#but in sam's case it adds an interesting dynamic

[angelsdean]

ohh i love when a random gilmore girls rerun comes on and i'm reminded how annoying dean gilmore girls is skdfjkdg always throwing a tantrum over rory being anywhere near another guy and jumping to conclusions and yelling at her in public and embarrassing her. but no he's the 'nice guy, boy next door, first love'

[hyperfixation-or-death]

Thinking about a Parallels AU where the main four + Camille are all different ages at the start of the show, and all the dynamics are different because of it.

The only main characters who have met at the start are Sam and Victor, and Sam and Bilal.

Sam is fifteen years old, so he's the closest to his canon age.

Victor is nine years old, so he's the youngest by a lot in this.

Bilal is thirty years old, and he's working with his mom on the tests. He also tutors Sam in math on the weekends.

Romane is nineteen years old, and hasn't met any of the other main characters.

Camille is nine years old, and she and Victor go to the same school.

Episode one starts when Sam is supposed to go to tutoring, but ends up needing to bring Victor with him, because their parents weren't able to pick him up from some activity or other.

I haven't figured out how they get to the woods from there; for the sake of convenience, let's say that cat Romane and Camille feed shows up injured, and they end up following the cat to try and help it? Work in progress.

Anyways, once they're close to the bunker, they run into Romane. Assuming we're going with the cat plot device, because I can't think of anything else right now, Romane was also trying to find the cat. The cat is gone now, though, and they're all about to turn back.

Then Victor notices the bunker (the key is in the door, idk), and wants to go inside. Sam and Bilal don't think it's a good idea, but Romane also wants to go inside for some reason, and the four end up going to check it out.

The test goes off, of course, and the timelines split.

Timeline 1 - Romane and Victor are left in the bunker.

Victor definitely blames himself for the disappearances, since he was the one to suggest going in the bunker in the first place. Romane also definitely blames herself for the disappearances, since Victor is nine years old, and she should have known it was a bad idea, but she didn't, and now this kid's brother is probably dead because of that.

Romane ends up talking to Victor afterwards, and realizes that he goes to school with Camille. The conversation turns to that, and Victor mentions that he's not doing great in some subject or other; a subject Romane happens to be good at. Feeling like it's the absolute least she could do for him, she offers to help him with homework after school.

Since Victor is literally an elementary school child, his parents are not sending him to boarding school. They do become increasingly distant and harsh, and Victor becomes increasingly convinced that they don't care about him.

Victor ends up spending a lot of time at Romane and Camille's house. At first, it's just because Romane's helping him with homework. Then it sinks in that no one else understands what happened in the bunker, and that fact starts playing into their dynamic. Then he starts to become friends with Camille. By the time four years have gone by, Victor and Camille are close friends, and Romane sees Victor as another sibling. (She hasn't moved out yet because a. She's attending university nearby. and b. She doesn't trust Herve and wants to keep an eye on her family.)

Then Vanessa Chassangre dies, and Romane is faced with the possibility of losing her sister. She's trying to figure out if she has any chance at getting custody, when Victor shows up to ask if she wants to go back to the bunker. Neither of them have figured out the correlation with the test in this AU, but they still go, out of sentimentality and curiosity and several other complicated emotions.

Test happens again; Victor and Romane time travel.

Timeline 2 - Romane and Bilal are left in the bunker.

Bilal connects the dots between the tests and the disappearances pretty quickly. He tells his mom. Then he tells Romane.

Bilal decides to try and find a way to save Sam and Victor. This time, it's less out of personal grief and more out of a sense of responsibility for what happened and guilt.

Romane graduates high school feeling completely lost. She doesn't know what she wants to do with her life, and she can't shake the guilt over what happened.

Haven't planned it out too well, but Bilal and Romane stay in contact. I'm not sure how it's going to work, but he's able to get her accepted for an internship at some point, and she ends up working with Bilal and Sofia.

The three of them continue to work at the time travel. Along the way, Romane becomes close with both Sofia and Bilal, viewing them as family.

Vanessa dies; Herve tries to take Camille. This time, it doesn't work. Romane has a support net, a steady income, and a future in the physics field. Romane gets custody of her sister.

They figure out the time travel. Bilal decides to go back.

Timeline 3 - Sam is left in the bunker; Bilal travels back to this one; Victor and Romane travel back to this one.

Since Bilal was already an adult before the time travel, Sam still recognizes him. He's clearly aged several years, though, which everyone is very confused about. Bilal has his canonical memory loss.

Idk what happens for the first day, but then Romane and Victor show up to the timeline at the same time they do in canon.

I haven't thought about how the plot changes from there, but the timeline where Victor kills Sam and then disappears after time traveling again doesn't happen. The official explanation is that they're able to stop it from happening the first time; the actual explanation is that I can't keep track of that many timelines in an already complicated AU.

Notes on the AU:

Camille ends up being there for the finale's events, both because she's a little older in the AU and because she's friends with Victor in the AU, so she insists on coming with the main characters.

Victor's emotional conflict ends up being roughly the same, because on the one hand, he's had more of a support net for those four years, but on the other, he's younger with more intense emotions, so it all kind of evens out.

For obvious reasons, none of the canon romantic relationships exist, with the exception of Sofia and Lieutenant Retz.

Obviously lots of things are different with this one, but I can't really think of a lot right now because I'm tired, so I might add to this later.

[pagannatural]

2.15 Tall Tales

-once again we have an earth-shattering revelation episode followed by silly sibling hijinks episode. Last episode Dean confirmed out loud he would rather die than kill Sam and that he is devoted body and soul to saving him. Now he is eating sloppily from a takeout container on Sam’s bed. Fascinating ecosystem.

-so Dean is on Sam’s bed. He likes hanging out and making a show of being annoying while lying on Sam’s bed. He must want Sam’s attention because it seems territorial. He’s licking his fingers and smacking his lips and being as loud and expansive as possible. Maybe Dean is reclaiming Sam in some way after he was possessed last episode by laying claim on his space.

-Sam asks Dean to turn down his music so Dean turns it up, and the song is actually so fucking perfect look at the lyrics

I could really just highlight the entire song. It’s about someone avoiding talking to the subject and the subject feeling out of their mind lonely about it.

It sets the tone for the whole episode and adds meaning to why they’re getting on each other’s nerves so badly. They’re avoiding talking about the big thing on their minds and subsequently picking at other things and at each other. Again, they’re lonely when there’s distance between them and they don’t feel they belong to each other.

-Sam and Dean recount their investigation into the case so far to Bobby. It’s a storytelling device that allows us to see into the characters’ perspectives and the ways in which they are unreliable narrators.

Sam recalls Dean being a sloppy drunk and basically asking him to have a foursome with him, a girl at the bar, and her sister. He recalls Dean leering at him and wiggling his eyebrows and Starla drunkenly hanging off of Dean, doing the same. It very much seems as though Dean and Starla are suggesting a small, incestuous orgie.

Sam turns up his nose because Dean is drunk and he thinks the girl is trashy and tanked. His judgment toward her is palpable and betrays his jealousy. It’s also a glimpse into the way he perceives Dean’s attempts at setting him up—he recognizes Dean’s interest in him sexually, he remembers when this happens, but he doesn’t think it’s serious because he thinks it’s about the girls rather than about him. Dean is a himbo in his story, kind of without intention or feeling.

Dean, however, describes hitting it off with a woman who is a classy grad student. He remembers Sam being extremely feminine and prissy and confronting him about making out with a woman like he’s Dean’s nagging girlfriend.

Trying to set Sam up is not a part of his story, instead he tells it like he’s the center of attention and Sam is jealous. It makes me wonder if Dean is self conscious about how he treats Sam, how he often involves him in his sex life. Later in the series Dean is described as “needy” more than once in the context of his relationship with Sam as a way to taunt both of them. It’s interesting that Dean would feel shame about needing Sam, whereas Sam’s shame is never really about needing Dean. This is one of the dynamics in their relationship that tends to operate consistently in the background for the entire show, and I see it as a birth order thing. Dean as the older sibling feels responsible for Sam, so he can’t be clingy and unhinged the way that Sam sometimes is without really thinking anything of it.

Dean also portrays Sam as feminine. Like, flamboyant. It’s probably easier for Dean to focus on Sam’s sexuality and make fun of him for being gay rather than take him seriously for being in love with him. So Dean is doing the same thing Sam is doing, dismissing Sam’s intentions and chalking his behavior up to something else.

Both stories are defensive in their own ways: Dean paints himself as totally uninterested in Sam. Sam paints Dean as indiscriminate and careless in his attentions but wanting Sam to join in. Common elements are Dean’s attention being on someone else and Sam being jealous. The variables are the why’s.

-Bobby: you’re bickering like an old married couple

Dean: no see married couples can get divorced

Okay so you’re not like an old married couple—not because you’re not married or because you’re not a couple, but because your connection is more permanent? Okay!

The brothers say they’re more like conjoined twins which is wild because regular siblings get on each other’s nerves plenty but they are not regular siblings and that description is not enough for them so they describe themselves as physically part of each other. Over and over we’re told that actually they are not “just brothers” like Sam said in Playthings.

-Dean was watching porn on Sam’s laptop. He eats in Sam’s bed and jerks off with Sam’s laptop and it’s like he’s a dog getting his scent on everything Sam touches.

-Sam gives Dean the sassiest look anyone’s ever given anyone

and I’m including it in this analysis because it’s giving major fem vibes.

-the alien story is actually super fucked up and horrifying, although it’s clearly played as a joke. The guy says he was probed and forced to slow dance. The brothers seem to be telling this particular story together in a shared perspective, because it’s already embarrassing for them to hear and talk about, and underneath the bickering they respect and understand each other.

-the next interview is Dean’s telling, and in it Sam is acting emotional and over-sympathetic and Dean says “you’re always saying pansy stuff like that.” Sam is once again caricatured as feminine and clingy. Dean puts a comforting hand on Sam’s shoulder and says It’s okay, and Sam’s face crumples. So in Dean’s retelling, he’s Sam’s shoulder to cry on when Sam is over emotional.

- Dean is reasoning through the connections in the cases and says the punishments are almost poetic “or actually it’d be more like a limerick” and sorry was anyone going to talk about Dean’s knowledge and interest in poetry?? I LOVE poetry but I didn’t technically know what the fuck a limerick was (so I googled it) and it’s a short poem that’s funny or silly in content. Dean is well-read. It would make SO much sense for him to be well-read because when he was younger he longed for more of a connection to the world outside of Sam and John and being locked in motel rooms, and reading would have been a good way for him to do that. He seems to enjoy fiction and characters he can relate to. It probably makes him feel less isolated.

-The brothers’ arguments this episode reveal such interesting glimpses into their life. Sam says “I don’t lose things” which would have been important as a child living out of motels trying to maintain his grades and seem normal. He probably learned as a child that he can’t just forget his things somewhere and go back to look for it later or call people he knows. If he leaves something in a motel room, that’s it, it’s gone forever, they will never go back and no one is finding and mailing it to him. I wonder if that’s also why he’s so particular about Dean not touching his stuff, because he had so little that was his. He probably got Dean’s hand-me-downs, and he had to share Dean himself with their dad which he famously hated.

Sam also says that Dean’s socks are in the sink. The only reason I can imagine for Dean’s socks being in the sink rather than just like, Dean leaving his dirty socks on the floor, is that he must’ve been washing them in the sink. Do they hand wash their clothing in motel sinks? It must be more convenient than going to a laundromat sometimes.

Sam also comments on Dean’s food going bad in the fridge. I read a whole essay on how this connects to Dean’s food insecurity, which makes sense to me. It also could be that he’s just kinda messy and doesn’t throw away his gross old food. I think Dean tends to get messier the more stressed out he is. He’s one of those people you can tell how he’s doing mentally by how his space looks— if he’s angry he’s breaking shit, stressed he’s looking worse for wear, happy he’s got everything neat and clean and starts nesting. Not to mention taking care of the Impala, his and Sam’s childhood home, is his pride and joy and one of the only mainstays in his life. His self care is very visible.

He is stressed as shit right now. Maybe eating greasy food on Sam’s bed is a cry for help and wanting Sam to talk to him about everything but not knowing how to bring it up.

-they fight over some money. It’s really something.

They are rolling around in bed grunting. Sam initiated the physicality of this fight by tackling Dean. It seems like a shared telling of what happened, and a good time to remember that the brothers have told wildly different stories and are both trying to make themselves seem as normal, cool, and under control as possible in these stories. And yet still they’re telling about the time they were rolling around and grunting in bed passionately. I’ll just leave that there.

-Sam pauses on the rush to the car with Bobby after driving a stake through the trickster’s heart. He starts apologizing to Dean, sincerity on his features, and Dean picks up on his intention and assures Sam “me too.” They gaze at each other lovingly over the roof of the Impala until Bobby interrupts and asks them to move it along.

-episode theme is perception, deception, and things not being what they appear. The trickster (Gabriel) casts illusions and the format of the narrative highlights how differently Sam and Dean can see the same story. They’re not seeing each other clearly, and they’re hiding from themselves, and it makes them lonely.

[prpfz]

hey!🌙✨ just a 21+ girl looking for other 21+ folks to write some smutty original plots. i write over email or discord, am happy to double, & i opt for a lazylit style, with short but well-crafted replies of 2-3 paragraphs. hoping to practice my nsfw-writing skills a bit, so my preference would be starting with the smut (or getting to it fairly quickly!) and then exploring the consequences after. the more dead dove-ish the better, age gaps and/or incest very welcome! below are the pairings/dynamics i’m currently looking for, all historical at the moment:

cult leader x follower—maybe it’s britain in the late 1890s or early 1900s, and it’s some occult mysticism a la aleister crowley? lots of folk horror imagery, foggy moors, remote islands, ancient carvings, etc. or maybe it’s a hippie commune in america in the 1960s, with lots of psychedelic strangeness? either way i’d like to explore the power dynamics between the two! maybe the leader’s trying to seduce a resistant target, or maybe the follower is angling for more power within the cult? lots of options!

addict x dealer—or addict x addict, or addict x sober, you get the picture! opium dens in victorian london? heroin addiction on the streets of 1980s berlin? the affairs of barflies & drunks in a 1920s new york speakeasy, a 1800s frontier saloon, or a 1990s glasgow pub? lots of options here, but i'm mostly interested in exploring the dynamics around addiction, the way that people compromise themselves & get into self-destructive and codependent relationships.

father x daughter—definitely my most dead dove-ish craving at the moment, but i'd like to explore a scenario where a father & daughter are isolated from society (either literally isolated or just socially outcast) and end up straying into dangerous territory. maybe it's france in the middle ages and they're peasants in some little cottage in the woods? maybe it's the 19th century in ireland and it's a lighthouse keeper and his daughter living by the sea? or 1900s england and they live in a decaying mansion in the countryside? or is it the '90s, actually, and they live in a council flat in manchester and just keep to themselves and get gossiped about? in any case, i'd like to dive into the psychology of this and really explore the consequences!

+ optional add-on: also, i adore using faceclaims, am happy to take requests if there's a fc you're itching to write against, and (on my end) i especially appreciate ones who are slightly more unconventional/unusual in their looks? idk some of my current favs are anya taylor-joy, phoebe waller-bridge, vinette robinson, olivia colman, saoirse-monica jackson, ewen bremner, adam nagaitis, joel fry, sam spruell so use any of those as a fc and you will have earned my undying gratitude & affection.

cheers, thanks for reading! give this a like if interested and i'll reach out!

give a like and anon will get back to you

[nalyra-dreaming]

Sort of answer to your other anon, but feel free to add to it if you want hehe. For now I only know the show and only ship loustat, but that's because I think it's the most developed pairing so far. I kind of need a little time to get into ships, but I'm down for any and everything. I agree ships don't necessarily need to be moral, but I do believe they need to be compelling and help each other in a way, even if it isn't with every single thing. I have OTPs that had terrible moments, but grew into their best selves together. Loustat is usually a dynamic that I hate, because it happened too fast, it got problematic and dark pretty fast (in terms of number of episodes, not the years they spent together), they had other people, they spent a whole season apart... Reminds me in a way of those toxic, even abusive on-and-off couples, that always treated each other poorly, made each other worse, could never work it out, but for some reason kept going back together because "it's sexy" or whatever networks tried to sell. But Loustat subverted my expectations. They're not entirely like that, but I do think they have some of those characteristics. But in their case, it's explained because they both lived shitty lives. And the series show why they're that way and that they're sort of at war with themselves too and genuinely regret their actions. And unlike those other ships, they're a differently species that don't completely function like us and have forever to redeem themselves. Those other couples just felt like a repetitive waste of time without any depth. But the writers really do a great job. And we did see Loustat bounding, Louis trusting Lestat in a way he didn't with anybody else, smiling, having fun and a happy life as well, so we know the connection is there and it isn't just angst and sex. And there's the actors, who have some of the best chemistry I've ever seen anywhere. I'm down for any ship if they have that too, because I trust the writers and so far every duo seems to have amazing chemistry. Will the writing and chemistry be on Loustat's level? I don't know, but I'll have fun with whatever they give me for however long it lasts. This is the first time I feel like I don't even need to think or worry too much, I'm just waiting for more and to be surprised because they always exceed my expectations and I hope that never changes. I was pretty into Loumand at the beginning, I thought they had an ease, sensual, flirtatious vibe and it was exciting to see. But that was mostly the actors than the script and, after the first kiss, we don't see much of it anymore? No scene laughing, comforting each other, going out etc... We have the museum and bar scenes, but I wouldn't call them a Loumand moemnt because they were most about Armand's backstory and betrayal. I never shipped them as much as Loustat, I could have, but before it got to a point I could, it turned cold and distant so I moved on. On the other hand, Lesmand, is something I don't ship yet, but I'm excited because of 1) simply curiosity, everything I hear from the books sound like that's a pretty heated relationship, for better or worse 2) I also hear they're kind of mirrors and understand each other in ways others can't, so even with all the bad history they still sort of care for each other? And if that's true, it's a really interesting and unique dynamic to explore that we don't see that often 3) Sam and Assad really sold their chemistry to me on that scene they shared blood 4) relationships that are extreme as theirs seem to be, tend to result in great, intense, emotional, explosive acting and that's my favorite type... My favorite scenes on the show are the church scene and the hug and those are very intense moments as well. So if they can do something like that in their own flavor because I wouldn't want a Loustat copy, it should be fun to see. Even if it turns out to be like "omg, they're so terrible and I don't want them together not even for one episode" and I won't ship, I'll probably still enjoy it for the writing and acting.

:))

As said, shipping is a personal preference (thank you for detailing yours 🥰).

I am very sure the show will do something very distinctive for each pairing, and this is the only thing I‘d add here now - all these “ships“ are actual relationships in the VC, with their own history, and importance.

Personally I think that is amazing ^^ and I cannot wait to see them.

If I will write and/or read them? We‘ll see. But I think we‘re blessed that way, whether it fits personal preference, or not. 🥰

[ninazadzia]

Why I ship Bucklena, and I hope the Thunderbolts movie pairs them together

https://twitter.com/Gothamette/status/1488939466852945923

Link to the fanmade trailer this screenshot is pulled from here. 

Okay, so I’ll start off by saying this - if the execs at Marvel Studios have the cojones to make Yelena asexual/aroace, like she is in the comics (at least from what I’ve seen online, haven’t read all of the comics so I can’t speak to how canon this is), I am 100% on board, and give the studio a lot of credit for showcasing asexual representation in a *huge* property.

However, as this twitter thread delineates way more eloquently than I could ever hope to, there is a very good chance that either Yelena’s sexuality will not be addressed at all in the Thunderbolts movie, or they’ll pair her in a heterosexual relationship - in which case, if it’s the latter, Bucky Barnes is the obvious (and, imho, only) choice. But before I say anything else, I just wanted to get that out of the way - I am all for asexual representation in Marvel properties, and genuinely, if Yelena being asexual is explicitly made canon in the MCU, I’m on board. *Editing to add, because this was an oversight on my part ~ if Yelena is confirmed as lesbian/bisexual, and the writers decide to pair her with a woman (like, say, Kate Bishop or Wanda Maximoff), I’d support that as well. FOR THE RECORD*

But until that happens ~ Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes are the best potential pairing in the MCU, imho, possibly ever.

In case you’re new here + haven’t been spammed by the Bucklena fanfiction writing kick I’ve been on these last couple of months - hi, I’m your resident 27-year-old fanfic writer, and I’ve written fanfic for over half of my lifetime, for just about every fandom you can think of. I generally veer towards pairings that are canon-adjacent (not quite crackships, *could* feasibly be made canon, but it likely isn’t gonna happen), and in the MCU have shipped ScarletStrange, Romanogers, Kate Bishop x Peter Parker, etc. Given that Bucky and Yelena are about to be in a movie together, and not currently engaged in existing romantic relationship - of the list of pairings I’ve outlined above, they’re the most likely to wind up having some sort of romantic relationship. And I’mma tell you why I’d be excited to see that happen.

#1) They have similar backgrounds, and can relate easily to one another

This one is fairly self-explanatory - their stories have obvious parallels. Both were brainwashed by Russian organizations, turned into assassins against their will, and defected/escaped later on in life. While Bucky has displayed clear signs of PTSD, from what we’ve seen, Yelena is a little tougher to read/more stoic, however this could be a front - regardless, their respective ways of dealing with their past traumas could be an interesting dynamic to explore in the Thunderbolts movie, particularly since of the two of them, Bucky is going to take on more of a “Team Leader” role, if you will. Maybe part of Bucky’s job is going to be to get Yelena to open up? Whatever it is, I’m game.

#2) While they have a hard exterior, both are not-so-secret softies, and are sentimental when it comes to their found families

Case in point: Yelena’s reaction to Alexei calling their family unit back in Ohio “fake,” and Bucky’s reaction to Sam giving up Cap’s shield in Falcon + The Winter Soldier. They’ve both lost so much (their biological families, friends, years of their lives to evil organizations, etc.), and neither of them have much of a support system + family unit. And while that alone shouldn’t be the basis of a relationship, the way they view their “found families,” and the respect they both have for it - Bucky with Steve, and Yelena with Melina, Alexei and Natasha - shows they have similar values, and want the same things, even if they don’t state it explicitly.

#3) Yelena is effortlessly charismatic, and Bucky - while a bit out of practice - can be quite charming, too

Look no further than Yelena’s scenes with Kate Bishop in Hawkeye, and Bucky in just about all of the first Captain America movie - Yelena isn’t necessarily flirty, per se, but she has a natural charisma that radiates in her conversations. And Bucky, while definitely rusty and in need of some of some practice, is a complete flirt when he’s interested in someone, which could make for some entertaining banter + chemistry between the two. 

And, finally ~

#4) They both deserve love + happiness, probably more than any two characters in the MCU

This is another one, imho, that’s pretty self explanatory - Bucky and Yelena have both been through A LOT. They’ve both lost people, spent years of their lives brainwashed, and somehow, they’re still standing - and beyond that, they still live by a moral code, and aren’t villains/didn’t allow their traumas to make them evil. They deserve some happiness, and if it’s as a romantic relationship, awesome.

[unfinished-projects-galore]

Thank you so much for this opportunity! This is my oc Mazarus "Maz" Hatter. Based on the Mad Hatter from Alice in wonderland! He is 6'0" without his hat and about 6'7" with it.

He tends to act a little snarky when you first meet him. Coming off as a cartoony grifter just trying to sell you something. When in reality it's an act that he uses to keep people away. His powers are considered dangerous with how he man make anything the opposite of itself. Water becomes dry. Ice becomes hot. You get the picture. He sells discounted items from Sam's shop in order to earn money for himself since his parents don't support him financially. He comes off as kinds distant but really he's quite selfless. Even giving up good chunks of his money to other students in need.

I ship him with Riddle as an "opposites attract turn out to have more in common then they realize" sort of thing. They definitely don't see eye to eye at first with Maz unintentionally messing up things around Heartslabyul leading to him getting collared without even realizing he's made a mistake. However after Riddle's Overblot the two do their best to mend things and find understanding in each other. They both have a volatile homelife so they find genuine comfort in each other. Maz being the one to offer all of hims love and time to Riddle when the other needs it. The dynamic is quite gentle and sweet with the occasional upset caused by Maz's manic powers. However Riddle helps him worth though those upsets. They make quite the team.

Thank you for listening to me ramble about my oc I hope it wasn't too long! Thank you so much!

Hello!! Thank you for your request!! I'm sorry it took quite a long while until I could get to your request, but here it is!! I had a lot of fun trying to figure out how to go about piecing these two characters together, so I hope you enjoy it!!

I made three copies, just in case you wanted to colour it (change the background, add additional elements, etc.)!! Hearing about Maz was definitely interesting!! Although I didn't really get to portray his Unique Magic here, I figured that I could show him trying to amuse Riddle when he's in one of his moods so as to distract him for a bit by making the tea look like ribbons that help the aroma permeate the surrounding air.

Thank you again for requesting!! I look forward to hearing more about him.

- Vinnie

[abl0gnam3lia]

Im new and here's a first post talking about how Sam deserves to be with his space fam ( this is Marvel related btw)

The MCU has been not so gud lately, I don't think u need ANOTHER person saying that. But just like everyone else I do think that the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie is SO FUCKING GOOOD. And it got me realise something, other then the fact that I didn't realise how much of a fan I was of the Guardians, I ALSO realise that there isn't any fanfiction with Sam Alexander with any of the Guardians. If you don't know who Sam is he is the 2nd Nova in the Comics while Richard is the first. U can do ur research I'm not really here to summarise his character but he does technically interact with them in the comics, and the Ultimate Spider - man cartoon and Guardians of the Galaxy cartoon, there are more interactions that he has with them. And I honestly think he would have an interesting dynamic with them and adds something to the group, u know being the only kid in the group. But I see on AO3, there's barely ANY fanfics of him with them if not at all and I see this as a federal crime. How dare u people not do anything with this? There's so much potential, hell try making a fanfic that maybe inserts him in the MCU somehow or how he fits in the group literally ANYTHING GOOD MY SON HAS SO MUCH TO ADD. Look maybe I'm asking for too much, plus Richard is a lot more interesting as a character but STILL. IM GOING ABSOLUTELY FERAL KNOWING THAT THERES BARELY A TINY SALT OF CONTENT OF SAM AND THATS JUST A HATE CRIME AGAINST HIM. ALSO ALSO HE DESERVES HIS BESTIES MILES AND KAMALA TOO, YEP, THATS RIGHT IM GETTING THEM INVOLVED TOO. Imagine the trio discussing their families and then we have Sam, who not only has a mom and a sister, BUT A MCFREAKING SPACE FAM CONSISTING OF A TALIING TREE, A GUN SHOOTING RACCON, AND ASSASSIN WHOS THE MOST DEADLIEST WOMAN IN THE GALAXY, A QUOTE ON QUOTE DESTROYER AND A PIRATE/ CRIMINAL. The reaction to that would just be so-

So uhmm, I'm yeah case in point Sam deserves more Fanart and Fanfic with his Space family and Miles and Kamala ( or boyfriend and girlfriend-) and he deserves to be in the MCU to share Saif dynamics with said characters.

Note: so if there is any updates about, you know, fanfiction related to my boy Sam with his Space Fam let me know please, I beg.

[a-cloud-for-dreams]

This was definitely easy for Chandini to answer!

Even though she had somewhat of a rivalry with Aurora, she really admired her and understood her circumstances (especially after going through something similar with her own mother) so they never really hated each other. I forgot to add her here but she has a similar relationship with Jackie, one of mutual respect

Sienna ofc she's like Chandini's total opposite and she always respects how positive and friendly Sienna is and how she's able to prioritize friendship. It's low-key a grumpy x sunshine friendship and they're always there for each other

Bryce, OBVIOUSLY they're besties she wouldn't marry someone she wasn't close with because their snarky Book 1 dynamic was such an iconic era tbh

Naveen because how could she not love her grandfather who has always supported her and her aspirations despite her parents' not-so-great relationship?!?!?! And I forgot to add him here but she was close with Ethan too before

Dr. Aaliyah Hadid #1 Chandini x Bryce shipper (white sweater in the edit) is interesting because she's actually an MC and an OC. She's my TNA MC and in my universe, she leaves Sam at the altar (apologizes to Micky and Mason ofc but she couldn't be in a relationship with someone she didn't love entirely). I also wrote him to be much worse than in the TNA books lol for the angst ig. After leaving him, she goes on to become an FBI Profiler at the Behavioral Analysis Unit after getting Ph.Ds in Criminology/Crime Scene Analysis, Forensic Chemistry, and Forensic Toxicology! not me in my Criminal Minds era sorry I wanted to talk about her for a sec. Anyways, Chandini's mom (Aishwarya) was her father's lawyer thus Chandini would visit Liya frequently, making the two of them REALLY close. They actually both wanted to become doctors (and technically they both did just in different fields) and they both had personalities that meshed really well. Liya was one of the few people Chandini would call and confide in about her struggles because she's a really thoughtful listener and good at offering genuine advice. Even after Chandini's at Edenbrook, Liya visits her whenever she can or while she's on a case and teases her about Bryce lol

Oh and I forgot about this OC but her first cousin-ish (ngl I forgot their exact relationship it's been awhile but) Kashmiré Blanche was also a close confidant but Chandini doesn't consider her a bestie since they don't see each other that much since they didn't have a lot of family reunions.

Thank you @jerzwriter for the prompt I literally jumped when I saw this lol. The names in green are the ones in the edit btw since it did ask for only 3 besties lol

Top 3 Thursday - Week 4

Welcome to Top Three Thursday! 💙

FIRST, a few quick rules!

Please reblog your answer - don't create a new post. The point is to keep us all together in one place and to get to know each other.

You can answer any way you like - basic answer, headcanons, fics, moodboards, edits, artwork - be as creative (or not!) as you like.

Pixelberry Choices-related content only.

PLEASE BE KIND! People will have different options, thoughts, headcanons, and likes - and that’s a good thing. Be respectful of one another.

For Week 4 - Alternating back to our MCs

WHO ARE YOUR MCs 3 BEST FRIENDS?

Are they canon characters or OCs you've created? Was this an easy question for your MC to answer - or did they struggle with it?

If you’d like to be added to the tag list, let me know, but anyone can participate! Tags below break. 💙💙💙

@aces-and-angels @alj4890 @aallotarenunelma @angelasscribbles @bebepac @cariantha @coffeeheartaddict2 @cooltuna69 @crazy-loca-blog @headoverheelsforramsey @hopelessromantic1352 @icecoffee90 @karahalloway @korgbelmont @kyra75 @lovealexhunt @missameliep @peonyblossom @peonierose @potionsprefect @princess-geek @queenrileyrose @quixoticdreamer16 @secretaryunpaid @takeharryandgo @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @tveitertotwrites @twinkleallnight @surrenderronnie1 @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks

[allieebobo]

Allieee help I've been researching tennis to build my MC better and now I'm invested this is all your fault >:(

Also, curious: what does the tennis ROs play style look like, like who IRL is the closest to their play style?

First anon: you're the absolute cutest, and I take full and gleeful responsibility.

Second anon: hehe, the french open!! bumping this up because the French open will no longer be in full swing and I wanted to add a side-fangirl squee about Nadal.

Edit: OK so it took me so long that the French open is now over and MY BAE Rafa has done it again ((and whattt a trip that was)). Not even gonna put a spoiler alert because anyone who’s interested should’ve found this out by now. 

Take another obligatory Rafa pic as celebration, because belated Rafa Nadal gushing is apparently part of my brand now. Cheers! 

(P.S. I put the answer after the cut because I expect this level of tennis nerding out might not be for the average joe. feel free to share your theories as well!)

Rayyan is modelled after Nadal - single-track-mind determination, power and grit, aggressive topspin shots from the baseline. Most of all, Rayyan resembles Nadal in that they are both absurdly resilient, both physically and mentally. Both love the clay surface most, because they can pound ball after ball at their opponents in a brutal, punishing rally, and showcase their surprising ability to stay in the game, against all odds. 

Tobin is modelled after Federer - an all-court player with unmatchable grace, finesse, and fluid versatility. I thought it'd be fun for the current no. 1 and no. 2 on the Cargill team to have this cool Nadal-Federer dynamic. Tobin is more-or-less solid on every surface, but like Federer, they do best on grass - with the ball’s slightly more unpredictable bounce, they’re able to hit beautiful winners with staggering variety. 

Sam - Trick shot master, known for their creative showmanship and ability to work a crowd. But beneath their love for improvisation and joking around, there’s substance that people often don’t give them enough credit for. First, there’s the pure racket-wizardry and reflexes (not to mention imaginativeness) that characterises their playing style. Then, (and this one runs deeper) there’s a resilience and stoicism that comes with knowing that life can - and will - throw anything at you, and adapting to it is all one can do. And so, where other players would rage and throw their rackets, Sam would simply take it as it is, and crack a joke.  Someone similar would be Mansour Bahrami, for reasons I touched on briefly here :) 

Deepal, Max, Akimi - Counterpunchers, though Deepal is extremely fast and hence able to use their speed as an offensive weapon, similar to Gaël Monfils, maybe? Akimi is on the extreme end of the defensive spectrum, while Max is generally more unpredictable and leans more towards being a junk-baller - often slipping in a silly shot here or there (or perhaps has simply not grown into a rigid style yet). Both are more similar to Caroline Wozniacki/Chris Evert perhaps (sometimes the latter was described as a “human backboard”). All of them generally prefer clay surfaces, because clay is a little more forgiving, allowing them to drag out the rallies and wear their opponents down (or slide to the ball for unbelievable gets, in Deepal’s case). 

Emerson, Blake - Emerson is a serve and volleyer, very quick to the net, aggressive and eager to end the point early. Sharp reflexes, superb in the air, with sharp smashes and dropshots. There aren’t many pure serve-and-volleyers left in the modern game, but Serena Williams has a similarly powerful serve and usually starts dominating the rally right from the get-go. John McEnroe is another example I guess! Blake is also a serve-and-volleyer, but a far less successful one, with a HUGE serve and good net skills, but not much else to back it up - sometimes, they get caught in front and struggle with passing shots (could be a better player if they had better judgment on when to rush the net). 

Jacks, Lee - Like Tobin, Jacks is an all-court player with relatively well-rounded strengths, but Tobin plays slightly more aggressively, and is more likely to go for winners using their tactics and racket technique, while Jacks prefers to slowly build up a winning position and construct defensive-to-offensive transitions. Pretty functional on all surfaces. I’d say Tommy Haas might be the closest match, especially because Tommy is also considered one of the “best players to have never won a grand slam”, which seems to encapsulate the difference between Jacks and Tobin (at least right now). Similarly, Lee is a well-rounded player with a natural athleticism and sharp tactics. They’re good at reading people, but because their time is stretched too thin as it is (they’re in about three different clubs), they’ve never had much ability to focus solely on tennis.

[creepymarshmallow3]

Sam, what's you're favorite type of dreams and nightmares?

Also you and Ravens dynamic is adorable in friends^^

Who would be Ravens friends or wouldn't?

(so I know who to add to her friend list lol)

Sam:

And about others

Oscar - is quite kind and naive. Among his own, he knows and is friends with Gill, he does not know others except for the stairs. His vulnerability is the wind during flight. Raven - would be able to make friends with him, they could fly together, but the main thing is not to fly high

Simia is my os, she is calm and caring. The disadvantage is that she is hot-tempered if someone distracts her from the case. Among others, she is little known, but she is already familiar with Sam and Oscar, and the rest have already learned from them. Given the shared love of music not with Raven, it will be a great friendship, especially considering Simia's ability to play any person's/trollges favorite music.

Gill - this big guy is slow and clumsy. It is easy to anger him if there is a threat in his, or the side of his forest, like fire (greetings from Pyro) or cutting down trees. He eats animals as well as people, but no other trollges have been noticed. Gill won't pay attention to Raven at first, but then they almost become friends on the level: I can't kill it.

Springs is a pretty crazy and hilarious trollge. He loves jumping and practical jokes, although others don't like them very much. Vulnerability in its springs and the fact that they can get stuck. He already liked Raven after that joke on her, in principle, he will perfectly replace transport around the city given his jumps.

Photographer - this gentleman is very polite and cunning. Few people know about him, even among Trollges. Raven seemed to him a pretty good friend, but the main thing is not to let her be photographed, because he can take away her good memories, and the bad ones will remain. In general, if you are vigilant, he is a very interesting conversationalist.

Fred - this psycho is very active when interacting with him, he is also dangerous. Having no arms, he may fall, but quickly gets up leaning on his head. Almost no one knows about him at all. Raven attracted him with her curiosity, and her kind questions, but as it was said earlier, although he is kind, he is unpredictable, especially with his teeth.

Sharp is a modest man who is afraid of hurting anyone. He tries to be good, even with his appearance. In anger, he is dangerous in the vicinity because of the blade that begins to spin in his chest and cut everyone. He really liked Raven for her kindness, but he is so worried that she will get hurt.

Sam is a sleepy bun. In nightmares, he is more confident and talkative. In life, he is hampered by constant lack of sleep. Everyone knows him because of his way of sleeping anywhere (like a cat). He is kind and harmless in reality, not particularly in nightmares. He liked Raven.

[eevvvaa]

You know what’s coming 😁 Gimme the director’s cut for A Supernatural Journey! Don’t spare any details. I wanna know everything. EVERYTHING! 🖤

Ahahah well get ready for a long-ass answer my friend ! 😁

(Some spoilers if you didn't read A Supernatural Journey)

It all started in 2020, national lockdown and bored as hell. Good times... Anyway, my best friend, Emilie, got the amazing idea to do something creative during that time and that's when I started to actually write fanfictions. At first it was some ‘x reader’ stuff but soon the want to write something about "us" and the two idiots called Sam and Dean appeared ! And in the beginning, the story was supposed to end at the end of the Banshee case : the girls take the road and it leaves an open ending on whether they'd meet them again or not. But after writing this case, I decided to just continue their journey, how they would meet again, how they would interact with them and everyhting 

This fic is the most personal I'll ever write because the girls are freely inspired by myself and my best friend 😶‍🌫️ Some aspects of our personalities are clearly emphasized of course, and most of the situations didn't happen but they "could." And she's the one who reads the chapters before anyone else, she's kind of my beta reader and the situations that appeared and will appear in this story is thanks to her and our actual conversations. When rewatching the show together, we add our little comments on how it would be if we were at the bunker with them, we point at the things that the boys did wrong or the way Sam's feelings and traumas aren't talked about for example or how much I want to cuddle Dean when he's hurting 🥺

That's what this story is about, how us, the actual Eva and Emilie, would act in the supernatural world, how we would comfort them, live with them, annoy them or help them 🙂

The challenge with this series is also to write Emily’s POV, it's a difficult thing to be accurate on what is going on in another person's mind, no matter how close you are to this person. But I think that it also creates a nice contrast between the characters. And I think that maybe it's one of the reasons why some people enjoy this story. The characters are different even if they all have some similarities from time to time and it's one thing that I really love about it too (apart from the fact that it's my own little fantaisie with my fictional boyfriend and my best friend ahah 🙈😂), I love how they are all different and how every relationship has their own dynamic

The love story between Dean and Eva and the one between Sam and Emily is highly different, for example. Eva has never been scared to show her interest in the older brother which is good for Mister Flirty Winchester. But she also deeply loves (just like Dean) which allows her to give him comfort and affectionated touches that he’ll have a hard time accepting (I mean, we know him.) Sam and Emily, on the other hand, are more reserved and fight back their mutual attraction which leads to some awkardness and shyness at the beginning but also creates passionate kisses to relieve some tension, making the beat around the bush situation hard to stop. Both ‘couples’ will obviously have their own difficulties to face (Dean not understanding Eva’s unconditional and genuine love for him or Sam trying to gain Emily’s trust while being scared of her fate himself due to his ‘history’ with women) but I also feel like (and it will be self-centered, I’m sorry, I hate that 🙈) the girls are good matches for them. Emily pushes Sam out of his politeness and self-control by not giving so easily and even though it iritates him, it also makes him want to crack her case even more, to break those walls and protect her himself. On the opposite, Eva’s softness and gentleness give Dean comforts and calm, showing him that not everything has to be fights and harshness, it also allows him to embrace his softer side with her just like Sam will be less in self-control with Emily !

I can’t wait to write what the girls will positively bring to the boys 😅😁

I feel like the girls can bring them joy, happiness, some normality in Sam and Dean’s lives. We don’t see much of the ‘routine’ they have at the bunker or just their social lives and I wanna write about that too, because they aren’t just hunters and I love the episodes where we see them as brothers, you know 😊 I wanna focus on the characters and their relationship with each other (I wanna write more about Cas too, love this little angel 😇) but I wanna keep the story accurate too so I can’t ignore the four of them going on cases and face monsters. It's also a huge challenge to portray the characters the right way, I'm often scared that Sam or Dean aren't accurate because one thing I try to do with this series is to be as "real" as possible. No matter if it's the geographical distances or the way the characters would react, I try to do it right because I want the readers to feel like it could happen, like it could be real

I also know most of what I wanna say in this story, how I want the characters to interact between each other, the development of each one of them, the main events, the problems they’ll have to face and the solutions they will find. I also know where this journey ends. Not everything is clear in my mind and it will be a looooong journey for sure (so I understand if not many people read this story) but I know where I’m going and how. I know what I wanna talk about, I know what I wanna make them go through, I know the lightness I wanna give without forgetting about the dark moments of the Supernatural world. Now the big and difficult thing is to do it right  😅🤞

This story is so personal, people have a glimpse of how I think, feel, am and that’s also one of the reason why I didn’t create other characters. I wanted it to be me, not just a reader point of view and I get that it’s not the favorite fanfictions but I hope that the readers feel the honesty in the characters feelings and reactions because, well, it’s me 😅😬

A Supernatural Journey is my favorite fic that I’ll ever write, I allow myself to be real, honest, to write about anything I want without worrying about people identifying or not, I write about my own fantaisies and my best friend and I love that but it’s also the story that makes me the most nervous. Because I want people to like it just as much as I do and get the visibility that I hope it would have. I offer something really personal with this fic and I think that’s why it makes me the most nervous. If people don’t like the reader, it’s just a reader. But it people don’t like Eva or Emily, it’s obvious that if affects me a bit more 😅😊

Told you it was gonna be long ! 🙈 And I’m sorry because I ended more with a dissertation on how I feel about this story than the story itself ! It’s a bad director’s cut 😂 I hope it wasn’t too long and boring, and if you have a more precise question about the story that I didn’t answer to, feel free to send me an ask ! As you can see, I’m happy to talk about this story 😂

Thank you a lot for asking about this fic ! 🥰

Xoxo, 

Eva 🖤

[helloblobbyblobfish]

SYSTEM MONITOR DEREZZED

The number of people who don't follow the same medias as I but like to see what I write… Thanks guys!

Tron: Evolution is a game set during C. L. U. 2.0 rebellion mentioned in Legacy. Adds some characters and concepts but not much details, the only important thing to mention being the virus called Abraxas. Probably one of the less plot-heavy or plot-relevant things of the full property. 

So, Tron: Evolution… Even by Tron standard (should make a meta commentary about this franchise-wide problem), this game has A LOT of interesting idea and unusual concepts thrown everywhere and never used:

That the program's focus on their directives is seen by some as a sign of their inferiority, by others the reason they are superior; rebellious ISO who are a lot less naïve than what we were told, Abraxas (Spoilers, but seriously. If CLU 2.0 could create a whole identity for a three-helix DNA being the day of the coup but had to wait Uprising to be able to let repurposed program keep the ability to just TALK, let alone still struggle to properly rectify Tron by the time of Legacy, The H**k is Alan's level of skill? That one might be a glaring plot hole, still.), Zuse's motives, Flynn who didn't believe in "basic's" free will but saw CLU as a person capable of growing mentally, etc.

Which leads us to the hero of the game: Anon. Helmet, full mute, even in-universe. The idea seems to be that this system monitor (like Tron) written in a hurry doesn't possess abilities not directly related to his job as Grid security. This and quite a lot of elements I've noticed or realized while reading/watching posts/videos about Evolution are almost earth-shattering for the franchise's themes and lore, but not a single scene to focus on the subject (seems the game was a bit rushed anyway).

Something was brought to my attention by this specific post by @the-system-monitor: https://the-system-monitor.tumblr.com/post/646373242011090945/thoughts

And I had to do something. Because the post also doesn’t fully grasp something about the Anon/Gibson dynamic: Anon doesn't show a single regret killing or even fighting him after Gibson is infected by a virus. Heck, one could argue that the reason why Anon went after Gibson is his purpose of eradicating all infected programs and he saw Abraxas infecting the ISO rather than worry.

I do like to imagine Anon is capable of emotions, but I was intrigued by the idea of a program who only thinks by his programming with no emotion, because it's so out of place in the franchise's style and internal logic. Plus, it would be compelling to try to write an emotionless POV character. Haven't done that in years.

So, here came this AU and ficlet. Hope you will enjoy it.

I own nothing. Tron is a Disney property.

Recompliling Program...

Importing backup….

The Grid. Living again.

Scanning surroundings for threats…

“Hum? Hello? We’re here, Mysterious System Monitor!”

“Be more respectful of him! He… He saved my life.”

Combat posture engaged. “Hey! hey! Hey! Hey! Calm down!”

A User? Better disengage, in case he feels the need to derezzes a rebellious program.

Protect the Users.

New sub-directives discovered. Kevin_Flynn must have tried to copy Tron’s programming during conception.

New objective: Discover what happened to CLU and The Grid since derezzing.

Internal clock reveals over 12000 cycles have happened since derezzing.

This program is feeling... shock.

“Are you okay? Anon, is it?”

ISO intruding in personal space. Have to step back to have the room to grab the disc without being stopped if need be.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him talk. I wonder how Flynn, your father, Sam, not you, programmed him. He always had an approach… I would say ‘robotic’, by users terms.”

A group of programs is around the ISO and the User. Scanning.

1)Male Mechanic program.

Defensive abilities: agility

Weaknesses: none

Notes: Seems extremely well-trained. Has adopted a System Monitor defensive stance. To be surveilled.

2)Female Combattant program

Defensive abilities: none

Weaknesses: Corrupted disks

Notes: Detecting traces of Medic program codes, that seems to have been abandoned in favor of becoming a Combat program. Is this possible?

Secondary objective: Learn how a basic program could change directives.

“What is he doing?”

“Shhh, Sam! He must be confused! Oh, how could I have missed his utter lack of expression ability during C.L.U’s coup?!? I’m feeling like such an idiot!” The User is immediately at her side, hugging her.

The Combatant program is murmuring to the Mechanic. What is she doing? Is she attempting to bribe him?

Analysis of her body language… Enhancing hearing to listen to her better…

Result… She is flirting. Nothing to notice.

Detecting a fifth program in the vicinity.

  Scanning for threat level…

Tron

Status: corrupted codes

Defensive abilities: Light Shielding, Unique programming making him more resistant and hit stronger. Extreme agility in recorded memory. Might have been weakened by the corruption.

Weaknesses: Stasis disc. Might be destabilized by injecting a second type of corrupted data with the corruption disc.

Tron might be too powerful to take on, but he is a danger to the Grid.

Goodbye, Tron.

“What is he doing?!!?” The Mechanic program is immediately defending him. Those movements… He was trained by Tron. Need to get away to planify a better attack strategy.

The ground’s coding is being modified by the User. Tentacles restraining… What should System Monitor Anon use to refer to itself?

Coding malfunction detected… Impossible to self-diagnostique.

“It is my coding, Sam_Flynn. He considered our previous working relationship less important than his programming.”

The Mechanic program is trying to… Analysis... comfort Tron: “Tron. I know you’re feeling guilty with everything you did as Rinzler, but this wasn’t you. Okay?” His face softens in a sign of.... Support?

Was Tron turned into a Virus like the ISO Jalen?

He needs to be derezzed for the safety of the grid, if so.

“I’m sorry”, the User’s voice, Sam_Flynn, unknown connection to Kevin_Flynn, comes from the back. Engaging 360° view. He is approaching the disc.

Protect your disc or your programming will be modified.

“Oh boy. I’m, I’m sorry. My dad seems to have written you off in haste. I will try to do something about it. Tron is getting repairs, but all those cycles of being infected by Malwares and other things make the process slow.“

“Don’t worry. I won’t derezzes you. But you need to focus on the Grid Bugs and the infighting amongst the remaining commanders of C.L.U’s army.” The combattant program flinch. Spy? Traitor? For whom? How to warn the User and the ISO if she’s a danger? Wait, the disc!

The User quickly puts it back in the support, but…

New programming detected… Engaging Sleep Mode during the reboot process...

-

Originally, I wanted to sprinkle in moments that showed Anon being able to detect wherever a program is currently being killed and by who, but it would have been horrendous to name everyone and he never showed this ability in canon, so I dropped it. I also didn’t expect the story to get so dark with the question of HOW could Anon act that way during the game and how unable to empathize with others he is. The latter point should have been the most obvious thing, but I guess it’s in the franchise’s coding to write something and realize the mere concept is existential dread..

[pinknatural]

may i get... more info about the shitty hunter!john winchester hunting with sam and dean bc i am intrigued

sam & dean are inclined to let john lead the hunt as he is their father but they pretty quickly realize this man is a fucking idiot

(remember that john didn't think vampires were still real. had never encountered a shapeshifter or werewolf. etc)

i desperately want the case to be a demon case john ends up watching sam and dean just absolutely demolish these demons and he stares like :O

sam and dean are the best hunters in america if not the world and john was some guy nobody liked who stayed out of the hunting community and his only hunting "friend" only tolerated him cause he wanted to steal his children & take better care of them. so i just think that dynamic would be interesting!

i think john thinks he's a good hunter which adds some awkwardness

sam & dean have a whispered conversation outside the motel room where they argue about telling john he sucks

[cdroloisms]

vegas team 2.0 lets go !!

vegas team au 2.0 my beloved !!! 

if you don’t know what the vegas team au 2.0 is, it’s an au that a couple of my twitter friends and i developed (notably, @stabbysideblog and @dreamsclock) as a post-canon version of sparrow’s vegas team au, which had c!dream, a post-revival c!wilbur, and c!quackity working together at las nevadas. 

this au exists much in the same vein, but exists post-canon (and therefore, post torture from c!quackity) and adds c!sam to the crew - it’s essentially four really, really messed up people screwing things up in las nevadas and being completely AWFUL to each other. it’s a very messed up group dynamic, 50% angst 50% crack 0% fluff or healing (...unless ;) ) and it’s absolutely one of my favorite aus at the moment. 

anyway, have this ficlet for the au i wrote a little bit ago that basically goes into how these four end up working together !! 

tw: implied torture, unhealthy relationships (SO many unhealthy relationships), manipulation, threats, emotional distress, mental instability

When Sam first sees the two figures standing on top of the roof of Las Nevadas, the first thing that comes to his mind is oh no, I have a bad feeling about this.

The feeling is far from foreign; a "bad feeling" has been his life for the past week ever since Dream and Wilbur had disappeared from Pandora's Vault seemingly without a trace. He's tried to keep the knowledge under wraps, only telling Bad and Ant to send them on a manhunt to find the prisoner (a lost cause if he's ever seen one; the two have hunted Dream before, and all of them know that there is no way they're finding the man if he doesn't want to be found) while he and Quackity plan for the coming storm. And there will be a coming storm, he's sure - he's heard enough of Dream's desperate, deranged plans of revenge voiced in near incoherent screams through bubbling lava to think that he will come out of the cell with anything close to mercy in his heart.

Unfortunately, there's been little to nothing from the pair of fugitives running around the server, his communicator chat still buzzing with Tommy's usual shouting and Puffy's usual invitations to tea and Technoblade's usual cryptic "technoblade" messages sporadically throughout the day. It's frustratingly, maddeningly normal, and each day of waiting for the other shoe to drop only leaves him even closer to snapping completely. In a twisted, bitter sort of way, he's almost relieved at the sight of the people standing on the polished quartz roof of the casino; at least now he'll finally get some answers.

Next to him, Quackity narrows his eyes. "Nobody should know about this place," he says, lips twisting into a tight frown.

Sam shrugs, shoulders heavy and tense under netherite. "Do you think-"

"-that it's our dynamic fuckin' duo? Yeah," he breathes out, short and quick through his teeth, and his wings stretch and flutter behind him, "I think it might be."

The figures become clearer as they step closer, silhouettes dark and thrown into harsh relief against the backlighting of the sun behind them. One of them is definitely wearing armor - netherite, from the looks of it - and both are very clearly armed. Wonderful.

The taller turns towards them, gestures with a wide sweep of their arm. "Big Q!"

Sam jumps at the voice; Quackity smiles humorlessly. "Wilbur."

Wilbur turns towards the other figure - Dream, for sure then - and they seem to talk, though they are far too far away for Sam to make out anything they say. Dream seems to hand something to Wilbur, and seconds later twin dots of bluish-green arc smoothly towards the ground in front of Sam's feet. He steps back, watching from the corner of his eye as Quackity does the same, and sure enough Wilbur, and then Dream, land on the grass where their enderpearls hit the ground.

"It's been a long time, Big Q, Sam," Wilbur smiles, tight-lipped, confident, tipping his head at each of them as he says their names. He's not wearing any armor save for a crossbow - enchanted - slung loosely over his hip and a netherite sword hanging off of his belt. "How have things been?"

"Cut the crap, Wilbur." The smile stays on Quackity's face, but his eye is dark and cold and dangerous. He's changed - of course he has, you can't do what he's done in Pandora without changing, but the sight of his expression still sends a disturbed shiver down Sam's spine. "You want something."

Wilbur, to his credit, doesn't seem fazed at all. "We've been doing pretty well - I think we've made quite some progress, considering how little time it's been since we've escaped that prison - nice build, by the way, Sam." His voice is lilting, almost sincere, and he looks over at Sam with a laughing light in his eyes like they're sharing an inside joke. "It's really quite impressive - what do you think, Dream?"

Dream doesn't seem to respond; he's all decked out again, netherite covering him from head to toe, the enchanted metal plates completely dwarfing the man hidden within them. His hands clutch at a golden apple, knuckles white against the golden skin, and a plain shield is strapped over his left arm as well a hulking enchanted axe on his back. They've been busy, it seems, and Sam's teeth grind against each other; he's not sure, if it comes down to it, that this is a fight that he and Quackity can win.

"Wilbur," Quackity repeats, impatience creeping into his tone, "What do you want?"

Wilbur smiles wider; it makes Sam uneasy, like Wilbur had been waiting for this, waiting for their desperation to send them at the devil's table with paper in one hand and a pen in the other.

"You're a businessman, aren't you, Big Q? You know how business deals work - so let's talk business. I think we can come up with something agreeable, what do you think?"

Quackity huffs a short laugh- "And what's stopping me and Sam from putting a sword through your gut?"

Wilbur smiles, sharp-edged. "Well, Big Q. Resurrection magic- it's quite interesting, really. Dream was explaining it to me, you know. And here's the thing; how many lives do you think I have right now?"

What- oh. "You have all of your lives back."

"Oh, no, Sam, I'm not saying that, exactly," Wilbur waves his hand flippantly, "I'm just saying you don't know, you know? And if I were to- say, have more than one life, and you were to kill me, well," he shrugs, a thoughtful look on his face. "We were smart enough to set our beds far away from the prison, of course. It would be an awful shame if people were to find out about what the perfect, responsible Warden was allowing in his inescapable prison, wouldn't it?"

No, no, no-

"So you're blackmailing us," Quackity's eyebrows are furrowed, jaw clenched tightly. Wilbur tips his head back and laughs.

"Oh, this isn't a threat, Big Q! Just a few- let's just call them hypotheticals." He begins to pace back and forth, gait smooth and unburdened, "I'm just saying that you two are powerful right now, you know? And it's great! I love this- what was it, Las Nevadas, you're calling it? It's great. It's absolutely magnificent. I'm just saying that you might want to be careful about what people end up finding out; you know people can be about power, on this server, and it would be such a shame to see this place burned to the ground."

Quackity's wings tense, and Sam can already see the younger's mouth opening and his fingers beginning to glow white with him reaching into his inventory, and oh prime if things escalate here then they're so, so screwed-

"Business!" He shouts louder than he wants, Quackity's head snapping towards him, lips still slightly parted from the words that he never got to say, and Sam ignores him to focus his attention on Wilbur, still staring at them with a smile playing on his lips. "You said you would be willing to talk business, right, Wilbur?"

"Yes, of course! Let's talk business. What do you think, Quackity?" Wilbur pauses, looks Quackity in the eye, and the younger glares but doesn't say anything. "Oh, don't worry too much, Big Q. I honestly think that it'll be good for all of us - a mutually beneficial arrangement, if you will."

"Wilbur, just," Sam sighs, fights against the incoming headache. "Can you please just get to the point?"

"Of course, Sam," Wilbur all but chirps, "So- we have something you want, and you have something we want. I say we pool our resources- our knowledge, Dream's combat prowess, your protection and items - and make something better."

"Pool our resources- wait wait wait, you mean you want to fuckin'-"

"I don't know how much Dream has told you, but I've been dead for a pretty long time; there really isn't all that much to do in the Void, you know. I've gotten pretty bloody good at cards, if I do say so myself." Wilbur grabs Dream, ignoring the way he flinches as he slings an arm around his shoulders, "What do you say? Have room in Las Nevadas for two more, Big Q?"

Sam blinks. Prime, give him strength. "What?"

Quackity hisses quietly, "You want to help with Las Nevadas? Both of you?" Sam watches as he turns his glare from Wilbur to Dream, and oh, so that's what this is about. He points his thumb jerkily in the direction of the masked man, watching, as Dream ducks his head down, unable to back away too far with Wilbur's arm still braced behind his neck. "And why should I work with him?"

"Two in one deal, Quackity, you have both of us or nothing at all," Wilbur drawls, "Besides, I know you've wanted the power of the resurrection book - and done quite a lot to get it! I'm really very impressed. Of course, we couldn't simply give it to you, but with us on your side, there's hardly even a difference." Quackity opens his mouth, looking like he's about to protest- "And, really, it would be nice to have Dream on your side in case the Blade comes for your other eye, no?"

His mouth shuts with an audible click, one-eyed glare meeting Wilbur's all-too easy expression, before finally nodding jerkily. "Fine. As long as he doesn't cause too much trouble."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Wilbur claps Dream on the back, and he curls into himself more, arms raising up to his head. "You've done more than enough to keep him obedient."

"We'll have to write out the terms later," Quackity presses on. "Don't want either of you trying anything. I've put so much fuckin' time into this place, I'm not letting you fuck it up, you hear?"

"Of course, Big Q," Wilbur's smile is jagged, all teeth, as he holds his arm out between them. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

Quackity breathes in, out, looks over at Sam. There's a question written in the tight edge of his shoulders, in the way his wings are braced and held to his sides - are we sure about this?

Sam tips his head in a shallow nod. Do we really have a choice?

Quackity takes Wilbur's hand, shakes it. "Then welcome to the team."

Wilbur laughs, and it sounds like flames and explosions and the ground shaking beneath your feet, burns with the cold heat of smoke and ash - and Sam knows, with a bitter, searing certainty, that this is going to collapse around them in a blaze of glory, that they've all but signed their death warrants, have nothing left but to wait for the countdown timer to hit zero and blow this place up to kingdom come. Wilbur meets his eyes - dark, dead, grey like cinders and gunpowder - and he knows that the other man is thinking the same thing.

"I think this is the start to something beautiful," Wilbur says, and Sam grits his teeth as he steps into the building.

Something beautiful, indeed.

[egoludes]

let me come home: two.

Summary: After years at a dead-end job shouldering everyone’s expectations for you but your own, you’re finally free to be whoever you want, go wherever you want. That is, until a series of unfortunate events strand you in Amber’s End, where the sheriff – and notoriously unmated pack alpha – decides to take you in.

Pairings: alpha!Steve Rogers x omega!Reader; side alpha!Bucky Barnes x beta!Sam Wilson

Notes: Wowowow - I don’t even want to count how many months it’s been, but we are finally back in business! I can’t thank you all enough for the love you showed on the first chapter of this and I am beyond excited to share this and hear what you think. Big reminder from the last chapter that parts one and two are all about setting the stage for Steve and our lovely reader. So,  this is more or less 5k of more background. But, I really loved introducing Bucky, Sam, and Nat (Bucky especially because he’s going to be huge here!) and hope you enjoy them too. Especially my Heat Wave readers - mechanic!Bucky returns! And I promise parts three and four will be extra juicy to make up for it. Divider credit goes to @writeyourmindaway​!

Chapter warnings: Werewolf AU, A/B/O dynamics, incredibly basic knowledge of cars that is probably incorrect

The drive to Steve’s home is short: five minutes from the diner to the base of a wooded hill, another ten to reach the peak. You follow him up a slanted stretch of road with eyes trained on his tail lights, but there are moments when your gaze strays. Sunset lingers on either side of you, framing the forest in a pretty glow. The blend of deep orange and soft pink is hard to look away from, even when you know you should be focused elsewhere, and you make your way to the top in that dizzying in-between. 

When you finally come to a stop, it’s on a patch of paved road - a welcome change to the gravel before it - in front of a large wooden cabin. Behind you, the town’s spread out in a panorama, spanning for what feels like an eternity. You can see everything from here: the humble spread of Main Street; the blues and greens of the Hummingbird; and finally, the mountains, majestic and steady beyond that.

It’s the perfect place for the pack’s alpha to be and, coincidentally, has been the home of Rogers alphas for three generations now.

That lived in feel is the first thing you notice when you make it inside. The structure is sturdy, hasn’t so much as gnarled over the years. The decor, on the other hand, is dated. Doilies on some surfaces and beer coasters on others, there are hints of Steve and the alphas who came before him throughout. Still, it’s cozy, and you say as much in an appreciative hum as you pull your bag off your shoulder. 

The first floor is all open space, and you can see most of it from your spot in the foyer. It doesn’t take long for Steve to situate you - sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, and master bedroom — before leading you towards the stairs. The walls along the staircase are full of memory; pictures of him and his loved ones that catch your eye as you ascend. You don’t have time to linger now, but make a point to look them over before you go. He’s piqued your interest too much not to be a little nosy.

The second floor, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as wide as the first. There are three doors in the whole hallway, two on either side with the third directly in front of you. He identifies each as the guest room, the storage room, and a study in that order, though he’s careful to call out that no one’s used the study in a long time. 

There’s a story there, you’re sure, but any interest in it leaves when Steve presses the guest bedroom door open. The bed inside is too big for the room, one side even touching the walls. And like the rest of the house, it’s decorated in a way that reminds you of your grandmother; a quaintness that’s endearing on a man like Steve. But, as out of place as things might be, there’s an undeniable comfort walking into that room. Steve smiles when he smells it on you -- that cinnamon-sweet rise of contentment as you sink down on the bed at his behest.

“It’s a short tour,” he admits, leaning against the doorjamb, “but this is about it. You’re welcome to anything in the kitchen if you get hungry again tonight or before you go tomorrow. I’m usually up early, so in case I don’t see you, enjoy the rest of your trip. Take care of yourself.” 

It’s new to you, how easily people can offer such genuine acts of care. He hardly knows you, yet there’s no doubt that he means what he says. The thought of it makes you return that thoughtful smile. “Thank you, Steve - you’re seriously a lifesaver.”

With a final smile, he leaves you to it, shutting the door behind him.

At the click, you settle further into the bed, toeing your shoes off and sifting through your bag for house clothes and a towel. Your travels so far have been an adventure, to say the least. Just a few months ago, you’d been working a stressful entry-level job on Wall Street. Pressed skirts, sharp teeth, the days were full of routine, but not the kind that’s pleasant. Everything was uncertainty and fleeting gratification as you competed, day after day, for a seat at the table. 

Add to that the constant nagging from your family to find a mate  — the endless string of blind dates, the passive-aggressive mentions of other friends’ announcements; it’s a wonder you’d endured it all as long as you had.

The decision to quit had been a long time coming. The decision to leave was a whim - the first you’d had in a long time. It was freeing to even be able to make the choice and the lack of commitment only grew more intoxicating from there. You feel freer, less suffocated, and so does your wolf  — it’s a change you’d desperately needed.

That feeling is what follows you into the shower as you wash away the day, and back to bed in your loose pjs. As you settle in, you have to stop yourself from sighing out loud. The mattress is as tender as a cloud, molding to your body at every point, and after weeks of motel beds (and the back of your Jeep), you fall headfirst into that comfort. Sleep comes fast and stays put.

                                                       ----

When you wake in the morning, the world is quiet. It’s a long way from New York’s chaos and you bask in it, eagerly at that. The sun filtering in through the window above you leaves kaleidoscope patterns on the sheets. Your hand moves to trace them for a bit, thumb to fractured color, until you’re awake enough to focus your ear to the house. 

Like outside, Steve’s cabin is tranquil, not even a hint of the alpha’s presence. Given his warning the night before, it isn’t surprising, but you’re still a little disappointed. You’d hoped to repay him for his kindness somehow — maybe with breakfast, or whatever change you could spare. But, you’ll settle for what you can get: you make a mental note to try and catch him at his office before you leave town.

Weeks on the road have made your morning routine as efficient as it gets. So once you’re completely up, you’re out the door not long after, a slice of buttered toast between your teeth to get your system going. You find your car where you left it at the end of Steve’s drive and you approach with a bounce in your step, all thanks to the night of comfortable sleep. 

Maybe you ought to grab Steve a fruit basket before you stop by.

You’re racking your memory of Main Street for bakeries or something close when you settle into the driver’s seat. But, gratitude towards Steve quickly becomes the last thing on your mind when you try to start your Jeep and get nothing but a grinding sound. It isn’t promising, but you try it again, only to get even less response before the car dies altogether. 

You groan out loud, head dropping to the steering wheel while your shoulders sink in defeat. It was inevitable, really - it’s been years since you inherited the car from your older sister and it was only through a slew of band-aid fixes that it made it this far. 

Still, the timing can’t be any worse; you don’t have a schedule to meet, but it isn’t much of a road trip if you can’t make it on the road. You fish your cell out of your jacket pocket, hoping that your service has somehow improved between last night and this morning. But, you only have a couple bars - finicky connection at best - so, you head back into Steve’s home where you’re certain you’d noticed a landline. 

When you find it, you also come across a phone book --- not the newest edition, but recent enough. The list of mechanics in the area isn’t long, so you thumb in the first number you see. The phone rings only twice before someone picks up. 

“Barnes Garage?”

“Hi,” you start, perking up at the quick answer, “I just tried to start my car and it’s not working. It made this weird sound at first, then when I tried again, it just died.”

The man on the other end hums and you can hear paper rustling in the background like he’s taking notes. “Alright, we can send someone out right now to tow you in and take a look - what’s your address?”

“I don’t...actually know,” you admit, face hot from embarrassment when he goes silent. You must sound ridiculous. “I’m not from around here, so I’m just staying with someone. I’m not sure about the address.” 

A chuckle rises from him that eases your shame just a bit. “Alrighty. Well, it’s a small town  — tell me who you’re stayin’ with and I’m sure between the three of us here, we’ll know where to find ‘em.”

There’s a part of you that’s skeptical of that; but for a town so small and a pack so close-knit, maybe it’s possible. “Uh, sure. I stayed with Steve Rogers  — the sheriff?”

The line goes silent again, this time so prolonged you think the call dropped. Then, the mechanic speaks up and you can almost swear he’s smiling. “No shit. I know exactly where that is, I can be there in fifteen? Maybe twenty? That work for you?”

“Well, I won’t be going anywhere, so that works perfectly.”

                                                        ----

The mechanic manages the trip in ten, when you glance out the window at the sound of an engine to see a dark blue tow truck stalking up Steve’s driveway. You come out to greet it just as the man driving climbs out and nearly gasp. He’s as handsome as Steve had been: piercing blue eyes, an angled, stubble-lined face, and deep brown hair gathered at his nape. There’s something familiar about him you can’t seem to place, but it’s out of sight and out of mind when he closes the distance with a wide smile. “Well, hi there -- ‘m Bucky. Spoke to you on the phone.” You give him your name, to which he nods. “So, I’ll get your car down to the shop and we’ll take a look, see if we can’t fix you up today. You wanna come with me, or you staying at Stevi -- uh, Steve’s for the day?”

You shake your head . “Nah, I can come with - I was planning to head out of town today anyway, so I’m hoping I can just head out from your garage.”

“Hop on in then.”

The ride with Bucky is surprisingly warm. He’s not exactly talkative, but he’s engaging; asking questions where he needs to, humming out his interest when he doesn’t. You get so settled into the flow of quiet radio and chatter that you don’t realize you’ve made it to his shop until the truck comes to a full stop. 

Barnes Garage sits at the corner of some of Amber’s End’s quieter streets. The large lot outside has a few cars parked with a path between them for new ones to be driven into the workshop. Bucky’s pulled your Jeep right into that path, though he’s stopped halfway between the curb and the garage building. “It’ll take me maybe a half hour to really dig in --- you can stick around or explore, it’s up to you, but I’ll let you out here.”

You climb out with a nod, thanking him before nodding towards the streets behind you. “I’ll probably head out - grab a few more things before I go. See you in thirty?” 

For the second time in as many days, you’re exploring Main Street, this time with an eye out for the stores you didn’t visit the day before. There aren’t many, to be frank, so after the first few, you take to stopping in on some of the people you’ve met already. They seem surprised to see you again, but take advantage of your presence to tell you more about themselves, the town, their wares. 

You realize quickly that none of the stories about Amber’s End really do it justice. It’s quainter than what you’re used to, sure, but there’s so much history there. It’s romantic almost - like the first turn of an old book or light filtering into a tea shop. 

You think you’ll miss it when you leave, even if just for a little while.

When you get back to the shop, you’re a few souvenirs richer and have something nice to give Steve on your way out of town as well. Bucky is sitting at a computer - the model recognizably old but reliable like the rest of the town. He perks up at the sight of you, already waving before you make it all the way in the door and pull your scarf from around your face. “So,” he starts, walking to your car with a hand under his chin. “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news.”

You grimace. “Ok --- good news first.”

“Well, I know what’s wrong with the car. The starter motor,” he taps a finger on the hood over the spot where the part lives, “is out. Completely done. But, we can get a part delivered here to get you back on the road.”

“Okay,” you eye him suspiciously. “Then, what’s the bad news?”

“Lookin’ at the places we get our parts from, they’re all outta stock for the model you’ve got. The soonest the part could be here is in a month, and even that might be generous with all the storms lately.” As if pre-empting your shock, he hands over an invoice to confirm it.

Seeing it written out, plain as day, makes you grimace. Staying anywhere for a whole month (or more) had never been in the cards; but, there’s no way you can afford a new car either - you were just barely making it through with the money you’ve budgeted as is. You take a long, hard look at the estimate Bucky’s handed you before taking a deep breath to gather your thoughts. “Okay,” you start slowly, “so how does this work? If I decide to wait for the part.”

He gestures to the door behind you that leads to the lot from earlier. “We have a reserve lot - it’s where we keep all the cars that are waiting on a part for service. I’d keep your car here - free of charge - until the part comes, then we fix ‘er up. You’d pay for the part now and the fix later, when we call you to make sure it all looks good.”

You nod, glancing up from the sheet briefly before looking back at the part expense. It isn’t bad in the grand scheme of things - certainly cheaper than a used car that’ll just give up on you in a few months anyway. But, it will be a good chunk of what you’d set aside for your trip and if you’re staying put for the month, there’s no way you can afford to do it without really settling in. Job and all. “Okay - let’s do it.”

“Sounds good.” Bucky’s eyes are full of sympathy as he watches you; from what little you’d told him in the ride over, being stuck in one place is the last thing you wanted right now. “You want me to get you to Steve? He’ll have some good ideas for what you can do next.”

The nervous knots that’ve been building since the conversation started uncoil some at the mention of the other Alpha, though you try your best to ignore it with another nod to Bucky. “That would be great.”

                                                       ----

The sheriff’s station is small but busy when you walk in. Bucky trails ahead of you, walking with purpose that surprises you. At first, you chalk it up to the town being so small  — maybe there’s an open door policy for the residents. But, then you notice the way deputies and junior deputies let him by without even batting an eye. The ones who do simply nod, offering a smile while Bucky walks right past them and reception into Steve’s open office door. 

“Buck?” You can hear ahead of him. “What are you doing here..?” It dawns on you then that they must know each other; intimately, judging by the nickname and the pure ease that Bucky has as he maneuvers the station.

You hesitate to interrupt their moment, but Bucky’s response to Steve’s question is to angle himself so you can be seen from behind him. That’s when Steve notices you and you wave with a sheepish smile. “He brought me, actually - my car’s broken down and I don’t think I’ll be able to leave for a bit. I wanted to make sure you knew before you came home and found me still there…”

Your presence brings Steve to his feet and you notice that he’s in his sheriff’s uniform for the first time. Somehow, he seems more comfortable in it than the casual wear you’ve seen him in so far, but there’s no denying that he looks just as good. “Hey -- you don’t have to worry about that, I wouldn’t just kick you out. I’m sorry to hear about the car, though - anything I can do to help?” 

“Unless there’s a way the local sheriff’s office can put a little muscle on an auto-parts dealer,” you tease, drawing a snort from Bucky beside you, “I think I’m okay. I’m hoping we can talk more about where I should stay when you get back, though?” 

“Sounds good to me.”

With your big news out in the open, you turn on your heel to leave, but pause as another thought strikes you. “Actually, one thing I could use some help with: know of anyone hiring?”

Steve’s face turns pensively and you can see his mind working for an answer. “Not that I can think of, no…,” he offers, a little remorse in his tone, “but you know what? Most places are willin’ if you know who to talk to. How about Bucky take you around? See what you find?”

After giving his instructions to a suspiciously enthusiastic Bucky, Steve turns his attention back to you. You expect to see pity, but there’s nothing there but genuine concern. You feel a little warmth from it, like you’re protected just by standing in front of him, and wonder if this is how everyone in his pack must feel. “I’ll be back late today, so you can feel free to eat without me. Bucky will take care of you until then and help you talk to some folks about a job. You call me if you need me.” He brandishes a business card from a holder on his desk and pencils his cell number on the back before handing it over. “If you’re still awake when I get in, we can talk about your living situation. Otherwise, settle in for one more night and we’ll talk in the morning.”

                                                       ----

Over the rest of the day, Bucky takes you to a few shops with vacancies: pharmacy, market, the doctor’s office. Nothing seems to strike a chord for you, though, and you start to grow dejected, anticipating yet another job you have to work  out of necessity.

Then, Bucky pulls into the gravel lot of a tavern.

Widow’s Den is the name carved in large wooden blocks over the front door, and despite the afternoon hour, there are a few cars parked in front of it. When you duck inside, a group of older men and women sit, talking over beers.

A tall, broad man is working the bar, his laughter booming over a pop song you haven’t heard in years. Beside you, Bucky beams, scent thickening at the sight, and you realize quickly that this must be the person behind the ring on his left hand and the soft pink mark on the right side of his neck. His mate. It’s adorable to see — this charismatic alpha unraveled at one glimpse of the man he loves. 

“Babe,” Bucky chimes for the bartender’s attention as you approach the bartop. Not that he needs to, though; it’s obvious in the way his scent spikes that he’s long since noticed Bucky’s presence and you nearly coo at that too. “Nat in the back?”

“Yeah,” he responds, not looking your way yet as he finishes pouring a drink. “Doing inventory, I think.” Once the drink’s delivered, he offers his full attention and that’s when he notices you. “Who’s this?”

Bucky grins, smile taking on a boyish quality as he slings an arm around your shoulders. “New girl, looking for a job. Her car’s in the shop with me now, so she’s staying with our lovely sheriff until it gets fixed up.” 

The bartender’s intrigue is immediate, eyes widening before he grins slyly — as if privy to a secret you’re not — and folds arms over his chest. The pose accentuates the corded muscle along his arms and chest and you have to stop yourself from sighing. Is there anyone in this town that isn’t woefully in shape? “You’re kiddin'. With Steve?” You have more questions than you know what to do with, but there’s no time to think about asking one when his hand is thrust your way. “Well, then, nice to meet you, girlie. I’m Sam.” 

The smile he offers you is welcoming, and you forget about the odd focus on your staying with Steve (it isn’t even official yet!) to accept his hand. When you share your name in return, the smile widens and he tips his head towards the stretch of hallway by the other end of the bar. “Head on back to talk to Nat -- Bucky can show you the way.”

The brunet rests a hand to your back, pausing only to give Sam a quick kiss over the bar before he takes you towards the back hallway. The vibe in this half of the building is noticeably different. Homey, like the staircase at Steve’s cabin. You recognize many of the same faces in these pictures as the ones back at Steve’s. Bucky’s against Sam’s shoulder, Steve head and shoulders over the rest. There are a few where he’s even bare faced, looking eons younger than he does now, but not a smidgen less intense, and you work out easily that they’ve all been friends for some time, maybe even since puphood.

It’s admirable to you, maybe even enviable too. You have friends from that age as well, but the unforgiving pace of city life had made it hard to stay close. The smiles in the bar’s pictures, in comparison, speak to nothing but growing bonds, year after year.

You can’t help but smile too.

“This way.” Bucky’s voice brings you out of your thoughts and into a half-cracked doorway. The room is cluttered, stacked with boxes and bottles. And in the center of the chaos is a woman with striking red hair, pulled up and out of her face. Her aura holds a candle to Steve’s; far-reaching, imposing, and immediate. There’s no mistaking her as anything but an Alpha, and when her eyes leave the clipboard she’s holding to focus on you instead, you struggle against the instinctive need to bow into yourself. But, years of Wall Street’s brutal pace (that cares very little for rank) steel you. You see something akin to amusement flash in her eyes when you meet her gaze head-on.

“What did I tell you about bringing in strays, James?” Her tone is level, but the words have no real bite. You look up at Bucky warily still, who reassures you with a little smile.

“This one’s not a stray --- not really, anyway.” He loops an arm around your shoulder again and you can tell the familiarity intrigues Nat. “She’s new in town - staying for a month or two until I can get her car squared up, so we’re hopin’ to find her a place to work.”

“Just a couple? That’s not a long time --- I mean, by the time you get settled in, you’re gonna be out of here.” A valid concern; one that the other shop owners had shared when Bucky told them your predicament. There isn’t much you can say to ease the worry, but it turns out you don’t have to. Nat turns the rest of the way to set her scrutinizing gaze on you properly and the look compels you to stay put; almost as if you’re presenting yourself to her. A stretch of silence sets in and the longer it goes, the more convinced you are that she’s about to reject you outright. Then, she clicks her tongue. “Hm. We don’t need much right now, but I could throw you a couple bucks if you want to help us bus tables or something. This is the only spot to really drink in town, so we could always use the help on busy nights.”

You’re so relieved you could kiss her, but you don’t need superhuman instinct to know that would not go well. You settle instead for a wide smile, the sort that’s contagious to the Alphas in the room who start beaming with you. “That would work for me!”

“Good,” she grins, setting her clipboard aside to cross her arms, “now to celebrate our new arrival.”

                                                       ----

You spend the rest of the day at Widow’s Den, getting to know Sam, Bucky, and Natasha over glasses of their best liquor. They confirm your suspicion that they’ve known each other for some time: Steve and Bucky are lifelong friends, brought together by a schoolyard fight started by a Steve who wasn’t even half the other boys’ heights. Meanwhile, Sam and Natasha came into the fray during high school years, transfers from their deep South and Russian hometowns respectively. But, they folded into the fabric of the boyhood duo easily and had been a foursome ever since.

You still don’t know where Sam and Bucky’s relationship turned romantic, but there’s an ease there that makes you guess it has been a while. Natasha, like you, is unmarked, but it’s rare for Alphas to do that anyway. You’re curious to learn more about her in particular. 

As time moves on, the bar fills more and more and you get a glimpse of what your life will be like for the next few weeks. The crowd is certainly diverse - people of all ages filing in with friends or on their own. In an odd way, there’s two bars existing in one - young and old, energetic chatter and introspective talk. 

By the time you leave, you’re a little tipsy and Bucky guides you out with a hand on your back. So far, you haven’t come across any other omega in their circle, and you wonder if his constant touch is a result of that instinct to protect you. The conversation on the ride back to Steve’s flows more freely now that you’ve spent so much time together and when he drops you off, he surprises you with an offer for a hug. When he glimpses that surprise, he laughs. “None of that now - you’ll be seeing a lot of me from now on, so we’re friends, sweetheart.” 

You laugh and step into his arms - you suppose he’s right.

                                                       ----

It’s near one in the morning when Steve finally comes home. His midnight patrol had been as uneventful as usual ---- a blessing, he thinks, considering how distracted he’d been during the run. His wolf is restless, agitated by the thought of this new omega being around longer than expected. He found his thoughts trailing to her during his time in the woods, particularly as he passed the quarry he’d found her in, and there was an eagerness to find out how the rest of the day with Bucky had gone.

He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a little nervous. His friend, dear as he is, can be a handful, even for him. 

When he comes in, he’s shocked to find you still awake in the living room, a mug of what smells like herbal tea in your hand as you flip through a book from his shelf. You look up at him from the book, a dopey smile to your face, and that’s when the other, underlying smell on you hits. Alcohol --- something woody that’s familiar. He guesses Bucky must’ve taken you to Widow’s Den, which would explain why you’re still up at this time.

“Hey,” he speaks up, nodding at you, “couldn’t sleep?”

You shake your head, book forgotten as you cradle your tea with your other hand. “It’s been a busy night - still a bit wired!” 

Fair, he thinks. “Tell me about it - did it go well with Buck?”

You start to ramble about the day - the places you tried, the time at Widow’s Den, the offer from Nat you ultimately accepted. He tries not to tense too visibly, but he can’t hide the way his scent sharpens the way it often does when an Alpha is on edge. He can see the impact it has on you instantly; the way your excitement slows and your eyes dart to try and pick out what caused it.

He reassures you - or does his best to - with a smile, urging you on. He won’t explain this yet, but the crowd at Widow’s Den can be rowdy when they want to be, especially when they’re from out of town. Nat and Sam will show you the ropes --- and step in where they have to --- so you’ll be in good hands; but he wouldn’t be Steve if he didn’t worry. You’re the newest wolf in town now --- a part of his pack, even if just for a short while.

When you’re done recapping the day, his smile grows, the gesture deliberately wide to make up for his worry catching you off-guard. “Well, I’m glad to hear it went well - Nat and Sam are good people, they’ll take care of you.”

“I believe it.” You pause, running a finger along the rim of your mug. “Which reminds me, I… I don’t have to stay here. Once I start working, I think I’ll be able to check in at the Hummingbird, see if that room’s opened up.”

Steve gives you the same stern look from the diner and you almost giggle at the sight. It’s hard to see the same intimidating alpha now that you’ve heard a little about him from his friends.  “Come on - what kind of pack leader would I be if I kicked you out now?” He stands from the couch, eyes -- and stomach -- starting to turn towards the kitchen. “I won’t stop you if you prefer the motel, of course,  but the offer to stay here will be open until your car’s ready to go.” 

“Are you sure...?”

His stern face softens, giving way to another smile. “Positive - don’t worry about it, okay?” 

After the last twenty four hours, it’s hard to doubt his capacity for kindness, but reassurance is always appreciated. You thank him one last time as he stalks into the kitchen, wishing you a good night, and when your tea is finished, you pad up to the guest bedroom with your chest feeling as warm as your tummy. 

As you finally doze, it’s with a head full of excitement; like a kid the night before a field trip. You didn’t expect it, sure, but you’re ready, anticipant, for the start of your life for the next two months.