glitchedbones-blog

[glitchedbones-blog]

I Live...Sorta

I promise I have not abandoned you all. Finally, am done with house buying, so yay! Now I have time to crack knuckles and get to writing...until NaNo that is ehehehe. 

[glitchedbones-blog]

Mini Update

Wanted to drop in and apologize for being quiet for a bit. I’m in the process of buying a house so, not a whole lot of time for anything. Once that is all settled I will be back to regularly scheduled trash. 

[glitchedbones-blog]

The Boots Are to Blame

Raul Tejada X Courier (OFC) 

Warnings: Lots of swearing. 

The courier realizes she has the hots for ghoul(s). Namely the sarcastic, fantastic Raul. 

    Apparently, she had a thing for ghouls, which certainly wasn’t a thing she expected to discover when she laced up her boots that morning. Jackal found herself staring at the cracked mirror for far longer than was probably healthy, but shit she had no idea what to do with her new little discovery.

    It had started simple, really. She heard him over the radio with that insane Nightkin and well she wasn’t that far away. And Jackal found she had a very nasty savior streak and had to just help every fuckhead she came across, like it or not. So she trekked up a mountain full of radiation and super mutants and found herself face to face with a very snarky ass ghoul.

    Halfway down the mountain, she wondered if it would be better to shot him and leave him where she found him, by the time they hit bottom she was laughing her ass off at every sarcastic quip he made. And really, she could get used to Raul calling her boss in that accent. Real used to it.

    It spiraled out of control from there, really.

    And now here she was, getting dressed and thinking about Raul when it hit her like a mini nuke. She had a thing for ghouls. Or, well, one ghoul. And how the hell is she gonna face him without making herself look like a damned idiot now?

    “Boss? You die in there, cause as much as I would like to go piss on a cactus, I am pretty sure there is a few angry cazador still outside.”

    Shit. The nest of cazador. That still needed to be dealt with. She swallowed her nerves and maybe a few mentats and opened the door, giving Raul a smile that was way too toothy.

    “Boss? How much Jet have you taken?”

    “None.” Jackal snapped, her smile falling. She pushed past him and boy was that a bad idea, cause suddenly she really, really wanted to just grab him and...Jackal cut down that thought as quick as she could. “Go old man and let’s go kill some fucking bugs.” She didn’t want to sound as pissed as she did, but shit, how was she supposed to deal with this? At this early of an hour?

    Raul managed to give her one cold look before taking care of his business in the bathroom while she grabbed her beloved gauss rifle and made sure her baby was tip top.

    The rough hand on her shoulder was a surprise and she figured she probably should have put on something with long sleeves.

    “Boss, what kind of radroach crawled up your ass?”

    Jackal did laugh at that. She turned, managed to somewhat glare at him before sinking down into herself, letting the rifle sag in her hands. “I had an epiphany last night and I don’t know how to deal with that right now. So I am a bit snappy. Sorry, I’ll get over it. Maybe. After we shoot a bunch of stupid bugs in the face.”

    Raul leaned next to her and cocked his head. “Ya know, boss, I don’t mind lending an ear. Well if I still had ‘em.” Jackal snorted. “Hey, you helped me with my thing.” He motioned to the Vaquero outfit draped over a chair. “So it’s only fair I help you. So what’s eating you? Other than radiation?”

    Jackal sighed and glared at her boots. “It is really damn stupid, Raul, and I honestly know it’s probably a bad fucking idea because of who and what is involved and I am kind of scared.”

    Raul looked real incredulous. “Right, boss. And who or what has the woman who told a deathclaw to fuck off this scared.”

    Jackal shrugged. “Hey, that bastard was trying to steal my snack cakes and you know how I get with those.”

    Raul laughed. “Oh yeah, you nearly shot Gannon when he ate your last one. Lucky you had me, eh boss? I always have backups.”

    Jackal tilted her head back to look up at Raul. “Yeah, that’s why this uh...Issue scares me. It kinda involves you.”

    Raul looked shocked and circled around to stand in front of her, crossing his arms over his chest. “Me? How does it involve me, boss? Don’t tell me you are getting tired of hauling my old ass around?” Jackal didn’t miss the thinly veiled hurt in his voice.

    She shook her head. “Shit no, Raul. Way opposite. I want your ass around me all the time until one or both of us finally die.”

    Raul blinked. “You are gonna have to spell this out for me, boss. My mind doesn’t work so fast anymore.”

    Jackal rolled her eyes and kicked his foot. “It’s been a problem for a while, but it really hit last night. When that cazador nearly ate your face off. I realized I would be fucked without you and that I uh...” Jackal slapped her knees and stood suddenly, throwing Raul off balance with how close she was. “I apparently have a thing for ghouls. A ghoul. Named Raul. You. I have it bad for you, old man.”

    Raul didn’t move, didn’t blink, just stared. “Boss, how much jet have you taken?”

    “None you ass. You know I don’t touch jet unless we are gonna die. I am not high, I am not hallucinating due to cazador venom. I am of sound mind...I am of as sound of mind as I can possibly be and I am kind of in love with you, ya ass.”

    Raul swallowed thickly. “I’m a ghoul, boss. People aren’t gonna take well to the wastelands hero knocking boots with a corpse.”

    Jackal shrugged. “They can go fuck themselves. Or deal with Lily.” She tilted her head up and licked her lips. “So Raul Tejada, what are you going to do? You got the savior of the wasteland at your fingertips.”

    Raul cupped her face in his hands and leaned down. “I’m going to hell for this.”

    Jackal chuckled, breath dancing over his torn lips. “Well save me a seat, will ya.” Raul rolled his eyes and kissed the life out of her. She arched into him, fingers curling over the rough skin of his shoulder and groaning into the deepening kiss. When they finally broke away, chests heaving, eyes dilated, Jackal grinned.

    “Good god, Raul. You been hiding that skill all this time?”

    Raul preened. “I got all kind of talent, boss.”

    Her eyes flicked to the couch and she gave him a wolfish grin. “The bugs can wait. I wanna see this talent.”

[glitchedbones-blog]

The Sun Has Fallen Down

Original Fiction

Warnings: Mention of blood. 

A/N: Don’t listen to Godspeed You! Black Emperor and  Einstürzende Neubauten at two in the morning. Weird things happen. 

    Clovis sat perched atop the makeshift dais of metal and bone that stood tall in the center of the rotting warehouse. Her bare feet were warm, almost painfully so in contrast to the chill that pressed against her back. Flames from the bonfire licked the oily darkness and rose high against the broken roof, staining the twisted metal black.

    Everything was awash in a thin, orange haze and she leaned away from the light, closing her eyes to the writhing bodies far below.

    She heard the soft pad of feet behind her and turned to the approaching man. He was a god to the people below and they danced for their god. He stopped next to her and she cast him a withering smile.

   Scrimshaw was beautiful, bathed in the orange light with the fire dancing in his silvered eyes. He sank down next to Clovis, claws brushing down along her arms.

    Clovis leaned against his warm shoulder and let her eyes close and tried to shut out everything but the soft thump of her own blood in her ears.

    “Do you remember?” He asked, voice a hushed whisper.

    And she did. When she first came to this makeshift shrine. When Scrimshaw saved her from the jaws of death and brought her to this dark place, where fires burned day and night. Where his worshipers writhed to primal music that sounded like the steady beat of a wicked heart.

    She remembered the black look they cast her way when he would give her a rare, but warm smile. She remembered the rage in their faces when he took her to his bed and made her his own. Unworthy, they said. Outsider. He was their god and she was nothing but a heretic from the outside world.

    And Clovis remembered when that changed.

    The man was young and soft-featured, still in that baby faze between teen and adult. He went for her throat with long, deadly claws, raging about who truly unworthy she was. The claws never hit their mark and Scrimshaw made an example of the young man, slitting him breastbone to pubic and unzipping his soft, soft skin.

    There was so much blood in the air, suffocatingly thick. Clovis had watched and something dark inside her reveled at the death.

    His worshipers had looked at her anew, eyes wide in horror as if she was the one who had done the killing. They never bothered her, and she was never afraid.

    Clovis stretched and uncurled her legs. She was afraid now.

    Not of those with their dark eyes and dark thought. They were simple, mortal creatures that bleed easily and died just as much.

    No, there was something coming. A hunger, a darkness. Black as ink and slick as oil and it curled through Clovis’ thoughts and closed its clammy hands round her shuddering heart.

    She knew the nature of this darkness. Knew it as well as she knew her own and it chilled her to the very bone.

    She opened her eyes and found Scrimshaw frowning down at her, hand pressed against her leg. She would tell him, one day, when the terror becomes too much. When the darkness is too close. For now, she shook her head, told him it was nothing. Just something silly like a daydream, or maybe a fever.

    Scrimshaw tilted her chin up with a single, hooked claw and smiled. “Kiss me,” he said. “You are beautiful.”

    And Clovis obliged, whispering, “These are truly the last days.”

[glitchedbones-blog]

The Forest Eats Your Heart - Part Six (Final)

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five

Warnings: None

Two people who don’t know how to people go on a date.

    Fifteen minutes was an agonizingly long time to wait. Bucky had slipped off to grab a pair of worn sneakers since his work shoes were currently MIA. He was pacing. Nerves making him completely unable to stand still, much to Steve’s growing annoyance.

    “Would you sit down, old man. You are making me nervous. You are just taking her to lunch, not marrying the girl.”

    Bucky choked and turned, giving a Steve a stern look. “I know that. But it has been a while since I’ve taken someone out for lunch and not tried to assassinate them.” Steve blinked a few times and shrugged. “I don’t want to screw this up, Steve.”

    “Buck, you won’t. Honestly, I think our new friend has had a soft spot for you from the beginning. I think you will be fine. It’s just lunch.”

    Bucky sighed and leaned up against the couch and ran a hand through his hair. Steve gave his arm an encouraging pat and motioned his chin over to the entryway. Locust stood, shifting from foot to foot, his shoes in hand.

    “You- These got left behind.”

    Bucky ignored Steve’s little brow waggle and pushed off the couch to grab the shoes. “Thanks. I’ll uh-”

    “Leave ‘em there and I’ll drop them in your room later.” Steve interrupted. Bucky glanced back at him and gave him a tight smile. “You two kids have fun!”

    “I’m older than you, Steve.” Bucky groused. He offered an arm to Locust and smiled. “Where would you like to go?”

    Locust hesitantly tucked her arm in his and hummed. “I- This may be a surprise, but I’ve never actually had pizza before and- So pizza would be nice.”

    Bucky laughed. “I know a place, best pizza in town, doll.”

    Steve gave Bucky a subtle thumbs up, Bucky shook his head and ushered Locust out of the compound and to the garage. “So you have never had pizza?” Bucky asked.

    Locust gave a small shrug. “No. By the time- My parents didn’t like junk food and then I was, you know, left in the woods. Didn’t get much chance to try a lot of things.”

    Bucky pulled her a little closer and gave her a toothy grin. “Well, doll, I will get you the best pizza in New York and maybe we can get some ice cream later. Make this a real date.”

    Locust flushed and ducked her head and Bucky’s eyes went wide when he realized what he said. She pressed herself just a little closer and huffed out a small laugh. “I- That would be great, Bucky. A real date.”

    Bucky sneaked a look at the phone Stark had given him, biting his bottom lip as he quickly texted Stark, begging for a place. Tony came through with the address of a well-recommended pizza joint. Bucky was surprised the man managed to not make any snarky remarks at his very desperate text message. Locust glanced over at the phone and gave Bucky a questioning look.

    “I uh, I double checked with Tony on the address. The place I knew closed thirty years ago.” He tucked the phone back into his pocket. “And I don’t know any ice cream places.”

    Locust snickered. “I’ve seen ads for a place. We can go there!”

    The place Tony suggested was not what Bucky was expecting. Instead of a fancy pizza place, they found themselves in front of a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint. Locust gravitated towards an old arcade cabinet while Bucky eyed the simple menu. The few patrons eyed him, giving his arm wary glances.

    “So, what do you want?”

    Locust shrugged. “Don’t know.” She eyed an out of the way booth and pointed. “I’ll go sit- I’ll get our seat. Surprise me!”

    Locust blinked at the pizza in her hands, eyes wide a slightly manic smile tugging at her lips. Bucky couldn’t help his own smile. “So, guessing good?”

    She nodded quickly. “I would fight someone for this pizza.” She took another bite and groaned slightly. “I- I would fight Hulk for this pizza.”

    Bucky laughed at that and Locust quickly joined, nearly dropping her slice in the process. They cleared away the pizza, leaving only a few flakes of pepper on the worn metal pan.

    Locust slipped out of the booth and grabbed the pan in one hand and Bucky’s in the other. “So- This date, where to next?”

    Night had fallen by the time Bucky and Locust made it back to the compound. Locust was leaned up against him, a plastic bag dangling off her wrist.

    “Honestly, doll, did you need that much frozen yogurt?”

    Locust looked up at him, rolling her eyes. “Of course- Yes. Needed to get some for everyone!” She let go of him long enough to tuck the bag into the freezer. Sam peeked over the edge of the couch and waved his hand towards the freezer.

    “Did someone say frozen yogurt?”

    Locust nodded. “In the freezer, a plastic bag. Should still be solid. I made sure we picked it up last!” She lifted her chin and gave Sam a proud grin.

    Bucky looped an arm over her shoulder and guided her down the hall. “C’mon doll, let’s leave the bird to his ice cream.”

    “Hey!” Sam called, head popping up from the freezer. Locust huffed out a laugh and Bucky grinned at Sam over his shoulder. “Yeah, yeah. Real funny.”

    The pair paused in front of Locust’s room, both shifting back and forth. Bucky cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head with the bionic arm. “So. Did you, er, did you have fun?”

    Locust nodded. “It was- Yes, yes James Buchanan Barnes, I enjoyed our date. But,” she held up a spidery finger. “I think we are missing one important part of a date.”

    Bucky smiled wryly, “Oh, and what is that?”

    She swallowed thickly. “Well I- Okay so, I am no expert, but I have read books. Shouldn’t- I think-” She bit her lip and squared her shoulders. “Bucky, I-”

    Bucky cupped her cheek and leaned down close enough that she could feel his breath. “Are you trying to ask for a goodnight kiss?”

    Locust glanced at the ground, blushing furiously. “I- Yes. Yes, I am.”

    Bucky tilted her chin up and closed the distance. The contrast of warm lips and cold hand was strange and Locust pressed closer, fingers curling into Bucky’s shirt. A low whistle sounded down from the hall and Bucky pulled back, slowly. He glared at Steve who gave him another wolf whistle. Bucky stole another kiss and gave Locust a quick wink.

    “If you’ll excuse me, I am going to go kill my best friend.”

    Locust nodded. “You- Do that. Me, I am going to go- I’m gonna go die of embarrassment.” She couldn’t help the smile that crept on her face as Bucky ran after Steve, their laughter following them down the hall.

[glitchedbones-blog]

Updates

Myst: Revelations is finally has a digital release and now I need to replay it and maybe dig up my ancient Myst fanfiction. Dust that shit off and do a rewrite on that baby. 

Myst is like, my OG fandom. 

The Forest Eats Your Heart should also be done...sometime soonish? Hopefully by the end of this week. 

[glitchedbones-blog]

The Forest Eats Your Heart - Part Five

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four

Warnings: None

Bucky helps a sorta traumatized Locust and also tried to channel his pre-Winter Solider self. 

    Bucky didn’t bother to change out of his mission clothes, he simply stipped off body armor and left it where it fell, intending to deal with it later. Locust had been quick and the door to her room was already shut when he got there. Bucky paused, he debated simply charging inside, but didn’t want to make things worse. He knocked and held his breath, hoping. She looked bad, with her tears streaking down her cheeks and eyes bloodshot.

    “Can I come in?” Bucky asked, dropping his shoulders to make himself seem smaller. Locust stepped to the side and waved him in. “I’m not going to ask the obvious. I know you aren’t okay.” She cracked a smile at that. “But you will be. I’m here if you want to talk.”

    Locust simply shook her head. “I- No, I am not a talker. I just- Can you just keep me company?” She sat on her bed and patted the space next to her. Bucky sat down and gave her a small nod.

    “Sure. I can do that.” Locust leaned up against him and ran her fingers along the joints of his arm. “Before all this, Winter Soldier and Avengers stuff Steve and I used to do a lot of stupid things. Once we tried to sneak into this fair, right? Saw a couple of pretty girls, but we had no money to get tickets. So we jumped the fence, but Steve, his shoe got stuck. So we make it over, but Steve is missing a shoe and these girls just look at us like we are the biggest losers. Which, Steve I could see. What I didn’t know was that I had ripped my pants on the way over, right on the back. So Steve has no shoe and I’ve got a rip in my pants and we are penniless in this fair. So what do we do? We ask the girls if they wanna get outta there. In the end, we got kicked out and pretty badly embarrassed.”

    Locust snorted and glanced up at Bucky, eyebrow arched. “That was a terrible story.”

    He gave her a shrug. “Well, it has been nearly 70 years since it happened so, memory isn’t the best. I figured something stupid might help you feel better.”

    Locust’s smile faltered, but she nodded. “It did. A little. It was stupid.”

    Bucky looped his arm around her shoulder and leaned down, grinning. “I have a bunch more stupid stories if you are interested.”

    Locust nodded. “Very, Mr. Barnes.”

    Bucky spent the rest of the night telling Locust story after story of his childhood exploits with Steve. From simple fishing trips to Steve getting his ass handed to him by a couple of thugs, but still fighting back. When he ran out of stories from his childhood, he went into stories from his time with the 107th and even the Howling Commandos, being careful to keep any real fighting out of his tales.

    Locust found herself drifting in and out of sleep and slowly started to press heavily against Bucky’s side. Her head rolled forward and she was falling, Bucky just caught her before she found herself getting familiar with the floor.

    “Alright, doll, it's time for you to go to sleep.” he helped her back onto the bed, offering a steady arm as she sleepily slipped under the thin covers. Bucky made to go, but was stopped by her soft grip around his wrist.

    “Please don’t- Stay here, please. You can keep the nightmares away.” Bucky chuckled at that. Locust tightened her grip and stared up at him. “I don't want to be alone.”

    Bucky sighed and kicked off his shoes and socks and pulled off the overshirt and tossed them into a pile. “I scare away your nightmares, you scare away mine. Deal?”

    Locust pulled him down making him lay next to her. Bucky wrapped her in his arms and she snuggled against him. “Deal,” she mumbled into his chest.

    Bucky smiled down at the mop of black hair and sighed. “FRIDAY, can you get the lights?” The lights dark. In the soft light of the coming dawn, Bucky caught sight of a small, white, moth sitting on the window. He chuckled and Locust made a small, questing hmmm. “Your moth is back.”

    Locust simply shrugged and tried to burrow deeper into Bucky’s arms. He pulled her closer and had q heartbeat of calm before the panic set in. The realization hit him full force and he stared down at the now sleeping woman, eyes wide. He tried to calm his galloping heart as he fought with the realization that he never wanted to let her go.

    He took a deep breath, telling himself it was too late, or too early to deal with this. He would sleep on it, see if he felt the same way in the morning. A growing part of him certainly hoped so.

    Morning, or mid-afternoon made morning, came and Bucky woke to find himself alone in a pile of rumpled sheets. He sat up, heart pounding as he glanced around the small room. He noticed a small pile of fresh clothes atop a chair with his shoes neatly tucked underneath.

    The door to the bathroom opened and Locust stepped out, toweling off her damp hair. She caught Bucky’s eye and gave him a half smile.

    “I- You needed fresh clothes so I had Steve bring them down.” She pointed to the clothes. “You can use my shower if you- You can use it to clean up.”

    Bucky nodded and padded towards the bathroom, stopping to grab the handful of clothes. He dumped the clothes on the sink and stepped into the shower and let his mind drift as the water washed away the last missions grime.

    Sleeping on his thoughts hadn’t helped and Bucky still didn’t know what he wanted. What he planned to do. Too much time had been lost as the Winter Soldier. Too much of him. He could practically hear Steve teasing him about no longer being such a lady killer. Bucky snorted. Dancing. Or dinner. That’s what he would go with. Back to the old days, before he was a murderer.

    A quick dry and dress and he steeled himself. Locust was perched on her bed, the little moth from before sitting on her fingertips, it’s soft wings vibrating slightly.

    “Hi. I- Thank you for keeping away the nightmares. Looks like it worked.” She smiled brightly and Bucky chuckled.

    “Yeah, well I can pretty scary.”

    Locust gave a small shrug. “Maybe. Apparently, I can be as well.”

    Bucky smiled in agreement and plopped down next to her, resting his elbows on his thighs. “That you are, doll.” He leaned back and cleared his throat. “I was wondering,” Bucky gave a nervous cough and ran a hand through his still damp hair. “Would you, maybe, want to go get something to eat? Together?”

    Locust stared at him, eyes wide and hand with the moth frozen in midair. She opened and closed her mouth a few times before giving a small huff. “I- Yes. That would be good. Together. Food!” She dropped her hand and the moth fluttered off. “Let me- I just need to change into more outside clothes.” She waved a hand at her tank top and sweatpants. Bucky nodded and stood.

    “Sure, yes. Fifteen minutes in the lounge. I’ll meet you there.”

    Locust nodded and shooed him out. “Yes. Yeah. Fifteen is good.” Locust nearly shut the door in his face and Bucky couldn’t help but grin as he strolled down the hall towards the lounge. It wasn’t until he almost got there that he realized his shoes were still in her room.

[glitchedbones-blog]

The Forest Eats Your Heart - Part Four

Part One - Part Two - Part Three

Warnings: Mention of insects doing bad things to bad people.

The crew heads off to find a Hyrda base and get a bit more than expected. 

A/N: This thing was a beast to write and I have no idea why. I rewrote it a billion times and still am not super happy with it. 

    Locust was pacing when Bucky knocked on her door. She froze and gave the door a small glare before slowly pulling the door open, peering at her visitor through the narrow crack. Bucky gave a small wave and she pulled the door fully open, giving him a nervous smile.

    “Is there- Did something happen?”

    “No, nothing happened. We had something come up that we need to look into. It will be your first run as a...As an almost Avenger.” Bucky shifted his weight and leaned himself against the doorframe. “We are going to find some Hydra remnants.”

    Locust blinked owlishly. “Aren't they the- They are the ones who did...” she trailed off and glanced at his metal arm. Bucky nodded. Locust frowned and ran a hand through her hair. “Is it- This seems too important to bring someone like me along.”

    Bucky shook his head and pushed away from the doorframe, taking a half step towards her. “The Hydra group are all, as far as we know, human. No super powers, no magic, just people with guns.” He smiled wryly at her. “It will probably be the most normal mission we go on.”

    Locust kept picking at the new clothes Tony had insisted she wear. The clothes were woven through with a new form of nanotechnology that Tony had created. Making the clothes bullet resistant and perfect for the regular humans on the team. The nanotech made the clothes too thick for her liking and the top clung far too tight for comfort.

    Bucky gave her a sympathetic look as she pulled down at the edge of the long sleeved shirt for the thousandth time, trying to get more comfortable.

    “Trust me, being a little uncomfortable is much better than being shot.” She glanced up at him and rolled her eyes, but finally gave up and simply sunk into her seat on the quinjet.

    Locust leaned forward to get a better view out the front of the jet, frowning when all she saw was clouds and endless darkness. She shifted back and started picking at her nails.

Bucky watched her, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. She's adorable, he thought. Bucky blinked, surprised by his own stray thought.

    “We’re here,” Steve called from the front. Bucky shook his head and filed away the thought to deal with later. Now wasn't the time.

    Locust looked a bit pale and she stiffened as the quinjet begin to descend. Bucky gave her shoulder a squeeze. “You’ll do fine. You've got Tony, Steve, and me to keep you safe.”

    She relaxed a little and pressed her hand against his metal arm. “Thank you.”

    The quinjet settled down in a small clearing, Steve making sure to use the tree cover to keep the jet hidden from Hydra eyes. The forest they landed in was thick, the huge, dark trees standing tall over a carpet of moss riddled earth. Locust took a deep breath and grinned. It felt like home. Even if the air was cooler and the trees far taller than she was accustomed too.

    “How are you?” Bucky asked, glancing down at her.

    Locust grinned up at him. “This. This I can do.” She let her eyes fall shut and took a deep breath. “We have many friends here. I don’t- I am not familiar with what they are, but they are here. Waiting.”

    The base was well hidden, tucked against a small mountain range and behind a nest of huge pines. From the air, the base would have been invisible. From the ground, it was nearly so.

    Tony held up a hand and pointed towards a decently sized outcrop of tree and rocks. The five ducked behind them, with Bucky keeping a wary eye on the thin strip of visible base.

    “Any idea how we are getting in there?” Tony asked. “We have no one outside, but FRIDAY found a couple of camera, heat sensors, and there are two guards right inside.”

    Locust raised a hand. “I have one.” She poked her head over the rocks and pointed at the entrance. “There are vents- Not big vents. Probably for air, but, I can send in something small to take out the guards. There- I am sure there is something venomous around here. Or I could just have ants crawl in their clothes.” She shrugged. “It would- Less chance of hurting them.”

    Steve gave Tony a small nod but Tony shook his head. “Like the idea, but hold off. I want to use her as our surprise.” He glanced back over their hide, frowning when FRIDAY helpfully chimed in that the guards were no longer at their post.

    Locust reacted first to the snap of a branch, too heavy to be from an animal. She ducked, the first shot grazing her arm, the nanotech leaving her only bruised instead of bloody. A second shot rang out and deflected off Bucky’s hand, burying deep into the soft soil.

    Hydra soldiers swarmed out from the now open base, the heavy clank of metal filling the quiet of the forest. Locust blanched, falling back against the rocks, fingers digging into the earth. Bucky stood over her, Glock leveled at the closest soldier. The soldiers had them surrounded, caught between a wall of well-armed men and the rocks they were hiding behind.

    “These are the great Avengers? So easy to corner like rats. We knew you would come, such easy bait.” One of the soldiers eyed Bucky and grinned. “And you brought us the Winter Soldier? What a nice gift.” Locust went stiff, eyes narrowing. “Drop your weapon, boy, or we shoot you all.”

    Bucky dropped the gun and gave Locust a quick glance. “You may want to be a surprise.”

    Locust nodded stiffly. She screwed her eyes shut and reached out into the earth, into the trees and called. And they answered. The heavy hum was quiet at first, so soft it could hardly be heard over the breathing of the Hydra soldiers. The sound grew exponentially and Locust stood, tucking herself between the three men as she focused.

    The swarm blotted out the moon. The noise deafening as they descended upon the soldiers.

    “Shit.” Tony hissed. Gunfire cut through the thick swarm, but it was far too little far too late as the insects tore through the Hydra soldiers. Biting, stinging, eating. Locust yelped as a stray shot grazed her cheek and she pressed herself against Bucky’s back. He pulled her around, wrapping his arms around her narrow shoulders and she burrowed her face into his chest.

    The screams and the hum of the swarm slowly faded and Locust peeled herself away from Bucky, looking on in horror at what was done. Bucky grabbed her face and turned her away from the carnage. “No.” She looked at him, multifaceted eyes unfocused. “You are okay.” He whispered. “You saved us. Me. Do not their deaths get to you. You hear me?”

    Locust locked eyes with him, taking a deep shuddering breath. “I’ve never- I didn’t want to kill anyone. But they- That man was going to try to take you back.” She dropped her gaze and sniffed. “After knowing- When I was told what was done to you and then them even implying after,” she swallowed audibly. “After you worked so hard to not- Worked hard to break away. I just wanted them gone. The insects only know what I tell them.”

    Bucky pulled her into a tight hug, smoothing a hand down her back. “It’s okay. You did what you could. It okay.” He scooped her up, stepping around the fallen soldiers and quickly taking her to the quinjet. She was quiet on the trip back her gaze never leaving the floor.  When they disembarked she quickly left, heading to her quarters and leaving the three men frowning. Bucky gave Steve a look before heading after her. He knew, better than anyone, what killing could do to you. And he was damned if he was going to let her suffer that guilt alone.

[glitchedbones-blog]

The Forest Eats Your Heart - Part Three

Part One - Part Two

Warnings: Mention of insects

Bucky and the bug gal get to know each other a bit better. All to the dulcet tones of Bob Ross. 

    Bucky was growing tired of the constant nightmares waking him up and stealing away the little bit of sleep he could muster. In the quiet of the compound, Bucky could hear the heavy fall of rain and the rumble of distant thunder from a storm that had been going full force all day. He debated briefly on staying in his room, crawling back into bed, and trying to let the rain lull him back to sleep. He decided against it.

    Book in hand, he padded to the common room, half hoping someone else would be up to distract him from his exhaustion. He paused when he saw her sprawled out on the couch, asleep. The television casting a harsh glow across her, making her look even more alien.

    As quietly as he could, he stepped over to turn off the television, keeping an eye on her. Which was his undoing as he knocked his hip into the end table. He glanced over and she was blinking up at him, rubbing one of her spidery hands over her face.

    “Guess I fell asleep out here,” she was interrupted by a jaw-cracking yawn. “I got- The show was fun to watch, but easy to drift off to.” She nodded towards the tv. The guy painting on the screen did have a surprisingly soothing voice. She sat up fully and snuggled down into the couch. “I am guessing you really don’t sleep much?”

    Bucky shook his head. “Nightmares from...from before. I don’t how much you were told about everyone here and our pasts.” He sat down near her, leaning back into the too soft couch.

    Locust cocked her head. “I- Remember I read papers about Captain America. There were some mentions of- You were in one or two. Being the same age as him, I put things together. That and I watched- Tony gave me access to watch some of the archive stuff. You were kind of a- A myth.”

    Bucky frowned. “Only because of the horrible things I’ve down.”

    Locust shook her head. “No- Yes, but it wasn’t-” she bit her lip and took a deep breath. “Steve filled me in on what was done to you. No one should have to deal with that. The fact that you are still good,” she leaned forward and poked his chest, right above his heart, “that you still have a good heart. It’s- I think that is impressive.”

    He smiled at that. “What about you? You were-” he cut himself off, frowning. He took a small breath and gave her a small frown. “In a forest, by yourself. I’m betting that wasn’t by choice?”

    Locust sunk deeper into the couch and nodded. “No, it wasn’t. My family- I was weird, and this was before superheroes and villains were commonplace. They- We had a small hunting shack and they sent me there. I think- I know they forgot about me there. They didn’t want a, whatever I am, for a daughter. I did learn how to make rabbit taste really good!”

    Bucky gaped down at her, eyes wide as she smiled brightly up at him. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”

    She gave a half-hearted shrug and waved her hand dismissively. “It happened. No point in dwelling on it.”

    Bucky inclined his head and gave out a small huff of laughter. Maybe I should take that approach. When we sent out the team for you, why did you put up no fight?”

    “Why would I?” Locust asked, furrowing her brows. “They weren’t threatening. I- It was a chance to maybe be part of something. Have- Be part of a,” she ducked her head. “A family. Even if it’s a little-”

    “Dysfunctional?” Bucky provided. Locust giggled at that and nodded quickly. He grinned. “Well, that certainly sums us up.”

    Locust yawned and stretched out her hands in an almost catlike movement. “Sorry. I- Sleep is still kind of hard without forest noises.” She gave Bucky a small smile. “It’s weird not having a bunch of crickets chirping around me.”

    Bucky nodded, fully understanding. While his sleep was stolen by nightmares most of the time, when he could sleep it was never great, his mind waking him up constantly. Just in case there was any danger. Being on the run after living as a weapon had broken him.

    He clapped a hand on his knee and grinned at the idea that popped into his head. “I think we can talk to Tony. Maybe get something that makes forest sounds for you.”

    He was surprised to find his arms suddenly full of Locust. He returned her hug, awkwardly wrapping the metal arm around her shoulders. “That is- You think we can do that? It’s possible?”

    Bucky chuckled. “I bet it is. I know there are things online that you can find, so I am sure Tony can get something set up for you.”

    She pulled back, grinning at him. “Now we just need to find a way for you to sleep better.” Locust let go, and snuggled back into the couch and pointed at the television. “For now we can watch this guy paint his friend;y little trees. Maybe he can help you fall asleep too.”

    Bucky shrugged. “Worth a try.” She tossed half of her blanket over his legs. Bucky, taking the hint, tucked his legs up on the couch and turned his attention to the tv. Each brush stroke and calming word working to slowly draw him closer to the edge of sleep.

    Bucky was the first to stir, the hushed voices of someone finally breaking through the fog of sleep.

    “I feel bad,” Steve whispered, amusement plain in his voice.

    “We need the couch, Rogers.” Natasha sounded less amused, but still decidedly not upset. Steve sighed, a little too loudly and walked towards them. Bucky cracked open his eyes, blinking away what felt like a weeks worth of sleep as he slowly became aware of the weight against him.

    Locust had ended up tucked under his arm, face buried in his chest with one arm draped over his torso, long fingers lightly curled into his shirt. Bucky glared up at Steve’s all too smug expression. He shifted and Locust woke, pulling herself out from under his arm with a quick apology. She looked up to see Steve and Natasha’s twin expressions of sheer amusement and pressed her hands to her face and ducked her head, groaning softly.

    “I hope I didn’t drool on you.” She finally mumbled, peering out between her fingers at Bucky. He laughed and gave her a small, warm smile.

    “It’s fine. It’s one of the first times I managed to sleep well.”

    Locust dropped her hands into her lap and sighed, relief evident on her face. “Oh, good,” She looked up at the two still standing there and cleared her throat. “I’ll- I will get out of your way now. Need to change, clean up.” She slipped off the couch and power walked away, muttering softly to herself.

    Bucky turned his attention to Steve and Natasha, brow arched. “So what is going on?”

    Steve shifted and glanced over at Natasha, frowning slightly. “Look, Bucky, we uh...” he trailed off and pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh.

    “We found some of HYDRA’s old people. We haven’t gotten much intel on them yet, but there were prototypes for,” her gaze flicked to his arm. “For that. For you.”

    Bucky stiffened. “I see.” He said voice strained. “What is the plan?”

    Natasha gave him a wary look and cast a quick glance at Steve. She started to speak, but Steve cut her off.

    He gave Natasha an apologetic shrug, “Find where they are and clear them out like rats.”

    Bucky stood stiffly, heart pounding in his ears. There had to have been more HYDRA ops, of course, there were. He was simply hoping to never have to see or hear of them ever again. “Let me know when you find them.”

    “Buck, you don’t have to do this,” Steve said softly.

    Bucky let out a harsh bark of laughter. “Yes, I do. I can’t let them win. If I let my fear get me, it’s just another way they have control over me. And I’m done with it.”

    Natasha grinned. “Good. Having you along is always handy, you can keep an eye on the new girl.”

    He felt like he had been doused in freezing water. He stared at Natasha, face blank. “What?”

    Steve gave him a small, encouraging smile. “It’s probably one of the safer missions. No gods, no aliens, no insane alien with a god complex and an ugly gauntlet.” Bucky chuckled. “Just some soldiers. She won’t be the front line, but if she wants to be part of the team, it’s a good introduction.”

    “I guess you are right, better her face what can be technically called humans before easing her into the more superhuman side of things. I’m curious to see how that will work.”

    Tony strode in a small swagger to his step as he fiddled with a device in his hands. “Oh, that’s easy. Her little bug show was only the tip of what I think she can do, just going by what she has said. I can’t wait to see. It’s going to be handy to have someone else with powers on the team. After Thanos,” Tony’s expression darkened. “After that, we need more powers.” He took his attention away from the device and gave a wry smile. “Also, we found them. So we make a plan and we suit up.”

    Bucky nodded. “I’ll go tell Locust.” He sidestepped Steve, trying to ignore the knowing smile his friend gave him.

    Tony slipped the device into his pocket and clapped his hands. “Alright, well while he is doing that, Cap, can you tell Hawkeye that it’s his turn to babysit Reindeer Games?”

    Steve laughed, “Oh he’ll be thrilled.” He headed off towards where Clint usually stayed, chuckling all the way.

[glitchedbones-blog]

The Forest Eats Your Heart - Part Two

Bucky X OFC

Part One

Warnings: Mention of insects

It’s not a bug, it’s a feature. Or, the team is introduced to their newest sort of member and her very odd ability. 

    It was rare for Bucky to be woken up, rare for something to surprise him, but FRIDAY’s voice chipperly telling him he should be on his way to the common room nearly gave him a heart attack. At least he got some sleep, even if it wasn’t quality.

    “Yeah, I’ll be there. What is going on?” he asked in a sleep roughed voice.

    “Tony requested the presence of all Avengers in the compound. Please be there by nine.” Bucky rolled out of bed, giving his clock a quick look and frowning at the time. The glowing number 8:50 feeling strangely mocking.

    There was another moth, a small brown one, that had settled down on the window sill. He popped open the window and shooed it out, figuring it snuck in when he was fighting the other two the night before.

    He was the last to arrive, Steve and Nat were taking up one couch while Wanda and Vision were on the other. Clint was tucked away in a corner nursing his own cup of coffee. Tony nodded towards the full coffee pot and Bucky drifted that way, the haze of sleep still clinging to him. Tony clapped his hands and strode to the middle of the common room.

    “Now that we are all here,” he grinned at Bucky, “I figured we should have an official meet and greet with the newest, uh sort of Avenger. She’s on probation, as it were.” Tony stepped over to one of the side rooms, presumably where she was hiding.

    Bucky drifted over to where Steve was sitting and leaned against the chair, giving the man a small nod.

    Steve smiled back and leaned over. “Wonder what she is like, they’ve kept her hidden in for, what, a month? Two?”

    “Two and a half,” Bucky said after a brief pause. “She’s nice. Weird, but nice.”

    Steve’s eye widened and he gave Bucky a look. “When did you meet her?”

    Bucky took a sip of his coffee before answering. “Couldn’t sleep last night, she was outside.” Bucky chuckled, remembering how she treated the katydid. “She likes bugs.”

    Wanda glanced over and gave them a conspiratorial smile. “She doesn’t just like bugs she-”

   “Alright settle down, kids.” Tony interrupted. “So this is Locust.” The young woman at his elbow waved, splaying her spidering fingers out before pulling them back together into a loose fist.

   “Hi- Hello, I- Like Mr. Stark said, my name is Locust. I hope- Maybe we will be friends?” She kept herself small, curled into her body as she looked everywhere, but at the group gathered before her. In the daylight, Bucky noticed she had a heavy smattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks.

   It was Steve who moved first, dwarfing her with his height, he still managed to look non-threatening.

   “Steve Rodgers, you probably know me as Captain America.” Her eyes lit up and she grinned.

   “I do- I saw- Found articles about you. Old ones, where I was. They were nice to read!” Bucky grinned as Steve ducked his head to hide the small flush that painted his cheeks.

   “I’m glad to hear that. Tony mentioned you had some special abilities?” Steve cut to the chase and Locust’s eyes went wide and she glanced around the room, chewing on her bottom lip. Her gaze landed on Bucky and her expression lit up. Bucky gave her the best encouraging look he could muster that early.

   “So- Yes, yes I do. Um, they’re- My abilities are a little weird. It would be better to show you not inside. Much better.” She glanced out onto the compound’s fresh cut lawn.

   “Agreed,” Tony said, placing a hand on her narrow shoulder. “C’mon kiddo, show the class what you can do.”

   Locust gave a nervous smile and let Tony lead her out into the already glaring sunlight.

   Bucky sidled up to Wanda. “So what can she do.”

   Wanda simply shrugged. “I don’t know. She put no fight, she was thankful someone was willing to talk to her. I don’t know how long she was out there, but it was a while.”

   Locust cleared her throat, drawing Bucky’s attention back to her. She wrung her hands and kept glancing down at the ground. Her shoulder rose with a deep breath and she nodded once before looking up, a strained smile on her face.

   “Okay so. I can- What I do is- I’ll just show you.” From the forest rose a buzz, like the deep hum from a power-line, a buzz that steadily grew louder and louder. A writhing cloud rolled out from the tree line as the buzz grew to an almost deafening kell before Locust lifted her hand and everything fell silent.

    Cicadas hundreds, maybe thousands, swarmed around her. She held out her hand a few landed there, humming softly. Locust gave a small flick of her other hands and the swarm slowly dissipated, heading back into the trees and the grass. The few on her hand remained, spreading out their wings to catch the sunlight.

    She looked up, giving another uncertain smile. “I- They come when I ask. Insects. Any kind. Cicadas are really showy. They like to make an impression.” She let out a small laugh and wiggled her fingers. The remaining ones flew off, following their brethren back into the trees. “So that’s- So I can do that.”

    “Damn.” It was Clint that broke the silence. Locust flinched, half ducking her head before looking back up at the archer. “That was impressive.” Her face lit up and she grinned.

    Bucky walked up to her and chuckled. “So you really were talking to that bug last night?”

    “Katydid. And yeah.” She grinned up at him. “Oh, the- Those moths wanted to thank you.” Bucky’s eyes went wide and Locust giggled. “They got trapped.”

    “How did you-”

    Locust gave a small shrug, spreading her hands out. “They flew by. I can’t understand them. Like I can’t- I’m not able to listen to them. I can get images. They had a window and a shadow with a shiny arm.” She pointed to his own metal arm. “You kinda fit that. They were- I can’t say happy. Insects don’t have that emotion. Relieved. Yeah. Anyway, thank you for not killing them.”

    Bucky nodded and gave her a tight smile. “Yeah, it’s something I try to stay from doing.” Locust furrowed her brows but said nothing, only gave his metal arm a pat before being swept up by the others. Ever once in a while, Bucky would catch her watching him and each time she would glance away flushing.  

[glitchedbones-blog]

Reblog if you write fanfic and would be totally down with your followers coming into you askbox and talking to you about your fic

[glitchedbones-blog]

The Forest Eats Your Heart - Part One

Bucky X OFC

Warnings: None

Bucky’s nightmares keep him up and he is surprised to find Tony awake, waiting for a new, possible superhuman to be brought to the compound. 

    Bucky felt like a ghost in the Avengers compound, flitting around the darkened halls to chase away the nightmares that plagued him. There was a light on in the kitchen and Tony was leaning against the counter with a mug of coffee in one hand and a display pad in the other. He glanced up and gave Bucky a small nod, before going back to his reading.

     “Couldn’t sleep.” It wasn’t a question, but Bucky shook his head in response. Tony hummed into his coffee and peered over the tablet. “I’ve had those nights.”

Bucky padded over to the kitchenette and poured himself a cup of the coffee and glanced over at Tony. “What’s keeping you up?”

    Tony turned the tablet towards Bucky, the readouts made little sense, but the top corner had the picture of a young woman with wild eyes and tangled hair staring back at him. “She was seen up in the Appalachians, we sent out Wanda, Hawkeye, and Vision to try to bring her in. Word is she may have some sort of powers.”

    “Like Wanda or-?” Bucky asked, before blowing on the too warm coffee.

    Tony rolled his shoulders. “We don’t know. It’s why Vision went cause I don’t really want to send anyone into that blind, but at least with Vision and Wanda, they can probably keep her controlled.”

    Bucky downed the rest of his coffee and went to pour himself another cup. “You could have sent me in.” He tried to keep the edge out of his voice, Tony and he were friendly, but there was still an underlying strain. A deep tear that would take time and patience to repair.

    Tony gave him a small, wry smile and chuckled. “Would have if I knew you were still awake. Those three were, not that Vision really...sleeps.” Bucky chuckled at that. Tony sat his cup and the tablet down and clapped his hand together. “Well, now that you are here, you can help keep everything under check. They’re almost here.”

    Bucky trailed behind Tony as they made their way to the landing pad. The quinjet roared into view, banking to the right before leveling out and slowly touching down.

    Vision was the first to come out, giving Tony and Bucky a small nod before glancing back. “She is not in good shape, but she is not a danger. We will need to get her medical attention and perhaps some food.”

    Tony sucked in a breath, “She was that bad off?” Vision nodded. “Shit.”

    From the shadows of the quinjet, he saw her being carried out, half supported by Wanda and Clint. She did look terrible with torn, dirty, clothes and a wild tangle of hair hanging around her narrow face. Tony glanced over at Bucky and frowned. “Well, looks like we really didn’t need to send half the Avengers after her. Feel free to continue your not sleeping.” Tony waved him off, but Bucky hesitated, eyes locked on the girl being slowly carted into the Avengers compound. After a beat, he nodded and turned away to head back into the compound and walk off his two cups of coffee.

    A thought occurred to him and he paused and turned back to Tony, “You said she may have powers and it looks like she was found alone in the woods and she looks like that?” He watched Tony’s brows down and his eyes narrow as the weight of Bucky’s words hit him.

    “Shit,” Tony whirled, power walking to the trio while Bucky shook his head. Tony was brilliant, but the man could miss the forest for the trees.

    Another night another nightmare. Bucky was tired of not sleeping, tired of his past constantly eating away at him day in and day out. Tony had recommended therapy, but what therapist could unravel the mess his head was in? How many people had been mind broken and hijacked to be a killer for years on end?

    His time in Wakanda had helped, but he wondered if he would ever recover.

    Bucky was aimless in his wandering, flitting through halls and eye scanning each dark, empty office he passed. He paused when something out in the grass caught his eye. Bucky hadn’t seen the girl since she arrived, they had kept her away from everyone doing evaluations and tests, making sure she wasn’t dangerous.

    He hesitated, shifting from foot to foot, before finally heading out into the cool night air. Bucky made his steps loud, made himself noticeable, it wouldn’t do any good to scare her.

    “Hello,” he said quietly. She glanced up at him, eyes wide, her eyes flicking to the metal arm. Bucky could have slapped himself when he realized, too late, that he hadn’t bothered to throw on a shirt. He tried to play it casually, ignoring how she stared at the scars where metal met flesh.

    He was glad to see she looked healthier, her sunken cheeks now filled and her black hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail. Her eye caught him off guard, the way the fluorescent lights from the compound reflected wasn’t usual. Almost like they were faceted.  

    “We haven’t met yet,” Real smooth Buck, he thought to himself, of course, we haven’t. “I’m Bucky Barnes.” He offered her his hand and for a moment he thought she would leave him hanging.

    “Locust,” she said softly, taking his hand and returning the greeting. Her fingers were long and spidery, much too long for a normal person. Bucky blinked at the weird name, but with friends like Thor, Loki, and Vision- Well the name Locust could be downright normal.

    “May I?” Bucky asked, pointing to the patch of grass near her. Locust inclined her head and went back to staring out into the darkness. Once, long ago, Bucky knew how to talk to people, to use his charm to get them to open up. Now he was stuck, floundering for anything to say.

    “You are the second I’ve met. Mr. Stark has- he wanted to make sure I wasn’t a danger before- so I can join the team?” She glanced back over to Bucky and gave him a ghost of a smile. “I think I passed.”

    Bucky chuckled. “Is he planning on introducing you to everyone?”

    Locust gave a tiny shrug. “I think, yes? Maybe- He- Mr. Stark said only when I was ready. Yeah.” Something green landed on her knee and she reached out, gently taking the katydid in her hand. She turned to Bucky, face lit by a real smile. “I didn’t know you had these around here!” Locust ran her finger along the katydid’s back and starting whispering to it. Bucky overheard the words adorable and cute so many times he was sure that was a puppy, not a bug. Eventually, she lifted her hand and the katydid gave a quick call before flying off into the night. She hunched a little up and slowly looked over at Bucky, cheeks slightly flushed.

    “I am guessing you like bugs?” Bucky asked, trying and failing to keep the amusement out of his voice.

    She nodded hard enough that a small chunk of hair slipped out of her ponytail. “Yes. Insects were- they- I only had them most of the time.” she finished softly. Locust cleared her throat. “They- they are also really fascinating!” she said, a little too loudly.

    Bucky’s words were caught by a massive yawn as his exhaustion washed over him. “It was nice meeting you, Locust.” He got to his feet and gave her a warm smile. “I will see you in the daylight hours. I need to chase this sleep before I lose it.”

    Locust nodded. “Nice meeting you to Mr. Barnes.”

    He held up a hand a shook his head. “Just Bucky.”

    She grinned and ducked her head. “Alright, just Bucky. Goodnight.” She went back to staring into the tree line beyond the compound and Bucky wondered, just briefly, if she was homesick.

    Bucky settled down onto his bed, unnerved still, by how soft everything was. The sheet, the mattress, the pillows. All too soft. He burrowed into the blankets and another yawn overtook him, jaw cracking in intensity.

    There a soft sound, a quiet thump, and Bucky shot to attention. Fluttering against the window were a pair of small, white-winged moths. The spiraled up and away from the window until they hovered around a beam of light that turned their wings into a silver glow. Bucky stood with a small yawn and opened the window to chase them out into the night. The fought him for a time, dancing around his hands and avoiding his attempts to shoo them towards the window. Finally, a breeze shifted their course and the swept outside, disappearing into the darkness.

    With a small snort, Bucky crawled back into bed and slowly slipped into a fitful sleep.

[glitchedbones-blog]

Not Human - Part Eight (Final)

Loki x Original Female Character

Warnings: Body horror, tooth rotting sweetness

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven

The two weirdos finally get their heart-to-heart, and it is as sickly sweet as it could be. 

    Alice’s room was a nice change from the rest of the Avenger’s, the rich earth tone a warming contrast to the cold white and chrome the haunted the rest of the compound. The miniature forest of potted plants that seemed to have taken over the room, leaving very few surfaces uncovered.

    Loki ran his finger along the leaf of a nearby plant, his fingers ghosting over one of the paper-like orange flowers.

    Alice cleared her throat and nodded her head to the plant. “That Alistair, he is a flowering maple. One of my favorites.”

    He glanced back at her, a brow arching. “You name your plants?”

    She made an indignant noise in the back of her throat. “Of course I name my plants,” she reached over and pulled Loki further into her room. “Helps them grow better.” Cheeks pink, she quickly snatched up a handful of tan blankets from a small, brown futon that was shoved in the corner of the room and dumped them unceremoniously on the floor. She motioned to the futon and gave a faltering smile. “Have a seat. Any chairs I may have had are now currently plant stands so the only seating I have is the futon.”

    Loki did, smoothing his hands down his legs to rest his hands on his knees. Alice sat down stiffly next to him and let out a quiet puff of breath. She kept her eyes downcast and picked at a hole in her pants, slowly pulling the threads apart with her razor claws.

    “I guess..,” she cleared her throat. “I guess we should finish last nights little conversation.” She let out a high pitched noise that was caught between a giggle and a full-blown laugh.

    Loki shook his head and shifted his gaze over to her, fingers curling against his knees. “Only if you wish to. I would understand if you would rather leave my question unanswered.” Loki’s gaze dropped and he pulled his hands into his lap. He shifted away slightly, giving her an out.

    Alice looked up at him, brows knitting together. She rubbed her face and let out a soft puff of breath. “That’s not it,” Alice angled herself to look fully at him and pursed her lips. “What we said we meant. Yes, we said it while blinded by rage, but that doesn’t really change that it is true.” Loki caught sight of her cheeks flushed before she dropped her head again, hiding behind a curtain of dull red hair.

    “I..,” Loki swallowed thickly, at a loss for words. “I will admit that anyone feeling anything positive towards me is surprising.” Alice peered up, brows scrunched together. “I believe that, before this,” he waved his hand between them, “continues, I need to explain a few things about myself.”

    Alice leaned back and gave him a gentle smile. “If it’s what you need to do, go for it. Anyway, it’s only fair.” Her smile turned wry. “I mean I did tell you my whole damn becoming an extra on the Thing so, ya know, only fair.”

    Loki stood, smoothing his hands down the front of his suit. He starting pacing, fiddling with his hands in silence. “You may or may not know that New York wasn’t my first attack on Earth.”

    Alice shifted, pulling her legs up on the futon. “Yeah, you were the cause of that town in New Mexico not really being a town anymore? That big...robot thing?”

    Loki gave a small nod. “Yes. I-...prior to my brother’s banishment I found out my true parentage and it doesn’t sit well with me, I lost myself as it were. I discovered my life had been a lie. I am not Asgardian, I am from Jotunheim and am a Frost Giant.” Loki glanced at Alice, a pained look crossing his face. She unfolded herself from the futon and stepped over to him. Her right hand hovered above his chest, hesitating only a moment before pressing down flat.

    Loki went still and looked down at her, only to be met with a half smile. “Not gonna lie, I have no idea what a Frost Giant is, so I have no real point of reference for why that is such a bad thing to find out.” She said, voice quiet.

    Loki let out a huff of laughter. “The Jotun were the monsters parents told their children about, a race of creatures that were feared for endless years, and suddenly I found that I was the spawn of one, their own king. I did not handle the revelation well.” He reached down and brushed his fingers along her cheek, just under the unblinking eye. “We are both monsters from children’s tales. When you said you were infected by the Endless Ocean I- I had- I had a small flicker of hope for once- that, that someone would be able to understand.”

    “Hey,” Alice whispered, “us monsters gotta stick together.”

    Loki gave her a tight smile. “Since my discovery, I have made many poor decisions. Many of these have had a lasting impact on the universe as a whole and I must live with what I have done, the deaths that I have caused- my own- my mother. I will never be capable of making amends for what I have done. It is why I had agreed to Doctor Strange’s plan in the first place. Thanos was, in part, my own fault and if I had died doing this, then perhaps I would have made some small redemption.”

    Alice gave his chest a pat and lifted her hands to cup his face. “You fucked up. We all do. I mean look at me! At least you didn’t basically eat half of your own family.” Loki’s eyes widened at that and she gave her head a small shake. “You just learn to live with it. If you don’t it will drive you absolutely, fucking crazy.” She grinned up at him. “Anyway, you aren’t alone in this. You have your brother, hell even some of the others Avengers would be willing to give you a chance. Bucky would. So would Steve. Steve has a heart of fucking gold, and I think, once he sees what and why these things happened, he may be there. And well, hey- You, uh, you got me.” She finished, voice fading to a hoarse whisper. Loki was still, face blank as he worked to process what she said. Alice pulled her hands away and started to step back to allow him space, allow him the time to work through her words. She got a half step away before Loki stopped her.

    Alice’s protest was cut short as Loki leaned down and stole his name from her lips. She fell into it, pressing herself against him as her eyes slide shut, her heart pounding in her ears. He pulled away, just barely, breath ghosting over her lips.

    “I apologize. I should have asked.” Loki said, hand splaying on her back.

    Alice cast him a dopey smile. “It’s fine...it was. yeah, no it was fine!” Her voice got higher, until she managed to squeak out the last part, another blush fighting it’s way up her cheeks. Loki pulled her into a hug, folding his long arms around her.

    Alice made a small noise and pressed her face into his chest. “So does this mean you uh..,” she cleared her throat, “Uh...fe-”

    “Yes,” Loki whispered into her hair.

    “Oh, good,” Alice said, voice going up in pitch. “If not that would have made this really, really awkward and I don’t have that kind of energy right now.”

    Loki gave a warm laugh and Alice revealed in the sound. “I suppose that would make things a bit less agreeable.” He rested his hands on her shoulders, thumb pressing lightly against the curve of her throat. He drew his brows down and frowned slightly. “This is not something I am familiar with...” He waved his hand in the air. “I have kept everyone at arm's length for much of my life. It seems I will have to work on changing that.”

    Alice reached up and gave his cheek a small pat. “Yeah I’m kinda garbage at the whole people thing as well or the whole being around people or being with people. I guess I am lucky that I haven’t had to wall myself off since, ya know, I can look kind of off-putting.” She poked his chest and grinned up at him. “You, on the other hand, are an absolute snack so you had to do the whole emotionally closing yourself off thing. Cause I know there had to of been people after you, and if there wasn’t Asgardians are insane or blind. Or both.”

    Loki blinked down at her, a look of confusion falling into place. “I-I  am a what now?”

    Alice blushed and buried her face in her hands, muffling the ‘oh god’ she groaned out. She looked back up at him, eyes sparkling. “Sorry, I forget you don’t know some of our old Earth slang. Basically, you are attractive to the point it should be illegal.” She glanced away, cheeks still flush and chewed on her claws.

    Loki ducked his head and let out a low chuckle. “Only this illusion of me I’m afraid.” He stepped back and let the illusion drop. Alice’s brows shot up and Loki looked away. “This is what I am. The monster.”

    Alice stepped towards him, laughing. “Loki, between the two of us, I’m the one with teeth and eyes where they really shouldn’t be.” She grabbed the edge of her shit and lifted it the show just the bottom of her ribs where a thin line of small teeth were starting to form. “Most of my wounds do this now.” She scrunched her nose and dropped the shirt. “So, let’s put it this way,” She grabbed the lapels of his jacket, forcing him to lean down. “We are freaks, there isn’t getting around it. But so is everyone else here, we just wear our freakiness on the outside.” She was a hairsbreadth from his lips and she peered up through her lashes, a small grin tugging at her lips. “So,” she whispered, breath warming over his cold lips. “Let’s be freaky together.”  

[glitchedbones-blog]

Part Eight and maybe the final part of Not Human should be coming up here soonish? It’s done, but boy howdy rereading it and it needs some retooling. So once I’ve escaped the grip of my job for a few days I will get to that. 

I am also working on a Leon Kennedy fic because of course I am. When that will come....ehhhhhhhuuu. When it is halfway not garbage. 

I have also been watching Night Manager and have ideas...weird ideas. 

So stay tuned for aliens, monsters, and eldritch horrors! 

[glitchedbones-blog]

Not Human - Part Seven

Loki x Original Female Character

Warnings: Body horror, Infinity War Spoilers

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six

Alice wakes up and Loki and she keep trying to have a conversation and that doesn’t go well. 

    Alice woke in the dead of night, her room quiet except for the soft hum of machinery and the steady breath of someone in the chair next to her. She sat up, sore everywhere as she tried to clear away a months worth of fog from her mind. It was monster’s needling that had finally brought her back. Part of her wanted to remain in that cold, quiet fog that whispered so nicely to her. She saw no reason to come back. Thanos was dead, the world was safe. Everything was fine. Monster had other ideas and kept at it. Kept demanding. It took her a week to regain full consciousness, to crawl out of the small ocean of darkness that pooled somewhere deep, deep in her subconscious.

    Alice rubbed her eyes, trying hard to adjust to the pale watery light that filtered in from a curtained window. She swallowed loudly, her throat bone dry and raw.

    The person next to her yawned and she turned to ask for a glass of water. The question died on her lips and her jaw dropped when she locked eyes with a very apologetic looking Loki.

    “Hello, Alice.”

    She snapped her jaw shut and narrowed her eyes, bristling. “I hope I didn’t get brain damage while out and you really are...”

    “You didn’t. And I am.” Loki interrupted.

    “Good.” Alice was surprisingly quick for someone who hadn’t moved for over a month. Loki winced at the impact and his cheek started to quickly redden. Alice’s hand fell away and she stared at him, chest heaving from the exertion. “You absolute utter bastard. I could have, I almost...” She curled her hands in her lap, claws popping through the thin sheets pooled around her waist. She looked at him, unshed tears making her eyes shine in the dark. “I was so close to letting go. To letting it sweep me away. When I saw him I knew he needed to die. I wanted to kill him over and over and over. And I could. The Everskin called to me. The ocean is full of the dead and they all scream at once. Did you know that? Their song was so tempting.” Alice laughed, panic edging into her voice. “Monster pulled me back. A steady voice telling me to stay me. He made me come back. He felt the tooth, he suspected you were still...”

    Loki leaned forward, covering her hands with one of his. “I had to be dead. It was the only chance we had. I hide in Banner, a very tricky bit of magic. It is why he could not become the Hulk.”

    Alice stared down at the hand around hers, jaw tight. “You were not subtle sometimes. I guess Bruce’s body couldn’t contain that much sass.”

    Loki let out a small bark of laughter. “Probably not. It was a bit crowded in his mind. You must get tired of sharing yours.” Loki shifted from the chair to sit next to her on the bed, crossing one long leg over the other. “I hated doing it. Usually lying comes so naturally, but...” He trailed off and gave shrugged.

    “Must be a weird feeling.” Alice huffed, voice still bitter.

    Loki reached out and grabbed the hand closest to him and pulled it into his lap. He held the clawed hand, thumb rubbing along the small ridge of scales down her fingers. “It wasn’t the strangest feeling I’ve had recently.”

    Alice eyed him, brows knitting together. Finally, she let out a huff and leaned against him, pressing her cheek against his shoulder. “You realize you are stuck now? I am never letting you leave.”

    Loki hid his surprise and the sudden contact with a cool smile. “Oh is that so?”

    Alice nodded against his shoulder, fingers threading with his. “Yes. You vanish again and I will use everything I can to find you.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And I mean everything.”

    Loki pulled away and leaned down, his lips inches from her ear. “Happily, I have no intention of going anywhere.”

    “Uh...Good.” Alice mumbled. She cleared her throat and slide her hand up, curling her fingers loosely around his wrist. “Anyway,” she gave him a wolfish grin, “I could easily stop you.”

    Loki arched a brow, giving her a look of amused disbelief. “You think? I am able to hold my own against even my brother. You now claim to be stronger than Thor?”

    Alice shrugged. “Were you not paying attention when I bit off Thanos’ hand? Because that was a thing I did.” She paused, pursing her lips. “I mean, fair I was very, very pissed. But it was because of you being...Well...”

    “That must have tasted terrible.”

    Alice stared at him face blank before bursting into laughter. Her laughter turned into coughing and she pressed a hand against her chest, wheezing. “Okay, laughing is a no go. If it isn’t too much, could you get me some water?”

    “Of course.” Loki unfolded his legs and he twisted. He paused, feet on the ground and poised to stand. Loki glanced back at her, wetting his dry lips. “Alice? When you were confronting Thanos you made an interesting declaration. Was there...” He gave her a searching look, eyes hopeful. “Was there any truth to that?” Loki hated how timid he sounded. How he had to fight to keep the wavering out of his voice.

    Alice flushed, red staining her cheeks and creeping down her neck. She reached out and grabbed his arm, locking him in place. They stared at each other, a heavy silence filling the room. “Loki, I...”

    The door swung open and the two jumped, Alice, pulling away, still scarlet. Tony, disheveled and sunken-eyed, strode into the room, trailed by a tired looking Pepper. In his hand was a bottle of water, fresh from the fridge if the condensation was any indication.

    Tony stopped, eyes shifting back and forth, his smile dropping. Pepper, noticing the blush, gave Alice a single arched brow.

    “Good to see you awake,” Tony said, handing Alice the water. Alice grabbed the water and downed nearly half the bottle in one go. “FRIDAY let me know you were awake.” He gave Loki a smirk. “But looks like she may have delayed that a little.”

    Alice, still pink, sipped the rest of the water and said nothing. Loki pulled himself back on the bed, stretching out his legs and pressing his back against the headboard.

    “It seems there was no need to get you water after all.” He draped an arm around Alice's shoulders and she choked on her latest sip, coughing a bit. She went from pink to red when Loki pulled her against his chest as he gave Tony a rakish grin. Tony bristled, puffing up in annoyance.

    Pepper cleared her throat. “I am glad to see you are okay Alice, Tony has been a pain. Looks like we should come back in the morning, catch up then.” She gave Tony a look and he deflated. “See you in the morning.”

    “I...” Pepper gave Tony another look and he sighed. “Yeah, we will check up on you in the morning. Don't push yourself and you,” he pointed at Loki, “Just don't be an ass.”

    “Yes, father.” Loki snapped, causing Alice to let out a surprised giggle. Pepper grabbed Tony and dragged him out of the room and down the hall, Alice could hear him ranting all the way down.

    Tucked against Loki, Alice found herself starting to drift. She figured she wouldn't be tired but being in a coma was apparently very, very exhausting. Alice shifted, curling further against him, the interpreted conversation nearly forgotten.

    “I still would like an answer,” Loki whispered, his breath hot against her neck. Alice’s eye popped open and she couldn’t remember when she had shut them. She craned her neck to look up at him, eyes hooded. “Rest. It can wait and we can speak tomorrow.”

    Alice nodded and yawned hugely. She snuggled back against him and made a small noise. “Promise. Sorry, I’m crashing fast.”

    On impulse, Loki leaned down and pressed a kiss on the top of her head. Alice twitched in surprise and Loki smoothed a hand down her arm. “Sleep.”

    When morning came Tony found them asleep in a tangle of limbs, Loki’s long arms curled around her. His suit jacket was tossed haphazardly across the back of the empty chair, leaving him in a fitted white top that seemed to glow against the black scales of the arm that was wrapped around his waist.

    Morning brought with it a revolving line of visitors and doctors that quickly whittled the hours away. Loki’s patience slipped with each passing hour until he eventually retreated to a corner and pressed himself against a wall to keep from snapping at someone. The irony wasn’t lost on him, the few times he wishes to speak and if he isn’t allowed it.

    Alice kept looking over at him and even from his position he could see her own patience wearing thin. When the person, her doctor stepped through the door she looked ready to flip a table in sheer frustration. He could relate.

    The doctor smiled brightly at Alice, fingers curled around a plastic clipboard. “Good news. Everything came back golden so you are good to be released. Honestly, I am shocked with how long you were out.” He gave her a once over. “I will attest that to your unique physiology. If anything comes up, just pop on over or have FRIDAY let me know.”

    Alice sagged in relief. “I will doc.”

    He looked over at Loki, tilting his head up and squaring his shoulders. “I will have to ask you to step outside, sir. I need to remove the IV and catheter.”

    Loki crossed his arm and glowered. “No. Not unless Alice wishes it.”

    Alice gnawed on her bottom lip and sighed. She was too tired to explain to Loki what a catheter was. The doctor huffed and frustrated breath. He was done dealing with a bunch of childish superhumans and his tiny team had enough on their hands when it was just Stark.

    “It’s okay. One of those requires some level of uh...embarrassment.” Alice gave Loki a reassuring smile.

    Loki quirked an eyebrow and nodded. He peeled himself off the wall and pointed to the door. “I will be just outside should you need me.”

Alice nodded and the doctor gave her a thankful look.

    Loki leaned against the whitewashed walls of the small medical wing, crossing his arms. All morning he wanted nothing more than to ask the question nagging at him, but the never-ending stream of people made that nearly impossible. The few minutes they had alone were brief, certainly not enough time to have a true heart to heart. He growled, startling a passing nurse.

    Loki whirled at the sudden press of magic next to him and found himself face to face with a bemused Doctor Strange. Loki vanished the dagger and gave to man a small nod.

    “Tony told me they were releasing her soon.” Strange leaned against to wall next to Loki, letting out a small puff of breath. “I am glad she had no neurological damage.”

    “Probably because it was not some human illness,” Loki muttered.

    Strange nodded. “Yes, probably. Her injuries were minor. He minds...that was a different story.” He gave Loki a hard look before continuing. “You are staying on Earth?”

    “Where else could I go?” Loki asked bitterly. “My home is gone. Thor will try to remain here, maybe try to build a home once the rest of my people arrive. Earth is, unfortunate as it is, all I have now.”

    Strange rubbed the bridge of his nose. “For now that is fine. While you are at the top of my list of dangerous things I don’t want kicking around Earth, right now I don’t think you will pose any problems.”

    Loki chuckled. “A wise place to have me,” he gave Strange a small smirk. “I will try to remain on my best behavior. A few small tricks here and there, of course. I am the God of Mischief, but I am striving to try to be more...What that is, I must find out.” He pulled the fang from his pocket and twisted it between his fingers.

    Strange was quiet, watching the different emotions play across Loki’s face. He pushed himself away from the wall and turned to face Loki. “We all have our own problems,” he looked at his own scarred hands, “tragedies that made us who we are. Sometimes we find ourselves. Sometimes we need some help.” He offered his hand to Loki, who hesitantly took it. Strange gave his hand a small squeeze and shake. “You just need to allow that help. Alice was willing to ruin reality for you, so I don't think she would mind helping you find yourself.”

    “Thank...you?” Loki said, confusion washing over his face. “I got the impression you were not fond of Alice.”

    Strange shook his head. “The opposite. I like her well enough, she has a good heart and does try to do what is right. I am simply weary on anyone who has that kind of world-ending power. I have seen some of her futures, mainly to assess how much of a threat she is. Alice, in the end, just wants to find a family,” He gave Loki a meaningful look. “A feeling we all can appreciate and I do not mind lending a hand along the way. Even if it involves you.”

    “I feel like I should be offended,” Loki quipped, casting Strange a rueful smile. The door by him opened and the doctor paused, glancing between the two men.

    “She is all done and getting dressed now. I do advise having someone keep an eye on her for a while as well as take her home. She is still a little shaky.” The doctor’s gaze fell on Loki. “Am I right to assume that would be you?” Loki nodded. “Keep an eye on her, anything abnormal and bring her in.”

    “Of course,” he gave the doctor a tight smile and turned to Strange. “Now if you both will excuse me.” He stepped around the doctor and gave the door a solid knock.

    Alice pulled the door open and grinned up at him, face uncovered and hood pulled back. “Please get me out of here before someone else shows up,” she ground out, through her grin. Loki glanced at Strange and Alice peered around the door, grin falling. “Oh, hi.” She wiggled her fingers at Strange and looked back at Loki, expression urgent.

    Loki gripped her shoulders and navigated her past the two men and down the hall. Once they were out of earshot he leaned down. “I don’t actually know my way around here. Where are we going.”

    Alice rolled her eyes and hooked her arm around his. “C’mon, I’ll show you la casa de Alice.”

[glitchedbones-blog]

Not Human - Part Six

A/N: I have pretty much finished this so should have most of it up soonish...?

Loki x Original Female Character

Warnings: Body horror, Infinity War Spoilers

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five

The aftermath of Thanos’ arrival leaves a bunch of sad folks and one out of action Alice. 

    It had been a month since the arrival and death of Thanos. A month of confusion as Loki, with Bruce vouching heavily for him, tried to explain what he could of the plan Strange gave too him. During that time Shuri had been working endlessly to return Vision, she had backed up what she could just before the attack, but she was still in need of data Tony may still have.

    Alice was dead to the world, in a coma that seemed, to her doctors, self-induced. She had been moved to the medical facility on the Avengers headquarters and fussed over by the best doctors that were still willing to deal with a group of mildly insane superhumans.

    A stroke of luck came in the form of a sleek ship carting the rest of the raccoon, Rocket’s friends as well as a tired Tony, Strange, and Spider-Man.

    “It was dangerous to allow her to go so far,” Steve said with an exhausted sigh.

    Doctor Strange leaned forward steepling his hands. “Dangerous, but necessary.”

    With everyone gathered, Doctor Strange had finally begun to explain his plan and Loki managed to get some manner of relief. He had been on his best behavior once he revealed himself, not that he could do much after the bone-crushing hug Thor gave him. Loki needed to be careful if he was going to keep up with his attempt at being more.

    Everyone started at the doctor like he had grown a second head, Strange took it in stride, giving a small shrug and wave of his hand. “I saw all the possibilities and there were very, very few we won.”

    Tony gave him a look and frowned. “You said there was only one.”

    “I lied,” Strange said, matter-of-factly. Tony huffed out a breath and rubbed his eyes. “We won a few, but much of those few involved allowing Thanos to win, to complete his plan. Fully. Those were sacrifices I did not feel should be made. This plan, while unconventional,” he glanced over at the hunched Loki. “And involved putting a great deal of trust in two of the most unstable creatures we know, it was still the option with the least deaths. If it succeeded. If it failed, well, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway.”

    Tony sat up a bit and gave Strange a hard stare. “I get reindeer games here being unstable, but Alice?”

    Doctor Strange titled his head up, staring at the ceiling in exasperation. “You are companions with a woman who could unleash a horror that will never stop. Can never stop if her mind and her control slips enough. She is not on the top of my list of relatable people.”

    Tony opened his mouth to argue. He gave up and gave a half-hearted shrug. “Okay. Point.” Tony glanced over at the aforementioned god, who seemed to be trying his best to become the chair he was in. He was still, except for the small movement of his thumb as he rubbed the tooth Alice gave him like a worry stone. “She is going to be pissed at you.” Loki’s head shot up at Tony’s words, glaring at the half smile Tony cast his way. “How did you come up with this insane plan anyway? When?”

    Loki shifted, tucking the tooth away into a small pocket in the sleek, black suit he wore. “He came to me New York,” he waved a hand towards Doctor Strange, “Just before I was taken back to Asgard. I am assuming via the use of the time stone, in some manner. Obviously, I was skeptical, considering my position at the time.” Loki’s expression darkened. “He knew of Thanos and of how much of threat he is. I was never given too many details, something about it possibly ruining how events will unfold. All I was told was that I needed to survive Thanos, and Alice needed, for a time, to believe I was dead.” His eyes flicked over to Tony, who was getting ready to ask the inevitable. “Yes, I did ask what would happen if I were to truly die.” Loki chuckled dryly. “What was it you said, doctor?”

    Strange gave Loki a half smile. “Don’t.” The doctor paused, glancing between Tony and Loki. When he started again his tone was cautious. “The possibility I saw if Loki had truly died was rather bleak. Alice may have been okay, but more likely than not she would have snapped. Fully. Thanos would still be killed, but we would be left with a much worse monster to contend with.” Strange pinned Tony with a hard stare. “So it was Loki, or very angry, very crazy young woman who could pull an entire world-destroying entity into our reality. I went with Loki.”

    Steve stood, giving his head a small shake. He paced a few steps before turning to Loki. “She still thought you were dead, and she still was slipping. During the fight with Thanos...she...” He rubbed his face and sighed. “Scary.” Steve paced again, letting out a puff of breath. “What if she had gone too far? You would have forced our hand, we would have had to go against our friend.”

    Strange nodded. “That was a possibility, but it was small. Loki was having Banner’s body for some time there, I figured his excessive personality would bleed through.”

    Bucky snorted and Loki titled his head in agreement. “Some was one purpose,” Loki said with a wry smile. “She spent enough time around me during my confinement. I assumed she would be able to pick out anything that was distinctly different from Banner.”

    Tony leaned back. Exhaustion weighed him down, sagging his shoulders and lining his face. “And you were alright with this?” Tony leveled the question at Bruce, who had hidden in the corner.

    Bruce laughed. “Not really, but,” He looked over at Loki with a smile that bordered on a grimace. “Loki, I guess, isn’t all that bad.”

    Tony stared at Banner, shock evident on his face. “Okay.” He blinked and turned back to Strange, voice still disbelieving. “So you didn’t think to let us in on this? Or maybe find a way to get Alice to him sooner? Remember,” Tony looked over at Quill and Nebula, both who were still lost in their own grief. “Some of us lost people still.”

    Strange looked away and focused down at his hands. “No. And I am sorry for it, but for Thanos to die everything that played out had to play out as it did. The lives lost were not lost a vain.”

    Quill suddenly stood with a low growl. He glared at Stange, shuddering with barely constrained rage. “So what? Gamora had to die so your plan would work!” He spat the word plan and curled his fists. Nebula reached out, putting a hand on Quill’s elbow.

    Strange held up a hand, trying to quell the other’s man’s rage. “Yes.” He whispered, voice rough. Quill sagged back into his chair and squeezed his eyes shut.

    “Now what?” Tony said, breaking the tense silence. “We have the stones, what do we do with them? What if another Thanos shows up, we can’t keep them together.”

    Strange gave a nod of agreement. “No, we can’t. That I still haven't found a good solution to.”

    Loki opened his mouth, but it was thor who spoke up. “Alice. She could place them in that dimension. No one should be able to get them there.” Strange curled his fingers around the Eye of Agamotto. “The time stone can stay in your hands, of course.” Loki pressed his lips into a thin line, brows knitting together. The others stared at Thor in a mixture of horror and awe.

    “Did you miss the memo that this ocean thing is a very bad place?” Quill snapped. “How about we use the stone to fix what Thanos did. We could do that, right?” He directed the question to Strange, who simply shrugged.

    “My brother's suggestion is sound,” Loki said quietly. “Alice would not become part of the ocean, or even use it for her own power. In theory, she is able to pass into the dimension without becoming part of it.” He worked to keep his own uncertainty out of his voice.

    Natasha sat up and frowned. “Would they be safe there? This thing is world destroying and sentient. Wouldn’t it want to use the stones?”

    Loki frowned as she voiced his own concerns. “I don’t know. From what I have seen, no. I don’t even believe the stones have any effect on anything from that place. The mind stone did not work on Alice as it did on you.” He waved a hand towards Clint, who gave Loki a glare in return. “We would have to ask her, I think.”

    “So wait,” Rocket said, voice strained, “the scary girl is our best chance of getting rid of super powerful stones and that is only because she can maybe hide them in a scarier place? That’s just great!”

    Loki gave Rocket a halfhearted shrug. “Possibly. There may be no need, but with Nova Prime and Asgard gone, the list of those that can keep the stones out of the hands of people, well like me, are slim.”

    Loki pushed himself out of the chair and stood quickly. He did not miss Steve’s small flinch forward and the way Tony’s jaw tightened. “Until we come to a decision, I am going to excuse myself. If it’s all the same to you? He can explain the rest.” Loki motioned to Strange. “I have somewhere I would much rather be. And I have a feeling that you would all much rather me not be here either.” He glanced at his brother. “Except for Thor.”

    Loki stepped away and set his sights on the double door that led into the gleaming halls of the compound.

    At some point, Tony had the place equipped with a small medical wing, staffed by a few brave souls that were willing to work with the occasional non-human patient. Loki had grown to know these halls well and grew to dislike them more and more each passing day. The whole place felt so sterile with its sleek edges and bright, clean colors. It was a far cry from the bright gold and warm glow of the halls of Asgard. He never thought he would be homesick, but now with no home, it came in waves, crashing over him.

    The quick fall of footsteps behind him gave him pause and he turned. “Yes?” Loki didn’t bother to hide the frustration that laced his voice.

    Tony gave him a look halfway between concern and annoyance. “You and I need to talk.”

    “And why now?” Loki asked, trying to keep his calm.

    “Because now I know the whole picture. Look, I don’t get it, why Alice latched onto you.”

    Loki frowned and leaned his hip against one of the tall windows lining the hall, crossing his arms loosely over his chest. “Have you ever asked her?”

    Tony looked away, frowning. “No. I should have. Maybe,” he hesitated, “maybe you and she are more similar than I would like to admit. I tried to understand.” Tony walked over and stood next to Loki. He gave his reflection a hard glare. “But I’m not what she needs. Not really.” He glanced up at Loki and took a deep breath. “I hate to say it, but Alice could use having you around. I just never realized how bad she had it for you. You do know how much I want that to not be the case, right?”

    Loki gave Tony a grim smile. “I imagine quite a bit.” At that Tony gave a mirthless chuckle. Loki pushed away from the window and turned to face Tony, hands clasped in front of him. “I feel a bit like a boy being lectured by a disapproving father.”

    Tony coughed out a real laugh. “In a way that’s kinda what is happening here.” The humor bled from his face. “Somehow I kept ending up accidentally adopting wayward kids. First Alice, and now I’ve got Parker. They are my responsibility now and I don’t want to fail them. I never should have let her near you, I failed her there.” Loki opened his mouth to protest, but Tony held up a hand to silence him. “You know damn well who and what you are. Especially back then. But I get it, things have changed. You have changed. You are not the same asshole who tried to take over the world. If you were we, you wouldn’t be standing here talking to me. I don’t trust you. Not yet, maybe not ever. But, for Alice, I can play nice. I failed her once. I won’t fail her again.”

    Loki was quiet, his gaze fixed solidly on the ground, wearing an expression of shame and surprise. When he finally spoke, his voice was only a hoarse whisper. “I do know who and what I am. It has been a contention for me for some time. The things I have done beg no forgiveness and I will not ask for something I do not deserve. All I wish is to have a chance to see if my brother is right. If I am capable of being more than just the God of Mischief.”

    Tony surprised Loki by clapping him on the shoulder, a smirk tugging at his mouth. “Well, if you survive how pissed she may be, how about not being an asshole? Maybe even join us?”

    Loki stared at Tony in shock. “You are serious, aren’t you? Me? Joi...You think she will be that mad at me?”

    Tony turned and gave him a small wave. “Could be. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes when she wakes up.”

[glitchedbones-blog]

Not Human - Part Five

Loki x Original Female Character

Warnings: Body horror, Infinity War Spoilers, some gore

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four

The battle for the universe begins and Alice doesn’t handle things well, not well at all. Also, we will just pretend the end if Infinity War didn’t happen.

    Wakanda stretched out below them, strikingly beautiful. Alice was too preoccupied to enjoy the scenery. She fidgeted, glancing over at Steve every few moments.

    “You did give T’challa warning about me, right? I don’t want to shock the hell out of them. I mean...” She pointed to her arm and face.

    “Yes, Alice, I warned him. He has seen you before so you won’t be a surprise.” He glanced at the spot by her ribs that she kept poking at. “He was the one that helped patch us all up.”

    “Wait, patch you up?” Bruce interjected, sitting up in his seat. “You were injured?”

    Alice looked back at him and nodded. “Yeah. I tried to stop Tony from killing Bucky. He wasn’t really expecting me to be there or to, uh, be the way.” She gave a small shrug. “Got a neato scar out of it at least, though it sometimes itches and may be growing teeth!”

    He pressed his lips together. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to remain in Bruce as every scrap of new information made him hungry for more.

    The quinjet landed with a soft rock and Bruce sidled up to Alice, placing a hand on her elbow.

    “A suggestion? Just go as you are. No hiding.” She furrowed her brows and frowned. “Spending two years as my own worst enemy gave me a, uh new perspective on things. And there won’t be any battlefield surprises.”

    Alice squared her shoulders and gave a sharp nod. She pulled down her hood and shrugged out of the baggy outer shirt. Squeezing her eyes shut, she pulled off the scarf, letting lay where it fell.

    The infection had spread over the years, creeping up beyond her elbow giving the impression she had dipped her arm in ink. There was also now a smattering of small, black scales along her shoulder. The disfigurement of her face remained nearly unchanged, the eye still sitting in its bed of teeth.   

    With her head held high, she stepped off the Quinjet and into the bright Wakandan sun. Behind her she heard Rhodey quickly converse, Bruce, he needed to bow, allowing her a much-needed smile.

    Bucky gave her a small smile, his eyes crinkling. “Hey kid, looking better.” He wrapped her in a tight hug, new metal arm snaking around her waist.

    “Same could be said for you. Got a replacement?” She asked, tapping the arm. The metal was hard and Alice gave him a thumbs up.

    “So he is carrying the stone?” T’challa asked, nodding towards Vision. He was still injured, still weak from his attack and Wanda didn’t bother to hide her concern.

    “Yes,” Steve said. “And we need to separate him from it so Wanda can destroy it before Thanos gets here.”

    Okoye scoffed, eyes flitting from face to face. “This Thanos? We know for sure he is coming?”

    “Oh yeah.” Bruce sighed. “He needs them all. And once he has them all, we are in quite a bit of trouble.”

    “Bring him to Shuri. You will guard him?” He asked Wanda. She nodded, wrapping her arm more tightly around Vision. “Good.” He turned to Steve, shaking his head in amusement. “Get this man a shield.”

    It was mayhem. The Outriders were nigh unstoppable and they kept on coming, pouring through the barrier like water.

    Alice ducked under one of the Outriders clawed arms, bringing her own claws to bare, ripping through the beast. Another slammed into her, knocking the breath from her lungs. She rolled out of the way, gulping for air, just in time for the massive hammer ax of the big alien to come down where her head had been mere seconds ago.

    From behind her came a third Outrider, Alice felt the nanotech come to life. She had never used them in combat, but the nanotech was there, slipped into her very blood to help corral the infection and make her more dangerous.

    The nanomachines flowed over her normal arm, mirroring her right arm, right down to the claws. The Outrider tried to bite down on her right wrist, but the arm had split, leaving empty air and it’s head between razor teeth. She twisted the arm and the teeth tore through its neck, snapping back together through bone and flesh.

    “Remind me not to piss you off.” Bucky panted, shooting another of the Outriders that was pouncing. Before she could retort more Outriders converged, flowing over both of them. Alice tore through what she could, but it was like fighting against the tide.

    There a flash of light, a light that haunted Alice’s dreams.. Something flew by, killing the Outriders and leaving the heavy smell of ozone in its wake.

    Back in its owner's hand, the dust from the energy pulse cleared and there stood Thor, flanked by a gun-wielding raccoon and a  walking tree.

    Thor lept into the air, lighting dancing around his body and crackling to the ground. “Bring. Me. Thanos!”

    Alice let out a whoop, jumping in the air in glee. Somewhere in the fray, she heard Bruce yell, “Oh you guys are screwed now!” and she grinned in agreement.

    He slammed into the ground and the very earth quaked as lighting shuddered outward, killing thousands of the Outriders in one glories blast. She had to get to Thor, had to ask the question that kept burning at her mind. Heart thudding she ran to him.

    One of the Outriders that had survived the blast took her down, sweeping her feet out from under her. It pinned her down, jaws snapping inches from her nose. Alice roared, face contorting in frustrated rage. She clawed at the Outrider, digging deeper and deeper until it’s fell away, face nothing more than torn flesh. Alice rolled to her feet, eyes filled with a pale, milky light.

    “Thor!” She skidded to a halt next to him, chest heaving, before throwing her arms around him in a desperate hug. “We thought you may be dead and you aren’t! And shit was that some entrance.” They both ducked as an Outrider fell mid-jump, the raccoon taking it down with a wild grin. She turned to him, worry creasing her brows. “Loki...”: She was terrified to know, to ask. Knowing that one answer could undo her.

    Thor’s face darkened and she had her answer. “Thanos will die today.”

    Alice felt as if she were suddenly in freefall. All she could hear was the pounding of her own heart in her ears and the low, whispering sound of the ocean, lapping at the edges of her mind.

    “Are you sure?”

    Lightning crackled and another of the beasts fell. “I am never sure, but...” He looked haunted. “I watched helplessly as that monster strangled the life out of him. I heard his bones break.”

    Alice sucked in a breath and ducked her head. She let the whisper of the ocean in, monster crowing in the background. When she looked back up at Thor he took a step back. Her expression was murderous, the glow in her eyes shifting like light through water.

    “How many times do you think we could kill Thanos?” She asked, her voice layered with the echo of the screams of the ocean. Her arm snapped out, claws slicing through an Outrider. Eyes never leaving Thor’s.

    Her head shot up, the air shifting and Thor tightened his grip of the hammer. There was a rumble, quiet and deep. “I think,” Thor said, squaring his shoulders. “We are about to find out.”

    Alice snarled. “For Loki.” 

    They were smart, drawing out Wanda with massive machines that tore through the land. Alice dodged through Outrider and machine, tearing both to shred in her rage, losing herself further to the ocean. She was dimly aware of pain, of her blood seeping into her clothes.

    Alice felt his arrival, felt the hum of the Infinity Stones fighting against the cry of her own, unnatural nature. She twisted towards the forest, to where the power called and ran.

    Vision lay lifeless with Wanda, eyes dead staring at his colorless corpse. Thanos stood above them, smug in his victory and Alice fully snapped.

    “Murderer.” She hissed, voice distorting as her teeth elongated and the edge of her lips split further and further. Teeth filled in behind the split, ripping through bone, muscle, and flesh.

    Someone behind her hissed out a horrified “Shit!”

    Thanos regarded her with a wary curiosity, fully confident in the power of the stones to keep him safe from the thing before him. “And who are you little one?”

    Alice glared and stood tall. She let her arm split open, the tongue-like tendrils lolling out. She tilted her head, bird link and chuckled. “We are Alice, we are monster, and we are the ocean the never end. The endless flesh.” Thanos narrowed his eyes, slowly connecting the dots. Alice felt the hair on the back of her neck rise and grinned, shark-like. “And you are so fucked.” She sidestepped than jumped at his gauntleted arm, tendrils wrapping around it like snakes, pulling the fingers apart. Thor’s ax was slammed deep into the mad titan’s chest and Thanos’ eye went wide in shock, uncertainty clouding his eyes.

    “I told you that I would kill you!” Thor growled, pressing the ax deeper.

    Thanos’ tried to move his hand, tried to shake off Alice, who had wrapped around him, claws dug deep. He glanced at her and his eyes went wide when he realized too late her plan. She had unhinged her jaw, teeth curling out in a nightmarish visage. She made a sound halfway between a scream and a growl and she bit down. Hard. Flesh and bone, even a titan’s, had no chance against the pure hell of the Endless Ocean and his hand fell away, gauntlet and all.

    Alice let go and kicked the severed hand away, towards Steve. She ignored the look of terror of his face. She circled around, standing to face him and growled. “You are fucked.” She hissed, her voice hollow with the echo of the scream of a thousand civilizations.

    Thor, for his part, tried to keep his fear in check. Ignoring the instinct that was demanding him to take her out.

    Banner had gotten free of the Hulkbuster armor, and watched in horror. His unwanted passenger was in a similar state and he hoped Strange had been right as he watched, helpless as the Endless Ocean slowly took control.

    ‘Banner, hide, I am dropping the spell, but I need to remain unseen. For now.’ Bruce didn’t even argue, just slipped away. The spell fell away and Loki stepped out of Bruce’s body, shaking out his long limbs. He concealed himself, magic flowing around him like a second skin.

    Loki knew he should stop her, but he had his instructions, and now was not the time. The quiet whispering of the Ocean was everywhere and he wondered if Thanos heard it. If Thanos really knew what manner of creature stood before him. His hand went to his pocket, where the tooth lay hidden and he hoped she could come back from this.

    Alice leaned in, claws digging into his shoulder, punching through the skin.  

    “We know your mind. You act like a savior, but you are no less a monster than us. Maybe even more” Her polyphonic voice made her laugh all the more unnerving. “The sacrifices you made, they may have not been in vain, but you made one fatal error. You let revenge get the best of you. You killed Loki.”

    Thanos’ eyes widened. He would have laughed if he wasn’t losing ground. “This is about Loki?” He asked, voice hoarse from pain.

    Her claws dug deeper and she curled the tips under the muscle, pulling slightly. “We are a simple creature. My host and I. You took away the one she loved.”

    Loki’s heart nearly stopped at the hissed admission.

    “So, in turn, we will take away everything from you. Everything you worked for.” She leaned closer, another pair of eyes sliding open to stare at the mad titan. “I wonder how many times I can kill you if I drag you into the Endless Ocean?” Her expression went feral as everything clicked in place for Thanos and his expression changed to one of fear.

    Alice shuddered, pulling back slightly. Her face slowly knit together and she took a deep, angry breath. “No. No.” She gave her head a shake and bit down on her lip hard enough to draw blood. “You death isn’t ours to take.” She ripped her claws free from his shoulder, pulling up a long strip of flesh. “You death is Thor’s.”

    She stumbled back, shaking as she used every ounce of energy to gain control of her own mind and body. The gauntlet and T’challa were gone, taken away during the scuffle and Alice sighed. Steve reached over, cautious and helped steady her. She leaned into him, wheezing.

    Stormbreaker cut through Thanos’ neck in one smooth stroke and the mad titan fell, dead at Thor’s feet.

    Alice let out a relieved sigh before the fight left her and she collapsed into Steve’s arm, darkness overtaking her.