#The assistant (8) – A Captain and six brothers

[holylulusworld]

The assistant (8) – A Captain and six brothers

Summary: You are invisible most of the time.

Pairing: Former!Boss!Steve Rogers x Former!Assistant(plussized)!Reader

Possible pairing: Jake Jensen x Reader, Lloyd Hansen x Reader, Curtis Everett x Reader, Ari Levinson x Reader, Andy Barber x Reader, Mike Weiss x Reader

A/N: This chapter is a little Mike-centric.

Warnings: angst, flirty CEvans characters, language, plussized/chubby reader, protective brothers, Lloyd being Lloyd, fluff, domestic brothers, mentions of past drug addiction, talk about addiction/ADA groups

The assistant masterlist

Part 7

It’s an early morning, and yawn as you walk out of the kitchen, a cup of freshly brewed coffee in your hands. The brothers are still asleep, and it’s your day off at the bakery.

As you walk out of the kitchen, you frown deeply. Mike is pacing back and forth. He clutches his hands to his chest and exhales sharply.

“Mike?”

“Flower,” he pants, “good morning. How was your night?” 

“I could you ask the same question,” you look Mike up and down. “You look a little pale. Is something wrong, Mike?”

“You know,” he nervously scratches the back of his neck, “some days are good, and others are…” Mike shakes his head and sniffs, “Others are bad…and then there are days which are the worst. Days in which you wish that you could still shoot the poison you were addicted to into your veins. I’m clean but…”

“Today is the worst,” you softly ask. “How can I help you, Mike? I know you don’t know me, but I want to help you.”

He shyly smiles at you, “I try to find a Drug Addicts Anonymous group. I need to go to a meeting,” Mike shows you his phone, “but my phone doesn’t work. I got no signal, and my display is cracked.”

You feel your heart clench in your chest. Mike looks like a lost puppy, and you do the first thing that comes to your mind. “What?” He sniffs as you hug him tightly. “Flower?”

“Uh-sorry. I’m a hugger. You should get used to getting hugged, Mike,” he wraps one arm around you and enjoys the little attention you give him. “I can help you find a group.”

“What’s going on here?” Lloyd watches you hug his brother. He frowns and narrows his eyes. “What did our little chaos do this time?”

“Nothing,” Mike immediately says. “I swear.”

“We try to find a Drug Addicts Anonymous group. Mike wants to go to a meeting,” you give Lloyd a stern look. Lloyd is still angry, and Mike is afraid to make one false step. “Do you want to help us?”

“Sure,” he shrugs. “What can I do?”

“Can you look for a group? I’ll go with Mike. Maybe we can take the bus and…” Lloyd raises his hand, stopping you midsentence.

“Cupcake, you won’t take the bus,” he says. “Do you know how many crazy people you can meet on a bus? I’ll drive you and Mike. Now lemme find a good group. We don’t want him to talk to some losers getting him addicted again.”

Mike sighs deeply. “He doesn’t trust me,” he whispers. “He’ll never trust me again.”

“Nonsense,” you whisper and pat Mike’s back. “He’s your brother and loves you. We all make mistakes. Don’t worry. We are all going to support you.”

“I like you, flower. A lot,” he grins. “One day, I’ll show you all of my tattoos. Maybe I’ll get a new one only for you.”

“OH! If only I wasn’t scared of needles. I’d gotten a tattoo too,” you tell Mike. “I already said that didn’t I?”

“You are pretty without tattoos,” Lloyd grumbles. “Don’t let him talk you into getting tattoos.”

“You’ve got some too,” Mike grumbles. “You were the one paying for my first tattoo.” 

Lloyd grins. “You cried like a baby, calling for Andy to hold your hand.” 

“It’s not nice to make fun of people,” you say, and peck Mike’s cheek. “Lloyd, find a group or I’ll do it. Stop bugging Mike. He needs our support.”

Curtis chuckles. He watches you dismantle his cocky brother within a few seconds. 

“Looks like Lloyd is in trouble,” he says to Andy. “So, do we help him or just enjoy the show?”

Andy’s features darken. He doesn’t like that you are still hugging his brother. If anyone deserves your attention in his opinion, it’s him.

“She shouldn’t hang her heart on him. He’s…”

“Our brother,” Jake reminds him. “Mike made mistakes but he’s our little chaos and I’m glad he found his way home. Now, stop moping. If anyone asks Y/N out first, it’s me. I was her friend before you even saw her.”

“Says who?” Ari and Andy grunt in unison, making Lloyd cackle.

“Dream on, sunshine. She’s going to be all mine…”

“It’s okay, Mike. We can just wait here,” Jake says as his brother hesitates to enter the building.

“Maybe we go with him,” you grab Mike’s hand, gently squeezing it to assure him that you are here for him. “Right? I mean…I don’t know how these things work.”

“I don’t think they will like it when we all storm into the room,” Andy throws in. “We can wait outside or pick him up later.”

“I don’t want to leave him alone,” instinctively, holding Mike’s hand tighter you take a step toward the door. “I could just tell them I’m an addict too. I mean, Jake made me addicted to his cupcakes.”

Jake grins. “Hey, don’t tell them I’m your dealer or they want my cupcakes too.”

“Guys, this is not helpful,” Ari grunts. “Mike needs to meet up with people who understand his problem. We can wait here and drive back home together.”

You clear your throat to keep the brothers from fighting again. “I’ll go with him, no discussion. He doesn’t know this group and meeting them on his own can be intimidating. I’ll tell them who I am and ask if it’s okay that I’m at the meeting with Mike.”

“Thank you, flower,” Mike whispers. “I think it’s not going to be a problem that you come with me.”

While you and Mike enter the building, the brothers start muttering and fighting again.

“Great job. Now he’s got an advantage,” Lloyd huffs. “He’s going to seduce my girl with his sob story.”

“Lloyd!” Jake tuts. “Can you just not? Mike has a problem and needs our help. Let’s not be assholes and support him. We are finally all back together and have this sweet girl in our life. I don’t want to fuck this up.”

“Agreed,” Curtis says. He’s not a man of many words, but he cannot deny that he’s got a thing for you. 

“How was the meeting?” Andy asks as you walk back toward the mansion. “Did it help?”

“Y/N was the best,” Mike swoons. “Everyone immediately loved her. They are a great group. Some of them have been clean for years. I got a sponsor too.”

“I think this group is good for Mike,” you add. “They agreed on letting me come with him until he feels more comfortable attending the meetings alone.”

You look at the brothers, frowning as you get the feeling someone is watching you.

“I’ll drive you,” Lloyd hastily says. “Just tell me where and when.”

“It’s the same place every time,” Andy rolls his eyes at his brother’s antics. “Get a hold of yourself, Lloyd. You can stop hitting on Y/N. She’s going to be mine.”

“What?” You blink a few times as they look at you. “Did I miss something? I added the next appointments to the calendar on my phone.”

“Nothing. It’s nothing,” Ari gives Andy a death glare. “Andy asked if you are hungry. We can order food and have another movie night.”

“Attention! You are surrounded. Let Y/N Y/L/N go, and no one will get harmed!!!” 

“What? I—” You jolt up on the couch, rubbing your eyes as you try to fathom what’s happening. You dozed off, and now someone is yelling your name.

“What the fuck?” Jake lifts his head from your lap, groaning as someone yells your name from outside the mansion. “Who is yelling?”

“Fuck you, you fucker,” Lloyd steps on the balcony. “What do you want, asshat? It’s two am and I was about to dream about fucking the cutest girl I ever met. Who are you?”

“Here is Captain America, and you are holding my assistant hostage!” Steve steps toward the gate, pointing his index finger at Lloyd. “Let her go. Unharmed and no one will get harmed.”

“You already said that sunshine,” Lloyd cackles. “Now get fucked, dude. Y/N is here with us because she’s got enough of your stiff ass and limp dick. Now, if you would excuse me, I’ll go back to eating her sweet muffin.”

“I’m warning you, Sir,” Steve raises his voice. He looks at Lloyd standing on the balcony in nothing but his boxer briefs. Steve imagines the worst things happening to you while held hostage at the mansion. “I’ll free her using force if you don’t send her out.”

“Fuck off, buddy,” Ari joins his brother to laugh about Steve’s antics. “Y/N is our friend, and you won’t ever see her again. We know what you did to her!”

“Go home, loser,” Jake and Curtis say in unison. “We got better things to do than looking at your ugly ass.”

“Sir, I must ask you to leave our property. You are breaking the law if you try to enter our home by force,” Andy, ever the lawyer says. “Leave now.”

“Fuck off!” Lloyd points a finger gun at Steve, “Or I’ll make you fuck off, buddy. We don’t need a fake hero on our ground.”

“Lloyd, stop riling that guy up,” Mike tries to stop his brothers from starting a war with Captain America. “Just ignore him.”

“Like hell,” Curtis grunts. “That bastard comes here and accuses us of kidnapping and holding Y/N hostage.”

“Maybe I can make him leave,” you sigh deeply. You didn’t want to see Steve again, but to protect the brothers you’d do anything. “Let me handle this.”

Mike follows you out of the living room before his brothers can stop you. He holds your hand as you walk out of the mansion to face the man making you feel worthless and small.

You let go of Mike's hand to grip the bars of the gate, looking Steve straight in the eyes.

“Captain, I’m here on free terms,” you glare at Steve as he grips his shield tighter at your words. “The brothers are my friends. Unlike other people, they only ever treated me with respect. No one is going to hurt me here or force me to do things I don’t want to do. Now, if you would kindly get fucked…”

You twirl around, walking back inside the mansion.

“You heard the lady,” Mike shrugs. “You had your chance and fucked up. Y/N is under our protection so go and bang that bitch you chose over my flower…”

Part 9

Tags in reblog.

[a-court-of-lust-and-stardust]

Love on Ice Chapter 8: The Schedule

Thank you for all the love on this fic so far!! ❤️ Please check my masterlist for previous chapters!

38 Days until Competition

Azriel enjoyed playing against the Petalwood Panthers for two reasons. Number one, the team from the Spring Region was the worst in the league for six years and counting, guaranteeing the Ice Warriors an easy win. And number two, it was the only time Rhysand would ever drop his gloves. He was rarely a fighter, usually cool and direct on the ice as a leader should be. But anytime Tamlin, the Panthers captain, opened his mouth and spoke Feyre’s name, chaos erupted. 

Like it had now. 

Rhysand hadn’t hesitated, throwing the gloves to the ice and baring his fists. And because Cassian could never resist a fight, he goaded Andras, the assistant captain, right into one. A scuffle between Azriel and Bron soon followed, and all three were sent to the box to serve two minute penalties each. 

They sat on the bench in the penalty box, sticks between their legs as they impatiently waited for the penalty minutes to expire.

“What did the prick say this time?” Azriel asked, flicking snow off his blade. 

Rhys’s jaw tensed, handing a spare water bottle to Cassian. “Something about how when Feyre divorces me and crawls back to him, he’ll make sure to fuck her in front of me. And then he said some shit about my dog.” 

Azriel swore under his breath. “They were together for two months when they were seventeen. Why the fuck isn’t he over her yet? It’s been eight years.” 

Cassian sprayed water down the back of his neck. “I kind of get it. I’d be pissed as shit at myself if I ever had a chance with Nesta and fucked it up. Not that she’ll ever give me one anyway but you know, wishful thinking. I’m not giving up, though. She’ll marry me one day.” 

Rhys howled. “Marriage? Brother, start with getting her to agree to a date first.” 

“Think smaller,” Azriel snickered, snatching the bottle from Cassian to squirt some water in his own mouth. Five years trying to win over Nesta’s heart with absolutely nothing to show for it. Still, he was persistent. “Start with getting her to smile at you.” 

Rhys jutted his chin toward Cassian, ignoring the defenseman’s pout. “Why are you even in here? What the fuck did Andras do to you?”

Cassian grinned, chipped teeth on display. “Nothing. He cross-checked me in the first period and didn’t get called for it. That was payback for him being a little bitch.” 

Azriel snorted, shaking his head. 

One by one, the three players were let out of the penalty box. With only two minutes left to go in the third period, they played keep-a-way with the puck, passing it to each other and endlessly taunting the Petalwood players. Even if they somehow stole the puck, it wouldn’t make much of a difference. The Ice Warriors were winning by five goals. 

With the 8-3 loss, Petalwood was officially knocked out of the playoffs. The Ice Warriors celebrated advancing to the next round, shaking hands with the opposing team–Tamlin skipped Rhys, to no one’s surprise–and headed to the locker rooms. 

Blood and sweat permeated the air as the players did their best to change and head home for the night. The three friends stayed a bit longer, laughing and tossing bits of ice and dirty socks at each other before rinsing off in the showers. 

Freshly cleaned and clothed, the trio exited the locker room and headed for the front of the rink, with Cassian holding a tissue to his still bleeding nose. They were greeted by a grinning Feyre, a babbling Nyx, and a less than enthused Nesta, who’d most likely been forced to come by her younger sister. 

Rhysand greeted his wife and son with a kiss, lingering on Feyre’s mouth when Tamlin breezed by with a snarl. For good measure, his hand slid down to playfully cup her asscheek. 

Azriel wrapped the sisters in one hug, gently ruffling his nephew's dark hair. The boy squealed delightfully, swatting his uncle’s arm. 

Cassian reached an arm around Feyre and Nyx, crushing them to his chest before releasing them to breathe. Then, his dark eyes slid to Nesta. “Hello, Nes.”

“You’re bleeding,” is all she said, arms crossed over her chest. Feyre must have also forced her to don a purple sweater to show her support. 

Cassian winked, running a rough hand through his damp waves. “Seems like you’re concerned there, sweetheart. Were you worried about me?” 

“Merely an observation,” Nesta confirmed, nodding her head in greeting toward Rhys. Willingly or not, piercing blue eyes found their way back to Cassian’s face. 

“Come over and nurse me back to health,” Cassian said, mouth forming a smirk. He was trying to play it cool, but Azriel had never seen his friend’s eyes so full of hope. “If you take care of me, I’ll take real good care of you.” 

“Tiny ears present,” Feyre scolded, attempting to shield Nyx from Cassian’s innuendos. “If you’re going to be filthy, do it elsewhere.” 

“I’m trying,” Cassian said, exasperated. To Azriel’s utter disbelief, he saw the corner of Nesta’s mouth twitch. Not quite a smile like he’d suggested, but it was something. 

Rhys chuckled, digging around in his bag. He pulled out two folded pieces of paper. “Before I forget, here’s a look at the new schedule for the rest of the playoffs. Since teams are being swept left and right in most of the rounds, the championship was bumped up from the 27th to the 22nd.” 

Cassian nodded, tucking the schedule into his pocket without so much as glancing at it. 

It took a minute for Rhys’s comment to register in Azriel’s head. 

“Wait, when?” Azriel’s eyes flew over the paper, breath catching in his throat. “Damn.”

Rhys frowned. “Something wrong?” 

Yes. 

No. 

Potentially. 

“The championship game is the same damn day as the Ice Dance Competition.” 

Feyre’s brows furrowed, adjusting Nyx on her hip. “Why does that matter?” 

“Because I’m in it,” he admitted softly, crumbling the paper before shoving it into his back pocket. “With Elain.” 

The sisters blinked. 

And gaped. 

And blinked some more. 

“You’re…skating with our sister?” Nesta asked hesitantly, hands now on her hips. “How is that possible? She and Lucien have represented Autumn for years.” 

Azriel clicked his tongue. “I’ll spare the details so she can tell you herself, but just know Lucien is not her partner. I am. And she is most definitely not representing Autumn anymore. We’re skating for Night.” 

“You’re not able to do both, Az,” Rhys warned, pinning him with a look that left no room for backtalk. “The game is directly after the competition. We can’t afford you getting injured in a competition right before the most important game of the season. It's one or the other. And quite frankly, if we’re projected to play the Oakland Bloodhounds, then you need to be there. The team needs you.” 

“And Elain needs me,” Azriel countered, holding his captain’s hard stare. He never backed down from Rhys. He wouldn’t start now. “I made a commitment to her and I intend to keep it. She’s been fucked over far too much in life already, and if you think I’m going to contribute to that, you’re mistaken.” 

Nesta’s eyes narrowed, but said nothing. 

“I’m doing both,” Azriel promised with a nod. “Whether you like it or not.”

ART FOR THE CHAPTER BY @chachachai17: HERE

DIVIDER BY: @saradika-graphics

[midnightactual]

Shunsui Got Yoruichi to Help With Lisa's Captaincy

There's a paragraph in CFYOW vol. 1, after Tokinada leaves Shunsui after handing him a note and trying to upset Nanao, where we get the following:

“I can’t believe you set yourself up to eavesdrop without me noticing. You’ve grown so much! Is this Lisa’s influence?” It was possible that he mentioned Lisa Yadomaru, once an assistant captain and now being eyed as a candidate for the eighth company captainship, to reassure Nanao with thoughts of a familiar face.

CFYOW is supposed to take place six months after TYBW (June 2003), around the start of 2004. So we know Lisa was being considered already then. A summary of WDKALY tells us that:

Orihime currently works as a regular employee of a bread and cake shop called ‘ABCookies’. After her older brother INOUE Sora passed away, she was getting along by receiving assistance with living expenses from a distant relative; but because of the fact that the relative had originally declared that they would only provide assistance up till high school graduation, since the summer of three years prior, Orihime had been searching for a job placement for after graduation. During that time, she was working at the shop part-time, the shop manager who had learnt of her situation insisted that Orihime be fully employed by the company.

WDKALY is happening three years after TYBW, in 2006. But when? Another paragraph:

In one block of that institute, the fourth-year students who had just finished their summer vacations were gathered in the large lecture hall which could feasibly accommodate all graduate students.

Summer vacations usually happen through August, presuming a schedule like Japan. It's either late Summer or the start of Fall. We also learn that:

Ever since KYÔRAKU and Nanao transferred to Squad 1, Nanao has been executing the duties of both captain and vice-captain of squad 8. Six months ago Lisa was finally inaugurated as Squad 8’s new captain, she happily took over the duties of a captain, however she stubbornly refused to handle tasks on behalf of an absent vice-captain, as a result squad 1’s Nanao was handling that share even now.

This means that Lisa became a captain sometime in early 2006, more than two years after she was already under consideration for the role in CFYOW. And then we get told by Yoruichi:

“Like I’ve said, since I’m a genius and all, I don’t know what teaching methods to use towards average people, but I was told to either undertake the responsibilities of guest lecturer once every half a moon, or restore squad 8 by becoming its captain, naturally I decided that I probably had no choice but to take up responsibilities in this place.” If she refused to restore the squad then she would have to deliver a lecture on Hakuda and Hohô to the 5th and 6th year students every other week. That was the proposal handed down to Yoruichi from Commander KYÔRAKU. “We probably can’t afford to leave people as talented as SHIHÔIN-san idle…after all, orders have been sent down to all squads, each squad elects at least one member for academy lecturer.”

We know from earlier in the same scene from Yoruichi that:

“KIRA, this is the first I’m seeing you in half a year, correct? In any case, are you getting along well with ÔTORIBASHI?”

Kira asks how Yoruichi is adapting to teaching, so obviously she only started after she last saw him. Yoruichi took up this academy teaching position at the same time that Lisa became Captain of 8th Division. In other words, sidelining Yoruichi into some other "useful" position was the final hurdle Shunsui had to overcome to be able to promote Lisa into being captain, as he wanted since all the way back in TBTP.

I once assumed Shunsui must have essentially blackmailed Yoruichi, as she more than did her part on the Seireitei's behalf over the prior years (she 'sourced her own replacement' in Soifon, which is the normal condition for 'retiring'; she surrendered her active role in the nobility; and she helped with Tokinada) but as I look at how long it took to get Lisa into the role, and how relatively cushy Yoruichi's job as guest lecturer is, I think it's actually sort of the reverse: she did Shunsui a huge favor, and he owes her.

[digitaltariq]

Coyotes legend Shane Doan watches son rating 2 in NHL debut

Mar 27, 2024, 01:32 AM ET TEMPE, Ariz. -- Along with his mother and father on the high of Mullett Area in a collection, Josh Doan scored two targets, together with the go-ahead tally, in his first NHL recreation, and the Arizona Coyotes defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2 on Tuesday night time. Doan, son of the Coyotes' longtime captain and all-time objective chief Shane Doan, scored an unassisted objective within the second interval to place Arizona forward 2-1, backhanding the puck previous Columbus netminder Elvis Merzlikins at shut vary. He scored the winner within the third interval, deflecting the puck previous Merzlikins proper in entrance of the crease on the 8:29 mark. "I nearly missed it," Shane Doan, talking on the Coyotes' postgame telecast on Scripps Sports activities, mentioned of his son's first objective. "It is so cool." Josh Doan, from close by Scottsdale, is the primary Arizona native to play for the franchise. The 22-year-old performed collegiately at Arizona State. He was referred to as up Monday from Tucson of the AHL after main the Roadrunners with 26 targets and 20 assists in 62 video games. "I used to be a bit bit nervous," Doan mentioned on the Coyotes' postgame present. "However my mother was up there, carrying the feelings a bit bit more durable." The rookie admitted being shocked by the followers after his first objective. "The response was undoubtedly one thing particular," he mentioned, "and listening to how loud the constructing acquired for that was cool." All alongside, from the bench, he was keeping track of the Doan suite, although. "I seen that my youthful brother was about to return out of the suite in some unspecified time in the future. That was one factor that I undoubtedly seen," Doan mentioned. "However he is been the perfect supporter since day one, so I do not anticipate something much less from him."

Editor's Picks

2 Associated Nick Bjugstad, Nick Schmaltz, Dylan Guenther and Matias Maccelli -- additionally amongst Doan's largest supporters on his grand night time -- scored, as nicely, as Arizona pulled away with 4 targets within the third interval. The targets from Schmaltz and Guenther had been short-handed. Schmaltz's was his twentieth of the season. "It was superior all night time, on the ice and on the bench," Doan mentioned of his teammates. "They had been very supportive and speaking me via it. It was an actual group effort, with everybody ensuring we caught to the sport plan." Karel Vejmelka, who allowed the primary objective of the sport, stopped 24 pictures for the Coyotes within the win. Boone Jenner and Zach Werenski scored for Columbus, which has misplaced 5 straight. Merzlikins had 29 saves for the Blue Jackets, who have not received since March 16. A minute after Doan's first objective, Arizona's Michael Kesselring was penalized for tripping, and with 38.8 seconds left within the interval, Werenski scored on the facility play for Columbus to tie it. Werenski assisted on Jenner's objective, and Johnny Gaudreau assisted on each. The Coyotes had been formally eradicated from postseason play on Tuesday when the eighth-place Vegas Golden Knights picked up some extent in a 5-4 time beyond regulation loss on the Nashville Predators. The Blue Jackets had been ousted from the playoff race on Sunday. Arizona proper winger Clayton Keller's five-game objective streak come to an finish. It's the franchise's longest streak since Daniel Briere had six in January 2001. Keller did have an help on Maccelli's objective. The Blue Jackets had a objective taken off the board within the ultimate minute of the primary interval when Alexandre Texier was penalized for prime sticking earlier than scoring in entrance of the web. There have been fights in every interval. Two minutes in, Mathieu Olivier and Liam O'Brien squared off close to middle ice. Every acquired 5 minutes for preventing. Erik Gudbranson and Josh Brown fought within the second interval. And with 1:21 to go, Michael Carcone and the James Malatesta -- making his NHL debut for the Blue Jackets -- exchanged punches. The Related Press contributed to this report. Read the full article

[hollyethecurious]

CS AU: Conviction (8/?)

Summary: The story had been front page news for months. Scandalous details of a married woman of low birth and with limited means, murdering her husband; hatcheting him to death in order to save her own life and that of her unborn child - or so she claimed. No evidence to support her allegations of abuse had been presented during the trial, but in the end, it was the fact that Mrs. Cassidy was with child that saved her from a verdict of murder in the first degree, a judgment that carried the death penalty for both men and women alike. As an act of mercy, a lesser charge was issued, one that spared her life but now made her Misthaven Penitentiary’s problem to contend with, and more specifically, the Captain of the Guard charged with keeping order within its walls.

A/N: Thanks to my amazing betas, @snowbellewells and @kmomof4. Also, shout out to @sotangledupinit for the assist in defringing Killian for the art.

Rated T-M (for themes, mentions of abuse, murder, and attempted assault) / Available on ao3 and ff.net /  buy me a coffee / add to tag list  

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six | Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

March was living up to its reputation - in like a lion - the blistering winds practically blowing Killian through the main prison doors and up the stairs. It was a wonder he’d managed to keep hold of his cap during his trek from the boarding house. Now safely inside, he whisked it off and ran his hand through his hair as he passed cells and reciprocated greetings with a nod.

Henry’s cries echoed through the structure, and the closer he got to the Officers’ Hall, the more strained and weary the addresses from the inmates.

“Glad you’re here, Cap’n,” one of the older prisoners said as he passed, his concerned expression stopping Killian in his tracks. “Nothin’s been able to quiet the lad today. Poor mother has to be at her wit’s end. ‘Oping you might be able to--”

“I know how to stop the racket,” Teach interrupted from the next cell over with a malicious sneer. “Bash the little bugger’s head in, then we might all get some peace and quiet.”

Killian grabbed the man by the shirt and hauled him forward, slamming him against the iron bars as he seethed into the man’s face. “Any more talk like that and the only head that’ll be bashed in, is yours. Do I make myself clear, Teach?”

“Careful, Captain,” the man grunted in disdain and defiance. “Or I might be liable to forget meself the next time a representative from the Board comes ‘round for an inspection. Wouldn’t do for someone to insinuate that certain protocols are being overlooked, or that relations of an unsavory sort might be occurring between a certain murderous wench and the guard staff… or one specific guard, that is. Now would it?”

Killian released the man, but continued to stare him down with contempt. It goaded him that Teach had a point. Knowing he could not give credence to the man’s threat, Killian warred with himself as to how to respond. Silence would be taken as compliance to Teach’s warning, shifting the balance of power between them; however, seeing as the guards - and most especially their captain - were not in the habit of justifying themselves or their actions to the prisoners, any manner of defense would give up similar ground, and Killian could not afford to grant even an inch to a man like Teach.

Shifting his weight, Killian tucked his thumb in his belt, projecting an unaffected air, and opened his mouth with a fresh retort; one that died on his tongue as his brother rounded the corner.

“Ah, Killian,” Liam called out. “Officer Booth said you’d arrived, but I wanted to make sure before I departed.”

Flicking one last steely look towards Teach, Killian turned and joined his brother at the end of the hall, Henry’s squalls now ear-piercing and causing him to wince.

“Did you need something, brother?”

“Uh… no,” Liam replied, glancing over his shoulder towards the cacophony coming from Swan’s cell. “I simply wished to… that is… I wanted to assure myself that things were…”

“One of the prisoners said he’s been like that all day,” Killian informed his brother, wondering how long Liam had been desperate to escape the sound of Henry’s cries while determined to set an example for his officers, acting as though he were completely unaffected by it, no doubt. “Is that so?”

“Aye,” Liam sighed wearily. “See if there’s anything you can do, otherwise I fear mutiny may be on the horizon.”

Clapping him on the shoulder, Liam walked with Killian towards their offices, relaying a few items of note before bidding him a good evening. Though Killian was eager to check in on Emma and see if there was anything he could do to help calm little Henry, he had to first make sure there was nothing of even greater urgency awaiting him on his desk. Satisfied that all the paperwork and correspondence could wait, Killian made his way across the hall and through Swan’s open cell door; one of the protocols Teach had alluded to that was currently being overlooked.

The morning after Henry’s birth…

“You cannot be bloody serious!”

When Elsa had suggested that Emma’s cell door remain open whilst she and Ashley remained at the prison - unable to leave because of the blizzard and committed to staying by the new mother’s side anyway - since their cots, which had been brought up from the barracks, had to be placed in the Officers’ Hall due to the limited space within the cell, Liam had been amenable. However, when she further proposed that such an allowance remain permanent, owing to the fact it would become tedious having her cell unlocked as often as it would be needed now there was an infant to care for, Liam’s reaction had been… well… he at least managed to keep his volume down, so he did not wake the prison which had only just settled back down again.

“It’s either that, or you assign an officer to act as her doorman,” Elsa replied. “Permanently stationed outside her cell for the sole purpose of locking and unlocking her door as we have need.”

Liam sighed and rolled his eyes. “I understand, and I am willing to make certain allowances, but leaving an inmate unsecured flies in the face of every protocol, procedure, and practice the Magistrate requires. How am I to justify it?”

“Perhaps,” Killian suggested. “Her cell could remain open only during daily visiting hours? That way Elsa, and any of the other women who arrive to assist Em, er… Miss Swan, can have access at their convenience. The prison is better staffed during the day, ensuring a suitable amount of eyes and attention can be kept on the situation, and the expectation that Miss Swan herself is not permitted to leave her cell without proper escort, regardless of whether her cell door is locked or not can be firmly set as well.”

Liam scratched through the stubble littering his jaw, its presence a testament to the long night and unorthodox morning they’d all experienced. “I suppose I could make a justification for such a concession.”

“In that case,” Elsa said sweetly, causing her husband’s eyes to narrow in suspicion of her tone. “Might you consider authorizing the ladies use of the side entrance?”

“For what purpose?”

“Well,” she hedged, wetting her lips and flicking her gaze up to Liam’s through her lashes. “If they were permitted to enter through the Officers’ Hall, then your men would not have to take time out of their duties to escort them since they won’t be traversing through any areas where inmates are housed, with the exception of Emma.”

While Liam mulled over the suggestion, Elsa pressed on in an attempt to fully convince him. “Ashley has volunteered to see to the nappies. Either she or Thomas will collect the soiled ones and bring freshly laundered replacements each day. Granny will continue to bring foodstuffs and meals for Emma, ensuring she receives proper nutrition, so she can, in turn, feed Henry. There are a number of ladies who have volunteered to be added to the walking rotation. Some of them have even inquired whether it would be permissible for them to bring along their own babies during their visits, and despite the library that now exists within the prison, Belle still brings volumes from--”

“All right, All right,” Liam conceded. “You’ve made your point.”

“Good! Now let’s discuss which officers are allowed to enter her cell when I am not here to assist her.”

Killian lightly chuckled to himself at the memory, but was then pulled back to the present by another round of Henry’s wails.

“Swan? Is everything all--”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with him,” Emma replied, her tone a disquieting mixture of exhaustion and exasperation. “He’s been fed, burped, bathed, changed, swaddled, rocked, walked, sung to… nothing seems to work. He just won’t stop.”

Agitation and anxiety permeated the cell. It was little wonder the lad could not quiet himself when his mother was so worked up; the two of them feeding off one another’s distress until they were both now in quite a state.

Stepping forward, Killian held out his arms and commanded, “Hand him over, love.”

“What? Why?”

“Because,” he murmured softly, compassion and care crooning through his words. “You are at your wit’s end and are in need of a break.” She tucked her lips between her teeth and tears shone from her eyes as they fell to the fussing babe in her arms. “You’re both exhausted,” he continued. “Let me take him for a bit so you can try and get some rest.”

“But… what if he--”

“You said yourself, love,” he interjected, cutting off her protest. “He’s been fed and changed. All his needs have been met. Perhaps he simply desires a change of scenery.” Reaching forward, Killian gathered Henry and secured him to his chest. “I’ll walk him down the lower Officers’ Hall for a bit so you can rest.” His brows rose and he tilted his head meaningfully to the side, quipping, “You and the rest of the population.”

Emma swallowed and her shoulders sagged. Wearily, she nodded, then stepped forward to place a soft kiss to her son’s cheek. “Be good for Captain Jones,” she told him before offering no further protest and slipping beneath the blankets of her bunk.

“Come on, my boy,” Killian crooned, making his way out of the cell and leaving the door open behind him. “Let’s let your mother rest, aye?” Henry continued to fuss and fight against the blanket that had him swaddled tight as Killian descended the back stairs. “You shouldn’t be so hard on your mother, lad,” Killian murmured, patting the babe’s back as he paced the long corridor. “She’s doing her best in less than ideal conditions. We all are.”

Killian marveled at the way Emma had taken to motherhood, although, admittedly, those first few days had been a struggle. Failure to thrive. That was the fear they all silently contended with as they awaited Emma’s milk to come in. Her tears and whimpers of pain each time she attempted to nurse Henry had broken Killian’s heart, and for five days he had agonized over whether she’d be able to provide for him. Elsa had determined they would have to find a wet nurse, fearing Henry might succumb if they did not intervene, but no suitable candidates had been found, causing them all to prepare for the worst.

He would never forget the night his dread had nearly consumed him, thinking the worst had come to pass.

Whilst on patrol, walking the cell block, he heard Henry’s feeble cry. Making his way back towards Swan’s cell, his stomach fell away when the lad’s cries suddenly stopped, only to be replaced by his mother’s.

No! No, no, no, no! Please, God. No!

Sprinting, he barely made out Swan’s form in the rocking chair, clutching Henry to her chest as she fought back sobs. The time it had taken to get that infernal cell unlocked took years off Killian’s life.

Barely capable of drawing breath, Killian choked out utterances as he made his way to where Emma sat before the fire. “S-Swan. The baby. Is he… He isn’t… Tell me he isn’t…”

When she cast her gaze up at him, he could not reconcile the tears clinging to her cheeks with the smile stretching over her lips.

“He’s eating,” she told him in a whisper. “My milk came in and he’s…”

Killian glanced down and saw Henry contentedly sucking from his mother’s breast, his eyes wide and alert for the first time in days. Knees giving out, Killian managed to control his descent by bracing himself against the rocking chair, a watery chuckle falling from his lips as he continued to stare in awe and relief. The feel of Emma’s fingers carding through his hair sent a ripple of wonder down his spine and he shivered.

“He’s going to be okay,” she quietly imparted.

Flicking his gaze up to hers, his breath caught and his pulse quickened. Not from any rush of lust or desire, but from the sheer beauty of the moment. Emma’s long, soft curls framed her and Henry as the baby continued to nurse, and her sea glass eyes fell to him, filled with loving adoration as she cooed and hummed at him. When she switched him to her other breast, Killian caught a glimpse of the raw, red nipple that lay beneath her nightgown; a testament to her resilience and determination over the past few days.

Never giving up.

Fighting for her child’s survival with all she had.

Not for the first time, and quite possibly not for last, either. Unfortunately.

Which was why her cell door would remain open, even at night. Ensuring that Killian would never again be delayed in joining her in that fight.

Killian shifted Henry further up his shoulder so he could reach the next item awaiting his attention on his desk. The lad had finally fallen asleep, but Killian was loath to return him to his cradle, lest the movement awaken him and begin the entire, awful affair over again. Better to let the babe rest peacefully against Killian’s chest whilst he picked through the correspondence and reports he’d been neglecting, even if he was assured a drool stain on his waistcoat that Granny would be certain to tsk over later.

Lifting up a page of visitor requests, Killian stifled a yawn, his chest stuttering upward and jostling Henry. The lad, in turn, yawned, letting go a soft squeak as he nestled his little face against Killian’s neck. Shushing him softly, Killian waited until he was certain Henry remained fast asleep before turning his attention back to the requests.

Perusing the page, Killian noted that Mr. Hopper was expected for a visit in early April, hoping to have a report on the on-going investigation against Emma’s former solicitor, Mr. Glass. A smile lifted the corner of his lips when he saw Graham Humbert’s name down for an early May visit.

A former officer and long time mate, Graham had transferred to Glowerhaven a few years back after wedding Granny Lucas’ granddaughter, Ruby. With the impending retirement of the current warden, Graham had already been selected to act as the man’s successor (which had opened the captaincy spot for Walsh). No doubt the May visit would be so he could glean all he could from his mentor and former warden before fully taking on the mantle himself come June. Killian made a mental note to discuss a few things with him whilst he was there, then carried on with his tasks, even as his eyes began to hang heavy.

The last thing he remembered was thinking how he needed to follow-up with Mother Superior about having her round for a visit when the feel of a hand brushed through his hair before tentatively shaking him awake.

“Shhh, it’s only me,” Emma soothed, placing a hand on Henry’s back to steady him when Killian jolted awake.

“Swan?” Killian croaked, his tongue dry and throat parched, no doubt from sleeping with his mouth open. “What are you--”

“I know I’m not supposed to leave my cell, but when I woke up and couldn’t find Henry, I…”

“I’m sorry, love,” he said, clearing his throat. “I didn’t want to disturb you once I had gotten him settled.”

“No, it’s all right,” she assured him. “I appreciate you stepping in so I could rest, but now,” she reached out and lifted Henry off his chest, shushing him softly when he whimpered, “it’s my turn to relieve you so that you might get back to your duties.”

“If you must,” Killian sighed dramatically, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, then running his hand down his face as he turned his attention back to his desk. “Booth will see to the patrols tonight, so if you need anything I’ll be…” he gestured at the haphazard piles before him and let out another long suffering sigh, “here.”

“I will leave you to it, then,” she said, offering him a commiserating look of pity. “When you find yourself in need of a break, you know where I’ll be.”

“Aye,” he replied with a chuckle at both her tone and impudent smirk, watching her exit his office as Henry began to suck on his fists, making his protests of hunger known by the time she returned to her cell.

Killian sat and listened to the softly hummed melody and creaking of the rocking chair as it drifted in from across the hall, almost lulled back to sleep by the soothing sounds. Shaking off the stupor, he straightened his posture and forced himself to focus on the work before him, promising himself he’d take that offered break at Henry’s next rousing.

~/~

“I am pleased to report the Board has found Sydney Glass guilty of negligence regarding the way your case was handled, Miss Swan.”

Emma’s jaw dropped open, and Killian could scarcely believe his hearing. He had to temper his emotions, though, knowing it was most likely too soon to celebrate such a victory just yet.

“What does that mean for me going forward?” Swan inquired of her solicitor, clutching Elsa’s hand.

When Mr. Hopper had arrived for his scheduled visitation, Elsa, Emma, and Killian had been making their way back into the prison from their morning stroll with Henry. Emma had asked if Elsa could stay to hear what the solicitor had to say, so after she’d fed, changed, and put the baby down for his morning nap, the ladies had joined the men in Liam’s office for the report.

“The case against him will be handed off for prosecution, and efforts will be made to bring Mr. Glass back here to stand trial. In the meantime, the Board does plan to consider the rest of the petitions made on your behalf.”

“When?” Killian pressed, forcing himself to remain at Liam’s side and not wander over to Emma’s, wanting nothing more than to take her other hand, yet knowing he had to remain at his station.

Hopper sighed. “It’s tough to say.” Removing his spectacles, he pinched the brow of his nose, then removed a handkerchief from his pocket so he could clean his lenses. “They might rule on each petition individually, which could mean addressing one issue at a time at individual board meetings, or they might rule on them all at once. We won’t really know until next month’s gathering.”

“So what can we do to help you prepare for the Board’s next meeting?”

The sincerity in Liam’s question, the earnestness with which he had been listening and weighing in on Swan’s case, made Killian’s chest constrict with brotherly affection and gratitude. He could not say for certain when the shift had occurred, but his brother was now every bit as much an advocate for Emma and her baby as the rest of them.

Hopper put his glasses back into place and began to gather his things. “Another round of letters would not be a bad idea. Perhaps you can beseech some of the more prominent townspeople to join in the campaign?”

“I know Granny would certainly write to the Board on Emma’s behalf. She’s been a fixture of wisdom and respect in this community for as long as I can remember,” Killian suggested.

“And Belle,” Elsa added. “She would happily write one as well, and as town librarian she does hold a mantle of prominence.”

“I can ask Mother Superior when she visits from Glowerhaven in the next few weeks,” Emma said, though they all knew the woman would not need asking.

“And I’ll invite any of the guards who wish, to add a letter of support with my own.” Liam’s declaration of support hung in the room for a moment, earning him warm smiles and grateful nods.

“Excellent. I will be sure to keep you all informed should anything more come to mind. Until then…” Hopper stood and held out his hand towards Swan. “Take care of yourself and your little one, Miss Swan.”

“I will,” she replied, shaking his hand. “And thank you again for everything.”

“Don’t mention it.”

The sound of Henry stirring from across the hall echoed through the corridor, prompting Swan to turn her attention towards Liam. “If you’ll excuse me, Warden?”

“Of course,” Liam said, gesturing that she take her leave. “Go and see to Master Henry.”

Elsa told her she’d be there to assist her shortly, wishing to see Mr. Hopper out first. After Emma withdrew, Elsa turned to pose a question to the solicitor, but it never made it past her lips before a blood-curdling scream left Emma’s.

“Swan!”

Killian raced past the others, making his way to Emma’s cell in time to see her wrench a screaming Henry from his cradle.

“Rat!” she cried out, clutching Henry to her chest. “There’s a rat in his cradle!”

Lunging for the rodent, Killian was unable to grab it before it scurried out of the cradle, between the cell bars, and down the corridor towards the greater cell block.

“Bloody…”

“Is he all right?” Elsa’s concerned question, as well as Henry’s startled cries, pulled Killian’s attention from the corridor where the varmint had disappeared and back to his distraught Swan.

“I-I think so?”

Killian straightened and started towards them, wishing to reassure himself that was truly the case, when he was halted by Mr. Hopper, who rounded on both him and his brother.

“This is outrageous! Have you no measures in place to curb the rodent population? Surely, there must be something you can--”

“We have a number of cats that act as mousers within the prison,” Liam told him. “However, the number of vermin always increases in the spring and fall.”

“Moreover, we lost a fair few of them during the winter, and those that remain are sometimes lured to the barracks, ensuring the officers’ quarters are better guarded against the pests,” Killian added while mentally attempting to calculate how many cats they currently had on hand to combat the ever increasing problem.

“Well, perhaps it is time to acquire a few more?” Hopper suggested with a tone of censure before taking in a deep breath to calm himself. “I do not wish to appear ungrateful for all you both have done in caring for and making allowances for my client’s comforts and needs, and the last thing I want to do is to disparage either of you, or the way you operate this prison, but I will not hesitate to use this incident as a means of making my case with the Board.”

“Mr. Hopper, you must understand that we are--”

“We’ll get more cats,” Killian said, interrupting his brother. “And additional traps, like those we employ in our offices and barracks, will be commissioned for Miss Swan’s cell. I’ll see to the matter myself.”

“See that you do,” Hopper replied before making his way to Emma, offering her words of support and encouragement as she continued to try and comfort her son.

“When, exactly, do you plan to find the time, much less the funds, to accomplish such an endeavor?” Liam inquired under his breath.

“The local farmers have always been generous with their litters,” Killian responded. “I’m sure they can each be persuaded to donate a barn cat or two.”

Hopper nodded his farewell to the ladies, then gestured for Liam to lead the way as escort so he might take his leave. Before his brother could depart, Killian added, “The cost of the traps is a small price to pay for her peace of mind and Henry’s safety, so if it comes down to it, I’ll pay for them myself.”

Liam gave him an assessing look, but made no further comment now the solicitor was back in earshot. As the two made their way out of the cell, Killian approached Emma, who was still doing all she could to settle Henry whilst tears burned in her eyes.

“I can't do this,” she said, choking on a sob. “I can’t do this to him. I know being locked away in here is what I deserve, but he doesn’t. He deserves better than this.”

“Neither of you are deserving of this, Swan.”

“Killian is right,” Elsa said, finally able to coax Henry from Swan’s arms so she could look him over. “Neither of you deserve to live in such conditions, which is why both your captain and warden will be implementing some sort of--”

“The issue has been discussed and decided upon,” Killian said, recognizing Elsa’s tone and knowing he needed to reassure her a plan was already in place before she worked herself up into a tongue lashing for both him and his brother. “Is Henry all right?” he asked, turning all their attentions back to the most important matter at hand.

“A small scratch on his cheek, but no evidence of bites or any other injury,” Elsa assured them. “I think it best to bathe him and change out the bedding. Maybe do a thorough cleaning of the cradle as well.”

Elsa handed Henry back to Emma, then began heating water for his bath before turning her sights on the cradle. Clearly still distraught, Emma bounced the baby in her arms, placing soothing kisses to his forehead as she sniffled and fought back against her emotions.

“Swan,” Killian began, though he was unsure of what to say. His own emotions, which he’d managed to keep at bay so his objective and rational side could formulate a solution, were beginning to bubble to the surface. “I swear to you, I’ll--”

“Don’t,” she said, raising her hand to stay his words even as she clutched Henry tighter to her chest. “Please. Don’t tell me everything will be alright. Don’t tell me you’ll fix this when there is no fixing this. Please just… don’t.”

Brushing past him, she joined Elsa, who was filling the basin with the kettle, now heated by the fire. The two began to undress Henry, the baby thankfully cooperative now that he’d settled down from his ordeal. As the women cooed and indulged their charge, Killian felt his chest constrict.

Swan was right.

While additional cats and traps might fix the issue of the rats, it did not fix the circumstances Emma faced in raising her son in such an environment where other vermin and pests were prevalent. It would not change the fact that it was he, and not her, who was free to leave the prison in order to make the necessary provisions to ensure her son’s safety from the rodents. Nothing he could say or do would provide them with what they did deserve, unless he…

A plan began to form in his mind, and he was powerless to stop it. Contingencies that could be put into place in case the Board did not rule in her favor. It was not the first time he’d had such thoughts. Ever since Hopper had made him aware of the dire consequences that could befall Emma should a retrial find her guilty once more, he had indulged in the occasional musing, but never to this degree.

Shaking himself, Killian did not bother to even bid the ladies farewell before rushing back to his office. Raising a shaky hand to his mouth, he leaned against his closed door and considered whether he could actually do it. Could he orchestrate, and potentially implement, the means of her escape if it meant saving her from the gallows, or even having to endure another four and half years of unjust incarceration? Were there any lengths to which he would not go to ensure her freedom, by whatever means necessary?

A soft knock at his door pulled him from having to face the conclusion of his deliberations, and he hoped none of his treachery was evident on his face when opening the door revealed Robin on the other side.

“I thought you might have already left,” his second said. “I was hoping to get the armaments ledger from you before you go, so I can begin the inventory.”

“Of course,” Killian replied, procuring the item from his desk. Handing it off to Robin, he made himself busy by donning his coat and hat, then gathered his satchel.

“Are you all right, mate?” Robin inquired. “I heard about the rat in Miss Swan’s cell. Imagine it shook everyone up?”

“Aye,” he said, hoping any perceived uneasiness in Killian’s demeanor would be attributed to the abhorrent event in question and not the grievous plot continuing to formulate in his mind. “Fortunately, Henry was unharmed. I’ll be acquiring a few more mousers, as well as commissioning some traps for Swan’s cell.”

“You’ll let me know if there’s anything I can do?”

“Aye. Thank you, mate,” Killian said, even as he held his tongue against the desire to unburden himself. After a moment’s pause, during which Robin’s eyes began to narrow, perhaps sensing there was more going on with his captain than he’d first considered, Killian cleared his throat. “Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.”

Scrutinizing his captain a moment longer, Robin relented, “No, there’s nothing else. Go get some rest. You look like hell.”

Blowing out a breath he’d been unintentionally holding, Killian gave Robin an unamused look before making his way out.

~/~

Killian’s boot falls were heavy against the side hall stairs when he made his way back into the prison later that evening. Boots that were covered with a layer of muck from the miles he’d walked and the farms he’d visited. His entire body ached and cried out for rest, but that was a luxury he would not be able to provide himself.

Liam’s office was dark, and the sound of the evening roll could be heard from the catwalk at the center of the prison, even though the days were now becoming longer and nightfall had not quite settled over them. Securing the basket he carried with him under his arm, Killian removed his coat and hat, stowing them away in his office, then waited for the roll call to end before making his way towards Swan’s cell.

His nose crinkled at the smell of vinegar. If he’d had to hazard a guess, Killian would say the entire cell had been scrubbed from floor to ceiling, which made him pause at the threshold and look down at his mud-caked boots.

“Captain?” Swan’s voice grabbed his attention, and he straightened his posture as she laid a soundly sleeping Henry down in his cradle before approaching him. “Are you… all right?”

Her eyes swept over him, and it was only then he considered how the rest of him might look. No doubt he was as unkempt as his boots.

“Aye, I just…” the bundle beneath his arm wriggled, shifting the balance of the basket as its occupant let out a petulant meow, causing Emma’s eyes to widen.

“Is that… a cat?”

Setting the basket down, Killian opened it to reveal an adolescent, black cat with piercing blue eyes. “I know they’re typically seen as unlucky, but back in England, sailors believed a black cat on board would ensure good fortune whilst at sea, so I thought--”

“He’s lovely!” Emma exclaimed, picking up the creature and giving it an affectionate scratch behind its ears.

“Farmers will be by later this week with whatever others they manage to round up, but one of them gave me this little one in the meantime.” Killian stroked his hand down its glossy back, a smile pulling at the corners of his lips at the way it purred in Emma’s arms. “He’s still young,” Killian pointed out. “But I’m hoping that will allow him to bond with you and the lad, and perhaps come to see this cell as his domain, prioritizing its sanctity against the vermin.”

His eyes followed her as she took a spare blanket from her wardrobe and laid it beside the hearth before lowering the creature onto it. Sniffing and scratching, he circled a few times, then made himself comfortable in front of the fire, licking at his paws and swiping them behind his ears as he took ownership of his new surroundings. Killian chuckled at the way the cat took immediate command of the cell, then met Emma’s gaze which was filled with perplexity over the fact he was still hovering in her doorway. When her eyes fell to his boots, comprehension dawned and she sighed as she stood and made her way back over to him.

“Did you spend your entire day tracking down cats from the local farms?”

“No,” he replied while sheepishly raising his hand to scratch behind his ear. “I actually started at the docks. There’s a man there, Mr. Smee, who supposedly makes the best rodent traps in the county. I commissioned a few for your cell. They’ll also be delivered in a day or two.”

“Killian,” she sighed, and as it was wont to do whenever she used his given name, his heart stuttered in his chest and his breath caught. “You cannot spend your days exhausting yourself on my behalf. You need sleep.”

“You get very little sleep these days,” he countered. “Exhausting yourself on Henry’s behalf. How is this different?”

Crossing her arms over her chest, she arched a brow at him. “For one, I receive a fair amount of help. And two, Henry is my responsibility.”

“Aye, and both of you are mine.”

“But--”

“No ‘buts’, Swan,” he said, cutting her off. “What’s done is done. I could not bring myself to bed down in the comfort and security of my room knowing you and Henry were still vulnerable. I know I cannot fix what happened earlier today, but do not admonish me for wanting to do something in an effort to try.”

Chagrined, Emma licked her lips and dropped her arms back down to her sides. “I shouldn’t have said that earlier. I was upset and… I know you’ve gone to extraordinary lengths to make my circumstances as bearable as they can be, and I am so grateful, I just…”

“What?”

“I don’t want you to… you don’t have to… I’m not…” A frustrated sigh rushed over her lips, and her teeth sank into the tender flesh of the lower one as she continued to struggle to find the right words. Again, her eyes fell to his boots and she released the grip on her lip, flicking her gaze back up to his with an amused glint.

“I suppose the least I can do to thank you for the cat and traps is to clean those for you.”

“There’s no need to--”

“Shut up and give me your boots, Captain.”

Killian’s brows shot up his forehead, even as he obeyed. Taking a step forward, he sat down on her bunk so he could remove the soiled boots, all the while maintaining eye contact with her. Over the past several months, they’d almost developed a bit of a shorthand with one another, able to convey so much to the other with a simple look or expression. As Killian unlaced his boots, he knew there was no further need for either of them to make apologies or amends. All had been forgiven, and no more would be said regarding her words or his actions.

“Leave them there,” she instructed before making her way to her bathing corner to gather supplies. “I’m sure you have important matters awaiting you in your office that will keep you busy whilst I work on these. Rest assured, I’ll have them ready by the time you start patrols. Wouldn’t do to have to make your rounds in your stocking feet, now would it?”

Killian smiled up at her, and it only broadened at the sight of the smirk that matched her cheek. “I dare say,” he replied, setting the boots aside and standing so they were once more eye to eye. “Imagine the mocking I’d receive from Scarlet.”

Emma tilted her head to one side, as though giving that thought some consideration. “On second thought…”

Chapter Nine ​

[once-upon-a-pirate-ship]

How Restlessly the Stars Do Gleam - Chapter 8: Knight Before the Dawn

Welcome back to HRtSDG!

Story summary: After the Evil Queen kidnaps and curses her family and destroys her kingdom, Princess Emma is on the run. She boards a merchant vessel with her godmother Red, and they intend to travel to Arendelle to seek magical assistance. But when Emma discovers the dark truths aboard Captain Silver's ship, she must put a stop to his cruelty and rescue the Jones brothers from their enslavement. Emma has to find her own allies and face her fears in order to save her parents, her brother Leo, and her kingdom.

Need to catch up or start from the beginning? Follow these links to the chapters on AO3!

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - and now Chapter 8

My tagged readers: @kmomof4 @ouatpost @ultraluckycatnd @jrob64 @teamhook @tiganasummertree @zaharadessert

DM me or reply to be added to the tag list of this story or any others!

Read chapter 8: Knight Before the Dawn below the cut:

Elsa.

Emma’s sword wavered in her hand, and she pushed around Killian to stand in front of the stranger. “Are you Princess Anna of Arendelle?”

Panic flashed in her eyes, but she nodded.

“I’m Princess Emma, and we’ve been looking for you,” she told her. “But we can discuss that after we find your sister. Do you know where they went?”

Anna shook her head, swaying on her feet for a moment. “No,” she choked out, “and my fiancé, he’s injured, he’s—” she couldn’t finish, fresh tears replacing the old ones.

“Killian, get the others, bring them here. Run.” He left without a second of hesitation, sprinting in the direction of their camp.

Emma caught Anna’s arm in an attempt to reassure her. “Tell me what happened right before you got separated,” she requested, trying to keep her voice from revealing the urgency she felt, the anxiety that crawled across her skin.

“They ambushed us,” she explained shakily, “and Elsa tried to use her magic but this is the third attack in the last two days, and she hasn’t slept, and Kristoff did his best to fight them but there were six? Maybe seven? I don’t know, but they wanted her, and she took off, and I know she did it to try and draw them away but two of them stayed behind and Kristoff, he—he killed the first one but was stabbed by the other and I had to stop him and she was just gone.”

“We’ll find her, I promise. We’ll find her.”

The others joined them a moment later, asking questions and offering opinions and it was all too much for Emma until Killian offered her sword to her, and she took it, giving the other back to Anna.

Emma inhaled slowly, the plan forming in her mind in the few seconds it took to fill her lungs. “Right. Okay. Red, go back to camp, get the supplies from my bag. Take Will with you and follow the stream that way—” she pointed to where Anna had come from, “—until you find an injured man. That’ll be Kristoff, Anna’s fiancé.”

They left as soon as they had their orders, and Emma continued with the next set of instructions.

“Liam and I will head in the opposite direction, Robin and Mulan, cross the stream and go opposite from camp. Don’t clue them in by calling for Elsa, that’s what they’ll be expecting.”

“And what about me?” Killian asked.

Robin and Mulan had left by the time she turned to him. “Stay here with Anna,” she said.

His jaw tightened, and though she couldn’t make out the shade of his eyes in the darkness, she knew they were stormy. “You know I can be more helpful against the knights.”

“You can,” she agreed, “but I need you here. To keep Anna safe. I’m not keeping you from battle because you can’t do it, Killian, I’m leaving you with her because I trust you. You can protect her, and when Red and Will come with Kristoff, you can protect them all while they take care of him. Is that clear?”

He blinked, stepping back as the anger faded away. “Aye,” he said.

Emma didn’t allow herself to dissect the depth of his gaze, the shock and awe and the other, heavier thing. She turned instead to his brother. “Liam, let’s go.”

—

They moved quickly but quietly through the forest, listening for any signs of movement or a struggle. Neither had said a word since they’d left Killian and Anna, though occasionally she could feel Liam’s eyes on her as they made their way through the woods.

He had thoughts about that interaction and she knew it, but now wasn’t the time. Though if she were honest, she was hoping he’d never bring it up.

A few more minutes passed before they heard anything out of the ordinary. They stilled when they heard the rustle of armor and heavy boots over leaves, accompanied by a voice that carried from behind a thicket.

“She’s getting heavy,” a man grumbled.

“No, you’re simply weak,” another mocked.

“We can’t stop now,” a third said, irritated with the others. “If she wakes up, we’ll lose her again. And I’m tired of following ice trails.”

Emma waved for Liam to follow her as she crept nearer, careful not to make a single sound while they moved to the cover of some shrubbery.

She saw the one at the front of the group pause, huffing out a sigh. “We can take a short break. Five minutes.”

“Thank the gods,” the man said, heaving the unconscious woman off his shoulder and setting her not-quite-gently on the ground.

Emma gave Liam a meaningful look, holding her hand out to stop something he hadn’t even done. She pointed to herself, to the Black Knights, then paused for a long moment, her eyes not leaving his until she gestured to him and back towards the clearing past their hiding place. He nodded in understanding, stepping back to stay hidden.

Emma peered back through the leaves, pleased to find the five of them spread out and seated, their weapons stashed away. She moved several steps to the side until she stood directly behind one of the men, and her hand reached for a concealed blade before she moved.

If they had been anyone else, she never would have done this. To stab a man when his back was turned, when he was not prepared for a fight—it went against everything her parents had taught her. But this was survival. She convinced herself that not allowing him to see it coming was a mercy.

It wasn’t. But it allowed her to do what she needed to do.

Her sword slid through the brush, landing with the blade halfway through the knight’s body. One thrust and he toppled over with a groan, but she’d already pulled back, and though the other Black Knights had gotten to their feet and scrambled for their swords, they weren’t ready for her when she leapt into the clearing, snapping her knife through the air and into the neck of one while she launched herself at another.

This knight was sluggish, tired from carrying Elsa, and she slit his throat before the other two had time to descend.

Liam appeared beside her, drawing one of the knights from the unfair advantage, and she tried not to worry about him, but the knight he fought was much quicker than he was, and a slice on his arm made him groan.

The turn of her head was automatic, but the cost was her sword.

Her eyes returned in an instant, but she had no time, and she narrowly dodged the knight’s next swipe, but it was an ill-conceived move, rushed, frantic, and she hadn’t been paying enough attention to her environment. Her foot caught on a root and sent her to the ground, her palms scraping against stones and sticks, and she was out of options, left to scramble away from her enemy in vain. The Black Knight grinned down at her, the tip of his blade dragging across her cheek.

He was playing with her, drawing out her blood for his own amusement.

Emma kept fearful eyes on the weapon but her hand moved to her vest, and the knight’s distraction was his downfall. One of her knives landed in his gut, and he staggered back in surprise and pain. She drew her dagger as she rose, using her disgust and the blood on her cheek to drive her blade across his throat.

Liam stood over the last knight with his foot squarely on the man’s chest when she looked up, and he was braced and ready to kill him. But he shook, and she put a hand on his shoulder.

“I know it must be done,” he said, not looking up at her.

“Yes, it must. But let me. Go check on Elsa.”

He nodded, only moving away when Emma knelt down to look at the knight.

“You will die,” he spat. “The Evil Queen will kill you and everyone you—”

Emma didn’t let him finish.

When she straightened, she found her sword where it had fallen, retrieving it and moving to take the two blades she’d discharged. She did her best to clean them with some leaves before she returned them to her vest.

Liam sat beside Elsa who was still unconscious, his feet flat on the ground and arms resting on his knees, his hands clasped between them. To Emma, he looked completely drained.

“How is she?” she asked, moving to her knees on the other side of Elsa, examining her face.

“Unharmed, from what I can see,” he replied.

“We shouldn’t move her yet,” Emma said, “they carried her off, we can’t—we can’t do that, too.”

“Aye.”

And so they waited, their jagged breaths sounding in time with the rhythmic buzz of insects that called out into the night air.

—

Killian paced. He huffed, sighed, turned on his heel, paced some more.

When he imagined he’d been cast out of the fight, he’d been livid. There’d been a part of him that had hollowed with her initial order, words that she hadn’t said that he’d put in her mouth, heard in her voice.

All he had was his sword, and it wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough.

But then she’d corrected him, her eyes flashing and the color on her cheeks heightening, even in the moonlight—I trust you.

I trust you, she’d told him. You can protect them all.

His endless internal war was once more at the forefront of his mind, energy gathering in his bones, his muscles, forcing him to move, to fight the stillness.

So he paced.

The sound of a muffled cry shattered his focus, and he turned to see the woman—Anna, Her Highness, Princess Anna of Arendelle—crumbled on the ground, her bloodied sword sitting before her. Her tears streaked the blood she’d smeared onto her cheeks, her sorrow etched into every inch of her face.

His heart constricted. In a moment he’d re-sheathed his sword, kneeling beside her. “Your Highness,” he said gently, waiting until her eyes met his. “All will be well; you have my word.”

She nodded frantically, her face scrunching up as she tried to hold back the tears.

“Here,” he added, “you can wash your hands in the stream.”

Anna’s eyes dropped to her open palms, blinking rapidly at them as if she hadn’t recalled how they’d ended up like that, and the tears fell once more. She sniffled but ignored them, dunking her hands into the water and rubbing them furiously together.

Killian felt useless as he watched her, the misery only gripping her tighter the longer she worked to clean her hands.

He touched her shoulder hesitantly. “They’re clean, lass,” he told her, his tone warm and calming.

She fell back onto the ground, burying her head in her hands as she tried to suppress the sob that broke free anyway. “What if…what if she’s not okay?” Anna choked out, pulling her hands away to look at him. “What if it’s too late, and she’s already dead, and Kristoff, oh gods, what if Kristoff is already dead and I’m alone!” she wailed.

Killian stared at her, searching for the right words—or any at all—that could comfort her, ease some of her pain. He settled on the truth. “The Evil Queen wants her alive, Your Highness. Princess Emma will find her and bring her back to you, I promise you that. As for your fiancé, I’m afraid I don’t know. I don’t know what the state of his injuries were when you left him, but Lady Red has faced her fair share of battle wounds, and she will do everything she can to help him, too.”

His words did the trick; she’d calmed, her tears had slowed, and only the occasional droplet rolled down her cheek.

“Princess Emma,” she began after a moment, “she’s been hiding from the Evil Queen for a long time, hasn’t she?”

“Aye.”

“How has she survived so long on the run?”

Killian couldn’t help it, his lips curled up. “She’s the fiercest lass I’ve ever known,” he replied. “The bravest, too. There isn’t a person alive she couldn’t defeat if she tried, I’m sure of it.”

“You think she’ll be able to defeat the Evil Queen, then?”

“I’ve no doubt,” he said.

Anna nodded, accepting his word for truth. “Good. And when she brings Elsa back, and once Kristoff has time to heal, we’ll join you to take her down.”

Killian’s eyes widened, but before he could confirm her declaration, his attention was drawn away by the movement in the trees not far from where they sat.

He rose, his sword in his hand, but the footsteps were labored, slow. This wasn’t an enemy.

He didn’t move from his post until he saw Red and Will in the darkness, and he glanced to ensure that Anna was following him before he returned his sword to its casing and moved to help them carry the injured man back to camp.

“How is he?” Anna asked, trying to search her fiancé’s face for answers.

“Unconscious, but we’ll fix him up,” Will said, and Red’s nod of agreement was more than enough for Killian.

“We managed to stop the bleeding with one of Emma’s jars, but we didn’t want to risk sewing him up so far from any available backup,” Red explained.

Anna sat by Kristoff’s head once he was on the ground, her fingers running through the hair on his forehead. “But he’ll be okay?”

Killian was relieved to see the confidence in Red’s expression when she responded, the nonchalance in Will’s. They didn’t need to lie to comfort her, nor did they need to prepare her for the worst.

He’d moved back to give them room once they’d set Kristoff on one of the abandoned bedrolls, and he’d almost offered his assistance before he remembered his Captain’s request.

Killian stood, half-turned from the others to watch the forest, his hand on the hilt of his sword as he waited. He could promise them their safety, and if that was all he could do, he would not neglect his duty.

—

They sat in silence for a long time, both of them trying not to look at the bodies they’d left in the clearing, but there wasn’t much else to focus on. Her cheek stung, although she’d never say so, and she could tell by the way he moved that his arm was hurting him, too. They were both too damn stubborn.

“It’s easier,” Emma said softly, “in the heat of the battle. When it’s kill or be killed. It’s much harder when you could spare them, if they weren’t Black Knights.”

Liam didn’t respond right away. “Much easier, especially if there’s someone to protect. I would never hesitate to kill a man who threatened my brother—or even you,” he added.

“It never feels right,” she told him. “But believe me when I tell you that leaving them alive is worse. And we have proof of that, right here.” She glanced around at the bodies, then back to Elsa.

Liam’s sharp intake of breath startled her, but when her head shot up, he was looking at her face. “You’re hurt,” he said, almost an accusation.

Emma brought her hand to her cheek, wiping away the blood. “It’s nothing serious,” she dismissed. “And you’re hurt too, remember?” Her eyes moved to his shirtsleeve that had been torn open.

“Emma,” he snapped, that exasperated tone that he sometimes used with Killian. “Mine is just a scratch, but you’re bleeding. Actively.”

“I will be just fine until we reach camp,” she told him. “I’ve had much worse.”

That made Liam scoff. “Why does that not reassure me?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’ll let you fuss over me later, once we have the supplies to do it. And once your arm has been looked at.”

He chuckled, “As if you won’t be fussed over enough by—”

Elsa stirred, cutting off Liam’s words. They both knew how it ended, anyway. And perhaps it was better if he didn’t say it.

Emma rose up on her knees, watching Elsa’s eyelids flutter.

She groaned, squeezing her eyes shut before they opened, widening when they found Emma. She moved back, trying desperately to get away, and Emma couldn’t blame her.

“Queen Elsa,” she said, keeping her voice even, “I’m Princess Emma. You’re safe from the Black Knights for now.”

Elsa stilled, pushing herself to sit up, her eyes scanning the forest floor. She gasped softly at the sight, but the panic dissolved from her gaze, even if apprehension replaced it when she found Liam.

“If you don’t kill them, they keep tracking you. And the Evil Queen has their hearts. They can lead her directly to you, and they no longer have the capacity for mercy,” Emma said, trying to explain as simply and directly as possible.

“Yes, they…they found us more than once. They wouldn’t stop chasing us.”

“They can’t harm you now, Your Majesty,” Liam said, his head bowed. “Princess Emma and I will ensure your safety until you’re recovered enough to use your magic.”

Emma sighed at the return of her title. “And this is Liam,” she told Elsa, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at him. “As soon as you feel like you can walk again, we can bring you back to your sister.”

“My sister?” she asked, trying to stand. Her muscles weren’t ready for the exertion, and she fell back onto the ground.

“Don’t worry, Your Majesty, your sister is safe. I have one of my best men looking after her,” Emma said.

Elsa relaxed, her eyes flicking back to Emma’s. “Call me Elsa, please,” she insisted, “both of you. You saved my life.”

“And you must call me Emma.”

“Our kingdoms have been allies since my parent’s reign,” Elsa said.

“Yes,” Emma confirmed, “and we’d just begun planning a trip before—well, I was to sail to Arendelle this summer on a diplomatic visit. We would’ve met in your ballroom, instead of on the forest floor.”

Elsa nodded, recalling the event. Something shifted in her gaze, sorrow welling there. “I’m sorry about your family, Emma. I wish I could’ve helped in some way.”

Emma glanced at Liam, hopeful and tentative smiles ghosting both of their lips. She turned back to Elsa, gathering the right words. “We were sailing to you when your kingdom was attacked. It was my intention to ask for your assistance. I still wish for it, if you’re willing once you’ve recovered.”

“You have it,” she consented, no question or hesitation. “That bitch stole my kingdom and tortured my people—not to mention what she did to you. I will gladly offer anything that may be of use, my magic included.”

“Thank you,” Emma said.

“If you would be so kind as to help me up, I’d really like to see my sister now.”

Emma stood, taking Elsa’s arm and guiding her carefully to her feet. Liam backed off, his hands moving behind his back as if he were an officer, prim and proper to meet his queen.

With Elsa’s arm around her shoulder and hers around her waist, they moved, slowly attempting their trek back towards camp.

Their progress was brief, cut off by the voice that sounded through the trees.

“Emma!” someone called, and Robin appeared in the clearing a moment later with Mulan just a step behind.

Elsa flinched, and Emma raised a hand to calm her. “It’s all right,” she said, “they’re with me.”

Mulan surveyed the dead with a raised eyebrow, clearly impressed by what she saw, but Robin was more concerned with the living people.

“You’re hurt!” he exclaimed, looking between Emma and Liam who stood a bit behind.

“Nothing grave,” Emma promised, and he relaxed instantly, his attention turning to Elsa.

He bowed, offering her the same kind smile he’d shown Emma upon their first meeting. “Your Majesty, we’re relieved that you’re okay.”

“Just Elsa,” she corrected, “but thank you.”

“We were about to head back,” Liam told them.

Robin nodded, glancing at Emma. “Would you like some help?” he asked, unfazed by the rank as Liam surely was.

“Allow me,” Mulan said, going to the other side of Elsa and mirroring Emma’s hold. There was a moment, just a flicker of eyes between the three of them, of understanding and knowing.

Months ago, after one of her first experiences with the Black Knights, Emma had trembled for hours. Her bruised arms revealed the iron grip the man had held her with, grinding her further into the dirt, and his vicious smile had flashed behind her eyelids whenever they’d closed. Red had nearly decapitated him, but that hadn’t been enough to stop the panic from strangling her for hours, even days after. When she’d finally felt normal again, they risked a village—she’d nearly killed a man who had accidentally brushed her when passing them on the street.

Elsa trembled now, but it was eased slightly by the hold Emma and Mulan had on her, keeping her safe between them. They walked, Liam guarding from behind, Robin watching ahead, until they reached the familiar bend in the stream, and they cut back through to reach camp.

Killian had heard their approach, raising his sword only to nearly drop it when he caught sight of Emma, and the others watched from where they sat over Kristoff, at least until Anna turned, her eyes landing on her sister.

“Elsa!” she cried, launching herself at her and forcing Emma and Mulan to step back.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Elsa said, her hand stroking her sister’s hair. But her relief vanished when she saw Kristoff, and she froze, pulling back. “Is he…?”

“He’s okay,” Anna said quickly, “I mean, he’s not okay okay, but he will be. Red stopped the bleeding and sewed him up, and Will told me that he’s seen weaker men lose more blood than that and they were okay, but he hasn’t woken up yet, which Killian assured me is normal.”

Emma sighed, watching the sisters return to Kristoff’s side, and it was equal parts warmth and envy that she felt in her chest. Their joy was palpable, and in any other situation, it would have touched her, brought tears of joy to her eyes. But her brother was still lost to her.

How long had it been since she’d been able to roll her eyes at him? How many days had passed since she’d heard his laughter? How many days would pass before she could hear it again?

Just thinking about it sent a burn through her bones.

The sun was beginning to rise, giving the forest a gentle glow. It was the reminder of another sleepless night, but she had accomplished something, and that eased the ache of inadequacy she fought.

The others had settled into camp; Liam had joined Red who tended to his arm, Robin and Mulan returned to their watch, Will was practically snoring already—all except Killian who still stood several feet from her, his eyes not straying from her face.

Emma turned away, intent on finding the stream once more so she could clean her weapons or her cut, anything to distract from the guilt and sorrow that scorched her.

He found her a few minutes later, her hands in the water as she wiped away the last of the blood on her sword. Her dagger and the two knives had already been cleaned, and they lay beside her next to the canteen she’d abandoned before.

“Swan,” he said, moving to sit next to her, closer than he’d been in a long time.

She shifted, crossing her legs beneath her and revealing her wounded cheek to him. She wasn’t even surprised when she realized that he held her jars of salve and cleansing liquid, setting them on the ground and dabbing a clean cloth with the latter.

It stung when it touched her open wound, but the tenderness of his gaze, the raw emotion she found there dulled the pain.

“It’s not too deep,” Killian murmured, his hand steady against her. “You won’t need stitches.”

“The kingdom will be relieved,” she tried to joke, “they might send me away if I return with too many scars.”

“They would never send you away,” he said seriously.

“How can you be so sure?” she asked, and it was a heavier question that she’d intended. “I’m different, I—I’ve done things. They may not be so willing to follow, afraid where I might lead them.” The words came faster now, less controlled. Her fatigue had worn her down, loosened her tongue.

Killian’s expression did not falter, and he finished cleaning the cut, returning with the other end of the cloth coated in salve. “All those things you’ve done, they’ve revealed your courage, your loyalty, your sense of duty. You fight to save them with the same passion and fierce determination as do for your family. They will recognize that, because in the face of unwavering evil, you have fought back, and your bravery is on display for all of us to see. You are a fantastic princess, and you will make an even better queen, because you understand the true value of a life, and do not back down when hard choices must be made for the sake of others.”

His thumb swiped gently at the base of her cheek, wiping away the last bit of blood. “Please, never forget that.”

He turned from her, cleaning the cloth in the trickling water of the stream. All she could do was watch as he wrung it out, returned the lids to the jars, then got to his feet. “You should sleep, Swan,” he told her, and then he left.

In his absence, she discovered that the burn in her heart was gone, and the only thing that remained was the tingling of her cheek where he had touched her.

[multiverseforger07]

Kraven's real name is Sergei Kravinoff (Сергей Кравинов). He is a Soviet immigrant, the son of an aristocrat who fled to the United States with his family in 1917 after the Russian nobility was decimated by the February Revolution and subsequent collapse of the reign of Tsar Nicholas II.

Kraven is a maniacal big game hunter who seeks to defeat Spider-Man to prove that he is the greatest hunter in the world.[4] Unlike other hunters, he typically disdains the use of guns or bow and arrows, preferring to take down large dangerous animals with his bare hands. He also lives by a code of honor of sorts, choosing to hunt his game fairly.[5] He consumes a mystical serum to give himself enhanced strength and dramatically slow the aging process. Kraven was trained as a hunter largely by a mysterious man named Gregor, a mercenary who once battled Ka-Zar.[6] Kraven was, at one point, the lover of the voodoo priestess Calypso.[7]

He is contacted by his half-brother the Chameleon to defeat Spider-Man. He leads Spider-Man to Central Park with the help of the Chameleon, who disguises himself as Kraven to use himself as a decoy while the real Kraven ambushes the hero. However, despite Kraven having weakened Spider-Man with a poisonous dart, Spider-Man prevails in the end. Spider-Man proves a frustrating quarry because Kraven continually underestimates the superhero's resourcefulness.[8]

Kraven becomes a founding member of the Sinister Six when he accepts Doctor Octopus's offer to form a team to fight Spider-Man where they capture Aunt May and Betty Brant. He attacks Spider-Man in Central Park with three tigers. Spider-Man easily fights off the attackers and secures the next clue to where Aunt May and Betty Brant are being held. After Aunt May and Betty Brant are rescued, Kraven the Hunter and the rest of the Sinister Six are arrested by the police.[9]

While in the Savage Land, Kraven the Hunter found Gog in a spaceship that he stumbles upon. Realizing how useful Gog can be, Kraven the Hunter decides to use him in a plot to conquer the Savage Land. After kidnapping the visiting Gwen Stacy from a camp in the Savage Land, Kraven and Gog battle the heroes Ka-Zar and Spider-Man.[10] While Ka-Zar deals with Kraven, Spider-Man defeats Gog by luring him into a patch of quicksand, which he sinks to the bottom of.[11]

Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last HuntEdit

Main article: Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last Hunt

Determined to end his life as he becomes older, frustrated with his failing health and continuing failure to defeat Spider-Man, Kraven sets out a final hunt for Spider-Man. After capturing Spider-Man, he shoots him with a coma-inducing drug and buries him alive on his estate.[12] To complete his victory, he attempts to become Spider-Man's clear superior by impersonating him in a brutal vigilante campaign and capturing Vermin, the one foe Spider-Man had never been able to defeat on his own (Spider-Man's last battle with Vermin required Captain America's assistance).[13]

After Spider-Man emerges from his grave two weeks later, Kraven explains his actions to him and sets Vermin free, reaffirming to Kraven that his foe is an honorable man. Spider-Man goes after Vermin to prevent his killing again, giving Kraven the opportunity to leave a final confession of his crimes against Spider-Man and then commit suicide.[14] Because of his suicide, his soul is unable to find rest until Spider-Man confronts his risen corpse on Kraven's behalf.

[dream-a-little-bigger-x]

Chapter 8 -- Perfect Harmony | Charlie Gillespie

Summary: Emily Fox is a talented 17-year-old with a passion for all things music. Her dream is to become a successful singer-songwriter one day. But to achieve that dream, she needs to get into one of the most prestigious music schools in her district – it’s all been part of her plan since she was six. Sadly enough, those schools cost a ton of money that her parents don’t want to invest. They don’t even want her to pursue her dream. So, now Emily’s hustling, working at the music store to save up to get into college. That’s until she meets Charlie, an annoying seventeen-year-old boy with the same dream as her. The only difference is, he’s just doing it. He doesn’t need a fancy college to pursue his dream to become famous with his band. He just writes his songs and books small gigs here, there and everywhere. Will meeting Charlie defer her from her dream college, or will he actually help her achieve the dream?

Pairing: Charlie Gillespie x OC (Emily Fox)

Warnings: mentions of death, sexual assault

Important note: the characters of Charlie, Owen, Jeremy and Madison are based on the characters they play on the show and i do not own their names, only OC are mine. The songs aren’t mine either, they’re all from the show except for one.

Chapter eight

~|Charlie Gillespie|~

Emily called me Charlie and now I can’t stop thinking about it. “Hey dude! How you doing?” Jeremy asks when I walk into the garage for a band practice when I come back from the Music Store. I can’t hide the smile that’s tugging at my lips. “She called me Charlie.” Both Owen and Jeremy look at me, a little stumped. “I mean, that’s your name?” Owen fairly points out. “Yeah! But she always called me Charles, you know with that scowl on her face and the corners of her mouth curling up slightly because she doesn’t want to smile. But tonight she actually called me Charlie!” I can’t contain my excitement. I feel like bouncing off the walls, running a marathon, climbing the Kilimanjaro. All in one night. “Happy for you, bro, but can we rehearse now?” Owen asks, seemingly stressed out, “My parents are annoyed at me and need me home asap.” He rolls his eyes at the thought alone. I pat his shoulder and grab my electric guitar, so we can start rehearsing. “Let’s do Crooked Teeth?” I suggest, and both Jeremy and Owen agree. I can’t stop thinking about Emily though. She called me Charlie.

“Practice tonight?” Jeremy asks when we meet at school the following day. “Yeah, but after seven. I’m hanging out with Emily tonight.” Owen and Jeremy’s eyebrows raise simultaneously. “Like a date?” Jeremy wants to know. “No,” I reply faster than I wanted to. “No, I’m just going to hang out at the store, play my guitar while she cleans up.” My two best friends nod their heads in understanding. “You’re bringing your own guitar to the Music Store?” Owen questions. “No, uhm… There’s this one guitar I always play when I’m there and she called it mine last night, so…” Once again, I can’t withhold myself from smiling at the thought alone. “Is it that Fender CD-60 in black?” Owen asks. “Yeah, that one,” I reply. “That’s the one she was tuning when I went in the store to ask her about the Open Mic Night.” I raise an eyebrow at him. So it was her that tuned the instrument differently from how I did it last time I was there. “Might’ve been a coincidence though.” “Might be,” I say, nodding, not believing one thing. That was no coincidence. Either she did that to mess with me, or she wanted to play the guitar I always used because she missed hearing the sound while working. I’m kind of hoping for the latter, which also means she missed me. Kind of.

Emily hasn’t arrived at the Music Store yet. Only Ash is present, along with a dude I’ve never seen before. I wonder if he’s the other employee whenever Emily’s at school.

“Oh, hey! Charlie, right?” Ash approaches me when I’m about to grab my guitar.

“Yeah. Yeah, hi, Ash!” The woman is taller than me, her bright red hair cut into a pixie cut, and her eyeliner dark and defining. She looks really cool. “Emily not here yet?”

“I’m afraid not. She might’ve been just held up at school or something. She’ll be here soon.”

“Okay, good. I wanted to ask her something.”

“Like on a date?” Ash wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.

“What? No!” My answer sounds way too defensively. “I wanted to ask her something about music.” Now she has this face that just tells me she doesn’t believe one thing I’m saying. I wasn’t planning on asking Emily on a date. Not that I don’t want to. I just think it’s too soon. She’s just warming up to me, I’m not going to jeopardize that by asking her on a date.

“Ah, too bad. I think you’d be a great couple.” I manage to offer her a smile while my insides are heating up. “I actually wanted to ask you for a favor.”

“To ask Emily out?” I ask, totally confused and too focused on my body heating up.

“No, no!” she scoffs, “No, I wanted to ask if you would help me out and polish some of the guitars? Most of those are just there for display since we have the actual for sale ones in the back in stock, but they’re in dire need of a good polish and my new assistant is shit.” I widen my eyes, knowing he’s walking around here and heard that. “It’s my brother, I’m allowed to say that,” she whispers to me and winks, comforting me a little bit. “I don’t mind paying you for it?” The offer sounds compelling, but I’ve been playing their guitars for weeks without ever paying for anything except when I actually purchased something.

“Oh, no, it’s fine. I’ll do it for free. I’m here every day anyway.” Ash offers me a smile.

“Yeah, I know, that’s why I’m asking.” I open my mouth to say something else, but Ash has already turned back to her ‘shit assistant’. So, I close it and turn around to get to the guitars. I grab the one next to the black Fender, a mahogany Fender, when Ash brings me the polish to get to work. Which is also when the bell over the door rings, signaling a new client in the store. I look up to see if I’d recognize them from the neighborhood, and when I do, I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. It’s Emily. And with the low sun shining through the large windows behind her, she almost looks like an angel. She already has the voice for it.

“Hey, Charlie,” she greets with a wave.

“H-Hi, E-Emily.” I’m not sure why my mouth can’t form the proper words, but I’m struggling.

“Is Ash exploiting you now?” She points at the polish and the guitar in my hands.

“I mean, I’m here all the time anyway, so…” Emily raises an eyebrow before making her way to the cash register where Ash and her brother are fighting. Now I’m curious what she’s going to do since she didn’t really react to what I said.

“Are you exploiting kids for free now, Ashlynn?” She always uses full names when annoyed. Noted. Ash turns to face Emily, mid-conversation with her brother, her eyes wide.

“I didn’t pay you on Monday either because you told me you would do it for free, just as he said he’d do it for free. I’m just calling it a win-win situation,” she shrugs.

“He doesn’t work here though, I do. If I take non-paid hours, that’s my problem. He doesn’t work here. He has no contract. You know that brings both of you in trouble, right?” Ash’s eyes widen as if she’d forgotten about all of that since she’s been too busy with her brother. Deciding to hop into savior-mode, I hop off the bench I’m sitting on and rushing towards the girls. “I really don’t mind, Emily. If this means I get to spend time with you, I’d do anything.” Emily’s mouth curls up into a shy smile as her cheeks turn pink.

“Anything?” Ash asks with eyebrows raised.

“Don’t,” Emily says quickly, the tint in her cheeks not leaving, but the smile does, “even think about it. He’ll do the polishing while I clean up, but that’s it.” Ash wants to add something, but Emily gives her a sharp look that makes her shut up. “Now get your brother home.”

“Aye, aye, captain,” she salutes her employee before grabbing her brother by the sleeve and tugging him along through the store until they’re at the door. “Be good, you two!” she yells before shutting the door and leaving me and Emily alone.

“You really didn’t have to stand up for me to your manager like that,” I tell her while she gets behind the counter to sort things through. “Are you going to get in trouble?”

“No, I’m not going to get in trouble. Ash and I know each other very well and we talk shit to each other all the time. She told me I could always call her out on things I didn’t like,” she explains to me whilst sorting through some papers.

“Oh… okay!” I reply, not entirely sure what to say to that, “You still didn’t have to do that though. I don’t mind polishing guitars, especially if it means I get to spend time with you.” Emily’s face lights up again and I can see her looking at me through her lashes.

“That’s sweet, Charlie, but she still doesn’t get to just pick someone who comes here a lot and tell them to do something. Especially without a contract. You can get into a lot of trouble.” All I heard was “You’re sweet, Charlie”. I don’t really care what else she’d said. I’m sweet.

“Won’t you get into trouble for letting customers in after hours?” I ask instead.

“Do you

want

me to kick you out?” I shake my head vigorously, raising my hands in defense, lifting the guitar in the meantime.  

“I’m just gonna…” I nod to the bench I’d come from.

“Yeah,” she replies, that mischievous smile cracking through her tough façade again.

While she handles a few last customers, I admire her from afar while polishing up the guitars. I can’t help but notice how her smile comes and fades with every customer. It’s her customer-service-smile, I can tell. A smile far from the ones she gives me. I also notice how she strains herself, trying to keep from rolling her eyes too much at annoying customers. Or how her lashes flutter whenever she laughs at something someone has said, which I’m sure is a fake laugh too because it wasn’t that funny. Or how she rubs her nose when she’s concentrating.

“UGH!” she groans when turning the little board to tell customers the store has closed for tonight. “People are so dumb!”

“How have you not punched anyone yet?” I ask her, trying to lighten the mood, but it only lands me a sharp glare. The glare only lasts for a second though, as if it was a reaction to what I said but then she realized who said it and softened.

“I have almost punched someone,” she says with a smirk, “On several occasions. Mostly when they’re middle-aged women, thinking they know what they’re doing.” I can’t help but laugh. I would also nearly punch middle-aged know-it-all women if I punched women.

“I admire your willpower to withhold yourself,” I compliment, which earns me a smile. A real smile. None of her customer-service smiles.

“You can stop polishing now,” she tells me. I open my mouth to tell her I don’t mind, but she stops me. “Please, stop polishing the guitars and play one for me. My work gets done faster with your music in the background.” I can feel my lips curling up at that. Maybe she did miss me the other day when she tuned my guitar.

“I’m actually working on a song,” I say while placing the last polished guitar in its place and taking the black Fender instead. “Maybe you could help me on the parts I think suck?” She opens her mouth, and I know what she’s going to say, so I quickly add, “I know you can’t write with me, but I just want your honest opinion, okay?” Her mouth closes and changes into a smile instead, which then changes into a lip-bite. It nearly sends me.

I strum the guitar and begin playing the chords I’ve been working on for a while now, then I start singing the pre-chorus and the chorus I have so far.

“I wanna fly Come alive Watch me shine”

I watch Emily, who’s smiling while grabbing a broom to start sweeping up the place. I quicken the pace of the song a little.

“I got a spark in me Hands up if you can see And you're a part of me Hands up if you're with me”

Before I can continue with what I had, Emily chimes in with something better.

“Now 'til eternity Hands up if you believe Been so long and now we're finally free”

I stop playing to reach for my notebook in my backpack.

“That’s way better than what I had,” I tell her, causing her smile to grow.

“What else you got?” she asks, not taking her eyes off the floor as she sweeps, but I know she’s really interested. Otherwise she wouldn’t ask. Emily is the sort of person, I noticed, who would only ask further if interested. If it doesn’t interest her, the conversation is over.

I play the same chords again and sing the next verse, hoping she’d complete it.

“We're all bright now What a sight now Coming out like we're fireworks”

Her voice is a little soft and hesitant, but I still hear it perfectly.

“Marching on proud Turn it up loud Cause now we know what we're worth”

I nod my head excitedly whilst grabbing my notebook again and writing down her lyrics.

“You’re really talented, Emily,” I tell her honestly, then go back to softly stroking the strings of my guitar. “I can’t wait until you let your creative juices out in the world and, you know, write with me. Properly.”

“This is all because of you, Charlie. Your words… I don’t know… They just perfectly flow with what I create in my own mind.” I’m stumped by that response. That’s exactly how I feel too. We fit so well together, songwriting-wise. It’s a pity we can’t do this more often.

“How can I convince you to join our band?” I blurt out without thinking, and it startles her too. At first, I think she’s going to shut me out again, call me Charles again, give me that scowl. Instead, she halts her sweeping and slowly looks up at me.

“I’m not sure… I guess it wouldn’t hurt to think about it.” I don’t think I was this happy when finding out we got a gig, but I jump up from the bench, leave the guitar on it, and run up to her, picking her up into a tight hug.

“I didn’t say yes, Charlie,” she says, laughing loudly. I slowly put her back on the floor. Our faces are inches away from each other. “I didn’t say yes…” she repeats but this time in a whisper. I’ve never seen her from up close like this. Her eyes glimmer and I finally notice the faint freckles decorating her nose and cheeks. My heart thumps in my chest, but all I can do is hope she doesn’t hear or feel.

“I know,” I finally reply, “But thinking about it is a start.” She stares at me for a while like I’m the only person on this planet for her. I’ve never felt anything like this. This feeling of feeling wanted, of feeling seen.

My lips part a little, my lungs not getting enough oxygen through my nose, and as I glance from her eyes to her lips and back, I swear she’s leaning in too. My eyes flutter shut when I see her eyelashes fluttering too. Her breath tickles my lips. It’s almost—

Our lips brush slightly when the bell of the store rings through the entire shop. Emily and I both jump apart, startled, like deer caught in headlights. The redheaded Ash gives us a sheepish smile when she realizes what she’s interrupted.

“I’ve interrupted a special moment, haven’t I?” she hisses, “I’m so sorry!”

“No!” Emily says defensively, which makes me turn my head towards her to see what she has to be all defensive about. “No, you’re fine. Nothing was happening.” Oof, ouch. That hurts.

“Okay…” says Ash, clearly not believing a word Emily says. “I forgot my backpack in the back.” She points to the door behind the counter before actually moving to go and get it.

“You can go home, Charlie. I’ll lock up with Ash,” Emily orders sweetly, suddenly very absent and withdrawn. As if nothing just happened. Like she said.

“Don’t you want me to walk you home?” I suggest, hoping she’ll say yes.

“Uhm, no, that’s fine. I’ll ask Ash for a ride. Thanks though,” she gives me a smile that’s supposed to be comforting, but really isn’t.

“Okay…” I mumble and turn to grab my backpack and place the guitar in its place. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Please, say yes, please, say yes.

“Yeah. Yeah, definitely,” she replies, “I mean, you do have a lot of guitars left to polish.” She points at the wall of guitars, offering me a teasing smile this time. At least she’s not sick of me or doesn’t find it too awkward what just happened a couple seconds ago.

“Right, yeah!” I chuckle, “Yeah, see you tomorrow, Emily.” I raise my hand in a wave and leave the store, hearing her shout a “see you tomorrow, Charlie!” back.

I’ve got no clue what happened just then. But I wanted it to last longer. I wanted it to last forever.

Taglist: @parkeret​​ @lukeys-giggle​ @hannahhistorian92​ @gingerxarmy​  Lemme know if you want to be on my taglist for this story/any of my other works!

[eusjason]

↳ an article in eonia’s student newspaper the sky & gold covering the men’s ice hockey victories in regionals this past friday and saturday — up next the semifinals and finals to win it all !! ( article also pasted below for ease of reading )

ATHENS, GREECE — Eonia Spring Carnival was still in full swing this past Friday (March 27) and Saturday (March 28), but those that didn't take the detour to watch the men's hockey team host the regional semifinals and finals were the ones who missed out on the real fun.

The weekend began with a hard-earned 3-1 win over Matej Bel University. The game hurried out to a chippy start, hard hits thrown from both sides, each team netting a goal within the first ten minutes. Momentum seemed in favor of Eonia in the second though they couldn't seem to find the back of the net in spite of the multitude of chances piled on it. The 1-1 tie persisted until early in the third when Eonia broke through with a goal from Elio Riccardo making it 2-1. Eonia would weather the storm for the remainder of the third, backstopped by Ryan Leydon who made 15 saves in the third (28 total). Sacha Babichev sealed the deal with an empty net goal with 42 seconds remaining in the game.

Eonia then trounced their Slavic demigod brother school Bodgan University, 6-1, Saturday evening showing little exhaustion on the second night of a back to back. The same could not be said for Bodgan who started sluggish from puck drop. All but skating circles around the visiting team, Eonia dashed out to a 2-0 lead by the end of the first with a goal apiece from Izak Møler and Rafael Suárez. Bodgan showed signs of life early in the second, pulling within one on a beautiful wrist shot from Oskar Kamen, effectively smothering Eonia's offense until a mishandle during a Bogdan powerplay had Sebastian Keller springing Jason Goldhirsch for a shorthanded goal. From there it was lights out with another goal from Møler, and one apiece for Riccardo and Val Serra. Keller finished with night with five assists, and Goldhirsch with a four point night — at least one of the pair having a hand in all six of Eonia's goals.

The team isn't celebrating their regional victory too hard just yet, acknowledging the wins but already looking toward the Frozen Four in two weeks.  Still, the elated atmosphere in the dressing room is hard to ignore. "Obviously the boys are thrilled," said Goldhirsch. "but we're already looking forward to the next step. We still have areas we can clean up in the next two weeks." His defense partner and alternative captain can't help but agree too. "Our forecheck could be better and maybe some tweaks on the powerplay," said Keller, "but overall we're relatively happy with our games." Both were on the ice for last season's championship heartbreak in the finals, and no doubt will be doing all they can to lead their team to a different conclusion.

The Frozen Four will be held in Munich from April 8-10th where Eonia will first face Midgard College in the semifinals.

[holylulusworld]

The assistant (9) - Revenge for champions

Summary: You are invisible most of the time.

Pairing: Former!Boss!Steve Rogers x Former!Assistant(plussized)!Reader

Possible pairing: Jake Jensen x Reader, Lloyd Hansen x Reader, Curtis Everett x Reader, Ari Levinson x Reader, Andy Barber x Reader, Mike Weiss x Reader

Warnings: angst, flirty CEvans characters, language, plussized/chubby reader, protective brothers, Lloyd being Lloyd, fluff, domestic brothers, Steve Rogers being annoying, arguments

The assistant masterlist

The assistant (8) – A Captain and six brothers

That bastard is still out there. He’s lurking,” Lloyd grumbles angrily. “Let me get the big guns out. I’ll kill him with one precise blow to his ugly face.”

“Lloyd we talked about this. We won’t kill Captain America,” Andy tuts. He checks on the security cameras again.

“But the thought is nice—” Lloyd flashes his brother a smirk. “Right? Don’t you want to lose control sometimes and just punch the asshole?”

“You’ll only break your hand,” you grab Lloyd’s hand before he can punch an invisible enemy. “We talked about this. Let me handle my former boss. He’s stubborn but will lose interest soon enough.”

“I don’t think he will leave anytime soon,” Ari looks out of the window to keep an eye on Steve. He’s sitting in front of the gate, pouting like an angry child.

“Fine,” you huff. “He leaves me no choice.” You get your phone out to call someone to get Steve off your friends’ property. “I hate getting him involved, but this can’t be helped.”

“Gentlemen,” Tony watches you and the brothers step out of the mansion. He grins and licks his lips at Steve’s reaction. The captain barks orders at your friends, ready to take the gate down.

“Mr. Stark, thank you for coming,” you usher the brothers toward the gate. “I didn’t know what else to do. The captain won’t believe me that I stay at my friends’ place on free terms.”

Tony flashes you a smile. He’s still disappointed that you didn’t want to work for him but understands that you needed space and tried to start a new life, with a new job. 

“Anything for you, darling,” he gives you a curt nod before turning his attention toward Steve. “Cap, we should go now. There’s nothing for us to do here.”

“Tony, they are holding Y/N hostage,” Steve points at you standing next to the brothers. Ari, Lloyd, and Curtis immediately crowd you. “See, they won’t let her breathe. I can only imagine what they have done to her since she came here.”

“OH, yeah,” Tony smirks at his friend. “She looks very displeased.” He quirks a brow. 

“See—” Steve nods. “You can see it too!”

“Steve, I tried to be sarcastic. Y/N is glowing and looks happy. We should leave her and her friends alone.”

“No! I won’t leave her to these vultures wanting to take advantage of her kindness and innocence. I have to save her!”

“Ah,” the cocky billionaire nods thoughtfully. “I think we are having a Snow White situation here.” Tony smirks at his friend. 

“What do you mean, asshat?” Lloyd grunts, ready to fight Iron Man and Captain America if he must.

“Seven guys longing for one woman?” Tony snickers. “Six brothers and one Captain trying to win the beautiful princess’s heart over.”

“I understand that reference, but I’m not a dwarf, Tony,” Steve grunts. “If she’s Snow White, then I’m the Prince Charming!” He points at the brother. “And these men are not friendly dwarfs but criminals and kidnappers.”

“Hey! I’m not a dwarf either, Iron Bucket,” Lloyd angrily glares at Tony. “I know you were always good to Y/N, but I won’t let you get away with insulting me…or my brothers.”

“Wait! I think Snow White got seven dwarfs, right?” Mike throws in. He furrows his brows, struggling to remember the fairytale their mother used to read to him. “We are only six.”

“This makes Captain asshole the seventh dwarf,” Curtis laughs loudly. “I think he’s the one they called Dopey. He doesn’t understand the simplest things.”

“I’ll free Y/N!” Steve points his index finger at Curtis. “You won’t hurt her on my watch.”

“Hurt her?” Jake has had enough. He steps toward the gate, hands wrapping around the bars. Jake sneers at Steve and grits his teeth. “The only person hurting her was you! She lost her job, the one she loved because you wanted to stick your dick into that stupid bitch’s snatch. What a man you are. Ordering food for everyone but the sweet woman saving your ungrateful ass every day.”

“You know nothing about me and Y/N!” Steve angrily replies. “I-I made mistakes but tried to apologize. When I came to her home, she was gone. Kidnapped by you and your brothers!”

“We didn’t kidnap her! Y/N is my friend. She came to my café to tell me about all the shit you pulled on her. Day after day she worked her cute ass off to make your life easier. Was it too much to ask for that you gave her a little respect and paid for her fucking lunch?” Jake kicks the bars. “I swear, you’re lucky the gate is in between us. If not, you’d be dog food.”

“Whoa, Jakie,” Lloyd places his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Freaking out and threatening people to kill them is my job. How about you bring Y/N back inside and leave this job to me and Ari.”

“She stands right behind you, Lloyd,” you grunt and slap Lloyd’s ass. “I can speak for myself.” You step next to Jake to look Steve in the eyes. “Listen, I know you believe what you are doing is the right thing, but you couldn’t be more wrong. These men are my friends. Jake is my friend and he’d never hurt me. Please just leave.”

“But they—” Steve points at Lloyd. “I don’t trust them. I know you are kind and believe people are always good, but there are bad people out there, who want to take advantage of a pretty girl like you. I can’t let them do this to you.”

“My friends won’t harm me in any way,” you purse your lips. “I’m not like Sandy, a damsel in distress. I don’t look tough like Agent Romanoff, but I know how to defend myself.”

“She can defend herself,” Ari places his hand on your shoulder, “but she doesn’t have to. We are here to defend her and her honor. So, if you’d kindly fuck off now, we want to have dinner with our lovely Y/N.”

“Tony, don’t you have anything to say?” Steve despairs. He can see the determination in your eyes and can only hope you are not wrong. He’d never forgive himself if these men take advantage of you. “Do something!”

“Alright,” Tony claps his hands. “I got enough of this, kiddos. I’m too old for this shit.” He says. “Even though, Capsicle is older than me.” 

“Tony!” 

“How about you let Steve stay for the night? He promises to behave, and you promise to let him have a look at Y/N’s room.”

“He can have a look at my ass before I let him inside my home!” Lloyd points at his ass. 

“Uh-I don’t know,” Mike murmurs. “If he can have a look around the house and sees that we are treating Y/N with respect, he’ll leave us alone.”

“I hate to say it, but Mike ain’t wrong,” Andy throws in. “He won’t leave and I’m not much into getting spied on. Having Captain America lurk around your house is bad for our reputation. People will start asking questions.”

Steve watches the brothers and you discuss Tony’s suggestion. He uses his enhanced hearing to listen to your heartbeat. Your heart beats normally. You’re not afraid at the moment, but he’s still not convinced that you are not in danger.

“Fine by me.” Steve finally says. 

“The shield stays outside,” Lloyd points at Steve’s shield. “…and you won’t set foot into our home wearing your ugly suit. Civilian clothes, no shield.”

“He’ll follow your rules and leave your house, tomorrow morning,” Tony stretches his hand out. “I give you my word, Mr. Hansen.”

“I’ll keep you up on that promise,” Lloyd grabs Tony’s hand. He squeezes hard, making sure Tony knows the man in front of him isn’t afraid of Iron Man at all. “If you break it…well…you don’t want to know what happens if you fuck with Lloyd Hansen.”

“Revenge for champions will happen,” Ari grunts. He points at Tony. “You better keep your buddy in line. If not, I’ll release the beast.”

“…I’m the beast,” Lloyd smirks darkly. “I love letting hellfire rain down on my enemies. Especially when I can defend our sweet Y/N…”

Part 10

Tags in reblog.

[inkedsoldier]

Chew the Bullet - Chapter One

A Modern Warfare series

Casey Vos is a liaison officer for the Dutch Special Forces. She has been stationed in Afghanistan and Syria, but now works everywhere they need her assistance. Specialized in counterterrorism and intelligence, she is unmistakably a great asset for the upcoming Taskforce 1-4-1, under the command of Captain John Price. 

A/N: Here it is – the official chapter one of Chew the Bullet. I’m going to slowly introduce all the characters while (sort of) following the storyline of the gaming series, starting with the most recent campaign of Modern Warfare (2019). English is not my first language, but I’m getting better at it. Please, if you see any errors, let me know so I can fix it. It’s much appreciated. Well, I hope you enjoy! And please leave a note, vote or message with your thoughts! Bravo team out.

Warnings: guns.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No copyright infringement is intended.

____________

War is not just a three letter word. It is something worse. Something that can obliterate everything. War tears humans apart, even those who were once so close. Victims of war are over and over drowned in waves of guilt, pain and regret. In war no one is safe. Nowhere.

 Returning to a place she once called home was just a foolish thought in Casey´s brain. Everybody moved on in her absence. No one to return to for a warm embrace or innocent chatter. Home was a gaping hole and had long since healed and scarred up. She thought that with growing up in a place full of violence, tears and poverty she had seen everything. But nothing could have prepared her for the life as a soldier. She had seen friends, allies and blood brothers die. The moment you enlist, no matter what age, you either die in combat or live with the guilt of what your hands caused.

 At twenty-seven years old she had seen it all. Done it all. First Afghanistan, then Syria - and now everywhere they needed her assistance. As a liaison officer for the Dutch Special Forces she could be in London one day, and in Moscow the next.

 It has been twenty-six months since the last time she set foot in the cosy coffee shop in her hometown of Rotterdam. The air is thick with the scent of the dark liquid. Before she makes her way to the table in the corner of the place she orders a cappuccino at the counter. The first thing she does before sitting down is grabbing the laptop out of her backpack. She would never leave without the device. You could never know when another terrorist cell would pop up with the most horrific intentions. The laptop didn’t look as new as a few months back, but it saved a lot of lives in the meantime. Collecting information and analysing data were the main tasks on the computer to provide guidance and direction in modern warfare. Since Casey came back from the special operation in Istanbul there has been a lot of chatter about Al-Qatala. Unfortunately, the rules of engagement kept her from acting on it.

 The moment the barista turns up with her drink a notification appears on the screen of the laptop – a new email from Kyle. “Casey- We need to talk.” A short, but clear message. She winced as she took a quick sip from the overly bitter drink. The lack of cream made it just another caffeine shot. Not what she expected, but something she needed. She met Sergeant Kyle Garrick a couple of months back when working on a case at the Metropolitan Police Service. It was then that he crossed paths with allies of Omar Sulaman, also known as the Wolf, for the first time. “Call you in twenty,” was all she replied before sliding the laptop back in her bag and walking over to the barista to pay for the coffee.

 Back in the hotel room near central station she immediately sets up a secured connection to contact the British sergeant. Within seconds after calling in, Kyle appeared on the screen in front of her. “Casey, where are you?” Kyle asked. “Hey Gaz, how are you doing? Nice to see you, too” Casey chuckled watching the intense look on Kyle’s face. “Sorry, Case… but we got trouble incoming. Another one of the Wolf’s safe houses got onto our radar,” he explained. Casey couldn’t believe her ears. “Where?” was all she replied. “South London. Near Sutton. How fast can you get here?” From Rotterdam to London by train would take five hours with a stop in Paris. Taking the train of one o’clock would give her one hour to pack everything and check out of the hotel. “I can be at Saint Pancras at five. Can you send me the intel you got so far?” Kyle leaned towards the camera and nodded, “Great. I’ll pick you up at the lower level of the station, near the taxi rank. We don’t have much, but I’ll send you everything through the server. See you soon!” Casey waved her hand, “Copy that”.

 During the train ride to London, Casey poured herself into the data she had received from Kyle. He had send her a map of the safe house and all the intel they managed to collect in the last couple of days. The Wolf was back on the grit with a desire to make the west suffer to gain advantage and power. Sulaman is the leader of the terrorist organization responsible for plotting terror attacks, inspiring sleeper cells and lone followers to ban against world power. He was once a freedom fighter, a leader and a hero in the eyes of the west, but he turned. A lack of will made him intolerant. His knowledge of the western strategic limitations moulded him a kingpin of mass destruction. Both the man, and his movement gained mass support in the last years. Casey rested her head in her hands as memories flooded her mind. She had the chance to kill him a few years back, but a bullet… one freaking bullet stopped her from ending it all. The voice over the speakers yanked her out of the trance. The train arrived at its final destination, London Saint Pancras International.

 As promised, Kyle was waiting a the taxi rank on the lower level of the huge station. The area was a seething of mass of humanity – people on their way back home from a nine to five office job, tourists on the move to platform nine and three quarters, and teenagers meeting up with friends for a unforgettable night out. “Sergeant,” she said as she walked up to the six foot tall Afro-British SAS soldier. His brown eyes sparkled as he saw the brunette approach him. “Lieutenant,” he replied before embracing her in a tight hug. “Glad to see you, gal.”

 The ride to the Yard was filled with chatter between the two, but as soon as they arrived at the headquarters the talk got more serious. “Did you check the intel?” Kyle asked as they stepped into the elevator. “I did. Got some strategies on how to handle the raid and clean house. There are multiple ways to enter the property, and we need to be prepared for the worst case scenario. We both know how the Wolf likes to set up his security,” Casey answered. “Good. I got a team waiting for us to go through the plan. We don’t have much time, but it should be enough to get in prepared,” he replied. Upon entering the briefing room she already spotted a few men waiting in front of the screen. “Lads, meet Casey Vos. Lieutenant and liaison officer from the Dutch Special Forces. She is going to assist us at tonight’s clean up,” Kyle kicked off. A member of the team walks towards Casey and holds out his hand, “Welcome, Lieutenant. I’m Brooks and this here are Crowley and Fowler.” It was a simple welcome, but greatly appreciated. Meetings like this weren’t always easy, especially not when you were the only woman operating in a team of dudes.  “Thank you. Nice to meet you. I would like to start the briefing in five. Kyle, are we expecting more men?” she smiled while shaking Brooks’ hand. “Yes, we do actually. Let me get them, so you can set everything up.”

  8:45 PM Sutton, South London

The twilight quickly faded to blackness in the small alleys in Sutton, a southern borough in London.  Thick clouds blotted out the stars and the moon in the still air. In the distance you could hear the cry of dogs. “Okay, guys. Be advised. There may be non-combatants on target. Check your shots. Watch those corners,” Casey instructed making way to the residence. Before entering the courtyard behind the house, they met up with another team. Casey, Kyle, Brooks, Crowley and Fowler would enter the premises from the back. The second team consisting of three officers would enter from the side, and a third team would enter from the front. “Ready? Good. Alpha-One moving in on the rear.”

 “Alpha-One, this is Alpha-Two. About to enter the eastern alley,” one of the officers stated on the comms.  “Copy that, Alpha-Two.” Entering through the back door was easy and the kitchen area was empty, but two deep voices could be heard from the living area of the house. Kyle slowly opened the door and dropped the two men, who were both armed. “Secure.” Casey moved up to the hallway when Alpha-Three entered through the front door. Footsteps could be heard from the upper level of the townhouse. “Alpha-One moving to the first floor,” Casey said tapping Brooks shoulder. Quietly they moved in formation and cleared the second floor. “Casey, on me” Kyle spoke pointing to the last floor. Frantic movement could be heard from upstairs. The Al-Qatala members definitely knew something was going on below them. “ I hear two. I got your six, Gaz” Casey said after checking her weapon if it was in need of a reload. The two steadily moved up and ceased in front of the wooden door at the end of the small corridor. They looked at each other and nodded before entering the last room. A woman and a little boy where hiding in a corner of the dark space. “Hold your fire,” Kyle said when he saw they were unarmed.  The sergeant restraint the mother and her child, and guided them downstairs. “Case, see what you can find!”

 The house wasn’t big, but it was a ginormous mess. Papers spread everywhere – on the floor, in cabinets, pinned on the wall. And not to mention the devices that were present that had to be examined. Phones and laptops scattered all over the place. “Alpha-Two for Alpha-One, we need you on the first floor,” she heard in her earpiece. “Copy, Alpha-Two.” Grabbing everything she already found, she made her way to the other team. “What do you got for me?” she asked the officer. “You’re not going to like this,” he said while turning the screen of the black laptop so she had a clear view of the data. Her eyes combed the display from side to side rapidly. She held her breath to concentrate as if her life depended on it. She started to violently beat her fingers against the keyboard in search for more while the glittering beads of sweat trickled down her forehead. All the fragments clogged her mind and she tried to connect them all together. “Shit,” was all she could say after opening one of the encrypted files. “Get Sergeant Garrick. Now!” she spat to the officer. It wasn’t long before Kyle got to Casey. “We’re in deep shit, Kyle. Check this out. Apparently the Wolf has his eyes on chlorine gas from Barkov. A group of mercs are prepping the convoy as we speak. This is really bad. You know what happens when he gets his hands on chemicals like this.” The Brit was stunned by the info he just consumed. His mind was going haywire. “We need to do something,” he affirmed. Casey knew what she had to do. It was her only option to try to prevent any close encounters with chemicals like this.

__________

Masterlist

Want to get tagged in upcoming chapters? Let me know!

[multiverseforger]

Kraven's real name is Sergei Kravinoff (Сергей Кравинов). He is a Soviet immigrant, the son of an aristocrat who fled to the United States with his family in 1917 after the Russian nobility was decimated by the February Revolution and subsequent collapse of the reign of Tsar Nicholas II.

Kraven is a maniacal big game hunter who seeks to defeat Spider-Man to prove that he is the greatest hunter in the world.[4] Unlike other hunters, he typically disdains the use of guns or bow and arrows, preferring to take down large dangerous animals with his bare hands. He also lives by a code of honor of sorts, choosing to hunt his game fairly.[5] He consumes a mystical serum to give himself enhanced strength and dramatically slow the aging process. Kraven was trained as a hunter largely by a mysterious man named Gregor, a mercenary who once battled Ka-Zar.[6] Kraven was, at one point, the lover of the voodoo priestess Calypso.[7]

He is contacted by his half-brother the Chameleon to defeat Spider-Man. He leads Spider-Man to Central Park with the help of the Chameleon, who disguises himself as Kraven to use himself as a decoy while the real Kraven ambushes the hero. However, despite Kraven having weakened Spider-Man with a poisonous dart, Spider-Man prevails in the end. Spider-Man proves a frustrating quarry because Kraven continually underestimates the superhero's resourcefulness.[8]

Kraven becomes a founding member of the Sinister Six when he accepts Doctor Octopus's offer to form a team to fight Spider-Man where they capture Aunt May and Betty Brant. He attacks Spider-Man in Central Park with three tigers. Spider-Man easily fights off the attackers and secures the next clue to where Aunt May and Betty Brant are being held. After Aunt May and Betty Brant are rescued, Kraven the Hunter and the rest of the Sinister Six are arrested by the police.[9]

While in the Savage Land, Kraven the Hunter found Gog in a spaceship that he stumbles upon. Realizing how useful Gog can be, Kraven the Hunter decides to use him in a plot to conquer the Savage Land. After kidnapping the visiting Gwen Stacy from a camp in the Savage Land, Kraven and Gog battle the heroes Ka-Zar and Spider-Man.[10] While Ka-Zar deals with Kraven, Spider-Man defeats Gog by luring him into a patch of quicksand, which he sinks to the bottom of.[11]

Determined to end his life as he becomes older, frustrated with his failing health and continuing failure to defeat Spider-Man, Kraven sets out a final hunt for Spider-Man. After capturing Spider-Man, he shoots him with a coma-inducing drug and buries him alive on his estate.[12] To complete his victory, he attempts to become Spider-Man's clear superior by impersonating him in a brutal vigilante campaign and capturing Vermin, the one foe Spider-Man had never been able to defeat on his own (Spider-Man's last battle with Vermin required Captain America's assistance).[13]

After Spider-Man emerges from his grave two weeks later, Kraven explains his actions to him and sets Vermin free, reaffirming to Kraven that his foe is an honorable man. Spider-Man goes after Vermin to prevent his killing again, giving Kraven the opportunity to leave a final confession of his crimes against Spider-Man and then commit suicide.[14] Because of his suicide, his soul is unable to find rest until Spider-Man confronts his risen corpse on Kraven's behalf.[15]

Kraven is resurrected from the dead by Sasha Kravinoff and the Kravinoff family with a ritual using the blood of Spider-Man.[16] He is shown to now be explosively psychopathic and cold towards his family, beating his son Vladimir and daughter Ana and expressing little attention towards his wife. After being stabbed by his daughter Ana, Sergei recovers, stating that Sasha restored him with corrupted blood which he calls "unlife". They pull off the mask of the corpse of Spider-Man hung in their mantel and discover that Kaine is in Spider-Man's costume.[17] Spider-Man, in his black costume, confronts Kraven and the rest of the Kravinoff Family. Spider-Man is tempted to kill Kraven, but he refuses to do so when he is reminded by Julia Carpenter (who has inherited the powers of Madame Web after her death) that committing murder is not in his moral code. Following their defeat by Spider-Man, Kraven and his family escape to the Savage Land. While there, Kraven brutally kills Sasha (who complained that Kraven would have to hunt them to prove their place in the Kravinoff family) and euthanizes Vladimir. Alyosha flees in disgust of what his dad did to his stepmom and half-brother afterwards. Kraven and Ana discuss rebuilding the Kravinoff family, which leads to Ana running off to hunt Alyosha to prove herself worthy to Kraven and rebuild the Kravinoff family.[18]

It was later revealed that back in the 1950s, Kraven the Hunter was a member of Nick Fury's Avengers alongside Dominic Fortune I, Dum Dum Dugan, Namora, Silver Sable, Sabretooth, and Ulysses Bloodstone, tracking a stolen version of the Super-Soldier Serum combined with the Infinity Formula that had been stolen by a group of Nazis attempting to create their own Captain America.[19]

While he is in the Savage Land, Agent Venom lands in the area on an unrelated mission from the federal government. Mistaking him to be Spider-Man, Kraven attacks him and gains the upper hand before Venom escapes.[20]

At one point, Kraven is contacted by a doctor who once treated him when a past hunt went wrong, the doctor requesting that Kraven track down a recent patient of hers - who had been used as a test subject to duplicate another man's electrical abilities — as well as asking that he capture the Black Panther — currently acting as a 'local' vigilante to regain his sense of self after the destruction of Wakanda's vibranium - in return for her help finding a way for him to die. With the aid of Storm, T'Challa is able to stay ahead of Kraven long enough to convince him that the doctor had lied about being able to kill him, Kraven agreeing to leave T'Challa alone and take the doctor's mutated animal subjects back with him into the wild.[21]

When their identities became fractured after a temporary separation, the Hulk discovers that Bruce Banner had hired Kraven to find the lost city of the Sasquatches. Although the Hulk was uninterested with helping the Sasquatches deal with Kraven, he changes his mind and beats up Kraven.[22]

Kaine, in the alias of the Scarlet Spider, later encountered Kraven the Hunter, who was dressed as the Scarlet Spider in order to torment him.[23] With the help of Ana, Kraven kidnapped Kaine's friends in order to motivate the Scarlet Spider to fight him. In the end, Kaine delivered Kraven a fatal blow in the chest, which paralyzed his heart. But using the same attack, Kaine brought him back to life supposedly still breaking the curse. Following the fight, both Kravens disappeared.[24]

Kraven, still claiming to be cursed, next battles Squirrel Girl at Empire State University, having earned her ire by lashing out at the local squirrels, including Tippy-Toe. Kraven departs when Squirrel Girl informs him of the existence of sea monsters like Giganto and challenges him to hunt them, instead of limiting himself to going after the same prey he did prior to his resurrection.[25] He later returns to abduct Howard the Duck,[26] but gets trapped with Howard and Squirrel Girl in a manhunt as the hunted. After surviving, he vows to only "hunt the hunters".[27]

During the "Avengers: Standoff!" storyline, Kraven the Hunter was an inmate of Pleasant Hill, a gated community established by S.H.I.E.L.D. who used Kobik's abilities to turn Kraven the Hunter into a zookeeper. He rallied some of his fellow inmates to help him find Kobik and bring her to Baron Helmut Zemo.[28]

During the "Opening Salvo" part of the "Secret Empire" storyline, Kraven the Hunter is recruited by Baron Helmut Zemo to join the Army of Evil.[29] At the time when Manhattan was surrounded by a Darkforce Dome, Kraven the Hunter raided the Daily Bugle in order to find information to the identity of Spider-Man. Knowing that J. Jonah Jameson would be in danger, Phil Sheldon's daughter Jennie headed to J. Jonah Jameson's house to warn him. After Kraven the Hunter attacked J. Jonah Jameson, Jennie Sheldon fired a signal flare into the sky. This attracted the attention of Spider-Woman, who defeated Kraven the Hunter. Jennie Sheldon even took pictures of the fight.[30]

At the time when Venom encountered some Dinosaur People in the sewers, Kraven the Hunter followed Venom and killed an Ankylosaurus-type Dinosaur Person before engaging Venom in battle. He was fended off by Venom, who vowed to fight Kraven again.[31] Upon the news of Dinosaur People being found beneath the streets of New York City, Mayor Wilson Fisk and NYPD Commissioner Chris Rafferty appointed Kraven the Hunter to lead a SWAT Team into the sewers and eliminate them. When Venom deactivated each trap and confronted Kraven, Venom was caught off-guard when Kraven the Hunter revealed his secret ally Shriek, who used her attacks on Venom and then collapsed the ceiling over him. Shriek then tells Kraven the Hunter that she can have Eddie Brock's head after the mission is done.[32] As the Dinosaur People feed on the rats that enter their lair, Kraven the Hunter sneaks up on some Dinosaur People and kills them. Venom catches up to Kraven the Hunter and fights him and Shriek. With help from Tana, Venom stated that the Dinosaur People were not killing anybody and that they are only surviving underground. Kraven the Hunter and Shriek are arrested by the NYPD, as the captain stated that he never liked Kraven the Hunter anyway.[33]

Kraven the Hunter was hired by the evil organization Rampart to lure Captain America to them. After a brief struggle with Kraven the Hunter, Captain America was frozen in ice by Rampart's freeze cannon.[34]

Squirrel Girl has helped Kraven reform, teaming up with him to fight other villains, even establishing a friendship with him. She helps Kraven realize that Spider-Man is not even close to being the most dangerous prey in the Marvel Universe.[35]

In a prelude to "Hunted", Kraven the Hunter reminisces about how Sasha, Vladimir, and Alyosha were killed by him and Ana for not living up to his legacy. After cutting a deal with the High Evolutionary, Kraven the Hunter has 87 clones of him created, trained as the Sons of Kraven, and sent out to prove themselves by being hunted by each other. This motif caused Ana to leave him. The one that hunted and killed the other Sons of Kraven was labeled as the Last Son of Kraven. With help from the Taskmaster, the Black Ant, and Arcade, Kraven the Hunter starts hunting various animal-themed characters, like the Beetle, the Kangaroo, the Owl, the Puma, the Serpent Society, the Squid, and the White Rabbit. In the case of the King Cobra, the Rhino, the Scorpion, Stegron the Dinosaur Man, the Tarantula, and the Vulture, they were grouped together as the Savage Six.[36] While making the final preparations for the "Great Hunt," Kraven the Hunter recaps on his own immortality when it was revealed that the Kraven the Hunter that was stabbed by the Scarlet Spider was actually a clone. Kraven the Hunter sends the Last Son of Kraven to capture Spider-Man for the Great Hunt.[37] After a Hunter-Bot created by Arcade Industries is demonstrated on the Iguana, Kraven the Hunter and Arcade begin the Great Hunt, where Central Park is surrounded by a dome that is from the same technology as the Planetary Defense System.[38] It is revealed that the moment the individual connects to the Hunter-Bot and if it is destroyed, then the individual is killed, which is what happens when the Vulture destroys Bob's Hunter-Bot. Kraven the Hunter plans this from the beginning to punish the hunters for killing animals for sport.[39] Kraven the Hunter has Arcade tell the Vulture that there is a chance to break the force field by killing more Hunter-Bots.[40] During a fight between the Hunter-Bots and the animal-themed characters, Kraven the Hunter's secret motive is to force Spider-Man into killing him again so that he can be free from his dreadful curse. He does this by trapping Curt Connors when he tries to rescue his son, Billy. Spider-Man was forced to "kill" Curt by tearing out the implant chip that prevented Curt hurting humans as the Lizard, despite the risk that taking out the chip would kill Curt.[41] After Spider-Man found the dead bodies of the guards that were killed when the Lizard escaped, he was confronted by Kraven the Hunter. During their fight, Spider-Man figured out that Kraven the Hunter was the one who killed the guards to frame the Lizard, as the wounds are too precise for the Lizard's feral claws. In order to guilt Spider-Man into becoming a hunter, Kraven the Hunter attempts to force Spider-Man to watch the Lizard save Billy and the Black Cat from the Last Son of Kraven, but Spider-Man rejects the idea that this can only be accomplished through violence. Upon realizing that he was the beast that he was wanting to kill all along, Kraven the Hunter released all the surviving animal-themed characters and sends Spider-Man to protect Mary Jane. Kraven the Hunter then dons a copy of Spider-Man's black costume to act like him once more. When the Last Son of Kraven was conned into strangling Kraven the Hunter to death, he soon realized that he was fooled when he sees Spider-Man swinging away.[42] His funeral is later attended by the Last Son of Kraven. The Chameleon is revealed to be one of the attendees, as he is pleased that Kraven the Hunter spared him from the Great Hunt. As he walks away, the Chameleon quotes to his dead half-brother to sleep well and states "You needn't worry. The world is no longer your burden. Besides, there won't be much of it left soon...not by the time I've finished"

[timehasbeenbusy]

Paris

Tuesday May 17 1831 Continued

Took a box of eau de cologne on Sunday to take to London for Lady Mexborough and took for the same purpose a 2nd today – Just went in to her and spoke to Madame Galvani from whom I had had a note this morning just before going out, enclosing her bill – said I would leave the money with her servant – about an hour at Lady Stuart’s then to Perrelet’s left him the gold watch, that was my mother’s, to mend. 

Then to the École des Mines – saw Pellatier and told him not come tomorrow, offering to pay him, but he said he would rather come and bring his bill – then to Crochard’s – ordered Capefigue’s Constitutional History of France and the Manual de Propiètaire and du Locataire both which came this evening – to Bechet’s rue de L’Observance nº 5 telling him to keep the numbers of Cuvier’s lectures till I returned. 

Then to Messier’s, told him to send for Cuvier’s Ossemens Fossiles and get the supplement chez Crochard – the plates to be found according to Messiers advice, separately and ½ bound at 4/- a volume – the biography des Contemporaines prior ordered 1/75 per volume ½ bound but the biography Universelle being large paper copy to be 2/- a volume ½ bound

Then left the money 90/- at Madame Galvani’s, and drove to the palace royal Berthellemot’s – agreed to give back the workbox bought for Vere and panier en bois de cedre bought for Mrs W Priestley and ordered 2 pair bracelets (1 for Vere 1 for Mariana) instead and got little mother of pearl enclosed pincushion for my aunt to give Mrs Veitch and the screens meant for her to be given to Mrs W Priestley and got a nacre snuff box for Isabella Norcliffe – which gave to Messier to have INN engraved on the back en gothique – then along the rue Vivienne home at 6 25/60.

Dinner at 6 55/.. – read Galignani – Came to my room at 8¼ - Mr John Lister of Swansea came at 8½ and stayed till 10½ - Coffee at 8¾ some time afterwards tea – he is head surgeon with a surgeon and assistant ditto under him – was in the Lowther Castle 1500 tons, but left it to follow the Captain on board another ship.  His pay £5 a month, Captain’s pay £10 a month – but he (Mr J Lister) allowed six tons of freightage and the Captain allowed 50 – about 12 officers are thus paid in tonnage which amounts in all to about 150 tons – average tonnage the Company’s ships 1200 tons – the tonnage worth £50 per ton to sell.  

The Captain keeps the tab at sea, when he is on shore the officers on board keep it. Mr J Listers mess cost him £40 last year, above ⅔ of the time on board  but made it out he had seven months a year vacant – I thought that must be an advantage, as he might pursue his studies or travel if he chose.  

He mentioned again that Mr Jortin surgeon and apothercary London making £1200 a year wishes to take him into partnership.  Does not much like to settle so soon – I said I thought his present situation the better of the 2, as gently as one could, gave no encouragement to settling with Mr Jortin. 

Gave several good opportunities for his mentioning his family which he avoided taking advantage of, probably afraid of saying too much  but got out of him that his father had retired 3 years ago and that his (Mr J Lister’s) sister was only 17 – he wished to have brought her with him but his father and mother would not consent.  It seems his father has 2 brothers James and William – the latter lives at Laugharne pronounced Larne, and brings up his youngest son to the church.

A steam boat bet[ween] Bristol and Swansea 3 days a week, 84 miles price 5/- - Merthyr Tidvil iron mines 30 miles from Swansea, copper mines near the town. Mr Vivyan has the great share in them, is the great man there, and to be the member after the reform bill had passed which will give Swansea one member.

Staid talking to my aunt said  it was bad tact in him not to tell all of his family, he was too close in this respect, a chip of the old block.  Would not do for him to have Shibden, his grandson would be soon enough. Would try and manage about this as well I could, if all went well with Mariana would leave it all to her for life, except a small fund for accumulation. 

Came to my room at 11 20/..  Fahrenheit 63º at 11½ , fine night,  very fine day, the hottest we have had.  Till 12 writing all but the first 12½ lines of today  and reading the few introductory pages to Capefigues History Constitutionelle du France

Mr J Lister was at the review on Sunday, was surprised to hear no exclamations – the King received in silence –

Reference number SH:7/ML/E/14/0062

[holylulusworld]

The assistant masterlist

Summary: You are invisible most of the time.

Pairing: Boss!Steve Rogers x Assistant(plussized)!Reader

Possible pairing: Jake Jensen x Reader, Lloyd Hansen x Reader or Curtis Everett x Reader

Warnings: angst, language, Steve is an ass or oblivious (we will see), low self-esteem, plussized/chubby reader, more to be added

A/N: Because I don’t have enough ongoing series; here we go with a little mini-series.

A/N2: I haven’t decided on the final pairing yet...

The assistant (1) - Lunch

The assistant (2) - Office

The assistant (3) - Cafè

The assistant (4) - Lawyers

The assistant (5) - Job

The assistant (6) - Good times

The assistant (7) - A lost Captain

The assistant (8) – A Captain and six brothers

The assistant (9) - Revenge for champions

The assistant (10) - Apologies

The assistant (11) - Heating pads and cupcakes

The assistant (12) - 8 times the trouble

TBA

The assistant (Epilogue) - Seven brothers and their girl

[cecilspeaks]

145 - The Veterans

Fake it till you make it. Mike it till you like it. Book it till you look it. Welcome to Night Vale.

More soldiers of the Blood Space War have returned home to Night Vale. Another craft landed in the corn field of John Peters – you know, the farmer. Beings of astonishing structure emerged alongside four human figures in space suits. The astronauts removed their helmets to reveal they are Night Vale residents James Peters – you know, the brother of Johns Peters – you know, the farmer; twins Drew and Dan Christiansen, and Junior Blay. These veterans of the interstellar conflict were welcomed by the citizens of Night Vale with hugs, a brass band, and delicious unsold baked goods left over from last month’s PTA bake sale to support the Blood Space War.

The returning soldiers thanked the gathering, but warned Night Vale of the Polonian armies of star system Lakaia 9352, who are encroaching at this moment upon our own galaxy. Admiral Junior Blay of the 63rd mountain cavalry said the Polonians are ruthless killers. They are three times the size of humans, with hundreds of sharp teeth up and down their many boneless limbs. They have only one eye, which really messes up their depth perception, (Blay) said, but that eye can also shoot out lasers, so it’s sort of a six of one way, half dozen the other

The crowd did not hear most of what the veterans had to say, as they were mesmerized by the beings of astonishing structure standing atop the landing ramp of their disc-shaped craft. “Oh those?” Sergeant Dan Christiansen said. “They are allies. They’re from the Battlestation Wolfgang. They have no home planet, as it was destroyed millennia ago by the Polonians.” The crowd pointed and shouted “interlopers of astonishing structure” at the beings, but Lieutenant Drew Christiansen said: “Oh, they have no oral or written language. They cannot understand your noises.” Drew then did a kind of b-boy pop and lock dance move and the beings of astonishing structure replied with a balletic prance before entering their ship and departing. They said: “Thanks, but this place is weird.” Drew Christiansen interpreted for the crowd.

Dan and Drew Christiansen were born in Night Vale in 1912. They became tax accountants. They had wives and children. They donated to the old Night Vale Opera House and were avid sports fans. They even started the first ever semi pro sand hockey league. Dan passed away in 1994 of liver cancer, and Drew passed away weeks later of a heart attack. They were survived by their wives, children, and grandchildren. But upon returning to Night Vale this week, these 107-year-old men looked to be in their late 20’s. The Christiansen twins have attempted to reunite with their families, but they were unrecognizable to their grandchildren who are now middle aged. And when Dan and Drew tried to apply for jobs, they were declined on account of an antiquated law that makes it illegal to hire the dead.

Junior Blay, a 50-year-old man, said he was born in 2022 to Oliver and Linda Blay of Old Town Night Vale. The Blay family was contacted about this and said they had not planned to ever have children, so Junior will likely have been an accident or a dramatic change of heart. Blay was wounded in his combat assignment and returned home for treatment. He suffered third degree burns across his abdomen and arms and needs a skin craft, but the Night Vale VA has to wait for approval from the Red Mesa VA to clear his procedure, which could take weeks.

Jim Peters was honorably discharged from service and was heavily decorated with chevrons and medals. But his face sagged with exhaustion and history. His brother John was the first to greet him, but Jim could not match his brother’s tearful enthusiasm. Jim had seen too much, experienced too much, to ever feel normal again.

In light of the physical, financial, and spiritual crush on these men, the City Council announced that it would paint a giant American flag atop City Hall and play John Philip Souza’s famous patriotic march, “Bodak Yellow”, at all hours of the day over a loudspeaker. And the whole town cheered proudly, for they were truly taking care of our vets.

Let’s have a look at sports. The Night Vale High School wheel chair basketball team, captained by junior point guard Janice Palmer, won their semi-final game last night against Cactus Park High School 72-58. Forward Quinn Booman led the team with 20 points and also had 8 rebounds and 10 assists. The Scorpions fell behind by 16 points in the first half, but really found their inspiration at halftime. Coach Jacobite McPhee told his team not to get down on themselves because it’s impossible to make every single shot, you just have to have fun. McPhee then took out an acoustic guitar and sang the following original song.

[Joseph Fink sings] Physics is a science of made up numbers and rules So we can only make joy and pass the ball like fools. To win it leaves our hands of free will it’s true Cause you never ever know what that ball is gonna do. Physics is a science of made up numbers and rules So we can only make joy and pass the ball like fools. Yes we can only make joy and pass the ball like fools.

The team relinquished their illusion of control and dominated the second half offensively. The Scorpions face Pine Cliff this Saturday afternoon in the district tournament final, so let’s all get out there and support our team, really root for the ball to go into the… the hmm hmm, the the, you know the thing that the ball is supposed to go into. And this has been sports.

Senior strategic advisor Jameson Archibald at the Intergalactic Military Headquarters, speaking from an inflatable raft atop an infinity pool filled with Remy Martin Black Pearl Cognac, said he and his top strategists in the Intergalactic Military Headquarters still have no idea what the Blood Space War is about. But they’re glad to learn that the Polonian armies are approaching. “We’ve got all this money piling up for the war and we’re getting bored with hosting Lamborghini demolition derbies,” Archibald said. “The government keeps sending us cash and we’re like OK y’all, but like what are we supposed to do with iiit? And the feds are like, I don’t care start a war or something.” But unfortunately the government allotment for an interstellar war was wiped out on a failed investment in a tech startup that was pitched to them as “the Uber of Netflix of Facebook” by a 7-year-old wearing a suit. So, the Intergalactic Military Headquarters was forced to ask for contributions. Hence, the PTA bake sales. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Secret Police were able to provide several armored combat vehicles, two tons of enriched uranium, and a satellite activated missile launching system, all of which had been donated to the Secret Police by the US army.

Sheriff Sam said they had wanted to keep all that high-tech battle gear, but using a nuclear submarine to stop Night Vale citizens who were fishing without a license, created to what Sheriff Sam referred to as “less than satisfactory optics”. Archibald said he was appreciative of the Secret Police’s charity, but he’d just received word that the Polonian ships are already within the outer limits of our solar system. So not sure there’s much left to do, really. He then took out a roll of 100-dollar bills from his shirt pocket and ate it like a Snickers bar.

An update on the high school basketball tournament. The City Council announced that there will be a parade for the team, win or lose, next Tuesday evening. The parade will feature giant floats in the shapes of famous basketball players, such as Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, and Little Bow Wow. There will also be a celebrity appearance by Lee Marvin, who will be celebrating his 30th birthday on Tuesday. Aww. Happy birthday, Mr. Marvin!

The City Council expressed civic pride in this talented team of young athletes, and enjoined all of Night Vale to come out in celebration of sportsmanship, regardless of the outcome of the championship game. “Of course,” the single-bodied entity of the City Council said with uncharacteristic mirth, “we think our team will win.” The City Council’s many faces then winked in unison. “Also,” the City Council added, “If you look up in the sky, you’ll see that a large chunk of the moon just exploded and the Earth is surrounded by enemy space crafts, but there’s not much we can do about that, so let’s just cheer on our basketball team.” The City Council then held up their many fists and squealed: “Yay team!” as pieces of the moon began to thunder down around us.

Let’s go now to today’s Weather.

[No Good Day” by Windows to the Sky https://windowstosky.com]

I’ve just received an email from Harrison Kip, archeology professor at Night Vale Community College. Kip told me that while on a dig in 1993, he and his team of researchers found remnants of several spacecraft buried deep in central Nevada. Kip was studying fossilized remains to determine eating habits of early North American habitants, but what he found were several triangular titanium vessels, each roughly the size and shape of a Burger King. He tried to check his notes from that excursion, but those pages had been torn out of his journal. Despite this, he’s positive the ships he can see above our Earth are identical to the ones he found crashed in the desert 25 years ago. Inside those ships were creatures the size of hippos, with long dangling limbs covered in sharp teeth. Kip remembers calling the college to ask for more funding for this research, but before he could do anything, a black van drove up to the dig site and several men wearing business suits that were patterned in desert camouflage got out, they arrested Kip and his assistants, and had them reprogrammed.

Kip said the reprogramming was successful until today, when he heard my news reports about the Polonians, and his memories suddenly returned to him, and now he believes he knows exactly what has happened in the Blood Space War and how we will end it. He’s going to type up his notes while they’re still fresh in his mind, and get them over to me asap. Oh, this is so very exciting! Science saves the day. Once again. Uh huh, here’s a follow up email from Harrison. It says: “Hey Cecil, disregard whatever I said earlier, I don’t even remember what it was. Some guys I didn’t know showed up and put a metal helmet on me, there were a bunch of wires and knobs and lights coming out of it and it felt so peaceful and comfortable, like when you’re eating Belgian waffles with ice cream or binge-watching Terrace House, anyway I don’t remember what I sent you earlier since (--) have been deleted, so whatever it was it couldn’t have been [angrily] that important? Sincerely, Harrison?” No! No, this is terrible. OK, I’m going to forward Harrison’s first email back to him to see if it rejogs his memory. We’ve gotta learn exactly what- Hello? Hello there? Listeners, there are some men entering my studio. They’re wearing business suits made from a desert camouflage patterned fabric! Oh, Gucci, I love it! They’re, they’re putting this crazy hat on me and it has a bunch of lights and wires, hang on Night Vale, listen to this interview I recorded earlier today with John Peters – you know, the farmer. These boys are here trying to get me ready for fashion week, I-I-I think?

John Peters: Jim came home this week and I was real happy, happier than a pig starring in its own TV show about pig detectives solving pig murders. My brother taught me to play football when we was boys. He’d throw the ball and say: “Johnny, move your hands together like salad tongs when the ball gets near you, that’s called ‘catch’.” I tried so hard to catch that ball, but I never could. [chuckles] We had fun. Jim taught me so much and he took care of me, running off the bullies at school, buying me soda pops and candy canes from this man who lived in a trunk of a broken down ’56 Chevy in the alley behind the post office. I’m almost 60 years old and my brother left for the war back when I was 15. And to see him again, boy to see his face after so long, he ain’t changed one bit. He literally is the same age as when he left, 22 years old. But he’s not the same Jim. He don’t wanna throw the football or go looking for discount sodas and candy in weird alleys. No, Jim looks sad. His body’s strong but his mind seems so weak. I saw him crying the other day and told him what our papa always said to us: “Jim, boys don’t cry. Not without talking through their feelings with someone else.” So I put my arm around young Jim. I must have looked like a granddad - me so old, him so young - but our memories of each other were the same age. Jim cried into my shirt and said, “Johnny, I’ve been in that war darn near a hundred years. That’s a lot of space travel, not a lot of fightin’ but when there is fightin’ it’s gruesome.” Jim said he didn’t wanna see no more war, but he said that in his last battle he risked his life to disarm a bomb that would have killed ten of his fellow soldiers, and one of them was the General. “The General has a plan for ceasefire,” Jim said, “the General has a plan for peace. But I think the General needs me, Johnny.” I said, “Jimbo, I need you.” But I knew that I’d been without him for 40 years, while this General was with him for nearly 100. I knew I was lyin’ to Jim and myself. Jim hugged my neck and kissed my cheek. He donned his space suit and walked out into the corn field and disappeared. I think my brother is gonna save us all. Anyway, it’s a sad story, but it’s also happy. Like a goat playing a piano, stories carry lots of different emotions all at once.

Cecil: [sounding high] Alright, listeners, I’m back. I don’t remember what I was talking about, nor where I got this really cool hat. But City Council announced that the space ships that were surrounding our planet are gone. But they were deeply unnerved by the fact that the ships did not retreat, they simply disappeared. The City Council then added that the moon is still broken but honestly, they see this as a crisatunity to buy a new one.

Oh, don’t forget to come to the basketball championship parade on Tuesday.

Stay tuned next for simultaneous panic and relief, As you realize all of your emails are gone.

Good night, Night Vale, Good night.

Today’s proverb: Develop your chi. Really work that chi hard. Get sixpack chi. Totally swole with chi. Roll up those sleeves and welcome people to the chi show.

[rhinozilla]

Whumptober Day 28: Beaten

Summary: One week after the revolution, staff androids return to the 7th Precinct station seeking shelter and refuge. They've clearly been through Hell, and the officers left at the DPD don't have the heart to turn them away.

--

Barely a week had passed since the revolution, and the city of Detroit was still shaken to its core. One week since all the staff androids had walked out of the DPD station, freed and deviant and…all looking a little shaken themselves, if Wilson was honest.

He couldn’t imagine what it was like: to be a machine for your whole existence, only to suddenly be woken up one day and discover you have feelings, wants, likes, dislikes, fears, the whole mess. It was hard enough when you had a whole childhood to figure out how to process things before reaching a hopefully well adjusted adulthood. No android ever got that, and it had showed in the somewhat aimless way that the androids at the 7th precinct had shuffled out of the station, until someone from Jericho arrived to guide them.

Like every other establishment in Detroit, the event had left the precinct with a skeleton crew of exhausted humans, all having to wear multiple hats to try and keep things running. Fowler had been forced to call Hank back from his suspension and Gavin back from his medical leave for his concussion. Between the riots, the protests, the evacuations, and the icy, rainy, slushy weather outside, the city was a mess. The military was maintaining a strong presence on the streets, but they were barely controlling the situations cropping up either.

The night one week after the revolution found the station manned by Wilson, Captain Fowler, and Wilson’s mother, who had volunteered to help answer phones and work around the office. Otis and Rita Wilson had a combined 50 years of police career experience between them, and Fowler had been desperate, so he had allowed Rita to clock in. Otis and Wilson’s brother Mike were still working around the clock at the 04, and his brother’s texts had said the scene wasn’t very different there.

Everybody else at the 07 had been sent out on patrols and new cases, and it left the bullpen eerily empty and quiet. Around 8 pm, that changed when the phone at his desk rang from reception.

“Yeah?” Wilson greeted tiredly, rubbing his eyes.

“Lawrence, we’ve got androids,” his mother said on the other end of the line.

Wilson was on his feet then. “Coming.”

He hung up the phone and hastily made his way through to the front reception area of the station. Sure enough, Rita was standing behind the desk, staring uncertainly at the group of androids who had just shuffled through the front doors. Wilson’s first instinct was to reach for his weapon, but he repressed it, taking in the sorry state of the group.

There were six in total, four wearing standard issue android DPD uniforms. The other two were in civilian clothes. Two of the six had white plastic showing in patches through their synthetic skin due to damage. One of them, Wilson recognized as one of the ST300 models who had worked reception at this very precinct.

“Polly?!” he stammered, taking a step closer while maintaining a cautious distance.

Polly was still in her DPD receptionist uniform, her LED a cycling red that clashed with the blue blood coating one side of her face. She was only standing with the assistance of another ST300 that was in civilian clothes, whose LED was solid red and with eyes wide as she held onto her fellow android.

“She said this place would be safe,” the other ST300 said, her voice shaky but trying to stay even. “Was she right?”

Wilson stared at them all, at their dirty, torn, wet Cyberlife issued uniforms and ill fitting human clothes, their trembling limbs, their wide, frightened eyes. They were bruised and bleeding, and those who still had their LEDs had lights of solid red or yellow on their temples. The other five were somewhat huddling behind the other ST300, who looked equally terrified but like she had been shoved into the position of leader for this motley crew out of necessity.

“Yes,” he answered. “Jericho might be safer for you though.”

The ST300’s face twisted with something approximating anger. “Yeah, I’m not going to them.”

“Why—“ Wilson started.

“Captain, there are six androids here seeking shelter,” Rita cut in, speaking into the phone. “Yes, they’re already inside…No, I don’t see any weapons—“

“Please,” one of the PC200s behind Polly pleaded. “Cyberlife has closed its doors, and this is the only place that I have ever known—“ He looked around at the familiarity of the station’s walls until his gaze landed desperately back on Wilson. “I don’t want to go back out there on my own.”

Wilson didn’t know what to say to that. What COULD he say to that?

Polly abruptly collapsed in the ST300’s arms, her knees buckling as she folded toward the floor.

“Hey!” her friend called, struggling to hold onto her.

Instinct took over, and Wilson swept over, helping her to slow Polly’s collapse so she didn’t hit the floor. Upon closer inspection, the thirium was bleeding from a deep wound to the side of her head, and he could see exposed wiring under her hair.

“Polly?” he asked, shaking her arm lightly. He looked to the leader. “I don’t know how to help her. We only have very basic repair supplies.”

The ST300’s dark eyes softened with the barest shred of hope. “I-I can work with that. Please, we just need a place to stay tonight—“

“What is this?” Captain Fowler reached them, standing imposingly on the scene.

“Captain,” the PC200 said, standing at attention.

“Zeke?” Fowler blinked, frowning at them. “Polly?”

“She’s damaged,” Wilson reported, gathering the limp android in his arms. “This one says she can probably fix her with what we have on hand.”

Fowler looked at the leader. “Were you DPD?”

“No,” she said, standing with Wilson as he got up, carrying Polly. “My name is Julia.” She looked with concern to Polly. “Her charging cells were damaged. Our model was designed to carry nearly 300 percent battery power for…for humans to recharge their devices off us.” She scowled but quickly collected herself. “I can manually transfer power to her, but not out there…”

“We can help around here too!” Zeke stated. “We can work in exchange for shelter tonight.”

Wilson met his captain’s eyes, feeling thirium starting to stain his jacket where Polly’s head was tucked against him. “Sir…”

Fowler stared at them all then heaved a sigh. “Jesus Christ…Fine. Do any of you have any weapons on your persons?”

The other androids all echoed negatives, but Julia carefully held her hands out in full view.

“I found a gun. I have it tucked in my belt.”

“Turn around,” Fowler ordered.

Julia obediently kept her arms raised as she put her back to him. Fowler approached her and found the gun jammed into her belt at her back. He relieved her of it and looked to Wilson.

“Take them to the conference room. See if we have enough in Lost and Found for them to wear. Zeke, you come with me.”

“Sir,” Zeke nodded, following Fowler back into the main station.

Wilson exchanged a look with his mother. Rita was chewing on her lip. She yanked her own thick wool coat off the back of her chair and swept around the front of the reception desk.

“Here, take this,” she said, wrapping the coat around Polly in Wilson’s arms. “Poor thing…”

Wilson led the other androids back into the bullpen. A PM700 that he thought was named Gwen stepped ahead, opening the door for him to carry Polly inside. A herd of squeaky wet shoes followed him in, and he carefully laid the android down on the table, situating Rita’s coat over her. Gwen immediately took over tending to her, and Wilson pointed at Julia.

“You with me.”

As the rest of the androids shuffled into the conference room, dripping and shaking, Julia kept a stiff upper lip, marching after Wilson toward the Lost and Found clothing box in the locker room. It was a pathetic little bundle of clothes, and he grabbed some leftover DPD t-shirts and pants to make up for the shortage.

“Why aren’t you all going to Jericho?” he asked, handing one of the stacks to her.

“I told them they could go,” Julia said, carrying the stack out of the locker room with Wilson. “But when I said I wasn’t, they insisted on coming with me…” She cast her eyes elsewhere. “None of us know—“ She froze abruptly. “This is the 07…Is the RK800 here?!”

She looked around in a panic, and Wilson removed one hand from the box he was carrying, trying to calm her.

“No. I haven’t seen him around here since the revolution.”

Julia visibly relaxed, and Wilson frowned.

“You know he…deviated too, right? He’s not…after you guys anymore.”

Julia didn’t look overly comforted by that. “Just as long as he isn’t here…”

Wilson eyed her, then reached over toward Gavin’s desk as they passed by. He yanked the detective’s heavy jacket off the back of his chair, tossing it over Julia’s shoulder.

“Take that one too. He’s got a hundred of these just like it.”

Julia startled slightly but reluctantly took the jacket. “Thank you…” She read his name patch on his shirt. “…Officer Wilson.”

“You’re welcome, Julia.”

Wilson looked toward Fowler’s office, where the captain was questioning the PC200. It didn’t look ugly, but it did look intense. Back in the conference room, Julia peeled off her wet outer layer of clothes and pulled on Reed’s jacket, which nearly swallowed her.

“I’ll get the repair supplies,” Wilson told them. “And I think we have a bottle of thirium or two lying around. It’s not much, but you’re welcome to what we have.”

“Thank you,” Julia repeated, hugging her arms to herself. “I promise we—we’ll patch ourselves up and be on our way as soon as the sun is up tomorrow.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” Wilson assured. “Not like we don’t have the room right now. The, uh, the others know where the charging stations are, and…I’ll talk to the captain about letting you stay longer. If you need anything, let me know.”

He wasn’t sure if androids were capable of crying, but for a moment, Julia looked overwhelmed at his words and on the verge of tears from relief.

Jesus, when was the last time any of them had been shown kindness?

“Thank you,” she repeated again.

Wilson nodded and backed out of the room, closing the door. He took a deep breath and puffed out his cheeks as he exhaled. He ran a hand over the back of his head and looked toward reception. His mother stood in the entryway, looking just as concerned and perplexed as he felt.

It was going to be another long night.