#she’s going to show everyone why she is a force to be reckoned with

[understandableparadox]

a comprehensive list of everything wrong with hazbin hotel.

quick note before i lose myself in madness, my standards for helluvaboss are non existent because its a free show on youtube. also i kinda like helluvaboss and i will indulge in any bias i damn well please.

oh and spoilers. i guess.

the greater narrative of the entire season is "White lady civilize inner city hoodlum". ex: The blind side. rich girl, affluent family yadda yadda.

the story is set up to be like amphibia, owl house, svtfoe, steven universe, that being starting as something episodic then transforming into story driven narrative. why? because we know the benefits and drawbacks, episodic starts allows us to wander the world, it allows us to understand the dynamics, we are not forced to reckon with anything because there is no deadline. characters are allowed to bloom and shine and the audience can actually get attached.

the source material is Vary Clearly formed from remnants of something out of a middle school edgelord narrative. the usage of transformation, the big spooky grins, the "and then i smile as my eyes glow and-"-isms which in most cases i don't mind because in some instances but in a vary Particular case its astoundingly annoying and that annoyance is like a mold, shit spreads quick.

the color Red. as a lover of homestuck cherubs and karkat and aradia, as someone who fucking loves the color red, it is so painful to say but holy shit tone it the fuck down, i know its hell but their are so many other colors that you can use, its everywhere, the streets, the air, the windows, the screens, the characters, i know the pride ring is represented with red but change up the palates every so often for backgrounds

the rush, this ties into the second point made but i think the story itself is rushed. we know everything way to early. i know way to much and it makes it hard to care about anything because im still trying to digest the last chunk of info. "oh ok, so they clear out hell once a year. oh hell has a heaven embassy? ok. oh that adam the angel, i though he wou- oh its every 6 months now. wait the exterminators die a lot? then why is everyone sca- people in hell already have weapons that can kill angels? w- oh we are in heaven now, ok ma- no one in heaven except for the elites know the exterminations occur? how do-" and its that, just this incessant rush to explain everything to you. notably that's just the god damn spark notes, we need to know everything about the characters now, every single bit of their story, their insecurities, what charlie needs to fix, how she can fix them, the major bad guys, everything. you are never allowed to dwell on a character because we need to rush towards something else. it almost feels like this should have been like... season three, it would have been a fantastic season three if you dropped the introductions honestly.

the concept of redemption. for a story of redemption to work you need to look at three things. What is there crime, Do they want to change, What is preventing them from changeing? there is only one single character that has a notable path of redemption, angel dust, but if you look through their story it feels off. What Exactly is he guilty of? he has sex, does drugs and drinks. his apparent nymphomania is tied to his sad backstory as someone forced into the sex industry so how is that their fault? then if you think about it you start to spiral and notice "hey why are most of these people in hell?" like sure some of them may deserve punishment but then you see the fucking dichotomy and its like "I was a inventor in england and died of the fucking plague, i may have made evil little contraption hoohoohoo" vs "I was a cannibal, a full on cannibal, i fucking killed people and ate them and then someone shot me". ONE OF THESE THINGS ARE A LITTLE MORE FUCKING EXTREME. i'm going to go fucking nuts, the thing they went to heaven with when presenting a case to angels on the idea that redemption and becoming a better person is actually real was angel dust not drinking at a party and not having sex with consenting adults and i want to go fucking insane. WHAT IS THE CRIME, WHO IS THROWING THE BOOK, WHAT DOES THE BOOK INTEL, ARE WE ON GOOD PLACE RULES?! half the cast dont Need redemption they need fucking help, and the other half of the cast do need redemption but they do not seek it making the point moot. sir pentious acts like he has the brain of a hyper intelligent toddler tossing about toys, its almost like he did his one bad thing of spying and then got caught, sank his little diddy about forgiveness and second chances and become a null point through out the rest of the series, sure their was Some weight to him sacrificing himself, he was a decently funny character and he had good moments but him popping up in heaven felt like a fore gone conclusion, he didn't deserve to be in hell so why do i care that he is suddenly in heaven? because its working on the concept the good place already made. no one actually deserves eternal punishment they just need help processing what makes them a dick, but instead of looking at all the parts of the afterlife that make it bad, inefficient and then creating and trying ideas to see if it work instead over a few seasons, we crash dick first into all the major plot points in regards to that and say "tada, we fixed it.".

having a sub-plot about sexual assault and its victims then having multiple sexual assault related gag ruins your point.

don't make a bunch of stereotypically jewish characters into cannibals, that was a big thing, really shouldn't have to say it.

if you are going to make a character black, make them black, you can say alastor was black but sweet seren-fucking-dippity that's not a black man.

pot meet kettle but yeah the cursing could be a little less liberal. maybe just blue hair or the pronouns, not both.

there is a very distinctive art deco/jazz aesthetic which normally i love but i feel as though it is not used to its full extent and in some cases really hurts the character design in and of itself.

this is a vary obvious bit but the story is a million times more interested in gay men then it is of lesbians, which culminates in this insane thing where the writers clearly have more talent or perhaps it would be more abt to say practice writing male gay pining then they are with lesbian pining. which i personally think is hilarious because i did not know you could min max fujoshi-ism that hard.

this next section is more to do with each character on a fundamental level, for the sake of brevity whatever there is left, i'm just doing ones with speaking roles.

13. Charlie:

(see what i mean about that red thing?)

as originally stated charlie fits rather comfortably into every white saviour narrative, though that seems to be part of her joke. though i'm not entirely sure how much of a joke it can be when its rewarded and expected to advance the plot.

her character design says nothing, it has the motif of old puppets or dolls, she wears something vaguely similar to service suits, her demonic form is just some extra horns.not to say every character needs to have their life on a clothes rack but some more snake and goat imagery would be nice

its not the chol design of charlie with snake hair, not an actual problem but its a problem to me, damn you @cholvoq for ruining my ability to look at any of the characters without wishing i was seeing your designs instead.

character wise aside from the white savoir bit, i'm having a bit of trouble understanding what the arc of the character is. she is shown to be naive, someone who doesn't understand how the world works but everytime she says something its something astoundingly clear like "people can actually get better". and its treated like someone demanded faygo in every water fountain. is the joke that the world around her to cynical or is so to naive? please pick one or the other.

now if you know me, you know i fucking hate overpowered characters with a blinding passion, one that would set alit the god damn abyss but in this one special instance, i feel like its warranted, she's the direct descendant of fucking God, she can swing her weight around a little, i mean god damn. she in so many instances looks like shes cowering so often, why would the daughter of lucifer get backed down by some rando pimp? why wasn't she the one to fight adam? sure you can say she is young but how young? her parents were there since pre-abrahamic times, most of the characters showed up in hell in the 1900s, some of them showed up in the 1600s, how old is charlie??? how long does it take for her to learn how to be strong? The story does not suffer if charlie is strong and knows she is strong. it can easily be a case of "i don't believe in violence to a weird degree". fit it into her apparent naivety about the world to believe that violence is never the answer even when dealing with a being that is unilaterally horrible and abusive and monstrous.

she ga- no im kidding, i do think her romance was waysided a bit, it would have been fine to have more scenes of them togather and in love you know?

14. Vaggie

why did you name the lesbian vaggie...? Don't do that maybe?

I like how her design is almost moth like but again i feel as though you could have amped that up.

she feels as though someone tried to combine undyne and pearl from steven universe, same story beats and design elements. it makes it hard to really distinguish her as a character.

i honestly dont have much to say about her. she is fine.

christ kill me, lets just get the big one out of the way

15. Alastor.

God Damn

where to start.

"alastor is mixed race" mixed with fucking what? concrete? there is not a single black feature on that creature, now im not saying you have to make him a png of louie armstrong but it wouldn't hurt to add a curl to the hair maybe? make it a tiny bit more wavy? Something? a crumb i beg of thee?

his symbolism is all over the god damn place, native american monsters (you know the one), voodoo, radio, puppets, stitches, circuses??? and Tentacles i guess. two of those are from closed religions so if you dumped those you would actually get a more concise character focused on the concept of vox populi as a means of societal control and influence as we see in his first song. but again that gets drowned out repeatedly by all the other random toy box bits shoved into him.

tumblr sexy man bait

he serves no purpose in the story. he does spooky stuff, pretends to do things and then goes back to sitting around looking spooky. i understand that his motif is supposed to be aloof mastermind but maybe have him do more mastermindy things? if you remove most of alastors scenes, bar the songs, it doesn't change all to much. husk and nifity can still be at the hotel, they could be looking for outs in their contracts the same as angel dust. hell it even helps with the one scene where he dose some spooky shit, asking charlie for a favor in exchange for his help in the fight with the angels instead of asking him about angel weapons which should have remained a strictly vaggie scene.

his presence in a way delegitimize the story, as I noted in in the section regarding redemption, the three parts are "what is the crime, do they want to change, what is stopping them?" and alastor kinda just spits in the face of that. he is a serial killer cannibal that has no qualms about how evil he is and apparently must continue being evil due to being under the control under someone legitimately called the Root Of All Evil. show him take a slight interest in the idea that maybe shit for him could be better, make him Want Change at the bare fucking minimum or dont have him at the hotel.

his stupid little fucking horns, big shot the troll liker wants characters to have big fucking horns, make them noticeable or dont have them.

he looks more like a dog boy, which could have been an interesting thing with the collar motif but fuck me i guess.

personal pet peeve but i fucking hate characters that have a million plus powers, stick to a set number, be creative.

im getting more petty as i go on so last point: he could have been in less episodes, he didn't need to be in dad beat dad, that should have been just a lucifer and charlie episode. inverse the red and black and i think he would be fucking great color wise, his body type is the same as ten different characters, he isnt radio enough, aside from the voice and and staff if you told me he was the fucking Cat Demon i would have been just as convinced.

16. Angel Dust

what the fuck, gay spider? its hard to actully articulate all the thoughts i have on angel dust, not in the sense that he is a deeply thought provoking character but in the fact that there is not much meat on the bones.

all around i think angel dust is kinda middling. he has a decent enough romance with husk, he has a decent enough story line that revolves around battling addiction and removing yourself from an abuser (which the story tries to brand as "Redemption???")

I dont like that most of his jokes would qualify as sexual harassment, i don't mind him being sexual as a character but continuing on when clearly someone doesn't like the jokes hurts the character.

not a critique but he is pink, which honestly ill fucking take at point, as long as its not more fucking red.

i think his design is an improvement over some of the old vivzie designs but it feels like it could have done with going a few more rounds of design changes.

same thing with alastor, charlie and vaggie, there is not enough of the animal that they are supposed to be. You could have told me angel dust was a fucking bee or something and i would have had to believe you. nothing about angel dust initially says spider, hell he dosent even have enough limps to be a fucking spider.

17. Carmilla carmine

are... are you supposed to be a rabbit...?

Big Yoai Hands

ballet fighting style, could have been cool, wish she fought more like sanji or chun li.

A single mom that works to hard, who loves her kids and never stops-

her song was decent, not great, decent. it feels as though the actress has experience singing but not in the way they tried to make her sing during her two songs. they have a obvious mexican influence, honestly just let her sing in spanish in the english dub. go listen to the spanish dub, "out for love" sounds great in spanish.

i wish i had more thoughts on them, fucking rip.

18. cherri bomb

that's not a punk aesthetic that's 2010s alt

decent character, they showed up once or twice i guess, no real thoughts.

19. egg boiz

absolutely perfect, i have not notes on them, these are perfect creatures.

20. Emily

im so fucking happy to see a singular blue character

does the naive dreamer bit better then charlie

We really shouldnt have seen her until the end of season two or middle of three.

good contrast with the other angels on screen.

Wait she is supposed to be black??? Where???

21. Husk

keith david you absolute delight, Why on gods green earth did they only give you one singing part?

one of the few charecters where its clear husk is a cat, i do like the kinda... marquee design, he is a magic cat, thats neat. i still think you can toss the wings and eyebrows and still have just as good of a charecter.

has a deeply intresting story of someone who died as a nobody, became the fat cat of hell and then was forced back to the bottom by their own vices, not used at fucking all.

huge potential, little pay off.

22. lillith

I know nothing about her except she ditched her kid and husband to vacation in heaven and i think thats kinda funny.

alot of werid things floating around her, again she shouldnt have been shown in the show at all until next season.

23. lucifer morningstar

no notes, funniest charecter, did a song based on friend like me.

few notes: i do like the idea that the immortal symbol of pride is a constant emotional wreckage constantly seeking approval through grand showmanship and manic energy that threatens to take over anything they touch.

would have liked more snake stuff on him, maybe some more goat things like horns.

that is such a stupid fucking staff lmao.

24. Adam.

alex brightman you absolute fucking delight, you should have had more songs.

I wish his design was more focused on the idea of him being a glam rock wash up

I fucking hate his mask

We shouldn't have met him until the end of the season.

25. Niffty

again she is supposed to be a bug or cockroach but nothing about her points to that.

token straight

keeps rocketing back and fourth between sexulization and infantilization

you had kimiko glenn but didnt give her a single fucking song?

26. Sir Pentious

the secret season one redeemed.

the pilot version of him felt more like someone that could do a season one redemption arc, a megalomaniac constantly attempting territory grabs, there is something you can work with, actual character flaws to work through.

essentially a child after the first episode.

actually a snake which i appreciate.

no where near steampunky enough.

27. the villians of the show dont make much sense, each one feels like they should be season long deals on their own instead of a bunch of team rocket esque idiots that show up on occasion, do a bad thing and then leave.

28. Valentino

gOD THERE IS SO MUCH RED

only a moth some of the time.

sucks as a villain, maybe they need more screen time to show why they suck in a more substantial way aside from being told that he sucks.

it is interesting that angel dust is only under his magical control when in the studio, it shows that angel dust has to make a conscious choice to return, which in turn can be made to show how abusers can draw back their victims. I do not think it was done well in this circumstance as it shows him to be cartoonishly evil, constantly flying back and fourth between sweet and utter psycho, there is no actual reason for angel dust to ever actually go back to the studio, he just does so every so often.

29. Vox

legit who cares? the only thing about him that is in any way substantial is all the dope ass fan art we get.

propaganda machine angle that is not explored at all, just hinted at. no actual barring on the story whatsoever.

why didn't he try to do the same shit as alastor by the way? he knows its bad if alastor gets in good with charlie so shouldn't it be a ass kissing race?

same body shape as literally every other male character.

tumblr sexy man version of pyrocynicals fursona.

30. Valvette

the actual poster child of the shows huge problem of "Show me, don't tell me".

apparently the glue that holds the villains together. never shown.

apparently the one that makes the love potions that valentino is famous for. had to learn about that in the fuckin wiki trivias

we know so much about her from things outside of the show.

was there to call carmilla a coward, that's her plot contribution. she shows up every now and again but its never anything substantial and serves to more around take up run time for people We Don't Need To Know Yet.

im not trying to be mean, animation is animation, we need smaller studios to have success in the industry so that other indie studios can have that success, felling a tree makes it easier for others to follow. showing that its possible to number brain rot exacs helps all animators.

but this show has so much bullshit attached to it, it has so much fucking potential that it fries my brain with unyielding frustration.

this took a bit to write, im tired, thanks for reading.

[hereforthehitsbaby]

Heyoooo, i just read your say it louder and im in love with that so much like holy, so i was wondering if you could make something kinda similar or something? like maybe logans chasing reader because she stole his cigars and they have a cute moment or something along those lines, maybe end a bit with or with smut? thanks so much babes!

Mine Now | DOFP!Logan Howlett x F!Reader

Warnings: Primal!Logan, Scent Tracking, Shotgunning His Cigar, Marking, Implied Smut, Reader is a Mutant who has invisibility, Enemies to Lovers because I’m a sucker for pain, Takes place at the very end of DOPF when Logan comes back to the future, Pain Kink, Breathing Play, Choking, Claws come out – I repeat the claws come out,

Rating: R – No Minors

Word Count: 4.5K

Author’s Note: Thank you so much for your request! This was a blast to write and honestly? It gave me a good excuse to write for DOFP!Logan! I adore you! 😊 Also completely unrelated side note….you did say you wanted smut, right??? Because I may, or may not, have spaced you said cutesy and went right to horny.

To be tagged in any future work of mine, please fill this out.

“Hank, have you seen her?” Logan asks, his voice layered with annoyance. You couldn’t help but silently snicker as you watched his brow crease, his nose twitch with frustration, his finger rapping at his side impatiently. The way his jaw ticked as Hank narrowed his own eyes at him made it impossible to hold your laughter, even when you were currently pressed up against the wall – a clear view of the situation going down. You pulled your lip between your teeth as you homed in on Logan’s features, eyes glimmering with rage. It was such a beautiful sight to see, one you have been dreaming of for months. Though you’d never openly admit it, everyone knew, all except him. You had to make the chase worth his while.

Logan Howlett is a force to be reckoned with, everyone told you that. When Charles and Eric first recruited you to teach with them in New York – you thought it was a joke, a cruel one at that. Living paycheck to paycheck in a hole in the wall Hell’s Kitchen apartment, dealing with constantly screaming and fighting from your neighbors, it wasn’t where you wanted to be. You were a survivor, you could adapt to anything, but after what you had experienced, you needed a fresh start. Working at a local diner, making shit for tips wasn’t ideal, but it was enough to help you save to leave. Where would you go prior to this? You had no idea, but someplace that experiences winter – you always loved the snow. But alas, that dreary November day a few years ago changed everything; It changed you. Meeting Logan on your first day told you everything you needed to know about him – he refuses to get close to anyone, you wanted to break that.

It's been three years since you first met Logan, two since you found yourself thinking he was cute, a year since you felt yourself falling for him, and six months since you started the cat and mouse chase. At first with how standoffish Logan was to you, you started to resent him. A year it took before that all fell to the wayside; Your feelings had shifted when you found him outside one night, crying as he smoked his cigar. Of course, your mutation left you able to turn invisible, able to watch him, without him knowing you were there. Through the heavy rain your smell was masked, he couldn’t tell you were there. But it made you feel closer to him; He wasn’t some robot who didn’t have emotions. He felt them too strong, which is why when he started to slip back into his mind, he pulled away. Being over 200 years old meant he saw some shit, lost people he loved, it took a toll on him after a while. That day forward you stopped keeping your distance, but instead made the effort to be near him, to show him you weren’t going anywhere.

Slowly you noticed how Logan started to open up to you, telling you stories of when he was young, his first mission with the X-Men. You got to learn a lot about The Wolverine, and come to find out he wasn’t a hard ass – he was sincere, doting, downright admirable. What he dealt with in his years fucked him up horribly to where he didn’t trust people easily – but it didn’t make him less. He always pushed forward and strove for success, to survive. He wouldn’t classify himself as a hero, but he was to you, and he deserved to know. Logan found himself trusting you easily after a year, his lonely nights stuck in his own head turned into game nights with you, strolls through the garden, getting a drink at the bar downtown. He could still be himself, but not have to carry the baggage by himself all the time. Falling hopelessly in love with him was inevitable, but also impossible. Nothing more could happen between the two of you and you knew that – but there was still a flicker of hope in your mind that wouldn’t quiet down. Especially with how flirty Logan had become with you.

 Usually, he was like this with Jean and Storm, taking it up a notch with them so he could have the last retort. To say he wasn’t a ladies’ man was a lie, he could pull anyone he wanted to. To Logan it was a game, seeing how flustered he could make him teammates – and he loved to win. With you it was different – it wasn’t low growls and light touching on your arms, no, it was more. At first to started off to be resting his chin on your shoulder, letting his breath stroke the column of your neck. Slowly it moved out to touches; Holding your waist from behind, rubbing his large hands over your lower stomach, slipping his hands under your shirt to caress your hip. Over the last few weeks though, he upgraded to holding your face, running his calloused thumb across your bottom lip, stealing forehead and cheek kisses before heading out. Rogue and Kitty that you two were dating, even Bobby got in on it – but when you stated you weren’t everyone looked at you like you had six heads.

“No Logan, I have not.” Hank let his eyes pan to where you were hiding as Logan turned away for a moment, giving you a small wink as he played along. After all, this was his idea – well, his and Xavier’s. You had overheard a conversation about how Logan’s cigar smell had been wafting into their classroom’s lately – distracting everyone as Logan taught. Charles had the bright idea for you to nab them and hold them hostage, until Logan learned his lesson. You on the other hand, were far too gone to do that. Instead you decided to take the cigars, but make a game out of it. Little post it notes with clues on where you were hiding, you stored them all over his bedroom and classroom, thanks to Scott. Ever since Jean told you just how primal Logan could get, how good of a tracker he was, you wanted to test it out for yourself. What better way than take the one thing he cannot live without? “What happened this time?”

Logan huffed as he ran both of his hands down his face, coming dangerously close to propping his hip against your body. You had to shuffle slightly as he leaned into the wall, letting his head bounce off the wood a few good times. “Little shit stole my box of cigars.” He looked exhausted, frustrated, and downright sexy. Seeing how lost and irritable he was without them made you smirk, causing you to bite your lip harder to suppress a whimper. You noticed how Logan’s ear perked up as you gulped, his head turning softly. Hank noticed this almost immediately and replied with a whooping laugh.  “Ha!” You sighed inaudibly as you silently thanked Hank, knowing he used his booming voice to mask your sounds. Holding one of his hands up to Logan, he snickered as he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry that was cruel of me. What I meant to say is, that’s funny.” Hank let out a small chortle at Logan’s distain, being met with a flash of a middle finger, and claw too.  “Thanks, asshole,” Logan huffed as he pushed himself off of the wall, running his hand through his hair.

You watched him intently, thanking whoever was listening for making you have the power of invisibility. Being able to listen to everything going down, while Logan has no idea you’re here, made you feel powerful. You heard talks about how your power could be useful, but ultimately not threatening; Now, you’d beg to differ. Though you grew tiresome of the chase, being a fly on the wall versus a real player. It was fun the first two hours this started, but encroaching on hour six – the school clearing out and the sun almost set on the horizon, you grew slightly bored. “Have you tried the library? She likes to hide there.” Hank let out without hesitancy, making your eyes grow wide. It was like an aha moment for you, choosing the most likely place for last. Earlier it was too crowded, people would know you were there the second Logan came looking for you. But now with the young mutants either outside or in the city due to the upcoming weekend, you knew it would be vacant.

“I know her all too well, Hank. That’s the first place I looked.” Hearing Logan say that made your heart flutter, made you feel special that he knew you so well. A strong sigh left your lips as Hank coughed, dreamily staring at Logan as you started to walk backwards. Losing your invisibility for a moment, you stood a few feet behind Logan, walking towards the grand staircase that took you to the library. Waving at Hank, you motioned for it as you smirked, causing Hank to laugh. “You sure?” He asked, nodding behind Logan. As you stood closer to the staircase, you noticed how Logan was sniffing the air – his body growing tense as he spun around. It’s when he laid his eyes upon you that you knew he was fed up. It wasn’t the primal growl and heavy breathing that got to you, but the way his hazel eyes went from green to black in a split section, his chest heaving as he stared at you. “Oh shit,” was all you managed to let out as you turned invisible again, running up the stairs.

Everything was a blur to you, running as fast as your body could take you. Three flights to get where you needed to go seemed like forever, when you were being chased by The Wolverine. He had super human speed, a great nose for sniffing things out, he was at the advantage whilst you were at a disadvantage. Even with scent masking, now that you started to sweat it would make you more obvious, especially when the library was empty. Huffing and puffing as you managed two steps at a time, you refused to look back. But you could hear the stomps of Logan’s boots, clearly taking three steps to match you. Silently you prayed to whoever was listening, to get you to the library safe and sound before Logan got you. The last thing you wanted was for him to pin you to the stairs so everyone could see, that was too on the nose.

Reaching the top step of the library, you managed to sway your way through the wooden chairs and tables, giggling to yourself as you were halfway across the room. Due to the grand nature of the library, especially being two floors, it gave you so many good hiding spots. A circular room to see everything, yet hide in plain sight. As you made it over to the spiral staircase for the second level, you had noticed Logan standing at the entrance of the library, huffing and puffing. It made you snort, seeing how riled up he was. You had to admit, it was sexy to see how pissed off he was, causing a fresh wave of your arousal to coat your panties. Logan seemed to have taken note as he sniffed the air, his eyes cutting across the room straight to yours. “Come on out princess,” he growled, flexing his hands at his side. Slowly you crept up the metal staircase for the second level, taking one step at a time to not elicit any sounds. You let your breathing relax, slowing your heart rate as you kept calm, not needing to give yourself away. But Logan could sense you, eyeing the staircase with every move you made. “I got you now.”

A devilish grin fought to claim his mouth as he pounced over the tables, running on all fours as he landed right at the bottom of the staircase. You managed to get all the way up and around, leaving to the right. Multiple aisles of books covered upstairs, as well as the walls, each window let in the dusk light – showing dust particles roaming the air. Your tell-tale shimmer of invisibility was caught in the light a few times, but Logan was too lost to notice. Finding your perfect hiding spot away from prying eyes, you slotted yourself against the endcap of Psychology of Mutants, knowing no one reads these. You could feel the stagnant beating of your heart at times, wondering if it was due to fear or the thrill of the chase. Maybe it was the aspect of it being bittersweet as well; A years long chase with Logan finally reaching its peak. You knew there would never be going back from this, and that was okay. Stealing his cigars wasn’t the endgame, it was only the beginning.

“You can’t hide forever you know,” Logan snarled as he reached the top of the landing, huffing as he eyed every shelf. You could see him, nor did you want to, hoping to God he chose to head left instead of right. Alas you were sorely mistaken as his heavy steps started to echo right, causing you to curse under your breath. SNIKT, you heard the metallic sound echoing through the room, but also your mind, causing you to whimper. Logan had unsheathed his claws, holding them out. The idea of him using the claws on you, pinning you down with them, holding them against your neck made your body run hot, your arousal heightening as the thoughts ran rampant through your mind. “I will catch you.” It was not a threat but a fact, Logan was not kidding anymore. The animal inside of him was taking over, leaving the Logan you knew behind. This was all caused because you pushed him to the point of no return, and you fucking loved it. The reverberation of his claws against the wooden shelves made you shudder, knowing how close he was getting now.

Biting down hard on your lip, you placed your hand over your mouth, trying to regain control of your breathing. Being right across from the last window on the right didn’t do you any good, especially with the beam of light falling through. If you moved even a millimeter, you were going to be made. It’s then when you opened your eyes to pan to your left that you saw his shadow encroaching on you, his stance wide as his claws were pointed at the ground. Each gruff huff he let out made your eyes roll back, finding it harder and harder to keep yourself hidden. You couldn’t look away from him either, you needed to watch him; How the sweat beaded at his hairline, how his little tufts of hair were wild from pulling at them, how his snarl got more animalistic the longer he tried to look for you. “Where did you go?” You couldn’t describe how Logan sounded in that moment; Primal and animalistic do not even begin to crest.

You focused too much on his tone, completely forgetting your watchful eye on him. When you glanced back after trying to calm yourself, you noticed the 6’2 Wolverine was no longer walking his way towards the aisles but vanished into thin air. Not knowing where he was, made your heart rate skyrocket – panic ensuing all over your body. Goosebumps arose across your skin as you pondered where he could be, afraid to move in case he was lurking close to you. Maybe he went off to the left instead, leaving you by yourself to escape. It would make sense, considering how you heard the creaking of the floorboards on the opposite side now. Letting out a concealed breath, you slowly moved away from the end cap of the shelf, leaving your back exposed. You knew it was a mistake when the hot, stifling air of the closed space became ice cold, a shiver falling down your spine. The sun shifted away in that moment, blanketing the area in darkness, complete with only a sliver of light, not even to cast shadows. The second your back was exposed; All hell broke loose.

Two strong hands grabbed hold of your hips, pulling you back into a solid form. The yelp you let out was loud enough to echo, but not loud enough to raise suspicion. The strain on your powers had gotten to be too much, slowly slipping back into being visible. You huffed out as your back connected with his chest, your hands finding purchase on his muscular forearms. “There you are little mouse.” He snickered in your ear, pressing his nose to the pulse point of your neck. Logan deeply inhaled at the vein, his teeth barring to nip at your exposed shoulder. It felt good to have his mouth on you, to have him seemingly obsessed with your scent. After all, it is what gave you away. Whimpering out, you dug your nails into Logan’s arm, feeling the reverberation of his snarl through your body. You couldn’t speak, you couldn’t move – you were a lost cause. “What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?”

Logan was mocking you at this point, purposely being a little shit to mimic how you have been with him. When it came to his cigars, he wasn’t fucking around. But when he knew it was you who took them, well he wasn’t going to let you live this down. Logan moved from behind you, but kept his hands grasping your flesh. Moving to the side, he pressed your back against the end cap again, bringing you back to your original position. His right hand remained on your hip as his left grasped your neck, pressing against your pulse point, feeling the thrum of blood on your veins. The edges of your vision began to go fuzzy due to the restricted blood flow, but you didn’t care. Logan was putting you right in your place, and you were obeying so well for him. “I believe you have something of mine,” he murmured; His prominent nose pressing harshly against your cheek. The warmth of his breath on your skin, mixed with the cold drag of his claws against your skin made you shiver, loving how it felt too much. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You laughed out, clearly laced with thrill.

Logan didn’t take too kindly to you playing dumb, the tick in his jaw spoke measures. His grip on your neck was heavier than before, using his full weight to restrict your blood flow quicker, your vision developing black dots. “Oh, you don’t?” The challenged in his voice said all you needed to know – he was fucking desperate. There was no hiding it now, he needed you – not his cigars, but you. Gulping down against his large hand, you felt the press of his claws against the back of your neck, pushing through the wood of the bookshelf to lock you in place. He would never intentionally draw blood, or hurt you, but he knew this was your deepest fantasy, all thanks to Jean relaying it. His lips were inches from your ear as he chuckled darkly, groaning out against the flesh. “Do I need to jog your memory?” You shouldn’t have been as turned on by that as you were. Your knees buckled slightly as you almost fell, your eyes rolling back into your head.

Logan took advantage of your eyes being closed to pull his hand away from your hip. The loss of touch made you whine, but quickly you were quieted by his roughened tugs. Grabbing at the edge of your tank top, Logan ran his claws through the fabric to create slits, ripping them open just as easily. Looking down at your jeans, he could see the bulge in your pocket – where you had hidden a few of his cigars. A huff of relief fell from his parted lips as she cut your pocket open, letting them fall right into his hand. He mimicked your hiding and shoved them into his own pocket, moving on to the next. The cool breeze against your exposed skin made you quickly heat up; Logan using his claws on you made you lose your fucking mind. He repeated his efforts with your other side, making matching holes in his jeans and shirt, not caring anymore.

It was as the last few cigars rolled out of your pocket that Logan pulled back, his heavy body heat no longer suffocating you. The contact was missed, causing you to pout slightly. “Boo hoo hoo,” Logan mocked as he watched you, walking backwards to push his back against the window. The sill right below it was begging him to sit, so he took advantage of it. Reaching into his left pocket, Logan pulled out his Zippo lighter – flicking it against his pants to ignite the flame. It was intoxicating watching him, how effortlessly fluid his motions were. Biting your cheek, you watched him intently, his eyes never leaving yours. He pulled out the precut cigar from his pocket and pushed it between his lips, favoring his left side for it to rest between his teeth. Lighting the end until the cherry burned bright, he took a few quick puffs, blowing the smoke out in a cloud around him.

Your eyes could not pull away from him even if you tried, it was nearly impossible. The way he moved was like silk through the wind, so effortless and elegant; He knew he was hot like this. Taking another quick drag, Logan let the smoke fall from his lips as he tucked the cigar back in between his teeth, putting away his lighter. Reaching forward with his claws still extended, he hooked two of the blades into the belt loop of your jeans, tugging you forward. There was about a person’s space between the bookshelf and the window, making it easy for him to grab at you. Of course, your body obeyed his silent command, tripping slightly as you tried to regain your footing. Placing both of your hands on his thick, warm thighs, you licked your lips. The smoke being released from both the cigar and his mouth captured your attention, making it difficult to focus on what he was saying. The way his motions flowed were so smooth, it was impossible to say anything else to him.

Taking a rather large drag of his cigar, he puffed his cheeks out a bit to hold it all in. It took you by surprise, why he was holding it all in his mouth. Retracting his claws on his right hand, Logan grabbed at your jaw like a man possessed, pushing his meaty fingertips into your flesh. The slight ache of his possessiveness made your mouth part, a pained look on your face that you were lost in. Logan got close to you, his lips only mere inches away from your mouth as you whimpered. With your lips parted, Logan mimicked your motions as he breathed out. The soft, heady tendrils of smoke wafted from his mouth into yours, causing you to let them stir. Tobacco mixed with the sweetness of the wrap caused your eyes to dilate, boring into Logan with pure unadulterated lust. There was no mistaking it as he shotgunned his cigar with you, his smirk prevalent. “That’s my good girl.” He crooned, taking in your big eyes, the heat of your skin – basking in your glory.

You blew the smoke right back at Logan while he chuckled, licking his lips to wet them as he took another puff. There was something so intoxicating about how you reacted, it was like watching a painting come to life. From the first day he met you, he knew you were something else – he had to challenge you. Almost four years later and you’re still trying to get with him, he admired it. Finally, the silent love he had for you could be shown, but he wasn’t going to make it easy for you. You made him work to catch you, now you had to work to get what you wanted. “Get on your knees.” The command fell off of Logan’s lips so naturally you almost didn’t catch it at first. Your eyes glossy as you watched him, your brain not keeping up. Narrowing his eyes at you, he cocked his brow as he laid the cigar to the side, watching to see your reaction. “I’m sorry?” You questioned without realizing, your face slack with lust.

Reaching forward towards you, Logan grabbed your neck once more, this time yanking you so close to his face that you felt his breath waft over your features. “Get. On. Your. Fucking. Knees.” There was no hesitation in Logan’s voice as he stated his command, letting his face go rigid to show he was getting pissed off. “Don’t make me repeat myself.” You wanted to, every fiber of your being wanted to disobey him, make him angry so he was rough with you – at the same time you didn’t want to make him mad, not yet anyway. Nodding to him against his hand, you slipped down to your knees easily with a moan, pressing out your wet bottom lip as you gazed up at him.

Logan rolled his eyes as he grabbed the cigar again, pressing it against your lips. It’s when you take a drag of it that he pulls out, putting it in his own mouth once more. With his hand now free from holding his cigar, he quickly flicked open his belt buckle, undoing the top button on his jeans as you took the silent command to pull his zipper down. His erection was stiff against his jeans and left nothing to the imagination. He was big, he was hot, and he was fucking turned on. Watching you with a lustful glow in his eyes, Logan groaned as he watched you, never letting you have the last word: “You may have started the game princess, but I am going to finish it.”

----

Tagging: @livelaughl0ve3 @mehjustalasshere @allen-444 @begaytotallygay @tezooks @hughj1d @mami-veracruz @salemslostwitch @karencaribou @princesstarble @dirtylittlefairytales @hbwrelic @mosscrissfemmefatale @pinkanonwriting @craziersarah98 @actuallybridgetjones @silversprings-mp3 @lokidovahkiin

[luveline]

hiiii not sure if your requests are open but if they aren’t just ignore this😭

imagine getting into an argument with james, sirius, and remus because you brought a stray kitten or something home and you really don’t have the room for a kitten

“but look at him🥺”

“no”

“🥺”

“… no” *less convincingly*

You hold the kitten in your hand. Remus strokes her head, her little damp ears. “It's not about that, Remus, I just couldn't leave her there, the box was falling apart and… I thought that only happened in movies.” 

Sirius leans forward on his knees to give the kitten a stroke of his own. “She's lovely,” he murmurs, scratching under her chin and grinning when she moves into it for more. “It's too bad the flat's so small. Otherwise we could keep her.” 

She's tortoise shell with a white half circle around her mouth, eyes squinted closed as she shivers. You've wrapped her in a tea towel like a blanket. She is, without a doubt, that cutest and saddest creature you've ever seen. “Where is she supposed to go, Siri?” you ask gently. 

“People love cats.” Sirius puts his hand on Remus' thigh casually, giving it a loving squeeze as he settles in. “Everybody wants a kitten.” 

But not everyone will be nice to a kitten. She feels like your responsibility now; how can you leave her? She's burrowed into you from the moment you picked her up, shushing and murmuring, your knees sodden in the puddle of rainwater beneath you both. 

“We have to keep her, please,” you say. 

There's a mutual surprise. “Dove, we can't,” Remus says. “The bathroom barely fits the toilet, shower, and sink, we'd never be able to have a litter box.” 

“It wouldn't be fair,” Sirius agrees, “on us or the kitten, she'd have no room once she turns into a cat.” 

You bring the kitten close to your chest and show them her helpless face. “But look at her,” you say softly, widening your eyes gently, your brows bunched together in the beginnings of heartbreak. 

“No,” Remus says, shaking his head sympathetically. 

You frown at him and Sirius in turn, your bottom lip jutting out ever so slightly. 

“No,” he says again, sounding unsure. 

Sirius rubs his leg. “Stay strong, my love.” 

“There's just not enough room.” 

You fear you may be losing this battle, and if they really don't want a cat, maybe you shouldn't force them. But then your trump card comes out of the bathroom with a towel around his neck, shirtless, grey joggers low on his hips, and you know you still have a chance. 

“Wow, Jamie,” you say, not having to act very much to give your voice a hoarse rasp, “you might need to shower again.” 

His smile is magnetic. “Yeah?” he asks, immediately delighted by such a brazen comment. “How's the little sweetheart? Reckon we can leave her alone?” 

“She's cold still,” you say.

James visibly melts at your sad tone, while Remus rolls his eyes. “She's just trying to get you on her side, James. I've said we can't keep the cat and she's–” 

“Taking advantage of her feminine wiles?” Sirius suggests. 

“Cheating,” Remus finishes. 

James leans over the back of the sofa between your head and Remus to kiss behind your ear, a brief press of the lips. “Why should I care? Doesn't she deserve her own way?” 

“It's not as though I'm lying,” you say guiltily. 

James laughs and kisses your jaw. You bring your shoulder up to your chin and flush with heat at such a simple thing, trying your hardest not to jostle the kitten in your hand as he wraps an arm around your front, resting his face against yours. The wet curls of his hair are cold on your skin, and the straight line of his jaw digs in. “I know,” he says. 

“Catch on, Jamie,” Remus says. 

“Shan't, won't.” Another kiss to your cheek. 

“Please, Remus, I promise if you don't want her then I won't make you, but if it's about room, of course there's enough. The four of us manage to squeeze in, don't we?” You lean into James’ embrace, eyes melty-soft. You're practically batting your eyelashes at him. 

Sirius flops into Remus’ lap with a resigned sigh. “If you don't say yes, I will anyway. Look at her.” 

You don't know if he means the kitten or you, but you choose to believe it's you he's complimenting, and you react accordingly, your little smile pushing Remus completely over the edge. 

He sighs. “Yes, alright. Fine.” 

You pass James the little warm parcel of fur and use your freshly emptied hands to grab Remus by both arms. “Thank you! Aw, thank you, Remus. Sirius. I'll be so absolutely clean and if it does seem too small I promise, I won't make anyone suffer.” 

“I never thought you would,” he says. “If you really want to keep her, I can't stop you. I'm your boyfriend, not a prison warden.” 

“Well, we share a home–” 

“I know,” he says warmly, “it's alright. Keep your kitten, dove. Looks like you've found her for a reason.” 

You laugh happily and gather him up for a hug. “Oh, I love you.” 

“What shall we name her?” Sirius asks around you. 

“I'm not fussed. What do you like?” James asks. 

Sirius meets your eyes as you and Remus pull apart. “You always get your way, hmm? Why don't you name her?” 

Oh, you could hug him to death too. He looks comfortable where he is, his face on Remus thigh, hair fanned out over his joggers, and you don't want to disturb him (he's not quite as tactile as the others), so you stroke a curl from his cheek and offer him a cheeky smile. “Don't you have any ideas?” you ask. 

“About you, or the cat?” 

You laugh at his teasing. “Which one do you think?” 

Remus nudges you in the ribs. “Don't start. If we're keeping your cat, we need to go out, don't we? You'll have to go get dressed again.”

You give them all a glowing smile and clamber off of the sofa to find your shoes. 

[ann1-wr1tes]

You Came?...You called.

Synopsis: You find yourself falling into the horrors of your job, but come to find out that you don't have to be alone.

Warnings: Slight angst, crying, hurt and comfort

Word Count: 2,642

A/N: Okay, so if you've seen this fic before, it's because I posted this on my previous account. I didn't plagiarize or steal anyone's work. I just have all of this saved and I plan on posting the other fics I have. Anyways hope ya'll enjoy!

Part two

------

You felt pathetic as your quivering voice spoke into the phone. You couldn't stop the steady shaking in your hands as you try your best to sound normal. You didn't want him of all people to hear you like this. In fact you weren't even sure why you had called. Not that it mattered. The call went to voicemail anyways so it's not like he'd even show up.

"I..I don't know what I'm doing right now, honestly. I shouldn't have called so uhhh sorry for....for bothering you." you rasp out. Then quickly, with a shaky finger you hang up the phone and drop it in your lap.

You cover your face in your hands as you try to take deep breaths. For some reason though, taking in air seemed harder than it once was. It almost felt like your lungs were being crushed by some invisible force as you felt your heart beat speed up to a million miles a minute. You were having a panic attack and for good reason too.

Everyone had told you that being an agent was far from easy. The D.S.O was an agency that was dedicated to stopping bio-terrorism. The people working under the agency were always seen as intimidating, competent, and effective in whatever their job was. The agents were also a force to be reckoned with. After all you had to go through hell just to be considered a candidate for becoming a D.S.O agent. Little did you know that actually being an agent was a whole new type of hell.

The job was a test to not just your physical health, but also your mental health. It was stressful and draining. You always had to be on alert and sometimes on the run during missions. It felt like it never ended. But the last mission you went on was a disaster. Actually describing it as a disaster was an understatement. It could better be described as a tragedy.

You were thrown into Russia. You and your partner were tasked with investigating a certain lab that was suspected to have some sort of vaccine that was turning people into B.O.W's so of course it was dangerous and risky.

Your partner that you went with was actually a good friend of yours. Maybe that was the first mistake. You can still remember the look of horror that played out on your partners face as she got shot with an injection of some sort. You took out the person who injected her with the infectious syringe, but it was too late. The injection had already started to wreak havoc on her body and there was no cure.

You still remember how she pleaded and begged you to kill her before whatever she got infected with could run its course. But you wanted to believe that you could save her. That was your second mistake.

In the end she shifted into this mutated, horrific, B.O.W and you almost died. At the last second you finally killed her but not before you hesitated and tried to convince yourself that there was still some way that you could save her. You eventually learned that it was over though and you had to stop her before she could infect you.

When you returned to the D.S.O, you came back with no partner, many injuries, and a few samples of the vaccine that you were supposed to get. The mission was successful but now you were starting to wonder at what cost? Was it really worth it?

You remember the first day back. You felt like a zombie. Your body was numb, you couldn't feel the numerous injuries you had gotten but you could feel how heavy everything felt. It felt like there was lead in your shoes as you walked down the bright hallways and you felt like you could collapse at any moment. Then you saw him.

Leon Kennedy.

Looking handsome as ever. Right when he saw you he was already on his feet, bounding towards you in a few wide strides and he had a hand on your cheek. You numbly watched as his bright blue eyes darted back and forth across your face.

You did look like hell to be fair.

Then when he asked if you were okay, you pushed him away and kept walking. In the moment you just wanted to leave and go home. You felt like if you told Leon about what happened right then and there you'd either pass out, cry, or scream but now looking back on it you felt like an asshole. You remembered the softness in Leon's eyes as he looked at you, his lips slightly parted as he took in your disheveled appearance. You even remembered how gently he grazed his hand against your cheek.

Why were you such an asshole?

After that you went home, took a shower and slept. You actually were quite sure that you had slept for a few days straight. The only time you went out was when you attended your friends funeral and that was horrific in itself. Then the nightmares began and it became impossible to close your eyes for more than a minute. You'd immediately have flashes of images and memories in your head from the mission. It was like torture.

So now you sat there. One in the morning. Your body heavy and slumped over as your phone sat in your lap and you looked down at it. When the screen turned black you could see your reflection looking back at you.

Your face was paler than usual, your eyebags had eyebags and your eyes were slightly glazed over as you looked at someone who you didn't seem to recognize. You seemed to be a shell of yourself as you sat there on the edge of your bed in the dark. Your legs limply dangled off the edge and you could feel tears start to build in your eyes. You didn't even notice until a tear slipped down your cheek.

So this was what it was to be an agent. Fun stuff.

Maybe you should've listened to all those who warned you. You were stubborn, determined, you always knew what you wanted. So when everyone warned you about the dangers of being an agent you shrugged it all off.

Even when Leon was your mentor and he took the time to train you, he too was one person who tried to warn you about the dangers of being an agent. At first you were offended. You thought that he was telling you all this because he thought you were incapable or weren't fit to be an agent. It turns out that wasn't true at all.

Leon was endeared by you from the moment he laid his eyes on you. You were bright and full of life. You were always willing to do whatever it took to please him, whether that be in training or missions and then he got to watch you evolve into your own person.

But now as you sit in the dark by yourself, tears streaming down your cheeks in a silent show of the pain going on inside, you were starting to wonder how you'd ever be able to live like this.

Knock knock knock

You practically jump out of your skin with a soft cry. Almost on instinct your hands fly to your bedside table and you pull out your gun that you keep handy. You've been far too paranoid lately not to have it around so you grip the gun in your hands as you walk through your apartment.

You turn on a lamp for some much needed light and with a deep breath you open the door a crack and peek through the small opening.

"Who is it?" you hiss through the door.

Suddenly you catch the sight of a leather jacket and bright blue eyes.

"Mind opening the door?"

Your heart speeds up and you can feel your cheeks grow warm as you hear the husky voice of Leon. His voice sounded like honey and god did it send chills down your spine sometimes but right now you were shocked that he was even here.

You open the door fully this time and stare for a moment. God why was he so beautiful. Sure he looked a little aged and a tad bit on the tired side but he was still beautiful. It was just the way his hair perfectly fell over his face and how he had a chiseled jaw that was paired with some light stubble and his eyes. Oh, you wouldn't even get started on his eyes.

Though you soon realize that right now isn't the time to be staring at Leon. He gives you a look and you sigh and rub your eyes tiredly.

"You came?" you say, almost as if you were in disbelief.

"You called." Leon responds simply.

He watches as you stare at him for a moment more. This time you just look tired. You look him up and down. A small pout in your lips as your tired eyes practically drooped. With that a sigh you step aside and you let him walk into your wreck of an apartment. You shut the door behind you and carelessly plop your gun down on your counter.

"Ignore the mess. It's been a long week." you mutter as you sit down on your couch. Leon's gaze follows you as you stumble onto the couch and you almost seem to collapse into yourself.

He sits down next to you and you can still feel his eyes on you. You almost love it and hate it at the same time. You loved it because his attention was on you, as pathetic as that sounded you always knew that you seek out validation and attention from Leon. Even if you didn't want to admit the fact to yourself. But you also despised that he was looking at you right now. You knew how pathetic you must've seemed to him. You sat next to him, you hadn't showered in a day or two, your hair was a straggly, stringy mess, the sweatpants and tank top you had on were wrinkled and probably needed a good wash. It almost made you want to beg him to not look at you at all.

"So do you want to talk about it?" Leon asks, his voice came out soft. Almost like a whisper but loud enough to be heard out in the air. It was unlike his usual sarcastic tone that he always responded to you with when you both were together on a normal day.

"Talk about what?" you asked simply. You knew what he was alluding to. The day you came back to the report on the mission. The moment he saw how miserable you looked, in fact you looked more than miserable. Leon was all too familiar with that look. It was a look of fatigue and loss. Like all the innocence and naivety that you once possessed was drained out of you by the time your mission was done. It was a deep look within your eyes that showed all the horrible things you had seen, that you did, that you had to deal with and survive through. Leon knew about it all. He had gone through it all and he remembers the exact moment that it all came crashing down on him like it had on you now. It was Spain. Spain had always haunted him. It was almost like he never left that hellish place since he always seemed to be trapped there in his dreams and it was always something in the back of his mind.

"You called me for a reason." Leon says, trying to look you in the eye. You refused to look at him though. You turned your head downwards to look at your hands. You watched as you fidgeted with your fingernails and still felt Leon's stone gaze on you.

"I don't know why I called you. It was a mistake. I shouldn't have." You utter.

There's a moment of silence and suddenly Leon's hand comes into view as he reaches out and grabs one of your own. It effectively grabs your attention and you look up at him as he grips your hand in his. He starts to softly rub circles into the back of your hand as you look at him, being slightly startled.

"It wasn't a mistake. You can talk to me, sweetheart." he coos.

Fuck. You almost want to melt with how the pet name rolls off his tongue or how he looks at you with all his undivided attention.

Your mouth opens and closes. You go to speak but no words come out. Your mouth goes dry and a choked sound leaves your throat.

"There's...nothing to talk about." you meekly say.

That's when the first tear fell from your eye. Then another and another. Then suddenly you were shaking. Your lungs were burning, your chest ached, your lips trembled. In a pathetic attempt to stop Leon from seeing this sudden emotional display, your free hand goes to cover your face as a sob leaves your throat.

Before you knew it a pair of arms lifts you up and you are pulled into Leon's lap. Your face buried in his neck and his one hand softly combed through your tangled hair as the other hand was tracing circles in your back.

"I know...I know it hurts. Let it out sweetheart." Leon mutters into your hair.

Its like the world crashes around you as you let out sobs and cries. You clutch onto Leon like he's a life line, like he's the only thing grounding you right now. Which may actually be the case as he continues to stroke your hair, rub your back. You even feel a few kisses being pressed to the crown of your head as he talks you through it all.

Even when your breathing starts to become more shallow and it feels like you're suffocating Leon is still there, being calm and grounding you.

"I know it's hard but just breathe for me baby. You can do that can't you?" he softly asks as both hands cup your cheeks so he can fully look at you.

You weakly nod as ragged, choked breaths come in and out of your mouth. You start to feel dizzy but Leon keeps his hands on your cheeks and continues to talk.

"Okay take a deep breath in..." Leon deeply inhales, waiting for you to do the same. You deeply inhale and then watch as Leon slowly exhales. You slowly exhale. He deeply inhales again and you do the same. Then you both exhale and repeat.

"Good girl, that's it. Just breathe." Leon encourages you, still rubbing your cheeks gently. Soon enough your breaths begin to even out as Leon continues to run his thumbs along your cheek bones, soothing you in the process. He especially makes sure to wipe the tears that are still streaming down your cheeks.

As you continue to cry you notice him lean closer and press his forehead against yours and his hands slowly leave your cheeks until they rest on either side of your head.

"I know its hard. Trust me. But I promise you i'll be here, if you allow me to be." Leon whispers as he stares into your eyes.The silence hangs between the both of you, thick and tense, heavy with emotions. Leon pulls you close, wrapping his arms around you as tight as possible.

You almost feel like a child as you grasp onto him. You're still a little teary eyed and weary.

"Will you stay with me...please..." you mutter.

His arms tighten around you a bit more and a slight smile comes to his face. "Of course sweetheart."

[vandnana]

Hi!!! How are you? Could I ask for a Lo'ak x fem!reader (That used to be human but she bonded with her avatar so now she's a navi, like jake) with an already established relationship. Where she teaches him what a pinkie promise is? Basically showing him his "demon blood" allows him to do things other Na'vi can't and he shouldn't be insecure for who he is

Thank you!

This request is so creative and so heartwarming! Thank you so much for sending it in! I LOVE IT <3 i added a backstory for how she got an avatar using the plot from the first part of the movie! i hope you enjoy reading! 

The Pinky Promise

pairing: lo'ak x female avatar reader (formally human and now na'vi)

summary: you comfort lo’ak at the tree of souls after one of the warriors tells him he has freak hands

genre: angst, fluff

warnings: suggestive language, bullying

word count: 2,631

Earth was dying and the only way to save humanity was relocation. The reinvention of the avatar program was exclusive and while many believed that creating more avatars would benefit the mission as a whole, it was decided that you, as General Ardmore’s most admired lieutenant, would take on the task of gathering intel on the Omaticaya.

Back on earth, you had worked hard to get to where you were in General Ardmore’s troops. You were the youngest, but you were easily the most capable, strategic, and willing. You had the attitude of a Marine. 

No fear.

You always found it easy to separate your emotions from your work, but once you entered into the forest, something inside you had stirred and somehow you knew you would never be the same. The forest felt like it was calling you, every branch, every tree, every bush, and even the dirt on the ground seemed to feel alive. But nothing made you feel more alive than when you encountered Lo’ak. He was the one who saved you from a thanator, pulling you out of a tree trunk you were hiding in and leading you away from danger. And at first, he was your savior.

But the minute you had fled to safety, he instantly tried to kill you, questioning where you had come from and why you had five fingers like him. In truth, he could have let the thanator kill you, but then he saw your hands. He told himself that he was only curious about you, but he noticed more than just your hands at first glance. You were undeniably pretty and even the way you walked in the forest felt like a force to be reckoned with.

From there, you tried your best to keep your focus on the mission, but Lo’ak had grown on you. His family had grown on you. And when you told the truth about why you had come, you were met with anger and hurt from the Sullys. 

Jake was the one who wanted to send you away, his expression fierce as you stood vulnerable in front of the clan. Even with everyone looking at you with disdain, you apologized over and over, your eyes pleading as you looked at Lo’ak, explaining how it was him who had changed you, how falling in love with him changed everything. And suddenly, Jake saw himself in you, how he must have looked to the Omaticaya all those years ago and how he could never turn back the clock to save Hometree and to save Neytiri’s father. 

He was Olo’eyktan, and as the clan leader, he chose to believe you, not willing to repeat the same mistakes as before. But, he also warned you that any misstep after this could never be forgiven. You never gave Jake any reason to doubt you ever again.

You had become the devil’s advocate for as long as you could manage, gathering intel for Jake about Ardmore’s operations until she finally figured you out. Despite your high status to her, she didn’t hesitate trying to kill you, but she also seemed to underestimate you too. You faced her in human form, your body taking on a fatal wound.

Yet one thing she failed to know was a truth that Eywa could easily grant.

For when one life ends, another begins.

~

Trouble. That was all you seemed to be in the past few days. 

But, you weren’t alone, Lo’ak always beside you and always willing to go along with your crazy schemes. Yet, most of the time, it was him who had the crazier schemes, reckless schemes that sometimes led to brushes with death and most definitely led to danger.

You didn’t mind though. It was nothing you couldn’t handle. You both were similar in the way that you were. You had no fear, invigorated whenever you were with Lo’ak, the need to protect each other intensely existent with every risk that you took. You had a string of shenanigans behind you, all done for the good of the people, but Jake, although secretly appreciative, had enough of you and Lo’ak’s adventures, forcing you to stay at high camp. There was no use in arguing about it, the two of you reluctantly watching as Neteyam, Jake, and Neytiri took off on their ikrans to patrol the area.

When they had vanished out of sight, Lo’ak groaned in annoyance, turning to you, “We should be out there with them.”

“We were out there Lo’ak, for hours. We just...blew up some machinery without permission.” Lo’ak groaned again, the word “permission” making him want to throw himself off the base of the cave, “Just try to understand your dad. He cares about you. I care about you, so just suck it up and let this pass. ” You replied, snaking your arm around his waist.

 Your touch sent goosebumps down his skin and he gave you a half-smile, trying not to be swayed by how close your bodies were, but ultimately failing as he wrapped his arms around you. 

Taking a hand and gently pushing your hair behind your ear, he answered, “Fine, fine. I’ll let it go. For now.” 

You smiled at him, the corners of your eyes crinkling as you grabbed his neck, pulling him in for a kiss, which he happily accepted. Pulling away, he bit his lip, his eyes fiending for more, but you shook your head.

“We should make ourselves useful while we’re here.” You said with cheery eyes, grabbing his hand, but he pulled you into him again, your back against his chest.

“Or I could just be useful to you…alone” He cooed, his lips gracing your ear as he spoke and his hand trailing your chest.

You turned to look at him, rolling your eyes, “We’ve only been back for ten minutes and that’s what you want to do?”

He merely shrugged, his eyes suggestive, but you quieted his urges when you pushed away from him, your hands on your hips as you faced him again, “Let’s sharpen some arrows, clean up for a bit, and then I am all yours.”

His whole demeanor deflated as you stood there resolute, not even responding to his adorable pout. “I mean, Lo’ak if you really don’t want to help me you can be useful…by yourself.”

“Y/n, come on. We can sharpen arrows later.” He whined, putting his hands together as he begged, still wearing that irresistible pout on his face.

“You are so annoying when you’re like this, you know that?” You crossed your arms, irritated at his insistence.

He gasped instantly, “I’m annoying for wanting to love the most beautiful woman to ever exist? How is that annoying? It’s pretty charming if you ask me.”

“Hmm, I guess I won’t ask you then.” You let out nonchalantly, walking away without another word, smirking as you faced away from him.

It was a regular routine to tease one another like this and you knew you had won when the sound of his nearing footsteps became louder. “Fine, y/n. I guess I’ll just be deprived of your love for a little longer.” He sighed, taking his place beside you.

“So dramatic.” You whispered under your breath. He definitely heard you, but you distracted him with a kiss on the cheek.

~

The warriors were all seated on the floor, their dull arrows laid out in front of him as they meticulously sharpened each one. You sat with them, Lo’ak taking his place beside you, the two of you greeting everyone warmly. During the time you spent in the forest, after becoming a Na’vi, they had become your friends, comrades you trusted going into missions with and beating in sparring matches practically every time. You were all laughing amongst yourselves, teasing one another. 

“Well at least I can fly my ikran straight, unlike y/n.” One of your friends chided, snickering as you pushed him away with your hand.

“Ah, well at least I can aim straight. I seem to recall you missing the target more than once during our target practice last week.” You spat back, the comment making Lo’ak laugh just a little too hard.

They were all harmless, meaningless jokes, but it seemed you had taken it too far, your friend’s cheeks reddening with embarrassment. 

Flustered, he laughed weakly, “Yeah, well at least I don’t have freak hands like you and Lo’ak.”

It didn’t bother you at all, you had already endured the harshest ridicule when you faced the entire clan. Nothing seemed to faze you about how you were different. It was something you could never change. You had embraced your life with Lo’ak, but you still looked fondly at the memories you had when you were a human. 

You laughed, pushing him playfully, but Lo’ak was not so easily dismissive, getting up and gritting his teeth, the arrow he was working on landing dangerously close to your friend’s leg. 

He balled his fists, scoffing “If you have a problem with my hands, why don’t you come over here and find out what it feels like to get punched by them.”

Instantly, your friend took the challenge, but you stepped between them even quicker, your hand firmly placed on Lo’ak’s chest. You gave the two a warning look before you pushed Lo’ak back. Huffing in frustration, he threw his hands in the air, stomping to his ikran and flying off. 

You followed after him quickly, mounting your own ikran. Speeding up, you caught up to him. And for a while, the two of you rode your ikrans, the strong wind beneath you and all around you as you continued past the Hallelujah Mountains and toward the Tree of Souls. When you finally landed, Lo’ak’s anger had calmed, his head downcast as you both sat at the base of the tree. 

Scooting yourself closer to him, you took his hand, but he pushed you away. “Lo’ak, what’s wrong?”

Avoiding your eyes, he spoke, the words coming out of his mouth too vulnerable for him to face you fully, “My freak hands. My demon blood. Everything! My dad is Toruk Macto. He earned his place to be with the people. You helped my dad defeat that general, so you earned your place too. But me? What have I done?” 

He stopped, shaking slightly and catching his breath. It was as if what he had just said had always been lodged in his throat, and its sudden spillage formed bile in the pits of his stomach, churning in his insides as his heart violently palpitated with anxiousness.

You took in everything he had said, silence enveloping the two of you comfortably as the Tree’s strands swayed calmly around you. Taking his cheek into your hand, you looked into his eyes for the first time. They were starting to turn a slight red as he fought back tears in his eyes, but the minute your eyes met his, they finally began to fall.

Your expression was loving as you smiled softly at him, “I am proud of you for all that you have done, and you have done more than you think. You are as much a Na’vi as anyone else here. Don’t listen to them. They’re ignorant. They don’t know that our freak hands are capable of many things that they can’t do.”

He tilted his head at you, “Like what?” His tone was unbelieving, but his heart and mind felt otherwise, trusting your affectionate honesty.

Taking hold of his hand, you lifted it up, hooking your pinky around his. He looked down, watching your every move, his gaze going from you to your now intertwined hands. His expression was still unsure, confused as he raised his eyebrows at you.

You laughed at his reaction, and hearing your laugh lifted his spirits, the tension in his muscles relaxing in reaction to your cheerfulness.

You blanketed your other hand over the back of his, grinning, “It’s a pinky promise.” Lo’ak looked at you with even more confusion, but you continued on, “Promises are flimsy. They’re easily betrayed, but a pinky promise? It can never be broken.”

Maintaining your gaze on Lo’ak, his eyebrows knit together as he began to understand and a small smile slowly tugged at his lips. You caught it instantly, your heart slowly lifting its pressure of concern.

You placed your hand back on his cheek, the touch igniting the coldness of his skin, the anger and frustration he held inside dissipating as you rubbed your thumb gently across his cheek.

“I see you. And I promise that everything you are and everything you will be, freak hands and all, will never change that. This pinky promise, it’s ours. And no one can take that away from you. It’s something that the other people can’t do.”

His small smile became a big grin, tightening his pinky around yours and blanketing his hand over the one you put on his cheek, “Then I have a promise to make to you too.”

“Really?” The lighthearted air around the two of you returning, the Tree seemingly sensing it as its calm sway turned into a dance brought on by the gentle wind that found its way to where you were.

“Yes, really.” Your heart melted at the way he was looking at you, like you were the only one that mattered in the world, the rest of what was around you falling away as your fingers were still entwined, enhancing the bond you already shared with one another.

“I promise to annoy you forever.” Although his tone was lighthearted, the weight of his words were sincere, his eyes dripping in affection for you as you let out another boisterous laugh, the sound of it like honey as it came out of you.

“Good. Cause that seems to be your favorite thing to do lately.” You joked, the wind howling with you as you let out another laugh.

He spoke again, taking in your appearance as he let go of your pinky and took hold of your waist, closing the gap between the two of you, “Well, there are other things I can do, now that we’re alone.” His eyes glinting again with the same suggestiveness from earlier.

You raised an eyebrow, amused, “Oh really?”

“You said after we sharpened arrows that you were all mine, remember?”

You didn’t protest any further, simply nodding, “Yes, and now that we’re here, what exactly do you want to do?”

Lo’ak shrugged his shoulders, lifting a hand from your waist, “You know, you’re right. There are a lot of things that my freak hands can do.”

You smacked him on the shoulder, gasping, “Lo’ak!”

He instantly winced, but he was snickering, his playful smirk still painted on his face, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

You sighed, “Just come here you idiot,” Taking the back of his neck into your hands, you pulled him in, connecting your lips with a passionate kiss that started to grow in intensity.

But then a realization hit you, making you pull away, much to Lo’ak’s disappointment, “We weren’t supposed to leave camp.”

You got up quickly, walking over to your ikran, making the bond and waiting for Lo’ak, who was slowly trudging over.

“Hurry up!” You yelled, but he didn’t walk any faster.

Finally making his way to you, his head tilted upward to look at you on your ikran, a disappointed sigh coming out of his mouth, “Please don’t make me sharpen arrows or clean or do anything else when we get back.”

You leaned forward, placing your hand in front of him, your pinky out, “I promise.”

Hooking his pinky with yours, his face lit up, the corners of his mouth tilting upward as a satisfied smile overtook him. It was all he needed to hear.

~

[azrielsdove]

hi, i love ur fics so much, they are all so well written! can i request a fic where reader is feyre + rhysands daughter and is secretly seeing tamlins son. rhys and tamlin catch them and all hell breaks loose, while feyre is just trying to calm everyone down.

Thank you lovely!!!! I am SO happy you are enjoying them. I hope this was what you wanted <3

Spring’s Son

Warnings: Suggestive, 18+

***

“I want to come with.” You said, waiting for your parents reaction. Your mother looked at you curiously, your father shrugging.

“Why not?” He replied, a smile coming onto his face. “Let’s make it a family affair, bring Nyx too!” Your mother rolled her eyes, knowing your father liked to flaunt their family in front of her old lover.

“Fine. Be ready after lunch, we are heading out then.” You nodded, bounding to your room in excitement. You took a long bath, cleaning every inch of your body. You took the time to perfectly do your hair, choosing a dress that you felt would pass with your parents. Truly, you were too old for them to argue you, but the High Lord and Lady were not forces to be reckoned with most days. You admired yourself in the mirror, appreciating your reflection. You looked lovely.

You met your parents after lunch, your brother already waiting with them. He looked at you, a knowing smirk on his face. “Dressed to impress, dear sister?” He teased, your eyes flashing a warning to him. Your mother had that look on her face again, like she was trying to solve an equation. Your father scoffed at your brother, batting him on the back of the head.

“She’s dressed like a Night Court princess should be.” He said, holding out his arms to grab yours. He admired you, ever the proud father. “My beautiful girl.” It was your brothers turn to roll his eyes, a trait he picked up from your mother.

“Alright, alright. Can we just go?” He asked, ready to get to the Spring Court. Nyx was especially good at pushing Tamlins buttons, that trait he took straight from your father. You mother tutted over him, smoothing his jacket down and ruffling his hair as the four of you prepared to winnow away.

***

You landed in the Spring Court with your father, your mother and Nyx close behind. Your parents linked their arms together, you and your brother following dutifully behind as you walked up to the manor. You spotted Tamlin at the top of the steps, his wife next to him. You strained your eyes, looking for the familiar mop of blond curls. You were dismayed to find that his son had chosen to not greet your family.

“Tamlin! Camellia! How good it is to see you, old friends.” Your father spoke, shaking hands and kissing cheeks.

“Rhysand. Feyre. Children.” Tamlin replied, nodding to each of you. “Come, let us head inside.” He led you into his beautiful home, you pretending to simply be admiring the decor as you looked around.

Where was he?

He was usually waiting with his parents whenever you had come, ever the polite Son of Spring. You knew you couldn’t ask, couldn’t draw attention to the fact that you came just to see him. You sat at the long table in the dining room, the seat across from yours remaining empty. You tried to ignore the disappointment rising in you, putting a polite smile on your face as dinner was served.

Dinner went rather uneventful, casual chatter happening over the meal. Your parents and Tamlin had long since forgiven each other, but that did not mean the teasing ended. “Now, Tam, can we be promised one of your delightful concerts after dinner?” Your father asked, a twinkle in his eyes. The High Lord of Spring looked up to the ceiling, as if asking the Mother for the patience to deal with the High Lord of Night.

“Why, Rhysand? You wish to show off those dance skills again?” Tamlin replied, a smirk on his lips. You let out a small laugh, remembering your fathers so-called ‘skills’. He shot a glare to you, a look that said You’re supposed to be on my side. You smiled at him, teasing.

At the end of dinner Tamlin stood, extending an arm to your parents. “Please, if we shall meet in the study. We have much to discuss.” Your parents stood as well, following Tamlin and Camellia down the hall. You were certain there wasn’t actually anything to discuss, just an excuse for the four of them to drink and gossip together.

You got up from the table, intending to go search for the son you so desperately wanted to see. Nyx clicked his tongue, calling your attention to him. “What?” you asked, arms crossing defensively in front of you.

“You could be less obvious. You looked like a wounded puppy when you saw he wasn’t here.” Your brother answered, leaning back in his chair. Your cheeks flushed at his words, teeth clenching.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” You defended, heart racing. Were you truly so easy to read?

Your brother sighed, picking at his nails nonchalantly. “Sister, please. I know everything about you.” His words were cocky, the know-it-all bastard. You released your arms, turning to walk towards the door.

“Stay out of my business, Nyx.”

***

You carefully prowled the Spring Court manor, hoping you’d catch him at any turn. You stayed mostly to the areas you knew you were allowed to be in, not knowing how to explain yourself if you were caught. You ended up in the giant library, standing in front of the windows overlooking the gardens. There was a delicate beauty here, one that almost rivaled the deadly beauty of the Night Court.

You startled when two arms wrapped around your waist, lips pressing against your neck. The familiar scent of grass and honeysuckle swept over you, realization dawning. “Where were you?” you asked, sinking into his arms.

“Why? Did my Nightingale miss me?” He teased, leaving a trail of kisses on your skin. You softly moaned, hands clasping over his.

“I always do.” You said, turning in his arms. You looked at the long blond curls, the brilliant green eyes. He was as handsome as his father, with the beauty of his mother shining through. “Cyrus.” You whispered, a hand coming up to twist a lock of gold around your finger. “You have been ignoring me.”

He gave a small smile, leaning down to kiss you ever so gently. “Never, my dear. I have been out hunting from dusk to dawn with my father. Strange creatures are being seen on the edges of our court, I couldn’t let him go alone.” Cyrus explained, a hand coming to cup your face. “I am always thinking of you.” He murmured, his voice heavy. “Especially on lonely nights.”

A shiver shot through you at his words, desire spreading quickly. “Is that so?” You teased, leaning up to press kisses to his jawline. “What, exactly, do you think about?” You let your kisses fall to his neck, licking a stripe over his adams apple. He groaned, his arm tightening around your waist, the hand on your face coming to grasp your throat.

“You know better than to play with me when we have been apart so long.” He growled out, the hand on your throat tightening pleasurably. You moaned out, eyes blown wide with desire. Cyrus was good at this, at reducing you to a puddle in a matter of moments. His hand released your throat, sliding to the back of your neck so he could angle your head up to his. “Oh, how i’ve longed to hear that sound again.” His lips came down to yours, quickly convincing your mouth to open. You knew it was a bad idea to be doing this where anyone could walk in, but your mind was so clouded with need that you didn’t care.

Cyrus pushed you back, pressing you to window behind. “Cyrus,” you gasped out, “anyone can see.” His lips tore from yours, resuming his initial attack on your neck.

“I don’t particularly care.” He said against your skin, a soft bite bringing a whimper from you. Your nails dug into his back, the hand around your waist dipping under your skirts. “I had to skip dinner, I knew if I saw you I wouldn’t be able to keep from touching you.” He whispered as he gently bit under your ear. His fingers toyed with the delicate lace covering you, an embarrassingly needy noise coming from your mouth. He brought his lips back to yours, kissing you hard as his fingers slid to where you needed him.

“What, may I ask, is going on here?”

The two of you froze at the cold voice, the haze of lust shattering around you. Cyrus pulled his hand from your skirt quickly, hiding the wetness on his fingers behind his back. You pushed off the window, straightening your dress as you looked at your father. In that moment, Rhysand looked ever the dangerous Dark Lord he was rumored to be.

Your gaze turned to Tamlin next to him, the same anger visible on his face. You knew his claws were seconds away from coming out, not able to believe the sight in front of him. You paled, shame creeping up your spine.

“Father, I-“ Cyrus began, ever the gentleman. Rhysand cut him off.

“You better have a good reason for having your hand up my daughters skirt.” Your fathers voice was nearly shaking with anger. Tamlin scoffed, turning the attention to him.

“Please,” he said, looking to your father. “With the way you Night Court fae act, she probably seduced him herself.” Your face flushed at the two of them, humiliated by the scene they walked in on.

“Enough!” Cyrus boomed out, hand reaching to grab yours. “There is no dark magic here. Rhysand, Sir, I love your daughter.” The room went speechless, the quiet deadly. Feyre and Camellia chose that moment to enter the room, catching the end of Cyrus’ confession. Your mothers eyes find yours, a knowing look in them. That gave you the strength to step closer to Cyrus, your hand coming to rest on his arm.

“Father, Tamlin, I love him.” You declared, looking up to smile at the handsome blond. Your father gave a great roar of laughter, rounding on Tamlin.

“What kind of a game is this, Spring?” He seethed, getting in his face. The other High Lord rose against him, his anger as equal.

“Who’s to say this isn’t your game, Night? You come into my home, send your daughter to whore out my son!” Tamlin yelled, retaliating against your father.

“Stop!” Your mother cried out, stepping between the two of them. She turned your father, grabbing his hands in hers. “You truly haven’t felt the love coming off her in recent months? The way she suddenly wished to accompany us every time we came here? Tell me you aren’t so naive, husband.” She spoke, calming the rage inside him. Camellia did the same with Tamlin, whispering soothing words to him.

Your father looked slightly ashamed, realizing he hadn’t noticed the change in you. He looked back to you and Cyrus, an apology in his eyes.

“Aw Mother, why did you stop them right when it was getting good?” Your brother drawled from the doorway, commanding the attention of the room. Your mother sighed at him, shaking her head at her eldest.

“Now is not the time, Nyx.” She chided, turning back to you. “How long?” She asked, gesturing between the two of you. Cyrus cleared his throat, unsure if the answer was going to create more anger or help dispel it.

“Around a year.” He said, holding his breath while he waited for a reaction. Your mother smiled, walking over to embrace you.

“I am happy for you, my darling.” She said, holding you tight. “Why keep it a secret for so long?” She asked, looking at you quizzically. You gestured to the two fathers, looking ready to attack each other again.

“Have you ever met them?”

***

[dr-spencer-reids-queen]

Reckoner: Part One

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2.3k

Summary: Your world is turned upside down when you get in trouble for something you didn't even do. The entire team is in uproar over this but Hotch says he will take care of it. Can he? Or are you doomed to live out the rest of your days in misery?

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Author’s Note: I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them.

x

"Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical." - Blaise Pascal

"How is your knee feeling?" you ask Spencer when you walk out of the elevator.

"Still hurts, but the brace you have around it is helping. I'm not moving it too much."

"I might not be a doctor in medicine but I know a thing or two."

You two walk into the bullpen where the rest of the team is. Derek, Emily, and Penelope are huddled around JJ who is showing them pictures on her phone.

"What are you guys looking at?" you ask and set your things on your desk.

"Pictures of Henry."

"My Godson? Let me see!" You and Spencer head over to her and admire the pictures of her son. "Look at his chubby cheeks. He's so cute. You guys are still bringing him over this weekend, right?"

"Yes. Will and I are very excited to go out of town."

"Well, don't worry. Spencer might be crippled but we can take care of him," you joke.

"Hey!"

You look up and see Hotch and Rossi in Hotch's office with an agent sent from the Witness Protection Program. Everyone knows it's Jack's birthday so it's especially hard on Hotch right now. The agent leaves promptly, leaving both older men to talk alone.

"How he is doing?" you ask and nod to your boss.

"How do you think?" Derek sighs. "That agent came by earlier to show him a video of Jack. It sucks but that's about as much as Hotch is gonna get for it."

"We're gonna catch Foyet before something bad happens," you promise.

"We should get to the briefing room," JJ announces and puts her phone away.

You're about to follow everyone when you see several Virginia police officers walk into the bullpen.

"Excuse me, where can I find SSA Y/N?"

"Right here. What can I do for you?" you ask and step forward.

"You're under arrest for the murders of Juan Lopez, John Dimateo, Chase Williams, Eric Price, Jeffrey--"

As the officer is speaking, he turns you around and handcuffs your wrists behind your back. Your gun and badge are still on your person which he also removes. He says two more names which makes a total of seven people he thinks you're responsible for. The entire bullpen is in chaos as Spencer and JJ protest against your involvement, Penelope is just confused and asking why, and Derek immediately gets Hotch and Rossi involved.

"Hotch! Rossi!" Derek yells.

Hotch looks through the window and sees you in handcuffs. He and Rossi are out of their seats and out of the office in record time.

"Excuse me, what is going on?"

"Who are you?" the officer who handcuffed you asks.

"I'm her superior. What is going on here?"

"She's being arrested for the murders of seven men."

"Hotch! I didn't do it!" you say but they're already pulling you away.

"Wait, where are you taking her?"

"Virginia Police Department for questioning."

"Hotch! Spencer!" you say as they practically drag you away.

For five seconds, no one can say anything. No one can believe what they just witnessed. You? Murder? You dedicate your life to helping others, not to end their lives. You've had so many bad things happen to you and by doing good, you think you're making up for the bad. Why would you go out and murder seven people? When would you have the time to? If you're not at work, you're at home with Spencer.

After those shocking five seconds, all hell breaks loose. Everyone starts talking over each other. What is going on? Who are these victims? There has to be some kind of mistake. Y/N would never murder anyone. They've got the wrong woman. Even people who are not on the team start whispering to each other.

"Everyone calm down," Hotch says loudly. He turns to Rossi who is trying to keep a confident face on. "Take the team with you to Long Island." He addresses the team. "Listen, I'm going to go down there and figure out what's going on. In the meantime, there is still a case going on that needs our attention. JJ and Rossi will brief you on the case. When I'm done, I'll fly up there on my own."

"Let me go with you," Spencer says.

"Spencer, I know how hard it is for you right now, but I need you with the team. I'm going to take care of it."

Everyone hates that they can't be there for you right now but they understand where Hotch is coming from. When Hotch was released from the hospital, they all wanted to take care of him but stayed with the team and worked on other cases. However, Hotch was bedridden. You're in fucking jail.

After Hotch leaves and the rest of the team is getting ready to fly to New York, Spencer is still stuck in his spot. He can't seem to move from it because all he is thinking about is you. He wants to cry. He wants to break down at the thought of you being all alone in that interrogation room. Derek does a double take and walks over to Spencer.

"She's going to be okay, man. They have the wrong person. We both know this."

Spencer has to believe this otherwise he doesn't know what he is going to do. Everyone piles into the briefing room but it's like they are zombies. No one knows how to act because your chair is empty. Spencer won't be able to concentrate on a word JJ says much less anyone else, but she begins the briefing.

"Last night, Ben Vanderwaal was killed in Commack, Long Island. He was shot at close range once in the heart, once in the head with a .22 caliber. They found hair and blood trances from Ben's wife, Heather."

"Not Heather?" Rossi asks.

"No, she's still missing and presumed dead. The caliber and placement of the bullets match that of two previous victims. The first is Rita Haslat. Eight months ago, she went missing from her home in New Jersey. Four weeks later, she was found in a trash bin."

JJ puts pictures of what Rita looked like before and after being found.

"She went from that to this in under three weeks? She's totally emaciated," Emily says.

"Ligature marks on her wrists and ankles indicate she was constrained." Derek looks over at Spencer to see him staring at the desk. "One in the heart, one in the head like Ben."

"It sounds more like an execution," Rossi says. "What about the third victim?"

"His name is Bill Levington. His appearance was certainly altered."

JJ allows the others to read about what happened to Bill. There's no way she's going to put those pictures on the screen. Spencer grabs the file and flips through it but he's not really reading it. He's only doing this so he doesn't get in trouble for not paying attention.

"His genitals are missing. Though the method of mutilation is different in each crime, there is clearly a signature. The question is, what?"

"In Ben's case, his hands were taken. Bill's genitals were taken. Rita was completely different. She was starved, tortured, and executed. There's no sign of postmortem mutilation," JJ says.

"Why would he take Heather and not simply kill her?"

"Maybe he hasn't and she's still alive," Derek says.

"The only thing concrete is the MO which depicts an efficient no-nonsense murder. We need to figure out what each act of mutilation means to the unsub or to the victim. Wheels up in twenty," Rossi announces.

He gets up, takes out a file from his inner jacket pocket, and places it in front of Spencer. The noise of the paper slapping the desk is enough to break Spencer out of his trance. He looks at the file and then up at Rossi.

"What's this?"

"You told us you were cleared to fly. You lied."

"Naughty boy," Emily chuckles.

"No, I didn't. I am a doctor, so technically, it wasn't a lie," Spencer stutters.

"What was it, then?" Penelope asks.

"Second opinion."

"You're my bitch now," she smiles and walks out of the briefing room. Everyone else walks out leaving Spencer alone with his thoughts. He allows his tears to fall now that he's alone. Penelope pauses when she hears him sniffle so she backtracks into the room. "Spence..."

"I'm fine," he sniffles and wipes his eyes.

"No, you're not. We're all not fine. She's going to be okay. Hotch is going to get her out of this."

"Yeah, I know," he whispers.

Hotch arrives at the Virginia Police Department sooner than he thought. He won't let you go down for something you never did. He's known you for around five years. He knows the kind of person you are, especially when you tackled him away from a car bomb and stayed by his side when he was stabbed by Foyet. He's not going to let anything happen to you.

The police department must know he was coming because they are on his ass as soon as he walks through the front door.

"You can't be here. You have no authority. This case isn't Federal," the arresting officer says.

"Like hell, I can't. I am her boss. She has rights."

"Which have been read to her. She hasn't lawyered up."

"There is a big misunderstanding here--"

"There is no misunderstanding. Y/N committed these crimes and didn't try to hide it very well."

"With what evidence?"

"Oh, we got a buttload of evidence and it all points to her. Sorry, but you're not on the case. I can't release that kind of information."

"I need to see her. I have a right to talk to her as her superior and as a lawyer."

The officer knows he's not going to win this argument so he decides to let it become his supervisor's problem.

"Be my guest."

The officer leads Hotch to where you are. They took you to one of the interrogation rooms as soon as you arrived, and you've been sitting here with an incompetent officer asking you questions. You're handcuffed to the desk even though you've shown no signs of being violent. You've complied with all of their rules but you haven't said a word to them. You know how interrogations work. You know how someone can incriminate themselves just by talking. You're going to let them get all their questions out before lawyering up.

"Care to explain to us why we found your DNA on all seven men?" No answer. "All seven men were murdered with different weapons that we traced back to your apartment. Your possession. Care to explain?" No answer. "My question is how did you manage to murder seven very fit and strong men that brutally? You're an FBI agent. You must know how to cover your tracks, no?"

"I want my lawyer."

The officer sighs and closes the file they have on you. He can't ask any more questions until your lawyer arrives. He chooses to leave the file there and exits the interrogation room. You immediately grab the file and look through it to see what they have. All seven men were brutally murdered like he said, but you didn't think it would be this bad. You're a strong woman but not strong enough to do this kind of damage.

Each man was killed with a different murder weapon--all that you recognize. They're items from your and Spencer's apartment. A kitchen knife that JJ gave you as a set for you moving into Spencer's apartment, a worn-down hammer you got from your parent's house to put up more shelves, one of your heels that Spencer got you as a present just because he loves you, the fire extinguisher you keep underneath the sink, the iron you keep in the bathroom, one of your phone chargers, and a box of Spencer's matches.

All of these items can come back to you since you're the one who bought them all besides the heels. Who are these men? Who actually killed them? They were all killed in close proximity to your home and work, so whoever killed them must be local to the area. Why frame you for the murders? What does this person or people get for framing you? There are a whole lot of questions that the police aren't asking.

It seems like all they see is murders, some DNA that belongs to you, so you must be the killer without asking the important questions. The door opens and you quickly close the file and return it to the spot in which you found it. You go back to the stoic look on your face but that drops when you see Hotch at the door.

"Hotch!" He closes the door to give you two some privacy even though you know someone is watching you. "I didn't do it. You have to believe me."

"I know. I believe you," he nods and sits across from you, "but someone did and they really want you to suffer for it."

"I've never even met these men in my life. I don't know who they are. How could I have murdered them? I practically live at the BAU."

"They say they have strong evidence against you but they're not saying what it is. I'm not your lawyer."

"How's Spencer?"

"As much as you'd expect him to be. He wanted to come here but the team is on a case on Long Island."

"Hotch, what do I do?" you sigh with tears in your eyes.

"I'm going to do everything I can to get you out of here. It's just a matter of time. You might be spending a few days with PD."

"Yeah. You should go to Long Island and help the team. Like you said, they're not gonna let me leave anytime soon. I'll probably still be here when you get back."

"I can stay here."

"Hotch, go help the team. People are dying. I'll be fine."

"Okay."

Hotch gets up to leave but you stop him before he can.

"Tell Spencer I am okay. My family has a lawyer I am going to use. Tell him I will be home soon."

"Alright."

As soon as Hotch leaves, your confident shell fades away. You're not sure if you're going to be okay. PD has their suspect in custody. They're not going to let you go easily. 

x

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary​​​​​​ where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

[blueberry-pride]

DORM PLAYLIST SCREEN

Playlist screens are back and are here to celebrate over 800+ followers in the past year! Go to my page to see the specials. The Follower Event will be from March 1-25, 2023. Come celebrate with me!

Meaning behind each song:

Heartslabyul "Then she aimed at my chest with love in her eye."- This song overall is catchy, a jumpy song that I'd think would fit Heartslabyul as a whole. Having that whole talk about madness but at the same time just playing it off and like its normal for them. This song sounds mischievous to me, something I see all peeps from this dorm are capable of.

Savanaclaw "We like it dangerous, we like to see you sweat, turn up another notch, you ain't see nothing yet."- This dorm is known for living life on the more rugged and rough side of things, hard work and often times by physical means to get what they want. And just like their dorm leader, they have a few tricks prepared when you least expect it.

Octavinelle "I don't belong among the angels, and baby that's just fine with me."- I like to think Octavinelle students are opportunistic as a whole, see something they like? they'll take advantage of it before anyone does. They can be as nice and as giving as the generous Sea Witch just remember not to go too far into the deep end cuz they sure know how to.

Scarabia "Can we go back, this is the moment. Tonight is the night, we'll fight til it's over."- Honestly one of the best songs at a party sure to get everyone dancing which is why I wanted this song for Scarabia. I see this dorm as both fun and seriousness. Planning and carefully plotting so that they can give it their all and they would still have enough energy in the end. You can't contain them!

Pomefiore "Pop culture was in art now art's in pop culture in me."- I like to think each Pomefiore student has some form of creativity in them and they all would pursue it through hard work to have it in the image that they see fit. A song that I see fit this dorm (one of the reasons being because its freaking Lady Gaga) because everyone here wants to get recognition by showing their own kind of beauty.

Ignihyde "Looking to the ways of the ones before me, looking for the path of the young and lonely."- A dorm that revolves around updating and improving on pre-existing things so that it becomes more stronger and something to better even more so for the next gen of starry-eyed students. Though with their diligent work, it's not shock that this dorm is the most introverted out of all. Mostly focusing and tending to themselves with one another. (Another reason why I chose this song is because its from Wreck it Ralph with the tech and all)

Diasomnia "Tell you you're the greatest but once you turn, they hate us."- I could list a lot of why I chose this song for Diasomnia but generally, it's about the main theme which is...well, enemies. It even says on the wiki, that they have a track record of having students with a lot of magical capabilities. So in a school that trains wizards with said magic, it comes as no surprise that with their greatness comes with people trying to see them as competition *coughs* Savanaclaw *coughs*. But besides that, Diasomnia is a force to be reckoned with and I could see it with this song

[wanderinginksplot]

Commander Fox + Mercenary!Reader

As a mercenary, you travel in and out of Coruscant a lot. You find it more than a little strange that Commander Fox himself always seems to be on the Coruscant Guard team investigating your transport when you come back planetside...

Commander Fox x gn!reader (platonic-ish, with a hint toward future feelings)

Thanks to @nowait-whathappened for the prompt!

Word Count: 3.4k words

Warnings: mentions of weapons, mentions of bodily injuries, implied lack of trust

Masterlist

---

“Transport 47816, prepare for boarding.”

The groans that echoed through the transport ship were instant and harsh. None of the familiar faces around you held an expression more pleasant than ‘irritation’, but you were well used to this by now. 

“Why?” Kann bit out harshly. You tried not to roll your eyes, but it was a close thing. As the Lament’s near-constant pilot, Kann knew exactly why you were being boarded just outside of Coruscant’s airspace, but that didn’t mean he was going to make things easy. 

“Transport 47816, you’re returning from a neutral star system. It’s protocol.”

Kann snarled. “Shove the protocol up your-”

“Shut up and let the troopers on the ship,” Skoh ordered. “I don’t have time for you to argue with the whole damn Guard.”

Despite his previous eagerness for a fight, Kann clenched his jaw and nodded. “Dropping shields now.” 

Kann was one of the more reckless members of the Lament, but Nakte Skoh was a force to be reckoned with. When the tall Togruta spoke, every one of the mercenaries on the team listened. Disobeying him was a good way to get killed - sometimes by the enemy and sometimes by Skoh himself. 

The troopers who boarded the transport were wearing the familiar Coruscant Guard colors. You even recognized a few of the patterns and greeted them with a slight nod. You wouldn’t have minded being a little more exuberant, but not among your coworkers. It would be unwise to show too much emotion surrounded by mercenaries. 

“Everyone stand.” Grumbling. “Leave all weapons here. We will be interviewing each of you separately.” More grumbling, even as everyone started to reluctantly comply. 

The trooper issuing instructions was none other than the commander of the Coruscant Guard, Commander Fox. You could recognize him by his visored helmet easily enough, but there was something in his voice. What exactly made his tone was hard to pinpoint, but if pressed, you thought you could pick it out of a crowd. Even if that crowd were made up of other clone troopers. 

So you stood with the others, smoothly pulling your blasters and blades out from their usual places. The pile they made on your empty seat was respectable, the wear on the weapons a mark of your ability to use every one. With a last quick count to make sure none of the other mercenaries decided to take something that wasn’t theirs, you followed everyone to the link between your ship and the Guard’s. 

“Hope they’ll be less stupid about their weapons checks this time,” Yarrex muttered to you. The Kiffar was impatient at the best of times, but she knew her stuff better than most. “Last time, they misaligned the power pack on my rifle. If I hadn’t checked, it would have taken all of us out.”

You nodded fervently, remember how close a call that had been. Yarrex’s rifle had been actively overheating by the time she returned to the transport ship and she had hissed loud curses the whole time she fixed it. You couldn’t blame her - the smell from the flesh of her fingertips burning had lingered in the ship for days. 

There was a Coruscant Guard trooper just inside the larger ship, ushering you to your ultimate destination. “This way, down the hall-”

“-And to the right,” you finished. “I know, I know.”

“Been here a few times?” Yarrax asked over her shoulder. 

You shrugged, glad there was no one else behind you. What you were about to say could easily turn into tales of bad luck, and eventually spiral into you not being hired onto as many jobs. “Every single time I come back to Coruscant.”

“That’s not fair,” one of the trooper protested. 

You aimed a dry look in his direction. “We both know it is, Chase.” 

“I didn’t know they had names,” Kann remarked as he was led to one of the interrogation rooms. 

Yarrax hissed disapprovingly at his back. The trooper stammered, “I- I’m not Chase.”

“Save it,” Skoh advised with a nod in your direction. “That one can smell lies.”

Chase glanced at you, clearly nervous even through the protective cover of his helmet. You gave him a broad smile and went to sit down. 

Chase and the trooper who had directed you to the interrogation area were watching the room. The unfamiliar one had a medic’s cross on one shoulder and you wondered idly whether the Guard was expecting trouble. 

They shouldn’t, honestly. The standard Coruscant Guard procedure was to pull everyone into individual rooms to ask questions about the most recent mission. The Lament had some latitude in the way they conducted business, but everyone made a point of being as vague as possible in their answers. It was an entertaining game you all played when you came back to Coruscant. 

Though, apparently, no one played it as often as you. 

There were two interrogation rooms being used at the moment. The ship had at least a few more, but Lament missions were made up of ten mercenaries by rule - no more, no less. With Kann and another mercenary in the interrogation rooms, there apparently weren’t enough of you to warrant using more rooms. 

Mercenaries weren’t the most lively and talkative bunch, especially not after a long mission. A few of them shut their eyes to catch a few moments of sleep. The lone Nautolan in the Lament, a female named Veng, worked on repairing a tear she had gotten in the shoulder of her shirt. The needle flashing in and out of the ripped halves was mesmerizing, but your attention was caught by Skoh. 

Your leader was watching the room, gaze intent as he studied the mercenaries and the troopers watching you. There was no real tension in him, not even the kind disguised by the specific relaxation he took on when a negotiation was leading toward violence. But he was awake and alert, so you decided that you should be, too. 

Not that there was any reason to, of course. Skoh and Yarrix were the next to disappear into interview rooms as the first two went back to the transport ship. You weren’t among the next two to be called, or the ones after that. When it was only you and Veng left on the Guard ship, the door opened for Khyr to step out. Commander Fox stood in the doorway, sternly announcing that you were next. 

Veng didn’t glance up to see the amused look you gave her, but that was fine. It hadn’t really been for her, anyway. The commander stepped aside for you to enter the interrogation room, then closed the door before following you to the table. 

“Commander Fox,” you greeted with a nod. “How are you? How’s the wife?” 

The commander removed his helmet, all the better for you to see the confusion and exasperation mingling on his handsome face. “The wife.” 

“Or husband,” you amended. “Or partner. Non-specific.”

“I don’t have any of those,” he told you. “Did you get hit on the head during this massacre?”

You rolled your eyes at him, the way you always did when he disparaged your line of work. “Not a massacre. Not this time, at least. We do things other than kill people, you know.” 

“Yeah? What was the objective on this mission?” 

It just so happened that the mission you were returning from had been far more violent than expected, so you stepped neatly around the question. “Anyway, the point is that I see you so often, I feel like I should get to know something about your life. With anyone else, I would know about their partner or children or pets or hobbies. I see you more often than my parents.” 

“That so?” Fox asked, tilting his head to deliver his skeptical expression to best effect.

“Not in the slightest,” you admitted easily. “But it has come to my attention that not every Lament mission gets investigated by the Guard when they return to Coruscant.” 

Fox stiffened slightly. “We do our best to stop every transport, but our team is spread thin…”

“I’m not doubting your work, Commander,” you assured, “just your selection methods. Why is it that my team is always the one to be stopped?” 

“Coincidence.” 

Now, it was your turn to be skeptical. “You’ll have to do better than that, Fox.” 

His eyes widened briefly and you wondered if you had offended him by dropping his title, but he recovered in the next instant. “Are you suggesting that we should be suspicious of you?” 

“No, but you are,” you countered. “Otherwise, why would you always be focused on my missions?” 

“I told you: we aren’t.” 

Despite the way Fox’s teeth were gritted, you pushed on. You had a trump card, and you intended to play it: “Then why are you here? You, specifically? The Head Commander of the Coruscant Guard, investigating a transport full of mercenaries? You have better things to be doing than this. It’s suspicious.”

“I’ve told you, it’s a coincidence.” Fox sounded overly stubborn, even for him. 

You lifted your hands innocently in front of yourself and leaned backward in your chair. “Fine, fine. Total coincidence. Your complete lack of supporting evidence or further arguments has convinced me. Proceed with your interrogation, Commander.” 

He scowled intensely at you, but sat in the chair across from yours and started with the typical round of questions. Name, address, interplanetary work-travel permit number, employer, job title.

When you had answered them all successfully, Fox set his datapad down on the table between you. “Now, tell me about the mission you completed just prior to coming back to Coruscant.” 

“We were on Raydonia,” you answered easily. “We were hired to protect a village.” 

Fox gestured for you to continue when you stopped. “And what were you protecting them from?” 

“They were hit by two unknowns a few weeks ago.” The explanation was a little shaky, but it was the only one you had been given. It was still more than you usually got for a job and you were fine with that, but Fox seemed determined to think you were untrustworthy. “They took some of the most powerful warriors in the village. The village elders were worried some of the surrounding people might take the chance to attack them. They were right.” 

“Were there any casualties?” Fox asked, carefully not looking at you. 

You smiled despite yourself. “No Republic citizens were harmed.”

It was a vague and a polite way of reminding him that he had no jurisdiction over things that happened outside of Republic-controlled planets. Technically speaking, Fox had no jurisdiction over things that happened outside of Coruscant, but you wouldn’t bet on that stopping him. 

“And among your team?” he asked. “No injuries or deaths?”

“Nothing major,” you told him with a shrug. “You can count. I’m sure you noticed all ten of us are here and accounted for.” 

“What about minor injuries?” he pressed. 

You knew better than to shift in your chair, or look away from the easy eye contact you had maintained up to that point. Fox was an expert, and a sharp one at that. The smallest possible tell and he would know everything there was to know. That was what made him dangerous.

“None to speak of.” 

Even your flawless delivery left him looking distinctly skeptical. “Then why are you limping?” 

Despite the surge of frustrated exasperation that rose in you, your lips curved into a smile. “You’re too observant for your own good, Commander.” 

“Which isn’t an answer.” 

That made you chuckle aloud. “No, it wasn’t. But since you’re so insistent on an explanation, I sustained a minor injury on the mission. I treated it promptly and it is well on its way to healing.”

“How were you injured?”

Dimly, you wondered if Fox realized that he had leaned forward slightly under the weight of his own intensity. But only dimly, because most of your attention was drawn to the way he was even more handsome from a shorter distance away. 

“Why?” 

Fox blinked, and it seemed to break the spell he had put himself under. An instant later, he was scowling again - a fairly regular expression for him during these stops. “Because I’m the Head Commander of the Coruscant Guard and I asked you a direct question.” 

“I don’t answer to you,” you reminded him, privately savoring the look of profound irritation blossoming on his face. “Not about missions that take place in independent systems. Even if they result in injuries.”

“Maybe I have cause to believe that you sustained that injury in Republic territory,” Fox proposed. “Maybe I need proof you aren’t lying to me.” 

For a mercenary, you were even-tempered. Remarkably so, in fact. It helped you get along with your more volatile coworkers. But you did have a temper, and when it sparked, you were far from subtle. 

The slam of the chair’s front legs reconnecting with the floor was loud. Fox didn’t jump - he had too much control over himself for that - but his eyes darted to yours in a way that made his surprise evident. Your hands connecting with the top of the table between you was loud, too, the sound specifically and purposefully sharp.

You leaned in toward Fox and the expression on your face was unpleasant enough that he looked concerned. “I like you, Fox. I think you’re a good man doing your best in the galaxy’s worst job. That’s why I’m gonna give you this one warning: I do not appreciate being called a liar.”

“I didn’t-” 

Your gaze was hard as you stared him in the eyes. Fox looked startled as well as concerned by that point. He had never seen you truly pissed before. 

“Yes, you did,” you said firmly. “I will be the first to admit that I exaggerate. I dramatize. I embellish for comedic effect. But I do not lie. I have never lied to you or any of your men, despite what is verging on harassment. I do not intend to lie in the future, and I don’t want to file a harassment charge, but all of that depends on you.”

It was honestly a shock when Fox didn’t take advantage of your pause to speak. It told you that he understood how deadly serious you were. With his attention sharp on you, you told him, “I’m a reasonable person. I am willing to overlook this misstep… once. And that offer is entirely dependent on what you say next.”

“I’m sorry,” Fox said, honesty ringing in the simple words. You waited for more and he obliged: “You’re right, you have never lied to me - to any of us. Not about anything big. It was unfair of me to accuse you of it.” 

“And why did you?” you asked. 

The question felt a little like twisting a blade in an injury, but you needed to know. You needed to know that it wasn’t going to happen again, and if it did, you needed to know enough to anticipate it. Because you had grown to respect Commander Fox, damn it, and it had hit surprisingly hard to have him misjudge your morals so dramatically. 

“I… don’t like the idea of you being injured,” Fox admitted, sounding mystified. You understood, since that explanation left you feeling a little mystified yourself. “I would like to know about your injury if you’ll agree to tell me.”

You watched the commander for another long moment, doing your best to gauge his sincerity. It wasn’t easy - especially since it required you to look past those lovely eyes and flawless bone structure - but you managed. It was one of your most reliable skills, after all. Fox seemed to be telling you the truth.

When you leaned your chair backward again, the tension in the room shattered. You sent him a cryptic half-smile. “You know us mercenaries,” you drawled. “We don’t give away anything for free. You ask your question and I’ll ask mine. A truthful answer for a truthful answer.”

Fox considered it for only a moment before he nodded. “How did you get injured?”

“One of the attacking villagers had better aim than I expected,” you said, smiling wryly. “After I pulled his vibroblade from my calf, I changed my previous opinion.”

“Do you have a bacta patch on it?” Fox asked. “If not, I can get you a fresh one before you go back to your transport.” 

“I already have one, thanks,” you assured him. “And I’m feeling generous, so I’m going to point out the fact that I let you ask two questions. Now it’s my turn.” 

Luckily for Fox, you really were in a good mood again. You only let him dangle in his discomfort for a few moments before you asked your question. “Do you always stop my transport on purpose?” 

“Yes.” 

For all that you had suspected that answer, hearing it directly was shocking. 

Instead of responding immediately, you paused for a moment to take a breath. If Fox was targeting you specifically, you had to believe there was a reason. And since you had already come this far, you may as well find out what that reason was. “Why?”

Fox looked reluctant and faintly uncomfortable. It was the look you imagined most of the troopers got when they were asked to do an unpleasant chore. But, to Fox’s credit, he gave the answer he had promised. 

“You’re not the typical mercenary.” You frowned, already opening your mouth, but he quickly went on. “Not that you don’t have your skills, but I’ve been keeping a close eye on the missions you’re a part of. That is, the Coruscant Guard has. There is a concern among the men that the Lament would leave you behind on a mission or allow an injury to go untreated.”

Well, it was an explanation, but you felt like it left you with more questions than answers. “Nice to know you guys worry about me, but I still don’t understand why you care.”

Fox shrugged, but the casual gesture was belied by the way his eyes were locked with yours. “You look at us like we’re human.” 

You frowned again. 

“And I… admire you,” Fox added quietly. “You have a code and you follow it. Unusual, especially for a mercenary.” 

“Again with the insults about my work.” Despite your heavy sigh, your tone was playful, and you knew he would take it as the tease that it was. “I look forward to seeing you too, Fox. That’s why I haven’t complained about being stopped every time we come back to Coruscant.”

He gave you a disbelieving look and you laughed. “Okay, fine. That’s why I don’t complain too much.”

Fox didn’t immediately reply. Normally, the two of you traded barbs and witty remarks back and forth so quickly that it would make an onlooker’s head spin. But you didn’t feel the need to say anything further and, apparently, neither did he. The room filled with a surprisingly comfortable silence, warm and cozy in a way that durasteel interrogation rooms rarely managed.  

“So you’ve decided against filing harassment charges?” Fox asked at length. 

“I have no intention of it,” you told him. “We made a deal. Guess that’s more evidence of my rare and admirable moral code…”

Fox rolled his eyes and you laughed. Before he could say something sarcastic, you added, “Besides, I think I would miss seeing you guys if you stopped checking up when I return from missions.”

“You would miss us?” You would have accused Fox of fishing for a compliment if he hadn’t sounded so charmingly stunned. 

“Of course,” you told him, narrowly stopping yourself from winking at him. He really was a very attractive man. “But I need to get back to the transport now. They wouldn’t leave without me, but one of the others might get a little grabby with the weapons I left behind. Especially since I have a sharp new vibroblade.”

Fox stood when you did, leading the way to the door with a suspicious look on his face. “This isn’t the vibroblade that…” He finished the question only with a vague gesture toward your injured leg.

“If someone stabs me with a knife, I get to keep it,” you told him seriously. “I believe that is common courtesy.”

“No new weapons on this next mission, then,” Fox said as he stood aside to let you pass. “No risks, no injuries, no killing.”

You shook your head in exasperation, already starting down the hall back to the Lament’s transport. “I’m starting to think you don’t understand what being a mercenary is, Commander.”

---

Author's Note - Happy Fox day! I knew I wanted to write something for 10/10, and big thanks to @nowait-whathappened for giving me this prompt! Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

You can find other works on my masterlist or sign up for my taglist here. As always, I'm happy to remove you from the taglist if it's no longer in your interests.

Taglist: @rexs-wife @sugarpuffsstuff @stargazingthenightaway @just-some-girl-92 @kimageddon @ladysongmaster @carodealmeida @adriiibell @boomtowngirl @bitchylittleredhead @blck-omen @lackofhonor @captxin-rex @literallydontlook @salaminus @lucyhelena @808tsuika @ladykatakuri @bikerlorian @torchbearerkyle @frietiemeloen @tsedeshgishnii @buddee @justanothersadperson93 @leotatombs @mavendeb @rain-on-kamino @itsagrimm @captain-splock-you @dancingwiththeplanets @hummellchen @theclonesdeservebetter @cyarinka @ladyemxo @maulslittlemeowmeow @rosmariner @staycalmandhugaclone @coruscanticoffee @crookedwiings @eyecandyeoz @fordo-kixed-rex @musigrusi @lucyysthings @dinsverdika @bombshe77 @cawyden

[siconetribal]

Put it on My Tab Part 12

Pairing: Jason Todd x Fem!reader

Tag: @vbecker10 @wordsfromshona @harlequin-hangout @harpy-space @tild3ath @gone-batty-fics @princessbl0ss0m @dakotali @antiquecultist

Warning: Mild swearing, Jason is in trouble, Siblings will be siblings

Summary:

Everyone deserves time off, and the vigilantes of Gotham are no exception to the rule. The boys decide to take a weekend to let loose. Who knew a few drinks would lead to a stranger in bed?

Author Note:

I'll probably be out of commission for a couple weeks due to a surgery that's coming up soon. I'll try to have part 13 out before then though. Thanks for always reading!

Timothy “Tim” Jackson Drake was gifted with high intellect since birth. Coupled with the training he has received from Batman and Nightwing, he was a force to be reckoned with and proved worthy of the Robin title time and time again. Now as the Red Robin, he continued his work with his Batfamily. 

Tonight was supposed to be nothing more than routine work. Acquire the target (most likely by force), extract the necessary information (most likely through force), and use the data to get to their true goal. As expected, things were going down the track of ‘by force’. The target ordered his henchman to try to stop them and ran when it was evident they were unable to stop them. The chase was on, and the man went flying through a window. The location mattered little since it was vacant, or so Tim thought. He noticed the barista only after he turned to speak to the first Robin. From there, everything diverted.

He silently observed the young woman who wisely chose to turn a blind eye to their work, but he also kept an eye on his partner. Nightwing showed great interest in this young woman, more so than he would any other civilian that happened to be in the vicinity of their work. The amount of time he said her name and how he said it were also telling.

He’s not warning her, so why is he constantly saying her name? When she turned her back to them to make the drinks, he turned to his eldest brother to ask him what he was thinking but stopped himself at what he saw.

 So this is the famous young lady who’s got our Grumpy in such a fix. She’s certainly cute and pretty sharp, too. Is that why he’s not given her the money yet? Nightwing gently rubbed his chin as he contemplated on what to do. This was purely a stroke of luck on his end, since Red Robin had done the tracking and surveil on tonight’s target. We can’t just leave her with a broken window. She’s even managed to stay calm enough to take our order instead of becoming a mess. What ever shall I do? The right corner of his lip slowly tipped upwards into a smirk as an excellent idea came to mind. He pulled out something and a $100 bill. He folded the bill around the other piece just before she turned around with their drinks.

“Perfect,” he smiled in approval. “Thanks again, Y/N, and here, something for your troubles.” He winked, slipping it into the tip jar before grabbing the tied up man. “Until next time,” he flashed her a grin as Red Robin held the door open and the two walked out as if they had not just come crashing through one of the windows. Red Robin watched Y/N as she slowly looked around at her surroundings. He could not help but wonder why she was so interesting.

That fateful night, Tim had made it his goal to find out what he could about her. He knew asking the elder vigilante would not produce much information, but he asked anyway. The non-answer of ‘no reason’ and ‘it’s nothing’ were provided. Red flags that meant there was indeed something. With the spelling of her name and place of employ, he began to dig. He was a detective after all, a good mystery was always enticing, and there was nothing better to do while they waited for the next move of the organization they were monitoring.

Y/N stared at her phone for what felt like an eternity. Citlalli had been watching her for the last forty or so minutes since her loud and angry proclamation of ‘I’m going to text this ghosting hotshot pretty boy and demand he pay me the due money and leave me alone’. It was a sudden outburst in the middle of their takeout dinner that had been abnormally silent until then. It was then the young Latina had learned two things. One, he had not texted. Two, Y/N was going insane waiting for him to text, which was rare and quite entertaining.

Daaaaaamn, no text yet? It's been what, three weeks now? And she’s made no effort to reach out? There’s no way in hell she’d forget, she’s slavin’ away tryna get it cleared. But I thought he’d  have reached out by now. Poor mija, she’s really out of luck. She watched as Y/N picked up the device, angrily tapped away at the screen, read whatever she typed, paused, deleted the text, placed it back down, and slump. This is what, her sixth time? It was funny at first, but now it's just crazy. “Just text his ass already!” 

“Text him what exactly? He’s the one that texted ‘Hi’ from my phone to himself! Technically, he should be texting me!” Y/N threw her arms in the air before crossing them tightly, glaring at her phone. “Augh, forget it! I'll just text him whatever!” Grabbing it once more. 

<So, Wonder Boy, when you said you'll ‘send me the details’, was it code for ‘never gonna happen’ or are you saving some DID as the capeless crusader?> She proudly hit the send button, shoving any and all nausea and regret from anxiety down into the depths as best she could.

“That proud of your message, huh? What did you send?” Citlalli curiously asked, reaching for the phone in Y/N’s hands when it suddenly buzzed. Y/N jumped, sending it flying into the air. She juggled the little rectangle a bit as it buzzed a few more times, narrowly saving it from crashing onto the floor. “What the hell was that for?!”

“I didn’t expect it to vibrate all of a sudden,” Y/N scowled, waking the screen to see it was a text from the one and only ‘Your Hero’. She froze on the spot and Citlalli pushed her cheek into Y/N’s to see the screen and gasped.

“Holy shit, he texted back?! Are you sure he said he was going to text you first? Cause it looks like he was waiting on you.”

“I know what he said! I have no idea why he’s texting now. And some space, ya crazy!” She lightly nudged her friend to move and unlocked the thread.

<SHIT!>

<I did NOT mean to ghost you like this.>

<I swear I got busy with work. Also, what’s a DID? And didn’t I say to stop calling me that?> Y/N rolled her eyes at his texts, pulling up the keyboard.

<Didn’t you also say you’d text me details? And just so you know, it stands for Damsel In Distress.>

<Touche, lol. And noted, I’ll be sure to update the name of my file.>

<You should. It’s the official title. So says the famous kids cartoon movie. You’re still in trouble though.>

<Damn and here I thought I managed to get out of it. Should’ve known you wouldn’t let me go that easy. How about I make it up to you?>

<I’m reading.>

“What’s he saying?” Citlalli eagerly leaned in closer once more. “Don’t just sit there texting, that’s rude! I'm here, too! Don't make me get my chancla!”

“Ok, ok, relax! Sheesh, you don't always need to choose violence. He said he got tied up with work and has offered to make it up to me.”

“Oh, how so? By paying for the hotel and buying us a new apartment? What, don't give me that look! He could buy a neighborhood and still be fine!” Citlalli scoffed. “A girl can dream of a proper kitchen.” She grumbled, leaning back into the sofa. 

“I'm sure he could but I haven't gotten the chance to tell him about the bill because the last time we met, I was a little preoccupied trying to kick out trouble.” Citlalli colorfully cursed out her cousin in rapid Spanish for not only trying to trouble her best friend, but for trampling on Y/N’s chances with a Wayne.

“Cici, it’s fine! Really, I got his number at least. I'll figure out a way to bring it up in person. Deep breaths, ok?” She gently coaxed her fired up friend back into a more zen state before looking at her phone again. 

<How does lunch, you, and me sound? I’ll even recommend a few good books.>

<Consider me intrigued. Where and when?>

<TBD. I’m wrapping a few things on my end. I'll be able to give you all of my attention after that, sweetheart.>

So he did call me that last time. Is that just a thing he does, like how older waitresses and nurses tend to call people ‘sweetie’ or ‘honey’? She eyed Citlalli from the corner of her eye and shifted over, feigning getting comfortable, to avoid any misunderstanding. <I look forward to seeing how different all your attention is to now.>

<Ouch, lol! But fair, I fucked up on this one. I deserve that. You can hold me to it, just give me some time.>

<Also, you can just text me if you’re bored or wanna talk.> His next text popped up onto the screen.

<What about work?> She rolled her eyes at his new promise, though a small smile began to tug at the corners of her lips. Citlalli watched her dear friend curl up just like she did when reading a good book.

<I’ll make time for you.> 

<Even when I’m not in trouble?>

<Even then.>

<Also, text me when you’re in trouble.>

<So demanding for someone who never texted like he promised. Do you always order around the people you save?>

<Just the sassy ones. 😏>

<Keep this up and I might start think I'm special..>

<Yeah, you are. Never met a gal who charged for questions and refused to ask for my mame.>

<What can I say, I’m one of a kind. 😉>

<That you are and sadly, I need to start focusing on my job or I'll get my ass kicked.>

<Don't let me distract you and potentially endanger your fine derriere. Night, Little Lordling.> Slipping her phone into her pocket, she sat there with a smug look of victory to which Citlalli laughed.

“What happened?”

“He said he's going to let me know the details as soon as he's got work wrapped up and I'm allowed to keep him to his word.”

“Oh? Well that's promising. Seems like the two of you are getting along quite well.”

“Oh no, don't even go there, Cici. I know that look! I don't need you trying to match make me like your grandmother does. This is purely business, Platonic if more, and it's going to end once he pays the bill.

“Mmmhmmmm, sure, whatever you say, mija. On that note, we need to head to bed. We have the morning shift.”

“Must you remind me?” Y/N groans, forcing herself out of the comfortable position and stretching. “I’m just grateful Mr. D didn't take the window outta my paycheck. Thank you, security cameras for proof.”

“I still can’t believe it happened! The café was said to be in a safer part of town! The cops are due to come in some time today or tomorrow from what I know. You'll have to give them your account on what happened to get a proper report filed for compensation from the city.”

Fiddlesticks, I forgot that’s supposed to happen! What do I even say? Her shoulders sagged, and her head dropped backwards. I say one thing they don't like, and Nightwing will definitely make my life a living hell. He doesn't kill, but he does know how to torture, I’m sure of it! She wondered how they intended to get the information they wanted and what methods they would use on her. The thought made her shudder.

“Y/N, hey, are you ok?” Citlalli waved her hand in front of her face.

“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine. Just,” she paused for a moment. “Just tired, it’s crazy thinking that was just two nights ago. Never thought I’d serve one famous person, let alone two, and vigilantes at that. I should sleep, can't look like some dead zombie, or they might think we're pulling a fast one.” She forced a yawn and walked into her bedroom, wishing her friend a good night.

The precinct office was a buzz with its usual hustle and bustle. There was rarely a dull moment thanks to the nightly work of the vigilantes that ruled the night. Many of the officers hated them, feeling as if they were failures and their pride bruised by the ‘handouts’ left at their doorstep. The commissioner was not of that mindset, though, and the newer recruits even idolized the lawbreaking individuals.

“Detective, are you ready to head out? We’ve got a bunch of shops claiming they got damaged by those masked weirdos. I rather we get this shit don't and over with as soon as possible. Those freaks in tights are more trouble than they are help!” The older detective gruffly grumbled his complaints, waiting for his partner. He was a younger detective, a greenhorn that was better than most veterans, which rubbed all the seasoned personnel the wrong way, but they had to admit it.

“Come now, they aren’t all that bad. I’d say a few of them are a bit dashing in their own rights.” The young man stood from his seat, making sure his things were in place. “Plus, I just got back from my medical leave, can’t you keep your grumbling down to a minimum? These people didn’t ask for all this damage control.”

“I did not miss your attitude.” He sneered. “C’mon, get your ass in gear. We gotta go.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.” He scoffed, walking out of the precinct as they headed towards the first location. It was the first on the list only because it promised dome good fuel for the day.

“Hello detectives, thank you for coming on such short notice.” The man greeted them at the door, letting them into the busy establishment. “Please, follow me to my office.” He quickly led them to the back, catching the eye of one of the employees. Signaling them to follow, he let them get comfortable before the employee arrived. “This is Y/N, she was the employee who was present at the time of the incident.”

“I’ll handle it from here. Nolan, why don’t you go with the owner and get the surveillance footage?” The younger detective offered. With a grunt of approval, the two men left. “Y/N, was it? Please, have a seat. It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Detective Richard Grayson, but you can just call me Detective Dick or Grayson.” He flashed her a charming smile.

Author Note:

A huge thank you and shout out to @harlequin-hangout for the amazing banners you made for me.

Please comment, like, share, and reblog! If you'd like to be added to the tag list, let me know!

If you’re new to the story, please check out the master post for the rest of the chapters or find chapter one here.

[wisefoxluminary]

Arcane Season 2 Act 2 my thoughts (+analysis)

Wow just wow…this show really is a rollercoaster and this set of episodes really delved into the family dynamics of Vi and Jinx, two broken characters trying to fix what was lost between them. Jinx being forced to reckon with who she is as a leader in Zaun, inspiring those to stand up against the injustice wrought by the enforcers and this time we get to see the innocent and more soft side of her as she realises all these people look up to her as their saviour when all her life she was led to believe she was a monster who gets everyone she comes close to killed but she realises that she is making an impact on everyone around her including Isha who reminds her of her past self that she buried and is bringing that back out to the surface. Their sibling relationship was really beautiful to witness because they would save each other every damn time. It was cruel watching that get taken away from us because Isha’s final act was saving Jinx from Warwick’s rampage, though her life was short lived just like Powder’s, her sacrifice really showed the impact Jinx had made on her life and that act of preservation and love will help her finally embrace the role of a saviour complex the people of Zaun need, in the shadow of Viktor’s passing, a fallen messiah who used his power of healing for good. Jinx takes that chance and must weaponise her own destruction for good, to liberate her people and what remains of her family from Ambessa and the Piltover Guard and also Jayce who seeks to wipe every last remnant of Hextech.

I really liked the twist that Vander was Warwick as it added loads of tragedy to his character and really fuelled the emotional beats for the reminder of the story, in particular Vi and Jinx’s journeys respectively. The idea of Vander's love being the one thing that ties the sisters together was really beautiful to me because every time he saw Jinx, he was reminded of Powder which brought back his humanity which was slowly being corrupted by the beast. Powder is his tether to humanity thus why he protects her with all his might (“they don't touch my daughter” scene comes to light). This link to humanity, his memories of Ponder is what helps him overcome his monstrous impulses. He's a dead man who has turned into something unrecognisable and yet the memory and warm love Vander once embodied still resides within him and Vi and Jinx are working so hard to persevere that. This is shown in the memory sequence Viktor observed in his mind because Vander's impact is always felt on Vi and Jinx. He gave Vi her name, he was a loyal friend of their mother. His dying words to Vi was for her to protect Powder. That's why he recognises Jinx and sees her for who she used to be, why he saved her. Jinx may blame herself for his death but that only brings him closer to her. So when that perfect image of family was taken away from them, the monster from within won and every last memory of Vander is stripped away from him because that light Viktor was trying so hard to untangle from him was gone the moment he was killed.

Jayce really lost his mind because who knew one senseless action could cause this horrific chain of events to happen because being trapped in that anomaly caused him to see a false and corrupted vision of the future and it descended him into madness. Jayce is the reason Viktor loses his humanity because as he said in his dying moments the greatest good can also become your greatest evil. So what Jayce believed he was doing right by killing Viktor and stopping him from going down the wrong path only was the fuel to the fire that caused it. Betrayal and the tragedy it brings and how it melds us into the worst version of ourselves is a very integral theme in Arcane as seen with Vander and Silco, Vi and Powder, Vi and Caitlyn etc. Jayce and Viktor is just another representative cursed by the narrative and the ramifications of this betrayal will be dealt by them in terrifying ways and how they'll overcome that is going to be very central heading into the last three episodes. There is no changing the past, but there must be a way to make a better future with it as well.

The only way this show can end is if Vi and Jinx finally forgive each other and themselves and finally use love as their greatest weapon against the evil that threatens to supress them, how sacrifice impacts them and encourages them to carry on what the people who are gone had taught them. Love is what united them rather than hate and I think that's a beautiful thing. The resolution of their arc would be those two sisters reconciling, living in peace knowing their family is in a better place. For Vander to be ressurected and for Zaun to return to what it used to be under his resistance, finally at a peaceful agreement with Piltover where no more blood is shed. Where Hextech isn't used as a weapon anymore.

But overall, this episodes truly were a masterclass in storytelling and animation with its vibrant and colourful visuals. Truly can't wait for Act 3 because the symbolism of this show goes crazy.

[sammysnaughtygirl]

'Fire Country' Showrunner Gives Update on Jared Padalecki's Arrival

Jared Padalecki's dynamic debut in Fire Country as Camden Casey is a game-changer for the hit firefighting drama.

Showrunner Tia Napolitano teases Padalecki's character as a maverick with a surfer swagger who flips the script in Edgewater.

Fire Country's success has already led to spin-offs like Sheriff Country, showcasing Padalecki's potential as a lead in his own show.

Fans of Supernatural star Jared Padalecki are ecstatic with his inclusion in Fire Country. The CBS’ hit fire-fighting drama created by Max Thieriot, Tony Phelan and Joan Rater is among the top TV shows currently and is already developing a universe with spin-offs. The Walker alum has signed up for a three-episode arc in the upcoming third season. In a recent conversation with TVLine, showrunner Tia Napolitano gave an update about Padalecki’s dynamic debut in Season 3.

“We launch Camden Casey in a really dynamic way,” Napolitano said of Padalecki’s character, who is billed as a SoCal firefighter and a “maverick with a surfer swagger.” Camden is a force to be reckoned with and has a penchant for spotting talent. In the upcoming season, Cadmen will immediately recognize “Bode’s raw talent.” Sharing the team’s excitement, the showrunner further said, “We were so excited about casting Jared,” adding “he’s really going to ‘flip the script’ in Edgewater.” Further teasing Cadmen’s flamboyant attitude, she adds,

Everyone sort of treats Bode (played by series co-creator Max Thieriot) as this tiger theyre trying to tame, and Camden kind of says, Why are you trying to tame a tiger? Let him out!'Fire Country has been a hit with CBS viewers right from the start, with the explosive reception of the first season, the network saw the spin-off potential. The seeds were sown with Morena Baccarin’s introduction as Mickey Fox, Sharon Leone’s estranged sister, and soon a spin-off, Sheriff Country, was picked up for the 2025-26 season. Given Padalecki’s track record of leading successful shows like Walker and Supernatural, it seems a good idea to let the actor lead his own show as Cadmen, who sounds like a very interesting character. 

Fire Country follows Bode, a young convict with a troubled past, in hopes of reducing his prison sentence, he volunteers with the California Conservation Camp Program. Things take a turn when he is assigned to his hometown in Northern California where he works alongside old friends and other convicts and faces the ghosts of his past. The series cast some compelling performers including Thieriot as Bode, Kevin Alejandro as Manny, Jordan Calloway as Jake, Stephanie Arcila as Gabriela, Jules Latimer as Eve, Diane Farr as Sharon, and Billy Burke as Vince along with a slew of recurring stars.

Fire Country Season 3 premieres on October 18.

[crimsonbastard]

My thoughts on Episode 4:

Aegon finally snapping after realising that everyone only sees him as nothing more than a puppet king was satisfying. The desperate need to prove himself, to his mother, his brother and the council by going to war himself, to show that he's good at something was so good to see. However I'm still bummed out that he wasn't actually part of the plan. Him leading his army head on as Cole gives that rallying speech was one of my favourite moments in the book. Too bad that it was changed to him appearing unannounced prompting Cole to give that last minute impromptu speech.

Aemond speaking High Valyrian and regaining some ground over his brother after that brothel incident. We've seen Team Black saying that Alicent's children aren't true Targaryens. Well we can put that claim to rest after seeing Aemond practically take his brother down a peg in High Valyrian. Something even Jace Could not master.

The Alicent Plan B scene. Honestly, after years of being used as a broodmare, I understand why Alicent resorted to using moon tea. Although she has a consensual sexual relationship with Cole where she gets to regain some semblance of that autonomy that she couldn't get because of Viserys, getting pregnant again and going through another painful, life threatening child birth is simply a big "no" for her. Irrespective of her finally being able to explore her sexuality, bearing a child again is still something very traumatic for her that she still closely associates to Viserys and the neglect she was dealt whilst she was at her most vulnerable.

The Criston Cole glazing. I love how almost every council member of Team Black acknowledges Criston as a force to be reckoned with, which he is. It sheds light on the fact that he's more than some brute who acts on Alicent's Whims. He's an experienced Commander and he truly shines when he finally gets to be in his element. I've seen several reactors begurdingly admit that Cole's strategy was sound, despite clearly hating him and it was so satisfying.

Jacaereys and Baela taking Rhaenyra's stead whilst she was away and doing their best in putting out the fires in the Council Room was a delight to see. Jace being eager to join the battle and help his mother save her crown was refreshing and we got a good character moment from him.

The Rhaenys and Alyn scene was.....meh considering the fact that she was harsher in the books. I was expecting her to lash out at Corlys with her barbs but again, she was just mum about it, it feels like the writers forgot to give her some agency when it comes to how she acts around her Husband. And the fact that people are comparing her to Catelyn Stark and tearing the latter down is annoying. Can y'all stop with the Catelyn Hate? It's been decades.

Rooks Rest was amazing in the beggining. We've got Gwayne's inexperienced ass doubting Criston at every step until he gets silenced. The plan was perfect with Cole and Aemond using Vaghar as a trump card in case any of Team Black's dragons come knocking. But that is where my appreciation for that battle ends. We've Sunfyre being absolutely butchered all though he puts up a decent fight in the books. Where the fuck is Rhaenys charging at both Aemond and Aegon with a glad cry? Where is Rhaenys having a "dragon rider's" death that Team Black likes to harp about. The Aemond scene where he blasts at both rider's was dumb and pointless, a cheap attempt at creating some conflict between the brothers when we had the Brothel scene just the episode before. This would've been a wonderful opportunity for them to show how despite hating eachother's guts the brothers will still die for eachother. But alas, I guess only Team Black can have good familial relationships.

Sunfyre being the goodest boy xD

[1-danid]

(pt2) dating teen vi

dating arc one vi part two, you have both aged up to arc two!

part 1 here! Go read it love!

You worked at the bar almost for the most part of your job.

You get a lot of gossip and news whilst bartending, it’s shocking what people will tell a pretty bartender when they're drunk.

You're much better of a bartender than Thieram, bless him. And he sees you as a really good friend because Jinx doesn’t scare him as much when you're around.

Not you literally being everyone’s favourite.

Also you 100% get free drinks when you're at the bar, like Silco loves you enough to let you get that free booze.

You're Silco's inside man or woman in this case I guess.

If you're not busy as a bartender you’d 100% be Sevika’s go to dealer for any game she plays.

You don’t even have a choice she's dragging you with her and shoving a deck of cards in your hands.

If she wins shell get you something the next time she's out, if she loses its your fault (she's just a real sore loser and wants you to cheat in her favour)

You're 100% a fair dealer, but when Sevika wins almost every round people get angry at you for cheating. Sevika would beat them up for messing with you.

You're like a daughter to her, and even though she doesn’t show it all the time. SHe cares about you a lot more than Jinx. When you're not working the bar, you're definitely patching up Jinx.

Speaking of Jinx always comes to you for comfort and reassurance as you're the only family she has left, even though Powder died.

You've stuck with her and she appreciates it.

Jinx has improved so much and you're proud of her, and believe it or not you feel like you found another family with her and Silco.

Sometimes you'll cook dinners and bake treats for them when you're off, getting Markcus to buy you the supplies you need as you play with his daughter in Piltover.

He won't admit it but he's more petrified of you than Silco and Jinx combined.

You don't like to go on glimmer mission, they remind you of your old life but on the occasion that Jinx can convince you to go.

You're still a badass, even though you stick to defensive attacks (you could never hurt Ekko.) You're still a force to be reckoned with.

Sevika is much nicer to you than she is to Jinx, but that is likely because of your maturity and you never climbed on her back when she had to babysit you.

When Vi meets Caitlyn in prison, she recognises your initials on one of "Powder's" drawings.

Poor girl has only thought of you and her sister, in all her time in Stillwater she's realised that she loves you and she wanted to find you and tell you that.

So when Caitlyn gives her an opportunity to leave she takes it, if only to know that you and Powder are alive.

We all know Vi is a flirt and she does flirt with Caitlyn, the cupcake scene is a canon event. So when one of your girlfriends sees Vi she waits to see who this pretty girl is with her.

You get news of Vi before Jinx and Silco and leave on your own to clear your head, as your ex lover is proclaimed to be alive.

You're overcome with emotions like jealousy, heartbreak, fear and most of all anger (covers your sadness).

How could she be okay without you, you could barely go a day without thinking of her and the good times how could she move on? Why would she move on and forget about you?

However Jinx took you out of your hole of self pity and wallowing, and asks you to come find Vi with her. It's at that moment you remember the torch and agree, travelling to the top of Zaun to light the torch.

Throughout this Vi had fought Sevika, who was taunting her about how you and Jinx had moved on from her, (we don't talk about your last fling, it was embarrassing.) As Vi is about to be beaten, Caitlyn saves her and then continues to flirt, slowly but surely more and more people hear about Vi's reappearance.

However when you and Jinx light the torch you have hope. Vi was never one to break a promise and if it was to Powder at least.

You stood there anxious as you watches all the fuel dry up and burn from the flare torch.

You just needed to know if she was alive or dead, to know if she cared about you and her own sister.

You needed to know if she had replaced you.

A/N

And that’s where I'm ending this part! I have no idea if i'll make another part but that one anon gave me motivation for this. So here you guys go. Sorry if it's all over the place, I need to rewatch Arcane. It's a bit rusty in my head. I swear I'm working on my atsv requests. I just had this in the works for longer. Hope you enjoyed be sure to leave comments and reblog it!

Next fic publishing will be after i finish updating my wattpad book. No you will not get a link to my wattpad account.

[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

before this goes any further, I want it on the record that you all asked for this.

my first and most petty point: Midnight Mass gets basic details about Catholicism wrong, such that even I (not a Catholic) twigged them. The big one is that Catholics DON'T HAVE MIDNIGHT MASS FOR EASTER - it's a Christmas thing - but since the priest holding the mass is also a vampire, I can accept that he's going off-book. I have a harder time with them holding a PICNIC for ASH WEDNESDAY, aka THE DAY LENT STARTS, aka the day everyone starts fasting and are therefore not snacking on a potluck. It's a minor thing, and normally I wouldn't pick at it, but since this show ostensibly revolves around Catholic doctrine, it bears mentioning.

on a writing level, not one single character in this show talks like a human being. or acts like one. I couldn't give you any information about who these characters are as people, because they're not people, they're mouthpieces for Flanagan to impart his ideas to the audience. He is both deeply in love with his own writing and entirely unconvinced that his audience is smart enough to Get It, so he has his actors turn to the audience and lay it all out. Not only is this bad writing on a character level, it brings all plot and tension to a screeching halt whenever it happens. The most unintentionally hilarious instance of this has to be when Annabeth Gish comes to the sheriff to tell him that the church is being run by a vampire and her mother is aging in reverse, and his response is to start rambling about where he was on 9/11. Like. Nothing about this makes sense, and also why should we care when it has fuckall to do with the story?

(as regards the sheriff character: I, a white Quaker, am not the person to critique this show's handling of Islam. But I will say that Flanagan doesn't seem to have a clear idea what he wants to communicate: the overarching plot is antitheistic, in a very r/atheism sort of way ("WHAT IF THE SACRAMENT WAS VAMPIRE BLOOD" ooh wow didja cut yourself on that edge there, buddy) but Flanagan has no idea how to balance that with the precepts of any religion that isn't Christianity while also maintaining his broadly liberal bona fides, so it all sits very uneasily next to the church plot. I'm not advocating for the show to go full Christopher Hitchens, but I am saying that if Flanagan wants to posit that faith is a mass delusion and a net detriment to any community formed around it . . . he needs to either focus only on Christian characters or be willing to engage with how other religions function in society, because as is, the storyline with the sheriff and his son just peters out into nothing.)

but the thing that made me angriest - that took me from "this is so boring and pretentious and badly written" to "oh FUCK this guy and the horse he rode in on -" was the titular midnight mass. It is very overtly inspired by the Jonestown massacre, which a lot of horror media does, but what it fails to account for is that the members of the People's Temple did not voluntarily kill themselves. I know "drink the kool-aid" has entered the popular lexicon as shorthand for "blindly following a leader," but extensive testimony from Jonestown survivors - not to mention the death tape, which is available online if you really want to ruin your day - all confirms that the people who died that day were forced to drink poison at gunpoint, after years of brutal abuse from Jones and his inner circle. And even after all of that, people fought back. And not outsiders - people who had been in the Temple for years and wholeheartedly believed in the mission that had lead them to Guyana in the first place. (Christine Miller was a fucking hero and she deserves to be remembered for it.) Jonestown was not lemmings going off a cliff, and any serious take on the story would involve reckoning with that - that these people believed in a higher power and also believed that they had a right to live despite what Jones told them. But that would contradict Flanagan's point of "religion is dumb, WAKE UP SHEEPLE," so instead he borrows the iconography of a truly horrific tragedy and disrespects the victims by implicitly representing them as dumb, brainwashed cult members who eagerly toss back poison because they think sky daddy wants them to. He has so little respect for the subjects he's portraying, and the real people whose deaths he is copying for shock value, that he doesn't care about the inner lives of anyone whose beliefs might demonstrate that faith is more nuanced than his screed would have you believe.

There are good horror properties out there that are critical of religion and society - The Medium, which we posted about a few days ago, is one. The Witch is another. So is The Sudbury Devil. Hell, you could go back to the sixties with Witchfinder General. Religion - especially socially dominant religions like Christianity in the west - can and should be critiqued. But Midnight Mass is too sloppily written to be a critique of anything besides, accidentally, how far Mike Flanagan's head is shoved up his ass.

Anyway, that's why mod L doesn't like Midnight Mass. I did warn you.

[crazyunsexycool]

My little love

Chapter 20

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Word count: 9.4K (how did this happen?”

Warnings: angst, a little bit of fluff, physical attack toward a child, mentions of cuts and bruises (nothing graphic), reader’s mom, cursing, protective Bucky, Steve being Steve

A/N: I am both so excited and slightly sorry for this! Don’t hate me but we see the reader’s family for the first time and learn why she isn’t close to any of them except for Ed!

Series Masterlist

Ch. 19

The first few days back home were a big adjustment. There were no more early mornings to take Henry to a lab. No afternoon strolls to play with goats or explore a place you’ve never been too. Everyone was happy though. The old family routine was back in place with the exception of watching over Lottie more than necessary in case of a vision. Henry did start having a few more nightmares as he remembered some of the things hydra had him do but Bucky was there every single night to help him.

The most exciting part about being back home is being able to plan Charlotte’s fourth birthday party. You and Bucky had decided to keep it small, just the team. Through the week and a half leading up to it you had to remind Tony multiple times that there would be no huge parties. He would pout but agree nonetheless. Still you suspected that he was up to something.

The theme you decided on you found while late night scrolling through Pinterest. When you showed Bucky the idea he agreed immediately while he laughed. The party would be four-nado themed. It was more as a joke for the adults than anything else. Since Charlotte was a force to be reckoned with. No one in her path was safe, she could melt hearts with a smile and wrap anyone around her little finger with her sweet personality.

Now Lottie wasn’t really sure what was going on; she was just happy to help decorate. With the team done for the day with mission debriefs and paperwork everyone gathered at one of the shared living spaces. The birthday girl wore a shirt that said four-nado, a cute skirt and pigtails. While you had shirts for you, Bucky and Henry that said storm chaser. The only person you were waiting on was Steve. After he finally got back to you saying he was just a few minutes away the small party had started. Just like he said he was in the living room a few minutes later.

“Steebie!” Charlotte ran and jumped into his arms as if she hadn’t seen him in years.

“Here’s my best girl.”

“What the hell took you so long?” You asked.

“Well-“ he scratched the back of his neck as he blushed. “I have a bit of a surprise.”

“What did you do?”

“Who? is the better question.” Clint said with a smirk from his place on the couch.

“Steve?”

“I’d like you to meet someone.”

You narrowed your eyes at him as he turned and waved someone in. She was tall and slender. Long strawberry blonde hair and fair skin.

“Everyone, this is Julie. Julie this is well… everyone. This is Charlotte, my best girl, and it’s her birthday. These are her parents and my closest friends Bucky and Y/N.”

“Best girl?” She sounded annoyed or maybe bothered by the term. “Sometimes I forget you’re so old.” She turns to you now. “It’s uh- nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Really? We haven’t heard a word about you.” Steve gives Bucky a light hearted glare.

The whole team was surprised. Never in all of the years since knowing Steve had you even heard him talk about a date. Now he was here bringing some random woman to your daughter’s birthday party. You and Bucky looked at each other with the same displeasure on your faces. Unfortunately for Steve and everyone else in the room Lottie was the first to state her dislike of this new person.

“Don’t wike it. Bad Steebie.” Lottie said as she began to cry and reach out for anyone who would take her. That was an immediate red flag. Lottie likes everyone and is open to meeting new people. So her trying to get away from someone she had never met before made you feel uneasy. “Don’t wike it.” She said again as she pointed at Julie.

Bucky moved away from a very confused Steve and his date. Lottie continued to cry until Bucky just left the room.

“Is that why it’s a tornado theme? She seems like a handful. I’d just have a nanny if it were me.” Julie tried to joke but it fell flat.

Steve looked at you like a lost puppy unsure of what to do. Should he leave with Julie or stay and wait until Charlotte calmed down?

“Let me go make sure she’s ok. Don’t go anywhere. Come on Henry.”

Steve motioned for Julie to sit while you left to find Bucky. He introduced the rest of the team. The others, Nat and Clint especially, kept their eyes on the stranger.

“So how did you two meet?” Tony broke the silence. He was already running a background check on her.

“He was leaving the art shop just as I was leaving the bookshop in town. We ran into each other. Then Steve invited me for coffee.”

“Really? You must be really special to get the attention of our very dear Captain.”

“Tony.” Steve throws a warning glance his way.

“Oh come on old man I’m just teasing.”

“How long have you been seeing each other?” Sam asked, equally as surprised that his friend hadn’t mentioned anything.

“About a month already.”

The silence was deafening and Steve felt like an idiot for bringing Julie to the party. It wasn’t helping that everyone kept looking from him to Julie and back. Worst of all Charlotte was upset on her birthday.

****

You and Bucky walk back out with Charlotte holding both of your hands and Henry at Bucky’s side.

“Alright, she’s calmed down enough. Why don’t we sit so that we can have dinner.”

Everyone moved from the living room to the dining room. Nat and Clint sat side by side, whispering amongst themselves and bringing Wanda into it when she sat next to Clint. Everyone else took their usual spots with Lottie being right in the middle with you on one side, Henry on the other and Bucky next to Henry. Unfortunately that means that Steve and his date were right across from the four of you. At first the only thing that could be heard was the plates being passed along the table and the cutlery against the plates. It wasn’t until Henry made Charlotte giggle that the tension in the room eased up a bit. You gave Steve a small smile but he just looked upset.

The dinner goes better than expected, with Lottie only glaring in Julie’s direction once in a while. Wanda was kind enough to bring the cake out and everyone sang happy birthday to Lottie which made her giggle. She blew out the candles perfectly. Bucky sat with her days in advance to make sure she did it right. After cake and pictures everyone went back to the living room. The mood was lighter and the party games you prepared were being played.

Gifts were being given to Charlotte. Putting aside the issue with Steve’s date it was obvious the birthday girl was having the time of her life. She was currently pulling a baby doll out of a box.

“So pwetty.” She says as she examines it carefully. Then Lottie runs to Sam and gives him a hug. “Tank you, Sammie.” Lottie says with a bright smile.

“You are welcome, sweet Angel.”

You hear a small scoff coming from Julie and you turn to look at her. She averts her eyes when she notices you looking at her and tries to mask her irritation but it wasn’t working. You wanted her gone but you also felt bad for Steve. Turning back to Charlotte you watched her open another gift with Bucky’s help. Then she ran to Bruce to hug and thank him.

“I’ll be right back, I forgot her gift.” Steve says and quickly walks out of the living room.

“Mama, look.” Lottie holds up another gift and smiles.

You grab your camera and start snapping pictures. Henry sits with Nat as he watches his sister play. He’s laughing at something she’s said. Everyone is starting to relax and joke even more so no one notices Julie slip away and leave in the same direction Steve had.

After all the gifts were opened and Lottie had thanked everyone individually. The team begins to joke around and use Charlotte’s new toys. Tony goes off on a rant pointing out design flaws and that he could make better toys. You and Bucky take a moment to pick up the wrapping paper and go throw it out. No one noticed Charlotte walking away in search of Steve.

****

“Steebie?” Charlotte called out as she wandered through the empty hallway. There was no fear in Lottie as she went further into the apartment section of the compound. She had been back and forth multiple times and knew her way around. “Steebie.” She called out again this time a bit louder. Lottie was a girl on a mission to find her favorite person.

Lottie’s hand glided over the glass walls as she went further down the hallway. The only place on her mind was Steve’s apartment, which was up one floor. Lottie ran when she saw the elevators and pushed the button, happily waiting for the doors to open. When they do she’s face to face with the one person she’d be happy to never see again, Julie.

“Oh for fucks sake.” She looks down at Charlotte and rolls her eyes.

“Don’t wike.”

“Too bad.”

Julie walks out of the elevator forcing Lottie to back up. She tilts her head back all the way to be able to look up at the stranger.

She starts to look around panicking. “Mama.” She calls out as the vision she had in Wakanda starts to turn into a reality. Lottie is very much aware of what’s going to happen next.

“Mama,” Julie mocks Lottie as she calls for you. She could see the fear in Lottie’s eyes and she just smiled. “You are such a spoiled little brat.”

“Dada. Steebie.”

“I’ll make sure Steve stays far away from you.” Julie crouches so that she is eye level with Lottie and grabs her face, her nails digging into Lottie’s cheeks. “Steve doesn’t even love you.”

“Am Steebie’s best girl.” Charlotte says after pulling away. She pushes Julie and with her strength she manages to not only make her lose balance but to be thrown across the small space and against the wall. Lottie makes a run for the hallway she just walked through but Julie gets in her way.

“I’m going to teach you a lesson on respecting people.”

*****

“Where’s Charlotte?” You asked the moment you walked back into the living room. “And where’s Julie?”

You didn’t even wait for a response as you moved to go look for Lottie. Bucky right behind you and the others went to search in different areas.

“Friday, where is Charlotte?”

“She is by the elevators Sergeant Barnes.”

You run down the hallway and as you turn the corner you’re horrified by the scene unfolding in front of you.

“Come here you fucking brat.” Julie says as she moves towards Charlotte and grabs her arm harshly. Lottie screams in pain and grabs at the hand grabbing her.

“Let her go before I end you.”

Julie spins around at the sound of your voice. She did it so quickly and with such force that she pulled Charlotte with her and straight into one of the glass walls. The impact causes it to shatter and you see red.

Bucky asks Friday to get everyone here while he runs towards Charlotte to get her out of the broken glass. The cries of your daughter only spur you on as you pin Julie against the wall.

“Are you fucking stupid?”

“She’s a brat, she pushed me into the wall with her freaky strength.”

“She’s a child and you’re fucking dumb for even thinking about putting your hands on her.” You say as you pull back and connect your first with her face.

One punch is all you managed to get before you’re pulled away. It doesn’t stop you from trying to grab her again and teach her a lesson for even looking at your sweet Angel wrong.

“Y/N, you have to calm down, Charlotte needs you.” Steve says as he pulls you further back.

“Get this bitch out of here.”

“I’m going to sue you and I’m going to take everything from you.”

“Yeah, good luck with that. I’ve already found all of your dirty little secrets and my lawyers can bury you in paperwork for the rest of your life.” Tony spits back.

“Get her out of here now!”

Nat moves to grab Julie’s arm and pulls her toward the elevator. Julie tries to get away from Nat and grab at you.

“You stupid bitch.”

Nat yanks her back and pulls her into the elevator.

“No, you Bitch.” Charlotte screams back in your defense between tears before the elevator door closes.

Everything was out of control. Charlotte’s birthday was ruined, she had been hurt, you were beyond angry and everyone was unsure of what to do next.

“Come here sweet Angel, let mama fix you up. Come on Henry.” You said as you took her from Bucky and left.

Steve’s heart was beating wildly out of his chest. He wanted to follow you just to make sure Lottie was ok. As soon as he took his first step Bucky stopped him and shook his head.

“I just want to make sure she’s ok.”

“She went through glass Steve of course she’s not ok. Just wait until I call you. Maybe make sure that crazy bitch is actually gone.” Bucky says before leaving.

Everyone starts to slowly and quietly leave while Steve just stands there unsure of what to do. His phone rings, breaking him out of the unfocused haze he was in.

“What do you want?” His tone was cold and full of anger.

“Your friend broke my nose. Aren’t you going to do anything about it?” Julie whined over the phone.

“I did do something. I got her off of you before she did more damage. You’re welcome.”

“She can’t go around hitting people. And your other friend threatened to make me disappear just because of what happened with the kid.”

“You hurt her daughter, what do you think she was going to do? Let you do it? Lose my number.” Steve snaps at her, deciding to ignore the comment about Nat.

“You’re breaking up with me because of a brat? Are you serious?”

“I’m breaking up with you because you showed me your true colors today. And she isn’t a brat, she’s a sweet kid.” He hangs up the phone and crushes it in his hands as it begins to ring again.

The elevator doors open and Nat walks back out as if nothing had happened. She pats his shoulder as she walks by him.

“I’ll go make sure Lottie’s ok and I’ll let you know. Why don’t you go up to your apartment?”

“Nat…” Steve’s eyes watered, he was overwhelmed with the whole situation. Never in his life did he think something like this could happen. Especially to Charlotte and because of him. Nat pulls him into a hug and he’s grateful but he wishes it was you or Bucky. He wanted to know neither of you were angry with him.

“Go, I promise to find you as soon as I know.”

Steve nods and turns towards the elevators. Shoulders slumped and head hanging low.

“It’s ok my sweet Angel, you’re safe. I just need to clean you up.” You murmured as you comforted a still crying Charlotte.

Your blood was boiling as you looked down at the cuts and bruises all over her face and arms. It was probably going to be a long night since she didn’t like the medbay but it was necessary.

“Henry, could you help me with your sister?”

He had watched everything happen since he followed you and Bucky. Currently he was shifting in and out of a translucent form. That only happened when he was overwhelmed emotionally.

“Are you going to hurt her because of what happened?”

“Of course not honey, she didn’t do anything wrong. I’m going to clean these because if I don’t then she can get sick and we don’t want that. But I need you to sit with her because she isn’t going to like it.”

With a pout of his own Henry gets up on the hospital bed. Following your instructions to sit back and hold his sister in his lap.

“Now Charlotte I have to clean all of these ok? It’s going to hurt a little but mama isn’t doing it on purpose. I don’t want to hurt you, ok?”

“Ok.” She says through stuttered breath.

Just as you put on a glove Bucky walks in. In his posture alone you can see he’s furious. It doesn’t help that he’s pacing back and forth and for a moment you remember his days as the winter soldier.

“Bucky,” you try to get his attention. “James.” His eyes snap to yours. “I need you to calm down or get out.”

“Aren’t you angry?”

“Extremely. But you’re scaring the kids and I can’t have that in here right at this moment.”

Bucky immediately softens his expression as he looks towards his babies. He walks over and sits at the other side of the bed.

“What do you need me to do?”

“Just be here with us.” You say as you begin to numb the areas that have small shards of glass.

Then your attention went to cleaning up the other cuts. They were small enough that they’d be gone in a few hours. Henry asks a thousand questions about what you’re doing which helps him stay distracted. After some crying, promises of more cake and a sleepover you got Lottie all patched up. Henry holds her hand as they walk out of the room followed by you and then Bucky.

“There’s the birthday girl.” Sam said.

The rest of the team cheered as Lottie and Henry got closer to the waiting room. Lottie looks around the room and pouts but walks toward Nat.

“Uppies?” She asks quietly and Nat picks her up happily.

“That was intense.” Bruce speaks up.

“Yeah, she’s gone right?”

“She’s gone.”

“She was insane. I mean how do you willingly hurt a kid like that?” Sam chimes in.

“Is bitch.” Lottie added and the talking ceased. Immediately the team starts to snicker and Lottie smiles.

“Don’t laugh. Lottie you can’t say that word, it’s a bad word.”

“Mama say it.” She points out as she looks at her father.

“Yeah but mama is a grown up and she shouldn’t have said it either.” Bucky tells his daughter.

“Sammie say it. And Buce say it. And to-“

“Ok kid that's enough. Maybe we can teach you that you don’t snitch on your uncles.” Tony cuts her off.

“Ok, this birthday has gotten out of hand. Let’s just call it a night and be thankful that that evil woman is out of our lives.”

“Bitch is bye bye?”

“Charlotte Elise Barnes.”

“What dada?” She smiles up at him and he can’t help but smile back.

“Don’t say that word anymore.”

“Kay. Can habe sleepover?”

“Yes we can, my sweet Angel. Say goodnight to everyone.” You take her from Nat before muttering. “I can’t believe her birthday was ruined.”

“Isn’t it a great thing that I planned a birthday bash for her on Saturday then?”

“I’m sorry what?”

“Saturday, birthday bash for our sweet Angel here. She deserves it. It’s going to be a pool party. I have everything handled and I even got the kiddo a new bathing suit.” Tony smiled once he finished talking.

“You know what, it’s fine with me. She deserves a do over.”

“Great because I already received the rsvps so it would have been very awkward.”

“Who is coming to this?”

“The Bartons, the Wilsons, and any agent that has kids.”

“Ok. We are leaving now.” You say and walk away to head up to your apartment.

After some quick showers and changing into fresh and warm pajamas the four of you had piled onto your bed. While trying to make up for the disastrous birthday party you let Lottie pick a movie to watch. Beauty and the Beast specifically, what a surprise. She fell asleep first, then Henry and surprisingly Bucky. You however could not even close your eyes as you stared at the ceiling.

There was one thing you had to do before you could even consider sleeping. With your attention on keeping Charlotte safe and then cleaning up her wounds you hadn’t stopped to think about Steve. Knowing how much he loved the kids, the guilt must be gnawing at him. You look over at the three sleeping forms, Henry laying on top of his father and Lottie tucked into his side, you get out of bed quietly and head to the only place Steve could possibly be.

****

You’ve heard it countless times, the sound of a punching bag ripping was unmistakable now. It was a sound that was burned into your brain from every time you’d found Steve in a gym. Late night sessions only meant one thing, he was sliding deep into a dark corner of his mind with feelings he didn’t know to express. You waited patiently at one of the benches as he hooked up another bag. His movements stopped before he began his assault on the bag again. Steve reluctantly takes the empty space beside you, the silence and the tension is awkward between you. You look over his features and know he’s already punishing himself more than necessary.

“So that was fucking wild.” You murmured. “Would you have visited me in prison if I killed her?”

“No.”

You look up at him surprised.

“I’d be planning your escape.”

You smile but he looks defeated. Still you wait patiently. After years of friendship you learned that Steve will talk about his emotions when he’s ready. There was no need to push.

“How is she? Is she ok? Was there any serious injury?”

“She’s fine, asleep. Most of the cuts are already gone.” You assured Steve and patted his back.

“How did Julie even get her in that hallway?”

“Yeah about that. You aren’t going to like the answer.”

Steve finally looks at you. His expression was a mixture of guilt and sadness.

“What is it?”

“Charlotte was at the elevators because she was looking for you. I saw the surveillance footage. Julie walked out of the elevator and cornered her. Told her some very untrue things and then Bucky and I showed up.” You sigh as you remember the footage. “Lottie was scared and she called out for us and then she called out for you.”

“I am so sorry.” He said, slumping forward and leaning his forearms on his thighs. “I was so stupid thinking she would be good for me. She was so sweet when we first met.”

“Steve, you didn’t do anything wrong, except maybe not tell me you were dating someone. Why didn’t you?”

“I didn’t want to take attention away from everything going on with the kids while you were in Wakanda. I thought by bringing her to the party she could see what my life was like and she could see who matters the most to me.”

“Steve, I’ll always have time for you. I couldn’t even go to bed because I knew you were upset. Now I know something else is bothering you, what is it?”

“I feel like I’m falling behind.” He admits and in moments like this you’re very grateful that your friendship has progressed enough that neither of you had to dance around your feelings. “Remember that conversation we had when we worked at Shield? About dating and wanting a family?”

It took you a moment but you remembered.

“Yeah. What about it?”

“I wasn’t ready then, I thought I was ready now. But I was wrong, so fucking wrong. I let my want of starting a family cloud my judgment. She isn’t a great person to begin with and now knowing I can’t even protect a child from getting hurt because of me… Lottie probably hates me and the worst was she tried to warn me.”

“Well, do you know what the best part about having kids is?”

Steve just shakes his head.

“They tend to forgive easily, especially those they love. And if there’s one thing everyone knows is that that little girl loves you so much.” You say as you look from him to the door.

He turns his head just in time to watch Charlotte walk in. She wore her princess pajamas and was holding on to her pink teddy bear. Still sleepy and hair a mess she slowly got closer to the pair of you until she stood in front of you with a silent demand to be picked up. You turned her to face Steve. He was even more of a mess now that he could see the bruises and the few cuts that were still in place.

“What are you doing up and wandering around by yourself?”

“Wanted mama.”

You hum as you play with Lottie’s hair. Her focus though was on Steve, she looked almost sad as she stared at him.

“Are you ok sweetheart?” He asked after a moment. Lottie sighed at the question.

“Am steebie’s best girl?”

The question was asked shyly and with much more apprehension than a four year old should possess. The same question was enough to bring a super soldier that has seen enough war to last various lifetimes to his knees.

“Of course you’re my best girl. You always will be. No matter what anyone else says.” Steve takes Charlotte from you and brings her into a gentle hug. When he pulls back, Steve looks down at her. “I’m so sorry Charlotte.”

“Steebie is good. Lobe Steebie. No wike…”

“Don’t like what, sweet Angel?”

Charlotte looks at Steve and back at you and sighs before she whispers. “Bitch.”

Steve’s eyes go wide and you cover your mouth to hide the smile.

“Charlotte, your father said not to say that word.”

She looked around the empty gym and back at you before she shrugged. “Dada seeping.”

Steve laughs for the first time since he showed up for the party.

“Don’t laugh, she’ll think it’s ok to say it.”

“I’m sorry.” Steve shook his head before placing a kiss on Lottie’s forehead. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

Lottie yawns and blinks slowly up at Steve with a sleepy and sweet smile.

“I think we should get to bed.”

“Yeah.”

“Steve

“Yeah?” He says as he gives Charlotte back to you.

You deserve all of the happiness in the world. You’ll find your person when the time is right and then you’ll have everything you ever wanted.”

“If I could get just a fraction of what you and Bucky have, I’d be happy.”

“You’ll have a love that rivals ours.” You smile at him. “Now come on, you need your rest too. By the way, did you know Tony was throwing a birthday bash on Saturday for Lottie?”

He gives you a sheepish smile as you get into the elevator. You just shake your head.

“You should be happy that you’re my best friend.”

“Trust me I am. I never want to be on the other side of your protective mama bear side.”

“Good. Now I’m gonna get her to bed. Goodnight Steve and do me a favor.”

“Anything.”

“Don’t blame yourself for any of this, I know she doesn’t.”

“I’ll try. Goodnight.”

****

You walk back into the bedroom to find Henry and Bucky just as you left them, or so you thought. The moment you lay down with Charlotte tucked into your side Bucky turns his head toward you.

“How is he?”

“Better now, I hope. You know how he is. He blamed himself for what happened.” You whispered.

“I’m guessing seeing Lottie also helped him.”

“Yup, I’m surprised you didn’t freak out when she wasn’t in bed.”

“I asked Friday, she told me Lottie was heading your way. Was she ok seeing Steve?”

“Yeah, you know she’d kick us to the curve if it meant spending time with him.”

He chuckles at that before finding your hand and intertwining his fingers with yours.

“You were amazing today. With everything, not just the incident. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

Saturday rolled around faster than you would have liked. But the day was bright and hot, perfect for a pool party. Or in this case a water park because you should have known better than to assume a pool party for Tony was just using the pool. He had rented out as many inflatable water slides, bounce houses, ball pits, smaller pools and anything else water related he could. Game booths were set up to one side, a DJ was already playing songs. There were water guns and water balloon stations everywhere as well as towels for everyone. Tony had even gone as far as having extra swimsuits available for those who needed them. There were all kinds of food trucks and to top it all off a smaller version of the petting zoo he’d brought last time. The most important part of it though was the goat pen. All of the goats had on a version of the team's suits. It was ridiculous but you knew Lottie would love it.

The team stood to the side watching the birthday bash come to life as the guest walked from the parking lot to the entrance of the party.

You redid Henry’s messy little man bun to make sure he didn’t have to worry about getting his long hair in his face. Bucky was holding onto Charlotte who wore the bathing suit Tony got for her. A one piece bathing suit that looked like Belle’s yellow dress. Her hair was up in pigtails and she wore a sash that said birthday girl on it. She even had yellow water shoes to complete the look.

“Are you ready to have fun at your birthday party?” Tony asked Lottie.

“Is mine?” Lottie asked, wonderstruck at everything that was laid out before her.

“Of course it’s for you.”

“So nice. Tank you Tony.” She reached out for him to take her and her arms wrapped around his neck. “Lobe Tony.”

“Well I love you right back kiddo. Now how about we go have fun.”

“Habe fun.” Lottie claps in excitement and she’s whisked away by Tony, the rest of the team following close behind. Even Henry left you and Bucky behind as he ran alongside Steve.

Bucky takes your hand and you both take your time walking towards the festivities. As soon as you do though a water balloon hits Bucky straight in the chest followed by Henry’s giggles.

“Go get ‘em babe.” You say and let go of his hand. Bucky walks away slowly, it should be more intimidating but Henry just laughs before disappearing.

“Oh it’s so on.”

You look around to find Tony still had Lottie with him so you turn and find Wanda and Nat sitting back and tanning. They waved you over so you take the seat beside Wanda and the three of you just start catching up on everything you’ve missed the last three weeks.

****

You’re currently finishing up some ice cream with Bucky and the kids, sitting at one of the picnic tables in the shade when a security guard finds you. He’s polite and apologetic when he stops by the table.

“Ma’am I’m sorry to bother you but you’re needed at the entrance.” He smiles at you.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, your father is here and he asked if you could meet him there first.”

“Oh, thank you. Make sure you get some ice cream before you head back, it’s hot out.”

“I’m on duty ma’am but thank you.”

“If someone says something you send them my way.” You smile at him before turning to Bucky. “I’ll be right back.”

You head out towards the makeshift parking lot excited to see your dad after almost two months. This was all that was missing for the day to be perfect and you knew Lottie would be excited to see her grandpa. The smile you had on your face vanishes as you lay your eyes on your father. Standing beside him is your mother and your three siblings. You notice by his body language alone that your dad is pissed as he argues with you mother.

“Dad, is everything ok?” You ask once you stop in front of them. They all turn to face you.

“Hey Kitten.” He walks closer and pulls you into a hug. “I’m so sorry about this. I had no idea they were coming.”

“It’s ok.”

“Y/N, you can’t say hello to the rest of your family.”

“Hello mother. Hello everyone else.”

Beside your mother there was your older brother with his wife and daughter who was just a year older than Charlotte and your younger siblings. They were fraternal twins, one boy and one girl.

“What are you all doing here?”

Your mother scoffs. “You’ve never even invited us to your home and that is how you’re going to greet us?”

“Well no one other than dad has ever cared about me so why should I invite you here?”

“You are so dramatic Y/N. Our lives don’t revolve around you.”

“Loraine, don’t start.” Your father warned.

“Look, it’s my daughter’s birthday and if this is how you’re going to behave then you can leave right now because I won’t let you ruin this for her.”

“We just got the invitation, if you want us to go we will.” Luke, your older brother offered. You looked at him and then at his daughter who seemed excited to be there.

“Gwandpa!”

Lottie’s excited squeal came from the entrance to the festivities. As you turned you saw a yellow dot running full force towards you. Just behind her was Bucky and Henry. Your dad takes one knee and opens his arms to embrace Lottie. He’s almost knocked back with the force she slams into him and she giggles.

“There’s my princess. Happy birthday Charlotte.” Your dad pulled back to take a good look at her. “You’ve grown up so much and look at your hair.” He pulled lightly at one of the pigtails causing Lottie to giggle.

“Am big gwandpa. Am dis many.”

She holds up four little fingers to show him how old she is.

“That is a big girl, do big girls like presents.”

“Lobe pwesents.” She giggles again just as Bucky stopped beside you.

“Help an old man up Buck.”

“Sure thing Ed.” Bucky gives him a hand and pulls him up. Your dad excuses himself quickly to go back to his car.

“This is Bucky my boyfriend, Bucky this is my family. This is my mother Lorraine, my older brother Luke, his wife Molly and their daughter Olivia. And these are the twins Josh and Sofia.” You announce before looking down at the kids. “And these are our kids Henry and Charlotte.”

Your dad gets back just as you’re done with the introductions. There’s a bit of an awkward silence before your mother breaks it.

“They look nothing like you.”

You take a deep breath before answering. “If you plan on doing anything to ruin this party I will personally kick you out and smile while doing it. I don’t even know why you’re here but for the sake of my children I’m not going to cause a scene.”

You feel a little pat on your thigh and you look down at Charlotte.

“Yes sweet Angel?”

“Mama can pay wit new fwiend?” She asks as she points at your niece Olivia.

“You have to ask her parents first.”

Lottie turns around and looks up at your brother.

“Can pay wit new fwiend?”

“What do you say Olivia? Do you want to go play with Charlotte and Henry?” Your brother asks his very shy daughter. She only nods as she looks up at her dad. In turn he looks at you and you smile at him. “Ok you kids can go play.”

Lottie holds out her hand and Olivia takes it. Then she holds out her hand for Henry and they’re off running back to all the fun.

“I'll keep an eye on them.” Molly offers. “It’s good to see you again Y/N.” She says with a smile as she walks past you.

“Good to see you too.”

“I’ll go with her. I know how Lottie can be.” Your dad winks at you.

After they’ve gone you’re left with your mother and siblings. Bucky standing next to you with his hand on the small of your back.

“So, are we going to have any issues?”

“Nope.” The twins say in unison.

“No, I’d like Olivia to get to know her aunt, uncle and cousins.”

You smiled at your brother’s words and his subtle acceptance of Bucky even though your relationship barely existed. Everyone looks at your mother and even though she has sunglasses you know she’s rolling her eyes.

“Fine.”

“Good. Come on, I'll show you guys around.” You said it more to your siblings but your mother trailed behind.

Luke was quick to find Molly and your dad close to where the kids were playing. As soon as you’re in their sights Lottie comes up with Olivia by her side. It seems like they took to each other like ducks to water and you could at least be grateful for that. Olivia looks up at you, she looks very much like your brother when he was younger. She seems hesitant to say something but you crouch down at her level.

“Are you having fun?”

She nods.

“Did you want something? Maybe some juice or ice cream?”

She shakes her head and you smile softly at her. Olivia leans in and you mirror her.

“Do you know black widow?” She whispers with her hands cupping her mouth.

“I do, would you like to meet her?”

Olivia’s eyes go wide before she nods. You turn toward your brother silently asking for permission.

“I’ll go with you.” He says as he gets up from the table.

You look at Bucky who just nods in your direction.

“Come on Lottie, let’s find Nat.”

Lottie takes Olivia’s hand while you walk side by side with your brother. You find Nat not too far from where you were. Some agent was trying to chat her up. She looked bored at most so when she saw you she was quick to end the conversation.

“There you are, I was wondering where you went. And who’s this?” She eyed your brother and then your niece.

“This is my brother Luke and my niece, Olivia, she really wanted to meet you.”

“Hello.” Nat said as she crouched down to be at the girl’s eye level.

“Nat, habe new fwiend. Is olibia.”

“It’s nice to meet you Olivia, my name is Nat. Are you having fun?”

Olivia nods her head as she slightly hides behind Lottie. You shoot Nat a grateful smile as she continues to make conversation with the girls.

“She seems like a great kid.” Luke tells you.

“She is, she’s the extrovert out of the two of them. I think Henry will get there eventually.”

“You seem happy.”

“Extremely happy.”

“I probably don’t have the right to ask or anything but… does he treat you right? I mean I know about his past and I’m not judging him or anything but I just want to know that you’re ok.”

Luke had always tried his best to keep you safe when he could but he was also a child. Eventually he did as he was told, mostly staying away from you. If he didn’t he’d get in trouble too.

“He does, Bucky is a wonderful man and father. He’d do anything for us.”

“That’s good. I’m glad you found someone, you deserve to be happy.”

“Thank you. I’d like to maybe set up a day so the girls can play. Maybe a weekend so that you can stay over or even have the kids do a sleepover.”

“Yeah, we can manage that.”

You smile up at your brother before turning back to the girls and offering to play some games with them.

****

Steve runs up to you with a smile on his face. It was nice to see him back to his old self. His eyes drift from you to Luke.

“Hey magnet,” he gave you a cheeky smile. “Where’d you go?”

“I was meeting my family at the parking lot. Steve this is my older brother Luke, Luke this is Steve.”

“Wow, it is such an honor to meet you.” Your brother sticks his hand out excitedly. But you could see Steve’s expression change slightly.

“I thought I’d never get to meet the rest of Y/N’s family.”

“Steebie look, habe new fwiend.” Lottie comes up to the three of you. “Is olibia.”

“This is my niece.”

“Hello darling, are you having fun?” Steve asks as he crouches down. Lottie immediately getting closer to Steve could wrap his arms around her. She rests her back into his chest. Olivia nods shyly at him before she gives him a smile. “Well that’s good. Lottie, have you seen your brother?”

“Bubba wit gwandpa.” She points towards the picnic tables.

“Eddie’s here?”

“Yup.” You say. “I’ll walk back with you so I can introduce you to everyone else.”

Once you’re at the table again you introduce Steve to the rest of your family, your sister in law and younger siblings gawk at shirtless Steve. Always a gentleman Steve shakes hands but you can see his jaw clench when he reaches your mother. He’d seen you cry enough times over this family to know she was the main cause of it.

“Henry, did you want to do that water balloon fight now? We can sneak up on Sam and Clint.”

“Yeah!” Henry shot up out of his seat.

“I’ll bring him back in a bit.”

“Hey doll, wanna go play with the goats?” Bucky had turned to Lottie.

“Can pay wit olibia an goats?”

Your mother scoffs. “Should you really be allowing Olivia around her for so long? I mean we don’t know the child. She could be a bad influence.”

You could hear the metal plates of Bucky’s arm adjusting as he clenched his fist. Immediately you put your hand on his forearm and squeeze. A silent request to let you handle it.

“They’ve been playing just fine.

“Really mom?”

“Why would you say that?”

Your dad, Luke and Molly speak up. Lottie doesn’t understand what’s going on so she just looks up at your brother with hopeful eyes

“I’ll go with ya Buck.” Your dad offers. “Come on girls, let's go see the goats.” The girls happily start walking away from the table still holding hands.

Bucky silently gets up from the table and walks away stepping in line with your father.

“What is wrong with you?”

“What? I know we’re all thinking about it.” Your mother shrugs her shoulders.

“Ma,” Henry reappeared across from you on the table, startling everyone else. His smile was brilliant and his eyes were bright and you can’t help but smile back at him. “I got uncle Clint in the face with a water balloon, twice.”

“You should see how many more times you can get him before he gets you.”

“Ok.” He says happily before running and then literally disappearing into the crowd.

“He turns invisible?” Josh asks.

“Yup.”

“That’s Awesome.”

“What about his sister?” This time it’s Sofia asked.

“She can see the future.”

“Oh great two more freaks.” Your mother mutters but it was loud enough for you to hear.

It was enough to make your blood boil. To your surprise your siblings and Molly came to the kids' defense. But you stood up and grabbed your mother by her arm and pulled her in the direction of the building. This conversation was a long time coming and you weren’t going to do it in public.

You made it to the closest conference room available, shutting the door behind your mother and your siblings. It took you a moment to compose yourself because of years of mistreatment and full on neglect on your mother’s part.

“Don’t you ever talk about them like that ever again.”

“Why are you always overreacting?”

“I am not overreacting, you are just cruel. You always have been, you’ve always treated me differently than them.” You motioned toward your brothers and sister. “I had no choice but to accept it but I won’t allow you to disrespect my family.”

“Your family?” Your mother scoffs. “One freak raising two more. That man is just playing house with you. Do you think he really wouldn’t be out there looking for someone better? I mean I know he’s a murderer and everything but still, he could do so much better than you.”

“Mom!” Luke yelled. “That’s enough.”

“What Luke? Don’t tell me you aren’t thinking the same thing. He’s playing house with a freak just so that she can raise his two kids. It’s pathetic even for you.”

“That’s enough! I didn’t ask for any of this.

What did I ever do to you?”

“You were born!” She yells. “From the first moment you started showing signs you were weird, absolutely everything revolved around you. It was exhausting. We had to change everything about our lives to accommodate you and somehow you still managed to hurt us.”

“I didn’t ask to be born with my abilities but you chose to treat me the way you did. I’m sick of your attitude and the way you made sure none of my siblings ever wanted to be around me. You treated me like the black sheep of the family for something I had no control over. And on top of that you were always so abusive.”

“Abusive?” Eddie asked behind you. You whipped around to find your dad accompanied by Bucky and Molly. You assumed the latter had gone to find them. “What abuse?”

“It’s nothing dad.”

“Bullshit.” Luke spoke up and the twins nodded in agreement. “If you don’t say anything I will.”

“There is nothing to say, she’s being dramatic like always.”

“She’s not, dad.” Sofia spoke up. “It only happened whenever you were gone.”

“Mom was horrible to Y/N. She would tell us that Y/N was going to kill us because she couldn’t control herself. Mom would keep her locked up in the basement for hours.” Josh looked in your direction. “We’re sorry for everything, we know better now.”

Bucky moved towards you, he pulled you in and wiped away the tears you had started shedding. This was too much, the heartbreak on your father’s face was making the room feel too small.

“Why did no one else say anything? Why didn’t you?” Your father looked from your siblings to you.

“I was a scared kid.”

“Kitten…” you could see the guilt in his eyes before he turned to your mother. “Everyone get out.”

“Dad

“I said out.” His tone is not leaving space to argue.

The moment the door is closed you can hear him yelling at your mother. Bucky pulled you away from the shouting and into his chest. You sobbed into his chest as he comforted you.

“Don’t.” He whispered before you heard your brother behind you.

“She’s my sister.”

“Yeah? Then where were you when she needed you? Once you grew up you were free to make your own choices and you chose to keep quiet. You left her alone and made her think she wasn’t loved.”

“I’m gonna go find the kids.” You pulled away from Bucky and gave him a sad smile.

“Y/N, can we talk, please?”

“I don’t really want to talk right now.” You say over your shoulder.

Before you take a step the door to the conference room opens and your mother looks furious. It was the same look that she would use to terrorize you. It was full of anger, disgust and hate, but those were her true feelings towards you. She walked toward you with purpose. You froze on the spot, breath caught in your lungs as the same fear crept up on you. At that moment you weren’t highly trained in hand to hand combat or an avenger. You hadn’t been through multiple near death experiences. No, in that moment you were a little girl

Bucky was one step ahead and as your mother lifted her hand to slap you, just as she had done some many times before, he stopped her. The look on her face mirrored the horror in yours as she looked at the black and gold pattern of Bucky’s arm.

“Let go of me, you murderer.” She raged.

Bucky turned her so that she would face him and took a step toward her. With every step he took she would move back one until she hit a wall. His left hand rested against the wall near her head, his eyes were dark and face held a murderous expression.

“You don’t get to hurt her anymore.” Bucky said through gritted teeth. Although he was channeling the winter soldier more than anything.

“You touch me, I'll make sure you go to jail.”

“And you think I wouldn’t smile in my mug shot? You leave right now and you never come back. And she isn’t a freak or weird, she’s a great woman,an amazing friend and an incredible mother. You don’t deserve to be breathing the same air as her. Get out.” Bucky said before stepping back. Everyone in the hallway hadn’t dared to move as they watched him.

“Luke, Sofia, Josh let’s go.”

You shut down at that point. It’s what always happens. They did as they were told, they didn’t think about how much it hurt you that they never really stood up for you or protected you. Your mother started walking toward the door confidently thinking your siblings were following her. She turned around and glared at them.

“I said let’s go.”

“No mom.” Sofia shook her head. “We want to stay.”

“Josh. Let’s go.”

Josh shakes his head and steps closer to Sofia.

“Luke?”

“Mom, we're done doing what you tell us.”

“Do you see what you’ve done? You’ve broken this family.” Your mom tells you.

“Lorraine you’ve done enough. Leave.”

“Fine but I don’t want any of you to look for me once you realize the mistake you’ve made by choosing this freak and her so-called family.”

She glared at you one last time and walked out. You can see a security guard just outside escorting away from the building and the party. Once the door closed you felt like you could breathe again. You looked at your siblings and then at your dad who took a step closer to you but you held your hand up.

“I need a minute.” You whispered and then walked away.

****

You gave yourself thirty minutes. Just half an hour to cry before pulling yourself together to celebrate your sweet angel’s birthday the right way. You washed your face and headed outside.

The afternoon went by a whole lot better. The team was aware that something had happened but they didn’t pry and you were thankful for that. Your family tried to talk about it but you shut them down immediately, the day wasn’t about you. You decided to focus on Charlotte and Henry and do anything and everything you could to see those beaming smiles on their faces.

As the sun was setting Tony gathered everyone around the dance floor and brought the team and your family to the front. He presented Lottie with another cake and everyone that was there sang happy birthday. She giggled just like she did the first time.

Once the sun finally set and most of the guests were gone you asked your family to stay. Bucky was kind enough to set them up in the apartment he once occupied. While he did that you made sure the kids showered and then you did as well. Charlotte had asked if she could have a sleepover with Olivia and neither you or your brother could say no.

As you finish tucking the girls in you can hear whispered voices coming from Henry’s room. You get closer to the door to hear Henry and your dad talking.

*****

“So you’re mama’s dad?” Henry asks.

“Yup, and that makes me your grandpa.”

“What do grandpas do?”

“Oh well we can do all sorts of things. We have fun together, give you candy and extra dessert even if your parents say no. Especially if your parents say no. We can go fishing together. As a matter of fact I’m gonna take you and your dad on a fishing trip real soon.” Eddie explains.

“Would you love me? Even if I’m a freak?”

“Why would you think you’re a freak?”

“I heard that lady say it. She told mom she was a freak and that she was raising two more freaks. I know mama was sad about it but she didn’t want to show it. Who was that lady?”

“Did you disappear and follow them in?” Henry nodded and Eddie sighed. He looked at Henry before pulling him out of bed and sitting him in his lap.

“That was your mom’s mom.”

“But she’s so mean. Mama isn’t mean, mama is good. She always takes care of us and gives us hugs and kisses when we’re sad. Why can’t her mama do that?”

“I wish I knew Henry. Your mama is so good and she has so much love to give. I think that’s why she’s such a good mama. And she deserves to have people that love her just as much. But to answer your other question, yes, I do love you and I don’t think you’re a freak. You and your sister are special like your mom and while there will be people that won’t accept you, you’ll always have your family that will love and support you.”

Henry just nods while looking up at his grandfather.

“Now do you want me to read you a book before lights out?”

“Yes please.”

“Alright kiddo get into bed while I get a book.”

****

You turn away just as Bucky walks back into the hallway. He quietly follows you into your bedroom and watches you walk around finishing your nighttime routine. Bucky settles down in bed and the moment you join him he pulls you into his lap. He lets you cry for as long as you want while he holds on tightly.

“I’ve got you, sugar. Just let it out.”

“Today was a lot. I didn’t expect to see them here. I almost ruined everything.”

“Oh baby no you didn’t.” Bucky put a hand under your chin so that he could make you look at him. “You handled that very well, even when she was insulting our kids. I’m so sorry you had to deal with that as a kid.”

“Is it sad that it wasn’t even as bad as what I got?”

“Just a little, but you don’t have to worry about her anymore. You have me and the kids, the team. And your family is here.”

“They stayed.” You whispered.

“They chose you this time. And that should count for something.”

“It does but I don’t know where to go from here.”

“It’s not your job to fix it, it’s theirs. But we’ll figure it out tomorrow.” Bucky moved you two around until you were both lying back all cuddled up.

“Thank you for being there for me today.”

“You don’t have to thank me, protecting you and the kids is my job. I’ll go up against anyone that tries to hurt you. It doesn’t matter if it’s your mom or hydra, I won’t stop until you’re safe.”

You knew he was right. Still you voiced your thanks again. The next day would bring on new emotions and old wounds would be open but hopefully you would be going in the right direction. A chance to finally have a relationship with your own siblings and give the kids more people to love them.

Ch 21

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