#and damn sure don't care about peggy

[austinsastrology8991]

> SUN IN THA HOUSE < and whY yoU Be like dat

Sun is our focal point, its our brightest star > you force others to look at you and look at themselves by your star quality <

Sun in the First - Everyone knows them, and they make it a fact that if you don't see them then your the one who is blind. They have a confident swagger, but arrogance to them that begs for the attention of all around them, and everyone is locked in on how or why they have such a powerful presence. Their smiles are contagious too. Also somehow always in the perfect place to say some funny ass shit and keep their style points that they been racking up over the years "You know. You all know exactly who I am. Say my name" - W.W 'breaking bad'

Sun in the Second - Did I stutter? Im talking about what I need not what I want. These guys are possessed by themselves and everyone loves it. So focused so self contained, they don't want nothing to do with you if you can't help them achieve their goals, and that attitude is sticky and everyone wanna be glued to em because they are destined for success. So they are constantly deciding who they want to share their gifts with, because they know they got it, what you got? "Money, money, money, money, money ain't the motive, What's your name again? Nobody knows it, Don't speak to me n***a, you not important, Im focused" - Tyler, the creator 'smuckers'

Sun in the Third - The whizz kid who didn't study, but stole the test papers and told everyone the wrong answers and kept all the right ones to himself. They are smart and they dont need you to tell them this they just want some more god damn answers. And thats what frustrates everyone, because they know so much already, why they still searching? Well thats how they got so smart dummy "That's why they put my lyrics up under this microscope Searching with a fine tooth comb, it's like this rope Waiting to choke, tightening around my throat Watching me while I write this, like, "I don't like this note" - Eminem 'white america'

Sun in the Fourth - The sentimental cry baby that everyone loves to cuddle. Emotional but people find it adorable. They are the rock you can cry on if you want a rock to cry on. Nah but if you need a safe place to cry, you can cry to them, they'll protect you from the harsh waves of others emotional projections, because they get it, even when everyone else refuses to. But don't use em because that'll force them to block you out, and this decision will cause a emotional rollercoaster for the both of you and they'll blame you for it even if it was their decision "And I am done changing words, Just so my songs sound prettier, I just don't care if it hurts, 'Cause it hurts me too" - Faye Webster 'hurts me too'

Sun in the Fifth - The walking confetti explosion, always turnt up and if you trynna lower the volume then they'll oblige ya just so when the volume inevitably goes up again, they'll make it a point that its always more fun with the party up then down. Charming chameleons that are cheesin about the colours they managed to pull off. Watch em dance, watch em sing, watch em do a funny, they can do it all and laugh while doing it, the vibe is them and they are so good at inviting people in on the little big party they got going on "Man I just wanna go flex, Gold on my teeth and on my neck, And I'm stone cold with the flex, With my squad and I'm smokin' up a check" - Post Malone 'go flex'

Sun in the Sixth - Typeracer.com - nah but seriously they always working on themselves and comparing themselves just to make sure their progress is more than what they expected and way more than what others expected of them. Because they here for a reason, and they will never let a opportunity slip, because if they do, they'll stay awake over it for years, and they done wasting their good years. Basically Peggy Olsen "And when your album sales wasn't doing too good, Who's the Doctor they told you to go see? Y'all better listen up closely, All you n***s that said that I turned pop, Or The Firm flopped. Y'all are the reason that Dre ain't been getting no sleep" - Dr Dre 'forgot about dre'

Sun in the Seventh - I gotchu what you need? true homies always putting others before them, and i know this gets a bad rap these days but if you ever get one of these friends. Do yourself a favour and stop telling them to stand up for themselves, because they still standing with the weight of everyone else on they shoulders. This way they show others the power of communication. And they still sticking it to everyone who tell em otherwise, so please tell me how they not standing up for themselves? They the loyalist, you got no idea how many people rely on em and thats their pride "Every step I take, every move I make (ohh, I'll miss you), Every single day, every time I pray, I'll be missing you (yeah, yeah, yeah), Thinkin' of the day, when you went away, What a life to take, what a bond to break, I'll be missing you" - Diddy 'missing you'

Sun in the Eighth - Who went to hell and back? Well they went to a version of it. And they are done hearing whatever you done, because what they did beats your hell tenfold. They don't even wanna put you in your place because they don't wanna hear your attempts to disapprove of them because they've overcome more than some bullshit shit talking. Just put some respect on their name thats all they want. And if not it's easy pickens because think they worse than you, and if you done worse, they don't mind going badder, so be careful, they'll do it. They careful about not being careful so be careful "No I don't worry, I tell you, I'm a man who believes that I died twenty years ago, And I live like a man who is dead already, I have no fear whatsoever of anybody or anything" - Skepta 'no security'

Sun in the Ninth - I WOKE UP IN NEW BUGgATTI is how they live their lives, except miss the bugatti but keep the caps lock on. They live by a set of moral philosophies to help them get by and to find excitement/ enjoyment outta life, because they refuse to be a follower, they've seen how sad everyone else is and they just trynna make sure it don't work out that way for them. Educated idiots; making up the rules as they learn the rules to live by their own rules. They lead their own life and it rubs off on everyone on how you should live your own life > teetering the edge of danger and fortune. Also someone who'll give it to you the realest despite being the biggest clown "Black kid get shot, white man get tazed, Media spread lies, politicians get paid, Doctors wanna drug you up so you can reach an early grave, Prisons wanna lock you up so they can fill up every cage Make fifty cents an hour, they gon' work you like a slave, Government gon' play dumb but they know everythin' " - Meechy Darko 'kill us all'

Sun in the Tenth - "Who speaking about me? oh. he ain't shit" - they acting better than everyone, and its fake until it isnt. No one knows when they made it because they always acted like they did. They dont brag they let the audience speak their volumes, hum their symphonies, play their drums, tickle their balls, and they just the orchestrator of it all. Because they doin the most, and they know everyone gonna talk about it so no need to even speak on it. Classy about it too. They on the top and they don't wanna leave so they acting humble but everyone know they really feelin themselves, but hey who wouldn't "I might be too strung out on compliments, Overdosed on confidence, Started not to give a fuck and stopped fearing the consequence, Drinkin' every night because we drink to my accomplishments" - Drake 'headlights'

Sun in the Eleventh - Trend setters who leave their shit stains on every social setting they enter. They got this influence about them thats hard not to notice, because they have at least three people fawning over em, and they not doing shit. Always trying to spread their influence, so if you want someone to back you its them, because their word is worth more due to their connections. And the easiest way to connect is technology and they all up in the software and getting a hard drive about it. They say some outta pocket shit, but thats where the influenza comes from I guess. They somehow everywhere and no where at the same damn time "It's ironic you talk jail time, But you ain't never seen no central booking (yeah) It's ironic you hang with a n***a that beat women And have the nerve to call yourself "Girl Pusher" Wow! You ain't real, I'm gonna show you how I really feel - JPEGMAFIA 'baby im bleeding'

Sun in the Twelfth - Lonely introspective dreamy creative types. Is what you could say if you wanna sum them up. But there is much more to them, but they are so afraid of letting anyone in because they are so sensitive. Their empathy and ability to look at things from different perspectives is what sets them apart, and they want to be set apart, because they feel alone, and don't wanna pretend they your friend if they ain't. They are extremely creative to a fault, and a lot of people would rather make fun of their works then celebrate how special it is. Until it is widely acknowledged how gifted they are, then everyone will switch up around them. But they will never forget who said what, because they above the whats; aint got time for someone who thought they were just a what "'Cause I'm out there, Tried to tell you that I'm out here on my own, I told you I was out there, Tried to tell you that I'm out here on my own,I fell down to Earth, From a hundred miles away and somehow I still make it work, But it's overrated and somehow played out" - Oliver Tree 'alien boy'

[the-fiction-witch]

What are you doing here!?

Media The Artful Dodger

Character Jack Dawkins

Couple Jack X Reader

Rating Sweet

I held my dress as I slowly approached the tall stone walls, with high metal gates. The flames of lanterns flickered on the gates, I heard the few soldiers who were on guard tonight as they paced about on their guard. I snuck myself over and spotted the tree close to the wall, so I climbed it and got myself over the wall. Gave myself a graceful adjustment as I landed, I heard into the house being careful not to be spotted. I know Captain Gaines was away on business, and he'd left only his wife Peggy here with a couple of guards to protect her. This was to be a walk in the park.  

I headed into the house, and I made sure not to be spotted by the five guards, 

As I headed through, I looked around the place to try and find the payload, 

Hummm... Now? if I was a military payload? where would I be hiding? 

I made sure my steps were silent and my dress left no trace of me as I headed deeper into the house,

Ahh ha! 

My personal favourite, Durack Jensen. 

And such a lovely green shade, I headed over and took out my little tool from my pocket having a sweet listen as I spun the lock, 

Little left.

Little right.

and... Boom.

The safe then unlocked but it was empty

"Damn it" I sighed,

"This way." A voice whispered, and I heard people coming so I safe spot behind some curtains and hid myself away,  

I heard people come in and chatter quietly, 

"Durack Jensen."

"Bloody Durack Jensen. Neither of us do safe did you not think to check that!"

"I can't plan everything" 

"It's empty."

"I noted that."

"Someone hit it before us." 

I tried to use this as my chance to scamper but the sounds of more feet came, and these figures went to hide, I could barely see but I saw one hide close to the bookcase, he seemed to look at me and I noticed my shoes poked out so I quickly hid them as a soldier came in, 

luckily he was already bad and bolted due to some sickness, 

"Fagin?"

"What?"

"So you're not-"

"It's just shadows, Jack, pilfer's best friend." 

One began to leave but the other came close to me, 

Ohh no I've been spotted! 

I tried to run but he grabbed me and immediately both of us were shocked. As I was suddenly faced With Jack Dawkins, he saw me and looked as alarmed as I was to see him.

"Y/N!" He said quietly but still shocked,

"Jack!" I whisper yelled, 

"What are you doing here!?"

"Never mind me what are you doing here!?" 

"I asked you first."

"And a gentleman answers a lady first." 

"Will you two stop havin' a domestic so we can figure out where this damn payload's gone." Fagin sighed already annoyed with us, 

"You don't have it?" I asked,

"No, you don't have it?"

"No." 

Suddenly we heard someone else coming, 

"Scarper," Jack said and of course, the three of us bolted around the room in various directions, I tried to get back to my curtain hiding place but Fagin stole that, and there certainly wasn't room for both of us and I sure as hell wasn't gonna try and squeeze to share with him, Jack tried the other door but it was locked, I tried the window but locked, "The screen?" he offered as we heard footsteps getting closer running out of time to find a place,

"No, she'll see you."

"The bed." He said grabbing my hand and tugging me under the bed with him, given the space we had no choice but to lay down together inches from each other to make sure we weren't spotted, 

As Peggy came into the room, unfortunately, she was not alone. She had Darius with her. 

The two make out heavily and lustfully remove each other's clothes, the two moaning. 

"Ohh god" I whispered,

"Shit-" he whispered,

as we had no way out of this, without them noticing us. 

"Come here my wild mare!" He yelled throwing her on the bed and then himself, the mattress above us moving inches from our faces, as they screamed and made passionate, at times aggressive love. 

"You had to pick the worst spot didn't you," I whispered luckily their screams covered our conversation,

"It's not my fault."

"Ohh yes hide under the bed that's a bloody good idea, Jack." 

"Well how the hell support know"

"ah yes hide under the bed like she wasn't gonna come to bed and then we'd be fucked anyway."

"I didn't hear you shouting a better idea darling"

"Oh, so it's my fault." I sighed, "My own stupid fault I don't know why I listened to you, why should I trust the man who came to rob a payload with no clue how to crack the damn safe."

"I didn't know it was in a safe"

"Ohh so a military payload is just gonna be sat on the damn countertop?"

"I don't know do I."

"did you plan at all?"

"Of course, there wasn't a plan Fagin came up with it."

"Ohh that's a surprise, I don't know why you listen to him"

"...Honestly neither do I" he sighed, "I should have just come done it with you,"

"yes, you should." I rolled my eyes, "It's fine Jack, you wanna do this stuff with Fagin I get it."

"No... I do wanna do it with you, you know what he gets like. he's a bloody pigeon who sees something shiny and goes at it." 

"Umm reminds me of someone else."

"Hey!" He complained,

"I didn't mean you," I said glancing at the two on the bed,

"Ahh yeah fair enough." He sighed, "At least you know how to crack a safe, You really don't have the payload?"

"No, the safe was locked when I came in, I cracked it but it was empty." 

"You cracked a Bloody Durack Jensen in less than ten minutes?"

"yeah? like it's hard." 

"That's why I need you. you're actually useful." 

"so you didn't take it?"

"No, we got here after you."

"Then who did?"

"I don't know... no one here before you?"

"I didn't see anyone,"

"How'd you get in?" 

"Up the tree over the wall, How'd you get in?"

"Fagin Drugged the guards we went in the gate."

"Now if we were drugging guard I'd have liked to have known, I climbed that dirty tree for nothing." 

"Sorry, I had no idea you were trying this."

"I didn't know you where." 

"Sorry... I should keep you in the loop more with this stuff, I keep forgetting what an asset you are."

"Thank you, I'm sorry too I should have said I was, maybe next time I'll tag along instead of Fagin you can be a pretty good asset too Jack." 

"You're sweet." He smiled taking my hand and kissing it given we had little space to do much else as the bed above us continued to bounce and they both screamed, "They gonna be at this all night aren't they."

"I get the feeling to yes."

"Extraordinary." He sighed, 

Finally! After god knows how long they finally gave in for the night just before the rooster crowed. Which actually woke us up, as Jack and I had fallen asleep nuzzled with each other or as much as we could be under a bed, my head basically on this shoulder and his arm around me. Luckily Fagin had an actual use and told us it was clear they were asleep, so we snuck ourselves out, having no time to search for the missing payload we all simply scampered heading out the way Fagin and Jack and coming in, through the unlocked gate In the gentle early sun, 

"I need some damn sleep," Fagin complained, "I didn't have the luxury of having a kip under the bloody marriage bed like you two!"

"Back to the hospital for you then?" I asked,

"I should, But I am... fucked."

"I think Peggy was fucked, Jack."

"true. But I'm out of it, I need a proper bed for a while." 

"Alright," I rolled my eyes,

"What?" 

"I can take a hint." I laughed holding his arm, he smiled and happily held my arm back, 

"You go on, I'll see you later." He told Fagin, 

"Ohh I see nothing like being laid under someone else's courtial business to get you two in the mood is it?" 

We ignored him and I took Jack home with me, making him a cup of tea from the kitchen and letting him have a lay on the sofa in my living room, 

"Ohh you're an angel." He cooed, as he happily took the tea,

"So? You plan on telling me why you and Fagin were breaking into the barracks for the military payload?" 

"Only if you tell me why you were?"

"why else Jack? Money talks I need lots of it. A lady need's to pay her way in the world, if I wanna stay out some old cunts bedchamber," 

"Fair enough," He nodded, "Aren't you comfortable though?" he asked as he looked around house,

"Could always be more comfortable."

"True."

"Why were you there?"

"Fagin heard about it and thought it would be a good score."

"That all?"

"No."

"So why else?" 

"...I need Twenty-six pounds, by Wednesday." 

"Particular reason why? You just fancy it?"

"... I lost a bet."

"Ohh here we go," I Rolled my eyes a little, "To?"

"Darius."

"From?"

"Cards."

"He'll cut your hand off."

"Strangely enough Yeah I know." 

"You need your hands to do your work."

"yeah, I do!"

"one-handed surgeon ain't much good to nobody."

"Yes! I know!" he said, "sorry..."

"It's fine, I'm used to you," I smiled and pinched his cheek a little, but he pushed me off. "You know he's not bluffing, I'll have your hand and He won't be quick about it."

"I know."

"How do you keep getting yourself into these situations?"

"I'm good at cards, and I need to have some kinda money around, I get paid in buttons and thimbled Y/n. Besides I'm risk drunk and have been my whole life, The issue is when he's a dirty rotten cheat."

"You know he cheats, and yet still you play with him."

"He's the only one around here with the kinda money I like playing with," 

"When do you need it by?"

"Wednesday.

"Two days?"

"Yes." 

"And you have?"

"Two pounds, eight shillings and fourpence." 

I rolled my eyes, "Alright."

"What?"

"Fine." I sighed, I got up from my chair and went across the room to my bookshelf searching the spines till I found my poetry book "Ahh here we are." I smiled coming back and sitting on the sofa with him, he quickly sat up moving his legs to make space for me. "Just what we need."

"A poetry book?"

"Yes" I smiled sitting it on my table,

"Is the uhhh... poetry book going to help?" 

"You don't want my help?"

"No no, I want help..." He said, "I just uhh don't quite know how a poem is going to help?"

I rolled my eyes and opened the book flicking the pages to reveal where I had hollowed the pages and hidden a lock box, 

"Oh... see that's the kinda book I like." He said, 

I took the key from around my neck and unlocked my little box revealing the various things I wanted to hide, 

"Holy! What is this stuff?" he asked picking up a necklace

"My treasured things," I smiled taking it from him, "Twenty-six you said?"

"Yeah,"

"Jolly good," I smiled getting my little Russian resting doll unscrewing her head and taking the money roll packed tightly out of it 

"OHhh my god- So that's what you do with your 'earnings'" 

"Yep but this is between you and me, I see this book has moved an inch I will personally cut your hand off." I warned, I removed the twine and began to count making sure none struck together "Twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five and Twenty-six." I counted plus an extra few pounds I took out, returning the rest to the doll, and locking up my little box, shutting the book up tight. "Twenty-six pounds." I smiled handing it over, 

"You're quite serious?"

"Yeah,"

He smiled widely and gave my lips a soft kiss before he took it, "You have just saved my hand you know that?" 

"Well you need it," I laughed taking my book back to the shelf, "Besides, I get an awful lot of use out of you're hand" I winked, 

"I suppose you do," He chuckled, putting the money away in his pocket. "Thank you y/n. Really."

"You're welcome Jack, just take note please I can't keep doing this every time you dig yourself a hole you can't get out of." I told him sitting beside him, 

"I think I've got a few more chances."

"No, you don't"

"ohh come on you've got hundred's in there."

"yes, and it's mine you cheeky sod," I argued, 

"What are you saving it for? Why not live large and spend it while you have it?" 

"Because that's your mindset, Jack. Mine is to save and scrimper."

"Like a squirrel" 

"Joke all you like this squirrel just saved your hand."

"You did, but really what are you saving up for?"

"Life is expensive Jack."

"I know," he sighed, 

"But someday, I want a nice big house, with a pretty garden, and a pantry that never empties, rooms filled with sweet things, and one filled with toys, and little ones to play."

"That really all you want? you could buy a ship and make a whole life as a lady somewhere."

"No, Just a little house, with food, and toys and flowers to grow." 

"It does sound sweet," He smiled,

"Here." I simply took the spare few pounds I took out, "I know you don't make money at the hospital so, I like taking care of you." 

"You don't have to,"

"I want to, god knows you need a new shirt at least"

"Thank you Y/n" he smiled taking it,

"You're welcome, Jack."

"Do you think... in this little house of yours, could there... ever be room for me?" 

I smiled, "I'm sure I could... find some space for you Jack." I smiled laying on his chest, he happily held me close and laid back on the sofa stroking my hair, "Perhaps in the attic room."

"Hey!"

"What?"

"I'm not going in the attic."

"Well, where else would you fit?"

"I thought I'd just... make a go of it, in your bed?" 

"My bed already has me in it." 

"Yeah, I'm sure I'll fit in with you. we just managed to sleep under a bed together I think we can fit in a bed together."

"Well.... I suppose so."

"Good," he smiled kissing my head, "Who else wee you planning on having in your bed?"

"no just me."

"Then who was gonna father the little ones?"

"I don't know, doorstep?" 

"I could do it... if you wanted me too?"

"I'd like that," I smiled giving him a kiss, "Come on let's get some rest."

"Yeah, let's get some sleep night y/n."

"Night jack." 

[alessiathepirate]

Far Cry: New Dawn

WE'LL MEET AGAIN: Joseph Seed x fem!reader

Summary: They were seperated for years and now-- now it's time for that long awaited reunion.

Notes: English isn't my first language. I apologize for any mistake I may have made while I wrote this short story.

Warnings: heavy religious themes (come on, it's the Seed family), mentioned death and slightly referenced suicidal thoughts, swearing, reader isn't the Deputy/Judge, a seperate warning for mentioned and referenced cute Seed family moments

•••

"What did you just say?" her voice suddenly turned serious, more serious than ever.

Nick looked at her uncertainly, not being so sure if what he just said should've been said in the first place. Not like it mattered anymore. What happened couldn't be undone - so he repeated himself.

"I said the damn Peggies followed Joseph up north. They began to settle down there, creating this 'New Eden'."

She put the flower crown she was making for Carmina aside, not caring if it falls apart or not. She then looked at the girl who was barely seven - who was examining her and the process of flower crown-making with childish excitement. Carmina seemed quite offended that she didn't want to finish it anymore.

"Why don't you go and see what your mom's up to?" she asked, trying to get the kid to leave. "I'll finish your crown later, 'kay?"

Carmina stood up and left, running off to see how Kim was doing. At least she could still be a kid after all that have happened.

"He's alive?" she asked as soon as Carmina was out of earshot - she didn't want her to hear the upcoming conversation she was about to have with her dad. "And you knew? You knew all along, and you didn't tell me?"

"How could I have told you?" Nick wasn't angry. They were way past getting mad at each other after all those years. He was simply stating facts. "You would've just left."

"And you think I won't do that now?" she shook her head in disbelief - her hands were shaking and her heartbeat became uneven. He was alive. "Where?"

"Please..."

"Where, Nick?"

Nick just sighed, knowing that it was a losing battle. "I don't know. They're up north, but I don't know where."

She wanted to get going. She wanted to stand up, pack a bag and leave immediatelly.

Seven years. It's been seven years since she's seen him, heard him or touched him. Yet she could still hear Joseph's voice in her head if she concentrated enough.

She loved him so much. And she loved his family so much. She loved all four of them, even if her heart fully belong to Joseph, to him alone.

She loved him, yet the moment Hope County went to shit, she wasn't there. She hid in the small bunker under Rae Rae's pumpkin farm and spent those years all alone, while going half crazy from grief, loneliness and the thought that Joseph might be dead.

After she climbed back up to the surface, she met up with Nick and his family - and although she wanted to spend the rest of her days alone, crawling through life until Death decided it was time to go; they didn't take no for an answer.

The kid kept her sane. Caring for Carmina kept her sane, she kept her away from grief.

The moment Nick mentioned him though, it was all over. The facade fell. Ever since forever, the only person she wanted to please was herself. And she wanted to see Joseph more than anything.

She looked at the flower crown, then picked it up with a small smile to finally finish it. God, Faith would've loved those flowers. She would've loved all those dark pink and purple colors. They'd spend all their shared time making flower crowns.

She felt her heart shatter again.

She gave the finished crown to Nick, who took it without saying another word.

"I gotta go." she said and her voice was shaking. "I have to."

"I know." Nick nodded.

After she got up from the ground, he continued: "I don't blame you for it, you know... Nor does Kim. For what you chose to do. God knows you somehow kept those crazy motherfuckers in line."

She smiled at him sadly.

"I still don't get it. How you can love that crazy family."

"Someone has to." she said. "Say goodbye to Carmina for me, will you?"

"You got it... partner."

She smiled at the nickname before giving Nick a warm hug. Then she packed a bag and finally began her journey to get back home.

•••

It took her days to find 'New Eden'.

During her journey she had to stop multiple times to rest, and she was damn thankful Jacob had taught her the basics of camping, survival and tracking. John's charisma was handy when she met other people and wanted to ask for directions.

She missed them. Seven years ago it felt like losing her own family and siblings. She especially missed Faith, who other than her was the only woman to talk to during dinners.

And then, when she found herself in the bunker, she thought she lost Joseph too. She hated her own life then. She hated everything. She screamed and was sure she'd go to Hell after all that blasphemy.

She didn't even know what'll be the first thing thing she'd say to him. She didn't know how their meeting would happen. She just craved him. More than anything. She craved his touch, his voice, the feelings his closeness awoke inside her - she craved the familiarity.

She'll march north and destroy any obstacles others may put in her way.

•••

The moment she reached the tall wooden gates, she knew she was finally home.

She could feel it.

She could tear her own skin off from excitement. Everything felt too much, every feeling was too strong.

She knocked on the door and the small hatch on it opened. She was met with a white mask, and it took her a few moments to realize that someone was looking at her through it. The man was waiting - for something. She didn't know what.

"I'm looking for the Father." she said, her voice sounding rough.

The man didn't move. She guessed her best shot was showing proof that she was one of them.

She pulled her shirt down, showing the stranger the small symbol of Eden's Gate, what was tattood right above her heart. She felt the stranger looking at it, then their eyes met again.

"Is Joseph here?" she was half begging and she wasn't at all ashamed to fall onto her knees if necessary.

The door opened. And she had to stop herself from running to the other side and scream for the man she loved.

But she didn't. She stayed calm and waited until the stranger with the white mask pointed at a big, half built wooden hut.

"Thank you." she said and then hurried toward the place.

Her feet barely touched the ground and her gear felt too heavy and she felt too slow.

She reached the entrance of the hut. It was barely finished, the wood they had used for the building process still seemed rough. But it didn't matter. In that moment it felt like home.

When she finally saw him she felt dizzy. Her legs were barely holding her up. Joseph didn't notice her at first, since he wasn't looking at the entrance. Yet when some members of 'New Eden' gasped after they recognized her through all the mud and sweat, he turned around to look what was the hold up.

Their eyes met.

He still looked the same, felt the same - yet she knew neither of them were the same.

"Joseph?" her voice was weak, unsure...

...but the moment Joseph opened his arms through teary eyes; and she ran toward him to hug him tightly-- when she felt his fingers run through her hair; she knew that everything was alright.

She was sobbing as she hid her face in the crook of his neck. Her fingers were grabbing onto him, most definitely leaving some marks behind. Joseph kisses her forehead once, twice, three times-- and her heart felt so, so full she thought it would explode.

"I thought I'd never see you again." she mumbled.

Joseph pushed her back a bit, so he'd be able to hold her face between his hands. His thumbs wiped the tears away, while comforting her in ways only Joseph knew how to do.

He was crying too. He missed her too.

That's all they had from their family - eachother.

Joseph kissed her on the lips. The kiss was so gentle, so loving; yet the desperation was hiding right under the surface. It was so much, one simple kiss; yet it was too much. She was crying once again, her lips were trembling as they were meeting his.

After, Joseph put his forehead against hers. The act was his love language, and his alone.

"God brought you back to me." he whispered, and anyone who had been previously standing around them left, giving them the privacy they needed. "You. My love. Not a day went by when I didn't think about you. I prayed that through some miracle you survived. That He didn't take you from me too. You're my family. You're all I have now."

"I'm sorry." she sobbed. "That I wasn't there. That I didn't come here sooner, but I didn't--"

Joseph shushed her and pulled her into a hug again. His arms were holding her firmly, scared that she'd disappear.

"We were tested, tested by Him, but we pulled through. We're together again. And that's all that matters."

She just nodded, understanding.

She could never fully understand his faith, or his family's faith. But she loved him. And loving him meant accepting all of him; flaws, faith and everything.

"I love you, Joseph. So much, I--" she had to swallow before she could continue: "I never want to leave you again."

"I love you too, angel. I promise that I'll never be taken from you again."

And for the first time in seven years she believed again.

•••

Later that day she was sitting on the porch of the hut, as Joseph pulled her close. She was resting her head on his chest, as her fingertips ran along his tattoos. She felt at peace. A peace she couldn't find anywhere else.

They were watching the sunset together. Something they used to do before the Collapse. It was always a quiet, shared experience. Her favourite.

"They would have loved it." she said after she felt the sadness in Joseph's gaze and touch.

"I know."

"Faith would've loved the flowers. Every single one of them. Jacob would've really enjoyed exploring this new Hope County. And John." she laughed sadly. "It would've been hard for him, but he would've managed."

Joseph smiled. Thinking about his siblings still hurt, yet imagining them happy was oddly comforting.

"I miss them." she confessed. "I miss them a lot."

Joseph kissed her forehead to provide her comfort.

"They were taken from us. They were taken by a man who believed what he did was right. He didn't understand that it was only his pride speaking. And his wrath. His greed to take everything. It won't happen again. Nothing else will be taken." he was holding her tighter. "You won't be taken from me ever again."

She knew he meant it. Joseph always meant what he said.

It was comforting - the promise, the love.

She missed their old home. She missed Silver Lake, John's Ranch and the mountains. She missed all of it, but having Joseph beside her was more than enough.

Even if she herself didn't feel enough.

"I won't let you be taken." he repeated and gave her another gentle kiss.

That night as they slept, Joseph kept her close. He hugged her close to his chest, his arms were wrapped around her waist. She knew that deep down they were both afraid that in the morning the other might disappear.

As she burried her face into the pillow and held onto Joseph's hand tightly, she could've sworn she heard the quiet tune of Amazing Grace.

And the tune made her feel at home.

[valkyrieandstrangeridingaragorn]

In an ideal world...

What If...Peggy Carter fucked right off?

God damn, everytime she pops up i can feel my soul leave my body and transcend in an attempt to cope 😭

I feel you. I went from disliking her but not caring too much about her post-TFA, to downright hating her guts the more they kept bringing her back.

She has been showing up non-stop for a decade if you count TFA, TWS, her series and cameos. My question is: what's her arc? Surely, someone who has been present for that many years, would be fleshed out and would have an arc, right? What's hers? She has none!

She's the perfect woman who is always right, Saint Maggy of Britain. She knows best, she speaks with an air of superiority as if the rest of the world owes her something for existing, she takes other characters' lines and story beats because she has none of her own and she's defined by her relationship to Steve. Even her freaking title is shared with his, they even gave her his catchphrase. Why? Cause she has none.

Hell, I don't remember much from her series but I still remember one line she says to one of the Howling Commandos where she goes "Steve would say 'Do whatever Peggy says!'". Uh... what? He disagreed with you in pretty much every scene in TFA, lady. What are you high on? 🤔 But that's what the writers want us to believe so of course, Steve would follow her blindly (even though he ignored her advice every time in TFA), Russian little girls dream of being like her (because Natasha Romanoff, who?), she's the Captain and she needs to say that constantly and numerous times in each ep (because that title is the only thing she's got going on)...

Ugh. They didn't bring her back out of an interest to tell her story. And that is what pisses me right off.

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

From Hell to Home to Back Again

Summary: At the talent show, Chrissy Cunningham is so hungry that she nearly collapses. When she's found by Hopper, her parents ended up losing custody of her. She ends up being placed in the care of the Hendersons, and she finally finds the family she so desperately needed. She also ends up falling in love. What other changes are made in this alternate universe?

@emen-98 @1lostsoul0fishbowl @vulpixsworld

Prologue . . . Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chrissy eyes fluttered open, and she found herself looking up at the ceiling of her bedroom. How the hell did she make it out of that fight with Billy? What the hell was making that loud, obnoxious beeping sound? She slipped out of bed and pushed away the stuffed pig Eddie had gotten her before holding it for a moment. She had named her Peggy Munson, and she remembered the way that Eddie had laughed when she had named it that. Well, he really shouldn't have given Peggy a little denim vest. She wandered into the kitchen, where she saw a tall figure cooking at the stove. Benny Hammond turned around and smiled at her.

"Hey, pumpkin," Benny smiled.

"Dad," the name spilled from her lips without even thinking about it.

"You never called me that before," Benny said, turning off the stove.

"I never - I wasn't - we weren't sure if you wanted to be called that," Chrissy said.

"It's always been your choice. I was waiting for you," Benny said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "The minute you stepped into the diner with your big sad eyes and your cute pig tails, there wasn't anything that I wouldn't do for you."

"You've always been my dad. I don't care what anyone else says or what biology says. You're our dad," Chrissy cried.

Benny pulled her into his arms and held onto her tightly.

"You, Dustin, your mom. . .best damn thing that's ever happened to me," Benny said.

The beeping sound grew louder, and then she heard a familiar voice calling her name. Chrissy pulled herself out of Benny's arms.

"Eddie?" She called out.

"Chrissy, please, wake up, I don't like this. . ." Eddie's voice sobbed.

Chrissy followed Eddie's voice all the way back to her room. She was surprised to find that her bedroom had changed to a hospital room. Nestled in the hospital bed was Chrissy hooked up to several machines, a tube had been inserted in her mouth. Eddie was sitting beside her bed, looking heartbroken. He was holding Chrissy's hand and crying. It looked like he hadn't slept in days and half of his face was bruised. Wayne walked into the room, looking just as haggard.

"She wouldn't want you to do this to yourself, son. You need to eat," Wayne said.

"I'll eat when she wakes up," Eddie croaked, and she realized how cracked his lips were.

His sobs were dry as his skin. When was the last time he had water?

"Billy hit me harder than I thought he did," Chrissy said.

"Yes," Barb's voice said. "He did."

Chrissy jumped and looked to her right. In place of Benny, stood Barb.

"Am I dying?" Chrissy asked.

"Maybe," Barb shrugged. "It looks like it."

"Is this real or all in my head?" Chrissy asked.

"Can't it be both?" Barb asked.

Chrissy's eyes welled up at the sight of Barb. She missed her glasses, her hair, and the shirts she always buttoned up all the way up to her neck. She missed her judgemental but comforting presence and her funny sarcastic quips. She missed Barb.

"I'm sorry," Chrissy sobbed.

"You did everything you could for me that night, Chrissy, and you fought just as hard to save Will," Barb said. "What happened to me was out of your control. . .yours and Nancy's both. I'm glad you have each other."

"I miss you too," Chrissy said.

"A part of me will always be with you. . . .oh, that's a little cheesy, isn't it?" Barb asked, and Chrissy laughed. "It's true, though."

"Thank you for being my friend," Chrissy said softly.

"Fight for me, Chrissy," Barb pleaded. "It's not your time yet. You have to fight."

Chrissy sobbed, and she turned her attention back to Wayne's conversation with Eddie.

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF THAT STUFF. . .I ONLY CARE ABOUT HER!" Eddie yelled. "FUCK SCHOOL!"

"Chrissy cares, and how do you think she'd feel seeing you dead at her bed when wakes up?" Wayne asked.

"She wouldn't want that," Ronnie said from the doorway.

Eddie's eyes snapped up to find her standing there, her corduroy ball cap in her hand. Her eyes were red from crying.

"Ronnie," Eddie croaked.

"I tried like hell to get away when I heard," Ronnie said. "She wouldn't want you to do this to yourself. . .she's going to need you when she wakes up."

"Everything tastes like cardboard," Eddie muttered.

"I think if Chrissy is willing to put up with your stubborn ass then I think you can do this too," Ronnie said. "She's fighting right now. You should, too."

"I don't know how she does it," Eddie whimpered.

"Come on, son, we'll be with you every step of the way," Wayne said. "She'll still be here when you get back."

"I love you, my little witch," he whispered, kissing her forehead.

Eddie stood up shakily, and Wayne was quick to help him. He wrapped his arm around his boy, and with the help of Ronnie, they walked him out of the hospital room. Chrissy stared at the chair her boyfriend had occupied for a moment and then buried her face into her hands, crying. Her entire body shook with sobs.

"You two are so great together," Barb whispered and placed a hand on her back. "You'll find each other again."

The memories of their life together flickered onto the television in the hospital room. Young Chrissy and Eddie meeting on the catwalk at the talent show. . .Chrissy seeing Eddie in the hallway in his Led Zeppelin shirt. . .Eddie slipping on the ice and into her arms. . .them calling each other witch and freak. . . Their first fight. . .dancing in his arms. . .watching him perform with Corroded Coffin for the first time. . . Him becoming friends with her friends. . . Laughing with Ronnie. . .Chrissy walking away from him with her skinned knee while he watched from the ground. . .walking out of the high school after Higgins expelled him. . .their first kiss. . . Falling sleep in his arms. . .all of those memories flickered quickly on the screen.

"I don't want it to be over yet," Chrissy cried.

"Then fight," Barb said.

Nancy came into the room, her face swollen and red. Steve came in with her, holding her hand tightly. His face was just as bad as Eddie's, and the only indication she could see that he had been crying was the sniffles he let out. Nancy took Eddie's spot and took Chrissy's hand.

"Please. . .we lost Benny. . . We lost Bob. . .and Barb. . .we can't lose you too. You're my best friend, Chrissy. Please, don't go," Nancy sobbed. "You have to wake up."

All of her memories flashed up on the television. . .all of her times with her friends and family. Nancy joining the squad for a brief moment, and Chrissy being welcomed into her friendship with Barb. All the slumber parties they had. Nancy crawling into her bed after Barb died. Chrissy could only watch. As badly as she wanted to, she couldn't hug her. Nancy held her hand tightly as she cried over Chrissy's body before standing up and falling into Steve’s arms. They clung to each other tightly as they both cried, burrowing their faces into each other's neck. Her heart nearly shattered when her mother and brother came into the room after them. Claudia was sobbing hysterically, with Dustin clinging to her.

"My baby!" Claudia cried.

It was the only thing she could say as Dustin led her into the chair. It was hard enough on her when Benny died, and then when Mews went missing. . .how would she handle this? They couldn't lose her either.

"We got a new cat. She's white and her name is Tews. You're going to love her," Dustin sniffled.

Another memory appeared. Chrissy was walking into the house for the first time, an 8 year old grinning Dustin eagerly waiting at the door with their mother. . .Mews brushed up against her leg as Claudia put her arm around her. The first time Dustin put up the fort. . .then the second time when Claudia made them all hot cocoa and Dustin wanted Claudia to join them. He had tugged on her arm so hard that he nearly knocked over the fort. Another memory popped up of Dustin and Chrissy sword fighting with sticks in the backyard. Claudia laughed and cheered them on while Mews sat on her lap, looking bored. All those talks with her mother. . .coming out to her. . .to both of them and the midnight conversation with her mother when she decided to end her relationship with Heather. All those talks with her mother were always with hot cocoa, a listening ear, and a warm hug.

"I want to go home," Chrissy cried.

Suddenly, her hospital room disappeared, and she was walking down the hallway to the waiting room. Jonathan and Argyle were leaning on each other. Chrissy hated seeing them cry. Dustin was hugging Steve and Eddie rather tightly while Nancy rubbed his back. Robin didn't care what it looked like. She was enveloped in Ronnie's arms tightly, letting her girlfriend press kisses into her hair. Ted stood awkwardly next to Karen as Karen rubbed Robin's back. Mike and Lucas sat next to each other, sniffling while Will set on Mike's other side. Max was next to Lucas, looking sad but also guilty, and she nervously picked at the thread on her pants.

"You should know that Billy was arrested for assault," Barb said. "But it looks like he might not get a whole lot of time served, especially since he's relying heavily on the fact he claims he was looking out for his sister. He's probably going to be out before the end of the year, maybe even less."

"That's bullshit! He doesn't give two shits about her!" Chrissy exclaimed.

"Yeah, but they're eating it up," Barb said. "His arrest, though, it's not making Max's homelife any easier."

"What do you mean?" Chrissy asked.

Suddenly, a furious looking man with short brown hair and a mustache came marching into the waiting room. A woman who looked a lot like Max stood meekly behind him.

"Come on, Maxine, your mother wants you home," he said.

"I'm staying here," Max said, standing up.

"Your brother protected you from these people," Neil Hargrove hissed. "Sitting here with them doesn't make him look good. I am your father and you're going to listen to me! Get your ass in the car!"

"Billy's a monster!" Max yelled. "I don't want to be a monster like him or like you!"

"Max!" Susan yelled.

"No! Mom, I've seen the way he treats you! I've seen the way he treats Billy. Now that Billy's out of the house, you know he's coming after me next! Neil. . .Billy, they're both pieces of shit!" Max yelled.

Neil's hand came flying, with the loud slapping sound following as his hand hit its target, and Max was on the floor, clutching her face. Everyone jumped all at once, and a nurse came running in. Jonathan and Argyle moved in front of Max along with the others. Mike, Dustin, and Lucas surround Max on the floor. She wasn't sure which one of them would swing first: Steve, Eddie, Jonathan, Argyle, or Nancy. The answer came in the form of Ted Wheeler. Quiet Ted Wheeler, who never raised his voice to anyone. Suddenly, he was grabbing Neil and swinging his fist into his face. When did he take off his glasses? The next thing Chrissy knew, they were both on the ground and hitting each other. Susan was screaming and trying to get Ted to stop. Meanwhile, her daughter was crying in Karen's arms while her split lip was being tended to by the nurse. A thunder of footsteps sounded down the hallway. Suddenly, Hopper, Joyce, and Wayne appeared in the doorway. Wayne and Hopper had to pry Neil off of Ted with the help of Steve.

"What the hell is going on here?" Hopper asked.

A moment later, the scene changed, and she was back in the hospital room. Max timidly walked into the room. Her eyes were red, and her lip was swollen.

"I'm sorry. . .this is all my fault. If I hadn't been there, Billy wouldn't have come looking for me. They all love you so much," Max said, sniffling. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," Chrissy said and frowned when she heard another voice speak at the same time.

She looked at the doorway and watched as Mike walked into the room.

"You're not responsible for what those mouth breathers do," Mike said. "They were responsible for you, but they failed you. They hurt you, and Billy hurt Chrissy."

"This is supposed to be a private conversation," Max rolled her eyes.

"I heard my dad and mom talking," Mike asked. "They want to give you a place to stay."

"They don't want me," Max mumbled.

"They wouldn't have said it if they didn't mean it," he said.

"So, what? I'd be like your sister?" She asked.

"It'd be cool to have a zoomer for a sister," Mike said, smiling for a moment before letting it fall. "I'm sorry for being an asshole and lashing out at you. You didn't deserve it."

"No, I didn't, but I get it. You thought El was dead, and I was trying to replace her," Max said. "I know what it's like when you don't know how to feel, and sometimes you just want to scream at the world."

"I don't want to turn into them either," Mike said softly.

"Yeah," Max said. "Don't tell anyone what I'm about to do. . .it's not like they're going to believe you, anyway."

Max walked over to Mike and hugged him tightly. He was surprised for a moment before hugging her back. It was a quick hug, but it was enough. Mike reached over and took Chrissy's hand.

"Please, wake up. We all want you to wake up," Mike whispered. "You're our friend too."

"Mike. . ." Max said softly, and he turned to her. "No one's ever done that before. . .fought for me like that."

"I've never seen my dad do that before, but it's kind of what we do in the family," Mike said. "You're worth it."

Mike walked out with Max, but not without looking over his shoulder one more time. It was quiet for a long time until Benny was next to her again.

"Poor kid, but it looks like she's going to get a better life just like you," Benny said.

"I'm glad even if it took me being put into a coma to do it," Chrissy said.

Benny put his arm around her and kissed the crown of her head. A moment later, a tired looking Hopper came in. He took his hat off and placed it on the table with a book he brought. He sat down in the chair and took Chrissy's hand in his. Chrissy frowned. Being back in the hospital and seeing her like this must be bringing back memories of Sarah. Hopper cleared his throat as he opened his mouth to speak, but the words became lost as he choked. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

"I can't - I can't do this again. Don't make me lose another kid. . .you have to fight," Hopper said.

Taking his hand out of hers, he brushed back her bangs and kissed her forehead. He cleared his throat again and wiped his eyes. He picked up the book: Anne of Green Gables. Hopper opened it and began to read. Chrissy smiled a watery smile.

"This is why this man is my best friend," Benny said.

Not long after that, she watched friend after friend filtering through the room. Robin was supported by Ronnie, and she was a completely incoherent mess. The next person who came through was Heather, who didn't say anything. All she could do was cry and hold Chrissy's hand. After Heather, Jeff came in with Gareth and Dougie. Chrissy looked surprised. Dougie came down to see her, too? Gareth's face was soft and round, a baby face that reminded her of her brother. He always tried to disguise it with a scowl, but this time, he looked soft and extremely sad. They were all pleading with her to wake up.

"They all act like I have a choice," Chrissy sobbed.

"Pumpkin, you do have a choice," Benny said. "You can stay here in this dreamworld, or you can back out there and fight."

Benny led Chrissy to the living room and towards the front door. Suddenly, a shadowy figure blocked the doorway.

"Chrissy. . . "

"You don't touch her!" Benny yelled and threw himself at the figure. "Chrissy! GO! Tell your brother and your mother that I love them!"

The front door swung open, and light flooded through the house. Chrissy ran through the doorway, and the bright light light enveloped her. Suddenly, it felt like she was floating for a moment, and then she realized she was lying in a hospital bed. Something was in her throat. Chrissy began gagging, and a doctor was above her, pulling the tube out of her throat. They spent quite a while checking her over before bringing her mother and brother into the room. Claudia wept at the sight of Chrissy and began pressing kisses into her hair before kissing her face as well.

"My baby!" She gasped happily.

"Never scare us like this again," Dustin said and threw himself on top of her.

"I'll try my best," Chrissy croaked as she hugged Dustin. "I saw Benny. He loves us. Best damn thing that ever happened to him."

"He would say something like that," Claudia said with a watery smile.

"That's our dad," Dustin said.

"Yeah," Chrissy said, smiling.

Chrissy peaked over Dustin's shoulder to see a figure leaning against the doorway. Eddie was clutching Peggy. His bruises were very faded. . .almost healed, in fact. How long had she been asleep? His face had more hair on it, and while he did look like he was drinking more water, there were bags under his eyes. He looked so rough.

"Edward Wayne, get over here," Claudia sniffled.

Eddie shuffled over to her and let Claudia hug him. Dustin moved off of Chrissy to let him do the same. He moved closer to Chrissy's bed.

"You're awake," he croaked and burst into tears.

Chrissy moved over to make room on the bed for him.

"Come here," Chrissy said, and Eddie gave her a skeptical look. "Eddie, my love, you're not going to break me."

Eddie laid carefully on the bed and curled around, holding her tightly.

"I missed you," Eddie said as Claudia and Dustin walked out of the room.

"They're so getting married!" Dustin exclaimed.

"Dusty! Hush!" Claudia exclaimed, but Chrissy could see that her mother was smiling.

"I missed you too. I'm here now," Chrissy said. "We'll always find our way back to each other. Always."

Chrissy began to rub his back as she began to sing. She felt him relax and she smiled when she heard him start to snore. He could finally sleep.

"Oh, Eddie, Eddie, I love you so

Eddie my love

Oh, Eddie, Eddie, I love you so

Eddie, my love, I love you so. . . My freak."

Chapter Twenty-Three

[lightandfellowship]

Songs that remind me of Baldr

Not planning on making any KHDR playlists any time soon, but I still collect songs that remind me of the game's characters/events as I come across them. We'll start with Baldr.

Under the read more will be the songs in question along with some lyrics snippets that I feel illustrate why the song fits Baldr.

Villains Aren't Born (They're Made) by PEGGY - Baldr and Xehanort

I've shown in the past how these lyrics fit Baldr and Xehanort almost perfectly, here, here, and here.

Panic Room by AU/RA - Baldr

Relevant lyrics:

The lights spark and flicker With monsters much bigger Than I can control now Welcome to the panic room Where all your darkest fears are gonna come for you

"The lights spark and flicker" makes me think of how Baldr's room gets darker and darker over time. "Monsters much bigger than I can control", "darkest fears", and "panic room" are self-explanatory.

There's no crying wolves now 'Cause the truth has settled in Hiding under goose down For your nightmare to begin

The mention of wolves, like Xehanort's line "sheep pretending to be wolves." Also "hiding under goose down" (white feathers) makes me think of Baldr's hair, and Darkness hiding inside him.

The Bird Song by Noah Floersch - Baldr, Hoder, and Xehanort

Relevant lyrics:

She was a bird I was an arrow Both of us sure we were sword and a sparrow

An arrow/spear of mistletoe is important to Baldr, Hoder, and Loki's mythology. "Both of us sure we were sword and sparrow" I like to interpret as, they both thought Baldr was the soft one and Hoder was the defender, but then it turns out he was the arrow instead, killing Hoder.

I'm a killer, and a killer is a bad, bad thing to be She's a giver, and a giver's even worse to folks like me

Self-explanatory I think.

I was a bird He was an arrow I was allured by the straight and the narrow What could I do? His aim was true Straight to the heart I let it happen I couldn't hardly have ever imagined That when he went through me He'd hate what he's doin' And make me feel stupid for choosin' him too 'Cause i'm a giver, and a giver is a bad, bad thing to be He's a killer, and a killer's even worse for folks like me

I like to interpret this part as being about Baldr and Xehanort, and Xehanort having to kill him in the end.

We can't really help who we are Damned to the end from the start

"There's them...and there's us."

Pox by Good Kid - Baldr

Relevant lyrics:

A pox, a pox, upon this ground I'd give it up just to burn it down And if they die here you can blame it on me I've been setting up gravestones in my hometown I wish I had been born at sea Then you wouldn't care, and you wouldn't know me Ebb and flow, they just won't carry me home It's only water and air as far as I can see

Hatred of Scala and his friends, then self-hatred, and "it's only water and air as far as I can see" being a reference to the Final World where Baldr surely ends up.

Mind Games by Sickick - Darkness to Baldr

Relevant lyrics:

Now that I'm in there's no letting go And your emptiness begins Once I grip onto your mind and soul Your brightness starts to dim

Once I'm in there ain't no letting go, letting go Watch me turn your mind into my home Mind, mind games until you lose control

A simple one, I imagine this being from Darkness' POV as it manipulates Baldr. The song begins with some ghostly audio too, like its Darkness speaking, which fits pretty well I think.

And that's it for Baldr. Note that I'm not really a big music person and I come across these songs randomly while just casually listening to whatever, so I don't know anything about the artists or what the songs are supposed to be about or anything. The lyrics just remind me of Baldr so here they are.

[pandafishao3]

Had a prompt suggestion:

Alpha!Bucky being possessive/Jealous over his mate Omega!Steve when Alpha!Peggy starts sniffing around.

Bucky watched from across the dining hall, blood boiling, as Peggy crowded Steve into a corner by the food. She was pointing at his tray and smiling about something, and even from this distance Bucky could see his mate blushing. This wasn't the first time Peggy did this - just last week, the busty alpha had sniffed openly at Steve's behind and commented that he should be getting his heat soon. The audacity of that woman. It was all Bucky could do not to attack here right in the dining hall.

"Don't" his friend Clint wheezed at him, clutching at his arm. His angry scent was ruining the delicious smell of the food in front of them. "I know what you're thinking. Just don't" he warned Bucky.

"How long is she gonna be a sore loser for? I claimed Steve over a year ago" Bucky muttered back.

"He's a good prize" Clint shrugged and shovelled some mashed potatoes into his mouth.

He was. There weren't a lot of omegas in their village, and Steve was one of the few male ones. It had taken Bucky some courting, and he'd been far from the only one who'd courted Steve, but 15 months ago the little omega blushingly agreed to be claimed and bred, and he'd belonged at Bucky's side (and on his knot) ever since. It just seemed Peggy Carter didn't get the memo.

Since omegas were rare, it was getting more and more common for several alphas to share an omega in a small pack. Bucky figured that was what Peggy was fishing it - but if she was, she'd be in for a disappointment. To Bucky, Steve was the sole most important thing in the entire world, and he had no intentions of sharing him with anyone. Just the thought of someone else being inside his omega made him want to snarl. A part of him wished they didn't live in a communal village like this, where they all ate together and had to see so much of one another, because if Bucky was being honest he'd rather shut Steve up in a cottage and just keep him barefoot, pregnant and nesting.

As Steve was walking over to him with his tray, the alpha had to unclench his fists. Steve's face was flushed and he looked shy at his mate when he ducked his head down in a submissive greeting and sat down.

"No, sit here" Bucky suddenly said and patted his lap. "I'll feed you, sugar" he smiled. Steve's blue eyes went wide, since Bucky usually didn't display such dominant behaviour in public, but he obeyed his alpha. With a shy smile, he got comfortable in Bucky's lap. His small weight was nothing for the burly alpha.

"Hi Alpha" Steve greeted and nuzzled his lover. In return, Bucky caught him and pressed his nose to Steve's neck where he dragged it up and down his gland in a territorial display. He grunted quietly as he did so, and kissed up Steve's throat - making damn sure Peggy was watching him to so. The tag on Steve's collar clinked as he giggled. "Buck, what are you doing?"

"Just touching my sweet omega. Am I not allowed to?" Bucky murmured, all the while letting his heavy hand rest possessively right over Steve's crotch. Clint made a noise beside them and slipped away; he was a beta, and it made him uncomfortable to be reminded of his lower status. But Bucky didn't care at the moment.

"O-of coure you are" Steve stuttered adorably and squirmed in Bucky's lap. The faint scent of slick mixed with the scent of Steve feeling embarrassed. Bucky didn't care about that either. He just rumbled deep in his chest and kept licking over Steve's gland, right over the bitemark there which marked the omega as his. His grip over Steve's cock, safely tucked away in a cock cage, hardened slightly.

"Gotta make sure everyone knows you're mine" he murmured into Steve's ear, voice darkening.

"Everyone knows, Alpha" Steve softly said. Meek and sweet as he was, he let his mate manhandle him in front of all the others, even if it made his face burn.

"Not everyone" Bucky grunted. "And I think it's time I started reminding people. You're not up for sharing, Steve"

"I don't want to be shared" the omega quickly said with a pout.

"I know darling, I know. And as long as I'm here, no one's ever gonna touch you" he rumbled. Using his grip on Steve, he pushed him down against his own crotch so that the omega could feel his erection pressing against his ass. The little omega squeaked. "Now, I'm gonna feed you proper, and then we're going straight home to get this inside you. I think I need to start scent marking you" Bucky told him.

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

"Present for me" Bucky ordered as he unbuckled his pants. Scurrying across the bed, Steve hurried to obey. He was already naked, with his hole wet and clenching and his cock cage hanging between his legs. If he was a good boy now, Bucky would let him out of it tonight to play a little - but Steve preferred getting his orgasms from his hole anyway.

Bucky smiled at his beautiful mate. "That's a good boy. Spread your legs a little more, that's it" he corrected him and stepped up next to the bed. Grabbing Steve's waist, he pulled the omega backwards on the sheet as he squeaked, until Steve was right in front of him where he stood at the end.

He took his hard cock and lined it up with Steve's hole; there was no reason to prep him when Bucky fucked him as often as he did. "Deep breath, sugar" he said - and then pushed inside.

With all that pent up anger and nowhere to go accept out over Steve, Bucky used his omega hard and fast. He fucked him at a punishing pace, railing him right into his sweet spot until Steve was crying from overstimulation and coming helplessly all over his alpha's cock. Bucky forced three orgasms out of him before he let himself get close to the edge. And just as he was about to pop his knot, he pulled out and squeezed it instead.

"Stay still" he groaned at Steve, and then came all over his ass and back. It splattered all up to his neck too, and still shaking from his climax, Bucky rubbed it all in, paying special attention to get it worked into the leather of Steve's collar.

When he was done scent-marking the omega, he got into bed too and let Steve curl up in his lap. Lovingly petting him, Bucky kissed Steve's forehead and told him he was a good boy and deserved a treat later. Steve beamed at him for that.

Most importantly, Steve smelled strongly of his alpha now. That'd keep Peggy away. Bucky hummed happily and tugged at his collar. "I'm gonna start doing this every morning, I think" he murmured.

Steve blushed bright pink.

[airlocksandaviaries]

ik you like stony but are you a fan of any other marvel ships? how do you feel about sambucky? just curious:)

AAA MY FRIEND I AM SOOO GLAD YOU ASKED!!!

I absolutely LOVE Sambucky. It's perhaps one of my favorite marvel ships (aside from the obvious). They're such grumpy husbands and I love them. I always reblog sambucky art because theyre too fucking cute.

As for other Marvel ships, I do have them. Big fan of Peggy x Nat from What If, Agent Carter Universe (I've actually written fic for them I just don't think I've published it), and Peggy x Angela from the Agent Carter Series (if you've seen that series ily). Also I'm a huge sucker for Carol Danvers x Maria Rambeau, AUGh i love them so much. Carol Danvers is my second favorite Marvel character aside from Tony and Steve (i consider them a unit sometimes).

OH YEAH ALSO, my good friend @assignmentimprobable is a big fan of Bruce x Thor and opened my eyes to how cute they are and while I don't normally directly write about them, they're always gonna be in the background of my Stony universe/fics because I love them.

But that was just MCU. As for Spiderverse, I'm a huge Gwen x Miles truther. They're my KIDS!!! I want to see them HAPPY!!! And they're just too damn cute together. Awkward teenagers who are both superheroes who are just happy to be with each other. If Gwiles isn't endgame in the next Spiderverse installment, I'm throwing rocks.

In terms of the AVENGERS ASSEMBLE universe (my favorite show of all time because of how gay Stony is in it), I must admit I ship Clint Barton x Scott Lang (IF YOU SAW THE SHOW YOUD UNDERSTAND).

And as for X-Men... I've been a Cherik shipper since I saw the OG movies. Which should come as no surprise, they're very Stony coded. I love both flavors, the old man yaoi married couple and toxic first divorce mcavoy&fassy. I'm also a huge fan of the Deadpool & Wolverine movie and I love Wadelogan. I also have an oc x canon ship for that universe which is my original character, Kris Corey x Laura Kinney. Massive 2-part fanfic coming out of them soon, although I'm well aware no one cares (except Stevie. Shoutout Stevie).

And in the X-Men 97 universe I must say I love Wolverine and Morph, Disney is doing them dirty by making it all one sided and not nutting up and putting Logan with a nonbinary love interest (although I know it's because the homophobes and transphobes who are the toxic fan bros of the fanbase would piss themselves and cry and throw up. To which I say. FUCKING LET THEM. hrrrgh).

AAAANYWAY is that it?? I'm sure there's more, they're just slipping my mind at the moment. I'm a big fan of Marvel (DUH) and ships (BIGGER DUH) because there's nothing that I like more in this god forsaken universe than Queer Superheroes. They scratch at my brain in a particular way. Something about being Different, and being loved for it instead of hated, and having the power to HELP people on top of that. And also, queer joy. big fan of queer joy on top of metaphors mixed with angst and tragedy. But with a happy ending of course. cause thats how i roll.

[abyss-presence]

Hey, can you write Forrest x reader, enemies to friends please?

A/n: Thank you for the request! I hope the setting and reader's personality is to your liking.

Note: no usage of Y/N, instead [name] is used; second person pov; there are two time skips in total. Reader is gender neutral and they/them pronouns are used like two times.

Trauma Bonding.

You don't really understand why it happened, but that doesn't matter now.

What matters is, Forrest is an annoying piece of shit. By God how much he pisses you off, and that feeling seems to be mutual. You really can't help it, that guy is just a definition of a bastard. Neither of you cares how this stupid rivalry started, but you've been on each others' asses all the time, just constantly being a bother and a menace to one another.

And while you hated to admit it, it was sort of fun. Forrest's reactions to your little stunts were amusing as hell, so it only added fuel to the fire.

And you would be perfectly fine with things staying that way, but now you were stuck at the god damn KFAM building because what? A serial killer is out on the streets? Pfft, whatever man.

"Just so you know, I'd much prefer if the Whistling Man got me than staying here." you said harshly, sitting down at the couch in front of Peggy's booth. Just hearing Forrest talk made you upset. That man had way too much snark going on, he seriously needs to calm down with that shit.

"No one's holding you here." It just felt like you wanted to punch him every time he spoke, which was the case right now too.

"Settle down you two, we have more important things to care about now." Peggy brought you both back to reality. She was leaning her head on her palm and already looked tired of your constant back and forth bickering.

"Peggy, how come you tolerate him so well?" you could swear you saw Forrest roll his eyes.

"You guys just need to stop arguing so much. Why are you even fighting?" Peggy asks, shifting a little to be more comfortable in her chair.

"Because he's/they're annoying," the two of you said in sync, which only made you exchange a glare between each other. The woman laughed at that. It was honestly hilarious how you two hated each other for no apparent reason, even though your personalities would go well together in theory.

"Oh I see how it is. So you two are just being bitter for the sake of being bitter?" Only silence followed Peggy's question...

Hours have passed already. The night was getting more and more intense, and it was stressing everyone out. You were honestly both impressed and surprised by how well Forrest have managed to deal with this situation. Maybe that alone has earned your respect for him.

Even still, it was horrible to hear that kid get murdered. Poor guy, he was probably no older than 16... sure he was an ass, but that didn't mean he deserved to die. That made you think... if Forrest was to meet the same fate, would you feel the same way? Would it be a petty kind of grief? You would rather not find out.

Which is exactly why-

"Forrest man, you know I can't stand you, but no fucking way. I'm going down with you." Your tone was firm, and it was obvious you wouldn't back down no matter what he said.

"Whatever, lets just go already." He knew it would be pointless to try and argue with you, you would just keep being stubborn to annoy him. But maybe, just maybe, he was a little glad that you would tag along. It was totally not because the presence of another person with him, a person who he knows all too well, would make him feel more safe and protected, of course not, you would be foolish to think that that was the case! He'd just use you as a meat shield if the two of you got attacked. Yep, that was totally it, no other reason whatsoever.

You followed him downstairs, taking in the sight of the interior. It was kind of cozy in here, although you had to admit that the place was a mess. Well, on the second floor that is, the first one seemed pretty neat if you don't look behind the reception.

You made your way through said reception, through the basement and finally through the fire exit. As Forrest walked through the door, you stayed behind to hold it open just in case, that thing didn't look reliable enough for you to be sure that it won't shut behind you. Forrest only raised an eyebrow at you but didn't question it any further.

You'd hear him talk to no one in particular and of course you had to make a snarky remark about how this man had went insane while being so up in his own ass. However, just as you heard something that sounded like footsteps followed up with rustling, you panicked and quickly ran to find Forrest, completely forgetting about the door.

"Forrest?! Bastard man where are you?!" You half whispered half screamed, frantically looking around the back alley. When you came around the corner your eyes first landed on the Whistling Man who stood behind the fence and then walked away. Forrest, however, didn't seem to notice him at all... What a dork.

"So you found it?" You questioned him, looking over his shoulder briefly with your hands crossed over your chest.

"Sure did- Wait why are you here? Weren't you supposed to hold the door open?!" after a while, you began to pick up on certain behavior patterns and habits that Forrest had, one of which was that half lowered tone he always used when he was stressed and frustrated. Damn, pulling out all the dirty moves now, are you Forrest Nash?

"What the hell do you want from me! I thought you were about to be murdered!" ohh, you didn't like the way those two sentences sounded coming from you, it almost made it seem like you actually cared about him, which was totally not the case!

Forrest gasps dramatically, covering his mouth with the free hand that wasn't holding the "Lomg Ride Home", "Oh my God [name], is that what I think this is? Are you perhaps... worried about me?" he said in his signature smug tone, handing you the recording while you were distracted fuming over his stupid words. Without even realizing it, you took it from him.

"Shut up." A classic response, one that is usually a sign that he said something frustratingly stupid that you can't be bothered to come up with something witty to say.

"Sure man. We have the recording now, let's return." You hate to agree with him, but nod anyway, and the two of you make your way back to the fire exit.

Of course, just as you had suspected, it shut behind you as soon as you left, which only caused you both to be even more annoyed. This night was already horrible as it was, you couldn't get stuck outside now! Forrest said something about finding another way in, like a lift to the basement or whatnot. And surely enough, there was one right nearby.

Since it had no power, the two of you found a generator, and after that split ways to hunt around for some fuses to replace the burnt out ones. "Does anything work properly in this God forsaken place?" You think to yourself, picking up a good handful of fuses. However, those aren't the only thoughts that were plaguing your mind. You can't help but feel anxious being away from Forrest after you saw... well, him. And of course, it was totally only because you didn't want to help him or drag his body inside if he got killed! But either way, you hurriedly made your way back to the generator, looking around for Forrest. When you didn't see him anywhere, you could feel anxiety rise in your chest.

"Forrest? Forrest where are you?" You whispered again, dropping all the fuses on the crates nearby. Then you felt a pair of hands suddenly slam against your shoulders.

"Boo," you heard from behind yourself. Naturally, given tonight's circumstances, your first reflex was to fight. So as soon as you turned around, Forrest got shoved away and punched in the stomach. "Augh, what the hell."

"Jesus Christ Forrest! Do you have wind in your head or what?!" Even despite the fact that you cursed him out, you still felt kinda relieved to see him again. At least he wasn't the Whistling Man...

"That hurt you know." He said nonchalantly, as if he didn't just give you three heart attacks at once. You also noticed that he brought back some fuses too.

"Good. That's what you deserve." Truly, these two were made for each other. Who else would bicker and argue about dumb things when out at night in a dark alleyway with a killer on the loose?

The two of you made quick work with that generator, turning the power back on and making your way into the building through the basement.

But not in a single lifetime did you imagine finding... whatever the hell this was. You couldn't choose what creeped you out more: the fact that there was a secret hideout in the basement, all the mannequins with red cross eyes, all the photos attached to red strings and hanging in the air, or the board with news article cutouts and stickers with names and places on them. The latter seemed to grab Forrest's attention first though. Overall, this entire situation made your anxiety grow even more, and your thoughts wandered over to Peggy.

Sure, she is supposed to be safely locked in her producer booth, but... still, what if the Whistling Man somehow got to her? And both of you were downstairs, unable to protect her... You didn't want to imagine the sight of the glass being broken and Peggy laying lifelessly on the floor, probably horrifically injured. You didn't want to imagine it, but you did, and it only made things worse. You could feel your body heat up from growing stress, and only a minute or two later did you notice Forrest shaking you by the shoulder.

"[Name], you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." No way, did Forrest sound worried too? That's hilarious. Sort of endearing too.

"What if... something happens to Peggy?" You didn't even want to say it, you didn't want to express your concerns, especially not to him, but it came naturally. You just blurted it out without thinking.

"She's gonna be alright." Forrest was dumbfounded by your sudden serious tone and panicked look. He didn't expect you to suddenly act like this, if anything he expected another snarky reply. However, the fact that you trusted him enough to let him have a peek into your thoughts made him feel responsible for making things better for you. He already had to comfort a bunch of terrified victims today, so he could surely do it again.

"And what if she won't? What if the Whistling Man gets her? We're not there to protect her, but even if we were, would we be able to protect her anyway? That freak is strong and fast..." your mind began to spiral pretty fast.

"Thinks this through [name], how could he possibly get to her if he was at the old murder house and she is here, in her booth with the door locked?" And that was the worst about this. Forrest didn't know. He didn't see. So you took it upon yourself to break the news to him:

"No, no! You don't understand, I saw him here! He was right outside the building!" Your voice was growing more and more hysterical the longer you had to talk, and it was making him panick too.

"Wait, here? You saw him here?" Forrest asked you, mindlessly placing his hands on your shoulders.

"Yes Nash, here!" Oh damn. You usually only used his last name when things went over the line, so it only made the situation more tense.

"Okay, okay, calm down, deep breaths [name]. Let's get this thing," he patted the board you saw on the wall, "upstairs first and then we will check up on Peggy, alright?" After a moment of hesitation, you agreed. You grabbed the keys from the staircase that were on the table, and Forrest took the board. While you made your way back, with you occasionally glancing at Forrest and him giving you a reassuring nod in return, you couldn't help but feel grateful to him for helping you calm down. It was almost disgusting how well this man managed to soothe your worries, even if just a little bit.

When you finally made it back, you were relieved to find Peggy safe, sound and unharmed. That made your respect meter for Forrest go up like 0.5 percent. Still, you hated his guts. Or... or did you?

The second time wasn't so fortunate. Peggy wasn't unharmed, but she was relatively safe and getting help. You let out a breath that you've been holding in for ages, and you could feel your heart rate begin to slowly decrease. You turned to Forrest after he signed off his show, and couldn't help but smile.

"Maybe you're not as much of an ass as I thought."

And with that, you've bonded over your mutual trauma of the Whistling Night of '87 and have been friends ever since. Inseparable and insufferable if you will. So yeah,

You don't really understand why it happened, but that doesn't matter now.

[academy13]

Since the MCU is a mess and I take the immortal words of Nick Fury to heart ("I recognize that the Council has made a decision, but given that it's a stupid ass decision I've elected to ignore it.") I let Peggy Carter and Bucky Barnes have stupid ass sibling interactions during the war because they meet via Steve.

Steve does not even understand their bullshit at all, and he's pretty well-versed in Bucky's brand of nonsense. But Bucky and Peggy together... absolute nonsense. Pure shennanicary that makes even the Howling Commandoes go 'The fuck?'.

Because one, Bucky has older brother energy. I don't even know if his sister Rebbeca even is actually in the MCU, but who fucking cares, he's got one sister by birth and and other thrust upon him by the combined forces of Steve Rogers and the US Government. Government assigned sister. But if anyone talks shit about Carter he's there to scare the living shit out of them by Glaring and saying "You'd better pray I don't tell Carter." Because she's scarier than him and everyone fucking knows it. You take the Barnes Glare because it's better for your overall health.

Two, Peggy is a younger sibling. Her brother is assumed KIA, Barnes is Sibling Shaped. This means she annoys the shit out of him in a highly specific way that only he gets because he is an Older Sibling and he realizes that she's missing her Older Sibling. She has said shit to him that not even Steve would dare, and he lets her get away with it. Talk shit, get hit. Talk shit about Barnes, prepare to exit the war.

The two of them together, highly effective and overall terrifying team, not something that anyone lets happen often because the results are scary as hell and quite frankly, everyone wants to get through this war with a few less nightmares thanks. Yes this applies to Winter Solider trauma Bucky and 90 something Peggy too... just stay out of their way, Hydra will be living their worst nightmare. (Steve just lets them do their thing, much to Tony's astonishment. "What?" "But you... Cap..." "I did have a team y'know, and honestly, why else do you think we were so damn effective during the war? The two of them can reign down hell when they're inclined. I'm not gonna stand in their way after what Hydra did... I'll just make sure they have resources. And maps.")

[inafieldofdaisies]

WIP Wednesday | Tagging @thesingularityseries @socially-awkward-skeleton @direwombat @adelaidedrubman @strafethesesinners @strangefable @nightbloodbix @aceghosts @madparadoxum @g0dspeeed @trench-rot @josephseedismyfather @josephslittledeputy @euryalex @sstewyhosseini @detectivelokis @purplehairsecretlair @jinfromyarikawa @shegetsburned @clicheantagonist @locustandwildhoney @fourlittleseedlings @poisonedtruth @vampireninjabunnies-blog @cassietrn @wrathfulrook @jacobsneed @voidika @harmonyowl @henbased @schoute and anyone with something to share <3

Sharing another snippet from Chapter 10: Calahan and Leslie's first meeting. A rocky start of a bromance. Sprinkling some Mary May x Hartley breadcrumbs in there, too. <3

Hours after discovering Harker passed out on the side on the road among two other dead Resistance members, Calahan found himself parking his truck in front of the Spread Eagle. Arguably, he had never needed a drink more. Not only had he lost two recruits, no matter how difficult they had proven themselves to be, while the third was still recovering from the Bliss bullet he was hit with, but he had discovered his biggest fear to be true: Sabrina was in the hands of John Seed, just like Hudson. He couldn't come up with any other explanation for what Justin had seen on that road after Charlie's group had ambushed the bastard. The woman sparing a life, the child in the car, every detail he had received from the woozy teen further confirmed his theory about the identity of the woman John had with him. And Savannah. His gaze darkened at the thought of the kid that called him uncle anywhere near that goddamned bunker. "Gray wouldn't allow it. She would fight like hell.", he whispered to himself as he finally exited the Eden's Gate truck he had recommissioned from a capture party recently. "Rest in peace, NOT, fuckers.", he said out loud as he slammed the door shut and turned in the direction of the bar. A couple of minutes later he was sitting in his usual seat inside, nursing a glass of whatever liquor Mary May still had in stock after John Seed had his men confiscate her main stash few days back. Bastard is quickly climbing up my shit list. Calahan didn't care much about what she was serving him as long as it took the edge off, calmed him down after finally getting news on Sabrina and her sister. His eyes fell down on the handmade rainbow bracelet Savannah had gifted him few weeks back, something he hadn't taken off since she had tied it around his wrist with the biggest grin on her freckled face. It was another reminder of what needed protecting, why he fought as hard as he did even before the Reaping's start. Why he argued with Whitehorse so often, why he lashed out at the damned Peggies as a result, why he didn't give a single fuck about protocol when it came to the Project. As he ran his fingers over the white beads that spelled out his actual name, not "Rookie", he told himself this is what Joseph should never get his claws into: the innocents he could so easily poison with his deadly ideas. And yet John had done just that- gotten his hands on Savannah, too. Where are you, Tiny? You better be alright or he will be paying in blood.

"Something's on your mind, Rookie. I can tell.", Mary May stopped in front of him. He let out a dry laugh, "Just the usual bullshit, gorgeous. Don't worry." "You sure?", she eyed the way he was gripping the glass in his hand as he willed his anger to settle down, to retreat, "You seem out of sorts. I've seen that look before, you know, then seconds later you were punching a customer." "He was asking for it." "Didn't say he wasn't. But still… what's up?", Mary May raised an eyebrow and leaned against the bar, her hand coming to rest on top of his. Calahan found himself unable to process the unexpected touch after months of her ever only being annoyed with his flirting. He opened his mouth, wishing all his worry would pour out as easily as she poured his next drink, knowing she was good at listening to people. Her soft blue eyes assured him of it in that moment, hinting that maybe she actually cared for him. Was willing to hear him out. But the words never came, instead the bell above the door chimed, putting an end to the brief moment between them as she returned to her post to greet whoever had entered. Calahan didn't bother turning around, instead he released a tired sigh and took another sip. He reveled in the familiar burn of the alcohol as it slid down his throat, in the promise it would get him closer to feeling numb, even for a short while. "I will be damned.", Mary May exclaimed suddenly. Her tone made him look towards the bar's entrance sharply, his hand immediately reaching for his pistol on instinct in anticipation of trouble. It took him seconds to register the sight in front of him, seconds where he wondered if he was imagining things, if the liquor was hitting him harder than expected. Certainly that was the only explanation for seeing John Fuckface Seed standing in front of him. Before he could think twice, he practically flew from his chair, almost knocking it over as he charged at the bastard. His hand wrapped around his neck before he slammed him into the wall next to the door with all his might.

"Where is SHE?", Calahan screamed, the anger he was struggling to keep under wraps escaping at the unexpected appearance of the man that fucked with him daily. The man that paraded Hudson on his broadcast as a cautionary tale for what's to come. The man that he suspected had Sabrina and an innocent child as prisoners, too. Deep blue eyes stared at him in confusion, betraying his panic. Good. You should be afraid. "I'm-", the bastard tried to croak out, the force of Hartley's hold on his windpipe made it impossible for him to get anything else out. Calahan knew he had to loosen his grip, that he'd get no information from a deadman, but his hate for the Seeds had reached a boiling point with the missed opportunity to save Sabrina still fresh on his mind. "CALAHAN! Stop.", Mary May pulled at his shoulder, trying to bring him back from the edge, at the same time the man grabbed his wrist, twisting his arm behind his back swiftly. "I am not JOHN SEED.", came out as a frustrated shout as he restrained him, the words making Hartley blink in surprise, his face no doubt mirroring Mary May's. "Let go of my arm, bastard, if you don't want me to break yours.", he gritted out and whoever the man was finally released his arm. "Rookie. You okay?", Mary May whispered as she put a hand on his bicep, her gaze a mix of shock and concern. "He attacked me, m'am. And you're asking if he's okay?" M'am? Fuck me. Definitely not John Seed. Calahan turned around, scanning the man that stood in a defensive pose in the doorway from head to toe. The dark hair, beard, blue eyes… he could pass for John's fucking double. "I will be damned.", he parroted Mary May's words from earlier, "Who the fuck are you?" The stranger rubbed his throat before answering, "Detective Leslie Parish. I'm here looking for, well, you." Calahan couldn't help the shocked laugh that escaped him, "Isn't my day just getting better and better?", he returned to his seat and pointed to the chair next to him, "Sit."

Mary May sprung back into action, retreating behind the bar as she addressed what she considered now a potential customer, "Anything to drink, Detective?" "Whiskey. On the rocks, uh-", Leslie responded in a low tone as he sat down and rubbed his face, "Sorry, I didn't catch your name…" "Mary May." She wasted no time pouring him a drink which he downed immediately the second she put it down in front of him. "Thank you." "Now you've officially passed the test. Definitely not John Seed.", Calahan spoke up, making the detective next to him laugh. "Sorry for almost choking the life out of you.", he added and reached a hand to him, "Deputy Calahan Hartley, though most call me Rookie." The man accepted the handshake with a raised eyebrow, "You're new to the Sheriff's?" "No." "Should I call you Rookie, then?" Calahan paused, not many had bothered to ask him that question, not since Sabrina had shown up on her first day months ago. "Calahan or Cal would be nice." Leslie nodded, "Noted." "I gather you're aware you look like a certain someone?", Mary May interjected. "My last few days have been hell. Fuck, the moment I arrived in your beautiful County, I had a shotgun pointed at my face. Lost count how many times I had to explain to people I'm not John Seed, or say I'm not related to him or his brother in any way." "Have to admit, it's kind of a challenge not to punch you in the face, no offense.", Calahan eyed him with curiosity, "Why are you here?" "I planned on visiting someone when all hell broke loose. Haven't managed to find her yet." "Who?" "I thought if anyone would know where she is, it would be you, Deputy.", Leslie took a deep breath, his blue eyes filled with worry as he muttered, "I'm looking for Sabrina Donovan. She used to tell me stories about you anytime we talked over the phone, then people mentioned your name as the one in charge of things out here, and it all clicked. I knew who I had to track down." Well, fuck me, ain't that a plot twist.

"I don't know what to say, aside from that I'm looking for her as well. Have been for days now.", Calahan took out his zippo, flicking it open and closed in attempt to soothe his nerves. "Where is she, Calahan? What happened?" "You might need another drink before I tell you that story." Leslie's eyes narrowed while Mary May poured him a second glass. "What happened?", he repeated in a low tone. "On the first we got called in afterhours by the Sheriff himself, Sabrina included, weren't told much about why until a Federal Marshal walzed in announcing we'd be arresting Joseph Seed. He was so giddy, too giddy." "Sabrina didn't tell me anything about the cult, how serious things were…" "Sounds just like her, too independent for her own good.", Calahan gave him a sad smile, before continuing, "So, we flew over to his compound, entered the fucker's church while he's holding a service in the middle of the night. Like what the hell, right? Sheriff had decided Sabrina would have the honors to slap the cuffs on him. At the last second, she backed away, all frantic, saying something's wrong." "She's never afraid of arrests. I've known her for years. She has chased down all sorts of questionable characters… not once have I seen her flinch.", Leslie's face darkened, but he didn't say anything else, waiting for more. "My thoughts exactly, but this family, Detective… They're different.", Calahan lowered his voice, "The second we walked in John fucking Seed was eyeing her with interest. Got even worse when she hesitated to arrest his brother while the Marshal lost his shit at the delay. I jumped in, cuffing him. We managed to escort him out… but his people refused to let him go, crashed our chopper." "Sabrina… is she dead? Is this what you're trying to tell me?" Hartley shook his head, "Last time I saw her, she was alive. I insisted to get her out, to help with that fucking seatbelt. Joseph's men were all around, took away the others from the chopper. Sabrina demanded I run, promising she'd be right behind." He was close to losing his cool at the memory of that cursed early morning.

Mary May put an ashtray in front of him then, whispering, "I'm making an exception this one time." Calahan gave her a grateful smile, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag of it before adding, "We never reunited, I bumped into the fucking Marshal instead, bastard left me to drown after we tried to make a run for it and a freaking plane sent our truck flying off a bridge." "Fuck." "Yeah. A good samaritan saved me. Dutch. Helped me get back on my feet, offered we start a resistance seeing how the cult has everything on lock down and no help is coming." "Good call, with everything gone to shit." He nodded, "We had a mole, you know. Fucking Nancy. Loyal to the "Father", as Joseph likes to call himself. Didn't get us the reinforcement Whitehorse asked for." "And Sabrina?" "Have been looking for her ever since the goddamned Reaping started. It's what they call this shitshow. "Reaping". Think they're saving our souls, that the world is about to end…" Leslie looked lost in thought as he uttered out, "I saw John's broadcast with the other Deputy." Hartley lit another cigarette, his anger bubbling as he kept reminding himself the man in front of him wasn't John, despite how much he resembled him. "Yeah, he has Joey. Has been calling me daily too, railing me up with her capture, but hasn't said anything about Sabrina." "I went to her house. Cult trucks were parked at the front, no sign of her or her sister, it's why I've been trying to find you, Calahan." "I might have something, but I doubt you'd like it. I sure as hell didn't. Are you sure you're ready?" Leslie downed his drink, "Yes." Mary May winced, "Yeah, maybe avoid saying that word," she gestured to his head, "with that face." "Sorry.", he sent her a knowing smile.

"Earlier today, a trainwreck of a recruit showed up here with his buddies, claiming he has intel on John's next move, was planning to ambush him. I didn't believe it, so I turned down their invite." "Something tells me they were right?" "Sadly. Hour or so later, I get a call from the youngest guy, saying they have him, listing off their location before he went silent. I drove there and found quite the bloody scene." Leslie's hands formed fists on the bar. "Bastard killed two of the three guys, slashed their throats, the one that contacted me got shot with a Bliss bullet, but he's recovering." "Bliss bullet?" "Potent shit. It's a drug the cult makes, knocks you out in seconds, the things they use it for… pure hell, Detective." "How are things this bad?" "They've been preparing. Joseph claims to see the future, you know. Visions from God, he calls them. When we showed up at the church, he said he knew we'd come, that we'd try to take him away, but "God" won't let us." "Fuck, and Rina didn't think to tell me any of this. Assured me it's all fine.", Leslie muttered in frustration. "She does that a lot, doesn't she?" "Who shot Harker with a Bliss bullet?", it was Mary May that spoke up, her voice curious. Calahan took a deep breath, revealing what he had planned on keeping a secret. "Sabrina.", he said quietly, glad the bar was empty. "What the fuck, Rookie?" "She saved the bastard, gorgeous. He has her sister, from what Harker told me." Leslie slammed his hand on the bar, "Savannah. Where are they?", he got up from his chair, but Hartley caught his arm, stopping him from storming out. "Sit down, Les. As much as it pains me to say this, to be the voice of reason… we have to be rational about this."

"I should have come with her.", he said darkly, but followed Calahan's advice. "I've been down that road, too. Thoughts about what I should have done keep me up at night. But if I know one thing about Sabrina… she's resourceful, resilient." "She is.", he smiled. "I don't know for certain where she could be, it kills me to think he dragged Savannah into that bunker.", his fingers touched the bracelet again absently, "But we can't storm it, not with how much manpower and resources he has, not without a solid plan or people we can rely on, especially when we have no eyes inside to be sure she's even there." "Fuck. I- I know you're right, Deputy." "He hasn't mentioned her once, Leslie. Not once in the radio calls to me, she's not in the broadcast, it's like he doesn't want people to know he has her. Anytime I ask about her, he dodges my question." "He's planning something." Mary May looked between the two with a unreadable expression, "You don't think he turned her?" "Fuck no, Mary May. You know Sabrina. I just told you she saved Harker." "Fuck.", she pursed her lips, "Rookie, I know the games John plays, how he breaks people. And after Nancy… what if Sabrina's on his side, too? Maybe has been all along." Calahan shook his head sharply, "She's not turned. She's not a fucking Peggie. I know her." "Fine. For what is worth, you know I trust your judgment.", Mary May crossed her arms over her chest, giving him a stern look. "Peggies?", Leslie seemed lost in thought as he asked that. "Project at Eden's Gate, Peggies for short. It's what locals call Joseph's men." "Noted."

Hartley took a deep breath, putting out his cigarette before he turned to Leslie, "Look, I know there's not much to do right now about Sabrina, not without more information… but seeing how you're here, that you found me, maybe it's all for the best. I sure as hell can use another helping hand against the Project." Leslie's eyes darkened, a look of determination coming over his features, "Your battle is now my battle, too, Calahan." "Good.", Calahan raised his glass for a toast before asking, "You got a gun, Detective?" Leslie nodded, "My service weapon.", he opened his leather jacket, showing off a holstered pistol. "We're gonna get you more serious firepower ASAP.", Calahan pointed to the gun, "You had to use it yet?" "A few times. The "Peggies" are everywhere. Even tried to take over the motel I was staying at. I tried to help people along my way here as much as possible.", he said the nickname with uncertainty. "Learning fast. The only good Peggie is a dead one, Les, because chances are they'd try to take you back to John's bunker or dunk you in the river to cleanse you.", Calahan's voice became lighter, "Hell, now that I'm thinking of it, you have an advantage, if you ask me. They see your face and start to wonder if they're not about to shoot their precious leader, giving you an extra second to strike." Leslie chuckled humorlessly, "What a way to spend my vacation days. I will keep it in mind." "Is Abeline okay?", Mary May questioned, her tone laced with worry. "She was when I left, she's a fighter. Who do you think pulled that shotgun on me? Never have been more confused in my life. She went from wielding a gun to making me coffee." "Good old Abby.", Mary May laughed, "Thank you, Detective. For looking out for our people." Her words made Leslie look away, "Just doing my duty." "We got a shy one on our hands, gorgeous.", Calahan slapped him on the back as he got up and headed for the door, "Come now, there's some people you need to meet." Leslie finished his drink, muttering a quiet "thank you" on his way out. "Leslie." Mary May called out before they could exit, reaching under the bar and pulling out a Spread Eagle branded hat that she threw at him, "Might want to cover your face as much as possible. Spare yourself a "friendly" welcome or two."

[starkslove101]

CHAPTER 12: "Choices withing four walls"

2012.

"Tony this place looks amazing!" I crossed my arm in his and we were walking around. 

"Thank you" Tony smiled. The two weeks we had passed so quickly. Tony and I stayed with Peggy figuring out my powers. Tony would drive up and down to New York checking up on the building and looking if everything was alright. 

"Let me show you something" We stopped at the elevator. "You're going to love it" We got in and Tony pulled out a key. He pushed a button, leading us to an undisclosed floor. I looked at him with narrowed eyes. 

"Don't look at me like that" he laughed. 

"Like what?" I smirked. We arrived at the top floor of the building. We walked into a loft. As if I wasn't mesmerized by the building already, I was now. There it was. An entirely newly renovated loft. The smell of fresh paint entered my nose. The sun came through the windows casting a warm glow on the wooden floors. For the interior, they made a mixture of modern-day decorations, with some hints of the 1940s. In the middle of the room, there was a caramel-brown couch. Cushions were splashed all over it.

A kitchen island stood a few feet away from the couch. Behind the kitchen, there was space with a stove to cook on. Not far from it was a kitchen sink. To the right of it was a dishwasher. The rest of it was cabinets with pots, pans, and cutlery in them. As I turned to my left, there was a short staircase that went up to what is essentially the bedroom.

I walked to the middle of the room. Next to the fridge, there was a door. I figured it was the bathroom. I walked toward it and opened the door. On the left side of the room was the shower. A tall window separated the rest of the room. The room had black marble floors the pattern continued along the walls. This whole place is amazing, I couldn't stop smiling.

"What'd you think?" Tony asked. "Tony, this place is gorgeous!" I said as I turned around. When I looked into his eyes, he seemed relieved. "Oh, thank God" I turned my head to the side. "It's your place as long as you like it," I said to him. Tony shook his head. I frowned. "It's not mine, it's yours" My mouth fell open. "What?" I asked as reassurance if I heard it right. "The place is yours if you want it," he said grabbing my hands.

I had the urge to pull away. I'm not sure if I wanted this or not. It was a really big gesture, I wasn't sure if I would take this. The idea was to go live in my old apartment. It had been empty ever since I moved to Malibu with Tony. I needed space from all of this. I wasn't sure if staying here was the best option.

"I-I-"  I muttered. "I can't possibly take this" My voice was so soft, I wasn't sure he heard me but I knew he did because his face dropped. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to get out of your hair" I said. He seemed hurt as I said it. 

"I'm sorry," I said again. He still didn't let go of my hands. "Just think about it. I'd love to have you here" I looked at my feet. 

"I will think about it," I said. Tony nodded. "Okay," he was disappointed. "I don't want to live off you for the rest of my life," I said.

"I can't keep doing that, you know" he knew I was right. What Maya said to me weeks ago, kept replaying in my head. I don't want to be the girl that lives with and of some men. I have always been able to take care of myself. Listening to someone else is what brought me into this mess in the first place. I could've had a nice quiet life and since I visited Peggy, I had been wondering what my life could've looked like if I hadn't stepped on that damn machine.

When Steve walked in my thoughts were interrupted. "There you are!" he walked up to me with a smile. He grabbed me in a tight hug. "I've been looking all over for you" I smiled. "Here I am" I kissed his cheek. "I will leave you some space," Tony said as he walked to the elevator. Guilt ate me up. Steve was holding me, trying to get my attention. I couldn't bring myself to focus.

"Tony wait" The doors to the elevator opened and he stepped in. He turned around. "We aren't done talking," I said. "Yeah, we are" he was mad. Tony ignoring me, annoyed the hell out of me. It even made me angry. I was about to say something but Steve caught on and stopped me. Tony nodded and left.

I sighed in frustration. "What happened?" Steve asked once Tony left. 

"He's mad because I won't take this place" Steve's eyes widened. 

"he offered this place?" he asked. "I thought we were going back to your apartment?" I bit the inside of my cheek. 

"We are" We decided to make our way back home. Steve grabbed my hand. I calmed down as soon as he did.

"How are we getting home?" I asked. "I don't have my car it's still in Arizona" I laughed. "Don't worry I have my motorcycle" I smiled and kissed him. "I adore you" I whispered. Steve smiled. Not even pulling away from me. As he'd often do when we were in public. "Ransom I love you" he whispered his face inches away from mine.

1945.

"I love you" I whispered. Jack was caressing my face. 

"I love you too honey" his eyes were shining. 

"I have missed you so much" The war had ended and he was finally back home. Back in my arms. I glanced down at the table looking at the newspaper. May 8th was a date the world would never forget. The headline read: "War in Europe has ended! Surrender unconditionally"

I couldn't help but notice the distraught look on his face. "Are you alright?" I asked. 

I knew that it was a stupid question. Jack looked down at me with sad eyes. All I could do was pull him closer to me. "I don't need pity" he whispered, his voice so soft. "I know" I sighed, placing a kiss on his cheek. 

"I love what you've done with my apartment," Jack said, changing the subject. I decided not to press it and smiled. 

"Thank you, I figured that you deserve to come home to a homely home," I  said, wrapping my arms around his waist. "I appreciate it" he grabbed my face and kissed me again.

His eyes glistened in the sunlight that was falling from the window. The slightest bit of sorrow and sadness seemed to disappear. "I missed those eyes and that smile" I sighed again. I couldn't seem to get enough of him. Jack blushed. "I don't know what happened over there but don't let it take your spirit. If you're ready to talk about it I will be here" I said.

It felt so insincere of me to say. I had no idea what he'd been through. This wasn't the man I said goodbye to 3 years ago. I knew war chances people but no one tells you how to grieve a person that's still here. "You're my spirit" he whispered so softly I almost didn't hear it.

2012.

We almost arrived home. We only stopped at some traffic lights. My head was leaning against Steve's back as my mind kept wandering. "Honey?" I hummed, my eyes closed.

"Please relax, your grip is a little tight" he laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry" I still haven't found the hang of my powers yet. These come with super strength. "It's fine" he seemed to enjoy it. We finally arrived at the apartment.

"You know, if you were to take the loft, I'd have a place to park my motorcycle," he said with a grin. I returned it with a death stare. It just made him laugh even more. When he noticed that I didn't share the joy in this conversation he immediately apologized. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that" I shook my head. "It's fine," I said. I dropped my stuff in a corner on the floor.

Steve looked at my scattered stuff for a second. I knew it annoyed the shit out of him. "Leave it," I said, laughing. "I'll clean it up later" Steve just nodded and sat down on the sofa as I grabbed a few drinks from the fridge. I sat down beside him and gave him a bottle. "Thanks" he popped the cap of the bottle and gulped it down.

My ears rang from the quiet in my small apartment. It wasn't something I was used to these days. I rested my head on Steve's shoulders. He wrapped his arm around me. "Want to watch a movie?" I asked. "Sure," he said with a smile. "Which one?" I asked. "Something comedic" I laughed. "Fine, as long as you don't shush me," I said making him laugh. 

Next part

[krirebr]

Oh my god. The feelings. The feelings.

Sooooo much flailing coming your way, Aspen. Prepare yourself.

Ok. First, I owe an apology to Reader. I think it was a perfectly logical assumption that Steve would have done his due diligence and read her file when it had been provided to him. I'd directed my 😡 at the wrong person.

Which brings me to - Steve!! Now is not the time to be a gentleman! This is a political campaign of the highest stakes. Read the damn file!

Once again, Bucky and I are aligned.

That was about what I had imagined had happened between her and Jeff. How awful for everyone involved.

You can see how - though your experiences had been vastly different - you had each had to piece lives back together through loss and being pushed through time in ways you never could have dreamed.

Yeah, as they were talking, I was thinking about just how much they have in common. Life experiences you wouldn't think anyone else would be able to share.

You have Jeff and he had Peggy Carter.

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

"Steve," you begin, your heart racing slightly, "I hope you know that despite how this arrangement started, I've come to care about you. Genuinely."

They're getting there! They really are!!!

Bucky glances glances at you, raising an eyebrow questioningly. You give him a small nod, and he seems to understand, settling back in his seat.

I love the friendship that's developed here. I love it so much.

I wasn't at all surprised that Jake already knew. Looking back, it seems like so much more of a campaign manager idea than a Pepper one.

Jake leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "At first, I was worried. You two were clearly uncomfortable around each other, and it showed. But over time, something changed. You started to gel, to work as a unit. The way you interact now, the little touches, the shared glances - it's become genuine."

THEY LOVE EACH OTHER. EVERYONE CAN SEE IT!

You nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. "I agree," you say softly. "What we have... It's complicated and it's evolving, but it's ours.”

Yes! It is! Thank you for finally acknowledging that it's real and it's growing!!!

You leave off there, your heart pounding, unsure of what to say next, but sure that you said what you needed to say, even if you don’t know what is means even in your own mind and heart yet. But you know the thoughts and feelings are there.

I hate this. I hate it so much. Every part of it. I get it. But I hate it. Just love him!!!

“I guess we’ll see,” he says. Then he turns and looks out the window on his side.

I'm wailing. I hate it. Don't turn away, Steve! Just love each other!! 😭😭😭😭😭

Steve's eyes search yours, his voice softening as he continues, "But I gave her that trust because she agreed to base her choice based on the one condition I wanted her to agree to: pick someone she could see me marrying if I weren't running for President. That’s the real reason I never read your file."

Aspen, I made an actual noise when I read this. Like I'd been punched in the stomach. My dog turned around to look at me, concerned.

When he pulls back, there’s a serene smile on his face. “I’ll see you in Brooklyn, Mrs. Rogers.”

OH MY GOD

As you can probably see, this chapter made me really emotional. I'm dying. I'm dead. I love them. They better get everything they've ever wanted, Aspen!!!

Red, White & True: Athens to Miami [6/?]

Characters/Pairings: Steve Rogers x curvy Millennial Female!Reader, Bucky Barnes Word Count: 7.5k Summary: How will finding out about Jeff affect your marriage? The situation also brings you both to consider how long you can keep going on playing Mr. and Mrs. Rogers to the public. Steve also questions whether upcoming campaign plans will help or hurt.

Content/Warnings: marriage of political convenience, slow burn

Notes: I left you with a bombshell at the end of the last chapter, but FEAR NOT because I drop you in immediately where we left off. This takes place in a post-Endgame scenario where Steve stays and generally most of TFATWS happened.

Previous Chapter | Series ↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

PREVIOUSLY... You take a steadying breath, then look up at Steve and say, “Jeff Connor is my former husband.”

[SEPTEMBER 28 - AFTERNOON CAMPAIGN FLIGHT FROM ATHENS TO MIAMI]

Some eyes had been on you, but now all of the staff turn to look at Steve to gage his reaction to this statement. His mouth is slightly open, a storm in his blue eyes, but he doesn’t say anything.

You consider him for another moment, then pull out your phone, scroll to Jeff’s name in your contacts, and hit the call button. As the call starts to connect, Bucky leans over to whisper something in Steve’s ear. Steve frowns and shakes his head. Bucky shares a glare with him, then gets up and leaves the staff cabin.

As your call rings through to Jeff, you also stand, but you leave the staff cabin in the other direction, passing through to the private area that only you and Steve have total access to - anyone else needing to knock or be invited in.

You’re about to close the door when Steve catches it and follows in behind you.

You two exchange a look, both of you evidently trying to give nothing away about what just happened, and then you turn away to look out the window just as Jeff picks up on the other end of the line, answering with your name in an urgent and concerned tone.

"Hey, Jeff," you respond, keeping your voice neutral despite the tension you feel. You can feel Steve's presence behind you, a silent but palpable force in the small cabin.

"I'm so sorry," Jeff's voice comes through the phone, sounding genuinely distressed. "I didn't mean for any of this to get into the press. I swear I had no idea."

You take a deep breath, willing yourself to stay calm. "What happened, Jeff?"

There's a sigh on the other end of the line. "I was at a barbecue at Mark and Sarah's last night. You remember them, right? From our old neighborhood?"

"Yeah, I remember," you say, a flood of memories from your previous life washing over you.

“I hadn’t heard from them in a couple of years, but they reached out, and I thought it would be nice to reconnect. Started talking to a new guy, I’d never met him before, figured it was one of their neighbors. He seemed nice enough, we got to talking about work, hobbies, life. I had no idea he was from TMZ and definitely didn’t know he was recording our conversation,” anger bleeds through the tail end of his explanation.

You sigh. You have no reason to doubt his story. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry? No, I’m sorry! I was stupid saying anything to a stranger, and more stupid for even going to the party at all.”

“What? No, Jeff, I’m sorry because a choice I made is impacting your life. It’s not fair that you’re getting targeted by press, especially tabloids.”

Jeff is silent for a beat, and then he says. “He paid Mark and Sarah to get access to me.”

Your heart feels sick. “How did you-?”

“Lawyers from your campaign called me an hour and a half ago when TMZ put it up online to question me, they called back twenty minutes later with confirmation of the money trail.”

“I’m sorry,” you say again - because you are, and because you don’t know what else to say.

Jeff sighs heavily on the other end of the line. "Stop apologizing," he says, his voice soft but serious in his directive. "This isn't your fault."

You lean against the window, watching the clouds drift by below, a stark contrast to the turmoil you feel inside. "But it kind of is, Jeff. The press is only interested in you because we were married."

"That doesn't make it your fault," he insists. "The fact that some tabloid vultures want to profit off our past relationship isn't on you."

There's a moment of silence on the line, filled only by the faint hum of the plane's engines. You can feel Steve's presence behind you, a silent sentinel.

"You okay?" you ask finally.

"I'm... I'm mad. And disappointed - in myself and in them. I feel like an idiot. I should’ve known it was a weird time for them to reach out after not seeing them for so long."

"Jeff, you couldn't have known that. You assumed good intentions. It’s part of what makes you who you are.”

The words came so easily out of your mouth, but once they’ve been said, your chest aches, and part of you wishes you could take them back.

You don’t know what he’s thinking on the other end, but you know it can’t be easy for him either, because he only manages a small, “Thanks,” and then there’s another pregnant pause between you.

Jeff clears his throat, breaking the silence. "Did I mess anything up for the campaign? I know how important this is, and I'd hate to think I've caused any problems."

You shake your head, even though he can't see you. "No, Jeff. If anything, your comments were probably the best-case scenario. You were kind and respectful. It's hard for anyone to spin that negatively.”

There's a soft chuckle on the other end of the line. "Well, I guess all those years of you drilling the importance of tact into me finally paid off, huh?"

You can't help but smile. "You never needed me for that."

"You know," Jeff says, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone, "it's kind of amazing to see you in action like this. I mean, I always knew you were capable of great things, but if this works out, I can’t wait to see what you do in action as First Lady.”

“Thanks, Jeff,” you reply, a lump rising in your throat. “Listen, I better go.”

“Yeah, me, too,” he says. “Take care.”

“And you,” you reply. “Bye.”

You hang up the call, and for a moment, you just stand there, staring out the window at the clouds below. The weight of the conversation, of the past and present colliding, settles heavily on your shoulders.

Finally, you turn to face Steve. He's leaning against the cabin wall, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable. The silence between you is thick with unspoken questions and emotions.

“You heard all of that, right?” you ask, knowing some of his senses are enhanced through the super soldier serum that changed his body eighty years ago.

He nods.

You sigh and take a seat on the arm rest of one of the chairs, no longer wanting to stand, but not wanting to be fully seated while he’s still standing. “I thought you knew about Jeff. It’s in my file.”

One of the first things meetings for you joining the campaign had been to sit down with Jake, the head of the campaign, Elsa the communications director, and your assistant Sophia, to review the opposition research file that had been compiled for you - everything that an opponent could potentially try to dig up from your past and attempt to attack you or the campaign with. Your marriage to Jeff had been part of that.

Steve's jaw clenches, and he looks away for a moment before meeting your eyes again. "I... I never read your file," he admits, his voice low and tinged with regret.

You had suspected as much given how he reacted to learning about Jeff, but the confession still hits you like a wave, leaving you momentarily speechless. A kaleidoscope of emotions swirls within you - surprise, confusion, a hint of hurt, and something else you can't quite name. The plane's engines hum in the background, filling the silence between you.

You study Steve's face, taking in the furrowed brow, the slight downturn of his lips. His blue eyes, usually so clear and determined, now hold a mix of guilt and uncertainty. It's a vulnerability you've rarely seen in him, and it catches you off guard.

"You never read it?" you question, your voice barely above a whisper. The implications of his admission begin to unfold in your mind, and it feels like pulling on a thread, unravelling a piece of what you thought had developed between you.”Why?”

"I trusted Pepper," he says softly.

The cabin suddenly feels smaller, the air thick with unspoken words and emotions. You open your mouth to respond, but before you can, there's a sharp knock on the cabin door.

“Come in,” Steve calls out.

The door swings open, revealing Bucky. His expression is a mix of concern and frustration as he strides into the cabin, a thick manila folder clutched in his metal hand. The soft whirring of the arm's plates adjusting is audible in the tense silence.

"You're an idiot, you know that?" Bucky says, his voice a low growl as he thrusts the folder at Steve. "I can't believe you never read this."

Steve takes the folder, his fingers curling around the edges. The weight of it seems to surprise him, and he glances down at it with a furrowed brow. "Buck, I-"

"Save it," Bucky cuts him off, running a hand through his long hair in exasperation and then turning to address you. "I just found out before you made your call that this punk never bothered to look at your file. I’m sorry, I didn’t raise him to be so inconsiderate.”

Steve scoffs, “Raise me? You’re only one year older than me!”

In other circumstances, you would laugh at this exchange, but in this moment you can’t, your mind absorbing each new and shifting moment.

Bucky rounds back on his best friend. “I read it, Steve. I read every damn page because I wanted to make sure you weren't getting played or walking into a situation you’d regret. But you? You just went along with it, no questions asked?"

Steve's jaw clenches, his grip on the folder tightening. "I trusted Pepper's judgment. She wouldn't put someone in this position if she didn't think they were right for it."

"Right for what?" Bucky challenges. "The campaign? Or you?"

The question hangs in the air, heavy with implication. You feel your heart rate quicken, very aware of your presence in this conversation about you.

Steve's eyes flick to you for a moment before returning to Bucky. "Both," he says quietly.

Bucky shakes his head, looks at you and gives barely a quarter of a smile - seemingly all he can manage, and then leaves the two of you alone again.

Steve's eyes meet yours, a mix of emotions swirling in their blue depths. "I trusted Pepper," he says softly, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "When she told me about you, about this arrangement, I didn't want to reduce you to a file full of facts and figures. I wanted to get to know you as a person, not as a dossier."

He strides further into the cabin and takes a seat across from you. "I thought it would be more... genuine that way. To learn about you through our interactions, through the campaign, through..." he trails off, gesturing vaguely between the two of you.

“It has been. Even if we got a slow start.” Both of you know you had taken turns keeping your guards up at various points over the past four months. You slip down properly into your seat.

“We’ve been talking more with each other, about each other, though, so I have to ask… Is there a reason you’ve never brought up your divorce?”

You clasp your hands in your lap, but you continue to hold his gaze, even though your heart constricts painfully. “Aside from thinking you did know about him, it didn’t naturally come up, and I wasn’t eager to just drop one of the most painful pieces of my past into our conversations because it wasn’t a divorce.”

Steve’s brow furrows even more. It’s no wonder the man has developed so many worry lines.

“I was smitten from the moment I met him, and he loved me back the way you grow up dreaming about your future husband - only it was even better because it was real. Everything about it was so normal and real. We dated, we got married, he finished his residency and joined a good family practice. We bought a house. We stayed up late watching stupid movies or playing games or going to concerts on the weekends or just talking on the weekends. We started talking babies.”

You pause and look away.

“And then?”

You look back to Steve, and, eyes burning with tears you don’t want to cry, you say, “I didn’t exist for five years and he did.”

His face falls immediately.

You press on because this is like pressing on a wound when the skin has healed but the muscles are still sore beneath the surface.

“I reappeared in a house Jeff had sold. He was my first call, of course, and he still had the same number. He picked me upHe’d just been remarried for about a year, and they were four months along expecting their first child.”

You pause, letting the weight of your words settle in the cabin. Steve's face is a mix of shock and sympathy, his blue eyes wide as he processes what you've just revealed.

“It’s something like thirty percent of couples who were married before The Blip who have had to file for this new legal classification to end a marriage. They call it a cessation. An annulment legally voids a marriage as if it never happened, and divorce is too commonly associated with a negative ending, ergo new procedure and new language.”

Steve's face crumples with understanding and sympathy. He leans forward, his elbows on his knees, hands clasped tightly together. "I'm so sorry," he says softly. "I had no idea."

You nod, blinking back tears. "It's okay. I mean, it's not okay, but... it's been a few years now. I've had time to process it."

Steve's eyes search your face. "But it still hurts."

You let out a shaky breath. "It was surreal. Like waking up from a dream, only to find that the nightmare was real. Jeff was devastated too, in his own way. He'd mourned me, moved on, built a new life. And then suddenly I was back, throwing everything into chaos. We both knew we couldn't just pick up where we left off, but it was hard to let go of what we'd had."

Steve nods slowly, his eyes never leaving your face. "I can't even imagine what that must have been like for both of you."

"It was complicated," you say, your voice barely above a whisper. "We tried to be friends at first, but it was too painful. Too many memories, too much history. Eventually, we decided it was best to go our separate ways."

Steve reaches out hesitantly, his hand hovering near yours before he pulls it back. "That must have been incredibly difficult," he says softly.

You nod, swallowing hard. "It was. For a while, I felt like I was just going through the motions. Everything I had known, everything I had planned for my future, was gone in an instant."

"How did you move forward?" Steve asks, his voice gentle.

You take a deep breath. "Slowly. Day by day. I threw myself into work, into causes I cared about. I reconnected with old friends who had also returned, made new ones. And eventually," you pause, meeting Steve's eyes, "I started to feel like myself again.”

Steve nods, his eyes filled with understanding. "It's amazing how resilient we can be," he says softly. "How we can rebuild our lives from the ashes."

You smile faintly. "It's not always easy, but we find a way."

You can see how - though your experiences had been vastly different - you had each had to piece lives back together through loss and being pushed through time in ways you never could have dreamed.

A comfortable silence falls between you, broken only by the steady hum of the plane's engines. Outside the window, the sun is beginning to set, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink. The clouds below are bathed in golden light, creating an ethereal landscape that seems to stretch on forever.

Steve's gaze follows yours to the window, and for a moment, you both just watch the breathtaking view. When he turns back to you, his expression is thoughtful, almost hesitant.

"Can I ask you something?" he says, his voice low.

You nod, bracing yourself for whatever might come next.

Steve takes a deep breath, his eyes searching yours. "I know this might be presumptuous of me to ask, but you'll always love Jeff, won't you?"

You take in his earnest expression, the way his brow is slightly furrowed with concern. The cabin feels both impossibly small and infinitely vast in this moment, like you're suspended in time and space, just the two of you existing in this bubble of honesty. You consider Steve's question, feeling the weight of your history with Jeff, the joy and the pain, the love and the loss.

"Love is... complicated," you begin, your voice soft but steady. "Jeff was my first real love - the love that weathers storms kind of love. For a long time, he was my whole world. But the world changed. We both changed. And while there will always be a part of me that cares deeply for Jeff, that cherishes the memories we shared and the life we built together, it's more like..." you pause, searching for the right words.

"It's like loving a chapter of a book that's already been written?” Steve offers.

You nod, and your mind clicks, putting together that the two of you share this understanding, too.

You have Jeff and he had Peggy Carter.

“You can look back on it fondly, appreciate the story,” he continues, “but you can never go back.”

"Exactly," you say softly, meeting Steve's gaze. "It's a part of my past that shaped me, but it's not my present or my future."

Steve nods, his blue eyes filled with far too much understanding. "I know that feeling," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

You both sit in silence for a moment, the weight of shared experiences hanging between you. The fading sunlight casts long shadows across the cabin, painting everything in warm, golden hues.

"Steve," you begin, your heart racing slightly, "I hope you know that despite how this arrangement started, I've come to care about you. Genuinely."

His eyes widen slightly, a mix of surprise and something else—hope, maybe—flickering across his face. "I care about you too," he says, his voice low and earnest, and he looks like he wants to say more, but you cut him off, knowing you need to say what’s been slowly rising to the surface in the back of your mind while the two of you have been alone in here.

“Steve, we have to tell the senior staff of the campaign about our arranged marriage. I don’t know if we go public, but we need to bring them in so it doesn’t get discovered by someone else and revealed in a blindside that no one is ready for. They were already pretty thrown off that you didn’t know about Jeff, and that’s something two people who actually dated - for any amount of time - would have known about each other before tying the knot, and we have got to be kidding ourselves if we think there aren’t other pieces that they think don’t quite fit together.”

Steve leans back fully in his seat and drops his head back, looking at the ceiling. “What, like how we didn’t sit together much before a few weeks ago? Them potentially overhearing any of our conversations where we’re clearly getting to know each other? Or, you know, not sharing a room the nights we stay in the same city and bouncing between the excuses of it being easier so we don’t wake the other one up if one of us has an earlier call time, one of us being too light of a sleeper, or that I don’t sleep as much with being a super soldier and don’t want to keep you up while I take phone calls or strategy meetings?”

You grimace. “Obviously Bucky and Sam know, but the only way the rest of them don’t already know is if they are far too busy doing their jobs from before dawn until after midnight and don’t specifically speak to anyone else on the campaign about the odd things that might raise a flag.”

Steve sighs heavily, running a hand over his beard. "You're right," he admits, his voice tinged with resignation. "We can't keep this up forever. The longer we wait, the worse it could be if it comes out."

You nod, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. "So, how do you want to do this? Call a meeting when we land in Miami?"

Steve shakes his head. "No, we need to do it now."

You raise an eyebrow. "Now? As in, on the plane?"

"Why not?" Steve says, a hint of determination creeping into his voice. "We've got the whole senior staff here. It's a controlled environment. No risk of being overheard by the wrong people."

“We should tell Jake first,” you say, standing up and smoothing down your clothes. "As campaign manager, we owe him the courtesy of finding out before the rest of the staff since he is their leader. Then we can work with him to figure out how to tell the rest of the senior staff and map strategy."

Steve nods in agreement, standing up as well. "You're right. Jake should know first." He takes a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "Ready?"

You give a short nod, your heart racing.

Steve reaches for the cabin door, but pauses with his hand on the handle. He turns back to you, his blue eyes intense. "Whatever happens, we're in this together, okay?"

"Together," you agree softly, though there’s a piece of you that wonders how you ever thought any of this would truly work.

With that, Steve opens the door and you both step out into the main cabin. The staff members look up as you enter, curiosity and concern evident on their faces. You spot Jake near the front, poring over some documents.

"Jake," Steve calls out, his voice steady and authoritative. "We need to speak with you privately.”

Bucky glances glances at you, raising an eyebrow questioningly. You give him a small nod, and he seems to understand, settling back in his seat. Steve is already stepping back into the private cabin, Jake heading toward you, but your gaze lingers on Bucky for another moment. You never thought you would be at a point where Bucky would be supportive of your arranged marriage, let alone getting after Steve and siding with you on how things were between you.

As the three of you enter the private cabin, Jake's eyes flick between you and Steve, his expression carefully neutral. The air feels thick with tension as Steve closes the door behind you, sealing off the curious gazes of the staff outside.

Jake takes a seat, his posture relaxed but attentive. The setting sun casts long shadows across his face, highlighting the lines of experience etched there. You and Steve remain standing, unconsciously positioning yourselves as a united front.

Steve takes a deep breath, his shoulders squaring as if preparing for battle. "Jake, there's something we need to tell you about our relationship," he begins, his voice steady but with an undercurrent of tension. "The story about our whirlwind engagement... it's not entirely accurate."

Jake's expression remains impassive, his eyes moving between you and Steve as he listens.

Steve’s eyes meet your breifly before he continues. "Pepper did set us up, but it wasn't a typical matchmaking situation. It was... an arrangement."

The word hangs in the air, heavy with implication. Jake's expression remains unreadable, his eyes fixed on Steve.

"An arrangement," Steve repeats, his voice low and steady, "specifically designed to provide me with a wife who could potentially serve as First Lady. We met for the first time the day we got married. Everything since then - the public appearances, the interviews, the campaign trail - it's all been part of a carefully constructed narrative."

As Steve speaks, you find yourself transported back to those first awkward days. The stilted conversations, the hesitant touches, the constant awareness of the cameras and the expectations weighing on both of your shoulders.

You watch Jake carefully, searching for any sign of surprise or disappointment, but his years of political experience have clearly honed his ability to maintain a poker face. His fingers are steepled under his chin, his eyes never leaving Steve's face as he absorbs every word.

Steve's voice grows softer as he delves into the more personal aspects of your arrangement - the initial awkwardness, the gradual building of trust, the unexpected bond that has formed between you. You feel a lump forming in your throat as you listen to him describe your journey, realizing just how far you've come.

When Steve finally gets to the end, not going into details, but going right through pieces of the conversation you had about the misunderstanding with Jeff, not reading your dossier, and then talking through it together, both of you are quiet, waiting for Jake to process and respond.

He leans back in his seat, the leather creaking softly under his weight. For a moment, he simply looks at you both, his gaze moving between you and Steve with an unreadable intensity.

Then, to your utter astonishment, a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "I know," he says quietly.

The words hang in the air, heavy with implication. Your jaw drops, your mind reeling from this revelation, and you can see Steve's eyes wide in surprise. The cabin suddenly feels smaller, more claustrophobic, as if the walls are closing in around you.

"You know?" Steve manages to choke out, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jake leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees, that small smile still playing at the corners of his mouth. "I've known from the beginning," he says, his voice low and steady. "In fact, I was the one who insisted on it."

Jake continues, his eyes moving between you and Steve. "When Pepper approached me about running this campaign, I knew it would be unlike anything we've ever seen before. A man out of time, a living legend, running for the highest office in the land." He pauses, his gaze settling on Steve. "I’ve made political miracles happen. I’ve done it many times in my career. But I knew I couldn’t make multiple miracles happen. Someone with a name but without much political background? Yes. A third party candidate? Yes. An unmarried man? Yes. All three? Not taking that chance. I told her I’d only take the campaign if she got you married off.”

You blink, no words coming to you. Steve huffs and widens his stance, putting his hands on his hips. His jaw clenches as he processes Jake's words. "So this whole thing... it was your idea?"

Jake nods, his expression serious. "Not the specifics, mind you. I didn't choose who you'd marry or how it would happen. I just laid out the necessity of it. Pepper handled the rest."

You find your voice, though it comes out quieter than you intended. "Why didn't you tell us you knew?"

"I wanted to see how you two would handle it. How you'd work together, how you'd present yourselves to the public and the staff. I needed to know if this arrangement could work, if you could sell it convincingly enough."

Steve's posture stiffens, his voice taking on an edge. "So we've been what, some kind of experiment to you?”

Jake holds up his hands in a placating gesture. "Not an experiment, Steve. A necessary political strategy. And I have to say, you've both exceeded my expectations."

You feel a mix of emotions swirling inside you - relief that Jake already knew, frustration at being kept in the dark, and a strange sense of pride at his last statement. "How have we exceeded your expectations?" you ask, genuinely curious.

Jake leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "At first, I was worried. You two were clearly uncomfortable around each other, and it showed. But over time, something changed. You started to gel, to work as a unit. The way you interact now, the little touches, the shared glances - it's become genuine."

Steve's posture relaxes slightly, but his voice is still tense when he speaks. "So what happens now? Do we tell the rest of the staff? The rest of America?”

Jake shakes his head, his expression turning serious. "In an ideal world, yes. But this isn't an ideal world. This is politics. And in politics, sometimes the truth can be more damaging than a carefully crafted narrative."

Steve's jaw clenches again, his discomfort with the situation evident. "I don't like lying to the American people," he says, his voice low.

Jake stands up, moving to face both of you directly. "It's not lying, Steve. It's... selective truth-telling. You two are married. It all moved really quickly. What started as an arrangement has become something more. And that's what we'll continue to present to the world - a strong partnership, a united front."

You feel a mix of relief and unease at his words. "But what about transparency? Isn't that what this campaign is supposed to be about?"

Jake raises an eyebrow, his expression softening slightly. "Transparency in governance, yes. But the intimate details of your personal life? Why should those be public knowledge if the broad strokes are there?"

He moves to the window, gazing out at the fading sunset.

"Look," Jake continues, his voice taking on a gentler tone, "nearly half of all marriages in America end in divorce. People change, circumstances change. What matters is how couples work through those changes together."

He turns back to face you and Steve, his eyes moving between you. "And let's not forget, arranged marriages are still a reality for many families in America. Immigrants from cultures where it's common, religious communities that practice it. The fact that you two have made it work, have grown together - that's actually a powerful narrative in itself."

You and Steve exchange a glance, both processing Jake's words. There's truth in what he's saying, even if it feels uncomfortable.

"So what do we tell the rest of the staff?" you ask, breaking the silence.

Jake considers for a moment. "Essential personnel only - so the directors and your right hands, though I imagine Bucky and Sam already know?” Steve nods and Jake continues. “We tell them the basics. That your relationship started unconventionally, that it was initially more of an arrangement than a romance. But we emphasize how you've grown together, how you've become a true partnership. We focus on the present and the future, not the past."

Steve nods slowly, his brow furrowed in thought. "And the public?"

"For now, nothing changes," Jake says firmly. "We continue with the narrative we've established. If questions arise, we address them honestly but carefully. We emphasize the same message. If people want to fight that, we point out a willingness to sacrifice, an ability to build meaningful relationships, there are a lot of ways we can go with it.”

You and Steve exchange a long look, a silent conversation passing between you. You have reservations, and so does he, but what Jake is saying makes the most sense. At least for now.

Steve takes a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I understand the strategy," he says, his voice low and steady. "And I agree that we shouldn't disrupt the campaign or put unnecessary pressure on our relationship by going public with every detail."

You nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. "I agree," you say softly. "What we have... It's complicated and it's evolving, but it's ours.”

“Good,” Jake says. Then his expression shifts, an eagerness in his eyes. "Now that we've cleared the air, I have some news for you," he says, his voice taking on a tone of barely contained enthusiasm.

You and Steve exchange a curious glance, the tension from your previous conversation slowly dissipating.

"Elsa and her team have been working on getting a high-profile interview scheduled for the two of you?" Jake begins, pacing the small cabin with an energy that seems to electrify the air around him.

Steve nods, his brow furrowing slightly. "Yes, I remember you mentioning it a few days ago."

Jake's face breaks into a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with triumph. "Well, I'm pleased to announce that we've secured what might just be the most coveted interview slot in America."

[SEPTEMBER 28 - EVENING DRIVE FROM THE RALLY BACK TO THE MIAMI AIRPORT]

“I don’t like it,” Steve says as soon as the partition between the front and back of the SUV has closed and your privacy is in place. He had also quickly jumped in the vehicle after you and shut the door to prevent anyone else joining you on the way to the airport.

You let out as small of an exasperated sigh as you can manage.

“Like it or not, it’s what’s happening,” you respond.

The the ninety-minute flight time from Athens to Miami (thanks to an airliner boosted with Stark technology) had not been enough time to tell the senior staff about your marriage, do the final logistics review for Miami, and discuss a potential strategy adjustment for the coming days given the revelation about your marriage and the ramp up to the game-changing interview coming up, so while Steve had been on stage, you had been finalizing the itinerary with Jake, Elsa, Bucky, and Pepper, who weighed in over the phone.

“I don’t think it’s the right time for you to head off to the other side of the country.”

You frown at him. “Steve, we all signed off on this plan two days ago! Zoey and I are expected to show up for this string of women-targeted events from San Diego to Seattle, and it would be horrible to cancel now.”

Steve opens his mouth, but you cut him off. “Plus, Helen Santos has agreed to appear at some of those stops with us. This will be huge for the women’s vote on the West Coast.”

Steve's jaw clenches and the breaks between Miami streetlights cast intermittent shadows across his face. "I understand the political value," he says, his voice low and tense. "But after everything that's happened today, I don't think we should be apart right now."

You feel a mix of frustration and warmth in your chest at his concern. "Steve," you say, your voice softer now, "we can't change our entire campaign strategy every time something unexpected happens. That's not how this works."

“Isn’t it?” he asks. "We adjust strategy every day, and this isn't just 'something unexpected.' This is about us, about our relationship. We just told the senior staff about our arrangement. Don't you think we need some time to process that together?"

You lean back in your seat, considering his words. "I get it. Today has been intense for us both. But the West Coast tour has been planned and the advance teams have been preparing everything and rallying people to come. We’ve spent money on ad buys and billboards. Canceling now would raise more questions than we want to deal with."

He sighs heavily, running a hand over his beard. "I know you're right. I just... I worry about you being so far away, especially now."

"Maybe this is exactly what we need right now," you say softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Steve's brow furrows, his blue eyes searching your face. "What do you mean?"

You take a deep breath, gathering your thoughts. "Think about it, Steve. Since this whole thing started, we've been living this performance, day in and day out, sometimes together, sometimes apart. You got talked into marrying me, Sam had to lecture you and Bucky to start giving me a real chance,” Steve opens his mouth but you put up a hand, “I overheard him in Cleveland. And, yes, ultimately it was good for us to talk about Jeff today, but it has me thinking about a lot of things.”

“Like what?” he asks earnestly, reaching for your hand.

You look down and squeeze it in return.

"Like why I agreed to this in the first place," you say softly. "When Pepper approached me with this idea, part of me thought it was crazy. But another part... another part of me saw it as an opportunity."

Steve's thumb traces gentle circles on the back of your hand, encouraging you to continue.

"After Jeff, after losing everything I had built and dreamed of I was terrified of caring that deeply again. Of investing so much of myself in another person, only to have it all ripped away." Your voice catches slightly, and you swallow hard before continuing. "This arrangement it felt safe, in a way. Detached. A way to move forward without risking my heart again.

“I knew you were a good guy, Steve. One of the best. Everyone knows that. Captain America, the hero who sacrificed everything to save the world. I wasn't worried about an arranged marriage with you because I knew it would be good companionship, doing important work for others. We'd be partners in a noble cause, working to make the world better."

You pause, looking out the window at the Miami streets passing by, the neon lights of the city blurring into streaks of color. When you turn back to Steve, his blue eyes are fixed on you, intense and attentive.

"But then something changed," you continue, your voice soft. "You started to open up, to let me see beyond the shield, beyond the legend. I saw your kindness, your humor, your vulnerability. The way you care so deeply about everything and everyone around you. But I don’t want either of us getting swept up into something just because we’re in this weird life that is the campaign where every minute is compressed and there are scores people around us in addition to the thousands of people we’re meeting every day and a hundred reporters and falling into each other would just be too easy while we play these parts.”

You leave off there, your heart pounding, unsure of what to say next, but sure that you said what you needed to say, even if you don’t know what is means even in your own mind and heart yet. But you know the thoughts and feelings are there.

“Where does that leave us then?” Steve questions after a few moments. “I don’t want us to take a step back.”

Your throat aches yet again with tears that want to come but that you don’t want to shed. “I don’t either,” you finally say. “I don’t feel like it’s a step back, maybe just a step sideways, needing to find more secure footing.”

The electric sound of the partition lowering a few inches interrupts the two of you.

“Captain and Mrs. Rogers, we’re about three minutes out from the airport,” the driver says, and Steve thanks him as he rolls the partition back up.

“It’s only a week,” you reassure him.

Steve sighs. “The whole point of schedule this split in our appearances together precisely at this point was to get the public primed in the idea that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder,’” he says. “Maybe it’ll work for us.”

You don’t need to grow fonder of him. “Maybe it will clear our hearts more than anything.”

“I guess we’ll see,” he says. Then he turns and looks out the window on his side.

You continue holding hands the last few minutes, but sit in silence.

[SEPTEMBER 28 - LATE EVENING - MIAMI AIRPORT]

The campaign staff swarms around you and Steve as soon as you exit the SUV. The private hangar buzzes with activity as luggage is loaded and last-minute preparations are made. You feel a twinge of anxiety as you realize this is where you and Steve will part ways for the next week.

"Mrs. Rogers, your flight to San Diego is on schedule. Wheels up in 30 minutes," Sophia, your assistant, informs you as she hands you a folder. "I've updated your briefing materials for tomorrow's events."

You nod, taking the folder and trying to focus on Sophia's words even as your mind lingers on the conversation with Steve in the car. The weight of your discussion, of the revelations and uncertainties, sits heavy in your chest.

As Sophia briefs you on the details, you can't help but glance over at Steve. He's surrounded by his own team, nodding seriously as they discuss something. His eyes meet yours for a moment, and you feel a jolt of electricity pass between you. There's so much left unsaid, so many emotions swirling just beneath the surface.

"Mrs. Rogers?" Sophia's voice snaps you back to attention. "Did you hear what I said about the event with Zoey Young and Helen Santos tomorrow afternoon?"

"I'm sorry, Sophia. Could you repeat that?" you ask, forcing yourself to focus.

As Sophia goes over the details again, you see Steve making his way over to you. Your heart rate picks up slightly as he approaches.

"Can I have a moment?" he asks, his voice low.

Sophia nods and steps away, giving you some privacy. You turn to face Steve, acutely aware of the bustling activity around you.

"I just wanted to say," Steve begins, then pauses, running a hand through his hair. "Be safe out there, okay? And if you need anything…”

“You, too,” you offer back.

Bucky approaches out of nowhere, “Sorry, wheels up in ten for us, Steve, but you can take a few more minutes if you sprint to the plane.”

Bucky squeezes your shoulder briefly. “You take care.”

You nod and smile as warmly as you can.

Alone in the sea of people again, you and Steve stall to savor a few final moments, but the uncertainty of how you’ll part is palpable.

“I meant what I said in the car about not wanting it to be a step back for us either,” you start. “I thought I’d have Sophia connect with Bucky about finding thirty minutes a day in our schedules for us to jump on a call together.”

“I think that sounds good,” Steve agrees.

Quiet falls between you two again. Your heart beats hard in your chest because now that it’s time for you to split up and board two separate planes and it was you who insisted it’s what you needed, in the final moments part of you is wavering.

Then Steve moves half a step closer and takes both of your hands in his. His touch is warm, familiar, and you feel a flutter in your chest as he looks into your eyes with an intensity that makes the bustling airport hangar fade away.

"Before you go," Steve says, his voice low and urgent, "there's something I need you to know."

You nod, your heart continuing to pound in your chest, the nearness of him both comforting and electrifying.

"I know Pepper told you I was reluctant to agree to this. She had an easier time convincing me to run than to get married. But the logical points checked out, and since I was already in, I knew I had to be all in, and I trusted Pep.”

You remember your own early conversations with Pepper, the careful way she had explained Steve's hesitation. At the time, you had assumed it was about understanding that Steve needed to become a more conventional candidate with marriage helping that.

Steve's eyes search yours, his voice softening as he continues, "But I gave her that trust because she agreed to base her choice based on the one condition I wanted her to agree to: pick someone she could see me marrying if I weren't running for President. That’s the real reason I never read your file."

Your breath catches in your throat, the weight of his words settling over you.

"When I first met you," Steve says, his thumbs tracing gentle circles on the backs of your hands, "I understood why Pepper chose you. You were kind, intelligent, passionate about making a difference. But I was still guarded, still unsure about this whole arrangement."

He takes a deep breath, his blue eyes never leaving yours. "As I got to know you, as we spent time together, I questioned myself, not knowing how to move forward since I’d faltered in the beginning, but then we started to really make something of this. I don’t know what this is yet or what will happen to us, but I think it’s something good.”

“Steve, I-”

He leans in and kisses your cheek, lingering, and your eyes flutter closed in that moment. You inhale the mix of his cologne with his natural scent, feel the warmth of his cheek against yours, the light scratch of his beard, and you want time to stop right there.

When he pulls back, there’s a serene smile on his face. “I’ll see you in Brooklyn, Mrs. Rogers.”

next part: coming 12/6

Before anyone gets carried away: THERE WILL NOT BE ANY ROMANTIC OR LUSTFUL CHAOS WITH BUCKY. Purely platonic. But now that you're one of his people, you're one of his people, and he's disappointed/annoyed with Steve, so he's in your corner on this day.

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[ijustreallylikecaptainamericaok]

if you're still in the mood to ramble, thoughts on peggysous? full disclosure, i havent seen agent carter, but i've seen ppl talk about it and how sousa was pretty misogynistic (but grew as a person or something idk) and then after endgame it was like "steve ruined peggysous! the horror" which 🙄 anyway

Hi! Whoo hoo, okay. *cracks knuckles* Strap in, everybody.

I've touched on pieces of this here and there over time, but let's just get it all in one spot.

Let me preface this all by saying that when I first started the first season of Agent Carter, I liked Daniel. He seemed like a decent dude and clearly had a thing for her, which I was down with and thought could be good for her. Initially. But it became very apparent, very quickly that that was not the case at all. Hell, even after season one I still thought both him and the ship had potential, but the show squandered it, hard.

Because yes, Daniel is a misogynist and arguably one of the worst kinds. The kind that thinks because he isn't screaming slurs or being ~~hateful~~ that that makes him one of the good ones and such a. Nice. Guy. His misogyny is insidious and paternalistic, all wrapped in some "I'm just trying to protect you" nonsense. His respect and niceness is tenuous at best, because he will turn on a dime once he thinks a woman isn't living up to his standards for them, as Peggy herself called him out for here.

And no, he did not grow. Not in AC, anyway. If anything, he became more of a dickbag as the show went on, but we'll get there. I've seen folks say that he did grow as a character once he jumped ship to Agents of SHIELD, but I haven't seen it and I don't want to and given what little I have seen of it, I have my doubts. He still seemed to be on the paternalistic shit, but Daisy was into it, so I guess that makes it alright? Whatever. Not my problem.

Now, since you didn't watch AC, Nonnie, let me give you a quick timeline of how P*ggysous went down. Season one of AC takes place over the course of a few weeks around March or April of 1946, which means it happens about a year after Steve "died." Peggy was not in a good place, obviously. She wasn't even ready to open up to having friendships with people, let alone a romance. During the course of the season, she does open up and get close to Angie Martinelli (a waitress at the diner she frequents) and Edwin Jarvis (Howard's butler), but romance is still not something she's ready for. During the season finale, Daniel asks her if she'd like to get a drink after work, but she politely declines as she already has plans with Angie and Edwin. It's also obvious in the way she smiles once Daniel turns away that she isn't opposed to the idea, it's just not good timing (for many reasons.) But the show very much leaves that door open. Fine, cool.

Season two takes place around July 1947 about six months after Daniel transferred from NYC to California. By the time Peggy arrives there for the case she's investigating, Daniel's with a new girl, Violet (who's lovely, had better chemistry with him, and didn't deserve any of this shit) and he is already planning to propose to her. Yet we're still subjected to multiple characters (especially poor Rose and even Violet) being relegated to mouthpieces for how obviously in love Daniel is with Peggy. Not to mention how the season kicks off with Jack (the SSR’s resident shithead) playing matchmaker by sending Peggy to LA, in the first place. Meanwhile, the only indication of what their relationship was between seasons is a mention of how he refused to answer her calls once he got out to LA. Then the season ends with Peggy's other, better romantic prospect, Jason, leaving the country to work with Howard and Peggy decides to stay in LA and kisses Daniel. And then the show got canceled.

(And per EG and AOS, they broke up some point before 1949.)

Like, what? It's so rushed and so stupid. Both of them had options that were better and made more sense, yet the show still forced this ship. And not only was it pushing this ship hardcore, for some reason, it also made a big deal about how Peggy had to chose between him and Jason, immediately, right now. Despite the fact that the show made it very clear that it was never going to let her pick Jason anyway. Everything about the ship was so sudden and urgent, out of almost nowhere. Yes, the ship was teased in the first season, but it's still remarkable how suddenly it escalated and again, for almost no reason.

It’s not like they had some whirlwind romance off-screen that turned sour or that Peggy was stringing him along, no. Dude asks her out once, she says no (because duh), then literally nothing happens between them for months, but he’s so incapable of dealing with or moving on from his work crush that he fucks off across the country to immediately hook up with some other girl, who he immediately drops once Peggy’s back in the picture. Seriously, fuck this entitled dumbass. I’m not the least bit sad that Marvel broke up this train wreck. The bottom line is this: Agent Carter ruined P*ggysous, not Endgame and certainly not Steve.

And no, despite what many want to claim, Daniel is not Peggy’s Nameless Husband. We are given one piece of information about her husband in TWS, which is that Steve saved him at some point during the war. Maybe AC’s writers intended to go down that route with Daniel, but as of the end of season two and the show as a whole, there is no indication at all that that factoid applies to him.

Even if he was the Nameless Husband that changes nothing for me, because, well, the ship sucks, but also! Different timeline, different rules. Peggy’s allowed to make different choices under different circumstances. And the concern trolls who claim Steve somehow took away her choices and her life? They damn well know that, as evidenced by the fact that no one’s crying over the Captain Carter timelines hurting Daniel or the Nameless Husband, who are apparently oh so entitled to her in the prime timeline. The post-EG fawning over Daniel and worry over the Husband was bullshit from the get-go, but the lack of any of that same concern post-WI or post-MoM confirms what the real problem always was: Peggy can make any and every choice she wants to as long as she doesn’t choose to be with Steve. And I’m sorry, but there’s no way for me to describe that other than fucking bullshit.

(”thoughts on ___” meme)

[venomous-soliloquy]

I legitimately just got angry because, like, the Russo brothers did The Winter Soldier and that's a damn good movie, still my favorite of the MCU (look I just really love the stealth suit, and the espionage (or the thin veneer of it anyway) and the scene with Nick in his car, and the elevator scene, and that first fight between Steve and Bucky, and Sam, omg Sam. It's not the greatest movie ever by a long shot, but it's really good)

But after The Winter Soldier? They characterized Steve like complete shit. Sure there's parts of Steve's character I love in CW and he's a snack to look at through out. But I've spent the last few years going

'I don't get why they never even really detailed Steve's full opinion on the Accords, wasn't it supposed to be a Cap Movie? I mean the name is in the damn title'

But you know why we get the bare bones of his argument? Because they didn't give two shits about his character and didn't care to even flesh out what he was trying to say. Instead we get him sounding arrogant and misguided and saying 'governments are untrustworthy' and that's it. Nothing else. (to be fair he did just find out there were a bunch of Nazis in the US government in The Winter Soldier, so that part of his opinion kinda is understandable. If I just found out the same... well id probably feel pretty similar.)

And like a friend of mine said, they went into civil war way too early as it was.

And THEN we get Infinity War and Endgame. Infinity War is... eh, there's not a lot of characterization for him there in general and he mostly feels like a pretty piece of eye candy in it and little more. Rhodey just outright accepting him back is... strange, but technically he is his own character and is not beholden to Tony and Tony's grievances with Steve.

But Endgame... If I could gnash my teeth about that movie any louder and more violently I *would*. I give it some leeway because it's what really sucked me into the Stony fandom and there's some great scenes. And again, Steve looks like a fucking grade-a SNACK in it. But by the end it's a complete character assassination that not only destroys Steve's character so thoroughly that it's reprehensible, but it also relegates Peggy to the role of Trophy and Prize to Steve. And that's fucking disgusting on top of everything else.

It pisses me off so much, because I absolutely adore Steve and I watch so many people just completely misunderstand his character, his motivations, his ideals. But it's come to a point where I can't really blame them. With what the Russo's did with him? It's no surprise at all.

I may hate just how 'Gee Gosh Golly Me!' Joss made him, but I'd take 'strangly innocent and wholesome war veteran who barely knows how to cuss' Steve over the train wreck we ended up with.

[valkyrieandstrangeridingaragorn]

It’s insane how Tony stans make everything about his trauma. Both my parents never said they loved me (he at least had a loving mom) so I know how much it hurts. But that doesn’t excuse him treating Steve badly because he was Howard’s friend. Steve didn’t know him when he was a dad, he had no control over how much Howard talked about him. I understand Tony holding some resent, but his stans shit on Steve for backtalking to Tony. Steve was fresh out of the ice in that movie. He recently watched his best friend die, lost the love of his life Peggy, and is in a new century. Howard died 10 yrs ago. Steve had more of a right to be upset and emotional with how Tony was treating him. And I hate they dedicated IM 3 to Tony’s PTSD from New York. Only Tony gets to have it? That just fueled his stans to hate on Steve for “treating their poor ptsd baby rudely in Avengers”

It's funny that they think his trauma validates and justifies everything he does then in the same breath will claim Bucky must have a redemption arc after what he did as the Winter Soldier (even though he was forced to do it and he's a victim) or that Loki deserves to be humiliated and punched because he invaded NYC.

Some characters are allowed to move on from the mistakes they have made, others are forever defined by them.

I hate Stark but I can understand he was a traumatized character and yeah the invasion messed with him, but the thing is it messed with everyone. The difference is he got an entire movie where it was discussed and shown more than once just how much it had affected him. The other characters however never did.

Steve was retrieved from the ice, taken to a cabin (AoS canon here) then told that aliens existed and he was expected to return to the fight in a span of a few weeks. No regard or consideration for his mental health, Fury shows up in the middle of a PTSD episode with a mission. Where are the scenes of him getting used to the present, mourning his past and his life, and Bucky and the Howlies? Oh yeah, in the deleted scenes. And as if that wasn't bad enough he has to put up with this stranger, the son of a man he used to know decades ago, acting all sassy and standoffish and overall insufferable towards him for no freaking reason.

I want to make it clear that trauma isn't a competition and you don't need to invalidate one's trauma to lift another's but Marvel's decision to only focus on one character's pain while ignoring the others is what leads to this: people being mad because Steve wasn't all smiles at Stark even when he was being insufferably rude to him.

What of Steve's pain? Why did we never see any flashbacks to his life, a scene with his parents, we never got to see Sarah! We don't know anything about Steve's past besides he was skinny and sick, Bucky was his friend and he wanted to join the army. For someone who has a whole damn movie based in the 40's they sure didn't explore who he was all that well. And to add insult to injury his 3rd movie wasn't even about him to begin with.

I feel the stans who say that basically repeat what Marvel proved time and time again, that whatever Stark says is the gospel and ultimately ends up being right. What else when he gives a Hydra speech in Endgame talking about "precious freedoms" as if civil rights were frivolous things we should give up every now and then and no one corrects him? Or when he creates Edith and gives the glasses to a kid and the entire movie is about who gets to own those glasses instead of making a point in saying that they shouldn't exist in the first place, that Stark shouldn't have created them?

I get trying to explain and contextualize characters, I do it all the time. But there's that and there's justifying every action they make under "he had ptsd". Look, as rude as this might sound, I don't care. He was an adult, he could have gotten help, he should have worked on that but he didn't.

He had no right to be mad at Steve for Howard's bad parenting or apparent obsession with him, and this take that Steve should have stayed quiet and put up with whatever bullshit Stark would throw at him? Yeah I don't think so.