#house is in sousa's position

[ad-astra-per-aspera-1389]

I've started building a House M.D. Agent Carter AU. Not a Marvel AU; specifically an Agent Carter AU. It's Agent Cuddy...

[thatscarletflycatcher]

There's something that has been gnawing at me since I saw some comments on the look-how-they-massacred-them poll for Daniel Sousa -with which I didn't want to engage then and there because I really didn't want to pick up a fight with another Daniel fan, there's few enough of us, but also because the argument was very difficult to articulate.

It is difficult to explain how Daniel Sousa is screwed over by Endgame without making it look like either "he deserved Peggy as a prize" or "he was the perfect prize for Peggy", because it all begins by understanding the experience of WWII and the building of the morale of WWII. Something that Markus and McFeely seemed to perfectly understand in Agent Carter, which inclines me to believe it was specific insistence of the Russos, whose concept of narrative and storytelling is at the level of a belligerent and not very bright 4 year old, that gave us that mindblowingly stupid "happy ending" for Cap and Peggy. Or maybe Markus and McFeely are just arcane creatures, at times intelligent and at times really dumb. Anyways.

Point is that both CATFA and Agent Carter understand that for these characters, fighting WWII is a matter of "each doing their bit", of, as Steve put it in The Avengers, to lay on the barbed wire so the one that comes after you can pass on. And in the process of doing that, you have great loses and suffer great grief. The price of war is immense, and for these people the price of war is the price of freedom (yes, that celebrated Steve speech from CATWS is also sharing in that same spirit. It's kind of impressive how until that awful mess of Endgame, the perspective of Steve as a character from movie to movie is one that addresses how some 1940s things are outdated, but how many others are still relevant and inspiring. It is a surprisingly nuanced take on History, that of course the Russo "Cap is an outdated relic that belongs in the past and should stay there" brothers don't seem to have what's needed to grasp).

In that context, the most coherent tone for Steggy is tragedy. Because that is what happened to many, many, many people during the war. You meet, you fall in love fast, because there is no time. And then suddenly the other is gone, never to come back. And all the promises of youth and life and future the other person represented, are gone with them. People who lived through 2020-2022 have some idea of what it is like for projects, opportunities, and years of your life to just vanish. Now you make that five years, eight months, and to mention "just" the British, 1 out every 100 people live in 1939, dead, and over 350.000 permanently disabled. If you were 20 in 1939, your life would be practically on hold till you were 26. It's a whole lot of grief, and an intense grief, that you don't solve the way you solve a random missing connection in a romcom like Serendipity or The Lake House. Doing so is cheapening and bastardizing the grief and trauma of a whole generation of people in different countries.

So, Agent Carter. Here we have a story focused on a group of people, spies, who, in different fronts and with different outcomes, made it through the war and are now facing this new world they are living in, and all the grief of their respective losses. The focus of the story is Peggy, a woman who, like many others, was allowed a wide range of action during the war, and is now subconsiously perceived as a threat by many of her male coworkers. It's a desperate bid to "go back to the way things were before", and her presence is a constant reminder that they can't.

Sousa occupies a very similar position to Peggy's: he's also a reminder that the war happened and that there is no way back, no magic solution, no pretending. And that's why both are ignored, and displaced, and why both struggle to prove themselves in a subconscious way while living by the continued principle that they are doing their bit. That is their lifeline that keeps them sane and working all throughout s1 of Agent Carter.

That's what we mean when we say Peggy and Sousa are equals, and that Sousa is contented with letting her have the spot; not because he's her inferior or her dependant, but because he's her equal -in intelligence, in ideals, in resourcefulness, in loyalty, but also in their relative positions in the power ladder- and does not feel threatened by her because of it.

(It is in this context, btw, that Peggy's rebuke of Daniel's "rescue" of her in the first episode must be understood. Because she was once treated like any other officer/agent of her same rank, she has knee jerk reactions to both being demeaned and being protected. It's also an important theme of that beginning of the series that Peggy needs to learn to let her friends in, and that she needs their help, and that that doesn't make her too weak to protect and defend them.)

But also, in another way, when we talk about Sousa becoming Peggy's husband, it has to do with the sentiment Krezminsky expresses in the series:

The ship of Steggy had sailed and was gone forever since the moment Steve became the legend in the ice and Peggy "Cap's Girl", this embodiment of the ridiculous damsel in distress we hear in the radio drama that plays on one of the episodes: Peggy fell in love with Steve when he was a scrawny, sickly lad, because she loved the man he was inside, but now forever for the world she is just another superficial, weak girl lusting after the handsome godlike rescuer, the picture of the eugenic dream of the übermensch. In Daniel Peggy loves and finds all the same things she found and loved in Steve, but in a different light, because Sousa is a different person, with a different life story, plus something else: they have both gone through war and its loss and grief, and come to the other side in need of rebuilding and finding new meaning in life and hope for the future.

In a world where the Dark, Tall and Handsome Hero of the Six Pack, Alpha Dominance and Endless Stamina reigns supreme, Sousa as a love interest is a remarkable and -sadly- bold statement about the things that truly matter in finding one's life partner.

So I think here is a reasonable point to start talking about Sousa in Agents of SHIELD. Because here's where someone would rationally say "well, but you see, there he's also chosen as a love interest!", and the reasons why context in AoS changes everything are multiple, so let's go there.

But before that, let me make clear that I do wholeheartedly believe the writers of AoS meant to honor Sousa, and sincerely tried to do their best with what they were given. That doesn't change what the end product ended up doing and saying about him.

Like Peggy is the main character of Agent Carter, so Daisy is the main character of Agents of SHIELD. As much as you can say all the team characters are important and get the focus, Daisy is the one which the narrative insists on making the focal point, as the arcs of several seasons hinge on her, and we are expected to sympathize with her first and foremost in any situation in which she is personally involved. But unlike Peggy, Daisy is a superpowered individual. She's more like Steve than Peggy; she's practically a demigod. She is capable of ripping Earth apart with just her hands. Where Peggy and Sousa were equals in the power ladder in-universe, in AoS the distance between Daisy and Sousa is abysmal. That imbalance is the first thing that leads to Sousa being put in the position of Daisy's Boy. The fact that he ends up in space with Daisy's last minute sister who is ALSO an inhuman does not help things.

As a side note, there's something to be said about futuristic prosthetics in AoS and how they interesect with disability. But I'd rather not get into it because it is a thorny subject and I don't feel qualified to speak of it.

In a different way, Daniel being Peggy's love interest in Agent Carter is balanced out by his having a life of his own and many interactions with other characters throughout the series. He pursues his own lines of investigation, he conducts interrogations of his own, he comes up with plans, he teams up with Krezminsky and with Thompson and in s2 he has downright made a life for himself as chief in California with a fiancé and all. There is a clear sense that he exists as a character outside of pining for Peggy.

In AoS, the opposite happens. Part of it is owed to the writers writing themselves into a corner: to take Sousa out of his timeline, they have to do it in such a way that his disappearance is inconspicuous, which means killing him. They do it the best way they can think of, honoring his alertness and intelligence, by making him realize HYDRA is infiltrated in SHIELD decades before anyone else does. But as a consequence, Sousa becomes the man out of time: there's no future for him, because he has died, and unlike Steve, he's not being brought back because he himself is required. They just save him because they take pity on him and the tragedy of his life. So he has no mission and no significant previous connection with anyone on the team. One of the concrete things in which this is evidenced the most is with the switch from being addressed as chief Sousa to Agent Sousa. He was chief, but between that SHIELD and this SHIELD there's not such a connection by which he can claim that title. There's no subordinates to manage. So he's sort of default-called agent without really being a proper agent.

So the writers choose the fish-out-of-water concept for him. Which is far fetched. This guy lived through wwii in a high spy setting where intelligence has knowledge of powerful interstellar aliens. He's most definitely not bewildered by phone cameras, guys. He would quickly adapt... if, again, you know, he was brought back for a mission. But the reality is that from a Doylist POV, he was brought in to be Daisy's love interest, and the only thing he can offer to her, in this huge power imbalance I have pointed out, is chivalrous manners and quaint WWII style references like when he tells her "Agent Johnson, we are going home"; both can be very charming to a modern woman, but they are things that highlight the cultural and psychological distances that separate them, and make it glaringly obvious that they have barely anything in common.

The series tries desperately to give them common ground in the time-loop episode, with this idea that Daisy is like Peggy because she sacrifices herself for others and to protect others all the time. Which is laughable because, again, in Daisy's condition of beloved main character that embodies the tortured, quasi byronic heroine that we understand to be the hallmark of about one half of the contemporary superhero type, the narrative and the characters in it bend all sorts of ways to accommodate her, not the other way around. Peggy's type is different because it is rooted in that WWII morale/frame I was talking about at the beginning of the post.

As a consequence of all of this, Sousa barely interacts with anyone that isn't Daisy (he has of personal scenes, what? one or two with Coulson, the scene where Jemma gives him a new prosthetic, and then he's given an idea to give to Mac in the finale. I don't remember any other non-Daisy ones), has no unique role to fulfill in the mission (specially because so much of the plan is entwined in Fitz and Jemma's rescue plan that was NOT counting with Sousa) and no personal goal to achieve, which weakens his standing as a character outside the romance plot, and when it comes to the romance plot, he has nothing in common with Daisy, and he brings nothing to the partnership other than... narratively forced love, and chivalrousness.

In the end, Daniel, who was a character and a person of relevance in Agent Carter, is nerfed and turned into a prop for the rushed happily ever after of the main character of AoS. And that, in my books, is being screwed over. That's what makes his becoming Peggy's husband and building a life and a future with her a much better and more preferable outcome for Daniel; he gets to build a life of meaning by his own significant work and significant connections, in his own time and place, with a wife who is his equal and with other people that have lived through the same collective experiences of trauma and grief he did.

[captainsophiestark]

Daniel Sousa Masterlist

Marvel Masterlist

Main Masterlist

X - x reader F - Female Reader (otherwise it’s gender neutral) ☀️ - Fluff ✨ - Humor ☁️ - Angst ⭐️ - Author Faves

Newest fics will be at the bottom

Plan B - F!X ☀️✨⭐️ Reader is a friend of Peggy’s who’s been on the team at the SSR for a few months. She hasn’t really bonded with any of the men at the agency, except Thompson, who’s her stupid hotshot mission plan buddy. She also spends a fair amount of time with Daniel, but reader hasn’t gotten to bond with Agent Sousa as much. That might change drastically when the four go out on a mission to try and recover some more of Howard’s stolen tech.

Black Coffee - X ☀️ Reader’s working at a coffee house, and they see plenty of people come in looking exhausted and searching for some caffeine to help. When a new face comes into the coffee shop, he manages to break the all-time record for the person closest to being an absolute zombie. Daniel Sousa’s been working day and night on a case for the SSR, and he’s in danger of falling asleep if he so much as stops moving. But, if he can make it through to the end of the case, it might just turn out to be worth it in more ways than one.

Assistant - F!X ☀️ Y/N is Howard Stark’s assistant, which is never a boring job. They’re in the middle of tearing their hair out trying to manage his crazy schedule when a surprise visit from a certain SSR agent shakes up their day.

New Office - X ☀️ Y/N’s been in love with their best friend Daniel Sousa since they both started working at the SSR, but he’s been hung up on Peggy since the first time he saw her. Now, however, Peggy’s turned him down for a date and he’s gone all the way across the country with a promotion to get some distance from her. Y/N went with him, but will it mean a change in anything more than location for the two of them?

West vs. East - X ☀️✨ Y/N is the LA SSR’s new nurse, a position they finally realized was incredibly important to have around after a few near-misses during the Whitney Frost case. They’ve only been there a week, but an all-SSR picnic and “friendly” East Coast/West Coast competition will give them plenty of chances to make new friends and more.

Sandy and Charlie - F!X ☀️✨ Y/N is starring in her first big picture, a Western produced by Howard Stark. When the actor playing her love interest no-shows, however, they’re going to have to get creative in finding a person to fill the role so the movie can be finished. Fortunately for them, the SSR needs Howard’s help on a case, and are willing to make some deals to get it.

The Unholy Alliance - X ☀️✨ Daniel and Y/N have been staring at each other longingly for months, and Jack and Peggy are tired of it. So, in a moment of history in the making, the two *team up* to find a way to get their coworkers to finally realize their feelings for each other.

No Way To Know For Sure - Part 1 Part 2 - F!X ☁️☀️✨ After a few months of friendship and a few more months of dating, Y/N and Daniel Sousa decided to call it quits when he moved out to LA to open the West Coast SSR. She was focused on her career with no desire to leave New York, her home, the place she had connections and established respect as a female SSR agent, the greatest city in the world. Daniel couldn’t turn down the promotion, and she didn’t want him to. So they parted ways, Y/N telling herself it didn’t hurt. But when Jack sends her out to LA to work with Daniel on a case, she realizes she is definitely not over him.

Date Night - F!X ☀️✨ Y/N and Daniel are ready to relax and listen to their favorite radio program together after a long week at the SSR. Unfortunately for both of them, Y/N’s older brother Jack Thompson has the spare key to the apartment, and he has a history of picking terrible times to drop in on his little sister.

Office Most-Eligible - F!X ☀️✨ When Jack ropes Daniel into eavesdropping on the telephone ladies’ breakroom, they both might hear a lot more than they’d bargained for.

The Ugliest Tie I’ve Ever Seen - X ☀️✨ Y/N has finally been transferred to LA, joining their boyfriend Daniel Sousa to help with a case. Unfortunately, he's picked up some new fashion in LA.

Drinks With Peggy - X ☁️☀️ Daniel's S/O came out of a program like Dottie's, so they're still learning how to be in a relationship and communicate with the people who matter.

The Gunmen Were A Relief - X ☀️✨ Daniel's planned out the perfect night to tell his SO about his real job as Chief of the LA SSR. Unfortunately for him, things don't quite go according to plan.

[agentstarkid]

m e e t . . . vittoria sousa

(the joker & the queen's character moodboard & hc's)

☀ Vittoria Micaela Sousa Lopes — March 8, 1997

☀ Vitto is the heart of sunshine, warmth, and endless good vibes from São José dos Campos, Brazil. With her Pisces soul, she moves through life with a dreamy quality, always smiling, always ready for a good time, and never far from a laugh.

☀ As a dancer and model, she’s got that natural grace. When Vitto joined Y/N’s first tour as a dancer nearly a decade ago, she had no idea it’d also be the start of their lifelong friendship. Now, they’re inseparable, and Vitto’s made herself a fixture in everyone’s lives, her positivity and laid-back attitude grounding the group in the best way.

☀ Vitto’s not only got moves on the dance floor—she’s also an incredible painter. Her house is full of vibrant canvases that reflect her creativity and passion, though few people know she’s a secret powerhouse singer too.

☀ She had Izabele at 24—totally unplanned but not unwanted—and prides herself on being a “cool mom,” letting Iza grow up surrounded by love, laughter, and creativity.

☀ She doesn’t take life too seriously and believes in embracing every moment, always saying things like “If it’s meant to be, it’ll be” with that easygoing smile.

☀ This woman is as nurturing as she is spirited—a natural caretaker who makes everyone feel at home the moment they’re with her. She’s the friend who’ll listen to your worries and give you the warmest hug, with a heart as vast as her imagination.

☀ If you’re feeling down, Vitto’s got you covered with a cozy blanket, some feijoada, and one of her all-encompassing hugs that instantly makes you feel lighter. And if she really wants to spoil you, she might whip up some Vatapá, her go-to comfort dish straight from Brazil, because she’s convinced there’s nothing that can’t be solved by good food and good company.

☀ Also when it comes to cheering people up, she’s got a foolproof method: spontaneous dance parties. Vitto will turn any moment into a mini carnival if it means getting a laugh or a smile out of someone.

☀ She’s absolutely obsessed with Guaraná Antarctica—it’s practically her fuel, and she’s got a mini stash of cans everywhere: her car, her bag, and even stashed at her friends’ places “just in case.” Whenever they’re out and she’s got her hands on one, she’ll jokingly say it’s “a taste of home” before downing it with a content sigh.

☀ Surfing is her favorite escape, and she gets a certain sparkle in her eye whenever she’s out catching waves.

☀ Most weekends, she’s got some DIY project going on at home, whether it’s painting murals in her living room or learning to make jewelry out of beach glass. Her place is like a treasure trove of her quirky collections, from vintage postcards to unique rocks she’s picked up on her travels.

☀ As the tallest in the group, Vitto jokingly refers to herself as the “designated human lamppost,” always reaching for things on high shelves and playfully resting her arm on one of the girls' heads.

☀ She has a tendency to mix up sayings, particularly in English. She’ll earnestly say something like “It’s water under the fridge,” or “Don’t count your eggs before they swim,” leaving her friends in stitches and Vitto herself slightly confused before cracking up, too.

☀ Her Brazilian accent gets stronger the more excited she is, so they know when she’s really thrilled or passionate about something by the way her words tumble out in Portuguese with barely a pause for air.

☀ With Andrew, she’s found her match. She took her time opening up to him—not because of hesitation, but because she values genuine connection. Now, seeing them together is like witnessing pure harmony; there’s an unspoken tenderness between them, a warmth that spills over to anyone around them. In their home, love is abundant, grounding, and comforting, creating a sanctuary of joy for all who enter.

fio's moodboard — danna's moodboard

╰┈➤ card symbols divider by cafekitsune -`♡´-

[beardedmrbean]

A prison officer who was filmed having sex with an inmate has pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office.

Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, was on duty at HMP Wandsworth in London when she entered the prisoner's cell and had sex with him on 27 June.

The encounter was filmed by another inmate and lasted for almost five minutes.

The mother, from Fulham, southwest London, was identified by HMP Wandsworth staff and arrested by the Metropolitan Police at Heathrow Airport after the footage went viral.

She was planning to fly to Madrid and telephoned the prison as she fled to the airport to say that she was not returning to work.

De Sousa Abreu pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office at a hearing at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday.

Abuse of position

The prosecution's case was that she had wilfully committed misconduct in a public office by abusing her position as a prison officer to have sex with an inmate.

De Sousa Abreu, who holds a Portuguese passport, was granted conditional bail and will next appear at Isleworth Crown Court on 7 November.

While Crooks’ motive continues to be a mystery, new details continue to emerge about the gunman’s actions.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul told CBS’ Face the Nation on Sunday that Crooks was plotting a “diversion by blowing up his vehicle on the other side of the property, and then he could escape”.

He claimed that the gunman had a detonation device on his body and two bombs in his vehicle.

It also emrgd that, at around 3.50pm that day, Crooks had flown a drone for 11 minutes over a path about 200 yards from the podium where Trump would stand.

This was 36 minutes before law enforcement officers even became aware if his whereabouts.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

Tetteh Turkson, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "This was a shocking breach of the public's trust. De Sousa was clearly an enthusiastic participant who wrongly thought she would avoid responsibility.

"The CPS recognises there is no excuse for any prison officer who conducts themselves in such a manner, and we will never hesitate to prosecute those who abuse their position of power.

"After working closely with the Metropolitan Police to build the strongest possible case, De Sousa had no option but accept she was guilty. She will now rightly face the consequences of her actions."

Deep concerns over HMP Wandsworth

The video of De Sousa Abreu emerged weeks after a watchdog said HMP Wandsworth should be put into emergency measures after an inspection raised concerns over ongoing failings in security following the alleged escape of Daniel Khalife in September last year.

The "deeply concerning inspection" also found severe overcrowding, vermin, drugs, violence and rising self-harm, where seven prisoners had taken their own lives in the past year.

In response, the chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor wrote to the justice secretary Alex Chalk to issue an urgent notification for improvement.

Khalife, 22, is due to go on trial at the Old Bailey in October.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

[celtfather]

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10:51 - Cherish The Ladies "The Cameronian Set: Tha M'Intinn Raoir/Duke of Gordon/The Cameronian/Lady of The House" from One And All, The Best of Cherish the Ladies

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44:48 - THANKS

46:15 - Sheridan Rúitín "Tell Me Ma" from single

49:58 - Old Man Flanagan's Ghost "Simple Little Boat" from Simple Little Boat

52:19 - Stout Pounders "Whiskey Me Away (Live)" from Liver Let Live

55:35 - Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps "Sailing Off to the Yankee Land" from Down to the

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1:01:15 - The Ciderhouse Rebellion with Molly Donnery "My Father's Cabin Small” from A Little Bit Slanted

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Rene St.Aubin emailed: "When is your next trip to Ireland to get the feel of music and culture"

Robin MacDonald emailed from Wolf Creek, OR: "Hello Marc, I have been listening to your podcast, Irish & Celtic Music, on Amazon Prime. However just within the last few weeks it has completely disappeared! It will not even come up on a search, which is crazy because your music CDs do. How odd. Did you get some sort of notification from Amazon Prime Music that your podcast was no longer going to be available?

I will have to figure out a new way to listen to it and I will! I just enjoyed the convenience as I am not able to stream music much at work (bandwidth) but Amazon Prime Music seemed to always work. Best Regards,"

Robin followed that up with: "Hello Marc,  Enjoy your trip! Thanks for getting back to me and for the link. There’s good news though, your Celtic Christmas podcasts are still available on Amazon Prime! Love it always, any time of the year. "

Patrick Rieger emailed some photos: "Hi Marc, My family and I have been busy the past month with a stop at our favorite pub and two renaissance festivals, so I'll be sending a few emails about the incredible musicians we enjoyed.

On August 24, we went to Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle to see John McCann and Hamish, and an hour after they started everyone, including John and Hamish, got a surprise: the third member of the Corned Beef and Curry Band dropped in, Bob Banerjee. Bob is the most incredible fiddle player I have ever seen, and he has an endless number of bad jokes. He is the curry in the band's name, having been born in India. So for a few hours, this great band was back together. Irish musician Mark Guiser was in the audience that night, and was invited onto the stage for a few songs. Two wedding parties then dropped in for some post - reception fun. The energy, excitement and fun hadn't been that high at the Harp in a long time, and my wife and I only left because our son needed to get to bed.

In one photo is The Corned Beef & Curry Band, from left to right, John McCann, Bob Banerjee, and Hamish,

In the other, Mark Guiser and Bob. They were playing Hallelujah with Mark singing."

Check out this episode!

[dertaglichedan]

Sabrina de Sousa is a former CIA undercover officer who resigned from her position following the issuance of Italian arrest warrants for her and other U.S. officials. She was convicted by the Italian government of helping with the abduction of Egyptian cleric Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr in Italy as part of a CIA "extraordinary rendition" program to snatch terrorism suspects in various countries and transfer them in secret to undergo interrogation in third countries.

She was one of 26 people convicted but the only one to spend any time in prison for the operation.

The Italian president commuted her four-year prison sentence but she was to carry out community service for three years, ending 8 November 2020.

De Sousa has always claimed her innocence, saying she was not in Milan on the day of the abduction and had no involvement in the kidnapping.

The views and insights expressed below are hers.

(This is Part II in a two-part series. Part I)

In 2002, Italy bypassed the CIA to provide the Bush/Cheney administration with a badly forged document (Nigergate), demonstrating Iraq’s intent to produce Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

In 2003, this time working jointly with the CIA, an Egyptian cleric was “kidnapped” and transported from Milan, Italy to Egypt, providing the administration with the al-Qaida (AQ) link to Iraq.

The kidnapping or rendition of the cleric, was part of the CIA’s Rendition, Detention and Interrogation (RDI) program. Since the “Milan rendition” was taking place on a NATO ally’s soil, it had to be authorized by the White House/NSC, and the governments of Italy, Germany (NATO - use of Rammstein Airbase for a stopover en route to Egypt) and Egypt (final detention and interrogation destination).

The ill-conceived rendition had presented the Rome CIA chief with a career enhancing opportunity, while the Italian government used it to further ingratiate themselves with Washington. The Egyptian cleric was already under surveillance by the Italian police. No charges had been filed against him. The investigation was abruptly stopped in order to facilitate the kidnapping of the cleric by a CIA “snatch team.” It provided the Italian government with plausible deniability for their own complicity. They would later loudly protest “violations of Italian sovereignty” to initiate the prosecutions of Americans, myself included.

FULL STORY. LONG BUT VERY INFORMATIVE

[amarriageoftrueminds]

Excellent points 👆 that have become demonstrably true since Ant Man and What If.

Because in there we've got:

"She could have left in protest" In Ant Man, we're shown that in the 1980s Hank Pym found out Mitchell Carson is rotten (head of Defense at SHIELD, hired by Peggy and Howard). In response, Hank Pym confronts Carson, punches him in the face, and resigns in protest. Both Howard and Peggy are present for all of this and are aware that Carson is rotten (viz. zero signs of surprise when Pym outs him). If Hank can resign on principle, so can Peggy... But surprise surprise, she does not do this. She does not resign in protest when it's discovered that an employee of hers is bad. AND, she doesn't fire the guy when it's publicly pointed out to her, in front of a witness.

This is consistent with What If...? where: a) It's revealed both Peggy and Howard did know about Bucky but didn't do anything (the show even tries to frame them doing nothing as noble, directly contrary to the main Cap movies where inaction is the definition of unheroic.) b) In a universe where Hank Pym, Howard Stark, and Bucky Barnes founded SHIELD (in other words: where she's the only person missing, replaced with two men of principle), SHIELD had no Nazis in it. c) In the same alt-universe, when Steve and Bucky are in her canon position (being alive after the war) they use that time to hunt down Nazis, which is part of the reason why there are none in that-universe's SHIELD. This is further evidence that she could have done something about Zola. d) We're also shown two other universes in which Peggy hired Zola. e) Even when she is explicitly in charge of everyone else, and acknowledges what Zola is, in the episode... she still employs Zola (who tries to do an Insight again and this time it's Sorcerers who have to swoop in to fix her fuck up). f) Not only that, but the circumstances under which she hires Zola (for the third time!) are the exact circumstances under which she admitted, herself, that she would hire a Nazi. Which she described to SS Officer Werner Reinhardt in her Agents of SHIELD cameo. The circumstances she described came true in What If? and she... did exactly what she said she would do. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ When someone tells you who they are, believe them. Yes, even if they're female and white!

"She could have pretended to accept it, but could have kept a close eye on him in secret and biding her time until she could stop it" This is what Nick Fury did. But she didn't. And the last SHIELD whistleblower before Nick that we know of (apart from Hank Pym) was Daniel Sousa. Who was assassinated for it in the 1950s. While Peggy died of old age in the 2000s.

"She could have arranged an ‘accident’ for Zola." Instead of which she was in charge when Zola was not only not killed but was made functionally immortal even after death (by being turned into an AI and housed directly underneath her office).

So the stan idea that she can't have known anything bad because if she had she would have done something is ... canonically, not true.

We are shown, again and again, that not only would she do nothing to stop it, if she knew, she would actively still participate if she knew.

Also: if Steve can blow off a meeting with a Senator, not testify to the Senate, tell the Secretary of Defense to go fuck himself, tear down an entire intelligence agency for being corrupt, etc etc. then she can (at the very least!) resign.

Steve wouldn't have let a little thing like the President backing Operation Paperclip get in the way of doing the right thing. Steve isn't so hungry for power that he wouldn't sacrifice it.

There's no excuse for her.

And as for why can't people see? Well, on top of implicit White Feminism, it's all a matter of framing, isn't it?

People will believe you have shown them what you act like you've shown them; what you tell them you've shown them.

So if you want to show Peggy, for example, doing the exact same thing as Red Skull...

(Throwing an unhinged temper tantrum, lashing out at one of their own people who unwittingly tips them over the edge, and shooting at them while quipping about it).

First of all, you surround her with 'other' good people when she's doing the bad thing.... and have them fail to react to what she's done; as if it's not a big deal.

Contrast this with Red Skull lashing out, where Zola is in the background wincing and shrinking away -- clearly aware of what Red Skull is about to do, and that it's awful.

(Chris Evans acts against the script, in this scene, because he looks scared, unnerved and hurt by her attack. Sadly, he can't act against the next part of the script, which has him holding her photo as if he, somehow, still cares about her despite this.)

Then you have the music -- in Red Skull's case it's ominous, In Peggy's case it's sprightly.

Also, Red Skull lashing out is preceded by other examples (all of these meant to demonstrate just how terrible and ruthless he is). Whereas Peggy's lashing out physically is a one-off; something people can claim as an anomaly (even though her other accumulated appearances confirm that this is a habit of hers. Multiple times in AG she snatches up nearby objects to enact violence on other people with them; and in What if she throws a temper tantrum and quite literally throws her weight around.)

People can't see that Peggy is rotten and useless because the films treat her as if she isn't... no matter what she does, or fails to do. People will even acknowledge that what is shown is not what is told, and still insist that she 'is' whatever the movie says she is. Even though other characters don't get to be treated this way.

(Steve, for example, doesn't get to be framed as a noble, competent person without him actually, y'know, doing things that are noble and competent. Whereas Peggy gets the framing Steve has to earn.)

also with peggy ngl it's incredibly worrying how quick people are to explain away a white British woman's moral failings and just flat out horrible choices just because? what, she's a white British woman and you don't believe she could be just as horrible as a white British man? like it seems not that deep but the perceived innocence around white women goes incredibly far and wide and that's 100% what happened with peggy imo

yeahhh i mean not surprising mcu fans dismiss a lot of horrible things from white male characters too (i mean i’m probably somewhat guilty of that steve is my fave and all and i’m v defensive of him so like i get it)

i do think it’s also the fact that it’s just kind of glossed over in the mcu, like we know that shield recruited zola but it never delves into the fact that peggy would’ve been responsible as the director at that time, so like if fans aren’t being explicitly told she was wrong, they’re not gonna see it, i certainly didn’t until recently

[ziggynovaks]

general details.

full name:  zigmund novak.

nickname(s): zig, ziggy, z.

name meaning:  zigmund: victorious protector, novak: novice.

age:  19.

date of birth:  february 13th.

place of birth: mississauga, canada.

current location: toronto, canada.

ethnicity: nexican and colombian.

gender: cismale.

pronouns: he/him.

sexual orientation: heterosexual.

romantic orientation: heteromantic.

religion: raised catholic, currently nonpracticing.

occupation:  drug dealer / Uber, lyft, etc driver.

education level: currently a freshman at winchester university and majoring in culinary arts with a minor in hospitality.

living arrangements: dorm on campus with jt but he’s rarely there, spends most night with his girlfriend, bianca or best friend, tiny.

spoken languages:  spanish, english.

physical appearance, etc.

faceclaim:  diego tinoco.

hair color and style: black, currently growing back after having his head shaved.

eye color: brown.

height: 5’9.

tattoos:   yes, will add later.

piercings:  right earlobe, usually has a diamond stud in it.

clothing style: lots of sleeveless tees, leather jacket, jeans, kinda grunge kinda cholo depends on the day.

distinguishing characteristics: his smile.

signature scent:  smoky, woodsy, cloves, warm.

health.

allergies:  seasonal.

sleeping habits:  night owl. can sleep 3 hrs or 30 if you let him. deep sleeper. difficult to wake up. loves sleep tbh.

eating habits:  loves food and as a culinary major he's always trying new things. big snacker.

addictions:  none.

drug use:  regularly smokes weed/consumes and makes edibles. isn't opposed to taking molly. never wants to try any hard drugs.

alcohol use: beer, nearly daily. hard liquor, socially.

personality.

positive traits:  loyal, caring, charming, flirtatious, independent.

negative traits: short tempered, unserious, dimwitted, headstrong, rebellious.

goals and ambitions: to get out of the gang life, open his own thc infused fine dining restaurant one day, and repair his relationship with his family. 

astrology: aquarius sun, aries moon, libra rising.

personality type:  isfp.

moral alignment: chaotic neutral.

hogwarts house: hufflepuff.

element:  fire.

primary vice:  wrath or lust.

primary virtue:  diligence.

family, relationships, etc.

mother: diana novak.

father:  gabriel novak.

significant other: bianca de sousa.

best friend: tiny bell.

exes: tba.

sibling(s): one younger brother.

children: none.

headcanons.

his secret is he sold the drugs that lead to someone's overdose.

he feels really guilty and paranoid about it.

he was kicked out of his parents house when he was 15 for being involved in vince's gang.

he'd gotten our for awhile through a the help of a program that taught him how to cook and work on the line at a restaurant. 

it didn't last and he found himself back in the gang life a couple of years later.

he did however stick with cooking, it's the only thing he feels he's good at and he enjoys feeding people.

dreamt of pursuing music one day but felt he wasn't good enough to be the rockstar he wanted after getting rejected by every music program he applied to during his senior year of hs.

he initially was going to skip college altogether after his rejections as he didn't have the grades or see the need to but, saw it as a way to expand business. after spending his summer picking up his grades in a remedial program, he was accepted to winchester.

I'll add more later.

[coffeeandacig]

Alan Alda Opens Up About Living with Parkinson's and His Torturous Battle with Polio as a Child In the new issue of AARP the Magazine.

In the new issue of AARP the Magazine, M*A*S*H star Alan Alda opens up about life, love, and what he's learned

At 84, Alan Alda is a survivor — and he's doing just fine during the current pandemic, riding out the storm at his home in Long Island, New York, with his wife of 63 years, Arlene, 87."I'm having a good time under the circumstances," he tells the June/July issue of AARP the Magazine, shared exclusively with PEOPLE. "I've found a lot of positive things. I'm very happy about some of the changes we've had to go through. For one thing, my wife Arlene is looking for ways to be creative during this time, so she's gone back to painting and drawing, and she plays the piano every day and she's experimenting with cooking." He adds: "I haven't eaten this well since the last epidemic."The actor and science buff, who was at a time best known for his years playing surgeon Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce on the hit show M*A*S*H, knows a thing or two about getting through tough times.As a 7-year-old, he was diagnosed with Polio, and underwent six months of therapy that involved having scalding blankets wrapped around his limbs every hour. "It was hard on me," he tells AARP. "It was harder, I think, on my parents, who couldn't afford a nurse and had to torture me themselves. It's always better to pay somebody to torture your kid."

Decades later, in 2015, he discovered he had Parkinson's disease. His reaction to the diagnosis? "I began to exercise a lot," he says.

"A lot of people hear they have Parkinson’s and get depressed and panicky and don’t do anything, just hoping it’ll go away. It’s not going to, but you can hold off the worst symptoms. Movement helps: walking, biking, treadmills. But also specific things: I move to music a lot." He tells the magazine, "It's not the end of the world when you get this diagnosis."So how does he retain his positive attitude, especially with all the uncertainty in the world?"You know, with the world changing so rapidly, there’s no point in being optimistic or pessimistic about anything. You’ve just got to surf uncertainty, because it’s all we get."Always curious about science (in 2009 the actor founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University on Long Island), he says he turns to educating himself on the mysteries of the world 25 years ago, and encourages others to be more curious as well, to learn real facts instead of believing everything they might see online. "It's clear our lives depend on it," he says of embracing science and sharing information outside of your inner circle.He adds, "One of the most basic things I’ve tried to do is give people a greater understanding of how science works — the importance of evidence, the importance of many trials, of rigorous studies, and the idea that we learn only a little bit at a time. No single study is the end-all answer for everything."

To maintain an active lifestyle and help hold back the progression of Parkinson’s, the star said that he regularly exercises. “I work out. You can hold back the progress if you do a lot of specific exercises. So I do a lot of crazy things,” he said.

Among the physical activities that Alda enjoys is boxing, juggling, tennis, swimming, marching and bicycle riding.A unique one that he regularly does? “I march to [John Philip] Sousa music,” he said with a smile. “A lot of Sousa music going on all the time in my house.”

[xoxoavenger]

Mistletoe

pairing: Jack Thompson x Fem!Reader

summary: Jack and Y/N hate each other, but having to pretend to be married for a mission could change it. 

word count: 4579

warnings: none

12 Days of Christmas Masterlist

Masterlist

“He’s self entitled and an idiot and I don’t like him.” Y/N said to Peggy while the two looked over files for their upcoming mission. Peggy and Daniel had just recently moved back to New York, per Jack’s request. Besides, they didn’t like Hollywood that much anyway. “Honestly, I’m not sure how he even got the position of Chief. I could do the job better myself and I’ve only been here for a year.”

“You haven’t even gotten to know him.” Peggy said, looking up from her reading. Her eyes were practically going cross from reading so long, which is partially why she chose to bring the Chief up. The two had spent the day reading everything they could find pertaining to their mission, including picking out dresses for the Christmas party they would be attending.

“I’ve seen all I need to see. A sexist asshole like him doesn’t deserve to be very high on my list of priorities.” Y/N said, putting her paper down and rubbing her eyes. “How long until we leave?” Y/N asked, yawning.

“Let’s see.” Peggy looked at her wrist watch, blinking a couple times to focus. “The boys said to be ready by six, since our plane leaves at eight thirty. We can sleep on the plane ride, and once we get to the hotel we can rest up before meeting again. We’ll need to be in character from the second we step outside the car.” Peggy told her. Y/N’s brows furrowed.

“I thought we were just playing normal civilians.” Y/N said, confused. Of course they’d have different names and maybe a wig, but if Peggy said they had to be acting from the moment they’re out of the car, then there was a detail she was not in on. Peggy’s eyes widened.

“Jack didn’t tell you?” She asked quietly, and Y/N shook her head.

“When would I have talked to Jack?” They had just gone over how much she didn’t like him, why would she talk to him?

“He was supposed to tell you.” Peggy stood, and Y/N followed in suit, the two straightening out their dresses.

“Tell me what?” Y/N’s heart beat quicker than she thought was possible, mind racing at the possibilities. “Peg, what was he supposed to tell me?”

“You’re playing a couple.”

~

“You didn’t tell her?” Daniel asked as the two boys drove to pick up the girls.

“She avoids me, Sousa. It’s hard to talk to her when every time I try she walks away.” Jack didn’t look over, even though they had a stop sign.

“Maybe if you weren’t such an asshole she’d like you.” Daniel said quietly, but Jack still heard it. He sighed, a hand on his face as he thought.

“I’m not trying to be an asshole. But I’m in charge. I’m the Chief, for heaven's sake. I have to be a strong front.” Jack explained as they turned onto the girls’ street. The two had decided to rent a small house together, and this was the boys’ first time seeing it.

“That doesn’t mean you have to be rude.” Daniel said it quietly, the two being resorting to silence as they pulled up to the house. Daniel moved to go knock on the door, but Jack just honked, signaling for the two girls to come out of the house. A minute later, the two were locking the door, bags in their hands. This time, the two did get out, helping load the girl’s bags in the trunk.

“I trust you two read up about the mission.” Jack said, shutting the trunk.

“We did as best as we could, considering you left out some major details.” Y/N said, arms crossed as she stared Jack down.

“You never asked.” Jack responded, copying her stance.

“I shouldn’t have to ask for mission details!” Y/N stomped her foot, causing Peggy and Daniel to look at each other.

“Alright, why don’t we talk about it on the way to the airport?” Daniel ushered the two towards the car, Y/N rolling her eyes as she got in the backseat. Jack tried to get into the driver seat, but Peggy shook her head.

“Did you forget the mission, Thompson?” She asked, making Jack raise his eyes. “Better get in the back with your wife.” She smirked, making Jack glare at her.

“It’s just a drive, Marge.” He shot back, but she wasn’t budging.

“Exactly, a drive you need to spend debriefing. With Y/N. Who’s supposed to be your wife.” She went to open the door, but Jack tried to move in front of her.

“No one is going to see us get out of the car.” He told her, and she sighed, ready to rip out her hair.

“You don’t know that! Now, get in the backseat.” With that she slid into the driver seat, making Jack shut his eyes, take a deep breath, and get into the back.

“Oh great.” Y/N said, looking out the window. It was beginning to get dark outside, meaning she couldn’t go over files or her character profile. Not that she needed to, since apparently the most important part of her character had been left out.

“That’s no way to speak to your husband.” Jack tried to joke, but regretted it when she turned to glare at him.

“Why wouldn’t you tell me that our characters were married? That’s a pretty important part of the mission, don’t ya think?” She asked, and he rolled his eyes.

“Please,as if anything could throw you off.” Y/N took a second, trying to decide if it was a compliment. “Besides, you hate me. I tried to tell you, but half the time you were ignoring me or flirting with an agent.”

“Flirting, please, Chief. You cannot call that flirting.” She chuckled humorlessly, shaking her head. “For a year I was the only woman working there. I’ll do whatever it takes to get a good assignment.”

“Except talk to me, the Chief.” Jack shot back, making Y/N squint her eyes in annoyance.

“Oh, look, this car has a nice radio.” Daniel said from the passenger seat, turning the music up. He was trying to stop the fighting, which was damn near impossible at this point.

“I’d rather be stuck on filing for a month straight than kiss you ass.” Y/N said over the radio. Jack scoffed, leaning back in his seat.

“That’s good. Perfect, actually, because that’s where you’ll be for the next two.” He crossed his arms, smirking as Y/N’s mouth dropped.

“Oh, I love this song.” Peggy turned the radio up even louder, but the two didn’t hear it.

“As soon as this mission is over I’m requesting a transfer!” She yelled, leaning over in her seat to get closer to Jack.

“Good, I’d be kicking you out soon anyway!” He was louder than the music, making Daniel turn it down.

“Oh, no! Who will be doing your filing then? The next girl you decide to hire solely for the purpose of busy work and eye candy?” Y/N was still yelling, even with the music turned down. Jack moved closer to her, their faces close.

“Oh, you wish you were eye candy. I only hired you because Dooley had been in the process of doing it himself, and I trusted his decision.” Jack smirked, but so did she.

“I’m so glad you let everyone else make your decisions. What, was it Daniel’s idea to be married couples too?” She asked, making Jack instantly drop his satisfied look for a scowl. “I bet Peggy even thought up the mission plan for you.”

“That’s it, you’re done. As soon as we get to the airport, you’re taking a taxi back home.” Jack sat back in his seat, looking out the window.

“Jack, that’s hardly fair. We need Y/N for this mission.” Peggy said from the front seat, looking in the rear view mirror to see Y/N’s shocked face.

“Really, Chief? I insult you one time and you fire me?” She gaped, surprise filling out her voice.

“Do you really think that we can go an entire week pretending to be married? We barely even know each other!” Jack was now talking to the whole car, and Y/N didn’t have a good comeback for this one.

“That’s what the plane ride is for. Now, let’s just all take a little time to listen to the radio.” Daniel said calmly, turning the music up once more. The pair in the back seat looked out their own windows, stealing glances at each other when they weren’t looking.

It was going to be a long week.

~

“What’s your favorite color?” Y/N asked, making Jack freeze. He was reading a magazine that he didn’t look up from, and Y/N just stared. The two were forced to sit next to each other on the plane, and they hadn't talked the whole way. Now, with their time on the aircraft dwindling, Y/N decided to finally strike a conversation.

“Color?” He finally asked, still not looking up.

“Are you deaf?” She shot back, unable to control her anger.

“L/N,” Jack lifted his head, looking at her as she took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, that was a little over the top.” She apologized, making his heart speed and his skin freeze. She was actually apologizing, being the bigger person after starting the conversation herself.

“Navy blue.” Jack mumbled, looking back at his magazine.

“I beg your pardon?” Y/N asked, not believing her ears.

“My favorite color.” He flipped the page, and Y/N nodded, licking her lips and looking forward. She hadn't meant that, but she was willing to let it go. “You?”

“Hm?” Why was she so flustered? Her heart was racing, and she knew it wasn’t in anger this time.

“You’re favorite color.” Jack smiled as he looked at her, making her smile back and tilt her head.

“Is that a smile?” She mumbled, fighting her hands to avoid reaching out to him.

“Don’t change the subject.” He nudged her, and that seemed to be the pushing edge back to reality. Y/N cleared her throat, sitting up straighter.

“Uh, F/C.” She nodded before looking out the window, away from Jack. They didn't talk the rest of the ride there.

The week just got that much longer.

~

“Are you alright, Mrs. Thatcher?” Jack asked, hand on her back as they walked into the hotel. Y/N fought the urge to wiggle away from him, disgust filling her body. She couldn't help but play with the ring on her finger, as it was so new and different.

“Oh, I’m perfect, Mr. Thatcher.” Y/N smiled, Jack leaving her side to open the door for her and the couple behind them.

“Welcome in.” The desk reception lady said, and the men nodded at him, the girls off to the side with smiles wide on their faces.

“We should have two rooms; one for Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thatcher and one for Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Beckett.” Jack said, and Y/N turned to Peggy.

“This is where the party is at?” She asked looking around the large lobby. It was quite elegant, one of the more fancier hotels that she’d stayed at. The party was two days from then, meaning they really only had a full day to prepare.

“Yes. The target, James Barlowe, owns the hotel. The vault should be on the top floor; it’s his private penthouse.” Peggy whispered, and Y/N nodded, still smiling.

“Love, can you help me with the bags?” Daniel asked Peggy, who smiled and nodded. Jack walked over to Y/N and extended his arm, and she begrudgingly smiled and took it. The four walked out to the car, grabbing their stuff out before locking it. Jack insisted on carrying all of his and Y/N’s bags, which she had no qualms about. If Jack wanted to create less work for her and she didn’t have to touch him, it was a win-win situation. When they finally made it into the lobby, Jack paused.

“Can you grab the key, sweetheart?” Jack asked, and Y/N nodded, moving closer to him.

“Where is it?” She asked softly, standing closer to him then she had ever before.

“My pocket.” He answered, face in a tight smile, not looking at her. Y/N took a deep breath, then reached into his front pocket grabbing the key and holding it up.

“Thanks, honey.” Jack kissed her cheek, and she put on a tight smile, trying not to blush. She looked around, seeing a few late night stragglers before realizing Jack did it to make sure the occupants of the lobby knew they were married.

But she would not blush for Jack Thompson.

“Shall we go?” Y/N asked looking at the tag on the key. It said 2H.

“We’re on the first floor.” Peggy held up her key, and Y/N sighed. Of course they were on different floors.

“So, we’ll see you tomorrow then?” She asked, yawning. She hadn’t gotten any sleep on the plane, and it was very early in the morning at this point.

“Yes, we should plan on meeting up at eight.” Daniel said, making Jack sigh.

“Let’s go with noon. We need some sleep, So-“

“What a great idea, dear.” Y/N cut Jack off from saying Daniel’s actual last name, potentially blowing their cover. There were probably eyes and ears everywhere and there was no way they were getting caught, let alone on the first night.

“Sounds great, see you then.” Peggy smiled, the two ‘couples’ parting. Y/N and Jack made their way to their room quietly, Y/N letting Jack carry all the bags.

“This is us.” Y/N said, unlocking the door and holding it open for Jack. When she looked in the room, she felt the air leave her body.

There was only one bed.

Of course there was only one bed. Why would there not be. They were a couple, and their target owned this hotel. He must know people were after him, and if he found out a married couple was in a room with two beds, their cover would be blown and they would most likely be killed. It didn't matter that the chances were slim, they couldn't afford to risk it.

“Right, well, you can take the bathroom first.” Jack said. Y/N nodded, reaching into her bag to grab her stuff. She decided to tale a quick shower, and once she was done Jack walked to the bathroom without looking at her. She sat at the vanity to braid her hair, finishing quickly and yawning. She flopped onto the bed, on top of the covers, and immediately fell asleep.

~

When Y/N woke up, she was snuggled under the covers, legs pressed up against someone else’s. She took a second to blink, look around, then turn, still half asleep. She saw Jack, fast asleep, hands under his body, one leg entwined with her own. She stared at him, his head facing her, hair mused everywhere in a way she had never seen. She found it kind of cute which made her turn around immediately.

Jack Thompson was not cute.

Y/N froze as she heard Jack wake up, moving his body away from her’s. She sat up as he got out of bed, the two rubbing their eyes.

“Good morning.” Jack said, his voice low and gravely. Y/N’s eyes widened as she heard him, heart starting to beat quickly.

“How’d you sleep?” Y/N asked, looking at the small clock on the desk side. It was eleven, meaning they only had an hour to get ready. Jack mumbled lowly in response, and she just shook her head with a smile. She grabbed her clothes as Jack walked to the bathroom, and figuring he was there to get dressed, she began to strip out of her pajamas. Just as she had put her skirt on, Jack walked back in.

“Holy shit!” Jack yelled, Y/N’s eyes widening as she turned around, hands covering her chest. She thanked God it was at least covered with a bra, but Jack still wasn’t turning around.

“Jack!” She yelled, and he finally moved to leave, the door to the bathroom slamming. She pulled the blouse onto her body, then huffed out a breath. “That was a great apology, by the way.” She told him, watching him walk out tentatively.

“It’s not my fault.” He told her, finishing buttoning his shirt. She stared opened mouth, shocked by his audacity.

“You stared at my chest for a full five seconds before I yelled at you!” She told him, and he was speechless for a second.

“I wasn’t staring at your chest!” He yelled, making her shake her head. “Plus, it was not that long.” He mumbled back, moving to his suitcase. He started to put his clothes in a drawer, and Y/N began to hang her blouses.

“It totally was.” She shot back, fighting the heat she felt in her cheeks.

“It should be a compliment.” Jack said, making Y/N drop the hanger she was holding. She turned to stare at him for a second, all warm feelings gone.

“Excuse me?” She asked quietly, rage filling her.

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Jack started to stand, but Y/N’s stare froze him in place.

“Then how, Mr. Thatcher, did you mean?” She crossed her arms, and he finally stood all the way. The use of his fake last name had irked him in a way he couldn’t describe, and now the two were both full of rage. She wasn't listening to his side, didn't want to hear the truth.

“I don’t - you’re not understanding. I wasn’t staring at your chest, I-“

“Stop talking!.” Y/N shouted over him, which did make him shut up. He blinked slowly at her, watching her think about what to say before finally opening her mouth.

“Jack, Y/N! You up?” Daniel was knocking on their door, cutting Y/N off before she even started to speak.

“It’s only eleven fifteen, Sousa!” Jack yelled back, making Y/N roll her eyes. Jack may be a great agent, but he needed to stop being careless with Daniel's last name.

“We gotta get going, Peg wants to go to lunch!” Daniel knocked again, and Jack went over to go get it. While he invited the couple in, Y/N finished hanging up her last blouse and the party dress as Daniel and Peggy sat on the small couch in the corner of the room. Y/N quickly shoved her pajamas into her suitcase with her skirts and pants, deciding to put those away later.

“Don’t forget to pull up your suspenders and tie your tie.” Y/N told Jack as she sat at the vanity, ready to put on some light makeup. Jack grumbled a response, and Y/N fought the urge to roll her eyes.

“Did you guys just wake up?” Peggy asked, watching quickly apply her blush.

“Yes, unfortunately.” Jack responded, pulling a coat on over his shirt. Y/N finished up her makeup quickly, pushing her chair out and looking at the couple on the couch.

“So, where are we going to lunch?” She asked, grabbing a cardigan out of the closet. She quickly un-did her braids before fashioning her hair to her liking, as quick as she could. Everyone was quite impressed.

“We weren’t sure. There’s a cute looking diner across the street.” Peggy offered, standing up. She discreetly helped Daniel up, which made Y/N smile. She was glad Peggy and Daniel worked well as a couple.

“Sounds great.” Y/N said, sitting on the bed to slip her shoes on. She felt Jack sit down next to her to put his own shoes on, and Y/N stood, walking away from him since she was still mad from that morning.

“What’s going on?” Daniel asked, looking between the two.

“It’s nothing.” Jack said, and Y/N shook her head.

“Nothing but Jack just being a man with no boundaries.” Y/N said, rolling her eyes.

“We could have told you that.” Peggy said as the four of them left the room. Y/N put the key in her purse as Jack closed the door behind them all.

“Tomorrow we need to spend some time at the Christmas dance. We can’t sneak off immediately.” Daniel told them as they walked down the stairs, smiling at people once they made their way into the lobby.

“How much time are we thinking? No need to dilly dally.” Y/N said, walking through the door Jack opened for her without so much as a thank you.

"At least until Barlowe makes his appearance. As soon as he shows up, it'll be the perfect time to leave." Peggy suggested, causing them all to nod.

“We need to make sure no one suspects us.” Jack suggested, but Y/N acted as if she hadn’t heard him. She walked ahead of him, keeping a steady pace until he grabbed her arm, pulling her back. “Y/N,”

“What, you’re pulling me back just to look at my breasts again?” Y/N mumbled, smiling as Jack rolled his eyes.

“I wasn’t looking at your breasts!” Jack practically yelled, making all of them look around as they stepped onto the sidewalk.

“Let’s just go to lunch and create a plan, okay?” Daniel said, trying to make the two calm down before the blew the mission.

“I volunteer to leave the party early.” Y/N mumbled as they all looked down the streets before walking across the road to the diner.

“We can talk about it at lunch.” Peggy said through clenched teeth as Jack opened the door for them.

“I wasn’t looking at your breasts.” Jack whispered as they walked in together.

“Oh, look. Mistletoe.” Peggy said, looking up. Daniel smiled, put his arms around her, and kissed her quickly. Jack and Y/N both looked up, eyes wide as they noticed that they had stopped under the mistletoe.

“No way.” Y/N said, trying to walk away. Jack grabbed her arm once more, bringing her close. She let her hands rest on his biceps, his set high on her back.

“We’re supposed to be married.” He reminded her with a soft smile that didn’t reach his eyes. Y/N nodded, letting Jack lean in to kiss her. Just as their lips were about to meet, she twisted her head, letting his lips graze her cheek.

“Maybe you should stop sexualizing me under the pretense that I’m your wife.” She said into his ear. His hold on her tightened, his mouth moving to her ear.

“I wasn’t looking at your breasts. I promise.” He whispered, and she fought the chills that came through her body at his breath fanning over her neck.

“Promise?” She asked, pulling back to look at his face. She didn’t think Jack would be the type to lie about that, and she admitted that she had been a little harsh and didn’t want to hear Jack’s side. He nodded, leaning in slowly again.

“You still aren’t getting that kiss.”

~

“You and Jack seem to be getting along a lot better.” Peggy said. They were in her and Daniel’s room, the boys in Y/N and Jack’s room getting ready for the party.

“It was just a misunderstanding.” Y/N told her, trying not to smile at the way she had woken up this morning. Jack had been holding her close, their bodies pressed together. It was crazy to think about, that she would have thrown up at the thought a couple days ago and now she couldn’t wait until the next night.

“That instance or your whole relationship?” Peggy asked with a knowing smile, making Y/N blush. “I can see the way you look at each other,”

“It’s a mission, Peg.” Y/N told her, shaking her head. “Plus, it’s only been a couple days. Who knows what will happen with Jack and I after this.” She said, making her friend shake her head.

“We’ll see what happens tonight.” Peggy suggested, going back to doing her makeup. Y/N was taking out her pinned curls, spraying them before going to her dress, dancing slightly to the music playing on the record. She pulled the beautiful green dress on, the one she had picked from the limited amount of clothing the SSR had for missions. Peggy had picked a red one - because they were going for tacky. The boys would be wearing the matching ties and suspenders, hoping the corniness would make them seem less like targets. As Peggy slipped into her dress, Y/N checked her bag, making sure her pistol was in there. She snapped it shut, checking herself in the small mirror along with Peggy.

“We look great.” Peggy said, smiling as she went over to turn the record player off. The two slipped their high heels on before walking out, taking a deep breath. This was the real part of their mission, the part they had to get right. Jack and Y/N would be the ones going to get the file on the top floor, playing the part of drunken lovers if they were caught.

When the two stepped into the lobby, Y/N heart began to race. There were so many people, dancing to the Christmas music blasting through the room.

“Where are they?” Y/N asked, looking around.

“Behind you.” Jack’s voice made her jump, and she smiled as she turned around. Daniel and Jack were each holding two drinks, smiling at the girls. Jack handed Y/N her drink. Daniel handing Peggy her’s. She smiled as she took a sip, looking around again.

“It’s gonna be fine, Y/N.” Daniel said, noticing her worried look.

“I just want to get this over with.” She mumbled, Jack barely hearing her over the music.

“I know,” Jack grabbed her hand, smiling. “Let’s just dance.” He twirled her around by the hand, smiling as she giggled a bit, trying not to spill her drink.

“I suck at dancing!” She complained, still smiling.

“That’s what makes it so fun!” He watched her laugh once more as he spun her around again while taking a drink of the mixed drink in his hands.

“Heads up, Barlowe just made his appearance.” Daniel told them, causing all of them turn and see the man of the hour walking into the lobby. Everyone flooded towards him, and Jack and Y/N knew this was their chance. They nodded to Peggy and Daniel before leaving.

“This worked out in your favor.” Jack said as they made their way to the stairwell.

“Parties just are not my scene.” She told him, smiling as he opened the door for her.

“Yeah well,” Jack trailed off as they climbed the stairs. They had almost made it to the fourth level when they heard a door open. Y/N moved to open the third floor door, pulling Jack with her. They stopped int the doorway, looking around. Y/N didn’t see anyone, just listening to the people talk and make their way down the stairs. She was still looking when Jack began to laugh. She turned to glare at him before noticing he was looking up. She looked up too, head stuck when she realized they were under mistletoe.

“Dammit.” Y/N whispered, but a smile was stuck on her face.

“Don’t worry, I’ll let you off with a kiss on the cheek.” Jack told her, turning to put his hands on her lower back. Y/N put her own on his shoulders, a smirk gracing her face.

“That’s not how mistletoe works.” She whispered, leaning forward so he could place her lips on his. He hovered over hers’ for a second, and she let her eyes flutter closed.

“Well, we can’t disobey the rules of mistletoe, then.” He smiled, one of his hands moving to her cheek before connecting their lips.

[veryrealimagination]

The Very Noisy Night

Day No: 9 Prompt: Sleeping in Shifts with some Caught in a Storm Fandom: Murdoch Mysteries Medium: fic Trigger Warnings: none SFW

An abandoned cabin was a Godsend that Thomas Brackenreid quickly thanked for before hurrying the two slower members inside. George Crabtree backed them up, shutting and barricading the door. He didn't even need to direct the men to a corner that allowed them the best protection from windows and the door. William Murdoch had taken position in front of Llewellyn Watts. The youngest man there burrowed into the borrowed jacket of Brackenreid, eyeing the three of them.

Before he could even get a word in, there were yells outside of the cabin. The windows were thankfully caked over in dirt and grime, both inside and out. "Sousa said they ran this way!" A yelled. "Sousa had his head knocked by the Detective. You sure it wasn't the other way?" B asked. "Are you kiddin'?" C said, annoyed, "Why the fuck would they be goin' to the drops? They would 'ave been hearing 'em before and ran the other way." "All right. Wha' about the cabin?" The two men that were strong enough to fight stood up if necessary. Murdoch also eyed the wall, wondering if he could propel himself into anyone that was stupid enough to barge in given a good hand hold. A dismissed him. "Nah, why would they be that close? They need to get to the Government boys and get those two safe. They wouldn't stop."

A crackle of thunder rang through the air. "Sounds like we should. Wherever they are, they're about to get caught up in a 'pour." "Clegg's not gonna be happy." "Clegg can come and search for them himself," A complained, "The storm will either stop them and we can catch them later, or it's gonna kill them." The three started trailing off, going back the way they came. Brackenreid saw that by scrubbing a bit off the windows and peering out. When they were completely out of sight, he nodded and they each breathed sighs of relief. Before another crack in the sky warned them about the storm coming through. "Right, we're not going anywhere for a while," he muttered, looking around. Watts settled against the wall, curling up into a small ball. He was almost hidden behind Murdoch. The older man appeared to be setting himself up as a physical guard. If he wasn’t also teetering off. "All right, Bugalugs, three hours?" He nodded. Three hours of sleep, three hours on watch. "I'll take first," George said, volunteering himself, "I've had the most sleep out of us right now." Brackenreid nodded, the train ride down and then the search for both of his detectives wearing on his body. He chose a close enough corner to pop up for action before hunkering down. The storm that the men heard came in quickly and loudly. Nothing had been left in the cabin to act as a barrier to the noises outside. It made it harder to listen for enemies. George was completely focused on the door and the rattling windows. Was one going to be a man trying to get in, or the wind about to break it open? Murdoch shook his shoulder to get his attention. "Sir!" he hissed, the situation making him jump. He sat down next to him. "Sorry," he said, sitting down next to him. Brackenreid didn't even move at the sound. Watts looked over at the two of them before settling back down. The two sat there for a few minutes, listening to the storm brew around them. "I'm sorry." George took a glance at him. "About how I've acted." "Sir, as soon as I found out the threat, I completely understood." He shook his head. "Not just the pushing that I did." He looked to Watts, now knowing some of the other events that had been playing out in Station House Four. "I haven't been paying the best attention to those around me. I should have helped search for you after the twins kidnapped you and hurt Effie. I should have known more about what was happening to everyone around me." He sighed, because this was emotions and thought processes that he didn't want to have. Murdoch didn't want to think about how he failed at what he was supposed to be best at. A detective that doesn't think about what was happening to his friend, his best friend. Who, in their right minds, did that? Even if it was unconsciously. "I was too focused on the Black Hand, but I should have at least acknowledged it. Then, Julia and her pregnancy. I..." "Sir. Murdoch," he said, gaining more attention from that, "Instead of apologizing for the past, perhaps you should focus on the future. You know you haven't been doing well, so actively changing that would be a wonderful way of acknowledging it." That, was not what he was expecting. "And I forgive you, at this point. At least you figured your actions were less than helpful for the last few months." Oh. "Effie will not on my behalf, though. She has already told me so. Says you need to be shunned for two years." Murdoch agreed with her. "So, if I need anything, I should send Julia?" "Well," he wavered. The two laughed a bit. George now had some questions. "So, sir, what exactly happened? All I got from the Inspector was that we were going in for you and Watts." A loud clash stopped him before he started. He didn't consider it a good sign, but he regularly ignored them anyway. "Clegg killed what turned out to be a Government official back in Toronto. He threatened Anna and Henry. I went down to New York to check on her and found Clegg's illegal operations," he told, "Then I was approached by Terrence Meyers." Spy shenanigans. "Oh, boy." "Meyers told me Clegg had Watts kidnapped due to information and his translation abilities. I went undercover to find Watts. Clegg was already suspicious about a 'new' member. The fight, actually, helped with throwing off his attention. Then, he saw my face." George turned to him as he relayed that last part flatly. "I woke up taped to a chair before finding out they were going to use me to pressure Watts into giving up the information." "Taped? To a chair?" He nodded. "Yes. Apparently, someone has created a form of the duct tape that I have back home down here in New York. They call it duck tape. Clegg had been using it on his victims." His mind connected the one in Toronto with two more in New York that Meyers told him about. Then, Watts, and himself. It was briefly jarring. "It may also be stronger than the stuff I developed at home. I'm going to find a roll of it to bring back after this is all over." George nodded. This was familiar, normal, and comforting. William Murdoch discussing an invention, then having problems with said invention. Usually it was mechanical. This time, it may have been legal. More so than his automated lawn mower going after the neighbors. The storm was not getting any weaker when Brackenreid took over watch. George and Murdoch both settled along the wall, napping the best they could. He had moved over to the front of the door. If anyone was gonna come harm his men, it would be through his failing body. Which will not be because he had explicit instructions not to die. His wife's orders. The windows barely held, and the door wasn't that good either. Hell, he was reminded of one of the storms that passed through his camp. Loud as the first wave of rifles shooting at the enemy. Many a men woke up thinking they were on the front lines. The cut off whimper he heard made him think that it was just the storm outside. But he looked over to see Watts awake. His arms were over his ears and he flinched at the next thunderous boom that shook the walls. "Watts?" The man approached carefully. He wasn't armed, but the boy had managed a right hook that felt like one of Murdoch's old punching hits. Another loud crack and those arms tried to tighten. "Oh, bloody 'ell," he muttered. The older man tried again. "Watts." He shook his head. "I'm not telling you," he mumbled, "I'm not telling you." What the hell was he talking about? "Watts. Watts, what the hell do you think-" Thomas, you thought it yourself. Your men used to think that thunder was gunfire from the front lines. He wasn't sure why his wife's voice managed to repeat some of his thoughts, but it made a lot of sense. Clegg must have shot a gun near him to threaten him into cooperating. Bloody hell. A tug on his shoulder and he turned to see Murdoch standing by him. "He apparently also shot him trying to escape," he informed, apparently catching that the man had figured one of the reasons for the reaction. The older man carefully moved an arm away from his head. Brackenreid was processing it while Murdoch managed to get an ear free so he could mutter a reassurance that he wasn't in Clegg's hands again. Watts lowered his arms once he realized he was in the cabin, with Brackenreid and Murdoch. The other detective was satisfied that the younger man wouldn't go into a fit when he brought both arms down. He then turned to his inspector. "Also, I'm not the only one that needs to apologize for previous actions." Right. No one was happy when they found out about his threat that came out in a heated moment. The fact that he got innocent people hung always blackened his conscious. He never wanted to think about what would happen if it came to light. What good he had done since then unraveled by overturned convictions, cases reopened. Never mind what would happen to Four. Himself, Murdoch. All of them would be put under a microscope like the ones in the Morgue.

Watts was staring at his shoulder intently, arms wrapped around his legs. He didn’t try to look at the man’s face. It was something that he had trouble with at the beginning, and they were getting somewhere before the problems with Walker and Mr. Strange. Now he was back to ignoring his eyes. There was a small window of merely pounding rain and winds instead of thunder. And he needed to use it wisely. “I wouldn’t have gone through with it,” he admitted.

“Then why did you even threaten me with it?” Watts asked, voice choked, “You know-”

“I know.” He knew as in he lost Glenn Scott his job. As if Percy Giles had more years tacked onto his sentence because he was a homosexual. As Jack Walker had his business destroyed. As Llewellyn Watts would have lost the only family he had anymore. Crabtree, Murdoch, and Doctor Ogden would have still kept up with him, but there was no way he would have kept his job. Or any parts of his life. No one would hire a homosexual like Watts. Scott managed to get a security job. Watts would have been beaten for trying to become a Pinkerton. As if he even would, if the man knew what they did for companies in America. “I know what would have happened. You don’t think I haven’t seen good coppers lose everything?”

“Why?”

He sighed. That wasn’t the why of a detective trying to figure out a motive to a murder done years ago by those that wanted someone to be punished for a crime. The why came from a child man that had an image of a good man ripped away by the truth of something horrible that he had been involved with. “I arrested them. I was sure of my gut and the evidence we had they did it. Then I kept talking to them, listening to why they wouldn’t have done it, why they couldn’t have done it. Why they couldn’t have gotten the murder weapon. And something started to crack in the case. My DCI told me to ignore it and move on. The prosecutor did as well. But my gut got a nasty feeling. And I found one of the pieces of evidence, a gun, was the wrong one. The one they brought to trial had been used with a different crime. When the Defense tried to move on that, they replaced it with the correct one. But it was enough for me to become suspect. It wasn’t enough to stop their hangings. Someone had to pay for the crime, whether or not they actually committed it.”

He couldn’t tell if Watts understood that. His eyes closed when he started talking, taking in the words and playing them out in his mind like a nightmare of his own making. “Guilt by association,” he said, trying to work through this new information. “The knowledge that you knew of a crime and did nothing to stop it.” Brackenreid bowed his head.

“But you did.”

He raised his head back up. The man was surprised at the thought process Watts went through. “You were in the process of trying to clear their names. Just not quick enough before they did. The others are guilty, for knowing the truth. For evidence tampering.” There was a tiny rueful look at that. He remembered his own attempt at keeping the murderer of his brothers behind bars. “The guilt by association is not yours. Not in this case.” The grip of his arms tightened on his legs. The inspector finally realized it was a mock hug he was trying to give himself. “You could have explained it then. I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t have, gone, by what I was thinking. I, we could have-”

“Llewellyn,” he stopped, the very use of his first name quieting the young man and startling him into looking directly into his face. “Someone in Scotland Yard managed to get a false gun used as evidence in a crime then had the real one exchanged in when the Defense motioned for it to be examined. They wouldn’t have allowed their shame to come out.” He steeled himself for the next words. His wife would be proud. “I am sorry, that I used your private life in a hasty decision to stop you from moving forward.” He was surprised, and it was probably the first time in a long time that someone had apologized, sincerely and for a serious reason like this, to him for that.

His further words were stolen away by lightning that was so close as to brighten one of the windows to near daylight. Which meant the clap of thunder after it shook Watts enough for him to try screaming at the noise. Brackenreid reached out and grabbed a hold of him. Tucking him under his chin, the move stopped the instinct and silenced him. “It’s all right, Watts,” he mumbled, feeling him shake when he wrapped his arms around him. If he could quarter Allen Clegg, he would. “If you want to, uh…” He didn’t know how to say it and bloody hell, I need Margaret here. She’s better with this. “Well, I gave Crabtree a hug yesterday.”

He’s not sure if Watts had the same problems with hugging people as Murdoch did, or if society told him he shouldn’t be hugging people not related to him, but his arms were tentative in wrapping around him until he realized that he wouldn’t be pushed off for doing so and got to squeeze and slump into the older man’s hug. I think Crabtree would call it melting.

And if the other two men woke up a bit earlier than their three hours to take over watch, well, they didn’t say anything.

“We should leave now.”

Murdoch sat next to Brackenreid. He had been sleeping on and off during the storms, mostly trying to stay awake for George’s shifts to talk and iron out more issues. But now he was listening to the rain start to lighten, and the majority of thunder left that Watts was sleeping deeply. George had offered his shoulder as a rest while he also got another round of napping. He had been waiting for the storm to have a sudden dark turn again, but nothing had happened for an hour that indicated it was strengthening. It would be the best time to run.

“It’s still dark and raining,” he pointed out.

“The majority of the storm is trailing off. Using both as cover, we might be able to get far enough to a safe point,” he said, looking back to the other two. “This may be the only time we can get out safe.”

The bloody man had a point. He hated the fact that the man made a good point. He got up and checked outside while Murdoch woke the other two. Anyone that was tired immediately jumped awake at the rain that got on their heads once they stepped outside. “Where now?” Watts asked, out of the loop with everything involving Meyers and his help.

“Back to New York?” Crabtree asked.

“Maybe Meyers will find us,” Brackenreid muttered, “Be the right time for an appearance.” Murdoch didn’t say anything as he led them away from the road and to a point he was told about before his own capture.

He said the drops would be easy to find.

[the-truest-sentence-i-know]

chase two girls, lose the one

Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe

Characters: Daniel Sousa, Violet, & Peggy Carter

Rating: T

Summary: “We never really talked after, so I’m just going to say my piece and then you can go,” Violet said, jaw set. “Alright,” Daniel said.

Daniel, Violet, and Peggy seek some closure. Oneshot.

Word Count: 1.3k

ao3 || ff.net || wattpad

Daniel drove the familiar route to Violet’s house. He was finally going to pick up the last of his things, something he had been putting off for weeks. Peggy was back in New York; they hadn’t really talked about the future, and he wanted to close this chapter with Violet before they did. He had hardly spoken to her since the night Peggy was hurt – the night she figured it out.

Violet deserved so much better. Even before Peggy arrived in Los Angeles, he was never completely there for Violet. Of course, he didn’t realize that until it was too late.

It would have been better if he had run away from New York with a broken heart like everyone had thought. But that wasn’t entirely true. He had run away – Violet could always read him too well – but because he was afraid.

He and Peggy had smiled and flirted and supported each other against their coworkers. He had thought – hoped – that they could be something more, but he was patient. He knew she was still grieving Captain America. Then, when they’d figured out she was working with Stark behind their backs, he had been so angry he could barely see. That was when the fear crept in, and it did not dissipate when they found out she was telling the truth.

Daniel knew he had fallen for her – just as surely as he knew being with her would be as intense and unpredictable as she was herself. Peggy was like the sun: just too bright to look at and too strong to try to tie yourself to. What he felt for her was just too much for him to handle.

So he had run. He took the chief position in Los Angeles and fled away from Peggy’s gravitational pull, trading her in for the less intense California heat.

And he had met Violet. She reminded him of Peggy a bit at first, the way she didn’t take shit from anyone, but soon he separated them in his mind. And he had fallen for her too, there was no question about it. She was strong and funny and fearless, and they probably would have had a very happy life together, had Peggy not come in.

He should have heard the bells tolling on his and Violet’s future as soon as Peggy arrived. They had fallen into old habits as they worked together. She didn’t flirt with him like before – she respected Violet far too much to do that – but it was clear she wasn’t over him. And as time went on and Peggy got herself into dangerous situations and nearly died several times, he began to realize he wasn’t over her either

(Looking back, he wondered if he had proposed to Violet because he was ready to marry her, or to try to prove to himself he had moved on.)

And Violet, ever observant and never one to beat around the bush, had looked at him and said, “Well, I think you’re in love with her. Aren’t you, Daniel?”

He hadn’t been able to say no and she hadn’t gotten angry – even though she had every right to.

Daniel parked on the street by Violet’s house and took a breath before stepping out and walking up to the door. He knocked and heard her steps come down the stairs. He could tell she was wearing her work shoes and hoped he hadn’t interrupted her while she was getting ready for work.

“Daniel,” she said, when she opened the door, not entirely surprised.

“Hi,” he said.

Her face was deliberately neutral, so he couldn’t tell if she was sad or angry.

“I’m just here to get my stuff,” he said.

“Right, yeah.” She stepped aside and he entered the house. “I’ve got most of it in a box in the living room.”

It’s not much. A couple of books, a jacket, a watch. As he went through it, he found a few keepsakes – tickets from shows and movies, prizes won at fairs. Violet wasn’t the type to keep stuff like that, but she knew he was.

Violet entered the room with a laundry basket on her hip. She put it down and handed him a small pile of clothes. “I think that’s everything.”

He took it gently and placed it in the box. “You didn’t have to wash them,” he said quietly.

She shrugged. “I was doing laundry anyway.”

Daniel nodded. “Right.”

He picked up the box and was about to leave when Violet said, “Wait.”

He stopped.

“We never really talked after, so I’m just going to say my piece and then you can go,” Violet said, jaw set.

“Alright,” Daniel said.

She took a breath. “You weren’t honest with me, not about why you left New York, or about Peggy. That wasn’t fair to me, and I think you know that.”

Daniel nodded.

“It wasn’t fair for either of us, really. Because Peggy came here and she was in love with you and she didn’t know about us, and she handled it better than I ever could’ve. She was never anything but nice to me.” She shook her head. “So I get it, she’s great. I can’t dislike her, no matter how much I might want to.”

Daniel was quiet. If he hadn’t deserved her before, he certainly didn’t now.

“So, I hope you two figure it out.” Her eyes glistened. “Genuinely.”

“I –” Daniel started.

Violet shook her head. “I don’t –” She sighed. “You can go. I don’t need to hear your apologies. I know you didn’t mean to hurt anyone – hurt me – but you still did. I know you’re sorry, but I don’t really wanna hear it.”

Daniel swallowed and nodded. “Goodbye, Violet,” he said.

“Goodbye, Daniel.” She followed him to the door and closed it behind her. She listened to his steps down the lane, the sound of the car door opening and closing, and then him driving off.

Violet looked over at the spot the box had sat in the living room and tried not to break down. She had been finding things of Daniel’s around the house in the days after they had broken it off and had found it helpful to have a place to put them. The box had sat there for a few weeks, slowly filling up. The room felt emptier without it now and even though she knew it was a good thing, she still missed it.

She tried not to think about Daniel leaving things at Peggy’s place. They would start collecting little reminders of outings they’d been on, and probably missions they’d gone on together.

Peggy had dropped by the day before she left for New York – with a noticeable tan, and Violet deliberately did not let herself think about Peggy sitting on a beach or beside a pool with Daniel. Peggy said she was there to say goodbye and a final thank you for helping her, but it was also a bit of an apology.

They talked a while about not being taken seriously at work since they had a fair bit in common on that front. Violet had been telling Daniel the truth: she quite liked Peggy. If the circumstances had been different, they could have been close friends. But, as things stood now, that seemed unlikely.

“I don’t blame you for any of it,” Violet said, finally.

“You don’t,” Peggy said cautiously.

Violet shook her head.

“Because you’re allowed to be angry with me,” Peggy said. “I wouldn’t begrudge you that.”

“I’m not angry at you.”

After a pause, Peggy asked, “When did you know?”

“When he brought you here when you were injured,” Violet said. “It was as clear as anything.”

Peggy nodded. “Well, thank you again, Violet, for everything.”

“Of course.” Violet smiled. “Feel free to drop by whenever you’re back in town.”

Peggy said she would, but they both knew she wouldn’t. Violet waved from the porch as Peggy drove away and doubted that she would ever see either Peggy or Daniel ever again, at least intentionally.

Violet took a deep breath and looked around the room again. They had both gotten their closure with her, and now that the box was gone, it was time for Violet to find hers.

[geraltcirilla]

On the romantic side of things, Chloe Bennet (and several of her co-stars) couldn’t be happier with Daisy’s choice of Daniel Sousa as her partner.

“He’s so stable, and so supportive, and so willing, and so understanding of who she is,” Bennet says. “[Daisy needs] that kind of stability in her life, and that support. And I think it doesn’t hurt that he’s a strapping young man!”

“She has become such a kind of a power house, physically,” Bennet continues. “I love that he kind of brings her down to Earth a little bit.”

For Enver Gjokaj, Sousa’s relationship to Daisy’s power was a crucial factor in their developing bond.

“They don’t seem to have a lot of [things] in common,” he notes, “But the fact that he’s attracted to strong women, and that he’s worked with strong women in his past, and that’s who he is — I think that becomes the foundation for a relationship. The fact [that Daisy’s power is] not threatening to him at all, that that’s actually a positive, that… made total sense to me.”

“And [Gjokaj] played it with such a quiet confidence, and just you’re so grounded,” Bennet continues. “Sousa is so grounded in himself, and he’s not threatened by her as an entity and by Quake, and it actually finds it slightly amusing. which I think is really sweet, actually.”

Clark Gregg also expressed a certain relief at Daisy’s choice, which he feels reflects maturity on the part of friend and castmate Bennet.

“One of the things that happens, especially when you do play a character for 200 years as I have… is that the life and art blend together,” he says, noting that it was challenging to repeatedly “watch Chloe/Daisy go through these various things and get her heart broken, and have people die.”

So “to have Enver show up and create — recreate — the new version [of Sousa], dealing with different kinds of stuff, was just cool!” Gregg says. The character’s new incarnation on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was “tough. Not calling attention to himself. It felt so real, and I love so much what he did, and the way that [he and Chloe] just kind of quietly backed into this thing that everybody has been rooting for. [It’s] such a testament to their work in the chaotic final season, and how lucky we were to get Enver. It’s just facts!”

For their part, showrunners Jeff Bell, Maurissa Tancharoen, and Jed Whedon felt it was critical that their cast of female characters be seen as much more than partners in relationships, regardless of how matters concluded.

“They’ve had relationships [but] we never defined them by that,” says Bell. “But Daisy hasn’t had great luck in the past, bad things that happened or it hasn’t worked out. And so when Enver showed up, it was more than we could have imagined. We’d hoped that they would have chemistry, and the fact that it worked so well was great.”

Bell also observes that even more significant than the romantic developments was Daisy’s re-formation of a new kind of family for herself.

It was important, he says to let Daisy’s sister “Kora come over at the end and [give] Daisy family to continue. So it wasn’t just ‘Now I have a boyfriend!’ It was like she had a new unit. I think that was something that happened organically through the force of the storytelling that was a nice thing that we hadn’t foreseen.”

“The whole drive of Daisy’s character arc was, she was in search for her identity. She was in search for her family and where she came from,” agrees Tancharon. “And what she stumbled upon was new one, and so at the end, it’s very clear that she is actually starting her own little family in space, with the man she loves and her actual sister.”

— Hypable Interview, the AOS cast discuss Daisy and Sousa’s romance

[jaskiers-sweetkiss]

Out of Time

Pairings: Avengers!Reader x Daniel Sousa, Steve x Bucky (briefly mentioned)

Summary: Just when you were starting to enjoy your time in 1949 everything falls apart. SEQUEL TO Not So Bad

Word Count: 2.6K

Warnings: some swearing, panic attack, mention of ptsd and war, some angst

A/N: @bookish-bucky @drinkerofcoffeewriterofwords and @mydoctorwho13 asked for a part 2 to Not So Bad so here it is! (I hope y’all don’t mind that I tagged you/lmk if you want me to untag you/idk why it didn’t let me tag all of you). More notes at the bottom!

___

The cat was out of the bag. 

Well, really just one cat was out of its bag. 

Basically your secret was out and it was entirely your fault. 

You were at Howard’s lab for the third time for even more tests. All of the previous tests had been inconclusive, though that came as no surprise to you. You had engineered them to be that way, pretending to suddenly and uncontrollably levitate in response to random tests, doing your best to ensure that Howard would be unable to make any connections. 

But today you were a bit distracted. 

You couldn’t help it, you were only human after all. And when Daniel Sousa is flashing an award-winning grin while Howard tried his most bizarre test ever (repeatedly trying to scare you in hopes it would spark a levitation reaction), well, any woman in your position would’ve done the same.

You jumped. No, you did more than just jump. 

Howard Stark snuck up behind you and yelled while shaking your shoulders and you flew. Shot straight up in the air like a rocket, feeling entirely like your teenage self with absolutely no control of your abilities. 

And then, to make matters worse, you disappeared. 

You assumed it must’ve been the embarrassment of smacking your head on the ceiling that caused the sudden invisibility though the ‘why’ didn’t really matter anymore. What mattered was you were invisible and Daniel and Howard were shouting your name. 

Except, no, that didn’t matter right now either. All you could focus on was the sudden tightening in your chest and the fact that you were finding it harder to breathe. The shouting faded to the background as you began to feel trapped in your own skin. 

I have to get out of here. 

So you ran. 

You didn’t even think as you flew out of Howard’s lab, racing down the hall. You didn’t stop until you were in the bathroom, door locked behind you. You slid down to the floor, knees pulled tight against your chest as you leaned against the door.

Briefly, you noticed that you were still invisible, though the thought left as soon as it came. You also vaguely noticed the tears streaming down your face, though you were unaware of when they had begun. Your thoughts zipped back to the lab and the concern lacing Daniel and Howard’s voices as they called out to you and for a moment you felt bad for running away but that too was pulled away in the hurricane of your mind. Your whole body felt abuzz and you couldn’t think or breathe as a feeling of utter helplessness settled into your bones. 

You tried to remember what Tony had told you to do- something about box breathing exercises and the five senses- but you weren’t sure that you were in control of your mind anymore. 

“Y/N, if you can hear me name four street names from where you grew up.” Daniel’s voice rang through the bathroom door. Before you could even consider how he had found you or why he needed to know you answered,

“Main Street, Birch Street, Higgins Drive, Cobalt Lane.” The words were stuttered and separated by harsh inhales and exhales. 

“Name your five favorite movies.”

“La La Land, Ferris Bueller, Beauty and the Beast, Spirited Away, Inception.” The words were smoother this time, though tears still streamed down your face and your bones still felt heavy and your skin restrictive. 

“Okay, name ten presidents.”

“Uh, Ellis, Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR… Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower… Reagan, Nixon… Kennedy.” Your voice was steady as you spoke, your chest no longer heaving with sobs and shaking breaths. 

“Good. Now name seven state capitals.” 

“Albany, Trenton, Tallahassee, Nashville, Lansing, Richmond, Raleigh.” When you opened your eyes you noticed you were visible again, though when it had happened you weren’t sure. 

“Are you okay?” Daniel’s voice came through the door, soothing you more than you realized. 

“Yeah.” You answered quietly, your voice raw. 

“If you’re comfortable with it, will you open the door?”

Your soul turned to mush at his words, Daniel Sousa- ever the gentleman. You felt an immense amount of comfort in the man despite only knowing him a few days but you were scared. You had just fully exposed your powers and had a panic attack, you hadn’t been this vulnerable to another person in years. 

“It’s okay if you don’t want to, I just want to make sure you’re okay,” Daniel spoke again, no judgment lacing his voice, only kindness, compassion, and caring. 

You stood slowly, your muscles aching as you stretched them from their tensed position, and unlocked the door, opening it to reveal Daniel. Your eyes immediately jumped to his face, his expression almost pained though it changed as soon as he saw you, morphing into relief and something else you couldn’t quite place. 

“How did you know how to do that?” You blurted out, though you had really wanted the first thing you said to him to be “thank you” or “I’m sorry.”

Instead, apparently your brain was preoccupied with how the man before you had walked you through your panic attack. 

“Oh, uh…” He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Well after the war… ptsd and all, I’m no stranger to panic attacks.”

You softened at his confession, forgetting, despite his limp and his cane, that the man before you had gone through a war and had not come out unscathed. Before you even knew what you were doing you were hugging him. He let out a small “oof” as you wrapped your arms around his middle, squeezing slightly. 

Tentatively, he wrapped his arms around you in return. 

“Thank you,” you finally mumbled into his suit jacket. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” Daniel asked, confusion etched into his features as he pulled away from your embrace. 

“I-I disappeared and I ran and I panicked and you had to come get me and deal with all that.” You gestured wildly as you spoke, words fumbling together in your rush to get it all out. 

“Y/N, helping you isn’t a burden to me,” Daniel spoke softly, tilting your chin up so you could see the sincerity in his eyes. “And what you just went through- what you’ve been going through with these... strange abilities, your reaction was completely justified.” 

Your heart clenched at his words. He was speaking to you with such honesty and openness but you were lying to him. You sighed, taking a step back, his arms falling away from your waist and you suddenly felt cold without the heat of his embrace. 

“I-” You faltered, needing to take a breath before you could continue. “I need to tell you and Howard something.” 

 ___

“What exactly were you hoping to accomplish with this lie, Miss Y/L/N?” You winced at the use of your last name. Daniel hadn’t used it since that first night in his house. 

You tried to shrink into yourself, considering going invisible once again to escape the look of betrayal Daniel was fixing you with. 

“Are you a spy?” He was angry and betrayed and you could see him trying to reason this out to himself, but you knew he’d never even fathom the truth. “Was this an attempt to infiltrate SHIELD? Who do you work for?”

“Daniel,” you whispered, and the stern look you were fixed with told you everything you needed to know. The only way out of this was the full truth, timeline be damned. 

“I work with a team of powered people called The Avengers.” You sighed. “About two weeks ago, two of our members stole the Tesseract from Camp Lehigh in order to save the world from an alien who wiped out fifty percent of the universe. After we succeeded, I was tasked with returning the Tesseract but due to a malfunction I’m stuck here.” 

“I’m pretty sure we would’ve noticed the Tesseract being stolen and the destruction of half of the world,” Daniel said crossly, clearly not believing you though you didn’t blame him. 

“You wouldn’t have because for you none of that has happened yet and I returned the Tesseract immediately after it was taken.” 

“You mean this happened in the future?” Howard finally spoke, looking at you with a newfound curiosity.

You nodded. “In the year 2023.” 

Howard let out a low whistle at the date but there was a gleam in his eyes like a kid in a candy store. 

“I have so many questions.”

You smiled sadly, “Surely you understand that I can’t tell you what happens without destroying the timeline.” 

“No, we don’t understand.” Daniel snapped, “Because time travel doesn’t exist.” 

“Daniel I can’t make you believe me, I literally have no way to prove this to you,” you sighed, not wanting to argue with the man. “I didn’t even mean to drag you into this, I came here for Howard’s help fixing my device so I could go back.” 

“If it makes you feel any better, if I was a spy, I’d have absolutely nothing to report. I didn’t get anywhere near SHIELD or any of Howard’s projects.” You tried to smile, though you felt like crying. “You’re a good agent and a good leader, Daniel Sousa, but most importantly you’re a good man and I am not deserving of your help or your trust.” 

Daniel’s eyes softened at your words, though he still held a defensive stance. The lab remained silent for a few minutes but your eyes never left Daniel’s face, observing the flurry of emotions that resided there. 

“Time travel would explain those movies and presidents I’ve never heard of.”

You cringed slightly, not realizing you had potentially blown the timeline during your panic attack.

“Yeah, those won’t come out for another few decades,” you rubbed the back of your neck embarrassedly, “And I suppose I ruined a few elections for you.” 

“I’ll live,” Daniel responded with a shrug before his eyes widened in realization, “I will live right?” 

“Honestly? I have no idea what your life looks like. I didn’t pay a lot of attention in school.” You answered sheepishly, a small smile gracing your features at the forgiveness, however small, that came with Daniel’s statement. 

“I’m not even going to ask because I already know that I must be remembered for my genius because you came to me for help,” Howard smirked cockily, “Now, let’s get your time machine fixed and get you home.” 

“Oh hell, you did not need that ego boost,” you groaned. 

Howard had the audacity to wink. 

___

The next week was difficult. You were still staying with Daniel but the dynamic between the two of you had changed entirely. There were no more soft, shared glances, or meaningful looks, or chats over coffee in the morning. In fact, Daniel seemed to be avoiding looking at you at all, only doing so when absolutely necessary. He had thrown all his energy into getting you back to your time. 

It broke your heart a bit, though you’d never admit it. You’d known the man for a little over a week, you couldn’t be getting all teary-eyed because he wasn’t looking at you anymore. Plus, wasn’t he doing exactly what you wanted by helping you get back? Still, it felt a little as though he was trying to get rid of you. 

That week had felt like torture. A constant turmoil of indecipherable emotions swirling inside you and you had no idea what to do with it all. So you pushed on. Pushed all the way to the day Howard fixed your time travel watch. 

“I think I’ve finally got it!” He exclaimed, gleefully. “I’ve invented time travel!”

“Not so fast, Stark.” You chided, “My team invented time travel, you’ve just fixed it.” 

Howard merely rolled his eyes, muttering something about “no fun” and brought you the device. Daniel was standing off to the side, eyes refusing to meet yours, consistent with the past week. You sighed, accepting the watch and sliding it onto your wrist. 

“Well, we’ve only got one shot,” you may have been stalling, though you wouldn’t admit it to yourself. “Are you sure it’s right, Howard?”

“Honestly? No. But I’m sure that I have no other solutions than what I’ve already done.”

“Is this a good idea?” You asked aloud, to no one in particular. 

“Y/N, you need to get back.” Daniel sighed, lifting his eyes to meet yours and you thought you saw grief in them. “Your team is probably worried about you.” 

“If this works how it’s supposed to, I’ll be back just seconds after I left,” you shook your head sadly, “Just in time for retirement cake.” 

“Retirement?” His head was cocked to the side like a confused puppy and your heart leapt into your throat at the first unprofessional conversation you’ve shared in a week.

You nodded, “One of my teammates is stepping away to settle down with his boyfriend.” 

“His boyfriend?” Daniel questioned skeptically and you forgot what time you had been stuck in. You knew from Steve and Bucky’s stories that the 30s and 40s were not a good time to be lgbt but you could tell by the way that he had spoken that Daniel didn’t hold any of those biases. It was just one more thing about the future to be confused about.  

“You’d love them,” you whispered honestly. 

He probably would, the three of them have so much in common between the war and SHIELD and Peggy Carter and Howard Stark. For a moment you let yourself imagine a world in which you had been born in this era, in which Bucky had never been captured and Steve never frozen. A world where you could fall in love with Daniel Sousa and live happily ever after surrounded by friends. 

You shook yourself out of it. There was no future for you here and there was a team waiting for you in the future. You sighed, punching the date and time into your watch. You were out of time. 

“What if I didn’t go?” You blurted out, unable to contain the question any longer. 

“Y/N, your team-” Daniel started. 

“Doesn’t need me. They all have lives and happiness and fulfillment and-“ you shuddered as you released this word vomit of feelings you didn’t even realize you had before you whispered, “And maybe I deserve some of that myself.” 

Daniel Sousa made you feel cared for and appreciated in a way nobody ever had in the 21st century and you’d be damned if you gave that up without a fight. 

“What about the timeline?”

“Fuck the timeline!” You exclaimed and Howard giggled and your cursing. 

“Daniel,” you sighed. “You make me feel things I’ve never felt before and I don’t wanna put too much pressure on this, but I think meeting you might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But if you don’t feel the same way tell me now and I’ll go back.”

You were standing right in front of him now, having closed the distance during your speech. 

“Y/N,” he sighed, his eyes swimming with emotions you couldn’t read though he looked at you with such tenderness that you thought you might melt right there as he reached up a hand to cup your cheek.

You weren’t entirely sure, but you thought you might’ve muttered “kiss me” before his lips were on yours, soft and warm and you felt like fireworks were erupting in your stomach. It was a short kiss, no more than a few seconds, but it confirmed a number of things for you. The most significant thing being that you were never going back to 2023. 

___

A/N: A few things: 1. the street names listed while Y/N is having a panic attack are actually copied directly from Jessica Jones. 2. The listing miscellaneous things (street names, movies, presidents, etc.) is something my friend has had me do when I’ve had panic attacks. Idk if that works for everyone, but it certainly has helped me in the past and I can really only write from my own experiences. 3. I lowkey wanna write a oneshot for the fantasy Y/N has towards the end where she’s born during the same time period as Stucky, Peggy, Howard, and Sousa and she probably joins SHIELD which is how she meets Sousa (Edit: this exists now and you can find it here!). Idk, let me know what you think! 

[benoitblanc]

tagged by @tomrlddle (thanks so much bianca!!!) to do this 2020 year in review! it’s still 2020 where i live so i can do that!

top 5 films you saw this year:

little miss sunshine (2006)

clue (1985)

adventures in babysitting (1987)

birds of prey (2020)

galaxy quest (1999)

top 5 tv shows you watched this year:

agent carter (2015-2016) which i technically started in 2019 but watched most of in 2020

leverage (2008-2012)

the umbrella academy (2019-)

killing eve (2018-)

the mandalorian (2019-)

top 5 songs of 2020:

okay i didn’t listen to a lot of music released this year, so i’m just going to list the top 5 songs on my spotify wrapped, and i’m sorry in advance for some of these:

“that man” by caro emerald

“just one dance” by caro emerald

“woman” by kesha

“toxic” by britney spears

“riviera life” by caro emerald

top 5 books you read in 2020: 

if we were villains by ml rio

gone girl by gillian flynn

ninth house by leigh bardugo

the seven deaths of evelyn hardcastle by stuart turton

the house in the cerulean sea by tj klune

5 positive things that happened in 2020:

TRUMP LOST

i ate a cornish pasty

new daniel sousa content? in the year of our lord 2020? it’s more likely than you think

one of my best friends got a puppy!

i met such clowns as @newgenesis @hopefulbeautifulfool @bihunnicutt @yourletters @yaskhan @martacabreras and @shadowsweavers. and many more i’m forgetting. and old friends from last year- too many to name- brightened my year immensely too :)

tagging some people for whom it’s still 2020: everyone above (missy i’m not sure where you’re located and mj i don’t know if you’re an hour ahead or not but even if it’s already 2021 feel free to do it) @sleepsongs @earthbendcrs @anakinskyiwalker and anyone else who wants to do it :)