#like ofc fran is gorgeous

[felassan]

Thoughts on Dark Fortress #3

(This post is under a cut due to spoilers.)

There’s a lot I thought/wanna say about this final issue, to the point that it’s hard to know where to start!

The cover art is.. beautiful. The symbolic allusion between Shirallas and the dragon (his draconic-y claws, the semblance of a broken collar falling off in the same way, the fire) 👌 On the whole, lined up side-by-side the three covers of Dark Fortress feel really thematically cohesive. Shirallas’ and the dragon’s claws echo Tractus’ sharp metal gauntlet, and as well as the similarities between the dragon and Shirallas, both Tractus and the dragon have a circle of weapons, and the patterning encircles Tractus’ neck and wrists like the collars and shackles. Y’know, like you can just really tell the cover artist planned ahead and put a lot of thought into how the 3 cover arts would ‘flow’ from one to the other, blending elements between them.

I posted some of my fav panels here.

I knew he was my boy but Shirallas’ backstory broke my heart ( ´•̥̥̥ω•̥̥̥` ) the first panel is so bleak and heart-wrenching. the burning aravel parts.. another Dalish clan met a terrible fate.

I wonder if his clan wandered Tevinter like Clan Oranavra? it makes me wonder if Shirallas and Fenris met in Tevinter. It’s nice to see that another clan took him in. And if Shirallas is a name he took, not his original name, I assume it has a special meaning, maybe to do with his quest for justice/vengeance. Shiral means journey, “allas” is found in vallas, which means set, as in the sun. The “vallas” in vallasdahlen (life-trees, planted in remembrance of those who dedicated their lives to the Dales) means life. in many ways the sun and life are the same thing, and there’s the obvious connection to Elgar’nan, eldest of the sun. So journey/quest - sun/life? Like since the loss of his clan he’s on a journey/quest for the rest of his life to get justice/vengeance, which are attributes of the sun god Elgar’nan? that became his life’s purpose and his direction of ‘travel’ ever since his loss, what he dedicated his life to since then. :’( 

Elgara vallas, da'len. ( ´•̥̥̥ω•̥̥̥` )

This is our first look at the vallaslin application process, no? what Shirallas is saying in this panel is the Song to Elgar’nan. it’s interesting, in that that prayer kind of resembles what happened, or almost happened, in this issue. a fortress shaken, fire, winged death (a dragon), pretenders to power, “strike the usurpers” (“Red Wraith, dispose of my enemies, kill the traitorous mage”). pretty cool right?

⬇️ me two months ago, look at the tags in red brackets. 

oh my son.. Dalish father roams, and the Dalish son won’t survive the fight   ( ´•̥̥̥ω•̥̥̥` )

the panel where Fenris and Shirallas shake hands ;; to which experience is Fenris speaking of, I wonder? once upon a time he saw Anders almost lose himself in his own quest for Justice/Vengeance for the mages.

Parallels between Shirallas succeeding in proving himself to Nenealeus and when Fenris succeeded in proving himself to Danarius all those years ago - compare. ;__; an elf surrounded by bodies of people he’d killed to prove himself, and a horrible Magister telling him “well done”.

I love the design of the sword and its use as a ‘divider’ on the first page splitting up the panels is both smart and beautiful. even here there’s pink light around it, the dragon’s fire

overall I wasn’t expecting this issue to begin with flashbacks to Shirallas’ past and backstory, so this whole page caught me off-guard

omg look at the red lyrium ‘veins’ under Shirallas’ skin. when he emerges from the sarcophagus that is a very cool picture of his face

Nenealeus has been taking beard-styling advice/trends from the dwarves

check out the sword crackling and reforming as Shirallas makes contact with it. is the red lyrium under his skin moving in this scene?

in the panel of Vaea running away from the dragon, it’s nice that as she runs Fenris is still behind facing the dragon, to protect her

gorgeous background in the panel with Marquette, and his expression is one of Regret for what he just did and for his part in all this. the dawning realization that I’ve Fucked Up Big Time

as Nenealeus’ weapon is a sword, does he have some Knight Enchanter-adjacent skills (I don’t expect the actual KE artform is exclusive to southern Circles only)? it’s a physical item ofc, not a summoned one. staffs are infused with lyrium to provide a conduit for a mage’s power. so then, mages can channel power through other [presumably similarly-infused] weapons too, not just mage staves/staff-like magic implements or their bare hands

given the color of Nenealeus’ magic and the fact that the dragon was under the control of his magic, it now makes sense to me why the dragon’s fire is that color! o:

Marius is badass (nice touch that his shoulder is smoking pink with the effects of one of Nenealeus’ magic attacks here) and the four panels where everyone’s grim and determined, facing off against each other and Venatori goons made me feel quite emotional. Aaron is Team Dad.. it’s nice to see him having a friendship / paternal moment with Francesca both acknowledging her pain and power while also giving her a pep talk. You can tell when he says too “We all need to do whatever we can in this moment” that he’s talking about himself too and may already be thinking one or some of them aren’t going to make it out of there

Francesca GO OFF!! she’s so powerful, and it’s really cool every time seeing her plant magic in action. it puts in perspective how powerful Velanna would have been with her similar skills (skills like Thornblades), and I enjoy the contrast of the fire in the background and the blue/green of Fran’s magic in action

Fenris is so cool-headed in high-octane combat situations, quickly taking stock, assessing and realizing the odds then coming up with a plan. the look on Vaea’s face when she’s like >:( wtf u can’t just leave is cute

cool pulled-back bird’s eye shot of the Fortress

Karasten continuing with the sass about Tevinter even during a siege

Fenris speaking Qunlat! I love that they brought this lore fact into play and had him make use of this skill, it’s a neat reminder of Fenris’ exchange with the Arishok if you take him into the compound in DA2. in the opening-up the gates scene, Vaea’s worried about letting the Qunari in and going to the Qunari (from her expression), but she trusts Fenris and his judgement enough to open the gate and see what happens

I like that Tessa’s bolts are fletched the blue of her accent color

chills at the panel where Shirallas is walking out of the flames advancing on Aaron. Ser Aaron, who never retreats, not at Ostagar, not now ;__;

the battle-scenes are beautiful, fast-paced and gory, chaotic and colorful, like it would feel to be there 

Fenris then puts himself between Aaron and Shirallas. I could hear “I will deal with this Red Wraith” in my head

Autumn can look so scary. a true mabari warrior! when she leapt towards Shirallas I was Stressed for her safety despite knowing rationally that they wouldn’t kill their dog!

the horizontal combat splash page is awesome

CLEVER GIRL Autumn. she and Fenris are in sync in this sequence.

Shirallas serving super saiyan vibes with the bulk, strength, hair

Fenris bargaining for Fran’s life and then trusting her to use her magic as part of the attack on the Red Wraith

lmao Ser Aaron

smart thinking Fran

Aaron praising her ;__;

Marius was straight-up prepared to die to stop Nenealeus ;__; poor Tessa in this exchange

the face-melting scene  👌

“Ah, Marius... I knew it would come down to the two of us”: this panel is just really cool? Nenealeus looks almost congenial here, which makes him seem all the more colder and more dangerous. and the burning bodies strongly remind me of the bodies at the start of Inquisition which are at the ‘blast point’ of the Breach at the Conclave

when Marius and Vaea’s eyes meet and they formulate the backup plan  👌

nice to see ‘staff’-less magic in action. Nenealeus is clearly a very powerful mage. when he’s frying Marius he has Star Wars Palpatine and force lightning vibes

OH VAEA... you did it, but my heart hurts that she had to kill someone for the first time, even though it was foreshadowed by her discussion with Marius in a earlier issue. & Nenealeus’ look of surprise as he dies says it all

it’s a serious moment but Marius now looks like a cat that stuck its paw in a socket hh

when Nenealeus is doubled over dead, it’s a great panel- the white background taking us out of the chaos that’s going on all-around for just a moment, showing the seriousness of what’s just transpired for Vaea and the realization of it setting in. a pause, the shock. & it’s nice to see Marius being soft with someone other than Calpernia or Tessa

but despite what’s just happened Vaea is still Vaea, she’s concerned about life and immediately wants to save the dragon. I like the part where panels of Vaea and Fran ‘face’ each other as they have this discussion, a lot.

in the moment that it takes off, does the dragon realize Vaea is responsible for saving its life? the ‘eye’ panel feels like an acknowledgement from it, or between the two

Fran’s magic destroying and sinking the sarcophagus into the ground reminds me of what in-world lore says happened to Arlathan, in a way

omg they have to stop Shirallas before he gets over 9000

do you think when Aaron says “We cannot retreat” he’s thinking of Loghain’s retreat at Ostagar?

at this point btw I’m pleasantly surprised that Marius survives, I had sort of expected him to die in this issue

oh Marquette, curiosity killed the cat dontcha know

new lore just dropped: the Red Wraith is able to heal from any wound, which is notable, and he and the sword have a.. symbiotic relationship? with each other. “He feeds energy to the sword from the red lyrium in his veins. And in turn, the sword heals his wounds.” What are the lore implications of this? Just what is red lyrium capable of?

Paragon Branka reference! and later on a Black Marsh reference

:’( As soon as Aaron launched into his story at this point my stress levels went through the roof and I knew it was Time. and then - well. you know :’((( Aaron had death flags in previous issues, so I was logically prepared and not surprised by the occurrence (this isn’t a bad thing btw), but I still wasn’t EMOTIONALLY PREPARED

mfw

nooooooooo.... It was at this point everyone that I burst into tears.. i have never Ugly Cried at a comic before so that was a new experience.. It’s hard to put my feelings about this into words bc rly it just straight-up destroyed me, u know.. Vaea’s “Don’t leave me”, Aaron’s tears when he knows the deed is done, his pendant.. surely the resemblance between the way he looks on this cover and the way he looks in the panel when he’s falling and Vaea is shouting “Aaron!” is intentional. i’m just destroyed okay

On the next page, holes in Shirallas’ shirt where his wounds were before they healed is a nice touch. Autumn’s bite here must surely be shattering the bone in his lower leg. then as if i wasn’t in enough pain already - being separated from the weapon, did that bring Shirallas back to himself for a while? His “Friend?” and the look in his eyes when he looks up at Fenris is so pitiful :’( for a moment just before the end he’s the boy in the wood surrounded by his burning clan again. RIP Shirallas son, we barely knew ye but I loved u :’(((

Having Marquette escape is a smart choice, it means there’s someone still kicking around Thedas who knows what happened here and what went down. maybe we seek him out in the next game when trying to follow up on the plot-thread of the idol/red lyrium/its capabilities/Venatori/Qunari? anyway, can’t help but admire, in a fashion anyway, someone who dips out to save their own skin, and his attempted grift when he’s talking to Tractus x)

we hadn’t seen the last of Tractus indeed. there he is! “This is me, crying over our loss” - he’s such an edgy boi

THE IDOL

“Oh, you mean this idol?” feels like they’re breaking the fourth wall and deliberately teasing us x)

when Fenris says “[stay clear of it] Red lyrium can do things with your mind” I wonder if he’s thinking of his experiences with things like Bartrand and Meredith

started to cry again at the final Aaron scenes ok.. when it pans back to Vaea and Autumn on the shore with the dying Aaron, they look so small and lonely set against the backdrop of the gray rock, windy shore, jagged outcrops. it’s a beautifully poignant and incredibly forlorn backdrop for this scene. Autumn in these panels, and again the parallel between Aaron lying here and him on that cover page.. ;; the whole scene is raw and gutwrenching. even in death Aaron was thinking about Vaea, apologizing that she had to take a life, outlining his hopes that she continues to have a positive future and doesn’t descend into any kind of darkness. the fact that all this time he’s carried around a letter addressed to King Alistair in his pocket, to recommend that Vaea be knighted, the fact that he’s crying too, the pendant, the tenderness between them, how proud Aaron is of Vaea, the fact that he goes out telling a story and smiling because he’s so proud of her, here at the end Aaron is filled with pride and looks at peace.. i can’t ( ok i cried again on this re-read when writing this post, Dad Stuff is the ultimate way to get me ok.. don’t look at me _(°:з」∠)_ )

Vaea IS more than worthy. I’m so glad someone recognizes that and sees it in her. King Alistair WOULD knight her, and there’s a beautiful poetry in that fact as the son of an elf. there’s also something poetic in that, if Vaea becomes the first elven knight of Ferelden, well it echoes the Emerald Knights of old in a way. that’s beautiful. I’m very proud of Vaea.

Here we see another parallel - when Francesca is comforting a crying Vaea as her father figure passes away, it directly echoes when Vaea comforted Francesca when she was crying after her own father died. 

Aaron’s hometown of Portsmouth is a real place in England

I’m happy to see Fran and Autumn continuing to travel with Vaea, and Fenris continuing to keep his promise to Aaron to keep Vaea safe, and that Cassé is now Fran’s horse (that’s a lovely touch considering she healed him in Blue Wraith, a full-circle moment)

Fenris is right, they were family. soft supportive Fenris, with emotional intelligence ;; (and he of all people knows about Found Family)

the last panel of Vaea crying is beautiful too, the sun is rising in the east after the terrible night they’ve had, and the ‘faded’ rectangles is a great style/composition choice

even Cassé the horse looks sad

the scene of Fran and Vaea riding double with Fenris smiling in the background is super cute, and I love that the last we see of the party is them honoring Ser Aaron by telling stories like he did, of his exploits. I hope they always tell stories of Ser Aaron ;;

I’m glad Tessa made it out okay, she’ll be able to return to Charter. 💜 I was a bit worried this wouldn’t be the case

the last page DBKGRRGRKRKGREKF 

Pour one out for Ser Aaron Hawthorne of Portsmouth, Knight of Ferelden.

---

A recap on wider plot-points

The Qunari Antaam have taken control of Castellum Tenebris, and Neromenian has fallen to their advance.

The sarcophagus is broken and has been buried deep in the ground. Francesca asserts that it won’t be found.

The Inquisition agents retrieved the broken shards of the weapon, and are going to take its remains to the shadow Inquisition.

Tractus Danarius is alive and in possession of the idol, or was at the timepoint of this comic. He wants to use it to impress the Venatori remnants so that he can rejoin them. Marquette thinks, or said that he thinks (could easily be a bluff or his lack of knowledge about it compared to someone like Solas), that it doesn’t work anymore. (I’m leaning towards it does still work, otherwise why would Solas be interested in it?)

Solas, in what looks kinda like his most recent DA4 trailer gear, was watching the events of this series/arc the whole time and knows what happened. He knows Tractus has the idol. None of the people in this comic plot are “People Solas doesn’t know”. And it seems that he is able to use eluvians to watch people.

There’s a chance that Tractus Danarius is the mage in Tevinter Nights, from Dread Wolf Take You - the mage from House Danarius who went with some slaves to Nevarra to use the idol to perform a ritual with the Mortalitasi. That mage wanted to change the world to help fight the Antaam’s invasion. In the tale at least, he used the idol, a rift opened, the Dread Wolf popped out and killed him. At the time of that ritual the idol was still working.

+ some new lore -

the Red Wraith was able to heal from any wound, which is notable, and he and the sword the idol created had a.. symbiotic relationship? with each other. “He feeds energy to the sword from the red lyrium in his veins. And in turn, the sword heals his wounds.” What are the lore implications of this? Just what is red lyrium capable of?

eluvians can be used to watch people. not just to communicate over long distances or as portals between places

Lastly I don’t know what to do with myself anymore as this is the end of a long-running DA arc and was the final piece of [currently-known about] new canon Dragon Age content that we’ll get.

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Banner

Stab Me In The Front Part 2: Knives Out, Bitch.

Intro: Katie heads out to speak to Harlan, and encounters Ransom for the second time in as many days. It ends about as well as the first time…

Warnings: Bad language. SMUT (NSWFW)

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

A/N: I love these edits again. Well played, @angrybirdcr​

Part 1

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Katie groaned and fluffed up her hair in front of the floor length mirror. She’d chosen a simple long sleeved, turtle-necked grey woollen jersey dress teamed with a black belt, black tights and knee high tan boots wanting to appear smart yet casual for the setting at Harlan’s mansion. But for once it wasn’t her outfit or appearance that was causing her anguish.

“Have you decided if you’re gonna mention the whole Ransom thing?” Steve asked as he wandered back into the bedroom munching on another piece of toast from the tray of breakfast items they’d had delivered earlier.

Katie snorted and locked yes with him in the mirror. “Oh yeah, can you imagine? Mr Thrombey, your grandson is an asshole. In fact, he isn’t just an asshole he’s the asshole, he’s America’s asshole…”

Steve chuckled as he dropped onto the bed “You might not have a choice if he’s already told him what went down.”

“You mean how you threw him over the bar?” She raised an eyebrow as she leaned forward to check her make up. Steve dropped his head and sighed.

“I’m sorry but, well I’m not having anyone speak to you or about you like that.”

“Well, I think we both know your alpha male display turned me on just a little.” Katie smirked at him, and he grinned as he recalled how things had taken a very steamy turn when they’d gotten back to their room before he took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, I really hope I haven’t screwed anything up.”

“If Harlan had heard and was going to cancel he would have done it by now. I’ll just go and see what happens.” Katie turned round and stepped into the space between Steve’s legs and his hands gently gripped her hips.

“You sure you don’t want me to drive you?”

“No, I’m okay.” She smiled, dropping a kiss to his mouth, her hands resting on his shoulders. “I’ll text you when I’m there and then when we’re done.”

Steve smiled, he was pleased she was feeling happy enough to take herself, this was a big step in her healing process.

Even if he knew he’d be on tenterhooks the whole time she was gone…

“Alright.” He nodded. “I’m gonna go exploring, see the sights.” “Captain America playing tourist.”She grinned and he chuckled slightly, his hands sliding down to gently squeeze her ass.

“When in Rome.” he shrugged, “Or this case Boston. By the way sweetheart, your ass looks great in this dress.” “What is it you say to me?” she laughed, her hands sliding round to remove his from her rear, her fingers lacing into his “It’s all yours, baby.” “Damned right.” He practically growled as she turned and headed into the sitting room area of their suite. Steve followed her, leaning on the doorframe and simply watching as she shrugged on her pea jacket that was resting over the back of the sofa. She picked up her laptop, checked her bag and wrapped a scarf around her neck.

“Walk you down to the car?” Steve asked, and she turned to face him smiling.

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

****

The drive out to the Thrombey mansion was actually very pleasant. Katie enjoyed the scenery as she drove and soon enough was pulling up the large, tree lined drive and came to a halt.  She stepped out, grabbed her bag and took in the mansion in front of her, giving a low whistle. It appealed to her love of all things old fashioned and gothic. Old and red brick, surrounded by scenery and stone figurines it was exactly the kind of home one would expect a Crime author to own.

She text Steve to say she had arrived and was safe and as she made her way towards the door, two large German Shepherd dogs bounded towards her. She paused for a second, allowing them to sniff at her, their tails wagging and she bent down, scratching one behind the ears.

“Oh aren’t you handsome boys!” she grinned, as she continued to pet them.

“Excellent judges of character, too.” a female voice said. Katie looked up to see a dark haired woman stood on the steps by the front door.

“They’re gorgeous.” Katie beamed, straightening up. “I’d love a dog but, well, we don’t really have time for one.” “I can imagine your line of work is a little hectic.” the lady smiled as Katie approached “I’m Fran, Mr Thrombey’s house keeper.”

“It’s nice to meet you Fran, I’m Katie.”

Fran smiled and stepped back to allow Katie to step through the large, wooden doors which opened into a huge hallway, which was grandly decorated just like something straight out of one of Harlan’s books. Katie looked around, taking it all in, before Fran spoke to her again.

“Mr Thrombey is finishing off a call. Can I offer you a drink whilst you’re waiting?”

“I wouldn’t say no to a coffee.” Katie nodded, removing her scarf.  Fran took it from her, along with her coat and hung them up on a stand by the door before she gestured for Katie to follow her. They walked down a hallway which was lined with dark, panelled wood that opened up into a large, kitchen diner.

“How do you take it, Mrs Rogers?”

But before Katie could respond, the dogs outside began once more to bark, only this time Katie could tell they were agitated. Fran gave an audible sigh, and the source of her frustration was evident as the back door blustered open.

“Oh shut the fuck up!” a familiar drawl was yelling back over the grounds and Katie felt herself stiffen slightly. Ransom barrelled into the kitchen from the mud room, his open tan coat flapping behind him. There was a multi-coloured silk scarf hanging around his neck and he was wearing a blue sweater which was slightly frayed on the hem, a far contrast from the sharp suit he had been dressed in last night. He cast his eyes around and stopped dead, a snarl playing on his face.

“You?”

There was a pause and Katie sighed, summonsing every single bit of professionalism “Good morning Mr Drysdale.”

Ransom snorted “Mr Drysdale now, that’s not what you were calling me last night was it? I was a self-entitled dick, wasn’t I?”

Fran gave a snort which she hastily turned into a cough and Ransom shot her a glare.

“Well in my defence you did call me a hooker.” Katie shrugged, taking attention off the housekeeper.

There was a moment of silence before Ransom broke the stare he was giving her and turned back to Fran.

“You got my cookies, Franny?”

“In the usual cupboard Hugh.”

“Hugh?” Katie frowned. “I thought your name was Ransom.” “It is.” Ransom, or Hugh said as he made his way to a cupboard and pulling out a packet of Lotus Biscoff. He leaned against the counter and popped one in his mouth, eyeing Katie up and down. “Only the help call me Hugh.”

Katie couldn’t help the disdain that crept across her face at his tone. He really was an insufferable jerk.

“Really? Hugh to the help and Ransom to others?” She looked at him, “What do the dogs call you?”

“I dunno, go ask them. I mean you do speak dog don’t you, being one?”

“Wow did you think of that all by yourself?” Katie rolled her eyes at his childishness “Guess your time at Harvard really served you well.”

“How did you know I went to Harvard?” He frowned.

“Isn’t’ that where all the spoilt little, trust fund babies go?” She smiled at him. Truth be told she’d had FRIDAY look him up the previous night but she wasn’t about to admit that.

“Yeah and where was your brilliant education then?” He shoved another cookie in his mouth.

“Oxbridge.” She shot back. Ransom paused, arching an eyebrow.

“What are you doing here anyway?”  He said after a moment, clearly unable to think of anything smart to say about her choice of University.

“Mrs Rogers here is the Owner and CEO of Stark Independent Publishers and they’re going to be publishing The Colour of Revenge.” A deep voice said from the doorway. Katie turned to see Harlan walking into the kitchen, his eyes fixed on his grandson. “And whilst she is in this house on my invitation she is a guest, so you could do well to remember your manners.” Ransom looked at him, blinked, then threw his head back in a huge roar of laughter. “Wait. You have your own company, and you’re using another to publish your next book?”

“Yes Ransom, that’s correct.”

“Oh that…that is fucking priceless!” Ransom continued to laugh “I can’t wait for you to tell Walt.”

Now Katie was utterly confused. There was clearly some fucked-up family dynamic at play, and she was even more puzzled when Ransom stepped towards her, offering her a cookie from the packet.

“You poisoned them?” Katie looked at him, and he rolled his eyes.

“I’m eating them ain’t I?”

“Fair point.” She shrugged taking one “Thanks.” “You’re welcome, Sweetheart. Anyone that helps piss off my shit head family can share my food.” He said, and with that he blustered out in as dramatic a fashion as he’d entered, his laughter following him down the hall.

“You should be honoured.” Harlan turned to face Katie “He doesn’t normally give those out, they’re his favourites.”

“Yeah, without meaning to speak out of turn he doesn’t strike me as the type to share.”

Harlan chuckled and crossed the room, holding out his hand. Katie shook it, smiling. “It’s a pleasure to meet you finally Mrs Rogers.”

“And you too Mr Thrombey.”

“I told you on the phone, please, call me Harlan.”

“As long as you call me Katie.” she shot back and he nodded.

“Sure I can manage that, Fran, dear, we’ll take the drinks in my study.”

“Of course Mr Thrombey, I’ll bring them through.”

Katie followed Harlan out of the kitchen.

“I’m sorry about my grandson.” he looked back at her

“Don’t be. We err, we actually met last night. He was in my hotel bar…”

“Let me guess, you didn’t particularly get on then either.” “There were a few words traded, yes.” Katie nodded, before she sighed, deciding to be honest.  “Actually, there were more than words traded. Steve, my husband, kinda got in a bit of an altercation with him. I was a little worried you wouldn’t want to do business if you had heard about it.”

Harlan chuckled as he led her down the corridor and to the right. “If I refused to do business with everyone Ransom had pissed off I’d have a problem. But that aside, he hadn’t mentioned it. Although, I haven’t seen him since he stormed out of here yesterday after a disagreement with his mother and his cousin. He likes to flounce does Ransom, he has a flair for the dramatic. If you don’t mind me asking what did he say to you?” Katie explained as they walked, Harlan letting out a groan.

“On his behalf, I apologise.” He shook his head, opening a door and allowing her to step into the large study.

“It’s fine, I gave as good as I got.” She smiled and Harlan laughed.

“I don’t doubt that for a second Mrs Rogers” He closed the door. “Now, please take a seat and we can talk business.”

**** An hour later Katie was feeling a lot more at ease. Harlan was an easy man to talk to. He was firm, but fair, and as such had approved the cover designs, and accepted all but 6 of the amendments the Editing team had proposed to this manuscript. As a result, she was feeling a lot more confident about the pitch regarding her Charity idea, knowing full well that he wouldn’t simply dismiss the idea was spurring her on.

“So as we agreed Mr Thrombey.” Katie said, sliding the first piece of paper over to him “Your royalties on the print edition will be 9% of the cover price for the first 5,000 copies, 10% on the next 5,000 and 12% thereafter…and for the E-book edition 25% of the sales revenue. You can see from our forecasts what we anticipate this will bring you.”

Harlan took the paper and gave it a quick glance over before nodding “How have you come up with the forecast sales numbers?”

“We based it on your last 3 novels, plus the level of pre-orders we have had. And, without wanting to sound too big headed, SIP attracts a lot of attention given who…” she felt herself blush slightly “Who I am so we tend to make a lot of sales on the back of that, which to be fair in this case isn’t a bad thing.” “In this case?” Harlan frowned at her.

“Yes, errr.” She swallowed again, shifting slightly “SIP is donating 100% of its revenue on your book to charity, although we haven’t made that public yet. I wanted to talk to you about it before we release anything to the press.”

“Charity?” 

“Yes, several to be exact. We’re going to split it across organisations that help victims of sexual abuse, rape and other violent sexually motivated crimes.”

“That’s very commendable.” Harlan leaned back in his chair “And I take it that’s because of the subject matter?” “That’s one reason.” She nodded, hesitantly.

“And the other?” The old man pressed, his hands steeping together in front of his chin as his elbows rested on the large mahogany desk.

Katie hesitated, before she bit her lip and took a deep breath as she looked at the man who was studying her intently. For some reason, she felt she could trust him so decided to tell him the whole story. “It’s fairly well known that last year I was missing for a number of weeks but the circumstances were never revealed. In reality, Harlan, I was, erm, held captive.” She paused to clear her throat “I was taken by an organisation who thought by torturing me I’d reveal certain information to them, information I didn’t actually have. When the usual methods of interrogation failed, well, I’m sure you don’t need me to fill in the gaps.”

Harlan’s face softened and he let out a sigh. “I’m sorry to hear that, I truly am.” “So yeah, there’s an element of it being personal in there.” She swallowed. “I didn’t know myself that half of these support charities existed until a year ago and to me it’s more about the awareness, that people who find themselves in the position I did understand that there are people out there to help.”

Harlan nodded “How do you intend on using the book to do that?” “Well, with your permission, ”Katie said, turning her laptop round to face him, to show him the various mock ups she had produced, “I’d like to include a foreword in your book, a little bit about why we have chosen to do what we are doing, so that everyone who buys a copy sees it. You have a huge established audience Harlan, and that kind of publicity is just something that no amount of money can buy. I’d also like to include a tagline about how the proceeds will be helping people in the advertising material and on the front cover.” “Will you be writing the foreword?” Harlan looked at her.

Katie nodded. “You’ll of course be sent a copy before it is finalised to ensure you’re happy with it.”

“I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Harlan smiled “I’m happy to be part of it. And in light of what you’ve said, I’d also be happy to wave my royalties and also donate those to the cause.”

“Oh, no, that’s not…” Katie began to protest but Harlan shut her down.

“I don’t need the money.” he shook his head “All I ask is that you make it work. You clearly have a passion about this Katie, and for good reason. Frankly I’m blown away by the courage you’ve displayed here today by telling me this. There are a lot of people out there in privileged positions that could take a leaf out of your book my dear.”

Katie felt her eyes misting over and she blinked, looking away. Harlan passed her the box of tissues and she took one with a weak laugh.

“Sorry.” she smiled “I’ve just, well, no one knows what happened bar my inner circle so to speak.”

“It won’t go any further.” Harlan looked at her “I can assure you of that” Katie smiled, before she looked at the man, and her smile slid into a cheeky smirk. “Seeing as I’ve been honest with you, can you be honest with me?”

“Of course.”

“You have your own Publishing company, they’ve done all of your books for the last 25 years. Why have you chosen SIP for this one?”

Harlan sat back, sighing before he gave her a small smile “Because for the last 25 years my son has done nothing but ride on my tails. He likes to give Ransom a lot of stick for simply living off my money but he is no better. You see, I set the publishers up so he could make something of it, I didn’t expect him to simply sit there and use my books alone. Thought it was time he had a wake-up call.”

Katie gave a grin “I see now why Ransom was so amused.”

“Yeah, Walt won’t be best pleased…” Harlan said, “He’ll be even less so when he realises I’m giving my royalties away on this completely. Now, please permit me one last question before we finish.” “Sure.” “You’re the owner and CEO of SIP.” She nodded.

“Do you always visit potential authors or is this visit purely down to the fact this book means something personal to you?”

“There is that, and, well, honestly? I’m just a huge fan of your work.” she grinned “Owning and running your own business should have some self-indulgent perks after all, right?”

They spent 15 minutes or so tying up the final bits and pieces before Harlan walked her to the door, helping her into her coat.

“It’s been a pleasure.” He smiled, shaking her hand again.

“Same here.” she grinned “And thank you again. We’ll be in touch when we’re ready to go to press. It shouldn’t be too long. I’m hoping to hold the big launch early in November. Maybe hold some charity event, I’ll let you know.” “Of course, anything I can do to help…”

There was a pause as a loud engine sounded and they both turned to see a vintage silver BMW skid to a halt on the driveway driven by Ransom. He climbed out, his long legs stretching in front of him as he glanced over to the pair of them.

“I see he’s been out for his usual lunch appointment.” Harlan remarked. “Such a hard life.”

Katie laughed and with that she headed down the steps towards her car.

“Leaving so soon?” Ransom asked as she passed him.

“Work is done for the day so yeah,” she shrugged

“If you have all that money, why do you bother?” 

Katie stopped and turned to him. “Because I’ve never had it handed to me on a plate.” She replied, honestly “One thing my brother instilled into me was that you have to work for things in life. Yes, I’ve had opportunities that most people wouldn’t but I’m eternally grateful for those and do this to prove that.”

“And the Avenging?” He asked. “Humour me, I’m curious.”

“I like to help people. It is what it is.” She shrugged.

“Putting your life on the line to help people with no thanks.” He shook his head. “I don’t get it.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to.” she shook her head, “But, I just remind myself that for every one person that’s like you, there are a hundred other people who actually deserve it so…” “Eat shit.”  Ransom drawled, rolling his eyes.

“Fuck you.” Katie’s usual insult flew off her tongue easily, and she inwardly groaned knowing full well she’d given him an opening. And sure enough, the anticipated response came her way.

“If you’re offering.”

“Oh, believe me Mr Drysdale, I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last person on Earth.

“You wouldn’t be doing much sleeping.” he smirked, “And you’re forgetting something.”

“Oh pray, do enlighten me.” She said sarcastically. “You’re the one that mistook me for your husband, sweet cheeks. I’d say you must find something attractive about me.” “Don’t flatter yourself, you’re nothing like him.” she turned towards the car

“Oh, are we playing spot the difference?” Ransom chuckled and she gave a bark of a laugh and spun back to face him. “Your eyes are completely different, your jawline is nowhere near as square, your smile…well is it even a smile or are you suffering from trapped wind? I’m not sure and don’t even get me started on your hair.” She arched an eyebrow “Frankly my Stevie has more sexual appeal in his little finger than you have in your entire body and as for that lousy sweater you’re wearing…” “Ah, yes, you’re a sucker for spangly lycra…”

“It’s a mix of Tevlar and a patented material my brother developed actually, but that’s by the by.” Katie shrugged “When he fills it out as well as he does I can’t help but want to be a sucker if you get my drift.”

 “More than happy to help you out there darlin.” he winked. “I bet you’ve never kept a woman longer than a night have you?” Katie shook her head.

 “Sometimes they don’t even last the night.”

“Oh, I can believe that, I’d run too.” she nodded. “Why would anyone want a jumped up little trust fund baby like you when they could have a real man between their legs?”

Ransoms face instantly slid from the playful, teasing smirk into something slightly darker and much, much angrier.

“You jumped up little bitch.” He spat, his voice laced with venom as he moved closer to her. She held her ground, looking him up and down, simply raising an eyebrow as his voice grew in volume. “If I wanted you, I could have you. It’s that simple.” Katie felt her nostrils flare. After everything she’d just talked to his grandfather about, was this asshole seriously insinuating what she thought he was?

“You know what?” She stepped forward, glaring up at him.“That’s the problem with people like you. You think you can just take what you want without the consequences. Well I got news for you, Hugh, that isn’t how it works.”

“Oh get off your fucking high horse!” Ransom bit back, his voice loud as he shook his head “I’ve had enough of your sanctimonious I’m better than you bullshit.” “I am better than you. But then again, that’s not saying much as frankly I think you’re one of the most despicable people I’ve ever met, and trust me that’s saying something.”  She looked him up and down once more, giving her best contemptuous glare before she turned on her heel.

“Now you listen to me,” he said, grabbing at her arm. In a flash she had twisted out of his hold and swept his legs from under him, putting all her body weight behind the movement, spinning and throwing him straight over her shoulder in a move she had learnt years ago from Steve. With a hefty thud and a yell he hit the floor, landing on his back. She knelt on his chest, her knee digging into his sternum, heel of her palm pressed straight against his windpipe.

“When I said yesterday I’d taken down bigger men than you I meant it.” she glared at him “Touch me again, and I’ll kill you myself before Steve gets the chance.”

“Get..off..me…” he snarled, but she didn’t move, instead she pushed on his throat a little harder, causing him to gasp for air.

“They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree but in this case, well, you’re about as far removed from your granddad as you could get. How he ended up with such an appalling little shit like you as a grandson I’ll never know.”

With that she stood up, leaving him to take huge gasps of air as she turned to see the dogs careering down from the grassy banks surrounding the house, barking as they ran.

“Mother fucker!” she heard Ransom’s yelling as she picked up her bag her hands shaking slightly as she headed to her car. His yells were coming thick and fast as she walked, quickly. “Oh you son of a BITCH! You just pissed ON MY COAT!”

She turned to see Ransom aiming a kick at the dogs, missing them both completely. She couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of the man desperately trying to escape and get up off the floor. Something then caught her attention and she glanced up slightly to see Harlan was stood on the balcony of the house, a mug in his hand watching the scene play out. He raised the mug in her direction before taking a sip and strolling back in his house.

As she passed Ransom’s silver vintage BMW, which was parked by the Porsche SUV she had hired, she hesitated slightly before she reached down her boot and pulled out the small combat knife she had kept concealed there. With a quick flick of her wrist she sent it flying into the rear passenger’s side tyre of Ransom’s car.

“Knives out, bitch.” She grinned to herself before she unlocked her car, settled in the driver’s seat and pulled away.

****

“Baby, that’s amazing!” Steve said, looking at her across the table as she finished telling him all about her afternoon. She’d driven straight to the small Italian Steve had said he had found and they were enjoying an early dinner whilst Katie told him about her meeting. She’d been completely honest about everything, what she’d said, how she had felt…well, almost anyway. Ransom hadn’t cropped up in their discussions yet, thankfully.

“I know, it’s better than I could have hoped.” she smiled, chewing on her ravioli. “I mean, the amount of money and publicity it’s gonna generate is off the scale!”

“I’m proud of you.” he said gently. She beamed at his praise and took a sip of her wine. “I take it then the whole Ransom thing wasn’t an issue?”

Ah crap, there it was…

Something flickered across Katie’s face and Steve frowned. ”What?”

“He err, he was there.” She looked down at her food, pushing it around her plate a little “We had…words.”

“Words?” Steve pressed.

“Yeah, at first he was fine. Even gave me a cookie, long story.” She waved away his questioning glance “But er…well we had a bit of a heated discussion on the driveway as I was leaving. He grabbed my arm and…” “He did what?” Steve nearly exploded and the table next to them turned to look at him.

“Shhhh” She hissed “It was nothing, besides, I floored him with that nice little over shoulder drive you showed me. Then when he was down the dog pissed on his coat.”

Steve was torn between his desire to rage about the fact the man had dared to lay his fingers on her, and laughing at the image he had of Ransom’s coat being soaked in dog piss. Eventually the laughter won out as he gave a small chuckle and leaned back in his chair.

“Wish I’d seen that.”

“Oh and I left a knife in his tyre” she shrugged, taking another bite of her food. Steve’s eyebrow raised.

“A knife.”

“Yup.”

“You took a knife with you?”

“Down my boot.”

“You know, you scare me sometimes.” Steve arched his eyebrow, taking a drink of his beer.

“I scared him.” she laughed “You should have seen his face.” Steve changed the subject then, not wanting to discuss him anymore. Whilst he was still pissed about the asshole in general, he was beyond pleased to see that she wasn’t phased by it, in fact she seemed excited about the entire thing. The meeting had gone well, and that was the most important thing to him. That she’d gone in the first place, especially after being so frightened.

They talked about where Steve had been, the sights he’d taken in and he promised to show her a few of his sketches when they got back to the hotel room, except that kind of fell along the wayside as no sooner had they gotten into the room they were pawing at each other like a pair of hungry, horny school kids.

As a result, Steve was found himself led on his back on the bed, Katie’s lips trailing his skin, from his collar over to his neck. He let out a soft sigh and Katie grinned as she moved back to look at him. His eyes were dark, full of desire and he watched as her head moved down his body, her soft fingers pulling the waistband of his boxers down slightly as she kissed across the bottom of his stomach, just on the V of his abdomen, where the thin strip of hair that led from his belly button down to his groin lived. He was aroused, desperate to feel her mouth on him, but as she trailed her tongue across his skin, she got as low as she could without actually touching him there. He let out a groan, his hips bucking slightly and she stopped, glancing up at him.

“Want something, Soldier?” she smirked, repeating the words he had said to her the other morning and he looked down at her lidded eyes which were sparkling with mischief.

“You want me to beg?” he asked, his voice gravelly “Because I’m not above that.” She let out a grin and decided to take pity on him. As her hot mouth took him in he let out a hiss, his head falling back against the pillow. One hand fisted in the sheets besides him, the other settled in her hair, fingers tangling into her soft waves as her head moved. Her tongue swirled around his shaft, teeth grazing gently as she took him deeper, twirling her hand around the base of his cock.

“Fuck, sweetheart…” he keened and felt her smirking as she continued her ministrations. It was so good, it was almost torture, and every time his hips moved she stopped, giving him a warning look.

Fuck, he loved it when she took control like this.

Eventually, when he could feel his stomach starting to tighten he gently pulled on her hair. “Baby,” he groaned, “get up here. I’m gonna lose it if you keep doing that.”

With a grin she released him with a pop and crawled up his body, her breasts dragging against his naked skin before she straddled him, and lowered herself down, taking him in completely. Her head lolled back slightly as he bent his knees, allowing her to lean back against his thighs, hands resting on her hips as she began to move. With every roll she made, Steve was actively fighting his release, but it was becoming increasingly harder. His hand moved between her legs to stroke at her bud, and she let out a gasp, shuddering slightly.

“Don’t stop…” she cried, “Please, Stevie…”

His strokes became quicker, and with the hand that still grasped her hip he pulled her down onto him harder as he thrust upwards, driving into her as much as he could. He felt her shudder slightly before she gave a loud, broken moan as her orgasm swept her away, and he was right with her, his hips faltering as his eyes flickered shut, his entire body stiffening before he relaxed backwards and Katie felt forwards onto his chest. She gave a soft hum of satisfaction, her face burying into his neck as his fingers trailed up her spine gently.

“Okay?” He asked when he had finally caught his breath, she made a noise of affirmation unable to summon the power to speak at that point in time. Steve gave a chuckle and moved his head, nudging her face with his nose. She looked at him for a moment before she gave him a soft kiss.

“Stevie.” She hummed gently as he pulled away to look at her. “We left the restaurant without desert.”

He arched an eyebrow at her “Seriously, you’re thinking about food now?” “Yeah, I got a hankering for something sweet.” “I’m not sweet enough?” He pouted.

She laughed “Not unless you’re hiding a pecan pie somewhere…” “Room service?” 

She grinned and nodded, rolling off him. “Oh, and order a bottle of champagne.” “Pushing the boat out?” he said, shuffling onto his side so he could face her.

“When have I ever needed an excuse to drink fizz?” she looked at him.

“True.” he said, brushing her hair off her face before he leaned in for another lazy kiss.

“And then, when we’ve finished that I’ll let you draw me a bath.”

“Oh, you’ll let me draw you a bath?”

“Yup?”

“What’s in it for me?” “You can scrub my back.” She smirked, her hand sliding up his chest. “Oh well, when you put it like that, how could I possibly refuse?” He rolled his eyes as she laughed.

Steve grinned back at her. Frankly, the idea of spending the entire evening locked in the hotel room with her, drinking champagne, bathing, no doubt a bit more fooling around was fucking heaven in his eyes. Giving her one last, soft peck on the lips he reached over for the phone to ring in their order.

**** “You’ve done WHAT?”

Ransom smirked as his mother screeched across the room her almost unintelligible ramblings being punctuated by yells and protests from Walt. His grandfather had just revealed to them all that not only was he using a different publishers for his next book, he was also donating his royalties to charity after discussions with the Stark bitch, or Rogers bitch as she was called now. Naturally Meg thought it was a great idea, but then she would. Ransom didn’t give a shit either way. He just found watching them all arguing like they were doing utterly hilarious.

“Cookie?” he asked, offering the packet across the coffee table.

“No I don’t want a fucking cookie, you asshole!” Walt glared at him.

“Wow” Ransom mouthed, smirking.

“Ransom, enough.” His mother shot and he looked at her.

“What did I do?” He laughed.

“You’re being deliberately obtuse!”

“I haven’t said a word.” He sniggered “And I don’t plan on doing either. It’s the old man’s money. If he wants to give it away, so be it. I am curious though.” He leaned forward and looked at his grandfather. “What did she say to convince you to part with it?” “It wasn’t what she said so much as what she did.” Harlan answered after a moment’s thought, not wanting to betray her trust “Her company is donating their profits from what she openly admitted would be their biggest earning book to date. Says a lot about her don’t you think?” Ransom cocked his head to one side and shrugged, as the arguing once more began.

With a snort he stood up “Well this has been emotional, we should do this again sometime.” he said, “Grandfather…”

Harlan waved him away, none of the others paying him a blind bit of attention. He grabbed his dog-piss ruined coat from the chair he’d thrown it against, making a beeline for Fran in the kitchen, ordering her to get it dry cleaned as soon as she could. He then headed out to his car, and stopped dead as he noticed the rear tyre was flat.

Cursing he bet to take a closer look, and noticed the knife that was expertly placed right in the middle of the tread at near the bottom and despite himself he gave a low chuckle, shaking his head.

“Well played Mrs Rogers, well played.”

**** Part 3

**Original Posting**

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Stark Spangled Banner: Stab Me In The Front

Part 2- Knives Out, Bitch!

Intro: Katie heads out to speak to Harlan, and encounters Ransom for the second time in as many days. It ends about as well as the first time...

Warnings: Bad language. SMUT (NSFW)

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N: Part Two of my Two part Avengers/Knives Out Cross Over where Katie and Steve come face to face with America’s Asshole! The tongues are sharp and the knives are out! This is set in 2015 so way before the KO storyline so therefore contains no spoilers! You don’t need to have read SSB to understand or enjoy.

Main Masterlist 

**Shout out to @icanfeelastormbrewing for being my Insult Partner when I was writing this!!**

Katie groaned and fluffed up her hair in front of the floor length mirror. She’d chosen a simple bottle green woollen jersey dress teamed with black tights and knee high tan boots wanting to appear smart yet casual for the setting at Harlan’s mansion. But for once it wasn’t her outfit or appearance that was causing her anguish.

“Have you decided if you’re gonna mention the whole Ransom thing?” Steve asked as he wandered back into the bedroom munching on another piece of toast from the tray of breakfast items they’d had delivered earlier.

Katie snorted and locked yes with him in the mirror “Oh yeah, can you imagine? Mr Thrombey, your grandson is an asshole. In fact, he isn’t just an asshole he’s the asshole, he’s America’s asshole…”

Steve chuckled as he dropped onto the bed “You might not have a choice if he’s already told him what went down.”

“You mean how you threw him over the bar?” she raised an eyebrow. Steve dropped his head and sighed.

“I’m sorry but, well I’m not having anyone speak to you or about you like that.”

“My hero.” Katie smirked at him, and he rolled his eyes as she chuckled. “Look, if Harlan had heard and was going to cancel he would have done it by now. I’ll just go and see what happens.”

She turned round and stepped into the space between Steve’s legs and his hands gently gripped her hips.

“You sure you don’t want me to drive you?” he asked.

“No, I’m ok.” she smiled, dropping a kiss to his mouth, her hands resting on his shoulders. “I’ll text you when I’m there and then when we’re done.”

Steve smiled, he was pleased she was feeling happy enough to take herself, this was a big step in her healing process.

Even if he knew he’d be on tenterhooks the whole time she was gone...

“Ok.” he nodded “I’m gonna go exploring, see the sights.” “Captain America playing tourist.” she grinned and he chuckled slightly, his hands sliding down to gently squeeze her ass.

“When in Rome.” he shrugged, “Or this case Boston. By the way sweetheart, your ass looks great in this dress.” “What is it you say to me?” she laughed, her hands sliding round to remove his from her rear, her fingers lacing into his “It’s all yours baby.” “Damned right.” he practically growled as she turned and headed into the sitting room area. Steve followed her, leaning on the doorframe and simply watching as she shrugged on her pea jacket that was resting over the back of the sofa. She picked up her laptop, checked her bag and wrapped a scarf around her neck.

“Walk you down to the car?” Steve asked, and she turned to face him smiling.

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

****

The drive out to the Thrombey mansion was actually very pleasant. Katie enjoyed the scenery as she drove and soon enough was pulling up the large, tree lined drive and came to a halt.  She stepped out, grabbed her bag and took in the mansion in front of her, giving a low whistle. It appealed to her love of all things old fashioned and gothic. Old and red brick, surrounded by scenery and stone figurines it was exactly the kind of home one would expect a Crime author to own.

She text Steve to say she had arrived and was safe and as she made her way towards the door, two large German Shepherd dogs bounded towards her. She paused for a second, allowing them to sniff at her, their tails wagging and she bent down, scratching one behind the ears.

“Oh aren’t you handsome boys!” she grinned, as she continued to pet them.

“Excellent judges of character, too.” a female voice said. Katie looked up to see a dark haired woman stood on the steps by the front door.

“They’re gorgeous.” Katie beamed, straightening up. “I’d love a dog but, well, we don’t really have time for one.” “I can imagine your line of work is a little hectic.” the lady smiled as Katie approached “I’m Fran, Mr Thrombey’s house keeper.”

“It’s nice to meet you Fran, I’m Katie.”

Fran smiled and stepped back to allow Katie to step through the large, wooden doors which opened into a huge hallway, which was grandly decorated just like something straight out of one of Harlan’s books. Katie looked around, taking it all in, before Fran spoke to her again.

“Mr Thrombey is finishing off a call. Can I offer you a drink whilst you’re waiting?”

“I wouldn’t say no to a coffee.” Katie nodded, removing her scarf.  Fran took it from her, along with her coat and hung them up on a stand byt the door before she gestured for Katie to follow her. They walked down a hallway which was lined with dark, panelled wood that opened up into a large, kitchen diner.

“How do you take it Mrs Rogers?”

But before Katie could respond, the dogs outside began once more to bark, only this time Katie could tell they were agitated. Fran gave an audible sigh, and the source of her frustration was evident as the back door blustered open.

“Oh shut the fuck up!” a familiar drawl was yelling back over the grounds and Katie felt herself stiffen slightly. Ransom barrelled into the kitchen from the mud room, his open tan coat flapping behind him. There was a multi-coloured silk scarf hanging around his neck and he was wearing a blue sweater which was slightly frayed on the hem, a far contrast from the sharp suit he had been dressed in last night. He cast his eyes around and stopped dead, a snarl playing on his face.

“You?”

There was a pause and Katie sighed, summonsing every single bit of professionalism “Good morning Mr Drysdale.”

Ransom snorted “Mr Drysdale now, that’s not what you were calling me last night was it? I was a self-entitled dick, wasn’t I?”

Fran gave a snort which she hastily turned into a cough and Ransom shot he3r a glare.

“Well in my defence you did call me a hooker so…” Katie shrugged, taking attention off the housekeeper.

There was a moment of silence before Ransom broke the stare he was giving her and turned back to Fran.

“You got my biscuits Franny?”

“In the usual cupboard Hugh.”

“Hugh?” Katie frowned. “I thought your name was Ransom.” “It is.” Ransom, or Hugh said as he made his way to a cupboard and pulling out a packet of Lotus Biscoff. He leaned against the counter and popped one in his mouth, eyeing Katie up and down. “Only the help call me Hugh.”

Katie couldn’t help the disdain that crept across her face at his tone. He really was an insufferable jerk.

“Really? Hugh to the help and Ransom to others?” She looked at him “What do the dogs call you?”

“I dunno, go ask them. I mean you do speak dog don’t you, being one and everything?”

“Wow did you think of that all by yourself?” Katie rolled her eyes at his childishness “Guess your time at Harvard really served you well.”

“How did you know I went to Harvard?” he frowned.

“Isn’t’ that where all the spoilt little, trust fund babies go?” she glared at him. Truth be told she’d had FRIDAY look him up the previous night but she wasn’t about to admit that.

“Yeah and where was your brilliant education then?” he shoved another biscuit in his mouth.

“Oxbridge.” she shot back. Ransom paused, arching an eyebrow.

“What are you doing here anyway?”  he said after a moment, clearly unable to think of anything smart to say about her choice of University.

“Mrs Rogers here is the Owner and CEO of Stark Independent Publishers and they’re going to be publishing The Colour of Revenge.” a voice said from the doorway. Katie turned to see Harlan walking into the kitchen, his eyes fixed on his grandson. “And whilst she is in this house on my invitation she is a guest, so you could do well to remember your manners.” Ransom looked at him, blinked, then threw his head back in a huge roar of laughter. “Wait. You have your own company, and you’re using another to publish your next book?”

“Yes Ransom, that’s correct.”

“Oh that…that is fucking priceless!” Ransom continued to laugh “I can’t wait for you to tell Walt,.”

Now Katie was utterly confused. There was clearly some Family dynamic at play, and she was even more puzzled when Ransom stepped towards her, offering her a biscuit from the packet.

“You poisoned them?” she looked at him, and he chuckled and shook his head.

“I’m eating them ain’t I?”

“Fair point.” she shrugged taking one “Thanks.” “You’re welcome Doll Face. Anyone that helps piss off my shit head family can share my food.” he said, and with that he blustered out in as dramatic a fashion as he’d entered, his laughter following him down the hall.

“You should be honoured.” Harlan turned to face Katie “He doesn’t normally give those out, they’re his favourites.”

“Yeah, without meaning to speak out of turn he doesn’t strike me as the type to share.”

Harlan chuckled and crossed the room, holding out his hand. Katie shook it, smiling. “It’s a pleasure to meet you finally Mrs Rogers.”

“And you too Mr Thrombey.”

“I told you on the phone, please, call me Harlan.”

“As long as you call me Katie.” she shot back and he nodded.

“Sure I can manage that, Fran, dear, we’ll take the drinks in my study.”

“Of course Mr Thrombey, I’ll bring them through.”

Katie followed Harlan out of the kitchen.

“I’m sorry about my grandson.” he looked back at her

“Don’t be.” Katie said, “We err, we actually met last night. He was in my hotel bar…”

“Let me guess, you didn’t particularly get on then either.” “Erm..there were a few words traded yes.” Katie said, before she sighed, deciding to be honest.  “Actually, there were more than words traded. Steve, my husband, kinda got in a bit of an altercation with him. I was a little worried you wouldn’t want to do business if you had heard about it.”

Harlan chuckled as he led her down the corridor and to the right “If I refused to do business with everyone Ransom had a run in with I’d have a problem. But that aside, he hadn’t mentioned it. Although, I haven’t seen him since he stormed out of here yesterday after a disagreement with his mother and his cousin. He likes to flounce does Ransom, he has a flair for the dramatic. If you don’t mind me asking what did he say to you?” Katie explained as they walked, Harlan letting out a sigh as he shook his head.

“On his behalf, I apologise.” he said, opening a door and allowing her to step into the large study.

“It’s fine, I gave as good as I got.” she smiled and Harlan laughed.

“I don’t doubt that for a second Mrs Rogers” he said, closing the door. “Now, please take a seat and we can talk business.”

**** An hour later Katie was feeling a lot more at ease. Harlan was an easy man to talk to. He was firm, but fair, and as such had approved the cover designs, and accepted all but 6 of the amendments the Editing team had proposed to this manuscript. As a result, she was feeling a lot more confident about the pitch regarding her Charity idea, knowing full well that he wouldn’t simply dismiss the idea was spurring her on.

“So as we agreed Mr Thrombey.” Katie said, sliding the first piece of paper over to him “Your royalties on the print edition will be 9% of the cover price for the first 5,000 copies, 10% on the next 5,000 and 12% thereafter…and for the E-book edition 25% of the sales revenue. You can see from our forecasts what we anticipate this will bring you.”

Harlan took the paper and gave it a quick glance over before nodding “How have you come up with the forecast sales numbers?”

“We based it on your last 3 novels, plus the level of pre-orders we have had. And, without wanting to sound too big headed, SIP attracts a lot of attention given who…” she felt herself blush slightly “Who I am so we tend to make a lot of sales on the back of that, which to be fair in this case isn’t a bad thing.” “In this case?” Harlan frowned at her.

“Yes, errr.” she swallowed again, shifting slightly “SIP is donating 100% of its revenue on your book to charity, although we haven’t made that public yet. I wanted to talk to you about it before we release anything to the press.”

“Charity?” 

“Yes, several to be exact. We’re going to split it across organisations that help victims of sexual abuse, rape and other violent sexually motivated crimes.”

“That’s very commendable.” Harlan leaned back in his chair “And I take it that’s because of the subject matter?” “That’s one reason.” she nodded, hesitantly.

“And the other?” the old man pressed, his hands steeping together in front of his chin as his elbows rested on the large mahogany desk.

Katie hesitated, before she bit her lip and took a deep breath as she looked at the man who was studying her intently. For some reason, she felt she could trust him so decided to tell him the whole story. “It’s fairly well known that last year I was missing for a number of weeks but the circumstances were never revealed. In reality, Harlan, I was, erm, held captive.” She paused to clear her throat “I was taken by an organisation who thought by torturing me I’d reveal certain information to them, information I didn’t actually have. When the usual methods of interrogation failed, well, I’m sure you don’t need me to fill in the gaps.”

Harlan’s face softened and he let out a sigh. “I’m sorry to hear that, I truly am.” “So yeah, there’s an element of it being personal in there.” she swallowed, “I didn’t know myself that half of these support charities existed until a year ago and to me it’s more about the awareness, that people who find themselves in the position I did understand that there are people out there to help.”

Harlan nodded “How do you intend on using the book to do that?” “Well, with your permission…”Katie said, turning her laptop round to face him, to show him the various mock ups she had produced “...I’d like to include a foreword in your book, a little bit about why we have chosen to do what we are doing, so that everyone who buys a copy sees it. You have a huge established audience Harlan, and that kind of publicity is just something that no amount of money can buy. I’d also like to include a tagline about how the proceeds will be helping people in the advertising material and on the front cover.” “Will you be writing the foreword?” Harlan looked at her.

Katie nodded. “You’ll of course be sent a copy before it is finalised to ensure you’re happy with it.”

“I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Harlan smiled “I’m happy to be part of it. And in light of what you’ve said, I’d also be happy to wave my royalties and also donate those to the cause.”

“Oh, no, that’s not…” Katie began to protest but Harlan shut her down.

“I don’t need the money.” he shook his head “All I ask is that you make it work. You clearly have a passion about this Katie, and for good reason. Frankly I’m blown away by the courage you’ve displayed here today by telling me this. There are a lot of people out there in privileged positions that could take a leaf out of your book my dear.”

Katie felt her eyes misting over and she blinked, looking away. Harlan passed her the box of tissues and she took one with a weak laugh.

“Sorry.” she smiled “I’ve just, well, no one knows what happened bar my inner circle so to speak.”

“It won’t go any further.” Harlan looked at her “I can assure you of that” Katie smiled, before she looked at the man, and her smile slid into a cheeky smirk. “Seeing as I’ve been honest with you, can you be honest with me?”

“Of course.”

“You have your own Publishing company, they’ve done all of your books for the last 25 years. Why have you chosen SIP for this one?”

Harlan sat back, sighing before he gave her a small smile “Because for the last 25 years my son has done nothing but ride on my tails. He likes to give Ransom a lot of stick for simply living off my money but he is no better. You see, I set the publishers up so he could make something of it, I didn’t expect him to simply sit there and use my books alone. Thought it was time he had a wake-up call.”

Katie gave a grin “I see now why Ransom was so amused.”

“Yeah, Walt won’t be best pleased…” Harlan said, “He’ll be even less so when he realises I’m giving my royalties away on this completely. Now, please permit me one last question before we finish.” “Sure.” “You’re the owner and CEO of SIP.” She nodded.

“Do you always visit potential authors or is this visit purely down to the fact this book means something personal to you?”

“There is that, and, well, honestly? I’m just a huge fan of your work.” she grinned “Owning and running your own business should have some self-indulgent perks after all, right?”

They spent 15 minutes or so tying up the final bits and pieces before Harlan walked her to the door, helping her into her coat.

“It’s been a pleasure.” He smiled, shaking her hand again.

“Same here.” she grinned “And thank you again. We’ll be in touch when we’re ready to go to press. It shouldn’t be too long. I’m hoping to hold the big launch early in November. Maybe hold some charity event, I’ll let you know.” “Of course, anything I can do to help…”

There was a pause as a loud engine sounded and they both turned to see a vintage silver BMW skid to a halt on the driveway driven by Ransom. He climbed out, his long legs stretching in front of him as he glanced over to the pair of them.

“I see he’s been out for his usual lunch appointment.” Harlan said. “Such a hard life.”

Katie laughed and with that she headed down the steps towards her car.

“Leaving so soon?” Ransom asked as she passed him.

“Work is done for the day so…” she shrugged

“If you have all that money, why do you bother?” 

Katie stopped and turned to him. “Because I’ve never had it handed to me on a plate.” she said, honestly “One thing my brother instilled into me was that you have to work for things in life. Yes, I’ve had opportunities that most people wouldn’t but I’m eternally grateful for those and do this to prove that.”

“And the Avenging?” he asked, “Humour me, I’m curious.”

“I like to help people. It is what it is.” she shrugged.

“Putting your life on the line to help people with no thanks.” he shook his head “I don’t get it.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to.” she shook her head, “But, I just remind myself that for every one person that’s like you, there are a hundred other people who actually deserve it so…” “Eat shit.”  Ransom drawled, rolling his eyes.

“Fuck you.” Katie’s usual insult flew off her tongue easily, and she inwardly groaned knowing full well she’d given him an opening. And sure enough, the anticipated response came her way.

“If you’re offering.”

“Oh, believe me Mr Drysdale, I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last person on Earth.

“You wouldn’t be doing much sleeping.” he smirked, “And you’re forgetting something.”

“Oh pray, do enlighten me.” she said sarcastically. “You’re the one that mistook me for your husband, sweet cheeks. I’d say you must find something attractive about me.” “Don’t flatter yourself, you’re nothing like him.” she turned towards the car

“Oh, are we playing spot the difference?” Ransom chuckled and she gave a bark of a laugh and spun back to face him. “Your eyes are completely different, your jawline is nowhere near as square, your smile…well is it even a smile or are you suffering from trapped wind? I’m not sure and don’t even get me started on your hair.” she arched an eyebrow “Frankly my Stevie has more sexual appeal in his little finger than you have in your entire body and as for that lousy sweater you’re wearing…” “Ah, yes, you’re a sucker for spangly lyrcra…”

“It’s a mix of Tevlar and a patented material my brother developed actually, but that’s by the by.” Katie shrugged “When he fills it out as well as he does I can’t help but want to be a sucker if you get my drift.”

“More than happy to help you out there darling.” he winked. “I bet you’ve never kept a woman longer than a night have you?” Katie shook her head.

“Sometimes they don’t even last the night.”

“Oh, I can believe that, I’d run too.” she nodded. “Why would anyone want a jumped up little trust fund baby like you when they could have a real man between their legs?”

Ransoms face instantly slid from the playful, teasing smirk into something slightly darker and much, much angrier.

“You jumped up little bitch.” he said, his voice laced with venom as he moved closer to her. She held her ground, looking him up and down, simply raising an eyebrow as his voice grew in volume. “If I wanted you, I could have you. It’s that simple.” Katie felt her nostrils flare. After everything she’d just talked to his grandfather about, was this asshole seriously insinuating what she thought he was?

“You know what?” she stepped forward, glaring up at him “That’s the problem with people like you. You think you can just take what you want without the consequences. Well I got news for you, Hugh, that isn’t how it works.”

“Oh get off your fucking high horse!” Ransom bit back, his voice loud as he shook his head “I’ve had enough of your sanctimonious I’m better than you bullshit.” “It’s not bullshit.” she shook her head, “I am better than you. But then again, that’s not saying much as frankly I think you’re one of the most despicable people I’ve ever met, and trust me that’s saying something.”  She looked him up and down once more, giving her best contemptuous glare before she turned on her heel.

“Now you listen to me…” he said, grabbing at her arm. In a flash she had twisted out of his hold and swept his legs from under him, putting all her body weight behind the movement, spinning and throwing him straight over her shoulder in a move she had learnt years ago from Steve. With a hefty thud and a yell he hit the floor, landing on his back. She knelt on his chest, her knee digging into his sternum, heel of her palm pressed straight against his windpipe.

“When I said yesterday I’d taken down bigger men than you I meant it.” she glared at him “Touch me again, and I’ll kill you myself before Steve gets the chance.”

“Get..off..me…” he snarled, but she didn’t move, instead she pushed on his throat a little harder, causing him to gasp for air.

“They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree but in this case, well, you’re about as far removed from your granddad as you could get. How he ended up with such an appalling little shit like you as a grandson I’ll never know.”

With that she stood up, leaving him to take huge gasps of air as she turned to see the dogs careering down from the grassy banks surrounding the house, barking as they ran.

“Mother fucker!” she heard Ransom’s yelling as she picked up her bag her hands shaking slightly as she headed to her car. His yells were coming thick and fast as she walked, quickly. “Oh you son of a BITCH! You just pissed ON MY COAT!”

She turned to see Ransom aiming a kick at the dogs, missing them both completely. She couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of the man desperately trying to escape and get up off the floor. Something then caught her attention and she glanced up slightly to see Harlan was stood on the balcony of the house, a mug in his hand watching the scene play out. He raised the mug in her direction before taking a sip and strolling back in his house.

As she passed Ransom’s silver vintage BMW, which was parked by the Porsche SUV she had hired, she hesitated slightly before she reached down her boot and pulled out the small combat knife she had kept concealed there. With a quick flick of her wrist she sent it flying into the rear passenger’s side tyre of Ransom’s car.

“Knives out, bitch.” She grinned to herself before she unlocked her car, settled in the driver’s seat and pulled away.

****

“Baby, that’s amazing!” Steve said, looking at her across the table as she finished telling him all about her afternoon. She’d driven straight to the small Italian Steve had said he had found and they were enjoying an early dinner whilst Katie told him about her meeting. She’d been completely honest about everything, what she’d said, how she had felt…well, almost anyway. Ransom hadn’t cropped up in their discussions yet, thankfully.

“I know, it’s better than I could have hoped.” she smiled, chewing on her ravioli. “I mean, the amount of money and publicity it’s gonna generate is off the scale!”

“I’m proud of you.” he said gently. She beamed at his praise and took a sip of her wine. “I take it then the whole Ransom thing wasn’t an issue?”

Ah crap, there it was…

Something flickered across Katie’s face and Steve frowned. ”What?”

“He err, he was there.” she said, looking down at her food, pushing it around her plate a little “We had an altercation.”

“An altercation?” he pressed.

“Yeah, at first he was fine. Even gave me a biscuit, long story.” she waved away his questioning glance “But er…well we had a bit of a heated discussion on the driveway as I was leaving. He grabbed my arm and…” “He did what?” Steve nearly exploded and the table next to them turned to look at him.

“Shhhh” she hissed “It was nothing, besides, I floored him with that nice little over shoulder drive you showed me. Then when he was down the dog pissed on his coat.”

Steve was torn between his desire to rage about the fact the man had dared to lay his fingers on her, and laughing at the image he had of Ransom’s coat being soaked in dog piss. Eventually the laughter won out as he gave a small chuckle and leaned back in his chair.

“Wish I’d seen that.”

“Oh and I left a knife in his tyre” she shrugged, taking another bite of her food. Steve’s eyebrow raised.

“A knife.”

“Yup.”

“You took a knife with you?”

“Down my boot.” she smiled.

“You know, you scare me sometimes.” he said, taking a drink of his beer.

“I scared him.” she laughed “You should have seen his face.” Steve changed the subject then, not wanting to discuss him anymore. Whilst he was still pissed about the asshole in general, he was beyond pleased to see that she wasn’t phased by it, in fact she seemed excited about the entire thing. The meeting had gone well, and that was the most important thing to him. That she’d gone in the first place, especially after being so frightened.

They talked about where Steve had been, the sights he’d taken in and he promised to show her a few of his sketches when they got back to the hotel room, except that kind of fell along the wayside as no sooner had they gotten into the room they were pawing at each other like a pair of hungry, horny school kids.

As a result, Steve was found himself led on his back on the bed, Katie’s lips trailing his skin, from his collar over to his neck. He let out a soft sigh and Katie grinned as she moved back to look at him. His eyes were dark, full of desire and he watched as her head moved down his body, her soft fingers pulling the waistband of his boxers down slightly as she kissed across the bottom of his stomach, just on the V of his abdomen, where the thin strip of hair that led from his belly button down to his groin lived. He was aroused, desperate to feel her mouth on him, but as she trailed her tongue across his skin, she got as low as she could without actually touching him there. He let out a groan, his hips bucking slightly and she stopped, glancing up at him.

“Want something, Soldier?” she smirked, repeating the words he had said to her the other morning and he looked down at her lidded eyes which were sparkling with mischief.

“You want me to beg?” he asked, his voice gravelly “Because I’m not above that.” She let out a grin and decided to take pity on him. As her hot mouth took him in he let out a hiss, his head falling back against the pillow. One hand fisted in the sheets besides him, the other settled in her hair, fingers tangling into her soft waves as her head moved. Her tongue swirled around his shaft, teeth grazing gently as she took him deeper, twirling her hand around the base of his cock.

“Fuck, sweetheart…” he keened and felt her smirking as she continued her ministrations. It was so good, it was almost torture, and every time his hips moved she stopped, giving him a warning look.

Fuck, he loved it when she took control like this.

Eventually, when he could feel his stomach starting to tighten he gently pulled on her hair. “Baby…” he groaned “Get up here. I’m gonna lose it if you keep doing that…”

With a grin she released him with a pop and crawled up his body, her breasts dragging against his naked skin before she straddled him, and lowered her self down taking him in completely. Her head lolled back slightly as he bent his knees, allowing her to lean back against his thighs, hands resting on her hips as she began to move. With every roll she made, Steve was actively fighting his release, but it was becoming increasingly harder. His hand moved between her legs to stroke at her bud, and she let out a gasp, shuddering slightly.

“Don’t stop…” she cried, “Please, Stevie…”

His strokes became quicker, and with the hand that still grasped her hip he pulled her down onto him harder as he thrust upwards, driving into her as much as he could. He felt her shudder slightly before she gave a loud, broken moan as her orgasm swept her away, and he was right with her, his hips faltering as his eyes flickered shut, his entire body stiffening before he relaxed backwards and Katie felt forwards onto his chest. She gave a soft hum of satisfaction, her face burying into his neck as his fingers trailed up her spine gently.

“Ok?” he asked when he had finally caught his breath, she made a noise of affirmation unable to summon the power to speak at that point in time. Steve gave a chuckle and moved his head, nudging her face with his nose. She looked at him for a moment before she gave him a soft kiss.

“Stevie…” she said gently as he pulled away to look at her “We left the restaurant without desert.”

He arched an eyebrow at her “Seriously, you’re thinking about food now?” “Yeah, I got a hankering for something sweet.” “I’m not sweet enough?” He pouted.

She laughed “Not unless you’re hiding a pecan pie somewhere…” “Room service?” 

She grinned and nodded, rolling off him. “Oh, and order a bottle of champagne.” “Pushing the boat out?” he said, shuffling onto his side so he could face her.

“When have I ever needed an excuse to drink fizz?” she looked at him.

“True.” he said, brushing her hair off her face before he leaned in for another lazy kiss.

“And then, when we’ve finished that I’ll let you run me a bath.”

“Oh, you’ll let me run you a bath?”

“Yup?”

“What’s in it for me?” “You can scrub my back.” she said, her hand sliding up his chest. “Oh well, when you put it like that, how could I possibly refuse?” he rolled his eyes as she laughed.

Steve grinned back at her. Frankly, the idea of spending the entire evening locked in the hotel room with her, drinking champagne, bathing, no doubt a bit more fooling around was fucking heaven in his eyes. Giving her one last, soft peck on the lips he reached over for the phone to ring in their order.

**** “You’ve done WHAT?”

Ransom smirked as his mother screeched across the room her almost unintelligible ramblings being punctuated by yells and protests from Walt. His grandfather had just revealed to them all that not only was he using a different publishers for his next book, he was also donating his royalties to charity after discussions with the Stark bitch, or Rogers bitch as she was called now. Naturally Meg thought it was a great idea, but then she would. Ransom didn’t give a shit either way. He just found watching them all arguing like they were doing utterly hilarious.

“Biscuit?” he asked, offering the packet across the coffee table.

“No I don’t want a fucking biscuit you asshole!” Walt glared at him.

“Wow” Ransom mouthed, smirking.

“Ransom, enough…” His mother shot and he looked at her.

“What did I do?” he laughed.

“You’re being deliberately obtuse!”

“I haven’t said a word.” he sniggered “And I don’t plan on doing either. It’s the old man’s money. If he wants to give it away, so be it…I am curious though.” he leaned forward and looked at his grandfather “What did she say to convince you to part with it?” “It wasn’t what she said so much as what she did.” Harlan said after a moment’s thought, not wanting to betray her trust “Her company is donating their profits from what she openly admitted would be their biggest earning book to date. Says a lot about her don’t you think?” Ransom cocked his head to one side and shrugged, as the arguing once more began.

With a snort he stood up “Well this has been emotional, we should do this again sometime.” he said, “Grandfather…”

Harlan waved him away, none of the others paying him a blind bit of attention. He grabbed his dog-piss ruined coat from the chair he’d thrown it against, making a beeline for Fran in the kitchen, ordering her to get it dry cleaned as soon as she could. He then headed out to his car, and stopped dead as he noticed the rear tyre was flat.

Cursing he bet to take a closer look, and noticed the knife that was expertly placed right in the middle of the tread at near the bottom and despite himself he gave a low chuckle, shaking his head.

“Well played Mrs Rogers, well played.”

****

@the-omni-princess​  @momobaby227​ @geekofmanythings16​ @angelofhell-666​ @thewackywriter​ @marvelfansworld​​  @cobalt-gear​  @asgardlover75​ @jennmurawski13​​​  @jtargaryen18​​ @saiyanprincessswanie​​  @navispalace​​ @patzammit​​  @joannaliceevans-fanficblog​​  @icanfeelastormbrewing​​ @djeniiscorner​​  @ayamenimthiriel​​  @coldmuffinbanditshoe​​  @disneylovingal​​ @madzmilllz​  @sgtjaamesbaarnes​ @sweater-daddiesdumbdork​

[thepoisonroom]

just watched strictly ballroom because of you and I love it so much it's amazing, the scene where he dances with fran's family is my favourite, it felt so much like home

yesssss i’m so glad you loved it! it’s a really gorgeous movie visually and i love how even though it’s so campy and ridiculous there’s a really sincere emotional storyline? and the dancing is gorgeous ofc

[royallyprincesslilly]

Title: Love, Maybe? {14}

Chris Evans X Reader OFC Vixen Giovanni

Warning: Plot, Cursing, Angst

Word Count: 3.9K

Summary: After a night of drunkenness you wake up next to warm, hot as hell body, a migraine and no memory of the night before. When you come to realize that the hot body belongs to none other than Hollywood’s golden boy Chris Evans you freak out. As events unfold you become even more panicked to find out you got married in your drunken haze. What else is there to do but get it annulled, right? Before walking away, you share one more night of molten kisses and passion. 3 years later you are still living with the repercussions of your brash decisions, but the surprises don’t stop there. The past has a way of coming back and have you questioning is this fate that you’ve been running from, hell could it have been love, maybe?

Note: Italic texts is an inner Vixen thought. Bold Italic texts is an inner Chris thought.

**Slightly Edited/Proofread**

**Partially Interactive**

Thank you guys for reading!!!! If you enjoyed this please LIKE, COMMENT, REBLOG. 😊 ❤️  ❤️ ❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 14: Finding Vixen

 -Vixen-

   “Wow, things are moving quickly.”

   You spun around the construction site the crew was making progress with the space that would be your restaurant. You couldn’t believe in a matter of weeks what was happening.

   “Things move quickly when everything aligns,” Zack responded from behind you. You looked to him and smiled, but as you stared at him, you only saw one face looking back at you. The smile slipped from your lips, and you gulped down the emotion threatening to spill out. Turning your back, you tried your best to pull yourself together.

    “You okay Vixen?”

   Clearing your throat, you nodded as you took a few steps away to what would or could be the spot for the outdoor eating spot. You bit your bottom lip, while a swell of pride and accomplishment fulled you, sadness and a feeling of being overwhelmed flooded you as well. It had been four days since you’d seen Chris, four days since your entire world had come crashing down, four days since the feelings you thought were long gone surfaced again, four days since the encounter you’d always dreaded and planned would go smoothly went the opposite. Sighing you took a deep breath and turned to face Zack, Kassius and the small team that was assembled for your expansion.

 “Are you happy with this so far? Any suggestions?”

   Glancing around you took in the demolition that looked just to have begun. You shook your head.

   “No, this looks to be the beginning nothing much to make suggestions on. I’d like to look at it again once it’s cleared out, just want to make sure everything transitions right.”

   “Absolutely. I’ve seen Giovanni’s in San Fran; I can imagine how particular you are about the visual of your restaurant. As long as we’re on schedule, things should be clear in another day or two,” Timothy one of the members of the team said.

   You nodded and made your way to the front door as everyone else followed. When you stepped out into the LA sun, you placed your sunglasses on your nose. Zack approached beside you and put his hand on the small of your back.

   “Are you sure you’re okay?”

   “Yes, I’m fine. I just haven’t gotten a lot of sleep the last few days, and it’s always a hassle moving in.”

   Zack nodded and slowly rubbed your back. You tried not to shy away from his touch.

   “I can treat you to a relaxing night, dinner, a drink, maybe a massage.”

   He smiled softly, and you felt the genuineness of his offer, but you knew it wasn’t something you were going to pass on. You smiled, hoping to soften the blow.

  “You’re so sweet Zack, I appreciate it, I really do, but since the move, Ella hasn’t gotten back to her regular sleeping schedule I need to focus on her right now. I’m sorry.”

  He looked as if he were trying to swallow the rejection. You hoped he wouldn’t make it a big thing. In all truth, while you liked his company, you really didn’t want to date. You didn’t feel much of anything for anyone, except him. Zack nodded, looked down, and nodded some more.

   “I understand. You’re a mom first. It’s admirable. I’m not going to lie and say I’m not disappointed, but I understand. Just uh—I want you to know that I like you Vixen, I didn’t expect it, but there it is. I would like to get to know you better really try to build something with you.”

   “Uuugh, jeez Vix. What do you say to that?”

   After you looked around you taking notice of how close the others were you decided now wasn’t the right place to let him down. You also didn’t want to lead him on.

   “All right Vixen, so we’re going to schedule another walk through once all demo is done, and we’ll make some decisions. I have a few mocks for you to look over and hopefully by then we’ll have some ideas,” Kassius said.

   “Yes, I’ll look over these.”

   You took the folder that looked thicker than a George A. Romano novel and bugged your eyes out.

  “Good lord.”

   “Yes, a lot of decisions to be made, this is the fun part,” he finished with a broad smile on his face.

   “I’ll see you then. Are you coming, Zack? We’re still on for golf?”

   Zack looked at you and nodded once he realized you weren’t going to respond to his declaration. You were glad your shades were darker than the midnight sky because your eyes weren’t hiding anything.

   “Yeah. I’ll call you,” Zack said before he walked to Kassius and the two walked off to Kassius’ bright red sports car. You nodded your head to the rest of the team and made your way to your rental car.

   You looked into the mirror and shook your head before you started your engine to begin on your to-do list. At the top was picking up some more groceries, then some office supplies and then to pick up some stuff for Ella. You hated the grocery places around the house; they were overpriced for no reason, and the produce never looked fresh. That meant you were going to drive over five miles to get to the supermarket Zack told you about—Gleason’s.

   As you drove your mind drifted back to seeing Chris. The last time you’d seen him, you’d told him to have a nice life. You were pissed and hurt, and it seemed like a good enough thing to say. Shit, you didn’t even know why you were pissed, you brought it on yourself. You were stupid enough to think that there was anything possible between the two of you.

   You should have known better. The way he carried himself, the way he spoke, and dressed it screamed bachelor, screamed down for a good time and nothing more. Every alarm rang off in your head about him the minute you saw him at the table. Everything in you screamed “don’t,” but the other voice in you said, “just do it, it’s Vegas.” Yeah well, “it’s Vegas” turned into a kid and haunting memories. That didn’t change the fact that he was still gorgeous and his shoulders were bigger than ever.

   “Of course he had to be gorgeous. Of course he couldn’t turn ugly or have gained thirty pounds of fat. No, he got sexy as fuck and gained thirty pounds of muscle.”

   You groaned loudly and focused again on the GPS that predicted you’d reach your destination in five minutes. Once you parked in the lot, you roamed the aisles pushing the cart before you.

  “Black tea, herbal tea, coffee, check.” You dropped the items in the cart and went perusing down the next.

   “Rice Krispies, honey bunches of oats, oatmeal, flour, food coloring, sugar, yeast, check.”

   You turned down the refrigerator aisle to scan for eggs, milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, orange juice, coffee creamer, jello, cream cheese, and that disgusting iced coffee drink Nexus loved. With your list about half done you allowed yourself to get distracted in the produce section where they held fresh flowers. You loved fresh flowers. There were pink, red, blue, yellow and even white flowers of all varieties. You decided on two beautiful assortments of pink and yellow roses and a separate one of pink orchids, you loved orchids. Tipping your head down to take a whiff of the fragrant flowers you looked over to the other side of the section and saw the actor Nexus was losing her mind over—Anthony Mackie. Quickly putting the flowers in your cart you made a u-turn to get back on track, you definitely didn’t want a run in.

   Just as you thought you were safe in the bread aisle holding two selections of bread, one you liked and one Ella couldn’t get enough of you you saw him. Your legs thought you had time to make another getaway, but your brain knew better, he saw you too. Anthony approached you with a friendly smile on his face as he tipped his hat lower. You knew it was pointless, but you still turned and rolled out the aisle. As soon as you made it to the soda and water aisle, he was at your side.

   “Vixen right?”

   Sighing, you nodded. “That’s right.”

   “I’m going to say you didn’t see me, that’s why you walked away; otherwise, that was rude.”

   You snorted and shook your head. He had to be kidding.

   “I was trying to protect your incognito look. I’m thinking if these people knew they were walking next to The Falcon himself they’d draw a scene and there goes your disguise. By the way, that’s a horrible disguise.”

   Anthony chuckled and nodded his head.

   “Of course you’re as snarky as your sister. Speaking of, how is she? Is she here?”

   You looked at Anthony as he quickly looked up and down the aisle as if looking for her. Scoffing again you responded, “No, she’s not here. Why does it matter?”.

   “Just curious.”

   “Bullshit!”

   You laughed out loud and pushed the cart further and placed other items in your cart. “I can see right through you. Looks like another one bites the dust.”

   “Another one bites the dust? What does that mean?”

   “It means you’ve been hit with the Nexus haze. Almost every man that speaks to her for any amount of time falls under her spell. You Mr big-time movie star are no different.”

   Anthony smiled and shrugged, but he didn’t look as smug as he usually did, no this time he looked as if he felt threatened as if he were worried. He should be Nexus wasn’t half a woman like these barbie doll actresses and models she was one hundred percent that bitch and she was a force to be reckoned with. The two of you walked in silence for a few feet.

   “So, I learned a fun fact recently. You’d never believe it,” Anthony began.

   “Oh yeah, what fun fact is that?”

   “Three years ago, a woman went to Vegas for some fun and ended marrying Captain America himself.” Your brain failed to communicate with your legs, and you just stopped in the middle of the aisle.

   “He told him. Shit!”

   “But you believe it, because—,” Anthony leaned into your ear and whispered. “You are that woman.”

   You looked to him, unsure what to say. You could deny, deny, deny, but you were sure Chris was the one to tell him. You sighed again.

   “Don’t worry, he’s my best friend, your secret is safe with me.” You walked again and turned down another aisle.

   “Was it shock that had you running like a bat outta hell, or was it something else? Do you hate him?”

   “I hate no one; there is no time for all of that. I have too many things to accomplish.”

  “Okay, a mature one. He lucked out,” Anthony joked. The humor of it was lost on you. You didn’t bother laughing or smiling about it either.

   “It was good seeing you again, take care,” you rushed out as you walked to the cash-out. You didn’t know if you’d gotten everything, but you needed to get out of there. It was insane; every second you spent around him, you felt it was only a matter of time before he saw the truth through your eyes, or seeping from your pores.

   You unloaded the groceries on the belt then saw Anthony help. Rolling your eyes, you stayed quiet.

   “How do you feel about seeing him again after so long?”

   Groaning you turned to him your frustrations seeped out. “What’s it to you? What’s with all the questions? We did what we did, but we also went through with the divorce, it’s all water under the bridge now. No need to keep talking about it.”

   Anthony studied you as you continued to unload the groceries so the cashier could do her job. You were usually good at keeping your emotions in check, but everything was becoming a lot more difficult. You hated it.

   “Whew, that sounds like a lot of hurt and anger, years worth of it. Maybe not so much water under the bridge, huh.” Antony’s eyes bored into you, and you narrowed yours. Anthony nodded again and stepped back.

   “Take care of yourself Vixen. Oh, and could you give your sister a message for me? Tell her I didn’t mean to hurt her, I didn’t plan on it. I was telling her the truth.”

   As quickly as he appeared, he disappeared, allowing you to focus again. You moved as quickly as you could to wrap up the rest of your errands. By the time you made it home, the sun was down, and you had a car full of shit. After thirty minutes of unloading and unpacking, you dropped onto the couch to catch your breath. Ella ran to you, you quickly scooped her up and dropped kiss after kiss across her face. She released an uproar of giggles that made your heart swell.

   “Top, top, top!”

   “No, no, no, take all mommy’s kisses, take them all!”

   Her laughter filled the entire room, and soon, Nexus was beside you holding Ella down as she tickled her small ribs. This only made her wiggle and scream even more. The two of you slowly stopped, and Ella settled down comfortably in your arms, holding tightly to you.

  “Long day?”

   You looked to Nexus and nodded.

   “That’s a big book.”

   “It is, and I have a few more days to look through and find my aesthetic for the next round of meetings. Things are moving fast. Maybe we can be in and out of LA sooner than I thought.”

   Nex gave you a look that said: “be real, aren’t you forgetting something.” You ignored it and flipped through the design pages.

   “Vixen.”

   “What do you think of this one? It’s airy and modern but still has a traditional vibe.”

   Flipping to another page, you have the book your full attention. Seeing another contender, you showed your sister.

   “Ooh, this looks very modern like a real celebrity restaurant. Doesn’t say much to traditional comfort but what the hell step into the times, right.”

   “Vixen!”

   “What!?”

   “You know what,” Nexus exasperated. You shrugged and continued to flip the pages determined not to address what Nex clearly wanted you to.

   “Vixen, you know damn well you can’t leave LA without telling Chris about Ella.” You groaned and rolled your eyes.

   You knew you shouldn’t have told her shit. Now it would be even harder to ignore the shoulds. When you didn’t answer after a few minutes, she took the heavy binder off your lap and placed it on the side table nearest her. Groaning you stood and walked back in the kitchen to busy yourself, hoping it would distract you. You took out the meat for the meatballs you planned on making to accompany the spaghetti—Ella’s favorite. Refusing to take the hint, Nex walked in and crossed her arms before the island. You knew ignoring her would only work for so long, but you were going to milk it for every second you could.

   You took out the flour and the other ingredients to make your signature pasta. Once you opened the fridge to grab some tomatoes and herbs for your sauce and closed the door, you came face to face with Nexus’ annoyed face. You snorted unable to hide your amusement.

   “This isn’t funny Vix. It’s serious and a huge thing. It’s not just your life; you’re impacting. There are two other people, one small who cannot make a decision and the other who--,”

   “Who what Nex? You don’t know him. You don’t know what he’s really like,” you blurted out slamming the cutlery drawer a tad harder than you intended.

    “What the hell does that mean?”

   Again you ignored her and began washing your produce, focusing on getting every invisible speck of dirt. You’d told her the cliff notes version, beginning, middle, then end. You didn’t tell her the in between. You didn’t want to relive it out loud, you were fine keeping it a trip you took every night before you went to sleep. Once the produce was washed, you got to work chopping and dicing. You knew you were stressed because the knife was moving faster than ever and you knew she saw it too.

   “I’m waiting. What does that mean? What is he really like?”

   Kissing your teeth, you shook your head, “Forget it, Nex; it’s not important.”

   “Clearly it is. There has to be a reason why you never told him about her, a reason you never claimed the child support that was rightfully yours. You know you could have used it while you were pregnant and the parts of the first year. Why? Did he hurt you? does he hit women?”

   Nex shifted her stance, and you knew she was ready to pop off. She’d always been your keeper, your protector. You remembered a few girls she’d seriously beat down because they looked at you wrong across the playground. You sighed out, taking a pause with the chopping to give her a reassuring look.

   “No, he didn’t hit me.” You saw her shoulders relax and her expression softening; then you returned to the task at hand.

   “So he didn’t hit you. He did hurt you though.”

   Nexus was no idiot. She knew how to hear what you said and decipher what you didn’t. You did your best to give no reaction as you moved around the kitchen.

   “Okay, I get it. You didn’t tell him to spite him.”

   “No!”

   Though you adamantly rebuked that, part of you felt a way and you wondered if any part of you felt that way.

   “Okay. So he hurt you, you ran back home with your tail tucked, and you hid away for the next near three years. What did he do?”

   “Nex, please. It’s not important. Let’s drop it.”

   “I’m trying to help. You seem to be ignoring or purposely forgetting that you have to tell him. I owe him nothing, and I don’t know him from Adam and my loyalties don’t lie with him that’s with you--,”

   “So drop it. Have my back, be my pitbull!”

   “Vix, don’t ever get it twisted and think I’m not riding for you one hundred. It’s always been you and me against the world, and it’s still that way. Just—this goes past that. This is a morally right and wrong issue. How would you feel not knowing you had a mini replica of you running around the world?”

   “Fine, because I wouldn’t know.” Nexus walked around the island to you and put her arm around you. She could sense your breakdown was imminent. She gently rubbed your bare arm and let the silence fill the room. You closed your eyes, hoping to stop your warring thoughts. Of course part of you knew what she was saying was sound and right, but the other side refused to hear it.

   “You’re afraid,” Nexus worded.

   There it was plain as day, no hidden pretenses, no shade, no covers, just blatant truth. You were afraid. You were shitfaced scared.

   “It’s okay to be scared. There is nothing wrong with it. Hell if you weren’t scared I’d be worried because that would show that you really have no intention of doing the right thing. I know you, Vix, do the right thing is your middle name. Somewhere inside you know you have to tell him, want to or not, have to and should outweigh it this time.”

   “This is why I didn’t want to go to that stupid expo or come to this dumb place. It has a way of stealing and crushing dreams,” you groaned out.

   “Or realigning them and showing you a new, different, better dream.”

   You glanced at Nexus, took a deep breath, and released it. She was right — bottom line.

   “Fuck!”

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Chris-

  415-653-7575.

   It wasn’t hard to get. All he had to do was google her and her location. He had all her information from three years ago. He had her full name, city, state, P.O Box information. In truth, he had everything he needed, and if he needed more, he could easily get more, it was a perk of being him. In all the years he didn’t use it, didn’t search, didn’t allow his curiosity to take over. Today he did.

   It took him less than a minute to find her on Google, her name was uncommon, there was literally one Vixen Giovanni in San Francisco. It took him another minute to find her restaurant. Her restaurant. He was impressed. She said she wanted to open a restaurant and be a chef and she’d accomplished it, and she was successful. He spent nearly twenty minutes just looking through food reviews, articles, and pictures all of her and everything he remembered thinking and feeling those years ago came back.

   He suspected it would be like this—feared it really which made him avoid doing this very thing for so long. He was afraid he was right, and he was. It took him the next hour to get the balls to call the number for her restaurant. An hour where he went over and over what he would say. He didn’t know where you were; it had been nearly a week since he saw you, you could have gone back to San Francisco.

   He went over and over what he would say if you answered. He didn’t know if he should go with a calm and cool introduction; “Hey Vixen, remember me your ex-husband,” or an apologetic one; “I know I’m probably the last person you want to hear from but—.” It was impossible to read you from the quick exchange days ago. You hadn’t spoken, you didn’t look angry, or happy or anything, your expression was blank, and then you were gone. He didn’t know what to expect.

   When hour two was near, he bit the bullet and dialed your restaurant. The hostess transferred him to the manager who informed him you were out of town. Due to his quick thinking, he pretended to be interested in a potential business opportunity, it was then the manager gave him your cell phone number. He was surprised it was that easy. Now that was where he was, staring at your number with a bottle of beer on his right side, whiskey on the other and a joint in his hand. He leaned back and took several long puffs before holding them for a breath allowing the drug to haze away all his thoughts. Once he blew out the smoke, he took a long swig of his beer.

   “Jesus Chris, it’s not hard, just dial the number. One step at a time.”

   He took up his phone and punched in the numbers and hovered his finger over the green button, thinking about his actions one last time. Taking another long pull from his joint, he tapped the button and put it on speaker. It rang once, twice, three times and before he tapped the red button to end the call, a voice called out through the line.

   “Hello?”

   His brain froze, and speech did with it, so he sat there completely flustered.

   “Hello? Anyone there?”

   Still, he didn’t speak. Only when the line went dead did he move, he dropped back against the couch and groaned loudly into the night sky.

   “Come on, man!”

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****If the spacing is all messed up I apologize. I copy and past from Word and try to anticipate Tumblr messing up the spacing and fix it but once I push post everything always jumbled out. Sorry guys.

[pipesflowforeverandever]

Of the Dead

This is an alternate ending to my Hymns of Struggle series, featuring @aceofintuition‘s Snowy (their Joey Drew). As a warning, it’s spoilery for the most recent chapters of my AU but in my opinion does not spoil the eventual ending for my AU’s canon. Knowing my main AU is good but not required to enjoy this story, imo, and ofc you’re free to read if you don’t care about Hymns spoilers in the first place. An explanation and then the actual drabble is under the cut.

AO3 link

Ace and I have been interacting for a long time and have devised countless AUs involving their Joey (Snowy) and mine (Gingie). The usual story is that they both became skilled enough at magic to find each other in other dimensions, and more often than not after many strenuous moments, they become best friends.

In this AU, Hymns of Struggle prior to Francine's visit is canon in combination with Gingie knowing Snowy, but Snowy comes instead of Fran after the disaster. In his time, he hadn't been able to contact Gingie for a few months, but of course for Gingie about 80 years had passed. Snowy manages to undo the curse upon Gingie's studio and takes him back to Snowy's relatively normal, safe world and adopts him into the family unit. Snowy has a wife named Ana and a daughter named Joy, both of whom Gingie adores.

Gingie attempts to reconcile his feelings, rediscovering those he had for Snowy and his family after so much time...as well as struggling with love reentering his life even after effectively abandoning his own family and hurting everyone he loved.

He had been around it before, but not so close. Not so intimate. But, of course, it was inevitable now that he was a member of the family. The Drews, too, hoped this Día de los Muertos would do him some good.

Gingie looked in soft awe at the candles lighting up the otherwise modern home, the colors of all the flowers and cheery Mexican décor bouncing onto the walls, windows, and his pale, rosy skin. Pink that splashed onto his glasses shifted to blue with a single step, making a clear path as Joy ran from the hall and to the altar room. A weary voice still had grateful strength for a chuckle as the small girl skidded to a halt, a face maybe eternally tired still feeling it odd to smile. It faded, however, as the child stared at him, and he could almost feel his heart stopping.

Regardless of whether or not she really thought it in her naïve but brilliant young mind, the man that was only known as Joey for 80-some years was wondering if sometimes the child of his best friend had trouble recognizing him anymore. Such reminders in her wide-eyed stares made him feel vulnerable- certainly not in a way he could blame her for, but in fact only blame himself.

Snowy had mentioned it once or twice before how…small the old ginger looked- without his sharp-angled coat, tall hat, and slight, clicking heels. Somehow it had hardly been a blink in Snowy’s dimension- a few months, in fact- and so the change was not so subtle when the blue-eyed dad found his beloved other. Almost a century rotting alone, being forced to kill the people he held most dear over and over again, day after day.

Snowy didn’t have to wonder why he was so different, but the man himself couldn’t deny that the shift itself from hell to heaven seemed to change Ginger on its own.

It was clearest, as mentioned, in how he appeared in the physical world. His shoulders were rounded in soft, rounded sweaters, and a chest used to vibrant threads now often sported only dark or brown. Fancy pants were traded for sweats, and Joey had to learn how to tie and untie tennis shoes. The eyes Snowy found glimmering like gold in the darkness of the ink were rescued, but they still seemed to stain the underneath of eyelids. Gingie never slept while he was in the studio- either not at all or not once properly on a bed- and so Snowy wondered if he would ever adjust to the best pillows and mattresses money could buy. The old man would often fall asleep at the table and stay up all night in bed, and it was something his friend simply had to learn to tolerate.

But although sometimes children are accidentally the most cruel in the way they notice things, they maybe more often can be the kindest. And so Joy didn’t say a word about how different her tio seemed- only knew what she wanted from him.

The smile hesitantly returned to him as he saw the child raise her arms and hum in a demanding pout.

“What is it darling?” Joey’s words had often been soft for Joy, but as Snowy and Ana watched from the other side of the room, they both were fully aware he hadn’t been anything but soft in all the time he was here. The volume and vibrance was gone, and Snowy especially listened with perked ears for tinges of it to leak back into his language, yearning for the brightest person in the multiverse to take Snowy’s world as his stage once again.

Joy simply grumbled again before rocking onto her toes, arms outstretched. “Up, Tio Gin!!!”

Her mom and dad shared a meaningful glance as the girl’s beloved uncle bent down and hoisted her up in his arms. The glitter in her crystal irises seemed to light his right up, too, smile now even showing some teeth.

And as he bounced her, perhaps the breathlessness Snowy perceived was related to what Gingie suddenly felt; the familiarity overwhelming. The weight in his arms, tiny hands gripping against his shirt- the way the fabric wrinkled and pulled in her little fingers-

The room was spinning, and so Gingie passed the girl off to her nearby mother without a single word, silently and quickly stepping out of the room.

Another, more concerned glance shared by Mr. and Mrs. Drew, their eyes wide and mouths slightly ajar.

“Tio’s bein’ weird,” their daughter interrupted, speaking truth in its purest form. Snowy looked past the marigolds in the doorway and then back to his wife before going after their adopted family, unsure what to say but sure he had to say something.

“Gin?” Snowy called down the hall as he turned the corner, tilting his body while hanging onto the edge of the wall. Past a slight bounce in his black hair he spotted a more distant movement, Gingie just leaving his sight.

“Gin!” He was a patient man for Gingie, and so the sharpness in his tone was not scolding but concerned- to get his attention. As he followed, footsteps moved from his level to above the head, and so he trailed after, trying to subdue his own thoughts going wild with worry. And indeed it was hard work to stop his heart from falling so hard to the floor he could trip on it as in the slight distance, he heard someone begin to cry.

Beyond Gingie’s knees, the door cracked open to a Snowy panting and urgent- but seeing him there? Like this? It reminded him even more to calm down. The taller man took a deep breath and centered himself in order to approach the shorter one on the floor.

The once confident redhead that knew how to make any sobbing child grin was now doing so himself, bundling himself in the corner of his new bedroom, knees to his chest and a bounce every so often from his spine to accompany cries he tried to quiet. His 130-year-old fingers gripped against cloth as old as a newborn baby as he was wrapped with feelings that didn’t belong about him not belonging too.

“Gin…” Snowy murmured, kneeling down onto the carpet beside him with a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Gin, what is it…?”

The man who hadn’t been called that in a very, very long time seemed to wrap himself up a little more, shook a little more, and so it filled the silence and Snowy’s lungs so that all the younger fellow could do was wrap his arms around the other and hold him close.

Snowy closed his eyes and listened to him cry, perhaps not noticing as it got quieter and quieter until it was almost nothing.

“…Snowy.”

And they opened again, grip loosing to allow gin to sit up a bit better and look him in the eye if he so chose. He did, Gingie’s head tilting up to show red-stained eyes and a lip still quivering, even if it wasn’t sobbing anymore.

It shook simply from what it was planning to say.

“I miss her.”

No clarification was needed, not with the way it cut Snowy in two like that.

Gingie hadn’t said it before, not like this, but it was inevitable. Snowy should have known that the weight on his friend’s eyes whenever he saw Joy- the way they followed her across the room and noticed every little thing she did and treasured it- it had to have reminded him of Linda. Both how Linda was- the tiny, beautiful thing- as well as what she might have started to be if only her grandpa had been allowed to see her grow up.

One way or another, that was gone forever. Gingie couldn’t return to his dimension again after the curse, and even if he could, the baby he once held in his arms must be so old she could have long been dead.

Snowy didn’t even have to scrape against the idea of something like this happening to him and his own daughter in order for it to make him feel sick to his stomach.

And so Snowy, overwhelmed himself with nothing to say, bundled the man in his arms- the man seemingly made to bundle himself the granddaughter he adored, and maybe more children that were intended to come. He felt the tender, pained cries muffle into his shirt as Gingie finally squeezed him back and stained his clothes with tears.

Gingie, the other man believed, had been standing on his own two feet for far too long. He was more than willing to carry him wherever he went for the rest of their lives.

“Tio Gingie?”

His head turned to his darling niece. He noticed the way the wool scruffed against his neck; he had been so keenly aware of the different textures and touches in his life after their absence for longer than he should have been alive.

There was a bit of silence between the two smallest members of the family for a second, Joy swinging their arms a bit as hand was held in hand. Before them adorned with the most gorgeous things Gingie had ever seen was the altar, candles and flowers and pictures of deceased family they wished well hung up to be admired and remembered forevermore.

The sacred atmosphere might have cut conversation for a bit, but Joy eventually was able to roll her eyes and pull in her bottom lip before speaking.

“Who is that?”

Gingie followed her point with his gaze, giving a soft chuckle. “That’s my family.”

She seemed to understand, but only briefly accepted before insisting for more wisdom.

“W’ the baby.”

She pointed again, and Gingie- facing her- saw in his peripheral who in particular she meant.

Another chuckle, perhaps simply a soft inhale that pinched underneath his eyes.

“That’s my son,” he whispered.

“No, it isn’t!”

And his head whipped around about as slowly as one could to that.

“Th- that has to be older,” she tried to explain, using the logic available to her, the child judging the age of the photo and correctly deciding something was amiss. “He can’t be older than you if you’re papa. Papas are older than sons!”

His eyes flickered over her. No Snowy and Ana around this time to scoop her away so Gingie could recuperate from his trauma. But he could handle it.

“That’s right, my dear,” he murmured again, and a smirk grew upon his face with the faintest hint of mischief. “But I’m far older than I look. Thrice as old as I was when you first met me.”

Joy scrunched her face up at this riddle, another solid fact coming to mind. “You can’t be old! You’re a papa and papas aren’t old!”

He tilted his head, pondering what to say next with a look to the ceiling before settling with a simple, quiet, “What if I said I was anyway?”

“I’m gonna tell papa you’re fibbin’!”

And that grin upon his face widened so so far that it put tears in his eyes. Pushing back his own pain, he remained silly for his beloved niece- just as he would have for a granddaughter her age. “You wouldn’t!”

“Uhuh!” the tiny girl challenged. But just as suddenly, she began to forcefully pull at his soft sleeve, stretching the fabric out. Gingie felt himself bounce back and forth with each tug, the way his shirt snapped against his wrist.

“…What is it…my dear?” the truly ancient man asked gently.

“M’ gonna take you to the mirror!” she declared, tugging yet again, “Show that you’re not old!”

Another croak in his throat akin to a laugh, a buried one digging its way out after forgetting how to be sincerely, genuinely happy. The humbled man once a god allowed the child to pull him away, leaving the space in front of the altar empty with the paper photos moving with the slight wind of an open window as their steps grew fainter and fainter. Next to the dead and loved family of the Drews were those of another Drew, a photo of his mother in a rocking chair above a yellowed, torn black-and-white photograph of his son, his son’s husband, and their beautiful baby girl.

[leekycauldron-blog1]

congrats on finishing ur exams angel!! 🌼 for fortesques ❤️

ah thank you fran my love ❤️❤️ @fortesques

url - i dont understand it sorry | not from my fandoms | pretty cool | really like it domain - don’t have one | idgi sorry | not from my fandoms | pretty cool | really like it (i feel like ‘really like it’ doesnt do justice how much i love your url/domain ffs)icon - don’t know it | could be better | pretty cute! | omg i love it

desktop theme - not my style | could be better | kinda pretty | gorgeouscolor scheme - not my taste | kinda pretty | gorgeous | i love!!!  updates tab - don’t have one | bit basic | lovely | absolutely perfect nav page - don’t have one | incomplete | bit basic | lovely | absolutely perfect mobile header - don’t have one | not my fandom | lovely | gorgeous mobile colours - don’t match | looks nice | aldksfjl love!

reblogs - not my fandom | pretty good | wonderful | incredible! original edits - n/a | not my fandom | not bad | lovely | gorgeous | omg i’m jelly

overall - meh | pretty nice | lovely | incredible | love of my lifefollowing - no sorry | not my fandoms | how was i not before?! | yes ofc | you’re one of my fav blogs

want one?

[bitchronan]

Hi Fran! That magazine is a great idea :) could I please have a date for scottmcclaws please?

ofc merryn thank u for rbing

URL: don’t get it | like it | love it | trade with me?

Icon: nice | pretty | love it | perfect!

Mobile theme: nice | like it | love it | perfect!

Desktop theme: nice | like it | love it | installing it

Updates tab: cute | beautiful | love it | perfection

Pages: adorable | beautiful | amazing | copying (ur about page is gorgeous)

Posts: nice | like them | love them | swap blogs?

Creations: love them | amazing | perfect | give me your skills!

Following? yes | no | +f

want one?

[fleur]

malia im so happy u have a day off !! br + narcissa malfoy my Mother (for pansyparquinson pls)

ahh fran ily, tysm!!! and yaas narcissa is queeen 💕

detailed blograte under the cut! | want one?

url - dgi sorry | not from my fandoms | could be better | pretty cool | really like it | absolutely incredible!domain - don’t have one | dgi sorry | not from my fandoms | could be better | pretty cool | really like it | absolutely incredible!icon - could be better | don’t recognise it | poor quality | pretty cute! | omg awesome | tempted to steal it  T H E M Edesktop theme - basic tumblr theme | not my style | could be better | kinda pretty | gorgeous | i wanna stealcolour scheme - not my taste | pretty | gorgeous | my fav colours!updates tab - don’t have one | i think something’s not right | bit basic | lovely | absolutely perfectnav page - don’t have one | i think something’s not right | incomplete | bit basic | lovely | absolutely perfectabout page - don’t have one | i think something’s not right | incomplete | bit basic | lovely | absolutely perfectmobile header - nonexistent | i don’t get it | not my fandom | bit blurry | alright | lovely | absolutely gorgeousmobile colours - kills my eyes | don’t match | looks nice | urgh aes af  P O S T Sreblogs - urm nonexistant ?? | kinda random | not my fandom | pretty good | wonderful | incredible!aesthetic - inconsistent | eye pleasing | absolutely perfectoriginal edits - you don’t have any | not my fandom | great start | not bad | lovely | so original | gorgeous | omg i’m jelly af of your skillspersonal - nonexistant | not enough | too many | you seem sweet | omg you make me laugh so muchactivities [e.g. botm / awards / rates etc] - nonexistant | not enough | good | wonderful | such original ideas  O V E R A L Loverall - meh | pretty nice | lovely | incrediblefollowing - no sorry | not my fandoms | now | how was i not before?! | yes ofc | you’re one of my fav blogs

compliment/advice: i loooove you and your blog omg you my fave 💕

[lveclouds]

POSITIVE VIBES 🌻🌻🌻 tag your mutuals and tell each of them what you like most about them 🌻🌻🌻 then pass this on to 10 more people 🌻 let’s spread love ❤️

i love this!! and instead of like, i’m going to change it to love hehe (will do a part two to this hehe)

@suhdays : her writing!! it’s always so vivid and descriptive and can really tug at your heart strings:((((( i also love how kind and loving mo is!! we have gotten closer because of the heartsforbts discord chat, and she is the cutest and sweetest angel alive!! she’s always so supportive and will not hesitate to defend and stand up for those close and dear to her. mo is also so lovely and gorgeous and she will hype you up in anything you do!! 

@softguks: how loving she is!! laur radiates angel energy, and she is just so loving and outgoing and bubbly!! she has the biggest heart, and it’s just full of so much love!! she cares for all of her mutuals and loves them endlessly. she is also very creative and the banners she makes are gorgeous!! her fics are always so freaking cute, just like her! she cares for everyone and she is easily one of the sweetest angels ever! 

@brilliantlybasicb: lex is a certified badass!! not only that, but she is also so freaking sweet and thoughtful and gorgeous!!! she is a calming presence in the chaotic  heartsforbts discord chat, and the certified mom!! she is super caring and friendly and welcoming and her blog is so freaking adorable! she is seriously so loving :((((

@swanqook: soph is the resident thot of our heartsforbts gc, but she is also one of the sweetest angels!! her writing is so underrated and she is super creative as well!! she has excellent music taste and we have bonded over that!! soph is chaotic but sweet and is capable of kicking someone’s ass if needed. 

@yourdelights: dee is so freaking talented!! her fics and the banners she made for them? stunning!!! she is also super sweet and welcoming and is hilarious. i love her humor! she’s loving and very amicable. i’m pretty sure she is actually an angel sent from heaven hehe (and she’s stunning!) 

@franklytae: fran is super sweet and though we haven’t talked much, she is super patient and understanding!! she’s also a fellow aghase, and we have screamed over got7 and how fucking amazing their latest album is hehe and she’s just full of love and yeah i just really adore her:((((( 

@joonglows: rheya!!! a talented queen!! she’s fucking hilarious and her heart is full of love and kindness and angel energy!!! she’s truly one of my favorite mutuals on this hellsite and i wish i could give her a fat hug:(((( oh and her love for joon is too freaking cute:(((( and her fics are incredible!!! always so well-written!!! 

@honeylovecult: tess:((( oh she’s such a sweetheart and i hope i can talk to her more!! she is the cutest ever, just like her blog!!! she practically radiates angel energy, (just like jimin and hobi) and i love that she calls her mutuals honey buns like thats so freaking cute:((((( all of our conversations make me smile, and she deserves the entire universe and the galaxies!! (all of you do ofc) tess is the definition of positivity and love. 

@yoonseok: mk!! first of all, she’s super talented!! her headers, icons, and gifs are always so stunning???? like??? we love a talented queen! and she’s also one of the kindest and most lovely people on this site and yes i love her tags for wang yibo and the untamed cast hehe they’re so funny and relatable! she’s so humble and patient and tolerates my annoying ass hehe mk deserves the world! 

@sketchguk: teresa supports her mutuals in everything they do and hypes them up constantly. she’s an absolute angel and her writing? um can someone give her an award???? and her url is so cute:(((( we have talked and i can say that she is incredibly loving and sweet!! i love her with my entire heart! 

@gukkism: nik is honestly one of my favorite jungkook based blogs on this site and we have talked about the untamed before hehe and how it causes so much emotional distress:(((( she’s so freaking sweet and one of the most underrated blogs on this site in my opinion. she deserves all the followers and love in the world!!! 

@flowerbangtann: minny is hilarious! she makes me laugh everytime we talk, and i stg she must’ve been a comedian in her past life or something hehe and jin has some competition in terms of having comedic timing! she’s also a great listener and has listened to me rant about random shit and has been there for me in tough times:((( she makes me smile like an idiot and i love that about her:((( 

@kendreys: kendrey is an actual angel and he has given me a lot of advice that has helped me a lot in life! he is so understanding and sweet and gentle and patient:(((( i love him with my entire being and his fics are so cute:(((( and he’s also a fellow Filipino American, and i’m glad i have a fellow filo by my side! kendrey is an actual badass and he deserves the world!!! he has been there for me through a lot, and i’m grateful that he was, otherwise, i probably would’ve been a mess still haha 

@madeitwang: her love for jackson! i love seeing her hype him up on my dash! its what he deserves and he should be grateful that he has such an incredible fan like codi!! codi is hilarious and sweet and will hype you up!!! her url is actually so genius!! oh and have i mentioned how stunning she is? no? well, she is! she deserves everything good in this world!!

@girlonpanic: nell is easily one of the most talented and stunning people on this site! she’s my talented tn twin and she has the biggest heart of gold! when she made the jaebeom header for me i nearly cried :(((( nell is the sweetest ever and so loving and caring!! i hope she is always doing well and i wish her nothing but the best!! and her url is iconic!! 

[leekycauldron-blog1]

alicia!! how was ur easter? i've devised a clever trick to keep getting eggs even tho I'm an adult, i tell my mum what egg i want and when she tells me i'm too old i point out that my brother got an egg at my age (he's 3 yrs older) and then they have 2 get him one too to be fair so I do the same thing next year i have unlocked #infinite eggs lmao could I have a br pls for pansyparquinson? thank u love xoxo

omg fran this is so fucking delayed cuz of the amount of work i had but ive finally got around to this!! but omg my easter was good! and that is the cleverest idea! im gonna do that next year i think cuz im sure this was my last year of getting eggs hahahahaha

B A S I Curl - dgi sorry | not from my fandoms | could be better | pretty cool | really like it | absolutely incredible!domain - don’t have one | dgi sorry | not from my fandoms | could be better | pretty cool | really like it | absolutely incredible!icon - could be better | don’t recognise it | poor quality | pretty cute! | omg awesome | tempted to steal it  T H E M Edesktop theme - basic tumblr theme | not my style | could be better | kinda pretty | gorgeous | i wanna stealcolour scheme - not my taste | pretty | gorgeous | my fav colours!updates tab - don’t have one | i think something’s not right | bit basic | lovely | absolutely perfectnav page - don’t have one | i think something’s not right | incomplete | bit basic | lovely | absolutely perfectabout page - don’t have one | i think something’s not right | incomplete | bit basic | lovely | absolutely perfectmobile header - nonexistent | i don’t get it | not my fandom | bit blurry | alright | lovely | absolutely gorgeousmobile colours - kills my eyes | don’t match | looks nice | urgh aes af  P O S T Sreblogs - urm nonexistant ?? | kinda random | not my fandom | pretty good | wonderful | incredible!aesthetic - inconsistent | eye pleasing | absolutely perfectoriginal edits - you don’t have any | not my fandom | great start | not bad | lovely | so original | gorgeous | omg i’m jelly af of your skillspersonal - nonexistant | not enough | too many | you seem sweet | omg you make me laugh so muchactivities [e.g. botm / awards / rates etc] - nonexistant | not enough | good | wonderful | such original ideas  O V E R A L Loverall - meh | pretty nice | lovely | incrediblefollowing - no sorry | not my fandoms | now | how was i not before?! | yes ofc | you’re one of my fav blogs

compliment/advice: ahhh fran i really do love ur blog (nd u) quite a lot. nd pansy is an actual babe im so jel of your url and your domain name!! ahh your blog is one of my favourites (also agian im sorry this is so delayed fml)