#just met tony tony chopper and i love him

[biohazard-inevitable]

Man one piece is wild cause everytime I’m like “okay the next guy they introduce cant slap that hard” AND THEN THEY SLAP SO HARD AND IM LIKE “fuck im set-“

[ginjirotchithekindchef]

Meet the Party: The Greenhorne Crew

Ginjirotchi (Main Hero): Kind Chef (formerly Mage, then Pop Star)

Ginjirotchi began his adventure a few weeks after landing on Earth. He loves his friends, and gets REALLY nervous when he fights alone. (Karkaton was his lowest point.) He's a talented chef, but for some reason, he can only make ramen. Tries to make mac 'n cheese? Ramen. Gratin? Also ends up as ramen.

Erik: Airheaded Warrior

Erik has no memory of how he ended up on Miitopia. The rest of the party chalks this up to either a mysterious force or his general not-all-there-ness. Disregarding all that, he's very talented with his sword and can take out enemies quickly with his Jump Slash... that is, when he's not playing with the monsters everyone else is trying to take down.

Tony Tony Chopper: Cautious Cleric

One day, Chopper met the Guardian Spirit in his dreams, who promised him that they would take him somewhere full of adventure, and when he woke up, he was in Miitopia. He served as the main healer of the party in Greenhorne (this was back when Ginjirotchi was a Mage), and is very close to Ginjirotchi. He can also talk to animals, and is good friends with Pegawing the horse.

Portgas D. Ace: Laid-back Thief

Like Chopper, Ace also met the Guardian Spirit in a dream, and also woke up in Miitopia. When he met his party members, however, he wondered what he had got himself into, but accepted that this was what his life would be going forward. He uses a special variation of Whirlwind Blades and Phantom Strike where he sets his dagger on fire with his Devil Fruit powers beforehand, but he does somewhat have a tendency to use his party members as meat shields when the enemy attacks...

Pegawing: Male Horse (this is the only image i can find of him rn)

Pegawing was rescued by the team from three Goblins (that were admittedly pretty easy to take down). Although he can't talk to the other party members, he is pretty good friends with Chopper. (As for why his name is Pegawing when he doesn't seem to have wings at all, Ginjirotchi got his terminology mixed up).

[tragic-shadows]

All For You (pt.1)

A/N: Okk so this one’s a little different. I don’t usually write ncis ships within the show but I started back from season one and realized how obvious it should have been that these two wanted to bang. (or probably did bang)

Title: All For You

Word Count: 1391

Warnings: Mentions/implied assault (nothing graphic)

Pairings: Caitlin Todd x Jethro Gibbs

Summary: Based on the events of the episode ‘Reveille’ (s1e23). When Kate is kidnapped, we never really get to see how she gets back to NCIS, so here’s my take on how she did it.

"Kate's at home, boss." Tony called. "She didn't answer her phone."

"I don't think she ate bad oysters for lunch," Gibbs packed his weapon in his hip and made a B-line for the elevator.

Tony shuffled after him. "She had a tuna salad."

Gibbs stopped, mentally cursing himself for not realizing it sooner. "Tony, that bastard's got her."

"Boss…" Tony tried to stop his mind from spiraling but it went places it never should.

"He's got her!" Gibbs stormed back to his desk, pulling up GPS and phone logs, papers out of drawers and what not. "Everything you've got on this bastard, right now! Call Kate until you get an answer."

"Her phone's turned off boss!" Tony reminded him.

"I. Don't. Care. Where's McGee?!" Gibbs shouted through the bullpen. "WHERE'S MCGEE!!??" He bellowed.

"Here boss!!" McGee came bounding into the room with a map. "And I think I've got something. An accomplice." He pressed a button and a file came up on the plasma screen. "Marta Erici. 26 years—"

"That's her. Boss that's her! That's the girl!"


"She's Swedish, but her parents and grandparents disowned her after she fell in love with a Mossad officer, Ari Haswari. Now she's a terrorist."

"Gibbs," Tony panicked, "she used me! She used me to get to Kate!! How could I be so stupid!"

"Not stupid, DiNozzo, just naive. Now didn't I tell you to call her?!"

"On it boss."

"So like I was saying," McGee continued. "Marta actually moved to the US before she met Ari. She bought a small farm outside of Takoma, sold it 2 years later but the buyers never actually took up the lease."

"'Kay, let's go! Got an answer Tony?"

"Nothin' boss. No rings."

"Pick up the pace! We gotta phone number for Marta?"

"Don't know if it works but yeah." McGee dug it out of the files.

"Track it!"

-

-

-

"So kitty.." The terrorist's hand trailed over Kate's jawline. "Now that Marta's gone and we're alone, whatever should we do?" He had dragged her back into the house, chaining her to a chair.

"I think you should let me go," Kate suggested. "This isn't like you, holding me up. If you wanted to make me your wife, shouldn't you be treating me right?"

"Oh Caitlin, whoever said I wanted to make you my wife? I said I wanted to make you mine. While you're here I can do whatever I want with you." He smiled and rubbed his thumb over Kate's thigh.

"Fair enough. But can I at least get a name to work with?"

The terrorist chuckled. "Haswari."

"And a last name?"

"Haswari."

"Right. T hen a first name?"

"No."

"Ok then. What do you want with me? I can't tell you what chopper is Marine One, I can't get you into the secret service."

"Do you think I'm shallow, Caitlin?"

"I think you're crazy," Kate responded.

"Stand up," Ari demanded.

Kate did.

"Come with me." Ari guided her gently, one hand on the small of her bak and the other still holding onto his gun. "Lie down."

Kate hesitated.

"On your stomach," Ari pushed her towards the bed.

"No."

"I wasn't asking."

"I said, no." Kate turned to him. "I'm not your little puppy, Haswari. I'm not going to let you run your hands and who knows what else over me."

"Lie down or I will shoot you."

"Then shoot me, you wouldn't dare. You're too in love with me to hurt me."

Ari shoved his gun to the back of her head and pushed her down onto the bed. "You got one thing right, I am in love with you. Ever since I first saw you I've been fascinated by you. Your eyes, and your lips, the way you move when you're going after someone. Your body. I would do whatever I have to to see what’s under those clothes. So yes, I am in love. But you're wrong to say that I wouldn't hurt you. Just look at Marta."

"You're all talk."

Ari slapped her clean across the face, earning a grunt from the brunette. "I could not shoot you, no. But I could do any number of other things." He punched her, leaving her unconscious on the bed. "And I will."

-

-

- "I'll take the front," Gibbs directed the team. "Tony you take the back. McGee I want you to check out the barn. Backup is on the way. I want Kate found and if that bastard is with her, kill. Him."

"Yeah boss!" DiNozzo responded. Gibbs busted down the door, not bothering with introductions. "Kate!" He yelled. Nothing in response. He scanned all the rooms, Tony joining him in the bedroom.

"Boss," Tony started.

Gibbs's eyes scanned the sight in front of him. There was blood. Not a lot, but enough to be noticed. But the other thing?

"That her's boss?"

"Guess it would have to be." Gibbs bent down, picking up the bra that lay on the floor.

"Shirt and pants over here," Tony grabbed them from where they lay wadded up by the window.

"Underwear," Gibbs announced, picking them up after the bra, barely taking notice that they were lace.

"He.."

"Don't say it." Gibbs yelled, slamming his fist into the wall. "He's probably out there taking advantage of her right now!"

"I'll call Abby, maybe this blood is Ari's and not hers."

"Boss!!" McGee yelled from the living room. "I got something."

"Yea, us too." Gibbs held up the clothes and McGee's face went white.

"Out by the barn, Marta's dead."

"What’d ya' mean dead?"

"Uh, dead. Not alive? Stopped breathing and using bodily functions."

"I know what dead means McGee." Gibbs grunted, "How?"

"Shot to the forehead. Ari's work."

"Boss, Abby and Ducky are here."

"Thanks Tony."

"Gibbs Gibbs!" Abby rushed over. "Are you alright?"


"Fine Abs. I need you to test this for DNA." He gave her Kate's clothes. Abby's face drained of color.

"But these are Kate's."

"Know that. Can you run a rape kit?"

"Depends what I find. If there's hair samples then yeah, but we already know who would have done it."

"Can you figure out if it was done?"

"I need more than just clothes. Do you have the sheets?"

"Yeah c'mon." Gibbs led Abby to the bedroom, as she clung on to him he could feel her shaking. This topic always made her queasy, and it didn’t help that one of their own was the victim.

"Oh wow, that's a lot of blood,” Abby whimpered.

"I know. Run that too, see if it's Ari or Kate's or a mix of both."

"Got it. I'll call you when I've got it." Abby gave a sympathetic look and was met with Gibbs’ own.

"Duck!"

"Jethro!" Ducky hurried over.

"Body's in the back. Victim is Marta Erici, 26 years old."

"Body was still warm," McGee adds. "Ari probably shot her right before he.. took Kate."

"So time of death about 45 minutes ago," Ducky assumed.

Once the body temp was taken and the crime scene photos taken, Marta was loaded into the back of the van and sent off to the morgue.

The rest of the team rode back in silence, Gibbs even let DiNozzo drive. "You alright over there boss?" Tony asked.

"He made love to Marta, then put a bullet through her head. What's to say he hasn't done the same with Kate?"

"He doesn't fit the profile," McGee said from the back. "He sees something in Kate that he wants, she's not just a pawn like Marta."

"So he wants something from her?"

"Yeah and I don't think it's sex."


Gibbs' phone rang and he picked it up, "Yeah Abs."

"Good news and bad news, what do you want first?"

"Bad."

"Bad news is that the blood I tested was Kate's."

Gibbs shuddered. "Good news?"

"I didn't find and fluids which indicates that Kate was not taken advantage of."

"Are you sure?"

"Is Caf-Pow my favorite drink?" "Kay, thanks Abs."

"Wait there's more! I analyzed the tire tracks outside the barn. Matches a 2004 Lexus IS 300. Now that's a pretty popular car for this year, but, there was also some paint chips. Now the color was usually used in 2001, but 17 cars in the DC area were painted with Auburn Sky Pearl. Only 4 of those are 2004 models. 1 of those has to be Ari, might be under a fake name, but it has to be one of them."

"That's good Abby. That's really good. Call me if ya' got anything else."

"I will."

"So what's the good news boss?" Tony asked.

"He didn't use her for that." Gibbs answered. "And we have a car. 2004 Lexus IS 300, color- Auburn Sky Pearl. Put out a BOLO."

A weight felt like it was being lifted off the teams shoulders, but there was still an agent to find.

TAGS: @aleck-cross @ah-blossom @ilovemark1951 @marennnx @originalsoulcollector @hotch-meeeeeuppppp

[softrozene]

Reacting to Reader’s Braces Headcanons

I took a break from my event to create this extremely self-indulgent and rushed headcanons since I finally got my braces off! I have a very strong dislike for my retainer now but it will grow on me :’) Anyway this is comfort for me since my mouth is in pain lol.

One Piece Characters Reacting to Reader getting braces vs. getting them off!

One Piece Characters x Reader (Gender-Neutral/Nonbinary)

*I just did the Straw Hats, Law, Marco, Ace, and Thatch for this! (I did not add Jinbei as a straw hat since I am still not all the way caught up)

Warnings: This is long, Fluff- The characters reacting can be considered platonic/romantic- I will have any romantic (kissing) headcanons in bold. Except Chopper. He is strictly platonic because he is baby.

This is their normal One Piece world since I was a bit curious how they would react since I imagine that if there are dentists/orthodontists in their world it would be rare or only in like huge cities like Water 7.

FLAKSDSA Honestly just imagine Reader leaves the crew once in a while to go get their adjustments done or something lmfao. We ignore logic for this one. Only care about the reactions XD

Words: 2,343

Monkey D. Luffy:

When he firsts sees the metal in your mouth he is curious!

He will be in utter awe or laugh if he thinks they look funny (which of course makes Reader’s confidence plummet lol unless you laugh with him)

May call you a robot

He wants to know why they are shaped around your teeth- It is not like the gold or silver teeth that other pirates have that accompany missing teeth

This is weird for him since your teeth seem to be trying to look straight?

When you explain the reasoning of braces to him he is even more puzzled but excited for you!

He is not sure you really need them since he likes your smile regardless but he is happy if you are happy!

As for when you get them off- He is in awe that the braces did their job! And now you get to wear this weird plastic thing in your mouth

How the heck did you even get it in there?

He has no clue what a dentist/orthodontist is so he will just call them mouth doctor and think Chopper is the one helping you lol

Kissing with them on is also a weird experience for him! (I really hate to say it but he will love if you do not clean them very well. It makes him surprised but happy if he tastes food on them alfdjaslkf I HATE THIS lol)

He likes the way the metal feels when he explores your mouth but hopefully he is not a harsh kisser- You fear something will break if he really wanted to flakdfa

When you get your braces off he is in even more shock! That is so cool! Your smile is straight now! But now you got this weird plastic thing in your mouth... He does not mind he is just forgets you wear it since it is clear!

Luffy honestly does not care what you look like smile wise from before or after. He has no preference. He only cares that you are happy with your smile!

Roronoa Zoro:

“What the hell is in your mouth?”

THIS MAN BATHES ONCE A WEEK SO I WOULD ASSUME THAT IS THE SAME WITH HIS DENTAL HYGIENE?! I really hope not. I hope he cares for his mouth and will pretend he does now falksdfja

Anyway, he sees the metal and he is confused but once you explain it, he really does not care anymore

“Oh, cool, I guess.”

If you are partners though- He will be intrigued how kissing you would be. He takes the chance and decides it is an experience for sure tasting the metal in your mouth. (May remind of blood so he pretty cool with it alfdjalk)

Speaking of blood- If something ends up poking him or cutting him... He will enjoy it to the max tbh however if it is you that is hurt he will cease all kissing and only go for pecks until later

When you get them off I think he would miss tasting the metal

When you get your braces off he does not notice at first... It takes a few smiles before he goes... “Wait a minute...”

Then it hits him!

He will smile and be happy if he notices that being braceless brings you confidence with your new smile!

Nami:

SHE NOTICES THEM IMMEDIATELY AND SHE LIKES THEM

Nami is huge on hygiene so I think she would love to know more about dental hygiene and the concept of braces

She is understanding with your diet restrictions and will scold anyone who gives you weird looks or tries to get you to eat something you should not

She is your go-to for this since she also wants to see the end result as perfect

She is tad worried in the kissing department- Not wanting to mess your braces up since she knows how much effort goes into them but she also worried about her safety and if a wire or lose bracket will poke her or worse you. So she sticks to gentle kisses until they are off

She actually goes with you to your orthodontist to see how they take them off and to be there for you

She is happy with and for you upon seeing the end result!

and now her kisses can be harder >///<

Usopp:

As a tinkerer he will notice and also be intrigued. He has never seen braces (like Luffy and Zoro) and has never heard of them

He asks so many questions

Luffy, Zoro, and him are the ones who forget your diet restrictions which causes much irritation on your side. You will constantly glare at them for offering foods or drinks you can’t have

Usopp will eventually start remembering and be considerate on your behalf

When he kisses you he is soft and gentle- Not wanting to hurt you or himself. If he tastes blood he will pass out in fear just because he will blame himself and think he hurt you. He is too sweet :’)

As soon as your braces are off he will ask SO MANY QUESTIONS about the retainer like how was it made and such? Does it feel weird?

He is just so intrigued by it and of course- It makes you smile even more.

Sanji:

Tbh I feel like he would have had them as a kid or wanted them if his dad cared enough aldfjakl

Also notices them immediately

He will actually cater to your diet needs/restrictions because he knows how much they mean to you if you are going through such a time consuming thing to get your teeth fixed

Besides that he is just a friend you can go to if you are in mouth pain- He will make something soft for you every time you go for an adjustment or tea to help sooth your mouth

If you are kissing on the other hand- If homeboy does not pass out first he will be so gentle. He is terrified of hurting you or making you uncomfortable with your braces on (and lowkey is the same way even if you get them off- You will have to be the one to make the first move)

When you get them off- It is a food celebration! Whatever you missed eating or that you could not eat he will make it all for you!

He does notice if you are smile more and if you are more confident with your new smile! : )

Tony Tony Chopper:

HE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND DURING YOUR BRACES TIME.

He will constantly worry about any mouth pains and since he is a doctor is intrigued how someone labeled as a doctor for teeth does their jobs

He will asks questions constantly and write about your journey with this

10/10 cutie and best buddy for this

Make sure he is stocked on simple pain meds for you

Nico Robin:

She notices them but does not say anything or ask questions unless you want to talk about

She is sweet and looks out for you

Makes sure Sanji helps with your diet restrictions

Besides that she does not notice much or ask much

She is just happy that you are doing this for yourself

Her kisses concerning this are always gentle. She refuses to risk anything with you until after your braces are gone. Only then will she let herself become more heated with kisses.

After your braces she will always compliment your smile (and tell you it was beautiful before too but notes how confident you are)

Cyborg Franky:

“WHOA THAT IS SUPPPPPERRRR!”

He likes them.

That is all.

Okay but seriously. As a man who completely turned himself into a machine in the front he has mad respect for you for putting metal in your mouth. Like that concept is wild to him since the mouth is so sensitive (yet he also can blow flames out his mouth due to working on it aldfjal)

He will refuse to kiss you since he knows how is strength and hard kisses can damage your brackets/wires so he refuses anything until after they are safely off.

Besides that after your braces are off and you have your retainer on (He honestly didn’t notice the retainer lol) He will go “You have a SUPERRRR smile!”

Brook:

Brook honestly does notice them at first but he does not say anything until you do

Cue his jokes: “I NOTICE THE METAL IN YOUR TEETH WITH MY EYES BUT WAIT I DO NOT HAVE ANY EYES YOHOHOHO”

Besides that he is not that interested in them

For kissing though he also refuses to do so since he is straight up a skeleton. He does not want to risk his bone breaking ANYTHING. Though he will peck your cheek. Even after you get them off he is hesitant since he is a skeleton- That does not mean he will not try. If you ask he will get flustered and be gentle for you

When you get your braces off- Brook may tease you and say your teeth are almost as straight as his! And remind you constantly that he is a skeleton adlfjakl

Trafalgar Law:

Is just a king- I should stop all headcanons here alfdkaldks

He knows what braces are and is not that interested in the work only because he prefers his medicinal studies that are more morbid than the mouth

However, he is very observational still and notes how you care for them and what your diet is

For kissing- He acts like he does not care but he is gentle and careful when things gets heated. He is actually a big softie so he will do everything to avoid ruining your braces that would involve a setback.

After you get your braces off he also notices how much more confident you are. How much brighter your smile is because of that

Besides that- He does not make a big deal out of it

Marco the Phoenix:

He and the Whitebeard pirates have been nearly everywhere and met all kinds of people so he is not that surprised when he notices that you have braces

He has seen them before so not a big deal

Much like Law, Marco will not make a big deal out of it

However, if you both are close to each other he may tease you whenever you develop a lisp or when are embarrassed after an adjustment.

Either way he means it with a good heart

God- Kisses with Marco when you have braces are so, so, so, gentle. He is the king of kisses no matter what. He is careful but he sure as hell will not let the metal win when you both get heated. So he knows how to maneuver around your mouth with his tongue >///<

When you get your braces off- It is a celebration with the whole crew. Marco helps plan it and of course takes photos of your smile afterwards since you have every right to be proud of your smile

He will always comment on how your smile is brighter

Portgas D. Ace:

Also with Marco (and Thatch) he is rather used to seeing different kinds of people with different situations so he is not surprised to see metal in your mouth

However when you get close to him he does ask questions and get intrigued

He only teases you when you have some trouble speaking a few words but besides that- He is also respectful and does not think much of the braces

Though since he is one that eats all the time he tries to be considerate for you since he knows that it can be frustrating with your diet restrictions

If you are in a relationship with him he actually is not confident in kissing you with your braces. It is because he cares so much about you and because of his self-loathing- He would HATE if he messed up your braces so he is cautious and tries not to push anything until after you get your braces off

When your braces comes off homeboy is going to dine-and-dash with you EVERYWHERE

Thatch-

Like the other two- Thatch is used to this kind of thing so he is not surprised

Since he is the culinary chef for the Whitebeard Pirates you bet your butt he will have better foods for you to suit your needs

He is also teasing like the others and may take it a far sometimes but he will remind you that you are good with or without braces!

He constantly makes sure you are doing fine though since he is aware of how the other whitebeard pirates may not be as considerate as he is

Kisses with Thatch are gentle but I think if it gets too heated he may forget that he is supposed to be gentle. He definitely ends up tearing up his tongue on the metal if this is the case and he feels bad if you feel bad- If not he will laugh it off and continue if you want

After you get your braces off- He will check with what you want to celebrate! What kind foods you have to eat first and you get the honor of taking the first bite!

OKAY LAST BUT NOT LEAST HERE IS A LIST ON WHO WOULD MAKE SURE YOU ACTUALLY WEAR YOUR RETAINER :’):

Would forget you you wear a retainer so they would not be helpful as a reminder: Luffy, Zoro, Franky, Brook, Ace

Remembers then forgets after a while: Usopp and Thatch

Makes you wear your retainer as instructed and will give you a death glare (out of love of course) if you are not doing so: Nami, Robin, Sanji, Chopper, and Marco

Will make sure you wear your retainer even though he says he does not care, and will murder your soul if you do not do so (out of love but he will lie about it): Law

[soultronica]

Law’s -ya suffix

“How many people have you killed, Drake-ya?”

About Law's verbal quirk of adding -ya at the end of the names of the people he's addressing -- fairly unique, yeah? Chances are this is something you've never seen before, at least this was the case for me. This post is an attempt at a comprehensive explanation and overview of the way he uses it.

(obligatory blanket warning that my japanese level is around jlpt n2/cecrl c1 - i understand the stuff i research but i'm not a native speaker. i can be mistaken.)

The suffix -ya (屋)

Let's start off by saying that while it's a strange way to address people, the suffix in itself isn't unfamiliar.

The basic meaning of "ya" (屋) is shop, essentially. You add it to a noun to turn it into a profession, especially ones related to shops and traditional trades, though usually with the polite address marker -san, even in third person.

So for example:

pan = bread ⇨ panya-san = baker kutsu = shoes ⇨ kutsuya-san = shoemaker

This includes “invented” occupations that would therefore be instinctively understood as such. For example, an anime I just watched (durarara) has:

joho = information ⇨ johoya(-san) = information broker hakobu = to carry ⇨ hakobiya(-san) = transporter

And then by extension, it became used in nouns to define a person by a trait of theirs:  

ganbaru = to do one's best ⇨ ganbariya-san = someone who always tries their best hazukashii = to be embarrassed  ⇨ hazukashigariya-san = a shy person

This last bit is relevant here because Law's terms of address includes not so much occupations but attributes. So you'd understand "Strawhat-ya" as "Guy with the strawhat" for example.

Where it gets a bit confusing is that Law's terms of address also include just tacking on the suffix to names, which makes less sense intuitively... Which is where Oda's own explanation comes in handy.

Historical background: yago (屋号)

Straight from the source - this is an SBS answer from volume volume 62 (page 84), which was replaced in the official English edition.

Reader: Law-san uses -ya to address people such as in "Strawhat-ya", does that mean that if someone is named Tsuchiya he'd call them Tsuchiyaya? Please tell me Law-san ❤ Oda: Law-san! Someone's asking for you! ... Yeah, he's not coming. I'll answer in his place, shall I? In the past in Japan, maybe around Edo era? There was a thing called "yago". If for example in a village you had two people called Tomekichi, folks would use -ya instead of their names to refer to them (by their trade), such as "Tomekichi the toolshop (doguya)" or "Tomekichi the cooper (okeya)". Have you never heard "Tamaya~!" in the context of fireworks or "Nakamuraya!" in the context of kabuki? It's something like that. Right, Law-san? Law: Yeah.

If you're not familiar with yago at all, maybe the wikipedia article will help (link). I'm sure you can make the link with what I've explained above. The gist is that a commoner would often be addressed by their trade or shop name for differentiation (as in Oda's example) or convenience. And if they made a name for themselves, said name (including the -ya bit, the same "ya" as in "yago") could be used the same way their trade name would be, and they'd pass that name from generation to generation, making the name a yago. The Nakamuraya Oda mentions here is a famous yago of kabuki actors stretching back to the 16th century (link) and the Tamaya are, you guessed it, a hanabi (traditional fireworks) yago from the Edo era (Japanese link).

So there we go! Law's -ya suffix usage is actually pretty traditional.

Law's usage

Law of course does not use the -san polite address marker, because he's a rude little shit. This brings me to what I believe is the first time he uses it, chronologically, which (provided you consider it canon) would be in the Law novel which takes place right after Law runs away from Minion Island where Cora died. He doesn't use -ya at all during his manga flashbacks. In the novel however he's saved by a man, Wolf, who creates mostly worthless inventions. Which leads Law to call him Garakuta-ya, where "garakuta" means junk, rubbish. Implying that his occupation is to create junk. I think this is a pretty good in-context illustration of how the suffix works? And if you consider the novel canon, you get the added characterisation bit of this habit of Law's being originally a kid's thing, which fits nicely.

Regardless of how it started, he clearly got used to addressing people like this. In the manga, these are the addressed characters I'm aware of, including Oda's own compilation from a volume 72 (page 46) SBS answer:

Luffy - Mugiwara-ya (Strawhat-ya) Zoro - Zoro-ya Nami - Nami-ya Usopp - Hana-ya (Nose-ya) (lol) Sanji - Kuroashi-ya (Blackleg-ya) Chopper - Tony-ya Robin - Nico-ya Franky - Robo-ya Brook - Bone-ya Smoker - Hakuryo-ya (White Chase-ya)* Caesar - Caesar-ya* Drake - Drake-ya Kidd - Eustass-ya (* = are also addressed without the -ya)

There's not really a pattern here. For some of these characters he uses an attribute + ya, which again makes instinctual sense when you're used to the regular meaning of -ya. For others he uses surname + ya, which is what originally confused me until I found the SBS yago explanation. Notably this includes characters who aren't usually referred to by their surnames (Chopper, Robin, Kid). But then you've also got Zoro and Nami who are addressed by their first names.

Despite those two I'd still say that it's overall a particularly offhand term of address, and a non-polite one at that (which is why the "Mr" translation that was in Sabaody-era scans for the ones he addresses by surname doesn't really work, but I can't fault a week-by-week translator for having no idea what to do with that, with no characterisation to go on).

It's worth noting that he doesn't use -ya at all for members of his crew: Bepo, Penguin and Shachi are all addressed by just their names.

Signification

So why this particular verbal quirk for Law? It's all up to interpretation of course, but I'd say this leans into his casually rude way of speaking, especially pre-timeskip Law.

Another point that I've seen raised in a Japanese meta, and one that I agree with, is that it serves to make him more Japanese. I know a lot of us have our headcanons about the ethnicities of various OP characters and for me Law is one of the particularly Japanese-coded characters: his Japanese sword, his not eating bread, his use of a traditional suffix as a verbal quirk... (and also just because I've met sooo many japanese guys his age with exactly that terrible facial hair/sideburns combo what's up with that lol)

But of course all this is open to interpretation. I'd love to hear anybody's thoughts about his characterisation! And I hope this helped shed light on some of it.

Bonus

Rule 63!Law does use the -san polite address marker lol.

"How many people have you killed, Drake-ya-san?"

[swan-of-sunrise]

Civil War (Chapter Six)

Summary: Bucky’s suspicious escape from the Joint Counter Terrorist Centre and the fallout surrounding it makes (Y/N) reevaluate her opinion of the Accords.

Pairing: Steve Rogers X Reader

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings/Disclaimers: None

A/N: Last week’s chapter was really angsty and it kinda took a toll on me so here’s a sort of short filler chapter with slightly less angst! Thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter Six (Previous Chapter)

While she couldn’t claim to be a spy or secret agent, (Y/N) had picked up a thing or two from hanging around so many of them over the past couple of years; she knew that Bucky would eventually need an exit once he was finished tearing through everyone in the building, and it was a safe bet to assume that the skilled assassin would choose to fly himself out of there instead of travel on foot at the risk of being apprehended. She was quick to locate the building’s stairwell, hurrying up the steps as the emergency lights and alarms continued to blare; when she reached the top floor, she flung open the door and stepped out into the dark and deserted hallway.

“God, I hope this thing works…” Mumbling under her breath, (Y/N) fiddled with the dials of the walkie talkie until she could hear the indistinct chatter of voices, only letting out a sigh of relief when she finally heard the one she needed to speak to. “Agent Ross, this is (Y/N) (Y/L/N). I need backup on the-”

“(Y/L/N), what the hell are you doing?!”

“Your job, it would seem! I’m on the top floor and have reason to believe that-!”

Just then, a metallic hand came out of nowhere and ripped the walkie talkie from her hands, crushing it to pieces before tossing it aside. (Y/N) acted on instinct, rolling underneath Bucky’s outstretched arm and pulling a stun disc out of her pocket; landing upright, she chucked the stun disc at his metallic arm and took advantage of the assassin’s distraction to sweep his legs out from underneath him with one of her own.

“Your name is James Buchanan Barnes, and you were a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II!” She shouted, keenly aware that the distraction would only last a few more seconds. “You were Steve Rogers’ best friend and a Howling Commando!” Hastily backing out of the way, she watched with widened eyes as he ripped the electrified stun disc off his arm and leapt to his feet. “Bucky, I don’t believe that you bombed the U.N. but you need to stop and remember who you are!”

Bucky’s face was blank and devoid of any emotion, a far cry from the frightened man in the containment cell. He stalked towards her and while she had just enough time to duck the first punch he threw her way, she couldn’t dodge the second; the force of his fist’s impact on her jaw sent her flying back and crashing to the ground, her wrist screaming in protest as she tried and failed to break her fall. While he strode down the hallway to where she was sprawled on the floor, she hurriedly ripped all the stun discs out of her pocket and began throwing them as she crawled backwards. He avoided each and every stun disc she threw, but it bought her enough time to pick herself up off the ground and side-step his next attack; before she could land a kick or punch, though, his metal hand shot out and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her easily into the air and slamming her hard against the wall.

(Y/N)’s hands came up to uselessly clutch at the metal fingers that were digging into her skin and her legs kicked out in desperation as she struggled for air; just as her vision was beginning to darken her eyes focused on the small tear in the sleeve of his shirt and the corner of a red star it barely revealed, and in desperation she cried out, “Sol…Soldat!”

The assassin froze, and (Y/N) watched as his hardened expression shifted into confusion. His metallic hand quickly loosened and she instantly crumpled to the floor, coughing and gasping for air, unable to move or even defend herself. Bucky’s heavy footsteps faded away and with a wheezing breath, she lifted her head in time to see Steve burst through the same stairwell door she’d come through moments before.

“(Y/N)!?” He hurried to her side and dropped down, his grease-smudged face filled with pure panic as he tugged her into his arms. “Oh God, you’re bleeding…!”

Steve’s free hand came up to touch her scratched jaw but she grabbed his wrist to halt his movement, ignoring how his brow furrowed in confusion as she whispered, “G-go, Steve…Bucky’s heading for…for the helipad…”

He firmly shook his head, blue eyes already set in determination. “No, baby, I’m not leaving you.”

“Bucky needs you!” (Y/N) insisted, suppressing her wince of pain as she stared up at him with a fiery resolve; sensing the conflict within the super-soldier, she released his wrist and gently rested her hand against his cheek with a sad smile. “Go.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Steve nodded and carefully eased her back onto the ground, giving her one final look before running down the hallway after the assassin; right before he turned the corner, she closed her eyes, unwilling to watch as the love of her life chased after the deadly assassin by himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the second time in two days, (Y/N) quietly sat and allowed herself to be patched up by a kindly paramedic. Not only did she still have a ruptured eardrum, she also had a large laceration along her jaw that required five stitches, a sprained wrist that was secured in a sturdy brace and a smattering of darkening finger-shaped bruises around her neck. Others weren’t as lucky as you were, she reminded herself, sadness washing over her as she thought of all the critically injured and dead CIA agents who’d also encountered the dangerous Winter Soldier during his rampage.

Once the paramedics finished treating her wounds, she made her way back to the control room and was immediately met by a sympathetic Natasha. “Here, I got you some tea with honey; it’ll help your throat feel better.” The spy handed her a warm to-go cup before wrapping an arm around her shoulders and leading her into the glass-walled conference room, where Tony was already seated and resting his bruised head in his hand. “Secretary Ross’s gonna be here in a few minutes, hot-shot, so please try to be on your best behavior no matter what he says to rile you up.”

(Y/N) merely nodded and took a sip of her tea, wincing in pain as she swallowed. The injuries to her throat didn’t stop her from speaking but her own conscious did; she was beginning to realize that no matter what she could say or do to convince them that Bucky was innocent, they’d never listen and even if they did, there was nothing they could do about it under the Sokovia Accords. So, she made the decision to bide her time and wait until the right moment to bring up her theory.

The three of them sat together in weary silence, the turmoil of the past two days seeming to catch up to them, until Secretary Ross barged into the conference room with his trademark sneer on his face. “You two wanna fill me in on what happened and why a civilian’s still sitting in the middle of a covert CIA control room?”

As if sensing (Y/N)’s simmering irritation, Natasha stood and moved to lean against the back of her chair, placing a calming hand on her shoulder as she replied, “Barnes escaped custody with the aid of the U.N. psychiatrist sent to evaluate him; they knocked out the power grid to the city and used it as a distraction, and (Y/N) here was already in the building for questioning. She’s one of the many who tried and failed to stop Barnes from leaving the building.”

“After taking (Y/L/N) out of commission, Barnes tried leaving in a chopper but ended up crashing it on the helipad; he, Rogers and Wilson are all missing in action.” Tony glanced over at (Y/N) before returning his gaze to the Secretary of State. “That’s all we’ve got.”

“I don’t suppose you have any idea where they are?”

“We will, GSG-9’s got the borders covered, and Recon’s flying 24/7. They’ll get a hit; we’ll handle it.”

Secretary Ross scoffed at the billionaire. “You don’t get it, Stark, it’s not yours to handle. It’s clear you can’t be objective, so I’m putting Special Ops on this.”

The spy’s hand on her shoulder flexed. “What happens when the shooting starts? What, do you kill Steve Rogers?”

“If we’re provoked,” (Y/N)’s eyes widened in horror and in her shock, she almost missed what Ross said next. “Barnes would’ve been eliminated in Romania if it wasn’t for Rogers; there are dead people who would be alive now. Feel free to check my math.”

Tony’s eyes flicked over to meet theirs, an uncomfortable look filling his gaze as he turned back to Ross. “All due respect, you’re not going to solve this with boys and bullets, Ross. You gotta let us bring them in.”

“How would that end any differently from the last time?” The Secretary of State demanded.

The billionaire’s expression hardened at Ross’ silent implications. “Because this time, I won’t be wearing loafers and a silk shirt. Seventy-two hours, guaranteed.”

“Thirty-six hours,” Ross corrected, giving them all a pointed look before turning and walking out of the conference room, calling out over his shoulder, “Barnes…Rogers…Wilson…”

“Thank you, sir!” The glass door closed and Tony slumped in his seat with an exhausted sigh as he clutched his left arm. “My left arm is numb, is that normal?”

Moving around the table, Natasha patted the billionaire on his shoulder. “You all right?”

The two Avengers continued to talk in low tones but (Y/N) couldn’t focus on what they were saying; all she could think of were Secretary Ross’ cold-blooded words and the way he’d said them without so much as a hint of remorse. What horrified her more, though, was the fact that Tony and Natasha didn’t appear to be bothered by the threat against the lives of their former teammates. This is all wrong, she thought as her vision began to blur with unshed tears, her heart sinking into her stomach while she realized that Steve’s worst fears about the Accords were materializing right before her very eyes; blinking away her tears, she looked down at her now-bare ring finger and the longer she stared, the more her anger with the two Avengers grew.

“…head downstairs to talk to T’Challa. I’ll bring (Y/N) with me, since he seems to tolerate her more than the rest of us.”

“Before you do, though, she’s gonna need to sign the Accords; I don’t want Ross looking for any excuses to arrest her so we need to do this by the books.” She looked back up as Tony and Natasha turned to her, the billionaire’s brow raised in expectation while he continued. “That okay with you, Austen?”

(Y/N) was silent for a long moment and when she finally spoke, it was with a forced calmness and a clenched jaw. “Did I ever tell you two what my new novel Bring A Folding Chair is about? It chronicles the rise and fall of second-wave feminism in America as told through the eyes of a young investigative journalist.” Getting up from her seat, she crossed her arms over her chest and began pacing. “I focus on the successes of the movement while also highlighting its failures and shortcomings, because even the most well-intended things can inadvertently end up hurting others.” (Y/N) shook her head in agitation and glanced over at the two confused Avengers. “When it came to the Accords, I knew from the moment Secretary Ross told us about them that they were wrong, but I turned a willful blind eye to the truth because I was selfish and only cared about saving my relationship with Steve. But now…now my eyes are wide open.”

“(Y/N), take it easy-”

“Do not tell me to take it easy when you just sat there and listened to Ross practically order a hit on three people – two of which are your friends – who haven’t been legally convicted of any wrongdoing!” She yelled as her sore throat ached in protest but she ignored it, all the frustration and pain that had been building up inside of her finally boiling over. “Steve was right when he said I was too idealistic; I thought the world was made up of enough good people who would keep the Accords from becoming too authoritative but unfortunately, it’s made up of cowards like us who are only looking out for our own self-interests.” Her gaze shifted from Tony’s stunned expression to Natasha, whose face remained neutral but whose eyes conveyed the pain her words had caused; she swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded before continuing. “Well, I don’t know about you two but I can’t do it anymore.”

Without another word, (Y/N) stormed out into the control room and down one of the hallways to Agent Ross’ office, her uninjured hand curled into a fist at her side as she walked; the door of the agent’s office was open and he was in deep conversation with Sharon Carter, who was tapping away on a tablet while they talked. They both looked over at her as she entered the office, and Agent Ross’ brow furrowed in concern while he took in her injuries and stony expression. “Miss (Y/L/N). Agent 13 told me that you got roughed up pretty badly earlier; are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Agent Ross. Am I free to go?” The agent raised his brow, looking more amused that surprised by her demanding question, and she gritted her teeth before continuing. “In the past forty-eight hours I’ve attended a friend’s funeral, was nearly blown up in a suspected terrorist attack, was unjustly interrogated for several continuous hours, broke off my engagement to the love of my life and was nearly killed again by a brainwashed assassin. I’m filthy, I’m injured, I’m exhausted, and I’m just one more incident away from completely losing my shit so can I please leave now?”

Sharon cast her a fleeting glance and took a step forward. “Sir, she’s already given multiple statements to our agents and…well, to be frank, the Joint Terrorism Task Force is already facing scrutiny for not stopping Barnes’ escape. The criticism will only intensify when the news outlets catch wind that we’re holding an injured, world-famous author without probable cause.” Agent Ross considered her words, and Sharon shot her a warning glance before continuing. “I’ll drive her to a nearby hotel and keep an eye on her in case Rogers tries getting into contact; based on the events of the last few hours, though, I’m not so sure that he will.”

“All right,” He finally answered, his expression softening a little as he looked back at her. “But for the time being, Miss (Y/L/N), consider yourself on the no-fly list.”

Nodding in thanks, (Y/N) glanced back at Sharon and the agent gave her a brief smile. “I’ve got a few things to wrap up here so I’ll meet you down in the parking garage in ten.” She reached into her pockets and withdrew her car keys, pressing them into her open palm with another fleeting smile. “My car’s the grey Audi parked by the stairwell.”

(Y/N) walked out of the office and down the hallway but since the mechanics were still working on fixing the elevators after the power-outage, she was forced to take the stairs all the way down to the underground parking garage. She quickly located the agent’s car and unlocked it, climbing into the passenger seat and buckling her seat-belt; now that she was finally alone, she couldn’t stop herself as she lowered her head into her hands and cried, allowing all the pent-up emotions inside of her to finally be set free. In that moment, all she wanted to do was go back to when everything was normal, back before Lagos and her constant fighting with Steve and the goddamn Accords; it wasn’t perfect, of course, but it was a hundred times better than what they were all currently going through. “I’m so sorry, Steve…”

As her sobs finally began to subside, the stairwell door opened and Sharon walked through the doorway; she took a steadying breath and wiped the last of her tears away just as the agent opened the driver-side door and got it. Sharon reached over and opened the glove-box to reveal a package of tissues, flashing her a brief and sympathetic smile as she pulled one out and blew her nose. “I tend to start feeling better after I’ve had a good cry. How ‘bout you?”

“Not really, I still feel like shit except now my eyes itch and my nose is running,” (Y/N) half-heartedly quipped, dabbing at the corners of her eyes and sighing. “So, you know any good hotels around here?”

“The Kurhotel Strӧszek’s nice and it’s not too far from here, so that’ll make Agent Ross happy. On our way, we’ll stop at a pharmacy and pick you up some first aid sup-” The ringing of Sharon’s cell phone interrupted her words and she was quick to answer it. “Agent 13 here…Steve?” (Y/N) instantly perked up and with a brief gesture for her to stay quiet, the agent switched to speakerphone. “Okay, I’m alone. What’s up?”

“We’ve figured out what’s going on,” Steve’s voice answered through the phone’s speaker and (Y/N) bit her lip to keep from making a sound at the comforting timbre. “The doctor framed Bucky for the U.N. bombing in order to find out where Hydra kept him. They created five other Winter Soldiers back in the 90’s and had them cryogenically frozen; he’s planning on waking them, says he’s doing it to see an empire fall.”

“So, you three need your gear before you can go after him.”

The super-soldier sighed. “I know that it’s a lot to ask, Sharon-”

“You’re trying to stop a squad of murderous super-soldiers from taking over the world, Rogers; if this is how I can help stop that from happening, then I’m in. I’ll send you a message when I’ve got the gear and we’ll arrange a meeting.”

“Thank you, Sharon, I owe you one. How…how’s (Y/N) doing?”

“She’s okay; lacerated jaw, sprained wrist and a whole lot of bruising, but she’s fine.” Steve breathed a deep sigh of relief that made (Y/N)’s heart warm and the agent gave her a sideways glance before continuing. “You should know that she’s refused to sign the Accords. I’ve been assigned to escort her to a hotel, where she’ll stay until she’s taken off the CIA’s no-fly list and can go back home…”

There was silence over the line and just as she began wondering if they’d somehow been disconnected, Steve quietly spoke, “I’ve already asked you for one favor but can I bother you for another?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“If I write a letter, can you make sure that it gets to (Y/N)? There’s a lot that I need to tell her and since I don’t know what’ll happen where we’re going…well, she deserves answers one way or another.”

Sharon’s eyes flicked between (Y/N)’s saddened expression and the cell phone in her hand as she nodded. “Of course, I’ll pick it up when I hand over your gear. Talk to you later, Rogers.”

Hanging up, the agent tucked the phone into her pocket and quickly started the engine, buckling up and driving at a steady speed through the parking garage and out onto the street; (Y/N) fiddled with the hem of her wrinkled shirt for a thought-filled moment before stating, “You’ve already got a plan.”

“Let’s just say that I’ve been prepared to follow through on a favor like this one for a while now,” Sharon spared her a sideways glance and focused back on the road. “But I won’t say anything else about it on the off-chance the CIA decides to question you somewhere down the line; the last thing I want is for you to be charged with aiding and abetting in the theft of government property.”

(Y/N) glanced down at her bare ring finger and thought back on Steve’s words during his phone call; she was desperate to find out what was in the letter but at the same time, she knew in her heart that she needed to hear whatever it was directly from him. The thought reminded her of their conversation about the problems within their relationship in the London hotel’s bar, the last truly calm moment they’d shared before everything went sideways…

“Whatever it is, we can work through it together. We make a damn good team, after all.”

“Of course we do, sunshine.”

There’s something I have to do before Steve and the others go after those super-soldiers, (Y/N) thought to herself, her shoulders squared in determination as she turned to glance at Sharon beside her and pondered the best way to ask the spy for a third and final favor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Russian Translation: Soldat-Soldier

A/N: Next chapter will have even less angst so yay! Thank you all so much for reading and commenting! I’ve created a Spotify playlist inspired by this series, and I’ll be updating it every time I upload a new chapter. Enjoy!

Spotify Playlist:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TsJ2TY1F2HDXhEYOfzCjY?si=b1abdaeccc4c4d21

Chapter Seven

Civil War Masterlist

Tagging: @mrs-obrien​​​​​ @lahoete​​​​​ @awkward117​ @cminr​​​​​ @natdrunk​​​​​​ @momc95​​​​​ @savedbystyle​​​​​ @miraculouscloud​ @awkwardnesshabitat​​​​​ @marinettepotterandplagg​​​​​ @khuang3​​​​​ @supersouthy​​​​​ @benakenalove​​​​​ @brooke0297​​​​​ @hufflepeople​​​​​ @becausewelie​​​​​​ @outoftheregular​​​​​ @supreme-tantrum​​​​​ @ladydmalfoy​​​​​ @mads-weasley​​​​​ @username23345​​​​​ @crist1216​​​​​ @aesthethickks​​

[lawssword]

Day Four: Betrayal

It's true that most alliances between pirates end in Betrayal. Law didn't want this one to end that way.

TW: major character death

Word Count: 2.2k

"Law!" The shriek that echoed across the battlefield made Law's ears ring. Law spun around, looking for the source. They had been yelling his name but there was too much going on. Then Nami was by his side. Something in his stomach turned when he saw the look on her face. Panic set in Law's chest and his hands shook, Law clutched his sword tight.

"Where's Luffy?"

"Up there!" Nami's voice hitched with panic and Law looked up. Luffy was falling from the top floor of Kaido's palace. Where the big fight had been. Law knew he should be up there with Luffy but he got caught up in all this chaos on the way there.

"He's not moving..." Nami said.

"Room!" Law didn't hesitate. Luffy was far away but if Law learned anything in Dressrosa it was that he could push his room far beyond its limits. He brought Luffy to them. Law just hoped that this was a repeat of Dressrosa, and Luffy just need that cool down.

That wasn't the case, and Law knew it as soon as he laid eyes on Luffy. He was beaten beyond recognition. What wasn't bruised was covered in blood. Nami gasped.

"Luffy!"

"Where's Tony-ya!?" Law asked. He'd need all the help he could get. Luffy looked worse than he had after the war and Law just hoped to any god that might exist that all that blood wasn't Luffy's.

"I don't know," Nami muttered, though she was looking around.

"Help me get him out of here, it's not safe!" Law said he was already picking Luffy up, pulling Luffy's arm over his shoulder. Nami did the same and they dragged Luffy into the wreckage and hid in a building Law was certain wasn't structurally sound.

That didn't matter right now.

Nami and Law laid Luffy down on the ground. Law took Luffy's wrist, his hands shook as he tried to find a pulse. Part of Law didn't want to for fear of not finding one.

Law didn't need another person he loved dying. He couldn't take that again. Another loved one dying because of his own stupid choices. But he found it, Luffy's pulse, it was faint, but there. Law sighed in relief.

"Is he..."

"No, not yet anyway, I need Tony-ya," Law said. He couldn't do this on his own.

"I'll find him!" Nami said. "Just keep Luffy alive until then!" Nami said. "He's going to live!"

Law wasn't so sure about that. Law opened his room. He'd do what he could for now but he needed the supplies he knew Chopper had, and he needed Chopper's help.

"You won't die here," Law muttered. "I promise..." Law clenched his jaw, trying to keep his lip from trembling.

Law focused on Luffy, his beaten and bruised body. Luffy should have had broken bones from how badly he was beaten, he shouldn't be alive.

Luckily for the both of them, that devil fruit had Luffy's back.

But the internal bleeding was beyond belief. Luffy was going to bleed out and Law wasn't sure what he could do even with Chopper's help. Law closed his room. He'd need as much energy as he could get to save Luffy when Chopper got there.

Law heard footsteps coming towards him. It was way too soon for Nami to be coming back. Law drew his sword and pressed himself against the wall next to the entrance.

No way in hell was Law going to let any harm come to Luffy right now. Law heard the footsteps right on the other side of the entrance and swung his sword.

It was met by another sword. One he recognized. Wado Ichimoji.

"Roronoa?" Law asked. He still couldn't see the sword's wielder.

"Trafalgar," Zoro responded. Law lowered his sword and Zoro stepped into the doorway.

"L-Luffy!" Zoro gritted his teeth as he sheathed his own sword.

"He's in worse condition than he was during the war," Law admitted. Zoro looked over at Law with his eye wide.

"What does that mean?"

"I was barely able to save him then," Law said, sheathing his sword. He sat on the ground next to Luffy.

"Is he going to die?" Zoro asked with a sullen voice. His eye was glued to Luffy.

"I don't know," Law admitted. His voice cracked and Law cleared his throat through to cover it up. He pulled the brim of his hat over his eyes. Luffy wasn't dead yet.

"Law!" That was Chopper's voice this time.

Chopper came running into the room and Nami was right behind him.

"How is he—" Chopper stopped dead in his tracks. "Oh no."

"Chopper!? What does that mean!?" It was Zoro that asked, well, more of, demanded.

"Law?" Chopper looked over at him.

"I don't know if we can save him," Law admitted to all three of him. "The internal bleeding is bad, and if all that blood is his, is a miracle he's not dead already." Law bit back his own feelings as he spoke.

"We can!" Chopper insisted, he went to the other side of Luffy and kneeled on thr ground next to him. "We'll save him, no matter how bad it is."

Chopper spoke with confidence as he pulled off his backpack filled with medical supplies.

"You guys keep watch outside, we need to the most stable environment we can get," Law ordered. Not even Zoro hesitated to follow Law's command. He and Nami went outside, ready to do whatever it took to defend this make-shift operating room. Law's room opened up behind them and all there was left to do was hope Chopper and Law were skilled enough to save Luffy.

No words passed between Nami and Zoro but the tension was there.

Funny that Nami and Zoro were the ones standing here. They had come a long way since the three of them sailed on those two dingies in the East Blue. To think that could all end in just a few minutes was absurd. Luffy couldn't die, not here.

Not when he could have died in Logue Town on that execution platform. Then, it was like God himself intervened to keep Luffy alive. Zoro remembered it clear as day. He and Sanji had been so far away and that lightning had left the taste of metal on his tongue.

Meanwhile, Law and Chopper had gotten most of the external wounds cleaned up. That was the easy part. Law didn't think all of the blood was Luffy's. He had a wound on the side of his head, some cuts on his arms and legs, and some scraped up knuckles. But the scar over his chest was open again. Not as bad as it had been during the war but it was still bad.

The real challenge was the internal bleeding still. Law was worried about cutting Luffy open in this hut of a building. It wasn't sanitary at all. But they didn't have a choice. Law just did what he could to keep the dust settled in on the floor in his room. Luckily Chopper had a lot of rubbing alcohol in that bag of his.

"Oh god," Chopper's face contorted into the definition of worry the moment he saw the damage.

It was so much worse than Law thought. Maybe Law had been denying the severity earlier out of panic.

"Law—" Chopper looked up at him and Law could see the doubt ridden in his face.

"Don't think about that!" Law snapped, he was already working with what he could. Luffy was a miracle worker and what they needed right now was that miracle. I felt like hours they were in there.

Finally, when Chopper and Law got Luffy all bandaged up, it seemed like it was all over. But Law couldn't convince himself that Luffy would be okay.

Chopper put a wet rag over Luffy's face. Law's hands were covered in blood now. He got to his feet and headed to the battered doorway.

"Roronoa, Nami," Law called. They were standing a few feet away, eyes on the somewhat distant battlefield.

Both of them spun around.

"We're done, he's alive," Law said. Though it sounded more like he was trying to convince himself of that.

"Is he awake?" Nami asked. Law shook his head. The three of them went back inside. Chopper was securing some of the bandages.

"What now?" Zoro asked, looking to Law.

"We wait for him to wake up," Law said.

"He can't go back into battle!" Chopper said.

"I know that," Law snapped, he was on edge and worried.

"He will anyway," Zoro said. "You know he will."

Law didn't say anything to that. Zoro was right. There was no doubt about that.

"Luffy!" Chopper exclaimed. Luffy was sitting up, rubbing his head.

"Where am I?" Luffy muttered, looking around the room Luffy started coughing, he covered his mouth with his hand. His coughs were harsh and dry. Law winced at it. Luffy's hand was covered in blood when he pulled away.

There's blood in his lungs.

"Oh, everything hurts," Luffy whimpered, Luffy clutched his stomach and pulled his knees up to his chest.

"Luffy, stop moving so much, you'll reopen all your wounds!"

Law could feel it, Luffy slipping away in his room.  It was like watching a Vivire card burn. It didn't seem real especially since Luffy was right next to him, awake, breathing, talking. A thought crossed his mind and Law made a decision immediately.

"Luffy-ya," Law said quietly. Law couldn't keep the tears from his eyes.

"Torao!" Luffy grinned. "I didn't realize you were here! You saved me again, huh?"

"No," Law muttered, his voice cracked. He could feel Luffy's life in his room, it was weak and getting more faint compared to Zoro's, Nami's, and Chopper's. Luffy's life always seemed to overpower everyone else when Law opened up a room. Not now. "You're dying."

"What!?" Chopper, Zoro, and Nami all shouted at him.

Luffy looked over at Law and blinked.

"Huh," Luffy muttered, he looked down at his body. "Is that why everything hurts so much?"

"Probably," Law said. Luffy started coughing again.

"Ugh, that hurts!" Luffy grumbled when he was done.

Luffy leaned against Law's side. Law was a little surprised but didn't say anything. "Sorry, guys." Luffy looked over at Nami and Zoro with a smile, then Chopper with that same smile.

"Don't go saying stupid shit," Zoro huffed. "You're not dying, you just need rest!"

Law didn't expect that to come from Zoro. Nami or Chopper maybe, but not Zoro.

"You're right about one thing, Roronoa," Law said. "I won't let him die here."

"Torao, what are you talking about?" Luffy muttered.

"I can still save you," Law muttered to him. He wasn't sure if the others heard him but he didn't care about that.

"You're thinking of that thing that Mingo wanted!" Luffy sat up and glared at Law. "I won't let you! I'd rather die!"

"Luffy-ya—"

"NO!" Luffy snapped. "You're not dying for me and I don't want to live forever! I'll die right here if I have to!"

"Luffy!" Law bit.

"What are you guys talking about?" Nami demanded. Luffy started coughing again and Law could feel Luffy's life fading still. He was barely hanging on it was a surprise Luffy was even conscious.

"My devil fruit has the ability to grant someone eternal life," Law said. Silence settled over the three strawhats while Luffy kept hacking up blood. "At the cost of my own life."

"Law—" Chopper started to say.

"Zoro!" Luffy met his first mate's eye. "Don't let Law do that thing no matter what happens, captains orders!"

Zoro's eye widened but he took a deep breath and nodded. "Aye, captain."  Law gritted his teeth. He expanded his room as wide as he could get it.

"I'm not letting you die, Luffy-ya, I don't care what that means, you won't die here!"

"Torao why are you being such a bastard!?" Luffy growled.

"Because I love you!" Law snapped. Law swapped himself and Luffy for some rocks to get them away from the rest of the strawhats. Law closed the room as soon as they were away.

"Torao!" Luffy growled, he punched Law but it was feeble. Luffy started hacking up blood again. He got to his feet.

"I'll fight you if I have to Torao, you won't do that!" Luffy insisted.

"You couldn't even fight a blade of grass right now," Law pointed out.

"I don't care!" Luffy screamed.

Law drew his sword and pointed at Luffy.

"Nico-ya was right," Law said. "Pirate Alliances end in betrayal."

"Room!"

"TORAO NO!" Luffy screamed.

Law could hear Zoro coming around the corner.

"Law!" Zoro shouted. But it was too late, Law did what he had to do. He could feel Zoro's blade on his back but it didn't matter. Law fell to the ground and his room collapsed.

"Torao! You stupid bastard, wake up!" Luffy shouted he straddled Law's body and pulled his jacket into his first.

"Torao!" Luffy's voice cracked. He could feel it though. His body didn't ache anymore. He had a lot more energy than he did before. "What about your crew!? God damn it TORAO!"

Luffy got to his feet. "DAMN IT, DAMN IT!" Luffy shouted out fo frustration, he paced back and forth, trying to fight the tears in his eyes. Law wasn't supposed to die.

This wasn't supposed to happen again.

[mugiwara-no-angel143]

Last night I met Tony Tony Chopper and my heart! The whole story, now I’m not finished with it yet, but with what I’ve seen so far it so good. The scene with Luffy holding into the flag and just everything about what it represented was amazing! And my bad ass Zoro “oh it’s already over” this guy! Fucking love him.

[fic-for-fic-sake]

Trying Hard To Be Good

Pairs: Bucky x reader

A/N: I’m a sucker for soft Bucky and I’ve also seen people requesting the reader having a panic attack or something and Bucky comforting them. Slight mention of violence but that’s all. 

Bubbly. If he could use one word to describe you that’s what it would be. Off the field you were bubbly. Always laughing and joking, making light hearted conversation with everyone you met. You seemed so innocent that all Bucky wanted to do was to protect you. That is, until he saw you on the field. He had never seen anything like it. How fierce you were, with seemingly superhuman strength as you ripped through enemy after enemy. A snarl was curled on your lips, a stark contrast to the genuine smile you would flash anytime someone made you laugh. You took out 20 enemies by yourself, Bucky had never seen anything like it before, it was incredible. 

You were caked in blood and grime and hardly seemed bothered by it. Once the mission was finished and you all made your way back to the quin jet you were flashing that genuine smile once more. It seemed more intense, your glistening teeth peeking out from the dirt and muck on your face. You were rustling through your gear bag, fingers digging through this and that until you found what you wanted. You produced several little packages from the bag and tossed one to each of your teammates. 

“What’s this?” Natasha asked, looking at the contents and raising an eyebrow. 

“Just a little care kit I made for you guys. You’re always asking if you can steal my face wipes or borrow my mouthwash after missions so I figured I’d make you your own.” You said with a little shrug as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. 

A chorus of ‘thank you’s’ erupted from everyone on the jet. Bucky felt his cheeks warm a little as he accepted his care kit, grateful to have something to clean himself off with until they got back to the compound. 

He studied you wistfully as you tied up your hair and wiped the blood and muck from your face and arms. He saw you joke with Nat and Sam and felt a soft pang of jealousy. He wished he could talk to you that easily, but every time he tried he got a little tongue tied. He wanted to get close to you, so close, but he knew he shouldn’t. He knew he was too damaged and all he would do was hurt you, and how could he? You were so innocent and pure and didn’t deserve to be screwed over by someone as messed up as him. So this is what he did, watched you from afar and never got too close. Fearing he would lose himself and say something he shouldn’t. 

Getting off of the jet, Bucky couldn’t help but overhear a conversation between you and Nat. 

“So you gonna go out again with him tonight?” Nat asked, voice low, so nobody would hear. But Bucky could hear, his enhanced hearing made sure of that. 

“I think so.” You said, a slight blush creeping up your cheeks and you lips parting into a smile that made Bucky’s knees weak. “He seemed really nice and like he wanted to get to know me better.” 

“Want me to help you get ready?” Natasha questioned, eyebrows wiggling, suggesting something Bucky didn’t like. He really wished his ears weren’t working right now. 

“Yeah! That would be great!” You exclaimed, throwing your arms around the redhead in an appreciative gesture. If anybody else tried that with her, Nat would kill them. But you weren’t anybody, you were you. You had the whole team, including Bucky, wrapped around your finger. 

Bucky was training, he had to. He had to do something to take his mind off of you on a date with some schmuck. Someone who probably had you flashing that adorable smile of yours, who garnered all of your attention. Lucky bastard and he probably didn’t even know it. Bucky was doing push ups, the only sound in the gym was his panting and the blood pumping in his own ears. Which is why he heard the sound of a slamming door. Of running feet,of soft whimpering sobs. He went to investigate, wondering who could be crying. He came into the living room, the darkness surrounding him as the sounds of sobbing got louder. But there was another sensation too, Bucky smelled you. Smelled the familiar floral scent of your shampoo and perfume Natasha insisted you wear before you went on your date, Japanese Cherry Blossom, your favorite. 

You were crying? But why? In all the time Bucky had known you he couldn’t recall a single time he had heard, let alone seen you shed a single tear. The only tears he could think of were the ones you got in the outer corner of your eyes from laughing so hard. Silently, he made his way around to study you in the soft city light that was caressing your face. Your hair was messed up, your eyes red and swollen from crying, dark traces of melted mascara ran down your cheeks and your lipstick had been smudged. You sat there, arms wrapped around your body, rocking yourself. An attempt to calm you down, but you didn’t need to do it alone. 

Without a second thought Bucky came over to you and wrapped his strong arms around you, making soft shushing sounds into your hair. He let you bury your head into his chest and held you close as continuous sobs wracked your body. 

“Shh, it’s okay it’s okay.” Bucky cajoled, leaving light kisses on your hair. “I’m here, what happened?’ He questioned gently. Not wanting to pry but letting you know he was here for you. 

“H-he stood me u-up.” You choked out, taking deep gulps of air into your lungs. Bucky’s heart wrenched inside his chest, hearing you like this wrecked him. 

“Who did sweetheart?” He murmured, smoothing your hair back down, holding you fast. 

“Conner. W-we were supposed to have dinner tonight and he stood me up.” You said, lifting your head to gaze into Bucky’s ocean blue eyes. They sparkled in the moonlight, imploring into your own. Why was he here? Why was he holding you like a lover? Why didn’t you want him to stop? 

“Did he say why?” Bucky asked, bringing his hands down to cup yours. He gently stroked your knuckles with his thumb, sending a slight shiver through your body. 

You looked away from Bucky, suddenly ashamed. You removed your hands from his, wringing them out. “He said he didn’t want to see me anymore. That I’m damaged goods.” You stated harshly, remembering Conner's voice ringing through the phone, ripping you apart. 

“What? That’s crazy.” Bucky said, a smile creeping on his lips, “Doll you’re the sweetest person I know. You couldn’t hurt a fly.” 

You breathed in a shaky breath through your teeth, let Bucky’s comment linger between you two more a moment. This was it, the moment you would shatter the illusion for him. You didn’t want to see his face when you did, couldn’t bear the downcast look he would probably give you. 

“You know that’s not true.” You said in a voice barely above a whisper, “I wasn’t made to be kind or sweet.” 

“Made?” Bucky questioned, his arms on your shoulder, he needed to see you. 

Reluctantly you turned so you were face to face with Bucky. His eyes were now studying you, unsure of what truth you might reveal to him. 

“When I was a child, I was taken from my home in Iran, away from my family, and moved to Afghanistan by a group called the Ten Rings.” You said with a certain detachment in your voice. 

“Why does that name sound familiar?” Bucky pondered, trying to search his mind for where he had heard the name before. 

“It’s the same group that took Tony Stark. He was imprisoned in that cave and he found me there too, imprisoned and full of serums. Toxins. The Ring said they would make me strong, make me a fighter, a weapon used for destruction and chaos. When Tony escaped, he came for me too. He took me home and raised me as his own, I was 12.” You finished, still hearing the ringing of explosions echoing the hall as Tony’s blasters pounded through concrete to find you. You could remember the sound of the chopper as Rhody picked the two of you up. Tony’s home being something that belonged in a movie. He took care of you, raised you, loved you. 

“But you’re not chaos, you could never be.” Bucky insists, taking your hands in his again, he needed you to realize that you weren’t the damaged one here. 

“Bucky, do you have any idea what it’s like to wage a war in your head everyday? My instinct is chaos, but I control it, keep it in check. Tony and Bruce help me, give me pills and routines, and dampening patches.” You say as you lift the hem of your shirt to show a large square like bandage covering some of your torso. “The only time I ever give in to my instinct is on the battlefield.” 

Bucky thought back to all those battles, superhuman strength, the look in your eyes, grimace on your face. You enjoyed it, enjoyed the battle. But he thought back to your words, about raging a war in your own head. 

“Of course I know what it’s like.” Bucky whispered as he brushed a stray piece of hair away from your eyes, “I fight myself every day. HYDRA programmed and reprogrammed me so much that every single day is a constant struggle. A fight between good and evil.” 

Your shoulders slumped in understanding and relief. Finally, you had someone you could talk to about this that really understood your burden. 

“I just get so tired, so exhausted from it.” You sighed, melting into his arms. 

“I know doll, I know.” Bucky said, stroking your back lightly. 

“How do you do it?” Your muffled voice rang out against Bucky’s chest. You could hear the flutter of his heart, picking up pace against your temple. 

“One day at a time.” Bucky answers honestly. 

“Do you think, maybe, we could help each other? So it’s not too hard?” You questioned, tear stained eyes exploring his own, looking for some type of reassurance. His eyes crinkled at the corners as a loose smile danced across his face. 

“Of course we can sweetheart, of course.” He replied, pulling you into his chest once more and placing gentle kisses against your hair. It was in that moment that Bucky Barnes realized he would do anything for you, and when he knew he had deeply, truly, fallen for you.

[ayma-nidiot]

In the White Light - Prideshipping fic Chapter 6

Also on AO3.

Chapter 6 – Like A Red Rose

Huh? Where am I? Kaiba had reawakened in a place that didn’t appear to be his plane. To add to his confusion, his surroundings seemed unusually… tall. So, Alister has send me to a giants’ world, has he? Another hallucination… I know I’m still on the plane!

Just then, three boys began to storm in from the trap door above. “Oh boy, oh boy, some food! Finally!”

“Say, Tony, maybe we can play chess after dinner!”

“Okay, Dennis, I’m up to it! We deserve a break after what we’ve gone through.”

Is that… Kaiba had to do a double-take at the third boy who entered. He looks just like Mokuba…

“I don’t know about Aaron up there, haha!”

Aaron felt hurt by Tony’s words, but he eventually noticed Kaiba sitting on the table. “Oh? What a cute little dragon!”

L-Little? Kaiba growled and attacked, but all that came out was a tiny ball of light.

“Aww, he’s so cute!” Aaron picked Kaiba off the table and started to pet him. “Can we keep him?”

Brat! …Huh? Kaiba looked into a mirror nearby. Sure enough he was in dragon form, but no bigger than a housecat. Aaaah! I look like one of Pegasus’ toon monsters!

“No can do, man. We can’t afford dinner for four!”

“Hmph!” Defying his friends, Aaron picked some food off the tiny dining table and fed it to a barely willing Kaiba.

“Hey, that’s mine!” Dennis nearly threw a fork at Aaron. “You’re going to pay for that!”

“And we mean literally,” Tony added. “How about you and your new pet go get us dessert. Hahaha!”

Without thinking, Kaiba snapped back, “Are you brats always this friendly?”

“Whoah!” Tony dropped his spoon. “He can talk!”

You and me both, Kaiba thought, not impressed at his pipsqueak-sounding voice.

“Okay, we’ll get your stupid dessert!” As Aaron carried him out, Kaiba gave the boys one last snarl before they crossed the trap door. I won’t fall for any of this, Alister!

“Wow, a dragon that can talk!” Aaron sounded amazed as he walked out. “Maybe when you grow big and strong, you can finally squash KaibaCorp! All right, I’ll go find you some food while I go look for dessert, too!”

Ugh, don’t remind me… For once, Kaiba could keep his power-hungry tendencies in check, and was thankful for it. “Say, Aaron… When did all of this KaibaCorp nonsense start?”

“I don’t really know… It feels like it’s been forever.” Aaron jumped onto a nearby ledge. “Let me think… Gozaburo bought out our land about a year ago, then when we refused to move, he started attacking. That’s when I met my friends… I know they seem mean, but they work really hard just to find me something to eat. I kind of owe it to them to return the favour.”

“Oh, I see…” Kaiba frowned, feeling a little ashamed. My father… What a repulsive man he was.

“Hey, are you okay, little guy?” Aaron stopped walking.

“It’s… It’s nothing.” It’s also a good thing that I’m not wearing my usual clothes, complete with the KaibaCorp logo.

“Well, if you insist.” Aaron continued down the ledge. “We shouldn’t stay in place for too long, or Gozaburo’s men might find us. A lot of my old classmates had to go hide… I hope they’re okay. It’s a good thing us kids are so small, haha!”

Alister, I think I’ve learned a long time ago that my stepfather hurt you! I’ve seen enough!

Aaron’s next words disturbed any further thoughts. “Say, do you want to play chess when we get back?”

“Huh? Where did that… Er, of course! I was the best when I was young.”

“But you’re already young.”

Crap… Well, I’m not lying. “Wait… Aaron, look over there.” Kaiba nudged his head to his right, indicating a tower of smoke.

“Oh no! That’s where the hideout is! Quick, uh… What should I call you?”

“Seto is fine.”

“Let’s go, Seto! We have to save my friends!”

“Wait! It’s too dangerous!” Kaiba tried to break free and stop Aaron, but that only made him tighten his grip.

When he arrived at the scene, the entire hideout was in flames, and all Aaron could really see was the frame of the building. “Oh no! They might be trapped!”

“No!” Kaiba released himself from Aaron’s hold and pulled him by the collar, vigorously flapping his wings.

“Please, Seto!” Aaron’s voice sounded different this time.

“Mokuba?” Kaiba stared at the brief mirage of his younger brother before he could hear tanks nearby.

“Aah! It’s KaibaCorp! Quick, we need to find a new hiding spot!”

“Grr… Face me, Alister, you coward!” With a loud roar, Kaiba could not only feel himself grow, but also turn back into a human. “Let’s finish this duel!”

The mirage of Aaron disappeared, with Y-Dragon Head and X-Head Cannon taking its place. But the former didn’t last long, as with a quick blast, one of the tanks had taken it out.

“Hahaha! Feeling the burn yet?” At last, Alister had shown his face.

“What burn? Your mind games aren’t working anymore! See, your little illusion you call a ‘friend’ is already gone!”

“But it is no illusion. You see, those were my three best friends growing up. We also had a pet cat that Aaron and I particularly loved. He was one of the few happy moments in our lives back then… We all looked out for one another, and the cat even brought us a few scraps of food every now and then. But he died trying to protect us from a tank, and that’s when the tanks ran my other friends out of town!”

“…”

“So now you’ve had a taste of my past, and you’ll see how it feels to be attack by the tanks that ruined my life. Oh, and by the way, I thought I’d like to mention what’s happened in our current reality. I just used a trap card called Tank Corps, powering up my KC One Crayton and giving it 1500 extra attack points. I had more than enough to defeat your Y-Dragon Head and inflict 2000 life points of damage on to you. So now, I place a card face down. Your turn!”

“My Y-Dragon Head is down but not out! I use Monster Reborn to bring it back! Now say hello to XYZ Dragon Cannon! And thanks to its special ability, I’ll discard one of my cards to get rid of one of yours! Your Tank Corps is gone!”

“Oh!” Alister turned around as he watched the tanks around him blow up, leaving only the KC One Crayton in its place.

“Now, XYZ Dragon Cannon, attack!”

With six blasts of light, the XYZ Dragon Cannon struck its foe, creating a storm of light that took everyone back to the real world.

“Hm. I should have expected this brutish behaviour from you. You really are just like your father after all! That’s why… That’s why I’m going to end you today, so that people like you will get the suffering they deserve, and the less fortunate can live in peace!”

“Shut up, you- Aah!” Kaiba wobbled as the plane started to nosedive. Oh no… Mokuba! He’s in the cockpit!

“I wouldn’t worry too much about your brother if I were you. It’s a shame you can’t even protect him… Now you know how it feels. And you’ll suffer even more when I take your soul, then that of your precious pharaoh!”

Kaiba blushed, but still keeping up his usual anger. “What the hell do you know?”

“You saw what he did back there… He sees you as nothing but an enemy, a monster to save the world from. Do you really think he could ever fall for you?”

“That’s none of your damned business!”

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t.” Alister drew another card.

Despite how concerned Kaiba felt for his brother, Mokuba could handle the plane fairly well, even though he was so small. “Oh! Roland, am I glad to see you!”

“Mr. Mokuba! What’s the matter?”

“There’s no time to explain… Seto and I are on a plane that’s about to crash land! You gotta send help!”

“On it, sir!”

“Mr. Mokuba!” Another one of KaibaCorp’s employees came onto the video call. “I’ll help you fly the plane! Just follow my instructions word-for-word, got it?”

“You got it!”

“Push the buttons on the right…”

“Uh huh.” After following a few more instructions, Mokuba had barely averted the mountain ahead. “Yay! Now I can just put the plane back on autopilot and go see if Seto’s okay.”

Meanwhile, Alister felt so confident in himself, despite the heavy hit he just took. “I summon Kinetic Soldier in attack mode! I play Junk Dealer to bring back Science Soldier and Cyber Soldier of Dark World back with half of their original attack points! Next, I activate my trap, Soldier Revolt, to destroy all of your in-play cards and the cards in your hand when I have these three monsters on the field! Next…”

“There’s… a next?”

“You bet there is! I now play Sky Union… Now get ready for my strongest monster, the Air Fortress Ziggurat! Not only is it strong – both naturally and from the Seal – I can summon a Robot Token for every turn it’s in play.”

“This is nothing…” Kaiba drew one of his cards – one that hurt him badly in the duel with Yami Yugi, but one that he couldn’t be more thankful for now.

“Seto! Please, stop this duel!”

Ignoring his brother’s pleas, Kaiba continued, “I use Pot of Greed to draw two cards. I place one card face down, and now my turn is done.”

“And so are you! Air Fortress Ziggurat, attack his life points directly!”

“Not so fast! My face down card lets me use your Junk Dealer, and I protect my life points with Judge Man!”

“So? You’re just delaying the inevitable.”

Kaiba could hear the faint sound of choppers in the distance. “The only thing that’s inevitable here is my rescue – and your doom.”

“So you even hide behind your army of cronies like Gozaburo! Raaaaa!” Alister’s anger grew more profound, increasing not only the Seal’s power, but also damage to the place.

“Forget about that snake! I’ll make sure you do with Soul Exchange! I know I can’t take your Ziggurat, but I can take the tokens! Then I use these tokens… as tribute for one of my strongest monsters! The Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”

“Seto, don’t!” Mokuba cried.

“Ngh…” Upon playing this card, Kaiba’s back pain and nausea started to set in.

“You know if you use that card, you could go mad again, right?” Alister teased. “Then you’ll turn back into a dragon and feel the pain when the pharaoh attacks you again. So you’re not going to win either way! It’s either become that dragon the pharaoh hates or lose your soul to the Seal of Orichalcos!”

With a strong mind, Kaiba managed to wear his pain off. “You’re wrong. I’ve made a vow today that I will stay strong and not let the curse take me again. But enough about me… Our monsters now have an equal attack power of 3000.”

“Hmm, such fighting spirit!” On his seventh turn, Alister spoke up, “I activate Toy Robot Box, discarding three cards to summon three more robots! I’ll use one of them to activate my Spell Canceller.”

“So stopping violence… with more violence. Maybe you’re the one who’s like Gozaburo. What would your brother say?”

“Y-You know nothing, cur! Now, my Ziggurat, attack his-”

“A wasted effort. I activate Tyrant Wing, giving my Blue-Eyes 400 attack points!”

“Way to go!” Mokuba cheered.

Mokuba… I’ll protect you. “Now I can take down your Ziggurat!”

Now I’ve only got 1000 life points… Alister thought as he began to lose hope. “You’re going to lose…”

“If you didn’t notice, you’ve got no monsters, and I’ve got my Blue-Eyes!”

“I didn’t mean the duel… If I have to lose my soul to Orichalcos, then I’m taking you and your fucking little brother with me!” Alister declared as the plane’s propellers stopped.

“You will do no such thing! I summon… The Fang of Critias! He fuses with my Tyrant Wing and Blue-Eyes White Dragon to create… The Blue-Eyes Tyrant Dragon!”

“No… No, it can’t be!”

“Tyrant Dragon, destroy those tokens and eliminate the rest of Alister’s life points!”

“Hah… Hah…” Alister panted as he fell to the floor in defeat. “I’ve… lost.”

“Alister!” Mokuba fully expected what was to come next. “No, don’t go!”

“Mikey…” Alister stretched out his hand with the Dyna-Dude action figure in it. “Mikey, forgive me… I’m not a good older brother… So I deserve… this…”

“Alister…” Even after everything Alister did to him, Mokuba couldn’t help but shed a tear for the man who just lost his soul.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t have time to worry about him! This plane’s about to crash!”

“Th-Then we’ve got to do something!” Mokuba led Kaiba to the cockpit. “No! What are we gonna… Seto, look at your Duel Disk! It’s glowing!”

“Yug, look, your Duel Disk is glowing!” Joey alerted from several thousand feet below.

“Yours, too! Ah! Timaeus! Hermos!”

“Look!” Téa was the first to notice the crash-landing plane. “The dragons are saving that plane!”

“We’ve got to go see!” Tristan suggested. “Hurry!”

As the friends got closer to their destination, Yami Yugi noticed the third dragon as well. “It’s Critias! Could it be…”

“Yug, watch out! The plane is crash landing now!”

Aided by the dragons and the soft lakeside, the plane landed with only minor damage – something that Kaiba was certainly thankful for as he exited.

“It's...” Téa pointed. “It’s one of Kaiba’s planes!”

“Hmm?” Kaiba noticed Téa, Joey, and Tristan first. “Oh great, if it isn’t the Dweeb Patrol. What are you doing here?”

“Listen, rich boy, we’re the one who should be asking questions. Who is that you’re carrying?”

“…Just some guy I dueled on this plane.”

“By the looks of it, his soul… It got lost to Orichalcos, didn’t it?” Téa remarked. “Then… We’ve got to get him to the hospital, too.”

“‘Too?’”

“It’s a long story, but Weevil Underwood and Rex Raptor lost their souls, too,” Tristan replied. “And all for some petty revenge.”

“Anyway, we were looking for you! Especially Yug over there, he was pretty eager to see you again.”

“Yugi… He’s here?” Kaiba felt the butterflies again – but they were the good kind now. “L-Let me see him!”

And just like that, Yami Yugi revealed himself to Kaiba once more, staring at him with a pleasant silence.

“Yugi…” Kaiba could feel his heart pounding as he took a step forward.

To his surprise, it was Yami Yugi who took the first approach – and a very emotional one at that. “Kaiba… Oh gods, Kaiba, I thought I had lost you for good!”

Kaiba didn’t know what to make about the fact that a pharaoh – a revered king – just knelt in front of him while crying.

“I’m… so glad… I thought I had failed to save you… I thought I had… Eh? What are you doing?”

In the midst of his thoughts, Kaiba had given Yami Yugi a strong hug, bringing him back to his feet in the process. That’s right… Ever since our first duel, I have felt this way. Even more than a rival, pharaoh… You are…

“…beautiful…” Kaiba pushed the long golden bangs out of the way to get a better look at Yami Yugi’s eyes. His eyes… I thought they were purple before, but they glow like a red rose.

“What? Kaiba, this isn’t funny- Mph!”

Any insignificant thoughts Yami Yugi might have had at that moment were stifled in Kaiba’s kiss.

[marvel-heaux]

You asked for prompts so I be delivering: I’m a sucker for rape recovery. Like, Tony wanting to kill whoever decided to hurt his precious baby boy but comforting peter because he needs it right now. And tony helps him thru it and shit, and he’s not even thinking about sex, but peter is real worried about it. Because tony has needs, and peter isn’t in a place to supply them. So he has a breakdown and Tony’s all like “honey we can never have sex again for all I care I just want you.” I just need–

I love this so muchhhhhh. Thank you!! I hope this is okay!! Peter is abouuut 20 in this fic, just FYI!

TRIGGER WARNING: mentions of rape, recovering from rape, character rape. Please be gentle with yourself and keep scrolling if rape in any capacity is triggering for you!!!

It took them so much longer than it should’ve to get to him. Too long.

“Found the suit,” comes Steve’s voice over the comms. “He can’t be far. My guess is somewhere in the building. We’re going to find him, Tony.”

“God damnit,” Tony hits the repulsors harder, flying up the side of the building. The traffickers they’d be tracking for months - a massive, global ring with weapons clearly provided by an outside, tech advanced source - had finally been cornered when it all went sideways.

Peter had gone in alone, too worried about hostages to wait for the rest of the team. They caught him, made their demands through the comms of Peter’s suit, and then stripped him of it, fleeing the scene and taking Peter with them.

“He’ll wish he was dead before long,” they’d said through the comm. “And then we’ll kill him.”

“Friday,” Tony snaps. “Give me heat readings, we’ve gotta find these guys.”

“10 signatures on floor 23 sir,” comes her voice, blue humanoid shapes illuminating as he scans the building.

“Isolate hostiles,” he says lowly, Friday marking the traffickers on the HUD.

He blasts the windows of the 23rd floor, not bothering with a quippy one liner as he takes them out, too blinded by fury to care.

“Pete!” He shouts, mask gliding away from his face as the cement dust settles and the bodies litter the floor. “Pete, where are you!”

There’s a choked sound from behind a desk.

Tony runs to the sound, and nearly collapses at the sight. Peter is bound and gagged, nose bloodied and face bruised, eyes red rimmed from crying. He’s stripped naked, torso cut and filthy and -

God, there’s blood between his thighs.

“Jesus Christ,” Tony whispers, suit peeling away from him as he collapses next to Peter, gently - so gently, god, his poor body - lifting him into his lap and tugging the gag out. “I’m here baby, I’ve got you, I’m so sorry -“

He knows at that moment he’ll never forgive himself for this. For not getting to Peter fast enough.

“Tony, m’so - so sorry -“ Peter gasps, a hiccuping sob breaking free from his bruised chest as Tony cuts the ties around his wrists and ankles. “I couldn’t - they said if I fought back they’d kill the girls downstairs -“

Tony hushes him gently, his own eyes burning with tears. “You have nothing to apologize for, do you hear me? Fuck, sweetheart, I should’ve been here, I could’ve -“

His throat constricts, heartbreak too much as Peter shakes in his arms.

The door flies open then, the rest of the team running into the room.

“Friday,” Tony says, doing his best to keep Peter warm against him. “Call Dr. Cho. Have her meet us at the compound. Send the helicopter to my location.”

“Yes sir,” she replies, voice soft, sombre.

Steve approaches slowly, looking like he might be sick as Natasha roughly rips down a curtain from one of the windows, bringing it and draping it over Peter in Tony’s arms.

“Did they -“ Steve starts, blues eyes shining.

Tony nods sharply, a tear slipping down his own cheek. Peter is clinging to Tony so tightly he’ll bruise, eyes squeezed shut like he can make it all disappear.

“Let’s get him home,” Natasha says gently, the sound of the chopper landing on the roof audible through the building.

-

Dr. Cho closes the door softly behind her, giving the expectant team a sad smile.

“He’s healing,” she murmurs. “But there was significant damage. I’ve done a kit to test for any STIs that might’ve been transferred, but with his advanced healing factor I don’t imagine it’ll be a problem. I’ve also taken the liberty of contacting a trauma counsellor that I know and trust - she’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Thanks doc,” Natasha says softly when Tony says nothing, hand covering his eyes as his jaw works.

Bruce puts a gentle hand on his shoulder. “You can’t blame yourself for this, Tony. Peter needs you right now - we’re all here for you so you can be there for him, okay?”

Tony nods minutely, wiping his eyes roughly as he straightens up, taking a shaky breath before heading into the room.

Peter looks tiny in their big bed, pale and bruised but cleaned up. He gives Tony a little wave, breaking the older man’s heart all over again.

“Hi sweetheart,” Tony whispers, coming to sit on the edge of the bed. He takes Peter’s hand, lifting it to kiss his knuckles.

Peter tries to smile, but it wobbles and breaks, eyes welling with tears.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, voice breaking. “I’m sorry, Tony, I’m so sorry. I should’ve - I should’ve fought them, I just - I didn’t want anyone to get hurt and - now I’m, I’m damaged and if you - if you don’t want me -“

Tony immediately gathers Peter up into his arms, rocking him gently as he kisses his forehead, his hair, anywhere he can reach.

“Peter Parker, you listen to me,” he says, voice rough with tears. “If you think for one second I love you any less because of this, then I’m not doing a very good job. You are and have always been the bravest man I’ve ever met, and every day I love you more than the last.”

He takes Peter’s face in his hands gently, wiping his tears with his thumbs.

“Nothing in this universe can change how I feel about you,” he whispers, a tear slipping down his cheek. “Not this, not anything. What happened to you today is going to change a lot of things, but it will never change how I feel about you. It won’t change me and you. I love you, Peter. And I’m here for good, you understand me?”

Peter nods, sniffling as he leans into Tony’s touch.

“What - what if I don’t want to - you know, do anything for a long time?”

Tony just kisses his forehead again, wrapping his arms around him.

“I don’t care,” he says, and he means it. “I don’t care if we never have sex again, Pete. I’m not going anywhere. We’re gonna take this minute by minute together, okay? I promise.”

Peter nods against his chest, and that’s where he stays as he eventually falls asleep, exhaustion overtaking him.

Minute by minute, Tony tells himself as he presses his lips to Peter’s head. Minute by minute.

[all-blue-headcanons]

Good day, lovely person! I just bumped in to leave a smol request. A scenario, if possible. Although your specified writing makes it already scenario like... But Law, with a little dig into his though process when he finds out his childhood friend, who he thought was dead for over 10-12 years now - appears now to be actually alive 🤔

Law finding out his childhood friend is actually alive after a decade thinking they were dead

It was that time of year again where Trafalgar D. Water Law became an absolute nightmare for the Heart Pirates to deal with, their captain’s mood suddenly becoming as unreasonable as he could be cold. Fortunately the crew had learned roughly when to expect ‘the change’ in his behavior - as Penguin had once coined the term, everybody knowing to keep their distance as the ever increasing lack of sleep caused the bags under the man’s eyes to become that much darker and more pronounced.The stony stare spoke volumes as to how the Surgeon of Death had been feeling as of late, and as much as his crew loved their captain, they all knew that sometimes it was best to simply let him be. From what they had learned about Law’s past, there was a good reason as to why his usual smiles were in short supply around this time of year… Trafalgar Law was grieving, mourning those he had lost in the only way he knew how - and very much prefered to be left alone when he did. Twirling a cigarette he’d pilfered between his fingers, Law sighed as he turned his attention towards the cloudy heavens. It appeared as though the skies were grieving along with him that day, his wintery eyes reflecting the crashing waves of the sea close by. Those same grey irises look down at the stick clasped within his tattooed digits; he didn’t like these things at all, and barely knows why he’s even having it but the man lights up the other end with a shaking hand before pressing it through pursed lips.Death. He scowls upon reading his own fingers before inhaling deeply in defiance, welcoming the vile taste that covers his tongue. How ironic, yet so appropriate at the same time… swiftly he takes another drag of the foul-tasting thing, and while it does makes Law cough at first, the familiar scent and taste instantly soothes his frazzled nerves, bringing home familiar thoughts and feelings of him.Tomorrow would be the anniversary of Corazon’s death. Even after all these years, the missing hole in his heart had barely begun to heal, and it was only getting worse as he realized that two years from now, Law would be the exact same age as when his precious friend died.Just twenty six years old. How the time had flown. Exhaling deeply, Trafalgar Law watched as pale plumes of smoke allowed themselves to be carried away on the cold ocean breeze, the cigarette having done it’s work in bringing good thoughts and feelings of his oldest friend. Still. There was another person he was sorely missing, and unlike Corazon, thoughts of her weren’t brought back so easily…It was on an evening like this many years ago when they had first met, back when he’d still been a simple and carefree boy still living in Flevance. His beloved father had been a magnificent doctor, and sometimes he would be called upon to vistit neighbouring countries to help with issues that the lack of doctors in the area couldn’t. It was on one such visit that Law had made a new friend away from home, somebody who reminded him of his sister and wanted to keep contact after he’d gone back home.At least… they had, until the same man responsible for taking Corazon away had somehow found out about her too. Law frowned at the thought. It hadn’t been proven, but who else would have had reason to do something as awful as that? A bomb had been delivered to her family’s residence, a scenario that the Heart Pirate’s captain hadn’t even found out about until he’d come of age as a pirate and decided to stop by just to see her one more time before travelling the world…He hadn’t even started his first journey before discovering the shell-shocked ruins of her home, the rubble scattered everywhere much like his memories of the destruction of Flevance.Once again, Law inhaled his cigarette deeply, hoping to choke out the burning sensation building up inside his chest. It broke his heart all over again to think of his only other childhood friend gone like that, not even getting to say goodbye like he had with Corazon, but instead finding the ruined gift he’d sent with a letter congratulating her on her last birthday. Law had long since known that he’d never be able to rest until that madman was dealt with, the memories of his two oldest friends resting as heavy and painful on his heart as the smoke circulating in his lungs… ”Laaaaaaaaaw!” Bepo calls out in the distance, breaking Law out from his unhappy reverie. Frosty grey eyes instantly snapped open and turned towards the source of the sound, but the darkness in Law’s gaze faded somewhat at the sight of his cuddly friend dashing over, clearly at odds over something. Panting heavily as he arrived, the Polar Bear Mink presented his captain with the newpaper he’d just received, along with an odd collection of pages.Accepting the newpaper mindlessly, the Surgeon of Death flipped open the front page to read the surprising news. The destruction of Eneis Lobby? That place was locked up tighter than even Dressrosa, one of the World Government’s most well-hidden and protected locations on the planet. How on Earth had that happened? Law listened intently as Bepo explained the situation that had gone down, along with whom had been responsible for such a shocking event.Monkey D. Luffy, another Rookie… and a D. just like him?”And these too, Law! Their bounties really got big because of what happened!” Bepo continued as he handed over the collection of papers that had come along with the news. Idly flipping through the pages, the man’s interest piqued as he studied the faces of the motley crew, vaguely recalling some of the strange deeds that this crew had somehow accomplished over that time.Monkey D. Luffy. Roronoa Zoro. Black Leg Sanji. Cat Burglar Nami. Usopp. Tony Tony Chopper. Nico Robin. Franky. Only the first few names rang any bells, but it was the final page regarding their newest member that made him freeze, shaking him to his very core.It was her.Her face was exactly as he last remembered seeing her all those years ago, back when he’d still been that carefree little boy whose greatest concern had been becoming a fine doctor like his father, and the whispered secrets between silly children. Law’s eyes widened as his fingertips gently traced over the portrait before his eyes, tanned skin curving along soft eyes and the cheekiest grin he ever did see…He’d lied to himself, Law had. Her only existing memory over the years had been the dog-eared letters he still held in his possession, back when they’d corresponded until thinking she had died. Sometimes Law had kept these letters close, hiding one inside his pockets while other times, he locked them away once the memories had become too hurtful to hold onto any longer… and yet every time, he always found himself taking them back, reading each and every one all over again on those long nights when he just couldn’t sleep. The precious pages became that little bit more tattered with every cycle, as loving fingers wistfully traced over the aged parchment.There’s a hitch in his chest, along with that burning sensation again that spreads up towards his wintery eyes, the Surgeon of Death staring unblinkingly at the unexpected face printed upon the page. She was alive, and had been for all this time and he’d never known…“Law, please tell me what’s wrong!” Bepo wails, utterly distraught at the sight of his captain looking as though he were about to cry, but the Polar Bear Mink is astounded when Law finally smiles after days of seeming so faraway.“There’s nothing wrong at all, Bepo. At least, there isn’t anything wrong anymore… something’s very much right about the world again,” Law replies with a genuine grin, beaming in that roguish way that the bear had only seen on a handful of occasions.Everything was okay. Trafalgar D. Water Law was back again, and it was enough for him to know his old friend was still alive for the time being, not to mention clearly doing well for herself given the scathing details on what had gone down over at Eneis Lobby. The humilation of the World Government, how the Straw Hats had declared themselves mortal enemies of the twisted system that had hurt so many people over the years - it built up a hope in Law’s heart that he hasn’t dared feel for years, and doesn’t even frown when Bepo nuzzles him tearfully.It’s only when the rest of the crew rejoice openly at the sight of their captain behaving like his old self again that he snaps.“Alright, alright! Show’s over, people. We’ll rest up here this evening and move out as soon as it’s dawn,” Law yells over at them with a crooked grin, tucking the newspaper under his arm along with the collection of the Straw Hat’s bounties. God, how he loved them so, but even more knowing how much they really did care…It was almost completely dark now, as he knew it would be the same when he could finally strike against his old enemy, but for now, Trafalgar D. Water Law was content in the knowledge that not all had been as lost as he’d thought. His friend was still alive, and as if desiring to fuel his newfound happiness, the clouds above parted, revealing the night sky and the brightest star of them all, shining like a beacon of hope against an uncertain future.Stay alive, my friend. We’ll meet again someday soon, I promise you.

[marvelimages]

Hi I’m Spider-Man

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Words: 2,662

Warning: mild swearing and cute moments

A/N: Night-Wing is your superhero name.

You and your father Steve Rogers or aka Captain America, didn’t want to sign the accords. Now you are a most wanted criminal. Uncle Bucky was being accused of blowing up the building killing the King of Wakanda. A man in a cat costume made of vibranium tried to kill you, your father, your uncle and Sam. Uncle Tony isn’t taking your side and wants you in jail. Now you are on your way to stop the German psycho guy who framed and brain washed Uncle Bucky in this little, battered, old car. Your dad parked by a grey van and you get out with the the help of your uncle. You see Uncle Clint aka Uncle Arrows.

“Cap.” Uncle Arrows said.

“You know I wouldn't have called If I had any other choice.” Your dad said.

“Hey man, you're doing me a favor. Besides, I owe a debt.”

“Thanks for having my back.” Steve thanked. Wanda walked around the van.

“It was time to get off my ass.” Wanda said looking at all of you.

“How about our other recruit?”

“He's rarin' to go. Had to put a little coffee in him, but… he should be good.” Arrows said as he opened the van door. Scott jumps up and gets out.

“What timezone is this?” Scott asked.

“Come on. Come on.” Scott shook your dads hand with an amazed look.

“Captain America.” he said with a wow tone. Still shaking his hands.

“Mr. Lang.” Your dad said a little uncomfortable.

“It's an honour. I'm shaking your hand too long. Wow! This is awesome! Captain America.” He looks over at Wanda.  “I know you, too. You're great!” He looks over at you 

“Wow your Night-Wing. Your really bad-ass and you can probably kill me with one blow.” He turns back and feels your dad's shoulders. 

“Jeez. Ah, look, I wanna say, I know you know a lot of super people, so… Thanks for thinking of me.” He looks over to Sam. “Hey, man!”

“What's up, Tic Tac?”

“Uh, good to see you. Look, what happened last time when I…” Scott was interrupted by Sam.

“It was a great audition, but it'll… it'll never happen again.”

“They tell you what we're up against?” your dad asked.

“Something about some… psycho-assassins?”

“We're outside the law on this one. So, if you come with us, you're a wanted man.”

“Yeah, well, what else is new?”

“We should get moving.” you said.

“We got a chopper lined up.” 

“Dies ist eine Notsituation. Alle Passagiere müssen den Flughafen sofort evakuieren.” Said a man on the PA. It says.This is an emergency. All passengers must evacuate the airport immediately.

“They're evacuating the airport.” Bucky said.

“Stark.” Sam said.

“Stark?” Scott questioned.

“Suit up.” Your dad said. You get in your uniform and you walk through an underpass with your dad, then you jog with Bucky and Sam.You watch your dad onto a private runway, heading for a grounded chopper. An electro disabler slams onto the chopper and you and your dad looks up to see Uncle Tony and Uncle Rhodey land.

“Wow, it's so weird how you run into people at the airport. Don't you think that's weird?” Tony said sarcastically.

“Definitely weird.” Rhodey joined.

“Hear me out, Tony. That doctor, the psychiatrist, he's behind all of this.” Your dad said. Then T’Challa jumps over a truck

“Captain.” T’Challa said.

“Your highness.”

“Anyway, Ross gave me 36 hours to bring you in. That was 24 hours ago. Can you help a brother out?” Tony said.

“Tony you're after the wrong guy.” your dad said.

“Your judgment is askew. Your old war buddy, killed innocent people yesterday.”

“And there are five more super soldiers just like him. I can't let the doctor find them first, Tony. I can't.” your dad pleaded as Natasha walks out.

“Steve… you know what's about to happen. Do you really wanna punch your way out of this one?” Natasha said.

“All right, I've run out of patience. Underoos!”Tony yelled. All of a sudden a boy with a red and blue suit shoots a web, stealing your dad's shield and binding your dad’s hands. “Nice job, kid.”

“Thanks. Well, I could've stuck the landing a little better. It's just the new suit… Well, it's nothing, Mr. Stark. It's-It's perfect. Thank you.”

“Yeah, we don't really need to start a conversation.”

“Okay. Cap… Captain. Big fan, I'm Spider-Man.”

“Yeah, we'll talk about it later. Just…” Tony said.

“Hey, everyone.” Spider-man said.

“… good job.” Tony said annoyed.

“You've been busy.” Dad said.

“And you've been a complete idiot. Dragging in Clint. Making your daughter, who by the way is the smartest person I have ever met and has a bright future ahead of her, be a criminal and running from the law. 'Rescuing' Wanda from a place she doesn't even want to leave, a safe place. I'm trying to keep… I'm trying to keep you from tearing the Avengers apart.”

“You did that when you signed.”

“Alright, We're done. You're gonna turn Barnes over, you're gonna come with us. NOW! Because it's us! Or a squad of J-SOC guys… with no compunction about being impolite. Come on.”

“We found it. Their Quinjet's in hanger five, north runway.” Sam said over the radio. Your dad lift his hands in the air and Clint cuts the webs off.

“Alright, Lang.” You dad said to Scott.

“Hey, guys, something…” Spider-man said before Scott grew and got a hold of your dad’s shield.

“Whoa. What-What the hell was that?” Rhodey half yelled. Scott gave your dad his shield back. Your uncle gave you the signal and you start running towards the Quinjet.

“I believe this is yours, Captain America.” 

“Oh, great. Alright, there's two on the parking deck. One of them's Maximoff, I'm gonna grab her. Rhodey, you want to take Cap?” Tony said.

“Got three in the terminal, Wilson, Y/N and Barnes.” Rhodey said.

“Barnes is mine!” T’Challa said running.

“Hey, Mr. Stark, what should I do?” Spider-Man said.

“What we discussed. Keep your distance. Web 'em up.” Tony flies off.

“Okay, copy that!”

You run faster with your uncle and Sam. You hear a bang against to glass roof. You look up and you see a red thing pass by.

“What the hell is that?” Bucky said.

“Everyone's got a gimmick now.” Sam said. Spider-Man swings through the glass wall and kicks Sam backwards. Bucky throws a punch, Peter catches his fist. 

“You have a metal arm? That is awesome, dude!” Spider-Man said. Sam grabs a hold of him. Bucky was so surpised, one he was able to catch the punch with his metal arm and two he was a kid.

“You have the right to remain silent!” Spider-Man said in mid air as he fends Sam off, then swings after him using his webs out. Spider-Man swings through the rafters in the terminal, chasing Sam who flies backwards firing shots at him. Spider-Man stops at on of the high beams. Bucky grabs a directory and at him. 

“Oh god.” Spider-Man screamed. You and Bucky hid behind a pillar. 

“Hey buddy, I think you lost this!” Spider-Man through it back; almost hitting you. Luckily your uncle sheltered you and covered your head with his metal arm. You push the button on the edge of your palm and fly up in the air.

“Watch it Spider-Boy” You yelled as you shot at him with your gun, then he webs barrel of your gun .

“It’s Spider-Man, Ms. Rogers” Spider-Man said before Sam kicks him off the beam and Spider-Man fires a web which sends Sam crashing to the floor. You chase after him. He webs Sam's wrist to a balcony railing. Peter webs you pulling you next to Sam, then did the same for you.

“Those wings carbon fiber?”

“Is this stuff coming out of you?” Sam asked.

“No, this fiber is chemically made. Its too thin and strong to be natural.” You said.

“That would explain the rigidity-flexibility ratio, which, gotta say, that's awesome, man.”  Spider-Man said geeking out.

“I don't know if you've been a fight before but there's usually not this much talking.” 

“Alright, sorry, my bad.” Spider-Man said as he swings down at you and Sam. But, Bucky jumps in the way to block your guys blow. You all fall down onto the next floor and Spider-Man webs you and the men. 

“Guys, look. I'd love to keep this up but I've only got one job here today and I gotta impress Mr. Stark, so, l’m really sorry.” Sam gets Red-wing to drags Spider-Man through the ceiling.

“You couldn't have done that earlier?” Bucky said.

“I hate you.” Sam said.

“Can you to stop arguing like an old married couple and get me out of this.” You said annoyed. You finally get out of the webs and you run out next to your dad and Scott.

“Hey, Cap, heads up!” He said as he gives your dad a miniature truck. “Throw it at this.” He showed him a little dish with a blue dot in the middle. He throws it toward Rhodey. “Now!”  The truck enlarges, tumbling towards him. Then the truck lands and explodes.

“Oh, man. I thought it was a water truck. Uh… sorry.” Scott apologized and you two run off with your dad.

“Come on!” Your dad said. Your team runs towards the Quinjet. A stream of energy slices across the runway and you all stop. Vision hovers in the air above you.

“Captain Rogers. I know you believe what you're doing is right. But for the collective good you must surrender now.” Vision said as Uncle Tony's team arrives.

“What do we do, Cap?” Sam asked.

“We fight.” Your dad said as you both start walking toward Tony’s team.

“This is gonna end well.” Natasha said as they start walikng towards you with determination on their faces.

“They're not stopping.” Spider-Man panicked.

“Neither are we.” Tony said. Everyone breaks into a sprint.Your dad blocks a punch as Tony lands. Uncle Arrows fires an arrow at Vision. Rhodey flies after Sam and Bucky trades blows with T'Challa. An explosive arrow then hits Tony. Spider-Man swings towards you and you cut them with your fan blades. 

“Wow. Is that vibranium blades on those carbon fiber fans. Thats so cool!” He said as he pulls you in with a web. “ an... and your brilliant. That new strongest fiber you found and have been testing on in Russia are incredible.” You take out your knife by your side.

“Thanks kid, but do you always talk this much? ” You said as you cut yourself free and you spin kick him across run way. “Cause it seems like your a little distracted Spider-Boy.”He looks up surprised that you just kicked him. He jumps back up. He webs around your waist and shoulders.

“For one, it’s Spider-Man. For two, I only get distracted when I talk to a pretty girl like you. For three, i only talk this much when I want to impress someone that I like.” You chuckle a little and press a button on the edge of your palm and your wings pop out cutting the webs. You flew over and pin him him against a gangway. “Holy crap your strong, but I’m just as equally as strong.” He said as he kicks your knees. He tackles you to the ground and pins you underneath him.

“I don’t think you know who your dealing with Spider-Boy. My dad is frickin’ Captain America.” You said as your dad throws his shield at Spider-Man. Spider-Man swings past, but you cut the web with your blades and gave your dad his shield back.

“That thing does not obey the laws of physics at all.”

“Look kid. There's a lot going on here that you don't understand.”

“Mr. Stark said you'd say that.” Spider-Man fired webs which stick to your dad's shield and ankle. He pulls and your dad slides towards him. Spider-Man kicks him backwards, then rolls clear.You giggle. He turns toward you. You stop.

“You think that’s fun” your dad said sternly.

“Well you just got taken out by a 12 year old.” You bust out into laughter. 

“I’m 15. Mr. Stark also said to go for your legs.” as your dad runs to get his shield, Spider-Man webs his hands and pulls. Your dad grits his teeth, spins and somersaults, propelling him through the air. Your dad catches a web and tugs Spider-Man towards him, knocking him down with the shield. He recovers and pulls himself up on top of a gangway.

“Stark tell you anything else?”

“That you're wrong. You both think you're right. That makes you both dangerous.” He swings down and you jump in front your dad and kick him backwards onto the gangway's leg.

“Guess he had a point.” Your dad said as he throws his shield at the leg and the gangway falls. Spider-Man held it up.

“Dad stop trying to kill every boy that I come in contact with. I think I can handle myself.” You said.

“Doll, I’m your dad that’s my job.” He turns to Spider-Man “You got heart, kid. Where're you from?”

“Queens.”

“Brooklyn.” Your dad leaves Spider-Man holding the gangway. You cross your arms.

“So what’s your name ‘Spider-Man’?”

“Peter. Peter Parker.” He said as he was struggling.

“When this is all over I want to get together and see how you made the fibers for your webs. That webbing its extraordinary.”

“Well Mr. Stark made the suit. I’m guessing its your webbing.” Peter said.

“That makes since.” You said then you ran off to meet your dad and Bucky.

“We gotta go. That guy's probably in Siberia by now.” Bucky said. 

“We gotta draw out the flyers. I'll take Vision. You get to the jet.”

“No, you get to the jet! All three of you!” Sam said as he is getting chased by Rhodey. “The rest of us aren't getting out of here.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, if we're gonna win this one, some of us might have to lose it.” Uncle Arrows said.

“This isn't the real fight, Steve.”

“Alright, Sam, what's the play?” Your dad said.

“We need a diversion, something big.”

“I got something kind of big, but I can't hold it very long. On my signal, run like hell. And if I tear myself in half… don't come back for me.” Scott said.

“He's gonna tear himself in half?” You and Bucky said in unison.

“You're sure about this, Scott?” You dad asked.

“I do it all the time. I mean once… in a lab. Then I passed out. I'm the boss. I'm the boss. I'm the boss. I'm the boss. I'm the BOSS!” Scott said before he grows into a towering Behemoth and grabs Rhodey's leg.

“Holy shit!” You hear Peter scream.

“I guess that's the signal.” You say.

“Way to go, Tic Tac!” Sam screamed happily. 

Scott sends Rhodey flying and Peter catches him with a web. Scott then kicks a bus towards T'Challa; Vision decends and braces himself, splitting the bus in two and protecting T'Challa from harm. T'Challa spots you, your dad and Bucky sprinting past him. Peter clinging to a web stuck to Uncle Rhodey's back. He fires more webs and wraps them around Scott's outsized arms. Giant Ant-Man punches Rhodey in the air and swings a gangway towards him as he recovers. Rhodey opens fire and the gangway desintegrates. Scott tries to stamp on Rhodey who dives clear evading a lunge of Scott's hand. Wanda uses her powers; flinging vehicles into Rhodey’s path. Distracted by Peter, Scott doesn't spot Vision curling into a ball and ramming into him. Vision spots you, your dad and Bucky approaching the Quinjet. He simply floats through Scott's chest. Vision fires a shining beam of energy to the control tower. 

“Dad watch out!” You screamed as the tower starts to collapse towards the entrance of the hangar. 

Wanda struggles to slow its collapse. Then Rhodey descends behind her fires a sonic disruptor. Wanda holds her head and screams. The tower falls behind all three of you, but you barely make it into the hangar where Natasha is waiting for you.

“You're not gonna stop.” She said.

“You know I can't.” Your dad said.

“I'm gonna regret this.” She stuns T'Challa who's arrived behind them. “Go.” All three of you run for the Quinjet while she keeps T'Challa at bay. Your dad fires the guns blast debris from the entrance the you fly to Siberia. 

After a couple of hours of silence your uncle spoke.

“So who is your new boyfriend?”

[miss-eucatastrophe]

Chapter 17: Threat

Pairing: Bucky x PlusSize!OFC/Serum!OFC (Can also be read as a Bucky X Reader fic. Your name is Cassandra. You’re welcome you beautiful bitch).

Summary:Trying to integrate into “normal” life, Bucky slowly falls into a routine. Wake up, run, gaze at the woman who works in the toy store as he passes by, eat, mission, sleep, repeat. But when he goes toe to toe with a thief who threaten’s to trash his routine by becoming an obsession, will he be able to put his bizarre life back in order, or will this woman turn his 21st century world on it’s head?Yep, the Bucky/Serum!Reader story you didn’t know you wanted.

Rated: Explicit

A/N: Back like I never left. I didn't give up on the story. A lot of things happened in my life that pulled me away from fanfiction. My previous semester was very intensive and I lost a beloved family member to cancer. My Grandfather passed, we were very close and it put me in a bit of a spin. I'm doing much better and this is my final semester of school. I mapped out all my school semesters so that this last one would be easy. I'm only taking two classes and they are both on the same day. In addition I am back at the job I previously had which allowed me to write when things were slow. So you can expect this story to be completed this year between my senor synthesis project.I apologize to everyone who were waiting for this and I thank everyone for their kudos and continued support of this story. I hope you're still interested in reading it.To make up for my absense, this chapter is the length of 2-3.Enjoy~!

Chapter 17 :Threat

In a year’s time since losing Cassandra, the Avengers had all gone through their own set of changes and challenges. The Avengers, and some space morons, had gathered together to fight against a big purple asshole who literally snapped half the universe into nonexistence. Prior to that, Bucky had spent time in Wakanda and met a sassy princess named Shuri who was eager to try out her tech on what she lovingly called a “broken white boy”. As a result, she had managed to rewire Bucky’s brain in order to expel the existence of those nasty trigger words that remained tightly locked within his subconscious. After losing Cassandra, the idea that the book that held his trigger words was destroyed was no longer a comfort. He had to get rewired—get Hydra out of his head for good.

If he was going to go after Cassandra and face more Hydra operatives, he couldn’t give them any opening to get to him. The risk was far to great. In addition to Shuri rooting around in his brain, she saw fit to redesign his metal arm. One that quote “didn’t suck”, not like the rebuilt Hydra tech Tony had stitched together as an apology to Barnes after their Civil War that was less than civil.

However, the appearance of the previously mentioned purple asshole, Thanos, had put Bucky’s quest to find Cassandra on hold. Especially after he too was snapped into nonexistence.

During his time in the emptiness, what he could remember of it, he had hoped he’d see Cassandra there. That if he had indeed died, perhaps she had too—and he could finally rest. Rest with the woman he’d grown to love.

He was both relieved and heartbroken by the fact that he never saw her. He never saw anyone. Hell, he couldn’t remember if he had seen anything at all. Nonexistence had been funny like that. Both seeing and not seeing at the same time. Both existing and not at the same time. Both alive and not at the same time.

It was a lot like cryo.

But just as quickly as he’d died, he was back in the world which was very much the same as he’d left it, but with the added bonus of those who had survived the “snap” defeating Thanos.

Little things had changed since then. The Avengers had grown in size with the addition of that Spider Kid and occasional assistance from King T’Challa and his people, Banner and Thor had returned to the family of misfits—considering that Thor had nowhere else to go after the destruction of his home, and the odd family as a whole had moved from the Avengers Tower they had called home into the Avengers Compound. Which, if Bucky was honest, he liked better. He liked the seclusion the compound had, the fact that it was out of the city—the fact that he wouldn’t pass the toy store anymore.

It wasn’t as though Bucky had forgotten about Cassandra, or wanted to. Quite the opposite—he devoted all his downtime to following leads centered around finding her.

He wasn’t going to stop. He hadn’t stopped since they completed their move into the Avengers Compound. As a result, the last two months of Bucky’s life, since the move, had been harder than the year without her. At least during that year Bucky had unwavering distractions from his own anger, depression, and restlessness. But these past two months made him wish he was on ice again. He was impossible to be around—he knew it, but he wasn’t about to fake a smile. He wasn’t the type. He’d never been the type.

As a result, the team treaded carefully around him. They had been since week one of their move in which Bucky was insisting that the man in the chopper had “his Doll” under a triggered mind control similar to his own. In passing, Tony had said he wasn’t sure about that—that perhaps Cassandra was in fact a double agent. Even Natasha, the double agent queen, didn’t believe that. The idea had earned Tony a punch to his laboratory wall where his head had been. He hadn’t bothered to have the indent caused by the Sargent’s fist fixed—and hadn’t dared to bring up his theory again. He liked his playboy head attached to his shoulders.

The only person that could approached Bucky was Steve, and even he wasn’t immune to the male’s frustrations.

Bucky and Steve walked down the ramp descending from the Quinjet. The moment Bucky’s boots touched down on cement of the hanger he let out a frustrated growl that bordered on a roar and threw one of his guns across the room. It skittered across the floor. Upon catching up with the gun in smooth strides, Bucky kicked it like a petulant child, letting it hit the wall to the left and watched it crumble into several unrecognizable pieces.

Steve put his hand on Bucky’s shoulder and squeezed firmly, yanking him back and forcibly turning his friend to face him. “Enough.” Steve growled, as if scolding a toddler. A toddler that could break his damn neck if it really wanted to.

Bucky shrugged his friend off. “Seven tips—all seven leading to nothing!” He wanted to punch something. Bucky had followed every tiny glimmer of hope that might lead to Cassandra. No matter how insignificant it seemed. “We can’t keep doing this.” Steve murmured. Steve could have told him that five of the seven leads would bring them nothing, but Bucky always insisted. He was tired, he had bags under his eyes—but so did Bucky. Steve found himself wondering when the last time Bucky slept was.

“We can’t look into everything, Bucky.” He reiterated, gripping both of Bucky’s shoulders in an attempt to hold his focus. “We can’t.”

Bucky set his jaw, his muscles wound tight, but he didn’t pull back, or punch him in the jaw like Steve expected.

“You did it for me.” Bucky murmured through clenched teeth.

The Captain’s eyes softened, a moment of silence passing between them before Steve pulled Bucky into a firm hug by his grip on his shoulders. “We’ll find her Buck.” He murmured before his friend returned the embrace. “We’ll find her.” He repeated.

Their tender moment was interrupted by Sam sticking his head in. “Yo, old guys.”

Bucky let go of his friend and peered over his shoulder at Sam, giving him a death glare. That hug from Steve was the first positive physical contact he’d had since Cassandra was taken from him, he wasn’t pleased with having it cut short.

“Sorry secret lovers,” Sam murmured, stepping out of the doorway and into the hanger. “But we have a lead on The Cassinator.” He murmured with a grin, as if he were proud of himself for the new nickname.

Bucky wasn’t impressed.

Cassandra would have laughed.

Cassandra wasn’t here.

The super solider with the metal arm arched a brow as if he was not convinced, but Sam continued. “A real lead. With real evidence.” Bucky’s eyes narrowed. “Pictures.” Sam emphasized, tilting his head in the direction behind him to get the Captain and the Sargent to follow him.

Steve looked to his best friend and clapped him on the back as he broke into a steady jog after Sam. It took Bucky a moment longer to follow after them. Bucky wasn’t so sure he could take anymore bad news. The whole year had been nothing but a plethora of bad news.

Tony slammed his hand on the table in the conference room, drawing it back to rest it on his hip. “She’s been spotted in Germany.” He announced, beaming like a child who just completed a jigsaw puzzle.

Steve, who had been seated next to where Tony had slapped his hand on the table, arched a brow. “We went to Germany.” He said blandly. It wasn’t that he was trying to be cynical, he just didn’t want to get Bucky excited for nothing. He remembered what that felt like. To be so sure he was going to find Bucky only to return empty handed. Bucky had already done it enough.

Steve was going to make sure they didn’t go on another mission to find Cassandra until they were absolutely sure it was a genuine lead. Bucky’s heart couldn’t take it. Steve’s couldn’t either. Partially because he too loved Cassandra as a valued member of the team, but more so because his heart broke for his pal.

Bucky tapped his metal finger on the surface of the desk, not looking up at Tony’s over-excited face. “What makes you think she’s there?” he murmured, monotone and seemingly uninterested. He couldn’t bare to give his hopes up again. Not when seven leads had brought them nothing.

Sensing Bucky’s skepticism, Tony tapped on the surface of the table at the head, little hidden panels lighting up under his fingertips until a projection appeared at his eye level. The picture was a birds eye view of an old HYDRA base, one that Bucky recognized from his days on The Howling Commandos in the 40’s. It was one of the original seven bases the team took down when Steve officially became Captain America.

Tony raised his hand to the hologram and flicked his wrist to change the angle of the view until two people could be clearly seen. One was a girl with long brown hair tied up into a high pony but had no other distinguishable features showing besides that. The bottom half of her face was masked, and across her eyes were goggles. Even with the shitty resolution caused by zooming in Bucky knew it was his doll. The other figure was obviously the man Bucky saw in the chopper the day Cassandra got away. His memory may not have been great regarding everything pre-HYDRA, but he remembered the man who took his best girl.

“When do we leave?” Bucky said plainly, having already made up his mind the moment Tony zoomed in on the two figures. It wasn’t definite, with her face covered like that, but it was the best lead they had in weeks.

“We don’t,” Said Steve firmly, causing Bucky to set his jaw and raise a death like stare in Steve’s direction—one reminiscent of The Winter Solider. “Not without a plan.” Steve finished quickly, watching his friend’s gaze slightly soften.

Tony pipped up at that moment to back up his Captain, “I’ve got schematics of the building,” he murmured, flicking the hovering hologram to raise a new one. “Scanned it this morning.”

The building was roughly mapped out, as best as it could be through steel doors and solid concrete- but Stark’s tech was nothing to scoff at, and money said it was probably as accurate as anything. Bucky looked over the plans, his chin resting in his human hand and his leg shaking as he tapped his foot restlessly on the floor.

“There’s two stories plus one underground floor,” Tony, lifted two hands and flipped the flat image parallel to the table where it became a 3D model of the building. “Our best access points are here, here, and—”

Bucky cut Tony off as he was gesturing to the roof. “What’s that?” he asked, pointing to a peculiar shape at the underground floor of the building. Tony arched a brow and made a face, clearly dissatisfied with being cut off. “I’m not sure.” He said flatly, trying to pick up from what he had been saying just a moment ago.

Bucky wasn’t having it.

“Zoom in.” He persisted, his tone a command and not a request in the slightest. Tony let out a sigh of exasperation but poked his finger through the hologram to this odd shape at the base of the building. The hologram reset itself and zoomed in on the indicated section. He put his hands on the table and leaned in close, one hand coming up to rub at his sharply shaped beard. “Uh, a big chair.” He said, not even pretending to be interested.

Bucky’s face paled about four shades. “We gotta move.” He said firmly, standing from his chair so quickly that it rolled back and hit the wall behind him. Steve reached out and gripped his friend’s right arm, which would have sent him rolling with him had his feet not been firmly planted on the short carpet.

“Buck! A plan!” He repeated. This was rich coming from the man who ran head first into the big purple menace months prior and took on an army of chitauri without so much as a thought in his head.

“We’ll make one on the way.” He muttered, pulling his arm from Steve’s grip. “You, me, Tony, and Spider Punk. Let’s go.” Bucky was already out the door before he could see Sam and Natasha give each other a look that said, ‘And what the fuck are we? Chopped liver?’

Steve smiled weakly at the two. “We’re gonna need some level heads here to take care of the place while we’re gone.”

“Nice save.” Muttered Sam.

Tony, clearly pouting as the hologram sunk back into the table let out a grumble of discontent, “And here I thought I was in charge.” Steve smiled and raised his brows, “I let you think that.” Tony’s brow crinkled, and he scoffed.

Running. So much running. They never stayed in one place for too long, but she didn’t question it. She couldn’t. It was like there was someone else at the wheel. Everything the man in front of her said just made sense. Not because she thought about it and came to that conclusion herself—because it did.

Because that’s the way it was. She couldn’t think anything—not really. It was easier to do what you were told than think. Still… There was something in the back of her head, like a voice that would become just loud enough for her to hear. It was often followed by a brief snippet of time she couldn’t account for.

A distant memory like something out of a story she read but didn’t quite remember. Flashes of memories that couldn’t be hers.

Soft sheets. A warm embrace. Long hair. Blue eyes like ice on a frozen pond, haunting and enchanting. A bright smile…a real one.

And a voice. A rough voice expressing sweet nothings she couldn’t quite hear.

The lips… The lips that framed that smile… It formed words. In the flashes of this fantasy she could almost read them. ‘Ca….Ca…--’

“Kukol’nyy.”

Her head shot up, eyes empty, as if looking through her handler rather than at him.

“Your mind is wondering.” The man said whose name she couldn’t remember. A whisper in her mind said he was a doctor. Vasiliev—commander… doctor… handler—these words all blended together. The meant the same thing, and they were all words she couldn’t utter. No questions. Just comply.

The voice in the back of her head got quiet again.

The man in front of her stood knee deep in the snow, his arms crossed, looking upon this super soldier. Dirty, hair tangled, covered by the hood of her jacket, the snow hugging at her thighs. During his inspection, his eyes caught something perplexing. Little movements the Puppet was making.

Shivering. She was shivering. His brow crinkled in confusion. Super soldiers didn’t feel the effects of chill. Not like the average human—at the least they weren’t affected by it in the same way. A super solider could be sent out into a blizzard in civilian clothes for hours without showing signs of hypothermia. So why was she shivering?

He looked to her blank face before he turned once again, approaching the building they’d set out for. Passing through the clearing and reaching the front door should have been more difficult in knee deep snow—but the super soldier walked through the icy blockade as if taking a stroll through a field of daisies, creating a path for her handler to follow.

Upon reaching the iron door, the doctor stepped aside, gesturing to it with his head as he looked at the girl. “Open it.”

Kukol’nyy, who once had another name but had forgotten it, stepped forward and put her ungloved palm on the handle, rusted from years of snow and ice. The metal cracked under the force of her grip and she gave the handle a pull, tugging the obstacle out of their way as the door came off its’ hinges. She tossed the useless hunk of iron into the snow and stepped aside so her handler could ender the building ahead of her.

The doctor paused and again, tilted his head, gesturing to the opening. “You first, Kukol’nyy.”

Of course, how could she forget? She always entered first. Any doorway they entered, Kukol’nyy was to step in before her handler, insuring that any attack would be laid upon her first. Protection of her handler was her number one initiative.

She walked in, a hand at her thigh where she kept her gun, ready to draw it at the first sign of a threat.

None came. The girl relaxed her stance and turned partially to look at her handler, nodding that it was safe for him to enter. She rarely spoke. She wasn’t expected to speak. Speaking required thought.

She didn’t have thoughts.

Not her own.

Her handler stepped forward, walking past the soldier as he unzipped his heavy coat, snow from his shoulders dusting the floor as the fabric shifted.

“Come, Kukol’nyy. You’re filthy.”

“So, uh, why did the Russian dude kidnap your friend, Mr. Stark.” The Spider kid is not one that Bucky would usually depend on. Hell, he would have rather taken Bird Brain. However, he saw what that web of his could do first hand. If he could pin him to the floor the first time they met, he could easily tangle Cassandra. This was a search and rescue mission—and in his opinion other members of the team were a little too keen on shooting first and asking questions later.

Bucky knew no one mentioned it, they wouldn’t dare, but some suspected—in the very back of their minds—that maybe Cassandra had been conning them and was a double agent like Toni said. He wouldn’t have brought Tony, considering he’d been the one that planted the idea of Cassandra betraying them into other members of the team—but he knew he wouldn’t be able to take Spider kid with them without the watchful eye of his pseudo dad.

That—and deep down, in spite of what Bucky had said in the past, he knew Tony really cared for the woman and wouldn’t allow harm to come to her. Even if he had his doubts about her motives.

Instead of reiterating said doubts about Cassanda’s credibility, Tony just replied, “Dunno kid.”

Steve spoke from his position in the cockpit of the Quinjet. “Rebuilding HYDRA would be a lot easier if they had a new super soldier acting as their ‘fist’.”

Steve looked over his shoulder in time to see his friend’s look of disgust. Bucky still wasn’t over the part he had played in history.

He didn’t want Cassandra to have any of the same guilt he had.

Steve changed the subject, “But I don’t know why he would take her out here. They’ve done a pretty good job of hiding up until this point.” It was true, the pair had avoided any known HYDRA bases during their time on the run, fully aware they were likely being monitored. Yet, after months of being so careful they suddenly pushed their luck?

“He doesn’t have time to construct his own chair.” Bucky mumbled, his body swaying with a sudden jolt as the jet hit an unexpected air pocket. Bucky stood his ground, easily balancing in the bumpy craft, while Peter, usually the poster child of quick reflexes, fell back onto his ass.

“Can’t he just like… Buy one?” Peter asked, pulling himself back onto his feet before thinking better of it and having a seat on one of the benches that lined both sides of the jet. “Ikea furniture comes with a lot of instructions yeah, but it doesn’t take all that long to build right?”

Bucky’s jaw clenched. Steve looked back again. Bucky hadn’t opened up about a lot of the things that HYDRA did, but Steve did know about the chair. He’d spent a lot more time in it when he met Steve again on the bridge. It’d triggered so many memories that HYDRA had fought to shred.

“Why would he take her there, Buck?” Steve asked, his tone suggesting that he was aware he was walking on eggshells. Steve didn’t push Bucky to tell him more than he was comfortable with, they took it a day at a time, so prying was something he attempted to do delicately when necessary.

“She’s remembering.”

The girl hit the floor, not because she couldn’t catch herself—but as a sign of submission. When your handler shoved you, it was best you fall. The floor was cold. Even colder on bare skin. The shivers started again, making their way up her body like fingers walking up her spine, the hard surface of the concrete floor pressing uncomfortably to her kneecaps while one of her shins pressed to a metal grate on the floor, her skin imbedded with the pattern under the pressure.

“Up Kukol’nyy.”

At his command she stumbled to her feet, her arms at her side and her head hung to look at the floor but raised just enough so her handler could see it properly. Her hands stayed limply at her bare sides, never once moving to cover her stripped flesh. Any shame that existed in the mind she once had was not present in this one. Her long brown hair offered her only form of protection from the nip of the frosty air, hanging from her shoulders and covering a portion of her breasts. But the rest of her was on display and her face betrayed no interest one way or the other in her own exposure.

It should have been humiliating to stand there naked in front of a man she didn’t know. But like this she felt nothing. She thought nothing. She was nothing.

Just the orders she got.

“You really don’t look like a soldier, do you?” Her handler scoffed, lifting a fire hose that hung on the wall of the room. Any other person would have assumed it was an emergency hose, in case a fire broke out in the building. No—the room was built for this. With nothing in it but a drain in the floor and the hose on the wall, this room was made specifically for this.

Hosing down the asset after a mission.

Weapons didn’t get the luxury of showers.

Weapons weren’t human.

The asset wasn’t human.

The puppet wasn’t human either.

Her eyes followed the male’s hands blankly as they turned on the water, steam quickly radiated off the pipe and the uncoiled hose started to fill until a violent stream of water shot from the end of it and made contact with the puppet’s skin.

It hurt. The stream held such intensity it felt as if the water was trying to cut skin from bone, to wash her skin by ripping it away. She coiled instinctively, caving in on herself into a fetal position to try and protect her body from the pain, though she didn’t run from it. She wouldn’t dare run. You didn’t run from your handler. She felt the intense spray pelt her back as if being hit with hundreds of tiny needles.

Warm… At least it was warm… No… It was too warm… Too warm. It hurt… Like a burn from the sun, shining down on exposed pale skin. No—it was worse than that. It burned.

It burned like fire.

Burned like fire.

Like fire.

Fire.

Her eyes snapped open, pupils dilating and filling with a newfound focus, as if someone had turned the lights on in a dark room and she could finally see what before were only blurry shapes. She lifted her head, her body shaking under the force of the hose and made eye contact with the man who sprayed her.

Her handler held her gaze for a long while and then broke eye contact to turn off the water. The hose went limp and he carelessly dropped it on the floor, unwilling to roll it. “Put your close on.” He commanded as the quivering girl’s expression bounced between moments of clarity, and empty gazes while she struggled to get onto her feet. She was like a newborn deer, experimenting with her limbs for the first time. “We’re going downstairs.”

Bucky’s leg shook, he bounced it up and down upon the floor of the Quinjet with his arms crossed. Though they wouldn’t be landing in their location for several more minutes, he had his gun strapped to his back and his blades in their holders. He was wound tight like a spring that would launch at any moment. He was riddled with anxiety and impatience.

That anxiety spread.

“Quit it.” Steve murmured, his eyes darting to Bucky’s leg.

“Make me.” Bucky muttered back almost childishly.

Steve wisely didn’t take the bait, settling for crossing his arms over his chest. He’d been warned before not to poke a bear. The same premise applied to the former Winter Soldier.

“Children. Don’t make me turn this jet around.” Tony’s voice came from the front of the Jet, standing behind Natasha’s seat. He didn’t bother to turn his head. Obviously, he wasn’t going to turn the jet around, but his attempt at humor fell on deaf ears. Nothing could dwindle Bucky’s impatience.

“We’re above our target.” Natasha murmured, more to Tony than anyone.

But of course, Bucky heard it. No sooner had Natasha reached the period in her sentence than Bucky was on his feet and punching the button on the control panel which opened the exit ramp. The cabin filled with the chill outside air, tousling the hero’s inside.

“Bucky, wait!” Steve called, but Bucky had already thrown a parachute onto his back and jumped without looking back.

There was a long pause in the Quinjet before Steve moved to put on a chute for himself.

“So, jumping out of planes must be a super soldier trait.” Tony mumbled.

Tony had already hit the button to close the exit, giving Steve a look. “Just wait until we land. He’s not stupid enough to charge into battle alone.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” Natasha called from the front of the jet, finally turning his head. “That’s another super soldier trait.”

Bucky wasn’t crazy enough to fall without a parachute, that height was too much even for him. However, the parachute wouldn’t last long. As he fell, he refrained from pulling the chute until he was half way to the ground, allowing the chute to slow his descent before ditching it. He unbuckled himself from the safety device and free fell the rest of the way, landing on the concrete roof of the building with a loud ‘thud’.

Bucky wasn’t stupid enough to go into the building alone.

But he was angry enough.

In four confident strides he was at the door of the roof. He gripped the handle, the metal forming to his metal hand like clay, before he ripped the door from its’ hinges.

Immediately there was a commotion, the sound of men barking at each other in Russian. He narrowed his eyes, they hadn’t observed any other HYDRA operatives enter the building during their surveillance, brief as it was.

The soldier didn’t take the time to wait, to analyze how many people he heard. It didn’t matter. They were all dead the minute Vasiliev took Cassandra. He descended the stairs just as four men tracked up. Four men, four bullets, each between the eyes. The Winter Soldier was back with a new mission and there would be no mercy shown—not like his avenger comrades.

Stepping over the bodies that had rolled down the stairs, Bucky’s stride continued. On his path several doors opened with new enemies, few took a step out into the hall before a bullet was embedded into them. That is, until he rounded a corner.

Three men approached Bucky, guns drawn. Bucky lifted his palm to the barrel of the gun closest to him, it went off and the bullet was crushed against his hand. Expressionless, he ripped the gun from the man’s hand and kneed him in the stomach as he fell forward.

The unnamed man slumped against him and Bucky took the opportunity to use him as a human shield as he reached over, firing his gun at the other two assailants.

As their bodies hit the ground, Bucky pushed the man who stood limp against him to the wall, his metal hand at his throat. “Where is she?” He asked, his Russian as clear as when he was a brainwashed tool.

The man swallowed, or at least attempted to as the male lifted a shaking hand and pointed downward. Bucky nodded and squeezed down harder, snapping the male’s neck before dropping him in a pile with his friends.

The puppet’s eyes stayed up to the ceiling, focused but submissive. She wasn’t looking at anything, and her thoughts drifted between moments of nothingness and snippets of a memory that wasn’t hers. Not as far as she could tell anyway.

Her breathing was even, but hollow—an action devoid of any real life or desire to live, but rather a reflex.

The chair she sat in whirred to life and a pair of shackles built into the chair snapped shut around her wrists as the many attachments and panels on the chair shifted, slowly drifting to her head with occasional sputtering in the flow of its’ movements. It’d clearly not been used in a while.

As she shut her eyes in preparation for the mechanics coming down upon her skull, a mangled sound came over the radio her handler held at his station.

“Vasiliev—!” The words, whatever it was that would have followed such a panicked tone, were cut off by a scream of pain and a gargling sound over the radio the handler kept on his person. A moment later, the doors to the room she sat in where kicked open, one smacking against the wall, the other sliding across the floor as it was dislodged from its’ hinges.

“Kukol’nyy!” Her handler barked at her, orders didn’t need to be spoken, she knew instinctively—defend.

However, as she tried to stand, the chair’s shackles kept her in place. She yanked at the metal, but it wouldn’t budge. It was made for someone much stronger than she was.

The intruder, who’s name she didn’t know, trained his cold gaze upon her handler as his hand reached for the lever that would free her from the chair. He lifted his hand and fired his gun, shooting through her handler, though she couldn’t make out where he had been struck.

She growled and pulled at the shackles, doing an excellent impersonation of a trapped animal.

“Cassandra…” The long-haired male murmured in a voice just above a whisper as he approached the woman in the chair. His hands gripped the shackles around her wrists and pulled, grunting with the effort until the metal bindings snapped open.

The woman paused, looking down at the male’s hands as he shifted to open the other shackle, the second one quickly relived the same fate as the first and the man looked at her with eyes that finally held some sort of emotion.

“Doll…” He murmured, his hands coming up to gently hold her shoulders. She looked up at him with a confused expression. He looked familiar.

Right. She ran into him once before… A long time ago.

Did she know him?

“It’s okay doll… I’m gonna take you home… We’re going home…”

The girl blinked a few times, as if trying to clear dust from her eyes, her lips parting to speak. “H—”

“Kukol’nyy, ugroza*!”

Her jaw set tightly, and her head came forward, hitting the male in the face and making him stumble backwards with the force as she lunged towards him. The male covered his face with his forearm, blood trickling from his nose under the force of the headbutt. Meanwhile the girl dropped down and hooked her leg at her threat’s ankles, sending him on his back.

The puppet quickly got on top of him, straddling his waist and latching her hand around his throat.

He lifted his metal hand and latched it to the crook of her arm, forcing it to bend and disconnect from his neck as he flipped them over, pinning her hand down with his metal arm, his human hand squeezing her neck.

She struggled, growling as she tried to pry his hand from her neck and lift her arm from under the metal palm.

“Easy there, Doll.”

She froze, looking up at him without anger, or malice—but realization and confusion. Her lips slightly parted as she panted. Memories, blurry like a dream she couldn’t remember, danced over her vision. Smiles, skin on skin, gentle kisses, a moon lit room, looking up at bright blue eyes. Her head hurt. So many visions she couldn’t properly interpret—yet they were so familiar.

“Bucky…” The word tasted familiar on her tongue. Though she didn’t know how she knew it.

The man on top of her, with eyes from her dreams, widened and his grip on her neck retracted. “Doll?”

She looked up at him in confusion but propped herself up on her shoulders. God why did her head hurt so much? “Who…?” There were so many thoughts in her head that didn’t make sense—like puzzle pieces that didn’t fit—out of order and the wrong sizes.

Suddenly her back arched and she screamed in pain, a little disk at her neck sending a painful current through her body.

“Cassandra!” Bucky, gripped her shoulder, like if he could hold her in place long enough she may stop convulsing. He turned his head to see Vasiliev, holding a little remote. He took his thumb off the button and Cassandra went limp on the floor, weak and panting, charred marks on her body. That current might have killed a normal person.

“Not quite as good as the chair,” Vasiliev murmured, tossing the remote up and catching it back in his hand. “But it will do in a pinch.”

Bucky stood up. He didn’t draw his gun. He wanted the pleasure of ripping this guy’s spine out with his bare hands. He took a step forward, but the girl on the floor had curled her knees in and pushed herself back on her feet before jumping up onto the males back, trying to knock him off balance. Bucky didn’t have a choice. He reached behind himself and pulled her forward as he bent, tossing her into the opposing concrete wall. She hit it with a loud crash, and an indentation formed where she hit. When she fell to the floor, it was hard to tell if the sickening crack was from the girl or the concrete.

After a long moment of motionlessness, she tried to push herself up onto her hands and knees but let out an agonized cry and fell back onto the floor, unable to support herself. “Stay down, doll.” Bucky growled.

As he approached Vasiliev again, the doors behind the doctor opened and a team of HYDRA agents flooded in, firing in Bucky’s direction. He quickly ducked behind a pillar, taking cover from the fire as he looked over at Cassandra, who hadn’t moved from the floor.

From the other side of the room, came Captain America and Ironman. The bullets bounced off of Cap’s shield before he threw it, taking out two of the men for at least a moment. It bounced against the wall and flew back in Cap’s direction. He snatched the flying disk from their air as Ironman charged his blasters and shot in the opposing team’s direction.

Another HYDRA member had made their way to Cassandra, but quickly found himself attached to the wall by a sticky web that came from above. Peter jumped down and landed beside Bucky. “Uh Mr. Winter Soldier, Bucky—uhh Sir… You should get your girlfriend.” He said awkwardly before stringing himself to the other side of the room to kick another agent to the floor. As the team covered him, Bucky made is move to Cassandra.

“Kukol’nyy! Get. Up!” Came Vasiliev’s voice. Cassandra moved to push herself up again and let out a howl of pain, forcing her to lean against the wall as she stumbled to her feet. As Bucky approached, the girl threw a weak punch which he easily deflected. He caught the fist and pulled her forward, about to fling her over his shoulder when she howled in pain again as the disk gave a low toned buzz at her neck, making her blood boil and her skin burn. She dropped to her knees, falling out of Bucky’s grip.

“Doll!” Bucky moved to pick her up again, only to be kicked in the side, sending him back. Another HYDRA operative forced Bucky back in hand to hand combat.

“Get the girl!” Vasiliev barked, shoving the male beside him in her direction. He quickly ran to her forcing her to her feet and pulling her from the room, out the door.

“No!” Bucky growled, but he couldn’t get around the male in front of him. A blast finally knocked the male from his path and Bucky looked to Tony who gestured with his head for Bucky to go in the direction of Cassandra as the HYDRA operatives quickly filed out of the room, shooting behind them to hold the heroes back.

Steve ran to Bucky’s side, the two of them running down the hall with Steve’s shield up to keep the bullets from striking them. The hallway lead outside, were several HYDRA agents were mounting bikes and ATVs. Steve’s shield lowered in time to see Cassandra and the operative who’d retrieved her mounting a motorcycle and disappearing into the woods.

Bucky moved to follow them but was held off by the operatives that had not yet made their getaway. The other avengers came on the scene to fend off the remaining operatives, but when the metaphoric dust had cleared, Cassandra and Vasiliev were gone again—Leaving a particular super soldier shaking with rage.

A/N: Forgive any mistakes. I was in a hurry to post this (finally) and I'm sure I didn't read as carefully as I normally do for mistakes!

Like how I explained away Infinity War? Yeah I had to do that. #ignoringiw

*Ugroza = Threat

Your kudos and your comments made me come back so thank you guys!

Kudos make my heart sing an comments give me life.

Let me know if you're happy this story is back. I've mapped out the final chapters so this story will be a total of 25 chapters long so we still have somethings to come!

Follow me on tumblr if you want, I'm open for fanfic requests and stuff!

[xiustagram]

Dear Minseok-Ls' ,

when I first got into exo and had minseok as my crush , I had no idea what to know , what to watch or where to watch . so this is is for all the new Minseok-Ls' , everything you need to know about Exo's eldest maknae and relieve your feels <3

:) He Was mentioned in f(x)’s ‘Pinocchio’ “Thanks To” by member Amber and Sulli.

:) He’s the strongest. (x)

:) He’s the oldest in EXO. 

:) He has been DJ in radio shows and been MC in music shows. The first time he was DJ was with Chanyeol, in SSTP. The first time he was MC was in Music Core (130928).

:) He likes JJ Lin’s songs. (x)

:) Luhan calls him ‘Baozi’ because when they first met he was cute and his face was round, like a bun. (x)

:) He actually likes eating steamed buns. :D (x)

:) His ideal type is a girl who can hug him and comfort others. (x)

:) When Tao had just arrived in Korea, and barely knew the language, when he first met Xiumin, he called him oppa. (x)

:) For him, one of the hardest parts when training was the dieting, because he loves food. (x)

:) His favorite food is his parents’ kimchi soup, because he’s eaten it for almost 20 years. It’s been a long time since he’s had it and he really misses it. (x)

:) Xiumin’s favorite Chinese dish is Hot Pot. (x) (x)

:) Sometimes Tao and Xiumin will lie in the same bed and hug each other. (x)

:) DJ Mai got JJ Lin’s (Xiumin’s favorite Chinese singer) autographed cd and gave to him. He also gave to JJ Lin EXO-M’s “MAMA”. (x)

:) Xiumin cooks. His best dish is scrambled eggs, since it’s easy to cook. (x)

:) Xiumin’s American pop influence is Adam Lambert. (x)

:) He says his real height (without wearing shoes) is 1,7?, he wants us to imagine what that is. (x)

:) He knows how to sing high notes. (Weekly Idol 130710)

:) He often hears he looks like Wonder Girls’ Sohee.

:) He has a younger sister, who’s a 92er. (SSTP - 130713) 

:) He’s afraid of cats. (SSTP - 130713) Not anymore! He said he used to be afraid of them, but now he isn’t. When asked if he preferred cats or dogs he chose cats. (Grazia Magazine 2016)

:) He says he can’t lie. (SSTP - 130713)

:) He can watch horror movies, but not alone. (SSTP - 130713)

:) Although he lived in an apartment, he used to have a duck and a chicken as a pet. (SSTP - 130713)

:) Xiumin’s habit is cleaning. Chanyeol said he’s like the god of cleaning, but XM said he sees this as a disease. (SSTP - 130713)

:) He says he’s in charge of sweating in EXO. 

:) Lay was curious so he lay in Xiumin’s bed and the pillow smelt like saliva. Xiumin then said he often drools in his sleep and Luhan added he drools even while in the plane. (A Song For You - 130823)

:) He’s close to Infinite’s Dongwoo and VIXX’s N.

:) He’s the only EXO member who doesn’t have double eyelids. (SUKIRA 130912) (x)

:) He has the widest forehead in EXO. (SUKIRA 130912 & 130601)

:) Before debut he was chubby. He used to exercise with Super Junior’s Ryeowook and Sungmin. (SUKIRA 130912)

:) His friend wanted to be an actor so he accompanied him to audition and got chosen instead. (SUKIRA 130912)

:) f(x)’s Amber calls him “hyung”. (SUKIRA 130912)

:) Xiumin is a fan of DBSK, he met them for the first time 2 weeks after he had started training, during Mirotic promotions. He says he felt really nervous and even though he has debuted already, he still feels nervous next to Yunho and Changmin because he’s still a fan. He wants to be on the stage together with them. (131103 Love Game )

:) He’s friends with SHINee’s Jonghyun since they are the same age. He says that Onew has taken care of him since they were trainees. (131103 Love Game )

:) On the day of coming of age ceremony he got a perfurme and a rose. (131103 Love Game - trans by ggamjongin)

:) He explained that “Xiu” is “Soo” in Korean and that “Min” comes from his real name, “Minseok”. So Xiumin is Soomin in Korean.  (131103 Love Game )

:) His favorite seasons are Spring and Autumn. (131108 - SSTP)

:) He wants to be closer to BoA. (131108 - SSTP)

:) His favorite school subject is Math. (Ivy Club interview 2013)

:) When asked at what age he wanted to go back to he says wants to go back to when he was born because then he could eat and grow taller. (140316 Love Game )

:) He watched the drama ‘You who came from the stars’ (140316 Love Game )

:) He likes reading children’s books. (x) (x)

:) His favorite color is Blue/Mint. His favorite film is X-Men. He always drinks Americano. His favorite soccer team is Barcelona/Argentina . His favorite drink is Coffee and flavour is Blueberry. (150125 Live chat event)

:) He is listed as “lyricist” for ‘Haka’ in EXOLOGY along with Baekhyun and Tony Testa (x)

:) Xiumin has a habit that when one of his hands makes a gesture, the other follows. He talked about it with fans during 150426 fansign. (x)

:) Baekhyun said Xiumin hits him quite often. (150426 EXODUS fansign)

:) He would like to act with Janghyuk.(Love game radio - 150425)

:) His favorite Marvel character is the Hulk. (150813 chat event)

:) He’s a fan of Frozen. (150813 chat event)

:) His favorite character is Elsa. (150813 chat event)

:) He likes spicy things. (150813 chat event)

:) He likes carrot cake. (150813 chat event)

:) He watches BLEACH. (150813 chat event)

:) His favorite One Piece character is Chopper. (150813 chat event)

:) He wants to be on stage with the singer Jo Sungmo. (160515 MV Bank Stardust)

Monster or Lucky one? He prefers Monster. cr: Tyche_Boys (160626 EX'ACT fansign)

:) In his pre-debut dancing video, he wasn’t a penguin, he was a woodpecker. (160626 EX'ACT fansign)

:) He is #TeamCap. (160626 EX'ACT fansign)

:) His favorite ice-cream flavor is Baskin-Robbins’ 초코나무 숲 (Chocolate Forest) (160626 EX'ACT fansign)

:) He plays OVERWATCH. (160626 EX'ACT fansign) 

:) He’s not very good with technology, he prefers something classic and analog rather than modern things. (x)

:) Chanyeol says Xiumin is a tsundere (will act cold at first but then warm later). Baekhyun says if you ask him to do something he’ll say no at first but will end up doing it anyway. Xiumin says he’ll look easy if he says yes right away when Baekhyun asks for something. (Star Show 360 160919)

:) D.O wants Xiumin to stop making lame jokes. Xiumin said he does that to bring the mood up. He and Suho have a similar sense of humor so they both like it when the members get speechless because of their jokes. (Star Show 360 160919)

:) He’s a member of EXO’s first subunit, EXO-CBX.

:) His favorite CBX song is “The One”. (CBX Showcase - 161031)

:) Top model Han Hyejin is a Xiumin fan. Red Velvet’s Irene got her a signed album with his photocard. (Laundry Day - tv show)

:) The CBX unit was formed after a suggestion given by their trainer (Chen, Xiumin and Baekhyun exercise together) since they have a lot of things in common. (Dispatch interview 161031/Cultwo show 161102)

:) When he was young he wanted to be a lot of things like a bodyguard, kindergaten teacher, vocal trainer, baker, barista… (161110 NetEase Interview )

:) He said he pierced his year in the 3rd year of High School, to look fashionable. (161112 CBX Fansign )

:) When asked what words he was the happiest to hear he said ‘recently at the fansign, when they said that I’m like a fairy’ (161115 Radio)

:) He says he’d like to go to an Onsen (161115 Radio )

:) Xiumin’s current favorite anime is Prince of Tennis and favorite character is Ryoma. (161123 CBX Fanmeet)

:) Xiumin has cat called Tan. (161230 For life fansign)

:) When asked to chose a member to be in an action movie with he chose Baekhyun. (161230 For life fansign)

:) He prefers being called “cute” instead of “cool”. (161230 For Life fansign )

:) He believed in Santa Claus until he was 4~5 years old. (161230 For life fansign )

:) He said he’s similar to Jo Jongsuk’s character in the movie “Hyung” because he sometimes scolds vulgarities to D.O too. (161230 For life fansign )

:) His favorite fruit is blueberry. (161230 For life fansign)

:) When asked who he’d like to be if he was reborn Xiumin said he’d like to be Sehun so he’d be the maknae, tall and handsome. (170422 Lotte fanmeeting )

:) He wants to be a model and catwalk with Suho. (170422 Lotte fanmeeting )

:) When asked what he likes to eat/drink in the summer he said he likes drinking beer. (170719 Cultwo Show)

:) Xiumin is the fastest runner in EXO. (170719 Cultwo Show)

:) Besides his freezing power, a supernatural power Xiumin wants to have is mind control, like in X-MEN. (170719 @ Kangta’s Starry Night)

:) He wears Jo Malone perfume. (170730 The War fansign )

:) His favorite beer is Asahi. (170730 The War fansign -

:) He got into SM because of TVXQ. (tvN Life Bar 2018) 

:) When he first saw TVXQ in person he thought they looked like gods. (tvN Life Bar 2018) 

:) Changmin says that Xiumin criticizes his cooking. (tvN Life Bar 2018) 

:) His friend was going to audition for SM and invited Xiumin to go with him, but only Xiumin got into the company. (tvN Life Bar 2018)

:) He got interested in Volleyball because of the anime Haikyuu. His favorite character is Hinata, because he’s small. (180415 Blooming Days Fansign)

:) He said he’ll get scolded by his mom if he gets tattoos.

:) A superpower he would like to have is mind reading. He wants to know people’s thoughts, especially Baekhyun’s. (180804 Summer Vacation with EXO-CBX)

:) His favorite Pokemon are Raichu (because it’s chubby) and Snorlax. (Summer Vacation with EXO-CBX)

:) He watches Tokyo Ghoul. (Summer Vacation with EXO-CBX)

:) He has a Instagram account [ e_xiu_o ] [180909]

Last updated [180912]

[douxreviews]

Gotham - ‘Ruin’ Review

Zsasz: "I did not make that building go boom Jim!"

After two sufficient episodes, and one jerry-built episode, 'Ruin' delivers easily the best chapter so far of Season 5's no man's land arc, jam-packing all of Gotham's best qualities on the front lines.

Last week, an unknown assailant bombed Haven, the refuge taken over by the GCPD to protect the civilians still trapped within the city. Gordon has no suspect at the moment, but an act as broad as this means it could really be anybody. And very understandably, Gordon's redundant speeches are not enough this time to quell the survivors' fear and rage. But at long last, Season 5 continues to give me glimpses of a more valiant and sympathetic side to Gordon as he struggles to keep the morale of his fellow officers intact, and works urgently to protect as many individuals as he can in the immediate wake of Haven's bombing.

Though 'Ruin' is still split into two separate subplots like previous episodes, the narrative of 'Ruin' has a more orderly flow to it, simply because Gotham is taking advantage of one of its most prominent gifts - its cast. Rather than having each character more allocated to their individual stories (or even worse a crime, just not having them show up at all), they are all in some way or another either involved in the search for the Haven bomber, or they're involved in the continuing pursuit of Jeremiah Valeska. Characters that have felt neglected lately, such as Nygma, Lucius, Alfred and Jeremiah, now all get at least one opportunity to be dubbed 'scene-stealer' in 'Ruin'.

Because he lost men in the bombing too, Oswald proposes a truce with Gordon so that they may combine resources and bring the bomber to justice. Since the premiere of Season 5, I've felt that Oswald should have started off this year from the get-go working alongside the GCPD. And the reason for that is because Season 4 made it a point to establish that Oswald, by comparison to other rouges, possesses a more sane and logical approach to his criminal activity. Oswald simply needs order and structure to run a prosperous criminal empire. The chaotic antics orchestrated by the Valeska brothers in Season 4 that upset the established order of Gotham's municipal formation goes very much against Oswald's rule of thumb, which was why he was so quick to turn on Jerome too. But since this alliance was likely an inevitably anyway, it's a mere nitpick for me. (That being said, it was a really dumb move for Oswald to give away his and the GCPD's position through a bullhorn when they were pursuing their suspect. Even Tony Stark, the guy who gave his home address out in a video threat to a terrorist, would see that and shake his head in stupefaction.)

Oswald and the GCPD follow up on a tip given by Barbara which leads them to none other than Victor Zsasz. Of all the characters that could flourish in no man's land, I've been especially curious this season to see the shenanigans of the gunslinger Zsasz. Anthony Carrigan's comedic take on Zsasz, reinterpreting the character more as a fusion between Deadpool and the Man with No Name, has made him one of the series' best guest-appearance characters. That being said, after Season 3 and his consistent failures to assassinate Gordon per Carmine Falcone's decree despite talking up a storm about how no one ever sees him coming, I can't say I buy Zsasz's gloating in the precinct when he assures Gordon and Bullock he didn't bomb Haven; Zsasz's reasoning is that if it was him, there'd be no survivors. I'm sure a shopping cart with one bad wheel is more fruitful than Zsasz with a firearm.

Oswald remains vengeful towards Zsasz for selling him out to Sofia Falcone last year and believes that Zsasz's denial means nothing, and that the blatherskite should be executed, a decision that is met with unanimous approval from Haven's survivors in the style of a kangaroo court (one reminiscent of Scarecrow's own hearings from The Dark Knight Rises). I always appreciate these tiny callbacks like Oswald still bitter towards Zsasz, or a desecrated 'Make Gotham Safe Again' campaign poster from Season 3 appearing in the streets, because it keeps each season from feeling disjointed from the others, and given how many writers Gotham has had staffed over the years, that feature comes up time and again. But because one does not simply kill Victor Zsasz, Gordon decides the 'innocent until proven guilty' doctrine still needs to be upheld, and frees Zsasz. Whether it's to repay the favor, or maybe because he realizes Gordon is essential to Gotham's rebuilding, Zsasz chooses afterwards to not kill off Gordon either. Because Zsasz routinely comes and goes throughout the series, this may be the very last we see of him, and so I felt it was a nice way for him and Gordon to part there - both have come quite a ways since the days of Season 1 where Zsasz was always aiming something lethal at Gordon's head.

Meanwhile, Ed Nygma continues meager efforts to understand the nature of his blackouts. For weeks, I had given up wondering if Gotham was going to give us any hints at all about Nygma's arc this season, and instead decided that maybe his story was appropriately meant to be a riddle itself. We finally get some answers to Nygma in 'Ruin' that completely revolutionize the way we'll look at all of Season 5. In his quest to follow up on a clue he had left himself, Nygma is bargained with by Lucius Fox to help him and the GCPD understand the nature of Haven's bombing. Nygma agrees, and before long, the two concur that the assailant used a rocket launcher from the outside to ignite the initial explosion within Haven. We haven't seen Fox and Nygma interact with each other since Season 3's 'How The Riddler Got His Name', and I very much enjoy their energy and possibly even dormant affinity for each other. I suspect that in another timeline where Nygma never went down a path of crime and corruption, he and Fox would have probably worked well alongside each other within the GCPD.

Also contrary to what I thought might have been Nygma's shtick this season, he actually doesn't play up the 'I've-lost-my-marbles' mindset at all this episode, instead returning to the traits of egoism and lacing riddles throughout his speech, a pleasant blend almost between the old Ed and Riddler. Following his and Fox's teamup, Nygma examines the rooftop Haven's bomber must have fired from, and notices an old lady watching him from her apartment across the street. From her, Nygma is horrified to learn that he himself is Haven's bomber (and most likely the one who also fired upon the Wayne Enterprises chopper back in the season premiere). Why Nygma is routinely shifting between alternate consciousnesses we don't know yet, but I would definitely chalk this twist up to one of Gotham's best. If not for Season 5 preparing to introduce Bane, as well as keeping Jeremiah Valeska in the spotlight, I would raise my hopes much higher for the possibility that Riddler in fact is Season 5's main antagonist. It would keep in line with the showrunners' claim that the 'Zero Year' comic inspires much of Season 5, and I personally feel we haven't really seen Riddler yet as a force to be reckoned with, at least not since the end of Season 3.

The other subplot of 'Ruin' is Bruce and Alfred pursuing Selina, simply because Bruce believes if she kills Jeremiah, it may change her for the worse. It's another amusing detail for me that this is where Bruce draws the line in regards to Selina's internal metamorphoses, yet had no problem giving her a plant with atrocious side effects Ivy advertised quite clearly. Though Bruce and Alfred both get past goons working for Jeremiah, in a manner much like how Batman will ambush his foes in the future, they are too late to stop Selina from fatally stabbing Jeremiah. Or so it would seem.

This was the most irking feature of 'Ruin' for me, and it's not even a fault of the episode - it's a fault of the marketing. Early trailers and promos for Season 5 have clearly shown additional footage of Jeremiah that we haven't gotten to yet in this season, so I don't know why Gotham suddenly thinks they can pull the wool over our eyes, and try to convince us Jeremiah is as deceased as a girlfriend of Spider-Man's who took too hard a fall off the George Washington Bridge. Personally, my money is on Clayface actually being the one Selina made quick work of. He's been absent from the series since Season 3 as well, and would also be a welcome character to see return to the final season.

Right now, I'm still skeptical if the series can follow-up with an episode that lives up to the momentum that was 'Ruin', but I don't say that as if it's a difficult thing for Gotham to accomplish. You have an incredibly talented cast and array of characters that you understand in and out Gotham - savor that while you still can, because it's a fortunate feature for any show to have.

Other Thoughts:

• Gordon tackling Zsasz head-on is a pretty amusing visual, but also another quick and snappy showcase of his increasingly appealing valor.

• Will we ever get to hear Jeremiah laugh? We all know Cameron Monaghan is very capable of the deed, it's a talent that needs to be made the most out of. It'd be like a movie casting James Spader for a role that doesn't require him to talk - indefensible!

• 'Ruin' ends with a sudden cliffhanger showing renewed romantic interest between Gordon and Barbara. Not sure why these two suddenly have the hots for each other again, but with the revelation that Barbara will have some major news for Gordon in one of the oncoming episodes, I guess it's fair that the show needed to pave the road to Barbara Gordon/Batgirl somehow. I don't quite think showing a stork deliver her to Gordon's doorstep in a basket is going to cut it for viewers.

Aaron Studer loves spending his time reading, writing and defending the existence of cryptids because they can’t do it themselves.