#WHY ARE YOU ALL IGNORING HOW AMAZING SCOTT WAS

[whatohitsonfirewelp]

Someone please start talking to me about the new ant-man I’m going to burst if I don’t have someone to talk to soon.

[not-neverland06]

Hey! Your writing is amazing! I’ve been checking daily for new fics lmao

I was wondering if your requests were open would you be able to write some angst with a happy ending w/ Peanut?

Perhaps a Shy!Reader who has flirty banter with Logan. They’re on a mission and Logan has to make a quick decision on who to save — Reader or Jean and he saves Jean without thinking. Reader ends up surviving with a few injuries but her and Logan’s relationship starts to deteriorate. Logan’s not good with verbal apologies so he does acts of service — bringing reader food/drinks etc. reader is stubborn and Logan starts to get frustrated. He eventually proves himself to reader.

I’m sorry if this is confusing!! I’m not creative enough to write it myself and you’re really really skilled. Love your work x

a/n: I read this request and then read them together and my brain imploded because I loved it so much, no smut in this one Summary: Logan saves Jean on a mission and it's the wake-up call you desperately needed to understand that you will never be her. You can't stand to look at him anymore and he doesn't understand why you've stopped talking to him.

“What’re you thinking of doing after this?”

You shrug, leaning back on the uncomfortable bench seats and looking over at Logan. “Not sure, got any plans?”

Logan smirks and you immediately know whatever he’s about to say is going to send you spiraling. “Yeah, whatever you’re doing, sweetheart.”

Oh. My. God!

You know you’ve got it bad when something as simple as that has you swooning. It’s so easy to fall into this routine with him, to pretend you’re more suave than you actually are. Despite your usual tendency to fade into the background, you find it nearly impossible to do with him. 

Where someone else might let you stay quiet and go ignored, he seeks you out. He makes you feel seen and heard. Some days you don’t know if you appreciate it or despise it. You laugh a little, trying to hide just how affected by him you are. “Sounds good, Lo.”

He smiles and leans back on the seat, his arm coming around the back to rest lightly over your shoulders. You can tell from the look on Storm’s face that she’s trying not to laugh at you. You can’t blame her, you’re sure your eyes have tripled in size and you look absolutely stunned. 

Flirting isn’t out of the usual for you and him. Lately, though, he’s upped the game. Touching you more than usual, spending more one-on-one time together. You can feel it all building up to something. You’re shy, not stupid, you know when a guy’s going to ask you out. 

But it feels like he’s dragging it out longer than necessary like he’s enjoying teasing you a little too much.  “Alright,” Scott stands up and moves towards the back of the jet. “We’re almost there, get ready.”

You, very reluctantly, pull away from Logan and get to your feet. He walks past you, briefly squeezing your hand before joining Scott by the ramp. You grin, flexing your hand by your side and trying to memorize the feeling. 

The ramp lowers to the ground and Scott and Logan lead the way out. You’re expecting this to be simple. Stake out the area, find some information about the people running the warehouse, and figure out what exactly it is that they’ve been doing. 

The air is bursting with moisture. It’s suffocating, how humid it is, how it makes the material of your suit cling to your skin. You know the rest of the team can feel it. That it’s irritating them just as much. 

None of you want to be out here in the peak of summer, trying to be stealthy in these ridiculous costumes. Your thighs squeak every time they rub together. It’s beyond embarrassing. You know that that’s what has you all distracted. 

You’re struggling through ankle-deep mud and sweating buckets. So none of you are paying any particular attention to the area around you. Technically, you shouldn’t have to, you’re still about a mile out from where you need to be. 

You duck, hands coming up to cover your ears as Charles’ voice screams through your mind. It’s a trap!

Even with the warning, there’s no time to prepare. The ground around you explodes, grass and dirt flying through the air. Logan grabs your arm, he shoves himself in front of you and takes the brunt of the bullets. Splatters of blood hits your cheeks and he runs you both behind a tree for cover. 

The other three have all found their own cover and they’re struggling to figure out where the shots are coming from. You spot something in the underbrush and scream, “Behind you!”

It’s more of a warning to duck than it is to move. You throw your hands up, shoving the man away from them and sending him flying into the trunk of a tree. You swear you can hear the snap of his spine as it hits the bark. 

You look to Jean and nod towards the small clearing of trees. “Don’t,” Logan warns. But you’re already slipping out of his grip and solidifying the air in front of you. It provides enough of a cover, absorbing the bullets, and giving you all time to figure out a plan of attack. 

Jean moves beside you, eyes narrowing on the perimeter of your cover. “There are too many of them, more than I can count.” 

“How did they know we were coming?” Scott snaps, keeping an eye on the area behind you. 

Your arms struggle under the weight of your power. The more bullets they shoot into your cover, the harder it is to keep up. You’re forced to absorb their energy, push it out tenfold to try and keep the blockage solidified. 

“Guys,” you snap, “we need a plan. I can’t hold it much longer.” You grit your teeth, taking a step forward to try and push against the strain. It does nothing but make your bones ache. Logan shoots you a concerned glance, coming up behind you like he wants to take the weight off your shoulders. But there’s nothing he can do. 

There’s movement behind you, a boot snapping a twig in two. You can’t risk looking back but you can hear the worry in Jean’s voice. “Ten of them-”

You can tell by the sounds of their movement that the others don’t give her much of a chance to finish. Ororo, Scott, and Logan all shoot forward to deal with the threat. Ten isn’t much to worry about. But that doesn’t change the fact that the men in front of you haven’t let up and you’re about to weep from the weight of keeping the wall up. 

Jean stays beside you, brows furrowed in concern. She places her hand on your shoulder and closes her eyes. A second later you feel something like a cool blanket laid over you. The tension in your arms and core eases just enough for you to stop clenching your jaw so hard. Some of the strain eases away and you know she’s sharing it with you. 

But just as quickly as the relief was given, it’s yanked away. Jean jumps back with a gasp, “Flux, we need to move!”

“I can’t,” you shout, fighting to be heard over the sound of bloodshed and gunshots going off in front of and behind you. The others are steadily moving through the people surrounding you, but their numbers are still overwhelming. “It’ll all come crashing down,” you tell her. 

She glances towards the bullets, finally spotting the way they’re slowly, but steadily, moving through the thickened air. The second you let go you’ll be riddled with holes. “Shit,” she hisses. “Look, we can’t stay here much longer-”

She’s cut off by a loud bang. You’re so disoriented by the noise your hands drop to your sides. At the same moment, you hear wood splintering and cracking beside you. What has to be the largest tree in the forest creaks before it begins its descent down towards you both. 

You don’t what happened, or what they used, but it doesn’t matter. The wall in front of you is fading. You have seconds to get out of the way of the bullets and the tree, you’re not sure either of you is going to make it. 

“Jean!” There’s a flash of brown hair and Jean’s being tackled to the ground, safely out of the way of the tree and bullets. You feel something stinging against your shoulder and know the first bullet’s made its way through. 

You also see the tree is almost over top of you. You’ve always been a fight response in flight or fight scenarios. But when there’s nothing to fight, when you have nothing to go up against, you freeze. It’s horrible, you know it, but there’s nothing you can do about it. 

Even as you’re desperately screaming at yourself to just fucking move, all you can do is watch as the tree topples down on top of you. “Flux, duck!” The words trigger something in your brain just soon enough to drop to the ground. 

Scott releases a red beam, blasting through the tree and knocking it off course. You don’t even register the smell of burning flesh as you lay in the mud. Your blood is rushing so fast in your veins, there’s so much adrenaline pumping through you, you can’t focus on anything except the sound of your heartbeat. 

You let out a breath of relief, slowly lifting yourself up to your knees. You don’t hear any more fighting and you figure whoever they hadn’t taken down before, the beam took care of the rest. 

You look down, checking yourself for any bullet holes or serious damage but you can’t find anything. Something warm trickles down your shoulder, it drips across your arm and down your hand. 

You look at the blood curiously, it seems to steady a flow from the simple bullet graze you’d had earlier. “Oh my god,” Jean whispers your name and you turn around with a concerned look. 

You want to ask her what’s wrong but your eyes are trained on the way Logan’s arms are bracketing her. He’s practically on top of her, only now getting up to check on you. You get it, it was a stressful situation, he acted fast. 

But that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow the lump in your throat. It doesn’t ease the burn of betrayal. He saved her, not you. He chose her even though she doesn’t want him. The anger you’re feeling only makes it harder to be aware of your surroundings. 

It’s not until Scott kneels behind you a presses a gentle hand against your back that you lurch forward with a loud cry. The pain slams down on you all at once. The wind blowing gently against your back feels like someone’s dug razor blades in your skin and ripped. 

Feet rush towards you, someone kneeling beside you and grabbing your shoulders. Logan forces you up and makes you look at him before his gaze turns to your back. “What the fuck did you do?” He practically growls, lunging towards Scott. 

He grabs him by the collar and shoves him into the dirt. Ororo and Jean leap forward, trying unsuccessfully to rip him off. You try and keep your eyes open, try and stay focused. The pain is too much, you don’t want to be awake for this anymore. Every nerve on your back feels like it’s being forcefully exposed and plucked at. 

Your brain forces a shutdown and you slump into the mud, the world going black. 

When you wake up, you’re on your stomach. You’re a little dazed, not fully remembering how you got here. You try and sit up but there’s a steady grip around your wrists stopping you. “Don’t move,” Jean warns from somewhere behind you. 

You try and look for her but you can’t move much. Your head feels like it weighs a hundred pounds, stuck to the pillow beneath you. “What happened? Why can’t I move?”

Her shoes appear in front of you and then she’s kneeling down, a slightly worried look on her face. “We needed to make sure you didn’t roll over in your sleep.” Her brows crinkle and she frowns, “You don’t remember?” You shake your head minutely. She sighs, lifting her hand to your face and pressing her chilled fingers to your temple. 

The images rush towards you. You see it all from her eyes. The way Logan had grabbed her and thrown her to the ground, checking over her and not once looking at you. How Scott had tried to stop the tree from breaking your spine. His beam had just barely grazed your back as you had ducked. But it was enough for there to be serious damage. 

Through her view, you can see the way your skin had bubbled up and blistered. How horribly damaged it was. You have limited healing abilities, but it was enough to stop the nerves from being permanently damaged. 

She lets you go and you groan, the pain slowly registering in your brain. It’s dulled and you don’t know if they’ve given you drugs or if your abilities are still working to help you. “How’s Scott?” 

She chuckles and shakes her head while she undoes the restraints around your wrist. “He feels awful. He keeps coming by to check on you.”

The thought of him sitting beside you while you were strapped down to the bed makes you feel a little bad. It wasn’t his fault, he’d helped you. It was more than Logan had done for you. 

You frown, hating yourself for being bitter. If he hadn’t helped, Jean might not be here next to you. He had saved your friend. The thought didn’t bring much comfort, though. “I’m not mad at him.”

Jean eases you onto your knees and slowly helps you sit up. It causes minimal pain, but it’s still uncomfortable enough to grit your teeth and dig your nails into your palms. “I know, but he’ll probably be coming down here a lot to check on you.”

You almost ask her if anyone else has visited. If Logan had, but you don’t think her answer would make you feel any better. “He did,” she tells you and you click your tongue in irritation. 

“Out of my head,” you warn. She releases you with a small grin. “I don’t care,” you tell her, trying to appear nonchalant. 

She tilts her head, eyes narrowing on you. “Yes, you do. And I don’t need telepathy to know.” She walks towards your IV bag, fiddling around with something on the line. “He was here whenever he could be, practically lived beside you.”

“Don’t care,” you tell her again, but there’s less conviction this time. 

Jean frowns and you hate how guilty she looks. It’s not her fault he’s desperately in love with her and not you. You can’t force someone to love you or choose you. And you don’t want to. You want someone to love you for who you are, not because they couldn’t have their first choice. 

“Don’t,” you say lowly. “Don’t apologize, it’s not your fault.”

She doesn’t get a chance to say anything before the door bursts open, both Logan and Scott sliding into your room. Scott lets out a relieved breath when he sees you. He breathes out your name and approaches with a guilty smile, “You’re awake.”

“Charles told us,” Logan informs. You offer him a brief glance before diverting your attention to Scott. 

Petty, you’re aware. But you don’t want to see Logan right now. You’d put so much effort and time into your friendship with him. It doesn’t even matter if he doesn’t feel the same way about you. You two are best friends, and he didn’t even try to help you when you needed him the most. 

So, you smile at Scott. You forgive him and you tell him you're fine. You chat with him and Jean while Logan just stares at you from the other side of your bed. You can’t make yourself face him. You don’t want to look at him, it makes you sick to your stomach.

Eventually, Scott’s guilt is slightly assuaged and he and Jean leave for the night. Logan is a heavy presence beside you, one you no longer can ignore. You shift around, pretending to fluff your pillows until he grabs your hand. 

“What’re you doing?”

You look at his hand and then at him. Whatever look is on your face is enough for him to release you and back off. “Getting comfortable,” you spit out, more venom in your voice than necessary. Something clicks for him, you can see it as it happens. 

He backs up and narrows his eyes down at you. “Right.” He frowns and sucks on his teeth, nodding his head silently. “I’ll come back when you’re feeling a little better.” You don’t miss the hidden dig underneath it all, the way he’s calling out you’re unusual behavior. 

“I think that’d be best.”

He scoffs and shakes his head, slamming the door behind him as he leaves. You jump at the noise and it makes you hiss as a twinge of pain shoots down your spine. You feel slightly guilty about the whole interaction. Then, you remember the way he’d been cradling Jean and you feel slightly vindicated. 

You’re sure he doesn’t even give a shit. He’s probably pouting in his room, wishing Jean was in bed beside him. 

What the fuck?

It’s all that’s been playing through Logan’s head since he returned from your room in the medbay. He’s waited days for you to wake up, so he can finally take a breath and let go of the anxiety that’s been plaguing him. 

He’d thought that he’d lost you in that forest. When he’d gone for Jean, he’d assumed you’d just be able to use your powers to knock the tree out of your path. Or make it melt around you. 

Honestly, he can’t put a finger on what exactly he was thinking. But he knew that you could protect yourself and that would be your priority. So he’d moved without really thinking and grabbed the person who would be collateral damage if your powers went haywire. 

And then you hadn’t saved yourself and all he could smell was your burning flesh. The smell has been stuck in his nose since you were brought back to the mansion. He can’t escape it. Everywhere he goes, he sees you burning and hears your screams. 

He’d thought that you were dead and there was a moment where he genuinely was so lost he could do nothing but watch as the others swarmed you. He couldn’t move, couldn’t help you. He could only stare at your still body and pray to anybody who could hear him that you weren’t dead. 

He didn’t know what he would do if he lost you before he ever got a chance to love you. 

He’d, irritatingly, imagined all the different ways he would finally tell you how he felt when you woke up. He’d prepared himself for every possible reaction, except this one. He hadn’t expected you to reject him before he ever got the chance to confess. 

Anger stews within him as he paces through his room. He knows that it’s unfair to be upset with you. You’d gone through something horrific and there had been doubts about your recovery. Of course, you’d act off. 

Except, you only seemed to be directing that at him. Had you been just as dismissive to Scott, the person who actually hurt you, he would have looked past it. He’s tempted to go back down and see you again, maybe try and make you see some sense. 

Instead, he decides to give you both some time to calm down. He doesn’t want to do anything he might regret while he’s pissed off. He’ll see you tomorrow and, hopefully, you’ll be back to normal. 

You’d thought Logan might have gotten the hint with how you behaved earlier. That was not the case. He’s back today and you can smell the breakfast food he’s brought you. The smell is wafting deliciously from an inconspicuous brown bag. 

But you know it’s from the restaurant that’s twenty minutes out of his way. You’re not petty enough that you can’t appreciate the forty-minute round trip he’d taken for you, but you still aren’t excited to see him. 

“Hey, sweetheart,” he smiles at you despite your clearly hostile energy. He tugs the chair towards your bed, ripping open the bag and pulling out enough food for the both of you. 

You think it should be considered a form of manipulation to call you that while you’re pissed at him. He has such a clear effect on you. You know he’s aware of it. He knows that when he calls you something sweet like that it makes your heart race and stomach flip. 

You turn your gaze towards your blanket. You pretend the thread pattern is the most interesting thing in the world so you don’t have to look at him. You’re sick of giving your all to men who couldn’t care less about you. 

You’re tired of being the second, third, fourth choice. You want someone to choose you first for once. And you genuinely thought Logan would be the man to do that. But he’d chosen Jean. You should have known. 

“Alright,” he huffs, crossing his arms and glaring at you. You’re pissed off that he’s acting like he’s the one who was hurt. “What the hell is your problem? You’ve never been this mad at me before.”

It’s his tone of voice that really grates on you. He genuinely does not understand what he’s done wrong. He doesn’t even comprehend the possibility that you might be mad he left you to die. Have you really become such a doormat?

Yes, you’re shy and generally reserved with the people you meet. But he is so different. You two met and it was an instant connection that you thought was reciprocated. You hadn't realized that you'd become so complacent in the relationship he thought he could get away with something like this with no repercussions. 

“You left me to die,” you snap at him, voice taking a pitch it never has before. You’ve never truly gotten angry at him. Pissed off sometimes when he teased you a little too much. But you’d never plainly shown anger at him. “You fucking left me behind and expect me to, what,” you scoff and shove the food back towards him. 

“You think some shitty breakfast is going to fix this?” His face contorts. It screws up into something like hurt and you worry you might have been too harsh. He doesn’t know how you feel about him. He doesn’t know that this would hurt you so bad. 

But, it doesn’t matter. You’re still his friend. You should have at least warranted a little concern. 

Just as quickly as it appeared, the hurt is washed away by his own anger. “I thought you could take care of yourself. Isn’t that what you’re always bitching at us about?”

If you weren’t so upset you might find it funny how quickly the two of you turned on each other. Clearly, there was something repressed between the two of you. Some brewing resentment that neither of you had ever acknowledged. The words are coming quickly now, without thought.

“Fuck you, Logan,” you snap back at him. “You didn’t give a shit whether I lived or died. You only cared about your precious Jean.” You spit out her name with so much venom it stings as it leaves your tongue. 

He laughs, getting out of his chair. He shakes his head and glares at you. His anger is always a physical thing. You know he’s pacing so he doesn’t do something worse, like destroy the entirety of the room. 

“That’s what this is, you’re jealous? Don’t blame your fucking incompetence on me.” You hate the way he’s speaking to you. Like you’re a little girl who's incapable of understanding even the most basic of concepts. He has such a patronizing look on his face, you want nothing more than to wipe it off. 

The tables beside you tremble, the vases of flowers rattling against the wood. “I’m your friend, Logan. You could at least pretend like you cared about me.”

He leans against the end of the bed, tilting himself forward until he’s aggressively imposing your space. You shrink back against the pillows, narrowing your eyes in disdain. “Don’t fucking pull that shit with me. I knew that your priority would be to save yourself and I acted accordingly. This wasn’t some goddamn ploy to get into Jean’s pants. Grow the fuck up, Flux!”

You flinch back at the volume of his voice. Unwillingly, tears pool in the corners of your eyes. It’s an involuntary response. Sometimes you just get so enraged that you have no other way to get rid of it than to cry. It’s infuriating to see the moment someone stops taking you seriously and starts to think you’re nothing more than a crybaby. 

Logan’s face pales and he winces, backing away from you. “I didn’t-”

“Enough,” you stop him, voice thick with unshed tears. He never calls you by your X-men name, it’s an unspoken agreement between the two of you. That’s a formality reserved for the other members. To each other, you’re nothing more than two people who care deeply for one another. 

Or, you had been. Before this one moment had blown your life and your back up. 

“I appreciate how much faith you have in my abilities, but the fact that your first instinct wasn’t even to protect me says a lot.” You take in a deep breath and shake your head. “Thanks for the breakfast, but can you please just leave?”

He looks like he doesn’t want to. You know he doesn’t want to leave. You two never fight like this. Even if there wasn’t a lot said, it’s still not normal for you. Maybe that should have been your first hint that things weren’t what you thought. 

It’s healthy to fight, to a certain extent. Sometimes it's needed. You two never have before and you know it’s just been brewing for a while, waiting to blow up. “I-”

“Get out,” you shout, and the tables beside you finally crumble under the weight of your emotions. They drip to the ground in an inorganic form of liquid wood. “Shit,” you hiss, glancing over at them. You wave your hand and they return to their normal state, but it doesn’t matter. You shouldn’t have lost control at all. 

The door slams and you look up to find the room empty. You sink back against your bed and run your hands over your face. You ignore the way the skin of your back screams in protest. 

You embrace the pain, the fiery shocks running up your nerves as the bandages chafe against the wounds. You focus on that instead of how things have ended with Logan. You always had such high hopes that he might be the one you finally man up and confess to. 

You should have known you were wrong. You should have known that it would never have ended with him picking you over her. 

You’re permitted to leave the medbay the next day. You don’t see or hear from Logan for the following week. You can’t confirm if he’s purposefully avoiding you or not but you have to believe he is. You both live in the same hall. You don’t know how it’s possible to have gone this long without even catching a slight glimpse of him. 

You force yourself to suffocate the part of you that misses him. You picture the side of yourself that longs for his presence and imagine shoving a pillow over her face. You don’t want to ache and cry over someone who doesn’t give two shits about you. 

You keep reminding yourself over and over again that when things got rough he showed you his true colors. But it’s more difficult than you imagined to just completely disregard so much history with him. 

Besides, you hadn’t realized just how little you interacted with the others until Logan was out of your daily life. It’s so difficult for you to bond with people that when you’d connected with Logan you’d latched onto him. 

It’s a little pathetic, honestly. Being grown and eating lunch alone because you only had one friend. You wonder if your feelings for him were genuine or born from a desperation not to be alone. You don’t let yourself linger on the question for long. 

It’s as your training with the students that you finally see him again. 

“Has he made much progress yet?”

Jean shakes her head and purses her lips. She watches as Billy, one of the newer students, struggles with the logs in front of him. He was a firestarter, a very inexperienced one who had only ever set his curtains on fire. 

His powers were more focused on the mental aspect of things rather than the physical. Which is why you and Jean were in charge of helping him. He couldn’t start anything on his own, he only really seemed to be able to activate the ability when he was emotionally stimulated. 

That meant whenever he was mad or sad, or anything in between, everyone in a fifty-foot radius was in danger. He was a risk to the other students and you were both trying to be gentle with him. But you’d been working with him for so long and there was so little progress. It felt like he wasn’t trying sometimes. 

He’d asked Rogue out a week ago and when she’d said no, her hair had caught on fire. You know he could have been hurt and lashed out without thought or malice behind it. But you’d seen the look in his eye. 

You’re fifty percent sure he knows exactly what he’s doing. This little act he puts on is just to get himself out of trouble. You hadn’t brought the issue to Charles yet because you’re trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

“Billy,” you call out. His head whips up and he sends you a vicious glare. You can’t help the sneer on your lips. “Just take a deep breath and try again. There’s nothing wrong with struggling, we all did.”

You put on your normal teacher voice, calm and collected. Assuring. But the little shit in front of you isn’t buying it for a second. He gives you a sarcastic little grin, “Right. Sorry, I forgot you’re a fuck-up just like me.”

“Billy!” Jean snaps, taking a step forward to reprimand him. She doesn’t get far before there’s a fireball shooting out of his palms and hurtling towards the both of you. 

There’s no chance to react before something slams into your side and is tossing you to the ground. Your head nearly snaps against the grass but there’s a hand underneath your skull softening the blow. 

You smell something smoking and look up to see a large scorch mark right where you’d just been. Jean’s standing over it, palm outstretched as she keeps the fire subdued. She gives you a worried look, “Are you okay?”

Surprisingly, yes. You glance up to see Logan hovering over you. He backs off when he notices you’re okay, getting to his knees and offering you a hand. Wordlessly, you slip your palm into his and let him help you into a sitting position. 

“You alright,” his hand hovers over your shoulder like he wants to pull you closer. But he resists, backing off and waiting for your answer. You nod your head, still a little dazed from the failed assassination attempt. 

He narrows his eyes, searching your face for any sign of head trauma. When he’s properly assured you’re okay he jumps to his feet. “Billy!” His voice booms across the courtyard and it’s the first time you’ve ever seen that little asshole scared. 

He’s barely on his feet before Logan is stalking towards him, jerking him forward by the scruff of his neck and dragging him towards the mansion. “We need to have a little talk,” the tone of his voice has you a little scared and you’re not even the one he’s mad at. 

Jean walks towards you and helps you to your feet. “Is your back okay?”

“Yeah,” you nod and brush your clothes off. You have to physically shake the shock of what happened off. “Yeah, I’m fine. I can’t believe he did that.”

Jean scoffs and glares towards Billy’s back. Your eyes widen in shock when you see the large scorch mark across his arm. “Jean! He got you, are you okay?”

She glances down at her shirt and frowns. “Yeah, practically a sunburn.” She gives you a reassuring smile, “I’ll be fine.”

As shitty as this sounds, you’re not concerned for her. You can only focus on the fact that she was in just as much danger as you and Logan had tackled you to the ground. You glance back towards the mansion, more fucking confused than ever. 

You’re not sure what compels you to follow Logan, but you’re running after him before Jean can stop you. He’s barely got a minute headstart on you, you’re not sure why you can’t find him. You’d gone through every inch of the first floor. 

You don’t know where he would have dragged Billy, but it’s nowhere you can find. After about ten minutes of looking for him, you give up on the hope that you’re ever going to figure out what’s happening inside his brain. 

You let out a defeated sigh, running a hand over your face and trying to shake off the funk of the day. You can’t believe that little shit tried to roast you. You’re not comfortable with the fact that he’s just roaming around inside the mansion somewhere. 

You turn out of the living room and nearly slam into someone. His hands shoot out, grabbing your shoulders and gently stopping you. “Logan,” you give him a strained smile. “I was looking for you.” You glance over his shoulder and frown. “Where’s Billy?”

Logan sighs, his hands linger on your arms for a moment before he takes a step back. “Wheels got to him before I could do anything.”

You laugh a little, the noise involuntary. “What were you planning on doing with the sixteen-year-old?”

He doesn’t find the question amusing if his expression is anything to go by. “He was really trying to hurt you.”

His words sober you up slightly and you drop the flippant attitude. “Yeah, I wanted to,” god, it feels like you could choke on the words. Just last week you were screaming at him for not helping you. Now, you could barely thank him because he had. 

“You’re always my priority.” He tells you before you can struggle any longer. Your head shoots up and you stare at him with confusion. He groans, the noise tired and resigned. “Saving Jean was a mistake. I mean it, kid, I just thought you could handle yourself.”

You open your mouth but he stops you before you can argue. “I know, that’s not the point. I should have saved you, no matter what I thought you could or couldn't handle.”

“No,” you stop him and shake your head. “No, Logan, I shouldn’t. I,” your mouth opens and he stares at you expectantly. What you were going to say gets stuck in your throat. This is a horrible idea. 

“I liked you in a way you didn’t like me and it was unfair of me to push my expectations onto you.” You wanted it to sound better, and more intelligent. Instead, it came out in one rushed breath and you’re not sure he even understood half of what you said. 

His brows furrow in confusion for a moment before a smile breaks out on his face. You’re not sure if it’s a good or bad thing that he’s smiling. You can’t tell if he’s mocking you or about to profess his undying love. 

You don’t have to wonder for long. He moves closer towards you, leaning forward until you’re practically sharing the same breaths. Unconsciously, you’re drawn into him, hands braced gently on his chest as you chase after him. 

“What are you doing?” Your whispered words brush against his lips and he gives you a small smile. His hands travel up your waist. He tugs you closer, his other hand looping around your neck and craning you up. 

“I’m gonna choose you every fucking time, kid.” His lips brush across your own and it’s like a switch is flipped in you both. Your arms twine around his neck, pulling him down until you’re practically melting into him. 

It’s everything you’ve ever wanted and so different at the same time. You always thought your first kiss would be after some cheesy first date. He would have taken you out to dinner. Something would have inevitably gone wrong, you spilled something on your dress or the waiter brought the wrong order. 

You would both worry that it was a sign that nothing would work out between you. And then, at the end of the night, he’d tug you into his arms and kiss you like you were the most precious thing he’d ever held. 

That would be nice, but this is better. He’s not holding you like you’re something fragile or something too precious for this world. He’s kissing you like you’re the very air he needs to survive. He’s greedy with his affections and demanding with his wants. 

You’re being consumed and devoured. And you never want to stop. This is all you’ve ever wanted with him, from him. 

Sadly, you do have to breathe. You’re the one that forces the stop, you’re sure he would have happily suffocated if it meant he could keep touching you like this. You pull back, the air coming in short pants between your parted lips. 

You can already feel them swelling, the slight irritation on your cheeks from his stubble. You don’t mind, you quite like the feeling. He speaks before you can, a pleased smile on his face. “Forgive me yet?”

You chuckle, a little impressed by how cheeky he is, still slightly pissed off. “Why don’t you do that again and I’ll think about it?”

He rolls his eyes but you can see the smile fighting against his firm glare. “You’re really gonna make me work for it, huh?”

You smile and nod, leaning into him again. “You’re never gonna hear the end of it,” you whisper before dipping down and kissing him again. You can’t believe you ever doubted just how much he cares for you. 

He didn’t choose Jean over you. He’s just a dumbass. 

a/n: I had to resist putting in a “pick me, choose me, love me” line in there bc that would have just been too much lol

end. — I do not own the characters or the comics/movies Wolverine/X-Men, but this writing is my own all rights reserved © not-neverland06 2024. do not copy, repost, translate & recommend elsewhere.

General Taglist: @evasmlp

Logan Taglist:  @nonamevenus @smexy-bucky-waifu @wh1sp @peony-always @corvusmorte  

@mrs-ephemeral  @wolviesgirl ♡ 

[pandapetals]

Mr. Darcy

logan howlett x fem!reader - halloween costumes, logan dresses up as Mr. Darcy, pride and prejudice fans rise up, fluff, cute, no use of y/n, no reader description.

It's Halloween and you make Logan dress up as Mr. Darcy.

a/n: It's October which basically means Happy Halloween. Here's a cute little Halloween one. God knows I love brooding men—and Mr.Darcy was the first one I can remember loving so why not combine logan and mr.darcy together.

read on Ao3

“You look—”

“Ridiculous,” Logan grunted before you could even finish. He stood there in the doorway, wearing the Regency-era costume you had begged him to wear for the Halloween party tonight—complete with the cravat, waistcoat, and fitted jacket that made him look every bit the brooding Mr. Darcy. His expression was a mixture of annoyance and resignation like he couldn’t believe he’d actually let you talk him into this.

If you were being honest, he didn’t look ridiculous. Not even close.

You bit back a smile as you took him in, the way the tailored jacket hugged his broad shoulders and how the crisp, white shirt contrasted with the usual ruggedness of his face. Somehow, Logan still managed to look like Logan —even when dressed up as Jane Austen’s most famous romantic hero.

“I was going to say handsome ,” you corrected, stepping closer to him with a teasing grin. “But if you prefer ridiculous…”

Logan huffed, adjusting the cravat at his throat like it was strangling him. “I don’t know how the hell you talked me into this,” he muttered, glancing at himself in the mirror, a deep scowl settling over his features. “I look like a damn fool.”

“You look perfect ,” you insisted, smoothing down the lapels of his jacket before placing your hands on his chest. “Like a brooding, 19th-century aristocrat. Which, let’s be honest, isn’t that far off from how you act sometimes.”

Logan narrowed his eyes at you, his gruff exterior barely masking the hint of amusement in his expression. “Very funny.”

You just grinned, standing on your tiptoes to press a soft kiss to his cheek. “Come on, Darcy. The party won’t be the same without you.”

Logan sighed, shaking his head but letting you lead him out of the room, your hand slipping into his as you made your way to the common area where the rest of the X-Men were already gathering for the Halloween party. The mansion was filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and general chaos that came with any event involving the team.

As you and Logan entered the room, it didn’t take long for people to notice.

Scott was the first to pipe up, nearly spitting out his drink when he saw Logan. “Holy crap, Logan, is that really you? I’ve never seen you look so… normal. ”

Jean chuckled beside him, nudging him with her elbow. “More like out of a BBC period drama. You’re practically unrecognizable.”

Logan’s scowl deepened as he shot Scott a glare. “You got somethin’ to say, Summers?”

“Oh, I think we all do,” Scott quipped, grinning as the rest of the team gathered around, taking in the rare sight of Logan dressed in something other than his usual leather jacket and flannel. “Seriously, who are you and what did you do with Wolverine?”

Even Storm, who was usually the voice of reason, couldn’t hide her amusement as she crossed her arms, giving Logan a once-over. “I didn’t think it was possible for you to look… refined.”

Logan grunted, clearly uncomfortable with the attention, but you couldn’t help but find the whole thing endearing. “Alright, alright, laugh it up,” he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest, which only made the fitted jacket strain against his broad frame. “Just remember—I’m still me underneath all this.”

That earned a round of laughs from the group, but you could see Logan trying his best to ignore the teasing. He was doing this for you, after all, and no amount of ribbing from the team was going to change that.

“I think you look amazing ,” you whispered, leaning into his side and giving him a reassuring smile. “You’re the best Mr. Darcy I’ve ever seen.”

Logan rolled his eyes, but there was a softness in his gaze when he looked down at you. “Yeah, well, I still don’t get why you’d want me dressed up as some stuck-up Brit,” he muttered, though his tone lacked its usual bite.

“Because you are Mr. Darcy,” you replied with a grin. “Gruff, brooding, a little rough around the edges—but with a heart of gold.”

Logan huffed a laugh, shaking his head. “I don’t know about the ‘heart of gold’ part.” You chuckled as he shook his head, clearly done with the entire situation. “You’re all gonna pay for this,” he muttered, his gruff tone tempered with the faintest hint of amusement as he pulled you closer to his side.

The party carried on, with the team eventually moving on to other conversations and teasing each other about their own costumes, but you couldn’t help but notice that Logan seemed quieter than usual. Not uncomfortable, exactly, but maybe a little... out of place.

Later that night, after most of the others had wandered off to different parts of the mansion, you and Logan found a quiet corner away from the noise, the dim lighting casting soft shadows across his face. He leaned against the wall, one hand resting casually in his pocket, the other holding a drink, still looking slightly out of his element in the period costume.

“You know,” you said, sidling up to him with a teasing smile, “for someone who’s not a fan of costumes, you’ve pulled off Mr. Darcy pretty well.”

Logan raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smirk. “Yeah? Glad one of us thinks so.”

You laughed softly, brushing your fingers over the lapel of his jacket. “You could’ve fooled me. You look like you stepped right out of Pride and Prejudice. All that’s missing is the declaration of undying love.”

Logan shot you a sideways glance, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, to your surprise, he set his drink down and straightened up, clearing his throat awkwardly. “Undying love, huh?”

You raised an eyebrow, suddenly curious about where this was going. “Yep. The whole ‘I admire and love you’ speech. It’s basically iconic.”

Logan’s eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, you thought he was about to make a sarcastic comment. But then, he took a step closer, his gaze locking onto yours with that intense, unreadable expression that always made your heart skip a beat.

“You must allow me,” Logan began, his voice low and gravelly, but there was something softer beneath the gruffness, something just for you, “to tell you how ardently I admire... and love you.”

Your breath caught in your throat as he said the words, his rough voice making the familiar line sound raw, real, Logan. It wasn’t perfect—it wasn’t polished or smooth like the Mr. Darcy of the novels—but that didn’t matter. It was him.

You stared at him, wide-eyed, a smile tugging at your lips. “Logan, did you just quote Mr. Darcy?”

He grunted, shifting his weight a little awkwardly. “I don’t know if I got it right. It’s what you wanted, though, wasn’t it?”

Your heart swelled, and without thinking, you closed the distance between you, cupping his face in your hands and kissing him, slow and soft, like it was the only way to say everything you felt.

When you finally pulled back, Logan’s eyes had softened, a quiet smile playing on his lips. “I’d do just about anything for you, even if it means wearing this ridiculous get-up.”

You smiled, resting your forehead against his. “Well, Mr. Darcy, I think you just made my night.”

Logan chuckled, pulling you into his arms, his lips brushing lightly against your temple. “Good. 'Cause I’m not wearin’ this again.”

[byhuenii]

SATIVA

synopsis! pool party at the x mansion..is it getting hot in here or is it just you? (WC: idk..) pairing! logan ‘wolverine’ howlett x fem!reader warnings! usage of name instead of yn. reader has curly hair cause i said so. pul. not proofread LOLL. probably ooc.🧏‍♀️ a/n! IS IT HOT IN HERE OR IS IY JUST ME??? IM SO HIGH ON SMOKING ON THIS WEED

⋅˚₊‧ ଳ ‧₊˚ ⋅

sun was out and so was that pool the school had been hiding away during the cold winters, sun was out so were the chairs where you could lay down near the pool for the rest day. the sun was nice it was pretty hot but it was nice compared to the cold harsh winters. ororo had been running around with a camera taking photos of everyone and everything. “how many pictures have you taken so far roro?” your elbows propped you upwards so you could see her

“so many, the memories of these will be amazing i mean look at them” she hustled her way over showing off the pictures. it had only been you ororo and jean outside watching the kids play in the pool. scott was with charles he said he would come later, logan he was still off and on about coming. “roro you should take a picture of us together” a smile exploded on the girls lips sitting down right next to you, “cheese!” she said before clicking the button on the camera

“we look so cute, i’ll definitely need to get all these printed out” ororo was just happy to be here. it was a real from all the madness and crazy things that had been happening in everyone’s lives lately

you smiled at the enthusiasm ororo gave off, you had blinked and she was already off to the other side taking pictures of the kids playing chicken fight. “ah jean! when is scott coming?” you asked the red head who had taken up the duty as life guard, “he said he was just going to talk to the professor but who knows” she shrugged, “what about logan? is he coming” jean wore a tiny smirk

the tone in her voice was a flirty but also witty you couldn’t help but laugh “he was off and on about this i wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t coming” you wore your heart on your sleeve. your tone said you didn’t care but the body language and the way you constantly looked at the door you wanted him to come, he deserved it the most

jean looked at the pool and looked at you “you sure know how to summon people, your man is here” she gave you a slight nudge to the shoulder.

he had always been handsome and mysterious but right now he just had that energy to show why he was mister tall, dark, and mysterious. the white tank top he always wore somehow looked even more attractive in the sun. he had swim shorts on he came prepared. the way his muscles were practically glistening in the sun was unreal, “you’re drooling [nickname]” jean teased

you hadn’t even realized you were gawking, thank goodness for glasses so he couldn’t see where you were looking (putting on sunglasses so they don’t know what i’m looking at) “i’m not gawking!” you defended yourself when in fact you were gawking at him. “if you weren’t gawking you’d realize he’s coming closer to us” jean lipped her laughter patting your thigh

the way you composed yourself should be eligible for a world record, your mind was literally freaking out. you swore it wasn’t that hot did it get hotter? “logan you finally decided to join us” your words came out somewhat like a squeak much to your embarrassment .

“of course not bub. its not every day we get to see you in clothes that isn’t your suit and casual attire” he wore a smirk. his usual gruff still rested on his face, he smelled like alcohol but that was his normal smell at times

your face feels like it got sunburned why was it so hot, you looked away kinda flustered mouthing the words ‘help me’ to jean who pretended to ignore you looking at the kids,

“is that your way into trying to get into my pants howlett?” you rolled your eyes with a small smile on your lips, “did it work?”

you cleared your throat adjusting the sunglasses that rested on your nose, “maybe. maybe it did” logan had a quiet chuckle you almost missed. he had a bottle of chilled beer in his hand. “do you want to sit down?” you let the spot next to you

logan shook his head “it’s okay sweetheart, i’m sure you’ll need it more than i do” he was mocking you. he was definitely mocking you, that coy smile he had while drinking his beer.

“just say you two like each other” ororo came from behind taking a photo of the two of you, logan had been looking down at you with the coy smile beer to lips but his eyes were soft. they were always soft to you. your face was flushed so there wasn’t much need for him to see your eyes,

you stuck out your tongue to the white haird female who sat next to jean showing off the photos she had taken of you and logan, logan’s eyes wandered off to the pool

“you look like you’re ready to jump into the water” you had placed your sunglasses on top of your curls. eyes squinting to adjust to the light that suddenly blinded you, “nah. not my kinda thing” he shrugged placing his beer down on the mini table near your chair

“is the little kitty too afraid of water?” he mocked you so you teased him it was only fair, he looked at you with a raised eyebrow. “aren’t you one to talk, been sitting here like a princess”

“so a princess and her kitty that’s too afraid of water” you quipped

“oh yeah?”

“i knew you had animalistic tendencies but being afraid of water is—lo put me down.”

logan’s calloused hands scooped you up like the princess you truly are throwing him over your shoulder. your pleased fell dead to his ears. his arm was wrapped around your legs tightly so you wouldn’t be squirm and try to run off “what’d you say sweetheart i can’t hear you” he walked to the edge of the pool, “logan. don’t you dare” your plead became funnier to the man.“but wasn’t i supposed to be the one afraid of the water” he said with a low rumbled chuckle. “i’m sorry i’m sorry please” you were holding onto the man, he would never let you go you knew that “WAIT WAIT MY SUNGLASSES—LOGAN”

he had loosened up the grip he had on you jumping into the pool you didn’t even have time to throw your glasses on the floor. you had inhaled quiet some water, your eyes were closed shut when you had forcefully jumped into the water, you quickly resurfaced back to the top trying to catch your breathe, you had a little coughing fit with all the chlorine intake

your eyes opened up looking around you, the top of your head felt a empty as you felt it. your glasses weren’t there. you looked around to find logan with them on behind you. “fuck you” you snarled swimming over to him, his arms wrapped around your waist pulling you close to him. the white tank top logan wore clung to his body outlining his abs and defined chest

ororo was taking many photos, her toothy grin as wide “smile!” she said. logan’s hand had scooped you up bring him to his chest, his arm rested under your ass. “is it getting hotter here?” you mumbled looking at ororo with a flushed face from just being thrown in the pool and logan’s gesture. “all you bub”

“i like your sunglasses. look good on you” you scoffed wrapping your arms around his neck, “thanks stole them, i think i might keep them” you stuck out your tongue at his comment, your hands snaked their ways to his face fixing his wet hair. his hair tuffs were still there slightly,

“do you actually like me?” you didn’t mean for the words to just slip out but they did, what ororo said had crossed your mind until now. his gestures were different but in a way you found comfort in them. “i do bub i really do, just not trying to fuck this up” he put the sunglasses on his head, he wanted you to see his desperation he carried. “may i?” he asked leaning his head against yours

a smile graced your lips giving him a nod. a nod was all he needed his lips smashed onto yours. it was passionate yet sweet, you wore a smile that grew even bigger. the sound of a camera clicking caused you to pull away.

“finally. i was tired of you two not saying anything” ororo chuckled, logan rolled his eyes as you hid your face in his neck peppering it with small kisses.

all he knew was that he had finally had the girl he had wanted wrapped around his arms giving her kisses that she deserved. he was definitely taking you out on a date after this maybe he’ll get some help from ororo just so the date is perfect, oh and that photo too. he’ll need copies of each and single one them together.

⋅˚₊‧ ଳ ‧₊˚ ⋅

a/n — idk what i did i just kept writing lol

[sourmiguel]

Hi there!

Biggest sterek fan here, could you recommend any Alive Hale family fics where they love Stiles and want Sterek to happen.

Bonus point if Peter plays the matchmaker and tell Derek to stop being uptight

Pretty please 🙏.

Also thank you for the amazing work you’re doing with your blog, much appreciated 🫶🏻

Hey! I have so many Alive Hale Fam fics bookmarked it's crazy! I love them so much. I'm not coming up with any Peter ships Sterek specifically, but here is a wide variety of some fun Alive/Meddling Hale Fam fics:

Blind Date With a Book by thepsychicclam (wc30361, mature)

Summary: Stiles thought the Blind Date With a Book trend was a great way to drum up business for his small bookshop. He definitely thought it was a great idea after the hot guy kept returning and buying more blind dates with books. Derek didn’t know how he kept getting set up on blind dates by his family, or why he kept going on them. The highlight of his night was when the date was over and he could go to the little bookshop in town and buy something to read for the rest of the night. He wanted to read, not date.

I’m totally obsessed with this fic. So cute. I love Derek and his aversion to his blind dates. I love Stiles and how cute and eager he is. I love their game nights. I just love this.

Follow the Jelly Beans by @afailureandamasterpiece (wc5793, teen)

Summary: Derek waves hello to everyone else who is gathered around a bare tree and hops up the stairs to his childhood bedroom to put on his soft flannel bottoms. Gracie had picked them out especially for him last Christmas and he made sure to pack them for the traditional pajama decorating party. Only his pants aren’t in the bag. In fact, none of his belongings are in the bag. It’s not his bag at all. “Oh no,” he mutters, sifting through the contents. “Who the fuck packed this?”

I love: meet cutes, Hale family love, single father!Stiles, fluff. This has all of that.

Just a Hobby by kaistrex (wc3009, teen)

Summary: Five times Deputy Derek shelters his partner from the world of the supernatural and the one time he discovers he’s just been making a fool of himself.

Silly Derek, trying to shelter Stiles from the big bad world of the supernatural.

When You’re Close I Feel The Sparks by Leslie_Knope (wc39671, mature)

Summary: The guy is hot as hell, sure—leather jacket and glasses, Jesus, be still Stiles’ poor, bisexual, beating heart—but more importantly, it must really suck being new on the first day of senior year. “We’re adopting him,” he decides, tugging Scott and Kira by the elbow in that direction. “Let’s go.”

This is the best kind of HSAU - still in the ‘verse, just everyone lives. I love the progression of their relationship and the twists and turns of this fic!

Hale’s Modern Encyclopedia of Playing Cards (and Dating Humans) by thepsychicclam (wc49698, mature)

Summary: Wolves don’t date humans. And Derek’s okay with that. He’s got his Pack, his friends in the Pack network, and lacrosse. Plus, he plays cards with his grandma all the time. Stiles Stilinski definitely doesn’t factor into his life - no matter how much of a crush Derek has on him. But when bird creatures attack Derek, Stiles, and their friends in the Preserve, Stiles finds out about werewolves and things get pretty complicated. For Derek at least. And he thought school was his only problem, but now he’s grounded and Stiles is hanging around way too much for Derek to ignore him any longer.

I adore Derek and Stiles’s relationship and the growth it goes through in this fic. I think Derek with an uncontrollable crush that makes him wolf out in Stiles’s presence is so cute. I also love the Hale fam and the way Stiles (and Scott and the Sheriff) just get folded in after the crazy. So good.

Children’s Tales by @artemis69 (wc4690, general)

Summary: Be careful, little girl. Don’t go causing troubles in Beacon Hills, little girl, because the Hales live there. Keep away from Beacon Hills, little girl, or the Hales will destroy you. – Or: In a world where the Hales are alive and the protectors of the town of Beacon Hills, the humans politely fake ignorance of their not-really-human status, and they all live happily ever after. Then Kate comes in. Well. Tries to.

There are so many things about this fic that I love - the Sterek friendship, the Hales protecting the town, and the town protecting the Hales right back. So great.

Followers, let us know if you have any Peter ships Sterek / Alive Hale Fam fics for us!

[ceratedfish24]

realised recently that all the amazing takes on scott are ALL from YOU‼️‼️‼️ /pos

as an avid scott fan and watcher it makes me really happy to see so many more things about scott that don't label him as abusive or completely remove/ignore him entirely

thank you for all the rarepair posts as well i am RABID over scott rarepairs

please please if you wish you can use this ask to go off about any scott rarepairs or mainstream (??) ships that you want!!!! i will sit and listen happily like a child listening to their favourite story being told to them because your takes are so right and cool

Aw I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you so much <3 It always brightens my day to hear that my posts can be a little light in a sea of hypocrisy and/or unnecessary negativity surrounding literally one of the nicest people in the life series.

I ADORE Scott rarepairs! He just has such great chemistry with everyone, and I love to dig a little deeper into why specifically they like about each other.

Majorwood – I’m honestly not entirely sure if this is a rarepair or a mainstream? I feel like a lot of people know of it but don’t see it unless they naturally watched Martyn or Scott’s Limited Life perspective, whereas a lot of people watched Jimmy and Scott’s 3rd Life FOR Flower Husbands or watched Martyn or Ren’s 3rd Life FOR Treebark. It’s in a sort of liminal space between mainstream and rarepair.

Anyways, I love these two so much if only because they were so at odds with each other for so long only to thrive once they put their differences aside and learned to appreciate what makes them individually such a force to be reckoned with. I think that their attraction towards each other was a very slow thing, something quiet and natural, and then Martyn having to bring Scott to yellow was the final puzzle piece that fell into place. Martyn’s possessiveness and protectiveness over Scott truly meant so much to me. He had so much respect and affection for Scott, that any betrayal or offense against Scott was an insult to Martyn, too.

In fact, I think Martyn may have had too much respect for Scott. I have always felt as though Martyn attacked Scott before he attacked Impulse because he knew that Scott’s reaction time was just so much better than Impulse’s and that Scott would have remained relatively calm, which would make him dangerous, whereas Impulse was caught off guard and panicked. However, I also think that, had Martyn killed just Impulse, Scott would have given himself over to Martyn willingly. I believe that that had always been Scott’s intentions, hence why he was so at peace with Martyn taking the last of his time. Sacrifice is not something that Martyn understands very well, especially not a sacrifice as significant as the last. I think Martyn respected how skilled Scott is to the point of fear, and it led him to underestimate the extent of Scott’s loyalty. Don’t get me wrong, I think Martyn made all of the right decisions. Eliminating Scott first ensured that there was no chance that Scott, who – no offense, Impulse – is definitely the more practiced PVPer between him and Impulse – we all saw him kill Impulse like 4 times back to back – wouldn’t fight back. I was screaming and cheering with delight and excitement when I saw that play. What a brilliant and fitting end to such a violent, starving series. Limited Life was definitely my favorite season until Wild Life.

Scottho – Speaking of Wild Life, OH MY GOSH WILD LIFE SCOTTHO MY BELOVED?? Something about how Etho was always so comfortable around Scott despite how little we’ve gotten to see them interact with one another always really spoke to me, but this season? The way Scott was so quick to embrace Etho into the Gs, even if it was a secret alliance, was so full of trust. There was no suspicion on Scott’s end that this was some kind of trick, that Etho had alternate motives for agreeing to join their team even though it had been Etho’s own idea.

There’s been quite a few accidental final kills in the Life Series, but Etho is known for picking whatever team will take him in the moment. The fact that Etho’s first reaction to accidentally killing Scott was “I was aiming for Joel!” was very unusual. Gem was right there, loudly excited that Etho had killed Scott. Gem and Joel were Etho’s strongest alliance, but he chose to make sure that everyone knew that he honored his promise to Scott above all, regardless of who it would put him at odds with.

Etho has affection for so many people in the Life Series, but affection is of little consequence in the Life Series. He’s said it himself. “Do you think I have a soft spot for anyone right now?” What Etho has for Scott is more than affection. It’s respect. He genuinely has so much respect for Scott’s playstyle, and you can tell that he was so surprised to hear that the Gs’ approach towards their teammates is not based on worth but on loyalty, especially what with how the Tuff Guys’ approach towards their teammates was so very strictly based on worth.

On top of that, Etho is very close to Cleo and Gem, who are both pretty similar to Scott in terms of humor. From there, he has absolutely zeroed in on Scott’s humor, just absolutely cross referenced the life out of how Scott’s brain works and hit the nail on the head. Absurd of him, in my opinion.

On a less evidence based note and a more delusion based note, Etho’s relationship with Scott is the kind that makes him want to kiss Scott’s knuckles and all the way up his arm until he reaches Scott’s jaw. Those two slow dance in their kitchen in the morning. Scott is the only person who can get Etho to get sappy. Scott is just so earnest and kind, and it makes Etho want to hold him in his arms and keep him safe and sound. Etho hates drinking coffee if it wasn’t made by Scott. It’s not the taste that bothers him; it’s just the principle of the thing. Scott loves Etho because Etho is a constant comfort who also knows when and how to make him laugh. Etho loves Scott because, though he may tease, Scott would never judge him for being vulnerable. They’re each other’s safe space. Etho would simply be the most gentlemanly partner to Scott, and it would totally work on Scott.

Unlike Joel and Bdubs, Scott is entirely neutral about horses. This frustrates Bdubs, who was hoping that Etho’s new boyfriend would at least be on his side in the horse conflict between Bdubs and Joel. Scott has been monitoring this horse war and reporting back to Etho about it as soon as Etho gets home. This is how Etho learns what “spilling the tea” means.

I may be writing about them celebrating the holidays pretty soon.

Scott/Doc – Hear me out hear me out hear me out. I know they’ve never talked even once, but hear me out. Big, strong, stoic engineer working in his lab all day + suave pretty boy who sits on Doc’s desk and is a general safety hazard the whole time. Doc getting frustrated with Scott, because how is he supposed to work when there’s a pretty boy flirting with him in his lab all day? Scott also has to make sure that Doc eats and sleeps and drinks water, and he uses all of these as excuses to flirt with Doc. He spoons food into Doc’s mouth while Doc’s working and asks Doc to make eye contact with him during it. He holds the glass up to Doc’s lips. He drags Doc to bed and complains that he’s so cold without Doc next to him. It works on Doc every single time, because it’s Scott. Doc isn’t about to say “no” to him. There’s few things Scott loves as a big, strong, competent man who only shows his soft side around certain people and is easily annoyed by literally 4 people. Additionally, the sum of the pettiness between the two of them? Oh heavens.

Doc really values loyalty, and there’s none as loyal as Scott. Grian would go to Scott to ask for secrets he can use to further annoy Doc, but Scott would not give anything up. We’ve seen before that Scott does not let up information about those he loves even if it’s just for a prank. The only person who Scott allows to prank Doc is Cleo, but only if Scott is also involved.

Thank you for the ask and for giving me an opening to yap about some of my favorite rarepairs!! I hope you enjoyed my opinions and headcanons!🩵🩵🩵

[wandamaximoffsbadgirl]

MCU Play toy Headcanons

18+ MDNI

A/N: This is my first time posting anything like this. I wrote this up a while ago and finally decided to post it. Please ignore any spelling errors!

-Y/N gets hired by Tony for the rest of the team as a way to de-stress after missions

-Y/N gets used by most of the Avengers on the daily, but is always happy to please.

-Y/N is a switch but most of the Avengers are doms

-Y/N loves when they're lounging around and then someone will come up and just start fucking them no matter where it is

-living room? Fucked. Kitchen? Fucked. Meeting room? Fucked. Meeting room during a meeting? Oh honey you're in for a good time.

-Y/N has their own room and bed, but tends to sleep on the floor of someone else's room because that's what good pets do

-Y/N will sometimes get to sleep with someone for the night, usually Wanda who is a soft Dom and likes being called Mommy. She loves holding her baby. To Wanda you're her baby not her pet and that makes you feel special

-Nat is into some darker stuff that you didn't realize you liked until she introduced you to them (knife play, noncon con, somnophilia, omorashi, branding, dacryphilia, breeding)

-Nat has a dick and you would never pick favorites, but hers is your favorite

-Steve likes regular sex, but is super rough and into hair pulling and choking

-Loki uses his magic to make you fall fast into sub space and big on degrading.

-Thor is the opposite and only ever praises you he loves calling you princess

-Bucky is rough with you, but praises the whole time on how well you're doing, calls you doll as his nickname for you

-Bruce refused to use you at first and it wasn't until after him and hulk were able to live harmoniously that he fucked you, “Oh look at you big boy. I don't know if you'll fit like this.” “I'll make it fit and you'll take it all.” You do.

-Tony, Rhodey, Scott, Clint and Sam all don't fuck you as they have their own things going on.

-You thought Kate would be gentle with you, but she ends up being pretty rough and talks you through everything, grounding you in the moment which overwhelms you with pleasure.

-Yelena, who you thought would be rough, is actually a sub, a little at that. Her childhood ripped away from her and now she just wants ‘Mommy’ which you have no problems giving her.

-Tasha feels really uncomfortable at first when Yelena and Kate join the Avengers since Yelena is her sister.

-You understand why, but you have to remind her it's still your job

-Yelena is huge on physical touch and requires it often. Skin to skin is best.

-speaking of love languages you try your best with everyone's love languages as you all get to know each of them

-Steve is words of affirmation and quality time. Always tell him how good he's doing and you guys go on “dates” having dinner or watching a movie or doing a puzzle

-Bruce is acts of service and quality time. This usually involves you being in the lab and helping him whenever he needs it.

-Thor is WoA, physical touch, and quality time. He likes taking you out and experiencing new things

-Natasha is WoA and acts of service. You always praise her while you're fucking, “oh your cock is amazing! It fits me perfectly!” Saying things like that sends Nat over the edge.

-Loki is mainly all about physical touch. When you two are out he always has a hand or an arm on you

-Wanda's is quality time and WoA. You two love watching sitcoms her favorites are the old ones and yours are the new ones like The Office and Big Bang Theory

There comes a point where you realize that you actually love each and every Avenger, and it worries you that they only see you as a toy, but it's the farthest thing for them mostly.

[sosa2imagines]

Promises broken, promises kept.

Warnings- Angst, comfort and fluff, pregnancy. -----------------------------------------------------

"I'll never break your heart." You keep thinking about it, why did you believe that line? Isn't it obvious when someone says that, they will break your heart?!

When you had joined the Avengers, your sole purpose was to help save the world. But as days went by, you became friends with everyone. Especially closer to Steve. Looking after Bucky brought you both closer. But you guys never crossed the line beyond friendship. Things were good.

When the infinity war happened and Tony took retirement, while the rest turn to dust. The remaining you were devastated. While Natasha was trying her best to get to Clint, along with running the world, you and Steve found solace in each other. The first time it happened was, when Steve ended up having a nightmare about Bucky and he slept with you. After you had calmed him, you both ended up kissing each other and one thing led to another.

You had strictly made the pact to be only friends with benefits. And that's how it was. Most nights were spent in bed together having amazing sex. Steve was obsessed with every single curve on your body. But as time went by Steve started to fall for you or atleast that is what you think.

"I promise you Y/n I will never break your heart." How naïve of you to believe him. Despite your past experiences and he knowing about them, you gave in. You both were officially a couple.

When Scott showed up and the possibility of getting everyone back came true. Everyone got to work along with Tony. When everyone came back from the past with the stones, you all were mourning Natasha, but your heart hurt a little bit more when Steve just couldn't stop talking about how close he was to Peggy. Like a good listener you listened to him with a smile on your face and the night ending in sex. Getting everyone back came with another cost. You lost Tony. You couldn't even tell him he was going to be an uncle. Yes, you got pregnant, apparently little bit of carelessness cost you. But you were not complaining.

When you told Steve the good news, you were hoping for any reaction instead of a "That's great, I'm happy". You tried and tried to ignore the burning sensation. Maybe you are over-reacting or just thinking too much. Just a week before the actual day of going back in time to return the stones, Steve took part in the trial of the time machine. You were scared to death. But Steve promised you, “Nothing will happen to me baby doll, I’ll come back to you. I promise...”

And nothing truly happened to him. He kept his promise. He came back safe and sound. Just not alone though. He came back with Peggy, holding her close to his side. Steve’s eyes never left Peggy who was looking around in awe. But you still had faith in him. Maybe he is just happy and nothing else.

Bruce was the first to break the silence, while Sam and Bucky stood next to you protectively. “What have you done? You can’t play with past, present and future!”

Finally, Steve’s gaze falls on you all, before opening his mouth, “Look I know you all are upset.” Taking a step forward from the platform with Peggy. “Peggy wanted to see the future, I’m going to take her back when I go to return the stones.”

Before anyone can say something else, Steve started introducing Peggy to everyone. “Sergeant Barnes, so good to see you.” Peggy smiles, “Yeah, Hi Peggy.” He replies somewhat uncomfortable about the situation, glaring at Steve.

When it came to introduce you to Peggy, Steve was bit nervous. But he had no choice, since everyone around, except for Peggy, knew about your relationship with Steve.

Having waited enough, you introduced yourself, “Hi Peggy, I’m Y/n, Steve’s girlfriend.” Peggy’s smile faded, the anger on her face, if looks could kill, Peggy just murdered you in more than ten ways.

Later that day when everyone was back in the compound, Steve refused to leave Peggy alone. He brought her back to your shared apartment, to live with you and him. “Peggy, please listen to me, it is not what you think like, I was alone here, you have no idea how much I have lost, that’s when Y/n came into my life and I found solace in her.” Steve explains with puppy dog like expression, Peggy was furious, how dare you steal her Steve?

Peggy was not going to let that happen. She would make Steve realize, he belongs to her and not you. “Oh Steve, I’m back now, you are not alone anymore. We can live our life, just the way we wanted.”

Steve was over the moon, when he heard Peggy say this. But at the same time, he knew this was not possible for them at the current moment and then there was you, carrying his child. “Y/n…she is pregnant.” Steve tells her hesitantly, Peggy was not in the mood to hear any of this, as much as she wanted to rip Steve apart, she knew she had to be careful, with her words. “Is it yours?” “I..think so” Steve lies, while Peggy smirks. “Then there’s nothing to worry about. Show me around darling, we have got little time for ourselves.”

And that’s what he did, Steve spent his time with her. Even the nights were spent with her. Steve would often come to bed late, after you did go to sleep.

He took Peggy to all the places he has been with you. From museum, to the diner, to the secret lake just behind the park. Whatever Peggy wants, Steve does that. Thankfully, you did get some alone time with Steve, only when Peggy use to go for bath. Apart from that time, she would be stuck by his hip.

“It’s feels like ages, I have spent some time with you Steve.” Steve looks at you when you mention that, giving you a half smile. “Oh, baby doll, are you jealous?” He teases, but that didn’t hurt you, the fact he can’t see the pain in your eyes, hurt you the most.

One night on your way to the kitchen, you saw Steve and Peggy dancing, to close to comfort, her eyes were closed, head resting on his chest. While Steve looked at her in adoration. When he saw you, he gave you a curt nod and a smile which you returned.

Maybe, just maybe Steve is using this time to be with her, till she goes back again. Maybe just maybe you have nothing to worry about. The night before the big day, Steve at last came to bed early. You both ended up having the best sex! Something the way he was nuzzling into you made you feel something is not right. “Steve?” “Umm?” “I’m, scared.” “Don’t be scared Y/n, everything is fine.” The way he said your name instead of baby doll, made you flinch. He did never call you by your actual name. “You’ll come back to me, right?” “I promise you.”

The next day, Steve was standing on the platform with Peggy, looking very happy. His hand firm on her back. He looks at everyone, before finally glancing at you with a small smile. He nods to Bruce to start, and on a count of five Steve is back in the past with Peggy.

Bruce, Sam, Bucky and you waited and waited. Five hours went by, Bucky was the first to break the dreading silence. "He is not coming back, punk." Sam gave him a look to warn him about you, but you just raised your hand and instinctively held your stomach with your free hand and ran away from there.

When you reached the apartment, shared apartment, you fell on the floor and cried your heart out. Everything hurt, the pain was unbearable. The loneliness and emptiness started to haunt you. The pictures of you and Steve were looking like they are laughing at your misery. You took each and every single frame and threw it on the floor with mighty force, removing your anger. Your appetite was lost, you barely took care of yourself, forgetting you are pregnant.

When no one heard from you for a week, Bucky and Sam came to meet you. When you didn't open the door, Sam thought you might be out, but Bucky felt something wrong so before Sam can stop him, Bucky broke the door.

They met with the site of dirty house, picture frames broken, Bucky kept on calling your name, when he reached the bedroom his heart sank. You were lying unconscious on the ground. "SAM!".

They both took you to the hospital. That's when the doctor told them that you are pregnant and suffering from stress and dehydration. Sam was furious and angry with Steve, while Bucky was in his own dilemma. 'Did Steve know? What if he does not know? When did you found out? Do you regret it? What are you going to do now? How will you do it alone?'

After some hours you regain consciousness. "Bucky?", the mention of his name brought him out of his thoughts. "Y'/n, how are you feeling?" "Bucky, what happened?" you ask voice barely above whisper. "Doll, you were unconscious, because of stress and dehydration." You panicked when Bucky told you that, hand immediately going on the stomach, Bucky sensed it and was quick to inform you "The baby is fine. But you need to rest and take good care." Relief washed over you, tears forming in your eyes. Bucky took hold of your hand, sitting next to you, "Y/n?" "Umm?" "Did...did Steve...did Steve know?" You cried at that question just nodding your head unable to talk, what you didn't realize was Bucky crying with you. Bucky couldn't believe Steve left you in this state. What was he thinking? This was not his best friend and brother. "I'm sorry Y/n, I'm so sorry", you and Bucky cried together, Sam left to give you both some privacy and to hide his own tears.

"Are you going to...what have you decided...have you decided on anything?" "I'm going to keep it" you sniffle, Bucky nodded his head in response. "Let me help you please" you were about to interrupt before he raised his hand to let him speak first. "For friendship shake, you have done a lot for me, please let me be there for you."

Bucky was quick to convince you. You refused to go back to your and Steve's apartment. So Bucky took you to his. Now his minimal furniture home was full of furniture, in door plants and other necessities. You made his home, cozy and homely. You both took care of each other. And to be honest you were glad he was there for you. The cravings and mood swings were getting better of you.

Bucky did not complain once. Even when you made him to eat peanut butter and cheese sandwich. "Doll you sure, you are craving this?" he gulps nervously looking at you, while you are busy devouring the sandwich, in a muffled voice you replied "Oh just try it and even if you don't like it, I can eat it." Bucky tried and surprisingly he liked the combination and before he could actually finish the sandwich happily, you were looking at him with teary pouty look, okay not at him but his sandwich, which he hesitantly gave it to you.

One night you had a nightmare about Steve coming back to take your baby away, you cried hyperventilating, breathing becoming difficult, Bucky stayed all night with you, helping you. "Please don't go Bucky, stay with me please" you begged and Bucky was quick to cup your cheeks wiping your tears "Doll I'm always with you and no one is going to take away our child, I promise you." When Bucky said 'our child' you felt secure. Since that night Bucky was the father of your baby.

He didn't even get angry when on random times, you use to miss Steve. "What if he is stuck in time?" "Then, he will do anything to come back to you." "What if Peggy has forced him to stay?" "Then I promise you I'll go back in time and kill her." “Ste…Steve he promised, maybe I did something wrong….” Bucky cups your cheeks to stop you from rambling and getting nervous again “Hey, hey look at me Y/n, I believe you doll. You didn’t do anything wrong. Steve is a fucking idiot, he has no idea what he has lost. I promise you doll I will protect our child and I will never leave you.”

The last month of the pregnancy was difficult, with the constant fear of going into labor. Ten days were left for the baby to born. But on the fifth day you were restless. The fact that you were dealing with this pregnancy for so many months with all these struggles, pains and discomforts made Bucky feel so empathetic towards you. You were really strong minded still fighting it all and that's what he loved about you. 

He saw that you were getting really restless and he knew what it meant. It was a clear signal that the baby might actually be coming today. He was nervous, but he needed to keep his calm and make sure everything was taken care of. He didn't want you to worry about a thing.

"There should be a machine, where the mother can transfer the womb into the father...ow!" You tried to joke to ease the pain. "Wow! That's a really nice idea. If only we could get that machine and I could do the whole process in my body instead of you going through all these pains and discomforts." Bucky replied keeping the humor. "No! I don't want you to be in pain" you cried, damn mood swings!

He laughed at this statement of yours. The way you were being so protective of him even in this phase was very sweet. "Oh doll! It's the other way around. I wouldn't want you to be going through all these discomforts either. I'd take all the pain myself if I could."

"I really appreciate that Bucky....oh my god" you whined in pain. Bucky was watching you as you were pacing back and forth. As soon as you said "oh my god" he got up, his instinct was already kicking in and he ran to hold you. He was watching you closely because he knew you had started getting contractions now.

"Please tell me the wetness on the floor is something else", as he looked at the floor, it was wet and his face changed. He knew what that meant. He took your hands to comfort you. "Your water broke. We need to go to the hospital now and as fast as possible."

"Nah, I must have peed, I need to sleep!" He could feel that you were getting more and more nervous, going into a panic right now. So he needed to support you more than ever now. He was trying to keep you calm but it was hard. "It's okay doll. I know you're not ready for it but it's only natural that it should happen. You can do it my love. I'm going to be right here besides you, so don't worry at all."

He was holding you tightly and making sure that you didn't fall down. He was being so protective of you right now, trying to support and keep you calm. He didn't want you to panic right now as that the last thing he wanted during this stage.

"Don't forget the bag and call Sam to help you." Again, you were thinking about him, when you supposed to think about yourself and the baby. He quickly rushed into the other room to bring the bag which had all the items you would need. He returned soon with the bag in his hands. Bucky carried you in his arms towards the car, making you sit comfortably. He immediately calls Sam to inform him.

Your contractions were getting a little bit more painful now as you started struggling with the pain. Bucky was very calm even at this very moment.

He had a sense of responsibility that he needed to take care of you. Your condition was clearly deteriorating and he needed to stay composed and strong for you.

As he started driving, he was just trying to keep you calm and make you breathe slow and deep. You tried to distract yourself by focusing on the people on the road, to thinking about food, even the new Sylvester Stallone movie. Bucky was proud to see you being brave despite being in pain.

As soon as you reached the hospital you were taken to the maternity ward. The delivery was complicated, you nearly fainted twice, Bucky kept on encouraging you, telling you how proud he is.

Labor was hard. But with lots of struggle your daughter was born. Healthy half super solider. When you held her, you cried but this time because of happiness. In the end the pain was worth it. Bucky was scared to hold her, but you encouraged him. When your baby girl got comfortable in his arms, Bucky couldn't believe it. He felt so many emotions. He secretly vowed to protect you both and keep you happy.

The nurse asked if you had decided on a name for the baby, which you immediately told her with confidence and no hesitation "Natalia Sarah Barnes."

Bucky was shocked, he asked the nurse to give you some time to think, but you refused to change the name. The nurse left and Bucky looked at you for confirmation. "Doll, you gave Natalia my last name" "I know after all she is your daughter, Bucky" "I'm not...are you sure?....you can" before he can finish you spoke again, "Bucky remember when I had the nightmare about Steve taking her away?" Bucky nodded "You said you will protect our child, since then she was yours." Bucky was speechless, his eyes teary Natalia in his arms, he couldn't believe you gave her his last name.

Unlike Steve, Bucky never broke the promises he made to you and your daughter. He was a man of his words. He would do anything for you both.

As years went by things were starting to look good. Natalia was three now. Bucky was her dad and she was proud of him. Of course, you had told her about Steve, but it was her decision on what she wants to do.

As for you and Bucky, you both know, your relationship is more than just friendship, but at the moment you both are focusing more on Natalia rather than yourselves. But the possibilities of you both being together is endless.

----------------------------------------------------- @ashhsage I hope you like this, and sorry it took so much of time to get it done. -----------------------------------------------------

[sacharinee]

hey! so i’ve noticed all your office references and it’s one of my favourite shows ever <3 i was wondering if you’d write something where the reader and bf!peter are both obsessed with the show and quote it at any given moment, confusing (and probably annoying) everyone around them. i love your fics by the way!!

pairing: bf!peter parker x reader

w/c: 800 ish

a/n: dinnertime with the avengers edition! peter and reader being an annoying power duo. a crap ton of office references obviously. this is so weird and all over the place BUT it was so much fun writing. i tweaked ur request a teeny bit to them simply saying lines from the show, but everyone is just as confused and annoyed lmao i hope ur okay w that!! this is also my first time writing with the avengers so i tried my best on getting them right. thank u so much for requesting this!! i had an entire office marathon playing in the background while writing this 

“the food looks great, nat,” you take your seat at the dining table.

“yea, it’s amazing, thanks for cooking tonight,” peter chimes in.

you both are sat at the dinner table in the lavish dining room among the earth’s mightiest heroes, who also happen to be your colleagues. 

“wait, where did you learn to make all of this? i never pegged you as a cook,” tony questions.

“i’m not,” the redhead answers, “my fake mother used to make this dish all the time when i was younger,” 

“awe, that’s adorable,” thor replies.

“right before she and my fake father sold me and had me brainwashed.” 

the others freeze midchew and stare as scott drops his fork against his plate.

nat clears her throat, “so anyways, enjoy,” and takes her seat.

the rest of you begin placing heaps of food onto each other’s plates and digging into the meal in front of you.

“well, um,” tony sips his water, “how ‘bout you kids, get any good action tonight?”

peter raises his eyebrows at him, “us? oh yea, we got a good chase during patrol tonight,” 

“it was super fun,” you add.

“well what’d he have on him?” wanda asks.

“he was, uhh,” you purse your lips as you hesitate, playing with the food on your plate and quieted your voice, “a-uh, a wanted animal rapist.”

wanda shakes her head at you in repulsion, regretting having asked you.

“that is so disgusting!” the god announces, food spilling out of his mouth.

“thor, close your mouth, you look like a trout.” steve reprimands. 

he dismisses his comment and goes to steal the mashed potatoes, eating straight out of the bowl with no shame. 

“did he put up a good fight against you guys?” bucky questions.

“well he wasn’t exactly intimidated by me, i usually let y/n play bad cop while i just web them up,” peter admits.

you’re chewing your food while you watch bucky and your boyfriend converse, “see what i told you? you gotta take control, pete. ask yourself this: would you rather be feared or loved by your enemies?”

“easy,” he answers, “both. i want people to be afraid of how much they love me.”

nat pokes her tongue to her cheek and tilts her head in confusion. 

“oh, that reminds me,” you nervously chuckle and pull out the slip tucked into your back pocket, “i need you to pay for my speeding ticket, tony.” 

“again?! y/n that’s the second time this month!”

“that criminal guy was a surprisingly fast driver. besides, life is short. drive fast and leave a sexy corpse. it’s one of my mottos.”

“goddamnit, y/n” tony mutters and shakes his head in disappointment. 

steve interrupts, “you should listen to him, young lady. seriously, what would happen if you were in a speeding car crash? why do you think those laws are enforced? it’s to keep everyone safe. so you better straighten up the attitude before you get yourself k-”

“cap, you ignorant slut.” you’re tired of everyone treating you and peter like little kids, “you want to talk about being safe? are we forgetting about banner’s little experiment that went wrong the other day? he almost blew up the tower!-”

“wait, what did you just call me?” the soldier looks at you dumbfounded.

“what did i- … what’d i say?”

“you just called me a-”

“i don’t know what you’re talking about. i talk a lot so i learn to just tune myself out.” 

“you and me both,” strange clips. 

“wow,” you respond, feigning hurt, “sorry i annoyed you with my friendship.”

tony, having enough, intrudes, “you know, i think i have to put you and peter through some training again.” 

the boy skeptically squints towards the man and chews his food slowly, “...what type of training?”

“sensitivity training. all this trash talk is-”

“oh my god, not again,” your head falls back as you groan, “i’ve changed, tony. i’ve learned to keep my unmannerly thoughts to myself every time i see someone wearing black socks with white shoes.”

“uh that’s definitely not true,” bucky cuts in, “just yesterday you called me out for wearing sandals.” 

“exactly! sandals! who the hell still wears sandals, you look like you just got off the boat. i don't need to see your hairy toes,” you shudder in disgust.

“yea, mr. stark,” peter reverts his attention back to tony, “we don’t talk trash,” he shrugs.

“we talk smack,” you finish.

“okay… and how are those two any different,” the man challenges.

“well,” peter clears his throat, “trash talk is hypothetical. like, ‘your mom is so fat she can eat the internet.’” 

“totally,” you eagerly nod your head in agreement, “but smack talk is happening, like, right now. like, ‘you’re ugly and i know it for a fact ’cause i got the evidence right there,” your hand motions in a circle to the person in front of you.

“are you calling me ugly?” thor sniffles.

“i don’t know what the hell you just said, and i don’t even wanna know,” tony wipes his mouth with a napkin, “but it’s happening. nine am sharp, do not be late. it’ll be quick and easy, not that hard. you’ll be in and out without the attitude.”

you pout as you and peter give each other a dismay look.

“that’s what she said.”

[kitchenisking]

It's January and the new year has started! I hope everyone had a great new year and that 2024 bring only good things our way! and please remember to leave a kudos and some love in the comments to our amazing writers in this amazing fandom! love you guys😘

Children's Tales by artemis69 - (Rating: G, Words: 4,690, sterek)

Be careful, little girl. 

Don’t go causing troubles in Beacon Hills, little girl, because the Hales live there. 

Keep away from Beacon Hills, little girl, or the Hales will destroy you.

-- Or: In a world where the Hales are alive and the protectors of the town of Beacon Hills, the humans politely fake ignorance of their not-really-human status, and they all live happily ever after.

Then Kate comes in. 

Well. 

Tries to.

in the waiting room by CoraRochester, ravenclawkward - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 29,753, sterek)

“So, uh,” Stiles said, peeling the crust away from his toast. It was barely darkened, smeared thickly with butter and orange marmalade, just like he always liked it. “I have tattoos, which is weird, because I’m like, clinically terrified of needles. Swooning, fainting, the whole nine yards.”

That made the corner of Derek’s mouth lift into something like a small smile before it quickly smoothed out flat and neutral again. “I know,” Derek said, lifting up his fork. Stiles looked at the back of Derek’s hand and saw it was dark with ink—an elaborate full moon, stark on Derek’s skin. “I did them.”

…

In which Stiles has amnesia and falls in love with his husband all over again.

Sweet Tooth by Spikedluv  - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 24,866, sterek)

Derek Hale had returned to Beacon Hills and the ice cream place was reopening. “Best. Day. Ever,” Stiles told Scott.

Lessons in Humanity by exclamation - (Rating: Mature, Words: 40,234, sterek)

Fleeing from werewolves, Stiles comes face to face with Derek, a werewolf human in shape but animal in his mind. Stiles is terrified of being killed, but it seems Derek has decided Stiles would make a suitable mate. Unfortunately, his idea of a romantic gift is a dead animal on the doorstep. Stiles must help Derek remember what it is to be human... and figure out how to explain his new werewolf stalker to his dad.

Happiness is Effortless by clotpolesonly - (Rating: G, Words: 5,210, sterek)

Derek just wanted an excuse to run out on his date. A very public fight with the fiance he didn't know he had is not exactly what he was expecting, but he'll take it.

come with me by buckysharons - (Rating: Mature, Words: 2,657, sterek)

Derek turns his head to the loft door, messily shoving whatever he could into the large bag. He’d rearrange everything on his property in New York. In another loft, but one much nicer, one cleaned with his parents money. 

There’s a slam of a door, a slam filled with so much anger it makes Derek jump, alarmed. 

“You’re leaving?” Stiles roars. He’s not angry, no. He’s hurt. Derek could sense it on him and he had no idea why. 

He puts on the brooding mask he always seemed to have on, but this time was different. Stiles could see right through him. Though something tells Derek that Stiles has been able to see through it for a while now. 

“Why are you leaving?” Stiles continues, giving Derek no room for him to explain himself. He demands an answer. Like he’s done everything to deserve it. 

Which he has. 

“I can’t stay,” Derek says vaguely, swallowing. 

Stiles didn’t- he couldn’t take that.

Next To You (You Tell Me What To Do) by mercury_caduceus - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 6,175, sterek)

"Derek had barely noticed that he was still kneeling in a foot of water. His knees were sore and he was freezing but none of that mattered. Not now. Not when Boyd’s lifeless body was laying in front of him, his blood still on Derek’s hands. Cora was sobbing and clinging to Boyd, making his heart break even more. He hadn’t thought that was possible, Boyd had become one of his best friends and now he had killed him. He closed his eyes, he couldn’t keep looking at the body laying in front of him. Stiles hand on his shoulder was the only thing keeping him from completely falling apart, but he knew he was about to snap." ---- Stiles helps Derek after Boyd dies.

After the Smoke Clears by sffan - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 3,062, sterek)

Stiles needs a peaceful space. Derek gives him what he needs.

Alchemy of Attraction by ravenclawkward, wanderingeyre - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 15,893, sterek)

Once the table is set up, Stiles picks up the box and starts pulling out beakers, a hot plate, some Erlenmeyer flasks, a bunsen burner, and a bunch of other equipment and laying them out on the table. The last things to come out of the box are sealed containers with labels.

Derek is starting to get a very bad feeling about this.

Frogs? by Itsreallyjustforresearch83 - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 10,694, sterek)

“Catching frogs? This far into the pack lands? I’ll give you five seconds to tell me the truth before I rip your throat out. What is it that you want?”

“YOU! Alright?! I want you!”

[freyyzu]

SEE YOU AGAIN SOON

it's finally the day of your depature, and you decide to leave baxter with one last memory to hold onto until you can see each other again.

a/n; i'm so head over heels in love with this monochrome man i feel like my heart's gonna burst. thank you so much for the amazing game and loving memories, gb patch i'm going to treasure Our Life always

“Is this everything?” You’ve heard that question no less than three times now since leaving Baxter’s apartment. Once, when he closed the door, twice, when you exited the car, and now for a third time as you’re at the station waiting for the train to arrive.

“I should hope so, otherwise one of my belongings is lost within the depths of your apartment now,” you tease good heartedly.

“Hm,” his concerned frown is quickly replaced by a grin. “Maybe I should hope you did leave something behind, then. It would give me an excuse to bring it to you.”

The both of you share a hearty laugh at that. You hadn’t even been parted yet, but here he was already thinking of making his way back to you.

Well, you did agree to have him come over soon after the hectic rush-planning that was Jude and Scott’s wedding, and the five days that you had spent here wasn’t enough to make up for the five years of no contact. There was going to be a lot to catch up on, and a part of you hoped that you’d always have something to catch up on with each other. That there was always going to be something new to learn about one another—together.

“We’ll call,” you reassure him. His shoulders visibly untense at your words, a softer smile adorning his lips. “And text, the days before you arrive will be over before we both know it.”

Baxter reaches out to take your hand, no pauses, no falters. “Then I look forward to that day with bated breath.”

Your eyes crinkle at the edges, and despite him being the one who took hold of your hand first you decide to turn it around on him—literally. Flipping your clasped hands, you bring it up to your lips in a gentle kiss, his bright, brown eyes following the motion as goosebumps chill their way down his arm.

“Why don’t we take a picture together?”

The sudden question catches him off-guard. “A picture?”

“The frame on your desk was empty last time I saw it, right?”

“Ah,” he looks abashed at that. Even though you had gifted him a picture frame, Baxter had never been able to actually use it for its intended purpose. “You noticed that as well, huh?”

You swallow the words at how it’s a bit difficult not to notice something like that. “What do you say?”

There was simply never a moment precious enough in his life to capture in time until you showed up again, and since your arrival every day felt special enough to be caught in the moment. Now with that offer laid bare in front of him, there was no way he was going to let it go. “I’d say that’s a great idea.”

Setting your bags on the nearest chair, Baxter pulls out his phone and you shimmy closer to his side, his arm reaching out to wrap around your waist almost instinctively. It felt a bit embarrassing, using the selfie function of his phone; he couldn’t remember the last time he ever did if ever.

Though far past his embarrassment was the joy of being able to see your face every day whenever he so wished, even if you weren’t there in person.

The shutter goes off, and at the same time he feels a soft press into his cheek.

The motion catches him by surprise, the only word able to leave the tip of his tongue being, “huh?” followed by your chuckles.

His eyes glance down at his phone, the picture displaying all its glory to you and him. He sports a startled look, the tips of his ears forming the faintest red and of course you’re leaning in, your lips pressed against his cheek with a smile.

“It looks good,” you comment cheerfully, either not noticing or feigning ignorance to the way his entire face has lit up in a bright, strawberry red. “Don’t you think?”

“I-” he catches the same tint of red dusting the edge of your cheeks. No doubt that action had been a spur of the moment decision on your part, rather than a well-thoughtout plan, though at this point he can’t say he’s surprised—if the last-minute party plannings were anything to go by.

An affectionate sigh leaves him, and he leans in, following the bubbling warmth in his chest, hand gently cradling your cheek as he pulls you into a kiss. A proper one, where both of your lips touch and your eyes flutter close, blocking the entire world around you.

Your arms wrap around his shoulders, fingers playing with the ends of his hair, and he nearly melts at the tender motion of your hands. Baxter’s spent the last five days wondering how he could be so lucky. To reunite with his ideal, the person he fell for, the one he loved—loves—from all those years ago and how even after a long five years you still haven’t forgotten, haven’t given up on him.

“Baxter?” Every part of you, from the color of your eyes, to your kind, patient personality, to your hands that treat him like he’s glass, to your voice that calls his name with so much warmth.

At one point, the kiss had broken and he bumped his forehead with yours. He couldn’t tell you not to leave, even when every fiber of his being wished for you to just stay by his side, and so he swallows those words. This is enough for now, these five days, the next five years. You’ll make it work.

“I love you.” From this close of proximity, the breath that follow his words flutter your eyelashes. His hand doesn’t move from your cheek, but his thumb begins to rub timidly along your skin, as if afraid you’ll back off if he did any more.

Your eyes gloss over at those three simple words. He was really going to make it hard to leave wasn’t he? Even though you were the one who had been trying to keep it together this entire time. “I love you, too,” you whisper, leaning in for another kiss.

If time stopped there, neither of you would have minded, but it doesn’t, and soon the ring of the train bells force both of you to pull away.

“I should get going,” you mutter with less resolve than before.

“I’ll walk with you to the doors.” Baxter picks up half of your bags again, motioning towards your ride with his head. He looks just as, if not more, insulted than you at the interruption.

“Thank you.”

The walk was short and quiet, there were a million and one things you could have said, but chose not to. They could wait until you met up again. And everyone knows that there was no one more patient than you around here. You’ve waited this long, you could wait a little more.

“I’ll see you in a bit?” Baxter passes your bags over to you. It’s unsure of exactly how long ‘a bit’ actually refers to, but you’ll get your answer eventually.

“Definitely,” you reply. “I’ll see you again soon, Baxter.”

He leans in for the last time, and you’re almost sure he was going to kiss your lips again, but he falters at the last second and moves upwards to press his lips against your forehead instead.

“I feel like if I kiss you now I’d never stop,” he chuckles in jest, though you can hear the full sincerity in those words. “I’ll see you again soon, darling.”

‘Darling’ that was a pet name you’d have to get used to unless you fear for your poor heart exploding.

You give him one last kiss of your own, also on the forehead—he hums contently at the action—before pulling back; the train doors beginning to close.

And when the train finally takes off, and your waves weren’t within sight anymore, Baxter finds himself crumpling to the floor in a heap.

It’s a question he’s asked himself multiple times, more times than you’d call appropriate, but was he allowed to be this happy? A hand goes up to his forehead where your lips had just been, and he allows himself to bask in the feeling.

‘It’s alright.’ He was allowed to be this happy.

A ping from his phone pulls him out of his thoughts, and he grumbles at the interruption. He pulls out the device with a less-than-appropriate mumble though stops completely when he sees who it’s from.

[ could you send me that picture, please?

i’d like to have a memory of us as well. ]

[ Of course. ]

Comes his instantaneous response.

He sends you the photo immediately, and his eyes linger on it for just as long as it takes for you to reply back.

[ thanks! i’ll treasure it ]

Yeah, he is allowed to be this happy.

With you.

And he hopes with his entire heart that you feel the same.

[ As will I. ]

[tagsecretsanta]

From @gordonthegreatesttracy

From @gordonthegreatesttracy to @vitanirigatoni

Chapter one: Christmas on the Range

“Oh give me a home, where the rescuers roam

Where the squid and the rocket boy play

Where seldom is heard, roars from the Thunderbirds

And Scotty’s not grumpy all day!

Christmas on the range

Where the squid and the rocket boy play

Where seldom is heard, roars from the Thunderbirds

And Scotty’s not grumpy all day!

How often at night when the heavens are bright

With the lights from the glittering stars

Has John stood there amazed and asked as he gazed

Does their wonder exceed Virgil’s art!

Christmas on the ra…”

“Gordon, shut up!” Scott demands. He is sure that his fish brother spends all year just thinking up new ways to annoy him, and this is one of his favourite methods. A new and irritating song on Christmas Eve, and surely seven in the morning is too early for Gordon to start being annoying!

This is the second Christmas after they got their dad back, and after last years disaster, where Gordon set fire to the tree and presents before running away and getting himself shot, they made a family decision to do things differently this year, and spend Christmas at the ranch.

“No Scotty, the song says you aren’t allowed to be grumpy!” Gordon tells him. “Gordy jr loves Daddy’s singing, don’t you” he says, turning to the seven-month-old baby resting in Lady Penelope’s arms. Gordon still can’t believe that this baby is his, and his love for both Lady Penelope and the baby grow bigger every day.

Everyone is sitting around the table having breakfast, grandma’s specialty of burnt toast and raw bacon is being ignored for a large bowl of fresh fruit, and an even larger pot of coffee, which they are taking turns wrestling from Virgil.

The early morning sunlight is streaming through the floor to ceiling windows, bathing the room in the pink glow of the sunrise, promising another perfect day in paradise.

The centre of the table is piled high with presents of all shapes and sizes, and Lady Penelope is subtlety eyeing them up, she is an adult, a mother, a secret agent for the world’s biggest rescue organisation but she still gets excited for her birthday! But her attention is dragged away from the gifts by raised voices.

“Dad, why not?” Virgil ask his father from the other end of the table, where they are having an intense discussion, which anyone else would call an argument.

“Because I am your father, and I said so!” Jeff replies, raising one eyebrow and glaring at his second eldest son, that gaze that would usually have all five of his children backing down in an instant, but Virgil has not had enough coffee to heed the warning.

“But dad, it isn’t fair! Virgil says insistently. “Before you came back Scott let me do it all the time”

Jeff trying not to laugh and still keep a stern expression on his face, leans his elbows on the table, and rests his chin on his hands. “Really, should we ask him?”

Virgil glares back at his father, defiantly, and rolls his eyes. “Don’t you trust me?”

“Hey Scott, stop yelling at Gordon for a minute, and answer this question. Before you rescued me from the Oort Cloud, did you or did you not let Virgil drink coffee straight from the pot?” he says calling down the table.

The whole room goes quiet, while they anticipate Scott’s answer.

“No I did not! That’s disgusting” Scott replies.

“Want to try again Virgil?” Jeff says with a grin.

Virgil knows when he is defeated and doesn’t answer, instead choosing to finish the coffee in his mug before filling it back up and starting on coffee number five for the morning. Just three more and he is ready to face the day.

“Are you going to eat anything Virg?” John asks, having watched his brother inhale caffeine for the last ten minutes.

“I am eating. I am eating a salad” Virgil replies, pouring another coffee.

“I thought you were drinking coffee?” John asks, lines of confusion cross his forehead as he frowns.

“Gordon!” Virgil calls.

“I got ya back, Virg” Gordon replies. “Coffee is made from beans, beans are a salad, therefore coffee is salad. Virgil is consuming a perfectly healthy breakfast!”

Jeff gives up. “Just don’t drink it from the pot” before giving his full and undivided attention to the unfinished coffee bean salad in his own mug.

Grandma uses the momentary silence to ask her own question. “What are everyone’s plans for today?”

“Horse riding, hoverbike racing, skinny-dipping in the lake while dad babysits” Gordon replies.

“Solid no on the skinny-dipping Fish, no one wants to see that!” John tells him

“Definitely no skinny-dipping Gordon, if I catch you, I will join you!” Grandma threatens, which just about stops everyone’s appetite!

Penelope can’t stand the wait any further. “Can I open my presents first?”

“No, you have to wait until tomorrow” Gordon replies rolling his eyes. His Penelope is the most impatient woman he has ever met, but surely she can wait another twenty-four hours. He has too!

There is a collective gasp among his brothers. Surely he can’t be serious? He can’t have forgotten that today is Penelope’s birthday, he just can’t.

Penelope stares at him in surprise for a few seconds before the words sink into her brain. He doesn’t even know that it is her birthday, how could he do this to her?

She get up from the table with Gordy Jr and storms from the room before he gets the chance to see the tears silently streaming down her face. He will not get the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

“What was that about?” Gordon asks in confusion.

“If you don’t know, we are not going to tell you” Parker tells him in disgust as everyone gets up and leaves until he is alone at the table with nothing but his own confusing thoughts.

*TB*

Lady Penelope is furiously packing, throwing all her clothes into the suitcase without bothering to fold anything, what is the point in perfectly laundered clothing when her whole life just fell apart. She thought that he loved her, but how can he do this? How can he be so selfish and self-absorbed that he forgot her birthday? She is going to make him regret this, one way or another Gordon Tracy is going to regret this.

*TB*

Gordon doesn’t know what to do, he has no idea what went wrong as he sadly gets up from the table and starts to walk towards the rear of the house and the patio where the pool is housed.

The early morning sunshine is warm on the top of his head as he contemplates just diving in fully dressed, into the inviting clear water.

The roars from the engines of FAB one overhead pull him out of his thoughts and he is forced to watch the love of his life fly away with their son, as he allows his own tears to fall.

“How could you?” a voice from behind calls, before he is shoved hard in the back and he falls into the pool. Gasping for air, his arms flailing wildly as he tries to find out who pushed him and finds himself looking into the angry aquamarine eyes of his immediate elder brother.

“J-J-John?!” he stutters as he drags himself up onto the side of the pool. His clothes are soaked and his shoes are ruined as he pulls them from his feet and pours the water out.

“She loved you. You were her person, and she never demanded anything but that love back, and you couldn’t even do that. You are the most selfish, spoiled brat I have ever met and I am so sorry that you’re my brother.” John says his voice is low and menacing with the threat of pushing him back in.

Gordon knows he has messed everything up, and he still has no idea how.

“It’s her birthday you idiot. Those gifts on the table were for her, from all of us. Even Old Joe got her a gift, but you, the so-called love of her life, forgot. I would not blame her if she never spoke to you again”

John turns on his heel and walks away leaving Gordon alone once more.

Gordon knows he should go after her, he knows that he has messed everything up. Penelope is the most stubborn person he has ever met, and usually he loves that about her, as she never gives up on anything, but he knows now that quality will make it impossible to apologise, once her mind is made up there is no changing it.

Sadly he takes the small gift box from his pocket, and opens it up, gazing sadly at the large diamond set in platinum and embraced in a golden ring that he was going to give her this evening after the fun day he had planned for her birthday, but this is one prank that has backfired on him in the worst way as he snaps the box shut and starts to run.

He runs down past the pool and out into the desert, the hot sandy ground is burning the soles of his bare feet as he gets into a rhythm and finds his heart steadying as he focuses on his breathing, and not where he is going.

He runs until he can run no more, and he sinks to the ground, his head buried in his arms and he lets out a painful howl that comes from deep in his soul. He stays in his spot all day, not moving until the sun starts to sink below the horizon to be replaced by a billion stars and a chilly night. He gets to his feet, and starts to walk slowly back to the ranch, where he knows that the chilly air outside will be nothing like the frosty atmosphere that will be waiting for him and he slows his walk even further as the sadness envelopes him once more.

*TB*

The house is ablaze with lights, the security lights on the outside are fully lit as Gordon pushes open the main door and slips inside. His feet are so painful from where the stones have cut and burned the skin, and he wants nothing more than to soak in a hot bath with the scented candles he picked out with Penelope.

Thoughts of Penelope invade his brain, and he realises that it isn’t true, he wants nothing more than to soak in a hot bath with the scented candles and Penelope. That pang of pain flashes through his chest again, and he can feel the hot salty tears threatening to spill over once more as he tries to make it to the stairs unseen.

“There you are. You came back then” John says, spotting him easily, as stealthy is not a word anyone associates with Gordon Tracy.

“Obviously” Virgil answers him rolling his eyes. “Are you okay Gordon?”

Gordon doesn’t reply, he wants to run away again, he can’t face his brothers, knowing that once again he has completely ruined their Christmas.

“Who cares” Alan says. “He ruins everything. We had so much planned for today and he’s destroyed it all. Again.”

“Alan. Stop” Virgil says demanding.

“You always take his side” John says rolling his eyes in disgust.

“Someone has too” Virgil says, his voice starting to rise.

Gordon wishes he could come clean, and admit that it is true that he has once again ruined their Christmas with a poorly thought-out prank, but he can’t. There is no way he can ever tell the truth it has gone too far already.

“Boys. Stop it, all of you, it is Christmas eve and I don’t want any more fighting” Grandma demands. she has had enough of their arguing, they have been doing it all day, and her patience has finally run out.

“We aren’t arguing, we are just…” Scott trails off.

“Arguing” Grandma confirms. “I want all of you upstairs into those matching pyjamas I ordered for you all, and back down here in the next five minutes where we will sit and watch a family Christmas movie and we will have a good time” she doesn’t have to add or else to that, they are aware that it is implied!

*TB*

Five minutes later there are five Tracys in the living room, gathered around the television, all wearing red pyjamas adorned with reindeers and slow flakes, Jeff has lit a fire and the room is warm as cosy and at odds with the frostiness emanating from the rooms inhabitants.

Jeff comes into the room carrying a tray with mugs of steaming peppermint hot chocolate with squirty cream and marshmallows, drizzled with chocolate sauce and rainbow-coloured sprinkles and a plate of Grandma’s freshly baked cookies. He places it carefully on the table, takes a mug, ignores the cookies and sits on the sofa next to Scott.

“Have you chosen a movie yet?” he asks, determined to keep the atmosphere light. He is not surprised that he gets different answers or that none of them met the requirement of Christmas move, he is however surprised that he only gets four answers.

“Top gun” said Scott

“Elvis” said Virgil

“The fast and the furious 37” said Alan

“Superman” said John

He looks at Gordon, who is sitting on the floor staring into the flames of the fire with a blank look on his face, and Jeff knows that he didn’t even know he was in the room, never mind that he asked him a question. “Gordon?”

“Huh?” Gordon replies, looking around with a startled jump.

“What movie should we watch?” Jeff asks.

“He doesn’t get a vote, as he doesn’t matter” Alan says. “He is only still here because he has nowhere to go now Penelope doesn’t want him, no one wants him”  

“Alan, stop it” Jeff demands, finally losing his temper. “We are a family and it is about time you all remembered that and started to act like one”

Scott opens his mouth to protest when there is a loud bang on the roof and the lights and fire are suddenly extinguished and the house is plunged into darkness.

“Oh great, now what did you do, Gordon!” John says in disgust.

Chapter two: helping deliver gifts

Gordon doesn’t answer, he didn’t do anything, but he knew that he would get the blame. He grabs his phone from his pocket, to turn the torch on, forgetting that it got destroyed this morning by his unexpected swim in the pool and isn’t working, which is just another thing he has messed up. Gordon can’t do anything right.

The lights come back on, and there is a shuffling sound from the fire place before there is a thump on the burnt-out logs and someone dressed from head to toe in red climbs out, brushes soot from their long white hair and straightens up.

“Sorry about that” they say sitting down on the sofa and grabbing one of Grandma’s cookies, and taking a large bite out of it, before spitting it out in disgust. Her cry of “What was that?” is drowned out by Alan’s shout.

“MRS CLAUS!” Alan cries in surprise.

They haven’t seen her since that fateful Christmas two years ago when Alan and Gordon crashed into Santa’s sleigh!

“Boys, I need your help” She tells them, turning the cookie over and over again in her hands, not daring to look at them, as she knows that this is a big thing that she has to ask. And she is risking ruining the family Christmas that was the only thing on Jeff’s Christmas list, and he was at the top of the nice list this year.

“What’s happened? I will do anything as long as I don’t have to dress up as an elf again” John says.

Mrs Claus decides that she doesn’t have the time for any small talk, and just gets straight to the point.

“Santa Claus has been kidnapped by the Hood and Chaos Crew. I have billions of presents at the north pole, and no one to deliver them. International Rescue, I have a situation” she tells the shocked room who after a moment of stunned silence descends into chaos as everyone starts talking at once.

“Missing? What do you mean, missing?” Jeff asks.

“The Chaos Crew? Asks Virgil

“The Hood?” Asks Scott.

“I thought they were in prison?” Asks Alan.

“Do I have to wear that awful outfit again?” asks John.

“Can I ride a reindeer?” Asks Gordon

“He has been kidnapped, the Chaos Crew and the Hood have escaped, yes you do Speedy Twinkle Toes, and no you can’t!” Mrs Claus replies. “Now if there are no more questions, we have Christmas to save, the sleigh is on the roof, come on, up the chimney”

“How are we going to get up there?” Alan asks.

“You need to get your outfits on, then you will have all of the magic of the north pole at your fingertips.”

“Awesome, I can’t wait!” Alan replies, bouncing up and down in delight. He loved being part of Santa’s workshop. “Gimme, gimme, gimme!” he hold his hands out for the bag of clothes that Mrs Claus bought with her, and starts to pull on the red and white stripped tights and green top and hat. He can feel his ears and nose changing shape as he is magically transformed into Gingerbread Happy Feet.

“Look at me dad, I am beautiful!” Alan says excitedly.

“You’re something” Jeff replies. “Where is my outfit?”

“You are going to find Kayo, and help her hunt down Santa for me, according to the nice list she is staying in England with Captain Rigby” Mrs Claus replies. “You can take Thunderbird one”

“I can?” Jeff replies, in disbelief, Scott would never agree to this!

“He can?” Scott asks. There is no way he is losing his Thunderbird.

“He can, Scotty Claus!” Mrs Claus replies. “Now, get your coat on and let’s get going, we are losing time here and we need to deliver ten billion gifts before tomorrow morning”

Up on the roof, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer are waiting for them, ready to take them up to the North Pole.

“How are we going to fit?” John asks, looking into the sleigh where there is only enough room for one.

“That’s easy, we ride the reindeer!” Gordon replies, leaping up onto the back of Blitzen.  “Come one everyone, pick a reindeer!”

“Snowflake Sugar Plum, GET DOWN!” Mrs Claus yells.

“You are no fun!” Gordon replies in disgust, sliding to the floor and climbing into the back of the sleigh, squishing himself in between Virgil and Alan.

“Stop sitting on me” Alan tells him, shoving him into Virgil’s lap.

“I don’t want him, go and sit with John.” Virgil replies, trying to wriggle free from under his brothers weight.

“You think I want him?” John asks. “I would rather eat my own liver than sit next to Squid breath”

“That can be arranged Space Case” Scott tells him from up front, where he is about to take the reins and fly into the night sky. Scott is getting announced with the constant bickering that has taken place since Lady Penelope walked out on them that morning, and unless they start working together this Christmas is going to be a disaster that not even international rescue can save the world from.

“Keep out of this Scotty Claus, this isn’t your battle” Virgil says, as he still struggles to get comfortable in a seat designed for one small elf and not two large humans!

Scott doesn’t see any point in replying, and instead concentrates on lifting off, the sooner he gets this sorted, the sooner he can go back to the ranch, and try so save the perfect family Christmas he so desperately needs. He had so many plans to make this day amazing, instead he is in charge of his wayward arguing siblings, delivering gifts, dressed as Santa and being forced to answer to Scotty Claus. Just as long as Gordon doesn’t start singing that awful song again.

“What awful song Scotty Claus?” Gordon asks.

“Huh, are you reading my thoughts?” Scott replies, confused.

“No, you idiot, you’re thinking aloud!” Gordon informs him. “I have Scotty Claus is coming to town, Johnny the red-haired Tracy or Christmas on the Range”

“None of them!” Scott replies, grateful that he has both hands on the reins and that Gordon doesn’t get the satisfaction of a face palm. Gordon isn’t worth it.

“You are no fun big brother” Gordon insists.

No, he’s serious, something you know absolutely nothing about. It is about time you grew up Gordon.” John is the one who answers him.

The atmosphere within the sleigh is as icy as the air outside as they race towards the North Pole and Santa’s workshop.

Scott lands on the snow-covered lawn, near the thirty foot heavily decorated tree, and the five brothers disembark the sleigh and trudge towards the front door. Which to Gordon’s disappointment now reads Santa’s workshop once more and not Satan’s workshop as that was one of his better prank ideas!

There is a flurry is frenzied activity in the workshop as they enter. Elves are running everywhere, panicking. There’s wrapping paper and ribbons and glitter and bows all over the floor, the naughty/nice list is pinned to the wall and there are three elves fighting over it, trying to figure out where in the list they got too before Santa disappeared.

Scott jumps up on the table and whistles through his fingers to get everyone’s attention. “QUIET!” he roars, in a voice so loud, Alan runs for cover.

“JOHN, TAKE OVER THE NAUGHTY/NICE LIST, ALAN YOU’RE IN CHARGE OF WRAPPING THE REMAINING GIFTS, GORDON YOU CAN SORT THEM INTO NICE EVEN PILES, VIRGIL GET THEM LOADED ONTO THE SLEIGH AND I WILL START DELIVERING.”

“Scotty Claus is back in the game!” Gordon says to John with a grin.

John just walks away without replying, just because he is stuck doing this with Gordon, doesn’t mean he has to start being nice to him, and he certainly isn’t about to forgive him. Gordon destroyed Christmas again, and this was the final time he is allowing this to happen, next year he is going to just spend it on thunderbird five, alone, just how he likes it.

 The naughty list seems to be even longer than the one from two years ago, and he puts it towards the back to start on the nice list, as he feels once he has gotten to his name then he will feel a lot better about this, after all he is sacrificing his Christmas for this, so he clearly belongs on the nice list.

 But page after page he sorts through, and he finds Alan, Virgil and Scott, but there is no sign of his name, and he is starting to get frustrated as he passes the names to Alan so that he can wrap the gifts.

Alan loves wrapping presents, and after all the criticism he received from the last time he did this, he has spent two years practicing and each gift is neatly packaged with a bright red ribbon and a glittery bow before he adds them to the next part of the process, where Gordon is sorting the boxes into neat piles, twelve feet high near the door so that Virgil can load them into the waiting sleigh.

The atmosphere is tense, and no one is talking as they focus on their tasks, determined to save Christmas this year.

Gordon is at the top of the fifteen-foot ladder when John finally spots his own name.

At the top of the naughty list.

“WHAT?!” he cries out in horror, causing Alan to jump in surprise as he jumps backwards into a large pile of gifts, which crash into the ladder and knock Gordon flying head first into the wall before he slides down to the ground and is buried in the rubble from a million shattered dreams from children who are now unlikely to ever get their gifts.

“GORDON?!” Virgil shouts in shock as he races over to his brother, to try and rescue him from the mess. “HELP ME!”

John is frozen in his spot near the list. What has he done?

Chapter three: A Christmas Miracle

Scott, Virgil, Alan and John start to move the broken packages out of the way, determined to get to Gordon, he is going to be fine, this is just part of the classic Gordon Tracy Christmas, he plays a prank, he ruins Christmas, then he does something silly and they all forgive him.

It is their thing!

Virgil feels a small amount of relief when he realises that Gordon is still breathing, but he’s unconscious.

Scott does the medscan which confirms concussion, a broken leg and three rib fractures, as they move him from the floor into the well-stocked med bay of Santa’s infirmary.

John sits down next to the bed, and starts to cry.

This is why he was on the naughty list. Accusing Gordon of being selfish, and ruining Christmas and all he has done is the exact same thing. If he hadn’t cried out, Alan would have never been startled, Gordon would have not fallen from the ladder and they would still be on track to save Christmas.

Gordon hasn’t ruined Christmas at all, he has.

“You okay?” Scott asks, placing his hand on his shoulder.

“Yeah, I am fine, Scott.” John replies, not bothering to lift his head up, he can’t look Scott in the eye and admit the truth. His little brother is in a coma because of him.

“We have to get back to work. He is fine here, Mrs Claus will look after him for us, but there’s a billion children depending on us John.” Scott’s voice is soft, and not his usual demanding self, as he helps John to his feet, and they leave the workshop’s infirmary and the slow steady beeping from the machines, the only sound in the room, keeping their Squid with them, and back out to the chaos of the main work shop.

Alan and Virgil are here, gathering the intact presents and rewrapping them, leaving the broken ones in a large pile in the corner of the room to be replaced with the other elves working feverishly to repair thousands of toys There is even a model thunderbird four!

“It is Christmas day in Australia, its time to go” Scott says almost an hour later, as he has been piling the toys into the sleigh ready for delivery.

“Can I go with you?” Alan asks, “Top of my Christmas list was to spend time with my brothers.”

John snorts with laughter. He read the nice list, Alan’s was a new games console, his siblings weren’t even mentioned!

“Why don’t we all go?” Virgil asks.

“What about Gordon?” Alan asks.

“He will be safe here, if we all go we can get back to him faster.” Virgil replies.

Scott nods. “Okay, but I get to fly the sleigh!”

This time there is no fighting over seats, as they all squash into the driver’s seat with Scott, as the gifts are taking up all of the room. John is on Scott’s left, Virgil on the right and Alan is on the floor near John’s feet.

“How is it still only Christmas Eve, it feels like this day has lasted about four months” Alan asks, as they fly towards their first destination.

“That’s the magic of Christmas Eve, Alan” Scott replies, remembering from his last trip delivering gifts.

“Yeah, but how does it work?” Alan asks.

“I can’t reveal all of Santa’s secrets Al!” Scott replies with a grin.

“Spoilsport!” Alan replies, sticking his tongue out at him.

“Maybe one day!” Scott promises, before slowing the sleigh down for their first delivery, landing the sleigh on top of the roof of a two storey brick building with a steep roof, which flattens down on their landing while Alan looks on in amazement.

“How did you do that?” he asks.

“Not telling you! Where are the presents for this one, I will pop down the chimney and deliver them” Scott replies.

“No way, I am going!” Alan says, grabbing the top three presents from the and jumping up on top of the chimney.

“ALAN NO! COME BACK!” Scott calls, as his youngest brother tries to fit in the chimney, only to get stuck in the chimney cap, up to his arms.

“HELP!” he calls, in embarrassment.

“I warned you!” Scott says trying and failing to hold back his laughter.

Scott and Virgil grab him under the armpits and heave him free from the chimney, and he goes back to the sleigh in humiliation.

“How does Scott do it? it isn’t fair!” Alan moans to John while they watch Scott shrink into mini Scotty Claus who fits perfectly in the chimney with the freshly shrunken gifts.

John doesn’t know, and despite his own misery he can’t help but feel intrigued by the mystery. “I don’t know, how does Scott do it?”

“Maybe he went to Hogwarts” Virgil replies.

“That is Scotty Claus’ big secret” Scott tells them as he climbs back aboard the sleigh and once more takes up the reins.

“Did you at least bring us the cookies and coffee?” Virgil asks.

“Sorry, maybe next time!” Scott replies.

“But Scotty I want coffee!” Virgil whines.

“You always want coffee!” John reminds him. “You are an addict”

“I am not, the coffee is addicted to me” Virgil replies.

“Did you really go to Hogwarts Scott? I thought you went to Yale!” Alan asks.

“Lumos” Scott replies, and to everyone’s surprise the lights on the sleigh are suddenly illuminated.

“No way!” Alan is impressed. “You’re a wizard?”

“Maybe!” Scott replies, as he ducks down chimneys, delivering gifts and taking plates of cookies, cups of coffee and bags of carrots and apples for the reindeer, as they are working just as hard as he is, and deserve treats too.

They traverse the globe for hours, but it is still Christmas Eve when they land on the lawn of the Creighton-Ward manor.

The house is dark, and there is no one home as Scott quietly lets himself in and leaves presents under the tree for Lady Penelope, Gordy, Sherbet and Parker before sadly leaving the house. He had hoped that she would be here.

“They aren’t home” he tells his brothers in disappointment, as he once again takes the reins and soaks up the change in atmosphere, as they were all secretly hoping to speak to Lady Penelope, to explain everything.

“Is it still Christmas Eve?” Alan asks, as they fly over the Atlantic towards America.

“It is” Scott informs him.

“How? We have been out here for hours” Alan asks, not knowing is the most frustrating experience of his life!

“Can you just believe in the magic?” Scott asks, he’s trying not to laugh, but it is getting harder as Alan gets more and more annoyed with him.

“Nope!” Alan replies.

As the piles of gifts get smaller, there is more room to spread out, but they don’t. instead they choose togetherness, even if it doesn’t feel right without Gordon. There is a squid shaped hole in all of their hearts, and now the sleigh is empty, Christmas has been saved, it is time to get back to the north pole and start to fix their own Christmas.

“Can I ride the reindeer on the way back?” Alan asks.

“What do you think?” Scott replies.

“Yes” Alan says confidently.

“Try again” Scott says.

“Maybe?” Alan tries.

“You get one more try to get the right answer” Scott says.

“Fine, I will just fly the sleigh instead, you can’t keep hogging all the fun jobs!” Alan tells him.

“Yeah I can, I am the big brother!” Scott says laughing, as he pulls the reindeer to the north and they start the final part of their journey.

It is snowing heavily when they arrive, and they take the reindeer straight into the stables so that they can rest.

“Your turn to play with the reindeer Al, they need their stalls cleaning out” Scott tells him and he turns with John and Virgil and they run back out into the snow laughing leaving Alan with a pitchfork and wheel barrow.

There are ten in total, and Alan turns his attention to the first one, but to his relief it has recently been cleaned, as have the others.

“SCOTT!” he yells as he stomps out of the stables and through the snowy grounds to the main workshop.

“Yes” Scott replies, laughing.

“You aren’t funny” Alan tells him.

“Yeah, but I am adorable!” Scott replies.

“Hi Alan” A voice calls from the other side of the room, and his attention is torn from Scott to a new arrival.

“DAD!” he calls in delight, running across the room and into his father’s arms. “Scott is so mean Dad. He wouldn’t let me do anything fun”

“You mean he kept you safe?” Jeff replies.

“No fun!” Alan insists.

“Did you find Santa?” Alan asks, remembering why they are here.

“Why don’t we check on Gordon first, then I will tell you all about it” Jeff replies.

Gordon is still unconscious, his broken leg has been set and is resting on top of the blanket, encased in a bright yellow cast.

“Is he going to be okay?” Alan asks. Shrinking back against the door. He hates seeing Gordon so still and quiet, two abilities everyone was certain that their fish didn’t possess.

“I don’t know. He has suffered a severe head trauma. We don’t know if he will ever wake up.” Jeff replies, sadly, his arms wrapped around Alan, who like John is feeling a significant amount of guilt over Gordon getting hurt.

“I thought if we went on the mission that everything would be okay. This was meant to finally be the perfect Christmas, and it’s been a disaster” Alan says, all the tears that he has been holding back start to spill out over his cheeks as he cries on his father’s shoulder.

Jeff leads Alan into a small office just off the infirmary and hands him a box of tissues.

“Tracy family tradition, worst ever Christmas. Every time you say next year can’t be worse it gets worse. Maybe the key is to not have any expectations” Jeff says. “How about next year we just plan the worst Christmas ever, and then maybe the universe will come through.”

“Do you think that will work?” Alan asks.

“Remember the year Gordon fell off the roof?” Jeff asks.

“Yeah, that’s the year Virgil reckons was his favourite ever Christmas!”

“Then there was the year he got your mum a pet squirrel!” Jeff says laughing.

“Niblet! I loved Niblet!”

“And you won’t remember this as you were just a baby, but there was the year he flooded the laundry room, steel wooled my desk, shredded all my important files, broke the hoover and set the kitchen on fire” Jeff says.

“All in one year?” Alan asks.

“All in the space of four hours!” Jeff replies. “It is why we love him, life with Gordon is never boring!”

“Can I go and sit with him?” Alan asks, suddenly realising that he is brave enough to be there for him.

“Of course, I am going to make hot chocolate I will bring you in some” Jeff replies.

Alan leaves the office and goes back to the infirmary, but Gordon is no longer alone.

Sitting next to him, is Lady Penelope. Her eyes are read from crying and exhaustion, as she holds his hand in hers, using her spare hand to gently stroke the hair from his face as she sings softly.

“Oh give me a home, where the rescuers roam

Where the squid and the rocket boy play

Where seldom is heard, roars from the Thunderbirds

And Scotty’s not grumpy all day!”

Gordon’s fingers start to twitch, to grip her hand, to let her know that he is there with her, that he is never going to leave her side ever again.

“Christmas on the range

Where the squid and the rocket boy play

Where seldom is heard, roars from the Thunderbirds

And Scotty’s not grumpy all day!”

Alan starts to sing too, as he enters the room fully, followed by his father, Scott, Virgil and John and they sing together. Finally united, as they should have been all of this time.

“How often at night when the heavens are bright

With the lights from the glittering stars

Has John stood there amazed and asked as he gazed

Does their wonder exceed Virgil’s art!”

“Do you take requests?” Gordon croaks.

“GORDON!” they all cry in unison as they race towards the bed.

“OW!” he moans. “My head hurts. What happened?” he asks.

“You got crushed by Christmas presents!” Alan says. “Sorry about that!”

“Penny, I didn’t forget your birthday, I just need to learn when pranks aren’t appropriate, but I got you a really awesome gift” Gordon says.

“I know you didn’t” Penelope replies. “And the answer is yes.”

“Yes?” Gordon replies in shock.

“Yes, I would be honoured to marry you. I love you so much Gordon, I don’t want to live another day on this earth without you”

“How did you find out about all of this?” Scott asks.

“I felt it. Here” Lady Penelope replies, holding her hand over her heart. “He needed me”

“Did you ever find Santa?” Gordon asks.

“We will talk about that later; you need to rest” Jeff replies cryptically.

“Dad, was he ever missing or was this to get us to stop arguing? I have played enough pranks in my time to know when I am being set up!” Gordon replies, the truth suddenly dawning on him.

“If I say yes, but you were never meant to get hurt and all five of you were supposed to be delivering gifts and learning to work together, it worked didn’t it!” Jeff said.

“I’m in too much pain for a revenge prank” Gordon announces.

“No revenge prank?” Jeff replies, in shock.

“It really is a Christmas miracle dad!” Alan replies laughing.

[the-writerwoman]

I'm back, with my amazing drabble idea! I won't lie, I fell asleep halfway through writing this and forgot what I was doing :D and I googled the script to get an idea of the conversation.

So I was watching the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and I thought "Omg, Wade and Logan would be perfect for this! Logan, the brooding Mr Darcy. Wade the sharp minded and outspoken Elizabeth. The brooding and pining, the slow burn. It's perfect. Chef's kiss.

Neena is Domino for those who don't know. She takes place of Charlotte, Lizzie's best friend. Dermot is Mr Bingley, Jean grey is his sister and I made Scott her husband in this, even though she still has a thing for Logan. They all just fit, it's too perfect :D

Enjoy!

______________

The music swirled around the grand ballroom as couples danced gracefully across the polished floor. Wade stood near the edge of the dance floor with Neena, watching Vanessa and Dermot move elegantly in time to the music as the song ended. Wade, always the observer, leaned toward Neena with a smirk.

“Well, he’s besotted, isn’t he?” Wade murmured, nodding toward Dermot. “Practically floating. I’d wager Vanessa could ask him to bark like a dog, and he’d do it.”

Neena giggled softly, shaking her head. “At least he’s kind. Vanessa could do far worse.”

“Kindness is overrated,” Wade said, rolling his eyes. “Give me wit, charm, or—”

“Trouble,” Neena interjected with a knowing smile. “Which is why you’re standing here instead of dancing.”

Before Wade could reply, Dermot and Logan stopped just a few paces away, not noticing them. Dermot, flushed with the exhilaration of the dance, turned to his brooding companion.

“Logan, come on, you must dance!” Dermot urged, his cheerful voice cutting through the chatter. “I hate to see you standing there like a statue. At least pretend you’re having a good time.”

Logan shook his head, his arms crossed as he leaned casually against a pillar. “You know how I feel about dancing.”

“You’re impossible,” Dermot said with an exasperated laugh. He gestured toward the crowd. “But look around, have you ever seen so many beautiful women in one room?”

Logan’s gaze swept over the ballroom before settling back on Dermot. “You’re dancing with the only truly beautiful woman here,” he said plainly.

Dermot grinned, his affection for Vanessa clear. “She’s the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. But her brother, Wade, is very… agreeable.”

Wade, standing just out of their line of sight with Neena, raised an eyebrow at the remark. “Oh, how thrilling,” he whispered to Neena. “I’m agreeable. That’s just above tolerable, isn’t it?”

Neena tried to suppress a laugh, but her eyes sparkled with amusement.

Logan’s voice, low and dismissive, followed. “Perfectly tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me.”

Wade’s smirk froze.

Logan continued, his tone indifferent. “You’d better return to your partner and enjoy her company. You’re wasting your time trying to drag me into this nonsense.”

Dermot laughed good-naturedly and left to rejoin Vanessa. Logan, as impassive as ever, stayed where he was, sipping his drink and watching the crowd.

From their place behind the column, Neena turned to Wade, her expression sympathetic but tinged with humor.

“Ignore him,” Neena said softly. “He’s so disagreeable it’d be a misfortune to be liked by him.”

Wade’s smirk returned, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Oh, don’t worry. I wouldn’t dance with him if he were the last man in Canada.”

“Good,” Neena said, linking her arm with his. “Now, shall we find the punch bowl? Or would you rather talk about how utterly ‘tolerable’ you are?”

“Punch first,” Wade said breezily, though his glance lingered briefly on Logan before he turned away.

~~

Dermot stood with Vanessa, Wade, Logan, and Scott near the edges of the dance floor, a pleasant tune in the air. The room was alive with the sound of conversation and laughter, but Wade’s attention had settled on the small group, his sharp wit ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

Dermot turned to Vanessa with a warm smile. “Your brother, Miss Bennet, has quite the gift for conversation. He’s very amusing.”

Wade grinned. “Ah, Mr. Bingley, you flatter me. Amusing is just a polite way of saying I talk too much, isn’t it?”

Vanessa shook her head fondly. “It’s better than being dull, Wade.”

Logan, standing slightly apart, muttered under his breath, “Depends on who’s listening.”

Wade’s grin faltered for half a second before he recovered, his eyes flicking toward Logan. “And here I thought brooding silence was a charming personality trait. You must be the life of every party, Mr. Darcy.”

Dermot, ever eager to diffuse tension, jumped back into the conversation. “Do you think conversation is the true key to affection, Mr. Bennet?”

“Not at all,” Wade replied, leaning back against a pillar. “Conversation can only do so much. Real affection is built on something stronger, something that a few awkward words can’t undo.”

Scott raised an eyebrow. “And what about poetry? Surely that has its place in building affection.”

Vanessa nodded. “Yes, Mr. Summers, poetry has inspired many a romance.”

Wade groaned dramatically. “Poetry? The food of love? Hardly. If anything, poetry is the quickest way to kill a weak affection. One bad sonnet and it’s over.”

Dermot laughed. “Surely you jest, Mr. Bennet. Poetry is meant to inspire!”

Logan, who had been silent until now, added quietly, “I thought poetry was supposed to nourish love.”

Wade turned to him, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, perhaps it does. But only for a love that’s already strong. A fragile affection, though? One overwrought sonnet and it’ll wither faster than an unwatered plant.”

Logan’s gaze sharpened, and for the first time, his lips curved into a faint smug smirk. “So, what do you recommend then to encourage affection, Mr. Bennet? Since poetry seems so dire to you.”

Wade hesitated for a moment, then his grin widened, full of playful challenge. “Dancing, of course. Even if one’s partner is…” He paused, letting his gaze sweep over Logan with mock consideration. “Barely tolerable.”

Logan stiffened, his expression faltering for the briefest of moments before he looked away. Wade’s grin only grew as he inclined his head and took a deliberate step toward the dance floor.

“Speaking of which,” Wade said over his shoulder, “I think I’ll find someone who can keep up. Enjoy your poetry, gentlemen and Sister.”

As Wade disappeared into the crowd, Vanessa gave Dermot an apologetic smile, while Scott tried to stifle a laugh.

Logan stayed silent, his gaze fixed on the space Wade had just vacated, his jaw tightening as a faint blush crept up his neck.

[fandomnsfw]

My Sexy Little Siren - Stile Stilinski x Reader

Pairing: Stiles Stilinski x shy!virgin!Reader

Prompt: I did a poll and Stiles won! Congrats 🥲 sexy bastard.

Warning: smut, dirty talk, 18+. Virginity, making out. Fluff.

No beta sorry pups.

ENJOY!!!

****

You checked your bandana hadn’t slipped in your drivers side mirror before hopping out your baby blue F-85 Cutlass nervously. You brushed the front of your yellow sun dress before you started strolling into the school.

It was your first day at beacon hills and honestly you couldn’t be more nervous. Being supernatural meant you had to check with any other creatures living here before moving but after seeing Derek Hale the alpha in the area he’d gave you the go ahead telling you most of his pack resides at the same school.

You stared at the doors to the school with a shaker breath before finally opening one door trying to slip in undetected however the second you came in all eyes were on you. God why did you wear yellow today, you cursed yourself.

You look at your locker number on a sheet of paper you were holding and finally found it. You opened it and stuff your books inside before grabbing what you’d need for your first lesson however before you could close the door someone did it for you.

You looked up to see a guy with blonde hair and muscles but you weren’t swayed by his looks you were more angry that he could’ve trapped your hands in your locker but you decided to ignore him and try to walk past him but he quickly grabbed your wrist and dragged you back slightly.

“Where you going babe? My names Sam what’s yours?” He questioned in a tone that implied I had no choice but to answer.

Silly boy.

“Let go of me.” You huffed angrily your southern accent as prominent as ever.

“That’s a really pretty accent where you from?” He tried again and you were very quickly losing your patience.

“Hey Samual how about ya’ let the lady go before I tell Scott you’d be better on the bench.” A voice suddenly said from behind you. You spun around as Sam let you go and stood in front of you was possibly the cutest guy you’d ever seen.

He had little beauty spots all over his pale skin, the most amazing amber coloured eyes you’d ever seen with slightly messy brown hair too. His plump lips left you wondering what they would feel like pressed against yours.

“Whatever Stilinski.” Same grumbled before walking off.

“You the new supernatural?” He asked softly making your eyes widen but you gave him a nervous nod.

“Wolf?” He asked casually as he started strolling down the hall. You followed after him with a small smile.

“Siren.” You responded easily and he stopped quickly glancing at you with shocked eyes.

“I have so many questions.” He chuckled as he continued walking again.

“I would be happy to answer them all…Stilinski?” You replied cheerfully you southern accent causing him to smile.

“I like your accent and you can call me Stiles.” He grinned down at you as you flushed slightly.

“T-Thank you.” You muttered shyly as you looked down at the ground.

“I honestly thought you were gonna tell me you were a fairy.” Stiles suddenly said as he stopped in front of what also happened to apparently be his class.

“Why?” You asked curiously a slight frown on your face.

“Cos’ you’re pretty and delicate looking.” He answered honestly making you flush again.

“Stilinski stop flirting and sit your ass down!” The teacher shouted making you jump slightly.

“Yes coach!” Stiles shouted with gritted teeth making you giggle behind your hand.

“You’re the new girl…Y/N Y/L/N?” The coach asked and you nodded shyly making him look around the room.

“Lydia you can show Y/N around today.” He instructed and a small red head waved her hand at you and the seat next to her.

“I see you met Stiles.” Lydia spoke quietly as you opened your economics book.

“Yes he’s very charmin’.” You drawled softly making her eyes widen.

“Stiles? Stilinski?” She raised a brow at you making you blush once again. For goodness sake you wish you stop blushing.

“Mhm. He saved me from a jerk called Sam then said I was pretty and delicate like a fairy.” You giggled softly as you looked over to his seat noticing he was already looking at you, he gave a you a small wave with his slender fingers making you flush again.

“Stiles did?” Lydia huffed like she couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing but you didn’t noticed as you were too busy staring at Stiles who had turned back round to face the front.

His shoulders were broad and strong looking and those beauty spots spread round the back of his neck too. It was very distracting so when coach called on you, you had no idea what to say.

“I’m as lost as last years Easter egg Sir.” You blurted out making everyone laugh and coach look at you in confusion.

“I ain’t gotta clue coach.” You stated clearly this time making him roll his eyes.

“McCall.” He growled as his eyes flicked to a dark hair tan boy.

“Coach have you done something different with your hair?” The boy called McCall laughed nervously and Stile buried his head in his desk to contain his laughter.

You casually leaned onto your hand hiding your mouth as best you could unfortunately coaches eyes clocked both you and Stilinski he was seething.

“Detention. Stilinski. Y/N. And let’s not forget McCall!” He screamed making you jump slightly but you had to bite you lip to stop from laughing.

Great detention on your first day.

*****

You glanced around the cafeteria as you spotted Lydia waving to you. You strolled over to what you assumed was the pack table with grace as you found a seat next to Stiles.

“Hi.” Stiles said sweetly as he shot you a grin that made you flush with a small shy smile occupying your lips.

“Hi.” You muttered softly looking up to see everyone staring at you.

“Stiles says you’re a Siren? What exactly is that?” McCall asked carefully with furrowed brows.

“Oh my god do you have a tale?” A curly haired boy asked across the table.

“Not that I’m aware of.” You snorted softly making stiles smile.

“So what can you do?” Stiles asked casually as he ate a French fry.

“I can sing. I’ve been told when sirens get older they can single handedly stop wars.” You informed seriously making everyone nod thoughtfully.

“So does it work on everyone? What exactly happens when someone is sung to?” He carried on his questions which you happily answered throughout lunch time.

By the end of lunch you’d learnt everyone names and their place in the pack. You found them all so fascinating and it was nice to belong to a group so quickly.

******

You were making your way to detention with coach when you bumped into a rather sturdy chest making you stumble backwards however a strong arm wrapped around your waist stopping you from falling on your ass.

You automatically placed your hands on whoever’s chest it was to steady yourself before looking up to see it was Stiles. Your eyes fluttered a little as you took in his featured this close up.

“S-Sorry I wasn’t w-watchin’ where I was goin’.” You stuttered nervously before taking your hands away from his chest but still not stepping back.

“It’s okay Y/N.” The way he said your name made you shiver and your heart to start to pound in your chest.

You moved around him to walk into coaches econ room as your tried to contain your heart rate knowing Scott would hear it. Scott was already sat in the room where coach stood up and stared down at all of you with a glare.

“I have stuff to do so sit here and read or something. No talking.” He stated before leaving the room.

You sat there reading a book you’d bought yourself last week in silence until the boys started whispering to one another making you look up catching them looking at you.

“Is it genetic or because you’re a siren?” Scott asked nervously making you frown. You ween’t sure what they were referring to so you just raised a brow at them.

“Your…well everything.” Stiles pointed to your body and waved his hand awkwardly.

“Are ya’ll asking if am attractive because am a siren?” You drawled with an eye roll.

“Yes?” He chuckled unsure of whether he was offending you.

“The answer is I don’t know. My mama was real pretty but she was human. So could be either as I got the siren side from my daddy.” You giggled softly making them nod with a small smile.

Detention came and went without a hitch and you were now walking with Scott and Stiles to the parking lot, giggling softly at them as they bickered with one another like brothers.

“Would either of you like dinner at mine? I usually make way too much for myself?” You asked as both boys walked you to your car.

“I would but I promised my mom I’d bring her dinner tonight.” Scott chuckled making you nod softly.

“My dads working all night so yeah I’d love to.” Stiles answered honestly making you smile at him gently.

“Just follow me. Oh an I’ll give ya’ some for you to take to your dad.” You offered, flushing a little when Stiles opened your car door helping you in like a true gentleman.

He nodded at you offer for food for his dad as you clicked your seat belt in before closing the door. You rolled down your window and gave him your best and brightest southern belle smile.

“Why thank you.” You replied playfully your southern accent making it even more humorous.

“You are quite welcome Miss Y/L/N.” Stiles said with a fake southern accent making you giggle.

“I’ll see you soon.” You muttered before waving him to his car.

As you drove home you occasionally checked you mirror making sure you still looked put together before applying a little gloss with one hand as you tried to pay attention to the road still.

You brush the ends of your hair a little, your waves falling nicely over your shoulders as finally pulled up at your little house.

“So you live alone?” Stiles asked as he got out his jeep.

“Mhmm ma’ daddy left me the car and both parents left me enough money to buy myself and house and live off until I finish school.” You answered honestly making him smile understandingly.

“It’s a nice car.” He stated as you unlocked your front door.

Your house was small and on the edge of the woods but it had a nice garden in the front and back which allowed you to grow fruit and vegetables. You also had two chickens in the back allowing you to live mostly off the land accept for meat.

“I used to live on a big farm.” You stated with a chuckled as he observed you house quietly.

“How was that?” He asked sweetly making you grin.

“It was fun. I spent my life raising stock and riding horses in the country but after they died I couldn’t stay there so I sold the farm and started looking for somewhere to live. I eventually decided on California but I didn’t wanna live in the city so I looked at near by towns and found this one had the most supernatural activity and decided I’d maybe finally have friends that understood being different.” You rambled as you took some vegetables, you’d picked this morning, out the fridge.

You had been living here a few weeks before you started school so you could get yourself settled and now everything in your home was exactly how you wanted it.

“That sounds nice actually. I’ve always been more of a wild card I guess. Scott actually got bit one night when I thought it would be fun to go and find a dead body in the woods. My dads the Sheriff so I listen in on all his calls and radio stuff.” He chuckled darkly making you smile sadly.

“Ya’ couldn’t of known Stiles.” You stated seriously as you touched his arm sweetly before taking out a knife and began chopping some tomatoes up.

“Did you not have a boyfriend you were leaving behind?” He suddenly asked making you pause in your current task.

You looked up at him in shock before giggling and shaking your head. You weren’t exactly popular in your old school in fact most people thought you and your mother were witches.

“No I had a boyfriend a few years ago but he dumped me when everyone kept telling him I was a cursed witch.” You chuckled softly making his eyes widen.

“I used to be in love with Lydia. She was popular and I was a serious nerd so I wasn’t in her league but I guess we are friends now.” He huffed with an awkwardly laugh.

“Well her loss.” You stated sweetly as you smiled at him.

“Most would argue that. Including me.” He laughed making you frown.

“You’re hot, sweet, a gentleman and smart I don’t under how people aren’t flocking to your door.” You replied honestly but blushed at your own words avoiding his eyes as you continued chopping up more vegetables.

“You think I’m hot?” Stiles asked in disbelief.

“Well you think I’m pretty and delicate.” You retaliated slightly childishly.

“That’s because you are.” He whispered suddenly you were very aware he wasn’t stood across the room but was now stood behind you.

As he spoke his breath had fanned against your neck causing a shiver to run down you spine and goosebumps to make an appearance.

His hand were on you hips lightly pressing as he turned you around to face him, effectively trapping you against the kitchen counter. His amber coloured eyes lit up under the glow of the late evening sun and his lips were looking much more tempting.

“Can I kiss you?” He asked sweetly as his hand pushed your hair away from your neck softly before cupping under your jaw.

You were so captivated by him the next words that came out weren’t exactly voluntary.

“You…can do whatever you want to me Stiles Stilinski.” You muttered breathlessly.

That’s all it took for him to lean down and close the gap between you. His lips were just as soft as you’d pictured them but the way he kissed you took you by surprise. He gripped onto you tightly, his kiss was passionate yet so loving like you were lover he couldn’t bare to part with.

You whimpered against his lips as his tongue swept across your bottom lip slowly as if he didn’t dare ask for permission but you gave it him instantly.

Yours arms came up to his chest gripping the black tshirt under his plaid one. Once your tongue met and entangled with his, your legs instantly felt weak underneath you. So when they collapsed from under you, you weren’t exactly surprised.

However Stiles seemed to be as he caught you up but pulled back from the kiss to look down at you with wide eyes. His eyes scanned your entire face as if looking for the reason your legs gave out but all he saw was how fucked you were just from a kiss.

“Jesus…you look…blissed.” He whispered in utter disbelief before diving back down and claiming your lips again.

You moaned into his mouth, your hands never letting go of his black T-shirt as honestly the rest of your body wasn’t cooperating you were a puddle under his strong arms and sweet lips.

His hands skimmed across the tiny patch of skin exposed on your ribs and your face flushed and you stuttered out a breath. He pulled back again his eyes scanning you whole body this time.

“Are you always this responsive?” He asked shyly as he finally stepped back slightly making you grab onto the counter to steady yourself.

“N-No.” You whispered quietly.

“I would like to take you on a date.” Stiles suddenly asked making you flush slightly but smile at his words giving him an enthusiastic nod.

*****

It had been a few weeks since you and Stiles had started dating but you’d yet to tell the pack because Stiles said he wanted you all himself for a little bit.

However as the weeks went on you began hating the secret more and more. Mostly because you weren’t able to touch him in school and it was killing you. You’d only made out a few times since the first kiss and you didn’t want to pressure Stiles but you were really starting to feet a tad bit touch starved.

It wasn’t like you didn’t have other people who hugged you and left little touches on your shoulder but it wasn’t Stiles. Which is how you found yourself absolutely bewitched with your hot sweating boyfriend as he ran around at lacrosse practice.

You didn’t even know how long you’d been staring but when Lydia’s voice spoke next to you, you jumped a little.

“Do you see what I see Allison?” Lydia teased as she watched you closely.

“Oh you mean the drool coming off Y/N’s lip?” She laughed as she looked down at the field.

“Which one is it? Hmm? I know all the players I could introduce you!” Lydia exclaimed making your eyes widen half thankful they hadn’t realise who captured your attention. You look back down to see Stiles lift his shirt to wipe his face before taking a drink, your face flushed as you let out a little squeak.

“Oh my god is it-” You covered Lydia mouth before she could say it and he face lit up.

“Shh the boys have Wolf hearing you know!” You snapped quietly making Scott look up at you guys.

“But the one your looking at doesn’t!” Lydia squealed like it was scandalous.

Scott nudged Stiles throwing his head in your direction with a smile making Stiles look up at you with a grin. He gave you a wink before running back off to practise occasionally catching your eyes on him.

“Did Stiles Stilinski just wink at you!?” Erica laughed making you bury your head in the book you had been trying to read before you got distracted.

“You guys are so embarrassing.” You grumbled with a pout as you sunk into your seat on the bleachers more.

******

Once practise had finished you and the girls made your way to your locker so you could grab your jacket they gossiped away about random things happening in school but quickly shut up as soon as Stiles started towards your locker.

You closed you locker quietly but suddenly your back was against your locker and Stiles was in front of you, arm leaning next to your head as he bent down slightly so his eyes were boring into yours.

“You got plans?” He asked casually making Lydia whisper something to Allison you didn’t quite catch.

“I’m going shopping with the girls tonight for the dance on Friday.” You answered quietly glancing at the girls who were wide eyed and very interested to see where this was going.

“You look good in red.” He stated seriously before before glancing at the girls then back to you.

“Wanna go to the dance together?” He asked teasingly making you flush and look at the floor with a nod.

“I’ll pick you up at 7.” He chuckled before walking off with a smirk.

“What’s gotten into him?” Erica laughed like she couldn’t believe that was even Stiles.

“Your gonna have to drag me to the car. I’ve suddenly lost the ability to move my legs.” You sighed dreamily making the girls giggle.

“So how long you guys been dating?” Allison suddenly asked making your eyes bug out there head before you started choking on thin air.

“Since my first week…but we kissed the first day.” You informed them shyly.

“Oh my god. How have you guys kept this a secret from wolves?!” Lydia laughed as you rolled your eyes playfully.

“Because we haven’t gone on that many dates and we’ve only kissed a handful of times.” You muttered with a blush covering your cheeks as you arrived at your car.

“Why?” Erica asked suspiciously.

“I don’t know…maybe I seem too desperate. Whenever he kisses me I always looked like I’ve had my brains fucked out.” You mumbled shrugging your shoulders.

“Oooooh.” Lydia says like she finally understands.

“What?” You asked quickly earning a few giggles.

“He’s treating you like a delicate flower.” Allison answered honestly making you frown.

“He needs to know you want him to take control. You’re a sexy siren he probably thinks that if you wanted to go further you would.” Erica suggested as an alternative.

“Or maybe he doesn’t wanna push you. You maybe a sexy siren but you’re also very shy. There’s one word that might work to push him over the edge.” Lydia sighed softly before raising her brows as if trying to build tension.

“Please.” She stated seriously and you frowned in confusion.

“Erica you drive I need more context.” You say passing her the keys to your car.

You got in the back with Lydia as Allison took the passenger seat. You glanced at Lydia and gave her a nod letting her know you need more information. She clicked her seatbelt on and launched into her explanation.

“So you look like that after making out so the easiest thing to do would be look him in the eyes when he pulls away say ‘please’ in a quiet voice and then bite your bottom lip.” She stated like it was common knowledge.

“That will work?” You questioned uneasily.

“Yes 100%.” Lydia nodded enthusiastically.

Okay so that’s what you’ll do the next chance you get.

*****

You ran you hand over you dress as you stared at your reflection before spinning round to Allison who was getting ready at yours since Scott would be riding with us too.

“You look amazing stop doubting yourself.” She stated without you even saying a word.

“If you don’t get laid tonight we’re going back to that shop for a refund.” Lydia said over the FaceTime on Allison’s phone.

“Okay I’m ready.” You stood with your head held high as Allison put the last leaf clip on your hair.

“Good because I think the boys are here.” She said as she glanced out your bedroom window.

You both came down and opened the door before Stiles even had chance to knock, his eyes widening as they ran down your full body.

“I think he’s broken.” Scott said to Allison as he escorted her to the car.

“I am not broken I was trying not to say something inappropriate in front of company.” He growled with a smirk on his face as he offered you his hand.

“Shame on you Mr Stilinski.” You giggled softly before taking his offered arm.

“Not yet.” He muttered under his breath but you heard it causing you to flush.

*******

As you walked into the dance on Stiles arm a lot of people looked shocked. You weren’t sure if it was your dress or your date but you didn’t care.

Stiles was looking at you like you were the only one in the room and that was worth more attention than other people. He was wearing a black suit jacket a black shirt and red tie with plain black slacks.

“To the dance floor sexy lady.” He chuckled as he spun you playfully on your way to the dance floor.

You happily danced to a few songs before you dragged him off to sit down. He kissed your head, before telling you he’d get you a drink. Allison smirked at you the second he was gone but you just rolled your eyes at her.

“He’s so confident. It’s weird.” Scott laughed as her glanced over at you.

“It’s probably because there’s only room for one blushing mess in a relationship.” You joked softly making him shoot you his famous dopey grin.

“Or maybe you make him feel sexy.” Erica snorted making you flush once again.

You ignored all of them as Stiles brought you a drink. You took a sip before looking over at him with a sweet smile. He shot you a small grin before tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

“I’m gonna get some air.” You whispered in his ear so he’d hear you okay, he nodded and put his jacket over your shoulders before holding out his arm for you again.

You shot a look over your shoulders letting the girls know you were gonna try now. Their eyes widened as they looked at each other with a grins on their face.

You leaned against the wall outside the school taking a deep breath as you let the cold air take away some of your cheeks redness.

“You look like a goddess.” Stiles whispered as he approached, blocking you against the wall, both his hands laying flat beside your head.

“And you look hot as fuck with your sleeves rolled up.” You giggled playfully making him bow his head against your collar bone with a laugh.

He looked up again his eyes flicking between your red lips and your Y/E/C eyes. You slid your hands up his ribs to his chest as he leaned in and finally kissed you.

He started slow but when you accepted his tongue into the equation he quickly became more frantic. His hands moving to your hips as he pulled your body towards him so you were pressed against him completely.

When you nails raked down his chest he pulled away and stared into your eyes like he always did only this time you looked back.

“Please.” You moaned before biting your lip. It happened faster than you thought it would his eyes went from amber to almost completely black as he gripped your hips in a way you knew would leave bruises.

“Fuck.” He groaned as you pulled you in for a quick yet passionate kiss.

“Go get in the jeep.” He instructed, passing you the keys.

As you turned to go to the jeep you noticed the girl peeking round the corner and shooed them away. You jogged over to the jeep getting in the passenger side before popping the key in the ignition.

Stiles got into the car started it, his free hand coming to rest on your thigh and he didn’t say a would the whole ride home. Once we arrived he ran round and opened the door for you, holding out his hand so you could stepped out.

He locked his car before dragging you towards the house still not saying anything as he took your keys and unlocked your front door.

However once the door was shut he spun around pushing you against the wall next to the front door, his lips on your immediately.

“Say it again.” He murmured against your lips.

“Please. Need you Stiles.” You added this time.

His hands were in your hair gripping it as he pulling you into another heavy kiss. Your tongue didn’t even try to battle it yet gave into him like he was in control of your body.

“God do you know how hard it was to stop after kissing you all those other time?” Stiles groaned as he began kissing down your neck, nipping and sucking the skin around your collar bone as he reached it.

“I wanted you on that first day.” You moaned softly as his hand wandered down to your ass.

“If I had known that I would’ve taken you on the fucking kitchen counter sweet girl.” He whispered in you ear seductively.

“Run to your bedroom, get out that dress and wait for me on the bed.” You gave him a nod before running to your bedroom.

You hurried to unsteadily unbuckle your shoes before kicking them off and then you unzipped your dress. You let the dress fall to the floor and took off your jewellery finally leaving you in a simple blood red thong.

You laid down on your bed kicking your legs in the air for about 5 minutes before Stiles came in with two waters and a bunch of snacks making you furrow you brow at him in frustration.

“Don’t worry that’s for after I’m done with you baby.” He chuckled as he stripped his shirt and tie before doing the same with his pants leaving him in boxers only.

He crawled onto the bed with a smirk before flipping you over some he could take all of you in. His long slender hand trailed down your neck and in between your bare chest and you stomach before you got to the edge of your panties.

“May I?” He asked sweetly making you flush but give him a nod of confirmation.

He pulled down your panties at an agonisingly slowly pace leaving kisses in his wake. When they were finally on the floor he opened your legs and really took your whole body in as he bit his bottom lip.

“Look at you all laid out and wet for me. You really are a goddess sent just for me.” He groaned as he admired your glistening sex.

“Need you to touch me Sti.” You moaned as you hand your own hands over you erect nipples.

“Okay baby. I got you.” He whispered seductively as his head disappeared from view.

His breath was suddenly blowing across your wet folds. You shivered nervously but opened your legs more for him which he rewarded with a small kiss on you thigh.

“Your so pretty baby.” He muttered as his tongue came out to lick gently up your slit.

You quickly realised he wasn’t just talking about you in general, he was talking about a specific part of you that he was currently spreading out gently.

You felt so exposed but you never once tried to hide yourself from his gaze or touch. You knew it was because you trusted him with all of you, even your heart.

“Come here baby.” He whispered as he gripped your thighs, pulling you closer before his tongue was on you.

He was gentle and very attentive, he listened to your body and responded. When he thrust his tongue inside of you, you couldn’t help the long dirty moan that came out your mouth as you grind against his tongue.

“Stiles.” You whimpered as your hands thread through his hair pulling slightly as his tongue went back to your clit drawing random shapes on it.

As he continued his ministrations there whilst he used the wetness from your entrance to coat two of his fingers. He circled around you hole causing your hole to flutter.

“Please need yer’ long fingers. Been thinking about them since you first waved at me in class.” You pleaded quietly, blushing at your own words.

“So needy aren’t you baby?” He whispered against your clit before continuing his task.

He pushed twos finger in causing you to feel a slight stretch. His fingers were a lot bigger than yours but you didn’t care you loved it. He curled his fingers upwards and started massaging that spot you had honestly never bothered to find.

“Oh god…love please.” You begged as you started grinding against him again and he he never stopped you.

Suddenly you had a boost of confidence and gripped its harder pulling and pushing him where you want it seem to turn him on further making him moan against your clit.

He suddenly started licking faster, his fingers never stopping but then he pulled away sitting up as you teetered the edge. Before you could say anything he start thrusting his finger in an upwards motion as the heel of his hand grind against your swollen wet button.

“Oh fuck!” You screamed as you gripped the sheets at either side of you desperately trying to ground yourself.

He sped up his hand making you arch your back off the bed. He moved his palm but his fingers kept up and he dove back down using his tongue again. The switch to soft and wet had you cumming without warning.

“Fuck.” Stiles moaned as he sat back to watch you come undone.

You body shook as your legs slammed shut twitching slightly. You looked up at him with hooded eyes as you pulled him towards you.

“You should know…I’m a virgin.” You whispered breathlessly

“So am I baby.” Stiles chuckled before kissing your chest before moving to your nipples.

“How did you make me cum better than I’ve ever done to myself?” You giggled softly which was broken my a moan as Stiles bit your nipple and a predatory grin on his face.

“I like research.” Was all he said before sitting up again.

“You got a condom?” He asked cautiously.

“No but I’ve been on iud since about a year ago for other reason.” You blushed at the implication but when you saw Stiles eyes darken further it was worth it.

“Need to be inside you.” Stiles groaned before bending down to kiss you passionately.

He lined himself at your entrance as he pulled back from the kiss to look into your eyes. You gave him a nod as you wrapped your arms around him. Fuck he was bigger than you’d expected.

You dug your nails into his back as he pushed into you slowly, his forehead leaning against yours as he stared into your eyes.

It felt so intimate and right even as he finally broke through your barrier. You whimpered in pain a single tear falling down the side of your face which he wiped away sweetly before kissing you lovingly.

“That’s the hard bit done baby. I’m sorry.” He whispered against your cheeks the guilt in his voice made your heart flutter as you clung to him tightly.

You looked into his eyes and in the moment you knew. You were so utterly in love with him.

“I love you Stiles.” You whispered thought it came more out like a moan when you moved by accident causing him to push in deeper.

He stared at you for a second as if process what you’d said before he kissed you again for a few seconds then pulled back.

“I love you too.” He huffed with a small laugh like he was trying to contain his happiness.

“Make love to me Stiles.” You whimpered as you grind against him, the pain mostly gone.

“I got you.” He whispered breathlessly against your skin.

He pulled almost all the way out before slowly pushing back in, changing his angles with every thrust until you cried out loudly making him chuckle softly.

“That the right spot baby?” Stiles teased as he grind into that spot again.

“Mhm. Feel’s so good.” You whimpered as your fingers came to thread through his hair.

You tugged at the strands making him thrust into you a little harder still hitting that spot. God you told him to make love to you but honestly with how you felt you really wish he’d just fuck you.

You ran your hands down the back of his neck gently before you got to his back and scraped you nails down in. He arched his back pressing his chest into yours but did exactly what you wanted and sped up.

“Oh shi- Yes!” You moaned rather loudly which only seemed to have Stiles speeding up more.

“Come on baby.You gonna cum for me?” He smirked but that quickly dropped as he moaned when you clenched around him.

His hand snaked down to your clit rubbing slow soft circles on it which paired with the fact that he was fucking you like a wild animal tipped you over the edge.

“Shit Stiles! Oh y-yeah cum inside me Sti. Want yer’ to fill me up.” You moaned as you rode out your orgasm.

Stiles pulled his hand away and started pounding into you with everything he had. You clenched around him and finally you felt him twitch inside you as he coated your walls.

His thrusts slowed down until they stopped as you collapsed on top of you however quickly rolled you over so you were on top.

He didn’t move to take himself out of you as he laid there catching his breath as you laid on his chest your eyes drifting slightly. Stiles sat up with you in his lap, still inside of you.

You whimpered a little clenching around his now half hard cock. You stared up at him with so much love as he stroked you cheek sweetly.

“Was that okay baby?” He asked softly causing a dopey grin to take over your face.

“Was perfect. Love how ya’ feel inside me.” You giggled drowsily as you threw your arms around his neck.

“I love you.” He whispered against your hair before rolling over so you were under him again.

“I love you too.” You replied as he pulled out causing a moan to leave you mouth.

“Stay there my love.” He muttered as he ran off to you bathroom across the hall.

He came back with a cloth, wiping you down which made you flush and hide you face behind your arms. He chuckled before taking the cloth back to your bathroom you popped on you things before passing him to go into the bathroom and pee.

You came back and he was sat in his boxers drinking some water and texting he someone. But as you came in topless he soon dropped it and crooked his finger telling you to come here you sat down on his lap and curled up into his chest.

“I’ve just told my da-”

His phone started ringing seeng his dads name on the screen he rolled his eyes and clicked the green phone icon before putting it on speaker as he passed you your water.

“Your not with Scott because his mom just left the hospital to pick him up cos you left him and Allison at the dance.” His dad huffed with what you could feel was definitely and eye roll.

“Fine I’m at my girlfriends.” He answered honestly but his dad went silent.

“What girlfriend?” He suddenly said like he wasn’t sure he heard right.

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me.” Stiles grumbled making you giggle.

“Oh my god that was a girl! Is that why you bought a new suit?” The sheriff laughed.

“Good bye Daddio!” Stiles shouted as he hung up.

“Aww you bought a new suit for me?” You giggled softly making him roll his eyes playfully.

“Come here my sexy little siren.” He chuckled as he pulled you on top of him.

[edutainer2022]

I got deeply impressed and moved by the stories Breaking and Loneliness by the amazing @janetm74, so the deep dive into Scott's pained, unraveling headspace (and how it affects the brothers) wouldn't let me go. This is a John and Scott story, set marginally in "A Cracked Pot"-verse (same as Breaking). Scott hit a tipping point and John has to think fast on his feet.

Warnings: mental health issues, suicide mention, mental breakdown.

CONTINGENCIES

John took the moment of quiet to regroup. He didn't have much time. The door to the walk-in closet was ajar, so he would see if Scott moved or got up. That wasn't his place. He NEEDED Virgil! But Scott's sobs wound into a wail, once he mentioned summoning the brother far better equipped for that. John got scared, clutching Scott in his arms for dear life.

He hadn't seen biggest brother like that since... since Dad was gone. The memory of leaving the psych facility without Scott then still kept John awake at night. He wasn't sure what triggered the breakdown either. Only Scott refused to see Virgil, blissfully ignorant on the beach at the moment - doing some thing or other marine life or art related with Gordon. John followed the queasy gut feeling when there was nobody to greet him from orbit in the lounge, several holo-spreadsheets abandoned open on the console. Scott's paperwork of the day. He found biggest brother curled in on himself in his room - tears streaming down, nearly unresponsive. Mumbling a litany of being broken and no good for anyone anymore, no fun, no time, no self. And apologies. A stream of apologies laced with so much pain - John got truly mortified for the first time in a long while.

The prudent thing to do would be to ignore Scott's protests and to fetch Virgil with a sedative.  But he couldn't bring himself to let biggest brother go, maneuvering his lanky limbs around him awkwardly, till Scott's weeping exhausted him into uneasy rest. He wasn't asleep, just quiet and trans-like, mesmerizing the closet door. That's why John made a break for it, loath as he was to unlatch himself from big brother's prone frame. He had a good pretense - the need to change out of his spacesuit. Scott's comfortable sweats and a hoodie would always do the trick for him. But most importantly he needed to stop his hands from shaking and to ping Eos. A quick tap on the touchpad and the door to Scott's in-built safe got open. John reached in blindly and removed the gun trying not to look at it. Another quick move and the weapon was wrapped in John's now discarded spacesuit. The next time the door of the safe closed it was with a scrambled secure code Eos input. Just as she changed all access codes to all weaponries on the island on John's orders. That was a conversation with Kayo he wasn't looking forward to having, soon. But first things first.

He cast a glance at Scott - the brother hadn't moved from his spot on the covers. But he didn't appear in more distress. John weighed his options. The bunched up uniform was concealing his morbid trophy. He raked his memory trying to recall if Scott had any blades or sharp objects in his bathroom. Maybe not, but there was a cabinet worth of unused prescription pills. Scott got a, sadly, corroborated idea, soon after Dad was gone, the IR would not be greenlit for operations if the Commander didn't have all his marbles in a row.

A faux lighthearted "I'll get you a glass of water, Scotty" elicited no response. John dashed into the en suite, swept past due date prescription bottles into the folds of blue neoprene, and hurried back into the room. He needn't have worried for plausibility, though. Scott was still and listless, curled in on himself. John leaned down to rest his forehead on big brother's temple, clutching the grim harvest of suicide proofing Scott's quarters, closely to his chest. He felt the breath brush his chin more than heard the words.

"I'm sorry... I thought I could be... for all if you... I'm not..."

Air caught in John's throat and he nearly choked on a sob of his own. He felt dizzy. He wanted to scream. To let out the ire at the pain that was dragging his brother under. It wasn't fair! Scott didn't deserve it! They couldn't loose him! They wouldn't! John squeezed his eyes, feeling the tears burn, and tried to remember the lay of the sitting room, bathroom and bedroom for more potential hazards. Pens, ties, cashmere scarves, bed linens, mouthwash, aspirin, climbing gear, supershiny gell, maybe even mirrors - it would all have to go. John was not taking any chances. Eos should have already blocked the sliding doors to the balcony. But first he had to get rid of the most obvious threats. He gave Scott's temple a quick peck and rushed to the door. John's plan was remarkably unsophisticated - stash the uniform-turned-sack in the hallway, out of sight, and sprint back to hold Scott through the worst of it. Ideally, he should be in and out in under thirty seconds. He couldn't let big brother out of his sight for longer - it made him physically sick.

The plan caught a hitch as soon as he slipped out, leaving the door half open again. A shadow detached from the wall and he was face to face with Kayo. Oh! Right... The armory locks... F*ck... Jade eyes gave him a once over - Scott's hoodie, a disheveled ginger mop, full body shivers and all. Kayo reached to relieve him of the balled up uniform and the burden it harbored without another word.

"He keeps a knife under his mattress. And there's a hidden blade in his belt buckle."

John nodded absently. A brisk fluid motion enveloped him into a brief yet tight hug he didn't fight off. With that Kayo was gone and he hurried back into Scott's room.

"Haya, Scooter! How about we get you into something more comfortable? Let's get this belt off, eh?"

John winced at the way how fake his nonchalance sounded, but he didn't care. Scott was still fully lost in his head.

"I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to break... Noone needs a cracked pot... I'm sorry..."

John gave up trying to wrangle Scott into a well-worn set of sweats for a moment and went back to just holding his brother. His own tears could not be contained any longer and fell freely into the chestnut hair. God, he needed Virgil there! ASAP!

[melmac78]

Here’s chapter seven of the Lexington story. The picture on the left is from the main entrance, but shows a good picture of the flags discussed in this chapter. (If it looks familiar, this is the background that @lenle-g used as the backdrop for the amazing artwork based on this story, but you can get this on the flight deck too. The flag on the right is W and sourced online.)

The photos below include the bridge, which accesses the flag area, the flag bag and information about it, and a T-34C mentor which is at least painted like a Flying Tiger. This plane, however, would’ve trained pilots and not for battle. (This is a plane model I’ve flown in.)

Previous Chapter 6

••••••

About and hour and a half later, after treating patients in the wardroom and checking up on others, the Tracy brothers discussed options on what to do next.

Each brother started discussing means to contact other ships minus using Four.

This lead to a huge argument between Scott and Gordon, especially as the latter postulated he could use sonar to make his way to land.

Virgil tried to mitigate the argument via walkie-talkie.

John, who was sound asleep fighting off his illness, didn’t hear a peep.

The youngest, who was already feeling a headache and warm in his uniform, was fed up. Alan said he’d start searching the flight and bridge deck.

Miffed when neither brother was listening, he started on his course, stumbling slightly on the fairly smooth floor. Shaking his head he pinched his nose to stave off the uneasy feeling he had.

A few minutes later, the older two brothers realized he was gone.

Scott contacted the youngest, who explained what he planned to do.

The eldest confirmed the idea might work, and Scott and Gordon, along with Jacob, started working on ways to prevent more illness.

Little did they know a person had overheard as they treated a camper, and left before the duo did to keep eavesdropping on the Tracy brothers, particularly the aquanaut.

They had been told to let this run its course, and work on a way to explain any hospitalizations… or worse. After all - the product needed to be refined, and the less known how much of a disaster this test was, the better.

•••••••

Alan looked around the flight deck, and saw nothing but the blue water of the Atlantic Ocean.

"I've got to find some way to get an alert out to people we're here," he thought and looked at the one of the planes still blocked on the flight deck.

He looked at one painted like a Flying Tiger and placing a hand on it, sighed.

"I really wish we had some jet fuel - Scott could go and fly, but we don't know where…" he started then paused when his head again swum slightly, making him take a few fast breaths.

Alan didn't quite get why he felt like a fish out of water so to speak. It seemed simple climbs were a little bit more laborious, but his breathing now was clearly panic in his mind.

He took a deep breath and sighed. "OK, need to calm down… hyperventilating won't do John any good,” he said, ignoring the niggling feeling in his gut something was wrong.

The youngest then turned to go back up to the main bridge to get a better look of the area around the ship for possible means to signal help.

As he started he felt the wind blow again, making him shudder as though he had a sunburn and the air conditioning was on.

He rubbed his face tiredly and turned to his right where the T-34C was, sitting heavily on the stairs.

"I don't believe it Virgil … I'm frying in this outfit," he said to the vehicle, tapping his comm briefly. "You know, like one of those Astro Dogs at the Astros game we went to…"

The comm clicked off when he leaned toward the plane again and patted it, trying to get it to laugh.

When the plane naturally didn't say anything, he frowned at the painted on snarl. "Come on Virgil - don't snarl. That was supposed to be a joke," he said, playfully punching the plane.

He recoiled in pain from the punch, and had a moment of clarity he hit a plane.

Shaking his hand, he confirmed he hit the plane. “That isn't Virgil…I'm getting to be as bad as John did with those dummies..." he said, pausing and wincing as a wave of dizziness got him.

It was starting to make sense… and that uneasiness came at him stronger. Double with the recollection of the night before…

Alan realized to his horror he had it too. "And John also is… no, not me too. I need to get us help - and fast,” he said, shuddering in the wind. “But how..."

The astronaut braved a glance upward to the bridge, and saw the colorful flags in the air. They were doubling… or blurry… but they seemed to be important.

“The tour yesterday - Gordon said….”

His eyes widened in fevered delight as a plan formed in his head. It was risky with his health but it was a way to get help.

The youngest astronaut hit his sash. "Gordon, you're a genius," he said and started up the ladders to the bridge.

Gordon who was near the open bay near the fo’c’sle, frowned, confused at the comment.

He was thankful however there was one spot the baldric comms worked.

“How am I a genius Alan?" he said through the comm.

All he got was a cut off speaker, hit again when Alan bumped into a railing from vertigo and caught himself.

The aquanaut frowned. "Alan... you OK?" he inquired again, tapping his sash. This time he didn't hear a response.

The youngest astronaut however groaned from collision, but continued as though the others could hear.

"I'm going to set up a signal flag! There has to be a ship nearby - maybe even WASP - that could see it and get help," he said, pausing at the top of the bridge area when he felt a bit dark and unlevel.

He steadied himself. "If I can get there… take it slow Alan, don't pass out,” he said, half feeling his way to the door leading to the flag bag area.

Alan made it to the spot, a small lookout like area where the signal flags were and, tracing then rope with the flags, was able to free it from the tie-down.

He quickly lowered the flags, pausing only a moment when the world spun alarmingly. Alan rested his head against the wall, appreciating the coolness. "I could get used to this…" he started, and started to slide down a little.

A slight burst of friction heat woke him up and he straightened, tilting wildly. Fortunately the flag box was sturdy and wide enough Alan was able to catch himself and keep from flipping over the side to an unforgiving flight deck..

"Nope! I've got to stay awake - John, the others… I need help, and we can't get it … without the flag," he said as he removed the decorative flags until there was a bare rope.

The youngest Tracy then rummaged through the flags, searching for the "W" flag, and whooped faintly with joy when he found it.

Alan's hands were starting to shake as his body fought to keep him alert. He fumbled with the clips, and was thankful the design was the same no matter how he pinned it up.

He felt his vision again start to go again as he grew more ill, but he was going to raise that flag. It was their only chance.

Thanks to the growing darkness pulling at him, every hand pull felt like like he was trying to lift TB5 from underwater.

Still he was determined to get the flag raised, even if he became a human anchor again.

"A little more," he said, gritting his teeth, but finally, he felt the rope not move and secured it to the holder in a figure 8 formation.

Alan looked up and blearily saw the "W" flag waving clearly in the breeze.

"I did it," he sighed wearily, only to feel the world around him darken and waver once more.

He tried to fight it, tried to even hit his sash's comm, but his arms wouldn't comply. Alan realized this time he was going down.

So, he used those fleeting seconds of awareness to stumble toward the wall, rolling onto his back to help him through this part safely.

"I hope the guys …. can find me," he thought vaguely as he felt himself slide down, aided by the wall. He then fell sideways into the massive amounts of flags on the ground, cushioning the now oblivious teen's head.

•••••

Gordon tried his sash comm again. "Alan, will you please respond?" he said urgently.

"What's the trouble Gordon?" said Scott instead, who had arrived to where his aquanaut brother stood.

"I don't know. Alan said I was a genius, but when I asked what, he just disconnected the comm," said the aquanaut. "Seemed a bit odd for him to say that though. Kind of out there -"

"No kidding, just like that frying Astro Dog comment earli…" started Scott, who then frowned.

The younger man also frowned. "Frying?... He did sound a bit out of it," said Gordon, who then paled. "You don't suppose he's sick now?"

Virgil, who had been listening to both communications, pursed his lips. "It's possible. He's been around John the most, plus had to keep him from falling into a medical storage bay," he said.

"Starting to sound more than likely," said Gordon. "We need to find him, and fast before he tries to swan dive off into a storage bay.”

Scott immediately went into action. "Gordon, you take the captain's quarters tour,” he said. “I'll take the fo’c’sle."

Virgil heard a different squawk on the radio. “This is Virgil, go ahead Jacob,” he said.

“Virgil, do you or your brothers need my assistance?” Said the older man.

The medic looked at his other ill brother and sighed. “Can you keep an eye on John?” He queried. He knew the older man had wrenched his shoulder earlier catching a football playing college student when he collapsed, and couldn’t assist in a rescue.

“10-4 Virgil. Will be there in 5. There’s an extra radio for Scott on the front desk in the office.”

Virgil switched off the radio. “Did you get that?”

"FAB Virgil. You head to the flight deck when Jacob comes over,” said Scott as he and Gordon started their search. Each grew frustrated as their searches were not proving fruitful.

••••••••

A few minutes later, Virgil had reached the flight deck and started searching.

After searching bow to stern, he growled. "Come on bro, this is NOT the time to get lost," he said, hoping he did not succeed in doing a nosedive off the ship.

He looked up as though in prayer.

It was answered… just not the way he'd expected.

Virgil saw one flag now on the mast of the Lexington - and paused for thought.. "Scott, Gordon, do you know if they were going to change the colors today?" he said.

"I can't believe the 'oh so polite' Scouts managed to spell a curse word in the order they flew them," said Gordon with a chuckle on his radio.

Virgil narrowed his eyes. "Not the time Gordo - were they for sure?" he asked.

Hearing both men grunt in the negative, he nodded firmly. "I think I know where Alan may be. If I'm right, and he's down, I'll need your help to lower him."

"Lower him?" said Scott, concerned.

"No time to explain bro, just head to flight deck. I'll contact you as soon as I know," said Virgil as he rushed up the bridge ladders.

He hoped that Alan was where he suspected and didn't try to go another 50 feet up to higher parts of the ship with their grapples.

Virgil carefully made his way around the steering wheel and chairs to the exit where the signal flags were stored.

There, in a bundle of nautical flags, was Alan, unmoving.

"Alan!" he said and quickly kneeled by the youngest, checking his pulse.

Feeling the heat radiating off the younger man through his gloves, Virgil shuddered, then switched on the radio. "Scott, Gordon, Alan's in the bridge area,” he said and started checking teen’s vitals.

Scott, who was in the office, pursed his lips. "How is he Virg?" he inquired as he hurriedly left the office and headed toward his brothers.

Virgil gently lifted one of Alan's eyelids and checked the ill man's eye response. "Out cold and burning up," said the medic.

"Darn it," said Gordon on his radio, growing angrier. "Scott, we've got to use Four and seek help."

The eldest shook his head, and remembering the others couldn't see it, spoke up. "Belay that Gordon. Right now we need to get Alan to safety," he said.

“But…”

“Gordon, it’s too risky. We can’t have you drive off in Four and end up falling ill too,” he said.

"FAB," said Gordon, who turned off his radio and started to head up to the flight deck, and upon arrival, then turned to the bridge entrance.

He paused, shaking his head. The risk was great yes, but the reward greater, he mused, and decided to ignore the order.

With that, Gordon turned another route, toward the bow where Four was located.

"John has been out of it most of the morning and his fever keeps going back up despite our efforts to cool him down. And he’d be angry at Scott if we didn’t try to get help for the kids," said Gordon sternly to himself as he jogged to his beloved sub. "Now Alan is sick too, I'm going!"

Gordon climbed into Thunderbird Four and using the emergency thrusters pushed his craft off of the flight deck.

"AaaWeee!" Gordon cried as Thunderbird Four fell the few hundred feet into the waves below. Under other circumstances he would have thought it fun, even though his yellow sub landed on its top in the waves.

"Oof! Don't want to do that again," groaned the aquanaut as he rubbed a bruised shoulder where the harness hit him.

Gordon used the thrusters and soon righted his Thunderbird. The duo dove down deep, hoping to escape detection from his brothers.

Little did he know: he already had a stowaway - one who had already overheard his idea and was in a life pod inside, ready to give him help.

Just not the aid needed.

••••••••

Meanwhile, Scott had arrived to the flight deck and looked up to the bridge area. "Virgil, I'm here. Where are you?" he said through the radio. “What do you need?"

Virgil leaned over the railing briefly to show his location. "See if there's a stokes or something we can carry him in," he ordered.

"Do you need any rigging to get him down?"

"No, I’ve got my grapples and they’re designed to carry double my weight,” said Virgil. “The winds up here are a little stronger - but we’ll have to risk Alan colliding with something. Meet me on the hangar deck."

"FAB, I'll be back shortly," said Scott as he went to search for the items needed.

Virgil finished removing the last flag when the youngest murmured briefly and opening his eyes, blearily looked up. "Are you my guardian angel," Alan asked innocently.

"Not quite bro - I'm still alive for one," chuckled Virgil as he checked Alan's pulse. "Do you know where you are?"

Alan looked at the flag in Virgil's hand. "I think I've either lost a fight with MAX and the laundry again or I got that flag up and passed out," he said.

Virgil smiled. "No on the former - though I want to hear that story someday, but yes on the latter. Crazy move brother, but it just might work," he said, leaning forward to lift his brother. "Now, I'm sure you know the drill now right?"

Alan saw Virgil's body language and winced. "You're not going to carry me are you?" said Alan, whining like a three year old.

"Yeah - sorry Al, I'm going to have to in order to rappel down. There's nothing but ladders here and if you collapse again -" he said, and again checked the younger man's pulse and response.

"Not going to," said the younger, weakly brushing off the hand.

Frowning at his finding, Virgil continued honestly. "Sorry bro, but I'm afraid you will from what I'm seeing. Even if you don't, in your condition we don't need you falling down the stairs from a dizzy spell and get hurt worse."

"No I won't…" Alan murmured and tried to sit up. He sagged back against the wall, supported by Virgil. "O-K, FAB… you win…" he said tiredly.

"I'm glad to hear that. Now, let me do the work this time," chided Virgil as he gently pulled his brother into a standing position.

The move unfortunately was too much of a position change and Alan indeed once more blacked out, sagging into his brother's shoulder with a soft, barely heard moan.

Virgil held on to his brother as he felt the teen go limp. "Easy Alan, I've got you," the medic said in reassurance as he swiftly stabilized his brother and connected the two baldrics together to rappel.

Scott, who had been able to get a backboard to carry their brother, had seen some motion at the spot and frowned. "Virgil? What's wrong?" He half shouted in the radio.

Virgil chose to wait briefly as the feedback faded, then responded. "Alan passed out again."

"Panic attack?" asked Scott. He didn't blame Alan if he did have one at the thought of being rappelled down against his will, ill or not. At least they could carry him down the long frozen escalator.

"No, I think from orthostatic hypotension."

"FAB," said Scott, understanding now it was from a drop in his blood pressure standing an ill Alan up to connect the harnesses.

"I am heading to the fight deck," Virgil said as he carefully connected a rappel charge to a sturdy pipe.

Once assured of its security, he went down the “exit” route with his precious cargo. "Do you have everything ready?"

"FAB, and what I could find to cool him down," said Scott as he laid the items out on the hangar deck.

A few minutes later, Virgil landed on the flight deck, and after removing the harness link, lifted Alan into a fireman’s carry.

Virgil walked a few yards to where Scott was with with a gently moaning Alan. "He's been mumbling on the way down," said the medic as he carefully lowered their brother to the ground. "I think he'll be like John and wake up a little more when we cool him down."

Scott covered Alan with the cooling blanket and checked his pulse. "Why was he up there in the first place?" said the pilot.

"Probably to put that one flag up to get attention," Virgil said, pointing. "I think that one means 'quarantine' or 'medical help' if I've kept some of Gordon's ramblings in my head."

Scott gave an exasperated chuckle. "You're right Virgil - it is one. That crazy kid - no wonder he said Gordon a genius," he said. "Hopefully it'll get us some help - a local trawler, a cargo ship, WASP."

"I hope so too. In the meantime we need to get Alan to the berthing quarters and out of his uniform into something more comfortable," said Virgil.

They both knew like John's suit, it was designed to keep in warmth in a space environment. Alan's fever combined with the suit would cause further issues.

There was a soft groan from the deck, and the two eldest looked down. "Alan, can you hear me," said Virgil gently. "Just relax, we'll have you cooled down soon enough."

The youngest looked at Virgil with dizzy eyes. "Hate being an Astro Dog, Mr. Cheeseburger. Can you hold the anchovies?" muttered Alan before subsisting again.

Scott looked at the teen and gave a weak grin.

"FAB, Astro Dog," said Scott, looking at a slightly bemused Virgil. "Come on Mr. Cheeseburger... let's get Astro Dog here some nice cold ice water to cool him down."

"Definitely," said the medic as he and Scott picked up the stokes to take the youngest to the berth.

In their haste to get Alan cooled down, neither of the fully alert men noticed TB4 was not on the deck.