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avengerscompound · 8 months ago

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The Tower - Under the Table

The Tower - Under the Table

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Avengers x OFC, Bruce Banner x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff x Tony Stark x Thor x Sam Wilson x OFC (Elly Cooper)

Word Count: 4585

Warnings: smut (ten personal bixexual orgy, oral sex, vaginal fingering, anal sex, some use of powers, blindfolds)

Synopsis: It’s Elly’s birthday, and after dinner the group have their own special kind of party game, one where they find out how well they know each other, and who can keep a good poker face.

Author’s Note: Long time no update! I’ve been writing really slow at the moment. But I am still doing these if you have requests. This one was Requested by bubsanddoll21 on Wattpad. You can send in your requests too.

Takes place between The Tower and The Holiday Special

Under the Table

In the early days of my relationship with the Avengers, it was a rare event that all of us had a meal together at a table. Ten people at a table felt more like a dinner party than a date. Sitting around on the couches just felt more familiar and comfortable. So when we did sit down to eat, it was a special occasion.

This one was my birthday.

The others had wanted to do something special, so they decorated the conference room and Bucky, Sam, and Wanda had cooked a large meal. It was nice and at the point where most of us had finished eating, Tony leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. “We should have brought some games up with us,” he said. “I could go a few rounds of Cards Against Humanity right now.”

“I could go down and get something,” Steve offered.

“You’re still eating, Steve,” Wanda said. “Someone else can go.”

“Or!” Clint said, waggling his eyebrows. “Or… we could play a different kind of game.”

“Why do I get the feeling that you’re not talking about charades?” Sam asked.

“Because you know me too well, Sammy,” Clint said. “I saw this thing…”

“What have I told you about watching that stuff on the company wifi?” Tony scolded.

Clint smirked at him. “To invite you along when I do,” he teased and stuck his tongue out at Tony. “Anyway, as I was saying; I saw this thing. Someone gets under the table and starts going down on someone. And if the person getting blown or eating out gives it away that it’s happening to them, they have to go under the table. And if someone guesses the wrong person, it’s them. Like a Blow Job Roulette.”

“Okay, that sounds fun,” I said. “Can we?”

There was a murmur around the table, and one by one everyone agreed it sounded like it could be fun.

“Birthday girl goes first,” Sam said.

“Shouldn’t I be the one that gets eaten out first?” I countered.

“But then we’d all know it was you, and you’d just end up under the table,” Sam argued. “You might as well start down there.”

I laughed. The logic was flawed, but I figured it was as good a place as any. “Alright, pants off everyone,” I said, slipping off my chair onto my knees under the table. Everyone shuffled around, some of them just opening their pants and pulling their cocks out, while others stood and pushed their pants all the way down. Wanda and Natasha were both wearing skirts, so they just took off their panties and hoisted up their skirts. It was quite a sight under the table. Nine people all around me, pants down, and legs spread. Some of the men were already half-hard. I looked around, picking my target.

Of all the members of the group, Wanda was calling to me the most. She was wearing thigh-high black socks, heeled boots, and a black skirt that was bunched up. Her legs were spread and the little thatch of pubic hair glistened invitingly.

I crawled over to her, putting my hands on her thighs. She tensed and I ducked my head forward, licking up her slit. I wondered what she looked like right now. How she was hiding what was happening. If she was hiding it. From where I was, it seemed so obvious. Her muscles had clenched and she’d tilted her hips forward. I could even feel a slight shake in her thighs. I couldn’t imagine it not being totally obvious from above the table, but if she was, no one had said anything yet.

I pushed my tongue inside her and flicked it up over her clit, painting little shapes over it. She squirmed and her cunt flooded, and as the tart, musky flavor of her slick filled my mouth, Bucky, Tony, and Clint all called out at once. “Wanda!”

“No fair!” Wanda whined as I pulled away.

“That’s the game, Wanda,” Sam said. “Now under the table.”

I crawled out and wriggled out of my pants as Wanda climbed in under the table. I sat down and nothing seemed to happen for a while. I could hear Wanda moving under the table for a moment, and then after that, it was just the sounds of people picking at the last of the food and random conversation in the group.

All of a sudden Clint yelped and practically rocketed up off his chair. “Wanda!” he scolded. “No powers!”

She got up giggling as everyone burst out laughing. “Did someone get invaded by some pink light?” Tony teased.

“That’s one way to put it,” Clint said as he climbed under the table.

It took a really long time before the next person became clear. I was studying everyone very closely, and the only thing that had me wondering was the slightly bored looks in the eyes of Natasha and Tony. Which made me think it was more likely Tony as he usually dominated the conversation. It wasn’t until his brow furrowed and he moved his hand under the table that I knew for sure it was him.

“Tony!” I yelled, pointing at him. “It’s you!”

“Ah, shit,” Tony said, reaching under the table with both hands and began to rut his hips. “Wait, Clint, I’m nearly done.”

“Hey now,” Steve said. “You can wait like the rest of us.”

Clint made a choked sound and stumbled out from under the table, his eyes watering, and he wiped his mouth. “Jesus,” he cursed. “Tony was a terrible choice.”

“Oh, baby,” Tony said, as he smoothed down his shirt. “The amount of calls I’ve taken while I’ve been balls deep in someone.”

“Alright, alright, get under the table smart ass,” Steve said.

Tony laughed as he climbed under, and I decided on a completely different strategy. I glanced around the table, trying to see if anyone had given it away, but at the same time, I tensed my hands and took in a shaky breath.

“Elly!” Clint, Steve, Natasha, and Sam all said at once.

“No!” I shouted and Bruce groaned. “It’s Bruce!”

“You little…!” Natasha scolded. “That was evil!”

Tony had broken down into laughter under the table and he crawled his way out. “That was awesome,” he said. “Now what? Do all of you have to get under the table?”

“Might I suggest that we alter the game?” Thor asked. “Perhaps, rather than all of us trying to work out who is being pleasured, Lady Elise should be blindfolded and have to work out which of her lovers is pleasuring her.”

“I think that sounds like a fantastic idea,” Natasha said. “If she can guess, then they can make her come. If not, she just gets edged.”

“What do you think of that, Elise?” Steve asked.

I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, please. It is my birthday after all.”

“We might need lube and something to blindfold El with,” Sam said. “I mean - if we’re going to have real fun that is.”

Wanda lifted her loop scarf off over her head, and Tony, Clint, Natasha, and Thor all fished in their pockets and pulled out lube. What was funny was none of them had the same kind of lube. Tony had the warming gel kind, Clint’s was espresso flavored, Natasha’s doubled as a massage gel, and Thor’s was an oil he’d brought from Asgard and came in a delicate-looking, hand-blown glass bottle.

Steve and Wanda approached me as the others started clearing the table. “Let’s get you ready, Elise,” Steve said.

Steve lifted my shirt off over my head and Wanda unfastened my bra. I let the fabric slip down my arms and Steve tossed both it and my bra aside. Wanda kissed me softly and then wrapped the scarf around the top of my head, obscuring my vision. When it was in place properly, and I had assured them I couldn’t see anything, Steve lifted me and put me on the table.

I lay back and lifted my legs, spreading them and resting my feet at the edge of the table. They made me wait a moment, and while I waited, they were clearly not keeping their hands to themselves. There were moans and the soft wet sounds of kissing around me, which only made that wait worse.

My thighs were trembling by the time someone touched me. Right away I knew it was one of the guys and not Natasha or Wanda, and given the fact that he touched me with both hands, and they were both flesh, I knew it wasn’t Bucky either.

There was no preamble. Whoever it was just lunged in and began to lap up the length of the slit. They didn’t even try spreading me with their fingers, rather their tongue pushed between my folds and just got to work. I could feel the scratch of their beard. Yet, even without that, they were very skilled with their tongue. It started wide, sweeping up from my entrance to my clit, and then began to focus on the little but, sending little jolts through me. I didn’t even need the extra sensation of their long hair tickling the insides of my thighs, I knew it was Thor. The size of his hands, the beard, and the technique all screamed the god of thunder to me.

“Mmm… Thor,” I moaned, lifting my hips to meet his mouth.

A deep booming chuckle sounded between my legs and Thor sent a jolt of electricity right through my clit making my body jerk up hard. I nearly came just from that.

“How do you even do that?” Tony laughed. “You are too good at this game.”

“You gotta make me come now,” I said breathlessly, reaching down to tangle my hands into Thor’s hair.

“Don’t worry, lover. I will,” Thor said.

He was good to his word. He pulled my clit between his lips and began to flick his tongue over it. Every now and again, he’d send another spark into it, that made my core muscles clench completely out of my control. It brought me careening to the edge very quickly and the fourth time he did it, the dam burst and I came, arching up hard off the table as my orgasm crashed through me.

“Fucking hell!” I cried out.

“Damn, Thor,” Sam said. “That had to be some kind of record.”

“I am a god, Samuel,” Thor bragged.

There was only a short wait for the next person to move up. It was another one of the men and once again, clearly not Bucky. This person was much more tentative than Thor, spreading my folds with his fingers, and slowly swirling his tongue over them. He was tender and methodical, and it sent a warm buzz through me, oozing out like honey on tiles. There was no beard, and the very faint tickle of the hair on his head on my thighs.

“Bruce,” I moaned, arching my back and lifting one leg so it was draped over his shoulder.

“What the fuck?” Tony cursed. “You’re gonna be having so many orgasms tonight.”

“I know you all too well,” I moaned. “Gonna have to mess up on purpose so I don’t die.”

“Let’s see how you go,” Bruce said and eased two fingers inside me.

Bruce was slower and more methodical about things than Thor, at least initially. He pushed his fingers in deep, touching my g-spot and then stroking over it. As he did, he pulled my clit between his lips and flicked his tongue over it. The louder I moaned the rougher he got, so it wasn’t long before he’d gone from careful and slow, to rough and fast. His fingers hammered into my g-spot, over and over, sending sharp jolts right through me, making it so I couldn’t think straight. Beside me, someone had started having sex, and from the sounds of it, it’d be a while before Clint was down between my legs.

My orgasm peaked and Bruce pushed his fingers against my g-spot and twisted his wrist, and I came, my back arching off the table as I cried out, shuddering with it.

Bruce hummed and pulled away. “Mmm… I love seeing you come,” he hummed, leaning down to kiss me.

I sucked my slick from his lips and he pulled away, running his hand down my stomach and patting my pussy before pulling away. I didn’t have to wait very long before the next person to take their place. Right away I could tell it was one of the women, which narrowed the choice down to two. I almost wanted to just take a shot in the dark and really freak them out. I didn’t even need to though, the slow tease of her fingers up my thighs, and the way she ran her nails over my hips as she leaned in, I knew right away it was Natasha. Not because she always touched me like that, but just that it was uniquely her.

“Natasha!” I said quickly.

She cursed in Russian and Tony burst out laughing, while at least two other people applauded me. I would have taken a bow if I wasn’t flat on my back. “That’s my girl,” Natasha praised and got to work.

Her nimble fingers pushed inside me and immediately pushed against my g-spot. I gasped and bucked up hard against her, but she just pushed my hips back down and continued doing it. She countered the intense pressure of her fingers against that sweet spot inside me with her tongue on my clit. It was intense. I couldn’t focus. Lights popped behind my eyes and each time I tried to say something all that came out was an animalistic cry.

When I came, I gushed, spraying Natasha with my juices as I arched hard on the table. It was so intense, it knocked every conscious thought out of my head and I just oozed down onto the table, breathing heavily, completely forgetting that there were still six more people to go.

“Well done, Mishka,” Natasha praised.“I hope you have more in you.”

I wasn’t so sure. In fact, when the next person stepped up, it took me a moment to realize there was even someone there. Their tongue was lapping up and down my folds before I was truly aware enough to remember I was supposed to be playing a game.

The way they lapped their tongue was almost soothing after the intensity of the last orgasm I had. There was a scratch of beard on my skin, but my foggy head made it hard to think about which beard it could be.

Finally, it clicked into place. No metal hand. That cut out Bucky. Clint and Steve were both clean-shaven. Which just left Tony and Sam. I was sure that Tony would want to torture me after what happened and he wouldn’t be going easy on me at all. “Sam…” I moaned, the sounds completely breathless.

“We should never have doubted you,” Thor said. “This is truly impressive.”

“Are you sure you’re not peeking?” Clint asked.

“Just know you all,” I argued in that same breathless moan.

Sam pulled back and a moment later there was the press of his cock against my cunt. “Let’s make you come a different way,” Sam said.

He lifted my legs so they were up against his chest and he pushed into me. As he started to thrust into me, I gripped the edge of the table to hold myself steady. “Oh fuck,” I moaned. I was so sensitive and overworked, that I knew the next six orgasms would happen really fast. I was going to be completely over-stimulated by the time we were done.

Sam slid his hands down my thighs and onto my cunt, and he began to rub my clit in tight circles. I mewled, arching my back and clenching tight around his shaft. “Oh god, Sam. Please…” I didn’t even know what I was pleading for. I just knew I needed something. More, harder, slow down, be gentle. Or maybe just to stop.

His thumb kept rubbing in tight circles on my clit and thrusting in fast and deep, and very quickly I was brought spiraling to the edge once more. He pinched my clit and I went toppling over, crying out and clenching my teeth as all my muscles clenched up at once.

“Good girl,” Sam praised. “There we go.”

He slipped out of me and I let my legs fall on the table. “You still okay?” he asked.

I nodded and made an incoherent sound. He caressed my cheek and ran his thumb over my bottom lips. “Elise, are you sure?”

I nodded again. “Yeah. I can do this.”

He stepped away and the next hand touched me. Just the right hand, and it slid up my legs and when it reached the apex of my thigh, the thumb ran up and down my slit. Someone might have been just trying to mess with me, but I didn’t think so, and when the person crouched and their long hair teased the inside of my thighs it confirmed it. “Bucky,” I said.

He laughed. “Damn it. I was trying not to give it away.”

“That’s what gave it away,” I said.

“Alright, alright, let’s make you come then,” he said, sounding a lot like he was pouting.

He didn’t even bother to try and go down on me. He just pushed my legs up against my body, lined his cock up to my cunt, and shoved in deep. I gasped as he bottomed out and I felt the sharp sting of the head of his cock hitting my cervix. “Bucky,” I whined.

“Sorry, honey,” he said, backing off a bit. He smoothed his hands down my thighs and began to thrust.

I reached up, grabbing his wrists as he thrust into me and I wrapped my legs around his waist, drawing him in as tightly as I could. “Bucky,” I moaned. “Kiss me.”

He wrapped his right arm around my waist and lifted me, so I was sitting on the edge of the table and the cool metal of his thumb brushed over my lips. I parted them, leaning forward as I wrapped my arms around him and pushed my hands into his hair.

He kissed me, his tongue pushing into my mouth. I flicked my tongue forward to meet his and they danced together. Bucky kept thrusting into me and I rolled my hips to meet him. As worked up as I was, I knew I wouldn’t last, but the way this orgasm built felt so different from the past four. It wound around me like a warm blanket. I was engulfed by it, cocooned completely. It heated me from the inside and yet I trembled in Bucky’s arms. He held me close, thrusting in deep and kissing me with a passionate intensity that took my breath away.

When my orgasm washed over me, I threw my head back and clenched tight around me. “Oh god, Bucky,” I moaned.

Bucky’s hips stuttered and he groaned loudly, burying his head in my neck. “Fuck, Elly,” he groaned, suddenly jerking forward and coming inside me.

“Bucky Barnes, you dirty dog,” Clint scolded. “Leaving a mess in there for us to clean up.”

I swatted lazily in Clint’s direction as Bucky started laughing. “Oh like you’re not looking forward to that.”

He pulled out of me and I lay back with a groan. It wasn’t long before someone else was between my legs. They lifted them and spread them wide and then did something that gave them away immediately. They laughed.

“What’s so funny, Tony?” I asked.

“Ah fuck,” he said. “Didn’t even get a chance to trick you. I just had plans to go to town on you.”

“Mean,” he said, reaching for him. “Go on, you gotta give me my prize.”

“Alright, alright,” he said and pushed his cock up against my cunt. “It’s coming and so will you be.”

I laughed, but it was cut short as he shoved inside of me. He thrust in so hard it nearly knocked the wind from me. I cried out and reached above my head. Someone grabbed my hand and I held onto them as Tony began to thrust into me.

He didn’t go easy on me the way Bucky had. He grabbed my legs, held me in place, and just railed into me. “Fuck… fuck… fuck…” I babbled as I was jolted on the table. My fingers tightened around whoever’s hand I was holding. It felt like this orgasm was being hammered into me. Each thrust of Tony’s hips just made it build more and more until I was ready to burst.

It hit me hard, lights popped behind my eyes and I cried out, my hips bucking and my body writhing under him. “Oh fuck yes, Tony!” I mewled.

Tony kept thrusting, fucking me through my orgasm, and with a shudder he came too, moaning as he did. “There you go, Legolas,” Tony teased as he held me in place.

He leaned down and kissed me as he pulled out, and stepped away. A lay on the table breathing heavily, waiting for the next person the move up.

I didn’t have to wait long, and once again, I knew who it was as soon as their hands were on my skin.

“Wanda,” I said.

She giggled. “I knew there was no point trying to trick you. But lucky you, now you get your prize.”

She took her hands off me completely and just as I wondered what she was doing, the warm tingle of her powers touched on my feet and began to wind their way up my leg. It was slow going, and it didn’t settle on my cunt right away, rather, it wrapped its way right around me, making my whole body buzz and tingle.

I whined, squirming on the table. I was still holding someone’s hand, and I gripped it tighter, trying to tether myself to something real.

“Please, Wanda,” I whined, bucking my hips.

She giggled again, but things started to get more focused. It swirled around my nipples, tugging on them, and began to buzz against my clit. I moaned, arching my back and the pressure increased. Every moan I made made her increase the pressure of her powers on me. My nipples hardened almost painfully and a hot current ran right through me from my clit. I was dripping on the table as my cunt clenched around nothing.

It started to feel like some kind of torture. I was so close, and yet she was keeping me hovering there right at the edge. “Please. Please, Wanda. I need … I need…”

“Yes, Elly?” she asked.

“I need to come,” I wailed.

A jolt shot through me, and just like that, I came, arching hard off the table, and screaming as my orgasm rocked through me, making me gush onto the table. It was the most intense orgasm yet, and for a moment everything went black.

When the world returned, I was panting heavily, completely dazed as I rode out the extreme orgasm high.

“Holy shit, Wanda,” Natasha cursed. “That was impressive.”

“Two more left, El,” Steve said. “You sure you’ve got them in you?”

I nodded slowly. “Think so.”

Someone moved up and skimmed the back of their fingers up the insides of my thighs. It was a Clint trick, but not out of Steve’s playbook. Whoever it was leaned in, ghosting his lips up the insides of my soaked thighs. His fingers moved to my cunt, spreading it with his fingers and running his tongue up my slit. There was no beard, but both Clint and Steve were currently clean-shaven, so that didn’t give it away. I really had no idea who was touching me.

I lifted my feet, put them on his shoulders, and flexed my toes. Whoever it was was broad-shouldered and muscular. That didn’t exactly narrow it down either. And just because Steve was broader than Clint, I chose him.

“Steve?” I asked.

“You sure about that, darlin’?” Bucky asked.

“No… but it’s my guess,” I moaned.

Some of the group started clapping. “Well done, that’s all of you. How about Clint and Steve make you come together, so you only have to do one more?” Sam suggested.

I nodded emphatically. “Please.”

Steve moved forward, the thick head of his cock pressing against my cunt. I raised my hips to meet him, wrapping my legs around his waist and pulling him closer to me. He pulled back just a little and with a snap of his hips, he sunk in deep.

I gasped and arched my back. As I did, Clint moved up beside me on the table and began to flick his tongue over my clit and play with my breast. The table was jostled beside us and Clint grunted and let out a moan.

“Who’s fucking Clint?” I moaned.

“That’d be me, honey,” Sam replied. “You want to see?”

I nodded. “Please.”

The blindfold was taken off as Steve continued to thrust into me. I blinked at the light and looked around, Taking everything in. Steve was between my legs, holding me in place, his brow furrowed as he fucked me. Clint was half propped on the table, bent over me, licking at my clit and that base of Steve’s cock. Sam was behind him, one hand braced on Clint’s shoulder and the other on his hip as he thrust into him, jostling him against me. The others were spaced around the table. Most just watching. Thor was the one holding my hand, though Wanda was bouncing in his lap, her eyes glowing pink.

Everyone else was just kissing and holding each other as they watched Clint and Steve bring on my final orgasm. Seeing them just added to my pleasure, bringing me closer and closer to the edge.

I relaxed back, just letting the pleasure wash over me, It encompassed me completely. But in the end, it wasn’t either Steve or Clint that set my orgasm off, it was Wanda’s orgasm.

She cried out and her powers burst out of her and I was hit by a sudden, intense wave of her pleasure. I came hard, all my muscles clenching at once making me arch violently off the table. I cried out and my vision blacked out for a moment. Wanda’s orgasm must have affected the others too. Steve groaned and gripped my hips hard shoving into me and coming deep inside me. Sam’s hips bucked and his head fell back as his hit too, and Clint suddenly arched like a cat and came in thick ropes onto the table.

I fell back breathing heavily as I rode the waves of my orgasm. Steve hunched over me panting and Clint slithered down and lay there with his head on my stomach.

That’s how we stayed for a while and then Natasha stood. “Okay. How about we clean up here and head downstairs? I think it’s time for a soak in the hot tub.”

Steve sighed contentedly and slipped out of me. He pulled up his pants and then picked me up, cradling me against him. “Good birthday?” he asked.

I hummed, snuggling against his chest and closing his eyes as I murmured my reply. “The best.”

~ END ~

#marvel #avengers #steve rogers #bucky barnes #thor #bruce banner #clint barton #natasha romanoff #wanda maximoff #sam wilson #tony stark #avengers x oc #original character #ofc #fanfic #fanfiction #smut #avengers fanfiction #the tower

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jackiequick · 11 months ago

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7 times they were better parents to Tony than Howard was | Agent Carter Fanfic

~ In other words, Elizabeth Stark and Jason Underwood being an married couple for 5 minutes straight

Pairing: Jason Underwood & Elizabeth Stark

Character mentioned/included: Tony Stark, Howard Stark, Maria Stark, Edwin Jarvis & Ana Jarvis, Hank Pym, The Avengers & Young Avengers, Peggy Carter, Nick Fury, Alexander Pierce, Justin Hammer and etc

Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe -> Agent Carter, Iron Man 1-3, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers Age Of Ultron

Summary: Sometimes the best things in life happen when you least expect, such as becoming loving parental figures to a billionaire genius with a cheeky grin.

Note: Jason’s nickname is JJ and Elizabeth’s nickname is Liz

Ship Name: JALIZZY

Slight Warning: A bit of angst but mostly fluff

Click here for the latest fic featuring this family

Click here to see where our leading man fits in the Marvel Universe timeline

—————

Both were asleep in bed, when little 7 year old Tony walked into the bedroom and climbing into their bed.

Jason woke up first rubbing his eyes and sighed, "Bubba what you doing? We built you a new big boy bed last week.."

"Bad dream.." Said little Tony balling up his fist and getting under the covers, "..and Daddy is out."

"Oh right Momma visiting Aunt Peg for the week.."

"I'm sorry..c-can I stay?"

That moment Elizabeth woke up ruffling her nephew's bed head and yawned, "Sure, Bambino. But you wanna talk about the bad dream first?"

Tony looked down holding his teddy bear and mumbled, "I was in a dark and scary cave with a dragon..and I could not fight him, I was running but there no way to go.."

"Aww sweetie, look it's okay not every dream is gonna be a good one but you're okay. Everything is okay, you hear me?"

" I know..it's okay, b-but I was lost and scared..I did not save the princess..I fail.."

"Oh no sweetie, you didn't fail anyone. It was just a bad dream, there are no dragons here to hurt you."

"But the princess?"

"Maybe you will save her in the next dream."

Jason added with a tired smile, "Or maybe the princess already saved herself? Like auntie Lizzie or auntie Peg. And she's now waiting for you in the dream."

"Really?" Tony asked with a small smile.

"Yeah, sometimes it's the little prince that needs to go on journey to find the princess waiting for him in the end."

"Okay, I am ready to sleep now..and meet the princess."

"Out of curiosity, who was the princess?"

"Her name was Molly."

"Ohh nice name."

Elizabeth cut in with a chuckle, "Yeah very nice! Now we can please go to sleep and save the kingdom tonight in this dream?"

The boys nodded with a smile, cuddling up in bed with the lady of the house.

------

Elizabeth blowing raspberries on Tony's tummy as his giggles filled up the house with laughter. Jason was building up rocking chair in the living room and walked into the kitchen.

Jarvis was making lunch for them.

"Hey babe." He said with a smile, kissing her forehead then gave his nephew one on the cheek.

"Hi dear." She replied with a smile bouncing their nephew in her lap who giggled brightly.

It was a running gag but a sweet one calling each other pet names since the day they met. It went beyond, just them calling each other nicknames Jason called Jarvis's wife, Ana, honey and doll all the time as a term of endearment.

"JJ!" Tony yelled in glee with a toothy grin, as both adults looked their eyes at his silliness.

Something that would carry on once Tony is older is that silly toothy grin of his, no matter what the situation is. Especially his giggles.

Jarvis set the table for them, as Jason rushed over to help him and cutting Elizabeth's food into smaller sizes. Ana joined them soon enough watching all of this in curiosity. However, it confused the British man, once they all sat down to eat.

"Why does Jason need to cut your food, Miss Stark?" Jarvis asked them as he ate.

"Just watch, dear." Ana added, curious knowing she will get an answer.

With Tony's booster seat resting between them. Ana grabs a glass of wine and sits next to her husband. Looking at the kid who are begin to eat but what caught Jarvis's eye was Tony’s other hand gripping Elizabeth’s left hand in a tight grip.

"Aww how adorable." Ana said with a smile eating her chicken.

"It is indeed but what exactly is happening? I might need an explanation." Jarvis questioned with a smile.

"Tony had this new habit where he only can eat if he holds Elizabeth or Maria’s hand. It started a few days ago." Jason explained chuckling as he ate.

"I don't mind it. It keeps him relaxed and allows me to make sure he's doing alright while eating." Elizabeth replied eating with her other hand.

"What happens if you remove your hand?" Ana asked, in love with the way Tony's happily eating.

Elizabeth lets go of Tony's hand and all of them looking at the youngest Stark who started fusing while chewing a piece of meat, one hand starts waving asking for his auntie’s hand.

Elizabeth just let Tony wrap his fingers with her own in the meantime as Ana chuckled and Jarvis snorted with a smile.

"Howard tried it yesterday, removing Tony's hand away from Maria and he just cried. Not pretty." Jason added chuckling.

"It was hilarious!" Elizabeth told them as she snickered, "My brother promised to let him sleep with their room last night, if he stopped. Howard was third wheeling."

------

“Will you please go to sleep now? You're a growing boy, come on please do it Uncle JJ.” Jason sighed and rubbed his own face with his palm.

“No way.” Tony runs “I wan Liz…”

“I give up.” Jason buried his face in the kid’s bed

Jason finally gets up and walks to the living room where his best girl is reading something from her notebook. Watching Tony just dive to her lap startling the woman.

“What the-?” Elizabeth jumped out of reflex “I-shouldn’t you be in bed and counting sheep?”

“I’m not sleepy.” Tony shakes his head.

“Well, I am.” Jason sighed and sat next to Elizabeth looking into her eyes hoping she understood the silent help signal, "No more kids, one is enough.."

That was when Hank Pym called as Elizabeth put him on the speaker and started talking with him as she tried to put her kid to sleep.

"Lizzie is this a bad time?" Hank asked while on the phone, hearing Tony mumbling in the background and Jason's voice muttering something.

"No, Hankie it's fine. Someone's allergic to sleep just like his father, I'll pay you 500 bucks if you can get him to sleep." Elizabeth replied jokingly.

"I'll see what I can do. Do you remember the equation use for invention you and Howard were making?"

"Actually, yeah I do. The one for that android prototype? Yeah I do."

"Good because I thinking we can use for this new formula I was creating."

Both scientists go to work, talking with the equipment and possible new investments they would make that month to present to the others. Laughing and gushing about their week as well.

Jason was napping when he was accidentally smack on the shoulder due to Elizabeth's excitement how on they can improve the formula for the shrink ray.

"Ow!" He shouted softly, being woken up.

"Oh, sorry JJ. I was just, you know." She replied trying to explain with a chuckle.

"I know let me take this little guy off your hands."

"Alright."

Both expected to find Tony still awake on his auntie's lap but he nodding off as they spoke. They chuckled quietly thanking Hank's believing their science talk tired him out or something.

He picked him up as Tony's head rested on his shoulder, his eyes were trying to stay open as he mumbled, "I'm not tired...no sleepy.."

"Oh yes you are, Bubba. Very sleepy." Jason said with a soft chuckle with sighed, "Say night night."

Elizabeth stood up cupping his little face mumbling sweet nothing into his ears as Tony hummed a soft, "..night night."

"Night, my little star." She replied with a soft smile, deciding to help tuck him in.

They tucked in their little boy, turning on the recording on Maria Stark's gentle singing voice as background noise for Tony.

Moments like that, they both wished Howard and Maria were not busy sometimes but they're more than happy to raise the little guy instead.

----

As much as he is their little boy, he is Howard's son and that being said he was a little rebellious at time. Especially in his early teens and his years as an adult..

"Anthony Edward Stark, where the hell you think your going?" Elizabeth asked with her arms crossed and tapped her foot with a glare.

"Out!" Repiled Tony, who was 12 years old at this point with a classic smirk.

"It's Monday afternoon on a school night!"

"So?"

"So you're not heading out to whatever your heading off to! I don't care what it is, Friday it's another thing, I allow it. But Monday, hell no!"

"You're not dad, auntie Liz!"

"And thank god I ain't. Be lucky it ain't Peggy either, why do you want to head out anyway? To act cool with your friends?"

Tony sighed in defeat dramatically dropping the smirk and crossed his arms, "Well no shit. All my friends are doing it."

Jason stepped in after returning home from an getting supplies hearing his nephew, "Please tell you didn't just curse in front of your aunt."

"I just said 'shit'! Relax.." Tony replied with a sigh thinking of something knowing who's the softer parent, "And aunt Liz won't let me go out."

"First off no cursing at your aunt. And second, out where?"

"An party..all my friends will be there!"

"Is it on Friday?"

"Yup! It's on Friday, it's a small party."

Elizabeth scoffed, "No! It's tonight, an silly little stupid party with his friends doing god knows what. God knows if the parents will be there!"

"She's lying! She doesn't want me to have fun this week and stay stuck in this house, only invite to Rhodey or something." Tony shouted.

"Enough!" Jason yelled raising his voice, "I know she ain't lying and that you're the one who is actually lying. You know the rules Tony, no parties or anything on school night like Monday. And something tells me those kids parents don't know they're going to that party."

"B-but that's not fair! I should be allow to go." Tony yelled.

"No you shouldn't and it is fair, she’s saving you for tomorrow. She knows that something off is going on if it's on a Monday, simple as that. Doesn't that sound a little weird to you?"

"...yeah..it does."

"We will talk about this later."

A few more words were said before Tony left to the living room. Liz was pissed off and so was Jason.

He sighed and told her, "You were doing the right thing."

"I know.." She sighed, "I know. I'm just trying to protect him. Something tells me this won't be the last argument."

"Cause it won't. But we just try to lead him down the right path.."

"You got that right. Protecting him and all that.."

----

Road trips with the three of them tend to be something else. Tony always making himself known with questions, annoying them on purpose and snickering afterwards.

"Where we going?" Tony asked in the backseat, playing with his jacket zipper.

"To meet Peggy and your parents in San Diego." Elizabeth replied like it was obvious with a smile.

"And why are you driving?"

"Because your uncle JJ has a bad history with driving."

Jason perked up, "I'm right here, you know?!

Tony snorted, "Okay what time we get there?"

"Midnight." Elizabeth said with sigh.

"What happens at midnight?"

"You're bedtime."

"Can I drive?"

Both shouted at the same time, "No!"

That resulted in Tony laughing at their response as both parents chuckled at his ridiculous way to make times like that a joke or two.

---

Sometimes Elizabeth tends to become a mama bear, as if she isn't already. Like when Tony started dating, Howard rolled his eyes chuckling at his sister and Maria gushed hoping her boy enjoys the dating scene.

Elizabeth on the other hand, she was so excited and sat beside Jason one afternoon while he was reading. He was reading a classic children's' book from the shelfs, 'The Giving Tree' when Elizabeth came with a grin.

"Yes my darling?" He asked looking up from the book with a laugh.

"Tony got a date!" She repiled with a smile.

"With who? I mean I'm not surprise our kid has been a cheeky little guy since the age of 3."

"You know that day Howard took Tony down to that event in Chicago? Well there was this nice girl there with her mother, Tony sneaked off to see her and now they met again due to her mother bringing her here for an clothing event. And according to Ana, he has a date."

"That's my boy. If he's not a gentleman, I'll ground him for life. Where to?"

"Ana said that caravel downtown this weekend. She was eavesdropping and I love her for it."

"Not bad for a first actually date with a girl he seems to like."

Elizabeth sigh assuming something, Jason knew that look on her face and ask her what's going on.

"I don't want to sound cheesy but he's growing up so fast, JJ! I mean where did the time go? It felt like I was helping him add 2 + 2 yesterday! Now a date? Damn..he's my baby." Elizabeth admitted with a sigh.

Jason opened his arms pulling her into an tight embrace as she was nuzzling comfortably against his neck. She pouted, it was a rare moment but she did. He chuckled rubbing her shoulder.

"Aw, Lizzie, darling. He's growing up, I don't like it. Hell I would rather stop time and let him stay the way he is now. But we can't. Before we know it, he's buying his own house or deciding to buy this one off his father." Jason joked with a smile.

Elizabeth chuckled, "He might as well do that. I'm not ready for him to keep growing up, what if he doesn't want hugs from his auntie anymore? What if he grows up hating the idea of living with us? I mean it's a packed a house, i don’t blame him."

"Hahaha no, honey he won't. I think he rather have a packed house than a quieter one. And he will always need his auntie, he's your baby. Tony knows it, hell he might make you an godmother one day."

"Oh god no, don't think that far hahaha! I want him live in the moment now, before he's old and gray. I'm still gonna baby him no matter how old he is! You know that right?"

"Oh I know. And he's gonna be annoyed but love you for it. No matter what you do, you will be there to protect him and stand up for him."

"You too!"

"Oh hell yeah I will!"

---

And they are right about that. Yeah sure, Lizzie was gone under the ice for years due to a freak accident thinking she was goner. Having Jason and Tony feeling down in the dumps for some time.

But when that girl returned, her mama bird side came with her. And the man who was her right hand was more than happy about that.

"He's insane!" Liz yelled with a sigh, pointing at her nephew, "You're insane."

"Hello?! Have you met me?" Tony replied with a chuckle, "I think Pepper would love a big bunny for an anniversary slash Christmas present."

"Okay I dealt the whole 'I'm Iron Man, I can do whatever the hell I want' thing. But your Tony Stark! My Tony Stark, use that head of yours is a big bunny a good idea?"

"JJ gets you big jewelry and spoils you! I blame him for my actions, the bunny stays."

"Oh jeez. Did you at least get dinner ready?"

"Yeah it's pizza tonight. Why are you acting so uptight lately?"

Elizabeth sighed, "I've been asleep for years in ice and I come back to find you as Iron Man. A superhero. I know it's been an year now, but a part of me is still scared your gonna blow it!"

Tony chuckled pulling his auntie into a hug, "Oh Liz, it's me we're talking about. Hell, JJ is still terrified for my life. And honestly, I've already it blew it last year, in New York. I am stressed but I will be fine.."

"I know about your late night snacking and sleepless night, Tony. I'm worried about you. We all are."

"I know you are..but if anything happens, I will tell you. I promise."

~~~

Last forward to Christmas time, once the house blew up and JARVIS announces Tony's anxiety problems to everyone after arriving at the snowy side of the U.S. before shutting off.

Soon enough, they're dragging themselves across the snow to find a safe house. Rei's suit is being dragged across the snow, as he decide to start helping his godfather.

Liz snaps, "Anything you want to tell me?!"

"Okay in my defense I was gonna tell you soon." Tony winced.

"When?!"

"I was gonna make you an omelette and tell you about it!"

"Oh my god!"

Jason sighed dragging the Iron Man suit with them across with snow as the night fall onto of them.

"You two knew about this?! This whole time and didn't think of telling me?!" Jason yelled.

"I thought you knew about this! Or that he told you!" Liz yelled back.

"Great, now Ma and Pops are fighting." Rei added sarcastically, "Good job, Dad!"

Tony turned look at his son, “I’m sorry, how is this my fault?”

“Isn’t everything?”

“This is unbelievable.”

----

Other times, Jason and Elizabeth would be protecting themselves or their kids presence even when the guy isn't nearby.

Such as 2014, when they were called by SHIELD when it came to Alexander Pierce wanting their signature onto the new helicarriers.

Jason was tired as he asked, "Okay Pierce, what the hell is this?"

Elizabeth was standing next to him and pressed, "Mr. Secertary, what he meant is there a reason you've asked us to come here?"

"Signature, Mr. Underwood and Miss Stark." Said Pierce holding out pens, "As well, I was hoping you ask your nephew to stop by my niece's birthday party as a favor for Nick."

"He's our nephew, not a party entertainer." Elizabeth said with a raise eyebrow.

"Unless it's for his own children, and at the moment he's not dealing with your favors." Jason added, "What's the favor you're doing for Nick?"

"That's classified information, sir." Pierce replied.

"Of course it is..you know, it was a pretty long day and I don't want to be here. Matter a fact, none of us want to be to here! So good night Alexander." Elizabeth said standing up from her chair.

Jason stood up following her, opening the door for the girl as he gave Pierce an odd look before walking out. However that didn’t stop Elizabeth Stark to get information later on that day, returning to Alexander Pierce’s office after cooling down to get any information needed.

——

Sometimes due to Jason and Elizabeth being so close to Tony, along with their godchildren they get mistaken for the actual parents. Hell, even for being a couple more than once.

Such as in the early to late 2010s, Justin Hammer once asked, “Are theses your parents, Stark? I thought they were dead..”

Tony would give an sarcastic smile and reply, “Aw Hammer, you’re jealous? Too bad not everyone was given 3 sets of parents.”

“Three?”

“Oh yeah, didn’t you hear? Or were you too busy washing yourself in that horrible 80s cologne?”

Justin scoffed, “Damn. But seriously, are they giving out set of parents for free or what?”

“No. They’re mine, you can’t have them.” Tony added with a smirk.

~~~

Or when Fury called Tony and The Avengers out a few times, he will tend to bring JJ and Liz names into conversation, using the term parents. Such as in 2015, when they are all in Clint’s Barn. Also known as The Safe House.

Everyone was in the kitchen, including the teens and kids. Some were at the table such as Natasha, Bruce, Rick, Ava, Rei and Rochelle. Others were surrounding the area near the sink and fridge across from the kitchen island, such as Tony, Clint and Steve with Liane and Luna.

Clint’s wife Laura was listening in as the younger kids were wondering around.

Elizabeth was drying dishes as Jason washed them, meanwhile Fury was finishing placing some orange slices on a plate.

Nat spoke up, “You know boss, when I was hoping I saw ya, you would have more than that.”

Fury replied, “I do. I have you. Back in the day, I had eyes everything, ears everywhere else. You kids have all the things you can dream to use, Stark’s parents didn’t have much to work with beforehand but they made do. Now here we are, back on earth with nothing but our wit and our willingness to do good.”

Jason added, “Just like old times, huh? Rehashing a plan during dinner, then collaborating in the morning to figure out what can be done..”

“Ain’t that the truth. Nothing but our strength to save the world and make a difference for others.” Elizabeth commented with a grin.

Fury gave them a half smile and continued his speech, “Ultron says The Avengers are the only thing between him and his mission. And weather or not he admits it, his mission is global destruction. All this lay in the grave. So stand, out with the platinum bastard.”

Natasha winked at Rick and Rochelle before saying with a smirk, “Steve doesn’t like that kinda talk.”

Steve gave her a humorous mock glare, “You know what, Romanoff?”

The teens and young adults in the room snorted and chuckled. The group kept talking, figuring out what will they all do next, with the young members of the team chiming into the conversations.

Even Jason mentioned, “You can try Pentagon's firewall, are they open this time?”

“That could work, they are still roughly open this time and hour.” Elizabeth comments.

“Should i know why you know that?”

“I had to message the Pentagon years ago to reach an barrier of systemic risks, for SHIELD’s locating tactics. And Tony did something he wasn’t supposed to..”

“Oh god, what was it this time?”

Fury ate his orange slice answering, “You’re boy cracked into SHIELD systemic burns, but beforehand he cracked their firewall.”

“That’s something, I do think I remember he did!” He replied chuckling, “We got mysterious calls afterwards for weeks.”

Tony chimed in with a grin sounding proud and said, “I cracked the Pentagon’s firewall in high school on a dare and got a sweet deal afterwards.”

Elizabeth grinned brightly, “That’s my boy! Definitely a win in my books.”

“And me? I cracked into SHIELD firewall too multiple times.” Rei added with a sly smile, as you could hear his godfather holding back his laughter in the background.

“I love you too, kiddo!” She replied to her sarcastic godson, “Both of you are the reasons for the facility's cyber-security sub-bar.”

——

Thanks for reading! Feel free to add any HCs or chat about what you liked about the fic 💻

Please like, share, comment and reblog for more like this

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howlslibraryy · 3 months ago

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Chapter 2 of "He's Mr. Perfectly Fine"

Chapter 2 is out now, here's the ao3 link: He's Mr. Perfectly Fine

Chapter Summary: Peter, in a rush to recruit for the Young Avengers Initiative, confronts Kate Bishop while in his Spidey Suit. Meanwhile Kamala and Mickey have their first tutoring session.

Some Irondad has been sprinkled in. This energy is also what we are getting right now. ↓↓↓↓

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hollybee8917 · 8 months ago

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In the Court of the Shield and Star

Chapter 1- The Angel and the King

Plot: King Steve Rogers meets Eliza Frye who is a total mystery to him. They start to fall in love, but things are never that simple.

Characters: Steve Rogers, Eliza Frye (OFC), Tony Stark, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, Peggy Carter, Bucky Barnes, Owen Tyre (OC), Sam Wilson, Pietro Maximoff, Wanda Maximoff, Stephen Strange

Warnings in this chapter: Assault, harassment, physical violence, animal attack

Howling. Endless howling. Eliza looked up from the parchment on which she was drawing and she moved to the window. A dim light was low over the field. As she looked out, she saw a figure. He was waving a sword but his movements were jerky. Around him, a pack of wolves circled, growling, lunging, snapping at him.

Fear filled her. The man was going to die if she didn’t help. Quickly, she grabbed her bow and her loaded quiver before running out the door. She reached a slight ridge behind the trapped man. From where she was positioned, she could see the man was injured.

Eliza raised her bow and nocked an arrow. Pulling the string back, she steadied her draw then released. The arrow whistled through the air and struck a wolf. It went down with a whimper. Instantly, Eliza repeated her motions. Nock, draw, release. Nock, draw, release. The arrows shrilled through the air hitting their marks. Soon, only three wolves were left but now they were focused on her.

The young woman slid down the ridge as the howling wolves rushed toward her. At the bottom of the ridge, she picked up her sword and prepared herself with a flame. The scarred alpha made his way over the ridge and down toward her before stopping at the sight of the woman holding shimmering steel and a large torch. It paced back and forth before letting out a long howl and dashing back the way it had come with the other two right behind.

Eliza let loose a sigh and lowered her sword and sheathed it. Then she remembered. The injured man! She took off in the direction she had last seen him. Waving the torch, she spotted him. I have to get him to safety.

King Steve Rogers groaned as he rolled onto his back. He opened his eyes to find himself in a strange bed. A window sat on his left and to his right was a wooden door. He threw back the blankets and swung his feet to the floor. The man looked down at his unclad torso wrapped in a white bandage. Who did this? Where am I?

Before he could muse any farther, the door opened to reveal a beautiful young woman. She smiled gently at him, “Oh, wonderful, you’ve woken. I was fearful that you would not. You gave me quite the fright last night. How do you feel?”

The blonde man was stunned to silence at her simple beauty so she tilted her head, “Have you a tongue, good sir?”

This simple remark somewhat amused Steve and he let out a low yet hearty laugh, “Indeed I have a tongue, kind maiden. I am most confused, however, as to my whereabouts and the situation that has led to this remarkable hospitality.”

She poured a small pitcher of water into the wash basin on the table by the door, “You were attacked by a pack of wolves. You needed aid so I hurried to your side with bow and quiver in hand.”

Steve looked down at his semi-clothed form, “You saved me.”

“I did.”

He let his eyes drift up to hers, “And you have brought me here alone?”

The girl wrung out the rag she had soaked in the bowl of water and approached Steve with it, “I did. You were in dire need and I was always taught to help those in need. Lift your chin. There was some dirt I could not remove last night.”

Steve did as he was told then he glanced around the room, “Where are my tunic and shirt? Also, I had a satchel slung over me. Where has it gone? Have you looked inside it?”

She smiled gently, “I washed them as best I could and hung them to dry. Once they had dried, I folded them and put them here on the chair. The satchel I have placed on the chair as well. I did not search your belongings. I will leave you to dress. Should you need any help, please call for me.”

Confusion crossed the man’s face, “Thank you for your aid and the respect you have shown by not searching my things while I was incapacitated. But how should I call for you if I do not know your name, fair one.”

Once more she smiled at him as she turned away, “Eliza Frye.”

Then she was gone and Steve was left alone.

Eliza was seated at her table when the stranger exited the bedroom. Steve noticed that she did not take note of him and cleared his throat causing her to shift her gaze to him, “Oh, my apologies. Would you like some food to eat, good sir?”

He nodded, “Yes, what have you to offer?”

She rose from her chair and made her way into her larder, “I have bread, cheese and eggs. I also have salted pork and cured fish. What takes your fancy?”

The king responded, “I will have the bread and cheese for now. I do not wish to eat all you have.”

Eliza tucked hair behind her ear as she stepped out of the larder with the food he requested, “You do no such thing, kind sir. Please, tell me should you desire more.”

A loud rapping came from her door and Eliza hurried away to answer it. She gulped as the rapping rattled the door. Cautiously sliding it open, she felt herself forced from the home and she hit her knees as two men shoved her down. Eliza knew why the men were there.

The two men were soldiers from a nearby fort. They plagued the little village but targeted Eliza specifically due to her living alone. The taller of the two was a soldier named Rhys Argent. He was cruel and enjoyed the torment of others. Beside him, the other solder, who was named Wendell Colby, sneered at her, “Where’s the payment you promised us?”

Eliza shivered, “I-I-I don’t have any money.”

“I-I-I. Come now. You can do better than that,” Rhys Argent mocked her. Then his tone turned serious, “Do you not recall what we said would happen if you did not pay us?”

She was too frightened to speak and could only keep her eyes forward. Rhys raised his hand then brought it down against the side of her head her cheek causing Eliza to fall over. Wendell Colby let out a low laugh, “Why don’t we start with your precious horse, huh? You want us to take it?”

Eliza said nothing which angered Wendell and Rhys more. As Rhys brought his foot up and connected it to Eliza’s side, Wendell’s eyes grew wide and he fell into a kneel. Rhys didn’t notice and continued his attack on Eliza.

“Kneel,” Wendell hissed.

Rhys did not hear and instead continued his assault on Eliza.

“KNEEL!” A voice boomed.

In one fluid motion, Rhys looked up, his eyes widened in fear and he fell to one knee. Eliza slowly rose up onto her knees then turned. Shock filled her soul. In the doorway stood Steve but not as she had seen him before. A carefully crafted elaborate crown with sapphires and black diamonds was placed upon his head. His tunic and shirt were carefully tucked in but the sleeves flowed freely without restraint. A cloak was clasped around his neck. He looked kingly.

Rhys spoke, “Your majesty! Forgive us!”

Steve hushed him with a glare. He then reached down and helped Eliza to her feet, “Are you badly injured?”

She kept her head down and shook it. Tenderly, Steve used a finger to lift her chin, “Do not be afraid. Let me show you the same kindness you have shown me. Return to your chair and rest. I shall be in once I have dealt with these two.”

Eliza did not cast a glance to the soldiers but quietly smiled at Steve, “Thank you, your majesty.”

With this she reentered her cottage.

Steve turned to the two men and spoke with authority, “Why did you attack an innocent villager? Is your command not to serve and protect my people? Are you not part of your King’s army, sworn to protect the crown and those living under it? What are your names, soldiers?”

The two men stuttered but have no coherent response. “ANSWER YOUR KING!,” Steve roared.

Wendell was the first respond though he kept his head low, “I am Wendell Colby, your majesty. My companion is Rhys Argent. We are soldiers stationed at Whitich Keep.”

Steve hummed, “Whitich Keep. I know it well. Return there and inform your commander that I shall be arriving shortly. I will deal with you at the fort.”

“Yes, majesty.” Wendell replied but neither man moved.

“Now!,” barked King Steve, “And make haste.”

The men fled back to their horses and were swiftly gone fearing any further wrath from the king.

Eliza was seated in her chair, holding a compress to her side when he returned. She was instantly on her knees without a sound. Once more, he lifted her up, “Please do not do that. Not on my account. Please sit.”

She did as he commanded and he picked up his satchel, “I have business to attend at Whitich Keep but I shall return. Before I go, have you a horse I may borrow? I am afraid mine fled in encounter yesterday eve.”

Eliza replied, “I have a mare who is broken and a stallion I have been breaking to ride. I think he is ready and would be more suited for your majesty.”

The king brushed a stray hair from the girl’s face, “You intrigue me, Eliza Frye, and I would like to call on you once more.”

Eliza lost her nerve to speak and Steve smirked, “Have you a tongue, fair one?”

She looked at him with a smile and a laugh, “Aye, I have a tongue, good sir and I use it well.”

They both laughed and King Steve Rogers motioned to the door, “Perhaps you might show me the steed I am to ride so I may hurry away and then back to you?”

She led him out to the paddock and called over the brown Stallion with a low whistle. It trotted over and she watched as Steve, the king, tacked it up. The king turned with a slight bow then swung himself upon the stallion, “Until we meet again.”

Eliza curtseyed to him then watched as he rode away.

Steve entered the village of Gramsby and observed the state of it. The town’s cobbled streets were well-kept and the homes were in perfect condition but something was missing. Slowly, Steve pulled the horse to the side of the street and dismounted the horse he had borrowed from Eliza Frye. Tying the horse to the hitching post, the king made his way to the pub. He was careful to not raise an alarm.

However, when the king reached for the door, he found it shored up from the inside. He heard hushed whispers from the inside the pub and the realization hit him hard. Where are all the people?

The king knocked on the door, “Good gentleman, I have travelled long and wish only for a drink from your establishment. Perhaps I may enter?”

A voice called from inside, “We have very little money or grog.”

The sky seemed to mirror King Steve’s mood as he rode through the gate of Whitich Keep. Above his head, storm clouds had gathered and lightening threatened to crack the sky. A tall man dressed with many medals approached as the blonde king dismounted his horse. With a great swoop, he fell to one knee, “Majesty, we are greatly honored by your presence. How may I be of service to you?”

“Save your pleasantries, General. I did not come here to bandy words. Bring to me the soldiers who are stationed here.”

“I take you would like to deal with Rhys Argent and Wendell Colby. I have placed them in the stockade. What other punishment-“

“SILENCE!” Steve bellowed as the thunder echoed in the sky, “Bring to me ALL of the soldiers stationed here.”

Fearful of furthering the king’s wrath, General Edryd Cadigan motioned for the gathering of his men. The rain began to fall as a mustering horn was sounded. Quickly, the soldiers lined up and one by one fell to one knee. The General spoke to the King, “Majesty, may I-“

Steve cut him off, “Silence, General Cadigan. Tis my turn to speak. Now, who would like to inform me of the incidents in the town of Gramsby?”

Not a single soldier spoke. Instead, they looked among themselves. The king turned toward the captain, “Bring me Rhys Argent and Wendell Colby.”

The captain nodded and walked to the stockade. Again, the king addressed the line of men, “I will only ask you once more. Why have you been tormenting the people of Grimsby?”

A young man stepped forward, “Majesty, if I may speak?”

Steve sized the lad up, “What is your name, son?”

“Aelric Hylderley,” the young man responded, “your majesty.”

Steve approached him, “What do you have to say for these men, Aelric?”

The young soldier gulped, “I am afraid that the people of Grimsby have been targeted by many of the men. The general has done little to curtail the actions of the men in this fort. In fact, he has encouraged it. Those who protested the actions of their fellow soldiers were disciplined.”

Steve bristled, “Where was the captain?”

“Spending most of his time in the stockade for protesting, your majesty.”

The king turned and looked to the captain, “Dismiss your men. I will deal with them one by one. Young Hylderley, what rank are you in this company?”

Aelric shook slightly, “I am a mere soldier, Majesty.”

Steve turned and faced his general, “You will be henceforth stripped of your rank and demoted to Lieutenant in my army. Is that understood?”

Cadigan began to cower, “Yes, Majesty. It’s understood.”

He stepped back, “Captain, take the General into arms and hold him until a new leader arrives at the fort. I have already sent back to the capital for one.”

Another soldier stepped forward, “Yes, your majesty.”

“Now, where are the traitors?”

The captain motioned to the men in chains, “Here, Majesty.”

“Hang them and any other soldiers guilty of harming my people.”

Then Steve turned and walked back to his horse, ignoring the cries of the two men behind him pleading for mercy.

Eliza was sitting alone in the cottage, reading a book, when there came a knock at the door. She rose and made her way over. Timidly, she opened the door to find the King standing before her. Bowing low, she murmured, “Majesty.”

Steve placed his hands at her elbows and matched her tone, “Please, look at me and not my boots.”

Eliza raised her chin and met his gaze, “What may I aid you with, Majesty?”

The king tilted his head, “You are a fascinating creature, Eliza Frye, and I would like to call on you again.”

She shook her head, “It would be ill-advised to do so, your Majesty. I am a commoner and as such would not be worthy of your time. You would be more suited to seek the company of a lady of the court.”

“I believe that as king, that should be my determination, not anyone else’s. I have set my eyes on you and you alone. Would you not prefer my company?”

“I would, Majesty, but I don’t know how the people would take it. I am not like the women of your court least of all, Duchess Margaret whom I hear is a great beauty.”

Steve shook his head, “Nay, you are far more lovely, compassionate and courageous. Please allow me to call on you once more.”

“Very well, my king.”

He bowed to her and turned, “I will have your horse returned to you in haste upon my arrival back at the capital.”

“Keep him. I have no need for another.” Steve smiled the mounted the horse, waved goodbye and spurred the horse toward home.

#steve rogers #original character #original female character #tony stark #wanda maximoff #bucky barnes #peggy carter #original male character #clint barton #natasha romanoff #captain america #sam wilson #pietro maximoff #king!Steve Rogers #King!Tony Stark #Knight!Bucky #steve rogers x oc

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marvelwitchergilmore · 1 year ago

Text

In Love

Summary: Clint Barton x Fe!Reader ~ Turns out, you’ve been keeping a massive secret from Clint despite being his friend and co-worker for the last six years.

Disclaimer: violence, swearing (I think), pining, life-or-death situations, kiss to keep cover, fluff, hand holding, angst, blood, torture, Clint does not have kids or a wife or has ever, 16+ themes (Criminal Minds kinda thing). MDNI - This is your warning - If you read on, you have agreed to read 16+ themes.

The moment you came home your first day in the field, you knew what was to come.

You never fell in love. Never even fell into ‘like’. But the moment you met him…it was game over. Your future self laughed at your younger self.

“I’m never gonna fall in love.” you would say. “I’m never gonna like a boy like that. I’m not going to want someone to come home to. I want my own space. I don’t want anyone by my side. I don’t need anyone but my dogs. They can keep me company when I’m old and grey.”

God, you wished you could be like that again. Despite knowing none of it would be true, you wished you still had those ideologies. That you would never fall in love. That you would never date or marry or want children and turn out to be a Sports Mom with a minivan filled with gear, orange slices and cases of water you got on sale from Costco.

But the moment you saw him…that ideology died. In fact, it burst into a ball of flames.

You had never had that feeling before. That kind of feeling that sent a tornado through your stomach, blood pumping around your body as if you’d just fought for your life in a cross country race and your heart doing somersaults against your lungs that knocked the air out of them.

But the moment you saw him…you had to scold yourself.

And you scolded yourself over and over and over and over again, for years.

Agent Clint Barton was first and foremost your teammate. You could only trust one another to the extent that the other did. Same with the rest of your team.

Without trust, there would be no foundation for anything.

And he trusted you. That much was clear.

Afterwards, you, Clint and the rest of your team became friends and before long, you were a unit. A family.

Each and every one of you knew the other like the back of your hands, except…Clint felt like he was missing something with you.

He knew you were keeping something from him. And sometimes it felt like the rest of the team were trying to keep your secret, too.

Though, you knew that the rest of the team didn’t know for certain about your feelings towards Clint. They knew you but when it came to your love life, you were the only one none of them could figure out. Your cards were kept firmly against your chest.

One evening, Willa (one of your teammates) spotted you in a small cafe getting a drink with a guy and when she saw you Monday morning, she instantly asked you about him. The whole team was there. Were you about to reveal that you have a secret boyfriend this whole time? Perhaps he was your husband and you had 4 kids and secretly owned a private school in Nebraska?

But, no.

“He was just a guy and we had a good time but I don’t think I’m gonna see him again.”

“Why not?” Clint asked you.

“Because the day after I saw him in the park with his girlfriend and their dog.”

“Ooh,”

“I’m sorry, honey.” Willa frowned.

“It’s okay.”

For the next couple of months, you went on more dates. Some were set up by Willa and Jerry (another teammate) and the rest by online sites. And, some were more successful than others but in the end, none of them gave you that feeling that you had when you first met Clint. That kind of feeling, the moment you dropped your bag and closed your front door had you nodding your head and accepting, “Yep, this is it.” as you realised, somehow, miraculously, you’d managed to have a loving crush on someone. But it wouldn’t matter, because he is your teammate.

And, after two years of trying to get rid of your feelings for him, or at least, trying to accept them and move on with your life, Clint sent your heart spirally and fell even harder when yourself, Willa, Jerry, Una and Clint were all sent on a mission together.

It was an extraction.

The host of the gala was a multi-millionaire and would be auctioning off his prized possessions in a secret auction. The gala was simply a front. After all, why would more than three dozen highly wealthy people all come to the same country for “a holiday”.

His prized possessions included a hard-drive that opened the buyer to a world of information surrounding offshore accounts that were used to help free-lance agents that still had ties to any and all government organisations.

Shield included.

Only, after the initial smooth sailing, things took a turn.

“It’s not here.”

From the other side of the bar, your eyes met with Clint’s and you spoke into your drink as you lifted it to your lips. “What do you mean it’s not there?”

“I mean it’s not here.” Jerry told you down comms. “The harddrive. It’s not in this room.”

“Then where could it- oh no.”

“Oh no? What oh no?” Clint asked.

Willa turned her back to the column. “It’s in his jacket.”

“What do you mean it’s in his jacket?”

“Ten O’clock.”

Low and behold, there the host stood, the silver USB stick in his hand, smiling as he waved it around three other potential buyers.

One of them went to touch it and the host pocketed it before he could, smiling before removing his jacket and handing it to his butler beside him who folded it up and began to walk away with it.

“Where’s he taking it?”

Willa lip-read what she could from the conversation.

“His bedroom.”

“His bedroom is heavily guarded.”

“You don’t say.”

“Guys, what are we going to do? We need that hard drive.” Jerry’s voice rang through.

“Someone needs to get his attention.” Willa replied.

“How?” you asked.

“I have an idea.”

Moments later, Clint was by your side.

“What are you-”

“Just trust me. You can punch me later.”

You placed your hand in Clint’s as he led you to the dance floor and suddenly you were very aware of your own skin. It was an odd feeling.

“Just do what I do. But backwards. And in heels.”

“Thanks, Fred. What exactly is your plan here?”

Clint’s eyes met yours. “He looks in your direction every 45 seconds. I’m going to give him an excuse to make his move.”

You yelped in shock as Clint pulled you flush against him, his hand flexing on your lower back.

“Just trust me?”

You caught the sincere look in his eyes and all you could do was nod.

It worked.

Just as Clint was moving you around the dance floor, your mind going elsewhere, there came a tap onto Clint’s shoulder.

“May I cut in?”

“Of course.”

Clint pressed a kiss to your cheek, quickly whispering in your ear. “Flirt. You look beautiful, by the way.”

You smiled and nodded as he walked away, letting your hands slip from his and into the host’s. And, after flirting for the length of a song, feeling his hands go lower down your back, your own hands stopping him, he finally walked you up the stairs and towards his bedroom.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got eyes on you.” Clint spoke down comms.

You looked over your shoulder as you climbed the grand staircase with the host’s hand at your back, and you saw Clint to the left of the dance floor, watching you carefully.

Once you found yourself with the host, alone, in his bedroom and the guards told to clear away and take their break for an hour or so, you made quick work in knocking him out, finding the jacket and removing the hard drive.

Only, once you left and met Clint outside the bedroom door, a new to duty guard came around the corner.

“Just follow me.” Clint took your hand in his as he pocketed the hard drive into his jacket.

You only got half-way walking down the hall when the guard, who had peaked in on the host, came back out and shouted for you both to stop.

Of course, you didn’t.

You both ran instead.

Then an alarm was pulled and every guard the host paid seemed to be after you and Clint.

“What are you going to do?” Willa asked as Clint pressed something into her hand as he ran past her and out of the door.

“We’ll meet you back at the safe house.” Clint told Willa. “Just take the hard drive and get it to Jerry. Una, tell me you’ve got the van ready.”

“Ready. I’ll meet Willa and Jerry at the extraction point.”

“Good.”

And for the next ten minutes, you and Clint were running through the streets and back alleyways of the town, running in separate directions for a while before bumping into each other down a side-ally.

Footsteps were coming closer and the sound of bullets were flying through the air.

“They don’t know what they’re aiming at.”

“But they’ll find us soon.”

“If we run out now, they’ll shoot at us.”

“So what do we do?”

“I don’t know.” you looked at him, breathless, before looking back down the alley.

Then it hit Clint.

“I have an idea but I need you to trust me. Like, really trust me.”

“Jesus Christ, Barton. Just get on with it.” you finally called out as he tried to prevent the inevitability of his plan - despite you not knowing what it was.

The footsteps were drawing closer and for a moment they stopped, a light flashed down the alleyway and voice talked before the running continued.

But none of that registered in the moment because your brain was short-circuiting since Clint’s bright idea was to kiss you.

His hands came to your face and he could feel your hands on his arms, ready to push him off and probably punch him. But you didn’t. And, rather than the kiss being stiff and awkward…it was unlike any other.

One of his hands still remained by the side of your face when the light shone down the path but his other came down your body, sending goosebumps in their wake, before he pulled you against him and he stepped closer pressing you between him and the wall.

Your own hands travelled up to his neck and pulled him closer but once the footsteps died away, the kiss slowly came to an end leaving you both breathless against one another.

“I think it worked.”

Clint nodded, swallowing hard, as he looked at you.

How had he never noticed the reflection of the stars in your eyes before?

“I think it did. Are you gonna punch me now?”

Clint watched as you paused for a moment.

“Not right now. But if they come back, I might.”

“We better go?”

You nodded. “We better go.”

You had to push yourself along because you knew, if you didn’t, you’d kiss him again and he’d simply kissed you to avoid getting caught, right? There would be no dire consequences after that kiss.

But all Clint could do was scold himself as you both made your way back to the safe house. How had he never noticed the stars in your eyes before? Or how, in the morning, the rays of the sun shone back just as bright? He also scolded himself from allowing himself to emotionally indulge in the kiss he shared with you. You are his teammate. And he knew himself.

He couldn’t let his heart get involved, or else there would be dire consequences.

Initially, things felt…awkward. But, after four years, it was just an old memory, right? And, yeah, sure, the memory would be revisited from time to time whether independently or shared…kinda. Mostly, this was when the team would have drinks one night and would be talking about love lives and first kisses and worst kisses.

“Alright, alright, alright. I’ll give you that one.” Una said, swirling her bottle of beer. “But kissing to avoid something, that can't work, can it?”

“It can.”

Your mouth spoke the words before your brain could stop you.

“And how would you know?”

You caught Clint’s smirk as he looked down to his beer.

“I just do.”

“Oh, really?”

“Come on, tell us!” Willa cried.

You shook your head with a suppressed laugh. “I’ve said too much.”

“No, come on!”

“Maybe some other time.”

“No fair.”

“Okay,” you smiled. “You tell us about what happened with Derek and your ‘worldly knowledge’ and I’ll tell you my story.”

Willa narrowed her eyes at you, playfully. “You play a clever game.”

You just sat back and smiled.

But despite all of this, four years on, neither you or Clint had seemingly changed. But he still felt like you were hiding something from him.

Except, he’d find out soon enough. And not in a way either of you hoped he would.

This time, you’d been called in on your day off.

“What’s going on?”

Clint turned around from the monitor and was at first taken aback from your clothing. Usually, you wore black pants and a black t-shirt to work or a work shirt or, if the situation called for it, sand coloured cargo trousers and a breathable t-shirt. Though, that was usually when having to attend a military base outside of cooler weather.

Instead, you wore a cosy jumper and dungarees that had paint splatter all over them, including your white pumps and small freckles of pain on the baby hairs that had escaped their cover of the hair bandanna.

Clint also spotted the remnants of nail polish in your cuticles and light paint on the side of your hands.

“We’ve just got- have you been decorating?”

You looked over yourself. “Oh, yeah. Felt like a change. Anyway, what’s going on?”

“We’ve just got wind of a hostage situation. We can’t make verbal contact with the abductor but they did send this out.”

It was a note.

And it was through that note that led you and Clint making an extraction which was initially successful until you did a final sweep afterwards only to be knocked out when you spotted a door had been left ajar and the lights turned off.

Clint, after not hearing your reply, came in after you.

And that was how you both ended up waking up inside some beat down old home that had probably been designed in the 40s.

His voice was hazy, but you heard Clint call your name. You also tried your best to take in a breath but was only met with a damp stench and the feeling of your lungs crushing you into shock.

“Take it easy, he hit you pretty hard.”

After a few minutes, you finally gained some normality in your lungs but the sting was still there.

“What happened?”

“After he went all sleeper agent on you, I came in and found you unconscious. I was trying to wake you when he stuck something in my neck.”

“I see you got the peaceful option.”

“Funny.”

“Where the hell are we?” you asked, trying your best to look around.

“I don’t know. I haven’t heard any cars so I’m gonna take a guess and say we’re in the middle of nowhere.”

“Well, that narrows it down.”

“Did you see who took us?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

You and Clint snapped your heads to the open space in front of you both.

Out from the shadows appeared the guy who you had seen just before his gun came across your head and your body hit the ground.

The man walked from one side of the room, to the other, screwing in the light-bulbs beneath the lampshades causing both you and Clint to squint at the brightness. You’d both been submerged in darkness for quite some time.

“My name is Jack. I know, how original. It was actually my mother’s father’s name. Named after my grandfather, grand ol’ Jack. Lived till he was 92. Always said the best way to survive was to always tell the truth. That lies weighed on the soul. And to have a small shot of whiskey before going to bed. Said that was good for the heart since it quietened the mind.”

“Really touching story,” you cut him off. “But why are we here?”

“Don’t you get it?”

You and Clint looked at one another. Had you both missed a part of this conversation?

“I tried to save those people in the warehouse.” Jack told both of you as he straddled a chair. “People in this world need saving from themselves. People are dying younger than they ever did. And it’s because of all the lies. The lies they keep from their parents, and their children and themselves. It’s all crushing their soul. And I knew…” Jack smiled, wagging his finger. “I knew the moment I saw you down there that yours was being crushed the most.”

“Saw me?”

Jack stood from his chair. “I was in the corner office, on the top floor. It has an excellent view. Whoever has that office next will love it. The accents on the wall, ah magnificent.” Jack kissed his fingers before continuing. “But it gave me a good scope. I understand not everyone will…agree with my methods, per say.”

“No, because you took people hostage.” Clint pointed out.

“I was trying to save them! And I was finally getting through to them until those SWAT guys pulled out my team.”

“Again, because you had taken them hostage. And now you’ve taken us hostage.”

“This world needs saving!” Jack yelled. “It needs saving from the lies people tell and the secrets they all hide.”

“Alright!” you yelled out before calming your voice. “Alright. So…the world needs saving? Jack, do you really think you’re saving it…by killing people? The hold-up down on 9th? That was you, right? Those people you let go-”

“They let their souls free. They told the truth.”

“So, if we-” you looked at Clint before turning back to Jack. “If we tell you the truth, will you let us go?”

“Yes.”

For a moment, the feeling in the room got lighter. Maybe there was a way out after all.

“But you’ll only lie. No, you…your secrets are too big to just give up freely. You…you’re a take em’ to the grave kinda gal. So, no. I won’t let you go. Not until I know that it’s the truth.”

“How will you know?”

Clint regretted asking the question.

“Because she’ll be begging to tell me. You both will.”

Neither of you knew how much time had passed but the spots from the light were getting duller and bigger.

“No, no. You can not sleep yet. You haven’t freed your soul.”

“Why do we have to free our souls?” you asked, the taste of blood coming to your mouth. “What if I don’t want to be saved? You said it yourself. I’d rather take mine to the grave.”

“Oh, but you don’t. Not really.”

Jack had been circling you and Clint for a while, as if he were a hunter, teasing you - waiting for you to beg to be killed.

“No, I can see it in your eyes. The eyes never lie.”

Jack levelled himself though he wasn’t close enough to knock out. His hands gripped your thighs as he hummed, annoyance clear in his expression as he tried to figure out your secret.

“Perhaps you killed someone? No, that isn’t it. Maybe you ran away? Have a secret family? No, that’s not it either. The eyes never lie to me. What is it? What are you not telling me? What are you not telling yourself?”

Clint called your name and Jack saw the slightest change in you. So slight, in fact, even you didn’t feel it.

“It’s him. It had something to do with your team. No, teammate. It’s him and just him.”

Jack pushed against your thighs so he could stand up straight. Quickly, he made his way over to Clint and circled him.

“What is it? What is it about you, huh? What has her secret got to do with you? Let's see if we can find out.”

You heard the snap of a switchblade as it opened and the fight for Jack to steady Clint but before he could make the first cut or slice, you cried out.

“Stop! He doesn’t know! He- he doesn’t know. Please…just…just don’t hurt him. Please.”

Jack looked over to you and Clint’s name escaped your lips, both in pleading and question.

“Oh…oh, this runs so much deeper than just a secret.”

You lowered your head for a moment. The pounding in your heart was only made harder by your own silent cries telling you to not say anything else. But there was a chance you’d both die, so why not tell him? Right? Maybe it would save your lives? Or would it only give Jack more ammunition to use?

“Doesn’t it?”

“Please…don’t.”

Jack knelt in front of you and gently touched your cheek before moving his hand down and grasping under your jaw, forcing your head up.

“Tell me. Let me free your soul.”

Tears rolled down your cheeks, your heart crushing your lungs inside your chest.

“If you don’t tell me, I will only hurt him more. And you don’t want to hurt him. Tell me. Help me save both of you. Tell me. No, tell him.”

Jack moved your head, forcing you to look at Clint with tear stained cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Clint. I’m so sorry.”

Your name came from Clint’s voice, barely above a whisper.

“You can admit it,” Jack said your name. “You committed the most heinous act an agent such as yourself can do, didn’t you? You created a danger, not only for him, but yourself.”

Clint said your name again, trying to move his hands only to find them still shackled to his chair.

“You fell in love.”

You took in a breath, the beating feeling in your chest, turning into a stabbing feeling against your lungs. Your head remained down as you squoze your eyes shut, more tears escaping from your lids, down your lashes and onto your lap.

“Please…”

You didn’t even know if Jack could hear you, but you pleaded with him anyway.

“We need to hear you say it.”

You remained silent but then-

“Say it!”

Jack’s hand came to your face and pushed you to look at him.

“Say it! Say it!”

You continued to plead with him until he pushed you back further and you screamed out.

“I fell in love! I fell in love! Please! Stop! No! Please! I-I fell in love! I fell in love with him! Please! I-I fell in love with him. I’m in love with him!”

Jack stopped and waited a moment before pulling you back so all four legs of the chair were on the ground and he finally removed his hand from your face.

“And there it is.”

He was smiling. The look and sound of fear in your body had pushed him further but the defeated look on your face…that couldn’t be bought. That had to be created, by his hands.

Clint looked between Jack and you and he didn’t know what to be more worried about. What Jack could possibly do to you next, or the fact that even he knew you were telling the truth to Jack.

You were in love with him.

But he didn’t have long to sit and think about it because flashing lights suddenly came from behind the thick fabric that covered the broken windows, blocking out the light of the day and night.

“No! No!” Jack shouted. “I still need to save them!”

It all happened so quickly, Clint barely caught the fact that Willa had rushed inside, Una arresting Jack and detaining him. Willa rushed over to Clint as Jerry came over to you.

“How did you find us?” Clint asked Willa as Jerry came behind you and picked the locks of your handcuffs.

“Are you okay?”

Jerry knew it was a stupid question, even when you didn’t answer him.

“A dog walker called it in. Said they could hear someone yelling as if they were in pain. He also knew no one has lived in this house since 1982.”

As Willa picked Clint’s handcuffs, Jerry had managed to get you out of yours and without looking back, you darted for the door.

“Wait, wait,” Una called after you. “We need to wait for the medics.”

“Can you take me to the hospital?”

Una looked you over. She could see the clear look in your eyes. You didn’t want to stay here for another second.

“Don’t you want to wait for Clin-”

“Now?”

Una nodded, radioing into Willa who was standing behind Clint, letting Jerry finish unpicking the locks.

“Sure, I’ll call ahead.”

“Thank you, Willa.”

Hoping into the passenger seat, you shut the door as Una climbed into the driver’s seat and took off down the road and to the local hospital.

“What happened in there?” Una asked you as she flicked her eyes from the road to you and back again.

“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

Even with your hand shaking, you pushed your fingers across your face to try and wipe away the tears.

By the time you arrived at the hospital, you were taken to a separate room where Una stayed in the waiting room, filling out your forms. Your hands were too shaky to even hold a pen and you could just about remember your own name.

The doctor ran multiple tests and pushed the small cuts together with closure slips.

“You’re all good but I’d like you to remain here for a couple hours, just in case there’s any change.”

You nodded and quietly thanked the doctor as she left.

There were patches of dirt on your hands, as well as blood and old tears where they washed away the stains.

After an hour, Una came in only to leave a few minutes later since she was called back to base to interrogate Jack. And, as she left, you slowly lowered yourself down on the hospital bed and, despite the noise in your head, you fell asleep.

A few hours later, a nurse came in and woke up.

“You can go home now, honey. We’re gonna need this bed.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” you tried to get up quickly but the nurse only laid a hand on your shoulder.

“It’s okay, honey. Take your time. I read your chart, you took quite the hit. Your friend is waiting for you in the waiting room to take you home.”

You nodded, swinging your legs over the side.

“Here. Take these for the headache.”

“Thank you.”

“No worries, honey.”

By the time you had grabbed your jacket and started walking down the hallway, you stalled when you saw who the nurse was talking about.

If you had the energy, you probably would have run in the opposite direction. But you didn’t. You were tired and if the nurse hadn’t woken you, you probably would have slept for the next 24 hours.

“Una was gonna come but I fought her for it.” Clint tried to smile but he could see your’s was just forced.

“Look, what happened-”

“Clint, please…I– I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to go home.”

“Okay.”

The drive back was silent and awkward and by the time he pulled up, you looked at him for as long as you could stomach (which wasn’t long) before opening up the door and thanking him.

And, the moment you pushed your key inside your door, you thought you were safe. That everything was finished for the day and you could deal with it tomorrow.

But Clint got out of the car and called your name.

“Wait!”

He took the porch steps two at a time and when he finally reached you, you forced yourself to look at him.

“I need to say something.”

“You don’t have to say anything, Clint.”

“But I want to.”

“Please…I’d…I just want to forget what happened today. Please…I can’t do it again.”

“I know you’re scared and watching what he was doing to you…I was scared, too. I am. I am scared.”

“Clint,” you could see the look in his eyes and you shook your head. “No. Don’t. Don’t say anything you’re gonna regret.”

“The only thing I regret is not telling you earlier.” Clint told you. “Then maybe none of this would have happened.”

“Clint-”

“I-”

“Please.”

Your hand flew to his chest and he stopped talking. “Please. Whatever you’re about to say…please wait. Wait for the right time.”

Finally, you looked at him and his hands came to the top of your arms, stroking downwards before holding you close.

“Please…just wait.”

“Okay.”

That was all he said before kissing your head and saying it again.

“Okay. I’ll wait.”

By the time you woke up in the morning, your mind had stilled and before it could get loud again, you started painting again. All of your furniture was covered and two out of the 6 walls you had planned to paint had been cleaned, stripped, sanded, coated and painted.

And, just as you started on the third, a knock came to your door.

“I just want to help.” Clint told you. “And, let’s be honest, last time you tried decorating this place on your own, you nearly knocked yourself out with paint cleaner.”

You, for the first time in the last 48 hours, smiled.

“You can take the kitchen. There should be some new cupboards to keep you company.”

“You’re finally changing them?” Clint asked, entering the kitchen, his tool belt around his hips.

“I am. Picked them out last week.”

“Thank god.” he said. “I hated the last ones.”

“Same.”

The rest of the day ran smoothly enough, despite what the last couple of days had revealed. Clint informed you that you and him both had the next two weeks off before either of you could go back into the field. He also helped fix the kitchen cabinets to the wall as well as install your new oven. You could have done it on your own, but having someone else there made it easier. Clint also helped you move around the heavier furniture and, when fixing the wiring to the lightbulb, he held the ladder steady under you so you wouldn’t fall.

And for the following two days, neither of you mentioned anything about what happened with Jack. It was like nothing had ever happened in the first place.

Until Clint decided he couldn’t wait anymore.

It was easier, before the kiss, to shut off his feelings for you; that worry, that concern, that joy that exceeded more than just the smile of friendship. But after, they became much more clear. He saw the stars in your eyes and the light in your smile. He was more than just amazed at your talents of being an agent. Of course, those who joined Shield all had similar talents, but there was just something more about you. More to be figured out, more to learn, more to be desired and most of all, more to be loved.

He couldn’t wait any longer.

Sure, he’d been called stubborn before but now he was impatient. He’d let time slip by for six years and in that time there had been moments where he wanted to call out from the top of buildings that his feelings for you were more than that of a friend, of a teammate. But he couldn’t.

There was always a mission or a job to be done or a date that got in the way. And now, there had been a raging lunatic that, if Willa and the rest of the team hadn’t landed when they did, could have killed you. He’d set your soul free, you’d been able to tell your secret. What was to stop him from not letting the rest of you go? What was stopping him from shooting you where you sat or using your life against his?

Nothing.

Because Clint couldn’t free himself. He couldn’t free himself from his chair or the shackles that kept him there. No matter how many times he called out your name or shouted for Jack to stop, he couldn’t free himself. He couldn’t get there. He couldn’t stop Jack from doing whatever he wanted to the women he fell in love with all those years ago.

But he could do something now.

So, as you stood beside him in the kitchen measuring out a plank of wood to fit on the wall above your stove, Clint looked at you and finally told you what he’d been wanting to tell you for years and what he was about to tell you two days ago before you begged him to wait, you not fully knowing whether he was going to reject you or tell you that he loved you.

“I’m in love with you.”

Whatever you had been saying about the plank of wood and how you needed to get some more sandpaper from Home Depot quickly came to a stop as you stumbled over your words and looked at him.

“What?”

“I’m in love with you.” Clint repeated.

“No, Clint. Don’t-”

“I’m not just saying it because of what happened.” Clint assured you. “I should have told you years ago but I kept making excuses. But, after what happened, I don’t want to be able to find an excuse. I nearly lost you because I didn’t tell you sooner. I’m not losing you again. I’m in love with you.”

You were stunned to say the least.

“I know, two days ago, you told me to wait. I was going to tell you when I got to the hospital but they told me you’d just fallen asleep. And then you told me to wait when I dropped you off and maybe I should, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to miss a chance to tell you again.”

Again, you were stunned into silence.

“I’m in love with you.”

“I’m dizzy.”

That was all you could say. All the information and realisation of every action made in the last six years all hit you at once.

Swiftly, Clint pulled out one of the bar stools and you sat down holding your head.

“You’re in love with me?”

“I’m in love with you.” Clint repeated.

“You’re in love…with me? Me? The woman sat in front of you? Me?”

“Yes. I am in love with you.”

“Have you inhaled paint cleaner?”

Clint chuckled and pulled out a chair himself, sitting with his knees locked into yours before he took your hands in his.

He stated your full name, “I am in love with you. And have been for the last six years.” Clint also stated your birthdate, star sign, address and badge number. “Does that clear it up?”

Your heart was beating in your chest so fast you thought it might actually explode.

“Clint, I…I need to know you’re not just saying this because of what happened.”

Clint gave a small nod. “I have an idea but I’m gonna need you to trust me. Like, really trust me.”

You nodded and a moment later, Clint’s hands had moved from yours to your face, cupping your cheeks before pulling you in for a kiss.

It was gentle and loving and unlike any other kiss you had experienced before. Other guys had taken what they wanted, forced the kind of kiss they wanted out of you. But not Clint.

Somehow, he conveyed every emotion he could into the kiss and you couldn’t help but feel your mind wander back to your first kiss, down the side alleyway. That felt real. You had to convince yourself it was fake but this, and that, was real.

It was all real.

For a moment, you felt Clint smile into the kiss as your hands gripped at the collar of his checked shirt to pull him closer. A smile which you returned.

“I’m in love with you.”

“I’m in love with you, too.”

Clint smiled and kissed you again, and again, and again.

Despite everything that had happened, and everything that you had previously thought, you had come to realise that maybe it wasn’t so bad to learn to love and accept love in return. And in the years that passed, despite the dangers the job put you both in, it was nice to come home and be greeted with a familiar face and a warm embrace and to have a family you could both call your own.

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americasass81 · 1 year ago

Text

Embracing The Darkness

Warnings 18+ for the following:- Non-Consensual Sex, Dubious Consensual Sex, Character Deaths, Violence, Blood Exchange, M/F Smut (Penetrative Sex, Gun Play, Blowjob, Teabagging, Knife Play), F/F Smut (Fingering, Oral, Spanking, Squirting), Restraints, Implied Squirting. This is a dark story. Seriously do not read if any of this upsets you, the warnings are there for a reason. Feedback is welcomed and any mistakes are my own.

By proceeding you are acknowledging that you are over 18 and are consenting to the content below the cut.

Pairings:- Steve Rogers x Original Female Character, Tony Stark x Original Female Character, Natasha Romanoff x Original Female Character, Maria Hill x Original Female Character, Clint Barton x Original Female Character.

Author’s Note 1:- This is my submission for @jtargaryen18 Halloween Challenge 2023. Having chosen the prompt below, I just had to include a little nod to our beloved Jamie with my original female character as well as using the same costume from my previous Halloween fic in this same challenge. Yay recycling. Anyway hope anyone who reads this enjoys it 💖

Challenge Prompt:- (The Halloween Costume Comes to Life: Remember that episode of Buffy? You rented a costume and when you put it on, that’s who you are as long as you are wearing it.)

Author’s Note 2:- Since this story switches between the present perspective and memories (italic text) I really hope it makes sense.

Author’s Note 3:- As always, all images have been found through google search.

Synopsis:- Accepting an invitation to Tony Stark’s annual Halloween party, what will you do when an unforeseen interference with your costumes causes far reaching consequences for you and all of humanity?

Total Word Count:- 9,565

Opening your eyes to find yourself dangling off the couch at a rather awkward angle in the entertainment room, the chill settling on your skin might have been enough to have you reaching for a blanket if there was one in sight. Unfortunately there wasn't. What was evident to you however as you straightened up was the utter mess lettering the room in every direction. Bottles piled on every available surface. Clothes discarded with no evidence of the people they once belonged to. A shoe tossed aside carelessly with no one to claim it. It was worse than a pigsty.

Righting yourself on the couch now as you tried to figure out exactly what was going on and how you had ended up in this condition, standing up brought a whole new element to your experience however. One you most certainly weren't prepared for. Rising to your feet and making it a whole two paces, a sudden queasiness found you running towards the nearest available container as the contents of your stomach spewed forth before your eyes into the waiting plastic pumpkin and filled you with a terror you had never felt before.

For what came up was red.

Continuing to vomit until all the offending substance had been expelled, you now stood staring at the liquid and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt exactly what it was ... it was blood. But how could that be? Having heaved up everything and definitely identifying the taste of copper in your mouth, you should at least be unconscious or near death with the amount you had expelled, but you actually felt fine. In fact, no part of you was in pain and you had never felt better. So what then was going on? If as you now suspected that all was well with you and the blood you just heaved up was not actually coming from within, where then did it come from and worst of all, how did it get inside you?

Walking out of the entertainment room now and heading off to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water to remove the horrid taste from your mouth, you began to think over how you had ended up here when an odd thought suddenly struck you ... where the hell was here? Looking around you suddenly now as you tried to figure out the answer to this question, the state of the place here too troubled you also, but at least you recognised it beneath the mess. This was the Avengers compound.

Searching through your memory now as you finally reach your destination, a cool glass of water trickling down your throat and a wayward glance at all the decorations visible around the place at least brought the reason for you being here bursting to the surface. Tony Stark threw a party. But in typical Tony fashion this was no ordinary party. This was his now usual Halloween costume party and being The Avengers P.R. consultant your presence was requested. And you just had to dress up as a vampire princess.

But what had any of that to do with all of this and what had happened to your costume? Oh sure parties were messy and a Stark party was notorious for being a wild experience, but he always employed people to clean things up. This had clearly not happened here. In fact the opposite seemed to have occurred. Finishing up your water now and taking stock of the t-shirt and boxers shielding your modesty, you now took in the state in this room too and discovered some things you had not previously noticed.

While well lit with electricity, all the windows were covered over and the substance spattered on the walls and other areas which now caught your attention was definitely blood. Add to that the fact that you couldn't remember most, if any, of last night and you now had to wonder if it was possible that you had survived some horrific event. Refilling your glass now to steady your nerves as your hands shook from this new information, another glance off to your left however alerted you to the presence of someone's leg. It seems you weren’t as alone as you thought after all. Slowly moving towards it now to see who had partied too hard here, the glass slipped from your hand and shattered the silence all around you however as the owner of the leg came into view and a shroud of darkness lifted from you to reveal how your night here had started.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -START OF MEMORY #1- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Zipping up your costume, buckling the belt in place and slipping your feet into the knee high boots, you had to admit this party couldn't have come at a better time. Thoroughly exhausted and seriously in need of a good time, no one knew how to throw a party quite like Tony Stark and you were more than ready to let your hair down. After all the problems created in New York and Steve all but crippling the U.S. intelligence and security services, being P.R. consultant for the Avengers was nowhere near as glamorous as it had once seemed. In fact it was your living nightmare. But at least you were good at your job which kind of made this your reward.

Grabbing your jacket then and driving to the compound, you were still a tiny bit unhappy with the lateness of the event, but you figured Tony knew what he was doing. After all, he had told you as much when he handed you the invitation personally amid your complaints that five minutes to midnight was no time to kick off one of his shindigs. At the very least you argued that he should consider the effect such a late hour would have on people's constitution, to which he gleefully replied that sacrifices had to be made in the spirit of debauched revelry.

Sighing at the time upon realizing that Tony Stark would never let anything get in the way of a good party, you took the invitation, promised him you would indeed show up and securing your costume here you were ... stepping through the main doors of the compound ten minutes before the appointed time. Removing your jacket now and grudgingly discarding it upon the first pile of clothes you came across, you marveled at the wondrously spooky scenes all around you until you reached the entertainment room and was blown away.

Noticing now all the superheroes decked out in costumes that most ordinary people wore every Halloween, a smile actually graced your features when at the same time some Stark and Avenger employees' costumes caught your attention. They had come as their favorite heroes. Stepping through these doors now and finally feeling the buzz of the festivities all around you, you might have questioned the mild dizziness and funny sensations now taking place within your body if not for the image that greeted you by the bar. Talking discreetly to Sam and Bucky while decked out in a suit that most definitely could have come from Tony Stark's closet, you would have suspected that Steve had shown up as some businessman if not for the piece visible just through the opening in his jacket. The man was packing some serious heat.

Staying silent now and moving quietly along the outer perimeter as mist unknowingly formed around you and concealed your activities from the party at large, you finally reached the bar only for Sam and Bucky to swiftly move between you and the man that had captured your attention. It seemed they perceived you as some type of threat and perhaps they were right. Smiling now however at their response while trailing his eyes up and down your exquisite form, it seemed their mob boss friend did not hold the same assessment of your skills and waving his flunkies aside, stretched his hand out to beckon you closer.

Moving forward now with a grace you had not previously known, you took the offered hand and waited to see what the man would do. "Steve Rogers, head of the New York Mafia at your service," he introduced before leaning forwards and placing the most tender of kisses against the back of your hand. "And you are?" he then questioned as he straightened up and his blue eyes locked with yours.

"Jemisha Targaryen, vampire princess," you replied with a smile while embracing the roleplaying game Earth's first Avenger seemed fully engaged in and the man now whispering your name like a prayer in response would have been enough to stop your heart had that not already happened. Not that you had even noticed. Alerting a passing waiter now for drinks and taking you to a quiet closed off corner, a considerable amount of time passed in his splendid company until a walk through the compound found both of you alone in the kitchen trying to find any excuse not to become intimately acquainted with each other. But the excuses never materialized.

Smacking his lips against yours as if a lifetime of intimacy had passed between you, Steve reluctantly pulling back for air gave you the perfect opportunity you needed to get familiar with the man before you. Admiring again the suit that enveloped his frame so ideally while also exuding that air of danger a man in his position should possess, it pained you to peel him out of it, but it had to be done. Returning to your lips now as the jacket lay discarded while your nimble fingers swiftly opened his crisp white shirt, Steve now moved both of you to the couch and seating you gently upon the back, dropped to his knees on the floor before you. Gazing down on him now with lipstick smeared from his attention, you now wondered what he had planned as his gun appeared before your face and an inquisitive look from him told you some action from you was now required.

Looking quizzically now between him and the metal object that could quite easily do you irreparable harm, it seemed his patience finally ran out as the man below you finally spoke. “Well come on sweetheart, this baby isn’t going to lubricate itself. Time to put that mouth to work.”

Shocked now by what he had planned as his other hand pushed aside the crotch of your bodysuit and toyed with your folds, your hand reaching out to raise the gun towards your mouth shocked you even more. Apparently you wanted this too. Placing your mouth now over the barrel and mimicking events that were still to come, Steve’s fingers and tongue getting acquainted with your intimate area did more than an adequate job of getting you ready before he decided enough preparation had been done. Delighting now in the feelings he was creating as he slowly and carefully manipulated the metal object into your pussy, you would have enquired if the thing was loaded, but he never gave you the chance. Reaching in as far as it would go and satisfied with your compliance when you finally nodded for him to continue, Steve now rose to his feet and resumed kissing you again as his hand, the gun and your hips worked your pussy into a frenzy that not only triggered your first release of the night but also catapulted you and Steve over the top of the couch and onto the kitchen floor behind the island unit.

Beyond amazed now that you had landed as you had and not caused the gun to fire, you thanked Steve for his obvious control the first chance you got. Laughing next when New York’s Mob Boss finally stopped assaulting your mouth and gently removed his weapon from your core, the aftershocks should have kept you satiated but it seemed you wanted more. So tossing the gun aside now and tackling Steve to the point where you were now in charge, you quickly unbuckled his pants and reaching it to remove his package, smiled in satisfaction when no extra clothing was discovered. The man it seemed was ready to go. Moving your bodysuit to the side again as Steve had previously done, slotting his cock into you channel now and moving atop the still fully clothed mob boss as his massive rod pounded your cervix over and over again, your second orgasm of the night ripped through you now as your fangs buried themselves deep in Steve's neck.

Placing your hand over his mouth now to silence his screams while his hand reached out uselessly towards his discarded weapon, your hips, thighs and fangs kept him in place now and a satisfied moan left your lips as the last of his life's essence flowed down your throat while his phallus released one final load against your shuddering walls. Looking down at his almost lifeless body now as you finally detached your mouth from his battered neck, you knew the world could not handle his loss. Slicing your wrist then and placing it against his lips, you reached out with your powers and coaxed the man beneath you to accept the final gift you offered. Remaining like that just long enough then for his pupils to give the spark of evidence that signal the change would take, you now separated yourself from him and leaving him there, returned to the party.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -END OF MEMORY #1- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Returning to Steve's rumpled and discarded body now, your mind tried to reconcile what you had just remembered with what you were currently seeing and feeling, but things just weren't syncing up. Reaching forward then to check on the condition of the super soldier, the memory of the blood you had just discarded stopped you dead before your hand even touched his skin. This had to be a dream. A very bad one at that. Changing your mind now and rushing from the room to see if someone else could explain what had happened here, you next found your way to the indoor pool while Steve slept on, oblivious to the changes that would soon signal his transformation.

Opening the door here now not all together surprised to find this place relatively untouched given that Tony usually closed it off during parties, a sticky spot touching your foot did cause some apprehension however given what you had just experienced. Raising your foot now to check out the offending substance, your heart now skipped a beat when your fingers touched your sole and came away red. Something gruesome seemed to have occurred here too. Moving farther into the room now, the image of Natasha's body laying in the center of the room decked out in the robe of the goddess Athena would have tricked anyone looking in here to believe that she was lost in peaceful slumber. But you knew different. As did the bloodstain lingering atop her left breast which triggered another memory flow.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -START OF MEMORY #2- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Righting your bodysuit and walking back towards the party now to find Natasha, dressed as the goddess Athena, heading in your direction, the image of Steve beginning his undead journey forced you now to ignore what you had become in favor of deflecting the redhead from discovering your secret. Smiling at her now as you stood before her and asked her why she had chosen the goddess Athena as her costume, her eyes still traveling towards the kitchen as she confessed to being the wisest of all the Avengers told you that a greater distraction was still needed.

Locking your eyes with her now as you allowed your hypnotic skills to take you over once more, five minutes later and the pool room hid your activities perfectly from those individuals like Natasha/Athena that might discover what you were up to. Coaxing her farther into the room now as you engaged the lock behind you, a hunger you had never felt before took hold as your eyes feasted on her ethereal form. She was beyond beautiful. Moving forwards now at a speed you never imagined possessing and coming to stand behind the redhead, you wrapped your arms around her waist as your lips came to nestle against her ear.

"Tell me beautiful, has anyone told you how divine you look? Godhood totally becomes you," you uttered before your mouth then moved lower and your tongue snaked out to lick a stripe along her neck. Delighting in the squeal that left her lips now and the thrumming you felt pulsing in her veins, you would have sunk your teeth into her right there if your body still wasn't hungry for something else. Something far sweeter.

Moving in front of her now while simultaneously lowering her body onto the floor, the chill of the tiles beneath her might have caused her to rethink what you were proposing if not for the hold your powers still had on her. Spreading her legs open now as your lower body moved between them, you placed your lips quickly against hers before moving down her body with the promise of giving her an experience she would never forget. Looking up at her now with a smirk as you lifted up her robe and discovered her naked underneath, you couldn’t hold yourself back any longer as her exquisite aroma called out to you. It was almost like her own super power.

Laying down flat between her legs now and placing them over your shoulders you would, before this activity was over, be extremely grateful that your current state did not require you to breathe. You could stay here all night. Latching your lips onto her intimate folds now as your tongue darted out and savored the taste of the first woman you had ever touched in this way, you would have questioned where your skills and knowledge came from, but you didn’t really care. And it seemed Natasha/Athena didn’t care either. Writhing and moaning beneath you now as her body tried both to pull away from you and also move closer, her nectar flowing from her and flooding your mouth was beyond distracting. It was something you couldn’t get enough of. Sweet and slightly salty at first, the seconds after her first orgasm subsided and the flavor changed. Delicious now in a way you couldn’t quite describe, each release brought more and more of this delightful substance to your senses until she finally couldn’t give you any more and squirted out her last powerful release.

Satisfied now with your accomplishment as the goddess of wisdom, craft and warfare lay in a blissed out pool beneath your still wanting body, you moved yourself up hers now and tried to get her to focus what little consciousness she had left on you. “So beautiful, are you ready to experience that final high that will forever ruin you for all mortal beings?”

Trying to focus now on your words as her body still shook from the experience you had just given her, an imperceptible nod of her head was all the confirmation you were going to receive. Smiling in triumph now as your fingers returned to her oversensitive core and began manipulating her walls once again, your lips resting against her newly exposed breast gave little indication of what you had planned. At least until your fangs slid home. Suckling the life giving liquid from her left breast now as your fingers turned her screams of terror into screams of pleasure, her final spasm as the liquid leaving her body became little more than a trickle told you it was time.

Removing yourself from her breast and pussy now as her life signs began to dwindle, you now sliced open your neck and bringing her mouth towards your essence, urged her to accept this final gift. Claiming her last ounce of strength then, she followed your gentle prodding and now you stood over your second victim of the night wondering how long it would take for this unique creature to embrace her new reality. Not that you would be here to witness it.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -END OF MEMORY #2- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Shocked again now by what this memory showed you you had done, yet still not believing it, you now looked around the room in the hopes of finding something to cover the evidence of yet another Avenger you had managed to dispatch. Failing in this endeavor however and deciding that the clothes you wore were nowhere near good enough, you argued with yourself silently before at last accepting you had no other option. Gingerly reaching forward now and apologizing to Natasha both for what you had done and what you were doing now, you carefully removed her robe and straightening it out, covered her body from head to toe before leaving the scene of your latest crime.

Standing out in the hall now as tears streamed silently down your cheeks, you took a moment just to feel the loss of these two fallen heroes before wondering what to do next or more precisely what you might find. Walking away now from the changing body of the Black Widow and moving farther into the depths of this revered building, a quick glance into Tony’s lab and a voice in the back of your mind told you to go inside. But you didn’t want to.

Fearing now what awaited you beyond these walls, your mind was made up however. Raising your hand now and placing it on the keypad, you hoped Tony hadn’t sealed this place off to everyone except himself. Listening intently now for the buzz that would signal success and still somewhat surprised once you were accepted, you cautiously took one step at a time inside before the sight you now feared the most greeted you here too. Lifelessly stretched out on the floor in front of his beloved orange Audi R8, the two familiar spots visible on his wrist only because you were looking for them told you everything your memory would soon reveal. You had encountered him too.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -START OF MEMORY #3- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Finding yourself back in the entertainment room again, you picked up a drink from the tray of a passing waitress before heading off to the same corner Steve had first taken you to. Sitting down now and taking a sip of the cool beverage, you didn’t exactly dislike the taste but it seemed something else was calling out to you. Closing your eyes then and reaching out with your powers, you honed in on the smallest noise, smell and sound and began to filter through them for some tasty morsel until the presence of two warm hands resting on your shoulders opened your eyes to the arrival of someone your body craved more than all others. He was here.

Staying perfectly still now while trying to rein in the impulses that came with your new body and seemed to be wreaking havoc everywhere you went, your eyes lit up when Tony vaulted the back of the couch, flopped down beside you and locked his piercing gaze with yours. But this wasn’t the Tony Stark you knew. Sitting beside you now in the blue and black racing suit of his Formula 1 team with the word STARK emblazoned diagonally in large white letters on his chest, the confidence he displayed in most aspects of his life seemed somehow magnified now … and it was completely directed at you.

“Well, well, well Jemisha, look at you all decked out in practically … nothing,” he greeted with a smirk as his eyes roamed over your very scantily covered body while his fingers glided up and down along your closest thigh. “You hoping to have it off with a race car driver darling?”

Looking over him now while simultaneously trying to fight the sensations his fingers were awakening again within you, a woman coming up asking for his autograph and practically throwing herself at him awakened something more primal and darker in you. It was something that screamed of jealousy. Calling on your powers again this night, you suggested she walk away and bother someone like Thor before rising from the couch and pulling Tony up with you. You needed him away from here. Leading both of you then through the compound , you waited until Tony opened up his personal lab before using your considerable strength to push him inside as the door closed behind you.

Laughing now as Tony actually seemed surprised by your eagerness, this surprise was soon magnified almost tenfold when asking which car you wanted to take for a test drive, the billionaire found the wind knocked out of him when his back came in contact with his vibrant orange Audi R8. Composing himself now as the air returned to his lungs and he attempted to raise himself up off the front of the vehicle, you kissing him deeply before peeling open the zipper on his racing suit stopped him cold. This he wanted to experience.

Placing your hands on his thighs now, you winked up at him as you sank to your knees between his outstretched legs. Removing one hand then, you withdrew him from his boxers and smiled at the gasp he released as your hand gave a firm squeeze before placing your lips gently against his tip. Leaving them there then and doing nothing else as Tony waited above you, you now threw your head back and laughed with unbridled glee when Tony finally whined at you to do something before he combusted. Thinking then of all the things you could do to him, you now patted his thigh with the hand still resting there before moving forwards once again.

Taking Tony in your mouth again, you now began a steady rhythm of licking and sucking his cock as your free hand wrapped itself around his shaft and started twisting back and forth along his impressive length. Taking more and more of him into your mouth then while Tony egged you on, the longer you manipulated his rod, the less your hand was needed so you now moved it down to fondle his sac as you tried not to gag on his sheer girth. Almost choking now as your hand squeezed and caressed him while drool and saliva dripped from your chin down his racing suit, the man above groaned once more in protest when your warm mouth left his pulsating phallus. But you weren’t done with him yet. Not by a long shot.

Placing both of your hands back on his thighs now and moving your head forward beneath his shaft, his firm hands reaching for your head stopped you momentarily as his wide eyes locked with yours. “Jemisha, are you doing what I think you’re doing?”

Leaning towards him now and kissing him again while this time nipping his lower lip enough to draw blood, you then removed his hands and pushed him back against the car once more as your mouth descended back towards his balls. Wrapping your lips around one now, you hollowed out your cheeks and vigorously began to suck as Tony gasped, moaned, cursed and generally came apart above you. And this reaction only increased when your mouth emptied and began the same treatment of his other testicle . And it fed your confidence. Soon robbed of the ability to form any coherent words at all and barely capable of holding himself up, his hand reached down now to stroke his shaft in the hopes of ending his torment and hastening his release. But you weren’t having any of it.

Slapping his hand away now and biting his sac just enough to cause him pain, your mouth and hand returning to his cock filled the room with sounds you wished you could listen to forever. But hearing them now would do fine. Employing your supernatural skills now, you licked, kissed, nipped, sucked and squeezed in all the ways it seemed that drove Tony wild and just as you felt his heart quicken that extra beat, you swallowed him whole and drank down everything he had to give you. Literally.

Lodging him snugly in your throat as deep as he would go and thankful once more that you no longer had to bother with the pesky task of breathing, you waited just long enough for Tony’s whining to start again before sinking your fangs into his package. Washing down his cum with the life-giving liquid that had just previously been supplementing the organ now feeding your being with everything that was uniquely Tony, drinking slow and deep of this savory bouquet now, Tony came out of his orgasmic haze just long enough to realize what you were doing. And he was no longer happy. Trying to detach you from him now while also about to scream out for help, you now released him, stood up straight and facing Tony promised him he could live forever if only he was brave enough to take that final step.

Nodding as much as he could now given his lack of strength as his heartbeat began to fail, you brought his lips to your neck and slicing across it watched in satisfaction as he latched on without a second thought. Drinking freely from you now until you feared for your own survival, you gently pulled him from you and kissed him one last time before dropping his body back onto the car. Walking over to Tony’s workstation now and dropping down onto his chair as his lifeless body slid to the floor, you took a few moments to recover from his feeding and work yourself towards completion before standing back up and walking towards the door. Giving one final lingering look behind you now before exiting the lab and leaving behind the body of a man you so admired in life but cherished even more now in death, all you could do was smile at the thought that Tony Stark’s last living blowjob had actually changed his life.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -END OF MEMORY #3- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Leaving your memory of the previous night behind you now and returning to the present, you knew now reaching out to Tony would reveal the same result as Steve and Natasha. All three were dead at your hand. Looking around the lab now for anything that would hide the body from view, a portable workstation seemed to be your best option and so pulling it forwards a weird thought suddenly hit you … you missed your vampire strength. Eventually placing it in front of the Audi and finally satisfied that no one would see what had transpired here, you now left the lab and actually welcomed the isolation that greeted you outside the room. You needed somewhere quiet to think.

Walking through the compound now in a complete daze with no idea of your destination however, you soon found yourself outside the gym with the horrible feeling that your costumed alter ego had visited her brand of destruction here too. Contemplating going inside to investigate or simply walking away and keeping the possible memory of events here locked away where they could never torment you, you instead waited a heartbeat before twisting the lock and heading inside. And you were glad you did.

Looking every bit as pristine now as it always did when the Avengers and their employees were not dripping sweat everywhere, you actually sat down now on the nearest bench and released a grateful sigh of relief. Nothing supernatural had happened here. Taking a few moments now to relish in this small victory and perhaps let go of all the tension you had been holding onto in anticipation of yet another death to come to terms with, you eventually started to feel more like yourself and so rising from the bench made a beeline back towards the door. That is, until the faint echo of laughter grabbed your attention.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -START OF MEMORY #4- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Kicking the door closed behind you as Maria Hill pulled you deeper into the gym after finding you wandering around the compound, you couldn’t believe this was really happening. Admiring her from afar for her gorgeous looks and ball busting attitude, the idea that she would actually find you interesting was a complete surprise. But this? Watching her now in her maid’s outfit as she skipped across the gym floor and climbed her way into the ring, her perfectly toned ass on display as she bent over and manipulated her body through the ropes had you practically creaming yourself. Damn, you couldn’t remember seeing anything sexier.

Delighting now in this thought, as well as the laughter emanating from the woman currently teasing you as she winked at you before straightening up, you let all caution and pretense fall away and taking to flight, landed softly in the ring just as Maria righted herself. Much to her shock and awe. Removing your adjustable collar now as Maria glanced around between where you had been and where you were now, a girlish giggle you never imagined her capable of creating took you by surprise as you closed the distance between you before placing your lips against hers. Kissing her deeply then before burying your nose in her hair and inhaling her scent which hinted at her excitement, both of you burst out laughing as she tripped over herself and caused both of you to hit the canvas.

Relishing in this opportunity now as she seized the initiative for her lips and tongue to devour any of your flesh they could latch onto, you quickly remembered what you were and the powers you possessed. Which meant this treatment could not stand. Tossing her gently off you then and using your incredible speed to move both of you to the nearest accessible corner, you next removed one of the drapes from your costume’s belt and made short work of tying Maria’s hands to the ring post. Smiling now at your handy work as she tried unsuccessfully to free herself, your body resting against hers stopped her suddenly … as did your words. “Such a naughty girl I have here thinking she can take the lead with me. What should your Queen do with her maid who’s forgotten her place?” you whispered against her ear as your hands began to roam underneath her maid’s outfit before pulling her panties and allowing them to snap back into place.

Yelping slightly now at the sting left behind by this action, you might have taken pity on her if she had only chosen the words she uttered now more carefully. “Oh come on Jemisha, you know you like it when I take charge. Waiting for you one could die of boredom.”

“Jemisha? Did you just call me Jemisha?” you asked incredulously as you tore her skirt from her now before continuing. “When did I ever give a lowly maid such as you permission to call me by my name? Seems someone’s looking to be punished,” and with that you reached around her front and snatching the duster from her apron, brought it down on Maria’s ass numerous times as the brunette cried, shook and pleaded until suddenly the sound you longed for most left her lips. And oh how delightful her moans were.

Untying her now before lowering her back onto the canvas again, you now kissed her tenderly before moving your hand down her trembling body to completely remove her panties that gave away the effect your actions had on her.. Naked from the waist down now and dripping slick between her thighs, you allowed her to retain the top part of her costume as you then tore open the crotch of your bodysuit to give her easy access. Laying on your back now and sitting Maria on your face, you waited now until her mouth descended to your pussy before letting your powers take control. Floating towards the ceiling now and trapping Maria between it and your own body, she might have been panicked by the scene unfolding if she wasn’t currently occupied elsewhere. Devouring her now as she too began to eat you out, orgasm after orgasm rocked through both of you and threatened to consume all that you were, but you had other plans.

Removing your mouth from her pussy now as she continued to dine on everything you had to offer, you gently began to kiss along her thigh until you felt her pulse thrumming beneath the surface. This was what you craved. Nibbling a while longer now as your fingers entered her again and worked her closer to one last, powerful orgasm, right when Maria bit down on your clit did your fangs pierce her thigh and puncture her femoral artery. Drawing out her blood now that was so much sweeter as your fingers continued to eke out her release, the warmth flowing through you was still an interesting contrast to the cooling body above you. Maria Hill was not much longer for this world.

Grudgingly removing yourself from her now and carefully turning around to face her, you kissed her swiftly with lips moistened by her blood before bringing your nail across your neck and allowing all that you were to transform her into a creature like you that would now call the night her own. Lowering both of you back down to ring floor then as your wound closed and your blood stopped flowing, you picked up Maria’s legs and dragging her body towards the apron, lifted her down onto the ground before raising the side canvas and placing her safely underneath. Dropping the canvas back down then to shield her body from prying eyes, you left the gym now in search of your next adventure before morning’s light ended the party and whatever fun this was. Which is what happened now it seemed.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -END OF MEMORY #4- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Deciding this time however to forego confirming that your memory of what transpired here was real in favor of what your eyes now focused on, the drape off your costume dangling where you’d tied Maria’s hands was confirmation enough. So you accepted where she was, along with the horror of what had happened here, without looking any further. Reaching out now instead and running your fingers along the fabric as you pictured Maria once more squirming in pain and pleasure as her duster colored her ass a glorious shade of red, you standing behind her suddenly crystalized in your mind as a wayward thought suddenly struck you. You had woken up dressed in the clothes you now wore. Which didn’t belong to you.

So where then was your vampire princess costume?

Thinking now on where you had been so far and where you, in your normal frame of mind, might be most likely to strip off your clothes, the guest quarters Tony had set up for you here at the compound seemed the most obvious destination. Leaving the gym now and taking the elevator up to the living floor while trying to figure out how you were now decidedly human, the elevator doors opening and alerting you to your arrival would furnish you with this answer and a whole bucketload of extra information however as you now walked down the hall towards your room only to stop suddenly when you noticed Hawkeye’s door slightly open.

Which was extra proof that something wasn’t right. Even here among their colleagues, no Avenger would ever leave their room door open. Unlocked? Maybe. But definitely not open. Unsure now of whether or not you should trespass and also mindful of what you might find given all the surprises the compound had already dropped in your lap, a voice in your head told you to put on your big girl pants and see if death had left its mark here too. And as you pushed open the door that’s exactly what you did.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -START OF MEMORY #5- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Watching Clint walk ahead of you, swaying slightly with his axe resting on his shoulder, you couldn’t help but smile a little. He really seemed to be enjoying the night. Decked out in a lumberjack outfit that showed off muscles you never really noticed him having before, the closer you got to him the more you had to admit that there was something about this rugged side of him that just turned you on. Then again maybe it was just the night that was in it and whatever this costume was doing to you.

Looking at your costume now and reminding yourself why you were still prowling around these corridors, the images now of the rugged woodsman tickled your fancy once again and altered your plans for now. Seizing your opportunity now with Clint's inebriated state and no one else around, you waited just long enough for him to open his door before slipping beneath his stumbling form and helping to hold him upright as any good friend would do. Mumbling an incoherent thanks that you could just about make out until his head turned towards you and acknowledged who you were, a triumphant smirk graced your features as he perked up a bit and managed to speak clearly. “Come on in honey, let me taste a little darkness.”

Pausing momentarily now to look into his bloodshot eyes, Clint staggering closer into your personal space however unleashed two more powerful weapons against the part of you that told you it was wrong to take advantage of him in his current condition. His scent and his blood pulsing beneath the surface. Delighting now in your hesitancy and swirling his fingers along your shoulder, he now moved his lips against your ear and tried once more in slurred speech. “Please honey, I know I can make you come like no other.”

Smiling to yourself now as you thought about what he said in conjunction with all the fun you had participated in so far this night, you wanted to inform him what a bold statement this was. But something stopped you. Giving him the once over again while he raised an eyebrow in response as if to say well what’s it to be, that little voice that made its presence known throughout the night intervened yet again. It was time for another romp it seemed. Looking along the corridor now in both directions before reminding yourself of your earlier appraisal of the man beside you, you figured if he was willing to offer himself up, drunk and all as he was, who were you to refuse.

Taking the initiative then and walking him into the apartment, the door closing and locking in your wake didn’t even reach the level of a warning as Clint’s lips latched onto yours before your back hit the nearest wall. A bit taken aback now by his forcefulness as he always struck you as the more timid of the Avengers, or at the very least lacking any real passion in the romance department, the surprises kept on piling up when he reached down into his boot and produced one hell of an impressive hunting knife. Seems he wasn’t as intoxicated as he had led you to believe.

Trailing it along your neck now as the sensation and sense of danger released a flood of arousal down your thigh, the blade moving lower and lower towards your flower brought a look of disapproval you never knew him capable of creating as Clint now dropped to his knees and discovered your secret. The crotch of your bodysuit told him you had already been breached. Tutting loudly now as he rose back up to meet your gaze, the blade grazing across your chest with a bit more pressure now than its previous trip along your neck made you wonder what he had in mind. But you wouldn’t have long to wait to find out.

“Guess someone’s been a naughty vampire princess tonight. You want to tell me who’s been all up in this precious cunt Jemisha?” he asked and before you could even form any kind of witty response, the blade sliced your bodysuit just enough for Clint to gain access to your tits since your pussy was already open to him. Latching firmly onto one of your nipples now as you tried to get the upper hand in this situation, you ended up losing the battle however when Clint dropped his hand towards your lower body again and this time found his way to plunging the handle of the knife into your unprepared pussy.

Screaming out now from the shock of this unexpected penetration since you were nowhere near wet enough despite the slick already waiting, you might have wondered how he achieved this task without slicing his palm open, but to be honest you really couldn’t focus much on this question at the present time. Continuing to work the knife handle in and out of your core while his warm mouth suckled on your breasts as if he could somehow draw nourishment from them, your eyes actually rolled back in your head as a powerful orgasm rocked your body and made you acknowledge that maybe he was right. He could be your best yet.

Coming down from your high now as Clint continued to assault your breasts while teasingly withdrawing the knife’s handle, his other hand coming up to caress your cheek revealed a strong leather glove you had totally missed before. How the hell had that happened? Unsettled now by this total lack of awareness on your part but also putting it down to the fact that he totally caught you unawares with his drunk woodsman performance, you wondered what he had planned now as he took your hand and led you to the bedroom where your tender body hitting the soft sheets covering the bed actually felt nice for a change. After all, this was the most softness you had had this night.

Gazing at your ethereal form now while giving the impression he could read your mind, you actually laughed a little when Clint informed you that while anywhere would do to get things started, a bed was the only place a vampire princess deserved to be ravished. Honing in on this last word now as Clint removed his boots and crawled onto the bed next to you, you swiftly remembered what you were when he reached out, removed two of the remaining drapes hanging from your costume and made to tie your hands to the frame of the bed behind you. But that could not be allowed.

Misting away from him now as a powerful wind materialized out of nowhere and slammed him into the very position you had just vacated, coalescing back to yourself before a wide eyed Clint left you in no doubt. He had not expected this. Smiling seductively at him now as the wind you commanded held him in place, you contemplated using these powers to keep him there, but where was the payback in that? Here he was a mere mortal, with no extraordinary powers either in his normal life or the existence gifted to him this night, and he had dared to tie you down.

You. The monarch of the night. The queen of darkness.

Hell even the great and arrogant Tony Stark hadn’t pulled a stunt like that.

Becoming more furious now the longer you thought about what Clint had attempted, picking up the same costume drapes that he had attempted to use on you, you now moved forwards and tying each of his hands in place, gazed into his equally furious eyes before speaking. “Seriously Clint, did you really think you stood a chance against me? Shame on you,” you added with a disappointed tutting sound before grasping his chin and kissing him harshly. Checking out his position and costume once more now before getting to the real fun, you did however decide that his arrogance warranted playing with him a bit first.

“Look at you all strung up for me now. Bet you’re sorry you didn’t use the sharper end of your knife on me now baby. Or better yet your axe,” you laughed now before placing your legs on either side of his right thigh and sinking down on it. Moving back and forth along it now as you watched him pull against the restraints, you smiled triumphantly when reaching out and squeezing him through his pants caused him to curse you out before his head shot forwards and attempted to connect with yours.

Too bad for him that you were faster.

Displaying the fury of your race now that he would behave like this when you were so close to completion and had planned to get him off too at some point, you now decided some form of punishment deserved to be leveled against him. Reluctantly removing yourself from his thigh then, you also alighted the bed and picking up the knife discarded by his boots you returned to your previous position and watched Clint’s look of anticipation morph into one of fear. This was dangerous territory now.

Forcing him to look into your eyes now before compelling him not to make a sound, you next cut open his top and began placing shallow cuts all over his chest and shoulders. Licking the blood from each one then before moving onto the next as he thrashed beneath you, you meticulously worked your way down his body and upon reaching his hips, smiled up at him through blood stained lips just as the knife slipped under his belt and cut it open. Impressed now with the edge on the weapon, you might actually have admired the strength of his gloves to have protected him from slicing his palm earlier if time was on your side. However that was not the case.

Noticing now that Clint’s pallor and demeanor was beginning to change as a possible result of his many, many wounds and accompanying blood loss, you swiftly removed his cock from its confines and actually had to marvel at what was revealed. The man turned out to be very well endowed. Tossing the knife to the side now and placing your hand around his substantial length, you quickly got to work getting him to full mast before moving your pussy over his rod and sinking down.

Gasping a little now from the feeling of fullness you hadn’t naturally experienced that night, you took a moment to appreciate what he now brought to the equation before your desire for release got the better of you. You needed to come on this cock. Bouncing on his package now, your head thrown back in pure ecstasy, you wished you had let Clint scream in passion along with you, but it couldn’t be helped. The last thing you wanted now as you skimmed your fingers over his blood stained chest and chased your own orgasmic bliss was some man with an inflated sense of his own importance telling you all the ways he would make you suffer for what you were doing to him.

As if he had that kind of power. As if any of them had when it came to you.

No, focusing back now on the feelings building within you as Clint’s breathing began to falter, you worked yourself over that last hurdle and released your arousal around his cock as your walls began to milk him of everything his mortal body had to offer. And then you took more. Releasing him from your compulsion now, you asked him quickly if he wanted to live and when his reply was a haggard, coughed out yes, you leaned forwards towards his wrist and sinking your fangs deep into the veins, drained him almost completely before reaching for his knife again. Dragging it across the top of your chest now and urging him to drink, you held him in place just long enough for a slight flush to return to his cheeks.

Removing yourself from his rod and bed then, your next task was to take stock of the environment around you. With Clint still secured to the bed and well on his way to an undead existence, your sole focus now could shift to you. Gazing from the drapes still wrapped around his arms to the costume from whence they came, it was easy to see how the night’s activities had taken their toll here too. Now lamenting the fact that your deposit was well and truly forfeit thanks to you and Clint, you searched through the immediate area and coming across an extra t-shirt and pair of boxers belonging to your latest victim, took one last look at the man in question before returning to the living room and closing the door behind you.

Peeling off the remains of your costume then and redressing in your borrowed attire, you sat down swiftly on the couch now as a wave of dizziness hit you again for the second time this night. Recovering in practically the blink of an eye and ignoring it now as you had earlier, you then headed out of the apartment but not before picking up Clint’s axe, placing it atop your shoulder as he had done and returning once more to the party downstairs.

🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛 -END OF MEMORY #5- 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛

Which was exactly where you had woken up.

Standing in the living room now and walking towards the room your memory had just confirmed would contain one more dead Avenger, the same memory you had just revisited still could not prepare you for the shock of finding Clint laying on the bed where you had left him. Covered in blood with his costume cut open and his cock still hanging out after you had finished with him, the clothes you now wore missing from this room sent a chilling shiver down your spine. But that was the least of your problems given that Clint had begun to stir.

Walking towards the bed now under the impression that your eyes were playing tricks on you, the drapes snapping as Clint’s body broke free and reached out to grab a hold of the person responsible for his current condition might have been enough to give you a heart attack if the bedroom door hadn’t at that very moment filled with four more bodies that now brought a whole new wave of terror crashing down upon you. Your victims had awakened.

Flanked by his three colleagues now as you fought and raged against the man at your back, something in their demeanor however indicated you were in more danger than at any previous time in your young life. Tony, Natasha, Steve and Maria standing before you. Clint at your back, his arms locked around you. All five heroes you had fucked, fed from and summarily dispatched and now with blinding clarity you knew where all that blood had come from. It was theirs. Conflicted now between figuring out how their transformations had stuck while yours had not, a far greater realization made its presence known however as Maria turned and locked the door before all four former heroes blocked your only exit.

This was retribution.

No longer possessed of the powers bestowed upon you by whatever occurrence had caused your costumes to come to life, the vampires now circling the bed as Clint held you tighter would have been a frightening experience under any circumstances but these were your creations and that thought frightened you even more given that you had no control over them, Or so you thought. It seemed to your relief that your natural curiosity proved somewhat powerful enough to halt their plans however as you blurted out the memory that now crystalized within your mind. “Oh my god, the blood on the walls? That was you. But how?”

Tossing you back on the bed now as Tony nodded in your direction, Clint joined the others and five pairs of red eyes made you wonder if your outburst had angered them, but as the red faded and Tony spoke you breathed a welcome sigh of relief. However temporary. You may have bought yourself some time. “Of course it was us darling, you left us to starve after all. Not very nice of you I might add.”

“But how?” you asked again, remembering finding each of them exactly how and where you had left them. Which you now reminded them of.

Exchanging knowing looks, this time it was Maria who was only too happy to inform you that they rejoined the living while you were passed out on the couch in the entertainment room. Feeding their hunger then on those that Tony had hired to clean up the place, it seemed only right to return to their final resting places and wait for you to discover the devastation you had unknowingly created.

Shocked now at this revelation and what it had meant for the eighteen people who had suffered as a result of your choice in costume, you wanted to ask what had happened to the axe that had been part of Clint’s costume but looking at the five creatures undressing before you now, the answer was as clear as a cloudless sky. They had removed it from your presence during their killing spree. Knowing now that they had watched and waited until all the memories of what you had done to them had been recovered, you could only hope they would show mercy and dispatch you quickly once they satisfied their lust as they now joined you on the bed and proceeded to show you all the ways they intended to repay you for condemning them to eternity’s dark embrace.

#jtargaryen18 #jamieshalloween2023 #Halloween Writing Challenge #Steve Rogers x Original Female Character #Natasha Romanoff x Original Female Character #Tony Stark x Original Female Character #Maria Hill x Original Female Character #Clint Barton x Original Female Character #Steve Rogers #Natasha Romanoff #Tony Stark #Maria Hill #Clint Barton #Vampires #dark! Original Female Character

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poisonousmoonfics · 6 months ago

Text

Chapter II: Sombra witch

tw: mentions of alcohol

As the Quinjet touched down on the landing pad atop the Avengers Tower, the team emerged, weary but victorious, from their latest mission. Lola stood waiting at the entrance, flanked by Agent Hill, her eyes bright with anticipation as she greeted the returning heroes.

"Welcome back, Avengers," Lola said with a warm smile, her voice tinged with relief. "How did the mission go?"

“How do you think?,” Clint manages to reply sarcastically while being taken by Dr. Cho to have his wounds tended to.

“I’ll pray for you Clint!,” Lola shouts jokingly.

Steve, his suit slightly scuffed from battle, stepped forward, his expression grave. “Mission was a success," he replied. "We managed to retrieve Loki's scepter from the HYDRA base in Sokovia.” Thor, his hammer slung across his back, nodded in agreement.

“What about Strucker?,” the girl questioned.

"Strucker's in NATO custody," Agent Maria Hill said, approaching the team.

"And like you realized, we ran into some trouble with two enhanced individuals," she said, her voice tight with frustration.

At the mention of the word ‘enhanced', Lola's curiosity was piqued. “Do you have any information abut them?" she asked, her eyes widening with interest.

Agent Hill stepped forward once again, a tablet in hand, and started to read from the files. “Wanda and Pietro Maximoff,” she began, her voice steady. “Twins. Orphaned at ten when a shell collapsed their apartment building. Sokovia's had a rough history."

“Their abilities?”, questions Steve with arms crossed.

"He's got increased metabolism and improved thermal homeostasis. Her thing is neural electric interfacing, telekinesis, mental manipulation.”, Agent Hill explained the twins’ powers. Lola listened intently. She glanced at Steve who had a clueless expression at the agent’s words.

"He's fast and she's weird.”, Lola rephrases Hill’s statement so he can understand. He nods intrigued.

As Agent Hill continued to recount the twins' origins and abilities, Lola listened intently, her mind whirling with questions. These new adversaries presented a formidable challenge for the Avengers, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension at the thought of facing them in battle.

“They're probably going to show up again, guys.”, Lola points out, a concerned sight escaping her lips.

"Agreed. File says they volunteered for Strucker's experiments. It's nuts.”,

"Yes, what madman would voluntarily surrender himself to an unknown power to avenge his family?”, Lola playfully mentions.

"Right. And what kind of monster would let a German scientist experiment on them to protect their country?”, adds Steve.

Agent Hill rolls her eyes. “Damn, I’m sorry. Didn't mean to offend everyone.”

“All good,” Steve says. “And Lola is right. We need to keep an eye on them."

As Agent Hill continued to recount the twins’ files and other details of the previous mission, to Steve and Natasha, Lola could accept that this new adversaries presented a formidable challenge for the team, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension at the thought of the possibility facing them in battle. The twins abilities seemed incredibly volatile.

Nonetheless she was curious and strangely felt a sense of empathy for them both. Maybe it was because they were young like her. Perhaps she saw resemblance in the twins initial motives to acquire more power; loss, pain and the sense of justice. She took a look at the pictures of the Maximoff's shown on the projection of Hill’s tablet. Again, feeling drawn to something about the enhanced.

Lola suddenly didn’t feel the presence of her follow teammates she she snapped out her thoughts and teleported to the lab. She emerged in the room from the shadows making Bruce slightly jump from the scare.

“For fucks sake, Lola!”, cusses the doctor’s as he composes himself.

The girl laughs at him but directs an apologetic look. “Sorry. How’s he doing?", she asks referring to Clint.

"Oh, unfortunately, he's still Barton.”, Tony jokes.

Lola covers her mouth in fake shock. “That's terrible!”, she replies teasing. Clint rolls his eyes at his teammates comments.

“He's fine. He's just thirsty.”, tells the billionaire without concern. “Alright. Look alive, JARVIS. It's play time. We've only got a couple days with this joystick so let's make the most of it. Update me on the structural and compositional analysis.”, Tony commands while walking over to the computers.

JARVIS begins his task, then proceeds to explain the results of his research. “The scepter is alien. The jewel appears to be a protective housing for something inside. Something powerful. Like a computer. I believe I'm deciphering code.” Tony continues to work along the AI and Lola walks closer to Dr. Cho as she tends to Clint’s wounds.

“You sure he's going to be okay? Pretending to need this guy really brings the team together.”, the black-haired girl questions with slight concern.

“There's no possibility of deterioration. The nano-molecular functionality is instantaneous. His cells don't know they're bonding with simulacrum.”, clarifies the woman.

“She's creating tissue.”, Bruce tells Lola, she nods understandingly.

“I'm gonna be made of plastic.”, Clint reproaches.

Dr. Cho contradicts him. “You'll be made of you, Mr. Barton. Your own girlfriend won't be able to tell the difference.”

“Well, I don't have a girlfriend.”, he answers.

Lola laughs. “That can't any of us fix.” The other three scientists agree with her mocking Clint.

“This is the next thing, Tony.”, says Cho referring to the new technology. “Your clunky metal suits are going to be left in the dust.”

“Well, that is exactly the plan.”, he agrees. “And Helen, I expect to see you at the party on Saturday.”

“Unlike you, I don't have a lot of time for parties.”, the woman tells him responsibly.

Lola slightly nudges the doctor. “Come on Helen, it will be fun!”, she says trying to convince her.

Cho hesitates a moment before asking: “Will Thor be there?”

“Oh, he will.”, Lola confirms with certainty.

Bruce notices Tony checking some analysis and plans on the computer, so he approaches the man. “What's the matter?” he asks.

“Well, the scepter. You see, we were wondering how Strucker got so inventive.”, Tony begins to narrate. "So, I've been analyzing the gem inside-- You may recognize,” he brings up a 3D image of Jarvis's consciousness.

“Jarvis...”, Bruce says.

Tony nods and then he brings up another 3D image of what’s inside the scepter “Meet the competition.”

Bruce eyes widened and an amazed expression was written al over his face. “It's beautiful!”, he exclaims. Lola walks up to them, also with an astonished expression.

"It looks like it's thinking. I mean this could be a... it's not a human mind, it...”, Bruce tries to form words but his mind was erratic. “I mean, look at this! They're like neurons firing.”, he exclaims exited.

Tony continues to explain. “Down in Strucker's lab I saw some fairly advanced robotics work. I gotta guess he was knocking on a very particular door.”

“Artificial intelligence.”, Bruce catches up to Tony’s superstition.

"This could be it, Bruce. This could be the key to creating Ultron.”, the billionaire tells thrilled.

Lola snaps out of her trance. She looks up at him with a raised brow “I thought Ultron was a fantasy, Tony.”

The man shakes his head and replies “Yesterday it was. If we can harness this power, apply it to my Iron Legion protocol.”

“That's a mad-sized if.”, she comments concerned about Tony’s ambition

“Our job is ‘if’.”, he justifies. “What if next time aliens roll up to the club, and they will, they couldn't get past the bouncer?”

“The only people threatening the planet would be people?”, Bruce ask not aware of being sure of what Tony is implying.

“I want to apply this to the Ultron program. But JARVIS can't download a data schematic this dense. We can only do it while we have the scepter here, that's three days, give me three days.”, Tony pleads.

Bruce crosses his arm and gives him a stern look. “So you're going for artificial intelligence and you don't want to tell the rest of the team.”

“Right. That's right, you know why, because we don't have time for a city hall debate. I don't want to hear the "man was not meant to meddle" medley.”, Tony says. “I see a suit of armor around the world.”

Lola shakes her head in disappointment at Tonys words. “The more you try to justify your experiment, the more I want to call Steve to organize one of his boring team meetings.”, she threatens.

Bruce lets up a deep sigh. “She right. Sounds like a cold world, Tony.”, he tries to convince him to forget his plan.

“I've seen colder. This one, this very vulnerable blue one? It needs Ultron.” Tony answers firmly. “Peace in our time.”

The following Saturday, Avengers Tower buzzed with laughter and conversation as the team and their friends enjoyed a rare moment of relaxation. Lola stood by the window, watching the city lights twinkle below. She turned around, getting a glimpse of the team having fun. Her mind struck peace all over her body, and her lips formed a warm smile. She marveled at how different her life had become since joining the team and how she could never have imagined finding a new family.

In the middle of the room, Rhodey animatedly recounted one of his War Machine adventures. “Well, you know, the suit can take the weight, right? So, I take the tank, fly it right up to the General’s palace, drop it at his feet, and I’m like, ‘Boom! You looking for this?’” Rhodes paused, waiting for the reaction. Tony and Thor just stared at him blankly. “Boom! Are you looking… Why do I even talk to you guys? Everywhere else, that story kills.”

“That’s the whole story?” Thor asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, it’s a War Machine story,” Rhodey answered proudly.

“Well, it’s very good then,” Thor said, laughing heartily. “It’s impressive.”

Lola joined them, chuckling softly. “Quality save,” she replied to Thor. Rhodey rolled his eyes.

Maria Hill also joined them. “So, no Pepper? She’s not coming? What about Jane?”

Both men shook their heads in denial.

"Where are the ladies, gentlemen?” Maria teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Miss Potts has a company to run,” Tony explained, a touch of pride in his voice.

Thor nodded. “Yes, I’m not even sure what country Jane’s in. Her work on the convergence has made her the world’s foremost astronomer,” he bragged.

“And the company that Pepper runs is the largest tech conglomerate on Earth. It’s exciting,” Tony added, a grin spreading across his face.

“There’s even talk of Jane getting a... um, uh...” Thor struggled to remember.

“Nobel Prize, Thor,” Lola helped him.

“Yeah! A Nobel Prize,” Thor said proudly.

“Yeah, they must be busy because they’d hate missing you guys get together,” Maria mock coughed. “Testosterone! Oh, excuse me.”

Rhodes chuckled. “Want a lozenge?”

Maria nodded, walking away with Rhodes.

“What about you, Lady Lola?” Thor asked. “No special gentleman in your life?” the girl shifted uncomfortably.

She had zero dating experience. She hadn’t even had a crush in her 22 years. She felt like a complete virgin in every sense of the word. But how could people blame her? She didn’t care about romantic relationships when she was a kid and then was held captive for the rest of her teenage years. The closest to a committed relationship she’d ever was with the scientists in the HYDRA labs. Besides, now that she was older, she never cared about boyfriends either, and finding a balance between love and saving people was something she never thought about. And she’d probably scare the first man who ever decided to approach her anyway, so she was kind of a lost case in that area.

“What? No, no...” she murmured nervously. “I’ve never dated anyone before.” Thor and Tony blinked in genuine surprise. The three didn’t speak for a few moments, making Lola want to die of embarrassment.

Tony finally broke the silence. “You’re still too young for boyfriends anyway.” She rolled her eyes, annoyed.

“It’s not because I don’t have options!” Thor and Tony raised their eyebrows doubtfully. Lola’s cheeks turned red as she tried to justify her loneliness awkwardly. “No, no, no... It’s mainly because of work. Yup. You guys know, being an Avenger is time-consuming. So yeah, no boyfriend.”

“Mhm, I see. None of them must be worthy!” Thor exclaimed with disappointment.

“I agree with Goldilocks. And don’t worry, kid. You’re not missing out on anything. Men suck!” Tony exclaimed, and Thor nodded in confirmation. Lola chuckled at the protectiveness of her teammates and agreed.

At the bar, Natasha was pouring a drink when Bruce approached, his usual awkwardness softened by the friendly atmosphere. They started to chat, and Lola noticed Natasha’s flirting. She always saw the tension between the two heroes. But Lola was sure that neither of them acted on their feelings either out of professionalism, fear of rejection, or because they feared hurting each other.

After a few minutes of conversation, Natasha walked away, and Lola gravitated towards her. “It’s nice,” she commented, nodding towards Bruce.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Natasha raised an eyebrow teasingly.

“You and Bruce,” Lola insisted.

“Work comes first,” Natasha mentioned firmly but with a sad smile creeping on her face.

“I think it’s okay. You guys aren't breaking any laws,” Lola showed her support. “Like me, you’re not the most... open person in the world. But with him, you seem very relaxed,” she mentioned genuinely, happy for her friend.

“You know I like to flirt,” the spy replied nonchalantly.

“I’ve seen you flirt, Nat. This isn’t just that.” Lola paused. “Look, I just think you should talk things out. You don’t want to wait till it’s too late. You both deserve love,” she suggested calmly.

“We’ll see,” the spy said. “You give good relationship advice for someone who hasn’t even given her first kiss."

Lola glares at Natasha offended. “What’s up with you guys reminding me that I’m single as fuck?” she reproached walking off. Natasha just laughed at the girl.

Later, as the party wound down, only the Avengers, Dr. Cho, Maria Hill, and Lola remained. Thor’s hammer sat on the table between them.

“But it’s a trick!” Clint insisted, pointing at the hammer.

“Oh, no. It’s much more than that,” Thor replied.

“Uh, ‘Whosoever be he worthy shall have the power!’ Whatever man! It’s a trick.”, mocked the archer.

“Well please, be my guest,” Thor said, gesturing to the hammer.

Tony grinned. “Come on.”

“Really?” Clint asked, getting up.

“Oh, this is gonna be beautiful,” Lola said, settling in for the show.

“Clint, you’ve had a tough week, we won’t hold it against you if you can’t get it up,” Tony joked, making the others laugh.

“You know I’ve seen this before, right?” Clint said, grabbing Thor’s hammer and failing to lift it. “I still don’t know how you do it.”

“Smell the silent judgment?” Tony teased.

“Please, Stark, by all means,” Clint retorted.

Tony got up. “Never one to shrink from an honest challenge.” Tony said, grasping the hammer. “It’s physics,” Tony said, grasping the hammer. “So, if I lift it, I... I then rule Asgard?” Tony asked.

“Yes, of course,” Thor replied.

“I will be re-instituting Prima Nocta,” Tony quipped, trying to lift the hammer but failing. “I’ll be right back.” Wearing his armored hand, he tried again and failed.

Both Tony and Rhodey then tried together, each wearing their armored hands.

“Are you even pulling?” Tony asked.

“Are you on my team?” Rhodes countered.

“Alright, let’s go!” they both pulled as hard as they could but to no avail.

Bruce then tried, pretending to change into the Hulk and roaring, causing everyone to look at him warily or grin.

“Widow?” Tony asked Natasha.

“Oh, no, no. That’s not a question I need answered,” she replied.

“Lady Sombra*?”, Thor asked Lola.

“I'll just lift the scythe,” Lola passed the challenge.

“All deference to the man who wouldn’t be king, but it’s rigged,” Tony said.

“You bet your ass,” Clint agreed.

“Steve, he said a bad language word,” Maria teased.

“Did you tell everyone about that?” Steve asked Tony.

“The handle’s imprinted, right? Like a security code. ‘Whosoever is carrying Thor’s fingerprints’ is, I think, the literal translation?”

“Yes, well that’s, uh, that’s a very, very interesting theory. I have a simpler one,” Thor said, getting up and lifting his hammer easily. “You’re all not worthy.” There was a chorus of disagreement from the others.

A loud screeching noise, like microphone feedback, suddenly filled the room. Everyone covered their ears. As the noise faded, Tony pulled out his device. One of the Iron Legion suits, heavily damaged and housing Ultron’s consciousness, stumbled into the room.

“Worthy... No, how could you be worthy? You’re all killers,” Ultron said, his voice a haunting mix of distortion and clarity.

“Stark,” Steve called, alerting Tony.

“JARVIS,” Tony called, tapping his device in vain.

“I’m sorry, I was asleep. Or... I was a-dream?” Ultron continued, his voice dripping with malice.

“Reboot, Legionnaire OS, we got a buggy suit,” Tony said, frustration seeping into his tone.

“There was a terrible noise... and I was tangled in... in... strings. Had to kill the other guy. He was a good guy,” Ultron said, his head jerking unnaturally.

“You killed someone?” Lola asked with a stern voice. Although she was firm in front of the android, inside she was confused. How could she not sense the death of someone in the building?

“Wouldn’t have been my first call. But, down in the real world we’re faced with ugly choices.”

“Who sent you?” Thor demanded, his eyes narrowing.

Ultron replayed a recording of Tony’s voice: “I see a suit of armor around the world.”

“Ultron...” Bruce says, stepping forward.

“In the flesh. Or, no, not yet. Not this... chrysalis. But I’m ready. I’m on a mission.”

“What mission?” Natasha asked, her eyes narrowing.

“Peace in our time,” Ultron declared.

Abruptly the walls exploded, and several Iron Legion bots barged into the room. They began attacking the team, who all went on the defensive. Lola, startled by the sudden chaos, quickly assessed the situation, and joined the fray.

Bruce climbed over the bar to avoid fire from the bots. Natasha grabbed him and dragged him down, and he landed on top of her.

“Sorry!” Bruce said, his face inches from hers.

“Don’t turn green!” Natasha warned, her voice urgent.

“I won’t!” Bruce replied, his breath quickening.

The Avengers continued fighting the bots. Lola, using her agility and abilities, dodged the bot's attack and destroyed them.

One of the Iron Legion bots lunged at Steve, who deftly dodged and slammed his shield into it, causing it to short-circuit and collapse. “We need to contain them!” he shouted, directing the team.

Thor swung his hammer, sending bots flying in all directions. “They’re endless!” he roared.

Lola emerged from the shadows beside him. “Don’t worry. So is death,” she mentioned and continued to help him destroy the robots.

Tony, still tapping furiously on his device, growled in frustration. “JARVIS, do you copy? JARVIS!”

Ultron, amidst the chaos, laughed maniacally. “This is the end, the end of the path I started us on.”

“Everything has an end,” Lola shot back, as she ripped a bot from the inside with her powers. Seeing an opportunity, she shouted, “Tony, if we can hack into one of them, we might be able to shut them all down!”

Tony nodded, his eyes sharp. “Rhodey, cover me!” He sprinted toward a fallen bot, dodging blasts, and debris.

Rhodey, back in action, provided cover fire, his War Machine suit roaring to life. “On it!”

As Tony worked, Ultron’s voice echoed. “I know it is dramatic. I'm sorry, I know you mean well! You just didn't think it through. You want to protect the world, but you don't want it to change. How is humanity saved if it's not allowed to...evolve?”, The android picks up one of the dismembered Iron Legion bots. "With these? These puppets?” he crushes the Iron Legion bot's head. “There's only one path to peace: The Avengers' extinction.”

“Shut up party pooper!”, Thor exclaimed resented. He gets flustered and throws his hammer, shattering Ultron’s body.

As the dust settled, Lola looked around at her teammates. They were bruised and battered, no one was really prepared for such a fight.

“Well, that was unexpected.”, Tony chimed in.

"Sometimes I forget it's always like this with you, guys.”, Lola said as she dusted off her dress.

*sombra (Spanish) = shadow

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tessatales · 2 years ago

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✨Multifandom Masterlist!✨

I can’t believe I’ve just done this… but I was trying to edit my master list and instead ended up deleting it! 😫 so here it is all over again I guess!

Touch starved series: (complete)

Loki x Reader - 28th October 2021

Natasha x Reader - 30th October 2021

Peter x Reader - 26th November 2021

Bucky x Reader - 30th November 2021

Tony x Reader - 20th January 2022

Dr Strange x Reader - 23rd January 2022

Bruce x Reader - 26th January 2022

Pietro x Reader - 9th May 2022

Steve x Reader - 16th May 2022

Kate x Reader - 1st June 2022

Thor x Reader - 17th November 2022

Wanda x Reader - 26th November 2022

Clint x Reader - 3rd December 2022

Yelena x Reader - 17th December 2022

Marc Spector x Reader -

Steven Grant x Reader -

Jake Lockley x Reader -

Part 2 to Pietro x Read is here (released 21st November 2022)

Coming soon... Touch starved Moon Boys (Marc, Steven and Jake):

they will be a system, it will just be how each one reacts obviously

Touch starved ❤️ Reader ❤️

My touch starved reader works are here:

Reader x Peter - 30th November 2022

My other Works!

Here’s a list of my other fanfiction:

Drunks and Pizza, What could go wrong? (Clint Barton x Reader)

Past Scars and Future Hopes (Loki x reader) (Oneshot)

Is That What You Think? (Bucky x reader) (Oneshot)

The Resurrection of Love (Spencer Reid x OFC) (LongFic)

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5 !!!PAUSED!!!

The Sins of the Winter Soldier Bucky x Reader

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, (paused due to moving house!)

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littlemochix17 · 10 months ago

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Avengers

Tony stark

Steve Rogers

Bruce Banner

Thor Odinson

Vision

Clint Barton

Pietro Maximoff

Male Wanda Maximoff

Male Natasha Romanoff

Male Pepper Potts

Villains

Bucky Barnes

Loki Laufeyson

Spider-Man

Tom Holland

Tobey Maguire

Andrew Garfield

Miles Morales

Abnormal

Miguel O'hara

Peter B Parker

Hobie Brown

Pavitr Prabhakar

Miles Morales (Earth 42)

Male Gwen Stacy (Ghost-Spider)

Male Mary jane Watson

Male Michelle Jones Watson

Male Gwen Stacy

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voiceoffenrisulfr · 8 months ago

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Multi-Fandom Bingo (Dozen) Masterlist

'Don't Look Back' On The Tide - Chapter Four. Bucky Barnes x Original Male Character. Winter gets in an altercation for his ‘laziness’, and his Captain comes to his defence. CW: Implied risk of violence. 'It's Okay to Cry' Hail Hydra - Chapter Eleven. Bucky gets to his new home, and is treated with surprising tenderness- until he isn't. CW: Violence, slavery, implied risk to life.

'Died in Your Arms Tonight' Silver & Gold - Chapter Eight. Natasha Romanoff (ish) x Original Male Character. Everyone's favourite couple go exploring - but not everything goes as smoothly as they'd like. CW: Exposure, hypothermia, accidental injury.

'Youthful Freckles' On The Tide - Chapter Six. Bucky Barnes x Original Male Character. Things are tense after the accidental kiss, and Lieutenant Tyne learns more about his newest recruit. CW: Mentions of homophobia and criminalisation of homosexuality, vague references to theoretical SA.

'Touche' Silver & Gold - Chapter Seven. Natasha Romanoff (ish) x Original Male Character. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between reality and darkness. CW: Sudden personality changes, verbal abuse, distress, subconscious self-harm (mild), references to past self-harm and abuse, unrealism, fat shaming. You're Cute When You're Angry Hail Hydra - Chapter Six. Bucky seeks comfort. CW: Flashbacks (including forced amputation and brief body gore), Nightmares, T-rated smuttiness.

'The Glomp' Silver & Gold - Chapter Seven. Natasha Romanoff (ish) x Original Male Character. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between reality and darkness. CW: Sudden personality changes, verbal abuse, distress, subconscious self-harm (mild), references to past self-harm and abuse, unrealism, fat shaming.

'Fell Asleep Crying' Hail Hydra - Chapter Twelve. Bucky settles into his prolonged captivity until his creator is ready to return to him, and finds out exactly what it means to obey without question. CW: Restraint, forced obedience, physical punishment, sexual slavery/non-con, self-induced vomiting, disassociation following trauma. 'Don't Call Me "Sir"' On The Tide - Chapter One. Bucky Barnes x Original Male Character. Bucky Barnes, but make it ‘Environmental Activist AU’. And also queer. Always queer. Trans!Bucky gets a job fighting for the innocents of the ocean – and seems to be of particular irritation and interest to his new Captain. 'I'm Not a Hero, I'm...' Silver & Gold - Chapter Six. Natasha Romanoff (ish) x Original Male Character. Lia gives Yoshi one hell of a birthday surprise. CW: all the smut, as always. Photography/videography. Emotions and things. The typical fluffiness. 'Ugly Cute' With Eyes to See and Ears to Hear - Chapter Twenty-Two. Clint Barton x Matt Murdock. Clint ends up snotty and wheezy after his time face-down in the snow, so Matt takes care of him. CW: Illness (non-vomiting), reference to previous injury. 'I Want My Beloved to Be Happy' With Eyes to See and Ears to Hear - Chapter Twenty. Clint Barton x Matt Murdock. The boys give this whole ‘Halloween’ thing a go. CW: Minor, accidental wound

@multifandom-flash

#Hail Hydra #Whump #Fluff #With eyes to see and ears to hear #Fandom: Marvel #Character: James Buchannan 'Bucky' Barnes #Pairing: Clint Barton x Matt Murdock #rating: e #Pairing: James Buchannan 'Bucky' Barnes x Original Male Character #Winter x Greg #SnowSailor #prettyshipboy❤️#Hydra Trash Party #Heed the CWs #silver & gold #natasha romanoff x original male character #Aurelia x Yoshitsune #SteelSwan #Masterlist

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editorandchief · 2 years ago

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Cosmic Cameo

Requested: Nah

Summary: Cara doesn't remember much of anything before that fall, but what she does remember might come in handy for what will happen next

In which Cara Cassidy falls smack dab in the middle of the MCU and can't help but to get involved.

Warning: None

Blue, that's all there was. Blue of the sky, no blue of the water, the sound of it rushing into her ears, the cold all over her body.

'Why can't I move? Help, I need help. Someone help me! Please!' She screamed even with knowing no one would hear her.

She can't breath the pressure was too much she has to breath, there was no way the she would be able to swim to the surface and holding her breath was only delaying the inevitable.

'1....2....3.' Closing her eyes, taking a deep breath prepared for the liquid to fill lungs but, instead she is met with air. Her eyes snap open.

Blue, that's all there was not blue of the water the sky, the sound of the wind rushing past her head pushing her hair forward, she was falling.

Stretching her arms forward in a useless attempt to grab something, anything, nothing. Once again knowing your going to die and not being able to do anything about it.

Its coming it had to be. The ground coming closer and closer. What would it feel like? Would it be instant? Better than drowning she figured.

screams of people watching helplessly from the ground grew closer and closer.

'1....2.....3.' Closing her eyes, preparing for the impact, the end.... Nothing.

Blue, That's what she saw, trying to get over the fact that she was seeing anything at all. Blue eyes of a person standing above her, the sound of footsteps and monitors beeping around the room.

"Hello, ma'am?" The deep voice called. "Can you hear me?" It asked.

All she could do was blink, what else are you supposed to do when you're meant to be dead. Cara thought she should be floating face down in a river somewhere or laid out across the cement.

"Hello?" The voice called again. "Do you need anything? Are you hurt?" It asked.

"What do you mean is she hurt?" Another voice sounded from elsewhere in the room. "You should be asking that crater in the ground."

"Can you tell me your name." The voice called ignoring the previous statement.

"Where am I?" Was the first thing to come from Cara's mouth. Finally able to focus she looks to the man standing in above her.

"You're safe." He replied. " Can you tell me what happened?" He asked.

"When?" She asked confused.

"Before, during or after your fall from the sky." the other voice called.

"Tony." The first man chastised. "Do you feel hurt at all?" He continued.

"No, I'm fine." She replied taking a deep breath.

"My name is Steve Rogers. Can you tell me yours?" He asked.

Steve Rogers? Was this a joke or something? Did she land in the middle of Comic Con or a Cosplay contest or something?

"Funny." She scoffed.

"Ma'am?" He asked confused.

"I said your real fun-." Chris Evans, it was Chris Evans. "Where am I?" Cara asked again.

"Where do you think you are?" The other voice asked. That can't be... Looking over to the source of the noise, Oh My God! It's Robert Downey Jr. "Or Where did you come from? You can answer either." He said walking around behind her back.

"I came from..." Trailing off as her mind went blank. "I'm.... Where am I?" She reverts back to her initial question.

"You're in the the Avenger's Tower." Chris replied. "We found you and brought you here to make sure you were okay."

"That's a nice way of saying making sure she's not a threat." Tony interjected once again.

"Am I on the set?" Cara asked.

"What set?" Chris asked.

"Avengers." She answered.

"Yes, ma'am we are the Avengers," Chris confirmed. "Now we wanted to know if you could tell us how you fell." He asked staring intensely into her eyes.

What was he talking about, did he think that she thought that the Avengers were real so he was trying to humor her, maybe he though she was crazy, but he brought up Steve Rogers first.

"What did you say your name was again." She asked thinking maybe she had heard wrong.

"Steve Rogers ma'am." He restated.

"And we're in New York aren't we?" She asked. "In the Avengers Tower." She continued.

"Yes." He confirmed.

"You're Steve Rogers," She states before turning her head around finding Robert leaning in a table watching her from afar. "And you're Tony Stark." She pointed out.

"You know me, I'm flattered." Robert says putting his hand over his heart.

"She awake." A new voice emerged into the lab, Mark Ruffalo. "Has she said anything?" He asked.

"Let me guess." Cara replied before any of the other character could. "Dr. Bruce Banner."

"Have we met?" He asked confused as to how this unknown woman knew his name.

"No but its not hard to to figure out." She replied. "So what's going on here, are you guys like methods?" She asked. It was pretty clear either one of two things was happening right now.

1.) She had hit her head walking down the street and some how ended up being found by Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. in the middle of a rehearsal for the next Avengers movie.

But considering both Steve Roger and Tony Stark are very much unalive.

2.) She had been magically teleported into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and now she was stuck until she figured out her purpose in order to return home.

But considering that was crazy.

"You know I have a question." Robert says coming closer. "How are you not dead?" He asked causing the woman to give him a confused look.

"Tony." Chris glared.

"No, she fell from the sky and left a her sized hole in the earth." He continued. "And yet here she is talking and breathing."

"Wow if I didn't know any better I'd think you wanted me dead." Cara sassed to the older man.

"Don't take it personally." He replied.

"Kinda hard not to." She rebutted.

"It's just it would be nice to know who or what you are before we unstrap you and sent you off into the world." He informed. Unstrapped? Looking down at her hands for the first time Cara realized she was indeed restrained.

"what the hell?" She muttered pulling in the metal cuffs that appeared to be attached to the chair she was sitting on. "I don't suppose you'd take these off if I asked nicely would you?" She asked smiling up at the smug looking man with the goatee.

"No." He answered,

"I guess were going with option 2." Cara mumbled.

Oh My God! I could save them, I could save Natasha and Loki and Tony if she had time, she could stop the Avengers from breaking up, she could save Killmonger from dying, everyone from getting dusted. But she knew she couldn't do that from here.

"I think there are something we need to discuss before those can come off." Steve states being as calm and collected as he was portrayed in the movies.

"Things like what?" Cara demand growing frustrated with the lack of mobility. "Why you kidnapped me? Why your holding me against my will?" She asked rhetorically.

"Well no," Bruce chimed in fiddling with a pen nervously. "Our line of questioning was going in a different direction."

"North, East, South...?" Cara sassed.

"What are you?" Bruce asked ending the remainder of her sarcastic remark.

"What do you mean?" She asked taken aback by the sudden question.

"What are you?" Tony repeated. "Alien? Asgardian? Angel?"

"I'm human." She stated plainly as it seemed to be the most obvious answer.

"Right," Tony replied crouching down slightly to eye level with the young female. "And regular human appear out of a portal and fall hundreds of feet at a thousand miles per hour and walk away with out a scratch?"

Leaning in closer staring straight into the eyes of the smug looking billionaire.

"You did." She smirked refusing to be the first to look away. From what she had observed from her many rewatching of the MCU was that you never back down first, and while Tony Stark was nothing to scoff at due to his sarcastic nature and witty references he definitely wasn't the most intimidating person she could be in this position with.

"Good point." He sighed out quickly standing back to full height. "Tell you what Icarus, how about once the list of human who have done that extends past you and I, we'll talk about getting those restraints removed." He shrugged turning his back before beginning to tap on some sort of screen.

"Stark now is not the time for your childish games." The Asgardian prince slightly scolded before approaching the restrained young woman. "I am Thor, son of Odin, prince of Asgard and Midgard is under my protection state you business in this realm?"

"..."

"Please?" The god questioned taking of his mask of intimacy with a slightly hint of a smile.

Cara couldn't help but smile back, it was moments like these that she couldn't help but see Thor as a puppy or a child. A 6 foot 6 puppy.

"Thor, son of Odin, prince of Asgard and protector of Midgard. 'Wow that's a mouth full' I have as much business in this realm as the man taking his morning jog through the park or the bird that is probably flying over the city. I'm just trying to live." She pleaded hoping she was pulling off the innocent look she was going for.

"Welp I for one believe lady..." He trailed off into confusion upon realizing he didn't know the name of the young woman currently being held in the room.

"Cara." She assisted.

"Thank you." Thor stated before turning back to his fellow avengers. "Lady Cara."

"Cara huh." Tony questioned. "I would have guessed something more biblical like Castiel or Lucifer."

"I'm not an angel." Cara groaned out shutting her eyes and throwing her head back in frustration. "And even if I was, what's it to you?"

"I'm sorry?" Steve asked.

"What I mean is I haven't done anything wrong, I haven't broken any laws or hurt anyone. You have no right to keep me here." She clarified.

"Look you may not know this but the last time a portal opened up and something came through it spelt bad news for everyone." Natasha spoke for the first time from her place near the exit.

"I think everyone knows about that, what I don't know is what it has to do with me." Cara said through gritted teeth. "I mean no offense but don't you people have better thing to do than to keep me captive? I know I do."

"Things like what?" Clint interjected. "Enslaving the human race?"

"Oh my god!" Cara groaned.

How was she ever going to save everyone strapped to this chair being held captive by the people who she was trying to save.

She had much bigger thing to deal with like Bucky, Thanos, Wanda, Ultron... Oh god how was I gonna stop Ultron, there was no way I could convince Tony Stark that he was wrong about anything yet alone his master plan to save the world. Maybe keeping the scepter away from him altogether.

But no Ultron means no Vision ,and what would no Vision mean for Wanda? I can't even imagine.

"Is there someone else I can talk to?" Cara huffs. "Maybe someone with a better pair of listening ears and a basic value for human right and freedoms. Nick fury perhaps?"

"How do you know who Nick Fury is?" Natasha asked coming to stand closer in an attempt to intimidate.

"I know a lot of things." She shrugged.

"I doubt that. Cause if you knew anything you would know Fury is de-."

"Hiding out after faking his death, yeah I know that too. Natalia." Cara informed holding eye contact with the former Russian spy.

"Who are you." She asked making sure not to waver her gaze.

"I'm Cara." She stated firmly. "And as much as you people want to see me as a enemy I'm an trying to prove myself an ally."

Breaking her eye contact with the red head to meet the eyes of the remaining Avengers in the room, before returning to Natasha.

"And I can prove it if you would just let me out of these restrains." Nodding toward her restricted wrists.

"I'm sorry." Steve replied causing the 24 year old you grow her head back in frustration. "But we can't take that risk."

Cara didn't remember the Avengers being so annoying before, what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty. She needed them to trust her but had no idea how to make that happen , pretty sure the truth would land her in some max security mental hospital.

There has to be a way to blur the truth and she knew just how to do it. No matter what how she got here or what may be different because of it she knew more than anything that these people loved to be right she would just let them think they are.

Taking a deep breath Cara prepared for the worst before saying it.

"Not even for Loki's scepter?" She asked and was not surprised when everyone in the room shifted their full attention to her even Tony who seemed content with ignoring her pleas for release.

"What did you just say?" Clint asked wanting to find the scepter more than anyone after living through the effects of it.

"I know where it is." She tells him before looking around the room. "Look your right. I'm not human or at least I don't know if I am." She sighed in fake sadness.

"What do you mean." Steve asked.

"I mean ever since I can remember I've had these visions. A man falling from a train, a rainbow bridge, a ballet studio, an old man in a cave in the desert." Cara listed significant events in the lives of the heroes standing before her. "I never knew if they were real or if I was just crazy. I swear I have no idea how I came through any portal and I sure a hell don't know how I'm still alive, but what I do know is that I would never try to hurt anyone." Cara finished allowing her eyes to slightly tear up.

There was a collective silence among the group as they all attempted to figure out how this stranger knew so much about them.

"I got it." Tony said breaking the silence. "There is a whole museum dedicated to cap and his old war buddies." Tony explained away your first 'Vision'.

"Anyone can study Norse mythology, Widow over there released all of shields files and my kidnapping is public record at this point but nice try." Tony finished with an unimpressed look on his face. She could feel the other members also start to accept Tony's debunking of her story.

'Damn it, think of something no one else would know something, anything!' She screamed at herself.

"I think that is enough games." Thor said seeming to have changed his previous vote for your innocence. "Your attempt to fool us have gone on long enou-." Stopping once Cara started speaking.

"I've looked forward to this day for as long as you have, your my brother and my friend. Sometimes I am envious, but never doubt that I love you."

"What is that supposed to be?" Tony asked.

"Loki." Thor replied not taking his eyes of the young mortal girl. "Before my coronation on Asgard. My brother said those exact words to me."

"You can't read that in a book." Cara smiled gently, but you can watch it in a deleted scenes video. Honestly Cara was just glad that it actually happened in this world otherwise she would look even more crazy. "So what about letting me go?" She tried again.

"Sorry your gonna have to do better than that." Steve approached arms crossed.

"Loki's Scepter." Cara states. "I can help you find it." She offered.

"How?" Thor asked.

"I've already told you how." She replied. "But you have to promise after I do no more restrains and I'm free to go." She attempted negotiate.

"How about no more retrains and we'll see." Natasha offered.

"How about no more restrains and I'm free to go."

"How about you spend the rest of your life in a super max prison?" The red head countered.

"you know Drakov is still alive right?" Cara asked shock spreading across Natasha and Clint's face before they quickly mask it with a glare. "How about no more restrains and I'm free to go."

"Fine." Steve spoke before the petty argument could continue. "No more restrains and your free to go after we have the scepter?"

"Perfect." Cara smiled nodding towards her arms and legs.

"Tony." Steve states, nothing happened as the billionaire pretends to not have heard the request. "Tony come on."

"What if she's lying?" Tony asked. "We're just gonna let her roam around my lab touching things."

"There are six of us and one of her." Steve pointed out.

after a few moments tony let out a groan before pressing a button causing the straps to retract, stretching her arms and rubbing her wrist Cara takes this time to look around the high tech laboratory.

"So." Tony begins. "Where is it?" He asked raising an eyebrow at the girl.

"Where's what?" Cara asked before Tony took a step towards her. "Okay, Okay fine." She chuckles slightly.

"Hey, I gave you a shot don't make me regret this." Steve reprimands.

"Okay, You would thing at this point in time you people could take a joke." Cara muttered looking towards the ceiling as if searching for something. "Jarvis?" She asked.

"Yes Ma'am?" The A.I. replied.

"Hey Hey you don't talk to Jarvis." Tony scolds. "How do you even know about Jarvis?" He asked.

"I'm not answering this question again." Cara deadpanned. "Jarvis can you bring me up a satellite image of Sovkia?" Cara asked.

"Right away ma'am." He answered projecting a holographic image of the small city inches from the her face causing her to back up a few paces.

"Good thanks now I need you to search the other perimeter of the city for heat signatures." She informs. "Anything moving in formation consistently." She added.

"Here you are ma'am," Javis responds. "This area has shown a consistent path of small heat signatures recorded footage from the satellite shows for about the last three months or so."

"And are there any significant power sources coming from the area near the or inside of the signatures path?" Cara continued.

"Yes, there is an abandoned factory building just inside of the heat signatures path though it is emitting a significant amount of power." Jarvis confirms.

Turning to face the group of super individuals Cara opened her arms up wide.

"Heat signatures are patrols, that building is where you'll find your scepter and a one Baron Strucker as well." Cara informed. "Any questions from the class?" She asked rhetorically, though that didn't stop Bruce from raising his hand.

"Yes, Dr. Banner." Cara called.

"These abilities you say you've had them all your life?" He asked. "And you had no idea about the increased durability of you body? Have you ever given blood? Has there ever been any unexplained anomalies in your D.N.A.? If its possible I'd like to run some tests on your blood and determine the limitations of you body." Bruce rambled on not really giving the girl a chance to answer any of his questions.

"Um....Yes, No, No, and maybe if you buy me dinner first." Cara replied. "But I kinda meant scepter related questions." She clarified.

"So you saying that this building is where the scepter had been the whole time?" Natasha asked.

"Well not the whole time but it is there now." Cara replied. "So am I free to go?"

"After we get the scepter." Steve reminded. "But for now I think this is a pretty solid lead , so we'll hold off on the restrains for now but you can't leave this building. Am I clear?" Steve asked.

"Yes dad." Cara replied sarcastically receiving a stern look in return. "Fine I will not leave this building."

"Thank you." He replied.

"We need to move on this now before H.Y.D.R.A. gets wind of this and moves locations." Clint says studying the hologram of the building. "Jarvis can you play back the perimeter movements for the last three months and let me know if anything has changed between now and then?" Clint asked.

"The movement seems consistent Agent Barton." He replied.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Natasha asked Clint looking away from the electronic display.

"Yep." He answered. "We land in far wood of the south side looks great." He continued.

"perfect, we shall leave immediately." Thor states walking towards the exit.

"Thor." Steve called stopping the god in his track. "Be need and plan of attack we can't just go in there guns blazing." Steve says.

"How would that be different from all the other times?" Tony asked.

"We can not wait any longer and risk loosing it again." Thor counted. "Lady Cara is an unlikely advantage that may not be around to assist again."

"He's right just because you miss the scepter doesn't mean I was wrong and doesn't mean you can keep me here." Cara agreed. "We have a deal." Cara was all for helping the Avenger but she was not going to be some sort of prisoner she had thing to do people to save just like them.

"I said once the scepter is in our hands." Steve clarified.

"It is in your hands and your letting it slip through your fingers." She rebutted.

"Hate to agree, like really hate to agree with E.T over here." Tony started. "But we have to move on this as soon as possible."

"Still not an alien." Cara added.

"Predator?" He asked.

"Fine," Steve caved. "Two day. And then we move, Is everyone okay with that?" He asked receiving nods all around.

"Great, better rest up Icarus." Tony called to Cara as he heads to the exit.

"For what exactly" Cara asked following him out of the lab and down the hall stopping and waiting at the elevator as who she assumed to be the other Avengers come to a stop behind her.

"For the mission," Tony said stepping into the elevator. "You coming?" He asked noticing no one was following. "This H.Y.D.R.A. base may be legit but you could still be leading us into a trap and if you are I'd like you to be as close to getting shot as possible." He smirked pushing on of the floor buttons.

"And if I'm not, cause I'm telling the truth." Cara insisted. "I'll be an unprepared civilian in an active war zone." Cara pointed out.

"Then you can wait in the jet." He shrugged as the lift came to a stop and the doors opened revealing the living quarters. "Besides I'm sure Widow wouldn't mind slipping in a quick lesson."

"Of course not." Natasha said walking past the curly headed girl patting her on the shoulder.

"yeah, I'd defiantly take you up on that if I was ready to die." Cara replied.

"That might actually be a good idea," Bruce stepped in. "it would be a great way to test your reflexes and pain tolerance."

"Or you could shoot me." Cara suggested. "Yeah I like that idea bet-.." She joked but was cut short as a flash of light flew across the room and hit her in the chest sending her hurdling into a wall.

heads snapped from the girl to the source of the attack only to spot Tony at the bar with the iron glove on one and and a drink in the other. Standing up from the floor Cara looks over her body, nothing seemed broken and nothing hurt.

"What the Hell?" She glared. "You could have killed me." She whispered mostly to herself checking running her hand over the back of her head before checking her palm for any sign of blood.

"Look at that not even a limp? Scratch?" Tony asked putting his glass down. "Is your shirt even slightly singed? Now that's what I call durability."

"I think we got the durability part Stark." Clint said walking over to the girl helping her to the sofa as she assured him she was fine. "She fell three thousand feet." He reminded.

"Just checking," He defended. "Never hurts to check, well it didn't hurt me or her." He pointed out.

"Your lucky I wanna keep you from dying." Cara muttered to herself.

"What?" Tony asked.

"Nothing." Cara sighed. "Nothing at all."

"Anyways," Tony said squinting his eyes. "Let's get you set up with a room and ready for that training." Tony said taking off down the hallway Cara rushing to follow.

"I'm still not doing that." Cara said slowing down as she falls into step with the older man.

Two days that was all, this was good right? It gives her a chance to get her plan together like how was she going to find Bucky or maybe stop Scott from going into the quantum tunnel and missing five years of his daughter's life. However that was caused by the snap which won't happen if she could figure out how to stop Thanos.

"Here you go," Tony said stopping in front a door typing in a few numbers.

The door slides open revealing a quite luxurious bedroom with various shades of grey covering the walls and floors.

"I hope this is up to you standards." Tony says following her in. "I mean it's not Asgard, but."

"I'm not from Asgard, Tony." Cara said rolling her eyes.

"Well, goodnight." Tony brushed off turning to leave.

"Goodnight?" Cara asked.

"Oh it's a term we use here on earth, before you go to sleep," Tony informed sarcastically. "and sleep is when us human close our eyes and our bodies recharge for the upcoming day." He finished.

"I know what sleep is." She counted.

"But we're still confused on the term goodnight." Tony pointed out.

"I just didn't realize it was night, I actually have no idea what time it is." Cara suddenly realized.

"The time is currently 11:46pm ma'am." Jarvis' voice flows through the room.

"thanks Jarvis." Tony answered before continuing on his way out. "Make sure to rest up cause there's no way that training with widow isn't happening." He called over his shoulder allowing the door to close behind him.

Looking around, Cara made her way over to the bed allowing her body to fall backwards and letting out a sigh.

'I'M SO SCREWED!" She shouts into the empty room. "when I chose M.C.U. New York over D.C. Gotham I didn't know this was going to happen."

All the things she had needed to do, the death she wanted to prevent. She couldn't even begin to think of a way to get into Wakanda to warn them of Killmonger, or maybe get to Killmonger and talk him out of trying to kill T'challa, Maybe stop King T'chaka from dying and the Avengers from falling apart.

There was no way she could remember all this and what if the changes she made weren't for the best... Would the T.V.A try to stop her?

Writing it down would be a disaster waiting to happen, if anyone found it Avenger or otherwise who knows what could happen.

"I need a shower." She muttered sitting up on the bed, running her hands over her face in frustration.

"I can get the shower prepared for you ma'am." Jarvis replied as running water sound from one of the closed doors in the room. "Do you have a preferred temperature?"

"Warm?" Cara asked.

"Warm water is typically between 110 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit." Jarvis informed.

"Ummm 100." Cara answered with a shrug, all these were problem she could solve tomorrow, for now the only thing on her mind was showering and getting to finally rest her mind.

#mcu imagine #steve rogers #tony stark #marvel cinematic universe #mcu x oc #original female character #bruce banner #natasha romanoff #avengers age of ultron #wanda maximoff #pietro maximoff #clint barton

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farfromstrange · 2 years ago

Text

Foreigner's God | m.m

Matt Murdock x avenger!OFC

Chapter thirty-one: Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)

Previous part XXX ° series masterlist ° main masterlist

Summary: Hydra falls, but the victory is short-lived.

Warnings: Canon typical violence, ANGST, blood and gore, more mutants, hints at child abuse and sexual assault, trauma, child molesters get what they deserve, MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH

a/n: Publishing earlier and not as scheduled because Christmas is just right around the corner (and we celebrate on the 24th here in Germany) I wanted to give you this before that. Finally, the show-down is here, the climax, the thing we’ve all been waiting for. This ends on a huge cliffhanger because it connects directly to the next chapter. You’ve been warned. I wish those of you who are celebrating a merry Christmas! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. The next update will come Sunday night.

The hallway was empty. Except for the blaring alarm and the red lights, the long, sterile walls were void of all souls and sounds.

By the time Natasha reached the marked dormitories, Matt’s news about Eliza’s pulled stunt had already traveled. She deemed the emptiness of the hallway as suspicious. Her mission was to free whoever else Hydra kept trapped in the facility, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the position her friend had put herself in. Part of her wanted to let her ruin Viktor Volkov, she deserved to get revenge and he was more than deserving of a slow and gruesome death, but the rational part of her told her that Eliza was going to regret her choice if she ended up killing the man instead of bringing him to justice, and she wouldn’t be able to survive the guilt that came with it. So Natasha couldn’t let her do it, no matter how much she wanted to.

“Remember the mission, guys,” Steve reminded them.

“How? If Eliza is going to do what Matt thinks she’s going to do,” Clint prompted.

“We can’t focus on the mission,” Natasha finished for him.

“The mission was to find her, correct?” said the Captain. “So we’ll do that. Doesn’t matter if Matt lost her, we’re just going to search for her all over again, and then we’ll stop her before she can make the mistake of killing Volkov.”

“Matt?” she asked.

Only a grunt was audible on the other end. “Little busy,” he managed to choke out.

“Well, Cap is closest to her final destination, so I suggest he makes sure she doesn’t even come this far.”

“Copy that,” Steve replied.

Though when he turned around from his spot on the roof, the door flew open. Several guards flooded the limited space. He stared at the soldiers who stared back at him, half of them in shock and the other half expectant. They knew him, and most of Hydra feared him, but the people in front of him didn’t even move a facial muscle at the sight of him. Without his shield, he was just a man in Stars and Stripes.

“I’m Captain America,” he told himself. “With or without the shield.”

He often doubted that lately, not sure what to think or believe anymore after his whole life collapsed right in front of him and everything he had grown to know and love disappeared from him. At that moment though, he needed to believe that he was Captain America. He needed to believe he was a symbol, a fighter, and Hydra’s worst nightmare. He had to be strong for Eliza, he had to be strong for Bucky and everyone else who suffered at their hands. He wouldn’t roll over and die. He wouldn’t give up, that wasn’t his nature, no matter how defeated or how detached from the real Steve Rogers he felt.

Natasha only heard static on the other end of her earpiece, so she figured everyone was back to doing their jobs. Back to the mission. Focusing became a little harder, her worries being the only thing driving her down the hallway. She had to get to the fourth quadrant. She wanted to stop Eliza herself, Mission be damned. She needed someone who knew her better than anyone, someone who used to be her.

Though as she thought about it she realized, the second she turned on Tony and helped Steve escape, she distanced herself from Eliza and left her behind. The time when she had known her better than anyone was over. She had someone else who understood her in a way only a handful of people ever could, and he had never been like them before. Still, she trusted him with her life. She ran to protect him, she was willing to sacrifice her life for him, and that told Natasha all she needed to know.

She had to follow the mission. She had to do what she was told to do or all of this would have been for nothing.

Her fist tightened around the gun as she burst into yet another unoccupied room. The sheets were crumbled and clothes were strewn around; someone lived there, as did in the other dormitories, but no one was there. The place was cleaned out completely.

She pressed a finger to the earpiece. “The rooms are all clear,” she said. “So is the hallway, surprisingly. I think they pulled resources to find her.”

Clint was the only one who got her message. “Copy,” he said.

“Rogers?”

“Haven’t heard from him yet.”

“Alright, well, if he decides to make a sound, tell me. I’m heading down the hallway now, moving on to the training grounds.”

A pause. “Security seems higher there,” Clint stated.

“They’re all just passing through,” Sam corrected. “They’re looking for the breach while also trying to get rid of all the evidence. They know Eliza is loose.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Are you using the spy bird again?”

“His name’s Redwing.”

“I will not call that thing by its name.”

“Come on, he’s helpful. You can say his name. Redwing.”

“No.”

Natasha stopped. A single pair of footsteps came from the corner to her left.

The man stared right at her, seemingly as surprised as she was to see him. His clothes were pedestrian; he didn’t look like a soldier or a mad scientist. He was just a man, plain and simple.

“What are you doing here?" he asked.

She stammered, “I got lost.”

"This is a secure facility.”

“Really lost,” she said.

He gawked at her, she gawked back. They kept staring at each other until it got too awkward to continue.

“You’re not one of them, are you?” Her hold on the gun eased. If he wanted to kill her, he would have done so already.

He seemed misplaced and so did she. They had that in common.

He straightened his dirty jacket. There was a cut on his left cheekbone, his hair disheveled and his knees and knuckles scraped, but other than that he seemed healthy.

The man pointed a finger at her. “You’re not either,” he said.

“No, I’m…”

She remembered his face from somewhere.

“Wait, you seem familiar.”

“I feel like everybody says that these days.”

She cursed herself for realizing it too late. “You’re Anton Petrova.”

“Oh, you actually know my name,” he said.

“I saw your picture in the file you gave to Tony Stark. The file on your daughter,” Natasha said.

“Tony… oh!”

He twisted and turned, searching for something. She followed his movements with curious eyes. He held a small device in his hand, barely big enough to fit into a power outlet.

“I’m Natasha Romanoff,” she introduced herself swiftly.

“I should have figured you guys were coming too.”

“So you’re not Hydra, you’re here because Eliza sold you out.”

“Pretty much, yeah.”

“The lengths this girl is willing to go…” Natasha huffed. “Well, if you want to survive, I guess we should stick together. Things could get really ugly really fast, and this place isn’t made for civilians to make it out alive.”

“I’m not planning to stick around,” he told her.

His eyes finally caught onto what he was looking for. He attached the device to the keypad set into the wall. Sparks blew from the fuses. He typed in a series of numbers, then flicked a switch on the added extension. Natasha didn’t recognize the sequence, nor did she remember ever seeing such a device.

“I have the same goal as my daughter, only that I don’t plan to get out. She made the right choice to sell me out. I deserved it. I’m going to burn this place to the ground so Alina can finally leave this hell behind her. I should have never given her away. It was my fault she ended up here and now it’s time for me to face the music after I’ve run like a coward all these years.”

She pursed her lips. “What are you doing?”

“Like I said, blowing this place up,” he stated. Anton pointed to the mystery device. “I’m attaching this to every sensor in this building, overriding their security systems. There are bombs placed in certain areas around this complex. Those weren’t my doing, but back when they had taken me to get to my… to Alina, I heard them talk about additional safety measures in case anything went wrong.”

He stepped away from the keypad, admiring his work. Another one of the devices slipped between his fingers. They resembled slightly thicker keycards. Upon further inspection, Natasha realized that he had used pieces of metal from a broken computer to string together something new, something that could override even the most complicated code.

She frowned at his quick fingers. The question bothered her. “Did you bring that here?” she asked.

“Would you believe me if I said I made them from scratch in the past hour under the immense pressure of super soldiers trying to kill me?”

“No.”

“Then yeah, I took them with me.”

“Jesus…” Doing something like this required certain training that she doubted he possessed. “What are you?”

Anton shrugged. “Scientist and occasional spy.”

“Hm.”

“After you guys caused the alarm to go off, I managed to get out of my little cell and find my way to the control room. I figured out where they keep their fail-safe. I didn’t know what it was. I found the button attached to a series of explosives and put one and two together. This device overrides all their systems and reprograms the trigger to a certain time that I have set.”

“And when is that?”

He checked his cracked watch. “Twenty minutes,” he told her.

“Twenty minutes?” Natasha glared at him. “Your daughter’s still here somewhere. Twenty minutes aren’t going to be enough to get her out of here in time!”

“The trigger points are at each entrance that leads to the outside,” he explained. “The bombs are meant to stop anyone from leaving.”

“Then why would you want to trigger them?”

“They won’t see it coming, that’s why. It will give Alina, you, and your little friends enough time to act while I try to figure out how to burn this place to the ground. In my humble opinion,” Anton said and moved onto the next keypad at the end of the hallway, “I think they’ve got an even bigger charge hiding in their basement, but it’s not connected to the building’s system, so it has to be manually triggered. I intend to find that thing and blow this place five ways to Sunday once you guys are out of here.”

“You’ll die,” she argued.

He sighed, “Yeah, but Alina already believes me dead so it doesn’t matter. My job is done here.”

It was a noble display of his affection for his daughter.

Natasha rubbed her tired eyes. The stone was already rolling, she didn’t have much of a choice but to roll with it.

“Alright, well, I have a mission to finish so I can’t stick around. And if you say you want to stay, that’s you’re choice. Although the chances that you’ll survive are instantly zero if you do what you say you’re gonna do, so don’t say I didn’t offer an escape to you.”

“I know,” he smiled. “As long as you tell my daughter that her father loved her.”

“I will,” she told him.

“Thank you.”

She took an even bigger leap. “Do you know what happened to the people they kept here?”

Anton looked around. “They took them out back. If you have men outside, you should be safe.”

“Thank you!”

Natasha pressed down on her earpiece.

“The hostages are yours,” she said. “They’re coming out the back.”

“Copy,” Sam answered.

Anton smiled again, attaching his magical device to the keypad and flipping the switch once again. Sparks flew. “Save my daughter, Agent Romanoff,” he said.

She holstered her gun. “That’s what I intend to do.”

“Do your best.”

“If you knew me, you’d be aware of the fact that I never accomplish anything short of the best.”

He disappeared down the hallway with a knowing grin, granting her more time by not even caring if someone caught him. She set out to sprint the rest of the way.

“Guys, we have a surprise coming our way. We need to find Eliza now before it’s too late…”

“Well,” Clint piped up, “I would ask Rogers how far he is, but his comm seems to be malfunctioning.”

Natasha cursed under her breath. “They probably got to him too.”

“What about Matt?” asked Sam.

“Here!” he sounded from the other end. Something resembling pain laced in his voice. “I managed to knock them all out, now I just have to find a way out of here somehow.”

Natasha stood in front of the same problem. The glass doors were locked with thick metal covering them. “Seems we have the same problem, Matthew,” she murmured, kicking against it.

“Yeah, the doors won’t budge. I tried that.”

Of course, he heard her attempts to break through the steel. Rolling her eyes, she chose to try it with her shoulder next.

Matt sighed wearily. “Tried that too,” he said.

“What haven’t you tried?” she bit back.

“Anything a person with sight can do with a computer. I have no idea how that works, but the security system has to run somehow, right? Maybe you can override the lock Eliza put on these doors. I heard her push a button to initiate the lockdown. Not even the emergency exits are working anymore. I tried everything I could. We’re trapped.”

“How does she move around with the doors closed?” Sam asked the important question.

Natasha and Matt were more in sync than ever. “She’s blowing through them,” they said at the same time.

“Yeah, she’s probably bulldozing through them like a madwoman,” Natasha added. “Wouldn’t be the first time. Vandalism is her second name.”

Clint grunted, the swoosh of an arrow passing by his earpiece. “Try the override,” he said. “Batman seems to be onto something here.”

“Control room!” she blurted. “Yes! I have an idea. Matt, hold on! I think I just found the solution to our problem.”

“Hurry,” he told her, “Or I might start smashing my head into the door. I can’t lose her again,” the admission ran quietly. “I refuse to let her get away with this. And I won’t let her die just because she thinks it’s the right thing to do. So please, for the love of God, hurry up!”

Natasha found the room Anton mentioned with ease. She busted the door open with a satisfying squeal.

“Almost there,” she said. “I just need to find…” she pushed the only two blinking buttons.

The red lights stopped blinking, the alarm stopped blaring in the distance, and with a roar, the metal unlocked from the glass doors.

She caught a glimpse of the structure outside. The space around the building was littered with Hydra soldiers fighting against flying arrows and a man with metal wings, which sounded weirder than it looked.

“Barton, you still need the headlights?”

“Nope,” he replied. “Shut them off.”

She pulled the lever down. The ground turned dark. Only the spotlight was left.

“Thanks!”

She stepped out of the control room. “Matt,” she called out for him.

“Yeah?”

“I’m going to get Steve before I can get Eliza. He’s probably in trouble if he’s not answering. Can you search for her?” she asked. “The exits are all going to blow in twenty minutes and we need to have found her by then or she will have more of a reason to kill Volkov.”

He pushed himself off the wall. “Copy that,” he said.

“I trust you.” Coming from her, that was a compliment of the highest order.

The reservations she had had at the beginning vanished the second Eliza chose to go her own way. They were two people who loved her very much, and they needed to use that to their advantage. She couldn’t hate him even if she tried. If there was one thing he was more than capable of, it was finding Eliza and bringing her back safe. He wouldn’t stop before she was safe and sound in his arms. She needed to hold onto that.

Matt was so in love, he would blur all the lines to get to her. Honorable would be the word she would have used to describe him.

He expected the override of the lockdown to bring on more of the super soldiers that attacked him back at the west wing. His ribs were broken, probably, but he pushed through the sharp pain that tore through his lungs with every breath. He fought the men who were twice as strong as him, but if ‘watching’ Eliza fight had taught him one thing it was that super soldiers were just human too, after all. They had the same weak spots, only a higher tolerance. The serum didn’t turn them into something else, only enhanced what was already there. He used that knowledge to his advantage. As much as this new world blew his mind, it wasn’t much different from fighting the men Fisk sent for him.

Eliza made her way through the armies of men that tried to stop her without batting an eye. The wound on her shoulder pulsates numbly, though all she truly felt was rage. It fueled her determination.

The many guns and knives didn’t stand a chance against her. She stopped thinking and for once decided to follow the primal instinct that she had denied for a very long time. She let the unknown thing inside of her loose without another thought about it.

What she had been so scared of, became a part of her. No, it became her. She turned into the thing she was born to be. Not quite human and not quite alien. She was the most wanted in more ways than just one. Her blood held the power of an infinity stone, the most powerful elemental crystal that started at the dawn of the universe, and it molded with her DNA to the point where both could no longer be separated. She became one with it when she was born, her mind had just been twisted enough to hide the truth for so long, always controlled and caged in by someone who thought they knew better, selfish people who were afraid of what she could do.

She didn’t waste another thought about them, therefore allowing her body to restore almost as easily as her mind. As she put down all of her restrictions, a new life bloomed inside of her chest. She had never felt so full, never so complete.

Eliza made her way through the masses, sending her opponents flying away. Extending her hand toward the machine gun that was pointed her way, she thought about the butterfly symbolism she took from her childhood.

Ironically, saving a life made her father give her away. Butterflies are used as a metaphor for rebirth and evolution. She was the butterfly from her memories, broken down and alone, waiting for someone to save it and set it free. She had broken out of her cocoon and discovered her true beauty, her true abilities. Eliza was a butterfly, the very thing that ended her up in the grasp of Hydra.

The man cried out as his gun disappeared and turned into a swarm of bats. They flew straight at him, pecking his skin apart.

She kicked another soldier in the chest, into his partner. The two hit the wall behind them. She used the moment of surprise to bring half of the ceiling down on them. In her wake, several bodies littered the floor. The bats she had released disappeared back into the smoke dancing around her fingers.

The closed door didn’t pose as much of a threat. She placed her palm flat against the metal. Her veins released another surge of power. The lock cracked. She pushed harder against it. The pathway to the other building blew open at sheer force, electricity flickering. She was so close to her target now.

Then, the lights turned back on. She expected something like this to happen; her friends weren’t going to give up, not without a fight. Even though they knew Eliza did this with the thought in mind that a sacrifice might be out of the question, they still wanted to prevent her untimely death to tear them apart. She understood that, but the reality would only hurt them more if they kept holding onto her like that. She was long gone, broken beyond repair, someone they couldn’t help or cure. She had made up her mind. This was her choice, she would not let this end any differently. It was foolish of them to believe there was still redemption in the cards for her.

With the lights on full display, the Hydra soldiers believed they had an advantage. They could see her clearly, and possibly even anticipate her behavior. Cute, she thought. It was an honorable belief.

She stood in front of an army she could not count. The anger manifested, becoming a part of her. Ever since she could remember, anger, pain and despair sustained her. She learned how to live with this constant ache and emptiness in her chest, a hunger that could never be satisfied, keeping her on edge always. Now that she got the answers she wanted, now that she knew who she was born to be and why Hydra was really after her, that emptiness had shrunk to the size of an atom. Her soul no longer felt pointless. With the knowledge came contentment.

She struggled to accept the changes at first, but after allowing them to take over completely, she had never felt more at peace with the inner stranger. At the same time, she had also never felt more at peace with dying than she did at the thought of finally tearing down the walls that caused her so much pain in the first place, of destroying the man who destroyed her life all those years ago.

The feeling that remained though was anger. The anger burned hotter and brighter through her veins than it ever had. The truth did not only bring peace but it brought dissatisfaction with how the world turned out to be. She knew there were variables to eradicate before the peace could make a nest, but she also knew that when those variables were gone, she might also be, and then the peace didn’t matter anymore, so she could fall for the anger and not feel any regret because her life was supposed to turn out this way. Content with her real identity, but enraged at the people of her past, ready to remove them from the narrative for good. She would help others more than herself, and that made the small part of her that still wanted to be a hero swell with pride.

This was her destiny. The universe dictated it to end this way, the same way it dictated for her to become who she was. The stone could have killed her, instead, it chose her. Her DNA absorbed it and she survived while her mother didn’t, which couldn’t have been an accident but something the stone wanted. She felt it, she couldn’t describe it, but the truth lay in the palm of her hand. She understood more now than before, possibly even everything. Suddenly, everything made sense. The world lay at her feet, the knowledge was entirely hers.

She had the power to destroy and create worlds, and that alone was dangerous. She chose not to be dangerous anymore. One last time to set the record straight, to make the world right and the hourglass to stop losing sand, and then everything would be fine. She would make it fine for the people she cared about. There was a lot of making-up she had left to do, and this was part of the bargain she struck with the voice in her head. She would do this and then she would be done. She didn’t have to like it, the truth often hurt more than it felt good.

As Eliza stood across her enemies, she found herself wondering what Viktor did to them to have them so incredibly at his mercy. But those were just super soldiers, they weren’t enhanced like her. He knew they stood no chance against the person she had become. There had to be a bigger plan at play here, especially since the way to the fourth quadrant had been way too easy.

The knife soared through the air. Before it could hit her already mangled collarbone, she lifted her hand. It stopped mid-air, frozen in place. She waited for them to act. They didn’t.

“For people who are supposed to protect their boss,” she cooed, “You are doing a terrible job at trying to stop me.”

She snapped her fingers and the knife disintegrated.

“Anyone else? No?”

Finally, one of them hit after her with his baton. She ducked under it, punched him in the ribs, and stole the weapon to hit him over the head. She copied Matt’s technique to throw the baton across the room, hitting at least three men in the process. That seemed to wake them from their trance.

Soon enough, she found herself surrounded by five men, throwing fists and knees until they were bloody on the floor. Someone grabbed her from behind. She yelped. Strong arms pulled her back, hitting the wall. She regained her composure by the time they met the hard stone. She brought her elbow back, breaking his nose. Next, she pulled his head down so she could push herself up, swinging over his body with her feet crawling across the wall. The position made it possible for her to jump onto her next opponent’s shoulders, smashing his skull in from above. She went down with him, bracing her fall on her knees.

Her chest heaved. This was a lot more complicated than she thought.

The men mistook her posture as submission. She chuckled. The smoke rose in front of her, building a wall. She pushed it toward them. The force knocked them off their feet, sending them across the hallway. The overwhelming sense of agony kept them awake but paralyzed. She rose back to her feet with her palms faced upward.

“Well, that was embarrassingly easy,” she said.

The man next to her stumbled back up. Before he could make his advance, she punched him hard.

“Stay down!”

He passed right back out.

Rounding the next corner, she was met with an empty hallway. The feeling that something else might be coming for her worsened. The clock in her head sped up.

A rumbling started in the distance. The floor vibrated. It lasted for three seconds, then stopped. She tilted her head. The vibrations picked up again. Another three seconds, then it was over. She shook her head. Probably another army heading for her, perhaps with the orders to kill upon seeing the destruction she left in her wake on the security cameras.

Viktor was so close, yet so far away. Who knew if he was even still in the building? With this little security, she doubted it, and her anger only got worse. She needed him dead. She needed to kill him, not watch him get away. Not this time.

Just as she was about to set off into a sprint, the ground shook again. It wasn’t soft this time, the entire building jumped with the force of an explosion. She fell forward, the blow hitting her from behind. Smoke swallowed the hallway she came from whole, removing any sign of an exit. Fire crackles. She could hear shouting and screaming, her nose noticing a whiff of the fresh air from outside. What time was it? Her ears rang.

Someone blew up all possible exit points to keep whoever was inside trapped by the debris. With enough force, she could knock it back and get out, if she could figure out where the explosion happened. It wasn’t directly at the door she had torn down, that was for sure. Still, the pathway that had led her there was completely gone, leaving her trapped in the empty hallway with only one way to go. One way that would lead to her definite death, no doubt.

She lifted herself to her knees, groaning at the growing stiffness of her muscles. Footsteps approached. She looked up. The electricity before her crackled. The powerline hit the linoleum floor.

Eliza stood up slowly, rising to her full height, which seemed to be only half of her opponent. The man from her apartment stood before her with all his might, his body radiating dangerous charges of electricity, voltages that could easily kill any human being in a heartbeat.

He had upgraded. It was just him, no one else. Viktor’s only successful experiment since she left, and even then he didn’t manage to create someone strong enough to win against her. He could stall time though.

She sighed. “Didn’t you get enough the first time?”

He stared at her with dead eyes.

“Right, I forgot, you don’t speak.”

His fist clenched and unclenched, the white lightning bolts spurting from his fingertips.

She tilted her head, he tilted his. Neither of them moved.

“Where is he?” she asked.

Once again, he didn’t speak. He balled his fist, bringing it down on the ground. The volts traveled from his spot toward hers at inhuman speed. Not sure what would happen if it hit her, she copied his motion, slapping her hand down. The smoke caused the floor to bulge between them, a dune of sand shooting up and filtering the electricity.

He huffed the first sound she heard out of him. The red sand dissolved, returning to the white floor it had been before.

Her fast reaction changed something in him. He realized he couldn’t fight her, even if he wanted to. He couldn’t even catch her off guard.

The man reached for the batons in his suit. She waited for them to extend as he flicked them at his sides. Instead of hard plastic or metal though, the sticks turned into bendable whips running on high voltage. They snapped against the floor. The electricity crackled, louder this time and the white lightning blinded her. She could feel the energy in the air, tickling the tiny hairs on her arms. Her powers responded to the change in the atmosphere, itching under her skin, her protective shield.

The first attempt to hit her, she dodged. The whip went straight past her, extending and then shrunk back to its wielder’s size.

She flipped over the next. He was far more agile than before. Viktor must have put him through the works to prepare him for this. She was almost impressed at his dedication to pushing her limits. He ruined this stranger’s life as he did hers to fit his agenda, all because his most precious experiment broke his heart and crushed his pride.

The smoke coming from the hallway seemed like the perfect opportunity. She willed it toward her with just her mind, using her glowing hands only when it reached her feet. She let the still gray smoke rise around her, disappearing behind it. The power lines reached for her. She opened her arms.

In her hands, the smoke turned into a dangerous weapon. She shaped the smoke into her version of a whip. It wrapped around him, immune to the voltages seeping out of the man’s body. If anything, it only recharged, fueling her powers. She grinned. The smoke tied around his throat, forcing him up. He levitated over the ground, reaching for his neck in surprise.

Eliza dissolved the smoke, realizing his lips turned blue. He dropped to the ground, catching himself on one knee.

She pulled his weapons toward herself before he could reach for them again. Midway, he caught one of the whips and pulled against her powers. She was left with only one while he held the other, staring straight into her eyes with his new white ones. He was completely dead. He was breathing and his heart still beat, but other than that there was no life left in his soul. Perhaps that was why she couldn’t reach for him. He didn’t feel anything. She couldn’t manipulate what wasn’t there.

“What did they do to you?” she repeated the same question she asked him that previous night.

When he went after her with the whip next, she did the same. The charges met in the middle, causing an epic blowout that sent both of them hurdling back.

Eliza hit the wall with the back of her head. The slight sting was followed by a hot, wet feeling getting stuck in her hair. She groaned.

Motherfucker.

As if getting hit over the head somehow restored his speech center, he finally opened his mouth for the first time. What came out though made her boiling blood run cold.

“On the edge, you mustn’t lie,” he sang.

She flinched, the jolts running through her body entirely too much. Her mind was fragile after everything they put her through in just the past hour.

Without Viktor, that song would have never come to be.

“Or the little red demon will come.”

She didn’t want to believe it at the butcher shop. Back then, the song only told her that Hydra was back. The memories she connected with it were dark and twisted, not even Mueller could match up to it. She had felt so many feelings at once, she didn’t look further. Deep down, she knew from the beginning that Viktor was behind this.

Because of this song, this stupid song.

“And will nip you and will nip you on the tum, Tug you off into the wood, underneath the willow root.”

Her mouth parted. She lost the little self-control she had left. With an agonizing scream, she jumped at him, electricity be damned. She hit him, grabbed his face with her hand, and forced her anger down into his soul. His veins glowed as she boiled him alive. He might have been emotionally dead, but his body could still feel everything.

She thought about every cell and atom in his body tearing itself apart, putting itself back together, then scrambling again. His attempt to electrocute her only gave her a boost.

If he couldn’t do it with his powers, he would do it with his fists. He fought against the pain, bringing his head forward to hit her chin; she was eye-level with him now. She lost hold of his face. He used that to punch her in the ribs, then her nose, and lastly, her throat.

She jammed a knife into his thigh from behind. He cried out.

Everything that happened after, Eliza watched from afar as her body reacted to the commands of a mind that wasn’t hers. The song kept playing on repeat in her mind. All of her morals bled out of her, lost somewhere on the floor along the way. She no longer cared, she should have stopped doing so a long time ago. Life mattered nothing, it no longer served a purpose to her. Not just hers, and life. She was done asking for forgiveness or permission. She was done pretending to be the golden child when she was anything but.

They wanted her to be the villain so badly, so she would give them what they wanted.

On the edge, you mustn’t lie.

She forced him to his knees in front of her, startled by the brutality and unable to focus on anything other than her hold on him, physically and mentally, and the red eyes staring into his from where she had his head tilted back.

Or the little red demon will come.

She pulled the knife out of his thigh. Oh, that stupid song. She set the blade to where his earlobe stopped at the side of his neck.

And will nip you and will nip you on the tum, Tug you off into the wood, underneath the willow root.

The crimson disappeared, and left behind was only the eye color she was born with. She wanted him to see her like a person, not a mutant. This wasn’t the stone acting, it was her. It was the person the song had been rewritten about.

She would give him what he wanted. She would prove him right while also turning into the one thing he feared most. The ruthless, out-of-control soldier escaped him. The one thing that wouldn’t dance to his music anymore, and that was his greatest enemy.

Eliza buried the blade deep in his jugular and cut. She slid the knife through his flesh, listening to it squish around the sharp edge, and sliced his aorta in two.

The blood squirted from the vessel. He choked on it. The red painted the white walls dark, some of it staining her face, flooding the palms of her hands. His blood was sticky and glued her fingers together. She tasted copper on her tongue, some of the dirt that was left on his skin mixing with the thick liquid. His pulse vanished underneath her fingers as even the last drops of blood were squeezed from his motionless heart.

He fell out of her grasp, dead weight on the now slippery floor.

She breathed heavily. She should have been scared of herself, she should have covered herself against the wall and just let them take her. Anything was better than turning into the person she loathed. Though as she caught sight of her face in the reflective tiles, she felt nothing.

Her body remained numb even when even more Hydra soldiers came around the corner, having realized that even Viktor no longer had a way out with the exploded exits, and now it was on them to restrain her. They probably watched what she had done, they had watched all emotions drain from her eyes as she drained the poor man of his blood.

All she did was wipe her face and stare at them, her eyes set with determination. She threw the blood-covered knife in their direction, hitting one of them in the throat. She didn’t care.

The voice in her head screamed for her to stop. She stumbled over unconscious bodies and spilled blood. By the time she had reached the last man standing, using her powers to paralyze him, the voice had given up. She was only a faint buzzing in the back of her mind.

The last door in the quadrant flew off its hinges. With the walls made out of steel, the room almost looked like a bunker straight out of a war movie.

Eliza tossed the remaining soldier’s unconscious body at his feet. “I believe this belongs to you,” she said.

She stood across from Viktor, her clothes drenched in someone else’s blood and sweat, and her usually bright eyes had turned almost black in the artificial light.

He stared at her with something that could only be described as a mixture of adoration, impression, and pure, unbridled fear. He didn’t get scared often, if not never. This was a big accomplishment she had to note in her books of unlikely scenarios that have become true.

His hand clenched around the walking cane. He was only superior in height, nothing more. His stance was supposed to look intimidating, make what he had worked for him, but she only felt sad for him when she saw how desperately he tried to intimidate her.

“What did you do?” he asked eerily calmly, motioning to her clothing.

She shrugged. “There is more where that one came from.”

There was a whole control panel behind him, security cameras and microphones covering the entire facility. They were all working. He knew what she had done. He watched her. He probably applauded her for turning into a monster again, too. Though as soon as it was him in the line of fire, he suddenly felt so inferior.

“I told you, I’d get out,” she said to him. “The way you’re looking at me right now tells me you didn’t have faith in that, but here I am! I outsmarted you again. I outmatched you again. Doesn’t it get tiring to lose against me over and over again, and still think you can win?”

He chuckled. “You’re here, aren’t you? I’d take that as a pretty big win.”

“I’m here to kill you.”

“Are you sure about that?” he clicked his tongue. “I don’t think so. I think you’ve felt the thrill of killing again and now you’re not so sure what to do with me anymore because you have realized that you miss this life, after all.”

Eliza swallowed the bitter taste of the words left in her mouth. “You disgust me.”

“God, if you could see yourself. It’s truly victorious. For a moment there I doubted my abilities. I thought that maybe I was wrong to put my faith in you back then. I wasn’t,” he said. “You will always be my perfect little girl.”

“You don’t own me, fuck you!”

“Oh, malyshka, I will always own you. You’re mine. Running away doesn’t make you any less a part of me.”

“You made me think that this is what love is supposed to be like,” she said. “You made me think that being used and abused is all that I deserve, that I was only worth it when put into a cage. You made me believe that men can do whatever they want with me and speaking up against it is a bad thing. And you made me believe that everyone that wasn’t you could never love me. I was never yours, you just wanted me to be your property and when I fought back, you punished me until I was entirely at your mercy. But that’s over now! I have my mind back. I know now that I didn’t deserve what you did to me. There are people who actually love me, and because of you, I can never experience what it’s like to feel such devotion because you broke me. You made me believe I was unlovable so I became a loveless monster.”

Viktor only laughed.

“Are you proud of yourself?” Eliza inched closer. “Are you proud that you have ruined so many children’s lives?”

“I mean…” he trailed off. “It worked out in the end, didn’t it? You’re the most powerful thing to ever come out of Hydra. You should be proud of yourself. You’re a monster. You’re a legacy. Think about what we could do,” he said, “together.”

She scoffed, “You think saying those things will make me fall for you again? Well, it won’t happen. I’m done with you, Viktor. Your words mean nothing to me now.”

“Are you trying to convince yourself or me?”

“That depends,” she asked, “are you?”

“I know where I stand. You say you do, but I doubt that. If you really wanted to kill me, you would have foregone your little speech. That’s not what I taught you.”

“You took away my childhood,” her fingers began to glow, “and you ruined all that I am. What’s enough is enough. I want my girlhood back, and I want to give everyone whose lives you ruined here in the years while I was gone to get the same opportunity.”

“Oh please, you were too mature to even be considered a girl.”

“I was a child!” She cried out. “I was a child and you took that away from me! You took my pride and my innocence and my… my body, and that is something I will never forgive you for. While you’re alive, I will never know peace. And you’ve never even deserved the air you breathe in the first place. You’re the monster, I’m not. So this place can crash down on me, I don’t care, as long as it buries you with me. I’m going to die sooner or later anyway. But I will not stand by and watch you do this to anyone ever again.”

“We both know that no matter what happens, I will always get back up again.”

“Not when I can help it,” she said.

Viktor tapped the cane down in time with his laugh. “Here’s the thing,” he said, “I still don’t believe you have the guts to kill me.”

“I’ve already killed one man today.”

“You can’t kill me because deep down, you still feel love for me. I raised you, after all. I am your father. I’m the only man who understands what you need.”

Eliza cut him off, “I have a father! He might have been a shitty one and he was never there for me, but he had my best interest in mind, always. And you’re not him. You don’t have the heart to be a father, let alone love someone the way you claim to. This is not love, this is manipulation. I know who I am now and I won’t let you take that away from me again. I will no longer grant you that power.”

“You say you have so much fire inside of you.” He opened his arms, shrugging. “Where is it, if you’re not scared?”

She clenched her fists. “I promised that I will end you once and for all, and I meant it.”

“You promised a lot of things. Right now, I think you’re just stalling. You can’t act without a clear order, so when I tell you not to kill you, I know for certain that you won’t.”

“Why?” she challenged.

“Because you like to please,” he stated. “Most importantly, you like to please me. You don’t want to disappoint me.”

She gnawed on her bottom lip. “You have a pair on you!” she said. “You think I’m still like that? That I’m still your prisoner, even after all these years?”

“Am I wrong? I hear you talking, but I don’t see you acting on any of your promises.”

He grew cockier by the second. The less she did, the more confidence he gained. She was only feeding into his ego.

Eliza wasn’t sure why she hadn’t jumped at him yet, why she returned to talking rather than following through with her plan. She had been so certain. Staring into his face though, she found herself back in a different world. She saw a different person. She saw the man who ruined her life while at the same time, she saw the man she owed her life to. It was twisted. She hated her mind for falling back into old patterns.

“You say you’ve become who you’re supposed to be. I say you’re wrong,” he said. “I think you’re scared of unfolding your true potential, still, so you blame me for everything that’s wrong with your life when in reality, it’s you who’s wrong.”

She rolled her eyes, staring up at the ceiling in an attempt to hide her tears. They were a sign of weakness, proof that he was right and it would make his attitude only worse.

“Look around you!” his voice bounced off the walls, hitting her right where it hurt. “Ever since you ran away in a pathetic attempt to redeem yourself, all that followed has been death and destruction. Every person who decides to get close to you gets hurt. And somehow that’s my fault?”

Her nails dug into her palms.

“You blame me because you can’t look the truth into its very honest eyes. You’re the problem! You always have been. It’s not me who has made you a monster or unlovable, you were just born that way. You always get just what you deserve, yet you’re never satisfied with the outcome, so instead, you blame those who only want to help you. While you’re so sad about the lives you’ve ruined, you forget that there is someone who would never judge you for who you are; me,” he said.

“I’m the only one who can ever truly love you because I understand the kind of person you are. Whether you like it or not, we are the same. Your father brought you here because I’m the only one who can control the storm inside of you and give you the power your body craves. No one else can show you the kind of tough love that you need, the absolute devotion that you deserve. Respect and guide you all at the same time. I care about you enough to tell you the truth about who you are and not tell you silly little lies about the goodness of your heart. I think you know better than anyone that there is no such thing when it comes to you, and that hope is fragile and only hurts you when it turns out to be untrue. Emotions are a distraction, easily manipulated, and distractions will only keep you from rising to your true potential. Do you know who taught you that? That was me. I made you into something that’s supposed to understand the fragility of emotions better than anyone, so I thought you knew better than to let vengeance control you, blind you, and turn you into a shell of the woman you were before. Physically you might outmatch me, but your mind is holding you back. Your conscience is making you weak, little one, and it’s making me disappointed in you.”

His eyes spoke the same language as his words. The color darkened, glazed over with the sheen of disappointment. He looked her up and down as if she were worth far less than him. Her heart screamed. She hated that look. She needed him to stop looking at her like that. He made her weak in the knees, playing with the switch that would have her bowing at his feet in no time if he asked her to.

Why did she think this was such a good idea? She couldn’t control herself around him. She turned into a robot waiting for its master to push the right buttons. When he visited her before, she thought she could do it. She thought she could face him and make him suffer for what he did to her. He deserved to burn for the hell he put her through. She knew all of that and yet, as she stood across from him, all she wanted was to fall to her knees and cry to him about how sorry she was. She wanted his respect, she wanted him to take care of her and give her the same kind of attention that used to sustain her. She wanted to feel important again, not empty and useless and with the world out of her control.

The power she felt when killing the soldier who attacked her was all too familiar; scary but familiar, and the familiarity seemed more important than anything else at that moment. No one else truly understood her, he did. He didn’t run, he didn’t shy away, and he never tried to change her. He was only there to guide her the way.

Perhaps he hadn’t been that bad, after all.

Eliza squeezed her eyes shut. No, this was exactly what he wanted. He wanted her to fold, he wanted her to run back into his arms so he could escape and fix whatever she broke to keep his empire strong and healthy. He wanted the world, knowing she could help him get what he wanted in a heartbeat, and once she came to him voluntarily, the upper hand would be his forever. Because if she joined him out of her own free will, she proved him right, and he could twist her mind to the point where all she would be was his slave. She would be his pet, his everything, and he would use her weaknesses to his advantage, the same way he would use her powers to destroy the world and make it seem like he did it all alone.

He would get his pleasure from her, would use her to get ahead of everyone and everything, and then he would only continue kicking her further into submission until Eliza was no longer there. She would only be the number eight, not a real person, merely a number on a list of hundreds.

He took everything. He took her childhood, her pride, and her girlhood. He took her innocence, he hurt her and he broke her down into tiny little pieces that weren’t glued together quite yet, but she wanted to try. She wanted to be whole again. If she fell for him, all of the fightings would have been for nothing.

Eliza gnawed on her tongue. She couldn’t listen to him. She couldn’t let him destroy everything Natasha helped her work toward. She wouldn’t let him take away her dignity, not anymore, not if it killed her.

As much as she craved to be his again, she realized that it was a twisted need he imprinted into her brain. She wanted to be submissive, to serve, simply because she grew up under his control. She learned how to fight back, she had to stick with that, not return to the helpless girl she used to be. She was better than that.

He was a dangerous man – many were like him, trying to take whatever they wanted however they wanted, with manipulation being their best skill. He wasn’t right with what he said. He was the monster, not her.

She had to remember that. She had to stop doubting everything and remember the plan. Always remember the plan. She was strong enough to fight this. Just because her mind was fragile didn’t mean she had to endure his words as weapons. She could fight him. If killing him hadn’t been a clear option before, it sure as hell was now.

Viktor began to walk around his half of the room, cane hitting the floor at a condescending pace. The grin sat firmly on his lips, sour and ready to poison her. He’d almost had her right there.

“I just found a way to restrain you so you become more than the wreck your father left you to be,” he told her. He made it sound so easy, so real, so truthful. “I saved you, I made you something. Everything that’s happened in the past seven years was because of you, not me, but you alone. The things you ruined, you ruined with your own decisions. You just like putting on a mask and pretending nothing is your fault. Though who else would be at fault for your actions if not you? The past doesn’t exactly dictate your behavior. Not anymore, at least. Trauma doesn’t make you a terrible person. I didn’t have a hand in any of it, nor did Hydra. This is all on you.”

Eliza waited for her heartbeat to slow down. She couldn’t let him see her bleed.

“You are blessed with a curse that started the day you were born when your mother died because she chose your life over hers. Even her, you killed. I guess you were just born for the cause, that’s why we got along so well.”

Her teeth bared. “No,” she growled, “you don’t get to talk about her. You don’t get to talk about my mother and blame me for what happened.”

She unclenched her fists to reveal the crimson smoke dancing in her palms.

“You have no right to act as if you know me because you don’t. What you’re doing is gaslighting, and you’re right, my heart is far from good, but I’m only half the monster that you are, and that already makes me so much better than you because I actually care about people,” she said. “I refuse to let you manipulate me anymore. I’m done.”

Her veins filled with newfound energy.

“You don’t get to destroy who I am!”

Viktor sighed. “What are you doing?”

She raised her arms. “Making true to my promise.”

He launched at her, but the ball of red hit him in the chest before he could even reach her. He flew back. The walls around them crumbled. She took them apart inch by inch, leaving behind a crimson wasteland made out of sand and fire.

He knelt before her, holding his aching stomach. His eyes were blown wide. She walked up to him dangerously slowly.

“People always ask me what’s going on in my head,” she said. “I suppose this is not what you expected to see…”

“Please, you don’t want to do this,” he begged. He actually begged her.

“This?” Eliza looked around herself. “No, you’re right, I don’t want to do this. I could make you feel pain until your heart stops. I could throw you off a cliff that I made up or I could drown you in the sand. I could burn you alive. I could make you look your deepest, darkest fears into the eyes,” she grabbed him by the throat, pulling him up, and the world around them changed into the ruins of a burned-down building, “And then I’d sit back and watch while you die.”

He hit the ground with a huff. The sand burned under his fingers, back in the wasteland she created. He was sure, this had to be what hell was like. With every inch of fire, yet freezing at the same time. Time didn’t exist and there was no sunlight.

“I could do this,” she said, and something strange wrapped its hands around his heart, squeezing the organ and draining it of all the blood it had to give. “Or I could do this.” Roots broke from the ground, tying around his limbs and his neck, hoisting him up to his knees. “But…” as fast as the world had changed, they returned to the bunker-like room. “I won’t.”

Viktor toppled over, too exhausted to hold himself upright any longer.

“I won’t kill you,” she paused to catch the momentary hope in his eyes, only to crush it under her boot, “like this. I want to kill you with my bare hands. I want you to feel as humiliated as I did with your hands all over my body, and I want you to feel every last bit of my pain while I watch you die the slowest, most agonizing death I can think of. And then, when you’re dead, I will make sure everyone in the world knows about the horrible things you did to children in your precious little white room so no one will care about your existence ever again.”

Before he could ask what she meant by that, her fist collided with his jaw. He grunted. She didn’t hold back with her force. Over and over again, she planted her knuckles on his face, breaking the skin. She broke every last bone in his face and while he struggled, he gave up fighting after the third hit. His body was on fire. He was in so much pain, he wasn’t sure where his own started and hers ended.

Blood coated her already bloody hands. Her boot collided with his ribs, breaking every single one of them. His leg cracked under the force of her stepping on it. He was only a mess of broken, mangled bones on the floor, blood pooling around him, and his kidneys actively bleeding into his stomach. She avoided his windpipe for now, not ready to watch him die just yet. Watching him cry, wheeze and writhe in pain was so much more satisfying. Feeling the fear radiating off of him, she swallowed it. She was so alive.

Every last thing he did to her, the things she could remember at least, and perhaps those she knew about subconsciously, she poured into her punches, and letting out all of her anger had never felt more satisfying, never better. She wasn’t supposed to feel this way, even though she accounted herself the right to whatever it took to destroy him when all of this started. He deserved to die and she deserved the honor of doing it herself.

Right and wrong blurred together. None of it mattered as long as Hydra would be out of the picture when she was done.

I hate you. You ruined my life. I loathe you.

She only realized she was screaming when she ran out of breath, her throat aching and her cheeks wet with tears. Her knuckles were bruised, the different blood types mixing. She could already feel a rash coming on.

He inhaled sharply, his lungs close to collapsing.

“What,” he choked out, “changed your mind?”

She growled, baring her teeth. Her fists rained down on his face once more. She cried out when her bones started to ache from the torture. The pain was oh-so-sweet. She deserved it the same way he did. She needed it, she needed the pain to be reminded that this was real, that this was truly happening.

Watching the life slowly drain from his eyes had victory blooming in her chest.

The last hit, she directed toward his throat. Her elbow was in the air, fist pointing in his direction. She was ready.

Someone grabbed her from behind. Too focused on the blood-thirsty haze that had her vision and mind clouded, she didn’t realize until the force pulled her back and into the air easily. She gasped, fighting against the hold. Part of her hoped it was Matt. She wanted him to stop her before she could drive herself deeper into the snow.

The hand around her throat reminded her that it wasn’t Matt. She would have recognized his arms instantly and this wasn’t him. Eliza brought her head back, breaking the man’s nose.

“You are a pain in my ass!” he said.

She turned to look at him. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” she retorted.

Ivan stood across from her, alive and well, not even a scar other than the one she left on his face, on his body.

“Aren’t you supposed to be dead?”

He shrugged. “Death is a social construct.”

“Ivan, get the hell out of-“

“Not when you’re trying to kill the man who gave you life,” he snapped.

“I won’t stop,” she said.

“I thought you were going to say that.” He sighed, slipping a knife from his sleeve. “That’s why I came prepared.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “You seriously want to fight for him? The man treated you like a piece of meat!”

“At least he loved me!” His voice echoed. “And he loved you too, but you have absolutely no respect for the people who raised you.”

“Hydra didn’t raise me, you turned me into a murderer. Why would you protect him, Ivan? Are you really that deranged?”

“I’m not protecting or fighting for him,” he told her. “That man could not matter less to me. No, I’m doing this for Hydra. Now, you might have a perfect family to go back to, but I don’t, and I refuse to let your greedy ass take the one good thing in my life away from me. We’re stronger than you think.” He jabbed the knife at her. She dodged his attempt. “Just because you kill one of us doesn’t mean we will fall. Cut off one head, more shall grow in its place. That hasn’t changed.”

She grabbed his wrist, twisting it until the knife fell out. He grunted. She expected him to punch her. The adrenaline was high, so she barely felt it.

“If it weren’t for Hydra,” she panted, “you could have become a good person.”

Ivan chuckled darkly. “Then I’m glad Hydra took me. Hero’s are so boring.”

“Oh, honestly, you know what?” She hit him, pushing him back until his back hit the wall, and then she punched him again, this time in the stomach. “Fuck you!”

He wheezed, “We used to be such a great team, what happened?”

“We were never a team,” she bit back.

His push sent her flying across the room. He towered over her then, pointing his gun at her head.

This wasn’t how she planned to die.

“You and your father have been a pain in my ass for the last time, Alina.”

She frowned. “My father?”

“Oh, and your superhero friends? Yeah, they’re all trapped outside now with over a dozen very dangerous, very mutated super soldiers waiting to get their first kill in.”

“What-“

“I’d suggest helping them, but I don’t think you will be getting out of here alive anytime soon.”

The thought of her friends fighting for their lives was more important to her than the fact that her father was somehow brought into the mix. Ivan didn’t know what he was talking about. She didn’t care, it wasn’t part of the plan.

Eliza kicked at his wrist. The gun tumbled out of his grasp and onto the floor. She used the moment of surprise to jump back to her feet. He reached for her, but she ducked and just as he was about to retrieve another weapon, the full charge of her powers hit him.

She grabbed his hair from where he lay, looking deep into his eyes. Breathing into his ear, she spoke again, “Don’t try to stop me again,” she said, “or I won’t hesitate to kill you and bury you side by side with daddy in your own backyard.” His skull collided with the steel, painting the world black and drowning him in unconsciousness.

Time was short. She took his gun, ignoring the burning in her chest, the need to strangle him and watch as he struggled to breathe until death. Viktor peeked up at her through swollen eyes. He wheezed something inaudible.

The safety was off and her finger rested on the trigger. She only had to pull it. One more second and she would be free. He would die instantly.

Then why was it that she couldn’t bring herself to follow through with it?

The gun shook in her hand.

“If you do this, you’re no better than who they want you to be,” Matt said in the back of her head. “He doesn’t get to destroy who you are. This? This isn’t you. This would be destroying everything you worked so hard for. We both know you won’t be able to live with yourself if you do this.”

Even as a hallucination he was right, and she hated that.

“I already killed someone today,” she argued. “What would one more change?”

“You want to have more blood on your hands? He doesn’t deserve to die, Eliza, because death would be merciful. He should rot in jail, that’s what he deserves. You defended yourself against the first one. If you killed him, it would be out of spite and revenge, and you’d carry that guilt with you until the day you do. There’s more satisfaction in watching him suffer for what he did for years to come than killing him and offering him the chance to be laid to rest. He would not be held accountable for his actions, he would just be dead. That’s not what you want.”

She wiped the knowing laugh off of Viktor’s face by smashing the barrel into his head, probably leaving him with extensive brain damage.

“Death would be too kind as a punishment for what you did,” she told him. “This isn’t self-defense, this is revenge, and revenge makes people sick.”

“And he doesn’t get to make you sick anymore.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t.”

Killing him had been a foolish idea. She had to get out.

Eliza turned back toward the security footage. Ivan was right, the perimeter was crowded with super soldiers. They looked just as dead as the one who attacked her.

An idea came to mind. Her eyes stayed glued on Matt’s figure in the blurry footage.

“I’m going to get you out of there,” she decided.

Screw the plan, she managed to dethrone Viktor and as soon as law enforcement had him, Hydra would still be gone. If she didn’t do something about her friends’ situation soon though, they would be history before they could even celebrate victory.

Twenty minutes, as it turned out, weren’t a lot of time. Natasha realized that when she jumped the roof to get Steve out of his predicament. The second she stepped up on that pedestal, the first explosion hit. The second one caused the helipad to collapse, sending her and a very distraught Steve several feet to the ground. He shielded her fall, which at least kept her skull intact. Her pride, however, took a brutal hit.

She was about to ask Matt how far he was when the next entrance exploded. He didn’t get very far either. “Are you guys okay?” he asked through the earpiece. His voice came labored.

“I think I broke another rib,” Natasha groaned.

“But other than that, we’re fine,” Steve said.

“Matt, where are you?”

He grunted. “Trapped.” He sniffed the air. “Outside.”

They found him buried under debris and several super soldiers.

“You were supposed to stay away from the doors!” she lectured him once they helped him up.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t exactly get the chance to explain it to these guys before they attacked me,” he said, patting the dust off his suit. “They’re dead, aren’t they?”

Natasha checked for a pulse. She nodded. “Yeah, they are.”

“Fuck!” Matt kicked some of the debris aside. The entire wall had collapsed in itself, making it impossible to properly see inside. “We’re out. There is no way back inside. She’s… fuck! She can do whatever she wants now. We might as well have put the gun in her hand. All because I was pushed into the door. I didn’t exactly have a choice in the matter. It was almost as if… as if they knew what was gonna happen.”

“Maybe they did,” she said.

“Don’t make me think about it.”

On the other side of the complex, Clint pressed his finger into the earpiece. He long came down from his hideout on one of the viewing points. “What the hell just happened?” he asked.

“We’re fine,” the three answered in unison.

“Eliza?”

“Still inside,” Natasha told him.

“Damn it! Well, we might have a bigger problem on our hands,” he said and looked at the crowd of what he could only call zombies heading toward him and Sam, who did him a favor and returned to a landing next to him. He counted the arrows he had left - five was nowhere near enough for the number of soldiers standing their ground. They were surrounded, the facility completely cut off. He had never seen so many different eye colors and skill palettes at once.

Steve frowned. “Barton, what do you mean?” he checked in.

“You should come see for yourself.”

“Yeah,” said Sam, “We could use some support here.”

The bushes behind the trio shuffled. Matt, slowly regaining his hearing, turned toward the sound that went unnoticed by his partners. “Heartbeats,” he said.

“Where?” Natasha looked around.

He pointed in the direction he first heard the shuffling, the faint footsteps followed by the faintest heartbeats. He could make out six pairs so far. Further away, there seemed to be even more on their way. The uneven beating of their hearts caused goosebumps to spread over his skin. He could feel the air shift, something changed in the atmosphere.

Natasha and Steve couldn’t see anything in the darkness, nor could they hear the same signs Matt did, which put them at a disadvantage. The bushes shuffled again, stronger this time, not to be mistaken with the wind. They were far away from the cage that kept the perimeter safe from the outside world and the woods around them. The spotlights outshone the stars, rendering the sky completely black to the naked eye.

She moved her finger to the earpiece first. “Clint,” she kept her voice low, “We might be facing a problem of our own.”

“Ah, great!” the Hawkeye huffed. “Just when I thought we finally had the upper hand.”

“Where are they coming from?” Sam said. “That’s not normal! Were they hiding in there all this time? And what the hell can they do, they’re just staring at us.”

“They’re waiting for instructions,” Matt murmured.

“What?”

“Instructions,” louder this time. “They’re waiting on orders from somewhere, orders to kill us.”

“They’re the experiments,” said Natasha. “Listen,” she directed her words at the entire team this time, “We don’t know what we’re dealing with and we probably won’t figure it out in time to anticipate behavior.”

“So we react,” Steve told them. “We wait for them to do something and then we react in the hopes that none of us die. When we get a free window, one of us is going to find a way back in to find Eliza. Until then, we just have to get through this.”

Matt offered him one of his batons. He took it gladly, running a hand through his beard. He was positively exhausted, and the black eye he received during the fight on the roof pulsated heavily, the pain traveling up to his temple.

Natasha rolled her shoulders back. “You heard the Captain.”

The bushes parted. “Now,” Matt said just before the creatures stepped out of the dark.

She aimed the gun at the first girl - she couldn’t possibly call her a woman, she was sixteen, at best - targeting the top of her shoulder through the thick scope. Her finger ghosted over the trigger. Just as she was about to raise her metal arm, she pulled her finger back. The projectile traveled the distance, hitting her acquired target where she wanted to. The girl slouched forward at the force.

She reloaded, repositioning. She hit the next target in the same spot. The zombie-like children on the field below her dropped like flies, the sharp projectiles sticking out of their bare shoulders. They wore the same white pants and tank-top combo that she had on, minus the stolen flannel.

Eliza caught sight of Clint’s face through the scope, the red target floating over his nose. He froze, lowering the arrow in his bow. Another five went down around him shortly after one another. Sam halted his movements too, Redwing coming down to rest at his sides. She couldn’t hear them, but surprise was written all over their faces. The silencer made the shots inaudible to the human ear - in their state of mind control, the dropping of bodies went unnoticed until only a handful of soldiers were left standing. The Avengers corned them in this time.

She held her breath. Matt stepped into the line of fire, knocking his baton over the girl’s head that was in front of him. She pulled the trigger at the one next to her, then the next, and the two that were left, Natasha electrocuted with her bracelet.

The five stood in the middle of the empty perimeter now, looking around themselves but finding none. Matt listened. He could hear her heartbeat, but he wasn’t sure where. It came from somewhere above. The more he listened, the closer she came. His own heart picked up at the prospect, drumming against his ribcage, and it threw his senses off for a second. It couldn’t be… her smell hit his nose next, slightly overshadowed by the tangy scent of blood, sweat, gun residue, and smoke. Still, her signature scent lingered on her salty skin. All of the stress from the past hours constricted his airflow. He wasn’t sure whether to laugh, cry or yell at her.

Her feet hit the ground softly. That was why her heartbeat had sounded so far up - she had hidden out on the roof, the vents being the only exit they didn’t consider. Landing gracefully, she looked up at her friends, still a good few feet away from her, but they could see her more clearly now, and the relief in their faces made tears sting in her eyes.

Natasha breathed out. “Did we just win?” she whispered.

Eliza pressed a hand against her side. Her ribs hurt, but nothing could overshadow the sudden feeling of hope that spread through her, making the pain a little more bearable.

“I think so,” she said, approaching them. She kept her steps slow, careful not to cross any unnecessary boundaries. She wasn’t sure how they felt after everything if they even still wanted her back.

“Those were some good fucking shots, kid,” Clint spoke up eventually, and he sounded not at all upset. It gave her the necessary push to come even closer, stepping into the limelight.

Matt looked as if he was about to pass out. “You’re alive,” his voice pushed everyone else into the background.

She nodded, her lip twitching into a smile. “I’m alive,” she breathed.

He removed his mask by the horns. His brown eyes pointed aimlessly in her direction, and she just imagined them staring lovingly into hers as he finally wrapped her up in his arms. Everything would be okay, she realized. With him in front of her, she could believe again. He was so close, she could almost feel his warmth and his soft voice in her ear, whispering sweet nothings until she relaxed into him fully.

Neither of them dared to move closer. “I was so worried I was never going to see you again,” he said.

“I know and I am so sorry.”

“Are you okay?” The mask fell to the grass.

“I’m okay,” she said.

“He didn’t hurt you or…”

“No, it’s, uh,” she shivered slightly at the present feeling of the dried blood on her skin, “It’s not mine.”

His face finally broke into a bright smile. “I thought I lost you.” His steps grew more determined to close even the last space between them.

“Well, you haven’t.” She readied herself.

Eliza believed it was Natasha who taught her to always cover all of her bases, make sure that her back would always be covered, and that she never left any weapons behind. It was Natasha who taught her how to be smart, not to underestimate her opponent, and not to cheer before the war was officially over.

She made all the mistakes she was taught not to. She had hope - she had hoped for one second, but a second was all it took for her small moment of happiness to break like a glass.

“May the legendary Red Angel please stand up!” he roared from behind.

She twirled around, staring at the bloodied man stepping out of the ruins.

“Oh, my…” she growled in the back of her throat, “Haven’t you had enough, Ivan?”

“So heroic,” he spat. “Always thinks she’s better than everyone. A round of applause for the traitor!”

“Come on! You’re too late. You lost. It’s over.”

“Maybe I have,” Ivan raised his gun, “But I won’t be going down alone.”

“Wait-”

“Hail Hydra!”

Dying doesn’t feel like flying. Everyone experiences death differently. For some who have come close to it, seeing the light is an overused metaphor. All they saw was a deep, dark void. Some say they saw a white light urging them to come closer, others might have seen a loved one who passed away, and there are even those who claim they’ve seen their life pass right before their eyes.

Not everyone can remember how it happened, what they saw, or what it felt like. Mostly, it’s a blur. Death comes in different shapes and sizes, and the process is an individual process that can not be reduced to one universal saying like ‘when you die, you will step into the light’. Also, heaven and hell are bullshit until you’re actually dead. No one knows what happens beyond that, but the afterlife doesn’t speak to you, at least not actively.

She had stared into the face of death many times before. The number of near-death experiences she had had was sheer endless. She couldn’t remember just one during which she saw something other than darkness. She passed out, stared into the void, and then woke up eventually to the sound of hospital machines beeping. So naturally, she had never actively been on her deathbed either because every time she was fatally injured, she instantly went into a floating state.

She and Death were old friends. It would come knocking at her door every once in a while, she let it in only for it to leave soon enough again. Every time she almost died, she survived. It had become quite the routine.

This time felt different though. This time, when the bullets entered her body, she remained numb. The first one stung, and the next she barely felt. She wasn’t sure if there was a third one. She could hear a faint shot in the distance, and then the world went quiet.

Eliza lost control of her legs. She waited for the darkness to take over, but her eyes remained open. She didn’t pass out this time, she stayed awake, and as soon as her knees buckled, the fog that clouded her senses disappeared and she was hit with the full noise around her. Fire crackling, screaming, wheezing, and then two strong arms caught her as she fell, the pain still non-existent, and for a moment she believed the bullet hit so deep, she was fully paralyzed. More likely though, her body was protecting itself from the pain, mixing with the adrenaline to give her a softer send-off.

She would not make it out of this one, or else she would have already passed out. Her body was giving her time to adjust to the truth, to say goodbye, and then it was over. She was bleeding out, and not just externally. Every doctor would have told her the same thing – she was completely fucked, and she didn’t need to assess all of her possible injuries to know. With every second, breathing got just a little harder, and her heart did cartwheels against her chest cavity.

Eliza instinctively clawed at the fabric of his suit. Her eyes searched for him, taking embarrassingly slow to do so. The sight broke her already bleeding heart.

“No, no, no, no,” he chanted.

His hand pushed down on the holes in her chest. Where had his gloves gone? The pressure made her hyper-aware of the state she was in, causing her to suck in an even deeper breath. She smelled the copper, the smoke, and the faintest hint of salt in the air.

Matt felt her blood between his fingers, hot and sticky, and the flow just wouldn’t stop. He’d been so close to touching her again. If he had done so sooner, maybe he could have seen Ivan coming, maybe he could have jumped in front of her instead, but he let his emotions distract him. He shot her three times and even then he only stopped because Natasha put a bullet between his eyes. He couldn’t do anything but catch her, his mind went blank.

The sounds her body made were anything but healthy. He could tell her lung was collapsing, she bled into her chest cavity and at least one kidney was completely screwed up. And the blood… God, the blood. There was so much of it, too much, and it just wouldn’t stop. His hands were coated after only a few seconds, her pulse thudding underneath his fingers. It got faster, way too fast, only for it to fade again.

He felt her looking up at him. He smiled, he tried to, but the tears betrayed him.

“Hey,” he said, “You’re okay.” His other hand went to hold her cheek, leaving a trail of blood in the wake of his fingers.

She shuddered. “Matt-“

“Shh, I’m here. You’re okay.”

“We both know that’s not true,” her voice was shaky and thin, something it never was, not even when she was anxious.

He put more pressure on his hand. “You’re gonna be fine, okay? We can fix this. We always do. You and me against the world, remember?”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“No, don’t apologize. This isn’t your fault.”

“It is though. I’m so sorry for leaving you, for leaving a letter like a coward instead of telling you the truth, without saying goodbye, I… I was scared and part of me was angry at you for the nice things you said ‘cause I can’t deal with nice. I had this plan,” she stopped to wheeze, “I had this plan, I wanted to stop Hydra and kill Volkov, and then you’d be safe. I didn’t care what happened to me. I just wanted you to be… to be safe.” The words came more labored now. The oxygen burned in her lungs. “I never wanted you to get hurt by my words, let alone my actions, so I ran. That’s all I know how to do. I can’t… I don’t know what else to do.”

Matt nodded. He allowed the tears to flow freely now. All he could do was hold her, apply pressure to the wound and pray to god that she was going to be okay. Hope was fleeting with every second, but he had to be listening. He had to save her. It wasn’t time yet. She was too young, she had so much left to do. They needed time to figure this out. And she deserved to be happy, to move on. She wasn’t supposed to die so soon.

“I’m so sorry, Matt. I fucked up. This is all my fault. I did this. I… I should have talked to you. I should have been honest with you. I promised not to push you away and I did, and I… I planned for this to go differently, you have to believe me. Things went wrong because I didn’t calculate what Hydra was truly capable of, I was just so blinded by rage and vengeance I didn’t think, and I’m so sorry.”

He stroked her cheek. “It’s okay,” he said. He told her what she wanted to hear, needed to hear, in case this might be the last time. “I forgive you, sweetheart. None of it matters now, all that matters is that you’re gonna be okay. Just focus on your breathing, focus on me.”

Shivers tore through her body. She choked at her tears. She couldn’t do this. She didn’t want to do this.

“I can’t,” she choked out.

“Hey, no! No, you stay with me, alright? This isn’t over.”

“Matt…”

“Stop! You’re not saying goodbye. I’m sorry for pushing you the way I did, and I’m sorry for lashing out. I think part of me pushed you away, too, and I realize now that it was all just a little too much for you. I didn’t mean it. You are the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me. I should have shown you that I was there for you, that I wouldn’t judge you for what you were planning to do. If anything, it’s my fault. You needed me and I… I was too caught up in my own feelings to realize you were starting to feel alone. You’re not alone, you never were. God, I’m so sorry…”

She shook her head. “Please, Matt, don’t make this any harder on yourself.” Her hand found his face and he nuzzled into her touch almost instantly. The low temperature of her skin caused a tiny sob to escape his lips. “It’s okay,” she breathed.

“No, none of this is okay,” he said. “I should have heard him coming. I was supposed to protect you.“

“Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault.”

“Look at you, comforting me.” He chuckled.

Her eyelids fluttered.

“No! Sweetie, stay with me. Don’t close your eyes.”

She was so tired, still, she forced her eyes to open again.

He smiled down at her. “There you go. Hey,” once again, he rubbed her cheek. “You gotta hold on just a little bit longer. Remember how you promised me you wouldn’t die on me? Yeah, you have to keep that promise.”

“Matthew,” she said his name, and he knew what she was about to say had to be serious. She only said his name when she really wanted him to listen, not that he ever did anything else. She needed to brand her words into his brain. “We both know I’m not going to make it out of this,” she said.

Matt shook his head. “No.”

“I won’t make it.”

“That’s not true. I’ll get you out here, get you fixed up and you’ll be okay. You have to be, sweetheart, that’s the deal.”

Stage one, denial, and she wasn’t even dead yet.

“Matt, please. I need you to promise me something.”

“No, this is not goodbye,” he insisted. “I refuse to let you say goodbye.”

“Promise me you won’t blame yourself,” she said. “Promise me you will move on. Promise me you will try, okay? Promise me you will find someone to grow old with. I need to know you’re going to be okay.” She nodded her head, using all her strength to run her hand through his ruffled locks. “Promise me, Matthew!”

He sobbed, “I promise.”

He could never be happy with anyone else the way he was with her.

“But you’re not going to die.” There it was again, the endless hope, the devoted catholic.

She smiled. “That’s what makes you so remarkable. You always see the good in everything, even when you can hear and feel all that is wrong with the world. Can you feel my heartbeat right now?” she asked.

“Yes,” he nodded.

“Memorize it.”

“I already have. I did from the start. It’s a sound that never grows old.”

“Good. I don’t want you to forget that I did care about you. I cherish you. You are so good, Matthew, and you deserve to be happy. You deserve to live a full life without pain.”

“Eliza, please, stop.” And he only used her name when he was truly upset.

She sucked in another sharp breath. Bad idea. Her chest heaved as she coughed, the taste of her blood spreading around her mouth. It was everywhere, closing her esophagus. She lurched forward, spitting the blood onto the grass. He held her hair back.

This was it. Her eyes grew heavy once again. Her mind was lulled into a comfortable fog where nothing seemed to exist. She could no longer hear the noise, only his heartbeat, and feel the hand on her cheek.

His eyebrows furrowed, lips tilted downward.

“I’m not in pain,” she told him. “It’s okay. To be loved by you,” her breathing shuddered, slowing by the second, “was the greatest gift this life could have given me.”

Matt leaned his forehead against hers. “Please,” he begged.

She coughed again. “You can let me go.”

“I don’t want to let you go.”

“You have to.”

“I can’t.”

“Matt, I’m dying.”

“No, not on my watch. I won’t let that happen.”

Her voice dropped, eyes demanding. “Let me go,” she whispered. “It’s okay. You’re gonna be okay.”

“I can’t lose you,” he cried quietly into her hair.

On the next breath, she choked.

“Please, don’t leave me. I can’t do this alone. Sweetheart, please.”

Her eyes closed, but didn’t reopen to blink. He shook her, but she didn’t respond. Her heart was still beating, faintly but it was there. He held onto that as he kissed her icy forehead.

“I love you,” he told her, hoping she heard. “That’s why you need to hold on, you hear me? I love you so much…”

The following events passed by in slow-motion. He could hear the whirring of chopper blades in the distance. Boots hit the ground. Orders were yelled.

Natasha knelt next to him, touching his shoulder while cradling her lifeless head in her hands at the same time. She had unshed tears in her eyes, but not all hope was lost. She told him that.

Matt looked up in a panic at the footsteps.

“They’re the good guys,” she assured him. “They’re SHIELD. It’s okay. We only have a short time window. We need to get her out of here before it’s too late.”

“We’re too far from the nearest hospital,” he whispered. She wasn’t going to make it this far.

“I know a place. I’m not losing her. She’s supposed to outlive me, not the other way around, so you just have to trust me.”

He hesitated, though when he listened to her fading heartbeat, he decided that he had to try everything he could to save her. She had to come back to him. So, he gave in.

Natasha nodded to Clint. He snapped his finger, uttering an order to Sam. He took off.

“We need to get her into the car,” he said to Matt.

As Steve was about to take her from him, he slapped his hand away. He hooked his arm underneath her legs, the other supporting her back. He hoisted her up.

“Show me where,” he said.

“This way!” Natasha waved, knowing he could very well sense the motion.

He had never run this fast before in his life.

In the backseat of the Rangerover, he held her in his lap once again. She shivered and there was nothing he could do about it but to listen to her suffer quietly. It was torture of the highest order.

“Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us.

He wasn’t sure what else to do but to pray. He took her hand, intertwining their fingers together, and he bowed over their joined fingers, closing his eyes.

“And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.”

She stirred. “I’m so cold,” she didn’t say it consciously.

Matt held onto her tighter, trying to supply more warmth. She was bleeding out, there wasn’t much he could do. Not even a blanket would have helped, only delayed the inevitable. He wanted her to be comfortable but at the same time, allowing her comfort would have been succumbing to the reality that maybe, she was dying. Maybe he would lose her and their last proper conversation would have been a fight. He apologized, but there was so much more making-up left to do. He wanted more time with her, he wanted to show her how much she meant to him. He needed more time.

His lips pressed against her forehead, now hot and coated in sweat. “I know, sweetie,” he said, “but you gotta hold on, okay? We’re almost there.”

“So cold,” she breathed again. Her lip quivered as another wave of shakes riddled her body. “Hold me?”

He was startled at the question.

“Please,” her voice cracked.

He pulled her into his chest. Her chest heaved, if it was from her ragged breathing or a choked-up sob, he couldn’t tell. He was too focused on her fading heartbeat.

“I’m here, I’ve got you.”

Thud, thud thud, thud. Thud. Thud…

Matt gasped, “No.”

He touched her wrist, but nothing. He placed two fingers against her throat, but nothing again. He didn’t trust his hearing this time, perhaps her heartbeat was just too weak for him to hear, but that was possible. Her breath no longer fanned his face and she turned even colder, going limp in his arms. He shook his head, this couldn’t be happening.

“No!” he said, louder this time.

Natasha turned around from her place in the passenger seat. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Her heart…” he felt nothing. His body sunk to the bottom of the ocean with stones attached to his ankles, the water filling his lungs. He couldn’t even breathe. “She’s not breathing. She’s not…”

“Oh, my God!”

Steve hit the gas.

“C’mon,” Matt did the most conscious thing and brought his fist down on her chest.

Nothing happened. She had lost so much blood, his suit was soaked, and her heart simply couldn’t pump anymore.

“Stay with me, sweetie, you gotta stay with me.”

The car drifted as it came to a halt. He kept chanting the Lord’s Prayer over her limp body, crying out for his help, crying for him to bring her back. He wasn’t supposed to take her just yet. It was far too soon for her to leave. God didn’t deserve her, she still had a whole life ahead of her. Matt, he’d been through enough. It should have been him, he thought. He deserved it more than she did. She hadn’t even lived for herself enough to die so soon.

Her body was soundless and cold. He wasn’t used to her being like this. The familiar tune of her heart was gone, he couldn’t even count the number of breaths she took in a minute or concentrate on the way her body felt next to his as she was cold but never too cold for him. He could no longer feel a pulse, even with his hand around her throat, trying to find any sign of life.

As her heart stopped, so did his.

“No,” he growled. “You don’t get to do this. Not today. God can’t have you yet.” He tilted his head back, eyes directed toward the sky. “You hear that, you greedy son of a bitch? You’re not taking her. This is not your decision to make. You can’t just rip the life from her. I refuse to let you do that. You’re supposed to be good a-and merciful, so don’t you fucking dare, you hear me? Not today.”

The car doors opened. Steve tugged at him from behind, but he refused to let her go. In the distance, he heard the squeaky sound of small wheels scraping against the asphalt. Natasha screamed something at him, but there was cotton in his ears. He couldn’t hear them, he couldn’t hear anything but the air whooshing by them.

He prayed as he lifted her out of the Rangerover, carrying her as if he could see where he was going. There was still hope. There had to be.

He placed her down on what he believed to be a gurney because he was told to. All the while his hand stayed in hers, holding onto her.

They wheeled her into a building and he followed, not once easing his hold. Though when they reached a set of automatic doors, he was torn away. He fought back with all his might, but the person behind him was much stronger.

“Let me go!” he grunted.

“You can’t help her,” it was Steve, “They can. They’re going to do everything they can to bring her back, I promise. You just have to let them do their jobs.”

“She doesn’t want to be alone!”

“She’s not alone.”

“I’m not letting her die… I have to be with her.”

“You can’t do anything, Matt. You’d only make things worse.”

“But… I… Oh, God. I can’t breathe, I can’t…”

Matt went limp in his arms, falling to the floor. The gates to hell opened. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks, the excruciating pain in his soul that reached his heart. With every beat, his chest constricted and he felt like suffocating. He clawed at his suit.

Steve went down with him, his arms around the writhing man’s shoulders until he stiffened, and he let out a scream that echoed through the walls of what he suspected to be a hospital. The scream subsided into sobs, tears streaming down her face, and he could no longer keep composure.

She was gone, carted away somewhere he couldn’t hear or feel her, and he was left alone pondering whether she was going to make it out alive or not. God didn’t listen, he never did. He prayed and prayed and prayed and in the end, it would never be enough. It was as if Matt didn’t deserve the lord’s guidance, as if his word meant nothing to him.

Steve held him as he cried. The man clawed at his arms, desperate for comfort while at the same time, in pain from how close he was. He wasn’t going anywhere. He persisted, knowing the pain he was in all too well. Perhaps that was why his defenses crumbled and silent tears started to stream down his face.

Natasha slid down the wall opposite them. Her wide eyes were fixated on an empty spot on the ground. She couldn’t breathe. The world didn’t seem real. Everything went by in a blur. She wasn’t sure what was real and what was a bad dream anymore. Surely she would wake up in a cold sweat soon, somewhere in a safe house in Belgium, and Eliza would be fine right in New York. Hydra wouldn’t exist and the world would still be intact.

She opened parts of her zipper before she burst out crying. It was an ugly cry, one that tore her chest apart from the inside and caused her head to explode. She pulled her knees up to her chest, shielding her from the curious and pitiful eyes of the people around her. She had tried to stay strong, for her sake and Matt’s. She tried to stay strong because that’s what sisters do for each other. She tried to remain her hope intact – Eliza was the strongest person she knew, she couldn’t just die. But she did exactly that. In front of her eyes, all life left her body. A corpse. Dead. Her hope died the second her heart stopped.

The doctors could try to revive her, operate to the point where all of her organs were gone, and she still wouldn’t make it. She knew she wouldn’t. This was final, and admitting that to herself hurt even more.

Clint came sprinting around the corner, Sam in tow. As soon as he saw the sight in front of him, he threw his hands up, tangling them in his hair.

“No,” he whispered. “No, this can’t be happening. We got here on time. We… no! Nat, please tell me she isn’t… Please! Steve, Matt, anyone. Tell me this is not happening right now. Tell me I’m hallucinating.”

Natasha reached out for him, sobbing so hard the words wouldn’t even come out. He fell to his knees before her, taking the shaking woman into his arms.

“She isn’t dead. She can’t be dead. She’s not supposed to die, not before us. She’s fucking twenty-three years old… this is too soon. Please, tell me I’m wrong. Talk to me!” He shook her by the shoulders, but she only sobbed harder in his arms.

Clint caved, cradling her head and holding his best friend against him. He couldn’t cry, he was numb. He still couldn’t believe it, and he refused to until someone actually said the words into his face.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

Denial is a strong emotion, that’s why it is included in the five stages of grief and often the strongest. The world doesn’t seem real when you lose someone and it’s easy to pretend they never died in the first place. It protects your heart and your soul from the crushing weight of loss.

And denial was exactly what they found themselves in, their only hope hanging on my a thread thinner than a piece of paper.

“I should get you guys some tea or somethin’,” Sam murmured. He wasn’t sure how to react. To serve was the only way he knew how to deal with the oncoming feeling of despair.

One of them had to be strong. One of them had to catch the others. He couldn’t lie down and cry when everyone around him was already falling apart. They had the right to, and he had to make sure they were okay.

Eliza would have wanted him to do so, and he wanted to honor her wishes. If she died, he had to make sure she lived on. Someone had to do it.

Someone had to face the truth, the inevitable, and though Sam hated the position it put him in, but falling apart had never been an option for him, not once in his life.

“Sam,” Steve called after him.

He stopped.

“Don’t leave, not yet.”

Sam swallowed, but nodded nonetheless. He walked over to one of the plastic chairs, lowering himself down on it. He felt suffocated by all the pain in the air. He had lost friends before, but the sight before him was truly the most heartbreaking by far. It crushed his soul even though he and Eliza barely knew each other.

A hand found his knee. Steve held onto him while he held Matt, barely holding on himself. It was the same for him – breaking wasn’t an option.

If Eliza had been there, she would have been more than crushed to see what her death would cause. And she would never forgive herself for that.

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