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imawreck · 1 month ago

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Soldat

Pairing: Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier x Original Character

Summary: Max is rescued, but she isn’t the same… and she makes a hard choice.

Warnings: Graphic like always, mentions of hospital stuff, mind manipulation, cliffhanger (sorta), scars

Word Count: 4,656

Tony-

I couldn’t figure out how it’d happened. How Bucky had went all Winter Soldier without his trigger words, or why Friday hadn’t immediately notified us.

He must’ve tricked her, but that still didn’t answer what caused the switch. Those answers would have to wait until after I wasn’t staring down the barrel of a gun, though.

Bucky spoke in Russian, and I couldn’t understand what he was saying to Rumlow. Whatever it was, the man had gone paler than a ghost in the clutches of Bucky’s metal arm. Steve shifted his weight on his feet anxiously beside me, like he wanted to intervene, but the guy was beat up as hell.

And frankly, I didn’t think anything could stop the man in front of us.

Not with the way the rage shone in his eyes, the way it rolled off of him like he could barely contain himself.

Bucky’s head snapped towards me, beckoning me forward with the nose of his gun. “Escort us to the hangar. If anything gets in my way, I’ll kill you and everyone in this building.” I took a hesitant step forward, feeling Steve’s worried gaze on my back. Bucky’s eyes snapped to Steve, “You too.” Steve limped forward, holding his ribs.

Bucky’s hand still clenched around Rumlow’s throat as he turned back to him. I watched as he set his feet back onto the floor only to kick his knees out from below him and exchange his neck for the front of his shirt. He jerked his head towards the door, eyeing Cap and I, “Elevator. Now.”

Bucky began dragging Rumlow’s struggling form towards the elevator as he kicked and screamed.

“Friday,” I said shakily, and Bucky paused at my words. His whole body tensed, cold blue eyes boring into me. I knew that if I said one single word out of line, this would be where I died. “Don’t engage alarm system. Keep us incognito.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Bucky’s shoulders relaxed a fraction before he was back to dragging Rumlow after us. We crammed into the elevator, both Cap and I putting as much distance between Bucky and ourselves as we could as he forced Rumlow to his knees in front of himself, metal fingers gripping the nape of his neck to force his head down.

Bucky’s gravely voice bit something out in Russian, and Rumlow shuddered. “S-she’s alive, I swear,” Rumlow answered in English, “I saw her myself.”

This seemed to both assure and infuriate Bucky. Another rumbled Russian sentence was spoken.

I watched as Rumlow’s throat bobbed, and fear leaked into his eyes as he stared at the ascending floor of the elevator. “She was undergoing an operation when I left,” he swallowed, “but she was alive.”

Again, a growled question on Russian.

“I don’t know! I was just there t-to…” It seemed Rumlow had thought better of what he was going to say, and his jaw clamped shut.

Bucky gripped the back of his hair and slammed his face into the elevator doors hard enough to dent the steel. There was a sickening crunch and a garbled cry.

“Ready a jet. Weapons, fuel, everything.” Bucky didn’t look back at me as he spoke, only kept staring down at Rumlow’s mangled and bleeding face.

I nodded, muttering for Friday to do as he asks.

When the elevator leveled out, Bucky kept us pinned with the gun as he dragged Rumlow towards the jet that was already running, fully stocked and prepped for takeoff. It was a single person jet for solo missions, nearly imperceptible if it weren’t for the tracker embedded in it.

Just as I had thought it though, he tore open one of the side compartments by the door and yanked out the wires, tossing the small tracking device to the floor and crushing it under his boot.

He leveled us with a gun one last time, eyes wild. “Don’t follow, and don’t send anyone.”

I honest to God don’t know why he hadn’t killed us already. Maybe it was because he hadn’t truly been triggered, but I didn’t know. Maybe it was something else entirely. Whatever the reason was, I was grateful when he lowered the gun and hustled into the jet, Rumlow shouting as he was dragged into the hangar.

Cap and I both watched as the jet lifted off and disappeared into cloud cover. It wasn’t long before Cap spoke.

“We should send a team after him. He’s not in his right mind.”

I scoffed, “No shit. But if we do, there’s no telling what he’d do. He’s unpredictable when he’s like this, and we don’t know if he has orders…” But even as I said it, I knew it wasn’t true. Bucky had only one mission in his mind.

Get Max back. And I don’t think he really cared what it cost to achieve it.

—————

Max-

I had somehow managed to fall asleep, albeit fitfully, after doing as much as I could to mend my mangled body.

I felt heavy, and my stomach growled loudly in hunger. My mouth was dry, and I honestly couldn’t remember the last time they had brought me rations. Maybe they didn’t plan to. Maybe this was it.

Giles hadn’t even showed up since he dropped me the meager medical box, and I didn’t know how long it had been since then. It could’ve been hours or days—I couldn’t keep track.

I shifted, hearing the clicking at my back and fighting the urge to claw at it. I hated it, whatever they’d done. It was annoying and loud, echoing in my skull whenever I moved. The lack of knowing what it was really haunted me, but I didn’t have the energy to panic about it. Not when I had more important things to focus on.

Hunger, thirst, pain.

I was wearing thin, and I think Giles knew it. He knew he was close to breaking me, and I wanted to make him hurt for it. I wanted to tear him to shreds, wanted to make him hurt the way I had for all those years. For stealing the sliver of peace I had been able to hold onto for the short time I was with the Avengers.

If I lived, I would spend every waking second hunting him until he was wiped clean from this world.

I closed my eyes, cheek pressed to the cold concrete with the intention of trying to sleep once again, when I felt the vibrations. A constant thundering, like a stampede was heading towards me.

My eyes snapped open, locking on the door as the grew more apparent. Shouts, all Russian and very panicked, echoed towards me.

“Protect the asset!”

“Don’t let him- he’s through the first blockade!”

Bullets thunked into the walls outside the door, pinging off metal and burying themselves in the concrete. The stomps still thundered, growing closer with the shouts and screaming men.

The door flung open a moment later, and a flurry of men in uniforms poured in. All of them wore worried, frightened expressions. They cleared a table, the contents atop it clattered to the floor as they hauled it over to block the door. They surrounded me, guns raised towards the door.

None of them seemed too concerned with me. Whatever was outside that door had scared them shitless.

Then the screaming started. Sharp and grating, just beyond the door. I could hear strangled yelling, thumping, and bullets continuing to puncture their targets.

I could sense the foreboding that settled into the soldiers surrounding my cell. I would’ve laughed if my throat wasn’t so dry I thought I’d choke.

Suddenly, all of the commotion outside the door stopped. The air stilled, and not a soul moved.

There wasn’t a sound when the figure appeared in the foggy glass window on the cell door. Tall, looming, and utterly still. The glass was old and covered in so much grime you couldn’t see in or out of it.

That didn’t seem to settle the men around my cage. They shook, bodies trembling and hearts pounding.

The figure moved fast, an arm coming up to shatter the small window and thrust something through it. The metal hit the ground, and a hissing filled the air.

I covered my face with my arm, holding my breath as gas filled the air and choked the soldiers. They struggled to yank gas masks from their belts, and I eyed the nearest soldier to the cell.

Shoving up from the ground, I gripped his tac vest and yanked him against the bars with as much strength as I could muster. He thudded against it, shouting, and dropped his mask to the floor. I yanked it into the cell, pushing myself to the center and out of reach as I fumbled with it. My lungs stung for a few moments before I jerked it over my head and set it in place.

I took a clean breath of air as they began to slump over. Dead or asleep, I didn’t want to know. I sucked in another breath, my eyes finding the door once more.

I wasn’t prepared to see his face, wasn’t prepared for the way it froze me in place and stalled my heart. Flashes of memories or hallucinations—couldn’t tell the difference anymore—barreled through my head. I couldn’t fight the knee jerk reaction to flinch away, to clench my eyes shut and push myself into the corner of my cell.

I couldn’t watch him die again. I couldn’t see his blood on my hands again.

The door scraped open, kicked in by his heavy boot. I heard the table screech across the concrete, and bodies slumping to the floor. Still, I didn’t look up.

I heard the shuffle of his clothes, the softest scuffs of his boots on the floor, saw his shadow block the light behind my eyelids. I knew he was right there. I knew it was him, and yet I couldn’t stop the dread from suffocating me.

It was too much stress for my abused mind, my tired body, and I felt my mind go dark just as the door opened.

—————

Steve-

Bucky- or rather the Winter Soldier- returned to the tower with Max two days after holding Stark and I at gunpoint on the landing bay.

Max was in critical condition when they arrived, and Bucky was still not Bucky. But he wasn’t completely the Winter Soldier either. Not in his actions, anyways. He’d broken into the med bay when he arrived back and had demanded that the Doctors in the wing tend to Max immediately. He was caring, even if it was through the threats on several individuals lives.

He wanted someone to help her.

The Avengers had all showed up on the level to handle him, and Wanda ended up restraining him with her magic and forcing him to his cell. He’d gone ballistic when we’d removed him, and he still remained the Winter Soldier even after he passed out after days of relentlessly roaring and slamming his fists into the cell walls.

It had been two weeks since then, and still wasn’t himself. Less Soldier and more… confused. And Max was in a coma.

The Doctors had done every test possible after she was deemed stable and still hadn’t woken up. Even brain scans, but they’d come up strangely. Her brain was active, more so than normal, but there were strange dark lines that moved in every scan. It was unnerving, and left the team disturbed when the information was shared with us. Wanda, who’d given a brief explanation of her last encounter with Max, had gone pale at the news and excused herself from most meetings regarding Max after that.

I’d catch Peter or Stark visiting her when they were free. They’d sit and talk with her, or sometimes just hold her hand and not talk at all. It was painful to watch even if Max and I weren’t close.

Because we weren’t close at all. Which really brought me to question why I found myself sitting in the same chair I’d seen Stark sitting in just a few hours ago. It was late, around eight. Most of the team had dismissed themselves to their rooms, and I’d taken one last round to visit Buck in his cell before I somehow found myself here.

I gazed down at Max, her body still, and her breathing even and deep. Still sleeping.

Seeing her like this, vulnerable and… and relaxed for what felt like the first time in a while was strange. It was almost like I could see her as just a woman, not as the thing I’d seen her as in that bunker. But I couldn’t forget that, probably wouldn’t for as long as I lived.

Still, it made me rethink the way I had treated her.

“Hey, Max.” I didn’t say it louder than a whisper, afraid she’d snap awake for some reason. “I… I don’t know why I’m here. Maybe because I need to apologize for the way I have spoken to you in the past. Maybe… I don’t know.”

I felt silly, sitting here alone and talking to a comatose girl I didn’t really know and didn’t know if I wanted to. But she meant something to Buck. And I had been unfair.

“Listen,” I took a breath, resting my head in the palms of my hands. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you when you were with us in the compound. I’m sorry for assuming the worst from you, even though you’d proven to us that you weren’t what Hydra wanted you to be. I owe you that.”

I looked up at her pale face, her white lashes where they remained rested closed. “Bucky isn’t the same without you. He’s… he’s like a shell. I’ve never seen him this bad, not even before we found you. And now he’s in some sort of limbo soldier state and I don’t know how to help him. I know you would, though. You always did. Even if I disliked you for it.”

I pressed my palms to my temples. “Maybe I should… maybe he needs to see you and it would help him. Maybe if he could just be near you—.”

Something latched onto my hand, and my gaze snapped down where her hand clenched my wrist in a bruising grip. Ultramarine lines snaked out from her palm, similar to Wanda’s gift, creeping around my arm. They weren’t elegant or enchanting like Wanda’s power though. Not with the way they tangled themselves like overgrown weeds, twisting over each other as they reached towards my head.

I yanked at my hand, but her grip held fast, holding me in place as they wrapped around my neck. Part of the vining strands separated and plunged itself into my ear. I tried to scream, to call for help, but my brain blanked and my vision went white.

I thought it had, anyways. But the longer I waited, the longer I realized I was awake. That I was conscious.

And that I wasn’t alone.

Max sat on the ground in the middle of the whiteness, her expression blank and empty. She wore the hospital garb she had been in when Bucky had brought here back. The bloodied, thin fabric hung off her gaunt form.

I took a step, then another, but the closer I got, the more the whiteness around me darkened and scenery sprung around me. A cell, guards donning a red emblem that made rage flicker in my gut, and Max remained in the middle of it all.

“Max?” I kept my voice low as a guard materialized next to me.

None of what was happening made sense. I had just been in the tower sitting next to her, then here? Something was very wrong.

“Max,” I stepped closer to the cell, this time raising my voice a bit more. “Hey, it’s Steve.”

She shifted, blinking a few times and hugging herself with a shiver. I noted the cold air when she did, suddenly very aware of how real this all seemed.

Her hair fell over her eyes, and she didn’t move to fix it. “You aren’t real.”

I paused at that, frowning. I looked around, taking in the scene around me. Because that’s what I thought it was. A scene, or a memory of some sort.

I recalled the brief description of Max’s new power that Wanda had briefed us on from her experience with it. It wasn’t much to go on, seeing as Wanda was unwilling to share too much of what she’d seen. But it was the concept that I was interested in.

Wanda had seen the same disturbing blue power flaring out from Max right before she was thrown into what I could only guess was Max’s memories. Which seemed the only logical conclusion I could find as I knelt by the cell.

This must’ve been somewhere she was kept, maybe even the exact cell she was in just weeks ago. I kept taking note of what was around me, how cold the air felt, the way I could hear the shuffling of the guards. It would be easy to confuse this for reality with how detailed it was.

But certain things didn’t line up.

There was emptiness on the other side of the door to the small cell, like nothing existed outside this room. The guards eye color changed, or the weapon they held would miraculously become something different when I glanced away. It was small things, but enough to solidify my theory.

“Max.”

This time, she glanced up. Her eyes were watery and red, and her mouth was a flat emotionless line. “I really don’t need you to taunt me, Steve. Can’t you see I’m done? Can’t you see I’ve given up? It’s over!I’m tired of the pain, the hate. I’m just… I’m so tired.”

“Hey, don’t say that.” I gripped the bars, “I’m not here to taunt you, or anything like that. I…” I swallowed hard. “I was actually apologizing to you before. I knew you couldn’t hear me, but I needed to tell you that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for how I treated you, how unkind I was. You didn’t deserve that. I just didn’t understand before, I didn’t know why you were the way you are.”

Her face scrunched up in disbelief as a bitter laugh echoed off the walls. “God, even my hallucinations make you sickeningly righteous.”

I blow out a breath at that, reminding myself that she doesn’t understand that this is literally all in her head. And that she does have every right to be bitter with me. I was a prick.

“This isn’t a hallucination,” I keep my voice even and low. “What do you remember before this?”

She frowned, her eyes far off and her skin getting impossibly paler. “Winter. I remember Winter outside that door.” She nodded towards the steel door across from her, and a shadow moved over the window.

I reminded myself that this wasn’t real, and focused back on her and not the looming silhouette outside of the room. “That was real. Very real. Bucky rescued you two weeks ago. You’re currently in a coma at the tower.”

Her eyes widened, and her head started shaking slowly.

“Max, just listen to me. I’m not lying to you. Bucky got you out of here. Your powers— the new ones, they’re keeping you and I in here. Just a few minutes ago, I was sitting next to your hospital bed in the tower. I swear to you, I’m telling the truth.”

Max just stared and stared, her brows pitched upwards and a lost, almost helpless expression pouring over her features. After a while, she finally spoke up. “What do I do? I don’t know how to… how to get us out.”

I blew out a breath, looking around. There wasn’t anything obvious that indicated an exit other than the door. I glanced back at the cell, which now had a door where only bars had been moments ago. I blinked, “I think you just have to want to leave.” I nodded towards the cell door.

I watched her process things, her eyes flitting around the room to the guards. “They’ll try to stop me.”

I shook my head, patting my chest. “I’ll keep them from doing that if they try, okay?”

She looked at me then, a million emotions in her eyes. Vulnerability wasn’t something I was used to seeing from Max, and it twisted something in my heart.

Something I hadn’t felt for a hundred years.

“Okay,” she whispered. “I trust you.”

On shaky legs, she shuffled towards the cell and gripped the bars. With a gentle tug, the door creaked open and her eyes bounced between the guards. None of them moved, but I moved towards her anyway. She needed to feel safe.

I offered my hand, smiling in what I hoped looked like an encouraging gesture. She took it, her pale hand gripping mine like a lifeline as she padded quickly towards the steel door to the room. It groaned as she yanked it open, and we were plunged into reality.

———

Max-

I gasped for air, my throat burning as I registered the world around me. The real one, I hoped.

Bright lights blinded me overhead, and a tube was lodged in my throat. I reached up, yanking out the wires and needles in my arm in the process, and pulled it out. I coughed, gagging for a moment before I could finally just breathe.

Steve was slumped in the chair next to me, his body twitching every few seconds. His eyes were closed, but he was breathing steady. Alive, at least.

I gathered my wits, taking a few minutes to assess my body. Steve had said I was out for two weeks, and the improvement of my condition from the last time was proof enough. I wasn’t hungry, for one. No pains in my body. I didn’t feel like my mouth was full of sand when I swallowed, which means I was hydrated for the first time in a while.

I was… fine. Alive, breathing, and whole.

Mostly.

The clicking was still there. It reverberated through my skull making me hyper aware of every move I made, metallic and haunting.

I shoved it out of my mind, as far as I could. I just needed to get out of this bed. I needed… I needed to see what they’d done to me. I needed to make sure I was really here. That this was real and not some twisted mind game again.

With heavy limbs, I swung myself to the side of the bed. If this was really the tower, Friday would’ve already notified Tony or someone to come check on me immediately. Which meant my time frame was severely limited.

I made my way into the elevator, hustling as much as my groggy body would allow, and punched my floor number. It rose, and I counted the numbers lighting on the panel as they passed. When it leveled with my floor, I waited long enough to squeeze through the opened doors and hurried to my door. I shoved it open, noting the crumpled covers and the distinct smell of leather and that familiar cologne.

I took a moment to close my eyes, to breathe him in even if he wasn’t truly here. It was a small hint that maybe… maybe it really was real. I didn’t let it sit with me long, snapping open my eyes and storming to the bathroom.

I ripped off the hospital gown and let my eyes roam over my pale skin. Scars, all new, peppered my body where none had been before. Pale shimmering skin where my regeneration had tried and failed to heal them correctly. I lifted my eyes more, noting more as I kept looking upon my image in the mirror. When I got to my neck, my heart stalled.

There, right next to the column of my throat, was the distinct insignia of Hydra. The skin wasn’t shimmery, not completely, anyways. Like part of it had healed when I was still under whatever was in that injection. Parts of it were deep pink, nearly red against the shimmery pale counterparts. But it was unmistakable even with the frankenstein healing. Hydra had marked me permanently, like property.

Rage clawed at my chest, seeped into my veins, and solidified my resolve.

I went to the nightstand, pulling out my belongings, and then reaching under the bed for my ammo box. I set them on the covers before yanking out the duffel I hid along with them, and shoved everything inside.

I made quick work with my small closet, packing the most useful, purposeful items I owned and a few I had sentimental value in, and shoved them in too. I changed into a hoodie and a pair of cargo pants, lacing my boots and pulling my hand gun from under the nightstand, shoving it into my waistband.

I didn’t really think about what I was doing. It was instinct and muscle memory alone. When it was all done, and the room looked vacant and bare of any hint of me, I paused to think.

To consider what I was about to do.

What I was about to leave.

The tower and the Avengers had been a home to me. They’d been friends and family. I’d… I’d allowed myself to put down roots for the first time and I was about to tear them out. Tony would be devastated, and so would Thor and Peter. The others, I wasn’t so sure.

I’d hurt them. I knew what I’d done would come back to haunt me every night for the rest of my life. I knew that some of them wouldn’t be able to forgive me. That Wanda would seek me out for revenge someday and she might succeed.

I couldn’t stay. It would hurt them more than I already had. They would be better off… happier, if I did what I’d always done and disappear.

So I grabbed a notebook from my shelves, scribbled down a few things and labeled them, leaving them neatly on the bed. I hesitated a moment longer before writing something for Bucky. Even if he didn’t love me, or he wasn’t alive to read it, whatever the case… he deserved closure.

The elevator pinged down the hall, and I hauled the bag over my shoulder. With one look back around my room, I locked the door and turned towards the balcony.

When I stepped out, the cool air was welcome as it nipped at my skin. The cool metal of the hand railing was a solid reminder of reality. Of this place, and what waited for me beyond.

I glanced down at the pavement below, knowing the jump would hurt like hell. I’d live though, probably be healed by the time I made it to the end of the block.

I steeled myself with a breath, and one last look out at the city.

This would be the last time I saw it for a long time. It was time for me to start my own path, to follow my own desires and make my own decisions. I was out from Hydras thumb, and I would make sure it stayed that way forever. I would never be put in a position like that ever again, and anyone who tried to take my freedom from me again… I’d tear them apart.

It was time for a new leaf, for the past to be laid to rest. I’d rend Hydra from this earth, and make a new name for myself.

Pounding started on the door, muffled voices shouting behind it, but I didn’t turn back. Instead, I hauled myself over the railing and plummeted down…

To a new beginning.

Tags<3

@greatmistakes / @cjand10 / @greatenthusiasttidalwave / @calwitch / @blackbirdwitch22 / @imdoingathingmom / @readawaythereality2

#angst #bucky barnes #winter soldier #fluff #marvel #drama #mcu #original character #fanfic #the avengers

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toasttt11 · 4 months ago

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europe

June 2, 2024

Lucia hugged Quinn as they stood in front of the airport and John a few steps away with Lucia and his bags letting the siblings having a moment alone.

Quinn was going to a spend a few days with some friends in New Jersey before Jack came up and then Quinn and Jack would see Lucia when she got back to Michigan for their Concert.

Quinn had got up for the two’s very very early flight to drop them off at Newark.

“Have fun.” Quinn mumbled as he hugged her tightly, he knows Lucia has always dreamed of seeing Paris and John had told him some of things they were going to be doing in Europe and Quinn knew Lucia would absolutely love everything.

Lucia nodded and stepped back sending Quinn one last smile before heading to John and they headed into the airport.

Lucia honestly let John do everything and just followed him holding on to his hand and she kinda really enjoyed not paying attention as they went through the airport until they were sitting in their first class seats about to takeoff to Paris.

Lucia slipped her shoes off curling her very legs up in her seat and getting settled to go back to sleep.

John smiled softly seeing her getting all comfortable, he gently guided her head to him and let her rest her head on his bicep as his other hand held her hand gently rubbing her hand as they headed into the air.

John smiled not even suprised that Lucia was already asleep, He asked a flight attendant that walked by for a blanket and he draped the blanket over his partner.

He started a movie and watched the whole thing while Lucia was still fully asleep and John’s head eventually rested onto top Lucia’s falling asleep for a while as well.

Lucia grumbled rubbing her face on John’s arm as she slowly woke up, John looked down looking amused seeing his sleepy girl finally wake up after sleeping for almost the entire flight, he had a few hour nap and she was still sleeping.

“Hi my sleepy girl.” John softly cooed rubbing her loose braids kissing the top of her head.

Lucia hummed rubbing her eyes, “How much longer?” Lucia questioned softly trying to wake up after her very long nap.

“Just a few minutes, you slept most of the flight.” John answered amused, she quite literally almost slept the entire seven hour flight.

Lucia hummed not surprised, she always sleeps easily in cars or planes and being next to John makes her sleep even easier.

Lucia just kept her head rested on John’s shoulder as she slowly woke up.

Lucia looked up and looked out the window and saw the Eiffel tower, her mouth opened in awe as she looked at the tower she has dreamed of seeing since she was a baby.

John smiled softly pulling out his phone taking a photo of Lucia as she admired the Eiffel tower, he admired her.

“Thank you.” Lucia softly whispered squeezing John’s hand. John just smiled kissing her cheek softly.

They got into Paris around lunch time and headed to the hotel giving their bags to the hotel as their room was not ready yet and they just headed out to the city and started exploring and buying little souvenirs.

Lucia and John both were pretty tired by the time their room was ready so they just took a long bath at the hotel and ordered lots of room service eating on the balcony that faces the eiffel tower letting them watch the sunset over the eiffel tower.

June 3, 2024

John gently brushed her loose curls out of her face as she was still peacefully sleeping, “Luce.” John softly cooed caressing her face making her eyes slowly flutter open seeing John’s smiling face.

Lucia hummed sleepily leaning into John’s soft touch.

“Good morning my love.” John lovingly mumbled pressing a few kisses on her cheek making them turn a rosy pink.

“Morning.” Lucia yawned stretching her arms and wrapping her arms around John’s neck pulling him on top of her and humming contently.

John let out a fond chuckle but stayed laying on top of Lucia for a little while letting her wake up.

“Come on croissants are waiting for us.” John softly teased and poked her side right under her ribs knowing that’s where she is more sensitive.

Lucia squealed squirming away making John laugh.

“And hot chocolate?” Lucia asked raising a teasing eyebrow at her partner.

“Of course Angel.” John fondly rolled his eyes picking his girl up making her laugh and cling to him as he carried her to the bathroom so they could get ready.

Lucia and John got ready for the day and linked hands as they walked out of their hotel heading to a little cafe close by sitting outside.

Lucia happily ordered a hot chocolate making John look at her fondly before he ordered a cappuccino and of course they ordered lots of pastries for breakfast.

Lucia hummed happily as she sipped on her hot chocolate and munched on her chocolate croissant. John smiled leaning over and whipping the top of her lip and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

They spent the next few days exploring all of Paris, John surprised Lucia by getting tickets to go to the top of the Eiffel tower.

They went to see the Louvre, The Triomphe, many cathedrals, many museums, Tuileries Gardens, Palace of Versailles, they rode many ferry’s, ate way too many pastries.

June 6, 2024

Lucia stepped out of the bathroom wearing a long black dress with her hair down for once in their natural curls with a black ribbon in her hair and a pair of black heels.

John looked up from where he was sitting and his breath got caught in his chest as he looked a his beautiful girl, John stood up and slowly walked over to her and took her hand spinning her around making her laugh, “You are absolutely beautiful.” John is always in awe of Lucia but when he sees her in different clothes that he doesn’t always see it always shocks him a bit more than normal.

Lucia blushed trying to roll her eyes to hide how pleased she was from the compliment, And you look good.” Lucia smirked looking at John in dress pants and a button down shirt that he left a little unbuttoned on the top.

“Thank you my love.” John smiled softly playing with her sapphire necklace before he pressed a kiss to her cheek and offered his arm to her making her hold onto his bicep as they headed out of their hotel and walked to their dinner reservations.

“Marino.” John told the hostess as they stepped into the restaurant and they were lead to a private room that John has reserved for their last night together.

Lucia smiled pleased as John pulled out her chair for her before sitting down across from her.

Lucia and John laughed a lot as they enjoyed their dinner and lots of wine together.

Lucia shook her head fondly not surprised when the waiter set down a bowl of dessert in them even though they did not order it and she knew John must of quietly asked them.

“You and your surprises.” Lucia shook her head looking at her partner who is always surprising her and spoiling her.

John just shrugged nonchalantly he loves surprising his girl, “There’s one more tonight.” He pulled out a box from his pocket setting it on the table sliding it to her.

“What is this?” Lucia raised an eyebrow picking the small box up.

“Open it my love.” John softy encouraged her.

Lucia fondly rolled her eyes but opened the box and her breath got caught seeing a beautiful sapphire bracelet that matched her necklace perfectly.

“You didn’t.” Lucia mumbled in shock looking at the bracelet in awe.

“I did.” John smugly grinned, he knew one day he will have given Lucia ever possible jewelry piece and all of them will be sapphire.

“Silly boy.” Lucia fondly mumbled looking up from the bracelet at him with a happy smile and she held her wrist towards him.

John smiled pleased as he took the bracelet out of the box and wrapped it delicately around her wrist and pressed a kiss on her wrist.

“Thank you.” Lucia smiled squeezing his hands.

“Always.” John promised.

June 9, 2024

Lucia and John spent three days in London and spent every day exploring all of London.

The first day they went to see all of the older and famous location that London are known for like, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Cathedrals, Hyde Park, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Tower of London and so many more.

John and Lucia both being Harry Potter fans meant they spent a day during all Harry Potter themed attractions like, a harry potter walking tour, Warner Bros Studio Tour, Harry Potter locations your.

They spent their third day with a bit of mixed attractions, like the tea train, Jack the Ripper tour, London Tour bus.

June 13, 2024

Lucia stretched waking up in the warm bed and frowned slightly seeing John next to her, she looked over at the glass doors and saw John sitting outside.

It was their fourth and final day in Barcelona and Lucia was glad for the way John planned for their trip, he knew she would want to explore and walk around more in places like Paris and London rather than Barcelona, so their stay in Barcelona hass been a lot more relaxing than Paris and London.

John had got them a place right on the beaches of Barcelona making them spend a lot of the time in the water and going to many different types of beaches around Barcelona.

They of course still explored other parts of Barcelona that wasn’t the beach but they did spend a lot of their time the past days at the breach, they did find many little markets in Spain and they both loved trying all of the amazing fruits.

Lucia stood up letting the sheet fall off her as she got out of bed, she grabbed John’s button that was on the ground from last night putting it on before walking out the glass door feeling the warm sand against her feet as she walked the few steps to her John.

Lucia immediately sat on his lap and curled on his lap like a cat.

John smiled setting his book down next to his coffee and wrapped his arms around her.

“Morning.” Lucia mumbled against his neck pressing a gentle kiss there.

“Morning my angel.” John softly spoke back rubbing her back gently and pressing a few soft kisses to her hairline.

John knew their trip was easily becoming some of the best memories he will ever have but also his favorite trip he’s been on and he’s enjoyed every second being with his girl.

Lucia and John enjoyed a few minutes of comfortable silence with the eaves crashing being the only sounds, before John had a mischievous idea.

He stood up holding Lucia making her hold onto him tighter as he started walking them to the ocean.

Lucia just laughed holding onto John not suprised he’s taking her towards the water.

John smirked mischievously at her as he stepped into the water before jumping forward and dunking them both under the water.

Lucia laughed as she came back up from the water whipping her hair from her face, she grabbed back onto John wrapped her leges around his waist making him hold her.

John smiled pulling her into a kiss.

June 17, 2024

Lucia looked up from the book she was reading, which is a book that is John’s, seeing John walking out with a pizza.

This is their last day in Milan but also their last day of their in their trip as they were leaving to go home tomorrow, John going back to Boston and Lucia back to Michigan.

They spent five days in Milan and ate so much pasta and pizza as you should in Italy and they rented a moped for a few days and John quickly learned Lucia was a much better driver than him. John of course took her out to many fancy dinners.

They were spending their last full day on a rented boat on Lake Como.

Lucia and John spent the morning driving around the water looking at everything before they picked a spot to park at and swam around together in Lake Como.

John had to convince Lucia to finally get out of the water so they could hydrate and eat and then they could go back in the water.

John set the warm margarita pizza on the table in front of his partner, he had the fridge packed to make a few things for them during their day on the lake.

Lucia gently closed her book setting it down as John set next to her and cut a slice of pizza for her.

Lucia moaned satisfied as she took a bite of pizza that John made them, it was incredible especially with him being the one who made it.

John swallowed slighty at the sounds from Lucia but tried to ignore his thoughts, “Good?” John asked as his thumb gently rubbed off the tomato sauce on her lips.

Lucia watched as John gently wiped her face for her, something she has never let anyone else do to her and realized just how much John does for her that she loves but hates anyone else doing for her and it kinda made her realize how much she let her self be open with John, something she was scared to do.

She set her pizza down and leaned closer to John crapped his favs in her hands and pressing a firm and long kiss to her lips.

“What was that for? Not that i’m complaining?” John asked her once she pulled back from the longer kiss than normal.

Lucia was still holding his face in her hands as her eyes nervously flickered around his face, she took a deep breath, “I love you John Marino.” Lucia softly admitted the words she never thought she would tell someone but then again she never thought she would find love the way she has with John.

John’s eyes widen his smile widen hearing the words he’s been waiting to tell her, “I love you too Lucia Hughes.” John softly told her leaning closer to her and pressing a gentle kiss on her nose.

instagram posts of the trip

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welcometololaland · 3 months ago

Note

what are your thoughts of 5x01 tarlos?

hello, anon! thanks for the ask 💜

i wouldn't usually answer this straight away because i like to marinate on these types of questions, but my overall vibe towards 5 x 01 was that it was super enjoyable! felt like old time LS with the rescue and the mystery and then some character backstory and development and humour all thrown in!

as for tarlos...i feel like 5 x 01 was a taster to get us to want more (mission accomplished). tk felt like tk - loved his snarky comments at the firehouse and about soup man (i actually vibe that campbell guy don't get me wrong) and him poking lou 2 in the head with a capsicum/pepper. carlos felt serious and a little tired - like a man who is finding his feet and trying to live up to his own expectations and carrying around the weight of his father's unresolved death. which is, you know, accurate!

i can see the angst/drama coming but also that phone call was showcasing some pretty good communication skills, so i'm proud of them! growing in marriage is a thing 💜

overall: i have my seatbelt on, my tray table is stowed, my seat back is upright and window blind open so i am READY FOR TAKEOFF.

#911 lone star #911 lone star season 5 #tarlos #carlos reyes #tk strand #911 lone star spoilers #911 lone star s 5 e 1

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crazycurly-77 · 4 months ago

Text

Lost in the Jungle - pt. 7

Gibbs took the satellite phone

“Stan. Olli. Are you there?”

“Yeah. What's up?”

“We found Y/N. She's okay, but her leg is broken.”

“Do you need help?”

“No. We'll build her a walking aid and I support her. Then we'll come to the base. Get the plane ready for takeoff.”

Then he ended the call and walked out of the plane back into the rainforest. He searched for a suitable branch and trimmed it with his knife.

After he was finished he went back and gave it to you.

He looked between Tim and you back and forth, saying frowning “everything okay?”

“Yeah. Tim only wished us all the luck in the world and hugged me,” you answered smiling and Tim was smiling, too.

Gibbs nodded “I'm glad your friendship will not be damaged just because we are a couple now.”

All three of you smiled and nodded with an awkward silence spreading between you.

Then suddenly Gibbs clapped his hands loudly

“Good. Y/N, I'll pick you up as cautiously as possible, but it will hurt. Sorry, no way to prevent this.”

“It's okay Jethro, I'll endure it. I know you only want to help.”

He gave you a short kiss, then laid his hands on your waist and began to lift you up slowly to hopefully not hurt you too much. You tried to help him and leaned on the stick he gave you as good as possible.

Because there was not much space in the plane, Tim went outside and waited there for you both.

Standing in front of the door he reached out his hands and helped you down, while Gibbs held you from behind.

Then the first challenge was done. All three of you were standing outside of the aircraft.

“McGee. Take the equipment, I'll take my knife and support Y/N on our way back to the base.”

“Yes, boss,” Tim agreed and then you all began to walk respectively limp in the direction of the base camp.

You had been walking for a while when you came across a large snake lying in the middle of your path.

Abruptly you all stopped confronted with this very large animal.

Gibbs took a closer look at her and then pushed her carefully aside, explaining “that's an anaconda. She's not poisonous and if I go for the thick spot in the middle of her, she has already eaten. So, come on. We have to be back before it gets dark.”

And with that you were on your way again.

Your progress was slow, luckily you didn't encounter any more dangerous animals. Sure, there were a lot of animals in the rainforest, but they kept a healthy distance from you so there was no immediate danger.

Your pain was getting worse and worse, but it didn't help, you had to get through it. Small breaks in between did bring about a brief improvement, but there was nothing you wanted more than to finally be able to lie down and rest your leg.

Gibbs did his best, but he couldn't take away the pain. He kept trying to encourage you to hold on, but you found it increasingly difficult. He frowned at you and asked worriedly, “Is it still okay?” All you could do was grit your teeth and nod.

He turned to look at Tim, asking

“McGee. How far is it?"

“About 500 m left, boss," came his reply. You got pretty far despite your injury, but when you tried to take another step, nothing worked. You couldn't help it and screamed in pain.

At your scream, Gibbs flinched just as you did. He looked at you with concern and determination. “It won’t work that way.” He turned and ordered "McGee, grab my backpack of gear and my knife and lead the way. I'll carry Y/N the rest of the way."

"Jethro, I'm far too heavy and it's far too hot for that. It'll be fine."

“I won't allow that," was his determined answer and before you could say anything in response, he had already picked you up in his arms and continued towards the camp.

“Jethro…” you began.

“I won't discuss this with you,” he said and stubbornly walked on.

You were so sorry that he had to go to such lengths to save you, but it made you love him even more, if that was even possible.

Your wonderful, stubborn and sexy marine.

He was such a treasure and you didn't understand how his ex-wives could let him go. You didn't get it for the life of you and you felt chosen that your best friend and your boyfriend were such great guys.

And then suddenly there was a clearing and there was a plane, too.

Finally you have reached the base camp!!

You all yelled and cheered in pure happiness and relief. You made it.

Hearing your shouting Stan and Olli came immediately running to you.

Olli took Gibbs’ bag from him and Stan tried to take you from Gibbs, but Gibbs refused and was marching further towards the aircraft.

Running besides him, Stan said “all is packed, we are ready for takeoff.”

“Good, start the engines and then let's fly home,” Gibbs answered.

Following the order Stan ran back, climbed into the cockpit and the machines came roaring to life.

Tim and Olli entered the plane, picked you up from Gibbs and sat you in one of the chairs. Immediately after you were cared for, Gibbs also climbed into the plane and closed the door, panting, just like the others.

The plane rolled and was airborne after a short distance.

Settling down Olli walked into the cockpit to Stan and Tim and Gibbs sat beside you.

After a few minutes you felt the questioning gaze of your boyfriend on you and you looked up to him.

The both of you locked eyes and with a scowl he asked “what did you do in Ecuador?”

(To be continued...in Chapter 8)

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

Here you will find the other chapters of this story and the other stories I've written to date.

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

Tags: @ilovemark1951, @hobby27

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

#ncis #jethro gibbs x reader #gibbs #leroy jethro gibbs #gibbs x reader #leroy jethro gibbs x reader #ncis fanfiction

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nicolewoo · 1 year ago

Text

Super Earth Part 3 Liftoff

Pairing: Roman Reigns X Reader

Warnings: None

I opened the door, and the cameras went wild. I waived shyly as I took my seat next to Jamie. Roman’s seat was on the other end of the table. The crowd of press settled down quickly.

“Sorry to be late. I was handling last minute details.”

“Everything ok?” My boss asked.

I smiled, “Just checking the pollen counts of his samples.” I replied.

“Captain Y/N?” The reporters clamored for my attention.

I chose Leslie first. She had done great coverage of our last mission, “Captain, this is your third mission?” I nodded yes. “And the longest too. It’s well known that you asked for this mission.”

I interrupted “asked…. Begged…. Bribed….” The audience laughed.

“Why this particular mission?” Great question Leslie. She knew I could easily answer it.

I exhaled as I sat up a little. “Our planet is wounded. We are too populated, too polluted. Colonies like the one on Super Earth can be our saving grace. Think of it, an entire planet larger than our own where humanity can expand and ease our burden on Earth. The Super Earth colonists, headed by amazing scientists like this group” I motioned to the group we were taking “have learned to make electricity from the tides of the ocean.”

Jamie added, “it’s not perfected yet.”

I nodded to her. “Right, but here’s my point. The colony was built with zero damage to Super Earth. Zero. We have sworn not to ruin Super Earth by poluting there. The colonists had to learn to work with the planet instead of against it. Imagine what we can do to heal our own planet once these technologies are perfected. Getting scientists to the planet is essential. I want to do my part.”

Jamie jumped in before the press could ask a question. “Plus, we” she motioned to indicate her and me “get a three month vacation on the planet.” She leaned back in her chair as the crowd laughed.

“Yeah well,” Dr. Rhea Ripley, one of three scientists from Australia, said as she leaned back the same way Jamie did “I get a 9 month vacation while you two drive.” The crowd laughed.

Dr. Reigns’ low voice filled the room “Speak for yourself! I’ve got plants to tend to! A botanist’s job is never done.” The press loved the banter.

“In truth,” I started, “These scientists will be doing experiments the whole way. In fact, I’ve seen their schedules. It’s pretty booked.”

Roman answered “and on top of that, Captain YLN has just agreed to teach me how to fly the ship!” He’d thrown me for a loop, but I recovered my composure quickly.

“See? They’ll be busy.” I said. More laughter.

“So what WILL you do on your three month vacation Captain?” A reporter asked.

“I plan on learning about the planet and all the work being done there. But if I get the time, I was hoping to hone my chess skills.”

The innocuous answer barely registered with the press. They immediately asked Jamie the same question. She joked about getting a tan on the ocean planet, but I couldn’t listen, because I could feel Roman’s stare boring into me. The answer wasn’t innocuous to him. He understood my message, and when I allowed myself to look over at him for a second, I found him smiling.

————————————————————

Jamie hit the intercom button and motioned me to start. “Crew, passengers, we are getting ready to take off. For those of you who haven’t done this before, remember to tighten your seatbelt, turn your seat toward the cockpit and take deep breaths. If you get nauseous, close your eyes and try to relax.”

The radio clicked “Explorer, are you ready for takeoff?” Jamie answered the base.

“If you get too sick, there’s a container right by your left hand. Use it and close it. Remember we will not have gravity for this part of our trip, so if you don’t cover it, you might end up with some on you.”

“Explorer, We are ready to count on your mark.” The radio crackled again.

“Just a reminder, this is my third mission, and I haven’t lost anyone yet.” I joked through the intercom. “Just listen to me, and I’ll get you through this. We’re going to start our count down now.”

I nodded at Jamie and she answered again. “Base, we are ready. Start the count.”

We fired up the engines.

10. I checked my own seatbelt and nodded to Jamie.

9. “Let’s do this.” She said.

8 We were preparing for liftoff, checking dials, levels, buttons, all last minute checks.

7 My brain was doing continuous checks on the ships systems.

6 Roman was back there. Was he scared? Will he get sick?

5 I had to be perfect on this mission. I had to keep him safe.

4 I had a whole ship of people to keep safe. 40 total.

3 The silence in the cockpit was broken now by only the sound of the engines.

2 “Let’s do this!” Jamie said.

1 “Here we go.” I said over the intercom

———————————————

“Doctor Thorp, how are our passengers?” I asked. Thorp was our doctor. We’d worked together on two missions and were friends.

Thorp’s response was fast, “Only two pukers and 4 passed out.”

“Pretty good.” I joked back. “Everyone recovered?”

“Yup. They’re up and moving and brushing their teeth.” He laughed.

I unbuckled myself, getting out of my seat and stretching. Jamie did the same. “Who do you think puked?” she asked.

Mentally, I ran through our passenger list. “The scientist from Norway.” I guessed and she agreed. “And….. Canada… that Zayne guy.”

“No way! She laughed. It’s the German guy….. GUNTAR!!!” She overly pronounced it like he did. “It’s always the big guys.”

Checking the ship’s controls I chortled, “Wanna put $20 on it?” She shook my hand to seal the bet.

“Who do you think passed out? Not that hottie from the US!” Her devious smile said more than her words.

I had to hide my face, before she realized I was hiding something. I busied myself looking at the communications panel. “Dr. Reigns? Nah, he’s one of those guys that never loses control.” I mused.

“I gotta say, I’m glad he’s on this trip. Great eye candy.” She fanned herself with her clipboard indicating he was hot. If she only knew…. Those muscles. That tattoo…. His Adonnis Belt……………..

I took a deep breath and tried to calm my body, but it didn’t comply. “He’s definitely handsome” I replied casually, and she must have believed the act, because she changed the subject.

“Oh! I forgot to tell you. I did manage to get a copy of that TV show you wanted…. The Tudors?” She said. “Wanna watch some tonight?”

I needed a quick distraction, “Don’t think I can. I need to meet with Dr. Zayne about his experiment.” I tried to sound casual.

Jamie looked at me, cocking her head to the side. “What’s going on?” She didn’t believe me. “What is your interest in all these scientists?” She didn’t suspect it was Reigns…. She thought something was going on with all the scientists.

Giving her the completed checklist, I looked directly at her. “Nothing…. Just….” I hesitated, trying to think what to say. Suddenly, I had an idea. “It’s top secret.”

She was shocked. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know.”

That lie bought me some time.

————————————-

My phone beeped, and I opened it to find Roman’s stunning face smiling at me. “Hey, you alone?”

I nodded. “Yes, but what would have done if I’d said no?”

He laughed, “I was going to pretend some of my research was top secret, and you had clearance.”

“Thinking on your feet Dr. Reigns? Well done!” I smiled at him.

“I think it’s a little late to be calling me Dr. Reigns” he laughed. “Just call me Roman.”

“Agreed.” I answered, “and you can call me Captain YLN” I teased.

He rolled his eyes at me. “Can I come see you tonight?”

“No.” I answered quickly. “We have to be more careful than that. Why don’t we meet in your lab?”

“That’s pretty public!” He protested.

I laughed. “Just trust me, please.”

He laughed. “Ok. My lab. 10 minutes?”

__________________________________________________________________________________

@mindofasagitarius @lclb13 @serenityfiretrash @lustyromantic @reigns-5sos @bigpsychicbagelauthor @omg-im-such-a-masochist @marlananicole @wickedsunfire @starwithaheart @spookys-girl @pitlissa22 @snowpanda18 @thesamoanqueen @sassginaswanmills

#roman reigns #roman reigns fanfiction

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justsomewritingblog · 1 year ago

Text

Avatar: TLA (Part 10 of many)

Request: None

Requested By: Nobody

Pairing: Zuko x reader

Summary: The Waterbending Master

Warnings: none?

A/N: Zuko either in the next chapter, or the one after that. I’m looking forward to this interaction.

Word Count: 4K+

Last Chapter - Next Chapter

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

You flew low. So low, in fact, that you could see an otter floating on the surface of the water.

“I’m not one to complain,” Sokka started. You let out a small chuckle, which he ignored. “But can’t Appa fly any higher?”

The bison’s feet dragged along the water, creating ripples. Sokka was currently leaning over the back of the saddle, watching the passing fish.

“I have an idea.” Aang said, turning around so you could see the anger on his face. “Why don’t we all get on your back and you can fly us to the North Pole?”

You rolled your eyes and continued to watch the small icebergs.

“I’d love to. Climb on, everyone.” Sokka said, jerking a thumb at his back. “Sokka is ready for takeoff.” He declared. Momo flew over and landed on his back.

“Look, we’re all just a little tired and cranky because we’ve been flying for two days straight.”

“We’re getting close.” You said. “There isn’t a lot of land out here.”

“Exactly! There’s nothing up here, which means we can’t find the Northern Watertribe.” Sokka voiced, crossing his arms. (He was now sitting properly.) A splash was heard as a wall of ice appeared in front of Appa. Aang yelled and steered the large bison to the side. Walls kept appearing, and you, Sokka and Katara were holding on for dear life. Appa’s foot caught a piece of ice and he went spiraling into the sea. The water around him froze as a few small ships came into view. Within moments, you were surrounded.

“They’re waterbenders! We found the watertribe!” Katara exclaimed.

“I’ll take care of this.” You announced, grabbing the waterbending scroll from the bag and leaping off Appa. They watched as you talked with one of the men on the boats, though they couldn’t hear what you were saying. They saw you show the man the scroll and gesture at them, before continuing your conversation. You came back a few moments later and sat in the saddle, a smile on your face.

“What did you say?” Aang asked.

“I told him how I found the scroll, and therefore you guys.” You answered simply as Appa followed the boats.

“Who was that guy?” Katara asked.

“Hm? Oh, Liam. He’s an old friend of mine. He’s known me since I was a baby. He-” you stopped yourself, not wanting to go any further. “We go way back.” You finished quickly. Katara and Aang smiled, while Sokka seemed slightly suspicious. He was about to say something, but the Avatar cut him off.

“There it is!” He suddenly shouted, standing and pointing at the wall of ice.

“The Northern Watertribe.” Katara mused softly.

“We’re finally here.” Sokka added. You smiled at their amazed faces. The waterbenders on either side of Appa used their bending to make a gap in the ice, big enough for Appa to float through. He swam forward, the ships following. You were then faces with four large walls on every side as the opening behind you closed. The men that stood atop each wall forced water down, bringing the wall with it.

“I can’t believe how many waterbenders live up here.” Katara announced.

“We’ll find a master to teach us, no problem.” Aang said. You frowned.

“Actually-”

You were cut off by the loud gasps that followed. You huffed. Katara, Aang and Sokka were all staring, amazed, at a long flow of water, leading into a city. They led the gaang around turns, under bridges, and through tunnels, amazing them even more. You chuckled. Aang waved to a few people.

You continued sailing when you saw a familiar purple. Princess Yue. She was in a boat, sitting neatly, while a man behind her bended the water, steering the boat. You turned and saw Sokka already watching her, a blush covering his cheeks. You covered your mouth with your hand, containing the laughter that threatened to spill from it.

“This place is beautiful.” Katara said.

“Yeah. She is.” Sokka replied, clearly in a daze.

~~~~~~~~~~

A feast was being held. You, Sokka, Aang and Katara were all seated in front of a table, watching men pound on drums. There was also a fountain sitting before, in a constant flow. Two men carried a giant board over to Appa, with a lot of seaweed, you guessed, on it. He roared, chasing the men away, allowing him to eat in peace.

A man that was seated at the middle of a long table stood and began to speak, drawing everyone’s attention to him. “Tonight we celebrate the arrival of our brother and sister from the Southern tribe.” He began, gesturing at Katara and Sokka who smiled. “They have brought with them, someone very special. Someone who many of us believed disappeared from the world until now. The Avatar!” He said, gesturing down at Aang, who grinned and waved. Everyone clapped and cheered. “We also celebrate my daughter’s sixteenth birthday!” He said, stepping to the side, revealing Princess Yue. “Princess Yue is now of marrying age!”

You saw Sokka lean backward to get a better look at her and you rubbed your mouth with your hand, as if trying to physically wipe the smirk off your face. “Thank you, father.” The Princess spoke softly, turning to the rest of the crowd. “May the great ocean and moon spirits watch over us during these troubled times!” She spoke clearly, undoubtedly having lots of experience and practice. “We would also like to celebrate Y/n, who has returned from her task!”

Your head shot up and you sat up straight upon hearing your name.

“As some of you know, she has been gone for a little over a year, tracking down the thieves that took a sacred scroll from us. She has returned with it now, and we are grateful for her.”

Everyone clapped again and your face turned pink disliking the amount of attention. Sokka leaned over to you. “You’ve been gone for a year?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re my age, aren’t you?”

You paused, raising your eyebrow. “Yeah?”

“They let a fourteen year old wander around the world? By herself?”

You shrugged. “Yeah.”

He stared at you, slightly dumbfounded.

“You’re fifteen. Katara’s fourteen. I don’t see the big deal.”

“But at least we’re traveling together.”

“Sokka, it’s already been done. It’s too late to do anything about it now.” You hissed at him.

“Now Master Pakku and his students will perform!” Princess Yue’s father spoke. You all turned, and sure enough, Master Pakku and two boys, around your age, were bending water out of three jugs before them. They snaked them around each other, creating beautiful and fluid movements. They then combined the water into one figure, and circled it around themselves.

You saw Princess Yue approach out of the corner of your eye. Smirking, you slid away from Sokka so she would sit between you. She did. Sokka had currently been stuffing his face, but when you moved away, he turned to you in confusion, only to see the Princess sit. The look on his face was priceless.

He quickly swallowed his food, and leaned his forearm on the table.

“Hey there. Sokka, Southern Watertribe.” He introduced himself, flirtatiously.

“Very nice to meet you.” She said, bowing slightly. They became silent for a few moments. You continued eating, as though you weren’t listening to their conversation.

“So….uh….you’re a princess! Huh?!” Sokka continued, trying to keep the interaction flowing. You chocked on the roll you were eating. Yue nodded at him. “You know, back in my tribe, I’m kind of like a prince myself.” He bragged. Your eyes widened in amazement at the lie. You heard a small laugh.

“Prince of what?” Katara asked.

“A lot of things.” Sokka defended, an aggravated tone in his voice. “Do you mind? I’m trying to have a conversation here?”

“My apologies, Prince Sokka.” Katara teased, mock-bowing. You broke into a coughing fit, laughing too hard. Yue turned to you.

“Are you alright?”

You waved a dismissive hand. “I’m okay.” You wheezed out, beginning to cough again. Her concerned eyes remained trained on you, however. “Really, I’m fine. Go back to your conversation.” You instructed, the coughing dying down slightly. You took a swing of water to wash it down.

“So it looks like I’m gonna be in town for a while. I’m thinking maybe we could…do an activity together?” Sokka asked, turning back to Yue, ignoring your previous suffering.

“Do an activity?” Yue asked him, taking her eyes off you. You could see the beads of sweat trailing down Sokka’s face. He stuffed some food in his mouth, looking like he wanted to die, and swallowed, as if the food could had given him confidence.

“Very smooth.” Katara whispered, leaning over to him. You felt a presence, so you looked up, spotting Liam. You smiled.

“Liam!” You exclaimed quietly, standing and hugging the man before you.

“Y/n, I’m so glad you’re back. You’ve been gone for so long.”

“Well, I wasn’t coming back empty handed.” You announced, crossing your arms. “Not after being out there a year. I wasn’t about to waste a year of my life, only to come back without the scroll.” You informed. Liam was silent for a short while, as if thinking it over.

“That makes sense.” He concluded.

“I know.” You said, smiling. At this point, Sokka and Katara were watching you, curious. Liam noticed this and grew silent, feeling uneasy. You turned and saw the siblings as well, before turning back to your friend.

“Perhaps we could go on a walk. To catch up.” You offered. Liam smiled and gestured for you to lead the way. You did, and you were soon outside, walking along the pathways.

You walked for a few moments in silence, simply enjoying the other’s company. Liam spoke up first.

“There’s something you want to tell me.”

You looked up at him, a small smirk finding its way on your face. “How’d you know?”

He chuckled quietly. “I’ve known you your whole life, Y/n. I think I know when something’s been eating at you.”

You looked down at your hands. “You always could read me. I could never keep a secret from you.” You admitted.

“So what’s the trouble?”

You bit your bottom lip, debating, before finally deciding that he would know if you were lying anyway. “I-uh.” You paused for a moment, trying to plan out how you were gonna do this. He waited patiently for you to continue. “I may or may-not have practiced waterbending….while I was away.”

He stopped his movements and turned to you.

“We were in trouble, I had no choice, if I didn’t do anything people would have died, and I-” You began to explain quickly, hoping that he wouldn’t be mad. He simply sighed, shaking his head.

“You’d better not let anyone else hear that.” He cocked an eyebrow, looking down at you. “They won’t all be as understanding.”

“So you won’t tell anyone?”

“No. I understand that in some circumstances it’s necessary.”

You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. “Thank you.”

He smiled.

“So, in order for me to keep my promise, how about you tell me some of your adventures?”

A smile immediately made its way onto your face. As you walked, you told him of your adventures. How you met the gaang, the issues with Jet, you told him what you knew about the tribes that Aang, Katara and Sokka led through the canyon, and how you, Sokka and Katara all got sick after being out in a storm. Naturally, you left the part about saving Zuko and his crew out. He didn’t need to know about that.

You told him of the fortune teller, but also leaving out her predictions. Liam asked about them but you shrugged him off and continued as if he hadn’t said a word. You told him of Bato, of the Deserter, and how Katara can heal, and you told him of the Southern Air temple, leaving out the parts about Teo’s father previously working for the firenation.

“And so, that brings us here.” You finished. It was now quite dark, and you felt as though you were gasping for breath from talking so much. You in fact, were.

“I can’t believe how crazy your life’s been. You’ve done all of that in a year?”

“A few months.” You clarified. “I’ve been gone for a year, but I didn’t meet them until a few months ago.”

Liam whistled. “Are you glad to be home?”

You thought for a long moment. “I’m not sure. It’s nice to be back, don’t get me wrong, but I think I’ve grown so used to traveling around, and being….free….that I don’t know if I want to stay.”

You saw Liam visibly deflate. “That makes sense. I don’t want you to make your decision quite yet, though. You still have time to think it over.”

“I guess you’re right.” You mumbled. “Liam, it’s been great talking to you, but I think it’s time to turn in.” You looked up at the sky. “I finally get to sleep and wake up without fear of the firenation on my tail, which means I can sleep in.” You said. He smiled and hugged you, wishing you a good night. You walked away, yawning, as you gently bended the water to make it flow towards you.

You climbed into bed, alongside Katara, and pulled the blankets over your head, falling asleep in no time.

~~~~~~~

When you awoke, you were the only one in bed. Katara, Sokka and Aang had all gone. You groaned at the sunlight and rolled over, pulling the blankets over your head again before you remembered that since you were back home, you had to go to healing lessons. You jumped up, and ran out, trying to smooth your hair on the way. You rushed in, just in time for it to start.

“Y/n. It’s good to have you back.” Yagoda spoke.

“Thank you.” You replied, fixing the remainder of your hair. “So much for sleeping in.” You mumbled under your breath. You were in there, watching her work, when Katara walked in.

“Um, hi. Are you Yagoda?”

The old woman turned to her. “Are you here for the healing lesson?”

You watched as Katara’s eyes scanned the children, six of them, before her eyes settled on you. You saw her eyes widen. You looked down, slightly ashamed that you were the only fifteen-year-old among five year olds. “I guess I am.” She said, frowning. She walked forward and took a seat next to you.

“Welcome. Welcome.” Yagoda greeted cheerfully.

The session went on for about an hour until Yagoda finally declared that that was all for today. You helped the children put the dummy away, when you heard Katara speak to Yagoda.

“Thanks for the lesson.”

“So who’s the lucky boy?”

“Huh?”

“Your betrothal necklace.” Yagoda clarified. “You’re getting married, right?”

“Oh, no. I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. My grandmother gave my mother this necklace.”

You emerged just then, having known were the practice dummy goes.

“And my mother passed it down to me.” She continued.

“I recognize this carving.” Yagoda observed. “I don’t know why I didn’t realize this sooner. “You’re the spitting image of Kana.”

“Wait, how do you know my gran-gran’s name?” Katara asked, taking a step back.

“When I was about your age, I was friends with Kana. She was born here, in the Northern tribe.”

“She never told me.” Katara muttered. You took this as your cue to leave, and rushed outside, feeling the sun on your face. You smiled and deeply inhaled, smelling the water. You opened your eyes and saw Sokka sitting cross-legged on the edge of a sidewalk. You cocked an eyebrow and walked over, fluffing his ‘warriors-wolf-tail’ to announce your presence.

“Katara, go away. I’m busy.” He replied, not turning around. “Shouldn’t you be practicing with Master Pakku anyway?”

Your smile dropped, but you quickly put on a new one. “Guess again.”

He turned around and his eyes landed on you. “Oh, Y/n. I’m sorry, I just assumed-”

“It’s fine.” You assured, raising your hand slightly. You sat down next to him. “What are you working on?”

“Well, I’m supposed to meet Yue tonight at a bridge. I was carving her a fish.” He announced, holding it out to you. It didn’t look at all like a fish, but he looked so happy and hopeful that you couldn’t possibly tell him that.

You simply looked at it in silence, trying to think of a comment about it. Thankfully, you didn’t have to.

“So, were have you been?”

“Katara and I were in healing lessons.”

Sokka hummed, then did a double take. “Wait, Katara was there, too?” You nodded. “I thought she was supposed to be training with Aang.”

“About that,” you rubbed the back of your neck, “women actually aren’t supposed to learn waterbending unless it’s healing.”

Sokka began to open his mouth, but you placed a hand over it, silencing him.

“I know, I think it’s stupid too, but those are the rules and I can’t change them. I’m sure she’ll learn waterbending another way.”

You took your hand off Sokka’s mouth, before placing it right back on.

“Just make sure that you don’t tell anyone I was waterbending. I’ll get in major trouble since I grew up here, and knew the rule.”

Sokka nodded and you slid your hand off his mouth. “Thank you.” You muttered, hugging your knees to your chest.

“So, you’re meeting up with Yue, ay?”

“Yeah.” He said, a light dusting of pink finding its way onto his cheeks. You grinned.

“You know Sokka, pink goes great with your skin color. Really brings out your eyes.” You teased, making the color deepen. He sent you a small glare, but you could tell he wasn’t actually mad. You chuckled and stood, patting him on the shoulder. “I’ll leave you too it, then.” You informed, walking off.

~~~~~~~~

“How’s warrior training going?” Katara asked. You were all currently back in the room, getting ready for bed. Sokka kicked at his still rolled up sleeping bag. He flopped on it, letting out a groan.

“That bad?” Aang questioned.

“No, it’s Princess Yue.” He scowled.

“Princess Yue?” You parroted. “What happened?”

“I don’t get it. One minute she wants to go out with me, and the next, she’s telling me to get lost.” He was silent for a moment. “How’s waterbending training?” It was Katara’s turn to flop down.

“Master poop-head won’t teach her because she’s a girl.” Aang explained, exasperated. You almost laughed at his new nickname for Master Pakku.

“Oh yeah, Y/n told me about that.” There was silence for a moment. “Why don’t you just teach her, Aang?”

“Why didn’t I think of that?” Katara asked, mostly to herself, sitting up. “At night, you can teach me and Y/n whatever moves you learned from Master Pakku. That way, you have someone to practice with, and I get to learn waterbending! Everyone’s happy!”

“I’m not happy.” Sokka grumbled.

“But you’re never happy.” Katara retorted. “Come on, Aang.” She said, Aang following her outside. You turned to Sokka and placed a comforting hand on his back, rubbing it in small circles. He hummed in contentment and buried his face in the sleeping bag, soon drifting to sleep.

You sighed, feeling bad for him. “Oh, Sokka.” You whispered, looking down at him. You leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on his temple before snuggling down to sleep as well.

~~~~~~~~

You were shook awake.

“Y/n, get up!” Katara urged. You groaned and snuggled further into your pillow. “Y/n, it’s important!”

You cracked an eye open, squinting at the light behind Katara’s concerned face. “What is it?” You asked, voice groggy and rough.

“Master Pakku caught me and Aang last night, and he said he wasn’t welcome as his student anymore. And get off my brother, for crying out loud.”

You looked down, and sure enough, you were cuddled up against Sokka, your ‘pillow’. You must have rolled over in your sleep and latched onto him. He was still asleep however, which you were thankful for, but that didn’t stop you from getting up as quickly as you could, a bright pink on your cheeks.

“Where’s Aang?” You questioned, trying to distract yourself from the mortification.

“He’s outside.”

“You wake up Sokka, I’ll go talk to him.” You instructed, going outside. Aang looked up, hearing your footsteps.

“I blew it.” He whispered. You crouched down next to him, he was sitting, and you placed an arm around him.

“Aang, it’s alright. I’m sure that if you-” You cut yourself off, not fully thinking this through.

“Why are you blushing?”

You blush deepened as you turned to him. “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.” You sat in silence for another moment, Aang raising an eyebrow at you in disbelief, before your eyes widened. “Liam!”

“Who?”

“My friend, Liam. He can help you! He’s a waterbender, too. I told him about the stories, and he wasn’t upset. Maybe he can teach you!” Your large grin turned into a frown. “But I don’t want him in trouble.” You muttered. You fell on your back and groaned just as Sokka and Katara came out.

“Let’s go talk to Master Pakku.” Sokka said. You followed them.

~~~~~~~~~~

“What do you want me to do? Force Master Pakku to take Aang back as his student?” Yue’s father asked, once you’d arrived. He sat between Master Pakku, and his daughter.

“Yes! Please.” Katara added.

“I suspect he might change his mind if you swallow your pride and apologize to him.”

You all looked to Katara, who looked at Aang, weighing her options.

“Fine.” She decided.

“I’m waiting, little girl.” Master Pakku taunted. Your eyes widened as you looked to Katara. This couldn’t be good. You were right, as she clenched her fists.

“No. No way I’m apologizing to a sour old man like you!” She yelled, pointing at him. The ice behind her feet trembled and cracked. Your eyes widened in terror. The crack made its way along the floor, cracking one of the jugs they used for the performance a few nights ago.

“Uh, Katara.” Aang started quietly.

“I’ll be outside if you’re man enough to fight me!” Katara announced, turning and walking away. Everyone gasped. You shared a panicked and concerned look with Sokka and Aang.

“I’m sure she didn’t mean that.” Aang told everyone.

“Yeah, I think she did.” Sokka said, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“This isn’t gonna go well.” You muttered to yourself, running after Katara. Sokka and Aang quickly followed. You all fell in step beside her.

“Are you crazy, Katara? You’re not gonna win this fight.” Sokka warned her.

“I know!” Katara said, pulling off her coat and throwing it in her brother’s arms. “I don’t care!”

“You don’t have to do this for me. I can find another teacher.” Aang offered, trying to smooth things over.

“I’m not doing it for you.” Katara told him. “Someone needs to slap some sense into that guy.”

She turned and saw Pakku at the top of the steps, making his way down it.

“So, you decided to show up?” She taunted. He was silent, reaching the end of the steps and walking further away. “Aren’t you gonna fight!?” Katara yelled.

“Go back to the healing huts with the other women where you belong.” He spoke calmly. Oh, that was a mistake. Katara pulled water out of a crack in the ice and struck Pakku in the back of the head with it. He halted his movements.

“Fine. You want to learn how to fight so bad?” He asked, turning around. “Study closely.” He taunted. He drew water out of two pools, for waterbending practice, and threw them at Katara, knocking her back. He flowed the water around them, drawing her closer.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you.” He told her. She brought the circle to an abrupt stop, sending the water out of the way. It came flowing at Sokka, and you quickly used bending to move it out of the way.

Katara rushed Pakku again, and he made a wave, turning it into ice as she rode up it. She leapt off and landed on a pillar at the base of the steps. Master Pakku turned the ice into an actual wave, rushing it towards her.

She used bending to freeze ice around her ankles, keeping her in place. As the water came towards her, she smacked it out of the way again, revealing her, unmoved.

“You can’t knock me down!” She told him. Everyone cheered.

“Go, Katara!” Aang encouraged. She rushed him again, and they got into close combat, which was clearly not her strong suit. She was quickly knocked into the water and you cringed, squeezing your eyes shut. You heard cheering and opened your eyes, seeing Katara send ice-discs at him. He broke most of them, simply hitting them with his forearm.

Katara sent water at him, which he quickly began to control, turning it back on her. She slid backwards, and you watched Aang and Sokka’s concerned faces. She got up and brought down empty containers, made of ice, atop him. He did something, turning them into a cloud, making it hard to see. When it cleared, he retook his stance and spoke.

“I’m impressed.” He admitted. “You are an excellent waterbender.” He complimented.

“But you still won’t teach me, will you?”

“No.”

You rolled your eyes as they began fighting again.

“Does she even need a teacher?” You asked yourself. You looked back to the battle just as Master Pakku trapped Katara in long icicles. Sokka and Aang were very concerned, their faces riddled with worry.

She looked up and struggled against them, as Master Pakku walked past her. “This fight is over.” He announced.

“Come back here! I’m not finished yet!”

“Yes, you are.” He suddenly stopped, and picked something up off the ground. “This is my necklace.” He said quietly.

“No it’s not, it’s mine! Give it back!” Katara shouted.

“I made this sixty years ago. For the love of my life. For Kana.”

The spikes around Katara melted into water.

“My gran-gran was supposed to marry you?” She asked, quietly.

“I carved this necklace for your grandmother when we got engaged.” He explained. You, Sokka, Aang, Yue and her father all moved closer, while everyone else seemed to have left. “I thought we would have a long, happy life together. I loved her.”

“But she didn’t love you, did she?” Katara asked softly, almost afraid to break the moment. “It was an arranged marriage. Gran-gran wouldn’t let your tribe’s stupid customs run her life.” She said, walking forward. “That’s why she left. It must have taken a lot of courage.”

Yue suddenly ran off, crying.

“Go get her.” Aang told Sokka. Sokka nodded once before running after her. You ran a hand down your face, already sick of the drama. You watched him leave, hoping things would go well for him.

~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Katara shook you awake.

“Come on, it’s sunrise!”

“And?” You asked, voice muffled by your pillow.

“We have to start training. Get up!”

She ripped the blankets off of you, took ahold of your arm, and drug you outside, with you groaning all the way.

“Alright, I’m up.” You mumbled, standing and adjusting your hair and clothes. She quickly took ahold of your hand and drug you along with her. She drug you to a group of people, Aang among them, practicing waterbending. The boy turned around.

“Hey, Katara! Hey, Y/n!” He greeted. You waved.

“What do you two think you’re doing?!” Pakku asked. You sent a worried glance to Katara. “It’s past sunrise. You’re late.” He continued, taking his stance. You let out a breath of relief and took your stance as well.

“Good to see you guys here.” Aang commented.

“You, too.” Katara replied.

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

A/n: Which chapter has been your favorite so far?

#My works #Mara's works #A:TLA #Avatar #Avatar: TLA #Avatar: The Last Airbender #Zuko x reader #x reader #reader insert #reader #Avatar: The Last Airbender x reader

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jumpywhumpywriter · 6 months ago

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Captured -- wild humans hunted and captured to be used as servants part 8

Warnings: captivity, starvation, starvation whump, painful recovery, etc.

"Wait here." Kazimir turned and left, returning with a dignified but not-to-fancy hooded cloak.

"This should help you stay under the radar. When we land in the heart of the city, here are my basic rules: keep your head down, don't make eye contact with anyone, and don't speak to anyone unless spoken to directly. And stick close to me at all times, like a burr in a wolf's fur. Got it?"

Corbin nodded vigorously as he slipped into the dark cloak, pulling the hood down to cover part of his face. "How do I look?"

"Like the most suspicious human servant I've ever seen," Kazimir grunted. "Let's hope no one pays close attention to you."

He opened the front door of the cabin, gesturing to Corbin, who walked out onto the takeoff platform, before balking as he looked down. Kazimir was right -- this was an insanely high drop, it made him dizzy just looking at it.

"Are you ready?" Kazimir's voice sounded directly behind him, and before he could even answer a pair of strong arms wrapped around him, tipping him off the ledge into freefall.

Corbin sucked in a huge gasp of terror, squeezing his eyes shut as his stomach did a nauseating lurch. Then Kamizir beat his magnificent wings and leveled out, gliding gracefully through the sky.

"I know you're scared, but... you might want to open your eyes, or you'll miss the scenery," Kazimir called down to the human in his arms.

Corbin took several shaky breaths, swallowing hard as he forced himself to crack one eye open, then the other. The sight stole his breath away. They were riding a tailwind toward a magnificent city built in the mountainside that glittered in the sunlight, giant buildings were everywhere, some of the biggest he'd ever seen, that seemed to scrape the very sky itself.

Surrounding the city was a lush forest that stretched for miles in every direction.

Kazimir's powerful wings beat strongly, carrying them swiftly to the center of the city where he descended, setting Corbin on his feet as they landed.

Corbin stared wide-eyed at everything around him. There were dozens of bird-folk milling about, many with human servants trailing after them. It was such an odd sight.

"Stop gawking like a kid in a candy store," Kazimir chuckled. "This is what everyday life looks like here. Act natural, like you belong. And remember, stay close to me." He started walking down the street with his head and wings held high, a figure that radiated power and authority.

Corbin scurried to catch up, walking at his side and observing all the new sights.

Almost every bird-person they passed gave Kazimir a respectful nod of acknowledgement, completely disregarding and ignoring Corbin.

Corbin remembered his words of warning, and kept his head down, staying silent as he followed Kazimir to a weapon store. On the way, they passed an alley, and he could see some scraggly humans lounging around it, all who looked emaciated.

"What's wrong with them?" Corbin asked quietly, sidling closer to Kazimir, who followed his gaze.

"They are outcasts," he whispered under his breath. "Sometimes masters will abandon their servants on the streets once they're no longer useful, or if they grow too old to work anymore."

"Seriously? They just leave them here like unwanted puppies?" Corbin gasped.

"Yup. Pretty much. It's the sad reality." Kazimir extended a wing around him, shielding his sight from seeing any more as he steered him down a different path before taking his wing back.

"We're here," he announced. Before them stood a large blacksmith shop, and he walked confidently inside, his human companion in tow.

"Kazimir! What a delightful surprise!" A bird-woman behind the front counter greeted him chipperly. "My favorite regular customer. What will your order be today? We recently got a new batch of throwing blades if you'd like to check them out--"

Corbin stopped listening to the conversation as all the brilliantly shiny weapons lining the walls caught his attention, and he wandered over to look at them. Everything from broadswords to daggers and poison darts, the place had it all. And everything looked wicked sharp, honed to razor edges.

Corbin could see himself perfectly reflected in the bright metal of all the blades as he awed over them.

Once his curiosity was sated, he turned to walk back to Kazimir -- and crashed face-first into a pair of wings. The person they belonged to whirled with an angry hiss -- and it was not Kazimir.

Corbin swallowed hard as a tall man with sooty-gray wings towered over him, his bronze eyes cold and sharp as the weapons on the walls.

"Watch where you're going, runt," the man spat hatefully. Corbin couldn't help as his gaze traveled to the deadly white fangs he was baring at him.

"Well? Aren't you going to apologize?!" The man's harsh voice snapped him back to the present, and he flinched, ducking his head.

"S-Sorry, Sir," he blurted hastily.

"You better be." The man took a menacing step toward him, and Corbin jerked away until his back hit the wall behind him, facing the danger.

Man, Kazimir had warned him and he'd still gotten himself in trouble, the exact thing he'd promised he wouldn't do... Maybe he should have listened and stayed behind at the cabin.

⏪️ Back Next ⏩️

Masterlist

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archester-creations · 1 year ago

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Rated: G

Pairing: Blades/Dani Burns

Word Count: ~1k

A/N: Day six of @heartsandsparksshipweek roleswap; they/them Blades, human Blades and transformer Dani

“Are you an alien?” is the first thing out of the human’s mouth when they saw her. There was a tricorn hat on their head that long brown hair spilled out of and a red-and-white striped scarf around their neck that didn’t quite feel like it matched with their orange shirt. Dirt stained their white pants and the ends of them are soaked. Dani didn’t quite know how to answer, because the question is yes, but she also knew she’s not technically supposed to reveal herself to anyone. Did it count if they’d already figured it out?

“Uh, yes,” Dani said anyway. The humans eyes lit up.

“I knew aliens were real! Can you come home with me? I owe Heatwave so many ‘I told you so’s,” the human said. Dani blinked.

"I… guess so?" Dani said. The human didn't seem like they'd do any of the things Graham was so worried about. Not that Dani thought most humans would. She’s pretty sure Graham overexaggerates in his worry. “So where is this Heatwave? I can fly us there!”

"Oh, I don't… fly," the human said.

"You don't fly?" Dani asked in disbelief.

"Nope. I stay firmly on the ground."

"Well you have to try it now," Dani said. She honestly couldn't understand how anyone stayed on the ground when there was a big, beautiful sky on this planet with shifting colours.

“I- I don’t know.” The human looks nervous, so Dani gives her most reassuring smile.

“Trust me, it’ll be fun. Just us and that big, beautiful, blue sky you have,” Dani said. “I’m Dani by the way.”

“I’m Blades,” the human said.

“Blades seems like a funny name for a human,” Dani said. It definitely didn’t quite match with the few human names she’s heard so far. Huxley. Luskey. There were a lot of -eys.

“Dani seems like a funny name for an alien,” Blades said and Dani laughed.

“Touché,” Dani said. “So?”

“I-” Blades jumped up and down a little, shifting between their feet. They ring their hands around the scarf. “Sure. But only to Heatwave! And not high, either!”

“Alright,” Dani said. She took a few steps back and transformed into her helicopter mode. Blades gasped at it.

“You can become a helicopter? That’s so cool! Even if I’m still not sure about the flying aspect of it,” Blades said.

“Yeah!” Dani said, and Blades looked even more excited at the prospect that she could still talk to them. “You should see my brothers and dad, they can transform, too, they their earth vehicles are different then mine.”

“Are they helicopters, too?” Blades asked.

“No, they’re ground vehicles.” Dani laughed. She opened her door and wiggled it a little. “Now get in!”

Blades hesitated a bit, bouncing back and forth again, before they shut their eyes and jumped in. Dani closed her door behind them.

“Ready?” Dani asked.

"Just remember not too high," Blades pleaded in a small voice, painted nails digging into her seats.

“Why are you dressed like that, anyway? People don’t dress like that on the few earth programs I’ve seen on tv,” Dani said to distract Blades during the takeoff.

“I’m an actor,” Blades said. They preened a bit, adjusting their tricorn hat with one hand. Dani jostled a little on accident and Blades' hand flew back to the seat. Their next words came out slightly strained. “I have a pirate role right now.”

“Oh, that’s cool!” Dani said. And then they were in the sky, past the buildings and trees and everything else so it was just horizon in the distance and clouds. It was the perfect time, too. The sky was beginning to change. The clouds were puffy and tinted with the oranges and pinks of a sun setting. It was darker under the cloud layer, deep blue like the ocean far from any land. Above the clouds it was bright. It was the pure, unfiltered version of ‘sky blue’ that she’d seen humans try to replicate but could never really truly get the essence of. The blue of a spark. This time when Dani jostled lightly, it was on purpose. “Open your eyes,” she said softly.

“No.” Blades shook their head.

“C’mon,” Dani said. “Don’t you trust me?”

Blades made a sound like they might be in pain, but Dani saw them open their eyes anyway. And she saw the moment their eyes met the sky. The blue outside might look like a spark, but the way it caught their blue eyes, they glow like optics. Bright, glowing blue. Their eyes are big and their lips are parted. The light outside continued to change; the sun lined the sky with gold, painting Blade’s cheeks pink and golden. The upper portions of the sky started to darken like layer below the clouds, twilight settling in so the stars could appear. She gently flew higher, just so Blades could be closer to them. Their hands were warm against her window, a contrast to the air’s chill.

“Do you like it?” Dani asked.

“It’s beautiful,” Blades said. They laughed. “I could never do this without you.”

“I could take you whenever you want,” Dani said.

“Maybe later,” Blades said. “I just want to enjoy this for now.”

“Alright.” Dani smiled. She flew slow, so Blades could watch the sky’s gradual change to night, and spent the flight switching between watching the sky and watching Blades. Maybe it was because they were her first real human, but she thought they might be her favourite human.

#rescue bots #maccadam #daniblades #blades #dani burns #humanformers #heartsandsparksshipweek #alternate first meeting #actor blades #roleswap #writings

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kazekothestrange · 1 year ago

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"Oi!! Sorry to keep you waiting!" Running towards the other gathered ladies, Kazuno waved to catch their attention., Kazeko close behind. "Everybody ready?"

"Yo! Yeah, we're all ready!" Shanna waved, Rose letting out a little sigh under her breath and folding her arms. "Good, you're safe." The twins greeted in reply, Rose stepping forward and gesturing for Shanna to choose a dance partner as suggested.

"Haa, just in time. The next song is about to begin." The elven woman gently gestured towards the skull, to let everybody know there's something up with it, sending a telepathic message to the two other stand users. "That skull is trouble. Don't stare at it."

One by one, the girls settled in with another and started moving to the music, covering their information exchange.

"We found some pretty telling things on our end... and you, dear?" Kazeko murmured as quiet as she could without being drowned out.

"Us, too. But go ahead. What have you discovered, Kazeko?" Rose muttered back, glancing over her shoulder.

"Well, we found what is definitely an entry point, probably for what's responsible for this. Claw marks on the balcony railing, and shoe scuffs in the carpet. Kazuno used a torch to look at the ground below, and there was no sign that anybody had been jumping down."

"That lines up perfectly with one of the things we learned." Replied the noble, spinning around her dance partner. "There've been sightings of a winged humanoid creature around this mansion. It must have been using the balcony for takeoff."

"We got two solid witness accounts." Kazuno spoke up as she shuffled over to the other twin, stopping with a swing. "A friend of one of the missing people said he raved like he was out of his mind, about a beautiful woman he just had to ask out, as if he would die if he didn't. And another kept hearing what sounded like a person growling whenever she got too close to this place at night!"

"Hmhmhm... it's all coming together..." Shanna started to smile. "We found a long lock of curly pink hair, and that clock upstairs? It wasn't broken, because it was battery operated and just removed from the wall. But yet the batteries were taken out, to forcibly stop the clock, but it wasn't placed back on the wall, as if this was all done in a hurry. So whoever it was didn't know how to work a modern day clock, and tried to trick everyone into staying longer. Perhaps to get more victims, or by chance, to give this being more time with its CURRENT victim." She closed her eyes in thought as she did a twirl, flaring her skirt.

"So, something that looks like a person, and crafty too... but doesn't have all its marbles together, huh?" Kazuno mused, smirking as a similar idea started to form.

"Not to mention the blood spatters I found on a candelabra." Kikumi interjected, backing up towards the others.

"A-and I've got a bloodstained scrap of fabric in my bag... I found it on my way downstairs...!" Kazeko replied once more, eyebrows upturned with worry. How many people had fallen victim...?

"Plus, would you believe it? We found Sakura here at this party, so we were able to get a witch's opinion on this! She said we have three choices from all the information she knows. Dragon, Succubus or Incubus, or a Chimera. Now, I know Chimeras, and so do you, Kazeko, Kazuno. You met Kyle and Koryea. I can't possibly imagine the reason for Chimeras to kidnap many victims and keep coming back for more. Plus I highly doubt a human mixed chimera would go after this many humans as well. Dragons are also meant to be guardians, so unless we're a danger to the Earth, it shouldn't be a dragon either. So. You thinking what I'm thinking, Rose?" Shanna looked over at her sister.

"I guarantee I am." Rose answered with a firm nod.

"I'm thinking... succubus. Are we all on the same page, ladies?" Kazuno piped up, cartwheeling close to the converging group.

"Definitely..." "Without a doubt." "Yep, it's gotta be!" "Mmhm." One by one, everyone confirmed their suspicions are the same, slowing to a stop as the song came to a close.

"Alright, everyone, let's go meet up with Sakura!" Shanna pointed a finger up to catch everyone's attention, and the brunette led the charge out of the foyer, everyone under the watchful eye of the skull looming menacingly over them...

Kazeko and Kazuno: Me

Shanna, Rose, Spy: @strawberry-metal

Kikumi: @caffeinated-chaos-bean

Stage: はぎの

Skydome: MMDAnimatio357

Poses: Taken from various motions, I will track down all the credits later

Effects:

Autoluminous4 and SvSSAO: Sovoro

HgDiffusion: Harigane

Dream Shader: Ianami

#jjba #jojo's bizarre adventure #mmd #mikumikudance #reblog #jojo #jojo no kimyō na bōken #jjba ocs #ocs #halloween event #event #shanna #rose #the twins #kazeko #kazuno #siblings #kikumi fujimori

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warriorofdragons · 2 years ago

Text

Have Chronal Accelerator Will Travel Chapter 1: Back in Blackwatch

Word Count: 11.5k

Warnings: Language, Some slight Suggestive themes.

Summary: Overwatch sends two teams of two to travel back in time on retrieval missions: one is sent to acquire a blueprint, and the other is sent to acquire military weaponry, combined these assets will help them put a stop to a destructive plot Talon intends to set loose upon the world.

Notes: Timeline: Present 7 years from current lore. Past: Precedes Retribution mission, by at least a month or two.

Abbreviations: Class C=Communications, ES=Encrypted Storage.

Your husband Cole kisses your forehead, “Be safe, Honeysuckle.” “You too,” you whisper before wrapping your arms around him. The two of you hold one another for a long moment, until eventually Lena clears her throat, “Well, we best get a move on then.” You both pull apart to look back at her and then you glance up at Cole. Cole places his hands on your arms, “Hey, we’ll be back together in no time.” You give him a half-smile, “Yeah.” You then stare into his eyes for another moment before your eyes drop to his lips and you place your hands on his cheeks and lean forward and kiss him. Cole desperately returns the kiss before the two of you break away from each other again. And as you step away from one another, Cole’s right hand trails down your arm to your hand and he grasps it until your fingertips leave his finally. Cole then heads to his own plane with Lena in tow, and you head to yours with Mei. You seat yourself in the pilot’s chair and fasten your seatbelt, and you wait for Mei to settle herself in the chair beside you before you close the ramp door. Then you start flipping switches to turn on the engine and prepare for takeoff. Nearby, Lena is preparing her own plane as you hear her engine roar to life. “Everyone strapped in and ready for takeoff?” Lena asks cheerfully over the radio. “Yep,” you answer. “Uh huh,” Mei says beside you holding tightly onto her tank. “Chronal Accelerators working?” Lena asks. You glance down at the device on your chest that is currently emitting a quiet hum before zipping up your jacket, “Yes.” “Definitely,” Cole says. You look across at Lena’s plane and see your husband seated next to her. “Everything seems in order,” Mei says. “Then we are ready for takeoff,” Lena announces. “Runways all clear, Lena,” Winston says into your earpieces. Lena maneuvers her plane out in front of you and down the runway first, since her and Cole have to travel back further than you and Mei, they need a head start. Once her plane is lined up on the runway with the only exit from the mountainous base she guns the engine and speeds down the corridor of the hanger. The wheels of the plane just start to lift up as she coasts out into open air and you watch the plane drop out of sight. It’s another moment or two of watching before her plane comes back into view in the opening of the mountain, as she gains altitude. “Lena, don’t forget to-“ Winston begins. “I know, I know ya silly goose, I’m calibrating the teleportation matrix now,” Lena interrupts, “Don’t worry, Winston, everything will be fine, you and the team did a great job with the calculations everything’s going to be fine…” she trails off in her usual chipper tone. You and Mei glance at one another and smile. Going back into the past is no easy feat and a part of you was still surprised Lena had agreed to come along on this mission. But you suppose an ace like her couldn’t leave this to anyone less skilled at flying these planes. “Calibrations complete, New Mexico here we come!” Lena shouts. It takes her another couple minutes to get up to speed before she activates the teleportation matrix and then… “Making the jump in three…two…-“ Lena says before a crackle of static from her comms being out of range is the only sound left in your ears. There’s a moment of silence as you inhale deeply. “Alright, Slipstream Three, you’re cleared for takeoff,” Winston says. You position your plane onto the runway next. “Alright, Snowball, it’s time to deactivate for a little while,” Mei says. Snowball emits a few sad, low beeps, but nonetheless locks themself into their port. “It’s only for a little while,” Mei promises her small, mechanical friend. “Hold on tight,” you tell Mei. She nods and clutches Snowball’s battery to herself as Snowball switches themself off. You gun the plane forward and hurtle down the ever decreasing runway, just as Lena had. The wheels of the plane come off the paving beneath you as the plane lunges forth into open air. Bright light fills your vision and you adjust the plane wings to generate more lift, and you soar out away from the mountain before you slowly start to climb back up through the air. Once you’ve reached the appropriate altitude you begin your own calibrations as Winston’s voice once again comes over the radio, “How are things, Slipstream Three?” “Going smoothly so far,” you say, “The gravitational field is online.” “Good, good,” Winston murmurs. You know Winston is nervous to send his friends off into the past knowing very well what might happen, and to be honest you’re nervous yourself. But you trust Winston has done his best to ensure your’s, and your team’s, and…your husband’s safe return. And that’s all anyone can ever hope for really. “You and Dr. De Kuiper have done a great job recreating and improving upon the original Slipstream’s design, I trust that the two of you will get us there and back home safely,” you say. Winston’s quiet for a moment, “Good luck out there, Overwatch.” “We’ll see you soon, Winston,” Mei says. Winston chuckles lightly, “I’m holding you to that.” You prime the teleportation matrix and then bring the plane up to speed, “Preparing to jump in three…two…one……” You’re met with a huge concussive force as you punch through time and space and alarms start blaring in your ears. Quickly, you adjust the gravitational field surrounding the plane and the levels start to dip back into the green. The plane continues to rumble around you, but you can’t inspect much of the outside what with all the light from the energy currently surrounding the three of you. You hold the plane steady as you fight against the current trying to sweep you along and then you’re hit with another wave of force and then the energy surrounding you dissipates as you soar into a cloud. It seems you’ve come out the other side and you take a deep breath to steady your nerves, it’s time to see if it worked or not. You flip through the radio channels to the one Jack gave you and chatter from the nearby mountain base fills your headset. But it’s not from your team, no the voices you hear are unfamiliar to you, and you smile and glance at Mei, who smiles back at you hearing the same thing.

You circle the plane back around and decrease your altitude so you can land, “Mayday, mayday, requesting emergency landing!” you radio the base. You receive an immediate response, “What’s your cosign?” You give them the cosign of one of the planes you and Ana had managed to find in the old flight records, “I need to make an emergency landing!” you insist. “You’re weren’t due for another hour, what’s your emergency?” the voice asks over the radio. “Got a damaged engine, took unexpected enemy fire and I need to land ASAP, would you rather I do it in the Atlantic?!” you argue in an irritated tone. There’s a brief pause and then you’re being directed to one of the open lanes. You carefully fly the plane, making sure to shut off the gravitational field completely, before nearing the opening in the mountainside. It’s a tricky maneuver landing inside a mountain and only the best pilots can land here. The wheels of the plane touch down on the ramp that extends to just beyond the opening of the mountain base and then you begin to rapidly decrease your speed as the wings of the plane flare. You smoothly maneuver the plane once you’ve slowed down into the open bay they’ve cleared for you. As you cut off the engine and people start to approach, you notice that they’ve already realized you’re not the plane you’ve claimed to be, judging by the armed guards headed your way. You’re engine also isn’t damaged and you’d like to keep it that way, so you unfasten your seatbelt and remove your headset. “They might separate us, keep calm and remember to ask for either Commander Morrison or Blackwatch Commander Reyes,” you tell Mei. Mei nods as she unfastens her seatbelt and grabs her gear, “Alright.” You both get out of your seats and head down the ramp at the back of the plane to meet the armed agents outside. The Overwatch agents approach you cautiously and then restrain the two of you and confiscate your weapons and gear. Mei looks a little sad as they also unknowingly take Snowball with them. “Everything will be alright, Mei,” you whisper to her. “Hey! Keep quiet!” an agent yells at you. “No,” you state, “We’re here to speak with Commanders Morrison and Reyes.” “Yeah, riggghtt,” the agent says, “The two of you are going straight to a holding cell.” “I think Commander Reyes would be pretty angry if he found out you didn’t tell him we were here,” Mei says. “Is that so?” the agent replies in feigned interest. “The Commander doesn’t have time for the likes of you,” another agent says. “I don’t know…my friend here’s right, he would be mad if he found out something interesting was happening that he didn’t know about, in his own base no less. And I’d hate to think what he’d do to the person or persons who didn’t inform the Black Ops Commander of strange goings on,” you persuade. The agent glances to the other one and you can see them weighing their options. The two of you are then pulled along with them as the agents escort you to an interrogation room as opposed to a holding cell. They sit you and Mei down in the chairs in front of a table and handcuff you to it, and then one of them tries to remove Mei’s Chronal Accelerator he just now notices under her jacket. She tries to resist, but her hands are adhered to the table now. “Hey! Leave her alone! You take that off and she’ll die!!” you shout. “What the fuck are you talking about?!” the agent argues. “Ever heard of Lena Oxton?” you ask. “NO,” the agent protests. “Well, Lena Oxton, current Overwatch agent, previous RAF pilot got into an accident where she phases in and out of reality, take that off and we’re all gonna be sorry for it,” you threaten. The agent shoots a weird look down at Mei, but lets go of her. “Why do you think we want to see Reyes?” Mei adds. “Whatever,” the agent says shaking their head. “Let’s just go,” the other agent says, “The higher ups can deal with this.” Both agents leave the room finally and lock the door behind them. You glance back over to Mei, “You alright?” “Yeah, those two are assholes,” Mei says. You chuckle, “Yeah.” “Do you think Lena and Cole made it alright?” Mei asks. “Yeah, I mean if we did they had to of,” you say. You turn to stare across the room at the large glass pane, which you’re certain is a two-way mirror, as your thoughts turn to your husband. “So this is what it used to look like?” Mei muses, “I’m not impressed.” You laugh a little, “At least it’s not a decrepit concrete building.” “True,” Mei says laughing. You end up waiting for a little while in relative silence with the combined hum of the lights above you and your Chronal Accelerators, and the occasional footsteps heard from the hallway outside. Mei even starts making up a tune that she hums under her breath to the sound of both of them, when finally the door opens.

You both turn to look as none other Gabriel Reyes and Jack Morrison walk in, apparently your little stunt Had been enough to attract both of their attentions, just like Jack had said. Reyes’ eyes scan the two of you while Jack is busy studying a tablet in his hands, no doubt with a report written on the two of you. Reyes stops in front of the two of you and crosses his arms, and you notice his eyes find Mei’s Chronal Accelerator peeking out from underneath her heavy jacket. “Commander Morrison,” Reyes states. Jack continues to wander into the room and past Reyes as he continues to read. “Jack,” Reyes calls. “Huh?” Jack says as he looks up finally. And you can’t get over how much younger he looks, his blonde hair’s only just beginning to gray, there’s no scars on his face…although there are deep, dark bags under his eyes. You have no idea how much coffee he’s running on, but the lingering smell of it on his clothes, would suggest a lot. Jack looks to the two of you finally, with a tired and unfamiliar cast to his blue irises. This isn’t the same grandparental, old man whose held your’s and Cole’s child, or grilled meat at team cookouts, or fallen asleep in front of the tv on Christmas Eve. This is a tired, overworked, middle-aged man who seems to only go from one problem to the next. Jack clears his throat as he glances back down at his tablet one more time before fixing his full attention on the two of you. “You see that?” Reyes asks pointing at Mei. Jack squints, “Yeah, it looks just like it.” “I have one too,” you announce. “Really?” Reyes asks almost uninterested, but you can tell there’s more to it in his eyes. You lift up your hands, gesturing to your handcuffs and Mei jingles hers too. Jack and Reyes exchange a glance and then Jack nods back at the mirror behind them, “Alright.” Reyes steps forwards and undoes your’s and Mei’s handcuffs and then steps back. You unzip your jacket and reveal your own Chronal Accelerator. “Son of a bitch,” Jack says. “How’d you two ladies come by these devices, did you make them yourself?” Reyes asks. “No, Winston made them for us,” Mei answers. Both Jack and Reyes laugh. “It’s true!” Mei exclaims. “Yeah, right the monkey made you two Chronal Accelerators,” Reyes continues. “Scientist!” Mei insists leaning forwards. They both stop laughing and look at you and Mei seriously for a moment, and then the two exchange a glance. “How did you find this base? Where did your intel come from?” Jack asks. “Well, you, Jack,” you say. Jack shoots you a confused look before shaking his head, “Try again.” “She’s serious, you helped us with the secure radio channel, and with retrofitting the plane although that was a group effort,” Mei explains. “Look we could go around and around in circles all day, okay? So let’s just cut to the chase, we’re from the future,” you say gesturing to you and Mei. Both Reyes and Jack start laughing again. “Oh, God that’s a good one,” Reyes says wiping his eyes. “We’ve come back in time to retrieve a blueprint that was destroyed-are you even listening to me!” you shout to be heard. “From the future, huh? And here I thought I heard it all,” Reyes says. Their combined laughter finally starts to die down as you stare off at the wall annoyed. “So…you’re from the…” Jack snickers again and then controls himself, “So you’re from the future, how do we know you’re really the good guys then?” “Yeah, prove that you’re really from the future,” Reyes says and then chuckles as he looks at Jack. “Yeah, what’s something only we would know?” Jack adds. Unfortunately, you don’t know Gabriel Reyes very well, that would have been your husband Cole’s expertise considering he was taken under Gabriel’s wing for a time. Cole could have answered any questions regarding Commander Reyes easily, but he also would have encountered problems interacting with his past self, which is why you’re here instead. You glance over to Commander Morrison, Jack on the other hand… “Jack, you still like to carry around that old photo of you and Vincent,” you say. Now Your Jack has stopped in recent years, and finally left that old photo in an album and in the past along with other photos from his military career like any memory ought to be. But it was something Jack had suggested you bring up if either of you were going to be taken seriously, something about ‘having to cut through to his younger self like a knife.’ Jack’s eyes widen, “I…what? Um…No, I-You must be mistaken.” Reyes notices Jack’s sudden discomfort and studies him closely, “Wait…Do you?” Jack rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, “I…Maybe? Which one?” he asks you defensively, his face growing red. “The one from during the Omnic Crisis, right before you were shipped off to join the Soldier Enhancement Program, he’s got an arm around your shoulders and he’s wearing a blue polo…should I go on?” you ask with a raise of your brow. “No, that won’t be necessary,” Jack says quickly with a wave of his hand. Reyes gives Jack a sideways glance before turning his attention back to you,” How’d you know all that?” he accuses. You shrug, “Jack told me.” “You also sent us with one of your favorite novels,” Mei pipes up. She reaches into one of her jacket pockets and pulls out an old paperback book with yellowed pages and crinkled corners and holds it out to Jack. Jack takes it and smiles a little and then opens it up to a different old photo tucked inside it’s pages, the book is a western tale that he had lent Cole one time years ago, and the photo is an old Overwatch team photo. Jack closes the book back up and then hands it back to Mei, “I think…I’m actually starting to believe them.” Reyes furrows his brows at Jack, “You can’t be serious?! They could have been tailing you for all we know!” he exclaims and then glances back at the mirror. The anticipation swells up in your chest at who could be behind that mirror, you know who you’re hoping it is, but it could also be anybody. Reyes then tilts his head as if considering something and then motions a come here gesture at the mirror.

You feel the pressure build further in your chest as you wait with baited breath for them to appear. It’s not long before the door opens although to you it felt like an eternity and you’re not disappointed when the love of your life, Cole Cassidy walks in. He’s a lot younger than you know him to be of course, but no less handsome. He’s wearing a black t-shirt, gloves, and pants, with a black stetson to match adorning his head, but the belt buckle he’s wearing is one you’ve never seen and it bears the Deadlock gang symbol. Cole is unarmored, but he is wearing his pistol and ammo belt, it’s likely all he could grab on such short notice. The thought of him relaxing in his quarters or taking a smoke break is distracting to you, almost as distracting as his shoulders and arms… You try not to stare too much at his left arm, but you’re struggling. You instead steer yourself towards the thought of if his Blackwatch uniform would still fit him, you decide that it couldn’t possibly, the Cole you know is much bigger now. Cole moves to stand next to Reyes and he looks between the two of you. “I’m gonna need a little more proof, before I allow them to just waltz around the base,” Reyes says. “Well, I’m the Commander of Overwatch and if I say they can, they can,” Jack says. Reyes pinches his nose, “Not this again. Jack, I’m the Commander of Blackwatch and I can veto your decision.” “Like hell you can,” Jack says. You’re focused on Jack’s and Reyes’ beginning argument when you feel a pair of eyes on you, and you glance up and straight into Cole’s soft brown eyes, you smile at him and he smiles back at you. “I’m as much in charge here as you are,” Reyes says pointing a finger at Jack’s chest. “My Base, My jurisdiction,” Jack argues. “Well, why don’t we just ask Captain Amari?” Cole asks nonchalantly. Both men stop and turn to Cole. “Listen, we don’t need to get her involved,” Jack says holding his hands up. “I’m sure Captain Amari has better things to do with her time than solve another one of our arguments,” Reyes says. “I think they’re scared of her,” Mei whispers to you. You giggle a little. “Are not!” they both exclaim in unison before then looking at one another. “Mind if I try askin’ them some questions?” Cole asks, “Since you’re too busy squabbling again.” “Be my guest,” Reyes says gesturing towards you and Mei. Cole threads his thumbs through his belt loops and approaches you, all confidence and charm, something you’re so familiar with, it doesn’t even require a second thought to melt it away, “Hey-“ Cole begins. “Hey there, Cowboy,” you say lowly with a wink, “What’s a tall glass of water like you doing in a place like this?” Cole’s eyes widen in surprise and then he smiles so wide and when he tries to speak he stumbles over his own words to the point where you can’t make out anything he’s saying. You giggle lightly in amusement. Cole smiles a wide, lovesick grin and pulls his hat down low over his face as the younger version of your husband becomes downright bashful. You laugh again at how cute he’s being. You’ve had plenty of practice at making Cole flustered beyond recognition and that’s when he’s prepared for everything you could throw at him. This Cole never stood a chance against your flirting. Reyes looks at Cole disapprovingly before he looks back at you, “Alright, who exactly are you two?” he demands. You and Mei introduce yourselves. “We’re Overwatch agents, well future ones anyways,” Mei says. “What did you come all the way back in time for?” Jack asks. “A blueprint for a machine,” Mei explains. “That still doesn’t explain why you time traveled for a blueprint,” Reyes says crossing his arms again. “Yeah, if we have it now, why can’t you just get it from future Overwatch?” Jack asks. You and Mei exchange a glance. There’s a lot of reasons why, besides the original blueprint being destroyed, but it would be a lot to go into and definitely more information than they need. “It was destroyed in a fire, the original no longer exists,” Mei says simply. “We also didn’t just time travel for a blueprint, there’s another team that went on ahead to a separate time jump point,” you explain. “Who’s on that team?” Reyes asks. “Lena and Cole,” you answer. “Cole? Cole who?” Reyes asks suspiciously. “Cole…Cassidy,” you say carefully and your gaze drifts over to Cole standing next to Reyes who seems to be staring at you with a different sort of surprise on his face. “How…do you know that name?” Reyes asks. “Because I know him,” you say pointing directly at Cole. Reyes looks over at Cole and nods, “Good, I wanted to be sure we were talking about the same thing.” “How many other cowboys named Cole Cassidy do you know?” you ask in annoyance at his roundabout questioning. “Just the one,” Reyes says. “So ya’ll both know me in the future, I take it?” Cole asks. “Of course!” Mei says with a nod. “Yes,” you say softly. And Cole’s attention is drawn more to your soft spoken reply. You of course have only ever known Cole by Cole Cassidy. To the point where you could almost forget these days that he used to go by a cycling list of aliases for a long period of time. It’s especially easy to forget now that you share the same last name, you do have to write it on a lot of paperwork afterall. Your wedding ring isn’t on your finger at the moment, on missions you prefer to wear it on a chain around your neck to keep it close to your heart. “Alright, then I have a couple questions of my own,” Cole says. You have to resist the urge to fiddle with the ring now, less you call attention to it. “What’s somethin’ I’ve never told anyone?” Cole asks. Cole’s eyes fix on you as he waits for you specifically to answer him. And it’s a tough question if only for the fact that you know too many answers to that question. But a lot of them are painful, memories from his childhood he hardly talks about, his greatest fears, missions gone wrong here in Blackwatch. Many things that are hardly appropriate to bring up in mixed company, like right now. But maybe that’s what he’s hoping for, that you do truly know him well enough that you’ll be able to find something to convince him, without resurfacing buried trauma. “You still have your father’s hat…and on the inside of the brim written in your mother’s handwriting, is your father’s name,” you answer holding his gaze. Cole blinks and then inhales deeply, “Alright, one more question, is it this one?” he asks. He is of course referring to the black stetson currently adoring his head. You shake your head and smile, “No, the hat I’m talking about has a wide brim and a lot of nicks in it.” Cole smiles and takes of his hat and combs his fingers through his hair, “That’s right,” he says and then turns to Reyes and Jack and puts back on his hat, “I’m satisfied they’re telling the truth.” “Well, that’s two out of three,” Reyes says with a sigh, “Seems I’m outnumbered, I guess we’ll take them to Winston first see what he has to say about these Chronal Accelerators and then we’ll track down that blueprint.” “Perfect! The blueprint is one of Winston’s, I’m sure he’ll know where it is,” Mei says. “Well, ain’t that convenient,” Reyes says with a smirk. “Alright,” Jack says clapping his hands together, “Let’s go see our resident scientist.” Mei smiles and the two of you are lead out of the interrogation room finally.

Jack and Reyes have your gear and weapons returned to you both and as you and Mei are walking through a cargo bay stacked with crates, you spot another familiar face passing by, Captain Amari. And she stares at your group and furrows her brows, undoubtedly because she doesn’t recognize you and Mei, before she stops in her tracks. You can tell Jack and Reyes are anxious about her presence which only further seems to raise her suspicion and her brow, so she confronts them, “And what do we have here?” she asks crossing her arms. Jack tells her your’s and Mei’s names. Ana blinks and looks at both of you, “I’m unfamiliar with the two of you, what business do you have here?” “They’re here for a blueprint,” Jack answers for you. “Oh? What kind of blueprint?” Ana questions. “One of Winston’s blueprints,” Reyes says. “Oh and they’re also uh…from the…future?” Jack says with a nervous laugh while rubbing the back of his neck. Captain Amari narrows her eyes at Jack, “If I could have a word with the two of you in private,” she says sternly before turning to Cole next, “Agent, keep an eye on these two while we are gone.” “Will do, Ma’am,” Cole says with a tip of his hat. Ana walks off with Reyes and Jack in tow as you watch them try to explain to her the situation. Cole walks over to one of the nearby crates and sits down and pulls out a cigar. You sit down across from him and Mei gives you a knowing look and sits down nearby, but far enough away to give you two some space. Cole’s eyes drift towards Mei as she reactivates Snowball, and the little robot comes beeping back to life. Cole takes the still unlit cigar out of his mouth and points at Snowball with it in silent question. “This is Snowball!” Mei chimes happily. “Right,” Cole says. “He’s an old friend of hers, they’re inseparable,” you say. Cole looks to you and then back at Snowball before nodding, “Just make sure the little guy stays out of trouble.” Cole then takes his lighter out of his pocket and lights his cigar finally. You watch Mei talk to Snowball for a few moments as she explains what happened while they were asleep. You hear a low exhale from Cole as he puffs out a cloud of smoke from his cigar and look back at him, and the gaze he has fixed you with you could only describe as burning. Cole places his cigar back in his mouth and you watch the movement of his lips as he inhales another drag and then your eyes drift up to his as he watches you from underneath the brim of his stetson. He then blows out the smoke from the left corner of his mouth and closes his eyes gently, before returning to stare at you. “It’s not polite to stare,” he says softly. “You were staring first,” you retort. Cole chuckles lightly, “True, true. Maybe I’ve just got a nice view from here.” You smile, “Well, the view ain’t half bad from here either.” Cole bites his cigar a little in response. You stare at him for another moment or two, your eyes trailing over his face and all the little details, and Cole seems to enjoy your quiet appreciation of him. “Do we know each other?” Cole asks suddenly, “In the future I mean.” “Of course, Cole, remember what I said earlier?” you ask. He nods, “Yeah, but do we Know each other?” “Intimately?” you offer. Cole takes his cigar out of his mouth and gestures with it, “Yeah.” You smile and bite your lip, “You’ll have to find out, won’t you?”you ask lowly. Cole’s jaw goes slack as he stares at you with a hunger in his eyes that you’ve seen many times, and he’s about to say something else when Reyes and Jack walk back towards you. “Alright, you’re cleared with Amari but something’s come up, Cole, we’ll need you to escort them to Winston,” Reyes says. Cole stands up and drops his cigar to the concrete floor and steps on it, “On it, Boss.” “We’ll meet up with you three…four…afterwards to see you off,” Jack says staring over at Snowball now hovering near Mei. And then the two of them walk away again. “Alright, looks like I’m in charge,” Cole says looping his fingers through his belt loops and straightening his pants, “Lab’s this way.”

You and Mei follow Cole down a series of hallways deeper into the base until he comes to a large, metal door with a keypad. Instead of using the keypad though, Cole knocks on the big, metal door, “Hey, Winston! Got a couple of visitors for you!” A small screen next to the door and above the keypad lights up and a camera of Winston soldering some parts together comes into view, “What is it, Cass? I’m in the middle of something.” “Said I got a couple visitors for you, thought you’d might like to meet ‘em,” Cole says. Winston is still focused on his task as he picks up a banana and dips it into a nearby jar of peanut butter and starts to eat it, “Tell them to come back later, I’m busy.” “Now that’s not very nice,” Cole scolds playfully, “After they came all this way to meet you,” then Cole turns to you and winks, “How far in the future did you say y’all you’re from?” “About fifteen years,” you say. Cole whistles, “So I’d be what forty three, forty four?” You hear the clattering of metal tools as Winston drops whatever he was working on and turns to face the camera finally, “Did you say you were from the future?” Winston asks in astonishment. “Finally! That get your attention did it?” Cole asks with a smile. “We are!” Mei answers. “You didn’t say they were from the future!” Winston yells at Cole. Cole weathers his shouting easily, “I said they came all this way to meet you, they’re a long way from here.” Winston glares at Cole, “I don’t understand your cowboy speak.” “Well, now are you going to stand there gawking or are you going to let us in?” Cole asks. Winston goes to open his mouth and then just sighs instead and pushes a button and you hear the door padlock click. The door then swings inwards and Cole waves his hands at the door. “Ladies first.” Mei walks in first and stares around the lab in awe. And as you pass by Cole he gives you another wink. Cole then shuts the door behind you all and you take a moment to look around as well. Winston’s workshop is huge and filled with an assortment of projects he’s working on. You step towards the center of the room where he’s seated, schematics and parts strewn across the table in front of him. “So you’re really from the future?” Winston asks. “Yes, and we came here to retrieve one of your blueprints,” Mei explains stepping towards Winston. Snowball flies around Mei and beeps in agreement. “Really? And what’s your’s and your friend here’s name?” Winston asks holding his hand out to Snowball. “I’m Mei, and this is Snowball,” Mei introduces. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Mei and Snowball, I’m Winston,” Winston says. Mei laughs, “I know.” You smile at the three of them as Cole steps beside you and clears his throat and holds his hand out to you as he introduces you as well. “And it’s a pleasure to meet you as well,” Winston greets adjusting his glasses. “They’ve got a couple of your Chronal Accelerators too,” Cole adds. “Really?! Might I see?” Winston asks. Mei unzips and removes her coat and Winston’s eyes widen as he sees the Chronal Accelerator attached to her chest. You also remove your own jacket to reveal your Chronal Accelerator. “My, my, this has been an unexpected turn of events,” Winston says as he turns off his soldering tool and sets it aside. Winston then cups his chin as he examines Mei’s Chronal Accelerator, “Hmm, it seems the design has been improved upon. No doubt it needed to emit a stronger field to shield you from a jump to the past. What did future me recommend to you with these devices?” “Not to take them off for any reason,” Mei says shaking her head. Snowball beeps again in agreement. “Interesting, Lena has always been able to remove her Chronal Accelerator as long as she remains near the active field, but since you’re in the past…you are not anchored to your own timeline,” Winston says. “Like a life vest not a life boat” Cole says. “Precisely,” Winston says, “I will defer to my future self’s expertise on this matter, surely he has information that I do not currently possess in regards to this.” “It was a precaution so we wouldn’t get Chronal Disassociation like Lena did,” you say draping your jacket over the back of a chair and sitting down at the table. “Yes…” Winston sighs looking down. “Didn’t you say Lena was on the other team?” Cole asks stepping closer to you. “Yes,” Mei says. “There’s another team?” Winston asks with raised brow. “Yeah, apparently they sent out two teams of two, one here and one…somewhere else, didn’t really specify,” Cole says. “Lena made a jump into the past?!” Winston exclaims with shock, “But the implication of-“ “It’s alright, Winston, you said yourself that there have been improvements to the device, and it’s because you made the improvements that we’re all still alright,” Mei interrupts. Winston sighs, “But still, this was a very dangerous thing to do.” “We all knew the risks when we agreed to do this mission,” you say slipping your fingers underneath your shirt to feel your wedding ring. “And Lena didn’t go alone, Cole offered to be on her team,” Mei says waving her hand at the younger Cole standing beside you. “But what if the devices are damaged?” Winston asks concerned. “You made us memorize how to make repairs to them,” you say. Winston sighs once again and nods, smiling a little, “Just like I did with Lena.” “So two teams of two so each of you has backup in case somethin’ goes wrong and each one of you has a pilot. I know Lena’s gotta be the pilot on my team, but who’s the pilot on your team?” Cole asks. “Me,” you answer tucking your ring back under your shirt. Cole’s eyes dip down for a moment to follow the movement and then his eyes meet yours, “You? You must be pretty damn good to be chosen to fly a plane like that back in time,” Cole says with a grin. You grin back at him, “Yeah, I am. Fareeha wanted to be the one to pilot the plane but then she’d have to deal with her mother in this timeline.” “Fareeha is in Overwatch?” Cole asks with his brows raised. “Yeah,” you say. “Her mother must not be too happy about that,” Cole says. “It was…let’s just say it was complicated,” you say. Cole chuckles, “It would have been easier for her to convince Gabe and Jack though but…she definitely would have had argued with her mother. Shame, I kind of would have liked to have seen that.” “Oh, don’t worry you will,” you say with a laugh. Cole blows out a breath, “Still fightin’ after all these years?” “Mostly, it’s over little stuff these days, but those two had their work cut out for them,” you say. “I’ll say,” Cole says with a smile. “So which blueprint was it that you needed from me?” Winston asks. Mei removes a piece of paper from her discarded jacket and unfolds it and hands it to Winston. Winston squints at it and then his eyes widen, “This? But it was just a prototype, it never even worked, the gravitational field alone was-“ “Let’s just say we have an expert who’s willing to help us with that,” Mei interrupts, “And please, Winston we really need that blueprint.” Winston sighs, “The blueprint on file is incomplete, I’ll need to compile some of my notes.” Winston then gets up from his spot at the table and goes to his computer desk to start retrieving the blueprint. You then hear a swift series of knocks on the metal door. “Oi, Winston! Open up!” a voice calls. “Oh! Cole, could you?” Winston asks. “On it,” Cole says and presses the button for the door. Lena speeds into the room as soon as the door opens and then stops dead in her tracks as she stares open-mouthed at you and Mei. Winston looks up from his monitor, “Oh, Lena, these three are-“ he begins. “You’re from the future!” the younger Lena exclaims now pointing at you and Mei. Cole chuckles as he closes the door again. “Yes, I do suppose it’s obvious,” Winston states taking a microfiber cloth and wiping his glasses clean. Lena starts excitedly running in place, “Ooh! I just knew it! One look at those Chronal Accelerators, and I just knew it!” “Heh heh, maybe we should have had Miss Oxton here meet the two of you first, she would have got this whole thing sorted a lot quicker,” Cole says. “What’s it like? The future I mean, do I get that tattoo I always wanted? Ooh, what about skiing in the Alps? I’ve always wanted to do that, or-“ Lena says and then gasps loudly, “No, wait! Do I ever get married?” Lena’s staring at Mei and fixing her with the biggest puppy dog eyes and pouting out her bottom lip. “Yes, no, and yes,” Mei answers. Lena excitedly squeals and jumps up and down. “Mei!” you exclaim, “You’re not supposed to tell her that!” “I’m sorry! I can’t lie to my friends, especially not Lena!” Mei defends. You sigh and drop your shoulders, “I know.” “Am I your friend?” Cole asks Mei. “Of course,” Mei answers. You stand and turn to him, “Oh no, you don’t, Cowboy,” you warn poking his chest. Cole smiles and puts his hands up, “Or you’ll what?” he teases. You narrow your eyes at him and he raises a brow. And then you flick his hat off his head. “My hat!” Cole exclaims as he quickly spins around to scoop it off the floor, “I’ll have you know this is a Stetson!” Cole complains dusting it off. “I know,” you giggle, “You’re not allowed to ask Mei questions about your future self. And, Lena, You should know better,” you say turning to her. Lena’s shoulders slump, “I know, I just couldn’t help it. I mean who wouldn’t want to know about their future self?” You smile at her, “I mean Lena you want to get married eventually, right?” “Well, of course,” Lena answers. “Then by virtue of that being something you want out of life you’re probably going to get married,” you say. “Well, now I definitely know I’m getting married,” Lena says, “What’s her name?” Lena then asks Mei. “It’s…” Mei begins and then looks over at you shaking your head, “A surprise. I really couldn’t ruin it for you especially if I want to be a bridesmaid.” Winston looks up from his monitor, “Lena, stop asking questions about the future…as tempting as it may be…” he muses staring up at the ceiling for a moment before getting back to work. It seems everyone in this room wants to know what happens, which is fair, but…there’s a lot they don’t need to know yet, both the good and the bad. And besides spoiling too much of the good might ruin it’s impact when they really need it most. “So…are you a part of future Overwatch?” Lena asks Mei. “Uh huh,” Mei nods, “We’re much newer agents compared to all of you,” she says waving her hands at Lena, Winston, and Cole. Cole sets his hat back on his head and adjusts it. Winston lets out a sigh, “I’ve compiled all of my notes into one file, but…it’s going to take a little while longer for me fill in some of the gaps I had left in my research.” “Take all the time you need, Winston, we’re not in any rush,” you say. “‘Cause I bet you got all the time in the world, huh?” Lena says with a chuckle, “A little time travel humor for you, since we’re all time travelers now.” Mei laughs and Snowball chimes happily. “But that means I get more time to chat,” Lena says taking a seat and placing her hands under her chin, “So where are you from? I’m from England obviously,” Lena says patting an English flag patch stitched to the shoulder of her Overwatch uniform. “I’m Chinese,” Mei says. “Ooh nice, and what’s your specialty?” Lena asks. “I’m a climatologist,” Mei answers. “Oh, so a scientist like Winston here,” Lena says turning in her chair to look at him. Winston smiles back at the two of them. You watch them talk for a few moments the past version of Lena already becoming fast friends with her future friend, to no one’s surprise, and that’s when you feel a tap on your shoulder. You look back at Cole behind you and he points his thumb in the direction of the door. “Mind if I have a word in private?” Cole asks quietly. You glance back over at the group with Winston busy at his computer and Lena and Mei engaged in conversation with Snowball floating nearby paying close attention. Now that Lena has focused her curiosity towards Mei instead of her future self you don’t think you’re in any more danger of big secrets getting revealed like the fall of Overwatch.

So you turn back to Cole and nod. Cole walks over to the door and opens it for you and you step through first. You walk out into the hall as Cole closes the door gently. You start to turn around when Cole suddenly throws out his right arm to and it hits the wall firmly, effectively pinning you in. He then leans closer to you so that you can now feel his hot breath on your lips and the soft fabric of his t-shirt brush against you. Staring down at his lips for a moment as they’re slightly parted you can see a smile form on his face. Your eyes slowly drift up Cole’s face as you smile back at him. His eyes regard you for another moment before he quirks a brow, “You didn’t even flinch….I’ve done this before….” he breathes, “Haven’t I?” You bite your lip, “Easy there, Cowboy,” you tease. Cole points at you with his left hand, “And that? What you just said, just now? I’m pretty sure you’ve said that before too.” You open your mouth slightly as you try to come up with a response. He’s right of course, but you can’t tell him that. Cole leans back a little, tilting his head as his brown eyes study you, “So…to pick back up where we left off on our earlier conversation…we know each other in the future and intimately from what I’ve gathered…” he trails off as his fingers lightly drift across your chin and then down your neck. You can’t help the involuntary shudder that passes through your body at his touch, and Cole seems to enjoy it, but you quickly realize it’s not what he’s after when you feel his index finger slip under your collar and give a gentle tug to your necklace. A small gasp leaves your lips as Cole carefully and slowly pulls out the chain holding your wedding ring. He’s quiet as he stares at it, turning it over in between his thumb and index finger. “Cole I-“ you begin and stop when you see him notice the engraving. A custom engraving which consists of a little lasso bordering the words, “Let’s ride off into the sunset together.” You meet Cole’s eyes as he slowly lifts them to yours, and you can see the realization wash over him. He opens his mouth and shakes his head slightly, “You’re…my wife?” he asks softly. There’s no point in hiding it now, so you simply nod, “Yeah, Cole, I am.” He drops your ring to let it fall back against your chest as he cups your face in both of his hands a huge, yet tentative smile now gracing his lips, and he laughs breathlessly, “Of course! It makes perfect sense!” A little confused you place your hands over his and shake your head a little, “What does?” Cole tilts his head and grins, “Darlin’, you do…the way you smile at me, the way you look at me, the way you talk to me I….Sweetheart, no one has ever looked at me with so much love in their eyes the way you do,” he says with a dreamy sigh, “You couldn’t have been anyone else.” “Cole…” you whisper as you look deeply into your future husband’s eyes. Cole laughs a little, “See?” he asks now caught up in how you’re looking at him. You tighten your grip on his hands and feel the fabric of his gloves against your skin and a thought occurs to you, “Can you take off your gloves?” you ask gently. “Oh, ‘course,” Cole says as his hands leave your face and he hurriedly removes them. Cole stuffs the gloves into one of his pockets haphazardly and then places his palms back against your cheeks. You smile happily and close your eyes and relish the feeling as he strokes your skin softly with his thumbs. His palms are calloused, but surprisingly gentle as he cradles your face reverently. You had met Cole after his Blackwatch days of course and after he had already lost his left arm, so you’ve never felt his left palm before. And Cole had always lamented on how he wished he could cradle your face in both of his hands, to get to feel every curve of your face at once. He’s memorized the planes of your face and your body after all your time spent together over the years, but still This was something he could never have. You don’t know if your husband will remember it or not, but at least you could give one Cole this…this moment. You open your eyes finally as you feel Cole’s forehead lean against yours and as you shift your head upwards he pulls back at the movement, seemingly also having been lost in the moment. He smiles at you and then leans forwards and presses a kiss to your forehead, before exhaling and pulling back entirely, a bright smile still plastered on his lips. “Honey, you have no idea how happy I am to meet you, I thought that…that I would never get to settle down or fall in love and…I mean especially with everything going on these days and I…” he stops to shake his head as he continues to smile at you, “You’re just that little bit of hope I was lookin’ for.” You smile at Cole as you feel your eyes start to get watery, “I can’t promise you that things won’t be tough in the future and that there won’t be bad things-“ “Shhh,” Cole soothes stroking your cheeks with his thumbs, “If you know me, then you know that I’ve been through my fair share already, but just knowing that you’re gonna be there on the other side of all that waiting for me? That’s all I need to keep going.” You let out a wet chuckle as you try to stop the tears. Cole smiles softly at you, “C’mere, Honey.” And with that you fall forwards into his arms. Cole holds you for a little while before letting you go, albeit a little reluctantly before drying your tears, it’s then that you can see a few tears had formed in his own eyes. “You know I have half a mind not to let you go back,” Cole says jokingly. “Cole,” you scold playfully. He chuckles, “I know, I know. But I couldn’t do that to you, you belong in your future with future me, the lucky bastard.” “Hey, that’s my husband you’re talking about,” you tease. Cole laughs. You smile at him and then bite your lip, “And with little, Sweetpea, of course.” “And with little-“ Cole begins and then stares at you with wide eyes. You smile more. “We? We have a kid together?” Cole asks. You give him a small nod. Cole then scoops you up into his arms, lifting you clean off the floor in his excitement, you squeeze him back as your feet dangle in the air. He then sets you back down on your feet with a laugh and wipes at his eyes, “Future’s just lookin’ brighter and brighter, boy or girl?” You place your index finger over your lips, “I can’t tell you that.” “Aw, not even a little bit?” Cole asks. “No,” you laugh, “I’ve already said too much.” “Alright, can’t blame me for trying though,” Cole says before holding out his hand for you, “Come on, let’s see if Winston’s done with that blueprint.” You take his left hand in yours and follow him back into Winston’s lab.

Cole quietly opens the door a crack and peeks back into the room. As the sounds of Lena’s and Mei’s conversation drifts out into the hall, Cole opens the door further and creeps back into the room. He then waves at you for you to follow. You step back into Winston’s lab and Cole doubles back to shut the door again while you rejoin Mei by standing near the table. “So then I said, ‘They don’t call me an Ace for nothin’!’” Lena laughs, followed by Mei’s own giggles. Winston looks up at you and Cole, “Ah, there you two are! I’ve finished filling in my notes and I downloaded everything onto this,” he says holding up a small device, “You still use Class C, ES chips in the future, right?” Winston asks with a raised brow. You smile at him, “Of course,” you say taking the offered data chip from him and tucking it into your jacket pocket still hanging on your chair for safekeeping. “So where did you two run off to, eh?” Lena asks leaning her elbows on the table. “Just stepped outside for a minute s’all,” Cole answers for you. For which you’re grateful because you were about to lie and say the bathroom, and with Cole obviously in tow that would have sounded very awkward. “Oh? Busy flirting, Cole?” Lena accuses. Cole’s face flushes and he dips his head, “I…Mmm,” he grumbles. You smile and cover your mouth with your hand trying not to laugh. Lena continues to smile at the embarrassed cowboy and then she fixes her gaze on you, “Oh come on, it’s so obvious he’s crushing on you. And I’ve never seen him quite like this before.” “Cole was nothing but a gentleman,” you say in his defense. “Oh, I’m not saying that,” Lena says holding her hands up, “Just that he wanted a private chat with you was all. Did he strike out?” Cole clears his throat, “No, I most certainly did not! And now that the whole room knows about it, it turns out it wasn’t much of a private chat now was it?” he demands glaring accusingly at Lena. Mei covers her mouth and giggles. “Heh heh, sorry!” Lena apologizes rubbing the back of her head, “It’s just I’ve never seen you this smitten before, it’s so sweet!” You stare lovingly at Cole and are amused at how flustered he is. Lena looks over to you and gasps and then covers her mouth before she says anything else. “What?!” Cole exclaims startled by her reaction. “Nothing!” Lena claims innocently, “Just that I know something you don’t know!” Cole glances back to you and gives you a knowing smirk before shooting Lena a feigned confused look, “And what might that be?” Lena shakes her head and then mimes a zipper being closed over her mouth, “I Can’t tell you!” she sing songs. Cole shakes his head and chuckles. “Well, we’d better get going,” you announce, “We are on a mission after all,” you say retrieving your jacket and draping it back over your shoulders. “Aww!” Lena pouts. “Ah, of course! I understand, spending too much time in the past could be dangerous,” Winston says pushing up his glasses, “And future Overwatch needs this intel.” “It’s too soon! I was hoping we’d get more time to chat,” Lena says her shoulders drooping. “Don’t worry we will,” you say. “Yeah! We’ll see you soon!” Mei answers happily standing up from her chair. “Oh, true!” Lena laughs, “Although not soon enough for me! Here at least let me give you a goodbye hug?” Cole glances over to you a soft smile on his face, “Yeah, not soon enough,” Cole whispers to you. You smile back at him. Lena gets up and hugs Mei first and then you, “Since you’re my friends from the future then you Know how much of a hugger I am!” “Oh we know,” you laugh. You step towards Winston next and hug him goodbye. “Oh,” he mutters in surprise, but gladly returns the hug. Finally Mei hugs Winston and then you look to young Lena and Winston, “Thank you so much for all your help.” “Anytime,” Winston says and then his eyes widen in realization, “Haha accidental time joke?” Lena bursts out laughing, “Yeah! Anytime!” The rest of you join them in laughter before saying your final goodbyes and then Cole escorts you back down the series of hallways you came from as the door to Winston’s lab closes and then bolts shut behind you.

You continue down the halls that will lead you back to the hangar where your plane the Slipstream 3 resides, but before you can leave the lab area of the facility a door opens up in front of you to the left and a tall, lanky figure in a lab coat steps out. You still in your tracks as your blood suddenly runs cold and your heart starts pounding in your chest. You knew that there was a chance you could run into former Overwatch members on this mission, but this was one person you were hoping to avoid at all costs. Her gaze remains fixed on the paperwork in her hands as her long nails rapidly tap away at the little blue screen, a sly smile creeping it’s way onto her visage as she continues to loom in the hallway in front of you. Cole manages to take a handful of steps forward before he notices your sudden absence to his left and turns back to stare at you behind him. You can see his mouth open slightly and his eyes narrow at you before he turns his head to glance back at the scientist in front of you. Moira finishes her tapping and looks up as she closes it out to find the three of you standing there. Her dual colored eyes scan over each of you and land on the only face that This Moira should recognize, “Ah, Agent Cassidy, to what do I owe this…unexpected visit?” “Just showing these scientists around,” Cole says hooking his thumbs through his belt loops. “Oh? I would have thought that sort of thing a bit below your pay-grade, and what exactly is their field of expertise?” Moira asks her eyes scanning you and Mei and then fixing on you. You try to steel your expression as best you can, but you can still feel her icy blue eye piercing through you like a needle. Mei glances back at you, “We’re Climatologists,” she announces placing a hand on your shoulder and covering for you. Luckily you and Mei had already zipped your jackets back up to cover your Chronal Accelerators again after leaving the safety of Winston’s lab, so Mei’s lie for you isn’t as blatant and leaves no real reason to disbelieve any of you. You also only just now notice that Snowball is tucked away in Mei’s canister on her back and not free-floating like before. “Hmm,” Moira ponders removing her gaze from you finally to stare up at the ceiling. But you’re reminded that this Is Moira and she likes to poke holes in everything, Often just for the fun of it. You have to try to suppress an involuntary shiver at the thought. “Curious what Overwatch would need with a couple of glorified weather reporters,” she muses. “Now, Moira, play nice,” Cole warns taking a cigar out of one of his pockets and placing it between his teeth. Which gains Moira’s attention and ire as her lip curls up in disgust, “You’d better not be thinking of lighting that thing in here.” “What?” Cole smirks his voice muffled slightly from the cigar, “This old thing?” he asks taking it out briefly to gesture with it, “Was just headed out for my smoke break.” Moira is clearly not amused, if her pursed lips and narrowed eyes are anything to go by. Cole steps backwards to you and takes your left hand in his right and tugs you toward his right side, effectively putting himself between you and Moira. But his hand in yours actually brings her attention back to you and she arches her brow, “Is this your little girlfriend?” she asks cooly towering over you, “Didn’t think you’d ever find one of those, Cassidy, what with that empty head of yours.” Cole chews on his cigar as he repositions it to the corner of his mouth and narrows his eyes at her. You know that sometimes Cole will keep an unlit cigar in his mouth as a way to calm his nerves and keep from grinding his teeth. And you also know that no one makes him grind his teeth more than Moira. “At least I don’t drink piss and vinegar instead of coffee in the mornings like you, Moira,” Cole quips back with a smile. The immediate frown on Moira’s face is almost comical, at least it would be if you weren’t still terrified of her. “Such colorful, backwater language that I’ve come to expect from you, Cowboy,” Moira says. You know what Cole’s doing, he’s trying to keep Moira’s full attention on himself so that she won’t scrutinize or criticize you and Mei. But you also still really want to leave, being in Moira’s presence is making you sick to your stomach. And besides, from what your husband has told you he had a lot less patience in his Blackwatch days than he does now and you can tell from the glint in Moira’s eyes that she’s waiting for him to crack. You tug on Cole’s hand subtly and he squeezes back in acknowledgment. “Well, I’ll let you get back to whatever it is that you science types brew up in your little cauldrons-I mean labs,” Cole says tipping his hat down with his left hand. Moira grumbles and looks like she’s about to say something else, but Cole cuts her off, “Can’t just stand out here in the hall gawking at your colleagues, there’s work to be done around here.” Moira’s eyes dart to the floor, “Yes, there is More important work for me to be doing,” she says thoughtfully and more to herself, “Good day, Agent, and Congratulations on actually managing to fool someone into dating you. Enjoy it while it lasts,” she says walking down the hall past you. The three of you continue walking again and you carefully look over your shoulder to find that Moira is gone. You breath a small sigh of relief and try to stop the shaking in your hands. “Are you okay?” Mei asks and Snowball peeks back out of Mei’s canister with a sad beep. “Yeah, I’ll be fine,” you answer quickly. You look up to find Cole staring down at you and then you glance down at his hand to realize that he’s still holding yours. “I know Moira can be a bit much,” Cole begins, drawing your eyes back up to him, “Personally, she always gives me the creeps.” He has no idea. You huff out a quiet laugh. Cole looks back down at you, “She really spooked you though,” he whispers. You glance over to Mei and she shakes her head, but then she picks up her pace to walk a little further ahead of you two, just enough to give you both some space. You know you can’t tell Cole the real reason for why Moira scares you so much. If he knew there’s no telling what he’d do to your abductor, he’d probably try to kill her honestly. But you can’t change the past, not even yours, you can only change the future. You meet Cole’s gaze again. “You want to talk about it?” Cole asks quietly. “You know I can’t,” you admit. There’s a touch of pain behind Cole’s eyes and he bites down on the cigar still in his mouth. A moment of silence passes between you as you walk down the halls together, the only sounds the soft hum of your Chronal Accelerator, and your’s and his boots clunking against the metal floors. “Promise me that you’ll at least talk to future me about it when you get back?” Cole asks. You’re caught off guard by his request and you look back up at him in surprise. “Whatever it is that I Can’t know about, I know you wouldn’t have kept from him. And I also know that he’d do anything for you, so promise me you’ll tell him? In case…I don’t remember,” Cole continues. You nod, “I will,” you promise. Cole sighs and offers you a small smile. You smile back at him. Moira may have accused Cole of being empty headed, and while he may not be a genius scientist like many of your friends in Overwatch, he’s always been very perceptive. And for a self-proclaimed genius scientist like Moira, she continuously underestimates him and actually played right into his hands when he started throwing insults at her. So much so that she began to ignore you and Mei in favor of winning the argument And getting the last word in. Cole was even willing to let her get under his skin a little if it meant protecting you from her scrutiny.

Soon enough the three of you reach the hangar and Cole takes the cigar from his mouth and stuffs it back into his pocket. And you notice that he’s almost bitten it in half from worrying it between his teeth, and now you’re really glad you decided against telling him the truth about Moira. He can and will be rightfully angry about it later, but now’s not the time, not when he still has to work with her within Blackwatch. And some of his most dangerous missions still lie ahead of him. Cole busies himself with scanning the hangar from the sidelines, and you glance around as well, and aside from your plane the Slipstream 3 there’s only one other plane. The crew from the hangar is busy with unloading the cargo from this plane, which clearly had arrived to the base after you, and as you study it…you realize that it’s the Actual Plane who’s callsign you had co-opted. “Ah, there they are,” Cole says beside you. You follow his gaze and spot Commanders Morrison and Reyes approaching you. “Well, that was fast,” Reyes notes. And you realize that he’s staring down at your’s and Cole’s joined hands. You let go of Cole’s hand and Cole loops his thumbs through his belt loops. “Get the blueprint you needed?” Jack asks. “Yep,” you say procuring the data chip from your pocket and holding it up for him to see. “Good,” Jack says, “We’ll clear you for takeoff in just a few more minutes,” he says looking over your shoulder at the plane that’s almost finished being unloaded. You put the chip back into your pocket. While you’re waiting for the other plane Cole pipes up, “You’ll never guess what happened, Miss Oxton instantly recognized them as being from the future.” “Of course she did,” Reyes groans in annoyance, his shoulders sagging. “You know maybe we should have called Lena in when we were interrogating them, Gabe,” Jack suggests. Reyes sighs and rubs his fingers between his brows. Jack has the biggest shit-eating grin on his face and Reyes just looks like he can’t wait for this crazy day to end. You lower the ramp to the plane once everything is cleared away. “See you all soon!” Mei chimes happily waving to the group, Snowball chimes in with a few beeps as well, “Snowball also says goodbye!” “Who’s Snowball?” Reyes questions with his hand in the air as Mei boards the plane. Cole surprises you by taking one of your hands in his left, “I’ll see you soon, Sweetheart.” “See you soon, Cowboy,” you say as you step backwards onto the ramp and the two of you keep your hands outstretched until only your fingertips touch and then your hand falls limp to your side. “Good luck out there, Overwatch,” Jack says with a salute. “Thanks,” you say mimicking his salute and with that you board the plane.

*******

“Preparing to jump in three..two…-“ she says and then the radio crackles and fills with static, and then a few moments pass where no one says anything else. “I guess it worked,” Jack says as he checks in with the radio tower operators in front of him. “So what was that all about?” Gabe asks Cole. Cole looks up at his boss, “Huh?” “You know, that whole hand holding, ‘Oh now we’re stepping apart as we stare wistfully into each other’s eyes’ bit,” Gabe explains. “Oh that?” Cole asks. “Yeah, That,” Gabe says. Cole smiles wide and looks out the window at the blue, open skies as he takes off his hat and places it over his heart, “That was My Wife.”

#cole cassidy #cole cassidy x reader #overwatch

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