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[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Banner

Ch30: Winter Is Here

Summary: In the wake of the UN Bombing, Steve, Katie and Sam (with help from Sharon) track Bucky to Bucharest and face a race against time to track him down before the CTU. But someone else is also following Bucky, someone who’s been one step ahead and the consequences are disastrous.

Warnings: Bad Language words.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N: Elements of this have been reworked/rewritten…for reasons which will become apparent at some point!

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Chapter 29 Part 2

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Bucky liked Bucharest. It was easy enough to blend in and he’d found work at a local Warehouse easily enough. It was no questions asked, cash in hand and no trail. Perfect. Physical labour didn’t bother him, neither did taking the nightshifts which no one else seemed to want. It meant he could sleep most of the days and emerge later at night meaning he had even less people to encounter and deal with. Not that it really mattered, no one really bothered him apart from the Old Lady that lived a few floors down. Bucky often did odd jobs for her, just like he had used to for the old couple that lived across from his parents in Brooklyn before the war.

Since arriving in Europe in September last year, his life had been pretty peaceful. His memories had started to flash back almost the instant he wasn’t re-wiped by HYDRA, but they were random, non-chronological, so he had started writing them in a notebook along with other snippets and facts he found along the way which helped him piece together the parts of the puzzle that was his life. He knew his name, his date of birth, who his parents were, his siblings, Steve- his brother-from-another-Mother, the Howling Commandos, Steve’s wife- Katie,  his ‘death’ and then… well, that bit he tried not to remember on purpose.

He felt better, like himself, and had on more than one occasion thought about reaching out to Steve. But the thing was, even though he’d now been out of HYDRA control for over two years, he knew that what they had done to him or put in his head was still there, and he didn’t want to give anyone the chance to find out the hard-way or give them chance to lock him up like some lab rat. So he had decided it was best to stay off radar.

Pulling his cap down a little, he headed over to his favourite fruit store for some plums. He remembered what a treat they had been back before the war, and he enjoyed the fact they were so readily available now. He reached out with his flesh hand to gently test one. 

“How are they? Are they good?” He asked the vendor in Romanian who nodded to him, smiling “Okay. Give me six, thank you”

With his bag of fruit he walked along, casually scanning around as he ate. And then, across the street, he spotted a vendor at a news-stand watching him. Bucky glanced away hastily then looked back at the man who was still watching him before he suddenly turned and ran from his kiosk. With a sick feeling in his stomach,  Bucky made his way over and picked up a paper reading the front page which contained a number of surveillance-photos and the head line: ‘Winter Soldier cautat pentru Bombardmentul din Viena’. 

A cold feeling washed all over him and he glanced around, swallowing thickly. 

He might have struggled with his memory in the past but he could categorically say this wasn’t one of those times. This wasn’t him, granted it looked like him, but it wasn’t.

Shit, he needed to hide.

Pulling his cap down further, jacket pulled up round his neck he set off home.

****** Having your own private plane certainly has its perks. Katie, Sam and Steve made their way to Vienna and from there, after being given a lead from Sharon, they headed to Bucharest. Steve and Sam had brought all their equipment whereas Katie had opted to simply pack her cat suit and utility belt as they weren’t anticipating any action.

A decision she was starting to regret now.

“Nice place.” Katie commented sarcastically, pulling at the neck of her leather cat-suit as they entered the old rundown apartment that Bucky Barnes now called home. Steve ignored the comment before he carefully closed the door behind them. The two of them ventured further into the small darkened apartment, the windows had been taped over with old newspapers keeping out most of the sunlight and prying eyes. Steve’s shield caught a few of the spots of light which were creeping through tears and gaps in the paper, sending reflections onto bits of the apartment walls. The bedroom and the living area were one, a tattered mattress placed just beneath the window a small desk and lamp next to it. Across from the bed near the entrance was a metal table with two chairs next to it, then there was the kitchen area and a door, which Katie headed through, gun at the ready, finding nothing but a small, grimy and empty bathroom.

She couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of sadness in her gut that the man who had saved her life, a war veteran, was living like this.

Steve took to looking around the kitchen and had found a notebook of sorts with tabs of varying colours sticking out from amongst the pages. As he flicked through he found a leaflet on the Smithsonian Captain America exhibit.

"Heads up guys, German Special Forces approaching from the South.” Sam’s voice came through the coms.

“Understood.” Steve replied gently, replacing the leaflet in the page he had found it, fingers lingering on the paper. He looked up at Katie as she re-entered the room.

“Nobody’s home.” She said softly. “What you got there?” “It’s a journal.” Steve said, “He’s been writing down memories and-“

He stopped dead as a movement crossed his peripheral and his head jerked up. Over his wife’s shoulder he locked eyes with Bucky for the first time since that day over the Potomac. Katie, noticing his demeanour, glanced over her shoulder and instantly spun round to see Bucky watching the pair of them with a cautious sort of curiosity.

“Do you know me?” Steve asked carefully, setting the book he was flipping through down on the cluttered counter. He moved in front of Katie slightly, keeping himself between her and his best friend who was stood stock still, eyeing them up.

“You’re Steve,” Bucky said roughly, “I read about you in a museum.”  He added immediately, nodding to himself. 

Play dumb, Bucky, play dumb…

“They’ve set the perimeter.” Sam spoke in their ears.

“I know you’re nervous, and you’ve got plenty of reason to be, but you’re lying.” Steve spoke calmly, not believing him for a second. He could always tell when Bucky was lying, even as kids he wouldn’t look you in the eye fully, and now wasn’t any different.

“I wasn’t in Vienna. I don’t do that anymore.”  Bucky’s voice wavered slightly, almost pleading with them to believe him. And instantly Katie did.

“They’re entering the building. “ Sam urged. 

“Well, the people who think you did are coming here now.” Katie took a small step forward so that she was slightly in front of Steve. “And they’re not planning on taking you alive.”

 “That’s smart. Good strategy.” He looked at her, cocking his head to one side as he studied her. She was oozing confidence, are far cry from the broken, shattered woman he had rescued last year, and she didn’t seem afraid of him. Which he liked but also didn’t because it meant they weren’t going to just let him slip away.

“They’re on the roof. I’m compromised!”

“This doesn’t have to end in a fight ,Buck.” Steve pleaded desperately while Bucky simply walked over to the table set down his plastic bag and pulled off his glove to reveal his metal hand.

“It always ends in a fight.” He said balling the metal into a fist, his voice lilted with sadness.

“Five seconds.”

“You pulled me from the river and you saved Katie’s life that day in La Ronde.” Steve’s voice took on an urgent tone, almost shouting. “Why?”

“I don’t know.” Bucky replied in frustration finally looking up at Steve and locking eyes with him before he glanced to Katie. Truth be told he did know. That day on the Potomac something had broken his programming, and when Steve had plunged to the river he had known he had to save him, because he had been saving him all his punk-assed life. And then with Katie, well, even before he had recognised her he couldn’t leave a dame to the mercy of HYDRA, not after what they did to him. It was wrong…his ma taught him better.

“Three seconds.”

“Yes you do.” Steve responded,

“Breach, breach, breach!” Came the yell into their earpieces.

Both Steve and Katie looked towards the window prompting Bucky to do the same and in the next second a flash bomb was thrown through, Steve batted it right back out with his shield and then a second bomb came through the other window. Bucky booted it towards Steve who dropped and covered it with his shield, containing the blast. All three of them looked at one another for a split second before a loud bang sounded as the door rattled. Katie quickly kicked the edge of the table so that it wedged between the door and the wall blocking the German Forces entrance for now.

Whilst she was distracted with that, a final bomb was thrown and Bucky lifted up the dirty mattress using it as protection for them both. She nodded to him gently as he tossed it away and then came the soldiers on zip lines through the window. The first landed in the kitchen, training his gun first on Steve, then across towards Bucky, but before he could shoot Steve pulled the rug from beneath him and he ended up firing into the ceiling. The next came in through the window right next to Bucky but he punched him in the face, throwing him over to Katie who aimed a kick at his arm, knocking the gun out of it before kicking him again in the chest, sending him sprawling into the bathroom. Bucky picked the third soldier up easily and slammed him into the wall, letting him fall down.

“Buck, stop! You’re gonna kill someone.” Steve ran forward, but Bucky easily dodged him and slammed into him from behind, knocking him to the floor.

“I’m not gonna kill anyone!” He growled, punching a hole into the floor. He grabbed a backpack from under the floorboards and threw it across the room and out of the window. Then came more gun fire and Katie dropped to the floor, rolling to her right and firing a shot in the direction of the shooting hearing a yell as her bullet hit her target in the knee. Steve, again, flung his shield up and Bucky shoved him hard in the back sending him flying into another solider, taking him down. Katie scrambled to her feet again unable to do anything but watch as Bucky punched a hole through the wall next to the door before bashing it open and continuing to fight his way out.

“You alright?” Steve asked, as she dusted herself off.

“This isn’t exactly going to plan is it?” She shook her head as they ran out of the door just in time to see Bucky jump on a soldier who was descending from a zip wire and swinging down a level in the stairwell of the apartment block. One of the soldiers was screaming into his radio. Steve grabbed it from him, then smashed it with his foot before he jumped down a level after Bucky. Katie, took the sensible option and ran down the stairs, taking out anyone blocking her way.

Bucky was punching soldiers left and right until he ducked as he hit another accidentally sending him over the railing, but Steve was quick to catch him by his vest.

“Come on man,” He sighed wearily. Bucky’s only response was a shrug which he emphasized by elbowing a soldier that was behind him, while Steve pulled up the one he was holding onto and tossed him into a wall. Bucky jumped over the railing down several flights but by the time Steve caught up with him he had dodged into an apartment and jumped from the railings

“Damned it!” Steve cursed as he watched Bucky land on the lower roof of the neighbouring building with some force, but he simply rolled as if the fall hadn’t bothered him at all, picked up his backpack and ran.  But he didn’t get far, a muscular man clad entirely in black slammed into him from behind knocking him down.

“Sam southwest rooftop.” Steve suddenly reported to Sam as he watched the man in the black suit, which looked very much like a big cat moved with breath-taking agility and grace, slashing with sharp claws on each hand as he tackled Bucky.

“Who the hell’s the other guy?” Sam asked Steve on the coms.  

“I’m about to find out.” Steve backed up before he too launched himself from the balcony down onto the neighbouring building. Katie ran into the apartment just in time to see him land on the other roof-top and she frowned at the mystery man in some form of cat suit who was lunging at Bucky with his claws. Bucky grabbed his wrists holding him off but at that moment a helicopter that had appeared began to fire its machine gun. Both Katie from her vantage point, and Steve who was bolting towards the men, frowned as he saw the ammo ping back off the man’s suit just like it did off his shield.

“Sam…” Katie said as Steve continued to run towards Bucky, shield raised. Sam understood what she was implying instantly.  

“Got him.” He replied, flying down he spun under the chopper, grabbing the rails at the bottom, spinning it off course before swooping off. As Katie continued to watch Bucky leapt off the side of the roof to the floor, and the mystery cat man followed using his claws for traction down the side of the building. Steve was shortly behind, rolling along the floor before picking himself up and running after the pair of them, Sam flying behind. Then, the helicopter began to follow, gunfire tearing up the side walk.  

“Shit.” Katie ran down and emerging into the street, sprinting as fast as she could. Spotting an abandoned motorbike which had been ditched in the fracas she hopped on and sped after them, mentally thanking Natasha for the bike driving lessons.

It was chaos, absolute chaos. Bucky jumped down through a gap into the underpass, Steve and the mystery cat man following, as they themselves were being pursued by an armoured vehicle. Well, at least they were until Steve managed to pull the driver out and take the vehicle himself. He saw a motorbike coming up behind him in the mirrors and did a double take as he saw it was Katie. She pulled up alongside him and with one hand she grabbed the passenger door and yanked it open, before placing both her hands on the rim of the door and using it as leverage to swing herself feet first into the car.

“Where did you learn to do that?” Steve asked, open mouthed as she dropped into the seat next to him.

“Nat.” She shrugged, as if it was a perfectly normal thing to do or be taught. Steve gave a small smirk and then turned to look back at the road, switching lanes and cruising past mystery cat man.  Then there was a thud and Katie glanced back over her shoulders. Mystery cat man had latched himself onto the back of the car.

“Hold on!” Steve yelled before swerving the car to the right then the left hoping to dislodge him but no such luck. He even rammed the side of the car into another Special Forces vehicle but nothing, he hung tight.

“Sam we can’t shake this guy.” Steve reported.

“Right behind you.”

In front of them Bucky jumped the barrier to the other side of the road so Steve dropped the car a gear and pressed harder on the gas, breaking straight through it. A quick glance through the mirrors told Katie that it was enough to slow down the Germans but not to dislodge their passenger.

“This guy is more of a pain in the ass than Tony.” Katie sighed, turning back to look out of the front. Just as she did, Bucky clearly decided he needed his own mode of transportation and grabbed the handle bars of a motorbike which was speeding towards him. He dislodged the driver in mid-air while the bike spun and threw his leg over the seat all in one fluid motion. He then landed and sped away.

“Holy shit!” Katie let out a small laugh of disbelief, her jaw dropping slightly as she smirked at Bucky’s unbelievable display of acrobatics. “Did you see that?”

Steve looked at her for a split second, taking in the smirk on her face as she admired Bucky’s agility, surprised to feel he was slightly jealous. With a sigh, more at himself than anything, he shook his head. That insecure little kid from Brooklyn really had picked the most inappropriate time to appear. It didn’t help when she spoke again, a cheeky lilt to her voice.

“Can you do that?”

Steve shot her a glare that would make anyone else shake in their boots but it made Katie do nothing but frown at the open display of hostility he very rarely used on her. Before she could respond, however, there was a thud on the roof as mystery cat man climbed on top of the car and then launched himself at Bucky. The soldier on the bike was prepared though, and grabbed him around the throat, flinging him over his head. But the mystery cat man was persistent, hanging on even as the bike tipped and Bucky was forced to use his metal hand so that he didn’t fall off the bike completely. He kicked the cat man away before straightening his bike and speeding ahead.

Steve swerved to avoid running mystery cat man over while he caught other means of transportation, meaning he grabbed onto Sam’s legs as he was flying by. Ahead of them Bucky threw a sticky bomb at the top of the overpass which immediately went off and began raining down debris.  

“Time to go.” Steve grabbed Katie as he slammed on the breaks turning the car sharply. He pulled her out of the door, using his shield to land on as the car began to tilt on its side. They dodged through the rubble, Steve’s shield over their heads and once they were clear, Steve sped off to where the cat man was mounted on top of Bucky ready to rip his throat out.

Sam emerged from the dust but seconds later there was loud clang and War Machine landed holding up his hand with repulsor beams at the ready in warning. More German Special Forces arrived and they knew the game was up. But Steve and Katie both looked at each other, chests heaving with exertion and dare they say it, relief. They had located Bucky after years of searching, he was still alive and could be questioned, which meant there was a chance they could clear all this up.

Steve felt Bucky step forward, and he instantly held his arm out to stop him. .

“Stand down now.” Rhodey spoke with authority and the Special Forces aimed their guns at them all. Steve relented placing his shield onto his back harness showing compliance as he held his hands up, palms outwards.

“Congratulations Cap, you’re a criminal.” Rhodey said sarcastically. As soldiers surrounded Bucky forcing him down to his knees so they could hand cuff him tightly.

Katie and Sam raised their hands in surrender as the soldiers approached them too. The mystery cat man was the last to comply retracting his claws and reaching up to his helmet.

“Call them off Rhodey.” Katie looked at him, nodding to the soldier who had his gun trained on her “We’ll come quietly.”

Rhodey turned to look at her and then nodded at the officer, who lowered his gun, but that didn’t stop them from handcuffing her. As she shot a look over her shoulder at the man who was slapping on the restraints she gave him a small smirk and then turned back to look at mystery cat man, just as he pulled off his mask.

“What the…” Katie frowned, recognising him instantly. It was T’Challa, the prince of Wakanda.

“Your highness.” Rhodey said.

There was a scuffle to Katie’s right and she turned to see that Bucky was being hauled to the floor.

“Don’t hurt him.” She turned to Rhodey, pleading with him. “Please. He saved my life, he’s still a human being!”

Rhodey hesitated slightly but then one of the soldiers shoved Katie in the back.

“Move.” he said in a thick accent.

“Say please.” She spun round, glaring at him. “Fucking asshole.”

“Katie.” Steve instructed gently as he walked towards her, being marched by two other soldiers. She turned to him and he gave a small shake of his head, warning her not to start another fight, before he nodded towards the black SUV.

“You know what the worse bit about all this is?” Katie sighed, as she fell into step beside Steve.

Steve looked at her, “No, what?”

“The lecture I’m going to get off Tony.”

One they had been stripped of their weapons and gear they were released from their handcuffs. Rubbing her wrists, Katie raised an eyebrow at Rhodey.

“Now what?” 

“You’ll be given chance to change and clean up before going to Berlin,” Rhodey said, as the side of the SUV they were by opened and they were instructed to climb in. “Where you’ll be put into the custody of the Anti-Terrorism Unit.”

“So we’re terrorists now?” Katie snorted.

“You knew what would happen if you went against the law.”

She gave a sarcastic, fake yawn and behind her Sam sniggered before he looked at Rhodey

“This make you feel good?” Sam asked.

“Okay, enough!” Steve loudly shut down the petty squabble that was about to erupt between the two men “Yes, Rhodey we knew what would happen, but we also knew what would happen if we didn’t.”

“Oh yeah? And what’s that?”

“That you would never have taken him alive.” He nodded to where Bucky was being hauled into the back of a separate vehicle. “And you know that too.”

******

“So you like cats?”

“Sam.” Steve scolded as Katie snorted, looking out of the window of the SUV as they drove over a bridge that crossed the River Spree. T’Challa was on the front row of the SUV alone, then Steve and Katie had sat on the middle, Sam on the back row.

“What?” Sam asked innocently. “Dude shows up dressed like a cat and you don’t wanna’ know more?”

Katie was inclined to agree, Steve however, was curious about something else.

“Your suit. It’s Vibranium?” He asked in interest.

“The Black Panther has been the protector of Wakanda for generations.” T'Challa began slowly. “A mantle passed from warrior to warrior. And now because your friend murdered my father, I also wear the mantle of king. So I ask you, as both warrior and king, how long do you think you can keep your friend safe from me?”

T'Challa turned his head to look Steve directly in the eye then turned back around without another word as Steve clenched his jaw.

They arrived at the CIA base in Berlin in record time thanks to the police convey that kept the streets clear. The base was crawling with heavily armed soldiers as they stepped out of the van and were led inside. Katie shrugged on her leather jacket, pausing as Bucky’s cage followed them being moved by a small forklift. Besides her Steve stiffened as he looked over at Bucky and Katie gently placed her hand on at the bottom of his back. Bucky looked at the pair of them before he turned away as he was taken off in a separate direction.

After an introduction of sorts to Thaddeus Ross (Sharon’s boss) they were informed their weapons would be placed in a lock up, prompting Sam to snarl angrily- “I better not look out the window and see anybody flying around in that.” They were then led over a walkway and Katie looked past Ross and saw a familiar redhead walking towards them. Natasha’s face was blank as she strode down the walkway.

“For the record.” She snapped as she looked at the three of them in turn before she focussed on Steve. “This is what making things worse looks like.”

“He’s alive.” Steve answered shortly, not looking at her as he walked past, his jacket flapping slightly, pulling Katie with him as his hand wrapped around hers.

Natasha just glared at him before she walked quicker, pulling ahead of the group as they reached a large security office. Natasha led the way in, and Katie instantly picked up as she could hear Tony’s voice from inside,

“The remaining of us are now at court-section.” He was saying. And as they entered she saw her brother standing in the centre of the office, talking into his phone with his back to the door as he added, “And, Colonel Ross is supervising the clean-up.”

Despite everything Katie felt a rush of relief, it good to see him, alive and okay after Vienna.

“Try not to break anything while we fix this.” Natasha snapped and Katie’s attention then turned from her brother to her friend and she shook her head.

“Ass kissing doesn’t suit you, Nat.”  

Tony turned to face them all, his face set in a deep frown as he barked into his phone, pulling at his tie to loosen it off. "Consequences? You bet there will be consequences.”

Steve raised his eyebrows slightly, glancing at Katie who rolled her eyes before she looked at Tony as he continued to talk “Obviously you can quote me on that because I just said it. Anything else? Thank you, sir.”

As he placed his phone back into his pocket, his eyes never left his sister. “You okay?” He asked and she nodded, stepping forwards into his arms, giving him a hug which he returned.

"Consequences?” Steve repeated with a smirk as Tony looked over Katie’s shoulder at him.

“Secretary Ross wants you three prosecuted.” Tony answered, stepping back and releasing Katie. “I had to give him something.” He added.

“I’m not getting that shield back, am I?” Steve asked in an almost monotone voice.

“Technically, it’s the government’s property.” Natasha replied cheerily. “Wings too.” She added.

“That’s cold.” Sam countered

“Warmer than jail.” Tony tossed over his shoulder, as he headed off somewhere.

“Stop being so melodramatic.” Katie rolled her eyes, and stuck her hands in the back pockets of her jeans as Natasha led them to an office, talking to them as she went, telling them about what had been going on. They walked in silence, none of them responding. Eventually they reached a glass walled office and stepped inside.

“You’re not in a very talkative mood I can see.” Natasha drawled as Katie dropped her jacket over the back of a chair.

“Hmmm what can we talk about? Let’s see.” Katie looked at her, her face angry. “Oh how about the Accords?” Natasha rolled her eyes as Katie continued with a tone of disdain. “You know, I never had you down as someone that would give in so easily to control.”

“Well sometimes we have to make some tough choices.”

“Why’d you really sign, Nat?“ Steve asked her.

She sighed leaning back on the door frame. “Loyalty. Loyalty to our team. Staying together is more important than how we stay together.”

Steve shook his head, giving a small snort of laughter. “I don’t agree, and deep down, I don’t think you do either.”

“Believe what you want.” She shrugged before leaving.

About half an hour later after the three of them had been brainstorming again who they thought was actually responsible for bombing the UN and trying to fit Bucky up (none of them having any sensible ideas whatsoever), Sam excused himself heading off in search of some food and drink and it wasn’t long before Tony walked into the office were Katie and Steve were sat, Katie’s feet resting in Steve’s lap, his hand sliding up the bottom of her jeans, stroking the smooth skin just above the line of her ankle boots.

“You wanna see something cool?” He asked. Katie and Steve both turned to look at him as he walked in, holding a small black case. “I pulled something from Dad’s archives.” He nodded, “Timely.”

Katie sat up as Tony tossed his suit jacket onto one of the empty seats before he opened the box and placed it down on the shiny, mahogany table in front of Steve.

"FDR signed the Land-Lease bills with these in 1941.” Tony explained what they were. “Provided support to the allies when they needed it the most.”

“Some would say it brought our country closer to war.” Steve countered, a humourless smile on his face as he looked back up at Tony.

Tony met Steve’s eyes evenly and countered with his own point, “See, if not for these, you wouldn’t be here.” Steve’s brow rose, while Tony continued, “I’m trying to, what do you call it? An olive branch. Is that what you call it?

He looked at Steve, leaning his face against his fist as he waited expectantly. Steve pursed his lips unhappily and Katie knew he was struggling and couldn’t tell Tony what he wanted to hear because he didn’t believe in it.

"Is Pepper here?” Katie asked, switching topics as she glanced around the office then added, “I didn’t see her.”

She looked back at Tony as a strange almost regretful look came over his face. Her brows furrowed in confusion as Tony said slowly, measured, “We are… kinda, well not kinda-”

“Pregnant?” Steve interrupted in surprise.

“No, definitely not.” Tony said immediately face souring slightly. He paused, before finally admitting the truth, “We’re taking a break. It’s nobody’s fault.”

“I’m so sorry, Tony.” Steve spoke softly as Katie looked at her brother, who took a seat at the table “I didn’t know.”

“What did you do this time?” Katie asked gently. She hated it when they rowed and broke up. It never lasted long but still…

Tony’s lips twitched like he was going to smile but didn’t, “Few years ago, I almost lost her, so I trashed all my suits. Then, we had to mop up HYDRA. And then Ultron,” he tapped himself in the chest, “my fault.” He sighed again. “And then, and then, and then- I never stopped. Cause the truth is, I don’t wanna stop but I don’t want to lose her. I thought maybe the Accords could split the difference.”

“In her defence, you are a handful.” Katie said, the corner of her mouth twitching upwards.

Tony smiled without it reaching his eyes as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, pacing a little by the glass walls, before he reached up to adjust his tie as he continued bitterly.

“Yet, dad was a pain in the ass, but he and mom always made it work.”

“You know, I never expected Howard would get married.” Steve said, fondly remembering his friend with a smile “Mind you, I only knew him when he was young and single.”

“Oh really?” Tony asked sarcastically as he looked back at Steve. “You two knew each other? He never mentioned that. Maybe only a thousand times.”

Steve winced, dropping his head and while Tony picked up his suit jacket. “God, I hated you.” He spat pulling the jacket on.

“That’s a dick thing to say, Tone!” Katie frowned, narrowing her eyes at her brother.  

Steve sighed, and he looked back at Tony with sad eyes, “I don’t mean to make things difficult.”

“No, you just dropped into my life and married my sister.” Tony snorted “But you’re a very polite person. I mean you asked first.”

“That’s enough.” Katie chastised as Tony walked behind Steve, pacing a little. Steve turned to keep his eyes on him as he sighed

“If I see a situation pointed south, I can’t ignore it. Sometime I wish I could.”

“No, you don’t.” Tony challenged

Steve paused, before he admitted with a small, wry smile shaking his head a little, “No, I don’t.” He sighed, “Sometimes-”

“Sometimes I wanna punch you in your perfect teeth.” Tony interrupted bitterly. He shrugged like it was a fact, before he added softly, “but I don’t wanna see you gone. We need you, Cap.”

Steve stared at Tony as he considered his words, Katie observing the two of them silently as Tony continued “So far, nothing’s happened that can’t be undone, if you just sign.” He gestured at the pens, “We can make the last twenty-four hours legit. Barnes gets transferred to an American psych centre instead of a Wakanda prison.”

Steve stared at the pens, weighing Tony’s words before he reached out, pulling one slowly from its holder. Tony folded his arms across his chest as Steve stood up playing with the pen in his hands.

“I’m not saying it’s impossible,” he took a deep breath, “but there would have to be safeguards, what do you think, Sweetheart?” He looked at Katie. He was trying here, after everything, to reach the middle ground. He didn’t want to see the Avengers split up and the opportunity of keeping Bucky out of jail and safe was one he couldn’t pass up.

Katie looked at him, searching his face. She hadn’t been completely opposed to some form of sanctions after all, what she had opposed vehemently was a set being force upon them which gave them no control. But maybe, as Steve pointed out, with some amendments, perhaps they could make this work.

“We need to be able to have some control Tony, a say in where we go, when we go and why we go.” Katie eventually looked at her brother. “We’re not to be used as some pawns in a political game, for anyone’s agenda.”

“Sure.” Tony was quick to assure. “Once we put out the PR fire, its documents, they can be amended.” Tony sat back down at the table “I’d file a motion to have you and Wanda reinstated and-.“

"Wanda?” Katie cut him off and looked at him. “What about Wanda?”

“She’s fine.” Tony promised, although wariness leaked into his tone because he knew he had just put his foot in it. “She’s confined in the compound currently. Vision’s keeping her company.”

“Oh God, Tony!” Katie groaned and threw her head backwards in exasperation and disbelief.

At the same time Steve scoffed and shook his head. “Every time. Every time I think you’re seeing things the right way-”

"What?” Tony cut in, “It’s a hundred acres with a lap pool. It’s got a screening room. Trust me, there’s worse ways to protect people.”

“Protection?” Steve repeated, his temper rising. “Is that how you see this? This is protection? It’s internment.”

“She’s not a US citizen-” Tony spoke loudly while Steve and Katie groaned again

“Oh, come on, Tony!”  Katie shook her head, looking at him.

“- and they don’t grant visas to Weapons of Mass Destruction.” Tony finished taking a deep breath

“Wanda’s a kid!” Steve spat out.

“Give me a break!” Tony shouted back angrily.

Katie’s eyes narrowed furiously, but Tony took another deep breath as he visibly tried to calm himself down,

“I’m doing what has to be done,” He paused to look Steve in the eye before he turned to his sister and finished flatly. “To stave off something worse.”

She shook her head and grit her teeth, there was no discussing with him when he was like this, and if he couldn’t see that keeping Wanda on house arrest because she hadn’t signed was wrong then she didn’t really want to discuss it with him anyway.  "You keep telling yourself that.” She answered.

"Hate to break up the set.” Steve dropped the pen back down onto the desk before he left the office.

Katie groaned and banged her head on the desk.

“Kiddo…”

“Just don’t.” She replied, not looking up. “Don’t say a word Tony, you’ve already said enough.”

****

“The receipt for your gear.”  Sharon walked into the room, handing Sam a piece of paper.

Sam took the paper, glancing down at it. “'Bird costume’? Come on, girl.” He spat incredulously reading the receipt.

“I didn’t write it.” Sharon shot back and Katie raised a brow as she watched the woman, noticing her movements, before she reached past Sam and pressed a button in the middle of the conference table. Instantly the audio from the footage they were watching of Bucky’s questioning flooded the room and Steve looked at Sharon in surprise and she nodded back to him. Katie also gave her a look of appreciation as well and Sharon averted her eyes beyond the conference room. Katie followed her gaze and saw Natasha looking furtively over her shoulder. Katie nodded to Nat, understanding instantly she’d had a hand in this. Nat inclined her head slightly before she turned back around to watch her own set of screens.

“I’m not here to judge you. I just want to ask you a few questions. Do you know where you are, James?” The man in the cage gave no response so the doctor tried again. “I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me, James.”

“My name is Bucky.” Bucky answered voice rough, a hint of defiance in his tone.

Steve’s lips pursed, and he turned back to the table with a frown. He picked up the discarded file, pulling out the Vienna security camera photos that showed the man the task force identified as Bucky from near the bomb site.

“Why would the task force release this photo to begin with?” Steve asked handing the picture over to Katie, as she perched on the table beside him.

Sam frowned, while Sharon shrugged and answered the best way she could, “Get the word out, involve as many eyes as we can?”

“Right.” Steve said flatly nodding but it wasn’t enough for him. Katie cottoned on instantly.

“It’s a good way to flush a guy out of hiding. Set off a bomb, get your picture taken.” She shrugged and Sam’s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward on his arms, while Steve continued for her.

“Suddenly you’ve got seven billion people looking for the Winter Soldier.”

“You’re saying someone framed him to find him.” Sharon asked slowly, summarizing their point.

“Steve, we looked for the guy for two years, and bar when he pulled your Missus out of that Hydra base, we found nothing.” Sam pointed out.

“We didn’t bomb the UN.” Katie answered. “That turns a lot of heads.”

“Yeah.” Sharon joined in quietly, “but that doesn’t guarantee that whoever framed him would get him, it guarantees that we would…”

She trailed off as all 4 of them shared an understanding glance.

Steve turned around sharply to look back at the screen showing Bucky and the UN psychiatrist, before he muttered "Yeah.” Someone had brought him here for a reason. Who, and why?

“Tell me Bucky.” The man interrogating Bucky continued on. “You’ve seen a great deal, haven’t you?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Bucky answered flatly keeping his response short.

“You feel that, if you open your mouth, the horrors might never stop. Don’t worry.” He tapped at his screen “We only have to talk about one.”

The building suddenly went dark, the power going out leaving on the emergency red lights flashing ominously. Katie hopped off the table and Steve turned urgent eyes on Sharon.

“Sub-level five, east wing.” She answered the silent question quickly.

Steve looked at Sam and he nodded then the three of them ran out of the office, using the distraction of the power outage to their advantage as they raced down the stairs to get to the level Bucky was on.

They ran down two flights of stairs before they finally reached the hallway that led to Bucky’s holding room. Steve stopped when they reached the last corridor and spotted the guards lying on the ground. He glanced back to exchange looks with Katie and Sam as they both came to a stop behind him. Now wary of what they were walking into, and highly conscious that none of them had any weapons, they made their way cautiously down the corridor. Katie bent down to check the fallen soldiers. One had a strong pulse, the other…

“He’s dead.” She muttered looking up. Steve let out a sigh of frustration and moved into the security room besides the cell, Sam and Katie close behind.  

The further into the room they went the more dead soldiers they encountered when a sudden raspy voice came from in the room that held Bucky’s containment unit. “Help me.”

Steve looked ahead to see the man who had been interrogating Bucky, lying on his side by the empty cage, clutching his side as if in pain. Steve stomped into the room angrily, ignoring the man as he begged for help again.

“Get up.” He snapped reaching down to grab the man by the front of his jacket, hauling him to his feet. The man eyed him carefully as Steve glared shoving him into a wall and snarling. “Who are you? What do you want?”

The man met his gaze, his eyes becoming cold and dark as answered lowly, “To see an empire fall.”

A movement in the corner of the room caught Katie’s eye. Sam and her ducked just in time as the Winter Soldier leapt from where he had been lurking in the shadows, throwing a punch towards Katie. He missed, hitting the concrete doorway and punching a hole through the rock.

Sam acted quickly, punching at the Winter Soldier’s side, but it didn’t even faze the super-solider as he punched Sam straight in the stomach. Sam winced, and doubled over as the Winter Soldier grabbed his chin in his metal hand, throwing him across the room. He then turned his attention to Katie, and she knew that throwing punches wasn’t going to work so all she could do was duck, using her agility to keep out of his way. She bent backwards as he made to grab her but then Steve ran at him, ducking as the Winter Soldier swung his arm out. Once the metal arm passed over his head, Steve threw a punch of his own, hitting the Soldier right in the face, and the man snarled as he swung his fist back at Steve, who dodged it. The Winter Soldier suddenly kicked out, landing a solid kick right to Steve’s stomach and Steve grunted as he was thrown backwards, landing in the security room.

The Winter Soldier strode towards him but Steve was already back on his feet and blocked the next kick with his bare hands. Katie was powerless to help; she had nothing on her, no stingers, no guns no Supernova suit. She frantically searched the room for something she could use as a weapon as the pair of super soldiers continued to fight, throwing kicks and punches while parrying and blocking the other’s moves, heading back out into the corridor. As Steve fell through the doorway again, Katie grabbed the cable she was holding and launched herself at the Winter Soldier jumping onto his back and wrapping the cable around his neck. He spun round angrily, grabbing at the cable before he reached up with his metal arm and grabbed the back of her hair, flipping her up and over before flinging her across the room at Steve who had pulled himself up against the elevator doors. Steve grunted as he caught her but quickly set her on her feet before shoving her out of the way just in time, as the Winter Soldier threw his whole weight into a punch to Steve’s chest, blowing him straight through the metal doors and down the elevator shaft.

Katie kicked at the desk in front of her, sending it The Soldier’s way as he was now advancing on her, but he broke through it easily, not even slowing in the slightest. She dodged under his arm and aimed a kick at the side of his knee, catching him perfectly and he stumbled forward. She then went to kick him again but he raised his metal arm to take the brunt of it, catching her leg so it was trapped between his arm and chest.

“Bucky this isn’t you.” Her words meant nothing to him. He grabbed a handful of her shirt with his other hand lifting her and tossing her like a rag doll straight into the wall where she banged her head painfully, causing her to see stars. She lay still for a while, dazed but and then she heard Sam shout

“Hey. You alright?”

“I think so.” She blinked groggily as Sam gently helped her to her feet. Everything seemed to work.

“C'mon,” He urged, heading towards the stairs “That so called doctor just left.”

Before Katie could head up the steps after him, a grunt caught her attention, it was Steve, minus his jacket, climbing his way out of the elevator shaft covered in dirt and sweat and looking far more attractive than he had any right to be in the middle of a damned fight.

“You okay?” He questioned only slightly out of breath from the climb, his hand dropping to his wife’s neck

“Yeah.”

“Bucky?”

“He went that way.” She pointed to the corridor on the left. "Back out to the facility. The doctor, he went the other way, Sam’s gone after him”

Steve quickly nodded. “I’ll get Bucky. You go after Sam and I’ll meet you outside.”

No further discussion was had as they split up.  By the time Katie emerged into the lobby of the facility, it was utter chaos where employees were all crushed together rushing to get out the doors and get to safety.

“Sam, any sign?” She asked as she found him outside looking round.

“No, come on.” He grabbed her hand so that they didn’t lose each other in the crowd as they moved outside the building. Sam stopped to pick up a discarded jacket that he recognised as belonging to the Fake Doctor, and Katie glanced down at it before looking around the crowd. There was no sign of him. It was then that she heard a chopper and instantly glanced up to the top of the building where a helicopter was attempting to take off. But the two-hundred plus pounds of super-solider hanging onto the landing skids was not letting go that easy. He kept hold as the helicopter dragged him to the edge, his boots skidding on the Heli-pad before he reached the end. Gritting his teeth he clung onto the skids of the helicopter with one hand, the other onto the railing of the building.

“No way.” Sam shook his head as he and Katie stood looking up at Steve who was stopping the helicopter “No goddamned way.”

The blades of the helicopter spun rapidly but it was going nowhere as Steve switched his grip on the railing. His muscles bulged and felt like they were on fire but he didn’t let go and, with a pained grit of his teeth, he pulled even harder and felt it start to come back to him. Then, it did a sharp turn towards Steve and he dived out of the way as it came to a stop. He stood up, made his way to the door but before he could do anything Bucky’s metal fist smashed through the glass on the door and gripped him round his neck. Steve planted both his feet on the side of the chopper, trying to release himself from the grip but it was no use.

And then the helicopter began sliding.

Katie’s grip tightened around Sam’s hand as they spotted Steve’s figure still attached to the helicopter as it fell from the top of the building and into the lake below. She instantly rushed forwards, but Sam wrapped both arms around her waist to restrain her, stopping her from diving head first into the water after him. 

Not again, she kept thinking to herself, the scenes from the last time him and Bucky had entered the water flashing before her eyes.

She hadn’t realised she was yelling until Sam shouted loudly, and pointed across the water, where a head had broken the surface. Steve was dragging Bucky up beside him. They rushed to the edge of the lake where Steve made sure they got Bucky out first before he hauled himself up beside them, water dripping onto the concrete.

Sam turned his attention to Bucky making sure he was only unconscious and still breathing, while Katie’s focus turned to her husband. The anger at him being a stupid, reckless moron again boiled over.

“Are you out of your fucking mind?” She screamed, before she reached back and slapped him hard across the face.  It was enough to make his head snap to the right.

“Ouch.” Sam muttered.

Steve looked at Katie, astonishment and maybe a hint of amusement on his face, before she threw herself into his arms, not caring that he was soaking wet, whilst as he wrapped his arms around her.

“You stupid…” Katie began to sob, her voice muffled as she pressed her face into his wet shirt and his hands tangled in her hair.

“I know, I know.” He muttered. “I’m sorry, Doll.” He dropped a soft kiss to her head before he gently moved her to the side and looked at Sam before nodding to the unconscious Bucky on the floor. “Let’s get out of here.”

**** Chapter 31

**Original Posting**

[fridayfirefly]

Lost and Found [Part Five]

Masterlist | Ao3

The first day of Marinette's third year of collège went about as well as she had expected. She woke up fifteen minutes late, but her Dad gave her macaroons to take to school. Her macaroons spilled all over the road when she helped an elderly man cross the street, but there were still enough left in the box to give one to Alix, Nino, and Kim. Overall, Marinette had to say that her morning was less of a complete disaster than she had expected.

Chloé was still in her class, and although the blonde had stopped being cruel to Marinette after their heart-to-heart the year prior, she still had her same stuck-up attitude. "Adrien is finally coming to school today. He's a famous model, very well known. I'm his best friend and he adores me," Chloé gushed to Sabrina.

But when the school bell rang and no one besides walked through the door, Marinette watched Chloé deflate. Her shoulders hunched and she kept pulling out her phone to check for texts. Finally, Chloé raised her hand.

"Yes, Chloé?" Mlle. Bustier said.

"May I go use the restroom?"

"Of course. Just make sure you get back before the next bell rings, or else you won't know where to go for your next class."

Chloé hurried out the door and Marinette noticed that her phone was tucked into her back pocket. It was obvious to Marinette that something must have happened to Adrien, and Marinette couldn't help but feel bad for Chloé. Grabbing a scrap of paper out of her backpack Marinette wrote, "First day back at school. One of my classmates seems really sad today and I really want to comfort her, which is weird. We aren't friends and she used to be really mean to me but she also came to me for advice last year and now it seems like maybe we could be friends... I don't know what to do. ~M~"

Crumpling the paper into a little ball, Marinette quickly tossed it on the floor and kicked it out of sight when Mlle. Bustier wasn't paying attention. A couple minutes later, Marinette glanced down at her backpack and saw a note tucked into her History textbook. She discretely pulled it out of her backpack and read it under her desk.

It's ultimately your choice whether or not you want to pursue a friendship with your classmate. Just know that if she ever hurts you again I will find her and ruin her life. I hope your first day back at school goes well. If you need any help with your homework just send me a note. D.

Marinette smiled and put the note away. She had a special folder she kept all of her Soulmate correspondence in because, at the beginning of their relationship, she kept re-losing the notes DW sent her and had to ask for them back almost daily.

Chloé walked back into the classroom just moments before the bell rang, looking even more miserable than she had when she left. Marinette took it that she must have spoken with her friend Adrien and received bad news.

As the bell rang and the students stood up, Mlle. Bustier told the class, “If you have P.E. this period, please report to the stadium. Mr. D'argencourt is expecting you there. The rest of you can head to the library."

Marinette stood up to go to the library but accidentally knocked over her backpack, spilling her new notebooks and folders across the staircase. As she packed up her bag and left the classroom, Marinette could hear Mlle. Bustier scolding Ivan for fighting with Kim.

Once in the library, Marinette started to search for Chloé. Marinette felt bad for Chloé and knew that she would probably want to talk about it. Marinette spotted the blonde sitting in one of the library chairs, reading a book.

"Hey, Chloé."

Chloé looked up from the book she was reading. It was a well-worn copy of Pride and Prejudice, dog-eared with colorful tabs stuck to pages and writing scribbled in the margins. "Hello, Marinette."

"I saw that you looked upset about something this morning. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Adrien was supposed to come to public school today, but his Father changed his mind. Now Adri's spending another year being homeschooled, even though he hates it. Adri's so lonely, but his Father doesn't care about his feelings at all. It just makes me so mad!" Chloé's fists were clenched, and tears were welling in the corner of her eyes.

"Chloé, that's awful. Is there anything we can do to help Adrien?" asked Marinette.

Angry tears started to fall. "There's nothing we can do. When I texted Adrien, he told me to not bother. His Father is angry at him for trying to go to school. Now Adrien isn't even allowed to let me visit him after school, which means he even more isolated. I want to help him but it's just so unfair!"

Out of the corner of her eye, Marinette was the first to spot the black and purple butterfly fluttering towards Chloé. But before Marinette could say anything, the butterfly landed on Chloé's book and turned it black. A purple glow lit up Chloé's face. "Yes. Of course," Chloé mumbled to herself.

"Chloé? What's going on? Are you okay?" questioned Marinette.

Then, Chloé's skin was overtaken by black bubbles, which left her no longer in her iconic yellow jacket and black and white shirt. Now she was clad in a pure-white outfit with a blood-red blindfold covering her face. She held a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. Chloé's book, which once sat on the table now sat on one side of the scale. "I am not Chloé Bourgeoise. I am Liberté. My goal is to give freedom to those who have been punished unjustly."

"Monster!" a girl screamed, and in an instant, the library descended into chaos. Liberté picked up the chair she was sitting at and threw it out the library window, shattering it. Marinette stumbled back and watched as Liberté jumped out the window onto the street down below.

"Come on," Alya, the new girl in Marinette's class pulled Marinette to her feet and dragged her over to look at the security cameras. Outside, Chloé was heading down the street, cutting through abandoned cars with the flick of her sword. "Can you believe it?" asked Alya.

"We need to call the police. Something happened to Chloé!" Marinette was nearly in tears, worried for her classmate.

"Chloé has been turned into a real-life supervillain!" squealed Alya. "I'm going to go film it. This is the best day of my life." Alya ran towards the library doors.

"W-Where are you going?" asked Marinette.

"Where there's a supervillain, there's a superhero not far behind. There's no way I'm missing that!" Alya sprinted out of the library, leaving Marinette all alone.

School was canceled for the rest of the day. Marinette walked home in silence, running her fingers over her lucky bracelet. Upstairs in her room, Marinette collapsed onto her bed and opened her laptop. The first thing she saw was the news broadcast of Liberté's rampage through downtown Paris. "Hundreds of thousands of Parisians will have to evacuate if law enforcement cannot stop the monster, reported to be a child possessed by some sort of dark energy," Nadja Chamack stated.

"I hate first days of school," groaned Marinette as she grabbed a piece of paper off of her desk.

I'm perfectly fine right now but something bad is happening in Paris (where I live. I know we weren't going to share that info so soon but it seemed relevant). My family is scheduled to evacuate ASAP. I'll try to write as much as possible but it might be tough. ~M~

As Marinette walked to her window to lose the note, she noticed a tiny box on her windowsill. It was black with red designs on the top. Curious, Marinette opened it up. The box started glowing, as bright as the sun, and Marinette pushed it away, shielding her eyes. When she opened them a massive red bug was hovering in the air in front of her. Marinette let out a frightened scream and jumped back a few feet. "Papa help! There's a giant bug in my room!" Marinette yelled, before remembering that her parents were both helping an elderly neighbor with the evacuation.

"Don't be scared," the red bug spoke.

"The bug can talk!" cried Marinette.

"I'm not a bug, silly. My name is Tikki. I'm a kwami."

"Get out of my room, freaky magic bug."

"Marinette, please listen to me. You're the only one who can stop Liberté."

Marinette stopped freaking out and remembered what Alya had told her. Where there's a supervillain, there's a superhero not far behind. “You mean, I could be a superhero?”

“Yes.”

“This must be some mistake! I’m not superhero material. My classmate Alya, she loves superheroes. She’d totally be up for the challenge. You should go see her instead!”

“It must be you, Marinette. It isn't an accident that you received a miraculous. You were chosen for a reason.”

“I guess if I’m the only one who can save Paris... I’ll do it.”

“Great! Now let me explain to you how this all works. The supervillain you are fighting is known as Hawkmoth. He uses his own miraculous to create akumas, which use negative emotion to turn ordinary citizens into rampaging monsters. All you have to do to get Chloé back is break the object that hold’s Liberté’s akuma and capture it.”

“It’s her book,” Marinette said. “The butterfly landed on it right before Chloé turned into Liberté.”

“Good. Once you transform, you'll be given the power of creation. To activate this power, all you have to do is say 'lucky charm'. The Lucky Charm is your secret superpower, and should only be used when you truly think it is necessary. This power isn't meant to be abused.”

“This is all going really fast. I don’t think I can pull this off, Tikki.”

“Of course you can. All you have to do is trust yourself, Marinette. Now just say 'spots on' to transform.”

"Spots on?" Marinette questioned. The earrings started to glow, and Marinette saw Tikki get pulled into the earring. The transformation felt... weird. It was bright and warm, like a sunny summer day, and once it was over it felt completely natural, like breathing.

"Woah..." Marinette breathed as she stared at her new outfit in the mirror. It was stunning, clearly not a children's costume. Marinette had never designed with particularly expensive silk before, but she had a vague memory of once, no older than four or five, running her hand over an expensive silk and tulle wedding dress she found in her Grandmother's closet. Marinette had been scolded for that action (the dress was worn by her Grandmother on her wedding day, and the only way Marinette would ever wear it would be if she herself was walking down the aisle) but the feeling of smooth silk on her fingertips had been worth it. Marinette didn't think she would ever feel anything quite so light and delicate.

The material of the costume felt similar to that dress but stronger and more durable. It was clearly meant to look like a ladybug. It was blood red with large black spots. Clearly not meant for stealth, Marinette thought tactically. A small cape came down from behind her back, red and black on the outside, but shimmering black on the underside. Marinette touched the cape to feel the material and jumped back when the (NOT FABRIC!) twitched underneath her fingers. The cape unfolded to reveal a pair of wings, large and impressive.

"Okay. Not a costume then. How does this thing come off? Tikki, if you can hear me, I want my normal clothes back." Marinette already missed her bracelet, which had gone somewhere during the transformation. She hoped it would come back whenever she detransformed.

Mme. Chamack started to speak again. “Liberté is heading towards the Seine River. The monster seems unstoppable. The entire city of Paris is on track to be completely evacuated by midnight tonight. Paris is in desperate need of a hero to save the day.”

Marinette looked up at her computer screen. She watched the helicopter pan over the city of Paris, she watched families evacuating from their homes because Hawkmoth had made her city unsafe.

"Marinette? Did you get home okay?" her Mom asked from downstairs.

"Yes, Maman!"

"I'm glad you got home safely. Have you packed yet? Our street is scheduled to evacuate in two hours."

"I'm almost done packing my bags."

"Your Dad and I will be up in our room getting ready. Once you've finished packing, make sure you get something to eat."

"Okay." Marinette took a deep breath and got up onto her balcony. "I guess I have special powers now. All I have to do is trust myself. Let's do this."

——————————————————————

"Spots off," said Marinette as she jumped through her balcony trapdoor down onto her bed. Ladybug's outfit disappeared in a flash of light, and Tikki buzzed around Marinette's head.

"I did it!" Marinette cheered. Looking in the mirror, Marinette noted that all of her clothes, including her favorite bracelet, had returned to her.

"You see. I told you that you could do it if you just trusted in yourself," said Tikki.

On her laptop screen, Mme. Chamack was delivering good news to all of Paris. "The evacuation has been canceled, and thousands of Parisians are grateful to be able to return home, thanks to the efforts of Ladybug and Chat Noir. A celebration will be organized in honor of our city's new protectors." Marinette shut her laptop. The note she had written to her Soulmate about the evacuation was still there, unsent. Marinette ripped it up into little pieces and threw them away. She then pulled out the dress she was working on, as her day of crime-fighting had left her with quite a bit of motivation.

"Marinette! Did you see the news?" her Dad asked when Marinette went downstairs for dinner.

Marinette smiled. "Is it about the day of celebration?"

Her Mom looked upset. "No. The magic butterfly that turned Chloé into Liberté has started transforming even more people. No one is sure whether or not Mayor Bourgeois is going to continue the evacuation."

"Oh no!" Marinette was horrorstruck. "I should... I should go upstairs and bring my bags down, just in case." Marinette bolted upstairs to her room. "Tikki, what happened? I thought it was over!"

"Did you capture the akuma?"

"What does capturing the akuma have to do with the new transformations?"

"An akuma can multiply, that's why it must be captured. If Chloé's emotions become negative again, then the akuma will turn her back into Liberté! She will control all of her copies, and will bring them to life to serve as her army!"

"So this is my fault." Marinette's emotions plummeted. "I failed as a superhero. You should have just chosen someone else. Someone like Alya or Alix or Kim.”

“It’s okay, Marinette. You can still fix this. All you have to do is go back and capture Liberté’s akuma."

"No, I can't do it. I was never cut out to be a superhero. Chat Noir would be better off with a new partner, and you would be better off with someone better than me. I quit."

"You can't quit, Marinette. Chat Noir needs you. Only you can cure akumas. If he tries, there could be deadly consequences. It's your duty to free Chloé from her cure."

"If Cat Noir can't cure the akumas, then I'll just find another Ladybug. I told you, I can't be Ladybug! I'm sorry Tikki." Marinette took out the earrings. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she put the earrings back in the box. "Tikki, I'm so sorry," Marinette whispered, as she placed the box in her backpack, ready to take it to school tomorrow.

A slip of paper on the floor caught Marinette's eye. She picked it up and read the words written there.

Are you okay? You haven't written to me since this morning. D.

I tried to do good today, but even though I tried my hardest, things still got worse. I don't think my best is good enough. ~M~

Sometimes you have to trust blind faith. Even if you can't fix things completely, making them less bad is still progress. I believe in you, M, even if you don't believe in yourself. D.

Marinette smiled, already feeling much better. The little box of responsibility on her desk, which seemed like such a daunting task only moments ago, now felt like something she could handle. Marinette let out a deep breath, then opened the box back up.

"Marinette!" Tikki cheered. "I knew you'd come around!"

"I got a little bit of encouragement from a friend. I still don't think that I'm the best candidate for Ladybug, but I have to trust myself, even if I don't think I'm good enough. Even if I can't fix everything, helping just a little bit is still better than giving up."

"That's the spirit! Now let's figure out how to save Chloé!"

——————————————————————

As soon as Marinette stepped into her classroom the next morning, she could feel the tension in the air.

"Are you sure you aren't still a supervillain, Chloé?" Alya questioned Chloé. "After all, there are still people who got turned into your villain form. How do we know that you aren't going to start making them go psycho just like you."

"That's not fair," Marinette piped up. "The news reports said that what happened to Chloé was involuntary, not something that she can control."

"Her father is Mayor Bourgeoise. Obviously, this is a government cover-up. I'll bet the Mayor has  friends in high places who were perfectly willing to lie." Alya said.

"I can't help that Hawkmoth decided I was the perfect candidate for akumatization. I'm perfect for everything."

"And it was all for some boy, who didn't even bother to show up to school yesterday. Chloé says they're best friends, but I'll bet he doesn't even like her," whispered Alix to Kim.

Chloé's face grew bright red, in embarrassment and anger. "Shut up!" Chloé screamed. "You don't understand anything!" Chloé ran from the room, tears starting to stream down her face.

"Alix!" Marinette scolded, "That's a horrible thing to say."

"But Chloé is mean to us all the time. Why should we be nice to her when she destroyed half of Paris yesterday?" Alix asked indignantly.

"Nothing will ever change if we keep being mean to each other. The only way for Chloé to learn to be nice is if we show kindness and compassion to her."

"How can you be so sure that Chloé can change?" Kim questioned.

"Everyone has the ability to change. That's what makes us human." The sounds of screaming interrupted Marinette. Chloé had turned back into Liberté. "I have to go," said Marinette. "But after Ladybug and Chat Noir save Chloé you all need to apologize to her."

Before anyone could protest, Marinette ran out the door, brushing past an unfamiliar blonde boy standing in the doorway. She quickly found a supply closet to transform in.

Tikki flew out of Marinette's bag the moment the closet door closed. "Marinette. This battle is going to be much more difficult than the last, so be careful. Remember, you and Chat Noir are a team. You must work together if you want to win this."

"I can do this," Marinette whispered to herself. "Tikki! Spots on!"

——————————————————————

"Lucky charm!" cried out Marinette as she narrowly escaped being crushed by a stray car. She and Chat Noir had been fighting Liberté for two hours without any luck. Both superheroes were unskilled, not yet strong enough to go toe to toe with Liberté, and while she and Chat tried to work as a team, they seemed to operate on different wavelengths. Marinette had been hesitant to use her lucky charm, as she doubted her ability to finish the battle in five minutes - the time she had before detransforming after using lucky charm. But desperate times call for desperate measures. As the glow of the lucky charm faded, a one hundred pound weight landed at Marinette's feet.

"What do I do with this?" questioned Marinette. In an instant, she could picture it all in her mind. Tie a rope to the handle of the weight, then loop the free end of the rope around something high up to create a pulley. Use the pulley to lift the weight up into the air, then knock the weight onto the empty side of Liberté's scale. That should provide enough force to launch the book into the air. Then have Chat use his cataclysm to free the akuma.

After relaying the plan to Chat, who was eager to put his cataclysm to good use, Marinette put her plan into action. In only a minute after Marinette summoned her lucky charm, the battle was over. Chloé lay on the ground looking disoriented. The copy of Pride and Prejudice was held in Chat's hand. The akuma fluttered around the book. The weight lay off to the side.

Marinette purified the akuma and watched the white butterfly flutter away with a smile on her face. Two hours of hard work fighting against Liberté had paid off. "Miraculous ladybug!" The one hundred pound weight seemingly evaporated, letting out a burst of energy that restored Paris to its former glory. Rubble in the street disappeared and crumbled buildings reappeared fully formed.

All that was left was Chloé and the book. Chat got to Chloé first, offering her a hand to pull her back up onto her feet.

"Thank you," said Chloé in an uncharacteristic show of gratitude.

"You're welcome, Mademoiselle. And here is your book."

"Thanks." Chloé stared down at the tattered cover of the book like it held the secrets to the universe.

"I'm going to head home Ladybug, before I detransform," said Chat.

"Goodbye!" Marinette called as he left. Marinette knew that she only had a minute or two left, but she felt the need to talk to Chloé.

"Are you alright, Mademoiselle?" Marinette asked her blonde friend.

Chloé shook her head. "Everyone thinks that I'm the worst and I hate it. Sometimes I just wish that I could be nice. Maybe then people will actually want to be friends with me."

"Wanting to change is the first step," said Marinette. "And even if you can't fix all of the damage you've done, even just a little bit of progress is better than nothing at all."

"Thank you, Ladybug," said Chloé, a small smile on her face. "Could- Could you sign my book?"

"Sure." Marinette took the book and flipped to the first page, where there was already a line of writing.

To Chloé, my very annoyed Soulmate. Sorry about the bullets and the cigarettes. Please remember that first impressions aren't always everything. - JT

Marinette wrote her own note right underneath: "Dear Chloé, don't be afraid to take the first step. - Ladybug."

And even though Marinette was dead tired, after she got home she made sure to write her Soulmate a quick note. "Had a long day, taking a nap now. I'll write to you later tonight if I don't end up sleeping until midnight. ❤︎" And once her head hit the pillow, she was dreaming of ladybugs and white butterflies and a boy whose face she couldn't quite see yet.

Taglist: @fanboy7794 @mikantsume @hetalia-lover-is-here @howtoshuckatlife @you-will-never-know-how-i-think @redscarlet95 @derpingrainbow  @friedchickening @melicmusicmagic @beautym3 @kunstner1 @shizukiryuu @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @crazylittlemunchkin @black-streak @darkshadowguardian @mystery-5-5 @trubel43 @fandomfan315 @vincentvangoose @royalchaoticfangirl @mooshoon @drama-queen-supreme @kae690 @unabashedlyswimmingtimemachine @zoerayne2426 @littleredrobinhoodlum @lunar-wolf-warrior @dani-ari @bookreader20003 @sam-spectra @be-happy-every-day-please @kandi-pie @xxmadamjinxx @interobanginyourmom @northernbluetongue @eliza-bich @romanoff-queen @scribblinggraveyard @dur55 @reichi-vogart

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Stark Spangled Banner Ch30: Winter Is Here

Summary: In the wake of the UN Bombing, Steve, Katie and Sam (with help from Sharon) track Bucky to Bucharest and face a race against time to track him down before the CTU. But someone else is also following Bucky, someone who’s been one step ahead and the consequences are disastrous.

Warnings: Bad Language words and a heap of Bucky on a motorbike!

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist 

Bucky liked Bucharest. It was easy enough to blend in and he’d found work at a local Warehouse easily enough. It was no questions asked, cash in hand and no trail- perfect. Physical labour didn’t bother him, neither did taking the nightshifts which no one else seemed to want. It meant he could sleep most of the days and emerge later at night, less people to encounter. Not that it really mattered, no one really bothered him apart from the Old Lady that lived a few floors down. Bucky often did odd jobs for her, just like he had used to for the old couple that lived across from them in Brooklyn before the war.

Since arriving in Europe in September last year, his life had been pretty peaceful. His memories had started to flash back almost the instant he wasn’t re-wiped by Hydra, but they were random, non-chronological, so he had started writing them in a notebook along with other snippets and facts he found along the way which helped him piece together the parts of the puzzle that was his life. Now he knew his name, his date of birth, who his parents were, his siblings, Steve- his brother-from-another-Mother, the Howling Commandos, his ‘death’ and then… well, that bit he tried not to remember on purpose.

He felt better, like himself, and had on more than one occasion thought about reaching out to Steve. But the thing was, even though he’d now been out of Hydra control for over 2 years, he knew that what they had done to him or put in his head was still there, and he didn’t want to give anyone the chance to find out the hard-way or give them chance to lock him up like some lab rat. So he had decided it was best to stay off radar.

Pulling his cap down a little he headed over to his favourite fruit store for some plums. He remembered what a treat they had been back before the war, and he enjoyed the fact they were so readily available. He reached out with his flesh hand to gently test one. 

“How are they? Are they good?” he asked the vendor in Romanian who nodded to him, smiling “Ok Give me six, thank you”

With his bag of fruit he walked along, casually scanning around as he ate. And then, across the street he spotted a vendor at a news-stand watching him. Bucky glanced away hastily then looked back at the man who was still watching him. Suddenly the guy ran from his kiosk. With a sick feeling in his stomach Bucky made his way over and picked up a paper and as he looked at the front page which contained a number of surveillance-photos of a man and the head line: 'Winter Soldier cautat pentru Bombardmentul din Viena'. 

A cold feeling washed all over him and he glanced around, swallowing thickly. 

He might have struggled with his memory in the past but he could categorically say this wasn’t one of those times. This wasn’t him, granted it looked like him, but it wasn’t.

Shit, he needed to hide.

Pulling his cap down further, jacket pulled up round his neck he set off home.

****** Having your own private plane certainly has its perks. Katie, Sam and Steve made their way to Vienna and from there, after being given a lead from Sharon, they headed to Bucharest. Steve and Sam had brought all their equipment whereas Katie had opted to simply pack her cat suit and utility belt as they weren’t anticipating any action. A decision she was starting to regret now.

“Nice place." Katie commented sarcastically, pulling at the neck of her leather cat-suit as they entered the old rundown apartment that Bucky Barnes now called home. Steve ignored the comment before he carefully closed the door behind them. The two of them ventured further into the small darkened apartment, the windows had been taped over with old newspapers keeping out most of the sunlight and prying eyes. Steve’s shield caught a few of the spots of light which were creeping through tears and gaps in the paper, sending reflections onto bits of the apartment walls. The bedroom and the living area were one, a tattered mattress placed just beneath the window a small desk and lamp next to it. Across from the bed near the entrance was a metal table with two chairs next to it, then there was the kitchen area and a door, which Katie headed through, gun at the ready, finding nothing but a small, grimy and empty bathroom.

She couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of sadness in her gut that the man who had saved her life, a war veteran, was living like this.

Steve took to looking around the kitchen and had found a notebook of sorts with tabs of varying colours sticking out from amongst the pages. As he flicked through he found a leaflet on the Smithsonian Captain America exhibit.

"Heads up guys, German Special Forces approaching from the South." Sam's voice came through the coms.

"Understood.” Steve replied gently, replacing the leaflet in the page he had found it, fingers lingering on the paper. He looked up at Katie as she re-entered the room.

“Nobody's home." she said softly. “What you got there?” “It’s a journal.” Steve said, “He’s been writing down memories and-“

He stopped dead as a movement crossed his peripheral and his head jerked up. Over his wife’s shoulder he locked eyes with Bucky for the first time since that day over the Potomac. Katie, noticing his demeanour, glanced over her shoulder and instantly spun round to see Bucky watching the pair of them with a cautious sort of curiosity.

"Do you know me?" Steve asked carefully, setting the book he was flipping through down on the cluttered counter. He moved in front of Katie slightly, keeping himself between her and his best friend who was stood stock still, eyeing them up.

"You're Steve," Bucky said roughly, "I read about you in a museum."  he added immediately, nodding to himself. 

Play dumb, Bucky, play dumb…

"They've set the perimeter." Sam spoke in their ears.

"I know you're nervous, and you've got plenty of reason to be, but you're lying." Steve said calmly, not believing him for a second. He could always tell when Bucky was lying, right as kids, as he wouldn’t look you in the eye fully, and now wasn’t any different.

“I wasn't in Vienna. I don't do that anymore.”  Bucky’s voice wavered slightly, almost pleading with them to believe him. And instantly Katie did.

“They're entering the building. “ Sam urged. 

“Well, the people who think you did are coming here now.” Katie spoke gently as she took a small step forward so that she was slightly in front of Steve. “And they're not planning on taking you alive.”

 “That’s smart. Good strategy.” He looked at her, cocking his head to one side as he studied her. She was oozing confidence, are far cry from the broken, shattered woman he had rescued last year, and she didn’t seem afraid of him. Which he liked but also didn’t because it meant they weren’t going to just let him slip away.

“They're on the roof. I'm compromised!”

"This doesn't have to end in a fight Buck," Steve pleaded desperately while Bucky simply walked over to the table set down his plastic bag and pulled off his glove to reveal his metal hand.

"It always ends in a fight." He said balling the metal into a fist, his voice lilted with sadness.

"Five seconds."

"You pulled me from the river, you saved Katie’s life that day in La Ronde…" Steve’s voice took on an urgent tone, almost shouting. "Why?"

"I don't know." Bucky replied in frustration finally looking up at Steve and locking eyes with him before he glanced to Katie. Truth be told he did know. That day on the Potomac something had broken his programming, and when Steve had plunged to the river he had known he had to save him, because he had been saving him all his punk-assed life. And then with Katie…well, even before he had recognised her he couldn’t leave a dame to the mercy of Hydra, not after what they did to him. It was wrong…his ma taught him better.

"Three seconds."

"Yes you do." Steve responded,

“Breach, breach, breach!” came the yell into their earpieces.

Both Steve and Katie looked towards the window prompting Bucky to do the same and in the next second a flash bomb was thrown through, Steve batted it right back out with his shield and then a second bomb came through the other window. Bucky booted it towards Steve who dropped and covered it with his shield, containing the blast. All three of them looked at one another for a split second before a loud bang sounded as the door rattled. Katie quickly kicked the edge of the table so that it wedged between the door and the wall blocking the German Forces entrance for now.

Whilst she was distracted with that, a final bomb was thrown and Bucky lifted up the dirty mattress using it as protection for them both. She nodded to him gently as he tossed it away and came the soldiers on zip lines through the window. The first landed in the kitchen, training his gun first on Steve, then across towards Bucky, but before he could shoot Steve pulled the rug from beneath him and he ended up firing into the ceiling. The next came in through the window right next to Bucky but he punched him in the face, throwing him over to Katie who aimed a kick at his arm, knocking the gun out of it before kicking him again in the chest, sending him sprawling into the bathroom. Bucky picked the third soldier up easily and slammed him into the wall, letting him fall down.

“Buck, stop! You're gonna kill someone.” Steve ran forward, but Bucky easily dodged him and slammed into him from behind, knocking him to the floor.

“I'm not gonna kill anyone!” he growled, punching a hole into the floor. He grabbed a backpack from under the floorboards and threw it across the room and out of the window. Then came more gun fire and Katie dropped to the floor, rolling to her right and firing a shot in the direction of the shooting hearing a yell as her bullet hit her target in the knee. Steve again flung his shield up and Bucky shoved him hard in the back sending him flying into another solider, taking him down. Katie scrambled to her feet again unable to do anything but watch as Bucky punched a hole through the wall next to the door before bashing it open and continuing to fight his way out.

“You alright?” Steve asked, as she dusted herself off.

“This isn’t exactly going to plan is it?” she asked as they ran out of the door just in time to see Bucky jump on a soldier who was descending from a zip wire and swinging down a level in the stairwell of the apartment block. One of the soldiers was screaming into his radio. Steve grabbed it from him, then smashed it with his foot before he jumped down a level after Bucky. Katie, took the sensible option and ran down the stairs, kicking and punching people blocking her way.

Bucky was punching soldiers left and right until he ducked as he hit another accidentally sending him over the railing, but Steve was quick to catch him by his vest.

“Come on man,” he sighed wearily. Bucky's only response was a shrug which he emphasized by elbowing a soldier that was behind him, while Steve pulled up the one he was holding onto and tossed him into a wall. Bucky jumped over the railing down several flights but by the time Steve caught up with him he had dodged into an apartment and jumped from the railings

“Damned it!” Steve cursed as he watched Bucky land on the lower roof of the neighbouring building with some force, but he simply rolled as if the fall hadn’t bothered him at all, picked up his backpack and ran.  But he didn’t get far, a muscular man clad entirely in black slammed into him from behind knocking him down.

"Sam southwest rooftop." Steve suddenly reported to Sam as he watched the man in the black suit, which looked very much like a big cat moved with breath-taking agility and grace, slashing with sharp claws on each hand as he tackled Bucky.

"Who the hell's the other guy?" Sam asked Steve on the coms.  

“I’m about to find out.” Steve backed up before he too launched himself from the balcony down onto the neighbouring building. Katie ran into the apartment just in time to see him land on the other roof-top and she frowned at the mystery man in some form of cat suit who was lunging at Bucky with his claws. Bucky grabbed his wrists holding him off but at that moment a helicopter that had appeared began to fire its machine gun. Both Katie from her vantage point, and Steve who was bolting towards the men, frowned as he saw the ammo ping back off the man’s suit just like it did off his shield.

“Sam…” Katie said as Steve continued to run towards Bucky, shield raised. Sam understood what she was implying instantly.  

“Got him.” He replied, flying down he spun under the chopper, grabbing the rails at the bottom, spinning it off course before swooping off. As Katie continued to watch Bucky leapt off the side of the roof to the floor, and the mystery cat man followed using his claws for traction down the side of the building. Steve was shortly behind, rolling along the floor before picking himself up and running after the pair of them, Sam flying behind. Then, the helicopter began to follow, gunfire tearing up the side walk.  

“Shit.” Katie said, running down and emerging into the street, sprinting as fast as she could. Spotting an abandoned motorbike which had been ditched in the fracas she hopped on and sped after them, mentally thanking Natasha for the bike driving lessons.

It was chaos, absolute chaos. Bucky jumped down through a gap into the underpass, Steve and the mystery cat man following, as they themselves were being pursued by an armoured vehicle. Well, at least they were until Steve managed to pull the driver out and take the vehicle himself. He saw a motorbike coming up behind him in the mirrors and did a double take as he saw it was Katie. She pulled up alongside him and with one hand she grabbed the passenger door and yanked it open, before placing both her hands on the rim of the door and using it as leverage to swing herself feet first into the car.

“Where did you learn to do that?” Steve asked, open mouthed as she dropped into the seat next to him.

“Nat.” she shrugged, as if it was a perfectly normal thing to do or be taught. Steve gave a small smirk and then turned to look back at the road, switching lanes and cruising past mystery cat man.  Then there was a thud and Katie glanced back over her shoulders. Mystery cat man had latched himself onto the back of the car.

“Hold on…” Steve warned before swerving the car to the right then the left hoping to dislodge him but no such luck. He even rammed the side of the car into another Special Forces vehicle but nothing, he hung tight.

"Sam we can't shake this guy." Steve reported.

"Right behind you."

In front of them Bucky jumped the barrier to the other side of the road so Steve dropped the car a gear and pressed harder on the gas, breaking straight through it. A quick glance through the mirrors told Katie that it was enough to slow down the Germans but not to dislodge mystery cat man.

“This guy is more of a pain in the ass than Tony.” Katie sighed, turning back to look out of the front. Just as she did, Bucky clearly decided he needed his own mode of transportation and grabbed the handle bars of a motorbike which was speeding towards him. He dislodged the driver in mid-air while the bike spun and threw his leg over the seat all in one fluid motion. He then landed and sped away.

"Holy shit!" Katie let out a small laugh of disbelief, her jaw dropping slightly as she smirked at Bucky’s unbelievable display of acrobatics. “Did you see that?”

Steve looked at her for a split second, taking in the smirk on her face as she admired Bucky’s agility, surprised to feel he was slightly jealous. With a sigh, more at himself than anything, he shook his head. That insecure little kid from Brooklyn really had picked the most inappropriate time to appear. It didn’t help when she spoke again, a cheeky lilt to her voice.

“Can you do that?”

Steve shot her a glare that would make anyone else shake in their boots but it made Katie do nothing but frown at the open display of hostility he very rarely used on her. Before she could respond, however, there was a thud on the roof as mystery cat man climbed on top of the car and then launched himself at Bucky. The soldier on the bike was prepared though, and grabbed him around the throat, flinging him over his head. But the mystery cat man was persistent, hanging on even as the bike tipped and Bucky was forced to use his metal hand so that he didn't fall off the bike completely. He kicked the cat man away before straightening his bike and speeding ahead.

Steve swerved to avoid running mystery cat man over while he caught other means of transportation, meaning he grabbed onto Sam's legs as he was flying by. Ahead of them Bucky threw a sticky bomb at the top of the overpass which immediately went off and began raining down debris.  

“Time to go…” Steve muttered, grabbing Katie as he slammed on the breaks turning the car sharply. He pulled her out of the door, using his shield to land on as the car began to tilt on its side. They dodged through the rubble, Steve’s shield over their heads,  and once they were clear Steve sped off to where the cat man was mounted on top of Bucky ready to rip his throat out.

Sam emerged from the dust but seconds later there was loud clang and War Machine landed holding up his hand with repulsor beams at the ready in warning. More German Special Forces arrived and they knew the game was up. But Steve and Katie both looked at each other, chests heaving with exertion and dare they say it, relief. They had located Bucky, finally, he was still alive, and could be questioned, which meant there was a chance they could clear all this up.

Steve felt Bucky step forward, and he instantly held his arm out to stop him. .

"Stand down now." Rhodey spoke with authority and the Special Forces aimed their guns at them all. Steve relented placing his shield onto his back harness showing compliance as he held his hands up, palms outwards.

"Congratulations Cap, you're a criminal." Rhodey said sarcastically. As soldiers surrounded Bucky forcing him down to his knees so they could hand cuff him tightly.

Katie and Sam raised their hands in surrender as the soldiers approached them too. The mystery cat man was the last to comply retracting his claws and reaching up to his helmet.

“Stand down Rhodey!” Katie looked at him, nodding to the soldier who had his gun trained on her “We’ll come quietly…”

Rhodey turned to look at her and then nodded at the officer nearest her, who lowered his gun, but that didn’t stop them from handcuffing her. As she shot a look over her shoulder at the man who was slapping on the restraints she gave him a small smirk and then turned back to look at mystery cat man, just as he pulled off his mask.

“What the…” Katie said, recognising him instantly. It was T’Challa, the prince of Wakanda.

“Your highness” Rhodey said.

There was a scuffle to Katie’s right and she turned to see that Bucky was being hauled to the floor.

“Don’t hurt him.” She turned to Rhodey, pleading with him “He saved my life, he’s still a human being.”

Rhodey hesitated slightly but then one of the soldiers shoved Katie in the back.

“You…move.” he said in a thick accent.

“Say please.” She spun round, glaring at him. “Fucking asshole…”

“Katie.” Steve instructed gently as he walked towards her, being marched by 2 other soldiers. She turned to him and he gave a small shake of his head, warning her not to start another fight, before he nodded towards the black SUV.

“You know what the worse bit about all this is?” Katie said, as she fell into step beside Steve.

Steve looked at her, “No, what?”

“The lecture I’m going to get off Tony.” she groaned.

One they had been stripped of their weapons and gear they were released from their handcuffs. Rubbing her wrists, Katie raised an eyebrow at Rhodey.

“Now what?” 

“You’ll be given chance to change and clean up before going to Berlin,” Rhodey said, as the side of the SUV they were by opened and they were instructed to climb in. “into the custody of the Anti-Terrorism Unit.”

“So we’re terrorists now?” Katie snorted.

“You knew what would happen if you went against the law.”

She gave a sarcastic, fake yawn and behind her Sam sniggered before he looked at Rhodey

“This make you feel good?” Sam asked.

“Ok, stop it!” Steve loudly shut down the petty squabble that was about to erupt between the two men “Yes, Rhodey we knew what would happen, but we also knew what would happen if we didn’t.”

“Oh yeah? And what’s that?”

“That you would never have taken him alive…” he nodded to where Bucky was being hauled into the back of a separate vehicle. “And you know that too.”

******

"So you like cats?"

"Sam." Steve scolded as Katie snorted, looking out of the window of the SUV as they drove over a bridge that crossed the River Spree. T’Challa was on the front row of the SUV alone, then Steve and Katie had sat on the middle, Sam on the back row.

"What?" Sam asked innocently. "Dude shows up dressed like a cat and you don't wanna' know more?"

Katie was inclined to agree, Steve however, was curious about something else.

"Your suit. It's Vibranium?" he asked in interest.

"The Black Panther has been the protector of Wakanda for generations." T'Challa began slowly. "A mantle passed from warrior to warrior. And now because your friend murdered my father, I also wear the mantle of king. So I ask you, as both warrior and king, how long do you think you can keep your friend safe from me?"

T'Challa turned his head to look Steve directly in the eye then turned back around without another word as Steve clenched his jaw.

They arrived at the CIA base in Berlin in record time thanks to the police convey that kept the streets clear. The base was crawling with heavily armed soldiers as they stepped out of the van and were led inside. Katie shrugged on her leather jacket, pausing as Bucky's cage followed them being moved by a small forklift. Besides her Steve stiffened as he looked over at Bucky and Katie gently placed her hand on at the bottom of his back. Bucky looked at the pair of them before he turned away as he was taken off in a separate direction.

After an introduction of sorts to Thaddeus Ross (Sharon’s boss) they were informed their weapons would be placed in a lock up, prompting Sam to snarl angrily- "I better not look out the window and see anybody flying around in that." They were then led over a walkway and Katie looked past Ross and saw a familiar redhead walking towards them. Natasha's face was blank as she strode down the walkway.

"For the record." she snapped as she looked at the 3 of them in turn before she focussed on Steve. "This is what making things worse looks like."

"He's alive." Steve answered shortly, not looking at her as he walked past, his jacket flapping slightly, pulling Katie with him as his hand wrapped around hers.

She just glared at him before she walked quicker, pulling ahead of the group as they reached a large security office. Natasha led the way in, and Katie instantly picked up as she could hear Tony's voice from inside,

"The remaining of us are now at court-section." he was saying. And as they entered she saw her brother standing in the centre of the office, talking into his phone with his back to the door as he added, "And, Colonel Ross is supervising the clean-up."

Despite everything Katie felt a rush of relief, it good to see him, alive and ok after Vienna.

“Try not to break anything while we fix this." Natasha snapped and Katie’s attention then turned from her brother to her friend and she shook her head.

“Ass kissing doesn’t suit you,Nat.”  

Tony turned to face them all, his face set in a deep frown as he barked into his phone, pulling at his tie to loosen it off. "Consequences? You bet there will be consequences."

Steve raised his eyebrows slightly, glancing at Katie who rolled her eyes before she looked at Tony as he continued to talk “Obviously you can quote me on that because I just said it. Anything else? Thank you, sir."

He tipped his head to look at Katie “You ok?”

She nodded and stepped forwards into his arms, giving him a hug which he returned.

"Consequences?" Steve repeated with a smirk as Tony looked over Katie’s head at him.

"Secretary Ross wants you three prosecuted." Tony answered, stepping back and releasing Katie "I had to give him something." He added.

"I'm not getting that shield back, am I?" Steve asked in an almost monotone voice.

"Technically, it's the government's property." Natasha said cheerily. "Wings too." She added.

"That's cold." Sam countered

"Warmer than jail." Tony tossed over his shoulder, as he headed off somewhere.

“Stop being so melodramatic.” Katie rolled her eyes, and stuck her hands in the back pockets of her jeans as Natasha led them to an office. They walked in silence, none of them responding to anything Natasha said. Eventually they reached a glass walled office and stepped inside.

“You’re not in a very talkative mood I can see.” Natasha said as Katie dropped her jacket over the back of a chair.

“Hmmm what can we talk about?Let’s see.” Katie looked at her “Oh how about the Accords?” Natasha rolled her eyes as Katie continued “You know, I never had you down as someone that would give in so easily to control.”

"Well sometimes we have to make some tough choices." She shrugged

“Why'd you really sign Nat?" Steve asked her.

She sighed leaning back on the door frame. “Loyalty. Loyalty to our team. Staying together is more important than how we stay together.”

Steve shook his head, giving a small snort of laughter. “I don’t agree Nat, and deep down, I don’t think you do either.”

“Believe what you want.” she shrugged before leaving.

About half an hour later after the 3 of them had been brainstorming again who they thought was actually responsible for bombing the UN and trying to fit Bucky up (none of them having any sensible ideas whatsoever) Sam excused himself heading off in search of some food and drink and it wasn’t long before Tony walked into the office were Katie and Steve were sat, Katie’s feet resting in Steve’s lap, his hand sliding up the bottom of her jeans, stroking the smooth skin just above the line of her ankle boots.

“You wanna see something cool?” he asked. Katie and Steve both turned to look at him as he walked in, holding a small black case. “I pulled something from Dad’s archives.” He nodded, “Timely.”

Katie sat up as Tony tossed his suit jacket onto one of the empty seats before he opened the box and placed it down on the shiny, mahogany table in front of Steve.

"FDR signed the Land-Lease bills with these in 1941." Tony explained what they were. "Provided support to the allies when they needed it the most."

"Some would say it brought our country closer to war." Steve countered, a humourless smile on his face as he looked back up at Tony.

Tony met Steve's eyes evenly and countered with his own point, "See, if not for these, you wouldn't be here." Steve's brow rose, while Tony continued, "I'm trying to, what do you call it? An olive branch. Is that what you call it?

He looked at Steve, leaning his face against his fist as he waited expectantly. Steve pursed his lips unhappily and Katie knew he was struggling and couldn't tell Tony what he wanted to hear because he didn't believe in it.

"Is Pepper here?" Katie asked, switching topics as she glanced around the office then added, "I didn't see her."

She looked back at Tony as a strange almost regretful look came over his face. Her brows furrowed in confusion as Tony said slowly, measured, "We are... kinda, well not kinda-"

"Pregnant?" Steve interrupted in surprise.

"No, definitely not." Tony said immediately face souring slightly. He paused, before finally admitting the truth, "We're taking a break. It's nobody's fault."

"I'm so sorry, Tony." Steve spoke softly as Katie looked at her brother, who took a seat at the table “I didn’t know.”

“What did you do this time?” Katie asked gently. She hated it when they rowed and broke up. It never lasted long but still…

Tony's lips twitched like he was going to smile but didn't, "Few years ago, I almost lost her, so I trashed all my suits. Then, we had to mop up Hydra. And then Ultron," he tapped himself in the chest, "my fault." He sighed again. "And then, and then, and then- I never stopped. Cause the truth is, I don't wanna stop but I don't want to lose her. I thought maybe the Accords could split the difference."

"In her defence, you are a handful." Katie said, the corner of her mouth twitching upwards.

Tony smiled without it reaching his eyes as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, pacing a little by the glass walls, before he reached up to adjust his tie as he continued bitterly.

"Yet, dad was a pain in the ass, but he and mom always made it work."

"You know, I'm glad Howard got married.” Steve said, fondly remembering his friend with a smile “I only knew him when he was young and single."

"Oh really?" Tony asked sarcastically as he looked back at Steve. "You two knew each other? He never mentioned that. Maybe only a thousand times."

Steve winced, dropping his head and while Tony picked up his suit jacket. "God, I hated you." He spat pulling the jacket on.

“That’s a dick thing to say, Tone!” Katie frowned, narrowing her eyes at her brother.  

Steve sighed, and he looked back at Tony with sad eyes, "I don't mean to make things difficult."

“No, you just dropped into my life and married my sister.” Tony snorted “But you’re a very polite person. I mean you asked first.”

“Ok, that’s enough.” Katie chastised as Tony walked behind Steve, pacing a little. Steve turned to keep his eyes on him as he sighed

"If I see a situation pointed south, I can't ignore it. Sometime I wish I could."

"No, you don't." Tony challenged

Steve paused, before he admitted with a small, wry smile shaking his head a little, "No, I don't." He sighed, "Sometimes-"

"Sometimes I wanna punch you in your perfect teeth." Tony interrupted bitterly. He shrugged like it was a fact, before he added softly "But I don't wanna see you gone. We need you, Cap."

Steve stared at Tony as he considered his words, Katie observing the two of them silently as Tony continued "So far, nothing's happened that can't be undone, if you just sign." He gestured at the pens, "We can make the last 24 hours legit. Barnes gets transferred to an American psych centre instead of a Wakanda prison."

Steve stared at the pens, weighing Tony's words before he reached out, pulling one slowly from its holder. Tony folded his arms across his chest as Steve stood up playing with the pen in his hands.

“I’m not saying it's impossible,” he took a deep breath, “but there would have to be safeguards, what do you think sweetheart?” He looked at Katie. He was trying here, after everything, to reach the middle ground. He didn’t want to see the Avengers split up and the opportunity of keeping Bucky out of jail and safe was one he couldn’t pass up.

Katie looked at him, searching his face. She hadn’t been completely opposed to some form of sanctions after all, what she had opposed vehemently was the ones being force upon them as they gave them no control…but maybe, as Steve pointed out, with some amendments perhaps they could make this work.

“We need to be able to have some control Tony, a say in where we go, when we go and why we go.” Katie said eventually, looking at her brother. “We’re not to be used as some pawns in a political game, for anyone’s agenda.”

"Sure." Tony was quick to assure. "Once we put out the PR fire, its documents they can be amended." Tony sat back down at the table “I'd file a motion to have you and Wanda reinstated and-."

"Wanda?" Katie cut him off and looked at him “What about Wanda?”

"She's fine." Tony promised, although wariness leaked into his tone because he knew he had just put his foot in it. "She's confined in the compound currently. Vision's keeping her company."

"Oh God, Tony!" Katie said, groaning and throwing her head backwards in exasperation and disbelief.

At the same time Steve scoffed and shook his head. "Every time. Every time I think you're seeing things the right way-”

"What?" Tony cut in, "It's a 100 acres with a lap pool. It's got a screening room. Trust me, there's worse ways to protect people."

"Protection?" Steve repeated, his temper rising "Is that how you see this? This is protection? It's internment."

"She’s not a US citizen-" Tony spoke loudly while Steve and Katie groaned again

"Oh, come on, Tony!"  Katie shook her head, looking at him.

"- and they don't grant visas to Weapons of Mass Destruction." Tony finished taking a deep breath

"Wanda's a kid!" Steve spat out.

"Give me a break!" Tony shouted back angrily.

Katie’s eyes narrowed furiously, but Tony took another deep breath as he visibly tried to calm himself down,

"I'm doing what has to be done," He paused to look Steve in the eye before he turned to his sister and finished flatly. "To stave off something worse."

She shook her head and grit her teeth, there was no discussing with him when he was like this, and if he couldn’t see that keeping Wanda on house arrest because she hadn’t signed was wrong then she didn’t really want to discuss it with him anyway.  "You keep telling yourself that."  she answered.

"Hate to break up the set." Steve said dropping the pen back down onto the desk before he left the office.

Katie groaned and banged her head on the desk.

“Kiddo...”

“Just don’t.” she said, not looking up “Don’t say a word Tony, you’ve already said enough.”

****

"The receipt for your gear."  Sharon walked into the room, handing Sam a piece of paper.

Sam took the paper, glancing down at it. "'Bird costume'? Come on, girl." he spat incredulously reading the receipt.

"I didn't write it." Sharon shot back. Katie raised a brow as she watched Sharon, noticing her movements before she reached past Sam and pressed a button in the middle of the conference table. Instantly the audio from the footage they were watching of Bucky’s questioning flooded the room and Steve looked at Sharon in surprise and she nodded back to him. Katie also gave her a look of appreciation as well and Sharon averted her eyes beyond the conference room. Katie followed her gaze and saw Natasha looking furtively over her shoulder. Katie nodded to Nat, understanding instantly she’d had a hand in this. Nat inclined her head slightly before she turned back around to watch her own set of screens.

"I'm not here to judge you. I just want to ask you a few questions. Do you know where you are, James?" The man in the cage gave no response so the doctor tried again. "I can't help you if you don't talk to me, James."

"My name is Bucky." Bucky answered voice rough, a hint of defiance in his tone.

Steve's lips pursed, and he turned back to the table with a frown. He picked up the discarded file, pulling out the Vienna security camera photos that showed the man the task force identified as Bucky from near the bomb site.

"Why would the task force release this photo to begin with?" Steve asked handing the picture over to Katie, as she perched on the table beside him.

Sam frowned, while Sharon shrugged and answered the best way she could, "Get the word out, involve as many eyes as we can?"

"Right." Steve said flatly nodding but it wasn't enough for him. Katie cottoned on instantly.

"It's a good way to flush a guy out of hiding. Set off a bomb, get your picture taken." she said and Sam's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward on his arms, while Steve continued for her.

"Suddenly you've got 7 billion people looking for the Winter Soldier."

"You're saying someone framed him to find him." Sharon said slowly summarizing their point.

"Steve, we looked for the guy for two years and bar when he pulled Nova out of that Hydra base we found nothing." Sam pointed out.

"We didn't bomb the UN." Katie answered. "That turns a lot of heads."

"Yeah," Sharon joined in quietly, "but that doesn't guarantee that whoever framed him would get him, it guarantees that we would…”

She trailed off as all 4 of them shared an understanding glance.

Steve turned around sharply to look back at the screen showing Bucky and the UN psychiatrist, before he muttered "Yeah." Someone had brought him here for a reason. Who, and why?

"Tell me Bucky." The man interrogating Bucky continued on. "You've seen a great deal, haven't you?"

"I don't want to talk about it." Bucky answered flatly keeping his response short.

"You feel that, if you open your mouth, the horrors might never stop. Don't worry." He tapped at his screen "We only have to talk about one."

The building suddenly went dark, the power going out leaving on the emergency red lights flashing ominously. Katie hopped off the table and Steve turned urgent eyes on Sharon.

"Sub-level 5, east wing." She answered the silent question quickly.

Steve looked at Sam and he nodded then the three of them ran out of the office, using the distraction of the power outage to their advantage as they raced down the stairs to get to the level Bucky was on.

They ran down two flights of stairs before they finally reached the hallway that led to Bucky's holding room. Steve stopped when they reached the last corridor and spotted the guards lying on the ground. He glanced back to exchange looks with Katie and Sam as they both came to a stop behind him. Now wary of what they were walking into, and highly conscious that none of them had any weapons, they made their way cautiously down the corridor. Katie bent down to check the fallen soldiers. 1 had a strong pulse, the other…

“He’s dead.” she muttered looking up. Steve let out a sigh of frustration and moved into the security room besides the cell, Sam and Katie close behind.  

The further into the room they went the more dead soldiers they encountered when a sudden raspy voice came from in the room that held Bucky's containment unit. "Help me."

Steve looked ahead to see the man who had been interrogating Bucky, lying on his side by the empty cage, clutching his side as if in pain. Steve stomped into the room angrily, ignoring the man as he begged for help again.

"Get up." He snapped reaching down to grab the man by the front of his jacket, hauling him to his feet. The man eyed him carefully as Steve glared shoving him into a wall and snarling. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The man met his gaze, his eyes becoming cold and dark as answered lowly, "To see an empire fall."

A movement in the corner of the room caught Katie’s eye. Sam and her ducked just in time as the Winter Soldier leapt from where he had been lurking in the shadows, throwing a punch towards Katie. He missed, hitting the concrete doorway and punching a hole through the rock.

Sam acted quickly, punching at the Winter Soldier's side, but it didn't even faze the super-solider as he punched Sam straight in the stomach. Sam winced, and doubled over as the Winter Soldier grabbed his chin in his metal hand, throwing him across the room. He then turned his attention to Katie, and she knew that throwing punches wasn’t going to work so all she could do was duck, using her agility to keep out of his way. She bent backwards as he made to grab her but then Steve ran at him, ducking as the Winter Soldier swung his arm out. Once the metal arm passed over his head, Steve threw a punch of his own, hitting the Soldier right in the face, and the man snarled as he swung his fist back at Steve, who dodged it. The Winter Soldier suddenly kicked out, landing a solid kick right in Steve's stomach and Steve grunted as he was thrown backwards, landing in the security room.

The Winter Soldier strode towards him, Steve was already back on his feet and blocked the next kick with his bare hands. Katie was powerless to help; she had nothing on her, no stingers, no guns no Supernova suit. She frantically searched the room for something she could use as a weapon as the pair of super soldiers continued to fight, throwing kicks and punches while parrying and blocking the other's moves, heading back out into the corridor. As Steve fell through the doorway again, Katie grabbed the cable she was holding and launched herself at the Winter Soldier jumping onto his back and wrapping the cable around his neck. He spun round angrily, grabbing at the cable before he reached up with his metal arm and grabbed the back of her hair, flipping her up and over before flinging her across the room at Steve who had pulled himself up against the elevator doors. Steve grunted as he caught her but quickly set her on her feet before shoving her out of the way just in time, as the Winter Soldier shoved his whole weight into a punch to Steve's chest, blowing him straight through the metal doors and down the elevator shaft.

Katie kicked at the desk in front of her, sending it his way as he was now advancing but he broke through it easily; it didn’t even slow him in the slightest. She dodged under his arm and aimed a kick at the side of his knee, catching him perfectly and he stumbled forward. She then went to kick him again and he raised his metal arm to take the brunt of it, catching her leg so it was trapped between his arm and chest.

“Bucky this isn’t you…” her words meant nothing to him. He grabbed a handful of her shirt with his other hand lifting her and tossing her like a rag doll straight into the wall where she banged her head painfully, causing her to see stars. She lay still for a while, dazed but and then she heard Sam shout

“Hey...” Then he was by her side "You alright?"

“I think so.” she said groggily as Sam gently helped her to her feet. Everything seemed to work.

"C'mon," Sam said, heading towards the stairs “That so called doctor just left.”

Before Katie could head up the steps after him, a grunt caught her attention, it was Steve climbing his way out of the elevator shaft covered in dirt and sweat and looking far more attractive than he had any right to be in the middle of a damned fight.

“You ok?” he questioned only slightly out of breath from the climb, his hand dropping to his wife’s neck

“Yeah.” she nodded,

“Bucky?” he asked.

"He went that way.” she said pointing to the corridor on the left, "Back out to the facility. The doctor, he went the other way, Sam’s gone after him"

Steve quickly nodded "I'll get Bucky and met you outside."

No further discussion was had as they split up.  By the time Katie emerged into the lobby of the facility it was utter chaos where employees were all crushed together rushing to get out the doors and get to safety.

“Sam, any sign?” she asked as she found him outside looking round.

“No, come on.” he grabbed her hand so that they didn't lose each other in the crowd too as they moved outside the building. Sam stopped to pick up a discarded jacket and Katie glanced down at it before looking around the crowd. There was no sign. It was then that she heard a chopper and instantly glanced up to the top of the building where a helicopter was attempting to take off. But the two-hundred plus pounds of super-solider hanging onto the landing skids was not letting go that easy. He kept hold as the helicopter dragged him to the edge, his boots skidding on the Heli-pad before he reached the end. Gritting his teeth he clung onto the skids of the helicopter with one hand, the other onto the railing of the building.

“No way.” Sam said as he and Katie stood looking up at Steve who was stopping the helicopter “No goddamned way…”

The blades of the helicopter spun rapidly but it was going nowhere as Steve switched his grip on the railing. His muscles bulged and felt like they were on fire but he didn’t let go and with a pained grit of his teeth he pulled even harder and felt it start to come back to him. Then it did a sharp turn towards Steve and he dived out of the way as it came to a stop. He stood up, made his way to the door but before he could do anything Bucky had smashed through the glass on the door and gripped him round his neck. Steve planted both his feet on the door, trying to release himself from the grip but it was no use. And then the helicopter began sliding.

Katie’s grip tightened around Sam’s hand as they spotted Steve's figure still attached to the helicopter as it fell from the top of the building and into the lake. She instantly rushed forwards, but Sam wrapped both arms around her waist to restrain her, stopping her from diving head first into the water after him. Not again, she kept thinking to herself, the scenes from the last time him and Bucky had entered the water flashing before her eyes.

She hadn’t realised she was yelling until Sam shouted loudly, and pointed across the water, where a head had broken the surface. Steve was dragging Bucky up beside him. They rushed to the edge of the river where Steve made sure they got Bucky out first before Steve hauled himself up beside them.

Sam turned his attention to Bucky making sure he was only unconscious and still breathing while Katie’s focus turned to her husband. The anger at him being a stupid, reckless moron again boiled over.

“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND?!” she screamed at him before she reached back and slapped him hard across the face.  It was enough to make his head snap to the right.

“Ouch.” Sam muttered.

Steve looked at Katie, astonishment and maybe a hint of amusement on his face before she threw herself into his arms, not caring that he was soaking wet whilst as he wrapped his arms around her underneath Sam's jacket.

“You stupid…” she began to sob, her voice muffled as she pressed her face into his wet shirt and his hands tangled in her hair

"I know, I know." He muttered "I'm sorry baby.” he said, dropping a soft kiss to her head before he gently moved her to the side and looked at Sam before nodding to the unconscious Bucky on the floor. “Let’s get out of here.”

 Tags

@the-omni-princess

@momobaby227

@geekofmanythings16

@angelofhell-666​

@thewackywriter

@marvelfansworld

@cobalt-gear

[itsanerdlife]

Smoke 14/16

Pairing: Ronin!Clint Batron x Black Cat!Reader

Warning: Violence. Torture mentioned. Death mentioned. Nightmares. Lies. Seducing. Sexual humor. Broken and damaged pasts. Killing. Possessive Male. Struggling to open up. Secrets. Dark past.

A/N: ENDGAME SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT, DON’T READ THIS!!!

After the snap, the avengers split apart. Finding their own ways to cope. Clint found his under a new identity, Ronin. Getting revenge for those they lost. For the family taken from them. The evil left when heroes were wiped out, it became his mission to take out the evil. All while keeping a list of those who could help, if needed one day. Clint stumbles upon a woman, Cat. She’s a mystery in the dark. One happen stance meet, one night, gone like smoke.

After the second snap, setting the world right again. Fury is looking at those kept tabs on. When Cat appears on the screen, nobody know a lot about the mysterious woman who haunted Clint’s dreams and stole his favorite T-shirt. There’s a chance she’s in trouble, can Clint find her, convince her there is more, that he can save her? But is he the cause of what’s after her? Just what mystery is she keeping all to herself? Or is he the one she’s trying to save?

Y/N

The heels of your ankle boots crunch against the sidewalk. You were probably going to end up late, but at this point, it was who you are. Your hands tucked into your front pockets of your jeans, a hand closes around your upper arm. Yanking you to the side.

Your back hits the brick wall of some nasty alley. Before you can move, a forearm crushes down on your throat. Pinning you in place. A chuckle makes you swallow hard.

“Long time no see Cat.” He chuckles, but his tone is lethal. Your eyes sink closed.

“Batroc.” You purr as his goon lets up. Your eyes flick to the side, where Georges stood, in a dress shirt and slacks. The French business man he is, cleaned up well for meetings. Dark hair, pretty face and toned muscle.

“You’ve been a naughty kitty.” He sighs. You shrug.

“Some habits die hard.” You admit.

“I’ve been looking for you.” He growls out, stepping closer. You wince inwardly, your demons were coming around for their pound of flesh.

“Sorry, came home. What can I do for you boys.” You shove his goon back, tossing your hair over your shoulder.

“During the snap, someone killed Olivier. Witness I found,” Georges steps even closer, murder filled his eyes. “said a figure in black with a large hood slipped into the night.” He plants his hand next to your head. Licking his lips in irritation. “Cat, that’s you to a T.” His jaw ticks.

“Hmm does sound just like me.” You bat your eyes.

“You’re going to tell me who hired your ass!” Georges hand slams down against the wall.

“I can’t.” You shrug. “Look that was years ago.” You put a hand up, stopping him from grabbing you. “I’ve done a lot of jobs in that time.” You admit.

“Guess you have to pay.” He growls low in his chest.

“I keep records.” You blurt out. Chewing your bottom lip. “Insurance policies if you will.” You shrug. “Give me some time, today, till tonight. I’ll find who hired me, why and for how much.” You nod.

“By night fall Cat.” He warns you, pointing a finger at you. “A second later, I burn this fucking city down.” He threatens.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Georges.” You smirk at him. Your stomach twists.

“Warehouse, over on the water. Dock fifteen. Don’t be late.” The goon tells you as he and Georges walk away. Once they’re gone, you sink back against the wall.

“Fuck. Fuck.” You mutter, pulling your phone out.

Y/N: Gotta cancel lunch. Something came up.

You hit send. Hurrying out of the alley, waving down a taxi.

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

You unlock the front door, stepping into the house. Your childhood home. It was still yours, but you used it as more like storage, or safe house. You lock the doors and sets the alarm once more. You head for the office, stepping in you shut the door and move to the wall paneling, pressing hard it gives, popping open. Inside is a stash of notebooks, by year. Coordinated with monthly tabs, for quick search. You yank out the book for two years before.

You drop into the chair of the desk, kicking your feet up. You flip the notebook open, finding the month. Scanning the page, your eyes land on his name Olivier Batroc. You swallow, you lied. You hadn’t been hired to kill Olivier. He hired you and you knew he killed him. Closing the book you chew your bottom lip, sitting up. Your brain went into overdrive coming up with a plan. Quickly you put things back, once more securing the house and leaving.

-----------

You look around quickly, slipping open the back slider. You crouch down, scratching your pointer finger under Odin’s chin. Worry fogged him, as you tried to distract him.

“Odin.” You spoke softly. His head tips, ears perked. “Stay.” You stare him down. “With Morgan. Take care of her.” You swallow. “Take care of them. Be a good boy.” You straighten up, stepping out the slider. Odin stands, stepping towards you. “Stay.” You press your lips together, pulling the door shut. Slipping away into the dark.

--------

Clint

They come into the living room, both Nat and Wanda on the couch laughing.

“Are you seriously so possessive, you can’t pull yourself from between Y/N’s legs to let her have lunch with us?” Nat snickers.

“One.” Clint grins, dropping into a chair. “Don’t judge where I like to spend my time.” He laughs. Buck does the same, dropping on the couch next to Nat. “Two. What are you talking about? She left for lunch with you.” He shakes his head.

“She texted me saying she was canceling, something came up. We assumed it was you.” Wanda looks between them.

“Okay.” Buck looks around. “But that was hours ago. Did she come home?” Clint’s chest tightens.

“We thought she was with you.” Wanda looks at Nat.

“We’ve been on a stake out.” Clint sits up.

“So nobodies seen her all day?” Nat asks.

“We’ll check upstairs.” Wanda nods, her and Nat jump up, rushing from the room.

“Call the others.” Clint swallows, standing up. Odin meows loudly. A panicked cry. Clint whirls around looking at Buck.

“Odin?!” Clint calls. Another loud, panicked meow.

“Find the cat!” Buck and Clint run from the room in the direction of Odin’s crying. They slid to a stop at the opening, Odin is sitting at the side slider.

“Where is she Odin?” Clint asks. He turns pawing at the closed door, looking back at them. Buck rips the door open, the both of them catch something hurrying away from the house, towards the compound gate. It’s Y/N.

“I’m faster.” Buck puts his hand out to stop Clint. “Grab gear. Track me.” Buck nods.

“Stick to her, Buck. Please.” Clint nods.

“I won’t lose her.” Buck takes off at a silent jog, after Y/N she doesn’t look back which means she doesn’t know they’ve spotted her.

“Where the fuck are you going babe?” Clint mutters, yanking the door shut. Odin meows at him. “I’ll bring her home. Stay with Morgan.” He nods, turning he heads for the gear he and Buck had left in the office.

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

Everything Peaches 2/6/19: @xmtd5 @mo320 @all1e23 @courtmr @avxgers @eliza-kat @izzy--lee @irepeldirt @dumblani @nishanki1 @crist1216 @alyssaj23 @allyp1023 @joannie95 @kolakube9 @rileyloves5 @sarahp879 @sea040561 @sexyvixen7 @pcterpvrker @pigwidgexn @doctoranon @tomhardy41 @abschaffer2 @justrae9903 @bookluver01 @teller258316 @callie-bear15 @nickimarie94 @wandressfox @amandab-ftw @carostar2020 @henrietteoaks @nea90sweetie @circusofchaos @itsagalaxystar @bettercallsabs @miraclesoflove @lucifersnipnips @queenkrissy11 @this-is-mycrisis @sadyoungadult @destiel-artemis @xrosegoldwolfx @paintballkid711 @isabelcrichards @iwillbeinmynest @sweet-honey15 @chanelmadrid13 @mellxander1993 @killerbumblebee @spookygrantaire @geeksareunique @supernatural508 @sammysgirl1997 @itzmegaaaaaaan @booksbeforebois @optimistic-babes @childishhoebinoo @elizabethaellison @aspiringtranslator @mariekoukie6661 @pure-princess-97 @capsheadquaters @samanthasmileys @nerdypinupcrystal @atlas-of-the-world @youclickedthislink @futuremrsb-r-main @lovemarvelousfics @notyourtypicalrose @petersunderoos96 @loving-life-my-way @buckystolemyheart @booktvmoviefangirl @supernatural-girl97 @thefridgeismybestie @dumbbitchenergytm @abbypalmer14-blog @fanfictionjunkie1112 @meganlikesfandoms @awkwardfangirl2014 @supernaturaldean67 @xqueenofthecraziesx   @queenoftheunderdark @writingaworldofmyown @supernaturallover2002 @daughterofthenight117 @mustbeaweasleyginger @mcuwillbethedeathofme @sprinklesandsugarcubes @whothehellisbucky-1930 @verymuchclosetedfangirl @for-the-love-of-the-fandom @ocaptain-mycaptainmorgan @wonderlandfandomkingdom @crazy-little-thing-called-buck @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @stupendoussciencenaturepanda @jamesbarnesappreciationsociety @supernatural-strangerthings-1980

Marvel Tag List 2/6/19: @lumelgy   @dottirose   @jcc04220 @rockagurl @a--1--1--3 @mizzzpink   @jade-taillia @coley0823 @widowsfics @bookluver01 @thelostallycat @shield-agent78 @dtftheavengers   @ilovetvshowsblog @capsheadquaters   @iamwarrenspeace @thefridgeismybestie @whenallsaidanddone @deanwinchestersrifle @fandomsstolemylife00   @daughterofthenight117 @lilmissperfectlyimperfect  

Clint ‘Destory Me, I’ll Thank You’ Barton: @ml7010 @coley0823 @yavanna80 @lakamaa12 @boltsgirl919 @feelmyroarrrr @mrsseizetheday @honey-bee-holly @marvelfansworld @mybarnesmyhero   @the-real-mary-jane @dumbbitchenergytm @agentsinstorybrooke @x-whyareyoureadingthis-x @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory

Smoke: @2s0uls @xxloki81xx @csigeoblue @demonlover87 @capandbuckylvr @marvelfansworld @natromanoffsboys @barton-you-dummy @thefandomimagines @thosesexytexasboys 

[shanie-the-toyaddict]

Shanie’s Dream Fic: A Masterpost

The following is a Masterpost of all my various finished, started, and sketched out dream stories. They are listed here as the dreams originally were, not as the stories the dreams became. Listings are by Saga/Series, Story Title, and Month/Year of original dream. Also listed are the fandoms of the dreams and any specific warnings the fics might carry. For the record, this isn’t a post really for anyone on here. It’s mostly for my own records. I do have a copy on my cloud storage but I’m putting it here as well on the off chance anyone is curious. BTW: I’m putting this here so that I don’t have to list it every time. As far as the WWE dreams go. Absolutely NONE of them are Kayfabe compliant. That’s the problem with not watching the shows regularly. I don’t dream about the TV side of it often. The Zowens dream is close though. It’s sort of a hybrid. The rest? Well, all of them are some level of NKC, but some are not only non-kayfabe, they are straight up AU.  BTW2: In every single one of these stories involving me I am some manner of queer. I’m pretty sure in all but maybe one or two. I’m either wlw, ace, or both. NOT ONE of the first person dreams contains romance between me and another character. The best you get is a single platonic fake-relationship story. (That one did have a smut scene in it but it isn’t romantic.)

Anyway, list behind the cut!

ADVENTURES IN DREAMLAND Master Post

SAGA   A Family Beyond Blood

Part 1 Darkness Fallen (August 2019) I find myself trapped in a world where I died as a child. Now as a spirit I must find a way to restore the universe to it’s proper order. (Somehow my young death caused the entire universe to splinter) *McMahon Family and MCU Dream* Part 2 Death and Life on Planet Earth (August 2019)

Having saved the universe but not ourselves, I vow to do whatever it takes to return Shane to his rightful place with his family. *McMahon Family and MCU Dream*

Part 3 A World Restored to Fall (August 2019)

The universe has been reset again, and I have been returned to my proper timeline. Or have I? There’re odd happenings in a local bookshop and it’s up to me to figure out how to stop them *Original Dream Featuring IRL People*

Part 4 World War Winter (August 2019)

Nuclear Holocaust has occurred. The world is at war with the machines. As a soldier in the CAMP forces, I must leave everything I know behind and face down the android army. But, maybe there’s a familiar face or two in CAMP after all... *McMahon Family Dream* *VIOLENT*

Part 5 Of Queens and Kingdoms (August 2019)

The world is reset. AGAIN. This time, it’s me, Shane and Marissa in a new land where the middle ages and modern times are happening simultaneously and women are the dominant gender. And, somehow, I’m the bloody queen. *McMahon Family and WWE Universe Dream*

Part 6 Titans Reign (August 2019)

Having ascended to the throne and filling the royal court with WWE superstars, I must now find a way to rule over a land I barely know. Meanwhile, a sinister plot is brewing to put the patriarchy back in power. *McMahon Family and WWE Universe Dream*

SAGA That’s What Friends Are For

Part 1 Death of a Fangirl (and Birth of a Friend) (October 2019) [Only Published Story on List]

I find myself being given the chance to meet Shane. Unfortunately, my mental illness turns the dream into a nightmare and my life unravels. But don’t worry. Shane will save the day. He always does. *Shane O Mac Dream*

Part 2 With A Song In Her Heart (October 2019)

Shane has been ignoring my texts, so I hunt him down. My search finds me at a pride festival where a spontaneous song catches his attention a little too well. *Shane O Mac Dream*

Part 3 One Last Birthday to Celebrate (November 2019)

It’s Christmastime in Squirrel Hill. For some dumb reason, Shane McMahon has decided to visit me the day before his birthday. Naturally I surprise him with a present. The other surprise (getting caught in a domestic dispute) is far less pleasant. *Shane O Mac Dream* *VIOLENT*

Part 4 The Pink Rose (Not a Dream)

I survived the shooting. Waking up in a hospital, I find my mother and a room full of flowers from the WWE Superstars. But one flower, a lone pink rose, is unlabeled. Wanna take a wild guess who sent that one? *WWE Universe Story NOT Based on A Dream*

Part 5 Dreams and Demons (December 2019)

So, it seems that watching your friend nearly die in a hail of bullets isn’t the best for your mental health. At WrestleMania 37, Shane is presented with a choice. Me, or TV. Of course he chooses me, this is my dream, what other choice   would there be? *WWE Universe Dream*

[Are you starting to see why I never publish any of these. They are painfully bad self inserts and woefully self-indulgent. But they are also therapy, hence the writing]

SERIES   Trippy Shorts

Story 1 A Little Fall of Acid Rain (August 2019)

The world is ending – but only in NYC. I’m there. So are the McMahons. Destruction and danger abound. *McMahon Family Dream*

Story 2 I Know Who I Am (September 2019)

All of my favorites from TV, movies, music, and wrestling are turning up murdered. Each time, a cryptic message is left behind, written in blood. Can I figure out the connection before everyone I like is killed? *General Pop Culture Dream* *EXTREMELY VIOLENT AND DISTURBING*

Story 3 Fixed Points and Fixed Pairings [An Unfinished Symphony] (September 2019)

One night, outside the bar, I am approached by an older version of myself. She brings a time machine and a mission – go back to the attitude era and change time so Shane remains the heir apparent. But some people are just meant to be together, and others just refuse to listen – even to an angel from the future. *WWE Universe Dream*

Story 4 A Song of Summer [A Snapshot] (October 2019)

As an Agent of SHIELD, it doesn’t take a genius to see that Black Widow and Hawkeye are in love. So, through the power of music, I decide to try and hook them up. *MCU Dream*

Story 5 Journeys Beginning [A Snapshot] (December 2019)

One day at school, I find myself amid an alien incursion. But don’t worry, the Doctor is on the case. Also, Shane is involved because of course he is. *Shane O Mac and Doctor Who Dream*

Story 6 Arson, Murder, and Revolution (January 2020)

At a Hollywood LGBTQ party, I find myself caught in a plot by the Trump administration to commit mass murder. When it goes awry, revolution stirs and it’s up to me and several other progressive celebrities to light the fuse *General Pop Culture Dream* *VIOLENT*

[See, they aren’t all about Shane. Just... most of them]

STAND ALONE STORIES

Once Upon a Dream (August 2019)

I black out drunk in an alley one night and awake to find myself in a dream. It’s 1990 and I’m somehow a middle-aged black woman. Also sharing the dream is a young and angry Shane McMahon. Together we use the circumstances of the dream to fuck shit up for the NYPD. *Shane O Mac Dream* *VIOLENT*

The Many Deaths of a Tabhead (August 2019)

Five years after getting hooked on a new drug called Tabs, I find myself in an endless loop of getting murdered. The only way out is to survive. Too bad I have no memory, and everyone wants me dead *Original Story Featuring IRL People* *VIOLENT AND DISTURBING*

Champion of the Faerie Queen (December 2019)

Did you know that Marissa McMahon is the Faerie Queen and Shane is her consort? Neither did I. And, it seems, when war comes a calling, it’s up to me to save the McMahons and the country. But I’ve got superpowers now, so that helps. *McMahon Family, MCU, and DC Universe Dream*

To Earthquakes, Lovers, and Newfound Friends (May 2020)

In lovely SoCal, I’m watching a movie when an earthquake strikes. I soon find myself both blind and badly burned. The only hope I have to survive is a certain pair of lovers who just happen to be in the area for some R&R. *Zowens Dream*

Penny and Kicks vs The World (June 2020)

As a longtime WWE employee, I’ve been best friends with Shane for years. But in the fallout of Coronavirus, the public is looking for a scapegoat. Vince is more than happy to offer up my father. Now, the entire wrestling world is in turmoil and Shane and I are just trying to weather the storm. *WWE Universe Dream* *VIOLENT*

Virginia Gothic (October 2019)

In a world where my highschool sweetheart and I never broke up, we must forge a path on our own through hardship and rejection. But what is the meaning of the mysterious Jesus statue? And why is Bacchus being so damn shifty? *Original Dream Featuring IRL People*

Uzil (January 2020)

An mystical being from the horsehead nebula takes up residence in a little boy’s guinea pig. The miracles come quickly and soon they are inseparable. *Original Third Person Dream* (I wasn’t in this one)

The E-Manual (February 2020)

The end of days is drawing near. I have been chosen as a prophet of the end times by the Almighty himself. I must go out into the world armed with only scripture and a mystical magazine, trying to convert as many people as possible before time runs out. *A Mostly Original Dream* (Shane’s in the last two pages)

Seraphina and the Seven Wishes (April 2020)

The world is a video game and the McMahon’s are the Addams family. It only gets weirder from there. *McMahon Family Dream*

A Matter of Science (And Opinion) (May 2020)

I accidentally set fire to my apartment during a spell. I’m promptly arrested and call The Doctor as my defense. Sadly, the call is rerouted to Stormcage and SpongeBob SquarePants ends up on the case instead. This one is every bit as absurd as it sounds. *Doctor Who and SpongeBob SquarePants Dream*

A Revolution In This Century (Enter Me) (November 2019) The year is 2027. Climate Change has decimated the globe and revolution has reduced the Ruling Elite to food reserves. However, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and soon the new ruling poor become as ruthless as the 1% had been. In this horrible dystopia, I am a powerful government official who has taken on the McMahons as consorts for the sole purpose of saving their skins. *McMahon Family Dream* *VIOLENT, DISTURBING, AND A BIT SMUTTY*

Crystal Vision – A Dozen Birthdays (December 2019)

After showing kindness to an enchantress, I am given my hearts greatest desire – a place in Shane’s life. I am sent back in time to 2005 as a WWE Makeup tech and given 12 years in the life of my childhood heroes. But a lot happened in the WWE from 2005 to 2017 and not all of it good. How much can and do I dare change? *WWE Universe Dream* *Painfully NKC. Disturbing subject matter involved because 2007 is a thing.*

Dr. Slime and the Wondernerds (August 2019)

Three high school nerds find themselves in possession of a mysterious green substance. When it explodes during an experiment, they find they have been given superpowers. However, this is the real world and super-powered “freaks” get picked apart, not celebrated. Can the teens resist using their powers? *Original Third Person Dream* (I’m not in this one)

Planeswalking Like A Grecian (October 2019)

After death, Xena finds herself on the Astral Plane. Promptly running into Joxer, they must find a way to survive the dangers of the afterlife. But don’t worry. Gabrielle has a plan. *Xenaverse Dream* (I’m not in this one)

The Foresight Curse (June 2020)

The problem with knowing the future is that you usually don’t have the ability to change it. So when Radar O’Reilly realizes Henry’s fate the day before it happens, he has to spend the next day trying to drown out the feelings of dread and sorrow, if only for the Colonel’s sake. Funny thing though, sometimes fate takes a left turn and you get a second chance to say goodbye. *M*A*S*H Universe Dream* (I’m not in this one) Vampires, Wraiths, and Shades, Oh My! (December 2019)

In the middle ages, I am orphaned at a very young age by vampires and taken in by Vampire Hunters (AU Shane and Stephanie). Now a teenager, I fight alongside them to protect the world from the dangers of the night. *McMahon Family Vampire AU Dream*

WHEW! I’m pretty sure that’s all of them! I have so dang many dreams it’s hard to keep track of them all! Anyway, out of all of these, only a handful are finished, ONE is published (Death of a Fangirl) and a ton of them aren’t far past the sketch stage. So, this is my list. Every story on here I at least have sketched out. I doubt I will ever even bother writing many of these, but the intent is present.

[michael-langdon-baby]

Salvation

Pairing: Michael Langdon x Original Character

Length: 2.6~

Warnings: None really, i think....

Chapter 6: Betrayal

Masterlist

She walks down a long passageway, her bare feet slapping against the floor and echoing around the walls. There is only darkness ahead; there’s no point in looking back. It feels like she’s walking for hours and she always ends up in the same place; the circular room.

 There are always candles lit around the pedestal floor and even more lining the walls. It gives the room an ominous glow.

 She blinks once, twice, and then he’s there. He never has any clothes on and always starts out facing away from her, his soft back on display that had blonde locks cascading to his shoulders like a river of gold.

 She didn’t know him, but she wanted to; yearned to run her hands to see if the hair was as soft as it looked, to feel if the milky skin was as warm as the glow of the surrounding candles.

 And then he would turn to her; blue eyes making her gasp and step back in need of putting space between them. They were beautiful.

 And he would smile, “I think you’re beautiful.” It would turn her tan cheeks a shade darker, and he would take a step forward, her eyes trying not to stray to his cock.

 “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for you.” Another step closer. “Father told me you were hand picked, just to my liking.”

 He stood in front of her, those blue eyes watching her every muscle move with every deep breathe. His pale hand reached up and caressed her plump cheek, “My precious Jewel, do I frighten you?”

 That long finger with a ring the size of her eyes ran along the wetness of her outer lip, and she nodded. He smirked and arched forward, pressing himself against her, “Don’t be, I would never hurt you.”

 Julie always asked him the same question, always with a quiver in her voice, “What do you want from me?”

 He always gave the same response, “Everything.”

Julie always awoke in a cold sweat, eyes darting around the room to make sure she was really alone. It was terrified and aroused her to no end; to dream of the blonde man so many nights made her miss the ones where he was gone.

 More nights than not did her hand slip down her belly to her unclothed pussy, already wet from the previous dreams. It was always quick; eyes closed and clit rubbed at a furious pace before a soundless cry left her lips, thighs shaking at the tendrils of pleasure coursing through her.

 She would stay on the orgasmic high for a few minutes, wetness seeping onto the sweat-covered sheets, which would prompt her to get up and take a tissue to the stickiness between her thighs.

 Her brows furrowed at the light redness staining the tissue, grimacing in a childlike manner. “Really body? You’re gonna betray me like this?” There was a strange correlation with her monthly bleeding and the heavier dreams. The ones were he simply touched her and whispered sweet words were fine, but the ones that caused her to bleed usually had him bleeding for her, offering himself to her like gift for a Queen.

 Julie huffed and slumped on her walk to the bathroom, now feeling the growing pain in her lower abdomen. It was times like these that being female became a burden, cursed with the act of bleeding once a month and the pain that came with it was all to burdensome.

 If she could cut out her ovaries, she would. It took her aback when the thought of presenting her bloody ovaries to the man from her dreams entered her head; not today brain. But for now she simply propped her leg on the counter, unwrapped the tampon and grimaced as it slid into her, it was always uncomfortable,

 It was 5:45 in the morning, and seeing as the cramps were starting to set in, it would be pointless to try and get some sleep. She snatched her phone off the bedside table and opened up her Safari, scrolling through the open tabs.

 One was Chloe’s Instagram, displaying her friend in a crouching pose with a peace sign- the pinned location was New Orleans… damn, her friend hadn’t even told her she was out of town- and the white girl she was with was tagged ‘mmontgomery’. Hm, she looked familiar, but didn’t care enough to go to her page.

 Julie flicked the page away, ignoring the pang of hurt that her best friend was drifting away from her. But it wasn’t just Julie’s fault; yes, she may have been spending more and more time with Michael, but Chloe had stopped eating lunch with her, stopped answering her texts… it was like she wanted them to drift apart.

 Her finger hovered over the page titled ‘Church of Satan’- she’d left it open after searching in regards to her ‘Hail Satan’ dream-, and a moment later clicked on it, waiting for it to reload.

 The screen was engulfed in a red hue that made her eyes burn, and the realistic picture of Satan made her uneasy. The texts upon texts spoke about how Lucifer was cast out by God for not loving the creations he called humans enough, that we were the cause of Satan’s downfall. It said that Satan roamed the Underworld for answers of how to escape, how to take his vengeance on the humans who had done this to him, but he never did.

 The next part was titled ‘The Antichrist’, and her eyes read the sprawl with question.

It said the Antichrist was Satan’s son, the one who looked, talked, and walked like us but he wasn’t one of us. He was a special being with powers that people could only dream of and would bring upon the Armageddon; the ender of worlds. Though the ending wasn’t complete and the Church was still waiting for the Antichrist to rise up and smite them all.

 An address was at the bottom, including a phone number and time schedule. She held no regrets in bookmarking that page, though still closed it with a flick of her finger, putting down the phone and relishing in the sound of morning birds.

   One of the only things that sucked about being 17 was having school; the everyday hellscape that seemed to never have an end. It would have been slightly more tolerable if Michael went was there but him and Ms. Mead were adamant that school just wasn’t for him. She wished her mom were like that.

 “Surprise bitch.” Julie turned around and gave a tight smile at Chloe. “Bet you thought you’d seen the last of me.”

 It was a kick to the teeth to see her friend after her 3 week trip to New Orleans, but what was really strange was the usually pink preppy girls attire; She wore a skintight black turtle neck that tucked into high waisted dark denim jeans, a thick belt and black boots. She even had a large circular hat that was just as black as the outfit.

 “You do know we’re inside right?” Julie motioned to the hat, in which Chloe rolled her eyes, “It’s called fashion sweetie, look it up.” Normally, she would’ve laughed and playfully rolled her own eyes, but instead Julie turned and started away.

 “Hey, wait!” Chloe’s boots stomped against the marble floor as she tried to catch up, “Aren’t you gonna ask how my trip was? Aren’t you curious about all the New Orleans juju shit I saw?”

 Julie clenched her jaw, “At the moment, not really.” She tried to turn away but Chloe tugged her back, “Hey, hey, what’s wrong? Did something happen while I was gone? Are you mad about something?”

 “You know, I’m not mad that you took the trip, I’m not mad that you made friends there, hell, I’m not even made that you look like you raided Hottopic before showing up.” Julie tried not to well up. “But I am mad that mad that my best friend didn’t give enough shits to tell me that they were leaving for three fucking weeks. So yeah Chloe, I’m mad.”

 And of course, in a very Chloe like manner, she laughed it off, “Are-Are you actually serious? What are you my mom? I don’t have to tell you every little thing I do.”

 “No, but you could act like were at least some form of friends. You’ve been ignoring my texts, my calls, everything.” Chloe allowed Julie to step away with watery eyes. “I thought we were closer than that Chloe.”

 Chloe let out a cynical laugh and it was like a flip had switched inside her, “Oh I get it, you’re jealous that I met people who understand me.” Chloe grew almost frantic in her speech, hands shaking by her side as her eyes darted around the empty hallway before landing back on Julie. “They can help me Julie, why can’t you just open your eyes?”

 Please, Father! Open my eyes!

 Julie shook away that dream, “I see you Chloe, I really do. But-“

 Chloe stood with fists clenched and jaw tight and the metallic screech that echoed through the hallway had Julie turning, staring aghast the concave locker. Julie turned to her friend; what the hell was happening to Chloe?

 “D-Did y-you-“

 “See me Julie. I’m more than you ever were and will ever be.” Chloe’s voice dropped an octave lower. “Run away little girl, its gonna get ugly.” The tall girl sauntered off with a swagger, paying no mind to the crying fleeing Julie, who ran from the school.

   Michael Langdon was bored. He didn’t think there could be such boredom like this; it would have been more fun to be with Julie. He wondered what she was doing. Was she in school? Was it fun? Were the people there nice?

 A dark look overcame his face; were the people there nicer than him? Better than him? Would they try to steal her away from him? He shook those thoughts away; they were meant to be together and no stupid teenagers could take her away from him.

 An insistent banging at the door had him sitting up in bed, eyes squinting with curiosity. Ms. Mead was off doing unholy thing in his father’s name and his Julie was at school, which meant it was a stranger. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as he used his powers to see into the mind of the person at his doorstep.

 He leapt of the bed and “Ouch!” He shook off his hard slam into the wall from his sock covered toes and sprinted to the door, opening it with a wide smile. A wide smile that ever so slowly deflated at the sight of his Julie standing before him, blood shot eyes and sniffles leaving her wet nose. It was hard to control the rage in his veins at her distressed state and he was slightly glad she was unaware of the shaking tree in his front yard.

 She leaped into his arms and the tree became still. He held her on his doorstep, not knowing how to help. “What do I do?”

 She sniffled and another tear fell, “Hold me.” It took a lot for Julie not to question how one moment they were in the entry of the house and the next his bedroom; she would put that thought away for later. This wasn’t the first time Michael had done something like this and she was sure it wouldn’t be the last.

 He crowded her onto his twin size bed and covered her like an octopus would its prey. Though it did just the trick; his tight hold soothed away her sadness and washed away her tears. The hurt from Chloe’s words was slowly fading away, leaving just her and Michael.

 They lay on their sides, facing each other. He watched her bloodshot eyes and reached one hand up to feel her warm cheeks, “Do you wanna talk about it?”

 Julie thought about telling him everything; spilling all the pain she felt from Chloe’s hatred and the sadness she harbored from feeling alone. So she did, her voice a whisper in his ear that had him gripping her harder.

 “But you’re not alone.” He moved in closer. “You’ll never be alone again.” They watched each others lips and made a kiss an innocent as innocence could be. It lasted only a few seconds long but it felt like heaven. She murmured, “was that okay?”

 And he gave her a smile that made his eyes even brighter, “I love you Julie.”

 It took her aback for a moment, a declaration of love from a boy she’d know for a short amount of time. Did she love Michael Langdon? She wasn’t sure, but there was something inside her that said she did. So she said, “I love you Michael.”

 “You’ll never leave me right?” He was such an insecure boy but he had to know, he wanted to hear it.

 “Never.” Their lips met again, and she started to believe that love was in the air.

   God, being in love was so fun. They were like dating dating and they shared sweet kisses whenever they could and held hands when they strolled through the Hotel on the two Saturdays of the month. It was so domestic of her and he made her feel loved in a way her mom never could.

 And nothing could go wrong it seemed.

 Well…

 A harsh banging on the front door had Michael at his feet in an instant, Julie already making her way to open and see whom it was. Julie grimaced; it was a medium height pale girl with clothes akin to Chloe’s new style, red lips moving in an angry twitch and squinting eyes.

 Wait! She knew this girl- she was the one from Chloe’s picture in New Orleans… but why was she here?

 “Can I help you?” The girl whose name had been tagged ‘mmontogmery’ let out an annoyed exhale and lifted up her phone, displaying a smiling picture of Chloe, “Have you seen this girl?”

 Julie answered truthfully as she felt Michael creep up behind her, “We aren’t really on speaking terms at the moment-“

 The girl cut her off and spat, “I don’t need a sob story I just need to know where she is.”

 “You are rude.” Michael was nose to nose with the girl. “Don’t talk to her like.” The rude girl looked ready to shoot back an insult that would probably make him cry so Julie tugged him behind her so he was out of focus, “I don’t know where she is. Sorry, can’t help.”

 She made to close the door in the girls face, but some force was stopping her; even with both hands, it wouldn’t budge. The girl simply pushed her way inside, ignoring Michael’s death like glare, “Ugh, is this what poor people live like? No thank you.”

 She sat on the couch and crossed her legs. Julie was just in shock and finally was able to slam the door, marching over to this bitch, “Who the hell do you think you are? This is my goddam house and you need to leave.”

 The girl sighed and looked into Julie’s eyes with intensity, “My name is Madison Montgomery and I’m here to find Chloe before she causes a shit show that even the all holy Supreme can’t fix. So either you and that twelve year old are gonna help me find her or a lot of people are going to die.”

 Madison had had the words barely leave her mouth before she started gasping for air, well done nails scratching at her porcelain skin. Julie rushed forward, not knowing what to do. “Michael! Help her! What do i-“

 She fell to the floor and crawled away from Michael Langdon; the boy whose eyes were rolled back into his head with a clenched fist at his side, Madison still choking on the couch.

Hope you enjoyed!

[fanartandfics]

Jumping Letters

Word Count: 2,011

Description: The reader gets turned into a six year old and the boys find out that you have dyslexia

A/N: I have dyslexia so I wanted to write something. Everybody’s dyslexia is a little different, but hopefully this is some relatable content

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

“Ow!” You yelp as your body slides down the wall. You’rer stuck between the wall and the table holding the witch’s altar. You kick it with your feet sending the herbs and candles flying at the old hag. “Okay, let’s end this,” you cock your gun and step around the table. Your boots crunch on the broken glass and dried herbs like freshly fallen autumn leaves. Before the witch can even raise her hand to place one last hex on you your bullet lodges squarely in the center of her head. “Ha,” you say to yourself as you tuck your gun into the waistband of your jeans. All of a sudden your jeans don’t fit. They’re too big, same with all of your clothes. Your gun drops beside you and before you completely lose yourself you call out for Cas. Cas arrives not a moment later to an empty room. 

“Y/n?” Cas squints his eyes scanning the room as he draws his angel blade. He sees the witch’s body and a pile of clothes on the floor. He recognizes the yellow flannel to be yours and leans down to inspect the heep. A head pops up looking up at Castiel. Cas withdraws his hand for a moment not recognizing the child in your clothes. Then he looks at the hair and eyes, there’s no mistaking that it’s you. “Y/n?” Cas asks again holding his hand out to you. You rise to your full height which is barely four feet. You look scared and you don’t look like you recognize who he is. “Y/n, it’s me, Cas,” Cas uses his shortent name in hopes of jogging your young mind. You don’t seem to register as your eyes look around the room landing on the bloody witch’s body. Your small lungs take in a shuddering breath as you whip back around to look at Cas tears already streaming down your plump face. Cas quickly takes off his trench coat and wraps it around you. He figures the boys can help figure this out in the bunker away from the dead body. 

You two arrive in the bunker. Sam reading as usual and Dean drinking a beer and typing on his laptop. Both look up as they hear the whoosh of the feathers. 

“Hey, Cas, what did you have to leave so quick for?” Dean asks curious. 

“For her,” Cas pulls the coat away from your face, still holding you. 

“Is that, Y/n?” Sam stands.

“Yes,” Cas walks you over to Sam and puts you in his arms, “I think a witch did this to her so I’m going to find Roweena,” 

“Yeah, of course,” Sam nods clutching you absentmindedly. Cas nods to Sam and Dean then disappears. The pages in the books russell as Sam sits down with you in his lap facing him. “Y/n, do you remember what happened?” Sam asks calmly. You don’t look to be more than six or seven years old.

“No,” you say quietly. You bring your hands to your face trying to avoid eye contact. Sam smiles at the childish action.

 “That’s okay,” Sam says while stroking your hair, “Do you know who I am?” You just shake your head this time. Sam frowns a bit and glances at Dean who shrugs. “I’m Sam, and this is my older brother Dean,” Sam points across the table to Dean who gives a smile back. 

“Hi,” you say shyly. The boys chuckle at the responds. 

“I’m going to get her some clothes that fit,” Dean closes his laptop as he stands. Sam pulls out his laptop and finds some kid story books online. Dean comes back with an old shrunken cotton white shirt. “Pass her over to me,” Dean holds out his arms as Sam carefully passes you. Dean sits with you in his lap as he puts the oversized shirt on you and ties it so it’s more like a romper than a dress. Sam smiles watching the domestic scene before him. “There that’s better right?” Dean asks you rhetorically. You seem more comfortable now that you're not bundled in a very oversized trench coat. Snapped out of his train of thought Sam checks the time. It’s six and he figures that Cas won’t be back till after dinner. 

“I’m gonna get started on dinner, Dean, if you want, I brought up some stuff on my laptop for her,” Sam pushes his computer toward Dean and leaves the library. Dean flips through a couple of the books on the screen before you stop him and point one out. “Fancy Nancy? Really, Y/n?” Dean jokingly teases you digitally opening the book. 

“I wanna read,” you shush Dean before he can start the first sentence. Dean chuckles and leans back in his seat,

“Okay, Y/n. Go ahead,” at any age you know how to take charge. You stumble through sentences, make up words and can barely begin to sound out words over two sylabbls. Dean isn’t sure if this is the impact of the spell on you or if something is wrong. When Sam comes in with the spaghetti and meatballs he immediately notices the look of perpelection on Dean’s face. 

“Everything okay?” Sam inquires setting the plates of food in front of everyone.

“Yeah,” Dean relays back. Still a face of concern, “Y/n, can you read another story out loud for us?” Dean encourages as he flips through tabs to find another book. Sam can tell that Dean is prompting something and leaves his food untouched for the moment. You nod your head as you read another Fancy Nancy books for the boys. You stutter, stumble, pause and skip over words just like last time. After a two pages you fade out not feeling like reading anymore. The brothers looked at each other having a conversation with shifting eye contact and deep signs. You catch on that there is something wrong and don’t hesitate to ask.

“Nothings wrong,” Sam replies to you a little too quickly, and glances at Dean who confirms. 

You all eat dinner and Sam and Dean joke around with you, all concerns forgotten. After Dean puts the dishes in the kitchen sink Cas is back. Dean jumps as Cas is right behind him.

“I’ve returned,” Castiel states,

“I noticed,” Dean pushes Cas back a few feet, “personal space buddy. Y/n is in here.” Dean leads the angel to the TV room where you and Sam are watching a movie. “Cas is back!” Dean annoces and you two turn around. 

“Hello, Y/n,” Cas squats in front of you a palmful of powder and herbs in his hand. He gently flows the mixture into your face making you sneeze. Your whole body folds over with the force of the sneeze. When you straighten up and your back to your full size.

“Whoo!” you wipe your nose with the back of your hand, “that sneeze knocked my soul out of my body,” you joke smiling at the boys. Sam gives you a side hug. 

“Welcome back,” he smiles back at you and so do Dean and Cas, “what do you remember?” 

“Well I killed that witch…” you pause thinking, “... and then I was shrinking. I wasn’t sure if I was sinking to ant size or what so I prayed for Cas.” You close your eyes thinking some more. “I remember being here for awhile, and now we’re here.” Dean laughs at your vague play by play,

“You were turned into a six year old,” he says smiling,

“That was a rough year,” you joke back. Sam and Dean’s smiles falter a little, but you shrug it off figuring you’ve all had a weird rough day.

The next day you come into the kitchen where Dean is making breakfast.

“Good morning, Y/n! Would you mind reading the grocery list to me?” Dean says keeping his back to you as he scrambles the eggs. 

“Sure,” you walk over to the list and place your finger on the paper so you can pin the jumping letters. Dean watches the action from the corner of his eye. “Bread… milk… soba? Oh, wait soda,” you laugh grabbing a pen, “I think we need more ketchup while your at the store,” you scribble down the request and place the list next to him so he can grab it later. Dean glances at the list as you head out of the kitchen with two cups of coffee, one for Sam and one for you. You managed to spell ketchup as “kethup” forgetting the c completely. “Here you go, Sam,” you place the coffee cup to his right as you walk around to the other side of the table. “What are we reading today?” You pick up a book on the top stack. Sam eyes you from over his book. The book was titled Rougarou New Orleans, but you just skipped past the first word in the title, “New Orleans,” you announce opening the book up to the first page. 

“What book?” Sam prompts you,

“The New Orleans’ one” you show him the cover letting him read it instead. Sam isn’t sure if he’s reading into this too much, but he’s tired of beating around the bush. Dean walks in if on cue and sets down his own cup of coffee.

“Y/n, do you have dyslexia?” Sam questions gently. He puts on the same face he does for victims families. You know that face, it's a pity, and it’s sorrow. Dean mirrors his younger brother’s expression. You try to read their faces more deeply, they’re joking, right?

“No.” You state, maybe a little too defensively. You sit back in your chair trying to stay casual. Is this a big deal to them? Or to you? 

“Y/n,” Sam says even more gently, like he’s trying not to scare you, “when you were turned into a six year old you couldn’t read. You displayed classic signs of dyslexia,” Sam extend his hand across the table offering you to hold it. You stay where you are. 

“It could’ve just been the spell,” you shrug, “I mean I didn’t remember you guys, and I don’t remember it happening,” you counter Sam’s point. Dean fishes into his pocket and pulls out the grocery list and puts it on the table. 

“Y/n, you had to use your finger to hold your place while reading, you misread soda, and you spelled ketchup wrong,” Dean trumps your previous counter argument strengthening Sam’s. You pause appalled. How are you going to play this off? You let out a rush of air.

“Fine. I have dyslexia.” You breath in, “but it doesn’t change anything. I’m still a good researcher, a good hunter and if I hadn’t gotten turned into a six year old you would have never found out,” you point a finger at them both your voice rising. “I’ve learned to cope with it and hide it,” you say more quietly sitting back in your seat arms crossed. 

“Y/n, we aren't trying to embarrass you,” Dean takes the grocery list off the table.

“We just weren’t sure if you even knew you had it. You’ve done an amazing job at handling it,” Sam adds in. “We just wanted to help you,”

“I got it,” you say curtly,

“We know,” Sam put his hands up in a don’t shoot the messenger gesture, “we just want you to know you don’t need to hide it anymore.” Your holding in a breath still fuming to yourself. Your scared that your facade had crumbled, but the rational part of you knows your making a mountain out of a molehill. Dean can see that your almost on the edge of accepting this,

“We won’t treat you any differently, and I promise not to tease you about it,” Dean offers hoping that’s what you need to hear. Your shoulders relaxed and your chin drops to your chest like your armor is sliding off your body. 

“Thank you. That’s exactly what I needed to hear,”

[lakelandseo]

Top 4 Things to Know About GA4 — Whiteboard Friday

In this week’s Whiteboard Friday, Dana brings you some details on the exciting new world of Google Analytics 4. Watch and learn how to talk about it when clients and coworkers are intimidated by the move.

Click on the whiteboard image above to open a high resolution version in a new tab!

Video Transcription

Hi, my name is Dana DiTomaso. I'm President at Kick Point. And I am here today at MozCon 2022 to bring you some details on the exciting world of Google Analytics 4, which I know all of you are like, "Ugh, I don't want to learn about analytics," which is totally fair. I also did not want to learn about analytics.

And then I kind of learned about it whether I liked it or not. And you should, too, unfortunately. 

So I think the biggest thing about the move from Universal Analytics to GA4 is that people are like they log in and everything looks different. "I don't like it." And then they leave. And I agree the user interface in GA4 leaves a lot to be desired. I don't think there's necessarily been a lot of good education, especially for those of us who aren't analysts on a day-to-day basis.

We're not all data scientists. I'm not a data scientist. I do marketing. So what I'm hoping is I can tell you the things you should know about GA4 on just a basic sort of level, so that you have a better vocabulary to talk about it when people are horrified by the move to GA4, which is inevitable. It's going to happen. You've got to get it on your site starting basically immediately, if you don't already have it. So I started out with three things, and then I realized there was a fourth thing. So you get a bonus, exciting bonus, but we'll start with the first three things. 

1. It's different

So the first thing it's different, which I know is obvious. Yes, of course, Dana it's different. But it's different. Okay, so in Universal Analytics, there were different types of hits that could go into analytics, which is where hits came from originally as a metric that people talked about. So, for example, in Universal Analytics, you could have a pageview, or you could have a transaction, or you could have an event.

And those were all different types of hits. In GA4, everything is an event. There is a pageview event. There is a transaction event. There is, well, an event event. I mean, you name the events whatever you want. And because of that, it's actually a lot better way to report on your data.

So, for example, one of the things that I know people always wanted to be able to report on in Universal Analytics is what pages did people see and how did that relate to conversion rate. And that was really tricky because a pageview was something that was at the hit scope level, which means it was just like the individual thing that happened, whereas conversion rate is a session scoped thing.

So you couldn't mash together a hit scope thing with pageview with conversion rate, which is session scoped. They just didn't combine together unless you did some fancy blending stuff in Data Studio. And who's got time for that? So now in GA4, because everything is an event, you have a lot more freedom with how you can slice and dice and interpret your data and figure out what pages do people engage with before they actually converted, or what was that path, not just the landing page, but the entire user journey on their path to conversion. So that part is really exciting. 

2. Engagement rate is not reverse bounce rate

Second thing, engagement rate is a new metric in GA4. They do have bounce rate. They did recently announce it. I'm annoyed at it, so we're going to talk about this a little bit. Engagement rate is not reverse bounce rate. But it is in GA4.

So in Universal Analytics, bounce rate was a metric that people reported on all the time, even though they shouldn't have. I hate bounce rate so much. Just picture like a dumpster fire GIF right now across your screen. I hate bounce rate. And why I hate bounce rate is it's so easily faked. Let's say, for example, your boss says to you, "Hey, you know what, the bounce rate on our site is too high. Could you fix it?"

You're like, "Oh, yeah, boss. Totally." And then what you do is whenever somebody comes on your website, you send what's called an interactive event off to Google Analytics at the same time. And now you have a 0% bounce rate. Congratulations. You got a raise because you made it up. Bounce rate could absolutely be faked, no question. And so when we moved over to GA4, originally there was no bounce rate.

There was engagement rate. Engagement rate has its own issues, but it's not measuring anything similar to what bounce rate was. Bounce rate in UA was an event didn't happen. It didn't matter if you spent an hour and a half on the page reading it closely. If you didn't engage in an event that was an interactive event, that meant that you were still counted as a bounce when you left that page.

Whereas in GA4, an engage session is by default someone spending 10 seconds with that tab, that website open, so active in their browser, or they visited two pages, or they had a conversion. Now this 10-second rule I think is pretty short. Ten seconds is not necessarily a lot of time for someone to be engaged with the website.

So you might want to change that. It's under the tagging settings in your data stream. So if you go to Admin and then you click on your data stream and you go to more tagging settings and then you go to session timeouts, you can change it in there. And I would recommend playing around with that and seeing what feels right to you. Now GA4 literally just as I'm filming this has announced bounce rate, which actually it is reverse engagement rate. Please don't use it.

Instead, think about engagement rate, which I think is a much more usable metric than bounce rate was in UA. And I'm kind of excited that bounce rate in UA is going away because it was [vocalization]. 

3. Your data will not match

All right. So next thing, your data is not going to match. And this is stressful because you've been reporting on UA data for years, and now all of a sudden it's not going to match and people will be like, "But you said there were 101 users, and today you're saying there were actually 102. What's the problem?"

So, I mean, if you have that kind of dialogue with your leadership, you really need to have a conversation about the idea of accuracy in analytics, as in it isn't, and error and everything else. But I mean, really the data is going to be different, and sometimes it's a lot different. It's not just a little bit different. And it's because GA4 measures stuff differently than UA did. There is a page on Google Analytics Help, which goes into it in depth. But here are some of the highlights that I think you should really know sort of off the top of your head when you're talking to people about this. 

Pageviews and unique pageviews

So first thing, a pageview metric, which we're all familiar with, in Universal Analytics, this was all pageviews, including repeats. In GA4, same, pageview is pageview. Great.

So far so good. Then we had unique pageviews in Universal Analytics, which was only single views per session. So if I looked at the homepage and then I went to a services page and I went back to the homepage, I would have two pageviews of the homepage for pageview. I would have one pageview of the homepage in unique pageviews. That metric does not exist in GA4. So that is something to really watch for is that if you were used to reporting on unique pageviews, that is gone.

So I recommend now changing your reports to sort of like walk people through this comfort level of getting them used to the fact they're not going to get unique pageviews anymore. Or you can implement something that I talk about in another one of my Whiteboard Fridays about being able to measure the percentage of people who are reloading tabs and tab hoarders. You could work that into this a little bit.

Users

Okay. Next thing is users. Users is really I think a difficult topic for a lot of people to get their heads around because they think, oh, user, that means that if I'm on my laptop and then I go to my mobile device, obviously I am one user. You're usually not, unfortunately. You don't necessarily get associated across multiple devices. Or if you're using say a privacy- focused browser, like Safari, you may not even be associated in the same device, which kind of sucks.

The real only way you can truly measure if someone is a user across multiple sessions is if you have a login on your website, which not everybody does. A lot of B2B sites don't have logins. A lot of small business sites don't have logins. So users is already kind of a sketchy metric. And so unfortunately it's one that people used to report on a lot in Universal Analytics.

So in Universal Analytics, users was total users, new versus returning. In GA4, it's now active users. What is an active user? The documentation is a little unclear on how Google considers an active user. So I recommend reading that in depth. Just know that this is going to be different. You never should have been reporting on new versus returning users anyway, unless you had a login on your site because it was such a sketchy, bad metric, but I don't think a lot of people knew how bad it was.

It's okay. Just start changing your reports now so that when you have to start using GA4, on July 1, 2023, for real UA is done, then at least it's not so much of a shock when you do make that transition. 

Sessions

So one other thing to think about as well with the changes is sessions. So in Universal Analytics, a session was the active use of a site, so you're clicking on stuff.

It had a 30-minute timeout. And you may have heard never to use UTM tags on internal links on your website. And the reason why is because if someone clicked on an internal link on your website that had UTMs on it, your session would reset. And so you would have what's called session breaking, where all of a sudden you would have a session that basically started in the middle of your website with a brand-new campaign and source and medium and completely detached from the session that they just had.

They would be a returning user though. That's great. You shouldn't have been reporting that anyway. Whereas in GA4 instead, now there's an event because, remember, everything is an event now. There is an event that is called session start. And so that records when, well, the session starts. And then there's also a 30-minute timeout, but there is no UTM reset.

Now that doesn't mean that you should go out there and start using UTMs on internal links. I still don't think it's a great idea, but it's not necessarily going to break things the way that it used to. So you can now see where did someone start on my site by looking at the session start event. I don't know if it's necessarily 100% reliable. We've seen situations where if you're using consent management tools, for example, like a cookie compliance tool, you can have issues with sessions starting and whatnot.

So just keep that in mind is that it's not necessarily totally foolproof, but it is a really interesting way to see where people started on the site in a way that you could not do this before. 

4. Use BigQuery

So bonus, bonus before we go. All right, the fourth thing that I think you should know about GA4, use BigQuery. There's a built-in BigQuery export under the settings for GA4. Use it.

The reason why you should use it is: (a) the reports in GA4 are not great, the default reports, they kind of suck; (b) even the explorations are a bit questionable, like you can't really format them to look nice at all. So what I'm saying to people is don't really use the reports inside GA4 for any sort of useful reporting purposes. It's more like an ad hoc reporting. But even then, I would still turn to BigQuery for most of my reporting needs.

And the reason why is because GA4 has some thresholding applied. So you don't necessarily get all the data out of GA4 when you're actually looking at reports in it. And this happened to me actually just this morning before I recorded this Whiteboard Friday. I was looking to see how many people engaged with the form on our website, and because it was a relatively low number, it said zero.

And then I looked at the data in BigQuery and it said 12. That amount could be missing from the reports in GA4, but you can see it in BigQuery, and that's because of the thresholding that's applied. So I always recommend using the BigQuery data instead of the GA4 data. And in Google Data Studio, if that's what you use for your reporting tool, the same issue applies when you use GA4 as a data source.

You have the same thresholding problems. So really just use BigQuery. And you don't need to know BigQuery. All you need to do is get the data going into BigQuery and then open up Google Data Studio and use that BigQuery table as your data source. That's really all you need to know. No SQL required. If you want to learn it, that's neat.

I don't even know it that well yet. But it is not something you have to know in order to report well on GA4. So I hope that you found this helpful and you can have a little bit more of a better dialogue with your team and your leadership about GA4. I know it seems rushed. It's rushed. Let's all admit it's rushed, but I think it's going to be a really good move. I'm really excited about the new kinds of data and the amounts of data that we can capture now in GA4.

It really frees us from like the category action label stuff that we were super tied to in Universal Analytics. We can record so much more interesting data now on every event. So I'm excited about that. The actual transition itself might be kind of painful, but then a year from now, we'll all look back and laugh, right? Thank you very much.

Video transcription by Speechpad.com

[bfxenon]

Top 4 Things to Know About GA4 — Whiteboard Friday

In this week’s Whiteboard Friday, Dana brings you some details on the exciting new world of Google Analytics 4. Watch and learn how to talk about it when clients and coworkers are intimidated by the move.

Click on the whiteboard image above to open a high resolution version in a new tab!

Video Transcription

Hi, my name is Dana DiTomaso. I'm President at Kick Point. And I am here today at MozCon 2022 to bring you some details on the exciting world of Google Analytics 4, which I know all of you are like, "Ugh, I don't want to learn about analytics," which is totally fair. I also did not want to learn about analytics.

And then I kind of learned about it whether I liked it or not. And you should, too, unfortunately. 

So I think the biggest thing about the move from Universal Analytics to GA4 is that people are like they log in and everything looks different. "I don't like it." And then they leave. And I agree the user interface in GA4 leaves a lot to be desired. I don't think there's necessarily been a lot of good education, especially for those of us who aren't analysts on a day-to-day basis.

We're not all data scientists. I'm not a data scientist. I do marketing. So what I'm hoping is I can tell you the things you should know about GA4 on just a basic sort of level, so that you have a better vocabulary to talk about it when people are horrified by the move to GA4, which is inevitable. It's going to happen. You've got to get it on your site starting basically immediately, if you don't already have it. So I started out with three things, and then I realized there was a fourth thing. So you get a bonus, exciting bonus, but we'll start with the first three things. 

1. It's different

So the first thing it's different, which I know is obvious. Yes, of course, Dana it's different. But it's different. Okay, so in Universal Analytics, there were different types of hits that could go into analytics, which is where hits came from originally as a metric that people talked about. So, for example, in Universal Analytics, you could have a pageview, or you could have a transaction, or you could have an event.

And those were all different types of hits. In GA4, everything is an event. There is a pageview event. There is a transaction event. There is, well, an event event. I mean, you name the events whatever you want. And because of that, it's actually a lot better way to report on your data.

So, for example, one of the things that I know people always wanted to be able to report on in Universal Analytics is what pages did people see and how did that relate to conversion rate. And that was really tricky because a pageview was something that was at the hit scope level, which means it was just like the individual thing that happened, whereas conversion rate is a session scoped thing.

So you couldn't mash together a hit scope thing with pageview with conversion rate, which is session scoped. They just didn't combine together unless you did some fancy blending stuff in Data Studio. And who's got time for that? So now in GA4, because everything is an event, you have a lot more freedom with how you can slice and dice and interpret your data and figure out what pages do people engage with before they actually converted, or what was that path, not just the landing page, but the entire user journey on their path to conversion. So that part is really exciting. 

2. Engagement rate is not reverse bounce rate

Second thing, engagement rate is a new metric in GA4. They do have bounce rate. They did recently announce it. I'm annoyed at it, so we're going to talk about this a little bit. Engagement rate is not reverse bounce rate. But it is in GA4.

So in Universal Analytics, bounce rate was a metric that people reported on all the time, even though they shouldn't have. I hate bounce rate so much. Just picture like a dumpster fire GIF right now across your screen. I hate bounce rate. And why I hate bounce rate is it's so easily faked. Let's say, for example, your boss says to you, "Hey, you know what, the bounce rate on our site is too high. Could you fix it?"

You're like, "Oh, yeah, boss. Totally." And then what you do is whenever somebody comes on your website, you send what's called an interactive event off to Google Analytics at the same time. And now you have a 0% bounce rate. Congratulations. You got a raise because you made it up. Bounce rate could absolutely be faked, no question. And so when we moved over to GA4, originally there was no bounce rate.

There was engagement rate. Engagement rate has its own issues, but it's not measuring anything similar to what bounce rate was. Bounce rate in UA was an event didn't happen. It didn't matter if you spent an hour and a half on the page reading it closely. If you didn't engage in an event that was an interactive event, that meant that you were still counted as a bounce when you left that page.

Whereas in GA4, an engage session is by default someone spending 10 seconds with that tab, that website open, so active in their browser, or they visited two pages, or they had a conversion. Now this 10-second rule I think is pretty short. Ten seconds is not necessarily a lot of time for someone to be engaged with the website.

So you might want to change that. It's under the tagging settings in your data stream. So if you go to Admin and then you click on your data stream and you go to more tagging settings and then you go to session timeouts, you can change it in there. And I would recommend playing around with that and seeing what feels right to you. Now GA4 literally just as I'm filming this has announced bounce rate, which actually it is reverse engagement rate. Please don't use it.

Instead, think about engagement rate, which I think is a much more usable metric than bounce rate was in UA. And I'm kind of excited that bounce rate in UA is going away because it was [vocalization]. 

3. Your data will not match

All right. So next thing, your data is not going to match. And this is stressful because you've been reporting on UA data for years, and now all of a sudden it's not going to match and people will be like, "But you said there were 101 users, and today you're saying there were actually 102. What's the problem?"

So, I mean, if you have that kind of dialogue with your leadership, you really need to have a conversation about the idea of accuracy in analytics, as in it isn't, and error and everything else. But I mean, really the data is going to be different, and sometimes it's a lot different. It's not just a little bit different. And it's because GA4 measures stuff differently than UA did. There is a page on Google Analytics Help, which goes into it in depth. But here are some of the highlights that I think you should really know sort of off the top of your head when you're talking to people about this. 

Pageviews and unique pageviews

So first thing, a pageview metric, which we're all familiar with, in Universal Analytics, this was all pageviews, including repeats. In GA4, same, pageview is pageview. Great.

So far so good. Then we had unique pageviews in Universal Analytics, which was only single views per session. So if I looked at the homepage and then I went to a services page and I went back to the homepage, I would have two pageviews of the homepage for pageview. I would have one pageview of the homepage in unique pageviews. That metric does not exist in GA4. So that is something to really watch for is that if you were used to reporting on unique pageviews, that is gone.

So I recommend now changing your reports to sort of like walk people through this comfort level of getting them used to the fact they're not going to get unique pageviews anymore. Or you can implement something that I talk about in another one of my Whiteboard Fridays about being able to measure the percentage of people who are reloading tabs and tab hoarders. You could work that into this a little bit.

Users

Okay. Next thing is users. Users is really I think a difficult topic for a lot of people to get their heads around because they think, oh, user, that means that if I'm on my laptop and then I go to my mobile device, obviously I am one user. You're usually not, unfortunately. You don't necessarily get associated across multiple devices. Or if you're using say a privacy- focused browser, like Safari, you may not even be associated in the same device, which kind of sucks.

The real only way you can truly measure if someone is a user across multiple sessions is if you have a login on your website, which not everybody does. A lot of B2B sites don't have logins. A lot of small business sites don't have logins. So users is already kind of a sketchy metric. And so unfortunately it's one that people used to report on a lot in Universal Analytics.

So in Universal Analytics, users was total users, new versus returning. In GA4, it's now active users. What is an active user? The documentation is a little unclear on how Google considers an active user. So I recommend reading that in depth. Just know that this is going to be different. You never should have been reporting on new versus returning users anyway, unless you had a login on your site because it was such a sketchy, bad metric, but I don't think a lot of people knew how bad it was.

It's okay. Just start changing your reports now so that when you have to start using GA4, on July 1, 2023, for real UA is done, then at least it's not so much of a shock when you do make that transition. 

Sessions

So one other thing to think about as well with the changes is sessions. So in Universal Analytics, a session was the active use of a site, so you're clicking on stuff.

It had a 30-minute timeout. And you may have heard never to use UTM tags on internal links on your website. And the reason why is because if someone clicked on an internal link on your website that had UTMs on it, your session would reset. And so you would have what's called session breaking, where all of a sudden you would have a session that basically started in the middle of your website with a brand-new campaign and source and medium and completely detached from the session that they just had.

They would be a returning user though. That's great. You shouldn't have been reporting that anyway. Whereas in GA4 instead, now there's an event because, remember, everything is an event now. There is an event that is called session start. And so that records when, well, the session starts. And then there's also a 30-minute timeout, but there is no UTM reset.

Now that doesn't mean that you should go out there and start using UTMs on internal links. I still don't think it's a great idea, but it's not necessarily going to break things the way that it used to. So you can now see where did someone start on my site by looking at the session start event. I don't know if it's necessarily 100% reliable. We've seen situations where if you're using consent management tools, for example, like a cookie compliance tool, you can have issues with sessions starting and whatnot.

So just keep that in mind is that it's not necessarily totally foolproof, but it is a really interesting way to see where people started on the site in a way that you could not do this before. 

4. Use BigQuery

So bonus, bonus before we go. All right, the fourth thing that I think you should know about GA4, use BigQuery. There's a built-in BigQuery export under the settings for GA4. Use it.

The reason why you should use it is: (a) the reports in GA4 are not great, the default reports, they kind of suck; (b) even the explorations are a bit questionable, like you can't really format them to look nice at all. So what I'm saying to people is don't really use the reports inside GA4 for any sort of useful reporting purposes. It's more like an ad hoc reporting. But even then, I would still turn to BigQuery for most of my reporting needs.

And the reason why is because GA4 has some thresholding applied. So you don't necessarily get all the data out of GA4 when you're actually looking at reports in it. And this happened to me actually just this morning before I recorded this Whiteboard Friday. I was looking to see how many people engaged with the form on our website, and because it was a relatively low number, it said zero.

And then I looked at the data in BigQuery and it said 12. That amount could be missing from the reports in GA4, but you can see it in BigQuery, and that's because of the thresholding that's applied. So I always recommend using the BigQuery data instead of the GA4 data. And in Google Data Studio, if that's what you use for your reporting tool, the same issue applies when you use GA4 as a data source.

You have the same thresholding problems. So really just use BigQuery. And you don't need to know BigQuery. All you need to do is get the data going into BigQuery and then open up Google Data Studio and use that BigQuery table as your data source. That's really all you need to know. No SQL required. If you want to learn it, that's neat.

I don't even know it that well yet. But it is not something you have to know in order to report well on GA4. So I hope that you found this helpful and you can have a little bit more of a better dialogue with your team and your leadership about GA4. I know it seems rushed. It's rushed. Let's all admit it's rushed, but I think it's going to be a really good move. I'm really excited about the new kinds of data and the amounts of data that we can capture now in GA4.

It really frees us from like the category action label stuff that we were super tied to in Universal Analytics. We can record so much more interesting data now on every event. So I'm excited about that. The actual transition itself might be kind of painful, but then a year from now, we'll all look back and laugh, right? Thank you very much.

Video transcription by Speechpad.com

[burnout-paradise-pc-cheatzl]

Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box Cheats, Codes, and Secrets for PC - GameFAQs

💾 ►►► DOWNLOAD FILE 🔥🔥🔥 Pick up dropped Gold Bronze - Awarded for successfully picking up the Gold once it has been dropped in an Online Cops and Robbers game. Win a best of five round game Silver - Awarded for being on the winning team of a best of five round game of Online Cops and Robbers. Explorer 10 - Find all Events. Block Party 35 - Complete 2 whole sections of online Challenges. Bustin' Out 20 - Collect all Billboards. Car in a China Shop 20 - Get Takedowns online and offline. Daredevil 25 - Landed a 2 barrel roll jump. Duckin' and Weavin' 10 - Win a Marked man without being taken down. Elite 70 - Win your Burnout Elite Licence. Firestarter 20 - Make 50 online Rivals. Great Start 10 - Win a Race. Happy Snapper 10 - Send 5 Camera Shots. Hotshots 20 - Get 50 Snapshots in your Lineup. Join the Party 10 - Complete 1 online Challenge. Lookin' Good 5 - Repair your first wrecked car. Millionaire's Club 25 - Score over a 1,, in Stunt Run. Misdemeanor 10 - Collect 5 Billboards. Notorious 20 - Send 50 Camera Shots. Off the Beaten Path 10 - Collect 25 Smashes. Online and Kicking 30 - Complete 20 online Events. Online Champion 20 - Win 10 online Races. Online Racer 10 - Complete an online Race. Paid and Displayed 20 - Visit www. Party Animal 25 - Complete online Challenges. Party Crasher 15 - Complete 25 online Challenges. Spinnin' Around 10 - Perform a Flatspin in any car. Supercharged 20 - Win 25 Burning Routes. Totally Smashed 20 - Collect all Smashes. Underachiever 30 - Get your C Class License. During gameplay press start to get to the menu, then press Right Bumper. Go to Sponsor code and enter the following. Must have A rank license to use offline. To get on the Power Parking leaderboard, you can take advantage of a small glitch. You only need to handbreak to a stop between the parked cars. This means that if you aim at the gap at a low ish speed, then handbreak to a stop as close to the curb as you can, you can score big. Find an open area with no traffic, from a low speed, drive in a circle, tap the brake left trigger a couple of time to get the drift going. The drift will stop if you hit something or something hits you. Get the best gaming deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable gaming news and more! Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions:. Total Film. Burnout Paradise Guide opens in new tab Submitted by 91sportsfan. Xbox Submitted by gog Party Pack Achievements. PS3 Submitted by commander Doomface Trophies. Xbox Submitted by Squeegee Unlockable Cars. Xbox Submitted by Wallman Unlockable Licenses. Xbox Submitted by Adam Bug Achievements. Xbox Submitted by winie poo Power Parking Leaderboard. Xbox Submitted by winnie poo Biggest Drift Leaderboard. Gaming deals, prizes and latest news. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands. Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors. You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. Star Wars Villainous review: "Impressive Razer Barracuda Pro review: "A quality one-and-done headset solution for multi-platform use". Bullet Train review: "Brad Pitt starrer is a zippy, enjoyable ride". Nope review: "A thrilled 'Yup! The Gray Man review: "Hangs some ace action on a threadbare plot". Thor: Love and Thunder review: "Unashamedly absurd and wildly entertaining". Elvis review: "Baz Luhrmann, like Elvis, knows how to put on a great show". The Boys season 3, episode 8 review: "Not the fight we were promised". Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 1, episode 10 review: "An ending that's pure heaven for fans of the original series". Marvel episode 5 review: "A brave, necessary story". Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: UK Australia.

[myblogontech]

What is Bounce Rate and how to reduce it? || LN-TECHINFO

visitor link: lntechinfo.in

What is Bounce Rate:

If you are trying to increase the search performance of your blog or site and it is not happening, then the secret hidden behind it is to first reduce the Bounce Rate. But there are some mistakes in this. There is something wrong with your plan. We will talk further about what is wrong.

So what is this Bounce Rate , when a visitor comes to your website and visits a page meaning entrance page and he goes back after that, it is called Bounce.

But Bounce Rate means this is the percentage of visitors who come to your page and go back without clicking on another page. This means that visitors came and went back immediately without opening any other page or without reading your article. But if this is happening, then it is proving that the post on your site is not so interesting or you are not putting much value in it.

Apart from this, it can also be that its design is not very special, the heading is also not attractive. If the Bounce Rate will be high then you should understand that the visitors of your site are decreasing and if the visitors decrease then the rank will decrease and ultimately the income will also be less.

So by taking an example, I will explain very well what is the Bounce Rate.

If there is a website or a blog, whose Bounce Rate is 45%. This means that 45% visitors to that website are such that open a page and go back immediately.

They may not have found anything worth studying for them. There can be many reasons for this, about which we will learn further. So let's now know how much the bounce rate is better than having a site.

What should be the bounce rate :

By now, you must have thought a little about what the Bounce Rate is . In this, I will tell you how good the B ounce Rate of a website is, how much it will do and which is useless for your site.

To understand it properly, I have divided it into four parts.1% to 10% 10% to 40% 40% to 70% More than 70% If a blog has a bounce rate within 1% to 10% , then it comes in the list of successful websites of the world. After that if it comes from 10% to 40% then it is also good.

Read more blog:https://lntechinfo.blogspot.com

Whereas in the third which is 40% to 70%, most of the websites are included on this basis. Which is not so good, but the work is worth going. If we talk about all websites, then 75% to 80% of the total website comes in this CATEGORY.

And after all, websites whose bounce rate is more than 70% are not good at all and they have to do a lot of work on their website. Now know which mistakes cause the bounce rate to be higher.

If you are wondering if all types of websites have the same bounce rate, then the answer is no. The bounce rate varies for different types of websites. Here I have given information about some of his figures, which are as follows:

Websites with content - 40-60% Lead Generating Websites - 30-50% Blogs – 70-98% Retail business sites - 20-40% Websites providing services - 10-30% Landing Pages – 70-90%

Which mistakes cause website or blog's bounce rate to be higher

These are some of the mistakes a blogger makes on a common basis, which you must pay attention to.

The loading time of the website is more. Having a Single Page Site. Having bad quality contents. Internal link visitor should like.

Ranking on the wrong keywords for Traffic . Because of the lack of quality and content that the user likes. Your website design to be useless. Formating Gdbdana of.

Heading of your content must be special. How to reduce Bounce Rate? So now we will tell you in which ways you can reduce the Bounce Rate.1. Site Design and Look Should Be Good See, friends, you like what you see and then you are attracted. In the same way, if your website and blog looks good, then visitors will come to your website automatically and they will also love to read the content.

Whenever you are designing your blog, it is very important to have knowledge of Color Combination. You have to understand that your visitors will like which color site. Choose the font color and text size correctly, such as if you reddish the font of the entire text, then the reader will be able to kiss it and also keep the text size correct which the visitor should not face any problem in reading.

Because there is a saying customer is God and to make God sad means to kick in your stomach. If you have given a whole lot of animation in your site, then that too does not seem special. Make the design of the site simple and readers friendly.2. Pay attention to Page Load Time

If the page load time of your site is longer. That means, consider visitors coming before reaching the blog. If you are a blogger, then definitely gore on this and it is very important for SEO as well. If your site's page load time Less than 1 second is mean-perfect.

1 second to 3 second malta-Above average is 3 second to 7 second mean-average More than 7 means- Very poor

If you want to make visitors happy, then keep Perfect or Above Average. Use limited image and low size image in page, this will reduce page load time.

3. Write Content Quality :

If your site has quality content then it will be very helpful to make your site brand and you will understand the meaning of brand. If you pay more attentionto the branded and valuable content of the site, then you will take some time but you will reach your goal soon.

Our blog : https://lntechinfo.blogspot.com/2021/04/what-is-bounce-rate-and-how-to-reduce.html

If your content will not be of quality, then visitors will automatically go back from your site, because there are many websites that will be providing better content than you website.

Like if you are writing content and not giving the right information there, you are writing what came to mind. This will reduce the rank of your site, so write what is right.

If you are giving wrong information in your site, then the user means Visitor will take the wrong decision according to it, which will bring the wrong result. Do remember this thing Keep the size of the content 500 to 1000 words and use simple language so that you can quickly understand what Visitor has written and the bhorosa will grow on the site. Friends, if you give quality content, it will take some time but Visitor will come good and the bounce rate of your site will also be reduced slightly.

4. Visitors Friendly Heading डालें

Anyone would feel bad for something from outside and something from inside. Often bloggers make this mistake and use clickbait headings which is not true at all.

So if we link the same thing with Blog, then the thing is, if you have given your Heading well according to yourself, but it is not understood by Visitor.

And some other Topic has been written inside the heading that has been given. This will reduce the trust of visitors from the top of your site. I meant to say that the heading of your post should be understandable. Like I am giving an example. If a Visitor came to your site and read an article well and then after reading the heading of another article, he went back.

So what will happen with this, you will know that the Bounce Rate of your site will be higher. Keep your content updated as much as possible. So that you get the right information and Visitor should stay on your side. Due to good content, rank in Google will also be very fast.

5. Focus on Content formating.

It is a straightforward matter, write as well as you can. If you write here and there, you do not mean the formatting of your page or your post, then how will Visitor feel good.

When editing the post, then put a little emphasis on the tag which is to be inserted. And focus a little on the paragraph formating. Do not write a long, wide paragraph so that if Visitor is read, then there should be no boring in reading it.

Bold the word you want to bold, which will increase the focus of visitors. Also, everyone loves to read Formatted Contents.

6. Put Focus on Internal Link

If you do not put the right internal link in the middle of the post between you, then the bounce rate will increase. This is because often readers will read your contents in some time and after that they will be closed.

And if you enter related internal link then they will have the desire to read that content as well. For example, enter the internal link related to your post and also give some internal link that the visitor considers necessary to read.

It depends on you how the content is in your site and which internal link will be right to put. These tips will also prove to be helpful in reducing the bounce rate.

7. Internal Link should open in another page.

If you are putting your internal link in your site, then definitely focus in it. Whenever the visitor clicks on the internal link of your post, it should open in a new page.

The article that the visitor was reading should also be open in one tab and open in another tab. This also reduces the bounce rate.

8. Mobile Friendly Blog As we all know that nowadays mobile users are the most. Therefore, we should pay more attention to make our blog mobile friendly. The more mobile friendly your blog is, the more your visitors will like your blog. According to me 50% of visitors are mobile users. So use the template mobile friendly of your site.

Contact us: https://lntechinfo.in/contacts/

[truthofherdreams]

people can surprise you (or not)

also on ao3

Wednesday

Dmitry starts his working day with opening the Google Doc From Hell, like a good boy. His colleague hasn’t written his notes from yesterday yet, but there is already a plan for today’s bullshit, and Dmitry dreads the worst. He scrolls down, before rolling his eyes so much he’s afraid they got stuck at the back of his head for a second there.

DAY 2: IGNORE HER

Women are needy and crave the attention of their partner. What is worse for them than being ignored for an entire day, their texts left on read with no reply, their email pushed to the side? A woman will go crazy in a matter of hours when the world stops revolving around her. Perhaps a flood of texts is to be expected?

Dmitry straight-up cackles at the paragraph. Is that guy for real? A glance to the top of the page tells him they both have the document opened in a tab right now, and the need to open the chat panel on the right just to ask his colleague if he has ever spoken to a woman, even just once, in his life… Yeah, the urge is strong.

At least he wrote ‘women’ instead of ‘females’? That’s… A start, Dmitry guesses? Not as profoundly misogynistic as it could have been? He’s just grasping at straws now.

Instead, he comments ‘A little short noticed, but okay.’ No need to broadcast the fact that, up until five minutes ago, he was texting Anya. Started texting Anya the moment he woke up, actually, because he didn’t want to get out of bed and he opened Facebook and there was a funny meme. A funny meme he wanted to share with her, for some reason. Because it would make her smile. Because he wanted to text her as early as eight in the morning, but ‘good morning darling’ sounded too cheesy. So instead he sent her a funny meme, and she replied with another one, and it was half an hour of this nonsense.

Thankfully for him, he always wakes up earlier than he needs and traffic is not a problem with his motorbike. So texting Anya didn’t even make him late to work, only in a good mood. As if the memories of last night -- making out on his bed, him half-naked, her still fully clothed, until she called a Uber and went home -- were not enough to have him in a good mood.

Except now he has a new text from Anya, and he can’t open it. Well, he can. He can’t reply to it, which is even worse. The idea of spending the day chatting with Anya made going to work more tolerable, if he has to be honest with himself. First, because she’s a fucking delight, and she makes him laugh, and she’s amazing. And second, well. Because if he shows how charming he is most of the time, it will make turning into an asshole once in a while less painful to her?

Straws. Grasping.

Fuck Gleb.

Dmitry closes his eyes and sighs, before he grabs his phone. She sent one of those cat-picture-with-a-comment-in-Russian-badly-translated-into-English things from Tumblr. Which, it’s adorable. He loves it. Especially because it’s two kittens kissing, with *тьмок* written in big white letters. It’s less a meme and more obvious flirting at this point and he can’t fucking answer because his boss is a fucking asshole. He hates his life.

He flips his phone so the screen is against his desk, closes the Whatsapp web tab he usually has opened, and goes back to the Google Doc. He needs more coffee if he has to go through all of this without quitting on the spot. As if hearing his thoughts, Vlad is suddenly at his side, two fuming mugs in hands. Vlad, his saviour.

“You look like you need some liquid comfort,” the older man says.

“I love you so much right now,” Dmitry replies without even an ounce of sarcasm in his voice. He moans a little at the coffee, even more so when the after-taste of whiskey hits him and Vlad smirks.

Vlad.

His fucking saviour.

“Don’t let them get you down,” Vlad says in hushed tones. “I… If you want, I may have some contacts in London.”

Dmitry’s eyes widen, just a little. “What.”

His friend shrugs, before he leans against the desk. Mug to his lips, to hide his mouth from wandering eyes. “Lily, she knows people. We can find you something, if you want.”

Dmitry’s mouth must be hanging open at this point. He picks it from the floor, and blinks in confusion several times. “You’d do that? For me?”

Vlad chuckles, his almost-but-not-quite Santa laugh, and puts a hand on Dmitry’s shoulder. “You’re wasting your potential here. All those idiots, they don’t matter much. But you, you’re not supposed to be here.”

“What about you?” Dmitry finds himself asking, because. Well. He can’t think of much else right now, to be honest.

Vlad’s only response is a shrug, at first, and for a moment Dmitry believes he will leave it at that. But the older man takes a sip of his coffee, before he replies, “I don’t mind. It keeps me busy, and that’s all I need.”

Dmitry blinks again. It doesn’t chase away the confusion. But then he remembers his nice little discussion with Gleb yesterday, and the threats, and his mood goes sour once again. “I need to finish this first,” he says with a glare at the screen. “I need this article. I need to finish it. I need… nerves of steel.”

Vlad squeezes his shoulder once more, as if he understands perfectly what Dmitry means behind this babbling nonsense. And perhaps he does, who knows. “I will tell Lily to ask around, okay? You can work on your resignation letter in the meanwhile.”

“You’re the fucking best.”

“Don’t I know it,” Vlad answers, raising his mug, before he goes back to his own desk.

Dmitry smiles at him, then to himself. He rolls his shoulders and cracks his knuckles, before focusing back on his computer screen. He can do this. He fucking can do this, and he will. And anyway, he has a paragraph to write, one filled to the brim with praises about his girlfriend’s video game skills. He can fucking do this.

 …

 Anya gets stuck in one meeting after another today, which is good for her brain, but not so much for her nerves. It’s stressful, to jump from a meeting to a professional lunch to a reunion about their annual budget, to a meeting with parents. Too many things to remembers, to write down, to check. She carries her professional tablet and her huge filofax everywhere she goes, a pen tucked behind her ear, but it doesn’t stop her brain from frying halfway through the day.

Thankfully for her, she gets a full hour break in the middle of the afternoon, just enough for her to hide in her office with a cup of tea. Closed door, switched-off computer, phone on silence. Nothing but boiling tea and some chocolate cookies.

And, apparently, Alexei keeping her company.

“You mind?” he asks, even if he doesn’t wait her answer to enter her office and throw himself on the couch she keeps there for informal meetings. His messenger bag falls to the floor, and Alexei puts his arm above his eyes, ever the dramatic boy. “Library hours are exhausting.”

“Tell me about it,” she replies with a roll of her eyes.

She doesn’t necessary miss university, but after a day as full as hers, the idea of just sitting in a lecture hall and take notes, all the while chatting with her friends… well, it makes her nostalgic, just a little. She doesn’t miss exams, though. Not that Alexei has a lot of those anymore, spending his days between the library and seminars with clueless undergrads.

She sighs a little, before grabbing the cookie box and throwing it to Alexei. It lands on his chest and he huffs, then shoves two of them in his mouth. Gross. Anya makes a face, even more so when he grins at her, before she frowns.

“Did you get into a fight?” she asks.

The bruise is barely there, and she would probably have missed it were it not for the way Alexei stretched his neck to look at her above the armrest. He rolls his eyes, then smirks. “If you can call it a fight.”

It takes Anya two seconds to understand. Then to glower at him. “Are you purposefully not taking your meds to show off hickeys?”

Alexei doesn’t even look sorry, which is what makes her mad. He simply shrugs, like it’s not important, not dangerous. “I’m fine, okay? Find some chill.”

“Find some -- Alexei! What if something happened?”

“Stop being such an Olga about it!”

He sits up, to give a little more power to his glare, but it doesn’t have much of an effect of Anya. Not when she remembers him being thirteen and stupid, showing off in front of his friends by jumping into the ocean from a cliff. His leg had hit a rock at the bottom of the sea, and what would have been a nasty bruise for any teenager turned out to be two weeks at the hospital for him. She still remembers him, pale and sweating and whimpering, before the meds kicked him and knocked him out. She still remember how purple and ugly the bruise on his leg looked. She still remembers it all too well.

“Stop being so reckless with your meds!”

“I’m fine, okay!” And then, because he’s Alexei, his mood switches in about half a second and he smirks at her. “And speaking of hickeys…”

Anya’s hand goes straight to her neck, a blush burning on her cheeks. She put some concealer on this morning, if only to look nice and proper at work, but Alexei never misses anything. Not even the hickeys Dmitry branded into her skin despite her breathless, laughing protests.

Alexei sits cross-legged on the couch and shoves another cookie in his mouth, still smirking, raising his eyebrows at her. Sometimes, Anya wonders why exactly she considers him her best friend, because he’s nothing but insufferable at best. He can play the annoying little brother part too perfectly for his own good, truth be told.

“That’s none of your business,” she says in her ‘drop it now’ voice.

Not that Alexei cares much about that, mind you. “Maria says you two are a thing now? Like, proper couple, not just the bet thing.”

Any can’t help it; she glances at her phone. She refuses to be that clingy girl who’s upset about a boy not texting her back, even more so when there is a logical explanation to it. She’s not stupid, she can draw her own conclusions as to why Dmitry suddenly stopped texting her after nine in the morning. She won’t make it weird. It’s not because she decided to flirt with Russian memes. It’s just, he’s busy. She’s busy. They’re busy. It’s fine, really, she won’t make a mountain out of a molehill.

“Don’t change the subject,” she snaps at Alexei. “Take your meds or I’m telling Olga.”

Alexei crosses his arms on his chest, chin tilted up, like the little brat he is. “You’re not the boss of me.”

“Take your meds or I’m telling Nana.”

He doesn’t move, at first, but hesitation flashes through his eyes. Anya doesn’t look away from him, defiant, waiting a few more seconds before she stretches her hand as if to grab her phone. She doesn’t need to go that far, though, because Alexei reaches for his own phone first.

He goes through it for a few seconds, before putting it to his ear. Anya listens intently as he makes an appointment with the nurse for his injection in two hours’ time. Good boy. It doesn’t really make his glare go away, not that Anya expected it too. He can be mad all he wants, but at least he will be safe. That’s all she wants for him.

Anya relaxes back in her chair and takes a sip of her tea. With a smile of her own, she says, “I only have twenty minutes left before my meeting, so choose quickly. You can sulk or I can tell you about my date last night.”

She glances at her phone to play it cool -- no text from Dmitry -- while Alexei’s frown turns into a grin. Too easy.

 …

 Dmitry can follow the rules, but he knows how to find a damn loophole when he needs one. He’s going his brains about him, after all, and so he dutifully waits until midnight. Day three, right? No more of that silence treatment bullshit.

[groovygladiatorsuit]

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As featured in:

Build. Battle. Create. Fortnite Battle Royale is the always free, always evolving, multiplayer game where you and your friends battle to be the last one standing in an intense 100 player PvP mode. Available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Save the World

The Storm came without warning and 98% of the world's population vanished … then came the monsters. You and up to four players lead the world's remaining Heroes in a battle to save survivors and hold back the monster hordes. Explore a large, destructible world where no two games are ever the same. Build huge forts, craft exotic weapons, find loot and level up your Heroes.

Battle Royale

Fortnite Battle Royale is the completely free 100-player PvP mode in Fortnite. One giant map. A battle bus. Fortnite building skills and destructible environments combined with intense PvP combat. The last one standing wins.

Creative

Build your Fortnite. Imagine a place where you make the rules, filled with your favorite things and your favorite people. Claim your own personal island and start creating! Design your own games. Invent games with friends, and build your dream Fortnite experiences. Your island, your friends, your rules.

Android

On mobile, Fortnite is the same 100-player PvP game you know from PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Mac. Same map, same gameplay, same weekly updates. Build your fort as you battle to be the last one standing. Jump in and squad up with friends around the world or in the same room.

Band together online to build extravagant forts, find or build insane weapons and traps and protect your towns from the strange Monsters that emerge during the Storm. In an action experience from the only company smart enough to attach chainsaws to guns, get out there to push back the Storm and save the world. And don't forget to Loot all the things.

What's New:

Android version updated to 13.30.0.

Splash down into Chapter 2 - Season 3! Survive more than just the Storm in the aftermath of its revenge. As the Island adapts to its flooded way of life, stay afloat, take on new enemies and new challenges. Haven't tried Fortnite before? Explore the Island and check out what's new. Dive in!

BATTLE ROYALE

Games For Mac Computers

Season X - Battle Pass

New Season, new Battle Pass. 100 levels, over 100 new rewards. Find out more information on everything that’s new in Season X in the announce blog. In Season X, you'll have the ability to gift the Battle Pass to a friend! Available on all platforms (timing may vary per regions) until August 15th. Your first purchase also includes a unique Gift Box for you to use when gifting items from the shop.

B.R.U.T.E.

Few suits make you feel as powerful as a mech suit does. In this two-person vehicle, players can control its movement while their partner controls its firepower. Those feeling extra adventurous can operate it solo by switching between moving and shooting!

Rift Zones

The Zero Point Explosion has made the island volatile! Locations once thought to be lost are beginning to appear, but they aren’t the same as they once were… Drop in and explore to discover what mysterious gameplay changes they have in store.

Weapons + Items

B.R.U.T.E.

This vehicle can be operated by up to two players. If two players are operating it, one (the driver) controls movement, while the other (the gunner) rains down missiles and shotgun shots.

The driver is able to:

Dash into combat.

Super Jump to victory.

Stomp enemies and structures into the ground.

Anything you would normally harvest will grant materials when destroyed.

The passenger has two weapons at their disposal: a shotgun and a missile launcher.

Shotgun

Clip Size: 10

Damage: 50

Headshot Multiplier: 1.5x

Missile Launcher

Fires up to 10 missiles at once.

Holding down Trigger will begin loading missiles.

After releasing Trigger, or after 10 missiles have been loaded, all missiles will automatically fire.

New Mechanic: Overshield

Consumes 200 of any Material type to create a personal overshield for 5 seconds to protect you in the mech.

Vaulted

Baller

Quad Crasher

Flint Knock Pistol

Shadow Bomb

Semi-Auto Sniper

Tactical Assault Rifle

Mounted Turret

Air Strike

Itemized Glider Redeploy (still available in large team modes)

Over time, we have added many mobility options, both itemized and map-based. We feel that Season X is better experienced with a reduction in mobility. As with all changes, we’ll keep a close eye on how this affects the player experience.

Bug Fixes

Fixed the Heavy Shotgun not piercing through water in modes where it is available.

All Campfires now heal vehicles.

The Storm Scout Sniper Rifle no longer has perfect hip-fire accuracy after aiming down sights.

Boogie Bombs and Grenades no longer pass through vehicles.

GAMEPLAY

Missions

Missions are a series of thematic objectives that grant rewards. As you complete these objectives, you'll earn Battle Stars, XP, and exclusive cosmetic items.

Battle Pass Owners will get access to a new Weekly Mission with rewards each week.

More information about Missions can be found in the Battle Pass and Challenges tabs.

Limited Time Missions

Limited Time Missions are available to all players.

Daily Challenges have been replaced by Limited Time Missions.

Each Limited Time Mission contains Objectives that unlock over the course of a week.

One Objective unlocks each day, even if you don’t log in, and the Mission expires after 7 days. So make sure to finish all your Objectives in that Week’s Limited Time Mission before the 7th day ends!

A new Limited Time Mission is available each week.

NOTE: Any Challenge that previously required Daily Challenges to complete can now be completed with Limited Time Mission Objectives.

Bug Fixes

Fixed an issue involving players getting stuck under a ramp as it’s placed.

EVENTS

Arena Game Mode updates!

Season kicks off with Solos and Trios Arena.

Hype will be reset at the start of Season X, with a new scoring structure in place.

10 Divisions - point values have been increased, but progression should be roughly the same. The bolded divisions are new.

Open I (0 - 499)

Open II (500 - 999)

Open III (1000 - 1499)

Open IV (1500 - 1999)

Contender I (2000 - 2999)

Contender II (3000 - 4499)

Contender III (4500 - 6499)

Champion I (6500 - 9999)

Champion II (10000 - 13999)

Champion III (14000+)

Scoring model updates - standardized points and bus fares across all playlists.

Solo

Eliminations: 20pt

Top 25: 60pt

Top 15: 30pt

Top 5: 30pt

Victory Royale: 60pt

Trios

Eliminations: 7pt (per team member)

Top 8: 60pt

Top 4: 30pt

Top 2: 30pt

Victory Royale: 60pt

Bus fare increases at Divisions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Matchmaking in Arena is still based on players with similar Hype. Players in higher divisions may experience longer-than-normal wait times to ensure higher-quality matches.

PERFORMANCE

Improved level streaming performance for all platforms by optimizing the way assets are preloaded. This reduces cases in which players land on buildings with a low level of detail, particularly on Switch and Xbox One.

ART + ANIMATION

Free Full Games For Mac

The Ride the Pony Emote is now a traversal Emote.

Players who earned the Ride the Pony Emote from the Season 2 Battle Pass have been given a new, additional traversal Emote: Pony Up!

AUDIO

Added new bullet impact sounds.

Increased the volume of distant gunfire and Gliders.

Increased Chest volume and audio range by 10%.

Bug Fixes

Ambient sound no longer cuts out when players walk between biomes.

UI

Pressing the Main Menu button on controllers now defaults focus to the Main Menu (right side of the screen).

Bug Fixes

The loading content message will no longer be stuck at 0% when players are matchmaking.

Fixed a Lobby camera issue when returning from a replay.

Fixed an issue that prevented the selection of different players in the Lobby after switching from different game modes.

Selecting Leave Match no longer prevents a player in your party sitting out in the Lobby from entering matchmaking.

REPLAY

A new camera mode, Battle Map, has been added to server replays. This camera mode shows:

A path of where the followed player has been during the match.

The locations of the eliminations the followed player has done during the match.

MOBILE

Auto-fire system improvements:

We’ve re-tuned Auto-fire for every weapon with this update and would love specific and detailed weapon feedback so that we can continue to improve it.

If you want to try it out and don't use Auto-fire already, go into your HUD settings and enable Auto-fire.

Added a new setting: Tap to Search/Interact for Controllers.

Added a message for devices on Android that have the Sensor Pressure settings (S8, S8+, S9, S9+, and Note 9) to inform players about the settings being active.

Players would unintentionally return to the Home screen due to this setting being active.

We’ve increased the size of buttons and icons in the following areas:

The Frontend Lobby tab buttons.

The Crown for Party leader display icon.

The Map Marker.

'First team to reach the elimination goal wins!' message won’t remain throughout the whole match in Team Rumble.

Bug Fixes

Exiting a vehicle won’t reload the player’s weapon.

The button for skipping cutscenes is now visible on Android.

Vertical black lines aren’t displayed on the Challenges page.

The Settings Menu will properly display when language is set to Spanish.

The text on the menu buttons in the Settings Menu is aligned.

Quick Heal button won’t appear when falling or after opening the map.

Scaling the Quick Heal button in the HUD Layout Tool won’t cause the icon to change to the item's icon in the inventory.

Quick Heal button won’t disappear from the HUD Layout tool when another button is modified.

Players are able to open doors or Chests while using the ADS button.

Build mode button will correctly change to the Weapon mode button when pressing it on Android.

Added header on multiple widgets in the HUD Layout Tool.

Graphical improvement of CloudBreaker outfit.

Graphical improvement of the blue variant of the Sea Wolf outfit.

Freefall icon will be displayed when falling to the map.

ADS button won’t be displayed when driving a vehicle that you entered while holding a gun.

When updating the Banner Trooper outfit, players won’t disappear in the Locker, and the proper Banner will be displayed.

Edit button will be displayed when using passenger seat.

Screen won’t turn black when looking inside of a body of water.

Jump button won’t remain greyed out after players press it.

Audio improvements.

Fixed the occasional static sounds on Android.

Tapping with interactable items in Edit mode will no longer cause the camera to lock.

Player won’t be able to edit through structures.

Ex: Looking at your wall and being able to edit another structure (floor, ramp, roof).

Fixed an unopenable Chest near Polar Peak.

Fortnite looks and runs better than ever for RTX users

Tech titan accuses the developer of 'pouring gasoline on a fire it started'

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Show ‘em what you’re made of in Apex Legends, a free-to-play Battle Royale game where contenders from across the Frontier team up to battle for glory, fame, and fortune.

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Garena Free Fire is the ultimate survival shooter game available on mobile. Each 10-minute game places you on a remote island where you are pit against 49 other players, all seeking survival.

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[ihaveatheoryonthat]

More old stuff from the depths of the MSA folder. This one’s actually pre-Freaking Out, which makes it... a little weird in hindsight.

The basic premise is that Lewis was attacking Arthur in Ghost thinking he was still possessed, and this is following up on it. Again, it’s super old, please forgive any outdated information. Also, it’s very incomplete.

It was easy enough to figure out that they'd come to the right place. The wispy pink ghosts that flitted to and fro-- weaving through the cave's walls and humming to themselves-- were a solid confirmation. They paid the van no mind as it rolled to a halt outside of the entrance and failed to interfere as everyone got out.

As he shut the driver's side door, Arthur took a deep breath, clearing his head of Vivi's incense, and held it for a second before daring to look up.

Logically, he knew that the cave hadn't changed since he'd last stood in front of it, but even in the last rays of sun, it somehow seemed darker and more foreboding than it had before. There was probably some psychological babble that would explain it away, but nothing that he knew for himself.  

Vivi's hands stilled in the middle of righting her scarf and clenched into fists. She was the first of their procession to head forward, Mystery and Arthur trailing along the path she forged.

Going back was likely the hardest thing Arthur had ever done. Step after trembling step, he forced himself onwards, reassured only by his friends' constant presence.

At the fork in the road, Vivi stopped.

"W-which way do you think…?" On one hand, there was nowhere Arthur wanted to be less than the overhang that the left hand path would lead to, but, on the other, he didn't want hurt Vivi by suggesting the lower route. It wasn't safe to split up, but… maybe he could muster the courage to escort her outside where it was safe, and still come back.

When he looked at her, her face was set in a determined scowl, eyes narrowed behind her glasses.

"This way." She announced, seizing Arthur's hand and marching them down the right hand path, Mystery trotting dutifully at his other side.

They couldn't have gotten any more than half-way to the main cavern before they noticed the heavy mist pooling at ground level, kicked up with every step. It became exponentially thicker and harder to maneuver through as the path sloped downwards, though it didn't seem to faze their fearless leader.

"Vivi," Mystery called, softly, but with an air of authority that left no room for debate, "We've gone far enough. If we keep walking blind, we'll risk falling, too, and I doubt any of us want that."

"Well… yeah. But if we're careful, then maybe…?"

"Absolutely not. This isn't a natural fog. We're already taking a significant risk simply being here; there's no need to tempt fate like this." His snout twitched as he looped around Arthur and nudged a reluctant Vivi into turning back the way they'd come. He had to interpose himself between the two of them in order to start any sort of forward motion-- Vivi because she still wasn't sold and Arthur because he knew what came next.

"If it's any consolation, I honestly don't believe that the fog was meant to be a trap. Working under the assumption that Lewis is here, it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that he doesn't want to see--" There was a sharp ending to the word, and it was obvious that Mystery had stopped himself before his words took a different turn. "--the cavern's floor."

He fell silent again, and Arthur couldn't help noticing the way the dog's fur bristled; he made a token attempt to smooth it back down as they neared the landing, but abandoned it when Mystery shook him off.

Vivi rocked back and forth on her heels during the half-minute they waited for Mystery's go-ahead. Even after it was granted, his ears swiveled and nose twitched sporadically as he tasted the air. Knowing that he was keeping such close tabs on things was a comfort, but the fact that he thought the demon might still be there made it a cold one.

They walked in strained silence, a far cry from the usual chatter that colored their expeditions. Vivi was usually quick to give the low-down on the could-be haunt and answer questions that nobody had asked while Lewis alternately humored her and tried to soothe any of Arthur's concerns. With a pang, he remembered that was exactly what had happened as the two of them scaled this incline. It had been a story about one of the younger Pepper sisters back then-- lighthearted and goofy, something to take Arthur's mind off of the investigation.

As if it weren't already obvious, the silence was a huge indication that they were all on edge.

While not nearly as intense as the lower path had been, fog still found its way underfoot and coiled around their ankles-- transparent enough to see through and posing no obstacle as they walked onwards.

Mystery's ears perked up before too long; though he didn't elaborate, the lack of immediate action was enough to assure the two human parties that, whatever he'd heard, it wasn’t a threat. A minute longer and they were able to hear it for themselves: the pink ghosts' humming. It wasn't the same aimless tune the ones outside emitted; there was a clear purpose behind the harmony, something that would have taken preparation and practice by human standards. The offending choir came into view when they passed the final turn.

None of them dared to venture out onto the overhang, which emerged in a jagged line from the sea of mist that leveled out just below it.

A trio of the small ghosts hovered a dozen feet above the fog, roughly in the center of the cavern; each had its eyes closed and looked perfectly peaceful as they sang away, heedless of their new audience.

Said audience didn't pay them much attention, drawn to a different focal point.

Though angled away from them, the spirit watching the ghostly chorale was easily recognizable. The skeleton from the mansion was nowhere to be seen, and it was almost enough to make Arthur wonder whether it had actually been his friend. He looked to Vivi, trying to gauge her reaction, and turned away before she could notice him. If he didn't acknowledge it, maybe he could pretend he hadn't seen the way her eyes narrowed as she fought back tears.

The spectral warbling came to a slow halt and, for one heart stopping second, Arthur thought they'd been spotted. If he'd been in the state of mind to think it through, he'd have realized that being noticed was kind of what they'd been going for, but he liked to think that he had a hell of a good reason not to be rational.

There was a beat of silence as the ghosts opened their eyes and blinked in mockery of vital function before turning to the odd spirit out. Lewis gave them a short round of applause and said something too low and far away to make out, but it seemed to satisfy the three, who hovered without cause for half a second before disbanding.

At the same time, Lewis unknowingly turned his back on his friends and faded into the air.

"Wait!" Vivi called, crashing back to reality. "Lewis!"

There was no response.

"I know you're still here somewhere! Please, Lewis, come talk to us!"

This time, something landed heavily on Arthur's shoulder and he jumped, whirling around to face-- oh. Yeah. That was definitely the skeleton from the other day. Vivi inhaled sharply and made to reach over, but was stopped by Mystery's warning growl. Who, exactly, he was warning-- and of what-- remained up in the air, but that wasn't at the forefront of Arthur's mind for the time being.

He was a little more focused on the dead eyes boring holes into his own and the way the hand on his shoulder solidified its grip.

"Get out." Demanded a guttural, inhuman voice.

"B-but you tried so hard to meet with me the other day." Arthur offered, making an honest effort to crack a smile. Some distant part of his mind chose a very inappropriate time to muse that 'Ghosts could smell fear, right? Or was that werewolves?'

In response, Lewis's grip tightened into what would have been a bone-creaking hold and his free hand lit up in pink flames.

"Get out of him."

"Out of… out of me? What do--" He stopped cold and swore he could feel the blood drain from his face. "You knew?"

"I know. You can't fool me." Said ghost hissed, eyes narrowing further as he studied the young man in front of him. "Last chance: out."

In one fluid motion, Vivi ducked the arm holding onto Arthur's shoulder and slid between the two of them, holding both hands up in an attempt to placate the spirit. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold up there, pardner. I don't know what you think is goin' on,  but it might help if we're all on the same page, yeah?"

For half a second, Lewis's expression flickered, but he immediately shook it off; if anything his demeanor hardened even further. "Mi dispiace."

Glancing at Arthur out of the corner of her eye, Vivi frowned in trepidation and, hesitantly, asked, "For what…?"

As if to answer, the fire in Lewis's free hand blazed brighter.

"Enough." Mystery announced for the second time that night. While he wasn't a small dog by any measure, it was hard for him to stand tall enough to command much attention-- especially compared to the seven foot specter standing opposite of them--  so it was only on reflex that they all stopped, allowing him to interrupt so thoroughly. He nodded once at both living parties and added, "Let me handle this." before turning to Lewis.

"I understand that the demon who used to dwell here is long gone. You have every reason to be suspicious of anyone with ties to this place, and heavens know we've seen too much possession to rule it out of a situation like the one we've found ourselves in. That being said, I can assure you that nobody here is hosting any manner of spirit; if you were to stop playing guard dog for five seconds and look, you would be able to see that for yourself."

The miniature speech succeeded on several fronts: it got Lewis's attention, allowed Arthur to worm himself free, and snuffed out the ghostly fire. It did have one major downside, though: with the exception of any physical contact, Lewis focused everything on Mystery instead.

"Ah," The dog said feebly, backing up half a step out of sheer surprise, "I should have been more clear. Of course you wouldn't know that I'm not--"

Lewis used the backwards momentum to his advantage and took two silent steps forward, filling the space Mystery had vacated. If he could act as a human barrier in life, it was even more effective in death. When Vivi and Arthur tried to move around him, he threw both arms out, blocking them.

"Don't." He rumbled, palms turned inwards and lit with fuchsia fire in a clear threat. "You'll only embarrass yourself."

Mystery refrained from rolling his eyes, but only just. "Oh yes, I'm the one embarrassing myself, not the juvenile ghost refusing to listen to reason."

"Listening sounds good!" Vivi put in, making to duck Lewis's arm again. The instant she cleared it, he brought it back, sweeping  her into a secure hold against his chest and inspiring an indignant yelp. After a second's struggle, she managed to worm one arm free, but little else.

Lewis gave Arthur a warning look and was moving to hold onto her more securely when she doubled her effort. With his attention elsewhere, he didn't notice when the renewed flailing neared the heart floating gently above Vivi's head, though he certainly did notice when it sent the glassy trinket skittering across the floor.

In unison, the four froze.

The same could not be said for the sextuplet of wisps that appeared out of nowhere.

Two flanked Arthur-- one holding on to either hand-- and another two filled the rapidly diminishing space between Lewis and Mystery. One more curled around Vivi's shoulders, phasing the two of them back behind its leader, while the last nudged Lewis towards the heart.

The heart, which had come to a halt on the overhang, less than a foot from the edge.

Lewis stumbled forward with momentum that the gentle prod couldn't have provided and fell to his knees. He clapped one hand to his chest, but then went very still.

Mystery made to step forward, but the pair of ghosts that had interposed themselves between him and the others started hissing viciously, warding him away. Had they been able to, Arthur and Vivi would have tried something similar, but were still stuck where the wisps held them.

The pinpricks of light in Lewis's eyes dimmed as he stared sightlessly into the cavern. It only lasted half a second before they came back full force, encompassing the empty sockets in a violent pink glow.

Vivi called his name to no avail. Mystery snapped at the spirits blocking the way. Arthur was about to point out that the behavior was probably a very bad sign, but was cut off by-- of all things-- the cave.

The cave… flickered.

Rocky walls fluttered into peeling wallpaper and the wooden steps to a battered runner before snapping back. The omnipresent mist faded rapidly from relatively innocuous white to magenta and back again.

While the lack of living paintings and animated suits of armor made it incomplete, the resemblance to Lewis's haunted house was uncanny.

Witnessing it form around them, on the other hand, was a completely new experience-- one that wasn't helped by the jarring shift from cave to mansion that happened every few seconds

---

Even from so far away, Arthur recognized the setup below-- from the smooth stone walls and spindly torches to the moth-eaten curtains pulled away from a sleek coffin. He backpedalled instinctively and made to bolt, but, somehow, found himself facing the same outcropping, the same drop and same scenery. Shoulders quaking, he turned around, dreading what he'd find.

What he found was nothing. The hallway was gone. The basement was gone.

The stone he'd been standing on was gone.

A strangled scream ripped itself from his throat and, distantly, some vicious part of his mind supplied that 'Karma's a bitch'. His body was shaken with a sharp impact and oh god, he was dead, he was so dead--

Except it really didn't feel like dying-- but, then again, he was no expert when it came to the subject,, so how was he to know what it felt like? For all he knew, maybe death was a dislocated shoulder and constricted ribcage.

Then the light flickering through his closed eyelids registered and, warily, he cracked one eye open.

He screamed again and struggled to close himself back off from reality. That had been a bad decision. The basement was better than the stalagmites. Almost anything was better than the stalagmites.

Amidst the panicked thrashing, he didn't notice the fact that, even though he was losing altitude, he wasn't exactly falling-- so it came as a surprise when Arthur landed, bruised but without any new piercings, on something mercifully solid. Even with the rock under his palm and cold seeping through the knees of his jeans, he didn't dare open his eyes again.

"Arthur!"/"Oh, thank god, I thought you had…"

---

"But I saw you fall-- how did--?"

He swallowed against the lump in his throat and forced himself to look down.

Though the fog was as thick as ever, the glow of ghostly fire cut through it remarkably well, allowing Arthur to see all the way down to the bottom level.

Sure enough, there was Lewis, somehow managing to curl in on himself and slump against the rock shelf at the same time. His chest heaved and his hair spat fitfully as he slowly dragged himself upright and turned his head away from the sea of spikes.

"L-Lew?"

For the second time that evening, the ghost refused to acknowledge them.

Something blue approached in the corner of his vision, and Vivi knelt down at Arthur's side. She made to peek out over the edge and faltered, falling back on her haunches; regardless, both of them could make out the furious muttering sounding from below.

"M-mi dispiace."

She frowned; while none of their group but Lewis was fluent in Italian, there were a number of phrases they'd learned to recognize.  That was one of them.

"I'm sorry," He repeated, "I-I wasn't-- io non sono…" Lewis's voice cracked and he fell silent.

Vivi didn't see the full-body shudder that shook his form, but Arthur-- still peering out over the cliff's edge-- did, and, without thinking, stretched his good arm out as far as he could. It was a fruitless gesture considering the twenty foot drop, and the only one who noticed it was Mystery, who wasted no time grabbing him by the collar and tugging him away from the edge, chiding him under his breath all the while.

"There's something wrong."

The kitsune gave Arthur a flat look. "You don't say."

He trotted back over, and Arthur was on the verge of calling out this hypocrisy when Mystery announced "I'll handle this." and leapt down.

There was a strangled squawk from the general vicinity of the cave's floor.

Vivi snorted as she rose to her feet and dusted off her skirt with one hand, a fragile smile twitching at the corners of her mouth. Absently, she ran a thumb over whatever she was holding in her opposite hand and said, "Now that sounds a little more like Lewis."

-

Mystery's tails drifted lazily behind him, dispersing the supernatural fog for several seconds before it rushed back to fill the void. Between the two of them, there was a reasonable bubble free of the mist-- though, he noticed, it extended far enough to reveal a single stalagmite.

Though Lewis's attention was mostly fixed on him, he noticed the ghost's eyes flicker between himself and the spire more than once. Without a second thought, one tail lashed out and leveled the rock.

It went without saying that, between this display and the sudden lack of any distractions, Lewis focused back on Mystery.

"Now that I have your attention, maybe we can work this out like civilized beings. I'm giving you two options right now: behave and let me help you up or stay down here until you have enough energy to leave by your own power. I'm sure it'll be a very difficult decision."

Lewis didn't say anything, though, gradually, he stopped trying to become one with the wall and rose to his feet. The initial pang of-- had it been fear?-- faded from his eyes, replaced with suspicious curiosity.

Ah, of course. Hadn't Mystery himself been trying to say that Lewis wouldn't know his true form?

"I'm sorry," He rumbled, careful to keep his voice gentler than before, "It wasn't my intention to scare you. It's possible that I haven't thought this all the way through."

There was a quiet "Lot of that going around." from opposite him, and he let out a short bark of laughter.

"Now listen to me; I do appreciate the vigilance, but there's a fine line between caution and paranoia that you're approaching very quickly. The demon that did this to you isn't possessing Vivi or Arthur-- you saw that for yourself-- and I should hope that this little dog-and-beast show clears up any further doubt as to whether or not I'm housing it." Mystery took a measured step forward, and then another when Lewis failed to respond negatively. "I swear, none of us have any unsavory goals in mind--  and you?"

"I just-- I thought that--" The spectral voice warbled before cutting out, and it took Lewis a second to formulate the words. "If the thing that killed me was still in Arthur, then you were all-- I just wanted to protect you guys."

"I see." Honestly, he'd assumed as much from the little stunt on the upper path, but he'd had to be absolutely certain before letting things go any further. Mystery pressed his muzzle to the ghost's skull briefly. "I'm glad to hear it, but, if we're going to continue this conversation, I think it would be prudent to take it outside. I, for one, have spent entirely too long here. Grab on and I'll help you up."

He crouched down and kept still as a pair of arms gingerly wrapped around his neck and was about to make the leap when one of Lewis's hands balled up in his fur. He hesitated.

"Mystery… if it's not with you and it's not here, then where is it?"

The kitsune took in a deep breath and held it. "We'll talk about this outside."

And, to put a temporary halt to any objections, he prepared himself and jumped, landing lightly in front of Arthur and Vivi.

---

It was dark outside when they emerged from the cave, but not in the same way it had been before. In hindsight, the unearthly gloom around the tangle of greenery should have tipped them off that first visit; its absence was striking when compared to the familiar darkness of nightfall.

Something else that became painfully obvious was that the van had become a subject of interest for a handful of the wispy ghosts.

"Hey!" Arthur shouted, sprinting towards the vehicle with a fist raised in warning, "Get away from there!"

"Relax, Arthur." Lewis said automatically, surprising even himself. Somehow, bemusement shone through in the way he manipulated his bony features and, as the spirits scattered, he remembered to add, "They can't do anything to it."

The blond turned to argue his point, but snapped his jaw shut when he noticed that two of the culprits were attempting to hide behind his friend. He spun on his heel and trudged back towards the van.

"Freakin' ghosts…"

Vivi rolled her eyes and trailed several feet behind him. When she realized that Lewis was still hovering awkwardly-- and literally-- between points A and B, she turned back around, looped an arm around one of his, and marched him over to where Arthur had opened up the back doors.

In all actuality, she marched and he allowed himself to be towed around, but that didn't have the same punch to it.

"You left your incense burning." Arthur said pointedly, nodding to the container. Sure enough, smoke drifted up from it in delicate plumes and the entire van smelled like an evergreen forest. The scent spilled out of the van in a lazy wave, clashing horribly against the dead trees and tangled undergrowth that curled at the road's edges.

Vivi pushed her glasses back up her nose and, without a trace of remorse, said, "Oops."

Mystery rolled his eyes-- whether it was at Arthur's somewhat-justified indignation or Vivi's non-apology was anyone's guess-- and trotted past them, hopping fluidly up into the van so he could stay level with everyone.

"If you're done…?" He began, interrupting what was sure to be a staring match for the ages.

Vivi huffed and swung herself to perch next to him and Arthur collapsed bonelessly into a heap of limbs, purposefully angling himself so he could get the occasional breath of fresh air.

Lewis remained stubbornly in place, hovering lowly off the ground and doing a good job of not looking at any one person for too long.

"Now, just to verify that we're all on the same page: we all want what's best for everyone else, nobody is possessed or malevolent, and, despite all appearances, nothing that happened this week was acted out with revenge or murder in mind. Did I get that right?"

A trio of mumbled affirmations answered him.

"Good. So where should we start?"

Normally, it would be Vivi's voice that dominated the conversation at this point-- posing questions nobody else had considered and tossing out miscellaneous observations-- but this was the exception to the rule. After their brief exchange at the cave's floor, it didn't surprise Mystery when Lewis was the first to speak, still staring hard over the van's roof.

"Where did it go?"

The dog sighed. "To be quite honest, I don't know.  After I… removed it from Arthur, we had other matters to attend to and nobody was in a position to track it."

He ducked his head in a strange canine shrug and, out of the corner of his eye, watched for Arthur's reaction. For his part, Arthur flexed the fingers of his prosthetic and frowned at nothing, squirming under the sudden scrutiny. Vivi remained silent, leaning backwards around Mystery and worrying at her lip as she considered the mechanical appendage.

When he turned his attention back to the ghost, Mystery found that Lewis had given up on staring into the distance, but it was hard to read his bony features as he followed Vivi's line of sight. His eyes narrowed and he almost floated nearer, but stopped himself at the last second, settling for watching at a distance.

Without looking away, he gave a terse nod. It was the set of his shoulders and the way he held his arms close to his chest that gave him away: unhappy with the answer, but willing to accept it.

Vivi seemed to catch on to this-- and to Arthur's obvious discomfort-- and, louder than strictly necessary, asked, "My turn?"

Mystery shot her a grateful look. "I don't see why not."

"Good." She braced herself against the bumper with one foot and sprang off of it, landing gracelessly, but steadily, on the ground.

Lewis took what equated to half a step backwards without ever touching the ground, which was lucky for him, as it left him out of reach when Vivi threw her hands up in the air.

"You. What the heck, man? What was a) that," She thrust a thumb over her shoulder, "And b) that about?" With her free hand, she pointed at the cave. It was a ridiculous sight, the way she left her arms splayed out in opposite directions, but nobody commented on it.

Lewis ducked his head, clearly embarrassed despite the lack of expressive features, and raised a hand to rub nervously at the back of his neck. This, of course, was an anatomical impossibility, and all he managed to do was swing a hand through the empty space below his skull and run into his upper jaw.

Vivi broke into peals of laughter and, beside Mystery, Arthur made a strange keening sound that was probably something between amusement and mild horror. Mystery himself snorted into his paws, not at the dismayed cry but rather the way Lewis tried to steady his head.

In a transparent effort to distract everyone from his slip-up, the ghost said, "I had a plan. It wasn’t a very good one."

Head still resting on his paws, Mystery felt his chuckling turn into a long-suffering sigh. The claim wasn't hard to believe. There was a reason that Vivi and Arthur had always been the ones to plan out an investigation; that reason was because, no matter how well thought-out, none of Lewis's ideas went as intended. It was a fascinating phenomena, but more than a little irritating.

The thought that he'd been planning something without his state of being under complete control was unnerving. That he admitted it wasn't exactly a good plan was downright terrifying.

In hindsight, they were lucky it hadn't turned into a deadly game of Mousetrap.

Beside him, Mystery felt Arthur stiffen and Vivi pulled a face.

"Yikes. Okay, you know what? Let's save that one for later."

Earlier embarrassment coming back full-force, Lewis cast his gaze downwards; the way the light of his eyes shone over his cheekbones, it  almost made it look like he was blushing.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Vivi stepped forward and, when that failed to get her a close enough look, stood on her toes.

"Interesting." She mumbled. After a second's contemplation, she jumped and made to touch his hair.

Startled by her sudden movement, Lewis backpedalled and automatically threw his hands out to catch her around the waist. Unperturbed by the flurry of motion, Vivi went on to prod at the tame fire, and, frowning thoughtfully, moved her hand in front of the ghost's eyes.

She nodded to herself and repeated, "Interesting."

"…Vivi?"

"You can put me down now." The instant her feet hit the ground, she went on to add,  "Could you please change back? This is getting really distracting."

Lewis hesitated, drawing his arms back to his chest and laying one hand over his lapel. "I… can't. Sorry."

"Why not?"

For several seconds, he floundered, starting and giving up on half a dozen sentences before settling on, "It's, um, my heart. The problem is that it's actually-- Vivi?"

It was an excited squeak that threw him off, as Vivi rummaged through one of her skirt's pockets. He floated nearer, trying to figure out what she was doing, only to have a silver shape brandished in his general direction.

Vivi's hands shook as she held it up and, without thinking, he reached out to steady them. Automatically, the heart righted itself and began rotating gently above her palms.

She squinted at it, doing very little to hide the way her eyes shone behind her glasses, and said, "First you break it, now you lose it-- who trusted you to take care of this thing?"

Though he didn't have any need to breathe and, in fact, hadn't been doing so, Lewis's breath hitched.

In such close proximity, the heart simply gravitated towards its rightful place, but he still ran a hand over it, just to be sure it was where it belonged.

---

Instead of protecting it from any further mishaps, Lewis folded both of his hands over Vivi's. He wasn't surprised when she tore them away and flung her arms around the approximation of his neck instead, and moved to support her. "I missed you. We all did. P-please come home."

He leaned forward to press his forehead against her crown. "Of course I will."

Vivi sniffed into his shoulder and let go with one hand, using her sweater sleeve to rub at her eyes before releasing the ghost completely.

---

"I suppose that makes it my turn."/"Regardless of the quality, what do you plan to do now that your 'unfinished business' has been settled?"

The look Lewis gave him was slightly incredulous. "It's not."

"But Arthur isn't possessed, and you know that he and Vivi are safe."

The ghost nodded slowly. "But… it really doesn't feel like I'm done here."

Mystery hummed in thought and backed off, choosing to focus elsewhere. "Regardless, what do you intend to do with yourself?"

After a brief hesitation, Lewis shrugged. "I really only planned through the mansion."

"We're keeping him." Vivi announced both loudly and decisively, taking several bouncy strides and positioning herself between Lewis and the van almost defensively. She looked as serious as Arthur had ever seen her, and the gleam in her eye practically dared someone to object.

As it turned out, the only one who needed convincing was Lewis himself.

---

She regained her composure quickly, and nodded to herself as though she'd won some sort of battle.

"Good." She said, turning on her heel and leaping back into the van, ignoring the way both Arthur and Mystery were trying to look interested in something trivial. "Like I said, we're keeping him."

Arthur stumbled to his feet and stretched, glancing at Lewis before leaning over the front seat where Vivi was already busying herself. "Y'know, I don't think there was much of a question there."

"Exactly."

The blonde snorted and hopped it, landing in the passenger's seat without any outward complaint. Inwardly, he was dreading the drive that awaited them; an excited Vivi drove, well, excitedly. An angry Vivi also drove excitedly. Vivi, as a matter of course, drove excitedly,  and Arthur half-turned, looking for someone to back him up.

Instead, he caught sight of Lewis closing the back doors and Mystery nudging the ghost with his nose.

"You do realize that this makes you the second paranormal creature Vivi's adopted. Congratulations. I assure you, you're in good company."

Too late. Vivi revved the engine just as the second door latched, and, before the van started tearing down the lonely road, Arthur heard one last smart remark from the back.

"You even have a dog tag. Adorable."