voiceoffenrisulfr

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Magic and Madness - Chapter Eight

Pain is Pain. It Needs No Description.

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> Stephen bears witness to things he should never have had to, and learns the truth.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 4046

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> (E) mentions of violence, recording of SA (mostly audio), referenced smut.

𝐀/𝐍 -> A Companion Piece to Multitudes, exploring the relationship of Tony Stark and Stephen Strange. This chapter best corresponds to Multitudes Chapters Twenty-One to Twenty Five- I recommend starting here if you're reading both <3. Masterlist can be found here! I'm aware that we're skimming some of the Nat details - but this project is, after all, largely about Stephen and Stark! ❤️

Check it out below, (beneath the cut because immediate smut) or on AO3 here! Dividers come from yours truly.

<- Previous Chapter (7/46)

My comms system was still in my ear; I’d curled up on the bed and sobbed myself into a fitful, painful sleep, exhausted by the past few weeks and the emotion of the evening.

“-en? Bruce? Is anyone up?”

I blinked slowly, startled, and pressed the button in my ear “Nat? It’s late… What’s happening?”

She took a moment to comprehend the words that fell from my chewed, sleep-slurred lips before responding. “…Clint’s hurt. I… I think he got into a fight with Tony. His stoma… The bag burst. He’s bleeding. He needs help, but he won’t let me in.”

I rolled immediately from the bed, jerking a shirt over my head in a panic. “I’m on my way.” Hesitating, I noticed the pain in her voice, and winced. “Where are you? Are you ok?”

“Just help him, Stephen. Please.”

The call died, and I swallowed thickly, gesturing to my Cloak quickly as my hands started to move.

“Friday? Where are Mr. Barton and Ms. Romanoff?” I demanded as I stepped through, fingers trembling. There was a heartbeat of hesitation that made my heart rate escalate before the AI mercifully responded.

“Mr. Barton is in the bathroom, moderately injured and severely distressed. I recommend proceeding with caution. Ms. Romanoff is not currently available.”

My mouth worked wordlessly, and I scowled at the ceiling. “How can she be ‘not currently available’?” I snapped, sighing in frustration and nudging open the bathroom door, faced with a scene of desolation.

The archer was desperately trying to clean his skin of blood and waste, but the tear along the edge of his stoma continued to flow, rendering his attempts futile. His face was a mess of bruises and lacerations, and I winced sympathetically, hand raised.

“Not you, either. Just leave me alone,” he growled, eyes narrowing furiously as they met mine.

“Clint, even from here I can see that you have a significant mucocutaneous separation, and with the waste both on your skin and possibly being actively released, it is paramount that-”

“I hate this, Stephen,” he interrupted softly, looking away. “I don’t know if I can do this. I can’t let them see me like this. I... I got so angry. Not because I was angry, but because I’m ashamed. I’m a grown man sat in his own shit. I can’t even defend them in a fight anymore. And she- when she came to see me, to help... I couldn’t cope with her sympathy. Her pity. I pushed her, Stephen. I pushed her out of this fucking room and she fell, and I didn’t even check if she was okay. I just shut the door and wallowed in my own goddamn shame.”

My pulse pounded in my ears, shaking fingers curling into fists in fury. I warned you. “I put my hands on at least one of the two people I love most in this world – maybe even both of them. How am I supposed to live with that? After everything they’ve been through, how are they ever supposed to trust me again?”

“Maybe they shouldn’t,” I muttered, my tone sharp and unforgiving, thoroughly exhausted with the events of the day. “I warned you, Clint, not to hurt her – not to hurt them. Haven’t they been through enough? You’re angry, and upset; I get it. Believe me. I pushed away the first woman I loved – the only woman I’ve ever loved – after my accident. I didn’t want to, not really; I was just so, so angry. But I realised, eventually, that the only person to blame for how I took out that anger is me, and Christine was right to leave. Maybe Natasha would be too.” Maybe I would, too.

“Fuck you, Strange,” he snarled, gaze flashing with rage.

“Right back at you, Barton. Now, are you going to come with me willingly, or do we have to do this the hard way? Though I must warn you – a significant part of me hopes you choose the hard way. I’ll treat you because it’s the right thing to do, but Nat and Widow mean a lot to me. I won’t forgive you until – unless – they do.”

There was pregnant pause before he sighed, reluctantly pushing himself from the floor. “You think I don’t know what they’ve been through?”

“No, Clint. You don’t. You haven’t seen what they did to them – I have. It was unparalleled torture.” I hesitated thoughtfully as he stepped towards me, eyes flittering across his face. “…Did they ever tell you that Widow attacked me?”

“What? No. When?”

“The day they woke up. I had to check their internal stitches, and, despite having seen the damage they were left with, I was not prepared for the person I encountered – the one we know now as Widow, but who I thought, at the time, was simply Nat, deeply entrenched in a flashback. The things they said when they were remembering, Clint... The terror in their face when they came around... I’ve never seen anything like it.” I sighed softly, shaking my head, sparks crackling as I began my portal. “And that, Clint, is what you have just forced them to relieve. I don’t care how angry or embarrassed you were; I hope you are ashamed of yourself.”

I called Natasha while Clint was under the knife; I’d opted not to perform the surgery myself, with tiredness and emotions clouding my thoughts. I sighed with relief as the line connected, but found myself blinking in surprise at the sound of Wanda’s voice.

“Stephen? What’s going on? Is Clint okay?”

I hesitated, stunned and panicked into a brief silence. “… Is Natasha?”

She sighed quietly, muttering under her breath. “She’s… Nat has a broken wrist, Stephen. He… He pushed her.”

Wincing again as another wave of fury washed through my body, I growled. “Where are you?”

“It’s okay; we’re at the hospital. She’s… She’s okay. Well, as okay as she can be.”

“You’re here?” I quipped, raising immediately from my seat. “Where?”

“Stephen, would you just calm down? She’s fine. She’s just getting her cast fitted, and then we’re heading back to the compound. And the first thing she’s going to ask me when she comes out of that room is if I’ve heard anything, so please – how is he?”

I ground my teeth, cracking my knuckles in irritation. “He’s in emergency surgery.”

“How’s it looking?”

“I can’t say I especially care in this moment, Wanda.”

She chuckled dryly, the heavy sigh almost tangible down the line. “Yeah. … Okay, she’s coming back. I’ll let you go. Call us when you know more.”

The call clicked out, and I stared at my cell in disbelief, amazed and repulsed in equal measure.

How can she still care? How can she want anything to do with him, after he hurt her like that? Does he deserve her forgiveness? … Does Tony deserve mine?

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the nurse until she stood in front of me. “-Strange? Hi. Um, your patient is in recovery now. Everything went fine; he should be as good as new in a matter of weeks, at most.”

I nodded tersely, pushing a hand through my hair with a soft sigh as I returned to my seat. “… Thank you.”

I knew avoidance wasn’t the answer, but I couldn’t bring myself to return the compound after dropping Clint off in silence, still seething with anger. Instead, I found myself in a bar, drowning my sorrows in shots of something that tasted suspiciously like acetone.

But as lunch approached, I couldn’t stomach the guilt and unease that churned in my gut, and I sighed as I slipped into the empty bathroom, summoning a portal with resignation.

“-one of Nat’s delusions?” Tony scoffed as I stepped through, and I winced.

“Tony, that’s enough,” I warned tiredly. “I understand you’re a little emotionally fraught as of late, but that’s no reason to-”

“Back off, Merlin,” Tony snorted, draining his glass, and I grimace. He stared at the tumbler for a second, then shrugged, dropping it to the vanished wood and picking up the bottle instead. “You don’t know anything.”

Heat flared in my cheeks, and I stepped closer, my ever-present anger bubbling up. “Oh really? So all of this – the drinking more, the lashing out – it isn’t because of-”

“Stephen,” the billionaire interrupted, his gaze finding mine threateningly, surprisingly steady. “Don’t do it.”

I hesitated briefly, wracked with uncertainty. I wish I’d never fallen for you. I finally regret you, just like you wanted. I glanced at Natasha, rolling my jaw. “I really wish I’d never made that bet. I’m sorry, Natasha.”

I can’t. I can’t do this. I can’t be here.

I heard her snort with surprised laughter, Tony’s glare burning the skin of my back as I shifted my hands once more.

“Wong, just… Please. Leave me alone.”

He sighed, hesitating in the doorway. “It… It’s been five days, Strange. You’re going to have to get up at some time. You need to eat. And shower,” he added pointedly, glancing at the hoodie I’d refused to take off, despite the fact that it made me hate myself even further. “A lot’s been happening. At the compound? I’ve been fielding the calls, but-”

“I don’t care,” I snapped, jaw tense as I met his gaze angrily. “I’m done with that hellhole. I’m not going back, so it doesn’t matter.”

“Stephen-”

“No. I’m not-”

“Strange. You need to listen to me. That girl – the one you care for – Natasha? She... Something happened.”

I sat up quickly, all thoughts of self-pity and self-flagellation wiped from my mind by those two simple words. “Is she okay? What did she... What did she do?”

Images of stitching up her multitudes of wounds, of her foot finding my throat, and of her sharp bones protruding through her clothes flashed before my mind, and I flinched. He shook his head quickly, grimacing. “Not her. She didn’t do anything. But... I think she’s going to need you. They... She was... Assaulted.”

I was on my feet the second he finished speaking, growling as my hands moved. “I’ll kill him. I’ll kill him.”

I’m so selfish. I was so goddamn selfish. He hurt her and I was too busy worrying about my own fucking love life to protect her. And now this. She’s been through so much, she doesn’t deserve-

The sound of whimpers and sobs stopped me in my tracks as I stepped through into the entrance hall, all backs turned from the screen by the stairs displaying some form of sordid movie, and I raised an eyebrow in surprise. “... What-”

Wanda jerked me forward, turning my gaze away from the monitor. But it was too late. I’d already seen the flash of her face, the red hair unmistakable, green eyes immediately recognisable despite the tears and swelling of her cheekbone.

The cries set my teeth on edge, stomach churning, and I held back a gag. “Why?” I whispered, and Wanda flinched beside me.

“It... The Winter Soldier. He was a HYDRA agent. He... He hurt Nat. The Cap found him, but the second he was on the property, the doors locked, and this started. We can’t turn it off, or turn it down. I have no idea how he’s doing it, but... We just... We can’t block out the sounds, but we can not watch. We... We can not watch.”

Vision’s arms found her comfortingly as she sobbed, and I flinched, hands beginning to move once more. “I’m getting us out of here. We shouldn’t have to-”

The second the portal began to appear, the sound stopped, and we collectively glanced over our shoulders, anxiety palpable. “It’s over,” Bruce muttered, skin a sickly, suppressed green. He darted for the doors, flesh rippling and morphing as he stepped outside, pulling in air through heavy, heaving lungs.

I just stood, frozen and stunned. “Where... Where is she?”

“She left, Stephen. The last day we saw you. She went to the farm with Clint,” Steve offered quietly, his jaw set. “They’re on their way back now.”

“Tell me you didn’t know.”

I glanced at Wanda in surprise, her eyes vacant as they flicked to me. “How... Why would I? I don’t even know who-”

“This was Tony,” she interrupted softly. “He set it all up.”

My stomach dropped out, and I shook my head violently. “No. He couldn’t. He... He wouldn’t. He’s many things, but he could never... Not something like this. Not so callous. So cruel.”

“He admitted it,” Steve replied, his voice hard. “We sobered him up, and he admitted everything.”

“...No. I... No.”

No, no, no. He couldn’t. He... He wouldn’t.

“Where is he?”

“Rehab,” Wanda snorted with mirth, shaking her head in disgust. “Because he’s a piece-of-shit addict, and apparently deserves our sympathy. But he won’t get any – not from me.”

“Wh… He went? Willingly?” I pressed in surprise, and Cap stiffened.

“He didn’t have a choice. Not after this,” he growled, angry like I’d never seen him before.

“At least he might finally get the help he needs…” I muttered, and Wanda hissed in response.

“He doesn’t deserve help. He deserves to fucking suffer.”

Flinching minutely, I looked away, shamed.

I can’t. I can’t believe that he could do that… I just… I can’t.

Widow – Ashe, as Wanda had informed me quietly - was withdrawn as they poked at their lunch, uncertain and tentative as the entire group watched them uncertainly.

“If you keep staring at me, I am not going to eat,” they snapped, eyes narrowing as they took in the collection and resting on me as I raised my hands innocently with an apologetic wince.

“That’s understandable. But that’s not why they’re staring,” I added softly.

“Then why?” they growled, and Wanda glared at Clint furiously.

“You haven’t told them?!

He curled his hands into anxious fists. Wanda had messaged him a warning on the drive, hoping that he’d be able to break the news to her gently – but apparently, he’d skipped that particular responsibility. “I… I didn’t know how,” he admitted quietly, wincing. “I couldn’t… I can’t.”

“Tell me what?” Ashe pressed sharply, their eyes flicking between the two angrily. Clint ran a hand through his hair, and sighed.

“Tony’s video was the only copy,” he murmured, jaw tight. “But…”

“But Bucky had his own. A suit cam,” Wanda cut in, her eyes lowered. “The second he arrived on the property… He put it on every screen. On a loop.”

I couldn’t help but look away as they glanced around to each of us in turn. “…Where’s Bruce?”

“Outside,” Thor replied quietly, his eyes on his plate. “Being green.”

They nodded slowly, the muscles in their jaw tight. “He saw?” Wanda nodded, and they recoiled minutely. “Who else?”

“Thor, T’challa, Stephen, me and Vision...” she murmured, gesturing at the people around the table in turn, myself included. “Shuri and Steven. A few dozen members of staff.”

“We tried to get it down as quickly as possible, but...” T'challa flinched sympathetically.

“But you cannot guarantee that nobody got a recording,” they breathed, horrified realisation dawning as we nodded as one.

“We'll keep an eye out on uploads within the facility, and the staff have already had to sign non-disclosure agreements prior to this event,” Vision offered. “The likelihood of that video reaching the public domain is slim... But we can’t say it’s not possible.”

“And you have all seen it?” they clarified, looking to the nods and avoided gazes with a wince. I opened my mouth to assure them that I, at least, saw very little, but Thor’s gravelly voice interrupted me.

“Lady Natasha, I... I’m very sorry you experienced that.”

They smiled weakly, nodding graciously. “I appreciate that, Thor. Thank you.”

“I cannot imagine,” T’challa murmured, wincing.

“Horrific,” I agreed quietly, meeting their gaze with guilt flaring in my chest.

I should have been here. I should have protected them. I should have done better. God… I’m such a waste of air. I don’t deserve to be called a man, let alone a Master of the Mystic Arts.

Cap was running worried hands through his hair, the strands sticking up at odd angles, looking haunted, while Shuri appeared almost confident, greeting her brother easily.

“… Well?” Clint demanded after a moment, tugging his partner from Bruce’s embrace where they’d stood trembling since he’d returned, pulling them onto his lap protectively.

Shuri sighed, beginning to pace before the table. “It was very, very difficult. They have instigated one of the most successful mind control programmes I have ever seen.” Pausing, she glanced away, before flicking her eyes back theatrically. “Fortunately, I am a genius! I have cracked the algorithm. It will take time, but I am confident that I can get him back - and soon.”

“Mind control,” Ashe muttered, glancing at the archer, and I flinched at the memory that he, too, had been subject to the cruel experience. “Like…”

His jaw twitched with understanding, and he glanced at the young genius before him. “Does he have any lucidity?”

She hummed, hand wriggling thoughtfully. “Brief periods. We saw him break through now and again. With the algorithm scrubbed, it’s more of a psychological block. It will take time and care to bring him fully back.”

“I want to speak to him.”

My eyes widened in shock, and Steve stepped forward, glancing at Shuri uncertainly. “Ashe, he… He’s still not with us often. And when he isn’t, he says some… Well, some not-very-pleasant things. And a significant number of them are about you,” he added, flinching.

Ashe paled minutely, but shook their head with determination. “I want to try. Please.”

Another glance, and he sighed, then nodded. “It’s your choice. But we’ll be right on the other side of the glass, okay?”

Clint rose as they did, and they took pause, glancing at the archer. “Clint, honey, this is likely not going to be fun for you. Are you sure you want to come? Haven’t you heard – and seen – enough?”

He swallowed dryly, then set his jaw. “I’m going to support you, Ashe. This isn’t about me.”

I can’t believe he really did those things. I can’t believe he… How could he… How?

When they left, I wanted nothing more than to bolt back to my hole, escaping this nightmare and drowning my sorrows in vodka. Oh, that’s ironic.

But Wanda was talking quietly, catching me up on all the things I’d missed, and I winced and hissed sympathetically, giving her as much attention as the turmoil in my brain permitted.

“… And that brings us to now, I guess. I think Lia is still pretty quiet, but…” Her phone beeped beside her, and she glanced down, hand covering her mouth as she let out a soft squeak.

“Is everything okay?” I pressed worriedly, her eyes growing wide. No more pain. Please.

She turned her cell to face me, fingers trembling, and I swallowed dryly before scanning the screen.

I finally asked. They said yes.

“Asked…?” My gaze met hers, confused, and I blinked at the tearful joy shining in her eyes. “… You mean…?”

“He’s had a ring for years,” she whimpered, teeth sinking into her knuckles as she fought to control herself. “I’ve been telling him he needs to do it. He did it. And they said yes!” Her voice rose to a fever-pitch, excitement winning out as she squealed. “Boys! We have a party to plan!”

They entered to a din of squeals and yells, voices tripping over one another as everyone pressed forward to offer their congratulations simultaneously.

“-first wedding in the team, I can’t-”

“-always knew it would be you two! When are you-”

“-decided on a honeymoon yet? I know this great place in-”

Clint snorted, pulling them into his side fondly. “Guys, guys, back off. It only happened a few hours ago?”

“A few hours? What kept you so long?” Cap grumbled, the archer raising a pointed eyebrow.

“Why, he was making love, of course!” Thor thundered, raising his pitcher of beer, ever the discreet one. Steve flushed with embarrassment at the short-sighted question, and Natasha kissed Clint’s cheek lightly, purring in his ear and making him gulp.

“Well?” Wanda demanded, moving to stand before them. “Show us the ring!”

I took in the three entwined lengths of silver, carefully cradling green sapphire and shimmering diamonds, as Natasha blushed.

“Three parts, huh?” I snorted, and Clint blinked in surprise.

“It’s actually… Purely coincidental. I’ve had it since before… Well, before we knew, I suppose.”

“Three years,” Natasha whispered loudly, turning a darker shade of red, and Wanda clapped her hands together in delight.

“That’s so cute!”

Like you didn’t know… I rolled my eyes fondly at the witch’s excitement, smirking.

Clint flushed crimson, scratching his neck, and kissed their hair lightly. “Yes, well… I always knew she’d be the one I wanted to marry. I didn’t see the point in putting it off when I found something so perfect. It matches her eyes exactly,” he added proudly.

They glanced down in surprise before reaching up to wrap their arms around his neck. “Clint… God, we love you.”

He beamed happily, humming his agreement as he kissed them deeply, their fingers winding in his hair with a soft, desperate groan.

“Ahem.”

They pulled apart, red-faced but grinning, an awkward silence flitting through the room before Clint nudged them toward the table, pouring a glass of champagne for each of them before raising his own.

“Thank you all for getting here on such short notice – especially Stephen, who actually facilitated most of that,” he added with a chuckle, nodding his head at me gratefully, but I simply waved him off.

It's the least I can do. I let this happen. I let them get hurt.

“I can’t think of anyone I’d rather celebrate this day with. This day…” he trailed off, shaking his head. “This day is something I never thought would  actually happen. When I made the choice to spare that vicious, teenage assassin, I put my head on the block. But when she looked at me, I knew I couldn’t do it. That I’d never be able to do it.” He inhaled deeply, glancing down at the assassin collective by his side. “It was the best act of defiance I’ve ever met, and I’ve never regretted it, not once. She… Gave my life colour again. It felt like I’d been stuck in a thunderstorm for years, but she was the sun, lighting my way and clearing the clouds. The very first time I woke up next to her, when she crawled into my bed at three in the morning because the nightmares wouldn’t stop… Well, it may sound creepy, but I just lay there, watching the sun rise on her face. And that was when I knew I wanted to marry this girl.”

“But I was so scared. I went out and bought her that necklace, intending to tell her everything. I steeled myself up, went to find her, and she was curled up on the sofa with a book, looking truly breathtaking. But I was… So utterly terrified of losing this beautiful thing that we had, that I’d rather risk her never being mine than risk not having her in my life at all. So I kept quiet… Up until earlier this year. I realised then that life is just too damn short, and I never wanted happiness if it wasn’t with her.”

Gentle and tender, he guided them to their feet, one hand resting lightly on their hip. “We’ve been through… So much together. And I’m dating significantly more people than I ever thought I would be,” he added, chuckling. “But… I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love each and every one of you with every fibre of my being. I am yours, until the day I die.”

They pressed their forehead to his, sniffling, and I smiled fondly as I clinked my glass to Wanda’s beside me, heart aching.

I remember what it felt like to love someone so deeply. So profoundly.

I drained my glass with a wince, immediately pouring another as Natasha spoke quietly.

“We love you too, Clint. We love you, too.”

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Tony vs God(s)

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒-> Tony Stark x Hades (Greek Mythology and Lore)

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> What if… Fury never passed on Howard’s materials and gave Tony what he needed to save himself? Or: Tony Stark is not a man of faith, but desperation will make fools of us all.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 6368.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ->(E) Dying Tony, desperation, bargaining, smut.

𝐀/𝐍 -> Masterlists can be found here. Check it out below, or on AO3 here! The snazzy Iron Man divider comes from @/super-marvel-dc and I love it <3

Prompts -> - ‘Point of View’ – @fandom-free-bingo (Frosty Edition); - ‘Dying From Their Illness’ – Fandom-Free Bingo (Gingerbread Edition); - ‘Journey’s End’ – Fandom-Free Bingo (Tolkien); - ‘One in a Million Shot’ – Fandom-Free Bingo (Tolkien); - ‘Selling His Beautiful Hole’ – Fandom-Free Bingo (Tolkien).

Tony’s breath came harsh and ragged as he reached the plateau, sweating and trembling, his heart fluttering weakly in his chest; it would be hammering if it had the strength.

The patterns tracing up his neck and through the uneven scruff over his jaw could almost be beautiful if they hadn’t been a harbinger of his impending death – intricate black markings under the skin, tattooed by the palladium poisoning him from the inside out. It stole his breath and sapped his strength as it spread, the engineer’s body growing more feeble with each step.

He had exhausted every scientific route he could see.

It was time to look for a miracle.

Tony Stark had not been brought up to be a religious man.

His father, Howard, had put faith only in his own mathematical mind, and imparted this lesson alone to his impressionable child. Tony had grown relying only on himself, kneeling to neither man nor God.

When despair began to win out, he prayed.

But the God that his mother had mentioned in hushed whispers of blessing as she kissed his forehead in the dark of night had paid him no mind, and his hopelessness only grew. With his failing faculties he hunted myth and legend, remembering the reports of the God of Thunder touching down in the middle of the New Mexico desert.

But no amount of ritual or pleading would bring the thunder god before him. And so, borne of the same frantic sense of self-preservation that leads a rat to gnaw off a leg caught in a trap, he scoured the other pantheons of history.

That was what had led him here. Mount Olympus.

Not the one the world knew, of course – the gods had severed their connection with that place long ago, as their popularity grew and man’s air of entitlement became boundless. Their new home – or outreach location, as Tony had come to think of it – was hundreds of miles away and half the size – a low, nondescript peak in the Himalayan foothills, pale in comparison to its gargantuan brothers. Anonymous, to all except those who knew to seek it.

It was a well-guarded secret, and even with Jarvis’ analytic assistance, there had been several reasonable possibilities. So, with a will to be actioned if he failed to return and a sense of helplessness he was becoming reluctantly accustomed to, Tony had set off on a journey that would doubtless either save his life or end it.

This was his third peak, and he knew, deep in his weary bones, that there would be no fourth.

His one in a million shot had reached its end, and as he settled himself on another nondescript plateau, he felt his hope fading as he went through the motions he had already done twice before. The rock pressed against the bones in his knees – when had he gotten so thin? – and it was becoming harder and harder to breathe. Along with the water and painkillers – and a few spare cores, just in case it made any difference in the end – that his knapsack held, there was a bottle of the most expensive liquor he’d had at home, and a deadly cocktail of barbiturates and neuromuscular relaxants. He’d considered these things at his last two summits, but there was no deliberation here. He removed the things to end his life and placed them by his side, cracking the seal and taking one long swig of the scotch, gazing out over the edge of the summit for a moment before settling in and closing his eyes.

He would never remember the things he said – would deny the pleas if ever he had been asked about them. His words had become increasingly desperate with each frantic request for mercy, and this time, acknowledgement of his fear of oblivion came readily to his lips, declaring to anyone who would listen that the concept of that unknown abyss terrified him. After all, what mark had he left? Had he atoned for the sins of his past by his time as Iron Man, and the people he’d helped? It didn’t seem possible – not when Stark Industries had been responsible for weapons used in warfare around the globe, allies and enemies alike.

Pepper would remember him, for a while. His name would endure for a few centuries, perhaps, in scientific circles, becoming more obsolete as the years passed. He was a visionary, yes – but a visionary limited to the trappings of his time. In a hundred, a thousand years, who would remember him? He had no family, nor lineage to speak of – at least none of which he was aware. His line would end with him, and the Stark name would fade into oblivion.

Though perhaps that would be a kindness, he noted distantly as words began to fail him, sinking back until he rested on his heels, panting heavily. The effort of speech drained him considerably, and his chest ached. His chest always ached. Perhaps the Stark name is one best not remembered.

He thought of the videos he’d seen of Stark weaponry being used against civilians, decimating homes, destroying families. Murdering children for nothing more than the land they lived on.

“Oh no, you’re cute. That’s gonna make this harder, boy.”

Tony’s head snapped up, the motion making every muscle in his depleted body scream in protest. “Wh- who-”

“-am I?” finished the lyrical voice, its owner squatting and letting the sun spill over his features with a delicate smile. “I’m the one you asked for.”

Tony coughed – a wheezing, haggard sound, his body quivering with the simple effort of expelling air from his lungs – and curled his fingers against the rock. “An Olympian?”

A pale, long-fingered hand waggled indeterminately, and the smile grew wider. “Of a sort.”

The engineer let out a snort, reaching for his bottle once more. “If gods can exist, so can devils. And even I draw the line at selling my soul.” His own hand shook as he tried to raise the scotch to his lips, and the figure tutted, moving back to his feet to circle Tony gracefully.

“I am no devil. But you, my dear mortal, are dying. You will not leave this accursed rock alive.”

Tony had known it – had confirmed it to himself when he’d taken the drugs and the liquor from his bag and set them beside him – but hearing the words from this mirage made fear squeeze his already-tight chest ever harder. “You never told me who you are,” he insisted weakly, taking a moment to pant before trying once more to take a pull from the bottle in his hand.

“I am… Timeless. I am inevitable. I am the One Who Watches, and the One Whom All Living Things Will Come To Know.”

The declaration was haunting, but the soft melody of his voice soothed the sharp edges of the words and wrapped Tony securely in cocoon of comfort, fingertips trailing tenderly against the dying man’s shoulders.

“Death?” he croaked out, unable to stop the tremor in his voice. “Did you not understand that I was asking for life?”

The smile stiffened infinitesimally as the creature came to face him again, head cocked in thought. “I think it is you who does not understand, mortal. Did you really come so unprepared to this place that you think Thanatos would consider himself akin to an Olympian?”

“Thanatos?” Tony repeated weakly, frowning, and the man rolled his eyes, leaning forward to flick Tony squarely between the eyes and earning a wince for the effort.

“The god of Death – weren’t you listening?” he scowled – and even in irritation, he was ethereally beautiful, the sharp cut of his jaw barely hinting at a day’s stubble. “And, for the record, not me. My dearest brothers would certainly hold options about my mantle as Olympian, though, given my… Rather specific residence. Though by that argument, they too are Olympians no longer,” he mused, bottle-cap wrist flexing until tendons stood stark and proud as his fingertips brushed his chin in thought. “Isn’t that interesting?”

“Is it?” Tony deadpanned, one eyebrow arching as best it could. “I see.”

It was a waste of time, he was deciding, trying to find any reason in this creature. He had not come to help – he had come to torment and torture, to dangle hope in front of a dying man.

“Have you figured it out yet?” he crooned, head tilting once more, the smile now firmly back in place. “Who it is that stands before you as your saviour and salvation?”

“No,” muttered Tony, taking another long sip before continuing. “And I don’t think you’re here to save me. Enjoy torment elsewhere and leave me to rot.”

The spectre tutted, squatting to take the bottle from the engineer, who could only glare in response. “You’re acting like a petulant child,” he snapped, pressing a hand to Tony’s chest firmly. “I’ll never understand why those siblings of mine have such an affection for your kind. Though only specific examples of you,” he added, rolling his eyes.

But Tony was no longer listening. The coolness of the palm against the thin weave of his shirt was spreading, easing ignited nerves and scorched veins, radiating along searing lines where poison had decimated everything in its wake. By the time the hand fell from his chest, he felt renewed, his body filled with an unearthly chill that brought his strength back to him.

And with it came clarity, spearheading the new terror settling inside him as he met silver eyes, fingers curling into defensive fists automatically.

“You’ve engaged that mind at last, I see,” the figure purred, seemingly delighted by this change in Tony’s demeanour as the engineer nodded. “You know who I am now?”

“Yes.”

The creature only shifted back to his feet, waiting silently for Tony to continue, a perfect, dark eyebrow quirked in amusement.

“You- Hades. You’re Hades. The god of the Underworld.”

The man clapped his hands together once, the eerie smile broadening into a flash of even, predatory teeth. “They always said you were one of the smart ones, Anthony Stark! Correct you are – I am, indeed, Hades. Though it’s more correct to call me the god of the dead, and the King of the Underworld. It’s a crown I was bestowed quite unwillingly, I’ll admit, but I-”

“What is it you want from me?” Tony snapped, pushing himself to his own feet, quietly euphoric at the ease of motion he hadn’t felt since before his seemingly endless torment.

Hades looked shocked, the graceful fingers brushing his own chest in disbelief. “What makes you think I require anything from you, mortal?”

Tony’s brow furrowed, arms folding stubbornly over his chest. “I know what I said when I prayed. I offered any payment for a cure. So-”

“Oh, sweet boy, you haven’t been cured,” the damned creature laughed, shaking his head in amusement. “This is temporary. Watching you wheeze and waste away was no fun – this makes for a far simpler barter.”

For just a moment, Tony was stunned into silence. Then he cursed the god internally, and his own idiocy, and the limitations on the pilgrimage that emphasised he should come ‘honestly’ – which he’d taken to mean ‘not in the Suit’, and wondered how long it would take the pieces to cross the Atlantic.

“Come now, none of that,” Hades chuckled, waving a hand. A long, black daybed materialised before him from entwining wisps of smoke, growing darker and more corporeal as he approached. “Your anger is unnecessary. I’m not done with you yet; I’m simply making our discussion more… Survivable.”

With a growl and a glare, Tony folded his arms across his chest. “So, what is it? What do you want from me, in exchange for this to become permanent?”

The demon smirked, reclining across his summoned furniture. “I’m not sure yet.”

“You’re not sure?” Tony scoffed, bristling. “What are you-”

But Hades held up a hand to silence him, pale eyes flashing. “I haven’t decided if I’m certain on helping you yet. Nor have you displayed any indication that you can offer something fitting in return.”

At this, Tony lost the last of his patience. He moved toward the creature with a single-minded fury, tired of being played with and used for entertainment. But by the time his fingers had curled into a fist and shot through the air, the god’s face was no longer there, his knuckles colliding only with the soft backing of the daybed.

“That temporary reprieve won’t last forever. You may want to curtail your attitude and begin to think of ways you can be of use to me.”

The engineer whirled, finding Hades now stood behind him, looking almost bored at the proceedings. With his jaw set, Tony sank to the seat, glaring up at his irritating saviour. “What sort of things would you find useful?” he snapped, cracking his knuckles. “I’m smart. I have money. I-”

“Yes, yes. I know all of that,” Hades sighed, waving those elegant fingers dismissively. “‘Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist’, isn’t it? But I have no need for your intelligence, nor your money, and your philanthropy often only serves to make my life more boring than it already is. And the manners in which you whore yourself hold no interest to-”

The god cut himself off, eyes flicking along the length of Tony’s body with renewed interest. “Though what it suggests about you is certainly intriguing.”

“That I’m amoral and callous?” Tony offered, snorting humourlessly, but Hades did not smile.

“That you are of a certain… Calibre. A man of talent.” He pursed his lips, assessing the mortal before him. “You see, my wife and I… We have an arrangement, of sorts. She spends only half the year in my domain. It gets terribly lonely with her gone… And awfully frustrating,” he added pointedly.

Tony froze as the words registered and rolled around his mind, digging out the meaning and implications. “Are you suggesting-”

“A trade,” Hades replied simply, shrugging. “A deal, just like the one you begged for when you first stepped foot on this mountain. You were duped, by the way,” he added, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “There’s no mythical strand tying this, or any other, peak in this region to the former Gods of Olympus. They have long forsaken your kind for their greed.”

“Then why are you here?” Tony ground out, every muscle in his body tense with stress. “Why did you come?”

“Because I watched you trail from mountaintop to mountaintop, even as your life faded, and thought that your grim determination may be of some use to me.” One perfect eyebrow arched, and he pursed his lips thoughtfully. “If I was wrong…”

“You weren’t wrong,” Tony muttered sullenly, uncertainty and reluctance heavy in his wavering tone. “I’m just not sure…”

“Sure about what?” Hades purred, eyeing the engineer with interest. “Not sure you want to survive? Not sure you want to be free from pain? Not sure you want to know true pleasure, the likes of which mere mortal men can rarely conceive?”

Despite himself, Tony shivered, swallowing dryly. He had no reason to believe in the god’s words, but he was Tony Stark – pleasure was his domain. “But I- I’m not…”

“Not what?” the god prompted, eliciting his words with eyes alight.

“Not gay,” Tony finished, arms folded insistently across his chest. But the god merely laughed, shaking his head.

“And I’m no man,” he replied steadily. “But, if you’re so sure you don’t need me…”

Those long, ethereal fingers snapped once more, and Tony gasped as the air was pulled from his lungs in a wave of agony and exhaustion, knees colliding heavily with hard rock as his legs buckled. Every breath was pain, every atom in his body crying out for the relief to return, his suffering infinitely worse at such brutal and sudden arrival.

Through eyes blurred with tears, he gazed helplessly up at the god. “Please,” he rasped, voice cracking.

I’ve already begged once. This is no worse. It’s no different to know what the deal entails. I said anything – and I meant it.

Hades knelt and considered the man thoughtfully, fingers tented beneath his chin, each second dragging out for an eternity while Tony twitched in pain, feeling the black etching of his poisoned blood racing once more over his skin. “Are you ready to make a deal?” he murmured, fingertips reaching out to smooth the dark hair from the engineer’s sweat-damp forehead.

Tony hesitated only briefly before nodding, his eyes dropping low and submissive. “Yes.”

Once he’d recovered from his returning faculties, taking a few moments to catch his breath, gulping in air gratefully, Tony stood uncertainly before the god – nervous, for once.

I’m Tony Stark. I don’t get nervous about fucking. What the hell is wrong with me?

Hades simply reclined on the daybed, his arms draped over the back as he eyed the mortal. “Well?” he prompted, one eyebrow arching.

Tony looked about himself, tongue passing nervously over his lower lip. “Here?” he clarified, a hint of incredulity in his tone. The god let out a soft laugh, genuine surprise flickering across the sculpted features.

“Are you… Shy?” he prompted in disbelief, lips curling up in a smirk. “You’re the infamous Tony Stark, after all – hasn’t everyone seen you naked by now?”

Despite his embarrassment, Tony pushed his hands deep into his pockets stiffly, irked by the comment. “The cold isn’t going to do me any favours,” he snapped, eyes narrowed. “If you want me at my best, I’m going to need somewhere a little warmer than the goddamn Himalayas.”

“I’ve certainly got somewhere warmer,” Hades replied dryly, his expression stony, “but I don’t think you’ll like it.”

Despite his words, however, he idly waved a hand, and a current of warm air wreathed around Tony’s body. He offered the god a curt nod of gratitude, before his jaw tightened once more. “So, what is it exactly you would like me to do?” Tony asked bluntly, forcing a hint of boredom into his voice that did little to disguise his nerves.

Hades considered him thoughtfully for a moment, drumming his fingertips against the back of the seat. “… Strip.”

There was no threat or roughness to the word, but Tony winced as if slapped before his fingers found the hem of his shirt. But he asked no questions as he pulled it up and over his head, the reactor casting a glow in the slowly fading light. His illness had added a stringiness to his muscles and a sunken appearance to his skin, but Hades had brought back his definition, his body firm and taut once more, and Tony considered himself with surprise.

“I saw no point in removing your toxin but leaving you weak,” Hades shrugged by way of explanation, seemingly unphased by the astonishment in the mortal’s face.

“I- Th… Thank you,” Tony stammered, trailing a hand over his own forearm thoughtfully. He’d felt stronger, certainly, but he hadn’t expected such a physical difference – or realised quite how much the illness had taken its toll on his body. Even though he knew he was dying, he’d watched the changes occur slowly, and seeing them reversed at once threw the comparison into sharp relief.

He was almost glad to pull his jeans down, eager to see more of his reclaimed body, pausing to admire his own thighs, sculpted and defined. It had been so long since he had been happy with himself – or even cared what he looked like – that he couldn’t help but pause, stood there on a Himalayan mountaintop, trousers around his ankles and his shirt in a puddle on the ground.

And the eyes of a god upon him.

“I didn’t say stop, as fine as a figure you are,” Hades purred, crossing his arms across his chest. Tony nodded, his nerves returning – but his buoyed confidence carried him through as he dropped his boxers, now taut rather than hanging loose and low on his hips. He felt the blush creeping up his cheeks but held his head high, standing tall as the god took him in – eyes lingering in places that made Tony’s eyebrow raise.

“See something you like?” Tony quipped, smirking.

“I see something I’m owed,” Hades responded readily, undaunted by the engineer’s confidence. “Come.”

Tony’s self-assured aura wavered as he moved toward the god, pausing once he stood before him. “Now what?” he asked quietly, unused to taking the subservient role. With all the girls he’d taken to his bed – or his limo, or a quiet stairwell – he’d always been the one in control. The one who called the shots.

But now he stood sheepishly, moving obediently as the god gestured for him to sit by his side.

A hand found his hip, turning his body towards the god’s, and Hades hummed appreciatively. “There now. Don’t look so nervous.” When Tony simply scowled, Hades’ smirk flickered. “… Would you be doing this, if you had any other choice?”

Tony’s expression cleared, and he blinked in surprise. “… What?”

“Would you be sat here, with me, like this, if it wasn’t the only way to keep your health?”

For a moment, Tony paused – just a fraction of a heartbeat, as he took in a sharp jaw and flawless skin, delicate fingers that looked primed to strum new chords of pleasure from the engineer’s body.

“… No.”

“And if I told you now, that you could leave this place with your health intact – that you could redress, and leave, and you would live a normal, healthy life, never again facing the ramifications of that specific danger-” Hades paused to tap an elegant digit against the reactor, “- ever again, would you go?”

This time, the engineer’s pause was longer. His own hands flexed, muscles twitching, extending and contracting in ways they hadn’t in a long time.

If I could leave. If I could walk away, right now…

“No.”

Hades seemed less shocked than Tony himself, a coy smile playing on his lips. “No?”

“Yes,” Tony corrected quickly, scowling, pushing the hand from his hip. “I- I meant yes. No, I wouldn’t stay. Yes, I’d leave. I wouldn’t- I’m not- I couldn’t-”

“Couldn’t you?” he prompted softly. The fingers didn’t wrap around the engineer’s hipbone again, but simply settled in his own lap, unexpectant and resigned to whatever decision the nude mortal might be inclined to make.

“Why would I?” Tony challenged, eyes narrowing. “Why would I stay, if it wasn’t for the deal?”

“Curiosity. Excitement. To do things no mere mortal has ever experienced before. Because you have the choice to do so,” Hades added, shrugging a shoulder in an unexpectedly human gesture.

“The choice…” Tony replied softly, his gaze lowering in thought. “… No mortal?”

“I have always been loyal to my wife,” Hades replied steadily. “But after eons of only sharing in one another… Your desperate plight appealed to us both.” The ageless creature tented those fingers beneath his chin once more, considering the mortal before him. “… I have a new deal for you.”

“No more deals,” Tony scoffed, pushing himself to his feet with a firm head shake. “If I can leave, then I’m leaving.”

But no sooner had he taken a step away than he hesitated, fingers flexing by his sides, before he swallowed, back stiff as curiosity won out. “… What deal?”

“You can go, if you wish. Or… You can stay. You can let me… Test you, as it were.”

“And if I pass your test?” Tony replied, still facing out over the plateau, taking in a sunset now in full splendour.

“Then you come with me.”

“To the underworld?” Tony clarified, incredulously, finally turning and facing the god in disbelief.

“To the underworld,” the god agreed, nodding curtly. “To spend eternity in health and youth. Never ill, never aging.”

“An eternal slave for you to toy with?” Tony added, eyebrow arched.

“And my wife,” Hades added, smirking.

Despite himself, Tony paused.

His steps were slow but unhesitating as he moved back toward the god, and sat beside him once more.

They say in silence as the sun sank below the horizon, Tony thoughtful, Hades patient.

The engineer considered his life – his legacy, and the things he’d be leaving behind. All things that had seemed so important when he had no choice, but now...

“I’ll do your test,” Tony murmured eventually, and Hades blinked, pulling himself from his reverie.

“Why?” he prompted, and Tony frowned.

“Does it matter?”

“Not in the end, I suppose,” Hades acknowledged, his head cocked. “But you seemed so desperate to cling to this life. Why would you take the choice to give it up?”

Tony paused for a heartbeat, considering how to form his response, then laughed weakly. “Who am I kidding? I complained about legacy and meaning – but I’d continue to live my life in just the same way I have so far. Good or bad, in the end I’d have been the same; my focus would have been what it always was. My life would have continued to be about pleasure – and that’s what you’re offering me. Pleasure... Forever.”

Hades arched an eyebrow, seemingly unmoved. “If you pass.”

“If I pass,” Tony agreed, chewing slightly on his lower lip.

How did this go from being pressed into a deal to all but begging him to let me fuck him?

“Come closer.”

Tony shifted obligingly, half-turning, the blush creeping up his cheeks once more. Hades’ elegant hand found his hip once more, pulling him nearer, his fingers moving to the engineer’s chin and tipping it up to meet his eye. “You are very pretty when you blush, Stark.”

“You have beautiful hands,” Tony muttered, then flushed darker, opening his mouth to hurriedly correct himself.

But his words were pushed down by the god’s lips on his, firm and sure, and Tony instead let out a low whimper, one hand coming up instinctively to tangle in the dark hair. He felt the god smirk against him, pulling him nearer, and Tony found himself obliging readily, his leg moving to straddle the god’s hips and press himself to his chest. Hades let out a soft sound of surprise, his arm passing around the mortal’s waist to hold him flush to his body.

This part, I know.

While Tony was usually the one being straddled, he knew the moves instinctively, his hands passing along the god’s chest and making quick work of the button-down, his fingers quick and deft, before he pushed the material from sculpted shoulders. The engineer’s mouth trailed hungrily over the freshly exposed flesh – harder than he was used to, with sharper angles and more muscle, but his lips traced searing marks over collarbone just as readily, teeth latching lightly around one pert nipple.

The soft rumble of pleasure that emanated from the god’s throat spurred him on, and Tony’s hands made short work of shredding the rest of the dark shirt before turning his attention the belt. Despite his reservations – and the uncertainty that came with the knowledge that, soon enough, he’d be interacting with that particular part of this god – Tony found himself already stiffening, Hades’ talented lips on his eliciting quiet groans and pleasured sighs.

When those long, delicate fingers wrapped around his cock, Tony’s head fell back, eyes widening at the ecstasy thrumming through his veins as the god stroked him deftly. Hades used the opportunity to explore the engineer’s offered skin, nipping and sucking and doubtless leaving dark bruises in his wake. Tony let out a quiet yelp of surprise when he found himself pinned, one knee bent instinctively to keep his hips pressed close to the creature above him – the one who was gazing at him with amusement clear in his gaze.

“You like that, don’t you, pet?” Hades purred, his hand still moving with expert skill along Tony’s cock. The engineer was helpless to do little more than swallow and nod jerkily, painfully aware of just how quickly this man had gotten him hard and leaking. With a soft chuckle, Hades tugged his belt free, unbuttoning his slacks, and Tony let out a quiet, shameful whine when the god released him. “Now, now… I’m not done with you yet, worry not.” Hades shifted to shed his clothes, and Tony stiffened instinctively, the length now pressed to his thigh seeming far more significant once unrestrained.

Am I supposed to-

“Don’t look so panicked, sweet boy,” the god murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the engineer’s cheek. “Expecting you to perform at the highest calibre of which you are capable would be cruel if you were being put in a… Position, with which you are unfamiliar. No,” he hummed, snagging Tony’s fingers in his lightly. “No, the fucking, at least, will be similar to that of which you are accustomed. This time,” he added pointedly, making Tony’s mouth run dry. Hades paused an inch from his length, eyes finding Tony’s, tender and encouraging.

The soft sound of pleasure that the god released as Tony’s hand wrapped around his formidable cock made pride swell in the engineer’s chest, his grip tightening a little. He settled beneath, ignoring his own member leaking and pulsing with need now that Hades had released him, and focused on working the ethereal creature to the best of his ability, thumb flicking over his tip as pre-cum beaded there, making his palm slicker and reducing the dry friction of skin-on-skin. Hades let out a quiet, ragged groan, his head falling forward to return his mouth to Tony’s skin, and the Avenger sighed with pleasure, his free hand curling instinctively around the god’s bicep.

When Hades began to trail soft, tantalising kisses down Tony’s chest, the engineer found himself reluctant to release his grasp as the god shifted out of his reach, but his heart pounded with longing when Hades’ mouth moved past his navel, those silver eyes meeting his as his lips paused an inch from Tony’s leaking length.

“May I?” he prompted, his voice quiet, and smirked when Tony nodded quickly before lowering his head to take the engineer in his mouth.

Tony let out a deafening groan, his fingers tightening against the daybed, head dropping back as his back arched unconsciously. There was skill in the god’s smooth-talking tongue that was unlike anything Tony had encountered before, caressing his length with such precise dexterity that it was all the engineer could do to hold on tight to the upholstery and frantically fight for some semblance of self-control. It had been a long time since anyone had stripped him so thoroughly of his decorum, making him feel like a stammering virgin.

“G-God, fuck- Hades, you’re gonna need to st- I can’t-”

The god simply smirked around him, gaze locking on the emerald eyes as he took him deeper, letting the mortal’s cock inch further into his throat as delicate fingers ghosted with a world-shattering deftness over his balls, purring with delight as they drew up beneath his touch.

The throat no longer etched with black lines of poison offered itself to the god’s mercy as it released a feral cry, one hand unconsciously latching in the dark hair to hold the sinful mouth wrapped around him closer as his body shook with the effort of his release. The feeling of Hades’ throat contracting around his length as he swallowed had Tony’s eyes rolling back with pleasure, a choked sob eking between his bitten lips until he dissolved into quiet whimpers, the tongue curling around his oversensitive cock sending jolts of near-pain through the engineer’s muscles.

He lay still for a moment, panting heavily when the god finally released him with a pop and a smirk. “I- I know you- You know I can’t- I’m gonna need a few minutes before I-I can…”

Hades chuckled, rocking back onto his knees and grinning down at the engineer prone beneath him. “Have you forgotten who I am?” His fingers wrapped around the mortal’s length, ignoring the gentle whine of oversensitivity, and bent his head to exhale cool air over Tony’s tip. With a shudder, Tony’s eyes flickered, then widened in surprise.

“How in the hell-?”

“God,” Hades offered, raising an eyebrow. “I removed your toxicity in a heartbeat, but this surprises you?”

Tony let out a weak laugh, shrugging sheepishly. “I guess… I didn’t think this had an application?”

“Disagree,” he purred, stroking the engineer’s half-hard cock with a smirk. Tony sighed contentedly, head falling back once more. The god let him enjoy his pleasure for a moment before shifting to straddle his hips, letting Tony’s length brush against his ass lightly. Their eyes locked, and Tony swallowed, exhaling softly before nodding.

There’s no coming back from th-

He let out a gasp and a grunt, fingers finding and curling around the god’s hips automatically. “Oh, fuck…” Pleasure shot through his veins as the impossible tightness enveloped him an inch at a time, gaze flickering over Hades’ face as the god’s head fell back in rapturous delight.

He is, Tony admitted to himself as the god took his length in its entirety, drawing a groan of base pleasure from both men, inhumanely beautiful.

Hades leant forward, his mouth finding the mortal’s as he rocked his hips slowly. Tony didn’t hesitate, letting himself be consumed by the hungry brush of a tongue against his and the patient pace Hades had set up astride him. He’d done this before, of course – with women – but it had never particularly appealed; the tightness around him was pleasurable, certainly, but none of them had reacted the way the god did.

Perhaps if they had, I’d never have gone back...

And what a reaction it is, Tony added distantly to himself, eyes opening to watch with lust and awe as Hades straightened, leaning back to take the engineer’s length deeper inside him, his own cock twitching and leaking readily as he rolled his hips. Instinctively, Tony reached out, fingers curling around the pulsating member, stroking in time with Hades’ movements and earning a loud groan for his efforts. The mortal’s other hand began to urge him faster, harder atop him, and Hades trembled with pleasure, his head falling back once more.

“That’s it, boy... Show me what you can do,” he breathed, his own fingertips pressing against Tony’s abdomen to steady himself. With a nervous lick of his lips, Tony grasped the god’s hips and raised him free of his length, earning a flash of annoyed silver before the god found himself lifted bodily and turned, his lithe form pinned beneath the engineer’s, one hand pressed against his thigh to offer his ass to the mortal’s mercy.

Tony re-entered him quickly, using the increased purchase that standing over the god allowed to drive himself roughly home and eliciting a sharp cry of pleasure from the man writhing beneath him. With a self-satisfied smirk, Tony set up a punishing pace, his hipbones aching from the impact, determined to show the god exactly what he could do.

When the engineer’s hand found his own cock once more, Hades let out a ragged grunt. “Just there, f-fuck, b- Tony, Tony... Don’t stop...” he groaned, fingers curling around Tony’s biceps to hold him tight as his body jerked from Tony’s rough movements. Encouraged, the engineer only fucked him harder, his own breath coming in sharp pants, the vice-like grip of the god sprawled beneath him – and, if he was honest with himself, that gravelly voice groaning his name – spurring him towards a rapidly-approaching climax.

“Fuck- close-” he gasped by way of warning, and the god’s legs wrapped tight around his thighs, holding him to him.

“Come for me,” Hades breathed, eyes glittering with a pleasure beyond the physical. “You’re mine, Tony...”

With a deafening groan and one last, violent thrust, Tony buried himself to the hilt inside the ethereal creature, never pausing in his ministrations on the god’s cock as he emptied himself with a shudder of delight. “Y-yours- fuck, yes, yours, please-”

The feeling of the mortal coming deep inside him, the hopeless devotion in his eyes and the utterances on his lips, paired with the enthusiastic, needy hand on his own length was enough to drive Hades over the edge, his back arching as he spilled across his own chest, clamping down hard on Tony’s still-pulsating cock and drawing a breathless groan from the engineer.

Tony didn’t pull out right away, to Hades’ surprise. Instead, he unwrapped his hand from the god’s sensitive, slowly softening length to lean back a little, slick with sweat and panting hard, his eyes closed.

“… That was, u-uh…” he stammered, swallowing, before looking back down at Hades with a soft huff of surprise, his pupils blown wide. “H-Hm. Good.”

“Good?” Hades repeated, his tone giving away no emotion as he arched an eyebrow, twitching softly around the engineer’s cock and eliciting a low whine.

“Ver- very good,” Tony clarified weakly, wincing as he pulled back slowly. “Very, very… Good.” With a soft grunt, Tony sat beside the god, rubbing his chest instinctively despite the absence of pain. He was unabashed in his nudity, delighting in a body that felt more like his, and found himself once more admiring the lean curve of muscle and the tautness of his skin.

“So…” he asked after a moment, raising his gaze to look out over the plateau. “… Did I… Pass your test?”

He felt Hades looking at him, but didn’t shift his own eyes from the horizon – not when this could be the last time he would see the sky.

“Is that what you want? To live forever – with me? A life of pleasure, yes – and you will be treated well, I can guarantee you that much – but it would, in essence, be an eternity of service. Is your ego prepared to handle that?”

Tony stiffened automatically, though there was no malice in the voice. “An eternity of service,” he mused softly, fingers instinctively curling. “I’ve often said I serve no man.”

Eventually, he turned his gaze from the breathtaking beauty of the skyline, turning instead to that of Hades beside him. “But you’re no man, are you?”

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Multitudes - Chapter Twenty-Five

... Asked and Answered.

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒-> Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton, James "Bucky" Barnes/Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton/Steve Rogers, James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers, Steve Rogers/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov/Steve Rogers

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> Time to bust a ghost, and Clint asks the important questions.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 4551.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ->(E) SA mentions, sex mentions (non-graphic), anxiety, confrontation of abuser, shame, revenge 'porn'(?). But hey, as usual, SOME of it is cute...

𝐀/𝐍 -> Dead Dove: Do Not Eat. Please read the warnings, and proceed with caution. You know the drill. Takes place mid-chapter eight of Magic and Madness (not yet posted). Masterlist can be found here.

Check it out below, or on AO3 here! The snazzy Black Widow divider comes from @/firefly-graphics and I love it <3 The Multitudes Universe one is our own!

<- Previous Chapter (24/72)

~Ashe~ I purred as I woke in his arms, satiated and sleepy. “Morning, stud.”

He snorted, one eye flicking open. “Well… It doesn’t take much guesswork to know who you are, you horny little gremlin.” I giggled as he squeezed me tighter, then winced infinitesimally at the pain in my ass. He frowned worriedly, freezing. “Are you okay? In pain?”

I smirked, placing a gentle kiss to his chest. “The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive… But no, not pain. A delightful discomfort.” I glanced down at my naked body, fingers tracing the lines he carved into my flesh as he came, shivering with pleasure. “Hm. Good work.”

He laughed, pulling back the sheets to show five enduring, crescent marks in his hip. “Back at you.”

I licked my lips at his exposed body, lust stirring in my abdomen.

No no, Widow. It’s my turn.

I snorted in response, rolling my eyes. That’s fair… Good luck sitting down. I leant forward, wrapping my arms around his neck with a smile, my lips brushing his as- ~Nat~ -I opened my eyes, nipping at his lip lightly. “Good morning, honey.”

His hands found my waist, and his eyebrow quirked. “…Nat?” I nodded, and he laughed. “Damn, that was… Fluid.”

I chuckled, slinging a leg over his hips, my hands smoothing lightly down his chest, fingernails catching lightly. “Like I said to them… It’s my turn.”

He growled, hands finding my waist as I ground against him. “I’m so fucking lucky.”

“So… What changed?” he murmured, hand caressing my hair tenderly. “I thought you weren’t… Ready.”

I hummed, shimmying against the discomfort in my ass, and smirked. “Honestly? Jealousy,” I admitted, flushing slightly, making him beam broadly.

“Over little old me? I’m honoured,” he crooned, fingers caressing the chain around my neck carefully, sighing as his head dropped back. “I really do love our life. I can’t wait to spend forever with y’all.” I chuckled, returning my head to his chest.

“Neither can we… I’m guessing the date with Widow went well?”

“Oh, yeah, that reminds me,” he replied, tapping my arm as he spoke. “It’s ‘Ashe’ now. With an ‘e’.”

I paused before grinning, rolling the name around my head. “Ashe. I like it.”

Thank you, they replied, giggling happily. Me too.

Why didn’t you tell me before, when I called you Widow?

They hesitated briefly, their embarrassment evident. I… Didn’t want to hurt your feelings, they admitted slowly. ‘Widow’ was your idea, after all. And I love it; I really do. But… I’m not the same person I was back then. I wanted one that fit more with you and Lia.

I smiled fondly, touched. I understand. I love it, Ashe.

Clint’s phone buzzed and he groaned, leaning across to snatch it off the table.

“Wanda. Wondering how the date went.” A blush coloured his cheeks faintly, and I snorted.

“Well, I woke up in bed with you, and with bruises on my butt, so… I think even I can tell it went well.”

His eyes flicked to me nervously, wincing. “Yeah, I… Ashe said it was okay? That y’all had talked about it?”

I nodded, placing a reassuring kiss to his cheek. “It’s fine, honey. It’s… Interesting,” I admitted, running a gentle hand over the lightly throbbing skin. “Not unpleasant… Maybe even nice.”

He smirked, latching one arm back around me as he replied, both of our eyes on his screen.

They go by Ashe now. It went well. I’m sure you’ll get an intimately detailed play-by-play at a later date. C

Chuckling, I nuzzled closer. “I do love her,” I murmured, fingers tracing his chest.

You need to come back. Now.

Clint rolled his eyes as he showed me the message, and I laughed. Wanda, just be patient, I’m sure you’ll hear it all soon enough.

He found him. Cap found the soldier. We just got the call. They’re on their way here.

I met his gaze slowly, a low tremble working through my body. “They… They found him.”

Clint nodded, hesitant. “Yeah. … What do you want to do?”

“Throw up?”

He chucked humourlessly, shaking his head. “Besides that.”

“… We have to go back, don’t we?”

“I think so, yeah.”

~Ashe~ I shifted in my seat for the thousandth time as we pulled up outside the complex, the pulsating in my ass a pleasurable discomfort that didn’t go far enough to distract me from what was coming.

“Hey, Ashe.”

I blinked in surprise, gaze flicking from my partner as he parked. “…How did you…?”

He laughed, his hand finding my knee. “The way you lit up as you wriggled around.”

Blushing, I nudged him roughly, unimpressed. “… Hey, how did you get your car back?”

He snorted, petting my hair tenderly. “Magic, my little sex pest. Magic.”

I tried my best not to limp as we entered the building, but the second Wanda’s haunted gaze locked on mine, it lit up with concern. Darting over, her fingers found my own and she pulled me to the side.

“What happened? Are you okay?” she demanded, eyes wide with worry. I chuckled awkwardly, scratching my neck.

“Um… Yeah. It's not…” I blushed, and she let out a short bark of laughter, shaking her head.

“On the first date, Ashe? I’m shocked. I thought you had more class.” Her grin dropped to a tender smile, and she nudged me lightly. “A nice time?”

I sighed softly, closing my eyes briefly at the memories. “The best.” Glancing at her, I grimaced. “And then… This morning happened.”

Nodding sagely, she let out a sigh of her own. “Yeah. But… I mean, at least we know where he is now, right? And Shuri is already here. It’s a long story,” she added, wincing sympathetically. “Come on. I’ll fill you in over lunch.”

It was… Odd, sitting at the table with the team again. While there was a certain degree of nostalgia, it was impossible not to draw parallels to eating on the sofa with Clint, our feet between his, facing one another and chatting happily. Everyone’s eyes were once more on me, despite the fact that I was pretty certain my weight gain was holding steady since we left, waiting for me to slip up.

“If you keep staring at me, I am not going to eat,” I snapped, glaring at the collected heroes. Stephen held up his hands, wincing apologetically.

“That’s understandable, but that’s not why they’re staring.”

“Then why?”

Wanda’s eyes cut to Clint, narrowed and suspicious. “You haven’t told them?!”

He flailed desperately, fingers curled into fists by his side. “I… I didn’t know how,” he whispered eventually, flinching. “I couldn’t… I can’t.”

“Tell me what?” I asked sharply, my own gaze flicking between the two angrily. Clint ran a hand through his hair, and sighed.

“Tony’s video was the only copy,” he began slowly, jaw clenched as my stomach dropped out. “But…”

“But Bucky had his own. A suit cam,” Wanda cut in, her eyes lowered. “The second he arrived on the property… He put it on every screen. On a loop.”

I looked around at the team, each one now unable to meet my gaze. “... Where’s Bruce?”

“Outside,” Thor replied quietly, his eyes on his plate. “Being green.”

I nodded slowly, my jaw set and hard. Thank God Nat isn’t here. “He saw?” Wanda nodded, and I winced. “Who else?”

“Thor, T’challa, Steven, me and Vision...” she murmured, gesturing at the people around the table in turn. “Shuri and Steven. A few dozen members of staff.”

“We tried to get it down as quickly as possible, but...” T'challa flinched sympathetically.

“But you cannot guarantee that nobody got a recording,” I breathed in horrified realisation. The team nodded as one, each more pained than the next.

“We'll keep an eye out on uploads within the facility, and the staff have already had to sign non-disclosure agreements prior to this event,” Vision offered. “The likelihood of that video reaching the public domain is slim... But we can’t say it’s not possible.”

“And you have all seen it?” I clarified, glancing around, to yet another wave of nods and avoidance.

“Lady Natasha, I... I’m very sorry you experienced that.”

I smiled weakly at the Norse god, inclining my head. “I appreciate that, Thor. Thank you.”

“I cannot imagine,” T’challa breathed, wincing.

“Horrific,” Stephen agreed, meeting my gaze. That man has seen me at my worst... And even he’s shaken.

I dropped my gaze, swallowing dryly, until Wanda reached out, linking her fingers with mine with a steady inhale.

“Natasha isn’t the only one here who has been... Who has suffered at the Soldier’s hands. He... He used to work for HYDRA. I’ve met him several times myself.”

I met her eyes in surprise, tears pricking beneath my lids. “Wanda...”

She simply smiled reassuringly, squeezing my hand. “You’re not alone, Ashe. None of you are.”

As if on cue, a deeply irate and scruffy Bruce Banner stalked into the room, clothes pulled on half heartedly around his still semi-green body. When his gaze found mine, he stilled, skin flushing through pale. “... Natasha.”

“Hey, Bruce. It has been a minute, huh?” He nodded tersely, and I stood, extending my arms to him. “I’m sorry you had to see that,” I offered, wincing. He shuddered, hesitating before crossing the room quickly, bundling me against his chest.

“We had no idea. We knew something happened, but we didn’t… We never… God, that was…”

I nodded against his firm, expanding-and-deflating rhythm, jaw set. “Yes. It was.”

I’d only seen the events from the ceiling, but the idea of a brutal close up was… Nauseating.

“I’ll kill Tony,” he growled, fingers thickening against my back.

“Easy, big guy,” I soothed, drawing back to meet his gaze. “Keep calm. There is enough emotion in this room without adding Hulk-rage to it.”

He eyebrow raised and he snorted out a peel of laughter, shocked and amused, his mouth opening to respond as the door opened.

Cap was running worried hands through his hair, the strands sticking up at odd angles, looking haunted, while Shuri appeared almost confident, greeting her brother easily.

“… Well?” Clint demanded after a moment, pulling me from Bruce’s embrace and onto his lap protectively, arms around my waist.

She sighed, beginning to pace before the table. “It was very, very difficult. They have instigated one of the most successful mind control programmes I have ever seen.” Pausing, she glanced away, before flicking her eyes back theatrically. “Fortunately, I am a genius! I have cracked the algorithm. It will take time, but I am confident that I can get him back - and soon.”

“Mind control,” I whispered, my own eyes wide as I glanced at my archer. “Like…” Like you. Does that mean he isn’t culpable either? For all those times he…

His jaw twitched with understanding, and he glanced at the young woman over my shoulder. “Does he have any lucidity?”

She hummed, hand wriggling. “Brief periods. We saw him break through now and again. With the algorithm scrubbed, it’s more of a psychological block. It will take time and care to bring him fully back.”

“I want to speak to him.”

My voice surprised everyone – myself included. But most of those fifty-three scars were memories I carried. I had to see if he remembered, too.

Cap stepped forward, glancing at Shuri uncertainly. “Ashe, he… He’s still not with us often. And when he isn’t, he says some… Well, some not-very-pleasant things. And a significant number of them are about you.” He winced as he spoke, face paling, and I felt nausea churn in my stomach at the thought; that didn’t stop me shaking my head determinedly, though.

“I want to try. Please.”

Another glance, and he sighed, then nodded. “It’s your choice. But we’ll be right on the other side of the glass, okay?”

Clint rose as I did, and I hesitated. I knew better by now than to tell him no, but… “Clint, honey, this is likely not going to be fun for you. Are you sure you want to come? Haven’t you heard – and seen – enough?”

He swallowed dryly, then set his jaw. “I’m going to support you, Ashe. This isn’t about me.” He flicked his eyes to Wanda, who smiled weakly, nodding her encouragement, and my heart ached with love for this selfless man.

I couldn’t help but hesitate outside the door.

The last time we’d seen this man, we were broken and bleeding. Hell, the last time I saw this man, I was broken and bleeding. But there was a distant knowledge that if we didn’t face him, the fear would never end. We’d spent the rest of our lives jumping at every sound, constantly looking over our shoulder for a flash of sliver or wild eyes.

No… I have to do this. For all of us.

Inhaling forcefully, I let myself in.

He was chained to the bolted-down table by one hand, his animatronic arm gone, muttering under his breath – but his head snapped up as I entered, and a fierce grin flickered across his face.

“Hello, Roma. I wondered when I’d be seeing you again. Come for another round?”

Heart pounding, legs shaking, I shook my head, taking a seat opposite him and folding my arms with false bravado. “No. I have come to see how far the ‘Winter Soldier’ has fallen… And I am delighted with the results,” I added, one eyebrow raised.

He snarled, pulling against his restraints. “When I get out of here, I-”

“But you are not getting out of here,” I replied softly, my gaze on his. “Not as the Soldier, anyway. The only way you’re leaving here is as Sergeant James Buchannan Barnes. Bucky.”

I’d never said his name before – not to him, at least – and it was almost a relief, to not see a nameless abuser sat opposite me anymore. There was a vague flicker of recognition in his expression, and he shook his head. “No.”

“Yes,” I snapped back, leaning forward. “You will not be leaving here as the man who did those things to me. As the man who held me while I was Broken. As the man who fucked me after I had my womb ripped out and laughed as I bled. That man… He is never leaving this room.”

He hesitated minutely, then grinned, cold and vicious. “Don’t act like you didn’t love it, little girl. Don’t act like you don’t touch yourself in the dark of the night and think of me, remembering how good I made you feel. Don’t act like you never spread those soft thighs willingly and cried out with pleasure when I fucked you.”

I met his gaze emotionlessly, forcing myself to remain impassive at the memories of his weight on top of me. Obedience… They are Lia’s memories.

Yes. And he’s right… I did obey willingly. I let him do those things. But it was never pleasure that made me cry out.

I blinked in surprise, startled. Oh. Uh- hi.

Buoyed by her presence, I met his gaze evenly, and addressed them both. “There is a difference between obedience through fear and consent. And we have never, ever, consented to you.”

“That’s fine,” he smirked, leaning forward to lower his voice. “I always liked it when you fought. Your screams made it better.”

Nausea rose in my stomach, but I forced it down stubbornly. “I hope you remember it fondly, because you will never hear it again.”

He laughed, reclining with his boots on the table. “I bet Clint can’t make you cry like I can.”

“Oh, he does,” I countered, remembering the night before. “He makes me sob. But it is with pleasure, and pure delight – something you never managed, I might add.”

He met my gaze, eyes narrowed. “You came every time I fucked you.”

I let out my own cold laugh, shaking my head. “Oh, honey, no. You told me to, and I am a Widow. A master of subterfuge, remember?” My hands clasped in my lap, and I smirked. “You are not a patch on him. When he makes me scream, it is because I am being unmade. Not because I am being raped.”

The final word flicked a switch behind his eyes, and they cleared. I lent forward tentatively, mistrustful and uncertain. “… Bucky? Sergeant Barnes?”

His gaze met mine, and he swallowed. “You. The… The girl. Natalia.” I nodded, and he flinched, looking away. “I deserve it. Whatever you’re going to do to me… I deserve it. I won’t fight.”

I winced minutely, my heart breaking – just a little – for the man beneath HYDRA’s control. “Do you remember?”

He hesitated, lids squeezing shut briefly. “Everything. All of the awful, unspeakable…”

“… Things that were not you,” I finished softly, reaching out to brush my fingertips across the back of my hand. “I’m not here to punish you, Bucky. I’m here because… I needed to see you. Underneath all of the shit that HYDRA put on you, I had to know there was a human being under there who regret all of the things he did to me.” To us. To us. To us.

“Regret doesn’t begin to cover it,” he breathed, shuddering. “I… I’m sorry, Natalia. Natasha. I’m so sorry.”

I sobbed then, my forehead finding the table as I fractured and broke – a misaligned bone finally ready to start healing right. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

~Natasha~ I thought you weren’t staying, Nat?

… I… Lia told me what you were planning. I needed this, too. We all did.

We curled up against our lover’s chest on the bed as his fingers caressed our hair, back in his old rooms for a final time while we calmed down. The space still smelled like him – like bowstrings and fletching and steel knives and Clint – and we couldn’t wait until that same scent sunk into our new home; this time, though, it would never fade.

“I’m so proud of y’all,” he murmured, lips brushing our forehead. “That was – y'all were… Incredible.”

He knew we were all there.

Including me.

Nat smiled softly, glowing with love and pride. Of course he did. It’s Clint. He knows us better than we do.

Doubting himself, he hesitated, drawing back to examine our face. “… You’re all here, right?”

We laughed, and shook our head fondly. “Yes, Clint. We’re all here.”

His eyes lit up, and he eased out from under us gently. “Perfect. Stay.”

Blinking in unison, we sat upright, watching as he scrabbled around desk drawers, murmuring under his breath before turning to us. “Close your eyes.”

We obliged willingly, Lia chewing on our lip.

It's okay.

It's just Clint.

We’re safe.

Her teeth released our flesh, and we smiled softly.

His hand found ours and we paused, head cocked curiously. “Clint?”

Taking a deep, steading inhale, he squeezed our fingers. “…Okay.”

When our eyes opened, they immediately met his, soft cerulean on sharp jade, and we grinned, revelling in the gentle smile tugging at his lips.

And then we glanced down.

No no no what you cannot be serious is this real is this actually happening is this a dream or why I don’t understand what is going on

Nestled in a soft velvet box, offered carefully in one hand, was the key to our future.

“Natasha… No. Nat, Ashe, and Lia. You are... Y’all are the people I do it all for. You’re the reason I stayed here as long as I did, the reason I didn’t give up after my accident, and the reason I wake up every day trying to be a better man than I was the day before. You are… Strong. Determined. Endlessly kind, eternally forgiving, and tirelessly patient. You make me laugh, and smile, and roll my eyes. You are beautiful, inside and out. And, might I add – hot as hell.”

We laughed, a trembling hand finding our mouth as the tears began to fall.

“This may not have been the best time, but I’m tired of waiting to start the rest of my life with y’all. You’re all those things, and you… You’re my everything. And all I want – all I’ve ever wanted – is you – whatever that looks like. I’d wait until the end of time for you… But I really hope I don’t have to.”

We sobbed softly, wiping away the cascade falling down our cheeks. “When did you even have time to get this?”

He blinked, startled. “Uh… I-I’ve had it for three years. Just in case.”

He grinned, eyes glowing. “It’s always been you, Natasha. Always. Now please, please answer the question.”

“You haven’t actually asked,” we retorted, lips pressed together to hold back our hysteria.

He bit his tongue, chuckling. “Natasha Romanoff… Will y’all marry me?”

We cried the entire time he made love to us on that bed, much to his concern. Even Lia stayed, wrapped up in the passion, sighing right along with us as we found a beautiful, tender release around him, the green gem on our finger glinting as the light began to fade, his eyes locked on ours as he followed us into the abyss.

“I love y’all, Mrs. Barton,” he murmured as his sweat-damp, trembling body cradled mine, our forehead pressed to his.

“It’s the 21st Century, Clint. It’s bold of you to assume we’re going to take your name,” we teased, biting back a snort when his eyes widened in panic. “Your assumption would be accurate, though.”

Mrs. Barton.

Mrs. Barton.

… I’m not even a ‘Mrs’, but yeah, I still desperately want that name. Please and thank you.

He sighed softly, lips meeting ours in a gentle, devoted kiss. “You’re infuriating. I can’t wait to marry you.”

We giggled, arms wrapping around his neck. “We can’t wait to marry you either.”

“Come on, you lot,” he murmured, patting our thigh, gently encouraging. “I suspect we have some news to break – if you’re up for it?” he added, but we were already scrabbing to our feet, desperately throwing on the first clean clothes we stumbled across.

“Clint, get up, come on!”

Oh, I’m going to kill him.

Not if I get there first.

It’s sweet! He’s excited!

He’s a dead man.

So dead.

We entered the dining room to a cacophony of hollers and a crushing embrace, the entire team gathered and shrieking like schoolchildren.

“-first wedding in the team, I can’t-”

“-always knew it would be you two! Four? When are you-”

“-decided on a honeymoon yet? I know this great place in-”

Clint laughed, pulling us closer into his side. “Guys, guys, back off. It only happened a few hours ago?”

“A few hours? What kept you so long?” Cap grumbled, and our archer – our fiancé – quirked an amused eyebrow at us.

“Why, he was making love, of course!” Thor thundered, raising his pitcher of beer, ever the discreet one. Steve flushed with embarrassment at the short-sighted question, and we grinned, leaning up to kiss Clint’s cheek lightly.

“Damn right he was,” we purred in his ear, smirking when he swallowed dryly, fingers clenching around our waist.

“Well?” Wanda demanded, moving to stand in front of us. “Show us the ring!”

I flushed and held out my hand, admiring anew the three entwined lengths of silver, carefully cradling green sapphire and shimmering diamonds. She let out a low whistle, tilting her head as she took it in.

“Three parts, huh?” Stephen chuckled, and Clint blinked in surprise.

“It’s actually… Purely coincidental. I’ve had it since before… Well, before we knew, I suppose.”

“Three years,” we whispered loudly, blushing, and Wanda clapped her hands together in delight.

“That’s so cute!”

Clint flushed crimson, scratching his neck, but kissed our hair obligingly. “Yes, well… I always knew she’d be the one I wanted to marry. I didn’t see the point in putting it off when I found something so perfect. It matches her eyes exactly,” he added proudly.

We glanced back down at the centre stone in surprise, taking in the light green depths.

It does.

Dear God, that’s adorable.

He's the sweetest.

“Clint…” we murmured softly, arms wrapping around his neck. “God, we love you.”

He beamed happily, humming his agreement as his mouth found mine, deep and passionate. Our fingers found his hair as his lips parted, and-

“Ahem.”

We broke apart with a soft blush, still grinning like fools as we turned to face the gathered team, their expressions ranging from amusement (Wanda) to mild discomfort (Steve). There was an awkward silence before Clint propelled us through the group to sit at the table, pouring a glass of champagne apiece before raising his own.

“Thank you all for getting here on such short notice – especially Stephen, who actually facilitated most of that,” he added with a chuckle, nodding his head at the surgeon gratefully, who simply waved him off. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather celebrate this day with. This day…” he trailed off, shaking his head. “This day is something I never thought would  actually happen. When I made the choice to spare that vicious, teenage assassin, I put my head on the block. But when she looked at me, I knew I couldn’t do it. That I’d never be able to do it.”

He took a deep breath, glancing down at us. “It was the best act of defiance I’ve ever made, and I’ve never regretted it, not once. She… Gave my life colour again. It felt like I’d been stuck in a thunderstorm for years, but she was the sun, lighting my way and clearing the clouds. The very first time I woke up next to her, when she crawled into my bed at three in the morning because the nightmares wouldn’t stop… Well, it may sound creepy, but I just lay there, watching the sun rise on her face. And that was when I knew I wanted to marry this girl.”

We blinked back tears as he smiled fondly, his own oceanic depths swimming. “But I was so scared. I went out and bought her that necklace, intending to tell her everything. I steeled myself up, went to find her, and she was curled up on the sofa with a book, looking truly breathtaking. But I was… So utterly terrified of losing this beautiful thing that we had, that I’d rather risk her never being mine than risk not having her in my life at all. So I kept quiet… Up until earlier this year. I realised then that life is just too damn short, and I never wanted happiness if it wasn’t with her.”

He reached out and tenderly guided us to our feet, one hand on our hip lovingly. “We’ve been through… So much together. And I’m dating significantly more people than I ever thought I would be,” he added, chuckling. “But… I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love each and every one of you with every fibre of my being. I am yours, until the day I die.”

We sniffed, pressing our forehead to his as silent tears rolled down our cheeks once more, oblivious to the cheers and chinking of glasses around us.

“We love you too, Clint. We love you, too.”

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Welcome to Marvelous Yahtzee! An all-inclusive Marvel event inspired by the classic dice-rolling game! Roll the Dice and see what they have in store! Posting begins July 1st!

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More arts 🎨

Prompts from @seasonaldelightsbingo

Sweater Season - 'Cinammon Rolls'

Rainy Weather - 'Croissants'

Under the Sea - 'Sunflowers'

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Seven

“No Matter How Hard the Past, You Can Always Begin Again.”

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> James "Bucky" Barnes/Original Nonbinary Character(s). Secondary Pairings; James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton, James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers, James "Bucky" Barnes/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton/Steve Rogers/Natasha Romanov

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> The gang are presented with a choice - what to do with a giant, mythical wolf?

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 3034

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> (M) Mentions of past abuse, historical major character death.

𝐀/𝐍 -> Check it out below, or on AO3 here! The masterlist can be found here.

<- Chapter Six

Dividers by us! <3

Prompts; - ‘Adopting a Pet’ – @buckybarnesbingo 2024 (B005); - ‘Heading Home’ – @fandombingo (The Martian); - ‘Neglect’, ‘Collar’ – @fandom-free-bingo (Flight); - ‘Strong as They Need to Be’ – @multifandom-flash (Round 2 – 2029); - ‘Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing’ – Multifandom-Flash (Round 2 – 1025)

The silence that followed was all-encompassing.

There was a faint ringing, though whether from the din of lightning on rock still vibrating in my ears or distant echoes of the earth-shattering sound, I wasn’t sure. I still had my head ducked, half-curled around Mars, even as they recovered and fought to free themselves from super-soldier arms encircling them protectively.

“... Off, I’m fine, let me go!”

Their voice faded in slowly, and I dropped my arms instinctively – I would never ignore their consent; that particular curse had encompassed enough of my life, after all. Immediately they were having away from me, dropping to their knees before the great beast, hands extended with concern.

“Fenris? Fen, come on, you’ve gotta be okay...”

The wolf lay on his side, the chains that had held him pooled loosely about his form. As Mars’ voice cracked, one enormous yellow eye opened, considering the small mortal before it. “Peace, Small One,” he rumbled quietly, the colossal jaws barely parting. “It Has Been A Long Time Since I Have Stood Under My Own Power. The Release Simply Sent Me Sprawling. A Moment, And I Will Be Upright Once More.”

They nodded, dropping to their butt beside the enormous head, trailing fingertips over an ear bigger than their hand and murmuring too quietly for even me to hear.

Thor and Greg were congratulating one another in a clasping of hands and pats on the back, while Win looked on fondly, his gaze flicking from one partner to the other as if unable to determine who he was more enraptured by. Tem simply giggled, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet.

“They actually did it,” he breathed, eyes alight. “I knew they could.”

With a nod, I wrapped an arm around his shoulders, squeezing gently. “You did indeed. Told us all from the start, huh?”

He nodded proudly, his gaze never wavering as he watched our love sitting beside the mythical monster. “They always save the broken ones.”

After several minutes, I shifted uncertainly, moving a few steps closer to my partner and their wolf, hesitating when one enormous yellow eye rolled to watch me carefully. “So… What now?”

Mars shrugged, fingers working tangles free of the fur around Fenris’ ear. “Now… We take him home, I guess.”

“Home?” Win repeated incredulously, moving closer. “You want me to take him to where my kids are?”

The wolf’s lip curled, showing off the rows of gleaming teeth still flecked with bloody saliva. “You Think I Would Harm A Child?”

“Didn’t you once bite off the hand of the only person who had ever shown you any kindness?” my brother snapped back, arms folding stubbornly over his chest. Fenris snarled, and Bug got hurriedly to their feet, extending a hand towards both bristling, annoyed creatures.

“That’s enough, Win.”

“I Bit Off The Hand Of Someone Who Used That Trust – The Only Person I Had Ever Held Trust For – To Capture And Enslave Me. I Harbor No Shame For The Choice I Made,” the great beast spat, earning a soft nod from Mars.

“I think you, Win, of all people, can understand the pain of being betrayed by someone you love. And lashing out in anger at those who have hurt you,” they added pointedly, and my brother winced, looking away.

“I guess,” he admitted eventually, eyes narrowing as he glared at the floor.

“What will we feed him?” Tem queried – taking this, as everything, in his stride. Our partner hesitated, seemingly stumped by the question. While money wasn’t an issue, securing enough meat to keep the great wolf fed would likely prove something of a challenge.

After a moment, Greg raised his hand to draw our attention. “I… Think I might have an idea for that one.”

With Greg and Win having gone on ahead to inform the family and make arrangements – Winter muttering a quiet warning that only we and the wolf could hear - the rest of us prepared for the long trek back to Asgard, planning our route and considering the great wolf’s health. Mars’ fingers were still working free snags and tangles, when they paused, head cocking.

“What…” A frown creased their features, drawing my concern, and the wolf looked away, seeming almost ashamed.

“A Gift, From My Father,” he offered, the great voice disconcertingly soft. “If I Were To Permit Myself To Be Chained Like A Dog…”

“… Then you’d be collared like one,” Mars finished quietly, jaw setting. “He’s- I-” They let out a harsh, frustrated, hateful sound, and both Tem and I recoiled instinctively, unused to seeing this venom from our kind Bug.

“The world is, admittedly, a far better place without my dearest brother in it,” Thor agreed with a scoff – and we all froze at the sound of claws on rock, turning to see the enormous beast of myth pushing himself to his feet, legs trembling beneath him.

“My Father Is Gone?” he clarified softly, eerie yellow eyes settling on the god. Thor hesitated, glancing between us all in turn, but we could only shrug helplessly.

“I… Yes,” he clarified, voice cracking just a little, fingers twitching towards the haft of his hammer.

“How?”

“Slain,” I interjected, thinking of that goddamn horned crown adorning the bed where he’d once lay. “By someone he had wronged.”

The wolf met my gaze for a moment, silent, then simply nodded. “I Hope It Brought Them Peace.”

“It… Set them free,” I replied. “I’m uncertain if they’ll ever find true peace with the things he did to them. But they can live their lives knowing he can’t hurt them any more than he already has.”

I thought of Ashe, waking screaming in the night, still remembering what it felt to take the life of someone their sister would have died for. I thought of Nat, still too afraid to step foot in Asgard. I thought of Roma, who would flee at the mention of his name as her body dissolved into panic attacks.

And I thought of poor, sweet Lia. The one who was still afraid to dance for fear he’d find her. The one who couldn’t see beauty in a snowstorm or sunlight on the ocean. The one who still found her hand curling for him in the darkness and couldn’t help the tears that fell when they came up empty. The one who had, in her own, damaged way, loved him.

The wolf’s yellow eyes bored into mine, and I thought of him.

“He can’t hurt you anymore, either, Fenris.”

He sank back to his haunches heavily, still staring intensely at me for a moment, before letting out a low whine, building into a bone-trembling howl, full of joy and horror and grief and loss.

And hope, maybe.

By the time his cry resonated into silence, tears were flowing freely down Tem and Bug’s faces, pricking at my own eyes and misting over Thor’s gaze. It was a sound of utter emotion, pure and simple, and not one of us was immune.

This combination of feelings reminded me sharply of Lia – the myriad of feelings she’d felt at the Trickster’s death, ranging from grief to relief and everywhere in between. I couldn’t even begin to fathom what that kind of emotional entanglement did to someone’s mind; though if Lia’s enduring struggles were anything to go by, it would take a long time for Fenris to be okay with his loss.

We stood, each in our own thoughts, for several minutes before pulling ourselves back to the present.

The wolf got to his feet, and Mars buried their hands in his fur, burrowing close against his neck. “You’re going to be okay, Fen. I promise. Even if you’re not, for a little while.”

The great beast stiffened, lip wavering for just a moment before relaxing, his neck turning slowly, one wary eye on us as we watched him closely, his enormous head resting against my Bug’s shoulders gently. Every fibre of my being was acutely aware that it would take very little effort for him to take my lover’s life, but I felt no fear as his eye closed, letting himself soak in the warmth offered to him.

Their hands dug deeper into his fur, and found the collar, making him wince. They let out a soft, soothing shush, fingers working around ancient metal and straining desperately. I went to take a step forward, but Tem rested a gentle hand on my arm, shaking his head when I glanced back at him.

They weren’t strong enough to remove the sword or to break his chains, but they were strong enough for this. Enough metaphors – this was their moment.

With a grunt of effort, they yelped as they stumbled backwards, the dirt-encrusted leather collar and rusted buckle clasped tight in their grip.

Fenris shook out his fur, loose clumps floating to the floor, pulled free from the endless rubbing of the collar, and let out a long, low sigh. “That Is Better… Thank You.”

Mars smiled softly, reaching out to run their fingers once more through his coat. “Have you ever been brushed, hm?” He eyed them apprehensively, and they chuckled. “Don’t look so nervous. I think you’ll like it!”

The hours ticked by, talking quietly amongst ourselves, with Bug softly reassuring their companion and teasing the tangles free from their fur. We moved slowly, but had quickly come to a halt at the edge of the water, acknowledging that the wolf was still too weak to make the swim across the lake without longer to recuperate and adjust to his increased movement. He’d lowered himself to the ground once more, the cool water lapping at his paws and a rumble of pleasure echoing in his chest.

We were considering how best to facilitate his crossing when the sparks began to appear – slowly at first, and then faster as the circle began to form.

Stephen stepped through the portal in silence, the only indication of his surprise a single raised eyebrow. “… Good evening, all. Winter and Gregor thought you may benefit from my assistance.”

Fenris let out a low growl, but was quickly placated by Bug as they leaned against his shoulder, murmuring reassuringly. “It’s okay. Stephen is a friend.”

I glanced back to the magician, considering him quietly. This wasn’t the first time he’d been summoned to rescue folks from the lands around Asgard, and the memory of him escorting my future wife clad only in his cape and with tears staining her cheeks. I wondered absently if being here was as difficult for him as it had been for me, and whether he was as haunted as I was by the things we had seen.

But he said nothing as his hands parted wider, forcing the edges of the portal further apart, sparing a glance to the mighty beast before adding an extra couple of feet. Mars smiled softly, inclining their head graciously as they led the way through the portal, one hand still tangled protectively in Fenris’ fur and Tem skipping gaily after. But Thor, Stephen and I hesitated, glancing uncertainly at one another.

“What will you do now?” I prompted, head cocked as I glanced at the god. “You’re welcome to come with us and see how Fenris likes the farm, if you’d like?”

I tried not to think about the cause of Thor’s prolonged absence from the farm – that the last time he had stepped foot on the property was to redeliver the Spiders following his brother’s death.

He hesitated, unreadable darkness flickering over his features, and Stephen cleared his throat quietly. “If I may interject?” Thor nodded, and the surgeon smiled. “Greg and Winter returned your steeds to their home earlier today. I’m not sure if that influences your opinion, and you are not required to travel with us either way; if you’d prefer to return to Asgard, I would be happy to oblige. The choice is yours, Thor.”

The god considered his response for a moment, eyeing the glowing ring with apprehension before shaking his head and offering us a smile. “It would be a pleasure to visit your family, Sergeant Barnes. It has been too long.”

The farm had dissolved into chaos by the time our trio stepped through, the portal snapping closed behind us.

Mars’ arms were waving animatedly as they explained their journey to Apollo, my wide-eyed son sitting cross legged on the grass opposite them as they listened, enraptured.

Clint was watching from the sidelines, radiating uncertainty, his eyes sharp as he watched the events unfold, Nat signing gentle platitudes beside him. ... never put them at risk ... responsible ... good choices ... kindness ...

I smiled softly to myself, eyes moving to the mighty wolf beside my partner. Winter and Greg were engaged in deep, serious-looking discussion beside him, one of my brother’s hands tenderly and automatically smoothing one enormous ear. Mars themselves half-leant against the beast’s colossal flank, their body shifting as he breathed, while Roma and Ashe stared up at the creature with something akin to disbelief – and my heart stuttered nervously when I followed their gaze to find my rambunctious daughter astride a neck she wasn’t large enough to straddle effectively, her feet barely appearing over the side and her riotous giggling the only other indication of her presence.

He would never hurt a child, he said...

I forced myself to take a step forward, Stephen by my side. “I see my goddaughter is just as, ah... Fearless as ever.”

“She’s her mothers’ daughter,” I replied, chuckling, watching as Ashe willingly scaled Fenris’ side to scoop our daughter onto their lap. The wolf simply let out a low chuckle, ear flicking in amusement.

Mars had offered a hand to my son, and was knelt by his side as Apollo reached out a tentative hand to brush against the fur, chewing on his lip. One large, yellow eye rolled back to examine him, and he let out a soft squeak, fingers darting back to the safety of his pocket quickly and eliciting a fond smile from all onlookers.

“He reminds me of Captain Rogers,” Stephen murmured, head inclined with amused affection.

I chuckled and nodded in agreement, eyeing my dark-haired son. “He might look like me and Clint, and have his mothers’ eyes, but... If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was a tiny Steve clone.”

Steve’s chest puffed proudly, and he moved closer to the pair beside the wolf, kneeling beside our son to murmur encouragingly, one hand slowly reaching out to caress the enormous beast. Apollo followed suit, fingertips brushing the thick fur gently, eyes darting nervously between his hand and the colossal eye fixed on him.

With a quiet grunt of pleasure, Fenris rolled onto his side, exposing more of his soft underbelly to my son. The duo sat astride him laughed and dove free, rolling as they landed and popping unharmed to their feet.

I watched with bated breath as my daughter rounded the enormous head, bringing herself in line with slightly parted jaws and smiling to herself. “Hi, wolfie. You’re very beautiful!”

An adoring smile flickered over my lips, enamoured with my children and their contrasting personalities. Artemis’ fingertips danced adoringly over a nose larger than her hand without fear, while Apollo was still tentatively petting the wolf’s proffered stomach.

“He seems... Happy,” I murmured, somewhat surprised. Mars glanced up at my words, smiling softly as they got to their feet and moved to stand beside me, their fingers finding mine.

“He seems at home,” they added, resting their head on my shoulder.

“We still have to figure out how the hell we’re going to feed him,” I mused. As if on cue, the door to the farmhouse opened, and Tony paused in the doorway, hands on his hips.

“Did someone call for a genius?’

 It took less than an hour for Tony to build his machine, aided by his husband’s portals. In the meantime, Mars sat with a pen and paper, brow furrowed as they performed calculations no one else had ever needed to consider.

“So,” Tony started, the side of his fist meeting his palm as he hummed thoughtfully. “With the values Mars has kindly provided – thanks for that – I’ve already set this up.” He waved a hand at the machine he’d assembled by the back door while my partner blushed shyly and cast a glance at the wolf sat with his head cocked curiously. “Essentially, this is an atomic duplicator. With the help of my loving husband, we obtained samples in the ratios suggested by Mars, so now we just...” He pressed a large red button below a touchscreen, and a low whine emanated from the machine for several seconds. We watched, enraptured, as the lower half of the machine slid up, revealing a tall bucket as long as my leg and full to the brim with kibble and pieces of meat.

Mars clapped their hands, delighted, and Tony grinned. “When Greg and Winter approached me after calling on Stephen, I considered cloning and asked if I could borrow one of the chickens, but-”

“I said no,” Roma interrupted, chuckling. “We’re not killing three dozen copies Yolko Ono every day!”

I snorted, grinning fondly at the memory of the day Steve opted to name one of the chickens Colonel. “Yeah, yeah, I remember – ‘We do not eat the chickens, Wolf’,” I teased, reaching out to squeeze her hand adoringly as she smiled sheepishly back.

Tony shrugged. “Yes, no eating the chickens; I got it. No problem – this is probably easier for you all anyway. Three of these a day should meet his nutritional needs, but it can be adjusted if necessary.”

“Three?!” Tem repeated, eyebrows raised, glancing back at Fenris in surprise.

“He’s a big boy!” Mars replied defensively, leaning against the wolf’s shoulder adoringly. I snorted, looking at my gathering, the enormous tub of food that Temnota was in the process of pouring into a horse-trough, and the mythical creature eagerly tucking in as soon as Tem wasn’t in the way.

It’s weird, and unique, and probably pretty terrifying...

But it’s family. My family. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Paws for Applause - Chapter Six Fila Brasileiro

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> James "Bucky" Barnes(&) x Original Nonbinary Character(&) (Soldierbug&, pluralpoly)

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> Run away with me, won't you?

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 2817

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> (M - Rating has risen) Arousal, dry humping, paranoia and fear, reckless (but ultimately safe) driving. 

𝐀/𝐍 -> Check it out below, or on AO3 here! Masterlist can be found here. Dividers by us!

<- Chapter Five

- ‘Sexual Tension’, ‘Thigh Riding’ – @fandom-free-bingo (Flight Edition); - ‘Heavy Breathing’ – @seasonaldelightsbingo (Dark Academia); - ‘“Dancing All Night, Both Dizzy Yet Warm – I Found Home in Their Arms.” – Seasonal Delights Bingo (Types of Love); - “I Would Love Nothing More Than to Dance With You for the Rest of the Night.” – Seasonal Delights Bingo (Types of Love).

It was strange, waking with an arm around my waist, a soft breeze tickling the back of my neck. His breathing was heavy and rhythmic, and I found myself content to simply lay there, letting the feeling of safety and joy wreath around me.

Not safe. It’s never safe.

My muscles tensed instinctively, fighting off the intrusive memory of Steve’s eyebrows furrowing in concern when he heard my name.

I remember… Something.

My head cocked in confusion, the shift infinitesimal but enough to make Greg groan lightly behind me, pulling me closer and burrowing in against the nape of my neck.

Something? I prompted after a moment, certain of the sailor’s continued slumber.

Not long after… Wakanda. When we’d been deprogrammed.

I cast my mind back obligingly, wading through fuzzy, half-formed memories that I vaguely understood as not truly mine – until something stood out in sharp focus, a bright spot amongst blurry monochromes.

“Don’t call me that,” I grunted, flexing my fingers around the bar as I pulled myself up once more. The new arm was strong, just like the rest of me – the exercise was arguably unnecessary. But it soothed my soul and settled my mind, lulling me into a sense of security I hadn’t known in a long time.

Steve stepped in front of me, brow furrowed. “What – ‘Bucky’? I don’t- I’ve always called you Bucky, ever since we were kids.”

“My name is Winter.”

The words surprised me as much as him, but I dropped lightly to my feet, refusing to let him see how perturbed I was by this sudden and innate knowledge. Instead, I simply snagged my towel, passing it over my face to remove the light sheen of sweat, before dropping onto my back on the bench, settling beneath the weights without looking at him.

“No. No, look- they deprogrammed you, Buck. You don’t have to-”

“That’s not my name,” I snapped again, pausing as I went to move the bar, head jerking to glare at him. “ Достаточно. Enough.”

I saw the flicker of panic on his face as he stumbled back a step in alarm. “… Buck?” he murmured, suddenly uncertain. With a sigh, I sat upright once more, new hand curling into a fist against my thigh.

“ Тебя предупредили, американец. прекрати это.”   You have been warned, American. Stop it.

He hesitated, eyes flicking uncertainly between my face and my hand, considering – perhaps for the first time – that maybe my darkness ran deeper than the programming. Without a word, he stepped back again, keeping his gaze locked on me until he was a safe distance away, then left without a word.

I trembled a little as I came back to the present, brow furrowed in confusion.

I didn’t remember that. Why didn’t I…?

I don’t know. I didn’t either. But I guess that’s why Steve seemed so… Freaked out. He doesn’t think you’re your own person, he thinks…

He thinks I’m HYDRA’s attack dog, I realised with a jolt. He thinks I’m the part of you that will never be able to recover from what they did to us- to you.

… What if he’s right?

He isn’t, Buck replied fiercely, his determination palpable. That’s not what you are, Win. You’re more than what they made us, just like I am.

Strange, though, isn’t it? I pressed softly, my eyes focusing on nothing. Strange that the name I chose is the one they gave me. Strange that I spoke to him in Russian, instinctively. Strange that my immediate response to any situation is to threaten.

Not any situation, Buck countered quietly, just as Greg’s arm tightened infinitesimally around my waist, pulling me closer against him. You’re gentle with him, and with Mars.

Maybe I’m just biding my time, I retorted icily. Every nerve in my body ached to move away – to protect this sweet, slumbering boy from the inevitable pain that I would bring him – but his grip on my held me fast, and I convinced myself that trying to unwrap myself from his embrace would likely wake him and bring questions I was not yet willing – or able – to answer.

It’s okay to enjoy this, Buck assured me, his voice soft. It’s okay to be gentle, Win. Bad people don’t worry about whether or not they’re bad. We all do things wrong sometimes – God knows that even before the war I did my fair share of shitty things. But I think caring about whether or not you hurt people – and trying not to – is what makes you one of the good ones. You are who you are because of the things they did to us, sure. But that’s not all you are, Winter.

Despite myself, I relaxed a little, settling into the sailor’s embrace as my eyes fluttered closed once more.

I hope not.

When I woke once more, we’d rolled in our sleep, Greg’s back pressed to my chest and his fingers laced through mine against his abdomen.

And his hips twitching lightly against mine, grinding against my not-insignificant morning wood, seemed to be what had woken me.

I let out a low groan, burying my face against the nape of his neck, shifting automatically in response. The fingers through mine tightened, and he whined weakly, pressing back against me.

“Win…” he purred, hand reaching back to knot in my hair, and I growled, mouth trailing hot and heavy over his neck.

“Fuck, Greg,” I hissed back, my own fingers curling around his hip to pull him closer with a shiver of delight. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been so close to someone – had another warm body pressed against mine, mewling and whining happily, and I could feel myself aching with need.

He rolled in my embrace, leg hooking over mine, pressing my cock against his hip with a smirk. “Good morning, soldier…” he breathed, forehead touching mine before he crushed his lips to mine, gasping softly. With a low groan, I moved my own body to pin him beneath me, the hand against his hip shifting to skim my thumb over his skin, rutting hungrily against him.

His mouth on mine, hands dragging at my back needily and body pressed to my own with a soft, desperate whine proved to be, quite abruptly, more than my of-late-inexperienced body could handle.

With a shudder and a grunt, I stilled against him, panting briefly before realisation dawned and my face flamed. “… Shit. I- Fuck.”

His fingers caressed my back, holding me against his body gently. “Sh, sweet boy. I’ve got you.”

“I’m so-”

“Don’t you dare,” he murmured, fingertips pressing my chin up to kiss me tenderly. “No apologies. I’m very glad you enjoyed kissing me so much.”

“Not just the kissing,” I muttered shyly, and he chuckled softly, skimming his lips over my forehead.

“No,” he agreed, the smile evident in his voice, twitching lightly against me to draw my attention back to the dampness at his hip, and I groaned with embarrassment, burying my face into his throat.

“Kill me.”

“Not a chance,” he snorted, holding me tighter to his chest and burrowing into my hair with an adoring sigh. “If I did that, I wouldn’t be able to kiss you again.”

By the time my limbs stretched out once more, the body beside mine had shifted away, eyes lowered shyly, and I smirked. “Hey, little one.”

They let out a timid laugh, looking away. “Hi. …Is this weird for you, too, or…?”

“Little bit, yeah,” I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. “I don’t- I mean, I’m not…  You’ve both been very kind to us.”

They blushed, glancing up at me, their lip catching between their teeth. “Are you trying to say you’re sweet on me, soldier?”

I laughed, shrugging a shoulder. “I suppose so, yes…” They snorted, and I met their gaze quickly, suddenly uncertain. “… If that’s… Okay?”

Gently, shyly, they inched closer, placing a hand softly on my chest and leaning up to kiss my cheek. “More than okay.”

With a soft hum of delight, I turned my head to catch their lips with mine. While Greg had been hunger, this was a softer yearning, though no less profound – or arousing, I noted, drawing back to catch my breath and ease the thrumming in my veins. They grinned sheepishly, brushing their lips once more over mine before pulling away. “So… What’ve you guys got planned for the day?” they asked, seeming for all the world as though they couldn’t feel my heart hammering beneath their palm. I could hear their own racing, and smiled softly to myself at the unanimous response in my head.

“We’d like to take you dancing.”

Their eyebrows rose, surprise and alarm rippling across their features. “… Dancing.”

“Yes.”

“… Like… In front of people?”

I snorted, shaking my head affectionately. “I imagine there’ll be other people there, yes.”

“… Dancing.”

I laughed fully, looping my arm gently over their waist. “Is that a problem?”

They shook their head quickly, colour rising in their cheeks. “No! I mean- no, I just- I’ve never… It’s not really… How old are you?”

A bark of surprised amusement escaped me, and I arched an eyebrow. “Concerned I’m too old for you?”

They looked mortified, mouth working wordlessly, while I could only grin at their horror. “I- it’s been a long time, really, since people- it’s not really- oh, God,” they groaned, dropping their forehead to my chest. “Kill me.”

“Not a chance,” I replied, grinning. “If I did that, I wouldn’t be able to kiss you again.”

This, at least, made them chuckle, shaking their head against me. “I don’t even know how to dance.”

“We can show you.”

“What if I look like an idiot?”

“You won’t,” I soothed, pressing a gentle kiss to their hair. “We’ve done this quite a few times. You’re in good hands. Not that you have to, of course, if-”

“No!” they yelped, head shooting up, and I blinked in surprise at their vehemence. “No – I-I want to!”

“Okay, okay,” I laughed, holding them closer as they stammered helplessly. “Okay, little one. We’ll take you dancing.”

When I met them in the early evening, leaning against the wall outside their store, my flesh hand was trembling, balled up and stuffed into my pocket.

It had been a long time since any of us had gone on a date. And I...

A smile pulled at my lips as I heard an unholy squawk from upstairs, followed by Mars’ exasperated response.

“Dezzie, can you just- Will you put that down? Denzel, come here, right now!”

I laughed, shaking my head fondly, aware of Winter chortling at the memory of the green parakeet.

When the door opened, I looked up, and my breath caught in my throat.

They’d really leant into the assignment – or at least, insofar as movies had taught them.

And I was in love.

Their tie sat loosely on their chest, khaki braces sitting over an ivory shirt, half-tucked, and I couldn’t help but grin at the pale cat hair littering the dark fabric of their slacks.

They’d taken something already wonderful, a way in which they would already have looked even more beautiful than they usually did, and made it their own.

And I was so intensely, desperately, irrevocably in love.

My motorbike scared the crap out of them, and they adored it.

Arms strengthened by overzealous dogs and endless store deliveries grasped me tightly about the waist, holding on for dear life as we hurtled through the streets, alternating between cackling with joy and squeaking in exhilaration and terror. I could only grin inside my helmet, skin tingling where their hands held me tightly, the leather of my jacket doing little to temper the effect of their touch.

All too soon, I set the bike skidding into a gravelled lot, small stones spraying in a theatrical display as I came to a stop. Mars pulled off their helmet and glanced between me and the establishment, one eyebrow raised in disbelief. “… I didn’t know things like this actually still existed,” they admitted with a sheepish grin, sparing the 20’s-style diner and dance venue another look, their fingers knotting together nervously. “How did you even find this place?”

With a chuckle, I kicked the stand into place, letting the bike lean to one side as I dismounted and offered them a hand. “I might have been otherwise occupied when the internet was invented, but I’ve had plenty of time to learn over the last few years. I know how to use Google.”

Their cheeks pinkened as their fingers met mine, eyes dropping uncertainly. “Yeah… Good point. Sorry.”

I shook my head with a soft, fond smile, helping them swing their leg free. “Nothing to apologise for, little one.  I’m only teasing you.”

When they stood beside me, they went to slide their hand from mine, but I held fast and grinned. “No chance. I want the world to know that you’re mine. With your permission, of course,” I added quickly, and they blushed.

“I’d be happy to be yours,” they agreed quietly, cheeks burning hotter as I pressed a gentle kiss to one.

The venue I’d chosen was everything I’d hoped.

It was like being transported through time to an era with which I was more familiar – folks dressed smartly in dresses with full skirts and pressed shirts, moving in a way the world was now ill-acquainted with, held close together and with genuine joy in their movements.

Mars looked around in something akin to a child-like wonder, the steady lights glistening in their dark eyes. “… Whoa. Is this… Accurate? Is this what it was like for you?”

My gaze wandered around the room, taking in the handful of 21st century amenities that I’d not long begun to grow accustomed to, and smiled softly. “For the most part.”

I could feel their palm sweating lightly, fingers twitching with nerves, and pulled them closer against my side. “We’ve got you, little one. You have nothing to be nervous about.”

With an uncertain smile, they let me pull them slowly to the dance floor, humming under my breath with excitement. I worried briefly that the multitudes of years that had passed since I’d danced for pleasure would make my movements hesitant, but I found myself falling back into position readily, my hand against the small of their back to hold them closer to me.

Absently, I considered the scandal that would have gripped those present if I’d danced with someone like Mars back in my youth. There were certainly pockets of society that wouldn’t have bat an eyelid at my non-binary partner – and the implications for my own sexuality – but the general public would have eyed us with contempt, struggling to understand something outside of their own norms.

But with their palm pressed to my chest, cheek resting against my collarbone and my lips skimming their hair as I guided them gently in a slow dance, I knew with certainty that, then or now, I could never be ashamed of this innocent creature clutched against me adoringly.

In spite of that, however, I found my eyes roaming the room uncertainly, seeking something with no clear understanding as to exactly what it was. It wasn’t until my eyes lighted on a scruffy goatee and a shock of dark hair, my heart clenching briefly in my chest, that I realised just how deeply Steve’s warning had affected me.

I swallowed dryly, looking down at the salt-and-pepper head leant against me, trusting me to keep them safe.

“Come away with me,” I murmured, causing their eyes to flick up in surprise.

“I- What?”

“There’s a place I’d like to show you.”

Somewhere safe. The only place I know that he can’t get to you.

“But- Win, I- The store- The animals-”

“We can get someone in,” I pressed, falling still as I gripped their biceps with something akin to urgency. “We have connections, we-”

They cut me off with a frown and a shake of their head, brow furrowed. “I can’t do that.”

I chewed my lip, fingers pressed flush against their skin through the thin weave of their shirt. “… A week, then. Can you give me a week?”

I just need to get you out of here. Just for now. I need time to think. I need time to figure out how to protect you…

They paused thoughtfully, their own teeth pulling at their lower lip uncertainly. “And they’ll be looked after? You promise?”

I nodded hard, tipping their chin up to kiss them softly. “On my life. I swear. I’ll get Steve himself to stay with the store.”

He’d be glad I’m getting out of here.

After an excruciating moment of consideration, they nodded slowly, permitting a small smile to creep across their face. “I’d love to go away with you.”

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Promo!

The passing of the seasons does more than simply change the landscape.

Okay, so, anyone who knows us will know we like to mix it up now and then - we have a LOT of Marvel-writing friends, but every now and then we stumble across something that one of them has written that's from a different fandom. And holy hell, did we get lucky.

Not only is @thelonebamf's writing style absolutely gorgeous, the way they describe the flow and flourish of the relationship between Rumplestiltskin and Belle is just exquisite, especially with the symbolism of the approaching spring. But BUT How incredible is it that out of their not-insignificant library of works, we managed to inadvertently select a fic with BIRD THEMES. I love this. Read it. Do it now.

Almost Spring - thelonebamf

Bonus - Wagtail photo!

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

I'm in a long distance relationship with San Francisco. Every memory is crisp like when the fog pulls away and what's left is a set of moist colors begging for a poem.

I have loved San Francisco longer than I have lived there. Sometimes, I don't know where the Bay ends and the ocean begins, everything floats like an island.

The hills of Oakland wind differently than the hills of Glen Park. I once rode my bike from the Ferry Building to Sausalito. I have cried more than once on the Cal Train, on my one to see someone I loved. Silicon Valley is a glorified collection of suburbs, and I once spent a Saturday alone, without a car, paralyzed in San Jose.

My best friend from childhood lived in Santa Clara, then Campbell. We have never lived in the same city. The second man I ever loved, we reconnected after he left Sunnyvale, after breaking off his engagement. I must have first fallen in love with him in East Palo Alto, now almost ten years ago. I'm in love with a man I met in the hills of Los Gatos ��� the hills, something about the hills, they roll and rumble – I saw the delicate view of the Pacific from his curtainless house in the Santa Cruz mountains – maybe that's no longer the Bay, or just a different Bay. We traced his history in the peninsula, he showed me the house where his daughters grew up in Menlo Park, and the condo he bought after the divorce.

The third summer I ever spent in the Bay, I lived in an apartment on Piedmont Avenue in Berkeley and told everyone I met – I'm here to fall in love. (I had a part-time internship and field work for my senior thesis. But what did that all mean without love?)

I remember being flown out for an interview on California Street after graduating from college and one morning I took a bus from the hotel in Nob Hill and rode down Geary Boulevard until I reached Land's End. Beneath the cold, gray tint of the city in July, all the flowers burst into color.

I'm in a long distance relationship with San Francisco. Every time I return I brace myself for awkwardness, for fear that my love is but an obsession built from distance. I think of the people I loved, the people I will love, the trails I've yet to hike, and the weird produce I've yet to try from Berkeley Bowl.

One summer I woke up on a friend's couch in the Inner Sunset and thought – I want to live in San Francisco one day. Oh, I love Oakland, I love Berkeley, but the sunnier side of the Bay will always be there. From Ocean Beach I imagine Taiwan floating into sight, to keep me company without demanding anything else of me.

I'm in a long distance relationship with San Francisco and one day I will live and love there again.

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Art fill time again! :D

@seasonaldelightsbingo (Rainy Weather Bingo) - 'Hands Stained From Painting'

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

July Break Bingo Masterlist (5x5)

Bingo! Filled card below cut.

'Fleshlight or Dildo' Near Misses and Nearly Missed - Chapter One. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. The soulmate part was just the way the world worked. The car crash? That was a little more unexpected. Sometimes a 'crash-into hello' is a little more... Crash-y. CW: Smut, Car crash (mild), distress

'Shared Trauma or Chaotic Mess' We Are More Than the Choices We Made - Chapter Two. Clint Barton & Natasha Romanoff. Rated E. A little nighttime bonding makes everything better. CW: Nightmares, implied sexual assault, restraint, risk of injury/death, trauma

'Bird Watching or Stargazing' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Three. Bucky x ONBC (Bug). Steps are taken, and Asgard does what it does best. CW: Percieved risk to life, guilt, choking.

'Sweat' The Real Winter Soldier - Part Three. Winter x Greg (Bucky Barnes x Original Male Character). Winter finally gets his first date with his Lieutenant, and it goes... Predictably. CW: BDSM, utter depraved smut.

'Best Friends' We Are More Than the Choices We Made - Chapter Two. Clint Barton & Natasha Romanoff. Rated E. A little nighttime bonding makes everything better. CW: Nightmares, implied sexual assault, restraint, risk of injury/death, trauma

'Kink: Exhibitionism' On the Tide - Chapter Eleven. James 'Bucky' Barnes x Original Male Character. The boys live with the after-effects of the kidnapping, and how to move forward… Together. CW: Discussion of gunshot wounds and captivity, non-graphic medical care, smut, AAAALLLL the smut. Full smut warnings in prompts.

'Lace' Art sketch, general audiences!

'Forced to Beg or Forced to Stay Quiet' As the Wolf Howls - Chapter Two. Bucky x Bug (Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character). Buck goes hunting, and Bug is hunted. CW: Threat, uncertain fate.

'Pinned Down By a Person or An Object' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Six. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. (M) The story is told from the other side, and important decisions have to be made. CW: Mentions of Abuse, Percieved Risk to Life, Storms.

'Temporary Blindness or Temporary Amnesia' We Are More Than the Choices We Made - Chapter Two. Clint Barton & Natasha Romanoff. Rated E. A little nighttime bonding makes everything better. CW: Nightmares, implied sexual assault, restraint, risk of injury/death, trauma

'Always Tired or Way Too Energised' (Both applicable) Paws for Applause - Chapter Two. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. Mars and Bucky go on a road trip, and Bucky makes a new friend. CW: Panic attacks, nightmares, PTSD.

'Earbuds in Public or Strangers in Checkout Line' Paws for Applause, Chapter One. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. After his time in Wakanda, James ‘Bucky’ Barnes is struggling to adapt back to life in the wider world, hiding out in the Pacific Northwest as he fights to regain some control over his life. Or: Bucky gets a dog, and meets a cute salesperson. CW: Panic attack, trauma references, medical prejudice and medication disdain, general PTSD things, anxiety, vulnerability, implied alcohol abuse.

Alternatives

'Love as Compassion' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Five. Bucky x Bug (Bucky Barnes x Non-binary OC, pluralxplural). The small gang finally reach their destination. CW: Risk, adventuring into the Unknown (general adventure-type peril), animal cruelty (removal of, not engaging in)

'Love as Devotion' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Five. Bucky x Bug (Bucky Barnes x Non-binary OC, pluralxplural). The small gang finally reach their destination. CW: Risk, adventuring into the Unknown (general adventure-type peril), animal cruelty (removal of, not engaging in)

@julybreakbingo

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

July Break Bingo Masterlist (6x6)

Bingo!

'"How Long Have You Been Like This?"' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Six. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. (M) The story is told from the other side, and important decisions have to be made. CW: Mentions of Abuse, Percieved Risk to Life, Storms.

'Found Family' We Are More Than the Choices We Made - Chapter One. Pre-Clint Barton x Natasha Romanoff. Nat joins the team, and refuses to believe all is as it seems. CW: Distrust, automatic self-injury, trauma mentions, punishment mentions, implied eating disorder, implied abuse, attempted sex as payment/gratitude.

'Endless' Paws for Applause - Chapter Four. Bucky Barnes(&) x Original Nonbinary Character(&). The boys begin to open up, and a storm is coming. CW: Mentions of abuse and trauma, nightmares.

'Giving Themselves Up or Keep Coming Back' The German and the American. Bucky Barnes x Original Male Character (Winter x Greg). After Tony learns the truth of his parents' demise, he makes it his mission to destroy the Winter Soldier. Fortunately, the Soldier has someone on his side. Or: Bucky's time in Russia serves him well. CW: Post-Civil War strife, hunted man, gagged and dragged. Smut.

'"I'm Sorry, Who Are You?"' The German and the American. Bucky Barnes x Original Male Character (Winter x Greg). After Tony learns the truth of his parents' demise, he makes it his mission to destroy the Winter Soldier. Fortunately, the Soldier has someone on his side. Or: Bucky's time in Russia serves him well. CW: Post-Civil War strife, hunted man, gagged and dragged. Smut.

'Struck By Lightning or Shock Collar' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Six. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. (M) The story is told from the other side, and important decisions have to be made. CW: Mentions of Abuse, Percieved Risk to Life, Storms.

'Holding Hands or Holding On' As the Wolf Howls - Chapter Two. Bucky x Bug (Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character). Buck goes hunting, and Bug is hunted. CW: Threat, uncertain fate.

'Emotional' Paws for Applause, Chapter One. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. After his time in Wakanda, James ‘Bucky’ Barnes is struggling to adapt back to life in the wider world, hiding out in the Pacific Northwest as he fights to regain some control over his life. Or: Bucky gets a dog, and meets a cute salesperson. CW: Panic attack, trauma references, medical prejudice and medication disdain, general PTSD things, anxiety, vulnerability, implied alcohol abuse.

'Reunited' As the Wolf Howls - Chapter Two. Bucky x Bug (Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character). Buck goes hunting, and Bug is hunted. CW: Threat, uncertain fate.

'Flutter' On the Tide - Chapter Eleven. James 'Bucky' Barnes x Original Male Character. The boys live with the after-effects of the kidnapping, and how to move forward… Together. CW: Discussion of gunshot wounds and captivity, non-graphic medical care, smut, AAAALLLL the smut. Full smut warnings in prompts.

'Seperation Anxiety or Cornered' Paws For Applause - Chapter Five. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character (Buck x Bug, & x &). Actions have Consequences. CW: Ominous Warning.

'Melancholy' Paws For Applause - Chapter Three. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character (Buck x Bug). There's some important conversations to be had, and some realisations to be made. CW: Considered violence, panic, nightmare, implied SA/Abuse.

'Caught in an Explosion or Caught in a Storm' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Four. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. The small gang gets closer to their goal, but an unexpected interaction pauses their progress. CW: Snowstorm, risk, unknown (general adventure type stuff), unknown assailant.

'Vulnerable' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Three. Bucky x ONBC (Bug). Steps are taken, and Asgard does what it does best. CW: Percieved risk to life, guilt, choking.

'Car Crash or Trapped in a Burning Building' Near Misses and Nearly Missed - Chapter One. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. The soulmate part was just the way the world worked. The car crash? That was a little more unexpected. Sometimes a 'crash-into hello' is a little more... Crash-y. CW: Smut, Car crash (mild), distress

'Sunglasses' Art sketch, general audiences!

'Gangrene or Frostbite' Paws for Applause - Chapter Four. Bucky Barnes(&) x Original Nonbinary Character(&). The boys begin to open up, and a storm is coming. CW: Mentions of abuse and trauma, nightmares.

'Cheer' Paws for Applause - Chapter Two. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. Mars and Bucky go on a road trip, and Bucky makes a new friend. CW: Panic attacks, nightmares, PTSD.

'Hallucinating or Forced to Watch' We Are More Than the Choices We Made - Chapter Two. Clint Barton & Natasha Romanoff. Rated E. A little nighttime bonding makes everything better. CW: Nightmares, implied sexual assault, restraint, risk of injury/death, trauma

Alternates

'Love as an Apology' Chionophobia. Natasha Romanoff x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Steve Rogers. (M) The second Christmas after the birth of their second child, the farm is hit with a snowstorm. The kids are thrilled, but not everyone shares their joy. (A Multitudes universe one-shot, set after the main story.) CW: Hallucinations, panic attacks, DID, references to past abuse, references to previous mental health struggles, attempted suicide, desperation.

'The Friends Stage' We Are More Than the Choices We Made - Chapter One. Pre-Clint Barton x Natasha Romanoff. Nat joins the team, and refuses to believe all is as it seems. CW: Distrust, automatic self-injury, trauma mentions, punishment mentions, implied eating disorder, implied abuse, attempted sex as payment/gratitude.

'The Like Stage' Paws For Applause - Chapter Three. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character (Buck x Bug). There's some important conversations to be had, and some realisations to be made. CW: Considered violence, panic, nightmare, implied SA/Abuse.

@julybreakbingo

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

July Break Bingo Masterlist (Summer)

Bingo! Filled card at the bottom ^.^ 'Dry Orgasm or Wet and Messy' The German and the American. Bucky Barnes x Original Male Character (Winter x Greg). After Tony learns the truth of his parents' demise, he makes it his mission to destroy the Winter Soldier. Fortunately, the Soldier has someone on his side. Or: Bucky's time in Russia serves him well. CW: Post-Civil War strife, hunted man, gagged and dragged. Smut.

'Cabin in the Woods or Stranded Without a Signal' (Satisfies Both) Near Misses and Nearly Missed - Chapter One. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. The soulmate part was just the way the world worked. The car crash? That was a little more unexpected. Sometimes a 'crash-into hello' is a little more... Crash-y. CW: Smut, Car crash (mild), distress

'Sun' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Three. Bucky x ONBC (Bug). Steps are taken, and Asgard does what it does best. CW: Percieved risk to life, guilt, choking.

'One Day Together or One Good Memory' Near Misses and Nearly Missed - Chapter Two. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character (Buck x Bug). The next day. And the start of every next day. CW: Smut, snowed in (but fine about it).

'Drowning or Drowning Your Sorrows' Paws for Applause, Chapter One. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. After his time in Wakanda, James ‘Bucky’ Barnes is struggling to adapt back to life in the wider world, hiding out in the Pacific Northwest as he fights to regain some control over his life. Or: Bucky gets a dog, and meets a cute salesperson. CW: Panic attack, trauma references, medical prejudice and medication disdain, general PTSD things, anxiety, vulnerability, implied alcohol abuse.

'"Why Are You Looking at Me Like That?"' Near Misses and Nearly Missed - Chapter One. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. The soulmate part was just the way the world worked. The car crash? That was a little more unexpected. Sometimes a 'crash-into hello' is a little more... Crash-y. CW: Smut, Car crash (mild), distress

'Heat' Paws For Applause - Chapter Three. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character (Buck x Bug). There's some important conversations to be had, and some realisations to be made. CW: Considered violence, panic, nightmare, implied SA/Abuse.

'"Is Something Bothering You?"' Chionophobia. Natasha Romanoff x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Steve Rogers. (M) The second Christmas after the birth of their second child, the farm is hit with a snowstorm. The kids are thrilled, but not everyone shares their joy. (A Multitudes universe one-shot, set after the main story.) CW: Hallucinations, panic attacks, DID, references to past abuse, references to previous mental health struggles, attempted suicide, desperation.

'Watermelon' Paws for Applause - Chapter Two. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character. Mars and Bucky go on a road trip, and Bucky makes a new friend. CW: Panic attacks, nightmares, PTSD.

'Blatantly Staring at their Bare Chest or Immediately Looking Away' Paws For Applause - Chapter Five. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character (Buck x Bug, & x &). Actions have Consequences. CW: Ominous Warning.

'Cutting Communication or Can't Talk Right Now' Chionophobia. Natasha Romanoff x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Steve Rogers. (M) The second Christmas after the birth of their second child, the farm is hit with a snowstorm. The kids are thrilled, but not everyone shares their joy. (A Multitudes universe one-shot, set after the main story.) CW: Hallucinations, panic attacks, DID, references to past abuse, references to previous mental health struggles, attempted suicide, desperation.

'"Why?"' When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Five. Bucky x Bug (Bucky Barnes x Non-binary OC, pluralxplural). The small gang finally reach their destination. CW: Risk, adventuring into the Unknown (general adventure-type peril), animal cruelty (removal of, not engaging in)

'Parasol' Art sketch, general audiences!

Alternatives;

'Love as Appreciation' On the Tide - Chapter Eleven. James 'Bucky' Barnes x Original Male Character. The boys live with the after-effects of the kidnapping, and how to move forward… Together. CW: Discussion of gunshot wounds and captivity, non-graphic medical care, smut, AAAALLLL the smut. Full smut warnings in prompts.

'Five times they held hands platonically and one time it meant something more' Paws For Applause - Chapter Five. Bucky Barnes x Original Nonbinary Character (Buck x Bug, & x &). Actions have Consequences. CW: Ominous Warning.

@julybreakbingo

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Some silly artsy prompt fills

To stretch our muscles ahead of the winterhawk big bang!

Prompts fulfilled; @julybreakbingo (summer) - Parasol Julybreakbingo (5x5) - Lace julybreakbingo (6x6) - Sunglasses

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Promo Time!

Yep, there's another one, from the ever-talented @42donotpanic!

Kai and Clint enjoy Renfaire food. That's it, that's the story.

May I present the cute snapshot from my favourite folks?

Cyclops Skewer is, admittedly, probably somewhat self-indulgent, but you know what? It's so easy to see how much the author loved writing it, and it made me smile so much, so this is my recommendation today. <3 Enjoy the short and sweet, y'all.

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Multitudes - Chapter Twenty-Four

Flirts and Firsts...

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒-> Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton, James "Bucky" Barnes/Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton/Steve Rogers, James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers, Steve Rogers/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov/Steve Rogers

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> Clint finally gets his date. It's also pretty cute... Well, the first half. The second is just fucking.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 7169.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ->(E) SA mentions, kinky sex, Self kinkshaming. Spanking, biting, generally rough sex. ENJOY ITTTT.

𝐀/𝐍 -> Dead Dove: Do Not Eat. Please read the warnings, and proceed with caution. You know the drill. Takes place mid-chapter eight of Magic and Madness (not yet posted). Masterlist can be found here.

Check it out below, or on AO3 here! The snazzy Black Widow divider comes from @/firefly-graphics and I love it <3 The Multitudes Universe one is our own!

<- Previous Chapter (23/72) Next Chapter (25/72) ->

~Nat~ I know we shouldn’t buy into traditional gender roles, but…

Right?

Widow and I were watching Clint bend over a loose floorboard, pressing it back into place and taking a nail from between his teeth before retrieving his hammer from the currently-ever-present tool belt slung low along his hips.

Man, I love that belt.

I love that belt even more when he takes his shirt off.

It was, blessedly, comfortably warm inside the house, and Clint had long ago shrugged off his loose t-shirt in favour of allowing his sweat-sheened torso to breathe. It was a truly delightful thing to see, and I had no qualms against leaning against the wall to simply watch. He’d warned us off any heavy work on account of our hands, despite the fact that only a few small scuffs still remained, and we’d complied willingly, content to take in this delightfully beautiful, undeniably sexy man instead.

It'd been three days since the trip to the hardware store, and with the security measures in place, he’d taken to a few small DIY jobs, arguing that it was practice before he fixed the barn.

“I can feel y’all watching me,” he muttered around the metal in his mouth, his smirk audible.

“Are you complaining?” I retorted, grinning.

He simply snorted as he hammered the board into place, turning to approach me, dropping his tool into its slot with the nails. “Not at all.”

He sauntered closer, and I swallowed, both through fear and delight. I knew he was moving slowly to give us a chance to object, but when it didn’t come, he pressed his hands to the wall either side of my body, radiating sweat and wood and undeniable Clint. I purred, my arms winding around his damp neck to tease the base of his hair.

I know something else he can hammer.

I laughed aloud in surprise, and Clint merely raised an eyebrow – used to our antics by now.  “Dare I ask?”

Don’t you dare – I have to see him later!

Smirking playfully, I put my lips to his ear. “Widow wants you to hammer them.”

NAT why would you- that is not what I said-

He simply drew back and grinned, fingers trailing my side lightly. “Well… That’ll make our date much more interesting.” He hesitated briefly, eyes flicking to mine. “If that’s…?”

I nodded, smiling softly. “Clint, I know I’m not ready yet – but that’s a ‘me’ thing, not a body thing. You and Widow have a great time, honestly. Just try not to break anything,” I added teasingly, and he winced, gaze shifting to the cast still wrapped around my arm.

“I won’t. I promise,” he replied softly, and I pinched my lips together guiltily.

“Sorry.”

He shook his head with a deep inhale, an easy smile crossing his face once more. “Come on. We’ve got a few hours before my big date – I want to spend it with you, not fixing floorboards. How about we find a trashy show to watch under a blanket?”

I sighed, touching my forehead to his contentedly. “That sounds incredible.”

~Widow~ I smoothed down the dress uncertainly, fingering the space between rib and hip with a frown.

I need to lose weight.

Stop that, Nat snapped, scowling. You – we – are perfect. Don’t let that asshole ruin everything we’ve accomplished.

I opened my mouth to object, but it died quickly in my throat, unable to deny that the way he had sneered ‘curves’ into our ear was a contributing factor.

Our delicate arrow necklace rested gently against my chest, and I moved my hand to that instead, loving the slender chain resting against my skin.

“Are you sure this is okay?” I prompted aloud, stepping back into my heels. Nat simply made me turn my head, taking in our reflection in the mirror. Our long red hair was arranged carefully into a messy updo, and the simple black dress running to our midthigh hugged my body, comfortingly familiar to my suit.

You look beautiful, Widow.

I smiled at the reflection, hesitating only briefly as my fingers shifted to the scars on my arms. “Thank you… You are wrong, but thank you. And besides, you know that is not what I meant.”

It's fine. I promise. Have a good time… And, if you’re up to it, give him what I can’t.

I smirked, thinking of the expression that would be on Clint’s face when I told him that there was nothing underneath this short dress. Oh, I’m up for it.

He'd disappeared as I’d begun to shimmy into my dress, calling up the stairs that he’d be back shortly. It was just as I applied the finishing touches to my make-up that I heard a resounding knock echo through the house.

Why… Who would knock?

Don’t answer it.

What if it’s Clint?

Clint has a key.

Who else could it be?

I approached the front door warily, and glanced through the peephole, drawing back with a scowl.

“Barton, you asshole, why did you knock? You scared the hell out of me!”

He paused, smirked, and presented a bouquet of flowers, artfully drawn from behind his back. “I’m here to pick you up for our date, Little Widow.”

… Oh God, that’s too cute.

Fuck him for making us panic, and fuck him for being so goddamn adorable.

I stammered inconsequentially, and he simply grinned. Clearing my throat to recover, I inclined my head respectfully, trying to pretend my cheeks weren’t on fire. “What a lovely gesture. Would you please come in while I put these in some water?”

He followed me inside obediently, the door closing with a click as I headed through to the kitchen.

“Nice place you’ve got here,” he called after me, the smile evident in his voice, and I laughed softly.

Oh, I get it. First date. Play along, it’ll be fun!

… Really?

Please! It’ll be so sweet. And it’ll make him happy.

“Thank you,” I replied loudly, filling a vase and untying the arrangement. “I haven not been here long.”

“Oh? It’s a nice place. It looks like you’ve had some work done. Handy with some tools, are you?”

Carefully placing the flowers in their new home, I smirked at the double entendre as I washed my hands. “No, but my husband is.”

Clint waited until I’d stepped back into the lounge, head tipped, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Husband?”

Oh, God.

ADORABLE.

Kill me.

SO CUTE.

I coughed to cover my embarrassment, nodding shortly. “Soon to be ex-husband,” I rectified smoothly, eliciting a laugh as he pulled me closer.

“What sort of madman would let a beautiful person like you get away?”

“You would have to ask him,” I countered, tongue between my teeth to keep from grinning. My chest met his, and his hand brushed the small of my back.

“You look beautiful, by the way.”

“Mr. Barton, this is a first date, is it not? Perhaps you should keep your hands to yourself,” I admonished lightly, and he sighed playfully, stepping back with his palms in the air.

“You’re right, you’re right. I apologise.”

“… You look beautiful, too.”

Ugh, doesn’t he? Green always looks incredible on him. Asshole.

The shirt was snug enough to highlight his muscles without being overly tight, sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and I couldn’t help but swallow as my eyes took in the length of him, gaze lingering on the tattoo on his forearm with a fond smile.

“Didn’t you yourself just point out that this is a first date? Perhaps you should keep your eyes to yourself,” he retorted lightly, and my heart fluttered at the happiness in his face.

“You are right, of course. My sincerest apologies.”

The drive was not a long one, but I couldn’t deny the nerves churning in my stomach. Nat ducked out about halfway there, with strict instructions to tell her everything, and to have fun – whatever that looked like.

It would be the first time I’d been... With Clint, on my own, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.

We’d discussed it between us, and with occasional confirmation from Lia, we’d settled on a list of blanketed hard limits for the body.

Well, one. No CNC.

It wasn’t something any of us had an interest in trying, and that was more than fine by me.

But her assurances didn’t stop the butterflies fluttering in my stomach as we pulled up outside a quaint Italian, nestled into a nondescript village in the middle of the National Park.

When he darted around the front of the car to open my door for me, however, all of my anxieties and uncertainties melted away, sliding my fingers into his as he helped me out.

“I hope this is okay,” he offered, gesturing to the restaurant. “We’re kind of far removed from most things.”

I simply grinned and kissed his cheek, moving to walk ahead of him. “It is a lovely idea, Clint.”

Approaching the service desk, the waiter glanced at us with a smile. “Good evening. Do you have a reservation with us tonight?”

I glanced at Clint, panicked, but he merely grinned. “We do, yeah. It’s under Barton.”

Widow Barton.

... Maybe I need an actual name at some point. But still – the point remains. I would definitely marry that man.

Well. Technically we would marry that man, anyway. So it’d be Natasha Bar…

Ashe.

Nat... Lia…

And Ashe.

Clint was having a murmured discussion with the waiter, oblivious to my internal revelation. I’d been quietly ruminating over my own name for a while – while I was partial to the one given to me by Nat, it represented more who I had been, and not the person I was trying to be.

We were shown to our table, complete with some hair-raisingly expensive champagne, and I flushed as he slid my chair underneath me, fingers gently brushing the back of my neck, tracing the line of my tattoo.

“Mr. Barton, anyone would think you are using your money to beguile me,” I murmured through my lashes, resisting the urge to laugh as he reddened. Well, if being a Widow taught me anything, it’s how to seduce a man.

“Not at all. I have had a lucrative career, and only wish to give you a pleasant evening,” he responded eventually, as a well-dressed sommelier approached our table.

“Champagne for the gentleman?”

No no no no no. This stupid dress. This stupid body. No.

Clint smiled and nodded, oblivious to my silent panic at this formality.

Oh God, no.

His glass filled slowly, my heart racing in my chest.

Please don’t. I don’t normally care too much, but… Not tonight. I want it to be perfect. Please.

The sommelier turned to me with his perfect smile and pressed shirt, and I fought the urge to cry.

“And for our other esteemed guest?”

I blinked owlishly. “… Huh?”

“Would you care for some champagne?”

“U-um… Yes. Thank you.”

I waited until my glass was poured and the sommelier bowed out before I looked to Clint, grinning devilishly, and narrowed my eyes affectionately. “You did that.”

He shrugged and nodded, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Of course. We couldn’t have your first date off to a bad start, now, could we?”

I’m in love with him, I realised with a jolt, firm and undeniable. I don’t just love him. I am in love with him.

“I have been reflecting,” I began, around a delightful ‘gnocchi cacio e pepe’ I was stubbornly refusing to perform the math on. Clint’s eyebrow quirked, but he waited for me to continue to patiently.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, I met his kind cerulean eyes steadily. “After Lia asked for her name, you asked Nat, but you never asked me.”

He smiled softly, his free hand finding mine. “I’m sorry. I… Honestly, with everything that has happened since then, it slipped my mind entirely.” He squeezed my fingers gently, holding my gaze. “Is there something else you’d like to be called instead?”

I hummed thoughtfully, washing down my nerves with a sip of – truly amazing – champagne. “Not necessarily instead. I love Widow – but I do not feel it encapsulates me anymore. I would like to keep it, though; perhaps it could be a pet name, or a nickname, of sorts.”

He grinned, bringing my knuckles to his lips. “My Widow. I do like that.”

Beaming, I nodded. “Me too.” When I hesitated, he rubbed his thumb against my skin gently, reassuring. “I… I like Ashe.”

“Ashe.”

“With an ‘e’.”

He watched me quietly over his own glass, blue eyes enrapturing me. “Ashe.”

I nodded sheepishly, my anxiety bubbling. “I-I mean, if you don't like it, I can- I mean, you do not have to-”

He was around the table before I could blink, his lips on mine firmly, hand on the back of my neck, steering me up at into his arms.

“Ashe,” he murmured, pulling away to press his forehead to mine. “Ashe. I love you, Ashe. My Widow.”

I blinked back tears, nuzzling my nose against his. “I love you too, Clint. My Hawk.”

His lips brushed mine once more, and someone behind us cleared their throat, forcing us reluctantly apart. “Sorry,” he announced to the room at large. “They love me. Ashe loves me.”

Someone clapped politely, quickly joined by another, and then the applause rattled the room. I blushed, burying my face in his chest in euphoric embarrassment.

He let me slide back into my seat, still flushing furiously, and sat opposite me with a happy grin.

“Mr. Barton?” I murmured, leaning over slightly, delighting as the joy in his gaze warred with lust.

“Ashe?”

I leaned closer, smirking. “You told us to tell you the next time we aren't wearing underwear. Well…”

His eyes followed the dress as far as he could, swallowing dryly. “G… G-Good to know,” he squeaked, his blush finally matching my own.

Clint and I consumed two bottles of champagne between us, and as the meal drew to a close, I began to worry.

“You cannot drive, Mr. Barton,” I noted. While neither of us were especially drunk, we’d certainly exceeded the limit. He grinned knowingly, and tipped his head.

“Why, Ashe. You still seem to assume I haven’t thought of everything.”

As I stood, his arm found my waist, slotting me comfortably against his side, lips on my cheek. “Besides, I would never dream of putting a beautiful young person like yourself into an unsafe situation,” he breathed, scattering goosebumps over my skin as we walked from the room.

“Oh?”

He hummed his agreement, holding the door open for me, the cold night air harsh in my lungs. I glanced around quizzically, until the headlights of a black town car illuminated the darkness, dazzling me briefly. Clint’s fingers in mine led the way, and he let me slide first into the vehicle before going around to the other side, climbing in beside me.

“Alone at last,” he murmured, his lips on my throat, hand on my bare knee. I chuckled as the car began to move, head tipping back of its own volition.

“There's driver,” I breathed, but I was almost too far gone to care.

“There’s a soundproof divider.”

I muttered something unintelligible in Russian, holding on to the very last of my restraint. “It's our first date.”

He sighed, his palm ceasing its slow slide up my thigh. “You’re right. And I don’t want the first time I fuck you alone to be in the back of a car – no matter how nice it is.” His teeth grazed my throat lightly, and I shivered. “…But that doesn’t mean I can’t warm you up a little. You seem cold, after all.”

By the time we approached the front door, my heart was visibly hammering through the thin weave of my dress.

“Now, you’re new to all this, so let me explain how it goes,” he teased, his fingers wrapped with mine. “First, we acknowledge a pleasant evening. Ashe, I had a very nice night.”

“As did I, Mr. Barton,” I replied easily, grinning.

“Now… Because I truly did have a nice evening, I’ll tell you I want to see you again.” He turned on the stoop to face me, linking his other hand with my own. “I really enjoyed this. I’d love to see you again.”

“Me too,” I whispered, gaze locked on his.

“And this… This part is up to you. If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll assume it’s okay to kiss you – at a reasonable speed, to give you the opportunity to step away, of course. After that… Well, you can say, ‘it’s getting late, I should go in’, or ‘would you like to come in for a cup of coffee before you go?’”

He hesitated, his eyes on mine, and licked his lips nervously when I didn’t look away, gently moving me closer with his hand on the small of my back until his mouth found mine – chaste, perfect, innocent.

I drew back, and bit my cheek shyly. “Mr. Barton, would you care to come inside for a cup- Oh, screw it,” I muttered, pulling him back against me with my arms around his neck. “Clint, get inside and fuck me.”

He growled, picking me up and pushing me against the door, my legs snaking instinctively against his waist. The wood against my spine made me panic – but not for long. There are no similarities in this. He is not Him. He loves me – loves us.

I felt his hand by my side, fumbling for the keyhole, and moved to kiss his neck as he groaned. “Not helpful, Ashe.”

My name falling so desperately from his lips, part sigh, part passion, made my nails sink into his shoulders possessively. He let out only a soft hiss as he finally got the door open, kicking it shut behind us and tossing me over his shoulder as he made a beeline for the stairs, leaving me to gasp and giggle, his hand on bare thighs making me tremble with excitement.

I was dropped on the bed without hesitation, gazing up at him through my lashes as I quivered. “Now… What’s all this I hear about you forgoing your underwear?” he breathed, swallowing dryly. I smirked, my hands finding the bottom of my dress slowly.

“Do you need a visual demonstration?”

He hesitated, then shook his head slowly, reluctantly. “I really, really want that… But I intend to take my time with you, Ashe. A lot of time. And if you start that… Well, I don’t think I’ll be lasting very long.”

I grinned, resisting the urge to proceed anyway, time be damned; however, if Clint’s past experiences in this relationship were anything to go on, it was certainly worth letting him do whatever he wanted, and so, I simply sighed playfully. “Then yes, Mr. Barton… I did indeed opt to forgo my underwear. I hope you can forgive me.”

He growled, dropping himself on top of me, landing on one outstretched arm as my legs found his hips once more. “God, I love it when you call me that. We’re definitely going to have to explore that more…”

I hummed, and it dissolved into a gasp as his thigh found the space between my legs, rubbing gently. “Hm- H-How about… Daddy?”

He snorted against my cheek, pausing briefly in his ministrations. “Okay – anything but that, please.”

I grinned, lips finding his throat. “Let me see… We have got… Captain, but I think-”

“I really don’t want to think about Steve while I’m fucking you senseless, Ashe.”

I laughed softly, nipping at his skin. “Agreed. There is… Boss…”

He shivered, head tipping further back, a satisfied hum radiating in his chest.

“Or… Master…”

His fingers tightened against my hip, thigh pushing against me once more.

“And then, of course, there is Sir.”

He groaned, dropping his lust-blown eyes to mine as he froze again. Frowning, I cocked my head. “Not a fan? I'm sure I can-”

My words died in my throat as his mouth wound mine, hands desperately pulling me closer until I bucked against his leg with a whimper. “That. I like that.”

I purred, pushing down further, fingernails scratching the back of his neck lightly. “Oh? Is that so… Sir?”

He snarled viciously, biting down on my lip. “I’d love to make you my pet, Ashe. The idea of dominating you is… Delectible.”

I blushed lightly, but my embarrassment was quickly stripped away by his fingers skirting the bottom of my dress. “Well… It's just us here, and I have no limits. I am yours, if you want me.”

Hesitating, he glanced up, gaze finding mine. “I… Can’t tell if you’re serious.”

I nodded as I grinned, one hand running tenderly through his hair. “Clint, I would love it if you were my Master. Please. Use me.”

He growled, and my wrists were above my head, pinning me firmly beneath his weight. “You know the words?” he whispered, his eyes still locked on my own. I nodded desperately, wriggling, eager for his attention.

“Yessir.”

He hummed with pleasure, rolling his hips against mine. “Tell me, my Widow.”

“Red, y-yellow, green,” I breathed, my eyelids fluttering as my dress rode up. “Meaning ‘stop’, ‘take it easy’, and ‘please never quit doing this’”.

Chuckling, his lips found my throat once more, free hand shifting to tease my nipple through the thin fabric of my dress. “Good gi-” he hesitated, then hummed thoughtfully.

“Clint, when it comes to sex, that sort of stuff really, uh… I like it,” I admitted, blushing deeply. He purred and nipped my jaw, sucking lightly.

“You like when I call you my good girl?”

I sucked in a breath, nodding. “Y-yessir.”

“How about… my little slut?”

Swallowing dryly, I nodded again, hips hitching against his. “Yessir.”

“Hm… Can you think of anything else you might like?”

I trembled against him, enraptured by his lust-thick voice and the feeling of his body against me. “Mm- Pet. Doll. Toy. Baby girl. P-plaything,” I gasped as he pinched my nipple lightly, back arching. “M-mine.”

He chuckled wryly – a soft, deep sound that made me writhe beneath him. “You’ve put some thought into this, haven’t you?”

“Yessir,” I admitted, too aroused to be embarrassed. “A lot. I- hm- I-I think about you using me quite a lot…”

He drew back to smirk, leaving a line of pulsating spots along my jawline where his mouth had been. “Oh? What do you like to think about, pet?”

His hand smoothed the strap of my dress from my shoulder, planting gentle kisses along the length of my collarbone tenderly.

“I-I think about… You tying me up. Um. Blindfolding me. Making me beg. Making me wait. Making me c-come,” I gasped, breath hitching as he bit my shoulder gently. “Making me…”

He paused when I hesitated, looking up with one eyebrow raised. “’Making you…’ what?”

I whimpered as he stopped, tipping my head back, rutting desperately against his suddenly still hips. “You know. The thing…”

Humming, his fingers trailed my side, patient and waiting. “I can’t do ‘the thing’ if I don’t know what it is, babydoll.”

I groaned in frustration, forcing my flashing gaze to meet his own teasing one. “Making me squirt, okay?” I admitted, flushing crimson.

He smirked, nails sinking into my side as he grasped me tightly. “Oh, you like that, do you?”

I gasped and wriggled desperately, the arms over my head shaking. “Y-Yessir. It’s… Feels good.”

He growled gently, his head dipping down to apply  soft kisses along the top of my breast. “Anything else, my desperate little slut?”

Whimpering, I pushed against him as best I could, leaking profusely. “Spanking. Biting. Scratching. Punishing. Degrading. Fin-fingering. Fucking… E-Everything. I think about you doing everything to me.”

He looked up to flash me a grin, his free hand dropping once more to the bottom of my dress. “Well, I know you love when I talk dirty to you, don’t you?” I hummed and nodded eagerly, his fingers slowly hooking beneath the fabric. “So… What words do you want? How should I talk about… This?” His nails grasped at the inside of my thigh, and I mewled desperately. This is actually an ingenious way to talk about what language to use, I reflected distantly, feeling his fingertips inch closer to my heat.

“I-I, um… A-Anything. Dirtier the better,” I stammered, legs inching apart of their own accord as my hips jerked downwards needily.

He smirked, but I could see the nerves in his eyes as he glanced up – desperate to do this right, nervous about the words he’d never used before; some of which were undoubtedly crude and downright filthy – much to my delight.

I’ll help him out.

“I-I like, um…  Well, you know I like… P-pussy. Um. C-Cunt. Hole.”

He blushed as I did, but nodded with understanding, lips trailing to the space between my breasts. “And… here?”

I whined as his fingertips slowly approached my wetness, desperate for him to touch me. “U-um. Uh. T-tits.”

He snorted lightly, placing a gentle kiss over my nipple. “Straight to the point, huh?”

I nodded, back arching once more. “Y-yessir.”

Swallowing audibly, he released my wrists with a stern look. “You keep those hands right there, and I’ll reward you – okay, babygirl?” I nodded frantically, staying still as his other hand found my breast roughly. “You know… I do love these tits.”

I grinned in pride as he hesitated only infinitesimally, pressing myself further into his touch. “Oh?”

He hummed, slowly sliding my other strap from my shoulder. “Very much. You leaning over the dinner table like that earlier, knowing you had nothing else on beneath this damned dress… Well, it was almost far more than just a kiss they were witnessing.”

Wriggling against his body, I let out a soft whine. “Sir… I’m being good. Please reward me.”

He groaned against my skin, his fingertips now close enough that I could feel him brush against me as I breathed. “What do you want, my plaything?”

I mewled, lungs stuttering. “T-to be played with.”

He gently caressed the length of me, barely touching. “Tell me what you want.”

“F…Fuck me. Make me come.”

“Beg.”

I swallowed dryly, resisting the urge to reach down myself. “P-please, Sir. I need you. I need this. I-I… I’m so… Wet.”

He purred softly, jerking my dress below my breasts, his lips and teeth finding my nipple so fucking delectably… “Hm… Keep going.”

“I-I, I need this, please. I need to come; I need to come for you. I-I need you to touch me, and make me squirt.”

His fingertip brushed my hole, his eyes meeting mine briefly, seeking consent and clarification.

I love him so much.

“Green, Clint – God, fucking emerald,” I stammered, pushing myself down with a whine. He tutted, free hand clamping down on my hip.

“I didn’t say you could move, babygirl…”

Huffing in frustration, I forced myself to still, feeling myself leak around his touch. “I-I’m sorry, I’ll be good, please…”

He nipped firmly at my nipple, making my back arch as he slid two fingers inside me quickly, my whine morphing into a desperate groan. “Fuck, little one. You’re right – you are so wet.”

Nodding desperately, I shifted minutely, almost feral as I waited for him to move inside me. “P-Please, Clint, Sir, fuck, please.”

He laughed around my breast, shifting up to kiss me hard. “You want me to fuck you, sweetheart? Make you all messy?”

I nodded again, toes curling enthusiastically. “Please.”

His hand finally, blissfully, shifted inside me, and I bit back a deafening, wanton groan. Smirking, he reached up to pull my lip from between my teeth. “None of that… I love the noises you make when I touch you.”

“B-But… The noise.”

He quirked an eyebrow, chuckling. “Our nearest neighbour is over six miles away, my love. I don’t think even you can be that loud.”

I blushed, biting my cheek. “I should have put ‘being gagged’ on that list, huh?”

His fingers curled inside me, and I whimpered. “Never. Let’s make a deal… The louder you are, the harder I’ll fuck you.”

Obliging and needy, I tipped my head back and moaned breathlessly. The chain reaction had me panting and mewling, dropping garbled pleads for ‘more’ and ‘fuck, Sir, please’. Each rise in pitch led him to work harder, which in turn made me louder, in a beautiful cycle that quickly had me clenching around him, fingers gripping desperately at the bed above my head.

“Is this what you’ve wanted, my little slut? Fuck, you’re so needy. Such a good girl, aren’t you? Always so eager and desperate…”

I groaned again, nodding frantically, pushing down as best I could. “Please, Sir, Master – fuck – please.”

His tongue trailed slowly up my neck, teeth meeting gently on my earlobe. “Beg for it. Tell me what you want, little one.”

“M-make me come. Make me squirt. Please, sir, please. Please let me squirt.”

He let out a groan of his own, fingers working me delightfully, his free hand winding in my hair and dragging my mouth to his, pausing barely an inch away to offer one last instruction. “Come for me, babygirl. Come, like the desperate little toy you are.”

I cried out as I climaxed on command, feeling my body come undone as I writhed, frantically fucking myself further onto him as his digits caressed me encouragingly. “That’s it, my pet. Let that pussy squirt for your master.” My cry turned into a scream, aching heat exploding around him at his words.

Oh, boy. Yep – that’ll do it, I reflected as he rode it out, slowing in time with the twitching of my muscles, sliding his palm along my soaked folds and bringing it to his mouth when I lay panting and whining, stretched and satiated.

Fuck, that’s hot.

He purred, kissing my cheek gently. “That’s my good girl.” I sighed contentedly, muscles weak, and he chuckled. “Oh, I’m far from done with you yet. On your knees, slut.”

I forced my drained body into action, exhausted but enthusiastic, eagerly tugging his slacks down as he stood and flushing at the sight of my juices on his thigh and the mess on the bed. He touched my cheek tenderly, turning my gaze to his. “Never be embarrassed, little one. I love this. I love making you that desperate for me.”

Nodding at the solemnity in his eyes, I smiled, sliding my fingers into the edge of his boxers, placing a gentle kiss to his tip through the thin fabric. He sighed with satisfaction, head falling back as he pulled his shirt over his head.

He was achingly hard and leaking profusely when I exposed him, trailing my tongue along his length slowly and making him groan. “Fuck, babygirl. Don’t mess with me, now. I’ve been very patient while I made you come for me.”

Humming obligingly, I took him in my mouth, delighting in the ragged moan he released as I bobbed my head slowly. His fingers found my hair, holding me still as his hips bucked, pushing his member faster inside me. Gagging briefly, I recovered quickly, purring encouraging around him as my nails grasped his perfect ass tightly, pulling him ever closer.

“God dammit, pet. You’re just… Too good…” he grunted, glancing down at me with wide eyes. “I- I don’t think you’re gonna have to keep this up for long…”

I groaned, spurring him on, and his hips snapped again, hands curling tighter in my hair. “Is this what you want, baby? You want me to come down that pretty throat? God, you’re so hot when you’re desperate…”

I tapped a single finger rapidly against his skin, reassuring and eager, and his thrusts stilled as he released in my mouth, my fingernails dragging lines into his flesh as I drank him down greedily. By the time he pulled away, twitching and trembling, I was purring with satisfaction.

“Do you need a break?” I murmured demurely, peering up at him through my lashes. He growled, using my hair to pull me upright.

Fuck yes.

“Never,” he muttered, claiming my mouth with his, groaning at the taste of himself on my tongue. “On the bed. Hands and knees.”

I obeyed immediately, quivering with delight, ass offered wantonly and happily before I hesitated. “… Clint?”

His hands on my thighs stilled instantly as I turned my head to look at him, concern in his eyes. “Yes, my love?”

I bit my lip nervously – testing, for the first time, instilling a limit. “I… I can’t do anything, um… Y’know.”

He nodded sincerely, placing a gentle kiss to the fading bruise across one cheek. “I know, sweetheart. I want you like this just so I can fuck you deeper, not so I can… Maybe another time, though,” he teased, his lips brushing the other side tenderly.

I shivered delightedly. “Definitely another time.”

Or both. You could do both. Please do both.

His tongue caressed me slowly as he nudged my legs further apart, my elbows finding the bed so I could push back easier, making him hum with delight. “You like that, babygirl?”

I wriggled happily as he knelt behind me, shifting backwards with desperation, and he chuckled. “Easy, doll…” His fingers probed at me gently, teasing my still-leaking hole. “I need just a minute, okay?”

I whined and pushed back further, and he growled, his hand finding my unmarked cheek, making me yelp in surprise, a single digit slipping inside me. He paused uncertainly, waiting for my response, while my eyes flicked uncomprehendingly.

“U-um… Green,” I murmured eventually. He drew out immediately, moving so he could see my face.

“That doesn’t sound very ‘green’, Ashe. I’m sorry. I… It’s just, what you said before. I should have checked…” He winced minutely, and I shifted to my knees to catch my lips with his.

“I liked it,” I clarified softly, biting my cheek uncertainly. “I just didn’t expect it. I… I feel like I shouldn’t, after… Everything.”

His hand found my neck tenderly, and he offered me a tender smile. “There is no ‘shouldn’t’, or ‘should’. Not here. There is only pleasure, okay?”

Flushing, I nodded shyly, eyes lowering. “…Can you do it again?”

He grinned, dropping to the bed beside me. “Come lay across my lap, babygirl. I’ll treat you right.”

I obeyed quickly, wondering why he made me move – but the understanding sunk in when he turned my face to look at me.

He wants to be able to see my face. He wants to be able to make sure I’m okay.

I felt my jaw relax, the tension leaving my body as I nodded encouragingly. His hand smoothed across my skin reassuringly, before delivering a sharp slap, his other hand slipping inside of me simultaneously. I whined, pushing back against the contact, earning another strike for my troubles. “Be still, little one.”

I bit my tongue between my teeth, wriggling once more, twitching around his digits, and he growled, the third blow harder and eliciting a soft gasp, my eyes closing briefly.

Hm. Nice… But not enough.

He fucked me slowly, patiently, and I whimpered, spreading my legs further, groaning with desperation and frustration when he spanked me again, my skin stinging lightly. “What is it, babygirl? Tell me what you want,” he murmured, fingers curling inside me.

“More,” I whispered reluctantly. “You… You… I, um…”

His free hand found my hair, smoothing the stray strands from my eyes to meet my gaze firmly. “You can tell me, my love. I promise. The worst thing I’ll do is say no.” I bit my lip, reluctant, and he smiled wanly. “You want it harder?”

My nod was almost imperceptible, eyes squeezing shut once more, unable and unwilling to voice my needs.

“Look at me, little one.”

I obliged hesitantly, my gaze not quite able to meet his.

“Tell me what you want – what you need. Please.”

I twitched around his hand, desire curling low in my abdomen at his desire to satisfy me. “I, um… Like you said. Harder.”

He purred, fingers shifting inside me. “But that’s not what you want to say, is it?”

I buried my face in the sheets, embarrassed and reluctant, but delighted by his persevence as I offered my confession to the tangled cotton.

“Honey, I can’t hear you. Can we try again?”

Turning my head toward him, I felt my skin burn with shame as I repeated my words. “I want you to hurt me.”

Mortifyingly, humiliatingly, excruciatingly – he froze. “W… What?”

I shook my head quickly, scurrying away as best my cast allowed. “I’m s-sorry, I- I know, it’s fucked up, it’s- don’t even- just forget it.”

My arms wrapped around my knees as he blinked in shock, his eyes slowly moving to me. “I… Huh?”

I buried my face in my legs, utterly disgraced. “I… I’m sorry. I’ll go. I’m sorry.”

He reacted at that, moving to bundle me into his embrace, pulling me down beside him. “No! No. I just… I’m surprised, I guess. Stay. Please. Talk to me.”

I looked away, face flaming. “What?”

“Help me understand. I’m not… Opposed. I’m just confused.” His fingertips trailed the existing bruise fading on my ass, brow furrowed.

“You… Want it like this?” I nodded, still unable to meet his gaze, flinching at the sharp intake of breath. “But… You didn’t when he did it?”

“I don’t like it when he fucks me either, Clint. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy sex,” I quipped. He held up his hands with a grimace, chagrined.

“That’s a good point. I’m sorry. I… I guess I just… ‘Why’, is what I’m trying to ask here. Why?”

“Punishment? Reclamation? Passion? I don’t know the ‘why’. I just… Know I want to try it. I know I think I would enjoy it,” I whispered.

You could grill a steak on my face.

“Is… Has that been okayed?”

I glanced up at him, confused, before comprehension dawned. “Oh. Yeah. Nat is interested in the… Residual effects, but not the experience itself – or at least, not yet,” I added wryly. “I think she needs to reclaim the discomfort before the pain.”

He hummed thoughtfully, one hand stroking my back. “…Okay.”

I drew back further to blink at him in surprise, one eyebrow raised. “… Huh?”

“I said ‘okay’,” he repeated, his fingers finding mine. “But you have to use your words, understand? ‘Yellow’ can be the sweet spot. The limit.” My mouth worked wordlessly, stunned into silence, and he smirked. “You’re going to have to ask nicely, though.”

“Please spank me,” I offered immediately, and he laughed.

“My, someone is enthusiastic… But no. That’s not what you want, my love, and you know it.”

I wriggled around, sprawling myself back across his lap as he sat up, legs spread eagerly. “Master, Sir… Please hurt me. Punish me.”

He purred, one hand teasing me slowly, the other caressing my ass. “You like it when I bruise my slut, huh?”

I whimpered and writhed, embarrassment fading at the promise. “Y-Yessir. Please. Please. I-I need you. I n-”

My begging was interrupted by his palm on my flesh, and I yelped in shock, before inching my hips back towards his probing fingers desperately. “Green.”

He chuckled, two digits slipping inside me easily, as he smoothed my skin. “Tougher than you look, huh?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but the sound morphed into a groan of pleasure and he struck me again. “Green… But closer.”

His eyebrow raised, fingers curling inside me as he rolled a shoulder. “You got it.”

His palm collided with my flesh and I yowled, rutting back desperately. “Fuck! Y-yellow, perfect, more…”

He pushed me forward onto my knees, rocking his hips to enter me smoothly, and I whimpered into the sheets, fingers curled in the fabric as I whined. “You like that, my little slut?”

I nodded and whimpered, wriggling eagerly. “Y-yessir, please, please more…”

He spanked me again and I yelped, pushing backwards frantically, impaling myself on him as I panted and stammered my begging requests. “Clint, Master, sir – God, please…”

He growled, his free hand gripping my hip firmly as he fucked me harder, pulling me back against him. “You want me to do it while you come, babygirl?”

Tears of pleasure pricked at my eyes as I nodded frantically, reaching back to tap my already-bruised cheek. “H-Here.”

To his credit, he hesitated only briefly in his thrusts, before he murmured his understanding and consent, applying another stinging strike to my other side, moving after to rake his nails down my spine hard as my chest fell to the bed. “Please, fuck, one more, one more, don’t stop…”

He tipped his hips as he drew back his hand, and I shuddered, eyes snapping open. “There,” I breathed, pleasure zinging through my body. “There. Fuck me there.”

He obliged as his palm collided with my skin, and I cried out, fingers desperately grapsing at the sheets as I erratically thrusted backwards, feeling my core quiver and tighten around him, “S-Sir, yes… Please, please, I’m gonna…”

The slap to my bruised cheek sent me sprawling as my crescendo hit me, but he followed me to down, fucking me mercilessly as I writhed and begged, his nails scratching and digging and dragging as I rode out my pleasure with sobs of delight, tears flowing easily by the time he surrendered to his own climax with a desperate groan, driving himself against that sweet spot inside me until I shuddered and spasmed beneath him.

My name fell as a prayer from his lips, desperate and wanton, over and over.

“Well. That was…”

I lay in Clint’s arms in the tangled sheets, my cheek on his chest, sighing happily. “It was.” Glancing up, I frowned worriedly. “You… You didn’t have to.”

He smiled weakly, tiredly, one thumb caressing my cheek. “I know, my love. And I’ll never cause you permanent harm.” He glanced at my cast, and shook his head to clear it. “But I’d be lying if I said this…” his fingers lightly caressed the bruising across my backside, freshly soothed with cooling cream, and he grinned, “didn’t give me some degree of pleasure. I love having you marked as mine, and as long as you enjoy how that happens, then it’s fine by me.”

I purred, placing a gentle kiss to his sweat-damp skin. “God, I love you,” I murmured exhaustedly, shimmying closer, his hands caressing my back. He kissed my hair lightly, and chuckled.

“I love you too, Ashe. …I really hate to interrupt the moment – honestly, I do… But I, uh… I need to change my bag before bed,” he admitted, wincing as I glanced up. I smiled softly, pressing my lips to his cheek.

“I’ll wait for you.”

I'll always wait for you.

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

WIP Week (Work-In-Progress Week) Returns in June!

WIP Week is a week dedicated to updating fanfic or other types of fanworks.  All fandoms are welcome to participate.  Original works are also accepted.  Please tag your entries with the #wipweek or #wip week tag. Since multiple fandoms and ships are participating, please clearly list the fandoms, ships, and content warnings in the post so that they can be properly tagged for any potential readers.

The second WIP Week of 2025 will be held June 22-28. 

Each day will have a theme, but you do not have to post every day. You are also not obligated to follow these themes. You can work on one fic or fanwork for the entire week if you choose. If you’re not comfortable posting full updates but still want to participate in the week, you can post your daily word count and/or a small snippet from your work.

Here are the prompts for WIP Week:

June 22: Your Oldest WIP

June 23: Your Newest WIP

June 24: Your Most Popular WIP

June 25: A WIP Featuring Your OTP

June 26: Your Favorite WIP

June 27: Your Previously Unpublished WIP

June 28: Any WIP

You can post completed/updated fanworks to the official WIP Week AO3 Collection!