#still would love to see steve pull up to holding out for a hero since it released just months after their apocalyptic spring break 😭

[lokiiied]

okay so since i didn’t get steve running to save eddie with sweet dreams/gimme gimme gimme (a man after midnight) in the background…if in st5 vamp eddie doesn’t have the sexiest come back of all time as rolling in across the upside down to save steve to one of these i will be VERY upset:

back in black - AC/DC (i imagine eddie is not a fan of ac/dc but this song is just too iconic…plus the lyrics? fit perfectly, eddie TOTALLY would)

holy diver/rainbow in the dark - dio (obviously!)

[jiarkives]

you weren’t mine to lose

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ summary — you should’ve known that you were no match for her.

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ character — steve rogers (marvel)

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ content — angst

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ notes — finally, an angst fic 🤭 reader works at shield,,,,, wrote this in one go so some things might not make sense lol the ending felt rushed too idk

~

When you got into a relationship with the Steve Rogers, you knew he still held Peggy close to his heart. And you understood. Really, you did. You knew from experience how hard it is to let go of your first love, especially since his story with Peggy was cut off abruptly just when it was just getting there.

You didn’t blame him, not one bit. You knew if the roles were reversed, he would have stayed for you too, so you stayed. But looking back, you just wished you had listened to your friends.

Your friends had told you, warned you that it will just end badly for you the moment you told them that Steve was showing interest in you. They had told you to run the other way, but you didn’t.

Your relationship with Steve had been... private. No, scratch that, your relationship with Steve was a secret. On his side, at least. You had spent every waking hour telling your friends about him and how he was as a lover. Meanwhile, his team didn’t even know you knew each other.

You did run in the same circles and worked in the same field, but you never bumped into him at work, never saw each other in public. He made sure of that. He never sought you out, he made sure to avoid your wing and your department.

You were hurt, of course you were, but he was quick to assure you that it was for your own safety, for your own good. He was quick to pull out the hero card, said the world is watching his every move, said he didn’t want you getting caught up in his mess.

And you, a naïve little thing stuck in rose-colored glasses, were quick to forgive him, quick to agree to be his dirty little secret, but looking back, you realized how stupid it all sounded. How incredibly stupid you were to believe him when he told you he didn’t want you getting caught up in his messes. You work in the same field, for heaven’s sake. You see what he sees, sometimes even worse. You deal with the same things he does and he had the nerve to tell you he was protecting you, and you had believed him.

And only when you left did you realize that he wasn’t protecting you; he just didn’t think you were good and strong and competent enough to protect yourself if it all came down to it. He didn’t think you could hold your own, like how Peggy could. Or how Peggy did.

You had stayed with Steve for two, almost three years, before the illusion of your so-called relationship was so rudely shattered by Steve himself.

You had been put in the same mission together for the first and last time. You had watched him from behind the crowd, in the corner of the quinjet. You admired him as he worked, almost completely caught up in his element.

Your heart then lurched when his eyes met yours, but then it cracked when you saw the indifference in them, instead of the softness that you were used to, that you were expecting. You didn’t pay any mind to it. After all, you two were at work. You had to be professional.

The crowd dispersed around him, moving around the cramped jet as they made the necessary preparations, but you remained standing in the corner, still watching him.

Your heart dropped to your stomach when you saw him pull out the familiar gold chain of the locket, then it broke completely when you saw the longing in his eyes as he stared at the photograph of his past lover.

You watched, but you never made a move to approach him.

Then, the mission successfully finished after long, grueling hours. The teams went to celebrate, but you couldn’t bring yourself to do so. Not when you had witnessed his yearning for his dead lover first hand, not when you finally had a confirmation to your suspicions.

Later that night, behind closed doors, you confronted him. You poured your heart out to him, telling him all about the hurt you felt when he pulled out the locket, how you felt like you were competing with someone who’s six feet under the ground, and how you were losing.

You felt raw and vulnerable as you bared your soul to him. You felt humiliated as you practically begged him to make a space for you in his heart. You felt pity for yourself as you begged to be loved and seen by your supposed lover.

Then, you froze in your spot as he finally broke, towering over you as he told you how he could never love you as much as he loved—and loves—Peggy, how you could never even come close to her, and how you were nothing but a mere distraction, ready to be thrown away the moment he deemed you useless.

But then, you thought that it was your fault for believing him.

You should’ve known that you were no match for her. Not when he buried his heart with her.

[steddieas-shegoes]

is it the blanket or is it you?

for @steddielovemonth prompt 'love is asking "do you want a blanket?"'

rated t | 2,107 words | no cw | tags: getting together, first kiss, mutual pining, fluff

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

one

Steve hadn't left the hospital. He slept in Eddie's room when Wayne had to work and in Max's room when he did.

Tonight he was in Eddie's room, curled up in the chair because the nurses didn't know he snuck in after visiting hours. Wayne got a cot and tried to convince them to leave it in the room even when he wasn't here, but they were so desperate for beds, they took it out between his stays.

Eddie'd woken up a few times for a couple minutes here and there. Steve wasn't ever around when he did, but apparently one of the times, he'd asked for Steve.

Wayne didn't say anything else except he seemed pretty high on the pain meds and at least wasn't in any pain.

Steve was exhausted, but his back was killing him after nearly a week of sleeping upright in uncomfortable chairs.

He watched Eddie for a few minutes, his slow breathing proof that he was too out of it to wake up.

Steve quietly moved his chair so it was flush with the side of the bed, leaving him in a position to rest his arms and head on the bed without risking touching Eddie.

It was cold in the hospital, and Wayne usually left him a spare blanket, but it wasn't in its usual place tonight. He was too tired to get up and try to find one.

He fell asleep almost as soon as he closed his eyes.

When he woke up, Wayne was standing by his side with a confused look on his face.

"Did Ed wake up last night?"

Steve shook his head. "Why?" He looked down and saw the blanket wrapped around him and the hand next to his arm.

"He moved is all. Maybe the pain meds wore off a bit," Wayne shrugged.

Steve was too busy thinking about Eddie using all of his strength to cover him up with one of the three blankets he usually had on him.

He thought about how close Eddie’s hand was to his, wondered if maybe he’d held it at some point while Steve slept.

Hoped that maybe he would hold it again.

—————

two

As Eddie got used to being at Steve’s house, he also had to get used to Steve falling asleep on the couch.

They’d watch a movie together, Steve would help Eddie to the guest room, and then apparently decide to crash on the couch.

He said it was because he was tired and didn’t wanna go up the stairs, but Eddie saw through it.

He stayed there so he’d be close in case Eddie needed him, even after his bites had mostly scarred over and his ribs had fixed themselves. Eddie didn’t push though; He liked having Steve nearby.

The first few times it happened, Steve was awake the moment he heard Eddie’s door open.

But then he started being quieter, sneaking out to the living room to see Steve face down on the couch, arm hanging off the side and drool hanging off his lip.

Eddie shouldn’t do it, he shouldn’t reach out. He shouldn’t touch him.

But he saw goosebumps on Steve’s arm and he had to check if he was cold. It was mandatory.

He gently brushed his fingers against Steve’s forearm, frowning at how cold his skin was.

He pulled the blanket from the back of the couch off and settled it over Steve’s body the best he could. His arm was still hanging out, but hopefully the heat surrounding him everywhere else would warm that up too.

He walked to the kitchen to make them both some coffee.

When Steve woke up 20 minutes later to the smell of bacon and coffee, he curled up under the blanket he hadn’t put over himself before he fell asleep.

—————

three

They took this road trip because they all needed it, but Steve more than anyone.

His parents had just left town for good, but not without forcing Steve to either go to college or never step foot in their house again. He’d thought, and they all thought, that maybe they wouldn’t bother pressuring him since the town was in shambles and he’d been a hero. They all thought wrong.

So for the last four days, he’d been staying with Eddie and Wayne in their new house, insisting on sleeping on the couch even though Eddie has a king bed now that’s definitely big enough for both of them.

Whatever they were, they apparently were not ready for sharing a bed.

Wayne kept giving him these looks.

But he hadn't pushed Steve, especially not after the thing with his parents. He offered comfort in the way he knew would be accepted and then packed everyone up in a rented RV and told Steve to drive wherever he wanted to go.

They ended up at Lake Erie, some campground that was pretty empty due to the fall chill in the air. The kids had run outside the moment they parked, sick of being stuck in the RV for the last seven hours. Robin had nudged Steve's shoulder and joined the kids, silently agreeing to keep an eye on them while he took a moment.

Eddie sat in the passenger seat next to him, waiting for him to speak.

It took a few minutes, but Eddie was always patient when it came to Steve.

"You didn't have to do all this," he finally said.

"I didn't. But I did."

Steve nodded, searching for more words.

"I'm tired," he finally said, sounding every bit as tired as he said he felt.

"You should go to sleep, Stevie," Eddie set his hand on his knee. "The kids will be busy for a while. Robin and I can watch 'em."

"You did all this for me and I'm just gonna sleep?" Steve asked in disbelief. "Isn't that a waste?"

"Not if it's what you need. If you need to sleep for the next two days, then sleep. I'll be right here. We all will."

Steve didn't argue, even though Eddie could tell he wanted to.

He got up and made his way to the couch.

Eddie nudged him further. "The bed. You and Robin can share. I'll take the couch and the kids can take the bunk beds. You don't have to sacrifice everything all the time."

Steve didn't argue. Again. He must be exhausted.

He walked to the bed, fell on top of the blankets Eddie had slipped on before leaving home, and closed his eyes.

"Wake me up in a few hours. Wanna see the stars," Steve mumbled against the pillow.

Eddie watched fondly from the doorway. "Sure thing."

Steve was asleep in less than a minute and Eddie walked over to pull the blanket at the end of the bed over him so he wouldn't get cold.

Robin woke him up a few hours later with a soda and a sandwich, soft smile on her face.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Warm. Did you tuck me in?" Steve yawned.

"Nope, this is the first time I've been back in here since I left," Robin smirked. "You gonna do something about the Eddie thing?"

Steve nodded. "Yeah, I think it's time to.

+ one

After dropping everyone off at their homes, and leaving the RV at the rental place, Steve rode home with Eddie.

Well, he rode to Eddie's home, which was temporarily his home.

Even sleeping on the couch there felt better than he'd ever felt in his own home, but he didn't really want to admit it. At least not out loud.

But he'd talked to Robin a lot over the last few days, and he'd watched Eddie prioritize Steve over and over again, in ways that were different from how he prioritized the kids and Robin.

He wanted to tell him how he felt, how he'd been feeling for a while.

"Would it be okay if I sleep in your bed tonight?" Steve asked suddenly, interrupting Eddie's steering wheel drumming.

Eddie glanced over at him. "Of course. You okay?"

"Think I just could use your company."

Eddie's half-smile was enough for Steve to know he was on the right track.

"Yeah?"

"You always make me feel warm," Steve admitted.

He watched as Eddie took a breath, steeling himself for something.

Eddie's hand reached over and grabbed Steve's, laced their fingers together. His hand was sweaty, and Steve should be grossed out, but he's only endeared.

"How long you been wanting to do that?" Steve asked.

"Hm. I think when I first saw you when you walked into the cafeteria your freshman year with a fuckin' lunchbox. Something about the way you unapologetically carried a lunchbox not filled with drugs into high school made me fall hard and fast," Eddie smirked around the confession. "It was an unfortunate crush for most of high school that I tried very, very hard to ignore. And then you had to go and save my life and the world and be this really great guy and you got me good, I'll admit."

"I'm sorry, were you seriously judging me for not having drugs in my lunchbox? You do know that's just a you thing, right? Most people carrying lunchboxes actually have their lunch in them," Steve squeezed his hand to let him know he was joking. "You probably could've convinced me to join your table that first day. Tommy had a different lunch block and I was a lost sheep."

"Maybe. But I don't think you would've stayed. I think things happened like this so I could appreciate what you are to me now."

"Are you a secret romantic?" Steve asked.

"It's not really a secret, sweetheart."

"It was to me."

They parked in the driveway of the trailer and Eddie turned to Steve. "You can sleep in my bed every night if you want. Just keep in mind Wayne is the next bedroom over and he can hear everything."

Steve let out a loud laugh. "A bit presumable, aren't you?"

Eddie's face softened into something fond. "Yeah, guess so. But I figured a reminder would be good for both of us."

"Am I that irresistible?" Steve grinned at him, leaning closer.

"You have no idea." Eddie leaned closer, his lips parted, and then he moved up to kiss Steve's forehead instead of his lips. "Inside first."

"You're a tease too? Not even one kiss?" Steve grumbled as Eddie pulled away and got out of the van. "Ridiculous."

Wayne was already asleep when they got inside, so they tip-toed down the hall to Eddie's room.

Eddie immediately started stripping off his layers, pulling on sweatpants and a hoodie. Steve couldn't help but watch now that he was allowed.

"You can borrow some sweatpants if you want. I only have one other pair clean though," Eddie said, finally turning to Steve, who blushed and looked away. "Aw, Stevie! Were you tryin' to take a look? You could've just asked."

"Someone's feeling bold all of a sudden," Steve said as he pulled his sweater off followed by his shirt.

Suddenly, Eddie was right in front of him, in his space, breathing out against his lips.

"I've been wishing for your eyes to be on me for years, angel. Stare all you want."

Steve nodded. "You said something about sweatpants?"

"Yep!" Eddie pulled away and grabbed sweatpants from his drawer. "Here they are."

"Eds, these are not pants." Steve giggled. "These are barely shorts. What exactly are these?"

"Comfy pants! Or shorts! Or boxers that are just too big for me?"

Steve shook his head, but took off his jeans and pulled the sort-of shorts on over his underwear.

"I'm exhausted," Steve said as Eddie pulled the blankets back on his bed. Honestly, Steve had expected his bed to be unmade and his room to be cluttered. Other than some dirty clothes on the floor by the dresser, it was a pretty organized room.

"Get in bed. You want this blanket?" Eddie held out the blanket that Steve usually used on the couch.

"Maybe I could share yours?" Steve asked hesitantly.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Eddie sat on the bed and patted the spot next to him. "I'll keep you warm."

Steve felt like he was melting into a puddle. He got in the bed and curled on his side, facing away from Eddie in hopes that Eddie would...

"Like this, angel?" Eddie asked as he settled in behind him, pulling the blanket over both of them.

"This is perfect."

Eddie kissed the back of his head and started humming. Steve couldn't resist the pull of sleep after that.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Off the Page 1

Warnings: non/dubcon and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

Characters: skinny!Steve

Part of the Bookstore AU

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

Maria brings you your travel cup as you acknowledge her with a quiet thanks under your breath. You try not to turn your attention from the person on the other side of the table. You keep your rehearsed smile in place, nodding as you open the cover of their book and write their name inside before leaving a message and your signature below. They ramble on but you don't mind so much, their passion is entirely flattering.

You still can't believe this is your life. You're a writer. Not that freelancer knocking out commissions for pennies, by an author. It's your second novel and by your publisher's declaration, a hit. You suppose you wouldn't be on a book tour if it wasn't.

You pause to have a sip of coffee. You've been here all morning. That there were people lined up before opening assured you of the long day but it just doesn't seem to stop. At the end, you're set to do a reading and giveaway a collector's edition of the book. Your longing for your hotel room only grows deeper as your hand cramps and your eyes sting.

The next reader steps up, his book well-worn and clutched in his slender hands. He's thin and short, with a swoop of blonde hair over his forehead.

"H-hi," he sputters as he goes to set his book on the table but it hits the edge and falls to the floor, "oh, s-sorry, I'm sorry."

He's almost frantic as he bends to retrieve it and places it in front of you. You smile at him as one of the store's branded bags dangles from his elbow. He has to buy a book to get a signature. You pull his well-read copy towards you, the cover wrinkled and the spine cracked.

"You know, I could sign both..." you offer, "since you spent the extra money."

"Oh, oh, n-no, that's... that's okay. Um, thanks. Just that one." He smooths his hair with a shaky hand, "sorry, I've been awake since two in the morning. Too much caffeine."

"Tell me about it," you kid as you hold his book open, "I can tell you really liked the book."

"Ye-yeah, yeah, so much," he seems ready to burst as his blue eyes light up, "you know, I really love Emeris. He... I don't want to be lame but... he's like me. You know?"

"Oh, yeah," you agree kindly, "he's one of my favourites."

"Most writers -- I read a lot -- they always have the typical hero. Big and brawny, but you mad Emeris strong in other ways."

"I tried," you reply. "Anything in particular you want me to put here?"

"I... I can't think of anything," his eyes go wide, "I've been looking forward to this forever and I didn't think."

"That's okay," you assure him and uncap your pen, 'Keep on the path, my brave Emeris,' you weave onto the page. You sign your name and slide the novel across to him.

He takes it and opens it, reading as his nervousness breaks into a smile. He peeks up at you, closing the book to bring against his chest.

"Thank you!" He beams.

"No problem, you sticking around for the Q&A?"

"Oh yeah, my friend wants to go get a snack but we'll be back," he proclaims. "Thanks so so much."

"Yeah, no worries," you subtly look to the line.

"Oh, uh, I won't keep you any longer," he waves his hand apologetically, "can't wait for your reading."

"See ya," you return and turn to the next person, a girl in deep red plaid, a brand new copy plopped down before you.

You just have another hour until you get to sit in front of all these stranges and try not to get tongue-tied. It should be easy by now but those butterflies in your stomach still flutter. More coffee, next book.

📖

The Q&A goes about as well as any other. It was good fun but entirely exhausting. You're ready to just go as the winter sky darkens fast outside the bookstore windows. Maria stops you to talk about your train ride tomorrow and the next venue. You beg her to let you go back to the hotel.

"I told you it was going to be a lot," she chuckles.

"You did. And just like you said, I'm tired, so please, I have a tub with jets waiting for me."

"Just make sure you don't stay up all night writing your next bestseller," she winks.

"You're telling me to get sleep?"

"I'm a great sleeper, I just happen to sleep best while commuting," she shrugs, "fine, go. I'm just going to talk to the owner quick."

"Alright," you utter through a yawn and cover your mouth, "I'll see you tomorrow."

You leave the bookstore and the chill air blows into your open coat. You shiver and clutch the strap of your bag. The bright sign of a Korean shop catches your eye. You're so tired of the bland hotel room service, you can spare ten minutes and a couple bucks.

You cross the street and enter the shop. The lights are low and the din is soft. You approach the counter, perusing the menu laminated on top and order some hoison noodles.

You hear muffled chatter from the corner and sway, trying to ignore it. After paying, you move over to wait for your take-out. As you do, you sense someone watching you. You peer over and see an eerily familiar set of blue eyes. It takes you a moment to recall the skinny man from the signing.

He's with another sat across from him. A bigger man with dark hair and wide shoulders. He shakes his head and catches the blond's hand before he can wave at you. He hisses something at him and you quickly look away.

You're still getting used to that. It doesn't happen too often but it's still awkward. You face the counter and take out your phone, a way to make yourself look busy.

You try not to hear but it's so quiet in the place, "Steve, quit, she doesn't wanna talk to you."

"I know. I just wanted to say hi," the hiss blows back.

Your order number is called and you grab it with a thanks, eager to flee before the situation can devolve. As you go to the door, you hear a groan under the jingle of the bell above you.

"Great, Buck, you always got be a buzz kill..."

You don't look back as you walk away from the shop, searching out a taxi as the smell of the noodles torture your empty stomach. You might just fall asleep before you can enjoy your prize.

[imamotherfuckingstar-lord]

imagine steve coming to be with you

The modest bungalow was painted a light green with white trim, a small matching gate surrounded the property as Steve pulled into the driveway. He got out of the car, slamming the door gently as his eyes fixated on the front door - it was white, it was welcoming.

It had been six months since he last seen you and now, he wasn't sure it was a good idea. How would you react to seeing him on your doorstep after rejecting your offer of normalcy. How idiotic he had been, felt, after continuing his life in the hero business. Saving lives, helping people - was it worth it at all, if he didn't have a life of his own? A real place to call home? A partner who he could slip into bed with every night and tell his darkest thoughts to?

Everyday since you left New York and moved across the country, he only every thought of you whenever his mind wasn't occupied with missions and plans. Now, now, he finally was retiring and you were the first person he wanted to see. What he was hoping for was that you'd let him in, forgive him for his lack of judgement when you were giving him something he always wanted.

Steve took a deep breath and walked alongside the gate into the yard, boots heavy on the cobblestone path up to the porch stairs. Then he was in front of the door and he knocked before he could coward out. His heart beating faster than he could ever remember it doing so. Then he heard footsteps and Steve took a deep breath.

Then the door opened and you met his gaze with a bewildered expression. He wanted to smile but he stood frozen until you said his name and he just started talking. "I know I'm the last person that deserves to be on your doorstep. I know I messed up but not coming here with you months ago but I love you. I love you and all I can do is think about you. All I want is to be here with you."

His words came out in a desperate mess and you just smiled.

Steve was humbled by your reaction until you swung open the door. "It took you long enough."

He grinned, moving to step into the house but you quickly blocked him and looked him in the eye. "Don't come in if you're not ready to really do this. If you want to still do the Cap thing, fine, I can live with that but this has to be your home."

"I retired. Sam's the new Captain."

"BUT YOU LOVE BEING CAPTAIN AMERICA."

Whiplash, your reaction was giving him whiplash but Steve smiled at the thought of you wanting him to continue his purpose. But that's the thing - he gave years of his life, decades, to being Captain America and now it was time for a new phase in his life.

"I just want to be Steve Rogers now."

There was a spark in Steve's eyes that you hadn't seen in a long time and you moved aside, telling him to come in. He moved forward but stopped in front of you. He lingered close, hand moving to the side of your face. His eyes softened and he whispered that he loved you.

"Sorry for making you wait, I'll never be late for home again."

"I'll keep you to that," you whispered back, pulling him by the lapel of his jacket for a kiss. His lips were warm against yours and he pulled you right into his arms, holding your back gently. When the two of you finally pulled away, you told him you loved him. "I would have waited much longer, but now that you're here, how about some dinner? I have steaks in the fridge, you can cook while I enjoy a glass of wine."

Steve grinned, pressing a kiss onto your forehead. "Sounds perfect."

He followed you into the house, closing than locking the door. He gazed around the living room, felt the warmth in the air and he finally knew he was home. Steve waited, back against the door, for the sweet sound of your voice beckoning into the kitchen and when it came, seconds later, he truly felt at peace.

[ladykailitha]

If I Rescue You, Will You Rescue Me, Too? Part 1

Since I am in the middle of a poll about how to end “Can Anybody See Me?” (which you can vote on here) I am putting it on pause until it finishes on Saturday. I’ll still be working on it, I just won’t be posting until after it’s done. (Which if it keeps going like it is, end of season 4).

This story started out as a beautiful (and SHORT) story about Steve taking Eddie to the Ozzy Osborne/Metalica concert and turned into a full on season 4 fix-it (it’s 6000+ and counting *wails*).

Summary: Steve realizes after the aftermath of Vecna that he’s in love with Eddie. When he finds out that he was trying to get enough money to get to the Ozzy Osborne/Metallica concert in Indy in a week, he decides to woo Eddie via the most important concert of Eddie’s young life.

*

Things had gotten a little hairy when the demobats tried to break through the vents of the trailer. Eddie looked up at the sheet ladder and then back out at the sounds of screeching and scrambling as the bats fought to get to him and Dustin.

He knew they had no way to close the gate on the other side. That once the bats got into the trailer the wide world of Hawkins would be next. They would be next. He sighed. He knew what he had to do. With a heavy heart and broad swipe of his spear he cut the ladder.

Eddie zipped up his jacket and grabbed his shield and spear. He led the demobats away on one of the bikes. Got pretty damn far before the tire hit a divot in the hell space known as the Upside-Down. He rolled into the dirt and tried to get up. The shield and spear tangled together making it hard to stand. Once he was able to get to his feet he roared at the bats.

Eddie was able to stand his ground for a while but he started to wear out. He wasn’t sure he could last much longer. What was taking them so long?

And then it happened the swarm came at him full force and he was knocked to the ground. He brought up his hands and knees trying to protect as much of his body as he could. But they were relentless. Just when he thought all hope was gone, suddenly the bats fell.

The air was filled with screaming of a different kind now and it sounded like his name.

He brought down his arms and looked up to see Dustin kneeling over him crying.

“Hey, bud,” Eddie whispered. “I’m fine.”

“Why would you do that?” Dustin screamed. “Why?”

Eddie reached out and cupped his cheek. “Because they were breaking through. They were going to get you.”

“We could have fought them together,” Dustin choked out.

Eddie shook his head. “Steve would have killed me if you got hurt.”

“Damn right I would have,” Steve said.

Dustin stood up, whirling around to face him. “Steve! Eddie’s hurt!”

Steve rushed over and immediately pulled out the first aid kit they bought when they got their other supplies.

“What did I tell you about not being a hero, Munson?” Steve growled as he pulled out bottled water and gauze.

“Dustin...” Eddie gurgled.

Steve looked up at his face and swore. “Shit! They got you good.” He set down the gauze and pulled out a large cotton pad and pressed it to Eddie’s neck.

“Dustin,” Steve snapped, “We need to find a way to transport him. Are you able to do that for me?”

Dustin nodded and immediately got on the bike Eddie had biffed on. The front tire was a bit wobbly but it would do in a pinch.

Robin and Nancy came running up. Robin skidded to a stop and turned away, suddenly ill. Nancy was at Steve’s side in an instant.

“Hold down the pad,” Steve bit out. “I need it in place so I can wrap it.”

She nodded and took over holding the pad to the bleeding coming from Eddie’s neck. Steve quickly wrapped the gauze around it and then unzipped the jacket.

Eddie coughed. “Take me out to dinner first, jeez, Harrington.”

“Shut up, shut up,” Steve murmured. “Just please shut up for once in your god damned life. So I can save it.”

Eddie smiled, showing blood on his teeth.

“Fuck!” Steve cursed. “I hope you didn’t like this jacket, man. It’s pretty much gone at this point.”

The demobats had shredded the jacket’s sleeves and even one or two had gotten past the many layers Eddie had on. But the bites were shallow. Not like Steve’s.

His legs were a bit worse for wear too.

Just then Dustin had come back with a metal covering that they had used to shore up the trailer, dragging behind the bike.

Steve looked up and smiled. “Good job, Dusty!” He turned to his best friend. “Robin!”

She glanced at Eddie and then turned her head up so she wasn’t looking at him directly. “He’s bad, Steve.”

“I know, but I need all four of us to carry him,” he explained softly. “Can you do that for me?”

She looked him in the eye. “Yeah. For Eddie.”

They managed to get him on the makeshift stretcher and Nancy stepped up to grab one of the corners.

Steve held out his hand. “Wait! We need to keep it as level as possible. Dustin you take that corner. Nancy you go out in front and find us the safest path.”

Nancy opened her mouth to protest but she knew he was right. She was much shorter than the rest of them and it would only hurt Eddie more.

“Why can’t we just drag him behind the bike?” Dustin asked, still doing what he was told.

“Because we need to move fast but smooth,” Steve said. “Everyone at three, lift. One, two, three!” They all lifted together.

“The bike would be smooth,” Dustin protested.

“Not for Eddie,” Steve said. “Now, move.”

They walked as fast as they could to the nearest gate. Which unfortunately was the Lover’s Lake gate.

Steve stopped in front of the gate and closed his eyes tightly. “Right, Eds,” he murmured. “This is where you get off the ride.”

Eddie made a sound that vaguely resembled a chuckle.

“How are we going to get him through the gate?” Robin asked, shifting nervously from side to side.

“You and Nancy are going to go up first and get the boat,” Steve explained. “Then Dustin will swim to the surface. He’ll come get me once you two are in place.”

“Where is this coming from?” Nancy asked. “I thought you weren’t the planning type.”

Steve took a deep breath and pretended that didn’t hurt.

“No, no,” Robin said waving her hands. “He’s good at emergency shit like this. Like, really good.”  

“It’s all the first aid training,” Steve said tamping down on the anger that threatened to rise to the surface. “Now go. I’ll send Dustin up in ten minutes.”

Dustin looked down at Eddie. “Ten minutes is too long, Steve.”

Steve grabbed Dustin’s arms. “It’ll be enough. I’m not going to let him die on us, I promise.”

Dustin nodded and watched as Robin and Nancy dove through the gate.

Ten minutes later Dustin did too. About a minute after that, Dustin was back to help Steve bring Eddie back to the surface.

They struggled but were able to get Eddie onto the boat. Once they got to shore they were able to call for an ambulance.

The four of them watched as Eddie was taken to the hospital.

Steve took a deep breath. “Right. We need to clean up and get to the hospital.”

“No.”

Steve looked at Nancy. “There is an ambulance coming for you, too. I want those bites looked at by professional.”

Steve wanted to argue but as the adrenaline wore off, he swayed on his feet.

Robin caught him before he fell. “We’ll call...” she stopped. There wasn’t anyone for her to call. Not for Steve. The people that would care were all here.

“Wayne Munson,” Nancy finished. “Let him know Eddie’s at the hospital from an animal attack. We’ll also radio the party and all meet up at the hospital.”

Distantly he could here the sounds of the sirens coming for him before his world went black.

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10  Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20

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[heyitspersephone]

Thinking about stranger things again now that the strikes are over and how, narratively, it would be way, WAY cooler to have Mike get Vecna’d instead of Will in s5

It’s just something about the way Mike’s trauma is never addressed or handled in any way?? Like, he hugs his mom twice and then when he was depressed in season 2 and 4 nobody did anything (his parents scolded him for his behavior in s2 ig but that’s not support). His best friend went missing leaving from his house, he watched his body get pulled from the quarry, watched El (in his eyes) kill herself stopping the demogorgon, watched Will be possessed, saw Bob die, was in Star Court when everything went down, saw Billy die, had his best friend move away, was SHOT AT (and really too few people talk about the shooting in Cali bc omg??), buried a body, and watched the apocalypse start. And that’s just off the top of my head.

(And yes I’m aware that the other characters (especially Will) are traumatized too but I will get to my point in a second just hold on)

The plot is geared towards this idea that Will and Henry have to have some big face off (and they should, in my opinion, but I don’t think it should be in a possession, or at least not the the Vecna kind of possession, yk?) but that makes it all the better, writing wise, to have mike be the one in danger. Will was helpless and hiding in s1, I think Will should get his big strong moments in s5 where he gets to be the hero of the story.

It would just be a lot more fun to work with Mike being Vecna’d than Will, because what are we going to bring up with Will’s visions? His dad? His sexuality? The events of s1 from his perspective? It would be cool to see, for sure, but we already know most of that. Mike, on the other hand, has a number of untapped things, like jumping off the quarry, why he’s so hesitant to tell El he loves her, how someone who was smart and kind enough to take El in in s1 and come up with the spy and sauna plans in s2 and s3 could turn into the oblivious asshole that he was in s3 and s4 (he needs therapy, ik, I still love his character but I want to explore the reasons he went from his s2 characterization to his s3 one)

It would be a very interesting parallel, I think, to explore Mike’s thought processes in this way, especially with all of Mike’s repression business (bc whether you ship byler or milkvan he is repressing his feelings HARD. Like, beyond his inability to say I love you there’s the fact that he doesn’t bring up the apparent many times he called pre-s4 during the Rink O Mania fight?? That literally would’ve absolved him of guilt in that argument since he WAS reaching out to Will the whole time? Hellooooo????).

Anyways, this all brings me to my main point: Vecna targets isolation as much as he targets trauma and guilt. The whole party was traumatized by the events in s1, s2, and s3, but Max was the one targeted. Plus, Henry went for Fred, Chrissy, and Patrick (I think his name was Patrick) instead of going for the perceivably easy targets that the mcs would make (ik narratively that would’ve made it more boring but shhh), so why Max and those three specifically? They were isolated. Lucas and Erica have each other, Dustin goes to Steve and Robin, Will and El have each other and Jonathan and Joyce, Nancy probably goes to Jonathan, and who does Mike go to?

No one. And don’t say Nancy because if those two have heart to hearts then I’m the next coming of Christ. Max separated herself from the Party in the aftermath of her grief and guilt over Billy, and it feels quite obvious that Mike was doing the same (like I said, he has repression issues). So Mike is traumatized, alone, and guilty (be it Will getting taken from Mike’s house, losing El in front of him multiple times, the many deaths he has witnessed, or the internalized homophobia angle), which makes him more of a target than Will, in my opinion (or at least an easier one, especially given his tendency to put himself on the line during fights (quarry, most of s2, s3 mindflayer fight), which would set him up on the suicidal ideation path)

Furthermore, as I’ve seen a few other people point out (and I can’t find the posts but one of them had eight screenshots of the various moments), Mike is always the one getting in the way, so it would be a strategic move for Henry to target him to get him out of the picture. Mike was the one that found El and got her involved in saving Will s1, he was the one who came up with the spy plan and called out the ambush in s2, he was the one to monologue Will out of his possession s2, he was the one with the sauna plan for Billy in s3, he was the one trying to help El get the strength to fight s4 (even if the monologue sucked ass it’s the intention that counts). As much as people like to hate on Mike, he is in the leader position most of the time when the party is grouped up (barring his mental health struggles slowing that down beginning of s3 and throughout s4, but he’s still capable of it). He’s the idea man, and he’s the one whose character’s foundations were built on the desire to keep his friends safe, so it would be a very fun plot line to watch him be the one targeted in s5. Like Will said, as lovestruck and cheesy as he was, Mike is the heart of the party when he’s on his A-game, so Henry should 100% be trying to keep him in the issues he’s been struggling with.

Obviously, Will and El are the Targets with a capital T for Henry since they’re the ones that got away or whatever, but I think Mike is a weakness of Will’s (and El’s tbh but also I think they need to have separate character arcs and I don’t exactly ship milkvan) that should be exploited.

TL;DR: Mike should get Vecna’d instead of Will in s5 because it would make sense in lore and be a very cool way to resolve his character arc

[farfaras]

Steddie week. Day 3: First kiss. 1.4k words. Ao3 link.

@steddie-week

~

Yeah, they’re absolutely, 100 percent, morons. Like, who even is this stupid? Steve thinks that ever since facing off an evil wizard with interdimensional powers, they do not have a sense of preservation or survival when it comes to actual normal human beings.

They just wanted to have dinner! Honestly Eddie hasn’t had much trouble with people, the story that was put out made him look like a hero (which Steve is glad for, because he is) and the town believed it like they’ve believed everything since 1983.

But these fucking jocks will not leave Eddie alone. Steve is tired of this, he can’t even imagine the exhaustion that Eddie feels.

When they approached them Steve knew that it was going to be a little bit harder to get out of than the other times. There were 5 of them, and just Steve and Eddie. When it’s just one or two, Steve can usually just scare them off with a glare and a name drop.

And Eddie.

He’s an idiot.

An idiot!

Since the whole thing he pulled in the upside down, they’ve had talks. About how he’s not a coward. He’s brave and he doesn’t need to prove anything. Sometimes running is okay. Sometimes running is the only option.

But he still has trouble believing it sometimes.

Steve is patient and understanding. Robin has said many times how people have a process.

He just wishes Eddie didn’t have to live his process right at moments like these!

He loves Eddie (wait, hold on, what?), but he can be somewhat impulsive and unpredictable. Steve was hoping that while he was defusing and excusing themselves, Eddie would follow his lead. Well, wrong.

He doesn’t even know what happened! One moment he was talking and the next they’re running away from some soda splashed jocks. Oh come on, Eddie.

Robin sometimes jokes about him and Eddie being the kids’ co-parents. The kids find it funny, for some reason. Dustin calls them both dad and Mike likes to call Steve mom as if that would bother him.

But right now, Eddie doesn’t feel like a co-parent as much as he feels like another goddamn kid. Always the babysitter.

So now, they’re running from 5 guys who are pissed. And sticky.

“Why the hell did you do that?!” Steve is almost hysterical.

“I panicked! They’re so many!” Eddie is panting, and he doesn’t know how much more he’s gonna be able to keep running.

“So throwing drinks at them was your solution?!” Steve is talking a big game, but in an alternative universe, he’s probably the one who threw the drinks.

“Better than what you were doing!” Eddie argues.

“I was doing just fine!” He was! Steve was gonna get them out of there. Unscathed. He had to. That’s what he’s for.

“Words weren’t gonna stop ‘em.” True, but at least they could’ve walked out or ran, before they were pissed.

“Well I hardly see anything that could stop them now!” They take a turn so they have some time to think of something while the jocks catch up. But like Steve said there’s nothing that can help them here.

There’s some stores. And an alley in the middle of a clothing and a pet store. Eddie grabs his hand and guides them towards the clothing store. “Come on, follow my lead.”

There’s some mannequins in front of the store, Eddie takes a long dark coat off the mannequin. “What are you doing?” Steve asks.

“Shh.” Eddie just shushes him. He shushes him! What is he on?

“Wha- don’t you shush me!” He whisper yells with not a very convincing anger in his voice.

“Stop asking questions and just do what I say!” Eddie requests. Which is kind of a lot to ask considering he’s the one who worsened the situation. “I got us into this and I’ll get us out.” Huh. Steve thinks that’s fair, but he’s still hesitant.

“But I don’t know what we’re doing.” Steve doesn’t like that.

“Me neither. But it’s better than nothing.” Steve thinks Eddie kinda lives by that philosophy. Does he have that one on that doctrine he came up with?

What’s the difference between philosophy and doctrine? Huh. Wait, no sidetracking. Steve, focus! You’re both in danger.

Eddie puts the coat on, it’s so long it covers most of his legs. He also grabs the beanie and jacket that were on the other mannequin and puts it on Steve. “What’s this even gonna do?”

“I told you to stop asking questions!” Eddie’s eyes look wild.

“Sorry.” Steve’s sure Eddie is scared right now, but he does a good job of hiding it.

Eddie takes his hand and they run to the alley. Who has a dead end. Shit. They hear the voices turning the corner. Fuck, they’re gonna come across the alley anytime now.

Eddie turns to him and backs him into a corner. “Kiss me.”

Well. Steve couldn’t have heard that right. He shakes his head. “What?”

Eddie turns his back on the entrance of the alley. It’s kinda dark and they’re all the way to the back. “Now! They’re coming!” Eddie demands.

Eddie doesn’t give him much time to answer or even come up with something to say. Suddenly there are lips pressed to his. Eddie swallows any sound of surprise he might’ve been about to make. Eddie’s hands are on his chest and Steve finds himself putting his hands on Eddie’s waist and pulling him closer, as if he’s acting on instinct. There’s footsteps, voices, they seem to stop in front of the entrance. Steve doesn’t exactly know what they’re doing because he’s closed his eyes. They mutter something, god knows what, and then they go on their way. Looking for them somewhere else.

However, they don’t stop kissing when they’re gone. In fact, Steve hugs Eddie’s waist now, pulling them chest to chest while Eddie’s hands move to his face. They pull apart just to catch a single breath before going back in. Huh, now they’re just making out. Steve can call it what it is. He doesn’t know what Eddie is doing with his tongue, but he’s not complaining at all.

“I- um.” Eddie tries to step back but his embrace is strong. “My long hair.”

“Your…?” Steve’s brain isn’t computing much right now.

“From their point of view, it-“ Eddie inhales deeply. “It probably looked like a girl and a guy kissing.” Oh. Oh, Steve is so stupid. “Plus this coat almost looks like a dress.”

“Yeah, no, that’s- you-“ God, can he not even form sentences anymore? “Good thinking.” If he could, Steve would facepalm right now.

“They’re gone now.” Eddie nods.

“They sure are.” Steve confirms. Doesn’t really know what else to do.

Eddie looks around, and then directly at his eyes. That’s intense. “You can let me go now.”

He can let him go now. Eddie’s hands have moved to his shoulders, probably not knowing where else to put them.

He could let him go, now. They could go back to their respective places. And move on like this was another normal day for them.

He could do that.

Or.

Or he could confront this. Confront this thing that’s been going on between them for, in Steve’s humble opinion, far too long. He was scared before. He still is, but it doesn’t feel like something he can’t conquer, now. So he makes the decision. He’s not running away from this anymore. Even if sometimes that’s all you can do, that’s not the case here. He could be doing so much more. They could be doing so much more.

“No.” Steve says. And it’s said with finality.

Eddie looks confused. “What? What do you mean?”

“I won’t let you go.” He shrugs. They’re still holding on to each other. “I like you too much for that.”

“What are you saying?”

“Exactly what you heard. I like you.” He leans in. He waits for Eddie to back off, show any type of discomfort or rejection on his face. But there’s nothing like that. “Can I kiss you again?”

A gasp comes out. Eddie nods. “Yes.” It’s whispered and if they weren’t so close he might’ve never heard it.

This one is more gentle. Slow and soft. Almost lazy, like they don’t need to rush because they know they’re gonna get to this again. And again.

“I like you too.” Eddie rests his forehead to his.

Steve smiles at him, and when Eddie smiles back he knows. He knows that he’s gonna fall so hard. He kinda already has.

[luimagines]

HI PINKY ! 🎻 Anon here ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

My finals went overall quite well! (Except for one final but my overall grade was still fine so we're all good) I did end up having my ceiling of my room collapse though! (⁠ノ⁠｀⁠Д⁠´⁠)⁠ノ⁠彡⁠┻⁠━⁠┻ Gotta love landlords that refuse to do proper house maintenance on century old homes. So right before finals had my ceilings collapse, then had finals while stuck sleeping in the living room (to be fair the couch was comfy but the whole setup is less than ideal), and then literally the evening after my last final flew out to literal other side of the planet for college visits. So needless to say I've been rather tired recently! It's been fun though and I also got to see some family that I rarely see again so that was nice. BUT! I finally have the mental bandwidth to send in an ask again. So enough with the dramatic rambling about my life I have more ideas about the human hero reader I thought of!

So! I learned just the other day that an army captain is actually kinda low rank. (At least in the US military, can't speak to other systems) And you usually get there within like 4 years of your career as an officer. And if Wars is around 24-26ish (at least that's how old I usually imagine him since he's one of the older members of the group but not like OLD) and he would have started his time in the military as like a 17-18 year old, buddy boy would actually be behind on his career. (Stick with me this will all come together I swear!)

So I imagine human hero reader (I'm calling them hh!reader for my sanity to specify from here on out for my sanity) ended up getting pulled into the military after saving Hyrule. They really don't like being there, but the royal family of that time doesn't really give reader a choice. I'd imagine them most likely being a very low rank enlisted soldier. (If you require explanations for anything just let me know. I am more than happy to explain and understand most people haven't been raised around this stuff) But because reader didn't want to join the military in the first place and Warriors is one of the MOST wary member of the chain they would probably butt heads quite a bit. I imagine reader with an attitude of while they're usually a very nice person to be around they can hold a strong grudge and aren't afraid to tell someone if they're being an idiot. Not something that goes over well in the military. So reader probably targets at least some of that frustration to the resident military man. And something that would be rather easy to go for is that fact that he still hasn't been promoted. This would probably devolve into him telling them that they suck as a soldier until reader snaps and said they never had any choice in the matter and they storm off. Probably one of the their merry little band would go after reader. I think Sky might be best since he's a knight himself so he'd have a better idea what they were going through. Wind would also be an interesting option especially if it's after the whole "We're the same since we both made the active decision to save Hyrule!" moment. Both are good chances at bonding. Oh yeah I guess it's relevant that I see reader at an older teen age, like 16-17. Yay sibling dynamics (I say this like my only younger sibling doesn't drive me up a wall). I'll prolly add more later but I am tired. And I have a relatively early morning tomorrow.

Hope this was coherent but I actually had motivation for once so I went for it. If any clarification is needed just ask. Make sure to drink water and eat a snack! Self care is important to help prevent burnout. Have a lovely week. Good day/evening) ┌⁠|⁠o⁠^⁠▽⁠^⁠o⁠|⁠┘⁠♪ See you maybe once I've slept and ate. Bye!!

Oh, I thought you going to go the path of Reader outranking Warrior and him not being able to do anything about it. ^.^*

It reminded me of that one post for Marvel where Tony got excited because Rhodey, being Colonel, outranked Steve and could tell him what to do.

I'd imagine if Warrior pulled out the whole "you suck as a soldier" Wild would have to push back a bit because if they suck, what does that make him? He died! Hello? At least Reader had something going for them. They still won in the end with minimal loses on their side.

Wild lost everyone.

So what does Warrior actually think of him then?

[mochie85]

hi! Could I get a loki x platonic teen girl with autism/ADHD? Like maybe she's clingy and is always following him around but he fine because it helps both of them

Snow Globes

One-Shot Masterlist Complete Masterlist

Summary: Your best friend Peter brings you to the Avengers Tower as a birthday present. Pairing: Platonic!Loki x Female Reader x Platonic!Peter Parker Word Count: 2.3K Warnings: Fluff. Mentions of anxiety, anxiety attacks. A/N: Thanks @littlesister20001 for the request and for letting me pick your brain. This kinda derailed and started telling its own story. For some reason, Peter really needed to be in this fic. I hope you don't mind. Also, thanks to @michelleleewise for giving me advice on this fic. Dividers by: @firefly-graphics

The first time the two of you met, he was hiding from his brother after pulling one of his pranks.

You, were on the kitchen floor hiding in the corner. You had covered your ears from the loud sounds of an irate Thor yelling and fuming while looking for Loki. You tried to stop the sensory overload from getting to you.

It was too much. It was always too much.

Earlier that day, Peter had given you a tour of The Avengers Tower where he had been awarded an internship with STARK Industries. You were so excited and happy for him. He knew that you were a big fan of The Avengers. So, he thought that he could take you to meet them.

“Hey Gigi, it’s gonna be ok,” Peter said to you as he held your hand. Your nickname hung in your ears, calming you down. You’ve always liked how it sounded. So you decided long ago that it would be your chosen name. “They’re gonna love you. I know you’ve wanted to come with me for a while. It’s gonna be fun. You’ll see.”

He was always so patient with you. So endearing. Ever since freshmen orientation, Ned, Peter, and MJ always looked out for you during school.  They understood your need for routine and structure. For quieter spaces and the familiar.

“I – I don’t know about this Peter.” You stammered. You looked down and retreated even further into the giant fluffy hoody you had on. You started breathing faster, the enclosed space of the elevator had suddenly gotten smaller and smaller. The walls were moving in. The ceiling was coming down. All the while the lift was taking you higher and higher.

You were not ready.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Peter said rubbing your arm. “I’m here. I’m here. And you know that I will not let anything happen to you. Ok?” The softness of your hoody rubbed against your skin, soothing you where Peter rubbed your arm. “We can stay for as long as you’d like or leave whenever you want,” he consoled. You simply nodded your head, looking down.

The bell on the lift rang a soft chime and the doors opened to a bright room. Peter stayed standing still, pushing the ‘Door Open’ button on the lift. “Whenever you’re ready, Gigi,” he smiled.

You took a tentative step forward but rocked back on your heels. You bit down on your lip taking deep, concentrated breaths. Peter, bless his soul, was just smiling at you as you took that proverbial leap and walked out onto the hallway of the common rooms.

You were awed at how big and open the space was. Modern furnishings in neutral colors were scattered throughout the great room. The last thing you noticed were the three men coming their way to greet you.

Your eyes widened and you took a deep breath trying to control your nervous energy.

“Hey, Peter. Who’s your friend?” Steve said first, holding out his hand for a shake. You stared at that hand. You couldn’t bring yourself to touch him. You felt unworthy. Here he was! Your hero, Captain America.

You were lost inside yourself. Emotions battled inside of you trying to vie for dominance. Bubbling excitement. Debilitating fear. Sheer embarrassment. You couldn’t even look up into their eyes. You just stood there, a little ways behind Peter, and waved.

“Hey, guys. This is my friend. The one I told you about, Gigi.” Peter introduced you. Steve took back his hand and smiled while he nodded to Peter in understanding.

“Hi.” You said meekly, waving timidly into the air.

“This is Sam. And over here is Tony.” Steve pointed respectively. The two other men said hi.

“Um kid, I need you and your friend to stay here in the common room. I can’t have you guys wandering the tower right now.” Tony Stark said to Peter.

“Sure, Mr. Stark. We weren’t going to go very far anyway. Right, Gigi?” Peter exclaimed looking at you. You looked up with big doe-eyes and shook your head.

“Good.” Sam smiled. “Cuz Thor’s on a rampage right now after Loki put hair dye in his shampoo.” He continued laughing.

“So until we calm him down, it’s best that you guys don’t run into him – or Loki. So stay here in the living room. OK?” Tony asked. Both you and Peter nodded. “Good. Help yourselves to whatever’s in the fridge. There are snacks and beer.” Tony said as he walked away towards the elevator. You retreated further behind your friend. No one noticed, except Peter, who held your hand.

“Tony!” Steve chastised. “They’re not old enough!” Right?” he turned to Sam, asking the last part of his question. “That law hasn’t changed while I was under.”

“Nope. Still the same Cap.” Sam said clapping him on the back as the two soldiers followed Tony into the elevator. Peter held your hand a little longer till you were comfortable enough to let him go.

The living room was huge with large windows that spanned from floor to ceiling. You stood in front of them, basking in the warm sunlight. Peter gave you a small tour of the common rooms and the adjoining kitchen. He pointed out the doors and hallways that would lead to other parts of the tower, “But we can’t go there until Thor calms down. So maybe you’d just have to come back.” Peter smiled.

“It’s too bad that Ned and MJ couldn’t come with us.” You said.

“Well, they’re not really welcome back. Ned kept fangirling over the others. And MJ, well, let’s just say that there is now a tracker located in Mr. Barnes’s metal arm.” He chuckled embarrassedly. You laughed at the idea of Peter’s girlfriend, your BFF, and her insatiable curiosity.

“I’m sure she would’ve given it back. She’s curious about Wakandan technology. I would be too.”

“That’s why you have to come back,” Peter said smiling. “When you’re able to see more of the building.”

Just then, a war cry came in through the hallways making you hide behind Peter.

“Brother! I demand you show your face this instant.” Thor walked out with the brightest red hair. His long golden locks had turned into the color of a ripened tomato, along with his scraggly beard. In truth, you liked the red on Thor. He seemed more regal and more commanding. But his lightning-death stare had you nearly falling to the ground.

“Hey! Mr. Thor, god of thunder, Odinson, sir,” Peter greeted him, trying to shield you.

“Spiderling. Have you seen my brother?” Spiderling? you thought. Thor’s voice boomed, reverberating in your ear. “I know that you harbor him sometimes. Out with it!”

“I haven’t seen him. I swear. I’ve only just arrived with my friend Gi-” Peter turned to point to you but you had already disappeared. “Oh, no, no, no, no. Thor!” Peter said grabbing hold of Thor’s arm. His earlier reticence, gone. “You have to help me find her! She can’t be alone. She’ll get lost! Then she’ll have a panic attack.”

“All right, little spider. I will help you look. Maybe we’ll spot my wicked brother along the way.”

This was such a bad idea. Right now, you were a mess. Of course, it was loud and boisterous. Agents and heroes running about. All scrambling to find him – Loki, the god of Mischief. Unfamiliar people in an unfamiliar setting.

It was just so much. You cried at the fact that most people would be able to handle the environment they’re in. They can go about their day with little to no care about the noises. Or the lights. Or the smells. Or the feels. You sat there hugging your knees, taking deep shaky breaths.

You opened your eyes to a blurry kitchen. Pots and pans stared back at you as your eyes began to focus and you started to establish where you were.

A small pink petal wafted in front of you. And then another one. Now, I’m hallucinating. Great. Just another thing to add to what’s wrong with me.

But more petals started to show and along with them, came the smell of fresh grass and perfumed flowers. You looked up at the ceiling only to find a large cherry blossom tree sprouted in the middle of the kitchen. Its beautiful branches sprouted up past the ceiling. Their leaves were swayed by a hidden wind. You reached up to touch it, standing, capturing one of them in the palm of your hands.

“This usually helps me when I lose myself.” A deep voice said behind you. You turned around alarmed, knocking down more pots and pans. The loud noise made you cower within yourself further.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said. You heard his voice, strong but gentle, through your hands covering your ears. “Focus.”

Focus he said, and you did. You focused on one petal at a time. You watched it being plucked from the branches of the tree and slowly make its descent down to the floor. As soon as it touched the tile, it disappeared.

You made a shocked face of awe and wonder. You looked up again watching another petal fall and follow its way down. You followed several other petals until your breathing deepened and slowed.

“Better?” the man asked. And you nodded.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, little one.”

“Other than family and close friends, no one really has the patience to deal with me. Especially when I’m in one of my episodes.” You said sheepishly looking back down.

“As I said, I understand.”

“You’re the god of mischief, aren’t you?”

“Ah, I see my reputation precedes me.”

“I – I recognize you from the news reports and social media.” You said shyly.

“No doubt footage from the New York attack,” Loki said disdainfully. He knew when he was being judged. Another lost cause before they even got to know him.

“Yes! I mean - No. I saw you during the New York attacks. But it made me curious about you. It’s not every day you see mythology come to life. I read about Thor too,” you gushed. Loki rolled his eyes.

“And I read all the stories they wrote about you in the Prose Edda!”

“Thank you.” Loki was filled with pride and reddened slightly. “So, are you to be the cook? What exactly are you doing here in the kitchen, crying on the floor?”

“I came with Peter. He knew I was a big fan of you guys, that you were my heroes. He wanted to bring me along...as a birthday present…” you trailed off.

“Another friend of the spiders? I thought you were all banned from coming back.” Normally, Loki would be appalled to be lumped up with his current teammates. However, when you had adjoined him as a hero, he felt honored.

“Why do you guys keep calling him Spider? Is he-(GASP) -is he an Avenger too?”

“No! No, no, no. Why would you say that? No.” Loki looked at you with wide eyes. There were very few of the Avengers that hid their faces. He forgot that poor Peter was one of them. He’s still too young to have such responsibility as this thrust upon him. Who knows what the world would do when it found out that Peter Parker is Spiderman?

SLAM! The kitchen door opened and Thor burst in, pointing Stormbreaker in Loki’s face.

“AHA! I found you now, brother! Your little tricks gave you away. Your illusions spread outside into the corridors.” Thor boomed.

You hid behind Loki, covering your ears. Thor’s voice boomed with thunder and malice.

“Thor! Stop you’re scaring her!” Peter yelled at him.

“Her, who?” Thor said unable to see past his anger towards his brother. Loki turned around towards you, revealing your hunched figure behind him.

“Focus, little one,” Loki said bending down. You heard his deep soft voice and you looked up to see petals raining down again. Loki enclosed your hands inside his own. When he opened them, a small glass bubble nestled in between your palms. The bubble was smooth and clear like glass. And inside was a miniature cherry blossom tree.

You stood there, enraptured, watching as the leaves on the small tree swirled around inside whenever you shook the bauble.

“It’s yours now. Keep it safe. Shake it when you need to.” Loki said in a calm, soothing voice. “Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you,” you sniffled a small smile as Peter gently rubbed your arm.

“Hey, Gigi. You ok?” Peter asked.

“Yes, Spider. Thank you,” you said looking up at him. Peter’s eyes turned round and his cheeks flush as he scratched his head.

“Spider? Wh-why ever would you call me that? Heh. Um…why don’t we go back outside now.”

“They call you Spider!” You said pointing to the mythological gods. “I thought it was a chosen name. Like mine.” You concluded as Peter led you out.

“Can I ask you more questions about the myths?” You babbled at Loki. “Did you really cut off Sif’s hair? Is Sleipnir-”

“No! He’s not real.” Loki answered quickly. Thor laughed. You quickly turned to face him.

“I like your hair red, by the way. It makes you look more – kingly!” You said to Thor and he ran his fingers through his beard. His smug face appreciated the compliment.

Peter immediately saw the change in you. This is how you normally were in front of him. Curious and bubbly. When you were fixated on something, it hardly gave your mind room to worry about your environment or the unfamiliarity of it all. He took a deep breath knowing that you would be ok.

You were welcomed back almost immediately. A first amongst Peter’s friends. Mainly because you kept the mischievous god in check. He loved having you around. His own ‘fangirl’ as Mr. Stark liked to call you. Mr. Laufeyson would regale you with stories of Asgard and dispel any false myths that you had learned. All the while making sure that you felt at home and safe around the tower. Always willing to shower you with flower petals when you felt pressured or stressed. As if you were in your own tiny slow globe.

All Taglist:

@alexs1200 @a-witch-with-words @athalialaufeyson @britishserpent @crimson25 @el-zef @fictive-sl0th @gigglingtigger @goldencherriess @huntress-artemiss @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @immersed-in-mischief @kellatron55 @kkdvkyya @lokidbadguy @lokiprompts @lokisasgardianvampirequeen @lokisgoodgirl @lokisninerealms @lokischambermaid @loopsisloops @lucylaufeyson3 @luvlady-writes @michelleleewise @mischief2sarawr @muddyorbs @nopenottodayson @one-oblivious-nerd @ozymdias @peaches1958 @salempoe @theaudacitytowrite @user13cabs @vbecker10 @wheredafandomat @xorpsbane @vickie5446

[cantsaythetword]

Hi! Idk if your still doing fics but can you do a stucky tickle fic about Steve being grumpy and bucky cheering him up and then Steve tickled bucky for revenge and Peter is just watching the whole thing? Thank you so much if you do!

Hi! Sorry this took so long to get to! Love me a good stucky prompt hehehe :D Thanks for being patient for it, hope the fic is alright!!

Every Hero has an Achilles Heel

~A/N  - I'll be honest, this fic is a litttttle self-indulgent cause it's based off of a super lee-ass thought my brain came up with so enjoy my delirious inventions of an exhausted crow.

As usual, this fic is set pre - Infinity War/Endgame cause otherwise characters are missing etc. so it's very early Peter Parker :)

A very cute prompt from w1nt37 coming right up!

- Enoy! ~

Tag List: @mysterious-marvel

Masterpost Link 

"Mr Barnes?"

A small voice broke Bucky out of his concentrated state. He had been working on upgrading his arm for who knows how long at this point, and to be honest he probably needed a break.

Bucky turned towards the voice - Peter's, of course - and gave him a smile. "Hey kid, what's up?"

Peter let out the breath he had been holding since asking for Bucky's attention. "It's Mr Rogers, he seems a bit… annoyed? Or upset, maybe…"

Bucky nodded, offering the reassurance and encouragement that Peter obviously needed. God, it seemed like no matter how many missions the kid did with them he would never relax.

"And I just thought… I figured you were probably the best person to tell… to see if you could help?"

"Yeah of course." Bucky grinned as he stood from his workbench and started walking towards the door. "I've handled a cranky Steve before I know just what'll fix him."

Peter half-jogged through the halls to keep himself beside Bucky. "I didn't mean he was grumpy, like he didn't do anything bad or anything I jus-"

"Relax, kid." Bucky chuckled. "Whatever Steve's feeling, I'll sort it."

The pair entered the main living room, finding Steve sitting on a barstool hunched over the bench. His eyes were closed, but it was obvious he wasn't sleeping.

"Hey punk." Bucky taunted playfully. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Steve said, feinting honesty but his tone was too flat to pull it off.

Bucky flopped down into a stool next to his friend, leaning an elbow on the countertop. "You know, I remember a stretching routine that used to fix you up every time you felt grumpy."

Steve let out an amused huff. "Really Buck? Yoga?"

"What?" Bucky grinned. "Old people love yoga, don't knock it 'til you try it Grandpa."

That got a legitimate chuckle from Steve. "Wow, your way to cheer me up is through insults?"

"It'll have to be unless you stand up."

With a roll of his eyes, Steve pushed off the stool and took a few steps back for space. "Better?"

Bucky nodded, "it'll do," before standing up himself and moving next to his friend. "Now, raise your arms straight out in front of you, as far as they go."

As Steve followed the instruction, Bucky flashed a wink at Peter (who had been half-hiding in the corner of the room for the whole exchange).

"Now," Bucky continued, "move your hands out to either side, keeping your arms nice and straight."

"Bucky this is stupid, I'm-"

"Nononono you're almost done I swear!" Bucky interjected, not allowing Steve to finsh his complaint. "Put your hands on your head and try to pull your elbows back so they touch."

As Steve did this, Bucky slowly crept behind the ex-soldier - hands already in a claw shape.

"You know Buck, this actually does streEHETCH NO BUCKY!" Steve tried to say before interrupting himself with a shriek.

Bucky had wrapped his arms around his friend in an inescapable tickle-hug. His hands free to claw and vibrate up and down Steve's ribcage while his arms did the hard work of keeping the now-collapsed supersoldier somewhat upright.

Poor Steve's knees had buckled the second Bucky's fingers made contact, and he had immediately curled in on himself like an armadillo to try and protect his poor ribs.

But his attacker had almost limitess access to any and all of the sensitive spots on the sides of his body, and Bucky defintely had plans to use them all. As Bucky worked his left hand up into Steve's armpit, and his right down to Steve's hip bone, Peter couldn't keep a straight face any longer.

"Captain America's ticklish?" He giggled out.

'NOHOHO!" Steve squealed in response.

It was Bucky's turn to roll his eyes. "In case you could't tell, Steve's lying through his teeth."

Peter nodded with a laugh.

"YEAH WEHEHELL-" Steve spluttered out through desperate shrieks. "YOU KNOHOHOW- YOU KNOW WHOHOHO EHEHEHE- BUHUCKY PLEHEHEASE!"

"Take your time buddy." Bucky teased, continuing his ruthless attack on Steve's nervous system.

"BUHUCKY'S TIHICKLISH TOHOHOO!!"

"Don't you dare." Bucky froze for a moment.

Bad move.

Taking his opportunity without a second thought, Steve twisted out of Bucky's grasp and shoved his hands under Bucky's arms. Bucky absolutely squealed as cackles bubbled out of his mouth.

Peter stared, mouth agape in shock.

"STEHEHEVE WAHAHAIT!" Bucky begged as he was hoisted over Cap's shoulder, the backs of his thighs being ruthlessly squeezed.

"Looks like I'm not the only ticklish supersoldier around here." Steve grinned, practically throwing Bucky onto the couch next to Peter and letting his fingers skitter along Bucky's collarbones.

"STOHOP IT YOU JEHERK!"

Peter laughed. "Is every super hero ticklish?"

Steve paused for a minute to let Bucky catch his breath. "It seems like it." He said with a small laugh.

Bucky grinned from under his friend. "But we could always check…"

It only took the pair exchanging a playful glance for Peter to put two and two together. Unfortunately, Peter barely had time to squeal before the two super soldiers tackled him.

The poor kid was screwed before he even hit the floor.

[stewardofningishzida]

Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel Chapter 9: Silly Witch…

Okay, people! The latest plotline is underway! Our heroes need to get their friend back and there’s no time to lose! Thank you to our lovely Trix, Prettywitch, and Tear for sticking around still!

SPOILERS AHOY: Loki

TRIGGER WARNING: Torture, kidnapping, mentions of death

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

*We arrive at Avengers Campus and notice Scott walking by.*

Me (quickly):  Scott, we need to call a meeting.  It’s urgent.

Scott: Sure. What’s up?

Stephen (grim):  Agatha Harkness has kidnapped Trix.

Scott: *He stares at Stephen quizzically.* Wait…the crazy witch lady that Stark was talking about?

Stephen: Yes.  She took Trix hostage as retaliation for the girls’ informing us about Wanda.  We attempted to protect them, but Harkness somehow managed to get past the wards and grabbed her.

Me:  It seemed like she manipulated Trix somehow.  It was like Trix was her usual self at first, but then she suddenly went into some kind of spiral and yanked open the door.  Then, she passed out and when Tear and I tried to catch her, she vanished in a puff of purple smoke.

Stephen (disturbed at what I just said):  …Mental manipulation.  Agatha must have used Trix’s magical signature as a conduit since you four have different energy signatures than the wards and other spells in our universe.

Scott: I have no idea what any of that means.

*Prettywitch snickers, unable to keep herself from finding Lang adorable in a moment of crisis.*

Stephen (snippy):  So, are you going to call the meeting or not?  *He’s getting agitated due to being worried about Trix.  If Scott won’t call the meeting, then he will.*

Scott: Hey, take it easy, Stephen. I never said I wouldn’t. Besides, I still owe you one for showing up at Cassie’s birthday party. *He pulls out his communicator and hits the emergency meeting button installed on it.* Alright, see you guys in an hour. 

*He goes to find the remaining Avengers currently present on the campus.*

*Stephen doesn’t leave our side.  Though he does end up pacing agitatedly after a while as we wait.  After an hour, we enter the conference room with Scott and Peter.  Tony and Steve have already come in.  They had switched places with Rhodey and Sam a few days back to rest while other heroes tend to stabilizing our universe.*

*Fury is sitting at the head of the table with a deadpan look on his face and glances at Stephen and the girls.*

Fury (sarcastically): So, how did magical protective custody turn out? I see you’re down a person.

Stephen (coldly, trying not to lose his temper):  Still better than your option.  There would have been more of them missing and sooner without the wards.

Scott: Yeah, about that. You lost one of them?

Peter: “Lost one of them?” You can really lose people inside Kamar-Taj? *He looks between Scott and Stephen, slightly anxious as he’s been inside the temple before*

Tony: *He sighs tiredly* I don’t think he means Stephen misplaced them, kid. The Purple Witch of the West clearly got her claws on her.

Peter: *His eyes widen and he stiffens in his panic, too concerned to worry about being embarrassed* What? She did? Who did she take? Are they okay?

Steve (stern and concerned):  How did this happen?  

Stephen (trying to be patient):  Agatha bypassed our magic by using the girls’ energy as a conduit.  It’s similar to…Hmm…What Stark would say a VPN is on a computer.  She used it to manipulate Trix into opening the door and breaking the wards.  Then, Agatha abducted her before anyone could do anything to stop her.  From what we saw, Agatha is holding Trix hostage within an enchanted crystal and has threatened to kill her if any of our trained sorcerers follow her.

*Steve listens.  He doesn’t really understand it, but he lets Stephen talk.*

Scott: So, it’s basically a firewall breach but with magic.

Tony: Goddammit… *He rubs a hand down his face and shifts in agitation* And how certain are we that she’s actually crazy enough to go through with that threat? Could it be a simple bluff?

*Stephen nods at Scott affirmatively.  He then looks grimly at Tony.*

Me (tense):  She DID try to bump Tear, Prettywitch, and me off in the tunnels.  Said something about “hopefully your corpses will contain enough useful residual energy.”

Stephen:  Agatha carrying through on her threat is very possible.  She appears to want information and to…experiment on one of the girls…It is highly likely that once she gets what she wants, she…*He cuts off, clearly dreading what could happen.*

Peter: *He rushes to interject, eager to pull the adults from such dark endings* But we can still find Trix then, right? If Agatha did, then so could you and Mr. Wong. And we can plan an extraction together. Not to be mean or anything but…*He winces at Stephen*...sorcerers don’t tend to expect tech to be used against them. The Stark tech only continues to work because you’ve helped improve it with magic and…stuff.

Stephen (at this point, he’s willing to take any help he can get):  We COULD locate them, but Wong and I cannot follow…Peter does raise a good point in that regard, I suppose.  *He appears to be silently mulling something over.*

Fury: So we’re dealing with yet another magic user who loves to mess around in people’s heads and doesn’t hesitate to retaliate? This is the third one in a decade. You better have solutions for this breach in defenses for us mere mortals. *He’s still annoyed at being snubbed at the last meeting* Let alone that woman was the one who shared the most information and I doubt she’s had training to not share information through torture. If she knows this much about everything and has been captured, she’s a liability at this point.

Stephen (irritated):  Just like SHIELD is doing with the Ten Rings?  How is the current situation with HYDRA, by the way? 

*Fury looks unimpressed but doesn’t push more on the issue for now*

Me:  Tear, Prettywitch, and I are still novices.  Our signatures are still rather weak and Agatha bragged about finding us by sensing a “dead zone”.  So, since she probably isn’t in one of those areas, our signatures are more easily concealed.  We want in on this rescue mission.  *I’m firm*

Steve:  Well…Do you girls have any non-magical skills that could help?

Me (coolly):  We’ve been receiving martial arts training, as well as with some melee weapons.  Before coming here, I had advanced fencing training and some mixed martial arts from my dad since he’s a Marine.  Prettywitch has some prior training too.  Also, I can pick locks, make small explosive rigs, wire some objects to shock people, tie several strong knots, and a few other things.

*Stephen looks back at me and raises an eyebrow.  I hadn’t mentioned any of that before.  Despite this, he isn’t reassured and hates having to essentially sit back while all of this is happening.  The Sorcerer Supreme is also highly aware of Wong’s own agitation.  Neither of them like where this is going.*

*Steve is taken aback by this and more than a little suspicious of me after I admit to these things.*

Tony: *He waves a hand at Steward, palm facing up* Sounds like the basic Avenger skill set to me. Any of you know how to shoot a gun?

Me:  I don’t, unfortunately.  Can use a recurve bow and crossbow.  That’s it.

Prettywitch: *I shy my gaze away.* I don’t have any melee training, sadly. I am a pretty good swimmer, though.

Tear: *I meekly raise a hand* I can. Dad kept a shotgun in the house in case of intruders when I was younger…and I’ve had some weird boyfriends who thought shooting ranges made for cool dates… *I cross my arms and look away, clearly embarrassed*

Tony: Right, I don’t know why I’m surprised anymore. I can help equip them with a few things, for protection mainly. Maybe Rhodey can be convinced to do so as well. I don’t have any full suits, custom or otherwise. I don’t exactly run a leasing program.

Scott: I can probably help modify goggles for night vision.

Fury (grimacing): So what happens if more of you get captured then?

Stephen:  I was thinking the same thing, honestly.  However, I also know that these three won’t sit quietly either…Seeing as they’re hell-bent on participating in this rescue, we think it’s best that they do so while we can keep an eye on them to prevent more of them being captured.  *He still has an intense expression on his face.*

Scott: *Raises his hand to volunteer.* I can go with them.

Stephen:  Okay.  *He’s still not as familiar with Scott as the others, but his skills seem appropriate and Scott did help them defeat Thanos.  So, Stephen agrees to this as he continues to ponder.*

Prettywitch: So…does that mean we shrink down?

Scott: Yeah, but the problem is trying to convince Hank to let me use the Pym particles on a bunch of kids. He’s still pretty mad about me and Hope joining the Avengers. 

Fury (deadpan): You don’t think a multiversal threat that can manipulate and destroy anyone she comes across isn’t a compelling enough argument? 

Me:  We’re all in our 20’s and 30’s.  So, that might help a bit if he’s aware that we can understand the risks.

Scott: Okay. You have met Hank, right? Quick to anger, made a Hydra agent eat a table? He’s not exactly known for being chill under pressure. Believe me, I know!

*Fury just stares at him and then sighs.*

Fury (resigned): Strange, I would say to send one of your…apprentices along with Lang to convince Pym with the sob story but I have the feeling you’ll go feral if I even attempted to suggest that.

*Stephen turns to Fury with a look that all but confirms that fact.*

Prettywitch: Don’t worry, Fury. Stephen won't have a problem with it…because he’ll be coming with us. Won’t you, Stephen?

Stephen (displeased, but reluctantly agreeing to it):  Fine.  Though Wong will be keeping an eye on the rest of you.  None of you are to leave our sight.  Understood?  *He’s firm*

Me:  Yes, sir.

Tear: Promise we’ll behave. We don’t want to cause you or Wong any more trouble.

Prettywitch: Ditto.

Fury: Keep us updated on your progress and next steps. This witch has the potential to do a hell of a lot of harm if she gets the bright idea to step out of the shadows for once.

Tony: Pete and I will touch base with Rhodey and Wong, see what kind of equipment we can provide for you all. We’ll strategize and form a plan with Cap once you return. It’ll be easier if we know what we’ll have to our disposal.

Steve:  We’ll hold the fort over here and alert you if there are any additional developments in the meantime.

Scott: I’ll let Hank know you guys are coming.

Stephen:  Okay, so which one of you is coming with me to speak with Hank Pym?

Me:  I’ll go.  I can be diplomatic if needed.

Prettywitch: Tear and I can stay here in case they need an extra hand.

Stephen:  Okay.  Tear, PrettyWitch, stay with Wong and the Avengers.  Scott, Steward, and I will be back shortly.  *He opens a portal and sends the two girls back to Wong at Kamar-Taj alongside Tony and Peter.  Then, he opens a new portal to Hank Pym’s office once Scott finishes his notification.*

~~~~~

*Agatha is happily bustling about her lair as she starts getting preparations together for her  guest of honor. She has taken off the crystal necklace and it is floating above the onyx slab table in the center of the room. Compared to how it looked back at Kamar-Taj as a dark eggplant color, now it is cycling between a light violet and a bright orange.*

Agatha: Now my dear, you truly are something interesting. Completely different kind of magic just popping up like a weed out of nowhere. That and you and your friends seem to know way more than you let on… *she stops moving and turns to the necklace* Let’s start off easy… *she whispers a spell and purple smoke blows out of her lips and circles the necklace before it seems to be pulling something out of it. Finally, a violet and orange orb emerges from the crystal and begins to shape into a translucent form…*

Agatha: Alrighty, we never got formally introduced. My name is Agatha Harkness and you ruined my plans. Who are you supposed to be?

*Trix is floating about a foot above the necklace, seemingly tethered the crystal like a ball and chain. She is groggy and confused but takes a moment to realize where she is and just who is in front of her.*

Trix (out of it): Oh! It’s you! I love you, you’re one of my favorites! I was supposed to know something about you right now…damn I’m still useless… *she seems to shrink into herself for a bit*

Agatha: I’m glad that you could finally meet me then! Tell me- what’s been your favorite thing you know me from. *She’s slightly confused but isn’t going to let a chance like this go to waste*

*Trix is looking like she would fall over to the ground if she had a body at the moment but tries to focus on Agatha.*

Trix: You were in Wandavision. You had a catchy theme song and everything and almost won… *She starts to piecing together in her mind what’s going on and physically recoils when she looks down to find the situation she’s found herself in* Oh. We’re in that part now, huh.

Agatha (puzzled): I’m rather curious about you. Like how exactly you knew about my plans. Is it that seer friend of yours? It’s written all over her magic that she’s clairvoyant, same for the medium. It was you and that other one that were trickier to whittle down. But you’re still aware of details without your little group around as well. *She frowns and brings her hand up to her mouth in thought*

Trix: Listen, I just like to keep up with some of the more important magic users! It’s why I’m such a fan of you! *She’s trying not to get nervous but she has no idea what sort of spells that Agatha has going on. It’s better for her to tell the truth than get caught in a lie*

Agatha *She begins circling the table, looking up at Trix*: So, are you a witch then? Is this the Sorcerer Supreme’s attempts at an experiment? Combining witchcraft and the mystic arts to make up for the loss of their infinity stone? *She frowns to herself*

Trix: I mean, I don’t know what his plans are- they kinda just grabbed us from our home and suddenly we were being trained! 

Agatha *She hums*: So, why the different magical signatures then? I know what their goody-two-shoes ‘mystic arts’ looks like and I have seen nearly every form of witchcraft on this earth and yet four women show up out of nowhere with an entirely new one. 

Trix: I don’t kn- *She hisses in pain as her form begins to glitch out with magical sparks. Agatha smiles*

Agatha (cheerfully): You know, props to you for making it this long without lying to me. I was looking forward to a light show but you’ve only given me some $5 sparklers. *She laughs* Not that I’m complaining but I thought you’d make this more fun.  *She comes closer to the crystal and stares up intently at her* Now that you are starting to learn the consequences, why don’t we try that again?

Trix (nervous): Okay! Okay, I’ll tell you everything I know about what’s going on. But I want to know some things too. For every question I answer, you teach me something new about witchcraft. Where I’m from we didn’t have witchcraft like yours and when I found out about you, I was fascinated! Please? *She’s trying to be as convincing as possible*

*Agatha stares at her seriously for a moment before letting out a laugh and backing off and Trix lets out a small silent sigh of relief*

Agatha: I respect the hustle, kid. I really do. You’re lucky I want to learn your secrets today because lessons with Auntie Agatha don't normally come cheap. Fine, I’ll play this game so long as you tell me everything you know about what’s going on. Otherwise, I might get a bit clumsy and drop that crystal on the ground and Humpty Dumpty isn’t going to get put back together again…

*Agatha gives her a sharp grin and Trix smiles weakly back in response. She’s going to have to think on her feet to get out of this and honestly, she might have just made a deal with the devil.*

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

*Stephen, Scott, and I arrive in Hank Pym’s office and wait for the man to come in.*

Hank (coming into his office briskly): Stephen! It’s been awhile; good to see you. I take it this is one of the girls you mentioned, Scott?

Scott: Yup.

*Stephen greets Hank politely.*

Stephen:  Hello, Hank.  

*I watch the conversation start and give a meek wave, a bit shy around the older man.*

Me (polite):  Hello, Dr. Pym.  I’m Steward.  

Hank: It’s nice to meet you, Steward. I’ve heard a little about your situation from Scott and I’m eager to learn more. (He holds his hand out to Steward for her to shake it and, noticing she’s hesitant, smiles.) It’s okay, I don’t bite.

Scott: Isn’t that what you said to Peter the other day before you chewed him out for…(He sees Hank slowly turning to give him the death glare.) You know, you’re right. I’m shutting up now.

Hank: Thank you. (Turns back to Steward.) Anyway, I look forward to helping you.

*Stephen gives me a gentle nudge to snap me out of the shyness.  I’m slightly startled, but look back at Hank.*

Me:  Thank you.  *I reach out to shake his hand, keeping it professional with a small smile of my own before getting serious.*  Erm…Unfortunately, one of us, Trix, has been abducted by a witch and we need some non-magical means to slip past her detection.  We were hoping that we could borrow some of your equipment for the rescue mission if that’s okay.  *I’m still slightly cautious, but figure that Hank would appreciate a direct and honest approach.*  I also figured that maybe if things work out, then you might be curious about interdimensional energy and travel.  So…Maybe if we can get the mess sorted out, you could visit our universe.  The differences in quantum energy between universes could be interesting.  *I offer this, speaking from scientist to scientist.*

Hank: Well that depends…(Turns to Scott) Will you be there with them?

Scott: Yeah, of course.

Hank: (Turns back to Steward) Then you’ve got yourself a deal. (He motions for the trio to follow him and they do.)

Scott: Wow. I actually thought it would take awhile to convince you.

Hank: If you’re with them, there’s less of a chance of something going wrong. Just…try to keep it under the radar. I don’t need the FBI on my ass…again.

Scott: (Sigh) You’re just never gonna let go, are you?

Hank: You had me on the run for the Government for two years!

Scott: Oh, right! Cause you were living so uncomfortably!

Hank: And you weren’t?

Scott: (He’s realizing he has no argument for them.) Point taken.

*Stephen watches everything unfold quietly, slightly amused by the bickering.*

(They step into Hank’s lab.)

*I’m intrigued, glancing around curiously.  Though I’m also being careful not to touch anything.*

Hank: So, tell me a little bit about this witch.

Stephen:  Her name is Agatha Harkness and she practices Dark Magic.  Her original goal was to corrupt Wanda Maximoff with the Darkhold, but the girls informed us about it and we managed to stop her.  As retaliation, Harkness went after the girls.  Wong and I attempted to keep them in protective custody until she could be captured, however something went wrong.

Me:  Agatha essentially used our different magical signatures as a conduit to get past Stephen and Wong’s wards and manipulated Trix into opening the door.  She basically forced Trix into a mental breakdown.  Tear, PrettyWitch, and I tried to stop her, but it happened so quickly…As soon as the door was opened, it broke Stephen and Wong’s wards and Trix disappeared in a puff of smoke.  *I speak grimly.*

*Stephen looks at me empathetically, the truth of the matter on how Agatha got to us finally starting to sink in.*

Hank: A magical bypass…Well, I’ve got something that should work. Although it is experimental. (He pulls out what looks like a regular old press-on tattoo.) This is the Achilles Tendon; it’s meant to neutralize incoming frequencies and disruptions without your opponent knowing.

Me:  So, it’s effectively a wearable signal jammer so she can’t interfere with any of us during the rescue?

Hank: Exactly. I’m not exactly sure how powerful it will be against magic, but I’m sure that’s something you can help with, Stephen.

Stephen:  I can.  Do you have an extra one for me to reverse-engineer?

Hank: I do. (He tosses it Stephen’s way.)

*Stephen catches it.  As he does, his expression lightens.  It appears he has multiple ideas.*

Stephen:  Great.  *He nods at Hank gratefully*  I’ll get to work on it.  

Hank: Good. I’ll set you up with some more discs, Scott can show you how to use them when you get back to the compound.

Me: Thank you, Sir.

Hank: Don’t mention it. Good luck.

Me (slight smile):  Heh…If the lab is still reasonably intact and my boss lets me, maybe I can let you and Tony check it out.  I’m in biomedical science, but it still could be interesting.  *I’m showing gratitude*

Hank: (Chuckles) I’d like that.

Stephen:  We’ll report back to the compound for now.  Thanks, Hank.  We’ll keep you updated.  *His trademark smirk is beginning to reappear.*

Hank: You’re welcome.

Scott: Oh yeah, Hank? Would you mind texting Hope and let her know I’m gonna be running late tonight?

Hank: Text her yourself, she and Janet are out having a spa day.

Scott: Oh yeah…Hope mentioned something out that…now that I remember.

*After he texts Hope, we accept the tech from Hank and portal back to the Avengers Compound.*

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

*Trix is beaten and battered as she hisses in pain, landing hard on unfamiliar ground. As she looks around, she seems startled as she finds a landscape made up of orange and purple, the colors swirling together like a lava lamp. She has no idea how she got there, as the last thing she remembered was Agatha’s crazed eyes. Trix hadn’t given up any important information (in her eyes) yet, but had dragged the conversation along until the witch grew tired of waiting for a relevant answer and went straight to torture instead.*

Unknown Voice: I don’t know why you think that trying to outsmart a centuries old magic user is a good idea. Especially when trapped like this.

*Trix whips around to look behind her and it almost seems like halfway through the dreamscape, someone painted a line down between the halves and smothered it in green. The most surprising thing is the black haired person sitting casually on the ground, looking up at her unamused.*

Trix: I can’t tell her something important but I have to keep her distracted long enough for the rescue team to show up. Wait- *she frowns* can I not lie in here as well?

*The man sighs and stands up, revealing a very tall figure. He wanders up to the split and just stares at her. Trix merely stares back at him as she begins to recognize him*

Man: We’re in the astral plains. We’re essentially spirits here with no physical body so that leads to being unable to lie. Unfortunately the witch has extra compulsions on the crystals…

Trix: You-you’re Loki! *she is absolutely starstruck and Loki looks confused*

Loki: You know of me? I’m not even in my usual manner of dress. *He frowns and looks down at himself. He is wearing khakis and a white button up shirt. The tie is almost shredded and there’s no jacket to be found.*

Trix: You’re the one who had to deal with the TVA! Fuck, how did you end up in here? *She’s exhausted but realizing who’s there with her is giving Trix a second wind*

Loki (frowning): How…how do you know about the TVA?

Trix: Long story short, I know about what the sacred timeline is and how the multiverse was broken open by Sylvie killing the One Who Remained. *She glances around* Agatha can’t hear us here, can she?

Loki: No. We would have to be pulled out in order for us to be spied on. The one saving grace of this spell to be honest. *He stares at Trix closer* You’re not another version of me, are you? Because the female presenting ones seem to be a bit more successful in their murdering plans.

Trix (smiles weakly): No, I’m not a Loki however my nickname is based off of you. Well, it’s a nickname of a username…Trickstress turned into Trix and…y’know- *She can’t help but ramble and her body begins to tremble with both nerves and exhaustion*

Loki (gently): A pleasure to meet you then, Trix. Apologies for the terrible living conditions. Clearly you were important enough to be trapped in this torture session. *He smiles at her gently, seemingly aware she’s at her limit*

Trix: Oh no, I’m no one special. My friends are amazing and can do incredible things! I’m just the expendable one who faints whenever I come across something in a different language. *She wanders over to the border and knocks on the invisible wall before plopping down on the ground.* I just had to promise Agatha that I would tell her everything I know about what’s going on…

Loki (deep in thought): No, you’re clearly important enough to render this *he gestures wildly at their surroundings* punishment.

Trix: You mentioned we were in the astral plains…how exactly are we here?

Loki: *He sits down again, staring at Trix* This is typically used by mages to their particularly tricky or uncooperative opponents. The body is transformed and crystallized, revealing the deepest parts of one’s soul. In your case it’s the violet and orange around you. Mine matches my magic. *He gestures at his surroundings* In the same way that our body would normally house our spirit, the crystal prison that our body becomes gives others almost complete power over our souls. Such as being unable to lie. *He looks annoyed at that.*

*Trix looks around at their surroundings with a bit more hesitancy*

Trix: So you’re saying it’s pointless to try and escape?

Loki (shrugs): You mentioned having assistance so you’ve already started to stall. The only way you’re getting out of here is by outside help, a good opportunity, and luck.

Trix *confused*: Why do you say that like you’re not getting out?

Loki: I’m not a good person. I am acutely aware of that fact, especially after everything that happened after New York. No one knows that I’m here and they likely wouldn’t save me otherwise. *He isn’t upset at any of this, but states it as fact*

Trix: I would absolutely help you and the others would as well, especially after they know what’s going on. *She attempts to scoot closer to the barrier* Don’t give up on yourself yet!

Loki (smirking): I could say the same for you. You don’t seem to have a high opinion of yourself at all.

*Trix frowns and curls into herself*

Trix: So, the long story short is that my friends and I are from a universe where everything about your universe, from the ‘Sacred Timeline’ is media. Stories that were fictional and we bonded over our love of those stories. Then Stephen *she blinks a moment* Doctor Strange is what he’s formally known as and now is Sorcerer Supreme here, accidentally ended up in our universe. Our universe kinda broke and now magic is becoming real, we all got new powers but mine keeps being overwhelming, and we were brought here to try and train so we can survive and thrive at home. *Trix is rambling at this point but Loki is listening intently* The others are all able to fight, even at a beginner level, have amazing abilities like being able to talk to spirits, or advanced healing, and even foresight! I’m only able to read and understand languages but it’s just so frustrating because my brain can’t handle it! I am horrible at fighting too and injuries freak me out. I honestly shouldn’t have come, I don’t contribute much…

Loki (frowning): No, you will. You might not be able to now but you will eventually. In Asgard, you weren’t highly regarded if you weren’t a warrior. I decided to learn how to be a politician and a scholar. You don’t need everyone on the same path and same skills. *He crouches down next to me on his side of the barrier* I’m guessing I’m a character in these stories you talked about, yes?

Trix: Yeah… *finally starting to pull slightly out of the depression*

Loki (slightly frustrated but trying to be motivational): You likely know my whole story then. Even the parts from my ‘true path’ and know more than I. Yes?

*Trix nods*

Trix: Yeah, you’ve always been one of my absolute favorites. You’ve always somehow been able to get through any situation even when it’s seemed impossible.

Loki (grinning): Ah, good. Then let me become your instructor in the School of Loki. You shall be my first disciple. 

*He’s trying to goad her into a smile and is pleased when she lightly giggles in response*

Loki: Consider this an early repayment of gratitude for your dedication to both getting me out of here as well as your dedication to my story, as it were. *He sits down next to me on his side of the barrier*  First, we’re going to get you prepared to be summoned back to Agatha as I am fairly sure you haven’t been trained in how to withstand torture and interrogation, yes?

Trix: Yeah, not part of my curriculum when going to school.

Loki: Honestly, it should be. Anyway: you promised her that you would tell her everything that you know. In this, you will not lie. We are unable to at the moment.

Trix (realizing): I completely forgot about that-

Loki (slightly exasperated): Which is why I believe you about your origins and why I can’t train you as I’d like. Anyways: let’s begin-

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

*Stephen returns with Scott, me, and the tech in tow.*

Stephen:  Okay.  I’ll let Wong and the others know how it went.  Also, I have another idea.  We’ll discuss it once everyone is back.

*Stephen messages the Avengers to update them and then communicates with Wong.  As soon as the older sorcerer knows that things are okay, he portals Tear, Prettywitch, and the two Avengers back to the Compound to join me and the others.  A few minutes later, the rest of the Avengers assemble to begin formulating their strategy to deal with Agatha.* 

Me (small smile):  It worked out.  We have the tech.  Also, Hank wants to visit our world later on when stuff calms down.  If stuff calms down, anyway…

Tear: I’m sure it will. Tony managed to get in touch with Rhodey. He said Matt and Jen had finally made some progress in giving SHIELD and the Avengers proper authority over disaster zones.

Me:  That’s great news!  *I brighten up slightly.  Though still worried about Trix.*

Prettywitch: It’s about damn time. *She says this with a smile.*

Steve (giving a small congratulation before getting down to business):  That’s some excellent work over there.  Now to the problem at hand.  How do we locate and capture Agatha Harkness?  Also, how do we make sure she doesn’t have Trix on her?  We need to make sure we get her out safely as quickly as possible. 

Stephen:  Wong and I have already traced her location to a remote cabin in the middle of the October Mountain wilderness near Salem, Massachusetts.  That part wasn’t difficult.  Hank gave the team some wearable signal jammers and I’m going to attempt to modify them so that Harkness’ spells won’t work on anyone wearing them.  Also, I think I found a workaround for the witch’s defenses so that Wong and I can provide additional aid.

Tony: *He sends Stephen a look, genuinely impressed* So you’ll give us the Sorcerer Supreme’s version of protective charms? Sounds like we got lucky with our cereal box.

Stephen:  Technically speaking.  *He gives Tony a wry look.*

Steve:  Okay.  That’ll work as an effective defense.  What else do we need to be on the lookout for when confronting this witch?

Stephen:  She’ll most likely have several traps and wards up.  Judging by the fact that she uses Dark Magic, those wards and magical triggers for the traps will be in the form of runes.  Not all of them are visible to non-magic users.  However, the girls will be able to see them.  We did get them to that stage of their training before it was interrupted.  Anyway, most trap spells are triggered by anything larger than an insect.  As for the wards, all of the runes have to be taken out at once or they stay up.  Beyond that, be careful of any potential entities or brainwashed mortals that she might use as pawns.  

Tony: Alright, so we’ll do extensive recon. We had already determined we cannot go in, guns blazing, while Trix is still a hostage, so our strategy cannot change. *He types away at a holographic keyboard being projected from his wristwatch and finally flips his hand forward, tossing the resulting hologram to hover where everyone can easily see it. It is a terrain map of the mountain Stephen mentioned.* This is where Atom Ant and his tiny army come in. With the Pym Tech, I can equip you with scanners and beacons to help us locate these runes.

Scott: *Raises an eyebrow at Tony’s nickname.* Atom Ant?

Stephen (stepping forward quickly):  Our first priority should be to locate Agatha within her lair and confirm that Trix’s crystal is present and undamaged.  *He’s still quite livid about the situation and worried sick about Trix, but containing himself as best he can.*  Once we do, the crystal needs to be secured and taken out of Harkness’ reach.  Then, the runes must be destroyed to break the wards.  Wong and I should be able to portal to the ensuing battle as soon as Trix’s crystal is secured and the wards are down.  *The sorcerer seethes with determination.*

Scott: Hey, don’t worry, Doc. We’ll get her back. 

Steve (reassuring the sorcerer): Precisely, Stephen.  We’ll ensure that Trix gets freed safely and help the other girls through this mission.  Scott, could you please brief the team on how to use the discs Dr. Pym provided?

Scott: Sure. *He holds up two discs for everyone to see.* Alright, so there’s two different discs. Red shrinks, blue grows. Now, the way you use them is pretty simple; all you gotta do is throw them at the object or person you wanna shrink or enlarge and…bam! *He throws a red disc at Fury’s coffee cup, which shrinks.*

*The entire group listens intently to him, asking questions to be sure that everyone has the facts straight.  Scott has each person do a dry run of what to do so the risk of anything going wrong from misuse is minimized.  I’m nervous, but hiding it well.  I’ve never been in this kind of fight before.  However, my main priority is getting Trix back.  So, I listen well, answer the questions, do the drills, and stay composed.  Steve watches all of us intently.*

Steve:  If we feel confident in these drills, then we need to address how to properly disable and capture Agatha.  Stephen, any advice?

Stephen:  Magic takes focus and concentration.  If she’s too preoccupied with defending herself, then she won’t be able to hit back as effectively.  Also, most incantations have to be spoken and the proper gestures need to be made.  If you can somehow silence her and prevent her from using her hands, she can’t cast.

Me:  Tony, if you have some spare supplies, I can make some small charges and connect the detonators so they all go off at once to take down the runes.  Do you mind?  Oh!  Also, maybe some clamps, a couple of wires, and the power supply from a taser.  I’ve got an idea…*I have a slightly nasty-looking smirk at the last bit, but notice his look.*  Don’t worry.  It’s nothing lethal.  Basically, if she tries to open her door, she’ll get shocked.  It could provide an opening for a second or two while she’s stunned.

Tony: *He lifts his eyebrows at Stephen, slightly amused.* She’s devious. *He turns back to Steward and gives his consent with a small flick of his fingers.* You can grab what you need from any of the shared labs in the Compound. And I may not have any extra suits just waiting for grabs, but I do have plenty of explosives. FRIDAY can easily time the detonations. So if Mother Goose doesn’t object, you can be responsible for setting them up.

Stephen (looking at me):  Are you sure you know what you’re doing?

Me:  I do. 

*He sighs.* 

Stephen:  Please be careful and don’t blow yourself or anyone else up.

Me:  I won’t.  I’ve worked with explosive charges before.  *I have a toothy grin.  The small chips and slight cracks on my teeth are not reassuring.*

Stephen (resigned):  Do I want to know?

Me (chipper):  Probably not!

*Stephen reluctantly allows me to perform my tasks.  Though he IS hovering nearby as he works on enchanting Hank’s devices.* 

Steve:  When we have Trix’s crystal located, we’ll have to secure it quickly before Agatha can damage it.  If we can disable her quickly, then we should be able to go in and recover it without too many complications.  However, if she’s wearing or holding it, we’ll have to make sure we incapacitate her carefully without giving her an opening to make a move on the crystal.

Peter: *He sits up eagerly and lifts a hand as if they are in class.* Oh! I could easily steal it back from her if I get a clear shot at it. *He turns and shrugs at PrettyWitch, who is standing closest.* It worked when I once stole Cap’s shield.

Steve:  Admittedly, that was an effective move.

Tony: *He frowns, unsure.* I don’t think I want you anywhere near the witch, Underoos.

Steve: *Approaching the subject gently, but firmly.  He’s trying to be tactful.  Though he understands why Tony is so protective of Peter.  Even then, he also sees how much Peter has grown.*  Tony, as young as Peter is, he did help us save the universe.  Maybe it’s time that he helps more on missions if he’s willing.

Tony: *His eyes flash dangerously as he whips around to face Steve with a scandalized look.* Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware his guardianship had passed from May Parker to Steve Rogers.

*Steve puts his hands up and steps back, letting Tony speak his part.  He’s not looking for a fight.*

Stephen (stepping in):  I’ve finished my modifications on the “Achilles Tendon” devices that Hank provided.  They should ensure that everyone on this rescue mission is well-protected.  *He emphasizes the last part while looking at Tony, who looks about to explode at Steve.*

Tony: *He drags his eyes away from Steve to meet the sorcerer’s. His angry glare remains if only to hide the sheer fear in his eyes.* Can you promise me that?

Peter (meekly): I trust Doctor Strange…

Stephen (solemn):  I promise.  Everyone there will be wearing the devices, including my apprentices.  They will provide the best protection I can possibly give while unable to be there myself.  *He’s deadly serious*

Scott: *He notices the tension in the room and decides to do something about it.* Ah, great! Hank’s gonna be thrilled. *He takes the devices from Stephen and looks at Steve & Tony.* Well, come on. Let’s go. *He makes his way towards the door.* 

Tony: *He sighs and turns to Peter, pointing a scolding finger at him.* You stick close to the girls and listen to your Spidey Sense, no matter how little a tingle you feel. Got it?

Peter: *He grins, happy he got his way in the end* Got it. Just stop saying tingle.

Tony: *He pivots to point that same finger at the three women.* And that goes for you three as well. Out there, you all listen to Cap or you listen to me. No questions asked. The last thing I need is Mother Supreme haunting my ass if anything happens to any of you.

Me:  Aye, sir.  *I give Tony a serious nod.*

Tear: *She links elbows with Peter and gives both Tony and Stephen a nod.* We’ll keep each other safe.

Prettywitch:  Exactly! You two’ve got nothing to worry about.

Steve:  Okay, any more questions?  If not, then suit up.  We’re moving out in T minus 5 minutes.  Make sure everyone has everything they need. 

*Within 5 minutes, Steve, Peter, Tony, Scott, and the three women are suited up and ready for action, each person donning a modified Achilles Tendon device to block Agatha’s spells.  They use a Quinjet to get close to the location.*

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

*There’s no way to track the passage of time while in the astral plains, however Trix has been summoned by Agatha four times so far. Each has been harder than the last and she comes back wounded each time. This was one of the longer sessions so far.*

Loki (looking concerned at Trix): That one seemed to be a harsh session, are you alright?

Trix (laying on the ground and spasming in pain): I asked too many questions that time and I think she was getting less forgiving of my stalling. *She groans in pain and lays there for a while. Despite being in her astral form, she looks beaten and bloody.*

*Loki does a spell and a large leather bound book appears before him, floating in place right around his chest*

Loki: Let’s not waste your sacrifices then. Show me what she taught you. 

*Much to Trix’s initial surprise when he first did so, Loki is able to use magic in the astral plains and has been slowly teaching Trix to do so as well when she isn’t too burnt out. He has been collecting all of the knowledge she’s been drawing out of Agatha in a grimoire he had summoned. He slowly taught her to cast spells to show what the runes looked like in light. While Loki’s was green, Trix’s was orange.*

Trix: It was warding this time. It looked like the runes she has up in her lair. I know a little bit about runes from my world but hers are different, unsurprisingly. They looked like these-

*She casts from where she’s laying on the ground and six orange runes float above her. Loki makes a noise of acknowledgement and begins to write them down. Trix begins to explain how Agatha described each one and what each one meant and how they interact with each other.*

Trix: I recognize them from the show. She went more in depth in them here of course versus the show but they’re meant to keep people from performing magic. ‘In a given space, only the witch that cast the runes can perform her magic’ she had said in the show. Agatha didn’t say that here, only explaining the details of each one. I’m doubtful she would have taught me this if she knew that I know what they do. *She pauses a moment before looking over at Loki* I think this may be what we need to stop her.

Loki (nodding): I think you’re right. I recognize some of these but covens are notoriously picky about who they share their knowledge with. Even the names of them weren’t recorded, at least until now. They’re a superstitious lot. They believe names have power but that simply isn’t true. An old wives’ tale. 

*Trix cranes her head back at him and smiles briefly*

Trix: I’m glad we have it now. I’m running out of things to tell her before I get to the parts I do not want her to know. I already shared that we know what we do from stories that were passed down over decades. Agatha is convinced we live in some sort of coven that has the ability to determine prophecies and she seems way too interested. She keeps asking about where I came from and giving my exact city name isn’t working anymore. I think she went to investigate our city in this universe but didn’t find anything. She’s going to ask even more clarifying questions soon and I’m going to run out of ways I can stall without revealing what’s actually going on. *She starts pacing and it’s incredibly easy to slip into the beginnings of an anxiety attack due to Agatha’s manipulations*

Loki: *closes the book and makes it disappear. He looks at me with a gentle smile* You’re doing very well, Trix. The wounds on your soul are starting to pile up but you are being incredibly strong. We’ll get out of this soon. For now, rest and heal as I tell you more stories about my oaf of a brother and how I got him out of another stupid situation when we were younger. Then we can worry about appeasing the witch.

*Trix just lets out a small smile as she closes her eyes and just listens to him weave a tale meant to calm her down and make her laugh*

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

*As Trix endures her captivity and befriends Loki, the team proceeds to close in on Agatha’s lair.*

***To be continued***

[masterxmunson]

Every Breath You Take | Steve & Eddie

A couple of days had passed since the show, but I was still on cloud nine. Flying hella high. Hellfire was tonight, and I had to run home to get some things for the campaign. Backpack full, I walked out of my bedroom to find Wayne standing there, almost about to knock.

"Hey, kid," he said, his gruff voice more familiar to me than anyone else's. His eyes were all over my face, inspecting me almost. "You seem better."

It was obvious Steve had me a little more than upset when he broke my heart. I was high 24/7. Grumpy. An outright jerk, probably. "Much better," I said, offering him a smile.

"Does that have to do with Harrington?" he asked, making me still.

My heart picked up and I stuttered a little as I tried to answer his question. "He's not what you think. I know his family is shi-"

Wayne was laughing a little, his hands going up to slow me down. "Woah, Eddie. This isn't an interrogation. I know how great he is."

How did he know how great he was? What did he mean by that? They had barely interacted. "You know how great Steve Harrington is?" I questioned, my head cocked to the side. "How exactly?"

It was Wayne's turn to skip over his words a little, his eyes not on mine as he disappeared to his thoughts. "He was at the hospital."

I nodded slowly, "I know that, yeah." He was hiding something, but what? When he didn't continue, I pursed my lips and lifted my eyebrows. His face was tinted pink. I had never seen him like this. "Do you want me to ask Steve?"

Shaking his head, he whispered, "He told me to never mention it to you."

"Never to mention what?" I asked, trying not to be irritated that they kept something from me. Was it bad?

"That kid never left your fucking bed unless I wanted alone time with you. Right beside you day and night. I would slip in, and he would give me privacy, disappear to see that Max kid. The feisty redhead." He was shaking his head. "I know how good he is. He saved your life twice."

My heart was pounding everywhere, slow and desperate as my father figure shared information I hadn't heard yet. Information that made my love for Steve stronger, if that was possible.

Wait. "Twice?" I asked. "What do you mean twice?"

"Maybe you should sit down?"

I was shaking my head and my free hand, the one not holding my bag. "No way. Just tell me."

"When we got to the hospital, you had lost a lot of blood. They didn't have your type available. They were gonna have to wait until some could be transferred. There wasn't a guarantee you'd make it if we waited." I hadn't heard the tone he was using in a long time, since he took me in.

I waited, impatiently but silent, for him to continue. I pursed my lips, my foot tapping out the nerves. He released a sigh. "Eddie. He donated the blood you needed to live. Had them test him to see if he was a match. He didn't think twice when they told him. He just did it."

It felt like all the blood in my face as drained out, everything cold as I stared at him. Steve.. donated his blood to me. To save me? Me?

"Do you know?" I asked him. I wet my lips, my mouth so fucking dry. Would he understand? Did he already suspect? I was shaking. What if he kicked me out? "About us?"

"I had an idea. Never bothered me none, as long as you were happy. As long as he made you happy."

Wayne Munson was my hero. Truly.

When I pulled up to Steve's house with a decent amount of time to spare, I half-ran toward the front door. I knocked several times. I probably was coming off a little crazy. I just needed to see him. I don't even know what I was going to say, but he had to know that I knew.

Also, Wayne approved of us. That was cool thing I would slip in somehow. How fucking metal of my uncle.

[chrisbitchtree]

Coping by wiping out all Stancy road trip fantasy grossness and replacing it with Harringrove.

***

Billy still can’t believe that he’s dating Steve Harrington. Although can it really be called dating if you’ve been confined to a hospital bed for your entire relationship? Billy supposes so. If you count sharing a pudding cup and watching game shows as a date. Which he does. He has to, because who knows when they’ll let him out of this place? He has to take what he can get.

Of all the insanity he’s had to take in and digest since his return, Steve telling Billy that he always had feelings for him should be a small thing, but it continues to rock his world and bring a smile to his face, even two months later.

As Bob Barker tells a contestant to come on down on the screen, Billy pulls back from a chocolate flavoured kiss, a pleased little smile dancing on his lips. If he could walk, there would be a skip in his step.

“Wish you’d get up on here with me,” Billy says, taking Steve’s hand and giving it a squeeze. “We could both fit if we laid real close.”

“You know…” Steve starts, before Billy cuts him off.

“I know, I know, you don’t want to fuck with any of the wires or anything.” He’s heard Steve recite that line a million times, but it never stops him from trying to get the other boy up there to cuddle. Sue him if he wants Steve Harrington’s surprisingly muscled arms wrapped around him. He glares at the medical devices that are still hooked up to him, and will be for the foreseeable future.

Steve laughs. “Gotta get you good and healthy so I can finally take you out for more than green jello and Match Game reruns, baby.”

Baby. Billy doesn’t think he’ll ever tire of hearing Steve call him that. They sit in companionable silence for a moment, their clasped hands swinging between them, watching a contestant guess the price of a living room set, before Billy gets chatty again.

“When did you first realize you’d fallen hopelessly in love with me, pretty boy? When I died a hero’s death to save your asses?”

“No,” Steve replies, giving him that sappy look he’s so good at. The one that makes Billy feel like a hand has stuck itself in his chest and is squeezing his heart. “Way before that.”

“When?” Billy asks, curious.

“I used to have this fantasy,” Steve starts.

Billy smirks. “I’ve had plenty of fantasies about you too, Princess.”

Steve smacks him, lightly. “Not fantasies like that, you horndog. Although I’ve had plenty of those. But no, I used to picture me and Nancy, in an RV, flying down the highway, ready to see New England, our six kids in the back.”

Billy frowns. “Not in the mood to hear about your ex, Harrington.” She and Steve have been broken up for almost two years, and Steve has assured him time and time again that there’s nothing there, but he still can’t help the little twinge of jealously he feels when Steve mentions her.

“Wait,” Steve says, holding up a hand. “This is going somewhere. So, I used to fantasize about that all the time. I could picture so clearly my future with her. But then you showed up, and suddenly I couldn’t picture her so clearly anymore. The image got fuzzier and fuzzier, and I started to find that what I was picturing was changing. Where she’d always been next to me, singing along to The Partridge Family, was a curly haired blonde with sparkling blue eyes, arguing with me over directions and constantly changing the radio station while the kids and I complained about how loud the volume was. And I wasn’t headed east anymore. I was headed to California. The new fantasy was so much clearer. You taught the kids and I to surf once we got there, and we were all tanned and golden and happy. So happy. No matter what I did, I couldn’t see anyone but you next to me anymore. That’s how I knew. Knew I’d fallen hopelessly in love with you.”

Billy grins. “You want me to take you to California, baby? I’ll take you to California. As soon as I’m free, I’ll take you there. And someday, we’ll get that RV and we’ll take the kids on the same route, and we’ll make that dream come true.” He brings their clasped hands to his lips and holds them there for a minute as images fill his head of their future together. An endless highway, him and Steve together, forever, sunshine on their shoulders and love in their hearts.

[cjsinkythoughts]

Right From Left

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Reader

Word Count: 3085

Warnings: !FATWS SPOILERS!, Cursing, Zemo being a punk, Bucky getting a little scary, some feelings, Sam being his fantastic, amazing, caring for everyone self

A/N: Here it is! At long last! I’ve been waiting for this episode and it was…holy fuck. I barely have words. And I can’t start or else I’ll be ranting for pages. Anyways, I know this Part is a little on the shorter side - not by much, but it still is - and it doesn’t even cover half the episode, but I’ve had a long day and I’m tired, so I’m going to sleep. I wanted to stop before Walker entered the picture too, because then I’m just gonna get more riled up and I’m working later. I’ll probably have another part out today, and then I’ll finish it tomorrow. Unless I can finish it today. I’ll try, but no promises.

Feel free to rant to me about the episode or the show, too, guys! My friends and I have been going back and forth about it for the past few hours. I’d love to hear your thoughts! I think that’s all for now.

As always, this isn’t beta’d so please excuse any mistakes! Thank you for reading, be kind to yourself and others, enjoy this part and stay tuned!

FATWS Masterlist

cjsinkythoughts Masterlist

!SPOILERS BELOW CUT!

You were avoiding him.

When you first got to Latvia, he had pulled you aside, eyes wide and pleading. “Doll, listen-”

“I really don’t think right now is the time to have the discussion we’re about to have.” Shaking your head, you avoided his gaze, your stomach twisting into knots. It was too much for you to handle; you couldn’t focus on the mission at hand and try to unravel the emotions that were making your gut flip like a gymnast. There were too many thoughts in your head, and you needed a clear mind.

“But-”

“Once this is all done, and our lives aren’t in danger. Once we’re back home, then we can talk, okay? Just…please. Not here. Not now.”

And he dropped it. 

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to talk about it. You just couldn’t. You had always been a ‘leave your baggage at the door’ type of person. Don’t mix work with personal. Not like you had much “personal” anyways when you first decided that was how it should be. And then your coworkers became family and your motto got a lot harder to follow. But you still followed it. And you would continue to follow it.

But that made you start avoiding him. Whether you meant to or not, everyone noticed, but no one said anything. Sam shot you a look when you didn’t offer to go with Bucky when he had to check something out. Zemo raised an eyebrow when he came back and, instead of immediately questioning him, you sat still on the couch, eyes glancing up briefly, before going back to playing with the strings of your hoodie.

You were paying attention to their conversation, especially when Karli Morgenthau was brought up, you just didn’t join in. Not even when Zemo mentioned the Avengers, eyeing you to see your reaction.

Honestly, you were tired, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Your shoulder hurt, your brain couldn’t process what the guys were talking about, and your heart couldn’t take any more hits.

It was something you’d been thinking about…you just thought it’d come after this mission.

“She will not stop. She will escalate until you kill her…or she kills you.”

“Maybe you’re wrong Zemo. The Serum never corrupted Steve.”

For the first time since he first walked in, your eyes met Bucky’s. “Touche.” Zemo pointed at Bucky with a pastry around his finger. “But there has never been another Steve Rogers, has there?”

But you couldn’t wait until after this mission. Not when he was so connected to it. “I think I’m gonna go home.” You blurted out before Zemo and Bucky could argue further, Bucky slumping down onto the opposite side of the couch.

The moment the words left your lips, Sam and Bucky shot up, staring at you in disbelief.

“Wait, hold up. What? Now? We’re so close-”

“Why? Is it your arm? Is it hurting? You should’ve told us-”

“I’m just tired.” You cut in, shaking your head. “That’s all. I didn’t expect this to be drawn out this long when you called, Sammy.”

Bucky’s hand twitched as he hesitatingly scooted closer to you. “Doll, if this is because what happened on the jet-”

“It’s not, Buck.” You tried to give him a convincing smile, but you knew by the look in his eyes that he didn’t buy it for one second. You reached over to squeeze his hand, and when you pulled back, he held on tighter, a sigh escaping his lips as he stared down at your linked hands.

“Okay…if you wanna go home, we can get you home. Just…” His head turned back to you, a pleading pout on his features. “Just…stay. Another day. Please. You can keep avoiding me, I won’t even say another word to you if you don’t want. But stay. Just for one more day.”

Chewing on your cheek, you finally nodded slightly. “Okay. One more day.”

His eyes lit up, before his face fell again when you took your hand back and curled into the corner of the couch. “Let’s talk shop, boys.”

“Okay. So, from my understanding, Donya is like a pillar of the community, right?” Sam easily changed the topic back to the situation at hand, giving you a reassuring wink when you smiled at him gratefully. “So when I was a kid, my Tee Tee passed away.”

Bucky screwed his face up in confusion, straightening his head from where he had it leaned back. “Your - your Tee Tee?”

Sam gave him a look. “Yeah. My-my Tee Tee, yeah.”

Bucky looked at him weirdly. “Who is your Tee Tee?”

The exchange made you giggle a little bit, shaking your head. “Bucky’s a city boy from the 40’s, remember, Sammy?”

“Fine.” Sam rolled his eyes. “When I was a kid my aunt passed away.”

Bucky gave a slight huff, making you chuckle again. You stopped when he smiled over at you, but your grin didn’t leave your face. Even when they were the ones to give you a headache, your fellas were damn entertaining, that’s for sure.

With a sort-of plan in place - the gathering for Donya being no more than a theory, but the only idea you really had - you stretched out from your spot on the couch, twisting to crack your back. “Zemo.” The man stopped his rummaging through the cabinets and looked over his shoulder at you, an eyebrow raised. “Go put some clothes on. We’ve got work to do.”

He gave you an unimpressed look, opening his mouth, but Sam beat him to the punch. “Do as the lady says, man. You’re already walking on a tightrope after you shot Nagel!” Zemo waved dismissively at Sam’s exclamation, heading into a separate room to change out of his robe. “That guy is gonna drive me up the wall.”

“Don’t let him get to that pretty head of yours, Sammy.” You hummed, standing up, wincing slightly as you stretched your sore shoulder over your head.

You could tell Bucky wanted to say something, the way he snapped forwards, hands moving down his thigh like he was leaning over to reach for you, his eyes locked on your injured joint, but, just as he said earlier, he didn’t say a word. But the part that made you upset was…you didn’t stop him. You didn’t tell him it was okay for him to talk to you. You didn’t reassure him that you weren’t purposely trying to avoid him. You simply moved over to the kitchen to get something to drink.

It hurt worse than your shoulder, but you couldn’t handle it. Not then. Not with such an important part of the mission coming up. So you didn’t say anything. You just sipped your water, switching into tactic mode as your mind ran through the scenarios of what could possibly go down in the next 24 hours before you went home.

*************************

Walking under the arch, you couldn’t help but feel saddened as Zemo told you about what the courtyard used to look like. Thanos messed the world up so much more than you realized and, as much as you hated to admit it, the Avengers did have a part in it. Not that they - you - were in the wrong, necessarily. You truly believed you did what anyone in that situation, with the skills and abilities and knowledge the team had, would do what you did. Or tried to do.

“I’m gonna take a look around upstairs.” Sam stated, looking up at the upper stories of the building, before glancing at Bucky. “See what you can find out here. And keep an eye on him.”

“I’ll come with you.” You said, turning on your heel to follow Sam. The back of Bucky’s gloved hand brushed against yours, and instinctually you turned your palm to link your fingers and squeezing. You let go quickly once you realized what you were doing, nearly tripping up the stairs to get to Sam, not daring to wait for Bucky’s reaction.

“You’re an idiot.” He stated simply as soon as you met him at the top of the stairs.

“Can we focus on finding Donya right now, please?” You grumbled, moving forwards cautiously, peeking around the corner. You frowned when you saw two guys at the end of the hallway, looking back at you and Sam warily.

“You need to hear what he has to say, cher.”

You sighed, rubbing your forehead. “I know I do. I know. But I can’t. Not right now. I’m just trying to get this over with first. I don’t want too many things on my plate. I might choke.” It already felt like you were drowning most nights.

He paused at your words, giving you a once over, before nodding. “Okay. I can respect that.”

“Thank you.” You told him earnestly. “Now let’s try to get something from these people.”

He nodded in agreement and you two continued forwards with your search. Room after room, people walked out before you could get anything from them, locking doors behind them. The Flag Smashers logo was everywhere, but you expected nothing less from a refugee camp that practically worshipped what they were doing.

Even when you did get a guy to talk to you, he immediately shut you down, leaving you and Sam dejected. The fact that the world had gotten so bad that these people couldn’t trust you and Sam - Avengers; people who used to be heroes and bring hope to others - it made your heart sink.

“C’mon, Y/N.”

“Are we wrong?”

He froze at your question, his lips pressing together. “About what, exactly?”

You shrugged. “I don’t know. I just…I guess I can’t tell right from left anymore. I always assumed that the Avengers were the good guys. That the actions we’ve taken in the past were us making the world a better place, but…Sokovia and Ultron. Germany and the whole civil war thing we had going on. The entire world and Thanos. We don’t truly ever win. Do we?”

“I can’t answer that for you.” Sam shook his head. “I can’t tell you what to believe or who to believe in. But I can tell you that we’ve made a difference. Steve, Nat, Tony…they made a difference.”

“But was it a good difference? Was it a change? There’s a difference between changing the world and just making it different, Sam.”

He blinked at you, nodding slowly. “Yeah. I guess you’re right. And I don’t have that answer for you either. But they tried. They did what they thought was right. No matter if it was or not. And isn’t that all we can do? Try?”

His words made you think back to the conversation you had with Bucky once he learned about John Walker, which seemed so long ago. When you told him it wasn’t Sam’s fault. That he was just trying. That he did what he thought was right. 

And maybe he was wrong. But he made a decision. It was his decision. To do the right thing. And right then, not for the first time, you could see exactly what Steve saw in the man in front of you.

“You’re a good man, Sam.”

Sam grinned, slinging an arm around your shoulders and squeezing. “And you’re an incredible person, Y/N. Let’s go see if Bucky and the Baron got anything.”

You snickered at his mocking tone towards Zemo and nodded. “Yeah. Okay.”

*****************************

You didn’t like it. You didn’t like it one bit. So far, Zemo kept proving you wrong. Even when it seemed like he was about to jump ship, he came back. No matter how many opportunities he had to escape, he never did. And it was making you even more suspicious.

You stayed out of Bucky and Sam’s conversation, although you had to agree with Sam’s point, especially with the conversation you just had.

Your thoughts were running a thousand miles a minute, only to be interrupted by Zemo information about the funeral this afternoon. Guess a snake will always be a snake.

“And you, uh, didn’t think this was important information?” You questioned, eyes narrowed and brow pinched.

He shrugged. “You have it now, don’t you, princess?”

Bucky growled at the nickname, leaning back on the couch, threatening Zemo with the Dora Milaje.

You can’t remember a time you’ve ever been scared of Bucky. Maybe a little threatened and intimidated by the Winter Soldier, but never scared of Bucky. And when he stood up after Zemo mentioned leverage, you didn’t expect anything from it; maybe another choke hold or something. So the glass hitting the wall, the clench in his jaw as he spoke gruffly to the Baron, for a mere second, he kind of frightened you. Maybe it was all the emotions you’d been through the past few weeks or maybe it was the adrenaline that seemed to be pulsing through your veins 24/7 nowadays. Whatever it was, it made you flinch, bolting up as Sam did.

You left the room quickly, hearing Sam say something about making a call, hoping to calm your racing heart.

“Doll?” You sat up from the bed you were laying on, legs hanging off the edge. Bucky stood in the doorway, nervously shifting his feet. “I know I said I’d leave you alone, but…”

You gave the bed a pat next to you and he gladly accepted the invitation, padding over to sit besides you. “I don’t want you to leave me alone, Buck. You’re my best friend. I-I just need to take it one thing at a time right now.”

He nodded. “I get it. I wasn’t…I wasn’t coming in to talk to you about that. You said we’ll talk about it later, so we’ll talk about it later.”

“I appreciate that, Bucky.” You smiled at him, before frowning. “What did you wanna talk about then? Are you okay?”

“Did I…did I scare you?”

You blinked at his question, tilting your head. “What?”

Jerking his head to the doorway he explained, “just then. With Zemo. Your heart spiked.”

“No.” You answered immediately. You would never ever admit that he kind of did scare you. It was just for a second and you knew how his brain worked; he’d beat himself up over it, go over his actions for hours instead of getting the rest he so desperately needs and deserves. He didn’t need that on his conscience right now. “I wasn’t - I just…you startled me. I wasn’t expecting that reaction-”

“I didn’t like the way he talked to you.” He spat out, glaring at his hands in his lap. “And then the smug bastard thought he was gonna get away with holding back information like that and I just…I dunno.”

His hand came off his thigh, but he hesitated. Before he could put it down again, you slipped your hand under his, linking your fingers, running your thumb in circles against his palm. “Don’t let him get to you, Buck. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”

A sigh left his lips and he nodded. “I know, I know. It’s just…hard. After everything he put me through - put us through - I…I just hate that he’s really our only option.”

You frowned, shifting on the bed to face him, one leg bending beneath you while the other still hung over. “Why are you so obsessed with catching these guys?”

“I wanna do something right.” He murmured, playing with your fingers. “I’ve done so much wrong…I just wanna do something right. And I feel...responsible for it, I guess. In a way. It’s Super Soldier Serum. I thought I was the only one after Steve…” He froze at the blonde’s mention, giving you a side-eyed glance. You nudged him, silently telling him to continue, that it was okay to talk about him. “And Sam’s right, you know. She’s just a kid. So…I dunno. I wanna help. I wanna do something right. And catching them would help. It’s right. Right?”

You nodded firmly. “I understand where they’re coming from. Karli’s just trying to help the world. But she’s doing it wrong. And that I know for absolute certainty. Which is good, I guess. I was talking to Sam early and I mentioned not knowing my right from my left recently. It’s good I know something, huh? And for you it should be easy telling your right from your left.” You joked, tracing the gold lines on his metal arm. “I guess you’re just gonna have to stay besides me to help me remember.”

Looking up, you found Bucky staring at you with something you recognized in his eyes, but didn’t want to name. “Three hours, forty two minutes and thirty one seconds.”

“What?”

“That’s how long I didn’t talk to you. It was too long.”

You sighed, ducking your head. “Bucky, I’m sorry-”

“I’m sorry. For anything and everything I’ve ever done wrong. I won’t mention the plane or anything we’ve talked about until you bring it up first. I promise. Just…just don’t ignore me anymore? I'm not sure I can handle it for much longer.”

You nodded, watching your fingertips dance along his scruffy jaw. “I won’t.” He caught your wrist, opening his mouth, before shaking his head and closing it. “What?”

He shook his head again. “Not until you bring it up.”

“We will talk, James. I promise.”

“You don’t have to explain. I get it. I really do. It’s okay. As long as we’re okay for right now, I can hold it in a bit longer.”

You nearly asked him what he was holding in, but you quickly shoved the question out of your mind, knowing it would take you down a conversation you couldn’t possibly have right then. “How long do you think we have?”

He shrugged. “I dunno. Zemo just said that it’s this afternoon. Why?”

“I started reading The Great Gatsby on the plane. I’ve got it on my phone. It kinda reminds me of you. Do you-do you think we have time to read some? Only if you want, I mean. Like we used to do in Wakanda?”

He grinned and nodded, scooting up on the bed and flopping down into the pillows. You smiled back, following his lead. Once you were comfortable, your phone out with the chapter you were on, Bucky scooted closer, laying his head on your stomach, hugging your waist. 

“Is this okay?”

Your fingers found home in his hair and you nodded when he looked up at you for an answer. “Yeah. It’s perfect, Buckaroo.”

[honey-sweet-hiraeth]

Breathe Part Thirteen

Warnings ⚠️⚠️: Mentions torture, lots of trauma, descriptions of panic attacks and ptsd flashbacks, language

Natasha seemed to relax a little once the soldier was gone, but her arms remained securely tightened around you. You hummed softly in your half awakened state and reciprocated the hold, wrapping your arms around her waist and nuzzling further into her.

A soft sigh left the assassin and she kissed the crown of your head before shifting and relaxing a little bit further. 

"Malyshka what are we going to do?" She whispered to you in the otherwise quiet room and you hummed again in response before lifting your head. 

"I dunno" You mumbled and pressed a kiss to her collarbone, withdrawing a sharp inhale of surprise from the widow. 

"How long have you been awake?" Her tone of voice sounded semi distraught and you sighed, settling your head back into the crook of her neck. 

"Not sure" you huffed softly "less than five minutes"

Natasha tensed beneath you and her hands gripped your waist a little tighter. 

"How much did you hear?"

"Enough to know they got him" You shivered lightly "and they're taking him here" 

Nat turned on her side and pulled you impossibly closer to her, wrapping both arms completely around you as she cradled you to her chest. 

"I won't let him near you" She vowed into the dark in a steady voice, causing the corners of your lips to twitch upward. 

"I know," You curled closer to her and balled your fists in her shirt. "I trust you to keep me safe"

"You do?" Natasha gazed down at you, seeming more vulnerable than you had ever seen her before. You could read it in her eyes that she was second guessing herself more than ever. 

You held her stare, shuffling upward until you were face to face with her, Nat took a sharp breath, her hands falling to your waist and gripping the material of your shirt. If only to ground herself and slow her racing thoughts. 

"Nat, you're a badass ex-assassin turned fucking superhero. You've lived through worse than I will ever imagine and you still have so much love for the world." You raised your hand to her cheek, smiling as Nat leaned into your touch, her eyes closing briefly. "You are my hero, and I know you would do anything to keep me safe. So yes. I do trust you. Completely."

When Natasha met your gaze again tears had gathered in her waterline. 

"Why do you believe in me so much?" 

…..

"I can't do this" You shook your head, walking away from the redhead in front of you toward the doors. "I shouldn't have come" 

"So you're just giving up?" Natasha was cold, she rarely even made it to lukewarm with you. But right now she was looking at you with a heated gaze. One you'd often seen when she was glaring at Tony or Clint. 

"I gave up a long time ago Ms Romanoff. I was made to take damage, not inflict it" You pressed your point, even as you watched the muscles in the assassin's jaw flex at your words.

You were preparing to go on a mission with the Black Widow, a mission just like the one you'd failed less than two weeks before.

 "What's the point? I'm never gonna get a handle on missions like this." You raised your arms in defeat, you knew Natasha could do the whole thing herself without a hitch "Why am I here? Let's face it I don't belong with the Avengers and I never will."

"You belong." Natasha took three calculated steps closer to you so you were standing less than a foot apart, her arms crossed and her posture tense. "You're here because Fury saw something in you."

"Yeah, well. Maybe Fury was wrong" 

"You wanna tell him that?" Natasha scoffed, scanning the room before her eyes fell back on yours. "Do you want to know what I see? 

You looked away, biting your lip. 

"You're terrified. You have been since S.H.I.E.L.D. took you from that lab eight months ago. But you keep pushing forward. You're brave, when you need to be. You're determined, I've watched you fight with Steve and Wanda about everything from testing the limits of your healing to the time you scared the shit out of us by rushing into a burning building." 

You frowned at the mention of the fire. You were still in training at the time, no one really knew about your ability yet. You were out with Steve, Wanda, and Natasha. Wanda had invited you along despite Natasha's complaints that you should be working on your endurance.

An apartment building caught fire, and by the time you all had reached it, the fire department was there, but they couldn't send anyone in due to the intensity of the flames. 

You heard a woman sobbing that her children were still inside and your heart nearly stopped. 

You had rushed into the building, pushing past the heat, the children's cries were the only thing you could focus on. You returned with the children to cheers from the crowd, and three very worried teammates. 

Of course that worry turned to anger when they realized you were okay. 

"You might not see it. You might not believe it. But you're a hero, you have everything you need to do this. You are an Avenger" Natasha smiled gently at you and you blinked, rapidly. You'd never seen this side of her before. But just as soon as it had come, the warmth in the redhead slipped away. "Now are you going to tell me that I'm wrong too? Or are you gonna grow a pair and finish this mission with me?"

…..

"You've never done anything but believe in me, protect me and make me feel safe. You've never given me a reason to doubt you and you never will." You smiled softly, wiping the tears from Natasha's cheeks as she let out a quiet sob. "I've seen you take on the worst of circumstances and you never let anyone take your heart from you."

"How can anyone take my heart from me when you're the one who has it?" Natasha sat up further and you leaned back, moving to straddle her lap. 

Natasha's hands found their way to your face and you smiled. You couldn't ignore the implications of her words. Nor could you deny the way your heart soared at her confession. 

"I um- I know you're still trying to navigate how Wanda and I feel about you and I need you to know that it doesn't matter what happens. I'm always going to love you beyond reason." Natasha searched your eyes, a small, hopeful smile on her lips. She gently rested her forehead on yours, closing her eyes just to take in the moment.

You watched her with tears in your eyes, pulling away gently and meeting her eyes for a long moment. 

"Nat-" Your voice cracked and you both smiled, chuckling at how serious things had gotten. "Natty can I kiss you?"

And just like that, time seemed to stop. 

Your chest felt tight, the simple act of inhalation felt nearly impossible. 

You held Natasha's stare as her eyes bounced between your own. She seemed to be searching for any sign you could be uncertain about your request. After what felt like forever Natasha swallowed thickly, nodding her head ever-so-slightly.

"Yeah?" You asked, just above a whisper. 

"Yeah" Natasha nodded harder, her gaze falling to your lips. You smiled, nodding along with her. 

"Okay" You chuckled as you stared at each other in the dark. "Okay yeah, um- I'm gonna do that. Now."

You leaned in slowly, brushing your nose against her cheek as Nat waited with bated breath. 

You closed your eyes as Nat trailed her fingertips along your arms, eliciting goosebumps in their wake.

You took a breath working through the nerves when suddenly soft lips eagerly captured your own. 

You gasped, immediately returning the kiss with fervor. Your hands grasped the fabric of her shirt as you pulled her closer. 

You kissed until air became a problem and then you pulled away with tender smiles.

You chuckled quietly as you caught your breath. 

"Sorry" Natasha laughed, taking your hands in hers with a grin "You were taking too long"

"No apology needed" You chuckled, reuniting your lips in a quick kiss. 

…..

You woke up to an empty bed, cold sheets and a small note on your bedside table. You pouted as you dragged yourself out from under your covers and read the note with squinted eyes. 

Sorry I couldn't be there when you woke up, Fury called me in. My phone is on if you need me. Wanda's home too so you're not alone. I'll be back sometime tomorrow, when we know Strucker is completely secure. 

             -Nat

A soft sigh left your lips as you set the note down and trudged to your bathroom to shower. 

You basked under the steady stream of scalding water as you scrubbed yourself down before dumping a palm full of shampoo on your head and gently lathering it through the strands of your hair. You made sure to rinse any remaining soap off your body, raking your hands through your freshly washed hair. 

You didn't really have a whole lot to do, other than train and rest so you figured you would go for a run and then bug Wanda for a bit. You knew she wouldn't mind the company and even though you were still very confused about how you felt about her and Natasha, you at least knew you liked both of them a whole lot more than just as friends and you liked their company.  

You slipped out of the shower and wrapped yourself in a towel before heading into your room to change into some comfy work out clothes. 

As you searched your closet for something acceptable a knock at your door startled you. 

"Y/n?" Wanda's smooth voice floated through the door "Are you awake?"

"Yeah, come in" You called out, your focus still on finding clothes for the day as Wanda walked into your room and around the corner to your closet, visibly surprised by you being in just a towel. 

"Hey, I was just wondering if you wanted to- Oh!" She took a few quick steps back and trained her eyes on the ground in front of her. "sorry, uh- um- I just wanted to know if you want to watch a movie with me or something"

"That sounds awesome!" You smiled and slipped on some running shorts and a loose jersey before choosing out a hoodie to carry with you as you left your room, Wanda's flustered form scrambling to follow you as she tried to keep her eyes from raking over the expanse of exposed skin you had on display. 

This wasn't the first time you'd walked around in more revealing clothing, nor was it the first time Wanda had seen you in just a towel, but she found herself just as flustered every time. 

"O-okay cool" Wanda caught up to you and tried to keep her eyes forward. You kept walking seemingly unphased, or maybe oblivious to the panic you'd instilled in the witch. "Umm what do you wanna watch?" 

"Hmmm" You thought for a moment before bumping her shoulder with yours, causing the redhead to jump. "Wasn't there a sitcom you've been wanting to show me? Why don't we watch that one?" 

"Really?" Wanda's cheeks flushed pink at the way you were smiling at her, so full of care and admiration. 

"Yeah, I mean. You love sitcoms and I like learning about what you like so- it's a win win right?"

"Right- yeah cool" Wanda spun her rings and turned to the kitchen with a small smile. "Your room or mine?"

"Mmmm yours, I've been in my room way too long and your room has a good selection of hoodies to steal." You laughed as Wanda made a face at you. 

"And what if I wanna steal one of your hoodies?" Wanda asked, crossing her arms over her chest with a fake pout. 

You just grinned, untying the hoodie around your waist and tossing it at her. Wanda startled slightly and caught it by the hood with a small laugh. 

"There, you steal one of mine and I'll steal one of yours. Then it's even." You smiled before heading toward Wanda's room to invade her closet and find the right hoodie to take. 

"Dummy" Wanda smiled affectionately as she grabbed some snacks and carried them to her room where you were, rummaging through her clothes. 

…..

"What's next?" You asked from the floor of Wanda's room, watching her stretch her arms upward on her bed, before snuggling deeper into your hoodie. 

"What do you mean?" Wanda pouted at you in confusion and you giggled.

"We've watched like, seven episodes of Dick Van Dyke Wan, if we keep watching it at this rate we'll be through the whole series before the New Year." You sighed as Wanda smiled at you with a glint in her eyes. 

"Then we'll just start again" She chuckled and you raised an eyebrow. "I feel like watching the full series twice a year is healthy for any Van Dyke fan"

"Wan- that isn't healthy for anybody"

"Whatever"

"So what's next?"

"Hmm, I don't know. What do you wanna do?"

"I'm not sure, do you want to actually do something or watch another show?"

"What time is it?" Wanda yawned and reached for her phone, checking the time. "Ah- Twelve."

"It's midnight already?" You straightened up in your place, leaning against Wanda's nightstand. 

"Why are you all the way down there?" Wanda tilted her head, "That can't be comfortable."

"You're the one that kicked me off the bed when I was trying to cuddle."

"You were distracting me!"

"From what?"

"Van Dyke!"

"You darling," You pointed a finger up at the witch "Have a problem"

"Whatever" Wanda rolled her eyes and patted the space next to her "Get up here"

"Oh does her majesty require affection now?"

Wanda fixed you with a glare before her eyes softened and her lips twitched downward in an impressive pout as she nodded slowly. 

"You're ridiculous" You giggled as you pulled yourself off the ground. "Why do I put up with you again?"

"You love me"

"Do I now?"

"I don't know" Wanda's eyes flicked down to her hands as she twisted imaginary rings around her fingers. "I'm hoping you do"

"Hey," You took the Sokovian's hands as you sat next to her on the bed. "You're my best friend, no matter what."

Wanda's eyes traveled everywhere but to your own, you could feel her hands trembling in your grip. 

"Wan, you're always going to be one of my favorite people ever. Confusing feelings and awkward love triangle things aside, there will never be a moment when I don't utterly adore you."

A small sniffle left the witch before her gaze slowly traveled to yours, her teary eyes searching your own for something.

 Whatever she was looking for, Wanda must have found it because she smiled softly and nodded before looking back down at your conjoined hands. 

"I'm sorry" Wanda sniffed and wiped her eyes, slumping against the wall behind her bed. 

"Don't be sorry for having feelings" You pulled Wanda forward and into your arms, hugging her tightly while her head rested on your shoulder with her face tucked into your neck. "Your emotions are no problem"

Wanda scoffed, nuzzling closer to you and sighing softly against your skin. 

"Okay, they might be a problem to you, but not to me." You rocked back and forth slowly, swaying Wanda from side to side with you. "Never feel bad for being emotional around me, okay?"

"Okay"

You sat in silence, just embracing each other for what felt like forever before Wanda pulled away just enough to look at you. Her green eyes bearing into yours.

There was something unreadable in the way she was looking at you. Her eyes were slightly squinted and the corners of her lips pulled down. There was a sad unsureness to the air around you. 

"What's on your mind?" You ran your hands up and down her arms before tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. 

Wanda turned away with a shy smile, her cheeks twinging pink as she shook her head. 

"I'm just tired" She sighed and slid back against her pillows. 

"Me too." You met her eyes and she nodded slowly, tears gathering in her waterline. 

The heavy silence that followed spoke more than either of you could ever hope to convey with words alone. 

If you could even find the words to define how tired you were, they would pale in comparison to the intensity of your feelings. 

"We should probably go to bed." Wanda blinked a few times before moving to pull herself beneath her covers.

"We should." You paused briefly, catching Wanda's attention as you bounced lightly on her bed. "But what if we made cookies instead?"

"It's twelve-thirty in the morning y/n" Wanda chuckled "Tony would kill us if we had a repeat of our last late-night baking incident"

"You always make that sound worse than it was" You rolled your eyes.

"We nearly set the whole compound on fire" Wanda giggled "Not to mention everyone being woken up by the fire alarms at three A.M."

"Hey, no one else is home right now, so we don't have to worry about waking anyone up." You raised an eyebrow at Wanda, the corners of your lips twitching upwards. "Come on, you can't tell me you wouldn't risk another small fire for some chocolate chip cookies right about now."

You watched Wanda mull it over in her head, glaring at you as she silently debated your offer. 

"Damn it, you know I can't say no to that"

"Obviously"

"You're lucky I love you"

"I'm the luckiest" You grinned, pulling Wanda out of bed and dragging her to the kitchen. 

…..

After successfully getting your cookies in the oven, you and Wanda decided some celebratory wine was in order, you sat on the counter sipping your drink as you watched Wanda dance around the kitchen without a care, snacking on the leftover cookie dough. 

She spun around before walking over to stand between your legs and hold a chunk of dough to your mouth.

"Open" She slurred, having had way more to drink than you. 

You giggled at the witch, opening your mouth for her to clumsily shove the treat in your face, getting it to smear along the side of your cheek. 

"Wan!" You laughed, pushing her hand away before grabbing your own glob of dough and wiping it on her nose. 

Wanda shrieked with a grin and grabbed your wrist, taking your fingers in her mouth and licking the sweet cookie mixture off, releasing your fingers with a pop. 

"What the fuck Wan?"  You laughed, somewhat affectedly and Wanda joined in on your giggling, falling forward on the countertop. 

"You're so cute" Wanda grinned, a bit of her accent slipping into her speech. "I like you a lot"

"Thanks Wanda," a small smile rested on your lips as you jumped off the counter, before pulling Wanda up and sitting her down on a nearby stool. "You seem pretty drunk right now so, sit here and I'm gonna get you some Water." You smiled at the Sokovian as she nodded at you.

You quickly filled a cup of water,handing it to her before moving to take the cookies out of the oven. 

You set the cookie tray on the counter and quickly pulled Wanda's hand back as she reached for them. 

"Careful" You warned as Wanda stared at you with wide eyes "It's still hot"

Wanda stammered for a few moments before smiling at you.

"You're always looking out for me" she leaned against you.

"Hardly, you're the one who's always going in my head to stop my flashbacks. You shouldn't have to do that."

"I do it because I love you" Wanda wrapped her arms around your waist, tucking herself against you. 

"I know" You chuckled, pulling Wanda toward her room

"Wait where are we going?" Wanda whined pulling back

"You're room, you're at the very least tipsy and it's four in the morning, we need to get you to bed."

"I want cookies first" She spoke in a soft voice and you were about to say no when you looked at her. A small pout rested on her lips and her eyes were wide and pleading. It broke you almost immediately. 

"Okay, okay, cookies and then bed" You grinned and let Wanda drag you back to the kitchen where you both busied yourselves eating the chocolate chip cookies you'd been craving earlier. 

"These are really good" Wanda groaned and you felt yourself heating up at the sounds coming from the woman. 

You chuckled and watched as Wanda thoroughly enjoyed her second cookie, moaning nearly every other bite. 

You poured yourself another glass of wine and took a long drink as footsteps sounded, approaching the kitchen area. 

You turned, glass still tipped at your lips to meet the eyes of Natasha, who was looking between you and Wanda with her eyebrows raised. 

"Am I interrupting something?" Natasha chuckled and you finished off your wine before grinning at the redhead. 

"Not at all, want some cookies and wine?"

"Why not, I need a good drink." Natasha walked over and you poured her a glass. "What's going on here anyway?"

Wanda stumbled over to Natasha, wrapping her arms around the assassin with a grin. 

"We made cookies" She whispered conspiratorially and Natasha laughed

"I can see that" 

"Wanda has also had a lot more wine than me, so I'm trying to catch up" You laughed as you drank a bit more. 

"What's the plan after that?"

You shrugged and Nat grinned 

"Feel like watching a movie and passing out on the couch?"

"Yes!" Wanda squealed and Natasha laughed at her enthusiasm before refiling her own glass and topping off yours. 

The three of you made your way to the couch and settled in, Wanda on your left, Natasha on your right.

You sighed tranquilly as Meet The Robinsons began playing on the screen, and leaned your head on Natasha's shoulder, Wanda followed your lean and wrapped her arms around your waist as you all settled in for the next few hours. You hummed in content, feeling the comfort of being sandwiched between your two favorite people and mind fuzzy from the Wine as you drifted off to sleep. 

A/n: Look guys!! I did it! I updated! Soooooo fluffy stuff is fun.. Right? Ahaha um-- this fic is indeed coming to an end. What are we thinking? I always appreciate thoughts and comments. Reblogs are also appreciated. Anywhozie I hope y'all are having a good day/night! 🧡🧡

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