#new tag for myself for when i need to complain about how spider man is written these days

[oscorpgaypride]

made me a bit mad that they called the first episode Amazing Fantasy and then barely had it be an origin story. like sure ok you showed How he got spider powers but that was IT!!! not Why he became a hero not Who he is saving not Where he gets the money/time for this it’s just. kind of meaningless. “everyone’s already seen the same origins a million times” WELL BOO HOO! what if they haven’t! and like. this is clearly its own thing! i don’t know this guy! it’s embarrassing that the name Peter Parker is just supposed to imply an entire character…i don’t know this one! i don’t know why he does anything! i don’t get his life goals! you refused to show me any of that!!!! spider man writers are afraid of making spider man stories Personal these days and it kills me!!!!!!!!!!! ik its one episode in but amazing fantasy 15 did more in like. 19 pages im allowed to be mean. this peter is empty in a way that i find very sad

SMASH that like button if u feel personally victimized by the time skip in your friendly neighborhood spider-man!!! 💯🙋‍♀️🙏🙏

[evilwickedme]

🔥 any topic of your choice

I think we need to be more forgiving of people who are new to comics. Comics are a really inaccessible medium and especially if you're trying to get into one of the big two companies you're inevitably going to be confused and uninformed. I've been reading DC comics for about a year now (not including watchmen or wonder woman by Greg Rucka which I read years ago but didn't manage to get me into DC), and I've only really been a part of the fandom since July or August, and it's still really confusing and hard to tell what's fanon and what's canon. I have so many characters I haven't managed to read for at all despite wanting to, or only a handful of issues, or only minor appearances. I'd love to have read every single one of Roy Harper's pre-52 appearances but it's just not feasible, especially since DC particularly is inaccessible in another way - their app is only available to US residents. If you want to pay for comics then it's going to be expensive, even digitally - I managed to get Young Justice books 1-3 through comixology, which in itself is not a cheap subscription, but then the rest of the series is $20 a pop!! That's a lot of money!! And in print books go wayyyy higher, or even if they don't cost that much if you're buying a bunch then it's going to get expensive. But even if you're not paying it's confusing to just jump into something like this - don't get me wrong, this is what I've done both with marvel in 2015 and in DC last year, but it's not an easy thing to do and at first you're going to be fucking baffled. You're never going to know everything, it's not physically possible. Even for marvel, which, again, I've been reading since 2015, I haven't exactly come close to reading everything. I haven't even read every Deadpool comic, not even his main titles! I want to read gwenpool and moon knight and daredevil and non-spider-verse-related Spider-Man stories but it's just really fucking difficult to prioritize, not to mention keeping up with current runs.

And I'm doing my best, right? Like I recently finally managed to start reading superfam comics, and last year I started reading x men and scarlet witch, and as I said above I've been reading young justice, and I'm keeping up with like a dozen or more ongoings, and it's so fucking hard and I'm lucky to have enough disposable income and free time to do this. And people have been genuinely fucking mean to me. Like really super fucking dismissive bc how dare I ship the obvious most popular ship and not this more niche one when I haven't even read an appearance of that character!! How dare I not know everything about this run when I haven't gotten to that run yet bc I'm still trying to even track it down!! I can't prioritize comics I can't get my hands on when I have a shelf and a half of DC comics and I've only read about a third of it!!!

And it's worse for people who don't have the money and free time that I do . My parents pay my fucking rent and I only work part time, okay, I'm in a really privileged position. Some people are only reading the DC webtoons or only watching the young justice TV show and yeah it's frustrating to see so many people who don't know your favorite characters as much as you do, but I've been a Deadpool fan for close to eight years now and I've never gone onto anybody's page and told them that they're interpretation is bad and they should feel bad, I keep that shit to myself or AT WORST I complain to my friends in DMs or WhatsApp messages or whatever. The only stuff like this I complain about in public is stuff I consider genuinely harmful (the pit rage trope for Jason for example) or upon specific prompting, and even then I do it on MY blog, not somebody else's, and I don't tag it so people looking for content that they enjoy don't have to see it.

Like... Basically I feel like people are too harsh on casual, peripheral fans, or people who are new to the material, or even people who aren't new to comics but just don't know as much as you. A lot of people don't have any other options. You don't have to like the content they make. But actively going into their content or constantly making negative content about them is exhausting. I'm really tired of constantly seeing memes about how terrible batfam stans are. I don't even disagree, I just think you're annoying. But I don't reblog those posts just to shit on op. Maybe some of y'all should consider it.

[scuttle-buttle]

Chapter 4

Previous chapters & additional tags can be found in my masterlist.

WC: 1457

Rated: E for eventual smut

Chapter tags: flirting, checking a person out/body parts, Ich bin speed

Your boss didn’t question you when you asked for the day off. “Take Friday too, si? You work too much!” he’d scold. That being said, the week dragged on. It had been slow to begin with, as your little team was waiting on a shipment of new pieces that got delayed. 

Thursday finally arrived. You chugged down a cup of tea before hightailing it out the door. Your 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider purred to life; a gift from your parents when you finished college. Cranking the radio as high as you dared, you began the drive to the Ferrari garage. 

Half an hour later you were pulling into the main lot. The blast of your radio announced your arrival. Finding a parking spot, you sang along “and she walked in looking like dyna-mite, she said ‘now come along boogaloo through the night!’” loudly.

The garage housing Niki’s F1 car was situated next to the lot on the other side of a fence. “Who the hell is playing that music?” he whipped his head up at the obnoxiously loud sound. The crew just shrugged. Looking up at the wall clock, he saw it was almost 10. Oh. 

You had just parked the car and got ready to cut the engine when you noticed a figure approaching the fence. Seeing the mop of brown curls, you waved. Getting out of the car you took a breath. He just wants to talk shop, that’s all, you remind yourself.

“You’re very loud,” Niki stated as you reached the opposite side of the fencing. 

“Says the man that has to wear earplugs to drive his car,” you snark. 

“Fair. Come around, I’ll give you the tour.”

The facility was bigger than you anticipated. It housed a large office building in the front, with several garages and an entire test track off to the side. Niki led you into the garage he had come out of earlier. 

“This is Andre, Luca, and Arturo. They are the chief mechanic crew for my car. You may have seen them in the pit.”

“How do you do?” you offered politely. They nodded their heads in your direction before leaving the two of you with the car. You walked around the vehicle, admiring the curved letters spelling Niki Lauda printed on the side. “What are the specs?” you ask Niki.

“Twelve cylinders, 500 horsepower, 12,500 RPM, 575kg.”

“Chassis frame?”

“Steel tubing with aluminium panels.”

“Sounds heavy...are you using magnesium parts?” you questioned. 

Niki’s lips twitched into a barely-there smile as he watched you examine the car. “Yes.”

You nod, hands on your hips. “Well.” Shrugging, you admit “that’s about the extent of my knowledge, sorry to disappoint.” He let out a short chuckle. 

“You know more than most. I’ve met mechanics that never even think to use magnesium parts.” 

“Well I’m glad that I’ve impressed you, I suppose.” You continue to examine the car, leaning forward into the cockpit to check out the panel and gauges. Your shirt gapes down, exposing the top of your breasts. 

Niki catches his breath at the sight before averting his eyes, not wanting to be rude. A first for him, to be considering the feelings of others. Thankfully you did not notice his gaze, nor the way his face reddened. He gave you another minute to inspect the car.

“Get in.”

You whipped up to face him in question. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” he looked at you expectantly. 

Carefully you step into the cockpit, lowering your body into the seat. You didn’t think you were allowed to be doing this, but if Niki says it’s okay…  Legs stretched to the pedals, you settled in. “I didn’t realize you sat so laid back” you adjusted your bum in the seat, feet flat on the pedals and eyes just able to see above the dash. 

Niki came up to the side of the car and leaned forward, his arms caged you, hands braced against the metal headrest and side panel. He pointed to the various gauges and explained their purposes. You felt his warm breath against your ear as his gruff voice spoke low. The smell of motor oil and something woodsy overwhelmed your senses. 

He wouldn’t pretend that his actions were totally innocent. He was not big on public displays of affection, the handful of women he had dated over the years complained as much. But he could not deny the pull he felt towards you. Even in the short amount of time that he knew you he had already decided that he wanted to get to know you better. Besides, it’s not everyday that you meet a woman who was not only pretty, but knew about cars and took no shit from Hunt. Niki revelled in the soft floral scent of your hair - so different than the smell of burnt rubber he was accustomed to. 

Swallowing, you tilted your head in the direction of his voice. You caught his brown eyes with your own. You didn’t think you would ever get used to the intensity of his stare. Breaking away you fidgeted with your hands before placing one on the gearshift, thumb caressing the knob.

“Have you taken it out yet? To test the adjustments?”

“Not yet. You may stay to watch if you would like,” he offered.

“Right on, yeah, let me just…” you pulled yourself out of the vehicle. Niki placed his fingers on your elbow as you stepped out to ensure you didn’t fall. His fingers were softer than you would have guessed for a driver.

Niki hopped in the car gracefully, as though he was made to sit there. “Do you mind?” he pointed to the desk along the wall. You retrieved the white protective mask and helmet and brought it to him. Holding the helmet as he pulled the covering over his face, your fingers traced along the edge of the Niki Lauda sticker. He reached to take it from you. After securing the helmet he warned you to cover your ears before starting the car. You were glad for his warning.

Switching into first gear, he released the clutch and let the car roll out of the garage and onto the track. He drove slow enough that you were able to keep up with him for the most part. Stopping at the edge of the track to watch, Niki got into position and called for one of the technicians to ready the stopwatch.

With a blast he shot off. He continued around the track for several laps testing the feel of the car. The rush of wind hit you each time he passed only meters from where you stood.. Finally coming to a stop he removed his headgear and nodded at you. “So?” you asked. “How does it feel?”

“Good. Arturo - I was correct, it was the rear springs that needed replacing.” Arturo wrote something in his notebook. 

“How can you tell it was that? Something so small?” you wondered.

“My ass.”

“I’m sorry?” you blinked, not sure you heard him correctly.

“God gave me an okay mind, but a really good ass which can feel things in a car.”

Laughing, you weren’t sure what to make of his explanation. Perhaps I’ll just have to check it out myself, shocking yourself as your thoughts drift to his backside. You didn’t have to dwell on it too much because Niki got out of the car and bent over the cockpit to place his headgear inside. The loose material of his red coveralls tightened as he bent, giving you a taste of what he was working with. The uniform doesn't do him justice. 

“What’s next on the list?” The two of you walked back to the garage. 

“I have meetings with Enzo and some of the sponsor representatives at 12. Administrative dealings, really.” Sensing this was his way of telling you that your date was coming to an end - no, not a date - you gathered your bag on your shoulder.

“I’ll leave you to it then. Thank you for letting me come by, this was cool.”

“Of course.”

Turning to leave, Niki called out to you. “Will you come to the next race?”

“I’m not sure, really.”

“You should.”

“I’ll think about it,” you replied. You continued to stand there looking at him, and he you. Suddenly you decide to bite the proverbial bullet. Fetching a napkin from your bag and a pen - you always had a pen - you wrote down a set of digits. Thrusting it to Niki you say “maybe let me know when the next race is and I just might come.”

Niki took the slip from you, glancing at the numbers on it. You both knew that he could just tell you when and where the next race was now. But where was the fun in that? 

Tag list: @ay0nha @apparrio @livvyshmiv @fictionlandslanddreams @vinylrosess @typical-bistander

[sexydreamgirl]

this might come off as mean but tbh your whining tag is kind of rude. some of the ppl on there are prob new to law of attraction/manifesting and instead of actually paying attention to them, you’re writing it off as whining.

also it’s kind of weird how you say in ur bio people can vent/trauma dump but then write off people who do that with LOA as whining. imo its just rude and invalidating. dealing w that all the time is probably frustrating but instead of saying they’re whining just don’t answer the ask 💀

It isn’t kind of rude. It is rude, that’s the point, so it can discourage y’all from sending such messages in the future. I cannot bring myself to delete the questions because I know they want help otherwise they wouldn’t come to me. I’ve stated that I answer everything I receive including that dreadful spider man incident so I just choose to post these asks I get anyway so people know I’ve received them. I love talking to my followers and I especially love my anons. I receive about 50 questions a day, +250 if I’m online and I’m always happy to help people (so long as I don’t have to repeat myself hence why I have a FAQ and # my answered questions). However, if you do not provide a question I cannot help you.

Also, vents/trauma dumps are not the same as whining imo. A vent is more of a rant or just a need to let out strong feelings about something while a trauma dump is usually a long dump pertaining to trauma or other overwhelming predicaments. Whining is just complaining. But you provide a fairly valid point that I have previously considered and I completely understand what you mean, I was kinda iffy about it too because I know it’d be a cunt move to pass something off as whining if it’s a vent/proper frustration which in case then you’d be right, that’d be invalidating and I’m sure I must have been unable to differentiate the two on a few occasions.

I consent to receiving trauma dumps and vents because other blogs aren’t okay with receiving them and I know I can take on them (I’ve done it multiple times). My answers range in length depending on the question because repetition becomes tiring and I can’t keep writing customized prescriptions but I still do what I can when I can. I let people send whatever they want on here whether it’s to pour out their frustration (which would be a dump) or whatever it is because it can be a cathartic mechanism but if I’m receiving nothing but when I receive something like “the law is such bs it doesn’t work for me” with NO question? That’s straight up whining and nothing else. It’s like... okay... what do you want me to say? You’re here vaguely telling me about your problem which I would assume is for the sake of soliciting help but I’m gonna need you to come with a question because I’m not gonna sit there and take my time to pry it out of you, I’m not your therapist. I’m intentionally making myself available to you all so in order for us to meet in the middle be reasonable with what you send if you actually want help.

Anyone who follows me knows that I love helping people and if that weren’t the case my blog would cease to exist. If you read what I write back, I always validate the feelings and struggles these people are feeling and I aim to be as mindful as possible when sensitive topics are discussed (because empathy is required when running a blog like this) and you need to tread lightly. I always advise with the best intentions and when the chance presents itself, I will dedicate extra time to the answers I provide because I love you and I want to give you what I would consider the best advice/answer that I can give you. What I’m trying to say is I’m always here to help you for whatever the case may be but if you’re not actually doing your part so I can do that, then you’re wasting both of our times. I have a huge, huge tolerance for this kinda thing and call it rude, call me a pos, but I also need to set some guidelines in place if you’re gonna be sending me something with the expectation that I respond to it. I pour my heart into the answers I provide when I am up for it and while I do understand that people struggle, receiving something without substance is just annoying. 

(+ for future reference you don’t need to be like “hey this might be mean but” just send girl I can handle it)

[crushpdf]

Tumblr Etiquette Masterpost

Hi! Because I have (1) anxiety (2) been on tumblr for more than a decade, I have assumed the incredibly narcissistic position of making a post about how to interact with people on tumblr, since I think I’ve mastered the basic rules.

UPDATE: I started drafting this post a while ago. I'm not calling anyone out. I mostly made this because I realized I had a shocking number of followers who are new to tumblr.

In this post I’m covering Asks + Anons, Reblogging + Liking, Following, Tags, and ~Making Friends~.

TL;DR: tumblr etiquette is about social norms. These are the norms I have observed in my time here. You’re free to blog as you choose, but tumblr is a happier place when everybody is following the same guidelines.

Yes I use the words like “have to” or “rule” in this post. No, none of these are actual rules. Do what you want, but be prepared to face disgruntled users.

Let’s get started!

All About Following 

Rule #1: You do not have to follow anybody you don’t want to. You do not need to let someone follow you if you don’t want to.

Tumblr is technically a social media site. If you want to grow your social circle, follow your mutuals’ mutuals. The internet is like real life. You do a Group Hang, and then eventually you get to the one-on-one friendship. (Please refer back to Rule #1)

Some of your mutual-in-laws might feel slighted if you follow everyone except them. That’s okay. (Please refer back to Rule #1) You might feel slighted if you’re the one not being followed. That’s okay. (Please refer back to Rule #1)

Tumblr is technically a social media site, but it’s also a place to see the content you like, not just the people you like. You can be friendly with people you don’t follow, or who don’t follow you. Some users are amazing people who just post the wrong content. That’s okay.

If someone posts content you don’t like, unfollow them. If you don’t like someone’s personality, unfollow them. Don’t be an asshole, don’t hate-follow, and don’t stress yourself out.

Asks, Anons, Messages

I tried to organize my thoughts into paragraphs. I really did. But talking to people on tumblr is messy if you do it wrong, and I’m just going to bullet-point some etiquette guidelines.

Rule #1: You do not have to answer any messages you don’t want to.

Your 500 word message should not be the first time a user sees your name

.....Before you get Venting Privileges, a user should recognize you from the tags you leave on their posts, or the comments you leave on their fic, or the other shorter messages you’ve sent them, or from being mutual-in-laws, literally whatever. But it’s Not Cool to dump things on people who don’t even know you.

The anon button should be used in two scenarios only:

.....1, to send a positive message. Not neutral! Positive message, the kind of message you send with heart emojis.

.....2, if you don’t want to admit personal information about yourself. The Venting Privileges Rule still applies even if you’re on anon (ie: you can’t vent! Because they don’t recognize your username!) and “personal information” does not include unpopular opinions. I’m talking messages like “Saw your post about living in Houston, and I agree!”

.....(Okay, three scenarios: if someone specifically asks for anons for an ask game or something!)

If you don’t want it posted publicly, don’t send it over an ask. Send it as a DM. You can always kindly request that the recipient doesn’t publish it, but typical tumblr etiquette is that asks get published by default.

Personally, if I follow someone back I like to introduce myself! Many of these conversations end after the “hi” stage, and I never force friendship upon someone. But many of these conversations also work as ice breakers, and make it easier to send the second message, and the third. Don’t worry that you’re being rude if you don’t do this—it’s also totally normal to just keep blogging as usual!—but it’s helpful in making friends.

If you reblog an ask game from someone, it’s just common courtesy to send them an ask of your own.

Tags, Blacklists

Rule #1: You do not need to use any tags you don’t want to.

(Are you sensing a theme? But this one gets a...)

But, be prepared to face disgruntled followers over this.

Tags are useful in so many ways. They’re a great place to organize posts so you can find them more easily later on! They’re a great place to show off your personality! They’re a great (and quiet! More on this later) place to show appreciation for content creators.

They’re also so incredibly helpful for your followers to avoid content they don’t want to see. If you’re delving into a new fandom and are about to reblog twenty posts in a row, tag it. If you’re liveblogging a movie, tag it. If your post (especially your photo posts) contains any common phobias or unpleasant things (gore, spiders, etc) tag it. And if one of your followers asks you to tag certain content, even if you don’t really understand why? Tag it, or else expect to lose that follower.*

*This isn’t about your follower count, btw. This is about being a decent person.

On the other hand, use blacklists and filtering liberally! If a user does tag their content, you have no right to complain about their posting it. Just filter it.

Reblogs, Likes, Comments

Tumblr is a blogging site. It functions on reblogged posts. That’s just how it works. This is not one of those sites where you scroll for hours clicking the like button.

Here are what likes are for:

Showing support for someone’s personal posts

Showing appreciation for someone’s tags

Admiring content that doesn’t exactly align with your blog (different fandom, inappropriate, whatever.)

Saving a post to find later

Showing double the love!

Here is where likes are most disappointing:

The original fic, artwork, or edits of your fellow tumblr users, especially in your fandom

(If you’re someone who regularly reblogs things, I’m not talking to you. You’re allowed to simply “like” posts. I’m talking to those users in my notifications that, day after day, like 35 of my posts and reblog exactly 1 of them.

Just reblog shit.)

Also, remember how I said you can quietly show appreciation in the tags? Only comment directly on a post if you are sure you’re adding something worthy to the post. If you’re just saying “haha me too!” or “I remember this!” just leave it in the tags. (Reminder! You can do what you want! It’s your blog and I’m not the police! I’m just teaching you etiquette! And the polite thing to do is to leave personal commentary in the tags!)

Let’s recap:

Aaaaand: Making Friends

Start small. Introduce yourself after you have mutually followed each other.

Leave nice things in people’s tags. They notice.

Send ask game messages.

Show off more of your personality. This isn’t a one way street!

.....You can do this by, well, reblogging things. Also by tagging things. Also by just making original posts.

Do not go zero to one hundred. You wouldn’t sit next to someone in class and start talking about your trauma (even if you heard that they share your own!). So don’t do it online.

Like people’s vent posts, and their asks, and their tag games. Reply to them, too.

Honestly? Do more tag games! If someone says “anyone can do this and say I tagged you” take them up on the offer! Tag other people you want to get to know more.

Last but not least, you do not owe anyone anything on tumblr, and no one owes you anything. Ignore the rude message. Block the annoying tag. Follow the users you like even if they don’t follow you back. Do not tell people to post more of X. Do not tell them to post less of Y. Do not ask them why they don’t follow you.

It’s so much easier to press the unfollow button than to be a dick.

[kareofbears]

persona 5 strikers thoughts and feelings

This is going to be a long post. Like, the type of post you’d only really have time to read when you’re trying to sleep but you’re not ready to be unconscious yet so you’re just looking for something to do to spend your time with minimal effort. 

So in 2018, a masterpiece was born into the world: Into the Spider-verse was released and it was amazing—it’s honestly the best spiderman movie we have without a doubt, and it’ll be very far into the future before Spider-verse is beaten as the best spiderman movie. Them’s the facts. Then in 2019, Spider-man: Far From Home was dropped. It’s a great movie! Great characters, great continuation of who these characters are and works fantastic as a continuation of a story. It’s really hard trying to take the torch of a previous movie (or in Marvel’s case, juggling twenty something movies) and come up with a new movie that both works on its own, as well as being the next step in this series of films. Thus, with that idea in mind, I think it’s kind of unfair to judge into the spiderverse and far from home, because these are two movies with two completely different objectives in mind. 

Okay, so this is still a persona 5 strikers post, I promise, but the idea is the same: Persona 5 could basically do whatever it wanted—new story, new characters, new everything, and it’s just plain old awesome. However, Persona 5 strikers did not have that sort of freedom. It was bound to the original game, and it had its own rules and stuff it had to keep intact, characters they had to work with, and on top of that, it had to justify its existence as a sequel (lets pretend money doesnt exist lmfao). 

SO, the big question is: did it do that? Did it justify its existence? 

And my answer: holy fuck did it ever do that

I came into this game knowing the extreme bare minimum. I knew there was someone named Sophia, and i knew there was roadtrip, and i knew there were Personas. That’s my knowledge of it before i played it on the Switch.  I should also clarify like, early on, that i was not expecting anything from this game. At all. I was the world’s biggest cynic of this game—if you scroll down my p5s tag far enough, youll just see me complaining about a game that hasn’t even come out yet. I was fully expecting to have this be a Waifu show, and any male character that isn’t Akira to just be shoved aside like some kind of nerd in a high school hallway, and i have never been more pleased to be wrong. In fact, i actually owe it an apology, because of how fucking rude i was for no reason!!! Because this game deserves everything to be honest. 

Persona 5 strikers is, frankly, insane. Insane in the sense that it got to pull shit off that just would never have existed in the original game, because the original game is scared. It had to be as impressive as possible and garner as much attention as possible. Strikers does not have that problem—every single person who bought that game does not need to be convinced that persona 5 is a good game. They already played it. That means Atlus can just fuck around and have a good time, and man did they have a good time. There’s still scenes that still shock me if i think about it too hard, because i’m used to atlus having to follow this sort of rule set when it comes to persona 5 (or any of the main games im assuming, but i havent played them.) And on top of that, there’s still shit that’s Atlus Trademarked Branded in a good way. The style of story of story telling, and revealing the mystery that is so integral to what p5 is, is still there. 

So, to make this even a little bit comprehensible, i will make a list! 

First of all, What is this game?

In short, this game is an OVA of an anime. It’s bonus side content that has one thing in mind: to showcase these lovable characters more by putting them in fun situations. That’s it, and it is just phenomenal. That was the main point of, i’d say, like forty hours of the game. It’s just fun times with fun characters. 

But to get deeper of what i think is happening, or what they were thinking during the development, is that this is a second opportunity. Persona 5 (as we all know) had a lot of problems, and we were not quiet about those problems. We yelled it all out, made posts, made complaints on every social media platform ever. And Atlus heard all of them, and Strikers is a way to mitigate those mistakes. Aside from being a fun OVA, Strikers also works to be a deeper exploration of these characters—more specifically, the characters that did not receive much in the original game. Creating this sequel is having the ability to redo what they felt (or to be more specific, we felt) in the original game while adding new ones. I will get to that in a second.  

The format of the game 

Absolutely brilliant to throw them on a road trip. P5V already forced us to experience Shibuya for 200+ hours, and im so glad that they didn’t do that again. Going from town to town, making us experience these new places alongside our favorite characters is so good, and it just makes sense. It’s fun, it’s lighthearted, and it’s actually shockingly good. But one thing i do want to talk about early on is the way the story unfolds and the villains that they use, and what they do with it because it’s very interesting. 

So as we explore japan and stuff, we encounter jails, and with those jails comes an antagonist. This antagonist works to be a parallel to one of our characters. That character will find it in their hearts to feel bad for the antagonist, because the antagonist could have been them had the original game not happen. At first I thought all of the thieves were gonna get an antagonist, and i was really hyped for the ryuji one. And then came to hour forty of the game where i realized “yeah that’s not gonna happen. There’s just not enough time.” And i was right, and the game ended. But i am not salty at all, honestly, because the people who got a direct antagonist were: Ann, Yusuke, and Haru. (we wont count zen and sophie). 

Is there a trend??? Yes. these are all characters in the original game that have received the worst treatment by atlus. The three of them are basically cast aside the minute they finished their original arc, and its horrible! BUT that’s why this is the path that atlus chose for them—to give them more depth, and screentime, and a way to show their inner self. That isn’t to say that the ones who aren’t those three (makoto, futaba, mona, akira, ryuji) didn’t get anything. Futaba still has her thing at the end with ichinose, and she was very prevalent and animated during the rest of the game. Mona and Akira have to be a focal points, that’s just the nature of the game. The other two though, I will talk about in depth in a second.  

Makoto

Y’all i poke fun at shumako fans sometimes cause its kind of easy and fun, but i honestly love makoto. In my very first playthrough of p5 (my first ever jrpg game, first persona game, i had no idea what i was doing), i had only maxed out two characters: ryuji and makoto. And i know she had a lot of screentime and love in the original game which is great, but i truly felt like she was dissed in this game. Her only roles were

A driver

Someone to tell them “we don’t have a choice. Let’s keep going and see where this takes us.” (seriously, if you replay this game, you will see how much she does this)

Idk, i just wish she had more to do, especially compared to how much love they gave the other characters. 

But let’s talk about some of the new characters! 

Zenkichi

Damn you atlus. Damn you and your insistence at bringing in cop characters. I was fully on board with hating zenkichi, i was fucking ready for it. I was convinced that there was nothing they could do convince to like zenkichi. I was immune to their copaganda. 

And then i ended up loving him, which makes me sad a little bit. I didn’t realize how desperate i was to have an adult who has a persona. Someone who wants the world to change just as much as they do, while still having that aspect of them that makes them adult. Like??? As someone who is technically an adult, its a breath of fresh air. An adult. Who fights. For justice. Using a persona. And god i love akane so much, and her obsession with the thieves (that scene is probably in my top ten fave scenes of the game). Also what i loved about zenkichi is that he fucking hates the cops!! He hates the system of the cops!! And thats why i actually really started to love him!! Because i thought it was atlus saying that the systematic problem of the police cannot be solved by one person, and zenkichi threw away his badge. I actually cried at that part!! 

But then he became a cop again, and i was just :/ but as a character, i really love him to bits and would love to do a study on him, or at least use him as an outside pov. But! i absolutely love his persona, since im a les miserables fan hehe

Sophia 

she’s probably my favorite new aspect of the game. I was ready to not like her—again, i just suck like that, lmfao—and when i saw her, i was scared that she was just another waifu. I mean, she was very cute after all. But then as the game went on, i thought she was a little too cute. And even further into the game, i finally slapped myself in the face and realized oh my god shes not a waifu. Shes a sister. 

That blew my mind, im ngl to you. A female character that isn’t supposed to be romanced? By jove, what a miracle! 

And she…is an amazing character. Im sorry, i just love her so much. I love her so much that she  probably ranks as my fifth or sixth favorite character which is surprising even to me. Everything about her is delightful and invigorating. She’s funny??? Her comedic timing is amazing, and she has such chemistry with the rest of the team. She’s actually useful to the plot, and while her character design is a little too on the nose for me in terms of cuteness (i mean, good god she’s wearing oversized sweater to show how cute and tiny she is, and her hair has literal hearts in it), she is absolutely lovable. 

But what i actually really wanna gush about for a second is sophia at the last stage of the game. You get the idea, i dont really like to get excited over things, so at this point i figured that there was nothing this game could do to shock me. 

And then sophia had a persona awakening. 

Like. holy fuck did i yell. I didnt realize what was happening until the music had already kicked in. and its just so fucking smart!!! Sophia??? The ai?? With no heart?? gOT A PERSONA???? AWAKENING??? BECAUSE SHE LEARNED WHAT THE HEART IS AND THE PASSION THAT YOU NEED IN ORDER TO GET A PERSONA??? I started crying honestly, because it was just so smart. And looking back on it now, its obvious!! Of course it would lead to this, it only made sense that the culmination of her character arc leads to her getting a persona, nothing else would have been as good. Also, her voice actor is just amazing?? When she was talking to ichinose at the end, i actually got incredibly emotional because of the line reads. Its just so spot on and it really captures the essence of sophia.

Muah. five stars Atlus. You got me. 

Ryuji <3!!!!

Oh man. Oh boy. Okay. so where do i start. 

Yall know i love him. Hes probably my favorite fictional male character of all time, and he is the one i was the absolute most cynical about in this game. I was expecting literally nothing. Nothing. Like. nothing. I thought he was just gonna keep being used as a joke, or a gag, and he’s gonna be super horny all the time for the other girls and it was gonna make me mad and there was gonna be some insane homophobic/queerphobic jokes in every other scene and i know i was being unfair, but i cant help it. 

And then i played the first two hours of the game, and i cried the entire time. Because ryuji has never been better than he is in this game. Its crazy. 

The ryuji in persona 5 strikers is who ryuji should have been/how he should have been treated this entire time. From the actual funny jokes (for example, the gold bar joke + his reaction to it in the beginning of the game), defending his female friends instead of being the one people need to defend from (natsume arc), and the fact that he was the one to be there with morgana and akira in the very beginning of the game. Its such a small thing that they didnt even need to do, but it was such an integral part of the original game for me, that i just was convinced that nothing like this was going to happen. But then it happened. Its just small stuff like that that could have been overlooked but it wasn’t because this game? Persona 5 strikers? Fucking loves ryuji. 

The actual respect they gave this boy is insane and i wasn't ready for it. Like, they gave the shujin trio lunch, they gave the little charm of the katana when they were in natsume’s jail, and, in my opinion this is the second-best thing that they could have given ryuji is sophia. Ryuji and sophia are the pinnacle of a brother & sister bonding relationship in the game that isn’t akira & futaba. And its really prevalent too?? Small stuff from the beginning of the game (pulling her out of a jail, calling her shorty), but then you have the iconic “shut the fuck up” scene, and that scene was so well characterized and written and voice acted, that somehow him saying “fuck” was the least exciting part of that scene to me. Ryuji is an older brother to her, like its undoubtable, and its only further cemented at the end of the game where Ryuji helps out ichinose because he knows how much sophia cares about her. This game. Love ryuji. And i love. This game. 

You know what else i love? Akiryu. 

Guys. i was fully prepared to starve in terms of akiryu. But theres just. So much of it. I wont get too deep into it, because i think this aspect of the game for me still needs marinate a little bit. Like, what was that last shot when EMMA died and Ryuji walked to approach Akira so they could relish in their victory together?? And the smile from both of them??? What the fuck. That was amazing. Also Joker being saved by Ryuji when he was about to fall from the cliff to save sophia??? WHAT. The LEADER AND HIS RIGHT HAND MAN? WHAT. anyway. If theres anything i want to keep for myself in my own brain, its the akiryu aspect of this game, so i wont talk too much about that part of things (instead, itll probably manifest in fic lmfaooo). 

Sure, there’s tidbits of stuff i dont like that they gave ryuji: sexualizing ann in that one cut scene and making him touch the jails even though it hurts, and i recognize those and frown at them, but for the most part, i am blown away with how they treated him.

Basically, Ryuji has never been better. From the opening of the game with him being the first text message and the one to sling his arm around akira, to the very last cut scene where it was ryuji wordlessly leaving because he’s so confident that they would never be separated for long, this game adores Ryuji and i am so so happy to say that.

The Royal aspect of things

Yeah, i had to talk about this, but itll be a short thing i just wanted to point out. Because the last part of this game...is persona 5 royal. Which is curious. Like taking reality and giving that power to someone else so you dont have to experience suffering anymore? And even like, the final section just looked a lot like the top half of maruki’s palace?? And whats even crazier is that we had a boss fight with sophia, just like how we had a boss fight with sumire? Royal and Strikers have like, the same thesis statement. It’s kind of uncanny.It’s interesting, it’s like atlus came up with these two ideas, and then just decided they liked both of them so much that they just did it twice. I don’t mind though—actually, in terms of how the last Palace/Jails go, i probably like them both about equally. 

Though i did love the final battle in this one more than i did in royal. Splitting into teams?? Thats cool as fuck, and really innovative and i didnt see it coming. It also kicked my ass. A lot. 

Now for the last stretch: the small stuff!

The music — bomb as fuck. In my heart, Daredevil is ranked the same as Rivers. Axe to grind is also amazing, but Daredevil owns me

Akechi — i really debated whether or not to talk about him, but i figured a bullet point should be enough. Im really shocked that he wasnt in this at all. Like not even a name drop. If this is an OVA, and the point of the game is to please the fans, and akechi is arguably the fan favorite character, i was really ready for something. But there was nothing, except for the pancake hallway if that even counts as a reference. Thats it. Thats all i wanted to say about him.

The humour — FUCKING HILARIOUS im convinced that in my fifty hour playtime, five of that is dedicated to me laughing and unable to continue the game 

Akira — so much personality! His lines of dialogue are crazy sometimes (like. Whats up with him saying Ryuji has ‘nice abs’ when they were in bath? Im crazy and even i dont know what the fuck that could mean) 

Battle system — oh my god i almost forgot to talk about this. I love it! I kind of miss the turn based aspect just because i found it very comforting for some reason, but this hack and slash style of gameplay is so invigorating because i do feel like it justifies shit like the baton pass and huge attacks.  This battle system fully encompases how the Phantom Thieves are supposed to fight, you know what i mean?

Anyway, thats my thoughts on strikers. Loved it. Amazing. 9.3/10, wouldve been higher but Konoe’s Jail almost bored me to death. Also im a monster and i didnt do any requests that isn’t a fun one, teehee. As if i play persona 5 for the persona aspect of things.

[starker-stories]

Long Lenses

It’s been awhile since I posted something new & original. This has been sitting forgotten in my WIPs for a bit. Lost it, found it, posting it.

Also on AO3

If you like what I write, may I recommend subscribing to my feed? After having lost my blog to my own idiocy, I kinda have a distrust of tumblr. I’ve had other issues here with things just disappearing for no reason. Plus when tumblr (or I) mess up, anything below a readmore disappears. So AO3 is the best place to read my stuff. It’s ALL there, long or short. 

Relationships: Peter Parker/Tony Stark, Pepper Potts/Tony Stark Characters: Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Quentin Beck, May Parker (Spider-Man) Additional Tags: Cheating, College Student Peter Parker, Closeted Character, Arguing, Happy Ending, Manipulation, Closeted Tony Stark, Press and Tabloids, Secret Relationship, Homophobic Language, used only once, Outing, Offscreen Pepper Potts, Cheating isn't Starker

Summary:  “You’d much rather give the world the image of a happily married heterosexual man than to have the world know that you just go through the motions with her and are secretly as gay as I am,” Peter said bitterly. -------------------------------------------------------------------

“Stay,” Peter said, lying in bed still long before dawn on Sunday morning. He watched Tony dress.

“You know I can’t.” Tony made sure that his suit was appropriately rumpled, his shirt pulled out on one side, his tie askew. He took a drink, rinsed his mouth with the strong scotch. Sloshed a little out of the glass onto his shirt to make the picture believable.

“Stay.” Peter reached out his hand. Tony bent over and kissed Peter, who frowned. “I hate it when you smell like that. Almost as much as I hate the way you smell on Saturday afternoon when you get here. I don’t know what’s worse, watching you pretend to be a drunk or having you smell like her.”

“Peter, you knew the terms when you said yes.”

“And I knew the terms when you said you were going to leave her. When’s that gonna happen, huh?”

Tony sighed. “I hate it when you wake up.”

“You’d rather just sneak out and leave me to wake up to an empty bed,” Peter said angrily.

“Look, she knows I go out with friends on Saturday night. She hates it and gives me hell for it, but I’m here every single Saturday. I have ‘business meetings’ scheduled every Wednesday. Which, since she’s still my PA, she knows I don’t.”

“After which you’re always out the door before ten.”

“Peter, if you don’t like it, I just won’t do it anymore, okay?”

“I’m that fucking inconsequential to you?”

“You know that’s not true. I love you.”

“Not enough to leave her.”

“Things are complicated.”

“Of course they are. You’d much rather give the world the image of a happily married heterosexual man than to have the world know that you just go through the motions with her and are secretly as gay as I am,” Peter said bitterly.

Tony sighed and headed for the door. “Whatever Peter.”

Before the door shut, with a tear strained voice, “Will I see you Wednesday?”

His answer was a closed door.

It didn’t stop him from fixing dinner for two after his last class on Wednesday afternoon. Or waiting nervously to see if the door to the apartment Tony paid for would open by Tony’s key. Almost two hours late, it did.

Tony leaned over and gave Peter a peck on the cheek. “Sorry. I tried to get out as soon as I could, but things ran long.”

He always smelled like her on Wednesdays but this time her perfume was stronger than normal. “It’s okay. I just turned the lasagna down when I noticed you were running late.”

Tony sat at the kitchenette table and watched as Peter laid the dinner. “How was class? Professor Martinez still giving you a hard time?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” Peter smiled as Tony poured the wine for both of them. “I thought I’d take fifteen hours next semester instead of twelve. Other than physics, the rest is a breeze. I can handle more work.” He paused. “Is that going to be okay? It’s going to cost more.”

“If you think you can handle the course load, you know I have no problem with that, baby. I want you to get whatever you can out of school. Fifteen hours a semester? And if you take summer courses, you can graduate in three years.”

Peter laughed. “One more than it took you.”

“Yeah baby, but I got all my prereqs done while I was in high school. You had to trudge through all that last year.”

“I just didn’t want to take summer classes, that’s all. You mentioned something about a yacht,” Peter said teasingly.

“Yeah, well…”

Peter tried to hide his disappointment. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It’s just that the press… every time I take the boat out, they’re out there with their long lenses. Fuck, last time they caught me and Pep nude sunbathing with a drone.”

Peter’s lips drew into a sharp line. He’d seen those pictures of course. Nude sunbathing wasn’t the half of what they’d caught. “Summer classes are fine,” he said tersely.

“I’m sorry baby.” Tony reached his hand across the table and took Peter’s in it.

Peter shrugged. “It is what it is, right?”

“I was thinking…” Tony smiled. “I’d take a hell of a hit in the prenup, but if she caught me with another woman… We still couldn’t be public, but as a single man I’d have a lot more time to spend with you.”

Peter brightened. “You’d do that?”

“Pretty sure she already suspects something. It wouldn’t be hard to convince her. To have some ‘well meaning’ friend of hers catch me with a girlfriend and tell her.”

“Then I’d just have to share you with your girlfriend. There’d have to be one, right?”

“Just for show.”

“Why can’t it just be us? No one would care.”

“I still do business in a lot of parts of the world where they do care.”

“I’ll never have you to myself, will I?”

“You’ll always be the only one who I love. Why do we have to fight? I get to see you so little, I hate to spend it fighting.”

Peter smiled. “I can think of much better ways to spend the next two hours.”

~~~~~

It wasn’t difficult to make a device to disguise his voice. Finding a payphone in a New York suburb was harder, but he hacked into the phone company’s computer and got a list of every functional payphone within twenty miles of a train stop. Getting there untraceably was another challenge. But trains were anonymous and cab drivers even more so when you behaved normally without anything odd to set you apart from dozens of other fares. The phone was a lot closer to the train station than he thought, so he decided that after his call, he’d just walk back there. Even more anonymous.

Finding a reporter with a grudge against Tony Stark wasn’t hard at all. Finding one who had the clout to push a controversial story past frightened editors narrowed the field down to one, Quentin Beck.

“Mr. Beck? I’ve got some news about Tony Stark you might be interested in.”

“I doubt it. I’d need sources and those dry up as soon as Stark starts throwing his money around.”

“He’s having an affair.”

“I thought you said news. Everyone knows that he cheats on his wife.”

“With another man?” Peter added.

“You have my attention. That’s a hell of an accusation. I’ll need details and undeniable proof.”

“Details I can give you. Proof, you’ll have to get on your own.”

“Details then,” Beck said tersely.

“They meet every week.”

“How do you know this?”

“I see him go in. I know who lives there.”

“How do you know that he’s not seeing a woman there? Because like I said, that’s no news at all.”

“The women living in that building are either old or with kids,” Peter expected Beck to take the bait sooner than that. He was having to improvise.

“Lotta women with kids screw around.”

“The only man living in that building is a queer. Stark’s gotta be at least twice his age. It’s sick.” It hurt Peter to have to refer to both of them like that, but Beck was still resisting.

“Address?”

Peter gave him the address of the building he lived in. “He’s there every Saturday. I don’t know if there’s any other time. I’ve seen him go in. My shift ends at two and I’ve never seen him come out, so he stays until after that.” There were three different all night businesses on the same block as his apartment. It wasn’t unbelievable that someone in one of them could’ve seen Tony go into his building.

“Who are you? So I can credit you.”

Peter laughed. “I’m not losing my job over this.”

“So you’re just a concerned citizen.”

“Yep. I don’t like perverts passing themselves off as good married men.”

~~~~~

It was easy for Peter to take the intercom in his apartment apart and disconnect the buzzer to let Tony in on Saturday afternoon.

“Something’s wrong with my door thing.” Peter explained as he came down to the door. He was barefoot and wearing shorts so short they were barely covered by the hem of his t-shirt. “I can hear the doorbell ring, but I can’t buzz anyone in. My pizza last night was almost sent back. Fortunately the delivery guy phoned me.” He leaned up and gave Tony a quick peck on the cheek as he shut the glass lobby door behind him.

“Glad to see you’re in a better mood tonight.” Tony smiled and caught Peter by the waist returning his peck with a more substantial kiss.

“I get to have you in my bed all night, of course I’m in a better mood.” Peter smiled, took Tony’s hand and led him up the stairs to his apartment which was over a block of small shops.

There was no arguing, no demands, no pouting. Peter had no idea if Beck actually took his tip seriously or not. But it was a last ditch effort to finally have Tony be his. Tony would never know how Quentin Beck got his information. He was one of the reporters who dogged him ceaselessly and one he hadn’t been able to control. Peter was fairly certain that Tony would believe it was just bad luck and Beck following him trying to get dirt on something else.

Upstairs, Tony took apart Peter’s intercom and found the singed wire he made to look like an ordinary short.

“Thank you. It’s so hard to get the super up to do anything around here. I’m not complaining. It’s a nice apartment, close to school, and right on the subway, so it’s perfect. But you know… they try to get away with doing as little work as possible.”

Tony laughed. “I should buy the building.”

“It’s a little down market for you, don’t you think?”

~~~~~

It was one of the best Saturday nights they’d had in a long time. Especially since Peter pretended to be very hard asleep when Tony got up to leave. He grumbled a little and turned over but then drifted (or seemed to) right back off.

Now all he had to do was wait for the papers. It was probably too late to make it into Sunday’s but Monday morning? Peter didn’t buy a copy. He didn’t want the evidence lying around his apartment. But the library at school had subscriptions to every New York paper. It wasn’t in the paper Beck worked for. Peter was about to give up, disappointed that his scheming came to nothing. Then he saw the tabloid. It didn’t have a byline for Quentin Beck, just ‘staff’. Peter supposed that when his editor shot him down, Beck decided that a paycheck was worth more than a byline.

The pictures were remarkably clear. Peter winced at seeing how clear his face was in addition to Tony’s. He winced harder when he read the article and found out that either Beck or the tabloid’s staff had discovered his name from the apartment’s records. And even worse, they had copies of checks from Tony’s private account that showed he paid Peter’s rent.

He ran home from the school library. There were reporters outside his door. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I forgot my chemistry text. I need to get back before my next class. Why are you here? Let me through! Don’t touch me!” He twisted out of the reporter’s grasp. He was shaking so hard he couldn’t get his key to work. They were shouting questions at him and cameras were going off around him. Three tries later, he was inside the lobby where reporters weren’t allowed to go. He didn’t wait for the elevator but ran up the stairs. He pulled the curtains shut and curled up in the middle of the bed, crying. 

Clearly, he had not thought this through. He had grossly miscalculated and he regretted his decision tremendously. Instead of doing something to assure him of finally having Tony all to himself, he might have driven him away permanently.

Peter sat staring at his phone, hoping Tony would call. It rang often, but he didn’t answer. Tony had a special ringtone. All other calls, even from his friends, he rejected. Tony didn’t call. Peter imagined he was busy trying to put out the fires on his end. After a few hours, he tried to call Tony. It rang once and then went straight to voicemail. He didn’t leave a message. He waited another hour to the same results. The next call, two hours later, he left a voicemail.

“Tony, I’m scared. They’re outside my door. I… I didn’t say anything. I didn’t know what to say. I’m locked in and I’m alone and I don’t know what’s going on.” He was crying. “What happened, Tony? Please call me back. Please. I know… I know things have to be bad for you too. But I’m scared, Tony. I’m scared.” 

Not only might he lose Tony, but his whole life was about to be ruined. If they had the rent checks, they would find other things too. Like his school schedule. Like the fact that Tony was paying his tuition. That he’d set up an account for Peter to pay for groceries and books and other little things. Oh god, they might even find out his aunt’s name and number.

“May? Has anyone… Have you…” Peter was sobbing.

“Peter, what’s going on? I went to work and my friend showed me the paper. You and Tony Stark? Is that true? I know they can make pictures up to look like whatever they want.”

“It’s true. It was a secret. It was supposed to stay a secret. I don’t know how they found out. They’re outside my door. I could barely get into my apartment building.”

“He’s married, Peter. How could you!”

“He said he was going to leave her. He said he loved me.”

May sighed. “Sweetie, they don’t ever leave their wives, you know that. Men like Tony Stark… he buys and sells people like they were nothing.”

“He isn’t like that, May. He… he was going to leave her. He had a plan and everything. It was just going to take time. He loves me and I love him.” He sniffled and tried to stop crying. “Are you okay? They haven’t bothered you, have they?”

“I’ve had some calls but I hung up on them. But no one’s been here at the apartment though. Not like your place. The internet has the story already. I saw your picture trying to get into your building.” She paused. “Is it true he pays for your rent?”

“Y-y-yeah.” He was sniffling again. “And my tuition and everything else.”

“So you don’t have a job like you told me.”

“I used to. When I told you, I was an intern at Stark Industries, that was true. But it only lasted a few months before Tony and I… I’m sorry May. I didn’t want to lie to you, but it had to be a secret. He couldn’t have anyone knowing.” He started crying again. “Now everybody knows. And he isn’t calling me back.”

“Peter, even if everything you said is true, that he loves you and was going to leave his wife, he can’t call you right now. If… I don’t even know how to explain this to you… you’re young. You don’t know what it’s like to be married.”

“Not you and Ben… that never happened between you, did it?” Peter sounded afraid.

“No, no. Neither of us were like that. But you hear about it from friends. There are friends I have at the hospital whose husbands cheated on them. It’s… messy. It’s complicated. And that’s without being famous and the press hounding them all the time. This can’t be easy for his wife. Think about her. I don’t mean to be harsh, sweetie, but you just ruined her life.”

“I’m not the first affair he’s had,” Peter said defensively.

“But you’re the one he got caught with. And the only man.”

“Not even that.”

“Okay. But you’re the one she can’t deny or push under the carpet or pretend she doesn’t know about.”

“I don’t care about her,” Peter said angrily.

“That’s obvious,” May said, with a little anger of her own.

“It’s not my fault.”

“Whose is it? You knew he was married. The whole world knows he’s married. Sure, it took both of you, but you didn’t have to say yes. How long has this been going on?”

“About a year and a half.”

“Peter!”

“We’re in love. He doesn’t love her. He hasn’t loved her for a long time. Even before me.”

“I can believe that man has no morals, but you? I thought…”

“I’m in love with him,” Peter interrupted her. “That’s all I know. I’m in love with him.” Peter was sobbing. “You don’t know him like I do. Nobody does. He’s different when he’s with me.”

“Well, I’m not going to talk to anyone about it. I didn’t know anything and obviously, I still don’t know anything. I thought I knew you but…”

“You do. You just don’t get it. We fell in love. That’s not something you can control.”

“But you can control acting on it. I’m sorry you’re in the mess you’re in, but it’s a mess you made for yourself. You have to think of the other people whose lives you ruined by choosing to sleep with a married man.”

~~~~~

It was after midnight before Tony’s ringtone played on Peter’s phone. “Tony?” he asked hesitantly.

“Yeah baby. I’m so sorry. I should’ve known… I never meant for you to be caught up in this. The damn fucking reporters follow me everywhere.”

“Are you okay?”

“I will be. Like was going to happen with my plan, I’m gonna take a hell of a hit to the pocket by the prenup. She insisted on a cheating clause, knowing my lack of ability to keep it in my pants. But she never would’ve pulled that trigger unless something went public.”

“But you can manage that, right?”

“It’s not gonna send me to the poorhouse, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I’m not. You know I don’t love you for your money. I hope you do.”

“I know baby. Bad joke. Sorry.”

“Are you still at home?”

“Nope. I mean, it’s still going to be my home once the separation’s over and done with. The building belongs to the company and the company belongs to me. I’ll need to buy out her share of the penthouse, but that’s not a problem. It was just prudent that I be the one to leave right now. Give her time to cool down, let the lawyers hash things out.”

“I wasn’t sure you’d call.” He paused. “Ever.”

“Really? Doubt me that much?”

Peter sighed heavily. “Things don’t usually work out well for the ‘other woman’.”

“Yeah, but the guy usually isn’t in love with the ‘other woman’. I love you.”

“Still? Even though…” He sighed again. “The other woman turned out to be the other man?”

“It’s kind of a relief, actually. I mean, yeah, life is gonna be hard for awhile, but then we can be together.”

“You still want that?”

“You still want me?” Tony asked.

“Yeah, Tony. I’m kind of in love with you.” He paused, twirling the fringe on his bedspread in his fingers. “My aunt kinda hates me.”

“I’m sorry. The whole homewrecker thing?” Tony asked.

“Yeah. She doesn’t understand.”

“It doesn’t help that the papers are… fucking ruthless. But what’s done is done. No putting this genie back in his closet,” he laughed wryly.

“I’m sorry Tony.”

“Not your fault baby. It just never happened before because I never stayed with the same person for more than a few nights. After a year and a half, my habits got picked up on. Traveling to the same place on a regular schedule. Someone was bound to catch me sooner or later.”

“So what’s gonna happen now?” Peter asked.

“Well, I could always have Happy drive by and pick you up to bring you to my suite at the Plaza.”

“What‽”

Tony chuckled. “Not like we have to keep it a secret anymore. Not like the whole world doesn’t know I’m into guys after today’s headlines. Not like she can sue me twice for cheating on her. The only question is how much heat are you willing to bear to be with me. Because it’s gonna get really hot for you, baby. They’re gonna dig out every nasty word in the thesaurus and print them.”

“Do I get to be with you?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Let them print,” Peter said with fierce determination. “I’ll send them a list in case their thesaurus isn’t complete.”

[youngbugandtonystank]

1 of 9/ Hello, I don't even have a Tumblr (I just lurk on tags) but what you said about Tom Holland really resonated with me. I myself was introduced to Spider-Man, like most people, with the Tobey movies and I've consumed every piece of media from Spider-Man ever since (and yes, I've read almost every single Spider-Man comic there is.), but Tom's portrayal of Spider-Man really stood out to me. I love what was done with the character and I was so relieved when they didn't do Spider-Man's origin

2 of 9/ because I've seen/read it enough. Would it be nice to hear more mentions about Uncle Ben? Of course! But it's clear that Tom's Peter has come to terms with his death, and it seems like the Spider-Man fandom needs to do this as well.I think it's funny how you mention about people complaining about Tom not being Tobey because I swear the vast majority of all the complaints against him are from Tobey fans. I've seen them complain when Andrew Garfield was Spider-Man, in Tom interviews,

3 of 9/ clips from the movies, and I even saw some of them whining when Brian Intihar (creative director) of the Spider-Man video game said Tom was his favorite Spider-Man. Now this isn't all of Tobey fans cause there's some great ones out there that are not like that, but it seems like a lot of the complaints come from them just because Tom and Andrew aren't Tobey. Also those people who complain about Spider-Man and Tony's father-son relationship that it's unrealistic are essentially

4 of 9/ telling me that they've never read the comics. I'll explain; in the comics pre-Civil War, Peter and Tony had a father-son relationship until Civil War happened. Peter was on Tony's side during Civil War, but started to feel a bit unsure. Once he saw the prison where Tony was keeping people he switched sides because of how horrible it was. And at that point, their father-son relationship ended (they're friendly with each other now but that's it). Here's a quote from Peter from

5 of 9/Amazing Spider-Man Issue #544, "I trusted you! I let you get close to me... you were like a father to me!" And there's another quote from Amazing Spider-Man Issue #641 that mentions Tony and Peter's father-son relationship again. Doctor Strange says to Tony, "You once cared deeply about Peter. You saw something in him. You believed in him when no one else did- until he stopped believing in you."(I'll post the rest when my ask limit expires.)

6 of 9/So, yes, a part that people complain a lot about is something that is canon within the comics. Also the point of Spider-Man being in the MCU is to be able to play in the sandbox with other Marvel characters so it's not surprising that they decided to make Tony, Peter's new father figure since it allows for Spider-Man to have a deeper connection in the MCU since Iron Man is kinda the face of the MCU. Now the other complaint is Spider-Man being another Iron Man, which once again tells  

7 of 9/me they didn't pay attention to the movies. In FFH the symbolism of Peter's Stark suit getting destroyed and him making a new one, shows that Peter is shedding himself of Tony's legacy and that Peter has fully become Spider-Man. There's even a quote from Rachel O'Connor (executive producer) from the 'Suit Up' bonus feature in the FFH Blu-Ray that states this about Peter making the suit.

8 of 9/ "That is really important on a thematic level and symbolizes Peter's evolution as a character and his coming to the point where he is willing to step up. The suits that Tony has made for him rely a lot on technology, which is sort of Tony's superpower. Peter doesn't need it because he's Spider-Man. Part of making the suit in Tony's workshop is to step up but on his own terms. Not to try to be Iron Man, but to be Spider-Man." I'd give more examples, but you already did a great enough job.

9 of 9/ As a long time Spider-Man fan I'm just sick and tired of all this hate being thrown about. Love whatever Spider-Man you love, but don't attack other people's love for their Spider-Man just because it's not the one you like. Anyways that's enough rambling from me. Just wanted to say that I loved your post and wanted to add some more proof to your points.

Thank you. 

All of this is very important and valid. I'm glad you're adding your point of view and I'm grateful for it. We need more fans like you.

[shellheadtm-a]

Steve x Tony @shieldslinger​ / send me a ship and-

Who asks the other on dates:  lbh with each other here, these are the kind of assholes that have an actual date night.  sometimes they even make it to it and do date things.  but also let's be honest with the fact they've been going on dates for years and were too dumb to realize it.  museums?  burgers and a movie?  you know they've done it, you know it was a date, and you know they had literally no idea.  because they're dumbasses. Who is the bigger cuddler:  with all the unnecessary touching that went on with them from like literally steve's first day out of the ice and you come into my home and ask that question?  as touchy as they were before (those sweet, sweet shoulder squeezes of validation) you know it's worse now.  movie night's probably a nightmare just because you know it's either bc tony's draped some part of himself on steve, or they're jammed so close together you couldn't squeeze a sheet of paper between them, or...listen.  when two tactile people love each other very much, they're probably really gross and annoyingly handsy, and i don't mean in the...gropey kind of way, they're just touchy.  all the time.  must toch.  plus they have a shitton of issues, which probably doesn't help in that either but eh. Who initiates holding hands more often:  there's a theme here, you know that right.  there's a theme here, because it's a theme in canon, and it's tony offering a hand up to steve.  like it's a thing, you know it, i know it, so if you don't think tony's needy hand holder in this relationship, you'd be wrong.  it's sad, he gets this weird little thrill at even being able to do that, and on the one hand...you gotta feel bad for him.  he'd take whatever steve gives him and tell himself that's enough and he's content with it, because it's steve.  but knowing steve's okay with it?  a religious experience.

Who remembers anniversaries:  well, it's not steve rogers, i can tell you that.  and you know what, that's okay, and that's fair, and tony loves him anyway.  he might be the man with a plan, but he's useless with a planner.  he gets caught up in things, it's fine, tony remembers for the both of them, it's why he has friday.  what i'm saying is the only one who really remembers any important dates at all is friday. Who is more possessive:  i don't know that...you could really classify either of them that way?  overly protective, sure.  clucky with mother hen tendencies, the both of them, yeah.  taking what they can of each other's time, even if it's just to be able to say good night and good morning, absolutely.  but i don't think...with who they are as people, they really can't be. Who gets more jealous:  which goes back to being possessive, right, like tony has a little jealous streak but it doesn't manifest blatantly as one.  two, they're public figures so...there's not a lot of room for jealousy there.  like captain america and iron man might be characters they play (which are still them, i know i've talked about it but bear with me, it's an idealized version of them, separate from the inner selves) but they're public, you know, they're superheroes, and there's an expectation you share each other with the job.  and with the people you save.  with the world, really.  i think it's more about taking what time they do have as steve and tony more than anything else. Who is more protective:  this is a joke, right?  this is a joke.  these two idiots would throw themselves in front of each other over and over and over again if you let them.  that said, tony's moreso.  and i'll tell you why.  everything he's done?  all the bad?  the times he's sold his soul?  was to keep steve - and their loved ones - safe.  or happy, in a situation where there was really nothing they could do.  every time.  or i'll go one better.  tony will absolutely trade his own life for steve's in the blink of an eye, because he's always believed between the two of them steve's the better man.  he's done it.  willingly.  without a second thought once he's made the decision to do it.  he probably has a "sacrifing myself for the greater good and especially steve" face.  i'd like to lie and say that he understands if something happened to him how badly it would hurt steve but...if it came down to a choice of tony dying if it meant steve would live, he'd trade himself in a heartbeat.  that's uh.  something he's working on (he's not). Who is more likely to cheat:  this really is a joke.  steve "my middle name is noble" rogers and tony "has been in love with steve rogers for years" stark.  like tony would never, ever, ever say it, but this is it.  i don't mean in some fatalistic way, and i mean he fully believes he has an expiration date so he wouldn't say anything anyway, but this is it.  steve's always been The One.  his Person.  never would happen, not in a million fucking years. Who initiates sexy times the most:  you would think the answer is anthony edward stark and in most cases you'd be right, but steve rogers is not most cases, it is steve rogers and the rules don't apply to him.  by which i mean surprisingly steve is the proactive one here, and i think it's because tony is...he is hesitant.  it's weird, he's pushy with his forms of affection and then he backs off in this arena but i would argue he's getting better about it, and that the only reason he is like that is because he doesn't...he's very careful with steve, really, he's still walking on eggshells a little.  give him time, the tables will turn, he'll be pouncing steve from dark corners like an overgrown house cat with the 3am zoomies and a need to fight. Who dislikes PDA the most:  they're not, you know, public yet.  so it's not like this is really a thing outside of their friends circle, and even then, like.  i'm willing to bet literally nothing has changed in the slightest except you might walk in on them smoochin.  oh, the huge manatee.  tbf, for some people it might be (clint, looking directly at you) considering who wants to see their parents doing that but you know.  tough tiddy.  anyway, they’re just...not really the type. Who kills the spider:  listen they know some spiders who are very good people, and it's not nice to talk about premeditated murder.  there is a strict catch and release program in place and by that i mean tony will absolutely release said spiders back with their people.  except nat, because she's scary. Who asks the the other to marry them:  steve's joked around about that once.  once.  and tony did not take it well with his past history of failed relationships.  not out of a fear of committment, are you kidding me, this is tony who makes being married a personality trait.  but because he thinks he's a jinx.  i can tell you one thing, it won't be him that asks, if they ever get around to doing something more official than cohabitating.  shaking up.  whatever you want to call it.  not unless it's a jokey thing that gets taken seriously (which would change his tune embarrassingly fast).  he's gunshy at this point.  he's been engaged a few times and it's telling that he doesn't have like three divorces under his belt.  and also they're still feeling out the new them, which is fine, it's good they're doing that.  but he'd say yes in a heartbeat. Who buys the other flowers or gifts:  the answer you're looking for is tony stark.  it is tony stark who does this, thank you.  it could be big things, like, i don't know, a mansion (hello, 890 5th avenue).  training robots for the gym that...no one needs to know the price tag on that steve's going systematically tear apart.  training scenarios for the danger room he's spent three days straight coding and putting together.  new uniforms.  or it could be little things like a book steve's been meaning to get and read or his favorite bagel or...either way.  it's just who tony is, he can't help it.  if he has it, he gives it.  honestly i feel like at some point steve's just learned to roll with it because there's no stopping it.  he's been doing it forever, since day one (hey guys, remember the cray mainframe?), but now he's signed up for no complaining so you know.  that's on him. Who would bring up possibly having kids:  said like it hasn't already happened.  it's steve, by the way.  it's 1000% steve and he's already done it and tony's giving ten million reasons why he shouldn't when he knows he's going to say yes, and so what i'm really getting at here is they need to start thinking nursery colors for the mansion, because they're not fooling anyone.  and they're gonna be amazing parents and that kid is gonna be the most spoiled, loved, protected baby ever.  she hit the jackpot and doesn't even know it.  this is also the only superfamily content i am here for.  just a dumbass, a himbo, and a superbaby.  also consider.  all the cute.  knitted things.  i demand cute knitted things, it's not up for debate. Who is more nervous to meet the parents:  that's...not an issue, for one thing.  for another, like.  literally their entire friends group are...all...the same people.  lbr there was literally a betting pool in place and i wonder who won.  it keeps me up at night, wondering who cashed in on tony and steve no longer being quite as big of a pair of dumbasses as they have been.  part of me hopes it was peter parker, i worry about you, spooder-min. Who sleeps on the couch when the other is angry:  tony uh.  will stay in his lab if they have a row but i can promise you he doesn't sleep much.  if at all.  it's part and parcel with the tony stark experience in this case.  he'll stay in his hidey hole and be sad because steve's mad at him, but won't do anything about it at first, just stay and be sad.  because he's sad.  and also Feeling An Emotion is hard and they don't know how to use their words. Who tries to make up first after arguments:  i'd argue 70% of the time it's probably tony.  like, they're both stubborn, we know that.  they both dig in their heels and think they're right, the other's wrong, and they're being stupid about it.  and about some things they're just literally never going to agree but don't know how to agree to disagree.  tony gets set in a rut and won't consider a deviation from what he's already decided is going to happen.  steve gets mulish and refuses to listen to another point of view.  they butt heads.  but honestly, at this point, at the end of the day (if he can stop sulking), after everything that's happened?  you know, at this point it's obvious that when they argue and stay mad, bad things tend to happen.  tony doesn't even have memories of the worst of it but he knows he took it badly, let's be real here (i say, like badly's not a hilarious understatement).  he may not apologize in a way that says he's wrong, but he may do it for helping escalate a fight.  bc, you know, blah blah, not half as good as anything as i am doing it next to you, blah blah, azure eyes, blah blah, good morning beloved. Who tells the other they love them more often:  honestly, now that those big scary words are out there, and there's no takebacksies in having said it, they've both been pretty free with them.  making up for lost time, i guess.  i think they have different tones, though.  tony's as free with those with steve as he's ever been with anything else.  he gives them...often?  and with no expectation of anything in return.  because that's how he's always been with steve.  and from steve like...a lot of time it seems like...as much as he says it?  it's a reassurance more than anything (because we know how tony is).  sometimes tony even lets himself believe it without second guessing himself.

[saelwen]

The Magic Pencil

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Chapter One

Masterlist

Summary: On one boring afternoon, Y/n finds a magical pencil which will make her wish come true, where the avengers are real and the tragic events from Thanos snap had to happen. (Sorry I'm bad at summaries BUT I promise that the story is better.)

Warnings: None, only fluff. It will be having SMUT on the other chapters

Words: 2,600

A/n: No one died on endgame!! My heart is still hurting!

“Oh! C´mon!” you sigh tired while looking down to all your books spread on the ground which had fallen when someone passed by you in rush, shoving your body to the side.

Bending down, you start picking up all the heavy books, grumbling when you saw one of your precious books on a dirty puddle. Adjusting your glasses, you stand up with your arms full and begin walking on the busy New York streets. All you could hear around you was the sound of hooking of the cars and people yelling and laughing, talking about their awful day.  

You´ve lived you´re all live in New York, knowing every corner and the best coffee place in the city. It´s great living here since was so much stuff to do and go but you feel that something was missing. Your dream was to buy a lovely cottage in the middle of the woods, where you could read and write in peace. Not having the sounds of the loud cars and people yelling at each other's to distract you, and feel the fresh morning air, smelling the lovely smell of the trees and humid grass.

A shiver runs down your spine as a gush of cold wind passes through you, making you bury your cold face on your fluffy old scarf around your neck. It was early October, so the ground was full of orange and yellow leaves, making the streets beautiful.

As you were about to turn the corner, you see the huge poster from the new avenger's movie. The gigantic poster made you look in awe to the heroes that you read their Bd when you were a child, growing up with their adventures.  

“It´s so sad that Bucky had turned into dust,” you whisper to yourself while walking towards the small cozy book store which you work on. Bucky always was your favorite character, along with Loki. Not just because of how charismatic and expressive the characters were but also from how handsome the actors were. They were your little crush that nobody knew about.  

The tiny bell ring as you enter the book store, making the white-hairy man look to you with a warm smile.  

“Y/n! How good to see you.” Robert, the owner of the book store, said with a tired voice.  

“Good afternoon, Mr. Robert!” you said while putting the heavy books behind the counter, putting your name tag on your black turtleneck shirt.  

“I will need to get out early. I have a medical appointment today,” he said, rubbing his rough fingers on his wrinkled face while letting out a tired sigh.  

You look up to him, your e/c eyes full of concern. “Are you okay, Mr. Robert?” you put gently your hand on his arm and squeeze softly, rubbing your thump on his wrinkled hand.

“Yes! It´s just that I had a painful headache all this month and I want to check it out,” he said gently, sitting slowly on the chair behind the counter.  

It´s true, it´s been some time that he complains about his head and sometimes he has dizziness which makes your worry terribly.  

“Do you need to accompany or help to go to the doctor?” you said, your voice full of concern.  

He smiles warmly to you and shook his head. “No, there is no need for you to worry about! I can handle all by myself.” his voice was full of mischief, making you roll your eyes and chuckle.

-----

The day went out slowly. it's always like that normally, people rarely come to the book store since nowadays everyone could purchase every book on the internet and will arrive quick to their homes.  

Mr. Robert leaves for the doctor's appointment which you took the opportunity to finish writing your book. It wasn´t something to go to the public eye, just a little story for you and only you to read it.

As you were lost in your story, a loud sound grabs your attention. Turning your head to the side, you saw a simple wooden box on the floor beside you. It was small and delicate, you notice some beautiful words craved on it as you pick it up.  

“Use me and your words will become reality.” you read the words. Tilting your head to the side, making some pieces of h/c hair fall to your face, you frown to the small box. “Weird... Did Mr. Robert had some old merchandise from Alice in Wonderland in here?” you murmured quietly.

Putting the wooden box on your lap, you open it slowly. Inside was only a simple black pencil, with a small ruby on the top. “What? All this for a simple pencil?” you chuckle, picking up the pencil.  

You begin to make small doodles with the pencil, bored that no one had come in for hours. The words from the box run over and over on your mind. It would be awesome to have anything you write come to life. Imagine waking up one morning and have dragons, elves and other creatures running around.  

Looking down at the scribbled paper and chuckle. “I wish that the avengers were real.” you read your words out loud.  

Sighing, you threw the paper to the trash can as you saw that it´s time to close the store.  

------

The infernal ring from your phone woke you up from your slumber. Groaning, you lazily try to find the beeping thing on your bedside table. Lifting your head from the soft pillow, you saw ´Mom´ in big on your phone.  

Sighing, you slide your finger on the cold screen.

“Hi, Mom,” you mumble tired.

“Sweetie! How are you? You won´t stay your free day at home, right?” her squeaky voice came out from the other side loudly, making you hiss.

“Mom, please! I do what I want!... How´s it is going your and Dad's vacation?” you ask while sitting on the bed, stretching your sore back.  

“Oh, it´s lovely! Paris is really the city of love. I and your father will stay for one more month... I think you should also do a little vacation, Y/n. After the blip, you never got out of that damn apartment or the book store. I think it would do you good to leave the house and go travel, to make new friends and other stuff.” your mom said, her voice was now calmer and fuller of concern.

The blip?! What the hell is she talking about? Did she saw the new spider-man and now is joking with you? Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, you stood up from the bed, slipping a comfy robe. “The blip? Mom, what are you talking about?” you ask while walking to the kitchen, preparing a good cup of coffee.

“Oh sweetie...i know that was a really awful event to be turned into dust but you need to know that I and your father are here for you! If you need to talk or any help, we are here for you,” she said.

What is she talking about? Did she smoke something on the vacation? Sitting down on the chair, you put your mug on the table and open your laptop, opening Google Chrome. You search on anything about the blip, seeing the news about the tragic event and how the avengers had saved everyone. To your surprise, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, and Natasha were alive, along with Vision and Loki.

“Ahh...Mom, I will call you later. Bye!” with that, you end the call. “What the hell has to happen?!” you whisper while reading all the news. You notice that every avenger looks alike to the actors in the movies. Your heart almost jumps out from your mouth as you see Bucky´s picture. God! He´s beautiful!

Closing the laptop, you rest your head on the table. How could this have happened? The Avengers and Thanos and the other are all fiction, none of that is real!

“THAT PENCIL!” you shot up from your seat.  

Running to your bedroom, you change into more appropriate clothes and run out of the apartment. You need to get to the book store and get that pencil back. Well, it´s really cool that you are in a world that the avengers are real but what if something extremely bad happens? What if a bigger threat than Thanos comes to Earth and kill everyone? In that case, you prefer to be in your cozy bedroom reading a book on your reality.

When you arrived at the book store, you grab your keys and open the door since today was the day that they were closed. Walking inside, you go directly behind the counter, where you had put the box.  

As you look down, you saw nothing put papers and books. “Fuck!... I swear that I've put the pencil here!” you whisper.  

Distracted by searching the damn pencil, you didn´t notice the bell of the door ringing as a large figure walks inside.  

Standing up, you try to see if you had put the pencil in the counter but as you peek from behind the counter you saw the one and only Bucky Barnes looking to the books on the shelf. A gasp escape from your lips and you duck quickly behind the counter, your cheeks red as a tomato.  

Fuck! Why is he here? This is too much for your poor heart to handle.  

“Ahh...Excuse me?” his deep rich voice made goosebumps on your skin.  

Taking a deep breath, you stood up slowly, embarrassed by the stupid figure that you´ve made just now.  

“H..HI! Welcome to our store!” your voice came out in a little squeak, making your face even redder.

God! This is a disgrace. You must look ridiculous since you haven´t brush your wild hair and there was some evidence from sleep on your face.

“Thank you... Are you open?” he asks while looking around, seeing that the lights aren´t turn on and some shelves are empty.

“Ahh... No, but if you want, you could look around! I´m just searching for something that I had left here yesterday.” you said, seeing his ice blue eyes studying your every move. You have noticed a faint softness on them when he sees how nervous you were.

“Okay...I will have a look. Thanks.” he said softly while walking around the small store, looking to the different books on the shelf.

Biting harshly on your lower lip, you try to keep in an excited squeal. You can believe that Bucky Barnes is in your shop and that had talked to you. He seems so timid, looking around the store like it was something out of extraordinaire.

Shaking your head, you begin looking around for the pencil again. It can´t have disappeared! Maybe Mr. Robert took it with him. Damn, I knew that I shouldn´t touch things that weren´t mine!

Putting your hand on your waist, you rub your hand on your face, trying to think where did you had put it.  

“I´m sorry... I know that this is pretty quick and out of nowhere but...would you like to get some coffee with me? I know a good coffee shop down the street.” Bucky´s voice interrupted your trail of thoughts, making jump a little.  

Turning back, you saw his pale cheeks with a faint blush and his eyes were full of anxious and nervous. Did the winter soldier just invited you for coffee!? Your dreams really had come true!

“Ahhh...Y..Yes! Of course! Just let me close the store than we will go.” you said with a smile.  

He nods and stays there waiting for you, watching you cleaning some stuff on the counter. After closing the store, you two walk down the street to the coffee shop that he talked about.  

You two enter the small coffee shop, the smell of coffee and brownies hit your face wonderfully. He leads you to a table beside the large window and pulls the chair for you to sit on.  

The waitress went to your table and asks what you two wanted.  

“Ahh... I want a mocha,” you said.

“And I will also want a mocha. Thank you.” Bucky said with a small smile to the waitress, who giggles like a schoolgirl and winked at him.  

That made you a little self-conscious since you weren´t dressed for a date and probably there was a little of toothpaste in the corner of your mouth.  

“So, do you work on the book store a long time?” he asks you, his voice timid and soft.

Swallowing a lump on your throat, you nod while pushing a piece of your hair behind your ear. “Yes! I started working after finished my university. The owner is a very sweet man and needs some help since he was the only one working in there.” you said shyly while playing with your sleeves.  

The waitress came back with your drinks and you notice the Bucky´s coffee had a number with a kiss on it but he didn´t even notice it since his ice-blue eyes were fixed on you.

“It seems nice. The store seems calm, it must be great to work there. Having a place where people are quiet and go there from their love for the books.” he said with such gentle voice, making you almost melt on your seat.

“Yeah...it´s really great but nowadays people don´t go to the books stores to buy books since with the internet is easier and they won´t have to move their ass.” with your last words, Bucky let´s out a warm laugh which makes you join him.

You two pass the rest of three hours talking and joking around. He tells you his love for books since he can´t work well with TVs and phones or other modern stuff.

“I´m sorry for asking you this but... had you been blip? You know, turning into dust?” he asks you while rubbing the back of his neck which was bare since his beautiful brown hair was up on a bun.

Your eyes widen with his question. Fuck! What will you tell me? You don´t know if you had turned into dust since this isn´t your reality. Well, your mom said that I was.

“Ahh...Yeah, I was. It was...an awful experience.” your voice was quiet, making him smile gently to you.  

“I know what it feels...if you want to talk, I'm all ears,” he said softly, making your body warm a little.  

As you were about to answer him, his phone starts ringing, making him groan in annoyance. He took his phone and curse under his breath.  

“I´m sorry but it seems that our date has to end here... I have a mission.” his soft voice turns into one rougher and harsher.  

He stood up and ask the waitress for the check and a pencil. She comes back with everything and he pays then he starts writing something on his napkin. The waitress begins to smile and giggling as she saw his number on the white square but it vanished when he gave you the napkin.  

“Call me when you´re free.” with that he leaves the coffee shop.

You look down to the napkin and grin widely, shocked that you had the number of the winter soldier. Maybe writing with that magical pencil wasn´t so bad at all.

Hey Guys!!! So I´m starting this new series of Reader had got into a world where the avengers and rest of their universe are real. Tell me what you think and hope you like it!!

Taglist list is open. Click right HERE  

[elven-ariaera]

Read the New Leaf Diaries first here!

Start from NH Diaries part 1: Permanent Island Getaway

Day 7

Kitt moved in this morning. It felt so good to have her back in my life. I did not realize how nostalgic I would get already, but no matter what, I am sticking with my plan to move forward. Citytown is behind me, and Islandtown is my future.

I got a free tee-shirt in the mail from Dodo Airlines. Audie didn’t seem to care much about it and gave me a lecture on fashion. I guess she does know what she’s talking about. Maybe I should pawn it off on some poor unsuspecting fool…

Until then, all I can do is think about my life choices while wearing this dumb dodo shirt…

That night a terrifying thing happened. A tarantula appeared and tried to get Audie! Luckily for her, I had a bug net in hand. I crept up next to the little sucker and swiped my net! …Only to miss and get bitten by the arachnid. Luckily she dragged me back to my house and all was well again. 

You know, that’s a reoccurrence that I could never quite figure out. Whenever I am bitten by a spider or stung by bees to the point of passing out, I always wind up back in my home. Who is taking me there? Is that you, Antonio? 

Day 8

I caught a Whale Shark! I thought about doing a little more fishing after my excellent finds two nights ago and my word I’ve done it again! Sure it was the most ridiculously heavy thing I’ve ever had to reel in — I’m surprised the line didn’t snap — but I did it!

I brought it to Blathers to give it a nice new home in the museum. Let me tell you, finding a plastic baggie big enough to bring it in was its own challenge. He told me some interesting tidbits about the gentle giant. Learning can be fun sometimes!

Is that an actual option?

I had also been working on a garden for a while now and I must say it is really coming along! I’m so pleased… That’s it. There’s no punchline. Not everything in life is a joke! Can’t I just have a moment of serenity for once in my life?

Oh, I had nearly forgotten! Stitches finally moved in! I’m not sure why he was the last one to move in when I asked him first, but I guess he had a lot of things to unpack. I visited him to welcome him to the neighborhood as he unpacked and he was very persistent about cleaning the back left corner of his home… Even though the entire floor was coated in dirt.

In other news, Audie and I have continued to bond and I’ve learned some things about her. She might not be as innocent as I initially thought…

I didn’t realize you played Smash Bros too!

But then we got to chatting about movies and it turns out she’s writing one. A rock-opera to be exact. While I was genuinely interested, its plot was a little hard to follow…

Really, all the neighbors and I have been getting along rather well. I jumped in on a conversation between Bud and Kitt, though, and it seems they have rather opposite tastes. Literally.

All these wacky shenanigans that go on in this town, I swear, it’d make for some kind of sitcom. I actually just received a cartoonist set from Kitt earlier, perhaps I’ll try my hand at it sometime. For now, these journals will have to suffice.

Day 9

I had gotten a new room expansion for my house the other day and it seems that word spread quickly! Audie has been dying to come over and see the place since the first day, but now she has sort of been inviting herself over. 

It’s not that I don’t want her over, she’s easily become my best friend of all the island’s residents that live here. I simply want to gussy up the place before she comes. Still, she remains persistent… Is this what Antonio felt like about my persistence? 

…Man, what a great feeling to be loved and admired so much.

I headed over to check in on Stitches today seeing as he was still new to island life. He seems to be progressing rather quickly and is already doing stuff.

On another note, he keeps insisting that he has bug friends who live inside the floor and whisper things to him while he sleeps. Should I be concerned? 

Mabel dropped by today to set up shop in the town plaza. I always enjoy her selection of clothing to pick from. She’s also quite the trooper — It rained practically all day today, and still, she stood outside waiting for potential customers. I do think I was the only one though…

She just stands there… Menacingly!

Later that night Audie insisted on coming over again. I did explain to her that I was waiting for the renovations on my new room aka extension walk-in closet to be finished before anyone saw, and she seemed to understand, so we went back to her place to chat for a while. I found it a little ironic that she didn’t want me to snoop around her house yet she kept trying to persuade me to invite her over to my house… Does she have a secret shrine of me? 

…That would be so sweet! She’s the best friend I ever had!

We later went on a late-night stroll and things got real. I told her about my previous fishing escapades and she kept freaking out. It seems she has a severe case of ichthyophobia. 

Day 10

The resident’s hall was under construction and they have now finished and revealed the new and improved plaza. It looks magnificent! Nook had even gotten new help from off-island. He hired Isabelle, my assistant from back home. I guess Citytown isn’t doing so hot without me… 

Now I have no quarrel with Isabelle under normal circumstances, but I can’t help but feel that Nook is trying to replace me. I am your island representative, not her! Don’t you dare get any ideas…

Ugh, Isabelle, you make it so hard to hate you when you act so precious!

Anyway, it’s clear that I’m still the favorite of the residents. Stitches came by and gave me a house-warming gift even though he was the one who just moved in… Still, it was much appreciated.

I dropped by the town hall today to carry on business as usual, but of course, Tom Nook just had to rave about what a great help Isabelle would be. I mean, sure, she did let me change the flag because of my magnificent artistic potential, but that doesn’t change anything! I’ve got my eye on you, Isabelle…

Btw, the flag looks fabulous. 

Other business included the construction of a suspension bridge. Of course, most of that money was coming out of my pocket, but still, if it could save me from a pole-vaulting accident, I’d gladly pay the majority.

I decided to look for more resources to sell off-island and the dodo’s brought me to a wonderful place. They brought me to an island filled with rare hybrid colored cosmos growing all over! It was truly a sight to behold! My garden would look absolutely stunning with some of these added in the variety! Why haven’t these dodo-brains ever brought me here before? Oh…

In addition, I think my talk with Audie yesterday night helped her overcome her fear of fish. But I still don’t think she understands how fishing works…

Day 11

I still needed to make some money for that suspension bridge, so I thought a little bug catching and tree shaking would do the trick. Kitt called out to me, asking if I was having a fun time bug catching. She then apologized for assuming, and though she did assume correctly, I appreciate her earnest apology. 

We also opened a campsite today! To think, the future resident of my town would soon be here! Nook was very persistent about persuading people to settle down here, and I couldn’t agree more. I wonder what kind of animal they would be? I wonder if maybe… No. Certainly he wouldn’t be there…

Enough stressing myself out over the thought of my future resident. I also took another mystery flight from Dodo Airlines to see what magnificent isle they might bring me to today. Yesterdays “Hybrid Island,” as I am thoughtfully dubbing it, was a sight to behold. How could they ever top that?

In short, they didn’t. They brought me to an island where every fish in the river was a black bass. Every. Single. One.

I hate you all…

As awful as that experience was, I had to be grateful that the ocean fish were not all sea basses. Ugh. I shudder at the very thought of such a place even existing. Still, I complained to their manager. I had already booked a Nook Miles Ticket in advance, so their flight tomorrow had better be good!

All the neighbors today kept stressing out about the Happy Home Designers committee and I just couldn’t understand why. They give you nice presents if you do a good job decorating your home, right? Well, when speaking to Audie, she presented it to me in a whole different way. I’ll never look at the Happy Home community the same way again…

A friend of mine had invited me and another chum over to his island later that evening. It was a delightful night filled with picnics and hide-and-go-seek.

I also met someone. Roald. His eyes were so striking, I could not look away. With that and his chiseled features, one could easily… No. Stop it. You are a one-anteater kind of woman! Someday he’ll come back. I know he will. Until then, I must resist the sweet temptations of this gorgeous hunk of penguin. 

Oh, you lift? I can tell…

Day 12

Today’s the day~

We have a guest at the campsite! Oh, I can’t wait to meet them! I’m so excited that I had to write about it the first minute I got up today! This lucky fellow isn’t even aware that they’re going to be our future resident! Ooo, I’m so excited! I have to go! I’ll write more when I get back tonight!

I don’t want to talk about it. Ugh, but I have to vent somewhere, don’t I?

Our guest today was Graham, the hamster. Ugh. I do not like Graham. Why? He’s such a wannabe poser! He claims he’s a celebrity and uses corny terms all the time. He greeted me by saying “Bonjourno!” and later exclaimed his excitement by shouting “Guten Tag!” First — that’s not even the same language as you were faking before, second, you’re not using that phrase properly! Don’t think I’m not onto you, hamster.

To make matters worse, he doesn’t even refer to me by my name. He just calls me “Hey, you!” Do you even know who I am, pal? I’m more a celebrity than you’ll ever be!

Ugh, after that nightmare finally ended (for now,) I needed a bit of joy in my life. Stitches was the perfect friend to brighten my day. But then I screwed that up too — I thought it would be cute to give him a stuffed Panda Bear, and then I remembered he is a stuffed bear. Oh, my dear sweet Stitches, I am so very sorry.

Then Gulliver washed up on my shore again. Even he is aware of my excess loads of free time so, of course, I had to help him…

I decided it was time to just take a breather and use that Nook Miles Ticket I had. I looked the pilot dead in the eyes before we took off and said, “I swear, if you bring me to black bass island one more time, it will be the last thing you ever do.” Needless to say, he brought me to Bell Rock island today. I went to the island with 5,000 bells and came home with 87,000. I am one satisfied customer.

By the way, how does that work? I understand when I chip away at a rock and things like stone or clay fall from it, but bells? Perhaps bells are actually a type of stone valued so much by the animal people it’s used as currency? You see, I could accept that, but the fact that sometimes it flies out of the rock wrapped in little bags, it just baffles me!

Well, with all my profits from that trip I managed to pay for another bridge. Audie and I were discussing how this would benefit us by not having to use the vaulting poles anymore.

Also, Kitt hurt my feelings today too. She said that my style was basic. She could see I was a bit upset by this, so she covered it up by saying she meant I wore basics well, but I knew what she really meant. I’m starting to remember why I let her move from Citytown…

Yeah, well, your hat doesn’t match your jacket!

Though this day was full of ups and downs, the final part of my story ends with the highest high one could feel. Later in the evening, I thought I should attempt to find the rumored Tarantula Island. I haven’t had any luck finding a specimen for the museum, so certainly I would be able to find one in a place literally named after the creature. But I did not find the island. However, what I found was even better. Love.

I got off the plane, and lo and behold, there he was. My precious, my darling — Antonio was there! I ran to his side, thrilled to see him, nearly jumping into his arms — but I controlled myself.

We talked and talked, catching up on life since we last saw each other. It turned out he was doing a survival training challenge, which is why he was out on the island. Typical Antonio. Still, his training was doing him wonders, ooh, those muscles!

He also noticed how much I have been toning myself as well, what with all this island hopping and hard labor Nook tasks me with.

He off-hand mentioned that he’d love to his island training full time, so I took the opportunity and asked him to move in with me— I mean, to Islandtown. After everything that had happened between us, I thought perhaps I came on a bit too strong, but he answered in the affirmative. Antonio, sweet, sweet, Antonio, is going to be part of my village once again!

Despite all the bad things that happened today, I can rest easy knowing my favorite animal is going to be with me.

Day 13

Graham was the first one to move in today, but Antonio will be here tomorrow! I’m so excited! Audie and I got together and talked about it all morning. It was funny because she was watching a romance movie the day before and had an inkling something special might happen!

But sadly, poor little Stitches was sick today! I immediately ran over when Kitt told me the news and brought him some medicine. He was feeling a lot better afterward, but I told him he should still rest inside for the day.

I proceeded from there to go to the Town Hall as Tom Nook had requested for my assistance — MY assistance, not Isabelle’s… Okay, Isabelle’s too. Ugh.

If you think for one second that I’m your task force you’ve got another thing coming…

Anyway, the two of them asked me to keep inviting new residents to live in our town. Easy enough! I knew plenty of people from back home who would love to live here! I called up my girl Whitney from back home and invited her to camp out with us here on the island. I figured we’d hang out a bit and then I’d ask her about moving in.

She was thrilled when I called her and came over immediately. We had such a good time catching up, it’s been so long! These past few days have been overwhelming me with emotion with so many familiar faces.

However, when I mentioned that Whitney should move to Islandtown, she didn’t say no, but she didn’t quite feel ready yet. I get it. Citytown is a great place. I mean, it’s less great now that I’m not mayor anymore, but it’s still pretty cool. I’ll invite her over again after she’s thought it over a bit.

Oh! With my garden doing so well, I decided to set up my own little flower shop right outside my house. I stood there for three hours today and not a single customer. Mabel, I applaud your patience and durability.

I was hoping to raise a bit of money through this stand to set up a bridge. You see, when I picked a spot for Antonio’s house to be, I didn’t realize he had no connection to the other parts of the island. It was imperative that I got this bridge funded and finished by tonight. Luckily I had some help from friends to donate enough bells for the project to be completed. It took a lot of hard work and a lot of fishing…

But it will all be worth it. Tomorrow, my prince charming moves to town. 

A Residents Representatives work is never done! With so many tasks to complete and more residents moving in, how will our solo human villager handle the heat? Read the New Leaf Diaries first here! Start from NH Diaries part 1: Permanent Island Getaway…

[bert-thefrog]

Dirty Little Secret - Part 1 - Bryce Lahela/Harper Emery

He saunters into my office without knocking, taking the seat across from me and offering me what must be his most irritating smirk. “Dr. Lahela.” I stare him down evenly, my hands steepled together. “What did I do to deserve the honor of being paged directly to head surgeon Dr Harper Emery’s office?”

“Cute.”

“Why thank you.”

“Do you flirt with all of your superiors?”

“Only the beautiful ones.” He winks at me and the corner of my lip twitches with a smile.

“Anyway.” I clear my throat, shaking my head of the distraction. “Dr. Mirani has been complaining about you.”

“That’s nothing new, he complains about everyone.”

“This is serious Bryce. He’s not the only one, your conduct has been, by some reports; less then exemplary. I’ve had complaints from Nash.”

“About?”

“You grabbed him in a bathroom?” I gesture to the files in front of me and watch as Bryce’s throat bobs, suggesting he’s trying hard to swallow a laugh.

“It’s not what it sounds like. I was trying to help him dry off.”

“Watch yourself Dr. Lahela. You’re one of the most promising surgeons I’ve seen in years, but that doesn’t make you invincible.” I warn him, frowning as my words seem to roll off his back.

“Get out of my office.” I sigh, realizing we’re not getting anywhere based off the goofy grin plastered on his face.

“Yes ma’am.” He mock salutes me, heading for the door, he pauses though, hand on the knob as he turns to face me. “I promise I won’t let you down.” There’s something serious in his brown eyes now, gazing at me intently from across the room.

“Let’s hope not.” I avert my gaze, choosing to glance down at my desktop instead, because goddamn I see what the nurses mean now. He is beautiful.

———

“Are you guys coming to Donahues tonight?” One of the attendings asks us as we scrub in for surgery.

“Why the hell would we do that?” I laugh but Dr. Tanaka shrugs.

“It’s karaoke night. Dr. Lahela promised me a riveting show from some of our co-workers.” He chuckles and I roll my eyes, just as the intern enters the scrub room.

“You guys talking about the karaoke? Ines, I mean Dr. Delarosa promised she’d get Mirani up there.” He steps up to the sink beside me and nudges my shoulder playfully with his own. “Will we be getting a performance out of you boss?”

“Not likely.” I roll my eyes and finish up.

“Come on Harper. It could be fun. Even Ethan is going to be there.” Tanaka reasons with me and I find myself scowling at him as he smirks.

“Really Tanaka? You too?” I protest.

“Me too.”

———

Donahues is crowded as I make my way in later that night. The red glow of the hanging lights makes everything seem more surreal. I haven’t been here in ages. I dodge the contents of a spilled drink as I make my way to the back of the bar; where Zaid stands crooning uncomfortably by an ecstatic Ines- some 80’s duet that’s totally unsuited for him. Ethan sits awkwardly in a booth between a group of interns, frowning into his whiskey as though if he stares hard enough a portal will open for him to escape through. “Boss! You made it.” Bryce bounds up to me, he’s changed into a smart button down, his broad shoulders accentuated by the obviously expensive cut. “You look nice.” He gestures to the jeans I changed into after work and I roll my eyes. “Hardly Lahela.”

“I’m serious.”

“Well, thank you. You look nice too I guess.”

“I know.” He smirks as I follow him to where Ethan is sat desolately staring at the doorway.

“Harper. Thank god. What are you having?” He catches sight of me as I sit down opposite him.

“I don’t know. But make it strong.” I wince at Zaid’s attempt to reach a particularly high note as the interns around us collapse into fits of giggles.

———

“Oh come on Ethan! One song.” I slur, five drinks and a round of shots later.

“No chance.” He shakes his head, he’s not as drunk as me, but only just.

“Chicken.”

“No. I just have my dignity.” He protests and I roll my eyes.

“Not for long. How about I tell them about that time in our internship w-”

“No! Alright. One song. But you have to come up with me.” He gives in.

“That sounds fair.” Bryce chuckles beside us, his arm sling lazily along the back of the bench, radiating heat.

“I walked right into that one. Didn’t I?” I hiccup. Most of the interns have gone home as has Dr. Tanaka, leaving Bryce, Ethan and myself at a booth with the intern Jackie Varma.

“You did.” Ethan concedes, offering me his hand as we stumble up to the stage.

“What’ll we sing?” I miss a step, stumbling clumsily beside him.

“We did not think this through.” Ethan throws his head back, laughing for once.

“We really didn’t.” I grumble, blushing furiously, Jackie and Bryce are laughing at us from back at our seats as the MC hands me the mic and I begin to sway to a familiar beat.

“Seriously Ethan?” I snort at the sound of Elton John and he shrugs.

———

Outside I stand alone, hoping the cool air nipping my skin will begin to sober me up enough before I call a taxi to take me home. Bryce wanders outside, swaying slightly as he catches sight of me. “What’re you doing out here?”

“I think I should head home.” I shrug, shivering slightly as a breeze blows past.

“Here.” Bryce offers me his jacket, almost throwing it at me.

“I’m fine.” I try to hand it back but he shakes his head.

“You’re shaking and besides, I don’t need it, I’m pretty hot without.” He waves a hand at himself and I giggle. It’s the drink talking, that wasn’t that funny. I chastise myself crossly. Somehow though we’ve stepped closer to one another, within touching distance and he’s looking down at me with laughing eyes, if he just leaned in...

“That was stupid of me. I’m sorry Harper.”

“Oh absolutely, idiotic.” I agree with him as we break apart but I’m already on my tiptoes to try again. My face falls involuntarily when he moves away and he reaches out, running a thumb across my lips, thoughtfully.

“Are you.. pouting?” I can hear the laughter in his voice and scowl harder.

“No!” I protest, he snorts.

“Do you want me to kiss you?” There’s no joking around now though, his brown eyes are intense, one hand brushing against my wrist tenderly.

“I want you to do a lot more than kiss me.” I blurt out without thinking, clapping my hand across my mouth as I realize what I’ve just said. He looks stunned for a moment, stepping back before chuckling.

“Lets just start with a kiss huh?” He smirks and I feel the heat rising up my neck as he steps in closer to me, backing me to the wall so I’m flush against his chest. Oh my...

———

I am not alone when I wake up the next morning. My head feels as though it will split in two at any moment and inside my mouth is as though something crawled in there overnight and died. But none of that matters as I realize right now I’m wound around Bryce Lahela’s body like a spider monkey. A tangled mess of legs and arms. I scream without thinking, practically throwing myself from the bed and onto the floor. “Alright there?” Bryce opens one eye lazily to watch me as I gather myself up from the carpet.

“Did I? Did you? What?!” I panic and he chuckles.

“No. I took a taxi home with you and you really didn’t want me to go. Calm down, look. I didn’t even take my shirt off.” He assures me and I realize we’re both still in last nights clothes.

“Thank god.” I mumble to myself as he climbs out of my bed, far more graceful than I was.

“Well, I better get home. I need a shower.” He wrinkles his nose.

“You could shower here.” I offer without thinking, he gives me a look. Confused. I am too.

“I mean, while I make breakfast. You eat breakfast right?” Oh god, the heat is searing across my cheeks right now.

“I do breakfast.” He agrees, his hand brushing my waist as he passes me. “Now, where’s your shower?”

I have just gotten myself into a world of trouble, but as I look out towels for the strange man about to use my shower, I really don’t care.

“Relax. This can be our little secret.” He smiles at me, taking the towel I offer him and heading to the bathroom, whistling cheerfully to himself.

Our little secret. I can work with that.

*tagging @dr-casey-lahela @lilyofchoices @omgjasminesimone @hopelessromantic1352 @itsfabrayic @msjpuddleduck @lady-kato in this steaming pile of feces, hope you like it.*

[lamptracker]

FIC: Counting Down the Days, part 2

FIC: Counting Down the Days, part 2

Pairing: Peter Parker/Female Reader

Inspo: “Cancer” by My Chemical Romance

Summary:  While visiting a children’s hospital as his alter ego Spider-Man, Peter meets a girl his age. She’s sweet, she’s smart, she’s funny… and she’s dying of cancer. When she laments the fact that she probably won’t get to live long enough to have the typical teenage experiences of prom and a boyfriend, Peter offers to fill those roles for her.

Part summary: Peter tells the reader what it felt like when he got Snapped. 

Warnings: Talk of death. The usual cursing (he is from Queens). Endgame spoiler. Making fun of soccer moms who want to talk to the manager.

Tagged: @flokidottir-imagines-br  @babyplutoszx2   @musiclover1263   @judemoos   @drxgxnslxyer   @hollanderheart   @thequeensardine   @ive-got-some-lies-to-tell   @captainbuckyy   @xxtomxo   @deleteidentity   @yessterekthings   @itsyaspacemom   @parrkerspeters   @starksparker

Part 1

**

“Alrighty,” Peter said, webbing (y/n)’s hospital room door shut and peeling off his mask. “One cinnamon chai latte for you, one white chocolate mocha for me.”

“Ew, white chocolate?”

“You’re judging me. This is supposed to be a judgment-free zone, (y/n).”

“Please, Peter. This is a hospital, not Planet Fitness.”

Peter just shook his head and laughed as he handed (y/n) her latte. They’d been texting back and forth over the last couple of days, getting to know each other a little better. She asked to see pictures of his friends; he happily obliged (after telling them what he was up to - sort of, in most cases).

“That’s my best friend Ned,” Peter said, pointing at the pictures he was projecting on the wall from his suit. “He knows I’m Spider-Man too, him and MJ.  He’s in Robotics Club and Academic Decathlon with me. That’s his girlfriend Betty, she’s on Student Council and she reads the announcements every morning. This is Michelle, also known as the aforementioned MJ. She’s on Academic Decathlon too. There’s Abe, and that’s Brad, and… oh, good, I see Flash found the phone that’s not built into my suit today.”

“Wow, that is exceptionally rude,” (y/n) said, squinting.

“Karen,” Peter muttered, “delete that.”

“Deleting,” Karen said as the photo disappeared; (y/n) laughed loudly.

“So wait, you’re friends with a dude named Flash?”

Peter scoffed loudly. “Not friends,” he muttered, “he’s been bullying me since the third grade. Did you know, (y/n), that he gave himself that nickname because his real name is Eugene?”

(Y/n) cracked up laughing. “Eugene?!” she exclaimed. “Well, fun fact, I went to school with a kid named Elmer. Heir to the McCormick spice fortune, and about as smart as a container of Italian seasoning too.”

Peter just shook his head. “Elmer,” he muttered as he and (y/n) started to sip their coffees.

“Wow,” (y/n) said. “I can’t remember the last time I had a good cup of coffee. The stuff here tastes like it was brewed with dish soap.”

Peter made a face. “We have a coffee pot, but I never drink coffee at home. I love my aunt May, I really do, but cooking is not her forte. And, unfortunately, that includes coffee. I’ve taught myself how to cook some things. Make a pretty mean chocolate chip cookie.”

“Well, I may have to try one of those sometime.” (Y/n) sipped her latte. “This almost feels like a real coffee date, y’know?”

Peter smiled. “Karen, open Spotify and play my Coffeehouse Favorites playlist, please?”

“Sure, Peter.” The air was soon filled with soft, jazzy music.

“Very nice!” (y/n) exclaimed. “Now we just need the middle-aged suburban mom with her may-I-speak-to-the-manager haircut complaining that her cappuccino isn’t foamy enough.”

“Well, I can’t reproduce that, but I can try.” Peter cleared his throat, next speaking in a weird sort of high-pitched voice. “I asked for light foam, does this look light to you??”

(y/n) giggled. “And there are 47 bubbles, I asked for 49. How hard is it to put 49 bubbles in my cappuccino foam?”

And then, in unison, they said: “Where is your manager?”

They both burst into laughter.

“I gotta tell you,” (y/n) said, “that I’ve only known you for, what, three days? And I’ve laughed more in this three days than I have in the last three years. You’re just… you’re so fun to be around. You come here to cheer people up, right? Guess what, Pete… it’s working.”

Peter smiled warmly at her. “Good, I’m glad.”

“Part of me wishes I’d met you earlier,” (y/n) said wistfully. “You know, before I got sick this last time. We could have had so much more time together. But… but I’m almost glad I met you when I did. Being faced with your own mortality really sucks, it’s nice to have a friend.”

“You know the Snap?” Peter said; (y/n) nodded. “I was one of the ones that got snapped.”

“Honestly? When it happened, I wish I’d been snapped. But… then everyone came back. So either way, I’d have to deal with this.” She gestured vaguely at the wires hooked up to various parts of her body. “But the nice part about that was, you didn’t know it was coming. You know? Like it just… happened. You didn’t have to suffer through it.”

“I knew.”

(y/n)’s eyes widened in shock. “You what?”

Peter swallowed thickly. “I knew what was happening. Because of my powers, my senses are, just, super heightened. I feel everything differently than everyone else. So yeah, for everyone else that got snapped, it was quick and painless but for me? I felt everything.”

(y/n)’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, God. What… what was that like? I mean, if you want to talk about it, if not I totally get it.”

Peter sighed. He knew one day he’d have to talk about it. He was kind of hoping he’d never have to. But, if it would help (y/n) feel better, he was willing to push his fear aside.

“Terrifying,” he finally replied. “I was terrified. I felt helpless, alone. Mr. Stark was right there, that helped me feel less alone. Physically it was weird, I could feel myself disintegrating. It wasn’t unbearably painful, but it was pretty uncomfortable. And then my soul just got… I don’t know, transported? Maybe? Sure, transported to the soul world. And it was five years, but it felt like five hours, it was really weird. But then… then I came back. I guess that’s the difference, though, I got to come back.”

(y/n) smiled. “Wow,” she said. “It’s nice to finally meet someone that knows what I’m going through. I’ve been faced with death over half my life and it scares me. I’ve felt so alone. But… now I don’t feel so alone anymore.” She reached over, gently grasping his still-gloved hand.

Peter gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Glad to help.” He smiled at her again. “Um, that latte is getting cold. I don’t want to have to go get the manager.”

“Young man!” (y/n) exclaimed, in her fake customer voice. “This went down to 102 degrees, it needs to be at least 115!”

They burst into laughter yet again.

“What was it like, in the soul world?” (Y/n) asked softly.

Peter shrugged. “Wasn’t so bad. I didn’t feel anything physically. But internally, I felt very at peace. I… I got to see my parents and my Uncle Ben again. But they didn’t get to come back, that’s how the quantum thing worked. If you were dead before the Snap, you stayed dead. You know? But they got to tell me they were proud of me, that made me feel a lot better. I had this overwhelming, just… what was I so afraid of? This isn’t so bad. Then I realized that the thing I was scared of was the uncertainty. What’s happening to me? Where am I going to end up? That’s the part that got me. But once I got there… it was okay.”

“That makes me feel a lot better. Thanks, Peter.” She squeezed his hand again. “So what do I do now?”

“I… I don’t really know. What do you think you should do?”

“I think I should make the most of the time I have left,” (y/n) answered. “Not dwell on the dying part so much, focus on the living part. I know that sounds like all the schlocky bullshit they spout out in movies and whatnot but… but maybe there’s some good advice hidden in that.”

Peter just nodded solemnly.

“So,” (y/n) said, gulping down the last of her latte, “any plans this weekend?”

“I… oh, maybe. Karen, what’s my schedule this weekend?”

“You have an Academic Decathlon competition in Albany this weekend, be at the school by 5pm packed and ready to get on the bus. Estimated return time is 8pm Saturday.”

“And I’m co-captain with MJ this year,” Peter said, “so my presence is definitely required. I’ll get you a postcard or something though. And then I should probably do my rounds after I get home, and then I think I’m free Sunday.”

“New event added to calendar by Bruce Banner,” Karen said, “meeting at Avengers Tower at 2pm on Sunday.”

Peter chuckled. “...and I’ll try to stop by after that. If not, I will for sure Monday. But I’ll text you whenever I can, okay?”

“Sounds good.” (y/n) smiled. “Hey, thank you, by the way.”

“For what?”

“Everyone that comes in here thinks they need to walk on eggshells around me, not bring up the D word or whatever, you know? Thank you for not doing that. Thank you for treating me like I’m just an average everyday kid, and not an average everyday kid that happens to be walking around with a commuted sentence.”

Peter grinned at her. “Hey, anytime.”

“In a weird way,” (y/n) continued, “I’m almost glad I got sick.”

“Why’s that?” Peter asked, nose scrunched in confusion.

She smiled softly at him. “It brought me you.”

Peter could feel a blush creep over his cheeks as he searched for something to say. He settled for squeezing her hand again and replying, “I’m glad I met you too. Sucks it wasn’t sooner, but… better late than never, y’know?”

“Better late than never.” She grinned at him before releasing his hand. “Talk to you soon?”

“Yeah, definitely.”

[psyched2b]

Dallas’s Birthday Month Celebration

Yes...another one!

Alright, so I am sure that some of you have noticed that I am finally posting those Drabble Challenges from my 200 Follower Celebration. Technically, I stopped receiving those requests a few weeks ago, HOWEVER, since it is my fur baby’s 3rd Birthday on November 17th and since I am at nearly 300 followers, it seemed fitting that I just keep the celebrations going. (Let’s be real, it’s a lot of fun doing those requests anyways!)

So there will be a NEW Drabble Masterlist (when I get some requests that is!) Something that will be different this time is that I will have tags for my completed drabbles. If you are on my EVERYTHING tag list and DON’T want to be included in the drabbles, shoot me an ask or a message. Otherwise, if you want to be added to the drabbles or just my tag list in general, fill out this form.  ALSO, I added 12 Christmas AU prompts that you can either request by itself or with any of the dialogue prompts BECAUSE IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME.

Questions, comments or concerns? Send them my way!

Rules:

1. Please be following me!

2. Send in your request VIA ASK!

3. You can send in as many as you want but SEND IN SEPARATE ASKS. (Please use the appropriate emoji ex. ✏️  🎼 💚 ❓⭐️)

4. This celebration will end November 30, 2018

Things To Do:

1. ✏️Drabble Challenge: Below the cut are 84 prompts. Send me up to three numbers with your Marvel character pairing and get a drabble in return!✏️ (Read Completed)

2. 🎼Musical Names: Send your name/username and get a song playlist for every letter.🎼

3. 💚Character Ships: Send in a brief description of yourself and I will pair you with a Marvel character! 💚

4. ❓Get to Know: Ask me any question! Or tell me something about yourself! I’d love to get to know you!❓

5. *NEW*⭐️ Headcanons: Send in your request for a headcanon with one (1) specific Marvel character and I’ll give you my thoughts/expand ⭐️

PROMPTS:

1. That’s starting to get real annoying. 2. You can’t just sit there all day. 3. You’re seriously like a man-child. 4. You can’t banish me! This is my bed too! 5. She’s hiding behind the sofa. 6. You’re Satan. 7. Do you really need all that candy? 8. How is my wife more badass than me? 9. Stop being so cute. 10. Welcome back. Now fucking help me. 11. I could really use a hug right about now. 12. Tell me you need me. 13. Welp, that’s tragic. 14. I would kill you for a cup of coffee. 15. What is this ‘sleep’ you speak of? 16. Sorry isn’t going to help when I’m kicking your ass! 17.  I’d rather die than do that. 18. Can you shut up for five minutes? Please? 19. The floor is lava. 20. Where’s my food? 21. Get out of my way before I murder you. 22. You’re breaking my heart, babe. 23. I think you forgot who wears the pants in this relationship. 24. It’s just rain, you aren’t going to melt! 25. I don’t know why I married you. 26. What do you think a cupholder is for? 27. This is where you impress me, right? 28. I bet you can’t go 24 hours without swearing. 29. I’m not weird, you’re just basic. 30. Just sleep with one eye open, that’s all I’m saying. 31. You’re never this quiet, what’s wrong? 32. …or we could make out… 33. K. 34. I think you need stitches. 35. This is your fault by the way. 36. I have fans. More fans that you. 37. I paid for half and you ate three-quarters. 38. If you die, I’m going to kill you. 39. Stop looking at me like that, weirdo. 40. Sorry, I’m protective over the things I love. 41. You’re an idiot. I married an idiot. 42. I lied. I never liked it. 43. Are you trying to flirt? Because you’re just embarrassing yourself. 44. You don’t hate me. Quit lying to yourself. 45. Doesn’t make a difference to me. 46. I try my best. 47. You look pretty good for your age. 48. Delete it. Now. 49. No, you’re MY bitch. 50. Do you ever stop smiling? 51. You’re the one who left it hanging around! 52. You’re sick, not dying. 53. The weather’s too bad and I refuse to let you drive in it. 54. I love you the most-est. 55. Sausage or bacon? And no, not my sausage. 56. Did you just…put ketchup on your eggs? 57. You didn’t do the dishes, therefore I’m not doing you. 58. I don’t love you anymore. 59. “Did you just hiss at me?” - “Are you judging me?” 60. “You’re lying, you’re blushing.” - “Shut up, no I’m not!” 61. “I want my best friend back.” - “Kevin is over there.” 62. “What do you have?” - “Pizza rolls and Cup O’ Noodles…that’s about it. Popcorn?” 63. “Open this.” - “Can you say please?” 64. “Babe, I’m sorry.” - “Suck my ass.” 65. “It’s not mine, I swear.” - “How is it not fucking yours!” 66. “Boo?” - “You’re my boo.” 67. “I hate you.” - “No, you don’t.” 68. “It’s not fair that you’re hot and funny.” - “Look who’s talking…just kidding, your jokes suck.” 69. “You’re a blanket hog!” - “Leave me alone and stop being so selfish.” 70. “You can’t make me.” - “What are you? Five?” 71. “Well, this is awkward.” - “Don’t touch me.” 72. “…then I picked up your coffee by mistake.” - “All I want is an apology.” 73. “I’m your lock screen?!” - “You weren’t supposed to see that.” 74. “Your voice is sexy.” - “Your ass is sexy.” 75. “Come inside, I’m sorry.” - “Not until you apologize.” - “I just said I’m freaking sorry.” 76. “Take a chance.” - “Umm…let me think…no.” 77. “Move!” - “Why would I move if I’m so comfy where I am?” 78. “What time is it there?” - “We’re in the same time-zone.” 79. “This bath is too damn hot.” - “This is why we can’t do cute things. You complain too much.” 80. “I’m gonna shower.” - “Pft, don’t I get an invite?” 81. “Fuck you.” - “If you want, go ahead.” 82. “Sorry I’m late, I had some things to do.” - “By ‘things’, she means me.” 83. “You’ve been replaced.” - “Alright, we’ll see how you feel when you need me to kill a spider in the shower.” 84. “Sorry.” - “Good choice.”

*Prompts were gathered from multiple different posts @prompt-bank

CHRISTMAS AUs

85. For goodness gracious, IT’S 3 AM PLEASE STOP CAROLING 86. You threw a snowball and it hit me/my window and I was going to be mad but you’re really cute. Do you want to come in for hot chocolate? 87. This is the fourth time you’ve come to ask for sugar this week. How many cookies are you making? 88. We’re at an ugly Christmas sweater party and that thing is horrendous where did you even find that 89. You don’t realize I can see over the fence to watch you make snow angels like you’re five years old 90. You would literally make the best neighborhood Santa 91. Are you the one putting mistletoe absolutely everywhere in this apartment building, or do you just happen to be in the right place at the right time every single time I walk under it 92. I just heard a ten-pound turkey hit the ground and also very strong words. Do you need help? 93. I work at the Christmas tree lot and you just had to pick the heaviest tree there didn’t you au
 94. You were putting up Christmas lights and you just fell off the roof omg do you need me to drive you to the hospital 95. I invited you to Christmas dinner as my boyfriend/girlfriend so that my family would stop pestering me about being single, but we can keep this up until New Year’s, right? 96. I’m going to eat this whole pie by myself and you’re not going to say anything about it

Collected solely from @say-hey-kid

*Prompts were gathered from multiple different posts @prompt-bank

[husbandoneeded]

The Friendly Foe (part 2) Peter Parker x reader

Please do not repost my work without my permission.

Summary: As a child, (y/n) never grew up wealthy. Her dad had left her and her mom at a young age, leaving them behind with almost nothing. She was used to not being able to go out much or enjoying life with friends. She never minded though- life was hard, but it was okay in the end. At least that's how she felt until things quickly started to change as her mom got sick. Paying the bills was harder than before- so much more money was needed and she didn't have it.So she did the only thing she could do that would earn her enough money for everything. Become a villain...

Part 1   Part 2   Part 3  Masterlist

Not a lot had changed since that day. I now often sat with Peter, Ned and Michelle at the lunch table, even though it seemed that as of late Peter was more absent than actually there with us. Ned has been complaining about it a lot- which I totally understand- Peter keeps promising Ned that they'll hang out, or build the 'lego death star' together. But in the end he never shows up or cancels it. "Do you think Peter is avoiding me on purpose?" "I doubt it, Ned, he's been a lot less at school as well. With his internship at Stark Industries. I wouldn't take it too personally." I said. "Yeah... Just, I still wish he'd hang out with us more." Ned's head hung down, he was clearly upset. I wanted to help him, but I didn't know Peter that well but... "Maybe I can help..?" I calmly said while placing a hand on his shoulder. "But how though..." "I think I know someone..." I gave Ned a small smirk, he didn't catch on to my plan though. See, I may not know Peter that well. But someone else does. And that someone has a lot of influence on him, aka his aunt. I still kind of remember where he lives from the last time he tutored me, so I guess I'm paying a visit one of these days.

After school I decided to first go to the store to grab some food from the store for my dinner, and pass by my 'work' to see if there is any new jobs or missions. I strolled into the store and just grabbed myself a cheap salad with a bit of bread. Jobs have been going more difficult lately, mostly because of the local super hero ruining it. As much as a hero he is, it's stopping me from making money for mom and taxes... I don't have enough money anymore for 3 meals a day, usually I skip breakfast and/or dinner. If I were to skip lunch too Michelle would notice it even more. She's very observant- which makes it hard to get away with skipping lunch. She commented already on my weight loss, I don't want to worry the people around me more than they should. Michelle probably has her own shit to deal with anyway...

Anyway. After all that jazz, I finally arrived at my last stop. I strolled into the workplace. "Aaah (y/n)! Good thing you're here. We upgraded your gear." Adrian said. I raised an eyebrow at him. "Up..Graded?" Whenever he said he upgraded it he was talking weapons. And while, yes I was a villain technically, it didn't mean I wanted to hurt anyone. "Yes, follow me and you can take it for a test drive tonight." I nodded and followed him, Adrian still was my boss after all. And I needed money fast, because it was getting a little too tight in my pockets. He picked up a black and blue suit and handed it to me together with a utility band and a microphone and earphones. "You can change there. Once you're done I'll tell you what we changed. Come on, time is money and you have a mission to do." "Yes sir." I quickly made my way towards the dressing and put on the suit. It was a little tight around the curvy areas of my body, but not too tight that I wasn't able to move smoothly. The suit was completely black with blue stripes. The stripes ran up the side of my legs up to my waist, where they took a turn and connected in the middle of my chest. In the middle there was a glowing circle that pulsed out light through the stripes causing them to lit up every so often. From the circle there went more stripes over my shoulder to my neck and down my arms to each individual finger. My head gear was basically an altered motor helmet with the same blue striped on them that connected to the ones on the back of my neck. I walked over to Adrian again, pulling on the finger-less gloves so the fit nicely. "Looks good." "Yeh... So, what are the upgrades exactly..?" "Well the blue lights are energy boosts first of all. The will send energy to certain body parts that will increase your strength and speed. You can also activate a shield when crossing your arms like this." He showed me the stance and I repeated his movements, causing a blue shield to materialize in front of me. "We decided it might be best to upgrade you more on combat and fleeing department. Spider-man has more experience than you, so fighting him might not be our best shot if we want the mission to be completed." I nodded, glad the didn't give me anything that could actually hurt someone. "So what is tonights mission, then?" I asked. "Well kiddo, we decided to make you tag along with todays sale, and grab spidey-boys attention if he were to turn up, which we assume he will. All you have to do is distract him long enough so we can sell our guns and get out of there."

I nodded and sighed, oh how I hope he won't show up...

Read it on Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14713436

[starker-stories]

The Cold, Chapter 2 - The Messages Series

This chapter on AO3

By @thestarkerisobvious​ and @starker-stories​​

New chapters in the series post every Thursday.

All links are to AO3. You don’t need to be a creator to have an AO3 account. You can have one solely as a reader. But to read anything at all in this series, you can just be an anonymous reader and/or commenter.

The best way to keep up with The Cold is to subscribe to the story on AO3. And the best way to keep up with the Messages Series is also to subscribe. Click on the ‘subscribe’ button on each of the above links.

Tags: Tony Stark Feels, Peter Parker Feels, College Student Peter Parker, Established Relationship, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Tony Stark Still Has Arc Reactor, Arc Reactor Kink, Peter Parker is a Mess, Spider-Man powers, Communication, They Finally Communicate!, And Fuck Of Course Look at Who It’s Written By Of Course They Fuck, Avengers Compound

The entire Messages Series.  All links are to AO3.

Messages Unsent  (complete & posted)

Nothing More Than A Machine  (complete & posted)

Tomorrow  (complete & posted)

My Virgin (Revisited)  (completely & posted)

The Cold  (completely written) posts every Thursday  

Untitled Book 6  ( in progress )

Untitled Book 7  ( in progress )

Chapter 2:   Fencing Left Handed

As they neared the compound Peter asked him for the time, then resumed his position leaning against Tony’s arm and tracing patterns on his sleeve. He took a deep breath.

“Okay, so, things have been changing with me. Like, a lot. I’ve wanted to talk to you about it for months, but there was never a good time. That’s not your fault, there were times I could have brought it up but I… like I told you, when I had to chose between sex and talking, I always chose sex. And it’s hard to talk about. I guess it’s... I could have tried to talk about it over the phone or emailed you... anyway.

“I guess I’m… scared. That you’re going to say ‘Oh Well, Yeah, That’s Just Growing Up’ and I don’t… and that’s stupid…”

“Please don’t do that,” Tony reached over and brushed his fingers over Peter’s hair, interrupting him. “Nothing you feel is stupid, Pete. Nothing you say is stupid. Nothing you’re going through is stupid, okay? A self-deprecating exterior can turn quickly into an interior one. I’m kind of an expert at tearing myself up with that.”

“Ok, but it is stupid. Like asking to be treated like a virgin in your bed and then still being too proud in the middle of it. Now I really wanted your advice and I’m also afraid of getting it… fuck.” He pressed his face into Tony’s arm.

“I won’t say it’s ‘just growing up’, whatever it is,” Tony said. “At fifteen you were more of a grown up than a whole lot of people I know.”

“Okay… okay.” Peter’s shoulders sagged for a moment in relief. Then he took a deep breath and tried. Again.

“Did you ever… “ He sat up in the seat. “I mean I know you didn’t because you went to MIT way early… so maybe you don’t. Because in the old days they let you skip grades. They wouldn’t do that with me, they had a whole long talk to May and Ben about it and I understood, at least I tried to. I pretended I did. But high school was like…

“In high school I stayed as busy as I could, with band and academic decathlon and all my totally illegal chemistry studies, and I guess it was okay. Not nearly as okay as it was when I got the spiderbite and I really had something to do, had a million brand new things to learn and a real reason for all those illegal chemistry studies, that was a good thing. That made it so much better. But every time I walked into class…

“Okay I know you hate it when I do this but I don’t know how else to describe it. You know that old movie where the man becomes the Dread Pirate Roberts and now he’s the best fencer in the world and he meets the OTHER best fencer in the world and they are both fencing left handed and they’re both going at it hot and heavy and they both tell each other, one at a time, that they’re not really left handed? Because both of them were trying to take it easy on the other guy, because they both know they’re the best and that’s just the kind of Good Guys that they are? I saw that on TV and that really stuck with me. That you don’t have to be the best in the business, the smartest guy in the room, the whatever. The big shot. You can play it dumb and maybe write your notes backward to slow yourself down or read your textbooks upside down or maybe never study for a test so when the test comes you aren’t the first one finished and faking writing down answers so your neighbors won’t feel so bad. You can fence left-handed. So you won’t be an asshole. Be like Westley and Inigo Montoya and give everyone else a break.

“So I did that. I fenced left-handed and invested most of my time in massive Lego sets and told myself it was the right thing to do. And then the spiderbite happened and I got a whole new life and that was amazing and then you came into my life and that was the best thing that ever happened to me. And all my schoolwork came in a distant third but at least it was slightly interesting the way an old video game can be interesting. If you haven’t played it in years. You know, for about half an hour.

“But I didn’t worry about that because I was going to Columbia. And when I got to Columbia it would all be different. And I could go to real classes that were really hard and I could finally just start fencing regular.

“And Tony?”

He took a deep breath before he looked at his lover.

“It’s not getting harder. I spent my whole first semester going… wait… what? The fuck? And then I thought no, no, this is okay, this is all freshman crap. This is supposed to be like this. Not everybody gets through all four years, right? Except instead of like boot camp where they are trying to get rid of you maybe… I don’t know… maybe they water it down to make you feel good about yourself and ramp up the info later… I don’t know what I thought. And now I’m well into my third year and I don’t get it Tony… when does it get hard? The best part is doing my assignments online — I do them in my dorm room with the keyboard upside down just for fun. Swear to god I’ve been doing my Differential Equations work hanging from my dorm room ceiling because that’s how I test the dissolve-time of my new web formula. And there is so much group work, I mean it’s just fucking constant. I should be glad because it does slow me down but really all it does is give me more time constraints which interferes with my patrols. Homework, at least, I can do from New York rooftops. I can’t do group work that way.”

He laughed ruefully, gazing out the helicopter window. “At least none of this is pissing my professors off. I stopped righteously fighting to NOT be the first person in class done with the work. Fuck that. Now I just turn it in when I’m done and get on with my real job.”

“Don’t ever be ashamed of being the smartest person in the room, Pete. What’s happening with your education, that is a whole ’nother conversation we need to have at a later date. Because it’s wrong, avoidable, and most of all, solvable. I can fix it with a phone call, but I doubt you want me to do that,” Tony said, smiling. “What I’ll do instead is teach you how to fix Columbia. Because, as brilliant as you are? Your professors should be pissed off at you.”

“Okay… okay,” Peter groaned. He pulled Tony’s arm around him and snuggled into his shoulder. “Don’t swoop in and save me just yet because there’s more. I know that sounds like the main thing but it isn’t.. and I’m not ready to… there’s more. This is what this weekend is about… you can swoop in and save me later, absolutely, and then we’ll have awesome sex to celebrate. But please…”

He looked through the window, glaring at the view instead of glaring at himself. For weeks, for a month really, he had planned this conversation, and now that it was here he was doing everything he feared the most — sounding pitiful.

“Please just let me… this is hard.

“There’s… something else.”

Peter took a deep breath and tried again. The fields around the compound were coming into sight, maybe this would be easier to explain if they were walking down there? Peter craned his neck to see the landing pad from the window, judging the distance before he started speaking.

“People at Columbia, they aren’t… bad. The average person walking around Columbia isn’t bad. They’re just slow. I don’t know… maybe I’m just pissed off that Columbia isn’t everything I dreamed it would be.

“But the criminals of New York City? They’re just the same as they’ve always been. Only I’m beginning to… they’re starting to look different to me now.”

He sighed, almost growled, in frustration. Tony dealt with international terrorists, and here Peter was about to complain about street-level thugs. At least the landing pad was getting nearer, but now he feared this wouldn’t solve his problem. He wasn’t sure he could bring himself to use the term ‘The Cold’ out loud, not with Tony. It made sense in his head, but it sounded ridiculous now.

“Remember when you called that press conference to announce to the world that I was the newest Avenger? And I asked you not to at the last second? Because I told you ‘someone has to look out for the little guy’? That was stupid. That was…” he choked on the hated word, but he forced himself to say it. “That was naive.

“On the streets when I’m patrolling, god, I used to get so… pissed. It seems so distant now. I was filled with all this righteous indignation, this anger that someone would pick on the ‘the little guy’. Now, I’m beginning to think that ‘the little guy’ is probably a piece of shit too.”

He didn’t have to say anything else after that. They had arrived.

The helicopter landed itself. New-Cap came to meet them. Tony and Peter stepped off the landing pad, as the helicopter was powering down, to where they could hear Sam. He asked why they were there. Tony didn’t know, so he didn’t answer, leaving his question hanging. He figured Peter would say, but when he didn’t either, Tony didn’t fill the void. It wasn’t unexpected of him to simply ignore whichever Avenger tried to engage him. To not speak or do something until he was damn good and ready to, rather than explain and justify himself to one of them.

Peter, usually ever-cheerful and friendly, looked decidedly uncomfortable. His eyes kept scanning the distant, grassy fields beyond the central cluster of buildings. When Sam asked again what they were doing there, with a little more annoyance in his voice due to Tony’s disregard, Tony simply said, ‘we’ll be in later’, and guided Peter in the direction of his gaze, letting him take over their destination as soon as they’d left New-Cap behind.

As they walked, it seemed like it wasn’t a serious conversation that was going to happen, but that Peter needed to talk about something difficult. The location might’ve been less than desirable, but being there to listen to whatever was bothering Peter? That was exactly what he wanted, what they had talked about a couple of days ago. Tony’s defensiveness fell away. He slipped his hands casually in his pockets as they walked companionably side by side across the lawn, heading out to the farther fields of the compound grounds.

“The else?” Tony asked, trying to bring their conversation back to where it ended when the helicopter landed.

Peter nodded, but didn’t answer that question. He seemed to be looking for something in what was nothing but open fields. Tony remembered, before the fall of SHIELD and the Avengers’ split, he and Cap and Fury discussed expansion plans into the empty land. But things happened. Then the world was gone. His world was dust. Tony walked away from all things Avengers.

“Where are we headed?” Tony asked.

“I don’t know yet. I’ll know it when I see it. Thanks for this, by the way. Sam’s an asshole now. I don’t remember him being an asshole.”

“It’s not Sam, I don’t think. It’s the position. But I don’t know Sam. The only thing I know about him is that when he rolled in flight, Vision’s beam went straight through where Sam should’ve been and knocked out the War Machine armor’s arc reactor and Rhodey fell to the ground.” Tony stopped talking for a bit while they walked together. It was irrational to blame Sam. Of course he’d try to avoid the hit. But irrational or not, he blamed him as much as Vision.

“Sam and his inherited shield and his inherited HYDRA assassin can go…” Tony shrugged. “I don’t give a fuck,” he finally said, shaking it off, literally, with a shrug. “They’re not why we’re here. So they’re a distraction. Irrelevant. We’re here because here is where you wanted to be. I’m here because you have something you need to say and I want to hear it. Pete, I’m interested, okay? In you. In everything about you. Even if I have to hear it here.”

“Ok. I’m not… god I’m not trying to be all mysterious, really. I just need some… distance. There it is,” he said with a sigh of relief. “It’s still there.”

They had rounded the south wall of the main building Peter seemed to find what he was looking for — although it looked mostly like an empty field to Tony — and they set out.

They walked for some time in silence.

What Peter had told him in the helicopter was important. But it was clearly not the ‘why’ for why they were there.

“Peter, if all that was wrong was what’s happening at Columbia… or your feeling frustrated by the lack of challenge in your life… or even the inevitable disillusionment of realizing that the world is massively full of blurred shades of grey… we’d be talking about this in bed.”

Peter only nodded.

Tony paused and they walked a little farther. “There’s something else. And… if you think you’re ‘stupid’ for feeling a certain way… you’re not.” He paused again briefly. “I would love to know what’s going on with you. Baby, you are the most important thing in my life. There’s nothing going on with you that I don’t want to hear about.”

“What if it was bad?” Peter’s voice was small, breathless. Looking at his feet.

“Still want to hear it. Just as much.”

“I’m getting cold, Tony,” Peter’s voice broke on the word. “Really cold.”

That puzzled Tony. It was a bright, sunny day, and for early autumn, quite warm. “We can head indoors, if you’re cold.” His brow furrowed. There was something about the way he said the word ‘cold’. “That’s not what you mean, is it?”

“It’s me, Tony. It’s not Columbia or the Gangs of New York, it’s me. It’s in me. That’s why we’re here. I’m changing. I know it’s not just in my head. I need the training ground equipment to quantify some things… and I guess that will make it Avengers business. I don’t know, maybe it is Avengers business, at least it will be. But I needed to tell you first. I’m not… the same. And it’s affecting everything.”

Peter veered them right and Tony saw what they were headed to, a white berm that stood alone in the field of green.

“With MJ and Ned, we can still relax and goof off… they’re not studying the same things I am so it’s easy not to… let them notice but… they’ve noticed. I guess I don’t make the same kinds of jokes I used to. And word on the street is New York has noticed too.

“I used to talk to criminals, I guess I was famous for it. I mean you’re the king of Snark and Banter but I guess I did pretty good. And I couldn’t help NOT lecture them. But I never hit them, because I’d hurt them, that’s why the webbing. But god I can’t talk to them anymore — I don’t feel like making jokes. I feel like punching them — so I just stay away from them. Tony, I can’t trust myself to get close to any of them now. If I need to take someone out I have to do it from a distance, sometimes from a block away, if I’m any closer I have to, I have to web them up and keep moving. I can’t stop to talk. I’m not… safe anymore. Everything’s changed.”