#all is fair in love and war

[okiedokrie]

All Is Fair In Love And War (TEASER)

Summary: Joshua is nothing if not determined. If he wants something, he'll get it; not that he even had to try before. But sometimes, like Icarus, he flies a little too close to the sun. But hey, all is fair in love and war!

Characters/Pairing: Aphrodite Incarnation!Joshua x Fem!Detective!Very Mortal!Reader

Genre: smut, fluff, crack, angst if you really squint

AUs/Trope Info: Greek God!AU, Partners In Solving Crimes, Strangers to Lovers, "time isnt linear" trope, "holy shit im kind of obsessed with you" trope

Word Count: 900+ for the teaser, est. 10k≤ for the full fic

Warnings: Depiction of a crime scene (gore, blood, gun, conspiracy), depiction of drug use, character death (major and minor), smut warnings under the cut when full fic is uploaded

Rating: 18+

A/N: This is part of the The 13 Gods of Olympus: A Seventeen collab hosted by @beomcoups and @wooahaeproductions! This is just the teaser, so if you enjoy it, please consider signing up for the taglist. Thank you!!

In the summer of 2000, Joshua Hong was almost five years old. People always commented on how pretty he was for a kid, that he’d surely grow up to be a very handsome man. 

Which is why it was a tragedy when he died from a freak truck accident.

Yes, Joshua Hong died at the age of five. For like, 10 minutes.

The doctors called it a miracle - a small child should not have survived a whole six of the twelve truck wheels, but somehow he was resuscitated, much to his parents’ delight.

This incident caused two things to change dramatically - Californetherlands now has stricter trucking laws and Joshua woke up to memories of literally being Aphrodite.

Throughout the years, from that fateful summer day to the present day, Joshua flopped back and forth between believing that the memories were just fever dreams and genuinely considering that he may be a reincarnation of the goddess. But ever since he got to hone his powers, he’s been more inclined to believe the latter.

By the age of  28, he has mastered the art of seduction. No, not sleeping with people constantly. It was more so the art of getting people to say ‘yes’ to everything he asked of them.

This made Joshua a very powerful and influential figure in Los Amsterdam; You see, the way he dealt wasn’t by out-witting people or being richer than them. He dealt in favors. If you wanted to be a popstar, he’d introduce you to a famous producer, and get you a record deal that would solidify your career - all for the low, low price of free.

In turn,  you’d owe him, like the many powerful people who owed him large favors.

Joshua found himself in downtown LA, in the club that he owned, just under his penthouse. He enjoyed playing the guitar and performing for his patrons, everyone seemingly captivated by his voice, or his beauty, whichever one caught their attention first. He finally strummed the last chord of his song, enjoying the applause of the crowd as the DJ started to play the usual club music. Just as he was about to retreat to the bar, a feminine voice stopped him.

“Joshua! Hey!” She said, hair bouncing over her new fur coat, jumping excitedly, calling him over.

Joshua smiled widely at her - she was one of the people he had helped start her career as a singer. He didn’t do much other than introduce her to the CEO of her current label, it was her natural talent that got her this far.

“Ah, Diana, good to see you!” He said, going over to meet her in a friendly hug, the kind that didn’t touch at all. “How has being a singer treated you? Any good news?” He said, making small talk with an old acquaintance.

“Oh please,” she started, her new haughty attitude showing, “It’s all over the news! I just got nominated for a Grammy!” She said in a sing-song tone. Joshua just nodded Truth be told, he didn’t really have much interest in pop music, but he did try to match her enthusiasm.

“That’s great! I knew you’d make it big.” he said, remembering the first time she came to him, a girl in clothes that almost looked like rags, now decked out in every designer brand you could think of. “So, what brings you back here then? Surely you already have everything you ever wanted?” He said lightheartedly. Even if all of Joshua’s connections owed him favors, it was quite uncommon for them to come back to him after having achieved their dreams.

“Well,” She said, her old, meek bashfulness coming to the surface. “I just wanted to see you again, to thank you for what you have done for me.” She tucked a hair behind her ear. “And I know no matter what favor I do for you in return, I could never break even for just how much you’ve impacted my life. So, thank you, Joshua.”

Joshua genuinely felt relieved to hear her say that - usually, people’s pride and greed got in the way of them acknowledging those who truly helped them along the way, but as he suspected, this girl still had a soul so pure. “Let's get some drinks by the bar and chat some more, yeah? My treat.” He offered, which she gladly took, the conversation between them flowed naturally, Joshua enjoying her tales of success.

It was an hour after the club closed that Diana decided it was time to head home. Joshua offered to see her off, like the gentleman he was, and so they walked to the sidewalk, her hand around his arm.

Joshua opened the taxi door for her, offering her a few bills in cash to cover the fare, “It was nice seeing you again, hopefully, you’ll make time to catch up with me in the future.” he said through the taxi window.

“Yeah, I hope I get the chance to see you again soon. Goodnight Joshua.” She said as she rolled up the taxi window.

Joshua watched the taxi drive until the end of the block, everything seemingly going smoothly, up until another car intercepted hers in the intersection.

It happened so quickly, too quickly for  Joshua to even register the new car’s window sliding down, holding a gun out to the taxi Diana was in. Gunshots echoed through the street, the sound of tires popping and glass shattering but all Joshua could make out was the sound of two sets of four tires screeching against the concrete. Diana’s taxi collided with a nearby lamppost, the taxi flattening and curling around it.

That was the last time Joshua saw her alive.

Sign up for the taglist here!

[honeybubbledivination]

Hey! It’s Bunny! 🍯

Today’s pick a card is a love reading! (Sorta)

To start! Please, please remember that these are for the collective and I’m not God or all knowing! Please, please only take any advice in my readings with a grain of salt and know that at the end of the day it’s YOUR judgement call. Not mine! I’m not here for legal advice or anything, just posting silly little readings. A lot of this is self love, so some things may come up that will hit some wounds you need to heal! Major TW for cheating and themes of infidelity, substance abuse, and narcissism.

With all that out of the way! Below, I have the art from the cards below! Choose a card that calls to you!

The deck is “Lovers Oracle” by Toni Carmine Salerno! Choose which card calls to you most!

The overall energy for these readings is “When it comes to matters of the heart, there is no right or wrong. Every choice you make expands your understanding of life and love.” (Also from the deck used to symbolize the piles.)

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Pile One:

Welcome to your reading pile one! Below, I have a shuffled song, and my interpretation of the cards! If this doesn’t resonate with you, leave it and find another love reading! Please use your discernment! Thank you for buzzing by!

Song: Seven - Taylor Swift “Your dad is always mad and that must be why…”

‘The Love Oracle’ by Simplistic Mystic: Breakup, Truth, Divine Timing, Social Media, Family, Signs & Synchronicities, Mask, Player, Heartbreak, Mystery, Home, Surrender, Travel. (Typically I don’t take reversals for this deck because it’s a little confusing, but Soulmate, Date, Unexpected, and Relationship came out reversed, so take that as you will.)

‘Love Oracle Cards’ by Beach Time Soul: Karmic Relationship, Mask, Lightning, Photograph, Cassette, Keys on a Ring, Healing Heart, Camera, Self-Indulgence, Girl Talk, Passion, Date, Palm Tree

Clarifying cards: Strength Rx, 6oW Rx, Justice, 9oW, Temperance, 8oP, KnoP, 9oP Rx, 4oW Rx.

Pile one! I am begging you to let go of that man (or woman, or person, or even situation if you’ve let them go) and FOCUS ON YOU. I see the possibility of you being married to someone, having a family with them, but even as their partner you have doubts. You think they’re on social media, looking at other people in ways they shouldn’t be and you’re right. I would go as far to say they’re actively cheating on you, Pile One. I did not like their energy one bit. I know you’re staying with them because everyone tells you all men have a lingering eye, it’s human nature. I can tell you it’s not. They’re with you because they like the thrill of cheating and because they know they aren’t worthy of you. Divorce them! Focus on yourself and do things you’re passionate about! Get back out into the world and treat yourself with the love and kindness you’ve always deserved! You’ll find someone later who aligns with you, but know that you shine brighter when you kindle your own fire! Go do you! Quit being mean to yourself! I’m proud of you and I think you’re a radiant soul who deserves the love you give to others. If you’re a mother, father, parent, please remember that the way you allow yourself to be treated integrates itself into your child’s/children’s psyche and creates their attachment and love style. If you’re scared to do it for you, do it for them. You don’t deserve to be an option. You are THE option. Don’t let any of this hold you back! Keep being sweet, Queen Bee.

- Bunny 🍯💛

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Pile Two:

Welcome to your reading pile two! Below, I have a shuffled song, and my interpretation of the cards! If this doesn’t resonate with you, leave it and find another love reading! Please use your discernment! Thank you for buzzing by!

Song: ‘How Did It End?’ - Taylor Swift “Didn’t you hear they called it off; One gasp, and then; How did it end?”

‘The Love Oracle’ by Simplistic Mystic: Toxic Relationship, Ghosted, Liquid Courage, Text Message, Unfinished Business, Ex Lover, Hookup, Intuition, Finances, Social Media, Friends, Snake, Addiction, Fear, Third Party

‘Love Oracle Cards’ by Beach Time Soul: Ax, The Butterfly, The Sword and Rose, Stabbed in the Back, Clock, Healing Heart, Ascending, The Golden Mirror, Soulmates, Engagement Ring

Clarifying cards: 10oC, KnoC, The Magician Rx, 5oS, Justice, PoW, 9oW, 2oS Rx, 5oC Rx, 7ow Rx, 10oP, QoW

Hey, Pile Two! This is a pretty specific reading. You may have known this person is high school or possibly as far back as middle school. I think they were head over heels for you back then because you’re so creative, but there was some kind of third party situation and you decided it wasn’t worth your time. Everyone kinda thought you two would end up together, but you never did. Just barely brushing the boundaries of friends to hookups. They may be popping up on your socials more lately. They could’ve even sent you a friend request or they’re thinking about doing it! This person is not the Knight they present themselves as. They’re honestly dabbling in substances. I feel more alcohol than anything, really. It’s not your problem anymore, though. You’ve grown from a Page to a Queen of Wands who is manifesting her reality with her creativity. If they do reach out to you, handle it smoothly. If they already have, know that they’re a narcissist deep down and there’s a reason they’ve consistently gone through people since you let them go and they’re coming back to you with their tail between their legs because they think you’ll take them back. Don’t do it. They’ll love bomb you into an engagement and break your heart. (Not to mention, I don’t think they’re doing very well financially.) It’s all a lie, you make them feel good about themselves, but they don’t love you just for you. They love you because you love them. Let the past be the past and keep waiting for someone and something better. Focus on your artistic abilities and make some money. You don’t need them, Pile Two! Choose yourself, little bee!

- Bunny 🍯💛

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Pile Three:

Welcome to your reading pile three! Below, I have a shuffled song, and my interpretation of the cards! If this doesn’t resonate with you, leave it and find another love reading! Please use your discernment!! Thank you for buzzing by!

Song: ‘The Prophecy’ by Taylor Swift “Please; I’ve been on my knees; Change the prophecy; Don’t want money; just someone who wants my company; Let it once be me…”

‘The Love Oracle’ by Simplistic Mystic: Music, Roll The Dice, Divine Intervention, Spiritual Awakening, Magnetic Attraction, New Love, Secret Crush, Heartbreak, Social Media, Anxiety, Healing, Grass Is Greener, Relationship, Fated Meeting, Signs & Synchronicities.

‘Love Oracle Cards’ by Beach Time Soul: Clock, Love Call, Abundance, Heartbroken, Date, Paradise, Hand of Cards, Soulmates, Healing Heart, Coffin, Healthy Choices, The Runner

Clarifying Cards: The Moon, The Star, The Sun, The World, The Chariot Rx, 10oC, QoS, Strength, QoP, Temperance, 6oP, 2oS, 3oC, PgoS, Judgement, The Hermit, The Fool

Pile Three! You���ve been through the wringer emotionally. You’ve have had your heart broken time and time again. It doesn’t have to be from dating, it can be a general distrust of human connection due to trauma within your familial relationships or even friends. You’ve been let down a lot, but you have this quiet hope that despite your avoidant attachment style someone will come to you and express their love. But, you can’t do that without putting yourself out there. Go do things you enjoy and keep healing yourself. Post on social media, get a job or a new one. Do something new and scary! Enjoy life! If you don’t already have a secret admirer, you little hermit, you will once you put yourself out there. It can be sometime as simple as blogging and making new mutuals, posting on Instagram, monetizing your YouTube videos, or making new friends at work. This person who will come into your life is brand new and will genuinely love you for you. There’s no ‘prophecy’ against you. You aren’t at the whim of fate. You have free will to make your life your own, love. Go live and do it passionately, you’ll attract who you need to as you settle into yourself more.

- Bunny 🍯💛

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Bunny’s Notes: Phew! 😮‍💨 That was a lengthy one! I really did start this with the intention it would be based on love and it turned into self love. (Kinda? Maybe should’ve been a little more specific. Oops!) Anyway, I hope these readings resonate for you in the best way and it helps you in the ways you need! Once the poll ends, I’ll be slowly doing each reading or post! Also, I know all the songs were Taylor Swift lol. Honestly, I used what I have in my library and I listen to her more than anyone, but if you have any recommendations of artists, please send some! I’m testing out new ways to post readings, so things might change up for a bit! Thank you for buzzing by! 🐝

-Bunny 🍯💛

[tessa-liam]

🌟 If You Love Her, chapter 13

Marabelle Series

As Drake climbed into his truck and drove on, his thoughts wandered. He found himself wondering how Liam was handling the recent events in his world. He knew that his friend had a lot on his plate, and he hoped that he was taking the time to process everything. Yesterday, he knew Liam felt comfortable with his lifestyle. But today? He was Cordonia's crown prince. Tomorrow, he will be the King. Masterlist

🌟 All is Fair in Love and War, Round 2

Maxwell was lost in his own thoughts when his phone vibrated, signifying a new message. Maxwell picked up his phone and read the text from Daniella. She was inviting him to attend the opening of her new dance studio. Maxwell smiled as he remembered the time he spent dancing with Daniella at the palace. He replied to the text immediately, accepting the invitation.

After replying to the text, Maxwell put his phone away and laid back on the lounge chair. He closed his eyes and let the warm sun soak into his skin. His mind wandered back to his days of dancing with Daniella, and he couldn't help but smile. He had really enjoyed spending time with her, and he hoped that maybe there could be something more between them. Round 1

🌟 A Romance in Greece, chapter 14

Turning the Page Series

The setting was stunning, with the Aegean Sea providing a breathtaking backdrop. The guests were greeted with glasses of champagne, and Riley and Liam mingled with their friends and family.

As the sun started to set, Riley noticed that Daniel and Matteo had not arrived yet. She began to wonder if there had been any delays, but as she was about to text them, the guests heard the sound of a motorboat approaching the shore.

Riley gasped as she saw the two grooms arrive on the boat, looking dashing in their tuxedos. The guests cheered as the two men disembarked and made their way towards the ceremony venue.

Masterlist

📌 @choicesficwriterscreations @cfwcmod-lucy @selina012

📌My tag lists: @bascmve01 @busywoman @kristinamae093 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @kingliam2019 @ao719 @alj4890 @emkay512 @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @malblk21 @tinkie1973 @queenmiarys @emersyn-in-cordonia @dutifullynuttywitch @charlotteg234 @lovingchoices14 @jared2612 @walkerdrakewalker @imashybish @703cowbarn @irisk12 @thesvnsins @fadingreveries @delmissesryanandcassi @rafasgirl23415 @umccall71 @thosehallowedhalls @queenwalton @choicesficwriterscreations

[quotergirl19]

Penelope meets a young lady who is new to society this season, the girl is very beautiful and kind and Pen takes an instant liking to her. She asks if Penelope has any advice for her since she’s not new to society so Pen warns her to be cautious of certain gentlemen because many see courtship as sport and don’t actually care about whether or not they are toying with a young lady’s affections or distracting her from more sincere and serious suitors.

The girl thanks Penelope and mentions that she has her eye on two particularly handsome gentlemen, one of whom is Colin and Penelope tells her that she has excellent taste because she has known Mr. Bridgerton for years. That he is undeniably handsome and charming and his family is wonderful but she warns that Colin has sworn off women and only sees fit to flirt and dance but he mocks the idea of actual courtship and is unlikely to marry for years.

Turns out the young lady has heard about what Colin said about Penelope and was surprised that Penelope was so honest about her experience with Mr. Bridgerton. The girl turns out to be quite sharp and popular and she spreads the word about Mr. Bridgerton so rapidly that it was overheard multiple times even by Penelope’s own sister and mother. So many times in fact that Pen simply had to make note of it in her latest Whistledown column. Just like that the word is out that Colin Bridgerton has sworn off women and only flirts to entertain himself but pursuing him for a husband is a waste of time and a risk because he will disparage a lady to make clear that he does not wish to wed.

Later when Colin tries to flirt with a number of pretty young things, they seem wary and uninterested, and knowing how he disparaged Miss Penelope Featherington, a longtime friend of the Bridgerton family, most mamas have warned their daughters to stays far away from the 3rd Bridgerton son. Colin is determined not to let anything undermine his confidence so he steps up his game, earning himself quite the reputation as the most dangerously charming man in London. Colin is annoyed by this, because where he once found flirting to be light hearted and fun, it has become a bit of a chore now and what he really wanted was to have some genuine conversations with someone who he could just be normal with. But the one person who he could always turn to for a bit of actual conversation was Penelope and she was avoiding him like the plague.

Even worse, when Colin did manage to get a moment alone with Penelope, she appeared just as wary of him as women who didn’t know him at all. She even expressed fear that if they were discovered they might be forced to marry as if she could think of no worse fate than being tied to such a known flirt. When Colin is insulted because Penelope of all people should know that he would never disrespect his wife, she tells him that what she knows is that he would likely never be satisfied with the attention of only one woman and being his wife would guarantee she’d be subject to constant mockery while he charmed every beauty he encountered. Because all he really cares about is himself.

Insulted, Colin reminds Penelope that he cares for her enough that he stepped in to save her family from her cousin Jack’s ruby scheme and maybe she should be a little more grateful to him. Penelope silences him instantly by telling him that he probably only got Jack to leave town because he didn’t want the ton to know he’d been fooled once again because the last time he tucked tail and fled to Greece for months only to return and still be exactly what Marina said he was, an eager boy. Then Penelope leaves but not before telling him not to corner her alone again, because when she does marry, she wants a man who values her, not the fickle sort of person who claims she’s special to him only to make her look ridiculous because men who don’t know her worth, don’t envy his choice.

[chipsncookies]

If ingo wins I'll draw him like this

VOTE INGO NOW

[honeyxmonkey]

99% sure that Vameus redacted some of Carter’s height in the womb as collateral

"If I make him small enough, he can't hurt me."

[4kidstv]

[yourneighbourhoodtraumatisedkids]

Darci here guys! I'm here to just recommend different fanfiction I've seen to you guys- because it's mainly me and Jim that read a lot of it- me because I'm curious to see your fan creations, and Jim because it makes him always feel better.

And the first recommendation ever, is going to have to be this one.

It is, of course, All Is Fair In Love And War by @honeyxmonkey. @theonceandfuturetrollhunter is in love with HBaH, and honestly, so am I. I know many of you are probably going to have read this but if you haven't- we very much suggest you read it!!!

We haven't gotten Douxie to read it yet, though. Me and Jim are going to have to get him to read it at some point. And maybe the rest of the Guardians too.

Rating: ♾ stars :)

THANK YOU HONEY FOR BRINGING THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE TO LIFE!!!

-Darci Scott :)

[disorderlytrans]

South American Water Fowl Attacks Pug, digital colorized; 2024

shot by Liv B.

[sunflowersoldat]

All is Fair ~ In Disasters and Deceit

Chapter 24: Disasters and Deceit

Main Master List

Series Master List

Series Summary: Family is important, but so is the Family business. Everyone has secrets, some are deadly. Your the best in the business, but no one knows who you are. Tensions are high, will you raise the stakes or fold under the pressure?

Series Warning: 18+! Mentions of blood and violence, bad language words, smut, manipulation, gaslighting, death, trauma, please follow the warnings for each chapter.

Chapter warnings: 18+ Only! Violence, Bad language words, mentions of torture, death.

Pairing: Mob!Steve x Assassin!Stark!reader

Word count: 1.6K

A/N: Only a couple of chapters left!!! I am sooooo excited! Anyway hope y’all enjoy! 💕

The sky is dark by the time you and Wade make it to the area your target was last seen. He has gone a few blocks ahead to circle around in case it was a setup. You stuck to the shadows, keeping your eyes on the building the target was in.

There is a light chill in the air as spring pushes to make its appearance, to chase the winter away, your uniform keeping most of the bite of the air at a minimum and keeping you disguised in the shadows. You watch as the target exits the dilapidated building, you push off the wall following hot on his heels. 

He has his jacket collar flipped up against the bite of the wind, his dark hair pulled back into a low bun, and his appearance matches that of the fourth horseman. He’s pale, the light of the moon dancing across him, making the shadows around him dance.

You smirk, you can’t help but wonder if he is as terrifying as the underground whispers give him credit for.

Your comm beeps in your ear, ‘There is an imposter among us Death my friend. He wears a false crown, it’s time we show him who truly sits upon that throne.’

A dark smile curls your lips, “May the best Reaper win.” 

—

Wade boxes him into an alley, approaching him cautiously, “Oh pale horseman, I have a question for you…”

The male-only stares at him, his head tilting.

“If you kill death, where do they go?” Though his face is covered, he can’t help but smile to himself, this was going to be too easy—

Another voice booms down the alley, “Little Ace, you flatter yourself,” a shadow emerges from one of the alcoves, “Did you really believe one horseman would travel without the other?”

Wade’s smile fades, but quickly grows wider, “You know, I was really hoping for a challenge.”

The other shadow grows closer, the dim lighting of the alley lamp casting shadows across the large man’s face, a full beard adorned his jaw, and he carries himself with the confidence of a god. 

Good. Wade would be thrilled to knock him down from his mighty throne.

“I knew you Aces were good, but I didn’t think you were dumb enough to take on two horsemen alone.” The pale one retorts.

Wade unsheathes his weapon, the thrill and adrenaline roaring in his veins, he almost bounces in excitement. 

Your velvet voice drifts down the alley, causing a shiver to lick down his spine, “What makes you think he’s alone?”                                                                                                                                       

—

The feminine voice is smoother than silk when it reaches his ears, he spins to face its owner at the other end of the alley. Sure enough, his suspicions were confirmed. You stalk towards him with lethal grace, your blades already drawn.

Though his partner had been bestowed the moniker of Death, he looked as though he were a cheap imposter compared to you. Your hair and mask were so pale they glowed an eerie shade of blue in the moonlight.

In all his battles, he never once believed there was a chance he wouldn’t make it out alive, but now as your eyes locked on his, he knew his fate.

—

It's almost laughable how quickly you take the two of them down, Death and Famine were not as formidable as they would have liked to think. Famine was of no use to you, he was left in the alley as a message to the rest, as for Death, you and Wade captured the pale rider.

Now he sits strapped tightly to the metal chair in the warehouse, the moonlight filtering in, bathing him in white light. His lips were stained crimson, his head tilted back against the chair, and a whine left his lips. You grasp the back of his head, yanking it backward, “Name.” you hiss.

“Hogun.”

A wicked smile splits your lips under your mask, “Very good Hogun. You know who we are?”

He eyes your uniform, the blank white cards sparkling on your waist, then looks to Wade, “You are the dead Ace that walks amongst the living, the underground has been whispering about you, Wraith” he takes a moment to collect himself, trying to open both of his eyes, to no avail, one is already swollen shut.

You raise a brow, “Very good–”

“And he,” Hogun nods towards Wade, “is another of the Aces, by the look of him and the description the underground has, he is the Ace of hearts.” he breathes deeply, his breath shaky at best, “You know I won't talk.”

You give him a look of mock pity, “Oh, we have ways of making you talk, don't worry.” you nod to Wade giving him the go-ahead.

“With pleasure Death.”

—

Hours have passed, and Hogun has spilled little tidbits of information, but you and Wade can both tell he doesn't have much fight left in him. The two of you are surprised he has lasted even this long.

“Come now Hogun, your friends can’t help you, one of them is already fish food, and your employer will be dead soon as well. You might as well just give it up.” Wade's voice sings-songs through the warehouse. You lean back in your chair, watching as he circles Hogun like a hungry shark.

“Wade, you might as well just finish him, he no longer has any useful information for us. We can just find one of the others and make them squeal.”

“What’s the rush? I didn’t get to take my time with your parents, the least I can do is enjoy toying with you… Ms. Carbonell.”

Your eyes narrow on him, your vision turning red, “What the fuck did you just say?”

“I mean I can’t take all the credit, it was a group effort really. Our boss really is the mastermind behind it all.” he laughs again. “But he didn’t account for you being the Ace of Spades.”

The realization felt like a punch to the gut, the dark hair, the stature, all he would need is a face covering and a bike. With the shitty city cameras, he could pass as Barnes easily. Your vision floods red, and you feel the impact against your knuckles, the crunch of the bones, then Wade pulls you off of him. 

He flashes you a broken grin, tossing his head trying to remove his dark hair from his face. “You know, I had my suspicions about you. None of the others believed me, not even the boss. We couldn’t understand why Rogers was still alive,” he chuckles again, “It all makes sense now, it’s sad though you know, you just had to fall in love with your target.”

You rip out of Wade's grip, yanking Hogun by his throat, “You listen very carefully, I am giving you one chance. You tell us everything and we will make it quick, otherwise…” you glance at Wade, “well, I guess we can show you…”

“Fuck you.” he snarls.

A wicked laugh falls from your lips, “God, I was hoping you’d say that.”

—

Dawn marks the end for Hogun. You and Wade no longer have the patience it requires to rip the information from him. You and Wade had taken shifts trying to extract information from Hogun, but in the end, he hadn’t given you too much, to your dismay. 

By the end of it, Hogun is breathing his last breaths, they’re shallow and ragged, and you can hear the rattling in his lungs. You kneel in front of him, “Your death will mean nothing. Even without your help, we will find your friends, and your employer too. You died for nothing—” 

You are cut off by your phone ringing in your pocket, pulling it out you check the screen, a picture of you and Steve lights up the screen with his name. You hold up your finger to Wade as you answer it. 

“Steve?”

‘Hey, Angel. Any luck?’

You sigh heavily, behind you, Wade and Hogun are exchanging words, but you can hardly make out what is being said. “None yet, but don’t worry, I’ll get the information.”

‘You might not need to, I'm about to head to your brother’s tower.’

You can hear Hogun begin laughing behind you, it starts throwing him into coughing fits. Steve continues talking, but you are only half listening as you draw closer to Hogun and Wade.

“What the fuck is so funny?!” Wade snaps, gripping Hogun by his collar, “You might want to save those breaths, you will need them.”

A malicious smile splits Hogun’s face his lips and teeth are a bright crimson, “I was never meant to survive, they knew you’d come for me.”

Your head snaps towards Wade, but something Steve says pulls your attention back, ‘Yeah, they called a meeting. All the family heads are gonna be there.’

“What?! Who called the meeting?!” You are torn, trying to listen to Steve, and Hogun simultaneously.

“Loki always was a squealer.”

Panic starts to ripple through you, “Steve?! Where are you?! Stay where you are! Do not go anywhere!”

‘Calm down Angel, Thor called it, says he caught Loki in the act.’

“No, Steve, do not go—”

‘Don’t worry— got Bucky–me. Even got — admit he —’

“Steve, wait!”  

‘–behind everything, even —your parents. —bringing him— for judgment—’ 

You strain your ears, trying to understand Steve, but the connection keeps interrupting, then the line finally dies.

You turn to look at Wade and on Hogun’s final breath, his eyes meet yours, “You can’t save them now.”

@dontbescaredtosingalong @texan-tazzy @tianamontag @daiseychaindisaster @silently-killing-you @buckyfan12 @leyannrae @justlovelifeblog @austynparksandpizza @capson-of-coul @betareader7 @vicmc624 @bigphattygyal @calwitch @buckysteveloki-me @curlyladylazarus111 @talesofadragon @trudy-shams

[all-is-fair-in-love-and-war]

Lorenzo I don’t what the fuck I’m doing Magnificent

Clarice I did not sign up for this Orsini

Francesco I need an Advil and endless hours of therapy Pazzi

Lucrezia I’m the only one with a brain cell Medici

Giuliano I need adult supervision at all times Medici

Jacopo murder is always the answer Pazzi

[transingthoseformers]

I'm just saying: "Break the old man's hips, Scourge." Give him the ride of his life he is a stressed, tired father, he deserves it.

I mean

Yes

Yes, I can see it now.

[quotergirl19]

Oh yes she does… and when Lady Penelope finally starts playing the game of love, Colin Bridgerton won’t stand a chance.

[honeyxmonkey]

Aanya my love

[escape-from-arcadia]

⚠️ TRADE OFFER ⚠️

Hi.

Have you ready @honeyxmonkey's All is Fair in Love and War yet?

They recently finished the 36th chapter. The epilogue is all that's left. Honey is writing an entire trilogy called Half-bloods and Hunters. I can highly recommend Love and War. She's a brilliant writer.

Yes, I finished reading the final chapter.

Yes, I immediately made a playlist for me to listen to while re-reading.

Yes, it's collaborative.

Yes, I linked it here for people to add songs to.

But first...go read it. Go read All is Fair in Love in War.

[bigmouthstrikesonceagain]

she’s dying. she who hurt me is hurting and i feel nothing but regret for the time i lost to shame and hatred. i miss the touch i shied away from all those years. i’d take it now, any way she gave it to me. she’s all gentle kindness and soft ease and i love her desperately now, i love her furiously now.