#god tony has no rhythm at all

[minimitchell]

Ben & Lexi | 27th June 2023

[chaosroid]

Trying to explain Warframe to new people is impossible without sounding absolutely insane. It's like, if a game had an identity crisis...but in a good way. An identity buffet, if you will. There's so much in this game it's sensory overload.

You like space dogfights? Rogue-lites? Fishing, mining, player housing? How about Guitar Hero, space shanties, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater? Let's not forget the dating sim. Oh yeah, you can add a birthing QTE rhythm minigame too, because why not. I'm waiting for the inevitable sex update, cause y'know, we've gotten this far without imploding, so it might as well happen. Like what the fuck even is this game anymore. Nobody knows! Not even the devs themselves. It's all held together by dreams, duct tape and vibes at this point, but somehow it works.

Hop on Warframe, we have:

Bionicle meets Neon Genesis Evangelion

12 yr olds turning the geneva conventions into a checklist

your trans robot mom who has DID

old man yaoi

a traumatized group of bisexuals fighting the Y2K bug

an autistic child and his fidget spinner solos god

a fish voiced by Astarion

workers' union committing terrorism against capitalists

incel who tries to destroy the sun because he fumbled a bad bitch (she took the kids)

a boyband that you have to slay for weapons

and an eldritch entity beyond human comprehension that can only be defeated by the power of love

And if you think all that sounds unhinged out of context, don't worry, It's just as unhinged with context.

[buckyalpine]

Modern Bucky

This wasn’t even supposed to be smutty but I took it there. I was just thinking it’s so attractive to think of Bucky as being perfectly adjusted to the modern world and most of the time he just acts like he’s still figuring stuff out. Without a doubt, he’s been through so much but no one realizes just how smart he is and how quickly he picks up on things. 

Like people forget he is a trained assassin and he’s Sergeant Barnes, he moves with ease and stealth just about everywhere. He knows how to blend in and It didn’t take him long to figure out technology. Didn’t take long to pick up on the culture. He walks around with some shitty burner but has a proper phone few people know about. 

It catches you off guard when you expect him to be seated in the corner of the bar, nursing on a whiskey while talking to Steve but hes nowhere to be found. Everyone else is on the dancefloor, which definitely wasn’t Bucky’s scene. Your body doesn’t stop moving while your eyes scan the crowd, where would he- 

You gasp when he suddenly appears in front of you out of nowhere, damn his ability to move from place to place without being noticed until he wanted you to see him, dressed in all black from head to toe, biting his bottom lip while he eyes you up and down. 

“Buck- What are you doing” You whispered, your skin growing hot, feeling his hands move down from your waist to your hips, turning you around and pulling your back flush against his chest. 

“Well if you’re gonna be moving around like that...” He smirked against your ear, pressing his erection against your ass. “What did you expect, doll” 

His body moves with yours, hands placed firmly on your hips and waist, guiding you the way he liked. You nearly lose your rhythm with the way he grinds against you because how and when did he learn to dance like this. Your body wines with the movements of his hips, you can’t think straight with how perfectly he moves with you. 

“You’ve been giving everyone a real show, tonight baby” Bucky whispered in your ear, nipping your neck, “You just wanted me to sit and watch the entire time?” 

It’s sexy enough to get others around you hot and bothered between the way he alternates between keeping his face pressed into your neck to whisper the filthiest things in your ear and bending you over to his hearts content, just to pull you back up and turn you around so he can rock your hips on him. 

“Is-is this what it’s like to be into voyeurism” Sam mused from the side where everyone gathered one by one, needing a solid minute to take in what was unfolding before them. 

“Shhh, I’m watching something” Tony half assed smacked his hand over Sam’s mouth, watching you and Bucky still on the dance floor. “Holy shit...”

“He has a big dick, I just know it” Nat cocked an eyebrow, unwilling to tear her eyes away from the growing tightness of Bucky’s jeans each time he brought your ass to grind on him. 

“They should get a room...but also I don’t want them to get a room just yet”

“What the hell is wrong with you”

“You’re telling me watching them right now didn’t give you a hard-on?” 

“Please stop”

“I don’t think it’s fair that he can look good and also know how to dance, shouldn't he be tripping on his own feet or pouting in the corner cause this isn’t old music, when the hell did he learn that”

“Big dick energy” 

“Oh God” Steve covered his face in his hands while everyone else continued to watch you both in awe and tinges of jealousy because again. When. How. HOW. 

“What baby” Bucky smirked at the needy whimper you let out when he held you firmly against him, swaying in place, letting you feel exactly how badly he wanted you take you apart.  

“Let’s go” You turned around to clutch onto his tshirt, squeaking when he effortlessly carried you up with your thigs wrapped around his waist, going straight to his floor. 

“What’s wrong princess” Bucky loved how flustered you were as he dropped you on his bed, your legs squeezing together. You stared at him with wide eyes because where was this side of Bucky coming from, where was your precious sweet baby who only danced to 40′s music in the kitchen in between dorky Hobbit references. “Need something?” 

“Need you” you nodded with a whisper, confused over the new dynamic that was happening, your body screaming for more of whatever was happening. You took your time when it came to intimacy with Bucky because you didn’t want to over step a boundary, keeping things tame. 

“You need me baby?” He crawled on top of you, smirking to himself; ready for you to have all of him, every part he’d been holding back on. He wasn’t sure before but after catching a glimpse of the books you were so into, why would he hold back what you seemed to love so much, what he needed himself, “Need daddy to take care you?” 

Take care of you he did. 

He tore you dress off before throwing his own clothes aside. You didn’t even have time to process what was happening when he grabbed your ankles and pulled you off the bed, man handling you and wrapping your legs around his tapered waist, walking you to the floor to ceiling high windows of the bedroom. He slammed your back against the cold glass before nudging his tip against your sopping hole, shoving it in with one stroke and fucking into you like a ragdoll. 

All you could do was desperately cling onto him, scratching and biting his shoulders while he pounded you relentlessly. 

“You like this baby, like when I fuck you hard like the needy slut you are for me?” He grunted, muscles all pulled taut, loving the way your arousal squirted out, getting his shaft creamy. Before you could beg for more, he pulled out and turned you around so you faced the window instead, slamming back into you and letting his hips snap against your ass. “Bending this cute little ass over, grinding on your friends, what did you think would happen doll, you wanted to tease daddy, is that it?” 

“N-no” You sobbed out, your pussy quivering when he spanked your ass, fucking you till the window panes nearly shook. 

“Why’d you hide what a little slut you are babygirl, reading all those horny little stories by yourself. You think I didn’t know about that pathetic little toy you have tucked between the shelves, hm? Thought I wouldn’t know how to fuck your pussy raw till you were crying all over my cock?” 

“Oh God, Fuckkkk” You had no idea what monster had unleashed itself while Bucky tugged your hair back, his other hand still snaked over to strum your clit. 

“C’mon, scream for daddy baby, I want them to hear how good I make you feel” 

“D-DADDYYY” You wailed as he railed you,  his fingers to rubbing and playing with your swollen clit, hitting that spot only he could reach. 

“Y’know they were all watching baby, let’em all see” He growled against your neck, “N’hear how much you love daddy’s cock, go a head and cum baby, make a mess, make a mess all over my cock” 

There was no doubt most of the compound could hear your salacious moans and cries as your orgasm started to pulse through your body, your cunt clenching and milking his cock making it hard for him to move.

“Choking my dick you little slut, make room for my cum baby” He jackhammered into you before stilling, groaning loudly letting his seed fill you up till it dripped between your thighs. You expected him to gently pull out and carry you back to bed but no. 

“Bucky? Bucky what are y-ooh fuckkkk ” Your eyes rolled back as he  sunk down to his knees, spreading your ass apart as he dove in between your folds, nursing and lapping at your sensitive nub, his beard getting messy in the process. “Fuck Bucky, What-Oh God, Don’t stop” 

“Oh doll, theres so much more I’m gonna show you” 

Anyway. Modern Bucky seems pretty cool. 

[wntrs0ldier]

An Offer II: Safe Haven · 01

pairing: mob!bucky x reader words: 5,3k warnings: typical mafia (dark themes, language, violence, etc.), a/n: if you see any mistake, please, close your eyes,,

series masterlist

series summary: The ride was bumpy, but in the end, you got your husband. Your marriage gave you protection, and your new husband shared with you his life, his Family, his wealth. His demons and his enemies. Only time can show whether it was worth it.

Although his scent had managed to wash off, you loved walking around in that soft, far too large robe of his. Leaving the bedroom – where you hadn't even slept an hour together, let alone the whole night – you put one over your shoulders and tied the belt. And, as you do every morning, you went to the kitchen, which, in practice, was your shared kitchen; except that not at the same time. You prepared the coffee, and with a mug in your hand headed to the living room; you leaned against the entrance frame and fixed your gaze on the couch, or rather on the person occupying it – Jerry. This time you remembered the name. You lifted the mug to your mouth, but your lips did not come into contact with the bitter, hot surface of the drink. 

Was there any limit to the amount of time you could miss someone who, given the short period of knowing them, shouldn't mean that much? And what could you be capable of to drown that feeling of abandonment?

A little more than a week was still missing and you could safely cross out the third month of Bucky's absence. This was not how you imagined the beginnings of your marriage, but you consoled yourself with the knowledge that it could have been much worse. On the other hand, it could also have been much better. To some extent, your life resembled the one you had led before your marriage and even before your father's death – you didn't have to worry about business; it was secure and had regained its former fluidity. Enough to calm Tony Stark down. You were able to concentrate mainly on your gallery, spend weekends with your friends or with Suzie. Everything went on with the old rhythm, with a few exceptions. You didn't date anymore, and turning down potential lovers came more easily to you. And you devoted Sunday afternoons and evenings to your new family – Winnifred would invite you to tea or dinner, and these activities became your marital duties. But you really felt more like a new purchase of the Barnes Family than a wife to Bucky – after all, you spent more time with them than with your husband.

But he still tried.

He called at least once every two, sometimes three days. You would have loved to call him every day, but you never did – you didn't want to disturb him, because you knew he was working hard. You heard how tired he was, so each time you asked him to get some sleep; you kept telling him that your day wasn't that interesting. But Bucky never relented – he claimed he liked listening to your voice.

Jerry twitched, opening his eyes, which automatically fell on you. For a split second, he seemed deathly terrified; you guessed that his mind sensed your gaze, and raised the alarm as a result. But Jerry was safe. At least for now.

“Did you sleep well?” You smiled slightly, perhaps a little meanly, then took a sip of coffee without dropping your gaze.

The young man immediately sat up and rubbed his face. “Oh God…” he gasped. “Don't tell Bucky. He’ll fucking murder me.”

“Don't worry. It can happen to anyone.”

“Has it happened to someone before me..?” he asked with hope.

You wrinkled your nose and shook your head, which made Jerry groan with dissatisfaction.

“Would you like some breakfast?” You raised your eyebrows.

“After something like that? No way, I'm out of here.”

You walked Jerry to the door.

“Please. I'm begging,” he said, almost hanging on the doorknob. “Don't tell Bucky. Don't tell anyone, because it will definitely get to him.”

You sighed heavily, holding back from rolling your eyes. It seemed to you that Jerry was exaggerating, but on the other hand he was white as a sheet, so you didn’t want to scare him more. “I won't tell anyone. I promise.”

“What..?” Connie stared at you with curiosity, and the fork on which she had scrupulously scooped one of each ingredient of her salad hung not far from her mouth.

As befits a wealthy wife abandoned by a husband absorbed in work, you had a lunch date with Connie and your two other friends, Victoria and Holly, who were close enough to you to know some of your secrets. As in the case of Connie, you didn't share with them all the details of your life, you didn't get them into the business you did, but they knew who you were. They also knew the character of your marriage; it was impossible to keep it a mystery when matters of the heart were an integral part of your conversations. And even if you could pretend that you and Bucky had something more in common – something by which people usually decided to take such a binding step as marriage – your girlfriends would have figured you out right away.

“Who’s Jerry?” Holly furrowed. 

You couldn't remember if she was there when you mentioned him for the first time. However, you didn't have a chance to dig up this information in your head – Victoria rushed to explain: “He's some sort of bodyguard. Is that right?” She glanced at you, and you nodded.

Some sort of bodyguard was a surprisingly accurate term for Jerry and the rest of the boys. Since Bucky was away from home and unable to look after your safety himself, he ordered his men to do so. With that, you got to know a handful of Bucky's most trusted soldiers, and every evening one of them sat in a car parked outside your apartment, watching the building and its surroundings. Every morning one of them drove you to work, in the afternoons they escorted you home or wherever you pleased. You were never alone. Even now, sipping wine in a fancy pub, you were under the watchful eye of one of them; he was sitting a few tables away and going over the menu for the fifth time, glancing in your direction from time to time. He took a seat at the other end of the room to avoid being noticeable, but your friends were fully aware of his presence. Besides, they weren't the only ones; he was quite a flashy item in a restaurant filled mostly with women dressed in pastels and beiges.

“Are you still okay with that? All that following?” Holly continued. 

“They don’t follow me.” You rolled your eyes, smiling lightly. It's not that you had been brainwashed into accepting the possessiveness or the desire to control your every move; you just understood what rules applied to your and Bucky's world. You also understood that your friends were not as aware, so your husband's security measures may have been deceptively similar to red flags. “Following someone tends to be done in secret from the person who is being followed, you know?” 

“What's up with Jerry?” Connie interrupted. “Did you sleep with him or not?”

“No, of course not,” you calmly denied. But instead of continuing to speak, you paused for a moment – a memory popped into your head; a memory of Bucky's prettily pink, parted lips as he savored your wet warmth. You swallowed hard, sinking your teeth into your lower lip. “He slept. On the couch. Alone.”

“A bodyguard should sleep on the job..?” Holly asked doubtfully.

“In theory, no. But whenever I was able to forget Jerry's presence somewhere around, I heard sneezing or sniffling.” You raised your eyebrows. “I was afraid that if I left him in the car overnight, he would faint from a fever or something. I invited him inside, or rather convinced him to come in, and he fell asleep on the couch. That's it.” You shrugged.

“You shouldn't have done that,” Victoria said, her forehead creased in worry. “You shouldn't invite strangers into your apartment. What if he would hurt you?”

“Uh, that's not exactly what bodyguards do.”

The rest of your lunch followed the pattern repeated at every meeting you've had for almost the last three months. Your girlfriends expressed their concern toward your relationship, and then smoothly moved on to other topics. This time a party you had little idea about. Not because they didn't include you; you just didn't hear a word. Absorbed in your own thoughts, you completely disconnected yourself from the place and the company. You reflected on the fact that you spent far more time with them, and even with the previously mentioned bodyguards, than with Bucky. It shouldn't have affected you on the scale it actually did – you were purely business partners who happened to have sex a few times. But all those things you promised each other before he left... 

On the one hand, they were somehow groundbreaking. On the other, they became blurred in this long separation. Besides…

Your eyes involuntarily rested on your hand. Despite being married, you still didn't have rings. You wore at least an engagement ring – an apparent sign of being taken, but Bucky? You couldn't be sure – away from home, away from New York, away from you – he wasn't taking advantage of the lack of a wedding band. Maybe he only called you in the evenings, drained, because his other life was consuming all his time and energy? You knew he couldn't be so vile to you, but maybe he was trying to protect you? Had he found someone in Italy and didn't want to break your heart? Maybe the bodyguards were not there to protect you, but to keep you from any potential surprise visit?

A sudden flash of sanity made you realize that you were becoming paranoid. You didn't have Bucky around; you couldn't look at him or talk to him freely, so you kept thinking about him. This, in turn, led you to newer and newer conclusions that you wouldn't normally even consider. Timothy got his way – he effectively punished you, because you were going through a living hell.

“Y/N? What’s wrong?”

You were so deep in your own thoughts that you didn't even know who had spoken to you. All three – Connie, Victoria and Holly – were looking at you.

“Hmm?” you muttered, raising your eyebrows questioningly, although you could hear perfectly well what they wanted to know. “Oh, it’s… It’s nothing.” You shook your head with the abashed smile of someone caught in the act. “It's just... I miss him. Very much,” you said in order to justify your drifting away. You just didn't tell the whole truth; you didn't intend to torment your friends with your fears, because these were taken from panic, not a rational perception of things. 

“Do you like him in that way?” Holly smiled provocatively. 

Before you could explain that you would probably miss each of them just as much during such a long separation, Victoria cut you off again: “This is so sweet…” She almost melted. “Maybe you're not telling us something? Maybe you are at the boyfriend-girlfriend phase? Things like this can happen when two people are close. Even in a not-for-real-marriage, right?” She looked around at your faces for some confirmation of her words.

“I would know if we were at that phase,” you said immediately. 

“Not necessarily. This phase is not always clear. Not all people ask directly about dating, like, you know, as a couple. Sometimes you just fall into it. Unconsciously and naturally.” Vicky shrugged.

A short silence settled over the table. You reached for your glass of wine, and, staring unseeingly at some random point, emptied the rest of the drink in slow sips.

“I'll see you this weekend?” you finally spoke.

“As always. But maybe you should invite Jerry this time?” Connie grinned with amusement, and you gently kicked her under the table.

“Are you okay?” Steve's voice filled the inside of the car.

“I won't throw up here, if that's what you're asking,” you answered, taking your eyes off the side window to look at him. Steve’s mouth curved into a slight smile. 

You doubted that picking you up from a nightclub was his ideal scenario for a Saturday night, but at least he didn't waste the whole evening babysitting you. Admittedly, he was up for it, but you managed to convince him to give you some freedom. You still didn't mind round-the-clock security, but you got the impression that your friends were starting to feel a little uncomfortable. You couldn't accept that they weren't able to relax and enjoy your girls’ night out, and if you had any power to do so, you decided to use it. In return, you promised Steve that – after the party – you would wait for him like a good girl you were, and let him drive you home without saying a word.

Your head was still buzzing from the pounding music and people shouting to each other, and you felt this unpleasant dry stickiness in your mouth. It wasn't the worst state you could get yourself into, because although you hoped to get rid of the annoying, uncomfortable thoughts, you didn't want to completely knock yourself out of consciousness.

You were haunted by the same problems; fueled by longing and the absence of Bucky, who could ease your doubts. Besides, for the past few days you couldn't push away what Victoria said – leaving aside your marriage, could you and Bucky have been more than that? Before he left, he behaved as if you were, but did he allow the possibility or did he do all this because he felt an obligation to act as a husband should? Moreover, you didn't even know why you felt the need to find out all this; after all, you weren't hoping for anything. Other than an inherent affection, a weakness, an incomprehensible attachment and a natural human desire, you had no deeper feelings for Bucky. So what was your problem?

Mindlessly, your eyes wandered to Steve again. Sometimes you would return in memories to Bucky's words; to the moment when he joked that he could recommend you to Steve – you wondered how your life would have turned out then. You would certainly have experienced a completely different dynamic, because while Bucky was patient with you, Steve exceeded all expectations. But unlike Bucky, he behaved a little too formally, politely in your company; as if he didn't allow himself to show any flaws. This, in turn, partly let you guess what Bucky meant when he said: ‘I'm not a guy you marry. Steve is.’ With the warmth, caring and calmness radiating from him, Steve was something of a last step – he just reassured you that he was the right, safe choice; that he would create a stable environment not only for his potential wife, but also for his children.

Bucky, on the other hand, oozed the aura of a charming, slightly unpredictable boyfriend; he made everything still exciting and fresh; he allowed the belief that you both still had enough room for mistakes.

You closed your eyes and let out a heavy breath. Steve glanced at you, raising his eyebrow questioningly. “Still not throwing up,” you stated. For a brief moment, you had an urge to bombard Steve with questions; you wanted to know if Bucky had ever been in a serious relationship; if he thought Bucky would last in one. But that would only deepen your paranoia; besides, you weren't convinced about the idea of getting to know Bucky through the eyes of others.

When the car stopped in front of the apartment building, you got out, grabbing your purse and the high heels you had taken off earlier. You intended to make your way to the apartment barefoot, because you couldn't even imagine putting on those uncomfortable shoes again.

“Oh, sorry. I left some glitter in your car,” you said, noticing shimmering specks from your dress on the seat. To be fair, you also had glitter in your hair and on your skin, so you thought you were equally victimized. “Well, a lot of glitter actually…” 

“Don’t worry about it.” Turning off the engine, Steve gave you a smile. 

“You don’t have to walk me to the door,” you asserted right away, seeing him getting ready to leave the vehicle. 

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. A security guard is sitting inside, there are also some cameras…” You shrugged. “I’ll be fine.” 

Steve didn't insist – he kept providing you with this illusory sense of freedom. So you said goodbye and headed to the entrance, having previously promised to text him as soon as you crossed the apartment threshold. Steve's car disappeared only when you got inside the building. On your way to the apartment, you were thinking mainly about the contents of the fridge; for the last few hours your stomach had been getting only alcohol and salty snacks in really small portions – so now you were craving something decent.

As you slid the key into the lock, it refused to turn – the door was open. A wave of uneasy heat immediately swept over you, your stomach dropped. For a second you wanted to go back downstairs; perhaps Steve wasn't so far away yet, you could call him and wait with the security guard. Or outside. Anywhere, but not there. At the same time, you tried to keep a cool head and think rationally – what if you simply forgot to lock the door? After all, such things could happen. But there was no room in your life for such incidents. Bucky had you watched for a reason. 

In the end, you decided to take possibly the stupidest, yet least dramatic step – you cautiously went inside. There was pitch darkness everywhere, which normally didn't scare you, but now you had no idea what was hiding in it. Too paralyzed by fear, you didn't even think to locate the light switch. You moved ahead – telling yourself repeatedly that it was probably just your paranoia, that you had actually forgotten to lock the door. If not, you had an open escape route – all you had to do was run down the corridor and get out of the apartment, then take the stairs, not the elevator.

Noticing a small red light smoldering in the darkness somewhere from the living room, you froze in stillness. Your body went numb, so unable to make any further movements, you stared at the spot. A recognizable rustling sound reached your ears, and immediately afterwards the vivid light of a lamp burst in the room, shining down on the silhouette sitting beneath it. Your tired, frightened, alcohol-soaked mind refused to believe that it was Bucky in the chair. Not only because, given the length of his absence, you hadn't considered his return in the nearest days – he also looked a little different than you remembered. The first thing that caught your eye was his thick beard; technically, it covered half of his face. Still, you could easily see his mouth stretched in a lazy, amused smile. His hair also got a little longer, and he looked even bigger, even more beefy, but these changes were not so drastic – you picked them up because you knew Bucky's body very well.

He let out a puff of smoke from between his lips, then put out his cigarette in the crystal ashtray placed on the armrest. “Hi,” Bucky spoke, his voice a bit muffled by the smoke coming out of his nostrils. 

All negative feelings and real concerns were gone, but your heart was still racing like crazy. However, you weren't sure if it was due to the fear slowly leaving your body or at the sight of Bucky. You wanted to feel happy; you wanted to be able to get excited about the much anticipated return; you wanted to throw your arms around his neck, but in reality you felt really weak – on the verge of passing out. You dropped your shoes and purse on the floor, and rested your trembling hand on the doorframe.

“I scared you, huh?” He slightly tilted his head to the side.

“Yes,” you replied quietly; your voice still didn't feel steady enough, and your throat remained painfully tight.

“Good. You'll remember to take someone with you next time.” Bucky sounded strict and lecturing; as if he was about to bend you over his knee. 

You watched each other – you looked at him a little warily, not sure where you were really at, what you should say or do, and Bucky was sizing you up in no rush; he studied closely your skimpy, not very covering dress with a deep neckline.

“Where were you?” There was no hint of possessiveness, jealousy or anger in his voice; only pure curiosity. Just as during your phone conversations over the past months, he wanted to know about your day; he wanted to know everything. He could have asked his people, but he trusted you to tell him the whole truth.

“At the club. With my girls.” 

“Were there any guys..?”

You nodded, not taking your eyes off him. “As it is in clubs.” You shrugged. “Full of guys.”

“Poor fellas. Wish I could have seen their faces when they realized all they could do was look at the prettiest girl in all of New York.” Some boyish delight surfaced in his smile, and a pleasant warmth spread over your body. Why would he say all these things if there was any chasm between you? There was no chasm.

He didn't seem impatient, but watched you with gentle anticipation, and soon patted his thigh in an inviting manner. Without a second thought, you moved from your spot and finally straddled him. In all this longing, you forgot how good it felt to be surrounded by the warmth of his body, his scent; how much your body fitted into his, as his thighs felt like the most comfortable place in the world.

“I was kind of hoping you would be happy to see me.” Bucky winced barely noticeably. “Is this about me scaring you? I'm sorry,” he said with remorse, although just a moment earlier he was eager to teach you a lesson. He placed a tender kiss on your cleavage, and your skin burned in that spot. 

“I am happy,” you replied, smiling softly. You couldn't let him think otherwise. “I just-”

You wanted to confess all your fears to him, because you knew he would either confirm or get rid of them. But when Bucky lifted one of his hands to your face for a purpose you had no chance to know, your eyes caught the movement and registered something else. You quickly grabbed his wrist and pulled his hand closer to get a good look at it. Bucky was wearing a wedding ring. And it appeared that he didn't put it on on the plane or right after he arrived; he must have already worn it in Italy, because when the ring slid a little higher, you noticed a pale, untouched by the sun mark that stood out on his tanned hand. 

“Got one for you, too.” Bucky smiled with satisfaction, but that gesture was sprinkled with a bit of caution. “And a few other things. But first, I'd rather hear what’s bothering you.”

You knew you should tell him; after all, a couple months earlier you yourself had made it clear to him that you needed to speak your minds more. But you didn't want to ruin the peaceful atmosphere. You were both too tired for this conversation. Besides, with or without explanations, you were no longer worried about your relationship – Bucky was here. Right by your side. And there was no sign that he was about to break your heart; unless he was about to crush it with affection.

“Nothing is bothering me,” you claimed with another tender smile, hoping that was enough to distract him from further attempts to get the truth out of you. “You surprised me. I thought I would be able to get ready for you coming, but instead, I'm a mess. A little bit drunk, sticky mess,” you said, which came easily, because you weren't actually lying; you imagined the conditions under which you would celebrate Bucky's return a little differently. Even with all your worries. “I thought it would be more, I don't know,” you shrugged, “perfect maybe..?”

Bucky seemed to accept this version. Perhaps because – considering his exhaustion – you produced far too many words for him to process. “The next time will be more perfect.” The smile lingering on his lips took on a lazy expression. 

You shook your head at his words. “There will be no next time, not in the near future,” you said with conviction, as if his unconventional schedule depended on you. “You're not going anywhere, because I'm not letting you.”

He let out a quiet laugh. “In that case, I can go out and come in again.”

“Alright, but you'll have to wait until I hang the banner and inflate balloons.” You raised your eyebrows. The lightness and playfulness surrounding you made you forget the past months. Your concerns and insecurities blurred in the way Bucky looked at you. “Now, show me what you brought me,” you added with theatrical excitement. 

“You little materialist…” Shaking his head with just as exaggerated disapproval, Bucky reached outside the chair and grabbed a paper bag. He placed it between your bodies, but you had no pressing need to look inside it. Instead, you watched Bucky almost with fascination; his movements as he slid his hand into the bag. When he pulled it out, his fingers were embracing a small, velour box. Having taken the object carefully, you opened it; the ring Bucky mentioned was waiting inside – a little narrower than the one he wore, but otherwise looked basically identical. “May I?” His gentle tone immediately caught your attention. Without thinking, you turned the box toward him; he pulled out the ring, grabbed your wrist gently to stabilize your hand, and slid the ring onto your finger. 

You stared at it, and when you lifted your gaze back to Bucky's face, you caught his eyes stuck on you. “Thank you,” you whispered. 

“It's just a little something I should have taken care of much sooner, huh?” he said, and the bag rustled again. Your lips parted in surprise and amazement when this time he took out a scented candle. He laughed softly as you grasped it right away, almost snatching it out of his hands; you guessed from its size and neat, minimalist label that it was one of the more expensive ones. 

“You remembered…” Still stunned that he had bought something with you in mind; something almost personalized, you glanced at him, but quickly returned your eyes to the tag. "Tuscan Dream of the Sun..." you read out loud, raising an eyebrow. You opened the lid and brought the candle to your nose.

“Is this how you imagined a Tuscan dream of the sun?” Bucky furrowed his forehead. In response, you moved the candle closer to his face. “I smelled it earlier,” he protested, nevertheless, he inhaled the scent instinctively. “I'm not sure what dreams of the sun smell like, but this smells like oranges. And vanilla.”

“Ohh, right,” you replied, enlightened by the answer you were looking for. “You're right…” You pulled the bag in your direction to put the candle back in it. In the process, you spotted another velour box. “Did you buy another ring? For your mistress?” you asked provocatively, but not angrily. 

“Mhm.” Bucky nodded with a sly, lazy smile resting on his lips. “You can take a peek. Tell if she will like it.” 

So you reached for the box – a little bigger, flatter than the previous one – and opened it. To your eyes appeared a necklace – a thin, delicate chain with a gemstone in a light, icy shade of blue. 

“And?” Bucky asked softly. “Does she like it?”

Without taking your gaze off the necklace, you nodded. “It's really pretty,” you answered in a hushed voice and looked at Bucky. “What's the occasion?”

“No occasion. It's just a gift. So I can keep an eye on you.” He shrugged gently, lifting the corner of his mouth in a not particularly enthusiastic expression. Only then did you realize what the color of the stone reminded you of – Bucky's irises.

For a brief moment he said nothing more, watching you put on the necklace; how you fastened it in front of your face and then turned the lock back, making the pendant rest on your neckline. 

“I'm sorry,” he spoke in a more serious tone. His hand slid over your bare calf, and combined with the contrite, even pained expression on his face, the gesture seemed extremely tender to you. “For not being here. You agreed to marry me, and then I left you alone. For so fucking long-”

“Hey.” You put your hands on his cheeks, casting a determined look on his helpless eyes. “You had no choice. Okay?” In response, Bucky nodded barely noticeably. “It was hard for me, that's true. But the fault doesn't lie with you. It never even crossed my mind,” you stated firmly. You chose to ignore the fact that a bunch of other, more or less disturbing things popped into your head while he was gone. “And I'm not saying this because I'm your wife, and it's my job to support your every decision. I'm saying this because you didn't do anything wrong. I'm saying it because I understand.”

He turned his gaze away and chewed on his bottom lip nervously. There was still a look of worry on his face telling you that Bucky didn't quite believe your words. He was completely different when you found him in the apartment, and you didn't know what had happened during those several minutes. Maybe he remembered all the responsibility and effort that comes with being a husband? Whatever it was, it spread in his mind like a poison you didn't know the cure for. You couldn't get into his mind, and he didn't want to make his thoughts available to you in any other way. Or, perhaps, after all, he sensed that there was something you didn't want to tell him, and he returned the favor?

Despite your slight resignation, you plastered a weak smile on your face and tucked a strand of Bucky's hair behind his ear. He closed his eyes, accepting this tender gesture; absorbing its warmth. “You’re tired,” you remarked. “You should go to bed-” You rose gently with the intention of getting off his thighs, but Bucky's hands quickly found their way to your hips; he held you down, pressing you back against his body. He gazed at you again, a little calmer this time, and with a visible exhaustion that you were absolutely right about. 

He reached up to touch your cheek, his fingers slipped into your hair. He pulled you in carefully, then pressed your lips together in a delicate kiss; as if testing whether you still accepted his mouth on yours. When, without much thought, you welcomed and reciprocated the kiss, he slipped his tongue into your mouth – he remembered your taste, and when he realized how much he loved it, he let out a low grunt. Pleasant warmth spread throughout your body in a devastating wave – it almost completely washed away any barriers.

He soon pulled away from you. “You are tired, too. And a little drunk, right?” He asked, studying your face intently. 

You nodded, not intending to deny it. Bucky drew you to him again; this time he placed a tender kiss on your forehead. You dropped your eyelids, feeling a peace spreading throughout you. He may not have been your boyfriend, or your not-for-real-husband, but he was your home, your safe haven.

a/n: feel free to share your thoughts, they are more than welcomed 🥰

taglist: @goldensunflowe-r @nefri-black @vickie5446 @learisa @sjsmith56 @aya-fay @hhiggs @wishingwell-2 @buckysgirl01 @emily-roberts @prettylittlepluviophile @leaaa008 @itvy5601 @melsunshine @pattiemac1 @marvel-fandom23 @rabbitrabbit12321 @xsecretsirenx @heyyitsreign @xhollycowx @samfreakingwinchester @thrnlvr @samjuarezzz @loustan90 @kandis-mom @abaker74 @gabshouse @casa-boiardi @globetrotter28 @fand0mskullfa1ry @iateall-yourcookies @swordofawriter @theroyalmanatee @midnightvitality

[rrcraft-and-lore]

Monkey Man and why I loved the heck out of it

At it's core, it's a Bollywood flick presented to the West with familiar nods to previous action films - I definitely picked up hints of Tony Jaa's influence on Asian action flicks throughout.

It's heavily focused on police corruption, something commented a lot about in India, and here, more importantly, Indian films. Just like America has its love affair with mobster flicks, Bollywood has a long history featuring films that showcase police corruption, sometimes tied into political extremism, fanatical or greedy religious leaders, and Monkey Man comments on all this as well and pays nods to that commonality. We've got televangelists and religious leaders in the states funnelling money, preaching prosperity gospel, and using it to influence politics and fund lavish lifestyles here.

Monkey Man shows this happening in India, and is filled with Indian culture and symbolism through out. The focus on Hanuman, the god and one worshiped by the strong, chaste, wrestlers, champions, and fighters. It's a common thing to have a household deity if you will. Some families might choose to focus worship on Ganesh, others Hanuman, some might do Mata Rani or Lakshmi. Here, it's the divine Vanara (monkey people race) - one of the Chiranjivi - immortals/forever-lived.

Hanuman. Themes of rebirth, common in South Asian history and mythology are present from Kid being a ringer, beat up fighter getting whooped for money to being reborn and facing his trauma through a ritual/meditate process that I don't want to get too much into to not spoil the movie. Post that, he begins his own self alchemy to really become the true Monkey Man. Nods to Ramayama, and an unapologetically Indian story featuring dialogues throughout in Hindi - don't worry, there are subtitles.

And of course a love for action flicks before it, all the way back to Bruce Lee. A beautiful use tbh of an autorickshaw (and you might know them as tuk-tuks in Thailand) which are popular in India with an added kick...I swear, that thing had to be modified with a hayabusa motor. Which is an actual thing people do - modding those dinky rickshaws with motorcycle engines, and considering they weigh nothing at all, they can REALLY FLY once you do that.

Monkey Man brings to the big screen other elements of India people might not know about, such as the gender non conforming and trans community that has a long history in India, presenting them as action stars as they go up against a system of corrupt elites oppressing part of the city, marginalized communities, and minority voices as depicted in the film. I'm not sure if people are going to get all of that without having the context, but I love that it does it without holding anyone's hands.

It's a fun action flick to see in the age of superhero films, and I say that as an obvious superhero/sff nerd. Also loved that Dev included a little bit about Hanuman's own story in the film, and the loss of his powers - almost mirrored by Kid's own loss of self/skills, strength until he confronts his trauma and is reborn, and in fact, remade (not necessarily the same). Also, the use of music was brilliant, including one scene with a tabla (the paired hand drums of south asia) - and Indian music is central to Indian stories.

This is a culture with evidence going back to the Paleolithic with cave murals showing art of Indian dance nearly 30,000 years ago. Yeah, that far back. As well as Mesolithic period art depicting musical instruments such as gongs, lyres, and more.

Indian music is some of the earliest we can find that has high developed beat and rhythm structures such as 5, 7, 9 and now the extremely common and known 4/4 and 3/4 - which so much of Western music is built upon. The foundations and experimentation of/in Jazz. John Coltrane and John Cage were heavily inspired by Indian music and incorporated a lot from it into their works. And Monkey Man blends Eastern and Western music through the narrative as comfortably as it does an Indian story in a very familiar Western accessible structure.

Dev did a wonderful job. And thanks to Jordan Peele for bringing it to screens.

[stxrvel]

birthday love present

pairing: steve rogers x f!reader

words: +4k

warnings: some bad words, age gap (steve's his canon age), reader has a lip piercing.

note: hi guys! this is my first time writing on the steve side. ive been trying to write this one for a long time and the inspiration finally came in today and i think im proud of this one so i hope you guys like it too! this oneshot is from a request i had some time ago that said:

Imagine being Tony Starks daughter and having a massive 21st birthday party at the tower. Despite her younger age either bucky or Steve is in love with her and they end up kissing at the party. Tony sees this and absolutely FREAKS!! Calling Steve/bucky (...) some shit cause he’s technically like 100 and it’s her 21st birthday. Mama pepper wouldn’t be super upset and calms him down and it ends in fluff of course lol

you can read some other works at my masterlist! also, if anyone has a request feel free to send it to me as a message or an ask!

The Tower had been filled with color that night. The pastel pink reigned in the decoration that your parents had put together and you couldn't have been more delighted, it was everything you had dreamed of. The music was perfect, you sang and moved to the rhythm of your favorite songs; all the people around you enjoyed as much as you did that huge birthday party. The food was sensational, there was a whole table full of all your favorite dishes that seemed endless.

Of course the best of all was the bar. Natasha tended it with finesse and mischief, she was the best of the bunch making cocktails. And she only winked at you every time you came back to the bar for another shot as if you hadn't just walked by two minutes earlier.

You had lost sight of your parents a while ago, but you were having an amazing time with your friends singing at the top of your lungs and dancing until your heels burned. You didn't want to take any breaks, you wanted to enjoy every moment of that party to the limit.

Every once in a while you would run into some of your father's friends and say hello. The whole Avengers group had attended that party, although you had asked your mother not to invite them because it would be weird, even though you saw them as a family. She obviously didn't care and so at that moment you were stuck in a bay surrounded by testosterone, with a Norse god telling a weird story to the whole assembled group. There was a pile of bottles and cans on the floor that you couldn't help but grimace at.

“Everything okay?” You heard next to you.

Steve Rogers was to your left, leaning a little closer to you so you could hear him over the loud music. His short blond hair was messy enough that you could tell he was having a good time too, and his light eyes were exalted, as if he had just come running up to where you were. But you didn't know if you could answer him with him so close.

Your history with Steve was… kind of complicated.

Tony Stark was your father, so consequently you used to spend quite a bit of time at the Tower and you knew all the team members as if they were your own family, even though you'd only met them a little over a year ago.

Steve was captivating from the first moment. Maybe it was that lopsided smile that took over his face every time you greeted him or said goodbye, or the way he would throw his head back when he laughed at something you said, even if you didn't think you were very funny, or the way he was always so considerate and cautious when he addressed you.

You didn't know exactly how it happened, or maybe you did, but there came a time when you simply wanted to go to the Tower just to see him. Tony would gladly take you along, completely unaware of your reasons, hoping to spend quality time with you and show you the latest inventions he had designed. But you were always waiting for the moment when he would show up.

And that was perhaps a serious problem. Because he was your father's best friend, or something like that, or because he was exaggeratedly older than you even though he spent 80% of his life inside that plane on the ice and basically time stood still for him. But for whatever the reason, you never told anyone, not any of your friends or your mother who was your confidant, there was even a time when you fought those feelings because you knew no one around you would understand, not even your parents. And you didn't think you could bear their disappointed looks.

Carrying that secret inside your chest used to not be difficult, you considered that you were very good at hiding those feelings and those longing looks. However, you had never put that statement to the test while drunk.

“I'm fine,” you slurred the words and frowned at how terrible that had sounded. You cleared your throat to speak again, but Steve was quicker.

“It seemed to me like you weren't enjoying Thor's amazing stories.”

“Ah,” you laughed slyly, moving your hair off your shoulders and turned to look again at the group of people gathered at the front listening to the other blond's words. “No, it's very entertaining. Not at all like the stories he has told before.”

Steve sketched a smile and through all the noise you could barely hear his laughter. It was only at that moment that it bothered you terribly that the music was so loud.

But his blue eyes rested on yours again and the words and thoughts evaporated in your head. A rational thought ran through your head telling you that maybe you couldn't disguise the lamb's eyes much with alcohol in your veins, but you very responsibly decided not to pay attention.

“You look good,” the blond shook his head looking at you down to your toes and you felt your ears heat up. “Finally 21.”

You didn't lose sight of the way Steve's eyes moved to read the band across your body, the one that Pepper, your mother, had put on you before you arrived at the huge party on this floor of the Tower. You felt a shiver run down your back and you straightened up unconsciously.

“My mother gave it to me,” you commented, trying to shake off the tension you felt in your shoulders from the intense look he was giving you. Or maybe you were just feeling it like that.

“I figured as much. Tony just took care of the money then.”

“Actually,” you moved a little closer to Steve to talk about the music, as he leaned next to you too and you felt shivers run through your body, “my mother told me he chose the color of the decor and the food.”

Too close to be true, you saw him nod at your words and his hair almost brush your cheek as he pulled away so he could see you. You felt your stomach do a flip and for a moment you thought you were going to throw up. Anxious, you fiddled with the piercing you had in your lower lip.

“Do you want to go somewhere else?”

You shook your head embarrassingly fast in a nod.

Steve moved to walk towards one of the two exits the bay had, which led directly to the bar Natasha was still tending. You followed closely behind him, with a bubbling feeling in the pit of your stomach.

He had dressed in a basic white shirt and a royal blue jacket that brought out his eyes beautifully. You remembered well that you had once told him that that blue looked great on him, and that in general dark colors really brought out his eyes. You didn't want to think that's why he had chosen that jacket, but…

Steve leaned over the bar where Natasha had already approached to greet you two and smiled before speaking.

“A shot of strong coffee for the lady here,” the man gestured to you.

You stood there for a few seconds staring at his perfect smile before realizing what he had said. Natasha barely nodded before heading over to the coffee machine Tony had set up in the corner of the bar.

You frowned at Steve, your hand moving to bump against his arm in a playful action.

“I'm not drunk!”

“You're very red,” he replied, after letting out a laugh that you could hear more clearly as you were further away from the speakers. His head moved to where Natasha was standing and you took a moment to see his arm resting on the bar, where the sleeve of the jacket was tucked up and clinging like a second skin. “I don't think it's a good idea for you to arrive dizzy like this for the pie game.”

“I'm just fine, Steve,” you slurred the words again and mentally cursed your lousy alcohol tolerance. You hadn't even had that much to drink, the party had only started about two hours ago. What did he want? For you to sit around drinking orange juice until you split the cake? No, how boring. “I'm lucid enough to break pieces of cake for everyone at this party.”

Natasha arrived with a ceramic mug and set it down in front of you on the bar. You would have preferred to leave it there, but maybe it wouldn't do you too much harm to take it?

“It's better not to take any chances anyway,” the redhead leaned her arms on the bar and gave you a smile.

“Argh,” you frowned at both of them and grabbed the mug to take a long sip. “Neither of you trust me.”

“Well, I can only say that one of us would blindly trust you with our lives, and I already have a person for that,” Natasha commented very nonchalantly as you continued sipping your coffee, and you barely noticed the look she shared with Steve before she walked off to the other end of the bar.

“What was she talking about?” you asked Steve once you let go of the cup.

The blond shrugged in man. “She sometimes just says cryptic things and goes off like that. I'm used to it.”

You nodded agreeing with his words. You were already feeling the effect of the coffee and were starting to see a little clearer. Well, maybe you were a little drunk. And maybe you needed a little more coffee.

-

Steve very kindly made you another coffee and you sat down right in front of him to watch the whole process as if you had never seen anyone make coffee in your life.

When you finished it, you let out a sound of approval drawing a smile from him.

“This was much better than Natasha's.”

“No one makes coffee better than she does.”

“You do! You should make coffee more often. In fact, you could start a coffee shop.”

Steve smiled broadly and you rejoiced at the butterflies in your stomach.

“I think I'm going to stick to being an Avenger for now. But maybe I can make you coffee every time you come over.”

Your eyes sparkled at the prospect. “I'd come by every day, Steve.”

“I'm counting on that.”

“Maybe you'd get tired of seeing me so often,” you twisted your lips into an expression of mock regret, lowering your gaze and wiggling your index finger over the rim of the empty cup. The black remains of the coffee made an odd figure that painted the white ceramic background.

“I don't think that's possible,” Steve muttered, and if it hadn't been for him coming over the bar and the music not being so loud you wouldn't have heard him. “I like having you around.”

“Really?” you raised your head, your facade fading.

“Sure. You're like the life of the party. Everything's better when you're around.”

Hearts flew around you as you saw the smile he was giving you. Just for you. You felt like fireworks were about to explode all around you and the anticipation of having him closer gnawed at your insides. Your fingers tingled and your heart was pounding.

You just had to get a little closer and…

“… and where's the birthday girl?”

You broke off suddenly.

Now you felt like your heart would pound out of your chest, but from fear.

You turned around as Steve rounded the bar to leave, and found your father walking toward you with his arms outstretched. Beside him, your mother was smiling tenderly at you.

“Come, honey, it's time to sing happy birthday.”

You stood in front of the cake, a bunch of smiling faces in front of you. The lights began to change color and dimmed. The atmosphere was a little more closed in, but it was perfect. You watched as the people in front of you sang happily, celebrating another year of your life, a whole year of experiences and changes that you had accepted with patience and love. There was nothing more at that moment that you could ask for to make it perfect. You had all the people you loved around you and delicious food, what more did you need?

The song ended and you blew out the candles. Your wish was a secret even to you.

The cake was passed around and you even had repeat servings. It was delicious.

But the party didn't stop there. After the cake the music continued and the drinks kept coming. You decided not to drink any more for the moment, at least while the food went down a bit because you had also stolen a few bites from the table full of your favorite dishes when you thought everyone was distracted.

Your parents hugged you at least five times since then and had reminded you how proud they were of you, all you had accomplished and the woman you had become. You couldn't have been happier.

Sometime during the night you slipped off to the bathroom. You arranged your hair that was quite messy from all the dancing before you left.

At the end of the hallway, reaching the stairs to go down to the party, you found Steve and Clint watching from above. They both greeted you as soon as you arrived. You noticed how, poorly disguised, Clint pushed Steve closer to you.

The blond cleared his throat as he walked over to where you were.

“How've you been doing so far?”

“It's been amazing! It's the best birthday party I've ever had,” you commented to him with a huge smile.

You heard Clint cackle sonorously and Steve in front of you rolled his eyes. But he smiled at you when their eyes met.

“Can I talk to you for a moment?”

You stood static for a moment, before replying, “Yeah, sure.”

Steve calmly led you back down the hallway you had traveled from the bathroom and they stopped at a safe distance.

You stood there for a few seconds, in somewhat awkward silence. Steve seemed to be thinking deeply about whatever it was he wanted to tell you, and his hesitation did nothing to help calm the anxiety that was beginning to course through you from the tips of your hands to the way your stomach sank.

Already your palms had begun to sweat when Steve finally spoke.

“I wanted to talk to you about something that… I don't know how you're going to take.”

You passed saliva despite the lump you felt in your throat. you didn't know what to expect from his attitude, because he looked too nervous and almost worried, you could say scared. you didn't want to expect the worst, so you waited for him to continue.

“What happens is that I… I wanted to tell you that… I don't expect you to take it the wrong way or reciprocate, I mean, you can say no…”

Steve was silent once again, avoiding your gaze. Your head was racing a mile a minute and it filled you with nerves to think that maybe he was going to say what you wanted him to say, what you wanted to hear and what you wanted to tell him too. But how… perfect would that be? You had imagined it so many times, but what was the likelihood that it would actually happen?

“I love it when you laugh,” Steve spoke, pulling you out of your head. His determined eyes looked anywhere. You felt a warmth blossom in your chest and you were sure your eyes must have looked like two crystal balls because of how bright they must have been. “And when you have that giant smile on your face that could light up an entire city. And I love when you tell me what you do in the day so animatedly that you don't even realize you're moving your hands too much. I also love when you dance like you're the only person on the dance floor because you sparkle. And I love how your eyes look in sunlight or moonlight, how they shine so bright I feel like I could orbit around them…. I just- I…”

“I like you too, Steve,” you interrupted him, noticing his frown.

His head moved quickly to stop looking anywhere but at you, and you could finally meet his beautiful blue eyes. His chest was heaving, almost as much as yours as you realized what had just happened. For a moment you thought that, if that was all you could do, just look at each other, you might stay right where you were for a long time. His warm, welcoming eyes roamed over your face and more than nerves and anxiety you felt very excited, so much so that you could run through a field of flowers. A smile was making its way on your face and he promptly followed you.

When it seemed that his nervousness had left him, you felt his hand brush yours. You took it without a second's hesitation.

“You do?” he asked, his voice cautious but full of excitement.

“Yes!” you replied, your smile widening. You squeezed his hand and pulled it closer to your body.

Before you gave him time to process what was happening, you crashed your lips against his.

The fireworks exploded.

You felt him tense as you rested your hands on his shoulders, but it was a matter of seconds before he let go.

His lips assaulted your mouth, delicate but passionate. It was everything you wanted and so much more. A love so fierce it could sweep away everything in its path. Your lips welcomed his, hoping this would not be the last time, and his hands clung to your hips with a promise to never let go. It was soft, desperate, tender, wild, all at the same time. Steve seemed to want to take his time savoring that moment, but at the same time he wanted to take it all at once and leave you breathless.

His body moved until you bumped against the wall and his hands squeezed your skin. The sensation was new, welcome and maddening. Now that you had tasted him you didn't think you could ever stop. His sweet scent flooded all over you with your hands tangled in the strands of his hair. His hand on the back of your neck pressed you against his lips and you felt infinitely close, but you still wanted more.

You felt like you were going to explode into a thousand pieces when you…

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TWO DOING?”

Steve turned away from you before Tony finished speaking.

You turned to see your parents in the hallway and Clint off to the side of them, an apologetic grimace on his face.

“Dad-”

“Get away from her. NOW.”

“Tony,” your mother put her hand on Tony's shoulder, who was looking at Steve as if he wanted to fly him out of the Tower.

Your heart was pounding wildly, a sour feeling making its way into your chest.

“I'm sorry, Steve. I turned the volume down and got distracted for a moment and they just appeared out of nowhere,” Clint tried to approach, but Tony's deadly stare drew him back a few steps.

“DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS? AND YOU LET THEM?”

In the midst of all that flurry, you turned to look at Steve. His face was nothing compared to the happiness he had radiated a few minutes ago and it contracted your heart. You moved closer to him, alerting him a little as he continued to watch Tony's argument with Clint and Pepper trying to calm them both down.

You took his hand without taking your gaze from his and when he turned to look at you you didn't like the fear you saw in his eyes.

“LET HER GO!”

“Tony, that's enough,” Pepper grabbed his arm preventing him from getting too close to the two of you.

“Are you out of your mind? You're like a hundred years older than her!”

“Dad, stop, you don't know-”

“She's my daughter, Steve!”

“I know, Tony, and I'm sorry, but-” he paused, his hand squeezing yours in support. “I can't apologize for that. I love her. I swear there's nothing stronger than that, and there's nothing I wouldn't do for her either. I know it's hard for you, but I've been holding this in for so long and it's because of you, because I knew you'd react like this and I can't go on like this.”

Your father held his gaze on Steve, his eyes a blaze of burning anger and for a moment you feared he wouldn't relent. But Tony moved letting out a snort and walked over to where Pepper stood. She put her arms around him and murmured some things to him that you couldn't hear.

You turned to see Steve, who already had his gaze on yours. It was electrifying. You didn't think that he would ever really look at you in that loving and caring way as he was doing at that moment. You felt at peace for the first time, without having to pretend around him or around anyone else. You could finally show all that you had inside instead of holding it in.

He gave you a small smile, but enough to give you the strength to argue with your father if necessary.

Tony sighed audibly and you both turned to look at him. Your father passed his gaze over both of you, as if hoping to find some response. You squeezed Steve's hand in preparation for anything.

“Just…” Tony clicked his tongue. “Do you think you'll be okay with him?”

The question surprised you, and even more so his warm look, but you nodded quickly.

“Yes.”

Your father shook his head, thinking to himself, before looking back at Steve.

“This… is going to take a good while, Rogers,” he pointed at him with his index finger, accusingly. “You better not screw this up.”

Your mother smiled at you, still wrapping her arms around Tony, her fingers massaging his tense muscles. You heard Steve's positive response and your father looked at you again.

“Fine,” he nodded. “Fine, whatever. Don't ever do that around me again,” he dismissed them by waving his hand and started to walk away down the hallway. “I can't believe it, Pepper, since when?”

“Actually, love, I'm surprised you barely noticed.”

“What do you mean?”

Steve walked over to Clint and put an arm around his shoulders. The latter grimaced shaking his head.

“That's the last time I'm counting on you, Barton,” Steve patted his shoulder amicably before walking away again.

His gaze met yours and he extended his hand toward you.

“I already apologized, Rogers, what else do you want?”

You took Steve's hand and pulled him in the direction of the stairs with a huge smile, not waiting for him to respond to Clint, and squeezed his hand when you could see the party still going on downstairs.

“So we're really doing this,” you heard him murmur, and you turned to give him a resounding kiss on the cheek. His lips curved.

“We're really doing this.”

You didn't know what the future held, but you were more than willing to face it head on. You walked down the stairs moving your clasped hands back and forth, feeling the happiest you could have been in a long time, more complete and loved than ever, and you knew the smile on Steve's face said the same as yours.

You hoped that wasn't the last time you would hold his hand that tight.

[neonponders]

For @billyhargrovebingo​ ​

~ read on ao3 ~

C1 - Android

• • •

A hospital was a strange place for quality time. Mostly, it was the carpool journeys there, since everyone needed regular visits after Starcourt. Tinnitus, concussions, and blood tests were just a few of the situations they were all dealing with.

And if Steve wasn’t available, it’s because he was already at the hospital. Max had a newly instated VIP seat in his car, much to the annoyance of Dustin (who wanted Steve’s time and attention) and Lucas (who couldn’t help but feel cast aside).

Max couldn’t really blame them for not caring about her brother. Hell, she didn’t understand her own depths of affection for him until recently. The shrinks of the hospital kept talking about the Five Stages of Grief as if she were supposed to give a shit about five processes.

Max was thoroughly stuck in the bargaining phase. And she’d stay there until whatever god finally delivered his side of the bargain.

Turns out, it did. Billy Hargrove was alive, and after a long surgery where Steve Harrington of all people held Max’s hand and gripped her shoulder during her erratic mood swings of crying, Billy woke up.

A pacemaker. The god keeping her brother alive was a little, man-made, battery powered device making sure the rhythm of his heart kept time with the right music.

Max could barely make out what the doctors were saying in the hallway. It was a load of information for her mom and stepfather - two people who seemed radically different after July fourth. Neil Hargrove was...just a man. A man who had been humbled down to his knees when he learned that his son was alive, but with a caveat. And her mom...Max could see her visibly overwhelmed with the steep learning curve for taking care of an intense trauma victim.

The device will need to be replace every five to seven years, but that’s routine procedure, nothing to worry about. I daresay, he’ll be able to live a normal life - so long as he stays away from cigarettes and anything more chemically advanced than food. He’s going to be a walking miracle. Four stomach pumps, almost a dozen blood transfusions, a scattering of fractures...that young man has a hell of an angel on his side. While the bones are recovering, I want weekly x-rays and monthly MRI’s. The physical stuff we can handle, but as for his psychological wellfare, that will be a tougher, longer journey...

Max blinked stupidly, because with the doctor’s voice droning out the background hospital noise, it was hard not to focus on Steve Harrington laying a big fat kiss on her brother’s mouth.

It was desperate, like Billy was his water in a desert...but gentle, like Billy were made of tissue paper and Steve was terrified of leaving a dent or wrinkle.

Max peeked at the window, worried her mom and stepfather might notice, but they were entrenched in the crash course for Billy’s new instruction manual -

“You don’t get to die,” Steve croaked. For some reason, witnessing Steve crying shook Max’s core more than her own parents’ tears. The guy just...didn’t do that. It was a little too easy to ignore an anchor like that until his rock was lying in bed with more injuries than a fresh eighteen year old had any right to have.

Steve’s hand cradled the junction of Billy’s skull and neck. Blue eyes blinked up at him, not fully conscious, but also not interested in anything other than a sky of big, doe eyes. “Not with a battery in your chest, you damn robot.”

The next day, Dustin chimed, “So he’s like Ironman?”

Lucas frowned at him. “It’s not a pacemaker in Tony Stark’s chest, dude.”

“But it’s protecting his heart. It’s kind of like a pacemaker.”

“It sounds more like a built-in defibrillator.”

“What the hell is that?” Dustin exclaimed.

Lucas pantomimed rubbing his fists together and then connecting them to Dustin’s torso with a jolt of his body. Dustin understood and nodded, “Oh, those medical electrocution things...Where are you going?”

Max sighed as she shouldered her backpack and swung her skateboard underneath her arm. “Turns out, the hospital has the best parking lots for skateboarding. Later, nerds.”

Under her breath, she remarked, “I’d rather watch two idiots make out than whatever this is.”

For better and worse, she got her bargain.

[dollycas]

It took me right up to December 31 but I completed all of my 2024 Reading Challenges. I still need to write a couple of reviews. I will get those done soon. 2024 Reading Challenge LORI has read 190 books toward her goal of 190 books. hide 190 of 190 (100%) view books A. Antique Auctions are Murder by Libby Klein B. A Bean to Die For by Tara Lush C. A Crust to Die For by Toni LoTempio D. Deadly to the Core by Joyce Tremel E. The Expectant Detectives by Kat Ailes F. Five Furry Familiars by Lynn Cahoon G. A Ghostly Clue by Maryann Shanesy H. The Heir by Aaron Qualio I. Ill-Fated Fortune by Jennifer J. Chow J. The Jane Harlow Bombshell by Mollie Cox Bryan K. Kill or Bee Killed by Jennie Marts L. The Lace Widow by Mollie Ann Cox  M. Murder on the Geneva Express by JB Micheals  N. A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen O. Off the Air by Christina Estes P. A Pie To Die For by Gretchen Rue Q. Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert  R. Read on Arrival by Nora Page S. Shade Grown by Heather Day Gilbert  T. A Twisted Skein by Sally Goldenbaum U. Undercover Babymoon by Karina Bartow V. Vanilla Chai and the Vanishing Victim by Victoria Tait W. The Wilderness Trap by Jodi Linton X. Brood X by Joshua Dysart  Y. Yuletide Market Murder by Victoria Tait  Z. And Now There's Zelda by Carolyn Clarke  Completed 12/19/2024 Mini-Challenges January - 3 SYLABBLES - The Expectant Detectives by Kat Ailes February - Number Written Out - Five Furry Familiars by Lynn Cahoon March - 5Ws and a H - How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin April - Creepy Crawlies - Spider Lake by Jeff Nania May - Fruit - Death by Chocolate Raspberry Scone by Sarah Graves June - Wedding - Veiled in Death by Stephanie Blackmoore July - U.S. STATE - Oklahoma's Gold by Kathryn Long August - Small Item - Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James September - Money - French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Byron October - Costume - Pumpkin Spice Peril by Laurien Berenson  November - Spice - Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower December - Christmas Music - All God's Sparrows and Other Stories by Leslie Budewitz A. Kat Ailes - The Expectant Detectives B. Mollie Cox Bryan - The Jean Harlow Bombshell C. Callie Carpenter - Death by Demo D. Vicky Delany - The Sign of Four Spirits E. Ellie Alexander - A Smoking Bun F. Terrie Farley Moran - Murder She Wrote: Fit For Murder G. Sally Goldenbaum - A Twisted Skein H. Heather Day Gilbert  - Shade Grown I. Ian Moore - Death and Fromage J. Patricia Johns - Murder of an Amish Bridegroom K. Kristen Perrin - How To Solve Your Own Murder  L. Toni LoTempio - A Crust to Die For M. JB Micheals   Murder on the Geneva Express N. Nora Page - Read on Arrival  O. Olivia Blacke - Rhythm and Clues P. Paula Charles - Hammers and Homicide Q. Aaron Qualio - The Heir R. Ruth J. Hartman - Butterfly Betrayal S. Anna St. John - Doomed by Blooms T. Tara Lush - A Bean To Die For U. Lisa Unger - Fog Descending  V. Victoria Tait - Vanilla Chai and the Vanishing Victim W. Peggy Webb - Black Crow Cabin X. Diana Xarissa - The Body in the Annex Y. Kate Young - Reading Between the Crimes Z. - Chad Zunker - The Wife You Know Complete - 9/27/2024 Alabama - Murder at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber Alaska - A Midlife Mountain Murder by Julie Ecker Arizona - Dying to Go by Marcy Blesy Arkansas - Trotting into Trouble by Amber Camp California - Ill-Fated Fortune by Jennifer J. Chow Colorado - Black Crow Cabin by Peggy Webb Connecticut - Checked Out For Murder by Allison Brook Delaware - DM Me For Murder by Sarah E. Burr  District of Columbia - A Colorful Scheme by Krista Davis Florida - A Bean to Die For by Tara Lush Georgia - A Crust to Die For by Toni LoTempio Hawaii - Molten Death by Leslie Karst Idaho - Five Furry Familiars by Lynn Cahoon Illinois - Murder on the Geneva Express by JB Micheals  Indiana - Butterfly Betrayal by Ruth J. Hartman Iowa - Antiques Maul by Barbara Allan Kansas - Doomed by Blooms by Anna St. John Kentucky - Motorhomes, Map, and Murder by Tonya Kappes Louisiana - Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin Maine - Murder She Wrote: Fit For Murder by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran Maryland - Scam Chowder by Maya Corrigan Massachusetts - A Twisted Skein by Sally Goldenbaum Michigan - Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah Minnesota - Furever After by Sofie Kelly Mississippi - Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James Missouri - Lyin' Eyes by Julie Mulhern Montana - All God's Sparrows and Other Stories by Leslie Budewitz Nebraska - Stripped Bare by Shannon Baker Nevada - Think Twice by Harlan Coben New Hampshire - An Escape Goat by Janna Rollins New Jersey - Antique Auctions are Murder by Libby Klein New Mexico - The Wilderness Trap by Jodi Linton New York - The Lace Widow by Mollie Ann Cox  North Carolina - Death by Demo by Callie Carpenter North Dakota - Murder at the Library by Ellen Jacobson Ohio - A Pose Before Dying by Alex Erickson Oklahoma - Oklahoma's Gold by Kathryn Long Oregon - Hammers and Homicide by Paula Charles Pennsylvania - Murder of an Amish Bridegroom by Patricia Johns Rhode Island - Murder at Vinland by Alyssa Maxwell South Carolina - Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs South Dakota - Midnight Spells Murder by Mary Angela Tennessee - The Proof is in the Poison by Diane Kelly Texas - Magpie Maggie Takes the Wheel by Katherine H. Brown Utah - The Christmas Arrangement by Annie Adams Vermont - Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly Virginia - The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis Washington - Death by A Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue West Virginia - Shade Grown by Heather Day Gilbert Wisconsin - The Heir by Aaron Qualio Wyoming - Mountain Town Murder by Sue Pepper Abroad 1. England - The Expectant Detectives by Kat Ailes 2. France - Death and Fromage by Ian Moore 3. Northumberland, UK - Daffodils and Deadly Deeds by Victoria Tait  4. Isle of Iona - Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer  5. Indonesia - The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto 6. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - Murder She Wrote: Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran 7. Scotland - The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton  8. Italy - Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack 9. Caribbean Cruise - Undercover Babymoon by Karina Bartow 10. Ireland - Halloween Parade Peril by Victoria Tait  11. Tasmania - Alone with the Tasman Tiger by Jane Ellyson  Ravenous Level – 101 – 125 Cozy Mysteries 1. Shade Grown by Heather Day Gilbert  2. Murder of an Amish Bridegroom by Patricia Johns 3. The Expectant Detectives by Kat Ailes 4. Vanilla Chai and the Vanishing Victim by Victoria Tait 5. A Bean to Die For by Tara Lush 6. A Crust to Die For by Toni LoTempio 7. Deadly to the Core by Joyce Tremel 8. Death by Demo by Callie Carpenter 9. Doomed by Blooms by Anna St. John 10. A Twisted Skein by Sally Goldenbaum 11. The Sign of Four Spirits by Vicki Delany 12. Butterfly Betrayal by Ruth J. Hartman 13. Murder She Wrote: Fit For Murder by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran 14. Hammers and Homicide by Paula Charles 15. Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah 16. Cherry Pies and Deadly Lies by Darci Hannah 17. Clocked Out by Anna St. John 18. A Pie To Die For by Gretchen Rue 19. A Ghostly Clue by Maryann Shanesy 20. A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander 21. Ill-Fated Fortune by Jennifer J. Chow 22. Crime and Cherry Pits by Amanda Flower  23. Checked Out For Murder by Allison Brook 24. Five Furry Familiars by Lynn Cahoon 25. The Last Word by Gerri Lewis 26. A High Tide Murder by Emily George 27. A Midlife Mountain Murder by Julie Ecker 28. Double Scoop of Murder by Lena Gregory 29. Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs 30. Read on Arrival by Nora Page 31. The Wilderness Trap by Jodi Linton 32. Double Grudge Donuts by Ginger Bolton 33. A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen 34. Dying to Go by Marcy Blesy 35. Mayhem in Circulation by Leah Dombrinska 36. Daffodils and Deadly Deeds by Victoria Tait  37. The Secret Ingredient to Murder by Terry Ambrose  38. Battered and Buried by Lena Gregory 39. Cats, Carats, and Killers by T.C. LoTempio 40. Magpie Maggie Takes the Wheel by Katherine H. Brown 41. The Witless Protection Program by Maria DiRico 42. Molten Death by Leslie Karst 43. Motorhomes, Map, and Murder by Tonya Kappes 44. Rhythm and Clues by Olivia Blacke  45. Murder She Wrote: Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran 46. The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton  47. Peril in Pink by Syndey Leigh 48. Off the Air by Christina Estes 49. Murder Marks the Page by Karen Rose Smith 50. Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco 51. Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah 52. Secrets and Scandals by Piper Glendale 53. Antique Auctions are Murder by Libby Klein 54. An Escape Goat by Janna Rollins 55. Trotting into Trouble by Amber Camp 56. Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen 57. The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis 58. Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly 59. Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook 60. A Pose Before Dying by Alex Erickson 61. Death by Chocolate Raspberry Scone by Sarah Graves 62. Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin 63. Death Unfiltered by Emmeline Duncan 64. Purrfectly Framed by Ruth J. Hartman 65. Dead Tired by Kat Ailes 66. Kill or Bee Killed by Jennie Marts 67. A Cyclist's Guide to Crime and Croissants by Ann Claire 68. Clover Covered Corpse by Jackie Layton 69. A Lethal Lake Effect by Lorraine Bartlett 70. The Stranger in the Library by Eva Gates 71. Easier Dead, Than Drawn by Bailee Abbott 72. Veiled in Death by Stephanie Blackmoore 73. Torn Asunder by Barbara Ross 74. Murder at the Blueberry Festival by Darci Hannah 75. Photo Finished by Christin Brecher  76. Come Shell or High Water by Molly MacRae 77. Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook  78. A Whale of a Murder by Valerie E. Taylor 79. Peking Duck and Cover by Vivien Chien 80. A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron 81. A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death by Valerie Burns 82. Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan 83. The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander  84. Overdue or Die by Allison Brook 85. Death by A Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue 86. Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James 87. There's No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene 90. Booked on Murder by Allison Brook 91. Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs 92. Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander 93. A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor by Darci Hannah 94. Keeled Over at the Cliffside by Nancy Stewart 95. Murder at Vinland by Alyssa Maxwell 96. In the Event of Murder by Cynthia Kuhn 97. A Poisonous Palate by Lucy Burdette 98. The Jig is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews 99. Buried on a Sundae by Lena Gregory 100. The Body in the Annex by Diana Xarissa 101. French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Byron 102. The Grim Steeper by Gretchen Rue 103. Undercover Babymoon by Karina Bartow 104. Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah  105. Halloween Parade Peril by Victoria Tait  106. Furever After by Sofie Kelly 107. Bell, Book and Corpses by T.C. LoTempio 108. Lyin' Eyes by Julie Mulhern 109. Reading Between the Lines by Kate Young 110. Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold by Denise Jaden 111. A Colorful Scheme by Krista Davis 112. Barks and Clues by Sharon Michaels 113. Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley  114. Pumpkin Spice Peril by Laurien Berenson 115. The Corpse at the Witching Hour by Debra Sennefelder  116. Murder on the Page by Daryl Wood Gerber  117. MSW: A Killer Christmas by Terrie Farley Moran and Jessica Fletcher 118. Midnight Spells Murder by Mary Angela 119. Six Stunning Sirens by Lynn Cahoon 120. Fondue or Die by Korina Moss 121. Caught on Camera by Kara Lacey 122. The Mysterious Case of the Missing Motive by Michele Parize Wacek  123. In the Blick of a Pie by Catherine Bruns 124. Scam Chowder by Maya Corrigan 125. Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower 126. Murder at the Library by Ellen Jacobson 127. A Room for Murder by Michele Pariza Wacek  128. I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost 129. A Corpse Among the Carolers by Debra Sennefelder 130. Murder at the Blarney Bash by Darci Hannah 131. Yuletide Market Murder by Victoria Tait 132. The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum 133. DM Me For Murder by Sarah E. Burr  134. Plausible Deception by Dwain Lee 135. Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah 136. The Knife Before Christmas by Kate Carlisle  137. Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton 138. Mystery in Marseille by Nupur Tustin  139. Mountain Town Murder by Sue Pepper 140. I Thee Dead by Christine Lawrence 141. Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson 142. Murder at the Painted Wings Cafe by Ruth J. Hartman 143. A Basket Case by Lesley A. Diehl 144. The Proof is in the Poison by Diane Kelly 145. The Christmas Arrangement by Annie Adams 146. Deadly Crush by Maddie Day  147. Antiques Maul by Barbara Allan 148. Cowabunga Christmas by Anna Celeste Burke  149. Gnarly New Year by Anna Celeste Burke 150. Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel V. Reyes 151. Having A Fudgy Christmas by Nancy Coco 152. Chamomile Tea and a Copycat Crime by Victoria Tait Complete 12/30/2024 Please List the Title and the Author A BOOK BY AN AUTHOR WITH AN INITIAL IN THEIR NAME –Ill-Fated Fortune by Jennifer J. Chow A BOOK PUBLISHED BEFORE 2000 – The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner A BOOK SET OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES –Vanilla Chai and the Vanishing Victim by Victoria Tait A BOOK SET IN WISCONSIN OR TEXAS – Cherry Pies and Deadly Lies by Darci Hannah A BOOK BY A NEW TO YOU AUTHOR – Murder of an Amish Bridegroom by Patricia Johns A BOOK SHORTER THAN 200 PAGES – Shade Grown by Heather Day Gilbert  A BOOK THAT IS MORE THAN THE 6TH BOOK IN A SERIES –The Sign of Four Spirits by Vicki Delany A BOOK WITH AN ANIMAL ON THE COVER – Hammers and Homicide by Paula Charles  A BOOK CLASSIFIED AS A HISTORICAL COZY MYSTERY – A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen A BOOK THAT HAS BEEN ON YOUR TO-BE-READ STACK FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS – Veiled in Death by Stephanie Blackmoore  A BOOK ABOUT A GHOST OR A WITCH – A Ghostly Clue by Maryann Shanesy  A BOOK ABOUT THAT INCLUDES RECIPES – A High Tide Murder by Emily George Complete 12/21/2024 Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge Level four (Sleuth Extraordinaire) - A)Read 40 cozy mysteries of your choice. B)Read two books from each sub-genre in level one plus an additional 20 cozy books of your choice (total of 40 books) - One from culinary (anything dealing with food: restaurants, baked goods, etc.) - A Bean to Die For by Tara Lush - Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah - One from animal-related (cats, dogs, birds, etc.) - Shade Grown by Heather Day Gilbert - Antique Auctions are Murder by Libby Klein - One from craft-related (any kind of hobbies - knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, etc.) - A Twisted Skein by Sally Goldenbaum - The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum - One from paranormal (witches, vampires, etc.) - Murder on the Geneva Express by JB Micheals  -A Ghostly Clue by Maryann Shanesy - One from cozy mysteries based outside the US (example: Belinda Lawrence series (British)) - Vanilla Chai and the Vanishing Victim by Victoria Tait -Halloween Parade Peril by Victoria Tait  - One career-based cozy mystery (housekeeping, wedding planner, etc.) -Death by Demo by Callie Carpenter - Mayhem in Circulation by Leah Dombrinska - One holiday-based (set during any holiday - Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's, etc.) - Veiled in Death by Stephanie Blackmoore -Peking Duck and Cover by Vivien Chien - One travel mystery (character could be on a cruise, touring another area, etc.) - Molten Death by Leslie Karst -Murder She Wrote: Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran - One historical mystery (any mystery not set in the present) - A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen - Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer  - One is your choice! (freebie!) - Rhythm and Clues by Olivia Blacke - The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis Complete 11/20/2024 Level – 26-35 books 1. Murder on the Geneva Express by JB Micheals  2. The Heir by Aaron Qualio 3. The Lace Widow by Mollie Ann Cox  4. The Jane Harlow Bombshell by Mollie Cox Bryan 5. Death and Fromage by Ian Moore 6. How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin 7. Figure Eight by Jeff Nania 8. Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer  9. Spider Lake by Jeff Nania 10. Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack 11. Think Twice by Harlan Coben 12. At The Edge of the Woods by Victoria Houston 13. The Audrey Hepburn Heist by Mollie Cox Bryan 14. Black Crow Cabin by Peggy Webb 15. Over the Edge by Kathleen Bryant 16. Stripped Bare by Shannon Baker 17. Breach by Holly S. Roberts  18. Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose 19. One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day 20. Escape From Devil's Den by Bonnie Vanak 21. Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert  22. Oklahoma's Gold by Kathryn Long 23. The Wife You Know by Chad Zunker 24. The Tarnished Son by Elizabeth McKenna 25. Fog Descending by Lisa Unger  26. The Poseidon Project by E William Podojil 27. A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke 28. Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander 29. Alone with the Tasman Tiger by Jane Ellyson  Complete November 7, 2024 Silver – 25 Books Level 1. A Twisted Skein by Sally Goldenbaum 2. Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah 3. The Jane Harlow Bombshell by Mollie Cox Bryan 4. Checked Out For Murder by Allison Brook 5. A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen 6. Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah 7. Antique Auctions are Murder by Libby Klein 8. Trotting into Trouble by Amber Camp 9. Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook 10. Veiled in Death by Stephanie Blackmoore 11. Murder at the Blueberry Festival by Darci Hannah 12. Photo Finished by Christin Brecher 13. Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook  14. Overdue or Die by Allison Brook 15. Death by A Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue 16. Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah  17. Reading Between the Lines by Kate Young 18. A Killer Clue by Victoria Gilbert  19. A Colorful Scheme by Krista Davis 20. The Corpse at the Witching Hour by Debra Sennefelder  21. Midnight Spells Murder by Mary Angela 22. Murder at the Blarney Bash by Darci Hannah 23. The Proof is in the Poison by Diane Kelly 24. Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel V. Reyes 25. Having A Fudgy Christmas by Nancy Coco Complete 12/27/2024 Level 3 – Read 13-20 Books 1. Shade Grown by Heather Day Gilbert  2. Hammers and Homicide by Paula Charles 3. Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah 4. Clocked Out by Anna St. John 5. A Ghostly Clue by Maryann Shanesy 6. Crime and Cherry Pits by Amanda Flower  7. Checked Out For Murder by Allison Brook 8. Five Furry Familiars by Lynn Cahoon 9. The Last Word by Gerri Lewis 10. Cats, Carats, and Killers by T.C. LoTempio 11. Rhythm and Clues by Olivia Blacke  12. Murder Marks the Page by Karen Rose Smith 13. Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco 14. Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah 15. Antique Auctions are Murder by Libby Klein 16. An Escape Goat by Janna Rollins 17. Trotting into Trouble by Amber Camp 18. Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook 19. Black Crow Cabin by Peggy Webb 20. A Pose Before Dying by Alex Erickson Complete 5/27/2024 21. Death by Chocolate Raspberry Scone by Sarah Graves 22. Purrfectly Framed by Ruth J. Hartman 23. Easier Dead, Than Drawn by Bailee Abbott 24. Murder at the Blueberry Festival by Darci Hannah 25. Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook  26. Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose 27. A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron 28. A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death by Valerie Burns 29. Read the full article

[absolutementality]

Media Log - Guitar Hero III

The game that (didn't) start it all. Well, it did for the people at Neversoft. This was their first game, and also the most popular Guitar Hero game to have ever released, probably because it came out on everything under the sun, after being PS2 exclusive (excluding a 360 port of GH2) for 3 games.

Neversoft took over from Harmonix (well be hearing about them if i ever get to the Rock Band games) after Guitar Hero: Rock the 80s. These are the people who did Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and honestly probably didn't have the qualifications for making a guitar rhythm game, especially after taking the helm from an entire team of musicians.

This is also the first game to not consist of covers, but rather the original releases of the songs (and before you mention it, yes I know there were a few songs that didn't use covers in the original 3 games. This is not the point). Rock Band and later Guitar Hero titles kept this up, though this game is definitely the worst with it. Songs have inconsistent sound quality and inconsistent volume, such as Paint it Black being really quiet compared to other songs.

This is honestly the bog standard of what a Guitar Hero game should be and feel. The background visuals look good, the gameplay feels fine, and the songs they chose are overall pretty good. If your game looks and feels worse then this, you have failed. I'm not saying GH3 is bad, even though it has some issues performance wise on the ps3.

The gameplay feel is perfectly fine. It has some general issues but works well for what it is. I do think Neversoft continued to make the game feel better game after game, even if World Tour is an overall worse game then this one.

The graphical style is great, It's amazingly stylized, working off what Harmonix had been doing in the previous 2 games. (If you ask why I say 2, Rock the 80s is nearly identical to GH2.) A lot of the characters have pretty decent real time physics which is nice to see in a game like this. The general UI feel is kind of outdated (still using a per-play high score mechanic for Quickplay like arcade games, though this game did get an arcade port so...) but still works really well for what it needs to do, and doesn't do anything outright wrong.

Neversoft wouldn't start doing full motion animation for specific songs till Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, so this games venue animation is overall pretty boring, though nothing is outright bad about any part of it.

The game was the first to get a decent amount of DLC support (GH2 only got limited DLC in its 360 port) and had an exclusive song for the PS3 version from God of War II. The 360 version had a remix of the Halo theme. I didn't grow up with nor have I played God of War II so the novelty of a God of War song is lost on me.

This song went on to be the hub of PC Guitar Hero for a while, having hundreds on hundreds of custom charts for it on PC (and I believe 360?). It wouldn't be until Clone Hero that GH3 was truly replaced, which CH based its gameplay on.

I give this game probably a 7.5/10. This is the general floor of a guitar hero game for me, either this or Guitar Hero 2. If you look worse then this, if you play worse then this, or if you sound worse then this, you've failed. I'm not saying you have to be as stylized as this game, I'm not saying you have to be graphically better then this game, just that the game shouldn't look cheap.

[whatsonmedia]

Thrilling Thursday Extravaganza: 10 Summer Fest Frenzy!

Celebrate the kaleidoscope of life as July unfurls its vibrant petals, revealing a symphony of music festivals, mouthwatering gastronomic wonders, and mesmerizing cultural fiestas. This month is a kaleidoscope of possibilities, ready to paint your memories with an eternal brushstroke. Step into the rhythm of the festivities, savor every delectable moment, and let the enchanting allure of July's magic whisk you away on an extraordinary journey. Get ready to dance to a tune only July knows, for this month promises a symphony of experiences like no other! Elrow Town 22 July Photographer: www.lukedyson.com Awarding-winning Spanish super clubbing brand Elrow hosts one of its famous mega summer outdoor parties.  It's likely to be a sell-out event where 25,000, party-loving people all up for an epic time this weekend. The party is taking place in the UK's capital city for one big marathon dance extravaganza where no expense has been left-out on the production set up, that includes mammoth stages, elaborate décor, stellar entertainers and also, so much more, ensuring Elrow Town is one of the unforgettable dance music parties for the summer of 23, and one that is not to be missed on your dream clubbing bucket list. However, Elrow Town fans know this is one of the stand-out festival, where the party crowd like to go all out on dressing up to the nines.  Festival golden tickets holders can expect a carnival clubbing atmosphere like you've never experienced.   Everything is OTT from this prestigious super-club event brand.  The DJ line-up is off the chart with DJs flying in from all over the globe and also includes some of the finest UK DJ royalty such as Gorgon City, Patrick Topping, Armand Van Helden, Alisha, Toni Varga, Dj Yoda, Ariel Free, Bamboleo, Bastian Bux, Ben Hemsley, DJ Paulette, Florentia, Nicolas Caprile, Oh My God Its The Church, Raw Silk, The Brothers Macklovitch are just a few to mention of the vast list of entertainers.For Tickets & More Info> elrow.com On The Beach When> 22 July The annual dance music pilgrimage is back by demand.  The truest dance music lovers are heading out from all corners to take Brighton by storm this Saturday to see one of the biggest and legendary king of the DJ turntables. Carl Cox takes over Brighton’s famous pebbled beach setting the south coast on fire for one of the biggest beach parties in the UK this summer.  The last two beach parties were so successful they both sold out in record-time those that missed out on this golden ticket event were begging and blagging to get their mitts on these special tickets.Carl Cox has a reputation that has seen him travel the globe 10-fold for his non-stop DJ touring road-trip making him a superstar in a league of his own.  What he brings to the turntables and dance floor is a party where you keep dancing all night-long.  And to make this open-air music feast the best it can be is for the sun is shining high in the sky again this year to give it the Ibiza festival feel. It’s another golden ticket event for Brighton On The Beach summer series that has become a highlight on the festival calender. And the DJ master on helm of the wheels of steel won't be going solo this Saturday as Carl brings some of his best DJ friends to make this one unforgettable dance events on the beach. The line-up also features the one and only Franky WAH, Syeeta, Keeq, Russell Small, Sasha & John Digweed and maybe a few surprises. It’s going to be a big one!For Tickets & More Info> carlcoxbright.com Nozstock The Hidden Valley 20 – 23 July Nozstock The Hidden Valley is one of the best festivals of the summer season. Held in the rural outback of Herefordshire, the festival features a relaxed vibe and a lineup that includes a mix of big named music artists and up-and-coming talent. The music genres range from pop, ska, folk, funk, soul, indie, drum and bass, psytrance, and house music. There is truly something for everyone at Nozstock The Hidden Valley. The festival also features a wide variety of food and drink options, as well as plenty of activities and events to keep you entertained. From circus acts and theater performances to comedy and dance, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Nozstock The Hidden Valley is the perfect place to let loose and have a good time. Dress down or dress to impress, but a little bit of glitter wouldn't go amiss! 2023's lineup is so huge, it's going to be off the charts in terms of music entertainment. The lineup features a host of UK and international music artists, including Sister Sledge, Andy C, Bill Bailey, Gentleman's Dub Club, Submotion Orchestra, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, Ibibio Sound Machine, Calyx & Teebee, Lx One, Flava D, Dirty Dike, DJ Sammy, Huey Morgan, Stanton Warriors, Dillinja, 24HR Garage Girls, Mollie Collins, Nicky Blackmarket, Kanine, Randall, Levela, Total Science, Nu:Motive, Utah Saints, Sonny Wharton, Dark Arts Club, Dom Kane, Phil Kay, Dity Secretz, and Sonny Wharton. The festival is sure to be a great time for everyone, so don't miss out!For Tickets & More Info> nozstock.com Latitude Festival When> 20 - 23 JulyWhere> Suffolk Much more than just a music festival. Expect colorful sheep roaming the tufty fields, opera on the lake, clowns under canvas, dance troupes, and a huge children's area. Who> George Ezra, Kiefer Sutherland, Mimi Webb, James, Paolo Nutini, The Kooks, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, PulpMore Info> latitudefestival.com Standon Calling When> 20 – 23 JulyWhere> Hertfordshire Beautiful boutique festival, in beautiful surroundings, which hosts a stella line-upYears and Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party, High Contrast, Faithless, LF System, The Human League, Anastacia, Confidence Man, Dylan, Katy B, KT Tunstall, Groove Armada. Scouting For Girls, Django Django, Caity Baser More Info> standon-calling.com Tramlines When> 21 – 22 JulyWhere> Sheffield In its 15th year, Tramlines has become one of the best sell-out festivals in the region of Sheffield.  It's a festival that packs a punch, delivering on all the festival expectations and beyond.  Moving to its new destination at Hillsborough Park for 2023, the festival is a firm favourite created by its big atmosphere and the mega artist line-up outdoing itself each year.  This is one of the festivals that reaches a capacity sell-out. So, get your tickets quick The line- up features Richard Ashcroft, Courteeners & Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, DMA'S, Blossoms, Kaiser Chiefs, Sugababes, Bloc Party, Sea Girls, Circa Waves, The Enemy (Special Guests), Pale Waves, Beabadoobee, Kate Nash, Katy B, Reverend and the Makers, The Zutons (Special Guests), Black Honey, Spector, Omid Djalili, Jonathan Pie, Paul Smith Scott Bennett, Raul Kohli, Myq Kaplin, Harry Stachini and more More Info> tramlines.org.uk Junction 2 When> 21 – 22 JulyWhere> Brentwood London Hosting the most iconic stage productions Junction 2 returns to its birthplace for the ultimate two-day festival packed with all the festival features in the heart of the UK summer alongside one of the best festival line-ups that dance music and festivals fans could wish for.  Taking up the ante this is one festival that sounds out in a crowd. The line-up features Underworld, Adam Beyer & Cirez D, Asch Pintura, DJ Tennis, Charlotte de Witte, Dixon, FJAAK, Hessle Audio Trio, Jeff Mills, Skin on Skin, Margaret Dygas, Sonja Moonear, Midland, Mona Yim, Nina Kraviz, DJ Stingray 313 More Info> junction2.london Bluedot When> 20 – 23 JulyWhere> Cheshire After a two-year break, this unique festival is an experience that offers a full-on program of music, science, arts, technology, culture, and film, similarly to no other open-air event around the globe. Expect off-the-chart live performances, DJ sets, conversations, workshops, hands-on experiments, exhibitions, and new experiences.The weekend line-up features 2ManyDJs, Adam Buxton, Annie Mac, Belief, Big Joanie, Black Country, New Road,  David Holmes, Divorce, Django Django, Grace Jones, Gwenno, Leftfield, Matt Winning, Max Cooper, Max Richter, Nihiloxia, Nish Kumar, Nubya Garcia, Pavement, Roisin Murphy, Supernature Disco and many moreMore Info> discoverthebluedot.com Penn Festival When> 21 – 22 JulyWhere> Buckinghamshire Taking place in the quintessential Penn village, the camping family-friendly festival with one of the best boutique festival DJ line-ups and top music artists to keep you having a top weekend.  Throw together workshops for the curative types, and upmarket food stalls to this returning festival with a cracking atmosphere. The line-up features 24 Hour Garage Girls, Artful Dodger, Bad Manners, Bastille, Brandon Block, Corinne Bailey Rae, Craig Charles, Dj Fresh, Dj Luck And Mc Neat, Ellis Dee, Embrace, Gaz Coombes, Johnny Marr, Jumping Jack Frost, Kenny Ken, Mr. C, Mr. Wilsons Second Liners, Musical Youth, My Nu Leng, Noel Gallagher, Not3s, Sub Low Hz, The Cuban Brothers, The Skinner BrothersMore Info> pennfest.net Truck Festival When> 21 – 23 JulyWhere> Hill Oxfordshire Truck Festival has announced its lineup for 2023, with Royal Blood, Two Door Cinema Club, and Alt-J headlining. Other acts on the bill include The Wombats, DMA's, The Vaccines, Self Esteem, Maisie Peters, Everything Everything, and Beabadoobee. Truck Festival is a three-day camping festival that takes place in Hill Farm, Steventon, Oxfordshire. The festival is known for its diverse lineup, friendly atmosphere, and relaxed vibe. Tickets for Truck Festival 2023 are on sale now.More Info> truckfestival.com Read the full article

[bluestboy]

one   might   easily   be   convinced   that   lightning   has   struck   the   building,   as   minjun's   apparent   fury   is   equivalent   to   that   of   heaven   and   hell's   combined   —   like   a   vociferous   clap   of   thunder   ordained   by   a   god.   it   is   now   that   jace's   lips   press   together;   now   that   he   leans   far   back   into   his   flimsy   chair   of   torture   in   full   preparation   for   his   inevitable   fate.   it   is   now   he   can   begin   to   truly   fear   for   his   life   –   take   this   ending   seriously.   though   afraid,   he   has   little   light   left   within   him   to   shine   down   on   the   concern,   choosing   instead   to   slump   over   unceremoniously.   he   makes   an   altogether   executive   decision   to   submit   to   his   demise.   with   eyes   closed   does   he   vaguely   listen   to   minjun's   mumblings   of   disappointment   in   his   overall   performance.   this   isn't   the   first   time   he's   been   referred   to   as   a   bore,   though   jace   believes   it   may   likely   be   the   last,   deafening   curiosity   guiding   him   to   wonder   how   long   it'll   be   before   this   building   catches   fire.   little   time   passes,   and   jace   mistakes   the   cacophonous   noise   from   the   door's   removal   to   be   a   sign   he   was   right   :   he'd   soon   be   blown   to   smithereens   !      the   well   of   his   wit   runs   dry,   a   tired   haze   replacing   the   little   caution   he   had   conjured   from   within.   his   ears   buzz   ever   so   loudly   with   panic   —   with   tiny   worker   bees   spinning   up   honey   combs   full   of   fear.   but   tony's   touch   cuts   through   the   noise   quite   sharply,   unexpected   yet   and   yet   unmistakable.   

   jeongmin   reacts   very   little   as   the   other   comes   into   his   view.   partially,   because   he   can   hardly   see   at   all.   one   eye   swollen   almost   completely   shut,   the   other   nearly   closed   from   exhaustion   :   what   he   sees   is   a   shadow   of   the   man   he   loves   drifting   above   him.   surely   i   must   be   imagining   things,   he   considers,   hallucinating.   but   the   hallucination   continues   unraveling   the   rope   that   had   run   his   wrists   raw,   and   a   small   part   of   him   brightens   with   belief   that   he   is   in   fact   alive   —   that   this   was   real.   and   the   shadow   moves   closer;   it   envelops   him   in   a   deeply   specific   wave   of   affection   that   he   selfishly   hopes   that   only   he   himself   can   recognize   so   intimately.   it   is   him.   

the   raven's   awareness   borders   absence.   it   takes   a   few   beats   for   him   to   find   the   rhythm   of   tony's   sobs,   the   shadow   of   guilt   and   blame   clasped   to   his   shoulders.   it   is   an   immediate   response   to   guard   the   other   under   his   wing,   regardless   of   how   clipped.   still,   he   finds   himself   ever   troubled   —   he   hadn't   been   expecting   him.   ❝   you   got   hurt…   ❞      he   mumbles,   as   though   announcing   the   unknown,   and   all   together   unconcerned   with   the   other's   apologies.   through   an   insistent   tremor,   his   hand   reaches   the   other's   countenance   :   it   is   an   effortlessly   painted   portrait   of   blood   and   shame.   both   of   which   a   tender   thumb   caresses   away.   and   though   iron   soaked,   the   fingerprint   of   his   identity   subsequently   finds   a   home   nestled   in   the   soft   hair   near   the   edge   of   tony's   ear,   a   secret   thing   that   jace   learned   to   love   from   far   away,   but   took   advantage   of   up   close   these   days.   the   pleading   etches   a   seemingly   permanent   frown   onto   his   face,   averse   to   the   apologies.   ❝   stop.   stop   it   —   ❞   a   searing   pain   near   his   clavicle   cuts   him   off.   injuries   do   hurt   after   all,   and   pain   is   catching   up   as   adrenaline   quickly   loses   the   race.   ❝   it   isn't   your   fault   that   i   didn't   listen.   ❞   though   the   statement   is   made   through   cinched   teeth,   discomfort   surpassing   his   sentiment,   he   conveys   what   is   necessary.   you   shouldn't   have   come   :   it's   what   he   wants   to   say.   that   he   was   right,   that   finding   each   other   meant   danger   —   it   meant   disaster.   jace   swallows   his   pain   for   the   sake   of   conversation.   ❝   you   couldn't   have   known.   ❞   he   suggests,   hoping   to   absolve   the   other   of   responsibility   for   his   own   decision,   ❝   you   did   protect   me,   you're   here   —   ❞   here,   where   they   are,   where   they   certainly   cannot   last   long.   ❝   we   should   g-go….   ❞      jeongmin   is   embarrassed   to   tremble   mid-sentence,   but   his   wounds   and   his   memories   hardly   do   him   many   favors.   the   strong   front   he's   attempted   to   build   for   the   other   begins   to   shake,   its   foundation   hardly   sturdy   enough   for   survival.   ❝   please,   i   want   to   go.   ❞   

the   earth   beneath   their   feet   shakes   ---   in   tremors   of   an   enraged   ,   scorching   ---   a   grotesque   ,   shocking   display   of   wrath   ---   that   cracks   open   like   porcelain   .   ugly   ,   macabre   ---   crimson   dotted   ,   drowned   silk   glistening   in   the   dim   ,   harsh   light   above   the   devil's   crown   .   it   is   a   blazing   storm   of   a   planet's   collapse   ---   violent   ,   trembling   in   his   own   terror   !

   it   freezes   his   system   ,   captures   an   astonished   countenance   before   erupting   ---   with   twitching   features   ,   hues   alike   scorching   solar   flares   to   wipe   out   any   proof   of   existence   .   it   slips   from   its   cocoon   ,   gradually   ---   edges   the   confinement   he   himself   cannot   escape   ---   bound   is   his   entity   to   suffer   from   such   humiliating   curse   !   "   insolent   little   ---   "   ,   an   interruption   snaps   his   head   back   and   the   male   raises   up   to   his   full   height   ,   turning   his   attention   to   one   of   his   men   .   whispers   of   urgency   leave   him   to   flip   his   tone   into   the   realms   of   decency   anew   ---   "   your   pathetic   self   can   count   itself   lucky   today   ,   jace   .   i   will   leave   you   to   succumb   to   your   fate   ---   it   has   been   rather   a   bore   with   you   ,   i   must   admit   .   .   .   "   ,   annoyance   leaves   shoulders   to   sink   ,   back   turned   to     jace   ,   as   the   elder   rubs   a   silken   hankerchief   over   his   stained   face   ,   ---   departing   in   hurried   ,   long   strides   alike   the   rest   of   his   men   ---   within   seconds   ,   roaring   engines   in   the   distance   are   the   sole   farewell   ---   until   a   disturbed   quietude   echoes   in   these   halls   .   it   takes   less   than   five   minutes   ---   less   than   an   étude   to   conclude   ---   before   one   of   many   steel   doors   is   violently   shaken   out   of   its   hinges   ,   explosively   launched   into   the   vast   emptiness   of   the   hall   .

   heavy   footsteps   ,   fuelled   by   an   adrenalized   urgency   ---   a   silhouette   inking   its   contours   sharply   against   the   contrast   of   the   decaying   concrete   ---   midnight's   deepest   zenith   ,   widened   umber   ,   bursting   alike   split   wood   ---   consumed   by   the   destruction   of   a   wildfire's   storm   .   a   dishelved   countenance   ,   a   bleeding   cut   aligning   itself   with   his   cheek   ---   merging   into   tissues   of   an   old   injury   ---   hues   of   purple   blooming   on   the   side   of   a   face   ,   drowning   in   the   shock   of   what   it   laid   its   eyes   on   .   the   weight   pulls   him   ,   tearing   to   beckon   him   ---   sink   him   into   the   bottom   of   the   sea   ,   bury   him   once   and   for   all   ---   and   it   takes   all   his   fading   strength   in   its   final   approaching   wave   to   run   to   jace   .   shame   ,   guilt   alike   latch   onto   him   as   trembling   ,   wounded   hands   dig   themselves   into   the   tied   knots   ,   ripping   them   into   nothing   but   threads   as   they   pool   on   the   ground   .   it   punches   the   air   out   of   his   lungs   ---   shakes   his   breathing   .

   delayed   ,   blurred   vision   ---   as   tony   faces   jace   .   bathed   ,   in   blood   ,   sweat   ---   tears   .   low   lidded   ,   strands   hanging   over   his   eyes   .   the   silence   is   unforgiving   .   an   ache   ,   that   stretches   into   eternity   ,   with   neither   beginning   nor   end   .   it's   his   heavy   breaths   that   fill   the   gaps   gradually   until   the   elder    collapses    like   a   star   in   itself   ---   like   a   summer's   monsoon   ---   it   spills   out   of   him   in   such   tragic   grandiosity   ;   his   curtain   call   .   in   violent   shakes   ,   in   quiet   gasps   ---   the   muted   bounce   of   shattering   porcelain   .

   his   calloused   palms   ,   bloodied   and   ruined   by   the   season's   of   his   life   .   .   .   what   gives   him   the   right   ?   he   inhales   ,   loudly   ---   unsteady   ,   trying   to   scramble   his   words   with   a   desperation   rarely   to   be   perceived   .   "   jeong   -   jeongmin   --   "   ,   his   fingers   dig   into   the   flesh   ,   through   the   fabric   ---   neither   greedy   nor   forceful   ---   no   ,   his   soul   is   swaying   against   the   tides   ---   his   only   hope   remains   in   front   of   him   ---   the   rock   ,   he   is   holding   on   for   dear   life   .

    on   his   knees   .   .   he   holds   his   arms   wrapped   loosely   around   jace's   waist   ,   his   head   buried   against   their   lap   .   "   i   am   sorry   -   i   am   so   -   "   ,   head   raises   ,   glancing   up   at   their   bruised   state   ---   and   tony   winces   at   the   sight   ,   "   i   am   sorry   ,   i   am   so   sorry   jeongmin   --   "   ,   a   strong   frown   locks   his   countenance   as   his   gaze   scans   their   face   for   any   sight   ,   any   trace   of   a   reaction   .   his   tears   have   glazed   their   own   way   across   his   face   ,   his   scar   wet   from   the   trail   left   ---   eyes   stained   by   soft   crimson   .   tony   captures   jace   ,   holds   onto   him   ---   as   if   his   life   depended   on   it   ,   as   if   he   is   begging   forgiveness   for   not   this   mere   singular   mishap   ,   but   his   entire   life   ---   his   existence   .   at   the   feet   of   all   that   he   could   never   have   been   .   "   i   did   not   want   to   drag   you   in   .   didn't   wanted   to   force   my   own   decision   on   you   ---   "   ,   gaze   lowers   itself   ,   jumps   around   with   no   fixed   destination   , as if chased ,   "   i   should   have   known   .   that   i   cannot   escape   .   cannot   fight   this   fate   of   mine   .   no   matter   what   i   do   ---   i   cannot   erase   what   i   am   .   "   ,   defeated   ---   he   sinks   on   his   heels   .   "   should   have   protected   you   ---   should   have   known   better   ---   "   ,   this   man's   voice   grows   quiet   ,   thrums   in   a   sphere   of   pain   resembling   the   flutter   of   a   butterfly's   wing   ---   now   ,   that   he   is   re   -   united   with   the   accumulation   of   all   destruction   caused   by   his   hands   .   in   the   form   of   the   most   cruel   punishment   ---   the   worst   sin   .   he   couldn't   turn   a   blind   eye   ---   even   if   he   had   wanted   to   .   in   his   shame   ,   he   declares   his   defeat   .   accepts   it   .

[dontsh0vethesun]

a temporary friend

kinktober 2022 masterlist | monstober 2022 masterlist

tentacled!she hulk x reader

18+ : smut; choking, vaginal penetration with a tentacle

“Oh my god, what is that!?” You exclaimed as your girlfriend approached where you were standing and waiting on her arrival.

“What is what?” She returned sheepishly with Tony, Natasha and Sam all avoiding your gaze too.

“What do you mean, ‘what is what?’ What is this slimy looking thing?”

The three onlookers laughed quietly at the interaction and Jennifer's poor attempt at hiding it in her green form.

“There’s no other way to tell you so I’ll just rip the bandaid off - your girlfriend has a temporary tentacle because of some kind of airborne serum on the mission.” Tony rushed out.

“And you’re still in your hulk form, why?”

“I’m kind of stuck - temporarily - Tony checked it out, it’ll go back to normal when this guy‘s gone.” She explained, gesturing to the green limb with a nod of her head.

“I thought we agreed to not get into weird situations on missions.”

“I know, I know.” She sighed innocently and you couldn’t help but smile at your green skinned girlfriend.

“I’m glad you’re okay though - I can live with a tentacle for a couple of days.”

“It’s kinda cool isn’t it?” She grinned. “Nat doesn’t like it though.” She added with a frown.

“In my defence she was poking me with the slimy thing all the way back. Your girlfriend is a nuisance.”

—

A few hours later you lay with her arm around you on your shared bed, a movie playing on the television whilst you mindlessly twirled strands of her long black hair between your fingers.

“I missed you - three days apart is too long.” You pouted and she laughed lightly at the adorable sight, cupping your face with a large hand.

“It’s much too long.” She smiled before pressing her lips to yours, she lifted you onto her lap easily with a strong hand supporting your body with a firm hold on your waist.

It was easy to fall into your regular rhythm, passionate and hungry smacks of lips against each other and a lick into your mouth with the taste of spearmint gum. She pulled your chest flush against hers with a rough movement and you sighed into her mouth at the feeling, subconsciously rutting your hips into hers with the growing heat between your thighs.

Despite her strength, Jennifer's touch was never too harsh, her palms slid over your body softly with a tentative squeeze of your nipple through your shirt and a questioning pull at the waistband of your shorts.

At your nod she lifted you as you yelped at the sudden action, soon placed back onto her legs with your shorts and underwear discarded across the room and a matching grin on your faces. You pulled her shirt over her head, smiling against her skin at the small moan she let out when your tongue flicked over a hardened nipple.

Strong green fingers pulled your face back to hers into a kiss even hungrier than before, one hand on the back of your head and the other wrapping around your neck with a perfect squeeze of pressure against your throat. You tried fruitlessly to grind yourself against her thigh to alleviate some of the pressure but she only smirked into the kiss at your growing frustration.

You didn’t think much of the goosebump inducing touch trailing up your thigh, the sensation it sent through your flesh as it stroked over your body that made you sigh. It didn’t register what it truly was until it teased at your dripping hole, a curious touch that made you needy. You pulled away from the kiss at the realisation of the whereabouts of your girlfriends two hands and the fact that what was asking to fuck you wasn’t one of them.

You glanced down at the foreign limb, slick and curled where it nudged at your inner thigh

“Is this okay?”

“Y-yeah.” You nodded, looking trustfully into Jennifer's eyes awaiting the new intrusion apprehensively.

Your fingernails dug into the muscular flesh of her upper arms as the tentacle pushed into your cunt, stretching you around it slowly as it inched its way inside you with its own slickness mixing with yours in a way that made the entrance effortless. The squeeze around your throat and the curling of the limb inside your pussy made you moan into her mouth, such a feeling you’d never experienced before that so quickly had you breathing heavily.

“That feel good?” She questioned, watching in awe at the way your mouth fell open and your body arched when she pulled out and pushed back in, poking at that sweet spot as she did so. You couldn’t even form a verbal response but the nod of your head was enough for her to know to keep going, keeping a pace of thrusts into your cunt and a pressure around your throat along with a thumb flicking over your sensitive nipple whilst your body moved with hers, fucking yourself onto her desperately to try and reach your orgasm sooner.

“Fuck, Jen.” You moaned out, pressing your lips to her neck with lazy kisses as you could barely function with the way your pussy started to clench around her tentacle. “‘M so close.”

The sound of your breathless voice against the shell of her ear spurred her on even further, she was aching to see you fall apart just like this again tonight, to make use of this temporary limb whilst she still has it.

You came with almost a scream of her name with your cunt clenching around her and your chest rising and falling quickly in a chase for breath as she held your tired body upright.

You both eyed the dripping tentacle when she pulled it out of you, shining and glistening, dripping onto the mattress beneath you. Just a look into one another’s eyes was enough confirmation of what the rest of the night entailed. Fingers crossed it takes a while to wear off.

[melis-writes]

Tony fucking you in the back of hie car just all hot and dirty

Melis you're killing me

🥵🥵 Reminds me of the prompt with Tony where he was driving you home, so whose to say he didn't park somewhere just to make you cum over and over again? 🤤

“Gonna make a mess in my car, huh baby?” Tony roughly grabs your face, giving it a shake as he keeps his rough rhythm thrusting inside of you.

“Oh, God—” you muffle out, taking everything inside of you not to scream out in pleasure from the sensations Tony draws out of you.

“Fuck, fuck,” Tony slaps your thigh wrapped tightly around his waist with his free hand, letting his other hand grip over your throat while he watches his cock slide in and out of you over and over again.

“More, more!” You dig your nails into the fabric of Tony’s dress shirt, every inch of your body begging to feel this man inside of you.

You roll your eyes back in pleasure, letting Tony easily come close to coaxing out a powerful orgasm built up inside of you from both his teasing and rough fucking right in the back of his car.

“F-feel so fuckin’ good,” Tony grunts, feeling your pussy beginning to contract around his cock.

Tony’s never ceased to fuck you into a orgasming mess, filled to the brim with his cum only to beg for it more and more every time.

Filthy, loud moans spill from your lips as neither you nor Tony care anymore if anyone hears the two of you out in the parking lot. “T-tony, fuck me! Yes! O-oh!”

Tony lazily grins down at you; all eight inches of his thick cock easily sliding in and out of the wet mess your pussy has become. “Take it all in, baby.”

He begins to ruthlessly pick up the pacing of his thrusting, slamming into you as you roll your eyes back and curl your toes in pleasure.

Your orgasm unravels out of you the moment you feel the tip of Tony’s cock brush up against your G-Spot coupled with Tony applying pressure to the sides of your throat.

“Tony, I’m—” you squeal, barely able to finish your sentence as you cry out; your thighs shaking like jelly over Tony’s waist.

Tony silences your moans by crushing his lips over yours in a wet, messy kiss. He can feel your pussy cum around his cock for the third time back to back tonight, and Tony’s already intoxicated by the scent of sex surrounding both of you in his car.

Only the sounds of Tony’s cock sloshing deep in and out of your pussy can be heard with sweaty skin slapping against skin.

Even throughout your orgasm, Tony fucks the ever-living life out of you with each thrust, pounding into you as rough as you want it like a wild animal over and over again.

Your hand shakily find Tony’s hair, clutching onto it as you spread your legs as wide a you can over car seats, giving into the euphoric sparks of arousal surging through you and Tony’s dominance.

[saintvitusdancexd]

Christian borle quotes

“Why does every leading man have to be barrel chested and have a chin, isnt there room for the chinless men”

“Oh. He’s praying”

“Ai ai! Oompa-loompa-loo ca ca cao cao oompa-loompa want it now now now Ai ai ai ai! oompa-loompa wanna chew chew chew”

“Towards the boobs”

“Bobby canavale and I hugged in a way which suggested that we both dated Sutton foster”

Interviewer: what’s a sweet treat that you cannot resist? “Kristin Chenoweth?”

“I have been using it in real life and let me tell you the bend and snap works very well”

“Drinking :)”

“You weren’t just rude to these nice people you were rude to me”

“I saw the elephant man too early in my life”

“I was president and co-founder of the Ed grimley club”

“She was really discovering a whole new world in her bonnet”

“The rock star of 1595”

*talking about a conversation he had with the casting person for legally blonde* “she told me Your emmet isn’t handsome, to which I thought oh that’s great :(, and he said, and I told her, that’s the point🙄”

“That’s not water”

“She was that wicky wacky hula hula honka wonka Honolulu
Hawaiian honey of mine
When I saw her in the hut
She was cracking coconuts
With a crazy kind of rhythm double-time
I'm gonna build a little wicky wacky ticky tacky
Sugar shacky love nest out of pine
For that wicky wacky hula hula honka wonka Honolulu
wicky wacky hula hula honka wonka Honolulu
Hawaiian honey of mine”

“God how the young- your smoking pot now aren’t you”

“Just basically thrust everything that has been given to me by nature in their faces for like three minutes straight”

Interviewer: how do you not fall in love with Andrew Rannels? “You just do, that’s the easy part, that’s the best part”

“I vote we use the cock sock to keep the white wine cold”

“BOOK NOOK”

Interviewer: what’s your spirit animal? “This is a two part answer, first is, it would be a toad. The second is, a rabid coyote”

“Half of my work is just turning around and shaking what the good lord gave me”

“He was a Tony nominee which I was before I won a tony”

“ I almost liked you in that last scene way to go”

“ im going to start with a slight loofa, im going to Segway maybe have myself a glass of champagne, I’ll do a very light foundation that you won’t be able to see the whole point is that it doesn’t look like im wearing makeup, I’ll probably drag a flat iron through my hair, i think im going to wear two different undershirts, one for luck and one for sweat, I’ll then get into my suit, then get out of my suit so that I can eat, i don’t wanna spill anything on it, pick a tie, then double think the tie, then triple think the tie then go with my original tie, put on my shoes and walk out the door, simple”

Interviewer: maybe the leather pants “no I pretty much enjoy them too”

“@naightyjack-a-nape it dost confound to think such a knavish iron-witted dog-ape like Christian borle is popular with anyone but the whores and groundlings”

“Booze”

“I don’t find it awkward changing pants I do it every day”

Interviewer: I thought you shaved your head for this role “ I sure did” so then why do you have hair there? “Just shut up”

“Seriously I just urinated all over my pants and this couch”

“I’m learning how his hips move”

Interviewer: what does it look like when your trying to resist it “well that’s how I lost my hair”

“You couldn’t hate me, I’m, im too lovable”

“Whizzer a supposed to always be here, making dinner, set to screw, that’s what pretty boys should do”

“Shalom from hell”

“Those two tigers who ended up eating Siegfried and Roy were talented too”

“Or I could just gouge my own eyes out”

“The world is better with you in it, just not my world”

“And for your information, homophobe, that critic wasnt in your pocket, he was having sex with your father”

“I felt like a little boy, in an arena of men and women”

“I love you, as much as I am able, considering wealthy, considering your poor”

“IS MY GIRL GORGEOUS”

“Then he caught a chicken disease, called cockodoodleitis”

“Green eggs and ham, green eggs and fuckin ham”

“I like to look at tall men in mesh shorts”

“You wake up one morning with hair on your balls, and suddenly you think I don’t exist”

“I haven’t worn deodorant in a decade”

“It’s just a bit of windy”

“Other shin”

“Cock sock talk with jack Davenport”

Who’s dick is in the microwave, is that what we’re playing already?”

“Less Karen’s parents, more gay sex”

“I bet your milkshake brings all the boys to the yard but I’m not interested”

“It helps that in real life I am just a raging narcissist”

[lilxberry]

That’s My Wife - Scott Lang

Requested by: @iwazoomingouttahere

Can I have a kind of similar imagine to the one you just wrote?? It’s Scott x strongwife reader!

Hydra makes a replica of caps shield and the avengers find it and nick says it has to be destroyed so they all take turns and reader gets woken up from the noise and gets grumpy so she grabs the shield and destroys it with her bare hands then goes back to bed and scots like “I MARRRIED THAT WOMAN SUCK ITTTTT”

This is basically a sequel but I feel both this and my previous fic worked well together. Also, I believe you asked about being added to the Marvel taglist so, I’ll add you, just tell me if I’m wrong lmao

I also wanted to write this asap as I felt like I had a flow I didn’t want to disrupt with other fics between because I be wack like that oop

Warnings: Lil bit o’ language. Cute ass Scott (My God I love Paul Rudd!). Crank ass reader lmao. That’s pretty much it, I believe.

Words: 1,623

Pairings: Scott Lang x Reader (female reader) (wife reader) (super strong reader?)

(A/N: This is basically a sequel to That’s My Girl even though it came from a different requester and since I felt like it. Try fight me about it, I dare y’all. But yeah, imagine that some time had passed and that you two got married.)

_______________

Frankly, you disliked when any form of resting was interrupted. So, the noise coming from the lab that’s usually preoccupied by Stark and Banner was certainly pissing you off.

Only 20 minutes prior did you climb into bed with the intentions of taking a well-deserved, well needed nap. Of course, it was never going to work in your favour. You tossed and turned, held the pillow over your head in an attempt to muffle the noise. It was fruitless.

You continued this repetitive rhythm as the racket continued until you could no longer take it.

Said racket was all due to the last mission the Avengers had been sent on. A HYDRA, unsurprisingly.

_______________

“How the shit do we destroy this thing?” Clint asked when he and the others walked into the lab, earning a slap up the back of his head from Natasha and a muttered “Language” from the cap.

“What?! It’s a fair question!” Clint whined, rubbing at the back of his head. “If it is practically a replica of Mr. Cools’ shield, it’s gonna be pretty hard to destroy, I reckon.”

“Barton does have a point,” Sam agreed with the archer as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Tony, being the over-confident man he is, took the shield from Steve and marched over towards one of the cleared tables in the lab, placing the shield on top. Searching through the mess of the lab, he found whatever tool he believed would be of help, bringing them over to place beside the shield.

“Something’ll get it to break. We just gotta figure out what.”

And so, the onslaught of assaults at the false shield of patrioty began. Tool after tool, machine after machine, super soldier after super soldier.

Scott watched from the side-line, wincing each time something ricocheted off of the shield without leaving a scratch and making some of the loudest noises he’s heard in his lifetime.

‘Even Cassie hopped up on sugar isn’t this loud,’ he thinks to himself.

But he wasn’t concerned about the shield and its integrity, he was concerned about what’ll happen when the noise steals your chance away at a nap.

Your husband knew how tired you had been recently, in turn so did the Avengers, so no one protested you heading on up and leaving them to it. Although, it seems everyone par himself thought of the terrible noise the task would make.

By now, majority of the Avengers within the lab are drenched in sweat and panting, feeling absolutely frazzled.

Bucky turned towards the man who can fluctuate his size with a suit and scowled. “Why aren’t you doing anything?” he panted out, sweat rolling down his face.

The others look towards Scott with similar expressions, not understanding why he chose to sit out.

Scott deadpanned as he spoke. “You just had two super soldiers trying to pound that thing into oblivion at the same time and you expect me to be able to do something about it?”

Realisation seemed to dawn on everyone at that moment, all releasing a prolonged “Ahhhh.”

A silence engulfed the room, moments passed by where the only sounds were breaths being regulated back to natural states.

Then, Thor boomed, a bright, wide smile crosses his face. He seems to look extremely proud of himself. He gasped his hammer tightly, stepping towards the table with the shield on top in long strides.

“No shield can withstand the might of a God!”

He raised his arm, Mjölnir in hand. The others eyes widened in realisation, all beginning to protest in a panic, but it was all in vain.

With a hearty swing, he brought his hammer down on to the shield.

A thundering boom sounded through the entire compound, and the second Mjölnir made contact with the shield, everyone in the lab was sent back flying, near enough everything in the room being damaged from the large shockwave created; each and every window within the compound now shattered.

Fury was going to be pissed.

_______________

You relished when the awfully loud noises coming from the lab seemed to cease.

A relaxed smile made its way on to your face and you closed your eyes once more, happy to be happing some peace and quiet finally. Moments passed where there was not a singular decibel of sound heard, moments you were happy to get.

Then, just like that, they were gone once more.

The loud boom, violent vibration throughout the compound and the windows within your bedroom which you share with Scott busting out completely caused you to jolt and within it, spike your frustration to an all-time high.

“WHAT THE SHIT?!”

Shouting in frustration and exhaustion, you threw the covers from atop your body and swung your legs over the edge, quickly standing and storming out towards the lab. Being in such a rage, you failed to realise you tore the door right off of its hinges as you swung it open.

“Whatever Stark is building in that damn lab better be a panic room ‘cause I’m gonna kill him.”

_______________

The Avengers within the relatively destroyed room groaned and sat up, all their heads pounding from the harsh knockback and the deafening sound.

“Nice going, Point Break.”

“I did not think that would be the result of my quick thinking, I must admit.”

Everyone grumbled and slowly all began to rise to stand, heads still throbbing but overall bearable. Their eyes scanned the room , seeing the utter destruction Thors’ action had caused within the lab until finally, their eyes landed on the shield, still in one piece, just as shiny as ever.

They all groaned in frustration, even Natasha looked almost like a pouting child.

But as their eyes were all focused on the unscathed shield from the HYDRA base, they failed to notice your incoming form bursting at the seems with an anger no one would be able to subdue.

You slammed through the whatever remained of the doors before your voice roared out to the crowd.

“STARK!”

The billionaire let out a short, high-pitched shrill of a scream as he and the others jumped and turned to face you. If it wasn’t for the fact that they were just as frightened as the engineer, Sam, Bucky, and Clint would have found Starks’ reaction absolutely hilarious and burst out laughing.

“IT WASN’T ME!” Tony, in a panic, pointed over at Thor in an attempt to escape your wrath. “BLAME BLODIE!”

Your fiery gaze turned towards the Asgardian as he gulped audibly and smiled sheepishly, chuckling in an attempt to cover up that he was in fact, quite scared of you in that moment.

Just as you opened your mouth to verbally assault the God, your sweet husband Scott stepped in front of you, hands raised slightly in a calming gesture. “I’m sorry honey, we ruined nap, I understand. But it was with good reason!”

You raised your eyebrow up at your husband expectantly, your anger only subsiding in the slightest at the sight of Scott. He continued without hesitation.

“Fury wants that shield destroyed,” he pointed towards the shield before proceeding. “And we’re really struggling.”

Your anger had risen once more, now joined with confusion. “And why, do pray tell, does Fury want it destroyed?”

“It was HYDRA made, a replica of my own,” Steve spoke this time. “If they’re producing them, that means they’re close to being on equal ground with us. We no longer have the advantage over HYDRA if they have their hands on these shields.”

“So why not destroy them like Fury’s told you to?”

“BECAUSE WE CAN’T!” It was now Tonys’ turn to yell in frustration. He threw his arms up in exasperation which only annoyed your further.

“WHY NOT?!”

“YOU KNOW WHAT?! BE GUEST!” With that, Stark stepped aside, freeing up a path towards the shield for you.

With a hardened glare, you stomped past Tony straight towards the shield before picking it up within both hands and turning to face the group. With the cold, agitated look still engraved on your face, you raised your knee as you lower the shield quickly, slamming it down on to your knee, snapping it in half as if it were a flimsy, plastic ruler one uses for school.

Their jaws had dropped, and their eyes widened as Scott grinned like an excitable child, a strong feeling of pride washing over him.

You threw the two halves of the shield to the ground by Tonys’ feet, narrowly missing him. “If I hear ONE MORE NOISE from this lab, you’ll end up looking like that shield.”

You grazed past the petrified billionaire and weaved your way through the group. Just before you exited the lab, you called over your shoulder loudly. “And you best send someone to fix my damn window. AFTER I’VE FINISHED WITH MY DAMN NAP!”

Everyone seemed too terrified to move as you retreated back towards your room, all except Scott, who could no longer contain his excitement and adoration.

“HELL YEAH! THAT’S MY WIFE! I MARRIED THAT WOMAN!”

He began to chase after you towards your shared bedroom, calling for Clint to ask where on Earth he was doing. “I’M GONNA GO NAP WITH MY WIFE! Oh man, I can’t wait to tell Cass. THAT WAS AWESOME! HONEY, CAN WE HAVE SEX LATER?! THAT WAS SO HOT!”

As Scott finally disappear out of sight and out of hearing range, the others began to finally calm and relax, well, all except Tony and surprisingly, Thor.

“That woman terrifies me. She’s definitely on par with Pepper,” Tony quietly put out as Thor looked like a scolded child slightly, moody that some Midgardian had bested him in strength.

“This really isn’t fair.”

_______________

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I mean, I enjoyed writing this

Like, reader’s a big mood

But, yeah, that’s all I got

If you want to be added to a taglist lemme know

Anywho, I hope you enjoy

As always, constructive criticism and requests are welcomed and greatly appreciated :D

_______________

Marvel taglist:

@thanossexual @iwazoomingouttahere

@bnhaxreaderquotes​ I thought I’d tag you since this had become a sequel to your Scott Lang request :)

[derangedrhythms]

Do you have any quotes on "touch"? I've been thinking about touch and its absence because of the pandemic and would love to read anything on it

"One day without his hands and she thinks how sad it is to love."

— Marguerite Duras, from 'Hiroshima Mon Amour', tr. Richard Seaver

"Don't you sense me, ready to break / into being at your touch?"

— Rainer Maria Rilke, Book of Hours: Love Poems to God; from ‘lch bin, du Ängstlicher. Hörst du mich nicht’, tr. Anita Barrows & Joanna Macy

"Because I never hold you, I hold you fast."

— Rainer Maria Rilke (quoted in ‘A Lover’s Discourse’ by Roland Barthes, tr. Richard Howard)

"…a heart that strikes up a battle rhythm every time you touch me."

— S. T. Gibson, from 'Literary Sexts'

"That night was nothing but getting to know how smooth your body is. The memory of it goes through me like brandy."

— Ted Hughes, Letters of Ted Hughes; from a letter to Sylvia Plath, March 1956

"when we touch / we enter touch entirely"

— Anne Sexton, All My Pretty Ones; from ‘The Truth the Dead Know’

"The weight of his fingers on mine, like a bird landing on a branch. It was the drop of the match. I did not see that we were surrounded by tinder until I felt it burst into flames."

— Hannah Kent, from 'Burial Rites'

"In the heat of her hands I thought, This is the campfire that mocks the sun."

— Jeanette Winterson, from 'Written on the Body'

"...he reaches over and he touches you, like a prayer for which no words exist..."

— Richard Siken, Crush; from 'You Are Jeff'

"His touch both consoles and devastates me…"

— Angela Carter, The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories; ‘The Erl-King’

"Shock! It’s as though his soul has touched / me as his arm leans on mine."

— Marina Tsvetaeva, Selected Poems; from ‘Poem of the End’, tr. Elaine Feinstein

"I want to touch you until my palms burn."

— Amirae Garcia, from 'Literary Sexts'

"What are you now? If we could touch one another, / if these our separate entities could come to grips,"

— Muriel Rukeyser, from 'Effort at Speech Between Two People'

"...and then one touch of your hand / and God comes rushing back."

— The Borgias, Season 3; Episode 10

"I shook his hand, and tore my heart in sunder,"

— A. E. Housman, from 'He would not stay for me, and who can wonder'

"They were not holding hands, but their shadows were."

— Toni Morrison, from 'Beloved'

"Oh how it courses all through my veins when by accident my finger touches hers or when our feet touch under the table. I pull back as though from fire and a mysterious force draws me on again—there is a fainting in all my senses."

—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, from ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’, tr. David Constantine

"Come back often and take hold of me, / sensation that I love come back and take hold of me— / when the body’s memory awakens / and an old longing again moves into the blood, / when lips and skin remember / and hands feel as though they touch again. / Come back often, take hold of me in the night / when lips and skin remember…"

— C. P. Cavafy, Collected Poems; ‘Come Back’, tr. Edmund Keeley & Philip Sherrard

"I feel you, phantom touch, although you're far"

— Chelsea Wolfe, 'Twin Fawn'

"She stroked my head for a long time, and then we hugged and it felt like drowning."

— Jeanette Winterson, from 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit'

"I realize after this touch / he would know me / years from now, even / in the dark, even / without my skin."

— Philip Memmer, from 'The Paleontologist’s Blind Date'

"I had to touch you with my hands, I had to taste you with my tongue: one can’t love and do nothing."

— Graham Greene, from 'The End of the Affair'