#also the FOR YOU FOR ALL OF US from Thor one made me sob

[tubesock86]

that Loki finale huh

[lokisprettygirl]

Under his influence (Post Avengers! Loki x female reader)

Read chapter 7 here // Series Masterlist

Chapter 8

Summary : Loki is taken away from you and you fear that he'll forget you just like everyone else.

Warning: mention of psychological torture, bit of angst

So this was happening. Like really happening. You were standing in the middle of your apartment with two gods giving deathly glares to each other, if looks could kill they would both be dead right now.

"So i–" before you could finish your sentence Thor interrupted you. That was Thor, the god of thunder, the Asgardian god everyone lusted after, the man you never thought would be standing in your room someday.

"Are you tired of playing these childish games now brother?" He asked Loki and Loki could only smile in response.

"Games? I haven't even done anything"

"He's right" you mumbled as quietly as you could.

"You fled with the tesseract" Thor raised his voice and you were hoping Mrs Geller had remembered to take her pills today. Otherwise the field day she'd have with this tomorrow will be insane.

"I barely picked it up because it fell right by my feet, I was teleported here, did you want me to surrender myself knowing too well that you'd take me back to Asgard so I am trapped in that forsaken cell for the rest of my life?" Loki glared at him, his voice laced with mixture of anger and sadness so you grabbed his hand and gave him a comforting squeeze. His eyes softened immediately at the touch.

"You commenced a war on earth Loki, what did you think would happen to you? I'm here to take you back to the tower. Let us go now"

He stormed towards Loki so you got in front of him, you were trying to protect a powerful god from an equally powerful god. How smart did you have to be to do that?

"Look he's your brother alright, if you'd just sit down and talk to him about what he did and why he HAD to do it, you'd understand him better –"

"Lady y/n i would advise you not to speak on this matter –" He interrupted you again. For a prince he sure lacked manners.

"She will speak her mind, you daft ill-mannered rhinoceros. Have you forgotten that it's rude to interrupt a lady while she's speaking? Oh!! pardon me you never had such manners to begin with"

"Okay I am–" you were going to say something but then you turned around and grabbed Loki's hands to take him to the kitchen, you could feel Thor's eyes on you both and it made you uncomfortable.

"What is going to happen Loki I'm scared" your eyes teared up, all of this was nerve wracking for you, not knowing what they planned to do to him was terrifying. He cupped your cheeks and kissed your forehead, he could also feel Thor's eyes on him so that was making him act a little differently with you, he had never been one to indulge in such a display of affection before.

"They can not harm me darling, I am the youngest prince of Asgard, worst comes to worst I will be prisoned–"

"Lokiii" your eyes welled up more so he hugged you as tightly as he could, he knew he had to see this someday, he just didn't know it would come so soon. Before he fell asleep he thought about things he wanted to do with you tomorrow but he knew he won't be seeing your pretty face first thing in the morning any longer"Do you perhaps want to accompany me?" He asked you so you pulled away to look at him.

"Lo i.."

"I know it is not appropriate of me to be asking you for this but I just –"

"Stark said she can not come–" Thor chimed in to give his two cents.

"Are you his slave now? Are you willing to accept your truer purpose in life?" Loki answered him, even the way they conversed with each other gave you snappy siblings energy.

"I can't lo.. I have a job here and my family.. I have never been to NYC and ..it's just too much" you placed your hand on your face to control your sobs but it was futile, you really wanted to follow him but you felt afraid, you had never been someone to do something so impulsive in life. Maybe that's why you were left behind while everyone else moved forward and succeeded.

"I understand, just know that I will get back to you as soon as I can" he said to you. He wished you'd have agreed to come with him but he knew he was asking for too much too soon.

"You promise? Promise me that you'll be okay and that I'll see you again"

"I will be back to you i am giving you my word darling" you were going to kiss him but your eyes met with Thor again.

"Can you turn around creep?" You screamed at Thor, his eyes widened for a moment before he turned his back to you both, as soon as he did you got on your tip toes and kissed Loki as passionately as you could. Of Course this was happening to you now, you couldn't have kept him forever anyways, you just feared that he will forget all about you as soon as you're out of his sight, earth was filled with gorgeous women, of course he'd find someone else once he's not trapped in this bubble with you.

"Will you give me a call?" You asked him so he nodded. You sobbed as you felt your heart breaking.

"Why now? You said you knew about this, why didn't you come get him before? Why can't you just let him be? He had suffered enough" You stormed towards Thor so he took a step back.

"It is not my fault that my arrival in your city made national news, they assumed that I knew something, i couldn't lie anymore, maybe I should hone the art of lying. Loki can help"

Loki rolled his eyes at the comment. He was so used to such remarks that it didn't even affect him.

"You're not going to poke a hole in my ceiling right?" You asked Thor so he looked up.

"We shall get back to the roof then"

You grabbed Loki's hand as you all went upstairs, you couldn't stop staring at him, the thought of him not being there in your apartment made you feel horrible, it felt like a breakup, the nastiest breakup you have ever had. Knowing you won't get to cuddle him or kiss him, probably ever again, just made you not want to exist anymore. When did your feelings get this intense for him?

"Princess?"

"Mmmm" you mumbled because you knew you'd cry if you'd even try to talk to him right now .

"Promise me that you will not cry in my absence" Well he wanted you to cry it seems.

"Do you want me to lie?" You looked at him and his heart clenched. He didn't want you to cry because he knew he wouldn't be here to hold you and comfort you. As you all reached the roof Thor waved his hammer and you heard the thundering,

"Wait a moment–" Loki spoke, he wanted to look like an Asgardian before he leaves, one fluck of his fingers and he looked the same as he did the first day you had met him, his hair had gotten longer though.

"Am I ever going to see you again or I'll just be a forgotten memory–" you looked down because the words made you feel choked up.

"You will see me princess, you will see all of me I promise, what you have done for me can never be compared, what I feel for you is irreplaceable" he cupped your cheeks and kissed you softly. His eyes were teary too, all he wanted to do was take you back to that small apartment of yours and snuggle you but it was a luxury he could no longer afford. "Farewell for now, my beloved" he took your hand in his and pressed a small kiss before he stepped away from you.

"If you hurt him, I don't care if it's just a scratch, I swear to god I'll tell everyone about that thing" you said to Thor and he snickered in response.

"What thing?" Thor questioned

"The thing" Loki smirked

"You told her?" Thor glared at him

You smiled at Loki and he returned it. And then they were both gone. Your lo was gone, you couldn't see him and you felt empty without him, you felt hollow, your feet felt stuck on the ground beneath you, you didn't even want to go back to that apartment without him. Why didn't you go with him when he asked you to?

"Ohh goddd" you sat down on the floor because your knees felt too weak to keep you standiy. And then you cried for what seemed like hours, you missed him already, you missed him being close to you. When you entered your apartment it almost made you pass out, you could see him everywhere still, the number of times you wished for him to just appear out of nowhere was intense. The bed smelled like him and though it gave you a moment of relief when you laid down on it, the longer you stayed there the harder it got for you to breathe, your arms craved to hold him and knowing that you won't be able to do any of those things only made you cry yourself to sleep.

In the morning you woke up suddenly and turned the news on to see if there was anything about him. A part of you feared you would be sent to jail but you knew you hadn't done anything wrong. Right?

Everytime you looked around you just saw him, you saw him on that bed sleeping like a baby, you saw him reading his book on that sofa, you saw him watching the tv with that adorable look on his face everytime you came back home.

You waited for three days to see something about him on tv but you saw nothing, he had made no attempt to communicate with you and that kind of made you angry but then the worries kicked in. What had they done to him?

You hardly ate, your body felt sick all the time and you just hoped that they were not hurting him.

"Why won't he call..please call" you mumbled in frustration and then it hit you, he didn't have your number, he never needed it. "Ohh God" you were starting to freak out but then you remembered that they could easily get your information if they actually wanted to, they haven't even tried to contact you to ask anything about him and that bothered you, he lived with you for more than two months. Weren't they just a tad bit curious?

"Stop glaring at me reindeer games, this is for your own good"

Loki glared at Stark again for what felt like the umpteenth time in just a matter of an hour. It has been three days since he had been locked up here in this tower. He desperately wanted to communicate with you but they weren't allowing him, apparently there was a legal case against him by the state of New York and he wasn't allowed to do anything, they did give him a lawyer though.

He was grilled by the Avengers for hours when they got him there and they tried to pipe the information out of him so he just told them everything he knew, right from the the moment he fell off the bifrost, he told them how he was rescued by the men of the mad Titan Thanos and how they tortured him for a year before they sent him to do his bidding. The shock on their faces was worth sharing the embarrassing ordeal he had suffered through.

A press conference was to be held three days later where Nick Fury would introduce him as the newest Avenger, all of this felt like a joke to him but one of the conditions he had imposed was that he'd be able to communicate with you and they had promised him that after the press conference he would be free to make one phone call, he felt like a prisoner still but he was happy that they weren't taking him back to Asgard. He didn't want to be anywhere he couldn't get in touch with you.

He just hoped you weren't feeling hurt or betrayed by him, he didn't want to abandon you or make you feel how other people had done before. He missed you every second of his life, at night he couldn't sleep because the nightmares kept him up, he would always wake up with teary eyes and it was only the thought of your comforting embrace that would lull him back to sleep. He missed your warm body next to his cold one. He yearned for you with all his heart and he hoped you were missing him as much as he did.

"Thanks a ton for telling me about that Minnesota gal, my publicist is very impressed by the story" Tony said to Thor and that perplexed him, why was this publicist person impressed?

"Why?"

"A tortured escaped fugitive running from the world ends up in a random girl's apartment and she agrees to hide him? That's a movie, a blockbuster movie" Tony explained.

"And what it is that you're planning to do with the story, are you going to call her here?" Thor was a bit taken by your intimidating personality but he knew Loki adored you and that was enough of a reason for him to care about you, even if just a little.

"You'll see at the press conference" Tony winked at him before walking away.

You were in the gym when you saw the news. They were talking about Loki and Thanos and everything he had told you, also the things he hadn't told you yet. He was tortured for a year, that's why he had those nightmares, your heart clenched for him and all you wanted to do was comfort him and give him plenty of forehead kisses but he wasn't there with you anymore.

"Oh my god is that for real? I think they're making it up to make us feel bad about him" Lyla commented so you rolled your eyes.

"He's superrr hot though" Stacy spoke

Well, that you agreed with.

Apparently there will be a public press conference that will be broadcasted live tomorrow. You felt a surge of relief because at least they weren't trying to hurt him but then you felt angry, why hadn't he called you then? Did he not miss you?

You went home and cried again, of course you got so attached so quickly to a man who wasn't attainable. It wasn't the first time you had done that but at least you weren't in love with those guys.

"He's going to fall in love with someone else" you mumbled as you looked at yourself in the mirror.

Of Course, that's exactly was going to happen, the first guy you liked was happily married now, the next one found his girlfriend while he was with you, the last ex of yours also found a girlfriend right after he broke up with you even though he claimed that he couldn't get lucky with girls and you were the ultimate dream come true for him and there would never be another you. You were like a blessing for these guys because you entered their lives and bam they were meeting the love of their lives left, right and center.

Maybe you were the problem here. Maybe you didn't deserve to keep men in your life. If those midgardian men were able to find someone so quickly then you didn't expect a god like him to wait around for you. He was probably getting himself sandwiched between the models that Tony Stark hung around with, that Ironman was a problematic guy, you didn't have to dig too deep to figure that out.

Thankfully you didn't have to work the next day so you made a cup of tea and sat down on the sofa to watch the press conference. You just wanted to see him even though you knew it would only hurt you further. You just wanted to see if he was ok.

"Brother, do not say anything you're not supposed to say" Thor told him so Loki rolled his eyes. He saw Anthony walking towards him with a tall blonde female by his side and it confused him.

"Loki ..meet Melisaa, you can call her Mel for short, is that correct?" Tony looked at Melissa and she smiled as she kissed his cheek then she turned her attention towards Loki.

"Well I think we need to have one conversation at least before the conference" She grabbed his hand and he was so confused, so was Thor, she took him away with her and Thor glared at Tony

"What is this? Is this some sort of bribe?" He questioned Tony.

"No it's for his public image, you see people don't trust him. Obviously. They need to trust him and whats the better way to reel them in than a human girl dating him"

"Dating? Are you out of your mind? He fancies lady y/n..from Minesotta"

"Yeah, my publicist looked her up. You see, she ain't it" Tony gave him a look of disgust as if you were beneath these people, he didn't think of you like that, he just found you annoying "He needs someone attractive, someone more presentable. Trust me a taste of Melissa and he won't even remember this lady of yours" Before Thor can speak further into this matter Tony walked away from him.

Loki didn't know why Melisaa was talking to him about you, she kept asking him questions about the things that happened the day he had invaded your apartment, however he was more than happy to talk about you with someone, he missed you alot, especially in this moment, he had to face all these people and all these strangers scared him a little. All he wanted to do was hold your hand, if you were here he'd just press his head on your chest and just have you comfort him the way you used to do.

He remembered that day he met you for the first time, you both were complete strangers but he had never felt so taken by a stranger before. You made him feel at home, something he didn't have anymore.

"Loki let's go" His lawyer told him so he nodded and Melissa hooked her arms with him to take him with her, the gesture confused him even more. Why was she there with him?

The conference went okay, he was able to apologize and speak his truth, he knew people of midgard won't forgive him so easily, there were also things he needed to discuss with these Avengers. Two Tony Starks and two Captains, why nobody was concerned about that? Why weren't they concerned about Thanos?"

You watched him on the tv and it made you cry furiously on that ugly sofa, he was so pretty and so soft in that dark blue suit he had worn, you couldn't even believe that you were blessed enough to have that godly man in your arms every night like that. You noticed the modelesque looking woman beside him and it made you worry. Did he find someone already or was it just for appearance purposes?

"Loki, hi this is Patricia from times now, you had disappeared for two months with something as valuable as the tesseract, where were you hiding all this time?" He was going to answer but a woman who introduced herself as Dalia came forward instead, whatever you heard next only made you want to rip your hair out. You flipped the channel but it was everywhere, the news had spread like a wildfire. You stopped pressing the button of the remote on some Entertainment channel and the more you heard about the situation, the angrier it made you feel.

"They say love can find you in the strangest of places and the new Avenger aka Loki the Asgardian god can probably relate. From last two months we were wondering where the certain god had disappeared to, shockingly enough, the tesseract, the powerful bundle of energy teleported him to an apartment in New York City which belonged to a local model named Malissa McKay, we got in touch with Malissa herself to get her reaction and it's adorable how their relationship developed in the time period"

You saw the model Malissa and she revealed how she threw a knife at him as she was in the kitchen looking for her salad when he came out of nowhere and how he told her that she didn't need that stuff because she was perfect the way she was. Your eyes teared up more and more as she continued to talk about him.

How dare he do that to you? How dare he agreed to replace you as if you meant nothing to him?

How dare he broke your heart like that when he knew what he meant to you?

💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

Ooppps

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[the-cat-and-the-birdie]

A Very Long, Personal [but positive] Ramble about Neurodivgerency and Character Hyperfixation

[u can ignore this if you want this is just an ADHD ramble - this is a kinda 'mask off' talk about ADHD, autism and my personal history with it all. I also talk about the upsides and downsides - and the importance of Hobie to me personally - I just wanna normalize this stuff lol]

a.k.a The story of how I sent from obsessing over him to HIM in 10 years (what a glowup on my part ik)

(I know a lot of peeps on here can feel self-conscious about being neurodivergent and character connection or whatever you wanna call it and so do I! So I wanted to write it out or just ramble for my own sake)

I don't know if it's obvious or not, but I LOVE HOBIE BROWN. I'm going to be completely candid - I think about him maybe 85 percent of the day if not more, and that's in no way an exaggeration.

No matter what I'm doing, there's a least one tab open in my brain thinking about him. It may not be the focus, but it's there.

That's just how I operate. And I've been this way for a LONG time. In fact, Hobie isn't my first 'total focus' character in Marvel.

I gain VERY deep hyperfixations on Marvel Characters, many lasting years. And there's nothing wrong with that - in fact it's rad!

!!!! ATTENTION: This is a whimsical care-free zone. For Happy Funny Folk !!!!!!!!!

Loki - My introduction to hyperfixation with characters

I don't know if this is surprising or you'd be like 'yeah u seem like the type' but I use to LOVE Loki. For YEARS.

I'm AuDHD and when I was 13/14, a freshman in HS, he was my hyperfixation. Eerything I do for Hobie, I did for Loki. I even had a Loki blog for like 3/4 years.

This was back in 2012-2013, when Avengers had just came out, and the MCU wasn't - well, the MCU yet.

But even back then, the Loki fandom was HUGE. I have no idea who was also on Tumblr back then but it was gigantic. Because movies weren't coming out every 3 months, it went on for yearrrrsssss. Art, edits, fics, everything.

I was soooo into, I loved Loki. Like Hobie, I probably thought about Loki maybe 85-90% of the day.

And sure I was doing a lot of other stuff but in the back of my head there was always the oc x canon storyline running in my head, or replaying scenes from memory and analyzing, or wondering and speculating about his character.

I mask very minimally or not at all - so everyone in my school knew me for it. And at the time I didn't know I was neurodivergent, but that didn't stop me - I was genuinely proud of it.

I wore Loki shirts to school and brought the Avengers DVD the day it dropped (this was back before streaming in ye' old 2013). I knew the Avengers movie back to front.

I saw Thor: The Dark World the day it released and SOBBED openly in the theater when he 'died'. (I remember my mom leaning over and whispering 'Do you wanna leave?' cause I seemed that upset lol)

And everyday I use to wear a necklace like this -

(credit IJSY on Etsy)

But in black, until one day I had it in my pocket and I sat on it in class and broke it in two. And people around me deadass were like 'daammnn I know that shit hurt in ur soul' cause I LOVED Loki and people knew it. And I didn't care if they did.

And I was like that for years. Overtime the Loki fandom fizzled out, especially around Phase 2 when things like GOTG first came out.

But I had a Loki fixation like maybe up until the show came out. And even then I've seen the whole thing (I ain't even like it that much 4.5/10) and I'm gonna watch the second one (I'm a fool)

But any way like to this day I still remember the first time I saw Loki and how it made me feel and I can like picture it in my head and I consider it a pretty influencial albeit mundane moment in my life.

And it was a very specific feeling but it was like as soon as I saw Loki's first scene in Avengers, I was plugged into the screen.

Other Hyperfixations - Charles Xavier, Peter Parker

All of my hyperfixations are on men in marvel and they have always been. There's been others I've cycled through, usually based on the newest movie. I even went through a LENGTHY and very in depth K-pop era (don't get me started).

Charles Xavier was a favorite of mine (from X-Men First Class), and I LOVE MCU Peter Parker. I still do. But none hit like Loki did.

There was never THAT feeling, like the fantastical electric feeling.

And I had never felt that feeling again UNTIL I SAW HOBIE (i wanna cry)

My fixation with HOBIE BROWN HOBIE BROWN HOBIE BROWN (sorry I can't say his name only one time im too excited)

In the theatre my jaw genuinely dropped like I'm pretty sure I said 'OH NAH' to myself when i first saw him

Cause he was the prettiest character I've ever seen and I mean that

I didn't recognize what that feeling was until just now like YES, it's the same feeling. And I can't even describe it.

It's like every other character is normal but as soon as you lay eyes on this character for the first time it's like suddenly they're under your skin and curled up in your heart and you can FEEL them and the weight of them PHYSICALLY like not body wise but like astral personhood wise (do I sound unhinged)

And Hobie was just so pretty.

First of all - I didn't know he was black fgsbtgtuiuigs id never heard of spiderpunk

The wicks were what caught me off guard first. I know what wicks are, I've seen them before. But never animated.

And although Miles and Gwen and Pavi all look realistic - Hobie looked real to me. The high cheekbones and broad lips, the raised brow ridge and wide set eyes - he looked different from them, not just in art style but like - I DONT KNOW.

But that's how it is, you know what I mean. There was just something in my brain that was like 'he has meaning to me'. Like 'Idk who this man is, but whatever story he's writing, I'm reading it'.

That's what hyperfixation feels like.

And Hobie in specific held and holds so much more weight for me IN ADDITION.

I started falling out of my Loki phase around Thor: Ragnorok in 2017 - which is to say I was varying degrees of 'obsessed' with Loki for about 5 years.

Around that time, maybe starting in 2015, police brutality in NYC picked up. Me and my friends started getting more radicalized, going to protests, and identifying as communists, anarchists, or both.

One of my favorite things at the time was The Black Panther Party handbook I'd found at a second hand-book store. And for a while the Black Panther Party was a special interest of mine.

It made me really interested in the 70's, the civil rights movement, and the rise of punk that happened at the same time. Around this time, I made my first 'battle jacket' with a patch that said "Black Lives Matter, Bitch." and begged my parents for a pair of doc martens.

I didn't have Hobie back then, but I have him now. And he still resonates.

There was very much a time where I was that homeless, punk teen, angry at police, who wanted to be taken in by my favorite heros.

My admiration for Hobie comes from like - everything he is. Everything he stands for and represents. I don't need Hobie like I would've as a teen. But I know deep down the healing he could bring other people as a comfort character.

Or even in terms of a good political example, or great rep for alt black people. All of it.

That can't really be said for Loki. Or Charles Xavier (even if X-men is a race allegory), or even Peter Parker.

I grew up in NYC all my life, and I LOVE Spider-man, but I never felt Connected to Peter Parker as if we lived in the same city. I never felt something in common with Peter even if he was broke too.

Hobie's just different, y'know.

The Downsides

It's easy to feel really embarrassed by all this - and even now I'm feeling shy even describing how it feels.

Cringe culture gets in your head before you know it. I'm CONSTANTLY telling myself 'no, Hobie would understand that you're neurodivergent and this is you expressing yourself he wouldn't think youre cringe youre not cringe okay' As if my comfort character Hobie Brown thinking I'm cringe is like jksjfkjf the worst thing ever - i can't, i can't with myself.

I genuinely want to hug Hobie more than I want to huge most celebrities or influential real-life people.

I genuinely think hugging him would be more healing to my being than hugging the Pope or the Dhali Lama or something. I admire him and care about him but he's NOT REAL. It's PARASOCIAL And like duh, I know that - i'm grown as fuck.

Sometimes it can genuinely get you down that you care about this character-person and you can't be with them

It's like you miss them. But they're not real and you don't know them. And I know that sounds tragic or bizarre. But it's kinda just weird. It feels weird not in a sad way, but in a 'why brain?? why is this possible in my brain?? huh???' way.

Like...I know it's parasocial, but like it's not like a fan and a youtuber. He's not real, I'm not giving him money or hurting anyone. I know there's nothing to be ashamed of, but it's just WEIRD.

Like... I know my cat isn't a person and mentally I don't see them as a person and can't like analyze them like a full formed person even if I wanted to. But with Hobie - someone who is not a person - my brain can???? Like I've never met him but like... I can imagine a full conversation with him beginning to end in his place of residence I've also never seen before??????? SO WEIRD.

Also theres that thing of him running in the back of my head 85% of the time.

Even if I'm talking or cooking or something, I'm still daydreaming about him - I have ADHD. And during those times if i'm interrupted and someone give me a THIRD thing to do (besides thing 1 and thinking about Hobie) I get irritated. Because now I have less brain room for Hobie stuff.

The Upsides

Now reading all of this you might be like 'sib this sounds like nothing but a problem r u okay' but I PROMISE ITS REAL FUN SOMETIMES

And it's nothing to feel ashamed of!

Now the last part was just a list of downsides, but the upsides are more things I can do because of my hyperfixation on Hobie that makes me happy

Like I said, I daydream a LOT. Like a LOT.

Mainly with OCs You can probably tell how much I like OCs, and how much OCs - even others', mean to me. And usually, my OCs are the ones who I see the in-media universe through. I don't have to think about making an OC much, for me personally they come fully formed. Because of this, while I'm watching movies I begin to have involuntary daydreams of where I can add in an OC, or what they'd be doing. I typically only do this for Marvel though. Hardly DC or any other media other than maybe Batman. For Loki, it was a character named Asdisira Heimdaldottir who I shipped with him. And for Hobie it's Diane Pastors (Disco-Spider).

And although I am in completely control of what these daydreams are, they are vividly realistic, and can come on at different times.

For me, it's while listening to music mostly. But anything can trigger it - from a good text post, to hearing a phrase. And these daydreams are extremely vivid. Most times, you can visibly see when I'm doing it. My eyes will glaze over or start moving as if I'm trying to remember something. Sometimes I may say 'random' phrases. I say lines from the scene I'm in outloud. (Like saying 'How could you!' in an offended tone to myself, if that's what the character in the daydream is saying). I also make facial expressions. I can do it on purpose, like hitting play on a movie and resuming where I left off. Usually, when I do this, I close my eyes. I much prefer to sit and do it without multitasking, but I often do it while doing something else.

These daydreams connect, and arcs/storylines can go on for months/years.

Usually these stories go on for months in IRL time, and span the whole history of the character. For Loki, I probably has Asdisira for 4 years at most. Which is still a LONG time. These arcs can take different pathways, and I may imagine a scene multiple times - in different ways, but usuall the timeline of the oc x canon stays overall the same. Sadly, I almost never write these down. I would pull my hair out and theres not enough time in the world for me to write Diane and Hobie's full narrative down in detail that does it justice. I wanna make a bullet list of their narrative but i dont wanna clog dashes

I can genuinely use them as a comfort character.

I don't need this much now, and nowhere as much as I needed it in high school, but having the ability to daydream vividly at will about a character you feel safe and happy with - it's dope. Sometimes it really helps. There were a lot of times I imagined Loki comforting me or showing me kindness or helping me calm down. And sometimes you can do it just for fun. Like, as a treat. Whenever. I'm imagining Diane and Hobie at a fish n' chip shop right now. It's drizzling outside and it smells like oil and Hobie douses his chips in wayyy to much vinegar. It's like I'm there. Like...I just do that. thats rad as hell. (and I don't know how to describe it if you can't do it but hopefully others know how it is but it's VIVID, like wayyyy more than any dream.)

Literally a walking fact book about them.

I'm smug AS FUCK. I use to love when dudes in high school challenged me about the MCU cause I wore a shirt. Like, oh buddy. Oh pal. Just you fucking wait. I know this character better than you know your own mother - try me hoe. I love reading characters like a book and rewatching scenes, breaking down motives, watching their movements, looking for patterns and drawing connections to real world history, cultures, or psychology. I LOVE watching behavior and personality in the movies, and making conclusions about where they'd come from, reasonably, for the character, and how it affects them outside the scope of the film.

And most of all - It's Free Joy we're almost at the end I promise

This is long as all hell and unlike my other posts there really isn't a neat little character study but uhhh I wanna end with this I guess -

The best part of it, is it's free joy. Literally.

My brain can do something a lot of others can't. I can feel a kind a comfort and understanding with a character, I can entertain myself and come up with amazing stories that have mean to me.

I can make wonderful worlds and all that without lifting a finger, and hangout with my favorite characters just by going

(literally how i be sitting there - professor x headass)

I hoping the fucking multiverse with my mind.

But there's nothing cringe about that. And there's nothing cringe about drawing Hobie for hours on end, by himself or with an oc. There's nothing cringe about thinking about them a lot, or wanting to buy or make a lot of merch.

We aren't hurting anyone. It's not like a celebrity or a youtuber. Nothing we're doing is taboo or anything we're literally just being happy. And squealing about a character we deeply love

Like..Golly if more mfers in this world were squealing like us once a week maybe they'd be happier, you know what I mean. People be walking around mad as hell at the world...like why don't you look at this picture of Hobie and calm down? That's what makes me calm down.

__________________________________________________

Anyway uh this is LONG and not connected much to ATSV but if you read down this low THANK YOU so deeply it means a lot. If you relate to this at all I'd love to hear.

And if you think I'm unhinged. Absolutely. But that has nothing to do with this and ain't nothing wrong about it, in the words of megan the stallion... 'ah'.

I leave you with this pic of Hobie goodbye :)

im using my magic autism powers to hold his hand :) now im giving him a hug im having fun

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Hihi!! Hope you're doing well! Please take rest and drink as much as water as you can (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧

Do you write platonic relationships? If yes, may I request headcanons of Lu Bu and reader being best friends :D

It all starts with reader approaching Lu Bu because she thinks he would like a friend to talk to. Now, they're from completely different timelines and somehow very close. It's a cute friendship because she's small and very friendly to everyone and Lu Bu scares people with just one look.

I hope this wasn't too much to ask. If you can't do it, it's alright!! Have a wonderful day and sending lots of love >:D

btw I love your works sm this is my first time requesting 😭😭😭

-The sudden pressure on his back did nothing to break his concentration as he continued to swing his halberd, working on his technique, as he wanted to fight Thor again!

-Ever since being returned to life, Lu Bu has been working hard, training even harder, wanting to have an even better match against his soul mate, the opponent he had always wanted.

-Your arms wrapped around his neck, giving him a small hug, “Hi~ Lu Bu!” he cracked the smallest of grins before swinging hard, splitting the ground in front of him, but also breaking his fourth halberd of the day. He wasn’t bothered, he had plenty more.

-You hopped down before he turned, ruffling your hair lightly which made you grin before he spoke, “You need something or you just hanging out today?”

-The pout on your face was cute as your hands came to your hips, “What I can’t just come and see my most favorite Lu Bu in the world?!”

-His grin widened, and to anyone else who didn’t know him, it would have been terrifying, but to people like you and Chen Gong, you weren’t bothered, he was just smiling!

-Seeing him smile, you grinned, “I came to get you, Chen Gong asked me to bring you to lunch! He found a hot pot place!” while wanting to continue training, hearing what lunch was, he agreed, plus he couldn’t say no to you.

-If anyone saw the two of you together, they would think he was threatening you, because you were an adorable cinnamon roll while he was… not.

-Your friendship was an oddball one, but many thought it was cute, big scary Lu Bu with tiny cupcake Y/N, but you got along great with each other!

-You were the only one that could sneak up on him and hug him without breaking his concentration and you didn’t care if he spent hours training, you didn’t bother him, and if he wanted you out of the way, he would tell you, but since you’re so small, usually he doesn’t care.

-Chen Gong was overwhelmed with tears when you first met him as he hugged you, sobbing comically that his lord had made a friend!! Lu Bu had been a bit embarrassed, which was rather amusing to see but only you and Chen Gong had seen it.

-Even Red Hair liked you! And Red Hair didn’t like anyone but Lu Bu; but you didn’t ride him, as he wasn’t your horse, but you could at least approach him without fear and he would let you hand feed him and brush him.

-Chen Gong greeted you both as you led Lu Bu into the hot pot restaurant, waving you over to the table he had gotten, beaming, “I ordered plenty of meat for us!”

-Lu Bu gave him a grin, and being the only other person that didn’t mind Lu Bu’s smile, he wasn’t afraid, seeing it more as praise and happiness.

-Anyone looking at your table couldn’t understand the mismatched trio seated there, you and Chen Gong were chatty and bright, while Lu Bu was silent and scary looking, but seeing him with the two of you, he didn’t seem so scary, he almost seemed like a stoic father.

-Lu Bu cracked a grin when you put some vegetables into his bowl, “Eat some veggies too!” only you and maybe Chen Gong could get away with that.

-But then again, that’s why Lu Bu liked you, you weren’t afraid of him, you just treated him like a normal person, because to you, that’s all that he was.

[undeadorion]

This is the first time I've gotten deep into a fandom thing and not had the urge to RP about it. I mean I'd RP Terzo in a heartbeat if given the chance, but the urge to seek an outlet for that hasn't happened. Which is just wild to me.

Where most people found their outlet in fanfiction, mine was always RP. I've been doing online RP since back when not only Yahoo chat existed, but you could make custom rooms. I was doing pseudo RP in random chat rooms before there were proper RP chatrooms on Yahoo. I also trolled the shit out of Christian chatrooms before trolling as a term even existed.

But the fact that I haven't even sought it out and just started making things tells me I've grown and improved so damn much.

I lived on Livejournal then Dreamwidth until just a few years ago, with a few years break to live in the Tumblr RP scene. Both of them suffered the same fate in the end, devolving into the appearance of RP with no actual substance. On tumblr it was about the aesthetics of what you posted, absurd amounts of text formatting and flourishes, while saying very little. On DW people talked (and complained) about RP a lot but you were lucky to get a reply once a week that was 2 sentences long.

LJ/DW was my home for a decade. So I held on to it for as long as I could. It's where I made some genuinely lifelong friends that I still talk to on a regular basis. It's where I developed my writing skills and built my OCs. But holy shit were they toxic. All anonymous, of course. Someone once ranted about hating to RP with me because they hated my writing was so casual and I sometimes used sentence fragments. It's not an fucking MLA formatted essay contest, gdi.

But the biggest issue over there was that it was impossible to get any serious action, the sort you could sink your teeth into, without joining a community (we called them games). But then you were stuck with a limited collection of people you had to play nice with. And if they decided they didn't like you, you were screwed. The final straw that made me finally leave was double layered. The first layer was that with one character I was getting too much attention. Or rather the character was. I was playing as Thor and everyone wanted a piece of him, but just their personal headcanon of him, often replying to me as if I was playing that version with no regard to anything that was different due to his time in that world and away from canon. And they most certainly didn't give two shits about me as a player. So I said fine. Here's my OC Crawford. If you play with him THEN you get to play with Thor. Thor is your reward. Mostly to prove how little they actually cared. They then took to the anonymous communities to rip me to shreds for it. Accusing me of shit like "soul bonding" and that he was a terrible character cause he said "fuck" too much. There was a third layer that was the final blow involving a really shitty friend's reaction to me being upset by it, but that's a story for another time.

I was completely and utterly devastated. I sat at my computer sobbing for like 3 days in a row. It wasn't even necessarily that they hated my character, I knew he was an acquired taste. It was that I couldn't trust anyone anymore. Not just in the game, but that I RPed with at all. Because different anonymous people kept weighing in. Some I could guess who they were but the rest I couldn't be sure. Was it people I trusted? Was it people I'd thought were my friends? I'd put so much time and energy of my life into RPing, what else was I going to do? It was my one outlet. The place I felt most comfortable. I'd been doing it for 20 years.

That was also the last time I was deeply involved in any fandom. And likely part of why I couldn't really dig my fingers into anything since then. Because I didn't know what to do. Because that instinct for wanting to RP as a character was still there. It was still where my brain went, thinking up how I'd approach it, what situations I'd want to throw them into. And part of that was just connecting with other people. It was a moment of immediate feedback. If they responded to me they didn't hate me. If they interacted with me I mattered. They were interested in what I had to say. It was quick and constant validation.

And I've realized...I don't need that anymore. Even if it was just me and my mutuals who also like the fandom in our little corner, sharing the same posts around and yammering headcanons at each other, that would be more than enough for me. A chunk of the fandom actively hates me and I keep finding I'm blocked by more people. If that happened 5 years ago, I would have been absolutely destroyed. Now I'm legitimately laughing about it. Then I go back to making my art. Art I'd be making even if I got zero notes, because I'm making it for me.

Back in 2018 when that shit happened, I'd lost a lot of ground on improving my mental health. It felt like I was trying to climb out of a mud pit with sheer walls and every time I made some progress I'd slide back down into the muck. I didn't know until later that it was a losing battle anyway, because I desperately needed meds to fix my head. But the meds were like someone dropping a ladder. I still had to climb it, I still had to pull myself up. I've made so much progress since then I can't even see that pit anymore. When I was down there, RP was that one source of warmth I could find. A way to escape if just for a moment. And I've only now become aware of not needing that anymore.

It's a serious relief. And I'm still so grateful for all of the wonderful people leaving comments on my stuff. Even when I don't respond, it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside when I see them.

[ichoosechoasandbeingqueer]

My Fish Dawn! My Fish!

This is so stupid but I love Anders and was so upset when Ty killed his fish. I also love the platonic relationship between Anders and Dawn. @deanobingo

Platonic Anders and Dawn

Warnings: Drunk Anders and dead fish pets

Words: 1648

Anders drunkenly calls Dawn over and she tucks him into bed.

Tonight, however, was not one of those careful nights he was out parting or softening up a new client.

After a day of Frigg hunting that turned out to be a major bust, finding Thor who was as mad as the hatter, a date with a goddess that left him high and dry and a fight that left him in the bad books with his grandfather for breaking his surfboard and with a swollen and bloody nose that made his head pound every time he breathed, he figured he could use a drink. A strong one.

After a day of Frigg hunting that turned out to be a major bust, finding Thor who was as mad as the hatter, a date with a goddess that left him high and dry and a fight that left him in the bad books with his grandfather for breaking his surfboard and with a swollen and bloody nose that made his head pound every time he breathed, he figured he could use a drink. A strong one.

His rotten day got even worse when he finally made it home, went to grasp the handle of his fridge to grab a beer, only to find it wasn’t there.

Honestly at that stage he wanted to give up and go to bed, and he would have, if he hadn’t glanced at his fish tank and spotted not only that his fish were gone, but they had been replaced with a packet a fish fingers.

He couldn’t help the tears of frustration and exhaustion that welled in his eyes and the sob that broke through his throat. Letting out a horse yell that would probably mean a noise complaint from his neighbors in the morning, he kicked off his shoes and dove into the first bottle of alcohol he could find.

Not even an hour later and he found himself sat on his couch with nine different empty bottles scattered on the table in front of him, still in a foul mood. Admittedly, not all of the bottles had been full when he found them, but some of them definitely had been, and he jumped six feet in the air when knocking came from his door.

Anders squinted his eyes at the sound and looked about his apartment, his mind long gone and his vision spinning. When the knocking sounded again, he stumbled to the sink to peer down the drain determined that was where the sound was coming from.

“Hellooo,” he called out snickering as his voice bounced down the piping, “Why are you banging?”

Someone shouted his name this time and leaving his sink be, he once again stumbled around trying to find the source. When he finally made it to his door, his fingers hit the intercom hard enough to make the screen glitch.

“Identify yourself,” he growled, his speech slurring and his brows frowning. He really didn’t want to deal with people right now.

“It’s Dwan? You called me? Told me to get here right away?”

He didn’t remember calling Dwan but the sound of her voice made him grin, his mood improving instantly knowing that his favorite mortal was here, even if she was a sick in the mud at parties.

“I’ts Dawwwwwwwnsyyyy! Hello Dwansy,” he sung, opening the door with a grin.

“Yes, hello Anders. What did you need that was so important?”

“Important?” he echoed with a nod of his head, linking his fingers with hers and pulling her into his apartment lightly, “Oh yes, very important,”

“Yes Anders, what is important?” she urged him on, slightly concerned at his strange behavior, “You said I needed to get here right away or you would fire me,”

“Fire you? The fuck would I fire you for? Dwansy is awesome, and cool and a lot nicer that surfboards or brothers,”

Dwan blinked as she watched her boss sway around his living room. She took in how disarranged he looked compared to his usual self at the office, his hair messy, his shirt untucked and lines of dried blood ran down the front of his shirt that she assumed was from the same thing that caused the painful looking busing on the bridge of his nose. He had empty bottles scattered around the room and a packet of fish fingers scattered across the floor, the carpet around them darkened by the damp puddles of water they laid in.

“Anders?” she questioned again, her voice softer this time and laced in concern, “Ander are you ok? What’s going on?”

“Brothers are bastards and my nose hurts,” he pouted, reminding her of a child who had missed their nap, “And the sink keeps knocking on my door,”

“Your sink keeps- what?”

“There’s someone in my sink Dwan and they want to steel my chips,” he declared gesturing to the scattered fish fingers laying on his carpet.

She had to cover her mouth with both hands to stop from losing herself in laughter, “Anders how much have you had to drink tonight?”

He gave her a sheepish grin, “Just a little bit, but there’s some left here if you want some, I’m good at sharing, especially with pretty ladies,”

“And there we go,” she sighed at his flirty behavior, “lets get you to bed hmm? I think you might feel better in the morning,”

He stopped glaring down the sink and sent her a scandalized look, “Dwansy, so forward, didn’t think you had it in you. Well done!”

With an irritable groan, she took a step towards him, stopping short at the small white mini fridge that stood in place of his usually fridge, groaning again at the realization that Ty had not replaced his fridge as he had promised, instead using the opportunity to mess with his brother instead. As much as she wanted to side with Ty however, the sight of Anders stumbling around his apartment in a dunked daze made her soft.

She wrapped her hands around her boss’s shoulders and slowly lead him to his bedroom, soothing him like he was a wild animal that would take off at any second if spooked. Anders had started mumbling to himself again, a frown on his face as she sat him at the end of his bed and untucked the covers.

“Dawwwwwnsyyyy,” he sung again with a giggle that she would forever blackmail him with, “Dawwnsyy what are you doooooooooing?”

“Putting you to bed you silly thing,” she huffed, slapping his hands away and undoing the buttons of his ruined shirt. Anders held a breath and leaned away from her, a worried look on his face.

“No, no wait. I love you Dwansy but I don’t- we can’t- I don’t screw crew Dwan,”

“What are you talking about?” she muttered, pushing him down and pinning him to the mattress to stop his squirming.

“Dwan, really!” he pulled away again, his blue eyes wide, “Please, you’re my best friend. I don’t wanna ruin that with a quick one nighter,”

“I’m not trying to fuck you Anders!” she huffed, ripping the rest of the buttons open and peeling it from his torso, blushing despite herself at the sight of his soft tummy and course blond hair that covered his chest and thickening where it disappeared into his pants.

“Oh,” he stared blankly at his ceiling, his body instantly relaxing under her touch and lifting his arms over his head to help her get the material off, “that’s good then I suppose,”

Dwan sighed again and maneuvered him up to his pillows, tucking him under his covers and watching as he snuggled down into them. It took a moment before she thought about what he had just said.

“Do you really see me as your best friend Anders?’

“Hmm? Oh, yeah I guess.” He nodded, his voice becoming shy compared to the usual cocky and arrogant attitude he wore, “I’m a bit of a dick sometimes you know, but you never want to hurt me for it. Your one of the few people I can really trust,”

Dawn couldn’t help the way her eyes watered at the way his voice sounded soft and defenseless, his striking blue eyes staring up at her like a lost puppy.

“Oh you silly, silly man,”

“Dwan?” he questioned, tears filling his eyes and making her heart clench painfully in her chest, “Dwan, my fish are dead,”

“Oh Anders,” she sniffled, sitting down next to him and running her fingers through his hair affectionately, “I’m so sorry,”

There was a pause before Anders wiggled his way towards her and laid his head in her lap.

“I really loved my fish Dawn,”

“I know,”

“There was this orange one, I called him orange,”

She hummed still stroking his curls, not even surprise at the obvious name.

“And there was this other one, a really pretty blue one, I called him Sir Edward Armond Snicket the third,”

“Oh why am I not recording this?” she chuckled to herself as he continued to drunkenly list and name the silly little guppies from his tank. He listed them all, not missing one, and as he rambled on about the next thing his intoxicated mind attached itself too his voice began to slur and slow down. Soon enough he was letting out soft snores as he snuggled deeper into her lap, dead to the world.

She gave him one last glance over, lifting him and slipping out of his sleeping grasp, before sneaking out of his bedroom.

He was her boss, and a dick. But past all of that he was a soft and gentle soul. A little lost, but overall kind, protective and fragile.

She flicked off the lights and left his apartment with a smile, a plan to head down to the pet shop in the morning to buy him a surprise.  

[benevolentgodloki]

Be honest meme: 4, 14, 15, 34

Be Honest Meme

4. How do you explain rp to someone in the real world?

// Most of the time I don't, but when I do, I guess I describe it as 'I write stories with other people where we play our favourite characters and indulge in telling tales back and forth as a game and seeing what happens if X and Y were in a certain situation'. If I really trust someone, it can go straight to 'lol I play dolls and make Loki the tumblr bicycle'.

14. Do you think rp has had a positive or negative affect on your life or you as a person?

// I'd say largely positive. It's how I met my best friends and has sparked so much of my creativity. My writing's apparently helped people in the past, though on another blog on a nicer character than Loki XD It's helped me cope through tough times and I've learnt things vicariously about life. There are also of course negative things where I've made mistakes and had to learn from them, I let role-play eat my time quite a lot (or I used to at least) and some experiences left me with some major instances of stress, but it's all about finding the balance and doing what's right for you. In the end, it's not much different from anyone else's hobbies and the social circumstances surrounding those. It's been both helpful and detrimental to my marriage at times lmao. But, yeah, I'd say positive. I can explore the lives I can't or wouldn't really want to live but find exciting to write. We fulfil each other as best we can as writers.

15. How has rp changed you personally?

// Oof, that's deep. I'm not sure if I'm even the right person to answer that. It's toughened me up a bit I guess and also freed me in other ways. Becoming someone else really helps escape from difficult times in life or provides a boost when things are going pretty good. It's helped me work out my boundaries and, as above, given me experiences to learn from regarding behaviour of my own and those around me. We can't be perfect but rp definitely has an effect on the shape of a person if they're involved in it often enough. I sometimes end up taking on a bit of the emotions of the muses I write, which isn't always a good thing with Loki. I don't mean I start lying and manipulating more, but I do get crankier and less patient at times lol! These feel like negative things. The positive stuff all got mentioned already in the previous question XD

34. Have you ever cried while writing a reply?

// Yes lol. I think one or two of any threads I've tagged with #ow may have got me. Probably stuff involving @araedi's Thor and likely frostiron and strangefrost angst. If Loki's really suffering or muses are going through really terrible things, or they're heartbroken etc and it's around that time of month you bet I'm gonna be sobbing.

[hearthcraft-adventures]

Blessed Yule, Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas

I was not expecting to have taken as long a break as I did from posting, but I also do not exactly post frequently. The holidays, for me, are simultaneously extremely difficult and my favorite time of year. From September through New Year's, it is all about spending time with the people you love.

Last year, the circle of people that I can spend time with shrank tremendously. This year, that was incredibly sad. Christmas Eve I sat at home, wrapping gifts for those I am going to see, having a Prosecco Cider (thanks, Bold Rock), and crying. I texted a friend who knows all the details of last Christmas Eve, we talked a bit about that, spirituality, where we're going on our journeys, I suddenly felt compelled to offer Baldur one of my favorite bottles of primitivo (which I did), and was then compelled to drink the beer I had offered to Thor a while ago (the intuition had been to leave it on the altar until I needed to feel protected), and by the time George arrived I felt a lot better.

If I really think about it, I started getting antsy around early November. That is when the anxiety started, probably because I normally spend Thanksgiving with one of my dad's brothers and his family ; that is, unfortunately, no more, given that one of his daughters was the cousin involved in the events of last Christmas Eve. Thanksgiving for me, instead of the usual happy family gathering, was a tense visit to see my mom at Aunt Ellen's (her sister), where my sister and her partner came. It's mother's last chance to be involved in Abi's life at all. This Christmas, rather than the Feast of the Seven Fishes at one of dad's sister's, as was the previous tradition, I was at Aunt Ellen's with mom and George.

I probably freaked out about that meeting a lot more than I should have. Mom was on her best behavior, which was nice. But she still made me uncomfortable. She refuses to call me by my name consistently, preferring to deadname me, pet my arms a bunch at dinner (I had a mesh shirt as a part of my outfit that had velvet on the sleeves), and at one point said if George was older she would want to date him. My sister was also deadnamed repeatedly, and even though she was not present, it was still uncomfortable - I thought the visit was about to go to Hell when I called my mom out on her behavior and she, per her usual, got defensive and acted like it was not her fault.

But, I digress.

If anything, this holiday season has showed me that next year is the time to make my own holiday traditions. I had already talked to George about how I think I want us to do Thanksgiving next year - a party with all our friends, with a spread of everyone's favorite foods instead of a traditional turkey - and he is on board with it. George does not come from "holiday people", as he says, but he supports that the season is important to me and thinks it will be fun to have our own traditions.

But Christmas Eve, I needed to cry. I wanted to scream. I wanted to let out all the pain that I have felt for a whole year. Because from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, I kept re-living last Christmas Eve. I was anxious driving at night, I was jittery, and I would suddenly want to break down sobbing at work and not know why. By the time I was getting ready to go to bed, one of my astrology apps had given me a notification for a meditation specifically to release energy from past events, call back energy, and reset the emotional connection to those events. (And people say astrology and these apps are fake). I did the meditation, and I feel much lighter than I did.

When talking to my friends and co-workers, I realized that the holidays are both fun and sad for a lot of people. Sometimes, it can be difficult to focus on the joy. But by leaning on joy, it lessens the sting of the hurt. By focusing on what we have to be happy about, and treating ourselves gently, we can keep the spirit of peace, compassion, and kindness. For me, the holidays are becoming a heavy reminder of those things. I cannot wait to see what they look like for me next year.

[waywardxrhea]

Part Forty-Six: This Means War

[slow burn romance between Steve Rogers and SHIELD agent Emma Baker]

Warnings: 18+, contains humor, fluff, mental health, family trauma, romance, angst, language, violence.

installment list

Word count: 2.3k

The team returns from the Time Heist.

Emma's heart picks up its pace and her hands shake the entire time the teams are gone, even though it's less than a minute of her time. When they land back on the platform, Emma does a quick headcount and sees that someone is missing. Her eyebrows scrunch in confusion and her heart begins to race as she tries to figure out who.

Before anyone else notices though, Bruce is asking, "Did we get them all?"

Rhodes laughs and asks, "You're telling me this actually worked?"

In the meantime, Emma heads up the ramp and notices that Natasha is the one missing from the ranks and Clint is visibly distraught. She can't manage to get any words out to ask what happened though, her mind already going to the worst with a sense of dread flooding her body. She doesn't have to ask though because Bruce takes the words out of her mouth, asking him, "Clint, where's Nat?"

When Clint doesn't respond, Steve and Bruce's faces fall and Emma's hands start shaking once again. Not having it with this silence, Emma asks once again, "Where is she, Clint?"

"She's gone," he finally whispers.

Bruce loses feeling in his knees and falls at the words and Emma holds herself up on the railing, shouting, "Bullshit Clinton! Where is she?"

"She's really gone, Emma..." he mumbles weakly. "She made the decision. I tried to save her but she wouldn't let me..."

Emma opens her mouth to say something but can't find the words to say at the loss of one of her best friends in the world. Steve tries to offer her his embrace, but she pushes past him and runs outside, not wanting anyone to see her break down. Being blinded by tears, Emma doesn't see where she's running, but she ends up at the little pier by the Compound's lake. As she sits on the ledge, her mind is taken back to all the deep talks she and Natasha had at the lodge with their feet dangling in the water. Sobs overwhelm Emma as she tries to picture a world without Natasha Romanoff in it and hates every moment of it.

After a few minutes alone, there's a presence beside Emma. She knows it's Steve when he sits beside her and wraps an arm around her to hold her close. "It's not fair, this wasn't supposed to happen..." Emma whispers through her tears. She chokes on her tears as she cries, "No one was supposed to die! Especially not her!"

"Shh," Steve tries to calm her down by playing with her hands as they both cry. "It isn't fair I know, but..." he can't even finish his sentence as he himself is overcome with emotion at the loss of his dear friend. Try as he might to be optimistic through this, at the moment he can't, he's just as upset at the loss of Natasha as Emma is.

Soon enough, the rest of the group joins Emma and Steve on the dock, no one knowing what to say. After a few minutes of silence, Tony speaks up, asking, "Do we know if she had any family?"

Emma tells Tony quietly, "The only other family besides us that she had got snapped away by Thanos. We tried tracking them down a few times but couldn't find them. Granted, they could also just be really good at hiding seeing as they're all professional spies, but..."

"God, Yelena's gonna be so upset..." Clint whispers, just loud enough for Emma to hear while running his hands down his face.

"What are you doing?" Thor asks Tony which earns a look from everyone.

"I'm just asking a question," Tony tells him.

"Yeah, no, you're acting like she's dead. Why are we acting like she's dead?" Thor retorts, getting closer to Tony. There's a hint of desperation in his voice as he continues, "We have the stones, we can bring her back. Isn't that right, Cap? So stop this shit. We're the Avengers!"

This statement sparks a bit of hope in Emma until Clint tells him, "We can't get her back. It can't be undone...it can't."

This crushes Emma's hope once more and she buries her face in Steve's chest as a fresh batch of tears starts falling from her eyes. While Emma is crying, Thor is laughing and says to Clint, "Look, I'm sorry, and no offense, but you're a very earthly being and we're talking about space magic here. I think I know a bit more than you do and the word can't seems a bit too definitive yeah?"

"Look," Clint says, looking at Thor with tears in his eyes and guilt in his heart, "I know I'm outside my realm of knowledge here, but she still isn't here is she?"

"That's exactly my point, with the stones we can-"

"It can't be undone," Clint interrupts him. "Or at least that's what the red floating guy had to say about it. Maybe you should go talk to him! You grab your hammer and you go fly and talk to him!"

"Clint," Steve says in a weak voice trying to stop the fighting.

Clint nods and lowers his voice, but when he speaks again, it breaks, "It was supposed to be me... She sacrificed her life for that goddamn stone, she put her life on it, on us making this work!"

At these words, Bruce picks up one of the benches and heaves it across the lake and into the trees across the property. Once he does, he mumbles, "She's not coming back... We have to make it worth it. We have to."

Steve looks up at him and responds, "We will."

So they get to work. Within hours Tony, Bruce, and Rocket have a fully functioning nano gauntlet to affix the stones to so they can bring everyone that was snapped away back.

While this is an amazing feat, Emma can't help but not share in the enthusiasm. Ever since everyone got back without Natasha, all Emma's wanted to do is curl up in her bed and cry, but Steve insists on keeping busy so she doesn't get into a bad mental space. She knows he's right, so to appease him, Emma documents the work as the three build the gauntlet. She uses her drone to document but keeps it in stealth mode so as to not distract them as they work.

As Tony is working, he asks Emma, "So, where'd you get that new drone huh? Replaced mine with something better?"

"Not replaced, just upgraded most of it," Emma replies monotonously as she types on her laptop to document their work as she films.

"You know, that really hurts, Newsie," Tony tries to tease to lighten the mood which only earns a pissed-off look from Emma.

"Now's not the time for snarky remarks, Stark," Steve tells him as he walks into the lab.

He makes his way over to Emma and kisses her temple before giving her a hug from the side. "Looks like you've been doing some good work," he tells her.

Emma looks up at him and says, "And it looks like you've been crying, love. What about keeping busy?"

"You got me there," he admits quietly as Emma stands up to give him a comforting hug which he gladly relaxes into.

"Hey you two, it's done," Bruce informs them from across the lab.

They gather near the gauntlet and Rocket asks, "Now...who's gonna snap their freakin fingers?"

"I'll do it," Thor volunteers while walking over quickly about to grab it.

"Wait, Thor, wait," Steve tells him while holding out his arm. "We need to think this through. Those stones did damage to Thanos, who knows what they'll do to us."

"Oh, so we're just sitting around waiting now?" Thor asks.

"I think that we should discuss this first," Scott says as he walks into the room.

"Look, just standing around looking at the gauntlet isn't going to bring everyone back, and I for one am ready to do that. I'm the strongest Avenger, so this should fall onto me." At this statement, a short verbal argument ensues between Thor, Tony, and Steve which is stopped by Thor getting emotional and adding, "Just let me do something good. Something right."

"Thor, it's not just the fact that that glove has enough energy to light up a continent, you're just in no condition to withstand it and I just want to look out for you buddy," Tony tells him.

"What do you think is coursing through my veins right now?" Thor asks.

Rhodes looks at him and asks, "Cheese whiz?"

Thor gives Rhodes a look and whispers, "Lightning."

"Lightning won't help you here, pal," Bruce informs him. "It's gotta be me. You heard what Steve said. We saw what those stones did to Thanos, they almost killed him. None of you would survive the power of them all at once."

Steve speaks up and asks, "Well how do you know you will?"

"I don't," Bruce tells him. "The radiation's mostly gamma though, it's like I was meant to do this."

He sighs, picks up the gauntlet, and examines it for a few moments before Tony asks, "Are you ready?"

"Let's do it," he replies.

"Okay remember, we bring back everyone Thanos snapped away five years ago. Don't change anything from the past five years."

"Got it," he replies as he engages the gauntlet so it'll conform to the size of his hand.

As Bruce gets ready to snap, the others are all suited up in their combat attire, everyone except Emma who hadn't had the energy or heart to go find one of Natasha or Maria's old suits to wear. To compensate though, Emma asks SAM to have the drone form a forcefield between her and Bruce just in case anything happens.

Tony gets FRIDAY to close off all the windows and doors in the facility in case of damage and Emma's heart rate picks up as the time grows closer. Steve takes Emma's hand in his unoccupied one and squeezes it as she grabs onto the dog tags around her neck with the other hand, hoping to see Sam soon.

Bruce gets the gauntlet on his hand which makes all the colors of the stones and their energy begin to course through him, knocking him to the floor with their power. He groans in pain, so Thor shouts, "Take it off!"

Steve drops Emma's hand to hold it out in front of Thor, telling him to stop before asking Bruce, "Are you okay?"

When he doesn't answer, Tony adds urgently, "Talk to me Banner."

At this point, Bruce's whole arm is lit up with power and his clothes are burning, but he manages to get out, "I'm okay!" After a few more seconds of struggling, he finally manages to snap his fingers, falling to the floor temporarily unconscious from his effort. Everyone gathers around him quickly to make sure he's okay, Tony cooling off his arm with a mixture of water and medication from his suit. "Did it work?" Bruce asks quietly.

Thor replies first, saying, "We're not sure yet. It's okay though, I'm sure it did!"

As the doors and windows are revealed once more, Scott starts to walk to the window to look outside while Emma offers to head to the kitchen to make Bruce some tea and get him some food after what he just endured.

Across the room, Clint answers his cell phone which is ringing with a call from his wife, so before Emma can head out of the room to get Bruce's refreshments, she looks over to Steve with hope in her eyes. Even though Emma's mind is still clouded with the loss of Natasha, the knowledge that Sam, Maria, and Wanda are back gives her the strength to smile a bit as she says, "That means they're back." Her voice breaks as she holds onto Sam's dog tag as if her life depends on it.

Steve smiles and nods, but before he can say anything in response, a large shadow that is looming above them in the sky starts raining down an onslaught of blasts, destroying the building quickly. As the blasts tear the building apart, Steve doesn't have time to reach out to protect Emma before she's already out of sight.

The blasts and the impact from the rubble knock Steve out temporarily, but he's roused when Tony finds him. "Hey, if you lose this thing one more time I'm keeping it," Tony tells him as he gives Steve a hand up and hands off the shield that got lost in the blast.

Steve looks around and whispers, "Emma..." Panic fills his mind as he looks at his mangled-up surroundings. Knowing that Emma was only wearing street clothes, he knows it will have taken a miracle for her to not have gotten injured... This time as he shouts her name hoping she isn't too far away, a sense of dread starts to fill his body and he kicks himself for not pushing her to wear something more protective.

"Steve, calm down," Tony cautions while putting a hand on his shoulder.

Panicking, Steve unintentionally snaps at Tony, shouting, "You know damn well you would be doing the same thing if it was Pepper, Tony!"

"You got me there pal, but right now we have bigger fish to fry. A large purple fish that's out there waiting for us," Tony tells him.

As he says this, Steve looks down at his feet and sees Sam's dog tags on the ground and he falls to his knees. "Oh my God, Emma...no, no, no..." he whispers as he picks up the chain.

She can't be gone...she can't.

Tony's jaw drops slightly at what he's seeing, but he puts a hand on Steve's shoulder and says, "That doesn't confirm anything."

"That's what dog tags are for Stark, to identify the dead..." Steve whispers, his voice breaking. He lets a few tears fall before his anger sets in at the situation. He tucks the necklace away into a pouch on his belt and grits his teeth as he starts to make his way to Thanos, saying, "That son of a bitch is gonna pay for this..."

next chapter

taglist: @mrsevans90

[infinitystoner]

T - You are such a talented writer! I can tell how much love and work you pour into this story with each new chapter. There's a true respect and understanding of the characters that is so refreshing. (And I'm honestly shocked more people here on tumblr aren't reading Relinquish Your Burden!)

But what an emotional journey this one was. The pacing was on point, and Loki's hesitancy to once again let go was perfectly conveyed. He spent hundreds of years searching for a way to save/fix everything; your depiction of his acceptance of that burden and his transformation into a "servant to the wellbeing of the Multiverse" was so well-done.

Again, your grasp of the characters is incredible - each has their own unique experience with reuniting with Loki.

"Alright everyone, he's letting us in. Watch your step, there's a bit of a gap between us and the tunnel." And with that, she turned her back on them and disappeared through the glowing orange door.

This made me laugh - it's so Sylvie. She hasn't got time for any bullshit. "he's letting us in, now let's go!"

How could he have forgotten just how sinfully sharp the lines of his face were, or that slight furrow between his eyebrows? Loki looked exactly the same as the day he'd left.

C'mon, Mobius. How could you ever forget the beautiful face of your God of Mischief? Then you hit me with THIS?!

Exhaling shakily, he closed the remaining distance between himself and the throne, kneeling down before it so that he was looking up at the man he'd once called a scared little boy, a mischievous scamp, his friend. Mobius gently placed a hand on Loki's knee. A supplicant before a God, he mused. Loki looked down at Mobius in surprise. Such beautiful, devastating eyes. "Please," Mobius whispered, blinking back his tears. "Come back to us."

I AM UNWELL. But wait...

Loki braced himself on the stout armrests of his makeshift throne, rising unsteadily to his feet. Mobius shuffled backward, bringing himself to standing as Loki rose to his full height, lifting the horned kintsugi crown from his head. Carefully, as if it were made of glass, he placed it onto the throne's gilded seat and slowly turned to face them all.  Before he could say anything or take so much as a step, Thor was crashing into him, pulling him into a bone-crushing embrace. It didn't take long for Loki to grip him back fiercely, and for both brothers' shoulders to begin shaking with sobs.

😭🥹 This is all I want. This is all I need. For Thor and Loki to find each other again and HUG! Also, the descriptions of Loki relinquishing his throne and crown gave me chills.

“This is your glorious purpose, God of Stories, but it does not have to remain your burden.”

You're amazing! This story is amazing! I cannot wait to see what adventures the trek to New Asgard brings.

Relinquish Your Burden: Chapter 4

Word Count: 2.2k

Remembering the peculiar gravity that she experienced on her first visit, Sylvie opened the Time Door within arms reach of the Yggdrasil. On a hunch, she positioned the door at the middle of the ‘trunk,’ where the verdant light of Loki's magic flared the brightest.

Normally, she would try to enchant her way past magical barriers, but with such high stakes, she was paranoid that enchantment would inadvertently harm the timelines. Instead—taking care to keep her feet firmly planted on the New York side of the Time Door—she lit one of her palms with magic and rested it on the trunk, hoping it alerted Loki to her presence.

One moment passed. Then another.

Just as she was starting to think that Loki either couldn't sense her or was purposefully ignoring her, the timelines began to shift, morphing into the entrance to a small tunnel, just tall enough for a person to walk through. She exhaled in relief, leaning back through the Time Door to address the group.

"Alright everyone, he's letting us in. Watch your step, there's a bit of a gap between us and the tunnel." And with that, she turned her back on them and disappeared through the glowing orange door.

She was in a sea of emerald green. The entire tunnel was aglow with thousands of shifting timelines. Awestruck, she gently ran the tips of her fingers along the branches that made up the walls. She didn't need her magic to be able to sense how alive they were. Thin strands of time would occasionally flake away, only to be reabsorbed after briefly floating around on a phantom breeze.

Sylvie glanced up ahead of her and froze. There, sitting on a makeshift gilded throne in a cavern at the end of the tunnel, was Loki.

A memory came to her, unbidden.

"I don't want a throne, I just… I just want you to be okay."

Voice thick with emotion, she whispered, "Hey, Loki."

He gave her a bittersweet smile. "Hello, Sylvie." His voice was a bit hoarse from disuse.

Abruptly, his gaze shifted to the Time Door, his eyes widening ever so slightly as he beheld the group gathering behind her.

---

Mobius wasn't sure what he'd expected to be walking into. The last time he'd come anywhere near this close to the timelines, the bursts of temporal radiation had left him unsteady, feeling like he was about to be flung from the gangway at any second. So when he stepped into a tunnel of intertwining timelines emitting the soothing green glow of Loki's magic, he marveled at how natural, how right it all felt. The multiverse really had needed to be freed.

Mobius's attention was instantly drawn end of the tunnel, his eyes immediately locking onto familiar pale green ones. His breath caught in his chest.

Those eyes.

Seeing Loki brought all the memories rushing back in sharper clarity. How could he have forgotten just how sinfully sharp the lines of his face were, or that slight furrow between his eyebrows? Loki looked exactly the same as the day he'd left. He supposed existing outside of time would do that to a person.

Loki was sitting on a makeshift throne, the gold of it reflecting and blending into the soft emerald light of the cavern at the tunnel's end. In his hands were the thick strands of timelines, glowing brightest where they met the steady flow of magic emanating from his palms. As Mobius drew closer, he saw that the timelines fanning out behind Loki's head appeared to be part of his cape.

A choked whisper came from behind Mobius's shoulder. "Brother… it's really you."

By that point, the group was exiting the tunnel and entering the small cavern. Mobius was close enough to see every minute expression that crossed Loki's face.

The God took a shuddering breath, eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'm not the brother you lost, Thor," he whispered back hoarsely.

"That hardly matters," Thor protested.

Loki took in their little group for a moment before quietly asking, "What are you all doing here?"

That snapped Mobius from his stupor. "Getting you out, of course." He made an effort to sound lighthearted. "You didn't think we would just leave you here, did ya?"

Loki closed his eyes, a lone tear slipping past his dark eyelashes. "Mobius, I can't leave. The timelines would die without my magic."

"You're wrong," Sylvie cut in, and all eyes shifted toward her. She crossed her arms and continued. "I don't know why you don't realize it, but this multiversal Yggdrasil you created? It can sustain itself. I could tell from the moment I first saw it. Felt it. You can leave, Loki." She softened her voice. "The timelines don't need you anymore. You're free. I swear it."

Loki squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head slightly. He looked back up at her, taking a deep breath. "Look, I don't know why you think you could possibly know that, but even if that is true, I still can't leave." His voice was shaking slightly, continually rising in volume. "If I'm not here, who would watch the timelines for threats to the Multiverse? For He Who Remains' Variants?? I'm here to keep everyone safe." He looked from Sylvie to Thor, then down at Love, but his eyes locked on Mobius's as he said "I chose this burden, this purpose, and I won't abandon it now."

Mobius felt like Loki was trying to get him to understand something that he wasn't saying, but Mobius refused to take the bait. He was being ridiculous! Mobius shook his head and said, "Loki, the TVA is keeping everyone safe now, it's their new purpose!"

Loki set his jaw, seemingly attempting to keep his emotions in check. "Mobius, I can see threats before they even happen. For the TVA, finding these threats is still like finding a needle in a haystack. They would never see them coming in time."

All of a sudden, something, no, someone appeared to the right of Loki's throne. Immediately, Sylvie drew her machete and Thor gripped Mjolnir in warning, but neither of them made a move. Starting a fight in such close proximity to the timelines would be catastrophic.

The being was humanoid, but larger than they were—easily over a head taller than Thor. Once Mobius got over the shock of its glowing blue eyes, he took in its warm brown skin, high-collared purple robes, and gold adornments. It peered down at Loki.

"What if I told you there was someone else monitoring the threats to the Multiverse?"

Loki's eyes widened. "You," he breathed.

Never taking his eyes off the strange being, Mobius took a protective step closer to the throne. "Who is this Loki?"

"I am the Watcher,” the being responded. “I observe all that transpires in the Multiverse. Its stories are my own."

Mobius raised a questioning eyebrow at Loki.

"It's true,” Loki confirmed. "I've seen it myself. He can appear anywhere, see everything." He looked back at the Watcher. "But doesn't make a habit of intervening."

"I've been watching your creation for quite some time, God of Stories," said the Watcher. "What your companion says is true. Your creation can sustain itself without you."

At this, Loki's jaw visibly tightened, and Thor and Sylvie lowered their weapons.

"Like I just told my companions, I'm here to do something if the Multiverse is in danger. Can you honestly say you would do the same?"

"I may have sworn an oath to not interfere, but as I'm sure you're aware, I've recruited others to do so in my place when the Multiverse is truly at risk." The Watcher paused, assessing the God below him. "What if I swore a new oath—to forewarn you of any impending Multiversal threats?" Loki's eyebrows rose, but he made no comment. "You could pass the information to your Time Variance Authority”—Mobius cringed at the Watcher’s palpable disdain for the organization that spent millennia restricting the multiverse—"or use the information however you see fit."

As Loki weighed the offer against his stubborn resolve, Mobius realized he was holding his breath. Exhaling shakily, he closed the remaining distance between himself and the throne, kneeling down before it so that he was looking up at the man he'd once called a scared little boy, a mischievous scamp, his friend. Mobius gently placed a hand on Loki's knee. A supplicant before a God, he mused. Loki looked down at Mobius in surprise. Such beautiful, devastating eyes. "Please," Mobius whispered, blinking back his tears. "Come back to us."

Loki’s cheeks were glistening in the emerald light. "But Mobius," he whispered back, "it's my burden." His eyebrows were furrowed with grief. Before Mobius could collect himself enough to respond, the Watcher interjected. “This is your glorious purpose, God of Stories, but it does not have to remain your burden.”

"Please, brother," Thor pleaded shakily. Mobius didn’t need to turn around to know he was crying too. "Come home."

Loki squeezed his eyes shut and was silent for a long while. Mobius looked down. He wouldn't be able to stand looking Loki in the eyes if he denied them again. Loki took a shaky breath, and Mobius emotionally braced himself.

"Alright," Loki whispered.

By the time Mobius realized what he meant, the God was slowly, painfully prying his fingers open to release the timelines he held. Mobius pulled his hand back from Loki’s knee and watched in awe as the timelines fell away from his grip, absorbing into the other branches as if they had always meant to be there. Even in the wake of Loki's absent magic, the timelines retained their soothing green glow.

With his hands unoccupied, Loki began unfastening his cloak with stiff fingers. When it came free, the timelines melded to the cavern walls, and what little fabric remained of the cloak disintegrated upon contact.

Loki braced himself on the stout armrests of his makeshift throne, rising unsteadily to his feet. Mobius shuffled backward, bringing himself to standing as Loki rose to his full height, lifting the horned kintsugi crown from his head. Carefully, as if it were made of glass, he placed it onto the throne's gilded seat and slowly turned to face them all. 

Before he could say anything or take so much as a step, Thor was crashing into him, pulling him into a bone-crushing embrace. It didn't take long for Loki to grip him back fiercely, and for both brothers' shoulders to begin shaking with sobs.

"I thought I'd never see you again," Thor choked out, and Loki’s grip tightened on his brother's fur cape.

"I'm here," Loki whispered thickly. "I'm here, brother."

Mobius felt tears streaming down his own face and looked over to Sylvie. She was crying too, wiping her eyes as she watched the sentimental reunion. He leaned over and squeezed her shoulder. Whatever resentments Mobius had toward the way she'd gone about this, Sylvie was the reason they’d got here. That Loki was free. That he was coming back to them.

He looked down at Love. She was watching the embrace with a bittersweet smile. With all the hardship and grief she’d endured at such a young age, she undoubtedly recognized how precious a reunion like this was.

When their sobs subsided and Thor reluctantly released his brother, Loki turned to the Watcher. "I want to hear you swear the oath."

The Watcher's mouth quirked slightly at the authoritative tone. “As you wish,” he granted. "I, Uatu the Watcher, swear to forewarn you of any impending threats to the Multiverse."

"And any threats to my friends and family," Loki interjected. The Watcher raised his eyebrows. Loki was not deterred. "Have I not earned the right to the knowledge that would keep them safe, with all I had planned to and would have sacrificed?” The Watcher’s lips parted to reply, but Loki didn’t give him the chance. “If not for that, then as a continued servant to the wellbeing of the Multiverse?"

The Watcher paused for a moment, considering. "Alright God of Stories, I swear to warn you of any threats to those you hold dear." 

Loki’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you,” he whispered solemnly. The Watcher nodded once before fading away.

The weight of ensuing silence was palpable. Deciding it had stretched on for long enough, Mobius voiced what they were all likely thinking. "Where to now?" 

He had no idea where Loki would want to go. Back to the TVA? Likely not, and since his original timeline had been pruned, it left no obvious options. Mobius guessed Loki must have been having a similar train of thought, seeing as he was shifting uneasily under Mobius’s gaze. "I'm… not sure," he admitted eventually.

"Not to worry brother, I know a place," Thor responded easily, resting a hand on Loki's shoulder. The latter's green eyes glanced toward Mobius and Sylvie. Tuned into Loki’s every move, Thor added, "Sylvie and Mobius would be more than welcome there as well." Mobius felt a pressure in his chest ease.

"Alright then, where to?" asked Sylvie, pulling out her TemPad.

"New Asgard."

-----

Notes:

Hello everyone! I'm so sorry that the wait for this chapter was a lot longer than expected, I underestimated how chaotic my transition back to classes would be. From here on out, I'm estimating that I can get a new chapter out around every 2 weeks.

Loki's officially back! I hope I did the reunion justice. I figured it would be hard for him to accept that there was another way to keep the Multiverse protected after all he went through in episode 6.

I decided to use capital-M Multiverse when Loki and the Watcher were talking about it to demonstrate their knowledge and reverence for it. As Loki mentions, he sees himself as a "servant to the wellbeing of the Multiverse." Everyone else uses lowercase-m multiverse because it is still a semi-abstract concept for them. They know it's the result of the timelines being freed, but that's pretty much the extent of their understanding.

I went with capital-G God for referring to Loki because I was inspired by Loki Head Writer Eric Martin saying "We wanted to truly have him step up from lowercase-G god to capital-G God." Loki definitely deserves the promotion 😅

taglist:

If you'd like to be added or removed from the taglist at any point, please leave a comment or send me a message :)

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[lokisprettygirl]

Under his influence (Post Avengers! Loki x female reader)

Read chapter 28 here/ Series Masterlist

Chapter 29

Summary : Loki knows how to get rid of Atrishia, you receive a call from Captain.

Warning: 18+, no Smut in this chapter, HUGE Canon divergence(Just me making shit up),sex, mention of stalking, mention of psychological torture, mention of physical and sexual assault, angst, insecurities, ptsd, self deprecating behaviour, panic attack, soft precious bean loki, polite bean Loki

When Loki returned to you he found you pacing in the room, you looked unwell to him as if you were suffering from a mortal illness of some sort.

"What is it, what is happening to me Loki..can you make me get in touch with Atrishia please? I need to see her or I'll go crazy" he sighed you blabbed without pausing for a breath.

"Sit down on the bed y/n" you stomped your feet on the ground like a petulant child and crossed your arms as you glared at him,

"You don't want me to see her do you? You are just jealous of how gorgeous she is" you let out a laughter to mock him so he sighed, your antics were kind of adorable though.

"I should film this..norns I don't have a phone" you continued to glare at him so he walked towards you and placed his hand on your shoulder to push you towards the edge of the bed, once he made you sit down on the bed, he placed his finger on your chin and made you look at him.

"Are you going to be a good girl and listen to me now?" He asked you sternly so you gave him a glare again.

"No..why should I ? I hate you so much Loki, I won't listen to the man that I hate" he sighed as you said that. That was the thing with this particular love potion, not only did it made one obsess over the person who had used the potion but also made them feel complete contempt and hatred for the person they were in love with previously. Her plan must have been to cause the reaction in him so he'd leave you and go to her, thankfully it didn't work on him.

"You don't hate me sweetheart, I love you, you are my best friend, I am yours, remember?" He cooed gently and your eyes teared up, you were trying to fight the potion mentally and you were doing so good because even the strongest of the gods could not survive the effects of it. Thor was the perfect example.

"Then why do I hate you now Loki, why do I hate my best friend?" You sobbed a little so he cupped your cheeks and leaned down to kiss your forehead, your arms wrapped around his neck and as soon as his scent reached your senses you took a deep breath and all of a sudden you didn't feel so bad again, the closer he was to you the better you felt.

"What is happening to me lo, why am I hurting you like this?" He looked at you shocked as he noticed the tenderness in your voice, when he looked in your eyes he saw the same love and adoration he was used to seeing in you.

"You really do love me princess, you love me selflessly and wholeheartedly, this is sort of a miracle, no men or gods have ever been able to snap out of the effects of the potion without the antidote, but you can do it, how are you doing it?" He asked softly as he wiped your tears.

"It's just when you are close to me I don't feel so bad about you" he kissed you on the lips for a fleeting moment before he pulled away from you. The look was gone and replaced with extreme hatred towards him all over again, he waved his fingers and there was a vial in his hand filled with a greenish liquid.

"You are going to poison me aren't you? You just love killing people don't you" his eyes teared up as you said that, he knew you didn't mean any of it but it still hurt to hear you speak to him that way.

He grabbed your chin and made you drink half of the liquid and a few moments later the fog cleared and you looked around as everything got back to normal.

"Loki?" You looked at him so he smiled and his fingers brushed against your cheeks in a caressing manner "What the hell happened?"

"Love potion, the mead she brought with her was laced with the potion, she attempted to make me fall in love with her but sadly Thor and as well as you consumed the mead"

"Thor is in love with her as well?"

"For now yes, I need to go make him drink this before he does something really childish"

"Okay" he noticed the sullen look on your face and his heart clenched, he knew you'd feel horrible and slightly embarrassed about it now.

"I will be back soon, are you feeling alright?" You nodded as he questioned you. Once he left you stormed straight towards the bathroom and leaned over the toilet as you felt nauseous, once you were done hurling you brushed your teeth, took a shower and came back to the bed to lie down.

Love potions existed in other realms? How and why? How many people like Atrishia were misusing it? Your eyes welled up again as you thought about the things you had said to him while you were strung on the potion, how could you just hate him like that, how could you feel anything but love for that precious man?

You sobbed into your pillow until you fell asleep, the next time you woke you had his arm wrapped around you while he cuddled you, his eyes opened as he felt you moving, sitting up you moved away from him so he sat as well.

"Is Thor okay?"

"He is now, gave him the antidote. For a god he sure is lightweight darling" you smiled as he said that but he noticed the sadness on your face, you weren't even looking at him.

"Talk to me princess.. I'm right here" he whispered softly as one of his hands curled around your neck and he pressed a soft kiss on your cheek.

"How could I…just hate you like that lo?" You sobbed like a child and his eyes welled up at the sight but there was a small comforting smile on his face.

"You didn't, you did your best my sweetheart, you listened to me even when you felt such contempt for me, you came back to me even without use of the antidote. You, a powerless mortal, fought it better than the God of thunder could, you should have seen him, he was losing it completely" you chuckled as he said that but you still felt awful about it.

"I didn't mean anything i said lo..i didn't want to hurt you..you know that right baby" a small sob escaped your lips again.

"I know I know that okay? Come here" he pulled you on his lap and held you tightly in his embrace to calm your broken sobs, he despised seeing you this way. His hands caressed your back gently and he rocked you back and forth until the sobbing had faded.

"Why didn't it work on you lo? You drank the mead and how did you know what it was?" you asked him as you pulled away to look at him, you kissed his forehead and then his pretty nose before you pecked his lips, you just wanted to love him now after being so awful to him, you were immensely grateful the potion didn't work on him but you still wanted to know why.

"Well when I was learning about the different forms of potions and its effects from mother, it came up once and i remembered it, someone once had tried to use it on mother and she always warned me to look for the signs, she's the one who taught me to make the antidote"

"That is some witch shit" he chuckled as you said that

"It is a bit more complex than that, the realm of Vanaheim is known for dark magic and as soon as I saw the effect the mead had on you and Thor i just knew something wasn't right" he said.

"Why didn't it work on you?"

"I don't know but I guess my mind is too strong to be fazed so easily, why do you think it took Thanos a year to break me?" You placed your hand on his cheeks as you kissed him softly, a year of pain and torture, since the conversation he had with Atrishia and him telling you that he didn't remember the last two months made you wonder what kind of monstrosity they had inflicted upon him during that period, he didn't deserve any of it.

"Well I'm glad it didn't work on you lo, I can't imagine you feeling that way about me"

"Never have to worry about it darling" he smiled and it made you smile as well but your face fell again as you thought about the situation.

"I don't want her to stay here anymore Loki, I don't know what else she is going to do to you and I don't want her to hurt you in anyway "

"She can't hurt me darling but she did harm you and I won't let it go, nobody gets to hurt my princess like that" you let out a moan as he whispered in your ear then he pressed his lips on the side of your neck, sucking ever so gently. As much as you loved the sight of him being so riled up for you, you didn't want him to hurt her, you sort of understood what she was going through.

"Loki?"

"Mmm"

"I just want her to leave, nothing else, I do feel bad about her situation and I sort of feel responsible"

"You're not responsible for this darling"

"I know..I just feel awful..i have been in that situation and it's heartbreaking" his brows furrowed as you said that.

"Tell me about it so i would understand because right now I only feel this extreme anger towards her"

"You'd have to become my best friend and forget that you're my boyfriend for me to tell you this okay?" He raised his brow and sighed before he reluctantly agreed.

"Should you be sitting on my lap for that? Friends on midgard indulge in such a manner?"

"I'll pretend you're a girl, you're the prettiest thing to exist so that is not very far fetched " he rolled his eyes playfully as you said that,

"Fine..tell me the story"

"Well I'm not saying it's the same thing but when I was in the first year of college..there was a teacher of mine .."

"A teacher?"

"Mmhhm ..well it's not that I was completely obsessed with him..at first i didn't even notice him like I never noticed any other men out there" he chuckled as you said that

"What changed your mind about him?"

"Well I had a sexy dream about him, you know how dreams are sometimes right?" He nodded as you said that even though the thought of you having a sex dream about another man bothered him deeply, he kept it to himself, he was just your friend in the moment.

"I get that"

" After that dream I developed a tiny school girl crush on him, he was really soft spoken but he looked the opposite, very manly and rugged, he was a war veteran so he had that oomph factor going on for him where if you looked at him when he wasn't teaching or doing something else he'd just seem very tortured and brooding, staring into the distance"

"Did you always have a thing for the tortured ones?"

"Mmmhm maybe..okay stop interrupting me" you playfully slapped on his cheek and he gasped but didn't say anything "Good boy, okay so he obviously looked very sexy.."

"I don't like this story–" you pressed your finger on his lips as he spoke,

"Shhhh .. everytiime he looked my way i felt squeamish and nervous but also good in a way and i built this whole fantasy about him in my head"

"Still don't like it"

"Then I found out that he was married "

"That makes me feel better " you smiled as he said that.

"Everytime his wife would come around I just felt worse than before you know, I mean I had no right to feel that way but I still did.. it wasn't the fact that the man I fancied wasn't available, it bothered me of course but what irked me more was that some other woman was getting to live the fantasy I wanted to live"

"What is it that you're trying to say here?"

"I'm trying to say that you were engaged to this woman, she may have thought of you as her future husband, and I'm pretty sure she fantasized about you two ..you know..doing it..i mean look at you, you ooze sex from every pore of your skin" he shook his head slightly before he spoke

"Agreed but please do not put such images about her in my head"

"All I'm saying is, she may not have been in love with you but your death must have been heartbreaking for her and then seeing that you were alive and well must have brought that hope back and she came all this way only for you to tell her that you were in love with another woman must have been soul crushing for her, the life that she fantasized about was taken out of her hands by some woman she didn't even know existed"

He looked at you dumbfounded as you said that, he never thought about it so deeply, he didn't think Atrishia ever felt that way about him, the engagement was a political arrangement between the families but maybe you were right about all of this and he didn't want to be harsh to her, breaking her heart was the harshest thing he had ever done and that was saying something because he had done a lot of awful things in this long life.

"Can I be your lover again?" He asked you so you nodded and he immediately kissed you deeply and passionately, he did feel bad about her situation but it was the right thing to do, he knew he wouldn't have been happy with her, the only reason he agreed for the marriage was to gain the approval of his father, he was fortunate that fate drove him to you and he wasn't going to hurt you or allow her to do the same to you ever again, sure she meant no harm to you this time, the mead was solely for him to consume, but he knew very well that she won't hesitate to do so if she finds out that you were the one who had taken his heart.

She wasn't as kind as you were.

"You have the kindest soul of all, you know that?" He mumbled in your mouth and it made you smile.

"You deserve the best lo, i just want to be the best for you"

Loki knew he had to confront Atrishia so he went to her room and gave it two knocks, her chambermaid opened the door and bowed down at him which immediately made him feel off because she was just a mortal like you and Atrishia must have taught them to do it like this. As he went inside he found her sitting on the Ottoman in the balcony, she had a night gown on and was reading her book, as soon as she felt his presence she turned towards him,

"Prince Loki, what brought you to me?" He walked around the Ottoman that was set in the middle of the balcony, grabbed her book and sat down facing her, she had a smirk on her face, she knew what she had done and she was assured it had worked on him.

"What is your play here Atrishia?" She looked at him a bit shocked and confused as he said that. She was scorned by the rejection, he understood that but she had no right to do this, the love he didn't feel for her couldn't have been forced, not even through external forces.

"What are you accusing me of?"

"You know well what I am referring to, do you not?" She let out a small yelp in frustration.

"How could it not work? It worked on your brother"

"And what was your plan here? You wished to make us both fall for you and then what?"

"I only wished for you to fall for me Loki, you have no understanding of my plight here and how much it pains me to know that you aren't mine anymore" she huffed as she said that

"I may not understand that but you need to accept that i was never yours to begin with and I sure do know that a woman like you shouldn't be stooping to such levels. You are a princess and a reputed one at that, princes from other realms would get on their knees for you once they find out you're not bethroted to anyone" he stood up as he was starting to get frustrated by her childish play here.

"But I want you Prince Loki" she grabbed his hand and looked right into his eyes. She looked like a spoiled princess that has never been refused for anything in her life which might have been true in her case.

"Why? Where did this love come from all of a sudden? I remember our engagement very well, this is the longest we have even conversed with each other" he raised his voice and her eyes welled up even more.

"It was me, I pleaded with father for the compromise" He looked at her shocked as she said that "I saw you Prince Loki, on the battlefield, in Vanaheim, my sister couldn't take her eyes off Thor but I? I had my eyes on you since that very moment, I went to father and pleaded with him to ask for your hand in marriage because the moment I saw you I knew I'd always be in love with you Prince Loki" his eyes widened a little at the response, her voice sounded sincere and he wondered what would have happened if she had revealed this before, he was starving for love and appreciation and probably would have jumped on the chance to be fed with it.

"Why didn't you tell me then?"

"Because I wanted you to fall for me as well and I had hoped it would happen after the wedding but everything changed so suddenly and all of it was taken away from me" she started sobbing and he didn't know what to do to console her, a part of him didn't want to believe that she was truly in love with him but her emotions seemed genuine.

"I am not an Asgardian you must have heard" he told her stoically so she looked up at him.

"I did, I heard of your heritage"

"I know lady Atrishia that you are under the assumption that you are truly in love with me but it's mere infatuation, we have not spent enough time with each other to fall so deeply in love, what you experienced that day was perhaps lust, those feelings you had when you saw me were nothing but carnal, if you were to see my natural appearance i promise you wouldn't want me so desperately any longer" his eyes teared up as he said that, before he met you he never listened to his heart this way, was never in tune with his inner self but somehow you had evoked such senses in him, he just knew Atrishia wasn't in love with him, she was in love with his appearance, the appearance that wasn't his to begin with and was given to him to hide his true horrifying features.

"Show me then, show me your jotun side and see for yourself that my love will not waiver for you" she said proudly so he took a deep breath.

"I need you to leave Atrishia, right now, I need you to go and never think of me again" he unhooked his arm from her grip and started to walk away but she got up and followed him.

"What does this woman have that I don't, what other qualities does she possess that I do not Prince Loki?" She raised her voice so he looked at the two other women in the room and hinted at them to leave. When they left he turned to look at her and slowly morphed into his giant form.

Her face went pale and eyes widened in shock as he turned a foot taller, his skin went from the smooth blemish free texture to rough steel blue in color, his nose had become sharper and the burning ruby eyes made her take a step back, she placed a hand on her mouth as his flowing long hair disappeared and his bald skull protruded.

The tunic he had on was ripped to shreds, the pants barely hanging on his giant body. His skin was covered in elongated scales from head to toe and as he took a step towards her she took five steps behind until she was pressed against the glass door of the balcony. The fear was evident in her eyes and it made him chuckle.

"Are you not going to say anything now?" Even when he spoke his voice had gotten deeper and rougher than his usual soft tone.

"Prince Loki?" She mumbled in her mouth as if she couldn't believe it was him, as if he was merely Playing a cruel joke on her.

"I am here..this must remind you of the monster your mother warned you of since you were a child?" She started to weep again as he said that.

"You don't have to be this way, you don't have to look like this if you don't want to Prince Loki" she said in a comforting tone but it felt as if a hot sharp knife was plunged into his heart.

"I wish I wasn't like this but I am, this is who I am and I can not change that"

A few hours has passed since Loki has left to go see Atrishia, in the evening as you stepped out in the living room you saw the commotion there, every Avenger was there as they wanted to see off Lady Atrishia, you couldn't believe she was leaving. Thor was there too and he seemed sick but he didn't appear to be lovesick anymore.

You quietly walked towards Loki, he had an Asgardian tunic on which was different from the one he had on before.

"What happened? Why is she leaving? What did you say to her?" You whispered to him so he looked at you and smiled, you could see how upset Dalia seemed by the development, she was probably already on her next plan to introduce Loki as an Avenger to the public.

"Showed her my true self, scared her off quite a bit, she tried to convince me that I didn't have to look that way if I didn't want to but I shut her down"

You looked at him shocked as he said that, there was a small smile on his face but you could tell he was sad about it. He had a hard time accepting his heritage, he didn't need other people to affirm those insecurities too. Loki told you that the reason she didn't visit him when he had learned of his heritage was because she was afraid he would turn into a frost giant, later she had heard from the locals that Prince Loki looked nothing like the Frost giants on Jotunheim, he still had his long hair and his appearance was pretty much the same, he just seemed blue, when she proudly declared that she'd love him no matter what she wasn't really expecting him to turn into an actual giant.

She was leaving because he showed her how his real self looked? At Least you were right about her not actually being in love with him. You looked at him again and you knew you'd have to show him how much you adored his big blue side sooner or later, you knew you had to do something to take his mind off it and make him accept that he was beautiful no matter what, he was pretty because he had a beautiful soul in there that would never change, no matter how many shapes he change into, his soul would stay the same and you were in love with who he was and not what he was.

Before you could say anything to him or comfort him, you saw a man approach you with a phone in his hand so you grabbed it,

"Y/n? It's Steve" you cleared your throat as you heard Captain's voice.

"Hello Captain.. What can I do for you?"

"You have done enough y/n" you squeezed your eyes as he said that he must not have found Bucky, you were going to be in a lot of trouble.

"Found him..found Bucky, bringing him back to the tower"

👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

Note : Atrishia is gone atleast, sometimes people fall for the outer appearance and think they are actually in love. Smh . I mean i don't blame her for lusting after this

Taglist

@annoyingsweetsstranger  @mcufan72  @nixymarvelkins  @stupidthoughtsinwriting  @fictive-sl0th  @eleniblue  @violethaze  @anukulee  @ladymischief11  @12-pm-510  @wolfsmom1 @whylokiissocute  @pics-and-fanfics  @daddylokisqueen  @olivertwistrabbit  @blog-the-lilly  @prettylittlepluviophile  @vanilla-daydreaming  @somewiseguy  @yaaamadaa-blog  @dragonmurray  @elthreetimes  @gruftiela  @thenotoriouserg  @greep215  @yallgotkik  @tactac286  @janineb86  @sflame15-blog  @nyxlaufeyson  @lokidokieokie  @purplekitten30  @sunnixart  @nikkig496-blog  @frozenhuntress67  @qardasngan  @rosecentury  @lokiswife-dark-fox-queen  @hrefna-the-raven  @jennyggggrrr

@cosniffee

[bolontiku]

"If They See"

Avengers AU - Quick Fic

Characters: Thor, Reader, Steve (mentioned), Tony (mentioned)

Posted: June 25th

A/N: here is another draft dump

WARNINGS: a smidgen of angst, mixed feelings due to noncommunication

Like, Comments, & Reblogs are always appreciated and loved.

Thick fingers wrapped around your waist and you looked at Steve before you were dragged away. The captain calling out to Thor who grinned over his shoulder at the other blond as he easily maneuvered your smaller frame through the crowd.

"Flirting with the captain, my lady?"

You knew he felt the shiver that ran down your spine, it curled low and tightened as the tall asgardian pressed up against you. "You were busy," it was your defense, your only defense. But it was also true, the cities most prominent were at Starks party and every Avenger was told to be in attendance. PR stunts were always dreaded and Tony tried his best to keep them to a minimum.

Yet when you caught sight of Thor chatting it up with such a jaw dropping woman something inside you cracked. It wasn't serious between the two of you, it was just a way to pass the time. It's what you told yourself when you woke to an empty bed.

"Is that true?" He asked, pressing you into the wall behind you, hypnotizing lighting blue eyes burning into your gaze.

You looked away, his stare was too intense, there were people everywhere and you would be caught. "Thor-" you gasped as he nudged a knee between yours, the dress you wore pressed up. "THOR!" You whispered harshly, trying to bite back a squeal as one thick hand gripped your thigh and he slid it up, thumb gathering the material of your dress as he drove it further up. You caught at his wrist, mouth falling open around a quiet exclamation, he gripped your chin with his free hand, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"Is this a problem my lady?" He asked, stepping closer and invading your space further.

You swallowed, "s-someone will see!"

He cocked his head to the side, nose bumping yours as his lips grazed yours, "and this is a problem?"

You choked back a moan, "if they see you w-with me-"

Thor watched, excitement running through him as you kept your hand on his wrist, keeping him from dragging your leg around his waist. It was because you held him back that he didn't take what he wanted right then. The sight of Steve smiling and laughing with you was not new, but when you reached out and ran a hand through his hair, when Thor saw the captain blush and smile at you in that way… something inside of him growled low and dangerously.

He knew you saw him differently. You kept him at arms length, like right now, you caught his shoulder in your free hand and turned away from him, it made that something inside snarl and snap, begging him to just take what was his. Thor wanted nothing more than that, but he wanted- needed you to need him just as much. "If they see us together, this is a problem?"

You squeaked when his teeth nipped at your earlobe. "I- uuuhhh-" his tongue followed the bite and your brain failed to process any thoughts, fizzling out as fire swept through your veins. "T-Thor… if they see us…"

"Mmmhmm?" He hummed low, gruffly, sedunctively; lips skating over the corner of your jaw before he pressed his lips along the curve of your neck, he grinned against your skin as he caught the back of your knee and jerked your leg up finally, you gasped as he pressed his hips against yours.

"Nnngh!" You pressed your face into his shoulder, a little sob escaping you.

Thor froze, "do you truly not desire me?" If this were the case he had read it all wrong and gone too far.

You clutched at him and took a small breath, "I do, too much I think."

Thor pulled back to look at you, a little difficult when you kept burying your face in his shoulder. "Tell me you do not want me as I do you and I will cease."

You pulled back at his words. "You want me?"

Thor's brows pulled together. "Have I not made myself clear? I have shared bed with none other than you, it is only you that I seek out and it is you that I worry of when we go to battle. Tell me, tell me that I do not cross your thoughts and I will.. I will not bother you again." He let go of you, taking a step back, worry evident in his eyes.

You felt your heart crack as he did, "I didn't think you cared."

Thor wanted to huff, yet watched as you struggled to keep still, hands gripping your dress, you kept from looking at him. Slowly and carefully he cupped your cheek and waited till you did. "Forgive me if I have given you cause to think this way. Let me be clear then, Y/N, I want no other than you. Let others see that it is you that causes me to forget all, you that makes me lose thought when you speak to any other male; and it is you that, for all it is worth, has my heart."

He spoke so softly and honestly that you couldn't breathe. You nodded. Nodding again when he tipped his head towards yours in question, "how can I follow that?" You asked, tears falling even as you struggled to keep from crying.

Thor chuckled and leaned in, "just say the words my lady," he breathed against your lips as one hand wrapped around the base of your neck to pull you into him.

"I love you Thor," you answered before he crashed his lips against yours.

"Hey, hey! None of that! There are too many eyes here!"

Thor dragged himself from you to see Tony himself standing not a few feet from the two of you. "Stark-" You pressed your face to his chest and Thor caught himself. "You are right-"

You cried out as he swept you up into his arms with ease. "THOR!"

Tony burst into laughter.

"Have a good evening Stark, there is something I need to speak with my lady about in private."

Tony waved a hand and turned, "guess tonight the ladies will be mine!"

Thor grinned as you peeked at him, face hot, as he took long strides to the nearest elevator. "A long, long conversation. One that will take all night and perhaps the better part of the day?"

You shook your head at him. "You are impossible!"

"I am a God"

"One that I am in love with."

Thor paused, "say it again."

"I love you."

Thor growled before he headed for the stairs, "a very rigorous night of conversation-"

"The elevator?!"

"Takes too long-"

You laughed as the stairwell door shut behind the two of you, the chatter of the party stifling any other noise.

[shangchiswife]

nwh villains and peter parker living with you and doing different things with you (1)

summary: in general just a couple of different scenarios lol

also this includes the tom holland peter parker!

nwh villains and peter parker x gn!reader

warnings: cursing, sexual innuendos

word count: 934

inspired by @mobiusismyfav and this entire concept

....

Introducing them to Taylor Swift

Y/N: *starts playing blank space*

Everyone else: *confused*

Peter: *rushes over to the other room where you are and starts singing along with Y/N*

Otto: Good lord what is this?

Norman: *is still confused and just drinks his water*

Max: Hey I know this song, Taylor Swift right?

Y/N: YES MAX!

Curt: I thought she only wrote songs about her ex-boyfriends?

Y/N and Peter: *have offended looks on their faces and then start beating him up with pillows*

Curt: STOP!

Peter: Have you heard any song from folklore you jerk?

Curt: I BEG YOU TO STOP OR I WILL TURN YOU BOTH INTO LIZARDS

You: Yeah, she's in love now she's been with her boyfriend for five years! And your plan to turn people into lizards failed.

Curt: I was in jail how am I supposed to know what goes on with a pop singer while I'm in jail

Y/N: It's Taylor Swift you have to know

Otto and Norman: *scared in the corner*

Y/N: Peter turn on the Blank Space music video. You know what let's watch all of the music videos starting off with Our Song and then we'll build our way up to Willow

Peter: Aye aye captain *is a proud boy and then cues up Our Song*

Time skip and you finish all the music videos

Everyone: completely shook by Taylor Swift's presence

Otto: She's a very talented songwriter and lyricist and I think you see that especially in cardigan and willow. And I think her song Blank Space is used in a satirical and brilliant way and shows how this is how the public portrays her.

You and Peter: *extremely happy and run up to him and hug him*

Max: That's crazy, the last song I heard from her was Shake it Off and she came up with those songs. And she's been with her boyfriend for five years...good for her.

Cue you and Peter's happy faces again.

Curt: Hmm I guess she doesn't write all her songs about her exes *returns to his book*

Y/N and Peter: *give him suspicious looks*

Max: You know MJ kinda looks like that girl in the Bad Blood music video

Peter: *little cheeky bastard moment* I know right

Norman: Her cardigan looks comfortable

Y/N: Funny you should say that because not to brag but I have one of those

Peter: *grumpy because all the cardigans sold out when he wanted to get them* I think you are bragging Y/N

Norman: Can I borrow it some time I like the stars on it

Y/N: Of course!

Flint: *sobbing in the corner of the room* That was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. We just watched her grow up right in front of our eyes.

....

Halloween

Y/N: is everyone ready? wait where's Curt?

Norman: *clearly disgusted by his own costume* he's getting his absurd dinosaur costume finalized

Y/N: what's wrong?

Norman: did I really have to be the Joker?

Y/N: *fixing his makeup a little* yes it fits you so well!

Norman: gee thanks

Y/N: you look hot stop complaining

Norman: i always look hot

Y/N: shut up old man only i get to say it so quick being narcissistic

Norman: oh you want to play games, hm? we'll see how old i am when i get into your bed

Otto: *very annoyed* quit it you two! and i agree with Norman...not about the hot part

Norman: *raises his eyebrows* liar

Otto: look point is why did you choose our costumes because Ursula would be the last person I'd dress up as for a holiday

Y/N: because you have the tentacles and she has tentacles and you both are good at singing

Otto: *mumbling* well if you're going to flatter me then that takes away my anger

Y/N: *kisses his cheek*

Max: hey look at me I'm Thor look at my muscles *shows up the costume he got from walmart*

Y/N: *snaps a photo of him*

Max: I hope you made me look good

Y/N: you're Thor of course you're going to look good and you're hot in general so

Max: *all smiley*

Flint: *is very unhappy and comes in the room all stiff* I liked this costume but it's very tight

Everyone else: *starts laughing*

Flint: what's so funny?

Otto: nothing you're a good looking spongebob

Curt: *stumbles in the room wearing a huge ass dinosaur outfit*

Everyone else: what the fuck

Max: there is no way I'm going out to trick or treat with a grown man dressed like a dinosaur

Everyone else: *agreeing*

Curt: your loss I think I look great

....

Peter needs help with his homework

Everyone: *watching tv in the living room*

Peter: hey guys I had a quick question on this one biology thing-

Everyone: *drops everything and takes his body and goes to his room to help him out*

Otto: so what did you need help on?

Peter: *sort of giddy because everyone dropped everything to help him*

Curt: go on there's no reason to be embarrassed we're all scientists or are equipped with science we can help you out

Everyone: *nods*

Flint: I'm not!

Norman: well then you can go back down and watch twilight with Y/N

Flint: i'll pass, i'm sick of all that vampire sexual tension

Max: true

Peter: anyways i just needed someone to just explain the process of transcription and translation-

Everyone: *gets into a huge argument because they want to help him*

Peter: *tries to speak up* guys!

Flint: this is so dumb you all are such nerds

Max: i'll help you out, Peter!

Otto: no me!

Norman: no me!

Y/N: *comes in the room* what the fuck is going on?

Everyone: *stops arguing*

Peter: i wanted someone to explain transcription and translation to me and they got in this big fight

Y/N: well then since you all got into a huge fight i'll be the one to explain it

Norman: but that isn't fair!

Y/N: shut up or i'll take you to jail

Y/N: *explains it to Peter*

Peter: *all happy* okay thank you!

Y/N: c'mon everyone let's go back down and watch twilight!

Everyone: *groans*

Max: *secretly happy*

[440mxs-wife]

In the Nick of Time

Pairing: Bucky x F!Reader. Other Characters: Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, Natasha Romanoff, Wanda Maximoff, Tony Stark, Peter Parker, Thor Odinson and Loki Laufeyson. Also Dr. Ivan Zalinsky (OMC), Ryan (captured SHIELD Agent)

Word Count: 9329

Warnings: Canon-typical violence, hospital stay, medical experiments with drugs, gunshot wounds, use of pet names (sweetheart, baby, Solnyshka) BUT still has the right amount of FLUFF and an ending with a twist......?

Summary: The last time you heard Bucky’s voice, he was being taken prisoner. The man behind it is Dr. Ivan Zalinsky, the man responsible for unlocking your enhanced abilities. He’s threatened to do the same to Bucky, which you cannot and will not allow. Time for a rescue, but will you be successful?

A/N: This really was only supposed to be two parts. But my daughter and unofficial beta-reader, @phoenixisred, talked me into writing a Part 3. Bless her little pea-pickin’ heart. :) There will be a Part 4, which will be a crossover with another fandom, which will be obvious by the surprise in the ending. You can catch up on Part 1, Perfect Timing here and Part 2, Running Out of Time here. Enjoy!

A/N 2: Translation: Solnyshka = Sunshine

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Where am I? you wondered. Beep. Beep. Beep. You could hear the machines that were monitoring your condition as they emitted a steady rhythm of signals. The numbers for your vital signs like your BP, pulse rate and oxygen level were reflected on the screen. The numbers indicated that they were at a normal level, but you were still unconscious.

You could feel the delicate touch of someone holding your right hand. For a fleeting moment, you thought that Bucky had somehow escaped and made it back to you. Then your eyes flew open as you realized he was still stuck in that HYDRA base, and it was up to you to get him back. With a sharp gasp, you sat upright in the bed, straining the wires and setting off the alarms for the machines monitoring you.

"Whoa, easy there, sweetie. Shh, we've got you. Come, sit back on your pillows and relax," Wanda soothed.

You fell back against your pillows as directed, which stopped the machines from going wild with their readings of your vital signs. Off to your left, you noticed Steve sitting in a chair, looking like he hadn't slept well in a few days. "Hey there, Sunshine. How you doin'?" he asked.

Sunshine. One of Bucky's many nicknames for you, his favorite. "Been better, Steve. By the looks of it, so have you. How long have I been out?" you wondered.

"Couple of days. What's the last thing you remember?" he inquired.

You searched your memory of two days ago, when you returned to the Tower. "I came back after I heard James' voicemail message about going on the mission," you started, choking back a sob. "I got a taxi to bring me here as soon as possible. After I put my stuff in our room, and I saw you all in the COMMs room....I knew something had gone wrong. I shouldn't have left here, Steve," you whispered, the tears now flowing freely down your face. "I never got to tell him....."

"Hey now, try not to think about that right this second. You know those HYDRA missions go wrong about as many times as they go right. The important thing is for you to rest, because we've got work to do, and we're going to need your help," Steve replied. "And Sunshine? Don't worry, you'll get your chance to tell Bucky....whatever it is you never got to tell him," Steve promised with a wink. He gave your hand a final squeeze, then he and Wanda stood up from their chairs. Steve pressed a kiss to your forehead and walked out of the room with Wanda, closing the door behind them.

"I hope so, Steve. I really hope so," you replied softly. Now that you were sitting in your room alone, your thoughts drifted back to what you'd heard of the mission. Not only was Dr. Zalinsky alive, but he was holding Bucky prisoner, threatening to do to him what had been done to you. There was no way you were going to allow that happen to anyone else, let alone the love of your life. You just had to figure out a rescue plan and put it into action. As you let your mind wander, the tendrils of sleep slowly took over your brain, and you had no choice but to close your eyes.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Bucky heard the heavy door in his cell slide open and looked up as Ryan got pushed inside. Ryan was back from his "session" with Dr. Zalinsky. Bucky wasn't sure how much more the agent would be able to withstand before it would be too much. He had to figure out a way for himself and Ryan to get away from the facility and to a nearby safe house before any HYDRAs knew they were missing.

His thoughts drifted back to you and what you might be doing back at the Tower. He hoped that whatever was going on, that you were safe and unharmed. Bucky knew that Steve and everyone else would be looking after you, making sure you were okay until he could be rescued. He also knew that the worst part would be the waiting, and he hated that he was putting you through it.

That last day before he left on his mission kept playing on a loop in his head. When you told him of your new work assignment, his first reaction was that you'd be putting yourself in danger. Bucky did enough of that on a regular basis to know that there was no way he wanted that for you. Even when you explained that you wouldn't be going into the field, all he could see was you returning to the compound hurt or worse.

Bucky was sitting on his cot, head resting on the wall behind him and eyes tilted towards the ceiling. If only I had slowed down and at least listened to her, been more supportive instead. Dammit, I know she's a strong woman, smart, fully capable of handling COMMs for a mission. She can do just about anything she puts her mind to. Wish I'd said that rather than what I did say, Bucky thought. He'd take back what he said, just for the chance to see you again. "Oh, solnyshka, my solnyshka," he mumbled. "I miss you so much," he whispered. When he closed his eyes, a single tear slid down his cheek.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A couple of days later, you were released from the MedBay and allowed to return to the room you shared with Bucky. Although it was nice to be out of the MedBay, the room felt empty without your super soldier boyfriend. At the moment, you were sitting on the edge at the foot of your side of the bed, facing the headboard, lost in thought.

Alpine hopped up on the bed to join you, her right front paw no longer causing her pain. The same ability that allowed you to communicate with her also included healing properties. She nudged at your hands that were clasped in your lap, making you chuckle. "You want some attention, pretty girl? Is that it?" you asked. You reached out your hand to pet her luxuriously soft fur, which helped to reduce some of your anxiety about the current situation with Bucky.

You heard knocking at your door, and called out to the visitor to come in. "Hi, Wanda. Any news on James?" you inquired wearily.

Wanda took a seat on the edge of the bed on Bucky's side, facing you. In response to your question, she shook her head. "Nothing yet, honey. That doesn't mean they've stopped looking, although Fury seems to be convinced that they haven't moved him," she reported. "It's only a matter of time before we find them, until Bucky's safe and sound back here with you."

"I hope so, Wanda," you replied wistfully. "I need him as far away from Dr. Zalinsky as possible. There's a reason that maniac was kicked off campus all those years ago. Too many people were having adverse reactions to whatever he was handing out during his 'study'. As it was, I only took two or three doses of the stuff, but I quit taking it before his program was shut down. But I'm afraid that the meds I did take only made a bad situation worse," you explained.

"What did it do to you?" Wanda asked.

"At the time, Zalinsky told me it would help with the headaches and dizziness. I wasn't that far into the trial, and I would still get migraines off and on. I figured it wasn't working, so I quit taking the meds. There were others farther along in the program, and it made them extremely suspicious of those around them. Also made them paranoid, convinced that someone was lurking around every corner, out to do them harm," you added. "Some of them had even started acting out and in violent ways. The university's official statement chalked it up to 'adjustment issues' between students, which kept it mostly out of the press."

"How awful!" she gasped.

"Yeah, and it's the reason why they booted Zalinsky off the campus. I didn't think much of any after-effects causing me problems until that big headache hit a few weeks ago that put me in the MedBay. That's when Dr. Cho did the CAT Scan and found the red spot. She said it's the part of my brain that manages my ability to communicate with and heal animals. Like Alpine here," you smiled as you scratched behind the feline's ears.

"If you want, I could teach you how to control your ability, how to filter out some of the 'noise'," Wanda offered.

"Would you? That would be fantastic, Wanda, thank you. Because I'm definitely going to need that control when I go in with the team to rescue James," you noted grimly.

"Whoa, hold on a minute. Have you cleared that with Steve, Tony or even Fury about going on the mission?" she questioned.

"I have to go with them, Wan. Zalinsky said he would finish with James whatever had been started with me. I have no idea what those pills would've done to me, had I kept going with them. James has been through enough already, and I refuse to let Zalinsky make things worse for him. Besides, there's no telling what might happen if you combine the super serum and whatever Zalinsky's working with," you noted grimly.

"All right, meet me in the gym in an hour, and we'll start your training. The sooner you can control your ability, the sooner we can tell Tony to fire up the quinjet and go out after Bucky. Sound like a deal?" Wanda asked, holding out her hand for you to shake.

"Sounds like the perfect deal for me, Wan," you replied, enthusiastically returning her handshake. The two of you dissolved into giggles and fell into each other's fond embrace. "I just miss him so much," you choked out. "He may not be perfect, but for me, he's korol moego serdtsa," you added. (king of my heart)

"I know, darling, I know," she soothed and tightened her hold on you. "But for now, let's focus on harnessing this ability you now have, and see how we can turn this into an advantage in the field. One hour?" she kept her hands on your shoulders and leaned back to lock her gaze on you.

"One hour, Wanda," you promised. "Thank you." One final squeeze and then Wanda left your room.

During the next week, you worked with Wanda on controlling your ability, all while trying to keep your mind focused. It was difficult, especially since you knew that for each day that went by, that was one more day that Bucky was in danger from Zalinsky. Each time those thoughts invaded your concentration, you felt the effects right away. Slowly you were learning to filter out those thoughts and focus on seeing his face again, feeling his arms around you when you rescue him.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

One day, you, Steve, Tony and the rest of the team were in the conference room, reviewing various strategies for extracting Ryan and Bucky. The approach they were favoring so far was a brute force attack, using all available Avengers to bulldoze their way in. You knew that Zalinsky and HYDRA would be expecting this, but no matter how many times you voiced this opinion, it was dismissed.

"Tony, there are other ways besides blasting your way through at the front door," you attempted to remind him for what seemed like the fortieth time. "It's not exactly subtle, either."

"Oh, and you know this because of your extensive field experience, is that it?" he retorted. "Why don't you go practice talking to the animals, Dr. Doolittle. That way you leave the strategy meeting to the grown-ups, hmm?"

You slammed your hands on the table causing everyone to shift their focus to you. "DAMMIT, Tony, could you quit being an ass for two seconds?!? Zalinsky and HYDRA are holding a highly trained asset--their highly trained former asset--and a SHIELD agent of yours. They KNOW we're going to come after them and attempt a rescue. Maybe it's better that we try going through a back door or finding some other way in," you remarked.

Tony stood across from you at the conference table, barely containing his fury at you, his arms folded across his chest. "Fine, what is your proposal, O Gifted Strategist?" he smirked.

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes at Tony's sarcasm, because you finally had his attention. "Wanda has been working with me on filtering out a lot of the background stuff that comes with my ability. Helps me to focus on one particular animal, bird, insect, etc., so I can determine how to communicate with it. Now, I'm not perfect at it yet, but for my plan, I believe I have enough of a handle on it to make it work."

Tony briefly glanced at Wanda, who nodded at Tony and smiled her encouragement at you. "What I'm suggesting is this: HYDRA has cameras everywhere, so they'll be able to tell when we're within a certain range. If we could somehow disable those cameras, we can slip in undetected," you began.

"Hmm. I suppose we could try and hack into the cameras," Tony mused.

"I was thinking of a really low-tech approach," you replied. Tony raised one eyebrow as if to indicate that he was still listening. "There's bound to be rats or mice in a place like that. I can communicate with them to chew through the wires or otherwise block the camera. As soon as that's done, we break in." When you finished, you looked around at the others. Some were nodding their heads, some were deep in thought. Tony, however, did not seem impressed.

"Seriously? This is what you've come up with? Rodents to chew through the security camera wires, then we just waltz right in there and break out the prisoners?" Tony retorted. "Please tell me the rest of you aren't buying this--this--amateur plan. Nope, playtime is over, kiddo. Besides, there's no way I'm letting you tag along on this mission," he vowed.

You could feel the tears gathering behind your eyes, but you were determined not to let Tony or anyone else see them. Taking a deep breath to compose yourself, you locked your gaze on Tony. "For this plan to work, I must be on-site to communicate. They are holding two of your people, a SHIELD agent and an Avenger, one of whom I am extremely attached to. For better or worse, Zalinsky gave me this ability. Please let me use it to rescue the man I love," you pleaded.

For a moment, it looked like Tony was seriously considering your plan instead of his own. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. Then he abruptly raised his head and shook it in rejection of your plan. "Nah, sorry. Can't do it. I just don't see this kind of a plan working out," he remarked.

You started to walk out when a radical and dangerous thought popped into your head, but unfortunately didn't stay there. "Or, you could always use me as bait," you suggested.

Everyone began to immediately protest, shouting over each other that it was a bad idea. "Wait a minute, please!" you implored. "Listen, you heard Zalinsky when Ryan and James were taken. Either he uses them for his lab experiments, or he grabs me and tries to finish what he started with me when I was in college," you reminded them.

The room erupted again, with a chorus of objections rising from all sides. The noise was starting to affect you, and Tony didn't appear willing to look further into adopting your plan. So, you left the conference room to get away from the commotion and into somewhere quiet.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ryan paced the floor of the cell, muttering to himself. Clearly, the effects of the medication were starting to take hold, though Bucky wasn't sure if the meds were the cause. The constant motion of Ryan, along with his muttering under his breath, was making Bucky feel somewhat uneasy. He was sitting on the military cot, wedged into the corner next to the wall.

"Could you stop with the pacing? You'll only end up wearing yourself out, then someone will have to carry your ass out of here when they rescue us," Bucky grumbled.

Suddenly Ryan stopped in his pacing to glare at Bucky. "There is no rescue, you know. No one's coming for us," Ryan retorted.

Bucky rolled his eyes. "What do you mean, of course there's a rescue. The team is just waiting for the right time to barge in and lead us out of here," he affirmed.

"The team doesn't even know where we are, so they'll just waste time trying to find us. Then when they don't, they'll leave us here," Ryan snapped.

Bucky jumped up from his cot in a flash, and picked Ryan up with both hands, holding him against the wall. "Listen up, because I'm only gonna say this once. Nobody is going to abandon us. Zalinsky and whoever else is filling your head with this crap is lying to you. And you have to figure out a way to fight what the meds are doing to you or things are gonna get worse. Understand?"

All Ryan could do was nod his head, at which point Bucky let go of him. Once free, Ryan resumed his pacing, but only for a few minutes until he ultimately settled on his own cot. Bucky had taken up his previous position on his cot, one knee drawn up to his chest with his arms curled around it. "I know you're out there, solnyshka. Please come find me," he whispered to himself.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"So this is where you ran off to," a voice behind you stated. You had escaped to the roof and were curled up in one of the chairs, a blanket from your room draped around your shoulders.

"Go away, Loki. I'm not in the mood for anyone telling me about my lack of field experience, or that my ideas won't work. I already know I have no mission work under my belt, but I believe that my suggested plan of action has merit," you retorted.

"Which one? Plan 'A', where you direct your army of animals, insects and other creatures? Or Plan 'B', where you offer yourself as bait in exchange for the SHIELD agent and Barnes?" Loki probed, his eyes narrowed at you.

"Better me than them!" you exclaimed.

"You can't be serious!" Loki retorted. "How can you say that? You are just as important around here as Barnes and the other agent. So, what do you really think we should do?" he asked.

"You're right," you acknowledged quietly. "Logically, Plan 'A' is the best choice, where I use my ability to sneak on base. Wanda's been working with me on how to better focus my powers, but.... The only time my concentration really breaks is when I think about James being hurt," you admitted, dropping your gaze.

"Norns, you're in love with Barnes, aren't you?" Loki asked.

Eyes still cast downward, you nodded in confirmation of your love for James Buchanan Barnes. "I am. With all of my heart. Only we had an argument before this last mission, and I didn't get a chance to tell him that before he left," you sniffled. "I have to get him back, Loki. If I didn't think Tony would fire me or arrest me on the spot, I'd hijack his stupid plane right now to go after him. Anyone else is welcome to tag along," you remarked.

"Perhaps stealing a quinjet won't be necessary, darling. When I left the meeting, most of the team was trying to convince Stark of the merits of your Plan 'A'," Loki revealed.

At that moment, the door to the roof opened, revealing Sam Wilson. He walked over to where you were sitting and crouched down to your level. He held his arms out in invitation, which you took advantage of by launching yourself at him. "Oof! Aww, hey, babygirl. How you holdin' up, hmm?" he asked as he rubbed your back to comfort you.

"I'm okay, Sam," you replied. Your voice was muffled by his shoulder, so you drew back a little before speaking again. "As long as you tell me we're leaving soon to go and rescue James," you added, looking him directly in the eyes.

"Yeah, Tony sent me to find you two," Sam mentioned. "We've got the makings of a plan, and he wants to run it by everyone. Make sure it's airtight, no margin for error."

"Are you sure he even wants me there? I mean, with all of the field experience I don't have, I'd be surprised if he accepts any feedback I'd give," you grumbled.

Sam gave you a slightly exasperated look. "Come on, just hear him out. At least he's willing to discuss your idea, instead of going in all guns blazin' like he wanted to do before," Sam gently chided.

"I'm sorry, Sam. You're right. Let's go back to the conference room and see what Tony has to say. You with us, Loki?" you asked as you moved towards the door.

"Right behind you, darling," he replied.

The three of you returned to the conference room, where Tony revealed the plan to rescue Ryan and Bucky. Every so often, someone brought up a point that hadn't been considered, then everyone would discuss how to handle it. Finally, a formal battle plan had been devised, with a departure time decided to be three days from now.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was 2:37am on the day of the mission to rescue Bucky and you couldn't sleep. You decided to run through your mission prep list in your head. You had a bag with weapons sitting on the floor next to the bed, which Natasha had helped you pack yesterday. Another go-bag with a change of clothes, toiletries and other necessities was leaning against the weapons duffel.

A tactical suit was hanging on the back of your closet door, waiting for you to slip it on. At the moment, though, you found comfort in wearing Bucky's red Henley. The cuffs covered your hands like mittens, and you had on a pair of black sleep shorts underneath. You were sitting cross-legged on the bed, leaning your back against the headboard, thinking.

"Mrowr" you heard, followed immediately by the appearance of your snowy-white feline. She placed both front paws on your knees and gazed longingly at you. With a chuckle, you reached over and pulled her fully into your lap, scratching under her chin and feeling the vibrations from her purrs.

"What am I going to do with you, hmm?" you mused. "Now, listen. Peter promised he would take really good care of you while everyone is gone, but you still have to behave. You know that what I'm doing is important, otherwise I wouldn't be leaving you for someone else to look after. I'll be back before you know it," you affirmed. You weren't sure who you were trying to convince more, though, Alpine or yourself.

Your best hope is for everything to go according to plan, and that you quickly find Ryan and Bucky unharmed. However, you also remembered hearing enough tales of past missions to know that things rarely went that way. That's why you kept your back-up plan to yourself and promised that you would only use it as a last resort.

A soft knock at your door sounded and was followed by Natasha slipping in then re-closing the door behind her. She walked over to where you were sitting on the bed and climbed up to sit next to you. "So, first op. Are you nervous?" she asked.

You nodded, then turned to face the super-spy and former assassin. "I mean, I'd be dumb not to be nervous, but I know this is something I have to do. I can't let Zalinsky do to James what he's done to me," you replied. Staring at your hands, you added, "I really don't know how you all do this, time after time. I hope you know, you all have my deep and undying respect for doing it."

Nat threw her arm around your shoulders and pulled you closer. "And it's okay that you're feeling this way. Hell, I'd be afraid if you weren't feeling at least something about it. Just remember your training, and also who and what you're doing this for. You'll be all right, and the team has your back," she remarked.

"Thanks, Nat," you choked out. "I appreciate everyone's help in getting me this far. I won't let you down." You took a deep breath and asked, "It's time, right?" you inquired.

Natasha nodded, then hopped off the bed and walked around to your side. You had climbed down and were readjusting the pillows when she reached you. "Let's go get your boyfriend back, hmm?" she grinned.

She waited while you changed into your tac suit, then you linked arms with hers and walked towards the door. Natasha picked up the weapons bag at the door, then you picked up the other one. The two of you headed towards the hangar, each step increasing the butterflies in your stomach. Once you reached the quinjet, you and Natasha handed the bags to Steve, who was meticulously stacking the incoming cargo. He paused long enough to give you a hug and mumble some words of encouragement.

When Steve pulled back, he asked, "I'm just helping load up, but I'll be back here, with the COMMs team. You ready for this, Sunshine?"

All noise in the quinjet came to an abrupt halt and it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. "'M ready, Cap. Before we take off, I want to say 'thank you' to all of you. I couldn't do this without you," you replied.

"Especially me, since it's my aircraft we're using," Tony smirked. "Strap in everyone, so we can get this show on the road." Each team member did as he asked and you felt the aircraft lift off the ground and head towards its destination.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zalinsky entered the control room and examined the current footage from each camera. There were cameras pointed down hallways, at each exit and especially in the prison block. His eyes landed on the monitor for the interior of Ryan and Bucky's cell. A sinister smile formed on his face as he silently observed. Ryan was pacing the room as usual, while Bucky sat on his cot watching, but with no expression on his face.

"Oh, Soldat. Soon it will be your turn to participate in my glorious experiment. I'm excited to see how your serum-filled body will react to the medication," Zalinsky grinned.

"Doctor, he's just....sitting there. That's pretty much all he's done since we locked them in their cell. What if he doesn't react?" the technician asked.

"The mind powers of the Soldat are considerable. Probably more so, the longer he's been 'decommissioned'," Zalinsky spat out the last word. "It will be interesting to see how long it takes to break him. Especially when I mention Solnyshka," he remarked darkly.

As the men stared at the bank of monitors, they noticed that one by one, the screens were showing static then going dark. "What is happening?!?" Zalinsky thundered. His face paled when he saw your face on one of the hallway cameras. You looked directly into the camera and gave him a one-fingered salute just before it cut off.

"I don't know, Doctor," the technician frantically responded. He fiddled with the knobs and switches, desperately trying to restore video communication.

Zalinsky huffed in exasperation at the technician's inability to fix the problem at hand, and stormed down the hall. Soon he was in front of the door for Ryan and Bucky's cell. Zalinsky barked at the man guarding the door, ordering for it to be unlocked. Zalinsky took a deep breath to try and regain his composure, before barging into the cell.

"Well, well, Soldat. It appears that your friends are here to rescue you, and they brought me a gift. One of my former test subjects, your girlfriend, has broken into my base. I'm sure they think I'll just let you waltz out of there with them. Not a chance, Soldat," Zalinsky sneered.

Bucky remained seated on his cot, trying to look unaffected, but inside his heart was racing. Is he lying?? Or were you really here? he thought. Part of him knew this was no place for you, while another part of him couldn't wait to see you, hold you in his arms. That would have to wait until everyone was safe and on the way back to the compound. Bucky shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about," he replied nonchalantly, his eyes never wavering from Zalinsky's glare.

Zalinsky snapped his fingers at his guards, then gestured for them to grab Ryan and Bucky and take them to the lab. Bucky had yet to see the lab, but given his past experience, it wasn't anywhere on his top 10 list of places to visit. Zalinsky's guards gripped Ryan's and Bucky's arms and marched them down the hallway to the lab, with the scientist following behind.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As soon as you knew the cameras were down, you made your way down the corridor. Natasha led, followed by Wanda, you, then Loki. That left Tony, Sam and Thor outside to keep a path clear back to the quinjet. The COMMs team back in the compound told you that Zalinsky was on the move with Ryan and Bucky, and they were headed for the lab. You asked for directions to the area, with the intention of intercepting them.

>>>

The guards continued to lead Ryan and Bucky towards the lab. They stopped every once in a while, hearing the sounds of gunfire, from both inside and outside of the base. Bucky caught Ryan's eye and sent him a look that said the team was here, and that they would be rescued. In return, Ryan gave him a quick nod as the men continued to be shuffled to the lab.

>>>

When you came to a T-intersection of hallways, you heard the ramblings of Dr. Zalinsky. You could feel the slow burn of a pain in your head at just hearing his voice. Taking deep breaths, you tried to push the pain out of your mind, using some of what Wanda and Loki had taught you. The pain seemed to subside for the moment, allowing for a little easier breathing.

"We must be....near the....lab," you whispered, still fighting through the pain. COMMs confirmed your assessment, saying Ryan and Bucky had just entered the room. They were still each being held by Zalinsky's guards, while the doctor considered his next move. "I'm going in," you declared, as you tried to move past Wanda.

Loki grabbed your arm and pulled you back. "Don't be stupid," he hissed. "We can't protect you if you go in there alone with four guards and a deranged scientist," he pointed out.

"Hold on, let me think," you murmured. A shot whizzed past your head, embedding the round into the concrete wall in front of you. Shouting from behind you brought your attention to the group of HYDRA soldiers who had stumbled upon your position.

>>>

"Strap these two into the chairs while I prepare the solution," Zalinsky ordered. "Then go outside and see what the commotion is. Eliminate the threat, or I will eliminate you," he declared ominously.

The guards did as they were told, then ran out of the room. "Soon, Soldat. In just a few moments, you will be taking part in my greatest experiment. Once it is perfected, I will not hesitate to unleash it on the world," Zalinsky smirked. "Don't worry, your sacrifice will be duly noted in my files," he added.

>>>

Outside the lab doors, Natasha and Wanda had taken on Zalinsky's personal guards. Natasha delivered blow after blow, kicking and punching one guard until he lost consciousness. On the other guard, she swept his legs out from under him. When he fell, she managed to wrap her legs around his neck and squeezed until he was knocked out as well.

As Wanda faced off against her assailants, bundles of red energy crackled in her hands. She kept them by her sides until they moved close enough, then she let them go. The men were sent flying down the hall, colliding with the other HYDRA agents who had found your team. A couple of them managed to get a shot or two off, but Wanda easily blocked the rounds with her energy bubble.

While the others were occupied, you took the opportunity to slip into the lab so you could free Ryan and Bucky. Ducking bullets as you went, you briefly caught Natasha's eye when you rounded the corner. She gave you a quick nod before returning her attention to taking down the guard in front of her.

"James!" you exclaimed. You raced over to the contraption he was strapped into and frantically unbuckled the restraints. As soon as he was free, he swept you into his arms and engulfed you in a fierce embrace. You nearly melted at the feel of him finally in your arms, and Bucky was more than happy to hold your body against his.

Bucky pulled back a little then cradled your face in both of his hands and pulled you towards him. "Oh, sweetheart, what are you doing here?!? You should be back at the Tower, where it's safe! What were you thinking?!?" His fear and scolding quickly gave way to words of love, all delivered between fervent kisses. "I never thought I'd see you again, baby. I'm never letting you go again, my love, you belong with me."

"I'm sorry, James. I know you don't want me anywhere near here, but I couldn't let them do this to you. I had to help you, and I hope you can forgive me," you pleaded.

"No apologies needed, doll, and you are completely forgiven," Bucky replied. He pulled you in for one long, passionate kiss that he hoped conveyed how much he missed you.

The sound of someone slowly clapping hands in the background interrupted your reunion with Bucky. "Isn't this cozy, the Soldat and his Solnyshka," Zalinsky taunted. "You shouldn't have come back, my dear. Now I get to finish what I started with you," he threatened.

Before you or Bucky could respond, Loki appeared in the doorway, followed by Natasha and Wanda. The corridors were quiet, so you knew they had neutralized the threat. Now it was a matter of removing Ryan's restraints and making your way back to the safety of the quinjet.

"Looks like I have quite a few new test subjects. No matter, everyone can have a turn, but Solnyshka is first. She will be my greatest triumph," Zalinsky smirked as he drew a syringe from a pocket in his lab coat.

Instinctively, you stepped closer to Bucky's side, and in response he tightened his right arm around your shoulder. While you tried to think of a way to get to Ryan without causing harm to yourself or anyone else, you noticed a green mist appear at Zalinsky's feet. You watched as the green mist formed itself into a snake that began to coil its way around Zalinsky's body.

Zalinsky began to laugh despite his inability to move his feet. "Your pitiful attempts at magic do not scare me," he scoffed. After his outburst, a red mist appeared at his feet, also forming itself into a snake. It coiled around him in the opposite direction, then both snakes squeezed.

With Zalinsky's arms pinned next to his body, it was impossible for him to move, and he was forced to drop the syringe. The object shattered and the liquid created a puddle on the cement floor.

The two snake heads each bared their fangs and took turns snapping their jaws at Zalinsky. Each time, they came close to biting him, only for them to pull back at the last minute. You could see the fear in his eyes, despite his attempts to keep it from showing.

While the snakes were toying with Zalinsky, Natasha quickly released Ryan from his restraints. As soon as he was freed, he bolted out of the chair, then Natasha ushered him out the door. The two of them, plus Loki and Wanda started running for the exit. You and Bucky followed, his hand in yours as you both ran along the corridor towards your escape. "How long will the magic last?" you called.

"Hopefully long enough for us to get to the exit," Loki answered over his shoulder, to which Wanda nodded.

In your ear, you heard Tony tell Thor to fire up the quinjet so that it was ready to go once everyone was inside. He and Sam were waiting by the exit in case anyone was injured and needed to be airlifted to the jet.

You felt a shot whiz by your head, while another grazed your right arm, causing you to cry out in pain. Bucky's attention shifted to you, trying to figure out where you'd been hit. "It's okay, James, just grazed my arm," you gritted out. Blood started to drip down from the gash in your upper arm.

"FOOLS!! Did you think your magic was enough to stop me!!" Zalinsky roared as he released another round from his weapon. This time, you were hit in the back, just to the side of your right shoulder blade. You dropped to the floor from the force of the impact, which pulled on Bucky's hand and he could tell that this was more than a graze.

"Come on, sweetheart, we're almost there," Bucky coaxed, trying to help you up. You got to your feet and tried to run again, but the pain was too intense and you fell to your knees. Without a second thought, Bucky scooped you up into his arms and cradled you against his body. He took off at a run and quickly covered the now-short distance to the door leading to the outside world.

Once everyone was through the door, Bucky passed you off to Sam, who flew you to where the jet was ready and waiting. Bucky closed the giant, thick steel door with his super strength before Zalinsky could follow. With a blast from his Iron Man gauntlet, Tony melted the lock and fried any circuit boards contained within it, which kept Zalinsky from reopening the door.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

With everyone on board and accounted for, Tony worked the controls and the quinjet lifted off. Instead of turning back towards the compound, he maneuvered the aircraft so it was pointed at the base. He locked in a set of coordinates that were then fed to the missiles.

"Bit of unfinished business, if you don't mind," Tony explained with a smirk. He pressed the button on the control panel, which unleashed the missiles. Soon the HYDRA base became an enormous fireball, and when that cleared, all that could be seen was a pile of smoking concrete. He used the thermal recognition setting in his helmet to scan the area for survivors. When none were detected, Tony set course back to the Tower in New York.

As soon as Bucky was on board, he immediately made a beeline for you, where your wounds were being tended. The bullet graze on your arm was already cleaned up and bandaged by the time he got there. You were sitting sideways in a chair while the on-board medic was putting in the stitches on your shoulder wound.

Bucky pulled up a chair to sit on your left side, taking your hand in both of his. He pressed a lingering kiss to your left temple and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath, the scent of your strawberry shampoo invading his senses. "Sweetheart, I missed you so much," he murmured against your skin.

Tears began prickling your eyes before you responded, but had yet to fall. "I missed you too, James. I'm sorry for what happened that day before your mission. I should've waited to--" you started to say, but were interrupted.

"Baby, no. Listen, I handled that all wrong. I should've listened first and been more supportive of you wanting to help the team. You're smart, and I know you'll be great at COMMs, because you can do just about anything you set your mind to, darlin'. Besides, if I have to have anyone's voice in my ear, bossin' me around, I'd pick yours every time," he grinned and waggled his eyebrows.

You giggled at his comment about 'bossing him around'. "Thank you, James," you replied, your voice thick with emotion. The medic had already finished with your stitches and cleaned up the area.

As you looked around, the events of the day finally started to sink in. Bullets zinging in your direction. Getting shot twice. Sneaking down corridors of an enemy base, hoping to not get caught. Successfully rescuing your boyfriend. Tears were streaming down your face, but you didn't realize it until you saw Bucky's smile falter and he reached to brush them away.

"Solnyshka, what's wrong? Why the tears, my love?" Bucky asked as he carefully drew you into his arms. You pressed your ear to his chest so that you could hear his heartbeat, which provided some comfort to you. Bucky's whiskers tickled your scalp as he dropped kisses to the top of your head.

You lifted your head from his chest and tilted back a little so that you could lock onto his beautiful but troubled baby blues. "I'm okay. I think it took until now for everything to catch up to me," you chuckled nervously.

Bucky breathed a visible sigh of relief. "Well, once we get back to the Tower, we'll get cleaned up and change into comfy clothes. Then I'm going to hold you in my arms and never let go," he declared.

"Mmm, I like the sound of that," you whispered. "Um, there was something else, though. Something that's been on my mind a lot lately, James," you remarked.

"And what's that, sweet girl? Whatever it is, you know that you can tell me anything," he reminded you.

You nodded and took a deep breath before responding. "I....I love you, James. I can't believe it's taken me this long to tell you, because I've known it for a long time. And I'm not just saying it--" your speech was halted by Bucky's index finger on your lips.

"Darlin', love of mine, I love you too. I meant it when I told Zalinsky I would take your place, that I wouldn't let him harm the woman I love," Bucky explained. He tenderly grazed your cheeks with the back of his knuckles and gave you a small smile. Then he slid his hand around the back of your head and pulled you closer to him.

The brush of his lips against yours was tentative, almost like his apology for what happened between you before the mission. You showed him your acceptance by cradling his face in your left hand, caressing his scruffy cheek with your thumb before deepening the kiss in return. As his silky, plump lips moved in tandem with yours, his hands drifted down to your hips, pulling you closer.

When the kiss was broken, Bucky rested his forehead against yours, both of you panting heavily, trying to catch your breath. "I love you so much, doll. My heart is yours for the taking, although you've always had it, since the moment I met you," he smiled softly.

"You mean that day I was reading on my lunch break? I remember you startled me when you sneaked into my office," you teased. "Was that the moment? Or was it when you caught me 'dancing while filing'?" You smiled as your index finger delicately traced the sharp edge of his jawline while you waited for his response.

"All of it, sweetheart. Those certainly were some good moments, though," he chuckled. "You've always been that ray of sunshine I've needed in my life. That's why I call you my solnyshka," Bucky whispered.

You could feel the tears springing to your eyes at his heartfelt confession. Then you curled your hand around the back of Bucky's neck to tug him forward. "I love you so much, James," you replied with a watery smile and surged forward to meet his lips in a fiery kiss.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When Steve got the notification, he rushed down to the hangar to greet the team. He greeted everyone with a handshake, high-five, or, in Tony's case, a quick nod as they disembarked. Bucky walked down the ramp with his arm around you and your bags in his left hand. You had your arm slung around his waist to keep close to him. Every few steps, Bucky would pause briefly to kiss you, and you couldn't help but grace him with a beaming smile.

Bucky eventually met Steve where he was waiting for the two of you. Steve crossed his arms over his chest and tried to look stern, but it was difficult in front of you and his best friend. You could see the corners of Steve's mouth trying not to twitch upwards in a smile.

Steve broke the stalemate first. "Buck," he remarked.

Bucky set down your bags and crossed his arms to mirror Steve's stance. "Stevie," he replied.

Steve's eyes flicked over to you. "Captain Rogers," you murmured.

By now, Steve was really having a tough time keeping a straight face. "Sunshine," he responded. That was all it took for the three of you to break out into laughter and take turns hugging Steve. "You doing okay? Heard you got injured, kid," he inquired.

"I'm all right, Cap. Got patched up on the way home, and James hasn't let me out of his sight since he got onboard the jet," you answered, then slipped your arm back around Bucky's waist.

"No way, doll. Hey, Stevie, I've got some makin' up to do with my girl, so if you don't mind," Bucky hinted.

"Get outta here, you two," Steve chuckled. He gave Bucky one last "welcome home" hug and you walked with Bucky to your shared room.

Right when you entered the room, a ball of white fur nearly tackled you and started rubbing up against your legs. "Well hello, pretty girl! It's so good to see you, did you behave for Peter while I was gone?" All answers to your questions resulted in loud purring coming from said feline, who was indeed happy to see you.

"Um, doll? Not to ask a dumb question, but when did we get a cat?" Bucky asked.

You grinned and motioned for him to sit beside you on the bed. Once he was seated, you explained how you found Alpine in the bushes outside of the Tower. You could see she was hurt, so you brought her inside.

"She told me her name, and that's how I found out what my powers were. I can communicate with animals and other creatures, as well as heal them. When I found her, Alpine had hurt her right front paw in some sort of alleyway scuffle. I treated her injury, and she's been my comfort while you were gone," you relayed softly.

As if on cue, Alpine leaped up on the bed so she could evaluate the newcomer, Bucky. If he was going to steal you away from her, Alpine wanted to check him out for herself. She placed her two front paws on his thigh and nuzzled at his hands in his lap. Bucky turned his right hand so it was palm up, so Alpine took the opportunity to sniff his hand. She stretched towards Bucky, still sniffing the air, then showed her approval by rubbing her face on his stubbled cheek.

Bucky laughed softly and started running his hand over her thick, white fur. "I guess that means she likes me, huh?" he asked.

"Of course she does, James. Besides, what's not to like, hmm?" you countered, then leaned your head on his shoulder. "I love you, James," you remarked.

"I love you too, Doll," he replied.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Six months later

"Has anyone seen James?" you asked. You had looked everywhere for him--the conference rooms, the gym, and you even had someone check the men's locker room. Now you were in the kitchen, asking if anyone knew the location of your wayward boyfriend. Everyone glanced around, knowing exactly where he was, but not being able to tell you. Not yet, anyway.

"Ooh! Have you checked your room yet?" Peter interjected.

"Not yet, Peter. Thank you, I'll check there," you answered. You left the kitchen and when you entered your room, there was a large white box with a red ribbon around it. A card was on top of the box, tented so that it stood upright. On the card were the words: "Meet me at 7:00pm in our favorite place to escape from everybody."

You searched your mind to think of the place Bucky was referring to, but when it clicked, you couldn't help but smile. When you opened the box, there was another card on top of something wrapped in tissue paper. It said, "Wear Me."

After you unwrapped the item, you pulled out a blue chiffon V-neck swing dress. It had short sleeves and wavy sequined lines running throughout the fabric, down to the knee-length hem. When you walked over to the mirror and held the dress up to your body, you couldn't wait to see it on yourself for real.

A quick glance at the clock showed it was 6:15pm, and you realized there wasn't much time to get ready. No way did you want to be late to meet Bucky, so you carefully laid the dress over the box and hurried to the bathroom to shower.

Thirty minutes later, and you were putting the finishing touches on your makeup and hair, both of which you kept simple. Just as you were ready to put on the dress, you heard a knock at your door. It was Wanda, and she asked to help you with the zipper. You suspected she had some idea of what Bucky was up to, but she refused to divulge any information.

Another knock at your door revealed Steve, who stated it was his duty to escort you to meet Bucky. As with Wanda, you figured he was part of the overall plan, but probably wouldn't tell you anything either. So you slipped your hand into the crook of his arm, and headed for the elevators.

Once you reached the rooftop, you were amazed at the sight in front of you. Off to one side was a small table with two chairs, a bouquet of assorted flowers in the center of the table. Twinkling fairy lights were strung together to create a canopy above the table. An ice bucket on a stand was waiting next to the table, the neck of a bottle sticking out of the top.

It was almost perfect. Almost. The only missing piece was Bucky, and he was nowhere to be seen, at least not at first. You walked to the railing on the roof and stared out across the city. So many lights filled the sky and so many sounds filled the air that you missed hearing Bucky's footsteps behind you.

"Good evening, my love," his rich baritone voice rumbled. You whirled around and when you saw Bucky, your breath was nearly stolen out of your chest. He was wearing black dress pants and a black jacket, with a white button-down shirt underneath. No tie, because the top two buttons were not fastened, giving you a glimpse of his broad chest. He was lazily holding a long-stemmed red rose and showed a gentle smile on his face.

"Whoa," you whispered, your feet taking slow, measured steps towards Bucky. "I knew I was dating a super soldier. Didn't know you were also a supermodel. You look handsome, James," you breathed.

"Awww, sweetheart. Wait, do I?" he asked while you nodded and walked towards him. "That's nothing compared to you, sweetheart. You look absolutely stunning, my darling," Bucky affirmed.

"Thank you," you murmured as your eyes roamed the setting Bucky had created on the rooftop. "You really did a wonderful job decorating up here. But I don't think it's our anniversary, and I know it's not my birthday. Am I missing something, James?" you asked.

Bucky picked up your left hand and cradled it gently in his vibranium one, then dropped to one knee before you. "My sweet solnyshka," he rasped. He cleared his throat before trying again. "Ever since we met, I knew you were going to be an important part of my life. And I was right, because you are exactly what I need and definitely more than what I deserve.

"You are everything to me. You are my best friend, my lover, my sunshine in what was such a dark world for me. The only thing that's missing is this," Bucky paused a moment to dig into his pocket with his right hand to produce a small, black box.

With shaking fingers, Bucky opened the box in your direction. Nestled inside the velvet cushion was a ring with an oval-shaped diamond and sapphire accent stones. The white gold band had elegant scroll work engraved on the top half of the band. "Oh, James. It's beautiful," you remarked in a voice thick with emotion.

Bucky reached inside and plucked the ring from its box and held it out to you. "I know that I have a lot of history that comes with me, and I can't promise we will always be free of danger. But as long as we're together, we can get through anything. Will you marry me?" he asked.

By this time, tears are streaming down your face, but they are tears of joy. "Yes, James, I will absolutely marry you," you exclaimed as you flung your arms around his neck.

Bucky wound his arms around you, holding you to his chest as he stood. After a long passionate kiss that took your breath away, he set you on your feet. The ring was still in his right hand, his left one holding yours steady while he slid the ring on your finger. Bucky raised your left hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. "I am so in love with you," he declared.

"I am so in love with you, too. Kinda great that it works out that way, huh? Because you're stuck with me for life," you chuckled lightly.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, my love," Bucky replied as he rested his forehead on yours. "I love you, future Mrs. Barnes."

"And I love you, Mr. Barnes," you responded.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A month later, Natasha and Wanda were in your room, helping you decide on bridesmaid dresses. You were laughing with the girls at some of the more ridiculous dress styles, assuring them that you would never make them wear something like that. Bucky and Steve were down in the lobby, holding a small press conference, when FRIDAY broke through on the intercom.

"Excuse me, miss, but there are two visitors waiting in the lobby at Security for you. They are quite insistent and are refusing to leave until they see you," the AI relayed.

You looked at Nat and Wanda in confusion, because you had no idea who would be visiting you at the Tower. "I'll be right back," you remarked absently. You got up from your bed and slipped on your shoes, with your friends hot on your heels.

"Who do you think it is?" Wanda asked.

"I have no idea, Wanda. My parents are gone, no siblings, and the only friends I have are all here, in the Tower. Guess I'll find out in a few minutes, though," you shrugged.

The elevator doors opened and the three of you exited towards the lobby. You were all laughing at something one of you said on the way down about ideas for a bachelorette party. After turning the corner, Nat assured you, "Don't worry, if it's trouble, we've got your back."

You caught a glimpse of flannel, bringing you to a complete stop in your tracks. "No....," you whispered. Wanda and Natasha looked at each other and shrugged, neither knowing what to make of your reaction. "Oh, it's trouble, Nat," you growled then resumed your path to Security. Your friends followed for your protection and out of sheer curiosity.

With arms folded across your chest and fire in your eyes, you addressed your visitors. "What the hell are you doing here, Winchester?!?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tags:

@katelyn--renee, @evergreencowboy, @lassie-bird, @phoenixisred, @rslizj, @writercole​, @vicmc624​, @huffle-pissed​

[idy-ll-ique]

baby names

pairing: loki x pregnant!f!reader

genre: fluff

warnings: none, it's very cute 😩

requested: nope

word count: ~1.6k

summary: y/n is pregnant and loki can't stay away from her

author's note: hiya peeps! a loki fic after such a long time, kinda got tired of writing bucky fics all the time,,,, (though next week there's gonna be a bucky x f!reader 👀) enjoy!

masterlist

---

"Loki."

"Don't call me that."

Y/N raised an eyebrow at her husband and he grumbled angrily, pulling her closer to him. "Sweetheart," Y/N began, "You should go." Loki whined childishly, burying his face in her shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere," he firmly mumbled Y/N sighed, running her hand through his silky soft hair. "6th time. Yet they always invite you. Why aren't you leaving the house?"

"Because you're pregnant! I'm not going anywhere until the baby is safely out of you and you both are well taken care of." Y/N smiled softly at his concern but pulled away from Loki. "Well I think you need some sun, you should go. And no is not an option. You know what? I'm calling Tony right now and telling him you are going with all of them." Before Loki could object, Y/N picked up her phone and called Tony.

Loki had been invited by Thor and the other male Avengers on a weekend trip to the beach, sponsored by Tony Stark. Everyone was going; Tony, Steve, Thor, Bruce, Clint, Scott, Sam, Bucky, Vision… they'd also invited Loki, since he had now permanently settled on Midgard with his lovely wife Y/N, but he'd initially refused because he didn't want to leave Y/N alone.

She was 8½ months pregnant. Though there was still a week or two of estimated time remaining for the birth, Loki didn't want to leave because what if the baby came early? Tony, Clint and Scott, who were also fathers, had assured him several times since Y/N's pregnancy announcement that the baby would be okay, Y/N would be okay but he still worried himself sick everyday.

"Do I absolutely have to go?" Loki groaned, lying flat on his back on the bed as Y/N sat back down after her chat with Tony. "Yes. I need some time alone— you need some time alone. You're gonna give yourself a heart attack one day by how much you worry over this baby of ours. A nice trip to the beach with clear skies and golden sand and the blue sea will do you much good."

Loki sulked. Y/N, getting a teasing smirk on her face, nudged his shoulder. "Hey, there are gonna be girls in skimpy bikinis on the beach, you know," she suggested and Loki made a face, pulling Y/N down to give her a deep kiss. "I love you," he glared at her, "I don't care about those scantily dressed women. Fine, if it makes you feel better, I'll go."

"Yay! Now I can call Wanda and Nat and Sharon and Pepper and Maria and Darcy over so we can have our own day out! It's gonna be awesome," Y/N squealed, already busy texting as Loki sputtered.

Is that why she wants me out of the house that bad?

He couldn't blame her, though, the pregnancy had taken a toll on both the parents. Y/N used to be in pain all the time, had severe nausea and couldn't go out with all her friends like she used to. Now that the symptoms had started wearing off, he really couldn't blame her for wanting to have a nice day out with friends. "Have fun, darling," he smiled, giving her another kiss.

---

"Yo, Lokes, you ready to go?" Clint called out cheerfully as Loki walked towards the group of men, a scowl on his face. Yes, at home he'd agreed to accompany them on the trip but now that the day was actually here… "Not really but I don't have a choice," he grumbled and Steve smiled amusedly. "Y/N kick you out?" Loki rolled his eyes. "Yes, how did you know? She wants to have a girl's day out with the other ladies."

"I overheard Wanda and Natasha talking. Anyway, come on, let's hit the road!"

All of them got into two cars: Steve, Sam, Bucky, Thor and Loki in one while Clint, Scott, Tony, Bruce and Vision got into the other. Sam was driving, Steve was in the passenger seat, Bucky was in the middle seat and Thor and Loki were in the extreme back. "So, how's Y/N doing?" Bucky asked Loki, leaning back on his seat.

"She's doing well, the nausea and pain has stopped," Loki answered, following Bucky's lead. "I'm glad to hear it. Have you decided on a name? Because I assure you, Bucky is a really good contender," he grinned cheekily and even Loki laughed, shaking his head. "We haven't thought of any names as of yet."

"Are you looking for a Midgardian name or an Asgardian one?" Sam piped up. Loki blinked. "You know, that is a really good question," he muttered. "How about a Midgardian first name and an Asgardian middle name?" Steve suggested. "Why not the other way around?" Thor frowned. "Well, yeah, that works too," Steve shrugged. "Hm, that's a good suggestion. I will talk to Y/N."

"So is Bucky on the table—"

"No."

"Aw, man."

---

"Hey girl, after a long time!" Natasha grinned, giving Y/N a familial hug. "Hi, gals! Yes, I even got Loki to leave, took a lot of begging but he finally agreed," she sighed. "Could've just given him head or something," Pepper muttered and Y/N burst out laughing as the other ladies gasped. "Pepper!" Sharon exclaimed, shocked.

"What? It usually works on Tony," Pepper defended herself as everyone joined Y/N in her laughter. "So, ready to shop?" All the ladies got into a 7-seater car, with Maria in the driver's seat. "Can't wait! This Avenging stuff doesn't give me time for self-care, I swear. Haven't shopped in ages!" Wanda sighed. All the women agreed with her, muttering their yesses.

"By the way, Y/N, I've wanted to ask you this for so long now, have you decided on baby names yet?" Darcy questioned with a grin. "Oh! No we haven't as of yet, I have lots of good names but I haven't talked to Loki…" Sharon looked up from her phone. "Do you have Asgardian names or like, normal, Earth names? I have a feeling that Loki would want Asgardian names," she suggested.

Y/N frowned in thought. Sharon was right; both the brothers, Loki and Thor, took great pride in their homeland. She didn't mind, to be honest, Asgardian names were wonderful. "I like Asgardian names too, though, I'm open to it," she chuckled.

"Great! So if it's a girl, Darcy—"

"Darcy!"

"What? I'm just saying…"

---

"Brother?" Loki startled out of his thoughts, turning to Thor. "Sorry, I was… thinking," he cleared his throat and Thor smiled, sitting next to him. Around 6 hours had passed since they'd arrived at the resort and Loki couldn't get Y/N out of his mind. What is she doing? Is she okay? Should I go check on her? What if the baby is coming? Surely she'd call me if that happens…

"About Y/N?" Loki went red and scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah." Thor clapped him on the back once, guffawing good-naturedly. "Don't you fret, brother, the ladies she is with are extremely competent! She will be okay, and plus, the baby isn't going to be here for another week or so," Thor assured him but worry gnawed Loki. Nope, I can't do it. He abruptly stood up, startling Thor.

"I'm going home."

"Loki—"

Just a second later, Loki disappeared.

---

"Mm," Y/N moaned, a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth, "Isn't it delicious? What do ya say… Rosie?" The baby kicked once. "No? Okay, well… Sarah? Petunia?" The baby kicked more. "Oh, you want masculine names, huh… Uh, Alex?" One kick. "I know, Chris!" Another kick. "Tom?" More kicks. "So you don't want Midgardian names? Well, I don't know very many Asgardian names…"

"I do."

Y/N shrieked loudly, dropping her tub of ice cream as she turned to see Loki standing near the bedroom door. "Loki?" She picked a book off the nightstand and threw it at him. He caught it easily, sitting down next to her while keeping the book where it was. She instantly cuddled into his side, tearing up. Sure, she was the one who was too eager to send him away but she was also the one who couldn't stay away from him.

"Aw, hey, I'm here, my love," Loki whispered comfortingly, rubbing her back as she sobbed into his arms. "Don't go again. I missed you," she sniffled and Loki pressed a soft kiss to her head. "That is also why I came home early, darling, I missed you too," he laughed and she snuggled even closer to him.

"Little baby Axelia missed you too— ow! No? So… what about Lucinda? Ow, ooh… Priscilla? No?" Loki watched with an infatuated smile as she tried out different names on the baby. "What if our baby wants a more masculine name, love?" he asked and she turned to him.

"Hm, have you got any names in mind?"

"Well, Barnes was suggesting we name our child Bucky—"

"Ow! Nope, they don't like it."

"Oh well. He's going to be disappointed but what the baby says goes," Loki teased and Y/N burst out laughing. She stopped all of a sudden, giving Loki a small smile. "Please don't go anywhere again," she whispered and Loki shook his head, gathering her in his arms. "I missed you just as much as you did me, Y/N, I'm not going anywhere."

"I love you."

"I love you, too, min kjæreste."

"...That's Norwegian, isn't it?"

"Beautiful, though, isn't it?

"Yes, very."

---

a/n: thanks for reading, leave a like if you enjoyed!

[plxviofiles]

Kate X Fem!Reader fluff, Kate finds out that R is ticklish, she stores this knowledge in her back pocket to use when the time comes... well that time has come? What did R do? What revenge will Kate enact? (Perhaps Kate pins R down somewhere or something) Thank u so much!! 😁😁

I love your Kate requests 😭 my whole blog is literally a Kate Bishop fanpage and ykw, I'm not mad abt it please send me natasha requests too I'm not sure what I feel about this one, but I hope you like it !! <3

for what is tickling, if not laughter persevering (i'm obsessed with this meme I can't help myself)

#kate bishop x fem!reader, ft. the avengers (but they're tired of your bs 😔) (requests are open!!)

WARNINGS: swear words, a suggestive joke

A/N: yep. nothing much to say for this one. I REFERENCED MORE THINGS. this time it was the lion king (the pinned ya parts I'm having childhood flashbacks) and eternals (i loved the movie and i love drukkari <3) will i ever stop? no. THIS IS BARELY PROOFREAD. as usual. you shouldn't be surprised ❤ also my previous post didn't show up in tags and it BETTER this time or I'm rioting reposting <3

! word count: 1.4K (ah yes. normalcy)

---

Saying that you avoid your girlfriend like the plague...is an understatement.

The avengers are having a chill day. Wanda and Natasha are sitting upside down on the couch, Yelena next to them, while they talked and Yelena listened, occasionally taking a snack from the vest she was always wearing. Sam and Bucky were playing cards leisurely and bantering as usual, Steve and Tony were playing a game of chess, Clint and Thor sitting nearby, the former making more trick arrows, and the latter eating his heated pop tarts.

It was peaceful. Serene. Magically undisturbed.

“SOMEONE!! HELLO!?!??! HELP.”

Suddenly, various versions of you were leaping into the kitchen, splitting up and glaring at the archer who seemed like she was having the time of her life.

“NO ONE CAN SAVE YOU!”

“YOU WON’T KNOW WHICH ONE IS THE REAL ME.”

“IS THAT A CHALLENGE?”

Kate just runs after you with the smuggest smile you’ve ever seen, while you (or youS) scramble away like you’re being chased by an axe murderer.

“Everything used to be so quiet,” Steve looks at the dropped chess board game that he was winning and clasps his hands in a prayer motion, “God, it’s me again.”

Tony looks dumbfounded and he shuts his eyes tightly, “If you try really, really hard, you can somehow convince yourself that they don’t exist.”

Everyone shuts their eyes.

(Distantly, “YOU’LL NEVER CATCH ME!” “I WON’T STOP UNTIL I DO.”)

“It isn’t working,” Wanda voices out, on the verge of tears.

Natasha holds her and whispers soothing phrases as Wanda sobs, and Yelena tries to no avail to offer her biscuits.

Bucky turns to Thor, “Couldn’t you just- I don’t know,” he mimicked a slam down as if he were holding a hammer, then made frantic faces, and fell flat on the couch.

Sam gasps overdramatically, and Clint just nods in agreement with Bucky’s statement.

“I shall do no such thing!” Thor booms indignantly, “I’m their protector, not their destroyer!”

“We can blame Natasha and Clint,” Tony jokes unhelpfully, nudging Steve, who still seemed bummed out about the chess game, “They brought those two in.”

“Tony,” Natasha drawls intimidatingly, “I could so, so easily post those pictures of you in a bunny suit.”

Clint snickers as Tony’s face blanches.

“How did this even start?” Yelena questions, looking the least disturbed, “How did you guys let this happen?”

And before anyone could complain about her statement, Natasha speaks up, “It all started during that one movie night.”

---

“Remind me who thought watching “The Conjuring” was a good idea,” you murmured, getting popcorn, while Kate grabbed the drinks.

“Aw, is my baby scared?” Kate teases, and you scoff, “As if.”

Everyone takes their respective seats, and the movie begins.

Normally, this should’ve been a win for you.

You sat, poker-faced through the entire thing, and Kate was the one snuggling closer whenever a jumpscare came out.

“Why the fuck is this so scary,” Kate says into your ear, “It’s so unnecessary.”

“Who’s the scared one now?” you ask cockily, and Kate pokes you.

You laugh out loud at a suspenseful part of the movie, and everyone turns towards you.

You sheepishly rub the back of your neck, “Sorry, guys, just thought of something really funny.”

The rest shrug and go back to the movie, but Kate smiles. She smiles when she was just cowering a few seconds ago.

Fuck.

---

“KATE!” she started using ACTUAL arrows to shoot each one of your illusions with the risk of hitting you.

“YOU’RE CRAZY!” you exclaim when she finally hits the last one and narrows you down.

She runs towards you and tackles you to the ground.

“Pinned ya,” Kate brags, her face right above yours.

“I’ll be able to pin you down someday,” you growl back playfully.

“Yeah, dream on,” Kate says with a shit eating grin, “You got caught so….”

She brings her hands to your waist and starts tickling you.

“K-Kate!” you exclaim, giggling uncontrollably, “Please!”

“But you look so cute this way!” she teases, “Seems like you’re completely at my mercy.”

You were shaking so hard with laughter, you couldn’t breathe, “STOP.”

“On one condition!” Kate stops for a moment, letting you breathe, as you glare at her.

“What is it?”

“Cuddles later.”

You were still breathing heavily, “You….did…all this…just for…cuddles?”

Kate sits up on you and raises her head, thinking.

“Pretty much. You’re always busy!”

Her pout makes your heart melt and you couldn’t help yourself.

“You could’ve just asked like a normal person,” you mumble, your hands on her waist, gently massaging the skin there.

Kate whimpers adorably at your touch, “I know.”

“Fine, let’s go,” you agree, “Just get the fuck off of me.”

“You know, this is pretty comfy,” she grins, and you smile sarcastically.

“Funny.”

—

Kate was very pleased with herself. She has bragging rights, got to have fun, and is now cuddling with her girlfriend in bed. What could get better?

“Katie,” you call sweetly, Legally Blonde playing on the laptop in front of you.

“Hm?” she tears off her gaze from the movie to look at you.

You kiss her softly, and Kate smiles into the kiss.

“Could you pass me the popcorn?”

“Sure!”

But when she gives it to you, you put it on the table next to you. Her eyes widen for the split second that lets you know that she's aware of what was going to happen.

She tried to move but you were faster, straddling her and pinning her arms to the bed.

"You know, under different circumstances," Kate winces, surprised, "this would've been really hot."

"Pinned ya," you quote your girlfriend with a proud smirk.

"AND NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!"

Kate laughs as you attack her with tickles.

"...This....feels...horrible when it's done to you," she manages to say, huffing, "C-Can you stop now?"

"Let me think," you say, your hands traveling higher, "No."

The archer sounds like she's about to explode with how much she was trembling and wheezing, and only when she starts to tap your arm, you stop.

"YES! I got my revenge," you got off the bed and cup your hands on your mouth, like a speaker, "Kate Bishop is a loser!"

"That's over the top," Kate mumbles under her breath.

"It wasn't over the top last Christmas when you gave me coal as a pretend gift."

"HEY! I gave you a real gift after that!"

"And you know I don't think you're actually a loser," you say, leaning your forehead on hers, although she was still grumpy, "My beautiful, beautiful Kate."

"I hate how you always know what to say to make me happy," Kate sighs, blushing.

"You love it."

---

"Now, this is just a whole new level of childishness," Kate verbalises her discomfort.

"I think it's pretty funny," Tony cuts in.

Natasha agrees, snorting, "It kinda is."

"You guys fucking suck," you complain.

Yelena walks in, and pauses to take a look.

"Tin Man! Did you take your suit's hands and put one on both of them on high power?"

Tony rolls his eyes at the blonde's nickname for him but nods, "I wouldn't word it that way, but yes."

"That's comedy gold!" the assassin squeals in delight, trotting over to you and Kate, "You two look so silly."

"I don't even remember how they did this," you mutter, trying to move but not being able to, "I've never been so humiliated in my entire life."

"That's hard to believe," Kate tries to laugh, but a cough comes out instead because of the pressure on her abdomen, "Fuck, this sucks."

"We're only letting you go when you two promise to stop," Sam intervenes, standing in front of you like a strict dad.

You keep quiet.

"Kate?"

"What are you calling me for!?"

"Both of you," Steve stands beside Sam, his arms crossed.

"Thor?" you ask the man, pouting.

"I'm sorry, lady y/n and lady Kate, I can't do much as of now," Thor says with a grimace and Clint pats him on the back.

"Fine," Kate says finally, "We promise."

"y/n?" Natasha looks to you, brow raised.

"I promise," you huff reluctantly.

Tony raises his hands and the hands of the suit returned to his own.

You sit up immediately, holding your hand for Kate to take, which she does, and you whisper to her, asking if she's okay.

"I'm fine," she whispers back, smiling at your protectiveness, "You?"

You hum, rubbing the spot where the hand was and you glare at Tony, "You're mean."

Tony shrugs.

"Tell me something I don't know."

Yelena chuckles.

"You're all idiots if you think this will be the last time they'll do something like this."