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marauderundercover · 3 years ago

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Taking Chances Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains (Discovery)

AO3

It wasn’t the toughest akuma that they had ever faced. But even with both of them fighting, it took too long. So long that her family was sure to be suspicious. Despite the fact that she just wanted to portal back to the hotel where there would be far fewer questions, she knew she didn’t have that luxury.

“Kaalki, if I ask to go to an empty room in the manor, can you do that? I don’t wanna pop out of nowhere. I’m already dreading the questions we’re gonna get about Adrien disappearing.” Marinette asks the kwami, rolling her eyes at Adrien’s annoyed huff.

“If you had just taken me with you to begin with-”

“To the bathroom? Adrien, I know you’re not the best with social situations but even you know that’s weird, right? And besides, there’s no way Dick would’ve let you follow me. He’s hovered every time we’ve been alone.” Marinette reminds him, crossing her arms.

“We were bonding over humor!” Adrien argues.

“Sure! But I still-”

“Ladybug, I can do it. As entertaining as all of this is, the Wayne family should not be kept waiting.” Kaalki reminds her, a small smirk on their face. Marinette’s eye twitches at the reminder of her family. Okay. One problem at a time.

“Okay. I’m trusting you. Tikki, Kaalki unify. Voyage!” Marinette calls, grabbing Adrien’s hand and stepping through the portal. She glances around the room, frowning as she looks at everything. None of it made sense. It looked kind of what she would imagine from-

“Is this the Batcave?” Adrien asks, mouth wide in shock as he slowly turns in a circle.

“Kaalki, dismount.” Marinette says, glaring at the kwami the second they’re visible again. “Care to explain what’s going on?”

“You asked to go to an empty room in the manor. I simply took you to the most famous room. It truly is a crime that you’ve never been in here before.” Kaalki hums, zipping around the space.

“I’ve only been to the manor twice! And this is in the manor? Does Batman work for Mr. Wayne?” She asks, desperately trying to figure out the situation.

“LB, what if he is Batman?” Adrien asks, making her pale.

“He’d figure me out so quickly. Oh god, what are we gonna do? He’s gonna kick me out of the family and I was just starting to be able to breathe around them and think about the fact that they are my family and now I’m going to go back to being an only child and even though Dick can be annoying and I haven’t really talked a lot to the others I really wanted to get to know them and now I’ll never get the chance because I’m a failed superhero who can’t even defeat one measly villain and he’s gonna take away my Miraculous and then he’s gonna be Ladybug but then it’ll be weird and he’ll hate me even more because red is not his color but he’ll be stuck in red because that’s what Paris is used to for the Ladybug costume and we don’t want them to go into shock when I’m replaced and-”

“Who the fuck are you?” A voice asks, clearly angry. Marinette winces and turns, eyes wide when she notices the actual (REAL) gun in Jason’s hands.

“We’re not meant to be here. There was a mistake with transportation and-” Marinette starts, stumbling over her words as she tries not to panic even more.

“Likely story. Don’t fucking move. I’m calling Batman.” Jason says, glaring at the two before pulling out his phone. “Hey B, there’s a situation in the cave. Intruders. No, I have no fucking clue how they got in here. Yeah, there’s two of them. No, no it’s not them. Yeah well I kinda can’t fucking interrogate them by myself now can I?” There’s a pause. “Yeah no, not wearing that. Yeah thanks for that. Well I didn’t- Just get over here.”

“So is Batman coming?” Adrien asks, the excitement clear on his face. Marinette looks at him in annoyance. She loved the boy but sometimes, he had no sense of self preservation.

“Yeah, Batman’s coming. Why the fuck are you here?” Jason asks, the angry look on his face not matching the personality she had seen every other time she’d seen him.

“Why are we here? Why are you here?” Adrien asks, poking. Jason’s eyes narrow and his glare gets darker.

“We’re here to ask Batman for help with a situation.” Marinette blurts, shifting so that she’s slightly in front of Adrien since he kept saying things that were pissing Jason off. Jason frowns.

“Why do you need help from Batman?” He asks.

“Ladybug, Chat Noir. I’ll admit I didn’t expect to see either of you here.” A gruff voice states, walking towards them. Marinette’s eyes widen. Holy vigilante, that's Batman. And he’s not looking at her as a civilian who could be scared. Nope. Now he’s looking at her as a fellow hero and possible intruder. Oh this should be fun.

“Monsieur Batman. I apologize for our intrusion. I meant to bring us to Gotham, to speak with you, but I must have messed up. I’m truly sorry for appearing in your home like this.” She says, extending her hand for a handshake. Batman glances down at her hand, seeming to hesitate for a moment before reaching out and shaking her hand.

“As long as you are here, we might as well talk about the Paris situation. It has recently come to my attention and I’m concerned about the possibility of death in your city.” Batman says, getting straight to business.

“I’m sorry, what the actual fuck is happening in Paris? And why haven’t I heard anything about it? Actually, why hasn’t anyone heard about a situation in Paris?” Jason asks, actually glaring at Batman.

“It doesn’t concern you, Mr. Todd. You may leave now. We’ll have our meeting another time.” Batman says, his tone firm.

“The hell it doesn’t. My baby sister lives in Paris, and I’d be damned if I left her alone in some kind of hellscape where apparently there’s the possibility of a lot of death. Now can someone tell me what is going on in Paris?” Jason yells, his eyes blazing as he glares at Batman. Marinette blinks at her brother, shocked at his reaction. Did he really care that much?

“It’d probably be easier to show you. Do you mind?” Adrien asks, gesturing to the computer. Batman stiffens.

“I’ll pull it up. I’m sure you’re referring to the videos of previous fights. I have them in a folder.” He says, walking over and hitting several buttons. Before long, a video is pulled up on the gigantic screen. A video of the fight against Syren. Of course he had to choose one of the most dangerous akumas. Instead of watching the screen, Marinette watches her brother’s reactions. Flinching slightly as she hears his knuckles crack from how tightly he’s clenching his fists.

“How long has this been going on?” He asks simply, his voice much darker than she’d ever heard.

“Almost two years.” Marinette responds, frowning at him. She hadn’t known him long, and she knew it would be stupid as Ladybug, but Marinette wanted to hug her older brother. He looked pissed, sure, but underneath the initial anger, she could see the worry. And how unsure he was. She couldn’t be certain that all of the worry was aimed at her or the Paris situation, but she knew at least some of it was. And she felt bad for making him worry like that.

“And where has the Justice League been?” He asks Batman, almost snarling.

“There’s no lasting damage.” Marinette says. “Even if the Justice League had shown up, they couldn’t have done anything that Chat or I couldn’t. My power is to erase the damage, and death, done during our battles. So Monsieur Batman, you don’t have to worry about the possible death either. I assure you both, it’s fine. We could use assistance to figure out Hawkmoth’s identity though.” Marinette says, trying to move the subject away from death and injury and the rougher parts of akuma battles.

“I don’t give a damn if the damage isn’t lasting. You remember, right?” Jason asks. Marinette hesitates.

“Well, yes. But the akumatized victims don’t and-”

“No. See, I don’t care about the akumatized victims right now either. I care about the amount of death and destruction and pain my sister has had to deal with alone. What about the people who die, Ladybug? Do they remember that they died? Do they wake up after drowning or burning or being crushed to death and just be told to be thankful that it wasn’t permanent? Or do they get to forget too?” Jason asks through clenched teeth. Marinette stops, thinking of all the times buildings have fallen on her. The times she's watched friends die. The time Tikki had to take the earrings and Marinette woke up after the battle, still able to feel the metal in her chest. The time she saw a world draped in white, only one other person left in the entire world. She thinks of these times, and she sighs.

"No. They don't forget." She says, biting back the wave of emotion threatening to push her under. She can't. She has to focus. She can't break right now.

"Then I don't care about the rest of Paris. What are you doing to protect Marinette Dupain Cheng?" He asks, crossing his arms and staring her down. She blinks. She gets that he's worried, as her brother, but why would they have special protection for one person? She's about to ask when Batman speaks up instead.

"No worries, Mr. Todd. My team and I have been made aware and have prepared a security detail for Miss Dupain Cheng once she returns to Paris." Batman says simply. Marinette's eyes widen. No. Oh no. No, no, no, she can't be watched! How's she supposed to protect Paris if an American superhero and his team are stalking her to make sure she's safe?

"As a former Miraculous wielder, Marinette is already under our protection." She lies, ignoring the shocked look Adrien is giving her.

"I'm sorry, what? Former- She was a hero?!" Jason yells, the panic clear on his face.

"Yes, but she was compromised so she doesn't work with us anymore." Marinette says, hoping to calm him down. It doesn't work.

"She was compromised! And you abandoned her? What the hell is wrong with you?" He yells as he starts to pace the room.

"Mr. Todd, it might be best if you-" Batman starts, holding his hands up placatingly.

"I don't wanna fucking hear it, B. You might be okay with watching a bunch of kids run around in costumes and have near death experiences but I'm not watching it. Not again. Now whatever this meeting is can wait, because my sister is currently missing and Batman over here needs to go find her. Because we need to wrap her in some goddamned bubble wrap because apparently this family is a fucking trouble magnet. And if you two are going to be in Gotham, then you can go help look for her too." Jason says, turning and starting to storm off. He pauses and turns back to the group of heroes- vigilantes?- "And her friend Adrien. I'm not sure how we'll fund him, stupid magic light thingy. But Marinette's gonna be pissed if she gets back and her boy toy is missing." He turns and actually leaves this time. Marinette turns to Batman and raises an eyebrow. A silent question on what the next step is. Batman frowns.

"As much as I dislike taking orders from civilians, he's right. Mr. Wayne asked my team to look for Miss Dupain Cheng. I assume the two of you will stay to help." He says. Marinette shakes her head.

"Unfortunately, we're going to have to leave. But we'll be in contact." Marinette says with a quick smile before calling Kaalki's transformation and creating a portal. Repeatedly thinking 'unused bedroom in Wayne manor, she steps through without waiting for a response from Batman, tugging Adrien along. Glancing around, she sighs in relief when she realizes the Kwami didn't take them to another secret lair.

"That was intense." Adrien says, dropping his transformation.

"I need extra Camembert after that disaster." Plagg says with a smirk. Marinette drops her transformation, stifling a giggle at the annoyed look on Tikki’s face.

"It wouldn't have been a disaster if you hadn't convinced Kaalki to do that!" She says angrily. Marinette’s previous humor instantly disappears and she turns to Plagg.

"Plagg, what is she talking about?" She asks, glaring at the Kwami.

"Now, pigtails, don't do anything rash, but the Batcave was my idea." He blurts out.

"I take offense to that. I brought them there!" Kaalki exclaims with a pout.

"Yeah, but I'm the one who found out. And told you and Sugar Cube." Plagg counters making Kaalki roll their eyes.

"Oh puhlease, you wouldn't have known what it was if I hadn't followed you." They say, chin high in the air.

"So apparently Batman is looking for us. What're the odds Mr. Wayne is just working for Batman and not actually Batman himself?" Marinette asks, giving Adrien a hopeful look.

"I think they're the same odds that no one in your family will ask questions about where we were." He says with a shrug. Marinette groans.

"I can't believe my dad is Batman." She drops her head into her hands, taking a moment to breathe before a thought pops into her head.

"Do you think my brothers are the rest of them? Oh god. Damian is totally Robin, and Tim is Red Robin. Which would make Jason Red Hood 'cause Nightwing's hair is completely black. Oh my god. I'm in a family of vigilantes!" She groans, huffing in annoyance.

"What's so bad about that? They'll be even more likely to help us find Hawkmoth." Adrien says, still looking on the bright side.

"That's if they let me out of their sight. You heard Jason, and Mr. Wayne. They want to put a security detail on me and they think I'm a civilian! What’re they gonna do when they realize I’m a superhero too?” Marinette moans, various situations running through her head. She takes a few steadying breaths to try and stave off the panic. They won’t find out, right?

---

Jason kicks a chair he walks past, mumbling under his breath. Bruce hadn’t acted surprised or anything, so apparently he already knew about the situation. Knew and didn’t say shit to anyone else. Of course he did. Jason would’ve cared a few days ago, sure he would’ve. But now he cares. Because now his tiny sister is in danger and he’d be damned if he let her go back to Paris without protection. Hell, he’ll go with if he has to. Anything to keep her safe. To stop her from dying. Or, dying again. And apparently she was a hero in Paris at some point. And she was compromised. And then abandoned. What a pile of shit. Huffing in frustration, he resists the urge to run back to the cave and start shooting. Instead he walks towards his room to grab the keys he’d thrown in there earlier when he got to the manor for dinner. Turning the corner, he freezes in shock when he sees Marinette and Adrien standing there, Adrien gently patting her back as she looks close to panicked.

“Marinette!” Jason calls, running towards her and sweeping her up in a big hug. He didn’t want to let her go. If he let her go, she’d go back to Paris. She’d have to deal with a supervillain and death and horrible things. She was too young for that. He, of all people, would know.

“Jay. Can’t breathe. Please.” She chokes out. Jason lets her down, then glares at her.

“Where the hell have you been? I thought you were going to the bathroom?” He asks, frowning as she grows even paler.

“Uh, er, I was?” She says, sounding more like a question. He narrows his eyes.

“Are you sure?” He asks.

“Yes?” She asks, eye twitching. Jason sighs.

“If you don’t wanna tell me Pixie Pop, you don’t have to. But you are gonna have to tell B.” He says.

“Batman?!” She shrieks, eyes wide. Jason shakes his head, panic welling up.

“No, why- B’s what I call Bruce. Why would you think I was talking about Batman?” He asks, gesturing wildly.

“Because that’s what you called Batman on the phone!” She counters, freezing the second the words are out of her mouth.

“Wait, what? When did you-” Jason stops, a horrible feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. No. She can’t.

“Wait no, I- oh crap.” She mumbles, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“You’re Ladybug.” Jason says, his ears ringing as he looks down at his sister. Well fuck.

---

Dick sighs, turning around in a circle as he looks at the closing shops around him. Where could Marinette have gone? Why did she leave? If she was overwhelmed they would have driven her back to her hotel. She didn’t have to try and walk back by herself. Especially this late. And in Gotham of all places. His phone ringing tugged him from his thoughts and he answered without even looking at the caller ID.

“Hello?” He says, trying hard to push down the worry and focus on the phone call.

”Hey Dick. I found them.” Jay says, sounding tired. Dick lets out a sigh of relief.

“Where were they?” He asks.

”In the manor. Look, I think we all need to have a talk. You should probably come home. And grab Replacement and Demon Spawn on the way back.” Jason says. Dick frowns. How were they in the manor? They all looked in the manor, they were not there.

“Okay, yeah. On my way.” Dick says instead. This should be interesting.

---

Marinette tries to ignore the burning stare from Jason as she grips onto Adrien’s hand. This could be a huge mistake, but it could also help them find Hawkmoth. And take him down for good. The idea of that is too great to give up. So no matter how much it makes her want to puke with nerves, she’d tell her family the truth. That she’s Ladybug. She was sure they’d understand, being the infamous Batfamily and everything.

“Sorry about that, Timmy insisted on grabbing some coffee on the way back. Where’s B?” Dick asks, and Marinette winces at the nickname. Why her brothers thought it was a good idea to call Mr. Wayne ‘B’ as both Batman and Bruce Wayne was beyond her. They’d had secret identities much longer (though after today she wasn’t sure how).

“Now that we are all here, could you explain why you insisted on this meeting, Jason?” Mr. Wayne asks, sat in the same chair he’d been in when the evening had first started. Marinette glances around at her siblings, smiling softly back at Cass who seemed to be trying to reassure her without signing or saying anything.

“Marinette is Ladybug.” Jason blurts out, instead of dropping the bomb slowly like they’d discussed. Silence. Just as Mr. Wayne opens his mouth, Marinette blurts out:

“Yeah, well you’re the Batfamily!” Oops.

Tag List: @maribat-bdbwm @vixen-uchiha @stainedglassm @liquid-luck-00 @jayjayspixiepop @jjmjjktth @mizzy-pop @trippingovermyfeet @queenz-z @thepaceperson @iloontjeboontje @waiting247 @laurcad123 @toodaloo-kangaroo @ritacrow-blog @deathssilentapproach-blog @kittenmywaythrulife @nerd-nowandforever @when-no-wings-do-broomsticks @imarivers8

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flyersheartbreaker · 3 years ago

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Forever By Your Side| Isaac Ratcliffe

a/n: this is my first imagine that I am officially publishing! I am very excited to share all of my writing content and series with you guys :)

Pair: Isaac Ratcliffe x reader

Summary: Watching your boyfriend Isaac get seriously hurt during one of his home games and watching him battle through the toughest injury a hockey player could battle, so he can continue on with dream playing in the NHL

Warnings: Hockey Injuries, Cussing, Cute Fluff

Word Count: 3,321 words

It was just another ordinary Sunday afternoon watching a game live from the PPL center here in Allentown, Pennsylvania or so I thought. The game was going really well with the Phantoms up 3-1 on the Hershey Bears half way through the second period. There was your beloved star-studded boyfriend number 19 carrying the puck up against the boards through the neutral zone when suddenly bam everything went to complete silence, except for that shear sound that you wish you could so badly get out of you head.

I jumped out of my seat and darted up the stairs from the lower-level seats that I was sitting in with some of the other girlfriends. I can hear the god-awful scream ringing in my ears over and over again that was coming down from ice level. The crowd was silent, so quiet that you could probably hear a pin drop and when that happens you know for a fact that it isn’t good. Nothing ever good comes from silence at a time like this and I needed to get down to the locker rooms as quick as possible.

Isaac got hit hard up against the boards and fell awkwardly down to the ground, and his right foot looked like it twisted the wrong way. He's had rough collisions before, but never like this. Isaac is a big dude that you surely didn’t want to ending up colliding with, but this time it looked like Isaac got the wrong end of the play. I never in my life ever heard him yell in absolute pain like the wat he was when the trainers and his teammates were trying to help his 6-foot-6 body off of the ice.

My heart was in my stomach as I was racing down the stairs that would lead me to the home locker rooms. I quickly flashed my team badge to the security guard Frank without saying a word. He must have known it wasn’t good either, as he told me to breathe and be careful myself as I jumped down the last few steps.

If Isaac had a season ending injury, it would kill him. He was just heating up and playing his best hockey yet and working his ass off day in and day out so he could eventually make the Flyers roster within this season or even next season for sure. But if his season is over that means his chances of getting to the NHL level could be too and that would just destroy him completely.

As soon as I rounded the corner to the trainer's office, I saw him being helped on to the examine table. His face was as red as a cherry, and he was in a lot of pain. The trainers quickly started icing the area the best that they could as they slowly untied his skate and too it off of him.

“He is definitely going to need some X-Rays done immediately and possibly an MRI as well depending on what the results of the X-Rays are.” The Phantoms trainer Brian Grogesky said to Neil who was one of the Phantoms physicians.

“Jeff and Robert are on their way down from the press box and getting the emergency X-Ray equipment ready. In the mean time you need to relax the best that you can Isaac.” Neil said to Isaac as Isaac tried his best laying down comfortably on the examine table.

Both Brian and Neil noticed me standing outside of the door of the trainer's room and signaled me to come on in, in hopes that Isaac could ease up and relax a little bit more with me by his side.

“Hello, y/n! Looks like we got a live one here and that big boy landed pretty hard on that ankle of his.” Brian said trying to make light of the situation.

Isaac sat up on his elbow and looked me dead in the eyes. I can see and feel the pan behind them, my heart sank even more for him. I just want him to be okay, I want him to be able to play the rest of this season, he worked way too fucking hard for this to happen to him.

“Hey babes, how is the pain?” I said walking over to Isaac and grabbing his hand while kissing him ever so lightly and carefully.

“It's a bitch babe if I am being honest. I’m trying not to think of the worst, but I can’t help it. This isn’t fair, why me? Why fucking me?” Isaac said in more frustration.

“Isaac, don’t get too far ahead of yourself. We don’t know the actual results just yet. But whatever the outcome is you can come back from it stronger than ever. Hockey injuries is sometimes apart of the game as silly and stupid as it sounds, but you’re a fighter and you got this.” Neil said as he placed another bag of ice on Isaac’s ankle.

“They are right babe, your team trainers, physicians and any other doctors have your best interests. Let’s get you into the X-Ray room and then go from there okay big guy.” I said while planting another kiss onto Isaac’s lips.

Jeff brought in some crutches for Isaac to use, so they can take him down the hall to get the X-Rays taking care of. I am hoping that is all that Isaac is going to need and that whatever it is, it's a quick recovery.

After a few short minutes Isaac was crutching back out of the X-Ray room with a look of disappointment on his face.

“Oh no babe...how bad is it?” I asked him while he collects himself.

“It’s not broken...but they are sending me for an MRI early tomorrow morning to see if that shows up with anything and then go from there.” He said in a low tone.

“Well, that is a plus sign that it isn’t broken. You got to be positive about this honey, you need to be optimistic. You can't be negative. Everything is going to work out for the best. Hopefully it's just a minor sprain and you will be back on the ice in no time.” You told Isaac as you wrapped yourself around his side.

All of Isaac’s staff and trainers helped Isaac out of the arena and to his car and safety got him into the passenger seat while, I got into Isaac’s driver's seat.

“Alright, make sure when you get home you put more ice on that ankle for at least 15-20 mins on and then same time off. Do it throughout the night if you can and also, make sure you are using the crutches as much as possible and for the love of God Isaac do not put any pressure on that ankle until after we get the MRI results and see exactly what is going on. We don’t want to make the injury any worse than what it could already be. Try to get some much-needed rest and we will see you in the morning.” Brian said closing the passenger door.

The ride back to Isaac’s apartment complex was extremely quiet. I didn’t know what to say or what to do, so I just let Isaac sit there and pounder in his thoughts alone without me distracting him. Which probably wasn’t a good idea, because I know my boyfriend, I know for a fact that he is thinking the worst possible scenario that he could think of right now.

I helped Isaac out of the car and into the elevators up to his apartment and got him comfortably settled on the couch with his foot/ankle elevated and two ice packs placed on the injured area.

“Do you want or need anything? You want me to bring out another pair of comfy clothes for you?” You asked Isaac as you placed a pillow behind his head/back and placed a blanket right by him as well.

“No, I’m fine...” He whispered as scrolled on his iPad to rewatch the ending of the game and rewatch highlights and the moment of his injury.

You so badly, wanted to say something along the lines to him like "babe don’t be watching that now, it wasn’t your fault, there was nothing that you could have done to prevented that from happening, so on and on.” But deep down you knew nothing would make him feel better until he knew what the main results were. And as the night went on, you could see the realization hit him that this was going to keep him out for a while. He just looked sad, and drained.

After a couple of hours, another X-Ray, and an MRI later, you and Isaac were sitting there waiting in the trainer's office for the results from both the trainer and team doctors.

Both Brian and Jeff walk in with a folder which I assume held the test results for Isaac’s ankle/foot.

“Well, the good news is the second X-Ray that we took this morning once again showed that there was no brake in both the ankle and the foot.” Brian said.

“And what about the MRI? What did the MRI show?” Isaac asked nervously.

I grabbed Isaac’s hand and interlocked his fingers with mine. I could see the look on both Brian’s, Jeff’s, and even Coach Gordon’s face that this news that they are about to give doesn’t seem to be very promising.

Jeff cleared his throat ever so calmly and spoke. “The MRI came back with a high ankle sprain injury which means we really don’t have a timetable for you to return to at this point of time. This type of injury is extremely difficult to recover from quickly. So, with that being said we need to place you on injury reserve indefinitely until we get more of a clear view on this injury.”

“Out indefinitely...so that could mean that I might be done for the season?” Isaac ever so softly spoke.

“Unfortunately, yes Rat...I am so sorry and with it being late into the season already we don’t want to risk anything further and do anymore damage to the ankle. Brian, Jeff and myself all agreed on shutting you down for the remainder of this year. So, it’s better for you to take this time to heal carefully and properly and then eventually rehab it back to full strength without any other necessary tests or worse case scenario surgeries. Then once you have healed properly, we can train and get you back to 100 percent for next year's rookie and training camp.” Coach Scott Gordon said while looking at both Isaac and myself.

My heart broke ever so much for Isaac, this isn’t fair. I know injuries can be a part of the game sometimes, but why did this have to happen to Isaac and why now?! He has been killing it day in and day out since being drafted in 2017. He deserves his chance at playing at the NHL and now with this setback is he ever going to make it to that level?

The ride to Isaac’s apartment was once again a quiet one and this time I don’t blame him. I mean how is he supposed to react to something like this? What is he supposed to say or do when your head coach, trainer and team doctor shut you completely down for God knows how long.

Isaac settled down on the couch and tossed his crutches to side and unstrapped his high ankle boot so he can comfortably rest his ankle on the pillow in front him.

"Baby, I am so fucking sorry that is happening, it’s not right nor is it fair to you." I said, resting my head on his shoulder while getting cozy next to him.

"What if this is it for me? What if I can't play anymore after this?" He asks, eyes filling with tears.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't say that. You being negative will only make that happen. You are a fighter Rat...you are one tough, strong as hell hockey player who will power through this. I promise you that." I said grabbing his hand and interlocking our fingers together, while placing a kiss on his hand.

A tear rolls down his cheek ever so slightly. "All I wanted to do was be that excitement that both the Lehigh and Philly fans need. All I wanted ever so badly was to have my chance to make it to the NHL level and it got taken away from me. Why do bad things happen to good people?" Isaac asked broken and frustrated.

Once he started crying, I had lost it. Nothing I could do, or say would take that pain away from him and it just broke my heart. I went into the kitchen and I just cried as grabbed him more ice packs from the freezer. How am I supposed to look at the man that I love, and not have my heart shatter like glass when I look into those eyes that were once so shiny, and bright, but now shows nothing at all? I have no idea the pain he is going through or the frustrating emotions he is now going through as well and I feel terrible.

I eventually collected myself and walked back out into the living room and ever so easily and softly place the ice packs on the injured area and took my seat back on the couch next to Isaac.

"That's the crappy thing about life.” I breathed as I took a deep breathe myself and continued on. “For some reason, it always attacks the good ones, and praises the hell out of the bad ones." I sob, wiping away not only my own tears but also his tears once again. "We'll get through this. I promise. It'll be hard, and it'll be long, but we're going to pull through this." I tell him as I run my hand through his hair.

He squeezes my other hand tightly. "What if during my time out things don’t get better and I need to get surgery, and it's worse than they thought? That could happen. What if they see that my injury is worse than what they thought and that I am out on the shelf even longer and I completely miss this upcoming season as well? Or worse they tell me that I can't do this anymore?" He asks, gasping for air. "I don't want that to happen and I'm scared to death that it will."

I snuggled beside him even more then I already was, resting my head on his chest, sobbing harder than I was before, because I honestly hate when he thinks that he isn’t good enough or he thinks his career is over because of a minor setback or in this case a possible major setback. "Then we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, okay? Just for now, it's a bump in the road. No journey to greatness is a smooth one Isaac. Whatever the hell happens next, we'll face it together as a team, because I am not leaving your side and letting you fight this injury alone. I know that you so badly want to break and that you feel like this the end of the road, but you need to keep pushing and listen to the training staff and follow their instructions."

"I love you so much." He tells me, sniffling. "Thank you for helping me with this, baby, I couldn’t do this without you" Isaac said while planting a soft and slow kiss on my lips

"I'll help you through anything. No matter what." I said while smiling and kissing him softly back.

It was battle to get Isaac’s ankle back to a healthy, normal, and stable ankle for a hockey player at his height and weight but we were able to do it. It was a long road and journey until Isaac was back out on the ice skating again and preparing himself for this upcoming training camp season.

Isaac looked and felt good, until one day right before the Flyers condensed training camp something didn’t seem right with him.

Isaac met up with Flyers trainer Jim McCrossin and after a deep examination we found out that Isaac was suffering from a fractured rib and a collapsed lung. We don’t know how exactly this had happen or when it happened. It could have been from when he fell during his ankle injury or from being hit during Rookie Camp, we don’t have the answers right now. And once again, here I am watching my boyfriend being completely destroyed and devastated all over again.

Isaac became instantly depressed, and much worst this time around because he knew there was no chance of making the Flyers squad this season and who knew when he could lace up for the Phantoms season as well. But thank God for Jim McCrossin who helped Isaac get the right and special care that he needed and got him completely healthy so he could play for the rest of this Phantoms season as well.

Isaac was getting game day dressed for a home game here in Allentown. I sat on the bed and watched/admire him as he fixes his tie in the mirror.

"Try not to worry about tonight so much baby, you are going to absolutely kill it out there like always. Once you get out on that ice, I have no doubt in my mind you will play just like how you used to before all of these setbacks. And just remember that no matter how easy, or how hard tonight’s game is going to be I'll be here for you always. But also, please promise me one thing, that if you don’t feel right to let your staff know immediately because I never want to see you get hurt like this again.” I said walking up behind him and wrapping my arms around his torso.

"I promise babe, I know that I need to take my health more seriously and whatever happens, happens. One day I will make my dream a reality and officially play in the NHL, but for the time being I got to focus on the now and my health." He said as he spun around and kissed me.

Watching Isaac warm up made my heart race and beat fast. But it was all worth seeing him back out there skating with the team and his boys. He looked so good and happy out on the ice and that is all that I could ever ask for.

The journey was extremely hard and long this past summer and fall for both Isaac and I, but in the end it definitely made us a stronger unit in our relationship and it has totally made Isaac a stronger hockey player both physically and mentally.

After the game, I bolted down to the locker room this time excitedly to see my boyfriend, not in a complete shear panic like last time and waited for Isaac to come out after he was done with the media.

The door swung open and I immediately saw Isaac and jumped right into arms like a little high school girl. “Babeee, you were beyond amazing tonight! I am so very proud of you, how are you feeling?” I asked nervously but giddy at the same time.

Isaac picked me up and kissed me ever so passionately before answering any of my questions that I just threw at him. “I felt good and still feel good. It was awesome to be back out on that ice again playing with the boys in front of our home crowd, their excitement and energy helped out a lot. But truthfully, I couldn’t have done any of this without you, y/n. I love you so much and I can’t wait to continue this amazing hockey journey with you right by myside.”

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wannabe-fic-writer · 4 years ago

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Natasha Romanoff x Reader : Escape

Summary: The Red Room haunts you, from the moment you stepped foot inside to long after you’ve left. Truth is, you don’t think there is any escaping it.

Warnings: 18+ Violence, Depression, Mentions of Death, Smut

Chapter 3

******

It’s safe to say that you’ve seen a decent amount of the world, having been to places like: France, Spain, the UK, the US, Russia, and South Africa multiple times and you’d thought you’d seen the most beautiful things the earth had to offer.

Which is why you’re so surprised when you see Wakanda for the first time. The country is absolutely breathtaking, while Natasha takes top spot for the most gorgeous sight you’ve ever seen, the place definitely takes a top spot.

But none of it lasts very long. It seems as though things happened in the blink of an eye.

One second you’re walking through the state of the art tech facility built by Shuri and the next you’re being pinned down by rabid aliens with razor sharp teeth.

There you were thinking the toughest fight you’d ever been in involved a guy with silver claws in his knuckles. This proved to be tougher.

Quite honestly, you can’t tell if your side is actually winning or not. For every alien you all take down there are about twenty more where that came from.

“You know when I agreed to help, it wasn’t cause I wanted to get my ass kicked.” You half joke into the comms.

Surprisingly it’s the King that replies,“ trust me, we aren’t planning on losing.”

“Tell that to-”

Bruce’s frustrated and frightened shout interrupts you,“ there’s too many of them!”

You look over to see his giant metal suited form on the ground with about a dozen aliens tearing into him.

Just as you’re about to go help, a beam of rainbows appears in the sky. It touches the ground and an ax flies out, lightening trailing behind it. The ax sails over the battlefield and takes out every alien it hits.

Not only have you stopped in your tracks, but so has everyone around you. All of your eyes on the man that just appeared in the middle of the field. Beside him stands a tree and a raccoon.

He catches the ax in one hand and surveys his surroundings.

Bruce chuckles and exclaims,“ you guys are so screwed now!”

“I’m confused is this guy on our side? Is he not also an alien?” You question.

The man’s words clear it up for you,“ BRING ME THANOS!!”

“Alright, got it.” You nod and throw yourself back into the fight.

You hate to admit it but each hit makes you more and more tired. It’s like your bones shake each time you punch or kick these things.

The people around you chatter, almost lightly, as they fight. Barnes tells the raccoon that he isn’t selling his arm as they shoot at aliens. And Steve chats with the God of Thunder and the tree, who says he’s Groot.

But the talking stops as the ground rumbles beneath your feet.

You take down the nearest alien before looking around.

The source of the tremors is unclear, confusing everyone around you. Briefly.

When giant saws burst from under ground your eyes widen.

“Fall back! Fall back now!” The King shouts retreating.

Everyone follows his orders, running and dodging out of the way of the saws.

Rhodes calls out directions to Sam as everyone seemingly snaps out of it. The fighting continues.

But you’re just a little too slow.

Right before you can start fighting again you’re tackled on to the ground by two aliens.

“Oh shit.” You grunt, holding one of their mouths open. The other snaps at you, teeth scratching your arm as you jerk away.

You punch the first one multiple times and stab a knife into it’s neck. Which leaves you too occupied to fight off the second one properly. It bites you again on the same arm.

“For fuck sake!” You groan through gritted teeth.

The second one starts to writhe as electricity ripples over it’s body. You kick it away before the pulses reach your body.

Looking up, your eyes connect with familiar, warm, green ones.

“Did I just save you?” She asks jokingly.

You take her hand and let her help you up,“ your one to my, what, six?”

Despite the seriousness of the battle around you, Natasha still smiles. As little as it is, she smiles.

That’s where the small moment ends.

“Guys, we got a Vision situation here.” Sam calls out.

“Somebody get to Vision.” Steve replies.

Both you and Natasha look around the field and the woman’s eyes widen. She takes off, running past you and to a trench in the ground. You go to get to Vision.

You make it into the woods just in time to see the big alien guy hit Vision. The android flies right past you, landing on the ground aggressively.

As the two progress on Vision you stand in the way, Bruce dropping in beside you. You both share a quick look before facing the aliens again.

“Oh no, oh no you don't. This isn't going to be like New York, pal. This suit's already kicked the crap out of the Hulk-” Bruce’s words are interrupted as the big one charges him. They struggle for a moment before Bruce flies off with him.

You turn to the lone alien and smirk,“ wanna cut your loses and get outta here now? I bet you’re gonna look mighty weak to Thanos when he hears I kicked your ass.”

The alien grunts,“ humans always make the mistake of overestimating yourselves.”

Instead of replying, you wait for the alien to attack first.

He comes at you with his scepter, swinging it at you, almost gracefully. You make sure to stay in front of Vision, even as you dodge the aliens attacks.

“Hey, I need back up, someone needs to get Vision ba-”

Your eyes widen and you look down at the scepter that’s pierced your skin.

In the midst of you talking and trying to count the aliens attack, he managed to stab you. The blade of his scepter wedged itself into your side.

“Every bit of weak I assumed you were.” He growls, snatching the blade from you.

You grit your teeth, hand pressing into your wound. As much as it hurts, the last thing you want is to lose to Thanos. While you are far from a hero, you want to save the universe since you’re one of the idiots who lives in it.

Finding more strength than you thought you had, you surge forward and slam into the alien. His scepter falls from his hand and you both tumble on the ground.

He gets up much faster than you and tries to come at you again, only to have his scepter stab through him.

Vision raises the alien in the air, holding him there, and then flinging him aside.

“Vision,” you force yourself to stand,“ you gotta get back to Shuri.”

Steve and Wanda both make their way into the woods and over to you and Vision. The brunette goes over to the android while the super solider meets you.

“That looks pretty bad.”

You chuckle breathlessly,“ it looks worse than it feels.” Which is half true.

It hurts but you’ve had worse.

Taking a deep breath, you stand up straight, hand resting on Steve’s shoulder for slight support.

“You think Thanos wants to take a break, maybe lay off for a couple days.”

Steve breathes a chuckle, looking up at Natasha as she comes over.

Her eyes snap to your injury and she’s by your side in an instant.

“Don’t fuss Romanova, I’m fine.” You give the most reassuring smile you can.

“Well this doesn’t look fine.” She remarks.

As much as you want to reply, you don’t. Because you feel the atmosphere shift. Tension swirls around you. The air is so thick if you breathe too hard you swear you might choke.

“Everyone, on my position. We have incoming.” Steve speaks into the comms.

All eyes follow his direction of sight. The King and his general join you, Bruce rejoins you as well, as does Sam.

Blue mist appears, opening to reveal the void of space. A very tall, muscular, purple guy steps out.

Your eyes snap to the golden gauntlet on his hand. All stones but one. Your gaze flickers to Vision, who hangs on to Wanda.

“Cap,” Bruce nods,“ that’s him.”

The eerie feeling in the air set the perfect tone.

Thanos took you all down without batting an eye. Phasing Bruce into a wall, trapping Natasha under debris, flinging you and Okoye away like you’re nothing.

Smacking into a tree literally takes your breath away. You feel yourself losing blood by the minute. Each breath you take is labored but you’ve never given up in your life, despite having every reason to.

It was pretty much ingrained in you to keep going unless absolutely impossible to.

Every bit of you protests as you stand up. Just in time to see Thanos dig his fingers into Vision and yank the stone from his head.

“No, no no no.”

Two steps toward Thanos and you see him get hit with a bolt of lightening. It stops and Thanos shoots a blast at Thor, who just throws his ax through it.

The ax lodges itself into Thanos’ shoulder.

Thanos raises his gauntlet covered hand, and snaps his fingers.

You feel your heart drop before it kicks into overdrive.

In an instant the titan disappears, leaving Thor’s bloody ax, and a very confused group of people.

“Nat.” You look around for the red head,“ Talia!” You call out.

Finally you see her, dazedly walking around.

Knowing that the snap couldn’t possibly be a good thing, you rush over to her. You cup her face and search her eyes for any signs of pain or whatever the hell you’re looking for.

“Where’d he go?” Steve also comes stumbling into the open,“ Thor, where’d he go?”

“Steve?”

You all look over to Barnes who literally turns to dust before your eyes.

You subconsciously tighten the hold you have on Natasha, praying that she doesn’t disappear.

Through the comms you hear the team calling for each other. You hear the general call for the king. The lack of a reply is all the answer you need.

Barnes. Sam. King T’Challa. Groot. Wanda.

With the remainder of you standing around Vision’s lifeless body, you have to ask.

“What the hell just happened?”

Steve exhaustively falls on the ground, right into Wanda’s ashes beside Vision.

“Oh god.” He breathes.

Natasha’s hand grips yours as reality just barely starts to set in for you.

You lost. Big time.

******

Taglist: @thelastavenger-3000 @aaron-despair @messuhp @izalesbean @bvb-bk @username23345 @sighsam

#natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff #natasha romonova #natalia romanova #marvel x reader #marvel #mcu x reader #mcu #reader insert #black widow #black widow x reader #Escape

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feenyxblue · 4 years ago

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Hi! I'm real ignorant so if this is a dumb question feel free to ignore this. But I just found out that the Catholic Bible has 7 more books than the Protestant one? (I was raised Methodist so this was a big shock to me) And I was just wondering what those 7 books are? Where they are and what they're about and stuff. Thanks!

Well, yeah. There are seven more books, and the reasons behind why this is is complicated from a theology/archeology perspective, but simple from a historical perspective (Martin Luther revived fourth century discourse). In addition, Daniel and Esther are longer in the Catholic Bible compared to the Protestant Bible. I'm gonna run through each book with a little bit of what it is.

Tobit: the first of the novellas. Our main man, Tobit, is a holy man who undergoes many trials at the beginning, culminating in him being blinded. After this, his son, Tobias, gets sent off to retrieve some money from Media that Tobit remembered. Hes accompanied by the archangel Raphel, in disguise as a man. Meanwhile in Media, a young woman, Sarah, has just had her seventh would be husband die on her. She has a demon thing going on, where the demon will kill anyone who tries to marry her. Tobit and Raphael, after some fishing shenanigans in which various fish parts are acquired, arrive on the scene. Raphel, literal wingman, tells Tobias "Dude, you could totally marry Sarah, who is totally awesome. I'm gonna set you up and everything!" And Tobias says "Dude, the demon thing already killed seven men. I would prefer not to" Raphel: "She will please your dad. You can use some of the fish guts to drive away the demon by burning them, since they're rank. Then pray to God. You got this." Fish guts are burned, prayer is offered to God, and the happy couple is finally wed. Meanwhile, Sarah's dad got the rest of the household to dig a grave for Tobias, so that's quickly filled in. Then Sarah, Tobias, and Raphel go home, the remaining fish guts are used to restore Tobit's sight, Raphel gives some advice and then reveals himself to be an angel, and leaves. Tobit is happy and dies in peace. Tobias dies of old age in the epilogue. This story is referenced in the Gospels, when the Sadduces approach Jesus and ask him about a woman who has been married seven times, and all her husbands died.

Judith: another one of the novellas, our main hero is Judith, a Jewish widow. At the beginning theres a long war campaign sum up, which basically amounts to Holofernes is the toughest dude around. He eventually wages war against Israel. The end result is the Israelites are surrounded. The Israelites are surrounded, and Judith says "1. God will deliver us, 2. Let me and my maid go through the city, and God will deliver Israel through me" Judith prays, heads out, and manages to get an audience with Holofernes (she is a very pretty lady). She talks with Holofernes, and in her monologue uses a lot of wriggly ambiguous language, so Holofernes thinks she is talking about Nebecennezzer when she is talking about God. Holofernes is pleased by this, so he invites Judith to dinner. Judith then beheads Holofernes, and takes his head and goes back home. Judith shows his head, comes up with a good battle plan, the enemies are destroyed, and the Israelites celebrate.

1 Macabees: an independent account of the attempted suppression of Judaism in the second century BC (175-134 BC). The main character is Judas, son of Mattias, head of the revolution. It is classified as a novella.

2 Macabees: Covers the same rebellion, from 180-161 BC. Much like the Gospels tell the same story different ways, 1 and 2 Macabees tell the same historical events from different perspectives. It is also classified as a novella.

Wisdom: written in 50 BC, it's a poetic exhortation to live a holy life. Its classified as a book of Wisdom/poetry. Some of the language in Wisdom is echoed in the New Testament. Wisdom 2:24 "but by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who are allied with him experience it" mirrors Paul's "sin entered the world, and death through sin"

Ben Sira: another book of wisdom, Ben Sira is another exhortation to live a holy life. Most of the book is moral instruction, but the last bit is about the heroes of Israel, gratitude to God, and an invitation for the unschooled to find true wisdom.

Baruch: a book of prophecy, its addressed to King Jechoniah (in Babylon). It can be divided into four parts: 1. The Letter to Jerusalem, filling in on the history, and guilt/deliverance, 2. Praise of Wisdom, 3. Baruch's poem of consolation, 4. Letter of Jeremiah, which is "don't worship Babylonian gods". John Calvin thought that Baruch should be in the Protestant Bible instead of Esther

And, since I think it's important since the books differ:

Esther: first off, its classified as a novella. It's an entirely different read in the Catholic bible, beginning with Mordecai's dream and an assasination attempt on the king. Then the banquet and deposition of Vashti. From there it follows roughly the same plot, but also contains prayers of Mordecai and Esther, official documents, etc. God is mentioned a lot in the Catholic version compared to the Protestant version.

Daniel: Chapter 3 has an awesome prayer in it, spanning from verse 24 to verse 90. It is very long, and a good read if you have the time. Daniel 13 and 14 have two short stories in them to cap off the book. The first is of Susana, who had two elders attempt to assault her. In retaliation, the elders falsely accuse Susanna of trying to seduce them. Susanna asks God to intervene, and a boy Daniel reveals the lie. The two elders are then killed. The second one is Bel and the Dragon, wherein one Daniel calls out the king for worshipping Bel, a false idol. The king says "no, he clearly eats and drinks the sacrifices I lay out for him" Daniel says "you're wrong" and the king says "prove it, or you'll die." So the king offered his sacrifices, and Daniel had ashes spread across the room, before it was sealed. Turns out, the priests of Bel would sneak into the chamber through a secret entrance and eat everything, which was proved by the footprints left by the ashes. The priests revealed this, and then they were killed. Then there was a dragon the Babylonians worshipped, and Daniel killed with some pitch, fat, and hair cakes (after getting permission from the king). From here Daniel gets thrown into the lion's den, Habbakkuk brings him a meal, and Daniel is brought out alive. The people who tried to kill him are then thrown into the lion's den.

#tobit would be a good comedy #judith is far more into direct action then esther #sorry this is a lot

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ilguna · 4 years ago

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Metanoia - Epilogue (f.o)

Summary: you will be crowned victor of the 75th hunger games.

Word Count; 1.7k

Warnings; swearing

NOTES: i give reader a last name to fit the world.

–

You grab the handle on the suitcase, pulling it behind you as you leave the train. You take your time looking over the train station, as others move past you at a much faster rate. They go down the stairs carelessly, into the welcoming arms of their family.

You take in a deep breath, “Salt.”

Going down the steps, you make sure to pull down your sunglasses. If there’s any district in this god forsaken country that gets the most sun, it has to be District Four. At this point, the sunglasses are a necessity. It’s something you check off each time you leave the house.

For a while, you settle for dragging the suitcase behind you. Up until you decide that you’d rather carry it than have to kick out a rock every three seconds. You lean over, picking up the fabric handle and walking with it that way.

On the way to victor’s village, you enjoy the looks you get. Not everyone is used to the fact that you had committed to a place like District Four. Especially so selfishly. It’s something you’d read in one of those boring romance novels that the Capitol produces.

The only reason why you read them anymore is for the comedy effect. But recently, you’ve been reading a rather interesting one. Hell, you’d even say it was about you because the details are so fine-tuned.

A wealthy, uptown girl from a better part of the city meets a boy that is much more humbled, and down to earth. The two of them fight it out, until they realize that they’re so helplessly in love with each other, right in the middle of a battle or the toughest part of their lives. And at the end of the book, they get together because it was just meant to be.

Except, you have a tattoo and a gut feeling that automatically matches you to Finnick. You two are so completely opposites but at the same time you’re the same person, just split in two.

Also, you wouldn’t call Finnick poor by any means. He was just as wealthy as you were at some point. Two victors, with the same amount of money on a paycheck every month. Two grand houses with no family and more friends than you remember having before you left.

Anyway, the people in District Four aren’t used to the idea because you make a point every time you come back. You wear your best outfit, the most expensive sunglasses, and you always have a bag attached to your backpack that has Finnick’s name all over it.

He hates the gifts, but you can’t help but to feel guilty every time you go on vacation to the Capitol. You like to make it up by buying him shitty t-shirts that have his face on it, and then one good item that he’ll likely use until it’s worth or broken. The last one you bought was a watch that was supposed to be waterproof.

It wasn’t. Broke the first time he jumped into the water. Thankfully, it wasn’t as electronic as the shop had declared either. It didn’t hurt Finnick at all when it ended up malfunctioning.

The funniest part was when he tried to hide it from you because he thought you’d be mad at him. It wasn’t the case at all, you got on the phone with the owner of the store and screamed in their ear, and then threatened to burn down their store the next time you were in the Capitol unless they gave you a refund.

You can imagine what they chose to do.

You turn the corner, taking the path to victor’s village. All the houses that aren’t occupied have their doors nailed shut tightly, even Annie’s old place. No one is allowed to buy them, and you’re not allowed to sell either. It’s mainly because the governor wants to keep them historic.

For a while, he was convinced that yours and Finnick’s kids wouldn’t be allowed to inherit the house either. But again, you had a very serious conversation with the governor. It was the same day you and Finnick were supposed to have a beach day with his friends.

You told him you’d see him later and that you had an errand to run. When in reality you scheduled an appointment with mister governor. The two of you had a one-on-one conversation about what would happen if you and Finnick died and your kids didn’t get to keep the house.

Basically you threatened to raise your kids the same hard way you grew up, just so that they’d be the same amount of insane as you are when it comes to things. So, instead of having to deal with you, they’d deal with them. And since you wouldn’t have just one kid, he’d be dealing with three or four kids, all varying ages, heights and specialties.

And you wouldn’t be there to stop him.

And again, needless to say, you can probably guess what he chose too.

Plus, the house would be staying in the family either way. If your kids wanted to split off from each other at some point, the only thing you’d want is for one to stay inside the house and carry it on. It’ll be a fun experiment to see how bad the house will be haunted before they give up and burn it down.

There’s only one section to District Four’s victor village, unlike yours. There’s one fountain with running salt water. And right on top, there’s a green statue of poseidon, trident in hand.

You set down the bag again, dragging it behind you since the village is paved with uneven stones. Not something you’d see in District Two, but then again, this isn’t your home. Your home and here are two very different places.

Both places have their charm.

You open the door to the house, leaving your suitcase by the door. Right when you shut it, Finnick comes around the corner, oven mitts on his hands. You place the sunglasses back to the top of your head.

“Fuck, I tried to make the cookies before you came home.” Finnick says, going back inside of the kitchen.

You laugh, setting down the present bag, and then taking the backpack off to set by the suitcase. After that, you pick up the expensive-looking bag as you head into the kitchen.

“The house smells good, I’ll give you that.” you smile.

Before you can do anything, Finnick comes over mitt-free. He cups your cheeks, giving you a very sweet kiss. When he’s done, he goes right back over to the cookies that are literally fresh out of the oven.

Your eyes latch on to the very obvious letters that are on the dining room table. You lean over, tilting your head as you pick up a few, looking at who they’re addressed for.

“Johanna writes frequently.” you say, looking at Finnick as you hold it for him to see, “Three letters?”

“She’s trying to piss you off.” Finnick says, he’s got a cookie in his hand, “Take it before it melts in my fingers.”

“Only if you open this.” you say, passing the bag off to him.

Finnick rolls his eyes as the two of you trade. You take a bite, watching how he pulls out the stuffing first, “What is it this time? An expensive jacket?”

“An action figure of myself. I want it on my bookshelf with all the other bullshit that makes me look good.” you smile, and Finnick laughs.

“Maybe I should take a trip to the Capitol instead, huh? Buy you some gifts instead.”

“No thanks. You probably wouldn’t like it there.” you say.

“Why’s that?” he asks, giving you a small glance.

“Because they still worship us like gods. Plus, Paylor and Beetee have a warrant out for your arrest. Something about a massive ego? I don’t know.”

Finnick rolls his eyes, “Haha.”

His hand dips into the bag, and you pop the last of the cookie in your mouth, reaching over for a napkin. You wipe off the chocolate bits from your hands as you wait patiently for him to open the gift.

Every time it seems like he gets slower with opening them.

He pulls out the book, placing the bag on the table as he turns it over in his hand, “What’s this?”

“I thought I could get something a little more meaningful this time.” you smile, “It’s a memory book. We can take pictures and all that nonsense.”

“That’s a great idea.” Finnick says, giving you a look, “If only we had a camera.”

Your smile turns cheeky, “Beetee’s engineering a good polaroid one for us right now. But he gave us this only thing in the meantime.”

You pull the camera out from behind your back, shaking it a bit for him to see.

“I seriously love you.” Finnick reaches for the camera, and you hand it off to me, “Smile.”

“Already am.” you say, posing a bit for the camera.

He takes the picture, and the two of you wait as the picture comes out. He holds it out for the two of you to see, “Oh, that’s cute.”

“You need one too, hand it over.”

He does it without a problem, and you take the picture. Just like that, two pictures are down, and you’re already fitting them into the slots on the inside cover of the book. When you shut it, you’re able to see you and Finnick. Which is mainly because the two of you are the starters of this dumb thing.

“I’m going to take so many pictures.” Finnick says, “You’re going to regret getting me this.”

“No, I won’t.” you smile.

“You’re going to eat your words.” Finnick leans in, and you slowly slide your arms over his shoulders, tilting your head.

“Oh, am I?”

Finnick pulls you in closer by your waist, “You are, just give it some time.”

“You wish that I’d be bothered by something you’ve done.”

“What happened to the old (Y/n)?”

You give him a loving look, “You.”

#ilguna #finnick odair #finnick odair imagine #finnick odair oneshot #finnick odair fanfic #finnick odair x reader #finnick odair metanoia #metanoia #metanoia epilogue

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kingsuckjin · 5 years ago

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Just Smile -2

✷Paring: joker!jk x reader, robin! jin x reader, bts x reader

✷ Genre: bts batman au

✷Description: Description: All you’ve ever wanted was to help, that’s all. When you landed a job at Arkham asylum (possibly unjustly), you thought maybe you could help the poor souls locked away there. You were apprehensive about meeting one in particular, the worst criminal of his time, the infamous Jeon Jungkook, well known around Gotham as the Joker. But what if this man isn’t what the rumors and his records say he is? What if he saw you as the one needing help? You only had to do him one small favor and he could make every dream you’ve ever had could come true, he could take all the pain away and you would never want for anything ever again. Could what he offers be the truth? You can’t say you weren’t warned about him.

✷ Warnings: mention of kooks facial scars and self harm, the security isn't nice to kook, talk of mental disorders, talk of violence, depression, self loathing, idk if I forgot something please let me know

✷Words: 3.9k

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--Series Masterlist--

"Jeon Jungkook: age 22, displays sociopathic behavior, physically aggressive."

The last two words were ones that no therapist wanted to read, it was intimidating.

You thought about just closing the case file and just thinking about how to approach this.

You were told you had to see this guy every single day, more than the hand full of others you were assigned to. You thought maybe your new boss was giving you the toughest case first just to see if he could break you, get you to quit.

You sighed as you glanced back down at the file of Jungkook on your desk and urged yourself to read further, it was important that you knew what he's done and what he could do.

The lists of things he had done read like a novel and was probably just as long as one too. "Sentenced to Arkham Asylum by pleasing insanity under the sentences and accusations of: poisoning the city's water supply, which was considered an act of terrorism. Also thought to be involved in causing the disappearance of over forty people." the list just kept going on and on.

You felt sick at your stomach making you close the file.

You wondered how you would even go about making a treatment plan for a man this vicious. You decided you couldn't, not until you met with him first. Meeting with him would be most of the battle. Would he try to snap your neck on the spot? Would he yell and scream at you?

To be honest, you were afraid. But all you could do was suck it up and act like the professional you were.

"He's ready" a member of staff poked his head through the cracked door of your new office. You knew who he was talking about, you knew who was ready, but were you?

You plastered a fake smile across your face and stood from your seat.

"Okay- I- I- um. That's great!" You tried to act as cheerful as you could given the unsettling feeling you had in your stomach.

"I'll be taking you to where you'll be meeting with him. You've had time to look over his files, right?" He asked as you left the office with the hospital staff and walked out into the too brightly lit hallway.

"Yes, of course." but you felt as though “barely” would have been more accurate reply.

"So you've seen the list of what this piece of shit has done."

"I-I-" it was hardly professional to be calling a patient a name like that "I have." But you agreed anyway.

"Just making sure, you really need to be warned about this guy. Last week he tried to bite another guy's finger off and he's been in isolation ever since."

"Oh." Left your mouth as your thoughts blanked out with it, all but one which was”

Dear god, what did I agree to?

"Is locked up though, on his meds, and there will be a guard in the room just in case."

Well that calmed your fears somewhat.

You passed door after door, some with yelling and screaming behind it, another with creepy singing, some patients just beat on the metal door with no regard, some were silent.

You saw two armed guards standing beside one of the doors just up ahead and you just knew that this was your stop, sure enough, the security man pulled out a card and ran it in front of a small box by the doorway, it let out a single, short, high pitched beep.

"You should get one of these soon" He told you as he opened the door and showed you his key card, but you couldn't concentrate on anything else but the man that was revealed to be inside of the stark white room. He sat at one side of the table in a cheap folding chair by a wall. The more you looked, you could see that he was handcuffed to a metal bar, bolted to the white concrete wall. His head, with a mess of toxic bright green hair, was tilted downwards, looking at the table and not you as you walked in. Hair was wild and stuck up in random places as if he had just rolled out of bed.

Your eyes flickered to the guard standing directly behind him, a tall muscular man with a large gun held across his broad chest, ready if needed.

The metal door shut behind you and you admittedly jumped just a little at the unexpected sound.

You walked slowly over to the table, wondering when your new patient would look up at you. Even without him looking up you could see that his skin looked a pasty white shade and you thought maybe he hadn't been outside in a while, that being inside here had done this to him.

You had a seat in the chair across from him and cleared your throat and did your best to sound not nervous although your palms were covered in sweat.

"Hello I'm Doctor y/l/n"

He didn't answer or say anything for a moment, you thought he might be asleep.

"I know" His voice was calm, yet he still didn't look at you. The sound of his voice was much more peaceful than you expected, more soothing, velvety sweet like his vocal cords had been dipped in honey. You had expected a gruff deep voice that would invoke fear upon hearing a single word.

"What's your name?" You did your best to try to make conversation, you'd take what you could get at this point, you just had to get him talking, but you weren't sure that he would, judging by his demeanor and opposition to look at you.

"You know my name." His voice continued to stay calm, and he didn't seem upset at all, he just seemed to point out a fact.

"I do, but introductions are important. I would like to hear your name from you." You urged gently.

"Jeon Jungkook, patient 2354" he complied nicely with you, even giving you his patient number that you recall being beside his name in his file.

"Jungkook? Why don't you want to look at me?" You asked hoping that if he did then maybe he would feel more connected with you

"Skipping to the straightforward questions already?" his head bobbed a little as he let out a huff of amusement that wasn't sassy, but actually seemed like he was a little surprised by your basic request.

"You don't like that? Would you prefer to talk about other things?" you wanted to be careful just in case you had read him wrong, you wanted him to feel comfortable, you wanted him to know he could switch topics at any time.

"No, that's alright, I figured you'd ask, they all ask me to eventually."

You didn't know who he was referring to, they as in other therapists or staff or what. You were confused, but you decided to let him continue to speak other than asking more questions.

"My face... is... you haven't heard about my face?" He seemed so apprehensive to speak about it.

"No, I've only read your file, and it said nothing about your face." You informed him.

"It's pretty scary."

"Well that's okay. I won't judge you. I don't mind at all." You did your best to reassure him. "But if looking down makes you comfortable I'm not going to-"

"You promise you won't scream if I show you?" He cut you off. It seemed like he wanted to show you.

"I swear." You were sure of your words.

You watched as he slowly lifted his mossy colored head up until his brown eyes met yours. He had a strikingly beautiful face, his eyes wide and brown almost deer-like, a strong jaw but gentle curves on his face that told you he was young. He had a few tattoos that you could see, a sad face with X’s for eyes on one of his cheek bones. The second was a few words near his collarbone that you couldn't quite read due to it being mostly obstructed by the collar of his white patient jumpsuit. To be honest, the tattoos suited him and his rather odd but soft features.

"I see nothing but your nice brown eyes." You were honest, his other nice features seemed to draw attention away from the not so nice one.

"Don't lie to me." He still didn't seem angry or upset or like it was a warning at all, just disbelieving of your comment.

You did however do your best not to look at the jagged scar of marred skin coming from the sides of his mouth to his mid cheeks. It looked like it had been cut so roughly, so carelessly, almost ripped. You did feel the very slightest urge to reach out and touch it, run your fingers along the long healed rugged scar, simply out of curiosity of what it felt like. Of course that would be inappropriate, and you knew better than to put your hand near the mouth of a man who almost bit someone’s finger off of course.

"I'm not going to scream, I'm not judging you, I'm not disgusted by you or anything you might think." You told the truth once again. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Sure, I don't mind." He gave a shrug and the chains that bound his wrists slightly jingled with the movement.

This was not at all how you expected the meeting to go. He seemed so quiet, calm and gentle. His current attitude was almost jarring compared to all the awful things you had read about him. You still weren't about to let your guard down thinking he might switch personalities at any moment to a more violent one, you were waiting for it just in case. In a way you wanted to see it, see what he might be like at his worst. You wanted him to match up with what you read in his file, but you were also very terrified of that.

"Do you want to tell me how it happened?" You asked and he gave a small nod.

"I-uh-I did it to myself." He was being so honest and open, yet his muttering and stuttering reflected his apprehension in talking about it, but you were still glad he was.

"Why? How?" You continued to prod, to see what he would and wouldn't answer and feel out his boundaries.

"I was tired of not smiling, so I took a knife and I cut my cheeks into a permanent smile."

You had to will your eyebrows to not raise at his answer in slight shock or furrow with worry.

"You seem ashamed to show people, is that why your head was down and you didn't want to let me see?"

He nodded.

"I don't enjoy looking like this anymore, especially not in front of someone seemingly so flawless. "I regret it."

You were aware he had just insinuated you were flawless, he had complimented you, but you decided to say nothing about it and move on.

"What was going on in your mind at the time? Do you want to explain your thought process behind it?"

"I-" he took a deep breath and once again looked down at the plastic grey table top. "I was younger, eighteen I think… eighteen is when it all happened. I was in an accident, hence my skin and hair, it- it really altered my mind. I was doing horrible things, and my mind… well it wasn't in the best state, I just kept falling further and further into a dark dark hole. My skin was ruined, my hair was ruined, my mind felt ruined, I was depressed. I thought no one would want someone like me- someone who looked this way. I was tired of being sad and in a bit of a psychotic rage, I cut the sides of my mouth into a permanent smile. Do you like it? If its not scary is it at least surprising to you?”

"Well,” you began with a playful tone, “I don't know if I can be surprised much anymore, especially by my line of work. Do you like surprises?"

"I do." He smiled a genuinely sweet smile and you could see his two front teeth were just a bit more prominent than the rest.

"What kind?" You wanted to keep him talking and any conversation going, and this seemed like a pleasant one, but to your dismay he gave a shrug. He almost seemed a little shy now, and that was once again very different from the violent man’s case file you had read.

"Well what else do you like?"

"A lot of things. I like pretty things." He looked and you "and I like... I just miss the outside world."

"Did you find beauty in the outside world?” you genuinely wanted to know what he liked about being free.

“I do.I like the least expected things, those are the most beautiful, the chaos. Busy streets, hives of bees. There’s beauty in chaos I suppose, people don't like it but it’s underrated. So are imperfect things, imperfections are beautiful, unique, interesting.”

His answer spoke volumes about him, it seemed to begin to tell you why he did the things he did, but you were sure it was only the tip of the iceberg of reasons why he was the way he was, and you now found yourself more than curious about the whys and hows of him and what made him tick. He seemed so soft spoken,calm, and so open but you knew there had to be another more violent and brutal side of him.

“Tell me about how you grew up.” you clasped your hands together on the table until you thought better of it. Somehow thinking that your arm freedom would be like rubbing it in his face that he was bound by chains and limited in mobility.

“Hmmm, I’m not sure what there is to tell, I grew up like any other kid in the suburbs of Gotham… at least I believe I did… I don't know things are blurry before the accident.”

“Accident?” you urged him to continue noticing he had mentioned this just a few moments ago but had not elaborated on it.

“The chemical accident.” you noticed him stare down at the table once more, his jaw seemed to clench. It seemed hard for him to talk about it, but talking about things was good, it was the only way to get breakthroughs. For a moment you didn't think he would go into it, you were about to change the subject and come back to the question at a later time in a more gentle way.

“I fell… into some chemicals… I was an employee, my first job. A janitor. It didn't pay much, I felt like I never had any money and it was hard with… I just couldn’t…” he stopped himself and struggled.

“Take your time.” you said gently.

“It wasn't making ends meet. I started to steal things, burglarize homes. I never hurt anyone, I didn't want to, it was never my intent. I just had to find a way to make money for…” he let out a sigh “I just needed the money. I don't remember much from my childhood or teenage years, if I played a sport in school, who I was friends with, hell even my parent’s names. I do remember the struggle I went through right before the accident.”

“That's alright I-”

“Times up.” The big man from behind him boomed cutting off your sentence. You felt like he was really opening up to you though and it was only the first meeting.

“Five more m-” you wanted to barter with the man, but he cut you off once more with the same phrase.

You scooted out your chair and stood in defeat.

You didn't even flinch when Jungkook also stood quickly and attempted to reach out a shackled hand for you to shake.

Your hand went towards his but in a matter of seconds he had stumbled backwards onto the floor. You looked at the chain in the guards hand and assessed that he had pulled it, sending Jungkook to the floor.

You felt a tinge of guilt, especially when the man dragged him to his feet and back into his chair by the deep green hair. You just stood there gobsmacked with wide eyes at the abuse you had just witnessed. The man still had his large fingers in Jungkook’s shaggy hair.

“It was nice meeting you.” he said as he grunted in pain at how tightly the man held him by the hair. “I don't know when I’ll see you next… or the condition I’ll be in” he threw in making the man twist his fingers in his hair earning a series of ouches from Jungkook for the smart remark that might have hid a secret fear. “But I look forward to it.”

You were unsure of what you could do, it was obvious you held no power here.

“Yeah…” you scooted in your chair “I-me too.”

All you could do was turn and walk out, hoping the guard would release his hair once you left.

----------------

The way he was treated bothered you, even long after you were home. You had showered, tried to eat but you couldn't shake how he had been treated. It wasn't your place to say how things were run there though, which is why you flopped onto your sofa and flipped through Netflix to try to forget or at least ease how upset you were with the movie.

That was until a pretty, velvet bag had caught your eye on the coffee table. It sat in the same place where you had haphazardly thrown it last night, untouched and forgotten.

Suddenly you were lunging out of your seat for it and dumping its contents into your lap.

You couldn't believe you had forgotten about it, that weird cat man could've given you anything, drugs, stolen jewelry, human teeth. What fell out onto your lap though wasn't any of that though.

"What the fuck?" You whispered in awe as you looked down at the thick stack of rubber banded together stack of cash that had fallen into your lap.

"What the fuck am I supposed to do with this?" You thought out loud. You had never seen so much money in one place at one time, you couldn't even pretend you knew how much it might be.

All you could do is stare until your phone buzzed from its spot on the couch cushion beside you. You directed your eyes away from the obscene amount of money you now possessed, and glanced at the name "jinnie" surrounded by hearts popping up on the screen making you sigh. You wanted to answer it, you wanted him to ask how your first day at work went, you wanted to continue to pretend last night didn't happen, pretend he felt the same way about you like you had before. But he lied to you, he led you on, he broke your heart, made you cry, you were never anything real to him and you refused to forget that now.

You let the phone ring as you stuffed the money back into it's nice bag and contemplated taking it to the police department. You thought hard about it, but if it was stolen from the party would you be arrested? You had been at that party, you were seen with the stranger, you could be seen as an accomplice. You picked up your now quieted phone and headed to your room where you tucked the money neatly into a shoe box under your bed before getting in.

In your mind Seokjin had once again ruined another night.

You drifted off thinking about Jungkook being tugged by the chains to the floor, unfortunately leading to dreams you're the one stuck in that white room, being hurt by the big guard with the gun. Feeling so trapped, dragged by the hair, knowing there would never be a way to leave and see the bees and hear the sounds of traffic out your apartment window ever again. You were thrown to the floor over and over and it seemed as though the sound of it grew louder and louder until you woke up and sat up in bed only to realize there was knocking at the door.

You reach for your phone on the bedside table in the darkness as you throw back your comforter with the other hand. The time reads thee in the morning as you head into your living room, but pause.

The knocking had stopped.

You were still curious and irritated at who would be knocking on your door this early in the morning, so you once again head towards it, unlock it, and throw it open to see absolutely nothing, no one, not even a stray cat.

You stepped out to look around a little and your bare foot stepped on something that was not the concrete of your front porch.

You picked up what looked to be an envelope and took it in, making sure to lock the door back up behind you, just to be safe, before flipping on a light.

The envelope was a bright green and had one of those very old fashioned smooth looking, red wax seals binding it closed, within the wax was the shape of a question mark.

You opened it to find a short but very neatly written note.

"People make me, save me, change me, raise me, what am I?

I believe the cat has given you something that doesn't belong to you, a terrible burden to put in your hands. So smart not showing him where you live, but I'm smarter. Peek-a-boo, I found you. Don't worry, I don't wish to hurt you, on the contrary, I simply wish to pardon you from your involvement in this. Leave it in your mailbox at midnight tomorrow night."

You thoroughly read the note a few times before your sleepy brain figured it out.

"The money." You whispered to yourself. The note felt a little foreboding despite the promise not to hurt you. Nervousness began to wash over you as you just stared at the note now with eyelids heavy from not enough sleep. This money was definitely someone else's and that someone else knew where you lived.

"Thanks cat boy." You sarcastically muttered to yourself as your feet dragged your exhausted body back to bed.

No matter how tired you felt, you were unable to sleep. The nightmare combined with the note and all the thoughts you had before bed had left you in a permanent state of unease despite having to get ready for work in just a few hours.

With very little sleep, all of the strange things happening and your broken heart, tomorrow was bound to be a bad day as well.

"Mind over matter" you said out loud "it's only going to be as bad as I let it be."

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jubans · 5 years ago

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title: chance encounter pairing: settsu banri/fem!reader rating: g (general) premise: on a perfectly normal morning, at the perfectly flourished breakfast table, taichi asks banri a perfectly off-putting question.

"ban-chan, how the heck is your hair so silky?!"

Banri usually starts up his day skirting everyone else in the lounge to be the first one in the showers. Unlike most of the men that reside in the Mankai dorms, he actually takes the time to scrub down every niche in his body until it's squeaky clean. But, oh, don't even get him started with the intricacies that came with taking care of his hair. That conversation is something none of the members of the troupe (except, maybe, Azuma) are ready for, and he likes to keep it that way.

But on a perfectly normal morning, at the perfectly flourished breakfast table, Taichi asks Banri a perfectly off-putting question.

"Ban-chan, how the heck is your hair so silky?!"

The neo gangster, as Yuki typically calls him, just finished shrugging on his school blazer when he casts Taichi a bizarre look. He has a notepad and a textbook in front of him, balancing a pen in his fingers as he stares back at Banri expectantly. The little brat is in the middle of cramming his homework, and he has the audacity to distract himself like that?

"Conditioner," is all he says in return, grabbing one of the toast slices Omi left for them.

Juza scoffs from where he's stuffing his face with pancakes on the other end. "That ain't very helpful."

"I wasn't fucking talking to you, Hyodo," Banri grates at him dismissively.

"Banri-kun," he hears Sakuya calling out from the lounge, where he and Masumi are already slinging their schoolbags across their shoulders. "You ready to go?"

He spares Taichi a minute nod of the head, telling him to stop doing his homework the day it's due before picking up his own bag. Then, he gives Juza the finger, earning a momentary scolding from Sakyo, who just happens to pass by when he does it. Then, after a few words in farewell bid to those who don't work nor study—Citron delaying their departure a little because he'd wanted to show how to make a blade (braid)—the Hanasaki High boys were on their way.

"So noisy," Masumi mutters as he pulls the door behind him. "But if it was the Director, I wouldn't mind."

Sakuya laughs, leading the way for the three of them. "There's never a dull moment in the dorms, huh?"

As they traverse the short distance to school, Banri hangs back a little when Sakuya asks Masumi about the younger boy's literature class. Their conversation fades into background noise in his ears as he let his eyes wander around the neighborhood. But when they pass by a familiar intersection, Banri instinctively flickers his gaze at the tall, white house in the corner lot—a girl in a dark green uniform closing the gate behind her.

You're preoccupied with something on your phone, oblivious to the three boys that are walking past your house—him included. But given that Ouka High is the opposite way from where they're headed, he doesn't even get the chance to slip in a quick hello.

Well, it's not like you'd remember someone like him, right?

"Ugh, this sucks!"

A week after Banri moved into the Mankai dorms, he found himself facing a rather pressing dilemma: the shampoo provided for the troupe members made his hair disgustingly greasy.

And that was how he wound up at the nearby grocery store, grumbling about how cheap that yakuza, Sakyo, was being with their commodities. If you want something else, buy it yourself, he told him. Giving the old man the last word might have let his pride take a hard blow, but it was a small price to pay for comfort. He'd rather kiss ass to the cheapskate than live another day with greasy hair.

But when he reached the toiletries section, he realized another thing.

The brand he used at home was something his sister imported from another country.

"Having trouble picking something out?"

Banri cast a withering glare at the girl who dared to point out his predicament, but his irritation morphed into curiosity when he noticed that you donned the familiar green of the Ouka High uniform. The next thing he noticed was the way your shiny, luscious hair cascaded down your shoulders, as smooth as a waterfall. He retracted his hostility for a minute, wondering if you could be his saving grace. Banri was good at a lot of things, but he didn't want to make any gambles with his current conundrum.

"Yeah," he answered hesitantly. "Uh, do you know which brand doesn't make your hair oily? Shampoo brand, I mean."

You blinked up at him for a second, confused, before your eyes lit up with realization. "Ah, O'Real is a really nice brand. Makes my hair really bouncy." To demonstrate, you swished your head around, making your long tresses sway with the movement in a dazzling fashion. "But you can't just settle with the shampoo. It's better to buy the value pack with conditioner over...here."

Plucking one of the aforementioned value packs, you handed it to Banri without much preamble. He glanced at the price tag stuck to the bottom, and he had to force himself not to wince with how much it'll cost him.

He was momentarily spared from his monetary concerns when he noticed you struggling to carry the basket you held in both hands. It was filled with an assortment of products ranging from laundry detergent to cold cuts. While he usually didn't offer girls his help lest they asked for it, Banri decided to make an exception.

"You need a hand with that?" He flicked his gaze downwards.

You flushed at his offer, shaking your head (his eyes staring a bit too long at the way your hair moved once again). "Oh, no, no! I couldn't possibly bother you with—"

"Come on," he said, clicking his tongue as he plucked the basket from your grasp. "I ain't taking no for an answer. Consider this as...payback. For helpin' me out."

Relenting, you folded your arms across your chest, smiling up at him cheekily. "Would you at least tell me your name, then?"

"Settsu Banri," he replied coolly. "You still headed to the other aisles?"

"Nope. I remembered last minute that I still have an unopened bottle of conditioner at home," you sigh, giggling at him. "You're not very delicate with girls, are you?"

He stiffened for a moment. Well, you weren't wrong. His sister was one of the toughest women he'd ever seen, and even though he didn't expect every woman to turn out the same way, Banri never once treated girls like fragile glass. His raucous behavior around them prompted most of his female classmates to steer clear of him—not that he'd minded, but this was the first time someone had spoken the words to his face.

"What about you?" he wondered gruffly in hopes of switching up the conversation. "What's your name?"

"(Surname) (Name)," you told him with a cheeky grin. "Shall we go, Settsu-kun? I mean, you'd want to wash your greasy hair as soon as possible, right?"

His mouth hung agape with disbelief as you happily pranced out of the toiletries section—leaving him with the realization that there were people aside from Juza that could pick a fight with him.

And, surprisingly, he'd let this one slide.

"You know (Name)?"

Okay, he didn't expect Juza to react like that when Banri decided to ask him about you when his roommate arrived at home.

"Yeah, I ran into her at the grocery store a few months back," he says, ticked off. "What's it to ya?"

"Stay away from her," Juza tells him off sharply as he swings his school bag up to his bed. "I mean it, Settsu. Fuck around with me, I don't care. But I swear to god, if you touch my cousin—"

Banri does a double-take on that one. "Cousin? How much fuckin' family do you have, Hyodo?"

"A lot," he replies like he doesn't want to talk about it, but Juza's glare doesn't ease up and for a minute, Banri feels a genuine spite emitting from his roommate. The neo gangster sighs, twirling his phone in his fingers. He sort of knew that asking Juza about you would be a stretch even if you both went to the same school, but how the hell was he supposed to know that you were his goddamn cousin?

After you checked out your groceries that day, you managed to scam him into carrying them for you to your house as well. You were quite the charmer, he had to admit. You'd smooth-talked him into doing your bidding so easily that it was hard to imagine you being related to the mumbling nervous wreck of an actor that was Juza.

It was a chance encounter, he thinks. He could have gone to a different grocery store at a different time at a different date, yet he was there specifically when you found him glaring at the shampoo and conditioner on the shelves. Banri doesn't believe in shit like fate or destiny, but it was a little freaky when he'd seen you again this morning after Taichi asked about his hair—months since he'd last seen you.

"If it means anything, she's always been going to our shows, though," Juza mumbles a few minutes later, catching Banri by surprise. "She's been curious about the guy that's been pickin' fights with me all this time, and I told her it was the one who played Luciano in Picaresque."

"O-Oi!" he yells out. "Don't sully my name before she can even properly meet me!"

"Why do you care?" Juza challenges, brows raised with curiosity. "I thought you didn't give two shits about girls."

For the first time, he can't offer up a single retort. In a battle of wits, he thought he'd win against Juza in every instance, but now...

"Fuck off!" Banri shouted at him, storming out of their room as he hid the blush creeping up his neck from his roommate's view.

#a3!#act! addict! actors!#a3 #a3 x reader #a3 fanfiction #a3 headcanons #banri x reader #banri #banri settsu #settsu banri #juza hyodo #fluff

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swiftlymoniquesblog · 4 years ago

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Perfectly Confused Angel- Part 13

A/N: Hello friends! Here’s another new update! Temporary living will give you plenty of time to come up with new ideas! But I start working again next Monday so updates will most likely come on the weekends.

(Season 15 spoilers! Only in the description!) I imagine this battle against Chuck happening in place of the fight Sam, Dean, and Castiel had with the second ending of the world at the start of season 15.

As always, masterlist can be found here, prompt list is here, ask me anything! Feedback is always welcome! Tag list requests are open!

Previous Chapter

Warnings: Fluff, battle preparation, sassiness, slight anger, tooth-rotting fluff, especially at the end

Word Count: 1,900

Once Cas and I told Sam and Dean of our news, we all devised a plan to make Chuck pay for what he did to me. It wasn’t going to be easy and we knew he was going to try to break up the wedding, but in no way were we going to let him, or anyone else, stop us. Chuck has already caused enough chaos in our lives; he’s not going to cause anymore on the most important day of our lives. We knew the three boys were not going to be enough to take down someone like Chuck, so we enlisted a group of the best hunters we could think of. Planning a wedding while trying to take out a powerful creature like Chuck? Yeah, that’s normal.

I walkout of my shared room with Cas and head to the map table, where I see Sam, Dean, and Cas all on the phone and writing names down on a notebook. I smile at the boys, my boys, as they work hard to defend me from God, and try to busy myself. If I stood around for too long, just watching them and not being able to help or not know what was going on, I would get too worried and I can’t let myself get that bad. Walking into the kitchen, I take out supplies from the fridge and begin working on breakfast. If I can’t help with the battle or even recruiting people, at least I can keep everyone fed.

“Good morning, my fiancé,” I hear a voice say in my ear and feel hands on my hips, instantly causing me to melt to the touch.

“Well good morning to you too, my fiancé,” I reply to the angel and turn around to kiss him.

“I like calling you that. Makes it sound like you’re really mine,” He says with a small grin on his face.

“Wait until you get to call me your wife,” I say in a flirty tone.

“Trust me y/n, I already am,” He admits, cheeks turning red. “So, what are you making?”

“Well I figured I have to keep my boys fed since they’re working so hard to protect me, so I just grabbed food and thought I’d just make things I think would be good together. A little bit of everything for everyone.” I say as I delicately place five more strips of bacon into the pan.

“Let me guess, bacon for Dean?” Cas says, now standing back to really watch me.

“And me too! He’s not the only one who likes it, ya know.” I say, nibbling on an already cooked piece before Cas takes it out of my hand and eats the rest.

“Hey!” I whine but a quick kiss makes up for the food thief. Soon enough and with Castiel’s help, there is a wide variety of food laid out for everyone to enjoy.

“Sam! Dean! Food’s up!” I yell as I set up the kitchen counters with plates, forks and napkins.

“Holy shit, y/n, this looks amazing!” Dean says, walking in first and grabbing his plate, heading straight for the bacon.

“Hey, Dean, save some of that bacon for others.” I comment, seeing him almost fill his plate up with just bacon.

“What others?” He comments, with a slice hanging from his mouth.

I walk over to him and rip the bacon from his mouth and say, “me” before taking a bite of the half-eaten strip.

Castiel and Sam just laughed at the surprised look on Dean’s face.

“Pretty ballsy of you to do, kid. But I’ll give you credit for it.” Dean says, adding other food to his plate.

“I’ve been living with you barbarians for a long time; I know what I have to do to survive.”

We all gather around the map table to eat our food, chattering about the process of getting people involved.

“So, y/n, we figured you wouldn’t want to be left alone during a time like this, so we asked a few of the hunters to stay behind and keep you company.” Sam said, flipping through the notebook.

“Wait, really?” I ask, hoping it was a cruel joke. “Seriously? You guys do know this isn’t the first time I’ve been left alone while you go hunting.” I say, looking at Cas.

“Yes, that is true, but considering what happened to you the last time we left alone, we all agreed it would best if someone would stay with you.”

“Who’s staying behind?” I ask, my tone coming off stronger than I meant it to, but I was pretty upset.

“Donna and Jody. They volunteered to stay behind, plus you have a wedding to plan.” Dean said.

“Oh great, so while my fiancé and my best friends, as well as a bunch of other hunters, are fighting to take down the toughest being in all of existence, I get to sit at home and plan a wedding?” I say, more infuriated than I was before.

“Look, honeybee, I know this isn’t easy for you, but your best option is to stay here and be safe. Plus, you did say you wanted a somewhat large wedding, right?” Cas said, running his hands up and down my arms, in an attempt to settle me down.

“Yeah, I guess so.” I say, caving into the beautiful blue eyes that shone brightly when he looked at me.

“Great, I fully trust you to make our wedding absolutely beautiful.” Cas says, holding me close and from behind.

“You do know you have to help somewhat, right? I need your opinion on the flavor of cake, the front on the invitations, the flowers!” I say, turning my head to look back at the angel.

“Yes, I do know. I’ve been doing research on how involved the groom tends to me for the wedding when you agreed to marry me. Which is why I’m staying behind as well.”

“No. Cas, I can’t let you stay behind while the biggest fight of all time is going to take place. You need to be there, to stand up to your father! You can’t stay here!” I argue.

“I can do whatever I feel like is important, and while this fight is important, me being here with you is my number one priority. That way, we can plan things for the wedding, together.” He countered and knowing Castiel, I knew he wasn’t going to lose this argument. Fighting with an angel is impossible to win because they usually always find a way to change your mind. Some weird mind control thing or something.

“Alright fine, but you’re helping me make every decision except for the dresses.” I say, making Cas a deal.

“You got yourself a deal. I want to be involved in this wedding as much as you want me to be. My kind take weddings and marriage very seriously.”

“Really? Didn’t think angels got married.”

“Typically, we don’t, but what is written about marriage and how we’re to help those in crisis, it’s rather important.”

“Well, I guess I can consider myself lucky to have the first angel husband.”

“Oh no y/n, we’re going to have the first-ever angel-human wedding.”

“Great, so no pressure?” I say and sigh, leaning on Cas.

“Not at all. This is a special day and I know how long you’ve been waiting for your wedding day.”

“What? How do you know that?”

Cas hesitated to tell me at first but then, told me everything.

“I used to watch over you as a child.”

“You what?! You watched over me as a child? How? How do you know I’m the same person?”

“When you were little, you were prayed over, and I was sent to watch over you. I wasn’t allowed to get too close, for we can traumatize a child, but I was sent to watch over you. I visited you quite often actually. In fact, we talked a lot. I would have tea parties with you, I was there when you took your first steps, the first time you went to school. But once you reached a certain age, you decided I wasn’t allowed to see you anymore. So, I left and never came back. And I know it’s you because you are the only Y/F/N Y/L/N in this area of the world.”

I took a minute to absorb what was just told to me and I remembered.

“Wait, I remember now. You were my imaginary friend. No one else was able to see you but I and I never knew why but you were always there for me. You did see everything and were apart of everything. Although, I don’t remember deciding I was too old for an imaginary friend. Actually, I remember going to look for you on several occasions. I would call out for you but you never came back to see me, so I assumed you didn’t want anything to do with me anymore. Oh my gosh, Castiel. You’re Castiel from my childhood. I, I can’t believe it’s really you.” I say, reaching my hand up to stroke his cheek.

“Wait, you’ve known her her whole life? And you’re just now telling her all this?” Dean questioned the angel.

“Yes. I didn’t say anything when I first met you, y/n, because I wasn’t sure how you were going to react to seeing me after all these years. I didn’t want to interrupt the life you already made for yourself, but once I came back and I-I fell in love with you and we were going to be married, I knew it was time. My father told me so many times not to tell you who I was, angels never fully reveal themselves to humans, but this calls for the entire truth. You and me, we are to be one, and I need you to know everything. I am so sorry I left you. I didn’t know it was going to hurt you so much. I wanted to go back and see you and I heard every single prayer you made to me, but I wasn’t allowed to go back. Once a child reaches a certain age, we are to move on.”

I wanted to be mad, to be angry over this whole situation, because I went fifteen years without seeing him, but I couldn’t be upset.

“I can’t believe it,” I say, looking up to Castiel. “I can’t believe I’m going to marry the first man I ever loved.” And with that, our kiss was just as blissful as they were at the beginning. My heart raced as I kissed him, with the realization that he was the one who always looked after me. Now we get to be married and to be with each other forever.

Second a/n: I know there is no proof that angels can control humans’ minds but I wanted to try something different with this chapter.

And how about that plot twist at the end here?? I am open to discussions on this!

Tag list: @simpleboox @fandom-princess-forevermore @juju-la-tortue @forever-trapped-in-my-dreams @markofdean79 @tloveswriting @grace15ella

#castiel #castiel angel of the lord #castiel fluff #castiel x reader #castiel x you #castiel x y/n #cas fanfic #Misha Collins #supernatural

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wordynerdygurl · 5 years ago

Text

Who's Sorry Now?

Summary: You and Loki have a disagreement, but it's nothing an apology can't fix.

Loki x Reader

Warnings: Cursing, a little size play, and dom/sub noncon

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"No, Loki. Not happening." Crossing your arms over your chest, you glared at The God of Mischief.

Plastering on his best salesman grin, Loki answered, "Darling! I think it's a very reasonable request. Won't you even consider it? For me?"

You lowered your arms and worried your bottom lip as you considered his words. Locking your eyes on his, you nod yes as you move towards him. When he wraps his arm around you, confident in his powers of persuasion, you rise up on your tip toes and huskily purr, "No fucking way, darlin'!" And you punctuate your displeasure with a hard shove against his ribs before storming out of the room.

That was three days ago and in front of half of The Avengers. Since then you'd done your best to keep clear of Loki and, really, anyone else. It wasn't your best moment since joining the team but you also knew that you weren't in the wrong, not about this.

Your rightness wasn't keeping your bed warm at night, however. You had the whole mattress to yourself and for the first time cursed it's king size. It was too big without a long, lean son of Odin under the covers. You didn't even want to sleep here without him.

Growling with frustration, you snatched up your pillow. With that and the throw blanket with Loki's face on it, a birthday gift from the Trickster himself, you resigned yourself to a night on the couch. At least those cushions would cuddle up to you. You could snuggle into thier softness and pretend it was the warm body of Loki.

To the living room, you thought glumly. Your hand was on the bedroom door's knob when it turned on its own. "What the..." you started but then Loki pushed passed you, "We have to talk."

No knock, no permission granted. Just strolling into your room like it was his, like you were his, a thing under his control. But he was nice to look at, you had to admit that.

Damn him. He was too handsome to be walking around here with barefeet. The grey sweat pants barely holding onto to his trim hips, a black tank top doing nothing to hide his wide shoulders, and that hair cascading down his back made your throat go bone dry.

"Talk?" You squeaked. After days of missing his physical presence, Loki was making up for lost time. He seemed to fill your room, sucking up all the air, making it hard for your lungs to work correctly.

Turning to face you, Loki repeated, "Yes, we have to talk."

His gaze flayed you raw. You had on one of his t-shirt, the hem dragging across your upper thighs, barely covering your boy short panties. And you were wearing those fluffy bunny slippers with the sagging ears, you were so adult and so childish all at once. Loki felt a familiar stirring low in his belly but forced himself to ignore it and you until he had his say.

Turning his back on you, Loki began, "About your tantrum..."

You were blinded by a flash of red hot anger. Your tantrum? "No. Nope. No fucking way. You aren't coming in here, uninvited by the way, and lecturing me about anything." Standing toe to toe with Loki, you weren't going to hold back.

Annoyance flashed through Loki's blue eyes, "I will lecture you and I will advise you and you would do well to listen."

Glaring at Loki with a growl you continue, "Ya know what your problem is? You always get what you want. It's bullshit and you know it."

Loki lifted his eyebrow, it was his only discernible movement. "Bullshit? Really? And your behavior? What is the word for that, darling?"

You didn't have a ready answer for that. Loki knew it too.

"Uh huh. I thought so." Taking a deep breath Loki forged on, "Look, I know you think my asking Thor to keep an eye on you when I'm away is... degrading? But I need to know that you're safe and honestly I don't trust anyone on this planet except for you. However, Thor is my brother... and his feelings about my past aside, he would never allow harm to come to you."

You twisted out of Loki's space wanting to put some distance between you two so that you could think straight. You realized why you were so pissed in a burst of clarity and felt your shoulders sag. Loki thought you weren't capable of handling yourself.

Turning your back to him, your voice low, you say, "I can take care of myself, Loki. I've been doing it for years. Since before I ever met you, I somehow managed to keep myself alive."

Reaching for you, Loki captured your wrist and held you firm. "I know, you foolish, head strong woman. Can't you see that's why I want someone looking after you if I am not able to?"

When you turn, facing him fully, Loki can see the shine of unshed tears in your eyes. Shifting his tone, he chides you, "Darling, you are no longer on your own. People around here rely you. They need you! I need you!"

"Ha!" It's a mirthless sound and you hear Loki sigh. After years on your own being with The Avengers was welcome but you had found it hard to shake your lone wolf mentality. The idea of leaning on someone instead of yourself was the scariest thing you could think of, and entirely out of the question.

"What will it take for you to believe me? How can I make you see just how much I worry when I can't touch you, or hold you? And what would I do if something happened to you? Have you ever considered that, my darling? Did you ever think of me when you were pouting and pushing, angry that I offered you my love and protection?"

Advancing on you like a hungry wolf during your dressing down, Loki had cornered you and you were normally smarter than that. You were trapped against the wall by Loki's smoldering anger and his imposing presence. And still you wanted to push back. Your hands balled into fists, ready to fight Loki if you had to, refusing to back down from his challenge, unwilling to give in to The God of Mischief.

Your wide legged stance and squared shoulders gave you away. Loki wasn't expecting you to submit, not without some sort of explanation, but he hadn't considered how hard you'd hold out. And here you were waiting to strike, ready to battle him if it meant you didn't have to bend to his one request.

"Loki... don't." Like a rattlesnake vibrating, you warned him that you were ready to strike.

"ENOUGH!" Slamming his hand into the wall beside you, Loki bellowed his frustration and you flinched at the ferocity of it. You thought you were battling smarmy Loki, sweet talker, silver tongued persuasion master. Furious Loki was another animal all together and truthfully, it shook you. Loki took advantage of your moment of doubt and grabbed your hands, forcing them over your head.

You snapped and squirmed like a fox in a snare. "Let go, Loki!!! Let me fucking go!!"

"Not a chance, love." Loki's strength was more than you were used to, him being a God and all, but this wasn't fair. You were rarely at a disadvantage with an opponent, much less one who'd seen you naked so many times, and you found it infuriating.

"God dammit, Loki! What do you want from me? What?" Loki was so close now that shouting wasn't necessary, but you did it anyway. Even as you jerked and twisted in his solid grip, you knew the only way out was through, but you weren't ready to concede just now. All your struggling had managed to do, beyond provoke Loki, was cause your shirt to ride up, exposing your soft belly. Loki longed to stroke that silky skin once more but not when you were gnashing your teeth like a shark on a hook.

"What I want, dear one, is to be with you forever. And I won't be able to do that if you're dead." Pausing dramatically to press his hips into yours, Loki observed, "Since I have certain responsibilities on planets other than this, I simply want you to allow any other person you know to check in on you until I can get back to you. Back to the toughest, angriest, meanest Midgardian woman I happen to love."

"What?" You froze in place, physically stunned by Loki's words. Then Loki crushed his lips to yours, sealing your squeals between your mouths. He licked your lips, eager to slide his tongue down your throat, but you refused his entry. So Loki did what any mischievous man might, he pulled your earlobe with his teeth and whispered in your ear, "Open up to me, little one. Please just let me love you the way I know you need me to."

His free hand brushed up your bare tummy not stopping until it cupped around your breast. Under your night shirt Loki rolled your hardening nipple, pinching it tighter and tighter while pulling it away from your body. The stretching burn you felt made your knees buckle and you were almost glad that Loki was holding you up because otherwise you'd be on the floor.

Your body flushed with heat, lower lips flooded with arousal, slick with your desire. It had been three days without Loki and your libido was making up for lost time. When Loki nipped at that spot where your collar bone dipped you couldn't help the sigh that escaped you.

Ever watchful, your God seized the moment. He pushed into your mouth with his tongue at the same time his hand began rubbing your mound over your panties. Head spinning, moans bubbling out of you like water out of a fountain, your body responded to every stroke of Loki's. In a part of your mind that was getting harder to hear you knew you should be mad but Loki had just tugged down the waistband of your boy shorts and oh my God! His deft fingers were ghosting over your clit.

Loki traced the line of your slit with his slim digits breaking your kiss to tease, "My, my... did my pet miss me?" You answered, "yes..." so softly that Loki almost didn't believe you had said it.

He released your hands in that second. One arm behind your neck, the other under your knees, Loki swept you off the floor and swung you towards your waiting bed. Laying you down easy, Loki wasn't too far behind, and you felt the mattress dip under his weight.

Dragging your shirt up by the hem, Loki pulled it off you with little effort. You felt the chill night air on your soaked skin and knew your panties were gone. Loki even ripped your bunny slippers off, and finally having you bare before him, smiled down at you. "My fierce warrior queen. So beautiful, so angry, so mine."

His kiss was hungry and you arched into it, meeting his need with your own. Your hands yanked his tank top over his head, ruffling his hair, as your desperate mouth took more and more from him. Rising off the bed, your hips sought out his stiffening steel, anxious to have Loki inside you.

Wasting no time, Loki shimmied out of his sweats, and you gulped at the sight of him hard and unyielding in front of you. "Loki... I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry." A sob hitched in your throat. You didn't want to ruin the moment but you also wouldn't be able to enjoy Loki's attention without making amends.

"I know you are, dove. Now, on your knees, and count."

Loki's open palm connected with your naked rump in a loud smack! "One!" Your eyes burned with hot tears and your core contracted. Two and three were close together, the sting making you moan out thier numbers. By seven your ass was hot to the touch, your voice raw and your pussy was aching with emptiness. Loki swiped his hand across your drenched folds causing you to jump. "You are so wet. I think you like it when I spank your bottom. Do you?"

"Uhh... yes... Yes!" Loki plunged two fingers inside of your tight canal, coaxing you closer to your orgasm. You shuddered when Loki curled his fingers against your sensitive walls. You groaned when he removed them from you entirely, leaving you empty and wanting.

"Not so fast, dearest. Open." Loki pushed those same fingers over your parted lips. "Taste yourself, taste just how much you want me. Aren't you delicious? Do you see why you're precious to me?"

Between Loki's wicked words and the flavor of your nectar filling your mouth, you were starting to feel the building charge of electricity in your core. That humming of power which signaled your climax was slowly growing in volume.

"You cum when I tell you, is that understood, little one?" Loki always seemed to know when your body was sending out sexy signals but you are disappointed. You huff around his fingers, cross at his denial but you understand that playing this game will pay off in the end.

"Understood?" Loki's free hand grips your chin and forces your head up.

"Yes." You drool. His fingers now free of your juices, Loki holds your head still, his thumb pressing your tongue down. Flashing your wide eyes up to his as he brushes your full bottom lip with his heavy thumb, you hear Loki's silken murmur, "You look unbelievably sexy, kitten." And you practically purr like one at his praise.

Loki presents his hardened cock for you to enjoy and you mewl with pleasure. He's thick and long, already beaded with precum. You reach forward tongue first, licking the sweet release from his sensitive head before swirling your tongue around him. Loki bucks his hips forward and suddenly you're taking him deeper, hollowing your cheeks to accommodate his size and using your fist to keep up the friction where your mouth can't reach.

Loki controls his pleasure by wrapping his hands in your hair. A tug this way, a tug back, holding you still as he pumps into you, not settling on any rhythm, just using you as he sees fit.

"On your back." Growling Loki pulls out of your mouth with a pop and shoves hard on your shoulder. He's between your legs, his quick hands coasting over your milky thighs, his thumbs spreading your lips, exposing your secret skin to the cool air.

"You cum when I tell you." Loki reconfirms your directive as he positions himself at your tight cunt. You're so wet and waiting that he enters you further and faster than he'd intended.

"Loki!" You almost shout at the fullness of him inside of you. He laughs roughly, "I know, you're such a slut for me. It's one of the things I love about you!" Without wasting any time Loki is slamming himself hard into your molten center. You realize this fuck is about his pleasure first, yours second. The pace he sets is fast and firm, your breasts bouncing with each inward drive, wetness running between your ass cheeks with every withdrawal.

"Say it again!" Loki commands. "Wha... what? Say what?" You're confused and fuzzy brained from lust.

"Tell me how sorry you are... make me believe you!" Loki never lets up even as he's giving you orders.

Pitifully you whimper, "Loki! I'm so sorry baby! I was wrong! I... I know you're trying to keep me safe... I'm sorry, so so sorry!"

"You are? You seemed pretty angry earlier." His hips stutter, changing his angle just enough to draw a squeak from you. "I was... but I apologize. I'm sorry baby, so sorry that I messed up."

"Cum for me. Do it! Right now kitten, cum on my cock!" Your body clenches tight around Loki who is buried to the hilt inside of you. Spasms of satisfaction shake you both as you come apart around each other.

You pull Loki down for a kiss, fucking his mouth with your tongue, as you both ride out your climaxes. Flopping down next to you, Loki pulls you into his chest. Pressing a chaste kiss to your forehead, his breathing heavy still, Loki says, "I do love you, you little brat.", a smirk playing over his lips.

"I know. I love you, you big bully." You pant against his ribs, "Just make sure Thor knows that I can handle myself. I don't need him to babysit me."

"Babysit you? Of course not. I want him to make sure you have those little cookies you like so much and that you're not watching Stranger Things without me." You realize then just how off the mark you've been about this Thor situation.

Loki laughs, "Babysit you... Ha! You could take him in a fair fight, no question... But if trouble does come, he'll have your back." Searching your eyes with his blue ones, Loki adds, somber now, "That's all the comfort I'm taking with me on this mission, you know. The idea that you'll be safe and warm and waiting for me here when I get back. Without that... well, I don't know why I'd even bother."

You pull him into your arms, eager to ease his worries. "I'll be here. I'll be waiting." You tuck a strand of black hair behind his ear and kiss his cheek.

"Next time, let's try using our words first." Loki teases you sweetly.

"Maybe next time explain yourself instead of ordering me around?" You counter.

"Ok. I can try that." Nodding Loki agrees.

"Ok. Me too." You mirror his movement, a shy smile playing over your lips. Sitting up with a grunt, you add, "But if you think I'm not watching Stranger Things while you're gone, you're crazy."

"Do it, darling, and you'll be sorry."

#loki x reader #loki smut #hot loki #loki x you #loki fanfic #loki of asgard #marvel smut

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fantasyfandommaiden · 5 years ago

Text

Proof That Nathalie Cares.

Nathalie sits down in her brand new home, boxes all aroud her, thinking back to how she got here in the first place…

~~~~~~~

[[MORE]]

It all honestly started about eight years ago. When Emilie Agreste first hired her to be HER personal assistant. Nathalie had just graduated with honours from university, and it was a very high paying job. She was professional, and courteous, and would always remind Emilie of any appointments she had.

She, of course, also worked closely with Gabriel Agreste, however that was less often, and got to ‘know’ Adrien fairly well, even if the eight year old boy was incredibly shy towards her. Which is why, when one day Adrien came towards Nathalie’s desk, looking at her with a slight pleading expression, she was somewhat confused.

“... Yes Adrien?” she addressed him, looking away from her laptop.

“... It’s Mama’s birthday soon, right?” he asked, pointing at the calendar on Nathalie’s desk. He was pointing at the red circle that was roughly six days from now, a small sticker of a birthday cake on it.

Nathalie looked at the boy with a raised brow “... it is. Why do you ask?”

“I wanna get her a gift, but Papa won’t take me shopping and I can’t leave the house without a grown up.” he said, looking at Nathalie with those pleading eyes. Nathalie almost feels her resolve break… Almost.

“Unfortunately Adrien, I can’t take you out without your mother or fathers permission.” she said evenly, seeing the boy frown, Nathalie sighed before opening up a new tab on her laptop “But we can order something for your mother online so it will arrive here.”

Adrien’s eyes widened as he grinned widely, stepping as close to Nathalie’s chair so he can see the screen, but when Nathalie saw him standing on his tippy-toes, she scooted her chair back, giving Adrien an encouraging look. Adrien smiled widely as he all but jumped onto Nathalie’s lap as Nathalie pushed herself and Adrien closer to the desk “Now, what sort of things do you think your mother would like Adrien?” “She likes flowers!!!” “Alright, thats a good start…”

Unknown to the pair, Emilie watched the two, a small smile on her face before she quietly left the two to do their ‘shopping’. On Emilie’s birthday, she received a beautiful wired broach that looked like a flower, which she wore every single day.

~~~~~~

When Emilie was declared missing (and to Nathalie’s knowledge, her boss was in fact missing), her first thought hadn’t been ‘Oh my god, am I going to lose my job’, it had been ‘Oh my god, what about Adrien?’

Although Gabriel had never been a BAD parent, he wasn’t exactly the nurturing type. So when Emilie Agreste had been declared missing, she contacted her friend Carmine, who gave her every single bit of information she had about grief, as well as the contact information for a grief counsellor.

Gabriel, however, stated his son didn’t need it, and to throw it all away. Nathalie of course couldn’t go against her employers wishes, however instead decided to be… sneaky about it.

So, when her shift ended at exactly 5:30 that day, she went to Adrien’s room, looking at the boy straight in the eyes and told him “You have my phone number, if for whatever reason you need to talk, just call my number and I WILL awnser. If its during the day when I am working, just send me a text message and I will take my break so we can talk.”

Adrien looked at Nathalie, before giving her his model smile (oh how Nathalie HATED that smile) “Nathalie, I’m fine, honest-”

“Adrien.” she interuppted him “I WILL answer.” she stated again simply.

Adrien looked at her, before nodding “... Okay, but I wont need to. Honest.”

About three days later, at about two oclock in the morning, Nathalie’s phone rings and like she promised, she does answer it.

~~~~~~

When Adrien expressed an interest in going to school, Nathalie knew that she was in for the toughest battle of her entire career. Gabriel Agreste was possibly the most over-protective, paranoid person she had ever met, and he was down right controlling.

So, she gather all the information she could about the benefits of public schooling, sighting how the school that Chloe went to was one of the best around and only about a ten minute walk from the mansion. They had good teachers there, and were known for being willing to be flexable with scedules as many of the students there also worked in entertainment or had jobs.

However, whenever she tried to bring up the subject, Gabriel was quick to change the subject. It came to the point where on the first day of school, Adrien had decided to take matters into his own hands, snuck out of the house to attend school.

As much as it killed Nathalie to do so, she had to bring him back the house, as per Gabriel’s orders. She could tell that the driver wasn’t happy about the decision either.

During their shared lunch they ate in the kitchen, Nathalie had her face pressed against the marbled counter top. “All he wants to do is attend school! Why can’t Mr. Agreste see that?!” She muttered into the cold stone.

Gorilla let out a soft grunt in response, eating his lunch as the woman continued to debate HOW she could get her kid- Adrien… how she could get ADRIEN to attend school. Her brows furrowed as she stood up suddenly, a look of determination on her face “I’m going to talk to him again. I will MAKE him listen to me.” She said, stomping out of the room.

~~~~~~~…

Nathalie knew she should have contacted the police the moment she found out about Gabriel being Hawkmoth about four months into his super villain activities… but than he showed her Emilie and explained what happened…. and they came to a sort of… accord.

She still wasn’t happy about it. But she began to form contingency plans, just in case.

~~~~~~

Nathalie had NOT in fact forgotten Adrien’s birthday. She had gotten him a simple, impersonal gift of his favourite candies, as well as some cash in a birthday card. The fact that GABRIEL seemed to have forgotten his own sons birthdya however angered her to no end… it made it even worse when she had to use Marinette’s gift as a substitute for Adrien’s negligent father…

When Marinette had submitted designs for a contest that Gabriel was hosting, if her name was suddenly at the very top of the ‘highly recommended’ list, Nathalie wouldn’t say. (The girl was extrmly talented after all.)

~~~~~~~~~~

By Christmas of that year, Nathalie just wanted her day to end so she could go and spend Christmas with her friends. She had been helping Adrien decorate the tree, he looked so sad when he realized his father probably wouldn’t join him.

“Will you be spending Christmas with your parents Nathalie?” Adrien asked off handedly. She hadn’t meant to tense up, and defiantly hadn’t meant for Adrien to see. “Oh… unless they aren’t around anymore…”

“... no, they live in Paris.” Nathalie stated simply, hanging up another decoration. “... I just haven’t spoken to them in many years.”

“... did you have a fight?” He asked hesitantly. Nathalie hated that fact that Adrien always felt like he had to walk on eggshells around adults. She shook her head.

“No… I came out to my parents as gay, and they said that when I got over ‘my phase’ I would be welcome back to the family.” She said simply. She gave Adrien a small smile. “... I’ll be spending Christmas with Carmine and our friends.”

“Oh… that sounds nice.” He said softly.

Nathalie looked at him, that back towards the office where his father had disappeared to, glancing at Gorilla who looked at her with a raised brow.

She brought out her cellphone, typing a quick text message before pressing send. About five minutes later she got a response and she looked at Adrien.

“Adrien, if your father is still locked up in his office come Christmas dinner, you are more than welcome to stop by my apartment for dinner.”

Adrien looked at her shocked “But… what about your friends?”

“They said they would be fine with it. I’m not going to pressure you. Just know that the option is open.”

Adrien looked at her for several long seconds, a warm smile spreading across his face. “... thanks Nathalie…”

~~~~~

Nathalie always cared…. and she always will.

#ml au #counsellor au #nathalie sancoeur #adrien agreste #carmine regal

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yandere-society · 6 years ago

Note

Yandere! JK when you want to get a divorce? Thank you so much!

To Annual an Annulment

Warnings; Yandere/husband Jungkook, blackmail, personality switch

Admin/writer; Chinkbihh

Words; 1.9k

“I love you so much that nothing can matter to me- not even you...Only my love- not your answer. Not even your indifference.”

The pounding of your racing heart echoed within your own ear drums.

The sound like a rythameric drum leading up to a battle, a war cry suited for you and your nerves at the moment.

Said nervous system was overworked, causing you to leak cold sweat and stress induced quivers. Faintly, you could also hear the slight rustle of papers that were in your hand. Your shaky state having caused the noise to join your pounding heart.

Out of a nervous tick, you bit your lip and let the weight of the situation rest upon your meager shoulders. To really let the mass crush you ever so gently…

Yet, you fought back the urge to run away with every ounce of willpower you had left.

This was going to be the toughest part.

But you couldn’t back down now.

Too much was on the line.

An image of what your life would be like if you just continued to be a doormat flashed in your mind’s eye for a second. The prediction causing you to cringe as it depicted the future as not bright at all. Despite wanting to curl into bed and cry, you reminded yourself that you had to push through for the sake of your own wellbeing.

Survival instincts began to kick in.

With a new spark of determination, you glared at the strong wood of the mahogany door. You knew what laid behind it, but you still rattled a knock against it nonetheless.

“Come in.” His dulcet voice called out, a tad muffled from the barrier between you two.

You took a deep breath and opened the door to step into his office.

And what an office it was.

It was crisp and modern with greys and blacks. Very minimalist decoration besides the small longue sofa to the left of the room and the fireplace in front of it. Behind the marble desk (where he sat) was one glass wall, depicting the marvelous city skyline and the wealth of the man who called this his office.

The quiet clicking of fingers on a keyboard rang quietly within the four walls.

You took a deep breath.

And stepped further into the lion’s den.

The typing stopped as your husband looked up from the screen of his computer to see who the visitor was.

His face was cold and sharp until he identified who you were.

“Baby! Did you come to get lunch with me? Cindy didn’t tell me you were here. I should really fire her, you know?” Jungkook’s called out excitedly as his face melted into an expression that he only revealed around you; loved-sick and dazed.

Doe eyes filled with sugary molasses as they adored you with a foggy film over the orbs. His impish nose scrunched up cutely at you like one would do with a baby when cooing at them. Those pink lips of his puckered up while his face melted into a softer and more cherub shape as he gazed up at you.

Normally, any wife would be grateful for their husbands to still look at them like that.

But it only succeeded in striking fear into your heart.

He was infatuated with you.

And there was no way that he was going to let you go without a fight of some sort.

You nervously shifted your weight from one foot to another as you tried to avoid his eyeline. Jungkook was very observant when matters came to you and if he sensed a problem before you did….god have mercy.

“Um, a-actually I wanted to talk.” You told him. Jungkook’s scrunched his brows in slight confusion at what could possibly be bothering the love of his life. He waited on you hand and foot, it was his job to make sure nothing bothered you. He patted his lap in motion for you to sit on it, but you quietly took one of the seats in front of his desk; pretending you didn’t notice the anger tick of his tongue pushing against his cheek.

“What is it love?”

Like ripping off a band-aid, you decided that quick and ruthless was the best strategy.

“I need you to sign these divorce papers.”

The once powerful and confident posture of the CEO crumpled before your very eyes. His broad shoulders slackened as his face dropped any emotion that wasn’t directly related to devastation. Jaw dropped, his eyes bore into yours with the depression of a suicidal maniac who lost everything.

The silence hung in the air for a moment, each passing second causing the apprehension to grow.

“W-what?” His eyes matched his voice, watery and broken. His face looked like the reaction to someone telling him that world war three had finally broke out. In this case, these two things were equal causes for ruin in his book. Although losing you was a bit more hellish to him.

Not being able to bring yourself to words, you simply stood up and plopped the papers onto the desk before him. Broken from his frozen trance, he hurriedly snatched the papers into his hold and furiously ran over each line. As if he suspected that it wasn’t real or that you were trying to prank him in some awful way. That a ‘just kidding!’ was hiding somewhere in the fine print.

His eyes reached the bottom of the paper where his signature was needed, but instead of grabbing a pen and fulfilling the duty, he just looked back up at you in neck-breaking speed.

“Are you serious?”

You nodded.

In a rush of movement that was almost too fast for your eyes to process, Jungkook ran around the desk and got onto his knees before you. Your clammy hands were now put into his as he craned his neck to look back up at you. Tears were trailing down his face and hitting the floor, causing a beginning stages of a puddle to form underneath you two.

“Baby, you’re not thinking straight. We can talk about this. Couples have obstacles all the time, that doesn’t mean we have to give up when we face another one. It’s just a rough patch but we’ll fight our way through it. I’ll die without you, can’t you see?!” He was blubbering like a fool as the thoughts and pleads seem to come to his head at more efficiency than they could leave his mouth.

“Jungkook...this marriage isn’t healthy.” You tried to be the voice of reason. But this seemed to trigger another chorus of moans and groans as a man who had everything continued break down in front of you.

“Why?! At least tell me why?” He demanded, his face beginning to burn with frustration.

You held back your own annoyance. You thought it was self-explanatory, but Jungkook had tunnel vision with you. He only saw you and nothing else, something you had to learn the hard way whilst in the relationship. Nonetheless, you wanted to voice your reason for leaving, if only for your own conscious when looking back at this day.

“Jungkook, you cannot try to limit my communication with my friends and family while expecting me to be okay with it. That’s manipulation. That’s you trying to isolate me. And I don’t want a husband who does that.”

Another moment of silence.

Still on his knees, Jungkook bowed his head and obstructed your view of his face. The cries had stopped as he dropped your hands from his hold.

Then...a sound.

A dry chuckle deep from within his chest.

Your eyes widened in fear as you took a step back in horror.

He had switched.

Jungkook slowly got up to his feet, head still bowed as he brushed off the imaginary dust from his slacks. When he looked up to face you, the traces of a pathetic man were nowhere to be seen. The only evidence was perhaps the slight puffiness and redness of his eyes, tears long gone and replaced with a wicked smile. He quirked a brow at you and shows off his pearly whites.

“Fair enough then.” He rumbled, before walking back to the other side of his desk.

You watched with suspicion as he grabbed a pen and leaned over the paper to inspect it a bit more closely. There was not way that it was going to be this easy...

Was he really going to sign it?

“Who is your lawyer?” Jungkook asked, eyes not leaving the legal form.

The question struck you as odd but you supposed it was somewhat relevant in the divorce setting. You licked your lips and responded, “Anthony Platt.”

He uncapped the pen. “Never heard of him before.”

The small talk was odd enough to cause more tension. Something wasn’t right.

“He’s a small time lawyer.” You lamely responded. You couldn’t afford a high class one because you had to go out of your own pocket to hire one. How could you divorce a husband by a hiring a lawyer with his own money?

“I suppose this is his information right here?” He pointed to a section on the paper. You just shrugged, obviously your lawyer formed the documents so his name and number would be in there somewhere….

Jungkook finally put pen to paper.

Except it wasn’t on the divorce papers.

It was on a notepad.

You stepped closer in befuddlement to see what he was copying.

Your jaw dropped as you saw him jotting down your lawyers info.

“What are you doing?!” You shrieked, cool lost.

Jungkook continued to scribble down what he could, not once looking back up to you.

“I want to have a talk with your lawyer.”

The threat was there as you knew what ‘talk’ meant in Jungkook’s dictionary.

“Jungkook, stop this! I don’t want your money or anything, I just want to stop being your wife and to live my life! Is that too much to ask for?! Just let me go!” You exploded, two years of pent up resentment finally taking its’ toll.

Jungkook stood up and snatched the divorce papers, staring you dead in the soul with the iciness that could rival Antarctica itself.

“No, I can’t just ‘let you go’. It’s really cute that you think I can though. If you wanted to go to court, you know that my company has a board of eight lawyers with lots of experience just waiting to crush yours’. And even after we are divorced, I still have ways to get to you.”

With the papers in his hand, he stalked to the left side of the office.

His next words caused your blood to run cold as a picture was painted for you. One where Jungkook lost his wife and is willing to do anything to get her back.

“It would be a shame if something happened to your friends. It would also be a shame if your parents lost their home because they failed to pay their property taxes that their son-in-law had been covering. And it would be a shame if your siblings were to have trouble at school. It’s a crazy world out there darling. Best you have me by your side.”

He crumpled the papers and tossed them into the fireplace.

Then he turned to face you, voice chipper and face joyful as he said,

“Now that this silly business if over with, we can go get lunch. And you can tell me all about this lawyer who thought he could steal my baby from me.”

(Chinkbihh here, please let me know what you thought of this piece. I thrive off feedback bc I NEED VALIDATION ARIES SEASON SIS. Please send more requests to me and my lovely admins and I hope you all have a great day.)

#yandere bts #bts #yandere #yandere jungkook #jeon jungguk #jungkook #yandere bts fanfiction #yandere kpop #horror #obsession #jeon jungkook #bangtan boys #one shot #kpop #my writing #ask #admin chinkbihh

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what-is-your-plan-today · 5 years ago

Text

Stark Spangled Banner Ch 37: Fourteen Million, Six Hundred and Five...

Intro: The World’s Mightiest heroes are scattered across the universe: Steve leads his team into battle alongside T’Challa in Wakanda, Thor, Rocket and Groot arrive on Nidavellir and Tony, Strange and Spiderman head to Titan where they encounter the remaining Guardians and form a plan to take down Thanos on his home planet.

But, as the saying goes...united we stand, divided we fall...

Warnings: Bad Language words.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist

Oh how Thor missed his hammer! How had it all gone so terribly wrong? He’d left Earth and his friends 3 years ago to go hunting those stones and had failed, miserably. Now his Father was dead, his brother was dead, Heimdel was dead, half his people were dead, his home planet was gone, he only had one eye...and if he didn’t stop Thanos then his friends on Earth weren’t going to fare much better than the ones on Asgard had.

"So, dead brother, huh?" Thor looked up to see the rabbit was stood a few feet away, pressing buttons on a screen "Yeah that can be annoying."

“Well, he's been dead before," Thor huffed, "But this time, I think it really might be true."

"And you said that your sister and your dad?"

"Both dead."

"You guys still got a mom, though?" The Rabbit pressed

"Killed by a dark elf."

"Best friend?"

"Stabbed through the heart." Thor answered softly.

"And you sure you're up for this particular murder mission?" Rocket asked, frowning slightly.

"Absolutely!" Thor forced a smile, as he looked at the animal "Rage and vengeance, anger, loss, regret. They're all tremendous motivators. They really clear the mind. So I’m err, good to go.” he said, making a fist and smiling slightly.

"Yeah, but this is Thanos we're talking about he's the toughest there is."

"Well, he's never fought me." Thor deadpanned.

"Yeah, he has." Rocket shrugged, and Thor took a deep breath.

"Well, he's never fought me twice. And I'll be getting a new hammer, don't forget."

"Well, it'd better be some hammer."

"You know, I'm fifteen hundred years old," Thor began, looking at nothing in particular as he pondered over things. "I've killed twice as many enemies and every enemy I have faced would have rather killed me, but none succeeded. I am only still alive because fate wants me to be." At that he paused and couldn’t help but smile at a conversation he had had with the Captain about fate bringing him and Little Stark together. The Captain didn’t believe in fate, but he did. "Thanos is just the latest in a long line of bastards, and he'll be the latest to feel my vengeance.” Thor nodded firmly as he concluded “Fate wills it so."

"Mhm", Rocket hummed hesitating, but he knew he had to ask, "And what if you're wrong?"

"Well if I'm wrong, what else could I lose?" Thor sniffed, and wiped at the tear that had escaped from his eye before he headed to the front of the pod to take a seat.

"Well, if fate does want you to kill that crapsack, you're gonna need more than one stupid eyeball." Rocket said, holding out his hand as he headed to the seat in front of Thor.

"What's this?" Thor frowned, eyeing the object that the rabbit had given him.

"What's it look like? Some jerk lost a bet with me in Contraxia."

"He gave you his eye in return?" Thor frowned.

"No, he gave me 100 credits. I snuck into his room later that night and stole his eye."

"Thank you, sweet rabbit," Thor smiled, pulling the patch off of his left eye to push the eyeball into the socket.

Rocket grimaced "I would've washed that. The only way I could sneak it off Contraxia was up my-" He was cut off as an alarm started, "Hey we're here."

Thor frowned as he stood up to get a closer look out of the front of the pod. "I don't think this thing works," he said slapping at the side of his head, his new eye spinning in the socket "Everything seems dark."

"That's not the eye." Rocket said.

They docked and slowly made their way off the pod and carefully made their walked across the dark terrain of the planet.

"I hope these dwarves are better at forging than they are at cleaning," Rocket looked around at the junk that lay all over the place. “Maybe they realized they live in a junk pile in the middle of space."

"The forge hasn't gone dark in centuries." Thor said as he looked around, something was very, very wrong.

"You said Thanos had a gauntlet, right?" Rocket stopped walking.

"Yes. Why?" Thor asked, searching the sky. For what he didn’t know.

"Did it look anything like that?"

He looked over to where Rocket was pointing and his blood ran cold as he saw, sitting upon one of the stone tables, a mould for the gauntlet Thanos was wearing when he attacked his ship. Suddenly, realisation washed over him.

Thanos had been here..and that wasn’t good. At all. In fact it was about as far from good as anything could be.

"I am Groot?"

"Go back to the pod," Thor commanded before something struck him hard and he went flying through the air as Rocket and Groot scattered in the opposite direction.

Thor pushed himself up, and turning round he saw the large mass coming towards him. Scrambling backwards he fell back against something hard and held his hands up, palms open in a placating manner.

"Eitri, wait!" he called loudly "Stop! It’s me!”

"Thor?" The Dwarf paused, fist still raised as Thor gave a node. “Is that you?”

There was a pause and the Dwarf dropped his hand slightly. Thor swallowed and looked up at him, taking a deep breath. "What happened here?" The god asked.

"You were supposed to protect us!" the Dwarf cried, his voice cracking "Asgard was supposed to protect us!"

"Asgard is destroyed," Thor choked out, getting to his feet. He pointed to the gauntlet on the table. "Eitri the glove, what did you do?"

Eitri let out a shuddering breath as he stumbling over to a wall and fell heavily upon it, sliding down to the floor, "300 dwarves lived on this ring. I thought if I did what he asked, they'd be safe. I made what he wanted. A device capable of harnessing the power of the stones. And he killed everyone anyway. All except me. 'Your life is yours,' he said. 'But your hands...your hands are mine alone.'" with that the dwarf raised both his hands and Thor felt his eyes widen as he saw they were covered in in metal from the forge.

Thor paused, but then he shook his head. No, this wouldn’t do. He needed a new hammer. There had to be a way.

“Even in the word can’t there’s the word can…” Little Stark’s voice echoed in his head, a line he had heard her say once to Barton just before the archer had thrown a pop tart at her head…man he would kill for a pop tart right now.

But no, she was right. He wasn’t giving up

"Eitri, this isn't about your hands," Thor said shaking his head, "Every weapon you've ever designed, every axe, hammer, sword it's all inside your head. Now I know it feels like all hope is lost. Trust me, I know. But together, we can kill Thanos."

***** Tony, Peter and Dr Strange had arrived on Titan. But they were greeted with a not-so-welcoming party. After a bit of a struggle, Tony had some blue faced dude on his back, repulsor raised whilst one of the other guys had Peter in a headlock, gun pointed at his head. As they faced off against each other, the man pointing the gun at Peter spoke.

“Alright, everybody, stay where you are... chill the eff out.” and his helmet disappeared to reveal a dark haired man, his eyes darted across the three of them. “I'm gonna ask you this one time. Where's Gamora?” What the fuck? Tony gave a groan of exasperation as he removed his helmet and looked at the man. “Yeah, I'll do you one better. Who's Gamora?” “I'll do you one better!” The man under Tony’s foot spoke “Why is Gamora?!”

”Tell me where the girl is, or I swear to you, I'm gonna French-fry this little freak.” the man tightened his hand on Peter and Tony felt his temper snap.

“Let's do it! You shoot my guy, I blast him. Let's go!” he said, extended his nano-tech cannon and pointing it straight at the guys face.

“Do it, Quill! I can take it” The man snarled at him.

Jesus Christ it was like arguing with Rogers.

“No, he can't take it!” The woman with the strange antennae insisted.

“She's right. You can't” Dr Strange but in, completely deadpan, his tone bored.

“Oh yeah? You don't wanna tell me where she is? That's fine. I'll kill all three of you and beat it out of Thanos myself.” The man they now knew to be Quill said, turning to Peter “Starting with you.”

“Wait, what. Thanos?” Before Tony could say anything, Strange beat him to it Alright, let me ask you this one time: What master do you serve?”

”What master do I serve?” Quill looked at him, sarcasm dripping from his voice and body language “What am I supposed to say? "Jesus"?”

“You're from Earth?” Tony said, looking at him, suddenly cottoning on.

“I'm not from Earth. I'm from Missouri”

“Yeah, that's on Earth, dip-shit.” Tony spat, with the tone of someone talking to a very, very stupid person, which in all fairness he appeared to be doing “What are you hassling us for?”

“So, you're not with Thanos?” Parker spoke for the first time.

“WITH Thanos?!” Quill scoffed indignantly “No, I'm here to kill Thanos! He took my girl. Wait... who are you?”

“We're the Avengers, man.” Parker said, removing his helmet and mask.

“Oh” Quill said, relaxing his hold a little.

“You're the ones Thor told us about!” the bug looking woman exclaimed excitedly.

“You know Thor!?” Tony whipped round to face her, barely keeping the excitement out of his voice. They could use Point Break, man could they use him...

“Yeah. Tall guy, not that good-looking,” Quill said as Parker gave him an incredulous look, “needed saving.”

Dr Strange paused before he asked the question Tony was dying to know the answer to “Where is he now?”

“Took my pod, my food, my rucksack and went off to find a new hammer or something else to kill Thanos with.” Quill shrugged as he released Parker completely. Dr Strange and Tony exchanged a crestfallen look. It didn’t appear like they were going to get any help from Thor where they were but maybe, just maybe, the rest of the Avengers would.

As they were now allies of sorts, the group all introduced themselves properly and Quill began to walk around the ground, holding out some kind of scanner, or spirit measure, Tony wasn’t sure which.

“What the heck happened to this planet? It's eight degrees off its axis.” he muttered “Gravitational pull is all over the place” In the background Mantis was jumping up and down, floating higher than she should have been able to.

“Yeah, we got one advantage. He's coming to us. We'll use it.” Tony said, as the idea formed in his mind. “All right, I have a plan” he said, looking round at the group “ Or at least the beginnings of one. It's pretty simple. We draw him in, pin him down, get what we need. Definitely don't wanna dance with this guy. We just want the gauntlet.”

At that Drax gave a loud yawn and Tony glared at him.

“Are you yawning? In the middle of this, while I'm breaking it down? Huh? Did you hear what I said?”

“I stopped listening after you said, "We need a plan." Drax shrugged honestly

“Okay, Mr. Clean is on his own page.” Tony looked at Quill for help.

“See, "not winging it" isn't really what they do” Quill said, almost apologetically.

“Uh, what exactly is it that they do?” Parker asked.

“Kick names, take ass.” Mantis replied with all the ferocity of an eight week old kitten.

“Yeah, that's right” Drax nodded as he settled into a stance, facing the remaining Avengers.

Right there Tony took it all back. This was nothing like trying to deal with Rogers. Cap was smart, Cap would listen, Cap would get them to listen too. As Tony paused, for the first time in ages actually wishing Rogers was in front of him, an expression of deep hopelessness crossed his face before he spoke again “Alright, just get over here, please. Mr. Lord, can you get your folks to circle up?”

"Mr. Lord..Star-Lord is fine.” Quill motioned to Drax and Mantis to come and listen.

“We gotta coalesce.” Tony tried again in a softer voice. “ 'Cause if all we come at him with is a plucky attitude...”

“Dude, don't call us plucky. We don't know what it means.” Quill shook his head, “Alright, we're optimistic, yes. I like your plan. Except it sucks, so let me do the plan, and that way it might be really good.”

“Tell him about the dance-off to save the universe.” Drax interjected.

“What dance-off?” Tony frowned.

“It’s not a... it's not... it's nothing” Quill shook his head.

“Like in Footloose, the movie?” Parker interjected.

“Exactly like Footloose!” Quill looked at him excitedly “Is it still the greatest movie in history?

“It never was.”

“Don't encourage this, alright?” Tony rounded on the kid as Quill wore an expression that looked like the wind had been completely sucked out of his sails. “We're getting no help from Flash Gordon here”.

“Flash Gordon? By the way, that's a compliment. Don't forget, I'm half human” Quill pointed at Tony and Peter “So that 50% of me that's stupid? That's 100% you.”

“Your math is blowing my mind” Tony deadpanned.

“Excuse me, but...” Mantis spoke, and Tony looked at her, before his attention was taken by Strange and he frowned again. “Does your friend often do that?

The Wizard was sitting cross-legged, floating slightly above the ground, his hands poised in a mystic gesture with the Time Stone glowing brightly in the pendant round his neck. Green vapour like energy swirled around him, his cloak billowing behind, as if caught on a breeze. His head was jerking rapidly from side to side, the motion blurring, but almost like he was looking for something.

Tony stepped towards him “Strange! We alright?”

Suddenly Strange snapped out of his trance and fell forward, letting out a cry. Tony gently caught him.

“You're back. You're alright”

“Hey, what was that?” Parker asked.

“I went forward in time to view alternate futures.” Strange said, panting slightly as he caught his breath “To see all the possible outcomes of the coming conflict.

“How many did you see?” Quill asked

“Fourteen million, six hundred and five…”

Tony wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer to the next question, but he asked it anyway. “How many did we win?

There was a pregnant pause as Dr Strange stared intently at him for a moment before he took a deep breath and looked Tony straight in the eyes. “One.”

*****

"How are we looking, Bruce?" Natasha said into the coms device glancing back over her shoulder, prompting Katie to do the same, where she could see the Bruce running behind the hovercrafts in the giant hulk buster suit. He’d been unable to get the Hulk to come out, so this was the next best thing.

"Yeah, I think I'm getting the hang of it," Bruce responded sounding excited, "It's so amazing! Man it's like being the Hulk without actually..." he was cut off as he tripped over a piece of rock jutting out of the ground and crashed to the floor. Katie sighed and turned her attention back out across the vast Wakandan land.

"I'm ok. I'm ok!"

"Steve," she said, catching her husband’s attention. He turned to look at her over his shoulder, but she found she didn’t really know what she wanted to say. Katie was worried, scared, underprepared…

"I know.” Steve responded with a soft voice, reaching round to pull her to him, his left arm over her shoulder, trying to lend her some comfort as they continued their journey, the wind whipping their hair as they sped across the plains.

Eventually the hovercrafts began to slow then came to a stop, the Wakandan warriors easily jumping off the side of the craft and falling into line.

"Alright I've got two heat signatures breaking through the treeline." Rhodey informed from high above as they all jumped down onto the grass. T'Challa in his panther suit led them toward the centremost group where the Wakandans had started up a war chant.

"Thank you for standing with us," he spoke to a large man dressed in furs getting his own block ready for battle. The man said something in their language shaking T'Challa's hand, before the king looked back at the barrier and the ships surrounding it. He looked at Steve who nodded. Katie took a deep breath and pressed the star on her bangle. The nano-particles spread up her arm, across her chest and down, encasing her completely. Steve’s eyebrow raised at the action, a smile tugging on his lips. That was pretty impressive and the suit…well, it looked pretty damned good too.

“So that’s new.” he quipped, a sideways smile spreading across his face and she shrugged.

“Nano-tech, apparently” Katie engaged her helmet and began running her scanners “I can’t get a lock on what’s in those ships though.”

“Well, let’s go find out.” Steve said gently and along with Natasha and T’Challa they headed to the edge of the dome. The tall, blue haired woman they had grappled with in Edinburgh was there with a huge beast they hadn’t seen before, one of the ones that had attacked New York. As they watched she drew her sword across the dome which fizzled as she tested the strength, cocking her head to the side.

“Where's your other friend?” Katie asked her and Steve almost rolled his eyes at her deliberate dig. The woman glared at her.

“You will pay for his life with yours. Thanos will have that stone.”

“That's not gonna happen.” Steve’s voice soft as he spoke, not a threat as such, simply a statement as he raised his chin and looked her straight in the face.

T’Challa, however, was much more aggressive as he spoke and Katie looked at him, surprised by the normally mild mannered man’s fierce tone.

“You are in Wakanda now.” he glared at her “Thanos will have nothing but dust and blood.”

“We have blood to spare” The Woman spoke simply. She brandished her sword with a snarl and as they watched the ships behind her started raising their outer hulls.

Knowing that was about as much a conversation as they were getting, and as much of one as he wanted, Steve gestured with his head and the four of them made their way back. Steve made sure Katie and Natasha were in front of him, just in case, and every so often he threw a glance over his shoulder as the ships continued to open.

"They surrender?" Bucky asked as Steve took up his place at his best friend’s side, Katie falling in line to Steve’s right.

"Not exactly." Steve huffed.

Katie glanced round Steve over to Bucky and nodded to the gun in his hand “Sure you can handle that, sweetheart?”

Steve let out a snort and his mouth curved into a grin as he recalled Bucky saying the same thing to her 2 years previously. Bucky gave a bark of a laugh and winked at Katie who raised an eyebrow, smirking. Then the three of them turned their attention back to the edge of the dome and as they watched, a horde of what looked like mutated dogs rushed through the trees and foliage, heading straight for the barrier.

T'Challa began to chant with his army, repeating it loudly as the blue horned woman thrust her sword down and the creatures rushed forward smashing themselves into the barrier without care.

"What the hell?" Bucky muttered watching the creatures try to force themselves in but through the barrier, but every limb and body part that passed through the dome ended up being cut off.

"Looks like we pissed her off." Katie pointed out.

“Just a little.” Nat added, turning her head to look at her.

Steve remained still, observing, sizing up his opponent as ever. Some of the creatures managed to get some of their body wedged through before they were cut in half.

"They're killing themselves," Okoye breathed in shock as the creatures carried on.

The front line of the blocks of warriors quickly raised their shields when they noticed a small handful of the creatures had actually managed to get through, their badly burnt bodies cantering across the plains towards them. With a command from T'Challa the army began firing weapons at a few that drew near.

Katie engaged her helmet and with a quick nod at Steve launched herself into the air and flew alongside Sam, twirling as she went. It felt good to be up there again, fully suited after so long. The two of them began to work in tandem, dropping missiles and bombs at the stragglers.

"You see the teeth on those things?!" Sam’s astonished voice said

"Alright, Kiddo, let’ s go. Back up, Sammy," Rhodey warned, as he flew along the edge of the dome, dropping more bombs on the creatures that were still partially getting through, "You'll get your wings singed."

Katie surged forward, taking the opposite side of the dome, engaging her shoulder cannons blasting away the ones underneath but then FRIDAY locked onto some of the creatures on either end of the swarm who had begun to make their way further from the main pile running along the outside of the barrier that circled the city.

"They're spreading out!" she called in warning.

"Cap, if these things circle the perimeter and get in behind us," Bruce echoed, "There's nothing between them and Vision."

"Then we better keep them in front of us," Steve responded calmly, his gaze not once faltering as he simply watched the edge of the dome.

"How do we do that?" Okoye scoffed.

"We open the barrier," T’Challa said with resolve. Steve turned to look at him, taking a deep breath. "On my signal, open Northwest Section 17."

“Requesting confirmation my king…you said open the barrier?”

"On my signal." He said again, issuing instructions.

Steve lifted his arms, engaging the shields that T’Challa had given him, as Sam and Katie continued to circle high up, shooting a few more strays before they flew over the assembled troops, hovering and waiting for the command.

T’Challa stepped forward before the armies, crossing his arms before his chest, "Wakanda forever!" he cried out.

"Wakanda forever!" was the answering shout from his people before they all took off running for the barrier.

"NOW!" T'Challa shouted into his communicator, and a small portion of the barrier opened, allowing the creatures to spill in.

Black Panther and Steve began to forge ahead of the running army at super speed, the two of them sprinting in unison. As they reached a shallow stream they both launched themselves up and over, propelling themselves at the creatures and from there the battle was on.

Katie was swooping, shooting, diving, looping, taking out as many of the creatures as she could. The weapons upgrades Tony had made were amazing. She had the ability to turn her gauntlet into a sword of sorts, she had a shield, guns…you name it and FRIDAY was on hand to remind her exactly what she had and automatically use them when needed. All in all, it was the best Supernova suit her brother had ever developed, and she felt hopeful that his latest Iron Man one would be good enough to keep him safe wherever he was.

Steve, meanwhile, was hammering the pointed end of his shield into any of the creatures that came near enough. Bucky was gunning any down that came towards him, the Wakandan Warriors were using their spears and guns… the animals weren’t hard to take down, a decent shot to the head did it, but they were persistent and there was so damned many of them.

"How much longer, Shuri?" T'Challa’s voice rang in Steve’s ear as he kicked another one of the animals straight in the mouth sending it flying.

"We've barely begun, brother," was the response.

"You might want to pick up the pace!" he said urgently

“Please do…” Steve found himself muttering as he pounded another.

*****

Thor had managed to get the Forge started again, using the pod and a large rope to pull the stuck rings into a spin, but then the iris had snapped, leaving nothing for it, but him to open it himself.

“Allfathers, give me strength” he mumbled as he rolled his shoulders preparing to grab either side of the iris.

“You understand, boy?” Eitri said, warning him “You're about to take the full force of a star. It'll kill you.”

“Only if I die.” Thor cracked his neck as he took a deep breath. He had to survive, fate willed it, he was going to kill Thanos.

”Yes. That's what... "killing you" means.” Eitri frowned, utterly boggled at Thor’s words.

Thor pulled down on the two levers, bringing them towards him and the iris began to open. The stream of pure stellar energy blasted past him and into the forge once more. Thor grit his teeth as the force of the full blast of the star burned through him, like nothing he had ever felt before.

“Hold it! Hold it, Thor!”

The metal ingots began to melt and Thor let out a yell as he felt his skin burning, until he could hold it no more and his grip slipped. He fell down into the forge, bouncing limply off a structure and landing on the floor, harshly as Rocket, who had followed in the pod, grimaced. The thud Thor’s body made as it landed was was enough to make Groot look up from his game.

“Thor! Say something. Come on. Thor, you okay?” Rocket asked, looking at the God who looked as far from okay as you could get.

Eitri was clumsily and urgently pulling the mould, which was still glowing red hot onto the floor and broke it loose from the frame, punching it with his metal fists to free the axe head.

“I think he's dying!” Rocket said, looking up urgently for help

“He needs the axe!” Eitri said, frantically “Where's the handle? Tree, help me find the handle!”

As the two sides of the axe head lay glowing on the floor, Groot looked sadly at Thor as Eitri was desperately looking for the handle. Then, realising he could help, the tree scowled with determination and stood, extending his fingers towards Stormbreaker, growing them at extraordinary speed. As he twined them around the two parts, he cried out at the burning pain but didn’t hesitate, slamming them together and locking them permanently into one structure by winding the growing vines around them. He raised it high above his head and with a mighty cry chopped his extended arm with the other hand to sever it.

Thor lay motionless, but then his fingers twitched, and the new weapon levitated in a crackle of lightning echoed by the sparks between the God’s fingers…

***** Katie had no idea how many of the dog like animals she shot, or how long they had been at it. As she glanced around she spotted Steve was locked in combat with four of them, smashing into them with his shields, his face contorted in anger and concentration. She shot a ray taking off a few to try and give him a reprieve, but even more appeared and then something collided with her, taking her down to the ground with a crash. As she went to get up she was suddenly swamped. FRIDAY engaged the shield and it kept the most of them from gnashing at her with their ridiculously long teeth, but the sheer volume was preventing her from getting up. Shooting her thrusters she managed to take another few out, but the weight of them meant she merely moved herself backwards along the ground, she could get no height at all.

"There's too many of them." Bruce yelled into the coms echoing what everyone was already feeling. Steve was now that surrounded he could do nothing now but shield his face and lash out with his legs.

Katie shot again at the ones on top of her, but it was no good.

“FRIDAY…we got anything in this arsenal.” she yelled desperately.

A yell came from Bruce just as the AI answered. “I can super charge the cannon… but it will leave your weapons at 50% capacity…”

Before Katie could respond there was another loud whoosh and blast but this one was different and oddly familiar. Through the gaps the animals left she could just see a huge flash of flowing light, that was punctuated by a bright spectrum and then the animals that had been on top of Katie were gone as something flew around, knocking them off, leaving them dead on the ground, their bodies writhing under the shock of blue lighting.

She lay still for a moment, her chest heaving before she sat up, her helmet sliding away as she looked round with a smile, because she knew there was only one possible person who could do such a thing.

Steve found himself free and sat up, just in time to hear Banner laughing "Oh, you guys are so screwed now!" and he heard Katie’s loud exclamation of glee as the weapon, a huge axe, flew back to its owner. The beam of light in the middle of the field dissipated to reveal Thor, and rather randomly a Raccoon with a gun, and a tree creature standing by his side.

Katie landed softly beside Steve and she pulled him to his feet, her eyes shining with emotion before the pair of them spun to watch as Thor took one glance around the battlefield steely determination in his eyes as he turned his focus to where two of Thanos' warriors were.

"Bring me Thanos!" he demanded as he ran forward, slamming his axe against one of the nearest creatures, sending it flying away.

Katie looked at Steve again, both of them sharing as somewhat more hopeful glance, before they turned their attention back to the fight.

*****

Thanos had arrived on Titan, and boy was he a force to be reckoned with. He was huge, and even without the stones Tony had a feeling he would have been impossible to beat. Nevertheless, they had banded together, putting the plan into action, and had gained another ally in a blue woman. He had no idea who she was, but the Guardians did, and she was on their side so he didn’t question it. They needed all the help they could get. .

Finally, Dr Strange opened a portal, dropping Mantis down onto Thanos’ shoulders. She grasped his head with her hands and focussed her telepathic energy through her fingers, the tips of her antennae lighting up.

“Is he under?” Tony asked, pulling on the bonds he had Thanos’ arm in “Don’t let up.” “Be quick!” Mantis said, starting to cry “He is very strong.”

“Parker, help! Get over here” Tony said as he grabbed hold of the gauntlet. Peter moved to help him. “She can't hold him much longer. Let's go.”

Quill landed in front of Thanos, grinning as he began to taunt the Titan “I thought you'd be harder to catch. For the record, this was my plan. Not so strong now, huh? Where is Gamora?”

“My... Gamora...” Thanos grit out, groaning as Mantis kept him under control

“Oh, bullshit.” Quill shook his head “ Where is she?”

Mantis gave a small cry “He is in anguish.”

“Good.” Quill glared at him whilst Tony and Peter were still wrestling with the gauntlet.

“He… he… mourns” her cry was louder this time.

“What does this monster have to mourn?” Drax ground out, his voice strained with the effort of keeping hold of Thanos’ other arm.

It was Nebula who answered, her eyes shining with tears “Gamora”.

”What?” Quill looked at her and Tony glanced up, a cold feeling spreading across his stomach.

“He took her to Vormir” Nebula whispered, horror flooding her body and face as she understood exactly what happened “He came back with the Soul Stone, but she didn't.”

Tony grasped the danger of the situation and immediately withdrew his helmet and looked at Quill “Okay, Quill, you gotta cool it right now, you understand?

But the man wasn’t listening. He turned slowly to Thanos so Tony tried again, shouting his plea desperately. “Don't, don't, don't engage, we've almost got this off!”

“Tell me she's lying.” Quill shook his head before his voice became enraged “ASSHOLE! Tell me you didn't do it!”

“I... had... to” Thanos replied.

.“No, you didn't.” Quill said gently, his eyes filling with tears. “No, you didn't…”

Tony watched as the man continued to rage, and then, before they could do anything he drew his hand back and pistol-whipped Thanos twice in the face, causing Mantis to let go. “NO, YOU DIDN'T!”

“Quill!! Tony gave a yell as he leaped for the man’s arm, his helmet forming back around his head, but by doing so he left Parker alone to keep pulling the gauntlet. As Tony tried to calm quill down he was vaguely aware that Peter was shouting about the fact he had the gauntlet, but as Tony turned he saw Thanos snap out of his trance. He head-butted Mantis, before grabbing the edge of the gauntlet and throwing the woman off his shoulders.

They’d come so close, but their plan hadn’t worked. And now the fight was back on.

*****

Bucky had heard tales of Thor from both Steve and Katie, but seeing the man in person and his power was like nothing he could have possibly imagined. Not least because he seemed to have brought a walking, talking tree and raccoon with him. A racoon that was now stood shooting a gun into the crowd of creatures.

“Come get some space dogs!” the racoon fired his weapon and Bucky, who was a few feet behind him, spotted one of the dog things leaping at him. He grabbed the animal by the scruff of his jacket and held him at arms length, spinning around, firing his own M-249 at the same time.

“Come on, get some, get some, GET SOME!” The racoon yelled, before they were clear and Bucky dropped him. He looked up at Bucky with an impressed gleam in his eyes. Fuck, an impressed raccoon? Jesus Christ, Steve dragged him into the strangest shit at times.

“How much for the gun?” The racoon asked as Bucky fired off another burst of rapid fire.

“Not for sale.” Bucky said simply.

“Okay, how much for the arm?”

The animal wanted his arm. Bucky had no words, he just gave him a look and as he walked off he heard the racoon mumble “Oh, I'll get that arm.” and despite himself, Bucky gave a little snort as he jogged to where he was needed.

At the same time, elsewhere on the field, Steve and Katie were fighting in tandem. Steve slammed a shield into another two creatures as they leapt at them both whilst Katie jumped into the air, shooting and taking down another four. Just as the next group was about to hit them, another shockwave rocked the field, destroying the pack which was running towards them. Katie looked around to Thor who was stood a few feet away and she landed gently between him and Steve.

"New haircut?" Steve asked, his voice slightly winded as Katie retracted her helmet.

"I notice you've copied my beard," Thor shot back, grabbing at his chin with his hand. Steve nodded, and gestured to his face with one of his shields, still catching his breath. At that point he looked past Thor to see the tree creature at his other side extending a branch or arm and impaling three creatures on it, lifting them into the air. Something that should have shocked Steve, but he wasn’t sure if anything could shock him anymore.

"Oh, by the way, this is a friend of mine, Tree." Thor gestured to the creature.

"I am Groot!" the tree yelled, slamming the creatures to the floor.

Katie looked at Steve who was breathing hard from the exertion of battle. But still, ever the gentleman, he introduced himself politely to the tree-boy in return placing a hand to his chest.

"I am Steve Rogers." he paused looking around the battlefield seeing that at least for a moment they were in a respite with the Wakandan warriors handling the Outriders surrounding them. Katie observed Thor for another second before he grinned at her and she threw herself at him.

“Man am I glad to see you, I thought…” she stumbled over her words.

“I’m fine.” He said, reaching out to wrap an arm round her metal cased back and returned her embrace, lifting her slightly off the floor as he did so.

“But Banner, he said your ship…and Loki…”

“I’m the God of Thunder.” He said, shrugging slightly as if that explained anything, and then he sent his axe flying once more and set Katie down, as a pack began to surround the three. Katie reengaged her helmet and they continued fighting.

“What happened to your hammer?” Steve asked as the three of them circled, before he took another creature down with a blow to the head.

“My sister.” Thor grunted, throwing his axe again.

“You have a sister?” Katie frowned, shooting another creature with a beam.

“Had. She’s dead. I killed her. Well, a big fire demon did. The events of Ragnarok.” Thor caught his axe before swinging it straight into the head of one who had jumped at him “I thought Banner might have told you?”

“He mentioned it yeah, but to be honest we’ve kinda been a bit busy.” Katie’s teeth grit together as she off-loaded a shot from her shoulder gun to a creature which hit it straight between the eyes. It slumped to the floor but at the same time the ground began to shake.

“That’s errr…that’s not me.” Thor shook his head as Steve looked at him. The three of them turned to watch as the trees outside the barrier began falling being crushed by whatever was coming, then the dirt underneath the inside of the barrier moved like a wave and from it mechanical wheels like chainsaws sprung up.

"Fall back!" T'Challa’s loud voice sounded in their ears as the wheels separated, "Fall back now!"

“GO!” Steve yelled, looking at Katie and she shot up into the air. As she flew over the field she looked down and saw the wheels split all going in different directions taking out the creatures and Wakandan warriors alike with ease. The machines didn't seem to have any particular form of control or direction, just mowing down anyone in its path. She looked up as Sam and Rhodey joined her on either side.

“FRIDAY scan this thing for weaknesses…” Katie instructed. “The axle.” FRIDAY said, focussing in on it on the heads up display “You need to take it out.” “Go for the axle guys!” Katie swooped down. “Same time…” "Focus all fire on the left flank" Rhodey ordered as they began to shoot their various weapons.

"I'm doing it," Sam replied firing his guns where he was instructed but it was having little effect. Eventually, they managed to take one wheel down but as Katie circled up she saw that Natasha and General Okoye were right in it’s path, but so absorbed in the battle that they almost missed the set of chainsaw wheels coming straight for them, almost. Katie yelled a warning over the coms and was about to swoop down to pull them both out of harms way when suddenly Wanda dropped down in front of the other two women and surrounded the wheels in her red glow. She lifted them up lifting it up into the air then grunted throwing it back at a swarm of Outriders.

As Katie spiralled back upwards Okoye’s frustrated voice hit her ears. “Why was she up there all this time?" she huffed.

It was a boost having her on the field, Okoye was right. But the unease in Katie’s chest was rising as her being down there meant it left Vision open. Katie and Rhodey went back to try and take on another one of the huge wheels, managing to bring it down, but then they both stopped dead as Sam’s urgent voice called out "Guys, we got a Vision situation here!"

Katie looked over in the direction of the palace, just in time to see the android crashing out of the glass

"Somebody get to Vision!" Steve instructed loudly, before he was sideswiped by another of those damned dog things.

"I got him," Bruce responded

"On my way," Wanda’s voice also said. Katie turned to find her on the field, and as she did she saw one of Thanos’ warriors hit her hard across the face with her staff and she fell into one of the large trenches that the chainsaw-like wheels of the machine had created.

Katie swooped down to help, Natasha also sprinting across the field, sliding down into the trench behind the blue woman. As Wanda struggled to her feet, Katie landed next to Natasha.

"He will die alone," the blue woman growled at Wanda, and then to add even more insult added, "As will you."

"She's not alone." Natasha said simply. The woman turned around to see Natasha and Katie there, and then at the other side of her Okoye landed, spinning her spear, pointing it at the horned alien.

There was a slight pause before the alien growled and launched at them. Okoye was the first to be tossed aside, after getting a few good hits in, whilst Natasha and Katie continued to fight. As the alien leapt at Katie, she shot upwards, aiming a beam and a kick to the alien’s head. In the melee, Natasha was hit by a blow to the chest, sending her flying backwards and off to the left. Katie landed in front of her, sending a beam at the advancing alien’s chest, causing her to stumble, and before she could right herself and come at Katie again, she flew upwards, encased in a ball of red, straight into the path of one of the chainsaw wheels where she was easily sliced in half sending a spray of blue blood straight across Katie’s helmet visor and Natasha’s face.

"That's really gross." Nat said, propping herself up on her elbows and looking at Wanda who dropped to the floor, exhausted. Katie wiped the blood off her visor as she landed and pulled Natasha to her feet before she turned to Wanda.

“You ok?” Katie asked the younger woman and she nodded before she stood up

“We need to get to Vision.” she urged.

“Alright.” Katie nodded and turned to face the other women behind her “I’ll cover you all as best I can but if one goes down the rest keep going.” she said, “Our priority is that stone.”

They all nodded and Katie took off as the three women began sprinting with everything they had left. Katie did her best, blasting the creatures out of the way and grimacing as Natasha was taken down. They continued going, Wanda using her power to propel herself along. Okoye fell next, and then the yelp as Wanda fell almost made Katie rethink her strategy but she couldn’t. Instead she put on a spurt of speed, shooting forward. She had to get to Vision.

Meanwhile, Steve was running like he had never run before, and as he reached the clearing in the trees he saw one of the aliens bent over Vision, the tip of his staff trying to pry out the stone from his head. Steve tackled the alien at full speed, his shoulder driving into the man’s waist.

“Get outta here!” he yelled, jumping up as he began to trade blows with the alien, using his arm-shields to both land and deflect the blows. There was no movement so he turned to Vision again, issuing another instruction “Go!”

Steve kept blocking the alien’s weapon using his shields, finally knocking it from the alien's hands just before he was thrown over a fallen tree and pinned by his opponent's hand at his throat. Steve struggled, grabbing at the fingers gripping round his throat, but even with his physical abilities, he was struggling. But then suddenly, the blade of the staff emerged from the alien’s chest. Steve saw him splutter, then choke, before his grip on the soldier’s throat dropped him to the floor.

Katie landed besides him, her helmet sliding off as she offered her hand to pull him to his feet as Vision cast the alien aside before collapsing exhaustedly to the floor.

“Thanks” Steve panted, his breath ragged as he gently cupped her face before he strode to Vision "I thought I told you to go." He sighed, hauling him to his feet.

"We don't trade lives Captain." Vision replied simply, and both Katie had to smile at the android repeating Steve’s words back to him.

**** Tony was beginning to realise they had no chance against Thanos, certainly not whilst he had the stones he did. But that spurred him on even more, because if he got the rest, well it didn’t bear thinking about. With one last attempt he flew at Thanos who deflected the blow and picked him up by the helmet and blasted his midsection with the Power Stone. The gaps in nanite coverage were now extensive, as his armour was losing the ability to recover from the intensity of the damage. Tony struggled to one knee, and fired his right hand repulsor at Thanos, but he might as well have been using a fucking water pistol for all the good it did. With a grit of his teeth, Tony got to both feet as his suit tried to complete repairs, adding the beam from his left hand as well. Thanos walked right up to him, and backhanded the incomplete helmet completely off his head. Tony’s eyes grew wide as he crossed his arms to block a blow from Thanos' gauntlet, the Titan caught his left hand over his head. In desperation, Tony formed what was left of his right glove into a short sword, which Thanos easily caught, snapping it off clean and driving it through Tony's left side.

Tony’s body seized up in pain as Thanos walked him back until he collapse onto a rock, looking up at the man who had stabbed him with shock and hatred. the blood bubbling in his mouth.

This was it, Thanos was finally going to kill him, after six years of nightmares.

“You have my respect, Stark.” Thanos said, almost with a hint of regret “When I'm done, half of humanity will still be alive” he let go and straightened up. “I hope they remember you.”

Tony’s thoughts flashed to the people on Earth, more specifically Pepper and his Sister. He had failed them, again. His visions were coming true. He drew in a pained breath, the copper taste of blood surrounded his senses as Thanos raised the gauntlet, closing his fist and all four stones began to glow.

“Stop!” Strange yelled, sitting up painfully as he looked at Thanos. “Spare his life... and I will give you the stone”

“No tricks.” Thanos turns to him and Doctor Strange shook his head.

Despite Tony’s protest, Strange handed over the stone and Thanos dropped it into the thumb setting on the gauntlet, the energy pulse making him wince.

“One to go.”

At that point an energy blast hit the gauntlet right in the empty Mind Stone setting and Thanos grimaced in surprise as Quill, who was screaming in incoherent rage, flew towards him, firing with both hands. Thanos didn’t even bother responding to the assault. Instead he conjured up a portal and simply left. Star-Lord flew through where Thanos had been and crashed, rolling several times.

“Where is he?!” Quill stood up, his helmet sliding away.

With a grimace, Tony managed to stich up his stab wound as well as he could with his suit functions, but he was still weak and had no breath for answers.

“Did we just lose?” Quill asked, his voice now fearful.

Tony turned to Dr Strange and looked at him, shaking his head sadly “Why would you do that?” his voice cracked slightly. After everything they had done to try and stop him getting the stone, after the Wizard himself saying he wouldn’t hesitate to let anyone die to keep it safe, he just handed it over.

“We're in the Endgame now.” Dr Strange looked at him. And Tony could do nothing but sigh, and slump back against his rock, hoping that the guys on Earth would fare better than they had.

*****

"Everyone on my position, we've got incoming." Steve pressed his finger to the com in his ear while glancing sideways at Katie, the pair of them stood in front of Vision, the feel of unease and silence was getting even more oppressive.

“What the hell?" Natasha mumbled, voicing what everyone was thinking.

"Whatever happens,” Steve swallowed, turning to Katie “I want you to know I love you."

She looked up at him, his eyes flashing with fear. Both of them knew this could very well be their final stand, Katie felt her chest tighten as she felt a single tear of fright, love and pride fall down her face.

"I love you too." she whispered. “Always.”

Then,across the clearing from them a cloud of grey and blue began to form from nothing. A huge man, purple in colour, encased in a deep golden armour stepped out from the grey and blue mass.

"Cap, that's him." Bruce pointed out obviously, because honestly, who else could it be?

Steve raised his shields and took a few steps forward as Katie moved backwards to stand with Natasha and Wanda, both stood in front Vision.

"Eyes up. Stay sharp." Steve commanded beginning to charge forward, leaving Katie behind. He knew that if all else failed, Wanda was going to have to make the decision to destroy that stone, and Katie didn’t want her to be alone when she did.

Bruce reached Thanos first, using the rockets on his suit to launch him up in the air and as his hand clenched into a fist, Thanos raised the gauntlet on his left hand and Bruce's suit turned blue and see-through, his body flying through Thanos' rather than colliding with it and was encased in the rock at the side of a hill face. Katie glanced across at Natasha and saw a look of fright on the blonde’s face. A look she had only ever seen once before, when Bruce had transformed into the Hulk for the first time and they had been trapped in the cargo bay of the Hellicarrier with him.

Steve, reached second and jumped aiming to punch Thanos in the face with his shields but he was stopped dead in his path, a purple glow encasing his body simply throwing him to the side and out of sight where he crashed to the ground, his head spinning as everything went hazy.

It was hopeless. T’Challa was cast aside like a rag doll, Sam was grounded easily. Nothing could touch him.

"Wanda," Vision said breathlessly from behind them, and they all turned to face him. "It's time."

"No," her voice shook and Katie glanced back and forth between her and the Titan as he was advancing.

"They can't stop him, Wanda, but we can," Vision continued "Look at me!” he demanded forcefully “You have the power to destroy the stone."

"Don't," she cried, trying to pull away from his grip a third time.

Katie turned back to the fight in time to see Rhodey drop out of the air. When Bucky tried to fire at the Titan raising his gun and running towards him, shooting bullets wildly, he was also cast aside, the same way Steve had been.

“You must do it Wanda, please.” Vision continued to plead and Katie turned to the young woman whose bottom lip had begun to wobble.

“Wanda.” Katie looked at her, her own voice cracking as well with the impending action they were about to take. “I can’t begin to imagine how you feel but Vis is right. You have to destroy it.”

The tears were forming in Katie’s eyes. All she could hear was Steve’s voice “we don’t trade lives” in her head. But right now she had no idea where Steve was, she couldn’t see where Thanos had thrown him. Thor was nowhere to be found, and it appeared there was no other way to stop the Titan.

The stone, and with it Vision, had to be destroyed.

"We are out of time." Vision spoke gently, his hand wrapping around Wanda’s as he brought it up against his cheek.

"I can't." Wanda whispered looking at Vision then over to Katie for some form of guidance. Katie could offer none.

"It's alright," Vision took Wanda's hand and opened it up. “You could never hurt me. I just feel you."

As Katie watched, Wanda looked over her shoulder and then she let her power flow, her face contorting into so many emotions it broke Katie’s heart to think about what she was feeling. Her attention was called back to the fight when someone yelled, this time Okoye had launched. Natasha took a deep breath, looking at Katie as they now found themselves the last line of defence, and they had no choice but to throw themselves at the Titan to buy Wanda some time. Natasha went first, but it was pointless, she was cast off to the side somewhere and Katie stood, drawing herself up to her full height, helmet, shield and weapons ready, knowing full well it wasn’t going to stop him.

But Steve was up and running again, Thanos was advancing on his wife and he wasn’t going to let that happen without a fight. He threw himself into a slide, the momentum carrying him under Thanos’ legs and as he went he aimed a swipe at the back of the man’s calves and knees with his shields. As he jumped to his feet, Thanos aimed a blow at Steve’s head, but he caught the gauntlet in both his hands. Gritting his teeth he put every bit of strength he had into holding off the blow as Katie flew in, her repulsors firing at the Titan which made him lose concentration for a moment, but only a second. Then, in the corner of his eye, Steve saw the other fist powering towards his temple. And then it all went back.

Steve crashed to the floor and Thanos caught Katie easily round the neck. Both her hands went around his, her fingers trying desperately to prise his away from where he had a grip on her but to no avail.

“Another Stark.” he mumbled, and before Katie could respond he threw her up into the air before shooting her with a shot from the power stone sending her flying off to the side where she collided heavily, head first with a tree.

As Katie lay motionless on the floor, she could vaguely hear noises, the sounds of fighting and yelling. Then there was some sort of huge explosion. She closed her eyes and must have passed out for a while, as when she came round it was all quiet.

“Mrs Rogers…”FRIDAY was saying frantically, as she blinked her eyes, before the display came back into focus. She was led, face down on the forest floor somewhere. With a groan she lifted her head, and her helmet fell back as she glanced across the clearing. Steve was led roughly 10 feet away, still face down thanks to the force of Thanos’ punch.

“Steve…” she whispered to herself and pushed herself up, half crawling, half running towards him.

There was a flash of light and as she reached Steve’s side, Thanos was thrown back further away from the clearing and Thor was barrelling down towards him, axe first. Thanos raised his hand but it was too late, Thor’s axe hit him square in the chest. Thanos staggered backwards, falling to one knee as Thor landed in front of him.

“Steve.” Katie gently shook him, trying to keep one eye on what was going on “Baby, please, get up.”

"I told you, you'd die for that." she heard Thor say, along with the sickening crunch as he pushed the axe further into the titan’s chest. Steve groaned slightly, and started to move, turning his head as he lifted it up from where he was laying in the dirt.

"You should have-" Thanos was continuing to wheeze somewhere behind Katie "You should have gone for the head."

"No!" Thor yelled. Katie looked round instinctively and saw Thanos bring up his gloved hand and he simply snapped his fingers. There was a blinding white light conjured from the gauntlet which covered everyone's vision and Katie threw her arms up over her face, engaging the shield to shelter her and Steve.

“What did you do?" Thor asked. When Thanos didn’t answer he shouted, desperately, almost pleading, "What did you do?!"

Thanos still gave no response, looking around the quiet battlefield. A portal then opened up behind him and he fell back into it, Stormbreaker tumbling out of his chest as he did.

It was deathly silent as Katie and Steve both got to their feet. Steve’s hands fell to her shoulders, his eyes searching his wife’s face and she nodded to tell him she was ok. Turning, he hissed at the pain in his side and clutched at his ribs, looking around, half expecting Thanos to appear out of nowhere again.

"Where'd he go?" he asked, spinning around, he was worried now. "Thor?"

Thor finally looked up and met Steve's eyes, then Katie’s and it was not a comfort. The god looked hopeless and still he gave no response.

"Steve?" Another voice cut in sounding as confused as the rest of them felt, and they turned to see Bucky looking down at his arm in disbelief as the limb was disappearing into ashes the gun in his hands fell to the ground followed shortly by the man himself as he disappeared.

Steve felt cold, and he took a few steps forward before falling to a knee and reaching out touching the ashes that were left of his best friend.

He looked up at Katie, he was utterly confused, shocked, disbelieving. Katie, in turn, was numb with shock. Her head span round to see the tree creature was talking to the Racoon in confusion as he too began to fade away, the Racoon dropping his head in sorrow. Blindly she reached back feeling around for Thor’s hand before squeezing it tightly. He was still there. Good.

And then she turned to check on Wanda. She was knelt over Vision, and she gave sad smile, as the dust started to take her too.

“No,no, no...” Katie scrambled over to her as she gave one last gasp before the dust carried her away on the wind. Katie dropped helplessly to her knees, letting out a soft sob as Steve fell down besides her, one hand on her shoulder, the other shakily reaching out to roll Vision’s lifeless body over. His eyes locked on the hole in the android’s head. Steve sighed hard and dropped backwards sitting on the ground with a huff. Kate grabbed at him, half expecting him to turn to dust, her grip on his arm was almost painful but he rest his hand over hers, anything to feel her, keep her there.

"What's going on?" Rhodey asked voicing the question on everyone's mind, "What the hell is happening?"

"Oh, God." Steve heard his voice crack as his back slumped against Visions body. He looked at Katie, the tears pouring down her face as the two of them simply sat there, numb in the realisation that for the first time ever, The Avengers had lost.