#make grim use eir ao3 challenge

[evecolourshock]

Fic idea time! Tron's been in many games, some lethal some not, what about him blurring the lines between... earlier ones than that?

Tron heaves a breath through gritted teeth, somewhere between a grin and a grimace. Beck's getting good now, enough to make him actually exert himself to stay ahead, and as much as he enjoys the challenge his scars...

He shakes his head, twists out the way of a leg sweep Beck almost slips past him. Not the time. "Good." He grunts out, striking open-palmed to make Beck lean back. It's not enough to make his friend overbalance any more, and Tron's bared teeth inch closer to a grin. Very good. He's learning.

Beck stalks around him, eyes gleaming with thousands of calculations, and Tron-

Tron gets distracted enough for Beck to clip his side with a kick. He growls, wordless, amused, and a little annoyed at himself. He's normally better than this.

But damnit all to whatever Users mean by hell, Tron's having fun. And Beck's pushing at his limits, learning how to get around Tron's defences and apply his function to a fight, and if Beck can beat Tron he can beat anyone, and if he just calculates a few nanoseconds faster-

Tron falters.

Beck pulls a strike at the last moment, palm close enough for Tron to feel the heat radiating off Beck's circuits on his cheek. "You okay?" Beck backs off a little, knowing even before Tron does it's time for a break. He's learning that, too, and Tron's so proud of him.

It's just-

How can he answer Beck's question, when for just one moment fluffy black became curly grey-tan? That bold lines became a maze on a jacket fought hard to keep? That Mechanic became Actuary, that salle became ring, that young became peer, that black became white and Tron saw a long-gone friend instead of the one here and now?

Who is he betraying, when he conflates the two? Tron's core creaks dangerously at the mere thought.

Beck takes his silence for the negative response Tron can't bring himself to voice. "The MCP is derezzed." Beck tells him quietly, voice sure and calm, clearly thinking of the last time Tron's attention wavered during a spar and trying to bring him back from that buried precipice of fear - when Tron's strikes changed from instructive to desperate, thinking he was back in the Gladiator Ring. "You're safe. The UNIX timestamp is nine-zero-one seven-five-six zero-seven-three three-five-B F-B-four A-nine. You're at your Spire - your home in the mountains near Argon City. The only life around aside from you and me are the Bits in the underground caves near Theta Section."

It's... endearing, Beck's rambles as he tries to ground Tron. And effective, too. He has no idea where Beck learned this new skill, and a flash of that infamous curiosity of his he thought long suffocated makes him want to find out.

It takes him a little while to notice Beck shepherding him to the benches he'd caved and added so they had somewhere to sit when discussing new tactics or moves, even longer to notice the glass of energy in his hands - he notices that when he feels the first sip reach his reserve, and with no small amount of wonder realises it's the first time in a long time he hasn't been wary of anything handed to him.

Because Beck wouldn't do that to him. Doesn't think he can worm his way into Tron's trust (or... other things) by plying him with gifts that have invisible strings. Beck just... treats everything practically, and if Tron cam't get it himself for some reason has no qualms about fetching it for him. To Beck it's simple. Easy. He has functioning hands and sees no reason for them to be idle if something needs to be done.

Rather like someone else Tron once knew.

Thinking of... Tron's feeling brave, right now. Brave enough to let Beck in past his guard, to allow him just that little bit closer to his vulnerable core. He takes a shaky breath. "Did I ever tell you about... he'd be the first Renegade, probably." One corner of Tron's mouth curls up, the closest he can get to a smile. "We didn't... call ourselves such, at the time. But he'd probably be the first one, if we'd had the title back then."

Beck shakes his head.

Tron hums quietly, understanding, mustering the courage to risk poking at grief long-buried. "He was an Actuary Program. Calculated... heh. I never really understood his function. Loans and annuities and insurance and many things that made sense to Users and the Programs that helped them. Clever, sneaky, cheeky little thing, for all he was a bit older than me. Lethal at Jai-alai, and nearly my match in the Disc and Lightcycle arenas."

Beck's eyes widen. "What was his name?" He asks in a near-whisper, awed but also aware Tron doesn't use the past tense without reason.

"Ram." Tron murmurs, pulling up a memory even now so crisp and clear - Ram's laugh at the energy springs, bright and playful, flicking some at Tron teasingly as they took a respite... dumping a discful on Tron's head after he pushed his friend into the shallows, long before the MCP got hold of either of them. "His name was Ram. He... he was my first real friend."

Beck snuggles into his side, warm and curious, and Tron swears he can feel a life long-gone drape over his other shoulder. "Tell me about him?" Beck asks, and-

Just this once, Tron does.

Thinking about how much Tron loved the games in Betrayal before they turned into killing games. Beck participated in games with the garage gang. Do you think their sparring/training ever brought Tron back to the days of the original games? Do you think some small part of him was happy to be fighting again, without the goal of derezzing his opponent?

[brightsun-and-darkmidnight]

Heartbeat: A Fragile Reminder

TITLE: Heartbeat: A Fragile Reminder

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 20 / ?

AUTHOR: brightsun-and-dark midnight

ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki falling in love with a Midgardian and his words to Thor about Jane during Dark World coming back to haunt him. “It would be a heartbeat. You would never be ready.”

RATING:  M for Mature

NOTES/WARNINGS: ~▪︎~FOR THE WHOLE STORY~▪︎~

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Check Masterlist. It's going to be a long read. I try to keep each chapter around 3,000 words.

My Ao3: brightsun_and_darkmidnight

!-!TRIGGER WARNING(S)!-!

So many triggers, read ALL of them!

Swearing. Angst. Death. Depression. Violence. Self-harm. Regret. Carelessness for safety. Doubts. Torture. NSFW. Smut. Fluff. And Of Course- Mischief.

Summary: The new Avenger.

 ~ ~ ENJOY  ~ ~

Everyone was watching the news after Alicia's interview.

The news a background sound to Alicia as she looked out the window and sipped tea. Alicia thought she heard it all. 

Her bullies claiming to be her friends. 

Loki wasn't good for Alicia… She was too innocent for him.

Alicia glanced at the TV as they talked about Asgard, 18 people dead. Is she really cut out to be an Avenger? Alicia's words, 'the Avengers created their own mess before being heroes' the headline along the bottom.

She was able to drastically minimize casualties and handled the situation very well.

Someone Seriously reiterated how Loki got Alicia. Another jumped in, "Careful, Alicia just might give you that look when she's pissed off and give you a well thought out comment to get you away. Besides we know from past interviews, Loki said she had charm."

There was a laugh between the reporters as they agreed and then they went onto the weather, joking Thor was in a good mood today and the sun was expected to stay out.

Alicia glanced at Loki who was staring at his tea with his fingers tracing over the ridge and handle. Alicia smiled at him and pushed her unworried thoughts aside as she grabbed his restless hand. His eyes flickered to hers.

Alicia asked with a caring smile, "Worried about something?"

The annoying voice with the usual insult, "Loki is putting on a show, he is a full on diva."

Alicia glared, "One more word Tony and I'll tie your lungs together."

Tony gestured towards Alicia, "I'm really starting to question if Loki is the one to worry about."

Clint warned Tony, "she could make you suffer slowly. She learned a few things from her sister-who specializes in torture."

Alicia smiled as she lifted an eyebrow to challenge Tony.

"Ok Sour patch kid." Tony snapped his fingers and clapped loudly. "That's your hero name."

Loki suggested, "You could go with sour patch kid." Alicia glared at Loki. "Sweet and sour?" 

Rolled her eyes half heartedly as Alicia thought back to things she was called before. Mostly insults. Then one stuck. She looked at Loki, speaking loudly, "Peacekeeper."

Realization hit his face quickly, "you can't be serious. That is a direct challenge to Luit."

"He got the name from our fan base." Alicia sipped her tea and spoke nonchalantly, "Have you found those cuffs yet?"

Loki held her stare and then narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "We are not doing torture training."

"It's going to happen." Alicia played with the rim of her mug, "Marci is already working on them…" Alicia's eyes fell to her moving fingers, "and she's almost done." 

Alicia heard Loki stand abruptly and looked at him. His hand picked relentlessly at the other and his gorgeous emerald eyes were wet. "You have no idea what you are doing. No idea what that is going to do to you." His words were caring but growl was prominent, then the words were harsh and his voice was strangled. "Must you be so mindless when it comes to your well being? You need babysat every second because it's so hard -impossible, to keep you safe."

Alicia was startled when Loki hit the table at his last word. The words stung in her chest. Her eyes burned with tears. Ever since she..hurt herself Loki never really left her side. If he did, there was this look he sent any one in the room before he left. Alicia realized she was being baby sat. She was this burden everyone needed to watch constantly. 

The room was silent. Friction from the oxygen moving in the air could be heard. Maybe it was the loud thump in her ears as her heart constricted. Alicia rolled her lips into her mouth as she looked at the dents and splinters Loki's hands still rested in. Her chest stopped expanding and contracting so her breath would not hitch and shake. 

Alicia knew from a sideline experience Loki lashed out when hurt or pushed to far. Maybe she has been this huge stressor. There was this voice of reason, saying Loki cared but he was just overwhelmed. Alicia saw his frustration. He has been trying so hard to keep her safe but the future had different plans.

Alicia stood slowly, staring at his chest. Not able to make eye contact. She saw his hands clench tighter and she swallowed to force her heart back into her chest. Her fingers graze the table as she walked past him. Let her hand ghost over his, hesitated to give that reassuring squeeze. She whispered, "we need time to cool down." 

She walked out, using her vague memory of the new place to get her to her room. Tears blurred her sight but she wouldn't let them fall. Not until she locked the entrance door to her meeting room, the one to her bedroom and collapsed on the floor in heart wrenched cries.

Loki stood straight. Hands opened and rested on the table. He stared at indents then turned to go the way Alicia just walked. There was a familiar heavy hand on his shoulder. Loki dipped his shoulder and kept walking but the hand gripped so tight it was uncomfortable. Finally, a reasonable reaction for his outburst. 

"You both need space."

Loki turned and glared at Thor, so tempted to plunge something sharp into his brother. 

What would Alicia do? What would she say?

Loki locked his jaw and tensed his muscles so he was still. Closed his eyes and breathed. Thor was right. Loki had been suffocating their relationship because he was worried about her. There were no guarantees of safety, thus, his insistent watchful eyes. Loki got out of the grasp and went to the window. He picked at his hand in thought of how to make it up to Alicia. 

The picking got worse, especially as the reporters on another TV talk show discussed all their distaste for Loki and how Alicia was way too good for him. How dare Loki believe he could have someone so perfect. He had magic over her. Had her so deeply mind controlled she couldn't break free.

Were they right? Loki cast many illusions in his time of loneliness… could he have put her under some love spell? Loki's eyes closed as his jaw rolled then closed. Lips pressed together in a firm line. Had he messed up even the slightest thing when he put her to sleep? 

"We will go check on her." Jane spoke up.

Loki opened his eyes. The sun set Alicia never got to finish, was gone. The lights of the city below shining as the sky got darker. The stars were unable to be seen with the light pollution, but Loki had seen enough stars for the rest of his life. His eyes saw Natasha lead; Jane, Valkyrie, and Pepper. He knew they would care for her. 

His eyes fell to his hands that insisted on healing the small skin that was picked away.

Why must he heal so fast? It wasn't Seder. It was his damn blood, his heritage. It had always been... Odd. To heal so fast. He remembered his mother being so distraught at his arrival at the medical rooms for treatment. 

He had a wound that was brought on by fire serpents. The Hel fire would not heal on his skin and it hurt so terribly that he could not focus his Seder. His mother's grim face filled with expectations that he had not known yet. Now he understood why she insisted on her personal room and sent the others away. Even sent her own healer to the other side of the door.

Loki looked up and saw Thor talking with the others near the loud TV. Turning from the reflections Loki stepped with purpose to the real world.

"Thor, has Eir assigned a healer?"

Thor blinked and his eyebrows scrunched. "No. She hasn't, but she is gathering the best healers for Alicia to potentially be paired with. You know there is a system."

Loki growled, "I know."

Thor patted Loki's shoulder and promised Loki, "I will call her now to check on progress. Go relax before the party."

Loki nodded and swallowed at the disappointing promise.

Alicia's tears had poured out of her when she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. It was Pepper. The others were behind looking down at her, making her feel; like a burden, weak, and pathetic. Natasha picked the locks when Alicia did not come to the door. They helped her onto the bed and Alicia quickly put up her brave and strong facade. She teased herself and said she was being absurd.

Jane leaned forward to be seen, once Alicia saw her she spoke. "You have been so stressed. We see it. You have worked yourself constantly and it's no wonder you need a break. Loki doesn't let you breathe."

Alicia wipes at tears, "he knows my worries of the untold future. Loki is tortured at the idea I will be harmed again. He was..terrified when he found me. The knowledge that could happen again is...unnerving."

Jane stared at Alicia with concerned eyes, speaking softly. "Thor is pushing the issue of getting you a healer. He called so many times Eir told him not to call and she will get a hold of him...but there is a process." 

Yes… the damn process. Driving everyone, especially Loki insane with the wait.

An Oracle focuses on the witch in question with the chosen healers in the room. The Oracle warns them all of challenges the witch will throw at them. Once the ones up to the challenges are left in the room they sign a contract. The vision that is the most vital is burned to the healers mind and they have to figure out how to heal themselves so they could heal the witch. There is a contract the healers go through so they can not give information concerning the worst vision.

Alicia looked at her hands, she was told by Eir it was going to take time to find her someone that was compatible. It was just a safety precaution to allow the healers mind to fix itself so they can heal the witch through anything. The part of the contract that kept the secrets, to let the future unfold naturally, is that they can not tell what the Oracle showed them. The Oracle's contract is a spell so they can not tell anyone the vision or they will die as their voice box swells and closes off any air.

Alicia swallowed, her hands shook a little and played with them. "Are the healers having a hard time? I mean, if I didn't already have the worst vision, yet...what's in the future?"

There was silence. A heavy question hanging by a frail tie.

Alicia looked at the clock as a servant came in after a quiet knock. Alicia stood and smiled, "I guess we have to get ready."

"If you need anything."

"Thank you Natasha. I will be alright." Alicia waved her hands towards the door, "go get ready. I will see you all at the party."

Alicia's servant did her hair in a half updo. Bangs framing her face with loose curls that cascaded to her waist. Her make up made her glow compared to the flushed and tear stained cheeks. Alicia's eyes were dark from despair but the eyeshadow of darker natural colors helped push her usual bright eyes to appear as normally displayed. 

"You really know how to pull someone together…"

The servant smiled into the mirror, "you are always put together when I arrive."

Alicia muttered a quiet thanks from embarrassment, she had not realized she spoke allowed. Once the look was complete, Alicia looked in the mirror. Loki's colors decorated her and she hoped he was alright. She wished they would be able to fix the tension that was left unattended.

Loki was in the party area, watching eagerly for Alicia to arrive.

"Do not worry Brother, she will be here. Jane swore Alicia was fine."

Loki didn't say anything but his eyes darted to the various entry points. Each face was not hers. He saw hundreds of faces but none of them held the beauty that adorned Alicia. Loki was turned and guided to the bar.

A relaxed, carefree voice reached his ears, "You are going to feel like an eternity passed if you keep waiting like that. You need a distraction."

"Valkyrie, I'm not drinking."

"Just a glass of wine. You will be relaxed." She poured Asgardian wine into a glass and she drank right from the bottle.

Loki wanted Alicia's touch but he could not have it. Loki took a drink, this would have to do till he had Alicia in his arms. No one comforted Loki. It was obvious Alicia was the favorite for everyone, that Loki was the one in the wrong… As usual. Everyone was listening to her about the damn torture training. No one understands the pain she would be in. His hand threatened to shatter the wine glass but he envisioned Alicia's hand in his. 

A woman sat close to Loki at the bar. She pointed over his shoulder and he saw Alica talking with a man. He moved to get up but the woman held his arm. He knew the woman was Asgardian just by her grip. Her voice was low as she states, "she seems to be having a great time without you." The woman's hand went to his chest and the slightest amount into the jacket where her fingers drew signs onto his taunt muscles. 

"We could have a good time too." Her smile and voice were heavily suggestive. The woman's eyes tried to unlock his mask but were unable to shine a light through like Alicia. Everything about Alicia was subtle, a respectful and unnoticeable display of her needs for him through a flirtatious side glance and shoulder raise. It was when Loki would smirk at her and pull her a little closer she would bite her lip.

The woman's tongue slid across her lips and said, "I heard of how rough you love to be. You can't do that with her." And that hand went lower in his jacket, "you can with me."

Loki glared and plucked the woman's hand from him, "I am not interested." Loki turned and did not walk with the gentleman prance as he started out with. Loki fully prepared to tear the man apart and his intentions must have been obvious because people were getting out of his way. 

Alicia's back was to him until she pushed the man away and snarled at the man. "Touch me again and I will cut your hands off finger by finger." And Alicia turned. She stumbled back as she almost collided with Loki. Anger on her face as she huffed. Then she looked shocked, relieved, and a little worried when she finally took in his face. "Loki."

Her anger fit with his colors, appropriate if taking in the meaning behind them. But her beauty brought life to his colors in a positive light.

"Love, are you alright?" It was many questions in one. Referring to before and now.

Her smile was warmer, "better now." Loki followed her glare then took her to the bar once she said, "let's get a drink." Alicia tugged on his hand, "he is not worth the attention." Eyes followed them to the bar, Loki got the same Midgardian wine as Alicia. She went to the deck outside. "I was trying to get to you but that idiot stopped me." She rolled her eyes in frustration as she took a rather large gulp of the wine. 

She never let him go. For their image first. The man's well being… was the reason Loki wanted released. Loki knew she realized his plans, thus not letting go. They had an image she was trying to maintain.

Alicia was staring towards the city, eyes following the cars on the streets below. The light from the obnoxious party illuminating her skin. She did not match her surroundings. She was too...godly for anything other than marble, gold, and with the view of a natural landscape. Loki longed to see her in the settings of his home.

In Asgard.

The wind blew hair in her face and Loki instantly used his hand to pin the offending obstruction away. Her eyes met his. Her makeup was in place, even though Loki would always insist she went without it.. He agreed, unspoken, that it did enhance her beauty. 

Her hair was blowing in the now gentle breeze of the warm summer night. Her neck wrapped in a simple choker and rope necklace that hung along her breasts that were enhanced by the tight top. Loose shoulder less straps that took his eyes back up to her collar bones, were those straps should have been designed to be. 

Her head leaned into his hand. Encouraging the touch. His eyes closed as he felt the tight feeling leave his chest.

Loki felt her gentle kiss on the palm and her warm breath as she spoke, "I love you. I appreciate your worry but…" her face turned so he could take in her every feature once he welcomed the current world. He was prepared to face his punishment. "I hope my healer is assigned soon. We haven't had very much time to ourselves recently and I feel...smothered."

That was it? That was his punishment? She desired space… "I apologize. It was not my intention."

Alicia smiled, "I know… You are worried." Her eyes looked all over his face and her hand went to his chest to rest there. Her breath was deep, "you are so handsome."

Loki smirked, "I'm handsome? Just solidifying this now?"

Alicia rolled her eyes, "I guess you are if your going to be so cocky about it."

Loki hummed and took her hand, "let me have a look at you." He spun her slowly.

The dress flared out after her waist, the slit was perfect for him, but not for public eyes. The dress lifted in the spin to show her heels that were just two inches and he couldn't help but be amused. She was clumsy in anything higher. Her shoes were a simple ankle strap, similar to their first date. Loki let her stop spinning and she gestured to herself, "am I to your satisfaction?" The dress wrapping around her at the stop and moved back and forth till it stilled.

Loki smiled and kissed her gently, "always." He grinned with teasing words on his tongue.

"You better think before your next words."

Loki chuckled and then inspected her first, "you didn't spill your wine. I'm impressed."

Alicia huffed and gave him a tap on the chest. "Forget the wine, I need it. That man got away with his hands, I'm impressed with myself for that."

Loki couldn't stop the laugh from escaping his throat, "You are starting to sound like me. Treasuring small accomplishments to everyday civilians."

"That guy pissed me off."

"Shall I take care of him?" Loki turned to go towards the bustling party and smiled when he felt a tug back. "I can't just let him go for distressing a fair maiden."

Alicia fanned herself as if she was a fair maiden that needed saving, "Oh, how very heroic of you." Alicia threw herself into his chest and blinked up at him, "my hero." 

Loki laughed but didn't miss the chance to play along, "do my heroic actions get a reward?"

Loki could tell she was trying very hard not to laugh and keep up their act, "you may grace these lonely lips with yours kind sir."

Loki smiled, "as you wish." He kissed her slowly, as if it was the tender first kiss from an actual hero.

Someone cleared their throat and Alice giggled as she pulled away to hide her face in his neck.

"Make out later. We got shots and dancing to do." Susan pulled Alicia to the bar as Alicia yelled at her not to have too much but Susan claimed she has not been out in a long time. The two of them did not hang out in a long time and needed to relax. Susan slapped the bar, "Two shots!"

"Susan, no." The shots came as Natasha smiled and told her to enjoy herself.

Susan held her shot glass out and said with a slur, "you are getting on the floor with me. Shot or not. I still can't believe you have magic. "

Alicia looked at Loki. He looked highly amused.

"He hasn't seen your club dance?" Susan slapped the bar urgently, "two more shots!"

"For your sake, I'll take the shots. This is it for both of us." And Alicia threw back her head and grimaced.

Susan winked at Loki, "You're going to love this!" Susan pulled Alicia to the dance floor quickly after Alicia gave Loki a long kiss and a heated stare. "Make eyes as you dance, give everyone something to watch."

There it was. The reason Alicia was so reserved. People to watch. 

Loki wondered if the alcohol would make her forget the image she showed. As soon as Susan was on the floor she instantly started to dance. Susan was dancing as if someone was grinding on her from behind… Loki watched as Alicia eased into it, so unnaturally nervous. She danced timidly at first and was barely able to keep her eyes on Loki.

Loki watched with interest. A few songs in and Alicia was mostly keeping eye contact with him. Taken by the alcohol as she swayed her hips and the rest of her body followed as if her hips were the puppet master. Everything flowing smoothly and looked as if her hips were the source of the energy. Her hands moved as if to showcase her hips then would go to the sides of her body and rolled so smoothly.

"She dances like a Sakarian seductress." Valkyrie said and then took large swallows of alcohol as she watched Alicia from around the bottle.

"A goddess of fertility." Thor replied and took a few gulps of his beer as Valkyrie pointed at his reply and held her drink up in cheers.

"Seductress and fertility? I already said no little Loki's." Tony pointed at Loki, "don't even think about it." And then Pepper tried to get Tony to end the party.

Loki didn't pay any attention to them. Alicia was dancing. So inviting. So.. sultry and seducing. Loki noticed he wasn't the only one swayed by her moves as he watched the same guy from before moving towards her. Loki was already preparing to get up.

Alicia felt hands on her hips from behind. She knew immediately Loki was not the one getting friendly with her. She pried the hands off her and turned with a glare. It was the man from before. Not able to keep his balance and a crooked grin. His heavy slur was further proof,  "Still too good for me? You with those secrets you kept..? I bet you keep secrets in bed… Loki is probably.."

Alicia ignored the man's rambling that never really ended in a complete thought. She stayed out of reach of the man and kept Susan behind her, "you are drunk. I suggest you leave."

Alicia heard Susan saying she would go get security.

"Does Loki overcompensate with his ego?"

Alicia laughed at the ridiculous question, "I assure you he doesn't need to overcompensate for anything."

"So screwing a whore like you is easy." He grabbed Alicia but she got out of his grasp and pushed him away. He stumbled into people, thus getting attention,  "Come on baby doll, Let me take a turn. I don't mind sloppy seconds."

Alicia saw movement, and Loki was coming towards them. She instantly felt sober, Alicia knew there would be trouble, more gossip for the media. "You need to go."

"Only if you come with me." The man's grin seemed to grow as Alicia pushed on Loki's chest, repeatedly telling him she was fine. "The whores beast has him tamed well. She must be a great fuck for him to not add her to the list of people he killed.. like he killed all the people of New yor-"

That was it. She had it with everyone. The whole world knew she was not defenseless now. She debated if she should keep pushing Loki away, let him go, and then the idea she has always wanted to do. Alicia said, "fuck it." She turned and knocked the guy on his ass as he sported one hell of a bloodied lip. Before Alicia could do anything else, Loki grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to him. 

"No baby doll. You're the one who takes it rough…" Alicia tried to pry Loki's fingers from her that were holding tightly and might be bruising her. The man got up and stumbled forward, effectively falling on all fours. He gestured under him, "I'll show you a more gentle approach than the monster."

That made her stomach turn and her to see a pitiful excuse of a man. She was held onto by Loki as she tries once more to get to the man. "you want added to my list?"

Security finally pulls the man to his feet. Loki growled, "Get him out of here, or I'll let her go."

The man laughed and slurred more insults at them. Then he heaved up a foul amount of alcohol, causing everyone to groan and laugh. 

Alicia smirked as Susan stood in front of her, "just like old times."

Alicia groaned, "don't remind me."

Loki was pulling her away and he was smiling. "I think you can kiss your perfect role model image away after tonight, Darling." Loki hummed as he pulled Alicia outside for fresh air. He put her against the railing and trapped her with his body. He eyed her with amusement and desire. She stared back as her arms on his shoulders, moved fluid but not organized anymore. "Perhaps we can have fun in public now?"

Alicia's slur was becoming obvious, "maybe. Nothing too crazy. I don't want anyone thinking they can join." Her lips found his neck as she grumbled,  "I want you to myself.."

The working of her mouth was holding purpose as it worked against his skin. Loki chuckled slowly, "Are you possessive when intoxicated?" She sucked a little more causing Loki to teasingly purr, "keep that up and you'll leave a mark."

Alicia pulled back and eyed the area Loki felt a little more chilled from the crisp air. "That can work." And she grinned up to him. Her fingers pulled him by the neck as she kissed him with fever. Loki let her have a few seconds of fun before he pulled away from her and she whined his name. Loki picked up Alicia as she was losing the ability to stand.

He asked, “You had more than you should have, didn’t you?”

“Maybe a bit.” Alicia said pinching her fingers together.

Loki could tell she was in a very fuzzy state of mind. “Come on, Darling. Let's get this out of your system.”

“What are you going to do?"

Loki picked her up and carried her swiftly through the party. Alicia groaned, telling him not to move so fast. He took her to her own room. Through her personal living room set up for her personal meetings, then to her bedroom. Keeping in mind to move her slowly onto the bed. He removed her clothes slowly as well but left her underwear on for now.

Alicia groaned, “Loki I don’t think I can have sex.”

“I know, Love. That is not the plan tonight. We need to get that alcohol out of your stomach before it gets too far into your system.” Loki picked her up and took her to the bathroom. He put her in front of the toilet.

“Oh come on. Please don’t make me throw up in front of you.” She was starting to visibly wobble as the legal poison worked its way to her system.

Loki held her hair and pressed his hand to her stomach letting his seder work, “No other way Love.”

Alicia tried moving his hand away as she started to gag, “Loki. please don’t.”

It must have been 10 minutes of expelling the liquid. Loki gave her breaks to let her get her strength back. She groaned how she promised to never drink ever again. “Good Love. I really don’t want to do this again.” Then he let her finish expelling everything in her stomach.

“I feel so gross. I can’t believe you made me do that.” Alicia wiped at her face with a wet cloth Loki put in front of her. She stood and went to the sink. She brushed her teeth and ignored Loki, even though he was making himself busy getting a bath ready. She stood there and stared at the mirror where Loki stood now. His hands were running up and down her arms and sides. He unclasped her bra and helped it slide off her body. What was in the mirror was bare. His eyes meeting hers and stayed on hers even though she was exposed. Alicia turned and hugged him, “You really didn’t need to do that.”

Loki followed her gaze to the bath, “Satisfied in everything, Love. Anything you need. Anything you want will be yours.”

“What if I just want you?” There was still a slur...

Loki pried her hands from his erection, “You have me. But. Not tonight, not that way. You need rest. You are going to have a hellish morning."

[evecolourshock]

Fic time, following on from this! This one got long, oops. Story under the cut!

Beck's not going to lie, he's a little disappointed. Not that Flynn doesn't remember him - it was a stupid question, Beck doesn't remember the names of everyone in Argon, how would even a User remember each and every one of the thousands of Programs on the Grid?

But this... defeated, hopeless, shell of a man? Not even willing to try to help? Sure, maybe he tried in the past and it didn't end well, but... damn it all, Beck did not get his back end kicked clear across the Grid with an uncooperative ISO telling him to give up and go home every step of the way just to be told "sorry kid, you're outta luck" with a consolatory clap on the shoulder that mostly just feels condescending and dismissive.

He stubborned his way into Tron taking him on as a Renegade, he's going to make sure this trip isn't wasted or so help him he's going to find out what the best way to blow up the Admin Tower is.

He started his illicit career with a bomb, and if he has to go back to that then so be it.

"Never mind, silly question." Beck waves a hand, laughs even though it doesn't make his brown eyes look any less black. "Not here to talk about me, anyway." He smiles, though it feels wrong. Unfriendly. Sharp. "But you remember Tron, right?"

Flynn's eyes clear. Of course he does. Tron's Tron.

"I'm his-" friend. Beta. Moral compass. Voice of reason even if he doesn't pay attention all the time. "-student."

"Were." Quorra corrects him.

"Is. Am." Beck retorts. Because Tron lives. Still lives. Isn't gone yet. "No matter how much you want that to be past tense because according to you Tron's dangerous. Need I remind you-" his teeth bare, and he snarls. "-so am I." And recently, he's had to prove it, throwing his own morals aside for survival.

"He's alive?" Flynn breathes, and Beck wrenches himself back on track.

"Yes. Injured, but... yes. But he won't be for long if something's not done. Clu has him." Beck closes his eyes for a moment, takes a shaky breath. He will not cry. Not right now. "He wants a... public spectacle. Of his triumph."

Flynn's eyes dim again. "I can't-"

"I'm not asking you to." Beck tells him, trying not to roll his eyes at the twin looks of shock he gets. He didn't come here to drag someone to war. "I need your help, not for you to fight."

"Not sure what help I can give."

"A decoy beacon of you that I can remote-activate, and advanced Security permissions. Nothing else, I can do the rest myself. Or with some... friends of mine." Beck has a plan, he swears. He's just too limited right now to do it, so he needs those limits gone. The decoy is a spur-of-the-moment addition to said plan - Clu will want Flynn to watch him break Tron, will hunt Flynn down if he thinks he can do so. Beck intends to send him chasing Bits instead, buy himself some time.

"You'll be killed." Quorra huffs. "Or rectified." She folds her arms, not wanting any more involvement in Beck's kind of crazy ideas.

Beck just grins at her. "For a Renegade? Occupational hazard."

Flynn looks at him long and hard for that. Beck shrugs off the scrutiny - Tron's gaze is far more searching, and he only has one working eye even with the last-resort restoration via interrupted Rectifier.

"You in? Just for those?" Beck asks. "I have other options, but... less likely to succeed."

"Sure, man, what the hell." Flynn runs a hand down his face. He sounds defeated still, like he thinks Beck's for sure going to fail, but at least he's willing to give this one last shot. For Tron.

"Thanks." Beck chirps. He knows from bitter experience he is, at least, extremely difficult to catch and derez.

**********

Cyrus is very put out about being Plan B, whining at Beck about it in that grating false-nice tone he excels at, until Beck shoves him into a wall with an aggrieved hiss.

"I am counting on you to do whatever it takes to get me and Tron out, with as few civilian casualties as you can, if this all goes wrong." Beck growls in Cyrus' face. "You're plan B because against my better judgement I'm trusting you to succeed if I don't."

Cyrus' jaw snaps shut, eyes bulging in shock and the lack of breath as Beck's arm pushes into his neck.

"Plan B is for blow it all to pieces. Plan B is for big bombs get results." Beck lets up after a moment, dropping Cyrus. "Plan B is for better than me. Understand?"

Cyrus nods, rubbing his throat, awe and respect in his eyes. "You got yourself a spine." He croaks out, amused.

Beck grins wryly. "Between my enemies' lives and my friends, I chose to keep my friends." He doesn't tell Cyrus about the upgrades, about the way Security programming takes the steel around his core and makes blades and shields of it.

Cyrus probably already knows. Misses nothing, that one.

"Do I count?" Cyrus asks, bouncing back now Beck's proven they're a lot more alike than they used to be.

"Depends if you stab me in the back again." Beck calls over his shoulder, the white of the Renegade suit wrapping around him and generating the armour he now moves in with ease. "Figure it out, Ram."

He can hear Cyrus' gasp and grin at the pseudonym, both of them knowing it was the name of Tron's first friend - optimistic and bubbly and gregarious, but scarily analytical and dangerous if he needed to be. "Don't make me have to rescue you, Tron." Cyrus shoots back, and Beck laughs brightly. He could get used to having a friend like Cyrus, as unlikely as it is given how they met.

Beck leaves Cyrus to his bomb-making, and ducks into a different room in this makeshift base he's carved out for himself, deep in Argon's underbelly. As he'd hoped, there's over a dozen wary Programs in grinning sharptooth helmets.

Jolly Tricksters. His last attempt with them didn't go so well, but... he's changed since then, and so have the stakes. "Hello everyone." He rumbles out in an imitation of Tron's voice that's off just enough to give away he's someone else in a mask - just like them.

"Renegade." One greets - Mara, he knows, though he can't give that away. Too many questions he doesn't want to answer. "Who are you?" She snaps out. "You're not Tron, he's-"

"Captured, I know." Beck runs a hand down his mask, lets them see the slump of his shoulders. "I'm... someone he knows well. Better than my own friends do. He taught me." He fixes his gaze where he knows her eyes are, wills himself into channeling at least some of the authority Tron comes by naturally. "Which is why I need your help."

"Help how?" Someone else pipes up, still cautious but less hostile and a lot more interested.

"There's a lot of information the Occupation would like to keep hidden." Beck muses, measured in the way only a handful of people know means he's trying not to sound too gleeful. "It'd be... such a shame if it got displayed all over the Grid for anyone to see, wouldn't it?"

"A right shame, indeed." The speaker chuckles. "It wouldn't happen to be of the, ah. Distressing kind, would it?"

"Perhaps." Beck nods at them. "I got my hands on a sizeable chunk of it already. All you need to do is display it." He addresses the group at large. "Then sit back and enjoy the chaos."

The room thaws, relief spreading through the group as they realise the only danger is what they put themselves in anyway. Beck - well, the Renegade - has already done the hard work for them.

Not long now.

**********

Cutler's resistance network has only grown, the loss of its leader making a martyr for others to rally behind.

Beck's visited the group already, telling an only slightly edited tale of a Program who fought what had been done to him right until the bitter end, and knows the Renegade is welcome here.

He hopes that's still true when he asks them to fight for the Program Cutler died trying to heal.

Zuse meets him at his bar, tucked under a hooded cloak and yet not too much out of place. Zuse is a cunning sort, and Beck doesn't trust him not to sell them out if it benefits the nightclub owner, but right now Zuse is an ally and gets treated with all the politeness that entails.

"They're a bit... out of sorts. The news, and all." Zuse informs him with the usual flippancy that hides whatever he's actually feeling. "You know the one." He sweeps open a door for Beck, the showmanship so commonplace it makes people stop paying attention. Just Zuse being Zuse.

"We can change that." Beck flicks his hood down once he's safe - does not miss the faint disappointment when Zuse realises he still can't see his face - and addresses the room. "It's not over yet. Shall we finish what Cutler started?" There's a few new faces - he recognizes Bartik and Hopper from Argon's more radicalized subdistricts, yellow armbands ripped off and contrite yet fierce - but blunt and forthright works best with this group.

Quorra is there, to his surprise. In the back, trying not to be seen by him. He ignores her - as long as she doesn't try to undermine him, she can do as she pleases. She clearly doesn't know what to make of his indifference.

It takes longer than Beck thought it would for her to corner him, and she's considerate enough not to do so publicly. "What are you doing here?" She hisses.

"I knew Cutler." Beck growls at her, sees her flinch at just how close to Tron's voice his becomes. "And I'm saving my friend. With, or without your help." He looks her up and down, considering. "Not that you'll have to offend your delicate sensibilities even if you deign to help us Basics."

She reels back, stung. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I'm aware you hate me because of who I am, what I am, the company I keep, or a combination. Good for you, join the group." Beck can barely believe how vicious the words coming out of his own mouth are, but he's channeling Tron right now and Tron's always been... cutting. Pares right down to core in a matter of sentences, if he puts his mind to it. A skill Beck's picked up via exposure. "But I'm putting that aside because we don't have time to waste squabbling. You're one of the best when it comes to handling a Lightrunner, so if you decide you want to help you'll be on evacuation duty. Getting your injured out of the fight before it kills them. It won't be easy. You may be the last line of defence between an injured Program and the soldiers intent on slaughtering them. But it is a vital part of keeping as many of ours alive as we can. Of making sure the Grid has hope, so long as there are Programs willing to fight for it, of there being a millicycle where all of us are free."

**********

Beck creeps through a vent, still slender and tall enough to fit without much difficulty. His new Security overrides make him invisible in the system checking for anyone daring to enter this way, and it's a fun kind of irony about beating Security with Security.

Tron is this way.

And he's still Tron.

Beck can feel him now, a warm weight in the back of his mind. His Squad Leader, information from his new coding tells him. Injured again, though he can't tell how badly.

Beck hopes his new field medic abilities will help at least lessen the injuries. It's going to suck if he has to carry Tron out.

He finds Tron, chained to a vertical slab in the middle of the room. His friend's head is bowed with exhaustion, heavy in the way that means his energy levels are critically low.

Dyson steps into Beck's field of vision through the grating. He whispers something in Tron's ear, and a horrible whining sound starts up. Tron grunts in pain, teeth gritted to hold in a scream, and Beck-

Beck.

Sees.

Red.

The grate doesn't come off fast enough, so Beck draws himself up a little and rams it clean off. He dimly remembers to press the button that alerts the beginning of the distraction - Resistance members dragging guards away, breaking into the Arena to free anyone they can, generally causing chaos.

In thirty ticks, the Jolly Tricksters will set off their parcels detailing every sordid thing the Occupation has done in the shadows they've created away from the public. All the lies, the torture, the carefully targeted massacres and rectifications and experiments. Every single little and not-so-little thing, blasted out there for the Grid to see.

Beck lunges for Dyson with a furious roar. He's done being kind.

Being hit with a circular saw to the face really hurts, Beck finds, but he just uses that pain to fuel the punch that snaps Dyson's head back and rattles voxels loose from that fragile chasm a disc once opened. He doesn't let up until he puts that annoying saw through Dyson's chest, wrecking the General's disc in the process, and scrambles to get Tron down.

"I'm here." He murmurs, feeling Tron's head loll onto his shoulder and clumsily pushing energy in Tron's direction. "I'm here. You'll be okay."

The decoy flares on - doubling as a warning from Cyrus, too much longer and there will be explosions as he comes to fetch them - but Beck does his best to ignore it as he patches Tron up. Dyson- Dyson nearly tore him apart. And there's the reinstated energy-sapping virus to contend with.

Rectification takes too long, and Beck doesn't trust himself to be able to intercept in time again. So he braces himself for pain, and syncs his disc to Tron's.

The antiviral defences in his code burn, scorching through him and making him curl around his mentor with a choked-off cry. But they do their job, and by the time Beck can think clearly enough to move the virus is nullified again and disappearing.

Tron will never recover from everything he's been through. There are too many wounds that run too deep. But Beck just wants Tron to live, so he does what he can.

The first explosion shakes the ground - a little early, but Cyrus isn't exactly known for patience - and Beck scoops Tron up to limp towards their ticket home. Tron mumbles pleas for Beck to leave him and run, and Beck pretends he can't hear them.

Their route would be suspiciously clear of guards, but Beck cheats by using his Security clearance to divert them and close doors on them and generally inconvenience them as much as he can. He's in no state to fight right now - not when it'll put Tron in even more danger. So, time to win the beta way, with pranks and misdirection.

More explosions sound, coming closer. Beck lets the rumble wash through him, purring with it to soothe Tron. Cyrus waits in the shadow of a blown-out wall, resting against the body of a commandeered tank, and Beck traipses his way through the rubble to his friend.

"You found him." Cyrus whispers in relief, arms outstretched to help get Tron somewhere with dense armour plating between him and Clu.

"I did." Beck collapses into the gunner seat, aching all over but determined to finish what he started. He swings the barrel round until he spots a flash of distinctive gold, aiming carefully. "Now let's make sure we can go home."

Blue streaks across the battlefield, blinding in its intensity. It connects with its target, scattering gold voxels and dust, and scorching a crater where a throne once stood. Beck grins through gritted teeth, feeling the tank rattle to life and the smaller cannon bolted to the side of it spew fire and grenades with little regard for accuracy to clear a path.

The Uprising had well and truly begun.

Love the idea that Flynn doesn’t even remember half of the programs he’s created.

After all this time, Beck finally gets to meet Kevin Flynn, his creator, through means of Quorra saving him.

And he’s nervous. He’s meeting someone almighty, all-knowing, the one program responsible for the life he’s got, the friends he’s found, and the city he lives in.

He’s in his creator’s hideout, ascending to meet him with the last ISO at his side, who promptly leaves it to alert this god of his arrival.

And as Flynn meets him, and they lock eyes, he can’t help but ask: does his god recognize him? Remember his creation, his function?

He waits for a spark to fire in his creator’s eyes, snapping him into a memory of his creation point. He anticipates a warm greeting, an exclamation of surprise as memories flood through this almighty guardian, swelling him with pride at seeing the program he made making such a difference in the world.

None of it forms. Instead, he looks at him with a pained glance and an awkward frown.

God doesn’t remember you.

Did he ever know you at all?

[evecolourshock]

Oh I have the start of a fic that's kind of like this! But it's more Klax dragging the rest of her team away from Clu and Dyson because she might not remember much about what happened to her between A Betrayal and waking up, but she knows those two are Bad News.

...I really need to put more things on my AO3, don't I.

After the rectification, Rinzler was put in charge of Dyson's unit: Klax, Nord and Reeve. And Dyson himself.

Clu's gift to Rinzler