#Marvels had a lovely detail of its lead hating him

[ask-cloverfield]

I don’t know exactly when the shift started but there is a fun thing in the 80’s Spider-Man books where Peter gets more serious about photography as a career and suddenly has to account that for years he had intentionally built up the image of himself as an incredibly unethical photographer.

[snapehasppfingers]

Chapter 1 of Hate!

The Serpent

The train's scream fills the crisp autumn air, brushing through my silver locks as I let the suffocating breath through my lips. Here it goes I guess. With a humf I swing my childhood trunk over my shoulder and levitate my other belongings and make my way to my car. It's certainly  been awhile since I've set foot in this train, shame that there's still all the same divots and dents in the walls. Navigating the aisle was always a challenge, kids of all ages screaming, giggling, reuniting and some even crying. It's weird going back after thirteen years and no longer being so giddy to fully experience going to Hogwarts, and don't get me wrong I am excited but I feel old. As students make it to their cabins the train seems to still and pierce the air once again with its whistle, now I can stress out in silence. I grabbed my most recent pickup from Marlas Marvelous Books and Trinkets “The darkest arts” which has kept me in an unhealthy sleep cycle for weeks. 

Soon enough the train rolls to a stop, hissing for everyone to get off and let it rest. I decide to wait to avoid the rush and pure chaos that scurrys out of the train.  I grabbed my trunk and made my way to my first real home. 

The carriage ride was exactly what I remembered, uncomfortably bumpy and another head ache. I walked through the gates I walked through millions of times, still intimidating and grand. I immediately made my way to Dumbledoors office to ask what and where I am supposed to place my shit. I wandered through the halls like I was a 16 year old seeing it all again for the first time, the ceilings descending into grand structures, the delicate details of the halls. As I rounded the corner to his office I noticed the wall was already separated and faint voices could be heard the closer I got. He must be expecting me? No, I should wait. No it will be quick, just play dumb. Against my better judgment I decided to get it over with and climbed the stoned steps, that hopefully won't lead me to my death. 

Upon arrival the door was closed so I lightly knocked, which caused all sounds to silence and all that could be heard were footsteps. The old oak door swung open to the man himself, with his mystical white beard and moon rimmed glasses and upon inspection a genuine smile. 

“Ms. Middleton! How lovely to see you after such a long time, I have been waiting for you to get here!” He said with his gentle smile, he paused and looked at the other voice I heard who I didn't even register was there. I wish I hadn't, I didn't think I would have to see him again especially here. Severus Snape, where do I even begin? When I was attending Hogwarts I was one year older than him and I had taken notice of the only other person stealing all the good potion books and Defense Against the Dark Arts books. I was curious, sure but I never spoke with him when we would both be in the library past curfew. One night I asked if I could have the book he was reading because it hasn't been in the library for months. He was quiet and to be honest seemed uncomfortable with me interacting with him but once I broke that wall with him we slowly became “acquaintances' '. My thoughts were interrupted by Dumbdoors again. 

“I apologize I wasn't sure about your exact arrival, Severus and I were discussing lesson plans but we have covered what is needed. Right Severus?” His tone changed just slightly I couldn't quite tell what but I was more focusing on looking at him. I snuck a peak just to see his reaction, just to see if he's still the same Sev I remember. My hazel pools were only met with his endless onyx eyes boring into me, I felt my body shiver and I once again rested my gaze on Dumbledore. I don't think Snape heard him because he was still looking at me when I spoke,

“Please my intention wasn't to intrude, my apologies. I am only here asking where I shall be housed and my classroom arrangements. You may continue. I will step out until you're done.” I said with a small smile on my lips, attempting to disguise my anxiety. I kept my eyes on Dumbledoor awaiting a response but it wasn't him that spoke, it was a deep, silky and rough voice that could only come from him. 

“We have concluded our discussion, I will take my leave, excuse me Miss. Middleton.” He spoke my name with some type of emotion but I could only tell because we used to laugh when we called each other by our last names. His gaze lingering on me until he had to make it through the door, and with a woosh that infamous black cape he disappeared. 

Time skip (because I'm lazy :)

The next morning after I had gotten my rooms comfortable and the classroom at least moved into, I slept like a baby. My body ached from yesterday's events as I dragged my body out of my bed, I staggered to the bathroom and showered, making sure to take a moment to prepare for today. Today is my first day back. I need to make lesson plans and talk to all my old professors and maybe even some of my favorite old secret places. I got dressed in my simple robes with my hair in a ponytail and doc martens. I make my way to the Great Hall and feel myself get light headed at the anxiety coursing through my veins the closer and closer I get to those big ass doors. Sure enough the second I do, the only people here are the professors all eating in their “spots' ' in the front. 

“Oh my! Look who it is!” A shrill voice screeched out  as I shot my head to see who it was; they engulfed me with a hug. It didn't take much to know it was a “Mini” (a.k.a.) Mcgonagall, just by feeling her old woman arms wrap around me so tight my eyes started getting black around the rims, by her signature smell of- parchment, ink and herbal teas. Mini was like a mother to me all through my years, she helped the first day when I spilled my only ink pot on my paper, most others had the money to get more but I didn't so I remember just staring blankly at the sheet while my throat got hot and tight. She asked me for help in her storage closet and handed me a fresh bottle of ink as well as the most amazing hug a 10 year old had ever gotten.  Ever since then I liked her, which was rare, so this was refreshing. 

“Mini! I missed you so much! I'm excited to be working with you and learning from you all over again. How have you been?” I asked with the most genuine smile across my face, we walked and talked as she gilded me up to a seat. A seat by none other than Severus Snape, I mentally face palmed as I acted unaffected by it. 

“So please tell us all about where you disappeared off to after 7th year. I was so sad to hear, I'm sorry for your loss.” She smiled sympathetically, and I would find it endearing if she hadn't just brought up my fathers sudden passing in front of everyone, especially Snape. I composed myself and tried to tweak the original story which included me getting the mark and trying to find family in anything I could because I was so lost with myself. Yeah probably not the most welcoming start. 

“Mini I will happily catch up with you over some tea, now please tell me how things have been?” I smiled in a way that hopefully told her I don't want to talk about this right now, and she seemed to have gotten it. We chatted and eventually she started talking to Paloma, I turned my attention to my plate and not to the brooding man next to me. 

“ Ms, Middleton?” I stopped chewing as I felt his breath fan against my face with that question. I tilted my head so I could make eye contact but his eyes were set forward. 

“Yes Professor, Snape?” I cringed at the formality and the memory of us that would be laughing at this, but we weren't. 

“I wasn't expecting to ever see you again.” He practically yawned while saying it, making it feel like the biggest pain in the ass to talk to me. He was always a dick. I don't know why he's talking to me. I certainly don't want to talk to him. I rolled my eyes and replied with the same tone. 

“Sorry to disappoint you. Now if you’ll excuse me.” I bit out the last bit causing his focus to fail and his eyes to try and find mine but I was already out of the hall. 

Honestly I could be nicer but I don't owe that man anything but silence, he was never nice. Reasonably so I guess, when we were “friends' ' we talked about things, most of the time it was innocent and did not involve the more realistic concepts of our lives but we got into it on the late nights at the top of the astronomy tower. That was our spot, other than the library we would meet up there past curfew when we just couldn't rest and chat, sometimes we wouldn't talk at all until I lit a cigarette then he would ask for a drag. Thinking about it as an adult I liked him more than a friend but I could tell even then that he was just in need of company, and he treated me as such and I was always a second option. 

I rounded the halls and ended up in my classroom, which was all too boring and gloomy for my taste. I added my “touch” to the room and opened all the shutters and lit an incense. I knew I needed to plan my first month of lessons, so with an exasperated breath I sat at my desk and began my brian storm. My

experience from DADA while in school was average, and I always wanted to do more interactive things so I will add a defense spell course for students. As I was scribbling away a knock clouded the room with baritone echos, I wasn't exactly pleased to be bothered while i'm working but I got up and made my way to the large door. To my surprise it was Severus, he looked tired and worn out which wasn't a good look on him. I almost felt sympathy for him but then he opened his stupid mouth. 

“Sorry to disturb your time, I was sent down here to request a healing potion for Madam Pomfrey.” His gaze pierces mine as I look at him with a bored expression. I looked at him with confusion as I realized the potions professor was asking me to brew a potion for someone, not him. I inwardly rolled my eyes. 

“Forgive me if i'm wrong but I do believe that's your field of expertise not mine. I can do it, I just don't understand why I am the one doing it?” My face was plain but my voice rose with an interrogating tone. He then scoffed and sighed the biggest breath I felt on my face, which was not pleasant and I was already angry at his half assed reaction. 

“I am aware of my job, thank you. I have more urgent important matters to deal with and she asked me to ask you next. I simply don't have the time.” He said with a smirk threatening his lips, a smirk I wanted to jynx off. The audacity of this old bat. 

“That's funny actually because I also have more important matters to attend to like planning my class. So I know you're perfectly capable and I know Madam Pomfrey didn't ask you to ask me, you're just lazy. So if you'll excuse me I need to get back to my job.” I bit out at a dangerously low voice with death pooling in my gaze. He looked taken aback for a moment before the stupid smirk returned. 

“What important things do you have to do? Playing magic with fake spells because you aren't qualified to actually teach?” He bit out trying to hurt me in some sense which I had to contain my laughter. 

“You know Snape I don't really want to talk to you, I don't really know what I'm doing still. So I'm gonna return to what I was doing before you cursed me with your presence. Goodday.” I smiled and slammed the door in his face, and I smirked the whole way back to my desk. Sure what he said did hurt but I never want him to see me weak again, never again will I like or enjoy his presence.

Ok thats the first chapter please let me know what you think!

-<3

[goddesswritings]

“Can I slap her for you?” -  Corpse Husband | Part Two

Title: “Can I slap her for you?” – Part Two

Pairing: Corpse Husband x Reader

Summary: Being stuck living with the queen of YouTube drama and partying during the pandemic has seriously worn down your patience. Meeting Pokimane has changed your life for the better, making Among Us a pivotal part of your life.

Word Count: 5.2k

Unedited for now. I was eager to post. I will edit it later.

Corpse Masterlist

********

<< PART ONE

After you left the apartment, you sat in the parking lot of some random store, trying to decide what to do now. Sighing, you opened your phone and went to Instagram. Corpse was probably wondering if it went okay.

Corpse: She left the stream, thank you!

Corpse: What exactly did you do?

Corpse: She’s sending Sean angry DM’s now.

Corpse: Hey, are you okay?

Y/n: Hey sorry, I had to pack. I’m fine, happy to help get her out of the stream. I switched off the power to her office.

Honestly, you wished you could have stood up against her more often than you did. She was four years younger, so you should have been able to have the say in things. But no, Olivia was a control freak and a spoiled brat too. She would no doubt tell your parents you started a fight with her, and she felt unsafe.

Corpse: Wow, you’re badass. Packing for what?

Y/n: Um, she may have kicked me out of the apartment, and I may have left without a fight because I’m tired of her shit. 🤷‍♀️

Corpse: Do you have a place to stay?

Of course you didn’t and you really should have thought about that before just leaving the way you did.

Y/n: Not really but I will find somewhere.

Well you hoped you could. There weren’t many people who were keen in taking in a friend during a pandemic.

Corpse: Poki’s going to call you.

At that message, your phone started to wring and sure enough, it was Poki.

“Hello?” You asked hesitantly.

“So someone let it slip that your sister kicked you out?” Poki said calmly.

“Is that someone, Corpse?”

“Yes, he said it out of shock but I’m glad he did. Knowing you, you would have kept it a secret from me.” She was right. You hated inconveniencing your friends.

“Damn you, Corpse.” You muttered making her laugh. “Yeah so I ruined Olivia’s stream and she started screaming at me before kicking me out. I didn’t fight it because I am tired of her.”

“Understandable. Well do you need somewhere to stay?”

“Yes but I will find some place.”

“Nope, you’re staying with me. Come over now or I am coming out to drag you back to my place.” Her protectiveness made you smile.

“Sure, I’ll be there in a few.” You hung up.

Y/n: Thank you for looking out for my stubborn ass, Corpse. I would have never told her.

Corpse: Stubborn is one word to describe you. Cute is another.

That comment made your face heat up from the sheer adorableness of it. Corpse seriously just called you cute.

Y/n: Can I say you have a genuinely nice hand. It’s marvelous.

Corpse: Hey, don’t make fun of my hand. It takes all the heat for me. That hand is very anxious every time I post him.

Y/n: Awe I bet. Give him hugs from me. Also tell him I’m a big fan!

The easy flow of conversation between the two of you was nice. You got along extremely well and talking outside of the game was nice, since you could focus on what you really wanted to say to him.

Corpse: He’s flattered!

This was great and took your mind off Olivia and the fact she just kicked you to the curb with nowhere to go. But Poki was there for you. You appreciated her more than she knew.

You pulled up in front of her apartment building, parking the car, you got out and grabbed your stuff. Typing in the code Poki had given you a while ago, you were let into the building. Entering the elevator, you made your way to her apartment.

Barely knocking, the door flew open to reveal Poki. She looked mad but also worried. She pulled you into the apartment and hugged you tightly.

“Can I slap her for you?” She asked calmly.

This made you giggle. “I mean I would like to slap her as well.”

“We should make a plan. Hey, the group is still on, come say hi.” She started to lead you to her office.

“Are they still streaming?” You didn’t want to reveal your face to the world, not like this.

“Oh no. We ended our streams when Olivia started talking about you. She completely wasn’t respecting your privacy and we weren’t about to let her spill it to our viewers.” That was so sweet of them to do.

You had left your bags in the other room while you followed her. An idle conversation was going on when you entered.

“Hey guys, I’m back.” Poki took a seat in front of the computer, she pulled up a second chair. “I have someone special here.”

Sitting down, you saw her nod for you to say something. “Hey, did you miss me?”

They went wild.

“Y/n! Oh we missed you!”

“Don’t leave us again.”

“I’m sorry I invited your sister to stream.”

“Hey Y/n.”

The mix of voices was overwhelming in a good way. Sykkuno, Rae, Sean, and Corpse pretty much spoke over each other which made you laugh.

“One at a time, guys. You can’t overload her.” Leslie told them.

“Sorry Y/n. We just really missed having you here. You’ve become one of our favorite friends to play with.” Sykkuno said sounding as sweet as ever. That man was just the best.

“Yes, I can say we agree.” Rae added.

It was nice to hear they missed you. It really helped to lift your mood as well.

“Did your sister really kick you out?” Toast asked

“Yes she did. But it’s not surprising at this point. She’s probably been gunning to kick me out as soon as she could.” Sad truth

“Well she’s the worst player ever. She can’t keep a secret at all. I really should have never agreed to get her into the group.” Sean said sounding sad.

“Hey Sean, please don’t worry about it. She’s always weaseling her way into things. It’s completely not your fault.” One of the things she loved to do was incessantly DM other youtubers for collabs or for free stuff. She really had no morals.

“Well thank you, Y/n. You’re literally the sweetest.” Sean said earning a bunch of ‘I Agrees’ from everyone else. That really was helping make the night better.

“Who’s up for some more Among Us to relax after that shitshow?” Lud asked making everyone laugh hard. It was agreed the group would do it. Luckily, you had your laptop and joined the call and game and stayed in Poki’s living room to play. Honestly, it was so good for you.

**

At the end if gaming, you said goodbye to the group. Then Poki showed you to the extra room that used to be her roommates before she moved out last month.

“Hey, are you looking for a roommate?” You asked as you put the bags on the bed.

Poki sent you a smile. “I am. Are you interested?”

This was good. “Yes, I mean I still have to find another job since my main is still furloughing me until this pandemic gets better but I have some money saved up.”

“Hey, please don’t sweat it. Besides, I know a friend who’s in need of an editor, I may have mentioned your name and she really wants to talk to you about it. Is that okay?”

“Wow, that’s perfect. Thank you, Poki. You’re such a great friend.” It felt good to have someone there for you.

She pulled you into a hug. “Always. I am so glad I met you. You’re one of my best friends.”

This was an honor. “Don’t make me cry.”

“I can’t promise anything. Anyway, I will leave you to rest. It’s been a long night. Tomorrow I will give you my friends details.”

“Sounds good, night Poki.”

“Goodnight, Y/n.” She waved goodbye and closed the door behind herself.

Smiling, you sat on the bed. It was such a good thing that she was here got you. But also Corpse was the catalyst that got you to actually tell Poki was what happening. He was sweet and it seemed he was looking out for you.

After changing into comfy pj’s, you brushed your teeth before climbing into the freshly made bed. Opening Instagram, you saw that Corpse has messaged you.

Corpse: I don’t like being too forward but hey here we go. Can I please have your number so we can talk more easily?

A smile made its way to your face. For a tough man, he surely had a sweet way of getting to you

Y/n: Yes you can. xxx-xxx-xxxx.

The nerves jumped when you sent that message. Less than a minute later, you received a text from an unknown number.

xxx-xxx-xxxx

Hey Y/n, it’s Corpse. Would you mind if I called you so we could talk for a little?

You liked this idea truthfully. It only helped to show how genuine Corpse was being.

Y/n

Not at all. Please go ahead and call me.

Your phone rang, displaying Corpse’s name.

“Hello?” You answered the phone while pushing away the anxiety.

A soft deep laugh filled your ear. “Hey sweet girl. How are you feeling?”

His words made you want to sigh in the most lovesick way. That never happened these days.

“I’m good. Poki had an extra room I could crash in and well I might just be her new roommate.”

“I love that. She’s so much better than your sister I assume.”

“She is. Here I won’t have to deal with the incessant pandemic partying Olivia likes to do.” That selfish bitch.

“Shit, is she stupid? She does know she’s risking a lot of lives, right?” You loved that Corpse had the logic you craved.

“So she is stupid, and her response was always that it’s not her problem and that the vulnerable people should stay home.”

“She sounds like the typical beauty youtuber these days.”

“Yes, she is. She has no morals.”

“Well that’s not good. I guess that’s why her name keeps popping up all over social media. She really needs to be careful, before she becomes the next Tana.” He was right but you personally thought she was past that point already.

“It’s too late. She’s already passed the point of return with all of this.”

“Yikes. It’s good you got out of there when you did.” A soft but deep laugh was heard through the phone. The sound made you giggle. Hearing such a tough guy laugh the way Corpse laughs, made you feel giddy. “So about what I said earlier, I meant it.”

“Huh, what are you talking about?” You truly were a little lost by this.

Corpse laughed again. “When I called you cute earlier. I meant it.”

Heat filled your face and a small smile made its way to your lips. “Thank you, Corpse. That’s really sweet of you. I don’t like to show many people who I am because they will immediately connect me to Olivia, and I don’t want that.”

“I get that. I don’t show my face for fear they won’t like me when I do. All my fans have built up this expectation of what they want me to look like and now I just don’t want to let them down. Plus it’s nice being able to stay anonymous if I go into public, but of course people will hear my voice and know. Shit, it’s hard.”

“Awe, I’m sorry. I saw what the attention has done to some people, but I think not everyone goes into that headspace. Also, I think you should stay faceless if it makes you feel better. There is no rule that says you ever have to show your face. People who push you to do it have no boundaries.”

Corpse was quiet for a while and you thought you had offended him. “I’m sorry if I said the wrong thing, Corpse.” You squeaked.

“No, you said the right thing. I was just thinking. You’re right. A lot of people have been on me to reveal my face, but I never intend to. I want to be able to live my life without being swarmed by fans, or god forbid, them judging me by my appearance.”

“Which is really fucked. When I first appeared in my sister video, the comments were awful. They couldn’t understand how she was related to me, but I never thought I looked bad. But I guess they expected Olivia to be surrounded by people in her genre. It was so hard to see those comments.” Thinking back to it, Olivia had even added to it. Telling you that you should have tried to look more like her for the video. You should have worn something more colorful and put-on way more make up then you liked. But you hated that. That wasn’t you.

“I can’t imagine the things they said. Is that why you deactivated your twitter?” How did he know about that?

“Oh, yeah. How did you know about it?”

“I remembered seeing a story about it on YouTube last year. They didn’t show your face, so of course I didn’t know it was you. But I figured it out when Olivia joined the game tonight and she blabbered on about being your sister. I’m sorry you received that hate. No one deserves that ever.” His voice was calming you now.

“Thank you. Olivia seemed to add to it, as well. Fuck, she’s just the worst person.” Family definitely had the ability to be shitty. “Meeting Poki last year really was the best thing. But also joining this Among Us group has been so good for me. Thank you for accepting me.”

“Of course. You’re a natural in the game but you also fit very well with the group.” Corpse really hoped you believed him because this was true. The group had a whole conversation about it when Olivia finally left

“I’m flattered. The Corpse Husband is telling me I fit in with him and his streamer friends. Wake me up, I must be dreaming.” You knew his words were genuine because it was just easy to tell.

“You better believe it, baby, because it’s true.”

You stopped short when you heard him call you baby. Of course Corpse had used that word before but right now it felt more intimate.

Letting out a yawn you realized it was nearing 4 am. “I appreciate it.” You mumbled, feeling the events from the day seep in.

“You’re tired, aren’t you?” His deep voice was lulling you closer to sleep.

“No.” Another yawn broke through.

“You can’t lie to me, Y/n. Get some sleep and we will talk tomorrow.”

The words made you smile. “That sounds good, Corpsie. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, sweet girl.” Despite wanting to stay on the phone, you hung up. Sleep was quickly coming in to claim you. You can happily say you fell asleep with a huge smile on your face.

**

Waking up was easier than it had been in a long time. Normally you woke up to Olivia screaming at you or someone else. So it was nice to wake up to silence. It allowed you to relax and wake up properly.

Your phone buzzed from beside you. A text from Corpse is what you first saw, so you opened it.

Corpse

Good morning, sweet girl. I hope the night treated you well.

Sweet and to the point. His messages made you think he had a thing for you. Well you hoped he did but he also could just be treating you the way he treats friends.

Y/n

Yes, I slept well and for once I wasn’t awoken by my obnoxious sister.

It would he good not to live with her.

Corpse

I bet. Hey I hate to be the one to show you this, but your sister posted this on her instagram.

He then sent a link to the post. It made your blood boil.

::::

There was a picture of her, she was holding up a ripped picture of you. A huge frown was on her face.

oliviaxoxo It’s a shame when family starts to treat you like you weren’t the one to give them money when they needed it. This is my sister and she’s a bitch. For the last few years, she’s been the one editing my videos. Well I found out she was trying to sabotage me, so I had to fire her and kick her out. What a shame it is when family stabs you in the back. 🙃🙃

1,454,787 people like this

oliviafan23 Is this true? Damn, f*ck fake people.

queenolivia Sueeee herrrrr!

lovinliv Family ain’t shit. Spill her info so we can drag her.

sykkuwu Whoa, why are you spreading lies about your own family?

   |

queenolivia Why would you defend someone like that?

valkyrea You’re such a sad human for doing this. Stop lying.

pokimanelol Let’s see, none of this is true. Your sister has done so much for you and you’ve never appreciated it. Get some help for this.

corpse_husband This is sick. No wonder your name is always blasted everywhere. Do your sister a favor and stop talking about her.

    |

oliviaxoxo I don’t know why you’re defending my stupid sister, but that totally makes you not hot to me anymore. Ugh.

   |

valkyrea Uh, that’s what you got from this. Wow, you’re not worth this.

    |

corpse_husband What can you expect? The covid must have gone to her brain.    |

corpseandlivfan Whyyyyyyy Corpse, why would you stand up for her. Do you not realize how horrible Y/n is? Please tell me this is a joke!?!?

   |

 corpse_husband Well, she’s a good friend of mine and I won’t let people make up lies. So it’s not a joke.

::::::::

You were mad that she’d even say this shit publicly, but you should have known she would. She was nothing without her group of misguided followers.

Y/n

Can’t say I’m not surprised. This is so on brand for her. Thank you for sticking up for me. It means a lot.

Corpse

I would do it any day. She shouldn’t be able to get away with doing that to you.

Sadly, growing up, she did get away with doing the absolute worst shit and you always received the brunt of it.

Y/n

With any luck, she draws negative attention.

You clicked the link to view it again but instead were lead to a page that said the content was unavailable.

Y/n

I believe she just deleted the post.

Corpse

Oh, she did. That’s awesome.

It was. Olivia was never one to swallow her pride and admit any wrongdoings. That means she would never delete a problematic post, but she finally did

Y/n

I didn’t really read any other comments besides you and your friends and the top comments. I can’t imagine what her fans are really saying.

Olivia was completely okay with letting her fans attack people. It was seriously a huge mess. She fell into the category of YouTuber with the worst most entitled attitude.

Corpse

It’s good you didn’t read them, because they were horrible. I can’t believe she would let her fans do that.

Y/n

She’s done a lot of shady stuff. This is even before she blew up on YouTube. There is a lot of issues between us.

There was a lot that could be said about your relationship with Olivia and none of them were good. Forever it seemed, you had tried to make it work and hoped your sister would grow up and change but it never happened.

Corpse

I think she’s a vile human. From what I have seen and her complete lack of human decency, I just can’t help but feel she’s just not a good person and she never will be.

He was right. She would never change.

Y/n

You’re right. Hey, I have to go thank Poki for letting me stay but I also need to go back to that apartment to get the rest of my stuff. Can I call you when I get back?

Corpse

Yes, of course. Good luck heading over there.

Talking to him was pretty natural feeling. It was clear now that you were getting a massive crush on him. You had a crush on a man who’s face you’ve never seen. You couldn’t help it though, his personality just meshed so well with yours. He’d made you feel safe and wanted.

After getting dressed, you found Poki in the kitchen making breakfast. She sent you a sweet smile when you entered the room.

“Thank you for standing up for me against my sister on Instagram.” You were truly honored this group of friends liked you enough to do something like this.

“You’re welcome. I couldn’t just let her say that and get away with it. She’s done a lot to you, that you don’t deserve. Corpse messaged all of us the minute he found it and we all jumped into action. Sean and Felix were getting ready to comment when she deleted it.” She explained as she set a plate in front of you.

“I’m so honored. Thank you!”

“Of course, you’re one of us now and we will never let her get away with this stuff anymore.”

You could just cry with how loved they were making you feel. This is what had been missing in your life. Friends who genuinely cared about you and wanted to protect you from the nasty stuff Olivia was capable of doing.

“Would you come with me to the apartment to get the rest of my stuff?” You asked once the two of you finished eating.

Poki nodded. “Of course I will. You shouldn’t have to go alone.”

**

An hour later, you exited the elevator on the floor where you once resided. Your sister wasn’t home, which would be good but there was a chance she could return while you were packing. But you would deal with that when it came down to it. The two of you quickly got to work, packing your life up into the boxes you’d brought with you. Luckily, you weren’t one to collect a ton of stuff. You mainly just had to make sure your clothes and makeup were packed up.          

You and Poki would fill boxes and pile them by there door, then you would take them down to the car when you acquired a good amount. In the end, you figured you would fill maybe 10 boxes which is actually not too many considering you’ve lived in that apartment for five years.

Poki had left to go take two more boxes to the car while you finished up packing up your last few items. The front door closed, and you assumed it was Poki, but it wasn’t.

“Oh look who’s here? My lovely sister.” Olivia’s voice was flat and emotionless.

You rolled your eyes and turned to find her standing in the doorway, glaring at you. “Hello, Olivia. I’m just packing my stuff and then I’m leaving.”

“Who said you were allowed to come back here?” She grumbled, eyeing the boxes.

“Well, this is my stuff and I have every right to come pick it up.”

“If it’s in my apartment, it clearly belongs to me.” She snarled.

You snapped. “Cut it out, Olivia. This was my apartment too, until you kicked me out last night. You can’t just claim my stuff as your because you’re salty about me having friends.” She was a spoiled brat, and you were done letting her get away with it.

“I’m not the salty one. Everyone can see it’s you.” God she was so annoying. You taped up the last box and turned to her. She held her phone in her hand. “Everyone say hi to my sister. You know, the one I posted about earlier before someone reported my post.”

“Are you live?” You asked, keeping your face expressionless. Olivia would do this.

“I bet some of you remember the few videos I did with her. Well of course that was before she turned against me and decided she was going to try and ruin me. Say hi, Y/n.” A sick smile played on her face.

“I never consented to being in your live, Olivia. Please stop.” You tried to keep your voice calm so that she wouldn’t have any way to make you look like the bad person. But regardless, she was already doing it.

Olivia cackled. “Well I think I’m free to do as I please in my apartment.” You could only imagine what her fans were saying. “You’re right, Andrea, she is an idiot, and I should have her arrested.” She spoke aloud making your blood boil.

“You’re so immature, Olivia.” You grumbled before grabbing the last couple boxes and moving towards the door. Olivia decided to swat the boxes out of your hand, and they fell tumbling to the ground. “What the hell, Olivia. I could have fragile stuff in there.” You growled at her.

Olivia was just laughing. “This is funny. What else should I do, guys?” She asked as she panned the phone around the room.

Her immaturity was giving you a headache. Poki walked in and saw Olivia.

“Oh hey guys, look who’s here. Pokimane.” She panned the camera to Poki who frowned. Olivia just laughed and started talking shit until she was cut off by the stream just ending. “What the hell.”

You gathered the last few boxes, and Poki came to help while Olivia attempted to start another live.

“What the fuck, it won’t let me go live.” She growled while stomping her foot like a child.

“That’s what happens when an influx of people report your live.” Poki spoke as you both had gathered the boxes.

Olivia was frowning. “What did you do, Y/n.” She wanted to pounce at her, but Y/n and Poki were already at the door.

“Y/n did nothing, but I got word of your little livestream and contacted some friends for help. It will be at least 24 hours before you can have another live. But with the amount of people who reported you, well you may be banned for a while.” With that, you and Poki left Olivia standing there is absolute shock.

You and Poki put the last boxes in the car. “Thank you, Poki. How did you get so many people to report it?”

“Well it was actually Corpse. He texted me and informed me that she was doing a live and bothering you. He had his fans go report it, but apparently Sykkuno and Rae also sent their fans. I was going to send mine, but they had it handled. So this was all Corpse.” She explained.

Hearing this made you feel so soft for Corpse. “Awe wow. That’s so sweet of him.”

The two of you entered the car. “Y/n, can I tell you something without you telling him I told you?”

You looked over at her. “Yes, sure.” Your heart rate kind of picked up.

“Well the other day, Corpse admitted he has feelings for you, but he wasn’t completely sure if you felt the same way for him. But I mean I can clearly see you do. Your whole face just lit up when I mentioned him. So do you?”

Heat filled your face and you suddenly felt shy. “I do, yes. Which is ridiculous because I just met the guy, and I don’t even know what he looks like. But gosh, I like him so much. When I talk to him, I feel happy. He’s been so good to me through this crap with Olivia.” You admitted, knowing she already knew.

Poki smiled and squealed in complete happiness. “You two are just the most adorable people! It’s not ridiculous. We pretty much knew from the first time you joined us, that Corpse was into you. But oh my god, you’re into him. You need to tell him!!!!”

You agreed, Corpse deserved to know. “I do. But how? It’s been a really long time since I’ve told someone I liked them. Shit, I feel like I’m in high school again!”

This made Poki giggle. “Calm down, Y/n. I have a plan. Let’s get back to the apartment and we will talk about this. Rae also wants to be involved in this.”

Back at her apartment, you had jumped onto a call with Rae and the three of you talked about what your plan was for you to tell Corpse what you felt for him. Rae and Poki decided to organize an Among Us game strictly for fun and no one would stream, they would also use Proximity chat.

“So we will get him to follow you around until one of us is imposter, then we will lock you into wherever you end up. Do it then” Rae explained sounding so excited.

“Okay, that can work. Let’s do this!” You were nervous but also excited to finally do something good for yourself.

You and Poki set up for the gane and Corpse sent you a text.

Corpse

Are you joining the game tonight?

Seeing a text from him, made you feel giddy.

Y/n

Yep I am. So I will see you in game?

Corpse

Yes you will, angel.

Cue the insane butterflies.

**

The lobby loaded and it was you, Corpse, Poki, Rae, Sykkuno, Karl, Tina, Sean, Toast, and Leslie. All streamers you had grown to like a lot in the time you have been playing with them.

“Y/n, I am so happy you’re playing with us!” Tina gushed as her little character ran around yours.

“I’m happy to be here.” You really were.

“You’re sister is a piece of work, Y/n.” Sykkuno said.

You giggled. “Don’t I know it.”

“What did she do this time?” Sean asked.

“Decided to film a live when we went to get Y/n’s stuff from the apartment.” Poki explained.

“Oh, that’s gross.” Karl commented.

“I have to thank Corpse for helping.” You stated to the group.

“Yeah Corpse was quick to text us.” Sykkuno added.

“You’re welcome, Y/n. I wasn’t going to let her get away with what she was doing. Truth is, I got a bunch of fan DMs that were telling me what Olivia was doing. So a lot of my fans were already reporting it, but the tweet helped.” Corpse’s deep voice soothed you.

“I appreciate it so much. She was just being an immature brat as always.”

The group laughed before deciding to start the game. Poki and Rae agreed to text you when either of them were imposter. Now it was a matter of getting Corpse to follow you.

The group was on the Polus map, which seemed to be a favorite for everyone.

Rae

We should lock them in weapons.

Rae had texted you and Poki through the group text.

Poki

That’s the best place for them.

Y/n

Okay but I still have to get him to follow me.

Rae

He will. Just wait, I have a plan.

You trusted Rae and Poki to help you. Now it was time to admit it all to Corpse and hope he genuinely liked you back.

Y/n

Let’s do this!

PART THREE  >>                                         

[heartsofbeskar]

the red wolf

chapter two: a stolen gift

oberyn martell x fem!reader

warnings: mentions of death, a smooch™

words: 3.6K

excerpt: A few tears slipped down your cheeks, despite your best efforts. Oberyn gently swiped them away, bringing his forehead to rest against yours. You could feel his warm breath against your face, and it was pleasant, and smelled of the fruit filled Dornish wine he loved. His lips were tinted from it as well.

“Is there anything I can do, little wolf? I hate to see you this way,” he whispered to you, even though you were alone and shielded by so much greenery.

“Let me give you something,” your voice shook as you matched his whispered tone. “Before he can take it from me.”

a/n: the second chapter is here!! im having such a good time writing this tbh; this chapter is based on the first half of the season 4 episode the lion and the rose; im tackling it in two chapters since its a doozy

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The fresh air gently blew across your face as it cascaded over the top of the walls of Winterfell. You leaned on the wooden railing, smiling as you watched your brothers play below. They held wooden swords, clashing them against each other clumsily. Ser Rodrik would surely chastise them for the sloppy footwork, but you enjoyed their dramatics.

Creaking of the boards alerted you to a new presence approaching. Robb smiled gently as he came to stand beside you. He wore a fur robe draped across his shoulders, and you marvelled at just how broad it made him appear. You turned to face him, smoothing the stray furs into line.

“When did you turn into a man?” You teased. He brought a hand up and lightly pinched the skin of your cheek.

“Around the same time my twin sister became a woman.”

You swatted his hand away, but laughed. His eyes held a softness as he turned them away to watch Bran and Rickon, who now wrestled amongst the haybed. You reached for his hand, squeezing it.

“Something’s troubling you.” He didn’t bother to deny it; you had studied your twin’s face from the day you had both been born, after all. “Are you not excited to see the King?”

“I am, but …” He shook his head. “I cannot say I am thrilled with the prospect of my sisters departing at once for King’s Landing. Or my twin sister marrying a man there.”

“Robb,” you sighed. “We can’t stay children forever. Someday, this—” you gestured at large to the courtyard, “—will be yours to lead, along with the entire North. I will be your ears wherever I land — King’s Landing, or otherwise.”

He nodded, but still didn’t meet your eyes again, You pulled him forward by his hand, wrapping your arms around the soft fur on his shoulders. You rested your head on the plush surface, as he wrapped his arms around you in response, both of you leaning into the familiar embrace.

“I will come to see you often, this I promise. My heart will always be with you, in the North.”

—

Your hand was sweating as you laid it on the ornate handle of the large door of Lord Tywin’s office. It was silent inside and you prayed to the Old Gods he was out, having forgotten your appointment entirely. But he had requested it of you specifically via a handwritten parchment, so you knew that you would not be so lucky.

With a large breath in, you pushed the handle down. The door seemed to scream at you as it swung open; stay out, don’t come in here, run for your life from this wretched place all together.

As you suspected, Tywin was inside, head hung low over a parchment he was rapidly writing on, spread over his desk. He didn’t look up as you entered, though he must have heard you.

You slowly closed the door behind you, fighting the urge to flinch as it slammed back into place.

“Come here, girl.” Still, Tywin didn’t look up as he called out to you. Your hand clenched at your side at the name, but you quickly forced it to relax, taking short steps towards his desk. When you reached it, you stood in front of it awkwardly, waiting.

With a large flourish of the quill, he finally set down the writing implement, casting his eyes up towards you. He leaned back in his chair, assessing you. For what, you weren’t sure.

“Lady Stark,” he mused. “With the untimely death of all three of your brothers…you are now the true heir to Winterfell and the North.”

You swallowed thickly, pushing the unbidden images of Bran and Rickon from your mind, their young, innocent faces threatening to fester there. “My lord, I was of the understanding that the Boltons had been granted control of Winterfell and the North.” In exchange for the betrayal and murder of my twin brother, his unborn child, and my mother. You let the ending hang in the air between you.

Tywin tapped the side of his face, his eyes calculating. “Yes, it is true as Hand of the King, I have named Roose Bolton as Warden of the North. But we both know who the people of the North will rally to, if they are called. And that will always be a Stark, as long as one lives.”

You clasped your hands in front you, pushing them into the fabric of your dress, trying to dampen the sweat that collected on them. “My lord … I apologize, but I’m afraid I do not understand.”

He rose now, smoothing down the front of his tunic. Stepping around the desk, he approached you. Slowly, he took your chin in his hand, turning your head to varying angles.

“You are a virgin, yes?”

A chill ran its way up your spine. You nodded.

“Good.” He released your face, turning his back to you as he faced the windows overlooking the city, hands clasped behind his back. “Were you my daughter, I would’ve had you married long ago, but I suppose Ned Stark’s inadequacies are my opportunities. You will be wed to my eldest son, Jaime, once I convince him to quit this Kingsguard business. You will bear him sons, and they will be the heirs to both Winterfell and Casterly Rock.”

Your hands shook in front of you and you clasped them tighter together. When you didn’t say anything in response, Tywin turned his head to look back at you.

“You would do well to interact with him during these upcoming festivities for the King’s wedding. Now go.”

As if you’d be sprung free from a trap, you hurried to the door, eager to be free of this room, which felt like it had hardly enough air in it to breathe. You grasped the handle again when Tywin spoke one last time.

“And girl—” You froze, gripping the handle, breath caught in your throat, and the sudden anxiety gripped you that he would tell you to stay away from Oberyn Martell. But all he said was, “—shut the door behind you.”

—

You didn’t think you could stay away from Oberyn, even if Tywin had asked. It had quickly become a routine, him waiting across the path from the building which held your chambers. You clung ferociously onto the small shred of something predictable in the sea of chaos that this city had washed upon you.

As you tied your bodice behind you hastily, you craned your neck to look over at Sansa, where she was still nestled in the blankets behind you. Her side rose and fell softly in the rhythm of sleep. Padding over, you knelt down, pressing a light kiss against the crown of her head. She rustled momentarily among the sheets, but didn’t wake.

Oberyn was standing in the usual area, arm extended overhead to pry some fruit off a nearby tree. With a small grunt, he freed one that was round and reddish in colour — you were still so unfamiliar with the fruits that grew this far south.

Flashing you his enticing smile, he extended it out to you. You took it with gratitude, allowing him to loop your opposite arm through his. He was warm, the warmth of his skin radiating out as if he’d trapped the air of Dorne within his very body and brought it with him to King’s Landing.

He paraded you superficially through the garden paths lined with Lannister and Baratheon guards, their eyes smoothly looking over the pair of you, some giving small nods in greeting, used to the timely walks you took.

You took a turn down a hedge lined path, the green walls rising high above your heads, and the guard stationed near the next turn leaning back, his view obscured. Oberyn placed his hand gently at your back, pulling the branches back around the gap in the hedge you had found some days prior. You both slipped underneath.

The other side contained an obviously neglected portion of the gardens, some weeds overgrown and flowing out of their beds. Wildflowers had begun to bloom as well, their colours mismatched and vibrant, contrasting to those in the rest of the gardens that were tended to regularly. You much preferred these ones.

You sat on the nearby bench, tucking your skirts in around your legs, allowing the weight of the pretense of happiness to slip off, your shoulders relaxing. Oberyn sat beside you, his knee touching yours, heat radiating from the spot. You turned the still uneaten fruit over in your hands.

“You look far away today, little wolf,” he murmured. “Is it the King’s wedding?” He lightly brushed a lock of hair over your shoulder, fingers remaining to play with it.

“No,” you sighed. “Well, yes and no, I—” You paused, meeting his dark eyes. He stared back into you, waiting patiently. You wanted to lose yourself in his eyes, to dive in so deeply you could not see anything beyond them. “I spoke with Tywin Lannister.”

Something flashed in those eyes, briefly, but unmistakably. Still, he didn’t push you for any detail. He brought his hand down from your hair, settling it on your shoulder, thumb rubbing back and forth. It sat on the edge of your gown, and occasionally his skin came into contact with the skin near your neck. You suppressed a shudder at the feeling.

You finally broke eye contact with Oberyn, unable to look at him for the next words. “He intends for me to wed Jaime Lannister. As soon as he can convince him to leave the Kingsguard. Perhaps he will even overturn their oaths, so that Jaime can marry regardless …” You trailed off, shaking your head.

“What would you want? If you had the choice?” His eyes were warm when you looked back up, his brow furrowed. His free hand clenched where it sat in his lap.

“I don’t know, honestly, I … I thought I would be able to make these choices with my Father, but now—” You bit down on your lip harshly as a sob threatened to work its way up and out of your throat. Oberyn’s hands quickly came to cup your face, holding it steadily as you took deep breaths. “The Lannisters … have taken my home, my family. I don’t want to give them my future as well … there are so many things I don’t want Jaime Lannister to have.”

A few tears slipped down your cheeks, despite your best efforts. Oberyn gently swiped them away, bringing his forehead to rest against yours. You could feel his warm breath against your face, and it was pleasant, and smelled of the fruit filled Dornish wine he loved. His lips were tinted from it as well.

“Is there anything I can do, little wolf? I hate to see you this way,” he whispered to you, even though you were alone and shielded by so much greenery.

“Let me give you something,” your voice shook as you matched his whispered tone. “Before he can take it from me.” When your hands slid up to the back of his neck, you knew the implication was clear.

He swallowed thickly. “I do not want to take advantage of you when you are upset, little wolf.”

“Please.”

It was both a second and an eternity before he brought his lips to yours. Your heart pounded in your chest as his hands tightened on your face, guiding your head as your lips slid against one another.

After the first few presses, he stopped, though he didn’t pull back, your breath intermingling in the miniscule space between you. Your eyes were screwed shut, but you raked your hands up, into his hair. He gave a breathless laugh before crashing back into you, lips pressing insistently now, the taste of his sweet wine permeating into your mouth.

Firmly but gently, his lips pried yours open, hot breath pouring into your mouth, filling your lungs. You felt yourself begin to shake with the intimacy of it. It felt as if he were providing you a new sense of life itself, with every touch, every breath, every sound he made. You had no idea how long it had been.

He swiped his tongue, wet and hot, over your lower lip, before taking it between his teeth, pulling it with him as he finally retreated from you.

With a heavy sigh, he reached an arm around your waist, resting his cheek against yours, and you lamented that you couldn’t see his eyes. You couldn’t even imagine the storms within them now.

You breathed heavily against his cheek, winded as though you’d been practicing your riding. You pressed him tighter against you, turning to plant a kiss onto the edge of his beard. His free hand twisted up into your hair.

“Thank you.”

—

Your hands drifted through the copper strands of Sansa’s hair, twisting the locks delicately around each other, as your mother had taught you. You smiled as you recalled how Sansa used to sit for hours, just letting you practice braiding in her hair, happy to receive attention and affections.

By the Gods, she had changed.

You pushed the thought aside as your hands left her, and you leaned over to peck her cheek, which had been dusted with rouge. “You look beautiful.”

Sansa wouldn’t meet your eyes in the mirror, staring at her own hands curled in her lap. You laid your hands on her shoulders, squeezing lightly.

“Sansa … this is a day to celebrate. Because you are not the one marrying him.” She looked up to meet your gaze, her eyes brimming with conflicted emotions.

“But they made me marry his uncle. A man decades my senior, an imp, I …” She shook her head. “He hasn’t hurt me, but that doesn’t mean he won’t. Joffrey had to have gotten his sense of cruelty from somewhere.”

Your hands tightened where they held her. “I will never let him touch you. Or anyone, Sansa. I mean that.”

She stood, shaking off your grip. She was taller than you now, all long lines and elegant neck and the deep, irreconcilable sadness of her eyes.

You wondered if she saw that in yours, too.

“And what if you’re not there?”

You wanted to tell her that you always would be, that no force of man or the Gods could take you from her. But the words caught in your throat. The words your mother and father had told you, as well. Words that had proven not to be true, in the end.

A knock on the door from Shae saved you from the moment. She escorted you out into the bright southern morning. Everyone you passed seemed to have an extra bounce in their step, an extra swing to their arms, extra wide smiles on their faces. Apparently it didn’t matter how awful the King was, if there was still a wedding to throw.

You had to admit the attitude was infectious. And a well needed relief, after the months you had spent waking in terror, your dreams filled with your sister being married to King Joffrey, irreversibly tied to him by the laws of Gods and men.

The King’s breakfast was being held in the gardens, in full bloom now and having been prepared for weeks for this event. A long table sat as the clear focal piece of the area; Tywin, Cersei, and Cersei’s young son Tommen sat there already. Cersei and her father were discussing something in a low voice, despite the loud levels of ambient noise.

A chill shot down your spine as Tywin’s sharp eyes fell upon you, and you looked away quickly.

“This way, my lady,” Shae urged Sansa towards the direction of the King’s table, and you gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as she left your side.

It was clear the breakfast would not be starting until the King arrived, so you wandered the elaborately decorated area.

Everything seemed to drip in gold, the sheer grandeur of it all overwhelming to your eyes. Tables were laden with every type of fruit and cheese you’d seen since arriving in King’s Landing, and some you hadn’t seen. You spotted one of the red, sweet fruits that Oberyn had picked for you the other day.

“Lady Stark.” Jaime Lannister approached where you stood, hands awkwardly clasping behind his back. You’d heard the rumours from the maids that he’d returned from captivity with one less hand. You hoped Robb had been the one to take it.

“My lord,” you greeted, giving a shallow curtsy. You weren’t exactly sure what the appropriate address was for a man who was not your betrothed but likely would be once he bent to his father’s will.

“Are you enjoying the … uh …” He swallowed. He gestured with one hand — a flesh one — to the surroundings. “... festivities?”

You nodded. “Yes, it’s all very beautiful. You must be very happy to be here to see the King marry.” You knew the words came out somewhat clipped, tense, but you could do little to smooth them.

“I— well yes, it’s been…” He trailed off, clearing his throat. His eyes shifted around the area, seeming like they didn’t want to settle on you where you stood. “I … I know this is no consolation, but I admired your mother. She was a strong woman. A strong mother.”

Swallowing thickly, you cast your eyes down to the table, hand clenching at your side, eyes burning suddenly with the weight of his words.

He started to flounder, obviously putting together that this was not the right thing to say, but before he could sputter himself into a frenzy, a warm hand slid over the small of your back.

“Lady Stark, I was in search of your company.” Oberyn was there, his hand a steady weight against you, reassuring. “If you will excuse me, Ser Jaime.” He flashed a dashing smile at Jaime, who nodded eagerly for relief.

“Thank you,” you sighed, as he led you away from the buffet table. He stopped you once you’d reached a round dining table, which you assumed he’d been seated at. Turning you slightly, he placed a hand to your cheek, looking at you intently. Heat rose to your face as you wondered who was watching.

“Was he bothering you?” he asked, his voice impossibly low.

You shook your head, eyes unable to tear away from his. “No, no, he was just … no.”

For a moment you both stood there, unable to move, until a serving aide passed close by, snapping the tension like a matchstick. Oberyn’s hand left you, pulling out a chair for you. He sat beside you, posture relaxed as he poured goblets of wine, the sweet aroma wafting from the cups. He placed one in front of you, noticing your brief hesitation.

“Do you drink wine?” He smirked, watching as you held it beneath your nose.

“I have tried it, but …” You eyed the contents. It was dark in colour, so rich you couldn’t see through the liquid to the bottom of the cup. “At feasts in Winterfell. I always thought it tasted vile.”

He laughed at that, his head thrown back, and you admired the column of his neck, the golden skin, the muscles you could see move beneath the skin, the smattering of stubble that came down from his beard. You wanted to run your lips up it.

“Try it,” he insisted, bringing his own goblet to his lips. “They do not know how to make wine in the North. A Dornish wine will change your life.”

You smiled at him over your cup, raising it to taste the drink. Sweetness bloomed on your tongue, filling your mouth with tastes of fruits you’d had and fruits you never could have imagined. Heat seemed to follow its trail down your throat.

“Do you like it?” He smiled at you. His hand casually reached up, trailing up and down your arm.

“Oberyn …” You eyed his hand wearily. You couldn’t bring yourself to push it away, but you knew it was too bold of him to touch you so knowingly in the open. At the King’s wedding breakfast, no less.

He was interrupted in whatever he was going to say by the arrival of the King, who settled at the head table, where Tyrion had joined Sansa. A line of lords, ladies, and nobles brought forth gifts of all kinds. Oberyn rested his arm on the back of your chair. A goblet from Mace Tyrell, graciously accepted. A book from Tyrion, which Joffrey scoffed at.

You could feel the tension roll off of Oberyn in waves as the Mountain approached the table. You placed a hand on his thigh underneath the table, where no one could see, squeezing there. He carried a sword, which he placed on the head table. Tywin stood.

“One of only two Valyrian steel swords in the capital, your Grace, freshly forged in your honour.”

Valyrian steel. Freshly forged.

The words were ringing in your head as Joffrey excitedly unsheathed the sword, swinging it wildly.

“Such a great sword should have a name. What should I call her?”

Calls came out from the crowd around you.

“Stormbringer!”

“Terminus!”

“Widow’s Wail!”

“Wolfsbane!”

Your breathing was heavy.

Joffrey smirked. “Widow’s Wail. I like that. Every time I use it, it’ll be cutting off Ned Stark’s head all over again.”

You shut your eyes, hand unintentionally grasping tighter onto Oberyn’s leg. He gently pried your fingers off, and you turned to apologize, but he just flipped your hand over, intertwining your fingers, hidden under the table covering.

And as you looked at him, you thought you could see that same irreconcilable sadness in his eyes, too.

—

taglist: @asta-lily @pedrostories @rpcvliz @xsadderdazeforeverx @elinedjarin @qhbr2013 @punkerthanpascal

[mcmusing]

Hurry, team! Mainstream Media is making a monumental massacre of mental health!

In my last post, I spotlighted the leading lady of the First Family of Superheroes, Jessica Alba's Sue Storm-Richards. Now, the time has come to defend the rest of her team along with their films, Fantastic Four 2005 and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer 2007.

These are not the only superhero films with which I find favorable elements while the rest of fandom loathes them with extreme prejudice. A good example of this is Batman and Robin 1997. In no way is that film high art, but it achieves what the gritty films of today grossly lack. It has entertainment value. It's not as serious as its prior two films and that is made evident upfront by the tone. It's colorful, jokes around, makes fun of itself- I often re-watch my favorite part, the bat credit card (no, your eyes do not deceive). The villains catch a lot of flack for their- obviously intentional- corny humor. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Mr. Freeze still gets the worst of it. However, all dialogue issues fall on the script much more than the actors. Arnold "Terminator" Schwarzenegger could have pulled off a very intimidating ice foe were he not directed to do otherwise.

Another is Daredevil 2003. I admit that the script could have been much better, but I loved every second of seeing Ben Affleck on screen. Some nice RL foreshadowing to him becoming my favorite version of 21st century Batman. They also had a black villain who was not raced-swapped for pandering. The Kingpin was originally meant to be black, but Stan Lee did not want to be offensive. Ugh, that's just like a civil rights era white man- lynching, torching, empathizing.....

In the case of the Fantastic Four films, I maintain that the continued hate spewed in their direction is criminally overblown. Especially since the only complaint the Marvel Mafia has a leg to stand on is the lack of action scenes. Something that is more than compensated by characterization and surprising cliche avoidance.

Ioan Grufford is elastic

Admittedly, on first viewing, I wasn't all that impressed by Ioan as Reed Richards. With continued re-watches, though, I can't picture anyone else in the role. Comic book Reed is usually so socially clueless that some readers interpret him as a jerk. In the films, Reed is not the first guy you would appoint leader. He has an uncanny scientific mind, but he's suffered a lot of setbacks, has little confidence, retreats into his work at the detriment of sorting through his emotions, and is capable of near fatal miscalculations. He's intimidated by his college rival and mission benefactor, Victor Von Doom. Worse, Victor is with his ex-girlfriend. Reed wants Sue back, but again, awkward social issues and low self-esteem get in the way.

Of course, he also has good points.

Due to how meticulous he is with research and development, he focuses on perfection and misses out on profit. When the space mission goes terribly wrong, we see why he takes the time to overanalyze every detail before making a single move. Once Ben is changed into the Thing, Reed is wrecked with guilt and obsesses on how to reverse the damage. Reed isn't demonized for his errors or made to be enslaved to his own ego. His integrity seems greater than his intellect. He's a genius yet still a flawed man.

Reed's heroism begins when he moves the Storms into his and Ben's place. He accepts full responsibility for his best friend's transformation and wants to fix it (No, no, no, Reed, what are you doing? If you cause your most loyal friend's physical impairment and loss of the woman he loves, you're supposed to transfer the blame and join the nearest evil faction. Everybody knows that!). Reed's quest takes priority over his own health to the point of using himself as a guinea pig. When the team is endangered by Victor, there's a boost in Reed's confidence. No longer seeing himself as inferior to his rival, the newly minted Mr. Fantastic comes up with the way to defeat him. He even proposes to Sue. His loyalty, devotion, knowledge, and bravery make him the best choice to lead the Fantastic Four.

In Silver Surfer, Reed is still a bit on the oblivious and awkward side but not to an egregious degree. Though still a workaholic (it's a superhero thing), his ability to get in touch with his emotions has improved. At one point, his upcoming marriage to Sue dawns on him so intensely, he all but collapses on Ben, who basically has to carry the hazy elastic man (Ben, what do you think you're doing? Your burdened leader and best bro needs support and you're giving it to him instead of mocking his emotional issues?? Yeah, when you guys get a sec, there's another super powered team over in Westchester that would like a word with you). Reed's relationship with Johnny is better, too as he eagerly shows his little brother-in-law his new inventions and indulges his request for a bachelor party

The take-charge man Sue wanted is definitely there. When Johnny is reckless during a mission, Reed- who usually defends the youngest team member- reprimands and clearly has an effect on the brazen boy. When the military that asked for the Four's help gets snide one too many times, Reed nonchalantly dresses him down in front of everyone. He demands respect for his team and the general grudgingly complies. It's a genuine empowering moment that demonstrates the fact that naturally nice, non-antagonistic people are NOT submissive weaklings.

Jessica Alba can fade from sight

Since I've already emphasized the greatness that is Sue Storm-Richards, this won't be too long. I love how one of her heroic feats is dismantling romantic drama cliches- something surprisingly prevalent in superhero media. Yes, she's dating her ex-boyfriend's rival, but Reed had no idea Sue was working for Victor, let alone seeing him. Clearly, she hadn't been rubbing Reed's face in it. After Victor proposes, Sue is very uncomfortable and breaks up with him after the space mission. She warms up to Reed and drops her passive aggression to talk and work things out with him.

Not a lot is disclosed about the Storm siblings' past, but the sequel alludes to it being comic accurate. Sue has to be more of a mother than sister to Johnny and it causes them to butt heads at times. The two are obviously close. Johnny even works for Sue and Victor. When he receives literal fire powers, Sue becomes protective of her already impulsive brother.

The Invisible Woman has something of a loving brother-sister dynamic with Ben also. Despite her issues with Reed, Sue is glad to see and work with Ben again. Among the Four, the two of them seem to get along best.

After her powers massively advanced, Sue became more of an asset to the team. In-between planning her wedding. Unlike pretty much every other superheroine, Sue doesn't play make-believe Xena 24/7. Crime-fighting is important to her, but she's still a person- a *woman* even! She wants to marry Reed and produce beautiful genius babies with him. And God bless her for it.

When they found the Silver Surfer, the empathetic Sue is the one able to appeal to the space traveler's better nature. Good thing because he restore her after she died a heroic death. A situation she walked away from with a reaffirmed commitment to the Four and desire to wed Reed. HOW is Sue Storm-Richards a legit beautiful golden-haired celebrity yet packs more humility and selflessness than Raven Xavier??! I guess that's the difference between the girl who came from tragedy and the spoiled rich blue brat.

Chris Evans is the Human Torch

(😡And absolutely no one else😤)

Good golly, casting director- what lucky star were you born under?? Chris Evans IS the one and only flesh-made-fire, Jonathan Storm. His look (get this, he's white and blonde! I was blown away, too) and characterization not only gets Johnny to the letter but provides most of the levity and fun filled moments in the films.

Very much like his comic book counterpoint, Johnny is the youngest and most childlike member of the team. He's around 19-20 years old in the films. His lowkey hyper intelligence is made evident hy the fact that he's employed by Victor and co-pilots the shuttle with Ben. However, his brilliance is well-cloaked by his hedonistic nature. He sneaks girls into company flight simulators, loves extreme sports, never takes a situation too seriously, and is simultaneously an attention-seeker yet attention-grabber. Chris portrays it all without making him annoying to have on screen.

While Sue tends to rain on his brand of fun, Johnny undoubtedly loves and respects his big sister. Not only do they work together, he's Sue's first-choice pick to pilot the shuttle. It can be inferred that Sue prefers to keep Johnny in her line of sight while Johnny has an excuse for staying in proximity to the most constant person in his life. As Sue is towards him, Johnny can get protective towards her. He expresses that he doesn't want Reed trying to get back together with his sister. None of Johnny's animosity towards Reed is genuine. He's simply Team Sue.

The director's cut- my firm canon cut-  gives us more insight into Johnny. In particular, his relationships with the older males in his life. It's obvious why the wealthy, seemingly cool and spoiling Victor is his initial preference for a brother-in-law. It's Ben Grimm, his former commanding officer at NASA, who Johnny seeks out most. For all things prank and general taunting related. The two couldn't be more different with Johnny as the immature fly-boy and Ben as the much older serious pilot. Still, there's some underlying special affection between them also. Reed is somewhat the middle-ground between lenient Victor and stern Ben.  Even though Johnny's not too fond of him since the breakup with Sue, Reed has nothing against him. He tries to mediate between the boy and Ben, claiming Johnny is merely full of youthful exuberance. When Johnny crosses the line, Reed does make an effort to rein him in.

After being hit by the cosmic rays, Johnny's reaction to brand new super powers is probably the most realistic. He uses his fire to make a sideshow of himself, pick up women, compete in sports, and anything else to gain as many onlookers as possible. He is the only one who doesn't want the powers reversed and exercises his Human Torch abilities to the max. Of interesting note, Johnny assigns the team's codenames. He calls Reed Mr. Fantastic but makes a crude joke about his 'anatomy' to deflect from the sweet gesture. He referred to his sister as the Invisible 'Girl' at first, annoying Sue and providing a funny comic reference. Picking the Thing for Ben resulted in a very crushed car for the cheeky boy. Bonus points for Sue scolding her brother before going to calm Ben, leaving Johnny to Reed. Don't cross your big sis, John Boy.

When the Storms get into a fight over Johnny making a degrading spectacle of himself, Johnny accuses her of treating him like a little boy and being too overbearing. He declares he wants to live his own life and huffs off. Following this, there is absolutely zero communication between the two for ten years. Johnny became a hardened, heroic freedom fighter for oppressed younger siblings everywhere while a devastated Sue grew too depressed to- of course, I'm kidding. Yeah, the brother she practically raised just flat-out abandoned her after one fight, resulting in a decade long estrangement. That is the stupidest, most forced, elaborate excuse to divide a family I've ever heard. What's next? The Human Torch goes insane with his fire powers, remembers his father's failures and mother's car accident, and kills Reed during a contrived outburst? Come on, no comic book franchise could be that woefully moronic. Johnny comes to his senses the same night and returns to help Sue and the guys. He even risks himself to lead a heat-seeking missile away from them.

By the Silver Surfer, Johnny is supremely enjoying the Four's celebrity status and rotating conga line of female company. However, we learn that he uses the decadent lifestyle as a front. Johnny sees Reed and Ben happily settled in committed relationships and starts to wonder if he wants the same for himself. His relationships with the rest of the team have grown. He has a very loving moment with Sue before her wedding and is the one to walk her down the aisle. He throws Reed a bachelor party and later, instantly agrees to keep a secret Reed doesn't want Sue to find out about. Johnny's definitely in huge favor of their marriage. He and Ben still have their bickering bond, but now, they're comfortable confiding in each other.

Interestingly, after being the one to master his powers so quickly, Johnny struggles in that area in the sequel. After being exposed to the Silver Surfer, his powers become unstable and direct contact with the rest of the Four causes them to swap powers. This is played for jokes until a mission mishap nearly gets Sue seriously injured. Already feeling guilty, Johnny can't even respond when Reed uncharacteristically berates him. During the climax, Johnny absorbs the abilities of everyone in order to stop a cosmic threat. When the Silver Surfer revitalizes a deceased Sue, Johnny is so grateful, he helps the Surfer rocket into space. In turn, the Surfer corrects the Torch's power problems.

Michael Chilakis just loves to fight

Of all the awesome casting choices, I have the most respect for Michael Chilakis as Ben Grimm. Michael is a serious Fantastic Four fan and wanted to put his best foot forward to properly portray not only the Thing but the Ben within. He vetoed the use of cgi and opted to wear the impressive but heavy and difficult Thing suit. Most actors gripe over facial prosthetics but Michael wanted to maintain Ben's humanity for the audience. What is with Marvel Michael actors and this character commitment stuff? Well, white Michael actors, I suppose. The black one has his picture in the dictionary next to Failure.

While Ben is a former NASA employee and experienced pilot, he's not as defined by his work as Reed. Ben sees and conducts himself as just a regular guy from Brooklyn. He's plain-spoken and highly masculine but also a real romantic with high respect for women. The references to his love for his fiance Debbie highlight this but also work to make Ben the tragic figure he becomes later.

The Brooklyn native is Reed's most loyal friend, through bankruptcy and all. He even resides in the Baxter Building with him. The actors make their history as childhood friendship/brotherhood very believable. Ben was the popular jock to Reed's introverted nerd. Even as adults, Ben instinctively shields Reed from any threat of bullying. He takes that responsibility so seriously, Victor Von Doom wisely refrains from antagonizing Reed in the outspoken man's presence. Promptly after recuperating from the space mission,  Ben has no animosity towards Reed. He even prioritizes getting the uncertain scientist back together with Sue.

There's no doubt that the Four had a history pre-Fantastic. Their reactions to seeing each other after a few years easily come off as the aftermath of a divorce between Reed and Sue instead of a breakup. Though he's Team Reed, Ben still adores Sue. He is gentlest towards her and treats her like a younger sister. He always uses his nickname for her, Suzie. His rapport with the younger Storm sibling is a slightly different story.

As soon as they're working together again, Johnny steps back into his calling as Ben's personal troll. The seasoned pilot was his CO at NASA and Ben takes glee in being the head pilot for their mission. While often irritated by the kid, their interaction implies Ben acted as a paternal figure to the fatherless Johnny. The mischievous young man can't miss a minute to pull a prank on him. Johnny makes the occasional crack at Reed but gets no reaction from the scientist. From Ben, Johnny receives instant fury, making it interpretable that he craves Ben's attention. Their closer relationship in the sequel reinforces this, where Ben promises to always be there for him.

While Reed handles the research and presentation, Ben works better in the field. Because of this, he's most exposed to the cosmic rays. After he's transformed, Ben tries to explain the situation to Debbie. She's too horrified by him and even after seeing him act heroically, she returns his engagement ring. Needless to say, his rock hard body doesn't prevent him from shattering. The breakup is not the end of Ben's troubles as he finds performing the most basic of tasks almost impossible. He grows depressed, nostalgically yearning for his life before the space mission.

While at a bar in his old neighborhood, Ben meets his comic book love interest, Alicia Masters. Played by Kerry Washington, the film version depicts her as black. This doesn't come off as forced and fake, though. It actually better showcases her and Ben as the unlikely couple they're known as. Alicia is very beautiful but blind. Ben finds himself hideous, but the artistic Alicia finds his rocky texture captivating and falls for Ben's personality in a big way. The director's cut gave Alicia additional screentime to build her personality and their romance.

The pair are in a beautifully stable committed relationship in the sequel. We also get to see more of Alicia, not only with Ben but interacting with the rest of the Four. Sue is clearly pleased to have another woman around to talk to. Despite his jokes about their relationship, Johnny quietly envies Ben and Alicia.

Thanks to some seeds of doubt planted by Victor, Ben starts to believe that Reed is taking his time with the cure to be around Sue. When Reed returns from a date with her, a very angry Ben accuses him of stalling. Reed insists that he has to make sure the machine is right. Ben is too upset and irrational to listen. They get into a fight and Ben punches the smaller man excessively before paralyzing and discarding him.... Yeah, right, this is flippin Ben Grimm and Reed Richards we're talking about. They wrestle somewhat aggressively for a bit until Reed basically stretch-snuggles Ben until he calms down. Ben declares he's done protecting Reed and leaves.

This heart-wrenching rift lasts a good two or three hours until Reed is abducted by Victor. To keep Ben out of the way, Victor invented the reversal machine. However, upon hearing about the peril of his best nerd, Ben willingly becomes the Thing again to help the team. After they win the day in addition to the public's favor, Reed is still adamant about curing Ben. The rocky man tells him not to worry about it, as he wants to use his new form to save people. Though he remains Reed's personal advocate, Ben is proud and accepting of Mr. Fantastic's leadership.

When the Silver Surfer rises, we see Ben basking in more contentment than in any other adaptation. He meant what he said about wanting to stay super strong and rock solid. While he enjoys a brief return of his flesh via power-swapping with Johnny, he no longer has contempt for his Thing form. The power switching was a really creative means of giving Michael a little face time. Ben has made accommodations with clothing, dishes, and things to improve his quality of life. Alicia is the light of his life and he's so grateful to have her.

In fact, after being the saddest one in the last film, Ben is now the only one in a totally positive mental state. He serves as Reed's best man in every way, always there to support and keep the eccentric scientist's feet on the ground. Ben is eager for Suzie to marry Reed and does whatever he can to help their relationship.

Through this, Ben is attentive to Johnny. The young Torch goes to Ben with concerns that Sue and Reed might be leaving the team. Johnny sounds similar to a kid angry over a potential divorce. Sue only kept the possibility from him because she didn't want to add more worries to Johnny's power issues. Ben actually takes Johnny's side, though he's civil about it. He expresses that Reed and Sue should have discussed it with them from the jump. When Johnny is filled with doubt before a major mission, Ben gives him reassurance. During the last battle, a de-powered Ben aides Johnny in taking down the threat.

Julian McMahon is.....😍😍😍😍

Amidst all of the divisive reactions to Julian McMahon's casting, I have to utter words I never thought I would: I LOVE Victor Von Doom! Oh, my goodness, I don't care what anybody says about the drastic changes from the comics. I could never stand Dr. Doom. He's always been such a generic narcissistic megalomaniac with no entertainment value whatsoever. Some might say turning him into a CEO is generic, but Julian McMahon pulls off an intimidating but confidently seductive portrayal.

Other changes are an improvement as well. Victor and Reed are still college rivals, but Victor's tenacity gave him wealth while Reed's pragmatism reduced him to near poverty. Reed has the uncanny brain to Victor's money, looks, and high self-esteem. It's reasonable to see why Sue would be initially drawn to him. Humiliatingly, Reed goes to Victor to finance his space discovery. Victor gives him a hard time, but believes Reed knows his stuff and accepts. He even joins them in space.

What's great is that in this version, Victor is a legitimate innovator himself. He came up with the custom space suits that would, ironically, serve as the Fantastic Four uniforms. Also, in this one, Victor is not solely to blame for the botched mission and exposure to the rays. After investing countless dollars, Victor did not want to give up the mission so quickly. Still, it was Reed's miscalculations that made scrubbing it necessary. Being a surprisingly good sport, Victor has everyone treated at his private hospital once they return to Earth.

The space debacle crashed Victor's stock monumentally and his investors threaten to withdraw. Victor goes to the Baxter Building to get his relationship with Sue back on track. However, it's clear that her feelings have changed and they break up later. Victor also has it out with Reed over the failed mission. If not for Ben popping up, an enraged Victor would have hit the other man.

Victor's powers- which seem to be metallic skin and lightning bursts- develop slower than the Four's. That side effect along with his skyrocketing frustration and stress impact Victor's mental state severely. When the doctor he sees tells him he has to call the CDC in case Victor spreads his condition, Victor kills him with lightning to prevent it. He goes on to murder his board members.

Dr. Doom persona fully embraced, he starts to work meticulously to divide the Four. He has the easiest time with Johnny, stroking the younger man's ego with promises of the three F's: fortune, fame, and females. From that brief interaction, we can attest that Victor regularly uses money and influence to make Sue's impressionable brother favor him. Getting to a depressed Ben wasn't difficult, either. Victor implied that Reed wanted Sue to stay in his orbit more than he wanted Ben cured.

All of the resulting chaos served as a means of Victor getting close enough to Reed to kidnap him. The rest of the team come to Reed's aide, starting with a very unfriendly Invisible Woman. The Four get the upper hand by freezing Victor in his metal state and immobilizing him.

Victor made his return in the sequel. Initially, the military brought him in due to Victor previously facing off against the Silver Surfer. They wanted him to partner with Reed to build a weapon to stop the alien. To no surprise, Victor really came to take the Surfer's powers for himself.

In any other superhero sequel, a previous villain returning when there's already a new one would make the film overloaded and incoherent. However, Rise of the Silver Surfer maintains good pacing without sacrificing characterization. There's no love triangle rehashing a la Spider-Man, as Sue and Victor verbalize their disdain for each other. The Four grudgingly work with him but not one of them trusts Dr. Doom for a moment.

The Silver Surfer expands greatly on the world of the previous film. The team has to do a lot of globe-trotting over the new cosmic threat. We see more of them as a unified team in different locations. The most chilling moment in the otherwise tame film had to be right after Victor stole the Surfer's powers. He viciously murders the general who brought into the mission. After seeing him for most of the movie, it's so jarring to witness the remains of the general's charred corpse. Yep, there's the dark action you so desperately had to have, folks. Enjoy.

As usual, people are entitled to their own opinions and not everyone will like every movie. Here's a few franchises I find overrated.

Christian Bale Batman: I can understand people enjoying the origin movie but the Dark Knight is regarded as some sort of masterpiece. Heath Ledger's Joker completely eclipses Batman in his own movie. Joker is just some agent of chaos, causing random violent acts for the giggles as he philosophies about it. With no weakness or humanity at all to speak of, he feels like a gary stu villain more than anything. Did Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent's friendship really need to be non-existent so that they could emotionally duel over some woman? It's shocking when Rachel dies but who cares? All she did was lead both guys on. And I'm still not over the skank slapping a grieving Bruce twice in the first movie. In the third one, apparently Bruce stopped being Batman for eight years over this chick..... WHAT?! The guy who didn't stop after his son and sidekick was brutally murdered spiraled out over some chick he never actually dated! Little 19-year-old Peter Parker watches his actual loving girlfriend die but only grieves for three months while this rich playboy fool.... Come on! Then he retires with some other chick! And people have the nerve to criticize Ben Affleck for excessive force?! The name is Bat-MAN, people, not Bat-simp.

Sam Raimi Spider-Man: Once upon a time I enjoyed this series but even then, I knew something was wrong. People look back on this as the lighthearted Spider-series but UMMMM, were we watching the same films? The first one is okay enough. But Peter spends all of the second one being cruelly kicked in every direction. It was too depressing for words. Then, Mary Jane ditching her astronaut fiance on the day of their wedding to run to Peter is meant to be a happy ending- no! In the infamous third, Mary Jane and Peter are stunted and immature. Three films and not an ounce of growth between them. Also, Goblin and Doc Ock- both with a personal connection to Peter- both just had to die but the guy who killed Uncle Ben gets to go free?!!!!!!! That still gets my blood pressure up. But oh look, cool fight scenes and totally rad special effects! Who cares if the characters are sad, depressing, frustrating vessels of suck?

Are the Fantastic Four films perfect? By superhero standards, yes honestly. Could they have done some things better? Of course. But I hate how they don't get credit for everything they got right.

We're talking about the First Family of Superheroes. Unlike the X-Men movies, the individuals and the family as a whole took priority over the action elements. When they did battle, it was a cathartic thrill to watch. In this age of seeing the hero journey fast-forwarded while said hero is only there to give the powers center stage, how can anyone knock these films?!

Not only did they stay mostly faithful to the comic book origins of the Four, they improved in many areas. The X-Men took twenty years to feature space travel and the Four did it all the way back in 2005. They didn't come up with ludicrous alternate methods of them receiving their problems nor were any characters assassinated. Other movies are terrible at balancing an ensemble. These films showcase the team's individual personalities, struggles, interpersonal relationships, and team dynamic- all in the first film!

Rise of the Silver Surfer was a RARE sequel that raised the stakes and explored new concepts without the heroes getting overshadowed by spectacle. There was no repetition and regressing of the Four at a. There was no needless romantic drama to slow things down and make the audience hate the main couple. Everybody stayed true to themselves yet their development was clear and so well done. Despite Jessica Alba having the most clout and presence on the posters, no one is benched for actor favoritism- try not to die from shock, Logan and Raven. They didn't permanently kill off main characters for edginess and emotional manipulation. They had not only a strong female character but the *best* one ever featured in a Marvel movie. Through whatever conflict, the team felt whole and devoted to each other. Unseen in today's cinematic world, the ending is an earnestly uplifting one.

Again, I'm not an MCU fan but I've heard and seen plenty of you go on about how the Avengers never felt like a real team. Many of you complain about their relationships being underdeveloped. So many claim that the team showed no sincere camaraderie before they split apart. Don't get me started on varying endgame reactions.

We're all entitled to our opinions. Yours just happen to be dead wrong on this one and you should feel complete shame for that reason. Fear not. The Fantastic Four will accept your apologies. They're not into the whole holding onto resentment for decades thing.

My, this is certainly long but it doesn't have anything particularly controversial. Hmmm- oh, I almost forgot.

So, that fan-4-stick fail? Do you know what the most ludicrous part of that pandering puke pile was? That allegedly gritty, realism grounded blunder wants people to believe that a black family- the group that makes up 15% of the US population yet accounts for the majority of absentee fathers- would not only be pro-adoption but would willingly take in and pay out of their own pocket for a little white child.... 😂😂😂😂😂

Look, teleportation, super powers via cosmic anomalies, and some idiot thinking there's a single trickle of talent to be found among that cast of frauds are infinitely more probable than that scenario 😏

[teenage-mutant-ninja-freak]

You already know how this one ends

Mob! Mikey x gender neutral reader

Warnings: Murder-spoken about in detail, alcohol mentions. Summery: It’s been such a lovely evening, your boyfriend has taken you out to the movies and dinner and now you’re having a lovely starlit stroll around the park. How could anything be better?

(Authors note: This is a very dark fic, like very dark. It involves a detailed description of someone dying, please read at your own discretion.)

The breeze is cool as you walk arm in arm with Mikey around the park. It had rained earlier, while you were at dinner, and now the damp air is filled with the scent of freshly cut grass and wet concrete but, it wasn’t unpleasant. Looking around, the trees danced in the slight wind and stars could be seen between the few clouds that loomed over you, casting shadows from the almost full moon. It was quiet and serene, just you and him. You hugged your coat a little bit tighter. It was a beautiful one, not cheap either, that he had bought for you; made of alpaca wool, a caramel sort of brown and fluffy. It went down to almost your knees and you loved it very dearly. You called it your ‘teddy bear coat’.

He, Mikey, had taken you to see a movie and then out for dinner at the most lavish place you could imagine. “It’s a special evening” he’d told you but never given you a reason as to why. Now you were walking through a park only a few blocks away from the restaurant and he was pointing out constellations. It was marvellous when he was like this, attentive and sweet and lucid. He had a bad habit of getting locked up inside his own head and becoming distant and irrational. That warm feeling comes over you like a tide in how quickly it rises but less forceful, like air in how it fills you but more tangible. You love him and he loves you, he’s told you hundreds of times before. Maybe he’ll forgive you.

You have a secret, you’re not actually a part time pre-school teacher but, in fact, a detective in the NYPD and you’d been sent to observe him, find out everything you could. It had been thrilling at first, but as it always seems to happen in the movies, you fell for him and fell hard. He kept you out of business, said it was too “unsavoury” for a delicate thing such as yourself so you hadn’t really learned much about it. Of course you tried but, any questions were expertly side stepped or ignored all together. You had, however, spent a lot of time with him- retreats to the country side, trips to Paris or Italy, nights at the theatre and stunning parties at houses bigger than you could ever dream to afford. You had also spent many nights in his bed with him. You had no significant other to return home to so on that first night, the first time it had happened, when he took you in his arms for a passionate kiss and lead you by the hand to his bedroom, you had no objections. He was an excellent lover and you don’t regret a single moment you spent with him. 

Tonight was the night, however, that you had to come clean.

Mikey dropped your arm for a moment to reach into his pocket and pull out a flask and raise it to his lips to take a long swig of what you assumed was whiskey. He edged the flask in your direction as an indication that you should do the same. Your fingers brushed his as you took it from his grasp and the cool liquid stung as it travelled down your throat to heat your belly. You would need all the courage you could muster and liquid courage is as good as any. Handing the leather bound container back to him, he placed it securely in his breast pocket. You sighed. Would it still be like this after he knew the truth?

“And that one’s Orion’s belt. Good story that” he continued.

It had only just occurred to you that he’s been talking for a while now, you were too wrapped up in your own thoughts to listen.

“I haven’t heard that one, tell it to me” you said, now returned to reality and interested in the tale. He was always a good story teller.

“Well Orion was boasting one day to the goddess Artemis, she’s the god of the hunt, you know, and her mother Leto that he could kill any beast on this earth. “Bring it before me and I will lay it down!” he’d said. Very full of himself that guy. I suppose all the gods were, even though he was only like 3/4 god I suppose. So anyway, the earth goddess overheard and devised a plan. a test of sorts. She sent a scorpion to him and the scorpion stung him on the ankle and he died. That’s only one of the stories of it though. Everyone argues about how it actually happened- if he was saving Leto from the scorpion or trying to force himself on Artemis and she sent the little critter. Either way it doesn’t really matter, the outcome is the same. He gets stung and-”

“I need to tell you something!” You weren’t sure where it came from but the words erupted out of you. You couldn’t wait any longer.

“what is it? There’s nothing I don’t already know about you” he stopped walking now and turned to you, putting his hands on your shoulders as if you steady you. You had seemed quite distressed to burst out like that.

“I- well its....Look I love you. I really do” you began

“Well, I’m glad to hear it.“ he laughed. His smile put you at ease. Those perfect teeth and plump lips curving into a half moon shape towards his eyes- eyes that you could get lost in and often did. 

“Hey, just listen. You know I told you that I’m a part time teacher over at saint Johns? Well, that’s not exactly the truth. I’m. Well...”

“you’re a cop” He added

“Exactly! And I’d wanted to tell-. Wait. How did you know that?” you were taken aback. How could he have known? How long had he known? As if he had read your mind, he answered.

“I found out yesterday, talked to my brothers about it.” his voice was lower now, more sombre as if it brought him great sadness to even think about it.

“Where does that leave us?” you asked

There was a long pause, he didn’t look at you but instead behind your right shoulder, staring off into the distance. He seemed quite pensive. Another breeze rolled though the air making you shiver and a bird called out in a far off tree. You were suddenly all too aware that no one was around. It had occurred to you before, made the evening seem more romantic but, now that this information was out in the open it scared you a little. You could see the handle to Mikey’s gun peering out of the holster beneath his blazer. After what felt like minutes of silence, he finally spoke again.

“You already know how this ends” His tone was dire and it sent a chill through you.

Before you could respond and ask what the hell that even meant, a leg, Mikey’s leg, sweeps underneath you- knocking you to the ground. The force of your impact sends a huff of air out of you and the ground is cold and still wet from the earlier rain beneath your form. Before you have time to register what’s going on, he’s on top you you.

His hands go to your throat and tighten dramatically. Surely you think surely this isn’t really happening? He loves me, I know he does. This isn’t really happening. This thought it short lived, however, as your vision is already beginning to dot and you can feel your face reddening and growing hot from the lack of blood and oxygen. His face is contorted above you into a pitiful look and you feel something drip onto your face. Is he crying? You try your best to take a better look and it sent a second chill through you. He’s crying because he has to kill you. 

It may seem daft, lying on your back in an empty park with your lovers hands strangling you and it only just occurred to you, now, that you’re going to die, but everything had happened so quickly and you still loved him, even with his hands around your neck, so much that you didn’t immediately think of that. This sparks something wild in you. Your own hands go to his face, slapping and clawing at him as best you can with limited air and in this position- doing anything you can for another sweet, sweet breath of air. It’s all to no avail, spots are becoming bigger and more frequent in your vision, your arms are tired and your lungs burn from the deprivation of oxygen. Within a minute or so they fall to your sides, slapping his thighs on the way down and you look up at him one final time. 

“I’m sorry” you manage to strain and gargle out. Had you know this would be the last thing you’d say to him, or ever, you might have picked something better. Nonetheless, this was fitting. You were sorry. Sorry for lying, sorry for agreeing to the job and sorry for ever moving to New York in the first place. Somewhere in the back of your mind the image of a scorpion climbing onto a frogs back appears- an old fable your mother used to tell you before bed. They’re half way across the river when it stings and the water is dark and angry as they both get pulled under. “It is in my nature” was the scorpion’s response. This is how you felt about Mikey., you could not hate him for it, as much as that would be the easiest emotion to conjure up, as he was simply doing what he knows. What he does best. What’s in his nature.

Your vision slowly begins to vignette until only a pinprick of sight is left. He is still crying, still straining to choke the life from you as quickly as possible- you suppose that’s the only mercy he can give you right now. A quick death. With all that’s left of your vision, you look up. The stars are still beaming up above you and Orion’s belt is shining in all it’s glory. Of all the things you could notice right now, the stars were probably the best one. You blink slowly, a small wheezing sound escapes your lips and before you can think of anything else, the world goes dark.

________________

He stays like that for a few minutes after your eyes close, making sure every last string of life has been well and truly drained from you. He’s still crying as he does it. Eventually he will raise himself up, wipe the tears from his face and take a quick look around. The park is still empty, still dark and for the first time this evening he is alone. It does not feel good. He looks down at his hands. Hands that were toughed by work and age, hands that had done unspeakable things that he couldn’t admit to himself let alone to you.

Slowly he will walk home, close the front door behind him and lock it. “Is it done?” His brother will say to him, he forgets which one. “Yes” he will reply. They will say something else, but he isn’t listening. That night he will drink himself stupid, until there are no more thoughts of hands and throats and eyes looking into his that are lit up by the stars above. It’ll become a fever dream and nothing more.

Tomorrow a paper will be placed in front of him, the headline will say something about a dead NYPD officer. He will not read it.

The End.

[yetanotherhiddlestoner]

                            The Asgardian and his Atlantean.

  (First time writing a marvel related story and and LokiXreader one at that. So forgive the way it is. I got bored one night watching Atlantis on Disney that I came up with this mixture of a story. Hope you enjoy I own nothing of marvels or disney’s. This story is also on my Wattpad -https://www.wattpad.com/user/HatterMoon )

Life at Stark Tower was good for you. All the Avengers loved you and they treated you like family. You loved helping out Tony the most with his suits and helping him advance the technology. This morning started like any other day, you woke before the sun had started to shine in the sky, you check your pendent. A couple more days before you need to be returning home.

You prepared breakfast for everyone, despite being told numerous times that you didn't need to do it.

You made sure to brew enough coffee for everyone as they all seem to need it first thing in the morning. You preferred tea to start your day, and so they have gifted you your own tea pot and tea set at Christmas.

The first to wander in was Nat, still in his PJ's with messy hair and rubbing her eyes, you chuckle silently. "Morning Nat. Sleep well?" She mumbled a reply, followed by the words "Need Coffee" One by one all the Avengers entered the common room, some more awake then others. "Tony where is Steve and Bucky?" Wanda asks as you take in notice that you are two short. "They left on a mission last night so for the time being it will just be us." Tony answers "Good Morning Y/N." Bruce said as he come to stand beside you. "Morning Bruce. I might need the lab later today to test out some test for healing drinks is that fine with you? "Hey I only borrow the Lab myself you best ask Tony since you know, he owns it" "I know but you are the one in there most of the time. It feels like I am invading  your space" "You can use the Lab Y/N. Do I need to remind you that you live here, you do not have to ask to use something." Tony said as he had overheard the conversation. You smile at him. Tony had become like a father figure to you over the years. "Thanks Tony."

It's not long before they all go off and do their own things, Clint goes to the shooting range, Natasha and Wanda go to the training, Bruce to the lab and Tony goes to the armory, leaving you to do your own thing. It unusually quiet this day. You so used to Bucky keeping you company while you wander through various jobs that need doing.

As the day went on you made your way down to the lab for a few hours, The Avengers went on a small mission, leaving you alone. As much as you hated them going on missions you enjoyed the quiet. You took note of the potions and ingredients and the ones that needed restocking.

"Miss Y/N. They will be returning shortly. I was informed by Mr Stark" "Thank you Jarvis, will they be requiring my assistance?"

"I am unsure Miss Y/N best to be prepared in case" You nod and gather a couple of jars in your hand and take them to the Med-bay.

"Hey kid we're home" Tony called out through the building. You make your way to them to see Nat and Clint heading to the med-bay, limping.

"There is a new stock of healing potions in there for you guys to try if you want." You smile and they nod at you as you continue your way to Tony. "How did it go Tony?" "Wasn't our best, wasn't as small as we had predicted." "That bad?" "You could say ,might be a problem in the future but not right now, also kid we have a new person for you to meet. They will be staying here for a while." He said as he poured himself a glass of whiskey. "Oh?" Now you were curious. "Yeah its Thor's brother, Loki. He will be arriving later today. If you want to join us in collecting him you are more than welcomed." "I might just do that. It has been awhile since I left the tower and I will be returning home in a couple days to grab supplies, So you will have to survive without me for about a week" Tony chuckles "You mean we have to cook our own breakfast? Oh no how will we survive." You roll your eyes at the sarcasm but smile. He pats your back as he walks out of the common room.

You head to your room and rest for a while, you slowly starting to feel the drain on your body. Closing your eyes you dream of your home, your friends and family.

A knock on your door alerts you to wake up. "Hey Lady Y/N, Stark told me to come and grab you." Only one person calls you by that nickname and its Thor so its no surprise when you open the door and see him there. "Please Thor call me Y/N. No need for formalities." "No. Lady Y/N we will be leaving soon, walk with me to the landing dock?" You nod and allow Thor to lead you to the Quin-jet. "So your brother is joining the Avengers?"

"Sadly no, he will be helping out on missions but will not be a Avenger. He is barely happy about helping us. He might even be able to help you in the Lab and with the suits." "I doubt Tony will allow anyone to touch his suits, do you remember the trouble I had when I fixed his suit the first time, I was all but grounded" "I am sure you could convince Tony to allow Loki to help?" "Ah the God of Mischief and Tony Stark agreeing on something. Is this not the same Loki that attacked New York?" You joke to the god of thunder. "The same one, I would like to think that Tony will one day sort of agree with him, he has done his time on Asgard and Father thinks this will help him amend the past." You stay quiet, you had not been here when the New York attack happened, that was the week Tony had sent you home to grab supplies, but he had filled you in on some of the details.

"Lady Y/N if you may" Thor says gesturing to the seat "We will betaking off soon." You smile and get strapped in to your seat. You stay quiet for the flight, everyone around is chatting between themselves, and joking. You pick up on bits and pieces here and thereof what they discussing.

"We might as well have a party for Reindeer games arrival." Tony says loud enough for everyone to hear. "Another party Tony? Must we, you know Loki won't like it" Nat says glaring at the male beside her. "Another reason to have it. He needs to get over it and show us that he is changing. So a party is the perfect way to do it." You sometimes wondered what went though Tony's head some days. He had to host a party for everything. He even held one for you when you finally agreed to help them. FLASHBACK It took a lot of convincing and asking for you to accept Mr. Starks offer to work for him. Some how your little secret was out in the open and now you had the richest man in the area, all but begging you to join his crew. "We could use a smart woman like you on the team. You would have your own room, hell I will even give you your own floor for your technology and gear." "Mr. Stark as much as I would love to join, I am afraid I will never fit in." "Why because your Atlantean? You do know Thor is a god, Bruce is the Hulk. You would fit in fine. I do not care what you are or where you come from."

You look at him and then look away to your garage filled with old Atlantean war machines. You could use a bigger place for them to be stored while you fix them up and get them back in the air. "Could I bring all this? I have worked to hard to give up" You wave your hands round the room. "Not to the tower, but I have a compound that we can store them at and you can go there and work on them whenever you need." "Alright Mr. Stark. I will accept." "Great and call me Tony. I will start arranging the transportation of your vehicles and your personal belongings. Please excuse me" You watch him walk out, a bit stunned at how quickly he got to setting everything up.

ENDOF FLASHBACK.

You feel Thor tapping your shoulder, you glance at him "Yes?" "We will be landing soon. Are you ok? You seem to be a bit distracted?" "Oh its all good Thor, I was just thinking." "As long as you are well Lady Y/N" A few moments alter you have landed and everyone has started leaving the Quin-jet. You look around you, nothing but grasslands for miles. Next thing you see a giant beam of light land on the ground ahead of you and in a flash it is gone, leaving nothing but a raven hair man in green armor.

Loki.

"Brother it is nice to see you again." Thor approaches the man alone. "Thor. I see you bought the whole team for this arrival. Couldn't trust me enough to come alone?" "It is not like that Loki. Do not start this" You watch the interaction between the brothers as does everyone else. No-one moves to greet him. "Come now Brother, there is someone I wish for you to meet." Thor looks in your direction. They make their way over to you. "Brother is is Lady Y/N." You bow a bit to Loki, knowing of his royal title, you have no choice but to. "Your Highness, nice to meet you" "Lady Y/N you do not need to bow to him." "Best you listen to my brother Mortal" Loki said with a smugness. You raise your head and you feel his eyes trail to your neck. You see the realization kick in once he sees your pendent. "You're Atlantean?"

[writers-block-is-now-a-person]

Even Truth Lies in The Thicket

Chapter 1 | 

My name is Harper, but can’t tell you that. In fact, I’m not allowed to tell anyone anything. And there are many reasons why I can’t tell you many things, but I’m not allowed to say those things either. I’m not allowed to say a lot oft things. And I hate it. 

But anyway, I am Harper, and I can’t tell you anything else.

Except that I was kidnapped as a child.

Fingers snapped in front of me, shaking me out of my trance. Lord Bryn glared at me, his dark eyes furious as he walked past. I swallowed the sudden fear and lifted the instrument in my arms. Resting the bow on the strings, I waited for his permission to play. His silence was irritating, I waited as he settled himself on his chair, flicking out his robe and slowly lifting his goblet to his mouth. He flicked his pupil-less eyes at me. I started to play.

I moved my arms and fingers, creating a melody only known to me. This is why they stole me, for their own petty entertainment.

My arms moved on impulse, creating melodies and harmonies from nothing but the emptiness of myself. They liked my music, it didn’t matter to me how it sounded, as long as they liked it, I was safe.

My fingers began to hurt, I played slower. Longer notes with clearer sounds. My arms started to ache, sore from playing for so long. I breathed in evenly and kept playing. I was not allowed to stop until I was told.

The room around me was perfect, glowing in the light of early dusk. The walls painted in lavender, the vaulted ceiling thick with wisteria vines, the purple flowers filling the room. The floor was shining white marble, almost pure moonlight. 

They sat on low velvet couches. Picking at fat fruits and honeyed drinks. Their fingers slender and soft, their skin perfect. Lord Bryn laughed politely as his wife handed him a pomegranate, he bit into the bloody fruit.

They looked perfect, lounging and laughing in the dusking sun. There were seven of them, draped in silks and jewels that glowed in any light. Their faces painted with glitter and powder. However beautiful and stunning they appeared, they looked like monsters to me.

Fae are odd creatures, Seelie Fae are odder. They appear human, almost human. If you look at them longer, they do not seem human. Their eyes are bigger, with richer colours. Their skin is perfect, not blotchy like humans. The hold themselves in such a way that makes you feel inferior, for we are to them. Their smiles are not human either, the Fae have odd smiles.

I held the note I was playing, drawing it out for as long as I could. I lowered my instrument when I was finished. Waiting for their approval.

Lord Bryn looked at me, pale eyes blank. He nodded slowly. His wife smiled and softly clapped her hands. The others joined.

One fae leaned into Lord Bryn. “The mortal is good for their age, I’ve heard some horrendous melodies from ones twice their age.”

Lord Bryn said nothing, his wife, Lady Elowyn, answered instead. “They have a marvellous talent, they always know what to play.”

Lord Bryn seemed satisfied with me, he waved me out. I bowed deeply and left the room.

I went down the servant passageways, not daring to step into the main rooms of the house. Other servants stepped out of my way, some smiled at me. I was above them in the servant hierarchy, the Lord and Lady that owned us liked me the most, mainly for my musical talent. In the narrow passageways, we were all servants. But they were still fae, and I was still human, so no matter how equal I thought we were, they loathed every inch of me.

It wasn’t long until I had entered my room. The servants entrance to my rooms came through the bookshelf, I liked entering my rooms that way. It was like my own secret entrance to my personal space. 

There was no proper door to my main room, just an open archway that led to the main hall of the house. My main room was circular, with robins egg blue painted walls and the white marble floors. The dark woodwork of the bookshelves carved to mimic ivy covered trees. In each alcove of the bookshelves are my many instruments.

I placed the instrument in my hands gently on its pedestal, it sat there waiting for me to play it again. The rest of my instruments sat on their altars, waiting to be played. Some were metal that made bright sounds, most were wood and strings that sang like bird song. Few made deep sounds, I could create scenes of fog and forest with those. 

I looked around at my collection. All of the instruments were gifts, praises for my good work and hopes I could create more. As much as I loved playing them, creating melodies from far away, I loathed the sight of them. All of the instruments were memories of why I was caged here, proof that not all chains are metal.

The arches of the main door were similar to the arched window frames. The sun was halfway down the horizon, I only had a few minutes until I was needed again. Thankfully, there was a real door to my private chambers, the brass handle was the only comfort to me that I could create some privacy.

The Lady of the house, and my owner, favoured me in her own ways. Lady Elowyn let me decorate my room which ever way I wanted, which is why the deep grey of my walls were a stark contrast to the rest of the house. I had covered the marble floor in thick, fluffy blue rugs that I could sink my feet into like grass.

My room was messy, as I hated having the housemaids rifle through my things. I hopped over the pile of papers and books on the floor as I made my way to the deep closet. I changed quickly, from my house garb to something more refined. Still in the pale colours that Lady Elowyn favoured, but more detailed and clean.

The skirt was made of thin materials but had many layers, embroidered into the skirts were honey bees and flowers, creating a mirage of a field. The bodice was tighter but had the same flowing sleeves as the skirt. I hated the sickly green it was. What I hated more was having to change out of the boots. I don’t mind the slippers they give me, they are soft like rabbits fur, but I feel as if I am wearing no shoes at all.

I had spent too much time tying up the dress I had no time for the rest of me. My hair was already tied, that was all I could do.

I pushed open the door and closed it quickly, hoping I could make it to the main hall before she came to collect me. The guests would have left by now, Lord Bryn would be waiting to leave as well.

“No time for your hair or face?” Lady Elowyn said, voice sweet as honey.

I bit a snide comment back, I know better to hold my tongue, I bowed deeply. “Forgive me, My Lady, it seems my skills in time are less than adequate.”

“Less than adequate?” She mused, moving closer to me. Her jewelled hand lifted my chin to meet her gaze. “Less than adequate? Not quite, dear Harper, your skills lie elsewhere than in time.” She scanned my face, her eyebrow lifting in disgust. “But I will not have you leave this house without the proper preparation.”

Please don’t go in my room, I know you hate it. I tried to smile, begging her to leave. She opened the door anyway, her hesitation showed me her distaste for my room. She stepped over the scattered papers and discard clothes as she dragged me to the tiled bathroom.

Sitting me down at the vanity, she perused over the countless things piled onto the space. I didn’t know what they were, so I never bothered.

She rubbed a sweet smelling cream into my face, her spindle fingers rougher than I expected, her pointed nails digging into my cheeks. The cream seemed to blur my skin, removing its blotchy colours and evidence of humanness. I watched my reflection change in the mirror as she painted my eyelids with a green glitter. She lined my eyes in silver, my lips as well. She hung small stars along my ears, they twinkled with any movement.

I could pass as a fae child, almost. I did not have their pointed ears or thin lips or mystic eyes. My humanness was evident in my face.

Lady Elowyn tugged harshly at my hair, showing me that no matter how much she liked me, I was nothing but a doll for her to dress. She wound my hair around a pin and rested her hands on my shoulders.

Lady Elowyn looked at me in the mirror, smiling absently. “Now, you’re more than adequate.”

I whispered a thank you, I know her words were simple and stung slightly, but I felt giddy at her small compliment.

Back in my main room, she eyed the many instruments, assessing them carefully. “This one,” she pointed at a small harp, carved into a golden wood with silver strings. “I love the harmonies you create with this one.”

“Of course, My Lady,” I bowed slightly, taking the small harp off its altar and holding it carefully.

I trailed behind her as she made her way to the entrance, walking down the stairs that circled the main hall. I liked the way this house was built, similar to a beehive, with a hollow middle and rooms branching off. Lord Bryn and their two sons were waiting by the door, he smiled up at his wife. She looked at each of them carefully, all in silver and purple suits that mimicked twilight sky. She kissed her sons on the cheek and took her husbands arm, he lead her out to the heavy oak doors. I trailed behind them again, quietly with my head bowed. 

The dusk air was cold, I shivered slightly as the wind blew. The family of fae piled into the carriage, settling themselves down on the silk seats. I hesitated, unsure of where to go.

“Hurry, Harper, you must no dawdle,” Lady Elowyn called out, beckoning me in.

I hurried into the carriage, tucking myself into the window beside her. She smiled down at me, Lord Bryn ignored me.

I hugged my harp tightly and gazed out the window, we passed other mansions, glowing in the setting sun. We passed forests and ponds and clearings were simple fae danced around tree stumps and stone fountains.

I knew one son was glaring at me, I avoided his eyes and continued to study the stars. Dale had hated me since I was forced to be here. He often complained of my music in hopes that I would be removed from the house, but Lady Elowyn never listened to him.

Elm was kinder to me, he often brought me sweet cakes after a long night of entertaining guests with my music. Elm once gave me a balm for my sore fingers, I’ve cherished it since.

I ignored Dale’s fierce gaze as the carriage bumped along the road. Lady Elowyn and Lord Bryn chattered with Elm mindlessly, discussing who else would be attending the Queens twilight party. 

Few were always invited to these, it always caused such drama amongst the gentry and the Higher Courts. Lady Elowyn made me play at these, I would stand near the Queens altar and play until the revel was done.

I don’t know of Lady Elowyn and Lord Bryn’s connection with the Queen and her family, since Lord Bryn never favoured politics and Lady Elowyn didn’t seem to be the one who would wait at the Queens feet. I never asked questions, I know better than to poke into the business of the fae.

The carriage had stopped, I could hear the sounds of voices drift through the cool air. I followed them blindly out of the carriage and into the Queens oak garden.

Dale grabbed my arm harshly and pulled me into the shadows, he towered over me. “Listen here, mortal, indulge in the days you have left. Soon you will be replaced and left with nothing. I won’t stand the sight of you in my house any longer.”

I didn’t reply, I wasn’t able to. By Lady Elowyn’s command, I could not speak a word to Dale or Elm. I nodded meekly in response. Dale seemed disgusted at the action, he left me in the shadows and entered the throng of elaborately dressed fae.

“What a thorn in the roses,” a voice said from behind me.

I jumped, I was not expecting him to be here. “What are you doing here? How did you even get invited?”

Locklan smiled as he smoothed out his maroon suit. “I have my ways, dear songbird.”

I hated that nickname, I am no caged bird. “You can’t lie to me, Locklan, so tell me.”

He shrugged. “I’m afraid my lips are sealed, songbird, I am here for merriment.”

I sighed, Locklan always showed up in the least likely places, it was no surprise he would be at the Queens twilight party. I left him in the shadows as I found my place near the Queens altar, I waited for the Queen to arrive for me to play.

All the fae seemed untouchable as they gathered in their silks and gems. They dressed in the finest clothes I have seen, all colours of the rainbow and every colour in-between. Some suits and dresses changed colour with each movement, some looked as if they were growing from the fae’s body. It was a magical sight.

I knew Locklan was behind me, he may have prided himself on his ability to be silent, but even my mortal ears could hear his footfalls.

“I am not allowed to talk to you while I am working,” I said, trying to ignore him.

“From what I’ve heard, you’re not allowed to do a lot of things,” he said, sliding next to me. “So tell me, songbird, what can you do?”

I lifted the small harp in my hands. “I can play.”

His fox eyes stayed on the silver strings. “What else?”

I felt hot with embarrassment. What else can I do? Shame choked me, I can’t do anything else. Locklan didn’t move, his fox eyes shifted from the harp and trailed up to watch the party. He stayed silent.

To say I don’t like Locklan is harsh, he’s not the type you don’t like. He is mischievous and naughty, always pulling tricks and deals when you least expect it. But he is fun to be around, and is kind, sometimes. His family is somehow tied in with the High Courts, his father has a close connection with the Queen. Most fae don’t like Locklan or his family, their fox features, selfish habits and silver tongues make them hard to control. 

More had joined the party as the sky had dimmed. The Queen and her daughters were unusually late. The fae that were here chatted under the glowing lamps, not touching the food or starting any sort of merriment. That would all begin when the Queen would arrive, I still had some time until I was needed to play.

Locklan was waving someone over, I dreaded the company of another fae.

“Harper! I knew you would be here!” The voice was light and airy, I was glad to hear their voice. I haven’t seem them in a while.

Opal fluttered over to us, literally fluttered. She had thick moth wings that picked her up off the ground. Her fluffy dress floated like a cloud around her. Even though her body was small, almost all of her features were big. Big, round endless eyes, large and fluffy antenna sticking out of her fluffy hair. She jumped into Locklan’s arms.

“Hello Locky!” She giggled as her hair smothered him. Opal hesitated in touching me, no one was allowed to. Another one of Lady Elowyns rule. We had found a loophole to that rule, no fae could touch me in her presence.

Opal ogled at the harp in my hands. “Oh, what a beautiful instrument, I can’t wait to hear what you’ll play!”

I know she was just trying to be kind, but she sounded like the rest of the fae, ordering me to play for them. I smiled in response, not wanting to sour her bubbly mood. She smiled back, teeth perfectly white.

She hooked arms with Locklan and squeezed herself in between us, her fluffy skirt soft against me. “So, what do you think the drama will be tonight?”

“You tell me, O Wise One, isn’t your mother the Royal Astrologer? Shouldn’t you be able to read the stars and tell us our futures?” I teased.

Opal pouted. “Maybe, but it’s far more fun to guess.”

“I think it’s far more fun to create the drama ourselves,” Locklan said through his usual smile.

“No, Locklan, don’t you go starting anything, Evora will not be happy with you!” Opal whisper shouted, pulling at Locklans sleeve.

He just rolled his fox eyes and smiled. Of course he would never promise her he wouldn’t, he loved creating chaos. 

A hush fell over the gathering of fae. The Queen of Folkshire had arrived.

She was perfect, an image of ethereal beauty. Queen Lorvera’s beauty was stunning, everyone watched as she made her way to the throne. Her glowing dress mimicked moonlight, as if the fabric was made of stars. As Queen Lorvera walked, flowers poked out of the grass and bloomed, tree branches bent down to touch her crown. Her five daughters trailed behind her. Princess Astria, her skirts a blooming artwork of white roses. Princess Bria with her black hair in long braids down her back. The twins, Cordelia and Dahlia with their multicoloured eyes. And the young Princess Evora last. They all looked stunning, flowing dresses and silky hair and dark skin that glowed bronze in the light. All alluring, all untouchable in their beauty.

Queen Lorvera sat down, her skirts trickling down the small steps like water. She raised her hand and spoke in her honeyed voice. “Well? Let us enjoy the twilight and dance until the sun comes to join.”

Lady Elowyn nodded at me, I lifted my harp and began to play. I plucked the silver strings, creating a merry tune of birdsong and chimes. The fae began to dance and sing, their voices sounding like bells. I kept the tune light, creating an aura of enjoyment.

Locklan and Opal stayed next to me, occasionally leaving to snatch food, drinks and pieces of conversations. I felt guilty, having them next to me.

I was a mortal servant of a Lady, they were fae children of members of the Queens Court, they shouldn’t even be seen near me. Yet they stayed, knowing they couldn’t interrupt my playing, they chatted quietly and watched me.

Some other muses and artists that were invited came closer. Majority of them were fae, or half fae. Few were mortals, their rounded ears and dull coloured eyes gave me some comfort.

I should give a better explanation of why I am a servant to the fae. Seelie fae are odd creatures, as I’ve said, and some of their customs are beyond humane. Before Queen Lorvera made the law that no mortals are to be stolen, it was normal for humans to be taken from their streets and used as entertainment for the fae. The Seelie fae mainly stole artists, musicians and writers and crafters who could create pretty things for them. Those kind of people would be showed off, like me, and fae would buy and sell them from each other.

I have been bought four times, I was taken from my real family when I was young. I should have known better than to show off my music playing. Since I was young when I was taken, they replaced me with a fae child. That child now has my life, they have my face and name and even voice. But they are not me, they are not even human.

The fae artists around me criticised me, as they usually do, mainly because of my mortal blood. Some of them smiled or nodded at my playing, the mortal artists raised their glasses in honour, congratulating me. I was far younger than them, and the older fae musicians knew I was better than them. That meant I was in danger.

Thankfully, due to Lady Elowyns magic and words, no one could do me harm or use any magic on me that was weaker than Lady Elowyns. Fae magic is strange and powerful, my mortal mind could not comprehend it, so I never tried. I knew the basics of Lady Elowyns magic, her words created power itself, when written on paper and then eaten, the spells would protect whatever ingested the paper. I felt weird afterwards, dizzy and numb for hours. 

She explained the rules as she wrote them down, I could not speak a word to her sons or husband, I could not speak while playing, I could not refuse any order given to me by her family, I could not cause harm to anyone, and I was not allowed to tell any one of my past. No magic could be cast on me if it was weaker than Lady Elowyns, which is very rare. No faerie fruit, food, drink or poison could do me harm. I could see through almost all fae magic and could never be tricked by their words. Lady Elowyn said it was for my own protection, which some of it was, but most were chains that kept me bound to her.

My fingers began to sting, the silver strings feeling like lead. I slowed my tune, falling into something more slower and calm. Lady Elowyn approached me, the other fae around me dispersed, afraid of her. Locklan and Opal fell silent near me, not wanting to be noticed by her. Lady Elowyn smiled, like a mother consoling her child.

“You may rest now, Harper, enjoy some food and dances. I will find another musician for a while,” she handed me a goblet of purple liquid.

I bowed deeply and accepted the drink. “Thank you, My Lady, I am forever grateful for your kind actions.”

She smiled again, pale eyes glowing. She gently caressed my cheek. “Save your talents for later tonight, there will be a surprise.”

With that she left, her twilight dress falling like water around her. Locklan and Opal hurried up to me, smiling deviously.

“What did she mean?” Locklan asked first, fox eyes wide.

I shushed him quickly. “I don’t know! Don’t ask me!”

Opal groaned. “The one time we get some drama filled sentence and you don’t even know what it means!”

I wanted to slap her arm, but my limb felt numb at the thought. Not even Lady Elowyns magic could let me make joking movements in her presence. I brushed off the twitch as if I were smoothing my skirt. I tucked my harp under my arm and held the goblet with both hands, taking small sips. The purple liquid tasted like lavender and mint and fresh water. Fae flavours were something I would miss if I was ever allowed to go back home.

Opal and Locklan started up a quick conversation, soon I was lost in their laughter and sly jokes that I didn’t notice another fae approaching us.

“I do hope you aren’t enjoying the revel so much without me,” they spoke regally, I froze at their tone.

“Is enjoying ourselves without you forbidden? I never knew,” Locklan smiled as he bowed.

Princess Evora laughed as Locklan kissed her hand. She moved to hug Opal, with Opal’s mother having such close connections with the Queen, Opal and Evora almost grew up together. Evora moved to hug me, all I could do was bow. Another rule from Lady Elowyns magic, under no circumstances am I allowed to touch the royal family. I smiled at Evora, it was the only way I could show her affection.

Princess Evora was a part of our little group, although we only saw her on nights like these, I enjoyed her company thoroughly. Evora was the fifth and final daughter to Queen Lorvera, she had no hopes of obtaining the throne so she spent her days making as many friends as she could. Evora was the most loved princess.

Princess Evora was gorgeous, her whole family was. While their beauty was stunning, Evora’s beauty was how serene and simple she looked. Evora had the same high cheekbones and round jaw has her sisters, the same pointed ears and smooth nose. While her mothers and sisters eyes were the bright colours, Evora’s eyes were the colour of old green pine. They still glittered nonetheless. Evora was still beautiful.

Her hair was free falling around her shoulders, in thick earthy brown curls. Her ears and neck were covered in sapphires embedded in silver leaves, the sapphires matched her blue dress. Her dress looked like the ocean, deep blue and shimmering. 

“Harper? Are you all right?” Princess Evora asked, attempting to place a hand on my arm.

I hated that my arm involuntarily flinched out of her reach, I tried to smile at her to give her some comfort. “I am fine, Your Highness, I suppose I am drained from playing.”

“If you say so,” her eyes seemed sad, I wanted to make her feel better.

Opal poked my side. “Tell her what Lady Elowyn said to you.”

I didn’t think it was important, but Opal always had a deep desire for secrets. “When Lady Elowyn told me to stop playing, she said to wait for a surprise. Do you know what it could be?”

Evora smiled, her eyes glowed. “Oh, I do, and I won’t tell you.”

Locklan, as dramatic as he is, acted so hurt I thought he was going to weep. “My dear, angelic Highness, how could you be so cruel and not let us in on your dark secrets? How could you hold onto this information without telling us?”

Evora giggled behind her jewelled hand, her laugh sounded like wind chimes. “I wish I could, Locklan, but I’m afraid my mother has prohibited us from telling. We must wait until she has deiced to announce it.”

Opal nibbled on her finger. “Announce, you say? Hmm, what could she be announcing?” Opals wide eyes grew wider, she grasped Evora’s arm and jumped up and down. “I know! I know! Oh, it will be wondrous!”

“What? Now you know you have to tell us!” I said.

Opal squealed as she grasped my hands tightly. “Oh, I really can’t, but it will be wondrous!”

Locklan scoffed and crossed his arms. “Can you at least promise that whatever will be announced will cause some sort of theatrics?”

Opal and Evora exchanged looks, they smiled wildly. “Oh, dear Locklan, the drama that will unfold will be so fruitful that your family will have endless opportunities to create chaos,” Evora promised.

Locklan smiled again, showing his sharp teeth. “Well, if that’s the case, better start the warm up entertainment.”

He bowed deeply and turned towards the tables piled high with foods. He grabbed his older sister’s hand and leaped up onto the table. He twirled Volipa in his arms and they started to dance to the jumpy tune played on a flute somewhere. They kicked off platers of fruit and honeyed meats. The closest fae shrieked and moved quickly out of their range to protect their clothing.

Some fae laughed and cheered. Fae were odd like that, some craved chaos and drama so much they created it themselves, Locklan’s family was praised for the stories they created. Locklan and Volipa smiled and laughed as they danced on the table.

Evora laughed into her hand. “His desire for attention overrides his self-pride.”

“I don’t think there is anything else that can overcome Locklan’s love for attention,” I said, sipping my goblet.

“Not even his love for himself?” Opal quipped, we all laughed.

Evora hooked arms with Opal, Opal held onto my sleeve in response, Evora leaned forward. “Shall we follow his lead?”

I was about to agree when a hush fell over the party. Locklan and Volipa stopped their dancing, Queen Lorvera raised her eyebrow at them. Locklan and Volipa guilty climbed down from the table, their clothing stained with food and drink.

Queen Lorvera’s voice carried itself over the crowd. “Those young foxes, always creating some sort of ruckus when they get bored.”

The crowed laughed, Locklan and Volipa bowed dramatically, flashing their fox teeth. Queen Lorvera raised her glass at them, smiling to herself.

“What is the meaning of this party, you might ask? Well, as much as I love to keep secrets to myself, I can hold this one no longer,” everyone was hanging onto the Queens words, all silent and patient for what will be announced.

Queen Lorvera beckoned her eldest daughter, Astria, towards her. Evora and Opal bounced on their feet next to me. I could guess what is going to happen, but I was far from the truth. Queen Lorvera beckoned another fae forward, Elm walked towards her. Elm held Princess Astria’s hand and smiled brightly.

Queen Lorvera raised her goblet higher. “I am so proud to announce that we will have a wedding soon upon us. We shall celebrate the joining of my oldest daughter Astria, and the oldest son of Lord Bryn. We shall welcome Elm into my household, where he will be crowned prince, and continue the Viridishire line.”

The fae gathered erupted into cheers, they threw flowers into the air and started to dance. I had zoned out, almost on the brink of panicking.

What does this mean for me? How long will I be asked to play? Until my fingers bleed? Will I be sold again when Lady Elowyn finds a better muse to please the Queen?

A sharp jolt in my side shook me, Opal nodded in the direction of Lady Elowyn. She was glaring at me. I cleared my throat and raised my harp, I started to play instantly. The merry tune I played sent the fae into dancing circles as they congratulated Elm and Astria. Opal and Evora stayed next to me, chatting excitedly about the new wedding.

I felt sick, I don’t know why, my head started to swirl as I played. I had a bad feeling about this wedding. I wanted to feel happy for Elm, he has been nothing but kind to me. Something cold was tugging at me, my instincts trying to say something. I prayed it was fatigue as I continued to play. 

Please let nothing go wrong.

[silence-burns]

Please Hate Me //part 39

Fandom: Marvel

Summary: Based on: “Imagine having a love/hate relationship with Loki.” by @thefandomimagine​ Who would have thought that babysitting a god could be so much fun?

Genre: slow-burn, enemies to lovers

Running is a funny thing. Despite what you probably think, it can actually bring a lot of pleasure if done in the right circumstances. A lot of people run to feel better. Some do it for sport, or for health reasons. There's running through the park, or in the gym. There are many types of running and most of them are actually quite enjoyable.

Running for your life is not one of those.

Running for your life overrides everything you think you know about running. The adrenaline pumped into your veins allows your body to overlook some of its limits, which is very handy. It lets you do things you'd never have thought about pulling off, like, for example, cutting corners with godspeed, while also ducking your head to avoid having it bitten off. It also allows your legs to fly you through the tangled mess of gardens despite the breath hitching in your throat. 

The chemistry of the human body is truly a marvelous thing. 

You'd give it more thought, but the beast of a spider scuttling behind you occupied too much of your mind. It was a marvelous thing too, and one you wished to never mull over too deeply. There was little you wanted to do less than think about its abnormally sharp chelicerae trying to bite the flesh off your back. Or the spindly, wiry legs sending it running after you with the speed no insect, and definitely not one of that size, should ever be allowed to achieve. It was simply unfair. 

The dagger Loki gave you was still buried into one of the creature's huge, glowing eyes, now leaking a greyish muck. It should raise your morale, to see it hurt. It didn't. 

You slipped on the mud, and slid down between the trees. Thorns broke your skin and roots slammed into your legs. The spider hissed, strings of saliva spraying from its gaping mouth, when you ducked under one of the lower branches - a thick, sturdy thing that shook when the spider threw itself at it, but didn't break. Not at first, at least. 

It gave you enough time to push yourself up and back in the direction of the massive castle looming over everything. The mountain that was a part of it rose over even the highest trees. Under different circumstances, it would be a menacing sight. In yours, it was a relief not to get lost. 

The wood creaked and groaned and then broke somewhere behind you. What a pleasant way of reminding your legs that they could run even faster. 

You broke out of the woods and back onto the winding paths leading to the fountain. It was broken now, and its pieces cemented in the mud; as if running wasn't difficult enough. 

The castle was so close. There must've been someone who’d seen all that mess, someone who would surely come to help. 

But they didn't. 

"Loki!" you screamed at the top of your lungs toward the pile of marble - all that was left of the original construction. "Could you not be dead right now?!" 

There was little that could have reached the god laid sprawled among the debris. It would fit the romantic narrative if hearing your voice gave Loki new strength and raised him from the dead, but the truth was, all that he could hear was the blood pumping in his veins, the water rushing from the damaged pipes, and on top of it all the—powerful, although turned inward—scream of his devastated pride. 

To be swept like a bug, like an insect unworthy of any more attention, like a nuisance to get rid of - what a pitiful sight he must be. 

Even just imagining that made his blood boil. Steam rose from the debris and fueled his rage further. Loki was no bug. 

He was angry. 

An explosion sent the debris flying. You scuttled forward, shielding your head in your arms. For a moment, you thought something even worse than a bizarrely overgrown spider came to ruin your day. 

The golden helmet shone as Loki rose, his eyes immediately turning to the monster behind you. The god reached into the depths of his magic. It awakened eagerly.

"That's quite enough," he groaned from the heights of the pile. 

He was battered, bruised, and a little embarrassed, which was never a good sign. The green light crackled hungrily around his fingers as he eyed the monster rushing after you, stumbling through the mud. 

Mud was not what he'd prefer, but mud was all he had. 

The magic surged out of Loki's hands in a wave of shivering air and glistening frost. It writhed and bit and raised in a wave of freezing spikes. Ice crackled with sudden chill as it pierced through the belly of the spider and raised it off the ground, helplessly wriggling its legs. 

The ground was freezing under your hands as you pushed yourself up, balancing on the coat of ice. 

"Glad to see you alive," you said, backing away from the writhing spider. Yellow entrails oozed over the ice, but it still refused to die. 

Loki shot you his best grin, brushing the dirt off the leathers of his armor. "It would be rude to just leave you on your own. Besides, you'd probably hate me if I didn't take you to Valhalla with me." 

"You know me too well." 

Relief clutched his chest when you looked mostly unharmed, even if a little out of breath. There was a lot Loki wanted to say to that smile you gave him, and to the hand that grasped his in looking for balance. He even started on the words- but wasn't able to finish. The spider was a wicked thing, born of feral magic and it did not want to die. 

The spikes broke and rained shards of ice around. The huge, bulbous body shook with the impact of striking the ground again. Hissing and shaking, the spider's fury rose as it clawed the frozen mud, digging trenches into the ice.  Its eight legs were perfect for keeping balance and hurtling it with terrifying speed forward. 

Loki pushed you away as the magic surged around him and struck the monster to the side. It curled as it hit one of the statues of people long gone, and sent it flying in pieces. The cracks on the spider's back were deep, but they were already healing when it raised again like it couldn't even feel the pain. And maybe it was true and the reason why it was such a vicious, unstoppable enemy. Loki sent another spear of ice through it, washing the frost in yellow. 

You cursed, looking around for anything or anyone. 

The castle walls were right there, and the corridors you'd walked not so long ago all overlooked the gardens you now fought for your lives in, and yet, no one seemed to be aware of it. You'd waited, and hoped, and it did nothing to change the tides, so you gave that up and focused on what you knew best. 

The spider hissed and spat greenish acid as it tore itself open on Loki's spikes, pushing itself despite ripping parts of its body off. Loki kept on cutting its legs off with a lance bleeding golden dust, but it slowed the spider down only a little. 

If only there was something you could use for a bigger impact… Like the huge, already half-crumbled marble statues just standing around. 

Well, you'd already ruined some of them, how much would one more matter in the grand scheme of things? 

Loki had the full attention of the monstrous spider, which was very convenient and equally dramatic. He looked unfairly good with his green cape flowing behind him as he cut, ducked and stabbed the spider while also trying to freeze its remaining legs to the ground. 

You tried to be less dramatic while you snuck around and made it to the back of one of the statues nearby. It stood high on a pedestal, with the figure majestically carved like a moving warrior. Whoever it depicted, was standing on one leg, in the middle of a run. It was such a perfect little detail, you thought, as you took a nice, heavy block of stone and climbed up the pedestal. 

"Loki!" you shouted while chopping the marble and watching the cracks spread up its surface. "Get your ass over here!" 

There was not much time Loki could spare to see what you were doing, but he retreated a little, luring the spider after him, closer and closer to where you now stood. You pushed with your remaining strength. 

Right when the statue started to fall, Loki cut off the spider's front legs and sent another wave of frost over the already frozen ground. He jumped away while the spider struggled to stand. 

The statue had fallen with a loud, nauseating crack of splitting stone and splashed juices. 

You half-slipped, half-climbed down the now empty pedestal, trying to avoid the disgusting yellowish muck that coated everything thickly. 

You watched Loki push some bigger pieces of the carcass around with the tip of his spear. He was very focused on whatever he was doing, which was convenient, because you'd had absolutely no desire to lend him a hand. 

The ground was wonderfully cold as you knelt on it a healthy distance away from the mess. Sweat covered every part of your body that was now trembling out of exhaustion. Your breath came out in a cloud of white as you laid down on the frozen mud and crumbled stone. The stars were beautiful as always, and so huge they looked as if in your reach. 

There was nothing short of disgust on Loki's face as he held up something hidden in the soaking remains of the shriveled spider. It was a piece of stone with a slim handprint in the middle. He felt its magic under his fingers, angry to have its vessel ruined. Now that it was taken out of the carcass, its power was not enough to heal it yet again. 

Loki was very glad about that. His evening was eventful enough for his liking. He hid the stone in his pocket. 

He headed your way, discarding his golden helmet and the spear as he went. They disappeared in a shimmer.. 

You looked up at him. Blood covered the right side of his face in what a painter would call violent brushstrokes, and what looked to you like a face slammed into a fountain. 

"You look like shit." 

Loki looked at the arm you held stiffly over your stomach, and at all the scratches and scrapes you'd collected like autographs from every tree and a bush on your way. 

"At least we match." 

His face contorted in pain as he lowered himself next to you, embracing the blessed chill of the ground against his bruised flesh. The magic was a flickery thing on the Edge, and it did not like outsiders. Loki could already feel it working against his spells and undoing the coat of ice around. 

"You know what," he said, laying in the mud and looking at the stars. "I used to like spiders."

"I used to think magic was cool," you said, watching galaxies travel through the never ending night. "Now I feel like it hates me." 

"I can assure you, that abomination was aimed at us by someone much more real than the general concept of magic. And I know how to track that someone. Tomorrow." 

"Tomorrow?" 

"Yes. I think I'm done with today." 

You nodded. Your joints felt stiff and loose at the same time. "Agreed.."

The stars looked down on you, boneless in the melting sea of mud and marble. The stars understood little of the ways of mortals, but they knew what it felt to be tired. 

"Loki." 

"What." 

"How is it that you got injured by that thing?" 

"My face had been introduced to a few surfaces, you know. That smile of yours tells me enough about how much you'd seen."

"Yeah, that was marvelous, I wish I got it on tape. But, usually you don't get so roughed up. Remember when you got hit on Earth? You said it hurt, but you never blacked out." 

"It doesn't work that way. I wasn't born on Earth, so things that are inherently earthly, and lack the magic matching the one in my veins can't influence my state much. I might feel pain, and maybe get a few bruises, but it just doesn't work on my… being." 

You frowned. 

"But back when you invaded New York, you got smashed quite a few times by Hulk, and you, from what I could tell, didn't enjoy it. "

Loki sighed. "...I don't want to be talking about that incident ever again. That beast is… not entirely like everyone else on your precious Earth, that's all the explanation I can piece together."

"And that's why it Hulk-smashed you for good?" 

"To put it in terms that you can understand without any knowledge on the theory of magic, you can't destroy water with a stone, no matter how many times you clash them together in your hands. They have different… cores. But if two stones clash, they will both take damage, because their very being is similar in nature and they can interact with each other fully. I am a being born of magic. The spider was too, so every hit from it did more damage than anything else invented on Earth."

 "...so you're saying you're too stoned for guns?"

"I swear on Valhalla, on one of those nights I'm gonna murder you. Your puns are not half as funny as you think."

"That's fair, I guess. Could you please at least choose a pretty night?" 

Loki took your hand in his. He liked the feeling of your fingers linked together. "I will." 

"You're so romantic. I promise to only ever share the mud with you." 

Loki chuckled, despite the sharp pain in his cut face. He looked at you and saw stars in your eyes and love in your smile. There was dust in the kiss you shared, and blood on your tongues that didn't stop you. There were very few things in the universe that could've stopped your embrace there. In fact the stomping of the castle guards that finally made it to the gardens qualified. 

Loki still held your face in his hands when their swords aimed at you. Despite the gentleness he embraced you with, there was nothing warm in the gaze he met the guards with. 

"I suggest you reconsider your hostility," Loki's voice dripped with threat. 

The lean man with a needle-like rapier you'd seen earlier, stepped out. There was a growl in his features, and tension in his arms. The star-like freckles that used to cover the night expanse of his skin were now dim and grey. 

"My name is Faroq and I am the captain of the guard. I demand answers, now," was all he said, still as a statue himself. 

Loki didn't rise from the ground, and neither did you. He only gestured to the steaming remains of the spider behind their backs. "I believe someone has lost their pet. Do me a favor and give it back to them."

Faroq snapped orders at his guards to check on the muck underneath the broken stone. In the meantime, Loki helped you to your feet with a charming smile and his back to Faroq. Whatever the stone he had found was, Loki had no intention of sharing it with the fuming lord. 

The captain of the guard only asked you a few questions, but it was clear that he believed nothing you said, even though for once you weren't even lying. It was not your fault that someone on the Edge wanted to silence you before the investigation found the ambassador's murderer. There was no point in Loki or you setting a ravenous murder-spider on yourselves, but Faroq didn't buy it. 

When he ordered you to return to your chambers, both of you gladly followed, with as much dignity as you could muster while covered head to toe in mud. 

[soc-characters-as-songs]

individual lines from folklore?

alrighty, I’m shaking things up for this one!! I’m going through all 17 songs, and just listing lyrics that remind of characters, meaning some may get multiple lyrics! why? because I can.

ivy:

“you know the greatest films of all time were never made”

“we gather here, we line up weeping in a sunlit room”

“I’ll show you ever version of yourself tonight”

“you’re a flashback on a film reel on the one screen in my town”

meredith:

“I knew you/leaving like a father/running like water”

“and if I’m dead to you why are you at the wake”

“and I’m still a believer, but I don’t know why/I’ve never been a natural, all I do is try try try”

“and it’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound”

diana:

“and the town said how did a middle class divorcee do it”

“even on my worst day, did I deserve babe/all the hell you gave me”

“make sure nobody sees you leave/hood over your head keep your eyes down”

“do you see my face in your neighbors lawn?/does she smile?/or does she mouth fuck you forever?”

dahlia:

“when you are young they assume you know nothing”

“when no one is around my dear/you’ll find me on my tallest tiptoes/spinning in my highest heels”

“hell was the journey but it brought me heaven”

“don’t want no other shade of blue, but you/no other sadness in the world would do”

alassie:

“there goes the most shameless woman this town has ever seen/she had a marvelous time ruining everything”

“and they called off the circus, burned the disco down”

“and my words shoot to kill when I’m mad/I have a lot of regrets about that”

“does a scorpion sting when fighting back?/they strike to kill, and you know I will”

ramona:

“but we were something don’t you think so?”

“and I can see us twisted in bedsheets/august sipped away like a bottle of wine/cause you were never mine”

“take the words for what they are/a dwindling mercurial high”

“I was nowhere to be found/I hate the crowds, you know that/plus I saw you dance with him”

rhea:

“the smell of smoke would hang around this long/cause I knew everything when I was young”

“pouring out my heart to a stranger/but I didn’t pour the whiskey”

“cold was the steel of my axe to grind”

“every time you say I seem angry/I get more angry”

cornelia:

“in my defense I have none/for never leaving well enough alone”

“rosé flowing with your chosen family”

“time, mystical time/cutting me open then healing me fine”

“and there’s nothing like a mad woman/what a shame she want mad/and no one likes a mad woman/you made her like that”

kaden:

“I didn’t have it in myself to go with grace/because when I’d fight you used to tell me I was brave”

“sweet tea in the summer/cross my heart won’t tell no other/and though I can’t recall your face/I’ve still got love for you”

“and you want to scream don’t call me kid, don’t call me baby”

“standing in your cardigan/kissing in my car again/stopped under a streetlight/you know I miss you”

andreia:

“they say she was seen on occasion, pacing the rocks, staring out at the midnight sea”

“I think I’ve seen this film before/and I didn’t like the ending”

“you turned into your worst fears/and you’re tossing out blame drunk on this pain/crossing out the good years”

“I’ve been having a hard time adjusting/had the shiniest wheels now they’re rusting”

arely:

“but I knew you/dancing in your Levi’s/drunk under a street light”

“you are not like the regulars/masquerade revelers/drunk as they watch my shattered edges glisten”

“but if I showed up at your party/would you have me? would you want me?/would you tell me to go fuck myself/or lead me to the garden?”

“I never had the courage of my convictions/as long as danger is near”

suzy:

“second third and hundredth chances/balancing on breaking branches”

“please picture me in the weeds/before I learned civility/I used to scream ferociously/anytime I wanted”

“and you know damn well/for you I’d ruin myself/a million little times”

“our coming of age has come and gone/suddenly this summer it’s clear”

samuel:

“but I knew you/playing hide and seek and/giving me your weekends”

“and I’ve been meaning to tell you/I think your house is haunted/your dad is always mad and that must be why”

“keep your helmet, keep your life son/just a flesh wound, here’s your rifle”

“with you I serve, with you I fall down”

bianca:

“I hit the ground running each night”

“teal was the color of your shirt/when you were sixteen at the yogurt shop/you used to work at to make a little money”

“you heard the rumors from Inez/you can’t believe a word she says/most times, but this time it was true”

“the devils in the details, but you’ve got a friend in me”

archibald:

“I have this dream you’re doing cool shit/having adventures on your own”

“I knew you’d miss me once the thrill expired”

“I’m still on that tightrope/still trying everything to get you laughing at me”

“and isn’t it just so pretty to think/all along there was/some invisible string/tying you to me”

raphael:

“and I still talk to you (when I’m screaming at the sky)”

“and when I break its in a million pieces”

“they told me all of my cages were mental/so I got wasted like all my potential”

“they say move on but you know I won’t”

[enviedear]

the last great american dynasty → draco malfoy

DESCRIPTION ⌙ in which y/n l/n buys an old home and quickly becomes the talk of the town

PAIRING ⌙ draco x fem!reader

WORD COUNT ⌙ 2.7k

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

pls enjoy this fic as i write my other four... its proving most difficult to keep up with all of them but i’m trying. and of course this is based off the song the last great american dynasty by taylor :)))

also here is the house i’m going to be referencing :)

when you moved to england your first task was to do as your parents suggested, stay with your distant relative, aurora sinistra. 

and you followed their advice. you tracked down her home. she just happened to be away. she had left a note saying something about how she couldn’t miss some sort of planetary alignment and would be in germany for the next week.

you had decided to explore the new territory and after an hour of walking around the town you met your soulmate, a home. and not just any home, a beautiful large piece of art made of stone. 

the huge house enticed you to climb up the large hill it was sat on. 

up closer you saw the vines and wisteria climbing up the exterior. then more details like the broad windows in need of cleaning, an old oak door, and doric columns that made you feel like you stumbled into a princess story. 

you forgot your normal manners and had entered the home without a knock, pacing slowly through the entryway, studying the decor.

“excuse me?” a voiced called.

you had turned to find a tall brunette woman holding a toddler.

“i’m so sorry! i didn’t mean to just walk up into your home. its just, very beautiful, and i saw a for sale sign by the mailbox.” you had sputtered out.

the woman seemed even more surprised after you had spoken, “are you american?”

“yes?” you had replied, confused.

“it’s just, no one comes here and now i know why you did,” she laughs a little and adjusts the little boy on her hip. “this is a family home of a dark wizard, not many people want to visit a house that has such negative connotations. but i’d love to give you tour if you’re still interested in it?” she asks.

you smile, “i’d love to. i’m y/n by the way.”

andromeda tonks had quickly taken a liking to you and offered you the home. she explained that absolutely no one else would buy it given the fact it used to belong to her sister, who had fought alongside voldemort. 

you didn’t mind the weird history that came along with the home, it was too beautiful to pass up. plus, it wasn’t unlike to you to cause a stir. you took pride in doing things out of the ordinary.

that’s how you came into the possession of the lestrange family home, or as you call it, wisteria house, after the flowers that inhabited the residence.

now, almost a year later, you’re the talk of the town. most of your pureblood neighbors found you too new. you were new money, you were apart of an american half-blood family, and you hosted parties they deemed too loud. however you knew they were tasteful.

you couldn’t care any less about what they thought of you. your home was your everything and you wouldn’t change yourself for some stuck up old families. you found it marvelous ruining everything they deemed sacred.

one of your neighbors in particular, a man named lucius malfoy, had annoyed you to no end. he hated everything about you. andromeda told you several times by now that he proclaimed you a mad woman to anyone who brought you or wisteria house up.

so today, on the fifth of june two thousand and three, you were determined to win this feud.

lucius’ home, malfoy manor was hosting a party tonight, and you were set on ruining everything.

as you entered the mansion, you absentmindedly smoothed out your tight fit gown. it hung off your shoulders and had a tasteful slit on the left side, exposing your leg.

“y/n, come sit with teddy and i!” andromeda calls from a nearby table.

you smile at the woman and take your seat beside her, giving teddy a kiss on the forehead. he in return, makes his hair your favorite color and smiles up at you.

“i didn’t think you’d actually come dear. i know how rude lucius has been to you, but i’m glad you’re being pleasant and showing off your best face.” andromeda says sarcastically, bringing her wine glass to her pointed lips.

you smirk, “lucius deserves to experience my full presence.”

the party kicks off and andromeda introduces you to many people, like harry potter, who you feel very awkward around. you can’t help it, you don’t know how to talk to someone who saved the world.

she also introduces you to lucius, who is carrying around a small poodle like it’s a handbag. he doesn’t say much to you and you don’t mind, his voice annoys you.

you decide to sneak away from andromeda’s conversation with lucius and make your way to a balcony. to the right, you spot your home. you smile to yourself and begin studying the malfoy garden. 

after a little time passes you decide it best to find andromeda again, but before you can take a step lucius’ dog is licking your exposed leg.

“well how did you get here?” you jokingly ask the animal, crouching down to pet it.

the dog leans into your touch and that’s when you have an idea.

when you attended ilvermorny you learned a spell for dyeing flags so that the opposing houses couldn’t change it. it proved a big hit given the thunderbird house liked to turn flags into theirs as a joke during quadpot games.

you could dye the dogs fur so that lucius would have a conniption. the dye was completely safe as well, and you were sure the party guests would love to see lucius attempt to change to dogs fur back.

so you dyed the dog a key-lime green, and let it run back off to its owner.

“i suppose my father was right, you are mad.” a voice says from the hall.

you furrow your brows and step further into the hallway so you can get a look at who’s speaking.

leaning against the wall is a tall, pale, blonde boy. draco. andromeda told you about him. apparently he doesn’t like his father much and to spite him, takes teddy on walks in his garden every saturday and thursday morning.

“you know, people have been saying that my home is cursed to make any woman who lives in it insane. and i must admit after finding your aunt bellatrix’s journal i might have to believe them. her sanity did begin slipping after moving into that home.” you say, raising your eyebrows.

“bella was always mad. but if you keep tormenting my father i think it’ll be him to go insane. not that i don’t enjoy your little pranks on him.” he gushes, letting a small smile creep onto his face.

“i can’t just end your dad an i’s little feud here, draco. it would make me look cowardly,” you tease, biting your lip. “i really don’t even know why he invited me to this party. come to think of it, i don’t even know what we’re celebrating.”

“i invited you. it’s my birthday party.” he replies.

“why thank you for your invitation. may i ask how old you are?” you ask.

“twenty-three at 11:37,” he looks at his pocket watch, “ten more minutes.”

you study him before saying, “you know there’s a wall at my house that shows you the way the stars look. would you like to see how the universe aligns the stars for your birthday?” 

draco runs a hand through his hair, “i’d love to. and i’ve been meaning to see what you’ve done with bella’s old house.”

the two of you quietly sneak out of malfoy manor and into wisteria house. you lead him upstairs and into the sky room. the room had an enormously tall glass ceiling, and was decorated with things aurora had given you.

on the wall furtherest from the door was a live depiction of the stars above. tonight the wall showed a vibrant blue galaxy spotted with deep orange and bright white stars.

“you’re lucky, this is one of the best ones i’ve seen this whole year. the stars must like you.” you sigh, happily.

draco laughs a bit and looks at you, “despite being the town nuisance, i find you rather enjoyable.”

“despite that compliment being backhanded, i find you rather enjoyable as well.” you tease.

draco laughs, “did you know that the sacred twenty eight pureblood families have a nickname for you?”

you shake your head asking him to explain.

“they call you the last great american dynasty because you bought this big house and have money they can’t trace.” he says.

“i cant deny, i kind of like it.” you giggle.

draco looks down to his watch, “one minute and then i’m officially twenty three,” he pauses to smirk a little, “you know this is the age my parents got married, and i suppose my mother will expect the same of me now.”

“i’ve always said the best age to get hitched is twenty three. the brain isn’t fully developed so you can still love like a teenager but have the responsibilities of an adult. i suppose by that logic, i too should be getting married this year.” you joke.

draco smiles before looking at you quizzically.

you furrow your eyebrows, “what is it?” 

“i think i have the perfect way to win your little feud with my father.” 

“and what is that?” you ask.

“let’s get engaged.” he says simply.

“draco, i’m honored but,” you pause, thinking.

what would be the harm in accepting. you could spend however long you wanted mulling over the actual wedding. lucius would have to respect you a little more. and draco seemed to be a nice person.

“you know what, this mad woman wouldn’t mind being engaged to you. so long as you don’t rush me to marry you, and we stay here, at wisteria.” you bargain.

“you’re sure? you haven’t been drinking have you? i’d hate to propose to a woman who won’t remember this in the morning.” he jokes.

“i haven’t had anything other than pumpkin juice tonight. although i can say this is extremely impulsive, i am almost certain i’d like to marry you. i mean i just saw the ways the stars looked on your birthday. that’s the most intimate thing i’ve ever done with someone.” you smile.

“that’s the most intimate-” you cut the boy off with a simple, “of course not, silly.”

the two of you talk through the rest of the night and into the early morning before draco escorts himself home.

the following months were bliss, aside from lucius’ annoyance about you and his sons engagement. draco took you all over britian. you bought some of the best ice cream you’ve ever had from a shop in diagon alley, you visited aurora at hogwarts and met the lovely headmistress named minerva who gleamed at draco every time he spoke, you took draco to meet your parents in november to celebrate thanksgiving, and the two of you did a lot of landscaping for wisteria house.

“guess what tomorrow is.” you instruct your fiancee who is tending to the small wiggentree.

draco wipes the dirt from his forehead and purses his lips in thought, “ah, it’s our engagement party.”

you wink at him and wrap your cloak around yourself more trying to get warm, “precisely. i was thinking we announce the wedding day.”

he chuckles, “why y/n, we won’t be getting married for a while. plus i’d hate to toy with mother by giving her a date she’ll have to wait anxiously for. you know that woman is practically dying to have a wedding. though, i would have thought potters’ would have quenched her thirst.”

you roll your eyes, “we’re announcing the day. march the fourth two thousand and five.”

draco’s eyes widen, “and you’re sure?”

you nod and draco barrels toward you with a hug. it knocks you back a bit but you smile and hold the boy tight against you. 

it didn’t take you long to become enraptured in everything that was draco malfoy. he loved you with a firey passion you longed to never go out.

the wedding day came quickly, but not quick enough for you and your fiancee.

“you know, i must say, this crowd has to be bigger than harry’s on his wedding day.” you say to andromeda, narcissa, and your mom.

“it’s because half of these people are a little too invested in your life. i love you but having your wedding at a former deatheater’s home isn’t exactly normal. i mean i know it’s not bella’s house anymore but the history remains. i can’t say anyone likes a home of a deatheater. no offense sissy.” andromeda says, looking out the window at the large crowd in the garden.

narcissa rolls her eyes and continues weaving the wisteria into your h/c hair. 

“i wish i was better at braiding honey, but narcissa is doing better than i ever could. you were right to have me just doing your makeup.” your mom says, eyeing your mother-in-laws’ handiwork.

“i just can’t believe the day is finally here. my little boy is getting married. i always knew he’d marry a woman who could keep up with him.” narcissa smiles.

after you and your bridesmaids (who consisted of your best friend, andromeda, and your cousin aurora) were ready, narcissa and your mother escort you all down to the venue.

the two mothers smile at you before taking their seats. 

“next time we talk you’ll be a married woman.” your best friend says, nudging your shoulder.

“isn’t it crazy?” you laugh, clutching your flowers.

she gives you a confident look before walking onto the aisle.

soon enough its your turn to walk. the long train of your white dress trails gracefully behind you and your off the shoulder long sleeves keep your arms warm.

the grey eyes at the end of the aisle look at you with such adoration you can’t help but to let out a stray tear.

draco looks regal in his light grey tux. his blonde hair is styled just like it was in a picture you found of him from his sixth year at hogwarts, and his rosy cheeks allude to his nerves.

when you reach him he holds a hand out for you and wipes the tears from your eyes.

your father is officiating the wedding and gives you a smile that only a father can give before starting his speech.

soon enough it’s time for draco to say his vows.

your lover sniffles a bit before speaking, “y/n l/n, for years this house has sat quietly on this hill, free of women with madness and bad habits until two years ago when it was bought by you. y/n, the most brilliant woman i’ve ever met. you ruined all the negativities that came with this home. your nature is unlike anyone else. you always see the best in people and things. you make a friendly competition out of anything and it never fails to amaze me at the way you push yourself. before we met i was out walking with a few old friends from school and you were outside wisteria planting lilac. i remember one of my friends referred to you as loudest woman this town has ever seen. i have to agree, your aura is impossible to escape. but i would never want to escape your madness. everything you do fills me with light. who knows if you never showed up what could have been. i’ve had a marvelous time ruining everything this home used to stand for with you, and i’d be honored to continue doing just that for the rest of my life. i adore you, y/n.” 

your heart begged to reach out and hug him.

“i love you draco malfoy.” you profess.

“i know pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride.” your father beams.

draco leans into you and gives you a kiss full of love. all the best things in the universe couldn’t compare to this moment right now. in the end you had two soulmates, one, a home that you poured all your work into and two, a man who you poured your whole being into.

when the two of you break away you smile at your husband, knowing that this is everything you’ve ever wanted.

and the town whispered the same thing years into your marriage, “there goes the last great american dynasty.”

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: Avengers #239: Late Night of the Super-Stars!

January, 1984

1984! Can’t wait to make a bunch of Orwell jokes that are poorly thought out and land poorly!

But I guess it’ll have to wait since we’re on Late Night with David Letterman in this issue.

This sure is an interesting turn of events. Although the team we see on the cover doesn’t seem to be the actually active roster. They’re over in the corner box turned away - either from shame or because they’re off doing their own thing.

Because its Assistant Editors’ Month!

A fun-sounding non-event. Although, looking it up, very few books that were considered part of the event actually did anything with it beyond a slightly goofy issue box on the cover.

So we’re going to see some Avengers go on a talk show today.

Superheroes as celebrities! What a novel idea.

Anyway, I learned an interesting detail about the cover that would have totally missed me. The checkerboard strip at the top was a hallmark of DC comics around this time. And the round MC logo in the top right is an obvious spoof of the DC logo from this time.

It’s not much more than a goof for this book but the Captain America book released for Assistant Editors’ Month also had the checkerboard and logo and was a style parody of DC comics.

Last times: Vision went into a robo-coma from walking into an invisible dome created by Annihilus and only recently recovered the ability to talk. New Avenger Starfox hooked Vision up to ISAAC the Titan computer and overclocked Vision’s robot brain so now he can project himself as a hologram and has an even faster computer brain. At the end of Avengers #238, the Avengers got a call from Tigra about some nonsense going on in San Francisco involving Spider-Woman.

Meanwhile, Hawkeye got a whole miniseries all to himself where he met Mockingbird, lost his job at Cross Technological, his girlfriend revealed that she was paid to date him and also hated him, he teamed up with Mockingbird to uncover an evil scheme by Crossfire to kill all superheroes, Hawkeye lost his hearing by putting an ultrasonic arrowhead in his mouth but foiled the scheme plot, and married Mockingbird. He’s had a very busy week or so!

This time: Hawkeye comes back to the Avengers Mansion to show off his cool new wife.

Hawkeye: “Hey, everybody -- your wanderin’ boy Hawkeye has come home... And you’ll never guess what I’ve gone and done!”

I can just imagine Mockingbird replying “Me” with the biggest shit-eating grin. She feels the sort to do that.

When Hawkeye and Mockingbird arrive there’s no one to greet them except the floating disembodied hologram head of the Wizard of Vizh.

Hawkeye has also made the decision, for some reason, to not wear the hearing aid that Mockingbird got him so he can’t hear what Vision is saying when he compliments his new costume.

Mockingbird introduces herself for Hawkeye and Vision tells the two to join him in the medical labs so they can catch up.

When they arrive, Vision raises his volume so Hawkeye can hear and recaps everything that’s happened to lead up to him becoming a robot in a tube who can hologram around.

Vision: “[Starfox] set up a direct link between ISAAC, the world-computer of Titan, to better diagnose my condition. But, instead, my brain became overloaded with ISAAC’s energy-information matrix --!”

Hawkeye: “And you became several with the universe, right?”

Vision: “‘Several with the’ --? Oh -- hah-ha! Very witty!”

Overclocking his brain seems to have done wonders for Vision’s sense of humor.

He even finds Hawkeye funny now.

Vision also explains where the dickens everyone else is (because Hawkeye asks him where the dickens they are. Its so weird for Hawkeye to say dickens).

Jarvis was given the day off to visit his mother, Captain America and Thor are both busy with nonsense in their own books, and the rest of the Avengers are off to San Francisco because of that call from Tigra.

Hawkeye offers to fly out and give them a hand, which Vision declines since they’ll call if they need help.

Instead he asks Hawkeye how he met Mockingbird and Hawkeye recaps the miniseries in only five panels.

He’s better at this than I am...

Hawkeye: “Anyway, Mockingbird and I had made a pretty good team -- so when it was all over, we ran off and got married!”

Mockingbird: “What can I say? The big lug needed somebody to keep him out of trouble!”

That’s the task of a lifetime, Bobbi. But good for you two! Cute couple is what I say.

Vision: “Marvelous! I hope you two will be as happy together as Wanda and I have been!"

Vision and Scarlet Witch probably are the healthiest superhero marriage of this time.

Vision asks if Hawkeye and Mockingbird intend to stay in the mansion, which they do. But it’s cool because Mockingbird has security clearance from working with SHIELD so they won’t need to bother Mr. Sikorsky and agitate his hatred of living in the superhero genre.

After Hawkeye takes Mockingbird off on a tour of the mansion, Vision receives a call from his brain brother, Wonder Man.

Who, very reluctantly, is coming to the Avengers with hat in hand. So to speak.

Wonder Man: “Okay. Here’s the situation -- my acting career hasn’t been going anywhere lately! So my agent, without my approval -- used the fact that I’m a reserve Avenger to get me a booking on David Letterman’s show, and now, they want me to bring other Avengers along with me! My agent really put me in a tight spot on this one. I hate to impose, but -- !”

Vision: “It’s no imposition at all, Simon! I’ll personally call the network and confirm the Avengers’ appearance!”

Wonder Man: “You’re sure it’s no trouble?”

Vision: “None whatsoever! After all, we have many Avengers -- !”

You sure do! Not as many as you’ll have by the No Surrender days. But still.

Also, I love this can-do attitude from you, Vision!

This is a pretty low priority in terms of fighting crime and whatnot but Vision is like THIS IS EXTREMELY DOABLE, I AM THE INTERNET.

Although imagine how sad it is from Wonder Man’s perspective. His agent put him on the spot pulling sorta-rank to get Simon some media attention but the media is like ‘ok but do you have something better?’

This man is trying to improve his career and the David Letterman show looked at him and said ‘ok but what else have you got?’

Oof!

Anyway, Vision uses the superpower of being wired into the phone system to call up some extra Avengers who aren’t very busy right now.

He calls Black Panther, Beast, and Black Widow.

Their varied responses are pretty funny.

But Black Panther’s is probably the best. He interrupts a meeting with his advisers to take the call and then he’s like ‘yeah sure I can drop everything I’m doing to appear on David Letterman!’

T’Challa really would rather be doing anything but kinging.

Beast initially protests that he’s too busy with the Defenders to just jump on some Avengers business but...

Beast: “The Letterman show? Hey, why didn’t you say so?”

And Black Widow is unbusy sunbathing at the Waldorf Towers while between missions. She doesn’t really want to make a television appearance (it’s kinda counterproductive for a spy, I would guess) but Vision mentions something that has Natasha agree to be there.

Based on what happens later, I guess Vision mentions that Hawkeye will be there.

A couple hours later, ELSEWHERE, well if it isn’t our ol’ friend and punchline Fabian Stankowicz!

Remember this goofus? He attacked the Avengers right when everyone was feeling bad about Hank Pym? Iron Man easily beat him up while the rest of the Avengers breezed on by. Or when he attacked Wasp’s cool superheroine brunch? Which was a hilariously terrible idea because he got between She-Hulk and breakfast foods. Also, nobody took him very seriously there either.

I guess the Avengers didn’t bother to press charges either time because he’s not in jail. He’s at his home working on some machines while his dad criticizes how he spends his time.

Dads, amirite?

Granted, what he’s criticizing is Fabian’s tendency to pick fights with superheroes. And... granted. Not a great use of his time.

But apparently Fabian can afford all the robot suits he keeps attacking the Avengers with because he won the lottery.

So he has a pretty good position to shoot down his dad’s protests, really.

Dad Stankowicz: “Fabian, I’m glad your poor mother didn’t live to see what’s become of you... It would’ve broken her heart!”

Fabian Stankowicz: “Aw, gimme a break, old man!”

Dad Stankowicz: “‘Old man’? This is the way you talk to your father?”

Fabian Stankowicz: “What do you want, egg in your beer? Was it you who won the state lottery and got us out of the Bronx? No, it was me! I won the money, and I’ll say how it’s spent! And I’m gonna use it to make a name for myself! Me... Fabian Stankowicz!”

And when Fabian sees an ad saying that the Avengers will be on Late Night with David Letterman, he has an idea. A wonderful, awful idea.

Also, who the heck puts egg in beer?

I’ve looked it up and I get that it’s a saying but apparently the saying is based on people actually doing that! Why??

The next afternoon, at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where the show 30 Rock and this issue of Avengers both happen, this issue of Avengers is happening.

A CBS page shows Black Widow to the green room where the other Avengers are already waiting.

Also: I know that it’s all the Avengers who weren’t busy (even though T’Challa really should have been?) but this is a fun roster.

Hawkeye, Wonder Man, Beast, Black Widow and Panther?

Heck, I could imagine this being the Marvel equivalent of the Justice League International team, one more geared for some light-hearted comedy?

Except we’re in 1984 so this predates that.

But you have Beast and Wonder Man, your comedy duo best buds. You have Black Panther and Widow being varying levels of straight man to the nonsense. And you have Hawkeye who can be very serious or very ridiculous depending on how hot-headed he’s being at the time.

This team could be hilarious!

(Avengers International. Think about it, Marvel.)

Outside the green room, our ol’ buddy ol’ punching bag, Fabian Stankowicz is in disguise as a repairman with a mustache as cover for installing some devices in the studio. Then he puts on a beard to disguise himself as Perfectly Normal Bearded Audience Member.

I appreciate his intiative although I doubt any of the present Avengers are gonna recognize this guy on sight even if he wore a t-shirt that said “I’m Fabian Stankowicz.”

Fabian Stankowicz: Boy, this is gonna be so sweet, especially after the way the Avengers made me look like a chump those last two times! This time, it’s gonna be different! This time, I’m going to have a ringside seat for the defeat of the Avengers!

Or at least the Avengers that were available to show up on the Tonight Show with David Letterman.

Y’know, I like Fabian Stankowicz. He’s just smart enough to be dangerous and dumb enough to be entertaining. I think there’s a place for an ineffectual doofus with delusions of grandeur in the foe Rolodex of any superhero team.

Meanwhile, back with said Whoever Was Availables, Black Widow and Mockingbird are meeting for the first time.

And luckily, they’re both mature adults who don’t act like you’d usually see in media when the missus meets the ex.

So with a fight to the death NOT happening in the green room, Hawkeye gets to asking Mockingbird about the errand he sent her on which was why she wasn’t in the room when Black Widow first showed up.

Presumably using every bit of skill in espionage at her disposal, Mockingbird got a copy of the questions Letterman will be asking during the show.

Because Hawkeye will be fielding the questions and he has made the decision not to wear his hearing aid. And has also made the follow-up decision that not only will he not be hearing anything tonight, he’s also definitely going to be fielding all the questions.

Mockingbird: “Why won’t you wear a hearing aid?”

Hawkeye: “No can do, sweetheart! The fewer people who know I’m half-deaf, the safer it’ll be for all of us!”

(I don’t really get this reasoning but okay, man)

Mockingbird: “Then why not let someone else be spokesman? This is supposed to be Wonder Man’s big night!”

Hawkeye: “Sure... but I’m the only active Avenger here! Give me a kiss for luck!”

Not for nothing does Mockingbird think that he can be impossible sometimes. And she’s only known him a couple weeks! She’s already come to the correct read on him in that short a time.

David Letterman starts the show with an opening monologue.

David Letterman: “Tonight... What can I say? Tonight is something really special! In fact, it’s probably the most special show we’ve had since our 'camping with Barry White’ program! Yes... hard to believe, isn’t it? But with all due respect to Mr. White -- I think that this show may be our greatest ever. But, as they say, ‘that’s for history to decide!’”

Imagine being a talk show host and getting to introduce the Avengers. Pretty neat.

I like that bandleader Paul Shaffer is wearing a Captain America jersey. Although that makes me wonder once again what merchandising is like for Marvel superheroes. 

Clearly it exists but did Cap sign off on a jersey mimicking his costume? Does he see any money from that? Or at least did he get to say that all profit goes to such and such charity?

Letterman introduces the Avengers for the audience.

(Fun how you can get a sense of their personality just by how they’re sitting. It’s the little touches that make a comic fun.)

Hm, I wonder how well the marvel public follows superhero roster changes.

I know that sometimes new Avengers rosters have gotten attention with press conferences and everything. And sometimes they just swap in and out members as personal business comes up.

Some of the people in the audience may not even recognize Black Widow as an Avenger. Becaaaaause, wait I don’t think she ever was one. She’s assisted on some missions and they were ready to vote her in when she vanished to go do a SHIELD mission.

Okay, better example, does anyone remember that Wonder Man- oh wait, he very publicly burst out of a crate in front of Avengers Mansion during press furor over a roster change. Also, he’s a pre-successful actor.

Black Pan- no, no. He was framed for killing the Avengers his very first day on the team. There was a manhunt.

And of course, everyone knows Beast was on the Avengers. He got around. Romantically.

David Letterman mentions that this group isn’t even all the Avengers because some couldn’t make it (read: were busy with more important things).

Which leads to a funny cut to audience where Beard Fabian is annoyed that this group is who got caught in his revenge scheme.

Fabian Stankowicz: Blast it, where’s Captain America? Where’s that &#%$ She-Hulk?

You better wash your brain out with soap before She-Hulk finds out you thought  that about her. She’s dunked people into the garbage for lesser offenses.

Beast decides that this Late Night interview is the best time to reveal that he’s quitting as a reservist Avenger to focus on his version of the Defenders.

Letterman: “Wow, that was some bombshell the Beast just dropped, Hawkeye! You’re group spokesman... What do you think of that?”

Hawkeye: First question -- ! “Well, David, the Avengers is a non-profit organization, fully sanctioned as a peace-keeping force by just about ever international organization you could think of!”

Letterman: “Eh-heh-heh! You don’t say!”

Oh god, Beast’s bombshell messed up the order of questions and Hawkeye is firmly sticking to script because he can’t hear.

My god, Hawkeye.

Letterman: “You know, I was just about to ask you something along those lines. You wouldn’t be psychic by any chance -- ?”

Hawkeye: “No, of the founding members, only the Wasp and Thor remain as active Avengers.”

Letterman: “You little dickens! You’ve been peeking at my question sheet, haven’t you? All right, I might as well as my next question which is... ‘I hear you were recently married! Is that true?’”

Hawkeye: “Yes, Dave... just a few weeks ago!”

Letterman: “How about that!”

Did Hawkeye just think they were going to blaze through the questions? Even if Beast hadn’t preempted the first question, did Hawkeye think that there would be no follow-up questions? No discussion?

I’ve been on the fence on whether the jokes about Hawkeye not hearing the questions are poking fun at deaf people or at Hawkeye and yeah, Hawkeye is definitely the butt of this joke.

Fabian Stankowicz loses patience for this very dry question and answer session and decides to start his attack nnnnow.

One of the studio cameras is secretly A GIANT LASER. Because. And it blasts the stage.

Mockingbird is watching this on a tiny screen in the Green Room and goes out to help only to run afoul of some kind of mechanized steamrolling dumpster.

Back in the studio, Wonder Man has found his new nemesis.

Move over, Grim Reaper. You’re one-dimensional and everyone especially me hates you. Hello, laser blasting camera.

Wonder Man: “Let me at that thing, Beast! It’s ruining my guest-shot!”

Beast: “You’ll have to wait your turn, Wondy! It just shredded my favorite shirt!”

Priorities!

You know, this was supposed to be about Wonder Man and he only got to say two words during the interview portion.

Dangit, Hawkeye.

Apppppparently, the audience is just assuming that this is all part of the show. A cliche, sure. But it makes sense.

Would you really have the Avengers on a talk show and just have them talk? That’s a waste of perfectly good superheroes.

Also.... apparently? David Letterman used to run things over with a steamroller a lot? So a steamroller looking contraption crashing through the wall to attack the Avengers does seem like something that might happen?

Also, Paul Shaffer decides to just roll with it so as not to panic the audience.

The show must go on, after all.

The steamroller also starts firing missiles at Beast, as ya do.

Beast: “Hunter missiles? I don’t believe this is happening on network tv!”

Wonder Man tries punching the steamroller to no avail but which does give Black Panther a chance to pull out the tried and true “Wonder Man’s fists carry as much bludgeoning power as Thor’s hammer!”

Y’know, originally, that was a flex that set Wonder Man as a threat to the team but after he joined, that never really seemed to actually be the case.

Imagine if Wonder Man always hit as hard as Thor’s hammer? Like, he’s minding his own business and then the Gorr the God Butcher arc happens and Wonder Man is like ‘huh, why do I suddenly feel like my punches could destroy planets light years away? That’s a very specific feeling!’

Fabian Stankowicz takes advantage of the spectacle chaos to walk out of the audience, plunk himself down into one of the interview chairs, remove his entirely convincing beard, and introduce himself to David Letterman as the guy who is definitely to blame for all the action setpieces going on.

Letterman, like Paul Shaffer, just decides to roll with it. Humor the guy. Ask him why he’s doing this.

Fabian Stankowicz: “Why? To prove it could be done! To show what one incredibly gifted individual can accomplish...”

Letterman: “... To get your name in the papers?”

Fabian Stankowicz: “That too! After all, the Avengers have battled Zodiac... the Masters of Evil... Doctor Doom! I want to make as big a name for myself as those guys!”

Letterman: “Seems to me that ‘Stankowicz’ is already a pretty big name!”

Badum pish?

He asks Fabian to explain all of his devices and Fabian is happy too.

I mean, he’s being a supervillain for the notoriety and supervillains already love to hear themselves talk so he’s double dipping into the ‘I will exposit everything at the drop of a hat’ well.

And imagine, Fabian built all this stuff in his garage with lottery winnings.

The steamroller thing isn’t just a steamroller, it’s also got a gravity generator. Which, I guess, makes sense if you’re expecting to go against a She-Hulk or a Thor. A regular steamroller isn’t going to do more than annoy.

Wonder Man fighting so hard against the roller makes it increase gravity so much that Simon and steamroller just fall through the floor.

Hm. I wonder what’s filmed in the studios the floor down. They’re about to have an exciting guest star in that steamroller.

Black Widow (still tangling with the laser camera) points Hawkeye towards Fabian. Although she has to shout and Hawkeye still doesn’t really get it but is happy to shoot an arrow at someone that Black Widow is vigorously gesturing at.

Alas, Fabian is one of those prepared villains we’ve been hearing so much about.

He built a force field too, and the arrow just bounces right off.

(Hey, uh, Hawkeye? What kind of arrow was that? Because it looks technological and you just shot it at this guy’s head)

Truly, can nothing stop this insidious yet not very menacing criminal genius?

Oh, I guess David Letterman can.

Knocks him out with a big knob.

It’s just plain big.

Prop comedy, amirite?

The audience seems to love it anyway. I looked up a clip of the big doorknob and it didn’t meet with this much applause. Maybe its because it was used to do violence this time?

Was the giant door knob a beloved part of Late Show lore?

David Letterman: “I guess that’ll teach you not to mess with David Letterman!”

That’s a line with weird energy to it.

Anyway, it would be a sad day for this random assemblage of backup Avengers if they were upstaged completely by David Letterman and his big knob.

Black Widow and Hawkeye finally manage to blow up the laser camera.

I’m not sure why it took them this long. Sure, the camera could apparently move, based on motion lines in previous panels. But the world’s best marksman couldn’t nail it sooner?

But the important thing is that eventually, they did do it.

The floor starts rumbling as well as Wonder Man flies back up with his belt-jets with the trashed roller and a shit-eating grin.

Wonder Man: “Sorry this took so long -- But I guess I’m a little rusty at tackling big hunks of tin like this!”

Fabian Stankowicz: Rusty? It took me a month to design that, and he totaled it in less than five minutes!

But since everyone’s focus is on Wonder Man (for once), Fabian tries to sneak away.

And runs smack dab into Mockingbird who has a lot of justified anger over almost getting run over by the roller earlier. But she just throws him over to some police that have finally shown up.

Letterman tells the audience not to try any of this at home, just in case any of them have gravity-generator osmium steel steamrollers lying around? And cuts to commercial, presumably so that some basic tidying can happen.

Hours after the filming of the show concludes, the Avengers TV Squad have returned to the mansion, with Vision wishing he could have taken part of this assistant editors month special issue.

Vision: “What became of Stankowicz?”

Black Panther: “Well, with all the charges NBC is leveling against him, the only machinery he’ll be dealing with for some time will be in the New York State Prison library!”

So, he attacked Avengers Mansion. He attacked Wasp’s superheroine brunch at the Van Dyne residence. That’s all well and good. He attacks the Avengers again in the NBC studio and the man is going to jail forever.

I guess the Avengers really haven’t been bothering to press charges on Fabian. But a massive media corporation isn’t so kind.

Since Hawkeye is technically the active Avenger (even though Vision’s hologram head is RIGHT there) he has to follow up on the thing Beast said about quitting the Avengers reservists.

Beast says its not right for him to be an Avengers reservist if he’s also trying to turn “the Defenders into a for-real group!”

Uh, Defenders fans? Wasn’t the appeal of the Defenders them being the not-team team? How did people feel about Beast going ‘ok but what if they were more like other teams instead?’

Meanwhile, Wonder Man is pacing, waiting for the Late Show to come on so he can see how he did when WOMP WOMP the show is interrupted by a special news bulletin.

Wonder Man is aghast that his big break isn’t even airing but when the special news bulletin is about a burning chemical barge, his hero instincts that he has suddenly swell up.

Wonder Man: “This... This is awful! What’re we standing around for? Let’s do something! We’re Avengers, aren’t we?”

Black Panther: “That we are, Simon! Let’s go!”

Beast also decides, hey, one more time won’t hurt and accepts his Avengers ID card back from Hawkeye.

And as they’re headed off to the Quinjet, Beast has a hopeful note for Wonder Man.

Beast: “Hey, Wondy -- remember, there’s a three-hour time difference between the coasts! If we can get this mess cleaned up in time, maybe some folks in California will still see you get your big break!”

Wonder Man: “And if we don’t -- ?”

Beast: “Well, that’s show biz!”

Pretty enjoyable issue! Like, sure, its a good for Assistant Editor’s Month. But if you’re going to do a goof, then you can do worse than bringing back Fabian Stankowicz for a third time’s not the charm.

Speaking of charm, having the Avengers appear on a talk show is a charming concept. Not a whole lot was done with it except the joke about Hawkeye answering the wrong questions but its still a fun idea.

And having the Avengers off busy lets us brush off some Also Avengers that haven’t been in play for a bit. That’s a fun idea that I wouldn’t mind seeing some more.

Have the reservists called in because of a situation happening when the Avengers are already busy.

Heck, I’d like to see a situation where the silliest and least regarded Avengers are the only ones available to respond to an emergency. Have them bounce off each other as a group. Maybe they’re mutually aware of their bad reputations.

Anyway, I expected this issue would be ridiculous but it was also enjoyable. Didn’t mind it at all. And (though by a different writer) the Hawkeye miniseries was very enjoyable too.

This is just feeling like a good era for the Avengers team.

Next time, apparently The Ghost of Jessica Drew. So she’s some kind of ghost spider? Nobody tell Carol Danvers.

Follow @essential-avengers​ because I typed this post partially while a cat was lying on my wrist. That’s dedication. Which you can’t spell without cat. Also, like and reblog if you think its likeable and rebloggable.

[metalbvcky]

*Shows up late to the Stucky/Marvel fandom Post-EG with Starbucks and dozens of fics that I’ve read in hand* So you guys like fanfiction?

Yeah so, because of quarantine I’ve been consuming a ton of fic. I’ve probably read over 1.5 million words in just a couple months. So why not share what I’ve been reading! Note that some of these are older (popular) fics so veteran Stucky peeps will probably know of them since I not too recently delved into the realm that is Stucky fanfic. :)  

Down below are over a dozen fics with different tropes, Canon/AU’s, and what not. Please do heed the tags on some of these. For the curious: My AO3 bookmarks. 

Also shoutout to @stuckylibrary, the mods over there are doing the lords work. 

Key:  ♥ = My fave, S = Smut, DS = Dom/Sub 

Heroes are Easy, People are Hard ♥ by Halbereth, Lorien - Words: 152,284 | CW Fix It, Slight Canon Divergence, Recovery, Slow Burn

Shuri and Wanda cleared Bucky's triggers shortly after Killmonger's attempted coup, and he and Steve went on the run. But it turns out there's more to "fixing Bucky's head" than "getting Hydra out of it." When a group of rogue scientists manage to neutralize the serum and make Steve very sick--pre-serum "this is bad" kind of sick--and they're cut off from contact with Wakanda, Bucky knows only one person with resources to help. He calls Tony and surrenders on the condition that Tony tries to help Steve.

From there, it's basically three variously messed-up guys’ trajectories from "This Is Fine", "Reasonably Speaking I Know It’s Fine", "I Will Be Fine With It" to actually being fine, guest-starring a far-better-adjusted teenage boy who climbs walls, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird, two women with a keen sense of the absurd, and Bruce, the Zen master of “it’s fine that it’s not fine.” Add in the fact that Bucky's been secretly in love with Steve since the thirties and things only get harder. Learning to be a person is the hardest thing Bucky Barnes will ever have to do--but he's got company along the way.

Reap The Whirlwind by Cristinuke - Words: 18,221 | Canon Universe, Post CW, Domestic 

Bucky finds a cat. Or rather, a cat finds him.

Your Favorite Ghost by augustbird - Words: 21,013 |  Canon Divergence, Post TWS

It's harder than Steve ever expected to bring Bucky home.

Despite the threatening sky and shuddering earth (they remained) ♥ by praximeter (Zimario) - Words: 71,532 | Canon Divergence TWS, Body Modifications 

“They really didn’t want the mask to come off.” Hill thumbed through the scans, and pulled out a film that she then handed over to Sam, face mostly expressionless but for the flat line of her pursed lips.

Sam accepted the film and held it up to the light, angling so both he and Steve could see it, squinting at the outline of the Winter Soldier’s skull, and the blips of unnatural white that showed up, God, in his brain, not to mention about half his teeth, plus the mask, with its thin protrusions—

“Those are pins,” Steve realized. He looked over at Hill. “The mask—it’s nailed to his face.”

Hill’s face was as unmoved as ever. “Like I said. They really didn’t want it coming off.”

This city bleeds its aching heart ♥ by Renne - Words: 34,537 | Canon Universe, Fake/Pretend Relationship 

The one where Steve and Bucky pose as a happily married couple while on a mission for SHIELD, to catch an international arms dealer hiding in a suburban neighbourhood.

The Best Way to Wake ♥ by LeeHan - Words: 42,293 | Post TFA, Canon Divergence TWS, Recovery 

James Buchanan Barnes lay in a glass pod in the middle of the table, frozen since he fell. Steve’s hands were on the glass before he realized he’d moved. “Wait, Captain!” “Get him out,” Steve whispered, his hands searching for a clasp, a keypad, something. “Captain, we need to keep him in stasis—“ “I said get him out!”

Infinite Coffee and Protection Detail ♥ series by owlet - Words: 264,438 | Canon Divergence (sort of) 

The mission resets abruptly, from objective: kill to objective: protect

Undersell, overcommit by silentwalrus - Words: 10,222 | Canon Universe 

Steve goes so hard for Bucky that he becomes a licensed, practicing massage therapist.

Sparked Up Like a Book of Matches by Sena - Words: 26,734 | Post-TWS, Canon Universe 

Steve lives in Stark Tower and doesn't have much to do when he's not going after Hydra strongholds. He attends charity events to make Pepper happy. He goes hiking with Sam. He hangs out with Clint in Bed-Stuy and watches Dog Cops. Sometimes Tony gives him super alcohol in a sippy cup. Sometimes he sees Bucky out of the corner of his eye and wonders if it's real or if he's starting to lose his mind.

Alternately, the one with terrible jokes, a foot chase through the Lower East Side, and a tiny little robot named Shitcan.

Sugar Sweet ♥ from the Red Velvet series by ColorCoated - Words: 173,400 | Modern/Sugar Daddy AU, Age Difference, Slow Burn

"What's your name?" It wasn't even a line. He was just pretty and Bucky wanted a name to go with that face. With that strong jawline. With those deep blue eyes. A little smirk, "Steve."

Awww, Steve. He looked like a Steve. Bucky pursed his lips in a way he hoped was attractive, "You should buy me a drink."

College Student Bucky finds himself immediately attracted to Steve. He knows that Steve's a bit older than him, and that Steve himself is put off by the age difference. . . But that doesn't stop Bucky from wanting to climb him like a tree.

Steve and Bucky Go Away for the Weekend (and cook a lot) ♥ by E_Greer -  Words: 30,126 | Canon Universe, Domestic 

In which Steve coaxes Bucky out of the Tower for a birthday weekend away and sweet, fluffy domesticity ensues. Phlintasha helps keep Bucky calm, Steve has Opinions about how you set the table, stories are told, greenhouses are toured, baths are had, books are read, tears are shed, stars are gazed upon, and everyone makes Bucky feel loved. Includes Friday night dinner, Saturday morning breakfast, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Dona Nobis Pacem by thegraytigress - Words: 65,214 | Canon Universe, Recovery 

"This job... We try to save as many people as we can. Sometimes it doesn't mean everybody, but if we can't find a way to live with that... Next time maybe nobody gets saved."

An incident on the battlefield exposes how much Steve's falling apart under the crushing weight of leading the Avengers after Sokovia. Now Bucky's adopting a new mission: save Steve before he destroys himself completely, even if it means the end of Captain America.

Give 'Em Hope ♥ by L1av - Words: 130,022 | Modern/Hospital AU, UA/Age Difference 

Dr. Steve Rogers likes to think that if his patients have hope- their chances of survival will increase. Bucky Barnes has a 20% chance of survival and a desperate yearning to experience life. Against Steve's better judgment, he develops a relationship with his patient. It's illegal. It's wrong. But it's giving Bucky the hope to keep going, so Steve's going to keep giving it, because he wants Bucky to survive. He needs him to.

You belong (to me) by hermionesmydawg - Words: 29,759 | S, DS, Canon Compliant, Post CW

"Hold on." Bucky lifted a finger and backed out of the doorway, returning a moment later with his cell phone. He snapped a photo of Steve, typed a few words, and then returned to his apple. "What the hell were you doing at a sex club last night?"

"Not having sex, if that's what you're wondering." An alert sounded from Steve's nightstand - a new Snapchat message. He rolled his eyes and unlocked his phone. Sam was always sending stupid Snapchats and frankly, Steve couldn't figure that goddamn app out and cursed whoever created that piece of shit.

The chat wasn't from Sam this time, however. It was a picture of himself, not looking guilty at all, with the caption "when your buddy catches you looking at p*rn."

Circling Back from the It’s Not Linear series by chaya - Words: 59,642 (Series Total: 136,782) | Canon Divergence

Steve looks for Bucky, Bucky finds Steve, Steve tries desperately to put Bucky back together. Bucky tries desperately to let him.

Continuing Education by 743ish, romanticalgirl - Words: 14,443 | S, Canon Universe/College, Shrunkyclunks 

Steve is invited to be a guest lecturer on the WWII unit for Bucky's college course. Bucky's more than happy to glean any extra knowledge (in more than just history) from Steve, and Steve's happy to eductate him. But then Bucky has to decide if he can handle the fact that Steve throws himself into danger, and if the sex is worth it. Or if it's not just sex anymore.

Salt & Sugar by GoldBlooded, stfustucky - Words: 19,598 | Modern/Restaurant AU

Steve Rogers is a bigshot celebrity chef in New York City, and Bucky Barnes is a classically trained pastry chef in Moscow.

When billionaire and mutual friend Natasha Romanoff calls on them to collaborate for her Memorial Day Benefit Gala, they both brace themselves to spend the week working with some jerk they're bound to hate. Except... Steve makes a burger that could bring Bucky to tears, and Bucky makes tartlets so beautiful Steve's sure they qualify as art. Maybe, just maybe, together they could make this a night to remember.

@/sgtbarnes1917 and @/cptrogers1918 by BayleyWinchester - Words: 114,203 | Canon Universe, Social Media Fic 

Bucky Barnes broke Twitter with one photo

Proprietary Information ♥ from the Additional Information series by notlucy - Words: 85,141 (Series Total: 165,871) | Modern AU, Age difference, Slow Burn

Okay, so Bucky Barnes has a crush on Steve Rogers. The guy's gorgeous, talented and, oh yeah, the Chief Design Officer of the biggest tech company in the world. In other words: he's so far out of Bucky's league that he might as well be in a different stratosphere.

Deep in the Woods (Where My Heart Has Been Waiting) by SilverMyfanwy - Words: 15,353 | Pioneer-AU, Shrinkyclinks 

Steve Rogers gets lost in the woods in a snowstorm. Bucky Barnes takes him in. Pioneer-era AU ish with Shrinkyclinks, evil chickens and a cabin in the woods.

A Bucky Odyssey by inediblesushi, thorstbench - Words: 9,952 | Shrinkyclinks,  Cap!Bucky, Nurse!Steve  

Bucky Barnes, Captain America, has a plan to make Steve Rogers, SHIELD nurse, fall in love with him. Confiding in the Internet might not be the best idea, though. So when the bad pick up lines do not work and Steve looks determined to staying single, he decides to be more himself and less what he thinks he should be.

At first I wanted to wait to post this until I finished a few more fics from my ever growing read-later list but what the heck, now or never! I’ll probably end up making a part 2 reclist by the amount of fic I’m reading these days. 

Happy reading and stay safe out there fellow Stucky trash members!!

[timelordthirteen]

In All Things 25/?

Mr. Gold/BelleFrench, Explicit (eventually)

Summary: A Rumbelle arranged marriage AU.

Chapter Summary: The morning after the party, Gold and Lady Ella have a talk over breakfast, Lady Ella is a goddamn delight, and I do some blatant foreshadowing. :)

Notes:  The conversation in this chapter was intended to be a bridge to what I really wanted to get to, but Ella ran away with things because she is so fun to write. Apologies that this chapter isn't longer, this is probably a huge mess because it was edited late. I'm curious if anyone will notice the blink and you'll miss it thing I slid in here...

[AO3]

Gold went to bed not long after Belle left him in the library, having waited several minutes, until he was sure that she had made it all the way upstairs to her room.

The evening had been much more enjoyable than he’d anticipated, and indeed more than it had been for him in some time. He could only attribute that to Belle’s presence. Most people who lived in the area were no doubt as excited to see the new Lady Gold as they were for a party. Of course once they met her in person, she won them over as easily as she had him with her charm, grace, and beauty. It only made what he’d done worse.

His thoughts had kept him from falling asleep for some time, but he had, unfortunately, awoke early to an agonizing pain in his leg. He felt he rather deserved it, both for dancing quite a bit more than he should have, and for his having committed Belle to a life she would likely come to resent.

If they had been simply indifferent to each other, it might have been more manageable. He could have accepted their marriage as a useful and satisfactory association for both of them, but she had been so determined to be kind and to befriend him. He’d told her she was the most beautiful woman in the room, and he’d meant every word of it. Last evening, with her twirling and smiling so radiantly, he could only admit that his plans made him the worst sort of man. In truth, he might end up being seen as no better than the likes of Milton in her eyes, and the idea of it pained him far more than his leg.

Countess de Vil came into the room as Gold shifted in his seat, trying in vain to find a position that would relieve his aches. She made a face at the windows beyond the breakfast table, her eyes narrowing in the morning light and her face contorting as if in pain.

“Feeling a bit worse for wear?” he asked.

Lady Ella waved a hand at him and walked around the table to take a seat with her back to the double doors leading to the patio. “I’m perfectly fine, dear.”

He let out a short, bemused scoff. “Clearly. I’m sure it’s just the morning sun reflecting off the snow and ice, and not at all your enthusiasm for my wine last night.”

She shot him a glare and reached for the teapot, filling her cup almost to the brim and forgoing any milk or sugar. “So, about your lovely bride...”

“I’m sure she’ll be down soon.”

Ella selected a pastry with peach jam and sat back in her seat with a smirk. “That’s not what I was going to say.” He looked at her sideways, busying himself with spreading butter over a piece of wheat toast. “Truthfully, Gold, when did you become a fan of matrimony again? Lady Belle is pretty to be sure, but -”

Gold rolled his eyes. “My reasons are my own, thank you.”

“- was she really that bad off that she needed your money?” Ella continued, ignoring Gold’s interruption entirely.

She took a large bite of her pastry, pausing to lick some of the peach from her thumb, and then kept talking. “Of course that’s what everyone has been saying, but I think there’s more to it. Are you afraid you’ll need someone to look after your son? If so, you could have hired a governess to do that, and for far less than bailing out old Maurice I should think.”

“Ella...” he warned. “Please, this is not the time or place.”

Ella popped the last bit of fluffy pasty in her mouth, her eyes narrowing at Gold as she chewed. “Well, there has to be some reason you’ve suddenly married after spurning every other option available to you, and why you’ve chosen a woman fresh out of an engagement of her own, which, I will add, was rather abruptly - and possibly scandalously - ended.”

The lid of the teapot rattled sharply as Gold brought his fist down on the table. “That’s enough!”

The Countess sighed, not the least bit startled by his outburst and lifted her tea. “I don’t give any of that nonsense with Sir Gaston any credit,” she said, gesturing with the cup, “and I don’t mean to pry, but -”

“Oh, yes you do mean to,” he said wearily, sagging back against the chair as he rubbed at his knee.

“I don’t like to hear my friend’s name being raked through the mud by the gossips.” A moment later her hand, warm from holding her cup, covered his, and he sighed, finally meeting her eyes. “Just put my mind at ease and tell me there’s nothing to it.”

He flashed her a smile and nodded. “I promise, there’s nothing to it. And I’ve heard enough of it to know what they’re probably saying.”

“Good,” she answered with a tight squeeze of his fingers and a smile. “Because I rather like your Lady Belle. She’s delightful, and I’d be very disappointed if I had to hate her on your behalf.”

Then she took two slices of bacon, sliding them onto her plate with a fork, and sat back in her seat. “I heard you were at the palace last month. What was that about?”

Gold waved a hand and made a face. “Just some business with the King.”

“Like paying off Lord Maurice’s debts?”

He shook his head. “Countess, I believe you’re about to overstay your welcome.”

Lady Ella threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, when do I not, darling?”

“When do you not.... what?”

Gold and Lady Ella looked to the doorway to see Belle, who smiled at them as she entered and took the seat across from Gold.

“Put her foot in her mouth,” Gold said with a smirk.

Belle’s eyebrows lifted, but she said nothing as she poured herself some tea.

The Countess gave Gold yet another glare, and then smiled sweetly at Belle. “When do I not make a marvelous spectacle of myself, of course.”

“Is this a trick question?” Jefferson asked.

Everyone turned to look at him, and he pushed off the doorframe to saunter into the room. He was without his usual jacket, and seemed to be fighting to get the cuffs of his shirt buttoned. Lady Ella, Gold, and Jefferson shared a hearty laugh, and Belle sat back in her chair, holding her teacup to her lips as she looked on.

Jefferson joined them at the table, and there was the usual light conversation that had filled their mornings for the last few weeks. Belle was keen for the Countess’ opinion on the matter of a woman running an estate, which Lady Ella was all too eager to lay out for her in detail. She went so far as to relay the story of having to sort out her late husband’s investments and the problems with some accounting irregularities.

“I’m afraid I know how you feel in that regard,” Belle said, exchanging a look with Gold. “Seems we’ve both had our share of irresponsible finances.”

“That’s men for you,” Ella sighed, “can’t be trusted.”

Gold rolled his eyes. “Present company accepted, of course.”

Ella laughed again and then pushed to her feet. “Well, thank you for a lovely celebration as always, but I should be off. It’s a long ride back home.”

Belle’s eyes widened at Lady Ella’s attire. Long gone was the elegant gown of the previous evening, or the day dress she’d been expecting, and in its place was a set of well fitted riding leathers, complete with knee high boots.

Belle stood slowly, the surprise almost making her forget her manners. “You’re riding, Lady Ella?”

“Oh, yes,” Ella said, grinning. “I always do. Best cure for what ails me after a party is fresh air.” Then she paused and gave Belle a wistful look. “And I adore it.”

Belle smiled widely. “As do I.”

Ella’s face lit up and she moved around the end of the table to take Belle’s hands in hers. “Oh, well then, when you visit we must go for a ride together! I have a gray gelding named Jasper, just turned four. He’ll be perfect for you this spring, very docile.”

Belle could feel Gold’s eyes on her as her lips curved. “If it’s all the same to you, Countess, I’d prefer to ride my own horse.”

“Of course!” Ella said, giving her hands a squeeze. “As you wish, darling, you’d be my guest after all, and I am never deficient in what is owed to my guests, am I, Gold?”

“I would never suggest such a thing,” he replied, hiding a wince as he pushed to his feet, leaning heavily on his cane. “Come, Ella, let me see you out.”

Ella gave him a short nod and then stepped back from Belle.. “It was lovely to meet you, Lady Belle.”

Then she offered a short bow, in the manner of a gentleman rather than the curtsy expected of a lady, much less a Countess, and Belle’s amusement grew. Though she did not know Countess de Vil all that well yet, the blatant eschewing of societal norms in such a way, and her intent to ride her own horse back to an estate she rightfully owned, could only be described as delightful.

In turn, Belle inclined her head towards the Countess, and smiled. “And you as well.”

Gold exchanged a look with Jefferson, that was bemused to say the least, and then followed Lady Ella out of the room. Jefferson and Belle went back to their breakfast, which suddenly seemed much more reserved and sedate than before. Her intention to ask Jefferson why he seemed so rushed this morning, was forgotten as her mind whirled with thoughts of Lady Ella.

Belle had always been frustrated by the role impressed on her by the world, and the lack of agency and freedom that came with it. The Countess was a woman who seemed to care for none of it and to do exactly as she pleased, while maintaining the whole of her title and power in the process. Lady Ella de Vil was definitely someone with whom she wanted to become better acquainted.

Gold and the Countess walked in silence to the wide front entrance of Thornhill.

The cold winter air felt pleasant against his face, and though he did enjoy Lady Ella’s company, this seemed to be one of the times where he was anxious for her to be on her way and to have his home back to normal again.

“Look, Ella,” he said quietly, “you’re not entirely wrong in your assumptions, but there are - there are other things in play right now. I need to keep things close, do you understand?”

Ella waved a hand at him. “Oh, you know I just enjoy teasing you, Gold. I know full well you’re scheming something, you always are, just be careful.”

He gave her a wry smile. “I know how to handle the royal court, and the King.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Her look was pointed, making his eyes narrow as he regarded her. “I’m talking about your Lady Belle.”

Gold frowned and planted his cane in front of him. “What about Belle?”

Lady Ella sighed and looked over to where the coachmen were loading the last of her things into the carriage “Just - just make sure you know what you’re doing,” she said finally. Then she turned back to Gold. “She’s a delightful young woman and it would pain me to see her hurt. Or you for that matter.”

He huffed and tipped his head back. “Ella...”

“I’m serious!” she insisted, taking him by the arm as she came closer. “The heart is a volatile thing, Gold. You know that.”

His eyebrows lifted as he fixed her with a flat look. “There is little danger of any hearts being broken, I assure you.”

A soft snort escaped her and she patted his arm before letting go. “I’ll remember you said that.”

He smiled. “You always do.”

The coachmen brought over Lady Ella’s horse as they talked, and stood holding the reigns at the bottom of the front steps until she came down. The horse, a broad, jet black Friesian mare, nudged the Countess, and she gave her muzzle an affectionate rub. She moved to the side and mounted the beast in one, rather elegant, motion, and Gold found himself wondering at how Belle might look on such a horse. He had the fleeting idea that he might buy her one if she wanted it, but then she had her own horse, which she was no doubt missing, and he determined that bringing it to Thornhill would be a far better option. He would write to Desmond about it, and see if it were possible to do before within the next fortnight.

The clack of hooves on the stones shook Gold from his thoughts, and he noticed Ella staring down at him with a bemused expression. “I’ll be back at court in two weeks,” she said, “for the New Year’s ball. If I hear anything interesting, I’ll let you know.”

Gold tilted his head and started to smirk as another idea came to mind. “Perhaps I’ll be there as well.”

The Countess grinned devilishly as her horse pranced impatiently next to the steps. “Well, you do have a new wife to show off...”

He shook his head and raised his hand, giving her a small wave. “Good bye, Lady Ella.”

Her head dipped as she flashed him one last cheeky smile. “Gold.”

He stayed outside for several minutes after the Countess and her carriage had passed through the gates of Thornhill. The contrast of the warm, bright sun and the cold, crisp air was oddly soothing. The heart is a volatile thing, Gold. You know that. And he did, all too well, just as he knew the pain of it being broken. It was why he had decided to marry the way he did. It would ensure his son’s future without any other entanglements on his part. Lady Ella might be perceptive, and she liked to tease now and then, but on this he had decided that she was simply wrong.

[fanficflaneuse]

One Day - Part 1

A/N: Dear magical tumblr friends, today I bring you my first series ever. It is based on the movie One Day, which, in turn, is based on a book I haven’t read yet. I just recently learned the movie has terrible reviews, but I really liked it and the concept is thrilling. I’ve always liked the idea of writing a series of snapshots of a couple throughout the years, so this is sort of what it’s going to be about. I hope you like it. 

By the way, I wrote another one shot the other day and for some reason it just disappeared from my tags, so I’ll just leave it here in case you’re interested. 

Details: 

Draco x reader (she/her pronouns). 

Word count: 1084 

Summary: One day AU. Post-war. Since The Battle of Hogwarts, Draco and y/n meet one day a year.  

Masterlist 

3 May, 1998

The Great Hall felt crowded with a mixture of bittersweet emotions. Draco couldn’t understand how everything felt so hopeful, yet so sad. He could almost taste the happiness and relief that swarmed in the air, carrying with them an aftertaste of grief. The dirty looks he and his parents received only helped to put weight in his heart. Even if he felt Potter’s victory as his own (his family was finally free, after all), the blond Slytherin could only focus on the guilt that ate him up.

It was past midnight when he decided to walk around the castle that had been his home for the last seven years. His mother was dozing off on her father’s shoulder. He watched her from the corner of his eye, the ghost of a smile on his lips. Draco felt slightly comforted by this. Still, hands deep in his pockets, he left the Great Hall. Trying to avoid the glares and sneers, he dragged himself to the fourth floor. He was soothed by an all-encompassing silence.

Regardless of whatever scathing remark he might have made in the past, Draco loved Hogwarts. He tried to play cool all the time, which lead him to years of sourness and disappointment, but deep down he marveled at everything the school had to offer. He allowed himself to be awed by the smallest details when he found her.

(Y/N) (Y/L/N) sat crossed-legged on a windowsill. Her gaze was fixed at the stars above and she was so deep in thought she didn’t even notice she was being observed. He wondered why wasn’t she downstairs, savouring the praise and love that surely awaited her. Without doubt, Potter, Weasel Weasley and Granger would’ve noticed her absence at some point. So why wasn’t she with them? How long had she been here, alone?

“Why aren’t you celebrating with the others?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, (Y/N) turned to face him, hand clutching her wand instinctively. She looked at him like a deer in headlights and he thought it was the cutest thing he had seen in a very long time. You see, before his adolescence was consumed by darkness, Draco used to have a crush on her. He thought she was the most beautiful person on his year, an opinion shared by many others. She was intelligent, without the cockiness that accompanied the likes of Granger and even himself. She was creative, intuitive and kind, not to mention incredibly brave. Her smile was irresistible. At some point he had thought he’d give his kingdom for a grin of hers directed his way.

He never had to worry about that, though. Her friendship with the Chosen One, which made him both jealous and disgusted, turned her into an easy target for bullying and banter. Teasing her was the only way they could interact, so he relished their taunting and resigned to crushing on her from afar.

That’s why he was surprised when she answered softly, no trace of malice or scorn in her voice. “I could ask you the same question”.

“Well,” he scoffed, “I doubt anyone down there wants to celebrate with me”.

It came out harsher than he would’ve liked, but she simply gave him a tight-lipped smile and made way for him. Without even questioning it, he sat down next to her. He noticed she had been crying. Their eyes met briefly. Perhaps it was his frown or the way his eyes reflected some sort of concern she had never seen in him, but (Y/N) looked away.

She didn’t know why she had invited him to sit. Her limbs had acted as though they had a life of their own. Maybe her body knew, even before her mind could think about it, that she really didn’t want to be alone. Even if that was true, why him, of all people? She could simply walk downstairs and hug her friends. (Y/N) knew they needed her as much as she needed them. She just couldn’t bring herself to celebrate at the moment. It was as though the weight of everything that had happened during the last few years had downed upon her. And even though there was happiness, the weariness and trauma started carving a blackhole in her chest.

“I feel so, so broken,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears she tried to blink back.

Draco felt his heart cracking and his own eyes getting wet. Slowly, cautiously, he inched forward, offering his arms to her. (Y/N) was hesitant at first, but once again her body moved on its own accord. They struggled to find a comfortable position, not exchanging a word in the process. Soon, though, they were cuddling on the windowsill. She was sitting between his legs, her back lying on his chest, her head on his shoulder, their legs numb and his arms encircling her. They both felt good with that arrangement, shedding tears silently as his fingers drew patterns on her arms.

At some point, they both stopped crying. Draco felt content. He didn’t have to worry about anything. He could just enjoy the feeling of her in his arms, breath in her scent and press her as close to him as it was humanly possible. (Y/N) felt comforted by how tender he was being. For a while, the blackhole in her chest seemed to stop sucking the life out of her. She closed her eyes and let herself rest and savour the moment.

Huddled together, they watched the sunrise. The conversation was kept to a minimum, but they seemed to communicate perfectly in a language that surpassed words. They were as close as two people could be, experiencing a world that had – literally – changed overnight.

“Won’t your friends worry about you?” Draco asked absentmindedly as he played with a strand of her hair.

“I think they can manage,” she answered, offering him, finally, one of her smiles. Granted, it was faint, but it did to Draco everything he imagined it would.

Suddenly, they both heard someone calling Draco’s name. The voice seemed to come from afar, but he could tell it was his mother. Unwillingly, they untangled their stiff limbs. (Y/N) stretch her arms and torso as he stood up. They looked at each other tenderly. She stretched her hand to smooth his hair.

“Hey, Malfoy?”

“Yes?”

“I don’t hate you”

He smiled genuinely. “I don’t hate you too, (Y/L/N)”. 

[tiredassmage]

For the ship asks, how about 12 and 20??

From the Ship Asks!

12. Character that you can only imagine in one ship.

I think I'll have to step outside of XIV for this one because I don't know if I can think of a XIV character I feel strongly enough about in this way because the general atmosphere of "nothing is set in stone for you, please interpret their relationships with your character as you wish!" And so many interactions in the game are written so well.

Marvel is the place we're going to have to go if we're going to talk about a character I can't ship any other way, and the debate around it and what I, personally, hate about how they have been handled in the movies is why I... no longer really care to keep up with most MCU happenings. But it's Clint Barton/Hawkeye and Natasha Romanova/Black Widow. I fell so head over heels in love with them that I just genuinely cannot imagine it going any other way. And lest I accidentally get embroiled in more than I bargained for admitting that, all I'll say is that I also can't get along with how they've been treated individually in the MCU, either. I can't really get into Natasha and Bruce, and I think both of them have been hideously sidelined and just... not allowed to be shown to their full potential too much for me to ever reconcile with the MCU as it is. I have not, for the record, yet seen the Black Widow movie, nor did I actually watch Infinity War and Endgame, and I don't really intend to amend the latter two just because of how I feel about how things went to get here. I've heard enough on the internet to know more or less what's happened with those movies. Black Widow I'd still like to maybe see at some point (it is the one on the list that I haven't really looked into plot details about) because it's finally here and I stupidly would still like to see what they finally did for her, but there's a part of me that will always feel like it's a bit of an empty gesture to give both of these characters any sort of focus now. A little too little a little too late kind of thing.

20. Ship you liked, but don't anymore.

Hmmmm, this one is... also a little tricky for me to think of in XIV-exclusive terms. It honestly might just be because I'm exhausted (my fan decided it's on its last legs last night so it kept waking me up threatening to fall apart or whatever, and I worked a morning shift today so that was Lovely) that my brain is just refusing to compute thoughts, but I don't... think I've had a ship in XIV that I've felt this way about? So, to give you something, I'll talk about a few almost-maybes I've had for my various XIV OCs.

I had, I think sometime around the time I was playing ARR or HW, toyed very idly and not very in-depth with the idea of Astor and Y'shtola because they have a somewhat similar mind for handling things. With the "hindsight" or further development and interaction shown since then and through Shadowbringers though, I ultimately don't think they'd ever work, and it wouldn't really show up in any of their interactions as an "almost," either. It came down a lot to the kind of interactions they might have had during Shadowbringers, and mainly to the way that I see Y'shtola as an incredibly logic-driven character. Astor, on another hand, is incredibly emotion-driven, and Y'shtola does not hold back anything. I think it'd end up hurting more feelings than anything and leading to butting heads rather than a romantic dynamic. Particularly in Shadowbringers, Astor struggles a lot with... a lot. And there's times where Y'shtola's biting honesty helps him, and there's times where it gets to him and wounds him... More in the kind of wounded pride or things you weren't quite ready to hear but needed to sense than anything that'd make them less of friends, but, anyway, the TLDR is that they're definitely better as friends, and I don't think there's enough from either of them that it'd ever really be a thing.

Minerva is a character I have not put a lot on here and I'm still wildly trying to figure her out, so it's debatable if anything lasting will really ever come of my struggle or if she'll just endlessly remain on the alt-pile, but on my list of potentials for her was Thancred, and I am still debating whether or not I want their almost-maybe-could have play out in full because I do like it. To keep it short, Minerva had a rough life and she's had to fight to survive most of it. Becoming a hero wasn't a thing she ever planned for, and it's sometimes still a little wild to her that... it's happened. She's aggressively against the idea of being used and objectified because she's, unfortunately, experienced quite a bit of it. Their dynamic interested me so much at first because I could see her being kind of taken by his charm in ARR, though, at the same time, his reputation isn't exactly a secret, and it's exactly the kind of reputation that would usually make her skin crawl, so it's something they would have had to work around and through. At the same time though, I could totally see him offering her the kind of genuine confidence building and admiration she'd deserve and... she really needs from a partner. But I think they'd ultimately hit a road bump in SHB that I don't think she could really let herself work around, and that's how he deals with Ryne and his grief for Minfillia. Yes, it's eventually handled better and it's something him and Ryne work through after a lot of coaxing, but I feel like it'd just be a bit of a too-close-to-home issue for Minerva that she'd never quite feel entirely comfortable with again. While it's not exactly a forgiveness issue or really her needing to forgive him, it'd... probably be the easiest way for it to be phrased is that she's not sure she can ever really forgive how he kind of took things out on Ryne when she didn't deserve it, and balked at accepting help. It'd kind of hurt her. I can't imagine them entirely not getting along after and I think they could definitely come to an understanding and work past it as friends, but I don't think she'd be able to maintain a relationship. But that's... a lot of theory for a poor girl whom I can't even figure out what kind of job I want her to main. 🤦 One day. One day I'll figure her out.