multifandom-flash

[multifandom-flash]

When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Three

"To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering."

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

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> Steps are taken, and Asgard does what it does best.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 3584

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> (M) Percieved risk to life, guilt, choking.

𝐀/𝐍 -> Check it out below, or on AO3 here!

<- Chapter Two

Dividers by us! <3

- ‘Human Prey’ – @darkacademiabingo; - ‘Not Allowed to Die’, ‘Protective Hug’ – @eclipsingbingo; - ‘Sweet Treats’, ‘Training’ – Eclipsing Bingo; - ‘Eaten By the Wolf’ – @fairytalebingo; - ‘Growing Dark’ – @fandombingo (The Magnus Archives); - ‘Shadows in the Forest’ – Fandom Bingo (The Magnus Archives); - ‘Human Shield’ – @fandom-free-bingo (Frosty Edition);

- ‘Choking’ – @hurtcomfort-bingo (CO42); - ‘Weakness’ – Hurt and Comfort Bingo (Pick Your Poison Bingo- C027); - ‘Meadow’ – @julybreakbingo (4x4); - ‘Bird Watching or Stargazing’ – July Break Bingo (5x5); - ‘Vulnerable’ – July Break Bingo (6x6); - ‘Sun’ – July Break Bingo (Summer); - ‘Ghost Story’, ‘Stunned Silence’, ‘Stupid Sacrifice’ – @multifandom-flash (Round 2 – 2029); - ‘Tender Kisses’ – @seasonaldelightsbingo (Dark Academia); - ‘Stargazing’ – Seasonal Delights Bingo (Under the Sea); - ‘Forced to Revisit Past Trauma’ – Seasonal Delights Bingo (Under the Sea).

Before we took another step, we needed a plan.

I asked Mars what they’d intended – and they sheepishly produced a map squirrelled from the library, with the location of Fenris’ prison marked and a dotted line cutting through the realms Thor had mentioned in as direct a route as possible. We spread it on the floor between the three of us, and he scowled minutely.

“Here,” he murmured, shaking his head as he pointed at the eastern point of Nornheim, “is the Domain of the Dark Man.” We both blinked blankly, and he offered us a weak grin. “Not somewhere you want to go. We should enter Varinheim further west to avoid him, unless you have a desire to test your mettle.”

Mars and I shook our heads in unison, and he nodded, leaning closer to the map. “This forest here,” he continued, gesturing at a patch that cut most of the way across the centre of Alfheim, “is home to the Wolf-People. We would do well to go around. It’ll add time to our journey, but…”

I nodded my agreement, even as my partner looked worried beside me. “A few more days won’t make much difference, my love. Not after millennia,” I murmured, earning a reluctant sound of acceptance.

The God of Thunder’s large finger skimmed around the forest, pausing at the next splash of green. “Norn forest, and Nornheim. Home to the Norns. They should prove no trouble. Jötunn of descent, but peaceful. They draw water to nourish Yggdrasill.”

“Varinheim,” he finished, pausing at the cross that indicated our destination. “Distant and desolate, it was to be Fenris’ domain. The lake we seek lies in the centre.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” I offered, forcing optimism into my tone and glancing at the god warily. “… Right?”

“The Asgardian continent can be unpredictable,” he replied, his tone uncharacteristically soft. “Allies can turn enemy without a moment’s hesitation. We move with as little notice as possible, and we run, or hide, before we fight.” He looked to my partner pointedly, and I understood – it wasn’t worth the risk to my painfully human love. A hero though they may be, this was a domain of gods and monsters, and they were not as indestructible as the two of us. “And then we have to face the wolf himself.”

“Did you have a plan?” I asked, gaze shifting to my partner sitting quietly beside me, staring at the parts of their path that had been too dangerous to keep, pale at the thought that they would have entered these areas without knowing any better. Sheepishly, silently, they delved into their backpack one-handedly, eyes lowering as they drew out a clear container I saw frequently. “… Is that the tub you keep dog treats in?”

“I made sure it was full of chicken, at least!” they objected weakly, a blush rising in their face. “This is what I do for work – I’m sure I can…”

They faltered at the silence that had fallen over the room, every set of eyes trained on them in disbelief. “You- Wh- Th-…” My stammers trailed off into stunned, scared sounds, fighting the urge to throw up.

“You were going to attempt to tame the Fenris Wolf with scraps of… Chicken?” Thor clarified incredulously, scoffing when they nodded shyly.

“I bet I could…” they protested under their breath, and I wrapped an arm around them, pulling them closer into my side.

“I… Am glad I caught up with you,” I murmured eventually, closing my eyes against the mental images of them offering a scrap of meat and losing an arm for their troubles. “We’ll establish a more… Plausible – and safer – plan as we travel. No arguments,” I added as I felt them stiffen, quick to shut down any protest. “I already nearly lost you once.”

Grumbling reluctantly, they nodded, nestling under my jaw. “Fine,” they agreed eventually, the word coming as a breathless sigh. “I guess.”

More music sent us on our way, relaxed and content until we left the village and my anxiety rose once more.

“I hope they treated you well,” I murmured, glancing at my partner, and they smiled.

“Sidarius was an excellent host,” they replied, and I chuckled quietly, leaning over to squeeze their hand. The steel steed beneath them considered me warily, the whites of his eyes showing as he analysed the level of threat I posed, apparently deciding I was low risk and relaxing his posture once more. “And Sleipnir was excellent, too,” they added pointedly, patting the horse’s neck fondly. “I didn’t need to do anything when the giants started after us – he held his ground until he realised I was afraid, and then he took off. He got me out of there safe.”

“Then I owe him a debt of gratitude,” I replied solemnly, gaze tracing the arch of the horse’s neck as he held his head higher under the attention.

I feel like he understands every word.

“He’ll hold you to that,” Thor chuckled from his place a few paces ahead of us, glancing back over his shoulder. “Though fortunately, he’ll accept payment in the form of apples.”

The legendary steed snorted, tossing his head and earning a laugh from my partner. “I think he doesn’t appreciate your opinion, Thor,” they teased, grinning, eliciting a chuckle from the god.

Thor pointed out interesting features of the terrain as we rode on, from the glimmer of Sea of Marmora in the distance – a sight that brought a shiver down my spine, even now, knowing that Loki’s castle sat abandoned on the other side – to the dense forest we were following a crest to avoid, the gigantic trees reflecting sunlight in a captivating manner that threatened to draw me in. He told us stories of Sigurd and his wife, of Idunn, of the golden apples that keep the gods young. He spoke of the Ulfheðinn that resided in deep in the forest, wearing wolfskin and attacking with a furious frenzy. It made the time pass faster, but our journey was brought to an unexpected halt when we became aware of the darkness beginning to settle around us.

“We should find somewhere to camp for the night,” Thor murmured, casting an eye about himself shrewdly. “We’d be best staying in Alfheim for the time being; while Nornheim and Norn forest are unlikely to pose many threats, there’s far more visibility out here.”

And more room for the horses to get up to speed if we’re attacked, I added silently, wincing.

It was a hellish night, every atom of my body listening out frantically for anything stirring in the darkness. Mars was tucked up against me, resting easily with their head on my chest, comforted by my presence. They trusted me to keep them safe.

And for that reason, I found myself unable to sleep, far too concerned with keeping them safe than slumber.

Thor woke intermittently, stoking the low fire, and it was as dawn was beginning to break that he cleared his throat quietly. “… Did you sleep at all?”

“No,” I replied softly, careful not to disturb my partner snoring quietly against me. “No, I… Wanted to make sure nothing happened.”

“You’re a devoted man, James.” The fire flared minutely as he poked more wood into place, hisses and cracks punctuating his words. “Your family are lucky to have you.”

“I do my best,” I breathed, glancing down at Mars, my gaze following the curve of their lashes adoringly. “I have a lot of sins to attain for – a lot of pain to make right. The very least I can do is protect those who mean the most to me.”

“You’re a good person,” he replied after a beat, his voice gentle. “You and I both know that most of the things you’ve done that have caused pain were not things in which you had any choice.”

Reluctantly, I nodded. It was something I’d heard many times over the years, but I struggled to accept it as truth. While I’d had no say in what happened to me, under fear of suffering beyond belief or through simply being too far gone to have an opinion of my own, it was hard to reconcile that with the memories I had of watching through my eyes as it was my hands that took life after life in the cruellest manners imaginable.

And I’d hurt people – though admittedly not as many and rarely as severely – before and after my time with Hydra, and I had nobody else to blame for that.

“And I think they’re the best of us,” he added into the quiet after a moment, and I smiled softly to myself.

“They are,” I agreed, skimming my lips over my sleeping partner’s hair gently. “They make me the man I always wanted to be. Between them and the kids, I… Feel like I found the person I was supposed to be, if not for… Everything, you know?”

He made a soft sound of agreement before replying, his voice so hushed that even my advanced hearing almost missed it. “I know.”

I stayed watching the stars as they began to vanish from sight, chased by the rising sun, until Mars stretched against me, eyelashes fluttering sweetly.

“Hi,” they murmured, brow furrowing in a scowl, and I chuckled.

“Good morning to you, too,” I offered, grinning, and ducked my head to brush my lips tenderly over theirs. They purred quietly, eyes closing for a few moments more, and I couldn’t help but gaze at them in awe, jaw tense and nervous.

They’re so innocent. So vulnerable…

Thor cleared his throat, and I raised my head, shifting to sit up as my partner did the same. “We should get moving. If we make good time, we’ll reach Varinheim before nightfall.”

They scrabbled to their feet, any hint of sleep brushed away with the dust that clung to their clothes. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Chuckling quietly, I got to my feet, eyeing our small group thoughtfully. “We still need a plan.”

They nodded back, firm and determined. “I have one; I told you.”

“That isn’t a plan, it’s a sacrifice – and a dumb one at that,” I snapped stiffly, muscles taut as they narrowed their eyes at me.

“It’s what I’m trained to-”

“With dogs!” I countered, a low growl building in my voice. “This isn’t a dog, Bug. It’s a demon – a wild, unthinking, merciless machine of death and destruction.”

“He’s a sweet baby,” they attested, and I arched an eyebrow.

“You can’t really think-”

“I can’t believe you don’t-”

“That’s enough,” Thor interjected, his gravelly voice sounding ancient and timeless as he cut us off – the voice of a king dividing his subjects. “There must be a way around this. We can discuss it on the ride; let’s get moving.”

With a last, uncertain gaze at one another – we rarely disagreed, and when we did it was typically light-hearted and short-lived – Mars and I mounted our horses in stunned silence, worries heavy on my shoulders as I fell into place at the rear of the pack.

As we rode, we made tentative plans, suggestions coming to either mutters of agreement or vehement rejection. But eventually, we had some form of idea, risky as it was.

We passed into Norn Forest without difficulty, but the close trees made me shiver, eyes flicking nervously. Thor seemed calm, however, so I forced the tension from my muscles, straining to keep my gaze on the path ahead.

But shadows darting in the dark of the forest haunted me, silent spectres slipping between towering trunks without disturbing the leaf litter. I shook my head firmly, telling myself that I was imagining things – that my anxieties about the task ahead of us was playing tricks on my mind. I acutely missed the open expanse of the fields and meadows, enabling us to see for hundreds of metres in each direction before shallow slopes interrupted the view.

It wasn’t until Glaðr paused beneath me, head tossing as she let out a soft nicker, that I wondered if my fears had been founded.

Thor stiffened, glancing down at his own steed, then back to Sleipnir, gaze meeting the horse’s steadily. “Slip?”

The eight-legged creature turned its head slowly, ears swivelling, before pausing, eyeing the canopy-covered darkness and stomping a foot insistently. Thor nodded once, looking to us with a steady stare. “We’re going to move quickly. You’re going to go first,” he added, firm gaze shifting to Bug. “You’re going to hold on – tight – and Sleipnir is going to get you out of here.”

“What about you two?” they hissed back, shoulders trembling ahead of me.

“We’ll be fine, sweetheart,” I breathed, the hairs on the nape of my neck prickling at the feeling of eyes on me. “Do what Thor says. You can do this.”

You’re not allowed to die.

The god’s eyes grew gentle, and he reached out to touch their arm softly. “We’ll be right behind you, Small One,” he vowed, before his fingers shifted to the horse’s forehead. “Run as the wind, Sleipnir. Get them out of the forest.”

The moment the words left Thor’s mouth, the horse bolted, and I heard Mars’ gasp as the sudden air rushing at them forced its way into their lungs. But any protest was quickly smothered as the woods exploded around us, the shadows advancing with fearsome speed. Thor roared a challenge as he rose Mjulnir threateningly, the mighty hammer sparking ominously. I had only my own two hands against the spectres – but I was more than willing to do my damnedest to slow these creatures, glancing over my shoulder as Sleipnir’s tail disappeared between the trees.

My eyes turned back to the advancing shadows, hard and hateful. People – or otherwise – who stood between me and the happiness and safety of those I loved would feel the full extent of my fury, and creepy ghosts were no exception.

I hurtled myself from my horse as the first of the spectres reached us, vibranium moving through wisps of darkness without resistance. My body passed through the illusion, leaving me on my knees on the forest floor, fighting for breath, my lungs seizing as smoke swirled and swam inside me.

“You can’t touch them!”

I raised my head as I rasped, seeking out the voice through the haze of my constricting windpipe, fingers digging into the dirt desperately.

Thor was whirling his glowing hammer, blasts of light emitting from the metal to strike the advancing shadows. Each lightning bolt to the chest burnt a hole through illusion, smouldering away to nothing.

It took a few precious seconds for me to comprehend what I was seeing, but eventually I pushed myself to my knees, still wheezing frantically as I fought off the darkness closing in, around both me and my vision. I fumbled desperately at my pockets, coughing as I pulled my lighter free. The pitiful flame that burst free did nothing against the spirits growing closer, but the curls of smoke encasing my lungs came flowing from my mouth as I spluttered, falling as ash from parted lips. The acrid taste of burning was thick on my tongue – but I could breathe.

The flame was enough to keep the monsters at bay as I scraped the leaf litter into a pile, setting it alight and scooping a handful of the flaming debris in my vibranium palm.

It’s not lightning, but…

I curled my fingers loosely around my burning bundle, eyeing up the mass of spectres slowly thinning out around us and roaring hatefully as I dove forward. This time, my fist met a seemingly solid mass, blowing through the shadow’s chest with a sound like metal on metal, slowing fading as the creature burnt away to nothing.

I arched an eyebrow, using my free hands to beckon the creatures closer.

“Come and get it!”

Thor and I stood in the smouldering, foul-scented clearing, panting for breath, eyes watering from the smoke and smell. Our eyes met as I dropped the remnants of my bundle, dusting the residue from my fingers and swallowing dryly, my throat still burning from the bizarre smoke.

“… Thanks,” I murmured, spitting another mouthful of ash onto the ground. “Uh… For the advice. And for the help. And for getting Mars out of here.” I paused and looked around quickly, heart racing until I spotted our mounts sheltering under a tree at the edge of the clearing. Thor didn’t waste valuable time responding, only offering a nod as he crossed the space, swinging his mighty frame into the saddle a few steps ahead of me.

We were silent as we galloped through the forest, following in the broken trail through the undergrowth. Intermittent, gossamer-spun silver hairs caught on the bracken confirmed the path was Sleipnir’s – as did Bug’s desperate wails as light began to filter more efficiently through the thinning trees.

“Please- we have to go back; we can’t just leave them! Sleipnir, come on, I know Thor said to get me out – but look, I’m fine, see? We have to go back!”

Mars was stood before the mighty stallion as we emerged from the forest, gesticulating towards the woods desperately. The sound of hooves on grass made them turn, and I winced at the sight of the tears staining their cheeks, my feet hitting the ground before Glaðr had come to a halt. They clung frantically to my shirt as I bundled them to my chest, arms tight and protective around their trembling body.

I swallowed down thoughts of my Spiders, just as fragile as they shivered and sobbed against me, and wondered once more how we were back here again – how I had, for what felt like the hundredth time, found myself in Asgard cradling someone I loved as they wept.

I held them until my coughing drove them back, stumbling a few steps away from me with a brow creased in concern. “Are- are you okay?”

“Fine,” I wheezed, nodding. “It’s getting better. They suck if you breathe them in, though…”

Mars’ face went pale, and they were by my side once more, a gentle hand on my back and stroking carefully. “Will he be okay?” they asked worriedly, and I looked up in time to see Thor nod, opening his mouth to respond – but his words were cut off by my insistent partner. “What were those things? Why did they attack us like that? I thought you said that forest was safe!”

The god’s jaw set slightly, and I raised a hand to touch Mars’ shoulder gently. “He also pointed out that Asgard is highly unpredictable,” I reminded them, voice soft. “It’s not his fault, sweetheart.”

“They were mara,” Thor added, his lip curling. “They have no set domain. They’re… I suppose humans would call them demons. They attack people in their sleep, causing horrible nightmares, and then eventually…” He trailed off, but his meaning was clear, and Bug winced.

“But we were awake,” they pointed out, voice strained. “Why did they come for us?”

“The mara dwell in darkness and shadow. We intruded into their land – their current land, at least – and they attacked. They’re vulnerable to light, but if you aren’t aware, they can leave you without your consciousness. It’s not often that mara attack the awake, but those that succumb never wake up,” he finished softly, eyes dropping with guilt. I shook my head again, coughing another round of a thin, black, tar-like substance into the dirt.

“You weren’t to know,” I rasped, levelling my voice with as much determination and force as I could despite my chafed vocal cords. “It isn’t your fault, Thor. And besides – I’d be dead if it weren’t for you. Probably Mars, too.”

“And you’re sure he’ll be okay?” my partner pressed, still eyeing the contents of my lungs on the ground worriedly.

“He probably won’t sleep well for a few days, while the smoke clears his system,” Thor admitted. “But he’ll make a full recovery before long – possibly quicker than most, given how swiftly he heals.”

I nodded once, grimacing as I snagged a bottle of water from a Glaðr’s saddlebag and rinsing my mouth thoroughly. “I’ll be fine, Acushla. Don’t worry about me.”

Thor considered me for a moment longer, then nodded, looking to my partner. “May I see the map, Little One?” Mars offered it immediately, pulled from one of their plentiful, seemingly bottomless pockets. The god hummed as his eyes skimmed over the parchment, muttering under his breath and looking about himself. “… We shouldn’t linger long here. We’re closer than I’d like to Karnilla’s Palace.”

“Karnilla?” I asked as we climbed back into our saddles in unison, Sleipnir proving far more willing to move now Thor was back in the lead. He nodded as he encouraged Gyllir into a brisk trot, glancing back at me.

“The Queen of the Norns. She… Can be complicated,” he offered stiffly, muscles visibly tensing. “She has proven herself to be both ally and enemy. It would be best to move on as swiftly as possible, rather than risk her wrath. I’d hoped we would be passing far enough away that we wouldn’t be worth the effort – a party as small as ours poses little threat in her own domain – but…”

I nodded, exchanging a look of understanding with Mars. His unspoken words had us urging on our own steeds.

We may not be able to handle another fight.

[multifandom-flash]

Bitten (for your blood)

Summary: Clint is hungry. But maybe biting his own Personal Dragon isn't the best idea...

Pairing: Clint Barton x Kai Krüger (ONBC) x Bucky Barnes

Word Count: 1343

Raiting: Teen and Up Audiences

Tags: Alternate Universe - Werewolf, Alternate Universe - Vampire, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Dragon/Werewolf/Vampire Relationship, POV Original Character, Vampire Clint Barton, Werewolf Bucky Barnes, Biting, Minor Injuries, Blood Drinking

Written for:

@tropetember : Day 14 - Monstrous / Cultural Differences / Language Barrier

@augustwritingchallenge : Trick-AU-Treat - Bitten

@comfy-vember : Day 3 - Forehead Kisses

@ao3tagbingo : Polyamory

@buckybarnesbingo : Interspecies

@fandom-free-bingo:

Obedience Training - Frosty Edition

Bite - Flight Edition

* Secret Signals, Hunting - Valentines Edition

* "I'm going to kill you.", White Fang - Book Night Edition

* Bite Marks - Wild Edition

* "In Some Cultures That's Considered a Dick Move.", "I told you not to do this!", Licking Lips - Maritime May

* Playful Growls - Pride Edition!

* Bite Marks - Plural Edition

* "You had no right to take it.", Unwillingly Donated - August Chaos Discards

* "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" - Bug Edition

* Bite Marks, "Just... Don't.", Growling - Medical Edition

@fairytalebingo - Dragon Fire

@anyfandomaubingo - Vampire AU

@multifandom-flash

The Undead - Clint Barton Bingo

Short Story - National Writing Day

@anyfandomdarkbingo - Dracophilia

@seasonaldelightsbingo - drawing circles with their fingers on the others skin to calm them down - Under the Sea Edition

@fandombingo - It wasn't this bad before.", Stained with Blood - Wonderland Edition

[multifandom-flash]

Found

Found

Title: Found.

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.

Ship: Brock Rumlow X Reader.

Word count: 420 words.

Square: “Burns.”

Rating: Teen.

Summary: Brock disappeared, but you found him.

Major Tags: Mention of burns, take care of him.

A/N: This is my entry to @multifandom-flash, Brock Rumlow Bingo.

Links: Wattpad, Ao3, Spanish version.

@saiyanprincessswanie

My native language is Spanish so I wanna improve my writing skills in English if you notice any mistakes, please let me know and I will correct them.

I don’t give any permission for my fics to be posted on other platforms or languages (I translate my work myself) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don't steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other people. The only exception is the ones I gifted 'cuz now belong to someone else. Please let me know if you find any of my works on a different platform and are not one of my accounts. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Marvel's characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

My other media where I publish:  Ao3, Wattpad, ffnet, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter. 

If you like it, please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

Tags: @sinceimetyou @unnuevosoltransformalarealidad @navybrat817 @angrythingstarlight @shield-agent78 @charmed-asylum @pandaxnienke @real-fbi @Smokeandnailz @white-wolf1940 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @xoxonotme @bluemusickid @leyannrae @Harrysthiccthighss @Marvelatthisone @caplanbuckybarnes @sapphire-rogers @lizzieolseniskinda @notyourtypicalrose @hallecarey1 @nana1000night @talia-rumlow @writingshae @alexxavicry @azulatodoryuga @daemonslittlebitch @chaoticcollectivenightmare @endlesstwanted @chemtrails-club  @marigoldreamer @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @Here4thefanfics @theestorm @patzammit @kmc1989 @somegirlfromasgard @rogersbarber

After the battle at the Triskelion, reports about Brock Rumlow were mixed among the confusion: he was badly wounded but had survived. Then he disappeared off the radar. For you, it was not an option to leave him behind.

For weeks, you tracked his movements. Each clue brought you closer but also confirmed what you feared: Brock was alone and seriously injured; he had definitely escaped somehow from the hospital. Finally, a contact informed you that someone with his characteristics had been spotted in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of a remote town.

You arrived at night. Rain was falling, obscuring your footsteps. Inside, the place was dark, with only a faint flickering light in one corner. When you finally saw it, your heart stopped.

Brock was sitting on an old mattress, his torso bare and bandaged in a makeshift fashion. His skin was marked by horrible burns that had not yet healed. The bandages were stained with blood and pus.

“Brock...” Your voice came out soft, almost inaudible.

He looked up with a flash of alertness, his hand instinctively reaching for a weapon. But when he recognized you, his shoulders relaxed slightly. He said nothing at first; he just looked at you.

“How did you find me? “he finally asked you.

“I always knew where to look for you. I couldn't leave you alone,” you answered, slowly approaching me.

You kneeled down and started to change his bandages; although at first, it seemed that he was going to refuse, in the end, he let you do it. You healed his wounds and bandaged him again, this time in the right way.

“You don't have to stay,” he said after a long while, avoiding your gaze.

“I'm not going to leave you, Brock. Not after all we've been through.”

His eyes met yours.

Days turned into weeks. Brock began to trust you more, though he would never admit it out loud. He would tell you bits and pieces of what had happened, how he had escaped from the hospital, his hatred for those who had betrayed him, his desire for revenge, and how much he had missed you and loved you.

Taking care of Brock was not easy; he often tried to push you away, telling you he would be better off alone.

One night, as you were sitting next to him changing his bandages, he surprised you by placing his hand on mine.

“Thank you,” he murmured, barely audible.

You didn't respond with words because they weren't needed.

[multifandom-flash]

what's the current eta for cards going out if I may ask?

It all depends in rl, it could be in one hour, later today, weeks, and months; eventually all the cards will be sent.

I'm working currently on 9-1-1 & Teen Wolf bingo cards; sign up from August-July, which will try to send all the cards this week. Some of the cards already sent.

Overall, myself and moderator @evadne01 are trying to get all the cards out as soon as possible.

I will update the queue list, later today.

[multifandom-flash]

New Fandom Theme bingo is dropping

Dune

Card Example:

Crossovers and fusions are welcome; all sorts of art are welcome too.

No minimum words, no deadline.

Sign Up

AO3 Collection

@thebigbangblogproject

[multifandom-flash]

Would you mind explaining what intails the discrimination bingo?

Treating a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their race, gender, sexuality, etc.: racial/sex/age discrimination

(Taken from google, so there will be no lost in translation and misunderstanding.)

Tropes examples:

Boomerang Bigot Discriminate and Switch Dehumanizing Insult Double Standard Taught to Hate Bullying the Disabled Category Traitor

[multifandom-flash]

Special: Cults Bingo

Age strict for this one: 18+, under 18 won't get the cards even if they signed up!

The rules are same for all of the bingos: No min words, no deadline, any artworks are welcome.

AO3 collection for all of the events/round.

Real Cults or Fiction Cults, or maybe both?

The choice is yours.

Card Example:

Sign Up

@thebigbangblogproject

[multifandom-flash]

When the Wolf Howls - Chapter Two

"Make the Most of Your Regrets."

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

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> Buck Goes Hunting, and Bug is Hunted.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 4009

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> (M) Threat, uncertain fate.

𝐀/𝐍 -> If you haven't read Multitudes, some elements of the Worldbuilding will be unfamiliar to you. I suggest starting there - but this can be read as a standalone if you roll with established relationships. Check it out below, or on AO3 here!

<- Chapter One

Dividers by us! <3

- Free Space – @buckybarnesbingo (B005); - ‘Sneaking Out to Save Someone Despite Orders Not To’ – @fandombingo; - ‘Look Death in the Eyes’ – @seasonaldelightsbingo (Five Nights at Freddy's);

- ‘Forced to Beg or Forced to Stay Quiet’ – @julybreakbingo (5x5); - ‘Holding Hands or Holding On’, ‘Reunited’ – July Break Bingo (6x6); - ‘Music’ – July Break Bingo (7x7); - ‘Being Chased’ – Fandom Bingo (The Magnus Archives); - ‘Not So Weak’ – @multifandom-flash Bingo (Round 2 – 2032); - ‘Understanding’ – @queer-it-up-bingo; - ‘Crying While Kissing’ – Seasonal Delights Bingo (Under the Sea).

I snarled as my fist met the wall, the flesh across my knuckles shredding as the plaster crumbled. My feet carried me down the stairs without thinking, ignoring Clint as he reached out for me when I passed, the sound of him on my heels as I scanned myself into the basement only serving to move me faster.

The portal sat as it always had, displaying a secure room at the Compound, permanently available and frequently used. I barrelled through without a second thought, wincing at the change of temperature on my sensitive skin and the sudden brightness of the white space. Clint slammed into me as I keyed in my code, earning a growl as he grunted at the impact.

“James, what the hell is-”

“They’ve gone,” I snapped, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. The archer paused, lost for words, able only to watch as I finally got the security door open and sprinted into the hallway.

“Where are you going?” he panted, hot on my heels despite the breath catching in his chest as he fought to keep up.

“There’s only one way to Asgard,” I spat, eyes narrowing. “They can’t have done this alone, and I know exactly who helped them.”

His gulp was audible as he fell silent, following behind me as quickly as he could, his concern palpable.

“Whoa, where’s the fire?”

I skidded to a halt, Clint gasping for breath behind me. My movement was slow as I turned to face Tony, jaw set with fury. “Is he here?” I snapped, stepping closer, my body vibrating with rage and fear.

He blinked in surprise, holding up his hands defensively. “What- Who? What’s going on?”

“Thor,” I spat, shrugging off Clint’s hand as it closed around my wrist. “His guard dog has been misbehaving.”

The billionaire frowned, head cocked. “FRIDAY?”

“Yes, Mr. Stark?” FRIDAY’s dulcet tones replied, smooth and soothing.

“Is Point Break on the premises?”

“Thor Odinson is not currently present, Mr. Stark.”

Tony didn’t look away from me as he spoke, forehead creasing. “Inform me the moment he arrives.”

“Understood, Mr. Stark.”

He sighed softly, no doubt remembering the last time we’d issued the same order, the minutes ticking by painfully slowly as we waited for the god to appear. “Now… How about you take a seat and tell me what the hell is going on?”

As I relayed the whole sorry tale to Tony, his husband watching me worriedly, Clint made me a coffee and sat beside me, quietly interjecting when my anxiety made me skip over a point. I shot him a grateful smile when he took over as the words froze in my throat, choked by the terror climbing like lianas inside my lungs.

“And I guess… Well, they’ve gone, and James seems to think they-” I pushed the note into his hands, and he paused, scanning it quickly and wincing. “Yeah… It seems they’ve gone to Asgard to deal with it by themselves.”

“They’ll get themselves killed,” Stephen murmured worriedly, exchanging a glance with Tony. “We have to do something…”

“Can’t believe we still haven’t found a way to communicate with Thor when he’s off-planet,” Tony muttered, scowling. “I worked on a project for a while, but then we had little need of him, so I didn’t put much time into pursuing it – never really saw much need, and there were other things I could…” He trailed off, grimacing. “I should’ve learned from last time.”

The expression that clouded his features was one with which I’d become familiar over the years, particularly since his sobriety. Guilt was something he struggled intimately with – but Stephen took good care of him. As I watched, the magician’s arm tightened around his husband’s waist, holding him a little closer and pressing a kiss to his temple, murmuring quiet reassurances against Tony’s hair. Despite myself, I smiled. Even after all this time, I constantly marvelled at how perfect they were for one another.

“You weren’t to know,” I reassured him, only a little begrudgingly. While I knew Tony wasn’t responsible for the situation in which we found ourselves, it was hard not to think that he should’ve prioritised finding a communication method.

We left the Spiders on Asgard far longer than we should have for the exact same reason. We shouldn’t be here again.

Tony hummed noncommittally, leaning against his partner. “Either way – as it stands, we can’t do anything but wait,” he murmured, grimacing. “Hopefully Thor will stop by soon, but-”

“Mr. Stark? Thor Odinson has arrived on the premises. Would you-”

“Where?” I snapped, interrupting the AI’s announcement with a snarl in my voice.

“He is currently heading east along the ground floor. He-”

I was on my feet before she had finished speaking, tearing from the room without waiting to see if the others would follow. The compound had never felt so big, and my legs so slow and sluggish, despair and terror like molasses weighing me down. Vaguely, I was aware of speaking on my heels, Tony offering panted commands to the bodiless voice, but my single-minded determination left little room to care.

By the time I skidded to a halt before the colossal god, I’d lost all of my companions, the sound of footsteps and rasping breaths distant. I almost slammed into Thor’s chest, and he stumbled back in surprise.

“Buck-”

“We need to get to Asgard,” I spat, eyes burning into his. “Now.” He hesitated, and I snarled, fingers clenching by my sides. “Now!”

“I understand your concern,” he offered, hands raised imploringly, “but-”

“You knew?” I hissed, curling my grip into his ridiculous armour to push him bodily against the wall. “You allowed this to happen?”

“I came here to collect you,” he replied steadily, unperturbed by my grip on him. “But I cannot do that unless you release me. We’ll catch them up; Heimdall is keeping a careful eye on them, and-”

“Great – more people who were aware of this, and still did nothing to stop it…” I growled, still pinning him to the bricks. His expression was grave as he nodded once.

“I don’t blame you for your anger,” he replied simply. “By the time I discovered what was happening, they were already on their way. I came as soon as I heard, James.”

Breathing hard, I glared at him for a moment longer, heart pounding, before stepping back. “How did they even get there?” I hissed, gaze narrow. “The only way to Asgard is through the B-”

I cut myself off as realisation washed over me, the image of my lover’s hand vanishing between the Guardian’s.

Heimdall.

I’ll kill him.

“I’ll kill him,” I repeated aloud, my voice soft and threatening. Thor looked away, shame flickering across his expression.

“I can’t pretend to understand Heimdall’s course of action, but-”

“Don’t you dare,” I snapped, muscles tensing. “Don’t attempt to defend him.” Thor’s jaw snapped shut quickly, having the good sense to stop talking. “Get us there, Thor. Now.”

A soft hand brushed against my elbow, and I glanced back, surprised to find Clint by my side. “James…”

“I need to go, Clint,” I replied immediately, shaking my head. “You know I do.”

He nodded once despite the concern evident in his eyes, smiling weakly. “I know. I just… What about the Boys?”

The question made me freeze, wincing guiltily. With everything, I’d forgotten about the other two – the ones that made up Mars’ Boys, as they so lovingly called us.

When Shuri had helped to lovingly craft bodies and transfer consciousness to allow the Spiders to live their lives as individuals in a more classic sense, it wasn’t only them who had benefitted from her expertise. First Winter – then later, Tem – was carefully separated from me, while Mars’ Greg gained his own form – the only one of us to request a body significantly different to the one they’d previously inhabited, fascinating genetic tampering producing the 6ft sailor. Even more intriguing was the fact that they were still derived from my Bug’s DNA – as genetically related as siblings, if not more so.

And it was this sailor that currently had Winter and Tem’s attention, his new ship attracting their interest. Temnota, in his infinite absence of social graces, had requested to join the couple, excited at the thought of a new experience. They were sailing to the Caribbean and back, and I hadn’t even considered reaching out to them; I hadn’t thought of them at all, in all honesty. I’d been too busy worrying about my Bug, but now guilt and shame hit me with a vengeance, leaving me grimacing.

“I should call them…” I murmured, hesitating, glancing between my husband and the god uncertainly. They deserved to know – if something this urgent was kept from me, no matter the reason, I’d be furious – but each second was torturous, Mars getting further and further away from us with each heartbeat. Panic rose in my chest, and Clint squeezed my arm gently.

“I’ve got it,” he offered softly, and I shot him a weak, grateful smile.

“Thanks, honey,” I breathed, leaning in to kiss his cheek gently. Our dynamic had changed in the years since we’d married – gravitating towards platonic over romantic – but we still loved one another fiercely, our life together proving to be something we would never stop fighting for, no matter how it shifted and restructured itself.

The fact that he was willing to face the potential wrath of Winter, however, was a true testament to his love for me. He was notorious for the fear he could inspire when stressed, and Clint’s offer was not one most people would make.

“That would be amazing,” I replied softly, wincing. “Thank you, Clint… Don’t let Win worry you. He’s all talk. Usually,” I added, one eyebrow raised in a shaky attempt at humour that drew a gratuitous smile.

“I can handle him,” he smirked, one eyebrow arched. It was still bizarre that I no longer had any more insight into Winter’s actions than anyone else, and explaining his behaviour still came as second nature to me, despite the several months we’d now lived as our own people.

Turning my gaze to Thor, I nodded once, grim and determined. “Let’s go.”

The moment  I stepped from the array of blinding, brightly coloured lights, I launched myself at the Guardian, the walls ringing at the sound of his armour colliding with the hard ground. He simply gazed up at me as I snarled, his golden eyes showing no distress or concern.

“This is the way it is supposed to be,” he replied evenly, and I moved ever closer, my nose an inch from his.

“I’ll kill you,” I whispered, low and threatening. “I’ll kill you, I swear to god.”

“You need to move quickly if you’d like to catch up with them. You don’t have time for both.”

I hesitated for only a moment at his calm words, and growled with consuming hatred before pushing myself to my feet, glaring at the Guardian for a moment more before turning my gaze to Thor, still stood where he landed and watching the proceedings with something akin to disbelief. “Where do I go?” I snapped, and he blinked in surprise.

“South-East,” he replied after a moment. “A few day’s walk. Through Asgard, Alfheim, the Enchanted Forest, Nastrond, Nornheim…. He’s on a lake in Varinheim. You’ll hear him from the border. We will,” he amended quickly, offering me a weak smile. I nodded once, short and impatient, flicking my gaze to the Gatekeeper once more.

“If Winter and Temnota call on you, I trust you’ll aid their travel?” I pressed stiffly, leaving no room for disagreement, and he nodded.

“Of course.”

“I don’t believe you,” I muttered, turning away with a shake of my head. “Thor?”

“We’ll get there quicker if we ride.” He moved as he spoke, gesturing for me to follow. I didn’t look back at the sounds of Heimdall getting to his feet, loping tirelessly along the jogging god as he led the way across the Rainbow Bridge. “We know the path they’re taking, Buck. We’ll find them long before they’re in any danger.”

“If we don’t, your gatekeeper will pay the price with his blood,” I spat, keeping my eyes on the path before me even as he slowed a little, baulking.

“We don’t have a chance.”

I bristled in response, my gaze fixed firmly on the girth I was cinching as Thor spoke. “We do. We have to.”

“But Sleipnir is the fastest horse in Asgard. If they’ve taken him, then nothing we do can-”

“Then we’re going to fucking try,” I snarled, turning to face the god as the silver-maned Glaðr fell into step obediently behind me, Gyllir reaching past Thor’s shoulder to nicker at his stablemate obliviously.

“Buck-���

“Thor, I have to try,” I interrupted, my tone dropping to a murmur as my voice cracked. “You know I have to try.”

He considered me for a moment before nodding once, slinging himself into the saddle of the golden horse beside him. “They don’t have that much of a head start. Hopefully, we can catch them before they get into the mountains – there’s a passage to Jotunheim out there, somewhere,” he added, wincing minutely at the thought of all 5’4” of my partner coming up against the Frost Giants. “It hasn’t been used since Lo- in a very long time,” he muttered, interrupting himself with a grimace, “but I still shouldn’t like to risk it. We should get moving.”

With a silent nod, the lump in my throat proving too much for me to speak, I guided my horse into the footsteps of his own, the sound of horseshoes on street ringing deafeningly around us as we left the stable. Even in my fear and anxiety, I found myself looking around as we circled around the palace’s significant perimeter, the mountains rising in the distance. The Plain of Ida stretched before us in its vastness, dotted with small ponds amongst rolling fields, sparse copses interspersed  by low shrubbery breaking up the endless landscape until the ground began to slope upward. I couldn’t keep myself from searching the Plain, eyes flitting over the open ground in a desperate, futile attempt to find my Bug before venturing away from the city. While the chance was slim, I couldn’t hold in a soft sigh of disappointment when they were nowhere to be seen.

“Are you ready for this?” Thor asked, his voice uncharacteristically soft as he glanced my way. The shimmering stallion beneath him was dancing eagerly, hot-footed and hot-headed, and I smiled weakly at his excitement.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I breathed, turning my gaze once more to the expanse before me.

I still saw the towering mountains in my nightmares, rising overhead as intimidating spires that cast cold shadows. I’d explored the peaks as we searched tirelessly for the Spiders, scrabbling through crevasse and along barren ridge, terror filling my eyes with tears that impaired my vision until I’d stumble and fall to my knees, pausing only long enough to sob myself dry before continuing. Those mountains, with their endless, aimless, winding paths, were prime real estate for every monster my subconscious could elicit from the depths and put in my path.

I swore to myself long ago that I’d never step foot on those windswept trails again – but here I was, as Glaðr broke into a gallop beneath me, legs stretching to capacity as she raced alongside her stablemate, hurtling towards the mountains as the wind whipped my hair in stinging lashes across my face.

Here I was, chasing down yet another person who’d been lost to this hellish realm and its cursed beasts, dancing with death to a tune only they could hear.

I understood the allure, of course. The temptation to ease the wolf’s suffering was a stone in my chest, too – but not one I would die for. If there was only my life to worry about, I’d be far more likely to make an attempt; as it was, my family had been through enough, and my death was not something they would take in stride. If I failed and perished, they – especially the more fragile of the group – may never recover.

And if I succeeded… If I succeeded, we would all die, and that possibility was more than I could bare think about.

The hooves churned up the grass beneath us, so shining green that I’d almost believe it spun from emeralds if not for the soft whump of horseshoes on plant matter. My eyes gravitated downwards, and I swallowed, struck suddenly at the thought of my inexperienced partner finding themselves beneath the eight-legged Sleipnir, nausea rising in my throat.

I’m coming, my love. I’m coming. Please be safe.

Thor made us slow to a trot as we wound our way through passes and trails, bordered on each side by towering rock faces. He told tales of rivers that used to wind between the mountains, long run dry and leaving these paths in their wake, but I was only half listening. Somewhere on the wind was the distant sound of grunts and snorts, a nose-stinging stench carried by the breeze as it curled between the crevices. It was too far yet for Thor to detect, and I watched him silently as it grew steadily stronger, unable to find the words to describe the noises and scents I was picking up, until finally his spine stiffened. His hand raised, curling into a fist by his head as he drew to a halt and indicating for me to do the same.

My gaze skimmed over the set of his shoulders, analysing the line of his jaw as his head turned to follow the breeze. Half-turning, he looked at me with worry in his eyes.

“Mountain giants,” he muttered, seemingly uncomfortable at needing to keep his voice low. “Nothing we couldn’t handle, but not something we have time for. It’s best if we can avoid them.”

I nodded once, remaining silent to show my understanding, and he offered a weak smile before moving forward.

He’s nervous, I noted distantly, the realisation doing little to settle my own fear. … What makes the God of Thunder nervous?

The sounds came and went as we continued along the trail at a walk, each clatter of metal on stone making me wince, certain we would be discovered. At one point, the brutish groans rose to a din, echoing all around us, and I closed my eyes for fear I’d choke on the odour.

But eventually the perturbing noises faded, and we crossed the last peak, the land opening up once more beneath us.

The plains here were more interspersed, divided by winding rivers forged by majestic bridges, and forests sprawling across the landscape.

And a welcome party sat on horseback at the bottom of the slope, bows slung over their shoulders, luminescent and breathtakingly beautiful.

We approached slowly, leaving plenty of time for them to react as they saw fit, but Thor was smiling.

“The Light Elves,” he offered under his breath as the land began to level out beneath us. “The Ljósálfar, who reside in Alfheim, under the care of the Vanir god, Freyr. A benevolent and beautiful people, much like their leader; this place is a paradise of art and music. They receive visitors with grace – unless invoked otherwise,” he added, brow furrowing minutely. “… This border never used to be guarded.”

I saw his fingers twitch minutely, holding back the urge to reach for his hammer by his waist, and my own hands tensed instinctively around the reins.

One moved forward, his mount gleaming white in a dazzling sunlight, silver hair trailing down his back as he considered us.

“Thor Odinson, Prince of Asgard,” my companion introduced himself, bowing in his seat as much as his frame and armour allowed. “I humbly ask permission to cross your territory with this mortal in search of his mate.”

The elf smiled, bright and surreal, and I felt myself relax immediately, despite the anxiety previously coursing through me. “You seek the human who stole Sleipnir, yes?”

“Yes,” I interrupted quickly as Thor’s mouth opened, squeezing my steed forward gently to approach. “Yes. My partner – mate. Their name is Mars. They didn’t steal him, not really, they-”

“Peace,” the elf interjected soothingly, his hands raising. “We know of your mate and their quest. We found them fleeing the mountains with trolls on their heels – fear not, they are well,” he added quickly when I tensed in alarm. “They are recuperating from their flight in our village before they continue. We were on our way to alert the Asgardians to their theft, in the off chance that their story was inaccurate.”

“They’re here?” I clarified, looking around desperately, as if the elven residences would suddenly emerge from a mirage before my eyes. The elf smiled a little wider, nodding gracefully.

“We shall escort you to them. Come.”

My heart was pounding in my chest as we rode down a wide, seemingly gold-lined streets – an impressive biological achievement with the serum in each cell of my body, but such was my fear at ensuring my love’s well-being. It was all I had not to force the party to move faster, to demand that they get me there now under pain of death.

The elves spoke with soothing tones as we moved through towering homes, made of the same glimmering material that rang out beneath the hooves, their matching white horses walking in perfect synchrony with one another. Music and song radiated from glassless windows, lightening my soul no matter how I fought against it.

“They’re incredible,” I murmured, turning my head infinitesimally toward Thor. A soft smile was curving his lips at the edges, looking almost eerily peaceful.

“They’re thought to have given inspiration for the arts to the humans,” he replied quietly, the characteristic tension easing from his muscles with each note.

“I can see why,” I chuckled, shaking my head. While I had more to worry about, I was just as powerless as the god in the face of their intoxicating melodies, and soon found myself slumped in the saddle, willing to take my time.

They’re safe here. We’re all safe here.

We dismounted a few moments later, and the instant we crossed a threshold into one of the identical buildings, the music ceased, my head snapping up in surprise.

“One-way sound barrier,” Thor offered, chuckling. “They’d never get anything done otherwise.”

The words barely registered, however. My gaze was locked on the person sat on delicate, woven mats against the wall, beautiful and captivating – and the mats themselves were no slouch, either.

I was moving before they looked up, bundling their delicate, fragile, painfully mortal body into my arms with a soft sob against their hair, and they froze for a moment before tangling their fingers in my shirt.

“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have- But- But I had to-”

“I know,” I soothed gently, holding them tightly to my chest. “I know, sweetheart. It’s okay. I’m so glad you’re safe… I was so afraid…”

They sniffed, raising their head to peer at me from beneath tear-spiked lashes. “I’m sorr-”

Their words faltered as my mouth met theirs, kissing them deeply, hungrily, relishing every point of contact like a man starved. We were both panting lightly when I drew back, my forehead pressed to theirs. “You’re an idiot,” I breathed, affection laden in the words. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” they chuckled weakly, drawing back to look at me. “…You were right. I couldn’t- I… I can’t do this. We should go home.”

I considered them for a moment, their eyes full of more unshed tears, and set my jaw. “Setting off alone was reckless and dangerous. You could have gotten yourself killed.” They nodded morosely, looking away, and I offered a weak smile. “That’s why I’m coming with you.”

[multifandom-flash]

In the middle of the battle

In the middle of the battle

Title: In the middle of the battle.

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.

Ship: Steve Rogers X Reader.

Word count: 189 words.

Square: “Battle of New York.”

Rating: Teen.

Summary: The moment when Steve and you met.

Major Tags: Meet cute, battle of New York.

A/N: This is my entry to @multifandom-flash, Steve Rogers Bingo.

Links: Wattpad, Ao3, Spanish version.

@saiyanprincessswanie

My native language is Spanish so I wanna improve my writing skills in English if you notice any mistakes, please let me know and I will correct them.

I don’t give any permission for my fics to be posted on other platforms or languages (I translate my work myself) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don't steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other people. The only exception is the ones I gifted 'cuz now belong to someone else. Please let me know if you find any of my works on a different platform and are not one of my accounts. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Marvel's characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

My other media where I publish:  Ao3, Wattpad, ffnet, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter. 

If you like it, please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

Tags: @sinceimetyou @unnuevosoltransformalarealidad @navybrat817 @angrythingstarlight @shield-agent78 @charmed-asylum @pandaxnienke @real-fbi @Smokeandnailz @white-wolf1940 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @xoxonotme @bluemusickid @leyannrae @Harrysthiccthighss @Marvelatthisone @caplanbuckybarnes @sapphire-rogers @lizzieolseniskinda @notyourtypicalrose @hallecarey1 @nana1000night @talia-rumlow @writingshae @alexxavicry @azulatodoryuga @daemonslittlebitch @chaoticcollectivenightmare @endlesstwanted @chemtrails-club  @marigoldreamer @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @Here4thefanfics @theestorm @patzammit @kmc1989 @somegirlfromasgard @rogersbarber

The alarm echoed throughout the city, and the streets were in chaos. You were running along the sidewalks, dodging debris and explosions, trying to find a safe place. However, something inside you was screaming that you had to help.

You were carrying your classic backpack full of medical supplies. Although you had never been taught what to do in these cases, as a paramedic, you knew you had to help those in need.

Suddenly, a nearby explosion threw you to the ground. You stood in a daze, and a figure stood before you as you tried to regain your bearings. You looked up, and there he was: Steve Rogers.

“Are you okay? “he asked.

“Yes, I'm fine,” you replied. I'm here to help the wounded.

“It's dangerous, but stay close to me if you insist. I need to make sure you are safe.”

You nodded, and together you moved through the streets, stopping to help the trapped civilians. You were in charge of stabilizing the wounded while Steve covered for them.

“You're brave,” Steve said suddenly.

“Not as brave as you. But I couldn't stand by and do nothing.”

[multifandom-flash]

Medical: Disease Bingo

Real life and fiction, you can choose what you want.

Card Example:

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@thebigbangblogproject

[multifandom-flash]

Story inspired by the Smash The Champagne Bottle even on Dreamwidth ✰

Fill for: @fandom-free-bingo Home Cooked Meal / @multifandom-flash, july event world emoji day — 👨‍🍳 (Man Cook) / @queer-it-up-bingo — Two bros chilling / @ao3tagbingo — Free Space: Food as a Metaphor for Love

Fandom: Chicago Med

Rating: General Audiences

Pairing: Loren Johnson/Crockett Marcel

Tags: Missing Scene, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Developing Relationship, Idiots in Love

Summary: When Crockett invites Loren over to try some home-cooked Mexican cuisine, they not only share flavours and warmth during their meal.

Wordcount: 783

Excerpt:

The warm and inviting scent of roasted chillies and spices filled Crockett’s kitchen as he stirred a pot of crimson-red sauce. A content smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, because it smelled just like his mom used to do it. Loren leaned against the counter, watching with curiosity.

“Okay, so what’s in this one?” Loren asked, gesturing to the sauce that was gently simmering. He leaned a bit closer, trying to catch more of the complex aroma.

“This is tajín rojo,” Crockett explained, “a red chili paste that works as a staple. It’s smoky, spicy, with a bit of a tang to it —basically the heartbeat of the whole meal.”

Loren raised an eyebrow, leaning in to peek. “Heartbeat of the meal, huh? You’re really selling it.”

Continue reading on Ao3!

[multifandom-flash]

When the Wolf Howls - Chapter One "Better To Fight and Fall Than To Live Without Hope."

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

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> After a thousand discussions about Asgard, Bucky decides to take his partner to see the realm, and they come across something that they can’t leave well enough alone.

Or: Bug meets a Big Dog.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 4619

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> (M) Mythologically-typical animal cruelty, mentions of sex (non-explicit). Multitudes references (kidnapping, torture).

𝐀/𝐍 -> If you haven't read Multitudes, some elements of the Worldbuilding will be unfamiliar to you. I suggest starting there - but this can be read as a standalone if you roll with established relationships. Check it out below, or on AO3 here!

Dividers by us! <3

- ‘Isolation’ – @anyfandomgoesbingo (Dark); - ‘Alien Planet’, ‘Isolated or Trapped’ - @buckybarnesbingo (B049); - ‘Norse Mythology AU/Fenrir/Tragic Backstory’ – @secretcrypticevents (Creatures & Cryptids Secrets Flash); - ‘”I Can’t Let You Do That.”’ - @fandom-free-bingo (Flight Edition); - ‘Redemption’ – @seasonaldelightsbingo (Five Nights At Freddy’s);

- ‘Trapped’ – @hurtcomfort-bingo (CO42); - ‘Rescued or Hostage’ - @julybreakbingo (7x7) (both applicable); - ‘Faster-Than-Light Travel’ – @multifandom-flash Bingo (Astronomy Day + National Space Day); - ‘Crying Wolf (Bonus)’ – Multifandom Flash Round 2 - 1027; - ‘Pain’ – Pick Your Poison Bingo (CO26); - ‘Chronic Pain’ – Pick Your Poison Bingo (CO27).

The first time I took Bug to Asgard, they were breathless from the moment they landed, staring up at the gold-clad Heimdall in wonder.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Bug,” the Guardian of the Gate rumbled ominously, his golden eyes set on my partner as they swallowed nervously. Thor glanced between Bug and his gatekeeper with a smirk, just as Heimdall’s face finally broke into a grin, hand extending. “It’s good to meet you at last.”

Bug reached out with trembling fingers, their hand vanishing amongst his, eyes comically wide. “Hi,” they squeaked, before blushing and clearing their throat. “You… You’ve heard about me?”

The Guardian chuckled, glancing at the God of Thunder pointedly. "You're a part of the team, are you not? The Prince speaks of you highly and often." 

They flushed crimson, scuffing their feet as they looked down shyly. "The Prince of Asgard talks about me..."

I snorted, kissing their head gently. "Is it any wonder? You're awesome. I talk about you constantly, too." My gaze flicked to Heimdall, and we exchanged a cursory nod. The Guardian was nice enough, but his capacity to see and hear everything across the Nine Realms was that something that could not sit quietly with me. There was nobody in this world – myself included – who knew everything I’d done, save the stoic Gatekeeper. The idea that he knew more of my greatest sins than even I did meant that I could never quite look him in the eye, even if he had never been anything but civil with me, in his own formal way.

That, and he’d definitely seen me fucking. Even the really weird stuff.

I felt heat rise in my cheeks at the memory of the night before, and Heimdall quirked an eyebrow minutely, making my flush grow darker. “We-” I cut myself off as my voice cracked, making the Guardian’s lips twitch infinitesimally, and I cleared my throat before pushing onward. “We, uh… We realised that Bug here had never seen Asgard. Given the time we’ve spent here… It seemed important.” My tone had dropped to a pained murmur, the amusement and embarrassment falling from our faces at the memories. While some of the time we’d spent here had been full of joy and laughter, my thoughts – and doubtless those of the people around me – turned immediately to the aftermath of my daughter’s birth and the events that followed, almost unravelling everything we’d all worked so hard to gain.

Bug squeezed my hand, gentle and reassuring, and I offered them a grateful smile. “I’m okay,” I murmured, pressing a soft kiss to their temple. It had been eight years now – but they knew I still woke in the night sometimes, pale and coated in sweat, breath coming hiccups as I remembered Loki holding Lia close to his chest, her desperate cries when he vanished, and her teeth closing around the muscle at my neck as she fought to free herself and return to his side.

But every time I woke, there they were, ready to reassure me that everyone was safe – that the Spiders were tucked up with Steve and Clint, and that my daughter was contentedly snoring away in the room she shared next door with her brother.

With a hard shake of my head, I banished the thoughts of darkness and ice, grasping my lover’s hand tighter in mine. “I wanted to show them the city, the palace… There are some beautiful sights out here.”

Heimdall nodded slowly, his inscrutable, calculating gaze on us. “Don’t wander too far,” he warned softly, an unexpected gravity to his voice. “You know better than most how easily one can lose themselves.” Thor simply waved a hand in gratitude, leading the way off along the rainbow bridge that joined gate and city, Bug dragging me along insistently in his wake with a joyful skip in their step.

We were halfway along the bridge before I looked back, Heimdall’s ominous warning still ringing in my ears and the hair on the back of my neck standing at attention. The Guardian was still watching us closely, enormous sword hanging loosely at his side, golden eyes unsettlingly serious as he gazed at our retreating forms.

“So, how was your first trip through the Bifrost, Small One?” Thor asked as we reached the outskirts of the city, glancing down at my partner trotting along eagerly beside him, their head barely reaching halfway up the God’s bicep.

“Surreal,” they chuckled, shaking their head, ringlets in their short ponytail bouncing with the motion and making me smile. My fingers reached out of their own volition to tweak the curls gently and Bug – Mars, to those who knew the face between the olive-green mask – shot me a grin, well aware of my adoration for the juxtaposition of their silver-streaked strands naturally contorting into an array of child-like spirals, and they tossed their head pointedly, fingers finding mine and holding tight. “I’d heard about it, but… I can’t believe how beautiful it was. So many colours…”

Thor smiled indulgently, shrugging a shoulder. “I suppose after a long lifetime, some of the wonder wears off,” he admitted with a chuckle. “But this… This never stops being breathtaking.” His eyes rose to the shining beauty of the Royal Palace of Valaskjalf, pale blue glittering with deep adoration.

Bug nodded in silent awe, gaze trailing the unique lines up to the towering peak, pupils wide and wonderous. “It’s incredible,” they whispered, hand clutching mine a little tighter as they glanced toward me. “You stayed here?” they clarified incredulously, and I snorted, nodding.

“Yeah… For quite a while, in the end,” I agreed, arm draping over their shoulder. “It really is a magnificent place – and so much to see,” I added, nudging them forward affectionately, their steps having grown sluggish as they looked around in wonder. With a happy blush, they picked up the pace, shooting me a teasing grin.

Of all the wonders the palace held, the vault captivated me the most, the secrets and creations held within offering endless stories and epic sagas of dwarves and frost giants and heroic battles in a far-off land.

But for Bug, I knew there was one place that would be far more captivating.

We’d started with the worst, requested quietly and without glamour. We visited the dining hall where we’d almost lost Lia, the bedroom Clint and I had shared with our daughter while we scoured the realms for our missing Spiders, and the gym where Lia had summoned the phantom of her forsaken love. The garden where her teeth had torn flesh from my shoulder in feral desperation was just as bright and warm as it had been then, but I shivered at the memory, Bug’s hand squeezing mine hard as I pointed out the wall she’d scaled in her frantic escape.

We visited the cells deep beneath the palace, and Thor waited outside as Bug and I entered, speaking of Ashe and their bravery in risking their life – or worse – to finally put an end to the Trickster’s torment and tyranny. The sterility, the lack of blood, shocked me, though it shouldn’t; there’d never been any in the first place. The only sign that the events had ever transpired at all was a golden, horned helmet sat on the bed of an open cell, a silent testament to what had happened in this room.

“They did a hard, horrible thing,” I noted quietly,  squatting to brush vibranium fingertips over the floor, imagining the pain seeped into the very foundations of the place. “Taking a life – especially so deliberately – even his… It never feels good, and they must have been terrified. But… I think what Lia did may have been even harder,” I acknowledged, hardly daring speak the words, my stubborn refusal to acknowledge her reality beginning to crumble just a little. “She truly loved him. And to make the choices she did – to accept that her love could only ever be used to torture those around her…” I shook my head quietly, tears building along my lash line. “She had to feel his neck break and watch the light fade from his eyes, and I don’t… I’m not certain she’ll ever truly be okay.”

Mars held me as I wept softly, the terrible truth of my worries in the years since Loki’s death finally finding voice. Their smaller frame rocked me gently and smoothed my hair, murmuring soft reassurances, and I couldn’t help but draw a contrast to the God of Mischief’s grip on the Spiders’ waiflike body, already so mistreated by the world.

But eventually I rose from the ground, damp-faced yet somewhat reassured, and we went in search of less haunted sights.

Thor regaled us with acts of bravery, of battles lost and won, as he pointed out relics and artefact the likes of which  most of humanity could barely fathom. Eventually, however, we had exhausted the contents of the vault – much to the dismay of an enraptured Bug – and the God of Thunder and I exchanged a knowing glance.

“I have business to attend to – a Prince’s job is never done, after all. I’m sure you know your way around well enough by now to find anything else that may be of interest to you. Come and find me when you’re done; I’d love to hear what you think of my home, little Bug.”

Thor excused himself with an unusual degree of grace, and I rolled my eyes fondly behind my partner’s back before slipping my hand once more into theirs. “C’mon, my love. I can think of one more thing I’d like to show you.”

Their eyes were abyssal as they gazed about themselves in wonder, mahogany almost entirely overtaken by onyx in their excitement.

“Holy shit,” they breathed, and I snorted.

“‘Holy’ is a stretch – but I guess Thor is technically a god,” I noted with a chuckle, though my words fell on deaf ears. There was no communicating with my beloved now – not when they were so single-mindedly enraptured.

“Holy shit.”

I laughed, head cocked adoringly, reaching forward to tug lightly on those curls once more. “Remember to breathe, please…”

They sucked in a deep, deliberate lungful, eyes flickering with an intense pleasure. “It smells so good…”

Snorting, I pulled out a chair from under the table beside us, dropping into it with a light-hearted sigh of resignation. “This is where we spend the rest of the day, I’m assuming?”

Their gaze finally flicked to me at last, reluctantly tearing their eyes away from the endless, towering bookcases, shelves bowed under the weight of ancient knowledge. “Day?” they clarified, the hairpin curve of their lips quirking in amusement. “You’ll have to pry my cold, dead corpse from this place, my love. I’m never leaving.”

I’d laughed at their quiet, steady declaration… But as evening rolled into night, and candles were lit, they showed no signs of slowing.

For a while I had simply watched, bemused, as they struggled with the enormity of the informational wealth offered to them, muttering that it would take a hundred lifetimes to even make a dent in so many books. When their eyes started to shift more erratically, fingers tapping out stucco beats on their forearm, I stepped in, their light-hearted complaints threatening to tip into an overwhelmed, indecisive panic. Their gaze found mine as I took their hands, offering them a soft smile. “This is for you to enjoy, sweetheart,” I reminded them gently, forehead resting against theirs. “Nobody could read everything here, no matter how much time they have. So… Just pick something that catches your eye, yeah?” I pressed a tender kiss to their temple, and they smiled up at me shakily, nodding.

“Okay.”

Despite this, however,  I was practically hemmed into my seat by piles of books. They’d narrowed it down to one category, they’d argued – but given that the category in question turned out to be ‘Asgardian History’, there was extraordinarily little they couldn’t see scope to include.

I’d attempted to lose myself in more fictional adventure, but the warmth of the fire raging in the hearth combined with Bug’s soft breaths and intermittent gasps of wonder had my eyes drifting closed. As fascinating as the facts with which they regaled me were, I was no match for the comforting embrace of sleep wreathing around me, and I let my head fall back against the high back of the seat, resigned to my fate.

I slept lightly, occasionally stirring at another delighted exclamation from my partner, simply smiling fondly without opening my eyes before letting my slumber reclaim me. They seemed contented enough to amuse themselves with their books – and after all the time they’d spent over the years encouraging me to rest, they rarely disturbed my sleep if they could help it, never denying me a few hours where possible. I felt guilty, on occasion  - after so long with so little time to relax, I now found myself sleeping almost too easily, prone to passing out in front of a movie or while cuddled up on the sofa – but they simply smiled and waved away my apologies, content to amuse themselves while I dozed.

And so it was here, with their occasional murmurs and mutterings and movements reassuring me of their contentment, that I found myself asleep once more, feet crossed at the ankle and the vibranium offering a comforting warmth against my chest. I listened out each time I was stirred, checking for any sign of distress, but there seemed to be only wonder and excitement, their voice occasionally cracking as it rose with glee, stumbling over words as they read passages aloud to themselves.

It was dark when I next woke.

The fire was smouldering in its hearth, glowing embers still throwing residual heat that told me it hadn’t been long since the flames had died. Most candles were extinguished, with those that remained sitting low on the wick and flickering warningly at the encroaching flood of molten wax in their microcosm.

It was dark, and I was alone.

Books still laid splayed across the table before me, and I moved silently, muscles bunched, senses at attention, every fibre of my being casting out into the room around me for some explanation or indication as to what had transpired during my rest.

My fingertips passed over an open page, and I hesitated, glancing down. A hand-drawn sketch stared back, my hand resting against the jowls of a large, salivating wolf, dark lines following wrinkled creases of a snarl and the tapered, razor-sharp canines as long as my thumb.

The page was still infinitesimally warm along those same lines – traced in fascination before my lover’s apparent disappearance, no doubt. This would have enraptured them, a fierceness burning in the gaze staring out from the page that was both terrifying and alluring, captured with a realism that photography could never depict.

But this told me nothing of where my previously present Bug had absconded to, and I slammed the book closed with a feral snarl that would put the beast itself to shame.

Logic told me not to worry; my lover was notorious for their gnat-like attention span. Experience, however, had taught me that nothing in Asgard was ever simple, and that the worst of nightmares could come true here.

I turned on my heel, hands curling into automatic fists my sides, a growl rumbling in my chest. But no sooner had I taken a step towards the doors than they slammed open, books trembling on their shelves with the force.

“-entirely unacceptable! I welcomed you into my home, gave you free rein to explore, and set aside a significant portion of my time to show you around, and you dare-”

“-let this happen, and go on for so long? It’s barbaric! I can’t believe you; I always thought you were a good guy, but I guess I-”

“-don’t know anything about how things work around here; you speak of events that transpired long before your birth, and you cannot-”

“-no better than Odin! You’re no better than your brother!”

The silence that followed the echoing declaration was all-consuming, and the god took a half-step back, eyes wide and appalled. I moved quickly to step between the pair, a hand extended toward each heaving chest. “That’s enough! What the hell is wrong with you both? What could possibly warrant this behaviour? You’re teammates – friends, even! What are you-”

“Ask him,” Mars snapped, despair creeping into their tone beside the anger. “Ask him what he’s been party to for almost his entire life. Ask him what he did – what he continues to do, every single day!” They shook their head in disgust, turning away to snatch the book I’d been assessing from the table and press it into my hands. “Or even better, you can read all about it. It’s all in there. Their self-fellating account of their crimes.”

With a frown, I turned back to the page with the image of the snarling wolf, pausing only briefly at the illustration before turning my attention to the words opposite.

As I read, my horror grew.

It was an account of Fenris – Fenrisulfr, or the Fenris Wolf, the book explained. Loki’s son, borne of his union with the jötunn Angrboða, and the youngest of the pairs’ three offspring. Each of the trio were fated to play a role in Ragnarök - the fabled end of the nine realms as predetermined throughout Asgardian history - and so the Asgardians took action to neutralise the threat. The oldest, Jormungandr – also known as Miðgarðsormr, the Serpent of Midgard – was cast into the World Sea, an ouroboros encircling the realm of humans. The middle child, Hel, ruled over the domain of the same name in Niflheim, which acted as the final resting place for those of non-Heroic death.

And then there was the youngest. The great wolf who, even as a pup, incited such fear amongst the gods that only one dared feed him. Týr, a war god known for law and justice, was known to the wolf – trusted, it seemed. But as the wolf grew, so too did the gods’ anxieties, and they planned to trap the creature and end the threat he posed.

They proposed a test of strength, to which the wolf agreed. He was bound, but broke free of the fetters easily. Time and again the wolf freed himself, and the gods despaired. They employed the help of the dwarves of Svartalfheim, who crafted Gleipnir, curiously light and supple and made from impossible components – the sound of a cat’s footsteps, or the breath of a fish. Impossible to know, impossible to hold – and therefore, it was thought, impossible to fight against.

Fenris was suspicious of such a seemingly delicate chain, and agreed to be bound only with a hand placed between his jaws as a gesture of good faith; it was intended as a pledge to free him, should he be unable to break his restraints. Only Týr would consent, and when the great wolf found himself trapped, he bit off and swallowed the hand that had fed him.

The wolf was transported, restrained, to a lonely and desolate island in the middle of the lake Amsvartnir, where the chain that held him was secured to a boulder, and a sword positioned vertically between his mighty jaws to keep them parted.

And there he remained – as far as anyone knew – howling ceaselessly, the drool that flowed from open maw forming the river Ván.

When I had finished reading, I stared at the final period silently. It was a horror story, pure and simple – but, as Mars had so aptly summarised, it was painted as a success, a victory of good over evil. The mighty beast could do no harm, and the gods were safe.

I slowly rose my gaze, finding Thor watching me with arms folded stubbornly over his chest, but the flicker of guilt in his eyes betrayed him his humanity. “This is barbaric,” I murmured, swallowing dryly. Bug opened their mouth to follow up with their own furious exclamation, but I flicked my eyes to them, hand raising. “It’s barbaric… But I’m not sure what can be done, Mars.”

They stared at me in disbelief, fury still creasing their features. “Wh- We have to stop this! It’s torture, James. You of all people-”

“I’m not any happier about this than you are,” I interrupted with a low, warning growl, my muscles taut. “But it sounds, by all accounts, that freeing the wolf with have catastrophic consequences. He’s dangerous, sweetheart.”

“So that means he deserves eternal agony?” they snapped, eyes burning into mine. “People once thought you dangerous, if I remember rightly. What if you’d never been given a chance to prove otherwise?” They looked between the pair of us, fury evident in their hard-set jaw. “Have none of you geniuses ever stopped to think that maybe it’s because he’s been tortured that this prophecy – or whatever – exists? That maybe by doing this to him, you’ve set in motion the events that make him want to end the world?”

Silence fell once more, all-consuming and punctuated only by their harsh, angry breathing as Thor and I glanced at one another in uncertainty and surprise. “He never hurt anyone before then, right? You were all afraid of him because of some stupid prophecy, and it seems to me that everything you did to him to avoid it only made it more likely, not less.”

“It’s too late,” Thor argued weakly, shaking his head. “Even if you’re right, it’s been a long time. Freeing him now would only act to bring about the prophecy faster.”

“Yeah, well,” they retorted, cracking their knuckles pointedly. “Your prophecy didn’t expect me.”

“Absolutely not,” I snorted, shaking my head. “Not a chance in hell. No. I can’t let you do that.”

Their face fell, expression shifting from one of grim determination to utter heartbreak. “But-”

“This creature is supposed to bring about the apocalypse and kill gods. Including, but not limited to, Odin. You know, the All-Father. The head honcho. Basically the big boss of all the gods,” I stressed, my gaze drilling into my partner’s. “What chance do you have? You’re just a human.”

The second the words left my mouth, I winced, jaw closing with an audible click as their face hardened and turned expressionless. “I didn’t mean-”

“You’re right,” they interrupted, their tone clipped and cold. “You’re right. I’m just a human. This isn’t my world.” They looked about themselves, taking in the colossal library with an air of finality, before turning that mahogany gaze, once blazing with joy, back to me. “I’d like to go home now, please.”

I stretched out a hand as I stepped closer, flinching. “Acushla-”

With a hard shake of their head, they moved back, arms wrapping protectively around their waist. “Take me home, Bucky.”

The silence between us was painful as we traversed the shimmering bridge of light once more, but I’d run out of things to say in my desperate attempts at starting a conversation.

Heimdall was waiting for us, golden eyes impassive.

Of course he knows. He knows everything.

His gaze locked on theirs once more when their hand disappeared between his, a look passing between the pair as he offered them a courteous nod. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon,” he murmured, and I frowned minutely.

“Can’t imagine we’ll be back for a while,” I muttered, jaw set.

Coming here had been a mistake. Nothing good ever came of this place.

The moment we arrived back at the farm, the Bifrost carving an unintelligible pattern into our grass, Mars stormed off, ignoring me as I called after them.

The front door opened, Arrow barrelling into the yard to greet me, my husband stood at the threshold. Clint cocked his head in confusion as Bug pushed past him, turning his eyes to me. “… Good trip?”

Snorting, I pushed a hand through my hair, thoroughly exhausted. “I’m really starting to hate that place.”

With a weak smile, he moved towards me, pulling me into a gentle, comforting hug. “How about we go for a walk, hm?”

“… But I don’t think I’m being unreasonable, not wanting to get involved in this, right? It’s dangerous. I just want them to be safe.”

We were still within sight of the farmhouse, and I looked back with a worried frown, expression softening a little at the sight of my daughter and Nat giggling at the chickens pecking in their run. “We’ve all been through so much,” I murmured, smiling as Artemis knelt in the dust, fingers poking through the wire to pet one of her many feathered friends. “Everyone’s finally safe. Is that too much to ask?”

“No,” he assured me quietly, hand sliding into mine to offer a reassuring squeeze. “It isn’t. After everything this family has had thrown at it, I think it’s a pretty damn reasonable desire.” His eyes moved to the upper windows, and he frowned softly. “But… I don’t know Mars as well as you do, obviously. But I know they’re determined, and stubborn when they need to be. They’re like the Spiders in that way,” he added, glancing at our wife with a snort. I couldn’t help but chuckle my agreement, considering Nat as she leaned over the low fence, laughing in unison with the miniature version of her cooing at her hens. “I think you should let them go.”

My gaze snapped to his, narrowing sharply. “What are you-”

“If you don’t, they’ll never forgive you,” he replied simply, shrugging. “This is important to them. You know that, James.”

Jaw closing with a soft click, I scowled at him, fingers curling into fists by my sides. He was right, of course; I already knew that. I’d told him about our disagreement in the hopes that he’d be able to reassure me that they wouldn’t resent me for it, but it seemed my desires had been in vain. He was watching me with gentle, apologetic eyes, and my expression faded as I sighed. “You’re right.” I sat, defeated, on the low brick wall bordering the flowerbeds Ashe had worked tirelessly on. “Of course you’re right. I’m just- I can’t risk anything happening to them, Clint.”

Tears pricked along my lash line as he sat beside me, arm encircling my waist to pull me against him. “I know, sweetheart,” he murmured, lips skimming my hair. “But if you don’t let them go, you might lose them. I suppose all you can do is try to keep them safe.” I could feel his gaze on Nat and Artemis as Lia skipped from the house to join them, our son giggling in her arms. “That’s all we can ever do.”

I hummed my agreement, leaning into his shoulder gratefully as I watched this part of our family laughing and playing easily. “… I should go apologise, huh?”

He chuckled softly, squeezing me against him. “Yeah, probably.”

My knuckles made a harsh sound on the wood, and I flinched, recoiling instinctively from the din, deafening in the silence. “Mars? Honey? Are you- Can I come in?” Pausing, I waited for a response, frowning minutely when none came. “Buglet?”

I pushed the door open cautiously, apprehensive about disturbing them if they’d rather be left alone. But our bed lay made and empty, with no sign of life save a piece of crumpled paper resting on the sheets. My fingers shook as they snagged the note, fearing the worst – but even my concerns couldn’t have prepared me for what was coming.

J,

I can’t leave him like that. I’m sorry.

[multifandom-flash]

Warm is Good - Oneshot

Pairing: Tony Stark x Bucky Barnes

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Summary: Bucky has a hard time dealing with the Cold front that has fallen over New York City and that marks the beginning of Winter. Tony makes sure he's okay and gives him something nice and cosy to focus on.

Warnings: Trauma, PTSD

Filled Bingo Prompts:

Sweatshirt - @winterironevents

"I supposed that I deserve to spare myself some love, don't you think so too?", ignoring everything around them and having eyes only for one person - @seasonaldelightsbingo types of Love Bingo

Hot Chocolate Dates, holding hands to warm up - @seasonaldelightsbingo Winter Wonderland Bingo 2023

Coming home - @comfy-vember Day 18

Image Prompt [Confused Winter Soldier] - @buckybarnesbingo

New Treatment - @fandom-free-bingo Flight Edition

Struggling to break free - @fandom-free-bingo Valentine's Edition

The lights are always on, Whispering to one another - @fandom-free-bingo Book Night Edition

"Walk with me." - @fandom-free-bingo Maritime May

Candle Light - @fandom-free-bingo August Chaos

Snowflakes - @fandom-free-bingo Bug Edition

'Shadows Fill my Mind Up.', Feeling for the other's hand - @fandom-free-bingo Medical Edition

Snowed In - @tonystarkbingo

Mending a Broken Heart - @marvelrarepairbingo Round 4

Fragile Peace, Journey to find oneself, Trapped in his own mind, Broken Code - @multifandom-flash Marvel Edition

Dare: Take someone on a hot chocolate date - @slumberpartybingo Fall Flash

Settling Down - @multiversebingo Good Things Can Happen Bingo

Image Prompt:

[multifandom-flash]

Chapter Twelve - "If You Want to Know How Much I Love You, Count All the Waves in the Sea."

It's the final chapter ;-;

Everyone's favourite Pretty Ship Boys celebrate their freedom. CW: Smut, in varying degrees of BDSM-ish-ness.

Prompts used (contains spoilers); - ‘Fucking Like Rabbits’, ‘Marathon Sex’, ‘Caught Fucking’ - @anyfandomgoesbingo (Kink); - ‘Heavy Bondage’, ‘Forced Orgasm’ – Any Fandom Goes Bingo (Dark); - ‘Kink: Tentacles’ – @buckybarnesbingo (B005); - ‘Fingered to Orgasm in a Public Space’ – @fandombingo ; - ‘Shibari’, ‘Breeding Kink’, ‘Caught Masturbating’ - @fandom-free-bingo (Flight Edition); - ‘Sleepy Sex’ – Fandom-Free Bingo (Frosty Edition);

- ‘5 Times They Have Sex Together & 1 Time They Get Caught’ – @julybreakbingo (4x4); - ‘Blindfolded or Gagged’, ‘Bruises or Hickeys’, ‘Kink: Lazy Sex’ – July Break Bingo (7x7); - ‘Bondage Art’, ‘Dom Drop’ – Kinky Things Happen Bingo (discontinued); - ‘Culture: Public Displays of Affection’ – @multifandom-flash Bingo (Taboo – 6045); - ‘Orgasmically Delicious’ – Multifandom Flash Mini Bingo( Thanksgiving – 7023); - ‘Somnophilia’ – Multifandom Flash – New Year – NSFW; - ‘Tentacled Terror’ – Multifandom Flash Bingo – World Oceans Day – Aquatic Animal; - ‘Walk the Plank’ – Multifandom Flash Bingo – World Oceans Day – Extra +1; - ‘Underwater Kiss’ – Multifandom Flash Bingo – World Oceans Day – Mer; - ‘Kink: Fingering After Sex’ – Pre-July Break Flash Bingo; - ‘Skinny Dip’ – @sweetspicybingo (Sweetheart); Check it out below, or on AO3 here! All below the cut because all the smut. Boards at the end!

One.

The morning after my Lieutenant made sweet, beautiful love to me, I stirred and stretched out muscles stiffened by deep sleep. The motion of my hips at the movement brought a sudden awareness of the cock still inside me, twitching and filling as the man behind me stirred.

He let out a soft sigh, arm curling tighter around my waist as he shifted automatically. “Mm, morning…” he breathed, burying his face in my throat. With a contented purr, I tipped my head to ease his access, pressing back against him.

“Hey, Sailor,” I hummed, one hand reaching back to knot in his hair. The mouth on my neck moved harder, sucking lightly at the sensitive skin, and I let out a quiet groan as his hips shifted once me, his length beginning to stretch me out as he grew harder. “Fuck, that feels good…”

He grunted happily, his hand snaking between my legs to caress my clit, light and lazy. “Just enjoy, my sweet, sleepy boy… I’ve got you.”

I nodded and sighed contentedly, relishing in his gentle movements, the way he rocked against me causing stars to spark behind my eyes. “God, yes… You make me feel so good, Gregor…” I murmured, holding on a little tighter, legs inching apart. The way he unmade me, with such care and attention, brought tears to my eyes, my fingers curling in the sheets as I came undone. It seemed almost effortless, the manner with which he made me dissolve, his hips moving slowly but firmly against me.

I was already trembling once more by the time his pace began to increase, and a quiet groan escaped me as he whined and tried to move me back nearer. His eyes widened in surprise as I straddled his hips, whimpering in pleasure as he re-entered me.

“You’re so hot,” he breathed, hands finding my hips as I rutted eagerly, his head falling back. “Fuck – you take it so goddamn well, baby boy, already riding that cock like a pro…”

I moaned breathlessly, the angle offering a new, deeper reach that had my eyes rolling back in pleasure. “Oh, God, that’s- fuck, th-that’s-”

His grip shifted to my ribs, pulling me down against his chest to kiss me deeply. “That good, sweetheart?” he breathed, hips pressing up to meet mine. “Enjoying that thick cock buried so fucking deep in your tight pussy, beautiful?”

I mewled uselessly, burying my face in his throat, nipping and licking with a desperate need to bring him as much pleasure as he brought to me. “Please – God, yes, so good, so deep, I can’t- I’m going to come, Captain, please, pl-” My words died amongst a rapturous moan as he snapped his hips up roughly. He’d only been gentle with me until now, sweetly making love to me with cautious movement.

But now his fingers dug into the soft skin of my back, fucking up into me with fierce, wordless need, grunts of pleasure falling readily. As my muscles tensed and I met his thrusts with my own spasmodic movements, crying out frantically as he sent me hurtling into the abyss.

He growled aloud with the effort of restraining himself until my quivering began to subside, only then allowing himself to bury himself inside me with a deafening groan, frantic hands grasping at me.

It wasn’t until his cock had finished twitching inside me that he finally fell still, panting and clutching me desperately against his chest. “You’ll be the death of me, sweet boy,” he whispered breathlessly, pressing a trembling kiss to my sweat-damp temple. “But it’s a death I’ll go to gladly, and with a smile on my face.”

Two.

It took two weeks of tender, mind-blowing lovemaking, each adoring rock of his hips matched by the mellow motions of the ship on a calm sea, for Greg’s bullet wound to heal enough for him to exercise a little more.

Watching my lover haul on ropes with a broad grin plastered across his face,  sun-kissed skin taut over straining muscles, had my chest aching with love. He was truly in his element once more – and I’d never found him more beautiful. I had every intention of showing him exactly how much I wanted him once our day was over; the return to duty took its toll, however, and he was asleep the moment his head touched the pillow, lips curled up at the edges and parted in soft, breathy snores. I could only grin to myself, fingertips delicately caressing the bare skin over his spine as he tucked himself further into my side, cheek pressed to my bare chest, purring with unconscious contentment.

The feeling of him nuzzled up against me, happy and resting easily, was enough to drag me into a heavy sleep of my own. When I woke to the gentle rocking of the ship, he was still unconsciously burrowed into my side, getting some well-deserved rest. I smoothed his hair adoringly, smiling when he let out a gentle, contented sigh and pressed closer.

The movement made me starkly aware the length digging into my hip ad leaking against the thin cotton covering, dampening my own boxers. I paused only briefly as my eyes flicked to his face, checking for any sign of impending consciousness and smiling when I found none. Moving with slow, cautious gestures, I inched away from him and down the bed, the absence of my body against his leading him to roll onto his back. The outline of his hard cock stood at attention had my mouth watering and the space between my thighs throbbing with desire as I knelt between his legs, carefully peeling down his boxers to reveal his thick, engorged length to my ravenous gaze.

My eyes shifted to his peaceful expression once more before I shimmied closer, delicately running the tip of my tongue along the underside of his cock as it twitched under my attention. A soft, low whine sounded overhead as I took his length between my lips, sucking lightly and purring at the taste of him on my tongue.

It wasn’t until a third of his cock was in my mouth and my head was bobbing, smooth and slow, that he began to stir, letting out first a sleepy, aroused moan, then a second, shocked and eager, as his hand found my hair and he thrusted weakly.

“Holy f- God- Guh-Good morning to you too, Snowflake,” my Captain stammered, one eye opening to gaze down at me as my tongue swirled around his cock, cheeks hollowing from the effort as I sucked on his length a little harder. “Fuck, a hell of a way to start the day, sweet boy… My God, I love that mouth, you feel so fucking good…”

With a soft hum of happiness, I buried him a little deeper, letting his tip brush the back of my throat and eliciting a sharp groan from my lover.

When I drew back infinitesimally, he whined through his teeth, attempting to pull me closer until my fingers closed around his wrist, holding him off until I could release his cock and fix him with a level stare. “I’ll be back to it in a moment, my love,” I murmured, trailing soft, gentle kisses along his length. He let out a quiet whimper of protest, but dutifully ceased his tugging on my hair, letting his hand fall to the bed with a frustrated thump. Watching me carefully as I moved, his gaze finally lit up with understanding as I settled a knee either side of his head.

Immediately, his tongue strained to meet me, skimming over my slick folds as his arms wrapped around my thighs, attempting to drag me closer and groaning in frustration when I held steady. “Please- fuck, fuck, please, baby- please, my baby boy, I need you, I need-”

His words died with a rapturous moan as I settled atop him, his tongue desperately lapping and licking and probing with a feral desperation. I trembled at his eagerness, relishing the enthusiasm of his mouth against me, nails clenching against my legs in his frantic desire. My own pleasure made me just as needy, and I leant forward to take him in my mouth once more, whining at the feeling of his tongue sliding inside me, reaching desperately for the core of me, searching for some hidden part of me that only he knew.

When he skimmed his tongue over the bundle of sensitive nerves I cried out, ducking my head quickly and taking every inch of his cock deeply in my throat, working him with every movement and bit of pleasure he gave me. My own hands found his legs, one tracing a line over a delectable curve of muscle to roll his balls gently, eliciting a grunt of pleasure and a renewed vigour between my own thighs.

On and on the cycle went, each of us pushing the other higher, working one another with increasing desperation as we grew closer to our inevitable conclusion. I could feel every muscle in his body trembling desperately as he fought to restrain himself, refusing to let go until I could join him in that blissful hurtle headlong into abyssal pleasure.

It was the taste of the short bursts he couldn’t contain that sent me over the edge, the taste of him in his desperation proving too much for me to handle. His grip was hand on my waist as he held me to him tightly, tongue lapping as he groaned and jerked. I could feel his fingertips digging into my flesh, hard and bruising, keeping me close while I writhed and spasmed, swallowing hungrily around his pulsating cock.

Three

Greg left me spent and weak, laughing shakily with the force of my orgasm, a gentle kiss pressed to my forehead and murmuring for me to get a little more rest. I could only hum my agreement, eyes closing of their own volition, every inch of me depleted. The door closed with a quiet click, and I was alone, lulled by waves and the distant timbre of the Lieutenant’s voice as he spoke with those early to rise on deck.

But in my half-conscious state, as life crept back into my tender muscles, true sleep eluded me. Instead, wreathed in sheets still sweat-damp and warm, I could only become increasingly aware of the scent of him. His unique aroma of salt and weather-worn rope and home settled low in my abdomen, the ache between my thighs returning insistently. The memory of his tongue on me and his cock buried in my throat came unbidden, and I swallowed, one eye opening thoughtfully.

The space between my legs was still slick and sensitive, earning a soft moan as my knees fell apart and fingertips trailed slowly over my slit. The knowledge that his mouth had not long eagerly followed the same path had me growing wetter, and I couldn’t restrain as whimper of pleasure as I slipped two fingers inside myself.

“Fuck – yes, Lieutenant, just like that,” I breathed, head falling back, hand moving slowly and replaced, in my mind, with his.

Lost in my fantasy, whimpering quietly, I was not present enough in reality to hear that soft click once more, the door to the Captain’s quarters offering the perfect view of my exposed thighs beneath a rucked sheet as I squirmed and mewled pitifully.

It wasn’t until he cleared his throat that my gaze shot up, and I felt myself burn crimson, legs snapping shut in shame as I bolted upright. “Shit- I’m sorry, I- I was just-”

“Shut up,” he murmured, shedding his shirt as he stroke closer, the sheet dragged hungrily from my body. I barely had time to register my embarrassment before he was on his knees before me, pulling my legs apart with a growl. “Insatiable, aren’t you?” he purred, trailing a fingertip over y slick folds, a hint of a rumble in his voice sending a shiver down my spine. “Freshly come-drunk and already desperate for more…”

“Couldn’t help myself,” I gasped, fingers curling in the sheets as he slid two digits inside me, pumping slowly. “You – mm – you tasted so good, made me feel so good…”

He pressed gentle kisses along the inside of my thigh, skirting along the side of my slit and making me whimper. “And you thought you’d take matters into your own hands, hm? Without your Captain’s permission?” He tutted, fingers curling inside me and eliciting a sharp gasp. “You’d deny me the opportunity, Sergeant?”

“N-no, Sir,” I stammered quickly, vehemently shaking my head. “You- you were busy… I didn’t want to interrupt…”

His hand drew back to administer a stinging slap to my wetness, and I yelped in surprise, blushing at the pleasure that coursed through my veins and nodding hurriedly when his gaze flicked to mine, seeking clarification. With a smile, his digits slipped inside me once more, pulling a stuttered groan from parted lips. “Never too busy for you, sweet boy,” he murmured, tongue flicking teasingly against my clit, my hips jerking needily. “Certainly never too busy to take care of this sweet, soaked pussy…”

I mewled helplessly as his fingers moved more firmly inside me, knees falling further apart, my wanton desperation earning an approving smirk. “Please- please, Sir… Take care of me, please…”

His eyebrow arched, stern and playful, and he lifted his head from between my legs while I whimpered. “Oh – you think it’s going to be that easy, do you?” He clucked his tongue sympathetically as he removed his fingers, leaving me aching and empty. “No, my pet… You stroked this pretty pussy without my permission, and I’m going to make sure you learn.” A hand found my abdomen, pinning my squirming hips to the sheets, eyes meeting mine once more and glowing with pleasure when I nodded infinitesimally.

Even as my eyes were covered, leaving me blind and exposed, I felt anything but vulnerable. I trusted the man trailing his fingertips down my chest with my life. Rope passed around my wrists and pulled my arms overhead, and my back arched without fear, offering myself willingly and eagerly for a punishment I was certain I would enjoy. I held no doubt that I was safe from harm here, even as firm hands pressed my legs apart once more.

“You seem to be under the misguided impression that this is your pussy, Sergeant,” he purred, punctuating his words with another sharp slap to my wetness, earning a whimper of surprise and pleasure.

“But that’s not true, is it?”

Another strike, and my cheeks coloured at the sound of his palm against my soaked slit.

“This pussy belongs to me, pet. Mine. Do you hear me?”

My thighs inched further apart at the next impact, and I arched into his touch, nodding desperately.

“I said, do you hear me?”

Another slap, harder this time, and I yelped, eyes rolling back in pleasure behind my blindfold. “I hear you! Yours- I-I… I belong to you…”

Slap.

“Louder.”

“I’m yours,” I groaned, pressing closer needily.

Slap!

“Louder!”

“My pussy belongs to you, Sir!” I cried, straining against coarse ropes, frantic to touch myself – or to convince him to – as my wetness flowed readily. “Yours- all yours, to fuck and touch and- please, Lieutenant, please!”

Without warning, the blows stopped; the bed beneath me shifted as he moved away, and I let out a soft, tortured sob, hips rutting, desperately seeking any form of friction I could find.

More movement, and I stilled, the tip of cock his trailing lightly over me. My breath stuttered in my chest, and I hardly dared move, every nerve in my body focused intently on the leaking, rubbing head of his length rutting against me teasingly. “This is what you need, isn’t it?” he breathed, a hand wrapping tight around my hip as I nodded weakly. “Stroking this pretty cunt and fantasising about getting fucked like a whore….”

With a whimper, I nodded again, straining against his grip as my desperation increased, veins thrumming with the need to have him inside me. “Please, Captain…”

I cried out in surprise and delight as he pressed into me without warning, the thickness stretching me open quickly and sparking stars behind my eyes with the pleasure of it.

“There you go, pet… That’s  what you wanted, hm? Someone to split you in half and treat you like the needy slut you are?” His mouth found my throat as he fucked me roughly, leaving searing marks in his wake, while I could only sob and cling to him, helpless against the waves of pleasure thrumming through me with each thrust.

“N-not someone,” I stammered weakly, back arching to press myself blindly closer. “Just you – only you, Sir, please…”

I felt his gentle chuckle against my skin, and a warmth spread through me at his quiet delight, his hands holding me a little tighter. “That’s right; you’re mine, aren’t you? All mine.” I nodded desperately, a broken whimper of relief slipping between my lips as his fingers found my throbbing clit at last. “That’s it, Sergeant. You take it so well – such a pretty toy for me to play with.” His thrusts grew rougher and less rhythmic, and his free hand curled in my hair, clutching me tighter to his skin scented of sweat and sea and something intrinsic to my sailor. My legs wrapped around his hips to take him deeper, every stroke increasing my wetness – and the accompanying sordid sounds, which only served to drive me higher.

The lieutenant noticed the pressure before I did. He grunted and increased his pace, and it was then that I whimpered my need, warning him of an intense, impending something. His mouth found mine as he drew back, and I wailed in surprise and pleasure as my body gushed readily, soaking sailor and sheets in equal measure. No sooner had flood faded to a trickle than he was inside once more, grunting his delight at my neediness and pounding me into the mattress with brutal, sloppy strokes.

My nails tightened against my own palms, my sobs breathless and frantic. “Please- please, fuck, I need you! I need you to fill me up, Sir, please – need you to stuff me up – I’m yours, Sir, please!”

With a groan of surrender, he buried himself to the hilt inside me, the feeling of his cock pulsing as he released hot ropes deep within me drawing me over my own precipice with an inhuman howl.

I expected him to untie me the moment he pulled back, moving to his knees between my thighs with a soft sound of effort.

But instead, his fingers travelled over my slick, leaking pussy, making me whimper and jerk sensitively. He shushed me softly as two digits slid into my bruised hole, pushing his steadily dripping seed back inside me with a low rumble of pleasure. “That’s it, my sweet boy… Don��t want any of your Captain’s precious cum going to waste, do you?” He purred as I shook my head hard, a thumb gently smoothing over the flat skin of my abdomen. “One day I’m going to fuck a baby into you, Sergeant. I’ll fuck you until you’re all full up and fat for me… Would you like that, sweet boy?”

I whimpered weakly, nodding and squirming pointedly, wrapping my legs around his waist when he crawled atop me and crushing my lips to his once more.

Four

I was barely able to walk by the time night settled over the ship once more, but my Captain still was not done with me.

My body was littered with bites and scratches and blooming bruise, and the ropes had gone from being simply passed around my wrists to tied around my body in intricate patterns. I was bound and helpless, my thighs secured to my chest, leaking hole on display and offered to his mercy.

And what mercy it had been.

He’d taken me every which way until I was sobbing at the oversensitivity, weak and trembling and no longer able to support my own weight. At that point, he’d simply tied me up and tossed me to the sheets before continuing his exquisite torture – frequently checking in to affirm my consent, of course.

It seemed to me he was determined to make up for the time we’d spent together before this was a part of our relationship, and for the period of his recovery when the roughness he now treated me with wasn’t possible; a notion to which I was only too eager to comply. But even the impressive creature that was my Captain had limits, and after several orgasms and little sustenance, he’d all but emptied the tank.

I’d assumed, at that point, that the marathon was over, and my ‘punishment’, delicious as it had been, had reached its conclusion. But he had simply smiled at me, secured my thighs to my chest in a delicate entrapment of rope, and slid two fingers inside me, my whines falling on deaf ears. He’d made sure I was clear on how to stop this – words and gestures that would bring an immediate halt to proceedings for any reason – so he simply brushed a tear from my cheek with his free hand, working me with a practiced skill that set my bones alight while he crooned. “Just one more, sweet boy… You can give me one more, can’t you? I know you want to…”

I nodded my agreement to the latter, wriggling weakly against my binds.

I’d sell my soul to the devil if you asked it of me.

“I-I don’t know if I can,” I mewled pitifully, voice broken from cries and moans. “Please, Sir – I’m so sensitive, I-I don’t know if-” I cut myself off with a cracked groan as his digits curled inside me, my tenderised walls quivering in a painful pleasure.

“Oh, you can,” he purred, hand moving a little faster, “and you will.” His thumb brushed over my clit, and I jerked, fresh tears leaking free as my eyes squeezed shut.

“Please – I can’t, Captain, I can’t, I-”

His fingers curved again and he worked me deeper, removing all semblance of coherent thought from my mind with the motion as I wailed. I’d long ago lost any concern of being overheard – there simply was not space left in me to care, or to consider the matter at all, let alone moderate the sounds I made.

He knew my body better than I did, and when his digits began to speed up in response to some unknown stimuli, I whimpered, giving the ropes that held me fast an obligatory but pointless tug. “Please, Captain… I’m- I…”

He leant down and brushed his lips over mine, surprisingly sweet and chaste, before pressing his forehead to my own tenderly. “Come for me, Snowflake,” he breathed, his gaze locked intensely on mine.

I couldn’t look away as I unravelled for him, every muscle in my body straining and striving at the ropes to do something against the beautiful torture – whether to seek more or make it end was unclear – and cries fell unbidden from my bitten and kiss-flush lips. His hand never stilled nor slowed until my spine lost its bow-taut curve and my tears ran freely, every inch of my body loose and powerless sae the rhythmic clenching of my overworked pussy around his fingers. His movements were slow, exhausted, as he drew back, earning a weak whine, and untied me, easing my aching limbs into more natural positions.

It wasn’t until he held me in his arms, my head upon his chest, that I noticed his trembling, and tipped my face up to look at him, pulling the sheets closer about us. “Are you okay?” I murmured, brow furrowing with concern. He nodded slowly, pulling me tighter against him.

“A bit of a… Dip, of sorts. It takes a toll sometimes, being a dominant… There are occasions when the feelings fade and it’s a little… Uncomfortable.”

He offered me a weak smile, but my frown only deepened, his reassurance doing little to alleviate my worry. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

His head tipped slightly as he considered the offer, before the cure of his lips softened, gentle brown gaze locked on mine. “You could hold me?”

No sooner had the suggestion – the soft, almost hesitant request – left lips slightly bruised by passionate kisses than I was in motion, bundling the lieutenant flush to my chest and pressing my cheek to dark, sweat-damp hair. “I’ve got you, Gregor. My sweet, wonderful, perfect Captain. You’re incredible. That was incredible. I’ve never felt so…” I trailed off as I fought for the words, a low shiver working through my depleted body. “Much.”

He hummed contentedly, pressing his lips to my chest and nuzzling closer as exhaustion caught up with him. “Good… That’s good,” he murmured, voice slurring, trembling subsiding. “That’s good… ‘m good.”

I bit back a fond chuckle, fingers caressing his spine. “You’re perfect,” I clarified softly, smiling as I brushed a feather-light kiss over his forehead.

Five

I was on deck when my Captain awoke, driven from the warmth of our shared bet a short while before by the alluring dawn calls of the seabirds. My body ached in the most satisfying of ways as I rested with my forearms on the railing, face upturned to the dazzling display scattered over the glassy open. It was a mild morning, warm and clear, and the sea was surprisingly settled so far from shore – we’d dropped anchor sometime in the evening while Greg and I were otherwise indisposed, ahead of a scheduled stop for supplies. The south coast of Sri Lanka was a little more than a haze in the distance, and I was, admittedly, somewhat nervous about shore leave; it hadn’t gone especially well for me last time, after all.

But a lungful of fresh salted air and the barest hint of a breeze caressing skin warmed by the sunrise helped ease my mind – as did the arm snaking around my waist, lips skimming against my bare shoulder, eliciting a tender smile, my gaze still on the sky.

“Good morning, Captain.”

He purred quietly, pulling me a little closer, kissing up my throat slowly. “Good morning, Snowflake,” he murmured, warm breath washing over my skin and making me tremble. “I woke up and you were gone…”

I couldn’t help but smile infinitesimally at the innocent sadness in his voice, fingers trailing over the strong arm around me. “I wanted to take in the morning,” I replied, equally quiet, reluctant to break the reverent hush of the dawn, punctuated only by the whispered lapping of minute waves against the hull. “Sorry, sweetheart.”

“Mm, so you should be,” he hummed playfully, holding me tighter, and I grinned.

“Whatcha gonna do, Sailor? Make me walk the plank?” I teased back. My gasp was audible as he spun me quickly, pinned against the bulwark by his hands either side of me, face-to-face with his wicked smirk.

“I’m no pirate, boy,” he breathed, his mouth a half-inch from mine and making my heart race. “But… Maybe.”

Grinning, I kissed him quickly, then ducked under his arm, one eyebrow sliding into a playful arch. “Actually… A dip sounds quite nice right now…”

His eyes widened as I hooked my thumbs in slacks sitting low on my hips, throat bobbing visibly, and he glanced around. “Are y-”

The words trailed off in a groan as I turned, sliding down my trousers to reveal a bare – likely bruised – ass, stepping readily from my clothes and purring at the feeling of the warm sun on my skin. I could hear him beside me as I approached the rope over the space in the bulwark, and I moved slowly, unclipping it and stepping into the gap, eyeing the ocean beneath me with a grin. The moment I felt his fingertips skim my spine, I dove, eyes closing in pleasure as I broke the surface.

My body felt light and buoyant as I paused, lids parting to gaze into the depths. The sea above was a smooth, crystalline blue – but beneath the infinitesimal waves it became an explosion of colour, reds and yellows and greens in constant motion beneath corals in hues I could scarcely begin to explain. I watched for as long as I could, captivated, before my lungs cried out for air, forcing me to my own world once more.

Greg was staring down at me as I gulped in breaths, smiling fondly and slowly unbuttoning his own shirt. “Having fun?”

I grinned and nodded, leaning back. “You gonna join me, sailor?”

His eyebrow arched, gaze locked on mine as his own slacks hit the deck, followed quickly – and after a surreptitious glance – by his underwear. I purred with delight, then paused as he backed away.

… What the he-

My internal complaint was cut off by a blur as he dove over the bulwark a few paces further down the ship, emerging beside me with his eyes shining. “Hi, Snowflake,” he purred, sidling closer to kiss me softly.

“Where’d you go?” I breathed, wrapping my arms around his neck, our legs moving lightly to keep us afloat. With a grin, he raised a hand, two snorkels hanging from his finger.

“I thought you might want a closer look.”

With a gasp of delight – and a corresponding wriggle that left me spluttering on inhaled seawater – I nodded, unable to contain my excitement. “Yes, please!”

He laughed as he helped me into my goggles, offering me another quick kiss before positioning the snorkel between my lips. I grinned around the plastic, earning a cackle. His own equipment slid into place with expert speed, and he crooked a finger at me before rolling, his face disappearing beneath the surface.

The goggles allowed for a much better view, and I gasped through the pipe, the sound chased by a peel of laughter. I followed in my Captain’s wake as he led me along, trusting him wholeheartedly to keep me safe.

The seabed rose sharply ahead of us, and his eyes flicked to me, offering a hand. I was only too happy to oblige, letting him pull me along toward wonder and mystery. It wasn’t until we grew closer that I could discern shapes amongst the colours, svelte fish and slow-moving turtles weaving amongst the bony appendages, orange shoals moving as one beneath us. I couldn’t hide my joy, and he squeezed my hand affectionately, drawing my gaze back to him. His own eyes were not turned on the majesty before us, but instead locked on my face, soft and warm as he took me in. I blushed pre-emptively when he moved closer, removing his snorkel to press his lips gently to my cheek and letting out a low, tangible rumble of delight when I did the same, turning my head to catch his lips with mine.

We took brief dives toward to coral reef, holding our breath as we inspected the life in more detail. I’d have happily stayed down there forever – but a fierce tug at my leg and a lowering of my eyes had me rocketing toward the surface, shock and worry making my heart pound. Greg followed me swiftly, head cocked in confusion as he grasped my forearm, panting. “Are you o-”

“It’s on my leg,” I grunted, just a moment from panic. “I… Don’t think it should be on my leg.”

His head ducked below the surface once more before popping back up, grinning broadly. “I see.”

“Oh, do you?” I quipped, eyes narrowing affectionately. “Do you see the thing wrapped around my leg like a… Like a…”

“Octopus?” he finished, deadpan, and I couldn’t help but snort.

“Can you get it off? I intend to get out of the sea as naked as I got in, thanks!”

He chuckled and ducked beneath the surface once more, and I could feel his hands on my skin, moving about the tight grip gently. My leg twitched with relief when the pressure disappeared, and he reappeared, a dark grey creature trailing up his forearm. “See? It’s fine. It’s cute!”

“Cute,” I repeated apprehensively, leaning closer to trail a finger along the rubbery flesh. “… If you say so…” A tentacle reached  out to wrap around my hand, and I couldn’t help but smile softly. “… Yeah, okay… Maybe it’s kinda cute,” I conceded.

He laughed, gently lifting a tentacle from his skin. “They’re real popular amongst sailors on long journeys. I saw it a lot in the Navy,” he mused. My head cocked, and he smirked. “Well… They fry up quite nicely. And uh… Some people… Well… These little guys have a hell of a grip,” he added, his cheeks tinging with pink.

I frowned in confusion, then felt my jaw drop as comprehension dawned. “You mean they-”

“It’s not unheard of,” he interrupted, lip curling. “Not something I’ve ever… Partaken in myself, mind you.”

With a shudder, I stroked the octopus gently. “Well, none of that for you, little critter. Live long and prosper.”

As Greg carefully unpeeled the tentacled creature from his arm, he glanced at me, eyebrow raised. “… Did you just dismiss an octopus with a Star Trek quote?”

We scrambled back aboard the ship full of laughter, dripping and nudging one another, the faint marks on my leg giving the only indication as to what we were chortling about. I was light on my feet as I darted across the – mercifully still vacant – deck, snagging my slacks and stepping behind a few crates to shimmy into them. No sooner were they over my backside, however, than fingers caught the edge, sliding beneath with a purr in my ear.

“Now, now… Is that really necessary?” he murmured, and I trembled beneath his touch.

“Out here? Probably,” I chuckled weakly, letting my head fall back against his shoulder with a soft sigh. The sound morphed into a low, longing whine when his fingertips skimmed against the edge of my pubic hair, legs inching wider apart of their own accord, earning a chuckle from the Lieutenant.

“You don’t seem especially shy, Snowflake…”

I blushed softly, but I couldn’t keep my hand from curling around his arm, needily pressing myself closer. “You make it hard to behave myself…”

He grinned against my throat, purring his delight. A soft twitch of his hips made me gasp gently, shivering. “You make me hard,” he murmured, his length pressing against my ass through my slacks pointedly. I trembled and whined, pushing back against him, and his free hand travelled to cover my mouth as we heard movement on deck. “Do you think you can be quiet?” he breathed, pulling me to the mast and flush against his chest, the hand in my slacks teasing my already-wet slit slowly. I paused before nodding, breath coming harsh against his palm. My eyes rolled back in pleasure as a finger slid patiently inside me, his arms around me the only thing that kept me upright as my knees threatened to give way. The lips at my throat made me mewl pitifully, nails digging into his flesh as I fought to keep my voice down. He wasn’t going to take his time with me, that much became quickly clear; his thumb found my clit as a second digit pressed into my willing body, curled and precise, seeking out the spot that made me sob.

I wailed against his skin as he fingered me roughly, feeling heat rise in my neck at the wetness pooling in his palm. I may have been quiet, but the sound of his hand moving against me was lewd and deafening, and I couldn’t shake the certainty that we’d be discovered – not that the fear stopped me from pressing my hips closer or rutting harder. His touch was too much for me to bear, insistent as he was, and within minutes I was quivering, each muscle in my body burning with desire as they contracted under his will.

“That’s it, sweet boy,” he purred, lips brushing against my ear as he held me tighter. “So quick, so good for me… Come for me, Sergeant. I want to feel that pretty little cunt squeezing me tight.”

I cried out into a hand that pressed harder against my mouth as he worked me faster, body crumpling against him, helpless and powerless against the convulsions of my frame as I tightened around him on cue. His face buried in my throat, nipping sharply, his wrist only slowing when the rhythmic clenching of my pussy around his digits began to ease up.

And One.

By the time I could feel my legs again, I was trembling, stunned by his efficiency. “You continue to exceed all expectations,” I croaked weakly when his hand shifted from my mouth, leaning back against him tiredly. He simply chuckled softly in response, pressing a kiss to my temple, and slid his fingers from my slacks, earning a shiver of delight at the sound of him licking them clean beside me.

“I do my best,” he replied with faux modesty, sliding his hand into mine. “I do so love watching you come for me, Snowflake.”

With a snort, I flashed him a broad grin. “Feel free to do so anytime,” I replied, winking, and he arched an eyebrow. Silently, he shifted me from his body, leading me out of our hiding spot and across the deck. My cheeks flushed, eyes lowering to avoid eye contact with any of my crewmates, but nobody glanced our way save to call a casual ‘good morning’. His voice was steady as he replied, echoed by my own shaky greetings, envious of his nonchalance. I let out a huff of relief as the heavy cabin door closed behind us, and he turned to me once more, eyes sparkling.

“I think they need to come back off,” he purred, inclining his head at my slacks. “And I think you need to have that ass in the air for me, sweetheart.”

I gulped and moved quickly, obeying without question, flushing at the wetness coating my thighs as they were exposed to the cool air inside the cabin. He smirked as he watched, arms folded across his chest, humming contentedly to himself. I felt exposed as I assumed the requested position, bare ass and dripping pussy facing him as I bent over the bed, my cheek pressed to the sheets with a soft, needy whine. “Please,” I breathed, wriggling eagerly, enchanted by his desire for me. “Please, Sir, I-I need-”

My words died at the sound of his footsteps, breath seizing in my throat. He moved slowly, deliberately, each pace patient. I could all but feel his eyes on me, hungry and predatory, and shivered with delight.

I expected the touch of his fingers, or maybe the sound of his slacks hitting the floor – but instead I groaned aloud as his tongue passed over me, his own delighted purr vibrating against my wetness. Hands curled around my waist, holding me to him as his mouth explored me with astonishing ability, earning a cacophony of whines and whimpers for his efforts. The wetness on my thighs intensified, fingers clawing needily at the bedsheets, mind blank under his talented tongue. “Fuck – Greg, Lieutenant, Captain, please, please…”

He drew back long enough to kiss my exposed ass, humming happily to himself. “Yes, Snowflake?”

I pressed back eagerly, inching my legs further apart. “Please fuck me. I need you to fuck me. I’m aching, and dripping, and-”

My voice cut off once more as he pushed inside me quickly, driving any residual thoughts from my mind as my body jerked beneath his thrusts. The hands on my hips grasped tighter, fingernails pressing into my skin as he pulled me against him. “God, I love fucking you,” he breathed, moving slowly and forcefully inside me, making my breath hitch with each stroke. “You feel so fucking good…”

I moaned uselessly, broken and desperate as I rutted back against him, one hand travelling beneath me to caress my clit eagerly, lost in the feeling of him inside me. “You’re so good to me,” I whimpered, reaching back to grasp at his wrist as his hand found my shoulder to pull me closer. “So good – so, so, so g-”

“Hey, Cap, we’re just abo- Oh my God, really? Lock the door!”

With a yelp of surprise, Greg’s bodyweight found my back as he flattened himself, reaching over me to snag the duvet and cover himself as best he could. “Neri! Get the fuck out!”

“I was ju-”

“Not the time!”

The door slammed closed once more, leaving us in a horrified silence, and I turned my head to catch the eye of the sailor atop me just as raucous laughter broke out on the other side of the wood.

A few seconds later, we were chortling ourselves, his arms wrapping around me to hold me tight to his chest, tears streaming down his cheeks as he creased up. “Well… It was bound to happen sooner or later,” he cackled, shaking his head affectionately. “I’m so sorry…”

I snorted back, pressing my forehead against his throat briefly before meeting his eyes once more, touching my lips to his. The joy blooming in my chest had the tears beading along my own lash line spilling onto my skin, my forehead pressed against his own tenderly. “I love you so much, Grishenka,” I whispered, thumb smoothing along his cheekbone rapturously, and he smiled.

“I love you too, Snowflake. Infinitely and endlessly.”

[multifandom-flash]

Here there be the monsters Bingo Masterlist

English version/ Versión en inglés

I publish my works in Spanish and English.

Aquí puedes leer la versión en español.

I don’t give any permission for my fics to be posted in other platforms or languages (I translate my work myself) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don’t steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other people. The only exception is the ones I gifted ‘cuz now belong to someone else. Please let me know if you find any of my work on a different platform and is not one of my accounts. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own Marvel’s characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Main masterlist.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

The other media I publish are Ao3, Wattpad, ffnet, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

All my entries for @multifandom-flash, Here there be the monsters Bingo Card:

Show

Wanna play?

Deep

Mysterious calls

Favorite scary movie

An eternity together

Revelation

STRIKE Special TV show part I

Chasing

Food

Skeletons

A girl just like you

[multifandom-flash]

Paws for Applause - Chapter Two 'Basenji'

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

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> Mars and Bucky go on a road trip, and Bucky makes a new friend.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 4555

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> (T) Panic attacks, nightmares, PTSD.

𝐀/𝐍 -> Check it out below, or on AO3 here! Dividers by us! Cards at the end <3

<- Chapter One

Prompts used;

– “I’m Telling You, I’m Haunted.” – @anyfandomgoesbingo; - ‘Popsicle’ – @buckybarnesbingo – B049; - ‘Rain on the Roof of this Empty House’ – Bug’s First Bingo; - ‘Sticky Notes’ – @eclipsingbingo (Dark); - ‘Post-it Notes’, ‘Stream of Consciousness’ – Gen Prompt Bingo; - ‘Refusing Help’ – @hurtcomfort-bingo – C042; - ‘Real Men Hate Affection’ – @multifandom-flash (International Day of Families);

- ‘A Day off or Procrastination’ – @julybreakbingo (Mini); - ‘Watermelon’ – July Break Bingo (Summer); - ‘Always Tired or Way Too Energized’ – July Break Bingo (5x5); - ‘Cheer’ – July Break Bingo (6x6); - ‘Mild’ – July Break Bingo (7x7); - ‘Poinsettia’ – @seasonaldelightsbingo (Language of Flowers); - ‘Humiliation’ – @lgbtqbingo;

- ‘You Are Better Than You Think You Are’ – Multifandom-Flash (Compliment); - ‘Sorry I’m Late’ – Multifandom-Flash (Global Forgiveness Day & Apologies); - ‘Purple Prose’ – Multifandom-Flash (National Writing Day – Troping in the Literary Field!); - ‘Damaged Soul’ – Multifandom-Flash (Round 2 – 2031); - ‘Fugitives’ – Multifandom-Flash (Team); - ‘Dirty Dishes’ – Multifandom-Flash (Thanksgiving – 7026); - ‘Mango Lemon Margarita Mocktail’ – Multifandom-Flash (Pour Me a Bingo – Mocktails).

I woke coated in my own sweat, blankets tangled around my limbs suffocatingly. I’d attempted to sleep on the bed, but jerked awake almost immediately, my muscles had seized in fear, breath coming in sharp pants as terror threatened to overwhelm me.

I’d quickly given in, dragging a blanket with me to crawl under the table, my sweat-slick body shivering in the chill coming under the ill-fitting door. It was there that I’d spent the largely sleepless hours until dawn, eyes wide and afraid, locked on the front door fearfully.

When I blinked my eyes open to face the scratched underside of the table, my brow furrowed, gaze landing on a post-it above me.

Meeting with Mars @ 9am - Paws for Applause; Going to get a puppy!!!

I frowned in confusion, one finger reaching out to touch the note uncertainly.

This… This isn’t my handwriting.

There was a pang of shy anxiety, the feeling distant but notable. Um… I didn’t want you to forget.

You did this? There was a quiet, hesitant sound of affirmation, and I paused. … How?

I’m… Not sure. I just… Did? You were asleep… I’m sorry; did I do something wrong?

My heart ached at the uncertainty and fear in his voice, and I shook my head quickly, letting my hand drop with a soft smile. “No, you did great,” I soothed reassuringly, chuckling under my breath. “I appreciate it, truly. … Are you, uh… Excited?” I probed tentatively. It felt odd, talking to someone who may or may not exist in my own head – but I couldn’t deny the flood of joy that overwhelmed my nervous system at the question, bringing a broad grin to my face.

Yeah! I like dogs. I like cats too, but not as much, I think…

I couldn’t help but grin, comforted by this childlike excitement. “I think I’d quite like a cat one day,” I mused aloud, letting the quiet joy ease my frayed nerves of the night. “… What about you, Soldier?”

I… Maybe I’d appreciate a bird. Flight fascinated me.

Blinking in surprise, I cocked my head, sightless eyes still on the note overhead. “… Why?” I’d never asked him a direct question about himself, and I winced guiltily at the wave of uncertainly that flooded my veins. “You don’t have to-”

It… Seems like freedom. The ability to go anywhere in the world without restriction, to be out of reach with only an endless sky for company… He paused, humming thoughtfully, only the faintest hint of embarrassment undercutting his words. That sounds like a nice way to live.

That’s beautiful, the second murmured after a moment, his voice full of tender wonder.

“It is,” I agreed, a newfound respect for the screaming, flapping bundle of feathers I encountered the day before overcoming me at the sentiment. “I’ll try to make it happen for you one day.”

He made a quiet, joyful sound, bringing a smile to my face. I’d like that.

We arrived at the store with five minutes to spare, leaning back against the brickwork as I smoked a cigarette while I waited, foot tapping with anxiety.

9am came with sharp, nervous breaths and trembling hands. The mild morning was fading into midsummer heat – still cool compared to the Wakandan weather I was accustomed to, but it contributed nevertheless to my claustrophobia, feeling sweat form along my spine.

It was almost ten minutes later before a door to one side slammed shut, a harried-looking Mars leaning against in with a heavy sigh. “Sorry I’m late – honestly, I can’t seem to get my brain in gear when I finally get a day off, it’s like I just-” They cut themselves off as they considered me, wincing guiltily. “Shit. Are you okay?”

My breath was coming in ragged gasps as I quivered, back plastered to the brickwork, my fingernails desperately clawing at the cement to find some form of grounding purchase. “Crap… Bucky? It’s okay- I’m here. Fuck, I’m so sorry…” They glanced around, glaring at anyone who dared as much as look my way as they passed by. My humiliation increased, and they bit their lip, offering their hand to me. “Come on. I’ve got you – let me get you out of here.”

I was barely cognizant as they bundled me into the passenger seat of a small car, hands finding the dashboard to brace myself, sucking in air desperately. They climbed into the driver’s seat, watching me worriedly and murmuring soft reassurances as I began my slow return to reality.

By the time I looked up, my face was slick with tears, body quivering with effort, embarrassment stilling my tongue. “There now… It’s okay. I’m here. I’m so, so sorry I was late.”

I shook my head weakly, offering them a lukewarm smile. “It’s okay. I-I just… Even other people just walking by made me- I mean, I didn’t feel…”

“Safe?” they finished softly, clucking sympathetically when I nodded. “Yeah… I know what that’s like. But you’re safe with me, okay? I promise.”

Their eyes shone with fierce sincerity, and I found myself relaxing a little, feeling secured despite myself by all five-foot-something of the person before me.

“I trust you,” I murmured, reaching out to squeeze their hand uncertainly. They smiled as they squeezed back, then looked around us pointedly.

“Well, we’re already in the car, at least, so… I guess we should get on our way, huh?”

They chatted aimlessly as they drove, telling me more about their life before the States – though they skirted around a previous relationship with an infinitesimal wince, moving instead to their sister’s tree-planting initiative.

We’d been on the road for half an hour, their incessant warbling effectively staying my anxiety, when they cut themselves off with a thoughtful hum.

“Fancy a cold drink?” they offered, gesturing at a passing advertisement with a glance toward me. I hesitated, and they smiled softly. “We can sit outside, if you’d like.”

With a relieved sigh, I smiled back, nodding slowly. “That sounds good.” The sweat was beading along my hairline, and I exhaled heavily, running a hand through the shoulder-length tangle. Their eyes shifted to me once more, and my skin prickled nervously under the attention. “… What?”

Shaking their head quickly, they looked back to the road, the faintest of blushes spreading across their cheeks. “No- Nothing. I just… I like your hair. You- You have nice hair.”

I arched an eyebrow, considering their features in profile, distantly amused at their steadily increasing blush. “You have nice hair, too,” I replied at length, reaching out to tug gently on the short ringlets that made up their ponytail. They blushed harder, turning onto the gravel road without looking at me, seemingly speechless for a moment as I smirked.

This is nice.

It’s been a long time since we flirted with anyone.

It’s been a long time since we felt comfortable enough with anyone to flirt.

The realisation left me dumbfounded, still staring in disbelief as they parked the car. Glancing curiously at me, they bit their lip, picking anxiously at the skin around their thumb when they found my eyes still trailing their features. “I- You’re, uh… You’re staring a little. I mean, it- it’s fine, I just- I wanted to make sure there’s not, y’know, something on my face, or something, or-”

“No,” I interrupted softly, offering them a gentle, soothing smile when their eyes flicked to me once more, wide and uncertain. “No, there’s not- nothing like that. I, uh… It’s been a real long time since we… Since anybody was nice to me, just for the hell of it.”

They paused before turning to face me, considering me for a moment, head cocked. “That sounds like a lonely way to live,” they volunteered at length, and I nodded shortly. “Well, I’ll always be nice to you, so you’ve got that now, okay?”

Their face split into a broad grin as I nodded again, letting out a quiet, affectionate chuckle. “Okay.”

I waited, stood leant against the car with a cigarette hanging from my lip, foot tapping nervously as Mars’ absence grew longer. It was quieter here, and my fear less overwhelming – but that didn’t stop me from eyeing the door uncertainly, watching for any sign of trouble.

You should have gone with them.

They told me I could stay out here…

They’re so small, so sweet… Anything could happen to them.

Aren’t they more at risk with us than without? We’re not… Safe.

And if anyone were to recognise us…

I shook my head hard, passing a  thick stream of smoke from my nose. “Look, I just thought-”

My jaw snapped shut at the sight of my companion pushing their way through the door, a drink in each hand and a small bag hanging from their pinkie. The way their eyes lit up and they beamed eagerly at the sight of me waiting made my own lips turn up in a smile, chortling as they offered me a clumsy wave and yelped in panic, the drinks tipping ominously.

“Nothing happened. You saw nothing,” they insisted breezily, offering me my cup with a grin, and I snorted.

“Mhm, sure,” I agreed readily, taking a long pull on my straw before releasing it with a quiet groan. “God, that’s good,” I sighed, head falling back.” I never expected Seattle to get so damn hot.”

They chuckled and nodded, taking their own sip before replying. “This is a particularly brutal one,” they admitted. “You got unlucky. Not a fan of the heat?”

“Not as much as I’d like,” I replied softly, thinking, just for a moment, of the endless icy wastelands of Siberia – of cold so intense that each breath was agony on the lungs. I wanted to love days like this, with heat so strong that I could feel my skin burning and bronzing the moment the first rays of daylight fell upon me.

But I hadn’t had a sunburn in a long time, and I never acclimated to the heat after spending the better part of a century – and most of my transformation from regular soldier to international assassin – in one form of ice or another.

Even my biothermal processes couldn’t forget.

“I know what you mean,” they agreed thoughtfully, taking a drag of a violently yellow drink that smelled so sickly sweet that my nose wrinkled from three feet away. “I’m half-Egyptian; I should love the heat! But nope – I’m a much bigger fan of rain , thanks.” They delved into their bag once more and withdrew a pair of plastic-wrapped ice lollies, liquid already beginning to pool around the base. “Aw, crap. Probably should have got these out first, huh?”

They offered me one as I chuckled, and I watched as they tore away the clear packaging carelessly, sticky juice immediately running over the curve of their fingers and racing toward the delicate dip of their wrist. With a squeak of surprise from them, and a fond grin from me, they chased the errant liquid with a small, pointed, lemon-tinged tongue, lapping up the fleeing droplets with a practiced precision that made me unexplainably happy.

Mars met my gaze, blushing at the sight of my smile and amused, arched eyebrow, and I reached out to pet their arm affectionately. “I didn’t see  a thing,” I assured them with a chuckle, earning a laugh and an affectionate elbow to the ribs for my humour. “How do you have so much energy? It’s so early.”

They shrugged, assessing their popsicle for a moment, falling quiet and pensive. “I have ADHD and insomnia,” they offered eventually, pausing to draw the frozen treat slowly between their lips in an unconscious gesture that made the back of my neck sweat. “I’m always tired, and always energised. It can be a frustrating combination.”

I hummed sympathetically, nodding, eyes lowering to watch my popsicle to drip slowly into the dust by our feet. “Yeah… I’m not unaccustomed to a lack of sleep myself – though I don’t think I’ve felt energised in longer than I care to remember.”

With a wan smile, they squeezed my forearm softly when my gaze rose to theirs once more. “A fellow insomniac?”

My hand waggled. “Hypothetically? No. I… Have bad dreams.” My response was weak, and it felt a pale representation of what I experienced – terrifying flashes of blood and screaming, half-remembered scenes from a life that was barely my own. Their pitying gaze made me blush, my arm pulling from theirs to push a hand through my hair shyly. “I, uh… I guess I’m a damaged soul, huh?”

My chuckle and light-hearted comment fell flat, smile fading at the sincerity in their dark eyes. “No… I think you’re better than you think you are, James.”

Snorting, I shrugged, shaking my head. “No, I don’t think I am. I’m telling you; I’m haunted.”

I hated acknowledging this part of myself – hated giving this kind, gracious soul a reason to look at me with suspicion and wariness earlier than they found one of their own.

But I couldn’t let them begin to think positively of me – it would only end in disappointment.

They watched me silently, mahogany eyes locked on mine, probing and intense. “… That part, I believe,” they murmured softly, scrutinising every millimetre of my face attentively. “I… Definitely believe you’ve got a few ghosts who won’t give you peace.”

I held my head high for a moment before looking away, jaw clenched. “I… Used to be in Army,” I offered, quiet and uncertain, fingers curled into fists inside gloves that made no seasonal sense. “I saw some things – and did some things – that I’ll… They’ll never… I’ll never be able to forget it. I’m not… A good person, Mars. That period of my life left me with a lot of damage, in every sense. You’d be smart to keep your distance from me,” I finished quietly, my gaze trained stiffly on the ground.

I hate this.

I know. But… They need to know. It’s better they run fast, and they run far, and the sooner that happens, the better it is for everyone.

I felt the third hum in agreement, and finally looked back to Mars. They seemed thoroughly unphased, dragging the remnants of their popsicle off the stick with their teeth and sucking thoughtfully on the ice before responding. “My mum always said I have no common sense.” They shrugged and grinned, lips tinged with that vibrantly yellow drink. “Look – if you don’t like me, or don’t want my company, or whatever, then that’s fine; I know I can be a little too much for some people. You can just tell me – I’m an adult, I can handle it. But if you think you’re doing some… Dumb attempt at chivalry? Then get over it, drink your lemonade, and let’s go find you a dog.”

They straightened up, leaning to drop their cup in a trashcan, while I simply gawked in silence at their vehemence. “I…”

“Yes?” they hummed, turning to set that penetrating gaze on me once more.

I swallowed and looked away, tossing my own trash into the can as a gentle heat rose in my cheeks.

“I guess we should go, then.”

We proceeded in a companionable silence, save the odd comment from Mars when they expressed enthusiasm about a particularly noteworthy tree, or went off on a seemingly spontaneous monologue without a clear cause, leaving me to smile fondly and wonder once more at the inner workings of their peculiar, intoxicating mind.

By the time we pulled up to a low brick building, my cheeks ached from laughing, any anxiety I felt about the process before me stripped away without my awareness by my companion. But my hands began to shake once more as I slid from the car, the far-off, muffled sound of barking painfully clear with my heightened senses.

“You doing okay?” Mars pressed softly, glancing at my trembling fingers with a sympathetic smile. I nodded silently, but when I didn’t move, they extended a hand to me – a silent, unforced offer of support, should I need it.

I barely hesitated before my fingers wrapped with theirs, only my thin glove acting as a barrier between metal and flesh. Distantly, I worried they’d notice the hard, cool material of the prosthetic – but their expression showed no change as they squeezed my hand gently before leading me forward.

I stood silently as they spoke to the desk clerk, lost in an overwhelmed haze, my gaze flicking between the large number of posters behind the desk, a heavy door off to one side, and a constantly rotating slideshow of tips for dog ownership – trying and failing to note everything of importance all at once. Mars tugged gently on my fingers, startling me from my panic and I looked down at them in surprise as they gestured over their shoulder. “I explained what you’re looking for, and they have a suggestion – they’re gonna bring him out to meet us, okay? So we’re just gonna take a seat here for a minute while they grab him.” I nodded again, tongue seeming thick and clumsy, and let them guide me across to the hard plastic chairs, their hand still firm in mine. “You okay?” they murmured under their breath, shooting me a brief glance as I nodded once more.

“It’s… A lot,” I acknowledged eventually, free hand gesturing toward the array of information on display. “How am I supposed to know it all?”

“Oh, you’re definitely not,” they snorted. “Even out of the things that actually relevant to you… About ninety percent will be ‘don’t feed your dog this’ and ‘don’t feed your dog that’. But, you know… Google exists, and you’ll retain some of the more common stuff over time. Basically, just don’t deliberately feed him anything you don’t know he can eat, and you’ll be fine.” They offered me a reassuring grin, and I returned a soft smile, comforted by their presence.

The second the door opened, I was smitten.

The gangly tan legs were flecked with dark stripes, leading endlessly up to a stocky body and enormous head, a tongue the size of my palm lolling between two rows of pristine teeth. A white blaze trailed from throat to chest before vanishing beneath him, intersected only by the lime-green strap of his harness. To this there was attached a short leash, the person on the other end straining to contain the furry bulldozer that seemed hellbent on reaching us, brown eyes fixed intently on my face as his thick tail lashed with an audible, dull thud against the attendant’s leg. The dark smear of his muzzle tipped up, and they winced pre-emptively as the maw grew wider. The bark didn’t bother me, much to my surprise, despite the booming sound making my oversensitive ears ring and my bones shake. But I could only laugh, leaning forward in my seat, bubbles of joy building in my

chest, captivated by those hyper-focused eyes still locked on mine with a single-minded determination and the non-silent jaws parted in a goofy grin. “He’s incredible,” I whispered, inching as near as I could without falling to my knees.

“Want him to come a bit closer?” Mars prompted, and I nodded wordlessly, barely conscious of them indicating for the attendant to approach.

They tried to take a step forward, but the slavering beast on the other end of the braided nylon had other ideas. He lunged toward us, straining and hauling against the leash, dragging the unwilling attendant along with him.

My hands were quickly filled with short fur and muscles trembling with delight, a broad tongue passing over my face in long, eager strokes. Mars moved beside me, concern creasing their features, but they paused when the giggles building in my chest bubbled between my lips, pressed against the colossal head clutched against me. “He’s perfect,” I breathed, glove-coated metal fingers curled against the brindle coat possessively.

“His name is Zeus,” the attendant offered, reaching to tousle the dog’s ears with a bemused, fond expression. I grinned up at them, and they smiled back. “He’s a good boy. He’s just… Too strong, for a lot of folks. Myself included,” they added, snorting.

“I can really take him home?” I clarified, landing heavily on my backside as I let the wriggling hound push me over.

“If you want to,” Mars confirmed, their own fingertips brushing over the dog’s head. I nodded hard, holding him to me with something akin to desperation, earning a chuckle and an affectionate tip of their head. “Then let’s sign some papers, hm?”

I let myself and my new housemate into my apartment, the mastiff mix barrelling through the space with reckless abandon. His feet slid on the laminate wood, claws skittering in a comical, delightful din, punctuated by the intermittent snorts and sniffs as he investigated this novel environment.

Mars stood beside me in the open doorway as we hesitated in unison, silence stretching between us to the backing track of Zeus’ exploration and the heavy rain outside.

“… I should probably-”

“… I don’t suppose you’d like to-”

Our eyes cut to one another, and we grinned simultaneously, shy and uncertain. With a deep breath and an uncomfortable rub of the back of my neck, I tried again. “Would you like to… Come in? Have a cup of coffee, or something?” I offered, feeling a timid blush creeping up my throat. With an equally shy flush, they nodded, offering me a sheepish smile when they passed me at my indication.

It wasn’t until they were further into the apartment that I winced and looked around myself, struck by how sparse the space was when seeing it while considering the eyes of another. I really did own very little – the stained, second-hand mattress sitting bare on the frame was the only sign of life aside from a half-empty box of personal effects on the dusty table.

That, and the copious dog-related items.

His blanket and bed were set up beside my own, despite my sheets still twisted and curled in on themselves in my sanctuary under the table. His bowls sat in one corner in their stand, his nose buried in the water bowl as he gulped and lapped noisily, slobber dripping onto the mat below and eliciting a chuckle from us both. There were leashes and bags and food on the counter of the kitchen in the corner, and a pile of soft toys and balls beside the sofa that was here when I moved in, the faux leather cracked and faded.

I glanced at them worriedly, checking for their reaction. The flicker of surprise was brief but definite, and I felt shame crawl up my spine, even as their expression settled into something more neutral. I cleared my throat, uncomfortable even as they turned their non-judgemental gaze to me. “Uh… Take a seat anywhere you’d like, I guess. I won’t be a minute.” With a nod, they moved to the beaten sofa, face splitting into a broad grin as Zeus dropped his heavy, still-dripping head in their lap, new tags gleaming around his throat.

He’d been perfectly behaved in the car, lying down in the backseat without complaint, large nose turned toward the warm air flowing through the open window and relishing the scents. But any sense of calm evaporated once more when we arrived at the parking lot beside Paws for Applause and freed him from the harness that secured him for the drive. The collar he wore, courtesy of the shelter, had all but choked him on the short walk to the car, and now it groaned and complained under the strain as he dragged desperately at the end of leash, wheezing with desire to consume the endless new aromas washing over him.

We’d already agreed on his need for a harness as we drove, and watching him struggle to breathe against my immovable grip on the leash only solidified the point. Mars motioned for me to let him run free once we entered the store, and he needed no further encouragement to explore the space, his coal-smeared muzzle stuffed everywhere he could reach. My eyes flicked worriedly to the store owner beside me, but they simply laughed, shaking their head fondly as the dog found a pig ear to chew on and settled contentedly on the floor.

His new lime-green harness was in the bag clutched in my hand- along with several other things he had dragged from shelves and I hadn’t the heart to deny him. I eyed the dirty dishes in the sink with a curl of my lip, dropping my gloves beside the bag to wash my only two mugs as the kettle boiled.

The clouds that had begun to gather since we left the store finally broke, and I leaned over the sink to open the window, deeply breathing the fresh air. The raindrops echoed on the roof of the empty house, and I

closed my eyes for just a moment, letting the feeling of quiet wash over me, hands stilling in their cleaning.

“James?”

The soft voice startled me, lids snapping open, and I jerked back, ashamed, angry at myself for having been caught to vulnerable. “Yes?”

“Are you okay?” They spoke gently, but their eyes assessed every inch of my face, intense and probing.

“Fine,” I replied stiffly, reaching past them to snag the tattered towel on the counter.

Too late, I realised my mistake, light catching on metal as I began to draw back. Their gaze followed the flicker, widening infinitesimally at the sight of the prosthetic before snapping back to my own, inquisitive and curious in an entirely new way. “I-”

“We’re out of coffee,” I interrupted sharply, placing the clean mug on the counter and sliding my hands into my pockets nonchalantly. “So, I guess you should be going. Thanks again.”

They blinked owlishly, startled, and I winced internally at the ripple of hurt that passed briefly over their features. “I… Y-yeah. Okay…”

My steps were directly behind their own as they headed to the door, pausing briefly to pet the dog and croon sweet, soft nothings to him, hesitating again only when they stood at the threshold, their brow furrowed in confusion. “Well… If you need anything, you-”

“We’ll be fine. We’ve got it from here.”

They flinched at my cold, dismissive tone, and guilt squeezed my chest, but I simply gazed at them impassively as they nodded once more. “Yeah. Okay.”

“Goodbye, Mars.”

“Bye, Bucky.”

I closed the door behind them with a growing, unplaceable sense of

unease, moving to sit on the sofa and staring down at my fingers until they were headbutted violently by my wagging companion. Smiling weakly, I trailed my hand over his neck. “Not sure what it is that’s got me so nervous, bud. All they said was ‘bye, Bu-’”

My blood ran cold as realisation hit, gaze moving to the door in fear and horror.

They know who we are.

[multifandom-flash]

echoes of crystal springs | aspen blackwood

series: @burningembersofadyingworld | masterlist

james “bucky” barnes x steve rogers | mcu | 🅼 | complete

tags: stucky dune au, post-modern omegaverse

Brooklynd, the capital city on Vanaheim - 10923 Steve looked at the brunet haired baby boy with pointed ears in the bassinet, the omega he would one day take as his wife. He could just barely hear the adults talking on the other side of the room as they whispered about courtship and marriage. He couldn’t believe the Ljósálfar would travel so far from Álfheim to discuss such topics. He was a mere five year old boy, what did he know of alliances and weddings?

bingo fills + event prompts

@afgomegaversebingo | first love

@angstober | promise

@anyfandomfluffbingo | free space

au challenge | arranged marriage

@augustwritingchallenge:

au-gust 2024 | space travel trick au treat 24 | deal with the devil

@buckybarnesbingo: round 6 | y5: galaxy

@buckybarnesevents: babb 2023 | arranged marriage + space [may]

crossover bingo | omegaverse

@darkacademiabingo | creature feature

@darkspicyevanstan: quadruple challenge mode

dune au + light elf + science fantasy + damocles' sword

@eclipsingbingo: the rising moon | space travel au

@fandombingo:

rpf card | arranged marriage au the little prince bingo | primeval forest the martian bingo | space opera

@fandom-free-bingo: world book night edition | brave new world + elf

@ficwip: all ships week | free day

@intotheomegaverse: halloween | free day

@julybreakbingo

jbb 24 | alien planet post july 24 | arranged marriage

@multifandom-flash:

bdsm | ceremonial collar + of sexy corsets here there be monsters bingo | light elf may [hp] | prophecy

nightmare fuel | dream

@sebastianstanbingo | intergalactic au

@secretcrypticevents:

into the wilds bingo: hydra into the wilds flash: dimension travel au + light elf + arranged marriage

@steverogersbingo | b3: bucky barnes

@taintedsouled: danse macabre | creature feature

@through-time-and-space-bingo | supernatural elements au

read: ao3 | sqwa