of-apollo

[of-apollo]

hey there! Can I request a male MCU pairing?

I’m close with my family and rather introverted. I often prefer my own company - going on walks or getting coffee alone. Unless I bring my dog :)

All of my friends are friends I’ve had since high school. I’ve found making friendships in my adulthood pretty difficult.

I work from home with a corporate job in marketing- hopefully getting promoted soon!

One of my passions as of late is collecting perfume. I spend a lot of time mixing samples or researching my next purchase. I often gravitate towards skin-like scents that are pretty gender neutral, but can sometimes lean feminine.

I have dark brown hair and I’m pretty pale. I’ve got a bunch of sticker tattoos on my arms that are mostly lyrics or random little things I enjoy. My go-to outfit is a tshirt, jeans, and Birkenstocks. I wear yellow gold jewelry, mostly rings. My nails are short and usually bare but I always have a pedicure! I’m also a Cancer if that helps! Tysm

fellow cancer! fellow yellow gold wearer! fellow birkenstocks wearer! for you, the world! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Bucky Barnes!

Bucky is absolutely with you on preferring his own company. You do love spending time with each other, but it’s nice to know you can both scurry off and do your own thing without missing each other too much.

He loves that you’re still friends with your high school friends because that’s what Steve is to him as well. I think it shows a level of loyalty and commitment and that’s really important to both of you!

Bucky kind of loves that you work from home honestly. If he’s around, he’s your biggest supporter on a tough work day. Brings you drinks, snacks, whatever you need. And it’s nice that he can wrap you up in his arms as soon as you’re done, no waiting for you to get home.

He loves your perfume collecting passion and absolutely fuels it. He will go to the mall alone and just sample them, not caring of the looks he gets as he buys all the mini versions of ones he thinks you’d like and brings them home for you.

Bucky would adore your tattoos! Asks for the meaning behind all of them and will absolutely encourage you to get more.

[of-apollo]

hii! i don’t know if you’re still doing pairing requests but i wanted to ask if you maybe would do one for me? i was thinking marvel men pairing :) if not, it’s okay!!

i think i’m pretty social, can talk to people easily but it does take along time for me to open up and trust people. i do really like drawing and expressing myself through makeup and nails. i also do have red hair but in my life i’ve changed multiple hair colours and styles. i study psychology in college and i like reading books about it in my free time, plus history books. history was my first love in a way haha.

anyways, thank you so much and have a wonderful day!!

hi, anything for a fellow history lover! you have a wonderful day too! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Steve Rogers!

Steve is so patient while you’re warming up to him, but he’s honestly so easy to talk to, you get comfortable far faster than anticipated.

He finds it so sweet how talkative you get when you do open up. Hangs onto every word and remembers so many little details!

Steve would love to draw with you. Brings back an old passion for him and puts him at ease! It’s his favourite thing to do after a tough mission.

He finds it so lovely that you express yourself through makeup and nails! It’s not something he’s familiar with, so he asks tons of questions about what you’re using and even starts pulling up pictures of nails he saw online that he thinks you’d like.

Steve adores that you’re a bit of a bookworm! Will absolutely be stealing a book off you as soon as you mention how good it was. And, he will buy you a history book for every special occasion. Sometimes even several.

[of-apollo]

requests? requests please? i ask with my big beautiful pleading baby deer eyes? please?

ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 !

Want to request but stuck for ideas? Feel free to send in up to three prompts from this list and the character you’d like them written with! I’ve tagged some fandoms I write for, but please refer to my navigation prior to requesting! You’re more than welcome to reblog this and use it yourself <3

: ̗̀➛ 𝐅𝐋𝐔𝐅𝐅

‘I love you more than anything’

‘I think we might be soulmates’

‘I’ll always let you win’

‘Your smile makes my day’

‘You’re going grey, I kind of love it’

‘Will you marry me?’

‘My sheets smell like you’

‘My cat loves you more than me’

‘Let me wash your hair’

‘Kiss me’

‘You can hold my hand’

‘Here, take my jacket’

‘I brought you flowers’

‘You look beautiful’

‘It’s always been you’

‘You’re blushing’

‘Can you hug me?’

‘Can I hug you?’

‘Let me run you a bath’

‘Let’s cuddle on the couch’

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐓

‘Please stay’

‘I can’t lose you’

‘I’m never good enough’

‘Why are you doing this?’

‘You scare me’

‘Am I not good enough?’

‘Do you even care?’

‘Why do you let them do this to you?’

‘When does this stop hurting?’

‘Can you walk?’

‘Were you crying?’

‘Please, let me help you’

‘Someone get a medic!’

‘Stop talking like that, you’ll be fine’

‘I know, I know it hurts’

‘I’m not leaving you alone like this’

‘Please wake up’

‘I’m sorry, I’m so sorry’

‘I don’t deserve it, I don’t deserve this’

‘I didn’t mean to…’

: ̗̀➛ 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐎𝐔𝐒

‘You should kiss them’

‘Now we’re stuck in here’

‘Don’t you dare’

‘Am I the only sane one here?’

‘They’ve got a point’

‘It’s way past your bedtime’

‘You’re such a drama queen’

‘’It’ll be fun’ they said’

‘Jealousy doesn’t suit you’

‘Is that a freaking chicken?’

‘What on earth are you wearing?’

‘You’re burning up’

‘I don’t get sick’

‘I am not wearing matching outfits’

‘How hard is it to hang a picture?’

: ̗̀➛ 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄

Forehead kisses

Nose kisses

Cheek kisses

Domesticity

Mid-Battle

University/College AU

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Halloween

Christmas

Valentines

Cooking together

Dancing together

Karaoke together

Beach day

Pool party

Haunted house

Carnival

Theme park

Picnic

Mall trip

Farmer’s market

Family dinner

: ̗̀➛ 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒

Friends to lovers

Enemies to lovers

There’s only one bed

Fake dating

Love at first sight

Grumpy x Sunshine

Black cat x Golden Retriever

Slow burn

Mutual pining

Secretly dating

[of-apollo]

₊˚⊹⋆ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑 !

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: Bob Reynolds x GN!Reader

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: You and Bob are regulars at the same bookshop, but you both realise you’d like to be more than faces you spot by chance. So, what better way to start that relationship than with an aquarium date?

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: First dates, slightly nervous Bob and reader. Pure sweet, blush-worthy fluff otherwise!

𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐌𝐂𝐔 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

It started with a message. One typed and untyped repeatedly with nervous fingers and a racing heart.

Well, technically, it started with a nervous conversation over in the bookshop you both were regular visitors of. Around two weeks ago, you finally said, “We should hang out sometime,” and Bob, after blinking rapidly like he couldn’t believe his ears, said, “Yeah. I’d like that. I’d really like that.”

You weren’t sure if he’d actually follow up. He seemed like someone who meant things, really meant them, but also like someone who might back out just to avoid being a bother. He was kind like that, always a bit too thoughtful.

But now here you are, outside the city aquarium, checking your reflection in the glass doors, heart doing somersaults. There’s a nervous, fluttering weight in your chest, made heavier by the fact that Bob, tall, golden, inexplicably gentle Bob, is walking up the path right now, looking like the human embodiment of sunshine in a hoodie and jeans.

He spots you and slows a little. His hand lifts in a small wave.

You wave back. “Hi.”

“Hi,” he says, voice a little hoarse. Then clears it, smiles, and tries again. “Hi. You look… wow.”

You laugh, cheeks heating. “Wow?”

“Like. Really good. In a cool way. Not like. Not like a weird, um, Jesus,” Bob stops himself, laughs softly, and rubs the back of his neck. “Sorry. I’m not great at this.”

You find yourself stepping closer, heart weird and warm. “That makes two of us.”

Bob’s smile widens. “Great. We’ll be bad at it together.”

The aquarium is quiet, cool, and softly lit. The kind of space that feels like it was made for comfortable silences and hand-holding. You walk side by side through the first few exhibits, reaching childlike levels of excitement over reef fish, tiny glowing jellyfish, schools of darting neon things. A lot of the time, it’s just pointing out the weirdest ones and exchanging quiet commentary.

Bob laughs when you point out a crab that looks like it’s wearing a top hat. You giggle when he names a particularly disgruntled-looking eel mumbling, “Kevin.”

At one point, you catch him watching you instead of the fish. When you glance over, he looks away quickly, ears pink.

“You’re really into this stuff, huh?” you ask.

He nods, a little shy. “It’s peaceful. Things make sense here. No one’s pretending.”

You hum. “Are you pretending?”

He goes still beside you. Then, “Not with you.”

Your breath catches. Bob, suddenly nervous again, gestures at the next tank. “C’mon. I think the penguins are up ahead.”

You make it through the penguin exhibit with Bob cooing at a tiny one that looks like it’s trying to fight a rock, and the Amazon section where you nearly lose your mind at the otters. Bob soft-laughs beside you, hand nearly brushing yours, and then finally reach the heart of the aquarium, the big tunnel tank.

It’s a massive, arched hallway of glass, water above and around, glowing blue, full of rays and sharks and silver schools of fish that glitter like confetti. The blue and green light flickers over your faces.

You both go quiet. Not awkward quiet. Reverent.

“It’s like being inside a dream,” you whisper.

Bob doesn’t answer at first. Then you feel it, his fingers brushing yours again. This time, lingering.

“I don’t really do this,” Bob murmurs hesitantly. “Dates. People. I never feel… normal. Or safe. But with you, I…,” Bob trails off, exhaling heavily. The words stay unspoken, but you understand.

You turn toward him slowly. He’s looking at the water, or trying to. But, his focus keeps slipping back to you.

“Bob,” you say gently. “I’m really glad you asked me to come here.”

His eyes meet yours. And for a moment, the water goes still. Not literally, but something in the air. That hush. That moment of stillness before something brave.

“I want to kiss you,” he says, voice low, honest. “Is that okay?”

You nod. “Yeah. It’s okay.”

The kiss is soft. Careful. A little clumsy, noses bump, he pulls back like he’s afraid he ruined it, you giggle and tug his hoodie to bring him back, and then it’s just warm. Sweet. Like the lights above you, soft and blue and full of wonder.

When you finally pull apart, Bob’s blushing so hard his ears match his hoodie. You’re smiling like your face can’t help it.

You lean in and whisper, “Best first date ever.”

And Bob, brilliant, bashful Bob, smiles like he’s just been handed the whole ocean.

𝐌𝐂𝐔 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @writingcrustacean @feliciahardysgf @ayvuhs

[of-apollo]

AGH HI AGAIN SO SORRY FOR ALL THE MISHAPS, NAKAKAHIYA

Could I ask for a PB&JJ and thunderbolts pairing? If only one, PB&JJ would be great!

Basically, I’m an introvert who can switch on the confidence when needed but in social settings, I’m kinda SUPER AWKWARD, dissociating type stuff! I tend to be quiet until I feel comfortable. I can be blunt, and I know it’s something I’ve struggled with in past relationships. I show love through acts of service, quality time, and thoughtful gifts. I’m not big on physical touch right away, since past experiences have made me wary, but once trust is built, I open up. I LOVE LOVE soft intimacy such as kisses on forehead or cheek! Anything without intention.

I’m happiest spending slow days with someone I care about, picturing this: just laying around, watching the sunrise or sunset, or sharing quiet moments together. I have a deep love for helping people in need; I even run a foundation focused on supporting the poor!! I’m a proud cat owner, (my cat’s name is Coco), and I adore animals in general. ESPECIALLY THE MISUNDERSTOOD ONES such as rats or spiders!!

My hobbies include baking, gaming, and cooking. I have mid-length brown hair, I’m 5’2”–5’3”!! I’m also into reading and baking!

THANK U SO MUCH FOR BEING PATIENT HUHUHUHU i hope that this is okay naaa!!

you’re all good! thank you for your patience too! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Peter Parker!

Peter definitely has a quieter side to him, but he’s always happy to be the more outgoing one in social situations when you need him to be. He does everything he can to make you comfortable and is so understanding.

He’d honestly appreciated your bluntness. He likes things laid out plainly for him and your bluntness doesn’t leave room for ambiguity. It’s nice to always know how you’re feeling!

Peter would be all for soft intimacy, especially when you first start dating. He can be a bit shy at times so he’d much rather give you a gentle forehead kiss at the end of a date.

He has a very chaotic life, so he’s always grateful for slow days with you. Whether that’s baking in your apartment or watching a sunrise on top of the Avenger’s Tower, he loves your company in those quiet moments.

Peter would so love gaming with you! He’d be down for anything but I can see him enjoying something like Stardew Valley. Just having a little co-op farm where you can run around and be domestic. He adores it.

[of-apollo]

hi i dont want to bother so only do this if you ahve time!

could you do me an mcu women’s pairing??

i’m 5’4, brunette with brown eyes. at first i’m awkward and can be seen as rude (just because i don’t talk much) but when you get to know me i will not shut up. i have a huuuuge passion for horses, im currently doing a degree in equine biology and management and i am a huge animal nerd. i love to indulge to people around me in my lifestyle (by that i mean i WILL make you pet every animal i see and i WILL make you ride my horse). throughout school i was told i talk to much, but that was inky because i found my lessons boring. my friends say im an easy person to talk to and hang out with. i would also say im a quite a nerd (especially with the mcu) when i start to like/gain interest in something, i will spend every second on it.

thank u so much ☺️

of course lovely! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Natasha Romanoff!

Natasha is not at all put off by your initial awkwardness. She finds it cute, and as soon as you get comfortable and start yapping, she falls totally in love.

Honestly, Nat would be more than happy to indulge in your lifestyle as you put it. She’s definitely someone who often prefers animals to humans because ‘they can’t say stupid things’, so she’s always happy to spend time with you and them.

She’d love to settle down with you in some little cottage with stables near for horses sometime. Even if it’s just for a year long break or for the rest of your lives, she’d just love the peace of it all.

Natasha loves how easy you are to be around and is so content listening while you yap about anything. She puts so much trust in you and will ramble about anything you ask about.

She would very lovingly tease you for your nerdy side, but absolutely indulges all of your interests. She’ll buy you anything you want related to them. She’ll happily watch any show or movie you’re into but will ask a thousand questions just to hear how passionate you get.

[of-apollo]

Hiii <33 can I request for a pairing with male MCU characters? I’m 5’10 and present pretty masculine, preferring to keep my hair short and avoid feminine clothes. But I do keep my nails pretty long. I also have two piercings (septum and tongue) as well a two tattoos (both from video games) I often come off as standoffish or rude, but I like starting conversations with people and involving others. So usually I end up non stop talking. I’m duel majoring in psychology and criminal Justice with a minor in forensic investigation, I’m also considering adding German! So a lot of my interest involve that. I struggle to focus on reading, but really enjoy movies and video games. I love dogs and really enjoy movie nights (that I can talk through) Thank youuu

of course! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Bucky Barnes!

Bucky would so be into your whole vibe, especially the tattoos and piercings. He’ll happily buy you new jewellery for them and is a terrible influence encouraging you to get more.

If anyone is understanding of you coming off standoffish at all, it’s Bucky. He is exactly the same and you’re very wary of each other at first, but when you realise he’s just a bit nervous of you, you drag him into every conversation humanly possible.

Bucky is so intrigued by your majors and is in awe of how smart you are and how much you’re taking on. He’ll always bring you warm drinks on study nights and does whatever he can to support you.

I can see Bucky attempting to get into video games just for you, but he ends up being so horrifically bad at them. Mario Kart is about all he can stand and even that drives him insane.

Bucky is so down for a movie marathon you just yap through. He likes a new movie as much as the next person, but he doesn’t need to give it his full attention to enjoy it. He’s more than happy to hear everything you have to say throughout it!

[of-apollo]

If ANY of yall EVER do this shit to me, im deleting every single fic out of spite.

If I ever catch one of yall doing this to another author and I know youre a follower of my work I will block you personally on every platform

None of yall are the fic police. I DESPISE genai. I think its an insult to art, humanity, and the planet itself. But aint not a single fucking person here qualified to pick apart a strangers fic looking for a gotcha moment to make yourselves feel superior. If you think something is ai you can ask the author (most are proud of the ai use and will just tell you straight up) if they say yes you have your answer and can warn people. If they say no and you dont believe them you block and quietly keep it between you and maybe a close group of friends. Spreading misinformation is DANGEROUS. And NONE of you doing this shit are anywhere near qualified to do it.

THIS GOES DOUBLY FOR ARTISTS.

[of-apollo]

Hiya, can I have a pb&jj pairing, if possible

Im often quiet in a group setting but when with individuals or close friends I can be very energetic and a bit of a yapper!

I love to watch movies, ice skate, climb and am often told I’m a great cook and baker!

I love all animals and insects and wish I had a cat

I like to be organised and have little sensory habits like tapping in 5’s.

My love languages are physical touch, I’m a little clingy and love hugs and gift giving. If I can buy something or make a little art and craft then I’ll be sure to do it!!!

Thank you xxx

of course!!🫶🏻 | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Bob Reynolds!

Bob doesn’t mind your quiet side at all but he does love it when you open up and get talkative. He could listen to you all day!

He’d love to watch you ice skate from the sidelines, says it’s magical. He tries to join you, but he has no coordination and just falls repeatedly.

Bob is your best taste tester when you cook and bake. You’ll often let him chop up or weigh out ingredients so that he gets to feel involved. But, taste testing is definitely his favourite part.

He would so be down to get a cat with you. He’d love a cat on the fluffier side and would just cuddle with it at every chance he gets.

Bob adores every gift you give him, but the handmade ones are always his favourite. He displays them proudly on a shelf and they’re a perfect reminder of how much you love and care for him.

[of-apollo]

Can I get a fic request of our dear Bob, basically an aquarium date? I MISS YOU SO MUCH! I HOPE YOU’RE DOING AMAZING!!!

will be posting this tonight, thanks for your request lovely! and thank you, i’m doing good, just had a busy weekend with adventuring and dissertation writing! hope you are well too <3

[of-apollo]

Hi! I was wondering if I could get a thunderbolts request pretty please?

I’m a pretty emotional person, I cry over the little things and am a very empathetic person but am also very happy and outgoing!!

I’d say I’m a pretty funny person as my friends have all described me that way and I tend to get a good reaction out of people. I’m a people person and I don’t like to be on my own too often.

In my experience I’ve found I probably work best with people who are more opposite to me, maybe a little more mellow or slightly less happy all the time, as to why I have no idea! I just tend to get along better with people like that!

I love making playlists and have a lot for different pieces of media I like or specific feelings I have.

I hope that was enough!! Thank you in advanced 🌻

absolutely angel! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Bucky Barnes!

Bucky is typically the polar opposite of you when it comes to emotions, but he never teases you for being emotional. He’ll always hold you even if it is over a little thing.

It drives him insane how infectious your happy energy is to him and how effortlessly you can make him laugh. He’s always grinning around you and Yelena definitely teases him for it.

He kind of adores that you’re a people person because it means he can take a bit of a backseat in social situations. He just watches in awe as you yap away and charm a room.

Bucky is definitely your opposite and is so, so much more mellow. He’s a calm place when you’re a bit worn out, and you’re there to infect him with energy when he needs it.

He will absolutely eat up any playlist you make him. Installs Spotify for you and you only and just inhales most of your music taste.

[of-apollo]

Hii! I hope that I could get a any mcu pair!!

Im Brazilian and I identify myself as bi and gender fluid. I have wavy long brown hair and brown eyes and Im already at college studying international affairs, so i'm very interested in geopolitics and also in finance, i already work with that also. My hobbies are read literally anything, learn new languages, crochet and bake sweets with lots of chocolate

Also do some volunteering to make quality education available in poor communities here, help provide some materials and sometimes do some class os history and financial education. And I would said Im quite religious too, I am an umbandista, a brazilian religion that preaches love, charity, the cult of our own ancestors and spiritual evolution

My personality is more introverted, but I really like to take care of my friends and family, I like to buy presents, give surprise hugs and make special recipes for their birthdays or achievements, and I think the last time I checked I was infj and cabin 5 but also slytherin

My apologies I write too much 😅 but thank u

of course my love! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Yelena Belova!

Yelena is so intrigued by your interest in international affairs and geopolitics! Calls you smart at every chance she gets and would probably drag you into helping the Thunderbolts with any related issues.

She loves that you crochet and will proudly wear anything that you make for her, even if it goes totally against her usual fashion sense.

Yelena totally has a sweet tooth and will devour anything you bake. She’s your best taste tester but also a bit of a menace as there’s barely anything left for anyone else by the time she’s finished ‘testing’.

She would love your passion for volunteering and would definitely do what she could to help out. Whether that be providing materials or helping structure your lessons. She admires you work a lot.

Yelena adores how much you love to give love to your friends and family! She gets infinitely more excited than she used to for special occasions now because she knows she gets a treat from you.

[of-apollo]

₊˚⊹⋆ 𝐌𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 !

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: Bob Reynolds x GN!Reader

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: Bob is not great with words, but a bundle of sunflowers will suffice to show that he loves you (ft. fluff prompt 13 ‘I brought you flowers’).

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: Self-doubt from Bob. Otherwise, fluff.

𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐌𝐂𝐔 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

The soft hum of the city outside your apartment was the only sound that filled the room, as the last of the daylight filtered through the curtains. It had been a long day, but the evening promised a quiet, peaceful reprieve. You were curled up on the couch, a book in your lap, and the world felt like it was slowing down for once.

Bob was sitting across from you, his usual larger-than-life presence dialed down to something softer and grounded. He was wearing his grey hoodie, the one he’d worn the first time you’d met. It had seen better days, worn at the cuffs and starting to bobble, but it was clearly his comfort zone. It was one of those things that made him feel more human, something you could always count on.

Bob’s gaze was fixed on you, and you caught him staring. Not intensely, but in that quiet, affectionate way that made your heart skip. Bob wasn’t always one to wear his emotions on his sleeve. He could be a superhero on the outside, but here, with you, he was simply Bob. And that was exactly what you loved about him.

“Something on my face?” you asked with a playful grin, your eyes twinkling as you turned to meet his gaze.

Bob blinked with a deep inhale, startled as if you’d caught him in the act of something he shouldn’t be doing. He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, his cheeks tinging pink. “Uh, no. Just thinking.”

“About?” you asked, raising an eyebrow. You leaned forward slightly, setting your book aside. You knew Bob well enough to know that when his mind wandered, it often meant something was bothering him.

Bob hesitated for a moment, his lips pressing into a thin line. “You.”

Your heart softened at the sincerity in his voice. Bob was always so careful with his words, never wanting to make a fuss, but when he did speak his mind, it was always something meaningful. Especially when it came to you. Always when it came to you.

“Me?” you said with a gentle laugh. “What about me?”

Bob shifted on the couch, shyly looking down at his hands for a moment. “I was just thinking about how lucky I am,” he admitted quietly, as if you’d be torn away if the universe heard. “You make everything feel easier.”

Your stomach did a little flip at his words, the way he said them, soft but sincere, and the vulnerability behind them that he didn’t always show. “I’m lucky, too,” you said, your voice warm as you reached out to gently touch his hand. His hand was warm, strong, but he let you hold it, fingers curling around yours like you were both tethered in this quiet moment together.

For a few seconds, the two of you sat there, the weight of everything outside of the room fading. The city was still bustling, but you and Bob were in a world of your own, one where words didn’t have to be rushed, where you could just exist together.

Then, Bob stood up abruptly, his expression shifting to something a little more playful. “I’ll be right back,” he said, his voice light, as he made his way toward the door.

You laughed, surprised by the sudden movement. “What’s going on?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Just stay here,” he replied with a wink. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

You watched him leave, curious but trusting. Whatever this was, you knew it was just Bob being his thoughtful self, and you couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Bob had his own ways of showing he cared, sometimes big, sometimes small, but always with genuine affection.

When he returned a few minutes later, he was holding something behind his back, his eyes twinkling with excitement. He had a mischievous smile on his face that you didn’t quite trust, and it made your heart skip a beat.

“What are you hiding?” you asked, sitting up straighter.

Bob just grinned. “I brought you flowers.”

You blinked, momentarily stunned. Bob Reynolds, the Sentry, the man with god-like power, had sheepishly, sweetly brought you flowers? A small bouquet was held behind his back, but you could see the bright yellow petals peeking out, and it immediately made your heart warm.

“Flowers?” you asked, trying to suppress the surprise that was creeping into your voice. “You?”

Bob shrugged, his grin never faltering. “Yeah, I know. I’m not exactly the flower-buying type, but, I thought you might like them.”

You stood up, your curiosity now piqued, and took the flowers from his hands. They were sunflowers, bright and cheerful, full of life and warmth. Bob had mentioned a while back that sunflowers were his favorite, how they reminded him of summer days spent outdoors. How they reminded him of you, warm and homely.

“They’re perfect,” you said, your voice soft as you breathed in the fresh scent. You held them close, feeling the warmth of the gesture settle in your chest. “This is really sweet of you,” you said, your voice soft with gratitude.

Bob’s eyes softened as he watched you. “You deserve sweet things. More than I can give.”

You placed the flowers in a vase and set them down on the coffee table, your smile never fading. The flowers were beautiful, but it was the thought behind them that really struck you. Bob didn’t do grand gestures, didn’t often wear his heart on his sleeve, but in this small moment, you could see how much he cared. And that was more than enough.

Bob sat back down next to you, his posture a little less stiff than it had been before. You settled beside him, still holding his hand, letting the peacefulness of the moment wash over you both.

“You didn’t have to do this,” you said quietly, your fingers lightly tracing the lines of his palm. “But I’m glad you did.”

Bob chuckled softly, squeezing your hand. “I know, but I wanted to. I want you to know that you’re special to me.”

You looked up at him, and in that moment, everything felt right. The way he was looking at you now, the sincerity in his eyes, the quiet affection, made your chest flutter.

“I know,” you said with a soft smile, tilting your head to rest against his shoulder. “You show me in so many little ways.”

Bob’s lips quirked up at the edges, a soft, almost shy smile tugging at his face. The man who could move mountains, who could bend the laws of physics with a thought, looked vulnerable in that moment, like he was learning what it meant to truly let someone in.

Bob spoke quietly, his voice almost a whisper, “I’m glad you think that. Glad you see me like that.”

You leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek, your heart full. “I see you, Bob. All of you. And I wouldn’t change a thing.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, the quiet peace of the room settling around you both. There were no world-ending crises, no battles to fight, just the two of you, together, in this soft, safe space.

“I could get used to this,” he murmured.

“Good,” you replied with a soft laugh. “Because I plan on keeping you around for a long time.”

Bob chuckled, his arm wrapping around you as he pulled you closer. “I’d like that.”

For the rest of the evening, the two of you stayed there, the flowers a bright spot in the room, the soft rhythm of your breathing matching the peaceful cadence of the night. It wasn’t the grand, heroic moments that made everything feel right, it was these simple, quiet times with him.

Bob may have had the weight of the world on his shoulders, but with you, in this moment, he found peace. And maybe that was all he needed.

@writingcrustacean @feliciahardysgf @ayvuhs

[of-apollo]

hi! if it's okay may i request a pairing for myself and one (or more if you think so) of the mcu women??

i'm 5'1, black hair, dark eyes and a tan complexion. admittedly, I'm a big nerd like magic, fantasy, dnd, marvel, hp, lego, pokemon, anime and games type of nerd and i'm studying for a mass communication major!!! also a big fan of music and there isn't a single moment i'm not without my earphones except if i'm hanging out with friends cause that's quite rude. i have learned from past relationships that im a yearner and im the type of person who types letters digitally and then write them down so that i don't make mistakes.

i hope that's enough and if you decide to do mine i want to thank you in advance!! i love your writing so much <33

of course angel! thank you for the love! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Wanda Maximoff!

Wanda definitely does anything just to entertain your love of magic. She’s not usually one to use her powers when she doesn’t have to, but for you? Happily.

I could honestly see Wanda getting really into DND if given the chance. She’d probably sit in on a few of your sessions and then start brewing a character in her head before she even realises she’s enjoying it.

She would also definitely build legos with you. Finds it very tempting to use her magic when you drop a piece or accidentally break something fiddly, but she holds off because she thinks you’re cute when you’re concentrating.

Wanda gets so much of her music taste from you! Literally absorbs it. She also doesn’t mind you wearing earphones around her, as long as you give her one.

She can absolutely relate to being a yearner. I think Wanda has the potential to be quite clingy and would love being with you whenever you’d let her.

[of-apollo]

Hi there! :) I really thought I'd sent my request days ago but you said you had answered them all so I've been spiraling about whether to wait or send one again... So sorry if you have it in your inbox still!!

I would love to request an MCU men pairing, if that's ok! I'm a 26 year old french florist and I have my own dried flowers business (I do a lot of weddings which is incredible)! I'm 4'9 (or 152cm lol) and I've been told I'm sensitive, caring and very determined with quite a witty/banter-y sense of humour! I love flowers obviously, my cat, baking, reading romance books and doing anything crafty (I'm really into watercolor at the moment)! Also in case you're into astrology I'm a leo sun, virgo rising (huge perfectionnist...) and pisces moon :)

Thank you so much for taking the time, sending lots of love from the south of France!!

you’re all good! i don’t recall coming across one like this and have nothing similar in inbox/queue, so no worries! sending love from wales! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Steve Rogers!

The thought of Steve with a florist makes my heart melt. He finds your career the most endearing thing ever. He’d love it if you ever brought him flowers home as well.

Steve very gently teases you for your height but is also the sweetest about it. Will reach high shelves for you, will hold your hand through a crowd, will give you forehead kisses.

He loves how sensitive and caring you are! He feels like you are more understanding of him than anyone and he always feels so safe with you.

Steve would love your cat! He’d just stand in the kitchen with them cuddled in his arms as he watches you bake.

Steve is also quite crafty! He’d love to have little artsy dates with you, maybe scrapbooking or painting each other or your cat! Or even making art out of flowers you’ve dried!

[of-apollo]

hiii, can I request a pairing for the mcu women? I'm pretty short, about five foot even. I love video games, but I literally only play story games. I love reading comics. and I'm the BIGGEST game of thrones fangirl. when I like a show, I will literally force anyone around me to watch it just so I have somebody to talk to about it. I love it when people are funny, and sometimes I will get into moods where I laugh at anything.

of course my love! | mcu pairing requests

I ship you with Yelena Belova!

Yelena definitely lovingly teases you for being short even though she’s only a few inches taller than you. You reach for any shelf and you will hear ‘do you need help darling?’.

She would love playing video games with you and doesn’t mind story games at all! She gets super invested and will be rambling about them 24/7.

I can see Yelena becoming a bit of a comic nerd around you. She’s so protective of your collection, getting plastic sleeves for them and all. Will not let anyone near them!

Honestly, never seen GoT but it gives the vibe of something Yelena would enjoy. You get the pleasure of watching with her and seeing all of her reactions to it. It’s your favourite type of date.

Yelena effortlessly has quite dry humour, but she will go out of her way to make you laugh and adores the sound of it. She even resorts to dumb dad jokes she’s heard from Alexei.

[of-apollo]

⋆˚꩜｡ 𝐀 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭…𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞.

ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢs - ᴘʙ&ᴊᴊ x ғᴇᴍ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

sᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ - ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴄᴏғғᴇᴇ sᴀɪᴅ ʙʏ ʏᴏᴜʀ ғʀɪᴇɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴋᴇs ʏᴏᴜ sᴇᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴅɪғғᴇʀᴇɴᴛʟʏ. ᴍᴀʏʙᴇ ᴛᴏᴏ ᴅɪғғᴇʀᴇɴᴛʟʏ.

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢs - ᴍɪʟᴅ ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ, ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ sᴘɪʀᴀʟɪɴɢ, ᴘɪɴɪɴɢ, sᴜɢɢᴇsᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴛs ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs, ʜɪɴᴛs ᴏғ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ, ᴍᴇᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ɪғ ɪ ᴍɪssᴇᴅ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ!

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ - 5,487+

ᴍᴀʏᴏʀ ᴍᴀɴᴅʏ’s ɴᴇᴡs ʟᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ 📮- ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴍᴇ ᴇᴅɢɪɴɢ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴜʏs ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ sᴍᴜᴛ ᴀɴᴅ sɪᴄᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ ғʟᴜғғ. ᴇᴅɢɪɴɢ ᴏʀ ᴇᴀsɪɴɢ??? ɪᴅᴋ. ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴀsᴋ ᴍᴇ ᴡʜʏ ɪ ᴜsᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴏғ ᴅᴄ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs, ᴡᴇ ᴀʟʟ sᴀᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛɴᴇss ᴏғ sᴜᴘᴇʀᴍᴀɴ. ᴀʟsᴏ, ᴛʜɪs ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ᴡᴀʏ ʟᴏɴɢᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sɪᴄᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴛᴏᴏᴛʜ ᴘᴜʟʟᴇᴅ. ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴜʏs ᴘʀᴏʙᴀʙʟʏ ᴡᴏɴ’ᴛ ʜᴇᴀʀ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴍᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ᴍɪɴᴜᴛᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴍᴇ ᴡʜʏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs. sᴏʀʀʏ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ sᴏ ʟᴏɴɢ. ᴀʟsᴏ, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ғᴏʀɢɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴʏ sᴘᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ᴇʀʀᴏʀs ᴀɴᴅ ɢʀᴀᴍᴍᴀʀ ᴍɪsᴛᴀᴋᴇs, ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ʙᴀᴄᴋ.

sᴜɴɴʏʙʀᴏᴏᴋ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ ⛅️

You weren’t expecting anything dramatic to happen today.

That morning, you’d shown up to The Daily Bugle in your favorite pinstripe trousers, combat boots polished and clunking confidently down the halls, matching little vest over a shirt sleeve button up, with a cardigan draped lazily over your shoulders. You were fresh-faced, your lip gloss intact, and for once, your coffee hadn’t betrayed you with a bitter burn or sudden splash across your blouse. It was, all things considered, a normal day.

Which made what Lois Lane said all the more jarring.

It started in the break room. You’d both ducked in for your mid-afternoon pick-me-up—you with an hazelnut latte and a chocolate éclair almost the size of your hand, and Lois with her usual two creams, no sugar, and a tired sigh that had nothing to do with caffeine. The room buzzed faintly with the broken vending machine’s hum and the distant clatter of typing fingers from the bullpen. The fluorescent lights overhead cast a sleepy, honey-glazed glow across the linoleum floor that’d flickered briefly, and for a moment, it was peaceful.

“You doing anything tonight?” You asked between bites of your pastry, lips sticky with chocolate as you tapped your nails on the table. “Want to come over and watch Love Island while we finish some work? I’m finally caught up, and I need someone to scream with.”

It was an innocent and simple question. Something she didn’t even mull over before the words spilled rom her lips. But she felt like she should’ve when Lois didn’t answer. Not right away.

You didn’t notice at first, too absorbed in the perfection of your eclair. But a few seconds of silence dragged on too long, and when you looked up, she was still stirring her coffee in an almost trance like state, the tiny creamer pot abandoned and untouched beside her. “What’s wrong?” You asked, brows pinching. You tilted your head slightly, sensing something you couldn’t name yet.

“It’s nothing.” She replied quickly. A little too quickly. Her voice was airy, obviously covering up a lie as if trying to brush something under a very obvious rug. She reached for the forgotten creamer, adding it to her mug with forced precision. “Seriously. Just tired.” She muttered.

“Lo.” You nudged her calf with your boot under the table. “Don’t lie to me. Spill.” You demanded.

She visibly hesitated, shoulders twitching like she was reeling something in—words, maybe. Or courage.

Then finally, she gulped. “It’s just that—your place is kind of… intimate.”

You pulled back in your seat, confusion and shock written all over your face. You couldn’t even utter anything, didn’t even have the time to think of what to say, before the raven haired woman continued. “I mean, not that it makes me uncomfortable!” She rushed to add, hands lifting defensively. “I just… I don’t know. I feel like I’m intruding when I’m there.” She shrugged nervously.

Your mouth parted slightly, eclair long forgotten, the corners of your mind starting to spiral. What had made her uncomfortable? The couch? The music that blasted from Johnny’s room? Did your air freshener make her nauseous or something?

“What do you mean?” You asked cautiously, already halfway convinced you’d accidentally violated some obscure guest code you had no idea about. Besides the fact that you lived with four adult men.

Lois was quiet, lips pursed tight, eyes darting toward the half-peeled sticker on her coffee mug like it had all the answers. She looked like someone deciding whether to cut the red wire or the blue one as she tried to decide on a way to deliver the news without making the tense atmosphere in the break room even more weird.

“You and your roommates.” She said finally, looking up to make eye contact with you, watching as you blinked, brows twitching in confusion.

“Huh?”

“You and your roommates.” Lois repeated, this time looking you square in the eye. “You guys are so..comfortable with one another. So…close. Like, close close. So much so that I feel like I’m intruding when I’m around you guys.”

You blinked, brows inching upward. “What?” You were so shocked, that those seemed to be the only words you were able to deliver. Your mouth gaped open upon her claims as you sat up in your seat in shock, trying to find anything to convey your plethora of emotions. “Lois, what the hell are you talking about?” You asked, letting out s chortle in disbelief.

Lois rolled her eyes and leaned. “Oh, come on. You cannot tell me you don’t see how close you guys are.” She said, delivering it in a way like she was telling you you’d been living under a rock your entire life.

“Lo, I’ve known those guys since freshman year of university. And they’ve known each other practically their whole lives. Of course we’re close, we’re bound to be. That’s not weird.”

“Not close how you guys are.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s not a normal close.” She insisted. “It’s weirdly close.”

You laughed, half-out of disbelief, half-out of nerves. “Weird how?” You asked, crossing your arms.

“You really want me to tell you how?” Lois questioned, giving you a deadpan look.

“Yes.”

“Okay. I’ll tell you how.” She said, crossing her arms like she’d been waiting for you to ask. “Remember when Jimmy and I came over for drinks a few months ago?”

“Vaguely.” You winced.

“And Johnny—who owns that ridiculous bar cart, by the way—was mixing cocktails and feeding you fruit from the garnish tray?” She explained, and you opened your mouth to argue, but stopped.

Because suddenly, the memory unspooled in vivid detail.

⸻

It was months ago, nearly a year on one of those cozy spring nights—rain tapping against the flats floor-to-ceiling windows, but none of you cared. The warm glow of the kitchen lights reflected on the sleek counters, and Johnny was in his element behind the bar, dress shirt rolled up to his elbows, whilst Jimmy talked animatedly about the time he’d bartended a runway party in Paris.

Johnny walked over, placing martini glasses in front of you. “Your drinks.” He grinned.

“Ooo.” Lois grinned, pulling the steel skewer lined with raspberry’s from the drink, taking one into her mouth as Jimmy sipped his with a content nod. You were perched beside the bar when Johnny leaned in, plucked a skewer of raspberries from your martini glass, and gently held one out.

Without a second thought, you inched forward and took the berry off the pin with your mouth. He didn’t say a word as his finger bushed your chin—just smirked faintly, watching you chew, as his eyes flickered from your lips to your eyes like he was trying to memorize the taste of the fruit on your tongue. You’d looked away, lips tilted in amusement at something Jimmy said, tossing a playful jab his way, and the moment passed as quickly as it came.

⸻

You blinked, eyes snapping back to Lois. “Johnny’s just… affectionate like that. He grew up with a loving sister, that’s just how he shows love his love.” You explained, causing Lois to deadpan you. “Uh-huh.” She said, unconvinced. “Okay. What about the time I came to pick you up for our shopping trip and you walked out of Peter’s room?”

“I was looking for my charger.”

“And then Peter walked out right after you. In nothing but a towel.”

“He had just showered but he decided to help me!” You protested. “And he didn’t know you were there! To be fair, I didn’t know you were there! Bob let you in without telling me. I’m so sorry if that made you feel uncomfortable.”

Lois held up her hands. “I’m not judging.” She affirmed. “I’m really not. It’s just—every time I’m at your place, I feel like I’m interrupting something. You and Bob have these little glances like you’re reading each other’s minds. Joaquin always makes you your tea before you ask for it. Peter fluffs your pillows before you sit if you didn’t know. And Johnny looks at you like he’s two seconds from eating you.”

You sat up, jaw slack, blinking rapidly like the room had tilted without warning.

“I…” You tried. “That’s not…”

She raised a brow.

You exhaled, flustered, feeling heat creep up your neck. “They’re just… like that.”

“With you.”

The words hung heavy in the stale break room air. You didn’t say anything for a moment. Neither did Lois. She just sipped her coffee, letting you sit in the swirling fog of revelation.

You’d always known you and the boys were close. You were roommates, best friends. You shared a space, a history, a learned rhythm. You never really questioned the little touches, the glances, the late-night check-ins and shared beds during thunderstorms or times where you just simply felt like it. You didn’t think about how Peter let you almost climb onto him whenever you were scared, or how Joaquin made your tea just the way you liked it without being asked, or how Johnny always made sure your towel was warm before handing it to you after forgetting it again, and how Bob could sense your mood before you spoke and wordlessly slide you into his favorite hoodie for comfort.

It wasn’t strange. It was just how your home operated.

But now…

Now, every memory felt heavier with intimacy, maybe even romance.

Your heart thudded quietly.

“You’re overthinking it.” You said finally, but your voice wavered.

Lois smiled softly, knowingly. “Maybe. Or maybe you’re underthinking it.” She said, watching by as you looked back down at your untouched food.

The chocolate on your eclair was no longer glossy and molten but dull and firm with the chill of the break room air. Your once-steaming coffee sat forgotten at your side, now nothing more than a sad, bitter puddle. This was not how you’d envisioned your fifteen-minute coffee break—especially not one that ended with your brain spinning and your appetite destroyed.

You barely noticed when the door creaked open again and Jimmy Olsen poked his head in, brows raised. “You two know you’re, like, fifteen minutes over, right? The meeting’s starting.”

Both you and Lois jolted at that, heads whipping from the wall clock and then down to your watches for a double check. Time had sprinted past quicker than expected.

“Shit.” You muttered, gathering your papers and your thoughts as quickly as possible—which, frankly, wasn’t very fast. You’d have a clearer mind walking into that meeting if you’d actually eaten. Instead, you were heading to a full-staff boardroom with an empty stomach and a full head of increasingly confusing thoughts.

Which, as you already knew from experience, was a recipe for pure disaster.

The elevator ride up to the fifteenth floor was spent in silence—Jimmy humming to himself, Lois quiet and side-glancing at you like she was afraid you might bolt or explode, and you were trapped in your own brain. Again. The moment the doors slid open, the newsroom’s upper offices buzzed with movement, phones ringing and heels clicking. You walked mechanically toward the boardroom, located dead center on the floor and enclosed in sleek, frosted glass.

You stepped in one after the other. The room was already mostly full—senior editors, a few columnists, layout heads, and the fresh interns pretending not to panic. You settled into your usual seat next to Lois, setting your briefcase down and opening your folder like a well oiled machine. Your hands moved, but your brain wasn’t really there.

It was still in the break room, stunned in the dingy chair at the leaning table in the corner. Still circling the phrase: You guys are…close.

“Hey,” Lois whispered, eyes flicking toward you. “You okay?”

You didn’t answer.

You were staring at your notes, though not really reading them, fingers absently thumbing the edge of a sticky tab. It wasn’t until Lois gently laid a hand on your shoulder that you startled, blinking yourself out of autopilot.

“What?” You asked out of reflex, your voice monotone. “Oh. I’m fine. Just… hungry.” You added with an strained smile.

Lois didn’t press. But her eyes lingered on you for a moment longer before she leaned back in her chair—right as the glass doors flew open and the tornado known as J. Jonah Jameson barreled in.

“Let’s go, let’s go! We don’t have all damn day!” He barked, tossing a thick manila folder onto the table with enough force to make one of the interns jump.

You sat up a little straighter, forced your lips into something like a line, and braced yourself for what was always a high-volume half-hour.

“First thing’s first.” Jameson began, pacing the room like a general. “Spider-Man’s not the only masked menace swinging around this city anymore.”

He hit a button on the sleek tablet beside him, and the conference screen on the wall lit up with blurry footage—midair photos of what looked like a man engulfed in flames hurtling across the Manhattan skyline. The next frame was clearer: a tall figure in a high-tech suit with wings spread wide, grounded only long enough to punch out a crew of armed thieves behind an abandoned dock.

You swallowed hard.

Because you knew those silhouettes. You knew the way the fire curled like a wave, leaving behind a trail of smoke, was when Johnny got cocky in the air. You knew the arc of Joaquin’s wings like the shape of your own palm. You had washed soot out of both of their suits more times than you could count.

“This guy,” Jameson growled, zooming in on the fire-blurred figure, “Has been torching half the rooftops on the West Side. And this one—” He pointed to Joaquin’s mid-air frame, “Thinks he’s the new Iron Man or something doing street work in place of cops. I want names. I want stories. I want dirt. We’re gonna get out ahead of this vigilante nonsense.”

The words kept coming, but you didn’t hear them.

Because the thoughts Lois planted in your head were now loud and complicated and banging around your chest like live wires.

You’d spent so much time pretending—pretending you didn’t know who Spider-Man was, pretending you didn’t recognize the “new faces,” pretending your home wasn’t full of makes identities and high tech laundry covered in whatever unexplained scenario those boys had gotten themselves into. And you were good at pretending. You’d convinced everyone else.

Except maybe yourself.

Because suddenly, pretending felt exhausting.

Now more than ever, you had the urge to scream who they were from the rooftops. Maybe it was because of the constant thoughts Lois put into your head while those exact men fought crime on the large screen in front of you. Or maybe, it was the fact that your stomach was beginning to tighten from hunger, while those same exact thoughts of intimate closeness with said roommates flooded your mind. Either way, your attention was only focused on the men you shared an apartment with.

And Lois’s words? They just kept echoing within your mind.

You guys are…close.

You didn’t even notice when the meeting ended. Which was ironic, given how Jameson’s meetings usually felt like a marathon through hell with his booming voice. But somehow, twenty-five minutes passed in a blur, and now your coworkers were packing up and moving on. So you copied their actions, gathering your things in a hurry to exit the now stuffy establishment.

You only blinked back to reality only when Jameson pointed at you from across the room.

“My brightest.” He said, wagging a thick finger. “I expect something good from you.” He praised, and you could only give a tight, awkward smile. “Yes, sir.” You said with a stiff nod. He smiled before he was gone, trailing a stream of assistants and interns behind him like flys to a block of honey.

You were about to follow when Lois gently shut the glass door before you could slip out, now leaving only the two of you in the room.

“Okay, what’s up?” She asked, her tone gentler now, arms folded and brow knit with concern.

“What do you mean?” You replied, feigning confusion, but your voice cracked slightly.

Lois gave you a look. The kind that only best friends or sisters or very, very observant people could manage.“You’re like an open book. I can tell when something’s up.”

You hesitated. You two stared at each other for a few seconds before you cracked, letting out a long, frayed sigh, and dropping your things onto the table.

“Come on.” Lois urged as she stepped closer.

“Well, for starters, I’m gradually becoming hangry.” You began dryly, bringing your hand up to rub your forehead out of anxious stress. “But also…” You hesitated, then added in a rush. “I can’t stop thinking about everything you said.”

Lois winced at your quick onslaught of words. “If I’d known it would stress you out like this—”

“No! No, I’m glad you said it.” You interrupted. “But now I feel stupid.” You were quick to explain as you began to pace around the room, doing anything to avoid her blue irises that seemed to stare deep into you. “Like… what does all of this mean? Is it me? Is it them? Is it just Johnny and Peter? I can’t even begin to wonder what’s going on.”Your pacing had resumed, heavy boots tapping a steady rhythm across the polished floor. You stopped suddenly, eyes locking with hers. “What else have you seen?”

Lois’s eyes went wide as she began shaking her head. “Oh, no. No, no-“

“No, tell me.” You urged, stepping closer, borderline desperate.

“You’re spiraling.”

“I know! That’s why I need more detail. Please.” You pleaded. But then froze before stepping back, trying to appear less manic, arms crossed like that would hold everything inside. “I have to know, is there anything else you’ve seen.” You asked, trying to appear calm.

Lois groaned softly but relented. “Okay, fine. That one time Bob kept bringing us tea while we were doing research at your place?”

You nodded. “Yeah?”

“And then he sat down just to be near you. And fell asleep next to you. On the floor. With his hand in your lap.”

You blinked.

And there it was again—another memory surfacing like a warm breath caressing cold skin.

You remembered now. Sitting on the floor surrounded by city maps and vigilante sightings. Bob curled on a pillow beside you, head resting comfortably close. His hand—warm, gentle against your thigh, resting against your thigh like it belonged.

Lois saw the recognition dawn in your eyes.

“And Joaquin?” She continued with a short laugh. “Don’t even get me started.” She said, throwing her hands up in disbelief. And you closed your eyes, knowing where this one was going.

“I know, I know. You all thought—“

“I swear the whole office thought you two were dating.” Lois finished, looking at you with a hint of amusement in her eyes.

You groaned. “Don’t start.”

“Start?” Lois echoed. “He used to bring you lunch every day when you first started working here. With a fat kiss on the cheek.”

“It wasn’t a fat kiss.” You mumbled.

“It was a fat kiss.” She said firmly. “And don’t forget—you made him stop. You would get jealous when the others would ogle at him. That’s why you told him to stop.”

Now that caused you to gape at her. “I didn’t tell him to stop because I was jealous.” You protested, though your voice faltered.

“Then why did you tell him to stop?”

You paused. “Because… it was distracting! First, the office turned into a viewing party every time he showed up and surrounded around the door when I’m just trying to get my food. And you know how I get when I’m hungry.”

“Yes I do.” Lois said with a smirk as she watched you ramble.

“And second, you know Joaquin. He gets a big head, and quickly. Strangers calling him pretty boy didn’t help the atmosphere of my home.” You finished.

Then you and Lois stood there for a minute. You both stood there in the silence that followed. And it happened slowly—so slowly you almost didn’t feel it. But the realization began to settle. A shift in the way the air moved around you. Like a truth finally finding its way into the light. The raven haired woman watched as everything settled, the look of realization washing over your face. And you almost look petrified.

Lois stepped closer, softer now. “Hey. I’m not judging you by any means. If anything…” She shrugged. “I say go for it. I don’t even know with who. Hell, don’t choose. Have fun. Those men are fine, and they adore you, plus’s you all live together. But—”

Your eyes widened as you took a shaky step back. “I have to go!” You mean to whisper, but it came out in a stunned tone that was louder than you meant it to be.

Then you were gone—grabbing your bag and rushing out the door before Lois could even blink. She flinched at your sudden movements, and before she knew it, you were out of the room.

By the time she snapped out of her stunned trance and stepped out into the hallway, the elevator doors at the end of the hall were closing behind you. The office was still, save for the click of heels echoing down the corridor, people muttering in your wake of sudden nerves.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅

The cab ride home from Midtown felt like the closing scene of a war film. A lone soldier, battle-weary and bruised—not on the outside, but inside, where things ached far worse—staring blankly out the window while the city pulsed on around her, mind plagued with unwanted thoughts. The car jolted gently in the five o’clock crawl of Manhattan traffic. But truthfully, the traffic was eternal. New York didn’t know peace, and in that moment, neither did she.

The back seat was cracked leather, its age and wear pressing into her skin through the fabric of her tight slacks. The air smelled like a stale combination of old peppermint, car freshener, and coffee breath, and the balding cab driver seemed mercifully uninterested in conversation. He’d caught her dull expression and stiff demeanor in the mirror once—maybe twice—and after that, left her to her own stillness. No words were exchanged after the small uttered greeting when she first entered and told him her destination.

Now no one spoke.

But your mind was loud.

Louder than the sirens down the street, louder than the honking cab two lanes over, louder than the thoughts you tried so hard to suffocate. You sat there, barely blinking as your mind traversed through every single interaction you’ve had with your roommates. The men you’ve known since collage. You would blink hard to get rid of those thoughts, but Lois words always drifted back, picking at the back of your cerebellum no matter where you tried to force your mind to go.

You had tried to think about normal things. Like: What should I eat first when I get home?

But that one spiraled fast. The thought of dinner had turned to Joaquin, warm and radiant, still in his cute duck-printed apron, dishing out your plate first with a flourish like they were dining in some upscale bistro. His head was close to yours, leaning over your chair as he described the meal with a chef’s affection. He always remembered everything—every allergy, every preference. And he poured your wine like he knew how much of a day you’d had before even opening your mouth.

Stop it, you thought, blinking hard, as if that could knock the image loose from your brain.

Okay, next thought: What am I gonna watch tonight before bed?

Cue the memory of Johnny and Bob flanking your sides in the living room, all three of you buried in the kind of comfort that made you forget the world outside even existed. It was Christmas time last year, all of you decked in matching facemasks, s’mores still sticky on your fingertips. Johnny was roasting marshmallows mid-air with a flick of his hand while Bob curled into your side. You had been wearing Johnny’s oversized black t-shirt and Grinch flannel pajama pants—the ones that technically belonged to him but somehow lived in your drawer now. And he was wearing something similar, the top of the Grinch set with grey joggers. You all watched Sweeney Todd. Not a Christmas movie. But a tradition, nonetheless.

You adjusted yourself in the seat, visibly flinching at the sickeningly sweet thought as the old leather creased loudly under you. The cabbie didn’t even blink. He’d probably seen worse than a silent mental breakdown in his backseat.

Okay. Okay. Shower. I’ll just take an everything shower to clear my mind.

That thought seemed to ground you. Showers were neutral and calming for you. And thinking of the calming shower turned into you wanting it to be a bath, and that seemed tamed. You loved a nice bath. You thought of the hot water, filled with your jasmine scented bubble soap and maybe even some essential oils and a moisturizing bath bomb. You simply loved a good bath.

And that’s what did it. Suddenly it became a shared bath. Because you knew someone who loved a good bath as well. Someone you caught once, having a soothing bubble bath in your bathroom rather than the main one. And you swore to never tell.

But suddenly, you were imagining Peter sitting opposite her in the tub—candles flickering, making the lightening dim. The smell of honeysuckle filing the air as petals floated in the steaming water. A little bath tray set between them with a bottle of wine in an ice bucket that they would simply pass between one another to drink from, that and a dish of chocolate-covered blueberries—your shared favorite. Your feet in his lap, his thumb rubbing idle circles into your arch while he watched Breaking Bad on an iPad and you read a book, glasses slipping down her nose.

She nearly yelped, jumping out of your skin at the thought.

That wasn’t even a memory. You and Peter have never done such a thing. That was a fantasy—a full-on fantasy of her roommate. A bathtub…dream?

Lois words were digging so far within your mind that you were now imagining scenarios. Fantasizing.

You stared harder out the window, willing the city to disappear. And just as panic began to collect in the back of your throat, the cab pulled up the apartment building, bathed in soft orange light from the sinking sun.

You didn’t even wait for the driver to fully stop the car before you shoved a few folded bill into the front seat, mumbling a quick “Thanks.” And launching yourself out into the sidewalk breeze.

Your mind was still in chaos of heat and tension, so tangled with thoughts of them that you barely even registered climbing the steps to the shared Manhattan loft. Everything was dull as you passed the doorman, the desk clerk and made it to the elevator, on autopilot as you pressed the top floor of the building and waisted. You were in such a rush, and so in your head, that you didn’t even hesitate to enter your home. You entered quickly once off the elevator, letting the door shut behind you with a click that echoed in your spine.

Once the door closed behind you, your back was pressed against it, letting out a sigh as you closed your eyes. And that was your first mistake.

“Ah, Y/N.” Came Bob’s gentle voice from the stairs. “You’re here.” As soon as you entered the flat, you were immediately ambushed. Bob, who was coming down the stairs near the door, beamed softly at the sight of you.

He smiled the way only Bob Reynolds could smile—like he was genuinely happy to see you back home.

He didn’t even pay any mind to your still frame as he walked over, lifting you from where you slumped against the door and pulling you into a tight, warm hug. He hummed, his hands rubbing against your back as you returned the hug, simultaneously coming out of your boots. You melted into him without protest.

He smelled like laundry detergent and cedarwood, his hands wide as they rubbed comfort into your back. Your boots slipped off one by one. The wooden floor was cold against your sock clad feet, sending chills up your skin that was offset by Bob’s hug that was grounding and warm. You couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh at the feeling of his arms that brought you comfort.

“You’re late.” He said, pulling back with a deadpan look—before a lazy smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “But you’re also just in time. Joaquin and Johnny are almost done with dinner.”

Before you could respond, Bob was already taking your coat and scarf with practiced ease, lifting your briefcase out of your hand and setting it all—gently, but definitely not carefully—by the front door, not even bothering to hang any of it up.

“C’mon.” He said. “You look tired. Let’s get you to the couch before the good spots are gone.”

You barely managed a nod, your mind still too full. You passed the kitchen on the way, his large hand on the small of your back, and sure enough—

“Ah, ¡Bebé!” Joaquin grinned, spinning from the stove with the kind of joy that could cure headaches. His cute duck apron had flour on it and his hands were busy. But he always made time for you. “You’re home!” He gushed as he bounded over, placing a kiss on each cheek, hands cradling your jaw. “Your later than usual, you better not have eaten out. I’ll be offended.” He said, playing stern as he placed his hands on his hips. You simply shook your head, not able to even register any words from the constant overflow you’ve been feeling since break time at work.

You then blinked at him, wheels still cupped in his hands.

“No?” He asked, narrowing his eyes. “Good. I made your favorite.” He said. His fingers lingered a beat longer than he needed to, soft beneath your chin. “I’ll go get the wine you like.” He said, then he winked and turned his back to you before heading to the cellar in the pantry.

Bob chuckled, steering you again with a hand at the small of your back. You barely had the energy to wonder if he always touched you like that.

The couch accepted your weight like a long lost friend. Your favorite corner, already waiting for you, pulled you in like gravity. Bob sat at the other end, picked up your legs, and draped them over his lap as if that had always been your place. He then grabbed the remote and bickered through options to see what you guys could watch as you waited for dinner.

“Let’s watch…Friday the 13th, Jason Lives.” He decided. “We’re watching Jason Lives.” He grinned, a slight nod in his head as he clicked the movie. You gave him a look—tired, but amused but nonetheless didn’t question it, used to Bob.

The movie had barely started when Peter padded out from his room, eyes sleepy and hair tousled. You couldn’t tell if he’d been napping or brooding over his lab desk with a new machine of his in the dark, but either way, he looked like a dream. He rounded the back of the couch, scanning the scene—Bob eyes focused on the television as he rubbed your feet, you looking up at him, connecting eyes as you took down your updo— he eased and grabbed your hand, gently taking the claw clip from your fingers.

He gave your hand a squeeze. A soft, quiet hello. Something you were used to exchanging with him when neither of you were in the mood to speak.

Then he played with your fingers. Idly. Almost lovingly. Twisting your rings, tracing the lines of your knuckles, smiling faintly at a little freckle you always forgot you had. This was silent conversation between you two, something you were used to.

“Dinner’s ready!” Johnny called from the kitchen. “Don’t make me come carry you, Sleeping Beauty!” He instantly jabbed at you, seeing your splayed figure on the couch as Peter and Bob fondled at different appendages of your body.

You didn’t move right away.

Because right then, as your eyes flicked from Johnny’s teasing voice, to Joaquin’s warm smile, to Bob’s steady touch, to Peter’s hand in yours—

You realized something. Something Lois had been trying to tell you.

This was……intimate.

And suddenly, you weren’t sure if you were drowning or floating.

But all you did know was that you didn’t need saving.

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