#i didn't know how to cleanly put in the gifs of she's planning on doing something she can't undo to someone she cares about

[grahamcarmen]

[sam--morgan]

𝘀𝗮𝗺'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗳𝗲 》𝒔𝒂𝒎 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒙 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 - Chapter four

Sam's wife m/l here !

They stood over a cavern and looked down to the estate that they were supposed to be at but here they were above it waiting for the signal.

Nate was sitting looking at the blueprint of the estate while Sam was looking through the window with the binoculars.

"You see anything yet?" Nate asked as he looked at the blueprints with y/n.

"Just a bunch of high class, low-life criminals, all cleaned up for prom, and no signs from Sullivan yet." Sam said from above them which made y/n snort in amusement.

"That reminded me when you got us that reservations at the restaurant and proposed to me." Y/N said looking down to the paper with a small smile and Sam chuckled to himself.

"Yeah... We couldn't afford anything on that menu so we dine and dashed." Sam said as he put the binoculars down.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Focus on the mission here." Nate said snapping his fingers towards them and y/n rolled her eyes. "And there is still plenty of time anyways for Sullivan to show." Nate stated after getting playfully annoyed then looked back down to the blueprint. "Looks like the storage room is in the building behind the manor." Nate said pointing to the area for y/n. "Do you see it from here?" He asked Sam

"Just at the very top." Sam said straining slightly as he stood up more.

"Sounds easy enough. I'll get there myself." y/n said getting ready to leave but Nate grabbed her arm, and she turned to look at him. "what?"

"That is a no go missy. Nate already called that." Sam said putting down his binoculars and earned a pout from y/n.

"Then what am i supposed to do? Stand there and act pretty." She argued and she crouched next to Nate again.

"Exactly, but you are also out lookout along with Sully so you have something to do as well." Nate stated and he placed the blueprints inside his pocket.

"Do we really trust Sully? It'd be a whole lot simpler if it was just the three of us." Sam said jumping down from the cliff to where Nate and y/n was standing.

"Sam.." y/n started and placed her hand on her forehead already getting a headache.

"We could already be inside." Sam said pointing to the manor.

"Yeah. Not cleanly." Nate chipped in as he started to fix his shoes and y/n nodded

"Have the two of you even thought about a backup plan in case Sullivan gets cold feet?" Sam continued which y/n sighed.

"Which he wouldn't.." y/n mumbled and Sam looked at her.

"And how would you know that?"

"Sam.. he knows the people that runs the auction. He's going to schmooze his way right through that party, get upstairs, unlock the window, and we're in." Nate explained again as he looked up from his shoes. "It's a solid plan." He finished as he stood up and walked over to the cliff again with his binoculars.

It was quiet for a couple of seconds and y/n counted to herself. '3.. 2.. 1..'

"What if he stole the cross for himself?" Sam blurted and y/n sighed 'and there it goes.' y/n said to herself as she walked over to her husband.

"Not in a million years honey. If i know Sullivan and which I do. He won't do that to us." Y/n said cupping his face and making him look at her trying to calm him down but it didn't help.

"Victor Sullivan. The same Victor we're talking about, right?" Sam said pulling away as he looked at the both of them.

"Yes, he's double crossed people in the past, but not us." Nate chipped in again and y/n placed her hand on Sam's arm.

"No. Not the two of you." He said pointing to Nate.

"I know you two have never seen eye to eye.." Nate said turning to face him and Sam scoffed as he interrupted him.

"Huge understatement.." He muttered.

"But we trust him hun. He's like family." y/n said placing her hand on the lower part of his back and Sam looked at her and she smiled back.

"And i need you to trust him too." Nate said looking through the binoculars and muttered to himself "Eventually..."

"But, I mean, come on, you have to at least just for one second consider the possibility.." He started until Nate cuts him off.

"There!" He said placing the binoculars down and handing them to Sam. y/n looked over to see the light flashing in the window, and she smiles. "See. Trust." Nate said with a cocky smile and Sam looked at him before zipping up his jumpsuit making Nate stumble a little.

"Just try to keep your tux clean." Sam said before walking off and jumping down the side of the cliff with y/n and Nate followed after.

"Yeah thanks." He said unzipping it slightly making y/n chuckle slightly as she looked at the view and Sam walked up behind her wrapping his arm around her waist.

"You missed a lot over the years.." She stated not looking at him and she sighed softly.

"I know.. That's why I am back to make up for it." He stated softly as he sighed, y/n bit her bottom lip as she wanted to tell him about Mya but was interrupted by Nate.

"Come on slowpokes! We need to get there." He said looking at them as he started to jog backwards, and y/n finally turned her head to Sam.

"We'll talk about this later. We have a job to do that involves saving your life." She said with a small smile that had a hint of hurt and she moved out of Sam's arms to catch up with Nate.

"I can't believe that I'm out though. Can't believe I'm here.. with my baby brother and my wife... in Italy, huh?" Sam said catching up with them and started to lead the way.

"I can still hardly believe that you are alive." y/n said with a small smile that she can actually see her husband.

"Yeah, me either.. just wish the circumstances were less tense. You know?" Nate said as he stopped to look around.

"Yeah, well..."

"Besides.. it's more enjoyable that way." Nate said taking the lead and y/n nodded her head as she made a little hop across a platform.

"Oh.. uh... so this... this isn't your first time here?" Sam asked in shock.

"No, its more like... third? Had a couple of odd jobs." Nate said looking back to him.

"It's my second. I came here for vacation with them the first time, because I... uh needed some alone time." y/n said not wanting to state the real reason and she cleared her throat, and Sam gave her a look which she ignored.

It was quiet for a while as they continued to jog towards the manor. They made it to the bridge where they had to use their grappling hooks.

"There is no way up onto the bridge." Sam stated the obvious and y/n rolled her eyes.

"There is an exposed beam up there that we can use." y/n said pointing towards the beam and Sam walked up to her and Nate.

"You think you can rope it?" Sam said holding the hook out to Nate and he looked at him in disbelief.

"Do I think i can rope it?" Nate said offended as he grabbed it. "Hmph.. watch this." He said as he swirled it in his hand.

"I'm watching." Sam said standing back with y/n as the said woman crossed her arms over her chest. Nate went for the first throw but he missed it.

"I, uh, missed it." Nate said dejectedly as he roped it back in to him making Sam laugh and y/n giggled.

"Well, you see, it's... ah, all in the wrist. Here let me see it." Sam said about to step forward but y/n was quick grabbing it out of Nate's hand.

"Nope I got it. Watch and learn boys." She said with a smirk as she tossed it with ease and made it on her first try making Sam smile slightly.

"That's my girl." He said putting his hand on her shoulder, and Nate grumbled to himself.

"I could've had it if you let me do it again." Nate grumbled as he watched y/n swing over to the wall and hold on to it as she start to climb her way around.

"No you didn't." Sam said placing his hand on his shoulder before Nate jumped off the side of the cliff following y/n's lead.

"You see that?" Nate called out to him like a child and y/n laughed at Sam's response.

"oh like a pro." Sam said sarcastically and Nate rolled his eyes.

"Your turn!" Nate said ignoring his comment and they both stopped in their tracks to watch him, and he made it over to where they were.

"okay. so where to next?" Sam said as he hanged next to y/n as they looked around for their next move, and Nate pointed out as he hopped to the side.

"hey.. bet we can swing off that beam up their." He said as he made his way towards it as the couple followed Nate.

"Definitely." Y/N said struggling a little bit as she climbed next to Nate and huffed out.

"Are you alright Sweetheart?" Sam called out from below and y/n gave him a little nod.

"I've been out of practice for a while so i am a little out of shape." y/n said a little out of breath as she climbed up.

"A little? It looks like you gained some weight." Sam commented and y/n glared at him before kicking some rocks at him. "Ow! What was that for?" He complained but y/n ignored him.

"I need the rope Sam." Nate stated getting him out of trouble for the mean time.

"Alright, just climb over me I've... I've got a good grip." Sam said as he climbed to Nate's place and Nate swiftly climbed over him and went to where Sam was originally at. "Okay here we go.." Sam got out the rope and tossed it where it swung around the pole and stayed in place and he gave a chuckle before looking back at Nate. "Haha.. First try."

"Alright. No one likes a show off." Nate said rolling his eyes and y/n giggles as Sam started to swing on the rope.

"Though i get first bragging rights because i was the first one who did it." y/n said sassily as she went next and gracefully grabbed the rope before swinging where Sam was at.

"Though i get first bragging..." She heard Nate mock her and she had a smirk on her face as he swiftly joined them.

Sam quickly shushed Nate and y/n as they heard voices. They peaked over the ledge to see two bodyguards talking and smoking before they went inside the door.

"okay. we're good." Nate stated as he climbed over the ledge and made his way through the lemon garden with Sam and y/n following.

"Thank god i get a little break from climbing." y/n said taking deep breaths as she looked at the lemon trees with a small smile taking in the scenery not noticing a certain male was watching her.

"I'm sorry to ruin the moment.. but did you see him? That rent-a-thug was packing some serious heat." Sam said clearing his throat as y/n turned around to face them.

"Yeah that means that we have to be extra careful tonight and make sure anything goes without a hitch. Meaning only take what we came here for." She gave a look to the two boys and they looked at her offended.

"Shoulda brought guns." Sam said and y/n glares at him as she shakes her head.

"What did I just say? It's going to make everything worse and we're not going to need it." Y/n said as she started to run off with the boys.

"Also we're going to pull this off so smoothly." Nate said confidentially and y/n had a pin on the back of her head that things aren't going to go they way that they had planned.

"All those years... it's the little things that you missed the most." Sam said walking up to the wall that separated the cliff and y/n walked up next to him leaning against it.

"Yeah... you be so busy with one thing and you won't able to settle down and just enjoy the view." y/n said softly as she looked down to the boats and Sam looked at her admiring her with a small smile on his face.

"Yeah..." He said in the same tone and she turned her head towards him just as he was leaning in and she was going to let him kiss her but she pulled away.

"We... uh we have a job to do.." She said stuttering slightly as she blushed softly and moved away.

"Yeah.. uh there's our window." Sam said walking to the side in front of the window and Nate followed. They went inside, what looks like a storage room, and made their way downstairs where they see a beam, and Nate takes out his hook.

"Don't miss this time." y/n teased and Nate groaned softly.

"You're never going to let me live this down are you?" Nate said grappling down, and y/n laughed evilly.

"You know me so well." She giggled and watched him swing across the wall before landing on the other side.

"Alright. Come on down." Nate called up to them and they moved from the window.

"After you sweetheart." Sam said as he made way for her which earned a kiss on his cheek.

"Aren't you a sweet." She teased as she climbed out the window and on to the grappling hook rope before making it to where Nate was and Sam followed suit groaning in the process.

"These landings are a little more painful then i remember." Sam said quickly walking up to them.

"Yeah i feel you there." Y/n said bending over to rub her legs slightly that were in pain and not noticing a certain someone was checking her out.

"The two of you are old." Nate said earning a glare from the woman and she punched his arm. "Ow!"

"Don't forget that I'm not that much older than you Drake." She said in a playful tone and watched as he rubbed his sore arm.

They start to make their way towards the window by climbing and jumping over ledges and they came to a narrow ledge and Nate jumped up.

"This looks promising." He said making his way to the bars that was above as Sam and y/n followed behind.

"I think you mean "precarious."" Sam said correcting him as he watched y/n jump up after him and Nate grabbed a bar that almost broke causing him to curse.

"you okay up there?" Y/n called out as she watched him with worry.

"Yeah. Yeah I'm good." Nate said as he started to swing across the bars and jumping to a ledge with the married couple following and they seen something for their grappling hooks and Sam took the lead again grabbing his. "It'd suck if you miss right now." Nate taunted and Sam hooked it perfectly and looked at him with a smirk.

"It sure would... But I don't miss." Sam said before jumping off the ledge and started to grapple his way up the side of the wall. He made it to the top and drop down the rope for the two to follow.

When they got to the top Nate thanked Sam and went to the window.

"Ah... Nathan...?" Sam called out but he ignores him.

"Nathan?" This time y/n called out to him and he looked at them annoyed.

"What?" Nate asked and y/n started to unzip her jumpsuit showing her dress and Sam followed suit.

"Oh yeah." Nate said before unzipping his and y/n giggled as they threw their jumpsuit in a pile so no one can see it and they fixed themselves up.

"How do i look?" Y/N asked as she fixed her hair in the window.

"You... you look gorgeous.." Sam said looking at her and she blushed as she looked down.

"It's been awhile since I dressed up.." She admitted and Sam was going to say something, but Nate cuts him off.

"Let's go. We don't have enough time." He said opening the window.

"Alright. I'm right behind ya." Sam said fixing himself up and y/n fixing his tie as Nate opened the window all the way and hopped inside and looked around before noticing a figure.

"Sully?"

[slashbitch2]

Extra Complications

never expected to be crushing on an animated character but here we are

Next Chapter

It was sneaky. Perhaps cheating by some standards. But from your perspective, it was a damn good plan.

Ironically you'd seen the advertisement for the Alchemax internship right after being flung into a wall by the very same woman who'd likely approved the broadcast. Olivia Octavius, or Doc Ock as you ought to refer to her in costume. Though she'd given you little time to read up on 'how to apply', as moments later a car was thrown in your direction, which was very inconsiderate of her, but was also all the persuasion you needed.

At this point, you'd be willing to do anything if it contributed to thwarting her, surely, very evil plan. Of course you admired the woman for her general genius and eccentricity, but the constant unprovoked conflict was becoming tiresome. It felt as if she were trying to determine how much of a threat you posed, whereas, you liked to think your legacy as 'that Spider-Person who sometimes saves the day' was all the evidence necessary.

Honestly, you weren't certain as to what exactly her, no doubt, villainous plan entailed besides patrolling the streets in green swimming goggles and black spandex with ridiculous plastic tubes jutting out of her back. In fact, it was ridiculous that no one had made any attempt to stop her yet. Unlike your identity, kept secret by a more modest spandex suit, hers was public knowledge.

Sometimes, it seemed as though you were the enemy here.

Which is precisely why infiltrating her team of scientists was more than appropriate. You were about to single handily take down an international threat, one hidden in plain sight, but left untouched due to the company's vast money, leverage and prestige.

Someday the city would thank you for your many sacrifices. Specifically for voluntarily working another job without pay. Y/N Y/L/N, broke intern by day, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Person by night.

"Excuse me?" A voice called from the left, your vision of them obstructed by an inconveniently placed potted plant. "Are you the new intern?" The person stepped closer, briefly glancing up at you, then back down at a sheet of paper. "Y/N Y/L/N?" The woman's timid appearance hardly screamed villainous scientist, but then again, looks can be deceiving.

"Yes, that's me." You stood, reaching out to shake her hand.

She sighed in relief, shaking your hand a tad too enthusiastically. "Lovely to meet you. I'm Marie and I'll be getting you settled in for the first few days."

A spark of disappointment flashed across your mind. Olivia hadn't been there for your interview, nor had any sway in your hiring, and now she wasn't even the person greeting you on your first day. Although you had no right to be, you felt rather offended by the lack of challenge she was providing. It was almost too easy.

---

To be fair, Marie was the perfect candidate to give you a tour of the facility. She was kind and patient, but not condescending. She seldom spoke beyond what was required of her, unless you asked something work related, when her lengthy response would affirm her status as an epicure of scientific knowledge. By midday, you'd decided she was someone to befriend, and subsequently accepted her invitation to have lunch together.

You were also hoping that the team would eat lunch as a group, but alas, more disappointment. Instead, you spent the break sitting in an awkward silence with Marie, who seemed to loose basic communication skills when presented with food. In spite of her lack of engagement, you still took the opportunity to try and ascertain information about the project you'd be working on, though each time she expertly diverted the interrogation, or ignored your question entirely.

Who knew working for an evil, secretive corporation would be so boring?

It was a test of patience to be sitting in the same building as Olivia Octavius, while forced to shadow an incredibly kind, but slow eating woman. Realistically, you knew there'd be plenty of time to investigate, though you were reluctant to end the day without any progress. So, while Marie was still distracted by her lunch, you excused yourself to go to the bathroom.

She dismissively approved with a wave of her hand, allowing you to slip away from the dining hall. You vaguely remembered the location of Olivia's office as being on the top floor, indicated by Marie's imprecise pointing. She'd explained that very few had clearance to get in, but you'd already thought of a way to get passed the security.

Who aside from the highest ranking scientists had access to every room? Janitors, of course. Because, for some reason, cleanliness was more important than security.

It didn't take long to locate a cleaner, or much effort to pickpocket the security card. To be on the safe side, you even had an excuse ready: that the man had dropped it, that you were simply looking for him to return it. And if Olivia caught you in her office, well, she wouldn't (Spider-Senses and all). Again, it was almost too easy.

There was a minatory silence as you walked along the final corridor toward her office. Part of you felt as though this was some kind of elaborate trap, the repeated phrase 'too easy' coming to mind as you reached the door. Though the logical part of you must've known this was a fatuous suggestion, and took control.

With a final pause to confirm nobody was approaching, or was already waiting inside, you scanned the key card. The action was rewarded with a satisfactory beep, followed by the door sliding open so fast it appeared to have vanished.

The office was smaller than you anticipated. Or maybe it was the bareness of the room that caught you off guard. The woman was insane, yet her work area hardly reflected her deranged mental state. Everything was so perfectly neat that you began to wonder if you'd actually walked onto a movie set, or a photoshoot, which would've explained the strange ring lights hanging from the ceiling.

Upon reaching the centre of the room, you were struck by the realisation that you truthfully had no reason to be here. Even if the office had been as messy as you'd expected, it was unlikely that she'd leave her super evil plans lying around. Rather, It'd been some morbid curiosity that had lured you here. To see where The Doc Ock worked, where the alter ego was likely created. The reality was underwhelming to say the least.

Deciding that you'd spent enough time admiring an incredibly bland office, you exited back out into the empty corridor, nonchalantly throwing the security card behind you, certain someone would eventually return it. Then, as if right on cue, you sensed somebody approaching, soon followed by footsteps resonating from around the corner. With no way of avoiding them, you kept your head down with the intention of blending in.

Olivia Octavius rounded the corner, not sparing a glance up. She was frowning at a piece of paper, her full attention directed to it, blissfully unaware of your presence.

Instinctively, your entire body tensed at the sight of her lithe frame and mass of hair spilling out of its messy bun. Any other circumstance and you'd have fled by now, through a vent, out of the window, it didn't matter. Though you had to remind yourself that there was no reason to be afraid now. There was no possible way she could know your identity.

Nonetheless, as you passed her with less than a metre of space, you held your breath. She said nothing and you both kept walking in opposite directions.

It seemed the coast was clear. You released the breath you'd been holding and kept moving until. "Hey, wait a minute."

You froze, aching to ignore her and escape. Her voice was deep, more so than you were prepared for. While fighting, few words were exchanged, and even then they were unintelligible. Although, now was the worst time to be thinking about previous interactions, so with much difficulty, you cleared your mind. As far as anyone knew, including yourself, you were just the intern.

You ran a hand through your hair nervously, straightening out your lab coat and turning to face her. She was stood at the far end of the long white corridor, entirely unthreatening when compared to Doc Ock, who would've loomed over you menacingly.

Remembering the role you were meant to be playing, you choked out a response. "How can I be of assistance?"

"You're the new intern, right?"

"Yeah." You considered approaching to shake her hand, but the idea of awkwardly marching the length of the corridor to greet her was rather unappealing. "That's me." You settled for a polite smile and shoulder shrug instead.

She screwed up her face in consideration before crooking a finger. "Come with me."

Swallowing any concern, you nodded hesitantly. The prospect of returning to the office you'd broken into only moments ago had you dragging your feet.

She waited patiently until you were by her side to continue. "Don't worry." She scanned her key card. "I don't bite." Her tone was playful, her eyes kindly mocking.

"Good to know." You muttered, following her inside. You took a second to look around the room with mock curiosity, feeling her eyes trace your every move. Like a predator, eyeing up its prey, determining your weaknesses. Unlike the encounters with Doc Ock, it was uncertain who had the high ground here. Her gaze was putting you on edge, not dissimilar to how your character of 'the intern' would react.

"So..." She shuffled some papers around on the desk, finding what looked to be your application. "Ms. Y/L/N right?"

You confirmed with a nod, summoning the resolve to amble toward her desk.

"Take a seat." She gestured to the chair opposite, letting you sit before proceeding. "Tell me about yourself, Y/N."

You started to think of an adequate answer, but she interrupted a second later, contradicting her initial inquiry. "Are you okay with me calling you Y/N?" She leant her head on a closed fist, narrowing her eyes.

Although the question sounded considerate, you didn't feel the implied sincerity. Even if you wanted to say no, that didn't feel like a suitable response. "Sure."

Somehow, it felt like she was establishing dominance through the polite act, and combined with being under her scrutinising glare, the performance was working.

"Great." Suddenly, she leant back in her chair, all evidence of the hostile act disappearing instantaneously.

"What'd you want to know?" Mirroring her relaxed posture, you attempted to re-establish some control.

"Oh, anything." A flicker of something passed in her eyes, piqued interest possibly?

You began routinely rattling off some basic facts about yourself, nothing too specific or personal. Facts that would answer any follow up questions she might have, and yet said nothing about you. Surprisingly, she seemed hooked on your every word. The thought crossed your mind that this might be the real interview, that everything else up to this point had been a sham. But you settled on a more unsettling justification. That she was committing everything you said to memory.

Coming to the end of the informative monologue, you decided to take a risk. "Do I get to ask a question?" You raised an eyebrow challengingly.

"Inquisitive. I like that." She stated, folding her arms on the desk. "Go ahead."

You decided to see how far you could push your luck. "Tell me about yourself." You smugly repeated her vague first query. It was the Doctor's turn to come up with an answer to the ambiguous demand.

She scoffed, realising your plan to make her struggle. "Touché. But I'm rather busy, so how about you pick a more specific question."

Narrowing it down, there was only one thing you wanted to ask. "Can I see the-" You waved your arms around, imitating tentacles. "the suit?"

She chuckled, slowly standing. Judging from her lack of surprise, this was likely a request she'd heard many times.

First, she removed her glasses. Then slipped out of her lab coat. Next to go was the shirt, which she pulled over her head while maintaining eye contact. You wanted to look away, out of respect, yet you didn't. Without the shirt, you noticed she was already wearing the suit underneath and had the harness strapped to her back, confirming your suspicion that she always had access to the weapon. As she was stepping out of her trousers, the arms (tentacles?) inflated, and within moments were threateningly extending to their full potential.

She smiled proudly, enjoying your stunned expression. "As good as you expected?"

"Better." Unable to resist any longer, you stood to investigate the suit in further detail. You'd never seen it stationary, or had the opportunity to try and gauge the details of how it worked. Although you argued this would be beneficial for your next fight, in reality you just wanted to admire the contraption. You circled round, marvelling at the simplicity of the design. It was convenient, yet elegant. "It's beautiful."

Coming to a stop in front of Olivia, she had an unreadable expression. A mix of emotions, most prominently confusion. To your delight, a faint blush coloured her cheeks. Whatever unspoken game you'd been playing, you were winning, or were until she said. "How'd you like to intern for me?"

You quickly recovered. "I already do."

"No." She sighed. "I mean personally. As my assistant? You'd get your own desk, an almost guaranteed job at the end of it and so much more experience than you'd bargained for." She leant forward, a little too close for comfort. There was an unhinged look in her eyes more reminiscent of Doc Ock that both convinced and deterred you. "So what'd you say?"

She genuinely wanted you to work with her.

This hadn't been part of the plan. You'd expected to spend no longer than a few months working at Alchemax. To uncover their evil scheme, figure out how to stop it and hopefully take down the company. An optimistic plan, sure, but one you'd been assured you'd stick to. Although, the opportunity to work closely with Olivia Octavian, with the Doc Ock, was too good to pass on. Not to mention, infinitely more interesting.

You grinned, embracing the insanity that your answer would incur. "I'd love to."

She clapped her hands together. "Great!" Then offered her hand for you to shake formally. "I'll sort out the paperwork and details this evening, but right now if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to."

She left before you had the chance to say anything else, still in her suit, which left you confused for the following half hour. You finally understood upon catching a glimpse of a news alert on your phone.

Doc Ock Seizes Bank, Has Taken Hostages!

You sighed. Today was going to be a long day, and things were only going to get more complicated.

[minaslittleone]

Fission & Fusion (Part 2)

Part 1 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Summary: How did the refined and proper Wilhemina Venable end up working for two coked-up tech bros out of the back of a van?

An origin story of sorts, dedicated to the amazing @lucyintheskywithxanax who has developed such a beautiful and nuanced depiction of Mina. This was inspired by her incredible story "And I failed to climb the mountain".

Word count: ~2700

The hours after that were fuzzy. After storming out of her parents house with little more than the bare essentials and no intention of returning Wilhemina didn't really have much of a plan. She had never fantasized about running away as a child, she hadn't even been brave enough to rebel vicariously and yet here she was, with no plan and no where to go. And terrified.

But Wilhemina was nothing if not practical so she sequestered all of those doubts and anxieties down into the deepest corners of her brain to be dealt with later, she told herself. Really to be dealt with never.

Practically speaking, money was her first concern. She knew that her mother's threat to cut her off had not been idle, but she also hoped that her mother would continue to underestimate her long enough that she would be able to clear the remaining funds out of her account before her mother froze it. Her pride raged against the idea of taking the idea of taking the money religiously placed into her "allowance" once a month by her father, hating how spoiled that made her sound and wanting to be free of any lingering ties to her parents. She would have gladly traded every last dime for any other monthly ritual with her father, for anything with him really. But she was a casualty of her parents' failing marriage, the only thing that they hated more than each other was the idea of acknowledging that their marriage had long since fallen apart. Her father avoided the house like the plague, and her by extension, throwing himself deeper and deeper into his professional life to mask the failure of his personal one. And so their relationship had become almost completely transactional, her father attempting to atone for his absence by providing her with everything she could ever dream of, save for the one thing she truly wanted - his affection. But as much as she hated the money and everything it represented, she really wasn't left with much of a choice.

That was how she found herself standing in front of a bank teller at 1:30pm on a Wednesday afternoon, lying through her teeth and praying that her voice wasn't shaking as much as her hands. Exactly how she had got there she wasn't sure - a bus? Surely she hadn't walked this far - she was completely focused on getting what money she could and getting out.

The process was certainly made easier by the fact that she had been coming to this branch since her father had opened the account on her sixteenth birthday. And maybe for once in her life her twisted frame would be an asset - it was difficult to forget a girl her age with flaming red hair and a cane.

So she lied. She told the teller that she was using the money to put towards a car but that her parents were unfortunately too busy to accompany her. That part wasn't even really a lie, her parents were always too busy. Either way the teller didn't seem to see anything unusual about depositing the entire $5000 balance into Wilhemina's hand, before politely wishing her a pleasant day.

She had thought she would feel safer with the money in hand, feel like she had more control over the situation. In fact all it did was make her realise how vulnerable she was. How she would never be able to defend herself if someone decided they wanted to take it from her. Maybe her mother had been right, maybe she really was too broken and useless to survive on her own.

She could feel her heart racing. She had to find somewhere to stay. Find somewhere that she could get off the street. Maybe then she would feel safer. Maybe.

Except she didn't know how long she would need to make that $5000 last. She had no job and had effectively forfeited her degree the minute she walked out her parents' front door. Any future prospects she had were tied to their connections anyway. Oh god, what was she going to do? She had no experience and no qualifications, and any jobs that would have been open to her without those were made impossible by her twisted spine. She wouldn't have been able to stand for long enough to finish a shift as a waitress, let alone carry much whilst also maneuvering her cane.

So she would have to make the money last. At least until she managed to come up with a better plan. Which is how she found herself unpacking her meagre possessions into a battered shell of a room in a run down hotel that offered rooms by the hour. As she eased herself down onto the bed, finally allowing her back some respite after hours on her feet, she reasoned that this was the best choice for now. And she would think of something, this was only temporary.

But it hurt. The adrenaline from her triumphant exit earlier that morning was long gone and now she was left with the painful reality of what life on her own would look like. At the moment it consisted of a sea of mismatched floral patterned fabrics, a green melamine kitchenette and far too many questionable stains.

She felt like she was suffocating, that the battered walls with their pealing wallpaper were steadily encroaching on her, squeezing the last ounces of calm and confidence out of her by force. She had to get out, had to keep moving, had to keep busy lest the reality of her situation catch up to her and drown her in its melancholy.

She burst from the room, shaking fingers struggling clumsily against the lock. She had to get away, to be anywhere but here. Away from the stale smelling room with the pealing wallpaper. Away from the lumpy bed swathed in garish floral covers of questionable cleanliness. Away from the suffocating reminder of how alone she was.

It shouldn't have surprised her that she would end up back in the college library, it's where she spent most of her time any way, finding any excuse she could not to go home. It was quiet and it was safe. Between the warm, dim lighting and the earthy smell of the old wooden shelves and the books themselves Wilhemina finally began to calm. She could feel the tension to funnel out of her trembling fingers, feel heart finally stop racing and draw her first real breath in hours.

She didn't know how long she sat there, not really seeing or hearing the world around her, just being, adjusting. Letting her body and mind begin to come to terms with her situation. Start to reset her parameters and realise that she wasn't going home tonight, that there wasn't a home to go anymore. Perhaps there never had been, not in the ways that mattered.

She was drawn from her haze by the gentle but insistent whispering of her name that indicated that this wasn't the first time the owner had tried to rouse her. As her vision cleared she was met with the kind, if not slightly concerned countenance of her adviser, Professor Thompson.

"Is everything alright, Wilhemina?" She could only nod dumbly in response. "I missed you in class this morning" the older woman added. "I know you said had a specialist appointment and might be late, but I got worried when you never showed up. Did everything go ok?" Wilhemina couldn't find the words to answer, couldn't find a way to explain how her life had been pulled out from under her in the preceding few hours. Her mouth guppied in response, producing several sounds that could have been the start of ideas but nothing intelligible.

Professor Thompson's brow furrowed. Over the years that she had known Wilhemina Venable she had always been impressed by her tenacity. For all this young woman had endured, she had refused to let it define her. She was always the first present in class, sitting front and centre, attention never wavering, even on the days Professor Thompson could see the tell tale signs of pain breaking through her indifferent facade. The tension in her brow and jaw, the twitch of her lips and narrowing of her eyes at each spasm, the shifting in her seat in a desperate effort to find some level of comfort. There was a hardness, a determination in the eyes of that girl which said she refused to give up which was notably absent now, replaced by a glazed, foggy expression that made Professor Thompson's heart hurt.

"Wilhemina," she tried again, "would it be easier if we discussed this in my office?" The redhead's eyes rolled up to meet hers almost drunkenly, obviously still not entirely processing the world around her. She managed a small nod, vacant eyes focusing somewhere in the middle distance. "Here, let me take your bag" she offered, hands floating just beyond Wilhemina's shoulders as the redhead hoisted herself to her feet, swaying slightly as she found some semblance of equilibrium.

Professor Thompson couldn't help but bring a hand to gently cup Wilhemina's upper arm, causing the younger woman to finally meet her gaze. Oh and didn't it just break her heart, the pleading terrified desperation she found in those deep brown eyes. "Come on, dear" she coaxed, "this way."

Wilhemina felt herself start to come back into her own body as she sat in Professor Thompson's office, old worn leather chair beneath her and warm cup of sweetened tea pressed into her trembling hands.

Professor Thompson noticed the change as well. "Easy, dear" she cautioned, as Wilhemina's shaking hands tried to raise the warm mug to her lips. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes" Wilhemina managed to rasp.

Professor Thompson reached out her hand to rest on Wilhemina's knee, rubbing slow comforting circles. "Do you think you can me what happened? Was it something at your appointment? Do you need another surgery?"

"No" Wilhemina whispered, teeth worrying her bottom lip before lifting her eyes to the older woman, who's warm gaze encouraged her to continue. "The surgeon doesn't want to do anything, doesn't think it's necessary to do anything. My mother on the other hand is not satisfied and won't be until I look *normal*"

"I'm sure she just wants the best for you" the older woman tried.

"She wants me to stop being an embarrassment. She flat out told the surgeon she doesn't care about my pain, she only wants him to fix how hideous I look." It was happening again, Wilhemina realised, the years of repressed pain and frustration spewing out of her unbidden. "The surgeon stopped recommending procedures when I was eighteen because they weren't likely to help but my mother kept insisting because I looked so hideous she couldn't stand it. She put me through years of pain because I was so ugly and she was so ashamed of me." Her voiced cracked as the tears she had tried so hard contain broke free down her cheeks.

"She was trying to do it again" Wilhemina choked. "She was trying to convince him to operate again and I finally told her no."

"And how did she take that?" Professor Thompson asked, almost fearing the answer. Wilhemina let out a self-depricating laugh through her tears, rolling her eyes. "Wilhemina," she added urgently, gently squeezing her knee to get her attention, "she didn't hurt you, did she?"

Wilhemina stopped at that. "Not physically, no." A beat of understanding passed between the two women before Wilhemina continued. "She threw me out, cut me off, told me I was completely on my own unless I agree to have the surgery. Told me I can kiss my degree goodbye." The older woman gasped. "I told her she could have it, I was done with her controlling my life."

Professor Thompson reached out to take Wilhemina's hands, squeezing them in her own. "That was so incredibly brave." Wilhemina let out a wry chuckle "You don't think I'm completely mad?" Another warm squeeze of her hands. "Absolutely not. I think you are so strong."

Wilhemina raised her eyes again to meet those of her professor, searching them for the signs of a lie. Finding none she felt her chin begin to tremble as she fought against the tears.

She lost. The tears came bubbling out of her against her will. Tears for the years of pain she had endured, both physical and emotional, at her mother's hands. Tears for the little girl who spent years in pain trying to convince her parents that it wasn't all in her head. For her childhood that had been stolen from her. For the little girl alone in a hospital, who's parents were far too busy to visit, who was left to rely on nurses for comfort and support. For the twenty four year old woman who had just lost everything.

She curled in on herself as much as her twisted spine would allow, rocking rhythmically backwards and forwards, trying in vain to offer herself some comfort. She felt the chair next to her dip and then she was being cradled in her advisors arms - how embarassing. But try as she might she couldn't quiet the hysterical sobs.

Eventually pulled herself out of the older womans arms, trying to regain some level of dignity. Professor Thompson gave her hands one last squeeze as she let her go.

"We will find a solution to all of this" she assured "but for now all of that can wait. You need to eat and you need to sleep. You must be exhausted" Wilhemina nodded, still frantically pawing at her tear-stained cheeks. There was no point hiding anymore, not after her earlier display.

"Do you have somewhere to stay?" Professor Thompson asked. "You're welcome to my spare room if not"

"No it's fine" Wilhemina replied, glad to avoid imposing on her professor further. "I have a hotel room."

"Ok I'll drive you" Wilhemina tried valiantly to rebuff Professor Thompson's kindness, but the older woman would not be dissuaded. And once Wilhemina realised how dark it had gotten she was secretly grateful.

As the car came to a stop in front what currently passed for Wilhemina's lodgings, Professor Thompson took her hand once more. "After work tomorrow" she pressed "I am picking you up and you are having dinner with me. It will give us a chance to come up with a plan for what happens next. I refuse to see someone as smart and driven as you are, Wilhemina, be sabotaged by negligent parenting. We will figure this out."

Wilhemina couldn't even bring herself to try and rebuff such kindness, for how her heart ached for it. Instead all she could manage was a watery "okay" and tremulous smile. As she walked back to her room she felt lighter than she had all day, tension finally beginning to drain from her body like water trickling down her arms and plummeting from her fingertips.

Exhaustion quickly rose to fill vacancy making her limbs heavy and fingers clumsy. Almost there, she told herself as she struggled with foreign keychain, not much longer. Just inside the door and then you can rest. But try as she might her exhausted mind could not make sense of the lock nor could it co-ordinate her trembling fingers well enough to keep hold of the keys which fell limply to the concrete just beyond her door.

It was as if the universe was laughing at her, she thought, as she gingerly squatted down, bending her legs to compensate for her immobilised spine. After all the humiliation she had endured today she could not be allowed to rest without at least one more reminder of her inadequacy. So fucking useless, the voice in ear chided, so fucking stupid. Hurry up and pick up the god damn keys and open the door like a normal, functional human being. Can you manage that much at least?

And maybe she could have managed it had the hand she extended to reach for her keys not been firmly crushed into the concrete and pulled away from her by a steal-capped boot, upsetting her precarious equilibrium and sending her sprawling face first into the concrete.

"Now, what's a pretty little thing like you doing in a place like this?"

A/N: Ok, so number one - I'm sorry (ducks). I promise I won't hurt her too much. This part wasn't even in my original plan but then the angsty little plot demons took over and here we are. Number two - for those of you who are interested I wrote Professor Thompson with Prof. Stromwell (Holland's character from legally blonde) in mind because I think she is exactly the type of tough but caring person that baby Mina would be drawn to. But also because I'm dying to see Sarah and Holland work on a project together, so this was my own vicarious little head cannon.