#hopefully I can nudge that toward a story I promised to update three months ago...

[blametheeditor]

DnD Backstories: meet Fritz and David

Warnings: people being treated as lesser beings. Attempting to steal.

Run Down: how a cleric became loyal to the God of Favors

Don’t worry, the DM has approved everything

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There’s only a few times Fritz has wished his hair and fair skin didn’t make him stick out like a sore thumb while hiding in the shadows. And the angry inn keeper reaching for a weapon to chase him out into the frozen night makes this one of them.

“M-Ma'am, I’m sorry!”

The halfling yelps as he leaps back from the broom threatening to toss him across the room. Something he’s rather dreading. If he was well rested and fed, escaping from the well-deserved rage from trying to take already thin rations is usually easy. Enjoyable, even, considering the only time he’s ever tried to steal was in his own kitchen, not wanting to wait for permission to eat a cookie his mom only just finished cooking.

“Out!” the woman roars, growling as he dodges another swipe.

Well, ‘dodges’. More like trips from his energy running low and not noticing his ripped cape got caught underfoot.

Fritz scrambles to his feet, sprinting out from behind the counter, heart in his throat at the thought he’s going to die. If not by her hand if she decides to chase him down in order to be properly executed, then by the fierce blizzard waiting patiently to offer a snow filled grave. This was the only building he saw after walking for miles. He was actually lucky to find a place filled with fire-lit hearths right as the gales strong enough to throw him off his feet started up.

Of course, he got greedy. A half-dead halfling can hide effortlessly if he’s only sitting in one spot. But if that same halfling attempted to sneak past a human of all people, he sealed his own fate.

It’s just snow. At least the few hours he had had surrounded by warmth and the smell of food reminded him of-

“OOF!”

Fritz falls onto his back after running into a support beam, the breath knocked out of him. But he can’t lie here forever. The woman, she was upset, he needs to run. Where did this beam come from, anyway?

“Now where is a little thing like you running off to?”

His blood runs cold as the wooden beam starts speaking in common. Fixes amused hazel eyes on a thieving halfling that just ran at full speed straight into him. Finally registers as a human smirking down at what must be quite the sight.

Before an apology can be spouted, an angered huff sends Fritz skittering behind the man. Meaning he just keeps digging his own grave.

“It was running from me,” has him flinching. “I apologize for getting you caught up in the mess, Mr. Harrison, but I can take it from here.”

He should run. Why isn’t he running?

The halfling stares with wide eyes as a hand that effortlessly covers the flaming red hair suddenly ruffles the unruly tufts, unable to move away from the calming action. “What happened?”

“It’s a thief. Tried to take a whole meal right from under my nose!”

Fritz chances a glance up at the man he might consider a building, a bit disbelieving someone who’s radiating respect and authority isn’t trying to shake him off. Maybe even chase him out of the inn himself. Anyone being told someone tried to steal would immediately side with the poor woman who hasn’t done anything to deserve it.

His gaze is caught, and nothing but a thoughtful look is given. Not even a hint of disdain.

The man, Mr. Harrison, removes his hand to straighten the tie adorning a suit he’s only seen royal merchants wear, and he should really start running...

“I’m assuming winter coming early meant you couldn’t stalk up properly.” A few coins are placed on top of the counter. “I’m also assuming halflings aren’t the most prepared of folk.”

More along the lines of a teenager never expecting to lose his mother the way he did.

“I’ll pay for the meal he stole, along with two more. I’ll also be renting a room for a week in which he’ll be staying.”

He, as in-

Fritz’s head snaps up from its tired hang as he processes what’s being discussed above him. He’s too close to the counter to see the woman’s expression, but the sound of money being accepted says his inexcusable actions have been forgiven. Not only that, but a room has been purchased. For Fritz.

“Come along.”

The halfling doesn’t hesitate to dart after the generous man striding away. “Th-Thank you, sir! And I wanted to apologize for running into you!”

“It’s appreciated,” Mr. Harrison grins. “You’re well under half my size, though. Nothing’s been torn, so no harm’s done.”

Fritz shakes his head, wincing when the action makes the world spin. “I feel like there has been. If I didn’t run into you, you wouldn’t have paid for my mistake. I-I want to repay you!”

His benefactor suddenly stops beside a door, making him skip passed on accident before racing back to stand beside the person he owes his life to. Keeping him safe. Giving him a warm and sheltered room to hide from the blizzard if only for a week.

“That’s the first time someone hasn’t waited to offer repayment,” Mr. Harrison muses. The door swings open and Fritz allows a yelp as he’s suddenly swept up in order to be set on the bed. “What’s your name?”

“Fritz Nobleroot!”

The man frowns, shaking his head. “Fritz I can work with. Your last name is far from professional, however.”

Fritz is only half listening. He understands he’s being given a chance to redeem himself, but his mind can only think about how soft the bed is. How long it’s been since he’s slept. How it’s been over a month since he’s really felt safe. Wanted.

“Go to sleep,” has him obediently flopping against the pillow as soft as down. “I have business to attend to. Just follow the instructions.”

Instructions. He can follow instructions...

He’s asleep, unaware of two plates of warm food being set on the table for when he wakes up. Nothing but an unknown force subconsciously pulling him to the clothes and letter left beside it for him to protect with his life.

David strides out of the room without bothering to lock it again, smiling at the thought of how perfect everything’s come together. The inn keeper he’s been trying to make a deal with is finally willing, and it’s all thanks to the creature slumbering away. Who knew acting protective over something would finally break her resolve.

A smile appears at the thought of how much he can do with such an innocent thing in his pocket. A halfling, of all things, despite dealing with thousands of humans, elves, and dwarves.

Maybe he should stop ignoring the smallest of races...

[ratonnhhaketon]

Still Breathing

Read on Ao3 | Previous | Next 

Summary: Six months after the defeat of Thanos, the world is still in chaos. The threat of the Flag Smashers combined with the new headstrong Captain America means it’s time for Valencia Zicari to help save the world one more time. But, in doing so, she also has to pick up the pieces of a broken relationship.

Warnings: Major TFATWS spoilers, Swearing, Angst, Fluff, Slow-Burn

A/N: Original character backstory reveal time!! Sorry this took longer than anticipated, I planned on having weekly updates for this fic, but I’m trying to finish up this year of college and my classes have been draining me of any motivation. Hopefully I’ll be able to update quicker in 2 weeks when I’m finished. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this chapter and as always if you have any questions or comments about my oc or the story feel free to send them my way! Feedback is always accepted and appreciated!

Chapter 2 - So We Meet Again

The entire way to Berlin, Valencia just felt off. Going to see Zemo, after everything he did to tear apart the only family she had left, just did not sit right with her at all. Especially when she considered everything he put Bucky through. Her mind was preoccupied as they walked through the facility, her body on autopilot as it followed closely behind Sam and Bucky. She didn’t realize they had stopped following the guard that was escorting them until a gloved hand rested on her shoulder, her confused gaze snapping up to meet a set of icy blue eyes. 

“D’ya hear me, doll? I’m gonna go in alone.”

Valencia’s eyes widened in horror at his words. “What? Like hell you are!”

Bucky’s eyes moved from Val to Sam. “Both of you are Avengers. You know how he feels about that.”

Sam rolled his eyes at his words, his hands settling on his hips as his patience grew thin. “Buck, it's not like you two were known for frolickin' in the sun together.”

The super soldier held back his own eye roll at his words. “He was obsessed with HYDRA,” he spoke in a firm tone, his voice dropping with the last word. Bucky looked between the two people in front of him and noticed how Valencia was practically staring him down. 

She spoke up in a monotone voice, “This is an absolutely horrible idea.” 

“Look, we have a history together. Trust me. I got it.” As he turned to leave Valencia reached a hand towards him, catching his wrist. He immediately stopped and turned back to look at her.

“Bucky, just.. Be careful. Please,” she spoke in a small voice. Her eyes were pleading with him just as much as her words. 

“I always am.” He shot her a small smile as he turned back around, walking down the hall towards Zemo’s cell. She felt her heart sink watching him walk off. 

Valencia leaned against the wall, arms crossed over her chest and a defeated sigh slipping past her lips. Sam copied her body language on the wall across from her. “So what’s going on with you two?” 

Her brows furrowed together. “What?” 

“I know you two aren’t still together but you seemed real friendly back at the police station.” The corner of his lips turned up as he spoke. 

“Oh, my god,” she rolled her eyes at him. “I haven’t seen my boy-” she stopped mid word, mentally cursing herself, “best friend in almost a month and suddenly I’m not allowed to hug him? Especially when I thought he was going to be imprisoned?” 

Sam put his hands up in surrender. “All I’m saying is that it looked like more than just a friendly hug.”

“Even if it was, we’re still broken up.” Her foot nudged a small clump of dust on the ground. “Besides, I know he’s been trying to move on.”

He let out a chuckle. “Oh I call bullshit on that.”

“I’m serious! He’s been going on dates. His friend Yori set him up with a waitress a few days ago.”

Sam sighed, pursing his lips and shaking his head to the side in frustration. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, Val. His feelings haven’t changed.”

 “I just..” she huffed. Her teeth chewed on her bottom lip as her mind worked to string her thoughts into a coherent sentence. “I’m worried. He called me the other night. At three in the morning. Which means his nightmares are coming back and I just hope to god it isn’t about what I think it is.”

“Have you thought about taking a break from work and going down to see him?” She stared at him, her jaw tightening as she held back. It was obvious where he was going with this. “He needs you, Val. Now more than ever.” 

That one sentence was enough to send her over the edge. She pushed off the wall and stared at the man across from her, tears starting to blur the edges of her vision. “Do you think I don’t want to be there for him? That I want him to suffer through his trauma in silence?” With each word her voice rose until she was practically yelling. “When Steve left I made him a promise that I would be there for Bucky to help him recover. And I was, for so long. I made sure he went to his therapy appointments and was working on his list. But I can’t exactly do that anymore when he was the one to push me away!” Her chest heaved, hot tears running down her cheeks. 

“Val, I’m sorry.” Sam stood up, crossing the space between them and planting both hands on her shoulders. Her figure shook gently from the bottled up emotions leaving her all at once. 

“I don’t even care about what happened with The Winter Soldier anymore. I wasn’t even a year old, it barely matters now.” she sniffed, looking up to catch Sam’s gaze. “I just want to make Steve proud. And I thought that letting Bucky push me away was what he needed in the moment but.. now..” she trailed off, eyes turning down to the floor. 

Sam pulled her towards him, his arms wrapping around her shoulders. “You did what you thought was right, no one can blame you for that.” Valencia pulled her eyes closed tightly, her hands clutching onto the back of his jacket. She clung to him as she cried, holding on for dear life as if she would slip away if she let go. 

After a few minutes she had calmed down enough that she was only sniffling. “Do you think I made the wrong choice?” Sam mumbled, breaking the silence. 

“What?” Valencia looked up at him, eyes still glassy from residual tears. 

“Do you think I should have given up the shield?” 

“Sam, that was your decision. And I’ll stand by whatever choice you made because I know you did what you thought was right.” He wanted to do right by Steve, just like she did, but it was difficult. He didn’t truly know if he was capable of handling everything that came with carrying the shield. 

His eyes moved from the patch of wall he was staring at ahead of him and back down to Val as she pulled away from him, her left hand coming up to wipe away the stray tears from her cheeks. “I’m not mad that you gave up the shield, Sam. I understand that it was your decision and you thought it was just going to sit at the Smithsonian exhibit. I’m only mad at the goddamn government for giving it to that prick who wishes he could be half the man Steve was.” 

“Thank you. That means a lot.” 

She smiled back at him, letting out a deep breath before tugging at his hand. C’mon. Let’s go see what’s taking Bucky so long.” 

~~~~~

The three of them slowly trudged through the darkness, one of Valencia’s hands gently holding on to the back of Bucky’s jacket as she tried not to trip. “Buck, where the hell are we?” she practically whined out at him. 

“Are you serious? You wanna break Zemo outta jail?” Sam questioned from behind them, causing Bucky to turn around sharply. The flashlight he held in his right hand flashed directly across Valencia’s vision, a hand coming up quickly to shield her eyes as she grimaced. 

“Do you have a better idea?” Bucky asked in a curt voice before turning back around to keep walking. “We have no leads, no moves, nothing.” 

“But what we do have is one of the most dangerous men in the world behind bars.” Valencia pointed out, nearly falling as Bucky stopped abruptly in front of her.  

She watched as Bucky’s eyes scanned over the control panel in front of him. “And there’s also eight Super Soldiers that are loose.” 

“Zemo’s gonna mess with our minds. Especially yours. No offense.” As soon as the words left Sam’s mouth Bucky had finally flipped the lights on, revealing the angry expression he wore.  

“Offense,” he said with a pointed glare. “Super soldiers go against everything he believes in. He is crazy but he still has a code.” 

“Yeah, and all three of us have been on the wrong side of that code.” Valencia interjected before Sam could speak. “Remember Bucharest? Him bombing the UN and blaming you for it? Because the Wakandans certainly didn’t.” 

Bucky sighed, his hands finding purchase on his hips. “Look, let me walk you through a hypothetical. Can I walk you through a hypothetical?” 

Before he could begin to explain a loud crash came from the next room over. Sam and Valencia’s heads snapped over towards the sound, leaving Bucky to hang his head in defeat. 

Off to a great start. 

The vague outline of a person started to approach them, to which Valencia’s eyes widened as she whipped around to face the blue eyed man behind her. “You broke him out?!” she practically yelled. 

“Hell no,” Sam spoke up, pointing a finger towards the man standing before him. “You’re going back to prison!” 

Zemo stood timidly in the doorway, taking his hat off to hold between his hands before saying, “If I may-”

Immediately the trio turned and shouted “NO!” before returning to the matter at hand. 

“Okay, just, listen.” Bucky spoke in a low voice. “When Steve refused to sign the Sokovia Accords, you two backed him. You broke the law, and you stuck your necks out for me. I'm asking you to do it again.”

Valencia’s gaze repeatedly flickered from Bucky to Zemo, the same uneasy feeling from earlier in the day resurfacing in the pit of her stomach. She just knew this wasn’t going to end well, but also knew that Bucky was as stubborn as a mule and would not take no for an answer. Especially when Sam finally agreed. 

Bucky looked down at her expectantly, his icey blue gaze piercing her soul. She let out a breath she did not realize she had been holding before nodding. “Yeah. I’m on board.” 

“Alright Zemo,” Sam said. “Where do we start?”

~~~~~

After finding out about Zemo’s wealth and joining him on the jet, they learned that their destination was Madripoor. Zemo explained that they had to disguise themselves and gave each of them a set of clothing to change into for their roles. 

Valencia was in the back of the plane, the curtain pulled across the doorway for privacy as she pulled on the deep red cocktail dress given to her. After repeatedly struggling to reach behind her and pull the zipper up her back, she threw her hands up into the air as an exasperated sigh left her lips. Admitting defeat, she peeked out of the curtain and spotted Bucky standing a few feet away with his back towards her. With one hand Valencia pulled the back of her dress together while the other pushed the curtain back. “Bucky? Would you mind?” 

He ducked past the curtain behind her, a warm hand taking the zipper from her grasp and a metal one landing on her hip. He slid the small zipper up her back, hand lingering between her shoulder blades for a second before she turned to face him. 

“I have a bad feeling about this,” she said in a low voice, barely above a whisper. She didn’t like seeing him dressed up as The Winter Soldier. That part of his life was behind him. That man was gone. 

His gaze met hers and he could see all of the apprehension, the fear, in her eyes. He wanted to pull her in close, to kiss away all of the uneasy feelings, but he couldn’t. Not after everything that happened. Everything he did to her. Instead he put a gloved hand on her shoulder, his thumb rubbing light circles into the exposed skin. “I know, doll. I’m not a fan of this plan, but it’s all we have right now.”

“Hey,” Sam called, walking towards where they were tucked into the back area of the plane. “You two ready? We’re landing soon.”