#VAL SMALL: IC

[townofcadence]

"Not today it isn't." Artair gives Valentine a few more rubs to her other ear, before standing up. His fingers wind into that bandana around Butch's neck now instead. He laughs at what Butch calls him, before shaking his head. "It's a surprise." He tugs him just a little closer to peck his cheek. "So you'll have to wait and see~."

Pulling back, his expression is still cheeky. "Why don't you follow me, cowboy? We're heading up to the gas station with the leyline. I left it at the old house by the springs in that other place." Artair moves to begin descending the stairs, glancing back with a smile. "I have something small here for you, too. But it's more about getting there than anything."

CON. // @townofcadence

Butch’s own arm moves to briefly hug at Artair’s waist when he greets him with that arm around his shoulder; he watches him crouch to greet Valentine, wearing a smile of his own. The piglet scurries over to him, sniffing at the familiar person and leaning her head into his touch as he pets her, oinking quietly.

“Hm?” His smile wavers some and he looks a bit caught off guard, not that it’s a bad thing—in fact, his heart does a little jump in his chest when Artair mentions a surprise. Oh lord, what had he done? And why so sudden?

“A surprise…? Oh my—Artair, ya ain’t had t’do nothin’ like that… y’know yer company’s ‘nough fer me.” He says, though curiosity admittedly had the better of him now. “….Well, it’d be rude since ya already went outta yer way, wouldn’t it?” He chuffs in amusement, looking down at a clueless Valentine. She’s just along for the ride!

“D’alright, I’ll bite. What’re ya cookin’ up fer us, mister brain?”

[animeshotsh]

Im going to eat you! (No) | V's x Kid!Reader HCS |

Hcs of your time with the V's during this.

Warnings: HH violence-cursing- Kid!Reader hates Valentino - Veelvet its mentioned but for just a moment - Vox inner thoughts of you - Vox has a crush on Alastor on this - Vox its down bad for Alastor and Lucifer -

Note: Because I saw one user saying reader did not bite Valentino and tbh valid.

When you saw what they were doing (well only the strange insect sinner the TV head had decided to be a by stander and to also catch you) what he was doing to Angel you were furious.

Oh, how you desired you could transform like your dad, sis or uncle but you were weak.

Fuck you for sending me to hell with no power.

However, you can still move as crazy as a sinner can and more with the sugar in your system thanks to the ice cream from earlier.

"W-wait a minute" The tv head tries to catch you again only to be head butted by Lucifer's lamb.

Who is also weak and is going to ask his creator for an update on its powers.

However back to you, you are running now towards that insect sinner who is not paying attention to no one but the poor Angel on the floor.

And so, you end on the sinners shoulder and bite hard on his arm. Your teeth getting sharper thanks to your angry feelings. In fact when Valentino tries to remove you, you are quick to go to his other arm and bite down again.

"FUCKING BITCH"

"Im going to eat you" you say with the most dangerous voice no one ever hear from you.

Angel its suprised for a second then almost loses his heart when Valentino pushes you off towards the floor. However, you are not done and end biting his leg too.

"THIS FUCKING BITCH, I SWEAR JUST WAIT TILL YOU GROW UP IM GOING TO PUT YOU IN SO MUCH PAIN DO YOU KNOW-"

"VAL!!" Vox calls his companion getting you off from the floor, having to use so much Force to prevent you from running again. "I need this one alive and mentally sane" when Vox sees that you are not getting any weak he sends a small shock of electrecity to you making you sleep.

"The fucker bite me, look" Valentino says offended showing the marks and blood you left.

"Its Alastor's kid, of course its going to try any sinner they can"

Again, Lucifer felt a shake in the Force.

Fast moving, they get to the V's tower. Valentino wants you away from him so he decides to take his anger on the poor souls that works for him.

Vox decides to tie you up just in case.

Seeing your sleeping form almost makes him go soft. You are not as terrible when you are not biting his companion's flesh off.

Also, he kind of claps to that, Val needs a reminder every now and then.

Vox wonders if Veelvet would like you, sure she does not make kid's clothes but maybe she could make something for you?

And maybe now Alastor would finally accept being part of the company because they have you hostage.

And no, Vox its not thinking about him and Alastor raising you....

Really he is not.

Ok maybe a little.

Later once you woke up and you two bond he can tell he is fucked because even if Alastor beats him up till death (oh pls do it he wishes) he want to keep you around.

You can watch Barney all you want, and you can bite Val anytime of the day. Really, you have his permission.

He cant remember if he ever wanted to be a father when he was alive but now the need to raise you is there.

Is this a demonic Power? Making overlords want to raise you and be your relatives? Who knows.

Later once its discover that you are Lucifer's kid, and how you still try to get him to show the king of hell ducks....

Fuck stop helping him!! He does not want to see you go but he cant fight hell's king.

Oh, and when Alastor treated him finally.

He thanks you for that.

He later has to deal with Val and Veelvet because they cant do business for 2 weeks.

And so, Vox ends sleeping hugging his Alastor's pillow and also thinking on getting one of the king himself.

Would you mind 3 dads ?

[psuedosugu]

just thinking about vox w/ a famous singer! reader…

cw: themes of stalking and heavy manipulation

gender neutral

⋅───⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───⋅

✮₊ ⊹ || you guys probably met through velvette, she started helping you shoot music videos and things of the sort once your popularity started skyrocketing.

✮₊ ⊹ || and your popularity really did skyrocket, think ice spice.

✮₊ ⊹ || it started with him sponsoring you, asking you to include some voxtech products in one of your music videos.

✮₊ ⊹ || then, he had you on his talk show.

✮₊ ⊹ || after a while, vox started having an interest in you far past business relations.

✮₊ ⊹ || he started stalking you, not just your public socials but even pictures on your camera roll.

✮₊ ⊹ || we see in ep 2 that he can look through tvs and control what they show so im js assuming its the same for all electronic devices.

✮₊ ⊹ || he would watch you through your phone and tv, “just to keep them safe,” he said to himself.

✮₊ ⊹ || you two had more and more partnerships, more and more collaborations, perhaps even your own ‘keeping up with the kardashians’ type tv show.

✮₊ ⊹ || the pubic started speculating on you two’s relations and vox felt a strange sense of happiness and pride in his chest when he saw a post online shipping you two together.

✮₊ ⊹ || val definitely knew what was going on, subtly teasing vox about it every chance he got.

“if you put nearly as much effort as you do ogling at [name] into what we’re trying to do here, imagine the things we could accomplish.”

“wh- i don’t- shut the FUCK up.”

✮₊ ⊹ || vox made subtle moves at you, occasionally flirting with you, it didn’t matter if you flirted back or not, he kept going.

✮₊ ⊹ || flirting escalated to small touches to ur thighs and waist.

✮₊ ⊹ || he slowly coaxed you into a relationship, pretty much lovebombing you, buying you expensive things that you didn’t even need since you were rich already, writing you poems, taking you out on “dates”, ect.

✮₊ ⊹ || he could switch up fast, though, get angry and lash out at you verbally and maybe even slightly physically.

✮₊ ⊹ || he always made sure to apologize after, though, to put the bandaid on the broken bone.

✮₊ ⊹ || you went along with it at first because 1. being seen with him did improve your reputation, 2. he was a strong overlord, it would be hard to escape him, and 3. you genuinely did like him to an extent.

✮₊ ⊹ || he was pushing you into a box, leaving you no options.

✮₊ ⊹ || if you did attempt to leave or even show any sign of wanting to leave him, that would be when the hypnotization began.

✮₊ ⊹ || he didn’t want to do this, he wanted you guys’ relationship to come naturally, but you had practically forced the dude!

✮₊ ⊹ || you weren’t fully under his control, just enough so you wouldn’t leave. you wouldn’t want to leave.

✮₊ ⊹ || you were his trophy, his prize, his, his, his, he almost didn’t even see you as a person.

✮₊ ⊹ || eventually he started presenting you to the public as his too, and its not like you could refuse.

✮₊ ⊹ || you loved him, despite that doubtful feeling in the back of your mind, you loved him.

⋅───⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───⋅

i do requests!

check out my masterlist!

[jinkiezzsstuff]

Hi hi! I have a request^^

Can you write about a fem!bratty (optionally bunny) reader and how they would handle them? Sitting on either Alastor, Vox or Val's (whomever you're most comfy writing about💗) lap and how they would react to that, ending up in spicy scenes? Only if you're okay with writing that sweetheart.

ouuu i really wanted to do val because i’ve never done him before! and i think it’s obvious but just so we’re all clear laddies i do not like valentinos abusive behaviour however he’s got personality in the show outside of that, that’s what we like not the abuse. this didn’t get too spicy i hope that’s okay! just a little teasing, maybe ill do a part two who knows. :)

warnings: toxic relationship on both sides, aphrodisiac mentioned but not the trope, bunny fem reader, exhibitionism, briefly mentioned that valentino has hit reader - she likes it, brat reader, yall are both fucked up fr fr, i don’t know vals sexuality whether it’s gay or bi but here he’s bi, reader is a princess too, whiny like me fr, and a porn star although not explicitly explained

word count: 999

Valentino was the veteran of brats, so he wasn’t surprised when coming across them, however he knew how to take care of them; you however were an absolute pain. You made Valentino equal amounts of horny and enraged, you forced yourself into the princess role within the studio, you would whine and cry whenever you didn’t want to do a certain scene or role. If you’re cute little bunny self hadn’t made him bucks- he would’ve gotten rid of you long ago, you opposed him at every given chance and met his angry while cheeky grins and coy remarks. It infuriated him, he had no idea how you behaved in your life but it was clear a little bruise and fear wouldn’t put you in your place- but rather invoke more disrespect. You were hoppin on thin ice.

Ears drooping, you sat at the booth, arms crossed, lips pouting as you looked at your boss lounging with both men and women sinners alike, while you were being punished for being snooty on set. He found the best way to give you a proper punishment was to give you nothing at all, regardless of whether it was cruelty or kindness you liked having his attention, so instead he would take it away. Thumping your foot against the floor you watched as he ogled at the women and men, whispering vulgarities to them while simultaneously trying to hook them up in the industry.

It boiled your blood, Valentino was your game, your fun, and when he wasn’t there to play with you, whether it be violent, casual or sexual, it was all your mind could think about. You liked being Valentino's little princess, his little brat. Your bunny nose twitched, smelling the hot pink aphrodisiac smoke that wafted toward you. You admired Valentino from the small distance across the table as he lounged back, two of his arms across the back of the booth seats, one holding his pipe and the last on his drink. Valentino was no doubt crude, but he was also comedic, that’s what continually pulled you back in, was that he had such a personality despite being so hyper sexual and abusive.

You sipped your drink, picking at the salt on the rim with your bedazzled nail. Your eyes never left him, but he wouldn’t even meet your eyes, purposefully glazing over your figure. It was so frustrating, you could feel your heart rate increasing as your thoughts took off, fantasising about all the ways you could get him back. “We gotta go daddy, so sorry,” One sinner cooed before her and the other two women with her stood, said their goodbyes and left. Now it was just Valentino, two other guys and yourself. For the first time tonight a cute little smile graced your face, while mischief flooded your mind as you plotted to get Valentinos attention.

Standing from your seat, your every move was very intentional, your hand dragged across the table as you slid yourself out, nails scratching softly as you did. Slowly and purposefully, you made your way to the other side of the table where Valentino sat, your movements slow as you watched his body language. He wasn’t back down, instead busied himself with conversation, asking silly little business questions with the other incubus’. Sliding back down, Valentino didn’t stop you when you nudged yourself into his lap. Instead two sets of arms opened encasing you instantaneously making a dangerous warmth bloomed through you.

Valentino continued to pay no mind even as you played with the rings on his fingers, even when you seductively dipped you finger in his cup and sucked it clean. His buddy’s did though, eyeing your deceptively cutesy bunny form, watching you blink up at Valentino with yearning in your eyes wishing you were looking at them like that. Growling, Valentino tried his hardest to ignore your tactics, however it progressively got more difficult as you wiggled around on his lap.

“Bunny, don’t make me show you not to test me.~” Valentino sang out, one of his fingers caressing the side of your face. Looking behind your shoulder up at him with your big black bunny eyes, you innocently blinked up at him, your ears twitching. “What do you mean papi.” You whined slightly condescendingly, fluttering your lashes definitely tempting fate. “Oh please, I’ll have you bent over this table for testing me in public, you wanna play? Let’s play.” He hunched down and stuck out his tongue to flick up your neck. You shivered at the feeling of his warm tongue, his pink saliva staining your skin. You shivered in delight intoxicated by the smell of his smoke and potent cologne.

You obviously didn’t stop, and Valentino got progressively more frustrated at your defiance. One on his hands danced down the curves of your body, when he reached then hem of your pants, he lazily slid his hand down to cup the entirety of your mound with his long hands. You whined, circling your hips, unashamed at the two other men watching. Valentino continued to talk to the two guys about getting some new furniture for different scenes, completely ignore you as his fingers and palm lazily moved along your vulva.

Gripping the table, you groaned, leaning back onto Valentinos chest. “Look at you being such a little whore, all for me mm how erotic.” Valentino dragged out his words with a playful hint to his voice but only because he was playing the game, your guys’ favourite game. His fingers trailed up to lightly circle your clit sending shockwaves up your body. Valentino lowered his pipe to your lips and without hesitation you opened and inhaled his toxins letting whatever he had infect you. With a sigh your body melted into him, your legs spread wide for his access, you could already feel yourself soaking the fabric covering you. You simply leaned back and enjoyed the pleasure lost in the haze of his smoke and touch.

[oosleepyfaeoo]

A Kiss Is All I Need

Modern!Aemond Targaryen x Fem!Reader Chapter Three

Summary: 2 months ago, Alys, the love of his life, broke up with him. Their relationship of five years gone by a simple farewell note that she left on their, well now his, penthouse. 2 months crying and feeling like shit but that all stopped when he meet you on that dreadful clothing store.

Words: 2k A/n: Ok ngl i kinda hate this chapter T^T I've rewrite it so many times and i still don't like it but i think it's better than the other versions. Also the series will be bigger >.> I think i will add 2 or 3 more chapters.

Masterlist / Series Masterlist

Taglist: @zenka69@cryptid-l0ver@saelwen-shy-elf@aemondsdelight@shari-berri@kckt88@watercolorskyy @dae7tina@saturnssrings@dixie-elocin @arabis-world@tulips2715@reedmurdock@ladythornofrivia@tssf-imagines @eeeeeevesstuff@venmondiese@bellaisasleep@darylandbethfanforever9@snh96@liv-cole @a-beaverhausen

A huff fell from your lips as you walked up the stairs to your apartment. The moment you saw Aemond’s card, you ran into your office to reread his resume. Desperately to see if you maybe missed something but there was nothing that mentioned the famous Targaryen name.

The Targaryen family is one if not the only, most powerful House in all Westeros. They come from royalty, inherited with old money. You only knew the basics from this ancient family since you didn’t like to read or watch news or drama from celebrities. You think you only heard Aemond’s name once when the news of his relationship with an older woman came out.

Aemond seems a private person so that’s probably why you didn’t hear much about him.

Why would he give his business card if he didn’t want you to know who he was? It didn’t make any sense!

Because he knew I wouldn’t have hired him if I knew the truth before the interview.

You sigh, putting your keys on your door lock and opening it. You were greeted by the sound of your daughter squealing and laughing which made a smile grow on your face.

Putting your bag on a small table beside the front door, you walk into your small but cozy apartment, and you are met by the view of your daughter sitting on the sofa while Aemond sits in front of her on the floor. Letting the small girl play with his long hair.

A giggle fell from your lips as you stared at the ‘beautiful’ hairstyle that your daughter made. One ponytail on the right side of his head, which is held by a hot pink hair tie full of glitter, and two small braids falling on his shoulders.

Emily notices you by the door and jumps in excitement. “Mommy! Look! I tried to do a... val-valryian?” She tried her hardest to say the word but failed which made Aemond chuckle.

“Valyrian.” He corrects her.

“Yes! I tried to make a valyrian hairstyle... but I think it didn’t go well.” She pouts while looking at Aemond’s hair.

You walked to her and gently kissed her head. “It’s perfect, sweetheart.” You took a seat beside her on the sofa. “Did you have fun today?”

Emily nods and smiles. “Yes! We went to the park and ate ice cream there! And then Aem took me to a toy shop and bought me this plushie!” She grabs the green dragon plushie beside her and shows you. “Her name is Vhagar! Aem told me that he once had a BIG lizard named Vhagar so I decided to name it after her.”

“That’s a gorgeous name, Em. Did you thank Aemond for the plushie?” You raise your brow to your daughter as she hugs Vhagar.

The girl nods. “Of course, mommy!”

You smile and pat her head. “Good. Now go clean your toys so we can go eat dinner.”

Emily quickly stood up from the sofa and ran to her room, picking up toys and plushies from the floor on her way there.

Aemond also stood up, pulling down the side ponytail that Emily had done but left the two braids on which were hidden a little by the rest of his hair. He looks down at you and smirks.

“You have a lovely home, Y/n.”

A blush spreads on your cheeks. The way his voice sounds so husky and gentle. His little smirk and the way his eye trails down your form almost made your knees give up.

“Thank you.” You say while folding an orange blanket on the sofa, trying to distract yourself from the handsome man in front of you. “Look Aemond... We need to talk.” You sigh and take a seat on the sofa, Aemond following your lead.

“About?” He asks, frowning in confusion.

You took out his business card from your pocket. “About you being Aemond TARGARYEN! About you coming from a freaking famous and ancient family. And the fact that you left that part out of your resume.” You rest your head in your hands. “Why would you need this job, Aemond?... I doubt it’s because of money.”

He closed his eye and sighed. “I know I should have told you but to be fair, I thought you would notice... You know, the silver hair.” He says while pointing to his hair.

You look down at your hands and let out an embarrassed laugh. “You’re right. I should have noticed that obvious part but in fairness, I rarely watch news or drama.”

He hums in knowledge. “Look, this wasn’t my idea. It was Aegon.” He starts playing with his fingers as his nerves begin to spike up. “I’m in a really bad place right now and my brother thought that if he got me to babysit one of the sweetest kids in the world, it would make me feel better... And I think he was right.”

A smile appears on your lips as a soft smile forms on his thin lips when he talks about Emily. Sighing, you rub your hands together. “Will it be dangerous for Emily if you continue to babysit her?”

Aemond frowns at your words. “Dangerous?”

“Yes, dangerous... Paparazzies, media, etc.” You look into his eye, trying to see if there are any worries that he might be hiding. “I don’t want Emily or me to get unwanted attention.”

Aemond grabs your hand and rubs gently his thumb on your skin. “I swear you and Emily are safe. No media or paparazzi will find you.” He says with a serious face. “I’m a very private person and I have contacts that will keep your life private from the world... so don’t worry, Y/n.”

You nod and sigh in relief. “Okay... Alright, alright.”

The last thing you want right now is an army of paparazzi on your door or following you around and fake stupid stories about you and Emily on the news. You bet Nat would be thrilled and say that you should take this as an opportunity (or take advantage) to grow your business. But of course, you wouldn’t do that. You want your business to flourish on its own and by your work, not by 15 minutes of fame because of Aemond.

His hand squeezes yours gently. Your heart feels like it is going to burst from your chest at the tiny and sweet smile that Aemond gives you. The things you would sacrifice to taste his lips.

For fuck's sake, Y/n. Get a grip!

“All done, mommy!” Emily reappears in the living room, dressed in her pajamas.

You stood up and walked to the kitchen to cook dinner while Emily took a seat beside Aemond, wanting to show him her favorite cartoon show.

After a few minutes, Aemond stood up which made Emily pout. “Well, i think it’s time for me to go.” He leans down and places a kiss on the girl’s head. “See you tomorrow, little princess.”

Emily pouts and grabs his arm. “Please stay a little longer! Eat dinner with us. Mommy is a really good cooker!”

“I don’t want to bother. I-”

“Nonsense! Come, eat with us.” You interrupted him. “I hope you like pasta tho.” You the pot in the middle of the table as Emily went to grab her favorite juice.

Aemond took a seat at the table, humming in pleasure at the amazing smell of your cooking. “I love it.”

From that day, Aemond took the habit of eating dinner with you and Emily. Months go by and you three have got into a healthy routine. You would drive Emily to her school and go to work, and by lunchtime, Aemond would pick her up and take her to the park to play or to his sister’s apartment. Emily and Helaena’s kids become fast friends really quick and at least once a week, Emily goes to spend the night or day with them.

You and Aemond got also close. He would spend a few hours talking to you while drinking wine when Emily was in bed asleep. You two shared some stories from the past, him talking about how he spent the rest of his childhood isolated after the accident when he lost his eye. And you about how hard was to be a single mother at a young age, how Emily’s father just disappeared after her birth and never tried to know or pay child support.

Aemond was quite angry with your ex’s choice of actions, which was understandable, saying if he ever saw that bastard, he would show your ex the consequences of being an irresponsible bastard.

As days pass, you find yourself falling and falling for your daughter's babysitter. You can’t help but feel attracted to him. Aemond was everything a woman would want in a man. Handsome, charming, smart, and good with kids.

Your thoughts are always on him, and your dreams are plagued by his lips and hands. You know that you and he would never work, since both of you are from different worlds. Him being literally from royalty and you are just a simple common woman with a cute bakery.

////

“And then, me and Vhagar would fly away and explore the world!” Emily finishes her tale while showing Aemond her plushie dragon that was ‘flying’ in her hands.

Aemond just picked her up from school and took her to the park since it was a lovely day and she also begged him to go.

Aemond chuckles and gives her a sipping cup of apple juice. “And what about mommy and me? Would you leave us behind?” He faked a pout which made the girl’s eyes wide in surprise.

“Of course not! I would take you both with me!” She takes a sip of her juice and then grins at him. “We would fly to Dragonstone so you and Mommy could marry like the old Valyrian people did!”

Aemond almost chokes on his water. “W-What?” He coughs, trying to breathe normally.

Emily gives him a side-eye. “Oh please. I know you and Mommy like each other.” She takes another sip from her juice while Aemond just looks at her in shock. “You two are always sending weird looks to each other. And I heard Aegon saying that you are always eating mommy with your gaze... I don’t know what that means, but it must be good.”

“Emily!” Aemond was now red as a tomato. That’s it! That’s the last time he lets Aegon hang around with him while Emily is there.

The girl just shrugs. “Mommy likes you too, you know... I’ve never seen her so happy since you both met.” She gives her cup to Aemond and jumps down from the bench. “You should ask Mommy for a date!”

And with that, she runs off to the swings to play with the other kids in the park. Aemond just stood there with a cup of apple juice in his hand, his eye wide in shock at the small girl's words. She sounded so comfortable with the idea of him and you married.

Sighing, he puts the sipping cup on the bag and then looks back to where Emily was playing.

“Maybe the kid is right.”  

[towriteloveontheirarms]

Mi estrella (Valentino x reader)

synopsis: Valentino and you have a fight. Nothing unusual about that. Only this time the resolution is a bit different and definitely more up his alley.

warnings: my 9 year unpracticed spanish lol, Valentino being a teasing son of a b should be a warning on his own, smut, p in v sex, orgasm denial, forced orgasms, dumbification (if you squint), afab reader

word count: 2.2k

taglist:@velvette-creations

(If you want to be tagged for a specific character/fandom or in general let me know in my asks, comments or DMs)

A/N: Thank you to my beautiful tumblr friends for encouraging me to write this! This is for y´all. And also thank you @zaldritzosrose for helping me by bouncing ideas. Love you guys!💜

Dividers by @saradika

Mi estrella = my star

Mi amor = my love

Tesoro = (my) treasure

“Oh, go fuck yourself, Val!” You scream, flipping him off as you storm out of the studio.

The large doors fall closed behind you and you are immediately met with a wall of rain. Cursing under your breath, you press yourself against the wall to stay under the little awning and light a cigarette. Your hands are shaking still from the boiling emotions that had been unloading between Valentino and you seconds ago. Of course, the moth demon couldn´t even give you the moment of rest it took to smoke that much needed cigarette.

A few deep drags in, you feel his breath billow over the side of your neck and a hand sneak under your chin to lay on the opposite cheek. Meanwhile, two others lay on your lower back, to pull you closer to him. You can´t help but to stumble closer, but instead of giving in to him like usually, you turn your head away from Valentino even more. He should be the one struggling with having to apologize for once.

“You can hug me as close as you want. I´m still mad at you, Val.” I say in a sharp tone.

There is a small break, the silence filled with a low, confident chuckle from Valentino and the sight of pink smoke wafting around you.

“That´s fine, mi estrella. I know you still love me.” He purrs in that teasing tone, leaning in even closer. “I know you can´t resist my touch.”

You suck on your teeth and bite your tongue in response. He wasn´t wrong. No one´s touch had ever made you feel as good as his did and even though he knew that, giving in now would be equal to letting him win just another fight.

“Come on… You can't possibly pretend to be mad for much longer.” Valentino´s voice is sweet and thick as honey, which makes it hard to not at least turn around any longer. “There we go. I know you can't resist me for long.”

“Oh yeah? Are you sure about that?” You tease back with an equally provoking smile and arched eyebrows.

“Oh yes. In fact, I bet you can't hold out for five minutes after I start kissing you.” Valentino smirks and gently taps your chin to make you look up just a bit more, thus bringing your lips only inches apart.

The challenge certainly catches your interest.

“Hm, let's make this more interesting. I bet I can make it without a single touch from you until we leave the studio.” You raise the stakes.

“Oh oh, you are so confident, lovebug. Alright. I'm up for the challenge.” Valentino lets go of your face, takes a deep breath and smirks. “But if you fail… my hands have free reign to roam wherever they please.”

“You say that as if they don´t already do that day and night.” You shoot back. “Alright, I accept the stakes.” You throw the filter between your fingers onto the streets and with a perhaps too confident sway of the hips the two of you head back inside.

It was easy enough to stay away from him in the beginning, as you were both focused on work, but the hours dragged by more than anything. Hours in which you watched Val´s lips wrapped around the cigarette holder in his hands, giving directions in that deep voice that could melt ice cubes in seconds. And after only that short time your confidence begins to waver, wondering if you could really hold out without his touch under these conditions.

Watching the actors perform, ignited a burn in your body. A longing for Val to treat you like the actors were treating each other in the scene. The way they go at each other in such a primal way, with such intensity, made you yearn to receive the same treatment and hearing Valentino´s voice direct them to act in such a way made it only harder to resist.

However, you are able to take a deep breath and pull through until Valentino begins to play unfair.

He began to accentuate every little thing that made you go wild. And after an especially intense scene, when he blows a heart shaped cloud your way…

You are overcome by your shallow breath and a wildly beating heart.

“Well well well, that didn't take very long now, did it love?” His cerise eyes shine with the knowledge of how easily he had won.

“Only because you were playing unfair…” You grumble under your breath as your nails rake over his chest.

He turns his head and leans close as if to kiss you at that but stops at the last moment. “How needy are you for my touch?”

“So much… Need you more than anything right now.” From behind him you nuzzle your face in his neck to show him your need in the most desperate kisses. “Can we go somewhere else now?”

Valentino laughs at your desperation, purring at the attention you lay on him. One of his hands takes yours to lead you onto his lap. You looked stunning as your lips quivered and chest heaved.

“Only if you ask nicely. Tell me what I want to hear, tesoro.”

You sigh, but can't resist the seductive, low rumble of Valentino’s voice. “You were right. I can't go without your touch. Please, Big V. Please take me upstairs and fucking help me put out the fire you ignited in my veins.”

“Such a good girl.” He leaned forward and put the tips of two fingers to your lips and immediately you know what to do.

With an accelerating heartbeat and burning cheeks, your tongue begins to swirl around the long digits. A muffled whimper escapes your lips, when you feel Val rub the fingers along the wet muscle, pressing down on it ever so slightly.

All too soon he pulls his fingers back out with a wet pop, gently taking your chin between them. “I think you earned yourself a reward.”

A tingling feeling of giddiness runs through your body from the top of your head to the soles of your feet.

Pushing you along behind Valentino, who leads the way to the lounge area above the studio, with fast steps. You don't even realize the way the actors and crew are looking at you. All your focus is on him.

The heavy door hasn't even fallen close when Valentino sweeps you up in his arms and sits the two of you down on one of the large sofas, with you comfortably straddling his lap.

The upper pair of his arms each hold either your chin in a controlling grip or a cigarette between his fingers, while the lower ones rest on your hips, to guide them into a steady rhythm when you start to grind against him. The motions your own body produces are far to desperate and have you whining like a puppy, yet you haven´t got enough restraint left to control it yourself. Seeing it brought a dark chuckle from Valentinos lungs. Your hands wander restlessly up and down his slender body, pawing at his belt.

“My my, you really must have missed me. How long has it been, huh? One hour? Two?” The demon playfully taunts, pulling your face closer by the chin and letting his long tongue caress the shell of your ear.

The question only earns him an impatient whimper from you. “Please, mi amor. No more teasing. I already admitted you were right.”

“And yet it sounds better and better every time you say it. Let me hear it again…” The demand rumbles in your ear in a velvety voice, at the same time he stops your hips from moving even the slightest bit.

“You were right. I need your touch. It feels like I´m literally burning up with need right now.” Your eyebrows furrow and the words get broken up by a sob. That look he gave you already told you that you wouldn´t come for another while, but my, was hope a nice thing.

“See? Doesn´t that sound good? And doesn´t it feel even better to be able to admit to your deepest need?” Val closes some of the distance between your faces. With the widest grin on his lips. “Why don´t you say it one more time, hm?”

“You were right, Val. You were right. You were right, I love your touch and I need it more than anything.” Tears begin to prick in your eyes, however before they can slip down your burning cheeks, they get swept away by a wet tongue.

Without a warning Valentino pulls your face down to bridge the last few inches, to connect your lips for the first time after what feels like forever. With a sigh of relief your hands move up, to run through the soft fur around his neck, which in turn made Val slip his tongue into your mouth.

The long muscle traces over your own tongue and teeth, before you entangle them in a dance that very much perfectly mirrors the passion and neediness between the two of you. And with your colliding lips keeping you just calm enough, you finally manage to open the heart shaped belt buckle, pulling your lovers white dress pants down just far enough to free his cock. Equally hasty your panties get pulled to the side and you sink down on his hardness. Val revels in the moan that leaves your lungs upon it, growling as the sweet, hot, tightness that is your cunt wraps around his length.

“P-please, mi amor. Please, let me come… Can´t take anymore.” There is a thick cloud of pink smoke not only filling the room, but also your brain. Since he had bottomed out in you, Valentino had brought you to the edge countless times and filled you with the thick ropes of his seed half as often. Your begging has become more of a mindless babble at this point and your needy hole aches for relief. Relief that you have spent the past, you don´t even know how long, begging for.

“Awww, baby.” The taunting coo reaches your ear, though you barely understand the words meaning anymore. “Where has your mind gone, huh? Have I fucked you stupid already? And you haven´t even come once yet…”

“Please… Need it. Need to come.” You sputter, weakly fucking yourself on your lover’s cock.

In truth your legs had wanted to give out about the same time that your brain did, but Val had refused to help you and so there was nothing left to do but to follow the one coherent thought left and continue to slide up and down the hard, twitching length.

“Not yet, baby. I know you can keep going longer. I know I can fuck your brain out just a bit more.” The smug smile on his face practically backs to be wiped off, but you have no mind for it. You have to concentrate on getting yourself close to another orgasm that would never come.

Despite the way your legs give out underneath you and your wet eyes are barely staying open on their own, you get yourself up to that cliff again. Even daring to look over the edge as Valentino warns you not to come, but when he pinches your clit, it is over.

Your legs give out and you plop down in Valentino´s lap, mouth open in a weak, high pitched squeak, as the painful release washes over you, shaking your entire body along with it. Once you feel a bit more stable again, you place little kisses to Valentino´s neck again. This time to apologize for having disobeyed his orders.

“´m sorry, Val. I´m so so sorry. Just couldn´t take it anymore. Was too much.” You mumble against his lavender skin.

But all the frantically murmured apologies in the world couldn´t save you from your punishment.

“That´s okay, mi estrella.” The moth demon reassures you eerily calmly, one of his hands tracing soothing circles into your back. “You really needed that orgasm really bad, huh? And you couldn´t think right anymore…”

You nod along with what he is saying, having been so far gone before that the release couldn´t entirely bring back your mind.

“Hm, sadly you still disobeyed me and you know what that means. I´ll have to punish you.” Before you can even think about protesting or begging for mercy, Valentinos four arms hold you close to his lean body as he shifts the two of you until your back is on the red cushions and he leans over you. “Since you wanted to come so badly that you even disregard my words, now you won´t stop coming until I say so.” He grins, wiping away some of the tears and the sweat that were sticking to your skin.

Your back arches and you cry out when Val first starts to slowly thrust into you all over again, but you are also smarter than to try to protest. So all that´s left to do now is to mentally ready yourself as much as possible for however extensively he thought you needed to be punished.

[nightlyrequiem]

Hello there requiemmm 💫💫💫

Ive got a new request for u bbg 😈 /p

okay, so, this ones short, but, i hope its descriptive enough?? Idk 😭

(excuse my grammar, english is not my first language)

Valeria X unfairly devoted Reader.

hear me out, -- Reader is a member of Valerias cartel, -- they're in the higher ranks (im talking, one of the very few people that actually know who El Sin Nombre is, type of 'higher rank')

Reader is an absolute devotee. They (platonically, mostly) worship Valeria, cater to her every need, do whatever she'd like, whenever she'd like, no questions asked. Reader doesnt do it out of fear, that much is obvious. They just do it out of both respect and the far lack of both disobedience and a backbone.

Valeria, naturally, appreciates them, -- keeps them close, enjoys their company (mostly, because it feeds her ego, and makes her feel superior, -- in control, and whatnot) so much so, that reader is nearly permanently stuck being, somewhat of a 'personal assistant'.

Reader, being forced to spend all day (and, sometimes night, if Valeria needs some help with something) decides 'eh, why the fuck not' and asks Valeria out on a little hangout, disguised as a small 'meeting' in a coffee shop, that, ultimately, actually goes well, and spirals into a date.

(Date, naturally, ends with beating someone senseless in a dark alley, after they listened in on Readers and Vals conversation, or, .. something. Reader is, most definitely, doing all the damage, being a guard dog of sorts, not wanting Valeria to 'get her hands dirty, from such a small, unimportant man'. Not manner, man.)

Etc etc, girlfriends, lesbianism, boom. Work your magic, im bad at describing genuinly falling inlove.

hope yar doing well!

--Jester

��🌀⭐️

Took me eight days but I finally got around to this. Sorry for the wait, Jester 😔 I am doing quite well as of wiritng this, thank you. I hope all is well with you!

This is very loosely connected to the headcanons I did for this idea. I said it once, and I'll say it again; I love the unfairly devoted trope. I’m not sure I captured it too well but 🙌

Tags/Warnings: Violence, WLW, Boss/Employee Relationship

Swans

Many species of birds mate for life. Penguins, corvids, vultures, and most famously: swans. Symbols of love, loyalty, and grace. They are creatures full of love. They're so sensitive that they can die from heartbreak. You stare at Valeria and understand how the swan feels. How it could hopelessly devote itself to another, even at the cost of it's life.

The quiet scratching of a pen fills in the silence. Valeria's brows are furrowed in concentration as she haunches over her desk. You want to remind her to straighten her back, so it doesn't hurt later. Your eyes greedily drink in her profile. The slope of her nose, the curve of her lips, her curtain of black hair slightly obscuring her cheek and eye.

She sighs.

"Get me a drink." She murmurs. You're to your feet immediately. Heading towards the small cabinet containing her alcohol. You've fixed her enough drinks to know what she wants. Your fingers wrap around the neck of a bottle with golden liquid. Pouring it into a small glass, then putting in exactly two small ice cubes.

You carry it over to her desk and set it down in the corner. You slink around behind her. Watching her take a sip. You can't see her face, but you know she's letting the liquid sit in her mouth to savour the taste. She does that with all of her drinks; savours the first sip.

You have no problem getting her drinks. Or doing her paperwork. Or taking a bullet for her. Valeria has been the one constant in your life. She's the only one who has ever noticed you, and you latched onto her like a leech. She fed you crumbs of kindness and that's all it took. It's obsessive and unhealthy but you're long past the stage of caring.

Valeria takes a second sip then goes back to working. Her shoulders look so tense. You want to rub that tension away, but you don't. It's late and you're feeling a little tired, but you'd never say so. You doubt Valeria cares and you don't want to distract her. Besides, she must be tired too. You'll go home when she does. For now, though, you wander back around the desk and sit down in one of the chairs off to the side.

You gaze at Valeria as she works. At some point without even realising it you fall asleep. Your body startles itself awake as that fact worms it's way into your subconscious. You aren't sure how long you've been dozing off for, but Valeria isn't in the room anymore. You sit up with urgency and look around, a small fleece blanket falls from your shoulders.

You furrow your brows, trying to remember if you put it on yourself. You know you didn't. You feel slightly giddy at the thought of Valeria doing it. As if just thinking her name summoned her, Valeria walks into the small office. Despite how tired she is her stride is still intense and confident.

She sits down with a grunt and glances at you.

"Good sleep?" She asks sarcastically.

"How long was I out for?" You murmur. Tugging the blanket into your lap. Valeria's hair is a little messy and you wish you could run your fingers through it. Or a brush. You just want to touch her hair.

"Fifteen minutes." Valeria replies. "You should go home and get some rest."

Fifteen minutes isn't that bad. You don't want to leave just yet though.

"No, I'm okay to stay for longer." You insist. "I could help you finish up the last of those reports."

Valeria shakes her head and when she speaks her voice sounds softer than usual. "You've been staying late for the past few weeks; I know you aren't getting the sleep you need. Go home."

You frown but concede. "Alright." As you're getting up an idea pops into your head. "Hey, could we meet at Ila's tomorrow? I just think I need some extra reminders about where all the trade routes are." You know every route and the exact location of them.

"Okay." Valeria agrees. "5PM."

The next day arrives and you're very impatient for 5PM. You finished all your tasks and went home early. It's not a date. Not to Valeria, but that doesn't mean you aren't going to treat it like one. You've picked out a nice, attractive outfit and touched up your makeup.

You arrived five minutes early and secured a table. Watching as patrons pass by. The smell of baked goods almost tempts you into buying something, but you don't want to eat before Valeria. Ever the punctual person, Valeria walks in through the glass doors at exactly 5PM. She looks very put together, hair brushed and glossy. She's even wearing different clothes.

Valeria sits down across from you and gives you a small smile that sends fireworks throughout your body. You want to trap that smile in a jar like a firefly. Valeria reaches into her bag and pulls out a folded, yellowed map and sets it up on a table. She begins to quietly and intently explain where each route is and where the shipments go.

You nod and hum, pretending to listen. You're much more focused on Valeria's hands as she points at places on the map. Her neatly trimmed pink nails and fingers. Ine of them is slightly crooked from having been broken one too many times. Her skin looks soft and if you try hard enough you can smell her lotion.

"-and this is when we split it into smaller batches to move it across the border."

You point to Mackey Hill.

"Here?" You ask. Already knowing the answer.

"Yes." She nods. You glance up behind her for a split second and watch some scruffy looking man quickly turn away. Immediately you straighten and stare at him. You don't like the vibes he's giving off.

Valeria furrows her brows at you.

"What's wrong?" She asks quietly. You lean closer and whisper back.

"I think that man is eavesdropping."

Valeria turns her head to look at the man, narrowing her eyes. You feel pleased that she trusts your word so strongly.

"Get rid of him." She commands.

You slip out of your spot and approach him. He startles as you lean down and murmur in his ear.

"Follow me. My boss has a proposition for you." You walk towards the doors and cast a look behind you. He's staring at you nervously but eventually rises.

You wait behind the brick wall and wait. Sure enough the man rounds the corner. Looking at you with a mixture of caution and curiosity.

"What was the-" He's cut off by Valeria hitting him in the back of the head. He grunts and falls to his knees. You strike him this time. Kneeing him in the face. He opens his mouth to scream but you cover it before he can.

You drag him deeper into the alley and fish out the small blade hidden in your boot. You make quick work of slitting his throat. He makes an awful gurgling sound before going still. Valeria helps you lift him into the nearby dumpster. Your fingers brush and you look at each other.

You've been loyal to her for years. Since before she even came into power. Through thick and thin you've stuck by her side. You've thrown yourself in harm's way to protect her without thought. You've spent countless hours staring at her intently but now your gaze is being returned tenfold. There's a new fire in those dark inky eyes. One you've only caught glimpses of. But here it is, in all it's blazing glory and it's directed at you. Scorching and all consuming.

His body thumps dully as he falls among the full trash bags but neither of you are paying attention to him anymore.

"Why don't we go get something to eat?" Valeria murmurs softly. "I'm sure you'll have an easier time getting the routes with a full stomach." Her hand creeps towards yours and your fingers tangle with hers. You've done more than feed her ego, you've carved out a place in her heart for yourself.

[hotteoki]

christmas things with bf skz !

pairing: hyung line skz x reader (no prns used)

genre: fluff, point-form fic, est. rel.

cw: not proofread

wc: 0.9k

notes: merry christmas to anyone who celebrates it, and a happy monday to those who don't! P.S. happy birthday val <3 @kyrjnie

chan (방찬) ~ ice skating

despite having to wait in the long, long, long queue for what feels like centuries just to ice skate in a tiny rink outside the local mall

it's a tradition you and chan do every year

sure, it's not ideal to wait an hour in the freezing cold just to skate for 45 minutes only

but when chan is standing right behind you

helping you wrap your scarf the correct way

zipping your coat all the way up

pulling your beanie that was riding up your head back down

and holding a warm cup of hot chocolate?

you could get past that

besides

it's always funny to watch him flail his arms around like bambi

sometimes you like watching him struggle just to see his frown when you don't help him up

"you don't love me anymore!!!!!"

"if i try to pull you up i'm going to fall down right beside you, chan"

"YOU SHOULD AT LEAST TRY!!!!"

so you do

and to no one's surprise except chan's

you fall down

the little pro skater kids start to get worried when neither of you are able to get up

well you could

if chan didn't attempt to yank on you as support to pull himself back up

why does this man not understand that you are incapable of supporting him to stand back up

it's cute to watch him attempt to recreate one of the figure skating spins tho

i am nawt a figure skater idk the names i'm sawry

you two are just goals goals goals!!!!!!!

minho (민호) - mall intercom announcements

it first happened 4 years ago

it was the most embarrassing moment of your life

minho had suggested the two of you go christmas shopping at the biggest mall in south korea

one second you were holding his hand

the next you're spinning around in the middle of the 2nd floor wondering where the hell your 172cm boyfriend could've wandered off to

you were about to call him until you realise you have his phone after he gave it to you before running off into the toilet

"what if my phone drops into the toilet bowl?!"

you were about to start retracing your steps until you hear your name being announced by the information desk, followed by a "your boyfriend is waiting for you by the information desk at the 3rd floor"

you were so going to kill that man

but that night you think to yourself

killing him isn't enough

no, no

you needed to embarrass him right back

so you held your grudge until next christmas

you mumbled something about a flash sale at a nearby store and that he should find you there after he was done scouring uniqlo and ran off before he could object

you gave yourself a few more minutes before you made the announcement over the information desk

boy, was he mad when he saw the cheeky smile on your face

ever since then, it became a tradition for the two of you to race each other to make the lost person announcement to embarrass the other

it's all fun and games until the worker stares in confusion over thinking either one of you was the other's lost kid

changbin (창빈) ~ take-outs

you don't know why either of you still bother cooking christmas dinner

neither of you can cook

sure, you're a fairly decent baker

but that won't suffice for a christmas dinner

and changbin cannot cook for his life

yet you still take turns deciding on who's going to poison the other

obviously that never works out

the day either ends with you guys calling minho and asking begging him if you could have some of his leftovers

or

your more preferable option

ordering take-out

despite take-out being a very common occurrence for you guys

take-outs on christmas are special

the reason being the free sweets your favourite restaurant usually provide in the small bowl by the entrance

yes, the sweets are there usually

but after changbin accidentally caused a scene the first time you dined in at the restaurant long story

the owner had banned either of you from taking the complementary sweets

however

during christmas time, customers bustle in and out of the restaurant

which makes it easy for changbin to snag a handful of sweets and shove them in his pocket

before grabbing your hand and making a run for it back to his car

you do get some odd looks from the other customers queuing outside the restaurant

but at the end of the day

who are the ones who have a bunch of free sweets to snack on? B-)

hyunjin (현진) ~ sweater paws

it's the time of christmas! meaning...

taking hyunjin's oversized sweaters!!!

needless to say it's your favourite thing to do

it's not that he doesn't let you borrow them usually

he just... prefers to keep his expensive clothes in his closet safe and sound

however

he does indeed have a 'sweater of shame'

a christmas sweater that the other members got him as a gag gift a couple of years ago

you will never catch that man ALIVE wearing that "hideous thing"

so when you started dating him and found that absolute gem

you had decided it make it your mission to shove that "disgusting" piece of clothing over his head

except somehow the tables turned

and the sweater ended up wrapped around you

and hyunjin will never openly admit this

but it was quite literally one of the cutest sights he had ever seen in his life

ever since then

he's made it his mission to get you to wear the sweater every christmas

obviously you run away from him

until last year

when he finally caught you and managed to get it on you

you discovered the sweater does have a plus side to it

sweater paws

it feels like playing whack-a-mole whenever you attempt to swing at hyunjin with the sweater on

whack-a-hyunjin, perchance

he claims to hate it and runs away from you

but you both know it's something the two of you look forward to every christmas

networks: @kflixnet k-labels @kbookshelf @neverendingdreams-net @straykidsland @k-films pirateeznet

[the-delightful-temptation]

The overlord doesn’t see Gritt leaving, his eyes focusing only on Vox at the moment.

“What? I was making a deal. Isn’t this how we’re supposed to do things down in hell? That is how I managed to build most of our empire.” The sinner sits on the corner of his bed, taking the cigarette and tapping it to make the ashes fall on the floor. “I’m just making sure that the puta will not avoid work again. She works for me Vox, there is no favoritism on my side of the company. I’m not you.”

After that sentence he takes his mug and drinks a sip, choosing specifically the one written ‘Pinpin not simpin’

@screentimeoverlord

"Of all the fucking antics you have done, this is by fucking far the worst one! Do you have ANY idea what you are doing!?" He was more than fuming, sparking really. The lines in his eyes more visible, rarely had Vox been so mad, and someone is going to pay for this. Coming up towards Val at the couch while Clem held Gritt in her arms. Grabbing him by the fluff of his neck as sparks raises it up with static.

@hannah-the-small

[loreleismusings99]

Late Night Repairs

In which the quiet becomes a bit too much for Mark to handle.

Hi folks, I'm back for a little bit because I really wanted to participate in #spookyseasoninthebarrens2024 by @jmathesonandsiblings so I wrote this quick little thing for my baby girl, Mark! :3

This is for prompt 6: Haunted House

Happy Halloween, y'all 👻

Warnings: isolation, auditory/visual/tactile hallucinations, grief, fear/anxiety, hopelessness, brief discussion of sleep deprivation, description of someone suffering/dying from suffocation/asphyxia, discussion of death, eye horror, blood, missing loved ones, angst (technically). Please, please, please let me know if I missed anything that should be added to this list.

The soft beeps of the CO2 scrubber’s emergency alarm are deceptively loud and make Mark jump as it cuts through the impossibly still silence that comes with the night. One thing he still hasn’t gotten used to after being here for 23 days is how dead nighttime is on Mars. The increased thermal energy that comes with the sun usually yields soft winds that lightly rustle the HAB canvas and make small clouds of sand hit the airlock door, making it sound like he’s inside a rain stick. Once the sun sets though, an eerie silence creeps in with the sunset’s cold, blue, Mie-scattered light. 

Maybe he’s just really missing having his crewmates with him, but he’s quickly started to hate the stillness that comes with living on a dead planet by himself. The more unsavory side effects of his isolation are much more unbearable--there’s something about not knowing when his solitude will end that makes the emptiness of his surroundings so much worse than the isolation training module he went through back on Earth. For the past few nights, every other corner he turns has an extra shadow he didn’t account for; the occasional puff of wind feels just a little too much like a hand and the whirring of the water reclaimer and heating unit running sounds devastatingly like a murmur. It was easier to ignore the first couple of nights--filling the silence as best as he could with episodes of Happy Days and Commander Lewis’s disco. Sometimes though--when he needs to charge his iPad or when he hyper-focuses on his work and forgets to turn something on to fill the space with more than the sounds of his breathing and the rustling of tools--his mind fills the void for him. Sometimes it’s a persistent ringing in his ears, others it’s a convincing recreation of Martinez’s laugh muffled by the walls of the HAB and his memory, making him tear through the HAB trying to find his friend only to be met with nothing but his loneliness. 

He finishes typing out his log for the day, outlining the maintenance tasks he completed to keep his tragically high-tech tomb operational (if he’s gonna die here, he might as well do so warm and breathing clean air), and stands up out of his chair with a strained groan. Scratching at the stubble growing on his cheek, Mark walks across the main room of the HAB bubble to the complaining machine and takes off the white panel hiding the ducts, intake valves, and pumps of the robust Four Bed CO2 scrubber. The mechanical engineer takes some time listening to the motors and pressure-driven sounds of the machine, trying to locate a clue as to what part of the damn thing is blocked up this time. A soft whistle coming from the interface between the pre-cooler and a pipe connecting it to bed A-2 catches Mark’s attention, and he sees a small chunk of ice growing around the collar keeping the pipe in place at the valve. 

“Well there’s your problem,” Mark utters under his breath as he turns the apparatus off using a panel immediately to the right of the box containing it and slips on a pair of cryo-gloves before touching the parts surrounding the cooling element, lightly dusting off the collection of ice crystals surrounding the collar before carefully removing it and cleaning the ice clogging the mouth of the duct. He re-mates the duct and the valve, torquing it back to a satisfying tension, and turns the machine back on, the pumps chugging away happily now that the blockage is gone. 

Mark nods and puts the cover back onto the front of the scrubber’s casing before turning around to append a record of the repair to the end of his log. Or, he would if he wasn’t frozen in place staring out the porthole in the airlock door across the room from him. The scene outside is dark and barely perceivable due to the small diameter of the window and the contrast of the bright LED lights, but your piercing stare is something he’s profoundly accustomed to seeing--just… not outside the HAB’s airlock. He tries to move but the muscles in his legs merely twitch uselessly with the idea of walking towards the glass of the porthole. He tries to blink, but an impending sense of doom prevents him from attempting to break the unexpected eye contact. His heart clenches agonizingly in his chest, and he can feel the beginnings of a sob bubble up from his chest. Logically he knows this is a hallucination--likely made worse by stress and sleep deprivation--but that doesn’t stop him from calling out to you in a horse, pitiful squeak. His knees buckle slightly before the lights above him flicker and shut off, plunging him and the phantom image of you into near-full darkness.

 Your face is now only dimly illuminated by a light that didn’t go out at the center of the room, but it’s enough for Mark to see angry red petechiae begin to bloom across your face, lips, and the delicate skin surrounding your now blood-shot eyes. The warmth drains from your face and his ears begin to ring as he watches you open your mouth, frothy and bloody fluid pouring beyond your lips. He’s shaking now as he watches you scream silently at him through the fluid pouring down your chin, pins and needles accosting his hands and feet as he finally musters the strength to turn away from your dying, angry visage and squeeze his eyes shut.  

“This--this isn’t real, there’s no one there…” he mutters to himself, tears streaming down his cheeks as he tries to calm his breathing down. He opens his eyes again to discover that the lights either turned back on or were never off in the first place and he starts to lower his hackles, the muscles in his neck and shoulders beginning to relax. Slowly, Mark turns back around and looks through the porthole to find nothing staring back at him. Mark lets out a relieved, shaky breath before running a hand down his face and walking back to his chair to update his log. Typing the details of his repair with shaking hands he begins to properly sob and has to pause, scooting the chair back and winding an arm around his middle, the other raised to clasp his hand over his mouth to try to stop himself from screaming in grief and fear at both what his brain just conjured up and the very real possibility of never seeing you again and leaving you behind to mourn him. The force of his anguish makes him fold in on himself and he continues to sit there, trying to calm himself down at least for long enough to finish his log and get to bed. 

After a bit, he feels the temperature drop and a shiver shoots down his spine. He goes rigid and his sobs stop abruptly and a soft, high-pitched, and short-lived whistle coming from somewhere else in the HAB commands his attention. The same feeling of dread oozes back into his chest as he listens to faint taps sound from behind him, getting louder as whatever is creating them gets closer to his chair and stops, letting emptiness fill the soundscape of the main lab space. In the silence, Mark can hear the blood rushing in his ears and his shaky breathing. With his eyes closed it almost begins to feel like he’s in his space EVA suit back on the Hermes. The sound of his breathing tapers off as he quiets enough to hold his breath and try to listen for either the sounds of the HAB or anything that would alert him to the presence of… something, anything behind him. He’s about to let out his held breath when he feels shockingly cold fingers lightly wrap around the back of his neck, causing a terrified wail to rip out of his lungs as he stands up out of his chair and sees… nothing behind him. 

Mark continues to stand and stare silently at the false wall behind him, raising a hand to touch the warm skin of the back of his neck and feeling goosebumps bloom across it. He basks in the violently loud silence before the tension is broken by the sound of the HAB’s temperature control unit letting out a shrill, piercing tone alerting him to a new malfunction in its system.

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

Thanks for reading!

works referenced:

4 Bed CO2 scrubber

The Martian Fan-Made Timeline

Wind on Mars

Sunsets on Mars -> Mie Scattering experiment!

Pathology of Asphyxial Death MAJOR CW: death, and suffocation both described in text and shown in images.

[topgun-imagines]

Caring For You

Requested: yes

Summary: When Ice comes home battered and bruised, you make it your personal mission to make him feel better.

Word count: 0.6k

Note: 2k celebration!

Warnings: bar fights, drinking, injury, bruises.

Pairings: Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky x fem!reader

“Who did this to you?” The words were out of your mouth before you could comprehend what was happening. In an instant, you bolted off the couch and headed toward your boyfriend that was clearly very battered and bruised. When you reached him you cupped his face gently, searching him over for any other injuries that you may have missed.

Ice brought his hands up to grab your forearms. He pressed a gentle kiss to the inside of your wrists, one after the other. Then, he pressed a final kiss to your forehead. He pulled into his chest seconds later, chin resting on the top of your head carefully. “I’m fine.” He reassured you quietly. Even though he hissed quietly at the feeling of the large bruise forming on the bottom of his jaw.

You pulled back after a few seconds. A sharp gasp escaped you at the sight of the large red spot on his jaw. Ice sighed as you began to fuss over him again.

He, Slider, Mav, Goose, Wolfman, and Hollywood had gotten into a fight at the O Club. A few new recruits had come into town a few days ago and decided to check out the bar. After one too many drinks and many unnecessary comments, a fight broke out. It was over in a matter of minutes, but it left most walking away with a few bruises.

However, the new recruits left with more than their fair share of injuries. It was the last straw for the aviators when they decided to start making comments about their girlfriends. In a matter of minutes, the recruits were sent from the bar covered head to toe in injuries.

Your eyes eventually landed on his red knuckles. With gentle hands, you carefully inspected his hands. He sighed with a fond look in his eyes. “C’mon,” You murmured, pulling him toward the bathroom.

When you walked into the small room, you instructed him to take a seat on the toilet. Hesitantly, he sat down, letting you inspect his hand.

You disappeared below the counter for a few seconds as you dug around for the first aid kit. A small ‘aha’ sound escaped you when you found what you were looking for. You returned, standing in front of him as you unwound the white wrap.

Ice smiled before his hands shot out to grab your hips. A small shriek escaped you as he pulled you down into his lap. There was a shy grin on your face and you picked up his hand.

You spent the next few minutes carefully wiping an antiseptic wipe over his knuckles. He hissed quietly at the feeling of the disinfectant in the open wound. Once they were disinfected, you began to carefully wrap them.

A gentle kiss was pressed to his knuckles once you were finished. He smiled up at you. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders as you kissed him gently.

“Thank you,” He whispered when you pulled away, lips brushing against yours as he spoke. “You really didn’t have to. I would have been fine.”

You instantly began shaking your head. “Of course,” You murmured, kissing him again. “You know I’ll always help you. Whether you ask me to or not.” Ice grinned as he slotted his lips against yours. You allowed yourself to melt into the kiss.

His hands settled on your hips, any trace of pain momentarily slipping from his mind.

A/n: Thank you all so much for reading! Hope you enjoyed! Requests are open.

Tagging: @topguncultleader @soulmates8 @t0kyoreveng3rs @there-goes-thefighter @supercatgirl006 @blueoorchid @dreamgirl3300 @alexxavicry @bradleybeachbabe @chaoticassidy @genius2050 @ice-doc-val

Join my taglist!

[gumnut-logic]

Christmas in the Tracy household was a big family affair. The house itself was a big one. Big enough to house extended family and the bustle and noise that involved.

Scott loved it. Loved everyone being together, the hugs, the jokes, the fact that Uncle Lee always called him ‘Little Jeff’ and told the best stories about planes and rockets. Aunt Val always brought the best Christmas cookies with various aircraft drawn on them with icing. Grandma Taylor had different coloured hair every year and this year was bright blue and included glitter. Grandpa Taylor invented toys for a living so he was always welcome. Though Virgil tended to hoard his attention and Scott wasn’t really sure why because Virgil pulled apart everything Grandpa Taylor gave him anyway.

But the best part of Christmas this year was that Daddy was home.

Daddy spent a lot of time away. Scott understood why, but that didn’t stop him from missing him. Dad had stories much like Uncle Lee and often they starred in each other’s tales, but there was something about his father that Scott just looked up to even more.

It didn’t hurt that Uncle Lee made a point of placing Scott’s father in the spotlight in all his stories.

Dad was an amazing person. A hero.

Dad was also very tall and strong and always had the answers Scott needed. While Mom looked after him and his two little brothers and he loved her very much, Dad was…Dad.

And Scott wanted more than anything to grow up and be just like him.

It certainly didn’t hurt that his father had the same colour hair and everyone said Scott looked a lot like him. Scott bore those comments proudly and made a point of doing his best to emulate what his father might do in any situation.

Scott was going to grow up, join the Air Force and do his father proud.

A clatter in the hallway and Virgil barrelled into the room. Uncle Lee, who had been retelling the Mars landing, stopped mid-word and frowned.

His biggest little brother’s eyes widened as he skidded to a halt and straightened himself up. “Uh, excuse me, Uncle Lee.” A blink, and he looked fit to burst. “Could I please speak to Scott?”

“Sure….squirt.”

That caused Virgil to frown. Scott thought it was funny. Uncle Lee never seemed to be able to remember Virgil’s name.

And besides, Virgil had a thing about being smaller than Scott and didn’t like it being pointed out.

However, Virgil hurried over anyway. “Scotty, can I borrow Chuckles?”

Blink “His name’s not ‘Chuckles’, it’s Chuck.”

“Oh, okay.” Virgil bit his lip. “But can I anyway?”

“Why?”

“Johnny won’t leave me alone.”

“He’ll eat his goggles.”

“Better than him eating my nuts.”

Uncle Lee made an odd sound that dissolved into a cough when Scott and Virgil looked at him.

Scott sighed. “Virgil, it’s Christmas. We’re supposed to share.”

Virgil dragged Scott part way across the room, away from Uncle Lee and lowered his voice.

“I tried, but the kit contains small bits. Mom said Johnny wasn’t allowed to play with small things. She said he was too young.” It was almost hissed under Virgil’s breath. “I don’t want him to get hurt or to get into trouble. Chuckles always distracts him.”

His name wasn’t ‘Chuckles’, it was ‘Chuck’ after Chuck Yeager, the first pilot to break the sound barrier. But Virgil had called the bear ‘Chuckles’ once as a joke, Johnny had picked it up and now it was all about Chuckles. It was annoying.

“Well, give him the nuts and tell him to go eat them somewhere else.”

Virgil stared at him aghast, but then his eyes widened. “Nuts. As in ‘nuts and bolts’, Scott! I’m building the robot Grandpa Taylor brought me. Johnny keeps trying to eat bits of metal.”

Oh.

Uncle Taylor had picked up his tablet, but was now staring at them, a question on his face. “You boys okay?”

Scott nodded. “Yes, Uncle Lee. Virgil just needs some help with his kit. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Blue eyes gauged him, but Scott was more worried about his littlest brother and dragged Virgil out the door.

“Where is Johnny?”

“On the floor outside my room.”

“You didn’t leave the door open, did you?”

“No.”

Scott hurried down the hall. “Why didn’t you call Mom?”

“I tried. Mom is talking to Aunt Val and she sounded sad. I didn’t want to interrupt and I didn’t want Johnny to get into trouble. Chuckles will fix it.”

“His name is not Chuckles!”

Scott rounded the corner and to his horror, Virgil’s door was wide open.

He didn’t bother to acknowledge Virgil’s gasp of horror, but instead barrelled on through the door terrified he would find his little brother choking on the floor.

But Virgil’s desk was empty except for the scattered pieces of his project. A quick glance around the room and Scott quickly found Johnny.

He was no more than a tuft of red hair wrapped around Scott’s pilot bear, half buried in Virgil’s bed covers.

Two wide eyes popped up over the top of those goggles. “Scotty!”

Scott hurried over to the bed. “Johnny, are you okay?”

“Chuckles!” Johnny held up the bear and grinned.

Scott sighed and sat down on the bed next to his littlest brother. His heart was beating fast - he had been so scared.

Virgil stood in the centre of his room staring at Johnny, his lip trembling. It was obvious he realised what could have happened when he left to get help.

Tears welled in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Scotty. I thought he couldn’t get in. I didn’t want him to get hurt.”

“Virg, he’s okay.” The fright in Virgil’s eyes had the eldest hurrying off the bed from one brother to another. “C’mon, Johnny’s fine. He went and got Chuckles, didn’t you, Johnny?”

The three-year-old’s eyes peered up at Virgil registering his distress and soaking it in like a sponge. His grin vanished and his brow crumpled. “Virgil?” Johnny clambered out of the bed and scampered over to his next eldest brother. “Chuckles? Chuckles make it better?” He offered Virgil the bear.

Virgil stared at Chuckles for a moment before reaching out and taking the fluffy toy. He poked at it gently before hugging it to his chest.

John threw himself at his brother with a huge hug almost knocking Virgil over. Scott reached out and steadied him before adding his own arm to the mix and hugging both his brothers at once. “It’s okay. We’re okay.”

Scott had to scrub snot off Chuckles’ ear later that night.

-o-o-o-

Christmas Eve was family relaxing time before the busy of the next day. Mom, who had been in the kitchen with Onaha since just after breakfast, called a halt to everything at six in the evening and they sat down for a light buffet of a meal. Every family member donated time or a dish which was mostly warm finger foods like pie and things on sticks.

Scott always looked forward to dessert on Christmas Eve because there were all sorts of interesting things to be had. Aunt Val’s Christmas cookies was one of them.

He stood staring at the different planes so artistically drawn on each of them. They were good enough to be recognisable and none of that generic kiddy stuff kids’ books tried to throw at him. Some were historical, some more modern.

“Trying to decide which plane to eat this year, honey?” Grandma Tracy crept up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. Her long blonde hair flopped over his shoulder as she leant in to kiss him on the cheek. “Merry Christmas, Scotty.”

“Merry Christmas, Grandma.” But he was still frowning at the cookies. “I can’t see Dad’s plane.”

“Your dad has flown several of those.”

“Yeah, but I want the Sparrowhawk Anderson ZX3.”

Grandma snorted. “Then you’ll have to chase up your father. I saw him nab it earlier.”

Scott turned to his grandmother. “Really?”

“Really.” And it was his father’s deep, smiling voice as Scott was suddenly scooped up in strong laughing arms. “C’mon, ‘Little Jeff’, I’ve saved you your favourite cookie.”

Scott giggled and squirmed, but ultimately clung to his dad, resting his head on his shoulder for just a moment as he was carried across the room to his father’s chair and plomped down on his lap as the man sat down. The longed-for cookie was produced and Scott grabbed it. “Thanks, Dad.”

A big hand on his back, another on his knee, Scott was held close.

“So, what have you and your brothers been up to this week?”

Scott stared at the cookie with the grey, blue and red jet iced on top. “Virgil, did a good drawing of a plane. He didn’t get the tail quite right, but I helped him with that. Johnny learnt some new words.” He couldn’t hold back any longer and bit into the cookie.

It was the best.

Dad snorted. “I heard. I suspected it was you who taught Johnny to say ‘extra-orbital’.”

Scott grinned, his mouth full of biscuit crumbs.

“Swallow before you talk, son.” But his father was smirking.

Scott downed the remains of the cookie, caught between enjoying it and the opportunity to sit and talk with his dad. “He knows all the planets, too.”

“Really?” His father frowned. “He’s only three years old, Scotty.”

Scott sat a bit straighter. I taught him all the names and showed him Mars where you and Uncle Lee went.”

The smile that appeared on his dad’s face only encouraged him. “Virgil drew him pictures of each of them and we stuck them on the wall in his room.”

“That was very kind of the two of you.”

“It made Johnny happy.” Scott didn’t want to mention that Johnny was sometimes sad and always serious. “I want to help him.”

“It sounds like you are doing an excellent job.”

“I’m the eldest.” And Scott knew what Dad was going to say.

“Yes, you are, and that means you have to look after your little brothers. They look up to you and they are your responsibility.”

Scott stared up at those serious grey eyes and for just a second Dad looked like Johnny. “Yes, Dad. I will, I promise.”

His father’s big hand patted his back. “I know you will.”

Scott smiled.

-o-o-o-

[icemastervalorie]

A small figure approached from the distance, not nearly as bulky with clothes or fur as most things on shiverchill. As it got closer, she could see that it was a familiar red haired boy.

"Oh, hey valorie!" Cameron said with a slightly forced smile, clearly very cold, "didn't expect to see you out here haha, I guess it makes sense though, since you're the ice master and everything! How are you doing? Any news?"

Val was wearing a thick coat and what appears to be… a crown like headpiece? Not a beanie or an earmuff, literally just a crown of crystals on her head.

“Oh hey Cameron.” She greeted him, holding onto the straps of her bag. “Nothing much. I heard Kepler is in dragon isles, worried about him to be honest. Winston’s the one doing rift runs today but I feel like something else seems… off.”

“…like someone knows something they shouldn’t…”

You can see a glimpse of various crystals in Val’s bag….

[f1nalboys]

Be My Valentine? - Bo Sinclair

Bo Sinclair x GN!Reader

WORD COUNT: 722

WARNINGS: none unless u want me to count sickly sweet love :3 maybe ooc bo bc he's being a nice silly sweet fella in this but its my writing and i decided he deserves to be happy so....sue me. not super proofread either <3

“Now what the hell is all this?” Bo’s voice pulls you from your haze of determination, looking up from the cookie you were currently icing. He stood in the doorway of the kitchen, mechanics suit half off, undershirt covered in sweat, watching you with both amusement and confusion. You glance around the room and give him a sheepish smile; you hadn’t realized how big of a mess you had made. The ingredients from the cookies, brownies, and icing were strewn over every available surface and, as you look down at the apron you were wearing (which was one you had bought Bo last time you had gone into town,) you realize you were as well.

Shrugging your shoulders you look back down at the last cookie, trying to finish it up. “Making Valentine's day desserts, what’s it look like?” He huffs and you bite back a smile as you hear him stomp towards you. He wasn’t mad; you’ve gotten good at knowing when Bo was upset with you and when he was cautiously curious. “Don’t look! I’m almost done with this, go have a brownie.”

“You made brownies?”

“Mhm, extra chocolate for Vincent and white chocolate drizzled for Les. Don’t touch those, eat the ones I have on the stove.” Bo lets out a soft ‘hmph!’ noise but follows your orders anyways, steering clear of the packaged brownies and cookies you had put to the side. “And be careful! They’re hot.”

“I kill people and you think imma be hurt by a brownie?” Bo questions, voice light, and you can hear the smile in it. It’s followed by an immediate hiss and the sound of the tap running. “Don’t fuckin’ say a word,” And his sheer conviction and knowledge that you do, in fact, want to say that you had told him has you giggling. It’s a snort and then another one, louder, and he’s sighing, and then you laugh again, harder and louder this time and then he’s joining in.

Two months ago Bo wouldn’t have been able to laugh at himself, would have taken your lightheartedness as a sign of you laughing at him, and would have thrown a fit. But now? Now he stands with you in the kitchen, his back to yours, laughing in the shared space. He can feel the love you have for him seep into his lungs with every intake of breath, can feel it under his fingertips when he turns around and squeezes your hips with his hand and pulls you into him in an attempt to calm himself from the laughing fit. 

He can feel it when you look back towards him and kiss him softly, far softer than he ever thought he deserved. 

He can see it when you pull away and look him in the eye with a small smile, when you don’t cringe away from his touch or his looks or his affection. Bo kisses you again and rests his head onto your shoulder. “So, what were ya’ doing that was soooo important?”

“This.” You pull your hand back and he snorts; it was a crude drawing of the two of you (stick figures holding hands, Bo’s having a blue hat, of course) done in icing with the words ‘be my val?’ written on it. You can feel his chest rumble with a small laugh. “Don’t laugh, I did my best! I was gonna write out ‘Be my Valentine?’ on individual cookies but I didn’t have enough so I took the biggest cookie off the tray and did this!”

“It’s beautiful, can’t believe I’m livin’ with a Monet.” Bro says with a smirk. “I mean, damn! Vinny’s gonna be out of a job!”

“Stooop!”

You push against him slightly, grinning, but he holds you tighter. Closer. “I love it.” His voice is soft in your ear and when you look over at him he’s staring down at the cookie, at the shakily-done drawing of you and he holding hands, and he’s letting himself smile. He’s letting himself be loved. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Bo. You didn’t answer my question, though.” He looks over at you with a raised eyebrow and you motion your head down at the cookie. “Be my Val?”

He breaks out into another smile and kisses you. “Of course I’ll be your Val, darlin’.”

[decibly]

Danny thought he had been doing fine. It had been months already, and what had happened hadn’t been that bad, really. He had only been with the GIW for a few hours, after all, so they mostly just talked to him instead of anything worse.

But then someone had said the word.

He had no idea what had happened. All that Danny could remember was that he had just finished up a fight with some loose animal ghosts who were wrecking the mall, and someone had said it.

“What a monster, I swear…”

All he could see was the white of the walls, of their suits, of the painful spraypaint on the metal chair he was strapped to, and he ran. He had run somewhere far away in a terrified panic, and now he was sobbing on the sidewalk somewhere, head between his hazmat-clad knees. Danny couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened, how awful it was, how lucky he was that it hadn’t been so, so much worse.

“What are your intentions, monster? If you do not answer, you will be punished.”

“...”

Danny froze his hands to ground, trying to reassure himself. It had been so hot in that room.

“Why do you imitate emotions, monster? If you do not answer, you will be punished.”

“I- I’m not imitating-”

He buried his face further into his hazmat’s black, far away from the white highlights. There had been no colour there, just white with touches of black and green from the weapons and restraints. They would never allow this much of something that wasn't white.

"Clean up the monster's mess. Ectoplasm stains, remember."

Danny must've been crying for at least 10 minutes when he saw a glimpse of teal from the small bit of his peripheral vision that wasn't covered up. "J-jazz?" He crawled over, easily melting the ice on his hands since she wasn't getting closer for some reason, and settled back into his previous position. He saw a glimpse of orange at some point, which must've been her hair.

"I'm not a monster, right Jazz? You'd tell me if I was, wouldn't you?" Jazz was talking now, but Danny couldn't understand any of the words she was saying. "Yeah, you would. 'm not a monster. I'm not- I'm not Dan. I'll never be- be him." Danny transforms back into a human, and hears some noises that might be some distant gasps and maybe even a small scream. Maybe he should go help… no, he's too tired. Val could deal with it.

"Can we go home, Jazz? I'm-" Danny yawns- "really tired. Please?" Instead of his sister's hands helping him to his feet like he expects, big arms pick him off the ground entirely. There's a voice, or maybe two, murmuring things like "of course, sweetie" and "we'd never leave you here, Danno" and these arms aren't his sister's but they remind him of the one time two years ago he fell asleep on the couch and his dad picked him up and carried him to bed, and the voices are similar in that they're familiar, but not Jazz, and Danny thinks he should be scared. He should be, but he's not, and it's because the voices are soothing, and the arms are hugging him close but not so much it hurts, and everything about this feels loving and kind in a way that does make him think of Jazz.

So Danny falls asleep, the green glow he was unaware of fading from his eyes, and let's himself be taken home by his parents.

[sjsmith56]

The Right Time - A Private Man, Chapter 14

Summary: Bucky and Tracey share their news with everyone. Matt and Foggy advise Bucky that his settlement offer has been made.

Length: 4.8 K

Characters: Bucky, Tracey, Rebecca, Janice, Matt, Foggy.

Warnings: Residual anger against Thaddeus Ross, Val de Fontaine and others who threatened Bucky.

Author notes: Mostly a good news chapter. The Story of Ferdinand is one of my favourites, even though it tells the story of a barbaric sport that still exists in some parts of the world. In a way, it is symbolic of Bucky for me, because like Ferdinand, he just wants to live a quiet life, smelling the flowers, enjoying the shade, and being where he is happiest.

<<Chapter 13

That morning, when Tracey accepted Bucky's proposal he went back into the house with her and told Rhodey he would entertain the idea of being an Avenger if it allowed him to live a meaningful life with his sister and his wife in Brooklyn. Standing there, holding Tracey's hand while he said it, the reaction from everyone else at first was confusion, then awareness dawned on Sam's face.

"You asked her to marry you just now?" he asked.

Bucky nodded then looked at Janice. "I'm not asking your husband for his blessing," he said. "I would like yours."

"You have it," she replied, then she stood up and kissed him on the cheek before hugging her daughter.

That seemed to break the ice and everyone offered their congratulations. Bucky excused himself to go into his bedroom, coming out with a small worn round box. Rebecca beamed as he stood in front of everyone, gathering his words.

"Rebecca has had this ever since our mother died in 1970," he said. "Dad proposed to her in 1915. He was a soldier, not terribly well off but he bought what he could afford. During the Depression they came close to selling it several times but something always came up that allowed her to keep it. Being vintage it's worth a lot more now and the jeweller assured me that he could duplicate the design for the wedding band. It would honour both me and Rebecca if you accepted this ring as a symbol of the promise between us."

He opened the box and held the ring towards Tracey. With her eyes glistening she took it. "Bucky, it's beautiful," she said. "It would be a privilege to wear your mother's engagement ring."

She slid the ring with the round cut diamond and engraved band on her ring finger, then kissed Bucky, placing her palm on his face as she did. Once again there were congratulations with hugs and kisses from everyone. Despite the desire to stay and celebrate the three flying men prepared to leave. Rhodes pulled Bucky aside, away from everyone else.

"I want you to know that I will do all I can to make being an Avenger a full time job," he said. "The government can't expect any of us to sit around, waiting for a mission, and not have a regular source of income to rely on. If that doesn't happen then I won't blame you if you choose to turn it down. You stepped up to take care of Rebecca because she was your first priority, and I respect that, very much. We'll talk about what you need for this plan to be successful. That's my promise, Buck."

"Thanks," replied Bucky. "When you fell in Germany and we heard you were paralyzed I felt such guilt for your injury, that it was my fault." Rhodes began to object but Bucky persisted. "Then you showed up in Wakanda and there was no blame from you, no sign of anger or resentment. You treated me like a fellow soldier and that meant a lot."

"In those two years I learned what you went through and I couldn't fault you for trying to protect yourself, and to stop those who would exploit you," replied Rhodes. "They were ready to kill you because they didn't know the man you really were. You proved yourself as a man of honour in Wakanda and against the Flag Smashers. My accident was just that, an accident, a shot gone wrong. I had enough years in the Air Force to know that those things happen. We'll figure it out, Buck. I know we will."

He gave Bucky a heartfelt hug then returned to the living room where Sam and Joaquin were waiting. Together the three of them stepped out into the yard then raised themselves into the air. Rhodes used his suit to contact Wong and a portal opened for each man, which they disappeared into, leaving Bucky, Rebecca, Tracey and Janice behind.

"You don't see that every day," said a voice and they all turned to see Kalyna entering the back yard. "I guess I missed meeting the flying men. I saw them on TV yesterday and wanted to meet them. At least I got a picture of them for my husband."

"They'll be around again sometime," smiled Bucky. "Maybe not all at the same time. I better get ready for work."

He carried Rebecca back into the house and entered his bedroom to get his work clothes on. Tracey followed him, sitting on the bed and watching as he got changed. When he was ready to go, he held his hands out to her, pulling her into his arms.

"Share our news," he said lovingly. "Today is a great day and I want everyone to know that you're going to marry me. I'm a lucky man."

"And I'm a lucky woman," she replied, looking up at him with a soft smile. "Believe that."

They kissed fiercely, then pulled themselves apart breathing heavily. When they went out to the kitchen Kalyna blocked Bucky from leaving.

"What is this news that Mrs. Rebecca says you have?" she asked.

"I asked Tracey to marry me and she said yes," replied Bucky. "Now, I really do have to go. Ladies."

He kissed Tracey and Rebecca quickly then headed out the door before Kalyna could say anything else but she did look at Tracey who showed her the engagement ring. With a smile the Ukrainian woman hugged Tracey.

"You must have the reception at the volunteer centre," she said. "Several of the others are putting forth a proposal to start a non-profit catering service, one that offers foods from different cultures and countries."

"You know, that's not a bad idea," said Rebecca. "It would certainly be different."

"I promise you we will talk," said Tracey. "Now, I'm going in to work today as I think we got everything done yesterday, didn't we Mom?"

"That we did," replied Janice. "I'm going to wash the sheets that our three flying heroes used and remake that bed downstairs."

"Kalyna, do you know if Amina is at home today?" asked Tracey. "I have some spices that I picked up for her but didn't get back in time to give them to her yesterday."

"Yes, she has today off," replied the other woman.

Tracey got dressed, packed her bag, picked up the spices and headed over to Amina's house. She was just seeing her children off to school and smiled broadly at Tracey as she came up the sidewalk with the spices.

"Miss Tracey," she said. "We saw that horrible man be arrested on TV after the three flying heroes showed up. Kafeel was ready to jump on his bicycle and go over to offer his help. Is it over? Is Mr. Bucky safe?"

"He is," replied Tracey. "Mr. Ross has been relieved of his duties and was returned to Washington to be questioned by the President. I've brought the spices and a little piece of news for you."

She held up her left hand, showing the engagement ring to Amina. A broad smile formed on the Sudanese woman's face.

"Truly?" she asked. "You and Mr. Bucky?"

Tracey smiled and nodded. "He asked me this morning and gave me his mother's engagement ring. I'm going to marry him, Amina. I don't know when, but it would give me great honour if you came to the wedding, along with some others from the newcomer centre. I think you've known all along we were meant for this."

"My first American wedding," said Amina. "I will be there to witness your marriage. What are your American customs for weddings? We have many in Sudan, most of them will not have meaning to you but it would give me great honour if you would allow me to place henna on your hands. We do it at a party with just women."

"I've seen that," said Tracey. "I think it's a very beautiful custom but there are some people that would think I'm taking something beautiful from your culture to use for my own pleasure."

"Really?" asked Amina. "My goodness. I wouldn't want you to get into trouble for that. Would you be offended if I still wore it, in celebration?"

"I would be honoured if you did," replied Tracey. "Samira, as well. It's part of her culture, isn't it?"

Amina nodded and it was decided between them that those whose culture it was part of would partake in that wedding custom.

"We do have bridal showers in America," said Tracey. "We'll have one and you and the other ladies can come to that. Kalyna already suggested that we have the reception at the newcomer centre. Since that's really how I began to know Bucky better it seems like a good idea. I still have to talk to him about it."

"Oh, you must," exclaimed Amina. "So many of us there are, what is the expression, invested in you and Mr. Bucky's happiness. Am I permitted to share your news?"

"Yes, share it with everyone," smiled Tracey. "He really is a good man."

"He is," agreed the Sudanese woman. She stepped forward and took Tracey's hands in her own, holding them for several moments. "He will be a very good husband."

With a smile Amina released Tracey's hands and wished her a good day. As Tracey drove to her office she felt lighter in her mind and body. It must have been noticeable as she entered the building because the supervisor came out of her office with a smile on her face.

"Well, you look extremely happy," she said. "I wondered if you were coming in after watching all that business on TV. Is everything going to be okay?"

"We think so," replied Tracey, "but something wonderful happened this morning." She held up her left hand, showing the engagement ring and was surrounded by the other staff. "He asked me to marry him. This is his mother's engagement ring. It's over a hundred years old."

"I told you when you got that arrangement of roses that he really loved you," said the one young nurse. "How soon do you think before you get married?"

"I don't know but it's going to be quite the party when we do." She smiled at everyone. "Thanks for all your support this past month with everything that seemed to be going wrong. It's nice to have something go right."

After a few more close looks at the engagement ring everyone went back to their desks. Tracey logged in and pulled up her schedule for the day, assembling the files on her clients. An hour later she said goodbye to everyone and drove out to begin her rounds.

At the dock Bucky received more attention and comments on the arrival of Captain America, War Machine and Falcon to the rescue. He took it all in good fun, accepting the good natured ribbing then he shared the big news that he asked his girlfriend to get married. Most of them noticed Tracey on the news broadcast two nights before and told him she was much too good for him.

"I agree she is, but she still said yes," laughed Bucky.

"Well, marry her quick then before she changes her mind," joked Rick, the supervisor. "You do have vacation time coming to you."

There was some more joking thrown around then the supervisors all got down to business with their crews and began working. The day flew by quickly for Bucky. On the walk back home he stopped off at a florist and bought a bouquet of flowers.

When he arrived at the house he was pleasantly surprised to see a work crew there, pouring concrete supports for the ramp. They even dug up the plants that were on that part of the house so that they could be transplanted elsewhere. Bucky stopped to talk to their supervisor and learned that the work order was given from a high level federal government account with a RUSH priority. They would begin the actual construction in a couple of days and hoped to have it finished by the weekend. With a wave to the crew Bucky headed inside and was greeted by three smiling women, Rebecca, Tracey, and Janice. Presenting the bouquet to Tracey he kissed her affectionately then looked at all three.

"So, has something else happened that I should be aware of?" he asked.

"Matt just phoned," said Rebecca. "He and Foggy are coming over with a settlement offer for you from the government. It was delivered to them about 20 minutes ago. You saw the ramp construction started?"

Bucky nodded. "I did. You make one call to the President and it seems like everything just falls into place."

He went to shower and change while the flowers were put into a vase. By the time he came out Matt and Foggy were already waiting for him in the living room. After shaking their hands he pulled a dining room chair over to sit across from them.

"Well, thanks to a certain person phoning the President herself, and Colonel Rhodes passing on some of the information we had about Ross and Fontaine it appears an order was given to expedite your settlement," said Matt. "It's a generous offer, has likely been topped up because of the events of the past two days and it's my recommendation you accept it. Foggy, show it to Bucky."

The blond man pulled a paper out of the folder that lay on the coffee table and handed it to Bucky. Expectantly they all watched him read it then look up at them with what can only be described as disbelief.

"That much?" he said. "There's no way I earned that much. I was lucky to get $100 per month as a sergeant and a Howling Commando."

"It's not just the back pay," said Matt. "It's an admission of failure to protect you from torture, prolonged imprisonment, and conspiracy to keep you enslaved as an asset. So, the first million is for your back pay, adjusted for inflation, and interest added. Ten million is for the physical damage done to your person. The serum changed you, and although you enjoy good health, increased strength, and a prolonged life span from it, it was still medical experimentation performed on you against your will. The final ten million are for the emotional damages, the PTSD, loss of family and friends, and an acknowledgement that you suffered greatly. The back pay has already been taxed. The damages portion is tax free. It's all yours to do with as you please."

As Rebecca began to cry, Bucky swallowed then looked at her in a bittersweet manner before looking at Matt emotionally.

"Thank you," he said, in a voice barely above a whisper. "It's very generous and I'll accept it but I want it known I would have rather come home from the war with nothing but my reputation and the clothes on my back. Even though I have Rebecca and Tracey now, I'll never get those years back. I was robbed of a normal life."

"We know that," said Matt, calmly. "So does everyone who cares about you."

Bucky sat next to Rebecca and enclosed her in his arms, listening to her sob in a combination of happiness for him finally receiving his due, and sadness that it took so long. Pulling out his handkerchief he gently dabbed the tears from her eyes before kissing her on the forehead. Then he looked at Tracey, his face alight.

"That New York minute just got a lot closer," he said. "Should we make it official before the end of the year?"

"What am I missing?" asked Matt, turning his head in confusion.

"Bucky asked me to marry him, and I accepted," smiled Tracey. "I think we should get married as soon as we can."

"Kalyna said you should have the reception at the newcomer centre as they're starting up a non-profit catering service," said Rebecca. "It seems like everything is coming together at just the right time, Bucky."

"Then let's do it," said her older brother, reaching his hand out to Tracey. "Let's get married."

"Well, congratulations," said Matt, standing up and extending his hand. "I'm very happy for you both. If you'll sign off on this offer, we'll make sure it gets to the right person in government. Apparently, your cheque should be couriered over within a couple of days."

After declining an offer to stay for dinner Matt and Foggy left, leaving Bucky and the three women in the house. Janice clapped her hands together.

"Why don't we go out for dinner, my treat?" she said. "There has to be a nice Italian restaurant nearby that we can go to."

Bucky looked at the hopeful faces of the women and nodded. "There is something a few blocks away. I should phone and make sure there's a table for four."

While they got ready he called and reserved a table for four. It wasn't until they were almost at the restaurant that he realized he didn't bring his gloves. At first he wanted to run back to the house to get them but it was Janice, of all people, who wouldn't hear of it. Grasping his metal hand in hers she placed her other hand on his cheek.

"Bucky, don't hide yourself," she said gently. "You're a good man with a big heart. This isn't the hand and arm of your jailers or a killer. It's the hand and arm of a free man, a gentle man."

"Still, it might bother some people," he answered, looking down at the ground.

"Then that's their problem, not yours," she replied. "You have nothing to be ashamed of and I'll stick up for you if anyone says anything. You're going to be my son-in-law soon. I'm proud to be your future mother-in-law."

Tracey beamed at them both as this was something new from her mother, part of her spreading her wings after so many years of being held back. Nodding his assent he took Rebecca's walker out of the trunk and set it up for his sister. Together they walked into the restaurant and he gave them the name of the reservation. The hostess glanced at his hand then smiled.

"Our pleasure, Mr. Barnes, please follow me."

Picking up four menus she led them to a very nice table and assured them their server would be there shortly. The only people who said anything about his metal hand were kids, and he didn't mind them because their questions came from curiosity, not disgust or fear. They had a very enjoyable meal and began making wedding plans. When Janice went to pay the bill, Bucky stayed her hand.

"Please, let me," he said. "I can do that now."

"But I offered," she protested.

"I know, but I want to, please," he insisted.

With a nod she handed the bill to him, and he paid, giving a sizeable tip to the server. As they got up to leave the manager came forth and told them they were welcome anytime. Several children said goodbye to Bucky, and he returned their words to them, waving as he left the restaurant last.

On the drive home Bucky received a text message from Sam. He read it several times, not quite believing what he was reading.

"What is it?" asked Tracey, from the driver's seat, looking at him through the rear view mirror.

"A text from Sam," he said. "Val de Fontaine has resigned, so has the Secretary of State, and Thaddeus Ross is facing federal charges for trying to take me. They're calling it an attempted abduction, plus charges of violation of my civil rights, violation of Rebecca's civil rights, property damage ... several more charges to cover what he did to us. Sam said it's on the news right now."

Tracey sped up a little and they arrived home in minutes. While Bucky carried Rebecca in Tracey brought her walker inside. The TV was turned on and all the channels showed special news bulletins detailing this development from Washington. They watched for some time, not quite believing the turn everything took. It looked like the President had decided to come down hard on the three people. Fontaine was filmed leaving the White House but didn't talk to reporters. The Secretary of State stated he had only tried to serve United States interests and was unaware that Mr. Barnes was being threatened by Ross and Fontaine.

"Bullshit," snapped Bucky. "He's lying. I can read it as plain as day on his face."

Ross, to his credit, admitted he had taken a hard line in trying to recruit the former Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes to his task force, but felt given his service to HYDRA that Barnes would jump at the chance to serve his country. Bucky almost hit the TV when Ross said that. Right away, he received several texts from people saying that Ross was a lying piece of excrement, although the word they used was much cruder. The doorbell rang at that moment and Bucky looked out the small cutout window in the door. He turned back to the others.

"There are a bunch of news crews out there," he said.

"I'm calling Matt," said Tracey. "Do you want me to talk to them?"

"No, I'll tell them I have no comment at this time," replied Bucky.

As he opened the door there were all sorts of shouts of his name, bright lights, and flashing lights as newspaper photographers snapped his picture. Bucky stood in the doorway for a moment, frozen. Janice grabbed the phone from Tracey and jerked her head towards Bucky. Tracey's place was by his side. She joined him at the doorway and put her hand in his. He turned to her then turned back to Rebecca, who nodded her support. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out onto the top of their front steps.

"Bucky Barnes, no doubt you've heard of the development in Washington," said the closest reporter. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

He swallowed then looked out over everyone and decided he was going to say something. "I'm only going to say this once. My service, as Thaddeus Ross, so casually referred to my imprisonment, torture and enslavement by HYDRA, was involuntary. It was forced on me. I fought it for over 70 years. I wasn't treated as a person, or as an individual, or as anything other than an asset to be controlled and unleashed on people who disagreed with those Nazis. Ross has threatened my liberty, ownership of the house I share with my sister and fiancée, he has threatened to have senior's benefits that my sister is entitled to stopped and cancelled outright. That doesn't sound like a man who wants me to volunteer to serve my country willingly. That sounds like a man who wants to control an asset and unleash it on people he deems dangerous. In other words, he sounds just like HYDRA. I fought Thanos, was one of the decimated, and when I returned, I took up arms against Thanos again to help bring him down, on American soil. I made amends to all the families of the victims of the Winter Soldier. Along with the current Captain America, Sam Wilson, I investigated and helped prevent the Flag Smashers from killing people and imposing their narrow view of governance on the world. If the Avengers is reformed, I pledge to serve my country as one of them, working within the law, at the request of those people or governments that need our help. I will never work for an organization that may be formed to violate the sovereignty of a country, specifically Wakanda, who has done so much for the world, without advertising it, without thanks, and without expectation of repayment."

"Wait, are you saying that Ross was looking to form a black ops unit against an American ally?" asked the reporter.

"Ask him, or Val de Fontaine, or the former Secretary of State," replied Bucky. "I can't confirm or deny that because I don't have the clearance to know it for sure. But whatever group Ross was forming, you can bet it wouldn't be legal. Not when he already hired people who used to work for the Japanese mafia. That is a fact."

Several other reporters yelled out questions but Bucky returned into the house, closed the door and turned off the porch light, while Janice drew all the curtains. Tracey hugged him, feeling him shaking as he fought off the adrenaline coursing through his body. She rubbed his back, watching him intently, until he looked down at her and smiled.

"I'm better," he murmured. "Thank you for standing with me."

"You did good," she replied. "I'm proud of you."

"So am I," said Rebecca. "Matt was listening to you speak as they showed it live. He said you did good. You didn't need him to face them."

They watched the news reports for a time then Rebecca finally said she was tired and wanted to go to bed. Pulling herself up onto her walker she walked by herself to the bathroom, telling Tracey she could go herself. As they waited Tracey went into their bedroom and came back out with a store bag.

"I stopped at a bookstore to find a new storybook for Rebecca and found this," she said. "It's original publication date is 1936 so I figured it might be one that Rebecca remembers from when she was a kid."

Handing the bag to Bucky he pulled the paperback book out and smiled fondly at it. "I remember this. I read it to her more than once. It's still in print, imagine that."

The bathroom door opened and Rebecca came out and looked at all of them as they looked at her. "What?" she asked, jokingly as she looked behind her. "Do I have toilet paper on my shoe?"

"No," answered Bucky. "Just a new book for you. Call me when you're ready and I'll come read it to you."

With a smile Tracey went to to help get her ready for bed and Bucky flipped through the story, remembering the times he read it to his sister. It was funny how until he saw the cover those memories weren't there but seeing the bright red cover of The Story of Ferdinand brought it all back to him. Janice watched him, at the soft look on his face as he looked at the book and came towards him. She looked at it then at him and patted him on the shoulder.

"You're going to be a good father someday," she said. "You're a protector but you're also a big softie inside. I saw how you were with the kids in the restaurant. You were so patient with them and their questions. Did you want to be a dad back in the 40s?"

"I was too much of a ladies man to think about that," he said. "I always thought I would get married eventually and have a family but I was too busy chasing skirts to stop and find the right one. Then your daughter found me." He looked down the hallway towards Rebecca's bedroom. "I'm no ladies' man anymore. Tracey is everything to me. I'll never raise a hand to her or our children, Janice. That's my promise to you."

"I know," she replied.

Tracey came out of the bedroom and beckoned to Bucky. Taking the book with him he went to the bedroom and Janice sat in the living room listening to Rebecca's cry of recognition when Bucky presented the book to her. Then she heard his voice read the story.

"Once upon a time in Spain there was a little bull and his name was Ferdinand," began Bucky.

As he read to Rebecca, tears began to stream out of Janice's eyes as she listened to this wonderful man that her daughter found, a man who had experienced terrible pain and suffering, but whose love for his sister and her daughter was absolute. His calm but expressive voice was full of love as he read his sister this book from their childhoods. She watched Tracey as she leaned against the door frame, at the love from her face and she felt glad that her daughter found someone like Bucky. All this drama that had happened recently to them wasn't enough to shake their love and she could hardly wait for their wedding so they could officially begin their life together.

Chapter 15>>

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