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uhhhyaenbyjade · 8 months ago

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How I Would Change Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (if i was smart enough to direct and write movies)

DISCLAIMER: I loved GxK, and I believe it is an entertaining movie! This is just my take on how I would've liked to see things happen, with it connecting to the previous installments more, as well as tweaking some minor details here and there.

SPOILERS BELOW THE CUT! DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE MOVIE

So, the biggest change I am adding is that Madison Russell from Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong. I was honestly surprised when I heard that Millie Bobby Brown wasn't involved in the project at all, and I feel like Maddie's presence could have really helped flesh out some of the human aspects of the movie.

The only other thing I am really changing from the movie is adding cameos that link the movies together better, as well as making some minor attempts at making the science less... fantastical. I am not deleting any scenes from the movie, just altering them and adding a few more. Hopefully, this keeps a good balance between the human aspect versus the Titan aspect. So, the movie would probably turn out to be approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes in length, compared to the 1 hour 55 minute run time. I am only going to have bullet points for the parts I am altering/adding, so anything I leave out from the movie is otherwise unchanged or doesn't have enough of a difference to warrant a bullet point.

During the scene where we see updates of MONARCH over the past few years, we don't just see Dr. Ilene Andrews in interviews, but also cameos from Dr. Ilene Chen and Dr. Ling Chen, and possibly some other cameos like Sam Coleman or Mark Russell. Less emphasis on being thankful for Godzilla's help (because yeah he's helping, but also thousands of people are dying directly from him), but more emphasis is placed on MONARCH helping with relief efforts, and the usage of the Titan Warning System we saw in MONARCH: Legacy of Monsters. Also, instead of the other MONARCH person we see in charge (who I think is Hampton, Rachel House's character?) we see Deputy Director Verdugo.

Another small change is that MONARCH isn't trying to "stay ahead of DC" here. I understand why they did that, but from my understanding of the previous iterations in the Monsterverse series, MONARCH was supposed to be considered trustworthy and the top Titan research group after King of the Monsters, especially after the fall of APEX. So, instead, MONARCH is just trying to find what answers they can give to the United Nations as soon as possible.

When Godzilla kills Scylla, we get an explanation of how Scylla was causing problems to the natural world, as well as directly challenging Godzilla for Alpha status, which was explored in Godzilla x Kong: The Hunted.

At the MONARCH school (which I really hope is a school for children of MONARCH employees, or at least a school funded by MONARCH, and not an indoctrination school), we see that Jia is a student at the school, and Maddie is there as well (I don't know what year this movie takes place in, but it takes place sometime after GvK in 2024. Timeline-wise, Maddie was 17 in 2024, and probably a junior/senior in high school, so depending on how long it's been since GvK, she could be a teaching assistant of some kind, or a senior in high school) and friends of each other. They both have visions as the Hollow Earth signal is received; Jia has flashbacks of her past on Skull Island and of her time in Hollow Earth, and Maddie has flashbacks of her encounter with Mothra, Godzilla, as well as when she faced Ghidorah and MechaGodzilla. Both of them also have the same quick flashing vision of the future events of the movie.

When Ilene comes to check on Jia after the incident of her drawing on the desk, Maddie is there, and there's a new scene where all three of them talk about what is going on. Maddie says that MONARCH is too rigid in their thinking, and mentions that there's someone who could help them.

In Miami, Maddie and Ilene meet up with Bernie, and Maddie is integral in helping Ilene convince Bernie to help.

During Trapper's introduction scene where he gives Kong his new tooth, we also have Nathan Lind and Mark Russell show up to witness the event. They are both there to say goodbye to the Hollow Earth transport team, and Maddie joins Trapper, Ilene, Jia, Bernie, and a MONARCH military member (instead of the asshole Mikael, it would be one of the G-Team members from Godzilla KOTM to add more emphasis on their death; either Jackson Barnes or Anthony Martinez would probably be the most recognizable ones)

Instead of Godzilla going to France's nuclear power plant and destroying the place to absorb the radiation, and therefore attacking the humans who attacked him (which kind of went against the whole "the Titans are the guardians of nature" thing and the previous characterizations of Godzilla in the Monsterverse), he goes to some abandoned nuclear site. I would say Chernobyl, but I doubt they'd put that in the movie due to Russia's Invasion right now. But just some abandoned nuclear plant somewhere would work.

Inside Hollow Earth, there are issues with the HEAV due to the signal disrupting the systems, but they are quickly able to figure out the best way to traverse the land; when Jia and Maddie sense the pulse, the HEAV lands until it is over, and then repeat. On their first landing, the G-Team member dies. After they find the Mothra temple, it is Maddie who approaches the glowing dragonfly and presses the button on the wall, allowing them to find the Iwi civilization.

In the scene where we first see Shimo, there is more emphasis and origin on the crystal that Skar King uses to control her; perhaps the crystal is a part of Shimo's ice crystals that we see on her back, and has strange properties due to the Hollow Earth's radiation? We also give Shimo more of a personality. When she first appears, Shimo would be curious about Kong, but flinch at sharp movements from anyone. And then when she is forced to attack, it'd be obvious that she doesn't want to, but Skar King forces her to with the crystal.

I want Shimo to have more characterization in the movie. I've seen people complain that she was just... kinda there. Like, her whole purpose was to keep Skar King from getting bullied too badly. So, by really showing that Shimo is being forced into this and that her natural state is curiosity and warmth (as opposed to her icy nature ;D ), it provides more depth to her character, making the viewers want to see her freed.

When Godzilla arrives at Tiamat's lair, they fight again, but instead of killing Tiamat, Godzilla is able to force Tiamat out like he did in Godzilla: Dominion. Again, too much unnecessary (although insanely badass) murder for a "guardian of nature". He goes into the hibernation to evolve himself.

In the Iwi civilization, we get a more scientific look at the Iwi culture. I don't understand the gravity thing the movie tried to go for, so instead I want to focus on the cultural aspect; they are similar in most aspects to what was seen in Kong: Skull Island, but there are clear differences in dress, the markings they wear, and their ceremonies. This would also be where we go into more detail about how essential Mothra is to this group of Iwi people, instead of her being shoehorned in when all we've seen previously was the Iwi and Kong's species. We see Jia figuring this out and clearly being happy at this. I would also go into them using crystals more, like how we saw with the guard's spears, instead of the gravity-based science. These crystals would be seen to have a mystic quality, explained by Mothra's radiation, perhaps.

When Kong arrives at the Iwi civilization with Suko, that's when Trapper leaves to go back to the Outpost to retrieve the gauntlet for Kong, THEN we go into seeing the lore behind Skar King and Shimo at the temple. This provides a better sense of time between Kong's arrival and his getting the gauntlet since it honestly felt way too fast.

Inside the crystal temple itself, we see the history of the war between Skar King and his ape versus Godzilla and Mothra. I'd love to have Shimo seen more as a threat, with them explicitly saying and having a longer conversation that Shimo was the one who started the last Ice Age, and that before she was captured by Skar King, she had frozen Ghidorah in Antarctica. There is perhaps slightly more exposition here, with the prophecy including not only the "Iwi from Skull Island", but "a girl touched by Mothra".

In this scene, I want to explore Maddie's connection to Mothra. In the Godzilla: King of the Monsters Official Novelization, it is implied that there is some connection between Mothra and Maddie after the scene in the Temple of the Moth. It is hinted at when Maddie has a vision of Mothra while she is unconscious during the Boston battle. I would love to explore that more, and there'd be a deeper explanation in the Official Novelization, something with Mothra bonding with Maddie since there weren't any twin priestesses like there usually is, perhaps.

This is when Trapper returns and gives Kong the gauntlet, and when Jia sends the latter up to bring Godzilla down to help.

Maddie and Jia both go up the crystal temple to the top, where they find that Mothra has a cocoon up there; Maddie realizes that this is what Mothra must have been doing before she arrived in Boston to help Godzilla (I remember reading somewhere that the director said that Mothra was likely off laying an egg during her absence between showing MONARCH where to find Godzilla and her arrival in Boston. This would work really well in my opinion, and a lot better than her materializing out of magic crystal dust.

When Kong arrives on the surface to summon Godzilla, they still fight a bit. However, it becomes clear early on that Godzilla really isn't into the fight; he has obviously been sensing the signal the whole time, so he knows that something is happening with Skar King and Shimo. With previous movies (and especially MONARCH: Legacy of Monsters) trying to convey Godzilla's intelligence, it isn't a far stretch to suggest that Godzilla would figure out that Kong is trying to get his help. Still, the fight goes on for long enough that Mothra arrives to keep them from beating each other up too much. We see Jia and Maddie reach out to Kong and Godzilla respectively.

When Skar King arrives at the Iwi civilization, the Iwi tribe uses their knowledge of the region's radioactive properties (again, nothing gravity-based science-wise because that was all confusing and likely very bad science) to try and send energy through the crystals, messing with the portals from Hollow Earth.

There is no more anti-gravity fight scene. Although I enjoyed it a lot (seeing Godzilla swim through the air and the apes use the rocks to climb around were honestly so cool), it doesn't fit with the "improved" science I am attempting to do. Another ground fight, but they go around the tunnel so they're all still fighting on different planes.

Due to the close proximity to the surface, Ilene is able to warn MONARCH, and they work with the United Nations to evacuate Rio de Janeiro, since there is a tunnel appearing there. This brings us back to the beginning, where I wanted to do away with the "be grateful for Godzilla even though he destroys thousands of people's lives every time he's on the news" thing at the start.

When Skar King and Shimo arrive in Rio de Janeiro, since Kong, Godzilla, and Mothra are unable to stop them due to the immense amount of apes in Skar King's army, there is a lot of destruction. We see Skar King force Shimo into starting another Ice Age, though again, we see that she really doesn't want to do what he says. She starts freezing the city, and the MONARCH evacuation teams there panic as they get closer to their position, before Godzilla, Kong, Jia, Maddie, Trapper, and Bernie (the humans are in the HEAV, with a brief exposition that Mothra was staying back to stop all of Skar King's apes from destroying the Iwi civilization).

This fight is pretty much the same, but the civilians are barely present, and we only see them evacuating a few people away in the HEAV. The final battle still focuses mainly on the Titans, with a heavy amount of emphasis on the crystal from Skar King's whip. I'd keep the absolute bullying that Skar King got the same, but the explanation for this is that Skar King is much older now, and his opponents over-leveled themselves expecting him in his prime.

Mothra arrives from the tunnel, and this is what distracts Skar King long enough for Suko to use Kong's axe to break the crystal that controls Shimo. Once this happens, we see that Shimo can feel it, and she immediately stops attacking Godzilla and looks around in curiosity and amazement. She flinches when Skar King is trying to order her around while he is being bullied by Kong, but with a trill from Mothra and a growl from Godzilla, she joins in bullying her tormentor.

After the fight, there is more of a delay before the ending; we see Bernie on the news talking about his podcast, achieving his movie-long wish to be believed; we see Maddie saying goodbye to Mothra as she leaves and Maddie reunites with her dad and also Josh from GvK; Jia stays with Ilene, but she has a newfound connection to the Iwi sister tribe in the Hollow Earth; Mothra flies across the ocean while Godzilla swims below her to emphasize the symbiotic relationship, and they both take a nap in the coliseum (Godzilla is considerably more careful as he steps through the city this time); Kong returns to the Hollow Earth with Suko and Shimo, and he leads the apes out of their imprisoned area and to the main area of Hollow Earth, where his kingdom is.

For an end credits scene, it'd be Ilene and Jia in the Iwi civilization, where they get permission from the priest lady to see a special part of the temple, where it reveals prophecy-art of Kong, Mothra, and Godzilla fighting against their next enemy.

Obviously, without anything known about future projects, we don't have any end credits scene for this movie. If there is another movie (I thought I saw somewhere that Adam Wingard wanted to direct a trilogy of Monsterverse movies, which means another GxK installment could be in the future, perhaps?), I don't think they'd do what many people want and bring back a Toho villain. Based on the trend of what they've done in the series so far, the next installment would include an original villain with some connection to both of them. So I'll list out some options of what I'd like to see, of both Toho villains and original villains:

Toho: Hedorah, Biollante, Destoroyah, and my personal choice; Battra.

Original: Methuselah, Leviathan, another threat from space (not SpaceGodzilla, since that'd be difficult to work out in this series I think, but maybe something along the lines of Ghidorah's family, since I think they were briefly mentioned in the King of the Monsters Official Novelization), or another threat that goes against Hollow Earth and the surface. Maybe a giant worm-like creature or burrowing Titan could be a good idea, since it'd be able to go back and forth between the two worlds. It'd provide a nice background for how the portals are made.

So, there it is! I hope you guys enjoyed it and like my ideas for how Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire could have been improved. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

#godzilla #gojira #kong #mothra #skar king #shimo #monarch #monsterverse #legendary monsterverse #gxk #gxk spoilers #gxk: the new empire #godzilla x kong: the new empire #godzilla x kong

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milfstalin · 2 months ago

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[...]

Ultimately, this story about Pakistan is more properly understood as one about the contest between China and the U.S. that pits the rest of the world in the middle. Chinese officials, we learned, regularly told their Pakistani counterparts that Beijing doesn’t see the contest as zero sum, that it’s okay to be friendly with both major powers. The U.S. does not quite see it that way, and Pakistan knows it. The result is the story below. If you’re at all interested in foreign affairs, we think you’ll find this one enlightening.

[...]

In October of 2022, a pivotal year for Pakistan, military chief Qamar Javed Bajwa finally won what he had long been striving for: an official state trip to the United States. His mission was explicit; a document prepared for Bajwa ahead of the visit is titled, “U.S. Re-Engagement with Pakistan: Ideas for Reviving an Important Relationship.”

[...]

From New York, Munir Akram, Pakistan’s representative to the United Nations, began reporting back cables highlighting “sarcastic” comments from his Chinese counterpart, who openly tweaked Akram about Pakistan’s sudden swing toward Washington. In private conversations with their Pakistani counterparts over the past year, as reported by Pakistani diplomats, Chinese officials have expressed displeasure with Islamabad for “switching camps”—rather than merely seeking open relations with both countries.

Now, with their U.S. gamble failing to pay off, Pakistani officials have become increasingly frantic in their efforts to repair relations with China, including, asthe documents reveal, by granting China approval for a military base at the port of Gwadar—a major and longstanding strategic demand of Beijing—and authorizing joint military operations inside Pakistan.

[...]

Internal reports emphasize Pakistan’s wish that its relations with the U.S. and China not be “zero-sum.” “What the Pakistani military prefers is to be able to maintain a balance between their Chinese and U.S. military relationships,” said Adam Weinstein, deputy director of the Middle East program at the Quincy Institute and an analyst on Pakistan. “They believe that if things are balanced, both sides will have an incentive to keep relations strong.”

Despite this preference, a classified internal Pakistani intelligence assessment judges China to be a more “natural strategic ally” than the U.S., with whom Pakistan is deemed to share “limited” strategic interests.

Facing such loss of trust from a key ally, the documents also show that Pakistan’s military-backed government privately promised Beijing a long-coveted concession: a Chinese military base in the key port city of Gwadar. Gwadar is a key node in China’s Belt-and-Road Initiative—the last stop in a land corridor through Pakistan that would connect China’s economy westward, and make it less reliant on shipping transit in the South China Sea.

In return, Pakistan asked for a major upgrade in economic and military assistance from Beijing in order to insulate Islamabad from the fierce reaction from the U.S. such a deal is expected to provoke.

[...]

This August, Pakistani government sources vented frustration to the media over their failed reconciliation with the U.S., lamenting the meager benefits that mending ties had brought. Government sources told the Express Tribune that “Pakistan’s reliance on the United States to secure the IMF package was not yielding the results.” This week, the IMF announced a decision to consider Pakistan’s loan request at an upcoming meeting slated for September 25, raising hopes that a deal may still be secured.

Pakistan’s private concessions to China come as the U.S. State Department has continued to publicly defend the military regime from criticism over its role in rigging elections this February, gross human rights abuses inside the country targeting the press and civil society, and an ongoing crackdown on supporters of now-imprisoned former Prime Minister Khan. That crackdown now includes credible threats to Khan’s life, as he continues to be held in government custody despite repeated rejection by the courts of the charges against him.

“We believe good governance, long-term capacity building, and sustainable market-based approaches that let the private sector flourish are the best paths to sustained growth and development,” the State Department told Drop Site News in its post-publication statement. “Our partnership with Pakistan spans the full range of regional and bilateral issues, including increasing trade and investment, strengthening security cooperation, promoting regional security and stability, building climate resilience, supporting democracy and human rights, and expanding people-to-people ties.”

The rigging of elections this February was met with general indifference in Washington, as has the ongoing suppression of press and political activism in the country. On the economic front, Pakistan’s imploding economy has consumed Western aid with nothing to show for it but soaring inflation, blackouts, an internet slowed to a crawl, and joblessness.

18 Sept 2024

#china #pakistan #geopolitics #drop site news #us imperialism #imperialism #article

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neysaadept · 1 month ago

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Prometheus Chapter 2

Emily Prentiss x Female CIA Reader

Tags: Limited use of y/n but established last name. Swearing, mentions of the pandemic and human and sex trafficking. Minors DNI.

Summary: You are an old acquaintance of Rebecca Wilson. She calls in a favor to help the BAU out of a financial debacle. This also means that the current CIA employed Reader has to consult with the BAU to make this work, and not just on paper. This has to be official, which means working with a disgruntled Section Chief Emily Prentiss. A lot.

First time writing like this, so any feedback is appreciated!

AO3

Chapter 1

Word Count: 3.4k

Chapter 2 - Why Do I Even Bother?

Emily stares blankly at you, digesting this ironic twist of fate that has landed in her lap.

Someone was joining the unit that she didn’t authorize. She could have laughed at the absurdity of it all if she wasn’t so angry right now.

And now, I know how Hotch felt …

When she joined the BAU, there was so much work drama after Greenaway left that the section chief at the time approved her transfer without letting Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner know. Emily had unknowingly become a potential pawn of Strauss to spy on the BAU.

Which didn’t improve her opinion of you. You said all the right words and felt genuine, but this wasn’t sitting right with Emily. What was in it for you? A CIA special agent had more important things to do than moonlight with the FBI. She didn’t even know what skills you had to assist the team in their line of work. Hell, she didn’t even know you existed until today and here Rebecca was vouching for you or you wouldn’t be here. Tara trusted Rebecca and Rebecca trusted you. Should Emily?

In her head, Emily wants to convince herself that both of your odd recruitments into the BAU are different. That you both wanted to be in the BAU and there was no malicious intent. But Emily only knew her motivation. Not yours.

She was trying to make sense of it. The drama in the BAU was not as earth shattering as the fallout with Greenaway. She was dealing with post pandemic political shakes up and Rossi’s mental state.

At least I got my office back and Dave’s back home…

Instead of Strauss, she has a Bailey and Rebecca and you are adamant that there was no issue in making the deputy director upset. Both of you had come to her to explain the situation so she wouldn’t be blindsided by you consulting for the BAU. It isn’t like the AG just made it happen. She just approved of the plan to start the tricky process of how the money gets into the BAU budget. Which makes sense having you on the team. It is the easiest way on paper to expedite the resources instead of having you fill out all the paperwork needed to be granted your funds – which could take weeks considering the sum required. You certainly couldn’t just Zelle the money or cut the BAU a personal check since any government official or agency couldn’t accept gifts.

Ugh!

Emily’s silence was deafening. If she could kill you with the look of contempt she was directing your way, you would burst into flames and become a pile of ash that the section chief could happily walk over without a second thought.

“Look, I know you’re not happy,” you begin to say and Prentiss’ eyes narrow as if you were a child stating the obvious. That did not go over well with you but sniping back would only escalate the situation. And you really weren’t in the mood to go head to head with the unit chief in a verbal spar. Plus, it would make Rebecca mad. You didn’t want to ruin your friend’s reputation. “I’m not that happy either since I’m supposed to be on leave.”

Rebecca shot you an incredulous look you ignore. She was not buying for a second that you weren’t happy working with the FBI instead of taking the leave the CIA was forcing upon you. Prentiss certainly took notice of the reaction.

“And I wouldn’t like it either if someone was forced onto my team without my input. So,” you relax your stance and hold up your hands gesturing to Prentiss, “you make the call.”

“Hey!” Rebecca says, wondering what got into you. “Davis won’t like this if we wasted her time.”

You look at Rebecca and lightly shrug. She scoffs at you being nonchalant about the backlash. “Seriously?”

“It’s Prentiss’ call,” you answer, looking back at her. Prentiss remains silent in thought, studying you. Her only movement was her right thumb and index finger toying with a knuckle on the other hand.

“Look, you can approve of me being here and getting the money. I’ll even sign whatever you want to make good on this. Rebecca can whip that up quick,” you say with a flourish of your hand towards her.

“Gee. Thanks for volunteering me.”

“You’re welcome,” you respond cheekily, but your eyes were still on Prentiss. “I’m sure you two can figure out a reasonable amount of time I’ll need to be on staff to make everyone happy on paper. Or …”

You shove your hands down your front jean pockets as you scrunch your shoulders. “… say the word, and I’m back on vacation. And … hopefully no hard feelings for this whole thing?”

The smile that you give her reaches your eyes, truly accepting either decision.

Emily opens her mouth to answer, her jaw slightly off center, momentarily taken aback with how yielding you were …

“And now I get to spend the rest of my night working on your damn contract,” grumbles Rebecca as you both walk down the stairs away from Prentiss’ office. She had her phone out, furiously typing away to let Tara know she was going to be late.

“Yeah, sorry about your plans.” The smile gave away your amusement. “But think about how happy your girlfriend will be that you saved the BAU’s ass.” You hip check her as you sing song. “I’m thinking you’re gonna get thank you sex for saving the BAU …”

She looks at you, eyes shifting slowly from irritation to delight. “Now that’s a good point.” She fires off another text to Tara and pockets her phone. “And what about you?”

You furrow your brows at the question. “What about me what? I’m not having sex with your girlfriend.”

“God! What is wrong with you?”

You laugh. “There are many theories.”

She can’t help laughing at that. “Fair point. But is there any special someone to celebrate with or you still flying solo?”

Now you throw your head back with a sharper laugh in response. “Yeah, no. Still very much a solo gig. Not like I’ve got time for it anyway. And don’t!” You playfully shove Rebecca when you scold her. “I hear your mind wind working overtime already. Don’t get any fucking ideas.”

“I’d never!” she replies with a shrewd wink as you both exit the bullpen to leave.

Emily watches both of you walk away with a familiar camaraderie from her office door, already beginning to regret her decision to sign you on as a consultant. Were you always going to be this loud and obnoxious? Much of your behavior had been superficial until you realized you had angered her with crack about her fake death. Of course, you behaved long enough for her to take you on and offer a quick, thank you ma’am before degrading into a joke again. She watched as you wiped your brow and breathed a sigh of relief at Rebecca, announcing you were worried Emily was going to say no for sec.

She closes the door as your laughter echoes through the empty bullpen along with Rebecca’s, wondering if she should consider reneging the offer a second time in the last thirty minutes. Silently she imagines a scenario that she follows after you and rips you to shreds for being so passionless to the plight of the BAU and caring only about fulfilling a debt.

Sitting down with a sigh, Emily rakes a hand through her silver locks before taking a healthy swallow of wine to settle herself. You irritated her, probably heightened by her mistrust of you. To combat this feeling to ensure the BAU runs smoothly, she will treat you like the asset you were. All activities of yours will be approved only through Emily as indicated by the contract Wilson would write up. Emily will be watching everything you do to make sure the team is protected and that means you will be working with her. Nothing will be authorized unless she was right there by your side. There will be no wildcards fucking up the fragile autonomy the BAU still has.

Which means I gotta get this clearance confirmation done …

She switches tabs to get to her email and starts drafting an official inquiry to confirm your credentials with CIA HR and clearance with the DCSA*.

Time to find out who you are Special Agent Whitlock.

The next morning Penelope Garcia was fully back to work with the BAU with boundaries. Lovely boundaries that kept her happy to help catch the bad guys without all the gruesome visuals and knowing she would do everything by the book. The team knew they couldn’t find this sicko without her, and she couldn’t let the team down, or know that more people would die because she wasn’t there to stop him. Or heaven forbid, her beautiful BAU babies disbanded by that meanie deputy director.

Her conscious had to remain clean. Mr. Clean clean.

With her assertive demands understood by the unit, it made for a happy place in Penelope’s mind and heart as she works on compiling data from the unsubs phones in the Sicarius case. She bobbed her head to Bad Blood, by Taylor Swift, as her screens flashed with scrolling code.

There was a knock at her door.

“Enter plebian!” she calls out with a flourish of her hand.

“I think I’m a bit higher up than that, Pen.”

“Oh, Emily!” Penelope gasps as she turns around in her chair. Even with her boss smiling, she couldn’t help grimacing “I apologize, my liege, for besmirching your good name.”

“It’s fine. I assume you thought I was Luke?”

“Yes. He was supposed to bring me my smoothie! Big fail.”

“I’ll get on him for that, but I need a favor …”

“Favor may be granted if it aligns with my virtue,”

“Yes, it’s completely legal.” She leans against the desk as Garcia relaxes back in her chair. “I’m waiting on confirmation for a consultant I’m bringing on …”

Garcia’s eyes immediately lit up. and she squeals so loudly it echoes in the lair. “Eee! New blood! Who is it?!”

“Special Agent in the CIA.”

This perplexes Garcia. “Is Sicarius international now? I haven’t seen any data to suggest that he likes to play in foreign lands. So far, he’s a domesticated jerk.”

“No, nothing like that. She’s a friend of Wilson’s who’s helping out the BAU and keeping Bailey off my back, in a sense,” Emily admits.

“In a sense?” She looks Emily down the rim of her glasses, eyes widening with intrigue. “What aren’t you telling me oh fearless leader?”

Emily purses her lips as she points a finger at Penelope. “You’ll be briefed with the entire time when I’m ready? Ah!” she points a finger up to stop the woman’s inquiry. “Not a minute sooner. But I do have some fact finding I want done. “

She smiles knowingly and with promise. “You’ll get firsthand knowledge on our consultant before the team does.”

“Ah, Section Chief Emily Prentiss doesn’t want to wait for the official information to come through and wants moi to enlighten her.” She pouts, thinking, before looking serious. She points her pink fuzzy topped pen at Emily. “I’ll only use official channels and regular back doors that happen to remain open for me.”

Emily holds her hands up in concession. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Penelope puts her pen down, satisfied with the answer and opens a new inquiry on the name Emily provide: Special Agent Y/N Whitlock.

Your feet pound the dirt surface adjacent to the C&O Canal for your morning run today. You had your hair pulled back in a loose bun, deciding to forgo the football cap. The trail has plenty of trees to provide shade, even on a sunny day.

The canal water reflects stone and tree in a still frame as the wind was barely a light breeze disturbing the surface. The only indication were water bugs dancing along the surface to disrupt the moment, small circles overlaying through one another as they ripple from middle to either side.

You are glad you opted for a light training jacket to keep protected against the morning chill despite wearing shorts. It gave you a comfortable warmth as you kept working up a sweat. Running helps to keep wandering thoughts at bay. Your mind focused on the impact of your sneakers against the soft ground, the chilly air you inhale and how it changes to a visible warm mist as you exhale. Breathing and moving. A rhythmic pattern for grounding body and mind.

Your phone was safely secured by a strap around your left upper arm as you listen to Flyleaf blasting away in your earbuds. Without thinking, your speed matches the beat of the drum and you almost forget where you were. Lost in the present. A rare gift for someone like you.

Which came to an unnerving halt when a call came through. You had set your phone to vibrate and bring your arm around to see who was calling. It was Brian.

You immediately stop running and tap your earbud to take the call

“Hey,” you pant out in greeting.

“Catch you at a bad time?” You could hear his amusement.

“Nothing … exciting. Jus’ … running. Or … was.”

You take note of your surroundings and see one civilian sitting on the edge of the canal path gazing into the water. There was another one walking their dog.

“Oh good. Here I thought you’d be getting ready for work.”

You wince, hearing his disappointment as you walk over to a bench. “Word … travels fast.”

You inhale and exhale with purpose, catching your breath. “I’m surprised you found out this quickly since you got better things to do then babysitting me.”

“A consulting job with the BAU?” A pause. “Really? Of all the things you could be doing …”

“There’s nothing wrong with helping them out.”

“Of course not. Unless you’re supposed to be on leave.”

“Wilson called in a favor,” you explain as you sit. “I wanted to help her and the unit out. Bailey’s being a dick.”

“As the director of the CIA, I’ll pretend you didn’t say that.”

“Still doesn’t change he’s being a dick.”

“Anyway … the FBI asking for your clearance confirmation is what flagged your mischief. Why can’t you just take time for yourself? You didn’t have to repay the favor like this.”

‘I know,” you admit as a squirrel scurries along the trail, looking around for anything edible. “But, I just …” You sigh, heart pounding as you try to find your words. You focus on the squirrel to ground you, watching its tail snap back and forth while its head darts around trying to keep an eye on potential danger. “Come on, Brian. Sitting still’s hard. I need … something to do. This at least keeps me in the country for a while. That practically counts as a vacation.” You could hear how childly petulant you sound.

“With the AG backing this plan you’ve agreed to, I’d have to personally override it to force you take it easy. And that would cause suspicion. And clear favoritism. We can’t have that again. So, I’ll expedite the process on getting your official credentialing approved as requested. I will say I’m happy you’re using your stipend since you barely do. This is a creative use, I must say.”

“Hey, that’s all Wilson. Make sure she gets the credit for this one.”

He laughs. “Fair enough, but you need to be careful. You haven’t been integrated in such a public team in a very long time.”

“Yeah, I get that. I know what to say and not say. Mostly not say. You worry too much old man.”

I probably shouldn’t have said anything about the whole AWOL matter in front of Prentiss …Oops!

“Long as we understand each other.”

“Affirmative, Director Korogoth.”

Yeah, Brian didn’t need to know about her first slip up.

Emily couldn’t make a dent in her paperwork later in the afternoon as reports from all levels of the FBI lab were coming in from the shipping container. Repeated authorizations were needed to keep escalating the DNA testing of the victims, whose families of missing persona were rising in numbers at Quantico. She had sent Tara there to speak with them and provide as much comfort as possible with such uncertainty. They needed time and patience before they could release any information, and Lewis was the best agent for the job of explaining this.

“Knock, knock!”

She looks up and sees Garcia standing in her doorway with tablet in hand and a grimace. “What’s wrong?” she warily asks.

“Nothing Sicarius bad, but I come bringing lackluster news of our dear consultant.” Garcia comes in and sits down, turning the tablet around so Prentiss could see. “There’s like, nothing out there about her. And I tried everything. The FBI, CIA, DOJ, INTERPOL, and O M G nothing,” she finishes with a whine. “I even tried all the backdoors that I happen to know but still … nothing! I never find nothing besides the basic info that they …” she flourishes her hands out in the air at the invisible government, “… want us to see!”

“Hold on, Pen,” Emily says gently as Garcia was on the verge of hyperventilating. She always took it as a personal failure when she couldn’t come through for the team. “Why can’t you find anything?”

Penelope pulls her lips together and inhales deeply in and out through her nose a few times while closing her eyes. With a quick flex of her fingers, she opens her eyes and calmly starts. ‘Because apparently I don’t have clearance.”

“How the hell do you not have clearance?” Emily is stunned, unable to comprehend what Garcia admitted. “You have all the clearances …”

Her eyes ran through the information on the tablet that was able to be pulled: basic physical data and skill sets that a field operative would have with the CIA, list of languages spoken that overlapped with her own, and current status as active but on leave. Clearly the request for consulting with the BAU has not been approved yet. Scrolling further, there were glaring omissions of how long you were in the CIA, recruitment date and where, notable missions that were declassified, and specializations. There was no date of birth nor place listed.

What the hell do you do for them that so much is hidden? Emily wondered as Penelope spoke up.

“Yes, but I don’t have the need to know clearance about Ms. Whitlock. All my contacts said the same thing – the BAU doesn’t need to have anymore information on her except what you have in your hands right there.” She was exasperated, still, from hitting one dead end after another and huffed, crossing her arms. “They also said nothing negative about her, but why the secrecy?”

“Why indeed …” Emily trails off in thought.

Who the fuck are you?

“Is it … ah, worth it to have someone like this on the BAU, Emily?” she asks nervously. “I mean, with Bailey and all. It’s super nice that Tara’s girlfriend thinks this woman can help, but it’s really, really, weird to find next to nothing. I don’t even know where she lives! Her salary! Not even her phone number!” She steadies her hands that started to lightly shake, clearly bothered by this unknown variable.

“At this juncture?” she sets the tablet down and sighs. “Yes.”

“Why?” Penelope asks in disbelief. “This … this isn’t a good idea, Emily!”

“She’s the solution to our budget,” she reveals. “The only one I’ve got.”

“So, what? We’ve handled worse before. We can do it again. Why are you okay with this?”

“I never said I was okay with it. Just that this is the solution I’ve got to give the BAU some breathing room that we really need right now. Soon as we capture Sicarius.” She points to your face on the tablet, “she’s gone.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. I’ll be personally overseeing her as I’ll explain to the team once this all gets cleared and approved.” She looks gravely at her friend. “And that means keeping this quiet until then. Understood?”

Garcia scowls.

“Garcia ….” Emily begins to warn.

“Fine!” Penelope huffs as she rises, snatching the tablet. “I certainly hope you’re hiring Black Widow and not some Skrull that takes us down, boss.”

Emily watches as Garcia storms out of her office with furrowing brows and murmurs. “What in the hell’s a Skrull?”

*Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

Chapter 3

#criminal minds #emily prentiss #criminal minds evolution #emily prentiss x you #emily prentiss x reader #emily prentiss x female reader #emily x you #emily x reader #criminal minds x reader

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arlana-likes-to-write · 1 year ago

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Eyes Closed by Ed Sheeran

Summary: Maria wasn't sure what to expect when she turned after being gone for 5 years. But she wasn't ready to learn that her wife is gone and her daughter is now 10 years old. But life goes on.

Warning: death of a major character (it's Natasha), grief, angst with a happy ending, Maria needs a hug, drinking, guilt, fluff

Word count: 4.0k

“Maria!” She heard her name called out and her body was moving before she realized what was happening. She was standing on the sidewalk, chest heaving and the sound of horns blaring.

“What the hell happened?” She asked Fury. There was a crowd forming around them. She hated the amount of eyes on her and the whispers. There were so many whispers.

‘Oh my god!’ ‘Are they back?’ ‘Can I borrow someone’s phone?’ ‘I can’t believe it!’ Before she could run up to a random citizen and demand what they were talking about, a portal opened and she shielded her eyes from the light.

“Maria Hill,” she didn’t know the man in front of her. “We need your help. The fat of the world depends on it.” Maria was not one to hesitate when the answer was to follow him, she never disobeyed a direct order. But she hesitated to join him. She needed to find her family.

“Hill,” she looked at Fury. “Go. I’ll find them.” Maria trusted that he would, she stood by his side enough times to believe him. With a nod, she stepped through the portal.

More portals opened around her as the rest of the Avengers appeared around her. She stood where the compound once stood facing an army. She took her gun from her belt. There were so many questions that raced through Maria’s head but two rang louder than the others - where was Natasha? Where were you?

Every time you tried to step forward your feet remained as if you were glued to the spot. It was over. You won. But at what cost? You stared at the scene in front of you as the ashes of the compound settled. Pepper knelt in front of Tony with Peter and Rhodey around her. You wanted to grab him by his chest, shake him, and scream, ‘Get up! Get up! I can’t lose you.’ But you remained standing where you stood until you heard someone call out your mama’s name. “Natasha! Natasha!” You spun around to see who was calling out of her. Of course, those who were blipped away wouldn’t know. Natasha was gone, sacrificed herself for a stupid orange rock to bring everyone back. To bring the woman who was standing in front of you back. You heard stories about her, scrolled through pictures on Natasha’s phone, and fought tooth and nail to preserve every memory you had of her. It was hard. She said your name so softly but it felt so loud to you.

“Mom,” you whispered back.

Everyone was surprised when they found out Natasha and Maria were looking to expand their family and adopt. It wasn’t that they thought they’d be bad parents but one was an active Avenger and the other was the Deputy Director. It was dangerous and hard to start a family in their line of work but that didn’t deter them. However, adoptive agencies were a little reluctant to accept them. After months and months of declined applications, they were starting to lose hope. Until they found you.

In true Avengers-style, the couple found you while on a mission to raid a HYDRA base. It was an easy mission as those that were guarding the base didn’t put up much of a fight. They were clearing out the building when one of the agents called over the coms for assistance from any available female. Natasha and Maria were the closest. When they arrived, the male agent was standing guard by the door. Natasha entered the room while Maria was debriefed. The room was set up as a bedroom and the Black Widow was a little confused about what was wrong until she heard a sound, metal against metal. The sound came from underneath the bed. Natasha hesitated to pull her gun when she saw you, a child no more than 4. “Hi sweetheart,” Natasha smiled and knelt. She heard Maria walk behind her but she kept her eyes on you. Her hands were up to show you she had no weapons. “You're safe,” Natasha whispered. “We won’t hurt you.” You hugged your knees closer to your chest.

“We can take that off of you,” Maria said, pointing to the metal chain around your ankle. Your eyes were wide and scared as they flickered from Maria and Natasha. Soon you crawled out from underneath the bed. The dress you wore came to your knees and it was caked in dirt. Carefully, Natasha moved closer to you and used a bobby pin to undo the metal chain. Once it was off, your legs couldn’t hold up your weight anymore and you fell into the Black Widow’s arms. She lifted you with ease, not liking how light you felt in your arms.

“You're safe,” Natasha whispered, looking at Maria who moved to stand next to her. The agent ran her hand over your hair and down your back. “You're safe.”

Maria held open the front door of the apartment you used to call home. It hadn’t been touched since Natasha brought you here before turning to the Avengers’ compound. There was a vague memory of the Black Widow resting you on the counter as she ran around the apartment to pack a bag. The pictures you drew were still on the fridge. Maria gently closed the door behind her. “We’ll have to go shopping for a new bed and clothes for you,” Maria said. “But we can do that tomorrow.” You nodded, picking up a framed photo that was left on the counter. It was of you, Maria, and Natasha when you were younger. The three of you were eating ice cream, with big smiles, and ice cream all over your face. Life seemed so simple back then. “Tonight you can sleep in our,” you looked at her. “My bed,” she corrected herself. “You can sleep in my bed and I’ll take the couch.”

“No,” you said, placing the photo face down on the counter. “I mean I can take the couch. I don’t mind.” Maria shook her head, walking over to you.

“It’s okay,” she forced a smile. “It’s only for one night.” She placed a hand on your shoulder and then on your cheek. Her touch felt foreign. “I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten.”

“5 years,” you whispered. “It’s been a while.” Maria nodded. You didn’t miss the way her eyes turned glossy with tears but quickly went away.

“Yeah it has but we’ll be okay,” you weren’t sure if you were okay. There was an ache growing in your chest. Each time you took a breath in it hurt. You wanted your mama back. “Why don’t you go get changed into something more comfortable and I’ll figure out dinner?” You nodded. “You still like cheese pizza.” A smile crept to your face.

“Yeah, I love it.” Natasha was surprised by how much pizza you could keep down. You turned around to walk toward the direction of your room but you stopped. Maria had a point all the clothes in there you outgrew and the clothes you had were destroyed when Thanos attacked the compound. You sighed and opened the door to Maria’s room.

The room, like the rest of the apartment, lay untouched for the past 5 years. You ran your hand over the made bed as you walked to the closet. It was like you were standing in a time capsule. In the closet, you picked out a shirt and a pair of sorts that you had to roll up to fit you. Instead of returning to the kitchen, you sat on the ground, back against the bed. With your knees bent, you rested your arms on them. You tried to keep the memory of her arms around you before she stepped onto the platform, or the last time she kissed your forehead, or the last time she told you she loved you.

“Why did you do it?” You asked about the empty room. “Why did you have to leave me?”

Maria grabbed a beer from the fridge, ignoring the artwork that decorated it. She ignored the photo you flipped over and every other photo that decorated the space as she sat on the couch. 5 years. She and so many others were gone for 5 years. The last time she saw you you were 5. You were 5 and Maria left you with her mother to go help Fury when Thanos snapped his fingers and half of Earth’s population was Blipped away. Maria leaned back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling.

After Tony’s funeral, Maria found Clint at the property’s edge and made him tell her everything that she missed. His entire family got taken and he became the Ronin to deal with the loss. Then the time heist and the sacrifice needed for the stone. For 5 years, Natasha led the remaining Avengers to keep the world in order and raised you. When the time came, Natasha gave her life for her family to come back.

Maria should have been there to fight in Wakanda, to help raise you, and to remind Natasha every day that she loved her. Taking a sip of the beer, she looked around the apartment. It was her idea to get a place away from the Avengers so they could be a family and give you a normal childhood. Natasha fell in love with the place because of the open floor plan and the balcony that overlooked the city. The way her face lit up when Maria handed her the keys will live on in her memory forever. They danced in the kitchen with no music just the two of them. Maria closed her eyes, draping her arm over her face. Everywhere she looked she saw her. Her best friend. Her lover. Her wife. Natasha was gone. Life was so unfair but it must go on.

They said time would heal all wounds. That even the deepest feelings of sadness, disappointment, and anger would gradually go away as time passed. But you believed they couldn’t be more wrong. With each passing day, the ache grew and grew. All you wanted was to be wrapped in your mama’s arms to be safe and happy. If only you could press rewind and stop her from going with the others.

You knew that meant Maria and everyone else wouldn’t be back or worse Uncle Clint wouldn’t be with his family. That made you feel guilty. It wasn’t like you weren’t happy that Maria was back. You were but you wanted to keep her at arm's length away. Your heart couldn’t handle more loss. There were times Maria wasn’t sure how to act around you. She would forget that you weren’t 5 years old but you were a preteen that could do things for yourself. It was a delicate dance you were performing and you were just so tired.

“She hates me, Clint,” Maria said, glancing in the direction of your room. You went to bed early, claiming you weren’t hungry. So Maria made a plate for you and put it in the fridge if you changed your mind. The archer chuckled. “I’m being serious. It’s like we are walking on eggshells around each other.” She took a bite of her dinner but it tasted bitter in her mouth. She forced herself to shallow and through the rest of the food away. She poured herself a shot instead. Clint sighed.

“She doesn’t hate you,” he said. “It’s gonna take time for you both to find a routine.” Maria sat down on the bar stool taking another shot. It was probably a bad idea but a few shots might help ease this pain. It had been 4 months since she turned and in those 4 months, the pain never got easier. “You have to remember that Nat was all she had for 5 years.”

“Yeah,” Maria took another shot. “I missed 5 years.”

“You're a good mom, Hill,” Clint said. “Nat wouldn’t shut up about it.” She could hear the smirk in his voice and it made her laugh. When was the last time she laughed? “I’m so sorry, Maria. If I stopped her or convinced her, your family would be whole.” She closed her eyes, feeling her throat burn as she tried to keep her tears away. One managed to escape and she allowed it to all down her cheek.

“Then your family would have a hole too,” it was almost comically at the situation she found herself in. The Bartons were her family. Laura and Clint saved her life countless times while on missions for SHIELD. “You know how stubborn Natasha...,” she paused. “Was.” She heard the hitch in Clint’s breathing. “She had a reason for everything.”

“That she did,” he sighed. “If you need anything you call me, okay? Day or night. You aren’t alone.”

“Same to you,” Another short was poured. “Give my love to Laura and the kids. We’ll come out to visit soon.” They said their goodbyes and hung up. The apartment was once again quiet as she downed the shot and walked over to her bedroom. Flickering on the light, the bed lay untouched. She couldn’t bring herself to sleep in it. There were too many memories locked away in these walls. She would come in here, change quickly, and leave just as fast. Tonight would be no different. She changed into one of Natasha’s sleeping shirts and a pair of shorts. Instead of leaving, her eyes glanced at a photo on her nightstand. It was of her and Natasha at one of Tony’s parties, the lights from the fireworks glowing on their face. She was pretty sure Pepper took the photo. “It’s been a while, my dear,” Maria whispered, tracing Natasha’s face with her fingers. “I’m still holding back these tears dealing with the cards life dealt,” she looked away from the picture and towards the bedroom door. “Delusion is here again and I think you’ll come home soon. I can’t help but miss you.” She placed the photo back in its spot and walked back into the living room.

She grabbed the bottle of vodka and sat back on the couch, taking a sip instead of pouring a shot. She felt so alone even though Clint said she wasn’t. She didn’t know how to be a mother to you or live her life without the woman she loved by her side. Finally, the dam broke and Maria allowed herself to cry.

You woke up, gasping for air. The blanket you used was drenched with sweat. It was the same nightmare that plagued your mind for months - Clint returned without Natasha, the compound exploded, and Thanos killed Tony, Maria, and everyone that you loved. It was torture. After a few deep breaths, your heart calmed down. You expected to be welcomed by the quiet apartment but you heard crying. On quiet feet, you slipped out of bed, out of your room, and passed the open door of Maria’s room. That was another surprise. For the past 4 months, the door was closed. In the living room, you saw Maria on the couch. Her hand over her mouth to muffle the sound of her tears. But you saw how much her body was shaking as each heart-wrenching sob tore through her. You’ve never seen her cry, not at the funeral or on nights when you got up to use the bathroom and she was still awake. Was she holding it in for your sake?

The floor creaked underneath you and Maria spun around to face you. She seemed startled by your sudden appearance. “Hi,” her voice shook as she forced a smile. “I’m sorry if I woke you.” She whipped away her tears. “Are you okay? Do you need something?” Wordlessly, you walked over to her and without hesitation, you hugged her. You felt her tense up but soon she wrapped her arms tightly around you.

“I miss her so much,” you cried against her, letting your tears fall. Almost every night you cried and muffled the sound with your pillow.

“So do I, sweet girl,” Maria whispered. She shifted you so you were sitting down next to her but her arms never left you. You felt her tears as she burrowed her face in your hair. You just didn’t lose your mom. Maria lost her best friend, her life partner. You were so selfish, lost in your pain and grief you never bothered to reach out to her.

“I’m sorry,” you said. “I’m - I’m so -so sorry,” Maria forced you to look at her but kept you within arms reach. “I’ve been a horrible daughter to you. I wasn’t the only one to lose her and you kept trying to connect with me and I kept pushing you away. I’m so sorry mom,” You fell into her arms again, and each sob you let out shook your body.

“Sweetheart,” Maria whispered, cradling your head and gently rocking you from side to side. “It’s okay. It’s okay. We’re okay, I promise.” She whispered gentle reassuring into your ear until your violent sobs turned into quiet hiccups but you refused to let go of her. Maria sensed your hesitation to let her go so she lifted you with ease and carried you to her room. She gently sat you on the bed. You let go of her. “I’ll be right back,” she said.

“Promise?” You questioned. She smiled and this time it wasn’t forced.

“I promise, carina (sweetheart), she kissed the top of your head and you watched her leave the room. For the past 4 months, you wanted to be alone. You pushed and pushed Maria away and enjoyed the silence of your room. Now you hated being alone. You picked at the skin around your thumb as you waited and only stopped when she returned, holding two water bottles and a cloth. She placed the water on the nightstand and sat in front of you. You crossed your legs to give her more space. With gentle hands, she used the cloth to wipe the tears off your face. The silence was comfortable unlike before when it was tense and awkward. Once she was done, she handed you the water. “You have nothing to apologize for, mjia,” she said when you were done drinking. “I get it. For 5 years, Natasha was,” You cringed at the past tense usage for your mama. “All you had. She was the one there.” You heard the guilt that laced each one of her words. It wasn’t her fault. It was Thanos. You took your hand in hers. “The last time I saw you you were a spunky pain in my ass 5 year old,” you giggled. “I’m surprised you remembered me.”

“Of course I remember you,” you said. “Mama would tell me stories about you and her during your SHIELD days. But I started to remember the moments that we shared. We colored and watched Scooby-Doo and ate cheese pizza until I got sick.” Maria laughed, whipping away a tear that fell. “I was just scared.” You admitted.

“Why?” You sighed, looking at things around the room. You looked at everything except the woman in front of you.

“I don’t want to lose you too,” you said. “I watched Uncle Clint return without Mama, Uncle Tony died from his injuries, and Uncle Steve went back in time to be with Peggy. Everything is changing, nothing is the same except the truth is everyone is gone.”

“And life goes on.” Finally, you looked at her. She was staring at your connected hands.

“Yeah, life goes on.” You whispered. “But you are here and I’m here, right? And you won’t leave.” It was an impossible request as you knew she was still an active agent and Avenger.

“I will always come back home to you,” she compromised. You nodded, rubbing your eyes with your free hand. Maria smiled. “Come on let’s get some sleep.” Without thinking, you pulled back the covers and got comfortable. You didn’t miss the way Maria rolled her eyes. When she turned off the overhead light, you turned on the night light. “Move over,” she said. “I forgot how much of a bed hog you are.” You laughed, moving over to make space, and turned off the light. For the first time in a long time, the darkness didn’t scare you.

“Goodnight Mom,” you said. “I love you.”

“I love you too sweetheart,” you smiled, turned your back to Maria, and closed your eyes. But you waited to fall asleep. Maria tossed and turned, sighing a few times soon she fell asleep. She had to be exhausted. Quietly, you sat up and stared at her. It took a moment for your eyes to adjust to the low light but you looked at your mom’s features. It was the most peaceful you’ve seen her. With a sigh, you fished a picture out of your pant pocket. The picture went everywhere with you, even in the dark you knew every detail of it. One night at the compound, you found a Polaroid camera and you figured it was Wanda’s. As Natasha was making dinner, you ran over to her and threw your arm over her shoulders to take the picture. It was blurry, and a little out of focus, and your mama had flour all over her from making pizza but it was perfect.

“Watch over us, okay?” You whispered to the picture. “And keep mom safe. Please. I love and miss you, Mama.” You kissed the photo and slipped it back into your pocket. You stayed awake, hands behind your head, and stared up at the dark ceiling. Everything reminded you of her and you felt a lump form in your throat. Over the past 5 years, the best memories you had with Natasha were late-night talks on the roof. She told you stories of the stars, about her past, and her hope for the future.

‘I think I want to move out of New York,’ she said one night. She was staring up at the stars like always while you sipped on hot chocolate.

‘Really?’ You questioned, setting the mug down and wrapping the blanket tighter around you. ‘And go where?’

‘Anywhere,’ she whispered. ‘When your mom and your aunt come back. I’m going to take all of us away from this. I’m done,’ she leaned back on her hands. ‘A nice house with a lot of land so we could get a dog or a cat.’ You always wanted a dog. ‘Kind of like what Clint did with his family. So we can be together, safe, and happy.’

‘Promise?’ You found yourself asking. Finally, she looked at you. Green eyes locked onto yours.

‘Yeah,’ she smiled. ‘I promise.’

You turned back on your side, tears running down your cheek. “Why did you break your promise?” You whispered, closing your eyes. You squeezed them so tight color danced behind your eyelids. Every tear you shed you tried to keep it down, not wanting to wake your mom. But you heard her shift in her sleep and pull you into her arms. Now your head rested on her chest while her hand drew circles on your back.

“I got you,” she mumbled, voice laced with sleep. “I promise. I got you.” Promise. A promise was a declaration or assurance that one would do a particular act or that a particular thing would happen. But what was a promise if you feared it would be broken?

Part 2

#natasha romanoff x maria hiill #blackhill #blackhill x reader #blackhill x daughter!reader #blackhill x daughter #natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff x you #natasha romanoff x daughter!reader #maria hill x you #maria hill x reader #maria hill x daughter!reader #marvel au #blackhill angst

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justinspoliticalcorner · 1 month ago

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Nadra Nittle and Shefali Luthra at The 19th:

President Joe Biden’s administration on Monday announced a plan that would eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for most birth control for a majority of Americans. Officials called the proposed rule, which affects people with private health insurance, the most significant expansion of contraception coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in over a decade. They estimate it could benefit 52 million women of reproductive age. “For the first time ever, women would be able to obtain over-the-counter contraception without a prescription at no additional cost, and health plans would have to cover even more prescribed contraceptives without cost sharing,” said Jennifer Klein, assistant to the president and director of the White House Gender Policy Council, in a call with reporters. The proposed rule would alleviate a significant financial burden for millions of Americans. The 2010 health law already required private health plans to cover at least one form of birth control for beneficiaries without any out-of-pocket costs. Research shows that the benefit has contributed to higher use of contraception, lower health care expenditures by women, and may have helped lower rates of unintended pregnancy.

But applying the contraception mandate to over-the-counter methods has been difficult. If enacted, the proposed rule would require health plans cover forms of birth control such as condoms and emergency contraception – both typically bought without a prescription – as well as a new over-the-counter hormonal birth control pill. That pill, known as Opill, hit retail shelves earlier this year, and a six-month supply costs about $90. Democrats have pushed for years to strengthen enforcement of the ACA’s existing birth control mandate, citing reports of poor enforcement and of women receiving surprise bills for contraceptives that should have been covered. A 2021 survey by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research, polling and journalism organization, found that 1 in 5 women with private insurance said they had paid something out of pocket for birth control. Biden administration officials reiterated those concerns.

[...] Some Republican state lawmakers have been clear about their intentions to restrict birth control as well as abortion. Conservatives in Congress have called for the defunding of Title X, a federal program offering family planning and related health care services. They have also blocked federal legislation to protect contraception access. Harris, in contrast, has maintained that “contraception is health care.” Since Roe was overturned in June 2022, Harris has discussed the repercussions of limiting women’s health care during more than 100 events, according to Kristine Lucius, deputy assistant to the president and domestic policy adviser to the vice president.

Harris has also criticized Republican efforts to repeal the ACA, which covers nearly 50 million Americans. Among those protected by the law are more than 100 million people with preexisting medical conditions. The law has already allowed millions of women to save on contraception costs. The proposed rule will likely have a 60-day comment period, meaning that it will be finalized in 2025, officials said during the call, making it uncertain if it would still take effect if former President Donald Trump is elected. Trump’s position on contraception hasn’t been clear. In May, he gave an interview in which he suggested he would consider certain restrictions, but he later said he would not impose any. Project 2025, which Trump has distanced himself from — even though its writers have ties to both him and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance — does support restricting some forms of contraception.

The Biden Administration announced on Monday a plan that would eliminate out-of-pocket spending for most birth control items by not requiring a prescription for birth control. This would be a significant expansion of contraception coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).