#follow up question: would stan know asl | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

whitewolfmoving · 4 years ago

Text

Boston Burning Part Three

In Your Orbit

Summary: Chris takes Nika with him to the station during his next shift, there she's introduced to the latest transfer from Austin, Texas—Arden Daniels. A simple question from an outside perspective brings out an overdue confession in a roundabout way.

Warnings: cheesiness, flirting, Chris Evans absolutely doting on Nika Stan (yes it absolutely needs its own warning lol)

Word Count: 2770

A/N: This fic will feature a lot of implied signed dialogue, as two of the characters are a part of the Deaf Community. Dialogue expressed in ASL (American Sign Language) will appear in bold and italics preceded or followed by the proper indicators. Unless otherwise stated, regularly spoken dialogue will be used for interpretation purposes for characters who do not sign when mixed in with signed dialogue. As I, myself, am part of the Deaf Community and wanted to bring a character to the table that represented my own experience with my deafness, I DO NOT speak for all d/Deaf/HoH individuals nor the Community as a whole. I am but one person, these are MY OWN experiences. Happy reading!

"Are you sure you want to come to the Station with me tonight?" Chris asked, poking his head into the bathroom as he and Nika got ready to go.

"For the last time, Evans, I'm going. I'm not sitting around here waiting for shift to be over," Nika said, applying a small amount of antibiotic burn cream over her skin.

He put his hands up in surrender, leaning against the doorframe. He wouldn't offer to help her unless she indicated that she needed him to. "Alright, alright. I'll quit asking. I just want to make sure you're as ready to see everyone as they are to see you."

"Chris," she paused, looking over her shoulder, "I'll be fine, I promise. I'll take it easy and I'll let you or Lizzie or Scar know if I need to come home. Now, can you help me with my shoulder?"

Chris nodded and accepted the tube. He took his place behind her and moved her hair to the side revealing the wound on her shoulder to him. He gingerly rubbed a thin film of cream over the healing blisters. "It's looking better already."

Nika scoffed. She'd never really taken the time to look at herself in the mirror before, never really felt the need to. Since the fire, all she did was stare at her reflection.

"Hey," Chris said softly, "you're still just as beautiful now as you were before."

"Are you flirting with me, Evans?"

"Depends, is it working?"

"Maybe."

The two continued to stare at each other in the mirror; Chris's fingers idly glided over the rough skin of Nika's scar tissue. She watched intrigued as he leaned into his own touch of her skin instead of pulling away repulsed by the feeling as she would have been. Chris was good to her, too good, in ways Nika felt she hadn't earned.

As if he'd read her mind, he turned her around to face him, lifting her chin to look into her eyes. The pad of his thumb gently brushed over her cheek. Stop that. You don't need to earn my attention or my affection or my care.

Why are you so good to me? How can you just give me that much of your time so easily? Nika questioned, her hands moved furiously to highlight her frustration. Try as she might, she couldn't understand what he saw in her — more so now, thanks to the scarring left behind by the fire.

Chris understood that Nika's confidence had been shaken, he understood that she didn't see herself as she once had. It's simple, Nik. You're my best friend, it's yours if you want it.

The drive to the firehouse was quiet. Nika left her hearing aids at home, not wanting to burden herself with attempting to follow so many conversations. Chris was there to interpret for anyone who didn't sign, giving her a much needed break.

Chris pulled up outside of the station and looked over at Nika. He waited patiently for her to make a move or a sound or any indication that she was ready to go in. She sat still as a stone, amber eyes fixed on the brick and mortar building in front of them. Chris softly tapped her left knee with his right hand, grabbing her attention. You ok? Nervous?

Nika shook her head. No, not nervous. Indifferent.

We don't have to go in. We can go home. Whatever you want to do.

I want to go.

Then we go. Chris reached across the seat and grabbed Nika's hand. He slid his fingers through the spaces between hers, giving her palm a gentle squeeze. The soft look in his eyes was warm and calming, exactly as it had been in the mirror. He slowly brought their hands up to his mouth, softly brushed his lips over their tangled fingers, skimming her knuckles. Ready?

Nika answered with a small nod of her head, her eyes still trained on the spot where Chris's lips had touched her skin. His affection wasn't new to her, except the way in which it was being delivered. She communicated with her hands, and to have him now showing deeper levels of care to her with his own… Chris's touch was everything.

The passenger door opened to reveal Chris standing at her side, waiting to escort her into the station. His bright blue eyes found her smooth honey gaze, and a sense of ease washed over them both.

She took his hand when offered, smiling as she hopped out of the truck. Who is here tonight?

That you know? Scarlett, Lizzie, Scott, and myself.

Do they know about the fire?

Scott knows, he was with me when Seb called. Everyone else will know only if you want them to. Chris smiled reassuringly. He knew seeing everyone under the current circumstances would be a lot for her, but he hoped having at least him and his brother there would take some of the pressure off. The Evans brothers were good for interpreting, Elizabeth and Scarlett knew enough conversational signs, and Nika could get by fairly well on her own otherwise.

The warmth of the summer evening relaxed both Chris and Nika's nerves. He hummed softly as she leaned into the protective barrier his body offered, shielding her right side from further damage. He hadn't been there to protect her from the fire that had caused the initial injury, but he'd make sure no more harm came to her during her stay in Boston.

She tugged on his arm as they approached the firehouse and nodded toward the opened shutter doors of the apparatus bay where Scott was waiting for them.

Hey, Scotty. Long time, no see. Nika greeted the younger Evans brother, stepping away from Chris's side and giving Scott a hug.

Hey, Trouble. Glad to see you're up and moving. How's the arm?

Can't wait to get this cast off. I'm already tired of it and it's only been a week.

Scott chuckled, greeted his brother with a nod and quick hug of his own. "Chris, you two doing alright? Need anything?"

"No, Scott. We're good. Thanks," the older Evans answered. He adjusted Nika's backpack over his shoulder and watched her slip into a comfortable conversation with Scott. The brothers had been friends with Sebastian and Nika since the four of them were in grade school; when the Evans' family moved back to Boston when the boys were in middle school, every so often Chris and Scott or Nika and Sebastian would spend a weekend with their respective second family. Nothing could tear the bond they had apart.

As they got older, Chris grew closer with both of the Stan siblings while Scott branched out and made friends of his own. He still kept in touch, not as closely as his big brother had but enough to keep the bond with them alive.

Chris's brief trip down memory lane ended abruptly, when a surprised yet happy squeal from Nika met his ears. He turned to find her sprinting through the apparatus bay toward the back of the rigs, Elizabeth's brunette hair fanning out behind her as the two spun around in a reunited embrace. He caught up to them in time to see the sling slip from Nika's arm in all of the excitement.

He tapped her left shoulder and gestured to her right arm. Hey, careful! You're not 100% yet, Nik.

Whoops. Nice catch. Thanks, Cap. she blushed, biting at her lower lip as Chris helped her slip the sling back into place. She did her best to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks at the soft kiss he pressed into the side of her hair.

How long are you here? Elizabeth asked, drawing Nika's attention away from the Squad Captain.

Off duty until my wrist and burns heal, so I guess we'll see. Definitely long enough for girls night!

That's what I like to hear!

The girls erupted into a fit of giggles. Nika hadn't been back in Boston since her breakup three years prior; a nasty one that only Chris and Elizabeth knew the explicit details of. Girls nights had been out in hold in favor of the time and space she needed to work through what happened.

Chris carefully guided a happy and preoccupied Nika to the locker room, followed by Elizabeth, as the two desperately made plans for a much needed wine and gossip night. He knew better than to interrupt.

After depositing his and Nika's things into his locker, Chris finally decided he'd take a chance pulling her away from the party planning for a bit. He found the two friends huddled in a corner of the common area, chatting animatedly over two mugs of fresh coffee. Elizabeth alerted Nika to Chris approaching her from behind and she turned around with a warm smile.

Hey, what's up?

Not much. How's your arm?

Ok, a little sore. Lizzie and I are planning Girls Night.

Chris chuckled. He loved the way Nika's eyes lit up whenever she mentioned plans with their other friends, especially Elizabeth. The two of them were almost as inseparable as Chris and Elizabeth were, and he knew that whenever he couldn't be around for her, Elizabeth would be. He nodded at the brunette and gestured toward the offices.

Mind if I borrow Nik for a moment? There's someone I want you to meet.

Not at all, I need to find Scarlett anyway. I'll see you later. Elizabeth waved them off and went in search of the other paramedic.

So, who am I meeting? Nika asked, following Chris to his office. It'd been three years since she'd stepped foot in that small room, three years since she's been in Boston at all but it still looked exactly as she remembered.

Latest Squad transfer. I think you'll like her, he answered simply. He set her purse on his desk and led her back out to the apparatus bay.

As they rounded the corner, Nika noticed the woman across the bay next to the Squad rig who hadn't been there when they'd arrived. She had wavy chestnut brown hair about as long as Nika's and stood a couple inches shorter than Sebastian. From the back, she could be his twin—a thought that thoroughly disturbed the younger Stan sibling. As the woman turned, Nika noticed the glint of the lights off of something in her hair and squinted, trying to make out what it was.

What was that flash of light in her hair? she asked, pulling Chris to a stop before they approached.

Just go meet her. Please? For me? he said. He reached forward and gently touched her left shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly and tugging her forward with him. "Hey, Daniels. You got a moment?"

The woman paused her inspection of the Squad apparatus, and turned in the direction of Chris's voice. The light caught the strange piece in her hair and now that they'd moved closer, Nika recognized it as a cochlear implant.

"What can I do for you, Captain?" The woman's eyes shifted from her superior over to the younger woman standing next to him. She gave her a polite smile, but kept her professional composer as best she could in the presence of company.

Chris easily slipped back into ASL now that he had her attention, not wanting to leave Nika out of the conversation. He quickly made the proper introductions. Nik, this is Arden Daniels, the new transfer I was telling you about. Arden, this is my best friend in the entire universe and the most badass firefighter I have ever seen, Nika Stan. She's staying with me for a few days during recovery.

Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you. Arden relaxed, shook Nika's hand, and offered the man a small chuckle of her own. So, this is the girl you learned to sign for?

Nika didn't miss the way Chris's cheeks grew a light shade of pink at Arden's accusation, though all she could do herself was stare at her best friend and wait for his answer. She'd always wondered why he'd learned ASL but never thought to ask, assuming that like everyone else, that's just how things went.

I didn't learn for her. He shook his head with a soft smile. He glanced over at Nika whose warm amber eyes were trained on his face, and he couldn't look away. I learned because of her.

Isn't that the same thing? Arden continued once she'd had Chris's attention again.

No.

Arden, now interested in what Chris had to say, sat down on the bumper of the truck behind her. It'd become increasingly clear to Nika throughout this small interaction, that like herself, Arden's experience with hearing people wasn't always positive. Truth be told, she'd never really thought of Chris as "just another hearing person" because he'd never treated her as "just another hearing impaired" girl. But then again, their relationship was different entirely.

How is that not the same thing?

Because I could always learn to sign, but Nik could never learn to hear again. I learned ASL so that I could talk to my favorite person in the world without barriers.

He'd never admitted it before, at least not out loud. No one had ever asked except Sebastian once, and when Chris didn't immediately offer an answer, he didn't press the issue. After that, he never really thought about it. For Chris, it was self-explanatory. Why would you ask a Deaf person to accommodate you in a world that's made for you?

Well, now that that particular cat was out of the bag, Chris wondered how long it would be until Nika knew the truth of how he felt about her. He'd move heaven and hell to see her smile again, but he knew it wouldn't return until she was healed up and back on the job. He couldn't just let her go home after this, not when things were finally taking a step in the right direction.

The world needs more people like you, Captain. Hearing people who don't see us Deaf as something broken to be fixed. Arden said, grabbing Chris's attention once more.

If you think I'm great, you should meet Nik's brother. He taught me everything I know about being a good advocate for the Deaf Community.

Nika rolled her eyes at the mention of Sebastian. She loved her brother, but she was loving her time away from his overprotectiveness even more. Who do you think taught him what he knows? she joked, giving Chris a playful shove.

Arden couldn't help the smile tugging at the corner of her mouth as she watched the two of them interact. Chris was a goner...it showed in the brightness of his smile and the melody of his laughter.

I'm going to get back to it. But Nika it was nice meeting you. And if you're still around after shift, I'd love to get your number before you go.

It was nice meeting you too. I'm sure I'll see you again before the night's over. Don't let Evans run you into the ground.

Chris put his hand to his chest in mock offense. Hey! I resent that. I am a fantastic Squad Captain.

Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night, C.

The air between Chris and Nika was playful and electric. He led her back to his office in a comfortable silence, her left hand securely tucked into his right one. Both of them were coming down off of the excitement they shared with Arden, and the weight of his near-confession still hung just out of reach.

He shut the door behind her to give them some privacy.

So, what'd you think of Daniels?

Nika shook her head with a chuckle. Female Seb, but Deaf. It's weird.

I thought the same thing when I first met her. She's good at her job. he offered.

Hey, Chris?

Yeah, Nik? What's up?

Chris stopped in front of where Nika leaned carefully against his desk. She was staring down at her shoes, lost in thoughts she hadn't yet shared with him. He tucked his finger under her chin, lifting her head to meet his gaze. What's wrong?

I was just wondering… what are you doing with your time? Her soft honey eyes found his mesmerizing blue ones.

There in the quiet of his office, Chris did the one thing he'd been waiting to do for seven years—before he could talk himself out of it, he leaned down and softly kissed Nika's lips.

It's yours if you want it.

To The End of All Things Taglist: @suitofvibraniumarmor @pinknerdpanda

#boston burning #sebastian stan fanfiction #chris evans fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #firefighter au

8 notes · View notes

ohmygod-he-on-x-games-mode · 3 years ago

Text

YES WE STAN MOUSE HERES A STORY TO GET TO KNOW HER

I promise you I am not bullshitting the signs or the order of the signs. I am fluent in sign language and I have had a lot of practice signing.

ASL order is rather strange by English standards. It is very much like French; time, subject, action, object. Words like because are said in question and ‘and’ is rarely used, instead things are listed.

For example, “I went to the movies because I was bored and I wanted to see my friend.” Would be signed “movies I went why? I bored, I wanted to see who? My friend.”

Sometimes this can be shortened, as the example above is formal.

For the sake of readers, her sentences will be written in English order.

Mouse entered the bridge, papers in her hands. She hated holding onto things; it meant she couldn’t talk.

Mouse’s job on the Enterprise was as a nurse who specialized in the treatment of airborne illnesses. She had papers with the results of the test conducted on the landing party. They had recently been exposed to spores that were creating symptoms similar to a respiratory infection.

The test confirmed that it was, in fact, a respiratory infection, and that the treatment was a very simple hypospray and that they should get ASAP.

Upon coming in, she bumped into Data who grabbed her shoulders to stabilize her.

She rubbed her left fist in a circle on the right side of her chest. “Sorry.” She signed.

Data moved his right hand from the shape of an ‘o’ out to the side, moving it into the sign letter for ‘k’ ; a slightly folded peace sign. “It’s okay.”

She smiled at him and continued onto the bridge, quietly handing the crew papers.

“How could the spores cause a respiratory infection?” Geordi asked, but her back was turned.

He stomped on the floor lightly to catch her attention and she turned to face him. He asked again.

She took his hand into her own and finger spelled, “the spores are highly adaptable, and can grow even in places as inhospitable as the human body. Your immune system is fighting it causing a respiratory infection. The spray will aid in killing the infection.”

Geordi nodded and patted her hand.

Mouse smiled and continued to hand papers to her companions.

“When do we need to get it?” Riker asked.

“Now would be good, if you are free. If not, I understand.” She signed. Data repeated.

Picard stomped his foot to gain her attention. “And what about you, Miss Mouse?”

Mouse shook her head, “I am an Android. I do not need it.”

Data translated for her.

Deanna smiled at her and Mouse happily returned it.

Mouse glitched and the viewer sparked, briefly blanking for a moment.

Again she signed, “I am sorry.”

“Mouse,” Riker said softly, “This is why we can’t really have you on the bridge.”

Mouse bit her lip and nodded. “I am sorry.”

Again she glitched, and the screen stayed off.

“Damnit, Mouse!” Picard said angrily. Today had been stressful, and while he understood that it was not her fault, his stress and anger got the best of him.

“I have told you before that you are not to enter the bridge! Is it that hard for you to understand?” He demanded, approaching her angrily.

She looked taken a back. “I needed to tell you.” She signed and data translated. “You needed your-“

“Damn what we ‘need’! When I tell you to stay off, I mean stay off!”

Mouse looked at the floor, wishing not to see him yell anymore, but she looked up just as he said, “Now I know why the phrase is ‘deaf and dumb’”

She froze and dropped the rest of her papers.

“Excuse me?” She signed. Data translated this cautiously.

Before Picard could respond she began to sign again, her signs now large and nearing his face.

“How dare you? Is that what you think of me? Of all Deaf people? You think because I because I cannot hear you that I am in some way incapable of following your orders? I did not listen because you need to know things and you know damn well that I can’t use the communicators. Do you want to blame someone? Blame yourself, for it is you who has not made things accessible for people with different abilities.” She signed angrily.

Data hesitated to translate, but still he felt as if he had to. He was her voice.

Picard stared at her. Why were there silver tears in her eyes?

“Fuck you.” She signed, and Picard didn’t need Data to translate that.

“Nurse, that is enough!” Riker reprimanded, and she stomped.

“Bite me!” She signed, and Deanna began to sink into her chair, uncomfortable with the energy she was creating.

“It is alright, number one...” Picard said softly, “she is right.”

He turned to her cautiously.

With his limited sign language he said, “I am sorry... for hurting you. You are a smart girl.”

The tears flooded over now and Picard wiped them away, fascinated by the way they gleamed like mercury on his hand.

“You are a smart girl, Nurse Mouse. You have my apologies. Thank you, for letting us know.” He said, his anger winding down and becoming replaced with regret.

Mouse sniffled and walked quickly to the lift, and before the door closed, Picard could hear a sob.

The bridge stared at him, and he wanted to run after her and apologize. But he couldn’t, he was needed in the bridge.

“Data, please find her.” He requested and sat down in his chair, holding his head in his hand.

Data left and headed towards the med bay, where he knew he’d find her.

As always, he was correct. She was seated next to Beverly, who was attempting to sooth her.

Data knelt in front of her. He waved his hand delicately to get her attention.

“Mouse,” he signed, “he did not mean it.”

Through teary eyes she glanced up at him. “I do not understand. Why do I cry? I am not sad... I am angry, but touched that he apologized, but still I cry.”

Data did not know how to answer this. How does one answer to an emotion they do not feel?

“Perhaps... because you do not know how to respond..?”

She whimpered, and Data was surprised to hear her make a noise. She was usually as quiet as a... well, as quiet as a mouse.

She leaned into Beverly who gently rubbed her shoulder.

“That old man is cranky.” She signed. Beverly was one of the few members of the ship who were fluent in sign language.

Mouse laughed sadly.

She straightened up and looked at Data.

“Do you think I will be punished?” She asked.

Data shook his head. “Captain Picard does not punish those who are right.”

She nodded and stood, collecting the hyposprays.

“Do me a favor, Mouse?” Beverly asked.

Mouse raised an eyebrow, wiping the rest of her tears away.

“Make his hurt just a little more than usual.” She requested, and Mouse grinned.

“Maybe just a little.”

2 notes · View notes