#and we were. were. he kind of withdrew himself from my life and I've been too scared to text first

[rogue-storm]

Do you ever get the vibe that a friend likes you? I'm not totally certain that's what's happening, but it's eerily familiar to TWO other circumstances where that's happened. And um. Instead of feeling happy you just want to cry? What is this feeling?

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

Agitation 3.8

(This is me, writing reactions as I read, because why the fuck not. They're not complete, mature thoughts taken after I sit back and evaluate what I've read. Consider them as such)

(Every time I type out Agitation, I feel like I'm spelling it wrong)

“Any trouble?” Grue asked Tattletale.

Tons

Tattletale took hold of the stainless steel wheel that jutted out from the front of the vault and spun it, then stopped it. She repeated the process, going right, then left, then right again, for an indeterminably long time.  Just when I had the hopeful thought that maybe she wasn’t able to get in, there was a sound of something heavy shifting inside the door.

Tattletale OP, please Nerf :P

 The bank kept copies of all important documents for the local branches here, in a fireproof vault, in case of disaster

Take those too!

Grue, for his part, withdrew a short crowbar from within the darkness that smoldered around his body.  He set to cracking open the filing drawers with the squealing noise of metal creaking and bending.

Oh. They are. Cool. I don't remember hearing about this part. Probably Coil wants to do identity theft or w/e with it.

 Or, on a similar note, maybe there was something specific that would be found in the midst of the paperwork, and he was willing to buy it all if it meant keeping his true intentions unclear.

Probably not in this case, as the Bank wasn't his idea, but it's definitely the kind of thing I can see Coil doing.

I’d only ever seen her sullen and hostile, so any smile would be kind of creepy.  It was worse than that.  Hers was the kind of smile you’d see from someone who had never seen one before and was trying to replicate one from what they’d read in books.  Too many teeth showing, I suppressed a shiver and focused on the work.

Fuck. I'm not allowed to relate to Rachel. I don't like her. But fuck me if I don't do that too. Always too many teeth when I smile on purpose. When I was a kid my then stepmom called it my 'serial killer smile' which really does to wonders for a ten year old's sense of themselves. Thanks!

The cockroach, I’d come to think of him.  The boy with no weak points.

That's a bit rude, Taylor.

Gallant was an older teenager in a gunmetal and silver costume that blended the appearance of a pulp science fiction hero with a medieval knight.

Boo hiss Dean! /s

(Dean's nice. I like Dean.)

Also, probably a striking visual image.

His muscle laden arms were bigger around than my thighs,

Does that mean much, coming from you, Taylor? :P

He’s also packing personal biokinesis, which means he’s got a kind of ability to manipulate his own body. He can heal just by concentrating on an injury, and he’s used it to bulk up. He might be capable of doing more on the fly, depending on how much he’s trained since we saw him last. He’s been a solo hero in Brockton Bay for a little while.”

Kind of the opposite of Amy then. She can affect all life but herself, and he can only affect himself.

“I made an educated guess,” Tattletale spoke in a low voice, “I was wrong.  Sue me.”

I volunteer!

“Educated guess.  It would have been nice if you had said it was an educated guess, way back when we were planning this.”

I think that's technically *all* Tattletale can do. It's just that her guesses are very educated.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was a bad situation, and worse, I was afraid it was my fault. I’d warned Armsmaster something was going to happen. I could believe that he’d told the teams to be ready to go out in force. Even worse, he could be the unknown person on the roof. If that was the case, and Tattletale caught on, I was supremely fucked.

This one's not on you, Taylor.

“You guys are masters at the getaway, right?  So we change gears.  We fight them face to face.”

There are so many ways this could go wrong for our protagonists. Is this Taylor hedging her bets, or just desperate to not get a hostage hurt and grabbing onto the only option?

[letsrilakkusu-blog]

A Little Life, a lot of pain

I'm late to the party, but I just finished reading A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and wow, I am not okay. I'm restarting this blog solely because I need a space to talk about it.

I struggled to keep up with my reading last year because I chose several books that ended up being less than stellar. To start off 2023, I was between A Little Life and Kamusari Tales Told at Night, the follow-up to The Easy Life in Kamusari by Shion Miura. Although daunting in subject matter and length, I went with A Little Life because I figured it was better to start with a heavy book and have a lighter book ready in the reserves for after.

- SPOILERS AHEAD -

I had a vague idea of the plot, only that it followed a group of four friends and that there were a lot of trigger warnings involved. The book starts off innocently enough with the four vastly different but incredibly close guys trying to make it in New York City. Soon it takes a turn to focus on Jude though, and the deeper into his past and psyche we go, the darker it gets. My heart broke and kept on breaking with Jude's every memory detailing abuse of every kind imaginable, his every self-inflicted wound, his every revelation about what an abomination he is and how little he is worth, despite all of the evidence to prove otherwise.

I don't know what I was expecting - the cover photo says a lot, and once the novel does its first shift in perspective to Harold speaking to Willem, in which he seems to speak of Jude as though he is no longer there, I had an inkling of how it would end. Still, I somehow deluded myself multiple times into thinking that maybe, just maybe, the story wasn't going to end with Jude killing himself. And I think the reason why is because the joyous moments of Jude's life - the times spent with his friends-turned-family, Harold and Julia's decision to adopt him, the start of his romantic relationship with Willem, which I had hoped for from the beginning but didn't actually believe would happen - were so unbelievably poignant and beautiful, how could I not wish for a happier, or at least less tragic, ending for this character that has been through so much and deserves every happiness bestowed upon him and more? It's like I was reading a marathon in which I thought that if I got through a particularly bad section (his relationship with Caleb, his memories of Brother Luke and Dr. Traylor), I would be rewarded with a brief respite, a tender moment that would make my heart soar and tears well up in my eyes. It was only after Willem's death, which sucker-punched me in the gut out of nowhere, that I realized I had probably reached the point of no return. Still, I barrelled toward the end, sobbing, hoping, pleading just like Jude's loved ones, and when the end result was what I had originally dreaded, I was left shocked but not shocked, helpless, and empty.

While the story completely wrecked me, I believe that it is a very realistic portrayal of trauma and recovery, and the effects they have on not just the person experiencing it, but those around them. Trauma is deeply personal and isolating. Recovery is not linear, but a lifelong process through which you are never truly “healed”. Sometimes love is just not enough. It wasn't enough for Jude to overcome his fear and hate of sex, and it wasn't enough to keep him going once he lost Willem. I felt that I as a reader was getting pulled along with the same emotions as those around Jude. I grew uneasy every time he withdrew into himself, I felt complacent and accepting when his situation was not better but at least stagnant, I celebrated every triumph, and I found myself holding my breath, waiting, for the day we all knew was inevitable but had fervently wished would never come.

I'm not sure if I would recommend A Little Life to others, especially if I'm not familiar with their tolerance for such heavy topics and themes. Despite that, it's making a strong case for being one of the most amazing books I've ever read, and it will sit with me for a long time to come. It was painful, at times almost too much to bear. But balancing out the pain were the truly beautiful moments of pure joy, the unconditional love and friendship, the things that make our little lives a little better.

[seabass17]

All that’s left | Pt. 2

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem! Reader

A/n: So, this is... a different reader in comparison from the one in the first part but I kinda like it? Anyway, Im considering making a third part and im thinking it'll contain some smut. I used google translator so please don't judge me. Tell me what you think. Happy reading.

All that's left pt. 1

Warnings: angst, mentions of scars, swearing, implied smut?

Word count: 3.263

Summary: After moving from her life in New York, away from the Avengers and him, she finds happiness and a life that she actually enjoys, but that seems to last little when she spots the familiar jet on the roof of the building she lives in. Is she ready to face them? To face him?

*Three months later*

The warm air surrounding my body made me take a deep breath and unconsciously smile. I was happy, I was free, I was whole. I was with my neighbor drinking coffee in our usual spot, which was a cafe near the main street of the place that I decided was going to become my new home.

“Продолжай рассказывать мне о своем боссе, который сводит тебя с ума” (Keep on telling me about your boss who drives you crazy) Andrei said making me laugh and shake my head.

“Не о чем говорить, он просто засранец, который дает мне слишком много работы и заставляет меня плакать” (Nothing to talk about, he's just an asshole who gives me too much work and makes me want to cry) I laughed. I had met Andrei a week after I moved in and there was an immediate connection. No, it wasn’t in a romantic one, god no, we were just really good friends that had a lot in common.

“Now now, that was not what i saw the other day when i went to pick you up from work” He said with a playful smirk plastered on his light brown face. I gasped, a fake indignant expression on my face while my hand went to my chest. He laughed loudly. “Don’t play that card, I saw you!” he added

“I don’t know what you are talking about” I said, trying to fight the smile that tried to come out but failing miserably, we both laughed.

He and I had become quite close in the little time that we had known each other. He was an American with a Russian name. He explained that his mother was from the states while his father was a russian spy, they fell in love against all odds and eventually, Andrei was brought to this world. When he was fifteen his father died and he and his mom went to America, where he finished high school and surprisingly, entered the military. He did two tours before he decided that he had enough and returned to Russia. Hence why he could speak both Russian and English fluently. As for me, I told him that I was in some sort of organization that worked for the government, and that’s why I knew russian. He believed me, thank God,  I didn’t want to talk about how I was part of the Avengers and why I left. Obviously I will tell him when the time is right and I know that he can be fully trusted.

“Oh, come on Ames, are you going to tell me that you don’t like him one bit? Not in the slightest?” he asked, smiling and I shook my head. He stayed silent for a second and stared at me, like he was considering whether he should ask me something or keep quiet. “Is it because of him?” he finally asked, watching me closely to see my reaction. I felt my stomach twist at the mention of him. Of course it was because of him, because of them, I couldn’t afford getting hurt and betrayed one more time. Andrei didn’t know his name, or theirs for that matter, so I smiled weakly and nodded.

“Yeah, I know it sounds stupid but… I just can’t afford getting hurt, not again, not anymore” I said looking at my hands.

“I understand, believe me I do” he said, his hand reaching out to hold mine. I looked up to find his brown eyes looking for mine, I saw nothing but genuine love -the friendly kind- in them. I smiled and squeezed his hand. He was going to say something but his phone rang; a notification. He withdrew his hand to look at his phone and the moment he did, people around us started getting up and running in the same direction. I looked at him confused to find him frowning at his phone.

“What is it?” i asked.

“The Avengers are here…” He said and my heart skipped a beat and my body went rigid. Andrei noticed. “What 's wrong?”. Well, there’s no use keeping him from the truth anymore.

“So, remember when I told you that I worked for an organization for the government? Okay don’t freak out and hate me but, here it goes” I took a deep breath. “That organization was called The Red Room were they trained me from a very young age to be a perfect cold-blooded killer, years later i escaped and was on the run until i got a new identification, name, address, new everything and then joined the avengers to amend the wrongs I made in the past. To my luck, it didn’t go great because it ended up breaking me the same way The Red Room did, so I left to find a fresh start and came here where I met you. Please don’t hate me” I concluded in one breath. Andrei was silent with a straight face, which was hard to read, and eventually after a few seconds that felt like an eternity and shrugged his shoulders. WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN.

“Believe it or not, I've heard worse” he simply said

“Worse than finding out that your best friend is a train killer and former avenger?” i asked incredulously and he tilted his head and smirked

“US Agent mother and Russian spy father” He said. I laughed and he followed right after. “So, I'm guessing we are running away?” he asked. Say what now?

“We?” I asked, almost in shock to which he simply nodded, “You don’t think im just gonna let you go like that, please, is not that easy to get rid of me” he snorted. “And I'm supposing Amelia is not your real name either, given the fact that you ran off,” he added. Damn, he is good.

“Y/n, y/n y/l/n” I said and he slowly smiled

“Well y/n, nice to meet you, my name is Andrei Petrova” he said, extending his hand, i repeated his action with the same smile. “I’ve got to say, I like the name y/n more than Amelia '' he added and laughed. We were brought back to the matter at hand when the screaming of the people were getting louder. I snapped my head up and saw the familiar jet on the roof of the building where I was living.

“Here’s what we are going to do, I’m going to my apartment and buy us some time while you go get a car and,” i handed him my card “you are going to get all the money from my bank account. I will meet you in front of the cafe that’s two blocks away from my place”

“Are you going to be okay?” He asked with clear worry in his eyes. I smiled and nodded

“Yes, I promised. Now go” I said before he got up and ran. I sighed and went to my apartment. Was I really going to do this? After months, was I ready to face them, already knowing the truth? Well, guess I'm going to find out.

Once in the building I decided to programmed the lights to go out in 50 minutes and then I went to the elevator, wanting to appear as normal as possible even though I felt like my heart was going to explode from how fast it was beating inside my rib cage. When the elevator stopped at my floor I walked until I was standing in front of my door. I didn’t need to wait and confirm, I knew they knew I was here, now there’s only one thing left to do. But before I did anything, the door creaked open.

*10 hours earlier*

Bucky paced from one side to the other, finding himself incapable of staying put. Natasha sat silently on her chair, Tony was in the front with his head in between his hands, Steve was resting on the side of the wall looking at the floor, Bruce was just standing there holding his chin analyzing everyone in the room. Sam sat on the couch looking through his phone, Vision was sitting next to Wanda on the other couch, while Clint and Thor were sitting on the other chairs. Peter had some school stuff to deal with like the teenager that he was. They’ve been looking for her for the past three months, and about a week ago, a picture was found of someone that looked exactly like her, all except her hair that was a bit shorter and the color was different, but other than that, it was practically her.

Not wanting to get their hopes -or rather enthusiasm- up, they decided to look deeper and found out that the picture was taken a month ago in the city of Magadan located in Russia. They found out that before three months, the name Amelia Agapov, didn’t exist. The more they looked into it, the more they were convinced that it was her.

“The mission report from Agent Carter arrived, should i put it on the screen?” the voice of the AI filled the room. The team had been waiting for that report for days, the nerves of the question that lingered in the air ‘was it her?’ being present for that time only grew stronger as Stark asked FRIDAY to project the report on the screen.

Pictures were shown, most of them were about this woman buying in the market, having coffee with a guy, but there was one, where her face was looking straight into the lens of the camera, and it was that picture that left the people in the room absolutely rigid. It was her.

“We found her…” Tony said in a whisper. Everybody kept their gaze on the picture on the big screen. After months looking for her, they finally had found her. To everyone, it was like someone just discovered something new, a kind of relief and anxiety all at the same time.

“Suit up, we’re going to get her” Steve said to the group, but see, it was the choice of words from Cap that Bucky found unsettling.

“Get her? Like she is some kind of criminal?” he said, looking at his best friend dead in the eye. Steve opened his mouth to say something but Tony beat him to it.

“She was trained by The Red Room to be an assassin, we can expect nothing more from her '' He said, trying to calm Bucky down, but instead it only caused him to get angrier, and not only him.

“So was I” Natasha said, her voice low that could scare anyone to the bone if they weren’t so used to her.

"It's different" Tony said

“How is it different?” Wanda said this time, “It wasn’t when you practically recluded me after I helped Ultron and tried to kill you all” she added.

Tony sighed and looked down, realizing that he might be overreacting.

“Let’s just get suit up and get on with it” Steve said, cutting the rather awkward silence that filled the room.

The avengers were suit up and on the quinjet in less that forty-five minutes, and they were in Madagan in nine hours, it took them an hour to find her building, and once they found it, Clint landed the jet on the roof and they all got out and looked for her apartment. Funny enough, it was the same number as the one she used to live in New York; 108. They waited for what seemed an eternity until they heard footsteps just outside the door. Suddenly, the air felt thick with anticipation, but Bucky couldn’t wait any longer so he crossed the living room in two steps and opened the door. She was standing there. Silence took over the entire apartment until she broke it.

“Well, are you going to move so that I can get inside my goddamn apartment Barnes?” she said expectantly. Bucky realized that he had been staring at her since he opened the door. Her hair was different, more wavy and a shade or two lighter. He moved to the side and she was able to see the rest of the team. This was going to be one hell of an evening.

Breathe. In… and out…

It was hard. Fuck. Okay i can do this.

“Well isn’t this nice. All the team back together again!” I said with sarcasm dripping from every letter.

“What the hell did we ever do to you?” Steve said firmly.

“Damn, getting straight into it. That’s okay” i shrugged as I went to my room but the sound of the blasters of Tony's suit stopped me.

“Stop, don’t take another step” He said, lifting his hands and I smiled.

“Really? Well unfortunately i have to change, so i’ll leave the door open if it makes you comfortable” i said as i continued to walk to my room, and like I said, i left the door open.

“Y-you don’t have to do that, you can…” Wanda said but trailed off. I had taken my shirt off; my scars were shown.

“So, Steve” I broke the silence as I put on a black shirt, “the thing that you did wasn’t as bad as tin man over there, but you still let Hydra take me the day we took out the helicaries” i added. His face got pale and started shaking his head.

“What? No, you made it out safe, you-” He started saying but i interrupted him

“You sure? Who do you think stopped Rumlow when he tried to interfere with the exchange of the chip when you were in the helicarrier with Bucky?” He started thinking for a moment until he realized what I said fell into place. “Yeah, I took one hell of a beating, and if that wasn’t enough, I fell to the water. I fell thirty floors down, and I alone got myself out, because I didn't have anyone to cover me or have my back” i concluded.

“Your scars…” Tony said this time and i turned to him

“Yeah, thanks to you Mr. Stark” i said and he looked at me. “Doctor said that 74% of my body is covered with scars, along with one or two burns”

“You were that girl in The Red Room” Natasha said, causing me to turn my head to look at her and I smiled cynically, “You are Eliza” she finished.

“Давно не виделись с Натальей” (Long time no see Natalia) i said and she looked at me in pure surprise in her faced. That’s something coming from the famous Black Widow.

“What about the rest of us y/n?”  Sam said this time, redirecting my attention from Natasha to the rest of the group. Thor was standing there holding his hammer, Bruce was next to the fridge, Clint was by the sink, Wanda was with Vision beside the kitchen table and Bucky was by the door. They were all looking at me. I took a look at the clock, I have to leave in less than thirty minutes.

“Long story short, Clint, Bruce, Sam, Wanda and Vision are the ones that didn’t do anything, so just chill out, you are still on my good side” I smiled and waved my hand.

“Hold on, but what did I do?” Thor asked and I looked at him.

“God it really is unfair how such a little thing can cause such a big problem. The first time you came down to earth, met Jane, bla bla bla… when her stuff was under custody of shield, and you took that notebook; they blamed me. I know it may seem weird because, how? Thing is, I was undercover at that time inside Shield, so when the notebook disappeared, guess who was the one that got beaten for it. I couldn’t move from the pain.”

Thor was standing completely still.

“Lady y/n…”

“How is it possible? I was there  and never saw you” Clint interrupted Thor.

“It was before the avengers, i was on the run and a girl's gotta eat. Don’t worry, I never gave them anything. Got the money and then killed them, they were nobodies” I shrugged off.

“So, that’s all you needed to know, so if you please leave my…” I said but then he interrupted me.

“No” I would be lying if I said it didn’t send shivers down my spine at his tone, and I hate even more that he noticed it. “You’re missing one doll” Well fuck me

I turned to see him and he was walking painfully slow towards me and I was praying for my legs to not give out.

“Barnes” I simply said, thanking God and all the saints that it didn’t come out as a whimper. I took a look at the clock once more. I have to leave. Now. “Such a shame, wish you had fought for us, I would have gone through hell and back for you, Buck” his eyes were looking straight to my own and I felt like he was staring at my bare soul. In a way, he was. I smiled and I saw behind my back that the team was looking at us, we’ve never been this close, not in public anyway. I standed on my tiptoes and reached for his right ear, he instinctively reached down so it was a bit easier for me.

“If you want to know, you’ll have to find me first дорогой” (Sweetheart) I whisper. Next thing, the light went out just like I programmed it to and I slid beside Bucky to reach out to the door and to the hall. I could hear the team screaming ‘what the hell just happened’. I ran to the emergency stairs, and once out I could still feel him behind me, getting close. I went into an alley, having to detour, knowing that he eventually was going to catch up to me and I couldn't have him follow where I was really going. A few seconds later, I felt him caging me to the wall on the alley, both of us breathing heavily. His flesh hand went to my throat and his metal one rested on the wall.

“Given a different occasion, I would have loved this, don’t get me wrong, I still love how you…”

“What the hell are you doing?” he asked huskily and I smiled.

“I told you, you’ll have to wait until you find me again. Alone.” i said

“Come on Barnes, do you really think that the charade of being your personal fuck toy would last forever?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It wasn’t like that, i…” he said but trailed off. The pain in my chest starting and clenching my heart.

“There it is…” i said lowly, the hurt in my voice evident, “listen, i’d love to keep talking about how you used me, but like i said,” i got close to his face, my nose touching his, “find me to found out” after that,  I raised my knee kicking him right in between his legs.

He let out a pained groan and fell to the floor, causing his grip in my neck to give out. I took advantage and ran. Two blocks away, I saw Andrei. When he saw me running to him, he immediately got in the car and turned the engine on, then I got in.

“Drive, fast” it was the first thing i said

“Where?” he asked while we took off. I smiled and looked at him

“You’ll see”

-

-

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Taglist

@silentkiller2374 @vikingqueenlove @girlfriday007 @supraveng

[i-have-a-wonky-eye-too]

A Princess. A Queen. A Wife. A Mother.

Medieval Au

Princess Y/N Stark of York New must marry a man chosen by her brother, by the time she is 21. Her brother's council have the perfect man in mind, one that is terrifying and hell bent on having his Queen. But Princess Y/N's heart belongs to another, and luckily so does her hand in marriage.

A princess is far more powerful than a king, my love. You have the power of merging families and kingdoms. You have the power of carrying hopeful heirs to the throne. You have more power than you know...'

Bold italics are flashbacks.

Series warnings: swearing, medieval views on women, arranged marriage, smut, bloodshed, violence, 18+ readers only

Part warnings: talk of arranged marriage,

<Part 8<

"What's the matter, Princess?" Lady Natasha asked.

The two of you were taking a stroll through the castle gardens before you had to begin getting ready for the ball. You had thought the time leading up to the ball would drag, giving you time to prepare yourself, but it seemed a month was no time at all to prepare yourself for meeting your possible future husband.

"Oh, nothing really, Natasha," You let out a heavy sigh as you came to a stop beside the rose bushes. You pinched one between your thumb and fingers, breaking the stem and lifted it to your nose, breathing in its floral scent. "Just dreading this evening, I think."

"But you have nothing to dread. It's just a ball, Your Highness." Natasha smiled at you.

You nodded, "I know but," You let out a soft sigh and looked at her. "I don't think King Steven will be attending." You frowned.

"There's still no word from him?" Natasha frowned.

You shook your head, "I don't think he's never attended a ball we've thrown, other than when he was at war." Your frown deepened at the thought of him fighting in battle. "It's not just Steven, I'll miss if he doesn't attend. There's James, and Samuel... anyone who comes with him, really." You chuckled to yourself, "They are far more interesting than anyone from here."

Natasha giggled, "I know what you mean, Princess."

You grinned at her. "I bet you do. How many times did you disappear with Sir James whilst we were in Brook?" You teased.

She began blushing and looked away. "You mean how many times did Lady Wanda disappear with Sir Samuel?"

Your eyes widened with a gasp. You reached out and took hold of her hand. "I thought it was just a crush?"

Natasha shook her head grinning. "Not anymore. Sir Samuel asked her to accompany him on a walk of the gardens multiple times whilst we were there, and they shared a kiss on the last night we spent there."

"Oh, wonderful." You sighed happily, "She deserves a little happiness. I'm glad she got to see her brother whilst we were there as well."

Lady Wanda's brother, Sir Pietro, was one of King Steven's knights. As a mark of respect for Anthony and the kingdom of York New, King Steven moved Lady Wanda to your court so she could be one of your ladies-in-waiting. It was two birds with one stone, he had no need of a lady-in-waiting in his castle due to the lack of female presence, and he knew she would be welcomed with open arms. He knew you would become one of her close friends in no time because you were such a caring and loving person.

"I hope you got to visit Sir Clint and his family whilst we were there?" You asked hopeful that your friend got to see the small family that she was so close to.

She nodded with the biggest grin on her face. "I did, Princess. Baby Nathanael is going to be strong like his father."

"I'm glad to hear. I must try to visit the next time I visit, Brook." You reminded yourself.

"Your Highness," Peter called out as he ran down the stairs and up to you and Natasha. You gave him a smile as you turned around to face him. "King Anthony wanted me to let you know that the Kings are about to arrive."

"Oh," Your voice was barely above a whisper. "I best, greet them then, hadn't I." You gulped, giving Peter a panicked look.

Peter stepped closer to you and gave you an encouraging smile, "There's nothing to fear, Princess. I'll be there to protect you. And Lady Natasha and Lady Wanda will also be close by. I'm sure the two of them can scare any unwanted attention off if you wish them to." He sent you a wink along with a cheeky smirk, putting a genuine smile on your face.

"Oy," Lady Natasha smacked the back of her hand against Peter's shoulder playfully. You let out a giggle as you looped your arm with Natasha's. "He's not wrong though, Princess. We'd gladly beat anyone you asked us to." She giggled making you laugh even more.

You nodded, "Yes, I do believe you would." You smiled at her. "But for now, we need to greet our guests or we shall all be in trouble." You smiled at Natasha and Peter. "Shall we,"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It's a pleasure to see you again, King Thor," You greeted the King of Asgard with a small smile. You began blushing as he pressed a soft kiss to the back of your knuckles.

"The pleasure is all mine, Princess Y/N. You are more beautiful than your portrait does you justice." The King of Asgard gave you a flirtatious smile.

Your eyes widened a little, "So, you thought I wasn't beautiful when you saw my portrait?" You asked playfully, not being able to help yourself.

King Thor's mouth opened and closed before he looked away from you and up to your brother who began laughing. "I-"

"You are a fool, dear brother," Prince Loki snickered as he stepped from King Thor's side and took your hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Princess Y/N. You've most certainly grown into an even more beautiful woman than the last time we met." He bowed to you.

"Thank you, Prince Loki." You quickly withdrew your hand and stepped closer to your brother.

"Gentlemen, if you'd like to follow Sir Hank he will escort you inside." Tony smiled warmly at his friend and his brother. He turned to face you with nce the pair of you were left alone. "Not so bad, is it?" He asked with a pleased smile.

You hummed. "We've only exchanged greetings, Anthony." You sighed, looking over towards the gate with a hopeful look in your eyes.

King T'Challa, the King of Wakanda had already arrived and just like last time you met him, he was a kind man and didn't make you feel uncomfortable like King Thor had. The Asgardian king was also harmless, just a bit openly obvious of his... kingly duties towards women. Prince Loki however, you weren't so sure about him, he gave off unsettling vibes but you knew for sure he was not going to be your future husband. The deep scowl your brother wore made that obvious.

"Are we expecting anymore guests?" You looked away from the gates to your brother.

Anthony nodded, "One or two other kings whom you've never had the pleasure of meeting before." He smiled softly at you. "Why?" He asked with a raised eyebrow as you let out a disappointed sigh.

You shook your head, "No... reason... may I be, excused from meeting the other kings at this moment in time? I don't feel, all that up to it, and I much rather rest and be... fighting fit for this evening. I'll make sure to spend extra time with them." You gave your brother a tight lipped smile.

Anthony nodded, "Of course, Y/N. I'll have lunch sent up to you, for you and your ladies."

"Thank you, Tony," You leaned up on your tiptoes and pressed a kiss to your brother's cheek. "Until this evening then, brother." You bowed to him before turning and leaving your brother's side.

It took everything in you not to show your disappointment or to let the tears that were threatening to fall to run down your cheeks.

"Come, Lady Natasha," You smiled at her as you once again slipped your arm through hers, "I'm to rest for the rest of the day until this evening." You smiled at her, "I'm going to need it if I'm to keep a fake smile on my face all evening."

Natasha nodded, "Oh, don't think it will be fake all evening, Your Highness. You seemed to genuinely smile when speaking to King T'Challa." She grinned at you.

You hummed with a nod, "I do quite like the King of Wakanda," You smiled with a slight blush. "He is a kind man, James said so himself," You wiggled your eyebrows at her making her giggle.

"And the King of Asgard? Is he a kind man?" She smirked at you knowingly.

You let out a soft sigh and leaned close so only she may hear your next words, "I believe his brains are in his breeches." You giggled along with her.

"I've heard he's a mighty lover, almost as if he was a God." Natasha whispered, "At least if you were to become his Queen that would be a positive. Most men are selfish lovers..." She sighed softly.

"Is Sir James?" You teased, letting out a playful giggle as Natasha let out a startled gasp.

"Princess, how dare you ask such a question?" She burst out laughing along with you. "I am in no position answer."

"You're not denying it either." You snickered.

As you came to your chambers the two of you stopped your giggling, bowing to the knights that were standing guard before heading inside. The door had barely been shut a minute before it was flung open and Lady Wanda skipped in extremely excited.

"Ah, Princess, there you are," She grinned at you. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"You have?" You asked, sitting in the armchair that was by the fire. "And why would that be, Lady Wanda?"

"I've been making sure everything you require for the ball is prepared for you." She answered with a grin, "And your gown is just beautiful," She swooned.

"You really think so?" You asked. You chewed on the inside of your cheek nervously. You weren't sure if you had made a wise decision with your gown. It was most certainly different from the appropriate attire that a proper princess should wear. "I was a little worried it may perceive me as... a whore, or unladylike."

Both of your ladies-in-waiting let out a shocked gasp, "Princess, you can't think things like that."

"Lady Natasha is right, Princess. You will look breathtaking in your gown, I swear on the Kings life." She admitted.

You blushed at her words and gave her a thankful smile. "Be careful no one hears you say that, Lady Wanda." You smiled at her. "But thank you," You stood up from your chair walked towards her and Lady Natasha. "And I am sure the two of you will look equally as beautiful."

"Thank you, Princess," Both your ladies-in-waiting smiled at you.

"Now, there should be lunch on the way up, and I would like for the two of you to join me." You smiled at them, taking a hold of their hands. "Then I think, since the three of us have nothing to do for a while, we should take a nap." You grinned.

"Agreed!" The three of you began laughing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taglist: @fckdeusername @vxidnik @coffeebooksandfandom @flowery-mess @inumorph @heavenhatesme @andineversawyoucoming

[babylooneytoonz]

The Vessel [Pt. 3]

Pairing: Geralt of Rivia x Fem! Reader

Summary: While you are trying to figure out why the Witcher is so abhorrent towards you, he finally gives you a hint as to why he doesn't like you. Also, you realize something— Yennefer and her spells can never go wrong.

Warnings: Geralt being a dick is what.

[My Masterlist] [My Witcher Masterlist - Read the other parts here!]

It had been weeks since you slept with Geralt of Rivia, but you hadn't been feeling any different. If it were up to you to say, you would say that Yennefer's plan didn't work— although you couldn't muster the courage to ask her directly if it did.

What made you so sure that the plan hadn't worked was the fact that Geralt and Yennefer had been fighting about something since a few nights and you could feel the strain in their relationship starting to show up. This hunch that you had only strengthened when one day, you unknowingly stumbled upon an argument between the Witcher and the Mage.

It was almost a week after that night on the Great Mount. Geralt had been indifferent towards you since then— not even bothering to spare a glance in your direction when the four of you were in the same proximity.

You were now back at Redania— your home, but so were Yennefer , Geralt and Jaskier— staying at your place like unwanted guests who were exceeding their stay.

Jaskier held two heavy logs in either of his arms, while your own hands were stuffed with the eggs from your coop, that you were intending to cook up for dinner tonight, when you heard shouting from one of the rooms upstairs.

"It was you that said that the plan would work. It didn't work, clearly."

You could recognize Geralt's voice from afar; broody, low and devoid of any emotion.

"Aren't you going to go check in on them?" You turned towards Jaskier and frowned, your eyes shooting upwards, fixing on the topmost stair before you withdrew it and fixed it on him again.

"Me? Stuck between a broody Witcher and a scary Witch? God save my poor soul then." Jaskier commented back as he placed the logs by the fireplace and began to light it.

"Jaskier—" You couldn't help but smile at him, as you placed the eggs on the table and blinked, turning towards him, "Yennefer isn't a witch, she is a mage. Besides—"

Before you could complete your sentence, Yennefer's shaky voice reached the both of you, and you couldn't help but wonder what was actually going on between the two of them.

"I don't understand what's gotten into you, Geralt. These things take time. Why won't you let the spell take it's due course?"

"Yen, your spell failed. It's high time you realize that."

You shook your head to yourself as you busied yourself with trying to prepare the stew for dinner, but your ears were fixed on them.

"You don't question my spells, Witcher. I know what I'm doing. Besides— now to come to think of it, did you even fuck her right?"

Jaskier couldn't help but snort, but when he looked at how red you suddenly were, he immediately masked his expressions as he propped himself next to you.

"Did he, [Y/N]?"

"Jaskier, I'm not having this conversation with you," You shook your head at him, exasperated that he was still bugging you with this question, "Now can you please help me out? I need help with the stew, Jas'." Jaskier stood up, whistling to himself as he fixed himself next to the pot, stirring it while you began working on getting the bread ready when the door above slammed shut and heavy footsteps began descending down the stairs. Both you and Jaskier turned to see a very annoyed Yennefer walk towards the front door, without her Witcher in tow, just like he already was.

"I've got some business to attend to in Novigrad, Jaskier." She pointedly ignored you, and you couldn't help but bite back the words threatening to spill out of your mouth. Living under your roof, she was behaving like you were an outsider. Secretly, you were thrilled that she was leaving , even though it was for a short while.

You watched, through the window as a portal suddenly emerged just outside of your barn, and she disappeared through it, leaving you and Jaskier gawking at each other, Jaskier finally speaking, "I say, trouble in paradise?"

"It's none of your concern, Jaskier. You really need to stop meddling with other people's businesses. Now would you be kind enough and go ask your friend to come down? Dinner's almost read—"

"Jaskier, come on now. We're leaving." Geralt cut you off as he finally appeared, all dressed in his tunic and breeches, his sword peeking out from behind him. You parted your lips, ready to ask him where he was off to but it was like he had already anticipated that this was going to come, so finally he looked at you, but with the same indifference with which he had treated you so far.

"It's time we move on. Keep the coin. Seems like Yennefer's plan failed after all—"

The sheer coldness in his voice stung you like a thorn but you didn't let him realize that. Slowly, you lifted the cloth, wiping your hands with it, trying to act just as indifferent towards him— even though you felt like you had been betrayed, which you mentally cursed yourself for.

This was going to happen one day or the other— and wasn't it better that they were finally going to be out of your life now? And not later when they would mercilessly pull your babe away from a mother's breast and call it their own?

"Where are we going, Geralt? We can atleast stay for dinner, a man needs to eat—"

"We will roast a deer on our way, Jaskier." Geralt's irritation was evident from his tone, so the bard turned towards you, choosing now to ignore the Witcher with a sulk on his face.

"Oh Jaskier," you whispered, softly, "Don't you worry. I'll quickly pack some food for you, for the way."

"Oh hush, woman, don't go so soft on me, I would want to switch the roles with that broody gentleman over there."

Your cheeks suddenly felt like they were on fire; and you were sure you had turned a tomato red. You instinctively looked away, quickly finding yourself a distraction at the table as you began packing some bread and ham in a cloth satchel for him to take along with him— fighting back the smile that craved to break out.

"Jaskier, you are free to stay here for as long as you want, the minute I get on Roach, I leave," grumbling, the White Wolf slammed the front door shut as he walked off, your eyes suddenly widening, as the smile was quickly replaced by a lingering hurt upon listening to his words. Why did he hate you so much? Was it because you couldn't give him— them— the child they so desperately wanted?

"Okay thank you for the dinner, and don't, like DO NOT mind him, he has always been a grumpy ham."

Jaskier took the satchel, flinging it over his shoulder, whilst at the same time grabbed his lute and immediately darted out, and by that time, the Witcher was already trotting towards the main path. You fixed yourself by the front door, watching the poor bard struggle to catch up with him and once the two of them were out of sight, you went back inside.

If there was anything that turned a bright way for you after the three of them stepped out of your life for good was the fact that you had enough coin on you now to last for atleast a year. You bought three new goats so you could milk them and sell the milk in the village, along with the eggs.

But the void remained—

The night's were the most difficult, because there were nights when you woke up to a dream where a certain white haired, amber eyed man was laying in bed with you, his thick palm resting on your waist, your back pressed against him as he spooned you.

Maybe it was because you couldn't sleep that night too, that you did not miss the strangled groan that you heard from outside your window. You forced yourself to sit up, rubbing your eyes as you leaned over the window to look out but you couldn't see anything. Just then, someone began pounding on your front door, startling you.

It didn't take you long to run down the stairs, still dressed in your chemise, your arms wrapped around your arms as the knocking became frantic and urgent. When you opened the door, you felt like someone had kneed you in the gut—

"Jaskier?" The bard looked a mess, his clothes were bloody and dirty, his hair slick and sticking to his face.

"I didn't know who else to go to nearby. Geralt needs—" Jaskier began, and the two of you turned towards Roach. Geralt was although perched atop, he was now arching forward, his body almost limp, his head resting against the saddle.

"What happened, Jaskier?" You ran out towards Roach, who whinnied at you, perhaps having sensed that something was wrong with her owner. You placed your palm on Geralt's shoulder, but the minute your palm came in contact with him, he grunted and looked up, and you saw how weak and pale he looked, "I told J-Jaskier — I'm f-fine.. Jaskier.. Jaskier..fuck.. Novigrad.. I asked you to take us to ... Novigrad."

Geralt of Rivia was injured, the flesh on his side had almost been ripped apart by what looked like claws, and yet he was being a stubborn pig. You grabbed him by the fabric of his tunic, balling the fabric as you began literally dragging him off the horse, paying no heed to his annoying murmurs.

"Jaskier, can you help? I alone cannot get him off, you know?"

Helping Geralt walk into your home was a difficult task but somehow, you and Jaskier convinced Geralt to do it. You sat the very injured Geralt by the fire and knelt down in between the space of his legs, using gentle fingers as you rolled up the torn fabric of the tunic. He hissed when your fingers came in contact with his clawed flesh and that's when you saw how massive the claw marks were.

"Who did that to him, Jaskier?" You let go off the big man as you stood up, your hands now caked in Geralt's blood. You ran up to one of the wooden racks that stood by the fireplace with a dozen glass bottles on it. You grabbed the mortar and pestle, placing it on the table in front of you, as Jaskier lowered himself on a chair, now wiping the blood off his face with a washcloth.

"I swear you should have seen it, it was the tallest harpy I have ever seen— well technically, it's the first harpy I've ever seen," he mumbled, and you couldn't help but give him a weak smile as you began to look for the ingredients to make a paste for Geralt's wounds.

"What are you looking for?" Jaskier asked, intrigued, as he watched you fiddle with the glass containers.

"Turmeric, Jaskier. It will stop his bleeding, although had he been human, that injury would have killed him— instantly," you pointedly stared at Jaskier, and he gulped nervously when your words finally registered into the back of his mind. You quickly turned away, resuming your search for the other ingredients. You pulled out two containers; one with lotus petals and the other one containing chamomile, placing it on the table, next to the mortar and pestle.

"Jaskier, while I prepare the paste, can you get Geralt to lie down by the fire? And take off his—" You pointed towards his tunic that was already ripped apart, hanging loosely by his side. Jaskier immediately nodded, getting to work.

You knelt down next to Geralt. His eyes were open, but his face was sweaty and his breathing was uneven; his lips tightly pressed together as he stared at the fire. Your fingers delicately moved over the gashes on his side, and he didn't flinch as much now.

"Can you sit up, Geralt? I need to bandage your waist."

That's when he turned towards you, regarding you briefly as he grunted, pushing himself up slightly and you quickly bandaged his wound with a cloth, securely tying it around his waist before he fell back against the makeshift bedding you had created for him by the fireplace.

You were finally done tending to the man's wounds so you stood up, moving to wash your hands by the sink, when Geralt's voice reached you, startling you.

"I told Jaskier not to bother you. Yennefer could have fixed this."

Your head sharply turned towards him, and you parted your lips, but it was as if your words were lodged to your throat, refusing to come out.

"You can't put all the blame on Jaskier. He could have left you to rot, stolen your mare and left, but he stuck around to ensure you were brought back to safety. You need to learn to swallow that thick ego of yours and give the bard some credit," you intentionally chose not to talk of Yennefer.

He grunted in response, shifting slightly so he could get comfortable, his body tilted at an angle towards the fire that you could see more of his back— full of old scars— this one will be adding to it soon.

"Are you a healer?"

His question pulled you off track.

You shook your head, wiping your hands with a clean cloth, reaching out for one of the blankets that you had stored for yourself as a winter supply, placing it over Geralt's legs— with half a mind that you will have to fight him for this act too— but much to your surprise, Geralt of Rivia accepted the blanket, pulling it over his chest.

"No, not a healer, just a woman with a passion to know things. You see, living alone you need to know certain things as you never know what life is going to throw your way."

"Hm," he fell quiet, and all the two of you could now listen to were the embers erupting from the fire.

The next few minutes, Geralt was quiet, so assuming that he had fallen asleep, just like the bard had; already snoring away to glory, you pulled your chair closer to the fireplace, lowering yourself against it as you began working on another blanket for Jaskier.

"You should have said no."

Startled to hear the low broody voice again, you looked up but this time found Geralt sitting on the makeshift bedding, the pads of his feet resting against the floor, his back turned towards the fire but his face turned towards you.

"Geralt, you should lie down—"

"You should have said no to Yennefer, but you agreed although you knew what she wanted to make you do."

"Says the man who makes a living slaying monsters. Would you say no to a good bounty if that meant being paid enough to last you a year?" You snapped at him, not meeting his gaze.

"You needed coin, there were thousand other ways to do it."

"Like what, Geralt? Don't you think I tried all these ways you are talking about?" The half done blanket now lay forgotten at your feet, and you were standing, towering over Geralt, your lips trembling with rage. How dare he?

"There are many brothels in Redania that I know of that would have gladly taken you in."

"You know what, Witcher?" You spat, "I'm NOT having this conversation with you. I don't like you anymore than you like me, so there's no point in even speaking. Once you are well enough, I would gladly have you out of my home."

You turned away from him, and then blinked, for you couldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing you cry, as a thick chunk of a tear rolled down your cheek. Swallowing bitterly, you began climbing up the stairs, rather loudly, when Geralt mumbled, "You won't see us when you wake up tomorrow, don't worry."

Ignoring him, you reached the topmost stair, but when Jaskier began speaking to Geralt in a low voice, you couldn't help but pause, inching your ear towards them so you could listen to what they were saying.

"Why do you insist on being like that with her, Geralt?"

Jaskier's words were followed by what sounded like a bitter laugh, and a cough.

"I knew you were awake. I wondered why you didn't jump in to defend her like you always do, Jaskier."

"That is not the point, Ger—"

"If you must know why I can't stop being the way I am around her is because every single time I see her, I'm reminded of the false hope that Yennefer gave me, Witchers are sterile, and that's how it is, I should have known than to fall into Yennefer's words."

He was hating for you something you hadn't even done. You gave him hope, or Yennefer did?

You would have stood there and continued listening to what more he had to say, but you couldn't help it— your face turning sour, when sudden nausea hit you. Your palm instinctively flew up to your lip; making you almost double over and your eyes lifted up, scanning the area for anything you could use to relieve yourself. Grabbing an empty basket that lay close by, you fell down on your knees, your knees scraping against the wood of your flooring and you began wretching out the contents of your stomach, sweat trickling down your forehead as dread filled you up. You were scared that Yennefer's spell had worked. Your palm flew to your flat belly and you pursed your lips together, blinking away the tears and wiping the corner of your lips.

Now that you had wished for the spell to fail, it had perhaps, worked. Maybe things weren't destined to go about the way you wanted them to— all you wanted was to watch Geralt of Rivia leave you alone for good and never come back [Wishful thinking]. But if, the spell had worked, it meant that you were probably carrying his Witcher baby, and that meant, you will have to see more of the white haired man with amber eyes, whether you liked it, or not.

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Want to be tagged to my list? Please do let me know via Ask, Message box or via a comment. Thanks! 💗

[ana-benn]

If Only You Knew part 2

What happens after you and Jamie are both awake. 😉

Smut, fluff, I think there's a plot?

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

The next time you woke up, you were on your side wrapped in Jamie's arms. He held you tight against his body, and you were enveloped in the smell of him and last night's whisky. It wasn't all together unpleasant really, just completely unlike how you'd pictured the moment. Still you found yourself trying to memorize every detail. Relaxed and completely comfortable in his embrace.

The light in the room seemed to be around noon, but you couldn't be sure. You lay there just enjoying the moment as you tried to decide whether to try and get up. You didn't want to wake him, but from your position it was hard to tell if he was still sleeping. Your question was answered for you though.

"I can hear you thinking," Jamie grumbled behind you.

"I didn't make you drink an entire restaurant last night," you laughed softly. Jamie groaned again at the memory, "So, where do we start this?" You asked his hesitantly after a long moment

"I guess one of us asks a question," Jamie said heavily.

"Why didn't you say anything? You're the confident one," you asked.

Jamie laughed, "Oh yeah. Mr. Confidence and charisma right here."

You smiled at his tone, "Come on, really."

"I just thought I could show you and you'd see. I was the way you'd light up around some of the more outgoing guys so I tried it too," he shrugged, rolling into his back. You turned towards him and propped yourself up on your arm.

"I liked how they seemed to bring you out of your shell," you told him.

He smiled ruefully at you and shook his head, "That was all you. I've been around guys like that my whole life, but I wanted to get your attention. I wanted you to see me like they

You turned over to look at him, "Then why did you push me away?"

"I couldn't," he sighed. "I couldn't man up and admit my feelings, and you'd go out with other guys and it was just.... Being around you started to just really suck."

It hurt to hear but it was at least honest, "I just wanted to be around you. I thought maybe you were finally enjoying being a professional athlete."

Jamie laughed at that, "We're both stupid." It was matter of fact and to the point.

"So then let's stop being stupid," you said as your eyes flickered to his lips.

Jamie took the hint and leaned up to fix his lips to yours. You moaned softly into his mouth as his tongue seized the opportunity to tangle with yours. For a while you were content just like that, with your lips learning one another and your hands carding through his hair. His hands had a whole other mission though, as they learned the gentle curves of your body. He was gentle and kind with his touch, but also methodical. He knew what he wanted, and had a confidence you didn't expect.

Still it felt slow and sweet, until his fingers skimmed under the tank top you had worn to sleep in. The rough callouses of his gentle hands against the soft, vulnerable flesh of your stomach sent a wave of heat through your body. The hands in his hair fisted tightly as you arched up into his touch. You felt the smirk of his lips as he pulled away from you, albeit briefly, to pull the material off your body.

The newly exposed skin was like a magnet for his hands as he began exploring, "So beautiful." He murmured.

You felt yourself flush at the compliment, as warmth pooled between your legs. "So soft," he groaned as his hands pulled you so you lay flat on your back and he hovered over you. His hands tracing invisible patterns as he napped out your mouth over and over again.

You clawed at his shirt as you sought more skin to skin contact. "Such an eager girl," he cooed as he pulled the material over his head and threw it behind him somewhere before settling between your thighs.

"Jamie please," you moaned wantonly as you ground your hips up into him. Your hands roaming his strong back and you arched debauched into him. His lips had migrated to your throat as he found the spot, just under your ear.

"What do you want baby? Tell me and you've got it," he hummed against your skin.

You responded by removing your sleep shorts and pulling his hard cock from his boxer briefs. You guided the tip through the collected juices as you threw his head back at the feeling. You kept up the ministrations, teasing the sensitive head, as you watched the bliss on his face at your warmth.

After a moment you felt your hand be slapped away before Jamie took the wheel and spread the natural lubricant over his dick. Then he gripped your thigh as he lined himself up. His eyes met yours, searching. You bit your lip and nodded, and that was all he needed. You both groaned as you joined together for the first time.

He held himself still after he fully sheathed himself. He stayed like that for a long moment as you felt yourself adjusting around his girth. The closeness was almost overwhelming as you felt yourself being enveloped by Jamie.

When he finally pulled back, it was an immediate loss and you found yourself craving him again in the brief moments before he re-entered your waiting body. It was the most on fire you'd every felt, as you desperately arched as he found home and keened as he withdrew. It was a carnal dance that left you feeling full but incomplete, on fire yet desperately cold.

You'd barely had him and already your body was a panting whimpering mess beneath him, "God Jamie, please I need more." You groaned out for him, your body on the precipice of being enraptured by pleasure.

Jamie's large hands gripped your hips as he re-angled your pelvis. The new angle allowed him to find that spongy spot deep inside you, immediately causing you to find the edge of your climax. Your mantra was a desperate cry of his name mixed with 'oh god's'. He'd finally stopped praising you, too caught up in watching your list blown face as he brought you over the edge. It was far too soon, but completely mind blowing as you felt stars burst behind your eyes as you fell apart under Jamie. Your climax spurring on his as he took in the beauty on your face as you collapsed. When you'd both caught your breath for a moment Jamie rolled back onto his back as he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you back into his chest where you nuzzled into his body.

"You know," you said after a few minutes. "We were stupid for a really long time..." Jamie laughed at your implication, before reaching for his phone.

"Food first. Pizza or Chinese?"

[tarlos-spain]

Comfortember Day 14 - Crackling fire

Fandom: 9-1-1

Pairing: Eddie Diaz/Evan "Buck" Buckley

Characters: Eddie Diaz, Evan "Buck" Buckley

The flame between us

"Are you serious? You're a fireman, you've got a fireplace at home and you don't know how to use it."

Buck shrugged not knowing how to respond.

Eddie stared at the chimney, which was full of junk and was giving off dust all over the place. He turned back to Buck who was looking at him as if expecting him to make the great scientific discovery of the century.

"Are you serious? You're a fireman, you've got a fireplace at home and you don't know how to use it."

Buck shrugged not knowing how to respond.

"Precisely, since I'm a fireman, I don't like to play with fire when I don't have to. That's why I called you, I know you have a fireplace in your house and I've seen you light it. They say it's going to be very cold this week and I'd like to light my fireplace."

Eddie sighed and laughed.

"Let me see what I can do it, because this fireplace is more modern than mine and I don't want to mess it up." "More modern? Are there more modern fireplaces than others?" "Yes, Buck, there are different kinds of fireplaces and each one works in a different way. Come look."

Buck stood next to Eddie and followed with his eyes what his companion kept telling him.

"Well I don't see any big difference, really."

Buck turned to Eddie and suddenly found his partner's face pressed against his face. They stood like that for a moment, looking at each other. Buck lowered his gaze to Eddie's lips, but quickly withdrew it, hoping Eddie wouldn't notice, but as he looked up again, he realized he wasn't the only one looking at the other's lips.

They both pulled back at the same time, turned around and stood at a safe distance.

They both knew they were behaving like children or worse. Both knew how they felt about each other and both suspected how their partner felt, but neither had wanted to talk about it for fear of being wrong.

Their dating life had not been the best in recent years. Eddie had lost the mother of his child and then had started dating Anna whom, perhaps too late, he had realized he didn't love. Buck hadn't fared much better, first Abby, then the odd fling here and there and then the stupid story he'd had with Taylor.

Worst of all was knowing you're in love with your best friend, knowing you've had a crush on him from the first moment you've seen him, but there's always been something that's gotten in the way and you've done nothing.

So now they were there, looking at each other, dying to tell the other person how they felt, because they were both at the right time, because they had both dumped the person they were dating and they both knew Christopher would be thrilled for the three of them to start a family.

"Let's get this fireplace going." Eddie finally said. "But first we're going to have to clean it up a bit so the smoke doesn't build up."

Eddie also didn't really have much of an idea about how to start a fireplace other than his own or how to clean it, so when he wanted to realize it, after getting down to business, he found himself covered in ash that fell on him, knocked him to the floor and filled half the room with smoke.

He coughed loudly enough to scare Buck. He heard him say something to him, but the coughing was too loud and he heard nothing.

"Eddie! Eddie!" "I'm all right, I'm all right. A little smoke isn't going to kill me." "A little smoke? You've filled up with ash and dust, you're all gray." Eddie looked at his hands and arms and clothes. It was true. it looked like the remnants of a volcano had fallen on him. "Why don't you get out of these clothes and take a shower? We both know that smoke poisoning..." "Buck, take it easy, I'm fine."

But his partner was nervous, got up and started pacing.

Eddie got up, went after him and grabbed him so he would stop and look him in the eye.

"Buck, I mean it, I'm fine."

Buck nodded, he knew, he knew it had been silly that it was just dust and ash, that they'd clean it up in two minutes. But he couldn't stop thinking that something bad could happen to Eddie at any moment. He couldn't stop thinking about how he had almost lost him to a gunshot, a guy who had decided to pick him out to kill him.

"You're shaking." Eddie told him and suddenly he was hugging him, the two of them quiet, the two of them in complete silence until Buck burst out laughing. "What did I miss?" "At this rate, we're both going to have to take a shower, because you got me all dusty." "Sorry for trying to comfort you."

Eddie tried to pull away from him, but Buck and grabbed now, pulled him now and hugged him back.

They hadn't had much time to hug or be quiet, what with the blackout and Anna and Maddie and everything that had happened in their lives over the last few weeks.

Buck closed his eyes and noticed Eddie's hand on his head, in his hair, stroking it and suddenly they were looking at each other, they were both asking the other if they could step forward; if it was a good time, if it was what the other wanted.

The intense kiss that brought them together was silent but spoke volumes to both of them. Words were not really necessary for the other to understand.

They lay on the ground, among the ash that soon covered their naked bodies and silence dominated everything, because they knew each other too well to break their intimacy.

[sharpwin101]

“EVERYTHING I DID, I DID FOR YOU”

N.B. Hey guys, I'm re-uploading this narrative due to previous grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. mistakes. I'm completely bad at proofreading lol, and didn't take the time to read over, but after receiving some very impactful feedbacks on twitter, it gave me the motivation I needed to somewhat correct these mistakes🤞hopefully enough, finishing this fanfic, which I must say I'm quite excited for you guys to read.

  S2 EP16 “EVERYTHING I DID, I DID FOR YOU”,

  CHAPER 1

I don't get it?  As tears stream down her cheeks,

Her thoughts raced as she remained in front of her bathroom mirror long enough to get agitated by her own self-pity. 

She understood that harboring such feelings would not only be self-destructive, but would keep her trapped, she was mentally stronger, and refuses to let it sabotage the barrier she has construct throughout the years.

She knew conquering and embracing Max’s indecisiveness, was just a question of time. That continues to fail him terribly, repeatedly, to define them, what they meant to each other, wondering how much longer, if not impossible, it will be for him to embrace and overcome his own fetters to unleash what he truly feels. 

Will he ever? she’s impel to believed, naively unaware of her imperceptiveness to his true desire, behind his barriers, causing her to suspect mistakenly,

Questing “does he feels the same” 

She paces back and forth, flipping her heels off with a small grimace, scattering them on the floor.

Fervently turning to her living room, with an instant wipe of her tears, in the direction of the liquor cupboard, pulling the first wine bottle her hand came across, desperate for a wine opener, she run-walk towards the kitchen, leaving nearly all of the drawers open while probing through.

She spotted the opener. Yes, yes! Clutches it obstinately, relieved. 

As she holds the bottle inverted between her knees, she struggled to open it a bit, her mind still being indistinct after their encounter, temporarily forgotten how to open the wine bottle.

(The wine cork flew free)

She hastily turns it to her head, gulping it down as if she didn't have time to consume it a bit slower, inadvertently spilling it on her. 

Crap!

Returning to the bathroom in search of her robe, while undressing herself and gulping more wine down her throat.

Being the clean freak she is, immediately after, she brought her clothing towards the laundry room, as she senses the impending intoxication looming over her.

(Crash)The wine bottle slipped from her deft grip and shattered on the floor. 

she slowly slumped to the floor, leaning against the laundry door for support grappling to sit up. While her clothes slowly unfold from her arms, As she casts a longing glare into space.

She ruminate aloud, frustratedly. 

What is wrong with me? Staring up towards the roof, as though she was seeking answers to all of life's unanswered questions from a greater Entity.

Why I’m I so unlucky?

I fought on, knowing that I wasn't even sure whether I'd be ready too, if you chose me then or now, she added, laughing.

All the walls I've worked so hard to build, comes crumbling down whenever I see, I can’t comprehend it. 

As she gently holds the nape of her neck, breathing deeply, with her left hand  supporting her head, while facing down. I don't want to lose control; I can't lose control.

You say these significant things,

you look at me in the way you do, and then you do nothing?  How can I fight for that?

You asked me why I did what I did, despite the fact that you already knew the answer. I asked you to define us; 

what exactly, this, we are?  as she motioned for answers

I've given you so much, and I tried so hard not to but it's as if all my rationale goes out the window when you're in danger. (laughing sarcastically at her self). 

For God sake, you yelled at me.......... whenever I try to help.

I have these fantasies about you before getting out of bed, I've tried to ignore it; believe me, I have (laughing) 

now I'm just here talking to myself.

As her gaze wandered around the room, she became irritated by the smashed wine bottle. 

   “ FIGHT FOR US”,

CHAPERT 2

(KNOCKING) She tilted her head, confusedly glancing towards the front door, wondering if it was the alcohol or someone was actually at the door.

Struggling to get up from the floor, as she continues to listen attentively to hear whether the knocking was coming from her front door. She slightly slipped when grabbing for her phone on the kitchen counter, to check the time.

11:43pm

Tightening her robe as she wiped her face, pondering, a few names flashed through her mind, But why would they not call? silently muttering to herself. Her phone started to ring as soon as the knocking ceased. Resuming her attention to her phone, which lids up, displaying "Dr. Max Goodwin” with a slight discontent look, she responded, still gazing at the door, nervously biting down on her index finger.

What, what do you want? She answered. 

"I'm at your door; will you let me in?". Quickly swallowing her saliva, her heart races, instantly lowering her phone to her side, with a million thoughts rushes through her head as she looked at the messed she had created, quickly ending his call. She began picking up her clothes from the floor and rushed to the washroom, staring at her flushed face, unbothered at this point and didn't care whether he noticed she was crying.

She trudged towards the front door, spotting her bed slippers and pulls them on.  Briefly pausing before opening the door.

There he was, standing in front of her. Casually dressed, in blue jeans, a grey    t-shirt, and his black jacket, which she had seen him in before.

Trying not to look into his eyes, but he has already peered right into hers. Struck by how small and delicate she looks outside the walls of the hospital, becoming completely lost in her eyes, unable to speak. 'Um, I... What are you doing here? she asked, before he could finish his sentence.

Were you crying? With a slight head tilt, she rolled her eyes irritably as she turns her back on him, leaving the door ajar. What are you doing here, Max?, her voice raised rather than normal. The frustration in her voice perplexed him. I wanted to ‘Um, before noticing the shattered wine bottle on her floor. 

As she reaches to get the mob and dustpan from the storage area adjacent to her kitchen. He watches her as she teeters, shutting the drawers that she left open earlier.

As she approaches the spilt wine on the floor, she kept her eyes lowered trying not to look him into his. He detects her shakiness as she extends the broom over the shattered wine bottle. No! he said, with no intent, to say it so loudly. Reaching his hands towards the broom.

Let me help, she still persisted. He gently withdrew the broom from her grasp when she walked away towards another section of her apartment, as his eyes followed her.

He disposed the shattered glass in the trash can, placing the mob and dustpan into the already opened storeroom.

In search of her, he returned to the living room area. noticing she had her back to him, curled up on her couch in a sitting position, fully wrapped in a blanket that matches the color of his shirt.

He stood behind her for minute before approaching.

Placing his hand on her shoulder as he walks to the side of the couch. She shivers at his touch just enough for it to go unnoticed while still looking down.

Seating next to her, he tries to get her attention. Helen, she did not respond. I'm sorry.... As he questioned. Are you okay? Placing her right palm on her forehead, displaying a tiny discomfort. She muttered, I have a minor headache. ‘Um, do you have any pain relievers? Instantly patted his forehead after, quickly realizing she wouldn't be able to take it seeing that she was drinking. Hastily corrects himself, do you want me to make you some tea? she fixes her gaze on him.

Please let me make you tea, while he makes his usual puppy eyes at her.

She gave her approval with a nod. Where are your…...? Instructing him with a finger while drawing the blanket back up to her shoulders. He stood up lively, walking towards her kitchen, absolutely taken aback by how tidy and organized her apartment looked.

Already knowing what kind of tea because they both enjoy it the same, reaching into the pantry for the box of tea bags on the lower shelf, pulling a cup from the washer and placing it on the hot water kettle. He spoons in 1/2 teaspoon of sugar exactly how she likes it. While leaning his back on the counter.

As he waited for the water to heat up, he indulged in his thoughts, gazing around her kitchen.

The whistling from the kettle stopped, with relieved he turned around, adding the hot water to the tea bag and returning to her,

With a wide smile on his face, he hands her the cup, she noticed he didn't have his wedding ban, she looked into his eyes as her hands extends to take the cup. He noticed that she noticed, with a little distance between them, he sat beside her in silence. 

on her third sip of tea, he glances at her and proceeded to apologize.

I should never have let you walk out that door, ‘I, I.... I have tried to hide this.  It's been hard,

It almost drove me completely insane. As she looked at him, intently listening 

I've tried to hold back, since the day we met.......................... It's been eating me alive knowing I felt this way while being married and had already started a family,

but I can't deny that I haven't felt this, not any more, he remarked, shaking his head.

For the longest time, I felt guilty, knowing I had felt this way about you,

if I let you slip out of my life, without trying, to fighting for us, I will not survive it, 

I see you, Helen. it’s just that sometimes it takes me a minute, to remember what matters more than anything, you.

He drew closer to her, as she sets the tea cup on the center table. Helen, 

I’m ready to fight. Fight for you, for Us. 

Every time you've been near me, I've wanted to do stuff to you, imagining what it would be like. 

You are undeniably BEAUTIFUL and sexy, and I need to have you, in all the ways I have been dreaming of.

She swallows her nonexistent saliva as he got closer. With her mouth partially open, uncontrollably batting her eyes at him. She searches his eyes, while he searches hers for permission, to touch her, intimately. Placing his left hand on the right side of the back of her neck sliding his fingers upward, gently holding on to her hair, a rush of adrenaline prickled her stomach, as he watched the whooshing of her breathing, thinking how soft on silky the growths of her hair felt.

She needed him to touched her, she needed to grip him closer, but her body was weak, weak to his touch. As they stared intensely at each other, their faces being only a few inches apart, tightening his grip on her hair, causing her to slightly tilted her head back, finally freeing of her temporary paralysis, she grabs hold to his muscular arm with her left hand, while clutching his side with her other hand.

He knew he was in charge, and she wanted him, his lips being a inch closer to hers, her eyelids, fill down slowly closing.

Their lips touch, as their bodies tingles, her chest rises, left her feeling like she had no air. The instant chemistry they felt, was uncontrollable. His thinking slowed when his lips met hers. Time becoming unknown, as if he were in a dream, how warm and crazily soft her lips were.

As they draw each other deeper and further into each other's sanctum, thrusting herself up with a knee for support. 

Has he pauses, looking intently into her eyes, slowly begin rolling her robe over her shoulder.

In complete awe of how clear and smooth her skin appears, while stirring her down. He notices she was wearing a black lace bra that matches her thong, which complemented her skin tone well, lost in her eyes, before entirely removing her robe. As she gets back up on both knees, yanking his jacket off, while he impatiently helped her to removed his shirt.

Unbuckling his belt, she unzip his jeans. Holding her by the lower portion of her cheeks, he punches his tongue into her mouth. Resting his back on the couch, hoisted her up on top of him.

feeling her body, with both his hands on her waist, recognizing how small it was in comparison to her hips, being considerably wider. She bends her knees and places her hands on the couch over his shoulder. As his tongue trails down her neck, while unclipping her bra, struggling a little.

Carefully pulling it off, her hands fill to her side, looking down at him, when he stroked her breast with his hands, causing her head to fall back uncontrollably, as a rush of adrenaline went to her vulva, gasping harder as he places his mouth over her tit, slowly sliding his hand into her thong concomitantly.

He gave her a look, realizing she was already lubricated, as she gasped for breath somewhat dropping her upper body backwards as his hand quickly supported her back, her mouth flew wide open, when he slid his index and middle finger in an upward motion on her clit.

She moaned loudly as he stroked it faster, her body slipping in and out of his grip, being a fraction of a second from an orgasm, he halted.

He hoisted her up positioning her back laying on the couch, with one of his hands intertwined with hers above her head. He opens her legs slightly with his bent knee, while she bends her knees up to give him access. Passionately kissing her while caressing her clit with his right fingers. Her heart races. As he drags his tongue in between her breasts, he releases her hands as he went down further, trailing his tongue towards her navel, causing her tummy to jerked.

He elevates his head up as he pulls himself down more to her vulva, while holding on to her hips. He tasted her, swiftly clinging to the cushion behind her, unable to keep her legs steady as he licks her clit. (she rapidly gasp for air).  

She weakly tries to pull him up, with her orgasm being at it’s peek, moving back towards her lips, as they exchanged sensual glances. Using his hands as a support to keep himself upright while holding on to his already-erected dick. He puts the blanket under her back to elevate her slightly.

Penetrating her. Max, she screamed, quivering and gasping for breath, as she looks deeply into his eyes, attempting to caress the side of his face, (while she bit her bottom lip, as he went in deeper, she clutches onto him.

His sweat drips on her skin, as he moans, they couldn’t get enough of each other.

As he penetrates deeper, harder and faster inside her, he tightens his grasp around her waist. As they drew closer, their moans became more even louder.

Fuck! he shouted as he ejaculated his semen into her, simultaneously in the instant of her orgasm relief. They both felt to the ground. Looking at each other, completely in awe. 

He extends his hand to the side of her face, pulling her in, to cuddled her.

[kid-karoshi]

Death has no escape - Final Chapter

...Together, they hurried up the cellar stairs and sought shelter behind the house by a massive rock. Claudette began to do something to stop the bleeding. Ash had crouched down beside her. "Wait, you don't have to do this yourself. Let me help you." He hummed and tended to the wound extremely meticulously with the resources at hand. Until, in the last moment, he conjured up out of his back pocket another band-aid. He presented it like a trophy in front of her nose. This one was pink and had a thick print of a stupid looking bumblebee on it. At least this one seemed significantly fresher than the one he had given to Dwight. Responding to the questioning look, he gave a blunt attempt at flirtation, "There's more where that came from." Winking at her, already squeezing the tape tight. "Thanks for saving me, but wow...you could be my grandfather!" she snarked, leaning backwards while giving him a head-to-toe eye check. The grin fell off his face for a second upon that. "Ouch sweetie, I may have a bad knee, but I'm certainly not a grandpa. He gently placed his hand on hers and purred "Don't be sad, There was no future for us anyway." Claudette furrowed her forehead and withdrew her hand in disgust. "Come on sweetie, let's go save the others then."

art: @alexpdcl

They crept across the area in a crouched posture. Claudette grabbed his forearm after a while and pointed to a hill. "There." she whispered.

"Really? They're completely tired of living..." he hissed back at her. Dwight and Felix had chosen a generator on a hill as THE final workpiece. This one, however, was located not far from a mighty gate. "Okay little lady, you just run straight ahead and hide in the bushes over there, when the electric supply is up, your sweet ass will only worry about opening the gate, do we have an understanding?" Claudette was about to argue that she wasn't going to be talked to like that, but by that time Ash had already gained a few feet of ground. All she had left was an exhausted gasp. She froze in shock at the sound she heard afterwards. Right next to her, the air flickered and the gurgling monster passed her by. It was too late to tell those men what was happening.

"Hi girls, do you have a spot left for me?" fluttered Ash as he joined the others. The machine had already made good progress. There were still a few little things to do. "Busy." he grumbled with satisfaction. "Is Claudette all right?" enquired Dwight.

"Sure she is. I've got her patched up. She's fine and now let's get this done. At the end, I'll give each of you a piece of cake as a reward." Ash grinned broadly.

Dwight lifted his gaze, spied his girlfriend and tossed his arm from left to right very energetically but also extremely awkwardly. Claudette, on the other hand, frantically pointed in his direction, which he completely misunderstood, after that he pointed at Ash and with an outstretched thumb he responded to her. Then, without waiting for the next reaction, he quickly continued with the fixing. Felix, however, interrupted his work and spoke in a reproachful voice. "You arrogant son of a bitch, you knew that we were risking our asses out here while you were playing the hero. I know you for maybe ten minutes, but that's enough to see what a pathetic fraud you are, admit it, you're a chickenshit, you don't have a plan, you're just reacting to the circumstances around here! You may be able to fool the others but not me!" Dwight faintly looked back and forth between the two, convulsively trying not to provoke a short circuit. "Guys, uh, so I think you should discuss this later," he stammered. Ash, on the other hand, lowered his head and grumbled to the ground, "You seem to think you're a pretty big deal yourself. Do you think I chose to be the 'hero'? Evil always finds me, it is obsessed with me. There is nothing but death around me and that has been the reality for far too long. But what cheers me up anyway today is that your snooty life is also about to change," he chuckled darkly.

The chiming of the bell abruptly broke up their discussion. Dwight hopped to his feet and, with a cry of horror, he sprinted for the nearest shelter. As the ghostly figure revealed itself, the two men were still sitting at the machine, trying to crank it with their last ounce of strength. "Come on, come on, come on , damn it!" roared Felix "Get out of here!" screamed Ash at him, who also continued repairing. " Screw it! HHNGH!" groaned Felix as the killer's blade sped across his back, cutting the fibers of his designer suit, ripping open his flesh and severing some tendons of his scapula. At that moment, their eyes met. Ash snorted and lunged suddenly forward to knock Felix off the top of the hill and out of harm's way. As the killer, mesmerized detached the shredded skin from his blade, Ash sat right in front of him and plugged the last cable into the right connection. A shrilling sound was emitted and finally the exit gates had enough power to be opened. Claudette had taken position and immediately flipped the switch wich crackled electrifyingly. Dwight ran toward Felix and helped him up to drag him toward the exit gate. "NO! Ash is still up there!" he yelled painfully.

He was standing on top of the hill and noticed that the gate was already in the second phase, so it was going to burst open for the next few seconds. "Run, you fools!" he shouted. "... I've always wanted to say that, and now on to you, you ugly critter! Guess you think you're the greatest, huh?!" at this he bent his head back to stare brashly into the creature's face. The killer faced him with a growl, paused for a second, and to Ash's amazement, nodded in affirmation.

His eyes widened as he understood that he was now in serious trouble. He almost rolled himself over as he tried to make a run for it. At the same time, the exit gate sprang up with a loud clatter. His three teammates set out to leave this terror all behind. Beneath the great arches of the gate, Dwight and Claudette tried to heal the injured man, who was losing gallons of blood. Ash was running away " You better not let me find my shotgun...". That'll make you all get stale looking, you slowpoke! Then it's you who have to hide from ME! God have mercy on you, or whatever your kind is worshiping." He dragged the killer tauntingly behind him for a few more feet until he leapt through a boarded shack toward the exit. He turned his gaze to the others. At that very moment, his fate was sealed when his meniscus tore. And Ash knew it. *damn, not now the fucking knee!

The others screamed his name "Go!" He huffed as the enemy appeared behind him and cruelly struck him down with one hit. The wraith had gained in brutality and efficiency after the gate was opened, so it was practically impossible to avoid this curse. Felix felt terrible about the last words he had said to Ash. He wanted to undo everything he had said, but was dragged by his companions through the portal that prevented him from returning.

When Ash was picked up from the ground, badly injured, the pain seemed eerily familiar. After spending some time on his opponent's shoulder, he whispered in the killer's ear, "You could have just asked for my number, honey." who, visibly confused, dropped his victim right next to a hatch in the ground, from which a strange rumble and dark smoke rose. As the Killer was still reflecting on his feelings, the old man robbed himself into the dark abyss. Before he was closing the gate behind him, he raised his middle finger in the direction of the killer, who mournfully lowered his weapon.

Felix and the others, who had been running for quite a while, reached a campfire, at which they settled down. "We're safe here," Dwight said, and took Claudette in his arms. Felix flopped down and buried his fingers in his hair. Everyone was exhausted to the utmost and stared silently into the flames. The oppressive silence was accompanied by the crackling of the dry wood. Suddenly Felix recognized the outline of a figure looking through the flames.

"What are those long faces about?" interrupted Ash the melancholy. Three astonished pairs of eyes locked on the badly battered man, who magically pulled out a sugar-coated mess from his denim shirt.

"Look, there's no blood on that piece of cake," he sneered, before joining the others and shared it among the survivors.

[deniigi]

hello! rain city is wonderful and very upsetting. thanks for writing it, it's the first time I've ever hated Foggy. anyway, what do you think kingpin Foggy would think of Murderdock? Murderdock's got his intense love of all Foggys, but how would kingpin Foggy feel? In a lot of ways he's waaay more evil than Murderdock, and I have the uncomfortable feeling he would not appreciate a Matt that's his equal, completely uncontrollable and unblackmailable.

:)

I have written a little bit of this actually.

In short, he doesn’t give a shit about Murderdock.

Miles POV - I wrote this ages ago, so ignore the twin shit, but like the basic idea of this piece is that the Multiverse crew are trying to help bb Spidery Peter by finding his DD.

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

“What the fuck’s gotten into you?” this new Foggy demanded. “Are you insane?”

Murderdock’s sneering dropped into confusion.

“Jesus,” this Foggy said, shoving Murderdock back and standing up to dust himself off.

Murderdock remained super confused. Like, visibly confused. Confused enough that Peter pressed everyone back into their little hollow between the storage containers so that they couldn’t be seen.

“Is that—where’s the suit I gave you?” the Foggy asked.

“Suit?” Murderdock repeated.

The Foggy tsked. Murderdock reeled back in shock at the gesture.

“Useless,” the Foggy said. “The gray suit. I told you to wear the gray one. It’s labeled. I literally handed it to you. Christ. You’re better than this.”

Murderdock actually patted at his chest as though he’d forgotten what color he was wearing.

“This suit is? Gray?” he tried.

The Foggy paused and turned back towards him with dark eyes. His lip did something strange and he took a step in towards Murderdock. One slow step. He reached forward and gently caught a handful of Murderdock’s jacket.

“This,” he said patiently, “Is charcoal, dear heart.”

Murderdock latched a hand over the new Foggy’s wrist and held it there.

“Touch me again,” he warned.

And then he got slapped. Right across the face. Loud enough for the sound to be heard over the glugging of the water all around them.

Holy shit.

Gwen had to cover her mouth to muffle her gasp.

“You don’t get to touch,” the Foggy said kindly. “Did you forget, hun?”

Dear god.

Murderdock twisted his head back to facing forward in what could only be silent fury. Gwen started freaking out.

“Do it again,” Murderdock said out of nowhere with almost no rise or fall in his tone.

The Foggy—he was wearing a neat slate blue suit himself with a navy tie and a ring on his little finger—seemed to look Murderdock over, long and slow.

He sighed and shook his head.

“Matty, we’ve talked about talking out of turn,” he said.

A chill vibrated up Miles’s spine.

“Have we now?” Murderdock asked with the sound of a grin on his lips.

The Foggy’s expression darkened.

“You’re still talking,” he pointed out with his own, much lighter smile. “Let’s stop for now, hm? We have work to do.”

Murderdock, to Miles’s surprise, took a step back and let there be more distance between him and the new Foggy. The new Foggy considered this and then nodded in approval.

“I guess charcoal’ll just have to do,” he huffed, reaching cross the new distance to straighten Murderdock’s collar. Then he paused and pulled his hand back. “Are you wet?” he asked. “Why in God’s name are you wet?”

Murderdock, Miles was pretty sure, just grinned.

The Foggy frowned.

“You’re acting strange,” he said.

Murderdock played along. He shrugged one shoulder without speaking.

Gwen put a hand over her heart in anxiety.

“Hm. I don’t like it,” the Foggy said in a suddenly deep tone. Then he smiled wide and kind again. “You’re going to stop it. Immediately. Yes?”

“Yes,” Murderdock promised.

Why was he acting like this???

Miles was going to have a heart attack. Why??

A soft sound caught him and the others in their cozy alcove by surprise and they turned to see the Daredevil from before standing there, just as stunned as they were.

In a light gray suit.

Shit clicked into place faster than anything had ever had the right to.

Peter flailed in horror.

The other Daredevil panicked at his movement and looked all over, trying to hear what was happening down below, where the Foggy was still chatting softly with Murderdock, then he gasped so quietly it was almost inaudible. His shoulders rose and he jerked around only to be shushed by the rest of them.

They tried to explain as quickly as they could that that was one of their doubles of him, but the poor guy  was on the verge of an anxiety attack. He wouldn’t hear them and he wouldn’t stay, even when Peter and B tried to reason with him. Instead, he leapt down from the alcove and the sound of him landing was enough to draw the other Foggy’s—the other…Kingpin’s…attention.

The Kingpin stopped smoothly at the sound and lifted his chin.

Murderdock’s grin curled into his face.

“This is unexpected,” the Kingpin noted. “Didn’t realize you had a twin, Matty.”

“Step back,” Daredevil demanded of Murderdock.

Murderdock shrugged that silent shoulder again. But he didn’t move.

“I said, step back,” Daredevil growled. Which was weird because like, that was the Kingpin. And yeah, it was Foggy and holy shit that was terrifying in so many ways, but like.

Still the Kingpin. The guy who’d ordered him to kill his Spiderm—

Nevermind, Kingpin Foggy was the worst thing in the multiverse. On like. Every level.

“Make me,” Murderdock oozed at the Daredevil.

DD started to hunch over with no idea of what he was dealing with. None. Gwen stiffened.

“Stand down, Matt, it’s okay,” the Foggy said out of nowhere. “Seems like there’s been a misunderstanding is all.”

How was he so reasonable?

“I’m gonna puke,” Peter whimpered, crunched into B’s side. B shoved him away with an order to puke quietly.

“Might I ask who are you, friend?” the Kingpin asked down on the ground.

“I have many names,” Murderdock said.

“Well, I’m thinkin’ one is probably a good start,” the Kingpin said amiably.

His pinky ring was silver. It glinted ever so slightly in the dockyard’s floodlights.

“They call me Murdock,” Murderdock said.

“So you are twins,” the Kingpin said.

“Get away from him,” Daredevil ordered.

Murderdock sneered at him.

“Why? So you can carry on being his dog?” he asked. “Is that what you’ve lived your pathetic fucking life for?”

Foggy recoiled and touched his chest in surprise. Daredevil rolled his shoulders.

“Oh,” Murderdock said, straightening his spine. “I get it. You like it.”

“Matt, stand down,” the Kingpin ordered.

“You like it,” Murderdock goaded. “Bowing down to lick his shoe—you kinky fucker. Didn’t want the responsibility of choice? Too much? Was it easier to just…take it?”

“Gwen, your Kingpin is gonna get himself King-pinned to death,” B hissed over his shoulder. “We need to do something.”

“He probably deserves it?” Gwen said with a high palms.

B and Peter’s faces said that this was not the right response. She looked to Miles for support but he had nothing for her.

“Okay, okay. Hold on. Make sure they stay on the words and not the stabby things and I’ll be right back,” she said.

“I think you’re misunderstanding mine and Matt’s relationship, Mr.—” Foggy said.

“Murdock,” Murderdock repeated sweetly.

“Murdock. Right. Of no relation of course,” the Kingpin said. “But regardless, I don’t really appreciate you talking to—”

“Your things like that?” Murderdock finished for him like a man determined to die by falling on his own sword.

Foggy cocked his head.

“What is your profession, Mr. Murdock?” he asked.

“In my universe? Or yours?” Murderdock asked.

There was a pregnant pause. Miles held his breath.

Then the Kingpin laughed. Just like the Foggy back home did. He even reached for Murderdock’s shoulder the way that Miles’s Foggy did with Matt. Except Murderdock didn’t give him a little grin like Matt always did to Foggy.

Miles wasn’t sure what Murderdock’s face did. He couldn’t see it very well. But he assumed that whatever expression he wore, it was serious enough to make the Kingpin stop and reconsider. He left his hand where it was on Murderdock’s shoulder, though.

“Okay, I’ll bite,” he said. “In yours.”

Now, Miles knew Murderdock was smiling. Wide and white and horrible.

“They call me many things,” he said so that Miles almost didn’t hear him. “Matt Murdock. The Western Sun of the Hand. That bastard. But these days, folks in the know call me the Kingpin of New York City.” Miles didn’t have to see to know that that smile had gotten sharper. “And I don’t like to share.”

Miles held his breath. The Peters in front of him did, too.

But then Foggy burst out laughing down there all over again.

He patted at Murderdock’s cheek affectionately.

“You’re so cute,” he said. “And I’m sure you’re very scary in your universe. Hm. So cute.” He cleared his throat. “Now, if you don’t mind, Mr. Murdock. I have business to attend to. Matty? Come on now. Business waits for no man and all that.”

Daredevil withdrew and Murderdock’s face followed him as they rounded each other. Daredevil dropped his shoulders and face when he sloped off to catch up to his Kingpin.

His Kingpin watched this fondly and, when DD was at his side, took a moment to reach over and straighten his collar, just as he had done for Murderdock. He brushed a bit of dust off Daredevil’s shoulder and, apparently finding him in better condition, purposefully looped their arms together.

[darklingandy]

Spirits of the Earth and Air

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Cold Blooded 

Jack used to love the night.

Now the night was black as ink. No moon, no stars; the stifling low clouds obscured it all.

Jack used to love the night: he loved it because it was quiet and peaceful, because he wasn't surrounded by people who couldn't see his existence, because he talked to the moon and the moon listened. At some point — he didn't know when — that had changed. Now the night felt lonely; someone Saw him — two someones — and the moon wasn't listening because the moon was an impersonal rock millions of miles away. And he couldn't see it tonight anyway.

Maybe the night had always been lonely. Maybe he just hadn't noticed because being lonely was who he was, and he didn't know how else to be.

Deep in the woods, Jack was hiding. Two gigantic trees leaned against one another; the earth between their roots had eroded away to create an alcove shadowed by ferns. Jack crouched here, hidden away. He was hiding from a lot of things. Himself. His feelings and actions. His fear that he was failing at what he'd set out to do. But most importantly — so he told himself — he didn’t want to take the chance that any of the court fey might find him.  

He pulled Hiccup's hoodie higher around his shoulders and buried his nose in the worn fabric.

Where was Sandy? He should have been here hours ago, and every additional passing minute made Jack more and more anxious, afraid that something had happened to him. Meeting with Sandy was supposed to be a quick rendezvous; now he wouldn't even make it back to Berk by morning. Hiccup might worry. If Jack took too long, he might start to think Jack had abandoned him.

A distant golden glow appeared through the trees. Jack held his breath and watched; he had to know it was a friend, not a foe, approaching. The glow drifted closer, bobbing its way through the forest toward Jack until he could distinguish Sandy fumbling his way along with his eyes closed. At the sight of him, some of Jack's anxiety left him in a rushed sigh, until he remembered. Any court fey that sees you must report it back to him.

He leapt up. "Sandy!"

Sandy startled. His neat sand cloud fell apart like annoyed confetti and fluttered down. He pulled himself together and formed exclamation points, throwing them in the direction of Jack's head. Not all of them missed.

"Sorry!" Jack threw his hands up and ducked.

Sandy withdrew. His face turned toward Jack — well, turned his face to the left of Jack actually — and somehow managed to radiate disapproval. What are you doing? he signed. Don't you know Pitch is still hunting for you?

He was being reckless. Avoiding one problem by trying to figure out another. Avoiding Hiccup, like a coward. Jack sucked in a deep breath of the clean forest air and pushed his jumbled thoughts out of the way. "I'm here to find out whatever you can tell me. I'm…gathering information."

You have a plan?

He wished. Shame burned in his gut. "Maybe," he hedged. "I. Just. What's going on at the court? The fearlings are gone but I haven't heard anything about what Pitch is doing. What can you tell me?"

The shadow king is angry. Sandy shook his head in despair. I fear for you. I don't like to think about what he'll do when he captures you. And he is determined to capture you.

"What about Hiccup?"

Hiccup? Confusion clouded Sandy's face. The boy? What of him?

Jack clenched his teeth, fear tightening his throat, but determined to force through it. "What is Pitch planning for Hiccup? What does he know of him?"

Pitch is bent on finding the Sight boy who beguiled his lackey away from him. There's not just orders to report on you anymore; there's a reward. For anyone who brings news of either of you, a boon from the king himself will be granted. Some have tried to bring him pretend news, and the punishment was …severe when their deception was revealed.

Jack couldn't breathe. He sunk down onto the earth, knees pulled up to his chest, willing himself to stay calm.

Sandy's hands kept moving. But some have brought real news. There's word of another human besides your Hiccup. A girl with knives. He paused in his frantic motions and felt his way toward Jack, to put a hand on his shoulder. Jack, what have you gotten yourself into?

"Astrid," Jack breathed. So, word about her had got back to the court already. Jack scrubbed a hand through his tangled hair. "Things are getting worse then."

Sandy nodded, serious. I don't know what else I can tell you.

"Something… helpful." Jack stared at Sandy. As if Sandy knew what he was supposed to do. As if Sandy could have answers for him. "Please! There must be some information you have that can help! Something! Anything! Advice, maybe! I just — I don't know what to do, Sandy."

But Sandy just shook his head sadly, a troubled crease between his eyebrows, and Jack shook his head and got up, pacing back and forth, wearing tracks into the dirt.

He was such a fool. Now the reason that he'd come bubbled to the surface of his mind: that he'd come here because he didn't know what else to do. He'd known, deep down, there wasn't anything anyone could tell him that would help. He was in uncharted territory now. He was on his own.

"I have no idea what I'm doing, Sandy." The admission hurt his throat as it clawed its way out; his voice cracked. He swallowed and couldn't meet Sandy's eyes.

Sandy hesitated. Then… why…

"I promised Hiccup that I would get him back his life, but how am I supposed to do that?!" Jack glared up at the brumous sky where he knew the moon would be, behind the thick layer of clouds. His voice was too loud; it reached through the trees enough that if anyone were nearby, they would hear him. "I have to protect him, and I don't even know if I can! But I have to."

Sandy fell silent. He watched Jack, and waited, and listened. He'd known Jack a long time.

"I know he keeps saying that we'll come up with a plan, but how can we do that? We're one human, one faery, one bairseach, and one Sighted boy — that I don't even know what he is right now, exactly — against an entire court of knights and tricksters and—and—and everything!" His face contorted with terror: pupils constricted, mouth working as his breathing sped up, skin pale white. He ran out of steam and crumpled onto the ground, curling up on himself like a wilting leaf. "I've asked too much of him," he said, voice coming out small. "And I've… I hurt him."

You have… a… bairseach? Sandy’s face went slack with awe, but Jack wasn’t looking at him.

Memories of what he'd originally planned for Hiccup came back to him: the sacrifice, the kidnapping. Hiccup saying things like you came here to kidnap someone and when were you going to tell me and you could have told me. And Hiccup was right: Jack should have told him sooner. He should have trusted Hiccup. Should have been more honest with him.

Shame smothered him so strongly it was hard to focus on anything else or think about what he needed to do now.

Sandy drifted toward him, hands moving gently. You know what the odds are. He will not likely come out of this alive.

A shudder went through Jack but he folded his arms and jutted his chin out. "Then neither will I."

Sandy's eyebrows rose toward his hair. You… feel that strongly about this human boy?

Jack opened his mouth. He was going to explain, to say something sane like yes I care for him, we're friends. But instead, what came out was laughter. Impossible, hysterical laughter. He fell back and his limbs sprawled out and he was staring upward at the black sky, laughing his heart out. Brittle frozen pine needles cracked and snapped underneath him; he grabbed a handful and threw them into the air, letting them flutter down around him like confetti. "How could I not?" he shouted. "How could I do anything else?" The laughter faded into the stifling, watchful silence of the night. A deep, weary sigh. Just a breath. "He's…" Jack searched for words. "Impossible. Brave. Fearsome, sometimes. I…" His voice trailed away, following the laugh into nothingness.

Sandy wasn't quite facing the right direction, but Jack could still see his face. Could still see the expression of dawning awe and horror, mingled on his kind features. …love him. His hands signed the sentence that Jack left unfinished. His expression was hesitant, horrified, incredulous. Like he couldn't believe that even Jack would so stupid as to fall in love with a human. How could you do this?

No. No no no no no. Jack choked as he cast a sideways glance at Sandy. Oh gods. Was he really so transparent? "……what?"

As if there were any way he could deny it. A faery cannot tell a lie.

Fall like this, Sandy signed.

Jack said nothing. The word ‘love’ left him reeling, feeling punch-drunk and dazed like he’d been hit. His mouth opened and closed. Sandy’s question — How could you do this? — loomed in his mind. How? He was fey, one of the ancient aos sídhe; things weren’t supposed to work like this. The fey were said to be heartless, cold-blooded creatures like fishes.

Jack had no proof that it was true but he had no proof that it wasn't either. What would it feel like, Jack wondered distantly, if he had a heart to beat? Did it feel like this, terrifying and vivid? Or was he imagining the warmth pulsing in his jugular when he put his hand to his throat?

Did he have a heart, or did he not?

Fall in love so dangerously.

He wrinkled up his nose and turned his face away from Sandy, cheek pressing into the cold ground with a groan. "What?" he breathed again, only half aloud. The ground, hard with frost, remained unyielding beneath him. No more soft loam of the autumn. "I…I don't…"

You're my friend. Sandy's shoulders drooped. I don't want to you die, but if you stick by this boy…Maybe you should leave.

"What?"

Sandy just kept shaking his head, still stunned like he couldn't believe what was happening to Jack. Leave Berk. You managed to get away before Pitch could manipulate the nature of your servitude. Now is the time, before he finds you again.

"I can't just run away!"

Yes, you can, signed Sandy, confused over Jack's resistance. There are no orders binding you here.

But the idea sickened Jack; emotions sitting heavy at the bottom of his stomach and chest, squeezing him. Leave Hiccup? To save himself? He could scarcely breathe."You don't understand. I'm not going to abandon Hiccup!"

Sandy held his hands up. Alright. But at least tell me you have a plan.

"No," Jack admitted. He pressed his hands over his eyes, blocking Sandy out. "But we will."

Nevermind. Just tell me you'll come out of this alive and… whole.

"I will, uh …do my best."

Sandy let out a slow, tired sigh, his head bowed. It is exhausting to be your friend, you know.

Jack propped himself up, grinning through his exhaustion. "But what a good job you do of it."

I know. Sandy preened a little. Then his face became serious again. I'm sorry I can't help you. This is getting more dangerous. Pitch has been combing every corner of the court for anyone who's helped you. I don't think I'll be able to meet you again.

Jack felt a twinge of guilt that he'd asked Sandy here. Sandy was a good friend to put himself in danger for him in the first place. He nodded. "I understand. Thanks, Sandy." He patted Sandy awkwardly on the shoulder. "For everything. I appreciate it. What would I do without you?"

Probably die.

"Always such an optimist." Jack stood up, brushing pieces of pine needles and clumps of dirt off himself. "Well… I guess I'll see you when I see you."

You're leaving?

"Yeah." Jack nodded, more to himself than to Sandy. "I need to go talk to… to the... to Hiccup."

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