#there is something hot about benji working against ethan

[safehousebooze]

My part of an art trade with @fridgrave - hope you like it! 💜

It‘s those two from her AU where Benji joins the Syndicate ✨

Took the chance to challange myself and actually use color and proper shading. It was a struggle haha OTL

[mason-knight-retired]

Before Asteria

(timelines? don’t know her) --

The halls of the defunct Cerberus base are uncomfortably familiar.

There are ghosts lurking in the shadows. The warren-like layout of this place was almost identical to Phoenix 1, and with every door they kick open, every room they check, Mason almost expects to find Tatsu or any other familiar face huddled in a corner.

Even with the flickering lights overhead from the failing power grid, Mason could easily imagine he was back on P1. It’s disturbing on too many levels but it’s not until they shift into the long hallway of the residential deck that it really seems to hit home. 

There are rows of self contained suites for the operatives. His room, along with Ethan’s, had always been larger and nestled at the end of the hallway on P1. Virtue of seniority, he supposes.

By the end, Ethan’s room on P1 had been mostly for storage.

Mason knows he’s not the only one uncomfortable walking these halls. Ben and Nico feel it too, but it’s something they all pointedly ignore. Until they can’t any longer.

The dragoon comes at him with a lash Mason meets with his own and with the movement, the same terrifying dream replays behind his eyes - the nightmare of each one of them, twisted and remade into one of these and he hesitates. Despite the fact Ethan’s ring on his ringer and Ben and Nico are at first at his back and then in front of him, he hesitates to take the death blow.

There’s a blue crackle in the air and Nico booms past him, hot on Ben’s tail, so fast Mason hadn’t even felt the biotic brush against him until he was on the opposite side of the hall and squarely colliding with the dragoon’s chest. Then it’s on the ground, convulsing grotesquely as something bloody and black oozes from between the plates of its armor.

Marie’s voice sounds in Mason’s ear through the tinny speakers in his helmet. “What was that?”

“Hostiles,” Mason replies curtly. Ben moves on ahead, kicking the doors open and hunting for more quarry. “Dragoons as we expected. Stay alert, there might be more.”

When Mason turns around, it's straight into Zeus shiny blue breast plate looming over him, uncomfortably close. “What?”

Nico’s eyes glitter through his face plate, just a golden glow on the other side. “You hesitated, Huntsman.”

“Of course I fucking did.”

“One day that’s going to get you killed.”

Mason grits his teeth and bites back his retort. He glances sideways at the dragoon on the floor, the armour so familiar and foreign at the same time. Maybe it was the nightmares that kept replaying behind his eyes, but he still couldn’t separate phoenix and dragoons any easier this many months into the fleet’s campaign than it had been at the start.

Nico doesn’t move.

“Come on, Zeus. Get moving. We still have three more levels to clear.”

“You’ve lost your edge,” Nico tells him.

Mason snorts and kicks the body on the floor in irritation. The black ooze leaks over his armored toe and squelches as he hauls up the dragoon’s limp wrist and tries to pry away the gauntlet. It’s an ugly job, the gauntlet fused into the dragoon’s wrist and bone. He tries not to let himself think about who this man was, if there was a family out there that missed him, or someone he loved waiting for him to come home.

Maybe Zeus was right. “Maybe I should hand over command to you then, huh, Zeus?” Mason says it with a bitter edge, a challenge wrapped up in annoyance, although who he’s really pissed at, he can’t tell.

Nico moves out of his way slowly but Mason can feel the way his eyes burn into him. “Maybe you should.”

--

Nico’s answer plants a seed in the back of Mason's mind and its tendrils grow with every quiet step back on the Berlin. He passes the observation lounge and overhears Luca crooning over his guitar, singing some slow song about love and loneliness and missing the one you love and he backtracks to stand in the doorway and listen.

Luca catches his eye but he doesn’t stop until he’s finished his song.

“Got anything happier?” Masons asks, venturing into the room. Maybe a distraction will help push away the aching loneliness. When he’d first come on board the Berlin, he had missed Ethan desperately too, but this now was a different kind of ache. Bittersweet in a way, because he knows Ethan is missing him too.

“Not really in the mood,” Luca huffs, glancing down at his feet. There’s a bruise around his eye that’s faded and Mason knows the reason for it is still languishing in the brig. He wishes there was more they could do about it, but this wasn’t Cerberus, and the kid wasn’t really one of theirs. The Alliance had to follow their own protocols.

Mason hesitates to leave anyway.

He tilts his head. “You okay, Luca?”

The engineer looks up, as though surprised Mason would address him. He sort of is. “You know, I think you’re the only one who doesn’t call me ‘kid.’”

“Is…” Mason frowns. “I can, if you want me to?”

“No,” Luca flashes him a small smile from under his curls. Sometimes he reminds him a little of Ben from before, although with a lot less batarian thrashcore and not entirely chaotic pranks. “I kind of hate it when they call me kid.”

Mason finds himself drifting closer. “I heard about what happened. I’m sorry.”

Luca grimaces and the twang of the strings goes from pleasant to something harsh before stopping all together with a slap on the guitar’s body. “Uh. Thanks. But it’s cool. I can handle it.”

Luca starts to play again, another song Mason doesn’t recognize and Mason sags back against the couch as he listens.

The gold band around his finger feels heavy.

--

“Let me get this straight-“

Marie pinches the brow of her nose and sighs. She looks tired, more strung out than he’s ever seen her and the guilt rides him hard against his breastbone. “You want to go back to the citadel?”

“You don't need me here, Commander,” Mason shrugs and tries to soften the news by playing to her ego. It almost works but then her lips purse as he continues. “I thought you did. But you've got Nico. You've got Ben and Maddox, even if he’s not fighting fit yet. You don’t need me just now. And I... I just want to be with Ethan. We just… it feels like we only just found each other and then I had to say goodbye to him. And it turns out I’m not as okay with that as I thought I would be.”

“I can understand that, Mase.” She glances at the band on his finger, then looks away. “Priorities change, I get it. But.... It's temporary, right?”

“I hope so. I know things haven’t been exactly great between us lately, but-“

“Shut up. I still love you. I love all of you phoenix boys. But we’re not done here.” She waves a hand, encompassing the ship. “Not by a long shot. I still need all of you.”

“I know. And you’ll have us when it counts, I promise you that, Ree.”

--

In the docking bay, Mason hoists the duffle bag over his shoulder and peers into a familiar set of bright green eyes. “I'll stay if you need me too, Benji. I feel bad being the one to ask you here in the first place and then leaving myself.”

“No,” the little vanguard grins. “I’m good, Boss. But say hi for me. Both.”

“I will. And with any luck, I might even be able to bring them back with me. It might make things more pleasant around here.”

Ben scrunches his nose. “Yeah,” Mason laughs. “Okay, no. It won’t. It was fun having Ethan on board for a while though.”

“More fun for you.”

“Guilty. But… Look, Benji, real talk now. Promise me you’re going to keep on top of your meds and regular check in’s with Kate, okay?”

Ben nods solemnly and Mason squeezes his shoulder. “I told Luca to keep an eye out for you, but I’m pretty sure he’d do that anyway. In the meantime, you stay out trou.... No, actually. Forget that.” Mason shakes his head and grins. “Get out there and raise hell, little cat.”

--

It takes far too long to get back to the Citadel, a handful of hops and jumps in passing cruisers and a near miss on account of the reapers, but he’s never been more happy to step foot back into the artificial air and stand under the artificial clouds.

He’s walking down the ramp when he sees him – Sabre, husband, the love of his life - the face and body he traced over and over in his mind on the Berlin during the long nights alone. His face splits into a grin in spite of himself and he shakes his head in a disbelieving laugh.

“How did you know?” he asks without preamble as he gets close.

Ethan holds himself still and watches him, eyes hungry. “I knew as soon as your ship came through the relay. Do you really think I wasn’t keeping tabs on my heart while you were out there?”

Mason comes to a stop in front of him, still grinning and flooded with so much love he’s almost dizzy with it. The latent hum of Ethan’s biotics brushing against his own settles him in a way nothing else could. “I should have known. Kinda ruined my epic surprise though.”

“No. It didn’t. Not by a long shot.” Ethan’s hands cups his face, brushing over his lips. Those hazel eyes Mason has been dreaming about go soft as he holds Mason reverently and presses their foreheads together. “Hi, baby,” he whispers.

Mason drops his duffle bag and grips Ethan close. “Hi. I missed you so much.”

[thetaoofzoe]

FIC Pt 10: Only August Walker knows how Ethan Hunt dies 1/1

Summary: You are a medic and a member of what’s left of The Apostles. August Walker has been found alive and thanks to you and your team, he’s well on the mend. And now REVENGE! 

Ilsa was the first, second was Luther and then Benji met his maker. And now ETHAN MUST DIE.

You and August get even closer like a cute little MURDER couple. This is the end of A Month of August Walker Challenge. 

Note: If you like the IMF team, you probably won’t like this series :)

Rating: Minor mention of violence, the climax of the series,  you’re gonna love it ;)

Would like to be notified with I post a fic? Message me to be added to my general tag list. Thank you for your support.

Want to read more? Click for my Masterlist

Want to start from the beginning of this challenge? This challenge needs to be read in order. Click to get started with the first prompt entry.

The Obligatory Intro Post to the Challenge

01 August - Please come back, August Walker  

02 August - Hello August Walker, I heard you were dead  

03 August - Watch your hands, August Walker! People might talk.  

04 August - Don’t talk to me, or August Walker again

05 August - Does August Walker even remember you?

06 August - How do you like your coffee, August Walker

07 August - Which part of her do you want, August Walker?

08 August -  August Walker, I love it when you’re bad!  

09 August - Put your mouth to good use, August Walker

Ethan Hunt was not a stupid man.

In fact, he was quite the opposite. He was cunning and clever and suspicious which were characteristics that helped him to remain one of the top Mi6 agents.

He also had a golden streak of very good luck and August Walker was just about to ruin that man's whole career.

'He went squirrely, ' said Ayami who was pawing through a tin of broken Danish butter cookies from where she sat perched on the kitchen counter-top.

Two weeks after you returned from the Dunn business,  Ayami just turned up at the country safe-house. Much to your delight, you'd found her one morning sitting at the kitchen table having a bagel and cream tea. And you knew why she was there. Things were winding up to the big payoff and the team needed to be as consolidated as possible.

'What does that mean?' you asked her but it was Mr. Instant Coffee who answered.

'Means that he knew what's good for him and went underground.'

'Because all of his peeps were getting murdered,' Ayami finished cheerfully and you half expected her and Instant Coffee to slap hands in a celebratory high-five.

August sat silently in his usual place, thoughtfully turning the small white coffee cup in a circle on the table.

'Last time he was seen?' he asked finally.

'Park hotel, Berlin,' Instant Coffee read from the reports supplied by the 'boots on the ground' team. 'Been there for about a week, but he hasn't really stayed one place for more than that. We should have moved earlier.'

'No,' said August, not looking at him, but at the cup. 'No, we want to give him enough rope to hang himself. Let him get complacent.'

'Do we have time to let him get complacent?' Instant Coffee said. 'I mean, the longer we wait, the more time he'll have to burrow in like a fucking tick.'

You looked at Instant Coffee for a moment. He did have a point.

'Okay,' August replied easily. 'You're right.'

At that moment, your respect for August Walker increased ten-fold. That he was able to take in the opinion of the other members of his team was unbearably sexy. He may have earned a little leg over for later that night.

'I'm going alone,' August announced finally, drawing the sharp attention of everyone in the room.

You reined your own reaction because an emotional response in that instant would have been inappropriate. You knew exactly why August wanted to hunt down Ethan alone. Hunt had not only gravely wounded August’s body but also his pride. His revenge was personal. 

'That's probably not a good idea,' said Instant Coffee, obviously feeling confident that he had scored a few brownie points a few moments earlier.

August scowled and looked to you. Meeting his gaze,  you nodded once.

'August should face Hunt alone,' you said to the room and then to him, added, 'but I don't think you should go alone.'

There was so much gratefulness in his eyes that you felt embarrassed and looked away. You didn't want August to see the answering distress in your eyes. If the fight on the cliff side had been fair, and luck hadn't been on Hunt's side, August wouldn't have lost. Tossing August over the edge was poor sportsmanship. You were afraid that Hunt would employ other clever tricks and defeat August for the second time. And now that August wanted to take the IMF leader on his own ensured that he would be left vulnerable to losing the upper hand. 

You didn't want to lose him again, but you remained silent. This was ultimately August's decision and he had made his choice.

**

The two of you didn't speak much on the trip to Berlin. There wasn't much to say. You didn't dare express to him your fears, because that would only serve to distract him with your possibly misplaced doubt. And distraction was the last thing August needed.

When he pulled up to a local hotel to drop you off, you stayed in the car, sitting quietly for a moment, unsure what to do or say. Sighing, you turned to him and reached to cup his cheek.

'See you soon,' you encouraged him. 'Bring me a trophy.'

August nodded and you got out of the car.

Come back to me, you thought watching the car disappear in the afternoon traffic.

Your room faced the Berliner Fernsehturm and you could hear music from the festival going on in the square below. You took a long hot shower and stretched on the surprisingly comfortable bed. It wasn't the Shangri-la, but it was charming and it wasn't long before you fell asleep.

The room door thunking shut as if a heavy weight collapsed against it awoke you hours later. With a gasp, you shot upright and reached for your weapon. You couldn't remember where the light switch was, so when you scrambled up from the bed, you backed up to the table under the window and jerked open the curtains to let in the artificial outdoor light.

The scent of sulphur and petrol filled the room and as your eyes slowly adjusted to the differences in the light you could just make out the bulky form sitting on the floor against the door. You knew that form as the impression of it was etched on your own flesh.

You put your weapon aside and padded barefoot across the hardwood floor, grabbing a towel and wetting it as you passed the small bathroom alcove. You crouched before the shadowed figure and put your hand beneath his chin. You lifted his face to the light and it was clear that Hunt had given August a run for his money.

You gently cleaned the dried blood from his mouth and chin, carefully working it out of his moustache and scruff.

You wanted to say something reassuring, something positive, but you were too overwhelmed with relief.

'Well,' you murmured, stroking his face. 'I hate to see the other guy.'

August was silent and you hoped you hadn't over stepped the line.

He then held up a small package wrapped neatly in butcher's paper and tied with white twine. You took it from him, pulled the string and the paper unfolded  to reveal your trophy. Holding it up to the light, it took a moment for you to recognise the carefully extracted evidence of Hunt's death and you smiled.

'Come on, you big brute,' you said fondly, attempting to pull him up from the floor.

When August didn't budge, you stopped straining against his weight and gasped with exertion.

'You're gonna have to help me here, babe!'

Groaning miserably, August managed to get his feet beneath him using the door and you to heave himself from the floor. You struggled to get him out of his clothes  and under the soft yellow light above the sink you examined him. Big swollen bruises bloomed across his chest and back accompanied by several shallow scrapes and slashes. You wasted no time washing him up, patching his wounds, and getting him into bed.

Lying on his belly, August was still asleep when you woke the next morning. You went to the minibar refrigerator, withdrew your trophy and admired it in the morning sunlight. Your mobile beeped, distracting you.

It was a message from Ayami.

'Tell your boyfriend to be a little less conspicuous next time, ok?' she'd written.

Curious, and glancing at August's sleeping form, you rang her.

'What's that mean?' you asked when she answered. 

'I mean that August didn't need to leave that fucker's burning corpse in the warehouse. He damn near burned down the place.'

'He was obviously sending them a message,' you answered, smiling gleefully, proud of your little murder puppy.

'I can understand that,' she shot back sounding uncharacteristically irritable. 'But that also earned us more attention than we wanted.'

You sobered.

'Is this something that needs to be taken care of?'

'It's already handled,' she answered and some of her good humour crept back into her voice.

You sighed and relaxed, wrapping an arm about your midsection.

'He's not my boyfriend,' you said after a moment with no conviction in your voice and she laughed incredulously.

'When are you coming back?' she asked, changing the subject.

'I dunno. Depends on what August wants.'

'Ok, you two lovebirds hash it out and I'll see you... whenever.'

'Thanks, Ayami. I love you!'

'Get something from the Wall museum for me, ok?'

You disconnected the call and tossed aside the mobile.

Feeling a warm sense of well-being, you re-wrapped your trophy and stored it in the refrigerator again. Climbing into bed next to August, you lifted his arm, crawled beneath it, and curled your body against him.

August had exacted his revenge and you felt satisfied for him. But you weren't sure what was going to happen now. The mission that had consumed so much of your year was over. You felt un-moored and a little panicked, but when August tightened his arm round you, your hamster wheel of thoughts scattered.

There was time to worry later, now in the heat of August's embrace was peace and with a small smile still on your lips, you put your head against him and slept.

This is the end of A Month of August Walker Series. I hope you enjoyed it and please like, reblog and comment. 

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[oopshidaisyy]

August Fic Recs

a love song for schrödinger by patho With his own two eyes Carlos has observed a house that empirically doesn’t exist. He’s never seen a quantum particle, but his computer models and lab readouts reassure him of their presence. Cecil – lovely and wonderful and strange Cecil – is comforting and solid in every way…except in Carlos’ peripheral vision, when his edges waver as though the lack of direct observation has left him unsure of what shape he should be. It means absolutely nothing, to see a thing in Night Vale. Carlos/Cecil, 2k, T Note: achingly lovely

Easy Open by Helenish “So you and Hunt are a package deal these days,” Bryson says. “Uh,” Benji says, jerking his head up from his computer, ballpoint in his mouth. Benji/Ethan, 6k, M Note: i read this at least once a month and it’s just,, so wonderful

Four-Letter Words by idiopathicsmile  Prompt: "humiliation kink by way of compliment, Aziraphale gets Crowley hot and bothered by accusing him of goodness." Aziraphale/Crowley, 3k, M Note: i still remember getting the email notification for this one and being like “exactly what i want?? from one of my favourite writers??? what a concept”

and if sun comes by susiecarter Post-JL: Steppenwolf isn't interested in accepting defeat and walking away. Superman's proven that he's the key to conquering Earth, and Steppenwolf returns with a plan for how to deal with him. A plan that Bruce is able to throw a wrench into—but not without certain unintended consequences. Clark/Bruce, 30k, E Note: it’s involuntary soul-bonding and it’s so good it makes me want to cry

Richie Tozier: The Manchild Tour by hellotailor The Manchild Grows Up: An interview with comedian Richie Tozier, November 2019. “Everyone in this industry either has a pill habit, or they can’t hold a relationship together for more than two months," Tozier explains. "Or they spend 16 hours a day arguing with people on Twitter. Best case scenario is you find a way to be reasonably well-adjusted about your desperate need for strangers to laugh at you.” Richie/Eddie, 3k, T

In This Cold Heart by pineapplecrushface The future Richie sees while he's caught in the deadlights gives him a chance to save Eddie. In the year afterward, they both try to follow Stan's advice. Richie/Eddie, 16k, E

want to feel something again (won’t you help me) by susiecarter Damn, this chick just won't give up. Harley/Diana, 6k, M Note: this pairing seems like it shouldn’t work but then it just...does?? and it’s incredible?? and somehow everything i needed???

come into my parlour by arriviste  After the revolution failed, Grantaire became Enjolras's keeper. Enjolras/Grantaire, 8k, T

a tree that has not blossomed (yet) by susiecarter An accident involving a Kryptonian device meddled with by Lex Luthor sends Bruce forward, into a future that must not—cannot—be his own. Because sure, Clark's joined the Justice League. Clark's willing to work with Bruce to save the world. Clark's even forgiven him for what he once tried to do. But that doesn't mean they're going to—that doesn't make it plausible that they'd ever be—that they would get married. Clark/Bruce, 8k, T

there was no sacred place by firstaudrina It's in the moment between wishing and knowing that Lestat realizes the approaching figure is Louis. Lestat/Louis, 1k, Not Rated

afterparty (aftermath) by thingswithwings Tony's kissing everyone tonight, or at least everyone who'll let him. Bruce/Tony (+ with a little Tony/everyone), <1k, T

talk to me by theappleppielifestyle “I was offering to talk dirty to you so you’d stop thinking I was such a stick in the mud.” Tony considers. Steve’s from the 40s, he assumes dirty talk back then wasn’t as graphic as it is today. “Go ahead.” Steve cocks his head at him, lets his gaze linger on Tony’s mouth and the exposed collarbone before saying, “Sometimes when you’re doing tune-ups on your armour I think about stripping you out of it and fucking you against the desk in your workshop until you scream for me.” "Holy god," Tony hears himself say, and Steve grins before continuing. Steve/Tony, 1k, E

Convenient Husbands by Annie D "It's only temporary, right?" Dean says. "Just until you're healed up, and then we'll never have to see each other again. So what do you say, Castiel, do you want to marry me or not?" Dean/Cas, 39k, E

The Missionary Position by matchsticks Ethan and Benji have to pretend to be a married couple for a mission. Well, Ethan and Benji are already a married couple, but now they have to pretend to be pretending to be a married couple for a mission, and the rest of the team has to help them keep their secret. It'll definitely all work out fine. Probably. Hopefully. Benji/Ethan, 2k, T

whatever you ask by theappleppielifestyle Tony is temporarily cursed to answer any question truthfully. Steve/Tony, 1k, T

Perhaps It Is Everywhere by matchsticks_p Canon divergence: Poe and Finn crash land together on Jakku and don't get split up. Poe spends the next few days searching for his droid, attempting to save the galaxy, trying not to die of dehydration, and discovering that the newly-minted Finn (minted by me, Poe realizes over and over again, and it feels like a new revelation each time) carries a lot of bad habits from the First Order he has just defected. Finn/Poe, 4k, T

Leave My Body, Moving Up to Higher Ground by triedunture Castiel must take a new vessel to return to earth, so he strikes a deal with a woman who isn't as willing as Jimmy had been. But Dean's in a bad way and Leviathan needs to be smote, so what else can he do? Dean/Cas, 17k, E

Vae Victis by Elspethdixon "But you, Patroclus, you would not let me weep… You were always kind." Achilles/Patroclus, 3k, G

we should just kiss like real people do by theappleppielifestyle Hoodie-guy stops in front of Steve just as he snaps, “FINE, I want to bang Tony Stark like a screen door in a hurricane, could we drop it now?” “UM,” Sam says, loud enough that they both turn to look at him. He’s wide-eyed as he jerks his head meaningfully, gestures getting looser and more pointed as they continue not to get it. Steve stares at him. This is why Sam is never picked for a partner when they all play Charades. There’s a tap on his shoulder, and Steve turns to see Hoodie-guy smiling. Steve opens his mouth to say do you need something when he realizes why the man’s face is so familiar. “Hi,” says Tony Stark. Steve blurts the first thing he thinks. “Fuck.” Steve/Tony, 5k, T

A Dream of Flight by triedunture  Cas starts visiting Dean in his dreams with astonishing regularity.  Dean/Cas, 7k, M

[myriadimagines]

Trouble

Mission: Impossible One Shot

Pairing: Reader x William Brandt

Other Characters: Ethan Hunt, Ilsa Faust, Benji Dunn, Luther Stickell

Warnings: violence, alcohol consumption, swearing

Requester: anonymous

Request: “Omg I need a William Brandt x Reader oneshot where the reader is Ethan’s child and a member of his team. Brandt at first thinks that your going to be trouble but after you save his life, he can’t help but fall in love with you.”

Word Count: 1,733

A/N: i rewatched mi: fallout with my mom and halfway through my mom goes WHERE’S BRANDT??? and that was a Mood. also alanna and ilsa are so hot g damn. that is all. i’m not the biggest fan of this but when am i ever when it comes to my one shots but i hope you enjoy

please reblog/leave comments, they’re very much appreciated!

Your name: submit What is this?

You try your utter best to contain your excitement as you trail behind your dad, biting back an eager smile. Ethan casts a quick glance at you, his own lips curling into a proud smile as he can see you practically floating with every step. This is your first mission, having been approved to be out the field, and you couldn’t be more than excited to be joining your dad’s team. Although Ethan has his reservations — what parent wouldn’t after all, having their child in such a dangerous profession — he knows what a capable agent you are, and is more than proud of you for how far you’ve come.

Ethan pushes open the door, leading you into the small warehouse room the team has settled into. Ilsa leans over Benji’s shoulder as he intently fixes up a small gadget, and Brandt and Luther are on the other side of the room, where Brandt listens as Luther explains an enlarged map on his computer. All heads look up as you close the door behind you, and Luther’s lips quick into a smile as he offers you a small nod — Luther has been a family friend who you’ve known since you were born. 

“Team, this is our newest member, y/n.” Ethan introduces you, and you square your shoulders as you can see them all making their own assessments of you, looking you up and down as they silently try to deduce what kind of person you are. Clearing his throat, Ethan adds, “y/n Hunt.”

Benji’s mouth drops open and Ilsa blinks in surprise before she quickly regains composure. Looking around at his teammates reactions, Benji stammers, “Okay, how did I not know you had a child?”

Ethan chuckles, and you step forward as you pipe up, “I’ve heard so much about everyone, and I’m really looking forward to working together.”

“Right, well, I have something you could work on for me.” Luther beckons for you to come closer, and you quickly oblige as Brant approaches Ethan, eyes narrowed as the two of you pass by one another. Ethan raises an eyebrow at Brandt as the two of them gather around one of the desks, Ethan quickly picking up on the obvious hesitation in Brandt’s expression.

“Are you sure this is the best idea?” Brandt blurts out, glancing over to where you and Luther are hunched over a monitor, rapidly typing away. Turning back to Ethan, Brandt continues, “Seems like a conflict of interest.”

“Brandt, I assure you, y/n will be a valuable asset to the team, and I won’t let my role as a father get in the way.” Ethan replies, his tone stern, and Brandt’s lips flatten into a line. Already predicting his next argument, Ethan adds, “y/n may not have as much field experience as the rest of us, but they’re a good agent.” 

Brandt’s frown deepens, but he doesn’t push the argument. Ethan turns away, signalling for everyone to gather around.

“Our target tonight this man. Jeremy Mitchell.” Ethan points to a series of images that appear on the monitor next to him. “He’ll be at an exclusive party tonight, which we’ll all be attending, courtesy of Luther for getting us on the guest list. He knows information that is crucial to us, but he’s also targeted by a number of crime organization because of what he knows. Our mission is to protect him before safely escorting him back here at the end of the night. Understood?”

The team nods, and as everyone scatters to prepare, you approach Brandt with an outstretched hand. “I don’t think I’ve had the chance to talk to you yet. I look forward to working with you, Agent Brandt.”

Brant glances down at your hand, before curtly nodding at you. You seem too enthusiastic to him to the point where it seems almost naive, and Brandt’s worries about your relation to Ethan still plague him. Hastily checking to make sure his gun is loaded before tucking it into his waistband, covering it up with his suit jacket, Brant simply replies, “Don’t know if I can say the same.”

You blink at him in surprise, slowly drawing your hand back as Brandt walks past you. Your eyebrows furrow as Benji walks up to your side, and you mutter, “Jeez, what’d I do to piss him off?”

Benji follows your gaze to where Brandt is. Shrugging, he tries to give you an encouraging nudge with his elbow as he waves his hand. “Ah, don’t worry about it. Brandt’s always the pessimist of the group. Anyway, you ready to go?”

—

“I have eyes on the target.”

You weave in between crowds of expensive ballgowns and clean suits, keeping your head low as to not draw too much attention to yourself. Ilsa’s voice crackles through your earpiece, and you glance up at the second flood to see her leaning against one of the building’s columns, drink in hand as she distractedly swirls her champagne in her glass. She makes momentary eye contact with you, but shows no sign of emotion as her gaze quickly sweeps over you to where Mitchell is standing a short distance away from you.

“y/n, stay focused.” Brandt’s voice suddenly chastises, and you hastily look away as you can see him observing you from across the room, pretending to admire a piece of artwork decorating the nearby wall. “You don’t want to give us away.”

You press your lips together in a flat line, struggling not to snap back at Brandt. The night was full of similar comments from him, berating you over the tiniest things he feared would reveal the team to anyone who was watching you. Sucking in a sharp breath, you suddenly gulp down the remainder of wine left in your glass before marching over to Brandt, sidling up to him as he struggles not to look at you in alarm. 

“What the hell are you doing?” he hisses, glancing over his shoulder before back at you. 

“What’s your problem with me?” you hiss back, glaring at him as you barely manage to keep your voice a harsh whisper. You can hear Benji talking in your earpiece, but you ignore him as you continue, “All night, you’ve been picking on me over the most ridiculous things.”

“Those ridiculous things you’re doing are going to get us into trouble.” Brandt growls, and you scoff as your clench your hands into fists. “You could use some common sense-”

“Guys!” Benji interrupts, and you and Brandt flinch as out of the corner of your eye, you can see Ilsa and Ethan on the move, briskly weaving through the crowds. You and Brandt exchange confused glances before Benji’s panicked voice continues, “Mitchell’s gone.”

“What?” you spin around, eyes wide as you scan the crowds, a sinking feeling making itself at home in your stomach as you realize Benji’s right. Running your hands through your hair, you can see Ethan desperately searching the room as Brandt suddenly grabs your arm, pointing at a man��s retreating back disappearing behind an obscured door.

You and Brandt look back at each other, and you reluctantly put aside your argument as you give each other knowing looks, and Brandt moves his hand to his gun. Already on the move, you tell him, “I’ll see if there’s a way to cut them off.”

Brandt nods, not wasting any time as he quickly moves to the backdoor, whipping out his gun the second he steps into the narrow corridor. There’s a flight of stairs going down, and he can hear the faint yelling, the muffled protests and hurried footsteps, and Brandt breaks into a sprint as his finger moves over the trigger. He jumps down the stairs and turns the corner, aiming his gun at two armed men who have Mitchell surrounded, and Brandt yells out, “Hey!”

The two men turn, barely having time to raise their guns before Brandt shoots them. Mitchell lets out an alarmed scream, and Brandt rushes over to him, grabbing his arm as he hurriedly says, “I’m here to protect you.”

Before Mitchell can protest, Brandt’s head snaps up as he hears more men coming down the corridor, and the familiar sound of guns being loaded as their rumbling footsteps grow louder. Pushing Mitchell ahead, Brandt instructs, “Go, go, go!”

The two run down the corridor, narrowly dodging the rapid gunfire that ensues as soon as their pursuers catch sight of them. They navigate the intricate maze brightly lit by fluorescent lights, ducking into whatever door that appears in hope of an exit as Brandt yells into his earpiece, “I have Mitchell, but we’re being chased-”

Brandt grabs Mitchell by the back of his collar as he spots a door to his right, and he pushes it open before shoving Mitchell inside. The two continue to sprint, Mitchell struggling to keep up through his labored breaths, and as Brandt turns the corner, he’s confronted by three men waiting for him with guns. 

“Shit.” Brandt raises his gun, but he’s outnumbered. The three men advance towards him, guns aimed, and Brandt backs up to retreat before abruptly hearing more men thundering up behind him yelling instructions and loading their weapons. 

Brandt suddenly ducks upon hearing the loud burst of gunfire, and he instinctively pulls Mitchell towards him to shield him before he looks up and sees the three men fall, blood pooling out from their lifeless bodies. You run up from where you had managed to sneak up on them, and Brandt’s eyes widen as you grab his arm, breathless as you ask, “You okay?”

“How- how’d you find us?” Brandt stammers, almost too stunned to respond. After a beat, he adds, “You saved me.” 

Your lips quirk into a grin, but it quickly fades as you heard the footsteps getting louder. You grab Brandt’s hand, and suddenly, Brandt doesn’t know why he now suddenly feels more flustered and impressed than he’s felt in his entire life. Heat spreads throughout his body from the simple touch of your fingertips, and you pull him upright and beckon for him to grab Mitchell as you urge, “Let’s move.”

He nods at you, the two of you exchanging a small, tentative smile, and all Brandt can think about is how you’re definitely going to cause him trouble, but not in the way he originally thought. 

tag list: @fairytalesforever / @egg2k16

[shydragonrider]

My current request list

Nereus X Siren!reader

I just re-watched Die Hard for the first time in ages, and I only now fully appreciate how hot Tony Vreski is, like hot damn. I was wondering if I could request something where the reader was invited to the Christmas party, and she escaped to try to call for help, but got shot in the process, and Tony goes to find her like in the movie, and he helps and comforts her? Thank you so much love!  

19. “Trust me” with Violante x the Piper

"I thought I'd lost you" with the Piper and Firefox

Could I get some black manta x female reader fluff?? 👀

Okay so I would love if you would make a one shot where the reader is studying to become a marine biologist and is currently working for/with Tom Curry in the lighthouse or something like that and eventually she meets the mysterious son of his and super fluffy. You’re just an amazing writer and I would love to have this. 😍😍😍

I don’t see your rules on mobile but can you do what it would be like to be married to king Nereus? I love your blog btw!

where he goes up against black manta and gets injured in the process and big bro arthur comes to the rescue, orm is my favourite

or king nereus actually also has a daughter with a surface dweller which he wants to bring to atlantis, gets like reunited with her fam after her surface mom dies or something idk

Hello!!!! can i request an arthur curry x reader where the reader is the daughter of poseidon and is sent to earth to protect the oceans? i thought it'll be an interesting plot! also fluff!!

Hi, is it possible request fluff/bonding about, Queen Atlanna for first time getting to spend time with both her sons together? *I swear they both have their spoons of mommy issues up through the years* xD

heyo! could you do a orm marius x human reader story and they find out they're soulmates? with a sprinkle of angst (oops the cap fell off and dumped a whole bunch o' angst lol). thank you xoxo

Benji and Ethan with the prompt “You stopped Breathing.”

(Has taken wayy to long)

Are you taking requests? Can you write an Arthur x reader fic where they grew up together and he’s reluctant to go and help Atlantis and stop Orm cuz he doesn’t wanna leave her but he eventually comes back as King

Hi could you do an imagine where Mera. helps soothe the reader during a nightmere? Thanks

Hi! If you are still taking requests, can we have an Orm x Reader, maybe just lying in bed with each other, and being soft and heartfelt. That's a side of him that I think has a lot of potential, and that people will love.

Any chance you’d do a jealous Arthur Curry x female reader fic? Pleeeease :)

hello, could you do a orm marius x surface dweller imagines where he was about to save someone from drowning but she saved him first and he finds her badass and falls in love with her. 🤭 sorry if it is pretty specific thanks !! ❤️😉

Ooo I would love a fic where Arthur and reader r best friends but secretly love each other? Reader is rly shy and anxious and a bit chubby and doesn’t think shes good enough for him. Thx <3

kinda surprised no one requested this before, but maybe some Vulko x reader? No matter smut or fluff, I’ll be happy with whatever comes to your mind <3

Hi there! 😀 Can I request an Aquaman one-shot, where he has fallen in love with Vulko's daughter (who is a former Captain of the Atlantean Guard and the Head Historian, and who at one point was exiled by Orm for stealing closely guarded information on the Atlant's Trident), but is afraid to put her in danger by confessing his love. Reader decides to help him on his quest despite his protests, and in the end, her determination and stubborness earns her a place as a Queen of Atlantis by his side.

Teenage aquaman x Mera!reader in which Vulko is training both of them, he has to leave, they spar, and when he comes back, reader and arthur are caught kissing. Also, ending in which mera sneaks up to the surface sometimes and hangs out with Arthur and on some nights he plays the guitar and they hang out at Arthur's place and she knows Arthur's dad and she and Arthur fool around like friends and it's cute and fluffy, no smut, please, thank u so much💓

I have a request, if you're up for it 😁 I would really love some fluff (or even smut, if you write that kind of stuff) with King Orm and a surface dweller. Maybe he has watched her for some time and they finally talk and then, maybe a first kiss or something about their first night together. She could convince him that the surface dwellers aren't that bad. That would be awesome 😍

Orm X Voluptuous surface dweller

Can you do imagine that y/n is daughter of Vulko and Orm flirts with her cause he didn't know that Vulko had a daughter.

Hi! Can you write something about Mera teaching the reader how to deal with her fear of water please? Thanks <3

hello!!!!! i love your work!!!! can you do a mera x female reader where the reader is a superhero as well and meets mera and arthur in italy and joins them after helping them out defeat black manta pls pls pls

hello, I'm a fan of your work. I read it even if I'm swamped with a shit ton of paperwork haha would it be alright if I could request for a mera x female outcast atlantean!reader? where the female reader leads mera and arthur through the trench and they are dumbfounded with the fact that nothing harms them while they are with the outcast atlantean!reader. (she is a powerful being) hope you have a great day love! cheers!

I don't know if you're accepting requests but what if mera and the reader were married and the reader tries to swim on her own but ends up drowning/getting hurt, mera helps her.

would it be alright if I could request for an aquamanxreader oneshot? which they were childhood sweethearts (like she's Vulko's daughter) ,but she was sent away and they only meet again yrs later when he comes to Atlants angst/fluff?If you dont its ok thx u

Requests are open :)

[why-am-i-pluto]

this one should be obvious but mission impossible movies. if someone beat me to it then doctor who series 11 so far specifically!

send me a fandom and i will name a character…@ineverhadadoubt

who i will protect at all costs: Well, everyone, but mainly Benji. Protect that poor boy.

who deserves better: Ilsa fucking Faust. She deserved better than shoehorning her into a forced romance that was unjustified and unnatural. But hopeful now that Queen Rebecca has spoken out against the romance.

who was killed off too early: Lots of people, if I’m honest. But Trevor Hanaway is up there. I wish him and Jane could have been happy.

who i used to hate but now i love:  Uhhhhh I dunno tbh. I don’t think that there’s any character who I’ve ever particularly hated.

who i used to love but now i hate: I don’t think I hate anyone now either. I did go off Brandt for a while because of the way the stanners would treat the other characters

who needs to be killed off asap: Lane. If not for Benji’s sake, for Sean Harris’ sake. He didn’t want to survive Rogue Nation but he did. Just let the poor bastard die. 

who is unfairly hated: I don’t know if anyone is actually hated? I fortunately remain in a blessed part of the fandom where there is no hate - and any that I’ve seen has been blocked.

who is unfairly loved: I don’t think the loving of the character is so much unfairly given, but the reasons why August is loved piss me off. He’s a fantastic villain, but people seem to love him because Henry is hot. And that leads to all kinds of bullshit that is common in larger fandoms. Love the character, yes. Don’t talk about how you want him to fuck you because that is seriously messed up, guys.

who needs to sort out their priorities: Ethan for one. He needs to focus more on, y’know, actually staying alive. Also Lane. Find a new hobby that doesn’t involve hurting my boy please. Learn to fucking knit or something dude.

who needs a hug: BENJI FUCKING DUNN

who needs to get out of their current relationship: If we’re talking about it as how McQ tried to make it, Ilsa and Ethan. They both deserve better.

who the writers love: Ethan. I mean, it’s Tom’s baby. He’s bound to get the spotlight. But it is nice that everyone else does get their time to shine.

who needs a better storyline: Ilsa in Fallout. But also bring back Nyah and give her the good closure. Show me a Nyah who was inspired and joined the IMF officially, who was trained by Ethan, who mutually decided that their relationship wasn’t working, who still remains a good friend with Ethan as she leads her own team in IMF.

who has an amazing redemption arc: Not a villain being redeemed, but I’m gonna say Hunley. He was a right bastard in Rogue Nation, interrogating Benji weekly, sending the CIA to kill Ethan and Benji, hunting them down, but then he realised he was wrong, accepted that, and changed his outlook on the team. The things he spoke to Ethan about at the start of the film, praising him - god I loved that.

who is hot af: Like… everyone? But have you seen the White Widow?

who belongs in jail: Lane and August. One is sort of there, and the other is dead, so there’s that.

who needs to be revived from the dead: Hunley, Lindsay, Jack, Hanaway, just about everyone

[alittlesliceofcucumber]

Consequences Of A Scarf

Mission Impossible 

Summary: Post-Fallout. SPOILERS. IMF missions have taken a toll on Benji in many ways. It was only a matter of time before the rest of the team began to notice. ONESHOT

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/13032719

Leave a review and make my day!

Brandt’s safehouse was comfy and inconspicuous - just what the team needed. The run-in with Walker had been very close. Too close. They were all nursing cuts and bruises, all except Brandt and Julia.

They had invited Julia for a single day in order to fill her in on what Ethan was up to. The two had neglected to discuss their situation (namely Julia’s new husband) but it was safe to assume that there was no bad blood between them. They still cared for each other a great deal.

As for Brandt, he had been in Tanzania on a government errand. He was very annoyed at the team, particularly Ethan, for setting themselves against impossible odds (“I swear you attract trouble, and I don’t wanna be the one caught in the crossfire.”)

They were all sat around the kitchen table in order to discuss Kashmir, which was easier said than done.

Luther sat at the head of the table, whilst Ilsa and Julia sat together on one side. Ethan and Benji were huddled together on the other. Brandt was angrily pacing around the kitchen.

“So, let me get this straight,” Began Brandt, breaking the awkward silence in the room. “You needed to find two nuclear bombs in the middle of a medical station, then you had to disarm them at the exact same time, all whilst Ethan had to get the detonator off Walker who was already in a helicopter so he chased him to have it ready for when the wires were cut? All in 15 minutes?”

“Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.” Said Luther.

“Jesus, guys! Can you not get involved with terrorist plots for one damn month?” Exclaimed Brandt.

Ethan was about to reply but Brandt cut him off.

“No, don’t answer that, it was a rhetorical question. I’m not going to waste my breath trying to talk some sense into you guys when you’re gonna ignore it anyways.”

“In my defence,” said Ethan, “If we hadn’t then millions of people would have died. We got off pretty easy, considering.”

“That is true. It could have been a lot worse.” Said Ilsa.

“Yeah,” Julia contributed, “there might have been a hostage, or no way to stop the bombs at all, or the bombs might have been attached to a person-”

Crash!

All heads turned towards the floor underneath a quivering Benji, where there were shattered remains of a mug of tea.

“S-sorry everyone,” Said Benji. “I-I’ll clear that up.”

His quickly reached out to pick up the pieces, but his arm was intercepted by Ethan’s.

“Benji, hey, don’t worry about it.” He said comfortingly, gently rubbing his friend’s back.

“That was a perfectly good mug...” Brandt mumbled, but Ethan shot him a pointed look.

“...but it’s replaceable. I’ll make you another one.” He added, realisation dawning upon him.

Ilsa, also understanding, was quick to react.

“Here, let me clean this up.” She said, getting up to find a broom.

Benji just sat there, letting out shaky breaths. Ethan continued to rub his back soothingly. “Here, look, it’s all cleared up. It’s not a problem. Nothing to worry about.”

A confused Julia glanced at Luther for answers. Luther, an expression of concern written on his face, simply mouthed “I’ll explain later.”

Once Ilsa had destroyed all evidence of the mug, Benji abruptly stood up and made his way towards the door, loosening his scarf as he did so.

“I need some air.” He said, forgetting to shut the front door.

The team looked at each other. “I’ll go.” Ethan sighed, promptly following Benji out of the door.

Once they had gone, Julia asked: “Was it something I said?”

“Benji!” Ethan called out, jogging after his friend.

It was a pleasant Scottish afternoon, with cobbled streets dotted with families shopping. The sun was shining and the squeals of children could be heard as they made the most of the good weather.

Benji turned to face Ethan, his eyes red and swollen. Ethan knew that he had been struggling ever since the Lane incident. It was unlucky that Julia happened to mention the three things that had happened to him then. Benji had been kidnapped and taken hostage by Lane, and also had a bomb strapped to his chest which could only be disarmed by Lane himself. He had a right to be paranoid.

“Ethan,” Benji began, his eyes darting towards everything except the man he was talking to.

“Ethan, I couldn’t-“ “Benji.” “I should be over this, but-” “Benji.” “She just said those things and so I-” “Benji!”

Benji stopped babbling at Ethan’s increase in volume.

“It’s alright, okay? See you’re here. It’s my fault for putting you through all that, and Julia didn’t mean any harm. You know I would never let anything happened to you, Benji, and-”

“But things do happen to me, don’t they?!” He shouted. “I get shot at, a-and electrocuted, and kidnapped by a psychopath who strapped a bomb to me… a bomb, Ethan, a bomb! What if you hadn’t been there? A-and then, then after we finally put that madman behind bars, you get me to break him out again! The man who caused so much harm Ethan!”

Benji’s face was going red with anger. “Take off your scarf, Benji, it’s too hot.” Ethan said quietly.

“Then what do we go looking for? What? Two bombs! And then I get there and Lane has Ilsa all tied up-”

“Benji, take off your scarf.”

“And then you go off in a helicopter, what if you had died? What would I do if you’d died, Ethan?!”

“Take off your scarf!” “No!”

Ethan managed to wrestle Benji enough to yank off his new scarf, and immediately recoiled.

There, ringing all around Benji’s pale neck, were bruises and what Ethan unmistakably recognised as rope burns.

“Oh god…” Said Ethan, running a hand through his hair. “Benji… don’t tell me you…” He couldn’t even bring himself to finish that thought.

“N-no! No, it’s not that… trust me Ethan, if I was to commit suicide I’d bloody well make sure you knew about it.” Benji stammered.

“Then who did?!” Yelled Ethan. “Benji, tell me who did this and I swear I will kill that son of a-”

“Lane.”

Ethan felt sick.

“It was Lane.”

Both agents just looked at each other. Ethan’s eyes were filled with with worry and rage on behalf of his friend, whilst Benji’s were filled with fear and guilt.

“I guess I get to join the “Almost Died A Load Of Times” club now, don’t I?” Joked Benji, drawing his eyes away from Ethan’s gaze.

Ethan said nothing, but drew Benji in for a hug. Benji aggressively gripped his shoulder and sobbed quietly. They stood in that position for a while, neither wanting to let go should the other disappear.

Ethan was the first one to pull back.

“Benji, I am so, so sorry. No-one should face the consequences of my actions, especially not you. You’re innocent and have always sacrificed so much for me. I would understand if you want to go and live your life while you still can.”

Benji sniffled before letting out a dry chuckle. “Ethan, working with you is my dream. I decided to become a field agent knowing full well it was risky, and we always make it out. We do the impossible. And I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you, you idiot.”

Ethan smiled back at Benji, when Brandt’s voice came calling from behind them.

“So this is where you two were hiding. Julia’s leaving, thought you’d wanna say your goodbyes.” He said.

Ethan sighed, and Benji looked at him sympathetically, before the pair began to make their way back to the safehouse.

“Hey, next time you get hanged, let me know alright?” “Of course, Ethan. I’ll keep that in mind.” “Oh and uh, Benji?” “Yeah?” “Keep the scarf. It suits you.”

[swiftletinthecloud]

Mission Impossible x The White Queen Modern AU Crossover Title: Unfinished Business Notes: I do not own any aspects of Mission Impossible or The White Queen.  I’m sure you can’t own dead historical British royalties either.  All copyrights go to their respective companies and entities. All OCs, thoughts, and musings, when not quoted, are mine. Character Deaths Warning FF.net :: AO3 :: Chapter 1/1

They found her in a quaint little town in Flanders, living in a restored windmill above her dance studio.  She had been out of the intelligence game for nearly a year now, ever since she had left Ethan Hunt and the IMF in an abandoned parking lot in London.  She was starting to live again instead of just surviving, because that was all she was doing the last few years of her career, fighting to survive as she infiltrated the Syndicate.  She didn’t know what she felt, except for maybe a little resentment that her simple life was coming to an end, when she spotted Benji Dunn, William Brandt, and Luther Stickell by the entrance as she dismissed her last class for the day.

“Ilsa, it’s been a while,” Benji greeted her when it was just the four of them.

She nodded at her unexpected visitors.  “What can I do for you gentlemen?” she asked frankly.

“Ethan needs your help,” said Brandt without preamble.

She remained silent, only raising an eyebrow at his statement.

“What Brandt is trying to say is that Solomon Lane has managed to escape and we lost contact with Ethan,” elaborated Benji.  “We want you to join our team and help us find them.  All your years undercover with them means that you're the only person we have who knows Lane and the Syndicate best.”

When she hesitated to provide them with an answer, Stickell stepped forward menacingly.  His tall frame towered over her as he crossed his bulging arms.  “Consider it you returning our favor for London.”  His tone left no room for argument.  

--

She had already made up her mind to help Ethan without Stickell’s insistence.  While she had no romantic feelings for the man -- she had sworn never to fall in love again after the last time -- she saw a kindred spirit in Ethan, and if he needed her help, she didn't mind lending it.

She wrapped up her quiet life in Flanders with such an ease that left her feeling bereaved and despondent.  She had no close defining connection to anyone even after living there for nearly a year, and her absence was explained away with a flimsy excuse with no one the wiser.  The windmill was hers so she didn't have to worry about paying rent or anything like that while she was away.  She only had to lock up her living quarters and leave the lower levels open for her business partner and fellow dance instructor to keep their studio running.  Maggie was happy enough to take over all her classes.

Less than twenty-four hours after the three stooges showed up at her door, her bags were packed and she was on a plane back to her old life of espionage and danger.  “Why are we heading to Venezuela?” she asked.

“Last place we had contact with Ethan,” said Stickell.  The laptop in front of him continued to run its facial recognition software, searching for Ethan and Lane.  There was another face on the screen, a man with long, wavy, dark hair down to around his neck and a tall, crooked nose, smirking without a care in the world.

“What exactly happened?” she asked.

The three of IMF agents traded a look, likely silently electing Benji as the designated spokesman since he was the most familiar with her from their last run-in.

“MI6 took custody of Lane after we caught him since he was one of yours.  Last week, one of his men, Richard Neville, nicknamed the Kingmaker” -- Benji tapped on the photo of the third man on Stickell’s laptop screen -- “broke into a secure MI6 site and freed Lane.  Neville was also former MI6.  His specialty was toppling rival regimes in South America in favor for whoever MI6 and later Lane backed; hence his nickname.  

We believed they’re held up somewhere in Venezuela, the Kingmaker’s newest stronghold.  MI6 sent a team of their best after Lane and Neville, but Ethan refused to stand by.  Lane’s personal for him.  Ethan went after them and we lost contact with him three days ago.  MI6 also lost contact with their three agents as well so unfortunately, we’re going in blind.”

“I’ve only heard of the Kingmaker in passing when I was with MI6 and then undercover in the Syndicate,” she said.  “But I’ve never made contact with him.  If it’s information you want from me, I won’t be able to provide any.”

Brandt took a sip from his coffee mug.  “You were undercover in the Syndicate for years.  Surely you can do better than that.”

“My priority was Lane, not the Kingmaker.”

“Regardless,” interrupted Benji, “we’ll need you backing us when we run into Lane and Neville.  Since we’re missing Ethan, I thought your complementary skill sets might do.  Although, you’re former MI6, and that seemed to be the recurring theme.”  His face twisted up in thought.

She sat back in her seat and crossed her legs.  Her hands tightened around the coffee mug she was holding.  “I don’t have to be here,” she said through clenched teeth.

“All right, all right!”  Benji held up his hands in surrender.  “No more snarky remarks from me.  Can’t promise you anything about those two.”  He jerked his thumbs in Brandt and Stickell’s directions.  

Ping!  The sound from Stickell’s laptop stopped the bantering faster than a speeding bullet.  “Got him!”

----

Less than twenty-four hours ago, one of MI6 most secure buildings was breached, and one of their most notorious prisoners was freed.  Since then, it had been one shitstorm after another, and he was pulled right into the middle of it all.  He and his team were sent after Solomon Lane and Richard Neville when it became apparent that his one-time teammate was behind Lane’s escape.  With the tally of former-MI6-agents-turned-rogue up to two, there was a general sense of paranoia in the agency that was not unwarranted.  There must be at least one more traitor in their midst.  How else could Neville have breached their security so easily?

They landed on a private airstrip in Venezuela a few hours after Lane and Neville, hot on the fugitives’ trail.  He was not entirely surprised to see IMF agent Ethan Hunt waiting for them when they landed.  He had expected the American to come running as soon as news of Lane’s escape broke, knowing it was a personal case for Hunt.

“Ahh, Ethan Hunt,” Edward greeted as he shook the American’s hand.  He could see the slightly raised arch of Hunt’s brows behind his tinted aviator sunglasses.

“You don’t seem surprised to see me, Agent York,” said Hunt.

He shrugged at Hunt’s statement.  “I figured we’d run into you on this little hunt for Lane sooner or later, given your history.  Richard Gloucester, George Clarence.”  He gestured at his teammates to finish the introduction, though he was sure that Hunt had already looked into them.

Hunt nodded as he took off his sunglasses and hung them from the collar of his shirt.  “Lane and Neville are hunkering down in Neville’s sea-side fortress about twenty miles from here,” he informed them.

“MI6 has a safe house not too far away.  We regroup there and figure out a plan of attack,” said Edward as he got into the driver’s seat of a nearby black sedan prepped for his team.  “You need a ride?”

Hunt gestured at an inconspicuous used motorcycle parked a couple vehicles away.  “I'm good.  Just lead the way.”

The drive to their safe house was quiet aside from the clicking sound from George's phone.  “Anything to share with the group, George?” asked Edward as he glanced in the rear view mirror at his unusually quiet teammate.

Richard in the passenger seat beside him also turned around to look at George at Edward’s question.

“No, no, nothing to share,” said George as he stowed the device away in his pants pocket.  At the insistent stare of Edward and Richard, George ran a hand through his hair and sighed.  “Izzy’s wondering when I'd be home.  The baby’s due any day now, and I'd promised I would be there.  And I still plan to, but this mission has been an unexpected obstacle.”

While neither Richard nor Edward had ever met the Mrs. Clarence, they admired George’s ability to keep some resemblance of a normal family life outside of work.  In their profession, it wasn’t always possible to do so.  Edward had found the love of his life in his first partner, mixing business and pleasure, and they’d had a wonderful decade-long partnership marred only by her untimely and premature her death.  Since then, he’d sworn off love forever and was enjoying the casual hookups that bachelorhood afforded him.  Richard, on the other hand, had always kept mum about his love life, though George had mentioned in passing once that there was something between Richard and some estranged daughter of a former teammate the two had had before Edward had joined them.

A sad half smile found its way onto Edward’s face as the car lapsed back into silence.

--

They had decided on a silent and stealthy attack on Neville’s fortress.  Somehow, their plan went down in smithereens.  He was knocked out from behind once they had infiltrated the stronghold.  Edward woke up in front of Lane and Neville, completely relieved of all his weapons and bound to a wooden chair.  Hunt and Richard were in a similar state on either side of him.

Once his ears stopped ringing and his vision cleared, he saw red when he noticed George standing beside Neville.  “Traitor!” he growled as he struggled against his bonds.

“It's nothing personal, man,” George said with a shrug.  “I'm getting out of this life, and our pensions are not going to provide my baby with a comfortable life.”

“You sold us out for chump change!?”  Edward continued to struggle against the ropes holding him back from strangling George himself.

“Hardly,” said Neville as he handed George a silver colored metal case.

“I can't believe you,” Richard spoke for the first time.  Edward couldn't imagine what his teammate must be feeling.  While he had only been working with Richard and George for the past four years, the other two had been partnered for nearly a decade.

“How do you know you won't be stabbed in back by them.”  Richard jerked his head at Lane and Neville.

“You know why, Dickon,” said George.  “Besides, Neville’s hardly going to kill the father of his future grandchild.”

Edward froze in shock.  He was getting whiplash from all the information he was learning about his teammate.  It seemed he had never really known George at all.  And what did George mean when he said Richard knew why Neville wouldn't betray George?

Edward watched in muted anger and distress as George walked away from them all with his briefcase of money in hand.  “Cheers, mates.  I've got an appointment that I can't miss.”

Edward would have remained in a daze if Richard hadn't chosen the moment when George disappeared to smash the wooden chair he was bound to over Neville’s head.  Somehow, during the confrontation, Richard had freed himself and had taken the opportunity presented with George’s departure to attack.

Bang!  Bang!  Richard’s body was still tremoring from the impact of the bullets as he tumbled onto Neville.

“NOO!”

Neville carelessly pushed the lifeless body off of him and stood up.  Brushing wooden chips and blood off his clothes, he glared at Lane.  “Really?  You could have hit me.”

“Would you rather he was still beating you with a chair?” asked Lane nasally.

Edward couldn't take his eyes off of Richard’s body even as Lane turned the gun in his hand towards Edward.  His heart hurt and his mind blanked.  He had lost two brothers in one day; one dead and the other stabbed him in the back.

“Let's get rid of these two and be done with it,” said Lane.

----

As he observed the scene playing out in front of him, Ethan tried to subtly twist and fray the ropes binding his arms in place.  He didn't know how Gloucester had freed himself so easily, but Ethan took advantage of the distraction from the other man’s attack to try and wiggle from his own bond.  He had managed to twist his arms around so that his palms were facing up, and he could hear the cracking of the wooden arm rests from his flexing efforts.

Bang! Bang!  

Ethan unconsciously flinched at the sound.  He watched as Gloucester’s body fell and as Lane turned his gun on York.  Before Lane could kill the man, the ceiling above them shattered, raining broken glasses down on them.  

Four armed figures in black tactical gears rappelled down from above, like avenging angels from heaven.  One of them, a woman, sliced Lane’s arm as she came down hard on him, forcing him to drop his gun.  In rapid motions, a dagger from each of her hand slammed into either side of Lane’s head.  She twisted the daggers into his head for good measure before pulling them free.  Even before Lane’s body had hit the ground, she had spun around and sliced through the ropes binding Ethan and York with her offending daggers.  

Another figure, Brandt, had already managed to take out Neville during his descent.  The resounding crash from the glass ceiling shattering had brought Neville’s men to the study.  A storm of bullets flew into the room.  Brandt and Luther fired continuously towards the entrance, providing cover fire as Ilsa and Benji cut through the rest of the ropes binding Ethan and York.  

Ilsa pressed a gun into his hands once he was freed, and from the corner of his eyes, Ethan could see Benji did the same to York.  They wordlessly crouched low for cover and spread out on either side of the entrance.

At his signal, Brandt and Luther ceased fire.  The sound of bullet casings clattering to the floor stopped resonating in the air and the smoke from the shooting began to clear.  

Creak.  Creak.

Ethan held up his hand, signaling his people to hold their position.

The black barrel of a gun appeared through the study door.  Then a hand and slowly a body followed.  Another man followed the first.

Ethan leaned out from behind the desk he was using as cover and started shooting.  The rest of his team followed suit.  Neville’s men didn't stand a chance.

Finally, the fire fight stopped.  Ilsa, Brandt, and Luther left to clear the rest of the fortress.  At the same time, York, Benji, and Ethan doubled check the pulses of the bodies littering the study and its entrance.

“Rest of the compound’s cleared,” said Luther when he returned with Brandt and Ilsa.  “We need to call in the clean up crew, though.”

Ethan nodded a thanks towards his IMF teammates.  He knew they had always had his back.  He repeated his thanks to Ilsa. “Thank you.”  He had not expect to see her again after London...he wondered if she still remembered her offer for them to run away together…

“My pleasure,” she replied with a shrug.

----

It was over.  He knelt beside Richard’s body, uncaring of the broken glass shards cutting into his pants and then his hands as he brushed them off Richard to turn his brother-in-arm’s body over.  He placed a hand over Richard’s unmoving chest, willing the lifeless heart beneath to start pumping again, but it was too late.  It was too late.

He was unaware of any sound or time as he knelt beside Richard.

“My pleasure.”

Her voice broke through the bubble he was in. -- No, it wasn't possible.  He had lost her four years ago. -- But, that was her voice, without a doubt!  He would know it anywhere.  He had heard it full of command, sorrow, anguish, and joy.  He remembered the way she would whispered his name and her love for him like a treasured secret, the way she would screamed his name in ecstasy.  Her beautiful laughter had plagued his memory every day, like a siren calling to him again and again.

He thought his mind was playing tricks on him when he turned to look at her.  That couldn't be her.  The woman in front of him was a little thinner than the woman he remembered.  Her hair was the color of the earth, dark brown with a touch of chestnut red, not the golden rays of sunlight that he remembered.

But those eyes..those deep blue eyes…

He wasn't even aware that he had stood up and gravitated towards her.  “Elizabeth?”  His voice broken on the last syllable.

She turned towards him at the sound of her name...her name.  Her hand fell from Hunt’s.  Her face paled as if she'd seen a ghost.  She blinked as if she couldn't believe her eyes.  “Ed--Edward?  You're -- you're alive?”

She took a step towards him and hesitantly placed her hand on his chest over his heart.  He could feel the warmth of her palm through his shirt, kissing his skin.

“Atlee said that you were dead, kil--killed in action.  He sent me undercover right afterward.  I couldn't even attend your funeral--if there ever was one.”  Her voice was hoarse and disbelieving.

He cupped her cheek, wiping the tears at the corner of her eye with his thumb.  “Atlee told me you were killed in action.  I accessed your file and it said the same thing.”  The former Chief of Secret Intelligence Service had lied to them and used them.

“For my undercover assignment,” she explained.  “I became Ilsa Faust to infiltrate the Syndicate.  You're alive,” she repeated again as she let out a teary laugh.

--

The subsequent events seemed inconsequential to Edward now that he had Elizabeth again.  A CIA team stationed nearby was called in to clean up the mess in Neville’s fortress.  Ethan Hunt and the rest of his team bid Edward and Elizabeth farewell as the IMF agents headed back to the States, their business with Lane over.  The bodies of Richard, Lane, and Neville were brought back to London.  He attended Richard’s memorial ceremony and didn't say anything about George to MI6 because Edward understood George’s willingness to do anything and everything for the people he loved now that he was reunited with Elizabeth.

He turned in his resignation papers and followed the love of his life to a quiet, little town in Flanders, secretly surprise and pleased that she'd remembered their once wistful dream of a quiet life together there.  

----

Ever since they found each other again, she and Edward were rarely out of each other's sight.  When they finally returned to her safe, little, remodeled windmill, they spent the next two days rekindling their love and relearning each other’s bodies.  She hummed in content as Edward made it his personal mission to show her that he hadn't forgotten a single thing about her body.

It had long since past midnight when Edward stretched, his back cracking a little as he sat up from her bed.  She took the opportunity to admire his naked back, tracing the scars on it with her fingers.  There were a few new ones she noted.

Edward scratched his head and rubbed his eyes tiredly.  “We are not young any more,” he began.

She let out a small chuckle as her fingers continued to dance along his back.   “Have I worn you out?”

“We are not those two people who met on the side of the road,” he continued.  “They are gone.”

Edward was looking back at her but she couldn't look at him any more.  Her eyes found the opposite corner of the room instead.  Her mind blanked and her heart became overwhelmed with pain and panic.  Did he no longer love her and was only interested in one last shag?  Her hand fell from his back as if it was hot. “Then what remains?”

Her hand didn't move far before it was caught between his.  “What remains,” he stressed, pausing and waiting for her to look at him again before he continued, “is my love for you.  You were what sustained me...and when I thought you dead…”  He stopped, unable to finish the thought.

“You were and are my home, Elizabeth.”

She smiled at him, unshed tears in her eyes.

He brought her hand that he was still holding up to his lips, giving it a lingering kiss.  Their hands remained intertwine and she pulled them to her to kiss the back of Edward’s hand as he laid back down next to her.  

He finally let go of her hand to put his arms around her and draw her close.  She let out a small sigh as she laid on his chest, his heart thumping lively under her watchful ear.  She felt him giving her another kiss on her head.

“You, lovely Elizabeth, are the love of my life.”

“And you are mine.”

-----

Author’s notes:  Sorry if the plot and execution were less than stellar.  I wrote everything just to set up the last scene.  Anyway, hope you enjoyed it.  Would appreciate any reblog, like, review, comment, etc.  Thank you.