with snow dusting his shoulders.

“Silver!” I yelped, darting over and throwing myself at him desperately, burying my face against his chest. I frowned when his arms didn’t wrap around me, no apology or explanation whispered into my hair. Drawing back, I tried to meet his gaze, but he busied himself with tapping snow from his boots.

Something isn’t right.

“I, uh… I didn’t know where you were. I was worried…” I tried to make my voice light and carefree, but the strain was evident in my tone, my concern deepening when he only grunted in response. “…Yoshitsune?”

“What?” he snapped, grey eyes flashing as he glanced at me briefly. I stumbled back automatically, blinking back my hurt, my lungs seizing in my chest as I struggled to comprehend his sharpness.

He’s never spoken to me like that before…

“I… I just…”

“Spit it out,” he muttered, rolling his eyes, and I winced.

“I was worried about you. I woke up and you weren’t here…” I mumbled, scuffing my feet uncertainly.

He sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose before replying. “I was checking the trails. I’m going hunting. You do realise we don’t need to spend every second of the day together, right?” My mouth moved wordlessly and he huffed, crossing to the fireplace and picking up the shotgun leaning against the brick. “There’s some good elk out there. I’m not going to let it go to waste.”

“I-I… I could come with you?” I offered weakly, earning another sigh.

“Fine. Hurry up, before the trail goes cold.”

Normally he’d tell me how cute I look...

I stared at his back uncertainly, fingers twisted in front of me, my tongue glued to the roof of my mouth as I fought to find the words to break the tension; no matter what I tried, I couldn’t convince my voice to come, tears pricking in my eyes as I wondered what I could have done.

We crested a slope, and I gasped in surprise at the hill trailing away before us, steep and coated in fresh, deep powder. With a giggle, I dropped to the ground, tucking my hands against my chest and rolling over and over, the snow accumulating in my loose hair as I hurtled toward the foot of the decline.

When I sat up at the bottom, panting and laughing, my cheeks iced, I turned my eyes to him, hoping my frozen delight would’ve thawed his mood. But he simply scowled at me, grasping my wrist to drag me to my feet with a soul-withering glare.

“Are you done? You’re going to scare away all the elk with that goddamn racket.” I flinched, pulling my hood over my snow-crusted waves, hiding beneath the fur lining to escape his wrath. “What the hell’s wrong with you now? You’re always in a mood.”

“Says you? You’re miserable today! Did you get out the wrong side of bed or something?” I snapped, then winced, curling closer in on myself as his eyes turned to me once more.

“Touche,” he grunted, gaze narrowing. “Maybe I’m just tired. I never thought making you happy would mean you’d start getting fat again.”

My feet faltered, and I stopped, recoiling as if he’d slapped me – though I think I’d rather that. “I… I-I… I…”

He groaned, pushing a hand through his hair as he faced me fully. “Here we go again. Do you ever stop? Nothing’s ever good enough for you, is it?” My lips parted in shock, but he shook his head, glaring at me in disgust. “Just don’t. Why are you even here? I wanted to get away from you for a while, but you won’t leave me alone!” I whimpered softly, and he stepped closer, a growl rumbling in his chest. “Just get out of here, will you? God, no wonder you got beat…”

My legs shook as I backed up, head jerking in disbelief. “No. Why… Why are you saying these things? This isn’t you – you’re not… You’re not like this…”

He snorted, turning away from me, not even sparing a glance over his shoulder as he continued to walk. “This is exactly what I’m like. I’m tired of pretending that you’re not the worst thing in my life. Get the hell away from me, Lia.”

The trees and snow blurred as I ran, everything smudged by my tears and the breath hitching in my throat.

Wake up.

My feet slowed, and I looked around at the voice echoing from the forest, my palms sweating uncertainly.

The last time I heard a voice in my head…

Wake up.

My eyes fluttered forcefully, nails digging into my hands, nausea churning in my stomach. The sight before me swam, flickering between red and white, and I whimpered, grasping at my hair desperately.

“No, no, no…” I whispered frantically, fear overwhelming my brain. “No…”

Wake up. Swan, wake up.

Swan? My head snapped around as the voice became identifiable, a flicker of hope breaking through my terror. “Yoshitsune…”

It’s okay, sweet girl. I’m here. I’ve got you. You’ve just gotta wake-

“-up…”

The white dissolved, replaced with flickering red, flames dancing before my vision and heating my skin as I gasped for breath.

Strong hands dragged me close, bundling me against a familiar chest while I whimpered, my fingers knotting in the fabric by my face desperately. “I’m sorry- I don’t know what I did but I’ll be better, I promise, I-I-”

Metal fingers smoothed the tears from my cheeks, silver eyes swimming into focus as my lungs heaved. “Hey, hey… It’s okay, Swan. I’m here. I’ve got you…” The space between his brows furrowed in concern, cupping my jaw gently. “It was just a dream, sweet girl. Everything’s okay…”

I looked around as reality flickered to life, taking in the living room and the soldier clinging to me nervously. “I… You…” I sniffed, holding him tighter, burying my face once more to inhale the intoxicating aroma of him.

“It’s okay, baby. I’m so sorry; I know you don’t sleep well in the cold… I fell asleep before I got you to bed…” I shook my head hard, and he sighed, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” His hand slipped beneath my legs, lifting me easily, and I curled closer, fingers aching from the force of my grasp on him.

By the time he settled into bed beside me, my shaking had mostly subsided, but that didn’t stop me from wriggling closer needily the second his back hit the mattress. “Do you want to tell me about it?” he murmured, fingers smoothing my hair gently. I shrugged, glancing about myself once more, unable to shake the realism of the nightmare and the feeling of being ill-at-ease.

“You were so mean to me. You didn’t want me…” My eyes darted nervously, and he frowned, holding my chin to meet my gaze.

“That could never be true, little one. …What is it?” he pressed, holding me a little closer.

“How do I know this isn’t the dream?” I whispered, barely forcing the words past my lips before I sobbed softly. “What if this is a good dream, and life is the nightmare? What if you don’t want me anymore?”

He held me tighter, his lips finding mine as he kissed me fiercely. “My sweet, gorgeous Swan. This is a dream, but it’s also our life. I could never not want you, do you hear me? You’re everything to me. I’m going to spend  every day of my life with you – you are my life.” His fingers gripped at my back, pressing a little hard but very needed. “I’m never letting go of you, my Golden Swan. My perfect girl.”

I curled into him with a soft purr, still struggling to shake the disquiet in my soul, but the hands holding me together soothed my mind. “I love you, Silver…”

He hummed under his breath, an old song that he’d hummed for years, the familiar lullaby lulling me under despite the adrenaline still flitting through my system. “I love you too, Aurelia. Always.”

Stamp image for Bug's First Bingo found here!

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Hail Hydra - Chapter Thirteen “You can never put it back together like it was.”

A spectre of the past returns to life, and the real training begins. Prompts fulfilled; - ‘For Your Own Good’ – Bug’s First Bingo (this one is just for us, sorry folks!); - 'Nightmare Fuel’ (Alternate) – @halloweenhorrorbingo; - “Beg for it.” – @anyfandomfluffbingo; - ‘On a Leash’ – @badthingshappenbingo; - ‘Collar’, ‘Failure’ and ‘Scarring’ – @fandom-free-bingo (Frosty Edition). CW: Physical examination, mentions of sexual assault, starvation as a side effect of self-induced vomiting, sexual assault.

Check it out below, or on AO3 here. Divider by @atlasscrumpit. Boards at the bottom. Please proceed with caution and heed the CW.

I pushed myself ever harder following my interaction with the lieutenant, but nothing I ever did was sufficient. No matter the degree to which I tried, I was punished for not being fast enough or skilled enough.

And each time I was reprimanded, my day ended with me kneeling before Lebedev, a hand knotted in the collar around my throat, straining to breathe as he enacted aa punishment of his own.

The daily vomiting was taking its toll, my weight dropping rapidly despite my improved rations. The lack of adequate nutrition was having a horrifying effect on my body – wounds healed slower, bruises marring my skin for days at a time, aches and pains keeping me awake at night. All of this added up to an ever-detrimental impact on my work capacity, leading to fiercer beatings and an eternally tightening spiral of hellish monotony.

I was slowly dying under my workload, and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take. My muscles screamed each time I moved, and by the time I woke up a few weeks later, I knew I wouldn’t be able to face another day of beatings and abuse. My body was made of lead, weighed down into the places where bone met thin mattress, my struggling metabolism no match for the sores developing along the popcorn-like vertebrae of my spine.

One of the Lieutenant’s soldiers came to my room as I fought to keep my eyes open, and I blinked in exhausted surprise.

“I haven’t done anything yet; what could he possibly need to punish me for?” I muttered, too drained to fight the sarcasm in my voice For the first time in a long time, I didn’t want to survive this. I couldn’t help but hope my quip would anger this grunt – one more thorough beating would likely be the end of my suffering, or at least push me beyond the capacity of recovery, which would inevitably lead to my termination.

If I can’t fight, what good am I to them?

But instead, he simply crossed to my side, flipping my body like a ragdoll and tugging sharply on my collar to jerk me upright. A palm met my cheek and sparks exploded behind my eyes, eliciting a soft whimper and a trail of blood from the corner of my lips.

“That smart mouth will bring you no end of trouble, Asset,” he snapped, and I could only watch vacantly as he clipped a short chain leash to the collar, leaning forward with a sinister smile. “You will walk, or you will be dragged.”

The threat was proven not to be idle a heartbeat later when I was hurtled from between the sheets without hesitation, clawing at my throat automatically as I fought for breath, leaving me gasping and retching when I finally managed to struggle to my knees.

“On your feet, Asset. This is your last chance; I won’t tell you again.”

Reluctantly and with resignation, I stumbled upright, grasping tightly at the chain as I weaved unsteadily. The soldier simply narrowed his eyes in irritation, but said nothing, tugging me forward with marginally more kindness than before – though my clumsy feet still threatened to trip me as I staggered after him.

I’d taken this path three dozen times at least by now, but the shame and disgust that curled in my intestines was just as intense as ever. My failure to prevent my utter humiliation was a significant source of distress for me.

But nonetheless, I staggered on, a hand on the wall keeping me upright when the floor wouldn’t stay level ahead of me. The motion and the fatigue together had my stomach churning and my lungs heaving, but I didn’t dare stop to steady myself further.

It was until I was in Lebedev’s office that I let myself drop to my knees, knowing that this was undoubtedly where I’d end up anyway and opting to give myself a moment’s respite before my punishment began, rather than attempting to fight.

“I see you have trained the Asset well in my absence. Well done, Lieutenant.”

My blood ran cold, the dark ring around my vision growing thicker as I fought the ever-solidifying concrete in my lungs.

I’d heard that voice in barely-recalled nightmares, punctuated by flashes of body-wide pain and lighting heating in my veins.

Not you. Anything but you.

The short man stepped around me, his cologne thick in my throat, cloying and suffocating as he ran a hand over my hair. “He seems skinny, though. He won’t be at peak strength if you’re underfeeding him.”

I couldn’t move – couldn’t think – couldn’t parse the response, but Lebedev’s hand found my jaw, wrenching my face up to meet his gaze. “Well?” My mouth moved wordlessly, and he growled, leaning forward until his breath washed over my skin and my stomach rolled. “Tell Mr. Zola we’ve been feeding you well, Asset.”

I nodded quickly around his grip, eyes flickering nervously to the man by his side, unable to quite meet his gaze as my own stalled at his chest. “Th-they have. Been feeding me well, I mean. I-I’ve been sick. It’s not their fault.”

Coward.

You’re a fucking coward.

You should kill this asshole where he stands.

Zola moved closer, half-squatting, forcing my eye to his as my heart hammered wildly. “That shouldn’t be possible,” he mused, pulling on an eyelid to investigate me closer. “I’ll have to do a full examination to determine the serum’s efficiency. His body should be fighting off any type of infection or illness long before it ever takes hold.” I stayed quiet as Lebedev stared me down pointedly, his silent message clear – Don’t talk about the punishments. “Bring him to the lab. We may as well begin.” The scientist grinned, his eyes wild and insane. “I’ve waited a long time to find you again, Asset. Now the real training will begin.”

I was lifted and deposited once more on a cold, metal surface, my wrist, ankles and throat secured under heavy cuffs. I didn’t have the strength to fight, even though every part of my mind was baulking at my compliance, wincing as pale eyes stared into mine with a tut.

“Open,” he muttered, cupping my jaw. I hesitated minutely, and a hand found my foot, applying pressure to one side, forcing my ankle to bed until pain shot up my thigh and my lips parted automatically. Two metal tools were forced between my teeth, poking and prodding as he hummed thoughtfully. “The vomiting doesn’t seem to have impacted your teeth, at least… I expect any minor damage is repaired before it can escalate.” He offered me a broad grin, seemingly proud of this development, and I growled, jaw closing on the utensils in protest. My gums were scraped as he pulled them free, an odd feeling of satisfaction building in my chest at the amount of effort it took, his face turning red before he stumbled backward from the force. I was punished for my actions by a sharp tug at my foot, and I gasped at the searing pain in my little toe, tears pricking my eyes.

“Keep it up; there’s a lot more toenails,” Lebedev warned, pulling gently at the next nail warningly. My fingers curled into a fist, muscles tight with the indignity and humiliation of the experience, Zola’s hand moving slowly down my throat, poking and prodding curiously at my skin.

“No sign of permenant injury, and- What’s the collar for?” His grip tightened minutely around the metal, and I swallowed nervously, eyes squeezing shut.

“To keep him under control,” Lebedev replied simply, offering a light pat to my calf. “It works well. Doesn’t it, Asset?”

“Yes, Sir,” I replied softly, heat travelling up my cheeks.

Just get this over with, or you’ll be put through hell later. Just get it done. Just… Just obey.

I opened my eyes once more as Zola nodded, releasing the collar to move down to my shoulder. “Did this happen here?”

“Tell him,” the Lieutenant barked, and I gulped.

“I-I… Before I came here, I was in a Soviet base in the Alps. They found me after I fell from the train. Half my arm was ripped off in the fall, and they amputated the rest.” Without anaesthetic, I added silently, wincing at the memory. Zola tutted, running a hand over the scarred stump, making me jerk as my nerves lit up unpleasantly.

“A butcher. Don’t worry, Asset. We will soon have you fixed up. I will make you a new arm – a better one. You will be unstoppable.”

By the time the examination was complete, I’d had sugar water poured into my veins, been poked, prodded and groped all over, and been measured for this ‘new arm’ the doctor was enthused about.

And then he went, satisfied with his findings and his plans, entirely forgetting my sentience as he left me secured face down, my head turned to one side, cheek pressed to the cold surface as I watched his back retreat.

A light fingertip ran down my spine, and I trembled.

“You failed me.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, eyes squeezing shut. I’d whimpered when Zola’s hand pressed on my abdomen, bile rising in my throat, and Lebedev’s nails tightened around my ankle – a silent promise as to punishment to come.

I hated being so vulnerable, my body pinned to the table and limbs restrained, not a scrap of dignity or cover afforded to me. His hand was rough as it travelled over the curve of my ass, pausing at the top of my thighs, and I quivered with fear.

“You deserve this.”

I could only nod, my throat closed with terror, agreeable and compliant in an effort to make the pain end faster.

“This is for your own good.”

I whimpered through my teeth when he knelt on the table behind me, the sound of his belt sending bolts of horrified realisation through me.

Not that. Anything but that.

I finally found the will to fight, tugging and thrashing frantically against my restraints, trying my best to buck his weight from where he straddled my thighs – but in my emaciated state, the metal did little more than groan. I sobbed openly as his hand found the space between my protruding shoulder blades, pressing painfully on the exposed vertebrae until I fell slack once more.

There’s nothing I can do.

“Kill me,” I whispered, eyes opening once more, glancing back over my shoulder as best I could to shoot him a pathetic, imploring look. “Please. Just kill me. Anything but that. I’d rather die. Please.”

He laughed softly, leaning closer and brushing a few strands of hair from the nape of my neck, his lips skimming my skin and making me shudder. “Not a chance… I’m far from finished with you. But if you beg for it like a good slut, I’ll make it quick.”

My mouth opened to object, to argue that I would never – could never – beg him for this, but he chose that moment to press himself swiftly inside me, and I jammed my lips closed, biting back the scream building in my throat. I refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing me cry out, even as I felt the blood run down my testicles and pool beneath me. His pace was ragged and irregular, my body tearing around him as he violated me, the nails of my hand digging so violently into the metal in a desperate attempt at purchase that they bent and snapped under the strain.

“Beg for me to fuck you, and it’ll end so much faster…” Lebedev purred, his free hand grasping my hip to press himself harder against me. I cried harder as liquid agony shot through my spine, every muscle taut and protesting the invasion.

“Please…” I whimpered, lip bleeding where my teeth had buried in a vain attempt to muffle my pain. He tutted with disappointment, thrusting roughly deeper, and I cried out at last, head banging against the table with frustration and humiliation. “Please! Please, Lieutenant Lebedev. P-Please fuck me.”

The response was immediate – his hips rolled more smoothly against mine, his movements slickened by the tears he’d created, the bones of his pelvis colliding painfully with my ass. It was still agonising, but marginally more bearable, and my yelps dissolved into quiet whines, punctuated with the sound of his breath becoming progressively more ragged. “So fucking tight – you’re a virgin, aren’t you? I’m the first one you’ve begged to fuck this slutty hole…” he crooned, his fingers shifting to grasp my hair as he moved faster. “Don’t worry – next time I’ll let you look at me. If you’re good, maybe I’ll even let you stroke your cock. I bet you’re hard under there, Asset. I bet you’re loving being used like a toy.”

I didn’t dare object, to declare that this agony was not arousing to me in any way – that this violation was not what I wanted – for fear that he’d make it last longer. I simply stayed still and quiet as best I could as his groans grew louder, nails digging into my flesh, until he finally came to a shuddering halt, buried to the hilt inside me, the internal tears burning beneath his seed.

He carried me almost tenderly back to my cell, my blood mixing with his semen and leaving a thin, macabre trail in our wake. I was barely conscious, my already depleted body exhausted by the intrusion, as he placed me on my bed, smiling down at me with eyes that would haunt my nightmares.

“You take it very well. I’m impressed with you, Asset. You’ll be rewarded for your obedience.”

I could only nod again, aching and shaking with pain and fear, too defeated to worry about what this ‘reward’ could entail. My eyes closed automatically, weariness winning out over terror, even as he stayed stood over me, his fingers gently caressing my hair.

I wish he’d killed me.