#good reminder to send my dad a bottle of scotch as a thank you for professional services haha

[lynne-monstr]

another win for today is that i finally sent all my tax documents to my accountant!

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Banner

Ch26: The Only One In Colour

Summary: Mr Anthony Stark requests the pleasure of your company at the wedding of his little sister, Katie Marie Stark to Captain Steven Grant Rogers…

Warnings: Bad language, Fluff, Smut! (NSFW, Under 18s) Bad Language words, a hungover Captain…and who is that lurking in the shadows??

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N: The big day is finally here. And I ADORE this edit from @angrybirdcr. Lots of visuals in this chapter and it’s a REALLY long one- like 10k words long- but, well, IT’S THEIR WEDDING!

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

Chapter 25

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

 31st August 2015.

It took Katie a while to realise where she was when she woke. As her mind came to, she realised she was in her apartment at the tower, and when her eyes flew to the dress in its cover which was hanging up in the open closet, her stomach did a flip.

It was her wedding day!

“Good Morning Miss Stark.” FRIDAY spoke, and Katie grinned. 

Miss Stark…not for much longer!

“Miss Potts requested I inform her when you are awake…”

“Inform away.” She smiled, and jumped out of bed, grinning at the reflection of her tacky ‘Bride’ short and vest Pyjamas that the girls had surprised her with last night when they had been sat around having their pamper session with several glasses of champagne. Making her way into the living room, she was greeted by a loud squeal from Wanda, who along with Laura Barton had stayed in her apartment last night. Considering the amount of champagne that had been drunk, they all had surprisingly clear heads. It wasn’t long before Pepper and Nat arrived, and after a breakfast of fruit, pastries and croissants provided by the local bakery, Katie was ushered into the shower surprised at how calm she actually felt…

The boys, however, were faring a little worse, especially after Tony had cracked open a bottle of his dad’s vintage scotch which he had been saving for a special occasion and Thor had supplied Steve with copious amounts of that lethal Asgardian liquor along with some equally as potent Asgardian Ale. The Groom cracked one eye open and groaned when he realised he had passed out, fully clothed, on the sofa, Tony led flat out along the other side of it, drooling into the cushions.

Steve looked round, Clint was on the large arm chair in the corner of the room, Sam was sprawled face down on the large rug and Thor nowhere to be seen. Jesus Christ it had been a heavy one.

Of all the days to get his first hangover in over seventy years…his wedding morning.

His wedding morning. Shit.

Sitting up, a stupid grin on his face, headache forgotten he nudged Tony with his foot. The billionaire jerked and tumbled off the side of the sofa.

“Whassgoin on?” He looked around, blinking, before he grimaced. “Shit, my head…”

Clint let out a groan from the chair.  “Keep it down man…”

Sam let out an equally pained noise, not moving. “What day is it?” “My wedding day, fellas.” Steve grinned.

Tony groaned again, leaning back against the sofa “How are you so sprightly, Old Man?” “Trust me I’m not.” Steve shook his head, standing up “But Katie will kill me if we turn up like this.”

“Coffee.” Clint yawned, swaying slightly as he got to his feet. “We need coffee…” “And food.” Sam mumbled into the rug

“Good job I organised some.” Tony looked at his watch, squinting. “Should be arriving soon.” “Where’s Thor?” Clint suddenly asked as he glanced around.

“Here.” came the god’s deep voice as he strolled into the room. He was already dressed in a pair of jeans, t-shirt and his hair was damp from the shower

“How are you so alive, Thunder boy?” Sam sighed, sitting up.

“Like you just said, Bird Man.” Thor beamed round at them all. “I am the God of Thunder.” ******

Two hours later, Pepper was bustling around topping everyone’s Champagne up and when she reached Katie she gave her smile. “You ok?”

“Yeah.” She beamed back. “Maybe a little nervous, but mostly excited. I can’t believe I’m finally here. It feels like we’ve been waiting for this for so long.”

Pepper gently squeezed her hand. “Yeah. Tony has been on the job making sure the tent is right. The Caterers have arrived. And I got a full blow by blow as he was nearly having had a fit when the alcohol and bar were an entire four minutes and thirty-four seconds late.” “I thought organisation was your job?” Nat quipped from where she was lounging in a chair, dressed in her light blue ‘Bridesmaid’ robe.

“It is.” Pepper rolled her eyes. “And I told him it would be okay but, well, he just want everything to be right.” Katie rolled her eyes, a fond little smile playing on her lips at the thought of her brother still trying to make sure she was happy. “Where is he now?”

“He spent the night with the boys at the compound so he’ll be on his way back shortly to get changed. Apparently they sat outside at the compound with a bottle of whiskey and a few cigars and there are some sore heads this morning” Pepper smirked. “Even Steve is feeling it.”

Katie grinned, she’d only seen drunk Steve a handful of times, and Drunk Rogers was definitely one of her favourite Steves to see.

Wanda shook her head. “What is it about men and cigars?”

Natasha shrugged. “I like cigars.”

“What a surprise.” Laura grinned, earning herself a glare off the red head. They were cut off then by FRIDAY informing them that the stylists had arrived. Pepper told her to send them up and suddenly the room was filled with people, greetings being shared and Pepper organising everyone into their places as she did ever so efficiently.

And then, it was down to business. The Hairstylist, Franco, knew exactly what Katie wanted as she’d had a rehearsal and he set about, sweeping her brunette locks up into the up-do she’d picked- a bun sporting a few small braids running from her crown and round into the hair set at the nape of her neck. Loose tendrils of dark brunette fell forward around her cheeks, the whole thing set perfectly to frame her pretty face.

Time seemed to fly as one by one they exchanged places and moved around, and soon enough Katie was then in front of the make-up artist.

“Don’t worry about a thing,” The tiny blonde in front of her said as Katie quietly asked her to do her best to cover the scars by her mouth and temple, small reminders of what she’d been through at the hands of HYDRA. “You’re going to look perfect. I promise.”

Another glass of champagne made it into Katie’s hand and thirty minutes later she was done and handed a mirror. Her mouth dropped open. She’d had her make-up professionally done more times than she cared to remember but something about this was different. Someone else, but yet, still her glanced back. She had a light, neutral shade across her eye lids, which had a darker colour in the crease and a hit of sparkle. The contouring across her sculptured cheek bones was amazing, yet subtle, as the highlighter sweeping up and out caught the light perfectly, and the nude gloss on her lips set everything off.

And her scars were gone.

She swallowed and turned to the woman, smiling. “It’s perfect, thank you.”

Before the woman could reply, there was another announcement from FRIDAY about a delivery, and Katie glanced around and Pepper.

“What did you order?”

“That’s not me, I swear.” Pepper shook her head.

“I’ll go.” Nat offered, “I’m done here now.”

She headed out of the room and Katie stood up to allow Pepper to sit down for the make-up artist in the seat next to where Wanda was sat having the finishing touches done to her face. She looked amazing, dark smoky eye-shadow set off her eyes and red locks perfectly.

Natasha arrived back, a smirk on her face as she carried a simply huge bouquet of flowers which were tied with a blue ribbon and sat in a clear bag of water, a small Cartier bag also hanging from her hands.

“For the Bride.” She drawled, and Katie took the bouquet, smiling, not even needing to read the card to know who they were from.

“They’re from Steve.”

“How do you know?” Laura frowned. “They’re the ones in my tattoo.” She explained as she placed them gently on the kitchen area of her Tower Apartment admiring the various lilies, daisies and greenery set into the arrangements. “My favourite flowers.”

She picked the card out of the bouquet, spotting Steve’s looping scrawl straight away.

I can’t wait to make you Mrs Rogers, Sweetheart. See you at the Alter. All my love,  now and forever, Steve xxx

“That’s disgustingly cute.” Laura groaned, reading the card over Katie’s shoulder as she grinned at the simple yet meaningful message.

“That’s my Soldier all over.” Katie smiled before she opened the bag. She pulled out the small box and opened it, her mouth falling open at the beautiful drop earrings inside. They were roughly two inches long, chains of small diamond and white gold stars which glinted in the light.

“Star Spangled Man, huh?” Nat smirked and Katie turned to her grinning.

And suddenly the excitement washed over her. This was happening. Actually happening.

“Shit!” Katie wheeled round as her stomach started to flip “Oh my God, I’m getting married!”

**** Steve finished brushing off his shoes which were polished that much he could almost see his face in them. With a groan as the pain in his head had once again reared, damned that fucking Asgardian shit, he slipped them on and laced them up and then turned his attention to his hair. Once he had finally got it to lie how he wanted, it was time for his tie.

He hadn’t taken the decision to wear his army uniform lightly. It had been one he had agonised over for ages, but after Katie had told him it was entirely his choice but he should stay true to who he was, he’d realised that before Captain America, he’d been Steve Rogers, and all he had ever wanted was to be in the army. So he was going to be Captain Rogers today, who he was. 

There was a knock on the bedroom door and Sam walked in, already in his uniform. Steve smiled at him in the mirror before expertly tying the double-Windsor and turning round.

“Got the rings?” Sam asked. Steve nodded to the two boxes sat on the dresser which contained their bands. Picking them up, Sam slid them into his breast pockets, fastening the buttons.

“Nervous?” He asked and Steve considered the question for a second.

Was he?

“Kinda.” He admitted with a slight pop of his shoulder. “I don’t wanna mess up my vows, but I’m not nervous about marrying her, nothing has ever felt more right, Sam.”

Sam smiled and swept the man up into a bro-hug, clapping his back. “Tony’s heading off to the tower now. The tent  is ready, waiters are here setting the tables. It’s all going to plan.” “Maybe for once it might stay that way.” Steve sighed and Sam chuckled.

“How’s the head?”

Steve let out a small groan. “Pounding. As best man, I’m holding you totally responsible.”

Sam shrugged “Wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve been blamed for.”

Steve snorted.

“You know what you need?” Sam looked at him. “A leveller.” “A what?”

“Another drink, hair of the dog that bit you and all that…”

At the mere thought Steve’s stomach lurched and he shook his head. “The fuck I do.”

“Trust me.” Sam grinned, as he left the bedroom. “It never fails. How do you think I’ve just cured mine?” Steve followed him into the living room where a photographer was there taking snaps, Thor loudly asking what he was doing. Sam hastily explained, placating the god who was already in his Asgardian dress. Steve paused, looking at him for a second. Instead of the silver and red everyone was used to seeing him in, his robes were a glittering white lined with gold piping, his cape was deep blue and his hair was well groomed.

“Wow, Thor.”

“Traditional Asgardian formal dress.” Thor grinned, turning to Steve. “Little Stark’s request, which reminds me.” He jerked his head signalling for the Captain to follow him. Frowning slightly, Steve obliged, and the men stepped outside onto the patio area.

“Little Stark is very dear to me.” Thor began. “But she is your intended, so I thought it only right to ask your permission to give something to her.”

“Okay.” Steve frowned, a little puzzled.

“I have a headdress.” Thor explained, “It belonged to my mother and has been passed down the line for years. I would very much like to offer it to her to wear today.” Steve smiled, the man’s care for his girl was genuinely something he liked. He was a good man to have onside, and his intentions were always honourable. “She’ll love that.” Steve nodded. Thor shook his hand and held out his other, Steve just getting out of the way in time to avoid being flattened as Mjolnir flew into it with the familiar metallic swoosh, followed by a slap as the leather handle hit the god’s large palm. With a nod to the Captain, and a promise to be back shortly, he took off.

******

Pepper and Natasha looked stunning in their pale blue bridesmaid dresses. Knee length, skater style with off the shoulder straps. Laura’s dress was also blue, but a dark shade peplum style with a slit up the side and Wanda’s was slightly more grungy, almost 50s style, navy blue with polka-dots and a large, puffy skirt.

All four of them looked amazing and Katie told them so, beaming, before Pepper informed her it was time to get into her dress. In a daze Katie headed into the bedroom and taking a deep breath she peeled herself out of her robe as Pepper set the dress ready, and Katie stepped into it. She pulled it up, holding it in place as Pepper’s fingers deftly fastened up the buttons, before she smoothed down and fluffed out the skirt. Katie stepped into her heels, took a glance in the mirror and felt the tears prick her eyes.

“Don’t…” Pepper instructed, handing her a tissue from a box on the side, one which she had clearly bought, prepared to the very end “You’ll set me off, and there’s gonna be enough of that when Tony sees you.” “Where is he?” Katie asked, tissue gently dabbing at her eyes.

“Just getting into his suit.” Pepper smiled. “He won’t be long. Okay, you ready?”

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Katie nodded and the two of them made their way out of the bedroom and into the hall. The photographer that had been taking photos all morning was waiting, snapping away, capturing, she hoped, the look on the girls faces as for the first time ever she saw Natasha’s eyes watering over.

“Shit, Nova.” Nat’s hand flew to her mouth. “Wow.” Katie grinned at her, and was about to answer when the elevator door slid open.

"I’m looking for the one wearing white.” A familiar voice teased as Tony stepped into the apartment, making Katie turn to face him. He stopped dead, his eyes widening.

“Oh Kiddo, you look incredible.”  he whispered, swallowing slightly as his deep brown eyes sparkled, his face curling into a gently smile.

“Thank you, so do you.” Katie gestured to the charcoal suit and light blue Stock Tie he was wearing. Tony took the glass of champagne that Pepper handed to him but, before he could say anything else, another person stepped into the apartment.

A tall, large blonde God dressed in gold and white Asgardian armour beamed at Katie as her mouth fell open.

“Thor?” She looked at him, surprise on her face as he strode across the room to wrap his arms around her.

“Little Stark, you look beautiful.” He smiled down at her. “The Captain is a lucky man indeed.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I cannot stop long I just wanted to give you something.”

She frowned as he held up his hammer and with a sudden flash that made Pepper and Laura jump, she felt something land on her head. Katie reached up gently and felt the outline of a tiara perched on her hair.

“What…I don’t understand?” She whispered as she looked up at him, her fingers tracing the headdress. “It was my mothers.” Thor said gently. “I do not have a sister, you are the closest thing to it and I’d be honoured if you would wear it today.” Katie was speechless as she crossed to the mirror. Made of a silvery metal, the tiara consisted of a mass of intricate lines and reminded her somewhat of how the lost Diadem of Ravenclaw had looked in the Harry Potter films. It shimmered in the light and was adorned with what looked like diamonds, a larger deep red stone in the centre, and she could just make out the small ancient Asgardian runes

“Thor…I…” she turned to him, unable to speak. “I told your Captain of my intention.” He beamed. “He thought you would appreciate it. The runes are an ancient Asgardian blessing, they wish the bearer happiness and safety” “It’s beautiful, thank you.” Her voice cracked.

Thor pulled her in for another hug and nodded. “I must go now, back to the compound. Barton and Birdman and doing one final sweep of the grounds. I said I would help before we meet at the church.”

A final squeeze and nod and he left the room, and minutes later they all heard the tell-tale whoosh as he summoned the bi-frost.

“I really hope he was on the jet pad.” Tony grumbled. “Those damned marks are impossible to get rid of.” ***** Against his better judgment, Steve had a ‘leveller’- another shot of that lethal liquor- and to his surprise, it had actually gone someway to sorting his head out. Either that or his metabolism was finally working it out of his system.

But now he had another issue…

“Where the hell is it?” He was getting flustered, because how the HELL had he misplaced his uniform belt? He’d had it last night, he knew he had.

“It’ll be here somewhere.” Sam assured him, and after a frantic search, which left the apartment almost upside down, Clint located it down the back of the sofa.

“What was it doing there?” Steve frowned.

“Stark was wearing it as a headdress last night.” Thor supplied “You were wearing a tie, Birdman was wearing a pair of Little Stark’s tights and Barton was using a sash from a robe. You were, I believe Stark said the term was, rocking out to some form of music. Do you not remember?”

“No.” Steve mumbled, sliding it on and clipping it round his waist. He walked to the long mirror in the hall and looked at his reflection. Being dressed in this jerked back a lot of memories of his time with the Howlies, Bucky and Peggy…

“Just go talk to her.” Bucky said, leaning against the bar as Steve’s eyes roved up and down Peggy as she stood at the bar in the pub in London talking to Howard Stark.

“I talk to her all the time.” Steve looked at his friend.

“God you’re a dumbass.” Bucky shook his head “I don’t mean just talk I mean, you know…talk, ask her out.”

Peggy looked up, caught his eye and he found himself blushing before turning back to his drink. It really wasn’t appropriate, maybe if it was a different time…

“Captain America and still a pussy when it comes to women.” Bucky snorted, clocking the look on his friend’s face “Glad to see not everything has changed.”

But everything had changed now. And it was funny how it had all worked out in the end. But he wouldn’t change a damned second.

“Captain Rogers…” FRIDAY spoke. “Your cars are arriving.”

Steve took a deep breath and smiled at Sam who walked towards him, clapping him on the shoulder. “You alright?”

Steve nodded, suddenly his stomach was doing flips and this was nothing to do with the alcohol. “Let’s go.”

****

“The cars are here.” Pepper smiled, walking into the room with the box that contained the flowers. She handed Katie her bouquet, a simple bunch of Cala Lilies tied with pale blue, gold and red ribbons. She set about pinning one of the boutonnieres to Tony’s lapel before she smoothed his shirt down and pecked him on the cheek.

“Okay. Nat, Wanda, Laura and me are gonna go ahead now.” Pepper instructed. “You follow on in about fifteen or so, give us enough time to hand these out-“ she patted the box contained the remaining boutonnieres, “-and sort the boys into the right places.”

Katie smiled at her and she looked at the woman she had long since come to regard as a younger sister. “You really do look stunning!”

“Thanks Pep.” She kissed Tony again before she bustled the other three women out.

"You know,” Tony said gently when the door closed behind them, “I always thought when you were a kid that you’d look ridiculous in a wedding dress. But, I was wrong, yeah it happens occasionally.” His face softened as he looked at his sister “You turned into a beautiful woman. Mom and dad would be proud, just as I am.”

“They’d be proud of you too.” Katie smiled, the tears springing into her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. “You know that right?”

“Yeah, yeah, anyway.” He pulled back, sniffing slightly, before he ran his fingers underneath his eyes. “I have something for you.” With a flourish he reached into his suit jacket and withdrew a slim box.

Katie took it from him, her hands shaking slightly as she opened it. Inside was a stunning white gold necklace. It sported five teardrop shaped loops, each set with diamonds, the middle of the loops holding sapphires.

“It was Mom’s” Tony explained as she ran her fingers over the stones. “I’ve been saving it for you and figured that this…” his voice cracked, “was the perfect opportunity to give it to you.” “Tone,” she swallowed, the tears forming in her eyes once more, “it’s stunning.”

Tony took the box from his sister and gently removed the necklace and she turned round so he could fasten it round her neck.

“So that’s your something blue.” He said as she turned round, and let out a watery laugh.

“My garter’s blue.” “Don’t wanna know.”

Katie giggled and gently wiped at her eyes. “If you’ve ruined my make-up…” She headed to the full length mirror in the hallway and leaned forward to examine her face.

“I think you’re good.” He smiled as she locked eyes with him in the mirror. Satisfied that all the make-up artist’s work was still intact she turned to Tony who rocked forward on his feet a little, giving a clap.

“So, we got time for one last drink before you become a Rogers?” He asked, walking over to the liquor cabinet and reaching for two crystal tumblers.

“You know its’ only in name.” Katie smiled as he poured a few fingers worth of scotch into each glass.

“Still gonna be odd calling you by it.” He handed her one and she smiled. “But either way, you’ll always be my little Kiddo, you know that?” His voice cracked slightly and Katie took a deep breath, her eyes shining.

“Yeah.” She chinked her glass gently against his “I do Tone.” *****

Steve strode across from the car, Sam following and the pair of them began to greet the guests. Steve was starting to feel nervous now. He shook hands with Evans and Lawson, both of them giving him friendly slaps on the back, welcomed a load of other people he’d seen in Katie’s office before, but his mind wasn’t there. He was mulling over his declaration, and his eyes which were hidden behind his aviators, constantly roved the area in front of the church.

And then Sam slapped him on his shoulder.

“What?” Steve asked, turning to face him. 

“Bridesmaids are here Cap.” He smiled, and Steve turned to see the sleek, black Jaguar pull up to the side of the kerb. The driver got out and opened the back door to allow Natasha to climb out first, then Pepper followed, Wanda and Laura Barton getting out of the other side. Laura beelined for Clint who dropped a kiss to her cheek whilst Pepper, Nat and Wanda made their way over to Steve and Sam.

“You look great.” Steve smiled as he dropped a kiss to Pepper’s cheek, then Natasha’s then Wanda. “How’s Katie?”

“Nervous as hell.” Nat drawled, smoothing down her skirt before she looked up at Steve grinning. “Nice touch on the flowers and the earrings by the way, you almost set her off.”

 “But she’s ok?” He pressed.

“If you’re asking whether she’s having second thoughts, not a chance.” Pepper touched his arm. Steve took a deep breath and then turned to the Priest who had joined them.

“She’s about ten minutes or so behind.” Pepper smiled, at the man before she turned to Sam and Steve. “So I suggest you lot get to where you should be.”

“Right, yeah…” Steve took a deep breath, “Ok…”

He turned to head into the church and Sam looked at Natasha. “On a scale of one to ten how dead is she gonna knock him?”

“Eleven.” Nat grinned.

Sam let out a laugh before he yelled to the other groomsmen, and began his duty organising people into the church to the right seats.

**** Katie had a tight hold of Tony’s hand all the drive into Brooklyn. They made easy talk, the pair of them laughing in the back of the car but, as they rounded the corner to the street where the church was, Katie suddenly fell silent.

“You okay?” Tony looked at her. Katie nodded. 

“A bit nervous. Not about marrying Steve but…” She trailed off. “It feels strange, being happy, after everything that we’ve been through.”

“You deserve it.” Tony pressed a kiss to her temple. “Now push that thought out of your mind okay? Today is about you…and Steve.” He added as an afterthought.

Katie laughed as the car pulled to a stop and the driver hopped out. Tony got out of his side and rounded the car to offer Katie his arm. She tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow, her bouquet clutched in the other and together they made their way up to the entrance where the Priest, Pepper and Natasha were waiting. The photographer got a few snaps before he nodded and said he would see them inside.

The Priest smiled and ran through the usual checks and questions which Katie answered and he smiled, clapping his hands together.

“Okay, well, let’s get you married.” He grinned, heading back inside, leaving them stood in the vestibule area. 

Katie took a deep breath and Natasha and Pepper took their places.

“You ready?” Tony questioned, placing his hand over Katie’s as the opening chords to Eva Cassidy’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” started up.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my entire life.” She squeezed his arm when her knees threatened to wobble as the doors opened.

All heads turned in their direction as Pepper and Natasha made their way down the aisle and Katie’s legs suddenly felt like jello.

“Don’t let me fall.” She whispered as she gripped her big brother’s arm even tighter. 

Tony turned his head to press an affectionate kiss to the side of her head, “Never.” He whispered back with a smile.

As they made their way down the aisle, Katie wanted to take a look around the full church but she couldn’t. She couldn’t take her eyes off her soldier at the front. It wasn’t the fact that he looked especially handsome in his 40s dress uniform that made Katie’s knees tremble, neither was it his, as usual, clean shaven face or his perfectly styled hair. It was his eyes, and the smile on his face that lit up the moment he saw her.

“Oh my god...” Steve managed to mumble, his mouth dropping open, and Sam clapped him between the shoulder blades.

“You’re a lucky man.”

Steve couldn’t bring himself to reply. Instead he stood, gawping like an idiot as his girl glided towards him. She looked incredible, almost like she was glowing. Her dress was elegant, yet almost princess like. Her hair was twisted up off her face and she wore the biggest smile on her face he’d ever seen. He watched as she clutched onto Tony’s arm, her brother giving her hand another squeeze and the two turned to face each other, sharing a moment, before she looked back at Steve and their eyes locked. The Captain took a deep shuddering breath and smiled back, a smile which didn’t leave his face all the time she made her way towards him. 

After what felt like an age, his nearly wife reached his side and stood in front of him.

“Hi.” She managed to whisper, and he shook his head, blinking back his tears as he let out a deep breath.

“You look astonishingly beautiful.” His voice trembled as his eyes bored into hers and she felt herself flush, the grin still plastered to her face.

“Why thanks.” Tony said, and the pair of them looked at him, Steve letting out a simple snort as Katie shook her head, a small laugh escaping her mouth as she handed her bouquet over to Natasha.

“Dearly beloved,” the Priest opened. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Steve and Katie.”

Steve looked at Katie and she gave him another huge grin, neither of them paying any attention to the Priest as he ran through his usual greetings, until there was a little chuckle from the congregation that shook them both back round and the turned to look at him.

“Who here gives this bride away?” he questioned.

“Oh, right, that would be err, me.” Tony stepped forward and gently turned Katie’s left hand into Steve’s right. The two men shared a meaningful look that could only be described as pure respect before Tony stepped back, taking his seat next to Pepper, blinking away his tears as she gripped his hand.

“You have prepared your own declarations before the vows?” The Priest looked at them, and they nodded. “In that case, ladies first.” he smiled at Katie and she took a deep breath, turning to face Steve, as he took both her hands in his, clearing her throat.

“You know, if someone had told me that the man I met for the first time in that small boxing gym down town would be the man I would fall in love with and one day marry, I would have told them they were being ridiculous.” She smiled and Steve squeezed her hands. “Stevie, I’ve watched you grow and thrive in a world that you thought you didn’t belong in but you never let it break you. You have no idea how strong you are and how strong you make me.” She hadn’t realised she’d started crying until Steve released one of her hands to wipe her cheek, his own eyes shining as he felt like his heart was going to burst through his chest as she continued. "When I think back on how much we’ve been through over the past few years, it never fails to amaze me how you carried not just me through it, but everyone around you too. You’re the most honourable, beautiful man I know, and that’s nothing to do with any serum, it’s just who you are. You’re my best friend. My lover. My everything. And I’ll always love you Steven Grant Rogers.”

"Wow,” The minister said clearing his throat. “Captain? Think you could top that?”

“I’ll try my best.” He choked out making laughter ripple through the crowd along with a few sniffles, before he took a deep breath. “Katie, when I went into the ice, I thought I knew what love was. I thought that I was in love before and that I wouldn’t ever feel like that again. And then you walked into my life and not only did I get to know you, I fell head over heels in love with you and you made me understand that a first love and a true love are two Stark-ly different things.”

Katie smiled, and there were a few titters at the pun he had used. He took another shaky breath and continued. “You’re the most beautiful, kind hearted, brave woman I’ve ever met. Each second I spend with you is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. Everything I’ve been through I’d do it a thousand times over, and then some, if it meant I’d find my way back to you. You’re my world, my home, my girl, and for that I will always do my best to be the husband you deserve, to keep you safe, and happy and I’ll always love and cherish you. To the end of the line.”

As he finished, his voice broke a little and Katie took a shuddering breath as she reached up to wipe a tear away from his eye, just as he had done to her before. He smiled at her and she beamed back, her own tears threatening to trickle down her face, as he took her hands back in his, both of them turning to the minister again.

“Anyone got a tissue?” The man asked, pretending to dab at his eyes with his robes causing a few chuckles to ring around the church before he addressed her and Steve again.

“Ready for the serious business?”

They both nodded. One by one they made their vows, promises to love, honour, cherish and forsake all others for richer, for poorer and in sickness and in health being uttered as their eyes intently bored into each other, driving the words home into each of their souls.

The sentiment wasn’t lost on either of them, they’d been through all of it and so much more already.

“Do you have the rings?” The minister asked. Sam stepped forward and gave Katie Steve’s.

Katie did as she was told, placed the ring at the end of Steve’s finger and repeated the vows they had chosen as she looked him straight in the eyes.

“I give you this ring as a token of my love for you. I give it with my loving heart, with my willing body and with my eternal soul.” She slid the plain platinum band onto Steve’s previously bare ring finger and once it passed his knuckle and nestled in its new permanent home, he took a deep breath then exhaled.

Then it was his turn. He rolled Katie’s ring in his fingers before looking up and locking gazes with her as he repeated after the minister the same vows she had made,  finally sliding her diamond studded band down her perfectly manicured finger, his thumb sliding over the top of it. She looked at it for a second, before glancing back up at him, smiling.

"By the power vested in me by the Church and the State of New York, in the presence of God…I mean Gods,” the Minister politely corrected himself, looking at Thor and the bride and groom laughed along with the rest of the Church as Thor raised a hand, grinning. “I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. Captain,” he patted Steve on the shoulder, “you may now kiss your bride.”

Oh, he’d wanted to do that the minute she had walked into the Church!

With a smile, Steve closed the small distance between them and took her face in both his large hands, as hers slid up to his chest and he pressed a soft, sweet and perfect kiss to her lips.

There was loud cheering and clapping as they pulled back and Katie had just enough time to register the cheeky wink he flashed her before his hands pulled her back to him and this time he really kissed her, in a way that was totally not appropriate for a church but neither of them cared as his tongue slid along hers. Through the blood rushing in their ears, they could just make out the sound of more cheering and a couple of wolf whistles. They broke apart and for a long moment, their foreheads pressed together and they just smiled stupidly at one another, until Steve reluctantly stepped back so he could take his wife’s hand in his, and turn to face their guests.

“Ladies, gentlemen, please be upstanding for your bride and groom!” The minister spoke “Mr and Mrs Rogers!”

Their exit song ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ struck up and for the first time Katie got to glance at everyone in the room. She smiled at so many people, when a squeeze to her hand from Steve brought her back and he beamed at her.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Never better!” she grinned.

He pressed another soft kiss to her lips before they set off down the aisle. As they reached the end, Steve bent to pick up something, and Katie watched the familiar flash of red, white and blue vibranium as he swung it onto his arm.

“Seriously?” She arched an eyebrow.

“Trust me, Doll.” He muttered. “Because I don’t trust that lot one bit.”

The photographer got a few shots of everyone and then people started to climb into cars and head to the compound, all except the Avengers plus partners who had made an arch for the bride and groom to walk under. Steve grinned and turned to Katie, the two sharing another kiss before he nodded at her and they made their way down the steps onto the path. As soon as they did, Katie realised what Steve had been talking about as suddenly a barrage of rice rained down on them as the group yelled and cheered. As she shrieked with laughter, Steve pulled her to him, shield raised over his head, ducking slightly as they made their way to the waiting car. The chauffeur opened the door to the Jaguar SUV and Steve helped Katie in.

“I love you Mrs Rogers.” He grinned as they settled in the back of the car.

“I love you too.” She whispered back as his face dropped towards hers.

“Good, because you’re stuck with me now.” He leaned in, his nose rubbing against hers before he gave her another soft kiss as the car pulled away.

*****.

As the group filed out of the church, no one noticed the man staying close to the shadows across the road. But then they wouldn’t, as it’s a good hiding place, he knew this neighbourhood like the back of his hand after all, and he should do too given the amount of times he and that scrawny little blonde haired punk used to tread the sidewalks getting up to mischief. Full of dirt and leaves from scaling trees they would head back to Steve’s house for his Ma to patch them up, normally getting a clout upside the head (fondly, he recalls, never meant to hurt) as she complained in a strong, Irish brogue, which always seemed so unbecoming from such a slight woman. “You two young hooleys are going to be the death of me, so you are!” She’d admonish as she wiped their various bruises and fed them large pieces of whatever she’d managed to bake from that week’s meagre supplies. Now that small, sickly kid was a strapping six-foot plus mass of muscle, his outward appearance now reflected the brave Captain he had always been, stood in his old army dress uniform, his stunning wife a vision in ivory, and he was pleased to see, looking a lot healthier than she had when he had carried her out of that outpost in Canada. He watched as Steve raised his shield above his bride’s head to shelter her as their group of friends pelt them with rice, planting a kiss to her lips as various cheers and whoops hit his ears, and then they hurried to the waiting car. As it pulled away the last he saw of Steve was him leaning across the to place a kiss on his girl’s, no, his wife’s lips who’s pretty face looked like it might split in half from her smiling so much. “Good for you, Punk.” He muttered and, smiling to himself, he pulled his cap further down over his face and tucked his hands into his pockets. Yes, he had taken a huge risk coming here but he couldn’t not see his childhood best friend on his wedding day… even if his childhood best friend hadn’t seen him. 

With more of a spring in his step than he remembered having since before the war, he headed back to where he had hidden the stolen motorcycle ready to trek back North where he could catch a flight to Europe and slink back into the shadows once more.

****

The sunny August afternoon passed in a daze of champagne, photos and food. 

The head table was situated in the middle of the banquet tent, occupied by Katie, Steve, Sam, Pepper, Tony and Natasha. The rest of the guests were seated at circular tables dotted around, Katie and Pepper having carefully plotted places. Of course the Avengers had their own table, which was rowdy, Thor’s loud voice booming across the Tent as he sat with Jane, who was chatting away to Linda Barton. Vision was perched next to Wanda, conspicuous as always, whilst Banner was talking to Clint. 

When the desert had been eaten, glasses were charged and it was time for the speeches. 

It was Tony’s turn first and as he stood up, both hands raised in his usual flamboyant manner, Katie let out a soft groan as she knew she was about to get a roasting. Her brother started off fairly mildly, toasting the bridesmaids cheekily quipping he was looking forward to taking one home with him that evening.  

“Which one?” Quipped Clint, earning him a slap round the head from Laura whilst the tent laughed. 

Tony paused before he dropped a hand to Pepper’s shoulder where she sat to his right and grinned. “Well there’s a fifty-fifty chance it’ll be the one I’m in a relationship with. No offence, Widow, but you’re not my type.”

Natasha flipped him off as the tent laughed, and all raised their glasses, before a wicked glint flashed in Tony’s eyes and he turned to his left, looking at Katie where she sat at the head of the table.

“Kiddo.” He smirked “I don’t know where to start.”

“Then don’t.” “Oh I’m gonna…” He winked “For the last Thirty-One years you’ve been a monumental pain in my ass. From making me fight monsters under your bed with the vacuum cleaner to your Vegan Goth phase and that damned Turkey that you insisted we keep.” He looked at her fondly as he grinned. “And we won’t even mention the amount of times I was called into School because you’d sassed a teacher, or when you refused point blank to fly home from University on a normal jet, or the time you wrapped your BMW round a lamppost and blamed the road for being too bendy. But, for the record, there isn’t a day that I’d change any of it. Watching you flourish into the beautiful, brave, kind young woman sat in front of me has, and always will be, my greatest achievement. Everything that life has put in front of you, you’ve taken and more. And I’ll always be proud of you.”

He took a deep breath as Steve’s hand curled round Katie’s under the table.

“And as for the groom, well, there’s not much to say about Spangles really. When I first met him, thought he was a Star Spangled asshole. Now I know him, think he’s just a normal asshole.”

Steve rolled his eyes, “Thanks Tony.” he quipped as the he guests laughed. But as his brother-in-law locked eyes with him, the two of them smiled.

“How I found out about you two was less than desirable.” He raised his eyebrows and they both let out a groan “For those of you that don’t know I walked in on them, in the kitchen, and interrupted something, and I won’t lie, I wasn’t overly enamoured about the idea but you fast proved me wrong and, well, here we are.” Tony swallowed and looked at Steve. “For the record, Cap,  I’m glad she has someone like you to look after her, care for her and cherish her but just so you know…” he raised his two fingers to his eyes and then moved them towards Steve, the same I’m watching you gesture as he had given him in his apartment over two years ago. Steve snorted into his glass which was once more full of Asgardian ale and Katie simply shook her head.

“In all seriousness, Rogers and I had a nice long talk last night about what it means to be a family. To love and be loved. To feel like you do and will forever belong with a certain person. And he told me that’s what he felt about Katie. That he does and will forever belong with her.”  Tony looked around the room with a flourish before he turned to look at the newly-weds. “And I know I speak for everyone here when I say, we are so lucky – and happy – that we’re all part of this weird-ass family. Even with Rhodey here.”

Rhodey flipped him off from where he sat across the tent and the guests laughed once more

“So if you’ll please all raise your glasses.” Tony picked his up, as everyone stood their glasses raised. “Steve and Katie, Cap and Kiddo, and our friends, family, be they with us or not.”

The murmurs of the echoed toast died down being replaced applause and whoops as Tony took a short bow, before he rounded the table and Katie stood up to hug him kissing his cheek. 

“Love you.” She grinned, and Tony beamed back at her before he returned to his seat. 

At that point Steve stood up to a load of cheers and he held his hand up.

“Yeah, not sure how I can follow that.” He smiled, “Thanks for those kind words Tony.” He cleared his throat. “You know, looking around the place, seeing everyone here to help us celebrate has brought it home to me how lucky I actually am. When I came out of the ice, I thought I’d lost everything, my entire life, everyone I knew. But I fast came to realise that whilst that may have been true once, what I’ve gained since is irreplaceable.” He glanced down at Katie before he looked back around. “When Katie walked into that gym which was only a few blocks away from where we got married today, we shared a ten minute conversation. By the end of those ten minutes I’d already realised how sassy, sarcastic and loyal she was, and dare I say it, damned gorgeous too”

Katie shook her head as titters rose around the tent.

“But then I got to know her. And she became my best friend, still is, and frankly now I think she’s the most amazing human being on the planet. I could continue to wax lyrical about you Doll, but I won’t. I said everything I had to say to you in the church, but there is one thing I wanted to add. You said that I make you strong, but it’s really you who does that to me. I’m only strong because you’re by my side. You make me want to be a better person and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of waking up in the morning by your side, simply being able to call you mine.” He took a deep breath, blinking back the tears that were threatening to fall as he looked down at the table, then back to her. “From that first date I knew we had something special and everything we’ve been through in the past two and a bit years, we’ve made it through because we’ve been together. So if I could ask you all to raise your glasses in the direction of my gorgeous, amazing wife.” He stopped, dropped his head and shook it, chuckling. “Man I’ll never get tired of saying that…” He looked back up, a huge grin on his face and Katie laughed, wiping her eyes “Mrs Rogers.”

He sat down and Katie leaned over to give him a soft kiss, smiling as her hand gently traced down his cheek. More cheers and Steve grinned against her mouth, his cheeks flushing slightly as he pressed his forehead to hers.

And then Sam got up.

“Yeah, saved the best till last I know.” He said as everyone giggled “I’ll keep mine short and sweet as we all know there’s a party to get started. I first met Cap when he was running. Well, I say running, it was more like tearing up the ground. Kept lapping me like a crazy mother, nearly killed me trying to keep up.” He grinned and Katie and Steve both laughed. “I haven’t known him for very long all things considered, so being asked to be best man was a privilege, so thank you brother. It means a lot.” He nodded to Steve who raised his glass in his direction. “Now, being friends with Captain America is probably the same as what being friends with Steve Rogers is like, from what I can gather. He’s a great guy, with a fully functioning moral compass, only there’s the added complication that you’ll have a building dropped on your head, get shot at and generally be whipped into a whole heap of trouble, and that was only within the first three days we’d met.” Sam quipped as the tent laughed and Steve shook his head. “But the thing is, when Captain America knocks on your door and needs your help, you gotta follow, even if it means your life expectancy is probably gonna halve.  Mind you, my chances of getting laid have more than doubled so I think they cancel one another out.” At that Steve groaned and dropped his head into his hands as the tent erupted into laughter. “But in all my life I’ve never met two people more suited for each other. You’re like peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, Simon and Garfunkel, can’t have one without the other.” Sam smirked “So, without further ado, charge your glasses one final time, to the new Mr and Mrs Rogers.”

Everyone did so and Sam drained his glass, clapping his hands together. “Now how about we get this party started?”

****

A few hours later as the sun was dipping behind the trees and several bottles of champagne, Asgardian beer and a fair few measures of whiskey had been drunk, Steve led his wife to the dance floor for their first dance. Surrounded by their friends and family he gently pulled her into his arms as the first bars of their song rang out from the speakers.

I’ve been searching all my life I used to be so color blind You opened up my eyes Do you wanna share your dreams See a different side of me You’re everything I need He pulled her closer, his hand curling round the small of her back, his other tightly clasped around hers as they gently swayed to the music, foreheads pressed together, smiles stuck firmly to their faces.

I like it when you think out loud Things you say when you know There is no one else around I can dig my own graves now But will you smile every time I try to crawl my way out

His left hand dropped from the small of her back and he took a step away, spinning her out into a twirl as the chorus struck up, drawing cheers from the circle of people around the dance floor.

There is no one like you I live in a world of black and white And you are the only one in color There is no one like you Into mystery I slide I want you to keep it all uncovered You are the only one in color

Katie smiled as he pulled her back to him, his face beaming and, as was tradition, they were joined on the floor by a few other couples, Tony and Pepper, Clint and Laura, Thor and Jane amongst them. Wanda and Natasha were dancing together too, in a joking, friendly way, which made Katie’s smile grow even larger.

You know how to set that mood You can light up any room Just by the way you move The only one who understands What I’ve given you you’ve given back Come on and take my hand

The music continued and, as the chorus struck up again Steve span her out once more, making her laugh and this time he pulled her back in so her back pressed against his chest. Wrapping both arms tightly around her middle he pressed a soft kiss to her neck, breathing her in deeply. Katie laughed, her hands coming to rest over his own, thumb stroking the new addition to his ring finger.

You turned an old world upside down A wave of calm when I was so tightly wound And so full of doubt I’ll never tell you that two’s a crowd I know I can’t get through without Ever needing you around

Steve knew everyone was watching, probably taking pictures or video along with the official photographer, but he didn’t care. Extending his arm above her head, he took hers with him and gently spun her to face him. His right hand slid up to cup her face and as he leaned close to capture her lips. Katie’s hand slid up to tangle in the back of his hair before she pulled away slowly and he let out a soft moan as his forehead dropped to hers.

"Mrs Rogers.” He whispered in her ear.

“Yeah?” “Nothing, I just wanted to say it.”

*******

“Garter off. No hands Rogers!” Nat yelled over the music as Katie sat in a chair on the dance floor. “That’s the rules.”

“Well we all know I’m a stickler for rules.” Steve grinned, discarding his jacket and tie to a few whoops and a loud whistle from his bride, he tossed them over a chair as the men in the party gathered around, the women standing a bit behind, Pepper explaining what was going onto Wanda.

Steve strolled casually past them, hands in his pockets, his eyes locked on Katie’s as she arched an eyebrow in an almost challenging manner. This was the point where he would normally flush red but he hadn’t got a shred of embarrassment about his nature thanks to the Asgardian alcohol which once more coursed through his veins. He gave her a grin as he dropped to his knees and then, with a devious wink, dove under her skirt. Katie giggled and covered her face with her hands whilst the outline of Steve’s broad shoulders could just be made out moving up her legs. But only she could feel his breath on her thighs. He grinned and pressed a soft but hot kiss to the very top of her thigh and it took everything in her not to jump or show any outward indication of his actions, but she did bite her lip when his teeth nipped down her thigh until he caught the lace of the blue garter that he himself had given to her the day before, then dragged it down her leg.

There were more whistles and cheers when he emerged from beneath her skirt with the garter in his mouth, a loud groan coming from Tony, before Steve took it in his hands, stood up and fired it towards the men. Sam was the catcher, hastily dropping it from one hand to the other until he finally snatched it, and looked around, winking at Natasha.

“What about it Red?” He grinned at her “Fancy a bit of Sammy-lovin’?”

“In your dreams birdbrain” she drawled, as everyone cackled.

**** All too soon their day came to an end, but Steve had one final surprise for Katie. She had been fully expecting to go back to their room at the compound but Steve simply shook his head and led her over to a waiting car which was parked on the expansive gravel driveway.

“We are not spending our wedding night at home, Kitten.” He said simply when she asked where they were going. The car drove them out of Brooklyn and into Manhattan as they drank more champagne, finally pulling up outside The Mark, where they were greeted by a red carpet and applause from staff.

Between the alcohol and being drunk on happiness, they were tripping over each other by the time they made it to the bridal suite. Steve opened the door into the huge room, and the pair of them stumbled forward. Laughing, Steve curled an arm round her.

“Hang on.” With a flourish he bent down and scooped her up, carrying her into the room and she giggled as he stepped forward, kicking the door shut behind them before dropping her to her feet. She spun round and grabbed a fist full of his shirt, just below his open collar button, bringing him down to kiss her, hard as they backed across the suite into the bedroom where Steve spun her round and carefully, delicately popped the buttons down her back, his fingers brushing her skin as her dress fell open and dropped, pooling at her feet, leaving her in nothing but a pair of white, lace French knickers

He leaned in and pressed soft kisses to the crook of her neck, nuzzling into her hair, as she reached up to remove the various clips, freeing her brunette tresses.

“God you’re beautiful.” He whispered as she spun to face him, eyes shining as she started to undo his shirt.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she smirked as her hands gently undid the buttons on his shirt, her eyes never leaving his.

And then it was a race to get out of their remaining clothes before they both collapsed on the bed. Steve took his time, kissing down his wife’s body, running his fingers down her ribs before his hands gently parted her legs. His nose skimmed below her bellybutton before he moved downwards, nipping at her inner thigh before he set his mouth to her.

Katie groaned and all but melted into the bed letting him have and play with her all he wanted. Her first orgasm hit her hard in a ridiculously short amount of time and, leaving her breathless, he kissed all the way back up her body before he settled his hips against hers. He was rock hard and aching for her, and she shivered as he pressed up against where she needed him most.

He took her left hand in his, his thumb skating over her rings and placed a soft kiss over them before interlocking their fingers and pressing her hand down on the pillow next to her head.

“I love you so much, Mrs Rogers.” He mumbled leaning down and running his nose alongside hers.

“I love you too Captain Rogers.” She responded, holding eye contact with him as he slowly slid inside her, letting out a moan as she lay back and he kissed her again, deeply, passionately, slowly rocking into her. Katie rolled her hips up taking him deeper, moans flowing freely between the pair as he slowly built up his rhythm, releasing her hand so that he could grasp onto her hips. Katie’s arms wrapped around his shoulders pulling him in close and she buried her fingers into his hair.

“Faster.” She moaned, wrenching her mouth from his so she could breath and he didn’t hesitate to oblige. After a few more thrusts he slid his hand under her lower back and lifted her slightly, face buried in her neck, nipping, making her gasp and shudder as he hit her spot with every thrust of his hips until she was moaning and writhing and muttering nonsense.

Whether it was the passion of the day or the fact that it was just different because they were now married, for Steve it felt the most intense love they had ever made. It was the perfect way to finish off an amazing day and when they both fell apart completely immersed in one another, cries of names and curses tumbling from lips, Katie happily welcomed his weight on top of her as he caught his breath whilst she peppered soft kisses against his sweaty forehead before their noses gently rubbed against one another. Both of them remained, trembling in the afterglow and it took a while but finally Steve gathered enough strength to roll himself to the side where Katie immediately curled up into his side, her head on his chest.

“Was it everything you hoped for?” He asked, and she hummed blissfully as he carded his fingers through her hair

“And more.” she whispered softly.” And wanna know the best bit?” “What?” She moved so she could look up at him, her face soft as she gave him the most intimate and incredible smile he had ever seen on her face as she answered “We have the rest of our lives ahead.”

**** Chapter 27

**Original Posting**

[thoughtfullyyoungduck]

secret son

A/N: this was requested by anonymous, I hope you enjoy, let me know what you think. I might make a part two with Richie and Eddie’s son getting to know each other a bit better if anyone wants to read that? How’s everyone doing during this time? 

Summary: Could you write a fic post it chapter 2 where months after the fight with Pennywise eddie shows up at richie's house with the ten year old son he didn't mention he had?

warning: some  homophobia (like really really brief though) 

Richie is nursing his third whiskey when a harsh knock on his door catches his attention. The scotch, a real one from Scotland with an earthy and smoky flavor that Richie only drinks when he’s feeling particularly sorry for himself, sways dangerously over the edge before stilling with only a drop off spillage when Richie hurries to steady the glass. 

The reason his emotion threaten to bury him tonight more than usual, is the texts he has received from Bill. It wasn’t a bad text, but he asked if Richie had any idea why Eddie  hadn’t answered his phone for a few days, and now Richie can’t stop his thoughts from spiraling. After reliving the same trauma twice, panic is the automated response when someone forgets to check in with them.

He’s being ridiculous, Richie tells himself, especially since he himself hasn’t texted Eddie in, well not since he left Derry. He packed his bags faster than Eddie had started walking again, choosing to run when he confessed the extent of his love for Eddie, and it was met with pure utter silence. His phone had started buzzing as soon as he crossed state lines, Eddie’s adult face pinched in annoyance gracing his cellphone screen, the photo he had taken during dinner the very first night after he won the game of arm wrestle, seemingly laughing at his expense. He didn’t pick up.

Of course he kept up with Eddie’s progress through the other losers, but he refrained from reaching out to Eddie on his own. Ever the coward, his traitorous mind provided with a hiss, the dark part of his mind growing a little everyday he wasn’t in contact with his best friend. Cause that was the place that Eddie still inhibited in his heart. He might have turned away from Richie’s feelings, but Richie still considered Eddie his closest friend, even if the opposite was true vise versa.

It’s his own fault anyway, if only he had some self-control, so he could stop the words from overflowing and his darkest secrets from tainting the perfect facade he had built around himself. When Bill texted that Eddie didn’t answer any calls or texts, Richie swallowed his pride and his embarrassment, sending a quick and short message Eddie’s way.

The white hotshame burned brighter than it had since Eddie turned Richie down when the former  went radio silent. Richie supposes that he had that one coming, but that didn’t stop it from hurting. Another insistent knock caused the pounding in Richie’s brain that to intensify, by whoever is knocking gets what they want, Richie downing the rest of the scotch in on go, slamming the glass against the counter and getting up. He has no clue who it could be.

The last person to drop by his apartment was his manager, after Richie had neglected his duties as a comedian once more, to rouse him from an alcohol induced slumber and get him ready from him show. Today is Richie’s off day though, so he knows that it can’t be him. The only person that Richie can think off is his neighbor asking to borrow something, but that doesn’t appear to be likely.  Whoever he was expecting to see, the man he left in a Derry hospital bed before said man was fit enough to leave was not it.

‘Eddie?’ Surprise crosses Richie’s face as soon as he makes eye contact with him, blinking dumbly behind his giant glasses who are sitting askew on his face. He looks good, a lot better than he did when Richie last saw him, white as a sheet and trembling from head to toe.

It hurts physically to see him up close again, while Richie wants nothing more than to reach forward and touch him, to hug him even in just a friendly way, but Richie figures that that is off limits. He can’t shake the look in Eddie’s eyes when he told him he loved him as more than friends, the look of pure and other fear, of him. Not Pennywise, but Richie, like not even being attacked by a killer clown was a terrifying as someone having a gay crush on you. He tries to focus on the now rather than reliving the moment that has haunted his dreams more than Pennywise.

‘What are you doing here Eds?’

Eddie’s face is doing that thing again where he can’t complete hide the fact that he is worried, but he’s trying his best to stay calm for someone else. It’s a sight that was thrown Richie’s way one too many times, often when he did something stupid and Eddie had to fix him up, but now Richie is unsure what could be the reason he’s sporting the look, until he lays on the little boy standing next to him.

With furrowed eyebrows, he stares at the kid who is clasping Eddie’s hand in his tightly. He can’t be more than six years old, his legs yattering with what Richie assumes is impatience, and he’s shamelessly staring at Richie. Kids don’t know any better he supposes.

The eyes strike recognition in a deep part Richie can’t name for himself, and suddenly, without any second guessing, he knows that the child is Eddie’s. A dead give away are the eyes, but also his general presence reminds him of a younger Eddie.

Something in his face must give him away, for when his gaze turn back to Eddie, all he does is nod. There are a thousand question Richie wants to ask him, for example why he never brought him up when they first reunited, or what they’re doing at his doorstep, but he notices how exhausted they look, and so he gestures with his head, giving them permission to enter the house.

‘Thanks Rich.’ At the sound of Eddie’s voice his body jolts, more aware than ever that a part of him went missing and he has no idea how to get it back or what to do about it.

Richie rushes back towards his kitchen, pushing past both Eddie and his kid, to hide the bottle of booze still out in the open. He’s not very subtle about it, and he can see on the judgment on Eddie’s face before it is carefully concealed.

‘So, what are you doing here Eds.’ Richie struggles to appear indifferent, but he is confused and dying to know why Eddie and his son where here, so he imagines that he’s not pulling it off very well.

Eddie glances at his son, still holding his hand and resisting the urge to pick him up. When he doesn’t respond straight away, Richie turns towards the boy, who is looking hesitantly up at him. His personality clearly mirrors Eddie’s,  his wariness having transfer onto the next generation.

‘What’s your name bud?’ Ever since he was little, Richie has this gift when it comes to children, being able to communicate with them, and understand them when adults write their quirks off as annoyances.

He used to have a bond with Georgie back when he was still alive, and despite the usual horror stories off siblings, he got along great with his sister once she was born. He’s hoping that whatever charm helped him do that, will help him form a band here.

‘My name’s Matthew, but everyone calls me Matt.’ He seemed to be shy, toying with the hem of his shirt.

‘Are you my dad’s best friend?’ Richie blushed a bright red, since he not really knew what the answer was supposed to be. He assumes he still is, but he’s unclear about what Eddie might have told matt.

Thankfully, Eddie answers for him. ‘Yeah he is Matt.’ For a moment it’s quiet again, and the room fills with an awkward tension, neither Eddie nor Richie knowing where to go from here.

‘Is there somewhere Matt can explore?’ Eddie inquires eventually, the extra meaning behind his words crystal clear to him.

We need to talk, but not with my son in the room.

The apartment is not nearly big and all composing enough for a child to be able to go exploring, there’s only really 5 rooms in total, a kitchen, living room, the main bedroom and a guest bedroom and bathroom, none of which are necessarily child proof.  

He does have a PlayStation attached to the tv in the guest bedroom however, even though he rarely uses it, and so he figures that’s the best place to direct Matt too.

‘You wanna go play a game buddy?’

Matt peers up at his dad, who nods reassuringly, giving him a gently push Richie’s way.

He waits for Matts affirmative nod before leading the way.  It’s a miracle the thing works, as it’s been for three years completely unattended, but as soon as it starts Matthew jumps up and down excitedly when he sees the Mario kart logo pop up.

Richie leaves him with the door open just an inch, so that Eddie can still see him from the living room. ‘Do you want something to drink?’

‘No thank you I’m good.’  

The awkwardness lays heavy on Richie. Things have never been uncomfortable with Eddie before, and he knows that it’s his fault that it is now. He wants to make a joke, or steer the conversation into safe waters with light topics to talk about, but he’s also aware that there has to be a reason why Eddie would show up to talk to him this late, without a phone call or any sort of notice. Because Richie’s brain is still muffled by the alcohol and he can’t think of a joke to make, he decides to ask the obvious first.

‘You didn’t text me back, Eds.’ It’s a stupid thing to stay, Richie knows considering  he didn’t call Eddie back for months, but the question is out in the open and there’s no taking it back anymore.

‘My phone died on the way here.’

‘You fucking drove here? If you wanted to see me that bad you could have boarded a plane.’ Richie cringes when he hears himself speak. That was a quip he was used to making, but one that no doubt  caused internal disgust in the other man.  

‘I left Myra, and I need a place to crash.’ Eddie opts to say, despite it not being an answer to the question. For a moment Richie fears he might pass out, stumbling backwards but managing to keep upright thanks to the chair behind him. Out of all the possible explanations he was prepared for, this was not it.

‘Wh- why did you do that?’ Richie’s voice is shaking, his attempt to steady only being futile. He’s thrown for a loop so bad, that he forgets to conceal his shocked reaction. It’s out in the open, how Richie longs for him, but the least he could do was have the decency to cover it up.

‘Because,’ Eddie peeks past Richie to see Matt, who is fully focused and engaged in the game, before gaining enough courage to say what comes next.

‘Because I’m gay.’ He manages to spit out, his hands shaking by his side while he stares intently at Richie.

Richie has never been hit before. He’s been punched before and even kicked, yet never hit, but he imagines it feels somewhat like the words Eddie just breathed to life.

It’s strange since kid Richie would have done anything in the world to hear those words coming from Eddie, to the point where at night in his bed he would imagine scenarios in which he would utter them, but the situation at hand is very different than the one he fantasized about.

The fact of the matter is, that Eddie is not homophobic like Richie suspected him to be after his reaction, he just reacted disgusted because it was Richie, and that hurt even worse. He knows his not a catch. He woke up one day in college and saw himself for what he really was, a below average looking guy whose only talent was making jokes that would annoy others, with a ridiculous loud voice. And as he got older he only got worse, but he hadn’t expected that Eddie would use that against him.

He thought that Eddie might have let him down easier, but he guesses he just has that effect on people. His first instinct is to snap back in his hurt, to reply somewhat cruelly so that his feeling don’t show, but then he comes to the conclusion that he was just in Eddie shoes a few months ago, and he can recall exactly how scared and how disheartened he had been when he received negative comments, and he can’t do that to Eddie. Maybe to someone else, but not to Eddie.

Instead he replies with; ‘Oh well congrats for coming out. Welcome to the team Spagheds.’

Apparently, it’s not the reaction Eddie expected, for his face falls and his eyebrows furrow, confusion written all over his face.

‘Rich. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, it’s just that -.’ Richie interrupts him before he can say something else.

‘Hey, it’s fine. I get it. I wouldn’t tell the guy that made me uncomfortable either.’

Eddie blinks rapidly, opening his mouth but Richie intercepts, trying desperately to keep his feeling at bay.

‘Do you want to crash here for tonight? We can order pizza and watch a movie. Or whatever Matthew likes to eat is fine by me. I’ll get some extra sheets because I know you’d be disgusted if you found out what kind of action I’ve been getting. Not like I’m still hung up about a rejection, can you imagine?’ He laughs uneasily, scrambling to get together an extra sleeping kit, ignoring Eddie as best he can.

‘Rich’, he calls his attention, and despite being embarrassed, Richie would follow Eddie into anything, so he stops dead in his tracks and turns towards him.

‘I have a son.’

‘Yeah, I kind of figured that out Eds. I have eyes, he looks a lot like you.’

Eddie rolls his eyes in annoyance, huffing to convey how stupid Richie acts sometimes.

‘When you told me you liked me,’ Richie shrinks down, his shoulder turning in on themselves to make himself as small as possible, ‘I was worried you might feel different about me, because I am a dad.’

‘I could never, Eds. I just don’t understand why you didn’t mention him before.’

A sigh leaves Eddie’s lips, a sad smile gracing his lips. ‘I was worried IT might find out and use it against me. Besides, I didn’t even remember you guys all that well in the beginning. I was just scared.’

Richie gets it a little bit. When he was younger he was terrified IT might take his sister, and he would have done anything to prevent that. So he understands why Eddie wouldn’t say anything back in Derry, but why not after? Why didn’t he say anything when they left. Then again, it’s not like they talked a lot post clown fight two.

A thought suddenly downs on Richie then. ‘Wait, did Myra just like you take Matt with you?’

Eddie’s face turns bright red, a guilty look crossing over his features. Richie eyes turn wide as saucers.

‘Eddie, do not tell me you kidnapped your son’, Richie whispers screams, panic taking over as he thinks things through. It’s Myra, and from what he heard about her, she’s pretty much the same as Sonia, which means that she has no problem calling the police.

‘You could get arrested.’

‘Only if she calls the cops,’ Eddie hisses back, his body locked in anger, like he’s a bomb that is very dangerously close to exploding, quitting down when he sees Matt’s head peeking through the crack in the door. He waits until Matt is turned back towards his game to continue.

‘Look, I told her that I was gay, and she told me to get everything that’s mine out of her house immediately, anything that I had ‘infected with your homosexuality’. So I took me son with me. I wasn’t going to leave him there.’

All at once, the fight leaves him, and he crouches down on the couch, his head in his hands while he begins to sob. It produces back a memory, from a time where he had to go over to Richie’s house to tell him he was leaving Derry and not coming back, and Richie hurries to ban the thought out of his head before he joins in.

‘Two days ago, Matt fell of his bike in our backyard, and when he did he started practically screaming. I’m sure it hurt a little, but he was crying hysterically, and he begged me not to tell his mom, because she would freak out.’ Eddie’s eyes filled with tears focus on Richie’s, who is slowly making his way over to sit next to him. ‘Then he asked me if he would get really sick now because of the dirt on the ground that must have gotten into his wound.’

Eddie laughs humorlessly. ‘I though that by staying with Myra I would do him a favor.  I was just trying to protect him. I can’t believe I was convinced staying with Myra would be good for him. She’s exactly like my mother Rich, and I didn’t protect him.’

Despite better judgment, Richie puts his arm around Eddie, shuffling closer so that their knees are touching, and Eddie gracefully accepts, leaning further into Richie so he’s practically a pillow, a sob wrenching from his throat.

‘You did protect him Eds, you moved with him right? He’s gonna know that his dad did that for him, because you loved him.’ Placing his chin on the top of Eddie’s head, Richie breathes in deeply, forcing himself to stop from being overly affectionate, even when he’s clearly failing.

‘When Myra told me she was pregnant, I freaked out. I love my son, I would do anything for him and I wouldn’t give him up for anything in this whole wide world, but when I saw the pregnancy tests, all I could think was ‘oh god please no’. I’m a terrible father.’

Richie shakes his head determinately. ‘Eds, look at me. That’s normal, we went through some tough shit when we were kids, even if we didn’t remember it. You love him, and you look after him, and trust me, none of those are attributes to being a bad parent like you claim you are.

Eddie sniffles, placing one of his hands against Richie’s cheek, who embarrassingly enough nuzzles against it like a wounded dog would to a loving touch.

‘I’m sorry Richie. I really am. I love you. I think I somehow always have, even when I forgot, but I was so fucking scared when you told me, that I turned you away. As soon as I did I regretted it though, but I didn’t want to scare you off, and I didn’t want to put Matt through that change. Can we start over? I just really want to try this again.’

Richie is almost scared to believe the words coming from Eddie, but hope blossoms in his chest anyway. The piece that had cracked when he was turned away seem to magically fix itself, making his heart feel whole again.

‘You want me to confess my love for you again? Jees demanding much? You know your mom was the exact same way, always needing reassurance that our night together felt as good to me as it did to her.’

‘I changed my mind. And to think I was about to thank you for being serious for the entire conversation.’

Despite the meaning of the words, Richie can’t help but laugh when he sees the face Eddie is pulling, cheeringly outwardly when Eddie breaks and laughs alongside him.

Matt comes out of the room to check out what the commotion is about, a childlike glee all over his face when he sees his dad happier then he had ever been. ‘Can we order Pizza please?’ He begs Eddie with the same puppy dog eyes Eddie used to own when they were young themselves.

Richie grins at the boy, and while Eddie is pretending to contain plate it Richie nods excitedly, causing him to giggle with glee.

‘Alright’, Eddie eventually pretends to give in, watching as Matt jumps up and down in pure joy. He looks like the kind of child that has an endless supply of energy, and Richie can’t wait to find out more about him. This is the son of the man he loves, and if Matthew is even half the person Eddie is, than Richie loves him already.

‘Hey Matt, we’re going to stay with Richie for a while longer okay? If you don’t have anything against that?’

Matt just shrugs, eager to get back to the game and get some eat some food. ‘Sure.’

‘oh, we can’t tell mom though, she’ll freak knowing I ate pizza.’

‘Shit’, Eddie curses as soon as Myra’s name comes back up. Matt glares at him, placing a finger on his lips as an indication to be silent, and Richie can’t help but titter.

‘We’ll figure it out Eds, we always do.’

And if Richie spend the next few weeks looking for a new house for them to move into, well then that is just them figuring it out.

[i-am-a-closet-fanfic-fiend]

Stepping Up ~ Bucky x Reader (Epilogue)

A/N: Hello my lovelies! So this is the very last bit of the story. Thanks so much to all of you for reading and commenting. They all make my heart sing so thank you very much! There’s two scenes in this! A mid credits and a post credits if you will. Enjoy loves! 

And to my lovely friend @supermusicallee I hope this story is everything you hoped for since this started as Infinity War coping. I loved writing it! <3 

Summary: Wedding’s over and it’s time to go home. 

Rating: K+ 

Warnings: Language maybe. TBH this is basically just fluff! 

Word Count: 1300

Masterlist

Mid Credits

“Well, I think it’s safe to say you’re won my family over completely,” you commented as you pulled away from your Aunt’s house.

“Really?”

“Absolutely. If Dad doesn’t like you then you’d know it.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.”

“Plus, they all told me you were a keeper. I think Mom’s already planning our wedding. Although after the chaos of this week maybe we should just elope,” you muttered, before clapping your hand over your mouth, realizing what you just said. “I just meant. Umm. You know…”

He reached over to hold your hand.

“Easy, doll. I know.”

You glanced at his face and you realized he did know. He knew how deep your feelings went and that they had been there for years. It didn’t matter you had only just started dating. Smiling, you squeezed his hand.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The two of you had opted to drive back instead of flying, so it was late when you arrived.

“I’m going to see if Tony is still up.”

“I’ll come with you. I need to return his tech,” he pulled the small metal case out of his pocket.

“In that case,” you handed him the bottle of scotch, and grabbed his metal hand walking down the quiet hallway.

Tony was up tinkering when you strolled in to his lab. He smirked when he saw you holding hands, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like “finally”.

“Hey you two. How was the wedding?”

“Everything was perfect. I can’t thank you enough for all that you did.”

“What’s the point of being a billionaire if I can’t make some dreams come true?” he shrugged.

“This is from Penny and Dylan,” you handed him the box containing the second tier of their wedding cake and the thank you letter. “And this is from us.”

Bucky handed him the scotch and the case. “For everything.”

“I heard you didn’t use it,” he remarked pointedly.  

“Didn’t need it after all. But it will definitely come in handy on missions. The tech is perfect.”

“Glad to hear it.”

You gave Tony a tight hug, surprising him.

“You’re the best, Tony.”

He ducked his head at your sincerity.

“I’m glad I could help. You two look exhausted. Go get some sleep.”

“Good night, Tony.”

 You ran into Steve on your way back to your rooms. When he noticed the two of you holding hands, his smile turned smug.

“Finally,” he rejoiced.

Was this going to be everyone’s reaction?

“How did the mission go?” you asked, eager to avoid his questioning.

His brow furrowed. “What mission?”

“The hydra base,” you reminded him.

“Oh right. That mission. Bad intel,” he mumbled, raking a hand through his hair, a nervous tick Bucky had confided that he’d had since youth.  

You narrowed your eyes at him.  

“There wasn’t a mission was there?” Bucky voiced your suspicions aloud.  

“No, no. There was a mission. It just didn’t involve HYDRA,” Steve shrugged with a shit-eating grin.

“You set us up,” you accused.  “He set us up,” you huffed as you turned to Bucky.

“So you intentionally let me think I was going as her fake boyfriend.”

“I gave you all the relevant information. I can’t control your assumptions.”

“You punk,” Bucky chuckled and you knew he was the furthest thing from annoyed, but you maintained your glare.  

“Oh come on,” He sighed. “Someone had to. And it worked didn’t it?” His eyes were bright, and you could see how thrilled he was for the two of you (almost as thrilled as you were).

“You’re still a meddler. I should kick your ass,” you muttered as you tugged Bucky towards your room, stopping as you passed to Steve to kiss him on the cheek. “But I won’t because I’m grateful for it,” you whispered.

“You’re welcome!” he barked out a laugh and continued on his way.  

“But don’t do it again!” you yelled back.

Bucky was still chuckling to himself when you closed the door to your room.

“What is so funny?”

“Our story wasn’t so far off.”

“Story?” You repeated.

“The one we made up to tell your family. With the pining and our friends conning us into admitting our feelings.”

That moment felt like a lifetime ago, but you couldn’t be happier about how things had changed.

“Huh. You’re right. But I think I remember that story ending with a passionate kiss,” you hinted as you slid your hands up his chest to the nape of his neck.

“I think you’re right. Is this what you were imagining?”

He placed a chaste kiss on your lips and you narrowed your eyes.

“You call that passionate?”

He grinned down at you.

“No, I call this passionate.”

He caught your lips in a searing kiss as he lifted you off the ground, holding tight to his body as he carried you to the bed. He didn’t break the kiss until you were gasping for air.

“I like your definition of passionate,” you panted as he continued to press open mouthed kisses on your neck.

“Good.”

  Post credits scene: 1 Year Later

After a seemingly endless series of brutal missions, you and Bucky had managed to get a week off at the same time and you had been determined to take advantage of it. When he suggested revisiting the bed and breakfast you’d stayed at when he picked up his bike, you jumped at the chance. It had been the most amazing week.

You spent lot of time riding his bike and sightseeing, and at night you would cook dinner together and eat on the deck of your cabin under the stars.

On your last full day there, you decided to ride up to the lake you’d visited last time. So you packed a picnic lunch and climbed onto the bike behind Bucky, holding on tight and enjoying the ride.

“I forgot how beautiful this place is,” you sighed as you leaned back on the picnic blanket as you listened to the soothing flow of the lake. “This was a perfect idea.”

“This whole week has been perfect,” he murmured as he leaned over for a quick kiss.

You hummed your agreement as you leaned your head on his shoulder.  

“Do you wanna know a secret, doll?” He asked as you snuggled into his side.

“Of course.”

You pulled back just enough so you could look him in the eye.

“The first time we came up here. I spent the whole weekend trying to work up the courage to ask you to be my girl.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I had it all planned. It was going to be smooth and debonair. And I was going to sweep you off your feet.”

“So what happened?” You asked, knowing that he’d never asked.

“Well, you were sitting there like you are now. And you looked so beautiful and warm and like everything I ever wanted. And I was terrified. So I chickened out.”

“Aw, Buck.” You reached out to caress his cheek. “I wish you hadn’t been scared, but everything worked out perfectly.”

“I agree. But I’m not going to screw up asking you this time.”

You laughed and nudged his shoulder.  

“Bucky, I’m already your girl.”

His grin widened and he got on one knee as he pulled a small velvet box out of his jeans pocket.  

“I know, doll. But will you be my wife?”  

His expression was so full of hope and love and you couldn’t find your voice, so you simply nodded and placed your hand in his. The ring slid into place, a perfect fit.

“These are happy tears right?” he asked slightly concerned considering you hadn’t said anything yet.

“Yes. These are over the moon tears. I love you so much, Bucky. I can’t wait to marry you.”

A/n: So there it is! Fluff to finish! I’ve loved this story a lot and I hope you have too! I’m not sure what I’m going to focus on next but I will keep you posted so stay tuned! Thanks for reading! 

xoxo 

Naynay 

Tag lists are open (please send an ask) 

Stepping Up Tag List @holycoldcoffee @ek823 @lordemjay @nirvanalovesyoutbh @eleshka-still @bookgirlunicorn @pastelsweaters-and-bubble-t

Bucky/Sebastian Tag List @waywardpumpkin @sadanddeadsoul @captain-maaarvel @caylast @isaxhorror @run-your-cleverboy @ria132love @mbsgr @hereisanapplepie @pierrxt-uta @thejourneyneverendsx @stevieboyharrington @catsandbooksinafarawayplace @mywinterwolf @andreagf956

Marvel Tag List @hdthdthdt​   @sophiatomlinson23 @misty-panther @supermusicallee @scarlettsoldier @acupofhotlatte @slender--spirit @petitesmate

Permanent Tag List @iamwarrenspeace @jayzayy @bexboo616 @neoqueen306 @santheweird @rowenaravencalw @buckitybarnes @prxttybirdz @sergeantjbuckybarnes @captainsamwlsn @broitsmydick @ailynalonso15 @nyxveracity @queenoftrash97 @walkingtravesty97 @lamia-maizat @memyselfandmaddox @lowkeybuckyb @whiskey2011 @averyrogers83 @lovingpeterparker @buckybarneshairpullingkink @beansparker @coralphantomninja @xxashy999xx @thisismysecrethappyplace @ravennightingaleandavatempus @paintballkid711 @whosmarisaaarw @silverkitten547

[notallthosewhoarelostwillwander]

Visionary Thai Adventure 2017 - In Transit

September 28 - October 1 So, for lack of a better blog, gonna diarize this adventure here. My workplace has a charity which they use to send staff from all levels of the company around the world, doing vision tests and crafting eyewear for people in need. A few years ago, I was selected to go to Houston for a week, where we saw 1200 children and made 900 pairs of glasses. This year, I was lucky enough to get chosen to spend two weeks in Chiangrai, Thailand, where we anticipate seeing 6000 patients. Oh my. My poor thumbs are going to be be so tired of inserting lenses. I departed from Calgary at 5:20 pm on Thursday, September 28. It was a bit of a stressful rush for final preparation, as a good friend was getting married the weekend before and the fiancé and I were both in the wedding party. On the Monday, I was informed that the horse had a wound on his eye socket - the one we had removed for cancer two years ago. That week was a flurry of final prep at work and vet appointments. A tissue sample was sent to Saskatoon for biopsy. I'm really hoping it is just an infection and not cancer returning. Either way, it's out of my hands. Anyhow. Dad dropped me off at the airport extremely early, which gave loads of time to get through security and customs, so I found my gate and then enjoyed a sampler of wines at an airport bar while I waited. I also met up with one other woman flying out of Calgary, which was nice because it would be a total of four jumps to complete the journey, and I'm an anxious flier. Her name is Carolyn, and she travels enough at work to be comfortable navigating airports. The first leg was from Calgary to San Francisco, and only took two hours. I had a window seat, and the smoke was clear enough for me to see to the ground. Our route took us along the edge of the Rockies, which was cool because I was actually able to pick out Centre Peak and the Valley where I spent several years working at a summer camp. I was also able to see the devastation from the wildfires this summer as we passed over Waterton National Park and into Montana. The scale is absolutely incredible. No wonder the air was pea soup for weeks! I also watched Moana to pass the time, amusing myself trying to pick out Lin-Manuel Miranda's voice in the soundtrack. We landed in SFO at 7:20pm and had to wait until 1:00am to board our pond-hopper to Taipei. We had a bite at an airport bar - I also had a scotch with the BIGGEST ICECUBE I've ever seen in a drink, honestly it was more ice than scotch - and met up with about a dozen others flying out of SFO. Funny thing was that we were split between 3 different planes! Still, it was good to get to meet some more faces I'll be working with. One woman, Jen, recognized my nalbinding and mentioned she and her wife were in the SCA. I look forward to chatting with her more; she seems like a kindred spirit. I won the Airplane Lottery as far as seating goes on the 13 hour leg - I was alone in my row and able to stretch out over 3 seats to sleep. I'm glad, as I was feeling a little nauseated by nerves and exhaustion by this time, and was happy to pop a sleeping pill and pass out. I woke several times because there was a toddler who was screaming for literally 13 hours, but after plugging in my LOTR audiobook I was able to sleep almost the whole was there. I woke up in time to eat the plane breakfast - and my cold dinner, which I fell asleep before touching - and watch the first half of The Martian. We landed in Taipei at 5:20am on Saturday. You read that correctly. Because of the oddities of global time zones, my 13 hour flight took 28 hours. How bizarre. At any rate, we ran back into Jen & Co at a small coffee shop, where we killed our layover by drinking some truly excellent joe, eating some mediocre waffles, and sharing photos of our respective children and pets. I also drooled over the AMAZING selection of Ardbeg and Laphroig scotches, but was strong enough not to buy any. Yet. The airport wifi here was strong enough to message mum and email Ffynn, as well as send Snapchat updates to a number of friends. Modern technology is amazing! The journey from Taipei to Bangkok was stressful. Our flight was delayed, which was less than ideal as we had very little time in which to make our connection. I finished The Martian and started The King's Speech, but it was hard to concentrate when constantly checking the flight clock. Also, I was one of a handful of people who were unable to get their boarding pass for the last leg to Chiangrai, which was an added stress. To be on an overbooked flight after over a day of transit time would be an almost intolerable delay. We were met at the gate in Bangkok by an airport staff to herd us to our gate, and I am glad we were. Bangkok airport is HUGE. I think it is bigger than Frankfurt or Amsterdam. It certainly felt that way, as we hustled in a stampede vision quest down impossibly long hallways to security and immigration at our gate. It was definitely several km. Fortunately, we were all able to get our boarding passes, through immigration - the officer slapped a Baggage Claim sticker on my boob as we went by - and security, and made it to our gate with just 5 minutes to spare. This last little jaunt was only an hour, and I was seated next to a marathoner from Cincinnati who found the Boob Sticker Molestation deeply amusing. I think his name is Matt? He seems interesting, at any rate. Food on this short hop was duck in Thai noodles with some sort of green chocolate chip cake for dessert. Easily the best meal so far. I'm looking forward to trying new foods here, but hope it isn't too spicy overall! Because of our hurried dash to make our connection in Bangkok, about a dozen of us got the pleasure of filling out Lost Baggage forms - myself included. Still, at that point I was just pleased to not have any more flights. We were assured that the bags were accounted for, but just needed to be sent along on the next flight. We took a shuttle to the hotel and arrived at eve Wiang Inn (snigger) at 4:00 ish local time. It's a pretty snazzy conference centre, with a lovely outdoor pool, expansive lobby, and a grand piano for live entertainment. I voiced my admiration and was told 'It's not bad' by some other Clinic members. I'm reminded of the Houston trip, where many Head Office people turned their noses up at our digs, which were admittedly not 5-star, but still perfectly nice for a business trip. To receive a similar response at a luxury resort makes me wonder just how out of touch with reality some of these higher-ups are! After all, the company is PAYING US TO BE HERE, and there are literally porters wandering around offering us chilled glasses of juice. A little gratitude and wonder wouldn't be out of line. Anyhow, I met my roommate Brittny, who arrived on Thursday as part of the core team, and who already had my key. She's from Texas, seems nice, and that's all I know about her so far. She brought me up to the room, which is cute and quite serviceable, though it has a huge sex middle across from the bed and there is a weird window looking into the shower. It has blinds over it, at least. The shower doesn't drain as fast as it fills, but there is a secondary drain on the floor of the bathroom, and the water has good pressure and was piping hot. I felt 112% better once I showered and had a brief nap before dinner. The food is okay here so far. It was a little cold, but I think that's because the buffet was waiting for us for a while. Lots of fresh fruit, which is awesome. Nonetheless, some people still do nothing but complain. That's going to get old awfully fast. I rather expect I'll be choosing my companions more based on their attitude towards this adventure than because of any real similarity in spirit. My tolerance for spoiled and entitled people is extremely low. Thanks, dad. Learned that one from you. Anyhow. Our bags arrived just as we were finishing up, and then we moved en masse to explore the night market nearby. There are Thai massage parlours EVERYWHERE, and an hour massage costs only $10USD! I know what I am doing every few evenings. Love thyself, am I right? I need to take my passport with me tomorrow to get some money changed. I found a 7-11 and got a nondescript bottle of wine for the room. Here's hoping it's not bad! By the time I got back to the room it was after 9:00 and time to get some shuteye. Still no word from Ffynn, but he at least got Facebook set up so I can message him. Woke up at 4am feeling pretty wired, so I decided to do a blog. I'm going to try to stay on top of it, but it took me an hour to type this on my phone so we'll see how I manage. It's 5am Sunday here, which means 4pm Saturday at home. Gonna chat with some other folks back home, I think.

[notallthosewhoarelostwillwander]

Vision Clinic 2017 - The Journey Begins

So, for lack of a better blog, gonna diarize this adventure here. My workplace has a charity which they use to send staff from all levels of the company around the world, doing vision tests and crafting eyewear for people in need. A few years ago, I was selected to go to Houston for a week, where we saw 1200 children and made 900 pairs of glasses. This year, I was lucky enough to get chosen to spend two weeks in Chiangrai, Thailand, where we anticipate seeing 6000 patients. Oh my. My poor thumbs are going to be be so tired of inserting lenses. I departed from Calgary at 5:20 pm on Thursday, September 28. It was a bit of a stressful rush for final preparation, as a good friend was getting married the weekend before and the fiancé and I were both in the wedding party. On the Monday, I was informed that the horse had a wound on his eye socket - the one we had removed for cancer two years ago. That week was a flurry of final prep at work and vet appointments. A tissue sample was sent to Saskatoon for biopsy. I'm really hoping it is just an infection and not cancer returning. Either way, it's out of my hands. Anyhow. Dad dropped me off at the airport extremely early, which gave loads of time to get through security and customs, so I found my gate and then enjoyed a sampler of wines at an airport bar while I waited. I also met up with one other woman flying out of Calgary, which was nice because it would be a total of four jumps to complete the journey, and I'm an anxious flier. Her name is Carolyn, and she travels enough at work to be comfortable navigating airports. The first leg was from Calgary to San Francisco, and only took two hours. I had a window seat, and the smoke was clear enough for me to see to the ground. Our route took us along the edge of the Rockies, which was cool because I was actually able to pick out Centre Peak and the Valley where I spent several years working at a summer camp. I was also able to see the devastation from the wildfires this summer as we passed over Waterton National Park and into Montana. The scale is absolutely incredible. No wonder the air was pea soup for weeks! I also watched Moana to pass the time, amusing myself trying to pick out Lin-Manuel Miranda's voice in the soundtrack. We landed in SFO at 7:20pm and had to wait until 1:00am to board our pond-hopper to Taipei. We had a bite at an airport bar - I also had a scotch with the BIGGEST ICECUBE I've ever seen in a drink, honestly it was more ice than scotch - and met up with about a dozen others flying out of SFO. Funny thing was that we were split between 3 different planes! Still, it was good to get to meet some more faces I'll be working with. One woman, Jen, recognized my nalbinding and mentioned she and her wife were in the SCA. I look forward to chatting with her more; she seems like a kindred spirit. I won the Airplane Lottery as far as seating goes on the 13 hour leg - I was alone in my row and able to stretch out over 3 seats to sleep. I'm glad, as I was feeling a little nauseated by nerves and exhaustion by this time, and was happy to pop a sleeping pill and pass out. I woke several times because there was a toddler who was screaming for literally 13 hours, but after plugging in my LOTR audiobook I was able to sleep almost the whole was there. I woke up in time to eat the plane breakfast - and my cold dinner, which I fell asleep before touching - and watch the first half of The Martian. We landed in Taipei at 5:20am on Saturday. You read that correctly. Because of the oddities of global time zones, my 13 hour flight took 28 hours. How bizarre. At any rate, we ran back into Jen & Co at a small coffee shop, where we killed our layover by drinking some truly excellent joe, eating some mediocre waffles, and sharing photos of our respective children and pets. I also drooled over the AMAZING selection of Ardbeg and Laphroig scotches, but was strong enough not to buy any. Yet. The airport wifi here was strong enough to message mum and email Ffynn, as well as send Snapchat updates to a number of friends. Modern technology is amazing! The journey from Taipei to Bangkok was stressful. Our flight was delayed, which was less than ideal as we had very little time in which to make our connection. I finished The Martian and started The King's Speech, but it was hard to concentrate when constantly checking the flight clock. Also, I was one of a handful of people who were unable to get their boarding pass for the last leg to Chiangrai, which was an added stress. To be on an overbooked flight after over a day of transit time would be an almost intolerable delay. We were met at the gate in Bangkok by an airport staff to herd us to our gate, and I am glad we were. Bangkok airport is HUGE. I think it is bigger than Frankfurt or Amsterdam. It certainly felt that way, as we hustled in a stampede vision quest down impossibly long hallways to security and immigration at our gate. It was definitely several km. Fortunately, we were all able to get our boarding passes, through immigration - the officer slapped a Baggage Claim sticker on my boob as we went by - and security, and made it to our gate with just 5 minutes to spare. This last little jaunt was only an hour, and I was seated next to a marathoner from Cincinnati who found the Boob Sticker Molestation deeply amusing. I think his name is Matt? He seems interesting, at any rate. Food on this short hop was duck in Thai noodles with some sort of green chocolate chip cake for dessert. Easily the best meal so far. I'm looking forward to trying new foods here, but hope it isn't too spicy overall! Because of our hurried dash to make our connection in Bangkok, about a dozen of us got the pleasure of filling out Lost Baggage forms - myself included. Still, at that point I was just pleased to not have any more flights. We were assured that the bags were accounted for, but just needed to be sent along on the next flight. We took a shuttle to the hotel and arrived at eve Wiang Inn (snigger) at 4:00 ish local time. It's a pretty snazzy conference centre, with a lovely outdoor pool, expansive lobby, and a grand piano for live entertainment. I voiced my admiration and was told 'It's not bad' by some other Clinic members. I'm reminded of the Houston trip, where many Head Office people turned their noses up at our digs, which were admittedly not 5-star, but still perfectly nice for a business trip. To receive a similar response at a luxury resort makes me wonder just how out of touch with reality some of these higher-ups are! After all, the company is PAYING US TO BE HERE, and there are literally porters wandering around offering us chilled glasses of juice. A little gratitude and wonder wouldn't be out of line. Anyhow, I met my roommate Brittny, who arrived on Thursday as part of the core team, and who already had my key. She's from Texas, seems nice, and that's all I know about her so far. She brought me up to the room, which is cute and quite serviceable, though it has a huge sex middle across from the bed and there is a weird window looking into the shower. It has blinds over it, at least. The shower doesn't drain as fast as it fills, but there is a secondary drain on the floor of the bathroom, and the water has good pressure and was piping hot. I felt 112% better once I showered and had a brief nap before dinner. The food is okay here so far. It was a little cold, but I think that's because the buffet was waiting for us for a while. Lots of fresh fruit, which is awesome. Nonetheless, some people still do nothing but complain. That's going to get old awfully fast. I rather expect I'll be choosing my companions more based on their attitude towards this adventure than because of any real similarity in spirit. My tolerance for spoiled and entitled people is extremely low. Thanks, dad. Learned that one from you. Anyhow. Our bags arrived just as we were finishing up, and then we moved en masse to explore the night market nearby. There are Thai massage parlours EVERYWHERE, and an hour massage costs only $10USD! I know what I am doing every few evenings. Love thyself, am I right? I need to take my passport with me tomorrow to get some money changed. I found a 7-11 and got a nondescript bottle of wine for the room. Here's hoping it's not bad! By the time I got back to the room it was after 9:00 and time to get some shuteye. Still no word from Ffynn, but he at least got Facebook set up so I can message him. Woke up at 4am feeling pretty wired, so I decided to do a blog. I'm going to try to stay on top of it, but it took me an hour to type this on my phone so we'll see how I manage. It's 5am Sunday here, which means 4pm Saturday at home. Gonna chat with some other folks back home, I think.