#Bruce: sure. who is Lola?

[came-from-pinterest-tumbrl]

YOU CANNOT HIDE THE BEST IN THE TAGS T^T

I love-love AUs, where Jason adopts a kid and conventionally forgets to mention it to others, but I think it would be funnier, if he adopted an animal, but his family instantly started to think that he hides a child, because, honestly, it is obvious that he will end up with one anytime soon—

Jason, snoozing on his alarm: Hey, sorry, I gotta go. Dick: It is okay. See you around! Jason: *leaves* Tim, whispering: So, I don't want to start a panic, but his alarm name was "feeding time". Bruce, slamming his hands against the table: Finally! This had happened! Jason adopted someone! Dick, no less excited: We won. I am an uncle!

Jason, while scrolling the kangaroo ass carriers on the internet: Hm-m. Alfred, creeping on from behind, very enthusiastic: I would recommend you this one, lad. Jason, shuddering: Jesus— Jason: Uhh. Jason, thinking that Alfred probably knows, so there is no need to over-explain: Hey, thanks, Alfie. Alfred: Anytime.

Bruce, feigning nonchalance: So, how is the baby? Jason, thinking that Alfred just told Bruce about the whole thing: Well, better than ever. Bruce: Good. Where had you found him, by the way? Jason: Her. It is a baby girl, Matilda... And, well, in Crime Alley. Bruce, sniffling, because a) Jason is so him; b) he is such a girl dad himself by the nature: That's beautiful, lad. Jason: Uh, yeah?

Tim: Come on, when are you going to bring Matilda to introduce us? Dick is not getting younger. Dick: Hey— Dick: But also, yeah! I am not getting any younger. Jason, confused: You all are kinda obsessed. Jason: Like, there is literally nothing special. If you want to pat a dog, go and pat Titus. Don't bother my girl. Everyone, dropping whatever they were doing: A DOG?!

[miniaturesuitgladiator]

Hiiii👋 sorry for taking so long to post I've been really busy with school and sports . So I really haven't had that much time. But since it's fall break I've managed to make this so sorry if it feels rushed. But anyway I just wanted to say thanks for all the likes and new followers I really never thought anyone would like my writing. So thank you guys for all the compliments. Any way this is the next part of the series I've made and I still haven't came up with a name so if you guys do please tell me. Thanks for reading and enjoy!💗

Notes: were gonna act like Jason never died and that it's okay for him to be seen with the batfam. Bruce and Talia are married in this.

Warnings: Yandere themes. ( Their not really yandere yet). Not proofread.

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"Hey honey, you girls sung beautifully today." Lolas mother says giving you a hug. Just like she usually does after each service.

"Thank you miss keene." You reply. You had always liked Lolas mom. She was kind and kind of clumsy. She was never nown to be on time or to be perfect. But somehow she was always happy ,always content. She never gave you a false smile like others did. Her love was genuine. Like her heart.

Just like you and Lola were best friends so are your mother's. You had known Lola all your life. Lola had been their through everything. And you trusted her blindly. Just like she trusted you blindly.

So it was no surprise to anyone what Lola had asked her mother. "Mama, can I stay at y/n house tonight. I know tomorrow's Monday but we promise not to stay up late." Lola says with a slight pout trying to convince her mother.

Just like you are your father's baby. Lola was her mother's baby. Her mother's only baby. Lolas father had left when Lola was three ,and Her mother never looked for another man. Decideding that she was better off just her and Lola.

" Well did your mother say yes ,baby." Lolas mother says looking at you.

"Yep!" You say happily. You knew lolas mother would say yes , she always did. "Well than I suppose it'll be alright." She says. "Thank you ,mama." Lola says giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you misses keene." You say coping lolas action. Lolas mother smiles widely at the act of affection.

"Your welcome girls ,but let's not forget we still have to go help set up the food." Lolas mother says.

"Of course mama well meet you in there." Lola says and her mother begins walking off. "Yesssssss! finally we haven't had a sleep over in like three years." Lola says grabbing your arm and slowly walking towards the church kitchen.

You laugh at her childish antics. "It's been 2 weeks Lola." You reply slowly walking towards the kitchen with Lola. "Same thing." Lola says in a 'matter a factly.' tone. Slightly rolling your eyes at Lolas childish ways ,you smile as you see your grandpa slowly approaching you two.

"Hey, papa your service was really good today. One of your best one ever!" You say given your grandpa a hug. Lola quickly follows your actions. "Yep! definitely one of your best ones."

"You girls are too kind. But you know it isn't me who's talking. It's Jesus talking through me!" Your grandpa says passionately. "Yes grandpa but it also take a good man for Jesus to talk through."

Your grandpa offers you a kind smile at your words. "Well thank you girls but by any chance have you seen the Wayne's? I truly hope I didn't scare them off." Your grandpa says looking around worried.

"I'm sure you didn't pastor. They might just be in the bathroom or something." Lola says trying to reassure your grandpa. "I suppose you girls are right but I'll continue to look for them. Please tell me if you see them. I want them to stay to eat with us." Your grandpa says as he walks away looking for the Wayne's.

"Sometimes I think your grandpas just too nice for his own good. I mean did you see the evil looks that they were giving him when he was preaching? For being rich the obvious have no class." Lola says watching your grandpa walk away.

"Yeah I know." You say gentle pulling her arm so she'll begin walking with you towards the kitchen.

"Whatcha need help with mama?" You say with a small smile. You know your mom hates it when you don't speak proper. So that's why you do it so often. You mother obviously heard you because your standing right across from her. She sends you a warning look and then sadly she ignores you and continues settings up the tables.

You sigh knowing that your obviously defeated and that she isn't in a playing mood right now. "OK, ok, mama what do you need help with?" You say hoping you didn't make her upset.

Your mother sighs and looks up at you. "We'll you can help set up the other tables. If you don't mind baby. The forks and plates are in that container." Your mother says pointing at the white container. " I don't mind at all." You say offering your mother a more genuine small. To which she returns. "Thank you baby. " Your mother says. You turn around going to grab the white container. "Y/n." You mother says with cuases you turn back around.

"Have some manners please. We have guest." Your mother says nodding in a direction. You turn your head in the direction that you mother was mentioning and you see them. You see the Wayne's.

You sigh 'why are they staying!!' You say in your head. Looking at them a little longer you see why they stayed. Your grandpa. Unlucky enough your grandpa sat them at the table were your family usually sits. So you'll definitely be sitting by them.

You groan in response to what your mother says and mutter a quite " yes ma'am." As a reply

Turning back around and grabbing the white container. You begin to set up the remaining tables.

Finally finishing setting up the tables you look up and see that the they Wayne's are staring directly at you ,again. You would have thought that you catching them would make them look away ,but it doesn't. You stare back but not with the glare that they give you ,no. Your too kind for that. You simply look at them amused.

Why where they looking at you? They didn't break they eye contact. So you did it was just to embarrassing looking at them for so long! You don't know how they could look at you for so long and not be embarrassed. Maybe it was true what Lola had said. They have no class....

Looking around you saw that the food was set up and they tables. You saw most people were already sat in their usual seats and others still finding their seats. Still looking around you felt a light tap on your arm. Looking down it was riley your little brother.

"Mama said that you need to go say the foods ready." You brother says trying to whisper. Sadly you brother doesn't know how to whisper so your sure most people heard. " ok." You whisper back.

You hated announcing things. And you didn't know why your mother made you do it. We'll you did know why she made you do it. You were her first child so she wanted you to take her place in the church when you got older. But still she knew you hated speaking infront of others ,and yet she always made you do it.

Walking in front of everyone you began feeling nervous. But just like always you were able to compose yourself. You stand infront of everyone with a blinding smile and a cheerful aura. All eyes are on you. Carefully you grab the microphone and turn it on.

Bring the microphone to you mouth you begin to speak. " Hi everyone." You say and everyone slightly giggles at your shyness.

Clearing your throat you start agian. "I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who prepared this food. Some didn't prepare food but they helped set up. And really none of this would be possible if it weren't for them. So let's give them around of applause." You say clapping your hand and soon enough everyone claps with you.

Once the claps come to a stop you say what you had initially came to say. "Also the food is ready so please make you way up in a line so that you can get your food. But hey let's be mindful of our guest and let them go first. That's all thank you." You say setting down the microphone and going to your table.

Making your way to your table Lola stops you. " Hey girl you good? You look like your sweating bullets?" Lola questions but you wave off her concern. "Yeah I'm good. It's just hot in here. I think I need some air." You say walking past her. You leave at out of the church kitchen and begin making your way to the front door. Lolas quick to follow you though. Once outside the big church you feel the cold air hit your skin. 'Maybe it would have been best to bring a jacket' you think to yourself.

Lola being the kind girl she was was right behind you. Watching your every move. "Are you alright." Lola asked with concern. "I'm alright." You say. You sigh in disappointment. This was nothing knew to you or Lola. You both new how much you struggled with talking infront of people. You could act all fine when you began speaking but after you were done. It was like all that anxiety that you kept in you while you spoke hit you loke a tsunami.

"Just breath." Lola says gently rubbing your back. And you know that if anyone else was here you'd probably would begin to cry out of embarrassment. But fortunately for you it was Lola who was here. Lola had seen you at your best and had been there for you at your worst. There was nothing you could keep from Lola and nothing she could keep from you.

You feel better at her comforting words and offer her a small but genuine smile. "Thanks." You say now feeling ten time better. "No problem." She says offering you a kind smile back." I don't know why I get like this. It's really not even that deep. It's just plain dumb I mean it's not like im still a baby. " You say looking down.

Lola sighs at your words she hates when you talk yourself down in any kind of way. "If it makes you feel like this then it's not dumb. It's emotional N/n and you can't control your emotions... like remember the first time we did the talent show together. And how I threw up before we went on."

You scoff at her words "You were seven back then." You say looking at her. "Yeah but I still feel like that sometimes and when I do ,do you ever tell me it's dumb how I feel?" She questions and she does have a point but it was different with her ,atleast in your eyes it was. "No but-" you try to speak but she cuts you off. "No buts emotions are emotions and we can't control that but do you know what we can control?" She asks with her eye brow raised. "What?" you asks

"How much we pig out on misses yeshas ham and turkey." She says lightly nudging you. You laugh at her words knowing how serious she is. You two did love misses yeshas ham and turkey. You take a look around and see all the beautiful white snow on the ground and see the beautiful oak trees around you. And you feel peace agian. Standing there with your best friend who knew you better then anyone was truly a blessing because no one could cheer you up like her , no one...

"Let's go in." You say and at your words she grabs your hand and smiles brightly. "Oh thank goodness any longer and my mom probably would have eaten all the food" Lola jokes but you know her mom does have quite the appetite. But you can't judge because so does your dad.

Walking into the big church the warm air greets you kindly. No longer feeling how you once felt. Another emotion began taking its place,hunger. Walking into the churches dinning room you see that most people already have there plates while others are still waiting to get theirs. No one notices you and Lola walk in and you doubt anyone notices that you two left.

You and Lola walk over to the short line and patiently wait your turn. Looking over at your table you see that your family already has there plates and so do the Wayne's. Your father catches you Looking and nods his head. Silently asking if you were alright. You smile back and nod your head telling him you were alright. You suppose someone did notice you leave.

Once you and Lola had gotten your plates you walk to your table and sit where you usually sit. You sat beside your father and Lola by her mother. Usually you and Lola would be seated right across from eachother but since the Wayne's were here someone else was sat infront of you. And thank goodness it was your favorite wayne. "Wow can you really eat all of that?" Tim questioned pointing at your plate. And quickly Tim catches what he had said. "No not like that it's just that! I um I don't know why I said that I'm not calling you fat or anything. Omg why do I talk like this. " and you aren't sure if Tim's talking to you or himself anymore.

You laugh slightly at how embarrassed he looks "It's alright I know what you mean." You say with a smile and he sighs no longer feeling like he offended you. "Thank God." He says and your face turns into one of concern. He notices the change in your mood. "Did I say something wrong." He questions not knowing what he did. "It's just that we try not to use God's name in vain." You say quietly. "Oh! I'm sorry this is a church I should have known better. I'm sorry." He says looking a little embarrassed.

"It's alright you didn't know." You say and he looks relieved to her you say that. You continue to eat in silence. It's comforting silence unlike before.

You don't want to ask this question but it's making you go crazy not knowing the answer so you decide to ask anyway. "Do you mind me asking you something?" You question hoping he says yes. "Sure." He says looking happy that you broke the silence. " when you introduced yourself you said that your name was Tim drake. So is your last name wayne or drake?" You ask.

He seem to perk up at the question as if he's excited to answer. "I'm adopted. So my lasts name is actually drake because I didn't want to change it." He answered. "Oh!" You say shocked. You suppose that did make the most since. Because he didn't really look like his parents. None of the kids really did except for the youngest one. You wanted to ask if they all were adopted but that would be to straight forward and rude.

Feeling slightly embarrassed you look at your food. Decideding not to look at Tim ,you begin eating again. " Um if you don't mind me asking How old are you?" Tim asks and your glad that he broke the awkward silence. "I'm sixteen." You say with a smile.

He smiles as you speak almost as if he loves hearing you talk. You can't help but feel a little flattered by how he's looking at you but you brush it off as his way of looking at people. "And how old are you?" you ask. Hoping he doesn't mind the question.

" I'm seventeen." He says and you offer a hum as a response. You continue eating in silence looking anywhere but him. 'You just met this man. You can't just fall in love with him.' you say in your head.

Looking at the church's dining room you feel the peaceful atmosphere. The pastel colors of the room and the sound of people talking is kind of peaceful. The smell of food and your father's strong colone is all you can smell. And yet it's peaceful. Maybe the Waynes being here wasn't so bad. Atleast Not with the wayne sitting in front on you. You finish eating and your going to put away your plate when you see your uncle stand up to announce something.

You watch as he stands up and clears his throat. We'll everyone's watching him now. Everyone I just got a message saying that we all need to head home there a blizzard coming and it won't be safe to drive when it hits so we need to go home now. Please throw away your trash and we'll clean up the rest later. You uncle says and gasp are heard all around the room. It truly isn't that surprising though since there usually are blizzards during this tim of the year.

Standing up you grab your playe and through it away. And everyone does the same. Your eyes go to your grandpa because he's usually the one trying to lock everything up right now. But he continues to talk to the Wayne's. You walk up next to him being curious as to what's so important to tall about that he's not help clean up. "It's far to dangerous to go back to gotham right now you can stay with me and my wife." Your grandpa says but bruce is quick to decline but your grandpa is far to persuasive to take no for an answer. "With do respect I wouldn't be able to sleep if I knew you and your family were driving in bad weather. Please stay with me and my wife just until the weather clears up. We have plenty of space."

Bruce doesn't say anything and just considers it. Talia grabs Bruce's arm and nods at him silently telling him to agree. Bruce sighs before he begins speaking. "Just until the weather clears up."

Your grandpas face lights up and he nods his head. "Yes just until the weather clears up. Come on we better get going before the blizzard hits us and we're stuck here." Your grandpa says.

You groan quietly to yourself. 'Why does grandpa have to be like this.' you mutter under your breath so no one can hear you.

If only you didn't live right next to your grandparents then this wouldn't be your problem, but sadly you did live next to your grandparents. So you knew exactly how this would go. This wasn't the first time your grandparents (actually just your grandpa) offered a random family a room to sleep in. So you knew what would happen.

You'd be the one helping them unpack and help them feel completely since you were younger and your grandparents couldn't do much. And since you just lived right beside them it wouldn't bother you to help would it? That's how they saw it atleast and your parents saw it the same way. On the bright side though you'd get some of your grandma's cookies that she made for you to eat eventide you came and helped them.

Looking around almost everything was picked up already and the rest could be left until the storm had passed. Feeling a light tap on the shoulder you turn around to see Lola with a pout clearly on her face. "My mom said I can't spend the night because of the blizzard." Lola says with a pout. "Oh no. Well I guess that does make sense." You say your face mimicking her own. She nods "Yeah I guess." She says shrugging her shoulders.

"Well I gotta go. I'll call ya later ,okay." She says giving you a hug. You hug her back. " okay." You say. You stand there for a moment once she starts walking away "be safe!" You say watching her walk away. "Always am!" She says back still walking away.

Soon enough your in your dad's truck driving to your house. The car ride home is mostly silent other than the small talk your mother and father have... And your little brother ,Riley, seems to have fallen back asleep...

Finally arriving home you see your grandparents pull into their driveway and behind them is the Wayne's..

Groan you get out of your father's truck and you sigh knowing your mother is already looking at you but deciding to test your luck you meet her gaze. " Stop buying time N/n go help your grandparents" with a dramatic sigh you reluctantly walk over to your grandparents house.

Pulling your coat tighter around yourself you walk up to your grandparents and the Wayne's and you don't know if your grandparents are just slow or you walk very fast... but by the time you reach their porch their trying to unlocking the door ...

You smile as you reach the porch and you can tell all eyes are on you. The Wayne's seem curious as to why your here and your grandma just smiles at you.. while your grandpa tries to unlock the old house door.

After a little bit of time and embarrassment your grandpa finally opens the door. Your grandpa smiles as he opens the door and holds it open for everyone to walk through. Stepping into your grandparents old home you feel the warmth the home provides and you sigh in relief.

The Wayne's look around at the big old house .. it was probably different then the houses in gotham you think to yourself. Your grandpa closes the door and with a warm smile he starts speaking.

"We have plenty of rooms for you and your family. So please make yourself at home." Your grandpa says with a smile. You sigh knowing what your grandpa is going to say next.

"Come now why don't we go talk and my granddaughter can show the kids around the house." Your grandpa says to the adults like he always does. So like usual the adults go with your grandparents to drink some tea or coffee. While you show the kids around. 'Just like clock work.' you think to yourself .

The kids (well more like teens and young adults) turn to you and just like your grandpa you show them a warm smile.

Maybe you shouldn't have shown them a warm smile now that you think of it. Because now that's all they long to see. And they'll stop at nothing to have that warm smile directed at them. And only them.

-💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗-

Thanks for reading!

Taglist: @dhanyasri

[shadowqueen402]

Kaylo's Special Birthday: Chapter 2

(At the Balan Theatre)

At the Balan Theatre, Stefan and Thea were speaking to Balan and Lance as well as Leo and Emma, who also happened to be there at the time, also visiting the maestros while feeding the Tims and Negati.

"We need your help, you guys," Thea said. "We want to set up a surprise party for Kaylo. But we can't let her suspect that we're planning something. Any advice?"

"Ooh, we can set up the surprise party here!" Emma suggested. "But we'll have to do it in another room. That was what the maids did back at my mansion when they were planning my fifteenth birthday party."

"That sounds like a good idea," Stefan said. "But is there a room that we can use in the theatre?"

"There is one room that is perfect for this party," Balan said. "Follow me and you all shall see." He and Lance led Stefan, Thea, Leo, and Emma down a hall until they eventually came across a pair of large doors. Balan pushed opened the doors, revealing a gigantic dining room.

"This is perfect, Balan!" Thea exclaimed. "This is the right place to hold Kaylo's party. Knowing my daughter, she would want the decorations to be pink, purple, and white."

"Of course, what kind of party would it be if the guests do not know about this occasion?" Lance pointed out. "I think that we should start off by handing every guest an invitation."

"I'll do the invitations," Leo said. "I can get the invitation cards at the store when I leave."

"Before you do so, let me write down the guest list for you, Leo." Thea pulled out a pen and paper from her pocket. "I'll also write down the place date that the party will take place as well as the time it will start and the time it will end." She started to write down everything.

"Ooh, maybe Mei, Trisha Jane, Rebecca, Marina, Debbie, Lora, and Aria can help us prepare for the party?" Emma asked. "As well as the Inhabitants?"

"Yes, that would be a great idea," Stefan agreed. "Why don't you try calling them up later on?"

"I sure will." Emma smiled.

"We'll also need to start getting refreshments and the cake ready," Balan said. "Sadly, I am not…great in the kitchen, unfortunately."

"I will help Aria work on the cake and refreshments, brother," Lance said. "It will be one step done for Kaylo's father and mother."

Thea handed Leo the list. "Think you and Emma can bring all of your friends here so we can tell them the plan?" She asked him.

"I sure can," Leo said, reading the guest list. On that list were the following names:

Krista Bruno

Manny Bruno

Cherry Bruno

Cookie Bruno

Tia Bruno

Katie Bruno

Karol Bruno

Harmony Bruno

Caitlin Bruno

Tuck Bruno

Candy Bruno

Rosie Bruno

Mia Bruno

Tia Bruno

Koto Bruno Tsukishima

Sakura Tsukishima

Kyary Tsukishima

Hana Tsukishima

Haru Tsukishima

Melody O'Hara

Michael O'Hara

Jenny Bruno

Julie Bruno

Lola Bruno

Arwen Emberson Bruno

Erin Bruno

Jose Gallard

Fiona Demetria

Yuri Brand

Haoyu Chang

Sana Hudson

Cass Milligan

Cal Suresh

Iben Bia

Attilio Caccini

Lucy Wong

Eis Glover

Bruce Stone

Rebecca

Lora Jade

Trisha Jane

Mei Hualing

Marina

Aria Montgomery

Debbie Young

Jon Bia

Phil Bia

Lila Bia

Clem Wong

Bianca Suresh

"Wow, that's a lot of guests." Leo was rather surprised at the long list. But this had to be done. He then read the date and the two times that was next to the guest list:

Friday, August 25th at the Balan Theatre

2:30 PM—4:00 PM

"Come on, Emma," Leo said. "We have a lot of work to do." The two waved to the adults and maestros as they set off to complete the tasks given to them…

…Without Kaylo knowing, that is.

Kaylo and her family belong to @kayssweetdreams

Trisha Jane belongs to @lovelyteng

Mei, Marina, Jon, Phil, Lila, Clem, and Bianca all belong to @sundove88

Rebecca belongs to @thehyperrequiem

Debbie belongs to @mayordebbie

Lora Jade belongs to @alex-frostwalker

Aria belongs to me.

[dxilymxsings]

from right to left ✒︎ p.ambrosio

it was no surprise to anyone that graduating had hit piper hard. the girl was all about her comfort zone, and suddenly having to put herself out there all over again had her completely and utterly terrified.

her final years at lrsoa were spent focusing on finishing her internships, networking – more than she could handle – and making the most of her time as a free student. it wasn’t going to last forever. this meant enjoying the time she got with her friends; she’ll never forget the trips she took with aphrodite or the late-night midnight snacking she’d lured matthew into or the comforting cuddles after a long day that she shared with logan.

it wasn’t a complete week at lrsoa without lola and piper getting into trouble of some kind, and she couldn’t shake that she missed people who were long gone – deep into adult life by now. people like dominic, who though she was still in contact with, not having him on capus felt foreign and as though something was constantly missing. honestly speaking there wouldn’t come a day when she would let her precious out of her life but as she watched her friends move on with their lives, seeing kai gett married all those years ago cemented the fact that they were all moving on with their lives. and their lives wouldn’t always be connected.

reflecting on her time, she knew it hadn’t all been fun and games. she’d lost a close friend in jess due to some simple misunderstandings not that she would undo them – they had brought a very special person into her life. she was heartbroken by an old childhood flame in elam or an unrequited friend-with-benefits situation with bruce. but even still these events were simple timestamps of the things she had grown through and life lessons she had been taught by life through the pain.

piper looked back on her experiences at the university with such reverence. after all, it has shaped her into who she is right now. she still has a long way to go as she navigates through her future. now in her late twenties, it was time to establish herself as more than just a well-respected intern at firms she’s been trying to get her foot in the door of. through all the friendships and the laughs and tears and pain she had to go through to become who she wanted to be. this was only just the beginning of it all.

in the final years leading to her graduation, she had started an online journal (let’s be honest with ourselves, it was just a blog, but piper thought calling it a journal would bring the personal touch she was looking for when starting it). she shared anecdotes about her internships, her life and explorations. a little about the woes and trials of having a relationship as a twenty-something-year-old: something piper was still trying to wrap her head around; she wasn’t quite good with that yet.

a certain greek tragedy reminded her of that.

one man she hadn’t forgotten even though a small part of her wishes she had was art – her art. if you had told the woman that she’d still have a space for him in her heart after walking away, she wouldn’t believe you. their relationship had turned rather tumultuous towards her final year. she felt he was constantly pulling away from her, and she couldn’t connect with him the seamless way she once did. he slowly pulled her heart out of her chest, thread by thread and acted as though he didn’t realise what he was doing or simply did not care. she wasn’t even quite sure why she cared; he had made it abundantly clear when they first met that all their relationship would get to was friendly flirtation – nothing more. and it never was anything more, apart from the odd kiss here and there but even they could be chalked up to dares and the head of the moment.

to make matters worse, she had become beloved by a certain member of his family. the writer spent much time with diane layland and eventually spent many holidays with their mother – the two got along cordially enough. it certainly didn’t help that his memory was tainted all over her online journal. he was responsible for most of the images she had plastered over the site. at the time they were first posted, she was incredibly proud of them. in fact, she was still very proud of him and his art – she’d probably never stop being his biggest cheerleader. and yet they still, left a bitter taste in her mouth, similar to the one he would leave on those rare evenings when they were both swimming in the light-headedness of that night’s chosen vintage.

despite it all, the woman had mellowed out since university. a lot about lrsoa while it helped her become her own – being around everyone seemingly brought out the absolute worst in her (retrospectively, we can blame it on the gossip blog). considering she wasn’t receiving the help she needed, she rarely disclosed her feelings to her friends until they exploded out of her in a burst of dramatics at very inopportune times. it wasn’t healthy or fair to her fellow peers and she wasn’t proud of it.

piper knew leaving london wasn’t for her. she had grown to love the city despite the fact that the genral busyness of the capital overwhelmed her it had been home for near a decade. she didn’t know how to exist elsewhere. but moving off campus most definitely was for her. she had done so during her fourth year and had never looked back. she had taken graduation as the final tie to the school she needed to cut, so roaming the halls again was something she never thought she’d be doing.

the letter had arrived nearly two months ago, inviting her back to campus to speak to some current journalism and other literature students. piper had made a name for herself even before she left the school. still, being able to dedicate all her time to her craft has shot her into circles she could only ever dream of before. the opportunities that lie in wait of a response in her inbox were some journalists would dream their whole careers for. the invitation detailed that they wanted her to ‘impart wisdom’ and ‘advise the new generation’  about everything she does even though she probably roamed these very hallways with most of them. she wanted nothing to do with it, but her manager had noted the good publicity it would give the firm and her.

so here she was with the sound of her heels were hitting the stone flooring that she had not missed since leaving as she crossed the courtyard towards the literature building. her movements were being dictated purely through muscle memory. this was a familiar walk for her. the principal, who had been there to greet her when she arrived, spoke and pointed out certain new or completed features of the school that had been put in since she had left. it was surprising the amount of changes that had been made in the few years since she had thrown that mortar board into the air. the academic head’s words were flying straight over her head. her breathing was growing shallow, and her fingers were dancing over the many rings that donned her fingers. her inner voice was counting down from ten in a loop – trying to gain control of her anxieties, hoping she didn’t have a breakdown and turn, run, and hide in the gardens like she used to.

it scared her how a place she had once considered her safe space, home and most importantly, the one place she belonged for once, no longer felt comforting in any way. if anything, it was the most unsettling place she had been to in a while. her eyes constantly scanned her surroundings, noting the different events being broadcast on posters as they passed them. she could almost see the ghosts of her past in the hallways and the songs of chatter from her university days echoing before fading away.

the main journalism lecture theatre was empty when they arrived. to allow them the time needed to set up and set up the presentation. and to her manager it was just like a piper to ask for a few moments to prepare and calm herself. once the door had shut, she turned to face the screen where a brightly lit photo of her likeness was being projected. the words that lingered around her smiling face were full of pride and excitement. yet, piper could barely feel proud or excited about her achievements. she almost felt as if she should be sitting back in her self-appointed seat near enough to the exit to make a quick getaway, waiting to hear the words shared by journalists who had come before her whom she had admired and wanted to be like 

and yet, she had to shake herself out of her insecurities. she grabbed one of the chilled bottles of water on the desk – momentarily letting the chill seep into her fingers and cool her down before opening it quickly and quenching the thirst she wasn’t even aware she had built up. she gave her hands a shake in the air, almost as if to physically shake away the anxieties eating away at her. the brunette woman pulled her index cards from the tote bag she had placed on the chair at the front of the room just as distant but growing in volume chatter made itself known outside. a false but convincing, confident smile made its way on her lips as she turned towards the door just in time to watch it creak open and allow in the bright-eyed upcoming literature majors to make their way into the room and settle into their seats.

the wind had shifted the day she moved her tassel from right to left, but that didn’t mean her kind heart had changed. there was a spark she’d been missing for so long that she saw shining brightly in these young adults – maybe this was her opportunity to regain it.

[literaryslapshot]

Dark Love, Dim Light - Bruce Wayne

The world's best secret keeper, a mysterious and rich man that is Bruce Wayne has a girlfriend: Y/N L/N, whom he trusts completely. So, why doesn't he tell her his secret?

Bruce Wayne/Batman x fem!nurse!reader

contains: batman has cuts and bruises, cuss words, (brief) mentions of smut but nothing descriptive, the word gash wound

word count: 2,320

a/n: so ik this idea has probably been done by like 15 other writers but it hasn't been done by ME so that's what's going on here. hope you like!

tagging: @hugheshugs @lorrmorr @cartahhart79 @hockeyunits @drei-mrssvechii @summerkate @nolannpatrickk @owenpowerstapejob @nylwnder

“Wait- he does what at night?”

Lola asked, sitting across from you in the busy cafeteria on your collective lunch break. The open space was filled with mindless chatter, some people having their own conversations with the people at their table, some people talking on their cell phones, others sitting by themselves watching the clock tick seconds away. Fellow medical staff waiting to see if their pagers go off, waiting to see if their little bit of peace and rest gets interupted.

“I don’t know. That’s what I'm trying to figure out, he…last night he came in at like four o’clock in the morning and he was breathing really heavily. Like he just went for a run or something, and this morning his eyes were dark, like he…i dunno…”

“Like he got in a bar fight?”

“No not that, like he had eyeliner on it and tried to rub it off before I saw it.” you further explained, taking bites of cesar salad and your club sandwich in between your sentences. Taking a healthy swig of water you watched the confusion on your colleagues face. You had yet to tell Lola exactly who you were dating, you didn’t want word to spread around the hospital that you were dating the man who funded half of the equipment you work with.

“Girl, who the fuck are you dating?” you snickered as you finished off the salad portion of your meal. “Also, you spent the night there huh?” you gave her a shy grin, hoping she would skip over that part of your story.

“Yeah, that was the third time I spent the night there, I think. He’s got the biggest bed, I mean, I don't even think I could fit his bed in my living room.” Lola laughed and finished off her lunch as well, soaking in the time that she had left on her lunch break before it was back to writing on charts and making sure patient’s didn’t pull their IV’s out.

“Okay wait back to the point- is he like, living some secret life?” Lola sipped on her protein juice and leaned on the table, truly milking every second of her break. She was so interested in your dating life, considering she didn’t have one herself, she wanted to know every detail. As your best friend she felt as though it was her duty.

“I don’t know! But the eyeliner thingy whatever it was really threw me off. Should I ask?” Lola finished off the last of her energy slash protein shake before walking with you back to the elevators, tossing it into the trash. She strongly advised you no fucking way.

“Stalking your boyfriend never ends up good, Y/N. They always find out and it’s never a good conversation after. I’d just…leave it be. Maybe he goes to emo after hours at some club, maybe he goes for a drive and listens to old my chemical romance songs.” Lola advised, stretching out her arms above her head. “And besides, if the sex is good, i definitely wouldn’t push it.”

You chuckled, “oh, it is good.”

-

Bruce: Come over tonight for dinner. I want to see you.

Reading over the text, you felt your lips turn into a cheesy little grin. Typing out a quick reply and sliding the phone into your pocket, you looked over the chart in your hand again. Just a few more rounds, and an hour and a half to go on your work day.

“What are you smilin’ on about?” Lola asked, noticing your sudden change in mood. Just a few minutes ago you were groaning with every step you took, counting down the seconds in your head to when you were going to finally get out of here and go home. Lola gasped, “did he text you? Your man?”

Nodding your head she giggled in response, following you closely, speaking in a lower volume so nobody heard what the two of you were talking about. “He asked me over for dinner tonight, that’s all.” Lola playfully pushed your shoulder, her mouth open as she gasped.

“Get it! Are you gonna stay the night?” she asked, her tone being suggestive. “You totally should! It’s not like you have to come to work in the morning, and I'm sure he doesn’t either.”

Lola kept talking in your ear as you finished up charting work, trying to get time to go just a little bit faster so you can clock out at your appropriate time. She kept trying to hound you, too, about who it was you were going to see tonight. Guess after guess, she was still cold. It was bothering her so much, the fact that she couldn’t figure out who in Gotham you were dating.

“Let me know how it goes, please?” Lola asked as she walked with you to your car, standing underneath the umbrella to protect her from the never ending Gotham rain. You parted ways, she carefully walked to her car on the other side of the parking lot.

Alright. What shall I wear? Do you plan on taking me anywhere?

Bruce: Preferably nothing, but whatever you want is okay with me. I’ll be taking it off anyway. Be here at 7

The text came up on your screen and it went straight to your core. Even from behind a screen, his words made you feel light headed. If you focus, you can imagine him saying these words in real time. His husky, low toned, but yet calming voice. His hand cupping your face as he says it too, his ice blue eyes studying into your soul. It brings heat to your cheeks even thinking about it.

You start preparing for the date, changing out of nursing scrubs into normal clothing. The entire time, though, your mind wanders. You start to wonder if Bruce is hiding something from you, if he has this secret life he’s living at night. You remember hearing about a club that a lot of the rich and powerful men in town attend at night, you wonder if that’s where he goes. The information of what the people do at the club is beyond you, hell - you didn’t even know if it existed - but you wondered if it did. Wondering what went on in this club, if it was gambling, something illegal going on.

Your heart sunk, and the thought of Bruce participating in something that is possibly vile. Possibly illegal, corrupt. Bruce seemed nice, nice enough for the richest man in the state. He didn’t seem like someone who did that sort of stuff (whatever that stuff was). But you didn’t want to assume something you had no proof for. You took that thought out of your mind and placed it to the side. For now.

-

“So if it’s just you, Alfred, and Dory, why do you have such a large dining table?” you asked, taking a sip of wine from the glass that he poured you. He leaned back in the wooden chair, resting his elbow on the arm of his seat and gazed over at you in the dim lighting of the dining area of the manor.

He shrugged his shoulders, “never know when i’ll need it.” His words had a double meaning, sure he had eight seats in case his heart grew soft enough to let more than one person into his home at a time, or if ever he had to he could easily flip the table over to act as a shield. Bruce Wayne has to always be prepared for the worst.

Alfred brought out dinner, broccoli with alfredo, a bread stick on each plate, green olives in the center of your pasta. You giggled to yourself, hoping it would go unnoticed by bruce. But he has the ears of a hunting dog, alert and open. “What?” he asked you, twirling some food onto his fork.

“Nothin’...just that green olives are an aphrodisiac, in old italian culture.” you ducked your head, but looked up to make eye contact with bruce as he stared you down over the rim of his wine glass.

“I know that, didn't think you would though. Smart girl,” his words, once again, made shivers run up and down your spine.

-

You’re confused when you first wake up. Having to remember where exactly you are, why you’re not underneath the sheets that you usually are. But then it hits you, the memories of just a few hours prior come crawling back. The giggles, the gasps, the ache between your legs, it all comes crawling back. It makes that same grin come onto your cheeks even thinking about it, but it soon goes away when you notice that there is an empty space next to you in the large king sized bed.

“Bruce?” you called out quietly, turning the bedside lamp on to the dimmest setting to see if you notice any sign of him. but nothing. No response, no sounds, nothing. That’s when your mind goes back to where it was that evening, that strange suspicious club.

Grabbing a shirt that was on the floor and pulling it over your body, noticing it went to your mid thigh (chuckling because that meant it was Bruce's shirt), you slowly made your way to your feet going to investigate where in the hell Bruce could be.

Silently and hesitantly walking down the stairs you find yourself going down a hallway you have never been down before. Every time you were at Bruce’s manor he limited you to the open areas of the mansion, his bedroom, and his study slash library. Never anywhere else, which only led you to more suspicion.

You saw a door that had light coming from underneath it. Curiosity got the best of you this time, slowly opening the door you found yourself standing above a long flight of stairs. Gently stepping down the stairs, unveiled to you was an enormous warehouse type of basement. Fluorescent lights illuminating the contents of the large room, and all of its secrets.

That’s when you saw the biggest secret of all. Him. Standing in front of a desk, hunkered over still wearing his dark as night suit, muttering something under his breath. You didn’t mean to but you let out an audible gasp and he whipped around, facing you, black eye makeup and all. He looked like a deer in headlights. He’d been caught.

“Bruce…batman- uh…Bruce?” you didn’t know what was coming out of your mouth, you stumbled over your words as you began to lose your balance. You gripped onto the railing fiercely, making sure that you weren’t going to topple over. He was quick to take off his mask and limp his way over to you, which you took notice of. “Shit are you hurt?”

“I’m always hurt.” he responded, standing at the bottom of the stairs as you remained sitting on the halfway mark. You had no words, no thoughts, nothing. It was blank, as you took in the biggest secret in gotham. You had the answer to the question everyone has had for the past two years: who is batman? “And I need your help.”

He extended his hand out to you after taking off his glove. You took it with some hesitation, letting him lead you to the other side of his desk. Quickly he took off his suit to reveal a nasty gash wound that needed some genuine medical help, more than what Alfred could do. “I need you to take care of this, please.” there was a seriousness to his tone, an almost whine.

“Bruce you need to go to the hospital i can’t-”

“No! No hospitals, no…no hospitals. Please, Y/N, I need you.” he snapped at you, his eyes growing more intense with every word that spat out of his mouth. You obliged, opening the large first aid kit that he had.

“Um, you uh, need to lay on your back.” Bruce did as told, tossing things off the desk and laying on his side. You pulled the chair around and sat down, his gash wound right in front of your eyes. Sliding the latex gloves on your hands, spraying cleaning alcohol on his wound that caused him to hiss, you grabbed what you could to stitch him up as best you could. “This is, this is gonna hurt.”

But, he took it like a man, as his father would have said. Bruce bit his tongue, gritted his teeth and let you get the first few stitches in. you were quick to finish his stitches up, not wanting to keep him in any more pain that you could control. Placing a large bandage on top of it you sat back in the chair, allowing him to sit up.

It was silent for a moment, awkward too. Neither of you know what to say, afraid of what would happen if someone did speak up.

“I’m sorry you had to find out this way.” he spoke first, dipping his head to his chest, his fingers playing with each other. “I did want to tell you, eventually. When it was safe.”

“When is it ever safe in this town?” you had a point. Night in and night out the ER was filled with all sorts of patients who were the result of violence that flowed through the streets of Gotham.

“If you want to…stay…i’d like that. But if you want to leave this you can, but i just ask that you-”

“I’ll stay, Bruce, I'll stay. I want to.” you stood up, standing in between his legs as he remained on the desk. “It’s pretty cool, I think, that you're the Batman. Does that mean you’ll keep me safe? Since y’know, I'm dating a superhero?”

He chuckles and places a hand on your cheek, his eyes staring into yours, “I'll keep you safe every day of your life, I promise.”

・。♡.・゜✭・.・✫・゜✭・。. ♡・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜♡・。

- thank you for reading! i hope you enjoyed it. my first full battinson fic, i hope it did the man justice. as always feedback and comments are appreciated!

xo, j

masterlist | taglist | feedback

[theartistknownaslymond]

Ooh could I get a Jerott/Danny playlist

You most surely can, Kay!! I loved this so much I never wanted to finish it.

A twinge of approval

A playlist for realising you've fallen in love with your idiot best friend and bandmate

George Michael - Faith Tim Curry - Sweet Transvestite Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street Talking Heads - I'm Not in Love Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark Barbra Streisand - The Way He Makes Me Feel Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band - Saposhkelekh The Kinks - Lola Leonard Cohen - Lover Lover Lover Sapho - Globo Night R.E.M. - Crush With Eyeliner Kishore Kumar - Chhu Kar Mere Manko Marcel Dadi - La Madrugada Klezmatics - Di Zun Vet Aruntergeyn David Bowie - Changes Queen - You're My Best Friend Stealers Wheel - Stuck in the Middle With You

No, really, I think I enjoyed this most of all because of the way it came together. Surprisingly good!!! Just like the ship. Wholesome. I made this playlist as tender as I could and it genuinely fucks me up, so I hope you like it too!

FCs: random sax and keytar players from image search and Carl Barat, plus Viveik Kalra and Hanne Gaby Odiele (yes I pretty much use a different FC for Danny each time because while I have a clear idea of NB Danny in my head, it’s not based on any one person. But Hanne Gaby is intersex like Danny, so yay for that).

1) Jerott. I find it strange to think I grew up in a time when people apparently didn’t know George Michael was gay, but do have memories of the whole sordid uncomfortable circus around him being outed. Jerott wouldn’t realise George Michael was gay, even while emulating the Faith style - leathers, blue jeans, white t-shirt, aviators, acoustic guitar. And the song is a perfect fit for Jerott at the end of Checkmate, needing a little space to himself.

Well, I guess it would be nice if I could touch your body I know not everybody has got a body like you But I gotta think twice before I give my heart away And I know all the games you play because I played them too Oh, but I need some time off from that emotion Time to pick my heart up off the floor

2) Danny isn’t a transexual or a transvestite, but I believe the composer Richard O’Brian is non-binary, and Danny is most certainly a fan of RHPS. Danny has a big show-tunes voice that surprises everyone because usually they’re just rocking out with their sax.

3) THIS. THIS IS THE PERFECT SHIP SONG FOR THEM. Iconic sax!! Iconic guitar solo!! Scottish mega-hit!! And then there’s the wistfulness of the lyrics, Danny probably figuring Jerott’s never going to be interested...

Way down the street there's a light in his place He opens the door he's got that look on his face And he asks you where you've been You tell him who you've seen and you talk about anything He's got this dream about buyin' some land He's gonna give up the booze and the one night stands And then he'll settle down, in some quiet little town And forget about everything

4) I’m trying to weave through consistent influences for all the characters too, to give an idea of what brings them together as well as what their unique tastes are. Talking Heads are beloved by all at St Mary’s, and Danny is very good at claiming not to be in love.

5) Jerott again, it’s that...double-denims/blue jeans and white vest man’s man(?) vibe with the side of snogging your bandmate on stage.

Stay on the streets of this town And they'll be carving you up all right They say, "You gotta stay hungry" Hey, baby, I'm just about starving tonight I'm dying for some action I'm sick of sitting around here trying to write this book I need a love reaction Come on now, baby, give me just one look

6) A big Jewish show tune for Danny! And it’s from Yentl. So all the feelings about gender and faith and being torn between thinking you’re better off alone or going with the one you love.

I feel as if I'm falling Every time I close my eyes And flowing through my body Is a river of surprise Feelings are awakening I hardly recognize as mine 

7) As far as I gather, beyond even a ‘revival’ of something, the ‘80s saw the first proper emergence of klezmer as the genre we’d recognise now. Danny is very into this. And Saposhkele is perfect for Danny giving into their feelings and realising they’re in it for good.

[I sell my boots and go with you on a coach just to be with you as you are a handleless door without me my sweet little bird I will sell handkerchieves at the railroad station just to be with you as you are a handleless door without me]

8) Danny’s still not trans, but this is a period-appropriate song for a period-appropriate playlist :))) And Jerott would get very into playing it and singing it for Danny, once he realised he was more than fine with being in love with Danny because Danny’s amazing.

I pushed her away I walked to the door I fell to the floor I got down on my knees Well, I looked at her, and she at me

Well, that's the way that I want it to stay And I always want it to be that way for my Lola Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola Girls will be boys and boys will be girls It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world Except for Lola Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola

9) This was always on my Jerott playlists anyway for the lyrics and the struggle between god/faith/physicality/love, but add in the fact that it’s an incredibly Jewish take on those things and it’s perfect for this playlist.

He said, "I locked you in this body I meant it as a kind of trial You can use it for a weapon Or to make some woman smile."

10) Mainly I just think this is a bop, and I think Jerott and Danny would bond in dark Parisian discos to music by a French-Moroccan Jew (band AU Jerott’s mum is French-Algerian)

11) Another one to tie playlists together - St Mary’s as a whole are fans of R.E.M. Nonsensical Michael Stipe lyrics, but themes of self-invention and unusual/individual fashions

I am smitten I'm the real thing (I'm the real thing) We all invent ourselves And you know me

12) I chose this song because I’d already had Kishore Kumar on Jerott playlists, and this one is thematically about feeling a change when touched by another person’s mind, wanting to incorporate them into music and song.

13) More French-Jewish music for bonding over, but Jerott can serenade Danny on guitar with this one.

14) Featuring the golden peacock, a recurring image in Yiddish folk music, ‘The peacock here is a mediator, helping the singer to find what s/he is yearning for and, possibly, possessing a messianic, redemptive ability to cross over the boundaries of impossible distance.’ [source] I like the idea of this relationship as something kind of redemptive for both of them, and it’s also a union of influences that are incredibly disparate but still converge on a Glasgow childhood in the ‘60s (not that they knew each other as kids).

[The sun will be setting behind the mountain, In silence approaching then love will come softly; In silence approaching then love will come softly To sorrow, that sits on a golden stone And weeps for itself all alone.]

15) Oh you know. Facing up to the fact they’re idiots in love and it’s a good thing.

I watch the ripples change their size But never leave the stream of warm impermanence and So the days float through my eyes But still the days seem the same And these children that you spit on As they try to change their worlds Are immune to your consultations They're quite aware of what they're going through

16) Would it be a Jerott playlist without some Queen? And they’re best friends, doncha know? :’)

17) Gerry Rafferty’s band, just a fun little bop to finish things off with.

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Soup of the Day

Fandom: Marvel

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Filipina!Reader

Special request by @tom-hlover : Bucky x Filipina reader who is new to the country and a new lab assistant and is quite the workaholic.when time came almost everyone was at the mission when reader became sick and tried to cook for herself though she cant even properly stand up,when Bucky found her,

A/N: I mention the Agents of Atlas and Pearl/Wave aka the Filipina superhero. If you don’t know who they are, I highly suggest to read up on them because they’re awesome.

When you were personally recruited to the Avengers in America, you couldn’t believe it. You were so excited, but you were also conflicted. You confided with Pearl about your situation and she replied with “Ikaw gaga?! You’re going! This is a great opportunity!”

She was right, it was a great opportunity. So, unfortunately, you had to say goodbye to Pearl, to the Agents of Atlas, to your family, your friends, your homeland. 

Coming to America, it was a bittersweet feeling. You spent your first few months adapting to the environment and the people. Sam, being that he was Captain America, took it upon himself to help you with the transition as much as he can. But while he was away on missions, Bucky took his place. 

Being that you were working in the lab, you saw him often to check on his arm. While checking the wiring and updates, you two would chat. Bucky would share some of his mission stories, and you would share your stories about your work with Pearl and the Atlas team. You couldn’t see it, but Bucky would always find himself smiling whenever you talked about the Philippines and your life there. He could see how much you loved your job, your people, and your work. But he could also see the sadness, how the distance was taking a toll on you. 

So he always did the best he could to bring a smile to your face, to cheer you up, and because he loved it when you smiled. 

Also, because you were new to the team, you felt like you had to prove yourself. Working long hours, longer than required, just to prove you deserve to be there and to stay with them. But it seems like these longs hours were taking a toll on you because when you woke up this morning, you felt terrible. 

You slowly put your work clothes on, dragging yourself into work. You were there for less than an hour when Bruce finally took a good look at you and saw how sickly you look. 

“Y/N, I think you should take today off.”

You swayed as you turned to Bruce’s green hulking figure, “I’m fine. Promise.”

He grabs you by the shoulders to steady you, “You’re clearly not. Take today off. Rest. Take some medicine, eat some soup. You’re not working today.”

“But-”

“Nope.”

You sigh, rubbing your sweaty head with your clammy hand, “Okay.” you take your things and head back up to your room. 

You weren’t sleepy, and you didn’t feel too dizzy anymore, so you decided to make yourself some soup, specifically sinigang. You recall your lola making it for you whenever you were sick or even if you were feeling down. It was your comfort food. 

You take out the ingredients one by one, setting them onto the counter. You chop up the beef, onions, and tomatoes. Afterwards, you toss them into the pot with some oil to brown and saute. 

As you stand before the stove, moving the ingredients around, you start feeling dizzy again. You try holding onto the counter for balance, but it doesn’t work. Soon enough, you feel yourself falling and you’re waiting to meet the floor, but it doesn’t come. 

“Y/N, are you okay?!” 

You look up and see a blurry version of a familiar blue-eyes super soldier, “Bucky?” you murmur, trying to focus your eyes, but it isn’t working. 

Bucky pulls you up, wrapping his metal arm around you to keep you from falling. With his free hand, he feels your head with the back of his hand, “Geez, sweetheart, you’re burnin’ up. Bruce told me you weren’t feeling well. I came to check up on ya. Good thing I did. You nearly bashed your head into the counter.”

“I’m....I’m..ffffine. Just need.....sin-sin-soup,” you point to the pot that’s sizzling with meat and veggies inside. 

Bucky shakes his head, “You’re not cooking in your state. That’s a definite safety hazard. I’m taking you to bed and I’ll finish cooking the soup for you.”

“Bucky, no-”

“Bucky, yes. You need to rest, Y/N or you’ll get even worse.” As if you weighed nothing, he scoops you up and brings you to your room. Using his foot, he opens the door, and pushes it open. Then he places you onto your bed, pulling back the covers and helping you under them. 

As soon as he pulls the blanket over you, you sigh. Your eyes flutter shut and your head luls to the side. You’re out like a light and Bucky quietly chuckles to himself. 

He stands there, watching you sleep for a little bit, but then he remembers the food. He quickly and quietly rushes out of your room, leaving the door ajar in case you call for him, and head to the kitchen. 

He lowers the heat and looks inside the pot to find some browned beef, translucent white onions, and tomatoes. He’s not exactly sure what kind of soup you were making.

“Uh, FRIDAY, what exactly was Y/N trying to make?”

“Miss L/N was in the process of making sinigang, a traditional soup that originates from the Philippines.”

“Right. Uuuuhhh, do you mind if you could assist me in making this?”

“Not at all, Agent Barnes.”

______________

When you wake up, you’re a little bit groggy. Your body feels a little heavy, but at least your head isn’t spinning anymore. You look at your window and still see sunlight peeking from the blind. You turn to your bedside and see that it’s half past noon. You were asleep for nearly five hours. 

“How’re you feeling?”

“AYE!” you scream in fright and turn to the other side of your bed to see Bucky sitting in a chair, with a book in hand, “How long have you been there?”

He chuckles, setting his book onto your bedside, “Since you fell asleep. Well, a little less than that since I went to go finish making your, uh, sinigong?”

You giggle at his pronunciation, “Sinigang. But good try.”

“Hey, I don’t make fun of you when you attempt Russian.”

“Yes, you do!” both of you it there, chuckling with each other. A silence falls upon both of you, but it’s not awkward. It’s comforting. 

But you still clear your throat and break the silence, “So, you made the soup. How’d that go?”

“Uh, alright, I guess? FRIDAY helped me out. Also, I honestly didn’t even know tamarind was a thing until now?”

You nod, “Yeah, that’s what makes the sinigang sour.”

“Um, are you hungry? I brought some to you earlier, but you were still asleep. I could get you some?”

“I could get it my-”

“No no, you stay in bed. By order of Doctor Banner.”

“He came by?” you gave him a confused look.

Bucky nodded, “Yeah. You were out of it, so I’m not surprised you don’t remember. Also, you’re not working for the next two weeks.”

“WHAT?!” You shoot up from the bed, “But-”

“I’ll tell you why in a sec, okay? I’m gonna get you some soup and a glass of water. Okay? Stay right there! Don’t move!”

You roll your eyes and lay back down, “Whatever you say, tay.”

“Don’t know what tay is, but okay.” he shoots you a wink and exits the room. You lay there giggling to yourself like a school girl who has a big crush. Well, to be fair, you do have a big crush on Bucky. 

Minutes later, Bucky comes back with a steaming bowl and a large glass of water. He sits beside you and offering you a spoonful. You look at him with a glare and he rolls his eyes, “Humor me.”

You sigh and accept the spoonful of soup. You feel your throat warm up from it and you smack your lips together, “It’s good!”

He snorts, “Don’t sound so surprised.”

You place a hand on his thigh and gave him a grateful smile, “Thank you, Bucky, for making the soup and taking care of me.”

“Anything for you, sweetheart. Just-Just easy on the workload from now on, okay? Bruce says you’ve been working so much that that’s probably what got you sick.”

“Well, maybe I’ll keep getting sick so you can take care of me,” you playfully bat your eyes at him and he laughs. 

“I’ll do anything you want, doll. Don’t gotta get sick for it.”

You giggle and pat his leg, “Okay. Deal,” and then accept another spoonful of sinigang from Bucky. 

tagging: @buckybarnesthehotshot​ cause you know why. 

A/N: also, this may be controversial but....i use spam in my sinigang....

[lokigodofaces]

list of variants/timelines i want to believe exist (and probably canonically do now)

this got long so i'm putting in a cut

a world where all of the events that happened in the Framework are real

bonus if the Framework world has their own version of the Framework that is like the real world in aos

Steve fell off the train, not Bucky. bc of the crap Zola did to Bucky, he survives in ice and well, and everything happens the same but Steve and Bucky's roles are reversed

Coulson doesn't bother to keep it a secret that he's alive, and the mcu is mainly just aos but with all the main characters as well (in other words, there's mainly good writing)

also in that world Steve and Bucky love Lola

Steve doesn't go back in time to live with Peggy

to all the people claiming aos isn't canon: Sylvie just made everything canon y'all. aos absolutely happened, and while i will argue that it happened in the main timeline, if you don't want to believe that it still happened in a timeline

Bucky didn't remember Steve soon enough, not until he killed Steve

Steve killed the Winter Soldier and didn't know who it was until he removed the mask

Hydra didn't hunt down Jiaying and by extent Daisy, so Daisy was raised by Jiaying and Cal who are not crazy bc they didn't have the same experiences they did in the main timeline

Thor never takes the others to Jotunheim, so Loki never learns he is Jotun

Fitz didn't survive almost drowning

Ward wasn't recruited by Garrett, but by literally any non-Hydra agent so he is a good guy

Coulson and May listened to the agent telling them to not send May in at Bahrain, heaven knows what happens there

the government gives the Avengers more than a week to go through the Accords, so they all get to the enhanced-people-have-to-wear-trackers, giant-underwater-prison, enhanced-operatives-can't-investigate-politicians, no-trial-for-enhanced, no-investigation-for-enhanced, etc sections so they all decide to not sign and just don't care what the government says

this is random, but i feel like Bucky as Ghost Rider would be a cool aesthetic.

the Avengers meet Robbie bc he keeps assassinating their targets bc they're targets of Ghost Rider's

Daisy dies instead of Lincoln

Daisy kills Lash before he can save her

Loki never "dies," so he is sent back to Asgardian prison after tdw

Radcliffe never reads the Darkhold, he just gave it to AIDA, so most of s4 doesn't happen

Dreykov comes after Natasha between Avengers and CACW, leading to the Avengers beating his *ss (like Yelena said, the god from space doesn't need an ibuprofen after a fight)

everything's the same but no Joss Whedon going on and on about Natasha not being able to have kids

whatever ship scenario you have is canon now

Loki gets all panicky after the Hulk beats him to a pulp, having now realized what he's done. Thor believes him, and this leads to Thanos being killed in 2012-13

Deadpool sits in the back of everything, shouting comments like "Yay! Superhero landing! But don't do that, it's bad for your knees!"

Peter Parker's parents never die

the Cavalry is an Avenger

Yondu brings Peter Quill to Ego, causing the universe's destruction

Gamora and Nebula get along their entire lives

Gamora and Nebula switch roles (Gamora becomes the cyborg, Nebula the guardian and Thanos's favorite daughter)

Heimdall actually bothers to look for Loki, seeing if they can find his body for a funeral, to find that he is being tortured by Thanos. Odin refuses to send anyone to save him, making Thor realize just how awful he is. Thor, Sif, and Warriors 3 go with the help of Heimdall to save Loki

Odin and Frigga are actually good parents, creating the most iconic trio ever

tw suicide for the next bullet point

Bucky commits suicide between TWS and CACW (Sebastian said in an interview once that Bucky was suicidal)

Loki keeps coming back as DB Cooper for fun or bc he keeps losing bets

the Eternals did interfere

the shrapnel kills Tony

this one thing i made about Mr Rogers adopting Loki

Robbie is part of the Avengers in 2012, but when he sees Loki he immediately says that Loki isn't the issue and goes off to fight Thanos single handedly (and wins)

for whatever reason Coulson and May do legally adopt all the Bus Kids

Hunter and Bobbi both go to break Fitz out of prison, and they stick around for the rest of the season

Fitz and Jemma never meet (saddest of sad days)

Loki for some reason is in FFH and he sees Mysterio's illusions and just laughs bc he's such an amateur

everything's the same, everyone's just obsessed with classical music and it's constantly playing so i get happy watching it

Asgardians are like the elves in LOTR (books, not the movies), so they're constantly singing and dancing and all

Loki is shown playing a Norse flute-like instrument (we know they exist, we've found them, they're different than your typical flute and we don't really know how they sound but i want Loki to be a flautist and no i'm not not projecting (note the double negative) and yes i headcanon Loki to be a flautist i don't care what anyone says)

everyone gets therapy

someone (Monica or Jimmy) hits Hayward on the head, knocking him out (the same way Gandalf knocked out Denethor in ROTK when Denethor told everyone to flee) and the rest of SWORD works with them because clearly Hayward has issues

Stephen commits to not texting and driving

somehow Luis becomes He Who Remains just for one timeline so the entire story is told like how he tells his flashbacks

Coulson doesn't help Fury and Carol escape

T'Challa does not survive and M'Baku becomes Black Panther

the suit in Iron Man 3 is not garbage the entire movie

Tony doesn't find a way to save himself in time

Ross dies in Incredible Hulk

Loki has a pet flerken he just always carries around

by the same logic, Bucky has a kitten he meets between TWS and CACW that he always carries around. said kitten attacks people when they attack Bucky

Bucky becomes Captain America instead of Sam

when Thor goes back to 2013 Asgard, he drags Loki with him back to 2023

Clint tests the time travel by going to Sokovia and drags Pietro back with him

Steve comes back an old man, but they use Bruce's attempt at time travel to turn him back into the 30 something Steve he was

literally anything happens other than Thanos killing Loki bc Loki only used knives when he isn't even tall enough to reach Thanos's neck

Sam and Bucky straight up kill Walker

Daisy never goes through terrigenesis

Loki somehow ends up a tutor for Daisy

Bucky joins the aos team after they find him on the run from Hydra

Bucky plays baritone saxophone bc bari saxes are awesome and it adds nothing to the plot but he spends at least half an hour in each movie playing bari sax

everything's the same but John Williams is the composer

S.H.I.E.L.D. uses GH-325 to revive a bunch of composers (Mozart, Dvorak, Beethoven, Bach, Bizet, Holst, y'know, all my guys) because they for whatever reason have their bodies because of some wack mission. and now they have a bunch of classical composers alive who insist on writing more music. and what are you going to do, tell Bach to stop composing?

by that same logic, someone working at the Guest House decides to steal Freddie Mercury's body so that they can revive him bc he just loves Queen that much

Thor realizes how awful Odin is and makes it his goal to get revenge for what Odin did to his little brother

Thor meets a bunch of Loki variants (most notably gator Loki) and just decides to stop questioning anything ever

Mobius teaches Loki how to ride a jet ski

Loki arrives at S.H.I.E.L.D. and informs everyone he wants to go to school and learn about politics and run for president and S.H.I.E.L.D. is like "okay whatever just don't tell anyone you're a literal god" but have no way to stop Loki from telling anyone

y'know the "shot heard 'round the world" thing from the Battle of Lexington (first battle in American revolution, if you don't know what it is, we have no clue who made the first shot & both sides were telling their troops to not fire. once that shot was fired the battle broke out)? yeah well that was Loki i'm pretty sure

Loki comes to Earth and becomes an Avenger and all but only ever introduces himself as DB Cooper. Thor doesn't ever come to Earth, so everyone just thinks DB Cooper found the secret to not age and just showed up to save people. he disappears for stretches of time & everyone stops being confused bc he was in hiding for decades of course no one's gonna find him (he is actually on Asgard)

[captainjimothycarter]

So if you've seen AOS, you've seen Whitehall/Werner Reinhardt who tore apart a woman Peggy saved to turn himself young. I propose the AU image where he kidnaps and deages a 93 year old Peggy because it's no fun gloating to/winning over an old lady, and the Avengers show up in time to help her kick his ass. Peggy who was 93 and is now outraged to be like 22 again so she matches the age she screwed Werner over.

holy shit this is 1.3k words??? nonny what did you do to me

I don’t think Peggy saved her but I could be wrong? I don't’ remember the seasons well. I binged all 6 seasons in 2 months to get ready for S7. So my brain was friiiied. Also I apologize for not getting right back to you, long day.

--

Something was wrong. Something had to be wrong. Steve never thought he would be begging the images on the monitor to be wrong before but here he was. 

He tried to ignore apparently a not-dead Coulson and Agent May’s looks. His hand gripped the shield tightly and tried to steady his breathing, his eyes never pulling from the screen until Fitz had switched it off.

“Captain Ro-“ Coulson began, a limit timid.

“Steve.”

“Steve. I know what you’re thinking, what you want to happen but we’ve been over these images a hundred times, and a hundred times more with the best people we have at our disposal, these images are real.”

“They can’t be!” Steve wasn’t aware of the anger rising in him until he was clenching his fist, looking between the two head agents.

“And why the hell not?” May asked, giving Steve a firm look. “I think you out of all people should know the mysterious circumstances of things and how the world works. We wouldn’t have called you here if we didn’t think they were real, Captain Rogers.”

Steve didn’t correct her, honestly, he didn’t even hear her. All he felt was the pain of his fist going through Coulson’s wooden desk. They ignored the fluttering of files and clutter of items collapsing to the floor. His knuckles were most likely broken but at this point, the pain was a welcome distraction.

“Because there’s no way in hell Peggy would agree under any circumstances to work with that bastard. She put him away for good! I read her records, we all have. She wouldn’t use him to-to deage. That’s not Peggy.”

“People change,” Hunter mused, shrugging his shoulders. Steve hadn’t even seen the man come in, his hands held up when Steve whirled on him and took three strides closer. There was a good foot height difference between them. “She’s dying and when people start to go, they get desperate. Look, Cap no ones blaming her if she did but the evidence says she’s working for Whitehall and if that’s so, then-“

Steve’s hand closed around Hunter’s neck before he could stop himself, seeing nothing but red. He didn’t choke the man or lift him from the floor, much as he wanted to. He just stared straight into his eyes, aware that May had pulled her gun on him.

“If you’re saying that Hunter, then you never truly knew Peggy. You have no damn idea what the hell she and I have been through during that war so you can sit here and serve Shield and not Schmidt. What the hell the both of I have lost. Agent Carter is a better person than I will ever be. She has morals and ideas that I can never match.”

Coulson’s hand laid over May’s arm, giving a shake of his head. They watched Steve stalk out of the room, the other agents scurrying out of the way.

“What the hell was that for?” Hunter groaned, rubbing at his neck.

“You perfectly insulted his ex-fiance,” Coulson replied, picking up the model of Lola from the floor. “If you ask me, Cap let you off easy.”

--

Clint and Natasha were not happy to have been lied to. Tony says he wasn’t surprised, Bruce was just more relieved than any of them. Thor said in a sheepish tone that he already knew thanks to Lady Sif, then came another whole term of arguments between them until things settled. And for the most part, Steve sat away from them, listening to the debate about Coulson and the very fact Peggy Carter was not only alive but young and working with Hydra.

“That’s not her,” Steve muttered to Natasha when she sat beside him, throwing her feet up on the table.

“I know.” Simply put. She knew.

“That can’t be her. Peggy would rather die than work with Hydra. Not Whitehall, not of all people. She-she can’t.”

“Regardless of the story, Steve, we’ll understand it. Fully.”

--

It was two full days later before Fitz was able to determine a location based on the photos. An underground base through a history of ownership dated back to Schmidt. That makes sense. Just hearing that name made Steve’s blood boil. He could barely listen to Coulson and his plan. All he could think of was Peggy and what the hell Whitehall could be doing to her.

The plan was quickly forgotten about when Steve heard Peggy’s whimpering pain. He threw his shoulder into the door, holding his shield tightly in his hand.

There she was, just as the photos had dictated. Laid out on a gurney, strapped down with blood pumping through her system.

This wasn’t the same Peggy as before. She was younger, much younger and despite the lack of gray hair and wrinkles, her eyes were just as sharp. They fell to Steve and she gritted her teeth, tugging on the bonds.

“Take another step towards me, soldier and you’ll find the reason Whitehall strapped me here.” Steve couldn’t help but to smirk at Peggy’s smart comment. That was her. “Who are you and why in the hell are you wearing Captain Rogers’ face?”

“Peggy, it’s me,” Steve said slowly, calmly, not letting go of the Shield. “It’s you. God, its really you.” He was trying not to cry, to be sedimental but he couldn’t. Tears burned in his eyes as he reached slowly to pull out his dented dog tags.

“Cap, we gotta go,” Tony warned.

She gritted her teeth, that machine, whatever the hell it was, was causing her pain. He couldn’t destroy it, couldn’t get near it without hurting her. “F-fine!” She snapped. “Prove to me you’re Captain Rogers then. Tell me one thing only he would know.”

“July 4th,” Steve said simply, knowing he wasn’t helping Peggy believe him. “1944. You went out of your way to buy me a birthday cake from a lady in town. It was…terrible. God, it was terrible. It tasted like charcoal. Seeing you take a bite, you almost spat it back out but I choked it down for both our sakes because you went through so much trouble.” He paused, trying to think if it was enough. And in the off chance.

“You got sick one winter. Really sick, to the point Phillips considered sending you back to London so you could see a real doctor, not be in the midst of the cold weather. You refused. You were delirious with a fever and so cold. He let me take you to a room you rented and take care of you. I had to nurse you back to health with my ma’s recipes and limited cooking skills. That’s the first time you told me you loved me.”

There it was, that look in her eyes. She believed him without saying a word. Steve rushed forward and undid the needles from her arm, being careful not to tear a vein. “Later,” Peggy whispered to Steve’s worried looks as he picked her up and threw her on his back, leaving his hands free for the shield. “How did you find me?”

“Sleepy and Dopey,” Steve mused despite Peggy’s confused look thrown at the back of his head. “Coulson, Stark?”

“Come on!” The shouting order from Clint and Bobbi at the end of the hall lead Steve to run straight to them. One ahead, one behind is how they made it to ground level and just in time for the warehouse to collapse in on itself, causing a giant sinkhole right in the middle of a large field in God knows where in this arctic.

Coulson shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around Peggy’s shoulders, letting Mack and Hunter take her straight to the Quin Jet. “Director Carter,” he mused with a polite smile, turning to look at Steve. “We’ll have to keep her for questioning. Make sure –“

“I’m staying,” Steve said firmly, daring the man to say otherwise.

Instead, Coulson smiled and patted Steve’s arm. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

[teentitanimals]

im working on a BIG Batfamily project, and WOW have i realized how much harder this is gonna be than i first thought it was... for now, have an excerpt- or, rather, Selina Kyle’s information card of the project :) im pretty proud of this! information and story subject to change

Selina Kyle-Wayne

birth name: Selina Calabrese

Main Alias: Catwoman

Other Aliases: Catbird (in Gothtopia), The Cat, The Cat Burglar, Irena Dubrovna

Current Age: ~46 (When first CW; 21. When had HK; 36. Retires CW; ~55. At death; ~70.)

Birthdate: March 14th (Alternatively; March 31st)

Hair Color: Black

Hair Length: Short

Eye Color: Green

Race/Ethnic/Skin Color: Half-Cuban; Possibly Italian, Scottish, and/or Latina descendant (White)

Sexuality: Bisexual

Gender: Female (She/her)

Height: ~5’11” (Tall)

Weight: ~146lbs (Sorta Heavy)

Build: Slender, Curvy

Biological Parents: Maria Kyle, Rex Calabrese

Step-Father: Brian Kyle

Alleged Father: Carmine Falcone

Biological Sister: Magdalene “Maggie” Kyle-Burton

Biological Half-Brother: Aiden Mason

Brother-in-Law: Simon Burton

Biological Cousins: Nick Calabrese, Antonia Calabrese

Alleged Siblings: Sofia Falcone, Alberto Falcone, Mario Falcone

Surrogative Sister: Holly Robinson

Ex-Lovers: Sam Bradley Jr., Eiko Hasigawa, Moreland McShane

Husband: Bruce Wayne

Parents-in-Law: Thomas Wayne, Martha Wayne

Siblings-in-Law: Thomas Wayne Jr. (On Earth-3), Rochelle Wayne (in Elseworlds: Reign of Terror)

Surrogative Father-in-Law: Alfred Pennyworth

Surrogative Sister-in-Law: Julia Pennyworth

Cousins-in-Law: Kate Kane, Beth Kane, Bette Kane

Surrogate Daughter: Arizona

Biological Children: Helena Kyle, Helena Wayne (from Earth-2)*, “Aion” Wayne (In Batman in Bethlehem)

*(HC; Helena is legally her adopted daughter on Earth-1.)

Step-Children: Damian Wayne, Athanasia al Ghul, The Heretic (clone of DW), Tallant Wayne (clone of DW), Alina Wayne (maybe), Bruce Wayne Jr. (On Earth-3839), Dick Grayson, Lance Bruner, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cass Cain, Duke Thomas (maybe), Terry McGinnis, Matt McGinnis

Daughters-in-Law: Koriand’r, Dana Tan

Step-Grandchildren: Mar'i Grayson, Jake Grayson, John Grayson II (On Earth-2), Sasha Todd, Clark Wayne (On Earth-3839)

Step-Great-Granddaughters: Lois Wayne (On Earth-3839), Lara Wayne (On Earth-3839)

Catwoman Run: ~34 years

Succeeded By: Eiko Hasigawa, Holly Robinson, (First Name N/A) Black

Wikipedia. Batman Wiki. DC Database. DCAMU. Animated Series. Comic Vine.

(tw; self-harm, suicide, child abuse, illegal prostitution, drug addiction, sexual abuse, death)

Selina Calabrese was born to Rex Calabrese and Maria Calabrese with a sister two years older than her named Magdalene Calabrese. When Selina was very young, her mother escaped from Rex, also known as The Lion, leader of the Calabrese Crime Family, and became the husband to Brian Kyle, legally changing all their names to Maria Kyle, Maggie Kyle, and Selina Kyle. Maria had a son with him, Aiden Kyle. Their relationship was not healthy, with Maria being very suicidal and Brian being drunk and abusive. He would often yell at and harm Maria and her kids, and Maria, although she loved her kids, was distant, more often spending time with her cats. One day, Selina came home from school to find her mother dead in the tub, having cut her wrists until she bled out. A year later, Brian died from alcohol poisoning, and Selina called the police, packed her bags and ran away. Maggie and Aiden were taken to the orphanage, and Aiden, being fairly young, was almost immediately adopted by a family, where his name was changed to Aiden Mason. His contact with his half-sisters was cut off, although he would eventually seek them out as an older teen and young adult. Maggie was adopted after a few months, and was raised very religiously. She kept in contact with Selina best she could.

On the streets, Selina would steal food, clothing and other material from grocery stores. She was eventually caught and put in the orphanage. She acted out a lot, causing her to be sent to Juvenile Hall. When she turned age 13, she was sent back to the orphanage. There, she realized the place was embezzling money. To make sure she never told anyone, they put her in a bag and dropped her in a river. Selina managed to escape, and then stole documentary proof of their embezzlement to give to the police, some money for herself, and her own files in hopes of reuniting with her brother or sister. Instead, she found out that Brian was not her birth father, and that her father was an unknown mobster man. Selina continued living on the streets, stealing food and jewelry to meet her own, as the money she stole would not last forever. She would be taken in by an old thief gang leader named Mama Fortuna, who treated the kids under her care like slaves. Eventually, Selina would run away with a friend from the gang named Sylvia. They could not survive on their own and always had a shortage of money, and Sylvia took up prostitution to support them both, and grew to hate Selina for it. They parted ways.

When Selina was 17, she began illegally working as a prostitute under an abusive pimp named Stan. She stumbled upon a 13-year-old Holly Robinson who was being sexually abused by a cop. Selina beat the cop up, inspiring Holly who said that was the first time anybody had shown her she could fight back. The two became roommates. To pay for living expenses and food, Selina continued stealing, and Holly eventually became an illegal prostitute too when she was 16, despite Selina being against it. Her underage status resulted in Stan getting into a fight with a drifter, who, unbeknownst to them, was Bruce Wayne in disguise. A few weeks later, Holly would wake Selina up to show her Batman, still new and fresh, beating up corrupt police officer and former Commissioner Branden. Selina, inspired by how someone can don a costume and have everyone either be happy or terrified to see him that she can do the same too, would confront and fight Stan about his abuse, officially having her and Holly quit prostitution. She spent money to buy an expensive costume- her first Catwoman costume. She robbed a local store, and one of the security guards called her “Catwoman”, which she liked and chose to be her name. Stan, wanting revenge on Selina and Holly for quitting, kidnaps Maggie. After a few days, Selina locates him, saves her sister, and beats him to death in a rage as Catwoman. Selina informs Maggie of her new persona, who disagrees heavily, especially seeing as she killed a man, but promises to keep quiet.

The police investigate Selina and Holly, and one police officer sexually harasses Holly. Enraged, Selina went out as Catwoman with intent to kill him, but Batman intervened and made her see how her anger blinded her. Terrified she was a danger to Holly, she sent Holly to live in a convent with Maggie, who was a nun (although she would later give up her nunage to marry her husband, Simon Burton). Catwoman would begin her crime life properly, crossing paths with the likes of the Joker, the Riddler, Poison Ivy, and others, and flirting with Batman, of course. While Selina continued on to be a thief as Catwoman for the next few years, Holly felt she did not fit in the convent, and eventually found herself back on the streets. She got addicted to drugs and went back into prostitution.

While Holly was away, Selina temporarily got a new roommate, a young blonde girl nicknamed Arizona who reminded Selina a lot of Holly. She took her under her wing, and Arizona acted like her sidekick for a while, before she eventually found her own feeting and started a life on her own. She still kept close contact with Selina, though.

After five years, a gang leader named Bone killed a close friend of Selina’s named Lola MacIntire, who knew Selina was Catwoman and let her crash at her place after her apartment was destroyed. Bone wanted revenge after Catwoman had stolen from him. This devastated Selina, who viewed it as completely her fault. At Lola’s funeral, Selina encountered her old friend, Gwen Altamont, and the two began working together. Catwoman stole cars for Gwen, and encountered a metahuman thief named Spark while on the job. Catwoman convinces Gwen to let her work with Spark, and the two plan to rob Penguin of the fifth dagger they need to complete a set of valuable knives. Catwoman stakes out at the restaurant Penguin likes to eat at a day before he would be there, which Spark questions why they are doing so a day before. Catwoman notices a young hooker getting tranquilized and dragged into a van. Catwoman leaps into action, Spark soon following. They save the girl, and, after questioning local prostitutes, find out there have been multiple kidnappings and murders like this. Catwoman investigates and plans to defeat the kidnappers. After failing to stop a kidnapper in the act, Catwoman contacts Detective Carlos Alvarez, a detective who has been chasing her tail but that she knows is a genuinely good cop, for help. They track the kidnapper, Matilda Mathis aka Dollhouse, the daughter of Dollmaker, to a mansion. Catwoman fights Dollhouse, but Batman interrupts their fight, allowing both to escape. Catwoman questions her ability to be a vigilante, knowing she’s a better thief.

After those series of murders to other prostitutes, Holly quits being a prostitute and heads to her and Selina’s old apartment. She is pleasantly surprised to find Selina lived there after the destruction of her other apartment, and the two reunited. Holly began working as a spy of sorts for Catwoman, gathering information of what was happening on the streets of East End. Although she eventually stopped taking drugs after living with Selina for a few months, she felt concerned that she was still looking at the world through the eyes of a junkie to gather intel. During this time period, the Scarecrow releases a gas that makes everyone believe they are in a utopia- Gothtopia. There, Selina believed she was Catbird, partner to Batman. Where Batman could see glimpses of reality, Catbird just thought him delusional. While people who could see through the illusion questioned their sanity and committed suicide, Catbird began investigating a criminal named Steeljacket, who was also convinced their reality was an illusion. Steeljacket explained that the suit he was wearing kept him alive and he needed her thievery skills to get him the money to repair it. Catbird helped him, and the familiar adrenaline rush of a robbery made her remember her real identity of Catwoman. After Batman freed the city from Scarecrow’s toxin, Catwoman reminded him of how they shared both a partnership and a true romantic relationship in Gothtopia. Batman denied the extent of his romantic feelings, even though the toxin showed them both what they wanted to see.

A few years later, Black Mask, who held a vendetta against Catwoman, kidnapped her sister Maggie and Simon, killed Simon, and then forced Maggie to eat her husband’s eyes, driving her insane. Black Mask also kidnapped and beat Holly with the help of an old childhood friend of Catwoman, Sylvia. Catwoman kills Black Mask, Holly kills Sylvia, and they save Maggie, who is put in a psychiatric institute. Holly isolated herself and nearly fell back onto old habits. Selina decided Holly needed time to heal outside of Gotham City and needed proper training, so she sent Holly to a rural safehouse where she trained in hand-to-hand combat with Ted Grant. Selina and Slam Bradley, a detective friend of Selina’s, located Holly’s long lost brother Davey, and the two reunited.

Eventually, Black Mask was revived by a Black Lantern, and immediately sought out Maggie, threatening to kill her and anyone else Catwoman cared about. Catwoman, with the help of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, defeated Black Mask again. Maggie escaped, and no longer wanted anything to do with Selina, blaming her for her insane condition and Simon’s death, and believing Selina was possessed by a cat demon. Maggie sought out Sister Agatha to exorcise her sister, but when Maggie saw Agatha’s cat, she snapped and killed Agatha’s cat and then Agatha because she believed Agatha was in league with Selina’s cat demon. Maggie then searched through Agatha’s relics and tools, stumbling upon a supernatural substance in a container that warped Maggie’s sense of reality further. To Maggie, an angel was released and claimed it would help her destroy Selina’s cat demon. Maggie finds Selina and Harley Quinn and attacks them with heightened abilities. Harley refers to Maggie as “Sister Zero”, and then becomes possessed by the “angel”’s influence. Catwoman manages to get through to Harley, confusing her enough to escape Maggie’s control. Selina forces Maggie to escape, who starts to formulate a new plan to save her sister’s soul. The angel told her to team up with Azrael and Crusader during Gotham’s Judgement Day, which she does. Maggie believes she is her sister’s test of faith, which means either Selina will get cleansed of her cat demon, or Maggie will die. But in the end, when Maggie has a chance to end Selina’s life, she can’t bring herself to do it. Maggie ends up back in a psychiatric institute and starts to slowly heal, although sometimes Sister Zero breaks out.

Holly begins a relationship with a girl named Karon, who she moves into the apartment of. She also becomes the supervisor of a group of street kids known as the Alleytown Gang, training them to act like the spies and informants of Catwoman’s network. Unbeknownst to Holly, Selina had grown tired of seeing her role as Catwoman ruin her life over and over. Selina burned her suit, but would be forced to don it again after a woman named Roulette contacted her about a competition between thieves that threatened the lives of children. Catwoman got a new suit and raced to save the lives of the children. After competing in several rounds, she realized that there never were any real children in danger. Roulette had actually been hired by a man named Hunt Stone who wanted any evidence that connected his ancestors to a famous murder stolen and erased. Selina began sabotaging every aspect of her strictly regimented and planned out days, until Roulette was forced to declare her the winner of the Race of Thieves to make her stop. During this time where Selina went missing, Holly acted as Catwoman to keep other criminals at bay.

With Catwoman I back in action, Oracle asks Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn to keep an eye on Vicki Vale, who has evidence on the members of the Batfamily that need to be destroyed. Selina notices an artifact in Vicki’s possession that she had once stolen. It reminds her of the days when Batman used to chase her, and she reminisces on them. Her flashback is interrupted as Harley breaks into the room they were monitoring, wanting to get her hyenas back because they had stolen them from her. Vicki bolts out of the room, and they lose her trail, but Selina managed to get her phone number. She planted a fake call to lead Vicki out of her apartment, allowing Selina to break in and take pictures of her Batwall, which Batman and Oracle needed. Selina reminisces about her crime life.

When a mysterious malefactor came to Gotham with a yearlong plan to ruin Batman’s life, Catwoman began investigating into the turf war between the Penguin and newly returned mobster Carmine Falcone. She was captured by Falcone for causing him grief years ago and he nearly killed her, but Professor Pyg attacked Falcone, having a vendetta against him. Catwoman plans to kill Falcone, who she suspects might be her biological father, but before she can, Batman intervenes. She leaves Falcone and his mob to Batman, but sometime later while trying and failing to stop a deal to sell a baby snow leopard for its fur, a young girl locates Selina. She tells Selina that her father wanted her to attend a meeting in Blackgate Penitentiary. Her real father was Rex Calabrese, the crime boss from whom Falcone had taken power. Selina declined the request at first, but a street kid named Jade came to find her next, informing her the girl before her was killed by gang violence. Selina asked Rex for his guidance in becoming a mob boss herself to keep the mobsters in check from killing any other kids. The leadership of the Calabrese Family and the ownership of the Egyptian Nightclub were passed onto her as the legal heir. Catwoman, wanting to make sure Batman knew she was still on the side of good despite becoming the head of a crime family, told Batman everything she knew about the group of Arkham escapees still on the loose. After she got invited to a secret weapons sale that were actually weapons stolen from Batman’s own supply, Catwoman began to research high bounties in Gotham, and was tipped onto Stephanie Brown. Catwoman kidnapped her without realizing she was the current Batgirl. She was rescued by Batman and the situation was resolved. Soon Batman got captured by Lincoln March, and rioting broke out across the city. Selina forced her people to help prevent the riots while also secretly making strategic thefts to further her causes. During this time, Selina gave up her Catwoman mantle to Eiko Hasigawa, a heir to the rival Hasigawa crime family, and a love interest of Selina’s.

Eiko’s time as Catwoman was short-lived, though, as Eiko and Selina merged the Hasigawa and Calabrese families, leaving Eiko as their leader while Selina went back to her normal life… Sort of. She realized she was pregnant from a one-night stand with Sam Bradley Jr., and Holly Robinson took on the mantle of Catwoman at Selina’s request. Selina made up a fake identity, Irena Dubrovna, to peacefully give birth to her daughter, legally known as Helena Dubrovna. Sam Jr. had died by the time Selina realized she was pregnant, but his father, Slam Bradley, wanted to provide for his new granddaughter. Selina could not resist the thrill of Catwoman, and donned the suit alongside Holly a few times. Unfortunately, Film Freak and Angle Man had deduced where Selina lived after catching the two Catwomen on film, and kidnapped Helena. Selina easily rescued her daughter, and then had Zatanna Zatarra mindwipe the two villains of Selina’s identities. With Batman’s help, she faked “Irena” and Helena’s deaths, putting Helena up for adoption. She asked Zatanna to wipe her mind of knowledge about Helena so she wouldn’t put her in danger again, but Zatanna refused.

After returning to her solo role as Catwoman for nearly a year, Selina allowed herself to be arrested and sent to death row at Arkham Asylum for the murders of over two hundred terrorists. It was her friend, Holly, who had really committed the crime, but she trusted Batman would prove her innocence, therefore saving her and Holly’s lives. Nearly a year later, Helena Wayne, biological daughter of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle, from Earth Never-Two passes into Earth Never-One and gets trapped. Helena meets this world’s Selina Kyle. The two become close, with Helena still mourning the death of her mother in her universe and Selina missing her daughter. Selina was worried that being too close to her alternate universe daughter might lead her to the same fate as her Helena Kyle, but this Helena was an experienced adult who had lived through an Apokoliptian war. She was a capable vigilante who could hold her own perhaps even better than Selina herself, and Selina felt her concerns fade away. After another year passes, Selina asks if she can adopt Helena Wayne, despite Helena being 21-years-old. Helena, surprised, agrees. Almost a year after that, Bruce proposes to Selina and she accepts, becoming his wife.

Selina Kyle is, in general, highly flirtatious, seductive, and willing to use her looks and her charms to get what she wants- in fact she’s even proud of it. She’s also, much like her namesake, graceful, sly and light-footed, known as one of the greatest thieves out there. Despite her past of being an abused victim, she stands with her head high since she first donned the Catwoman suit (it can be quite enconfidating, that anonymity). She was never one to sit back and let herself or others get abused, and she sympathizes heavily with abused children, young women and sex workers especially. While her career as Catwoman started out to support herself and her friends, it eventually became an addictive adrenaline rush she couldn’t give up. Even though she’s ‘reformed’, she still has sticky fingers and loves the thrill of getting away with small robberies, especially when her husband is the Batman. She enjoys getting under his skin. She isn’t too big on black and white morality, instead choosing to do whatever is necessary for the situation. She’s not ‘above’ killing, but she’s no homicidal murderer, and it’s never her first option, although attacking her loved ones is a sure way to push her closer to the edge. Although admittedly in her earlier days, the empowerment of being Catwoman got to her head, and she let rage cloud her judgement, leading to her being more willing to brutally harm and kill. She’s very willing to take risks, enjoying the danger even, and she’s incredibly stubborn and persistent. She never had much of a villainous ego, nor does she have a superhero complex. She walks the line between the both with confidence, never worrying about being in the gray. Sometimes it ticks her off when Bruce and others think she should commit completely to one or the other, when she’s perfectly fine where she is.

Reblogs appreciated! Stay tuned for the finished project, which is this... but for every Batfam member ever

[rosetan]

Rose Tan Complete Book List

Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Best Men Don't Wed Society What Do You Get When You Fall In Love - Best Men Don't Wed Society The Best Man Gets The Bride - Best Men Don't Wed Society Encrushed - Blush Crush Clash - Blush Crush Curse - Blush Oh, Nicky, You're So Fine! - Blush The Prom Queen - Blush Dreaming Of You - Blush Sinisinta Kita, Tunay na Tunay - Blush My Girl, Brini - Blush Jack In The Box - Blush He Loves Me, He Loves Me So - Blush The Woman Who Could Not Be Taken - Blush You're Still You - Blush Dream On - Blush Corduroy Betty - Blush Charmed - Blush My Pal, Andoy - Blush Will Of The Heart - Blush Titibuk-tibok-Kakabog-kabog - Blush Scarlette Fever - Bud Brothers Group In Zane! - Bud Brothers Group A Love Like Yours - Bud Brothers Group Love Yah, Hate Yah - Bud Brothers Group Catch Me, I'm Fallen - Bud Brothers Group Bud Luck - Bud Brothers Group Ang Akin ay Akin, Ang Iyo ay Akin pa rin - Bud Brothers Series Stupid Cupids - Bud Brothers Series My Golly, Wow Betsy! - Bud Brothers Series Red Roses For A Blue Lady - Bud Brothers Series Tail You Lose, Head You're Mine - Bud Brothers Series He's The One - Bud Brothers Series Pepper's Roses - Bud Brothers Series Once In A Lifetime Love - Bud Brothers Series Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - Bud Brothers Series Curious Rufus and The Jilted Daffodil - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Ponce d' Pogi and d' Promdi - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Rascus Maximus Guapus - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series A Peony For Your Thoughts - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Ring Around The Rosie - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Shiela Gumamela - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Hyacinth and the Bud Guy - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Petunia and Fidel (Awesome Twosome) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Holly Is Thy Name - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (An Introduction) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Gordian) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Antenor) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Hutch) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Mitch) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Miles) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Chuck) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Victoriano) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Drick) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Buboy) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Islaw) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Rehan) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Luisito) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Rook - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Corgy - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Badong - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Guido - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Baby's Breath - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series The Bloomer Bandits (Tranquilino) - Bud Brothers Unlimited Series Epifania - The Maid - Cinderella Emilia - The Gullible - Cinderella Tarcila - The Beautiful Intruder - Cinderella Cinny - The Tamed Shrew - Cinderella Marry Me On Tuesday - Frenemies The Shadow Of His Smile - Frenemies The Prodigal Wife - Frenemies My fair Lady (In Straight jacket) - Fruitcakes Naughty And Naughty - Fruitcakes Mutya Ng Madre Cacao - Fruitcakes The Nerd - Fruitcakes Cuckoodoodleduo - Fruitcakes The Stalker - Fruitcakes The Love That Never Was - Fruitcakes Ang Sumpa - Fruitcakes Octavio Takes A Wife - Fruitcakes Witch Ko `Yan - Fruitcakes Agapito Romantiko - Fruitcakes Sing No Sad Songs - Fruitcakes The Man With The Golden Grin - Hot Intruder Arthus, Ang Pambihirang Farm Boy - Hot Intruder Impakta - Impakta Impakta 2 - Impakta Clint, Mr. Daddy Pants - IOU Men Mako, The Charmer - IOU Men Samantha, The Nanny - IOU Series Des, The Miserable - IOU Series Finders Keeper - Jewels Treasure Hearts - Jewels If I Could, I Surely Would - Last Trip Bad Hair Day - Maty Go Mystery Cat In The Bag - Maty Go Mystery Fernando's Hideaway - Maty Go Mystery Wedded Bliss - Maty Go Mystery Baby Blues - Maty Go Mystery The Girl From Yesterday - Maty Go Mystery Sleuthing Anette - Maty Go Mystery Offshot Let Me Be, Set Me Free (From Your Spell) - Mga Apo ni Rustica The Girl In His Arms (Is The Witch In His Heart) - Mga Apo ni Rustica Be The Devil, Be The Light (I Don't Care, Darling, Just Be Mine) - Mga Apo ni Rustica Material Girl - Modern Girl The First Principle - Modern Girl Kikay Kit - Modern Girl Bruce - My Love, My Hero Pancho - My Love, My Hero Magtanggol - My Love, My Hero Rigor Mortiz - My Love, My Hero Mondragon - My Love, My Hero Severino - My Love, My Hero Arsenio - My Love, My Hero Montero - My Love, My Hero Godofredo Malaya - My Love, My Hero Leon Augusto - My Love, My Hero Augusto Jose - My Love, My Hero Augusto Luis - My Love, My Hero Fidel Sacay - My Love, My Hero Aleron - My Love, My Hero Alfonso - My Love, My Hero Riggs - My Love, My Hero Dominador - My Love, My Hero Andres - My Love, My Hero Stan - My Love, My Hero Tobias - My Love, My Hero Augusto Leon - My Love, My Hero Fides and Albertito - My Lovely Bride Libby and Quentin - My Lovely Bride Pen-pen and Leroy - My Lovely Bride Benicia and Norman - My Lovely Bride Patricia and Stan - My Lovely Bride Remigia and Gregorio - My Lovely Bride Adoracion and Honesto - My Lovely Bride Guillerma and Adamo - My Lovely Bride Alfreda and Diomedes - My Lovely Bride Ako Ba'y Mahal Mo Na? - PHR Classics Marceline Cinco’s Highschool Survival Guide - Rebel Fiction Hitman Tony’s Summer Camp Survival Guide - Rebel Fiction Arvy Nicole's First Love Survival Guide - Rebel Fiction Harriet's Search - Secrets Harriet's Find - Secrets Now and for always - Secrets Siklab - Secrets Girl Next Door - Secrets Veronica - Señorita Renalda - Señorita Bettina - Señorita Margarita - Señorita Gracita - Señorita Pureza - Señorita Conchita - Señorita Concordia - Señorita Felicia - Señorita Agatha - Señorita Flavianna - Señorita Ricarda - Señorita Marquita Book 1 - Señorita Marquita Book 2 - Señorita Henrietta Book 1 - Señorita Henrietta Book 2 - Señorita Rosanna - Señorita Maria - Señorita Blanquita - Señorita Morgana - Señorita Natalia - Señorita Julianna - Señorita Paris - Señorita Tatiana - Señorita Richelda - Señorita Emilianna - Señorita Georgia - Señorita Matilda - Señorita Allegra - Señorita Graciella - Señorita Fabiola - Señorita Honoria - Señorita Constantina - Señorita Candida - Señorita Alodia - Señorita Algernon - Señorito Robertito - Señorito Aristeo - Señorito Demetrio - Señorito Fausto - Señorito Hugo - Señorito Juancho - Señorito Dillon - Señorito Braullio - Señorito Gregorio - Señorito Genaro - Señorito Marciano - Señorito Sylvanno - Señorito Calixto - Señorito Caleb - Señorito Don Luciano - Señorito Pedro - Señorito Juan - Señorito Gemeniano - Señorito Lope - Señorito Trini - Somewhere in my Heart (Tales of the Travelling Bling) Blinky - Somewhere in my Heart (Tales of the Travelling Bling) Michelle - Somewhere in my Heart (Tales of the Travelling Bling) Ignacia - Somewhere in my Heart (Tales of the Travelling Bling) Race - Somewhere in my Heart (Tales of the Travelling Bling) Camille - Somewhere in my Heart (Tales of the Travelling Bling) El Amor Barako - Standalone (Thin Version) Tunay at Wagas - Standalone (Thin Version) Magbalik Ka Pag-ibig - Standalone (Thin Version) Accidental Bride - Standalone (Thin Version) Undercover Lover - Standalone (Thin Version) To Catch a Thief - Standalone (Thin Version) Sweet Honesty - Standalone (Thin Version) Mr. Dreammaker - Standalone (Thin Version) Goodbye Girl - Standalone (Thin Version) What Now, My Heart? - Standalone (Thin Version) Which Way is Home? - Standalone (Thin Version) My Head Say No, My Heart Says I Love You - Standalone (Thin Version) Carrie - Standalone (Thin Version) Whirlwind - Standalone (Thin Version) Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) - Standalone (Thin Version) My Naughty Lady - Standalone (Thin Version) Pagkahaba-haba Man Daw ng Prusisyon sa Simbahan Din Ang Tuloy - Standalone (Thin Version) M.F.E.O (Meant For Each Other) - Standalone (Thin Version) Nakakulong Na Puso - Standalone (Thin Version) Oryang - Standalone (Thin Version) For Keeps - Standalone (Thin Version) My Best friend, Pete - Standalone (Thin Version) Sabi Ng Puso - Standalone (Thin Version) Sweet Periwinkle - Standalone (Thin Version) Stolen Dream - Standalone (Thin Version) My Babe - Standalone (Thin Version) My Love, My Destiny - Standalone (Thin Version) My Girl Sunday - Standalone (Thin Version) The Nanny - Standalone (Thin Version) Jealous Guy - Standalone (Thin Version) On My Honor - Standalone (Thin Version) The Love Bug - Standalone (Thin Version) Bogus Bride - Standalone (Thin Version) Surrender My Love - Standalone (Thin Version) Suddenly - Standalone (Thin Version) First kiss - Standalone (Thin Version) Wedding Bells & Magic Spells - Standalone (Thin Version) Why Is The Because? - Standalone (Thin Version) Somewhere in My heart - Standalone (Thin Version) With His Song - Standalone (Thin Version) Se Llama Chiquita - Standalone (Thin Version) Fortune Cookie - Standalone (Thin Version) Sa Habang Panahon - Standalone (Thin Version) Huwag Kang Mangako - Standalone (Thin Version) Take a Chance - Standalone (Thin Version) Rightfully Mine - Standalone (Thin Version) Black Magic Woman - Standalone (Thin Version) Ang Huling El Dindo - Standalone (Thin Version) Love Comes Knocking - Standalone (Thin Version) You Bet! - Standalone (Thin Version) Ang Pamana Ni Lola - Standalone (Thin Version) I Love you More - Standalone (Thin Version) Get Real - Standalone (Thin Version) Bahay Ni Laurendo - Standalone (Thin Version) Ang Lihim Ng Bahaghari - Standalone (Thin Version) Meant To Be - Standalone (Thin Version) Oops! - Standalone (Thin Version) Robyn's Nest - Standalone (Thin Version) Papa Caloy - Standalone (Thin Version) It's Magic - Standalone (Thin Version) Take A Vow - Standalone (Thin Version) The List - Standalone (Thin Version) The Ring Bearer - Standalone (Thin Version) Ang Kasunduan - Standalone (Thin Version) First Love Swear (Stronger Than A Promise, Deeper Than A Dare) - Standalone (Thin Version) Ang Ninakaw Mong Puso - Standalone (Thin Version) Ang Tigang na Puso Ni Purita - Standalone (Thin Version) Groom For Hire - Standalone (Thin Version) Tillie Do Us Part - Standalone (Thin Version) Ang Dalagang Bukid - Standalone (Thin Version) Shut Up and Kiss Me - Standalone (Thin Version) Once There Was A Friend - Standalone (Thin Version) Bahay-bahayan - Standalone (Thin Version) Ay, Yayay, O Pag-ibig... - Standalone (Thin Version) MISsFORTUNe - Standalone (Thin Version) Happy Together - Standalone (Thin Version) A Kiss For Keeps - Standalone (Thin Version) Prinsesang Kokak - Standalone (Thin Version) Ale, Pwede Ka Bang Mahalin? - Standalone (Thin Version) Mana Po - Standalone (Thin Version) Head Over Heels - Standalone (Thin Version) A Taste Of Bliss - Standalone (Thin Version) Nobody's Girl - Standalone (Thin Version) Sweeter At First Sight - Standalone (Thin Version) Butterfly Kisses For You - Standalone (Thin Version) Mischief and Mayhem - Standalone (Thin Version) Ang Sumpa Mo, Neneng - Standalone (Thin Version) The Knights Wears A Fedora - Standalone (Thin Version) Ghost In You - Standalone (Thin Version) Needles And Pins - Standalone (Thin Version) To Be Kissed - Standalone (Thin Version) Lonesome, Awesome - Standalone (Thin Version) About A Girl - Standalone (Thin Version) Wish I May, Wish I Might - Standalone (Thin Version) Daydreams And Memories - Standalone (Thin Version) Pay to Cash - Standalone (Thin Version) Interview With Molly - Standalone (Thin Version) Lucky Pick (Itanong Mo Sa Akin) - Standalone (Thin Version) Decoding His Heart - Standalone (Thin Version) Blackmailed - Standalone (Thin Version) WTF (Well, That's Fantastic) - Standalone (Thin Version) Cock-A-Doodle Love - Sylvia Roces Love Files Inday Ng Buhay Ko - Sylvia Roces Love Files Ang Awit ni Diosa - Standalone (Thick Version) Travis In Love - Standalone (Thick Version) Wicked - Standalone (Thick Version) Gold Digger - Standalone (Thick Version) The Woman He Loves - Standalone (Thick Version) Brak (The Bastard of Agron) - Standalone (Thick Version) Arik the Traitor of Krohn - Standalone (Thick Version) Engkanto - Standalone (Thick Version) You Don't Know Me - Txtlyf Hailey's Comet - Wedding Bells and Magic Spells Twinkle's Star - Wedding Bells and Magic Spells Daydream Believers - Wedding Bells and Magic Spells Kalembang! Kalembang! - Wedding Bells and Magic Spells Charmed - Wedding Bells and Magic Spells Love Signs - Wedding Bells and Magic Spells Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue - Writer's Block Olleta - Señorita Bibiana - Señorita Ursula - Señorita Huddunit 1 - Huddunit Huddunit 2 - Huddunit Huddunit 3 - Huddunit Balawis: Hooks and Crooks - Balawis Balawis: Honor Among Thieves - Balawis Balawis: The Confidence Man - Balawis Devious - Standalone (Thick Version) Luna Misteryosa - Rebel Fiction

[takadasaiko]

Second Chances: Chapter Two

FFN II AO3

Summary: Steve has every intention of returning the Infinity Stones to their correct place in the timeline and heading back to his own. His problems start when he makes an impulse decision to jump over to 1946 and Peggy decides to go back home with him. It only gets more complicated from there when Howard tags along with them to 2023. Tony lives fix-it fic. Pepperony.

Chapter Summary: Steve's trip does not go as planned for anyone involved.

Notes: This chapter has major spoilers for Agent Carter S1, but on the flip side if you haven't seen the show (which you should! It's amazing!) you shouldn't have too much trouble following. Any relevant plot points are mentioned.

Chapter Two

He didn't have to be there. He hadn't been involved with the original mission and there were plenty of people that could report back how the whole thing went once it was done, but even if Mr Stark and Ms Potts - Mrs Stark? Pepper? He still wasn't sure - were just trying to distract him while they worked through the long line of doctors that would want to see Mr Stark today Peter wasn't going to say no. It was time travel. Actual freakin' time travel.

"You okay there, Queens?"

Peter looked over, Captain America's voice cutting through his thoughts. "Oh yeah. Definitely! So, catch me up. What happens if you see yourself? Do you break all of time and space?"

"This isn't Doctor Who."

Peter looked over and his eyes widened. "Wow. You don't look the same in person as you do in TV. Mr Hulk. Sir. Dr Banner? I, uh…. did you always wear glasses?"

Captain Rogers and the Hulk exchanges looks that Peter hoped were amused more than irritated. The blond man shook his head and moved over to talk with the man with the metal arm. Huh. Guess he was on their side now? What all had he missed in five years time?

"Tony says you create your own webbing in the lab," Dr Banner prompted, drawing Peter's attention back over to him.

"Yeah. Yes. I do."

"I can give you a quick run through the system that we have while Cap gets ready if you want."

"Really?" the teen all but squeaked as he bounced over to the control board.

"And Bruce is fine," the older man said kindly, offering a small wink. "You're one of us, right?"

"Yeah. It's official and everything. Well, sort of? I guess. Mr Stark made me an Avenger when I showed away in the space ship."

"I bet that went over well."

"No, not really. He was pretty pissed." His gaze drifted over the mechanics. "He's, uh….. going to be okay, right?"

"Tony?" Peter nodded and Bruce purses his lips. "He's ... got a long way to go. My body absorbs gamma radiation better than any other person I've come across and it still did a number on me." He motioned to his arm still fitted in a sling. "That much radiation should have killed him. There's still a chance he'll lose his arm."

"But he'll get better?"

"He's stubborn. I wouldn't bet against him. From what he's told me he should have been dead multiple times over."

"You ready for me?" Cap asked as he stepped up into the single platform, a case in hand and a white suit replacing his uniform.

"You have enough for each of the six jumps, the return home, and you got two extra in case something goes wrong, didn't you?"

"I did. After last time, better safe than sorry."

"No kidding."

"What happened last time?" Peter asked and Bruce looked a little sheepish.

"My past self gave Tony a concussion and they had to improvise." He moved to set the coordinates. "Ready when you are." He waited for the nod. "Alright. See you in ten seconds."

"Be right back," the blond answered, and in a flash of light he was gone.

                                                _____________

Steve has told Director Fury once that after what he had been through, nothing would surprise him. He'd lost ten bucks to him that day and had learned a valuable lesson: things could and would always get stranger and more fantastical than he could dream up. Returning the Space, Mind, and Time stones were easy enough. The Power Stone's hiding place left him with a reminder of just how small he was in the grand scheme of the universe, but returning the Reality Stone left him in awe….. and almost an Asgardian prison. He had left the Soul Stone for last, hoping against hope that maybe it would give back the soul that had been sacrificed and he could use one of those extra Pym Particles to bring Natasha home. Natasha didn't come back, though, and as if to add insult to injury he found himself having to follow a man he had lost everything trying to defeat.

And then it was done, and Captain America was left to his own thoughts. The pain of a lost friend and the sacrificed could-have-beens crash into him and he made a choice. 2023 could wait.

He flipped the dial back and felt the wave wash over him, pulling him through to the other side. It left him standing on a familiar street, Manhattan bustling all around, and a horn honked at him. "Hey, buddy! Outta the street!"

Steve sidestepped, the car only barely missing him, and he stepped back onto the sidewalk. "Hey, mister, whatcha wearing?"

He looked down, and a little boy with freckles covering more of his face than not stared up through coke bottle glasses. He was tiny, thin, and somehow a more familiar sight than any person had been since he'd woken up from the ice. "A costume," he managed.

"Like Captain America?"

"Yeah. Kinda like that."

The kid moved on and Steve turned towards the newspaper stand at the corner. A familiar face stared back from the front page, all charm and suave and Steve couldn't help the way his lips twitched upward as he read the headline: Howard Stark Cleared Of All Charges Fights to Have His Inventions Returned.

"What have you gotten yourself into this time, Howard?" he murmured, catching a few lingering looks from passersbyers. First thing was first. He needed to blend in. Once he did that he would find Howard, and Howard would help him find Peggy. He owed her a dance, and after everything that had happened, he couldn't bring himself to turn away now.

                                               _____________

When his weapons had first been stolen from his home vault Howard had sat through three days of mind-breaking congressional testimonies. Now that it was over and Peggy had helped proved his innocence, the inventor found himself right back to square one, but this time instead of trying to prove that he didn't sell weapons to communists, he was there to argue that the government didn't get to keep them after all was said and done. He groaned to himself and downed his last gulp of water. As the senator drolling on and on, he set the glass down hard enough to stop the man mid-sentence. "As riveting as this has all been, I do have plans tonight."

"Then you're conceding ownership to the US government?"

Howard snorted. "Oh no. I've played nice, Mr Senator. Given you your say and then some, but you can talk to my lawyers. Trust me, my inventions'll be out of your hands by the time I get back to California." With that he stood, straightened his suit jacket, and flashed the balding man a shiteating grin and a wink before swanning out with the stuffy old men shouting at him from behind. Let them shout themselves hoarse. It'd do the country some good, and he had a date. Lola. Lena. Lizzie? He'd remember by the time he got there. If not, Jarvis could remind him.

He breezed through the hallway and out the front door, his steps light as he started down the broad stairs in front of the building. Lorain. That was it. Lorain McKenna.

"Howard."

The voice stopped him dead in his tracks halfway down and he spun towards it. A man stood at the bottom. He was tall, broad, and handsome, even with his face half covered by the cap he wore. Dark brown eyes traveled the figure up and down. He knew that voice. He would have known it anywhere. It just wasn't possible. "Steve?"

Blue eyes met his and there was a very small smile playing at the younger man's lips. "Hi, Howard."

"Holy….. how?" He was moving forward, taking two steps at a time until he nearly tripped over himself. "You're here. You're alive. I knew you were. I've been looking. I've been-"

"Can we get out of the open?"

The inventor glanced around. "Yeah. Yeah, 'course. I know just the place."

                                               _____________

Howard had a driver waiting to pick him up that he called Jarvis. Steve tried not to stare at the man that was obviously Tony's first inspiration for the AI that had been woven into Vision. Likewise, though, he found Jarvis doing plenty of staring of his own, and he heard the British man demand to know if Howard had "mentioned this to Ms Carter yet."

"Where do you think we're going?" Howard popped off and gave Jarvis instructions to drive to the airport before turning to fix his clever gaze on Steve. "So you've gotta have one hell of a story."

"It's…. been a doozie," Steve murmured. "Where is Peggy?"

"New York. Working for the SSR."

Steve tilted his head a little. "What's that?"

"Spycraft. Our girl's still got it. You know she just cleared my name when they'd have hanged me like a traitor? Peg believed in me."

Jarvis made a whiny, noncommittal sound from the driver's seat and Howard shot him a glare. "Says the man who was gonna shoot me outta the sky. Wanna talk about having some faith, Jarvis?"

"No, sir. I'd rather not if it's all the same to you."

Steve chuckled. "Sounds like you've had some adventures of your own."

And that's all it took to send Howard into a full debrief of all of the shenanigans they'd been up to since the war ended. Peggy's time with the SSR, his countless rounds of fondue that made Steve wonder if Tony had any siblings running around out there that he just didn't know about, and right up to the most recent chaos that included a Russian psychiatrist and a leathally trained blonde that had brainwashed Howard to the point that he'd nearly doused Manhattan with a toxic drug that would have killed them all in a truly brutal manner.

He spent the car ride out to the airstrip and the short plane ride from DC to New York City reliving it all. Laughter, tears, and a black eye that Peggy had given him at one point, though he was less willing to explain what had prompted that.

At the end of it they stood outside of a beautiful mansion in New York and Steve turned a questioning look on his friend. Surely he would have known if Howard and Peggy….. anyway, Peggy would never….. right?

"I can see your brain misfiring, my friend. Don't worry. I've never been her type. She's pretty particular," Howard added with a suggestive smirk.

Steve swallowed hard. "We should have called ahead."

"Yeah? And how would that have gone? Hey, Peg, found your man. I'll have him to you in a jif."

The blond snorted a chuckle at that. "Guess so." He could almost feel Howard side eyeing him as they made their way up to the door. "What?"

"I get I'm not the one you want to spill all your secrets to, but Peggy's has it rough since you went down. You should tell her. Whatever it is."

It was such a switch from the teasing tone Howard had been speaking in that it felt not unlike getting socked in the gut and it focused Steve. He would have to tell Peggy… something. It's not like he could just show up, have their dance, and go home. What was he doing? Upending everything. That's what. Peggy would have a husband. A family. She might not have them yet, but she would and really, what were his options? Ruining all of that or saying goodbye all over again. He could stay, even if he didn't care about potentially fracturing the timeline, but he'd promised Tony he'd come back. Strange as it was, after all they'd been through, that held weight. He needed to go home and make sure his friend was okay. Howard's son. Either way he'd have to tell her something about where he had been. She wouldn't just accept that it was complicated.

The front door jerked open and a pretty woman with dark blonde hair came flying out, calling over her shoulder. "Don't wait up, Peg! I'm -" She slammed to a stop, eyes traveling up and down Steve to the point he was starting to feel uncomfortable. "Wait…. no way. Are you-"

"You must be Angie," Howard prompted. "Peg's roommate."

"You're Mr Stark."

"Mr Stark was my father. Call me Howard. Peggy didn't tell me how pretty you are. And you're staying in my house? We should get to know each other."

She looked somewhere between flustered and flattered at Howard's obvious advancements, but it was a voice from inside the house that stole Steve's attention. "Angie? You alright?"

Peggy Carter rounded the base of the stairs and suddenly all four of them were standing in the doorway. Peggy was staring straight at him and all at once Steve was that scrawny kid from Brooklyn that hadn't known how to talk to women, much less a woman like Margaret Carter. He couldn't speak, couldn't breathe, couldn't even think. To his left, Howard motioned. "Surprise, Peg."

"Steve," she breathed, and nothing else mattered.

                                               _____________

It was amazing how much energy he seemed to be expending just by sitting up in bed. He could feel his body trying to nod off, determined to shut down and force him to rest, but his main doctor - a trauma surgeon that Strange knew and that Tony was at least vaguely sure had more of a connection with him than the Wizard had been willing to admit in the brief introduction - was there and Pepper was laser focused on going over recovery and treatment. It was something to keep him semi focused until the kid came back with his report. And he would. Peter was smart as he was talented, but most of all he was eager to please, and that meant he wouldn't get bogged down by anything else when he knew Tony was waiting on what he had to say.

"Dr Banner will be responsible for the continued treatment of the radiation poisoning," Palmer was saying, "while my focus will remain on everything else."

Tony's attention swung back around to her. "When can I start physical therapy to get movement back in my arm?"

Palmer grimaced. "That won't be our immediate focus…."

"I'm an engineer. A mechanic. I need mobility in my hands."

"You want mobility in your hands. What you need is to focus on making as full of a recovery as you're capable of making. Your lungs and heart took a hit. Without getting that damage under control, you'll never make it to the physical therapy that will get you to where you want to go."

Tony opened his mouth to argue, but Pepper reached a hand out, her palm resting against his uninjured leg, and the argument died on his lips. "Just tell us what you'd recommend, Dr Palmer. We'll do it."

The door opened, distracting from whatever nuggets of wisdom Christine Palmer might have wanted to bestow upon them, and Peter stuck his head in. "Oh," he said instantly. "Sorry. I'll-"

"Come on in, kid. Doc here is just explaining how my life is gonna suck for a while."

"Better than dead," his wife points out and Tony tilted his head.

"Can't argue that." Dark eyes flickered to meet a set of slightly lighter brown. "How'd it go? Cap make it back in one piece?"

There was something about the look he wore that made Tony's chest tighten. Peter shook his head. "I'm…. I'm sorry, Mr Stark. Captain Rogers didn't come back. We waited, but he….."

A short, painful breath left him and Tony heard Pepper tightened her hold on him. They both knew what that meant. Something had gone wrong. He'd gone by himself into scenarios in which they'd refused to send just one Avenger alone before and instead of beating the odds, they'd beaten him. .

"Tony?" Pepper murmured, but he couldn't find the words. It hurt. More than he could have expected after everything, and he reached out with his left hand until she took it, her support the only thing holding his raging emotions in check.

Cap was gone, and he wasn't coming back.

                                               _____________

TBC

Notes: I adore Dominic Cooper's version of Howard, but I've never written him before now. I lovehim him. There are so many parallels between late 20's/early30's Howard and late 30's/early40's Tony. So many.

Next time: There's not turning back for Steve now and Tony tries to manage expectations for his recovery.

[headfulloffantasies]

Captain America Fitness Challenge

A short fic of how the Captain America PSA in Spiderman Homecoming might have come about

An elementary school teacher in Queens had noticed her students obsession with superheroes and in true blue fashion had arranged her teaching program around said heroes. The science section of the classroom was labelled “Iron Man’s lab” and the kids did deep breathing to calm their “inner Hulk”. Quiet reading time was Spy Time and every game they played had some sort of Avengers theme.

The school board got wind of it and lost their minds. They called in the education media director, Clark, to see if he thought this kind of thing would work throughout all levels of education.

Clark sat facing a board of grey faced old people and very kindly explained that young children loved anything with the label of their heroes slapped on it. But teenagers were cynical machines of sarcasm and they would not stand for cheesy characactures.

“You know memes? They will make memes,” he tried to explain.

Somehow the board took this and interpreted that Clark wanted to work with the genuine article.

“We want you to find an Avenger to do some PSA and training programs for high school students,” they formally said. Informally, they told Clark to jump and when he asked how high they said the moon.

“This is impossible,” Clark groaned to Kelly and Lola, his assistants.

Kelly was not listening and was entirely focused on the possibilities. “We could have Thor do weather announcements, and Iron Man and Dr. Banner could do science facts, and when we find Black Widow, she can do the discipline reprimands.”

Clark stared at Kelly

“Find… Black Widow?”

Kelly was jazzed, not sensing the irony. “Yeah man! She’s terrifying, she’d scare all the kids straight.”

Clark pinched the bridge of his nose, “Kelly, if you find Black Widow you’d better apply for SHEILD because you’re a better spy than any of them.”

Lola, his tiny camera-Woman, smacked Clark on the shoulder. “The Avengers have a PR rep, you idiot. We can go talk to her. She’ll give us someone’s number.”

The Avengers’ PR representative was a terrifying lady named Maria Hill. For a split second Clark thought she was Black Widow in disguise and then he remembered that international spies didn’t work for PR firms.

Ms. Hill folded her hands on top of her desk. “You want to do what?”

“A couple of short PSA docs with one or two of the Avengers. We’d show the video clips in schools to promote education and behaviours.” Clark repeated his spiel he’d gotten from the board of education.

“You want Captain America to tell kids not to do drugs?” Ms. Hill interpreted.

“Yeah, for starts,” Clark answered.

“Captain America is a product of drug experimentation,” she said.

Huh. Clark had to sit back and think about that one. “Well someone else can do the drug PSA then. What about Iron-,”

Ms. Hill started laughing before he finished and didn’t stop until Clark was worried she’d busted her gallbladder.

“Hulk?” He offered weakly.

Ms. Hill had to excuse herself for a full five minutes.

In the end, she set up meetings for Captain America, Iron man, Scarlet Witch, and Bruce Banner.

“Thor is off world and as agents of SHIELD, Black Widow and Hawkeye are on assignment,” Ms. Hill explained.

“Off world,” Lola mouthed at Clark. She was vibrating with excitement.

They picked a cafe to meet Captain America at.

“Do you think Cap drinks Americanos?” Lola asked. She was on her third iced coffee and was quickly approaching a new plane of existence.

Captain America walked into the cafe in a white t shirt and blue jeans. The Falcon followed him and Clark nearly lost his mind. The two heroes seemed to be in the middle of some kind of argument as they approached the table.

“He’s not in Cuba, Steve. Would you go on vacation if you were a terrorist?”

“But Hydra was definitely involved in the Cold War and Buck might have been-,” Cap cut himself off when he noticed the attention of the three nerds at the table.

Cap was painfully polite as he sat down and listened to them introduce themselves and explain their hopes for working with him and Falcon. He insisted that they call him Steve.

Kelly short circuited at this request and called him Captain Steve for the remainder of the meeting.

Lola, still jittering at a higher frequency, asked the first question. “Mr. Falcon, have you ever done drugs?”

“Excuse me?”

Clark resisted the urge to slam his head against the table.

Kelly explained. “We want at least one drug PSA, but we’ve discovered that some heroes have,um, experimented? In the past. And we don’t want to be hypocritical.”

Sam turned a wide grin on Steve, who looked like he wanted to melt into the floor.

“Hypocrites, Steve,” he said.

Steve narrowed his eyes. “You said other heroes. Who else is doing this?”

“Well, you’re the first we’ve talked to,” Clark explained, “But we’d like as many people involved as possible. Iron Man-,”

“No,” Steve interrupted, hands splayed in the table. “Do not talk to Tony Stark. He will corrupt all the children.”

“That’s a bit mean,” Sam said.

Steve turned on him. “Do you remember Halloween?”

“Oh, yeah,” Sam nodded. “Get him far away from the kids.”

Steve met Clark’s eye. “I’ll do it, as long as you don’t contact Tony Stark or let him anywhere near this.”

Clark nodded dumbly. “Yeah, okay.”

Falcon shook his head, “I don’t need more attention. Count me out.”

In the end, only Captain America agreed to do the project. Dr. Banner turned green around the gills when they sat down with him and had to leave halfway through the meeting. Scarlet Witch didn’t return any of their calls. Hawkeye somehow got Clark’s number and rang him to ask why he wasn’t invited to do the thing.

“I am an exceptional role model,” he claimed. “I can teach the kiddos all kinds of stuff.”

“Aren’t you a spy?” Clark asked.

“Yeah, so?”

“Don’t you need to keep your identity a secret? These videos are going to be shown across America and will be posted on the internet.”

The phone was silent.

“So I might not have thought this through,” Hawkeye said at last.

Captain America was not Steve Rogers, Clark decided. Steve Rogers was a guy from Brooklyn, with a foul mouth and an attitude. Kelly had to go out back and take a breather when he heard Steve call the president “A loud mouthed capitalist, elitist, entitled waste of oxygen.”

Steve walked onto the sound stage with Black Widow in tow. Kelly nearly plotzed.

Black Widow was wearing a black t shirt with “From Russia with Love” printed on it in gold cursive. She called it irony with a smile like a shark.

“The love, or Russia?” Lola tried to clarify.

Black Widow cocked her head. “Both.”

“Are you maybe willing to do a couple of short videos for us?” Clark asked.

She smiled like a knife. “I’m just here to make sure Steve goes through with it.”

Steve whined, making it very clear that he was regretting his decision.

“Think of the children.” Black Widow said, patting his arm.

Steve whined, “The children can learn from their own mistakes.”

The suit changed Steve. He became apple pie, picket fences, and justice the second the mask went on.

The camera was rolling, the teleprompter booted up, and away he went. The star spangled man with a plan flew through the Captain America Fitness Challenge.

Clark yelled “cut” and suddenly he was Steve again.

“I hate you,” he snapped at Black Widow. “I am not an example for children.”

Lola approached Steve. “We want to do the discipline memos next.”

“Discipline?” Steve straightened. “Are they still caning kids in schools?”

Lola’s eyes went wide and Clark had to smother a laugh. “No, detention.”

Steve nodded sagely. “Caning never worked anyways. It's not much of a punishment when you’ve already lost a fight.”

Lola made a horrified squeak and hurried back to her camera.

Clark asked, “Hey, do you want to go off script for a bit? Impart some wisdom to the youngsters?”

Steve perked up. “Really?”

He leaned into the camera. “To every single one of you kids. Get your vaccinations. I don’t care what your parents say. Polio sucks, trust me.”

From behind the camera Black Widow yelled, “You’re a dirty liar, Rogers. I’ve seen your file, you never had polio.”

“No, but I had measles and mumps,” he volleyed back.

Steve addressed the camera again. “If you’re going to punch a nazi, don’t tuck your thumb into your fist. You’ll break your hand.”

“Okay, thanks,” Clark choked. “Let's go back to the teleprompter.”

“Hi, I’m Captain America. Here to talk to you about one of the most valuable traits a student or soldier can have. Patience.”

****

Thanks for reading! If you like what you read, consider buying me a coffee.

[diamcndclawsa-blog]

*    headcanon   :       ft.   the wedding.

𝙎𝙃𝙀 𝙃𝘼𝘿 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙔 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙊𝙁 𝙎𝘼𝙔𝙄𝙉𝙂   ' 𝙄 𝘿𝙊. '    she wouldn’t have bothered moving into the manor,   stealing a dress,   spending the hours leading up perfecting every little detail as she got ready otherwise.    she wouldn’t have been rife with frazzled nerves if she didn’t want it with all her heart.    she wouldn’t have bothered pulling holly    —    her best friend    —    out of hiding for anything less than the most important moment of her life.    selina wanted it.    more than she’s ever wanted any massive diamond or priceless cat statue.    more than she’s wanted a pretty dress,   a flashy motorcycle,   an overflowing bank account.

but in the end it’s the nerves that are the problem.    selina thrives off   spontaneity.    when bruce first asks the question,   and the second,   it’s easy to let her heart lead.    she wants it.    and she can’t do anything but say   yes   to something she wants.    maybe a wedding is not something selina’s thought about.    not something she ever thought in the cards for her,   but when bruce asks,   it becomes something in her reach.    too delightfully close not to reach out and   snatch it.    and in the moments leading up,   it’s all happiness and excitement and disbelief.    things she can ride on in the midst of nightly forages into the dark,   beating on bad guys.    feelings to put a smile on her face when they at last crawl into bed at dawn,   his warmth something so rarely obtained before and now,   it’s   all hers   and she can’t resist basking in it like a cat in an open window on a summer’s day.

it’s the night of the   nerves   come into play.    the   doubts    she can’t ever rid herself of.    she can ignore them somewhat,   as she gets ready.    pretend she doesn’t think every little wrong fold in her dress,   every accidental smudge of her lipstick,   every stray hair is some sort of bad omen.    some   warning   sign against going into something she doesn’t deserve.    but the waiting after...    that’s   what gets her.    selina has nothing to do but sit and wait until it’s time to head to the rooftop.    and holly’s supportive.    all bright,   excited smiles in a way selina hasn’t seen in too long.    it reminds her that holly    —    one of the few friends she has who hasn’t   died   for daring to associate with a criminal like her    —    has spent too long in hiding for a murder she didn’t commit.    that holly’s nearly lost her life and happiness a hundred times over because of the life she’s gotten holly into.

it reminds selina of lola,   tied up and shot in the head.    of maggie,   kidnapped and tortured until she’s nothing but an empty shell of what she once was.    of the little kid she saved from the joker’s clutches who still can’t catch a break.    of too many others who’ve gotten screwed over time and time again.    because she’s a   black cat,   and once one crosses your path...

selina knows it’s stupid to think someone could get to bruce because of her.    to take him out.    he’s tough.    the strongest person she knows,   and being with her won’t change that.    it won’t take away the drive,   the endless training,   the fire of justice that burns inside of him.    but that’s the very problem.    he stands for the   good   in gotham.    and she’s never called herself anything but a   criminal.    how easily would it go over with those he loved,   with   the world   to know their   caped crusader   married a thief ?    a murderer ?    would they trust him still ?    was it right to push that risk for the happiness   she   wanted ?    bruce had more than her,   after all.    damian,   alfred,   dick,   barbara,   tim,   jason.    people he loved,   who surely gave him their own special brands of happiness.    what could she offer him,   in the long run,   other than more trouble ?    the way it’s   always   been between them.

the drive to the rooftop does it.    lets all those thoughts and doubts spin around in her head,   until she’s clutching at her hair and fighting back sobs.    holly practically crashing in the scramble to check if selina’s all right.    she isn’t.    of course she isn’t.    it only takes those few moments.    minutes worth of driving through the darkened city still hushed with sleep to send her mind spiraling.    to tell her she can’t do it.    that she   shouldn’t   do it.    her chances at happiness have never gone anywhere other than downhill,   from failed homes to murdered friends,   dragging anyone involved with her,   and how can this be any different ?   she’s a thief,   and she’s selfish...    but she can’t be now.    not with this.    not for   him.

and that’s all it takes for her to choke out a demand to holly to turn the car around.    to pack up her clothes and drag holly with her to the airport.    to let the demons roam her mind until they become a static buzz and she’s on autopilot,   running as far as she can,   because it’s better than letting some disaster strike.   than letting everything snowball that hurts him worse later down the line.    and something   always   happens,   so it’s better to nip things in the bud before it does.    she’s doing them both a favour,   in the long run.    no matter how much her chest aches and her throat tightens the second she’s sitting on a plane set for take off.

it isn’t until she’s touched down in some distant airport that it all sets in,   and she’s stuck sobbing in some empty,   bathroom stall.    because that’s another shot at happiness down the drain,   and this time,   all she has to blame is her own,   screwed up self.

[granpafrisbee]

Truth or Dare Part 2

Summary: After going to Italy and avoiding any romantic relationships for pretty much all her life Joey comes back to the U.S. to move in with her life-long best friend, Sam Wilson, and his two closest friends from college. Joey’s met Steve but is apprehensive to meet the elusive Bucky, whom she’s always missed despite having visited Sam consistently throughout college. Once she meets him, however, she wonders how she’ll be able to run from love when they share a bathroom.

Warnings: Cussing, discussion of sexual themes

Word Count: 5001

Pairings: Bucky x OFC

Masterlist

the AO3

Part 1

A/N: The song You and Me by Penny and the Quarters is really important to this chapter and me! Give it a listen. The first chapter and this one were meant to be one chapter but it was too long, just know that was my intention.

Let me know if you enjoy/if anyone wants to be tagged.

Stay sexy

The group sits in the living room, and Joey thinks they fill up the space nicely. The giant sectional holds Thor, whose arm is naturally draped around Bruce. Steve, Sam, and Nat sit next to them, while Clint is perched on the edge making Bucky laugh. Bucky is next to the couch in the recliner Joey found a few years back, everyone who sits in it claims it’s the most comfortable seat to ever exist. Shuri is next to him in a comfy armchair Sam’s mom gave him. Pietro and Joey opt to sit on the floor even though there's room on the enormous couch and more chairs to pull up. Joey doesn’t mind and she doesn’t know Pietro that well so this gives her the opportunity to talk to him somewhat privately.

Everyone is on their second, or fourth if your Thor, beer when Sam announces, “Alright in honor of our first night in the loft, I am proposing a toast.” He stands and raises his bottle, “Now this is officially one of the four times a year I’m going to be nice, so listen up children. I am inexplicably grateful for the family I have found myself a part of. To our visitors, thank you for taking time out of your very busy schedules to be here tonight. Steve, thank you for being my brother since freshman year, I don’t know how we all got so lucky to have you in our lives. Bucky, despite your horrible appearance and lack of personality, brother you, sometimes, are bearable. I know that is all due to my influence and I can only hope to rub off on your more.” Bucky’s smile is bright and genuine. Despite the backhanded nature of the comment, he picks up on the emotions behind it and he winks in Sam’s direction. “And to Joey, I’m never really home without you there. To my sister. Cheers!”

Everyone toasts with a wide smile, but Bucky is most dazzled by Joey’s. She’s not showing teeth, in fact, only the right side of her mouth is turned up. But as she tips her drink to Sam across the room, Bucky sees the love she has for the other man in every inch of her face. He almost wants to cry when he sees Steve watching Sam and Joey too. They exchange a glance, probably mirroring the way Sam and Joey looked at each other. Everyone but the four of them seems to fade away and as he looks around he feels it. Home.

Joey, on the other hand, feels a slight panic come over her. It’s not a foreign feeling, the innate sense of not belonging. Of worrying about being the outsider, but when she looks at Sam she feels that comfort that grounds her again. It brings her back.

People settle back down and Bucky feels too weirdly emotional to be just sitting there. He stands with his beer raised, “I too have a declaration.” Attention turns to him.

“Oh come on Jackass, don’t step on my moment,” Sam huffs out.

“I declare that we should play truth or dare.”

A chorus of groans and no’s follow. He even hears a, “What are we twelve?” coming from Nat’s direction.

Then a single word comes from the floor, “Yes.” Joey nods her head, “Absolutely yes. Come on, we aren’t elderly. Plus I’ve been in Italy for two years, it’ll help me catch up.”

“Sweetheart, you are so right. C’mon guys, play for our lovely ignorant Italian.” Bucky sits back down.

Thor nods his head and gets up to grab more beer, “I’m in. I will never step down from a drinking game.”

“How is truth or dare a drinking game?” Steve’s questions.

Joey answers, “If you don’t to the dare/truth you drink, also often a dare can be to drink. Steve, you’re an art major, get creative.”

Thor returns with more beers for everyone while Clint and Pietro agree to join.

“I’ll play but I don’t feel like drinking,” Shuri declares.

Everyone’s eyes drift to the couch where Bruce, Sam, Steve, and Nat sit all with skeptical looks etched into their faces.

Thor whispers something in Bruce’s ear and after a second or two of consideration Bruce grabs his beer from the coffee table, “I’m in.”

“Fine,” Sam, Nat, and Steve all relent at once.

“Who’s going first?” Pietro inquires.

Sam leans forward, “Why not the grandmaster himself? Bucky, why don’t you start us off?”

“I’d love to Samantha.” His eyes scan the other players and he holds Joey’s gaze for the longest. That act makes her think he’s going to pick her but at the last second, he turns back to Sam. “Well, Wilson, truth or dare?”

Sam leans back into the couch with his arm crossed behind his head, the picture of serenity, “Truth.”

“A coward’s move Sammy,” Clint chuckles.

“Not true-” “Actually-” Bucky and Joey say at the same time. They both stop to let the other finish.

“You explain to the novice, Darlin’,” Bucky relents with a smile.

His tone is so cocky that she can’t help the tightening of her brows in response. She turns to Clint, “A truth can be just as, if not more, dangerous than a dare. I’m sure you have plenty of secrets Barton. Not to mention a dare can be used as a vehicle for truth. ‘I dare you to tell me…’ It’s a classic strategy.”

“I stand corrected, carry on Master Barnes.” Clint bows slightly to Joey.

“I couldn’t have said it better myself, thank you, Doll.” Bucky smirks at Sam, “What is your most embarrassing sexual exploit?”

Clint and Pietro make an oooooh noise while Sam rolls his eyes, “Barnes, you have a masters degree.”

“Thus making me all the more qualified to come up with the most audacious dares and exposing truths. Answer, or take the cowards way out,” Bucky responds motioning to Sam’s beer.

Sam lets out a huff of annoyance and looks to Joey. She makes a face that plainly reads that she’s not helping him out of this one. So he begins, “I’m eighteen, and this girl, Lola, who I’ve been in love with since middle school finally starts giving me the time of day. She’s gorgeous, full-figured, dark-skinned-”

“She had double-d’s since middle school,” Joey adds.

“She also never talks to other guys, never even pays attention to them and they were all trying to get with her so hard.” Natasha hums a little bit and she and Joey share a smirk.

“So finally she starts flirting with me occasionally, and I play it real cool you know, like I haven’t been waiting six years for her to just smile at me. Soon she asks if I want to go to the movies and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I like movies.’” Deepening his voice for his past self, ”So we go see some dumb 2012 superhero movie, and I’m just watching her the whole time, but she’s pretty invested and I assume it’s ‘cause of all the shirtless guys or whatever.”

Natasha hums again.

Sam ignores her and continues, “So the movie ends and we haven’t touched each other once, but I’m just glad to be anywhere near her at the point, I don’t care. She then is all,” Sam makes his voice higher as he imitates Lola, “ ‘Are your parents home? And I say, ‘Nah my mom’s got the night shift, what you wanna do next baby?’ So we go back to my house and I put on my Marvin Gaye because I knew how to treat a lady right. Finally, she lets me start kissing her neck and eventually she’s fully naked and I’m going down on her, like a champ might I add. So I’m doing it and she after a while fully fakes an orgasm, and when I look up to her to say that it’s okay and that I got all the time in the world to treat her right, she says, ‘So what’s Joey’s deal? Like is she into chicks?’”

The room is silent for a few seconds before everyone starts laughing. Pietro is holding his sides and Clint is on the floor. Even Natasha let’s out a chuckle or two.

“So she let you eat her out just because she wanted to get closer to Joey?” Thor asks between laughs.

“I don’t know how you didn’t see it coming, it was obvious she was gay.” Nat crosses her arms.

“You only knew because of my colorful storytelling,” Sam defends.

“So…” Bucky prompts, looking at Joey.

“So what?” Asks Joey.

Bucky swipes his upper lip with his tongue, “Did you ever make Lola’s dreams come true?”

All attention is turned to Joey and it’s obvious that everyone even Steve, is leaning forward a little.

She maintains a stoic expression and lets the suspense build before she smiles, “She was really, really hot.”

Laughs and cheers ring out from their friends. Nat sends a wink her way. Thor smiles and kisses the top of Bruce’s head. Steve smile is raunchy, but his cheeks are red.

Sam settles them all down, “Alright, alright it’s my turn. Shuri, truth or dare?”

Many rounds and many beers later the friends have learned much more about each other. Steve’s weirdest sex dream involved him and his fourth-grade math teacher with a forked tongue. Pietro sent nudes to a random contact from Nat’s phone, only to turn out to be her gynecologist (who responded, “Natasha I’m afraid I can’t help you with this” much to the group's enjoyment). Shuri confessed that to help pay for her school she developed a line of vibrators that she is still selling because of how much money she makes (Nat and Joey both got the URL). Clint gave Bruce a very enthusiastic lap dance, while Thor beatboxed in the background. Bruce revealed the size of Thor’s penis (with Thor’s shameless permission). Bucky revealed a hair-pulling kink, and when the group argued that was too tame, he offered up that he didn’t mind, and in fact enjoyed, being pegged. Nat was the only one who drank but did complete a dare to give a hickey to Steve, whose face turned as red as the mark. Joey was dared to act out her third favorite (heterosexual, Pietro was specific) sex position as her partner. They were all entertained as she pretended to fuck an invisible someone against a wall.

People were slowly leaving, Nat, Bruce, and Thor went first. Then Shuri and Pietro, who after a couple beers have become mildly flirty. Clint stayed for a while longer, pressing for more details about Lola, but eventually, he too heads off. The core four are left, still laughing at dumb dares and pushing each other to reveal more and more.

It’s Bucky’s turn again. They’re all on the couch now, Sam’s arm is hooked around Joey’s knees and Steve’s head is in Sam’s lap. Sam has always been so physical, and it took a long time for Joey to feel super comfortable with him, but after a while, she found herself very at home with Sam’s arm around her shoulders, or with her feet in his lap. Bucky’s records play softly in the background. Everyone is feeling lovely and drunk.

Bucky deliberates for a minute or two on who to pick, but finally with a wicked smile his sights land on Joey, “Alright Sweetheart, truth or dare?”

She doesn’t disguise the roll of her eyes, “Dare.”

“I dare you to show us your most embarrassing high school photos.”

She gasps, and both Sam and Steve’s brows shoot up.

“Bucky Barnes, those are words to wage a war with.”

Bucky lazily guffaws at her, “Oh come on! I waited all night for it to be just us four. If it makes you feel better Steve will look away.”

“Hey!” Steve sits up a little in protest, then he turns his head to Joey, “I mean if you really want me to I will.”

“Or you could take the wimp’s way out.” His dumb handsome, but gloating expression pulls another eye roll from her.

“Fat chance Barnes.” Joey pulls out her phone for the first time that night and dives deep into her photos.

When she comes upon it Sam can see the anxiety overtake her body. “How about this; as a bonding moment, why don’t we all show our most embarrassing picture?” Sam suggests. When Bucky starts to protest Sam cuts him off, “Joey can just owe you a dare, man, alright?” His gaze hardening enough to explain that Bucky should hop off.

“I’m fine with it,” Steve replies while reaching for his phone.

“It’s a deal,” Bucky nods and he notices the flash of relief come across Joey’s expression.

“Alright,” Sam states when they all have their phones out, “3… 2… 1…”

They all lay out their phones for the others to see. Steve’s is a skinny kid with a goofy haircut on his picture day, but it strikes Joey as cute more than embarrassing. Sam’s is him with a shaved head and that pencil thin ‘stache above his big goofy grin. Bucky’s is not what Joey expected but it’s still good. His hair is greasy and well past his shoulders, he’s mean-mugging the camera while flexing a very skinny bicep with a red star tattoo on his shoulder. When Steve and Bucky both see Joey’s it’s not what they expected either. Her hair was straight, either a wig, weave, or chemically straightened, they couldn’t tell. She’s wearing more makeup than any high school girl should and the biggest twist is the cheerleading uniform she has on.

“Killer… You were a cheerleader?” Steve questions, a bewildered look etched across his face.

Her only answer was turning her head away from them suddenly feeling very sober.

“I gotta say when most people talk about ‘embarrassing phases’ they don’t normally refer to their cheerleading phase as evidence.”

“Is this the part where I say I’m not like most people, or can we move past it?” She tries to come off as playful but there’s a bite to her comment.

Sam comes to her rescue, “You wanna tell Joe the story of that tattoo Bucky?”

Bucky groans but he sees Joey’s interest at the changing of the subject so he tells it, ”I was sixteen and I found an artist who would do it without a parent’s permission. So I make an appointment, and Steve is begging me not to by the way-”

“I couldn’t not Buck, I mean, getting a tattoo for a band you like as a sixteen-year-old is so fucking dumb.”

“Anyway, I was just itching to rebel, so I go to the artist and show them the cover art for this band, Shield. It’s just a red star so he does it pretty quick, and it hurts like hell, but I’m so fucking proud. Then two years later it comes out that the band’s lead singer is totally alt-right and essentially a Nazi. And he starts his own band called Hydra, that uses the same logo, so I was just walking around with Nazi propaganda on my arm. Anyway, I saved up and got it covered.” He pulls up his left shirt sleeve to reveal a large rose on his arm. It’s done well and Joey can barely see any outline of a star.

“Holy shit.” Joey gawks and turns to Sam.

“I know. I was so proud of myself for not telling you all these years.”

“What?” Both Steve and Bucky ask at the same time.

Joey pulls up her t-shirt sleeve on her right arm to reveal a tattoo of a rose in almost exactly the same spot. It’s in a different style, the lines are lighter, more minimalistic, but they’re alarmingly similar.

Bucky itches to reach out and touch her arm. He resists but the want of it rolls through him like electricity. “That’s fucking crazy.”

“I mean if you think about how many people have rose tattoos on their shoulders it’s not that weird.” Sam is quick to dismiss the looks of sheer awe on his friends’ faces.

Bucky and Joey spend a few more seconds thoughtfully ogling the other’s shoulder. Eventually, they both sheepishly pull down their sleeves, and the air in the room feels almost uncomfortably intimate until Steve says, “Your turn Joe.”

“Bucky,” she starts, “Truth or dare?”

Sam and Steve share an equally unsurprised glance that goes missed by their best friends.

“Truth.”

“Why the rose?” She leans forward and rests her chin on her knees.

“Steve’s mom used to have a rose bush in their front yard. Snow or blistering heat that bush was there. We probably got 30 different balls stuck in there. Hell, I was cut up by that bush plenty too. It seemed like a better way to encapsulate my youth than some dumb star.”

Steve affectionately put his hand on Bucky’s shoulder. They share a smile that warms Joey’s heart. She’s overwhelmed all of the sudden with the feelings she has for the people around her. She can’t tell what’s alcohol and what’s real. This isn’t how life works. You don’t just hang out for one day and feel like family. Sam had known everyone at their party for at least three years. Except for Thor, she had only met them through Sam. But, sitting on that couch any sense of being an outsider is gone. Sam used the word family and, maybe for the first time in her life, she feels it too.

Suddenly she stands and the boys look at her with curiosity. “Excuse me,” she says with a soft smile. On her walk to the restroom she traces her fingers along the walls and imagines them with Steve’s art, or photographs, and she smiles, nodding her head to the beat of the song playing on the record player.

Bucky watches her stroll down the hallway from his spot on the couch, slowly as she draws the tips of fingers on the wall before she disappears behind the bathroom door.

When she dries her hands off she looks up at herself in the mirror. She makes a funny face at herself to remind her that she’s still in control. Then she backs up and sees that tub. Oh, that beautiful tub. She knows they might be waiting for her, but she can’t help but sink back down. She closes her eyes and leans back her head. She sits. She thinks. Thinks about the job she’s starting on Monday. Thinks about gorgeous brown eyes she left in Positano. Thinks about Sam’s mom’s fried chicken and waffles. Thinks about swings and jumping off them. She’s thinking about rose bushes when she hears a knock on the door.

Expecting Sam she replies, “Come in.”

Bucky opens the door instead and steps into the room.

“We have to stop meeting like this.” She jokes and the corners of his lips turn up.

“You really are making me think we carried up that bed for nothing.

“Were you sent to come get me?” She starts to get up.

He shakes his head no, “We cleaned up, and those two old-timers hit the hay.”

“Oh.” Her jaw shifts ever so slightly as she stares at the drain.

“I’m not tired so I came to find you.” He steps closer, leaving the door open so they can still hear the music.

She nods.

“Are you tired?”

She locks eyes with him, “Nope.”

He smiles again, “Good. It’s my turn. Scoot over.”

She almost stops him, but he is opposite her in the tub so quick that she doesn’t really have the chance. She gets nervous, but it’s comfortable. His legs are bent and hers are extended and resting against his hip.

“Truth or dare?” He asks, and she observes that over the past ten hours of knowing him he never avoids eye contact.

“Truth.”

“Why the rose?” He quotes her.

She smiles, “My mom’s name is Rosemary. Mine too I guess.”

“Joey is short for Rosemary?” He tilts his head, almost too endearingly, as he asks.

“My middle name is Joseph. It’s her brother’s name, I never met him. But the actual origin story is that I was really clingy to my mom as a toddler. She always said if she had a pouch I would’ve gladly lived in it. One day she called me Joey like a baby kangaroo, and it just stuck. The Joseph thing is basically a coincidence.”

“You go by a nickname that is technically short for your middle name, which you are named for a man you never met?” His eyes are wide.

“Yes… I’ve never thought it was that weird… I mean if you think about it Bucky is a lot-”

“No, no, no, Darlin’ I’m not judging. Has Sam ever told you where my name comes from?”

She shakes her head and he explains, “My full name is James Buchanan Barnes. In elementary school Steve once read my name ‘James Bucky-nan Barnes’ and it too just stuck.”

“What the fuck? This is getting creepy.”

“You’re telling me. If I knew my soulmate was just a friend of a friend I would’ve looked a lot harder for you.”

She laughs, “I don’t know if liking the same Pizza and a couple other similarities qualifies us as soulmates.” “A couple similarities? It’s our names and our fucking body art. Two peas, one pod, Sweetheart.” He motions to the tub as he says pod.

“Sure, okay we’re soulmates.” She offers up her pinky.

A smile crawls up his face as he realizes what she’s doing and he raises his pinky up to her. They hook together and both unabashedly grin at each other.

Unsure how to end the moment he slowly pulls his hand away and says, “Your turn.”

“Truth or dare?”

“Dare.” “I dare you to tell me about the last time you cried.”

A skeptical expression darkens his eyes and he traces a star with his sock on the tub floor, “You see we never really went over this, does it count if you use a dare to ask a truth?”

“I think it counts if the person who’s asking has good intentions.”

“And is that what you have Doll? Good intentions?” It’s flirty and sultry, she has to fight rolling her eyes.

“Always.”

“Alright then. When Steve and I moved out of our last place we had a little goodbye with it, which turned into hours of reminiscing in an empty apartment and I cried.” She smiles widely, “What?” He asks, his tone on the verge of defensive.

“I just appreciate you guys. No toxic masculinity. You’re so vulnerable with each other. I’m as inspired as I am envious.”

“There’s no other way to be with him.” It’s so sincere, the love he has for Steve so blatant.

They both sit in silence for a second before he asks her again.

“Truth,” she answers.

“What is your truest fear?”

“Truest?”

“Yeah. Not your greatest, like the inevitability of death, or your most irrational, like a bear attack in the city. The one that you actually believe. The one that pokes away at you.” He shifts a little due to sitting uncomfortably for too long and attempts to lay down his legs, but they’re too long to straighten fully. He manages a cramped criss-cross applesauce and it looks even more uncomfortable. Joey tucks her legs into her chest so he can stretch out his a little more, each foot rests on the outside of her hips. He gives her a grateful glance. She squeezes her legs closer to her.

“I guess… just that I’m… I guess... unlovable.” She sheepishly looks down, unable to meet his searing gaze after being so vulnerable.

“I told you it couldn’t be irrational.”

Her eyes shoot up, “You’re not allowed to question my truest fear.”

He shrugs, “Agree to disagree then Darlin’.”

She just wants to change the subject, “Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

She mulls over it for a little while and then finally decides on a question, “What’s with the pet names?”

“What do you mean ‘what’s with the pet names’?” He questions, a genuine confusion pressed into his features.

“You have not once called me by name in the past twelvish hours of us being roommates. All I get are different cycles of ‘Dolls’, ‘Darlin’s’, and ‘Sweethearts’. Makes me feel like a secretary in the 60’s.” She finally admits.

He looks taken aback, like no one has ever mentioned this to him, “Huh, I’ve always been a nickname person. Kind of just what I’ve always done.”

“But those aren’t nicknames. Sammy, Buck, Stevie, those are nicknames.”

“Why do they make you uncomfortable? When Steve calls you Killer you don’t mind, and that’s got a far worse connotation than Sweetheart.”

“I’m not completely sure. I’ve never been a pet name person. Never called a partner so much as Baby. I don’t mind a nickname, I’m just… I’m not a ‘Doll’. I’m not that girl.”

“I think you’re right about that,” He has to stop himself to not throw in a little name. They sit in contemplative silence for a while. A song comes to end and Bucky listens as it transitions into a new one. The slow initial beat of the Temptations’ My Girl begins. “Sunshine,” he says along to the first line of the song.

“Mm, it’s a good song,” Joey distractedly responds while moving her shoulders to the music.

“No, I’ll call you Sunshine. Think of it as a nickname. Plus with that smile, it fits.” Says the man with the million wattage grin, she thinks but doesn’t say.

“Okay.” She says after a moment, “But only because of The Temptations.” She ignores his compliment.

Bucky’s eyes light up with another idea almost immediately. “You owe me a dare.” A devious grin appears below those pretty blue eyes.

She sighs dramatically, “I was hoping you had forgotten about that.”

“Not a chance Sunshine.” The name sounds right when he uses it and they both know it. “I call you Sunshine, I dare you to call me Baby.”

“Are you joking?” She demands.

“Dead serious. You’ve never called anyone else it and sounds like you don’t plan on it. So it’ll be unique to me. Not to mention you can give me the experience of a pet name more often used to belittle women. Come on. Baby and Sunshine, we’ll sound like my little ponies.” His enthusiasm burns away at her doubt a little.

“You’re drunk.”

“A dare is a dare.”

She hesitates for a while longer, “Ah fine, but only because I’m no coward. Just don’t expect me to be good at it.”

“I don’t know, I think you’ll be great. You already called me it once today.”

“What? When?”

“The pizzeria. Which reminds me,” He stands up and stretches a little and then offers her a hand, “I have something to show you.”

He pulls her up and they both step out of the tub. She pulls her hand back and he notices it. He leads her down the hall back to the bookshelf in the living room that his record player sits on. He sets to work, searching for a record in his many piles. She stands back, awkwardly watching him. She recognizes how weird it is all of the sudden, how weird it is that she lives with three outrageously handsome men. Steve, shy and sensitive, but brawny, with his messy longer locks and lumberjack beard. Sam, confident and a leader, always making the tough decisions with a flirty grin on his face. And Bucky. Bucky, with styled hair but relaxed fashion. Thoughtful and charismatic. She’s living in a romantic comedy.

It’s like Bucky reading her thoughts when he finds what he’s looking for and he pulls the record from the sleeve, replacing the previous record with this one. There are a few seconds of silence as the record situates itself. Then the familiar guitar plays.

Bucky turns to her, “Do you remember? From earlier.”

The delightful music rings out from You and Me by the lost band Penny & the Quarters. She smiles and nods, feeling tipsy and brave as she grabs his hand. He puts his other hand on her back and she holds his shoulder with her right hand. They’re not chest to chest, but they’re close. They slowly sway to the music, getting closer and closer. Eventually, he sighs, and realizes she can feel his chest rise and fall against her own. He leans down to press his forehead against where her neck and shoulder meet. It’s incredibly intimate. She’s not sure if she’s ever been this close to someone so quickly, physically or emotionally. She’s had one-night stands, but even bruising sex somehow feels less intimate than sharing a bathtub completely clothed with Bucky. He hums along to the last notes of the song and she feels his breath against her collarbone. The song ends and he steps away, but not very far. She has no idea what’s coming next.

He looks like he's about to say something but he doesn’t, so she does. “Truth or dare?” Her voice is quiet and her eyes are hooded.

He sucks in a quiet breath, “Truth,” too afraid of the dares swirling around his own mind.

She realizes she hasn’t thought that part through. She can’t conceive a good question for the life of her. “I can’t think of one. I guess I’m too tired or too drunk.”

“I guess I’ll just owe you then.” She smiles. He does too.

She takes a step back. He does too.

They both wonder if it will break the spell. It doesn’t seem to.

“Goodnight?” She asks.

“Goodnight.” He answers.

They both walk to their rooms and take one last thoughtful glance at each other across the hallway.

“Sleep well, Sunshine.”

“Sweet dreams, Baby.” She can practically feel his smile as she closes her door.

Part 3

Thanks for reading xx.

@buckybarnesxoxo 

[mrslaufeyson002]

No Longer Daddy’s Girl Chapter 9. New Friends And A Reunion

The team called a meeting in the high-tech lab in the basement of Stark Towers (Avengers H.Q). There are two labs. There is a lab almost like a hospital and a lab for high-tech research or making weapons. Loki and I walked into the elevator and pushed the button to take us to the lab. We walked out of the elevator to see the Avengers, Director and Agent Fury, Agent Hill, Agent Coulson, and others I didn't know. "Agent Coulson, could you please introduce your crew?" Tony asks, and I look towards Coulson. "The people with me who volunteered to help are Sky, Fitz-Simmons, Agent Melinda May, Agent Triplett, and Scarlet Queen, also known as Scar. She is one of our top Assassins in Shield."

"Hey Tony, where's Jarvis?" Scarlet asks.

"I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you that Vision is Jarvis. It happened while taking down Ultron." Tony responds."I've meant to install a new A.I, but I never got to it."

"Well...since Director Fury wants me to join the Avengers Initiative, I brought my A. I and I were wondering if I could install Violet?"

"Sure. How did you create Violet? It took me years to figure out how to create Jarvis."

"I had a great science mentor, and before I left for Shield...I definitely did not hack into your computer."

"I am surprisingly more impressed than upset that you were able to hack me." Tony says while typing some stuff. "Done. It shouldn't be long before she's fully installed."

"Hello Scar, I have sensed several unknown people in your area. Should I put the building under lockdown?" A female British voice asks. "No, Violet. We just have made some new friends." Scarlet says as she's typing and pressing multiple buttons on a high-tech iPad-like device. "I am going to need your fingerprints and a picture of yourself so that Violet can know each one of you, or she thinks your a threat." When everyone put in their fingerprints and took their picture, we started to talk about the mission in tiny detail.

"We are going to be leaving once our other friends are here. When we leave, we'll be on our way to Tokyo, Japan. There is a lab there, being run by members of Hydra, and they are still going along with the Centipede protocol." Agent Coulson says, looking very uncomfortable about the situation. “What's the big deal with Hydra and you guys?" I ask curiously. "For many years Hydra's Centipede Protocol has had their members trick people with superpowers into allowing them to experiment on them, promising them anything they want. They have also tricked people into letting them put a high-tech device that almost looks like a centipede on them and gives them superhuman strength. We have destroyed a lot of their facilities and labs, but they always relocate."

"How are we getting to Japan?" I ask curiously about Transportation. "We will be riding on The Bus. It's parked upon landing." Skye pipes in. "How did you get a bus on the roof?" Bruce asks. "How are we getting to Japan on a bus?" Sam asks equally as confused. "You'll have to wait and see. When the others are here, I want everyone ready to board The Bus." Coulson says, and everyone leaves to pack. I head to my room, and I start packing; I'm almost done when Fitz-Simmons and Skye come into my room to help. "How do you guys know each other?" I ask, very curious. “May and Fitz-Simmons were a part of SHIELD. I was a part of the Rising-Tide that was trying to get rid of SHIELD. Coulson found me and gave me a position in SHIELD for the skills I possess, I am the best hacker they have." Skye says with a triumphant smile. "Ok, done. I think we're meeting in the living area."

We walk out to find everyone sitting around waiting, and I sat down between Coulson and May. "I heard from Hill and Director Fury that after The Battle of New York, you survived and vacationed in Tahiti. How was it?" Tony asks Coulson, and I see that Coulson had shifted uncomfortably in his seat for a moment. "Let's not talk about that?" Coulson says as he looked down to the floor, trying to escape the conversation. There was a thud on the roof, and everyone seemed to think our other friends are there. We all head up and see my sisters, my niece, Mantis, Groot, and the other jerks.

"Aunt Galaxy!" My niece Starla yells as she runs into my arms. "I haven't seen you in a while. I missed you." I say, hugging her. When I let go of the hug, she put her arms up in the air. I picked her up even though she was 6 years old (Earth years). "Hey, Galaxy. I'm glad you switched sides. I hope the Avengers are treating you well." Gamora says, and I nod. "It's good to see guys. I'm just wondering if it was vital to bring your husband along and the two other jerks." I say, pretty upset."We insisted on coming alone, but the others wouldn't stay; I even threatened them with a gun. I got it taken away, though." Nebula says, and I start laughing out loud. "Coulson, where's the bus?" I ask him once I had stopped laughing.

"It's right in front of you." Coulson says and starts walking over to a plane. I follow him up onto the plane. There is a black van and an old red car. When everyone is in, the ramp closes. Tony looks at the old cherry red car, he moves closer to the car, and he was about to touch it. "Stark, don't you dare touch it." Coulson says, and Tony stops what he was about to do. "Nobody is allowed to touch Lola." Coulson walks us over to a lab with some high-tech devices.

"This is the only lab on the plane. Stark and Banner, feel free to come down here and work with Fitz-Simmons anytime you like." He says, and we head out of the lab and up a spiral staircase. "There is a small bar over in the corner." We walk into a small room that is separated by a glass wall. "Here is where everyone meets for mission meetings and updates." We walk into a kitchen area, and Coulson doesn't explain that it's a kitchen because everyone should know that (I mean, there's a fridge, counters, cabinets, and a coffee machine). Coulson shows us to our pretty nice rooms. "That is all; we're gonna let you guys settle in." Agent Coulson says, and Director Nick Fury and Hill get off the plane.

I finally settle in; I see Fitz, Triplett, Skye, Coulson, and Steve sitting around a table. I walk over and join them, I sit beside Fitz, and we start talking and laughing. We stopped once we saw that Loki and Tony were walking out of the kitchen area to join us. Loki sat beside me, and Tony sat beside Steve.

"Can you talk about Tahiti now?" Tony asks Coulson, and once again, I see him tense up. "Director Fury said that anytime someone would ask you about it, your answer was?" Tony was trying to get Coulson to say something specific. "I used to say that Tahiti was a magical place, but that was because I didn't know that truth. Tahiti isn't real, I was dead for days, and they brought me back to life with a drug called GH-325.....I was awake when they used machines to give me fake memories of Tahiti. I begged them to let me die. It was a painful experience."

"I was also brought back to life with the same drug after Ian Quinn shot me in the gut twice." Skye pipes on the conversation. "I wasn't dead like Coulson, though."

"I'm sorry." I said, not knowing what else to say. I couldn't imagine being shot in the gut twice. "Galaxy, Starla won't go to sleep. She said that she wants you to sing her to sleep, like when she was little." Gamora says, and I nod; getting up I head to Starla's room. "Aunt Galaxy, can you sing me to sleep?" She asks me, and I nod my head yes. "Close your eyes." I say and get ready to sing her old lullaby to her.