#iron 13

[couldntbedamned]

Couldntbedamned's Master List

This is my Master List of fics I’ve written.  I’m linking them to my AO3 account.

Please be sure to carefully read all the tags and warnings posted for a fic – YOU are responsible for the content you choose you consume.

Updated as of 25 April 2024

Reader Fics

Right Now, Take Me Down (I Let You In) Tony Stark/Female Reader – Mature, Complete

Tony snoops through your phone and discovers some uh, fantasies and desires you’ve been keeping hidden. He takes it upon himself to make those fantasies and desires a reality, thanks to his amazing nanotechnology and trusted AI.  (A/B/O Roleplay)

Til the Veins Start to Shiver Bruce Banner/Female Reader – Mature, Complete

You decide to tease Bruce with some provocative photos while he's working. Bruce decides to tease you right back, and then some.  (Light Dom/Sub)

A Little Evening Break Stephen Strange/Female Reader – Mature, Complete

The Reader isn’t quick to comply with Stephen’s instructions and he gives her a hard time.

There’s Only Butterflies (Take Me Away) Stephen Strange/Reader, Strange Supreme/Reader, Defender Strange/Reader, Supreme Strange/Reader, Sinister Strange/Reader – Mature, Complete

It’s a pocket-dimension full of sunshine, with love that’s all theirs.

A Sweet Escape (To Better Days) Stephen Strange/Reader, Strange Supreme/Reader, Defender Strange/Reader, Supreme Strange/Reader, Sinister Strange/Reader – Mature, Complete

While it at first it weighed heavily on her, the knowledge that five of the most powerful beings in the multiverse were with her instead of protecting all of reality, she couldn’t deny the thrill that also came with that. The universe truly revolved around her. Her loves revolved around her and everything she was, she had, she did was for them in return.

Sometimes It Hurts Instead

Stephen/Reader (unrequited), Stephen/Clea, Reader/Reader's Husband - Teen, Complete

You see that the man you'd once had feelings for has moved on. You're not sure how to feel.

Waiting for the sun to be rising

Stephen/Chronically Ill!Reader - Mature, Complete

After a wild romp, you relax with Stephen and contemplate your relationship, reassuring him that regardless of what he does (or doesn’t) say you know exactly how he feels about you.

With a little peace and some harmony

Stephen/Chronically Ill!Reader - Teen, Complete

You’re sick and thanks to a weakened immune system, having a hard time resting and fighting it off. It’s absolutely miserable but lucky for you, Stephen is more than willing to step into the role of caretaker and help you feel better.

 Starker Fics (Tony Stark/Peter Parker)

Please note that Peter is an adult in all of these.

This is What You Came For Mature, Complete

Mr. Stark has had enough of what he considers to be Peter's not-so-subtle hints that he wants to get f*cked. He decides to teach Peter a lesson.

An Absolutely Peerless Cure Dark!Tony – Mature, Complete

When Peter gets the hiccups while on patrol, Tony takes it upon himself to help rid him of the pesky problem. Sure, that Wikipedia article could be absolute horseshit, and sure, Dr. Strange had been tipsy when he agreed with it, but it's a risk Tony's willing to take in his quest to draw Peter closer to him.

…And Many More Mature, Complete

Tony has a surprise for Peter's birthday, putting a true Tony Stark spin on a long-standing wish that Peter's had. Because whether he's giving or receiving, Tony is always in charge. Not that Peter's complaining.

(Just to See How It Feels) Mature, Complete

It's late. Peter's tired and wants to sleep because he has a big exam in the morning. Tony's horny. So maybe he can convince Peter to let him put in just the tip. (It's never just the tip.)

Getting the Best Mature, Complete

Peter Benjamin Parker is a genius. A once-in-a-lifetime type of genius.

And the little prick has the nerve to be undecided, even with the promise of a full-ride to MIT.

Even Saints Into Savages Mature, Complete

The mission was supposed to be a cake walk. Get in, get the stupid mystic alien amulet, get home. So, they figured it was safe enough to bring Peter along. Only Rocket assumes something, and that assumption leads to an awkward situation for everyone involved. Tony'll do whatever it takes to save Peter. If only he didn't know that he'd enjoy it so damn much. (Aliens Made Them Do It)

Back to Where You’ve Never Been Mature, Work in Progress

In an alternate reality, Peter Parker is living out his dream of being Spider-Man and working as an intern for Stark Industries (and the Avengers!) under his hero, Tony Stark, before heading off to college.  For the most part, it's incredible.  Okay, the Avengers treat him like he's still a child, and Mr. Stark's not exactly the friendliest mentor. But still, it's good.

Except that recently, Mr. Stark's been in the worst mood and Peter finds himself the unwitting focus of the man's ire.  He tries to keep his spirits up and tell himself that it's not personal, that anyone in the lab would be a target, but when Mr. Stark kicks him out, Peter knows he's done.

Then he finds himself falling for what feels like an eternity before returning to New York.  Only it's not his New York City and the Iron Man he ends up fighting alongside is definitely not his Iron Man.  Anthony Stark is kind of perfect.  The Other Avengers are kind of perfect.  Everyone here seems to love him.  And when he and Anthony are tapped by Dr. Strange to help seal the rift between realities, Peter finds himself wondering if he was supposed to be in the reality with Anthony all along.  (AU of an AU)

Updated with Chapter 14 on 02 January 2024

SpiderStrange Fics (Peter Parker/Stephen Strange)

Please note that Peter is an adult in all of these.

One in Fourteen Million, Six Hundred and Five Dark-ish!Stephen – Mature, Complete

Stephen doesn't have time to admire Peter as much as he'd like, given that they're trying to stop total Armageddon. This is the fate of the universe at stake; his attraction doesn't really have a place here. But even still...

("Oh, we're using our made-up names? Ok, I'm Spider-Man.")

Something about this stupidly brave and chatty guy intrigues him.

Now That I’ve Found You (I Won’t Let You Go) Dark!Stephen – Mature, Complete

All Stephen wants is for Peter Parker to be happy and safe... with him. When Peter rejects Stephen? Stephen doesn't take it very well. He'll just have to ensure that Peter realizes that Stephen is his future.

Only Of What’s Mine Mature, Complete

Peter wasn't expecting to find an Alpha so soon after turning 18. After all, many Omegas don't bond with an Alpha at all until they're in their mid-20s at least. But after everything on Titan and the Snap and then the Blip and Mr. Stark nearly killing himself to destroy Thanos once and for all, Stephen had taken an interest in Peter. And Peter, god help him, was just as taken with the Alpha. (A/B/O AU)

The (It’s Not Sex Pollen!) Powder of Prana Mature, Complete

Stephen warns Peter to be careful while exploring the Sanctum. Peter, naturally, doesn't listen. The Powder of Prana goes flying. And now Stephen finds himself the only person Peter trusts to keep him from dying. With sex. (Sex Pollen AU)

Private Practice Mature, Complete

Peter Parker's appointment with Dr. Strange doesn't go as he'd planned when the good doctor prescribes a certain medical procedure. (Medical Kink/Medical Play)

Yours to Break (But Always Mend) Mature, Complete

Peter’s tears had long since stopped, replaced by weak, hitched sobs sometime after what might have been the sixth or seventh blow. He couldn’t remember why snapping back at Stephen like a brat had seemed like a good idea. He couldn’t remember why breaking the rules in the first place - starting all of this - had seemed like a good idea. (Dom/Sub)

I Know the Storms Will Always Come (But I Still Love to Have You Around) Mature, WIP

After Endgame, Stephen returns from another dimension to find Peter's life threatened by Quentin Beck's schemes. He undoes the damage and takes a struggling Peter into his care.

Peter needs time and a safe place to rebuild himself; Stephen's happy to provide that, even as he works to push aside the feelings he has. It's a tricky line to walk, setting boundaries and structure for Peter while imagining those same things in a very different context.

As Peter begins to come back to his usual self, personalities and wills clash, occasionally helped along by a certain Witch and a perpetually amused and exasperated Librarian. And Stephen finds that he can't plan for everything.

These Inconvenient Fireworks Mature, WIP

After a battle, Mr. Stark crosses a line with Peter. Peter, tired of being on the receiving end of Mr. Stark's anger, asks Stephen - who's witnessed everything - to take him away. In doing so, Stephen starts down a path with Peter he didn't see coming.

Alternatively: Peter's heart gets broken and Stephen helps put it back together.

Updated 23 Sep 2023

It’s All Routine Mature, Complete

Peter Parker is back at Dr. Strange's office for a physical required by his upcoming internship. He's hoping it will be quick and easy, but when Dr. Strange finds out that he hasn't had a physical since he was a young child, his hopes are dashed. Dr. Strange intends to be very thorough. (Medical Kink/Medical Play)

You Kiss Your Sorcerer With That Mouth? Mature, Complete

During a mission, Spider-Man lets some choice words for Dr. Doom slip. Stephen's less than pleased at Peter's disregard for how he's supposed to conduct himself as Spider-Man when he's in the public eye. He gives Peter some time to think about what he's done, and has a creative way to ensure Peter thinks twice before doing it again. (Domestic Discipline)

Help Me Up, Let’s Keep On Running Mature, Complete

Peter and Stephen have several rules set up in their dynamic. The two biggest? That Peter will look after his health and well-being, and that they will always be honest with each other.  

Peter manages to break both of them in one fell swoop, and Stephen is none too pleased.

Discussions are had, actions lead to consequences, and Peter emerges from the experience secure in the knowledge that Stephen will do whatever it takes to make sure he's cared for and loved. (Domestic Discipline)

I Can See The Man That I Fell For Fighting Mature, Complete

It was supposed to be a quick in and out job. Just into the study to grab his book he’d left in there by accident the night before, and then out before Stephen even knew he was up and about. Harmless.

It wasn’t his fault that Cloak decided it needed to follow him around like some overly nosy puppy. Or that Cloak decided it needed to join him in the study as he looked for his book. Or that Cloak had decided to apparently “guard” something in the study in way that just screamed suspicious and naturally piqued Peter’s curiosity.

In and out, no harm done.

But when it became clear that Peter was overstaying his welcome in the space, Cloak had also felt the need to snitch.

He’d really, really fucked up. (Domestic Discipline)

This Back's Not Going to Break So Easily - Part 1 of 2, This Back’s Not Going to Break So Easily - Part 2 of 2

Mature, Complete

When Peter comes to Stephen upset and insisting he needs to be punished, Stephen knows something's wrong. Given a chance to calm down and feel safe, Peter explains what happened while he was at the Tower working in the labs and interrupted by Harley. Stephen reassures Peter that he did nothing wrong and does his best to comfort him.

Also featured: Stephen confronting Tony and Harley like a boss, Peter and Stephen's love, trust, and mutual respect for each other, lots of fluffy/dirty teasing, and pizza. (Domestic Discipline)

And I Let the Knots of Time Come Undone Mature, Complete

After breaking one of their established rules, Stephen finds himself at Peter's service for the day. Tasked with his least favorite chores, Stephen tries to maintain his sanity and make it through, all while reluctantly admitting to himself that all things considered, he's getting off easy.

If only he could get rid of that damn bell... (Domestic Discipline)

Our Road Gets Better With Every Bend Mature, Complete

Peter's getting ready for his junior year at Columbia. But before he goes back to school, there's the matter of his 21st birthday to deal with. Which is inevitably going to affect The Rules he and Stephen have. And what should be a nice night out for Peter's birthday takes a bit of a detour when a former acquaintance from Peter's freshman year unexpectedly runs into the happy couple.

Stephen's not jealous. No, not one bit. (Domestic Discipline)

Maybe If I Hold You Close, Baby We Could Just Let Go Teen, Complete

While the idea of accompanying Stephen to the high-brow fundraisers and charity galas seemed glamorous at first, Peter found the reality turned out to be much more disappointing. Everyone looks down their nose at him; people are forever swarming Stephen and flirting with him; and Peter usually finds himself alone, bored, counting the time until they can leave. However, he keeps attending in the hopes that he'll finally get a chance to dance with Stephen like he'd imagined.

One night he gets to dance with a surprising friend, which may finally lead to a bit of happiness at the damned events going forward.

Or Stephen might take issue, if another friend doesn’t take it upon herself to give him a clue. (Domestic Discipline)

I'm Counting On A New Beginning, A Reason For Living Mature, Complete

Peter's been in a bad mood and his recent stretch of bad luck isn't helping matters. Stephen hasn't been able to get through to him, and even when Peter takes his punishments for acting out, something's off. Worried about his partner, Stephen tries to think of what it is he might have done wrong. Upset, Peter pulls away.

It takes a bad set of prototype arrows, saving someone's life, a friend snitching, a stern Dr. Palmer taking control of a situation, a very un-teamlike spying session, and an uncomfortable discussion or two before Stephen and Peter are back on the same page. (Domestic Discipline)

Man, What Are You Doing Here? Mature, Complete

He only had one final left to take... and then he was done with everything until the fall semester of his final year as an undergraduate. Since his final wasn’t until Thursday afternoon, he didn’t see the harm in going out with some friends to celebrate and cute loose on Tuesday evening.

Would he have chosen a bar? No. He wasn’t supposed to drink on school nights and honestly, he preferred going to the movies or a show. But he was in college and honestly, it wasn’t like it needed to be a big deal.

And it wasn’t like Stephen needed to know. (Domestic Discipline)

Cold Comes From the East Side (Ch. 1)(Ch. 2)(Ch. 3) Mature, WIP

Peter breaks one of the rules in a spectacular way and suffers the consequences. It's rare for Stephen to actually be angry with him, but given the circumstances, Peter supposes the anger is more than earned. It's a hell of a situation for the pair of them and Peter wonders if they'll actually make it through. (Domestic Discipline)

Published Chapter 3 on 14 August 2023

Goodbye Grey Sky, Hello Blue Mature, WIP

In an alternate universe where trains and zeppelins are still common forms of travel and the internet and cell phones exist, Peter Parker has few options left after he's swindled out of his inheritance. Unable to pay for college, let alone keep the house left to him by his deceased aunt, he's running out of time before he's out on the streets. Desperate, Peter signs his life over to the Bureau of Civic Spousal Selections to take his chances as the selected husband of a complete stranger. After all, he only has to make it through a year and then he can choose to annul.

Dr. Stephen Strange has little interest in marriage, preferring to focus on his career. When his career is threatened by what a nosy board of directors considers a "lack of personal fulfillment and settling down," he opts to select a spouse through the BCSS and chooses Peter Parker. The young man's profile suggests intelligence and compatibility. It's not ideal, but if after a year it's not working out, he can always annul the marriage and send Peter on his way.

It's a marriage neither truly wants, with sharp learning curves for both. It's either going to be forever or it's going to go down in flames. (Domestic Discipline, 1950s-Modern Fusion AU)

Updated with Chapter 34 on 25 April 2024

Nevertheless, Recover Mature, Complete

Peter finds himself once again in Dr. Strange's office, hoping to find a reason and a cure for his latest ailment.  He's come to the right place, since Dr. Strange will do everything it takes to diagnose and treat Peter. Hopefully, Peter will survive the embarrassment. (Medical Kink/Medical Play)

Doctor 13 Fics (Christine Palmer/Sharon Carter)

Baby, You Don't Gotta Fight Mature, WIP

Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7

Dr. Christine Palmer is just living her life, content in her job as a trauma surgeon and happily moonlighting as Peter Parker's general physician at her old friend Stephen's request.

One evening as she finishes up examining Peter, she encounters the force of nature that's Sharon Carter, who seems to have a reckless streak a mile wide.

She's not sure what to make of the spy-turned-Avenger, but she can tell Sharon's hurting, and Christine's healing nature won't be ignored.

Iron 13 Fics (Tony Stark/Sharon Carter)

Feels So Right, Can’t be Wrong Teen, WIP

Prologue | Yellow Tulip | Blue Salvia | Yellow Narcissus | Red Morning Glory

The setting: Sanctum General Hospital in Sanctum Heights, New Amsterdam

Starring: Sharon Carter - former Central Security Bureau operative, Selecting Spouse in a horrifically failed Bureau of Civic Spousal Selections marriage, patient AND Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark - owner and CEO of Stark Industries, Futurist determined to rebuild a world his father built weapons to destroy, love interest

With Appearances by:  Nurse Wong, Orderly Rintrah, and Billy the Admin

And Featuring Doctor Stephen Strange as "the Surgeon"

Or, "Five Dates Tony and Sharon Had in Her Hospital Room and One They Had After She Was Discharged"

Updated 23 November 2023

The Phoenix Protocol Mature, WIP

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

No one else but Tony thought anything was off about Sharon. Investigating on his own, he discovered and brought down her Skrull impersonator and when he found the real Sharon near death, he made a choice that would change both of their lives.

MISC

This is What I Brought You, This You Can Keep

Stephen Strange/Clea Strange/Peter Parker - Mature, Complete

...who is he to deny the woman he loves - the woman who has seen into his soul with all its trials, agony, and dreams and loves him because of it! - who is he to deny her anything she desires?

If you feel so moved, feel free to buy me a cup of coffee! Couldntbedamned's Ko-Fi

[oneilljones]

Since DC put up a sneak peek of this year's DC Pride, it's safe for me to finally release these out into the wild

[causalityparadoxes]

Just saw someone credit Chibnall for making the Doctor nonbinary and uhm,,, respectfully I think some of ya'll skipped 12.

Unless I'm forgetting some earlier classic who/rtd mention of nonbinary-ism, 12 is the first TV Doctor to explicitly talk about timelords not having human gender.

And thats not even getting into earlier non TV stuff like the Eighth doctor saying the line 'i don't think I've ever even been a man' in response to someone asking him if he'd ever been a woman.

Like yes casting 13 as a woman was an awesome move and a win for nonbinary Doctor fans everywhere. But please don't forget the work Capaldi & Moffat put into making Twelve a nonbinary icon

[dollkisses05]

I need him PLEASE

[zed-the-buggy]

ok so larry and geeta

i really hate to rag on a character other people like for my own blorbo so uh, geeta fans i am so so sorry i would recommend skipping this post, i doubt its actually this deep </3 you are allowed to like her prommy

ok but ACtual analysis time, what the FUCK is up with larry and geeta (people who have never had a shitty two faced boss before ask. /j)

larry expresses anti institutional ideologies a lot, he wants to do things outside the system hes in will allow. he expresses a lot of negativity about his position, a lot of remarks which could rock the boat. which they HAVE with the amount of people now realizing most gym leaders have second jobs. and the system might! be kinda fucked! and deal shitty pay and is just kinda a whole gimmick of an industry in the whole universe. and larry sorta points directly at that, when he actively complains about Having to be a gym leader, Having to be an e4 member.

Geeta in this position would fucking hate Larrys guts! and would also point to her just quietly not saying anything when the player likes larry most. Because Geeta doesnt just dislike larry in this position. Geeta dislikes the ideals hes lowkey pioneering here. And when the player likes larry, its like the player is siding with larry. The player believes hes in the right, not Geeta, and it directly pits the player and Geeta at odds, in a very quiet way.

Geeta cant say shit. Geeta has to keep up the appearance of one big happy league full of amazing, positive members and they're all strong and etc etc. She keeps the facade of the entire league. Whether she genuinely loves the league or not, she has to keep an incredibly dedicated face up about the view of the league. But this same rule doesn't apply in private. The gym leaders, her workers have to keep that facade also, especially with Geeta, but Geeta doesnt have to give them that same light of day. Geeta can do whatever she wants, and the gym leaders just kinda have to deal with it.

i very much believe geeta and larrys relationship proposes this really. really sad idea. because geeta is larrys boss, and they. really dont like eachother! and geeta has. power. larry is afraid she will "dock his pay" for chitchat. but really it comes down to his chit chat going against the status quo, the status quo which Geeta benefits from. And ultimately, she does have the power to dock him for chit chat. She can rob him for being honest. And while Geeta's true treatment of the gym leaders as a manager will probably remain unknown, Larry's existence really offers the idea that it's probably not a great role.

Larry is not special. And thats the problem. Hes not breaking ass to go all out on a cute gimmick, hes not loving the institution as much as everyone else is to the point of doing more than its worth. Hes just doing the bare minimum to get by. Actively complains about his job, which for people in the right spheres it could seem like a huge deal to be a gym leader, and an elite four member. like bro! thats awesome! you just get to do pokemon battles all day! but really its not. once you live in the system, and you get sick enough of it, it loses its luster, and you realize that its just another grind, dodging pay cuts, trying to please the right people and constantly bust ass just to pay for the rent on your apartment and maybe groceries.

Larry is a pawn in the same system as everyone else. Geeta needs larry to be special. But he wont be. And Geeta doesn't take well to that.

Thats why hes the exceptional ordinary man. His ordinariness is what makes him the exception.

[aceofwhump]

Day 16: Flatline

Hawaii Five-0 8x10 | Eureka 4x15 | The Haunting of Hill House 1x10 | Graceland 2x13 | Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows | Lucifer 2x13 | Warehouse 13 1x06 | Stargate Atlantis 1x04 | Superman and Lois 2x13 | Iron Man 3 deleted scene | Stargate SG-1 4x18

@whumptober @whumptober-archive

[jollycryptid]

🔥My Adaar's No Good Very Bad Adventures🔥

[prolix-yuy]

Writers' Iron Chef #13: Lovesick

[PROMPT] Patching up a wound

[ADDITIONAL PROMPT] “Why would you put yourself through something like that?”

[TIME LIMIT] Optional, 10 minutes prep. time 30 minutes writing time Optional, 10 minutes editing time

Pairing: Joel Miller x GN!Reader

Rating: M, descriptions of wound care and blood, allusions to dubcon due to drinking and drug use. While this story is not explicit, my blog and the content shared on it is 18+ so MINORS DNI.

Summary: You've been greedy for Joel for too long.

Notes: Written for Writers’ Iron Chef Prompt 13

I've had a Joel story idea bouncing around in my head for several months now, but it's not much more than disconnected scenes and a vibe, you know? I decided to try and exorcise a part with this prompt. This was imspired by a scene in the movie Foe with Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal (which was excellent, btw) that got the creative juices flowing.

Thanks to @writersironchef for always giving the best prompts!

The blood that runs into the sink isn’t yours, but it is Joel Miller’s and that’s hardly better.

Laying the needle and scissors beside the sink, you dry your hands on a towel that doesn’t make you feel much cleaner. There’s probably still blood under your nails, half moons of frenzied memories you can look back on when you’re in bed tonight.

“Joel, what the fuck?”

“I need…”

He didn’t have to say much more, and your stomach sours for it. Joel could say he needed you to balance on the edge of a razor and you’d do it just for the fact that he needed you. Pitiful, lovesick, desperate you.

He’d shredded his back coming back into the QZ scrambling away from patrol lights. Tess split off from him, trades to be made and deals best done without her loyal attack dog. So he’d stumbled back to his apartment, stopping just long enough to knock at yours across the hall.

“Jesus Christ, how did you fuck yourself up this badly?”

“FEDRA’s patrolling our usual spots, think they’re onto us…fuck!”

You salved his wounds with apologies as you cleaned grit from long scrapes and worried at the beads of blood that melted across your fingers. The worst was a gash you had to close, infection too present a worry. Hardening your gut, you tried to disassociate how much like sewing leather it felt. Joel bit down on his belt and stuffed his face in a pillow, but fists still slammed on walls around you at his ruckus. 

“I’m done, I’m done, it’s finished.”

“Jesus ‘n Mary, there ain’t much left for you to piece back together at this rate.”

Walking back to the bed, he’s disheveled but alive. He asks for booze, which you find in a high cabinet. He asks for pills, reluctantly revealed to live in a false drawer bottom. You don’t have to say he can trust you with these secrets. Vices were too expensive for you most days. Once he downs both he lays back, injury padded with the cleanest cloths you could find. His breathing hitches, pants in pain, then slows as the drugs and drink take effect. 

And then it’s just you, sitting next to your neighbor as his body releases. 

You should go. Tess would be back any time now and you didn’t want her to see your longing. There are whispers about if Joel is hers, and while you know they belong to each other in a way drenched in darkness, you’ve never been sure if the claim is on their hearts as well. It’s just vague enough of a partnership that when Joel has a good day and shares an extra ration card, your heart flutters. 

But it’s too dangerous. He’s too dangerous, the both of them. You can’t get mixed up in whatever they have going on. Why would you put yourself through something like that?

It’s not the first time he’s come home bloodied, and not the first time you’ve pulled him back together. There’s trust there, but also foolish hope that life could march on and a man could desire you again. Maybe even care for you enough to break teeth and bones. 

A brush against your arm turns you back to Joel, eyes half-lidded but trained hazily on you. One large hand skims over your shoulder, down your arm and lands heavily in your lap. 

“Joel?” you ask, looking down at his thick fingers splayed across your thighs. He hums, low and rumbly as his lips part. 

He’s surely too far gone to know you’re even here. It would be best to slip out unnoticed, talk to Tess tomorrow about checking his injury for infection. 

But you don’t. You’re frozen as the calloused skin of his thumb catches on the worn fibers of your jeans. It’s a caress you haven’t known for years. 

He doesn’t know it’s you.

“Joel,” you say again, and enough courage bolsters you to slide your hand into his palm, the other circling his wrist. He’s so warm, thick-skinned against your fingers. You start to lift from the bed, intending to place his hand where you sat, when it makes a drunken path to cup your chin. Pressure against your jaw turns your face to him spread out on the bed beside you. His chest is bare, light perspiration beading along the cut of his collarbone. He licks his lips slowly, the slip of tongue drawing an ache up from the deepest well. 

“Hey there,” he drawls, and god, you could shatter from it. Tears build in your eyes but you can’t move, his hands drawing you down to him. 

“Joel, it’s…I’m not…” you choke out. It’s a final defense. He’ll hate you tomorrow, but you’ll have said something. His lip quirks, not quite a smile. 

“I know,” he husks before leading your lips to meet his.

You’re not sure he does, but you’re too greedy to say more.

END

[incorrect-marvel-because-why-not]

Natasha: If you had too, what would you give up food or sex? Steve: Sex. Bucky: Seriously, answer faster. Steve: I’m sorry honey, when they said sex I wasn’t thinking about sex with you. Natasha: Tony, what about you? What would you give up sex or food? Tony: Food. Natasha: Okay, how about sex or robots? Tony: Oh my God it’s like the movie Sophie’s Choice. Sam: What about you Carol? What would you give up sex or food? Carol: Oh… um… I don’t know, it’s too hard. Sam: No, you gotta pick one. Carol: Um, food… no, sex… no, food… sex… food. Ugh! I don’t know! I want both! I- I want hot women on bread!

[mugiwaraluv]

How they all managed the way they did to this point I'll never know 💧

[couldntbedamned]

Feels So Right, Can’t Be Wrong - Yellow Narcissus

Summary:

The setting: Sanctum General Hospital in Sanctum Heights, New Amsterdam Starring: Sharon Carter - former Central Security Bureau operative, Selecting Spouse in a horrifically failed Bureau of Civic Spousal Selections marriage, patient AND Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark - owner and CEO of Stark Industries, Futurist determined to rebuild a world his father built weapons to destroy, love interest With Appearances by: Nurse Wong, Orderly Rintrah, and Billy the Admin And Featuring Doctor Stephen Strange as "the Surgeon" Or, "Five Dates Tony and Sharon Had in Her Hospital Room and One They Had After She Was Discharged"

AO3 Tags/Warnings: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - 1950s, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Marriage of Convenience, Past Sharon Carter/Steve Rogers, Getting to Know Each Other, Dating, Past Domestic Violence, 5 Times, Annoyed Stephen Strange, Tony Stark Has A Heart, Sharon Carter Deserves the World

Author’s Note: So this kind of just popped up as I was kicking around thoughts of just how Tony and Sharon met and eventually fell in love as mentioned in my fic Goodbye Grey Sky, Hello Blue, so this takes place well before the events of and can be read independently of that story.

------

Yellow Narcissus

------

Tony whistled to himself as he installed the double-oven units. He could have done it in his sleep, but for Stephen's peace of mind - the man was an admitted control freak - he followed the installation guide to the letter. He'd personally reviewed and signed it off, after all. He couldn't exactly go against the techie's union, either.

(Howard Stark might have disdained unions, but Tony liked to think he knew better.)

"I take it your date went well last night?" Stephen asked. He was drinking coffee from the newly hooked up Stark Coffee Press.

"It did," Tony confirmed.

"How long did you spend rolling in the sheets before you sent her on her way?"

Tony winced. The thing was, it wasn't an unfair question. His reputation as a playboy wasn't unearned... During the year in college they'd participated in the exchange and shared a dorm one semester at MIT and the other at Columbia, Stephen had returned to their room more than once to find he was locked out and Tony "entertaining" a lady. And yes, Tony had made a habit of either making his flings leave or leaving them. He couldn't fault his friend for assuming this would be the same.

But he didn't want anything related to Sharon equated to his past behavior.

Sharon was more than a fling.

"We had a very nice dinner, listened to The Lawrence Welk's Radio Hour, and I kissed her hand goodnight. Then I returned to my hotel room alone, where I remained. Also, alone."

Stephen raised a brow. "You're serious about her."

"I am," he admitted. "She's unlike any woman I've ever met."

"And you like her enough to listen to Lawrence Welk," Stephen said, amused. "I'm pretty sure my mother used to listen to that show."

"Rhodey happens to be a fan and it's rubbed off on me," Tony said. "So, it wasn't a hardship. The show featured a tribute to Mel Tormé. I happen to enjoy his music."

"Mel has some good music," Stephen agreed. "That's All is considered a classic for a reason."

"Nerd," Tony accused as he finished the last step of testing before he could start installing the broiler.

"Good music is good music," Stephen said, unconcerned.

"Speaking of music, are you getting that new PymCo. console? The house is wired for it."

"I'm planning on it. It looks like a neat piece of machinery."

"Definitely a nerd," Tony insisted with a grin, looking out from where his head was poked in the lower part of the cabinet.

"You are in a really good mood," Stephen said, setting his coffee down. "This is a different kind of good mood, too."

"It was a really good date," Tony hedged.

"Am I going to get the chance to meet this mystery woman?"

"Maybe," Tony said noncommittally as he checked the installation guide... okay, steps two through four were done. "The last thing I need is for her to look at Dr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsome and forget all about little old me."

Stephen smiled wryly. "As if I'm the relationship type. No one would have me, not for long." The 'No one has,' was unsaid, but Tony knew his friend.

"Just you wait, Strange. One day you'll meet someone and that person is going to knock you to your knees," Tony predicted. "And they'll end up feeling the same about you, too."

"Unlikely." Stephen's mobile rang. He frowned as he read the display.

"Problem?"

"My admin, Billy, he said he's going out for additional women's toiletries for one of our patients." He shrugged. "There's only one patient I can think of that would even put in the request but she really doesn't seem the makeup type." He typed something into the mobile and put it back in his pocket.

"People can surprise you, Stephen," Tony said.

Sharon was getting makeup. He did his best to keep his grin to himself.

"I'm so sorry, Sharon. I know you were looking forward to going out tonight. I'll get you an ice pack, Doll, I'm so sorry."

Sharon studied her reflection with a critical eye. She hadn't worn makeup in a few months; there hadn't been a point in getting dolled up when Steve had been so unpredictable with his shell shock. She wanted to look nice for a change.

Most of the bruising around her eyes was gone and she'd managed to cover up what remained, pushing away the memory of a heavy fist swinging at her, too sudden to block. She painstakingly plucked her eyebrows into order - emphasis on the pain. Sure, it wasn't the pain of having her ribs broken thanks to a brutal kick from a six foot one mountain of a man with unerring aim, but it still stung. Her cheek was still a bit swollen from the fracture (Hand was right; you never expect the other fist.) but a deft hand with foundation and careful application of rouge made it work. Only... she looked almost like a doll.

"I can't believe I was lucky enough to end up with the prettiest doll of selecting spouse a man could get."

She picked a darker lip dye than she normally would have applied and used the eye pen she'd initially nixed along with a bolder eyeshadow; she didn't want to look like a doll.

It hadn't helped her, before.

"Maybe you shouldn't look and move like a target then!"

Since she wasn't allowed to have hot rollers or anything that could burn her, she made do with the extra-large soft rollers Dr. Strange's admin Billy was so kind to buy for her. She finished the rest of her makeup while her hair set and frowned when she realized she only had the standard patient scrubs to wear. She'd tempted fate by asking Billy to run out and buy her the makeup and hair supplies; she couldn't risk asking him for clothing, and there wasn't anyone she could really ask to go and retrieve some clothing from her now-vacant house.

"Sharon! Unlock the damn door! Sharon! Doll, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry and I promise I won't do it again. Sharon, please!"

"Just open the door! I feel fine now, I swear!"

"Sharon!"

"Open the fucking door!"

(Had anyone gone in? Had they seen the holes punched in the walls? Or where she'd done her best to patch them while guilty eyes watched? Had anyone cleaned up the blood on the back patio? Her blood? It had to have been everywhere!)

"I'll help clean this up. No, go sit down, I insist. Stop hovering, Sharon! Just go! What? You think you'll do a better job? Fine then, have at it!"

When she was done styling her hair, she was pleased to see that the few spots that had been shaved for her emergency surgery were not only growing, but covered by the curls. She felt almost like her old self again, back before she'd made the terrible choice of selecting a spouse through the Bureau of Civic Spousal Selections.

"I'm sorry, I promise it won't happen again."

"Sharon, I'm so sorry I couldn't stop it."

"I promise I'll get better, I will. Just no counseling, okay?"

She hoped he was okay, wherever the BCSS ended up sending him. She hoped he was getting the help his war-broken mind desperately needed. She'd never forgive him, but she couldn't wish him ill, either.

It happened. It's over. Better days are coming.

Orderly Rintrah had come by to take her out "for some much needed sunshine, since you did so well with physical therapy today" (She might have been out of the CSB for half of a year, but she knew a ruse when she saw one.) and when they came back to her floor and room, Tony was already there with the usual set-up. (Was there a usual set-up for date nights in a hospital room? Maybe she and Tony were creating the mold.)

Yes, the set-up was impressive but she was focused on the flowers sitting in the vase on the table.

He'd brought her a few simple yellow narcissus.

Her heart ached. She'd always loved narcissus. She loved the promise they brought with them as they emerged from the soil every year, a harbinger of spring and renewal. It was as if they were telling the world 'the cold and dark is only temporary - here, have some sunshine.'

"You don't like the flowers?" Tony asked, looking unsure.

"No," she said, thumbing away an unexpected tear. "No, I love them."

"Strictly speaking the deal is one flower per date but it's apparently bad luck to only give one narcissus."

"That's what I've heard," she said with a smile. "Tony, they're lovely."

"Good," he said, sounding more like his usual confident self. "They're not as lovely as you, though. Which is understandable. I can't have anything showing you up. Or showing me up, really. At this point I think we're pretty even, you know, looks-wise. Well, we're equal, I'm just more equal."

She laughed and let him help her to her chair. "We really need to work on this self-confidence deficit of yours."

"If I don't think highly of myself, who will?" He asked teasingly. "Anyways, I hope you're hungry."

"I am. Physical therapy was a lot, today. But," she added, not wanting to drag the mood down. "I got through it."

"How much longer, do you think?" Tony asked as he set two dome-covered dishes from the heating shelf of the cart on the table.

"It's hard to say," she admitted. "They say I'm making progress every day and the last estimate I had was another two weeks."

"What's their biggest concern?"

"The fatigue and vertigo. My last scans were positive but our friend the Surgeon is cautious."

"Well," Tony filled her glass and then his own with chilled sparkling grape juice and motioned for a toast. "Here's to a quick but thorough recovery."

"Cheers." She eyed the still-covered dishes. "What did you bring this time?"

He lifted the dome off her plate. "I thought we'd enjoy dining in the style of our fashionable French friends. And don't worry, I did remember what you said about snails."

"Coquilles St. Jacques!" she exclaimed. "Oh, I love these! And they cooked them in the shells, how creative!"

"So scallops are a yes, snails are a no," Tony teased before following her lead and eating one.

"Exactly," Sharon said, eyes closed in contentment as she savored the taste of potatoes, butter, white wine, Gruyère, and scallops. "These are perfect."

"They are delicious," he agreed.

Conversation was mostly light with some teasing. Tony kept looking at her as if she was the prettiest woman he'd ever seen. Even though she knew she couldn't be, given the circles he moved in, she was flattered.

The second course was the most decadent duck breast she'd ever tasted in a mushroom cognac sauce served with fondant potato coins and perfectly crisp-but-cooked asparagus. it was amazing.

"Is this your plan?" she asked teasingly. "Trap me with amazing food so that I think a life without it is meaningless?"

"I will neither confirm nor deny," Tony said. He speared a duck medallion after spooning some of the sauce on top and ate it. "Sweet lord this is good."

"It's so much better than hospital food," she agreed. "Not that I don't appreciate the cooks down in the kitchen; they do a fine job."

Tony's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "You like looking out for the little guy, don't you?"

Sharon shrugged. "Growing up, I knew what it was to feel like I didn't matter. Joining the CSB gave me a purpose and I believe in the work I did, even when it wasn't easy or strictly wholesome. And then I was... I was powerless. I've saved so many lives, Tony, but I couldn't save myself. I feel like I've been given a second chance and I am so grateful to everyone who's been involved in giving me that second chance - kitchen staff included."

"This is one of the more impressive hospitals I've seen," Tony said. "Great doctors, nurses, and all kinds of staff."

"It beats being in a CSB medical facility by miles. I'm pretty sure they just re-hydrate field rations."

"So really their bar is on the ground, is what you're saying," Tony joked.

"Pretty much! And still, they brought a shovel, every time!"

"You're sad," Tony said when he'd cleared away the dishes from the main course and set up the dessert dishes - these two from the chilled shelf. "I'm not trying to pry but you have an aura about you. I haven't done anything wrong here, have I?"

She raised her brows, surprised he'd been able to pick up on it. He was much more emotionally aware than he let the public know. "No, no it's not you," she assured him. "I just found myself thinking about before."

"Well, we can enjoy our dessert," he lifted the dome off of her dish to reveal a chocolate pot de créme complete with a delicate chocolate spiral and stemmed cherry for garnish. "And then, if you want, you can talk to me about it."

Could she tell him? Would he still look at her the same way? She understood they were supposed to be getting to know each other, but this was a lot. And would he be willing to reciprocate?

"You do realize that if I bare my soul to you, you'll have to do the same?"

Tony smiled warmly and nodded. "I think I'll be good with that. I haven't scared you off yet and something tells me you actually have a spine of steel hiding behind that pretty face."

"Alright then. But dessert first."

"So, do you want to ask questions or shall I just talk?" Sharon asked.

The radio was tuned to an easy-listening station. There wasn't a Thursday evening show either of them particularly liked, so they'd settled for a simple music station they could easily filter out.

Tony pushed the food cart out into the hall and closed the door to her room before joining her by the radio. "What will make you more comfortable?"

"Preferably not talking, but I dont think that's the best option." She sighed.

It happened. It's over. Better days are coming.

"His name was Steve. He seemed perfectly fine, when we first met. He was a little shy, but handsome and very charming. He said he was looking for a simple life after the army, and I thought that maybe we could build that life together."

Tony nodded but didn't interrupt.

"The first few weeks we were married were a dream. We talked and danced and got to know each other. When we were finally ready to be intimate..." Her cheeks flushed stronger than the light rouge she wore. "It was pleasant," she said finally. "Nothing earth-shattering or soul-stirring, just pleasant."

"Please tell me you weren't-"

"A virgin?" She laughed and shook her head. "No, I definitely wasn't. Also, I was a spy, remember?"

"Okay, you were intimate, it was nothing to write home about."

"Everything was going well. And then July 4th came, and that's when it all went so wrong."

Tony had read the papers and studies on on returning service members who had difficulty with loud or sudden noises, and how that initial trigger could set off a host of other problems. It was tragic and while he'd designed sound-proof headphones and sold them to the Veteran's Bureau at cost and donated to charitable organizations meant to help them, the truth remained that many returning service members harbored a deep shame for their trauma and refused to acknowledge it or consider seeking treatment.

"The first time he was violent I was too stunned to say or do anything. It was early evening and not too hot for July. I had baked a cake for him as a surprise, because it was his birthday. We were outside when some neighbors started setting their store-bought fireworks off. One minute I was on the patio grilling burgers to a perfect medium-rare and the next I was on the ground with the breath knocked out of me and ringing in my ears. All I could do was just stare off to the side, stunned. When I could finally think I realized he was still on top of me, yelling at me to stay down. I tried to fight him off, but he was just so big and my head was pounding and he knocked my head against the ground again."

She took a deep breath. "Steve was horrified when he came to and realized what he'd done. He fell all over himself swearing to me that it would never happen again, that he'd never strike a woman or do anything like he'd just done."

She looked at Tony noticed how tight his fists were clenched and shook her head. "There's nothing you can do about it, now," she said. "He helped me up, carried me into the house, and helped clean the blood out of my hair. He brought me an ice pack and he begged me to forgive him and give him another chance. The whole episode was just so unlike him that I did."

"But it ended up being just like him," Tony said.

"Sadly, yes."

"After that it was like anything could set him off. The toaster was suspicious and I was an enemy combatant for using it or I was trying to poison him with the ragù I made." She looked away, forcing herself to think back and recall. "I had bruises just about everywhere by the second month. I felt as if I couldn't live in my own home."

She saw Tony's frown and shrugged. "It wasn't all physical," she said. "Steve had some very old-fashioned opinions. The house was too showy, the appliances - all older Stark models - were too fancy. I shouldn't insist on driving. I wasn't all soft and sweet like he thought I was, I was too independent and trying to emasculate him." She hugged herself. "I didn't know what to do other than start sleeping in the guest bedroom."

"How did he take it?"

"Lots of yelling at me to unlock the door. Lots of pleading with me to unlock the door and promises that he wouldn't do it again."

"But he always did."

"He always did," she confirmed. "I finally got to a point where I invoked my right as the Selecting Spouse to see to his medical care and we went to see the psychologist who had performed his assessment for the BCSS."

"From the very little I could glean, it didn't go well."

"It did not," Sharon said, and choked back a sob.

"Hey, you don't have to-" he stood as if to move to her and she shook her head and waved him off.

"No, I- I need to get this all out, even if it's just the once." She looked directly at him, eyes bright. "Please don't give up on me."

"Never," he said. "I promise."

"The doctor wasn't at all sympathetic. Well, at least not to me. After meeting with both of us separately and together, it was her professional, clinical opinion that I needed to be more understanding of the kind of needs and expectations a man like Steve had. I needed to stop antagonizing him and be a better selecting spouse as I helped him reintegrate back into the world. After all, it only made sense that he'd see me as suspicious and an enemy because I'd spent five years as a spy - hardly the trustworthy type."

She clenched her shut, and shook her head. "I'm ashamed to say that I tried, Tony. I really, really tried. I was up earlier than Steve, I made breakfast, I did everything I could to make him feel special, even though in my head I was screaming at myself that nothing about it was right."

She let the radio play for a few minutes as she gathered herself. Tony seemed to sense she needed the time.

"He got a little better, after that. We had some happy days and evenings, and we were even intimate once or twice." She met his gaze. "I was pregnant when Sergeant Barnes rushed me here that day. My body, in the shape that it was in, couldn't sustain it and I ended up miscarrying. I never got the chance to tell him." She hugged herself again, a habit she'd developed as a child because no one had really been concerned about soothing her.

"Anyways, we were nearing the fourth month when it happened. We were outside again. I was gardening and he was reading. I was actually feeling somewhat hopeful because it'd been a week since he'd had an episode. And then a neighbor slammed the door of his car and Steve had another one."

She cleared her throat, willing away tears. "I don't remember much after that. Just pain and Steve yelling and this dark sort of angel swooping in and making sure that Steve could never touch me again. There were all kinds of flashing lights and hushed voices and I slept for a long time."

"You haven't seen him since?"

"No. The constable, Officer Sousa, stopped by a few days after I woke up to take my statement. He tried for the day I woke up but our friend the Surgeon wouldn't let him because he wasn't sure how my cognition would be.

"He said that Steve had been taken into custody, as had the psychologist. When the BCSS was informed of what happened, they had one of their internal psychologists examine her findings and notes from Steve's file and our case. It turned out that she'd lied and approved Steve for the selection pool when he should have been denied and turned over to Veteran Services."

"And they very quietly annulled your marriage."

"They did," Sharon confirmed. "Imagine the outrage that would happen if word got out that they weren't monitoring their contracted workers and because of it, someone almost died?"

"Have you spoken with her?"

Sharon scoffed. "No. I have no desire to ever see her again. It's caused quite the scandal in our family. I've never really fit in with them and they don't understand why I can't just forgive my dear cousin for her lapse in judgment."

"You're joking!" He exclaimed, outraged.

"She works to save lives, don't you understand?" Sharon said mockingly. "I joined an agency that's dishonest and kills people, and that's just not right."

"Your family is terrible," he said flatly.

"I agree," she said. "I've told the staff here that I don't want any of them visiting. And apart from Sergeant Barnes and his wife Natalia, and Dr. Strange, you're my only visitor." She cleared her throat. "And that's the whole, sad story of the worst decision I've ever made." She considered. "It's almost up there with the time out in the field where I didn't go with my gut and ended up being held captive in Canada for almost a week before I broke out."

Tony stood up and helped her up before he hugged her - the most contact he'd initiated this far. "You are incredible, Sharon Carter," he whispered. "And you're the strongest woman I've ever met." The tenderness undid her.

"I'm not," she protested with a sob. "Tony, I should have stopped him! I could have!"

"And you'd have ended up in jail and he'd be out there free to hurt anyone else when he needs to be locked up away from the public and getting the psychiatric treatment he needs."

He pulled back and looked at her. "You survived hell," he said. "And you have nothing to be ashamed of. Well, except for maybe the whole being a Canadian captive thing, but you broke out, so you did manage some redemption there."

That startled a laugh of of Sharon and he hugged her again. "You survived and better things await."

"That's what I tell myself: It happened, it's over, better days are coming."

"See? You're agreeing with me, so clearly you're right."

There was a knock at the door. "Time's almost up, Stark!"

"Ah. Where would we be without Nurse Wong?" Tony asked no one in particular.

"I'm sorry this wasn't much of a date night," Sharon said.

"Not much of a date night?" Tony asked, looking surprised. "You got all made up, we dined on fine French food with nary a snail in sight, and you bared your soul to me. I think for a third date we did pretty good."

"This really didn't put you off?"

"No, it didn't. I'm so amazed at how strong you are and I'm so sorry that I couldn't have stopped any of it."

She breathed a sigh of relief. She was starting to fall for this man and the way they were just having pleasant evenings of conversation and dinner, maybe some music or or show on the radio. It wasn't at all what she would have expected from Tony Stark. He was surprising her and rather than be unsettled, she welcomed it. She'd tried steady and predictable and look where it had gotten her!

"It's your turn, tomorrow evening," she teased.

"Yes, it is," he agreed.

"Scared?"

He nodded. "A little," he admitted. "But you are worth it, and I think this whole thing between us that we're building is worth it."

"You know, I really think it is."

There was more knocking at the door.

Tony pulled back and kissed her hand. "Well, until tomorrow evening, I suppose."

"Until tomorrow evening," Sharon agreed. She walked him to the door. "Thank you for another lovely date."

"You're welcome." He left.

Nurse Wong waited approximately thirty seconds before he stepped in. She was just turning off the radio when he got a look at her, frowning when he saw her reddened eyes. "Did he-"

"No, he didn't do anything," she told Wong firmly. "It was just an emotional night. I promise," she added when his frown didn't lessen. "It was cathartic and I think, as crazy as it sounds, that this could really work."

His expression softened. "I'm glad that you had another pleasant evening."

"I promise you, if he or anyone here ever did something to make me upset, I would tell you. They'd be on the ground groaning in pain first, but I would tell you."

He nodded. "That's good to know," he said. "Do you need anything before I bring back your medications?"

"No, I'm just going to wash my face and brush these curls out. It will only take five minutes or so. Go ahead and take care of everyone else. I'm here long term, and they deserve the full Wong-experience."

He smiled and left.

She did just what she said she'd do. She brushed out her curls and pulled her hair back out of her face before gently cleaning the makeup away. Even with the makeup gone, she thought she looked more like her old self, before she'd left the CSB. She brushed her teeth and changed into a nightgown and robe.

After Wong brought her her nightly medication, she had no problem drifting off to a peaceful sleep.

Her last thought was that tomorrow would be a new day and better things awaited.

Across the town, in a fancy if not luxurious hotel room, Tony Stark got ready for bed. He washed his own face and brushed his teeth. He selected a clean pair of pajama pants and after finishing a glass of water rather than a couple fingers of scotch, climbed into bed, thinking back on what he'd learned.

When his mother had cried, or even when his admin Pepper cried, he never knew what to do. It always made him feel helpless and all he could think about was making it stop because it was something he knew intrinsically he couldn't fix.

Sharon crying hadn't made him feel helpless; he'd felt determination to help her however he could and to somehow do whatever it would take to ensure she never had to cry over that man or her cousin again.

He went to bed knowing he'd have to reveal more about himself than he'd revealed to anyone who wasn't Stephen or Rhodey. He wasn't as scared as he'd originally been, however.

If she could be strong, then well, so could he.

Tomorrow would be a new day and better things awaited.

--------

Author's Note (again): Yellow Narcissus - new beginnings and rebirth

Look. This whole story was supposed to be a cute little 5+1 thing. And then this chapter happened. I realized when I started writing it that everything Sharon has gone through couldn't be ignored, not if she and Tony were to actually make it work.

But, if you've read Goodbye Grey Sky, Hello Blue, you know that these two are very blissfully married.

[liam-zor-el]

happy pride moth fellas

[mizukagami-takamagahara]

Winning artwork from the BlazBlue Portable Release Illustration Contest

Comment from artist Izumi Yuukawa;

"It's a great honor to receive the grand prize. Since it's for an illustration contest, I thought I would draw the characters that I liked, but I liked all the characters from CT so I ended up cramming them all in. Since there's only fascinating characters, it was fun to draw. BlazBlue is the best!"

Comment from Mori Toshimichi;

"Izumi Yuukawa, congratulations on the grand prize. I thought the usage of color was very good, and the overall composition was arranged very neatly. I think it's quite difficult to draw all the characters together in a group, but please continue to love BlazBlue's characters in the future as well."

[bythelightswitch]

i made this :) i counted and he says some variation of 'don't worry' 234 times in this video

[new-lupin-iii-confessions]

Putting these screenshots here because they amuse me

[ikindamaybewanthertositonmyface]

WAIT!

Are Traci and Natasha FINALLY getting back together????

Please say it is so! PLEASE! I have been wanting this for literal YEARS!