#goosebumps: attack of the mutant

[vgadvisor]

[briabooknerd]

[tlbodine]

Overthinking: Attack of the Mutant

Attack of the Mutant is Goosebumps #25. I was thinking I hadn't read this one, but it was quite familiar once I got into it so I must have gotten it from the library at some point. I do remember always disliking the cover, although I know a lot of people really like it.

Anyway. This is another experiment with form. It's attempting to do something fairly ambitious. But does it succeed?

First, the Plot: Skipper Matthews is a comic nerd through and through. His parents disapprove of the hobby and his best friend doesn't really "get" it, but comics make him happy so he collects them, taking care to keep them in pristine condition, not even reading some of them. Except for The Masked Mutant, of course, which is his favorite weekly serial.

One night instead of doing his homework, he reads a new issue and sees that the evil villain's headquarters has finally been revealed. Soon after, he misses a stop on his bus and ends up in a strange part of town -- and sees the distinctive building from the comic!

He also befriends a girl named Libby on the bus.

Later, curiosity gets the better of him, and he goes to investigate the building. At first it seems to have disappeared completely, but then he realizes it's cloaked in invisibility. He and Libby walk right in and explore a seemingly abandoned office building. But just when he's starting to think it's a dead end, Skipper finds a bunch of art in the building -- and some of these sketches are of him!

The next issue of the comic features him as a character, rescuing the League of Heroes character The Galloping Gazelle. Intrigued, he goes back to the hidden building and, sure enough, The Galloping Gazelle is indeed in there, all tied up.

Skipper rescues him and they try to beat a hasty retreat, but Gazelle is pretty much useless. He abandons Skipper to the villain, just in time for Libby to show up. Libby dispatches of the masked mutant with a toy gun, because (as she points out) we're operating on comic book logic now.

But it's a short-lived victory because -- SURPRISE!! -- Libby is actually the Masked Mutant in disguise. It's revealed that the mutant is bored with his current roster of enemies and wanted someone new, and that by entering his secret lair, Skipper has turned into a comic book character.

Unfortunately, Skipper doesn't have any super powers. He does however have an encyclopedic knowledge of comics, so he's able to trick the Mutant into shapeshifting into a form he can't shift back out of, and he wins the day! But when he goes home, Skipper accidentally cuts himself and bleeds colorful ink. His career in comics is just getting started...

Overthinking It: I want to like this one, but it feels more than a little half-baked. What exactly does it mean for Skipper to be a comic book character, especially since we see him regularly interacting with his day-to-day life after the supposed transformation? How is Libby a fake when Skipper goes to her house and meets her mom and sees her comic collection? Skipper defeating the mutant with a bit of esoteric comic lore that he knows that the reader doesn't feels cheap and anticlimactic. And the whole story takes a long time to build momentum and go...anywhere, really.

All of that said, I think I actually circle back around to liking the book more than I initially thought, because I can't quite get it out of my head. The implications are so fascinating, like we're just barely scratching the surface of an entire bizarro comic-world ecosystem. I am charmed by the uselessness of these heroes, of the idea of a villain being so bored he reaches past the fourth wall, and of a life that can slip effortlessly into cartoon logic.

It's also...weird reading this in 2025, which comic books and superheroes are so completely mainstream as to have saturated the market. This story would have been much more niche in 1994. Obviously, the '90s were a big comic book era, and kids were watching X-Men cartoons (and Spiderman and Batman) so it's not like it was counterculture or anything. But it would have been geeky, esoteric knowledge then, in a way that simply is not true anymore. Readjusting that perspective is kind of tricky.

What DOES feel distinctly modern about the book is the liminal space element of it. Relatively little of the story is spent on comic hijinks. Significantly more of it is built on the unsettling feeling of finding a building that cannot possibly exist, and of exploring its weird architecture, taking an elevator that says it's going up but takes you underground, roaming the halls of an abandoned building filled with the hints of life...THAT part feels like it's ripped straight from contemporary analog horror, in a way that feels downright prescient now.

I will say this, too. Either Stine wrote this one himself, or his ghostwriters got significantly better at studying and copying his style. This book is weird -- it's an adventure story and a send-up to 90s comic book culture -- but it feels like a Stine book through and through. I don't think anybody calls themselves a riot, but we do have a character feeling like a jerk for being gullible, and the recycled "There's a trick to cutting onions, but I don't know what it is" gag, kids with bafflingly old-fashioned hobbies (like collecting rubber stamps), a very specific flavor of humor that is just...Stine-ish. Hard to quantify. But whatever its flaws, Attack of the Mutant feels like Stine's own work through and through.

If You Liked This, THESE Will Really Give You Goosebumps:

Take your pick of any superhero franchise, although the ones that come to mind first for me are Mystery Men (featuring a rag-tag team of second-rate heroes) and Kickass (where a teen vigilante gets in way over his head).

I also would recommend scoping out some liminal space horrors, like some of the YouTube lore for The Backrooms. In a similar but more polished vein, the film Pulse -- which isn't very similar to this book, but isn't not similar, y'know?

[laura-sanchez-mlp]

My NEW MSA X Goosebumps: The Attack of The Masked Mutant (Game) OC

Full Name:

First Name:

Last Name:

Nicknames:

Gender: Female

Profile Pic

Age: 23

Blood Type:

Occupation:

Actual or Past Occupation:

Favourite Shows/Games: ___/___/___

(___,___,___)

Favourite Food:

Instrument:

Favourite Animal:

Family Members Relatives:

Other Family Members Relatives:

Species: Human

Friends:

Enemies:

Alignment: Good

Likes: Superheroes,

Dislikes: Supervillains,

Hobby:

Goals:

Weapons:

Powers and Abilities:

Skills and Abilities:

Skin Colour:

Eyes Colour:

Hair Colour:

Clothes: Shirt with Short puff Sleeves with Collared Shirt, Skirt

Shoes: Heels Mary Shoes with bow

Accessories: Socks with spots, Barrette with bow

Nationality:

Sexuality:

Hair Styles: Mid-Length Waves

Eyebrows Styles: 

Relationship Status: 

Romantic Status: 

@sfcabanasstarcgs and @mysteryideasgroup

[blondwolfart]

I finished an art piece for a shirt and or hoodie idea I wanted to do! I made two versions of this a dark one and a light one. Let me know when you like the most :D

[texasthrillbilly]

Mentally, I'm here.

[kevynthedevylman]

Goosebumps Classic Series Book 25 Attack Of The Mutant Full Audio book

Did you ever want to hear Raz battle an evil version of The Tick? Well, have I got something for you!

[comicchannel]

Funko Pop Books Goosebumps Attack of The Mutant - 31

Link para compra BR: https://amzn.to/4mpAWRn

Buy here: https://amzn.to/4jshTn2

[charliemmurph]

Attack of the Mutant

[2000skid4ever]

Possible character interactions in my early goosebumps fg

[jonathanpongratz]

Book Review: Attack of the Mutant (Goosebumps #25)

  Hey Book Lovers, Guess what? I’m free! The grad school semester is over, and I have my reading freedom back. Man, it’s a great feeling. Lately I’ve been having a hankering for some superhero situations, so I picked up Attack of the Mutant (Goosebumps #25) by R.L. Stine. This is one of my many thrift store finds that I’ve been desperate to read, so my Goosebumps-loving self dove right into this…

[thatgordongirl]

You Don’t Scare Me / Attack of the Mutant Reviews

You Can’t Scare Me is often counted among the weaker Goosebumps books - I think the points are very valid. The cover art, though stunning, is wildly misleading when the mud monsters appear literally in the last ten pages and is briefly mentioned throughout. The idea of scaring Courtney seems to eliminate all the scariness of the book overall, because you know that it’s all fake. It’s like the cop out sibling scare at the start of other, far scarier, books.

However, I found the character dynamics cartoonish and pretty funny. Eddie’s bitter “bok bok” when he gets called a chicken genuinely cracked me up and I didn’t expect to laugh at this book. He’s so jealous and spiteful that it’s funny and he keeps failing at scaring Courtney from his own fears. Though she also deserves a bit of scaring for the condescending way she is. 

That being said, most if not everyone went in expecting a scary book, and it doesn’t deliver. It’s disappointing viewing it from that perspective because of the lack of thrill factor. But I think the character dynamics are funny and some of their attempts to scare Courtney really tickle me, so I think it delivers as a book, just not a Goosebumps book. Not massively high on the favourites list but I still thought it was decent considering what I’d heard about it. 

~~~

Attack of the Mutant has a pretty bad rap; The two part episode was over stretched, bad acting even for the Goosebumps series, with the only upside being Adam West’s appearance. The video game adapted based on the book apparently isn’t very good either, but I haven’t played it so take that with a grain of salt. Needless to say, I went in trying to find an underrated classic. 

We’ll start positive - Two scenes managed to get a chuckle out of me. Skipper’s sister Mitzi (Interesting name choices in this book, I quite like it, though Skipper’s real name is Bradley) puts her hands in the freezer just to put them on his back and scare him. Second scene was The Galloping Gazelle making a big deal about this laser thing killing Skipper only for it to be turned off when he accidentally falls in front of it. 

Those were the only positives I could find. This book is like crappy wish fulfillment, with Skipper getting into the comic book world - which I imagine a lot of people have dreamed of - and doing absolutely nothing of value. Skipper and his friend, Wilson, have nothing in common and their conversations feel like a friendship where their parents know each other and they don’t have anyone else to grow apart from each other. They’re awkward and boring to read. 

The comic book/superhero aspect isn’t even interesting because most of the book is Skipper waltzing around the Masked Mutant’s headquarters with fake out jumpscares and…Libby. Who’s incredibly uninteresting to the point that the twist ending that she’s the Masked Mutant meant almost nothing to me. The ‘friend is secretly the monster’ was already done in Werewolf of Fever Swamp, and I feel like it’s more engaging than this one. The only character I found remotely entertaining was The Galloping Gazelle, and he just left?? So that whole section could just be cut out entirely??

Overall, Attack of the Mutant is underwhelming and pretty disappointing considering the uniqueness of the superhero genre in a Goosebumps book. None of the characters are particularly likeable, it didn’t have humour to make up for the lack of scare factor. 

[adelliet]

Wolverine x f!reader

SILENT HUNT

Summary: You are running from the FBI, spending days hiding and surviving until you meet a man who helped you and saved your life.

Warnings: MDNI 18+, corn with plot, soft Logan, harassment, age gap (reader in 20s Logan in his 30s), reader is much smaller than Logan, mentions of trauma, hunting animals, light fingering, oral (f!receiving), nicknames (sweetie, princess), unprotected sex ( p i v ), aftercare, praise kink, good~sweet ending

A/n: Hey so um I didn't expect it to be so long 0-0 sorry for that…but I hope you're gonna like it (I'm going insane over this man help)

Masterlist

,,She ran this way!” You heard one of the cops shouting. You knew they were up your ass. Despite your speed, sooner or later they will catch up. You couldn't allow that.

You quickly tried to analyze the environment around you and when your eyes spotted a thick bush, you took advantage of it and quickly hid behind it. You couldn't hide here forever, but you wanted to gain some time to think. Terrified, you looked around, desperately trying to find a place where you could hide longer.

"Where did she go?!" You recognized the bitter male voice. It belonged to one of them, actually to the main guy who destroyed you. Who used you and turned you into the monster you are now. He took away your rights, your dignity, your life. He didn't care that he could've killed you. You were just a lab rat to him who had beneficially succeeded his experiment.

Just his tone made your heart rate rise, your claws were pressing against your knuckles, struggling to break through. You concentrate all your nerves for stopping the mutant DNA inside you bubble to the surface. The rage and hatred for the man was incalculable, but you couldn't attack him. At least, not right now. You just had to wait quietly for him and his entire team to leave.

"Fuck! Find her or I'll cut your throat!" he shouted angrily. Then you heard vehicles and thousands of footsteps finally fading away from you. You were holding your breath the whole time, finally relieving yourself and carefully climbed out from the bush. You did have a clear air, for now. Time was precious at the moment and you decided to use it well. That's why the moment you left your previous hiding spot, you ran after your goal.

Any shack, abandoned building or cabin would be ideal. Well, your wish was granted. You hadn't been running for long before you saw a small wooden cabin in the distance. Your eyes lit up, excited smile forming on your face. There was still a hope.

Running to the door, you weren't even going to waste time knocking. You rush inside and close the door by leaning against it. You throw your head back, trying to calm your breathing, before opening your eyes again.

You were quite surprised. The furniture and everything in the cabin looked exceedingly good. As if someone lived here. You barely took two steps forward and were about to continue exploring, but you were stopped by sharp objects lightly touching your back. "Who are you and what do you want" a rough male voice made your breath stuck in your throat, goosebumps rose all over your body.

You started shaking and you knew if you won't speak asap, you are dead. But your ability to talk was quite interrupted by those really sharp objects pressing on your back. Yet you inhale deeply and tried to answer calmly.

"I need to hide from the FBI..." there was a moment of silence. "They want me" "Why?" You could still feel the knives touching your back, keeping you in a position where you couldn't do anything but answer. "They want my DNA..." again there was a silent pause until the man finally set you free, so you could finally turn around and see his face.

Your eyes widened. You didn't expect this. It was pretty tall man, at least 6 feet tall. You admired his beard and hair, which created a strange illusion of a wild animal. His hands were huge, not only his biceps but also his palms. When he sees your face, his eyes soften. He did not expect this either.

"Why they want your DNA?" he asked with confusion in his voice. Before you manage to say anything, you hear vehicles outside the cabin. Your instincts immediately got the better of you and claws came out of your knuckles in self-defense. Logan pulled back in surprise and looked at you with raised eyebrow.

He had so many questions but this wasn't the time to ask. He knew that. He smelled your fear and saw your terrified eyes, you've been through a lot. Besides, you didn't look like someone who wanted to hurt him. "Go, hide under the bed in that room" he pointed to one of the doors and you wasted no time.

You did as he told you so and waited, your pulse raising again. "Wait until I tell you" he whispered before he closed the door. No sooner had he closed it, than they aggressively knocked with the words "FBI open the door or we break in!”

Your mind was filled with million scenarios and they weren't in a positive light. What if they find you? What if you get caught and you never see day light again? What if they try more experiments on you until you suffer to death? What if they kill you as soon as they see you? These questions spawned in your head as you tried to control your breathing.

"Hello gentlemen, how can I help you?"

"Have you seen this girl?" you quietly listened to their conversation expectantly. "No, why is she missing or someth-" 

"That's none of your bussines sir, just answer honestly. Have you seen this girl running through here?" you heard rich laugh as you furrow your eyebrows in confusion. "Are you for real? I haven't seen a single soul in here for couple of years..." your breathing and heart raise was slowly going back to normal speed and rhythm. "Okay, let us check the cabin and we can leave" fuck. Just when you though you won…

“I told you I haven't seen her-" "We have the right to come in sir, now stand back or force will come" You could feel beads of sweat rolling down your forehead. You're done. You weren't ready for it but you had no choice. At least you tried. Hope dies last, how they say…

You quietly awaited your fate and listened to the slow stomping around the cabin. There were only a few seconds left before they will enter the room where you were hiding. "Sir I told you I haven't seen that girl!" that wolf-looking guy kept trying to save you and chase them away before they find you. It was pointless. Not only did they not listen to him, but they just accelerated the search.

There it is.

All that running, all that hiding and all that starving was for nothing. Everything led to only one result, which will now be fulfilled.

The hair on your arms stood on end when you heard a loud creaking of the door. You held your breath as you watched the massive black boots move eerily slowly around the room. Then you heard more faster footsteps, before seeing shoes. They were different, so you recognized that this was your salvation.

"I don't know what you're looking for in here. I've told you several times that I've never seen that girl!" you watched the shoes of both men with frightened eyes. There was a silence for a moment, before you heard the transmitter switch on. "All clear" a weight lift off your heart when you heard those words. You waited still, as you were told to do so.

“Alright, you can come out now” you literally jumped out from under the bed and were completely changed. The scared expression turned to excited and your eyes shone like never before. You felt incredible relief, but mostly you were grateful.

"Thank you so much!" he just nodded and checked you up and down before going somewhere else. You followed him, curious what will happen next.

"So now you're going to tell me why they want your DNA?" he raised his eyebrow as he poured rum into the glass. You watched him for a while, observing his large, big, massive hands until you caught yourself. You cleared your throat akwardly.

“I'm…a successful lab experiment” his face expression still didn't change, letting you know he wanted more. "I was born as a normal person, but these guys took me from my parents and used me as their lab rat. They tried to give me DNA from some mutant" he listened carefully, being very interested in your speech. "The chance of me dying was over 90%, but I survived even with mutant genes. They want to know how it's possible. That's why they want me"

You look down, remembering all the traumatic experiences from the lab. "I know what it's like" You look up at him. "I've been…lab rat too" he looked thoughtfully at his hand before sharp claws came out from his knuckles. You gasped quietly, before squeezing your eyes. "You are Wolverine!" you said in disbelief. He looks at you with furrowed brows. "Am I that famous?" you scoffed and shook your head. "They talked about you a lot in the lab. You were...their insiration"

"Well that isn't that something I should be proud of huh?" he chuckled, joking sarcastically but he had a point. You watched his claws. They were much bigger, sharper than yours. "Adamantium" he got your attention again, watching his claws. "Unbreakable metal. I have it instead of my bones" he slid them back in and looked at your face to finally see your reaction.

"Really? That must've hurt..." "Like hell" he agreed and took a sip. He held out the glass to you. It took you a moment to understand what he wanted. "Oh no thank you, I don't drink" you shake your hand and suck your lips into a thin line. "Good girl" he nodded and instead of placing the glass on the counter, he drank it to the bottom and only then put it down.

"But you also have…these don't you?" he asked you and you nodded. "Yeah but my bones are not made from that metal, only these" you also wanted to flex so you took your claws out. There were only two sharp ones on one hand, but they were enough.

"I see..." he poured another shot of rum into his glass and drank it immediately. You were starting to worry about his livers. "I'm Logan by the way" you smiled, introducing yourself too. He repeated your name to himself, smiling at the way those letters tickle his tongue.

"What about your family, where are they now?" your smile dropped immediately and you looked down again. “I don't know” you whispered darkly, hoping, praying that they are still alive. Logan realized that this was probably an inappropriate question and instantly began to act.

"Anyway, are you hungry?" he opened a fridge and looked around there. Of course you were hungry. You were starving. You couldn't remember the last time you had normal meat, vegetables or fruit. Practically any normal food.

You didn't want to sound annoying tho, but before you could say no, Logan was already taking spaghetti out of the fridge. “These are leftovers from yesterday…I can make more if you want” you wanted to refuse the offer, but the longer you watched and smelled the aromatic smell of meat and tomatoes, saliva started pooling in your mouth. Your stomach rumbled and that was a sign that you had to accept Logan's food.

"Here" he handed you a fork which you quickly grab and started eating like an animal. Logan was surprised, he watched you with raised eyebrows but later, he understood. He was glad he could help you. A warm grin began to form on his face so he quickly looked away and pretended to be busy with something, while he kept an eye on you and checking when you are finished. It wasn't even ten minutes and your plate was empty. Completely empty.

After you wiped your lips and calmed your beast inside you a bit, you thanked and gave Logan a grateful puppy eyes. He smiled a bit and nodded. "Do you want more?" you shake your head even though you wouldn't mind extra portion.

There was an awkward silence for a while. Neither of you knew what to talk about, however both of you were thinking the exact same thing. What will happen next? Will Logan let you stay here or will he kick you out? You were so desperately curious, but too scared to ask.

You decided to use reverse psychology. "I should get going" Logan jerked his head and frowned. "Have you lost your mind?" you look up at him, eyes big and sparkling. "You can't leave, definitely not now" and your trick worked. Your heart warmed when Logan let you stay. He was the first person in a long time to be kind to you. You valued him immensely.

The evening came. You were so tired and looking forward to wrapping yourself in the covers and falling asleep. Logan let you sleep in his bed while he slept on the couch. It must've been really uncomfortable, but he wanted to give you some space.

You evoked something in him that no one had been able to do for a long time. Compassion. You both have a pretty similar past and you've been through hard times, why should he be mean to you? Plus, you looked so innocent, so soft and beautiful. Oh you are beautiful.

The moment you turned around and your eyes met, it was as if time stood still. He felt his heart race, yet everything around him faded into silence. Your gaze held him captive, soft yet intense, as though you could see through every layer of him.

You seemed both familiar and mysterious, like a dream he wanted to keep reliving. And your eyes, there was something about them. So bright, yet with a hidden depth, as if they held secrets you weren't ready to share. Just looking into them left him breathless, his thoughts scattering with each heartbeat.

As he lay on the couch, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn’t stop thinking about you. Of course, it was only natural that you’d occupy his thoughts; after all, you were a new event in his life. But this was different. He wasn’t just thinking about you in any ordinary way. His thoughts lingered on you in a way that maybe he shouldn’t have allowed.

There was a heat in his chest, a longing he couldn’t shake off. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have you near in a way that went beyond the boundaries of mere thoughts. The thought of you, of the way you made him feel, ignited something inside of him…a desire, a craving, that he wasn’t sure how to control.

You weren't much better of.

You could feel it, the connection between you, like an invisible thread tugging at your heart, pulling your thoughts to him. As you lay beneath the blankets, you couldn’t escape the images of him. His face, rugged and intense. His hair, wild and untamed, like the ears of a wolf, a perfect reflection of his untouchable, yet undeniable nature. You could almost smell the mix of rum and cigarettes that clung to him, that scent that was both comforting and dangerously alluring.

But it was his hands, those massive hands, that lingered in your mind the most. They were like a sign of safety, as if Logan could protect you from the world. Even now, surrounded by the softness of the sheets, you couldn’t escape the heat Logan left behind, the longing that burned inside you.

You couldn’t sleep. Your mind was too consumed with thoughts of Logan. Every time you closed your eyes, his face was there, vivid in your mind. His intense gaze, the roughness of his voice, the way he moved. It was as if he was everywhere, and you couldn’t escape him, no matter how hard you tried.

You tossed and turned, the sheets tangled around you, but no matter what, sleep didn’t come. It was like your body and mind were in conflict. You were exhausted, but the thought of him wouldn’t let you rest.

Finally, as the hours passed, your thoughts began to blur, the constant tug of his presence softening. Slowly, your breathing slowed, and the weight of the day caught up with you. The last thing you remember was the faintest image of him lingering in your mind before sleep finally claimed you.

You woke with a start, gasping for air, your body drenched in sweat. Your heart raced as the remnants of the nightmare clung to you like a heavy fog. You were back in the lab, the sterile, suffocating air, the cold metal table beneath you, the sharp sting of needles, the hum of machines monitoring your every heartbeat. The doctors—no, they weren’t doctors—had done this to you.

The pain… it was unbearable. You had screamed in your mind, desperate to escape, to survive. But it hadn’t been enough. The dream always ended the same way: your body convulsing, your breath leaving you, your heart stopping. You died there.

And then, as the darkness closed in, your eyes shot open. The scream tore from your throat before you could stop it, raw and terrified. Your body trembled, the terror from the nightmare still alive inside you.

A voice, low and familiar, cut through the panic. “Hey, hey… are you okay?” Logan’s voice, filled with concern, echoed in the quiet of the room. You blinked rapidly, your eyes focusing on him. You were safe. Your were alive. But your mind was still trapped in that place, that nightmare. The pain, the fear… it was all too real.

“Logan…” you breathed, your voice shaking, your body still trembling as his presence grounded you.His brows furrowed as he moved closer, his hand instinctively reaching for your.

He took both your small, trembling hands into his one, massive palm, covering them completely. Logan's rough thumb gently stroked across the back of your hand, the warmth and weight of his touch grounding you, bringing you back from the dark memories of the nightmare.

“Hey,” he murmured softly, his voice low and comforting. “You’re safe now. You’re okay.” He kept his voice calm, his thumb continuing to trace soothing circles as he waited for your breathing to even out. Slowly, you began to calm, your fingers loosening in his grip.

“I… I had a nightmare,” you whispered, barely able to meet his eyes, feeling the remnants of fear still lingering. Logan gave a slight nod, his gaze steady and understanding. “It’s okay. I get those too.” He didn’t press you, just held your hands in his, keeping his presence steady, like an anchor. He stayed there a few moments longer, not moving, until he was sure you were truly alright.

When he finally started to release her hands and stand, her fingers tightened around his. “Wait… would you… stay with me?” You asked, hope and despair could be heard in your throbbing voice.

He glanced at you for a moment, reading the vulnerability in your eyes, and gave a brief nod. “Sure,” he said softly, settling back down by your side. You felt a wave of relief wash over you, as his presence remained close. Gently, he kept your hands in his, his steady, quiet strength surrounding you, until you drifted off again, finally feeling safe.

The sun's rays shone directly into your eyes through the blinds, waking you up. You moved a bit and left a pleased quiet yawn from your lips. You realized you were lying on top of Logan's bare chest, his massive hand resting on your hip. The realization left you in shock for a small moment. After all, it felt comfortable.

The heat from his body warmed yours, his heartbeat was slow in rhythm and you enjoyed listening to it. It was a lovely melody that you wouldn't get tired of.

You slowly looked over at Logan, who was still sleeping. You couldn’t help but let your gaze linger a bit longer, taking in every detail. The way his profile softened under the light, the relaxed way he held himself, like he belonged nowhere else but right here, right now. Your heart began to race, almost as if you'd just realized something you hadn’t quite let yourself feel before.

There was a flutter deep inside you, a mix of nerves and excitement, tiny, electric sparks that seemed to move from her your to your stomach, filling it with a soft, almost dizzying warmth.

You'd heard people talk about “butterflies,” but until now, you hadn’t understood just how real they were. It was overwhelming but oddly comforting at the same time, like an emotion you'd always wanted to feel but never quite believed you would.

You could barely focus, all your senses drawn toward Logan, wondering if he’d notice how your cheeks were flushed, or if he could sense the way your pulse seemed to echo in your ears. In that moment, everything else faded, and it was just you. Just you, discovering that maybe, just maybe, you were falling for him.

Suddenly, Logan woke up. You quickly closed your eyes, pretending to be asleep. You wanted to avoid any awkward situation where he might realize you'd been watching him sleep. What kind of creep does that? He’d definitely think you were crazy, and you weren't about to risk that.

He took a deep breath and clumsily looked around. He seemed confused, but you understood why. After a long, deep sleep, it made sense. Once he finally got his bearings, remembering where he was or who he was, he realized the position the two of you were in. He quickly jerked his hand away from your hip. Part of him enjoyed it, but he didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. That was the last thing he wanted.

He yawned loudly, and you took the opportunity to pretend you are waking up too. He looked at you and couldn’t help but smile. Even though it was morning, you still looked so stunning and majestic. You glanced at him and pretended that you had only just realized you were lying on him. Quickly, you pulled away and cleared your throat awkwardly. He chuckled under his breath and stretched his arms.

“Good morning,” he said in his rough morning voice, sending strange waves of pleasure down between your legs. Quietly and shyly, you murmured a good morning back and stretched your back.

“Did you sleep better?” he asked, sitting up so he could at least see half of your face. You nodded, looking at him with a grateful smile. He returned the smile, and when he felt his cheeks starting to warm, he decided to get out of bed. “I’ll go make breakfast,” he added before leaving the room.

You couldn’t shake the lingering scent of Logan, as you lay in bed for a few moments longer. The nightmare had already faded from your mind. You stepped out of the room and made your way to the kitchen, where Logan was at the stove, frying eggs and bacon in a skillet. He looked up at her, did a quick double-take, and smiled. Inside, though, you felt anything but fresh. You felt grimy, sweaty, and were sure your breath wasn’t at its best. “Mind if I use your shower?” You asked softly, your voice shy. Logan nodded and pointed down the hall.

Before you left the room, though, you naturally realized, that your clothes weren't clean either. Feeling a bit nervous, you asked Logan again, “Um, and could I maybe borrow some of your clothes?”

The question seemed to catch him off guard, but he couldn’t say no. “Yeah, I’ve got some shirts in the closet,” he replied, focusing intently on the bacon in the pan without looking at you.

You whispered a soft thank you and went to find something of his to wear. You found a red flannel shirt, and it smelled incredible. You couldn’t resist, taking a deep inhale of the scent was like breathing in Logan himself, a scent so intoxicating it felt like a drug.

Finally, you went to shower, freshen up, and take care of a little hygiene. You tossed your dirty clothes aside and slipped into Logan’s shirt. It hung loosely around you, the hem falling nearly to your thighs and the sleeves draping well past your hands. It felt oversized, almost like a protective blanket, wrapping you in his warmth. His scent, smoky, rugged, with a hint of rum, was woven into the fabric, surrounding you completely.

As you stepped out of the bathroom, the warm scent of breakfast led you toward the kitchen. Logan had just finished setting the plates, but when he looked up and saw you in his oversized flannel shirt, he froze.

It was clear it was his, unmistakably his, and seeing you in it stirred something fierce within him. He couldn’t stop his eyes from roaming over you, taking in how small you looked wrapped up in his clothes. But it wasn't just that, It was the way it clung to you in places, falling just so across your curves, that drove him wild. The collar hung slightly open, teasing him with glimpses of bare skin, and he found himself aching to close that distance, to run his hands along your waist and pull you close, inhaling that soft scent of yours now mingled with his own.

He swallowed hard, silently praying you couldn’t read his thoughts, because the things running through his mind right then were nowhere near decent. Trying to keep his composure, he gave you a lopsided smile. Get it together, he thought, but it was hopeless. All he could think about was how right it felt to see you in his shirt and how much he was craving for your lips right now.

When Logan finished his breakfast, he pushed back from the table and wiped his mouth. He looked ready to leave, grabbing his jacket and placing his hands on the table, looking resolute, like he planned something.

“Alright, I’m heading out for a hunt. Need to stock up for the week,” he said, his voice firm and unwavering.

You paused for a moment, then looked up at him. You weren’t sure if that was a good idea. After all, the FBI is still looking for you and who knows if they'll come to search the cabin again. This time Logan won't be there to protect you. But it wasn't just the FBI that worried you. You didn't want to be alone. You didn't want Logan to leave for god knows how long. You wanted to be with him.

“Y-you're going hunting?” you assured, trying to keep your tone as casual as possible. “Yeah,” he replied, already moving toward the door. “Won’t take long. Just need to get an early start.” You didn’t want him to go alone, and you definitely didn’t want to stay behind.

“Can I come with you?” you blurted out quickly to get his attention before he left. Logan slowly turned and looked at you blankly. “I don’t have anything else to do and… I’d like to help. Can you take me with you?”

Logan was surprised. His eyes softened a bit, but he still seemed unsure. He lowered his head slightly, his face unreadable, as he thought it over. You couldn’t tell if he was considering the idea or just trying to decide how to say no.

“This isn’t exactly a leisure trip, you know?” he said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “And it’s not exactly safe. This isn’t the kind of place for someone without experience.”

But there was something in your eyes that made him hesitate. Maybe it was the fear in your eyes for being alone, or maybe you really wanted to learn hunting… Whatever it was, he didn’t dismiss the idea immediately.

“I know it’s not going to be easy,” you replied, looking at him intently. “But I’d feel better going with you…safer.”

Logan looked at you carefully, his gaze softening a little, though his posture was still tense. “Are you sure you can handle it?” You could tell he wasn’t as convinced as he sounded, but your puppy eyes were the last straw for him.

“Alright, fine,” he said, finally relenting. His voice was still serious, but his lips quirked into something like a smile. “Just keep up and don’t slow me down.” You smiled widely, your heart racing a little faster as you stand up from the table, excited.

Logan suddenly raised both hands, holding them in front of him like a stop sign, his expression playful but firm. “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” he said with a smirk, his eyes scanning you from head to toe. “Where exactly do you think you’re going in that outfit?”

His tone was teasing, but there was a flicker of seriousness and concern in his gaze. You look down at yourself and realize you were wearing just his shirt and panties. This is probably not a best suit for hunting.

You looked back at Logan apologetically and a little embarrassed. He shook his head amused and went to hand you some pants.

"I hope they fit...I wore them when I was 14" You both giggled and you put the pants on right in front of him. He watched you the whole time and when you were finally dressed formally, you went out.

You walked with Logan into the woods, your eyes darting cautiously to every shadow and rustling leaf. The thought of the FBI lurking around still haunted you, keeping you tense and alert with every step. But gradually, Logan’s mere presence started to ease your nerves, grounding you in a sense of safety. He didn’t need to say anything; just being near him seemed to calm your racing mind.

Then, a sudden snap of a branch echoed through the trees. Without thinking, you moved closer to Logan, pressing against him instinctively. Your heartbeat quickened, and your breath caught in your chest, certain that you were being watched. But Logan, calm and unbothered, scanned the trees and then nodded toward the source of the sound.

“It’s just a squirrel,” he murmured with a small, amused smile.

You exhaled, your shoulders relaxing as you glanced up at him, feeling a little silly but reassured.

You and Logan kept moving deeper into the woods, his steady pace reassuring even as you couldn’t quite shake the edge of tension from earlier. After a while, Logan spotted a deer grazing in the distance. He motioned for you to be quiet, and the two of you slowly crept toward it.

You both took cover behind a bush, and you watched as Logan readied himself to take aim. But something in you hesitated, you couldn’t help but feel for the gentle creature standing unaware, and a wave of reluctance washed over you. Turning to him, you whispered, trying to convince him, “It’s just a helpless animal…”

Logan’s jaw tightened, a hint of irritation crossing his face. But after a moment, his expression softened as he looked at you, and he let out a quiet sigh. Though a bit begrudgingly, he lowered his weapon.

“Fine,” he muttered, barely concealing a small smirk. Together, you moved on to search for something smaller, Logan leading the way with a slight shake of his head, as if both amused and exasperated.

After walking a little further, you both spotted a wild boar rummaging around the forest floor. Though the idea still tugged painfully at you, you managed to steel yourself, accepting that Logan would take this one down. Once again, you crouched behind cover, careful to stay hidden from the boar’s sight.

Logan took aim and fired, the shot ringing out sharply in the quiet of the woods. You flinched slightly, a quick jolt of surprise, but it wasn’t as bad as you expected. With just one shot, Logan brought the boar down, his skill evident in that single, precise hit. “Come on” he clicked his head towards the animal and you slowly followed him.

When you reached the fallen animal, a wave of sadness stirred in you, seeing it lying there. Logan noticed your expression, and without a word, he stepped closer to you, his gaze softening.

He placed a warm, steady hand on your shoulder, grounding you. “Hey,” he murmured gently, his voice low and calm. “It’s alright. I know this feels…heavy.” His hand moved in a slow, reassuring circle, and you could feel the tension in your body start to melt just a little.

“Hunting isn’t easy, but sometimes it’s necessary. Out here, it’s survival.”

You looked up at him, catching the quiet sympathy in his eyes. The faint lines at the corners of his eyes softened as he gave you a small smile. “We use what we take,” he added, as if sensing you needed something more to ease your mind. “Nothing goes to waste.”

His thumb brushed your shoulder with an unexpected tenderness, and the weight on your chest began to lift. You nodded, still feeling a little heavy-hearted but reassured by his words. “Thank you,” you whispered, feeling his warmth seeping through you.

Logan gave your shoulder one last squeeze, lingering just a moment before he released you. “Come on,” he said, his tone back to its usual steady resolve. “We’ll take care of him. I’ll show you how.”

He began to prepare the boar, his movements efficient but respectful, and you felt grateful that he understood the balance between survival and compassion.

Logan already carried two boars effortlessly over his shoulders, his strength nothing short of superhuman. Watching him handle such weight so casually stirred a flicker of admiration and something else, a heated thrill you couldn’t quite ignore.

When he looked over with a faint smirk, you felt warmth rise to your cheeks and quickly glanced away, flustered. Logan caught the gesture, and a low chuckle escaped him.

Then, without warning, he pressed a firm hand against your chest, stopping you in your tracks. His gaze turned serious, and he tilted his head toward the trees up ahead. “See that?” he whispered, nodding toward another boar just in the distance.

You nodded, heart thumping a little faster. Together, you crept forward, crouching low as you hid yourselves behind a bush. Logan carefully lowered the animals he was carrying to the ground and pulled out his rifle, eyes focused on the target. For a few seconds, he lined up his shot, but then he turned his gaze toward you, a determined glint in his eye.

“If you’re going to survive out here, you’re going to have to learn how to handle this,” he murmured, holding the rifle out to you. With a nod, he motioned for you to move in closer.

For a moment, you hesitated, but the intensity in Logan’s eyes drew you in. You stepped closer, until you were pressed against him, his sturdy form shielding you from behind. The closeness felt reassuring, comforting even, yet you struggled to focus on anything other than the way his body molded perfectly against yours.

Slowly, you reached out for the rifle, feeling its unexpected weight. Sensing your effort, Logan wrapped his hands around yours, helping you hold it steady. You both gripped it together, his strong hands guiding yours.

The warmth of Logan’s chest pressed against your back sent shivers down your spine, awakening a flood of excitement that you couldn’t control. His strong arms surrounded you, hands wrapped firmly around yours on the rifle, steady and commanding. Each breath he took brushed softly against your neck, and you found yourself unable to think of anything but his presence. Solid, protective, and impossibly close.

His touch was rough but careful, and the way his fingers enveloped yours made your pulse race. You couldn’t ignore the way his grip felt, strong and possessive, sending waves of thrill and desire through you.

He covered you like a protective barrier, making you feel safe enough to face anything.

“All right,” he murmured in a voice that was dark, smooth, almost too tempting. “Now, aim at him.” His breath brushed your ear, making it even harder to concentrate. Your fingers touched his where they rested over yours, sending sparks down your spine. But you tried your best to focus, steadying your gaze on the boar ahead.

“That’s it,” he encouraged softly, his voice a low rumble that made you take a deep breath, willing yourself to keep your aim.

Your hands were shaking a bit, but Logan’s massive hands kept the rifle steady, guiding it in perfect alignment. “Shoot,” he commanded, and for a moment, you hesitated, unsure of yourself. But then, with a gentle push from him, you squeezed the trigger, and the shot rang out. The impact sent a jolt through you, and you stumbled slightly backward into Logan’s chest. He chuckled softly, glancing down at you.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and reassuring. You nodded quickly, eyes already moving to the wild boar lying motionless on the ground.

“You did it. Good job,” he praised, and the words sent another wave of satisfaction rushing through you, a pleasant heat spreading between your thighs.

Logan then stood, offering his hand to help you up, and you both walked over to inspect the boar. You felt terrible, a heavy weight pressing on your chest as you stared at the lifeless body of the wild boar, the one you had just killed. The realization hit you like a punch to the gut, and a wave of guilt washed over you. But Logan didn’t seem bothered by it at all.

Without hesitation, he hoisted the dead boar over his shoulders, along with the two others, and started walking back toward the cabin with you.

Before getting in the truck, he tossed the animals into the back with ease, as though it was nothing. Then he climbed into the driver’s seat, leaving you standing outside, unsure of what to do next.

“Hop in!” Logan called out with a grin, and you quickly obeyed, climbing into the truck. “We’re going to the store. I’ll need something,” he said, and with a turn of the key, the engine roared to life.

As soon as you stepped into the store, everything felt new. You had never been inside a store before, and it amazed you. Shelves upon shelves filled with things you’d never seen, snacks, drinks, and foods that were completely unfamiliar to you. Logan had told you to stay close to him, but the overwhelming curiosity got the best of you. You couldn’t help but wander around, eyeing all the delicious treats you had no idea existed.

Suddenly, three men approached you. “Hey cutie” one of the slimy guys called out making you turn around. You raised your eyebrows innocently and incomprehension as you watched them approach you. They kept whispering something to each other and laughing, in a very creepy way.

"Damn you're a snack!" "Nice curves you've got there!" they said and kept getting closer. You backed up until you hit a shelf, not allowed to move away from them anymore. "What's a hot chick like you doing in a place like this?" the tallest guy with a beard, that smelled like rotten fish, reached out and tried to touch your arm. You flinched, trying to step away, but they only followed.

You took another step back, hoping to escape their grip, but it was no use. Another hand reached out to brush against your waist, sending a shiver of discomfort down your spine. “Yeah, come on sweetheart, don’t be shy. Let us show you a good time.”

Your heart raced, fear bubbling inside, but before you could react, you heard a familiar, low voice. “I think she’s good, boys”

He was standing there now, his arms crossed, his presence like a wall of muscle, dark eyes locked on the men. His voice was calm but deadly serious.

“And who the hell are you? You some kinda hero?”

Logan stepped closer, his gaze never leaving them. “No, I’m not. But I’ll make sure you wish you were never born if you keep this up.”

The men hesitated, clearly weighing their options. Logan’s stance and cold, threatening tone made them think twice. He reached out, grabbing one by the collar and pulling him a few inches off the ground.

“You’d better walk away. Now.” The men quickly realized they were outmatched, and with a few muttered curses, they backed off, turning and walking away in defeat. Logan kept his eyes on them, waiting until they were completely gone before letting the tension in his body ease.

He turned to you, his expression softening just slightly, though still protective. “You good?” You nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over you, though your heart was still racing. Logan’s presence had been a shield, and you couldn’t help but feel safe again.

You quietly thanked him, and Logan simply nodded. He didn’t hesitate any longer, unwilling to risk more men getting too close to you. Gently, he grabbed your waist and pulled you to his side, holding you there. You didn’t protest.

Logan’s usual cool demeanor had a hint of something else now, something possessive, as his hand rested firmly on your side. He wasn’t just guarding you, he was claiming you in a way. His thoughts were elsewhere, likely simmering with anger over what had just happened. Though he’d tried to handle things calmly with words, the desire to protect you at all costs was stronger than ever.

He might’ve been trying to be civil, but if anyone tried something again, there would be no hesitation. Logan would’ve torn them apart in seconds if you weren’t around. He had a certain control over himself, but it was clear, he didn’t like anyone stepping too close to what was his.

You came to the register, Logan paid and you left. You didn't exchange a word until then. "What would you like for dinner?" he asked, turning the subject away. He didn't want to discuss the uncomfortable situation further and make you feel uneasy. Talking about food seemed like a better topic to him.

“I don't know” Logan left you from his grip, when you were already at the car. You got inside, where Logan placed the grocery bag in the back seat, before starting the car. "We'll figure something out"

It was evening when you were finally back at the cabin, and Logan was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. The scent of fresh ingredients filled the air, mixing with the smoky, earthy aroma of the forest outside. He was focused, moving with the kind of purpose you admired. You sat on the couch, leaning back into the cushions, watching him from where you were. You were wearing a new shirt, his shirt, of course, but nothing else but your underwear.

As your eyes traced the muscles in his arms, the way his body moved as he chopped and stirred, you felt yourself growing more and more captivated by him. The warmth from the kitchen contrasted with the cool air in the room, but it only added to the heat that built inside you, a feeling that had nothing to do with temperature.

You wanted to help, of course, but when you offered, Logan shook his head. “You should rest,” he said softly, glancing over his shoulder at you, a smirk curling at the corner of his mouth. “I’ve got this.”

With a small, reluctant sigh, you sank back further into the couch, feeling the warmth of the room settle around you. Logan finished preparing the meal, but instead of rushing to serve, he made you a cup of warm tea. The steam rose up, delicate and soothing. He handed it to you with a soft smile, the heat of the cup spilling into your hands, grounding you in the moment.

You wrapped your fingers around the warm ceramic, grateful for the comfort he offered, both physically and emotionally. The tenderness, the care he took in everything he did for you, it made you feel both vulnerable and cherished.

Logan leaned against the counter, watching you with those intense eyes of his, the same gaze that had been on you since the moment you met. It was as though you were the only thing that mattered in that moment. And you couldn’t deny the way it made your heart race.

Logan finished preparing the meal, a hearty dish of seared steaks, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes, the savory smells filling the cabin and making your stomach growl with anticipation. He set the plates down on the coffee table in front of the couch where you were sitting, making sure everything was just right. You couldn’t help but smile, taking in the scene. The warm glow of the lights in the cabin made it feel cozy and intimate, a stark contrast to the chaos of your past.

You both settled onto the couch, Logan taking a seat beside you. The food was delicious, and even though the conversation wasn’t centered around anything important, it felt grounding. Logan had a way of making even the smallest details sound interesting. His deep voice, full of humor, washed over you as he shared stories of his time on the road, a mix of ridiculous adventures and near-disasters.

Logan’s laughter was like music, deep and genuine. He didn’t laugh often, but when he did, it was as if the weight of the world had been lifted from him, even if only for a moment. You couldn’t help but laugh along, his energy infectious, his smile that much brighter when he caught your eye.

As you both continued eating, you realized how easy it was to be with him. There was no need to act or pretend, no awkward silences or forced small talk. For the first time in what felt like forever, you were completely at ease. The sound of Logan’s voice, the warmth of the food, the softness of the couch beneath you, it all felt like home.

You didn’t even notice how much time had passed, how the world outside the cabin had ceased to exist in that moment. For the first time in years, you felt truly happy.

Logan’s eyes caught yours, a small smile on his lips. “What?” he asked, noticing your gaze. You shook your head, a soft chuckle escaping your lips. “Nothing, just… this feels nice,” you said, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

Logan raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at his mouth. “Nice, huh? You sure know how to flatter a guy.” You laughed, feeling a warmth spread through you, but it wasn’t just from the food. It was from being here, with him. Safe. Comfortable. Content.

“I mean it,” you said, your voice softer now. “For the first time in a long time, I feel like… I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Logan paused, his fork hovering in the air for a second before he set it down on his plate. His gaze softened, just for a moment, before he looked away. “I get that,” he muttered, almost to himself. “Things don’t have to be complicated, not when you’re with the right people.”

You felt your heart skip a beat at his words, his sincerity making you feel something deep within. You wanted to believe him, wanted to believe that for once, you could just be happy. That you didn’t need to keep fighting.

He looked back at you, his expression now more serious. “I’m glad you’re here,” he said, his voice low, yet filled with an honesty that hit you in a way you hadn’t expected.

Your chest tightened with emotion, and you nodded, trying to mask how much those words meant. It was strange, how something so simple could affect you so much. But then again, everything with Logan felt different, more real.

The night wore on, and the two of you shared stories, laughed, and ate. The weight of the world didn’t seem as heavy as it had just hours ago. You were no longer thinking about the FBI or what had brought you here. You were only thinking about the present, about Logan.

“Hey, can I ask you something?” Logan’s voice was casual, but there was something in it that caught your attention. You nodded, waiting for him to continue. He took a final bite of his food, chewing slowly before setting his plate down with a soft clink.

“Have you ever been with anyone?” The question hung in the air, unexpected and direct. It startled you, leaving you unsure of how to respond. Your mind raced, and for a moment, you didn’t know how to answer. Logan, sensing the hesitation, quickly shifted his tone, as if trying to soften the impact. But you still found yourself replying simply, “No. I never really had the chance.”

He seemed to understand, nodding thoughtfully. “If you had the chance, though, I bet you’d have no trouble at all.”

You laughed nervously and shook your head in disbelief. “No way… I don’t think so.”

Logan’s expression softened as he leaned slightly forward, his eyes never leaving yours. There was a seriousness in his voice when he spoke again, but a warmth too. “Yes way, I mean look at you. You’re beautiful, not just on the outside, but in everything you are. The way you carry yourself, your strength, the way you laugh, it all draws people in. You have this… presence. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to be close to you.”

The sincerity in his words made your breath catch. It was as though every insecurity you’d hidden deep inside was being slowly unraveled, laid bare in the best possible way. His words, simple but heartfelt, wrapped around you like a comforting blanket, making you feel seen in a way you hadn’t in a long time.

Logan kept speaking, his words filling the space between you. “I’ve never met anyone like you.” His voice was deep, full of admiration, and you could feel how much he meant it. “You’ve got this amazing energy, this fire. I don’t know how you do it.”

But despite his compliments, something inside you was aching to stop him, to silence all those words. You wanted him in a way you couldn’t explain, something fierce that pulsed through your veins. You couldn’t hold back any longer. You leaned in, your breath catching as you pressed your lips gently against his.

Logan was surprised at first, barely reacting, his lips soft under yours. He wasn’t expecting this, and neither were you, but the spark that ignited between you two was undeniable.

Before you could even think, Logan’s hands found their way to the back of your neck, pulling you closer. His lips parted, deepening the kiss. This time, there was no hesitation. His kiss was hungry, passionate, like he couldn’t get enough of you. You felt his fingers move, cupping your face gently, as though he was afraid of breaking something precious between you. But you weren’t fragile. You weren’t scared.

You responded, matching his intensity, the heat between you two overwhelming, leaving you both breathless.

You put your plate down on the table as Logan's weight weighed you down, so you were underneath him. He didn't want to rush into anything, but at the same time, he couldn't keep that desire inside him for long.

He was kissing you hungrily and you kissed him back, your fingers found a place between his soft hair, which you pulled and messed up. His knee, without his intention, slowly rubbed against your panties. He created the pressure that you wanted for a long time. Your core was pulsating, greedily, desperately wanting something to drive away that annoying lust.

Your lips leaving a soft moans between the kisses, making Logan's pants tighter. Your sweet sound made it hard for Logan to be patient with you. His hands were slowly moving down, gently exploring your body. Every touch of his filled you with doses of adrenaline. Your hips were carefully rocking against Logan's knee as a natural instinct. He scoffed and stopped kissing you to take a look at you.

"Someone's eager huh?" His voice sounded mocking but at the same time, irritated you much more than his leg against your core. You wanted him. You needed him. Lust like you've never experienced before. It was stronger than hunger or thirst, it was much more intense.

You had no idea what was happening to you but you knew you needed Logan. Much, much closer. He didn't need to read minds to see how frantically you needed this.

He lunged at your lips again, much more wildly. One of his hands traveled quite quickly to your legs. When he reached your thighs, he massaged you for a while there. Oh god he needed it as badly as you did.

He couldn't remember the last time he had good sex. It's been a while since he's been living alone in this cabin with only the animals around. Of course, when he got the hang of it, he masturbated, but over time he got tired of it. But the moment you appeared in his sight, you reawakened in him the flame of passion and especially erection, which he was still trying to hide and suppress whenever you were near him.

But now was the time when you both could finally indulge. To relax, achieve pleasure and share the most intimate moment with the person who saved you.

Logan's hand smoothly moved from your thigh to your inner thigh, way too close to the point you wanted him the most. You tried to move your hips so that he would finally touch you. He chuckled softly, noticing your movements. “Easy there”

His middle finger started gently brushing you through your panties. Your eyes widened, as you felt a tickle warm feeling in your lower stomach. You couldn't describe what exactly you felt but it was breathtaking. You couldn't get enough of it.

Logan was careful, gentle and obedient, but you kept implying that you wanted the exact opposite. You wanted more, more pressure, more fingers, but most of all you wanted him to finally take off your panties. You bit your lower lip, trying to be quiet as the soft groans of desperation started leaving your throat, without even realizing it.

"Come on princess, let me hear you" Logan put more pressure into his finger, making you close your eyes and drop your jaw. You couldn't control your voice anymore and that was exactly what Logan wanted. Hearing your moaning and seeing your eyebrows twitching in pleasure, made his dick even harder.

He wanted to feel you, he wanted to taste you, that's why he grabbed your panties made of soft fabric and pulled them off you in one swipe. You gasped a bit as the cold fresh air touched your bare core, wet and pulsating.

When Logan saw your pussy, his breath caught in his chest. You were beautiful. The transparent glistening liquid on your labia was driving him crazy. It looked like the most delicious meat he would ever taste and he decided to not waste any more time, even though he would love to look at you even longer.

He got on his knees on the couch, lowering himself so that his head was right between your thighs. You lowered your head, heavy breathing and heart beating like never before. This image will be etched in your memory forever. His devilish smile and flirtatious wink was the last time you saw, before you started seeing stars.

He buried his face into your cunt, his nose teasing your clit while his tongue was swirling around your surface. He licked off all your wetness while you had to catch on to something. You grab his already disheveled hair, pulling and tugging him.

Your strokes, which Logan barely felt, made him growl against you, sending pleasent vibration right into your core. "Logan" you gasped as his tongue finally penetrated you. He was stretching you and surprisingly, it didn't hurt at all. You were so horny that his penetration was smooth without any problems.

You bit your lips again, creating a bloody mess there, but you could care less. You kept moving your hips awkwardly as Logan created a volcano of emotions inside you. His tongue touched your walls, twirling around and tasting every drop of your juice. On top of that, his nose didn't stop at deliberately provoking your sensitive clit, sending you closer and closer to orgasm.

Logan kept his eyes on you. He watched as your nostrils flared, your brows furrowed, and your muscles tensed beyond belief trying to hold on. You could feel his cocky smile, as your walls started to tighten around his tongue. He knew you were close. “You taste so good”

Your grunt grew louder with every flick of Logan's tongue, your hips moving against his face, before you felt a pressing sensation in your lower abdomen. Goosebumps covered your entire body and a chill ran down your spine, before it happened. Your jaw fall open, your eyes tight close and you shouted over the entire cottage, that even the birds outside flew away.

You squirm all over Logan's face. The feeling of release washed over you until you fell from the height and struggled to catch your breath. Logan licked you, he was very dusty and didn't want to leave even a drop of your cum. The overstimulation started heating up your core.

Logan moved away from your crotch, sitting on his ankles and watching you for a moment. Even though you were drained, you still looked stunning. You opened your eyes when you felt huge warm hands on your cheeks. "That's my girl" you chuckled, your eyelids felt heavy but you couldn't stop looking at Logan's face. He still had the rest of your squirm on his chin and nose, glistening through the rays of cozy light around the room.

"Are you ready?" your heart skipped a beat at his question, but his messy hair with face like an angel made you nod your head. Logan smiled with a huff, kissing you harshly. His hands weren't as careful as before, he was reaching all over you and didn't hesitate to touch you under your, actually his, shirt at all.

You cooperated with his passionate kissing, both of you sighing. Suddenly you felt something poking you which started to annoy you. You pulled away from Logan's lips and looked down to see his huge erection still trapped in his pants. Your eyes widened and your core started pulsating again. Logan noticed your staring and couldn't help but chuckle.

“What are you lookin' at?” you quickly look back into his eyes, embarrassed. As a result, you started to blush and had to suck your lips into a thin line. God Logan adored you.

"Don't worry sweetie" he leans, brushing his lips against your ear as his hot breath warmed your skin. “You'll get it” with those words, he covered your face in soft kisses. You were enjoying it until you heard belt unfastening and a zipper. You knew it was coming and you couldn't wait. You were so heated up and that Logan's cock could cool you down.

You felt the excitement spread throughout your body, as Logan's pants fell onto the floor. You already felt something hard tickling you in your inner thigh. You were impatient. You let out an eager purr, indicating that you absolutely needed to have Logan inside you. He sense your hints and the uncontrollable movements of your hips, fervently trying to get some friction.

Logan look at you, eyes dark with lust, before he presses his lips against yours and at that exact same time, he slowly thrust into you. You squeak, eyes widened as he stretched your walls extremely wide. You were wrapped around him, so fucking tight. His precum mixed with the remaining juices inside you, creating a useful natural lubricant.

"Fuck" he dropped his forehead against yours, his hot breathing in shallow, uneven gasps as he continued his way to get fully inside you. You were quietly whimpering, eyes closed but you felt amazing. Logan's presence so close to you finally got rid of that aggravating aching between your legs.

“Hold onto me baby,” Logan kept comforting you and whispering sweet things that made your heart beat faster. “Just like that” his voice low and hard, ruspy in a way that tickled your eardrums. You automatically wrapped your legs around Logan's waist when he was inside to the base. You felt so full, but that it still wasn't enough. You begged for more.

Logan, like a true gentleman, let you get used to him and catch a breath a little, before he started the rodeo. He moved his pan with incredibly gentle movements. His tip touching and provoking your cervix and places you didn't even know could be reached.

Your mouth opened automatically as you were sighing, your voice pitch and strong. "You like that?" Logan was looking at you and even though you couldn't see him, you instinctively suspected that he was watching you. You didn't mind. You didn't mind at all. You nodded carelessly and threw your head back as Logan started to pick up the pace.

Exactly what you needed and wanted. It's like he's reading your mind. As if he knew your body perfectly and knew exactly what you want, what you desire, what you need.

He took both of your hands and held them tightly as he placed them above your head. Again, you didn't mind. Your only focus was his cock in your vagina. How wonderful he feels. How his massive cock touches every sensitive spot inside you, slowly but surely bringing you to climax.

“Look at you,” he said with a smile as he fought himself not to empty himself into you yet. You're making it really hard for him though. "Such a...." he dropped his head as his dick started twitching, his thrusts gained strength and intensity. "Such a good girl”

He felt it. You felt it too. You stopped perceiving your surroundings, your ears started ringing and the rumbling in your stomach burned. Logan, on the other hand, felt he wouldn't last much longer.

He quickly unbuttoned your shirt, the buttons flew around but it was a blast for both of you. Your breasts bounced to the rhythm of Logan's thrusting, which started being unbearable. He lost control of his pelvis and movements in order to catch up with his orgasm. He got on his knees, freeing your hands but held your hips firmly, while keep pounding into you without mercy.

"You feel s-so good" he groaned his eyes tightly shut as he felt his orgasm being implausibly close. Your legs started shaking, vibrating. You stopped feeling your toes and that's when you felt it. You arch your back, jaw wide open while you moaned really, really loudly.

Your walls tightened around Logan's length, but he didn't stop. All of your muscles stiffened until in one moment, they suddenly relaxed and you let out a soft sigh of relief. Logan chuckled when you cum all over his dick and decided not to wait for his moment anymore. Few more hard thrust, before he pulled out and sprayed your belly with his seed.

His moan was really intense and turned you on again, plus the realization that he made this sound just because of you, your heart was melting.

After that he collapsed on you but carefully, not to smash your tiny body. His forehead was leaning against yours, both of you breathing heavily while giggling. "That was...awesome" Logan sighed, making you laugh and blush. It was that good, that you couldn't even talk. But Logan made sure that there was no awkward silence.

"You were quite loud, princess,” your cheeks started to blush but you didn't break eye contact with Logan, even with such close proximity. “Always so quiet and mysterious… but in bed? You’re not afraid of that, are you?” you were terribly shy, but in a good way. You didn't know you could make such sounds yourself.

He grinned, seeing you all red and sweaty was a moment of comfort for him. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt butterflies in his stomach and they just wouldn't go away since he saw you.

"Come on, let's get you clean up" Logan grunted as he stood up and didn't ask you, just grabbed you and carried you into the bathroom like a princess. You didn't complain, you swung your legs and rested your head on his chest, feeling indescribably good with him.

A few years had passed, and the life you and Logan had built together only grew deeper and richer with time. You’d both settled into a quiet, natural rhythm, a blend of strength and softness, of trust and a fierce loyalty that had grown from countless shared moments, both big and small. Logan, once guarded and wary, had opened up to you in ways neither of you expected, revealing a side that was as protective and tender as it was wild. And you, too, had found a quiet courage within yourself, rooted in him and in the life you shared. Your bond felt like something timeless and unbreakable, a connection that had only strengthened as the years drifted by, like roots that had grown deep and steady in the rich earth of your love.

Logan stood outside the cabin, dressed only in a pair of worn, dark-gray sweatpants that clung to his muscular frame. His gaze stretched out over the rugged landscape, eyes fixed on the rolling hills and dense trees, but his thoughts were somewhere far beyond the scenery. The dawn air was cool, mist rising in thin wisps over the ground, and Logan breathed it in slowly, grounding himself in the calm solitude of nature. His rugged face was softened in the morning light, deep in thought, a rare vulnerability showing in his expression as he seemed to wrestle with something private, something known only to him.

Then, as if sensing him, you stepped quietly onto the porch, carrying a small, bundled form against your chest. You approached him with a warmth and excitement that seemed to break through his solitude. The tiny child in your arms cooed softly, and Logan, feeling your presence before even hearing a sound, turned around. His face lit up with an expression that was a blend of pride, awe, and something deeper, something fierce and protective.

With a gentle smile, you cradled his newborn closer, offering the child toward him. Logan’s face softened, and he reached out, his large, roughened hand brushing over the child’s head with an almost reverent touch.

“She really do have your nose,” he murmured, a smirk breaking across his face as he looked up at you.

You laughed softly, stepping close to wrap your arm around his waist. Logan pulled you in, his warmth settling around you both. Together, you looked out over the vast expanse of trees and sky stretching endlessly before you, wrapped in the serenity of the moment.

“Can you believe this?” you whispered, resting your head on his shoulder.

Logan’s voice was low but sure. “Wouldn’t trade it for anything.” He pressed a lingering kiss to your forehead, his rough hand squeezing your shoulder gently.

The life you shared with him in that moment, under the quiet sky, was both humbling and thrilling, an unexpected future he never dared to hope for but now couldn’t imagine living without.

[imagionationstation]

I have an idea: what would have happened if Donnie got mind controlled instead of Raph in that one scene in Clash Of The Mutanimals?

“That one scene”

See, my first thought was to do an analysis but then I realized that an analysis on a scene that I could very easily rewrite to answer what is very clearly a prompt (and I will accept it as nothing else) would be less fun. And, I mean, you can’t start in the middle of the story.

You gotta flip back a few pages to get the better picture.

So you get two scenes!!

When Donnie wakes up, his thoughts are sluggish.

Everything blends into one another, hazing his world as he brings a hand to his face. He smashes it against skin, trying to wake up his brain. He’s on his knees. He’s on his knees in a- he opens his eyes, giving the room a lost look- a red room?

“…Where… Am I?” He rubs again, frustrated by the lack of compliance, trying to remember how he got here or why there’s a little fluttering sound from somewhere behind him-

Something thuds, quietly. He drops his hand, looking towards it.

His eyes widen. Shredder puts on his helmet.

“Your new home, mutant.” 

Nope, nope, nope, nope to that-

Donnie scrambles to his feet, turning around-

Tiger Claw is there, blade held up to his plastron.

Donnie’s bo finds its way to his hands, knocking it away as he steps back. It’s a long range weapon, awful in close quarters- but now he’s closer to Shredder.

His eyes immediately go up to scan the room, looking for another exit plan-

“Drop the staff.”

Donnie does. Then he panics, going for it-

“Leave it.”

His muscles lock up. He wants to reach for it but he doesn’t. He can’t move. He can’t get so much of a twitch out of his fingers, hand beginning to shake from the strain. He can’t reach it he can’t pick it up why can’t he reach it-

He can’t reach it and Shredder’s behind him- he’sbehindhim- and goosebumps smear down his skin with his presence- it’s not working- so Donnie aborts.

Donnie abandons his staff and goes for the kunai in his belt, spinning around and going for the neck- 

“Stop.”

Donnie stops. He stops the whole motion, dropping any pretense of continuing so he can step back and gasp, “What did you do to me?”

Shredder looks at Stockman, “None of the others had these results.”

“No.” Stockman agrees. Donnie’s head hurts, a dizzying kind of pain as tries to remember how he got here. Who are these others? Where are his brothers? What happened to his brothers? “We had the psychic within the second command.”

Psychic?! April?!

Shredder looks at him. The intense feeling of vulnerability returns under his stare and his eyes dart to the door across the room.

“Come to me.”

Oh no-

Donnie does, pain blossoming with every step that he fights. So he stops fighting, legs stopping him right in front of the horror of many nightmares, and he whispers, “What did you do to me?”

“I changed your alliance.” He responds cooly. “Your loyalties belong to me now.” 

His heart pulsates. Pinprick eyes narrow. “No.”

“Yes.” He leans closer. “Bow to me.”

His muscles lock again, only this time, it’s his intention. He refuses to get down, refuses to bow before another master- no matter how hot the fire in his brain is, no matter how much it hurts- he won’t make him he can’t make him he’s stronger than-

“Bow.” Shredder booms as his voice darkens. “Now.”

The fire explodes, raining down on everything. He wants to scream.

Silently, swiftly, he falls to his knees, head bowed low.

“Good.” Shredder says. “Look at me.” 

He looks up, eyes a soulless white. 

“Grab your weapon.” Shredder releases the blades of his gauntlet as he stands. “And attack me.”

Leo is all too relieved to find Donnie alive.

When Leatherhead breaks through the gate, his younger brother has positioned himself on one of the statues. He isn’t bothered by the crash, continuing to fire one of Tiger Claw’s weapons at Shredder. Admist them, he throws down a smoke bomb.

It lands under his feet, exploding and sending him into his back.

Donnie pounces with Raph and Mikey’s overjoyed cries, “Woah, Donnie!” “Go Dee!” but Leo notices how he lands on the armor, how a gauntlet blade slices against his ankle and he doesn’t even react.

He’s never seen him that- focused before.

That doesn’t matter now, because Donnie has the gun pointed at the flesh of his face and he’s not firing, “Donnie! Do it! End this!”

Donnie doesn’t move or even react to his voice, and their brothers look to Leo as their leader scans for any other threats, anything that might be holding him back.

Raph bursts, “What is he waiting for?!”

Donnie turns, and he steps off, setting the ray in Shredder’s outstretched hand when he rises.

Shredder laughs.

Leo can’t take his eyes off his little brother. 

“Donatello is mine now to control.”

The gate slams shut behind them. Leo’s heart pounds.

“As are your other mutant friends.” 

The mutanimals come out of their respective places behind the statues. Raph’s worried voice calls, “Slash!” 

Slash looks at Raph and he raises his mace. Leo reaches out a hand to the side, a means of comfort and a warning to stay still, as Tiger Claw preens, “No escape for you, reptiles.”

Shredder holds out the weapon to his second-in-command. Donnie pulls out his staff, unsheathing the blade. 

“Donnie?” Mikey asks, a tremor in his voice.

Donnie doesn’t acknowledge it, moving beside Shredder.

“Now.” Shredder announces. “Let us welcome you properly.” 

Leo doesn’t give him the chance. He bolts to the front of the group, launching himself at the monster that stole his little brother.

Shredder doesn’t move.

Donnie does.

He places himself as a boundary between Leo and Shredder, catching his katanas before they can hit. Leo has no choice but to throw himself away, snapping, “Donnie! Back off!” He reorients himself, hitting the ground. “Shredder’s the enemy!” 

“My allegiance does not lie with you.” He responds simply. “Nor does my loyalty.”

Then Donnie’s crossing the distance, whirling his staff and throwing himself at Leo. Leo goes to meet him halfway, determined to knock him off his feet long enough to get through to him, startled by how different every move is.

There’s no hesitation to each blow, no extra care taken to prevent injury or calculation made to get the best outcome. He reacts every time, practically taking off Leo’s head and limbs more than once, only prevented by his quick reaction time. If he’s being perfectly honest with himself, he’s normally one step ahead, but now he can barely keep up. He’s forced to neglect their surroundings to focus on each blow, hoping that he can trust their brothers to handle their own.

Then his katanas are embedded in Donnie’s staff and Donnie’s knee is coming up to catch his chin. He stumbles, realizing too late that he left his blades behind. 

Donnie tears them out and throws them out of reach.

Leo knows he won’t last two seconds unarmed so he puts distance between them, getting to the top of one of the statues. Donnie doesn’t follow, watching from the ground, and Leo uses the breathing room to reach for his brother. “Donnie! This isn’t you! Think about it! You’ve got to break Shredder’s control!” 

“I am thinking clearly.” His little brother’s voice in unnatural, bland and bored in tone. “And I do not align with you anymore.” 

Leo points at the monster watching, baffled. “I’m your brother! That’s the Shredder!”

“I don’t care what you think.” Donnie plants his staff on the ground. “I do not follow you anymore, Leonardo. Accept it.”

“No.” Leo snarls as he throws one of the weapons embedded in the statue’s head, taking the trident with him. “Never.”

Donnie throws the first away, barely able to stop the trident with his bo. Leo presses down hard. Donnie’s expression changes and his eyes narrow, suddenly dropping the protective stance. 

“Woah!” Leo’s blade almost crashes into his forehead, but he catches it before it scrapes skin. They stare at one another, frozen, and Donnie states, “There. A weakness.”

He brings his staff up, knocking the blade away from his face, and then takes off.

Obviously, Leo follows him, and watches as he throws himself into Leatherhead’s and Slash’s battle. He jumps in the way of the mace and Slash hits him without blinking. He goes flying, and Leo screams, “LEATHERHEAD!”

Leatherhead throws him. He reaches his brother, arms around him, taking the combined blow of them both slamming into the gate. Donnie doesn’t hesitate, spinning around to shove the throwing star in his hand into Leo’s shoulder.

Leo catches his wrist, hissing, “Donnie-” 

Donnie elbows him in the gut and takes off. 

He runs towards Rockwell and Raph as the psychic mutant tries to impale their brother with his own sais. Donnie jumps up as they fly through the air. Leo grabs his legs, dragging them back down before they can impale him. 

Donnie swerves for him, staff coming down on his skull as they hit the ground, but Leo releases and rolls. Then he tackles his younger brother before he can try that idiocy again, trapping both arms against the ground, “Donnie! Stop this madness!”

Donnie grits his teeth, each thrashing movement more intense than the last. “No!” 

“Yes!” He doesn’t let up. “You’re his puppet! Can’t you see that?”

“Let me go!”

“Snap out of it!”

“Leo, please!” He begs. “You’re hurting me!”

Leo’s world tilts the wrong way, panic searing straight from his heart and into his brain, apology on the tip of his tongue. But he swallows it because Donnie’s eyes do not match his tone, cold and hard in a way that can never rule or not define his passionate little brother. 

“Are you-” It hits him. “-are you trying to manipulate me?”

Donnie raises an eye ridge, pausing in his struggle. “What took you so long?” 

Leo’s chest burns. So that’s the play? Really? Fine.

“I can’t believe you.” Leo tears himself away, putting distance between them. He turns back to his brother as he spins his staff. “I can’t believe you would do that!”

Donnie moves a few steps. Leo refuses to follow, “You’ve been with Shredder all of five minutes and this is the monster he turns you into?” 

A pause, “I am no different.” 

“You bet you are.” He growls. “I thought better of you. But I should have known. Of course you can’t stop this! You’re not strong enough! I can’t believe you’d disappoint me like this.” 

His stance falters. “What?”

Leo steps towards him, never breaking their gaze. “You heard me. You’re a disappointment, Donatello.” 

The staff slips from his fingers. He pushes, “You want to stay here? By all means! Stay! I won’t waste any energy stopping you.”

There are tears in blank eyes. Leo turns away.

A final nail in the coffin, he shouts. “Have fun with your new clan. Today, you are no longer my brother!”

Leo runs. Donnie gasps, “Leo, wait-!”

He chokes and Leo spins around in an instant.

He’s by his side as he hits his knees, gagging the brainworm onto the ground. Leo stabs it as it squirms, setting his attention on his little brother, hands on shaking shoulders. “Donnie?”

“I’m sorry,” He whimpers, looking up, face streaked with tears. “I’m sorry I’m sorryI’msorryImsorry-” 

“Nonono-“ Leo hugs him, tight, his little brother’s head on his shoulder. “It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. I didn’t mean a single word I said- I swear, I didn’t. 

“I couldn’t-“ His breath hitches. “I couldn’t stop-“

“I know.” He says gently. “I know I know- I went too far. I just wanted to snap you out of it and I wanted to get you back. You’re my brother, you never disappointed me, and I’d never leave without you. I wanted you back. I just wanted you back.”

Donnie pulls away, looking him in the eyes, desperation visible, “Really?”

“I promise.” Leo squeezes his arm. “I swear on my life.”

He swallows, breath hitching, brushing at his face. 

Leo gets to his feet. “GUYS! GET THEM UPSET! FEELING SOMETHING SNAPS THEM OUT OF IT!”

“GOOD!” Raph calls back. “RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!”

Leo looks to Donnie. His younger brother exhales softly, brown eyes lingering uncomfortably on the brainworm.

He holds out his hand. Tired eyes look up.

“He’s not the only one.” Leo jokes, lightly. “Why don’t I make it up to you?”

He pulls his little brother to his feet. 

“Oh yeah?”

He smirks. “Help me take down the Shredder?” 

Determination sparks, lighting up his gaze, strengthening his stance. 

“Let’s bash his face in.” 

Leo’s never felt prouder. 

[blondwolfart]

Happy Valentine's Day from Root Rot 💚

"Happy Valentine's Day~"

[smoooothoperator]

Die With A Smile

04: Wake Me Up

Bucky Barnes x mutant!OC (Astrid Rowan)

HYDRA victims, found family, "strangers" to lovers, emotional scars, first love

Masterlist

previous part | next part

a/n: Hey guys how are you doing?? Did you all watch the new THUNDERBOLTS* trailer???👀👀

The night was cold and dark. I would have casted a small flame to warm myself, but I knew it would put us in danger. The only thing that kept us in disguise were the snowflakes. My breath was heavy and my heart pounded against my chest violently. I could feel him behind me, his warm body and warm breath hitting the side of my face.

“Stay close” he murmured, with a deep and raspy voice, but there was a softness in it too, something that always made me feel safe and protected.

I turned my head slightly, watching that black mask that covered half of his face and those blue eyes that always knew what I was thinking.

He moved slowly, and I could feel his right hand on my shoulder, squeezing it softly as a sign of reassurance. His touch was rough, but careful, protective. I always wanted to lean into it, trying to find a safe space, as if he was the only thing keeping me sane and safe. My gaze shifted down to where his hand was and without thinking, I reached out intertwining my fingers with his on top of my shoulder.

“We go in three… two…” he whispered, his lips brushing my ear.

With goosebumps all over my body I focused on what we had in front of us, and the fire in my hands started to tickle me, knowing that I was ready to attack.

And then, we moved as one.

I followed his pace, slipping through the shadows, following his lead as we moved through a dense forest. Our movements were silent and calculated.

When we arrived at the main door, he gave me a slow nod, making me raise my hand. I let my fingertips brush the cold metal of the chain, and the heat started to radiate through my arm. Flames came out of my hand, melting the metal and making the chain fall to the ground, melting the snow with it. 

Inside, guards showed up, alerted by the opening of the doors. My partner sprinted in front of me with precise and lethal movements, and I followed him, feeling how my left arm tickled with ice in my veins while my left hand still felt on fire. A subtle movement of my left arm sent a silver of frost racing across the floor, trapping one of the guards inside of a block of ice.

The man that came with me took advantage and moved to the next guard, stabbing him and shooting him with a gun. 

His hand found mine, grounding me as we paused in a doorway. I felt my powers lower until they were harmless for him, paying attention to his movements.

“You okay?” he whispered, looking down at my hands, one of them cold and the other warm. “Together we’re unstoppable, huh?”

I nodded and smiled, and then we focused on the next room. Flames danced around me, burning whatever my mind wanted. I moved my left hand and I searched for it, for blood. I made a fist with my left hand and immediately I saw how the guards in front of me stopped moving, with eyes full of panic watching how my partner moved towards them and cut their throats. 

As we moved deeper into the building, I sensed a shift. We had completed the mission, but I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay beside him. 

He paused by a broken window, moonlight casting a silvered glow across his form. My hand reached out instinctively, finding his shoulder, fingers pressing into the hard muscle beneath his coat. His hand rose to cover mine, and for a moment, we stood in silence, listening to the world go quiet around us.

“We’re going to be okay” he whispered, as if he was telling me a secret.

I nodded, unable to respond with words. My throat was tight, and my heart hammered with a beat that felt less like adrenaline and more like fear. He pulled me closer and I let myself lean into his warmth, inhaling his scent, that faint hint of metal and leather. My arms wrapped around his waist pressing my body pressing to his, feeling his heartbeat against my own.

“I don’t want to go back” I whisper, feeling panic, knowing what will happen next.

His silence speaks, and I knew he was thinking the same. Instead, he pulls me closer, his forehead resting against mine.

“I won’t let them hurt you”  he whispered, taking off his mask. “They won’t touch you”

“But…”

“It will be okay” he whispered, pressing his lips against my forehead. holding me tighter. “I will be okay, Aetheris”

And after that innocent kiss, everything turned black, like I was a machine turned off, fainting and falling into his arms.

“Wake me up, Aetheris” that voice said. “You know how to fix me. I’m ready”

A loud gasp broke the silence of the room while I woke up from the dream. My body was drenched in sweat and the sheets were twisted around me as if I had been fighting something in my sleep. 

The memory of his voice was still echoing in my mind, hearing that familiar deep and raspy voice filled with both danger and warmth. I could feel his presence as if he had slipped through the walls between dreams and reality.

My hands were shaking as I ran them over my face, trying to calm my breathing. That face that had been a blur before during all the training I had with Okoye, that one hidden behind a shadow and a black mask, was now crystal clear. The strands of brown dark hair falling against his forehead, the way his lips curved into a slight smile whenever he called with that name. The same hair and lips I have been seeing all over a week.

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, pressing my bare feet against the cold floor. I looked at my room, watching the things that now decorate it. In the ledge of the window there are a few plants I bought yesterday in the market, as well as some animals carved in wood. On top of the desk there’s a small box with food for cats just in case I cross paths with another one of them.And in the wardrobe there are plenty of clothes Shuri ordered for me and the uniform Okoye gave me.

Without thinking much, I grabbed a simple dark violet dress and slipped in it, looking at myself in the mirror. The last few days I noticed things about me, since it was the first time I saw my reflection. The beauty mark under my left eye was something I always looked at, as well as the scar that crosses my lips. And my bright blue eyes somehow always matched with the clothes I wear.

I tied my hair in a braid and walked out of the room, adjusting the Kimoyo beads around my wrist. My heart pounded as I made my way down the hall, my footsteps nearly silent in the early morning stillness. The palace was alive, with the servants and the guards walking around the corridors, all of them greeting me with the now familiar Wakandian salute.

I couldn’t explain the urgency I felt, so when I saw one of the women that works in Shuri’s laboratory walking into one of the jets I didn’t doubt it and walking behind her, smiling awkwardly at her and sitting in one of the chairs. 

As soon as the jet landed, I made my way into the building. Moving on instinct, I headed to the cryo room, the lights of the hallway lighting up with every step I made further into it. The door opened slowly as I stood in front of it and the light inside of the room turned on.

The room was cold as always, making me shiver as I walked closer to the capsule. I rested my forehead against the glass, my breath fogging the surface in small clouds. My fingers pressed against it, and suddenly a rush of images filled my mind.

The cold night. The heat of flames dancing on my fingertips. His hand on my shoulder, steady and reassuring. The two of us moving through a forest, in sync, silent, deadly. 

His quiet laugh as he whispered my name.

“Aetheris”

His face was fully clear now, unmasked and open. The lines of his face, the blue of his eyes, the way he looked at me as if I were his entire world in the moments we were together.

It had been real. We had been real.

I closed my eyes, and more images surfaced, each one sharper than the last. Him and I in that dark, a snow covered forest, sharing a quiet moment between missions. The way he held me, like I was his anchor, something grounding him in a world of shadows. The way he always kissed my forehead before everything went dark.

With a shiver, I opened my eyes slowly, grounding myself in the present, but my hand remained against the glass.

“Soldat” I whisper, my voice a soft whisper in the quiet room as I pronounced the way I used to call him. “Oh, soldat…”

I looked at his face and the memories started to come into my mind slowly, making me feel dizzy and nauseous.

“All this time… They erased you from my mind” I whisper. “Everything, all the memories, our missions… Why?”

It had been two days since those memories of the soldat, of Bucky, came to me fragment by fragment, each of them leaving me more confused and yet more satisfied in a way I hadn’t felt before.

 I hadn’t told anyone. Not Shuri, not T’Challa, not even Okoye. It felt like I was standing on the edge of something I couldn’t control, a deep abyss between what I remembered and what I didn’t. Each day, the memories came in as pieces of a puzzle I wasn’t sure I wanted to complete.

I couldn’t ignore that pull, that link between him and I.He was alive, waiting for something I wasn’t even sure I fully understood.

“Astrid, are you coming? I need your help in the lab” Shuri’s voice sounded in the bracelet. “Astrid?”

“Y-yeah, I’m on my way”

I hadn’t expected it, but there was something about the urgency in her tone that made me drop everything. It wasn’t often Shuri asked for help directly, especially not from someone like me. She was the genius here, the one who fixed things, who found solutions.

I didn’t speak as I walked down the hallway of the Wakandan lab, nodding slowly to the people that crossed my path. My mind was still spiraling. The weight of the last few days pressed down on me, but I didn’t know how to talk about it. How can I explain everything? How can I explain him without sounding like a traitor?

“You’ve been avoiding me the last few days sShe looked up as I entered and her eyes narrowed slightly as she observed my hesitation.

I didn’t know how to answer her. I wasn’t sure if it was because I was afraid or because I was too confused by what I had started to realize. I had no control over the memories that kept slipping through the cracks in my mind.

“I’ve just been thinking” I finally said, my voice low. “About... About everything. About the sargent, too”

“You’ve been here long enough. If you’re going to tell me something, Astrid, now is the time” she said, raising an eyebrow, stepping closer to me.

“I… The last few days, some memories came back” I sighed. “Not only during the lessons with Okoye. In my sleep I have flashbacks. And… When I go to the cryo room”

She looked at me, tilting slightly her head to the side, listening to me. She crossed her arms in front of her chest as she sat at the edge of a working table. I could see some of the workers in the room leaving, making me take a deep breath to continue.

“He’s…. he’s not just someone I fought with” I started, feeling my breath quicken. “Bucky... was my partner. We-” I stopped, swallowing hard. “We were... together, I think. I remember our missions, how we worked together, and we were… Perfect. But I think HYDRA erased everything from him in my mind, like he never existed. I don’t know why… I hear him, Shuri. In my dreams, he was the voice that kept me awake all the time, the voice that guides me through Okoye’s lessons, and the voice that leads me to the cryo room”

“So that’s why his brain activity spikes whenever you’re near him” she murmured, almost to herself.

Her expression softened and stepped closer to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. My breath started to be normal again and I sighed smiling weakly at her.

“Tell me everything, Astrid. I’m here to help” she said, squeezing my shoulders softly.

I hesitated for a moment longer, but then I let everything spill out. I told her about the missions, the shared moments of warmth in the cold. I explained how I remembered the connection between us, the pull I felt toward him. I spoke of how I thought I could wake him up, that the link we shared was something more than just memories. 

“So, you’re saying you can trigger his awakening? That you have some kind of connection to him?” she asked, looking back at the screens. 

“I think so, yeah” I nodded. “I don’t know how exactly, but I feel like if I just… if I could touch him, really connect with him, maybe it would be enough."

"We’ll bring him out of cryo, and if this connection between you is strong enough, it might be exactly what he needs to recover.” she nodded, moving to the control screen.

Together, we walked to the cryo room. My heart was going fast, beating against my rib cage hard like a drum. Shuri walked towards the screens next to the capsule, working in it.  I saw the capsule’s glass slowly lifting, the chill of the cryo vapor swirling out into the room. I took a step forward, my pulse quickening as I approached him, unable to take my eyes off the man who had been a ghost in my mind and was now real and right here in front of me.

“Alright, Astrid” Shuri said gently, watching me closely. "Try to reach him. Trust whatever that instinct is inside you.”

With a trembling hand, I reached out and laid my fingers on his chest, just above his heart. His skin was cool beneath my touch, and I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I closed my eyes, reaching for that energy, that strange warmth I had felt before with my fire.

But as I poured my energy into him, my hand tingling with the familiar warmth, his body remained still, his eyes closed. The seconds stretched painfully, and I started to feel tired and weak.

 “Sometimes it takes a while for people to come back after cryo,” Shuri said softly, though I could sense the uncertainty in her voice. "Maybe he needs time, or maybe it’s something deeper that’s holding him back”

I pulled my hand away reluctantly, fighting against the helplessness that threatened to overwhelm me.

I failed.

"What now?" I whispered, feeling that I was on the edge of something fragile, that one wrong move could shatter everything.

Shuri looked down at Bucky and then at me, taking a deep breath while she played with the rings on her fingers.

“There’s a small house by the lake, not far from here. It’s quiet, peaceful. It might be a better place for him to rest and recover, and for you to… continue trying, if you feel that pull again.” her expression softened, her understanding of my connection to Bucky more profound than I expected. “I’ll arrange for him to be moved there. If there’s any chance this bond you share can reach him, maybe the calm surroundings will help.”

I nodded slowly, playing with the tip of my braid. I looked at him and sighed.

He has to wake up. I need answers.

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