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stewardofningishzida · 2 years ago

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Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel Chapter 10: Trix is for Avengers!

A showdown commences! Stay tuned and read on!~

TRIGGER WARNING: Torture, kidnapping, mental manipulation

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*The Quinjet lands in an open field near October Mountain Wilderness. On it, four Avengers and three very angry and worried young women disembark, ready to rescue their captive friend. The rest of their journey to the witch’s lair will have to be done on foot. Using Tony’s GPS, the group silently approaches Agatha’s cabin. They stop at the edge of the clearing to perform some recon and locate potential traps. Tony scans the area with his devices while the girls concentrate to perform some basic magical scans of their own. Meanwhile, Scott encourages some of his ants to begin spreading around the area.*

*There are at least eight people wandering around the cabin. If not for their almost zombie-like movements, they looked exactly like hikers or tourists, complete with backpacks and flannel. In fact, they could have been. Now a purple glow radiates from their eyes and their hands are blackened similar to Agatha’s. They don’t patrol together, but wander aimlessly around the area, not getting further than 15 feet away from the cabin itself which has smoke coming out of the chimney. The building itself looks like it could have been pulled from a Christmas card with how stereotypical it looked for a one-story wooden cabin, minus the snow. All in all, it looked pretty ordinary on the surface.*

Steve (low whisper): Looks like we have company. With those eyes, they’re probably brainwashed. We’ll have to knock out and restrain them.

Me (quietly): Think they’re all on some sort of trigger too? Like…If one of them falls even out of view, it might set the others off?

Peter: I could try knocking something over with my web shooters? See what kind of a reaction we get?

Tony: No, we can’t risk alerting all of them to us being here if they do work under a hivemind. We need to find that crystal keeping Trix trapped first before we give up our presence.

Prettywitch: I wonder…What if I used my divination to find out?

Me (staying quiet): Go ahead. *I encourage her.*

Tear: Just remember not to push too far. We can’t have you draining your magical energy so early into the mission.

Prettywitch: Okay. * She pulls out the tarot deck from her satchel and quickly cleanses it. Then she shuffles the deck while asking herself, “Is there some sort of psychic link between the group in front of us or no?”, five times before finally stopping to pull the first card that “calls” to her. She pulled the Six of Wands* Six of Wands?

Tony: *Lifts a skeptical eyebrow at the card* Is that supposed to be a variation of NATO?

Prettywitch: *Glares at Tony* No, Stark. It’s saying that, yes; they do share a link…At least I’m pretty sure that’s what it’s saying.

Tear: That’s amazing! Then we won’t get their attention until we are certain Trix’s crystal will be safe from Agatha retaliating.

Tony: It’s a bug’s life, after all. Right, Lang, you are up. What do your ant eyes see? Any way for you and the girls to approach in search of Trix and those anti-magic runes without triggering anything?

Scott: *He doesn’t answer Tony right away. He’s busy communicating with one of the ants.* AnToinette’s saying there’s zombies everywhere. Our best bet is for someone to cause a distraction.

Prettywitch: Guess that means Harrass Harkness is up.

*Steve raises an eyebrow.*

Steve: Harass Harkness?

Prettywitch: Yeah. That’s the name of the group name for everyone who stays behind to deal with Agatha’s goons.

Me: Let’s strategize, then. One part of the group stays here and plans a diversion tactic. The other part shrinks down and sneaks into the cabin to try and swipe Trix’s crystal. What else did you foresee, Prettywitch? Anyone in particular need to stay or go in?

Prettywitch: Hmmm…Let me think. *She cleanses the deck again and shuffles them, asking, “Should anyone in particular come with Antman?” five times before pulling three cards that “call* to her. They are; The Chariot (Past), Two of Cups (Present), Ace of Coins (Future)* Huh?...That’s kinda weird…Unless-

*As PrettyWitch begins to explain, one of the zombie-like guards shuffles around the outskirts of the clearing, slowly and almost stumbling over their own feet with a blank look on their face. He is slowly getting closer to the group and is about twenty feet away at the moment.*

*Steve gestures silently at the group to duck down and stay as quiet as possible. We all do so.*

*The guard wanders in front of where the group are hiding and pauses as if he hears something and looks around, almost looking like all of his limbs and neck are limp as he lazily scouts out the woods from his position.*

*We stay quiet, waiting for him to leave.*

*After about thirty seconds, the guard seems satisfied even if it doesn’t reflect on his face. He wanders off again around the rest of the perimeter.*

*Steve watches for a bit to make sure nobody else is around before gesturing to let Prettywitch finish speaking.*

Steve (polite, but down to business): The coast is clear. Go on.

Prettywitch: So in tarot, Ace of Coins represents new beginnings, opportunity, potential. But more in the sense of possibilities, not success. So, we’ll still need to plan accordingly.

Me: Since I can sense spirits, maybe that’ll give us an edge. Plus, I have lockpicks. I’ll go in with Scott.

Tear: Tony taught me how to set up the explosives Steward requested too, so I can be backup help if she needs it. Plus, if we manage to find Trix… We don’t know what condition she’ll be in when we find her, and I want to do everything I can to help her. So I’m going too.

Prettywitch: Perfect. I’ll stay here so we can keep the rescue party small.

Steve: Okay. Scott, go ahead and shrink down with the two girls. Report back as soon as you can. We’ll provide a diversion when needed.

Scott: Alright. Let’s go.

*Scott, Tear, and I shrink down and climb onto three winged ants already waiting for us. They easily fly us across the field and into Agatha’s cabin. We are tense and dreading the activation of any traps, but everything remains quiet as we stealthily pass through a crack under a baseboard, unnoticed. At least for now. None of us sees or senses Trix in the small house. Agatha is bustling around, looking frustrated. It seems she’s preparing something. We don’t see any crystals on her person or anywhere in the cabin. However, Scott quickly points out scuff marks on the floor, barely covered by a rug. We quietly slip under the rug to avoid detection and find a trapdoor with a lock on it. Scott inspects the lock for a bit and tries to pick it with one of Cassie’s old barretts he keeps on hand. It doesn’t open the lock. Meanwhile, Tear is a lookout to make sure Agatha doesn’t step on or notice us.*

Scott (using his earpiece, whispering): Just like I thought; we can’t get it open through conventional means.

*I pull out the small ring of lockpicks with a smirk and pass Scott the tools.*

Scott: Thank you. (He takes the lockpicks from Steward and carefully fiddles with each one until he finally gets it open.) And…open sesame!

*Agatha continues to grab some ingredients for a spell and is grumbling to herself.*

Agatha: I am going to hex every single person who decides that Washington should be a city. I have been to eighty-eight of them and still no trace of that specific magic. That kid isn’t lying so there’s a missing piece of the puzzle. It should only take a session or two more before she shatters… *she continues muttering to herself*

*After Scott opens the lock, we barely open the trapdoor, just a crack, to squeeze through, not moving the rug either to reduce the chance of detection. We drop into what appears to be a small cave system beneath the cabin. To Tear and me, the place feels like a veritable hornet’s nest of magical activity now. We try to sense Trix, nerves mounting even further from Agatha’s “shattering” remark. The path is slippery and treacherous. I detect the energy of the runes’ spellwork and follow it to its origin points. It’s easy to spot the glowing purple runes on different stones, and we make a mental note of the locations of all the carvings. There seem to be even more secrets and artifacts in the caves, but we can’t stray too far because we sense…things…hidden somewhere in the dark recesses. Tear and I are trying our best to push away flashbacks of the mine we explored with Stephen months ago.*

*Eventually, we see a dimly-lit area and head towards it, being careful of any potential traps. Anything that looks or feels even vaguely suspicious is avoided. We reach a candlelit chamber and deem it safe enough to grow back to normal size. Scott takes up the role of lookout at the entrance while Tear and I sense the room. I attempt to scan for Trix’s presence, but feel nothing. There are a few shattered crystal fragments swept into a pile at a corner on the floor. My pulse rises further as I cannot help but fear the worst.*

Tear: Steward… *I gently grip Steward’s wrist to catch her attention and point over at a desk on the opposite wall*

*I look at Tear and then the desk and let out a sigh of relief.*

Me: Thank goodness…Good eye, Tear.

*There is an intact pair of dark purple crystals on that desk. Each one has a leather band attached to them, making them look like pendants. They’re both identical, and I touch them carefully and sense life within each one.*

Scott: Guys! Agatha’s coming! AnToinette said she and the other ants can buy us some time but we gotta be quick about it.

Me (quickly): Coming! If these are the only intact crystals here, one of them has to have Trix inside. The other is probably some other poor soul that got caught. We’ll take both of them to be sure.

*I snatch both of them before we turn around to head up. As we ascend, Tear and I plant Tony’s explosives on each rune we found earlier. Then, we shrink back down with Scott’s tech and slip back out of the caves through the trapdoor.*

*While under the rug, we see Agatha is swearing up a storm as thousands of ants have swarmed her kitchen and are even crawling up her hands and arms.*

Agatha (pissed off): Get a cabin in the woods they said! I am going to get a nice city apartment so I don’t have to deal with all of this nature *She sneers and uses her magic to set as many ants on fire as she can* I’m going to find a spell to wipe as many of you pests off the face of the Earth as possible… *She pauses as she realizes that something is off* Wait…Weren’t you an Avenger’s…?

*She whirls around and stomps back to our hiding place, making the floorboards shake under our feet. At Scott’s command, we cling to the fibers of the rug moment before Agatha grabs it and flings it aside in her rush to check the trapdoor. She pales as she realizes it’s unlocked.*

Agatha: Little brats think they can steal from me? *she growls and slams the trapdoor open with a flick of her hand before storming down the stairs that lead to the caves*

*A bit shaken from the sudden carpet ride, we stumble our way out from under the discarded rug and make sure that Agatha isn’t looking before scuttling back outside of the cabin through the cracked baseboard. We then climb back onto our rides and fly out into the field. We grow back to normal size as soon as we rejoin the group.*

Me (holding out the loot): Crystals secured. They’re both inhabited with a soul, but we don’t know which one’s Trix. It’s some sort of enchantment. By the way, Agatha’s onto us. She almost caught us just as we were leaving.

Steve (proudly impressed): Good work. As soon as you disable the runes, Steward, you girls start working on breaking that spell and freeing the hostages. We’ll draw Agatha out for capture. Seeing as she’s gotten suspicious, it shouldn’t take much to get her out of her cabin now.

Me: Yes, Sir. *I grin evilly. It’s rather unsettling since there’s some actual venom behind it this time.*

Tony: You copy that, Strange, Wong? We have visual confirmation that the crystals are now in the girls’ possession. The second those runes blow, you two are free to portal in.

Strange (via earpiece): Copy.

Wong (via earpiece): We’re ready.

Tony: *He turns to Peter.* I want you to stay with the girls, okay? Once the explosion happens, we’ll be heading in guns blazing. I’m sure it’ll help the wizards concentrate if they know you’re watching over their ducklings while they Wingardium Leviosa those crystals. It’s a lot of responsibility, kid. You up for it?

Peter: *He can smell the reverse psychology trick a mile away, but he can’t help standing up straighter and puffing out proudly with his new orders.* I won’t let anything happen to them, I promise.

Me: Ready for me to detonate, everyone? *I’m holding the detonator button, ready to be pressed.*

Tear: Blow that witch to pieces.

Prettywitch: Ready!

Scott: Ready!

Tony: Set off the fireworks, kid.

Peter: All set here, Steward!

Steve: *Gives me a thumbs-up.* Affirmative. Detonation in T-Minus 3 seconds.

*I quietly gesture “three…two…one!” with my fingers and then push the button. The charges explode, blowing up the runes. Though since the caves were apparently soundproofed, we hear nothing. FRIDAY confirms the detonation shortly before the cabin collapses in on itself from the newly-expanded caves below. Agatha’s magic wards are down.*

Steve: All right. *He speaks into his earpiece so that Stephen and Wong can also hear the signal.* Avengers, assemble!

*Meanwhile, a loud angry screech comes from the now collapsed cabin. Agatha floats upwards, her purple magic glowing dangerously around her hands and her hair curling in the air with her power like the snakes on Medusa’s head. She’s covered in dust and debris but still looks regal in her full witch attire. Dark purple light radiates from her glaring eyes as she snarls, and a pulse of raw energy booms across the entire valley, making all of us tense.*

*Within seconds, a large portal of golden sparks appears in the clearing and two furious sorcerers come charging out. Stephen and Wong have joined the fight and their magic immediately snatches Agatha’s attention. They unleash a volley of offensive spells towards the witch, and all Hell breaks loose in the clearing.*

Agatha: So, you decided to invite yourselves over and literally crash the party. *She grins as she absorbs the magic of Stephen and Wong’s attacks and takes a deep breath as it rejuvenates her and turns into purple mist to dodge the Eldritch weapons being thrown at her* You’re going to have to do better than that, dearies. *She summons a large orb of purple magic before pushing it forward, where it shoots dozens of purple orbs of magic out into the clearing like falling meteors. A few hit her minions, who screech as their bodies wither away quickly into what almost looks like mummies, completely sapped of energy and life.*

Steve: Avengers, shields and defensive positions! Devices on! *He rushes in after Stephen and Wong, ready to protect the others if needed.*

Tony: Lang! Wrangle up all of the zombies. We can’t have the witch killing civilians left and right! *He shoots up into a wide arc in the sky, aiming his repulsor blasts straight at Agatha as he provides the sorcerers with cover fire.*

Agatha: *She easily dodges the attacks and reforms in the air above the group* Pretty brave to attack a witch on her home turf, but you Avengers were never quite that bright to begin with. *She raises her arms and the remaining zombies are given spectral weapons and they charge the Avengers*

Tony: Ah, shit. Lang! Change of plans! *He swiftly propels himself in another direction, heavily landing behind Steve and protecting his six from a zombie tourist swinging down a phantom-looking scythe.*

*Meanwhile, Stephen and Wong cast their shield spells to offer an additional layer of protection to the Avengers without giving Agatha more power. This frees up some of the team to provide a counteroffensive with their tech.*

*While Agatha is occupied with the chaos of battle, Prettywitch, Tear, and I join forces to cast an invisibility spell on us and Peter. We then sneak into the brush so we can figure the crystal issue out.*

Peter: Huh, this is weird… *He’s looking down at his hand, which looks oddly transparent, as if he was now made of clear water. We look the same to him so he can tell where we are even with the invisibility spell active* So how do you guys reverse engineer an enchantment?

Tear: To be honest, Wong hasn’t taught us that yet. The magic witches use is very different to the sorcerers’. I can’t exactly make heads or tails of how this transmutation worked in the first place.

*A loud boom makes us all tense and snap our attention back to the on-going fight in the distance. Iron Man has brought out his elliptical shield, and Peter looks like he really wants to join the fight and help, but he resolutely stays crouched down with us.*

Me: Crap, crap, crap…*I frantically try to think of something before getting an idea.*

*I turn to look at Barry, who has been following us as usual. After all, it’s not as though he can really leave since he bound himself to me before.*

Barry: …Seriously?

Me: We’ve been trying to make peace with each other, right?

Barry: …Yeah, but how do we know that bitch’s jewelry isn’t gonna vaporize me or something?

Me: The crystal’s some kind of soul trap. It’s a container. Containers don’t generally zap their contents into oblivion. Look…If this works out, then I promise to let you listen to every single Kurt Cobain performance ever recorded.

Barry: *Scoffs* Has to be better than that…

Me (desperate): We can’t do this exchange right now! *Still arguing with Barry.*

Peter: *He leans over a bit to whisper at PrettyWitch, a bit unnerved as he watches Steward and the empty air next to her* Is this normal behavior for her…?

Prettywitch: Yeah. She’s a medium and can talk to ghosts. Most people can’t see or hear them.

*This does not comfort Peter in the slightest as he continues to watch in disturbed fascination.*

Barry (unfazed): I still want a favor.

Me: After! Just name it after we free Trix. PLEASE.

Barry (reluctant, but still snarky): Fine…

*He drifts over towards one of the crystals and touches it before it sucks him in.*

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*Barry is disoriented by what he sees as he looks around.*

Barry (processing what he just experienced): What the fuck…

*Loki immediately is on guard as this unknown suddenly appears in his astral realm and stands between him and Trix, blocking the young woman from being spotted as she is currently recovering and is as close to being asleep as she can be in the astral plains*

Loki (snarling): Who are you? Why did Agatha send you here? Leave before I have to take drastic action. *he summons two daggers and leans forward menacingly*

Barry (raising his hands): Whoa! I’m here for the chick, not you, dude!

Loki (incredibly serious): Wrong answer. *he darts forward extending his daggers to attack*

Barry: SHIT! Fuck you, Steward! *He shouts to seemingly nobody in particular. All the while, the surrounding color of the crystal seems to be slowly starting to shift.*

*Loki perks up at the mention of Steward and uses the forward momentum to feint at last moment and stares at Barry*

Loki: I’m sorry, did you say Steward– *he’s cut off as seemingly an earthquake hits his side of the astral plains and cracks begin to form everywhere, including the invisible wall between his area and Trix’s* What did you just do?!

Barry: Nothing! I don’t know! She told me to try and get in here to check who was trapped!

*There’s a blinding flash.*

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*The crystal that Barry entered starts to glitch out, flashing several different colors at once before it poofs, revealing a very confused, disheveled, and exhausted Loki. Barry gets launched forcefully out of the god’s body as soon as it reforms. The girls are shocked by the sudden appearance, and their broken concentration makes their invisibility spell fail. Peter immediately leaps up to stand in front of the girls protectively. He aims both webshooters at Loki and immediately webs him back against a bush, leaving a sight reminiscent of a Halloween decoration.*

Peter: Mr. Loki? What are you doing here? *His voice sounds shocked behind his mask, but he still doesn’t drop his protective stance in front of the others.*

Me (small voice): W-What?!

Loki (dazed): Well that was entirely unexpected but it seems her plan worked. *He looks at the girls and Peter gathered around him and stares blankly down at the webs only to focus in on the crystal that’s still left in Steward’s hands. His expression softens a bit* There you are…

Me (privately praying that this Loki isn’t about to somehow screw the group over): O-Okay…So, Trix is in the other one, right? Right?

Loki (starting to collect himself): Yes, yes she is. Agatha just had her in a session and she was quickly reaching the end of her rope.

*The group of girls relaxes slightly at the news of Trix still being alive. I turn to Barry again.*

Me: …Please?

Barry: HELL NO. I’ve already had enough surprises being dragged around this damn multiverse!

Loki (unamused): Perhaps trying to overshadow someone’s unprotected soul isn’t the best way to introduce one’s self. *He hears the fight going on in the background and his face quickly turns to rage when he spots the witch* Oh, that woman has another thing coming to her– *He tries to get out of the webs but quickly gives up due to his exhaustion.*

Prettywitch: Uh, Loki? Maybe you should sit this one out. I’m sort of an amateur at tarot, you can help me with that! What do you say?

Loki: *he stares at PrettyWitch for a moment before calming down and finally nodding* I am not familiar with this…tarot, but I can recognize a seer easily. I can help.

*We all look around at each other, and silently conclude to trust him. Peter carefully approaches Loki and narrows his mask’s eyes at him.*

Peter: I’ll dissolve the webs, but you make any move to attack us and I won’t hesitate to fight you.

Loki (nods): I vow on my magic that I will not bring harm to any of you or your allies.

*He sprays his dissolvent onto the webs, freeing Loki, who sort of shuffles closer to PrettyWitch and looks at her for permission to cast a spell.*

Prettywitch: Uh…I don’t know where you’re going with this, dude. But I just wanna be friends.

Loki: I just wish to give you a boost if you would allow it.

Prettywitch: Oh! Well then, by all means. Sorry about that.

*Loki performs a quick hand gesture and a shimmering green aura gently settles on PrettyWitch.*

*Prettywitch performs the tarot ritual and draws three cards; Two of Cups (Past), King of Cups (Present), Ace of Coins (Future). This time, she asked the cards the quickest way to defeat Agatha, so she’s a bit flummoxed by her reading.*

Prettywitch: Ace of Coins, again!? That doesn’t make any sense! *She looks over the spread again and her eyes widen.* Unless… Remember I said Ace of Coins is for new opportunities and manifestation? Well, Two of Cups represents a connection, a happy bond or partnership; that’s in the past. King of Cups, the present, represents devotion, loyalty, faithfulness, even wisdom. I think it’s trying to say that two people who’ve formed a bond recently are the key to beating Agatha.

Loki (frowning): It honestly sounds like Trix and I in the Astral Plains. Honestly she kept me sane in that place…

Prettywitch: I think you’re right! What do you think, Steward?

Me: *Thinking for a moment.* Hmm…Yeah, that tracks.

Prettywitch: Alright! Now we just need to come up with a plan. I’m thinking that if we can distract Agatha long enough, it should give Loki and Trix enough time to deliver the finishing blow.

Me (frustrated): Provided I can convince Barry to follow through.

Prettywitch: True. Have you considered bribing him?

Me: Already did. I owe him one.

Prettywitch: Fuck! Guess we’ll have to force him into it. I can’t see any other way and we’re on borrowed time as it is.

Me: I’ll keep trying. *I turn and go back to arguing with the ghost.*

Loki (looking around at the girls): I do apologize that I am not your friend and that I am of a rather untrustworthy sort. However, I am fully committed to ending the witch’s reign of terror and I have not witnessed Trix’s bravery from risk to her own person only to not assist her friends.

*He is pensive for a moment before looking back up at the group*

Loki: I was rather startled when her first reaction to me was joy instead of anger or fear. I will not betray her trust. I am not Sylvie. I refuse to look out only for myself.

*It’s then that a rogue spell from Agatha comes hurtling towards their position and both Loki and Peter react instinctively. Peter tackles his friends out of harms way, but his actions are unnecessary since Loki pulls up a shield and effectively stops the spell at the same time. However, he finds that his shield is now made of crystal rather than magical energy. He stares at it, confused.

Loki: Oh. That probably isn’t good. *he shakes his head to clear it* Though we should consult your Doctor Strange and Wong as they would be more familiar with the consequences of being trapped by that spell than I.

*Meanwhile, Barry has adamantly refused to help any further.*

Me: Barry, you’re the only one who can do this.

Barry: …And?!

Loki (sighing): Unfortunately she’s correct. I don’t have the energy to be of assistance so your rather (he pauses and sneers) invasive way of overshadowing the crystal may be the only way of pulling Trickstress out of it. Though, I can help with my part of the plan. *he’s rather smug despite looking exhausted*

Barry (stubborn): It’s not like I’m a damn magician like you people claim to be. Why do I have to do all of this soul stuff? Can’t any of you actually conjure ANY useful magic for this?!

Me (flatly, at Barry): Fine. Have it your way. *I look at the group.* Guys, make sure we don’t get blown up and look after my body, please. *I turn back to the ghost.* Barry, kick me out.

Barry (confused and taken aback): What?

Me: Seeing as you won’t go into the crystal, I will. I can't do astral projection by myself yet. So, go ahead and possess me. Kick me out of my own body. I’ll break the spell myself.

Barry: …and if you get your ass killed, then three of us are screwed.

Me (firmly, my mind made up): Then don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.

*He stares for a moment.*

Barry: Fine.

*He floats over and enters my body. Since I’m not resisting, the only thing that happens is an involuntary shudder and my body momentarily going stiff as control is shifted. My astral form lurches out and I get my bearings for a second before gliding over to the crystal and touching it, being sucked in.*

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*The astral plains are a muted orange and violet haze as a figure is lying on the ground, looking devastated. Getting closer, I can see that it’s Trix who looks worse for wear.*

Me (worried and scared): Trix! *I go over to her.* I’m so sorry, Trix…We came as soon as we could. I’m gonna get you out of here, I promise.

Trix (dazed): Are you really here? Or did Agatha find a way to torment me here too? Loki is already gone so she probably killed him…

Me (sincere): No, I’m really here. Remember Barry? He’s being an ass again. So, I came in here myself. Though, he kinda accidentally freed Loki from the first crystal. Anyway, he refused to try again and now he has my body.

Trix (hopeful): *she starts to sit up* Tell me something only we know. Something that even Stephen wouldn’t.

Me: Okay. Well, first off, you were the first group member to see Stephen when I was trying to hide him. Also, back around last Christmas, I got you that Loki headband with the horns. I don’t think anyone besides you, me, and the other two would know these facts.

Trix (tearing up): Oh god. It’s really you. *She starts to sob* This is all my fault, I’m so sorry. Is everyone okay?!

Me (raising a hand to indicate to her that it’s okay): Trix, no. It’s not. Agatha manipulated you. It’s what she does. She finds people’s pain and insecurities and picks at them until they snap. It could have happened to any of us. It was just crappy luck that she picked on you. Any of us could have done it and would feel the same way afterwards. It’s not your fault. Yes, we’re all relatively okay. The battle’s raging outside and Agatha’s apparently able to siphon off Stephen and Wong’s magic to boost herself. They can’t do much besides distract her. The Avengers are throwing everything they can at her too. The group is hiding with Loki while we bust you out of here.

Trix (sniffles): I’m taking her off my favorite villains list, that’s for sure. Though I did manage to learn some stuff while she had me…

Me: Think you know anything that could screw up her latest spells? PrettyWitch has a Seer-hunch.

Trix (beaming): I have a trick or two up my sleeve.

*The astral plains starts to crack around them*

Me (glancing around as the spell glitches): Okay…Well, here’s our ticket out. You ready?

Trix: You got it! *She takes the opportunity to take a breath and center herself, just like Wong taught her.*

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*As the spell breaks, Trix reappears in her body. I’m inside too like what happened to Barry and Loki, but I quickly eject myself to avoid straining Trix’s body and magic more. It’s easier if there’s already another soul there. Particularly if it’s the one that actually belongs to the body in question. Still, Barry continues to refuse to give me my own body back, so I remain stuck outside in Astral form.*

*Barry, inhabiting my body, goes over to check Trix. He seems…different. More pensive. It’s honestly hard to tell.*

Me: Tear, think you can heal Trix?

Tear: *I cast a glowing diagnostic spell, and frown at the results* I don’t know, I’m not picking up any physical injuries. The forced transformation seems to have left no damage, so I guess we have to thank Agatha’s quality spellcasting for that. A half-done transformation could have been lethal. However, it’s her mind and soul I’m mainly worried about. I’ll try my best to give you some magical energy back to encourage a speedier self-healing.

Trix (grimacing with her eyes closed): Fuck, I never thought it would hurt this much to be in my own body. Everything is stiff, at least it’s hard for me to move. *She seems to be speaking to herself*

*Loki frowns and moves closer*

Loki: Likely because of your body being transformed the way it was plus the torture being done on your soul itself. It’s likely not hitting me as hard as I am a god but even I can feel that my joints are harder to move. *He fusses over her but isn’t surprised by her reaction*

Me: I can’t even imagine…*I watch over Trix.*

Tear: Alright, I’ll begin. Please try not to move, Trix. *I concentrate in casting the slightly modified healing spell Wong taught us. It is easy to fall into the familiar flow of energy, feeding my own desire to help our friend until I feel that innate connection begin forming between our essence. Immediately, Trix’s real pain syphons through the bond, making me grit my teeth in shock. My very blood feels like its boiling with painful shocks of electricity, and I’m surprised Trix has been withstanding the feeling for so long. My hands begin shaking and perspiration coats my forehead, but I refuse to break the connection and end my spell, focusing instead in sending Trix my own care and calm through the bond.*

*Trix finally looks around as she starts to figure out what’s going on as the healing starts to help. She has been in a bit of a daze. She smiles weakly as she sees all of her friends around her.*

Trix (relieved): You’re all safe! Thank god, I was worried that Agatha had killed you or something horrible. I was holding out hope but y’know how it is…

*She slumps back as Tear is healing her and Loki moves to help hold Trix up. For such a relatively short amount of time kept captive together, the two are rather protective of the other.*

Peter (Nervously): Okay, Tear. I think Trix is looking a bit better now. That should give us enough time to take her back to Kamar-Taj, right? You’re starting to look a bit pale yourself…

Trix: *flustered* I can’t leave yet! Agatha is only going to get stronger as they keep fighting! *She looks out at the battle*

Me (cautiously): You sure you’re up to this, Trix? Those injuries look pretty bad on the scan.

Trix: I may have bartered information to stall her *she realizes the implications of that news* It was all nothing that we would deem important! I just wasn’t allowed to lie and had to keep her busy! So in exchange for telling her everything and I mean absolutely every non relevant detail, she would teach me something about witchcraft. So she eventually taught me about runes…she did it without the right context but I know exactly what runes and the sequence they need to cast to pull off the end battle of Wandavision. *She blinks* Without being sucked dry of course.

Tear: *I flicker a look up at Trix, panting with exhertion by now* I don’t know, Trix. Your energy is already near its limit. You promise you can control the magic to stop before you reach zero?

Trix: I have to do it. I just have to have one last burst of energy and I can pull it off. Though…Loki-

*He perks up as Trix looks at him*

Trix: I just need something to work off of. You know the limitations.

Loki (nodding): I can pull off one last big trick before I’m spent as well. Might as well make it flashy.

*Trix grins in response*

Trix: There’s a reason we get along so well. But yeah, *she turns back to the others* So long as we don’t die from energy exhaustion I can do it. I’m not going to actually fight her. Just cast the runes.

Tear: …Okay. I’ll trust you with this, Trix. Go give her hell. *I close my eyes and shove more energy into the healing spell. The connection created by my magic broadens, and I drain more of Trix’s pain into myself. I yell with the effort, but force myself to stop the spell only when I’m sure Trix has all the energy she needs to perform her last trick. When I do, the echo of Trix’s pain vanishes as quickly as it reached me and I collapse sideways against Peter, limbs twitching with the remaining phantom pains.*

Trix: Thank you. So much. I am so sorry you have to go through this too. I’ll make it quick!

*She smiles before suddenly her body goes limp. Then, a moment passes before she flickers into view a few feet away in her astral form. She vanishes again quickly, the others not able to catch a good glimpse of her quite yet.*

*Trix finally reappears on the battlefield, a ghostly version of herself with glowing orange eyes and a surprisingly commanding presence. Parts of her astral body are either made of crystal or are missing altogether like a chunk of her arm. Trix stares down Agatha, who freezes when she spots the apprentice sorceress. All around, the Avengers and sorcerers pause in their fighting too.*

Trix: You made a mistake, Agatha. *She glares at the witch*

*Loki grins from his spot and uses all the magic he can to create six large pillars of green crystal that emerge from the ground surrounding the clearing. It nearly takes the rest of his strength but he is absolutely delighted*

Trix: You never should have made a deal with me. And that’s your downfall.

*Trix raises her arms and six familiar runes carve themselves in the crystal pillars one by one, illuminating an orange glow and effectively nullifies all magic in the clearing and her cabin. Agatha looks around in horror as she realizes her mistake and stares at Trix in both anger and grudging respect. She hadn’t expected to be outsmarted by a baby sorcerer.*

*After she casts the runes, Trix’s eyes finally lose their glow and they roll back into her head. Her astral form disappears as she is forcefully shoved back into her now restored body. She has pushed herself way too hard. Loki immediately scrambles over to her and checks to make sure if she’s still alive.*

*Meanwhile, as Agatha is suddenly depowered, the Avengers make their move to capture her. Stephen and Wong use a set of relics to bind her to make sure that the witch can’t break loose later on during transport to custody. Other members of the Avengers tend to the remaining now passed-out and/or disoriented guards. As soon as the sorcerers are sure that Agatha is secure, they jog over to our group to check on us while Steve guards the witch. They’re relieved that we’re all alive and safe, but shocked to see Loki amongst the group.*

Stephen (relieved): Thank the Vishanti, you girls are okay. *He glances at Loki with a mix of confusion and apprehension.* How did…?

Wong: Steward, do you need help? *He’s looking at my astral form still drifting about above the group.*

Me (meekly): Yes.

*Wong looks at my possessed body.*

Wong (gruff): Okay, get out.

Barry (through me): I…Okay…*He looks…sad. As though he finally realized something. The ghost leaves my body and it crumples, empty. Wong helps me back in. I gasp for air and have a brief coughing fit.*

Me: Thank you…

Loki (exhaustedly sitting on the ground in a heap): Ah, you must be Doctor Strange and Wong. I have heard good things about you both.

*Both sorcerers are on-guard, uncertain of this new version of Loki. They’re watching him.*

Stephen (defensive, but trying to figure Loki out): Which universe are you from?

Loki: I’m not sure what it is called however Trix mentioned that I was a remnant of the Avenger’s time heist.

*It dawns on Stephen.*

Stephen: So, you’re the one who stole the Tesseract.

Loki (grimacing): Trust me, it was not worth it. Infinity stones are apparently just trinkets anyway. When I was…taken, I found a handful just being used as paperweights in an office desk drawer.

*Both sorcerers are taken aback and look skeptical.*

Wong: Infinity Stones as mere trinkets?

Trix (weak): He’s right. It’s why we were so worried about the TVA. *She had woken up as the conversation started and was curious as to where it would go*

Stephen (concerned): …We’ll gather more information on this later. *He looks at Trix and this new Loki.* You both need to recover. Astral imprisonment in your own crystalized bodies takes a heavy toll. Especially given what you went through.

Trix: I just have one question. *She looks up at Stephen*

Stephen: Yes?

Trix (grinning): Did I finally look cool?

*He sighs and gives her a reluctant smile.*

Stephen (gently mussing her hair): Yes, dear. You all looked cool. I’m very proud of you girls.

*I’m practically glowing from the unexpected praise.*

Trix: *She smiles wider and leans into his touch before closing her eyes* Alright, bring on the tentacle soup I know is coming. I wanna sleep for a month.

*Now that the threat has passed, the adrenaline has worn off. I try to walk with the group once Wong opens a portal to Kamar-Taj’s hospital wing. However, after the adrenaline is gone, my legs finally give out from being pushed too far. The Cloak comes off of Stephen’s shoulders and helps me up. Seeing as I’m stubborn and refuse to be carried, it satisfies itself by hoisting my torso up enough for me to at least attempt to look like I’m walking through the portal on my own. Stephen fusses over all of us, checking each of us over and over just to be absolutely sure that he doesn’t miss anything. He also checks Loki and demands that all of us spend some time under observation.*

Loki: I’m rather surprised that you trust me enough to be here. *He’s exhausted and hasn’t really fought off any help or healing and is happy to just be in a bed again*

Wong: Given the extenuating circumstances and the fact that Trix appears to trust you, we will accommodate you. However, we will still keep you under strict observation. No funny business.

Loki (resigned): Trust me, I have had more nonsense in the past three months than the previous 1300 years. *He looks up at Wong seriously* I was told that my previous life, well, future me that is dead didn’t particularly get along with you both. I would like to state that I am not him and have no such reservations. I have only heard good things and I will not do Trix the disservice of disrespecting her mentors and friends.

*Stephen is stunned by his earnest behavior.*

Stephen: It is appreciated.

*Loki grimaces as he summons a large book into his lap and frowns as the spine is coated in green, orange, and violet crystals*

Loki: As a bit of a peace offering, this is what Trix spent much of her time and… *he frowns deeper* torture on. I recorded all of the knowledge she gained from Agatha on witchcraft in this grimoire. I hope it helps in any future endeavors. *His arms shake as he holds up the rather heavy book*

*Wong carefully, but gratefully accepts the book and begins to look through it.*

Wong: Thank you.

Stephen (gently, to the group): Rest. We’ll make sure you all recover safely. *He sounds practically paternal here. Wong gives him an amused look.*

*After going an entire day running around, fighting, and sneaking without any food or rest, we’re all famished and exhausted. So, the food, even if some of it is some sort of interdimensional abomination, is more than welcome. We sit together in our area of the medical bay and bring each other up to speed on everything that happened. After checking in with each other, each of us eventually succumbs to exhaustion. I still feel incredibly guilty that the group got in danger in the first place since I had led us this far. Since they had mentioned me as a leader before, I felt responsible for our group’s safety and still feel as though I had failed us. I don’t say anything about it out of shame, instead satisfying myself by forcing myself to stay awake until I know that the others are safely asleep. Then, I listen to our surroundings for a while before my own fatigue finally takes me.*

***To be continued***

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stories-mostly · 6 years ago

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Stark's Bug

Tony Stark x Son!reader

Let's all collectively ignore that I forgot about the entire first 15 min of the 2nd Iron man movie as a late birthday gift to me. Thx.

Words: 1525 (what a pretty number to look at)

Warnings: Canon typical violence, other than that none

Chapter 15

You are watching Happy and your dad box in the ring as you stood beside it copying their movements and fighting an invisible villain. Lots of stuff had happened recently but now that your dad was back, there was no reason to dwell on the latest happenings. Because: You had your own superhero costume!

It had been a weekend project with your dad after he caught you playing with his helmet on. He came up with the idea and you with some rough drafts of the design, then you worked together to give it the finishing touches. Creating your superhero costume all within a 48 hour time span.

There was a helmet in Iron man style but purple and blue colors which looked similar to Captain Magic's colour scheme and it was taken off and put on like a motorcycle helmet. There were strong glasses in the holes for your eyes which Jarvis was built into. They could simulate enemy's. Make them look like they're really there, so you can fight them.

You had a long Cape with dark purple on the outside and a softer blue on the inside, which was attached to your shoulder plates. They were attached to your chest Armour that reached down to your waist line and was made of a thin, breathable, sturdy fabric. You also had super special gauntlets, and boots that reached your knees. You loved your look and went by the name of "Captain Storm", after Captain Magic of course.

His superpowers are controlling the wind, time travel, and super strength. Captain Storm also has a super secret super power only to use in dire situations. Nobody knew that he can use the force! But soon he'll be found out by his arch nemesis Madman!

You had your fun playing pretend as the door opened and Pepper walked in. She was real busy recently so you were excited to see her.

"Pepper!" You shout and run over into her arms.

"What? Who are you?" she gasped.

"Uh? I'm (y/-, I mean, I'm Captain Storm! I was protecting you of the evil lasers of Madman! You can only see them with my super special helmet! Thank me later!" You explained taking a superhero stance. You smiled up at her and went away to "fight" the evil Madman who was now targeting your family!

You didn't even realize there was a whole stranger in the room smiling at your antics.

As soon as your father left the ring the strange lady got in it and fought Happy while Tony and Pepper talked.

You watched in despair as she took down your uncle without a problem. How dare she? That was your uncle! And an ally of Captain Storm! She must be a villain! In truth you were very impressed though. Well (y/n) might've been impressed but Storm saw in her nothing but a potential threat! Maybe she was even a spy sent by Madman! He just couldn't trust her. Though he tried to copy her moves. They were really cool.

You snuck off into the side room and changes back into your "civilian clothes".

Walking back into the gym the woman and Happy were both out of the ring.

You wandered over and let yourself fall over your dad's lap.

"You're finally back, Bug." he said ruffling your hair after pulling you up into a sitting position. Instead of being sprawled over his legs like a lazy cat.

"What're you doing?" you asked both of them, as they seemed to be doing, well, things. You didn't really know what.

"Nothing big, just some paperwork." He paused handing back the papers to Pepper. "Bug, What do you think about going with Happy, Pepper and me to Monaco?" He asked after you faced him properly.

"A vacation?" you were confused, you had school. Also where IS Monaco? Your knowledge of European geography didnt go further than knowing a few names of countries and their estimated location.

"Yeah, more or less. I mean going to Monaco to attend the Grand prix? You know, Formula one? Cars racing each other." He made motions with his hands that were somehow related to race cars.

"Sure." You shrugged pulling up all the knowledge you possess about formula one. It wasn't a lot. You knew that your Stark industries was sponsoring or owned one of the teams and that they drove really weird and fast cars, but that was about it.

It was your first vacation in a long time so hopefully it would be fun.

Not long after your father had asked you whether or not you wanted to come you were in Monaco. More specifically in your hotel room.

You jumped around on the furniture in the large living room as your father was taking a shower. He had said to get ready but you could spare a bit of time for playing.

You let Captain Magic fly around the room after the Captain America figure Coulson had gifted you. Magic knew that Captain USA was an imposter since the real one is dead. So now she had to catch him and reveal his true identity. Though playtime was over as soon as the bedroom door opened and both Captains crashed into your father's chest.

You gasped, and then apologized while giggling.

"Your apology is accepted, now go get dressed you rascal." He said picking up both captains and shooing you back to the couch where your suit was waiting to be put on.

You were dressed in a few minutes, struggling a bit with the button up.

Your father tied your tie and voila you were all ready to go. Looking all fancy in your dress shirt and vest. A real charmer, as your dad put it.

You put on your sunglasses and left.

Arriving at the race track you were overwhelmed on how big it was. You couldn't even see it all together. They really had to drive a long way around Monaco. People cheered as your father got out of the car. He did his usual spiel, while you clamored at the track. You also gave a short wave to the people before you followed Pepper and your dad inside, Happy following behind you.

Inside you where slightly overwhelmed so you just stuck to your father's side. Natalie was also there doing stuff. You actually only found out her name on the flight here when you were back to playing pretend.

Somebody took a quick picture of the three of you while your dad didn't stop talking. You continued to follow him around like a lost puppy.

There was the Hammer guy that was also at your dads court hearing. You could feel that they hated each other. The four of you shortly sat down on a table before Natalie came and told Tony that the other table he wanted is ready.

Your dad stood up and Pepper took your hand having realized how lost you looked, leading you over. You sat down and fiddled with the middle button of your vest.

"Wheres Tony?" Pepper asked after you were both seated.

"On the Toilet." you said looking over to the TV where the preparations for the race were broadcasted.

"I think hes off the toilet now." you said as you saw your dad in full racing get up on the track.

"What? Oh my God." Pepper said and asked for Natalie to bring Happy.

Meanwhile you were ecstatic at the thought of your him racing.

The race began and you were basically bouncing in your seat. Not knowing whether your father was winning or not you still cheered him on internally.

You looked over at Pepper who still had a "I can't believe this" expression on her face.

Your attention was drawn a few minutes after the race had begun. There was a man on the track, just casually walking along. You knew something wasn't right even before he started to turn into a weird very villainy looking dude. You turned to Pepper only to see that she was gone. Now you were panicking. You took deep breaths, trying to calm yourself but nothing was working. Natalie placed her hand on your back comfortingly. It didn't calm you down at all but grounded you a little. Your father was on the screen getting attacked by some random guy, without his suit, and your main support system was currently gone! You had a feeling that they weren't away to search for safety either.

Tears were building in your eyes as the situation grew more and more concerning.

All you could do was stay there helplessly watching as your father avoided being fried by mere millimeters. You started to grind your teeth together when you saw the car you had come with ram the man into the side barely avoiding your dad. You flinched and bit your lower lip roughly.

There were several heart stopping moments before your dad could finally suit up. You'd like to say that he'd won with ease but it looked like it took a lot of effort to defeat the man.

Ultimately the man was dragged off by officers and the damage was done. You were relived that it was over.

You held onto him tightly as soon as he was within reach.

There was nothing to like about seeing your dad be in immediate danger and fighting for his life. Again.

Tags: @shannonr2003 @art-estrange @nicholasbich @tater-thottie @tonystanktheirondad @gaylemonshark @emilaa2001 @kindahadeschild

Thank you for reading :)

#tony stark x child!reader #tony stark x you #tony stark x reader #tony stark #tony stark x male reader #tony stark x male!reader #tony stark x m!reader #male reader #male!reader #m!reader #marvel reader insert #child!reader #stark!reader #stark's bug #stark's bug chapter 15 #chapter 15

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jedifarmerr · 3 years ago

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When Javier Met....(Series)

Chapter 9: Laredo

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Javier Peña x F!Reader/OFC (no y/n & no physical description)

Chapter Rating: E!!!! (18+ blog)

Word Count: 8.7k (This is the longest chapter I've ever written, so I think it makes up for how long it took me haha)

Warnings: Language, Drinking, Mentions of Parental Loss, Pining, Sexual Situations, Sexual Thoughts & Smut.

“Hey…hey…wake up,” Javier’s lowly voice slipped through your dozed state.

The summer sun bled through the bug-stained windshield, it’s golden heat bubbling against your skin.

Slow and resistant, you blinked awake from the impromptu nap to find the scenery changed from highway towns stuck in the Wild Wild West era to industrial yards.

“How long till we’re there?” You asked - groggy - kneading the area between your neck and shoulder. Why does sleeping in a car have to be so uncomfortable?

Javier tapped on the steering wheel, checking the dash and the road marker before answering. “About - 15 minutes or so.”

“What?” You startled upwards, fumbling around to grab the travel-size makeup bag from the backpack at your feet while simultaneously flipping down the visor. Popping your head up, you winced seeing the tiny reflection - totally disheveled and topped off by crusted drool strings.

It horrified you to imagine the what if of him not waking you up; Chucho’s first impression of you squashed against glass with a ring of fog around a wide open mouth.

Giving a quick tousle to your hair and scrubbing the dry dollops away, your focus shifted to your wilted-looking eyes. With quick circles, you attempted to restore them back to life but to no avail. You pulled the mascara from the bag and pumped the wand along the tube, completely banking on a coat or two to work some magic.

“Are you tryin’ to impress, Pops?” Javier smirked, watching your slack jaw focus as you wiggled the wand up and blinked.

“What can I say?” You said - throaty and mumbled. “He is a cutie.”

“Better not tell him that. He’ll get cocky.”

You scoffed. After a repeat on the other eye and a smidge of tinted lip balm, you thumped the visor back into place.

Johnny Cash’s syrupy voice fit the aesthetic of the scenery, cattle grazing along the straw grass. Hawks perched on the fence posts. It was probably peaceful. Serene.

But you felt nothing of the sort.

Your jackhammering heart, the rushing of blood drowned out all sights and sounds until all your focus centered on the looming question.

What exactly did this trip mean for your relationship?

Anyone else, and you’d never give it a second thought. But Javier? No. All week, you spent contemplating, gnawing at the bit. You tried to tell yourself he was just being a good friend, but something about the explanation fell short. There had to be more, right? Or maybe you were just projecting, making this into something more than it was.

“Well, here we are,” Javier said as he turned onto a copper dirt road marked by a lone mailbox with Peña decalled on the side.

The tires crunched along the path lined by cedar elms and a worn-down wooden fence, a red-brick modest ranch, well-cared for, sitting at the end. Lush emerald shrubs, petunias bursting in an array of bright pinks and oranges framed the front steps that led to the stark white front door.

You peered over to observe his reaction, his lips curling into a sentimental smile, shoulders loosening as he warmly looked upon the home of carefree days. He appeared younger in the moment, lighter.

The sheer cream curtains of the front bow window swayed, an older gentleman with a thick mustache and an oversized pearly cowboy hat - Chucho - whistled as if it was happenstance that he wandered out onto the skinny front porch at the same time you arrived. His eyes blew wide with the act, an O turning into an infectious smile as he gripped his hips in a stance that mirrored his son’s.

Before exiting the car, you checked over your shoulder one last time; Javier nodded, reassuring you with a smile.

“Hey, Pops,” Javier yelled over the slam of the door. His voice sweet and silvery, a tone reserved for only his father. “Stay where you are, I got it,” he added before Chucho could shuffle over to help with the bags. Popping the trunk, he introduced the two of you, a formal meeting that beat out the technical one on the phone.

“Hi, there,” you said with a charming smile that covered your nerves. “It’s so good to finally meet you.”

Chucho looked you up and down, but not to analyze, more to take in. It seemed that Javier didn’t just inherit the round shape and dark brown color of his eyes from his father, but the emotive quality. The twinkle in Chucho’s gaze expressed his appreciation, his happiness for your presence here, more than any words could express.

“Well, you just gonna stand there?” Chucho’s warmly teased at your frozen state a foot away from the car.

The trunk slammed, and Chucho waved you over. “After you,” Javier said, adjusting with one hand the strap on his shoulder, as the other gripped the handle of your bag.

Chucho opened the creaky storm door that led to a new threshold; a tile entryway that carried a distinct homey scent - one that still lingered on a handful of Javier’s items - and a family portrait of the Peña’s on the front wall, coordinated in navy and burgundy tones that complimented the solid mauve background.

The picture had to be taken when Javier was approaching puberty, his head resembled an overfilled balloon on his lanky body, the striped collared long-sleeve wasn’t helping the matter. It was nice to know that even someone like Javier suffered an awkward stage, even if it only lasted a few months.

A twinge of sadness settled in your chest when your attention drifted to the warm and wide smile of his mother, the sharp bridge of her nose and tall lean stature, the features that provided a daily reminder of her when he looked in the mirror.

“So, how was the drive?” Chucho asked as he led you out of the cramped space and around the corner into the main living area.

“It wasn’t bad at all,” you chirped back.

“Easy for you to say, you slept the past two hours,” Javier huffed from the rear.

“Exactly,” you said over your shoulder innocently, “It wasn’t bad.”

Chucho warmly chuckled, he plopped himself down in the recliner and then swiveled to face you.

“Well, is there any chance you kids are gettin’ hungry?”

“Pops,” Javier looked down at his watch as he fiddled with the strap digging into his shoulder, “It’s only 5:30.”

“And? You’re father’s getting old, Javi. It’s my dinner time.”

“Well, I guess I’m gettin’ old too,” you added. “I’m starving.” Chucho shimmied into his chair, boasting in the tie breaker with a sly smile at his son. Javier sighed in defeat, knowing this was his life for the next couple days.

“Fineee. Let’s set this down, then we’ll figure out where we wanna go.” Javi turned on the balls of his feet, with his back turned you threw Chucho a wink that made him stifle a giggle before following him down the narrow hall scattered with pictures of the family. Their wedding day. A very angry looking baby. And a picture of them at Javi’s high school graduation.

The first of three doors on the left wall was the guest room, Javier set down your over-packed bag as you quickly glanced around. A queen sized bed was situated between golden oak night stands. Each with a table lamp, their shades matching the burgundy comforter. Rounding out the room was a mirror in the corner and a small dresser in the same stain that sat underneath the window. Following his lead, he showed you the bathroom that separated your room from his, which just so happened to be the last stop.

It was simple. A desk, dresser, and queen size bed crafted in hickory oak filled the space. The walls were pale blue and marked from ripped down posters and taken down photos. All that seemed to remain of his childhood bedroom was the cluttered built-in shelves above his desk.

Upon closer examination, you realized they were filled with baseball trophies, shiny ribbons hanging from the edge, and you thumbed the blue and green satin. “First prize in the science fair? First place in the Southern Texas Spelling Bee? Are you serious?”

“What can I say?” He leaned against the door frame, “I’m a man of many talents.”

“Or a dork,” you retorted at his cocky attitude with a tiny laugh.

He smacked his jaw at the quip, and offered no response. Too entranced by the way you moved around his room. “Whaddaya think?” He finally asked, “Everything you imagined?”

Realizing you were gawking at the room as if it was a display at a museum, you immediately stopped and turned to him.

“Bold move to assume I spent my nights imagining this,” you twirled your finger around the room, leaving the question unanswered as you walked towards. “Now come on, we can’t leave pops waiting.” You drummed the center of his chest as you slinked into the hallway.

---

After a quick dinner at Javier’s favorite restaurant - a quaint Mexican place at the edge of town - Chucho took what he considered to be a small detour on the way home, as he put it, just a few stops to show off Laredo.

By Laredo, he meant Javier’s life, and the first stop was his elementary school. Pointing to the front steps, Chucho told you all about a little boy in striped overalls and a fresh bowl cut, bawling his eyes out on the first day of kindergarten.

The next location was a park at the center of town, the red windy slide - now a safety hazard - that Javier ruined his whole summer on by jumping off the top and breaking his arm.

Every location in between had a story. The ice cream shop he frequented in the summers, spending hours under the red and white striped umbrellas with John, trying to pick up girls. A theatre where his parents took him to see his first movie - 101 Dalmatians. Even the location of Javier’s first job - a busser at a chain restaurant.

Rounding out the tour was the baseball field, Chucho proudly pointed at the dusty plate, the exact place where he hit his first home run.

By the time Chucho arrived at the lamp-lit ranch, the cicadas were in full song. Javier needed a shower, but he felt somewhat reluctant to leave the two of you alone. Both mischievously smiling and all too eager - but he didn’t have much choice as you shoved him into the bathroom.

Each time he heard your laughter drift through the steamy water, he thought about all the photos his father prepared for the visit. Definitely a couple of classics, like cheesin’ in a bubble bath and t-ball days. Those weren’t his main concern, the embarrassing ones you’d never let go were, for instance the time he was the donkey in the nativity play at church and when he and John dressed as James Bond, equipped with finger guns.

Remembering a few others, he turned off the water and rushed a towel through his damp hair, stepping into a pair of loose sweats before tugging on a plain t-shirt. Your snickering filled the hall, he peeked around the corner to glimpse at what awaited him.

Sitting on the couch, engrossed in the album placed in the middle, Javier stared at your matching grins, the picture of happiness right in front of him. It dawned on him that Chucho finally had someone to tell all the stories about Javier, never having the opportunity to do so with a stranger that cared deeply for him, that drank in every detail like it was water in a desert.

A salty taste began to well in his throat as he secretly watched, thinking back to the times his father daydreamed about a bigger family, long ago when Javier’s plans still involved Lorraine. The grandchildren he imagined running in the same fields Javi once did, the holidays and get-togethers spent with more than just two.

Once again, the world offered him a glimpse of what could have been and just like before an ache settled inside him. He wasn’t sure if he could fill Chucho’s wallet with grandchildren. But for a fleeting moment, a scary second, he wondered if he could fill a picture frame with a bride and groom.

Just then you looked up to see him. “Javi,” you beamed, “Get over here,” you patted the seat next to you. With no resistance, he settled beside you, his father shooting him an approving glance.

“Oh. My. God,” your head dropped back in laughter as you pointed to his prom picture. Taken right on the steps, in a powder blue suit with thick black lapels and a massive bow tie, his arm swung around Lorraine’s waist with a feeling himself smile.

Chucho sounded like a bad engine as he held the laughter in his throat.

“Okay, Pops. Really?”

“What?” He feigned innocence, “I think it’s a good picture.”

Javier shook his head. He mentally prepared himself for a long night of laughter, all at his expense.

---

The next day, he awoke from the intruding light that slipped through a crack in between the curtains. Judging by the tone, he knew Chucho was awake and preparing a big breakfast. The thought of pancakes and coffee made his stomach grumble, his feet moving towards the door.

The sound of your fan - the one you never slept without - echoed through the walls as he brushed his teeth. With a soft pad, he made his way past your door and into the kitchen.

“Hey, dad. Need any help?”

Chucho turned from the oven, dough dripping from the spoon onto the hot range with a sizzle. He was dressed and ready for the day with a chipper attitude. “No, just sit down, coffee's hot.”

Javier reached for a mug, “You sure? It’s your birthday -”

“My birthday isn’t till tomorrow, and besides, I’m turning 70. The last thing I want is people waiting on me hand and foot when I can still do everything. Now go sit.”

Javier poured himself a cup before he took a seat at the breakfast table, a piece of furniture they hardly used when he lived at home, it was too small for two people. “Your friend still asleep?” He accentuated the word friend with a disbelieving tone. Javier nodded as the dark brew warmed his throat. “I like her,” he added, ready to discuss the topic now that you weren’t around.

“Yeah?” Javier dragged a coaster over, setting his mug down, “I thought you would, she’s pretty easy to like.” The last part slipping out in the comfort of his own home, his father, Javier took another sip, avoiding his father as he glanced behind his shoulder.

“She is,” Chucho said knowingly as he slid a pancake on top of a large stack. Just like when he was growing up, Chucho always made far too much food when they had guests. “Very easy to like. She’s polite, sweet… and makes you happy.”

“Dad…” he shook his head. Did everyone see it? Steve. Chucho. Would everyone at the party tonight? Would Joe? He felt his feelings overflowing, growing each day. Did they seep from his pores for everyone to see? Everyone except for you. “It’s not-”

“I know,” Chucho said, his soft voice barely audible over the oven fan. “It’s just nice to see you -“ The sentence abruptly ended once he heard the sound of your door opening, much to Javier’s relief. “Wanna help me get this on the table?”

Javier moved the dish of bacon and eggs from the counter to the already set dining table. Chucho brought over the pancakes and syrup, and Javier brought over an extra sauce bowl. “What’s that for?” Chucho asked.

“She’ll want her syrup on the side,” Chucho creased his brows, “Trust me.”

---

The afternoon flew by. After breakfast, Javier offered to show you around the ranch, which you gladly accepted. Dressed for a part, you wore jeans shorts and a suede button up with the top two buttons undone, the crimson color matching the boots you borrowed from Marie.

Javier led you from the barn, through the dandelions and chickweed to the creek behind the live oaks. He talked about his mother, how she used to bring him out here and hum Bible hymns while he picked out weeds and offered them to her like a bouquet.

Javier knew his mother would’ve liked you, he wished he would’ve told you that.

After returning, you went to shower and get ready while he helped Chucho with ranch projects that required two-hands. Covered in dirt and sweat, both men cleaned themselves up. Running a quick comb through his damp hair, Javier threw on a flannel - rusted orange and navy blue - and a pair of jeans, with one last look in the mirror he went to check on you.

Using a two-finger knock, Javier waited to enter until you yelled all clear. With your brow drawn together, mouth tight, you swayed from side to side in the mirror. Your floral sundress flared on the sides as you assessed, four others laid out on the bed, waiting in the wings.

Stalled in the doorway, Javier looked you up and down, calves up to the inch past mid-thigh cut, round ass covered in baby pink and robin blue flowers. Gulping down the thoughts of fucking you in the mirror, he offered a shaky compliment that made your head dip and body twist with a different emotion as he led you out to the car.

Magnetic. He felt himself being pulled to you, needing to see you. Angling the rearview mirror on the backseat, he glanced back and forth. His heart clenched in your unknown grip; your laughter at Pop’s stories a symphony to his ear.

He needed to touch you. Once parked and out of the car, he reached for you, instantly cooled by the drag of cotton on his fingertips. When you smiled up at him, the golden hour reflecting in your eyes, bathing you in light like a message from above, his breath caught in his throat, punched back once the crowd yelled surprise.

Friend. The word burned his tongue like cheap, black coffee - hot and bitter. By the tenth introduction, the lip of his beer was glued to his lips, taking a swig by the time he uttered the last letter of your name.

Everyone gawked at you. His unmarried cousins. The ladies luncheon posse. Others he never met. They leaned in, whispering to each other with what Javier assumed to be either shock or want depending on the person.

After making the rounds with his family, Javier’s stomach grumbled and his attention turned to the dwindling line of the buffet. He filled his plate with tamales, birria tacos and stuffed peppers; this was one of the things he missed most when he moved to Austin, his aunts cooking.

“Your family did a great job, this place looks amazing,” you said, looking around the room as he zig-zagged around the tables towards Chucho. Too focused on you to stare around the room, he nodded once he looked around at the stone walls and bantering decorations.

The party was being held at a popular bar in downtown Laredo, an attached wide open back room that was reserved for parties. It wasn’t a place that Javier regulared during his time living here, it lacked that stale cigarette air and sticky whiskey floors. This was a far better place for Pop’s birthday.

“Hey, Pops,” he smacked him on the shoulder, pulling out the two chairs next to him. Chucho acknowledged him with a smile before turning back to finish his discussion. Chucho was a staple around Laredo, born and raised in the city, watching the city grow throughout the years. So, while Laredo wasn’t small, he seemed to know everyone somehow.

“Hey, Javi. It’s good to see ya again,” One of Chucho’s oldest friends said, his wife smiling as they got up from the table. His mouth full of tamale, he nodded with a stuffed smile.

“How’re you enjoying the party?” You asked Pops before taking a bite. “Holy, this is amazing.” Chucho and Javier laughed as you shoved another bite into your mouth.

“I can’t really complain, it’s a party dedicated to me,” Chucho laughed, pleased with the turnout as he looked around the room at all the guests. He pushed his empty plate aside to rest his elbows on the table. “From what I’ve heard, you’ve been quite a hit,” Chucho not so subtly glanced at Javier.

“Really?” Your eyes lit up, fist covering your mouth.

“Mh-mmm, his cousins haven’t stopped talking about you,” Chucho nodded his head over to a group of three in the corner, stealing glances every now and then. Javier smacked his lips together before finishing off the rest of his drink.

“I’m gonna get another,” Javier said, abruptly lifting from the chair “Want anything?” Chucho shook his head, and you asked for another. Javier caught his cousin's eyes when he turned to head towards the back wall with the bar, their faces lighting up at the prospect of getting some time alone without him around.

Weaving through the crowd of hi’s and how are you’s, each met by the same answer - a plastered smile to conceal the war in his mind. It wasn’t jealousy. Per say. Sure, he hated the idea of watching you flirt with his cousins. Not that he had any right to, you weren’t his girlfriend. Besides, shouldn’t he get used to it? If he stayed in your life, if you remained friends, seeing you in a relationship was inevitable.

He had been lucky that you seemed to be taking a break from dating these past few months, spending time with him instead of on dates, he was able to ignore the future. But the little bubble you existed in wouldn’t last forever. He suddenly felt sick, the idea of seeing you with another, walking down the aisle to someone else as he just stood there. Javier gripped the edge of the bar top, launching himself forward to rest his elbows on the smooth wood. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he stood in wait for the bartender.

“Javi?” His head shot up at the familiar voice - Victoria’s voice. Her plump lips were stained in the usual red, body cut-in half by a bar top, her hair still that soft brown, but cut to her shoulders.

“Vic? What - what’re you doing here?”

“I work here now, have for a few months,” she emphasized the last point, pointing out how long it’d been. Tucking a loose strand behind her ear, she grabbed for a glass and poured the whiskey, sliding it towards him. “How’ve you been?”

The scratch of crystalline glass against wood made his brain finally catch up to the moment. “Good, good. How’re you?” He asked - earnestly - remembering the last time he saw her.

“I’ve been good, actually.” She nodded. The air stalled in an awkward pause as Javier tried to think of the right words to say, but before anything came, she leaned forward and spoke again. “So, is that the girl?” His brows creased, and she scoffed. “Come on, Javi. Everyone’s been talking about her. Javier Peña bringing a girl to Laredo is big news.”

Javier gulped, he didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry, Vic-“

Victoria rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on. I knew what our relationship was, now tell me. Was I right?”

Javier took a long drink, once again at a loss of words. How could he tell her? You were the reason, but you were just a friend. Oh, it sounded pathetic.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’ve been dating someone. Jason, down at the auto shop on 13th. Yep, 3 months now.”

“I’m happy for you, Vic.” He felt relieved that she held no ill will towards him, never intending on hurting her or using her. “But, we’re…we’re not together,” swirling the liquid in his glass, he notched his head to the side.

“Really? Hmmm.” She scrunched her face together, clearly taken aback by the information. “Well, Chucho seems to like her,” she nodded behind his shoulder. Peeking behind him, he saw you and Chucho at the desserts table, grabbing a piece of cake.

---

The rest of the night was much of the same. Their table was a revolving door of family and friends, a few brought up Javier’s time in Colombia, getting all shiny eyed at the hometown hero. Every time, Javier smiled with his lips, turning to his whiskey - which switched to water two hours ago. When his cousins stopped by for a second time, you swore Javier tightened his grip on the back of your chair, the men turning more sheepish in his presence. But the highlight was definitely Chucho’s two younger sisters, their fun personalities mixed with shot after shot. Suddenly, you were one too many deep and Chucho was snoring in the seat next to you.

After that, Javier decided it was time to call it a night, the party was already dwindling and the hour late. With the help of his aunts, Chucho was buckled into the backseat and fast asleep. Both of them wrapped you into a hug, telling you that you were welcome anytime.

Bright-eyed, but loose-limbed, you sunk into the passenger seat with a wide smile.

“Did you have fun?” Javier asked, driving through downtown - sidewalks bustling, bar signs lit up on the warm summer night.

“Are you serious? I had a blast,” your voice was higher-pitch, fluctuating and exaggerated from the alcohol. “Watching your cousin’s husband robot all night was the highlight. What about you, did you have fun?”

“Yeah, but I think Pops has us beat.” You peered around the console and giggled; his body slack, mouth wide open with the cowboy hat in the seat next to him.

“The birthday boy is plum-tuckered.” Javier chuckled at your attempted old western movie voice.

You propped your elbows on the console, palms cradling your face. Dull orange spilled from the street lights, igniting his silhouette in dwindling embers.

“Javi,” you marveled, buzzed on the remnants of his cologne, “I don’t think I told you earlier - you look very handsome tonight.”

“Don’t go overboard,” he scoffed, a smile slipping through; he wasn’t great at accepting compliments.

“I’m not!” You playfully slapped his arm, “If anything, I’m downplaying it,” chin tucked down, last part mumbled, you traced the hard plastic console. Missing the way his eyes lingered a second too long at the crown of your head. “Also, thank you for bringing me.”

“Don’t mention it,” he glanced over, face shadowed. “Did it do the trick?”

You nodded, “Like I said earlier, once the initial shock went away, I was fine. Honestly. It was just… a lot to take in. Like, seeing him again and then to meet her - his fiancé. Like - fuck.” Your body bounced against the seat back. “I’m sure if I was alone, at home today I wouldn’t be great, but I haven’t thought about it…like at all. Probably, because I’m with you.”

The leather steering wheel twisted under his grip. “Glad I could help,” he said, voice strained. Pulling into the drive, Pops jolted awake as the car wrestled along the path. Slow and steady, Javier shuffled Pops to bed, leaving a glass of water and a bottle of aspirin on the nightstand before joining you in the bathroom.

“Hmm?” His toothbrush hung from his mouth as he lifted the tube of toothpaste in offering.

“Yes, please.” You smiled up at him, bare faced as he squeezed a dollop onto the pink bristles.

Humming toothbrushes provided background music to the domestic scene playing out in the oval mirror. Lips shifting into odd lines and exposed teeth. A dribble of white foam slipped from his lips, down to his chin.

After a succession of spitting and water swishing, Javier and you stood in cramped space. Neither of you quite used to departing for the night in the same house. His hand rested on his hip, the other gripping the edge of the tile vanity.

“Well, I guess this is good night,” you said - reluctant - squeezing the cosmetic bag to your chest as you peered up at him.

His dark eyes were steep, full of - Desire? Friendship? Longing? Hope? Too tipsy, the emotion tingled the tip of your tongue, but couldn’t quite be placed.

He dipped down to your mouth, holding you breathless as he teased his petal-pink lips with his tongue. Bathed in crisp white bath lights, his eyes shiny and pupils blown wide, you took a baby step closer. Wide-eyed and inviting, you never left his intense gaze. His fingers tightened around the cold navy blue tile. The unspoken lingered on the seam of his parted lips.

Your lids fluttered in anticipation, but before your neck craned he looked away. “It’s late,” he said - pained - mouth twitching flat, tongue pressed against cheek. Stung by the rejection, your body jolted back. Gaze dropping to the bath mat, too embarrassed to look at him. “We should get to bed.”

The walls were closing in, the room suffocating. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why couldn’t there be a rewind button? You only needed to go back a few minutes, just to skip off to bed instead of wishing and hoping for whatever the fuck that was. What’d ya think he was gonna do? Fuck you on the sink? God, you needed help.

You tried to look at him, but stopped at his chin. Too scared for the pity you were sure was swirling around his dark eyes, the same ones you convinced yourself were full of desire mere moments ago.

“Night, Javi.” You spun around, basically running out the door and into the bedroom.

---

The next morning you awoke to the bird chirping. Slamming the pillow over your head, you attempted to sink into the bed - hoping it would somehow teleport you to another dimension or back home.

You weren’t mad at Javier for rejecting you, just dreading the outcome of the event. Would it be awkward? Would he say something? Had you messed everything up?

After a few minutes of wallowing in self-pity, you returned to the scene of the crime, brushing your teeth alone and trying to eavesdrop on the conversation in the dining room, the only words you could make out were Paula, tequila and snoring.

Deciding the best course of action was to act like it never happened, you greeted the birthday boy and Javier with a plastered smile. Filling your plate with biscuits and fruit, as you sat down across from Javi.

Your nerves and tendency to overthink were to blame for the initial awkwardness, but it washed away after a few minutes, the night forgotten, much to your relief.

With it being Chucho’s birthday, Javier and you spent most of the day in Laredo. Running a few errands and getting an early dinner. Bags packed, Javier went to load them into the trunk as you turned to Chucho.

“Thank you so much for having me.” Chucho couldn’t help himself, he pulled you into a hug.

“You’re welcome anytime,” he said as he pulled away, looking you dead in the eye, “You’re good for him.” You glanced as he hurled the stuffed bag in. “He probably doesn’t tell you much, if ever, but I know you mean a lot to him.”

Your cheeks tightened at his words, a smile pulled at your lips. “He means a lot to me, as well.”

Chucho nodded, he saw the way you looked at Javi, the way he looked at you. He wanted to scream at both of you, but it wasn’t the time. Not yet.

With a slam of the trunk, Javier slapped the dust off his hands, and onto his jeans. Hugging his father and wishing him a happy birthday, you waved goodbye and settled into the jeep. Taking one last look around at the ranch and at the man, sitting on the porch.

---

The Austin skyline lit up the night, the stars disappearing in favor of light pollution as you reached the final stretch.

“Would you rather have a third nipple or an extra toe?” You lounged in the reclined chair, bare feet tapping on the dash.

“How big’s the nipple?” Javier never expected a question like that to come out of his mouth. “And where is it?”

“Quarter size,” He shrugged, “And let’s say, it’s in the center of your chest.”

“So, like a line of nipples?”

You cackled, “Precisely.”

“What about the extra toe? Is it just on one foot? Or both? How big is it?”

“Holy, I’ve never met someone that asks this many questions during would you rather,” you teased, “I guess, let’s go with an extra pinky toe - on both feet.”

Javier thought about his answer for a moment, “Extra toes.” You nodded in agreement, then looked at him expectantly. You’d been playing the game for the past thirty minutes or so, and he was running out of questions. “Would you rather fly or be invisible?”

“Booo. That’s so boring.” Your head rolled around the headrest, pouting.

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t realize an extra toe and three nipples was so interesting.” You looked out the window to hide your smile, but the reflection of dash lights in the mirror gave it away. “Why don’t you go again?”

“Fine, I will,” you boasted, sitting up in the seat. “Would you rather, be able to speak with animals or speak every foreign language.”

“How do you come up with these so fast? You play this game a lot?” Javier asked - honestly curious. You shrugged, an embarrassed smile pulled down the sides of your lips. “Well, that one’s easy, speak every foreign language.”

“No way!” His neck snapped, expecting you to be looking out the window, but your mouth was wide open, staring at him in shock. “You’d give up the ability to speak to animals?” His brows creased, he slowly nodded. “Why?”

“Are you serious? Speaking every language is a useful skill-“

“And speaking to animals isn't?” You interrupted.

“No. Not really. Maybe if you’re a vet.” You rolled your eyes. “What’d you use it for?”

“Everything?!” Your head shook with the implied duh. “You could talk to dogs and cats. Lik, if saw a deer or something on a walk. You could be like hey what’s up? It’d be like, just trottin’ around.”

“No offense,” he shifted the gear into park outside your place - an old tudor home turned three-plex. “But that’s useless.” He concluded the statement by shutting the door.

“That was just one example, there’s other uses.”

“Okay. Name one.” Javier kept his hand on the open hood, holding your bag at his side.

“You could use them as witnesses for crimes.”

“Ah, so you’re an animal interpreter.” Javier slammed the trunk, “That’ll stand in court.” Your face dropped. With nothing left to argue, you stomped away, Javier in tow.

“Guess that means I win.” Javier said, as you slotted the key into the red wooden door.

“This time, Peña,” you smiled over your shoulder. “This time.”

A ray of moonlight shot down the middle of the pitch black entryway hall, casting a shadow of the console table and lamp on the wall. With your massive bag, it would be a tight squeeze to fit both of you, Javier ventured inside first, flicking on the lights at the end of the hall - illuminating the living room and entryway. Your keys clinked in the bowl as Javier dropped your bag by the couch.

Reaching your arms above your head in a stretch, you leaned against the propped door. “Well, I guess it’s officially over.”

Javier wanted to nail his feet to the ground, toss away the key to the empty apartment awaiting him. Even after 48 hours straight with you, he found himself craving a little more time, even if it was only a few more minutes. Looking down, he searched for an excuse, but he reached the entryway mat empty-handed.

“Honestly, I can’t thank you enough, I had the best time. Who knew that Laredo could be so fun?”

He chuckled, shoving on a smile as he forced himself to do the inevitable - to say goodbye.

The words lodged into his throat at how angelic you looked under the soft yellow lights, eyes clear - sparkling like the night sky on glassy water - your smile glowing, a beam of light straight from heaven and directed up at him, only him.

His heart stuttered, triggering the alarms to ring, the voice inside his head awakened, screaming at him to leave, to walk out the door before he ruined everything he fought for. The silence weighed heavy on him, built with bricks of suppressed want. He tried to force the words out, but your gaze seemed to be beckoning him closer. His restraint was so thin and threadbare - torn and tattered from last night and all others before.

Suddenly, he moved a single creaky step closer. He could smell your shampoo. Fruity or flowery? He didn’t know and he didn’t care. It was his forbidden fruit. Sweet. Intoxicating. And fuck, it made his mouth water.

No.

He knew he needed to fight harder. Now wasn’t the time to make a rash decision, not when he felt so confused about his future. It embarrassed him to admit at his age, he didn’t know if he wanted or even could be a boyfriend, let alone one you deserved.

But fuck. He wanted - No. More than that; he longed for you, to touch your soft skin, hear you moan his name as he fucked you over and over again, even if it was only for a night.

“Javi.” It was breathless - wanting - and it crashed into him like a tidal wave that scrambled his thoughts and consumed him entirely.

Suddenly, he crowded you, palms flat to the door, fingers splayed along red wood. He dipped down, his lips skimming your ear, “Say it again.” The husk of his words ignited your tender flesh in goosebumps.

“Javi.” The needy obedience made his cock surge, he hadn’t even touched you yet and you sounded wrecked.

His lips trailed with whispers of your name along your supple cheek; he savored the sharp inhales and whimpers it drew from you. “Tell me, you want this,” the desperation, the year of restraint, stained his every word, he dragged the tip of his nose along your bridge. “Tell me, this is okay.”

“I want -” you stammered, his nails dug into the wood - forehead resting on yours, breath mingling together. “Ja-,” you squeezed your eyes shut, trying to roll your hips against his jean-clad thigh. “I want this - I”

Javier cupped your cheeks and crashed his lips to yours; you stumbled back, nails digging into his shoulders as the door boomeranged off the stopper.

With a steel grip, he tore you away from the door, the tips of your toes dragging on the wood as he grabbed the edge of and slammed it shut with one hand. He would’ve taken you right there, but if he only had one night, he was going to do it right; spread you out and worship you.

The shuffle scoot to the bedroom was a mixture of discarded shoes and hasty kisses; you worked in tandem at his buttons, leaving a cotton blue puddle on the living room floor.

Cradling the back of your head, he shoved you flat to the door with a messy kiss - tongue brushing the seam of your lips and eagerly licking into your mouth. Your fingers combed through his hair, and he went dizzy - all the practiced moves vanishing in the intense hunger for more.

With a gentle suck to your tongue he slotted his thigh between your legs, the moan that vibrated off your tongue made his knees almost buckle from the toll it took on his aching cock.

Fuck, he should’ve masturbated in the shower earlier, he could feel a pre-cum stain forming in his jeans.

His free hand stroked the side of your neck, down the center of your chest; he bunched the soft cotton hem, grazing his fingers on the fiery skin of your stomach. You broke the kiss to discard your shirt down the hall.

Wild eyes stared back into his - pupils blown with lust. His hungry gaze wandered to the top of your breasts, he groaned low in his chest as his pointer finger traced the cups of your black bra - down to the center band. You shuddered under him, head rolling back with a thump on the door.

His lips settled back onto yours, fervently kissing you as he wrestled with the knob - he guided you inside. The palm of his hand skimmed until he reached the edge of the switch and flicked it up.

“Not that light,” you said in between kisses, the room darkened once again. “The lamp.” He smiled against your lips, even in the heat of the moment the details mattered to you. He couldn’t care less as long as he was able to see exactly what he did to you.

With a chaste kiss, you pranced over to the nightstand and twisted on the lamp. You sat on the edge of the bed, hands skimming the comforter, legs crossed - nervously swaying your foot back and forth.

He leisurely strided over, a devour of the other’s newly exposed skin; you lingered on his soft tummy and him on your breasts - his imagination running wild. Soon, he soothed himself, staring down as your gaze leveled with the bulge in his jeans.

Sweeping your lashes up, you innocently blinked and carefully pinched the zipper between your fingers. Heaviness pulled at his lids and his body begged to buck into the touch - but he fought. Enjoying your hungry gaze even as you dragged away the denim friction.

“May I?” After his small nod, you fixed yourself on the notch by notch reveal. “Oh. No boxers,” you seemed pleasantly surprised at the dark coarse hair.

“Personal preference.” He spoke through his teeth as if his arousal wasn’t evident and about to smack you in the face. He caught the edges of your lips curling into a proud smile, pleased with the reaction you caused. With a little assistance, you tugged down his pants.

Your eyes crossed as he stepped out of his jeans. His long, thick cock bobbing in your face - a fresh bead leaking onto his belly from the angry red tip. It was his turn to hide his pride as you licked your lips.

As much as he wanted to feel that pretty pink tongue wrap around him, he desired something else even more. Taking advantage of your analysis, he dropped to his knees before you could even touch him. Instantly, your legs parted, dropping to prop yourself on your elbows as if it was an automatic reaction.

His palms ran up and down your thighs, teasing the seam of your shorts as his mustache scratched the same path. It was euphoric, finally feeling your skin on his and he moaned.

He moved upward, applying a hint of pressure at the apex of your thighs with his thumbs. You let out a pitiful moan with a roll of your hips, he hooked his thumbs into the elastic waistband.

“May I?” He peered up - smug. You eagerly nodded - eyes dangerously low, breath held on your parted lips. “Words, baby.” Your eyes shot open at the pet name, but fluttered shut again as a kiss landed on your thigh.

“Fuck, Javi.” He placed a kiss on the other, tracing your hip bone with his thumb. “Yes - God - Yes - Please. Oh -“

His hips surged into the mattress, he could’ve cum from your begging alone. Quickly, he took off your shorts and panties and threw them behind his shoulder. Gripping your thighs, he spread them apart.

“Fuck, baby,” he soothed, breath hot on your glistening slit. “You’re so wet, so fucking wet.” He marveled as he teased your swelling clit, drinking in the sharp sinful moan that escaped you.

“Fuck, I gotta taste you.” He licked his lips, drawing circles on your clit - slick pooled around your entrance. “Shit. Can I taste you? Please, fuckin’ please.” He didn’t even recognize his own voice - it was pathetic.

“Javi, oh yes. Yes - ahhh!” He dove in, frantically licking around your slit, mapping all of you with his tongue. He memorized the spots that made your hips jerks and breath catch. The tangy taste tantalized his tongue and he snapped - smothering his face into your cunt with a depraved moan.

Your hands flew to grip at his hair, nails scratching at his scalp as he devoured you with his tongue. Babbling moans electrified his spine, pre-cum smearing his purpling tip. He never felt this - untamed - adrift in someone else’s pleasure.

He was about to burst. Unable to take the shame of cumming untouched, he fucked his own fist; hips bucking into the mattress.

“Holy - God. Are you - Are you touching yourself?” He peered up through your thighs with shameful - big - eyes and nodded into your pussy.

Your head dropped back with a lewd moan at his confession, and he buried himself further into your folds - growling. He was close. So so close. Sparks of pleasure shot up his spine, his pace quickened and with one final tug his hips jerked against the squeaky bed.

“Oh fuck - did you just -“ His eyes were pussy drunk, release dripping on his fingertips and stained on your comforter - the image sent you over the edge. He drank in every last drop - craving more.

Cum-covered fingers glided up your thigh - a mark that led to your belly. “You taste so good baby, so good,” he slipped his finger from your clit down your sensitive folds to tease your entrance. You mewled as the tip of his finger dipped inside, the needy sound shot straight to his cock - already twitching back to life.

He drew his finger back to admire the wetness in the lamp light, he hummed in approval and watching his thick digit slowly work in and out of your pussy - adding a second.

“Fuck, you’re tight,” he gritted - two fingers knuckle deep and circling your pulsing walls. “You think you can give me one more? Can you do that?”

Javier looked up, his heart stuttered - he’d never seen anything so beautiful. You were nodding eagerly, staring down at him with glossy bright eyes. There was no shame in your display, legs wide open and his gaze level with the most perfect pussy he’d ever seen. Your hips surged - impatient for more. But he didn’t give in. He flattened his palm on your stomach, pressing you into place as he spent his time admiring you - everything about you.

This time, he wanted to slow things down - worship you like he intended. The world outside disappeared between your thighs. He swirled your clit with his tongue, offering teasing and tender flicks here and there. Dragging his fingers languidly through your soaked walls - your pussy molded to him.

“More - more.” He obliged with a steady buildup. Lips latching to your clit with a suck that matched the pace of his hooked fingers.

“You’re so fucking wet. Fucking soaking my fingers.” Each word was accompanied by an audible thrust into your soaked cunt. You grabbed the back of his head, smothering his face into you; his guttural moan vibrated against your clit and you spun into a breathless chant of his name.

After working you through your orgasm, he stood with a pop and crack of his knees. The slight ache was worth it to see you blissed out and boneless on the bed. Your puffy folds shimmered with wetness and spit. In his tunnel-vision, he’d completely forgotten to discard your bra and lavish your tits. The thought had his hard cock twitching.

“Are you gonna fuck me?” The question snapped him from your body, to your face and he watched you shift to lay against the pillows - legs spread wide in an invitation. The visible strain of his cock made you smile.

“Do you want me to fuck you?” He asked, crawling on top of you. You handed him a condom from the nightstand.

“Mh-mmm. Do you wanna fuck me?”

Ripping the wrapper, he rolled the rubber on. “Of course, I do,” he whispered in your ear, and he heard you sharply inhale. He kissed your collarbone, over to your bra strap “but first, let’s get this off.” He thumbed the strap, and you quickly tore it off.

“Fuck,” he said - very eloquently - as he cupped your breast. With the soft, full flesh in his hand, he surged down and kissed you hard on the mouth - swallowing your pitiful moans as he teased your hardening bud.

His hips rocked, the tip of his cock sliding around your folds and bumping against your dripping pussy. You lifted your hips, catching the tip inside.

When he pulled back to look at you, your gaze pierced into him. He couldn’t remember if anyone looked at him like you did. So full of adoration - care - like he was delicate, precious and worthwhile. It physically pained him, the way it stirred something inside him - it was like his body was burning with you.

His cock delved further and further into your soaking wet heat, and he couldn’t get enough. It left him greedy. He wanted more. More of you. Or this.

You consumed him, legs wrapped around his waist and cupping his cheek and he gasped at the feeling. Every neuron in flames with you. He wondered if this was intimacy, true and raw and real.

Whatever it was, he was lost in it. Basking in every part of your skin. He kissed your face - cheeks, chin and jaw - down to your breasts; he lavished each nipple with attention, his forehead rubbing along the supple flesh. It was heaven, bliss at his fingertips.

Whispers of your name accompanied each thrust, spearing his cock into the spot that made you see stars. You clamped around him again, latching onto the base of his neck - holding him impossibly close - as you caressed the shell of his ear with praises mixed with his name.

It overwhelmed him; he felt like he was drowning in it all. Your words - the squeeze of your silken pussy - the finality of giving in. There it was. Three frightening words building in chest as his thrusts turned sloppy. They seared his throat, and he wanted to say them, but he lost them as he crushed his lips to your neck and groaned as his body erupted with a peak he never knew existed.

---

Your room was bathed in pale gray, the sun had yet to fully rise as you stirred awake. The warm tangle of limbs you fell asleep in was gone and you reached for it back. Only to find the other side of the bed empty and a stirring in the living room.

Something was off, there was a pit in your stomach as you swept around the warm empty side of the bed. You kicked off your covers and jumped out of bed.

He wouldn’t. He wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. Maybe he’s thirsty or was going to the bathroom.

Wrapped in a big puffy robe, you peeked around the doorframe. Your worst fear came true. He was hopping on one foot, putting his other shoe on, his pants still unzipped and shirt thrown over him - unbuttoned.

“Javi?” His name sounded different in the morning light compared to the darkness. You winced at the memory, at the small sound of your voice.

You caught that his back straightened immediately, like your voice sent a shiver down his spine. Suddenly, you felt self-conscious in his presence and you pulled the robe closer - not wanting him to see a hint of skin.

“Where’re you going?” He didn’t have to answer the question, it was written all over his face.

A/N: I'm sorry this took forever. Between overthinking it and being sick, it was not going hot. But I hope you liked it! Also, I tried to keep the kids topic open to interpretation since this is reader insert. Thank you again for reading!

Taglist: @seasonschange-butpeopledont @furious-rogue-stuff @catchallfangirl @honeyofthegods @athalien @peoniarose @phandoz @littlemisspascal @0celesteisthebest0 @hnt-escape @nymphwriting @adriiibell @snowqueen09 @whatodair @oliviajdjarin @iblogtopassthetime @paintlavillered @hotchlover @bruxasolta @southotheborder @kirsteng42

#pedro pascal #javier peña fanfiction #javier peña #javier peña x reader #javier pena x reader #javier pena #pedro pascal fanfiction #narcos fanfic #javier pena x f!reader #Javier Pena #Javier Peña

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kaiparker-avengerssmut · 4 years ago

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Their Doll 11

Silent scream

B.Barnes x Stark!Reader, S.Rogers x Stark!Reader

series synopsis: y/n Stark, all records of her non existent, and yet Hydra still find her. When she is kidnapped by a certain super-soldier and no one believes her, she finds herself searching for unexpected familiarity in her not-so-distant past.

Series Warnings: smut, violence, torture, swearing

Chapter Summary: y/n gets shut up

Warnings: mentions of violence, swearing

A/n: The timeline in this has been altered, as there I things I wanted to include but I also wanted this fic to follow the storyline/timeline of Winter Soldier and Civil war.So for purposes of this fanfic, Peter Parker was discovered by Tony at a much younger age - when he was bitten - and has been an intern with him since, almost like a protégée.(For the purposes of this story Peter was bitten much younger too - more like when he was 9 or ten rather than 14/15)

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

"Fuck you." I snapped, mustering all the saliva I could before spitting it at his face. He flinched back when it splattered over his cheek, his fingers swiping through the spittle before he was shaking it from them and standing back to his full height.

"It appears this one is never going to cooperate. If she won't give us information, why let our experimentations on her possibly...benefit the girl the the future?" The general spoke menacingly to the guards behind me. "How about way find a way to shut her up?"

My heat thudded so hard in my chest it was like someone was punching me from the inside, all air knocked from my lungs before I was being hoisted up to my feet again with two rough grips on my upper arms. My chest heaving, I coughed a ragged breath before composing myself. The glint of the silver blade in the corner of my vision sent my eyes bugging out of my skull and my mind into a flat panic.

So, I did what any rational person with my capabilities would do. I began to hum the deep melody - one a seldom sung - and a smirk crawled its way onto my now curved lips. Clearly, the general was prepared, but the two guards behind we weren't so lucky.

A desperate cry pierced my tune, harmonising with my voice as I heard the havoc I was causing. This was the first time I'd enjoyed a kill, the very first time I'd wanted to use my powers for such a horrific reason. I'd only ever used this part of my power a few times, but this was the only time I'd been fully lucid whilst doing so.

Some people want nothing more than to blow their enemies' brains out, and trust me when I tell you; It felt good.

However, luck was never on my side, and the General had come full prepared. He wasn't even affected, it must've been something to do with the funny earpiece he was wearing.

As my eyes met his, the General's face held non of the cocky, smug tones that I'd expect. No, the only word I could use to describe his old and crinkled features was pure ire, and it was directed at me.

"You conniving, vile little bitch!" He snarled, the flash of silver weeding a sense of utter and complete dread, tangled with fear inside of me, uprooting my confidence. I don't remember a lot after that, to tell you the truth. I know the blade sliced along my throat. I know everything was rained black. And that's about it.

...

Awakening with a gasp was the last thing I expected to happen. The sight of the blade risen in front of the general burned into my mind, almost as if it'd been scorned against my flesh. But here I was: awake, gasping for breath, completely surrounded by doctors I'd never seen before.

My hand instantly flew to my neck, a stinging sensation pulsing from the delicate skin. I hissed as my sweaty palm made contact with the bandage, the material corse and scratchy against my skin. As a doctor waddled over to me, needle in hand, I flailed desperately, a silent scream ripping from my throat.

Hang on a second-

Silent scream? I tried again, the shrill noise that should be tearing from me simply vanishing as it hit my throat. My eyes widened with the realisation, my bottom lip wobbling as I suddenly pieces together what had happened.

He said he'd have to shut me up, didn't he? The thought made me want to scream loudly, that the blade had touched my skin and left me with no defence.

They took away the hell they'd reigned upon me, something I'd wished I could be rid of for years, and now I was disappointed. Maybe this was their plan all along, that little voice in my head sang. The tears pricked at my eyes, which rolled back lazily as the scratch of the needle poked at my neck.

...

My calloused fingers ran over the cut tirelessly, trying to itch somewhere that I could never seem to find. I don't know how long I was sedated for, but since waking up the bleeding had stopped and there was now an offensive red line that slid horizontally across my neck.

Every time I touched it, it coaxed a wince from me, and yet that's all I seemed to do. It was like poking a bruise, I guess. The more it hurts the more you want to do it.

They'd returned me to my cell, clearly very little need for restraints against my weakened, starved and dehydrated body. I could see the flesh thinning on my arms, my ribs pressing painfully against my skin. Not only could I see the hunger, but I could feel it.

Manifesting, biting, gnawing hunger. The type that are you from inside out, devouring everything of you until the only thing you could think about was eating. Huh, I guess I was already at that stage then.

My eyes remained locked in place, glossy with the endless tears as I stared at the floor. If I really looked hard enough, the still wet blood smeared over the floors of the hallway resembled something close to strawberry jam. The thoughts of the sickly sweat substance spread over a perfectly toasted piece of bread, accompanied with a big glass of fresh orange juice and washed down by a large coffee made my mouth water. The booming rumble in my stomach made the groan, even more drawn out than expected when I remembered all I'd get to eat today: a small bread roll and a tiny glass of water.

Sadly, the sink in my cell did not contain drinking water. The liquid was so discoloured that I purposely avoided washing me hands, preferring to possible have my own germs coating my hands than whatever they were giving me. I'm not kicking you about, I genuinely think the water was filtered through a clump of fucking horse shit, mixed with fish guts and complimented with a hint of rotting fruit. If I could help it, I'd be dodging that water like the plague (if it didn't contain one already) for the rest of my life.

I'm not really sure why, but my head snapped up in surprise why the door sprang open, a single guard entering.

"The general requires your presence." He deadpanned, eyes cold as eyes and sharp as a knife as they stabbed through me. I wanted to fight back, stay glued to the spot and snap back some snarky remark, but in my current condition I almost couldn't bring myself to care where I was about to be taken, or why for that matter.

I stood without a word, silently following the man until we reached an unfamiliar metal door. I found it almost laughable, really, that they'd reduced my strength so much, that no one even considered putting me any sort of restraints anymore.

The door was pushed open with a child-like whine emitting from its rusty hinges, the metal scraping over the concrete floor painfully. The guard simply grabbed my arm before tugging me into the room, letting the door shut behind his with a hollow thunk.

"Ah, she has arrived!" The general's voice exclaimed, a deviant smile spreading over his thin lips. "And just in time to meet Mr Pierce, too." He said menacingly.

I felt embarrassed, exposed, stood before the room of men. My hair was a mess, tears streaking my reddened face, eyes puffy from crying and the only clothes a wore was a now-battered hospital gown. My eyes darted around nervously, trying to avoid the blonde man sat before me, chin resting in his palm as he surveyed me.

"Why is this one...important?" The man asked, eyeing me up and down before his eyes seemed to fixate on my neck. The scar.

"This," the general spoke, but Mr Pierce kept his eyes on me, "is Miss y/n Stark." Mr Pierce's eyes widened ever so slightly, but it was barely noticeable.

"As in Tony Stark?" Pierce pondered.

"The very same." The general smirked.

"She seems awfully...quiet, for a Stark." Pierce said with almost a hint of disgust, eyes still glued to my shaking frame.

"That's because we shut her up." The general snapped, awfully harshly.

"Is that the scar? How fresh is it?" Pierce jabbed his questions, curiosity clearly becoming him in the moment.

"Indeed. Our doctors here are very good, Sir. They had her all patched up and out of bandages in just three days." The general bragged, shoulders back and head held high as if he was posing for a portrait.

"I see." Pierce mused, brows furrowed in thought. "What do you plan to do with her? Now that she can't tell you anything?"

"Oh, trust me, sir. She wasn't giving anything up either way," he paused, striding over to me and yanking my head back with a fistful of hair, my back mow pressed to his chest and his mouth at my ear, "isn't that right, sweetheart?"he clarified, and I didn't hesitate to nod my head as much as his grip would allow.

"So why isn't she dead?" Pierce gritted, seemingly annoyed. "It's not like Tony's attached to her, he never looked for her and I've never even heard him mention her."

"But then they'll keep coming. I don't want the avengers on my back, and I'm sure you don't either." Pierce hummed in agreement. "She's with them - her and that Captain America guy arrived together - so why not use her to send a message?" The general suggested.

...

That's how I found myself tied up, wrists bound and gun to my head as I sat shakily in a chair in the middle of the quinjet. I had no clue how long I'd been since that day, but I do know that I had been sedated once again. The flimsy hospital gown allowed a shiver to chill me, skin forming goosebumps as I sat before the open door or the quinjet.

"You will tell them exactly as I just did. Got it?" The general pressed, pushing the gun into my head hard enough to make by head throb. Tears biting at my eyes, I nodded furiously, now determined to live with the promise of being free again. "Good. Soldat, make sure she gets back to New York without being seen, I'd hate to have to spill more blood than we intended." The general demanded, a figure rustling its way out of the shadows at the edge of the room. A gasp tore from my throat at the sight of him - clad in black leather and arm as silver as the moon. The soldier - my soldier.

But he simple stared through me, eyes blank and clouded in a coldness I'd never had directed at me from him before.

"And make sure you don't fail this time, soldat." The general snapped. The soldier nodded solemnly, the echoing of boots thudding filling both their ears as the general walked off the ship.

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writinggarbage007 · 4 years ago

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The Captain’s Assistant

Chapter 12

Steve Rogers x dark! reader, Avengers x dark! Reader

Summary: After 3 years as Cap's assistant and being treated like nothing, you are captured by Hydra and everything changes.

Warnings: swearing, dark themes, abduction, torture, cannon level violence, theft, bank robbery, manipulating people,

Slight AU

Steve wakes slowly. The soft bed is warm as he reaches over to put his arm around you. When he's met with cool sheets he sits up, looking around.

His eyes fall on the note with his name scrawled across it. He hopes it says you went to get coffee or make breakfast.

His hopes are dashes by the words he reads. The ink slightly smudged as if you were crying. It makes his heart jolt in his chest. Why didn't you wake him?

He didn't know how to start searching for you. You could hide and be standing right in front of him.

It read:

Steve,

I'm so sorry for leaving. I was trying to think of a way to explain to you what is going on with me but I feel the darkness growing. I was laying here thinking I didn't want it to consume you too. I don't want to hurt you.

Love,

Y/N

Jumping from the bed he called out to Friday with no response. He had forgotten that Tony didn't monitor you. Grabbing his phone from his pants pocket he called Bucky.

"What?" Bucky answered, his voice rough with sleep.

"I need the team at the tower. As soon as possible. I'm going to wake Tony. Move your ass." Steve said and Bucky was heard grumbling to someone.

"I'll be back as soon as I can baby doll."he said to the girl in his bed. The fact that it had been the same one for almost 6 months was an accomplishment.

"I'm getting the team. What are we doing?" Bucky asks Steve as he pulls on pants, his phone tucked between his shoulder and head.

"I spent the night with Y/N. She's gone. I need her back Buck." Steve says, sounding devastated.

"I'm on my way to get the team. We'll be there in a couple of hours. Try to stay calm. Tony can track her phone." Bucky says as he puts on his shoes.

When Steve hangs up the phone he dresses and looks around your room. There were some clothes in the closet and some books and papers but your phone was gone. He leaves the room calling for Friday to wake Tony.

Walking by the kitchen his heart drops. Your phone is laying on the counter as if you left it as an afterthought. When he gets to the lab, Tony is already pulling up maps and looking for CCTV he can hijack.

"What did you do to our girl, Cap?" Tony asks typing away on his phone without looking up.

"My girl, Stark. She's my girl." Steve says with venom, handing Tony your note.

"I wondered why she was robbing banks,"Tony said with a smirk. The stunned look on Steve's face made him chuckle.

"What are you talking about?" Steve asked pacing around the room.

"Banks all over the city have been reporting money going missing. I thought it was strange so I correlated the data of when her pass was used to leave and enter the building, searched her room while she was out and voila. She was robbing banks. She's perfect for it really." Tony said with a hint of admiration.

Steve's mind was whirling. You had never done anything like this. What the hell was happening.

100 miles away:

You pulled over at a discount store and bought a burner phone. The car you were driving was surprisingly getting you further away than you thought it would. You had been heading south, so you continued on to the west. No patterns to where you turned or where you went.

You made sure to be seen on camera in Western Pennsylvania and pulled out of the parking lot to the west but when you got out of the town you turned south again to West Virginia.

Finding a pickup truck for sale in Wheeling, West Virginia you bought it with cash and ditched your car. You had "borrowed" an ID from a friend so you continued south with the truck in her name the next morning.

You made it to southwest Virginia within 5 days, careful to avoid being seen on cameras. You returned to the house Tony found you in when you had been taken by Hydra.

You had purchased it from the county tax office weeks after you were "rescued" using an account set up for a corporation that didn't exist. Set up by your invisible ass on a bank computer with phony tax numbers and addresses. Let's see Earth's mightiest heroes figure that out. You smiled to yourself. The "corporation" had hired a handyman to fix the place up and get it habitable for the CEO and his wife to use as a retreat.

They would be sending a caretaker to oversee the place. Aka:YOU.

It would make the perfect hideaway. It was also within 10 hours of about 15 cities. Can't rob banks close to home. Friday picked up on patterns like that. And a few days of travel can be good for you. Wouldn't want to get bored.

You check the surrounding area. The security needed to be upgraded but you've got time. The panic room had been built and the handyman sworn to secrecy. Not that you really needed it but ya never know.

You had sent an email to Fury telling him you were going away. Your father's rejection mixed with Natasha's suspicion had worn you down to the point you didn't want to be around the team. You promised to contact him in a few weeks. You could do that from anywhere.

The best part was it was sent from your phone. Tony and Steve would find it. You wondered how long it had taken Tony to figure out the banks. You guessed at least a month.

You knew how everyone would react to the news that you were gone again, and it was partially Natasha's fault.

Clint would remind her of her past

Tony would make a sarcastic comment about how she pushed you out and spend his days and nights in the lab searching for anything he could find.

Bucky would just sigh and go back to looking for you. Calling his girlfriend every few hours to update her even though she didn't know you.

Sam would be the one to point out the bank robbery was a way for you to get money to get away.

Wanda would be sympathetic to you. She knew what it was like to live under suspicion.

Natasha would be pissed that you had run off before she could find out what was going on. She would be defensive of her need to protect the team from you.

But Steve's reaction would be the best part.

His jaw would clench and he would start lecturing her pacing around, calling her Romanoff instead of Natasha or Nat. He would then give her the silent treatment or clipped one word answers to anything she addressed to him.

As you settled into your newly furnished house you laughed out loud. You may not cause another Civil War, but you were damn sure going to give them something to think about. Drama queens, one and all.

You almost wish you had bugged the conference room and Tony's lab. Three years you danced to their tune. Now they could dance to yours. You had fuckery to spread.

#steve x reader #captain america #steve rogers x reader #avengers x reader #the avengers #dark reader

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dwellordream · 3 years ago

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personally i really liked berena and did not read her as lacking agency or wishy washy unlike some of your other readers! to me she read as woman who was simply not very adept at playing "the game" and at times did not know how she could assert her authority as lady lannister, which i identified with and sympathized with because while i am a people person like berena, i suck at interpersonal "politics" and am not very good at manipulating situations or people to get what i want even when i have relative authority in a situation because 1) it doesn't come naturally to me and 2) i don't like it. i think her not knowing necessarily how to wield her "lady lannister" authority is also realistic because like lyanna she did not have a mother or a septa to school her in the finer points of moving through the world as a noblewoman (this is shitty phrasing but i can't think of how else to word this right now), and it seems that rickard stark didn't really think to train his daughters in that area either or even know how to. berena didn't have a noble lady in her life to watch and model herself on- unlike nell, who had a very proactive role model in barbrey, who doesn't hesitate to use her authority, is eager to play "the game," and encouraged nell to adopt a similar mindset. berena definitely isn't a perfectly written character but i think she's better developed than you give yourself credit for.

Thank you, that's very kind. But the Wolf is one of my most popular fics and was my first 'big' ASOIAF fic that got a wide audience very quickly and to be honest I was not in a great mental headspace while writing it and was dealing with a lot of anxiety at the time. It got to the point where I felt a lot of bitterness and resentment while writing it because it ended up making me miserable.

And one commenter in particular leaving a slew of comments every chapter (for 15+ chapters in a row) ripping the fic apart and telling me how horribly written it was did not help. Obviously I am fine with constructive criticism, but I think it crosses the border into 'just shitting on someone' when you are reading something you actively hate just so you can rant about it in the comments.

I still cannot bring myself to reread it and while my writing has obviously come a long way since then, it still bugs me from time to time. I didn't like ending it on a cliffhanger but at the time I was so exhausted and fed up that it was the best option. It had gotten to the point where I would post a chapter and be incredibly tense and restless waiting for comments and bracing myself for bad reactions.

#ask #anon #but the wolf

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avengerscompound · 4 years ago

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The Tower: Family - 15

The Tower: Family An Avengers Fanfic

Series Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Pairing: Avengers x OFC, Bruce Banner x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff x Tony Stark x Thor x Sam Wilson x OFC (Elly Cooper)

Word Count: 1841

Warnings: Pregnancy

Synopsis: With new powers, Thor now living on Earth full time, a wedding to plan, and Natasha and Wanda expecting, a lot is changing for Elly and her large and rather unconventional family. When Elise’s parents try to reestablish connections, Elly questions what being a family actually means.

Chapter 15: First Day

“El, honey, time to get up.”

It took a moment for Steve’s words to seep through into my sleeping mind and when they did I became more aware of my nausea than of the sun coming through the window, how cozy and warm I was, or the press of Steve’s lips against my forehead and the touch of his hand on my arm.

I squeezed my eyes tight and curled up into a ball groaning.

“I know, sweetheart,” he soothed, rubbing my arm. “Everyone is up and eating breakfast. Do you want me to help you to the bathroom?”

I nodded my head a little and he scooped me into his arms and carried me to the bathroom. “You gonna throw up?” He asked.

I nodded and he placed me on my feet in front of the toilet. I stood staring at it for a moment as he gathered my hair back and rubbed my back soothingly. My stomach churned and I dropped to my knees and heaved into the toilet bowl, emptying my stomach. Steve stayed with me, rubbing my back and holding my hair off my face. When it seemed like my stomach was empty he flushed and helped me to my feet.

“Here’s your nausea medication,” he said, taking the lid of a bottle. I held out my hand and he shook a pill out into my palm and poured me a glass of water. As I took it he turned on the shower.

“Alright, sweetheart,” he said, pressing another kiss to my forehead. “Take a shower and get dressed. We’ll have toast and your vitamins ready for you so we can take the kids to school.”

“Thank you, Steve,” I mumbled.

“Of course, honey,” he said. “We don’t want you to miss this.”

He left the room and I showered as quickly as I could. When I was done, I dressed in a simple dress and braided my hair before heading downstairs.

“Mommy!” The twins squealed, running over to me and slamming into my legs. They were wearing matching blue gingham shirts and dark blue shorts. Riley had her hair in pigtails, while Pietro’s sat in wide curls.

“You dotta hurry, mommy,” Pietro said.

“We dotta doe to schoowl,” Riley added.

“I know, babies,” I said. “We can go.”

“Come drink some ginger tea and eat some toast,” Natasha said. “We have time.”

“Mama,” Riley whined. “We wanna doe.”

Natasha started laughing. “Riley,” she whined back. “You have to be patient.”

I chuckled and took a seat, and took my vitamins as I sipped the ginger tea Wanda had poured for me.

“How are you feeling this morning?” Bruce asked.

“Getting there,” I said. “Pills have started kicking in, so that’s good.”

He rubbed my back with one large hand and I smiled at him. “You’re going to be very popular at the school.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I considered pushing into just Bruce so I wouldn’t draw attention, and you know, maybe I’d fit through the door easier. But Hulk wants to be there.”

“Yeah, I’m not surprised,” I said and finished my piece of toast.

“Weddy now?” Riley asked.

“Yeah, bug,” I said. “I’m ready.”

“Alright, family,” Steve said, getting up and moving the puppies into their playpen. “Assemble.”

We all got up and went to the elevator riding it down to the lobby. We left through the back entrance and Natasha engaged her powers, cloaking our very large group as we walked to their preschool. Wanda used her powers to make sure no one accidentally walked into any of us. Riley and Pietro were buzzing the whole way there, babbling happily about making friends and reading books.

When we arrived, Natasha lowered the cloak surrounding us and we checked them in. We immediately started drawing looks. Even the staff who had been prepared for our arrival kept glancing over. It was easy to tell that the parents in the halls were holding their kids back from approaching us. That all went out the window when we entered the twin’s classroom.

It was full of kids with their parents doing various activities. Some were looking for their desks, some were reading in the corner on the comfortable couches, some were hanging up backpacks, and some parents were soothing their crying children and assuring them they’d have fun.

When Steve and Tony entered the room some kids looked over. They all wrinkled their brows like they were trying to work out how they knew the two men at the front of the group. When Thor came in, more kids looked over and understanding started to dawn on some of the kids and a couple made happy squeak sounds. It wasn’t until Bruce ducked through the door that they all broke.

They all squealed and ran over, little groups of kids choosing their favorite Avengers to speak to. They all crouched down to get on the level with the kids as they were inundated with questions from the class. Riley and Pietro looked confused and Pietro ran over to my side and tugged on my hand. “Mommy…” he whined.

I picked him up as the headteacher approached. “Hello!” She said warmly, extending her hand to me. “I’m Alicia. You must be Elise.”

“Yes,” I said, shaking her hand. “Sorry about the chaos. We all wanted to see them off.”

“It’s fine. The first day is always a little chaotic, and this gives them all something exciting,” she said. “And who are you?”

Pietro hid his head in my chest and Riley grabbed my free hand and began tugging on it. “I don’t think they’ve seen their parents get mobbed by fans before,” I said.

“Plus I’m a new person,” Alicia added.

“This is Pietro,” I said, bouncing Pietro on my hip. “Piet, this is your teacher, Alicia.”

“Hello, Pietro, welcome to the class,” she said, before crouching down to Riley. “And I bet your name is Riley.”

“It is!” She squeaked, like her teacher had just done a particularly amazing magic trick.

“How about you two find your bag pegs and your desks?” Alicia suggested.

“Daddy…” Pietro whined, looking back at the group of kids who were swarming around the others. Clint managed to pull himself out of the pack and took Pietro from me.

“I got you, buddy,” he said. Pietro scrambled up onto Clint’s shoulders and we took the twins into the nook that had the kids bags.

“Why dose kids do dat?” Pietro asked as Riley tried to find her name.

“Well,” Clint said, and looked over at me, with his helpless puppy expression.

“Remember when we were on Asgard and everyone knew who you were and they were very nice to you?” I asked.

“Yeah, dey cawled me a pwince,” Pietro said.

“Well, it’s a bit like that. Mamma, Daj, and all your daddy’s are very well known because they go out and save the world all the time. People like them. Especially kids. So the kids are all just excited to see them because they like them so much and they’ve never seen them before,” I explained. “You’re gonna see some will have pictures of them on their bags and lunch boxes.”

“Pied!” Riley called. “Wook - dares daddy Steeb.”

Pietro began to wiggle down and Clint put him on the floor and the twins went from looking for their pegs to looking for their parents’ pictures on the other kid’s bags. In the end, they found two daddy Steves, three daddy Tonys, a daddy Bruce, a daddy Thor, Two mamas, one Daj, and a daddy Sam.

“Aww, man, no me,” Clint complained.

“Well there’s no me either,” I said, nudging him. “Or Bucky.”

“Damn, poor Buck,” Clint said.

I shrugged and looked out through the door. “He’s got a bunch of kids looking at his arm. I bet tomorrow there will be a tonne of Winter Soldier Merch. Plus you’re all gonna be invited to every kid’s birthday party now.”

“Sweet,” Clint said. “I love cupcakes.”

“Mommy, how come day don’t tawk to you?” Riley asked.

“Oh,” I said. “I’m not an Avenger. That’s all. I never did any saving the world.”

“Well, that’s not technically true,” Clint corrected. “Your mommy definitely did. But we kept it a secret. So the kids don’t know her.”

“Oh…” Riley said, putting her finger to her mouth. “Is a secwet.”

I laughed and rubbed her back. “Did you find your peg?”

Riley bounced over to the peg with her name on it. “Hewr.”

“Hang up your bag then, bug,” Clint said.

Both Pietro and Riley hung their bag up and we went back into the main classroom. “Alright, class!” Alicia called. “Let’s all go to the story area and we’ll do some introductions.”

All the kids reluctantly pulled themselves away from the Avengers and took seats on the couch and little cushions in the reading area, while the parents stood around the area. Alicia took a seat in the sofa chair.

“Everyone’s moms and dads will be going home or to work soon and they’ll come back at the end of the day. We’ll play an introduction game when they’ve gone,” Alicia explained. “But there’s a special situation today. You’ve all been talking to the Avengers, haven’t we? Do you know why they’re here?”

Pietro and Riley started bouncing up and down on their cushions and Pietro put up his hand. Alicia laughed. “Yes, I know you two know,” she said. “You see everyone, Riley and Pietro have seven daddies and three mommies.” There was a group gasp around the room. None of the parents really reacted in surprise. The news that we were in a ten-person polyamorous relationship was old now. It was probably more of a shock just seeing Steve walk into the room in the first place.

“So you’re going to see them all around a lot more, just remember they’re here because they’re Riley and Pietro’s mommies and daddies. You need to remember how when you’re tired or upset you might want to go straight to your parents. Riley and Pietro might need that too, and even though you might want to talk to Iron Man, he might just need to cuddle with Riley and Pietro or take them home.”

“Did any of you kids have any questions?” Steve asked.

There was a little while where the kids asked questions. There were a couple related to how a kid could have ten parents but most were just questions about the Avengers or asking them for hugs. It was pretty cute and eventually, Alicia called for the last questions. All the kids said goodbye to their parents and we were all shuffled back out of the room.

“You think they’re gonna be okay?” Bruce asked, looking back over his shoulder.

“They will be fine,” Thor said. “I am sure we will all be regaled with stories when we retrieve them.”

“Now,” Sam said, wrapping his arm around Steve’s waist. “We have four hours with no kids. What trouble shall we get up to?”

// NEXT

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hale-13 · 4 years ago

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Works Master List

Find All The Links to AO3 Stories Below :)

(Updated June 30 2021)

Spider-Man

Collections

2020 Whump Bingo (25 Works)

Camisado (Apologizing Before They Pass Out)

A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (Becoming Giggly From Blood Loss or High Fever)

Death of a Bachelor (Touching Clothing and Hand Comes Away Bloody)

Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time (Moving in a Way That Causes Pain and Tensing Up Against It)

This Isn’t The Worst Thing You’ve Seen Me Do (Chugging Caffeine to Try and Fight the Inevitable Crash)

Lie of Omission (Touching Their Head and Feeling Their Own Temperature Rise)

Homeostasis (Shivering Long After Everyone Else Has Stopped)

Vent Your Spleen (Breathing Hard to Concentrate Through the Pain)

Brain Fog (Becoming Unusually Clumsy and Fumbling Simple Tasks)

Idiopathic (Spacing Out in the Middle of a Conversation and Needing to Regain Focus)

According to Plan (Free Space!)

Ripped to Shreds (Collapsing or Falling Asleep and Looking Far Younger)

Night Terrors (Scared or Ashamed Because of Their Nightmares)

Type and Cross (Head Lolling as They No Longer Have the Strength to Hold it Up)

Bronchioles (Trying to Communicate Even Though They Can Only Speak a Few Words at a Time)

Nuclear (Another Character Spots their Hands Shaking so They Hide Them)

Failure to Thrive (Looking Unusually Ruffled, Hair Messed Up, Bags Under Eyes)

Transverse (A Helpless Look Right Before They Collapse)

Aura (Needing to Pause to Close Their Eyes Because They’re Light-Headed/Exhausted/Headache)

Resuscitated (Staggering/Walking Gracelessly Before They Can Catch Themselves)

Hyponatremia (Making Excuses to Linger Because They Don’t Want to be Alone)

Amygdala (Trying to be Subtle While Leaning Against Objects to Stay Upright)

Vonnegut (Voice Hitching as They Speak)

The Softest of Endings (Dozing When They Shouldn’t - Startled Awake)

Summer of Whump 2021 (COMPLETE)

Triple Axel (Day 1 - Freezing) AO3

Enterobacter (Day 2 - Food Poisoning) AO3

Submersion (Day 3 - Drowning) AO3

Slipping Through the Cracks (Day 5 - Broken) AO3

Hold Onto the Faith as I Dig Another Grave (Day 6 - Buried) AO3

Ultraviolet (Day 7 - Sunburn) AO3

Ulcerated (Day 8 - Force Feeding) AO3

Euarthropoda (Day 9 - Bugs) AO3

Caved In (Day 10 - Trapped) AO3

Hold Fasts (Day 11 - Whipping) AO3

Caliber (Day 12 - Death) AO3

In The Atmosphere (Day 13 - Sacrificed) AO3

Violation of Order (Day 14 - Hair Grabbing) AO3

Better Together (Day 15 - Sleep Deprivation) AO3

Conditioned (Day 16 - Hair Washing) AO3

Shackled (Day 17 - Collared) AO3

Syncope (Day 18 - Collapse) AO3

Scare Tactics (Day 19 - Fear) AO3

Zero Days Without Incident (Day 20 - Defiance) AO3

Dazed and Confused (Day 21 - Panic) AO3

Five Stages (Day 22 - Grief) AO3

Febrile (Day 23 - Sick) AO3

En Pointe (Day 24 - Stitches) AO3

Detached (Day 25 - Isolation) AO3

Strangulated (Day 26 - Asphyxiation) AO3

Trapezius (Day 27 - Injured) AO3

State of Grace (Day 28 - Display) AO3

Airway (Day 29 - Control) AO3

Engulfed (Day 30 - Crying) AO3

One Shots

I’m Not Scared (of the dark) (Complete 8/14/20)

(Not my best work fyi - and I kinda hate it - but it was my first so I felt guilty not including it...)

Peter is just so tired. The world is too loud, his head is too full. Maybe his coping mechanism to keep things quiet and calm isn’t the most well adjusted but Mr. Stark is dealing with the fallout from the Accords and he can’t inconvenience anyone anymore.

Chaptered Works - Completed

We Can’t Have Faith For Everybody (10 Chapters, Complete 5/1/21)

It starts like this:

MJ and Flash, hands cuffed to each other and Peter, wrists and ankles held to the wall by thick metal cuffs and dangling in a way that’s surely to leave his shoulders aching.

The first week Peter, verbally, gives as good as he gets. He never lashes out physically and always does what their captors want the first time they ask. He still spends most of his time that he is in the cell chained uncomfortably to the wall. After the first week someone, apparently, decides that Peter is weak enough from the constant abuse and malnourishment that he is no longer chained up after his sessions; just dropped unceremoniously onto the dirty floor and left for MJ and Flash to care for.

Chaptered Works - In Progress (Coming Soon)

When the Dust Settles (? Chapters, Publishing in Oct/Nov)

#masterlist #ao3 masterlist #read on ao3 #spider man #irondad and spiderson

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hazel-writes · 4 years ago

Text

Summary: You arrive on the Finalizer and are faced with a not-so-warm welcome.

Notes: Hey y’all! This fic was originally posted on AO3, so the pre-chapter notes here on Tumblr will be a bit different. Just a heads up, I am still in the process of re-working the first half of this fic so that it is up to par with the second half. The chapters get progressively longer and better as you go on, so hang in there!

Word Count: 1,700

Warnings: none :)

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

Say, it's only a paper moon

Sailing over a cardboard sea

But it wouldn't be make-believe

If you believed in me

• It’s Only a Paper Moon ~ Ella Fitzgerald •

This couldn’t be the same sky I’ve looked up at all these years.

But you knew it was… and that terrified you.

Your footsteps were silent as you hesitantly made your way down the metal ramp of the small, gray shuttle that led the glistening black floors of one of the most feared ships in the galaxy: The Finalizer.

Massive windows revealed an endless expanse of space before you, and you couldn't help but stare in awe. It was strange seeing the sky like this — no sun or clouds present — all of the stars unobscured in an abyss of utter blackness. They always seemed two dimensional back on Lothal, thin as the parchment you used to sketch them on. The stars, planets, moons — they only existed on paper.

Until Now.

Here they were, spread across your vision, permeating your senses from all sides. You looked around to see if anyone else was having a similar reaction to the speckled darkness that surrounded you.

Nope, guess it’s just me then.

You shifted your focus down to your feet: your shoes, which were a natural earthy brown, stood out against the inky floor. The artificial lighting strained your eyes and you found yourself missing the natural sunlight that warmed your body back home. Here everything felt constricted, claustrophobic. And what bothered you the most was that everyone else seemed complacent, comfortable even, in the sterile box that was the Finalizer.

You finally forced yourself to focus back on the moment at hand. A uniformed woman approached you. She had a long, sculpted face with black hair pulled into a tight bun at the base of her neck.

“Welcome to the Finalizer,” she stated, with no inflection at all. “I will be showing you to your accommodation, where you will be further briefed on the terms and conditions of your stay here with the First Order.”

The way she said ‘terms and conditions’ made it seem like you were signing away something worth a whole lot more than just a temporary internship.

The woman, who you secretly nicknamed Ms. Stoney in reference to her cold, hard stare, led you down a series of hallways, each one identical in nature. You found yourself lost after the first few turns and made a mental note to pay more attention to the directions the woman was giving you.

Eventually, you found yourself in a hallway with six identical doors. Ms. Stoney pointed to the one on the right side at the very end of the hall.

“That is yours,” she solemnly directed. “You will find further instruction posted to the inside of your door. Until you are given orders to do so, don't travel about the ship, contact anyone outside of the ship, or speak to others without direct permission.”

Just then, a stromtrooper turned the corner to walk down the hallway you and Ms. Stoney were standing in. As he walked by, he nodded in acknowledgement.

"Hey!" you said, responding to the polite gesture eagerly; you were desperate for some normal human interaction.

Ms. Stoney whipped her head towards you in a piercing glare.

“Oh, sorry… I forgot.” You smiled sheepishly at her, bringing your shoulders up towards your ears. Back on Lothal, your father would always tell you how important first impressions were. You could almost hear him sigh from all the way across the galaxy.

The woman rolled her eyes with a huff. “Do you have any immediate questions?”

Finally, you thought. Your brain had been buzzing with questions ever since you arrived. Where would you be working? Who would you be working with? Why was it so kriffing cold on this ship? From the looks of it, the Order wasn't short on credits or resources, so you'd think they would be able to acquire a heating unit or two, right?

“Yes, actuall-” you started, eager to acquire some answers, but not before being interrupted again.

“Great, you can ask General Hux them when you meet him later this afternoon. I’m sure he will be happy to help." In the meantime, stay in your room. Your luggage will be brought in shortly.”

And with that, she spun on her heel, briskly walking away from you like a protocol droid, minus the good manners.

You stood there in silence and sighed. You were used to dealing with unfriendly people back home. Oftentimes your dad would have to accommodate for the occasional unfriendly customer at the shop where he sold his paintings and you would carefully watch how he handled each situation. He never raised his voice and always made sure to return a scowl with a smile. Not expecting such a response, the customer’s reaction was always the same: a flustered scoff and a frustrated beeline towards the nearest door. You adopted this method of effectively handling difficult people in your own life, this moment with Ms. Stoney included.

Who knew that a basic gesture of human kindness — one as simple as a smile — could have such a large impact?

Apparently not even you.

—————————————

You inhaled a deep breath and opened the door to your new room. It was small and cold. You didn’t mind the size; you were used to that back home. You did, however, mind the temperature, which made you to shiver and pull your sleeves over your hands. The black, windowless walls of the room made you feel even more claustrophobic than you were in the hangar. There were only a few items of furniture in the room: a surprisingly large bed, a sleek black desk, and an armchair that looked like the cause of some major future back pain.

You spotted two doors, one that led to a small refresher, and the other to a closet. Upon further inspection of the closet, you found it filled with pristine black and grey attire. A twinge of homesickness pierced your heart as you thought back to the light, comfortably rugged clothes you had grown accustomed to on Lothal.

Maybe this was a mistake…

You looked back at the entrance to your room before remembering what Ms. Stoney had told you: You will find further instruction posted to the inside of your door.

As you moved closer, you found two sheets of paper taped to the door. On one was a map of the Finalizer, and on the other was a list of the week’s “activities”. You looked closely at the rest of the schedule for the day and found three things written:

6:00 - Dinner is served in the cafeteria

7:30 - Collect ID from Block D Reception

8:30 - Meet with General Hux to receive further instruction regarding your internship

Items one and two on the list could be accomplished easily enough… But number three?

That made you nervous.

————————————

The hours passed too quickly and you found yourself staring, eyes full of dread, at a clock reading 8:15.

What was this meeting with General Hux about, anyways? I wasn’t prepared for this… not on my first day at least.

You thought back to when Ms. Stoney told you how happy General Hux would be to answer all your questions. There was something in her tone of voice that made it seem like he would be the exact opposite.

Oh well. You took a deep breath. I’ll do my best, try to act professional, and, if all else fails, simply try to smile in the face of terror.

You changed into a black turtleneck and gray trousers, tied your hair into a bun not nearly as tight as Ms. Stoney’s, and readjusted the braided bracelet on your wrist — a gift from your best friend, Cheyenne, who was back on Lothal.

With a deep sigh, shoulder roll, and a quick tip of your head, you walked out of your room and into the adjacent hallway. Studying the map that was provided to you, you began your trek to the General’s office.

As you navigated the seemingly endless hallways of the Finalizer, you passed a menagerie of stormtroopers, officers, and droids. The atmosphere was rigid and brisk — everyone seemed to have an urgent purpose, an important life-or-death matter to attend to.

It was a stark contrast to the slow, free-flowing lifestyle of Lothal; most people there recognized that with each new day came new challenges, making life unpredictable. But instead of responding to this uncertainty by attempting to control the uncontrollable, Lothalians tended to adapt, mold themselves to accommodate any given situation. They were humble this way.

And here, where change was seen as something that challenged the draconian stability of the First Order, you came to learn that the malleable lifestyle you grew so accustomed to on Lothal was considered the equivalent of a death sentence here on the Finalizer.

You re-emerged from your thoughts and found yourself nearing your destination. You rounded a corner, checking over the map you were provided with a furrowed brow.

As you attempted to concentrate on the various lines and names written on the small piece of paper, a strange feeling washed over you. It started as a small shiver, before turning into a slight prickle at the back of your neck. You swatted your hand behind you, thinking a small bug landed on you, only to remember that you were on a spaceship far above any planet where bugs would be located. You shook your head, trying to concentrate harder on deciphering the map, only to have the prickling become more intense, almost invasive.

Kriff, am I going insane?

The not-so-friendly tingle intensified enough that you decided to turn and face the invisible menace that seemed to creep its way up your spine. You moved so abruptly that a few passing stormtroopers tilted their heads towards you in curiosity.

Embarrassed at your moment of irritation and confusion, you averted your eyes and started to turn your head back in the other direction — but before you could, something caught your attention.

Or rather, someone.

——————————

Masterlist || Next

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cutie1365 · 6 years ago

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A Kid from Queens Part 12

Pairing: Peter Parker x Stark!Reader

Info: CA: Civil War Era. Tony Stark enlists his daughter to find the web slinging spider in Queens.

Word count: 3k

Warnings: language, some serious pent up sexual tension, definitely PG13

(no Far From Home spoilers)

A/N: I mapped out this chapter and as I started writing, I realized I would have about 6,000 words so I just split it into two. Enjoy ;)

Masterlist linked in my bio. Taglist in the reblog.

- - - - - 🕷 - - - - -

“F.R.I, activate Nightcap Protocol.” You instructed the AI with your arms crossed as you made your way to the couch.

Your windows glazed over, so no one could see in. Some privacy and security shields, if you will, to prevent the past from repeating itself. Like your true self, you were invisible to the outside world. Inside you didn’t have to hide or pretend; you were safe.

“You need to ice those...” Peter spoke, breaking the silence.

“What?” You asked gently, scrunching your brows together.

“Your knuckles, you need to ice them. They’re bleeding and they’re going to swell if you don’t ice them...“ Peter navigates through the new kitchen, wrapping some ice in a cloth before approaching you. He gently lays the makeshift ice pack onto them.

You look up to him with guilty eyes when you realize he’s still holding onto your hands.

“I don’t know what to say Peter, I thought I’d figure it out on the walk from the balcony to here, but I still don’t know what to say.” You hung your head again, your voice faltering.

“You don’t have to say anything.” Peter reassured you, taking a seat next to you.

You didn’t understand why he was being so kind to you, especially considering your last conversation with him. Your head had pushed him away, but your heart was grasping for anything left to hold onto.

“You deserve an explanation.” You admitted.

“I know why you did it, all of it. You don’t have to put yourself through this for me.” Peter tried to convince you, but you shook your head.

How could he be so understanding? How could you hurt him, and he still looks for a reason to redeem you? To excuse your actions? To find some greater meaning to all of it... the only conclusion you could think of was that he really didn’t want to let you go.

“I do Peter! Because if you get hurt or your identity is compromised, that’s on me!” You yelled, pushing the ice off your hands as you motioned between the two of you.

“Can’t you see? I never had a normal childhood and I can’t change that. But you still have that luxury. When you’re not swinging around Queens in a multi-million dollar suit, you can be normal. You can go out with friends, you can see a movie. Whatever normal people do; you can do that. Just because I’ll never get that chance doesn’t mean I’m gonna sit by and watch while it’s stolen from you.” You tried to explain.

“What if I don’t want to be normal?” Peter asked, but that wasn’t exactly what he meant.

What he wanted to say was how he would never truly be normal again after you. You had accepted him into your crazy life, and ruined him for the ‘normal world’. It was as if he’d experienced a touch of the heavens when he was with you, and he knew if he went back nothing could ever compare to the way you had made him feel.

“Trust me, you don’t want this.” You scoffed, motioning around you, implying the shit storm that has now become your life.

You were like a bad omen. Chaos followed behind you everywhere you went, and you were worried that you were going to be the reason someone got hurt. Seriously hurt. And you were not going to let that person be Peter Benjamin Parker.

“Keep that ice on, Y/N.” Peter said calmly.

“Fuck my knuckles, Peter!” You shouted, standing up off the couch.

“No! Alright because you are so worried about everyone around you that you won’t even take care of yourself!” Peter yelled back, standing to match you. His words shocked you, because deep down you knew he was right.

“This is bigger than me, Peter! This is bigger than both of us!” You raised your voice again.

“What are you talking about?” Peter shook his head in confusion, his tone was still argumentative. You realized you had dug yourself into a hole, and he wouldn’t rest, understandably, until he had answers.

You took a deep breath and a pause, sitting back down onto the arm of your couch.

“I was warned before the gala.” You confessed.

“What? Why didn’t you say anything?” Peter asked worriedly, moving to stand in front of you.

“I was still trying to figure it out. The mayor, he’s in deep. Some sort of illegal weapons dealings. I don’t know. But I know that the people he’s tangled up with aren’t afraid of collateral damage. What if they come for you, because of me? More people are going to get hurt if I don’t get to the bottom of this.” You tried to make him understand.

“What if it’s not your job to stop them?”

“What if I’m the only one who can? I can figure out what they’re doing from the inside.” You spoke, though you weren’t sure how convincing you sounded.

“From the inside? Oh, Thomas.” Peter took a step back and looked away from you.

“Yeah, Thomas.”

“So y’all are...?” Peter began to ask, but couldn’t bring himself to put it into words.

“No, no. It’s just- we have this agreement. Some outings for publicity, that kinda stuff. He gets to impress his dad and boost his poll numbers, and we move the public attention away from you... well that was my intention at least.” You explained, shaking your head at how tonight had gone.

“Yeah I saw the interview, it was-” Peter stopped, not knowing what word to best describe what he had witnessed.

“Brutal?” You offered.

“Yeah, something like that.” Peter gave you a sad smile, something to show you that he was sorry for the way it turned out. To a blind viewer, it really wasn’t that bad. Sure the questions were grilling, but you didn’t throw yourself under the bus or anything. You behaved and answered just as you were supposed to.

“I don’t know what was worse, the questions about you or the questions from Twitter.” You sighed, sliding off the edge of the couch into the plush cushions below.

“I liked the question about Thor, did he really say that?” Peter laughed, moving next to you once more. He was trying to get your mind off of what had happened.

“Clint convinced him that once a girl turns 15, and when they address you, it’s polite to reply with ‘Yas Queen’.” You laughed, a genuine laugh. It had been a while since you’d done that.

“So on my birthday, we had this huge party upstate. It was before Sokovia and everyone was still living in the compound. I came downstairs and Thor was the first one I ran into. I asked him if my dress looked okay, and you can imagine my shock when he replied. Everyone burst out laughing, Clint was in tears. I didn’t have the heart to tell him, he looked so pleased with himself.”

You smiled as you told Peter the story, lost in the memory. It was a simpler time, a more peaceful time. There was no fighting, no government intervention. What you would give to go back to those days.

“I still can’t believe you’re friends with all the Avengers.” Peter shook his head with a smile.

“Is that why you came here tonight, to talk to me about Thor?” You teased him with a raised brow, but you really were curious.

“Well no, I just... I saw you and you looked- wow I mean, wow. Then the questions and the, I mean you answered them perfectly but I could tell you were... I mean-” Peter began to shift around nervously in his seat. It was like when you two first met, he was shy and nervous. Not the Peter you’d grown to know- you knew that meant something was up.

“Spit it out bug boy.” You furrowed your brow, unsure of where he was going with this.

“Fuck, Y/N I missed you. Ok. You’re not making it easy for me to move on when you’re on my TV looking like that. I had to see you. I knew those questions affected you so I wanted to see if you were okay.” He confessed. You hoped your cheeks weren’t bright red right now. You didn’t think you’ve ever heard Peter curse, and he’d never talked about you in that way before.

“Alright, you’ve seen me. What was the next step in your plan tonight?” You inches closer to him, your heartbeat growing faster and faster. Hopefully he couldn’t hear it with his super senses.

“Hope you’d let me in.” He said slowly. His eyes were scanning over your face, like he was making a mental image to never forget this.

“Well I seem to have already done that, and next?” You spoke just as slowly, trying to calm your breathing... Were you nervous? You’ve certainly done this before, but why did this time feel different?

“This.” Peter spoke with some newfound confidence before his lips collided with yours.

You snaked your hand around the back of his neck, wanting to eliminate any distance between the two of you.

You knew why it was different this time- it was Peter. Things would always be different because of Peter. It was as if you had lived your whole life colorblind, and then you met him. He was the color, he was the life you were missing. You didn’t know much about destiny and fate and all that, but when you kissed Peter and he kissed you back, you saw it.

You saw the two of you together, growing old together, white picket fence and all. You saw a glimpse of a normal life, a happy life. He was your balance, the missing puzzle piece.

But deep down you knew, it could never be this easy, you couldn’t get to that point without struggles and heartbreak. But you also knew Peter was worth it, and whatever hardships you would have to overcome, you would do it.

You came from two different worlds, and the two wouldn’t meld together easily or quickly. It would take time for people to come around to the idea of it, but time was something you had plenty of.

Tonight would give you a chance, a chance at a proper goodbye. Not a real goodbye, but a goodbye for now. A goodbye to figure out all the crazy twists and turns that was your life. You both knew the timing just wasn’t right, but one day down the road everything may fall into place.

“Is this a good idea?” Peter pulls away hesitantly and asked.

“No.” You smiled and shook your head.

This time it was you that erased the empty space between your lips. You lifted your leg over Peter so that you were now straddling him. His hands found their way to your hips as yours trailed over his chest.

Time didn’t exist when your lips were intertwined. An hour could have passed, or a year. It was like you were stuck in an interdimensional time loop, and neither of you wanted it to stop.

When you finally came up for air, you froze for a second. You looked into Peter’s eyes, you memorised every detail of his face. Knowing it might be a while before the two of you can be together again like this, you didn’t want to take a second for granted.

Peter smiled up at you, and for the first time in forever, you felt seen. Truly seen. Not the tabloid version of you, not the majority shareholder business version of you, but the real you. Peter saw it, all of your flaws, and they didn’t matter. It was just the two of you, together in the eye of the storm.

“I have to be up in 5 hours, can Queens spare you for a night?” You raised your brow and smirked.

“They’ll just have to manage” Peter smirked as he lifted you from the couch and headed towards your bedroom. You were both laughing and utterly giddy. Two fools in love.

He gently threw you onto the bed before crawling over to you. You were smiling as his lips connected with his once more. In an attempt to draw him closer to you, your hand brushed over the spider on the front of his suit- releasing it.

You froze and muttered an apology, growing more and more distracted by the bare skin that was now exposed.

“Cat got your tongue?” Peter asked with a smirk, you must have been staring for a while.

“Hmm? No, uh, shit.” You muttered.

Peter Parker was like a drug, and oh boy were you an addict. You’d been doing well, 10 days sober. But you broke. Cracked at the first opportunity and let him back into your heart, and your apartment for that matter. But it was just one little cheat, right? That’s all. No one even had to know.

“Um, I’d offer you a change of clothes but I don’t have any of Steve’s laying around.” You tried to recover from your daze.

“We’ll have to figure something else out then, won’t we.” Peter spoke, connecting your lips again, and pulling the suit further down his chest.

“I suppose we will...” Your hand found some pooling fabric and aided in it’s removal, he was now just in his boxers.

“And if we’re playing fair.” You breathed heavily, trying to catch your breath after the lack of oxygen.

You untied that robe that you had wrapped around you, and threw the material onto the floor. You were on the edge of the bed, and quickly took the opportunity to stand back on the floor, pulling the tight fabric of your leggings from your body and sliding it down your thighs. As you stepped out of them, and stood tall with your shoulders back, your eyes connected with Peter’s. His grew wide, not with surprise, but desire. Standing before him in only a sports bra and your underwear, you didn’t feel exposed. You felt safe.

Peter now sat at the edge of the bed with his feet hanging off, hitting the floor. You moved to that you were standing between his legs. Your hand came to rest on the side of his face, wrapping around to the back of his neck. You placed a delicate kiss onto his lips, and it grew, blossomed into a passionate kind of kiss that you think only happens in the movies.

As Peter wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you back onto the bed, lips never separating, he let out a noise between a growl and a moan.

You were seeing a side of Peter you never thought you would get to see, or never thought existed for that matter.

You two were inseparable. Even once the kiss was broken, you still couldn’t keep your hands off of eachother.

You now were snuggled into his side, silently tracing shapes over his chest, dragging your fingers over his muscles. He had his arms protectively wrapped around you, listening to the steady beat of your heart.

You were the first one to break the silence with something that had been weighing heavily on your mind for the last week.

“I'm sorry for how I acted at the party. I shouldn’t have drank that much, I hope I didn’t do anything to embarrass you.” You apologized.

“Embarrass me?” Peter pulled away slightly so that he could see your face. ”No, no Y/N I was the talk of the town all week. Flash hasn’t stopped talking about you. By the way, you’re a really cute drunk.”

“Oh, well I don’t know about that.” You smiled up at him.

“You shot finger guns at Ned.” He informed you and your eyes grew wide.

“No I didn’t oh my god.” You buried your head into his chest in embarrassment.

“Yes you did.” Peter laughed and you groaned.

When you unburied your head from his chest, and laid down onto his arm he asked you another question.

“Why do you have to be up so early tomorrow.” He asked, and if he hadn’t, you almost would have forgotten. Peter had a way of distracting you, and tonight surely more than ever.

“I have an interview with Vogue in the morning, well more of a meeting really, then an Elle video.” You informed him.

“What for?” He asked again.

“They want me on the cover of Vogue, lord knows why. And Elle is doing a closet and apartment tour for YouTube.” You rolled your eyes. You might not have known why Vogue would want you for their cover, but he sure did. You were gorgeous and brilliant, and he wished you could see what he saw.

“A closet tour, really? People care about that kind of thing?” He replied instead, noticing your eyeroll and general disapproval of the whole thing.

“So I’m told. I do have a vast shoe collection though.” You answered, looking towards your closet, that really could be classified as another whole room.

“I’m sure you do,” Peter laughed, “Aunt May said your shoes tonight were to die for.”

“Did she now? What size is she?” You asked.

“Um, I think an eight.” You made a mental note of that.

“Mh,” you groaned and burrowed back into Peter’s open arms, “I don’t want to wake up in 4 hours.”

“Then don’t.” Then don’t Peter chucked at your previous actions.

“I have to.” You groaned, your voice muffled due to your face being pressed against his body.

“Then sleep.” Peter suggested, teasing you.

“I don’t want to.” You whined.

“Well what else are you going to do for the next 4 hours then?” Peter retorted with a smile. You raised your head up again, resting it on his chest so your faces were mere inches apart. You looked up at him through your lashes before your lips curved into a smirk.

“I’m sure I can think of something.” You smiled, your lips finding their home, once more, attached to his.

- - - - - 🕷 - - - - -

Feedback is soooooo important, just a simple comment about what you liked, what you want to see more of, or what you have questions about it so helpful.

Remember to stay on my taglist or qualify for it you must like, AND comment or reblog.

Taglist in the reblog.

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hoe-doroki · 5 years ago

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ana reads bnha ch18

previous chapter here first chapter here next chapter here

If I were beta editing a story that did this, I’d say, bruh, it’s better to show not tell. We can see that All Might isn’t smiling, so why are you having Midoriya tell us? I’m not sure…but I can’t say it doesn’t work. But I can’t figure out why it works! Any ideas?

They really are doing the classic villain thing of telling all the answers. I wonder how many classic western hero/villain tropes are present in this story. Slash, is this a trope that exists in Japanese media as well? Gosh, I really don’t have enough knowledge about Japan to be commenting on anything, do I?

So here we have a reverse of the sludge villain incident. Deku is playing the same role, but All Might and Bakugou’s positions have switched. To me, that is meant to remind the reader that even though Deku won the previous battle against Bakugou, Bakugou is still stronger in practice and that Deku hasn’t changed much yet. His skills still aren’t much better than they were in the beginning and can’t yet hold his own.

And that Bakugou is impulsive. Of course.

Hah, never would have thought that Todoroki, our quiet boy, would be the one to have a chat before kicking ass. Also, here we see the beginning of bits of his personality that show up time and time again: not trusting the adults to do the job right by themselves. And this is obviously a reflection on how he sees Endeavor as a hero and person. He’s learned that he can only trust himself, even when All Might—his hero—is involved.

And then, sidenote, here we have Kiri, who is the one person out of this group who doesn’t idolize All Might as his end all be all. Of course, he’s only here because of Bakugou, but still, it’s interesting.

Wtf? Is this what he’s talking about?

Overall: You know what, maybe I’m a big, fat liar. This is what reminds us that these characters are 15. The fact that we have so many impulsive, irrational boys in our midst. Because then, in contrast, we have Aizawa as their most present adult figure (clouded, because this is from Midoriya’s POV and All Might is his most present adult figure). Aizawa, whose most obvious trait, to this point, is rationality. That provides us with a stark contrast between the adult representative and all these kids, who make much different decisions (although they often look kind of similar) from each other.

All this is to say that I was wrong and we don’t need Mineta to be our 15yo representation. (Only mostly kidding.)

Although, it definitely bugs me that all these Gryffindors are all boys. It happens again with Stain and then I know that Momo goes along for the AFO mission, but she didn’t want to and doesn’t do much. The girls always hold back and, even though they all definitely have unique personalities, their actions are usually stuck in a group. I hope that they get more moments to shine later, because I am SICK OF IT.

Also, Shiggy simps: I’m waiting to see it. I don’t yet. But I’m waiting.

#ana reads the manga #bnha #boku no hero academia #mha #my hero academia

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stories-mostly · 6 years ago

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Stark's Bug

Tony Stark x Son!Reader

=Masterlist=

Guess what? I'm back with another chapter! And also had a revelation when writing but it had nothing to do with writing. It's just that I realized that mammoths weren't mammoths to the people that lived with them is all. Blew my mind straight out the window. Anyway, enjoy.

Words: 2764

Warnings: none

Chapter 19

So turns out that letter your teacher gave you to hand your dad was an invitation for a parent teacher conference so now you and your dad were sitting opposite Mrs Foster who was going on over your grades and work. She was saying that she had been giving you more difficult work that was for 4th graders and above to test her theory.

You were extremely under challanged with the second grade material. And understood more advanced materials with ease. Meaning now you should seriously consider what to do now. And there really were just two options. Skip a grade or be given more advanced courses and material while remaining in the same grades as your friends.

And with that you and your dad were left to make that decision.

Your dad wasn't a fan of the idea of skipping a grade. He feared that you might not be able to befriend older kids that would be your classmates. Not that he told you that but he's just worried. About everything to be honest but especially things that concern you.

The day after the talk with the teacher he sat you down and explained to you in detail what either thing would do. And left you to form your own opinion.

It was a lot to take in for an almost 8 year old. So you did what sounded coolest to you and your friends. And all of you thought it would be really cool for you to skip some grades.

So you told your dad that you want to skip instead of getting advanced work. The teachers gave your dad lots of the curricular of the 4th grade for you to test your knowledge with. So on weekends and after school you got different homework then your peers. 4th grade math, English and such. To everyone's surprise it was easy and didn't took longer than your usual homework. So one more grade was put on the skip list.

5th grade work was harder and at least gave you a bit of a challenge but it wasn't impossible so arrangements were made that if your grades held up you would be skipping 3rd and 4th grade.

You found that very exciting and worked hard despite school not being challenging at all. And when summer break arrived you were given the clear to skip the next two grades. The next school year you will be in 5th grade.

You won't be changing schools though as your school was both elementary and middle school in one. It was just different rooms.

But you didn't have to worry about that yet. Because it was finally summer break and you could lounge about at home and do whatever the f you want!

You, your dad, Pepper, and Happy were all spending the break in New York for the most part. Because they were planning on building a tower there which is cool in your opinion. Peppers idea. What wasn't so cool however was that you had to spend a considerable amount of time inside of office buildings or the apartment they had rented, as both of them were busy and neither really wanted to go outside in this city and cause a ruckus. So Happy was basically a godsend whenever he was free.

When he didn't have to drive anyone around he spends time with you. You actually got to explore the city because of him.

Today Happy was taking you around Central Park while your dad were in a meeting room discussing the buying of some property where they want to build that tower.

You were meanwhile making friends in the park. And were all around having a much more pleasant time.

You were climbing up a tree near the playground when a boy approached you.

"Woah you're really high up!" The boy pointed out. And you were. The branches were getting thinner though so you couldn't climb much higher.

"You're really good at climbing." He pointed out and you responded with a polite "Thank you."

Making your way down you jumped off the last branch and landed infront of the kid.

"My name is Y/n, do you wanna play together?"

"Yes! What do you want to play?" The boy responded in high pitched happy tone, not giving you his name.

The two of you wandered back onto the playground and dug as deep a hole into the sand as possible together.

"Its like a tiger trap." The boy mused and your head lit up with an idea.

"We can cover it up like a trap!" You stood up, wiped the sand off your legs and ran off looking for branches and leaves. Just like in TV.

You told the other boy to do the same and put it next to the hole. Together you covered the hole with sticks, then threw on the leaf litter and topped it off with sand.

It was still clearly visible if you looked for it, but from above it just looked like an average little sand mount.

"Now we only have to wait for tigers to smell the meat." The boy said as he placed a rock on top of the mount as a lure.

"We better hide." You pointed out and the two of you ran off the hide behind a tree to wait for the tiger to come.

And the tiger came. But not like you'd have expected. Happy, who had been reading something on his cell phone before looked up and realized you were gone out of his sight.

He jumped to his feet and looked about the playground not noticing the newly covered up hole in his search for you. With one step he broke the twigs and branches and his foot disappeared into the hole.

You bust out giggling as you ran forward to shout about the tiger being captured.

The boy was more shocked, he seemed flustered and apologetic towards your uncle.

"Are you hurt sir?" He asked shyly expecting the worst.

"No kiddo it's fine. That's a nice trap you two build there. Can you fill it back up so nobody else falls in?" He directed the last question at you. You sighed, nodded and got to work. The boy joined you and soon enough the hole was no more. Happy gave you a thumbs up at that and you turned back to your new friend.

"Eugene, it's time to go." It sounded from the benches not even 10 minutes into your new game. A younger looking woman was waiting there looking over the playground.

You turned your head to see which one of the kids were going when your friend started to leave.

Oh, so his name was Eugene.

You followed him to, what you assumed was his mother. Not really ready to have him go yet.

"Do we have to?" Eugene sulked but was beside her non the less.

"Yes, your mother said she'll meet us at the zoo in 15 minutes. So we have to go now."

"You're going to the Zoo?" You chimed in grinning.

"Yes, what's your name?" The lady who was not his mother asked.

"Y/n, and you?"

"Just call me Claudia. Yes, we're going to the zoo. Are you alone here? Where are your parents?"

"My uncle is right there."

She asked you a few more polite questions a person might ask to entertain a strangers child.

"We have to go now. Eugene be nice and say Goodbye to your friend." She finally said and pushed said boy forward a little. He hugged you a bit too tightly and waved to you as he left. Being polite you waved back.

So that's that.

With a sigh you turned to Happy who was now writing something in his phone. How boring. You wished you had your costume so you could play superhero.

Now that Eugene was gone you didn't know what to do with yourself. So you did the next logical thing and plopped yourself down next to Happy and stared off I to the abyss.

"You ready to leave?" Happy asked after putting away his phone.

"Yeah."

And so you both stood up and started walking along a nearby path. As you were walking Happy pulled up his arm to look at the watch on his wrist.

"We still have about an hour to spare. What do you wanna do?"

A lightbulb went off in your head and your whole demeanour changed in an instant.

"Can we go to the zoo?"

"The zoo? Sure." So Happy being the all knowing person he is turned and steered you in the direction of the central park zoo.

After paying you sprinted from exhibit to exhibit looking to spot as many animals as you could and maybe even spot Eugene again.

Happy could barely keep track of you in the crowds of people. It was summer vacation so lots of people were visiting the small zoo.

For the next animals you walked into a building. Happy however walked past it not having seen you enter it. You were oblivious to his absence and stared at the cute lil snake in it's big terrarium.

When you reached the exit you turned to see how far Happy was lagging behind you. When you saw that he wasn't. Now you were small and he could be just behind some tall people so you waited a little thinking he'd come eventually.

But he didn't. So you panicked. Much like Happy who was backtracking to where he last saw you. Just a few seconds after he passed the exit you came out looking like the scared kid you were.

You were already thinking about how you'd get to the apartment on your own. You sort of know the way, but only barely. And the address was out of the question.

You wanted to cry, but you knew that that wouldn't help. And also you didn't like crying in the first place, much less in public. So with a blurred vision you pushed past groups and families in a blind search for your uncle.

Meanwhile he was debating whether calling the police right now was a bit too early. What about your dad? He would have his head if something happens to you.

You passed the seal enclosure and climbed up on a bench trying to see over the crowd, looking for any sign of the one person that could save you in this situation. Your family and teacher had told you what to do in the case you were in but in your panic everything flew out the window. The whole "stay put" "find a family and ask for help" "find an employee/Police officer" wasn't coming to mind right now. All that was on your mind was that you were alone and scared and in a city that you didn't know.

A woman looked in your direction and frowned. She saw the distressed look on your face and came over tugging along a boy not much younger than you. Followed by an adult man.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" She asked prompting you to look to her. She saw the tears building in your eyes and knew what happened.

"I can't find my uncle." You said your voice wavering dangerously, confirming her suspicion.

"Sit down sweetheart. What's your name? Mine's May." She said softly laying her hand on your forearm.

"Y-Y/n."

"Alright Y/n, do you know what your uncles name is? What does he look like?" The man now asked, he was crouching down in front of you.

The boy sat down on the other side of you, obviously concerned.

"His na-me is, is Happy but that's not his real name," you explained as the almost crying hiccups in your breath started, "His real name is, is Harold Hogan. And hes taller- than you and chubby. Wi-th brown hair that is short."

May was taking mental notes, the guy sounded sort of familiar.

"And what's your full name, sweetie?" She asked.

"(Full/n)-Stark." You said as the damm finally broke. You wanted to go home, you wanted your dad, you wanted to not be here right now. It was all to much and you just let it out as the younger boy patted your back.

May had been stunned speechless by your name but called into action as your cries reached her ears.

"Shhh, shhh, baby it's alright, well find him don't worry." As she consoled with words she also pulled you into her arms. This was just supposed to be a nice afternoon with Peter and her Husband and now it turned into a rescue mission for a celebrity's child. But you were a child first, and a very scared one at that.

As your sobs quieted down she had made a decision on how to find the man.

"Y/n, are you alright to stay here for a moment? I'll go look for your uncle and you stay here with Ben and Peter, okay?" She pointed at the two people who had accompanied her respectively to show which ones which.

You nodded reluctantly and leaned against the back of the bench. Now with a red nose and slightly puffy eyes.

"Peter, you look over him okay?"

The boy, Peter nodded dutifully and took your hand and started talking after May had left.

"Are you okay now?" His voice was full of concern.

You nodded.

"Do you want some water?" Ben now asked and held a bottle towards you.

"No, thank you."

It was silent for a moment. None really knowing what to do.

"Okay, let's talk about your day then shall we?" The adult tried again, attempting to keep your mind from worrying thoughts, "What did you do today?"

"I was at the Playground. And I played with a boy named Eugene."

"That's nice, me and Peter made breakfast together today. Right Pete?"

"Yeah! We made bug pancakes to surprise aunt May," the boy beamed, " They were bigger than my face and we put syrup and strawberries and stuff on them! Do you like pancakes?"

"Yeah. But I never eat them with strawberries."

"Why not? They're tasty like that!"

"Because Pepper is allergic and so we can't have them incase the strawberry stuff gets on other stuff. It's called cross contamination and it's dangerous if you're allergic."

"That sucks!"

"Hey!" Ben chimed in at that kind of language.

"Do you at least like Strawberries?"

You shrugged. They weren't your favourite but definetly not the worst.

May looked around herself quickly spotting an employee of the zoo. But before she could approach them for help a better option walked into her vision. The man himself looking around panicked, trying to spot the small lost child in the crowd.

"Excuse me!" She half shouted and jogged over to him.

"Excuse me are you maybe looking for a little lost boy?"

Happy's head turned up with a mixture of relief and confusion.

"Yes! Hes about this big, (colour) hair, wears a Blue T-shirt with a lion on it. His name is Y/n."

"That's him, I found him looking for you over there, follow me."

"Oh my God, thank you so much! I can't tell you how grateful I am that you found him!" Happy followed her to the bench were you were animatedly talking with the young boy over various breakfast foods.

"Y/n!"

You perked up at the familiar voice. Before you could even process that your uncle was there you were already swooped up into a hug. Happy visibly relaxed having you back on his radar. With a sigh he put you back on your feet and took your hand in his.

"I don't know how I can thank you Mrs...."

"Parker, and it's nothing really. I'm sure anyone would have done the same." She waved him off.

Happy contemplated before coming up with a thank you thing to do.

Next thing you know you're holding hands with Peter and eating some ice cream together with the three adults.

Peter had taken your other hand as soon as Happy started to walk towards the ice cream vendor and was now talking about everything and nothing inbetween licks of strawberry flavoured ice cream as you wandered through the zoo together. Closely followed by Happy, May and Ben, who you felt very uncomfortable adressing with their first name.

Half an hour later the ice cream long finished you parted ways with the Parker family having turned the bad thing into something great. You've also learned a lot about Peter. Apparently he really likes both animals and Superheroes and was fumbling with excitement when you told him that not only did you have a pet but you also had a superhero dad.

On the ride home you gushed very excitedly to Happy about the boy and his interests. Your new friend was so cool in your opinion even if he was a year younger.

Peter was doing the same on his ride home. Not being able to comprehend that he just met the kid of Iron Man! Who kept a crayfish as a pet! Who does that? He just met someone who did. And he didn't even know he was gonna meet him again not all that long into the future.

Tags: @shannonr2003 @art-estrange @tater-thotties @tonystanktheirondad @gaylemonshark @emilaa2001 @kindahadeschild @actualcringetm

#male reader #male!reader #m!reader #tony stark x m!reader #tony stark x child!reader #tony stark x you #tony stark x reader #tony stark x male reader #tony stark x male!reader #reader insert #marvel reader insert #tony stark #child!reader #child reader #stark!son #stark!reader #starks bug #chapter 19

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accio-jungkookie · 5 years ago

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shine on anyway - spider-man x reader (ch. 2)

A/N: Hi! Hopefully you guys liked the first chapter, and I really hope you like this one as well! Remember, it is a bit slower of a fic (you won’t see Spidey or Tony for a little bit yet) because I really want to build Y/N as a multi-dimensional character. I want her to be complex and understood and all that. So, I hope you enjoy! :D

Summary: A kid from Milwaukee has to grow up far more quickly than she should while facing threats that men half her age would never dare go near. So, when she has to uproot after losing everything, does she lose herself too?

Word count: 2.6k (see? gradually increasing lol)

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety and depression, swearing, minor character death, blood and injuries, fighting, mentions of bullying, again I will add more if I think I missed any! :)

last - two - next

You sighed as you walked through the halls of school, heavily tempted to cover your ears and walk with your eyes closed. You felt like you woke up with a migraine, since all of your senses were going haywire. It felt like every scuffed shoe was squeaking directly into your ear, and every room with its lights on felt like a flashlight pointed directly into your eyes. Your stomach was killing you, and honestly you felt like hell on wheels, to quote a song from one of your favorite musicals.

You made your way to your locker, relying on Ky to make sure you survived the walk to your first class. She was truly a god send, if you are entirely honest. You would be dead without her right now.

This. Was. Bad. Honestly, your immune system was shot to shit but in all honesty, you have never gotten this sick so quickly before. So, by the time lunch rolled around, you had holed yourself up in a study room in the library, keeping all the lights off as you let yourself fall asleep. With permission from all of your teachers, of course. They knew your home situation was not the best, and that you had no choice but to go to school when you’re sick, so your teachers had all allowed you to skip, so long as your homework got turned in on time (which it always did).

You got a frantic few calls from Ky at around 4:00 when she couldn’t spot you in the library.

“Where the hell are you, (Y/N)?” She asked worriedly. You groaned as you sat up before you peaked outside of your door. You spotted your friend however and hung up before calling her name, gesturing for her to enter your small, cozy room. She turned and spotted you peeking out of the doorway before sighing in relief, putting her phone away and heading towards the room. She walked in and closed the door gently before turning the lights on, causing you to groan and shove your hands over your eyes as you lay down again. She gave you a weird look before shutting the lights off again, wondering if you had a migraine or something similar.

“You ok?” She asked quietly, sitting on the floor next to where you were laying down. She put her hand on your back, rubbing up and down as she noted how hot your body was running. ‘Fever?’ She thought with a frown, reaching over to feel your forehead to confirm it.

“Hey, we should get you to your grandparents. You’re burning up.” Ky mumbled quietly, already starting to pack your items up as you protested.

“Noooo~” You whined weakly, trying to stop her from grabbing all of your things. “I don’t want to worry them, and I still have rehearsals tonight.” You justified, not even sitting up to look at your friend. Instead you just covered your eyes again, not willing to move.

“We’ll tell your director you aren’t feeling good, and we’ll tell your grandparents that rehearsal got cancelled then. You need to go home and take some medicine and rest.” Ky said with a frown, finally gathering all of your items in her hands before reaching down to help you up.

“Ok.” You relented with a frown, not wanting to disobey your friend. She is only trying to help, so you wouldn’t be the one to say no to her. Plus, small Asian gets big mad. You don’t want to feel the fallout of her yelling at you in Japanese when you have such a raging migraine. Again. Plus, her threats get very… creative.

“Alright, stand up then.” She mumbles, shouldering your bag and wrapping an arm around you with a frown. She pulled your weight as you stood, stumbling a bit as she steadied you.

“I’m calling my mom to get us, and then you’re going to sleep after you take some medicine, ok?” Ky stated as you both made your way back down to the entrance of the school. You heard Ky talking to her mom in Japanese, picking up on parts of the conversation (you had known her since you were both six, there was no way you wouldn’t pick up on some parts of the language) before she hung up and spoke to you again.

“Mom will be here in 15, so sit down until she is.” Ky said as she lowered you to the floor, where you curled up a bit into yourself, suddenly getting a lot colder. You shouldn’t be this cold, you think. It’s April, so at most a shiver if it’s raining, but you’re shivering like it’s the dead of December. The feel of the cold tile below you did nothing to help your situation.

As promised, 15 minutes later Mrs. Tanaka was pulling up in front of the school, and Kyomi was practically carrying all of your weight to the car. She dumped you into the back seat then climbed into the front. She frowned at you as you struggled to buckle yourself in before greeting her mom.

“Hi, Mama.” Kyomi said before looking back at you. “Y/N is really sick; can we take her home quickly?” She asked, and her mom nodded yes.

“Of course.” Mrs. Tanaka answered in Japanese, smiling at you through the rear-view mirror. “Anything for our Buggie.” She said with a smile, making sure you were buckled, as well as Ky, before starting to drive you home. You zoned out after a while, just listening to Ky and her mom talk quietly in the front seat as the car kept on. It started to feel weird the longer the drive took, and you could recognize that you were getting motion sick. You sat up and looked out the front window intently, willing the feeling away. You recognized that there were only a few more blocks until you were home, so you just clamped your jaw shut hard and sat through the feeling. Eventually, you were home and being escorted to your room by Ky, mumbling that rehearsals were cancelled, no you weren’t hungry, and no you weren’t sick just tired, to get your grandparents off of your back. It worked, because within minutes you were huddled under your blankets, fast asleep before the clock even struck 5:00.

You woke up the next morning on Saturday to a text from Kyomi.

‘Hey, check out this video! People are calling him spider man I guess :)’ the text read, with a link sent immediately afterwards. You sat up and looked at the clock, seeing it was 8 a.m. and you groaned tiredly before you realized your head felt a million times better. You smiled, thinking it must’ve just been a nasty bug that you had, before you clicked the link. You watched the kid swing on what appeared to be webs in a pair of bright red sweats.

“Very on brand.” You mumbled, watching him climb up a wall, your eyes focusing hard on the small screen as you tried to reason out how that was possible. Almost, if not every rule of physics was ignored in the video. Logically, humans cannot climb walls, duh. Maybe he had some kind of special adhesive on his gloves or something. And surely, he isn’t… making the webs himself? Like, they can’t be coming out of his body. You watched closer and noted that, at least the webs weren’t coming from his wrist but a contraption on his wrist. You sighed and texted Kyomi back.

‘So, is he a new avenger or something? Bc I know we don’t need any more of them trying to play dress up’ you sent with a sigh. Sure, they weren’t the worst thing to happen to the planet, but after the attacks that happened in New York, what happened to your mother… You couldn’t stand them. You got out of bed and stretched, heading upstairs to get breakfast. You spotted the note on the counter that your grandparents would be gone for the day, heading north to Door County for some early season farmers market or something. You sighed and went to set down the paper before you realized it was stuck to your hand.

“What the fuck-!” You yelled, getting the attention of your dogs as they ran up to you, staring at you and waiting for a treat or something, hell if you knew. The paper wouldn’t get off of your hand and you were freaking the hell out. You went to set down your phone to peel the paper off when you realized that the phone was now also stuck to your hand.

“OhMyGodOhMyGodOhMyGod-“ you chanted as you freaked out, trying to get the items out of your hands. This would be the one and only time you would honestly be okay with throwing your phone across a room if it meant it would get off. You felt the phone buzz in your hand, meaning that Ky had texted back, and you looked at the screen, not really seeing her message in your state of panic. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves a bit. You opened your eyes and slowly opened your hand, letting your phone drop onto the table before you peeled the paper off of your hand, finding it awfully weird how it pulled your skin a bit. You threw the paper onto the table and went to the sink, scrubbing your hands to make sure that some superglue hadn’t magically appeared there. You dried them gently on your pants then walked over to your phone to read Ky’s message.

‘ig he isn’t an avenger, but I bet that tony stark has his eyes on him” she had texted back, causing your eyes to roll. You sent back a quick ‘sure, ok lol. bc Tony stark is just keeping his eye out for the next freak show’ before locking the screen. You walked into the living room and sat down on the couch, your dogs getting bored of you and moving somewhere else in the house to play. You sighed and decided to try the whole “sticky thing” again, since you knew your hands were thoroughly clean. Therefore, logically, nothing should blatantly ignore physics. You closed your eyes for a moment before tensing the muscles in your hand, then peeling your eyes open. You opened your hand flat, and then flipped it upside down quickly. Your eyes nearly popped your head as you watched the phone defy gravity, sticking to your open palm.

“What the fuuuuuuck-“ You whispered, turning your hand around to look at the phone from every angle. You relaxed again, seeing as it worked last time to get rid of the stickiness (?) and watched it fall into your lap.

“I think… I think I’m losing my mind.” You mumbled with your eyes still wide. You didn’t even know what to think, nearly shitting you pants at what you saw yourself do. You weren’t even 15 yet! How the hell are you supposed to know what to do! You let yourself panic for another moment before you took a breath, trying to force yourself to calm down. You had a crazy idea, but hell if you weren’t going to try it.

“Ok, Spider-Man. Let’s see if I’m, uh, you.” You mumbled with a sour face as you walked over to the only wall in the living room without decorations covering it. You double checked around you that the curtains were closed before turning back to the wall with a nod. You took another deep breath and put your hands on the wall above your head, tensing your fingers and pulling slightly, putting your feet on the wall below you slowly. Your eyes widened as you realized, holy shit, I’m on the wall.

“I’m on the wall.” You mumbled, slowly removing one hand and moving it up, then your foot, and then continuing until you had made it to the top of the wall, eyes wide as you breather heavily.

“I- what the- what.” You said, mind blank as you looked at the floor, a good foot and a half below you. You sighed and looked up at the ceiling that is now so much closer to your nose. You nodded and decided, yeah, okay, on the ceiling I go. You moved your body and slowly started to crawl again, eyes wide as you slowly moved and slowly, ended up on the ceiling.

“This… goes against physics so hard.” You mumbled, slowly moving around until you decided, hey, maybe I shouldn’t be on the ceiling. You almost hyper-fixated on the physics, about any possible, logical explanation as you slowly climbed down again and promptly freaked out. You weren’t sure what to do, or who to tell, if anyone. You ran down to your room and sat down in front of your laptop before you googled Spider-Man, trying to figure out what he could do to test it for yourself. There was no way, right?

You knew the webs weren’t from his body, but you noticed he had amazing balance and strength, almost too much for a human. Hell, he had stopped a bus dead in its tracks with just his hands. So you nodded, standing up again and looking around your room. You had no clue what was heavy enough for you to test, before you spotted your packed bookcase.

You walked over to it and pulled it away from the wall, eyes widening already at how easy that was. You nodded before squatting down, mumbling small encouragements to yourself, before you got your fingers underneath it and just… Stood. You stood up with this bookcase in your arms like it weighed no more than a few books. You nodded to yourself again, still horribly confused as you returned the case to its designated spot, eyes wide.

“Okay what the fuck.” You practically laughed before your face dropped. You thought quickly before sitting at your desk again, pulling up Google and the picture of the spider from the auditorium that bit you.

“There has to be a reason that he’s called Spider-man of all things, right?” You mumble to yourself, trying to find out what kind of spider had bit you. Since it even had the ability to bite you, that ruled out hundreds of kinds right away, and of the handful left, none of them had the same coloration at all of the spider that had bitten you. And even then, logically none of them had any way to alter the human body. Honestly, that is probably scared you the most.

“Okay, so let me think through this…” You mumbled to yourself, pulling out a pen and a notebook. You wrote down your own name and drew a line underneath it, writing underneath it what you knew you could do now so far. Super strength and sticky hands/wall climbing were the only things so far, but you were willing to bet there was more. Your brows wrinkled and you wrote down enhanced eyesight, heightened senses. It would make sense, since suddenly you didn’t need your glasses, and it felt like your senses had been dialed up to 11. You put your notebook down and tossed the pen on top before standing up, glancing at the clock on your desk and seeing it was almost noon. You sighed and rubbed your eyes, deciding to get ready for the day. You had to buy groceries today, and Nana would be very upset if you forgot.

So, you did just that. You got ready, went to the store, and picked up the few groceries that your house needed. Everything was totally fine and normal until you were walking home. You had your earbuds in, and you were crossing a street when you felt it. Every nerve in your body went haywire and you got immediate goosebumps. Your eyes widened, still staring at your feet, but you just knew you needed to jump. So, you did. Really fucking high, right over the car speeding towards your side. You landed on your feet, all of the bags in your hands still, and your eyes were blown wide.

‘What the fuck was that’ you screamed in your head, covering your face and rushing home. So, you could jump really high, and you could run fast (since you got home in half the time it usually would have if you had run it at top speed), and you had some random… feeling?

“Being a freak is fucking… freaky.” You laughed at yourself quietly as you got home and sorted out your groceries.

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