#loki's convinced of one thing while completely blind to something else

[kaleidoscope-eyez]

***COMPLETED FIC*** Love Child

While on vacation from the Multiversal War, Loki and Sylvie arrive in New Asgard in 2025, with intentions of reuniting with Thor. But when they knock on his door, they’re surprised when a child named Love answers instead. Who is this dark-haired, blue-eyed child? And why does she refer to Thor as her uncle?

Could Loki possibly be…her father?!

[anonymousfiction211]

(reader is from asgard) After Loki faked his death, he transforms into the smallest creature and watches over the avengers tower only to see his childhood only friend and crush fall in depression. The others try to help but her anger is so much for her that she almost destroys everything with the powers she didn't knew she had. She admits to them how much she loved him and only then he realizes. I can't think of an ending. Also, sorry if this is too specific!

Word count: 2.026 words A/N: This story is set between Loki’s fake death in Thor 2 and the end of the movie. Hope you like it! Warning: Angst

Watching over you You were stirring in your sleep again. Something you did often lately. From behind your closed eyes tears started to flow over your cheeks, wetting the pillow underneath you. Right now, Loki wanted nothing more than to wake you and hold you close to him, hoping to comfort you. Tell you that everything is going to be okay. But he couldn’t do any of that. He was dead, or at least that is what everyone thinks. Plus, he had to change back to himself, and he couldn’t risk that either. It was safer to stay in this form. He wasn’t even supposed to be here, he should be in Asgard, planning the best moment to strike against Odin. But he couldn’t help himself, he had to see how you were doing. Even with dark circles under your eyes and in lazy/comfortable clothes, you still were beautiful to him. Something he would have told you, he wanted to tell you for so long, but every time you looked at him his tongue had failed him. You finally fell back in a peaceful slumber. Loki decided he would stay for one more night and then get to work. He flew to the ceiling above you, looked one more time at you sleeping form, before falling asleep himself.

Next morning

The sun was already shining brightly trough the windows. Loki had been watching you all morning. You hadn’t bothered setting an alarm clock, and when you woke up you grunted and turned around. There was a knock on the door.“(Y/N), time to get out of bed!” Natasha said. When you didn’t respond she entered the bedroom. It was her day today. You didn’t know it, you hadn’t even noticed a pattern. But some of the Avengers divided days among them to look after you. They were worried about the state you were in. Barely coming out of your room, not eating, not showering, and not wanting to talk about it. Not everyone agreed to it, however. Since not all people could understand that it was losing him what was causing you to act this way. To be honest, Loki never anticipated that you would be this much affected by his death. The two of you were friends since you were kids. You were one of the few people that somehow got him to open up. It didn’t take long to develop a crush on you, but he wasn’t the only one. A lot of guys in Asgard had, how could they not? You were beautiful, kind, patient, and the way you laughed sounded like Valhalla itself. Even tough you had a lot of friends, you always made time for him. You truly were the kindest person he had ever met.

Loki’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard you yell. “Just leave me alone!” He was shocked. In all the time that he’d known you, he never heard you yell. You never even raised your voice. Always staying calm, because no matter how angry you were ‘raising your voice was a sign for people that you weren’t in control of yourself anymore’ you once said to him. Natasha somehow got you to agree to get out of bed. The Widow is rather good in manipulation, Loki had to admit. “Once you’re ready, meet me in the training room. Oh, and don’t forget to open a window. You’re starting to attract flies.” Natasha said while she was leaving your room. You turned around and were staring at the fly on your ceiling for a few minutes. Loki thought you were about to cry again, but you held back your tears and got out of bed. If only you knew it was him on the ceiling.

Once you were gone, Loki in his fly-form, buzzed towards the training room too. Settling on the top of a punching bag, giving him an excellent view over the whole room. Your training with Natasha was hilarious to watch. He loved to watch you kick someone’s ass, and as a trained warrior Natasha didn’t stand much of a chance. Tough she held up against you longer than Loki would have guessed. “So, are you liking Earth, or ehm.. Midgard as you say it, so far?” Natasha asked you. “It’s fine” you replied rather uninterested in engaging in a conversation. “Thor hoped bringing you here would distract you a bit. Is it working?” Natasha went on. “Look, I get what you all are trying to do. And it’s not that I’m ungrateful, but I just want to be alone right now” you replied while making your way to the exit. “(Y/N), we can help you” Natasha tried one last time. When you turned back Loki saw different emotions on your face. It went quickly, but he noticed the sad expression with tears forming in your eyes. You blinked to vanish the tears, and your expression changed from sad to angry, and he swore that in between he saw regret. Why regret? Regret for what? he wondered. “Stop, just stop okay. You all hated him, so don’t for a second pretend that you even care” you spat back, angrily slamming the door on your way out.

The rest of the afternoon, you got your wish. Nobody bothered to see how you were doing or to get you out of bed again. This angered Loki much, but then again it was his fault you were feeling this way. While you were crying, Loki was lost in thought again. He should, he really should go back to Asgard after today. But how could he, knowing you were hurting. He couldn’t leave you like this, but he also couldn’t bare to watch it for much longer. If he knew how much his death would affect you, he would have thought of another plan to avoid going back to his cell. Even when he was locked up, you visited him often. You weren’t angry with him, just glad he was still alive. To his surprise you got guards to agree to let you into his cell. Playing games, reading, and laughing together. He thought he would never see you again after his failed attempt to rule Midgard. Even tough he never truly wanted to rule Midgard, but had to fulfil his assignment, and saw no way of escaping his faith. That was something he couldn’t tell people. He had almost told you, the first time you visited. He really wanted to, he couldn’t stand the thought of you thinking of him like everybody else did. But he was struggling with the words and then the guards came to tell the two of you, that the visiting time was over. Before you left his cell you gave him a kiss on his cheek. “When you’re ready to tell me, I’ll be there” you had whispered. That kiss on his cheek was the best moment of his life.  

In the end of the afternoon the Soldier had entered your room. He convinced you to get out of bed and took you to the living room. Loki, of course, flying right behind the two of you. Most of the team was already sitting in the living room. Thor was still on Asgard, and Loki noticed that Tony and Clint were also missing. You sat down, staring at the floor. “(Y/N), we really think you should get some professional help. We are getting worried about you” Steve began this little intervention. He was getting on and on about mental health, grief, and your sudden anger outbursts. If Loki were able in this form he would have rolled his eyes at the boring lecture. Before you got a chance to reply that door of the living room burst open. A very intoxicated Tony walked through them, going straight to the bar to pour himself another drink. I should have killed that men when I had the chance Loki thought.

Steve cleared his throat “Do you mind?” he said, clearly irritated by Tony’s behaviour. “Come on, is she still moping around because he’s dead” You looked up and gave Tony a murderous look. “Tony, stay out of this” Natasha warned him. Instead of taking her warning, Tony walked towards the group. “Come on, we all know the world is a better place without him” he continued. You stood up from your chair, balling your fists. “It’s not. Now, shut up” you yelled. “He was arrogant, egotistic, a murderer and just evil” Tony said while raising his voice. “Why would you even miss him? Why would anyone even care?” The anger was flaring through your eyes. At this point you were screaming. “He was not perfect, but who is?! He was kind, funny and incredibly smart. And given what he had to deal with in his life he is a better man than you ever could be!” You fell back in your chair, and noticed the tears falling from your face.

There was a long silence. Then Natasha broke it “You were in love with him” she said. Everyone looked at you. Loki began to grow very nervous and was holding his breath, waiting for you to react. “I am” you whispered. “Did he know?” she asked. “I- eh, no… Right before he and Thor would leave I wanted to tell him. But I got scared and decided to tell him afterwards.. and now..” you cried. “Maybe if I had, he would have stayed, or things would be different” you went on. Loki couldn’t believe what he was hearing. You were in love with HIM? Why? How long? And why hadn’t he noticed or told you that he felt the same way? He really was the stupidest man alive right now. Wait, what? You’re blaming yourself for his death?

“How could anyone ever love that monster?” Tony said. Before Loki could keep track of his thoughts you were on your feet. A sudden energy blast flew across the room, knocking Tony to the wall, he was laying unconsciousness on the ground. Everyone, including you and Loki, were in complete shock. Bruce went to Tony and confirmed that he was okay. “You have powers?” Steve asked. You were standing in pure shock, staring at your hands. Loki was also in shock, he recognized that kind of magic. It was the same as his. All this time he’d known you, he never sensed that you had magic. How could he never have known all these things about you? How could he have been so stupid? So blind? You ran towards your room and Loki flew as fast as he could. Maybe he should reveal himself, after all the only other known person for her magic was his mother. But she wasn’t alive anymore. He was, he could teach you everything he knows. Before he had a chance to decide the Soldier walked in your room.

“(Y/N), are you okay?” he asked. Stupid question, she thinks the person she loves is dead, she just discovered she has magic, a underappreciated trait from where she’s from and is currently crying Loki thought. After your stopped crying you finally spoke up. “How’s Tony doing?” you asked meekly. Loki couldn’t believe that you would even consider his wellbeing, but also loved you for it. “He will be fine, he had it coming. He is an ass when he is that drunk” Steve said. “Thor comes in next week, and we will figure something out. Maybe he knows someone who can teach you” he went on. “Do you guys want me to go back to Asgard?” you asked. Steve gave you a reassuring smile “You’re welcome for as long as you like” he said. You started to cry again, and he put his arms around you, holding you close. Loki felt jealousy stirring inside him. He wanted to be the one who could hold you in his arms. Not being able to watch anymore he flew away. He had work to do. He had a throne to conquer and think how he was going to make up for everything he is putting you through. He couldn’t wait to have you rule by his side. His queen.

[lailannajacobs]

A Poor Attempt and a Successful Hit | Counterfeit Criminals pt. 4

Pairing: loki x fem!reader

Chapter Summary: Things get a little heated when you’re fixing your ship 

Warnings: Angst & sexual tension 

Word Count: 2k 

A/N: So I got the inspiration for this scene watching Ragnarok with my nephew a while back and although it’s short it was one of my favourites to write! ope you guys enjoy it as well! <3 

Counterfeit Criminals | Part Four

With what you kept on your ship in case of emergencies, and with the few missing materials the Prince had managed to conjure up for you, you were confident that you’d be up and running within the next day or so.

You were pretty sure you’d go crazy if you had to stay here in any longer.

The last two days had been excruciating. If you’d thought the Prince had been annoying when you’d crash landed, it was nothing compared to the way he seemed to be doing every little thing possible to annoy you. Your exhaustion had nothing to do with the fact that you’d fixed the bigger of the two holes in your ship and made sure the heat was running so that he could sleep on the floor but more with the fact that you were trying your hardest not to let him see how much him being here was killing you inside.

He was there no matter where you turned, being a nuisance as if his life mission depended on it. Half the time he didn’t do anything other than stand in the corner of your ship, arms crossed over his chest with that infuriating smirk on his lips. Even that was enough. If there was any chance of you forgetting everything that happened between the two of you, it was impossible with him hovering the way he did. Somehow - you didn’t know how - you were going to make it through these last few stays stranded on the planet without stabbing him or confessing your feelings.

You were inside the back end of your ship, welding the hole shut to keep the rain from coming in. Normally you would have finished the work on your larger hole, but you were tired of mopping up water. The bucket you’d placed beside you had needed to be emptied more than once in this morning already. During the day, the planet’s warm weather meant that you got rain rather than snow, and if you didn’t do anything about the hole now, you’d spend twice as long here just trying to mop the excess water from your ship. You weren’t going to spend a second longer here than necessary.

You felt more than saw the Prince arrive. He said nothing, but you knew he was somewhere, lurking in the background as you worked. You wanted to tell him to find something else to do, but you knew engaging only made things worse. If you could, you’d ignore him until you kicked him off your ship.

“I don’t think you’re doing that right,” He piped up.

You ignored him, focusing on the sub-atomic regeneration of your ship’s siding. All you had to do was finish this part and then you could take a break and cool off outside, in peace, alone. You didn’t care that it was raining, you needed to step away so you could finally breath. Being trapped in the ship with him felt like you were being suffocated by emotions you couldn’t name.

Yesterday, you had started ignoring him, and once he’d realized what was going on, he’d barely spoken to you. Until now. You kept working, hoping he’d leave, but you felt his presence like an electric hum.

You were only missing a couple square inches of surface area when a large crash scared you to the point you almost dropped the tool. Water soaking through your pants let you know exactly what had happened without you having to turn around. But you did, slowly, breathing in an attempt to stop yourself from losing it completely. The Prince stood before the toppled bucket, the pool of water now spanning most of this section of your ship. Clenching and unclenching your fists, you tried to convince yourself that it was fine. All you had to do was mop it up. Maybe kill him afterwards.

You were about to turn to finish the job when he spoke up.

“Clumsy me. I don’t know how that happened.”

You couldn’t even calm yourself down, your body reacted on instinct, whirling to face him.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” You demanded, your voice echoing off the ship’s walls, “You can’t really think that I believe that you of all people tripped over that bucket. Do you want me to kill you? Because I’m seconds away from going through with it, Wolf.”

You unsheathed you dagger and whipped it up so that the tip poked into the skin under his chin, but not hard enough to draw blood. Yet. The Prince didn’t flinch; there was nothing but that cold, emotionless void in his eyes that you hated so much.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t go through with this right now,” You snarled, “I can’t see any good reason not to.”

“You’re not going to do it,” He stated calmly, voice filled with easy confidence.

You pressed the dagger even further, “Don’t be so sure, Prince.”

“I am,” He dipped his chin, a drop of blood sliding down the silver blade as he whispered, “You’re not a killer. I know what one looks like.”

The sincerity in his words took you by surprise, but you tried not to let it shake you, “There’s always time to start.”

He chuckled, “Even if you were, you’d need the skill to do so. I know for a fact that you don’t have that either.”

You shoved the dagger upward, but he moved out of the way faster than humanly possible. Little did he know that you were expecting it. You were already at him with a right hook and he barely moved fast enough that your hit glanced off his shoulder instead of his jaw. The miss put you off balance and you managed to block his side hit at the last second. You slashed at him again, this time coming at him with a few hits in quick succession. He blocked and parried them all, a fast-paced dance that sent you stumbling back. He took a predatory step forward, so you did the first thing you thought of and punched him in the nose.

His head whipped back, and you grinned, the adrenaline making a dangerous mix of your anger. He let out a huff and daggers materialized in each hand in response. You tightened your grip on your own dagger and backed into a fighting stance. He slashed across your stomach with blinding speed, but you knocked his hand away, falling back onto your heels. Taking advantage of your stumble, he advanced with a side hit that you barely blocked, the hit resonating in your bones. When the third hit came, you lifted the arm aimed at your chest and threw him back, slashing with your blade, twirling forward with the momentum. He stepped to the side to avoid your slashing blade and cross jabbed. The distance gave you just enough time to latch onto his arm, gritting with the force of keeping the sharp blade away from your skin.

He dropped the dagger into his other hand, and you kneed him in the leg, causing him to stumble. Recovering quickly, he flicked your blade out of your hand and came at you with a hit of his own. You bent backward under the singing blade and on your way back up, in desperation and anger, you slashed blindly and somehow nicked him in the face. He stumbled back in surprise, giving you enough time to kick him square in the chest. He fell back against the wall of your ship and slid down it.

“Is that all you’ve got, Midgardian?” He taunted, moments before you slammed into him, pinning him to the wall with your lower leg.

“No,” You growled, “I’m about to finish the job. Any last words, Wolf?”

He blew a strand of hair from his face, “I’m terribly sorry, Midgardian, but I don’t intend on dying today.”

Before you had any idea what was happening, you were flat on your back, the cold water from the ground soaking into your shirt. Loki hovered inches above you, keeping you pinned down with the weight of his body. You were panting hard, but the only evidence that Loki had just been in a fight was his messy hair and the cut on his face that was almost healed already. Nothing else was out of place, his breathing even. What was worse was this his eyes were bright, the corner of his mouth pulled into the roguish grin.

You tried to head-but him, but he flinched back fast enough to avoid the hit.

“You’ve been practicing,” He remarked, almost as if he was impressed.

You grit your teeth, “There’s not much else to do when you’re stranded in your ship, waiting for half of Asgard to stop chasing you.”

His eyes searched your face, the look almost too intense to hold, “It’s nice to see you made good use of your time.”

“I was going to let you screw me over twice,” You scoffed.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever screwed you,” He paused with a smirk, keeping you pinned down even as you tried to shove him off, “Over. I’m sensing some frustration, Midgardian. You know, I’ve heard that it’s better to let it out.”

You stopped struggling to glare at him, “I tried to kill you and it didn’t pan out. What’s the point of letting it out if it gets me nowhere?”

His face broke out into a devilish grin, “Maybe you weren’t letting it out the right way. You don’t actually want to kill me, Midgardian.”

“No, Prince,” You squirmed but he was too heavy, “I really do. Now, get off me.”

He searched your face, eyes flickering with a kaleidoscope of emotions you couldn’t make sense of. He leaned in close to that his lips almost brushed your ear when he drawled, “I’m sure we could find other, less deadly ways to let it out.”

Your whole body tensed, but you didn’t say anything, knowing better than to rise to his taunts; that was all they were anyways. He was playing a game to keep himself entertained and you’d had it. Two could play his game.

“Loki,” You whimpered, feeling his body go rigid at the sound of your voice, almost as if he was waiting for you to say more.

You stayed silent until he pulled back, lifting onto his elbows. His brows were knit together, with a wary look in his eyes.

“Get. Off. Me.”  

He smirked, looking far more at ease, “On one condition.”

“What?” You groaned, “Can’t you just get off me?”

“Let me help with the ship,” He continued.

“That’s what this was about?” You demanded incredulously, “All you had to do was ask, Wolf.”

He raised a brow, “And what would you have told me if I had?”

“I would have given you a job,” You retorted.

He laughed but the sound was void of humour, “That’s a lie.”

“No, it isn’t,” You said through gritted teeth.

“You can’t lie to me, Midgardian,” He murmured, “I know you.”

“Like hell you do,” You spat.

He shook his head and released you, moving away to stand at the far end of your ship. You didn’t fool yourself into thinking that he’d backed that far off because he was afraid of what you’d do to him. Despite trying his hardest to annoy you to death, he was giving you your space now for whatever twisted reason.

“What do you need me to do?” He asked.

You smoothed down your shirt, still pissed that you’d been pinned to the floor for that long, “Anxious to get back to Asgard?”

He grinned, “I’ve got plans.”

“Of course you do,” You muttered, “Mop up your mess. After that, come find me.”

[waiting4inspiration]

May Snippets Masterlist (2020)

2020 Snippets Master Masterlist

May Snippets Request List

VIKINGS

Bjorn asks you to be his queen after you two have known each other since you were children

Catching Hvitserk having a midnight snack while you’re both trying a new diet

NSFW Ubbe fucking you into the mattress

Hvitserk doing ridiculous things to try and get you to fall for him (but you already have feelings for him)

Sigurd saying that Ivar can’t pleasure a woman and Ivar snaps, revealing that you’ve been cheating on your husband, Sigurd

You turning down every marriage proposal because you want to look after your father; Ragnar

Ivar realizing why you make him wear a necklace of a vial with your blood when he gets injured in battle

Killing an assassin while Ivar’s asleep and cutting out his tongue so he doesn’t wake Ivar

The brothers and Ragnar being protective over you when your beauty becomes known throughout the land

Asking Aslaug if it’s alright that you call her ‘mother’

Hvitserk encouraging Ivar to tell you about his crush on you

Ivar returning from a raid with jewels that he’s kept aside for the intention of spoiling you

NSFW Ivar being insecure about being naked in front of you for the first time

Your army coming to Ivar’s aid in a war he’s losing with a message telling him that he’s not dying until you allow it (twin!sister)

Hvitserk, Ubbe, and Sigurd knowing they have to be on their best behavior when around Ivar if they want good food from you

Deciding that it’s better to end things with Ivar when you get the offer of a better life somewhere else

Ivar suspecting you have a lover because he feels like you’re drifting away from him

Hvitserk rambling about being safe as he mends your injured hand

Ivar going above and beyond when you’re sick because he’s convinced you’re going to did (part ??)

Practically having Hvitserk’s order ready every morning because he orders the same thing everyday

Ivar refusing any suitors because he feels they’re ‘not worthy’ of you (part ??)

Ivar coming into his room after a long day and finding you sleeping on his bed because you missed him (part ??)

Telling Bjorn you only love him as your older brother when he confesses that he loves you (part ??)

Bjorn doing mundane things for you as a way to show you he loves you

NSFW Bjorn eating you out like a starved man

NSFW Going down on Bjorn under his desk while he does some work

NSFW Trying to keep it together as Ivar goes down on you while you’re on the phone with a friend

Hvitserk returning home from spending the day with his toddler, exhausted, but in awe at the fact that you can look after 2 kids and be pregnant

Ivar thinking that you’re in love with Hvitserk when he sees you laughing with him. But it’s actually something else

NSFW Hvitserk ‘punishing’ you for stealing his clothes (part 2)

Having a serious conversation about the law with Ragnar ant the brothers (gen z!reader)

The brothers' reaction to you dying your hair pink (gen z!reader)

NSFW Everyone thinks you’re super innocent, but Bjorn knows that you’re the complete opposite

NSFW Dom!Lagertha rearranging your guts with a strap on

People not second guess it when you slip a hand under Ivar’s shirt to feel his muscles

Lagertha feeling slightly brokenhearted to see you (her daughter) being close with Aslaug when she visits with Bjorn

Ivar realizing that he’s falling in love with you, but decides that it’s for the best to arrange a marriage for you (part ??)

How Estadir is around you on a daily basis (Hefna)

How you and Estadir met (Hefna)

NSFW Alpha Bjorn waking up in rut to you in heat and grinding on his leg in your sleep

Aslaug and Ivar joking that you’re his girlfriend and you blush and try to hide in his chest (much younger!reader)

Introducing the Ragnarssons to your boyfriend, Thor (avengers/vikings)

Each of the brothers spoiling and showing off to you to try and get you to like them more (little sister!reader)

NSFW Being a brat and teasing Bjorn before he puts you in your place

Ivar refusing to get up until you kiss him

Aslaug overhearing you telling Ivar why you can’t go through with the arranged marriage (part 2)

Ragnar finding out that the sons fake getting along so that you’ll talk to them

Losing your baby when a slave purposefully give you the wrong tea because she’s in love with Ivar

Ivar throwing a tantrum because you won’t marry him (part 2)

Telling Margarethe to keep her advances on your husband - Hvitserk - to herself

Lagertha overhearing you comforting Aslaug and saying how you’ll always be her daughter (part 2)

Having enough of your sister trying to seduce Ivar and having no choice but to banish her (part 5)

One of the brothers catching you making out with someone in a supply closet (part 2)

Killing the slave Ivar infatuated with because you don’t share your husband

Defeating Ragnar and deciding if you should kill him or spare him (part 3)

Ivar being happy that you’ve given him peace and a home he can call his own where he’s loved and respected

Aslaug being happy to see Ivar marry the girl she’s been in love with since he was a young boy

Your oldest son walking in on you and Hvitserk doing it

Coming back to Kattegat and telling your brothers you’re pregnant (perfect little sister!reader) (part??)

Ivar no longer being upset letting you breastfeed your child after seeing how happy you are and how strong the bond is with you and the baby (Only Mine) (part 2)

Giving birth to your first child and he barely fits in Estadir’s hands (Hefna)

Stepping in as a mother figure to the sons after marrying Bjorn

Being the big spoon when you find Sigurd asleep

Ivar finally telling you what the doctor said after days of silence (blind!ivar) (prequel)

Staying in bed with Ivar and trying to distract him from pain during a bad leg day

Meeting Ivar’s brothers upon arriving in Kattegat (Hefna)

Joking with Estadir that you may have to start your own tribe because of how many children you have (Hefna)

Ivar buying a bigger bed so that he can finally sleep with all his children and not get kicked off (part 2)

Telling Ubbe that you’re not hitting on him, but actually on his wife, Torvi

Alpha!Hvitserk finding you nesting

Spending time with Ivar and Hvitserk after a long day (shared girlfriend!reader)

Introducing your suitor to your brothers for the first time and trying to stop them from scaring him off

Hvitserk calling his brothers for help when you’re sick because he doesn’t know how to take care of a sick person

Ivar refusing the crown because he wants to keep you and his family away from danger

Ivar daughter asking if you’re her new mommy after dating Ivar for a while

Ivar and his brother teaching his daughter how to fight after she was attacked

NSFW A threesome with Hvitserk and Ivar

Ubbe mentioning how you haven’t aged a day because you’re immortal

Coming to Kattegat with your dragons to form an alliance and Hvitserk catches your eye

Begging Ivar to let you keep a kitten you found

Having a small rivalry with Ivar because he doesn't like how you steal attention away from him

Being best friends with Ivar and meeting his brothers, but you had a one night stand with Hvitserk

Thinking that Ivar’s only asking you to marry him because you’re pregnant, you say no

The brothers trying to impress you after Aslaug hires Geralt for a job (Witcher/Vikings)

Meeting the Ragnarssons and your child takes a surprising liking to Ivar

NSFW Finally having sex with Ivar after being secretly in love and he finds out that you’re just as crazy as he is

Ivar coming back after letting you go and finding that you found someone else

Having your first daughter with Bjorn and she turns out to be a daddy’s girl (part 2)

NSFW Teacher/Student role playing with Ragnar

Ivar coming home and knows by the smell that you’ve been baking

Mafia!Ivar struggling to kill you after finding out that you’re a spy

Celebrating your birthday with Ragnar and the brothers

Relieved to see Ivar coming back to you alive after a long raid

Knowing that his brothers are going to meet up with friends, Ivar tags  long and falls for you right away

Ivar getting an awkward boner while watching a movie with you (his roommate) and having to talk about his feelings for you

You son coming back to Kattegat to take vengeance on Ivar for what he did to you and telling Ivar that he’s his son

The brothers following Hvitserk and being caught by you, his secret girlfriend

MARVEL

Introducing the Ragnarssons to your boyfriend, Thor (avengers/vikings)

Loki taking care of you when you’re very sick

You owl whining all the time to Bucky on a mission after switching animals (The Owl and the Wolf)

NSFW Bucky eating you out and making you squirt

THE WITCHER 

Geralt and Jaskier fighting for your affection, but you have eyes for Yennefer

Feeling insecure when one of Jaskier’s lovers starts flirting with him

Telling Geralt how it is that you know him when he’s never met you before (part 2)

Jaskier explaining to Geralt how he needs to do something romantic for your birthday

The brothers trying to impress you after Aslaug hires Geralt for a job (Witcher/Vikings)

Jaskier regretting introducing you to Geralt when you tell embarrassing childhood stories

Jaskier writes a ballad for you for your wedding

Both you and Geralt being surprised that Jaskier could fight off an Alpha much larger than him

Basically disappearing when you cuddle with Geralt because you can hide in his cloak

[mountphoenixrp]

We have a new citizen in Mount Phoenix:

                                         Hodr, the God of Winter,                      whose origins stem from Ancient Scandinavia.                                     He is now the owner of Nysnö.

FC NAME/GROUP: Kim Jaejoong | JYJ/Soloist GOD NAME: Hodr PANTHEON:  Norse OCCUPATION: Tailor, Owner of Nysnö HEIGHT: 1m80 DEFINING FEATURES:

- Porcelain complexion, very easy to get tanned or sunburnt

- Big, watery, and expressive eyes with natural eyebags  

- Tattoos:

+ Two quotes on the left chest: Deferto Neminem (Accuse no man), Always keep the faith

+ A pyramid with an eye and a set of horns, with three dots above on the left wrist

PERSONALITY: Just like what the last season of a year would offer to the world, Hodr’s got that quiet yet immense power to free, to freeze, and to frighten.

More often than not, he is the literally coolest individual found in any place he’s been to, and his too-cool-for-you resting face with porcelain complexion won’t help. But no, he’s not just a walking ice statue, and yes, he knows how to socialize and even tell jokes – the ones that would help listeners not to try so hard for a pity laugh. He looks aloof and is aloof most of the time, until the situation calls for what he can contribute. Although he may not be the fastest to offer a hand, Hodr would only offer what he’s best at. And actually, after thousands of years of trial and error, the winter god is confident to say that he’s a well-qualified player in quite many different fields in life. And does that make him cocky, sassy, savage at times? Yes dear, all checked.

On the more serious note, this icy god would be often seen alone, being absorbed in a book, something on the screen, or just in his own thoughts. It doesn’t mean he’s unaware of his surroundings at those times; in fact, the reverse is true. Hodr has a keen eye for detail, which would make him the perfect go-to person if you want your new hair cut, new glasses, or even a tiny pimple near your hairline, to get some attention. The god likes to give honest compliments, moral support, physical support, basically what it takes to help others feel more confident in themselves. In some senses, he could be seen as an amateur life coach. And a great drink buddy. He himself isn’t really confident in his flirting skills, but if you’re looking for at-least-acceptable courtship, relationship, or situationship advice, Hodr can manage to give you some.  

However, Hodr would take his sweet time to warm up to others, not because he needs to consider if they would worth his time, but the exact another way around. Despite his well-put-together demeanor, insecurity and fear of abandonment are some of the challenges he’s still striving to conquer. Also, Hodr’s developed this odd determination to make as few mistakes as possible, hence his over-meticulousness and indecision, also explains why he might take months to finish a suit. Yet, if one gives him enough patience and understanding, guarantee that they would get the best-customized suit on earth, and probably a (some sort of) friend in this Norse god of winter.  

HISTORY:

  Before Ragnarok

What was the fun of being the forgotten son of Odin? Nothing much - or should it be phrased almost nothing at all – except for the plethora of aloneness, which equaled to ultimate freedom in Hodr’s book.

The God of Winter was born with eyes that could only see the depth of his own soul and not one of the universe’. At first, it was a curse, then a blessing in disguise, for it gave him the privilege to stay away from the frenzied dance of life and death, of battles and romances, of wisdom and stupidity, those that most other Norse deities had always relished. Hodr preferred, almost thrived on, his blissful solitude. He loved it when he could turn not only one, but both blind eyes, to the surrounding chaos. And it was like a seed planted on barren land, the desire to be at the center of attention and adoration like his dear brother Baldur was. From the first day of existence, Hodr had already understood this. His brother was born to be loved, and he was born to be left alone.

In the serendipity sang by the winter breezes, Hodr had heard his final. Or finals, to be exact. That yes, he was born to with a cursed blessing like no others, that he could make use of it to keep trouble at least a winter away, but that wasn’t meant to last forever. Nothing supposed to last forever, especially when – no matter how different they were – all the Norse deities have been waiting for the Ragnarok since the beginning of their fate.

“I, too, shall die,” he informed one night at the gales caressing his porcelain cheeks. The gales, reminded of the anticipated farewell, hurled in despair. Hodr smiled, the warmest a god of winter could muster. “Behave yourself while I’m away, won’t you?” The winter gales laughed out their response.

And they kept wuthering. Their mighty roars got deafening the day Loki showed up with a mistletoe spear; the sound so deafening Hodr could not really hear what they were trying to say, but the spear had already been thrown away, aiming at a target even his wildest imagination could not let him to see.

When he knew was when it was too late to know. Baldur’s death came much faster than his belated realization. He abhorred Loki, with just one tenth the hatred he had dedicated to himself. Loki’s natural couldn’t outshine his exceptional gullibility; his wrongdoing couldn’t be anything else but a proof of foolishness.  

The forgotten outcast was now the greatest sinner. Hodr melted into an epitome of guilt and agony.

The mighty Odin went berserk, of course he would. Hodr could tell what was coming – a decision, a revenge, exactly what he was expecting to. It was another blessing that he did not have to wait for long. One day after Baldur’s death, Vali was born. Just as great as their father, he had completed his sole duty of showing Hodr the way back to nothingness with utter ease. There was no sign of protest from Hodr.

But no one could rest in peace.

Winter did not keep its promise to its God. The freezing gales kept hurling their inconsolable anger. Ice and snow waged war against all gods and men, buried three summers under their thick white blood, and no living left undamaged.

That was how Fimbulwinter started, and how the world began to end.

After Ragnarok

Hodr couldn’t tell how long it had passed between his death and his resurrection. Probably a Ragnarok apart, or that was what he had heard from the survivors. How could he return to life? Why him and not some other much more deserved warriors? No one, including winter, could give him a convincing answer.

What he’d known was that Baldur had also come back to life – the best news Hodr heard since his existence. No blames, no cries, only understanding, and family bond were shared again between the two Odin’ sons, which, until now, still surprised Hodr somehow.

Asgard and the other eight worlds were quick to recover, teeming with life. The winter gales had stopped wuthering. Yet, there were still so many questions left, to which if he did not find the answers, no one - even his greatest of a father - could.

Is this all the reasons why I have been here on earth?

Is there anything else I should know? Learn? Master?

Is there any other place I should go? Anyone else I should meet?

Is there really something called ‘true love’? What is love though, anyway?

Hodr spent the next millennia on self-discovery and re-discovery. On learning and un-learning. On growing up, getting wiser, bolder. On figuring out that actually, his hands were actually much more skillful than they were thought to be. On being a god, then being a god in a human vessel. On falling in, then out of love.

It turned out that true love was real. Hodr felt lucky that unlike humans, whose single-use lives might be too short to find one or too long it was hard to tell it apart of the false ones, he was really deep in it a couple of times. All of the romances he got the chance to co-create, some faded into memories, some into scars, some into a holy mess. But Hodr had learned that just like everything else on this universe, true love wouldn’t last forever. At this point of his seemingly endless quest of knowledge and self-improvement, Hodr was pretty sure that he had raised an army of those who loved him, and an equal-size one of those who hated his guts.

Winter wasn’t meant to be adored by everyone, was it?

But now, let’s get back to a couple months ago, when Hodr was chilling with a long-term fellow god at a corner of a bustling bar. Both were in their newest human vessels, drinking cold beer and talking about what on earth they should try next for this human lifetime. At some points in their unplanned plans discussion, his friend raised a random question.    

“Have you tried out Mount Phoenix?”

“What is a mount phoenix?”

“No, it’s the Mount Phoenix. A magical island of gods and their half-human kids. Some of your kids are there as well, I think. Go figure it out!”

So, in the next morning, Hodr woke up sober, packed his bags and himself, and cruised to the Mount Phoenix to figure it out, first and foremost for the thrill of new adventures. Soon, the universe once again showed him that there were still so many things in its pockets that he hadn’t even heard about just yet. Hodr was intrigued, so he chose to stick around the island probably a little longer to seriously figure things out.

He’s also been mastering the art of making suits, by the way.

POWERS:

Winter Manipulation: Able to induce the intensity of winter and that of other elements in its realm, including cold, death, and solitude to some extent.

Water Manipulation: Able to create, shape, manipulate water in solid, liquid, and gas states, also change water from one state to others. Able to create ice objects, including weaponry.

Cold Manipulation: Able to create, shape, and manipulate cold, making everything (including living things) colder with direct or close-ranged contact, ranging from mild coolness to freezing point.

Cold Immunity: Be immune and completely invulnerable to both cold’s direct and indirect effects.  

Cold Empowerment: Will be quickly energized or become physically stronger, faster, more durable once in contact with cold.

STRENGTHS:

Hodr is an epitome of the phrase ‘aging like a fine wine.’

He’s very much open-minded, quick-witted, and is a diligent learner. Learn best by trial and error.

If one can withstand the cold, they would get a compassionate, reliable, and loyal companion in him.

He’s pretty much dexterous, and likes to make things with his hands and not his power.

He’s got good taste in fashion. Surprise, surprise!

WEAKNESSES:

He’s cursed with bad eyesight, no matter how good the condition of his vessel’s eyes is. Can’t live without medical glasses or contact lenses.

High heat is Hodr’s nemesis. He’ll rarely enjoy hot food or drinks, and will become noticeably lethargic during summers.

He’s quite slow to open up to new faces, may let his doubts misguide his mind, and can be frustratingly indecisive at times.

He’s still somewhat gullible to those he loves or considers to be trusted friends.

[satangivemestrength]

Tired

'God, I am so tired,' Alex thought, nearly tipping forward on her walk back from the lab. Sleep fought for dominance over her mind, her eyes closing briefly before snapping open at her internal scolding. 'Only a few more minutes, just a few more minutes.'

It had been two weeks since Alex had slept, working day and night with Tony and Bruce and running off of sugar-infused caffeine. The two Avengers had tried to convince her to go back to her room and take a break but the woman refused to leave, stating the stacks of work she still had to do as evidence. Still, they wouldn't break.

The woman cringed at the memory of Bruce carrying her out of the lab, her arms too weak to fight back. Tony had told her in that signature dad voice of his to get some sleep or else pancake privileges would be revoked. She chose to leave in peace.

Alex was making more noise than she thought, using the wall to hold herself up. Also unbeknownst to her was the god listening to the stumbling steps outside his room, wondering who would be up at this hour of the night. Curiously, he stepped towards the door separating him and the mystery person and opened it, streaming light into the near-black hallway.

Alex's eyes slammed shut in pain, the bright glare stinging her cognac orbs. She's glared at the light a second later, cursing the person shadowed in its halo for bringing the unexpected pain before realizing who it was. That gorgeous raven black hair and those piercing emerald eyes could be recognized anywhere.

Loki looked on the smallest Avenger in confusion, not understanding why she'd be outside his door of all places in the middle of the night. Was she in trouble? Was she hurt? Worried eyes looked over her muscular frame, checking for anything that might indicate she was injured in any way. Fortunately, the only thing he found wrong was her bloodshot eyes.

When his gaze returned to her face, her eyebrow was raised in a silent question. His face burned red and he immediately tried to change the subject. "Um A-Alex, what-what are you doing here?"

Loki cursed himself for stuttering, hoping she didn't catch his anxiety at seeing her in front of him in such a vulnerable state. The god always Alex, whether from exhaustion or inability, didn't seem to hear and simply narrowed her eyes at him.

"Currently being blinded, you?" Alex asked, annoyance splayed across her features. Loki apologized and motioned for her to enter, stepping to the side hurriedly. He shut the door and subconsciously picked at his hand. The enchanting woman before him surveyed his fidgeting form, her eyes softening at the beautiful man before her.

Stepping forward and grasping his hands to stop him, Alex looked into Loki's eyes and saw they were slightly red and puffy around the edges. Disregarding her overwhelming need to sleep, she dragged Loki to his bed and sat with him, holding his hand a bit tighter. "What's wrong, Lokes?"

The god's eyes widened, his face being replaced by an expression of panic before taking on his usual demeanor of coolness. He scoffed and took his hands out of hers, immediately missing her warm touch. "My dear, I believe you are more tired than you're letting on."

Alex rolled her eyes and placed her hand beside his, careful not to set him off. "Loki, you only stutter when you're upset. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to but please don't shut me out, I want to be here for you in any way I can."

The Trickster's could only stare at the Avenger in shock, wondering why she would pay him enough attention to know what he did when something was wrong. No one had ever cared enough to take notice except his mother. Swallowing the warmth he felt in his heart, Loki merely waved her away.

"I am fine, mortal, I do not need your sympathy." Alex sighed and nodded, realizing she wasn't going to get anything out of him, and rested her head on his shoulder. She was honestly too tired to care where she slept at this point.

Loki's breath hitched, his heart stopping in his chest as he looked down at the beautiful woman leaning against him. Her eyes fluttered shut, content written over her features, seeming almost..... happy at being with him.

"Is it okay if I sleep here tonight? I don't think I could make it back to my room, honestly," Alex softly murmured, sleep clouding her words. She felt Loki nod and settled into his chest. His cool skin caressed her cheek, lulling her into a peaceful sleep she knew only his presence could bring.

Loki didn't know what to do. His heart was pounding against his chest with a strength he had never known before and all he wished was to wrap her in his arms and pull her tighter to him. All his instincts screamed at him to wake her up, to snap himself out of this false heaven he thought he didn't deserve and remember that an exquisite creature like her could never love a monster like him.

But all he could do was gaze at her beautiful brown skin and her gorgeous freckles he knew she hated and those perfect red lips he needed to claim as his own.

Loki had known of his feelings for Alex for a year and he had given up fighting them. When he had first found out, he couldn't have been more horrible to her. He found every single way to ruin her day: messing with her projects, hiding her books, embarrassing her, and insulting her. No matter what he did, though, Alex was still kind to him, trying to see the good in him despite all the awful things he did.

Turning to the woman cradled against his chest, Loki swept a piece of curly brown hair out of her eyes and she wrinkled her nose at the light touch. The god smiled softly, the kind of grin only she brought out, and lightly picked Alex up. Loki had decided that he wouldn't make her wake up to him and regret her decision to stay.

With an arm around her shoulders and another under her knees, Loki walked through the halls of the compound, navigating purely on memory as he didn't wish the sleeping woman to stir. The Trickster took the long way, cherishing Alex's warm skin against his, and unfortunately landed at her door. When he opened the door, his mouth dropped and he looked at Alex in exasperation.

Her room was spotless, the bed made with no clothes on the floor or meals half-eaten or notes splayed across the room in a system only Alex understood. It had been nearly a month since the soldier had pleaded with her to clean her room, which meant Alex hadn't slept in a month.

Sure, Loki had visited her and brought her food while she was in the lab but he thought she had returned to her room at the end of the day. His heart dropped, filling with pain at not realizing that she needed him sooner. His eyes found her form again, weighed down with exhaustion and stress, and he swiftly laid her down, careful to not disturb her. Loki ghosted a hand over her head and poured his magic into her, hoping it'll help bring her back to health.

After being completely sure that Alex would be okay, Loki stood up to leave, wishing to leave the overwhelming temptation to lay with her. Before he could, however, he heard her sweet voice.

"Loki, don't leave," Alex mumbled, barely awake. The god halted in his path and turned, half expecting to see her asleep. What he saw made him question if he was dreaming as well.

Alex's eyes were barely open, golden brown eyes staring up at him in a silent plea. How was Loki to refuse her when she looked at him like that?

Loki quickly flashed out of his leathers and into his sleepwear. He avoided Alex's eyes as he pulled back the clean linens, slipping under them in one graceful move.

"Loki?" Her small voice asked, laced with anxiety. His eyes found hers and she looked down. She was playing with her fingers, having found a new apprehension.

"Yes, my love?"

Her cheeks reddened with the name and Loki smiled, appreciating the new color. Her thumbs circled each other and they suddenly became very interesting.

"Thank you," the woman softly said, the sound barely reaching the god's ears. Loki's eyes softened and he pulled her hand out of her lap, holding it lightly in his. Alex looked up and into Loki's gorgeous emerald eyes, smiling when she saw that light only reserved for her.

"Always, my little witch." Alex rolled her eyes at the name he had given her upon their meeting, despite the growing warmth inside her chest.

"Who you calling witch, witch?"

"I am not a witch!"

"And I am?"

"Yes!"

"Takes one to know one," Alex sang, clearly celebrating in her childish retort. Loki sighed and dragged a hand over his tired face, eager to just feel the quiet embrace of sleep.

"Just go to sleep, darling," Loki grumbled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. His eyes widened once he realized what he did, going to pull away but being stopped by Alex's head hitting his chest, her arm snaking around his waist. She buried her face in his chest, listening to his pounding heartbeat and inhaling his smell of pure winter and leathers.

"Why do you sound like you just ran a marathon, frosty?" Alex questioned, unconsciously running a finger up and down his chest.

Loki couldn't breathe, to put it lightly. His face flushed brighter than a thousand Suns and he was suddenly glad she couldn't see his face.

When he finally answered, a high voice shadowed his own. "Go to sleep, love, you need it."

Alex didn't have any obligations, going to sleep almost instantly with the racing heart beneath her as a lullaby. She must have been dreaming when she felt the soft caress of a cool hand through her hair and a pair of lips pressing against her head with the serene voice of the god she loved whispering, "I love you."

[tisfan]

A portrait of a young man in the park not eating his sandwich

Square: S5 - writing format: breaking the fourth wall Warning: unrepentant fluff, humor, breaking the fourth wall Pairing: WinterIron Summary: Jan takes it upon herself to arrange a date for Tony Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19940161 Word Count 1439 For @27dragons  @tonystarkbingo 

Note: Apparently I wrote this a LONG TIME AGO and forgot to post it. So, here’s this, and it’s my final posting for Card 1 in the Tony Stark Bingo, so that’s a blackout for me!

Tony was sitting on one of the benches in Avenger’s Park, eating his lunch. And by eating his lunch, I should probably inform you that Tony Stark never actually ate lunch at all. Usually he grabbed a fruit smoothie of some sort and drank it while talking a mile a minute and working on three projects at once. Saving some special quality him time every twenty seconds or so to reflect on whether or not he’d screwed up massively in the last thirty seconds.

So when I tell you that Tony was sitting on a bench, in the Park, eating his lunch, you will understand by that that things are very, very wrong.

Tony tore off a piece of his sandwich and threw it. One of the multiple squirrels that lived in the park came down to investigate, but squirrels, I’m sorry to say, don’t really care much for liverwurst, and while he did take the sandwich, he didn’t actually eat it. The penguin that came by later did, however, and liked it very much. 

You may ask why there are penguins in the park, but that’s a secret and I’m not going to tell you. You could ask Director Fury, but I promise he will only tell you it’s classified. Black Widow might know, but she doesn’t like to share secrets.

And all of this is beside the point anyway.

The point is, that Tony Stark was sitting on a bench, in the park, not eating his sandwich.

Jan noticed.

Loki noticed.

Even Scott Lang noticed. Which, if you know Scott at all, that’s pretty impressive. Scott didn’t say anything, though.

Loki and Jan, however, did.

(more below the cut)

Of course, being Jan and Loki, they had different ideas about what should be done. Loki wanted to play a prank -- such as disguising himself as a present and then turning into a snake which might make Tony jump and shriek. Jan was all right with the jumping and shrieking part, but vastly preferred Tony’s jumps to be of joy.

Jan is, you understand, an optimist.

That’s about two steps under being a fool.

Loki’s somewhat less optimistic, but he’s also not adverse to Jan’s particular manner of cheering someone up, which is, either: 

-- Getting them an entirely new wardrobe, which means lots of time at the mall, one of Loki’s favorite places, or

“Hey, Tony,” Jan said, plopping down on the bench next to him. “Are you busy on Friday?”

“Hullo, Jan,” Tony said, not looking up. “Unless one of the crystal cages cracks and we have to deal with a new round of villains trying to take over the world, and Madame Hydra doesn’t assign any more homework this week -- I swear, Life Lessons is the worst class ever -- then yeah, I’m free. What do you--”

“Great! You’re going on a date.”

“Uh… I am? With who?”

“It’s a blind date, I’m setting it up.”

Loki enjoyed blind dates; they were never much fun for the person doing the dating, and they were tons of fun for everyone watching.

***

When Jan said she had an idea, we’re given to understand that she didn’t, really. She had more like the seed of an idea and the optimistic thought that throwing it on the ground would make it grow into a grand plan.

“So, who are we setting Tony up on a date with?” Loki wondered. “Don’t say me, because we already tried that and it didn’t work out for either of us. And my father’s already blind in one eye, so the blind date thing just makes him nervous.”

“No, no, it wasn’t going to be you, you’re not right for Tony at all,” Jan replied. Which made Loki angry, because he didn’t want to date Tony Stark anyway, but he also wanted it to be his idea and not someone else’s, and certainly not because he was, in any way, wrong.

“I could be,” Loki said.

“No, you couldn’t, and don’t bother to get all trickster god about it, no one has time for that. No, I need the perfect person for Tony.”

Loki sighed and let himself look around the campus. The obvious answers were there; Bruce Banner, Jane Foster (if for no other reason than it would piss off Thor, and that would be very funny), Norman Osbourn. All the scientists and people that Tony had something in common with.

“What about Barnes?”

“Excuse me?”

“Why not--” Barnes was an athlete, not remotely science-y as far as Loki knew, and only spoke to Widow and Rogers. It would be a delightful disaster. Quite a bit of fun to watch. From a distance.

And maybe with some added trickery along the way.

Jan’s eyebrows went up. “I always worry when you’re right about something.”

Loki just gave her a bland smile. Defending his suggestion would just talk her out of it, and Loki wanted to see the fireworks.

He always did like fireworks. 

***

By the time Friday night rolled around, he was fine. Perfectly fine, thank you very much. Not the least bit worried about who he’d been set up with, or what they were doing, or any of it.

He still didn’t know who the date was, and that didn’t bother him, either.

And by fine, I mean, very close to, but not yet having a complete panic attack in Pym’s classroom. Which was not quite the exactly the polar opposite of fine.

“It would help if I even knew how to dress,” Tony told Jan.

“Is there talking going on in my class, because there should not be talking, only science!”

Tony slumped down in his desk, pulled out his phone and tapped angrily at the screen. WHO IS IT?

You look fine, Tony.

“Of course I look fine, you’re the one that picks my wardrobe, I’m just--” Tony shrieked as his phone shrank down to the size of a Barbie toy.

“No talking, Mr. Stark,” Pym said. “If you miscalculate while using Pym particles, you could not only kill yourself, but destroy the very fabric of the universe.”

“So, like, no pressure,” someone said from the back of the class. Tony craned to look at who the joker was as everyone else laughed.

Barnes flicked him a two metal fingered wave and grinned.

Oh, oh, oh. Crap.

“Is it Barnes?” Tony hissed out of the corner of his mouth.

How the heck had Jan convinced Bucky Barnes, hero of WW2, normally a cohort with Tony’s damn father and also best friends with Tony’s damn rival, to go on a blind date?

“Relax, Tony,” Jan said. “It’ll be fine, I know what I’m doing.”

Now, that should have been reassuring, when your best friend for most of your life tells you that she knows what she’s doing. But Tony had said the same thing on any number of occasions, and only half of those had blown up in his face, slammed him into a wall, or one time, put him through a plate glass window and a fourteen story fall.

Fifty percent was… not good odds.

***

Bucky knocked on the door exactly four minutes after he was supposed to be there. Jan had told him that Tony tended to be late for just about everything, but Bucky didn’t want to be too late and make Tony think Bucky didn’t actually want to go on the date.

“Wha-- oh, Barnes, it-- should I--” Tony blinked a few times and then, “You look… scruffy.”

Bucky was wearing his second favorite pair of identical black jeans with the knees torn around and the strategic tears in the upper thigh.

In answer to Tony’s comment, he held up his skateboard. “Jan said, you uh… had a hoverboard? An’ maybe you’d like to, you know, hit the ramps. An’ then maybe we could grab a slice and some soda at the quad?”

Tony stared for a few seconds, which was really only a few seconds, but to Bucky, it seemed like the entire universes could have formed, and stars died.

“Um. Skateboarding. Yes, yes, I can do that.”

“Great.”

“Great!” Tony continued to stand there for a moment, then -- “right, let me get my board, why don’t you-- come in?”

Bucky let the door slide shut behind him.

It was going to be a great date.

And I’m happy to say-- it was.

Even when Loki did convince Noir Thor to make it rain, the two of them cuddled together under the awning of the Club Galaxy with its music throbbing from inside, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Much to Jan’s satisfaction.

Because Jan… is always right.

Even when it just means she yells louder. 

[tarithenurse]

All is fair in Love & War - 15

Pairing: Loki x reader Content: Plotting, pining, maybe don’t imagine things too well if you’re afraid of heights. Some people being ass-holes. Some death and gore. A tad of panic (though no disco, sorry). Also! There will be some dialog with bracket within the citation – this is to signify it’s spoken in a different language. A/N: I’ve taken the liberty of tagging people who seem to follow, but if you do/don’t want a tag pls let me know. It seems there might be some issues with tagging which I couldn’t fix via app. Checking it now on laptop, it seems fine, but let me know if there are still problems.

15. Impatient

There is only one way in and out of king Gorm’s bed chamber. Officially. The door is guarded constantly by the only competent soldiers in the entire nation. This may have something to do with the comfort of their lives as well as that of their families because no other commoners, not even the servants, live as luxuriously or eat such fine meals. True, it is still grubby compared to anyone of noble blood, but if someone is granted the position as royal bodyguard, then his or her daily struggle is over. This of course results in two things. One is the mixed envy and disdain for whomever holds such a job. The other is your need to find a way past the guards or an altogether different way into the chambers.

That is why you find yourself dangling halfway out of a narrow window, trying to get the tri-hook securely attached to the balcony above. A clank sounds through the clammy night air, indicating that the thing at least has struck something, and as it and the rope does not begin a rapid descend towards you then you dare to breathe out a sigh of relief (it is the seventh attempt or more). Carefully, you pull the rope towards you until suddenly it stops. Carefully first. It seems to hold a light strain, so you put more of your weight behind it. Then more, and more, and eventually you are hanging free from the window.

A hissing voice come from within. “You test it, now you get back here!” Röskva reaches out to you, swinging you gently back into safety. “This no way for madama to behave!”

The young girl is endearing in her fury and you cannot help laughing a bit. “Well, then I should be fine doing it, shouldn’t I?”

“Shush! You want to be discovered?” Large, dark eyes have you pinned to the floor before she moves to look out of the window. Next moment she is back with a frown. “Now how you go get it back?”

“Relax, dear, that balcony is easily accessible from the corridor above which leads to the music room. No one would blame me for walking there.”

The girl is not quite convinced. “But at this hour?”

You manage to calm her down, but the Vanar is only satisfied once you are safely back in the guest chambers (rope and hook in hand).

What matters more. however, is that the little window with the balcony above is near identical to the layout by the king’s private sleeping quarters, so presuming you still know how to climb a rope there is now very little between you and a visit to Gorm. But what about the queen? At least the two have no children to inherit the throne, but the lady strikes you as the kind of wife that could become vengeful even without any sign of foul play. But I’m only going to have a look around.

Looking up from the array of lockpicks and other tools which you have been oiling, your eyes wander to the northern horizon. Somewhere out there is the one person who has managed to open your eyes and see the world for what it is. It was never you intention to let Loki have your heart, taking his in return, but here you are…and you will do anything in your power to keep him safe.

“Röskva?” There is a soft hum in response, and you continue in a broken attempt at Vanir. “(Jotun-king planning kill this king?)”

There is a rustle as the girl puts down the sewing she was working on, then the subdued sound of bare feet before she comes into view, taking a seat near the window. “(You know this.)”

“(He in danger if here.)”

“(Yes, madama.)” A deep frown is almost obscuring her eyes completely. “(What is it that you are plotting?)”

It is still harder to find the words than articulate the rolling R’s, but you plow on undeterred. “(Who become new ruler here?)”

“(There will be an –)“ she uses a word that carries little meaning to you until she explains it: election.

Of course, those eligible to vote would be the men of noble ancestry, but as for the candidates…they have to be approved by the heads of the dominant religions in Midgard, every commoner knows that the and priests, templars, and monks silently wants things to change for the better of the simple folk. Where else but to the gods have the people been able to turn to as things got worse for them? They have witnessed the suffering, tried to care for as many as possible while watching from first row how the court have gorged themselves.

“(Send my love word…he stay safe…I home soon.)”

…   LOKI’s PoV   …

Glass shards dance across the stone floor, capturing and refracting the light from the afternoon sun into a myriad of tiny rainbows, but the beauty of destruction is lost on Loki as he stares at the message in his shaking hand. Clearly, it is not written by [Y/N]. He would know her clumsy letters or runes anywhere. No this is writing is careful and tight to minimize waste of space, each word chosen carefully to be as precise as possible without revealing too much. This is in itself by no means alarming, as most of the messages about her are written by someone else, but the last words…

  I fear she will take your role.

As much as the king of Jotunheim had wished to be more closely involved, his part of the scheme is but a limited one despite the importance of it. The old him would have taken it as an offense if anyone, anyone at all, would consider taking over such a task regardless of their reasons for it because that Loki only would be blinded by a destructive notion of inadequacy and dismissal. But this Loki (the son of Frigga, Odin, and Laufey) king of Jotunheim feels none of that. Instead, it is a cold fear of another’s potential suffering that is making his world spin and hands shake. No coherent thoughts form in his mind, and once they appear, they are twisted into grotesque nightmares. If she does and she is caught... the distress is causing the trembling hands to change hue. They will imprison her. A chill which not even the fire can overpower steals into the room. Or maybe kill her on the spot. Tendrils of ice spreads across the floor from where Loki stands, coiling around and up anything in their path, and the flames in the hearth shrink visibly. A knock on the door startles him.

“My king…Thor has arrived.” The servant sounds particularly timid.

What?! It takes a conscious effort to keep his voice level. “Show him to the throne room.”

Finally becoming aware of the surroundings, the king breathes deeply in an effort to shackle his emotions. As he watches skin return to a humane hue and the destruction fade, leaving small puddles on the floor, a thought so outlandishly rash it makes his chuckle occurs to him. And who better than to help carry out this approximation of a plan than Thor?

…

Striding into the hall, he finds Loki standing by the roaring fire. The red coat nearly reaches the floor but does nothing to hide the muscular arms folded across the brother’s broad chest wrapped in armour of gold inlaid silvery metal.

“Thor, what a delight to see you here!” The smile Loki has plastered on his face is not entire fake.

Electric blue eyes reflect the heat of the fire as they land upon Loki for a second before another voice answers. Kind, warm, and familiar. The brothers could go anywhere in any of the realms and still recognize Frigga through the noise of the rowdiest place even if she spoke in a whisper.

“My son, I need you to listen to me now more than ever.” Stepping into sight, she reaches out for the younger of her children. “We have received the same message as you. I know what you want to do.”

The king of Jotunheim stays rooted in place, watching her hands fall before speaking. “Oh, really?” It is futile to challenge her, because Loki is her son more than Odin’s, but he will not have anyone stand in his way. “And what, pray tell, are my plans?”

“Brother, do not act foolishly,” Thor interjects, his voice a reminder of his powers, “if you go to stop lady [Y/N], then you risk exposing her not to mention abandoning your kingdom to an uncertain fate. Is that what you want?”

Where Frigga’s words merely had annoyed Loki because he knows that she sees more than others (not like Heimdal does, of course), Thor’s words stokes a fire deep within. A flaming rage similar to the one that flared upon hearing the Midgardian’s crude insult in the tent less than a fortnight ago. And this time the Jotun is fully aware of the red that begins to fill his eyes, a sight that would make cowards of most (and does at least make Thor frown)…but Frigga steps forward to take the cold hands in her own.

“Please, listen to me. Let me show you what I have seen.”

After a nod, she drags him to a seat. He lets her place his palm on her forehead, even bends slightly so she can reach his, before in- and exhaling slowly to regain a semblance of calmness.

The dark hall around them falls away, leaving them in an emptiness of opportunities until he relents control to Frigga, and glimpses of unknown places appear with one common denominator: [Y/N]. The first scene shows her slip behind a painting in the dead of night when only the stars light the castle’s interior. Next, she reappears in what appears to be a bathroom by pushing a panel in the pink and white wall aside, then tiptoeing across smooth stone which change to a fluffy carpet. She stops at a fourposter bed decorated with gold and pink lace, but he cannot see what happens there, only hear the spine-chilling sigh a few moments later. Then the scene changes and [Y/N] is dangling from a rope, a familiar stubborn expression on the upturned face. Next moment she stands on a balcony, knife in hand. Suddenly it is day, the court of nobles mingling about the familiar shape are at an uproar, but at least she appears safe.

“This is what can be,” Frigga’s voice fills the void that has surrounded them, “it is to prefer over this…”

Loki’s form is leaning over Magni’s neck, urging the horse on at a dangerous speed. He arrives at a castle without any attempt at disguising who he is, who he really is, and alarms sound everywhere causing guards to barge into a darkened bedroom styled in rich reds and greens where an unassuming man sits up in bed with a start and a familiar figure is caught sneaking in through a balcony door armed with a dagger. The next scene shows her too, in the same room and with the same soldiers and (Loki guesses) the king…but the only one alive is the Jotun despite the blood soaking his clothing and the many injuries he has sustained. Crimson eyes flare in the dark as he rocks the lifeless form of the woman he loves.

In reality, it is not Loki who is rocking, but he who is being rocked. Frigga is holding her son almost like she did when he was young and upset, and of course Loki realises this in much the same way that he is highly aware that Thor is watching, or that he has to keep the Jotun powers in check to avoid the risk of hurting either of the Asgardians.

Breathing deeply, the hard clench of his fists steadies him. “None of those futures are certain.” He knows a bit of how Frigga’s gift works.

“That is true.” But the sadness in her eyes is not subdued when their eyes meet.

“I assume you have conferred with Heimdal.”

It is Thor who answers, relenting the information that the Watcher has seen nothing alarming at Sjöblik as of yet. The tone is clear, tough. Both he and Frigga are trying to get Loki to stay put, inferring that he will be to blame for any ill events that may happen. If [Y/N] is harmed because of me…the risk alone is to great, and the dread it brings is strong enough that for once the Jotun is permeated by a cold as intense as the winters in these lands. It threatens to paralyze him, suffocate him in his own apathy. Never before has Loki felt this powerless, and he hates it with a passion almost comparable to the intensity of his love for the one person he is being asked to abandon to fate.

“There must be somethi–“ he begins desperately before being interrupted.

“Not now.” Frigga shushes.

A heavy hand lands on Loki’s shoulder. “Do not worry, little brother. You have trained this maiden of your well! I think she may yet surprise us pleasantly.”

…

Unsurprisingly, Frigga has had the foresight not to leave her son alone in Utgard, and as a result, Thor has been having a blast challenging anyone to spar until Loki relents. Now they are circling each other in the snowy courtyard while almost every Jötun in the keep watches from the sidelines. Mjölnir is standing neatly in a corner as per usual when the brothers brawl simply to minimize the risk of collateral damage (though it obviously does not eliminate it), and Thor is using a mighty sword in its stead.

They know each other well, rarely falling for the feinting jabs or swings. In truth, neither of them expect to win a match like this by means of weapons and crude violence although each participant is more than capable of slaying the strongest of foes if it were a real battle. Loki has never favoured brawn, always being reminded of his lesser size by his father and anyone else not fond of the dark-haired child. And Thor? He has the strength and he may not be as bookishly intelligent as Loki, but the God of Thunder is far from stupid, especially when it comes to tactics.

The first real move comes in a powerful sweep with the sword, developing out of a seemingly harmless jab, and Loki has to flatten his back onto the compacted snow as the blade hums through the air inches above his nose.

“Ah! Close one, brother!” Thor has been pulled around by the momentum, leaving the master of the keep time to regain both footing and breath. “This is a fine weapon!”

Loki sends a handful of throwing blades towards the blond’s unprotected back. “It is traditional for the Jötun clans of the northern plains.”

Each slim knife is deflected by either vambraces or the weapon in question, making Thor grin proudly. Keep laughing, brother mine. Behind the Asgardian, the snow transform into ice while collapsing in on itself, readying to launch a crystalline missile towards the unsuspecting fighter. Not yet. Rolling to avoid a new stroke, Loki reaches the rack with weapons available throughout the sparring session and grabs his favourite longer ranged weapon: a smooth spear of dark wood with silver and gold threads inlaid along the shaft. The tip is nearly black with the exception of the same threads weaving in and out of each other.

“I was wondering if you would keep relying on your toothpicks.” Blue eyes shine with mirth, teeth gleam like snow in sunlight.

A few jabs and a sweeping arch for Thor’s feet has the guest positioned perfectly for the surprise hidden in the snow. “Not at all,” Loki smirks, “I just deemed it polite to let you stand a chance.”

Clenching a fist suddenly, the sorcerer fires the icy missile. As if in slow motion, he sees it burst from the snow with deadly precision and it would have hit true if Thor had not had the wits to throw himself awkwardly to the side, now it merely grazes the warrior, sending him spinning into the heaps of snow. By the time his face reappears, it is met with the gleaming tip of a spear less than an inch from the nose.

“Loki…one,” the champion smiles.

Thor smiles undeterred, eager to continue the game as though he were a puppy. “Thor nil. Smart fighting.”

…   READER’s PoV   …

“What d’you mean they dis’peared?!”

King Gorm’s rage is echoing through the halls, causing the servants to scurry on with their heads down and the nobles present to attempt carrying on with their conversations although with slightly shrill voices. Standing by a tall window of stained-glass mosaics, the distress makes you smile despite the fat drop of rain that have been falling nonstop the last couple of days.

An answer is given and appears to be unsatisfactory. “NO! I’ll no’ ‘ave it,” the monarch nearly screams, “don’t you come spurtin’ tha’ kinda nonsense! I ‘spect nuttin’ less than p’fection! I want them punished! ALL o’ them!”

“But my lord,” finally the distressed voice of the military advice can be heard, “the few that did return, dutifully and with proo–“

“ALL o’ them! You think I dunno see wha’ ‘tis? Huh?! Lettin’ their mates wander off like tha’?!”

A shiver runs down your spine that has nothing to do with pettiness or the shill of the damp air. Whatever has happened (probably a regiment opting to desert) will now cause innocent souls suffering simply because the king acts like a spoiled child. Someone should send him to the front. Have him live under the same conditions as the lowliest soldier. It is a futile wish, of course. No one here will suggest anything that can cost them their own safety. Maybe they just don’t care about others?

...

[blackberrywidow]

Marvel Masterlist

Here’s a collection of all of the fics, oneshots, prompts, etc. that I write. I will try to update this every time I post something new. As a reminder, I do take requests and I’m always available to talk about my writing (or yours!), so please drop by my asks or messages!

Legend: 

👌 - 100+ notes

✌️ - 500+ notes

👉 - Ongoing series

👍 - Completed series

💕 - Personal favorite

Series

Transcendental (Peter Parker x Stark!reader) 👉

Series Masterlist

Summary: In your universe, your husband and father are dead. Widowed and heartbroken at 23, you have to learn to move on, and somehow carry both Iron Man’s and Spider-Man’s legacies, all while hunting your husband’s killer. It’s not easy, but you’re managing. 

In his universe, you don’t even exist. The Decimation was averted over five years ago, but that doesn’t mean Peter Parker has had time to rest. Especially not when the universe begins to tear itself apart. 

With the multiverse itself at stake, you’re forced to face the ghosts of your past—who are suddenly very much alive and unaware of your history— and hope that you’re strong enough to save them this time.

His Legacy [ON HIATUS] 👉

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five ...

Summary: Tony Stark had never wanted to be a father– had never wanted to risk passing on the Stark’s legacy of absentee fathers and childhood trauma. But looking at his son now, swaddled tightly in his arms, he knew that he was always meant to be his father. Peter was the best thing to ever happen to him, and his would be the only legacy that mattered. (AU in which Tony is Peter’s biological father)

Adventures in Babysitting 👍

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Summary: Peter is entrusted to babysit Morgan Stark for the first time, something he is entirely unprepared for. How exactly is he supposed to tell Mr. Stark that he lost his daughter? (A collection of one shots following Peter and his baby sister Morgan)

OneShots

Peter Parker:

A Dangerous Downpour

Summary: All you want to do is talk to your crush, but a certain tentacle wearing villain gets in the way. Prompt: “Can you believe we almost just died?”

Roll to Me 💕👌

Summary: You find yourself stuck in a church, about to make the biggest mistake of your life. Luckily, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is there to save the day. – Based on the song “Roll to Me” by Del Amitri.

You’re It 💕✌️

Summary: College AU. During a game of Humans vs. Zombies, you find yourself falling for the enemy.

The Death of Me

Summary: You left Peter because of the danger. You weren’t the kind of girl that could be with a superhero, no matter how much you wanted to be. You thought you were protecting both of you. You just never imagined that death would still find you.

Bucky Barnes:

And So She Waited

Summary: Vera was used to waiting on Bucky Barnes, but she never imagined she would have to wait seventy-five years to see him again. Time changes a lot of things, but he always manages to find his way back to her.

Drive 👌

Summary: When a dangerous assassin breaks into the reader’s car, she realizes that becoming his glorified Uber isn’t actually the worst thing that could happen to her. Prompt: “You’re getting blood all over my car.”

Cut My Heart Out

Summary: Detective Bucky Barnes had planned to spend this year’s purge the same way he spent all of them—locked safely inside his home, avoiding trouble. However, his plans are unwillingly changed when a woman breaks inside his home. Prompt: Serial Killer/Murderer AU

Undercover, In Over Your Head 👌

Summary: Spy AU. After months of being undercover as Bucky’s wife, it’s time to finally finish your mission. The stakes are high with both of your lives on the line, but somehow the only thing you’re worried about is giving up your life as Mrs. Jones. Getting out of this alive is one thing, but getting out of it with your heart still intact is another. Prompt: Keeping Up With the Joneses’ AU / “Kiss Me. Quickly!”

Can’t Quit You  

Part One | Part Two

Summary: You and Bucky find comfort in each other, but how long can it last before boundaries are crossed and heartbreak becomes inevitable? Prompt: “Quit” by Cashmere Cat (feat. Ariana Grande)

Stay 👌

Summary: With your life being threatened by a megalomaniac with a murderous streak, Bucky takes it upon himself to keep you safe. Even at the cost of some slight cuddling. Prompt: “I’m staying with you.”

A Good Start 

Summary: After a few drinks, you decide that now is the perfect time to confront Bucky about your feelings.

Steve Rogers:

Happy New Year 🎄👌

Summary: It’s a night of new beginnings, and you are surprised to find one with the man you so love to hate.

Clint Barton:

Coffee Stains and Heart Pains 👌💕

Summary: For years you’ve wondered what kind of man would curse you to have the word “fuck” branded on your wrist as your soulmate mark. Well, you’re about to find out. (Soulmate AU)

Untraditional 🎄

Summary: You spend Christmas Eve waiting for your boyfriend to come home, and considering said boyfriend happens to be Clint Barton… of course disaster ensues.  

How Clint Stole Christmas 🎄

Summary: You decide to go on the hunt for a Christmas tree just hours before Christmas Day. What started out as an innocent desire for a traditional Christmas ends in with breaking and entering and possible jail time. But with Clint Barton at your side… what else did you expect?

Super Family:

Stand 👌💕

Summary: Her father’s legacy is a tough one to carry, but Morgan does her best to make her father proud. 

Don’t Tumblr and Tell ✌️💕

Summary: The Avengers discover an “Incorrect Avengers Quotes” Tumblr account that is full of things that they have actually said. They immediately set out to find the mole, unaware that Peter Parker is the culprit. 

Alone

Summary: The moments after the Snap through Peter’s eyes.

After I’m Gone

Summary: After Tony dies to save the universe, the ones he loves continue on without him. But maybe they aren’t as alone as they thought.

Rhodey 👌

Summary: Rhodey’s best friend dies, and all he can do is watch. 

Time

Summary: All Tony has left is time and guilt, but it’s never enough. (A drabble about Tony’s time adrift in space.)

Miscellaneous Pairings:

The Deaf Leading the Blind 👌

Summary: (Stony) In which Steve confesses his feelings for Tony to Clint, not realizing he can’t hear a damn thing he’s saying. Based on this post.

The One Where He Survives

Summary: (Stony) Tony gets a surprise on his birthday.

Suffocating

Summary: (Buckynat) Agent James Barnes has dedicated his life to tracking down psychopaths and serial killers and putting them behind bars, but when a possibly psychopathic, definitely beautiful assassin asks for his help, how can he say no?

The Dance 

Summary: (Steggy) Steve and Peggy finally get their dance. (Post Avengers 4, but written before endgame and therefore not cannon-compliant.)

Prompts & Blurbs: 

“I said I love you” (bucky x reader)

“I’m not going anywhere.” (bucky x reader; angst) 

“Alright. I’ll leave you alone.” (steve x reader; angst)

“Come on, stay with me.” (steve x reader)

“You’re in love with her.” (buckynat/romangers; angst)

“How much of that did you hear?” (buckynat coffeeshop au)

“I can’t remember the last time I did this with someone.” (buckynat; fluff)

“Please. You can’t die now.” (buckynat- angst)

“You wanna come to a super soft birthday party?” (Bucky + team bonding) 

 “What God-awful demon possessed you to wear that?” (romangers halloween) 

 “I am centuries old. You need to do more than that to get rid of me.” (romangers halloween)

“That costume really is convincing. You might terrify a few too many children.” (buckynat halloween)

“We should do a couple’s costume!” (wandava halloween) 

The Slap (buckynat soulmate au; angst)

Double Dates and Confused Captains (danbeau & romangers w/ a dash of winter falcon)

Headcanons:

Loki + babysitting

Romangers + babysitting

Romangers + college/coffee shop AU

BuckyNat + supernatural AU

BuckyNat halloweeen costumes

Pepperony high school AU

Starmora (post endgame) 

Clintasha

have a request? send me an ask!

[idabbleincrazy]

Angel of the Morning Ch. 2

Pairing: Gabriel x Christa

Warnings: Angst, just angst

Word Count: 1300-ish (not counting song lyrics)

Summary: Who knew that one little brush of the hand could cause so much trouble?

A/N: just some pov changes and angst to move things along. Poor Gabriel.

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

There’ll be no strings to bind your hands

Not if my love can’t bind your heart

And there’s no need to take a stand

For it was I who chose to start

I see no need to take me home

I’m old enough to face the dawn

 Gabriel’s POV

 Gabriel stared at the open door for what could have been minutes or days, to an angel lost in thought, time lost all meaning. He knew he should have waited longer before showing her the truth, but what choice did he have? Christa had been doubting herself again and he couldn’t think of anything else to prove to her that they belonged together. He had tried, and failed, to convince her any other way. Showing her that they were soulmates, that they had literally been created for each other, seemed like the only option left.

Unfortunately, Gabriel couldn’t have been more wrong. After sharing his memories with her, she freaked out and ran away, begging him to leave her alone. He had no choice but to oblige and stay put, at least for now. Angels weren’t able to make their soulmates accept them. Humans always had the final say in the matter. One of the perks of free will. Sure, Gabriel wasn’t normally a stickler for the rules, but this one couldn’t be bent. Every angel knew the risk they took when they eventually found the human that would complete them.

The only thing he could do now was give her time to calm down; it was a lot to spring on a person, the fact that soulmates were actually a real thing that happened from time to time. He would have to let Christa wrap her head around it a bit before he explained all the details. He had waited millennia for her, he could wait a little longer; he only hoped she would hear him out. He stood the risk of her rejecting him completely, and if she did that, he didn’t know if he’d be able to survive it.

Why did this have to happen to him, why now, after all this time? He had spent thousands of years on Earth without having to worry about a soulmate. His time spent as Loki had suppressed the bits of Angelic knowledge that he hadn’t considered particularly important. He had all but forgotten that somewhere, spread out along the eternal timeline, a soul existed that would complete each Angel’s Grace. Sure, every human soul had a counterpart that they were meant to find, but these souls were special. While humans with human soulmates could go their whole lives without meeting each other and be no worse off for it, humans who were meant to be with an Angel would always feel slightly out of place in the world until their Angel found them; just as all Angels spent their endless existence feeling somewhat empty inside until their human came into being. The bond would literally make them whole.

And woe be it to any human whose Angel died before the bond. They would be left to spend their lives incomplete. Unable to find a lasting relationship with any other human, unable to connect with anyone on a level beyond friendship or familial love. There would always be that feeling of disconnection. Always a piece of them missing.

Rejected Angels didn’t fare much better. He would be left to spend eternity incomplete and unable to follow her into her Heaven when she eventually died. So much hinged on her decision. If she denied him the bond, it might just drive him insane. Now that he’d found her, now that he realized the truth of what she was to him, he could never get over her. He would never stop loving her. His existence would revolve around her for the rest of time, until the universe ceased to exist. Oh Father, what had he gotten himself into?

 Maybe the sun’s light will be dim

And it won’t matter anyhow

If morning’s echo says we’ve sinned

It was what I wanted now

And if we’re victims of the night

I won’t be blinded by the light

 Christa’s POV

 Soulmates! They. Were. Soulmates. How was that possible? How was that a real thing? And wasn’t it just Christa’s luck that her soulmate was a freaking Angel; and not just any old angel, oh no, an Archangel! A top-tier, celestial being, just a step below Chuck himself. Sure, she knew she was falling hard for the golden-eyed feather-brain; but it was another thing altogether to find out it was literally Fated, planned out by especially God. Did she even have a choice? What happened to free will?

Her head began pounding as her thoughts swirled. She took a deep breath and tried to fight back the wave of anxiety she felt starting to rise within her. Christa had been so happy last night. Why did this have to happen? If she hadn’t been so stubbornly set against believing he could feel the same way she did, would he even have shown her the truth? Would he have just kept stringing her along, forever, letting her believe it was his choice to be with her, not destiny? Maybe it would have been better that way, staying blind to the truth, basking in the glow of his forced love.

The way she had felt with him last night, she had never felt with anyone she had ever met. She had never felt so secure, so safe. No one she had ever been with had made her feel like she could trust them with her life. Heck, none of her relationships had even lasted more than a few months, even before she had become a hunter. Even if the sex had been great, she would soon realize there was little to nothing that she had in common with the person. Some of them had become good friends, some like family.

Take Sam, for instance; when Christa had first met the Winchesters, she had found herself inexplicably drawn to the tall, dark-haired hunter. They had ended up going on a couple of dates, even shared a kiss or two, but something about it had seemed, well, off. Luckily, they had both realized that before ending up in one or the others bed. Made it less awkward to just go back to being hunting partners. Eventually, she began to just see him as as much of a brother to her as Dean, though there was still some odd tug she would feel every now and then. Christa had felt one of those tugs the other day, when Sam had hugged her good-bye.

She sighed, her head in her hands as she sat against the door. All this time, she had thought her failed relationships had been due to the deep-rooted fear of rejection she’d had ever since she had gotten attacked by the werewolf that had left her neck badly scarred. Though, if Christa looked back, really looked, she knew it went back way before the day she stumbled upon the supernatural. Even back in high school, the other kids had never been more than a passing fancy. She’d felt love, sure. But never the type of love that made her heart flutter every time she thought of the person. The type of love that made her breath catch in her throat when she looked at them. None of that had ever happened until Gabriel.

Who knew that one little brush of the hand could cause so much trouble? Now here she was, head over heels for an Archangel, and finding out that he was the literal missing piece of her soul. She were tempted to stay holed up in her room until the boys got back, but when her stomach rumbled, Christa knew she would have to face Gabriel sooner or later. Better to do it while they still had the bunker to themselves. Chuck only knew what kind of craziness would ensue if the Winchesters found out about her and Gabriel before she was ready to tell them. Dean had a tendency to get all Big Brother with her when it came to guys, and this might just push him beyond his usual limits.

She got up and headed to the kitchen, desperate for a cup of strong coffee. It was going to be a long day.

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

Forever: @gabegirrl86

Gabe’s Babes: @calamitychaos @liloldlou

Rich’s Bitches: @warlockwriter @waywardtricks @archangelgabriellives @briars-glenn @hankypranky @thewhiterabbit42 @spnimpalaimagines

[leisurelypanda]

December 21st came before they knew it. School had let out a few days ago and Steve had been relaxing with Thor, enjoying the break together while they could. The mood was marred by the sadness that he felt at Thor going away but he tried to put on a brave face and enjoy the time he had with Thor before he had to leave. Logically, he knew that Thor wasn’t leaving for long, but he couldn’t help the disappointment that refused to abate.

Steve did not take his anxiety medicine that morning, but he did take his meds with him in case he needed them. He was genuinely curious about the drinking aspect of the holiday, even if he only planned on having one or two drinks. Nothing major. Steve definitely didn’t plan on ever becoming drunk.

When he arrived at Thor’s house early that afternoon he was surprised at how… festive it looked. There was a large, ornate wreath on the door decorated with holly, pine cones, and red ribbons that definitely hadn’t been there yesterday. It was beautiful and, shockingly, real. He could smell the evergreen and the pine from it. It was somewhat strange, honestly. People had wreaths and Christmas trees but in his experience they were always plastic. No one really had the money to buy an authentic tree or wreath every year. Except Thor, apparently.

Once he was inside he was hit with the sense of déjà vu. It was so different. Like during Samhain, the entryway was decorated completely differently from the usual. There was holly hanging from the chandelier and more wreaths decorated the walls. Holly hung from archways where connecting rooms and from the windows. Various kinds of branches, some normal bare and some with some kind of red berries adorned the walls as well. And in the center of the foyer, there was an alter like before, decorated with the various kind of plants in the home and a pair of small figurines, one of an elderly man and the other of a woman. It was beautiful.

“Steve,” Thor greeted him warmly. He leaned down to kiss him. Steve could taste… honey and some other kinds of warm spices on his lips. “Blessed Yule.”

“Blessed Yule, babe,” he mimicked. “You all really go all out for your holidays, don’t you?”

Thor smiled proudly. “Yes, but could the same not be said of most people when observing their religious holidays?”

“I don’t know. I’m not religious, but it’s beautiful,” he said. Thor smiled.

“Come, we were just about to start decorating the tree,” he said, taking his hand and dragging him through to the living room. Steve gaped at the sight. An enormous tree stood proudly in the room reaching up to the high ceiling. There was even a ladder so that decorations could be placed on the upper branches that couldn’t be reached. And it was gorgeous. Odin was at the top of the ladder stringing lights around the tree while Mr. Baker held the ladder steady. Frigga turned as they entered the room and smiled.

“Welcome Steve,” she said, hugging him warmly. “Blessed Yule.”

Steve repeated the greeting dutifully.

“You’re just in time to help us celebrate,” she said, leading him to the kitchen. “Do you want something to drink? We have some eggnog, the nonalcoholic and the alcoholic kind, some mead, beer, glogg--”

“Grog?” he asked.

“No, glogg,” she corrected. “It’s a red wine mulled with spices like cinnamon, clove, orange, cardamom, ginger. It’s a Swedish specialty. It’s delicious.”

She poured a bit in a mug and offered it to him. It was a good thing that his medication was a mild tranquilizer rather than a full blown antianxiety medication like he had when he first started out. He could certainly smell the spices she mentioned, though he wasn’t familiar with most of their flavors. He took a cautious sip. It was sweeter than he expected. The spices didn’t overwhelm the drink and he found that he liked it quite a bit.

“That’s good,” he said. “That’s very good.”

“Do you want some more?” she asked. He nodded. She took his mug and added a mixture of raisins and almonds before she poured the drink into the mug and topped it with cranberries. Steve took a sip. It was sweeter than before and the flavors of the fruits and almonds added to the appeal.

“Do take it easy, though,” she warned. “It’s stronger than it seems. We don’t want you drinking more than you are ready for.”

He sipped it more carefully and returned to the living room. The lights were almost finished being wrapped around the tree.

“So what’s the story behind Yule, anyway?” Steve asked. “Is it similar to Christmas at all?”

“In some ways,” Thor said. “Most religions have some kind of celebration around the winter solstice to celebrate the end of the darkest night and return of the light.”

“Is that why there’s so many lights for Christmas?” Steve asked.

“Well most Christmas traditions come from Yule in some way,” he replied. “Like the tree, the wreaths, hanging up lights, and the mistletoe, of course.”

“Mistletoe is from Yule?” Steve asked with a smile. “I don’t remember that from elementary school.”

“I will be happy to… fill the gaps in your education,” Thor murmured as he pressed a kiss to Steve’s lips. Maybe it was the wine, but Steve’s smile grew.

“I look forward to it,” he whispered.

“Will you two stop snogging for a second and plug in the lights?” Odin shouted from the top of the tree. Thor chuckled lowly before he left to do as requested. The tree lit up in a brilliant display of golden lights and the Odinson household cheered. Odin ambled down the ladder and the family gathered around to start decorating. Frigga handed Steve some ribbons to tie around the branches.

The whole process took about an hour and a half between the drinking, the singing, and the actual decorating. Steve was surprised to learn that Thor was the only one in the family who couldn’t sing. He was also the one who sang the loudest, drowning out everyone else. Steve found himself laughing with his hands covering his ears at the display. Thor made a show at pouting and sang even louder.

“Stop!” he shouted. “Please have mercy! My ears!”

“You cannot silence my golden pipes!” Thor protested. He continued singing the little holiday diddy at the top of his lungs. Steve was saved by the grace of Frigga, who told him to be quiet and make himself useful by putting some more decorations on the tree. She also handed him a couple more ornaments.

“Enjoying yourself, dear?” she asked.

“As long as Thor isn’t singing,” he laughed. She laughed with him.

“I’m sure I don’t know where he gets it,” she said. “No one else in the family is so atrocious at singing, yet he is the one who enjoys it the most.”

“I would have thought that he would have a good baritone voice or something,” Steve said.

“Well, he has a bad baritone,” she said with a smile.

“I can hear you, you know,” Thor shouted from the other side from the tree.

“You know it’s rude to eavesdrop, babe,” Steve replied.

“So is gossip,” he said, coming around the tree. He wrapped his arms around Steve’s waist. “So where does that leave us?”

Steve giggled. He was on his second mug of the glogg. Thor became suddenly serious and took the mug from his hand and set it aside.

“My love, I think you have had enough of that for now,” he said. Mr. Baker appeared with a tall glass of water. “Please, drink all of this.”

“Why?” he said as he took the glass.

“It will help keep you hydrated,” he answered. Steve took a gulp of the water.

“So what do you do on Yule?” he asked. “Why’s it important?”

“Well in Norse tradition, it’s a time of honoring Baldr,” Thor explained.

“Who is Baldr?”

“He was the god of light and the sun,” Thor said. “He was also the most beautiful and beloved of the gods. His mother Frigga, who was skilled in divining the fates of all things and in changing them, saw that he would be killed. To prevent this from happening, she sought out every living thing and made them swear that they would not harm him.

“After this, the gods would entertain themselves by hurling objects at him and laughing when the fell harmlessly to the ground. They marveled at his invincibility. One god saw their folly: Loki. He went to Frigga and asked her if there was any being that she had neglected to ask for the oath in her quest. She confessed that she had neglected to ask one thing: mistletoe. She said that it was such a small, harmless plant that she did not think it would pose a threat.

“So Loki took some mistletoe and fashioned a spear from it. He gave it to the blind god of darkness, Baldr’s brother, Hodr, and convinced him to throw it at Baldr while the gods were celebrating. The spear pierced him and he fell down dead. All the gods mourned him so much that they decided that one of them should go down to Helheim, the land of the dead, to beg its queen, Hel, to restore the dead god to life.

“She agreed, on the condition that every living thing that loved him, mourned for him. So the gods went out to get everyone to mourn for him. But one being did not, a giantess who lived in a cave. She refused, saying that Hel should be allowed to keep what was hers. And so Baldr remained in Helheim. Legend says that when Ragnarok, the last battle, is complete, Baldr will return to lead the world back to the light.”

Steve whistled then he looked at Loki. “Why’d you kill him, man?”

“I didn’t kill him,” Loki replied with a sly grin. “My god killed him. That I share his name is coincidental.”

“Your god?”

“We all honor the gods,” Frigga explained. “But each of us has one or two that we pay special attention. Loki honors his namesake.”

“You named your son after the trickster god?” Steve asked, bemused.

“There’s an important lesson in the story,” she said. “Frigga went through all that trouble to change fate, and then the gods decided to test it. Don’t flirt with death and act surprised if she returns her affections.”

“So what does this have to do with Yule?” Steve asked.

“We remember, mourn, and honor Baldr on the longest night of the year,” Frigga said. “Then we celebrate and await his return at the beginning of the new cycle when Ragnarok is over.”

“It usually involves drinking, feasting, and staying up until sunrise,” Thor said cheerfully. “Oaths are taken very seriously at Yule, too.”

“That’s the best part,” Loki said. “Seeing what promises you can get out of people.”

“We’re staying up all night?” Steve asked. He looked down at his glass. He seemed to have drank it all during Thor’s story.

“If you’re up for it,” Odin said, glowering at him from the tree. That sounded like a challenge if Steve had ever heard one. And Steve was not about to let Thor’s grumpy father get the last laugh. Maybe it was the alcohol, but he seemed braver for some reason.

“The question is,” Steve said. “Are you up for it, old man?”

Whistles and cheers sounded from the others as Steve and Odin stared each other down, not unlike the last time it happened. Then, to his surprise, Odin smiled. Not out of approval, but as an acceptance of the challenge. Steve had a feeling that this would be an interesting night. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some hours later, after dinner had been consumed, The family went off in different directions to see to their own festivities. Odin and Frigga went around the house burning something Thor called smudge sticks that filled the house with scents like rosemary, pine, and cedar. It might not be Christmas, but it certainly smelled like it. Loki was sewing something called poppets to look like gingerbread people, which Thor said were meant to attract something during the new year, like love, prosperity, or protection.

“So what do you do?” Steve asked Thor. they were sitting on the couch admiring the tree. Thor was on his 5th drink, whereas Steve had decided he was done for the night at his third. HI shead was clearing up and he decided that while the buzz was interesting, he had no real interest in experiencing drunkenness. He was afraid of what could happen. But he trust Thor enough that he was mostly relaxed around him while he was drinking.

“Well, I do have a personal favorite,” he said. He set his drink down on the coffee table and held up some kind of weed. He wiggled his eyebrows.

“What is that?” Steve said. “And why do you seem excited about it?”

“Mistletoe,” Thor said. Steve immediately blushed. “You know the tradition, yes?”

Steve pressed a light, teasing kiss to Thor’s lips.

“Happy?” he asked, his voice lower and huskier than he meant it. Thor pouted.

“You tease,” he whined. Steve grinned and pressed another longer kiss to his lips. Thor returned it gently, opening his mouth to grant Steve access. Steve straddled his lover’s hips to get better leverage. His lover’s hands immediately went to his back and wandered down until one found its perch on the curve of his ass and the other groped his thigh. He could taste the honey and cinnamon on his tongue from the mead he’d been drinking. It was… intoxicating.

Thor bucked his hips and Steve gasped as he felt Thor’s arousal against his own. His jeans were suddenly very uncomfortable. He tugged at Thor’s hair, urging him on--

Someone cleared their throat. Steve practically jumped off Thor. His blush grew even more when he realized who caught them. Odin. Frigga was covering her mouth with a hand, but there was amusement in her eyes as she regarded them. Odin looked annoyed more than anything.

“The next time the… mood strikes you,” he ground out. “Please find some place more private. There are other people in the house, you know.”

Steve looked down at the floor as he nodded. He could not meet Odin’s eye.

“Sorry father,” Thor said.

Steve considered letting the couch swallowing him when Odin huffed and walked out. He looked up in time to see Frigga give them a conspiratorial wink before she followed. As soon as they were gone, Thor reached over for him to take his hand. Steve avoided his touch.

“I need some air,” he said as he got up. “I’ll be back soon.”

He reached the porch and exhaled, watching his cloud of breath appear, then vanish before his eyes. He didn’t particularly like the cold or the winter. It was hard to appreciate the cold when there were months when his mom wasn’t sure if she would have the money to pay the heating bill. That concern had vanished when Joe died. Not having someone drain the finances buying drinks did marvels for the budget, it seemed.

Still, there were times when he relished the cold. Like now, when he needed to clear his head. He looked up at the lights from the city. They reminded him of the lights on the tree inside. They were beautiful. And tonight he could see a crescent moon shining above them. It wasn’t bright enough to illuminate the yard, but it was still lovely.

“Come to clear your head, boy?” asked a voice. Steve jumped and turned to find Odin leaning on the doorframe behind him. His face was stern, almost like how he imagined Santa with a bowel movement. “You act as though I am about to beat you, you know. You needn’t worry. You might be an ungrateful upstart, but I won’t do you harm.”

“Thanks,” he drawled. “It helps to clear my head. The cold, I mean.”

“Heh. You would like Sweden, then,” he said walking closer. “Don’t cower, boy, I am not here to pummel you. Stand up straight like a man.”

Steve found himself obeying without question. Odin had a commanding presence about him, almost like he had spent time in the military. He brooked no nonsense and suffered no fools. It made people listen. His gaze was cold and assessing. Steve could see the shrewd intellect that had secured him the position of ambassador to the United States. Politicians didn’t get anywhere by being trusting. He braced his hands on the railing in front of and turned that calculating gaze on Steve.

“How much has Thor told you about Yule?” he asked.

“Well, he told me about Baldr’s death,” he admitted.

“Good,” Odin said. “He honors Baldr, it is only natural that he should tell you about his god’s demise.”

“It was interesting,” he said lamely. He was waiting for the other shoe to drop. “He also said to be careful of oaths.”

“Well, at least he’s ensured you will not do something stupid,” Odin said. Then he regarded him with a scowl. “One of the other purposes of Yule is to air grievances.”

There it is, Steve thought. He braced himself.

“I do not like you,” Odin said.

“The feeling is mutual,” Steve asked, trying to sound casual.

“I think that you are weak,” Odin said. “My wife and son tell me that you suffer from panic attacks, but that just means that you are ruled by fear. There is no way you could be worthy of my son.”

The words came like a punch in the gut. It took the wind out of him. He could do nothing but gaze up at the old man, his jaw hanging open uselessly.

“Were you simply unsure of yourself, that would be one thing,” he continued. “You are a boy. It is only natural. But you are simply a coward who lacks the nerve to admit or the balls to be a man.”

“It’s true,” Steve said. His heart was racing, but he would be damned before he let Thor’s father bully him into submission. “I have Panic Disorder. I live in constant fear of when my next panic attack will strike. I struggle with anxiety on a daily basis and it’s taken me nearly a year and a half of therapy to learn how to live with it. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that you understand what my life has been like. Why should that make me unworthy?”

“You are ashamed of yourself,” Odin said, eying him. “For all your bravado, you see yourself as weak. I can see it in your eyes. You don’t think you are worthy either.”

Again, it hit him like a punch in the gut. Odin certainly knew how to get to people. He wasn’t wrong. He constantly wondered if this was a dream, if he would wake up and cold reality would set in because the only way any of this could be true was if it was a dream.

“How can I think that you are worthy if you cannot think it yourself?” Odin demanded. “I’ve seen your like before. Thor has always attracted men like you to him. He’s too softhearted. He got himself hurt because they both took advantage of his kindness in one way or another.”

Steve was silent at that. He had never really asked in detail about Thor’s exes. He only knew that he had some because he had mentioned them in passing. He could not deny that even though Thor lavished him with affection and assured him that he was more than enough, he often wondered if he actually deserved this.

“So here is my grievance,” Odin said. “I think you will break my son’s heart. You will hurt him and I would have sought to prevent his being hurt again, but it seems that he has already fallen for you. I can only hope that he will decide at some point to end it himself first.”

“You think you know what is best,” Steve found himself saying. “But you’re the one letting fear rule you. Fear that you can’t protect him. You barely know me. You’ve judged me based on a panic attack and on Thor’s past relationships, people I’ve never even met. How can you say that you know what I will do when all you really know about me is that I have chronic anxiety?”

Odin was silent, aside from a scoff.

“I promise that everything that I want from Thor comes from good intentions,” he said. “I will not toss aside the kindness Thor has shown me just because you think we’re a bad match.”

“An oath on Yule. Even after Thor’s warning,” Odin drawled. “How poetic.”

He drew himself up to his full height and glowered down at Steve, contempt smoldering in his eye. He suddenly seemed like a giant to Steve, ready to crush him if he didn’t say the right thing.

“If you break your oath,” he growled. “I will see that you suffer.”

“You would hardly be the first,” Steve said. The lump in his throat made it sound more breathy and meek than he would have preferred.

“But,” Odin said. “If you are telling the truth, if your relationship with my son lasts until the day after your year anniversary, I will give your relationship my blessing.”

“Deal,” Steve said. He held out his hand. Odin took it in a strong, firm grip. Whether it was magic, whether there were gods or spirits or angels bearing witness to their bargain, whether it was something inherently about the season, it felt very solemn. Like this truly wasn’t something that could be broken without consequences. As Steve watched Odin go back into the house, he had to wonder if he had just done something rash.

Either way, he had no intention of letting Odin win. He had been with Thor for three months now. It seemed like such a short amount of time, and at the same time, it felt like it had been forever. And even though he struggled daily with feeling inadequate, he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

His reverie was interrupted by a crash and shouting. Steve hurried inside to find Thor and Loki grappling on the floor.

“Shouldn’t we do something?” Steve asked. Frigga chuckled.

“Don’t worry, dear,” she said. “They do this every year, since Thor honors Baldr and Loki, well, take a guess.”

“You killed my god!” Thor roared. He had his brother in a headlock. Loki laughed and jabbed Thor in the stomach with an elbow.

“Your god was an idiot,” Loki replied with a sardonic grin. He ran outside and into the yard and Thor gave chase, hollering all the way.

Steve watched in amazement as they wrestled and fought on the lawn. Their styles were completely different. Thor was more strength oriented and tried to overpower Loki. His brother, on the other hand was slippery and dextrous. It was fascinating to watch, but Thor eventually managed to pin his brother to the ground, which was no less impressive for the fact that he was drunk.

“Yield,” he growled. Loki struggled, but Thor had managed to keep him pinned to the cold earth.

“Fine, I yield,” Loki groaned. Thor jumped up and cheered and ran up the steps to capture Steve in a fierce, victorious embrace and kissed him. Steve laughed into his lover’s mouth.

Yeah, he thought. There’s no way I’m letting that old Grinch win. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sometime around midnight, the Odinson family gathered around their tree and began their gift exchange. It was an interesting sight, as Steve had never before seen gifts being exchanged between a family when half of them were half drunk. He was also shocked to discover that he was being included in the exchange. He was suddenly glad he had brought gifts, though it was nothing special. Odin didn’t give him anything and he was glad for it because he didn’t have anything for him, to be honest.

Frigga gave him more art supplies, which was good because he was starting to run low and this would surely last him a while. Loki gave him a pair of little puppets (he called them, “poppets,” though) that looked like gingerbread people.

“This one’s meant to attract love,” he said, pointing to one that had more pink decorations, like hearts and flowers. The other had a bit of mistletoe pinned to it and a shield. “And that one is for protection.”

“Do I keep it with me or…?” Steve asked.

“You can,” Loki said. “Or you can keep it in your room to ward off negative energies.”

“Cool,” Steve said. He meant it. He had no idea Loki was so skilled. “Thank you, Loki.”

Loki actually seemed bashful at the praise. “It’s nothing,” he said.

Steve got up and hugged him. Loki made a groan of disgust in protest.

“Thor, your boyfriend is hugging me,” he whined.

“Yeah he is,” Thor said, raising his bottle of mead. He had taken a break for a few hours but resumed drinking for the gift exchange. Steve himself had another mug of glogg sitting on the coffee table. But just the one. He had already drank more tonight than he ever planned on drinking in general. He’d probably go a few months without.

“Tell him to stop,” Loki said.

“Come on, brother, it’s Yule!” Thor said cheerfully. “Live a little.”

Loki grumbled and returned the hug.

“You’re welcome,” he muttered. Steve finally let him go.

Thor actually had to leave the room to get his present to Steve. He returned with a large canvas that Steve recognized as one of Frigga’s painting canvases. He gasped as he turned it around and revealed a painting of the two of them dancing under the moonlight. It was similar to their Homecoming date. There were some artistic liberties taken, such as the fact that instead of anywhere in New York, they were dancing under a grove of pine trees covered in snow lit in the holiday style with a full moon shining down on them. It was beautiful and he actually teared up at the sight.

“I commissioned this a few weeks ago,” he said. “I could not think of anything else that you would want, so--”

Steve tackled him with a hug before he could finish.

“I love it,” he said. He looked at Frigga. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, dear,” she said.

Steve got out his sketchbook and carefully removed one of the pictures. It was a new one that he had finished recently, of Thor and Loki grappling and smiling like the rambunctious brothers they were. He handed it to Frigga who looked at it and smiled as her fingers traced the lines of their faces.

“Thank you, Steve,” she said. “It’s beautiful. A mother can never have too many pictures of her children.”

To Loki, he handed a picture of him as a mad scientist. Loki laughed when he saw himself holding a vial of some kind of mixture grinning like a madman under a transformer shooting electricity. Thor rolled his eyes.

Finally, to Thor, he gave him the completed version of a picture he had been working on recently. Thor was sitting on a white horse, his armor gleaming in the light of the sun shining down overhead, his red cape draped behind him. His family was behind him, smiling faces throwing flowers on the ground beneath the horse. Thor was looking directly at the viewer with a smile on his face as he held out his hand.

“I recognize this,” Thor said. “This is the one you started a month ago at the beginning of the Thanksgiving break.”

“Yeah,” Steve said with a blush. “It’s not much, but--”

Thor silenced him with a kiss. Steve sighed in spite of himself.

“I love it, älskling,” he said. “It is beautiful.”

“Thank you,” he said.

“But where are you?” he asked.

“Umm… well, this is from a dream I had, so…” he said.

“So I am looking at you in this picture?” Thor asked with a sloppy grin.

“Yes?” Steve replied. Thor smiled again and kissed him. It was a bit clumsy, since he was drunk, but Steve was becoming more comfortable around it. As long as Thor was there, anyway.

“I love you,” he whispered. “Happy Yule.”

“Happy Yule, Thor,” he replied. “I love you, too.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thor didn't make it until sunrise, but he did manage to make it to the porch with Steve about an hour before dawn. Where he promptly fell asleep with his head resting in Steve's lap. Steve smiled at the sight and tangled his fingers in his golden locks as he waited in silence for the sunrise.

The rest of the family was quiet too, as if the night of celebration was replaced with a heavy solemnity. Mr. Baker, Mrs. Bianchi, and the rest of the household staff had turned in hours ago. They weren't pagan, so they weren't required to observe their employers’ religious holidays. All of them had at one point in time, but not this year.

Steve had never actually seen the sun rise over New York City. His apartment buildings generally didn't let residents on the roof. Also, as a 19 year old, any time before the sun before had been in the sky for a few hours was too early to be out of bed. He was fighting the urge to close his eyes and curl himself around Thor's sleeping form.

The sky overhead began to lighten gradually. Black started to soften to pale orange and yellow. All of them were silent, apart from Thor's soft snoring, as the dawn after the longest night arrived. Steve captured the image in his mind. Somewhere in the back of his artist mind he wondered what it would be like to watch the sunrise from the top of the Empire State Building. But the part of him that was terrified of heights dismissed that almost immediately.

The sun began to peak over the horizon, a fragile orange sliver of light breaking through the night. Soon the night gave way to the pale light of the morning and the sky turned from black to shades of blue and yellow. And maybe there was actually some magic there or perhaps the sunlight triggered some part of his brain, but Steve felt his spirit lift. Like something new had begun.

When the sun had fully risen, the Odinsons began to taper off to bed. Odin paused long enough to nod at Steve in acknowledgment of his small victory. Steve would have felt smug but an enormous yawn reminded him that he was dog tired. He shook his boyfriend gently until he started awake.

“The sun's up,” he said.

“Huzzah,” Thor murmured. “Blessed Yule.”

“Blessed Yule,” he parroted. “Now do you think we can start the year off right and go to bed?”

“Sleep first, älskling,” he murmured, nuzzling his face in his lap. “Sex later.”

Steve was too tired to chastise him. Instead he just yawned and waited for Thor to get up. His legs were starting to fall asleep. They staggered to the bedroom, Thor stopping to drink some water. As they climbed into bed to sleep the day away, Steve tried to think about anything but the fact that he was leaving.

[gaytonystark]

In The Light Part 2

Pairing: Loki x Reader Words: 2,144 A/N: Sooooo part 3 is already underway and I hope you all like this part!

Part 1

“Are you insane?” Tony couldn’t believe what he was hearing when Thor suggested sending you to Asgard to finish your training and rightfully so. “We can’t just ship her off to your demented brother!”

“Loki is not as he was when you last saw him. He’s changed and I wouldn’t trust him with this if I thought he would betray me.” Thor looked at you warmly and you flashed an encouraging smile at him. “This may be our-her only opportunity to make the best of her abilities.”

“Thor, I know he’s your brother, but this can’t possibly be the best option.” Natasha said, trying to reason with the god. “We’ve got state of the art facilities here that we can reinforce-”

“So that she can destroy it a bit slower? Y/N has powers that you here on Midgard are unable to accommodate. We cannot punish her for something she has not yet learned to control.” Thor tried to reason with them but it felt like it was all falling on deaf ears.

“She’s not being punished!” Tony snapped as he squared his shoulders immediately taking offense to what he said. “We have given her everything to keep her safe which is something you seem to have forgotten about.”

“There is nowhere safer in the Nine Realms than my home world. I can guarantee her safety and she’ll finally be able to understand the full extent of her powers.”

It seemed as though the whole team had their own opinions about your future. You had stayed quiet throughout the whole argument, but the time had come for you to finally say something. Your attempts to interject were ignored while everyone argued their point so it was time to make them listen to you. A flash of light emanated from your hands and stopped everyone in the middle of their rants.

“Hey! Has anyone bothered to ask me what I want to do?” You shouted over Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as they blinked repeatedly trying to get rid of the temporary blindness. “Because the only person who has even tried to hear me out is Thor.” You had their attention and after letting out a shaky breath, you continued. “Yeah my reaction was very similar when he said Loki would essentially be looking after me, but that sounds better than wrecking whatever’s left of the compound.”

“Y/N, we can cover the damage, it’s not a problem.” Tony said, rubbing his eyes profusely.

“Tony, you can’t keep cleaning up my mess. I know you’ll just keep rebuilding and I won’t get any better. Not to mention that one of these days someone’s gonna get hurt.” They all looked at you with brand new eyes and you were relieved that they had at least stop shouting at each other. “I appreciate everything that you have all done, I really do, but I honestly believe this is what’s best for me and the team.” Nobody said anything and you were scared you had taken it too far with the blinding light.

“But we’ll miss you.” Steve’s voice cut through the pregnant silence after your mini speech and you breathed a sigh of relief.

“I”ll miss you too, Spangles.” Your heart melted and it felt as though a huge weight had lifted off your shoulders. Steve stepped forward into your outstretched arms and squeezed you tight. The rest of the team joined in and pretty soon you were in the middle of a super group hug. “I’ll miss all of you. This won’t be easy for me either, having to leave the first place that’s actually felt like home.”

“It’s not like we won’t be here when you get back.” Said Clint as they began to pull away and you could have sworn you saw a tear escape his left eye before he quickly wiped it away. “If you want to come back at all.”

“Of course I'll come back, like I said-this is my home. As soon as I trust myself enough to use my powers properly Thor will open up the rainbow bridge so I can come home, right Point Break?”

“Absolutely. The moment you are ready, I'll be honored to lead you back.” Thor bowed his head respectfully and everyone breathed a little easier.

“So, when do you leave?” Wanda asked the question no one wanted an answer to.

“I've made the necessary accommodations back in Asgard so we can have Heimdall open the Bifrost to grant us passage whenever Y/N is ready to leave.” Thor gave you a reassuring look and squeezed your shoulder.

“Well then I think we should go sooner rather than later.” You said decisively, not realizing just how fast this all was happening. “Do I need to pack anything?”

“The necessities and more will be provided to you so you can ‘fit in’ as you say.” Thor put the words in air quotes and you stifled a giggle. “But you're welcome to bring anything you'd like.”

“Yeah I'll just pack a bag and we can go.” You turned to look at the rest of the team with slightly solemn eyes. “I guess this is goodbye.”

“You're not even gonna let me throw you a going away party?” Tony scoffed as he engulfed you in another hug.

Flashes of the last Tony Stark party you attended almost made you sick to your stomach all over again. “No because I'd like to go to Asgard with a healthy liver.”

“Your loss.” Said Natasha as she pushed him aside to hug you too. “It's not gonna be the same without you.”

“You guys won't even remember me by the time I get back.” You said jokingly but truthfully you already couldn't wait to come back and be totally in control of your powers.

The rest of the goodbyes were as heart wrenching as you had anticipated. You went back to your room to stuff your backpack with a few mementos and some other stuff to get you by. Something told you Asgard wouldn't have your favorite shade of liquid lipstick so you threw it in with everything else. Along with that, were photos of you and the team and a necklace with a quartz gem hanging on the chain that Steve had given you. In no time you had your bag packed with the important stuff and met Thor outside where he was waiting for you.

“Are you ready, Y/N?”

“Ready as I'll ever be.” You said and the nerves must have been all over your face because Thor laid a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

“There's no need to be nervous, Y/N, you have my word that no harm will come to you and Loki will be an excellent teacher.”

“You're right, this will be fine. Everything will be fine.” You said more to convince yourself than anything else.

He wrapped a meaty arm around your small shoulders and thrusted Mjolnir into the air to signal the Bifrost. The portal opened and you were sucked into the stars. It felt like your body was being stretched all over the galaxy and your brain was being pulled apart. The trip may have only been seconds but it felt like much longer. Thor stepped into the entrance to Asgard with his arm still firmly wrapped around you and you gasped at the view.

Glistening towers shone on the horizon and the crystal clear water waved calmly beneath you. The setting sun only added to the majesty of everything you were seeing. The trip and the sight before you left you absolutely breathless.

“Greetings, Odinson.” Heimdall, the legendary gatekeeper of Asgard who you had heard about from Thor, greeted his friend warmly.

“Heimdall, thank you for granting us passage.” Thor said as he let go so you could get your bearings. “Y/N, are you alright?” He asked because you were still staring slack jawed at the amazing city.

“Totally.” You said breathlessly.

“Excellent and welcome to Asgard. This will be your home until you decide you are ready to return and please, take as much time as you need.” He led you out farther onto the bridge leading to the city where a pair of horses were waiting for you. “I will take you to where you are staying then on to the feast!”

“Feast? Thor there’s really no need-”

“Nonsense! You being here is cause for celebration!” He said as he helped you onto your horse. “And you will finally meet Sif and The Warriors Three. It'll be a grand event!” Thor mounted his horse and led yours to your new home before you had a chance to protest further.

Asgard was so much more breathtaking up close. Everywhere you looked was another wonder to behold and you couldn't tear your eyes away. If Thor hadn't been leading your horse you might have gotten lost just looking at all the amazing things. Finally you arrived at the palace that would be your home and it towered intimidatingly above you. People all around looked up at you upon your arrival, or rather they looked at your friend then gave you a slightly confused look before turning their attention back. However, their strange looks couldn't possibly deflate your giddy mood.

“Thor, this is incredible!” You dismounted your horse with only minimal difficulty, but your eyes couldn't leave the gorgeous castle.

“I'm glad you like it,” Thor said, a pleased smile on his face, “I know it's not the compound but I hope you'll be happy here for the time being. Come along, I'll show you to your room.”

Thor led you down a myriad of hallways and it seemed like there were people everywhere. They all walked with such purpose and confidence that made you want to be just like them. You squared your shoulders and walked with a little more umph in your step because this was where you belonged now. Thor walked you down another grand hallway until he stopped at an ornate door and threw it open. Your new room was floor to ceiling gold and even more ornate decor was all over the walls.

“I asked that they make it fit for a warrior of Asgard.” Thor broke you out of your trance and you picked your jaw up off the floor.

“It's-I can't-you didn't-I mean thank you so much, Thor.” You were at a loss for words, which you figured would be happening often, and struggled to find the right words to show your appreciation.

“There is nothing to thank me for, Y/N, I only ask for your happiness in return.”

“You definitely got it because this is amazing!” You walked around the incredibly done up room, still in complete awe. “Honestly, Thor, I still can't believe this is happening.”

“Neither can I and yet here we all are.” Loki, the legendary god of mischief was leaning against the doorframe, eyeing you disinterestedly.

“Brother! You made it!” Thor wrapped his huge arms around his brother and Loki squirmed out of his intense grasp.

“Of course I made it, you had three guards follow me to make sure I didn't abandon you and your new pet.” He looked at you slightly disdainfully before returning his brooding gaze to Thor.

“All the same I'm happy to see you!” Said Thor, completely blinded by his love for his brother to see his sour attitude. “And so is Y/N, aren't you?”

“You could say that.” You said, eyeing the God of Mischief and sizing him up as best you could.

“Come now, you'll be better acquainted at the feast in honor of Y/N’s arrival!” Thor ushered Loki out of your doorway and he looked over his shoulder at you for longer than you were comfortable with. “Y/N, garments for tonight's festivities have been left for you! Lady Sif will accompany you to the Grand Hall when you're ready!”

He shut the door to give you some privacy and you found the clothes he mentioned. They were nothing like what you were used to, but you somehow managed to figure how everything was supposed to fit. You looked in one of the many reflective surfaces and saw a goddess. It was the first time you looked in a mirror saw yourself as something other than a destructive little girl. This was your chance to start new and be more than you ever thought possible. You already looked the part, now you just had to prove it to yourself that it could be done.

“Y/N, it’s time, are you ready?” Sif’s kind voice came from the door after a gentle knock.

“Yeah, I’m ready!” You tore your eyes away from your reflection and you saw the bright light that had left your eyes so long ago. “Let’s go.”

It was finally gonna be your time in the light.

General Tag List:

@arrow-guy @arcxreactor @liaamari17 @jazzcutie @claws-of-vibranium @themilkface @imagine-assembling-the-avengers @fvckingavengers @vibranium-ass @steebthesmol @avengersimaginings @avengerofyourheart @beccaanne814-blog @kellarter @bovaria 

Just For This Fic:

@dashingdetectivetimelady @avixenrose @sleepyborednerd @goodnightwife @ruffdog921 

[andinewton]

Second Chances - Avengers Redemption Series - Part One - Chapter 58

Characters:  Loki, Maia Tomson (OFC), Sigyn, pretty much everyone from the MCU appears at some point, including some special appearances by members of the X-Men!

Pairings: Loki x Maia Tomson, Loki x Sigyn,

Warnings:  Smut, so much smut, violence, swearing; listen, it’s NSFW and 18+, just bear that in mind!

Word Count: 179105

Summary: Loki has been handed over to The Avengers to pay penance for his past crimes, underpowered and underwhelmed by his post he is assigned a new ‘guide to Midgard’ by his superiors and is more than a little surprised when a petite freckled, redhead is waiting in the conference room, not at all like the previous handlers he has been assigned, who quit after a very short time with the snarky god. Maia Tomson is a trained literature teacher and counsellor, maybe not someone you would have picked out to be a guide to the God of Mischief but her mentor, Charles Xavier, knows she likes a challenge, and when The Avengers ask him to recommend someone she is top of his list. Surprised by the assignment, Maia takes it on, promising to do her best, but was not counting on a mutual attraction with her charge.

Join Loki on a journey to discover that his heart is not as frozen as he believes it to be, an adventure spanning almost a millennia of love gained and lost and rediscovered in the most unlikely of places…

Master List

Chapter 58

Summary:  Loki gets busted, Sigyn gets busted, Frigga busts them both and Sigyn's father takes matters into his own hands...

Sigyn told the story of how she had returned to Asgard, how she and Loki had fallen in love despite Odin’s opposition, and how they had carried out an illicit affair for some time. Darcy was swept up in the romance of a covert relationship and asked how they had finally come to be allowed to be together.

‘It’s a long story, and it starts months before.’ Sigyn said, somewhat sadly. ‘And as with all good love stories there is a villain to the piece.’ Sif added. Sigyn and Loki had spent the night together in his bed, it was still hours from dawn and Loki thought Sigyn asleep. Her breathing was even, her back pressed to his chest, his arms tightly around her. He knew he never wanted this to end between them, he wanted to marry her, he was just unsure of how to go about winning his father around. He had to first address it with his mother, he was sure she would be delighted, but it would be a long road until then. He was a prince and it would not be a simple thing to arrange, a royal wedding, but he wanted the betrothal, wanted everyone to know she was his and, most importantly, wanted her to know. He took a deep breath, knowing she was sound asleep, enjoying the warm scent of her in his arms. ‘I love you.’ He murmured, knowing how much harder it was to say when she was awake. He didn’t know why, but it was. He loved her more than anything else in any realm but he always teased when she said it to him, never used the actual words. He had said them almost every night while she slept, hoping it would make it easier when she woke, but it never did. The words just wouldn’t come. ‘What did you just say?’ She mumbled, tension running through her shoulders as she moved her head to try and see him in the faint light from the dying fire. His eyes went wide. She wasn’t asleep. Did he pretend to be asleep? What did he do? He was being cowardly, he knew it, but he didn’t know how to reply honestly. ‘Say, sweet?’ ‘Yes, what did you say?’ She shifted enough that he could see the confusion on her face. ‘I thought you were asleep.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘It’s not important, sunbeam, go back to sleep.’ He leant in to kiss her and she moved away. ‘It sounded important.’ ‘Nonsense. You’re dreaming. Close your eyes again.’ She glared at him. ‘I hate you.’ She turned back over and settled down again, knowing full well what he had said and not understanding why he couldn’t say it to her. ‘No, you don’t.’ ‘I hate your emotional repression.’ She elbowed him in the ribs. ‘How many times have you said that when you were sure I’m asleep? When you knew I would never know?’ ‘I didn’t say anything.’ He said defensively. ‘For a God of Lies you are terrible at it.’ ‘What would you have of me, Sig?’ ‘I would have you make me feel like you actually share what I feel. But apparently you are unable. You should seek a potion of some sort to make you spill the truth because nothing else works.’ She said crossly. ‘You know how I feel.’ ‘I know how you feel better than you do. I love you, Loki. I share a bed with you every night against the wishes of your father, my body bears more marks from you than from any battle, and yet it all means less when you cannot tell me what I long to hear.’ ‘You know why I don’t.’ ‘Because you claim once you do we shall be wed. As you are not even attempting to make headway with your father I assume that will never happen and you shall never say it. You get what you want without a commitment and I continue to look like I hold no interest in men, or women. My father grows increasingly frustrated with my avoidance of Theoric, who may I say is certainly making an effort despite my polite indifference towards him, and your father is still suspicious of matters. Tell me, my prince, how long should I continue to warm your bed with no recompense?’ ‘No recompense?’ He teased. ‘I recall you having recompense several times in just the last few hours.’ ‘Good sex works for both of us, Loki, there is no denying our niche, however just once, I would like you to offer the words.’ He sighed, about to reply, but there was a knock on his chamber door. ‘It’s gone three, who can that be?’ ‘Maybe someone who can actually say the words. Did you call for a translator from repressed to Asgardian?’ ‘Shush.’ He threw the furs over her head as he got out of the bed, checking she was completely hidden before creating himself a robe and opening the door to find a servant. ‘Can I help you? It’s the middle of the night.’ He asked firmly. ‘Sorry to disturb your slumber, my prince, but your assistance is required. The Lady Sigyn is missing. A search party is being organised.’ Loki sighed. ‘Are you sure she is missing?’ ‘Quite. Her lady in waiting went to check on her and found her bed made, unused this night. She fears the worst.’ ‘And what might the worst be? Anyone trying to take the Lady Sigyn would suffer a world of pain. She is not some delicate flower to be spirited away in the night.’ ‘I am merely the messenger.’ The servant said apologetically. ‘Fine, I will dress and join the search.’ ‘Thank you, my prince.’ He shut the door and locked it before starting towards the bed. ‘Hear that, petal, you’re kidnapped.’ ‘Hilarious.’ She complained as she threw back the furs. ‘Redress me so I can be found again.’ ‘How will you do that? The entire castle is looking for you.’ ‘You can hide my appearance as I climb from your balcony and I will merely have been for a long walk.’ ‘A five hour walk?’ ‘I really could not sleep.’ She said as he returned the simple pale green gown she had been wearing and shoes onto her then dressed himself. ‘I shall find you myself, be the hero of the hour.’ ‘You’d be that just by telling me you love me.’ She ignored the fact he was walking towards her and headed to the balcony. ‘Create the illusion, my prince. Perhaps Theoric will find me first.’ Loki narrowed his eyes at her, pulling her by the upper arms to him. ‘Do not forget who you belong to, precious girl.’ ‘Do not forget your hold on me depends upon your silvertongue.’ She slapped his arms away and stepped onto the balcony, feeling his illusion coat her as she climbed over the edge and onto the climbing plants. Minutes later she ran across the gardens, staying close to the bushes and trees so as not to be spotted and Loki left his room to join the hunt for her. Sigyn was amazed she made it to the palace without being found by any of the groups she could hear searching for her. She all but rolled her eyes at their incompetence as she trotted up the final steps to the main doors. She stepped through them…to find Frigga giving her an expectant smile. ‘A little late to be taking the air, Sigyn.’ She stated as the young woman came towards her, having got over her initial surprise. ‘I walked further than I meant, Queen Frigga.’ She shrugged. ‘Are you sure it was not more climbing than walking?’ The Queen offered her her arm which she took and began walking her back down the golden hallway. ‘I…’ Sigyn sighed. ‘I am quite caught, aren’t I?’ ‘My dear girl,’ she laughed, ‘you have been caught for months. I see you most mornings, alighting from my son’s room, most evenings climbing not just to his chamber but his arms. A mother sees things, Sigyn, and I would have to be blind not to see what is right before me.’ ‘Should I apologise? Promise it will not happen again?’ Sigyn was unsure what to say. Frigga had known of their affair for months but had kept their secret. ‘Do neither one. You and Loki are wonderful together, and you keep him on his toes, however is the secrecy not becoming tiresome?’ ‘Somewhat.’ Sigyn admitted. ‘But The Allfather does not approve of me as a match for your son, and we saw no other way.’ ‘You will learn, as you age, that there is no better way to convince a man of an idea than to have it planted and watered by the woman he loves.’ She assured her. ‘I will help him see the error of his ways, if that is what you would both wish?’ They both fell silent as two guards came in the opposite direction. ‘I have found Lady Sigyn, you may call off the search.’ She announced loudly and they rushed off to pass on the word. ‘Is it something you would take up? If Odin permitted the union?’ She sighed. ‘I would love nothing more than to be able to claim myself his.’ ‘I sense a but.’ Frigga led her to the stairs just as Loki and Thor appeared at the top. ‘Mother, you found her.’ Loki smiled as he came down the stairs with Thor beside him. ‘I would not have had to if you had not lost her in the first place.’ Thor and Loki both looked at Sigyn and Frigga laughed. ‘You boys do not give me enough credit. I am not stupid. Thor, go and ensure the guards are aware Lady Sigyn is safe and that Loki and I are escorting her to her quarters.’ ‘Of course, Mother.’ He gave Loki one last look before running down the stairs. ‘And as for you, my son,’ Frigga gave him a serious look, ‘it is high time you made an honest woman of this girl.’ ‘What?’ Loki said in confusion. ‘Walk beside me and pick up your jaw. It suits you not, flapping so. I speak of your love for Sigyn.’ ‘I wouldn’t go that far.’ Sigyn said as Loki stepped to Frigga’s other side of. ‘Sig…’ ‘What makes you say that, dear?’ Frigga asked. ‘She is being ridiculous.’ Loki said, knowing what was coming. ‘If it is so ridiculous, you tell your mother.’ ‘Did I really raise you no better?’ Frigga glared at him in disbelief as they began up the stairs. ‘Tell the girl you love her.’ ‘How did you know that was what I meant?’ Sigyn asked as Frigga continued to glare at Loki. ‘Because his father was the same. Claiming he would only say the words when he was sure I was his officially. Quite absurd.’ ‘At least I know where he gets it from.’ ‘I am more interested in my making an honest woman of you. What do you mean by that, Mother?’ ‘I mean now that the two of you know I am aware of your ongoing charade I will petition Odin to allow you to wed. The realms need a good royal wedding.’ He gave her an incredulous look. ’How long have you known?’ ‘I’ve known you loved one another since you were children.’ She said flippantly. ‘Loki always trying to save you, Sigyn, when you didn’t need it. How many times did you end up over his shoulder, screaming to be put down because you wanted to fight?’ ‘More than I can count.’ She said as realisation dawned. ‘To be fair he did not realise what it was he was feeling, much too young of course, but it was very clear he wished to protect you, even then. You do not do that without an emotional attachment. But of the affair? Tell me, was your first kiss the Yuletide feast?’ ‘Yes.’ Loki nodded. ‘Then.’ Frigga confirmed. ‘I had no idea Odin would immediately try and ruin your relationship, but I am quite relieved you ignored him. I had to be certain that the two of you were sure of what you felt before I could interfere.’ ‘Please, Mother, interfere.’ Loki asked in relief. ‘I will, as long as you tell this poor girl you love her, now.’ She stopped and turned to look at her son, her face serious. ‘Now?’ Loki asked in horror. Frigga looked down at Sigyn who had gone red at being put on the spot. ‘Do you love my son?’ ‘More than anything.’ Sigyn said quietly, looking down so she didn’t have to meet either of their gazes as her hands twisted over one another nervously, and there was so much emotion in that one sentence that Loki felt guilty for having kept this from her, realised how much he had hurt her, despite the way she teased him for it. ‘Sig, I’m so sorry.’ He whispered as he stepped forward, his mother passing Sigyn’s hand from her arm for him to take as she stepped back. ‘I don’t mean to hurt you, but how could I not love you? I do, more than mere words could ever show. You are my weakness, and my strength. I feel unworthy every time you tell me of your love, every time you say my name. I see you in everything I do, everywhere I go, you are the reason I wake. I love you, Sig, so very much.’ Sigyn was crying softly by the time he finished. It was all she had ever wanted to hear and more. She stepped into him and wrapped her arms around his torso, burying her face in his chest as he held her, one arm around her back the other holding her head tenderly as he rested his cheek on her hair. Frigga was crying too. She had had such hopes for her sons to find love, and Loki so happy, with a girl she adored, made her happier than she ever imagined. Now she just had to convince Odin to allow the coupling, and she would. Nothing in the world was more important to her than her family and their happiness.   Loki promised to ask Sigyn’s father for her hand as soon as he returned from the mission he was leading his garrison on before she went back into her quarters, where the lady in waiting was relieved but angry, until Frigga made it known that she had not been lost but had been working with the Queen and had fallen asleep, assuming as a grown woman an alarm would not have been raised. The lady soon apologised for still treating Sigyn like a child. Sigyn lay in her own bed for the first time in months, sleeping soundly until the lady came in to wake her excitedly. ‘You have to dress, Lady Sigyn, there is quite the excitement.’ ‘Is there?’ She asked innocently as she took the clothes the lady passed her. ‘Indeed there is. Your father returned just an hour ago and there is talk of a betrothal.’ ‘That’s fascinating. Whose?’ ‘Yours, silly girl.’ The woman laughed. ‘Dress! Your father awaits you!’ Sigyn bit her lip to stop from grinning as she dressed. Loki must have realised her father was returning and asked immediately, which meant Frigga must have convinced Odin immediately that it was a good idea. She owed the woman so much she only hoped she could make Loki happy enough to repay her. Dressed in a purple gown and her hair loose she went out to the living area to find her father eating breakfast in the window of the room. He smiled at her as she approached and put down his fork. ‘Daughter, you look beautiful.’ ‘Thank you, Father, and welcome home.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘How was your trip?’ ‘Hunger inducing.’ He laughed. ‘Sit, I have news.’ She did as he asked and he took a long drink as though prolonging what he had to say. ‘Someone has petitioned me for your hand.’ ‘Really?’ She managed to look somewhat surprised. ‘And I have accepted. Odin will make the announcement in his council meeting this morning then we just have to set a date.’ ‘Do you not think you should have consulted me first?’ She said, managing not to smile inanely. ‘Even you cannot disapprove of this union. I have see the way the two of you are together.’ ‘You are too perceptive for your own good, Father.’ ‘Of course I am.’ He blustered. ‘And Theoric will make a fine husband.’ Sigyn’s face fell. ‘Theoric?’ She said in alarm. ‘Indeed. He propositioned me while we were on our mission. He is quite taken with you.’ ‘Theoric?’ She yelled as she got to her feet. ‘I don’t even like Theoric!’ ‘You will learn to.’ ‘No, I won’t.’ ‘It is too late, Odin will announce it and…’ ‘Not if I can help it.’ She ran for the door and threw it open, heading down the hallways that seemed longer than they ever had before, until she reached the throne room. She ran to the door to Odin’s council chambers and was through them before the guards on them realised her intention. ‘Here is our blushing bride now.’ Odin said from the head of the table as she ran to it, leaning on the corner. ‘Please, you didn’t announce it yet?’ She asked breathlessly. ‘Lady Sigyn…’ ‘Did you announce it?’ She yelled. ‘It is official. You shall be wed in due course.’ ‘No!’ She shouted and Odin gave her a stern look as he stood.   ‘I do not allow yelling in my council chamber. Compose yourself.’ ‘Please, Allfather, retract it. I cannot marry Theoric.’ ‘The deal has been made, both parties have signed their parts of the contract.’ A sob escaped her throat as she turned and left, knowing once the contract was in place there was little she , or anyone else, could do. Her heart hurt, she couldn’t breathe, and she left the throne room, walking down the hallway and outside, not caring where she went, just walking until she ran out of energy, collapsing amongst trees and crying helplessly.

Chapter 59

[recentanimenews]

Crunchyroll Favorites 2017: Everything Else

  Movies, music, comic books, great food, everything goes in this last category. With Part One and Part Two out of the way, here's our final Crunchyroll 2017 Favorites with everything else!

PETER FOBIAN (@PeterFobian)

Blade Runner 2049: I never in my entire life actually scoffed until I came upon news of this movie. On the heels of a few monstrously bad Hollywood adaptations and reboots, I couldn’t imagine this movie being anything but another disappointment. I’m so happy to be wrong. Visually this movie was every bit the cinematic marvel as the original. That’s not to say it’s faultless. The story was perfectly serviceable until the forced shoehorning of Harrison Ford’s character left the plot a mess, but the atmosphere was maintained and it had some great modern takes on the content of the original. If every adaptation were this good I’d welcome them all.

John Wick 2: Another visual marvel that gives me hope for modern movies, John Wick 2 is every bit as good as the first, a combination of novel sequences and set pieces with great cinematography. The unapologetic daisy chain of fight scenes the raise the bar for Hollywood action. Like Blade Runner, the movie suffered a bit for the sake of a cameo, with Reeves and Fishburns' reunion taking up altogether too much screen time, but otherwise the film is a spotlessly choreographed action masterpiece. I can’t wait for the post-apocalyptic part 3, in which John Wick has killed 99.99% of Earth's population.

Atomic Blonde: Capping off my style-over-substance cinematic trilogy for 2017 is Charlize Theron’s rampage through Cold War Germany. I respect this film trying to deliver all the hyper-stylized, tightly-directed action as John Wick while including a compelling story, even if it didn’t quite land. Falling back on a few bored tropes left the later half of this movie feeling narratively stale, but the final sequences were marvelous all the same. I hope this grows into some sort of franchise all its own.

Takeshi Miike’s Blade of the Immortal: Two of the greatest anime disappointments of my anime life were the Blame! OAV series and the Blade of the Immortal anime, which were both made right in 2017. Polygon Pictures provided a Blame! Movie which satisfied (for now) and Blade of the Immortal got perhaps the man most suited in the world to direct its live-action adaptation. This movie is just the kind of bloodbath that the 100-man slayer and the 100-movie director both deserved.

Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi: It’s honestly cheating putting this movie in this list since it’s 100% anime. I’m pretty sure the middle of this film was just Gunbuster. Unfortunately it did actually sort of feel like two movies, one of them much better than the other. The plot following Rey and Kylo was marvelous from start to finish, as well as its branching conclusion with Luke, but the subplot with Finn dragged on forever and led to some themes that felt confused and left me wondering if they even knew what they want to do with his character (bring back Benicio though). That one scene, you know which one, was inspired (also very anime) and I hope other directors and studios take note.

RENE KAYSER (@kayserlein)

Baby Driver: If you forced me to pin down my single favorite movie, game or song, I could hardly come up with an answer. When it comes to my favorite director, this one’s a lot easier, though: It’s Edgar Wright, hands-down. No other director manages to reinvent himself every single movie while also staying true to what his fans love about him, and Baby Driver is his first “Big Budget Movie” (it does star several big Hollywood actors but only cost $34 million!). It not only combines its visuals with its soundtrack like no other movie but also tells a genuine heart-warming story. While Hot Fuzz will remain my favorite action movie of all time, Baby Driver keeps its distinctive shape in its rearview mirror.

Spider-Man: Homecoming: I’ve enjoyed almost every MCU movie thus far but with me being a lover of great villains, I have also suffered from Marvel’s biggest flaw: Having good antagonists. I couldn’t warm up to Loki like everyone else and had almost given up hope ... but then my third-favorite superhero swung in and gave me a great villain who was also played by a major actor of my favorite one! The rest of the movie may not hold a candle to the first two Raimi movies but I hope that we can keep this momentum with the MCU and may one day see a proper depiction of Dr. Doom.

Wonder Woman: If you were to ask me whether I preferred DC or Marvel, I would easily side with the bat and the man of steel. But even I can’t proclaim the current state of the DCEU as anything but bad while Marvel keeps hitting it out of the park. However, after the two trainwrecks of 2016, Wonder Woman gave us a glimmer of hope and a fantastic movie in which we also finally(!) got a female lead. Justice League was in turn bogged down by its production issues but I sincerely hope that we will start to get a proper representation of all these amazing characters from now on - even if we have to flashpoint it along the way.

Star Wars - Thrawn Trilogy Audioplay: My birds have told me the concept of an audioplay isn’t as common in the US as it is in Germany, so I’ll preface this with a short explanation. An audioplay is basically the same as an audiobook but instead of a single narrator, you have an entire cast of actors who act out the written story which is usually formatted to work with only dialogue and sound effects (though there are ones who use a narrator).

This year I, as a major Star Wars-fan, was delighted to discover a production I had never stumbled upon: An entire audioplay of Timothy Zahn’s famous Thrawn trilogy. While it may seem trivial at first, the people behind this not only got the entire German voice cast of the original movies (who actually dub every movie and even cartoons to this day!) but also paid close attention to absolutely every detail. They licensed John Williams’ famous score and made sure that the listener was able to distinguish each ship by its engine sound, each fighter by their weapon sound and each alien race by their own made-up language. Disney may have eradicated these books from the canon (though they thankfully brought Admiral Thrawn back in the Rebels cartoon) but this production will forever allow German fans to experience this original sequel to Return of the Jedi as close as possible to actual movies - all thanks to some amazing voice work and love from some serious fans.

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi: As I’m writing this, less than a day has passed since me attending its premiere. So while I may be still blinded by the early “Honeymoon Phase” of still getting my emotions sorted and not having contemplated everything a thousand times, I am currently convinced that this is the best Star Wars movie I have ever seen. Rian Johnson mixed up the characters we love in a tale that’s both completely and yet faithful to the franchise and it almost disappoints me that Disney gave him “only” one additional trilogy to handle. This movie not only changes up Star Wars completely and for the best, but it also serves as a perfect capping stone for 2017 itself. A lot of bad things happened over these past twelve months but the final shot of this movie serves as a reminder that no matter how bad things get, we can still change the world for the better - no matter who we are and where we come from.

Game of Thrones Season 7: Game of Thrones got dumb this year. The time it takes characters to travel doesn’t match up in the slightest, we got a lot of scenes the audience was clearly intended to not think too hard about and a lot of it devolved into fanservice … but I completely loved it! After six years of buildup, we got an entire season with payoffs and while they didn’t always make perfect sense, they certainly were satisfying. I hope that the writing will improve a little for the final season  but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing it.

Female Doctor Who & other awesome ladies: This year has truly been great for awesome female leads in popular media. I already mentioned Wonder Woman and Star Wars: The Last Jedi who both have amazing female leads not to forget Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn!) but one of the oldest British TV series also finally made the jump to change things up. At the time of writing, I haven’t seen Jodie Whittaker’s take on the Doctor but I can’t wait to see that Christmas special and what fresh air she will bring to the show!

KARA DENNISON (@rubycosmos)

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return: If you’re a fan of the original series, you’ll know within the first half hour that the show is back for real. And if you’re unfamiliar with it, the new series is a great jumping-off point. The new selection of movies is impressive, as is the new selection of cameos. Season 12 promises to be amazing!

Doctor Who Series 10: “Extremis”: “Extremis” is one of the riskiest episodes of Doctor Who ever made, and that’s saying something. I’ve been enjoying the Twelfth Doctor’s run immensely, but the fearful and challenging nature of this story makes it stand out for me. The gut drop of the big reveal still hasn’t left me.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: As a fan of Lemony Snicket’s dire children’s book series and all the puzzle-solving that went with it, I was thrilled with the new iteration of the story. Neil Patrick Harris is a perfect Count Olaf, and it’s just the right mix of dire and hilarious. There will be new mysteries to unravel whether you’re a casual reader, a hardcore fan, or a newcomer.

Night Mind: Halloween 2017: I get all my nightmare fuel analysis from Nick Nocturne, the host of the YouTube channel Night Mind. And this year he pulled out all the stops for Halloween. The latest SCP Vault imagines how certain entries might be interpreted by the public, Monster Hunt explores local legends, and his Candy Bowl vid combines an “Internet Ghost Tour” with world-premiere horror shorts. Lovers of the macabre need Nick in their lives at Halloween and year-round!

NICK CREAMER (@b0bduh)

Sick Scenes - Los Campesinos!: For my “the rest” this year, I’m just gonna go with a couple albums that have been circling my brain. And in this tumultuous year of 2017, Los Campesinos!’s Sick Scenes feels like the most urgent of releases. Marrying the band’s consistent indie rock hooks to tortured reflections on surviving in the age of Brexit and Trump, Sick Scenes is simultaneously a symbol of artistic maturation and a redoubling of youthful intent, a resounding cry saying even though we’re all very tired, we’re all very tired together.

After the Party - The Menzingers: If Sick Scenes casts its anxious eye outward, The Menzingers’ After the Party feels like a more inward-focused release, a monologue spiraling into a panic attack as the band’s longtime punk rockers face the onset of true adulthood. At twenty-nine-and-three-quarters years old, I must be the ideal mark for a record that opens on “whoa-a-o-o, whoa-o-o, where we gonna go now that our twenties are over.”

THOMAS ZOTH (@ABCBTom)

Blade Runner 2049: When a sequel to Blade Runner was announced, I made fun of it, because Blade Runner didn’t need a sequel. Any time there was an announcement about it, I would retweet it with a snide comment about how the film didn’t need to exist. But then, rumors started to spread that the film was good. I gave in and watched it, and I agree. A fully worthy companion to the original Blade Runner, less an exploration of what makes humans human and more about how people define their identities in Kafkaesque bureaucratic nightmares. I waited years to hate it and couldn’t. I’m looking forward to buying it on Blu-ray.

Get Out: An amazing directorial debut by Jordan Peele, Get Out is an acclaimed and fantastically realized horror movie, of all things. I love horror as a genre, but it’s usually far from respectable. By making a Rosemary’s Baby of race, Peele manages to make a funny, smart, and scary film that has resonated widely with audiences. I had never seen Key and Peele before this, so this was my first exposure to Peele (who also wrote), and I’m now looking forward to his future work.

Twin Peaks: The Return: In a documentary about the original Twin Peaks, David Lynch seemed genuinely sad that the original series ended the way it did and expressed a desire to go back. So when the series was announced, fans of Lynch knew this wasn’t a quick cash in, especially when Lynch seemed to walk away from the table when he wasn’t going to be given complete creative control. But the series arrived, and no one knew what to expect, and what we got was massively different than anyone could have imagined. At 18 hours, Twin Peaks: The Return nearly doubled the amount of Lynch-directed content in existence, itself a delicious treat, but it also updated Twin Peaks for the modern age in uncanny ways. Stunning and important.

Big Mouth: Images of this Netflix series circulated the internet as an example of how unbelievably ugly American cartoon designs are, and those opinions aren’t wrong. But if you can get past the aesthetic, Big Mouth is incredibly funny, starring favorites Nick Kroll and John Mulaney of The Kroll Show and Oh, Hello. It’s the puberty series that everyone needed during puberty, that you couldn’t watch during puberty because no adult would show this series to a kid. But now you can watch it and heal some old wounds.

Lady Bird: Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, who I mostly know as the voice of Pony in China, IL, Lady Bird is an assured debut film about adolescence in a time period very close to my own. It’s funny and charming, but also saves up some really painful emotional arrows in its quiver for the final act. Centering on the relationship of Lady Bird and her mother, it also touches on larger social questions and the common experiences of high school. Support an up and coming director by checking this one out.

JOSEPH LUSTER (@Moldilox)

Baby Driver: I didn’t see nearly as many movies in the theater as I wanted to in 2017, but Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver was one I enjoyed from the first frame to the last. Some of the musical elements were a little too clever for their own good, but the final product is a fast-paced action/chase/comedy flick that’s incredibly fun to watch.

Thor: Ragnarok: Speaking of comedies, Thor: Ragnarok certainly didn’t seem to leave many jokes on the cutting room floor. Thor is the bro-iest Avenger, but it kind of works. If they had focused more on the Planet Hulk storyline and less on the typical world-ending Marvel plot that swirled around Hela, it probably would have gone down as my favorite of the Marvel movies.

Fantasy Sports No. 3: If you’re not reading Sam Bosma’s Fantasy Sports series, you need to get on these comics ASAP. They’re so colorful and full of energy, and all of Bosma’s designs are damn near perfect. The third one came out this year, but I’d happily list every single installment in a best-of year-end list.

ISAAC AKERS (@iblessall)

Shihai Surunoha Kimito Koi No Aji by MOSHIMO: 2017 was the year I discovered you could actually find some J-pop and J-rock on Spotify, which lead to an exploration of all sorts of new discoveries for me. Among the best was a little band called MOSHIMO, which puts out a charming sort of pop rock sound—with a female lead vocalist who actually plays guitar! You can only watch so many idol lives before you start to long for singers who can play instruments. Anyways, MOSHIMO’s 2017 EP is, I’d wager, their best effort yet, showing a level of musical sophistication that’s a step above their previous works.

Baby Driver: The movie that grabbed the hearts of a great number of anime fans (as shown by its presence in other people’s lists here), I adored the film—which was the only movie I saw in theaters all year—primarily for amazing gimmick of writing a whole film to a playlist. I mean, back when I was at university, I’d skip around campus walking to classes much the way Baby does in the movie, so seeing that aspect of my life made into a whole dang film was pretty fun. It gets a bit long in spots, but overall I had a ton of fun with it.

Duolingo’s Japanese Course: Earlier this year, the popular language learning app Duolingo released the beta of their Japanese course, providing me with the convenient tool I needed to start actually learning the language. I’m under no illusions that I’m going to become fluent using Duolingo’s course, but just having something like this available makes it so much easier to fit some beginning learning into my head and busy schedule. If I manage to go on and truly learn Japanese someday, it’ll be because it started with this course. It’s worth checking out!

NATASHA H (@illegenes)

Mr. Robot S3: I’m admittedly biased about this one; Mr. Robot is one of my all time favorite shows, and this year, Sam Esmail took us on a hell of a ride as opposed to last season, which was far more slow paced and Lynchian. While not necessarily reaching the same highs, season 3 remained incredibly consistent, bringing two very different seasons together in full circle as we travel with Elliot to the depths of despair, but also, back into a hopeful and determined future of self awareness, culpability, and responsibility. The show only continues to break TV standards and I can’t wait for next year to raise my stress levels and churn my brain again.

The Expanse S2: Someone once told me The Expanse was like ‘sci fi Game of Thrones’. While I understand that to an extent, this is a form of clickbait, they’re not completely wrong either. Season 2 ramps up from Season 1 as more political factions are introduced and old characters make relationships with new. The show isn’t afraid to take risks, but at the same time, none of its twists or moments of tension feel haphazardly done. Likewise, the character development continues to be stellar, with no clear ‘good’ or ‘bad’ side to root for. One of my favorite things about this show is how firmly committed it is to diversity, featuring one of the most diverse casts I’ve seen in years. Its attention to realistic space physics is also incredibly neat and something I respect.

Blade Runner 2049: When the trailer for this movie first came out, I was half furious, half terrified. How could a movie possibly live up to the groundbreaking Blade Runner, let alone, be a direct sequel? After seeing it however, I can say that Blade Runner 2049 rose to become one of my favorite movies in recent years, surpassing its original with a soul of creativity and respect that few sequels possess. It borrows the best from Blade Runner, reinvents it for the current age, and then adds nuance in ways I’d never expect. It also happens to be, possibly, the most visually stunning thing I have ever seen. Nearly a 3 hour movie? Totally worth it.

The Night is Short, Walk on Girl: I recently watched Tatami Galaxy a year ago, and while it was great, I still felt like I missed watching it at the right time in my life for it to really have an impact on me. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl corrects this by combining many of the show’s strengths into a single feature film while also expanding upon the show’s main themes. Filled with the same charmful designs, warm and wacky adventures (and characters!),  Night is Short is a movie about living life to your fullest, and the need to connect with another human being, even if we can’t fully understand their perspective. It’s one of Yuasa’s strongest works and my favorite animated movie of the year…..

A Silent Voice: …..other than A Silent Voice. Naoko Yamada is a powerhouse in the animation industry, and she brings that talent to this movie based off the manga and one-shot. While many have complained about how the movie fails to mesh the two into a fleshed out and nuanced story, for me, the movie was nearly perfect in its portrayal of topics like miscommunication, depression, anxiety, and self guilt. With stunning animation at every turn along with small but brief details that are rewarding upon rewatch after rewatch, this movie is guaranteed to win you in some way or the other. And make you cry. A lot.

SAM WOLFE (@_Samtaro)

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return: I was in the middle of a major MST3K kick when I heard that the Satellite of Love was coming to Netflix. Like anyone, I had my reservations about this new series; with an all new cast, and only some of the original writing staff, how would the new show hold up? As it happens, even with new voices, Crow, Tom Servo, and Gypsy were as great as ever, and Jonah Ray was an excellent addition as the human on board. My only complaints were with the new Mads, Felicia Day and Patton Oswalt; their bits were clearly filmed in bulk, and were host to several odd editing tricks (the liquid technology gag was really only there to cover the jump cuts between takes, wasn’t it?). Despite that, the movie selection was great, the sketches were silly, and I’m hoping we see even more from this crew in the not too distant future.

Twin Peaks: The Return: I watched Twin Peaks for the first time in 2014, and I was still antsy with excitement about the show’s final chapter; I can’t imagine what the wait was like for those who watched it when it first aired back in 1990. Twin Peaks: The Return is a masterful metatextual experiment that is as brilliant as it is polarizing. The show is conscientious that the audiences who hung on this long are thirsty for answers, and provides them in deliberate bites of surreal, disturbing television that David Lynch has both spearheaded and mastered. The Return’s slow windup seems loaded with fanservice and levity at first until it shocks viewers with episode 8 (which is presented completely in black and white, and is almost entirely silent), as if to say “alright fairweather friends, it was fun, but your time being comfortable has come to an end.”

The Return borrows a lot more from Lynch’s cinematic playbook, in many cases resembling Eraserhead more than the Twin Peaks it comes from. The result is a challenging, engaging, and almost paradoxical ending that both resolves the now twenty year long mystery, as well as igniting a spiral of new questions about reality, time, and what exactly is at stake for the characters we’ve come to know and love.

I particularly enjoyed seeing how the show flirted with the metanarrative, teasing the audience by introducing Kyle Mclaughlin’s character early on, but keeping Agent Dale Cooper well out of reach, instead forcing us to spend time with the dull but lucky Dougie Jones.

While Twin Peaks: The Return is a far cry from the show it’s derived from, and it’s certainly not for everyone, I would invite anyone who loves serial storytelling to challenge themselves and give it a try (after watching Twin Peaks seasons one, two, and the movie Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, of course).

Grape-kun: I remember waking up one morning to see the top story on the anime subreddit: an aged Humboldt penguin had fallen in love with a life size standee of penguin-girl Hululu from Kemono Friends placed in his enclosure. I knew I would be making a video about this penguin, but I never could have predicted how much of an impact he would have on my life. Over the next nine months, the story developed, and I made a new video for Crunchyroll as each new chapter unfolded. I know it’s silly, but I really felt an affinity for the little penguin who was enamoured with a piece of cardboard. So much so, that when planning a trip to Japan this fall, I had scheduled a day to visit the Tobu zoo and see Grape-kun for myself. Unfortunately, that visit never happened, as Grape-kun passed away just weeks before my trip.

So what’s the takeaway? When this little penguin made an innocuous decision, he was abruptly elevated to the world’s stage, and people several continents suddenly away had opinions about him. There were responses on all sides of the spectrum (thankfully mostly positive), but none of those responses ever reached Grape-kun. Grape-kun just kept doing what he was doing, and I think that’s what we can learn from him: be yourself no matter what the madding crowd says. Rest in peace little guy. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

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That's it for our three-part series on 2017! Be sure to check out Part One and  Part Two! If you're still in the mood for past CR Favorites, check out the previous years' features here:

  Crunchyroll Favorites 2016 Part One Part Two Part Three

Crunchyroll Favorites 2015 Part One Part Two Part Three

Crunchyroll Favorites 2014 Part One Part Two Part Three

Crunchyroll Favorites 2013 Part One Part Two Part Three

Crunchyroll Favorites 2012 Part One Part Two Part Three

Crunchyroll News' Best of 2011 Part One Part Two

  What were your favorite "everything else" of 2017? Comment below and share with us! Remember, this is a FAVORITES list, not a BEST OF list, so there's no wrong answers!

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Peter Fobian is an Associate Features Editor for Crunchyroll, author of Monthly Mangaka Spotlight, writer for Anime Academy, and contributor at Anime Feminist. You can follow him on Twitter @PeterFobian.

By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com

[waiting4inspiration]

May Snippets Request List!!

This is a list of all the Snippets that you can expect to see within the month. I will add to the list as the coming in and those that are posted will be crossed out.

VIKINGS 

Bjorn asks you to be his queen after you two have known each other since you were children

Catching Hvitserk having a midnight snack while you’re both trying a new diet

NSFW Ubbe fucking you into the mattress

Hvitserk doing ridiculous things to try and get you to fall for him (but you already have feelings for him)

Sigurd saying that Ivar can’t pleasure a woman and Ivar snaps, revealing that you’ve been cheating on your husband, Sigurd

You turning down every marriage proposal because you want to look after your father; Ragnar 

Ivar realizing why you make him wear a necklace of a vial with your blood when he gets injured in battle

Killing an assassin while Ivar’s asleep and cutting out his tongue so he doesn’t wake Ivar

The brothers and Ragnar being protective over you when your beauty becomes known throughout the land

Lagertha telling you that it’s alright to call Aslaug ‘mom’

Hvitserk encouraging Ivar to tell you about his crush on you

Ivar returning from a raid with jewels that he’s kept aside for the intention of spoiling you

NSFW Ivar being insecure about being naked in front of you for the first time

Your army coming to Ivar’s aid in a war he’s losing with a message telling him that he’s not dying until you allow it (twin!sister)

Hvitserk, Ubbe, and Sigurd knowing they have to be on their best behavior when around Ivar if they want good food from you

Deciding that it’s better to end things with Ivar when you get the offer of a better life somewhere else

Ivar suspecting you have a lover because he feels like you’re drifting away from him

Hvitserk rambling about being safe as he mends your injured hand

Ivar going above and beyond when you’re sick because he’s convinced you’re going to did (part ??)

Practically having Hvitserk’s order ready every morning because he orders the same thing everyday

Ivar refusing any suitors because he feels they’re ‘not worthy’ of you (part ??)

Ivar coming into his room after a long day and finding you sleeping on his bed because you missed him (part ??)

Telling Bjorn you only love him as your older brother when he confesses that he loves you (part ??)

Bjorn doing mundane things for you as a way to show you he loves you

NSFW Bjorn eating you out like a starved man

NSFW Going down on Bjorn under his desk while he does some work

NSFW Trying to keep it together as Ivar goes down on you while you’re on the phone with a friend

Hvitserk returning home from spending the day with his toddler, exhausted, but in awe at the fact that you can look after 2 kids and be pregnant

Ivar thinking that you’re in love with Hvitserk when he sees you laughing with him. But it’s actually something else

NSFW Hvitserk ‘punishing’ you for stealing his clothes

Having a serious conversation about the law with Ragnar ant the brothers (gen z!reader)

The brothers' reaction to you dying your hair pink (gen z!reader)

NSFW Everyone thinks you’re super innocent, but Bjorn knows that you’re the complete opposite

NSFW Dom!Lagertha rearranging your guts with a strap on

People not second guess it when you slip a hand under Ivar’s shirt to feel his muscles

Lagertha feeling slightly brokenhearted to see you (her daughter) being close with Aslaug when she visits with Bjorn

Ivar realizing that he’s falling in love with you, but decides that it’s for the best to arrange a marriage for you 

How Estadir is around you on a daily basis (Hefna)

How you and Estadir met (Hefna)

NSFW Alpha Bjorn waking up in rut to you in heat and grinding on his leg in your sleep

Aslaug and Ivar joking that you’re his girlfriend and you blush and try to hide in his chest (much younger!reader)

Introducing the Ragnarssons to your boyfriend, Thor (avengers/vikings)

Each of the brothers spoiling and showing off to you to try and get you to like them more (little sister!reader)

NSFW Being a brat and teasing Bjorn before he puts you in your place

Ivar refusing to get up until you kiss him 

Aslaug overhearing you telling Ivar why you can’t go through with the arranged marriage (part 2)

Ragnar finding out that the sons fake getting along so that you’ll talk to them

Losing your baby when a slave purposefully give you the wrong tea because she’s in love with Ivar

Ivar throwing a tantrum because you won’t marry him (part 2) 

 Telling Margarethe to keep her advances on your husband - Hvitserk - to herself

Lagertha overhearing you comforting Aslaug and saying how you’ll always be her daughter (part 2)

Having enough of your sister trying to seduce Ivar and having no choice but to banish her (part 5)

One of the brothers catching you making out with someone in a supply closet (part 2)

Killing the slave Ivar infatuated with because you don’t share your husband

Defeating Ragnar and deciding if you should kill him or spare him (part 3)

Ivar being happy that you’ve given him peace and a home he can call his own where he’s loved and respected

Aslaug being happy to see Ivar marry the girl she’s been in love with since he was a young boy

Your oldest son walking in on you and Hvitserk doing it

Coming back to Kattegat and telling your brothers you’re pregnant (perfect little sister!reader) (part??)

Ivar no longer being upset letting you breastfeed your child after seeing how happy you are and how strong the bond is with you and the baby (Only Mine) (part 2)

Giving birth to your first child and he barely fits in Estadir’s hands (Hefna)

Stepping in as a mother figure to the sons after marrying Bjorn

Being the big spoon when you find Sigurd asleep

Ivar finally telling you what the doctor said after days of silence (blind!ivar) (prequel)

Staying in bed with Ivar and trying to distract him from pain during a bad leg day

Meeting Ivar’s brothers upon arriving in Kattegat (Hefna)

Joking with Estadir that you may have to start your own tribe because of how many children you have (Hefna) 

Ivar buying a bigger bed so that he can finally sleep with all his children and not get kicked off (part 2)

Telling Ubbe that you’re not hitting on him, but actually on his wife, Torvi

Alpha!Hvitserk finding you nesting

Spending time with Ivar and Hvitserk after a long day (shared girlfriend!reader)

Introducing your suitor to your brothers for the first time and trying to stop them from scaring him off

Hvitserk calling his brothers for help when you’re sick because he doesn’t know how to take care of a sick person

Ivar refusing the crown because he wants to keep you and his family away from danger

Ivar daughter asking if you’re her new mommy after dating Ivar for a while

Ivar and his brother teaching his daughter how to fight after she was attacked

NSFW A threesome with Hvitserk and Ivar

Ubbe mentioning how you haven’t aged a day because you’re immortal

Coming to Kattegat with your dragons to form an alliance and Hvitserk catches your eye

Begging Ivar to let you keep a kitten you found

Having a small rivalry with Ivar because he doesn't like how you steal attention away from him

Being best friends with Ivar and meeting his brothers, but you had a one night stand with Hvitserk

Thinking that Ivar’s only asking you to marry him because you’re pregnant, you say no

The brothers trying to impress you after Aslaug hires Geralt for a job (Witcher/Vikings)

Meeting the Ragnarssons and your child takes a surprising liking to Ivar

NSFW Finally having sex with Ivar after being secretly in love and he finds out that you’re just as crazy as he is

Ivar coming back after letting you go and finding that you found someone else

Having your first daughter with Bjorn and she turns out to be a daddy’s girl (part 2)

NSFW Teacher/Student role playing with Ragnar

Ivar coming home and knows by the smell that you’ve been baking

Mafia!Ivar struggling to kill you after finding out that you’re a spy

Celebrating your birthday with Ragnar and the brothers

Relieved to see Ivar coming back to you alive after a long raid

Knowing that his brothers are going to meet up with friends, Ivar tags  long and falls for you right away

Ivar getting an awkward boner while watching a movie with you (his roommate) and having to talk about his feelings for you

You son coming back to Kattegat to take vengeance on Ivar for what he did to you and telling Ivar that he’s his son

The brothers following Hvitserk and being caught by you, his secret girlfriend

MARVEL 

Introducing the Ragnarssons to your boyfriend, Thor (avengers/vikings)

Loki taking care of you when you’re very sick

You owl whining all the time to Bucky on a mission after switching animals (The Owl and the Wolf)

NSFW Bucky eating you out and making you squirt

WITCHER

Geralt and Jaskier fighting for your affection, but you have eyes for Yennefer

Feeling insecure when one of Jaskier’s lovers starts flirting with him

Telling Geralt how it is that you know him when he’s never met you before (part 2)

Jaskier explaining to Geralt how he needs to do something romantic for your birthday

The brothers trying to impress you after Aslaug hires Geralt for a job (Witcher/Vikings)

Jaskier regretting introducing you to Geralt when you tell embarrassing childhood stories

Jaskier writes a ballad for you for your wedding

Both you and Geralt being surprised that Jaskier could fight off an Alpha much larger than him 

Basically disappearing when you cuddle with Geralt because you can hide in his cloak