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joisbishmyoga · 3 years ago

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Ok, to go with my headcanon about the Hogwarts Founders (to wit: based on etymology, they can't be contemporous), I have headcanons about Hogwarts castle itself.

Number one! It, like the Founders, was ALSO not all contemporous. (And my apologies that I still can't find the goddamn keep-reading option.)

Helga never-actually-Hufflepuff's Hogwarts, c. 990-1090:

The original and oldest part of the school is the tower that now houses the famous moving staircases and the Headmaster's Office. (It wasn't alone, though: it had a number of outbuildings, stables and smithies and such, that have long since vanished.)

The tower was not, at the time, a hollow column full of moving staircases. It was a defensive watchtower akin to Threave Castle in Scotland, though somewhat taller and a little bit larger. It was also not round at the time, which can still be seen in the fact that the interior is square; later generations simply added walls to make it round. There are almost certainly late medieval and Renaissance defenses, as well as secret passages, built into the space between the original tower and the rounding walls.

The tower's long-since-removed floors:

Cellars (wine and cold storage).

Ground floor (entrance, reception, kitchens).

2nd floor, in the American style of count (dining, Helga's room). 3rd floor (classrooms)

4th floor (dorms: divided by gender and class rather than age)

5th floor (servants and defense).

The cellars expanded regularly over the centuries, a new room or corridor or floor built every time the castle's population (or political demands, see below) needed more cold storage.

The conical roof and the modern Headmaster's suite were added at a much later date.

Rowena Hraefenclew's Hogwarts, c. 1050-1150:

The first expansion of the castle was the modern-day Great Hall, though it lacked the enchanted ceiling attributed later to Ravenclaw. The recieving of guests was transferred to this space from the original tower, and the grand entertainments of medieval feasts and banquets were added to school life -- a requirement of any social networking, as Rowena steered the school through the political mess of the era without getting entangled in any of it.

(The enchanted ceiling was a Renaissance creation, adding light to what had been a very dim space. The original enchantment wasn't of the sky, though, and the modern ceiling would appall the people of the 1400s: what is so grand or impressive or artistic about just making the roof invisible?

(Not having a masterpiece of Christian religious art looming over the heads of hundreds -- thousands -- of magicals who'd just lived through zealous persecution, is what. The people who charmed it all invisible considered the frescoes to be quite gauche and impolitic.))

Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor's Hogwarts, c. 1150-1250:

The High Middle Ages brought a massive amount of upheaval to England (and France: half of the modern nation was ruled by England at the start of this period), as well as the rest of Europe. This is the era later connected to Robin Hood, the age of the Magna Carta and Richard the Lionheart and Prince (King) John... and that is where we begin, with Richard faffing off to join the (many, many, MANY) Crusades, and King John losing the entirety of the French regions of his rule. Loss of land = loss of wealth --> spikes in taxes and fees on nobles --> furious nobles --> Magna Carta + King John's reputation forever in the toilet + the absentee and therefore not interfering with nobles' power and money King Richard getting lauded as the best king ever (spoiler: he v much was NOT).

Richard's career included internecine rebellions, uprisings, cruelty in what provinces he bothered to rule (in France), and widespread Jewish persecution. (Things that are pretty much always in Europe: Jewish persecution. The Crusades were mostly massive disasters that did very little to Islamic rule and population in the Holy Land, but exterminated some 90% of Jewish Europe on the way. HSST.)

All of this is to say that Salazar and Godric's Hogwarts expanded to accomodate thousands of Jewish, wandering-poor, and magical refugees from the Continent: Hogwarts was still the only formal, centralized school of magic in all of Europe, and would be for several more decades.

The school still didn't reach the modern extent by the end of this building period, but got up to about 50 percent, adding almost everything on one side of the ravine that cuts through the bluff. Except for the clock tower, the Great Hall's half of the school was complete.

This is also when Hogsmeade changed from being a House-Elf farming settlement to a human town, and for the same reason: Continental refugees, largely from the Childrens' Crusade -- thousands of people of all ages, later thought to all be children due to a misunderstanding in language. (The word for "child" was co-opted to mean "the working/wandering poor": basically, "the (socially) powerless".)

The post-Founders' Hogwarts, c. 1250-1900:

The second half of the school, the conical tower rooftops (and rooms inside them), the internal plumbing for baths (but not toilets), and all the bridges -- both the stone ones across the ravine and the wooden one to Hogsmeade -- were all built in a hurry in the late 1500 and early 1600s, this time to handle refugees during the last few decades before the Statute of Secrecy. The modern Headmaster's Office was also built at this time, as high as possible to cover all approaches to Hogwarts.

Unlike the stone bridges of the ravine, the bridge to Hogsmeade has always been made of wood, in order to be easily destroyed should the castle come under attack. (And in fact it actually has been destroyed several times, most recently in the 1970s as a pre-emptive measure against Voldemort. It was then rebuilt in 1982 with more nostalgia than construction skill.)

As mentioned before, this -- the early 1600s -- is when the Great Hall's enchanted fresco ceiling was rendered invisible.

The T-shaped clock wing on the Great Hall's side, being a six-story pendulum-type clock, was built in the early 1800s, and improved in the late 1800s for accuracy and not whacking students around like golf balls. (The restrooms were also added and improved at these times.)

The greenhouses were built around 1900: Dumbledore might well have had Herbology classes before they were put in.

Now then. That is all headcanon #1. Construction headcanon #2:

Hogwarts is in TERRIBLE condition.

The famous enchanted ceiling is perhaps the most obvious damaged spot. Or it would be if it hadn't been charmed invisible. While it had Owl Post holes in it. (For the record, the easiest way to bring down, say, a barn? Chop a 3x3 ft. hole in the roof and wait ten years.) For the last four or five centuries, every time someone on staff noticed they were getting dripped on, they just threw an Impervious Charm up at the ceiling and considered the leak magically fixed. There's literally nothing left but the Impervious charms and a few scraps of gold leaf.

The stairs are another trouble spot. Centuries of people walking on them should have them worn down in the middle to look like you cut a bowl in half vertically. Would have, but the House Elves have been pulling the stone up flat again for centuries, and eventually started using magic to color-match and add enough support to the remaining stone to take people's weight. Some of the well-known trick stairs that like to disappear? That's not the magic being playful. That's the magic of late House Elves fritzing out to show there's no step left. (The moving stairs have also ground down their joints to nothing.)

It's the same across the entire castle. Centuries of manipulating the materials and covering wear with illusions and throwing Impervious Charms at drafts and drips means a lot of Hogwarts is nothing but swiss cheese and fading spells cast by long-deceased magicals anymore.

(Or it was, until the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998 disrupted enough of the remaining spells to drop them. Voldemort's forces were powerful, but not THAT powerful.)

(A large percentage of the two generations following Harry's were saved by the Battle of Hogwarts. Slytherin House was a misaimed hex away from flooding, and most of the towers were going to collapse with a few more winters of ice picking away at the mortar. Of course if the previous several centuries of magicals had just bothered to check...)

#harry potter #hogwarts #headcanon #how i wish i could quit you #tl;dr #history is more interesting and complex and gives you a lot more material than standard fantasy tropes do

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starryknight09 · 4 years ago

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Unforeseen dangers ch 9

Summary: As Peter recovers from his capture by Ross, a photo of him with Tony and the Avengers leaks and is splashed all across the media. Luckily, no one can figure out who he is and everyone thinks the buzz will die down. However, the public’s interest has been ignited. While Tony worries it’s only a matter of time before Peter’s identity is exposed, Peter isn’t as concerned. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen anyway?

Read on AO3.

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“How you holding up?” Tony asked Peter as the car pulled into the Tower’s private garage.

Peter shrugged in answer.

His kid had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the entirety of the car ride, but Tony didn’t know what else he’d expected. Tony had been raised in the spotlight. It was all he’d ever known, so he found it oddly difficult to put himself in Peter’s shoes and figure out what he was feeling. Instead of prying like he wanted to, he squeezed Peter against his side in a half hug.

“We’re here.” Happy announced unnecessarily as he put the car in park. As much as his current Forehead of Security liked to grump, Tony knew the man hated tense silences just as much, if not more, than he did.

Tony wasted no time opening the car door and stepping out, but he had to duck his head back in when Peter didn’t automatically follow behind him.

“Come on kid. Time to go. As comfy as my car is, you can’t sit in it all day.” He said to Peter who was staring straight ahead, spaced out. Peter blinked and slowly turned his head to take in Tony standing outside the car. Only then did he seem to notice that he was the sole person still left in the car.

“Oh.” Peter said and blinked again before finally climbing out. All his movements seemed slower than usual.

Tony didn’t call him on it. He rested a hand loosely on Peter’s shoulder as they walked over to the elevator together where Bruce, Nat, Happy, and Steve were already inside waiting.

“Penthouse FRIDAY.” He ordered as they stepped in.

“Thanks guys.” Peter finally spoke, although he kept his gaze firmly fixed on the ground.

“You don’t need to thank anyone.” Tony said before they had a chance to respond.

“You’re dad’s right.” Steve agreed. “We were happy to do it.”

“I needed to get out and get some air anyway.” Bruce added in a transparent attempt to lighten the mood.

Natasha just gave Peter a small smile while Happy let out a noncommittal grunt.

“Where’s everyone else?” Peter asked after another few seconds of silence had passed.

“Meeting us back here. Actually, they probably beat us.” Tony answered.

“Seems like an awful lot of trouble just to pick me up from school.” Peter frowned.

“Nope. No trouble. Everyone missed you and wanted to take their turn to come and get you. We tried rock paper scissors but since everyone on the team’s a sore loser I decided to let them all tag along.” Tony knew he was rambling and so obviously lying, but he didn’t want Peter to know the real reason everyone had shown up to get him, or the way his heart had started racing the moment he found out Peter’s identity had been discovered.

He’d been down in his workshop when Rhodey had come running in yelling his name. “Tony! Tony!”

When he’d heard the fear in Rhodey’s voice, he’d sat up so fast he’d smacked his head on the armor he’d been working on. Rhodey was one of the most unshakable people Tony knew. He could count on one hand the number of times he’d seen the man truly panic. He didn’t even want to imagine what had happened to add this moment to one of those times.

“What? What happened?” Fear swirled in his gut, visions of someone seriously hurt or dead flashed through his mind. Someone who could make Rhodey look like that. Peter. Pepper.

“Have you seen the news?” Rhodey asked as he held out a hand to help him stand from the floor.

“No.”

“It’s Peter.” Rhodey came right out and said it. He was never one to beat around the bush.

Tony’s eyes widened. “Peter? What about Peter? Is he ok?” His greatest fear brought to life. None of it made sense. Peter should be in school and completely fine. And he didn’t understand how Peter connected to seeing the news. His brain felt like it was trying to reboot, to sort out the information coming at him through his sudden panic.

“He’s fine, but it’s all over the news.”

“What is?”

“He is. Peter. They figured out his identity.”

His first instinct was to panic, but he knew he couldn’t. He had to stay clear headed and figure out what to do. For his kid.

He closed his eyes as he took a deep breath and forced himself to think. When he opened them again, he caught Rhodey staring at him, waiting for his decision on what to do.

“What exactly do they know?” Tony asked. He needed more information in order to work through the problem and figure out what to do next. “That he’s the kid from all the pictures with me?”

“Yes. That…” Rhodey said, but Tony could sense there was something else.

“And? What else?” He prodded, letting his impatience through.

“That he’s your son. That you adopted him.” Rhodey winced as he said it.

That was when the panic returned.

“Fuck.” He sprinted toward the elevator, Rhodey hot on his heels.

“Ok, now just for some perspective, don’t forget he’s Spiderman. He’s not some helpless kid.” Rhodey said as the elevator doors closed behind them.

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” He spat and pushed the button for the garage three times in succession to make the elevator drop at its fasted velocity.

“Yes.” Rhodey said as if it were obvious.

“Well it doesn’t. My kid’s still in danger, because of his connection to me.” He growled, glaring at his friend. He knew he was displacing all his anger and frustration on Rhodey who didn’t deserve any of it, but he didn’t have the mental capacity to reel himself in at the moment. Besides, as his oldest friend, Rhodey was definitely more than used to taking the undeserved brunt of his mood swings.

“What are you doing?” Rhodey asked as the doors opened and he jogged toward his fastest car.

“What do you think I’m doing? I’m going to go get my kid!” He yelled, anger starting to override his fear. He was angry at the world for doing this to his son. Angry at himself for not doing a better job of preventing it. He called himself a futurist, and yet, he hadn’t been able to see this coming soon enough to stop it.

“Wait!” Rhodey called out from right behind him.

Tony ignored him.

“Just wait a minute!” Rhodey grabbed his shoulder.

Tony spun around, fury written on every line of his face. “What?”

“Stop and think Tony. What? You think you’re just going to march in there, grab him and come home? Like it’ll be that easy? The entire world knows he’s your son. They dug into everything they could about him before breaking the story ten minutes ago. They know his parents died and then his aunt and uncle. They know he’s a straight A student. They know he’s on the decathlon team. They know where he goes to school.”

Ice ran down his spine.

“They’re going to be camped out just waiting for you to show up. Waiting for him. For the spectacle of it. You know it. And god forbid, what if more than just the media is waiting? I know you like to joke about it, but you have a lot of enemies and as far as the world knows, your kid’s just a normal kid, completely unguarded at school right now. I know it’s a terrible thing to say, but if I wanted to hurt you, this would be the perfect opportunity.”

The hell of it was, he knew Rhodey was right, and not only that, but he couldn’t believe he hadn’t considered it before. This whole thing had shaken him more than he’d realized.

“All it would take is a sniper rifle and a good vantage point, and it’d be all too easy to tag the kid as soon as he stepped outside the school. Just like that.” Rhodey snapped his fingers.

Tony clenched his jaw at the image the words conjured. The logical side of his brain told him that Peter had that sixth sense that would keep him safe from something like that, but the dad side of his brain worried about it not working or worried that even with the warning Peter still might not react fast enough to get out of the way.

“With enough money it wouldn’t be too hard to get a hired hand in place in such a short time frame.” Rhodey continued but his voice had softened. “It’s what I would do.”

Tony closed his eyes and rubbed his hand over them. “Ok. So what do suggest we do then? Not get my kid? Leave him alone and unprotected at school?” He channeled all his fear and anger into sarcasm.

“Of course not.” Rhodey gave him a scathing look.

“What then?”

“We bring the team.” Rhodey said as if the answer were obvious.

So they had.

Within thirty minutes of the news breaking, Clint had positioned himself as a lookout on a nearby roof near the school and Sam and Rhodey had taken to the sky, flying around the area to ensure that all the other rooftops remained clear while Tony made his way to the school entrance along with Bruce and Steve, two of the most invincible Avengers, given Rhodey’s imagined threat of a sniper.

While Happy and Natasha waited in the car, the trio forced their way through the hoard of press already waiting like vultures outside the school. Tony cursed the fact that there was no other entrance near a street because it was going to make getting his kid out a nightmare.

Tony was honestly surprised Peter hadn’t called or texted him yet, but he remembered him mentioning something before about the teachers being strict about cell phone use during class, so maybe he just didn’t know yet.

Inside, the hallways remained quiet and desolate. Kids weren’t running around, excitedly talking, and getting ready to mob Peter at any moment, so class must’ve just started when the news broke. He figured that was the one lucky break in all of this.

The sound of his own phone ringing cut through the heavy silence. He gave the screen a cursory glance, intending to ignore it until he saw the caller ID. Pepper. One of the few people he’d answer a phone call from at a time like this.

“Hey Pep.” He said as he pressed the phone to his ear, trying to keep his voice down. The last thing he needed was some errant student recognizing him.

“Tony? Have you seen the news?” His heart warmed a little at the panic in her voice. She obviously cared about Peter too, which shouldn’t surprise him. The kid was like a puppy. Everyone he met seemed to fall in love with him, and Tony knew the two of them had grown closer over the holidays when she’d helped Peter file the adoption papers for his surprise Christmas present.

“I have.”

“Oh my god. Where are you?”

“I’m at his school. I’m picking him up.”

“By yourself?” He marveled at the way Pepper could make her voice shrill without actually reaching a high pitched decibel.

“No. Of course not.” He decided she didn’t need to know that was what he’d almost done until Rhodey had intervened. “I brought the team.”

“Oh thank god. Just get him back here and then we need to figure out what we’re going to do.”

“Your wish is my command.”

“Stay safe.” She ordered, stern but worried, a tone with which Tony was all too familiar.

“I will.” He said, the corner of his mouth turning up as he hung up. It was times like these when he remembered what he and Pepper used to have, and he missed it.

He didn’t know what kind of expression was painted on his face, but whatever it was, it was enough for Steve to remind him, “Focus Tony.”

“Trust me Cap,” he said as he pocked his phone, “I’m as focused as anyone could possibly be right now.”

Steve nodded and within another ten steps they were standing in front of the office door.

Tony turned back to Bruce and Steve as he grabbed the handle. “Let’s go get my kid.”

He swung the door open like he owned the place and did exactly that.

Tony almost couldn’t believe that had all happened within the last hour. He still felt like he was doing catch up with trying to process everything. He couldn’t even imagine how Peter felt.

The elevator finally reached the penthouse and the doors opened, revealing a scene Tony hadn’t been expecting, although in retrospect, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Pepper had kind of warned him with her phone call earlier, but he hadn’t been thinking about it. He’d only been thinking about getting his kid to safety. Which he’d accomplished.

But now he needed to figure out how to approach this entire mess of a situation because it wasn’t going to fix itself. Thus, the reason for why the penthouse was currently filled with his PR employees.

They stepped out of the elevator and into a maelstrom of chaos. It was a scene reminiscent of the time he’d told the world he was Ironman and the resulting backlash. Or the time he’d supposedly asked some Russian model to marry him. He hadn’t. Or the time he’d been quoted as saying he was anti-gun, which hadn’t been true. At the time. Or the time he’d gotten plastered in Vegas and apparently forgotten to clothe his bottom half before stepping out onto his balcony. But all of those things had happened years ago. It’d been quite awhile since he’d been at the center of this kind of media shitstorm.

Pepper noticed him the moment he stepped into the room. She gave him a small smile as she walked over, but she stopped in front of Peter instead of him.

“Oh sweetie I’m so glad you’re ok.” She said as she pulled him into a tight hug.

He seemed a little surprised but didn’t hesitate to hug her back. “I’m fine.”

“I know.” She said as she released him and grasped his shoulders, looking him square in the eyes. “And don’t worry. We’re going to figure this out. We have people whose entire job is dealing with stuff like this.”

“What? A secret son?” Peter joked but it fell flat.

Pepper graced him with a wry smile. “Well, no. This is definitely a first, but you’d be surprised by what we’ve had to deal with when it comes to Tony.”

“Hey.” Tony acted affronted even though he knew she only spoke the truth.

Pepper arched an eyebrow at him.

He cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Anyway, what’s the plan?”

“Now that you’re here, we can do a sit down and plan out our immediate next steps.” Pepper said, all business again.

“Uh-huh.” He said, distracted by the shell shocked look on Peter’s face as he took in the room and the dozen or so strangers bustling about.

“But I really think the first thing we need to do is hold an emergency press conference, so we should put together a statement for that as soon as possible.” Pepper continued.

“Yeah.” He frowned and then held up a hand when Pepper started to speak again. “We will definitely do all of that, but first I need a few minutes with my kid.”

Pepper blinked and looked over at Peter, her eyes softening at the obvious distress she saw there even as Peter did his best to try to hide it. “Of course. How about I get everyone together and we meet in the conference room at,” she checked her watch, “3:30PM. That’ll give you fifteen minutes. Is that enough time?”

“Should be.” He nodded and then gripped Peter’s shoulders. “Come on Underoos. Let’s go sit down for a minute.”

Peter let Tony guide him through all the pandemonium to the hallway and into his bedroom. Tony pressed him down to sit at the end of the bed before grabbing the desk chair for himself. He flipped it around and sat, letting his forearms rest on the chair back, going for nonchalant even though he felt anything but.

“So.” Tony said, not quite sure how to start the conversation.

“So…” Peter echoed back, not making it any easier.

“I know this is a lot, so I thought we should just take a little time out. A little breather. And you can tell me you’re thinking.”

“What I’m thinking?” Peter’s eyebrows pulled together like he didn’t understand what Tony meant.

“Yeah. What’s going on in that noggin of yours?”

“I-I don’t know. This is all… This is crazy.”

“It is.” Tony agreed.

“I…I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“There’s nothing I want you to say. I just want you to talk to me. Tell me what you’re thinking, how you’re feeling about this.”

“Um I don’t know. It’s a lot.” Peter shrugged.

“Care to expound on that a little?” Tony asked lightheartedly.

“I guess it’s kind of overwhelming, but it doesn’t really feel like it’s real at the same time? Does that make sense?”

Tony nodded, staying silent to encourage Peter to keep talking.

“And now there are all these people here and there were all those people waiting outside my school and I know everything’s going to change forever and…I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” Peter trailed off and met his eyes, and Tony hated the fear and desperation he saw there. “It’s just…a lot.” He repeated. “And I guess I didn’t really think this was going to happen. Or if it did, I didn’t think it would be this soon. And I didn’t think it would be like this.”

Tony sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t know what to say to make it better, because there really wasn’t anything he could say, or do, to fix it. The horse was out of the barn. It was done. Over with. Now all they could do was deal with the fallout, and he knew it wasn’t going to be particularly pleasant for him or Peter.

“I’m sorry.” He settled on those two words even though they didn’t have the power to fix anything.

“It’s not your fault.” Peter shrugged.

“Still. I never wanted any of this for you.”

Peter hung his head and picked at the fraying hem on one his sleeves. The kid had a closet full of expensive, brand new, clothing but for some reason it seemed like he always chose to wear whatever he had that was tattered or fraying.

“What’s going to happen now?” Peter asked, looking up at him again.

“Now I’m going to go meet with all those people out there and try to come up with a game plan.”

“And what does that mean?”

“It means first I’m going to find out how all this got out and how much everyone actually knows.”

“Ok.”

“And then I’m going to draft a statement to read at a press conference I’m guessing Pepper has already scheduled, probably to start within the next hour.”

“Really?” Peter seemed surprised.

Tony nodded.

“What are you going to say?”

“Depends on what the media has already spilled the beans on and how good their sources are. If they don’t have any proof you’re my son, and it’s just conjecture, then there might be some wiggle room and I may be able to spin this a different way, but I don’t want you to get your hopes up. I’m guessing they have some solid sources if it’s already out there like this, since everyone knows how much I like to sue for slander.”

Peter snorted.

“So, how about this? You sit tight in here and I’ll go deal with all of this, and as soon as I know more about the plan, I’ll let you know, ok?”

“Ok.” Peter agreed softly.

Tony hummed and drummed his fingers along the chair back as he studied his son. He hated the idea of leaving him alone right now, but he knew he didn’t have any other choice. He had to go deal with all of this, and he didn’t want to bring Peter along and subject him to everything that entailed. That would only make it worse.

It was a no win situation. As soon as he left, his kid was going to be on his computer or his phone googling himself, and he’d start falling down the proverbial rabbit hole. As a media veteran, Tony knew self google was never a good idea, but he could only guess at what was being said and written about his kid. He hadn’t had any time to check yet, so he couldn’t even prepare Peter for it. He definitely wasn’t winning any parenting awards today.

“Listen, I’m going to do something, and you’re not going to like it, but you have to trust me that it’s in your own best interest right now, all right?”

Peter’s eyes narrowed. Yeah, this wasn’t going to go over well.

“FRIDAY be a dear and restrict Peter’s TV, phone, and internet access until further notice.”

“What? No!”

“Just,” Tony said as he held up a hand, “let me deal with this stuff first, and then we’ll deal with the rest of it together. Ok?” He tried for calm even as a storm cloud passed over Peter’s face. At least it was better than the sick, pinched look he’d had ever since all this went down. Silver lining.

“You’re not being fair.” Peter protested.

“I know.” He agreed and Peter didn’t seem to know what to do with that easy admission.

“So I’m just supposed to stay locked in my room alone with nothing to do until you come back?” Peter asked skeptically.

“No. Of course not. You have plenty to do.” He gestured to the partially finished Y-wing Lego set, the stacks of DVDs, and the video game consoles.

“You just said I couldn’t use the TV.” Peter huffed.

Tony sighed. “FRIDAY, Peter can use the TV for watching movies and playing video games, but nothing else, capiche?”

“Yes Boss.”

“There. All good. And you’re not going to be alone. I’ll send you some company.”

Peter screwed up his face like he wasn’t quite sure whether that was a good or a bad thing.

“And I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He said as he stood and ruffled Peter’s hair, smirking as Peter tried in vain to straighten it back into place.

On his way out, Tony paused at the door to turn and look at his kid. Peter had a desolate expression pasted across his face as he stared straight ahead at nothing.

“Hey.” Tony said to get his attention. As soon as Peter made eye contact with him, he said solemnly, “It’s going to be ok.”

“I know.” Peter mumbled and gave him a ghost of a smile, but Tony could see the truth in his eyes. His son didn’t believe him. Tony always knew he was too smart for his own good. Just like his old man.

“I love you.” Tony said with a soft intensity. Maybe he couldn’t keep the world from crashing down around them, but he could love his son. Always. It was one of the easiest things he’d ever done.

“I love you too.” Peter said back and that finally got a real smile out of him. It gave him some hope that maybe this would all turn out ok.

The door closed behind him with a click, and he made his way back out to the living room. Pepper, along with the rest of his SI team, had left and were probably waiting for him in the conference room, but the room was far from empty. Apparently none of the Avengers had wanted to go back to their quarters. The show of concern both irked and warmed him at the same time. Regardless, he didn’t have time to chit chat. Except for the one thing he had to do.

“Hey birdbrain.” He said as he spotted Clint sitting in one of the oversized chairs in the corner of the room. “Do you mind hanging with Peter? I told him I’d send someone in to keep him company.”

“Sure.” Clint agreed easily.

Tony gave him a nod of thanks and made his way toward the elevator.

“Tony.” Steve said from where he and Natasha were standing in the direct path to the elevator, obviously waiting for him.

Tony stopped in front of him and raised his eyebrows expectantly, waiting for Steve to spit out whatever it was he wanted to say.

“How’s Peter doing?” Steve asked, concern crinkling in the corners of his eyes.

Tony sighed. He had no idea how to answer that question. “He’s…dealing.”

Steve nodded as if he understood everything Tony wasn’t saying.

“Well, if that’s it, I have to go figure out how to deal with this disaster.” Tony said after a few seconds had passed and it didn’t seem like Steve was going to say anything else.

He took a step away but Steve reached out to grab his arm. “Wait. We want to come with you.”

Tony turned and frowned. “You want to come with me where?”

“To the conference room.”

Tony just blinked. “Why?”

“Maybe we can help.”

His face must’ve shown his skepticism because Natasha added, “We care about Peter too.” As if Tony had ever doubted that fact.

“Fine.” He must’ve acquiesced too easily given the looks of surprise on Steve and Natasha’s faces. But he had neither the time nor the energy to argue, and if they wanted to spend their time being tortured in a meeting, then that was their prerogative. “Let’s go.”

Steve and Natasha followed silently as he continued on his way toward the conference room. The truth was, he didn’t even know what kind of shitstorm awaited him, but the look on Pepper’s face when he’d stepped into the penthouse had clued him in to the fact that it was bad, along with the dozen or so PR employees milling about with their cellphones attached to their ears and their faces buried in their laptops. Thinking about it made his heart thrum a rapid staccato in his chest. Usually he didn’t care about his image, or whatever the media said, but this was different. This time it was his kid. He couldn’t help but care.

As he approached the glass walled conference room, he could see everyone waiting for him. He’d never gone into a meeting so wholly unprepared. After he’d gotten the news, he’d gone straight to his kid. He hadn’t taken the time to check any media outlets to see what was being said, so besides what he’d already been told, he honestly had no clue what he was dealing with yet. He gripped the handle of the conference room door and took a bolstering breath. It was time to go find out.

#unforeseen dangers #ch 9

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newluddite · 4 years ago

Text

Another Collapse.....Miami

What a nightmare. Personally I cringe at the photo of a children's bunk bed on the edge of shattered floor. Prayers will not help. It fell in the middle of the night when everyone should be asleep. Some people will have woken up to die.

OK time for me to jump to the conclusion.

This is called progressive collapse. It has happened before and engineers are supposed to take it into account when they design things. The scenario is a given floor should be able to carry the dead weight of the floor above with no walls or posts to help it. Another way is to think all the walls or posts of a given floor box go away and the floor can take the weight of the material and still carry the parts of the building remaining.

This idea started when an apartment unit in the UK had a gas explosion and the walls blew out in 1968. The floor above fell on that apartment unit and the entire corner of the building zippered up to the roof and the debris fell on the lower floors which then fell to the ground.

This Miami building is 40 years old. Progressive collapse was well understood back then. I knew about it as a structural engineer.

I just saw a video of the fall. It started on the roof. That material and its impact energy collapsed the floor below and that weight fell on the next floor and the next..... Worse is that a whole part at one side stayed up for a time then it went too. There is no excuse for that. Designed properly the small section of roof would have gone and that's all.

So what started it? A few scenarios probably a bit of everything.

Someone did something on or to the roof. Work was ongoing. It may have been installing new AC units or something else. If AC units they may have been drilling through the roof for power lines and coolant pipes. They may have cut reinforcing bars or a critical section of concrete. Or they may have placed a number of AC units on the roof too close together so the weight of those machines was far over the design limit. If they were just fixing leaks on the roof they may have been storing a stack of materials in a bad spot.

Typically a weight of "mechanical systems" of a few PSF is allowed for. So if a large number of new AC units were stacked up that could easily overload the roof. AC units can be very heavy. The photos show a lot of AC units hanging off part of the roof.

Regardless of who or what was going on it is the engineer's fault. It may have been the developer nickle and dimeing the construction (Like Trump is know to do) but the engineer is responsible for what is done in the end. Their job is more than to sign a paper.

I just pulled out my copy of ASCE 7 which is the US manual for building almost everything. Structural integrity and partial or progressive collapse are discussed in the back in great detail. Section C 1.4. Some engineer did not do his homework.

So engineer's fault.

#miami collapse #engineer's fault #sucks to be an engineer

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css1992 · 5 years ago

Note

Damn, love your starker content. If you're looking for a prompt or something, I have one I think would be great for this pairing: TeenAU starker where Peter has braces and wants to give Tony a blowjob, even tho he's never done it before. Cue braces getting stuck followed by an embarrassing hospital trip or getting caught by someone. Tx for top tier starker.

First of all, I’m so sorry this took so long, I was having that worst writer’s block, I hope you can forgive me and I hope you’re still out there to read this! T.T Second of all, thank you so much for your kind words, sweetie, you’re too nice

High school AU, explicit, 18+

Word count: 5.7k

Summary: And even though he knew how he felt in his heart, he wasn’t quite ready to say it out loud, wasn’t ready to put it in so many words. He worried it was too soon, maybe Tony would freak out and leave, but still, he wanted to take a step further in their relationship, he wanted to show Tony how much he appreciated him. So he came up with a plan and it involved, well, his mouth. But he’d hesitated for too long and now he had freaking braces and he couldn’t help feeling a little insecure about them.

Warnings: mentions of bullying, mild violence (not explicit), anal fingering, oral sex, brief mention of blood. If you find anything triggering, please let me know!

-x-

“Come on, babe, there’s no way I’m not gonna like it, you’re beautiful, you couldn’t look bad if you tried.” Tony tried to pry Peter’s hands away from his mouth, but the younger teen held them tighter against his face, shaking his head firmly. “Please, for me? Just let me see it, you can’t hide forever, right? Get it over with.” Peter frowned, but then sighed, thinking to himself that Tony was right, there was no way he could hide it much longer anyway. Better rip that band-aid off. He took a deep breath, let his arms fall to his sides and smiled tentatively at his boyfriend. Tony held his face in his hands, thumbs stroking his cheekbones softly as he admired the metal wires and brackets on Peter’s teeth and that must have been the most embarrassing moment of his life. “You look so cute right now, you know that, right? I could eat you right up.”

“You mean it?” Peter whispered quietly, afraid that Tony would notice that he sounded funny, too, not yet used to how the braces sat against the roof of his mouth.

“Of course, munchkin.” He pulled Peter close and placed a sweet, warm kiss on his lips and it made the butterflies in his stomach go wild, but it quieted his nervous heart. He pulled away and smiled a little wider, if Tony said it was cute, then maybe –

“What’s wrong with your face, Penis? Looks like you had a fight with a cheese grater and lost.” Of course Flash wouldn’t leave it alone, Peter should have known. He closed his lips tightly and shrank against his locker, dropping his gaze to the floor, only to hear and feel Tony moving away from him and towards Flash.

“Wanna say that again, you little fucker? Come on, I fucking dare you, I’m gonna show you what’s wrong with your face, I’ll break your fucking teeth and no braces will be able to fix your ugly mug ever again, you fucking piece of shit.“ The boy kept pushing at Flash’s chest until he was cowering against the opposite wall and Peter jumped into action, pulling Tony’s arm just as other students started gathering around them in the hall, curious to see what the commotion was all about. Tony had already been suspended for punching Flash in the face not three weeks earlier, Peter couldn’t let him get in trouble again, he knew Tony’s father was… a complicated man.

“Tony, it’s ok, it’s fine, come on, leave it alone.” After a lot of pulling, he was finally able to get his boyfriend off Flash’s face. He didn’t waste any time and scurried away, yelling something over his shoulder that Peter couldn’t quite make out. Tony was fuming, face red, hands closed into fists. The younger teen peppered small kisses on his cheeks and lips to try and calm him down some, and finally the boy seemed to come back to himself. “It’s ok, I’m ok.”

“It’s really not, Pete, that asshole can’t talk to you like that, I swear to God, I’m gonna –“

“Forget about him, come on, he’s gone.” He stole a quick kiss from the older boy, who sighed heavily, burying his hands in Peter’s curls to pull him closer, deepening the kiss.

Peter still shivered and blushed at Tony’s eagerness and boldness. It was all pretty new to him, he’d never had a boyfriend before, just a few short flings. Tony, on the other hand, was – to put it mildly – very experienced. He’d dated pretty much all of the cheerleaders and a few guys on the football team. It was weird for Peter, kissing him in the halls, having Tony walk him to and from classes, sitting at the “cool table” in the cafeteria, having people that he’d never met in his whole entire life gossiping about him.

Peter had heard so many stories about Tony before they got together that when he asked him out, almost four months earlier, he was sure it had to be a prank. There was just no way the Tony Stark could actually be interested in him, so, naturally, he said no. The older boy had looked so confused and shocked as he took a few steps away from Peter, all that famous confidence and cockiness completely gone.

“Oh,” he whispered, sticking his hands in his pockets, looking around the empty classroom he’d pulled Peter into. “I just – I mean, are you seeing someone else?”

“What?” Peter blushed, heart racing and palms sweating. He was so nervous, Tony was known for being a bit of a hothead, he always got into trouble for losing his shit and starting fights, Peter wasn’t sure if maybe he’d get angry because his prank didn’t work. “It’s not – I’m not seeing anyone, I just – I’m –” He stammered, not fully able to complete his sentences. To his surprise, the older boy didn’t get angry, he just ran a hand through his thick, dark hair and smiled in defeat.

“Is it because I got suspended last week? I swear, it wasn’t my fault, that asshole was bullying my friend. Bruce! You know him, right? He’s in the Decathlon team with you, ask him!” His eyes were wide, like maybe he’d found the reason why Peter said no, but then he quickly deflated. “Unless you just don’t wanna go out with me, which is fine, I mean, you don’t have to like me, I just thought – well, doesn’t matter.”

“Look, I know this is a prank.” Peter frowned, and Tony’s eyebrows shot into his hairline.

“Excuse me?” The older boy looked at him like he’d grown a second head, and Peter thought maybe he’d pissed him off for good. “What, you think I’m some mean girl in a teen movie or something?”

“I just – why would you even ask me out, honestly? You don’t even know me and you’re always making fun of the Decathlon team and the school band – both of which I’m a part of, in case you don’t know.” Peter had noticed Tony was always at the Decathlon competitions and band practice, and he was always laughing and whispering with his friends, and Peter could swear that he sometimes caught him looking directly at him before whispering something to James Rhodes.

“Ok, first of all, I don’t make fun of the team or the band, I just make fun of Bruce, but that’s because he’s my best friend and we like to mess with each other, I didn’t mean to upset you, I’m sorry. And yeah, I don’t really know you, but I’d like to, that’s exactly why I’m asking you out. You’re smart, talented, and it doesn’t hurt that you’re easy on the eyes, to be honest.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and shrugged his shoulders. Peter felt his face burning and dropped his gaze to the floor. “There’s no evil plan, I just think you’re cute, is all.”

“How do I know you’re telling the truth? That you’re not messing with me?” He whispered, looking at him from under his eyelashes and, again, the older teen just shrugged.

“I guess you’ll just have to trust me, shortcake.”

And Peter did. For whatever stupid reason, he did. He didn’t really know Tony, just knew about him – knew that he was a certified genius, but also a troublemaker. He knew he was filthy rich, but he didn’t hang out with other rich kids, like Flash and Osborn, he was best friends with Rhodes, Pepper and Bruce, who, like Peter, didn’t come from money. He knew he was really popular and he dated around a lot, but he wasn’t an asshole about it – not that Peter knew, at least. He didn’t kiss and tell, he never slut-shamed anyone or leaked nudes of his exes, which was more than Peter could say about most guys in school.

So he gave it a shot, said yes and they went out for burgers. Tony was nice, funny and smart – but he was also sarcastic, short-tempered and a little arrogant. Peter wasn’t really sure how he felt about him after the date was over, but when he went to bed that night, he couldn’t stop thinking about him, about his lips – couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss he’d dodged in his car when he dropped him home. Still, the older boy had smiled and kissed his cheek instead.

The next day, Peter was standing by his locker in between classes, talking to Ned and MJ about the movie marathon they were planning for the weekend, when he noticed the older boy approaching. Peter wasn’t sure if Tony would talk to him in front of the whole school, he had a reputation to keep and Peter was kind of a nerd, but not only did he talk to him, he also kissed his cheek as he greeted him, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Hey, I’m Tony,” he introduced himself to a very flustered Ned and an unimpressed and suspicious-looking MJ. The former just waved dumbly and made a weird sound at the back of his throat and the latter just nodded at him, acknowledging his presence. Tony didn’t seem to mind the weird interaction, just turned back to Peter and smiled. “Wanna grab lunch together today?”

And that was probably the very moment Peter started falling for him. Slowly, but surely. He insisted on carrying his books, walking him to class, sitting with him at lunch, he even drove him home most days, even though his house was nowhere near Queens. He was a bit of a hothead, yes, and he sure as hell was trouble – and May could smell it from a mile away when Peter introduced him – but he was also the kindest, sweetest, most amazing person Peter had ever met and he wished Tony would let other people see that.

Peter loved him. At least he thought he did, he’d never been in love before, but he missed Tony like crazy whenever they were apart for more than five seconds; he cared if he ate properly and regularly; he worried about his health and safety all the time; he always thought about him whenever he watched rom-coms with May on movie nights; his heart fluttered whenever he was around and, more importantly, he just wanted to be with him, take care of him. All the time. If that wasn’t love, what else could it be?

And even though he knew how he felt in his heart, he wasn’t quite ready to say it out loud, wasn’t ready to put it in so many words. He worried it was too soon, maybe Tony would freak out and leave, but still, he wanted to take a step further in their relationship, he wanted to show Tony how much he appreciated him. So he came up with a plan and it involved, well, his mouth. But he’d hesitated for too long and now he had freaking braces and he couldn’t help feeling a little insecure about them.

But then Tony looked at him with those beautiful, soft brown eyes, smiled at him and stroked his cheek with such devotion, and all his insecurities melted away and he just wanted Tony to know how much he loved him.

“Hey, about this Friday,” he started, pulling away from the kiss. He was still self-conscious about how he sounded because of the braces, but Tony didn’t seem to notice anything different, at least he didn’t mention it.

“What about it, short stuff?” He smiled sweetly, wrapping his arms around Peter’s waist, pulling him closer. He placed small kisses on his jaw and chin and the younger teen giggled, pushing him away without any force. Peter always refrained from pointing out that Tony was only a few inches taller than him – the older teen seemed so happy he found someone shorter than him to mess with, Peter let him have his fun.

“So, you know how my aunt is dating this guy from work?” Tony frowned, a little confused, but Peter just kept looking at him expectantly.

“Yeah?”

“She told me yesterday that she’s going to spend the night at his place on Friday.” He tried to give his boyfriend a sexy smile, but then remembered that the braces would probably make it look silly, so he closed his lips quickly. Still, Tony looked very excited and interested when he realized what Peter meant.

“Yeah?” He raised an eyebrow, a lopsided grin of his own taking over his face.

“Yeah, so I thought – maybe we could order some pizza and you could, uhm, spend the night?” He dropped his gaze to somewhere around Tony’s chest, brushing off imaginary dust from his shirt, as his face grew hot, when he felt the older teen’s finger under his chin, forcing him to look up at him.

“Pete… Are you sure?” He asked him firmly, serious, looking for a truthful answer, and Peter nodded.

“Just – uh, I’m not sure if I’m ready to go… all the way,” he whispered quietly, “but like – you know.” He blushed bright red, but Tony didn’t let him avert his gaze. He smiled and placed a chaste kiss on his lips.

“It’s okay, we don’t have to do anything. I’m actually a great cuddler, did you know that?”

“Silly.” Peter laughed, slapping him on the chest, feeling a little less nervous. “So, is that a yes?”

“That’s a hell yes, baby face.”

For the rest of the week, Peter couldn’t think of anything else. MJ stopped listening to him by Wednesday and just rolled her eyes whenever Peter mentioned anything Friday-related, but Ned was just as invested on the date as Peter was. He helped him pick an outfit, the perfect movie and even the pizza place they’d order from. He went as far as to send him articles about how to give good blowjobs and handjobs and Peter had to draw the line there – although he did read the articles and made some research of his own.

So on Friday, Peter waved May off, promised to be good – which she didn’t believe much – and hurried to make sure everything was perfect. His bed was made, his sheets were freshly clean and smelled like fabric softener, and there were so many pillows on the couch he wasn’t sure where they were supposed to sit, but oh, well.

He dressed casual, but Ned said he looked hot when he tried the outfit on earlier that week. He hoped he did. He wore gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt that was a little tight over his chest – he didn’t have a broad, strong chest, but it looked ok. He fluffed his hair – Tony loved his curls – and tried not to give a lot of thought to the braces in his mouth, he still wasn’t comfortable with how he looked with them, but Tony always made sure to let him know he thought he still looked beautiful, so. There was that.

So when the bell rang, he took a deep breath, gave himself a little pep talk and opened the door. Tony was leaning against the doorway, looking sinfully sexy in black, ripped jeans and a leather jacket. He smiled at Peter and pulled him in for a kiss, and if the younger teen was already breathless just from looking at his boyfriend, that kiss almost sent him over.

“Hey, peanut. You look gorgeous.” He gave him a once over, as he put some distance between them, and Peter blushed slightly, slapping his chest.

“Come on in.” He opened the door further and Tony stepped inside, quickly getting rid of his jacket and shoes, probably remembering that last time he was there aunt May almost bit his head off when he tried to walk into her living room in his combat boots.

“So, your aunt isn’t home?” He wondered out loud, taking a look around the apartment as if expecting aunt May to just jump from behind the furniture or something. It was funny, Tony was always on edge when she was around, trying to be a good boy, but she saw right through him.

“No, don’t worry, the coast is clear.” The younger teen smiled, sitting on the couch. The older boy quickly followed with a wicked grin, sitting close beside him, placing an arm around his shoulders. Peter chewed his lips and turned on the TV, feeling his heart race in anticipation. “Do you want to pick the movie?”

“No, I’m fine with whatever you wanna watch.” Tony kissed the ball of his shoulder, slowly peppering kisses along his collarbone. Peter’s breath hitched and he knew the blush was surely going all the all way from his cheeks down to his chest.

“Uhm, are you hungry yet? I thought we could order some pizza.” He turned slightly to the side, noticing that Tony didn’t seem very interested in anything else besides ravishing the skin of his neck. “Tony,” he sighed.

“Is this okay?” He whispered, moving away a little to look Peter in the eye. The younger teen turned to look back at him, nodding slowly.

Tony smiled and closed the distance between them, pulling him by the neck to kiss him deeply, slowly. Time stopped right then and there, the room was silent, the sound of their lips moving together the only thing he could hear, the burning touch of Tony’s hands on his skin the only thing he could feel.

Funny thing was, no matter how nervous he’d been up until that moment, the second their lips touched, he felt safe, wanted, loved. He knew Tony wouldn’t do anything he wasn’t comfortable with, so he let himself go, melting into his arms like like it was the safest place in the world.

He felt the older teen wrap his arms around his waist, pulling him softly, and gave in, climbing into his lap to straddle his thighs. Tony grunted when he felt Peter’s ass press down onto his jeans-clad erection and bucked his hips up, hands sliding from his waist to his lower back to pull him even closer. Peter’s heated skin shivered as their chests touched and Tony bit his lower lip, before pulling him into a messy, wet kiss. The younger boy rocked his hips eagerly, whimpering against Tony’s bitten lips as he felt his own rock-hard cock rubbing against the older teen’s taut stomach, eyes rolling back in pleasure.

Tony’s fingers ventured under his shirt, short nails scratching across the skin of his arched back, before lifting it slowly, as if asking for permission. It wouldn’t be a first, they hadn’t done much, but they’d had a few heavy make out sessions that usually ended with both of them shirtless – but not much more than that. Peter just raised his arms and let Tony take his shirt off, baring his chest, then went right back to kissing his neck, as the older teen moaned and rutted against his ass, his cock was so hard Peter could swear he could feel it pressing against his hole, begging for entrance, even through the many layers of clothing.

“Are you doing okay there, Pete?” Tony breathed into his mouth and the other boy shivered and nodded quickly, biting Tony’s chin and burying his fingers in his hair. The older teen’s teeth and tongue slowly made their way down his throat and towards his collarbone as Peter threw his head back, closing his eyes to concentrate on the feeling of his fingers squeezing the soft flesh where his hips met his ass. “I wanna try something. You trust me?” He placed soft kisses on his chest, then his tongue found one of Peter’s perked-up, sensitive nipples and he gasped, nodding frantically. “Good.”

His hands slid lower to Peter’s ass and he squeezed roughly, kneading his cheeks as he mouthed at his nipples, alternating sloppy, wet kisses with sharp, gentle nibbles, which drove the younger teen mad with want and turned the small nubs an angry red. It almost distracted him from the fact the Tony’s hands were now making their way down the back of his pants and underwear, skin to skin, the rough pads of Tony’s fingers scratching his soft flesh.

Okay, that’s new, Peter thought, and he liked it. He closed his eyes and bit his lower lip, as Tony sucked bruises on his collarbones, his fingers slowly making their way to Peter’s crack, until one of them pressed directly against his rim, touching it, but nothing else, and his breath hitched. He pulled away a little, looking down at the other teen’s face.

“Tony, I’m – I don’t think I’m –“

“Don’t worry, it’s okay, I know you’re not ready. I just wanna make you feel good, ok? Promise.” He kissed Peter’s chin softly, which made the younger boy sigh, eyes fluttering closed, as he nodded his head. “Let me know if you want me to stop, ok? Anytime you need to stop, just say the word.” Tony whispered against his pulse point and, again, Peter nodded, and then he felt the finger pressed against his hole start to move slowly, just rubbing circles against the puckered skin and Peter was so confused, because it felt fucking amazing. And dirty. And wrong. And right.

He felt Tony moving underneath him and he knew he wasn’t just rutting against him – which he was, too. He saw him take something out of his back pocket with his other hand, then the pressure against his hole disappeared, and Peter whined loudly in complaint, then blushed furiously in embarrassment. Tony smirked at him, licking his lips.

“Patience, padawan.” He placed a kiss on his chin, then Peter heard him uncap something and when he looked down, he noticed Tony was holding a tube of lube. His fingers tightened on Tony’s shoulders and the older teen looked up at him. “Hey, what did I say? Do you want to stop?” Peter shook his head quickly, holding Tony’s face in his hands.

“I trust you,” he whispered, leaning in to kiss him, and as soon as their mouths made contact, he relaxed again.

Tony held him close, deepening the kiss, and for a few minutes, that’s all they did. Peter rutted slowly against Tony’s stomach and the older teen rolled his hips in time with him, as they kissed and kissed like time meant nothing – and it didn’t. It really didn’t.

At some point, he felt the other teen’s hands sliding again down the back of his pants, he could feel his fingers were wet and colder than a few minutes earlier and he braced himself for what he knew was about to come. At first, Tony just rested a digit against his hole, rubbing it gently, not applying any pressure, and once the younger teen relaxed completely, muscles going lax, he felt one finger try to breach him.

“Umf, Tony,” he whimpered, and he wasn’t sure what he wanted to say, why he was calling his name, he just wanted to say it. The older teen shushed him, warm, wet lips pulled his earlobe into his mouth, nibbling lightly as his finger sunk in deeper and deeper into Peter. “Oh, fuck.”

Peter had fingered himself before, but it was so fucking different from having someone else – Tony – do it to him. It felt so dirty and intimate, like Tony had all this power over him, like there was nowhere he couldn’t touch, nothing he couldn’t do, like Peter’s body belonged to him. It felt exhilarating and scary and fucking awesome and hot – so fucking hot.

Peter gasped when Tony’s finger was completely sheathed and curled inside him. It burned a little and he felt impossibly stretched, but so good at the same time, a delicious kind of pain irradiated from his lower back all the way up to the back of his neck, where his hair stood on end. He closed his eyes and pushed his hips back against Tony’s hand, silently begging for him to move. The older teen didn’t waste any time, as his finger slid out slowly, then slid back inside a little quicker and surer than before, sending shivers down Peter’s spine.

The boy started rolling his hips in time with Tony’s movements, literally fucking himself on his finger, making sure to rub his leaking cock against the older teen’s stomach and his ass on Tony’s impossibly hard cock, until he felt his finger touching someplace in him that sent him to heaven and back in a matter of seconds.

“Oh, fuck, Tony, fuck.” He wrapped his arms around the older teen’s neck and clung to him like a drowning man, soft moans and whines leaving his lips unsolicited as the finger moved and moved and pushed against that bundle of nerves so deliciously, and Peter’s cock was so hard and pressed so tight against Tony’s abs and Peter really wanted to hold out, he needed to, didn’t want it to be over so soon, but fuck –

He came with a cry, nails leaving angry red marks on Tony’s neck as the older teen pulled him into a rough, hungry kiss, biting his lips and licking his mouth like the world was about to end. Peter let him, let him take control of his body and ownership of his mouth as he rode out the waves of his orgasm, thinking that there was no way he could ever feel so good ever again in his whole entire life.

He sagged against Tony’s body when he was done, completely spent, and felt him wrapping his arms around him tightly, like Peter was gonna fly away – and maybe he would, who knew – as he peppered small kisses down the side of his face and slowly withdrew his finger, leaving the younger teen painfully empty.

“Tonight was supposed to be all about you, I had a plan,” Peter mumbled after a few silent minutes, pulling away a few inches to look into Tony’s glinting eyes. The older boy grinned, holding his face in one hand to pull him into a kiss.

“Well, I had plans of my own. I guess great minds think alike.” He butted his nose against Peter’s lovingly and the younger teen smiled.

“I guess,” he whispered, leaning down to kiss Tony again. A little roll of his hips revealed that Tony was still rock-hard and Peter took a deep breath, before pulling away, getting off his lap. Before the older teen could ask what he was doing, he was on his knees, between his spread legs, and Tony reached out to hold him by the shoulders.

“Hey, hey, hey – you don’t – you know you don’t –“

“I know.” Peter smiled again, unbuttoning his jeans carefully. He tried to remain calm so his fingers wouldn’t shake so much and Tony wouldn’t notice how nervous he was.

“Pete,” he tried, but before any more words could leave his lips, his hard cock sprung free from his jeans, which caught Peter by surprise. First, because he didn’t expect Tony not to be wearing any underwear; and second, because – fuck – he knew Tony would be big, he’d cupped him through his jeans many times before, but still – “Fuck.”

Peter took a deep breath, trying to remember everything he’d read online over the week. He closed his eyes and placed tentative kisses on the tip of his cock and down his shaft, and he heard Tony cuss under his breath, melting into the couch. It made Peter a little more confident, so he took the tip into his mouth, surprised when he felt his cock growing even bigger and heavier against his tongue, as Tony moaned loudly, hands gripping the pillows around him.

Peter hollowed his cheeks and started sucking, trying to take a little bit more of his cock into his mouth, slowly. When he was reading about blowjobs, he was afraid he wouldn’t like it, or that maybe he would gag in the middle of it, but it was actually making him hard again, seeing and feeling how turned on Tony was by his mouth on him.

He placed a hand on his heavy, tight balls, fondling them carefully, as he tried to take more of his cock into his mouth. He could almost feel the tip reaching the back of his throat, but before it did, he started pulling back, which it was enough to make Tony moan and thrash underneath him. He smiled, lips stretched wide around the other teen’s thick cock, then decided to try and take him in a little further. It was all going perfectly fine when suddenly he felt like he couldn’t keep going, like something had stuck –

“Aw, fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Peter was so shocked by the sheer desperation in Tony’s voice that he immediately tried to pull away, but Tony’s hands flew to his head, holding him in place. “No, no, no, no, no! Fuck, Pete, it’s – ah, fuck, God, it fucking –“ that was when Peter realized what was happening.

“Umf,” he was mortified, he could feel tears burning behind his eyelids as he shut his eyes tightly, not sure what to do once he realized Tony’s foreskin was stuck in his braces and it must hurt like a motherfucker, because Tony had gone soft almost immediately, as he panted and gasped for air, hands holding Peter’s head firmly in place, terrified that he’d try to move away.

“Hold on, hold on – lemme just –” he could barely finish his sentences, completely out of breath, and Peter’s face was wet with tears at that point, and he was also a little breathless. He felt Tony’s fingers in his mouth, trying the free himself carefully, but Peter could taste blood on his tongue and fuck if it wasn’t the worst night of his whole entire life. “Ah! Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Finally, he felt Tony pushing his head away as he fell sideways to the couch, both hands covering his dick as he buried his face in the cushions, trying to stifle his cries.

“Oh, my God, Tony, I’m so sorry, I’m so, so sorry!” Peter didn’t really know what to do, he didn’t even know if he should try to touch his boyfriend, he looked like he was in so much pain maybe he wouldn’t want him to, so he he sat there on the floor, frantically trying to think of what to say. “I swear I didn’t mean to, I’m so sorry!”

“I know, baby, I know, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay,” but the way Tony was breathlessly whispering that into the cushions made it very clear that it was not okay.

“Jesus, Tony, what – I don’t know what to do!” He cried, panicked, and the older teen took a deep breath, raising his face a little to look at Peter, and his face was so fucking red and his eyes were shining with unshed tears.

“Ice, babe. Get me some ice, it’s gonna be fine, I promise, ok?” He was breathing a little easier by then and Peter nodded frantically, as he got to his feet and hurried to the kitchen to get an ice pack. He hurried back in record time and Tony turned on his back, taking the pack and quickly placing it on his lap, letting out a heavy sigh as he did. “Tony, should I take you to the hospital?” He asked, standing by the couch and looking down at his boyfriend, who winced.

“No, it’s fine,” he sighed with his eyes closed, but it didn’t calm Peter down, not even a little bit.

“Tony, I tasted blood!” He cried, fat tears rolling down his cheeks, and Tony reached one hand out for him to take.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, it’s just a tiny cut, I promise. It’s just really sensitive right now, but it’s gonna be fine in a couple of minutes, I promise.” Peter didn’t want to take his hand, he wanted to run and hide, but he also didn’t want to be alone, or away from Tony, so he lay by his side, burying his face in his neck and clutching his shirt.

“I’m so sorry, Tony, this wasn’t supposed to happen, I should have known, I shouldn’t –“

“Peter, it’s fine, I promise.” They were silent for a few seconds, until Peter felt Tony’s chest trembling under his cheek. He looked up, worried that his boyfriend was crying, but he was laughing so hard there were tears in his eyes – again. “Oh, my God, I can’t believe this just happened,” he laughed harder, rubbing a hand over his face.

“It’s not funny.” Peter was so embarrassed, he wished he could bury his head in the dirt and never have to look at his boyfriend again.

“It is a little funny,” Tony managed to say as he laughed his ass off and Peter tried to get up, annoyed, but the older teen held him. “Hey, what’s the matter?” He frowned, a little confused, as he tried to stifle his laugh.

“I wanted to make you feel good, I wanted tonight to be special, and I blew it, all because of these stupid, ugly braces, I don’t even know why you’re still here after this catastrophic disaster!” He knew he was being a little dramatic and maybe he was overreacting, but he just really wanted the night to go well, and it was ruined.

“Hey, c’mon, we did have a good time. Tonight was special, is special. We’re gonna order a huge pizza, we’re gonna binge watch all Marvel movies, and if it makes you feel any better, you can kiss my pee-pee better before we go to bed, what do you say?” He smiled that stupid, beautiful smile of him; soft, brown eyes glinting with mirth.

Peter stared at Tony’s face, thinking about the absurdness of that night, thinking that what was supposed to be a hot date night ended with Tony holding an ice pack to his bleeding dick, trying to comfort Peter for basically almost biting it off. He was silent for a few seconds, contemplating all that madness, before he exploded into a fit of giggles.

“God, I love you,” he blurted out breathlessly, almost without thinking, but as soon as the words left his mouth, his face turned red and his eyes widened, panicking. Before he could take it back, though, Tony smiled softly and winked at him, placing a chaste kiss on his lips.

“I know. I love you, too, brace face.”

#starker #ironspider #peter parker x tony stark #highschool au

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ghastily · 5 years ago

Text

✎ — Gravity (1/??)

➥ Wolfpack x Reader | 4101 | Ao3

Life is hard, sometimes it rewards you with three boyfriends for your efforts.

notes: I don't care if that's not how the garbage launcher works, I'm shooting trash out a cannon.

CoCo Town wasn’t exactly what you would call high class. It actually fell somewhere in the middle, catering more toward the people who did the menial jobs on the upper levels. It’s a place for good, hard-working people who didn’t make that many credits but had just enough to get out of living in the lower levels.

Your life wasn’t glamorous but you couldn’t complain. You had a decent job washing dishes at Dex’s Diner, a roof over your head, and food in your belly. And sometimes you didn’t even notice the smell of garbage piling up around the district.

“…tragically 50 people have lost their lives due to a malfunctioning garbage launcher,” The woman on the holonews announced as you watched, chewing on a piece of slightly burnt toast. There has to be a better way than launching trash out of the district. You don’t even know where they are shooting it.

Hopefully at the senate building.

You clean up the remains of breakfast and turn off the news, making sure to switch the buckets from a leak under the sink before heading back to your room to prepare for another day at the grindstone. Maybe this weekend you’ll look up a video on the holonet so you could fix the damn leak yourself. The landlord definitely wasn’t going to. It would be cheaper too. Probably. You hope it will be anyway.

One last check to make sure you’re presentable, you grab your bag and head out the door. The bright morning light reflecting off all the buildings causes you to flinch, it takes you a hot minute to get your eyes to adjust. You lock the door, giving it a quick jiggle double checking that it was indeed locked this time before you begin the trek to work.

That one time you didn’t check and came home to find your door unlocked was one of the most nerve wrecking nights of your life. You had combed the apartment, pot in hand, checking every corner for anyone who would’ve come in while you were at work. Sleep was hard that night since you were constantly waking up at every little sound.

Just a new thing on the long list of desperately needed repairs.

Despite it all, your job was actually something you looked forward to every day. You had hit it off wonderfully with the human waitress, Harmony, and quickly became close friends. Dex was sweet on you too and often let the two of you take home any left over food that didn't sell that day. It definitely helped with your grocery bills and kept your fridge full. And your waist line a little thick.

It was after the lunch rush that Harmony leans through the serving hatch, arms folded on the little counter.

“Hey, let’s hang out this weekend. We’ll go to 79’s? Watch some nuna-ball?”

You look over at her, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of your lips, “Really? Nuna-ball? You watch that?!”

Harmony grins, twirling a piece of her blonde hair around a long finger. “Nah, but I knew you’d say no if I said it was to check out the clones.”

And the truth comes out! You’d be lying if you weren’t curious about the clones as well. You’d seen the usual ones with red markings patrolling around before, but never without helmets.

“Harmony I had no idea you were into clones!” You tease, setting aside the plate you had been drying.

“I’m not! I think.” She squeaks, “Come on, don’t you want to see what they look like under all that gear? People watching and getting drunk! It’ll be fun.”

“Harmony!” You gasp in mock scandalized horror, a hand over your chest.

“Not like that!” The young woman slaps her hands against the counter. The good humor has you both smiling. It didn't sound so bad and you didn’t have anything else planned for the weekend. You sigh loudly, guess the do-it-yourself leak fix holovids could wait another week, “All right. Nuna-ball and drinks it is.”

The waitress let’s out a delighted ‘yes!’ and pumps her fist in the air.

Dex waddles into the room, carrying a box of ingredients from storage, “Just be careful heading home afterwards you two.”

You always were but for Dex to mention it made you and Harmony look at each in concern.

“One of usual customers mentioned there was another break out at the penitentiary,” He sighs. “Sorry for bringing the mood down but it hasn’t hit the news yet and from what I could get the prisoner is dangerous.”

It was nice having a boss who looked out for your well-being, he couldn’t give much but he gave you both, and the diner, his all. Sometimes you think of where you’d be today if you hadn't landed this job — if Dex hadn’t hauled you out of the gutter. You mentally shake away the dark thoughts. Not today.

Harmony shakes her head and smiles at Dex.

“It’s fine, boss. Thanks for letting us know!”

You nod in agreement, turning back to the sink and fishing up another plate to scrub. “Yeah! But let’s get to it! This diner won’t run itself!”

“Ain’t that my line?!” Dex chuckles, saddling up to his station where he begins to prepare ingredients for the dinner rush. You watch him for a moment, glancing over at the serving window when Harmony ducks back into the dining room to greet a customer with a cheery ‘welcome!’.

Dex flicks a Bith bean at you with a wide grin, “Get back to work!”

Yeah, life wasn’t that bad.

The weekend came sooner than you expected and you find yourself shivering and alone outside of 79’s waiting for Harmony to show up. Checking your comlink for the millionth time you sigh, finally giving up and call her. After a few moments, the young woman finally answers and .. She doesn’t sound too hot.

“Hey.. I’m sorry, I was asleep all day..” Harmony croaks causing you to flinch in sympathy. Poor thing, if she sounded that bad you couldn't hold it against her for not calling to cancel on you sooner.

“You sound like shit, maybe I should come over..” You tug your jacket tighter around your body.

“Nooo,” She whines softly, “You’ll get sick too. Party on in my honor.”

You hold the comlink away from your face when she breaks into a coughing fit, as if she would spread whatever she had to you through the device. Sighing, you bring it back and look back at the bar, “All right. I’ll try my best for you, just get some sleep and feel better soon, ok?”

Harmony makes a soft noise of confirmation and the two of you end the call. You'll have to see if you can get a droid to bring her some soup and medicine later. You stuff the comlink back into your pocket and head into the bar.

The music is deep and thumping, it feels like your whole body is vibrating with the beat. It’s different and you’re a little nervous without Harmony here. She was way more confident than you were in new places — that’s why she worked the front and you were in the back washing dishes. Looking around you spot an open booth, taking a deep breath you make a beeline for It dodging around dancing bar goers.

You slide into one of the circular booths along the wall, unsure of what to do next. There's no menu on the table, and a droid hasn't zoomed over to greet you yet. The crowd around the bar means you'd probably have to go over and order there. You rub your palms nervously against your thighs. You’ll go over later when it thins out a bit. Who needs drinks when you're people watching. Not you. Nope.

Another deep breath and your gaze wanders over to the people gathered on the second floor of the bar. There really are a lot of clones here. Huh.

“Hey, someone took our booth! I told you to stay there so we wouldn’t lose it!”

Your eyes go wide and a small prick of panic shoots through you and look over at the sound of the voice. Stars, you really hope they weren’t looking for a confrontation. The two clones standing at the edge of the table grin at you, brandishing drinks in both hands.

“Sorry, I can get up.” You start scooting out but one of them stops you.

“Woah, hey! Don’t get up,” The clone has two massive scars on his face, and his hair shaved into two red stripes. He places the drinks he was holding down on the table in front of you, “Looks like you could use this. I’m Boost by the way,” He jerks his head to the side, “That’s Sinker.”

There’s an awkward silence then. They’re waiting perhaps for you to introduce yourself.

You don’t.

You’re too busy staring at them as your brain tries to process how human interaction goes again.

“Uh,” Sinker nudges Boost with his shoulder and a silent conversation seems to pass between the two men, “Mind if we join you? There’s no other open table. It's fine if not, Boost hasn’t had his bath yet so I won’t blame you.”

“Hey!” Boost pouts, “I took one as soon as we landed. We all did!”

You blink back into reality, offering an apologetic smile before shuffling further into the booth, giving them some room to sit down.. “Sorry. I don’t mind, uh, go right ahead.”

The look of pure joy on their faces makes you blush and a tiny smile tugs at the corner of your lips. Sure, they shared the same face but seeing just how happy they were — they were cute. The pair slide into the circular booth — on either side of you.

Okay, that was not what you had expected.

They're all charming smiles as they get comfortable, and you smile tightly back.

“So, we didn’t catch your name?” Sinker edges a shot glass closer toward you.

You squint at the glass suspiciously, trying to figure out what drink it is exactly. It’s purple and kind of sparkly. It honestly looks like a tiny liquefied galaxy. Dex doesn’t have this on the menu.

Boost chimes in, breaking you out of your scrutiny of the mysterious purple beverage, “I bet it’s something like Pierce, cause you’ve pierced my heart!”

He dramatically grasps at his chest with both hands, slumping over a bit so he’s closer to your side.

What.

Sinker rolls his eyes hard, “More like Bolt cause they’re bolting away after hearing that line.”

“That’s not—” You try to answer but your voice is drowned out by the pounding music and the bickering of the two clones. It’s all a little overwhelming if you're honest with yourself, your entire face feels like it’s on fire but you try your best to keep yourself together and calm. It’s not often you’re the center of attention, especially not from strangers. Harmony was always good at keeping the heat off you. That’s why you washed dishes and she dealt with customers.

You hope she’s doing okay.

Boost snaps his fingers and the sound brings you out of your thoughts. Right. People are talking to you. The red head looks smug, and all too pleased with himself as he reclines into the booth, stretching an arm over the back, “Okay, so it’s something cute .. like Wallflower! I bet it’s Wallflower.”

That’s not even a name!

Sinker shakes his head as he leans forward, folding his arms on the table. You glance over at him, and the butterflies in your stomach start a wild riot when he smiles at you. It's just your nerves, at least that’s what you tell yourself as you duck your head to avoid his gaze.

It has absolutely nothing with just how handsome he is.

“Mousy like the mouse droids.” Sinker’s voice is soft — soothing, “Hey, you look ready to go find somewhere to hide you doing okay?” Your eyes widen a fraction, looking over at Sinker. Had you been so easy to read? He smiles and bobs his head in a way that says he gets it. If you're that uncomfortable, he’s giving you an out.

“Y-yeah. I’m fine. I was suppose to meet a friend here, uh, for drinks. Which is what you do at bars, go drinking. But she couldn’t make it, so I’m trying to make the most of it.” Your voice trails off at the end, reaching for the shot glass in front of you and downing it in one go. It’s stronger than you expected and the alcohol makes your whole body shudder. There's a weird sparky sensation in your mouth too, what even is this drink.

This is probably not your best decision tonight.

Boost laughs at whatever expression you’re making, and takes the empty glass before sliding another one over. This one is red instead of purple. “Then let’s party in honor of your friend, Mousy!”

Kjshdkajhd!!

You down the next glass resigning yourself to the fate that your name is now Mousy and this was your life.

The next day you wake up to a massive headache, it feels a lot like someone’s banging around in your head with a hammer, and what is easily the worst hangover of your life. The last time you got that drunk was when you were a teenager and a friend got their hands on some cheap booze. Sighing, you stick a hand out from under the covers and blindly feel around for the button to shut off the alarm figuring that your clock going off was the source of your pain.

Nothing happens.

The banging continues.

You groan. There’s medicine in the kitchen, but that means you’ll have to get up and that really doesn't sound like a good idea. So you stay curled up under the sheets until you can’t take it anymore. It’s a struggle but somehow you manage to disentangle yourself from the sheets, and roll out of bed. You give the world a moment to stop spinning before getting to your feet and heading down the hallway, leaning heavily on the wall for support.

The sound of snoring and something moving in your little kitchenette makes you stop in your tracks, and suddenly that hangover is gone. You start to panic because, as far as you were aware, you lived alone. You go from disoriented sloth to one with the Force in two seconds flat.

Half a second if you weren't hungover.

A million scenarios run through your head on how horribly this will end for you as you peek around the corner into the main room, only to spot the familiar white armor of a clone trooper bumbling around in the kitchen.

The snoring is louder now, a cursory glance over the rest of the open room, and you pinpoint the noise as coming from another clone with familiar red hair that’s passed out on your couch. There was no way you were forgetting that haircut.

Oh.

Stinker and Booster.

It takes a hot minute for your brain to recall the events of last night — what it could remember anyway. You vaguely recall that they had been concerned about how drunk you were, and that they insisted on escorting you home. You don’t remember much else after that, or ever getting home and into bed. You’re still in your clothes from last night so at least drinking was all you did and not something scandalous with two troopers.

That’d just be stupid, that would never happen. Pffft.

It would have been kind of hot though. Harmony would’ve been proud of you.

“H-Hey,” You keep your voice low, and inch slowly into the room and in the direction of the kitchenette. The hangover starts to make itself known again now that you’ve determined your life wasn’t in any immediate danger. Sinker looks up, twirling a hydrospanner around in his hand.

“Oh, hey. Sorry, did I wake you?” He smiles, bashfully gesturing to the leak that's been haunting your dreams for weeks now, “The dripping was driving me nuts. Hope that's okay..?”

It’s more than okay. It’s on your knee and ready to propose okay.

“Yeah, no, help yourself,” You shuffle into the kitchen, fishing from painkillers out of a drawer and mumbling, “There’s plenty more things around here you can fix if you're offering.”

Sinker leans back against the counter, watching you get a glass of water to wash the pills down. “Just point me at ‘em. And as payment—”

You nearly choke on the water, right, people get paid for their work usually. Credits were something you didn’t have a lot of but maybe Sinker would be cheaper than hiring an actual mechanic to come fix everything. Or fix any further damage you’d cause from trying to fix it yourself.

He chuckles, and pats you on the back.

“Easy there. Instead of credits, how about dinner?”

You stare at him in confusion, wondering if you really heard him right. Dinner? That was all he wanted for fixing things in your crappy apartment? Apparently, you take too long to answer as Sinker starts to look uneasy from your silence, “Uh, forget I said anything—”

“No!” You practically shout, grabbing hold of his arm with both hands as if Sinker was going to disappear on the spot if he finished what he was saying. The sudden outburst catches the white-haired trooper by surprise and he freezes, “No, I mean, yeah? That sounds fine! I can make dinner if you’re willing to um.. Eat.. My cooking.”

Smooth.

Sinker nods with a soft ‘mhm’, and looks down at where you were holding onto his arm then back at you. The faint red that begins to color his cheeks make your heart beat a little faster. Neither of you move and instead just stare at each other. You didn’t want to get too hopeful but maybe there was something here. Something mutual.

“S’mn’ne say food..?”

The two of you jump apart and look toward the living area where Boost is stretching on the couch. The other trooper rubs both hands over his head, looking around the room with bleary eyes. You take a deep breath, sheesh, you feel like a little kid getting caught red-handed doing something you weren't suppose to.

“Yeah, you’re making it di’kut!” Sinker smirks at Boost’s pouting, playfully bumping you with his shoulder. That weirdly intense energy that was building between you two dissipates. When you look at him, he winks and heat blossoms across your cheeks.

Wait until Harmony hears about this.

Sinker and Boost settle comfortably into your life after that night, spending any free time they had at your place just simply being domestic. Affection flowed freely, mostly aimed at you, Sinker was subtle, shy touches and chaste kisses, while Boost was more expressive. He’d grab you up in tight hugs, and always touching you in some way. It was nice and you found you didn't mind it in the least.

All of your appliances and pipes were like brand new now thanks to Sinker’s handiwork, and Boost even found whatever was stinking up the refresher. All they asked for in return was a home cooked meal, which you were all too happy provide.

You weren't that great at cooking but you picked up a few tricks from watching Dex at work, thankfully the guys didn’t seem to mind at all. In fact, they loved it. It really made you wonder what kind of food they were eating while away. You were seriously considering packing them lunches.

Harmony thought it was adorable.

“I am so disappointed that I was sick that night!” She whines, leaning through the service window while you finish up the last of the dishes from the morning rush. “Really, you didn’t miss much. We got drunk and went to sleep, the end.” You laugh.

“Nuh uh, you went to sleep and woke up with two boyfriends.”

Things did move fast but no one really discussed what exactly was happening between the three of you. You just knew that you liked them, they liked you, and that was good enough. “I-I don’t think it’s that serious..”

“What's not serious?”

The sudden voice cutting into the conversation startles the two of you. Harmony squeaks, and you nearly drop the dish you had just cleaned. Standing in the doorway that leads to the back alley is Boost, grasping a take out box in one hand and his helmet in the other, and looking adorably curious.

You carefully set the plate down on the pile of other clean dishes, reaching back to untie your apron, “Hey Boost. I’ll be right with you.”

“I’ll let Dex know you’re on lunch break.” Harmony looks at you with a knowing smirk. The petulant child in you rises up and you stick your tongue out at her as you go over to Boost, ushering him back outside and shutting the door behind you.

Away from prying eyes, you lean in and press a kiss to the corner of his lips. It’s become a familiar show of affection, one that you've repeated several times now with both him and Sinker. Each and every time their face lights up in joy and their cheeks turn a deep red.

“Brought you some lunch,” Boost offers you the box of food, which you take gratefully before heading over, and taking a seat on the bench that you and Harmony usually sat on during lunch breaks. Stinky trash weather permitting. You make yourself comfortable against his side, opening the box and settling it across your lap.

“Thanks! Oohh.. Looks yummy,” You wiggle in excitement, reaching in for a protato wedge. Just as you bring it to your mouth Boost leans in, eating it right from your hand.

You gasp, “You jerk! That was mine.”

He chuckles around a mouthful of your precious lunch. The nerve!

“Got to pay your taxes, Mousy.” Boost waggles his brows at you, and oh if he wasn’t so cute you’d smack him. But fine, two can play that game. You look at him through your lashes, putting on your best innocent act, “If you wanted me to feed you, Boost.. All you had to do was ask.”

He sputters and coughs, face turning as red as his hair.

You take out another protato wedge and wave it in front of his mouth, “Say ‘ahh’.”

Boost hesitates, flustered and unsure at first. You can practically see the gears in his head turning as he debates whether he should give in or not. Much to your delight, he opens his mouth and leans a little closer. But the food takes a detour and you stick it in your mouth instead with a smug grin, “Mm! So good!”

The trooper looks positively offended, “I knew it! Augh!”

You laugh, and Boost crosses his arms over his chest pouting. It did make you feel a little bad though, with a little coaxing you get him to open his mouth again, and this time let him eat the protato wedge. You eat the rest of the meal, pausing occasionally to feed Boost. The conversation is light, revolving around how your respective days have been thus far and all too soon, you're done eating and lunch break is over.

“Oh yeah, Sinker’s going to be late for dinner.”

You nod in understanding, that’s all he needs to say. They’re soldiers, and duty comes first and foremost. “All right, I’ll keep a plate warm for him then.”

Boost smiles, and you notice that some of the worry on his face disappears. Something was bothering him, you’d notice it earlier but if he wasn't ready or able to talk about it — you wouldn't push. So you settle for the next best thing; reaching up to cup his jaw in your palms and press your lips to his.

The kiss is soft and slow, you try to convey your feelings to him through it. To reassure him. Boost just melts into it, dropping his helmet on the ground with a clatter so he can wrap both arms around your waist, pulling your body as close to his as humanly possible. The hard edges of his gear dig uncomfortably into you but you'll live cause this felt good.

“I’ll see you at home,” You voice is low and breathy when you break apart for air. Boost affectionately bumps his forehead against yours, lips curling up in a smile. “Yeah. See you then.”

#star wars: the clone wars #reader insert #wolfpack x reader #commander wolffe x reader #boost x reader #sinker x reader

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fromcrossroadstoking · 5 years ago

Text

Sisk and the Orphanage

Part 8 of Welcome to the 5061st

This bit is really just Sisk and some cuteness. Because those two things go hand in hand.

Tags: @gottapenny @itisjustmethistime @indigosandviolets @scarecrowmax

-------------------------

September 2nd, 0900

Sisk weaved his way through the crowd of children that had taken over the 5061st.The gaggle of kids had been bused in from the nearby orphanage for inoculations. They had quickly made themselves at home, running between the tents and vehicles and people, giggling in delight, and stealing everyone`s hearts. One kid bumped into Sisk`s leg, dropping the small wooden horse he had been holding. Sisk bent down, picked it up, and handed it back to the kid with a smile. The kid gave him a shy smile and took off running again. Sisk shook his head and continued on to see his two favorite cooks.

September 2nd, 0905

Grant and Talbert were busy busting their asses trying to come up with some kind of special dinner for the 5061st`s tiny guests. As Sisk walked in, the two cooks were bent over a pot, frowning at the lumpy orange mixture inside as Grant stirred it.

"Hey, what`s that supposed to be?" Sisk gestured towards the pot as he jumped up and took a seat on the table.

"Hopefully? Mac and cheese," Grant answered as he turned and looked at Sisk, "And get your ass off the table."

"Why? I`m sure Lieb`s ass has been on here plenty of times."

Sisk`s comment earned a fit of laughter from Talbert and a dirty look from Grant. Sisk smirked as he decided to get to the reason he had come for a visit in the first place.

"Anyway, I`m here with a complaint."

"Oh yeah, and whats that?"

"You're making a special meal for the kids from the orphanage but you never make us special meals. Just potatoes. Over and over. And over."

"They're orphans, Sisk. Least we could do was try to make them some good ol' mac and cheese."

Sisk pouted at that, "Well, I`m an orphan. And a draftee. And shouldn't an orphan draftee get a double special meal?" Sisk gave Grant the best puppy eyes he could.

"Don`t joke about being an orphan. That`s fucked up."

"Ain`t joking."

Grant shot a look at Sisk and then looked over at Talbert questioningly. Talbert nodded in confirmation.

"Fuck, Sisk, sorry. I didn't know."

Sisk shrugged it off. Being an orphan wasn't something he went around bragging about. Not many people on the base knew - just Tab, Lieb, Winters, and now Grant.

"Alright, look, your birthday is coming up in a couple days right? So, Tab and I will make you a double special meal then, ok?"

"If you're going to do it on my birthday, shouldn't it be a triple special meal?"

Grant let out an exasperated sigh, "Alright, it`ll be a triple special meal. Now get your ass off my table and get out of here, will ya?"

September 2nd, 1700

Sisk managed to nab some of the mac and cheese for himself and settled at a table in the far corner of the mess tent. Talbert and Grant had complained that Army cheese didn't melt properly and from the looks of it, they were right. Parts of it were downright watery while other parts had somehow remained lumpy. Sisk frowned and poked at his meal with his fork.

"How ya doin', Skinny?"

Sisk looked up as Father Powers sat down across from him.

"I`m alright, Shifty, how you been?"

Sisk mentally kicked himself at the slip up. He and Shifty had met several years before Shifty took his vows and although he was doing his best to call him by his new title instead of his old nickname, he still messed up from time to time. Shifty never minded and never said a word about it. (Honestly, he really missed everyone calling him Shifty.)

"Oh, I`m doin' quite alright. Bit worried about the kids though. The orphanage has got a real bad leak in the roof now, ya know, real bad. An' I was hopin' you might be able to use your handyman skills an' take a look at it, maybe fix it up. Me an' the kids would really appreciate it if ya could."

Sisk smiled at his old friend and nodded, "No problem."

September 3rd, 0800

Sisk wasn't sure what he expected when he arrived at the orphanage, but it wasn't this. The place was little more than a couple of small rundown buildings. The area around the buildings was mostly dirt and there was a well for water that looked about half a second from falling to pieces.

"Shif - Father, I thought you said just the roof needed fixing?"

"Aw now, don`t go worryin' about the other stuff. It needs a lot more work than just one man can handle. Just need ya to fix the roof an' keep the kids from drownin'." Shifty gave Sisk his signature sweet smile and led him to the nearest building.

September 3rd, 0845

It hardly took long for Sisk to fix the problem. He smiled up at his patch job with pride - he had always been good with his hands and it felt damn good to do something other than work on ambulances and jeeps for once.

Wiping his hand on his pants, he took a look around. From the looks of it, the building could comfortably sleep a family of four, but Sisk counted at least thirteen bedrolls.

There was also a leaky faucet, dirt floor, broken windows, a door that didn't quite close right, and a whole bunch of other problems he had spotted outside. The place needed work. A lot of it. And Shifty was right, it was way more than one person could handle.

September 4th, 0730

"Fuck, Sisk, this place is a dump."

"Watch your language around the kids. And that`s why we`re here. We`re gonna fix it up."

"Skinny, we get one day off a week. This is going to take years."

"Guess we better get moving then."

Sisk had forcibly recruited Liebgott, Babe, Lipton, and Talbert for help with the orphanage. After what Sisk saw, he couldn't stop thinking about it and knew that there was no way in good conscience he could leave it like that. And so that was how they had all ended up here on their one day off. Thankfully, Lipton took charge and started assigning jobs before Liebgott and Babe could do anymore whining.

September 4th, 2100

It had taken the five of them all day but the crumbling well, the leaky faucet, the crooked door, and broken windows had all been fixed. They even manged to install a makeshift plywood floor inside the buildings.

There were still walls to patch and a garden to expand. They had also at some point decided that they wanted to put in a basketball hoop and build some bunk beds. But all of that would have to wait until their next day off. Really, it was going to take a few days off before the place looked how they wanted. But by the end of their very long, tiresome day, they were all very much invested in their newfound project.

All the kids lined up, cheered, and waved goodbye as the worn out group climbed back in their jeeps and headed back to the base. Not even Liebgott uttered a single complaint.

September 4th, 2145

"Hey Sisk! Sisk!"

Sisk stopped in his tracks and turned towards the familiar voice shouting at him.

"Yeah?" Sisk mustered the energy to shout back.

"Get your ass over here!"

Letting out a groan, he dragged his feet towards Grant, who was waiting impatiently in the doorway to the kitchen area.

"Took you long off enough. Come on." Grant placed a hand on Sisk`s shoulder and guided him inside.

Sisk`s feet stopped in place when he saw what was on the table in front of him.

"Is that...?"

"Damn right. You`re triple special meal. Happy birthday kid." Grant smiled and patted him on the back.

Sisk couldn't sit down and start eating fast enough.

"This is real steak?!"

"Real steak and real eggs. And real ice cream for dessert." Grant was practically beaming with pride.

"How?! We haven't had real steak or eggs or ice cream since we left the states!"

"I have my ways."

On any other day, Sisk might have tried to pry in to what those ways were but right now he only cared about the food on the plate in front of him.

September 28th, 1300

It had taken a few weeks but the group had finally fixed up the orphanage to their satisfaction.

Liebgott and Babe were currently teaching some of the kids how to play basketball. Talbert was playing tag and Lipton was deeply invested in a game of hide and seek.

Skinny and Shifty sat in the shade of a tree watching the kids (and adults) running around.

"Cant thank you enough for this Skinny. You gone and done somethin' real good here, ya know."

Sisk shrugged, "Wasn't just me."

"No, I reckon not but you got the others here. Ain`t no one here gonna forget what you done."

The two men exchanged a smile and Father Powers patted Skinny on the knee, "Now come on, I think Tab and Babe might be needin' some backup on the court."

Sisk snorted and watched as a herd of children shrieking with laughter attempted to climb Tab and Babe like they were their own personal jungle gyms.

"Yeah, looks like you're right."

Sisk stood up and followed his friend towards the chaos, a smile of genuine happiness on his face. (Who would have thought such a thing was possible in the middle of a war?)

#i might have made shifty too country #but fuck it #i thought it was cute #skinny sisk #shifty powers #Welcome to the 5061st #band of brothers #band of brothers fanfiction #i wrote a thing

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uncleudon · 4 years ago

Text

Things Fall Apart

I fixed my toilet with a safety pin

The grout is gone on the tile floor

Tiles in the kitchen are broken and they let you know when you step on them

The dishwasher doesn’t work

The handle on the microwave

has been superglued several times

The ice maker died so now we make ice in silicone trays

The house needs to be painted inside and out

Every room is a junk room

Every drawer is a junk drawer

At night I put on my camping booties, little sleeping bags for my feet, and I tell myself it’s all ok because we are just camping and we will soon be gone

But for now the roof doesn’t leak

Uncle Udon

Puget Ridge Zen Center and Dog Kennel

2.25.21

#poem #things fall apart #toilet fixed with safety pin #we will soon be gone #camping out

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venactricisfics · 5 years ago

Text

It’s Just Beneath The Skin

t@negans-network @neganmorgan@mypapawinchesterjeffreynegan @ask-kakashihatake @haleyea@collette04

Negan X OC, Smut, Negan-like language.

Masterlist

One day had faded into five. They all started to blur together. I wasn’t as nauseated as I thought I’d be. I’d have to get a Carson to check me over if… when I finally got to go home.

“You feeling alright?” Alden asked. He’d become my shadow since we left the Sanctuary. And I guess being threatened to be beaten to death offers encouragement to handle a task.

“I’m ok. You got those fences fixed? We can fill the gap between them with the dead. Make an undead moat. We don’t have as many fighters here as back home, ” I sighed, “so we need the added security so they don’t catch us with our asses hanging out again."

"I got ‘em fixed. Jared and a couple other guys from Gavin’s group are out looking for bodies to fill your moat, ” he stares out into the woods, “you’re starting to sound like him."

"What do you mean?” I quirk a brow.

“Ordering folks around. When you first arrived you kept to yourself, ” Alden said, “Not a bad thing just different.”

“I don’t sound like him, ” I respond, “I don’t use 'fuck’ nearly as much as he does."

"You’re right about that, ” he smiled, “you should eat. I’ve still got to fix the roofing on the east side. It’s leaking."

"Can’t, ” I look at the pile of materials, “there’s too much work to be done."

"It’s all heavy work, can’t have you swinging a heavy hammer or hauling wood, ” he told me. “Go inside out of the heat and get something to drink."

"Fine, get a couple guys to cover the yard, ” I said, “I know it looks safe, ” I glance out to the trees beyond the fences, “looks can be deceiving.” Alden gives me a nod.

“Walkie charged up?” I ask as I head back inside.

“Yeah it is, ” he gives a knowing look, “should be getting close to dinner time at the Sanctuary. You should be able to catch him alone."

"I know, ” I give him a smile and head inside. The walkie was on the table in the center of the room I shared with Alden. He thought that would be the best way to keep me safe. I kick my boots off and step behind the privacy curtain and plop down on my cot. “Big Daddy, come in Big Daddy."��

"Da-yamn, baby, ” Negan says back over the crackling of the walkie, “you calling me Daddy just made my pants get right. I’m gonna have to rub one out real soon."

"I missed you too, Negan, ” I lean back on the bed, “everything going good at home?"

"Right as fucking rain, though I got no one here to bust my balls, ” I could hear the smirk in his voice. “Or suck my dick until I see fucking stars."

"I’ll make sure to take real good care of you when I get back, ” I smile back at him, “how much longer?”

“Gotta big fucking meeting set for tomorrow, ” he tells me, “after that, I plan to end the day with you riding my dick.”

“Is that your plan? I was hoping for a big bowl of gelato, ” I replied.

“Fuck, you can eat your fancy fucking ice cream while you’re riding my dick, ” he chuckles. Though I know he’s semi-serious.

“I might give that a try, ” I yawn, tucking my hand under my head.

“Get some fucking rest, baby, ” he says.

“Good night, ” I say back, not ready to end but knowing I was too tired to talk much longer, “I love you.”

“Don’t I fucking know it, ” he tells me. “Talk to you tomorrow.” I drop the walkie on the bed beside me and doze off.

“Hey, ” I feel a handshake me, “you need to eat something.” I rub my eyes and Alden comes into view. “My sister would get light headed if she didn’t get enough to eat when she was pregnant.”

“OK, ” I stand and the room spins a little.

“Just sit. I brought you a sandwich, ” he sets it on the little folding table beside my bed with a cool glass of lemonade.

I sit up and take a long drink from my glass, “How long was I out for?”

“Just a couple hours, ” he said. “You’ve been running nonstop since we got here. You needed it."

"Everyone has, ” I take a bite, hungrier than I thought, “I’m not special. You, ” I wipe the crumbs from my shirt, “have been building fences, fixing roofs and taking care of me. I appreciate your looking out for me. I know it’s because Negan ordered you to, but still thank you."

"I’d look out for you anyway. You remind me of my sister, ” he said. I motion toward the chair and he takes a seat.

“The light-headed pregnant one?” I ask. He never mentioned her. I wondered if she was still alive. The ones we lost before most of us didn’t talk about. So I wasn’t gonna pry.

He nods, “She moved to LA before everything. I don’t know what happened to her.”

That was the story for most of the Saviors. Guess that’s true for anyone still upright. They had people and then they didn’t. Not saying the asshole tendency wasn’t there before. But we all have done what had to, to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

If we did anything else, what kind of monsters would we be?

____

I woke from a dreamless sleep to a waking nightmare. Bullets ricocheted off the wall over my head. I drop down to the floor quickly shoving my feet in my boots.

“Get up!” I hear Alden shout. The sounds of our people shooting and gunfire echoed through the halls of our outpost.

Gun in hand I follow behind Alden. I step over the bodies of our people. Not again. I suck in a breath. Now was not the time to break down. I didn’t have the luxury of weakness.

“The storage building out back, ” I tell him as we walk along the wall. “It’ll give us a little cover until we figure out what the fuck to do.” We weren’t the only ones with that idea. “Stay down and quiet, ” I say as we duck inside and pull the door closed. “Hopefully they’ll move on and we can contact the Sanctuary for help.” I kick myself internally remembering the walkie I’d left beside my pillow. Guess bullets flying overhead are distracting.

My hopes all crashed around me at the sound of voices outside the rolling door. “If we’re outnumbered, surrender, ” I say, “that’s our only chance.” It seemed like a long fucking shot but it was a shot. I cast my eyes at Alden, “Open the door, ” my fingers tighten around the butt of my pistol.

“Drop your weapons,” the intruder says. His gun fixed on Alden’s face.

“Living sounds good to me,” Alden says as he lowers his gun to the ground. My eyes scan the line of invaders as I step up beside him. There were too damn many of them. I place my weapon on the floor beside his. I raise my hands, then glance back at the others, “We’re surrounded. Don’t try anything stupid."

I feel the ice-cold stare from the girl ponytail. If given half the chance, she’d mow every single one of us down. I couldn’t let her have half a chance.

“Shit I know you,” Jared speaks to one of the intruders. “You get transferred too?” The man’s eyes show with a hateful recognition. He sure as fuck knew Jared. And it wasn’t a pleasant meeting. The man’s gun was aimed at Jared’s face.

“Morgan,” the first man told him, “drop your gun, they surrendered.”

“We came here to kill ‘em,” Morgan responded, “We’re supposed to.”

“It’s not what we do,” the first man replied.

I felt the stares of disdain from each of our captors as they tied our hands together, linking us one behind the other.

“Stay behind me,” Alden whispered.

“Despite what you all may think,” I told him, “I am not helpless.”

“Good,” the ponytail girl exclaimed pushing me with the barrel of her gun, “then move.”

#the walking dead #TWD #twd negan #negan smut #negan x oc #negan x reader

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lolabean1998 · 5 years ago

Text

This Better Work Part 7

Sweet Pea X OC

Summery; Hey guys, not sure how well this is going to go but I originally put it on Wattpad so its way long, but hopefully its not horrendous. Let me know what you think! So, it follows the story line kind of, it’s not exact but I have tried and it follows my OC Ali as she navigates through the hell that is Riverdale. Whilst struggling with financial, social and romantic difficulties, she has the added pressure of keeping up with school work and bonus of being thrown into the frightening world of the criminal underground.

Side Note; None of the gifs or pictures I use are mine, I’m not talented or smart enough to even begin an attempt at making my own. Thank you to those who have such abilities and if you don’t want me using them then please let me know so I can remove them for you.

Word Count;

"Hey Ali! Ali Cat! Why the hell are you siding with the Southside scumbags?" Reggie bellowed down the corridor at Ali as she threw her unneeded Chemistry and Geography books in her locker.

"Really Reggie?" She questioned sternly, slamming her locker and spinning to face the jumped-up Bulldog. Being met by the whole squad, her arms folded as her eyebrows raised in amusement.

"Are you serious? You got the whole damn squad out just to confront me about a HOODIE? A FUCKING HOODIE REGINALD? I'm not taking anyone’s side. I'm just trying to keep the peace. Something you clearly aren't capable of!" Ali bellowed. How dare he challenge me!

"You need to get your affairs in order and get your head out of your arse, IT'S NOT A HAT!" Ali warned before slamming past him cutting through the see of Jocks.

"I'm not the one wearing their clothes. That hoodie warm is it? Looks more like a snake skin if you ask me." He spat stopping Ali dead in her tracks. Her bag dropping to the ground as the last string of her temper snapped. She spun quickly on her heels storming back down the corridor towards Reggie. Her hand reached out grabbing his throat. Slamming him against the lockers.

"Yes. Its very warm. But so is the River Vixens t-shirt underneath." Ali growled through gritted teeth. Her faces inches from his.

"I live on the border so I'm neither one nor the other. I'm Both! Remember that before you open your mouth next time." Ali snarled. Her fingers curling round Reggies throat increasing the fear and disgust in his eyes.

However, this didn't last long. A pair of strong arms wrapped around Ali's waist heaving her up and pulling her away from Reggie.

"Settle down Ali Cat you nearly got yourself expelled." Jughead cautioned as he placed her on one of the sofas in the common room. All eyes on her. Betty and Toni arrived seconds later carrying Ali's bag.

"Damn girl that was bad ass!" Toni exclaimed with an impressed smirk as she slumped besides Ali on the sofa. Ignoring the warning glare Jughead shot her.

“Don’t encourage her.” Jughead groaned.

"I leave you alone for one minute and THIS is what you do?" Ali smirked handing Sweet Pea a beer before kneeling beside him to look at the boiler he had just stripped. He looked over at her with a boyish grin plastered across his face, before taking a large swig of his drink. Turning back to the boiler pieces scattered in front of them.

"I had to see what was broken. I know where it all goes. I'm not an idiot!" Sweet Pea replied nonchalantly, a cocky twinkle in his eyes.

"Besides who are you to judge me? I'm not the one that nearly got myself kicked out for standing up for a bunch of actual gang members." He smirked shoving Ali's arm lightly. He loved spending the weekends helping her around the garage and fixing up her old run-down house. She made him laugh and he swore whenever he was around her, he felt as if his luck would change forever. But that was him. He knew there was no way she would feel the same way. They were friends. End of.

"You too good to say gangsters now?" Ali teased, her usually bright smile was brighter than ever and this time, it was real.

"You know you've taken this apart only to find the whole damn thing needs replacing. Right?" She asked after a moments glance over the corroded parts.

"Yeah I know." Sweet Pea sighed. Knowing full well that this meant Ali and her family going without heating.

"I'll think of something Ali Cat. Hey if worse comes to worst my caravan is always warm and I have room for three more." He smiled sympathetically. His words making Ali chuckle for a moment before she fell silent. Her eyes trained on the parts in front of her as if they would run away if she blinked.

"Hey, Princess. It's going to be ok." Sweet Pea soothed, turning Ali's face to look directly at him.

Her eyes welled with tears. For the first time ever, her guard was down. Her walls had fallen. There was no longer the endless reals of hope and joy that once resided in her eyes. Her bright, contagious smile had faded and all that was left was the fear and misery she had always hidden so well. Sweet Pea's heart broke at the sight of her feeling so vulnerable. Before he knew it he had wrapped her up in an enormous, warm bear hug. His chin resting on top of her head. His hand wrapped in her hair whilst the other pulled her deeper into the hug. He could feel the tears soaking through his t-shirt and onto his skin. They sat there for a moment. But when Ali pulled away her bright shining smile was back, her eyes filled with false happiness as she looked up at him.

"With all do respect Sweet Pea. You barely fit in that caravan. How would we ever fit around your giant ass." She replied, the thick sassy sarcasm flooding her voice like nothing had happened. Ali felt a rogue tear fall down her rosy cheek. Swiping it away with her finger tips, staring at it a moment before flicking it away.

"Ugh gross I'm leaking. Think its time for my M.O.T." She complained.

"Want a cup of tea?" She offered making her way to the kitchen before Sweet Pea had a chance to reply.

Good job Ali. Cry in front of everyone like a fucking wimp. Good one dick head. Ali scolded herself, pottering around the kitchen for Tea and mugs.

"You know you don't have to be like that Ali. It's ok to cry." Sweet Pea soothed from the doorway.

"Why because I'm a girl? Because that's what girls do? I have nothing to be sad about. I have a roof over my head, amazing friends, a loving family and I'm a jack of all trades." Ali snapped. Who was he to say she was allowed to cry?

"My tears are pointless and selfish. There are people in the world with far less than me so why should I allow myself to cry?" She continued, her words taking Sweet Pea back a step.

"Ali I was just trying to help. No one, male or female should have to be an emotionless robot. Its ok to feel." He reasoned, trying to defuse the situation.

"So, NOW I’m an emotionless robot. Oh gee thanks Sweet Pea. I feel much better now!" Ali thundered, her eyes flooding with red mist as she glared aggressively at Sweet Pea.

"You should go." She growled.

"I was just trying to help! You were sad so I tried to comfort you! How am I the bad guy?" Sweet Pea retaliated. Arms flailing angrily as he spoke. But Ali was a stone-cold bitch, it would take more than that to persuade her.

"I DIDN'T FUCKING ASK FOR YOUR HELP THOUGH DID I SWEET PEA?! I TOLD YOU BEFORE I DIDN’T NEED A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR THEN AND I SURE AS HELL DON’T NEED ONE NOW SO GET THE FUCK OUT! DON’T STAY WHERE YOU CLEARLY AREN’T WANTED!" Ali roared, her vocal cords screaming at her in pain with every syllable.

"Wow." Sweet Pea stepped back, his word quiet and upset. His heart crumbling to the floor at her last words.

"You're right. I don’t know why I bothered helping such a pompous, stuck up Northsider anyway." He snapped before spinning sharply on his heels and strutting out the house. Slamming the front door in frustration as he went.

"I mean, what a wanker! Can you believe the balls on that over-sized shoe lace?!" Ali ranted. She had been ranting to Cheryl for the last hour whilst they all made cookies for the local homeless shelter.

"I told you Ali. Serpents are the scourge of Riverdale." Cheryl stated putting the last batch of cookies in the oven.

"Oh yeah? That including Topaz?" Ali smirked raising an inquisitive eyebrow. She had seen the two girls eyeing each other up all week at school.

"Pffft please. She's Queen of the hobos". Cheryl snorted turning her face away from Ali so she wouldn't see how badly she was lying.

"Really? That's not what your eyes have been saying." Ali teased knowing full well what was going on in her best friends head. "You've been giving her your come to bed eyes all week."

Ali's phone went off before she had a chance to reply. The song Sharp-dressed Man playing loudly from her jet black, well armoured Iphone.

"What the fuck does Hiram Lodge want?" Ali mumbled wiping her hands before picking up her phone.

"Hello Mr. Lodge, how can I help?" She answered politely.

"Ah Ali. I was wondering if you could do me a small favour? Unfortunately, I cant ask anyone else to do it as I cant have anyone catching word of this. Is that understood?" He asked carefully. He was up to something and since Ali needed the money, he knew she'd do it no questions asked.

"Of-course Mr. Lodge. I'll come round later to discuss this in further detail. Shall we say 6pm at the Pembroke?" Ali replied. It wasn’t the first time she'd done something under the radar like this for the Lodges. She knew the drill.

"Perfect. I'll see you then. Oh and Ali, it is my understanding that you are in need of a new boiler. Is that correct?" He quickly stopped her before she hung up.

"Um. Yes Mr. Lodge, may I ask why?" Ali questioned curiously. "I'm sending a boiler round tomorrow. Someone will be there to fit it in at 11 o’clock sharp." He answered happily before hanging up.

"What was that all about?" Cheryl pondered, watching Ali jot something down on her phone.

"Hiram Lodge has a job for me and he's paying me with a boiler." Ali puzzled staring at her phone.

"That's not weird at all." Cheryl commented just as her phone began buzzing like crazy.

"Oh my god what is with people today." She muttered grabbing her phone. "Yes, dear cousin."

"Cheryl hi, I was wondering if you and Ali fancied going dancing at the White Wyrm tonight? I don’t want to go on my own." Betty responded sheepishly.

"Ali, want to go out dancing at the Wyrm tonight? Betty has something going on there." Cheryl muttered to Ali, her phone pressed to her chest muffling their voices.

"Yeah I'm down providing we're drinking. I should be finished by about 7 so I'll come back here, and we can all get ready and eat at mine." Ali agreed, she needed a release.

"Be at Ali's for 7 we can get ready here. Toodles." Cheryl instructed before hanging up.

"Ready to get the last batch of cookies out and hit the road?" She asked, skipping over to the oven when Ali nodded, her eyebrows still knitted in concern.

"I'll grab the containers for them." Ali muttered disappearing to the storage room by the bathroom.

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gold-from-straw · 6 years ago

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Spectres - ch7

Loki brings everyone back to his cavern, and Tony starts trying to heal Barnes... until they're interrupted.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you who’ve supported this story, it’s completely insane and I’ve had SO MUCH fun writing it! Special thanks to @salamanderink who prompted it in the first place over a year ago oops!

Read from the beginning on AO3 if you like!

Tony was getting used to travelling by Spectre teleportation. He only had to gulp air three or four times before he was able to take in the scene around him.

And what a scene it was. Loki’s cavern seemed larger, Tony thought as he looked around. Hela started dancing, shooting Spectral power at the roof so garlands of light hung themselves and cast a warm white glow. Jormungandr shifted into his human form as the last kid slipped off his back into Peter’s arms. “Injuries over here,” Jor called. “I can heal you.”

Loki nodded to him, the pride clear in his eyes. He lay Barnes on a table that rose out of the ground at his gesture. “I think,” he said, cocking his head to look at Barnes’ face, contorted in pain. “That you should heal him. He has had too much Spectral interference.”

Tony nodded, and took a deep breath. “Healing’s not much my thing,” he admitted.

Loki smiled softly, his bone mask turning to mist and floating away. “I have faith.”

Tony looked down to hide his smile, and cast a diagnostic spell over him. “OK, so he’s got a bunch of broken ribs, a - jeez, a skull fracture, bruised kidneys and a fuck-ton of scars.” He breathed deeply again and rubbed his hands together.

“Can I help?” asked Hela from right by his elbow.

Tony startled so hard he nearly yelped. “Holy sh- uh, yeah, OK, kid.” He glanced at Loki. “You can’t use your magic, but you can fetch and carry, yeah?” She nodded, a wide grin spreading over her sweet little face. Really, the moving wounds weren’t that creepy, not when you knew what a cutie she was.

Tony laid out herbs and stones from his pockets, chatting constantly to her to keep himself calm and on target, telling her all about the associations and powers of all the ingredients. “Oh, here’s a piece of gold, huh, forgot I had that. That’s for riches, obviously. Then linden root, for strength. And that’s pansy petals, they’re for premonition, but I don’t really like the way they feel, it’s not quite right, you know?” Hela smiled up at him and nodded. He grinned and patted her head. “Yeah, of course you know. Anyway, I’ll work out what to do with them some day, but we definitely don’t need them for this.” He took another deep breath. “Right, pass me the weeping moss, the willowbark and the bloodstone.”

She passed him two tupperware pots and a small earthenware jar and he set about mixing a pinch of this, a dash of that, following the tug in his fingers that took him to the next right thing.

“What about this?” she asked, holding out a slim root.

He spared her a quick glance, still mixing the reagents, golden sparks flying up as his mortar struck. “What about that?”

“Linden root,” she said. “You said it was good for strength and bones are the strong parts of a human, are they not? We do need to fix the bones, right?”

He blinked down at her, a slow grin spreading over his face. “Hey, Pete! You’ve got competition for apprentice duties!”

Peter grinned and used his Spectral powers to thunk Tony in the back of the head. Tony flipped him the bird and took the linden root. “I think this is just what we’ll need,” he said to Hela, who grinned so hard her eyes almost closed.

The linden root started hissing as soon as Tony crushed it, and white smoke poured from the mixture. Tony held it over Barnes’ face, blowing gently so the smoke coated him, clinging to his skin in certain places, sliding off him in others. He started moving slowly downwards, rationing the potion so it could cover his whole body.

The first warning that something was wrong was Loki suddenly going rigid and turning, his bone mask appearing and his feather cloak rising into fierce wings. And then the room was full of roaring, raging Spectre.

“Leave him alone!” the very air screamed.

Tony dropped his mortar and pestle, hunching down and covering his ears, the terror vibrating in his very bones. He heard children all around him wailing in terror, but it was little Hela’s whimper that penetrated the fog of fear.

He forced himself up to stand, heart pounding, hands shaking. A great eagle Spectre slashed at Loki, whose raven form shrieked and whirled around him. Feathers filled the air, and as one of the ravens screamed and fell, turning to dust, Tony felt the fury fill him.

“Enough!” he roared, hurling a force bomb onto the floor between them. The powder inside the delicate glass vial blew everywhere, forcing all the Spectres nearby into their human form. Loki tumbled to the side, clutching at his arm, and Tony raced over to him, propping him up. “Are you OK?” he asked, voice low. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know what else to do, are you--”

“I’m fine,” he said, voice strained. “It was the best…” he trailed off, frowning. “Is that not…”

Tony turned and stared at the furious human-form Spectre, crouching on the floor. “Steve Rogers?” he gaped.

“Give him back,” Rogers snarled, his face nothing like the wholesome, blue-eyed human form he showed to the public. “What are you doing to him? Give him back!”

Tony blinked, then looked at Romanov. “What?”

“Why have you got Barnes?” she asked, her eyes darting around the room, always gathering data.

“Uh, because we found him? He was… well, he was kinda acting as a jailer for these kids. We got into a fight, but Loki pulled all Hydra’s soul away from him so he’s got his own mind back, at least, and then I was using linden root which was Hela’s idea really, but it was a good one, and--”

“Stark,” Romanov said, frowning. “Shut up. Wait. You found him?”

“Where was he?” Rogers demanded, standing straight, surging forwards, stopping as Loki rose, snarling in front of him.

“Steve?” croaked a voice. Tony turned to see Barnes pushing himself up.

“Hey, no, wait, I haven’t finished healing you, I--” But Hela stood behind, waving, the mortar and pestle in her hands. “Huh,” Tony said. “That… that actually shouldn’t work without a Monk…”

“Bucky?” Rogers said, and Tony’s head whipped back, because that… he’d never heard Rogers sound so small, so lost. His mouth was hanging open, his entire soul visibly pulled towards Barnes.

Barnes climbed, wincing, off the table, and Rogers rushed towards him, catching him as he stumbled, his hands cupping his face like he was looking at a religious relic. “You’re here,” Rogers said, barely audible. “You’re really here, Buck… everyone thought you were gone, but I wouldn’t… I couldn’t believe it, I would have felt it… the world… life wouldn’t have been worth living.”

“Wait,” said Tony, gaping. “You know Barnes? Like… the Howling Bucky Barnes?”

Rogers didn’t even look at him, but as Tony watched he shifted into another form, a muscular blonde man, vast shoulders and a blue and red suit. “You’re Captain America?” Tony squeaked. “You didn’t… but you’re a Spectre! Captain America was a Monk, he and Barnes, they were The monks!”

“That’s what everyone had to believe,” Barnes said, his eyes still fixed on Rogers, his hand clinging to Rogers’ hip. “There was a war on, people wouldn’t have accepted a Spectre in their ranks.”

“The world’s different now, Buck,” Rogers said, stroking Barnes’ hair back from his face. “Spectres, Monks and baseline humans, we all live and work together… there’s still a bit of bad blood with the Monks but… we can…” he gulped. “We can be together, if you… if you still--”

“Oh god, Steve,” Barnes said, pressing closer, tears leaking from his eyes as they fluttered shut. “I was trapped in my own head, watching my body do all these terrible things, I never dreamed… I never even hoped I’d find you again.” He whimpered and pulled back. “I’ve done terrible things, Steve, I’ve… you won’t want me, not like--”

But Rogers held his face in both hands and kissed him. Barnes melted into the kiss, pressing closer, wrapping his arm tightly around Rogers’ back and clenching his fingers into the fabric over his back.

“Well,” said a voice in Tony’s ear, and he looked up to see Loki smiling down at him. “Perhaps we are not quite so strange. A Monk and a Spectre together?”

Tony looked around at the abandoned human children being comforted by the young Spectres. At the Spectre child poking around Tony’s Monk equipment. At the young Monk, his soul fused with that of a Spectre, learning the Spectral healing methods, and teaching some Monk methods to anyone who’d listen. He looked at the Spectre standing at his own shoulder and leaned up to kiss him.

“What about the Hydra?” he asked, leaning against Loki’s chest as the kiss broke.

Loki wrapped his arms around his back. “You cannot kill it,” he said. “It is a mindless decomposer, as long as there are those who allow their souls to die in their own living bodies, it will thrive. There is still work to do, though. The Hydra would not think to capture children, to fuse humans with its own soul.”

“Yeah, honestly that sounds a human thing to do,” Tony admitted. “Trying to get Spectral powers without the work that goes into becoming a Monk.”

“There have always been those who worship power, in all its forms,” Loki nodded.

Tony sighed and leaned into Loki, watching Barnes and Rogers reunite, Romanoff joining Jormungandr and Peter, Teddy hover by Billy as he stretched his healed ills. “We’ll fight, then,” Tony said. “But for now, we’ve got a lot of kids to look after.”

Loki looked at him, his head cocked to one side. Tony rolled his eyes. “Oh, don’t look like that. It’s your fault. You called them my children. ‘What becomes of the children, Monk?’” he said, mimicking Loki’s voice.

Loki grinned, bent down and kissed him again. Tony smiled into the kiss, and felt his heart glow.

That’s it!! It’s all finished ;_; Thank you so much to everyone who supported this <3 Tagging everyone who interacted with the last chapter! @theonewhowandered01, @redramzi, @the-smoke-machine, @zanydragonshepherddean, @glitternotgold73, @kit-kat57, @aformingsiren, @kalimav6, @letitdevour, @averageotaku, @dracusfyre, @frost-iron, @mxvampirepunk <3

#My writing #Spectres #frostiron #loki #tony stark #stucky #steve x bucky #irondad and spiderson #peter parker #magic AU #loki's kids #Bucky Barnes #Steve Rogers

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aurora-borealis514 · 6 years ago

Text

The Sidewalk.

18 + Mature Content.

(It’s a long story, but I didn’t want to disappoint!)

CHAPTER 1

Location: My bedroom.

Time: 3:45 am

I can’t sleep, I haven’t been able to sleep. I guess the stress has just been getting to me lately...Yeah... I know, I know you’re probably all laughing like “Stress! Pah! You’re to young to have any stress!” or my favorite line. “You’re lucky you still live at home. When I was your age I was already married with two kids by then.” Oh yeah Deborah isn’t that right? Well I’m sorry that my life isn't all put together at 21 like yours might have been, which was when 40 years ago?

I hate people.

Especially the ones who just silently judge you. You know which ones, they are nice to your face but as soon as your back is turned they say the complete opposite; Walking around with their noses stuck straight up in the air, and driving around showing off their fancy SUVs. Must be nice to have things handed to you. For me, that wasn’t the case, towards the end at least. I came from an average family you know. Mom stayed at home, dad is a cop, a younger brother, the white picket fence and what family would be complete with out a dog. The all American family you could say.

We were definitely far from it. We had our dirty secrets too, just like any other “normal” family.

Fuck! Why can’t I sleep, god damn it!

Looking up at the ceiling all I could think of at that moment was “What if this were to collapse in on me?” “ Maybe then it would end all of my pain and suffering.”

The roof needed to be fixed. Dad said he was going to do that months ago...but here we are closer to winter and it’s still not done. The shingles were falling off and it leaked every time it rained. My room seemed to be the only room in the entire house that received the full impact; It was so bad last week I had to sleep downstairs on the couch. The windows were old and drafty and look like they haven't been replaced in years, the doors were just the same, creaking at the hinges. The yard was over grown and had gone to complete shit. Our house didn't always look like this, we just stopped caring.

My mother was the one who would take care of basically everything around the house without her my dad, brother and I would have been lost. She taught me everything she could. How to cook, fold laundry, how to change a tire. She was a woman that young girls would look up to. She was kind and caring, she spent a lot of time working with different organizations and she was always hosting charity events. Judith Ward even made a brief appearance.

Sigh.

Sadly, that’s all just a faded distant memory, and now my father and I were complete and utterly lost. Most day’s we would just order take out from Ruby’s Diner, we sort of became regulars there.

Tears began to bubble in my eyes blurring my vision of the ceiling.

My mother and younger brother were murdered, along with a few others. Most would say they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but my dad wasn’t convinced.

It all happened so fast. My mother had just picked up Danny from school and they were walking home when a man in a ski mask jumped them from behind shooting my mother point blank in the back of the head. Danny’s body was never found, so deep down I know he is still alive...somewhere.

For about 4 years now my dad had been searching and it seemed like every time he would get close to a break through...more “clues” would began to surface and he would be led straight back to a dead end. Part of me believes that the man is still out there holding my brother hostage and he’s just been leaving clues behind to this day just to try and throw my dad off the trail, but he is stubborn and determined, and why would a murder hang around and continue to leave clues? I try not to think about it to often because it kills me deep down knowing someone I used to see everyday just isn’t there anymore. I keep thinking that this was all my fault and a part of me that feels guilty everyday. I should have been there with him, and maybe at least my mother would still be here... I know fucked up way of thinking, but that’s where my mind takes me when I think about it.

Ever since the murder my father has suggested me speaking to a therapist. He claims that “medicating with Marijuana isn’t the right way to go about dealing with my stress and pain, but what does he know, Those guys are there only to take all your money and silently judge you, then they go home and talk about how crazy you are to their immediate families and significant others. To them that’s just a normal day in the office, but to me that’s the life I am stuck living every single day.

So if you ever meet a family member of your shrink. That’s why they hesitate when saying hello. They probably think you are a psychopath and could snap at any moment.

Time: 4:00 am

Alright, well no sense trying to sleep now, I might as well just pull an all nighter.

Stretching I rolled out of bed and grabbed a shower towel. Sluggishly I walked down the stairs. My dad was asleep at his computer per usual... he must have had another late night.

Yawning I proceeded into the bathroom and closed the door. Turning on the shower I pulled my nightshirt over my head and gently tossed it onto the floor. Reaching my hand behind the curtain I made sure it was hot.

Scalding.

That was the only good thing about old houses. The hot water is actually hot.

Stepping in I felt the heat of the water run over my skin, sending chills down my spine, and making the hair on my arms stick up straight. A draft crept through the crack under the door and my nipples grew hard. We didn’t have a shower curtain at the moment, so no matter how hot the shower got you were still cold. Why you may ask? We’ll I decided one night it was a good idea to try and sober up a friend by putting her in the shower, well epic fail on my part. Her foot got caught up on the edge of the tub and she became entangled in it which ripped the holster straight out of the wall and caved in on her. My dad was pissed and his reasoning behind not buying another one.

“You shower with the door closed so why do you need a curtain to hide behind too.”

His logic never made sense sometimes... but that was dad. Usually his reasoning behind things made me laugh which made it impossible for him to ground me.

Closing my eyes I let the water run down my face. It was soothing, but not as soothing as the sound of rain late at night. Washing up, rinsing off and then turning off the shower I stepped out and reached for my towel also not realizing my phone was underneath it. I couldn’t react fast enough, all I could do was stand there and watch it as It fell and collided with the ground making a sharp snap.

Great. I hope I didn’t just break it.

Wrapping a towel around my hair and the other around my body I reached down for my phone. Closing my eyes I whispered to myself. Please don’t be broken, please don’t be broken. Slowly peeking out of one eye I looked down. Phew! Not broken this time. Taking a deep breath I turned to the mirror and wiped the condensation away leaving blurry streaks. My makeup didn’t seem to come all the way off in the shower so it was still smudged around my eyes making dark circles. Washing my face again in the sink with a face cloth, I then rubbed lotion all over my body. Coco butter, not only does it make your skin smooth as fuck but it smells good too! I brushed my teeth and spit the toothpaste into the sink. Leaving the bathroom I looked over at my dad who was sound asleep, but this time snoring with his face buried deep into his in his arms.

He looks pretty peaceful. I won’t wake him yet.

Tippy toeing up the stairs, they creaked and groaned. I closed my bedroom door behind me and began franticly digging through my piles of clothes that were just thrown throughout my room. Picking up a shirt I brought it to my face and inhaled.

Smells ok to me. Throwing on a ripped tank top, I swirled the shirt around my back and flung my arms through. Picking up a pair of jeans I just looked down at them in disgust. These are so old. They had holes, and stains that just wouldn't wash out, but they were my favorite pair and I just couldn’t get rid of them. Slinging my bag over my shoulder and grabbing my camera headed back down stairs.

Still sleeping...

Dad... Dad?

“Wha...What time is it?” he asked in a fog while rubbing his eyes.

4:30 in the morning...

“Why are you awake?”

Well, I couldn’t sleep so I figured I would get an early start.

Yawning he stretched his arms back behind his head before looking back down at his computer. Grunting he held his head in his hands.

“Every fucking time I think I’m one step closer.” he clenched his fists and pounded hard on his desk making a pile of papers shuffle and fall to the ground.

Dad? Maybe you should get some sleep... bending down I picked up his papers and placed them neatly back onto his desk

“I don’t need sleep, I need to finish up working on this case.” he growled

Seriously though, you need to rest...it’s been 4 years and you aren’t any closer today then you were 4 years ago.

“What I need is for you to stop giving me such attitude, leave me the hell alone and let me get back to work so then maybe I can try and get some sleep.”

Alright, whatever Dad... I’ll see you later.

“Where are you going?” he asked turning to face me.

I see, he only looks at me when I’m leaving.

I don’t know, probably go down to Ruby’s for some breakfast.

“I see you have your camera too?” he smiled.

holy shit...he smiled.

Yeah, I wanted to maybe catch the sun rise. Do you want anything to eat? I can bring you something back? Maybe an extra thick milkshake

“mmm sounds good, but no.” he replied turning back to his computer.

Come on Dad, you know you want one. I’ll buy?

“No I’m good. Thank you, but really I need to get back to work.” he responded.

He was exhausted, his eyes were sunken in surrounded by dark circles. His hair was starting to turn gray and he just looked like absolute shit. He was supposed to be off this week. The Chief told him he needed to take time to grieve because he really hasn't since my mom died, but my dad has been sneaking around getting files from the other guys so he can continue to work, but just from home.

Ok so breakfast sandwich and a coffee instead?

“Black.” He replied with a smirk.

Sounds good old man.

Turning to leave, he called out to me once more.

“This old man could still kick your ass”

Name the place and pick a time Dad. I can take you down any day.

“That’s my girl.” he smiled.

Door slams shuts.

It was a lot cooler out then I had expected, yet again the weather man lies, but then again the sun still wasn’t even awake yet.

The air was crisp, and the leaves crunched beneath my feet as I walked along. I absolutely loved the fall. Everything is just so beautiful and the people around here really get into the Halloween spirit.

If Halloween could be an every day event, I would be happy.

The birds were already awake and chirping away, and just as I got to the bottom of my steps a fat squirrel ran across my path nearly tripping me in the process. Sadly he was just to quick to take a picture.

One day I’ll capture you, Mr. Squirrel. I laughed out loud to myself. You might have gotten away this time, but next time you won’t be so lucky.

The squirrel stopped half way up the tree and what looked like began to mock me, before quickly scurrying up into the brush.

Fat little bastard. I grumbled.

Walking down the street all I could do was look around at how the town went to complete shit. I feel like the loss of my mother and disappearance of my brother just caused the whole town to shut down and lose its spark. My parents were very well known and liked around the area by anyone and everyone who crossed paths with them. They were always willing to help anyone and everyone who asked them, even if that means they got fucked over 85% of the time. So I couldn’t go anywhere without something stopping me to ask how my parents were doing or if they would be around that weekend to give them a hand. Especially now...it’s always. “How’s your dad? Is he ok?”

Half the time I want to tell them to go visit him and ask for themselves, but I usually just smile and tell them he’s fine.

It got old.

Wrapping my flannel tighter around me I headed down the side walk, the only beautiful thing left in this town were the trees and the canal.

Pulling out my camera I took a quick photo.

SNAP, SNAP

Something this beautiful should be captured before it get’s destroyed by humanity. One horrible thing about the human race, so quick to destroy something so beautiful that life has blessed us with, and people wonder why there are global warming problems.

SNAP, SNAP

Shit, whited out. God damn flash.

My camera was old and I needed a new flash, but since I haven’t been able to find a job in this hell hole I haven’t been able to buy a new one. I did ask my dad for my birthday last year, but he just hasn't had the money. It makes me feel like complete shit to even ask.

Come on, adjust...

SNAP. SNAP.

Got it. Thank you! Kissing my camera I smiled at it.

Perfect. I smiled down at my camera pleased with the shot.

Taking in a deep breathe through my nose I exhaled out my mouth causing a cloud to appear.

Fall is definitely here.

My stomach grumbled.

Alright, I need to eat...

Walking further down the side walk, and then to the cross walk, I looked and crossed the street heading towards the diner. That was another cool thing. Everything was so close to our house we can just walk there within a few minutes.

My dad and I used to take walks all the time...and then at the end he would treat me with a large malt shake. He always would suggest I get the smaller size because I could never finish a large, but I wanted to be like dad. 4 years later my brother was born. At that point I was 17 and started to rebel. Mainly tattoos, which drove my mother insane, but once my brother was born it’s like I didn’t exist anymore. I mean my dad always wanted a boy, I guess you can say that’s where I get my tomboy spirit from but from then on out it was all about Danny.

He was only 13 when he disappeared.

Chapter 2:

Location: Ruby’s Diner

Time: 4:45 am.

SNAP, SNAP

Fucking flash!

Snap Click. chhhh chhhh.

Ugh Wherever. I’ll just fix the damn thing inside. I stuffed the camera angrily into my bag and pushed open the large double glass doors to the diner.

“Hey Harper! Long time no see, two for breakfast?” the man behind the counter asked.

No Shane, it’s just me today. My dad’s at home working. I smiled.

“Isn’t he supposed to be on vacation?” he asked confused.

Well you know my dad...

“Yeah that’s true can’t take a man away from his work.” he laughed. “Would you like your regular booth by the window?” he asked looking down at his monitor.

Yeah that would be great actually.

“Alright, well it looks like it was just cleared off, so right this way ma’am.” He smiled smoothly waving his arm towards the dining room.

You’re the best, they really should just let you run the entire place.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m one pay check away from having enough money to get the hell out of this place.” he laughed.

Yeah, I hear ya, I have a feeling I might end up dying here.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. Hey, once I’m gone my job will be free, maybe I can mention something to management?”

You would do that?! Oh thank you!

Wrapping my arms around him I hugged him.

“No problem, I always have your back.” He laughed.

Sitting down at the table I pulled my bag to my side, and reached in. Pulling out my sketch pad I plopped it down and began to draw. That’s why I like the window booths. They were just giant windows filled with inspiration. I especially love when the older gentleman come for the early bird specials and bring their fanciest and shiniest cars. You can see them outside standing there gawking over who has the fastest car, or the best engine. Passing around cigars and chopping off the ends before lighting them and blowing big thick grey clouds of smoke up into the air.

What a life. I always thought about what they were like at my age. It was such an easier time. They used to be able to go outside without having to worry that someone was going to get kidnapped or murdered. They came home when the street lights came on, not when they get a text asking where the hell they are.

Looking down at the menu I couldn't decided. I know I have been here a million times, but I always look at the menu, you know just incase I decide to order something different.

Which for me that was rare.

I always wished they would serve lunch this early, call me a psycho but I could totally go for a tuna melt right about now.

Looking up I notice the waitress. Her hair was in a twisted mess on the top of her head and her apron was stained with all sorts of different types of condiments, oil and grease.

Kate?! Since when do you work here?

“Well recently, Chloe’s mom was talking to my mom and well...here I am.” she sighed. “I really don’t like it.”

Well, I can tell you waitressing sucks. People are just plain rude.

“Especially the ones who tip like shit.” she laughed

Cheap bastards.

“Where’s your dad?”

He’s at home working.

“Well it’s good to see he has at least been keeping himself busy.”

Yeah, if that’s what you called it. I rolled my eyes at her comment.

“I’m sorry...I didn’t mean to...” she began to say.

Don’t worry about it, I’m used to people asking me about my dad all the time.

“Anyway what can I get for you?” she asked pulling out a notebook and pen.

I’ll have the breakfast platter and a mimosa.

“Starting early?” she giggled

It’s never to early to drink. I laughed.

“How would you like your eggs?” she then continued

Over easy, white toast, whip cream on the pancakes, bacon fried to a perfect crisp.

“Anything else?”

Yeah, freshly squeezed orange juice?

“Were a diner not a 5 star breakfast buffet.”

I couldn’t help but to laugh. Oh come on the food here is definitely 5 star material.

Placing her hands on her hips. “If you think this is 5 star food then you haven't had real food.”

Well I mean, dad doesn’t cook and this is the only place that’s close enough for me to walk to.

“You still don’t have a car?” she asked cocking an eyebrow.

Well I do, it’s just in the shop. The damn truck is so rusty I need a miracle. Plus my dad’s car has been rotting in the driveway since my mom...

“That’s ok, no need to explain.” she smiled softly.

You know, you don’t have to walk on eggshells around me... I don’t mind talking about certain things.

“I know, it’s just horrible. Any news on your brother?” she asked running her thumbs along the hem of her apron.

Not yet, but I know he’s out there...he has to be.

“Well I will make sure to pray for his safe return.” she smiled again.

Thanks Kate, you're the sweetest.

“Anytime.” she replied turning and heading towards the kitchen.

Looking back out the window I sighed heavily. Well it looks like I am going to miss the sun rise yet again.

Pulling out my camera and tiny tool kit, I began to work on the flash. Alright if I just adjust it here.... and then tweak this.

SPOING!

Damn it! I slammed my fists down on the table tightly gripping what felt like the worlds smallest screw driver. Taking a deep breath I went back to working on it.

10 minutes later.

click, click. Snap, Snap

Yes! Fixed it!

And it looks like just in time. Looking over Kate held out the tray of food and placed it on the table.

Looks good. I smiled at her.

“Let me know if you need anything else.” she smiled.

I will, Thanks Kate.

Nodding her head Kate turned and walked away. Slapping my hands together and rubbing them I grabbed my fork and dug in.

Everything here just tastes so good to me, I guess you could say this is the closest thing I have had to a home cooked meal in a long time.

The pancakes were perfectly fluffy, and drizzled with maple syrup and a dollop of whip cream in the center, the bacon was perfect and crispy where it melted in my mouth every time I took a bite, and my eggs were cooked perfectly.

Finishing up rather quickly I waved for the bill.

“How was it?” she asked removing my plate from in front of me.

It was amazing, as always.

“You really need to get out more.” she laughed. “Need any change?”

No thanks, I’m good. You keep it. Hey, it was good seeing you. I haven’t seen you since graduation.

“Well, if you want to see me again I’m here everyday of the week.” she smiled.

Alright, sounds good. Bye Kate and thank you.

“You’re welcome.” She responded hurrying off into the kitchen.

Walking outside the sun was finally raising and everything began to flare with color.

Perfect timing. I smiled to myself.

Time 6:30 am

18 year’s I've lived here and I’ve never really stopped to actually look at the beauty this run down town can hold.

Looking into the water I held my hand over my eyes to shield the suns glare. I could see fish swimming around happily, and rising to the surface for a small gulp of air before dipping back down and disappearing beneath the rocks.

Life is just so beautiful if you actually open your eyes and look at it.

SNAP, SNAP.

Click.

There is just something so calming about still water. I could just stare into it for hours, even days and never get bored.

SNAP SNAP.

Beep, beep.

What the fuck, low battery? Already. Fuck this stupid camera.

Turning it off I placed it in my bag, well that’s enough pictures of water for right now I guess. I frowned looking down as a fish swam up and grabbed a cigarette butt that floated by before quickly spitting it back out.

Now that’s just disgusting. I frowned.

I really hate people sometimes.

Reaching for a stick, and then stretching out my arm, I managed to cause a rippled effect to move the cigarette butt close enough for my to pull up into the grass.

Ok fish, you are safe for now! I smiled looking down as 5 little babies swam out from under that same rock.

Heading back towards my house, I decided to take a quick detour.

SHIT! I forgot to get my dad food and coffee. I groaned. Oh well...he probably wouldn’t eat it anyway. Pretty sure his last sandwich is still there not even touched.

Turning the corner to enter my street I looked over at the park. The once beautiful fence, now rusted and damaged from little assholes around the town. There was trash and left over food laying all over the broken cement top. Shards of glass from beer bottles were smashed and smushed into the grass. The only new thing in this place was the swings and the basketball nets. Looking over I saw two kids throwing a ball around.

“Haha loser! That’s an E for you.” one kid mocked.

“Fuck you asshole.” the other kid replied.

Pulling out my camera I quickly capture the two as one of the boys punched the other directly in the stomach. He started crying.

“Fuck you dude.” he said as he ran to exit the park. “I’m telling mom.”

“Don’t tell mom! Wait Get back here!” the other hollered as he ran after him.

SNAP, SNAP.

Well, that one will definitely be a good addition to my scrap book. Laughing out loud at the picture my camera began to beep, and then shut off. Great. I put my camera in my bag and headed over to the swings. Placing my bag on the ground next to me, I began to swing.

Back and forth, higher and higher. Getting lost in a daze.

I loved playing on these when I was a kid. The swing creaked as I swung back and forth. The memories of my childhood began to flash in front of me. All the times my friends and I would sneak out and meet here just to smoke a joint and drink beers that we stole from our parents fridges.

One time we ended up getting busted by the police. He was a rookie, and my friends decided it would be funny to mess with him. We had a bag full of stink bombs, which we lit and threw at him as he walked towards us. When they started to smoke and release the smell, all of a sudden the officer grabbed his throat and began gasping for air. We all panicked and ran away, we ended up hiding across the street in the neighbors rose bushes. MISTAKE. We were covered in scratches from the thorns afterwards. Finally when back up arrived what seemed like hours later, they ended up having to give him CPR and some oxygen. Little did we know he ended up having an asthma attack.

Needless to say that was his first and last day on the job. We also never got caught.

I just can’t believe we let this town go to shit like this, this placed used to be so beautiful and full of life, now its just surrounded by crime, punk ass kids, and lazy old people who spend 90% of their time on the front porch in rocking chairs scolding the teenagers as they walked by.

Swinging high enough, I launched off the swing and landed on my feet.

I should get home, Dad’s probably worried about me.

I paused.

Yeah right. Laughing to myself I left the park, luckily for me I lived right next door so it wasn’t far.

Time: 8:00 am

Reaching my house I noticed the mail had arrived. Wow, this is here early. Might as well bring it inside or else it will be sitting here for weeks just piling up.

Pulling out a stack of envelopes I quickly shuffled through them.

Bills, Bills, Junk mail, Junk mail, bills, bills. Great. Nothing for me. What else is new.

I always looked through the mail like I expected to receive something, even though every time I always knew none of it would ever be for me. Sighing heavily I stuffed the mail into the side pocket of my bag and headed up the front steps. Reaching for the door knob I pushed the front door open and this time closed it gently behind me, incase my dad had decided to finally give it a rest, and get some rest.

But no, Dad was still in the same spot I left him in.

Hey Dad, I’m home. Here’s the mail. I said reaching into my bag and then placing it on the desk. I’m sorry I forgot to grab you food.

“Great honey. How was school?” he asked.

Dad...I’m 21, I don’t go to school anymore.

“Right, right...well good to see you.” He mumbled with his eye glued to his computer screen while he rubbed his temples.

Yeah Dad, Always a pleasure. I sighed waving at him and heading up the stairs to my room.

To be continued...

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